Checkerboard Squares by Carolyn V

Huh? Really? I don't Believe it.

2012-02-02T09:26:00.000-08:00

Is your story believable? I mean really believable.

Take for instance this:

(Okay, this movie was fun to watch, but HISHE makes a good point.)

(That's so awesome) When someone reads your work and they say, "Why didn't (insert name here) just do (insert action here)?"

That's when a writer usually says, "You just don't get it," while shaking head... "I'm a writer, this story can be anyway I want." (No...*uneasy look* I don't know that from experience. *nervous laughing*)

Okay, this is a big mistake (see video above for reference). When someone says a part of your plot won't work, believe them, revise, and move on. Because you want your book to be better.

Have a great week writing everyone! I have to go change that one scene on my book...you know...the one that I thought was cool, but ...my character can't conveniently fly...but it would be cool! Have you ever had to change your plot because something just wasn't working?

Rebel Writer's Pledge

2012-01-24T07:32:00.000-08:00

First I want to thank Sheri Larsen for putting this blog hop together.

The Rebel Writer's Pledge is for us to look back on our successes and failures of 2011, and then move into this year with new goals and perspective.

Last year, I was in college, finishing my degree. (Which I finally got! Woohoo!) I didn't get anything published last year because I felt a bit over whelmed with school (where as the year before I had two short stories out there). So this year with everything finished and done, I'm up to the challenge.

So here are my writing goals for this year:

1. Treat my writing career as a job, not so much as a hobby. My crit group had a very cool author visit us this week. When I asked about his schedule, he said that he works eight hours a day, just like he was at an office job. I need to do more of that.

2. Block out time for writing and get it done. I think this goes along with #1, but it would sure help me get the writing done.

3. Send out my ms for query.I had planned on this last year, but with school, I put it off. No more putting it off. This is the year.

4. Go to that awesome writer's camp this November (I'll tell you more about it the closer it gets).

Those are my goals! Yay Rebel Writers! Now let's get this year going!

Good luck with your writing goals this year! It's going to be a great one.

I Need a Hero

2012-01-23T11:53:00.000-08:00

If you know me, you know that I love a good superhero (or maybe you didn’t know that).

But I’m not the kind of girl who likes your average man/woman in colorful tights, kind of superhero-girl. No. I like a superhero who adds a little twist and turn to their everyday lives. The quirky kind who make people think…or not think (say that part slow, in a menacing voice. Mwa ha ha!)

Take for instance, The Tick. Who needs “new superhero stuff” and uses “battle cries you always admit before leaping into battle.” The Tick is awesome. Funny, a little brainless, and yet, he still eats cereal like every other person.

Spoooon!

Or Word Girl (She is so awesome. A superhero who knows her grammar? Beyond Priceless!)

I know...it's a kids show, but the writing is hilarious!

And last, but not least…the villain who is really the hero, but is the most evilest villain around. *head shaking* (You have to see it to know what I’m talking about.) The writing in this is amazing.

Say it was Horrible.

The main ingredient in all three of these shows/blogs/episodes is that the writing is fantastic. The characters are fun and they keep the reader wanting more.

So as I’m editing/revising, I remind myself to keep my characters interesting. Color them up, make them easy to relate to, or give them funny nicknames. Do something to keep your reader in love with your characters.

Any thoughts? What kinds of things do you do to keep your characters interesting? And who's your favorite superhero and why?

Also I'm a part of Sheri Larsen's Writing Rebel's Pledge. I will be back tomorrow with more info. ;)

Things to Remind Myself this Year

2012-01-16T09:27:00.000-08:00

I was told once that everyone of us has a little OCD (over compulsive disorder...you know, like that show Monk.)

I had a doctor point it out to me once as I sat in her office; fixing all the picture frames so they matched up. (Hey, they were crooked.) (lol. Okay, I wasn't really doing that. I was washing my hands over and over...It's a doctors office, they have germs. Ew.)

Anyway, I met last week with my writing buddies and we had discussed changing things up in our daily routines to get more writing done.

But there are things I keep forgetting.

So this is my list of things to remember when I'm sitting at my computer screen, thinking about the laundry that needs to be washed:

1. DON'T think of the laundry while you are writing (unless your characters are being strangled by dirty socks. Then by all means, think of laundry).

2. The dishes can be washed anytime during the day. Or night. (You've got that button on the washer that lets you run it at night...remember? Doing dishes while you sleep. Awesome.)

3. Turn off the phone ringer. (Two or three hours away from the phone isn't a crime. Plus you have that awesome answering machine message that needs to be used. Okay...it's not awesome, but it's there. Now turn off that ringer.)

4. Last but not least. Just sit down and do it. Those stories aren't going to write themselves. (There is no button on my computer for auto-pilot. But that might be cool for those writing block days.)

Okay. There is my list of OCD things I need to not worry about. (But probably will anyway.)

What OCD things do you deal with? Come on, everyone has some. Now stop straightening up those frames and let me know. ;) Have a great week everyone! Good luck with the writing.

I'm Moving!

2012-01-12T09:37:00.000-08:00

Well, not exactly.

I'm moving my blogging day from Thursday to Monday. Thursday seems to come way too fast.

So those of you who visit Checkerboard Squares, I will be here on Monday. Those of you at Paper and Parchment, I will see you still on Thursdays, but I will be posting the same thing I posted on Checkerboard Squares from Monday (just so we're okay on that).

I'm thinking about only checking out other's blogs three days a week. (Because let's face it, I'm a procrastinator when it comes to writing and I need all the time I can get!)

On a different note...you won't believe this. Really. Sit down.

I solved the Rubik Cube! I did! Woohoo! *hands up in the air running around like a kid*

Thank You Photobucket

I actually did it twice...okay...*blushes* Three times! (It's all in the algorithms or math-like stuff.)

But the thing is - I did it! If I can do that, I can do anything right? Right? (okay, maybe I still can't open my eyes when I'm on a Ferris wheel. *shrugging shoulders*)

The thing is...(I really will get to the point here) If I can sit down and do that, I can accomplish my writing goals. And so can you. So tell me, what are they? What is going to happen with your writing this year? Are you writing one book, two? Querying? Revising? Spill the beans, what's happening in your writing world?

See you Monday!

Look out 2012!

2012-01-03T07:38:00.000-08:00

Photobucket

Happy 2012 everyone!

I love the New Year! It's fresh and there is excitement in the air with New Year's Resolutions.

I can't wait.

Here is my list of resolutions for the year:

I have two stories to query. Get them out!

Clean out that closet (the scary one, with the nest of scary monsters in the corner *shivers*)

Exercise (Isn't that on everyone's list?)

Learn how to solve the Rubix cube. (Will that thing ever be tamed?)

So there is my list for 2012. If they aren't done by next year, there will be serious cookie eating going on here.

What's on your list? What do you plan with your writing? Happy New Year everyone! Whoop!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-19T06:09:00.000-08:00

I hope you guys all have a wonderful Christmas!

Love this! Merry Christmas everyone.

Moody Weather

2011-12-15T07:48:00.000-08:00

I love this weather.

Photobucket

It snowed this week and today the roads are covered in a soft mist, making the air feel like a mysterious movie.

I love it.

Weather can change a mood, give ambiance, or (as my daughter tells me) finally makes it finally feel like Christmas.

The same thing is true in writing. Have you ever about a funeral on a sunny day? Or a happy ending during a rain storm? It just doesn't work as well. Having the weather match a mood draws in a reader and gives them a sense of setting. Weird how it works that way.

So, note to self: next time you are writing a spooky scene, don't have it at a wedding. Weddings aren't very spooky. Well... mostly.

What is your favorite weather for setting? Sad/rainy, mad/windy, happy/sunny?

I'm going to go cozy up with my lappy and get some writing done. Woohoo! Have a great week everyone. (Only a few more days until Christmas. Can you believe it?)

Where have you been? I mean...really.

2011-12-08T05:45:00.000-08:00

Well, to be completely true. I've been in a few places.

I finished my edits (Yay! Now I can totally eat those cookies that were off limits until I finished. They are so stale.)

And then I was asked to write a Christmas Program for our congregation's Christmas Party (in 3 days). It was a little stressful. (I had to buy more cookies so I could keep up my writing-energy.) But great reviews (which made my week...month). ;)

Now I am finishing my revisions. (Stinkin' Revisions that I wanted done last month. RRRGGHH.)

But to be totally honest. I've been a little down about the writing.

One of my crit groups had scheduling issues and we had to split (I loved them, they were so awesome), my mind has been on shopping ('tis the season for last minute ideas), and my writing shoes have grown too small for comfort (never wash writing shoes in hot water...had I known...).

So I've been a little down and when I'm down, it's hard to write...or blog...or clean...~~or eat cookies~~ (ha ha ha, that's never hard.)

But I'm shaking off the blues, rewriting my goals, and trying again. *head shaking in determination*

But be honest with me. What do you do when you are down about writing? Eat cookies (be honest, you know they are delicious...and if you try hard enough, you can wish away the calories *wishfully looking up at sky*), run on treadmill, yell at strangers from your car window? (was that you?)

So, tell the truth, what do you do?

p.s. I'm so glad to be back. I missed you guys!!!!!

Zombie Love

2011-11-03T05:47:00.000-07:00

I'm still out this week for edits. But I wanted to pop in, say hi and leave all my friends who are doing NaNo (or not doing NaNo) a special love song.

Have a great week guys (and I want updates, how's the writing going?)

That song is so awesome!

Unplugging it

2011-10-27T08:01:00.000-07:00

I forgot to tell you guys that I'm unplugged for a week or so.

I'm doing major edits (I have a deadline in November). So if you don't see me around, it's because I'm staring at the words on my compy screen.

Photobucket

Oh and Happy Halloween...Oooooooo (I know, I'm so scary).

I Think we have a Communication Issue Here

2011-10-06T05:26:00.000-07:00

This week I am going over my Beta reads and fixing...well...words.

I had no idea words could cause so much havoc! I had some words added where they shouldn't be and a few sentences that weren't finished. (I have a really funny one that was pointed out to me, but I can't mention it on the blog. Let's just say it had something to do with big ones. Opps, I said too much. It's not what you think Mom...I promise).

Words can really mess up your story. For example...check this out:

So funny. Thanks Rhett and Link.

So next time you are writing a novel, short story, essay, etc..., make sure all those words make sense, or else you'll have a story that is just all over the place.

Have you ever had issues with your words in your ms? Has anyone ever found a sentence that didn't read right (hello, big ones). What was the funniest or scariest one you've found?

I'm off to my edits. Have a great week everyone!

I'm in Deep Reflection Today. Be Forewarned.

2011-09-29T05:33:00.000-07:00

I've been experiencing quite a bit of interesting thoughts this week. My main contemplation is on the issue of pride (my stinkin' pride *fist shaking at self*).

This business is a tough one. I've had many friends published (either e-pub or traditional). Some of my friends have changed (not everyone, but some. And I'm not talking about changing from human to vampire or something like that. That would make for a much more interesting story).

Two acquaintances of mine have been published and both have had national successes. But the way they have responded to their success has been so different and at such opposite sides of reaction, that I couldn't help take note.

Not only have I seen it in the writing world, but I have seen it in my person life. Just because someone is skinner than me, prettier, had different responsibilities...does that make them better than me? More important?

But it didn't stop there. I was in a meeting with a group of accomplished women, one of whom kept bringing up her past achievements, who she worked with, how she went the extra mile. I started to feel...well...jealous (and to be honest, a little bit small compared to her). So then I went off, embellishing in my past (honestly, if I was going to go off and feel terrible for it, I should have made it more interesting...like I had super powers or something-j/k It was bad enough).

By the time we were leaving, I felt awful.

This is not the person I wanted to be. My pride and jealousy was getting in the way. Too far in the way.

I spent the next few days trying to sort things out, how to stop my mouth from vomiting such things in times of weakness (Why does it happen like that? Why can't my logical mind say..."Hey wait, if you say that you'll be eating a pint of Ben and Jerry's tonight." I'm just saying).

I'm still struggling with it. I hope it works out in the end (struggling with the words, not the Ben and Jerry's...well, my weight is, but that's a whole different story).

I guess it comes down to who do I want to be in the end of it all? The friend who thinks they are the best or the one who humbly accepts whatever may come their way?

It's a slippery slope, one I hate falling down (And Ben and Jerry's is getting rich off me...curse that delicious ice cream).

So tell me, what do you do when you find yourself tackling tough issue like pride? What do you do when you get into a sticky situation? (Okay, and honestly, I don't eat a pint of Ben and Jerry's...it's more like a gallon of the generic stuff. It's good too. *wink*)

I Have Ten Minutes to Write this Post

2011-09-15T08:01:00.001-07:00

Seriously, only ten. I've written this post twice already, only to erase it. Why?

I don't know. This whole day is little off. I slept through my exercise time, I sat on the couch when I was supposed to be cleaning, and I haven't had anything nutritious to eat (Wait! Does chocolate count. Anti-oxidants...it does. sweet! I'm good on that one.)

I think my day is out to get me.

Oh no...only six more minutes.

Plus I have a long list of things to do (remember the dead washing machine? There's a pile of laundry waiting for me. Curse you stinky socks & smelly towels).

Great...now there's only four. I'd better get to my point.

If you are going to be a writer, time becomes very important to you. You need time to write, time to revise, time for crit buddies, time to communicate with agents, time to eat (mmmm....eat...).

Sorry, I got carried away thinking of food.

So to cure the time monster...you must block out time to get things done. Make your time work for you and remember...don't wait until the last minute to write a post (do what my friend Elana J does and write your posts on one day for the entire week. Brilliant! And have you seen her blog? I bet she's not counting down minutes until she has to throw her socks in the dryer. Just saying.)

If you are going to do it...plan it and do it. That's all there is to it. (Of course, it's probably the hardest thing, but still.)

Okay, I have thirty seconds. Eck! So what do you do to keep yourself on the writing track?

Seriously? I mean...Really?

2011-09-08T08:08:00.000-07:00

I wrote a whole post about how my dinner spilled under the oven and now my house smells like a warm dairy, my wash machine breaking down (no clean undies is a terrible thing), and how my mouse died (the computer mouse, not a real one).

But then I erased it, because I realized something.

Bad things happen to people.

Bad things happen to characters.

I have a scene where my main character gets into trouble, but her consquences aren't that bad. (have you heard the saying, once your character gets stuck in the tree, start throwing rocks at them...or something like that?) When your character is in a bad situation, make it worse.When your character thinks they are okay, make something happen.

Well, my character got in the tree and there really weren't enough rock throwings. Meaning, I have to make her consequences real. Right now...they aren't so bad. I have to take aim and make the situation...um...worse.

This will bring more emotions to the scene and keep the reader into the story.

So today my goal is to pull out the oven and scrub the floor, buy a new mouse, and get my throwing arm ready to sling some lemons, or rocks, or something like that.

What about you? How do you make the consequences worse for your characters? (Stinkin' smelly kitchen...you are so getting the evil eye!)

Why Didn't They Tell Me Before?

2011-09-01T07:26:00.000-07:00

When I first started writing, I thought all you had to do was write something and get it published. HA! There is so much more to having a book get published!

Have a great critique group. If you don't have one in your area, there are some online (because sometimes you will think it sounds perfect, when it just sounds like pretty gibberish).

Go to writing conferences. Not only will you meet awesomely-cool people, you learn the tools to have a great book! (Plus you can go to pitch sessions and meet uber-ific agents and stuff.)

Remember you will have to write, rewrite, rewrite, rewrite......(why didn't anybody tell me this when I started?)

Get a good writing snack. Why? Because most writers will start eating when they are thinking. I snacked on chocolate chips for years. Bad idea! I'm still working at getting off those last ten pounds (I hate you skinny Pilates instructor. hee hee...Just kidding...please don't kick me off the stretchy team.)

It takes time. This is the biggest newsflash I can give you. It takes time to write, time to revise, time to edit, time to query, time to .... Oh the list goes on and on. So keep yourself busy with new projects and stay excited for those stories.

Wish I had known all these things before. Now I know.

So my writing friends, anything I forgot? Anything you wish you would have known about before picking up that creative bug?

Help me Organize!!!

2011-08-25T08:42:00.000-07:00

Still getting organized, but not only around the house.

I've started to block out writing time, getting around to my bloggy friends blogs, getting kids homework help, and even sneaking veggies into the kids diets. (I have one son who won't eat anything but cereal. Not many veggies in there.)

So here are some tools I've found to help me with the organization:

The Fly Lady - I've fallen off the organization wagon a few times, but her house cleaning plans are the best I've found, especially when you have teenage boys. *cringing at dirt*

The Sneaky Chef - I just started the Sneaky Chef's ways of getting more veggies into my kids meals. They love the brownies ...okay so do I...and I don't even feel too guilty eating them...unless I eat the whole pan.

Google Reader - (if you have gmail and blog, this is a life saver! I can organize all my blogs into categories and see which posts I've missed! Love it!)

Tweet Deck- Those of you who know me, know that I don't tweet well, but I do follow what other writers/agents/publishers/and yes...even family members are up to. Tweet Deck lets you organize everyone into their own group and keeps you informed of everything going on not only on Twitter, but also on Facebook.

Netflex Workouts - I never thought I'd try to exercise with online vid streaming, but working out at home has not only saved me gym costs, (which yes, I have paid for before...can I say ouch!) but also time.Who knew online bootcamp would kick my butt?

As a writer, we borrow and beg for more time to create. These ingenious people and tools are invaluable to me as a writer.

Have I missed anything? What do you use to save time, make life less chaotic?

Happy Monday!

2011-08-22T07:18:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to wish you all a happy Monday!

My kids have just left for their first week of school, my desk is almost cleaned for major rewrites, and I'm finally getting around to everyone's blogs (missed last week because of surprise minor surgery. Feeling much better...and I have to say...those pain meds were amazing. I was so giggly on them.)

So my goal this week is to get back on schedule with my writing and get my queries ready! What's your goal this week?

p.s. I really hope you have a great Monday (with lots of chocolate and magical words).

Cleaning it Up

2011-08-11T19:18:00.000-07:00

My crit buddy and I were talking the other day about cleaning. Lately, I can't just clean, I have to deep clean everything (I know what you're thinking...I've seen your garage...it needs a deep clean. So true).

I haven't really deep cleaned since starting school. So I'm spending each week deep cleaning a different area of my house. Last week was the hall, this week the kitchen (I've already found a weird looking spider and something brown growing under my oven.)

I have a deep cleaning scheduled for my ms in two weeks (and I'm a little bit afraid).

But if there's something I've learned is that every first draft is a mess (like under my sink mess). And that's okay. You have to clean and polish until your manuscript is squeaky clean (because who wants a blob of mess on the bookstore shelf with your name on it? Scary).

So if you've finished a first draft, get in there and clean that baby up! Now I have to get back to that weird bottle of lime-green stuff at the back of the cupboard. I hope it's not living.

Photo Bucket

What's your advice for first draft mess?

What's happening?

2011-08-04T06:02:00.000-07:00

I'm done! Yes. I am done with school and back to blogger (I've missed you!). My last class turned out to be a little harder than I thought it would, which is why the bloggy break, but I got an A and am finished with all my homework. *happy dancing in the front room*

I'm officially getting my degree this month. I'm so glad to be done and to be able to work on writing!

My good news is that I have a request for my ms (okay, no agent yet, but this is one step in the right direction).

So what has everyone been up to this summer? Did you get those queries out, edit those wips, reading those arcs? What's happening with everyone? I haven't talked to you guys in so long, I can't wait to hear all your news! So spill it. What's happenin'?

In honor of graduation I present:

Ha ha ha. That cracks me up! *wiping away tear*

I Miss You Blogger

2011-06-23T10:58:00.000-07:00

PhotoBucket

I know, I know, I know…I haven’t been blogging for like…forever!
But I have good reasons. I really do.

1. Spent last week in Capital Reef. And can I say? Beautiful!!! (Although the six mile hike nearly killed me).

2. I am on my last class for school. Yes….last class! I just have to get one more research paper ironed out and I’m good (and then I can have proof that I’m smart. Take that fifth grader! )

3. Good news on the ms. But I can’t say anything yet. But don’t worry. I’ll let everyone know when the time comes (I’m even planning on calling strangers to give them the good news…unless it turns out bad. Then I’m just going to prank call them.)

So please be patient with me for a few more weeks and I’ll be back to blogging and commenting up a storm. But I miss you bloggy friends. *wiping away tear*

I'm Possessed with Possession!

2011-06-09T13:48:00.000-07:00

I'm late on commenting today. Not because I don't want to, but because I'm captivated!!!

You see, last night I went to Elana Johnson's book launch of POSSESSION!!! (It was superly-awesome-ness!)

So...You'll have to forgive me ...

(I know, I've posted Julian before, but the video is so awesome. I couldn't resist)

Lenny-Lee Fest

2011-06-03T06:00:00.001-07:00

It's no surprise that this sunshine:

represents an amazing 11 year-old named Lenny. If you don't know who I am talking about, you can go meet him HERE.

Here's to you Lenny. May your sunshine always find a space in our hearts. <3

E-books vs. Traditional -- Let the Battle Begin ding

2011-06-02T07:42:00.000-07:00

So there's been a lot of hoopla over publishing in the last few months with e-publishing vs. traditional.

Some say that e-books are the wave of the future. But to be honest,I've read some pretty awful self published books out there.

I, myself, have always had the goal to get an agent and a publish the traditional way, but I have very close friends who plan the e-publishing route.

I am curious to know how other writers are feeling about this. Do you plan to e-publish? Publish traditionally? Why?

Let's here your opinion and/or plans for publishing.

(If you are at Paper and Parchment, please drop over to my personal blog Checkerboard Squares to see the running comments. Click Here)

You're so Tweet

2011-05-26T07:27:00.000-07:00

I've been on Twitter now for...I don't know... maybe a year?

And I still don't know what I'm doing on that thing.

I finally figured out the #hagtags.

But really, that's about it. So, I'm turning to WikiHow to help me out (http://www.wikihow.com/Use-Twitter).

Oh wiki...how smart you are!

Maybe in a few weeks, you'll see me twittering around (or writing funny things that make no sense - did you hear about the kid that borrowed his friends twitter page to look up a girl and kept typing her name in the "what's happening" box? lol. Poor guy).

So here's to tweeting. I hope I eventually figure it out. Oh! And tell me, what do you like better? Blogging, fbing, or twitter-ing? So far it's a tie with my crit group.

I'm a Beta-Yogurt Maker!

2011-05-12T07:08:00.000-07:00

It's true! I totally made my own yogurt yesterday. Got the milk, added the start. Voila...yogurt!!! I'm a yogurt maker!

Sorry, I just thought that was so cool. Now on to writing.

Last weekend I attended Storymakers with about 499 other awesome writers/agents/editors. It was amazing!

The pitch went FABULOUS (btw, thanks for all your comments last week. Helped me a ton). The agent was awesome. I was very impressed (I almost begged for her to come home with me, but then she'd be stuck making yogurt and eating green smoothies. I don't know if she'd like that very much.)

Elena J. taught us what to do and what not to do on blogger. (Can I just say that she is incredible. Best conference teacher ever!)

But what I really wanted to talk about was Beta readers (or Alpha, whatever you want to use). Those people who look at the whole ms and tell you where you went wrong, if it's entertaining, or if they wanted to throw the book across the room (or how brilliant you are).

Once you have your ms done and polished the best you think it can be, send it to your betas.

Right now I have four of them, two adult writers and two awesomely-cool teens (because that's who I write for).

Then you wait.

Once you get their opinions back, you can correct your ms, make it a little more shiny and polished.

I highly recommend it. (But the waiting is a killer.) Okay, I must get back to work (waiting)...*whipcrack*

Do you you use Betas? If so who do you use? If not...why not?

Will You Just Get Out of My Head?

2011-05-05T12:02:00.000-07:00

Hey, whattcha doing? *Looking at studying-self*

Shhhh...I'm trying to concentrate. *mumbling*

What? You're acting weird. You keep talking to yourself.

Yeah. I know (a little irritated). I'm getting my pitch ready.

Oh...that's right! You're pitching at your conference this weekend, aren't you?

(Studying-self, trying to ignore playful-self.)

So whattcha taking with you? Chocolate chips? Writing shoes? Spit wads?

I told you that whole spit wad thing was an accident. *sigh*

That's not what the papers said.

Well, it was. *looking back and forth, a little sweat building on forehead* It won't happen again.

Well, good luck on that pitch. It sounds fascinating.

*Going back to ignoring playful-self*

So the next two days I will be at it again...listening to other writers, munching on chips, rolling up spit wads. Yes, I'm off to my second conference this year! Woohoo! Getting my pitch ready and polished so I don't trip over my words (which only happens like...all the time).

So tell me, what do you guys want to get out of a conference? Me? Making it through this pitch session without forgetting my pitch.

I'm Back! Beware...just saying

2011-04-26T09:23:00.000-07:00

So I took a blogger break. I didn't mean for it to go so long, but I got a ton done.

Painted my hallway...

finished my term paper...

took a vacation.

But I'm finally back now and trying to get to everyone's blogs. I'm also preparing for a pitch session next week at a writer's conference. Here's what I've learned so far about pitch sessions:

Try not to be too nervous...agents are just people (I think this one is easier said than done).

Have your ms done. (I'm still polishing...will it every get squeaky clean?)

Have your pitch ready to tell the agent (like a person, not like a robot).

There you go! I need to be calm, clean, and not a robot (repeat, don't be a robot). *sigh* It will be awesome, I can't wait.

Have any of you had a pitch with agents or writers? How did it go?

Okay, I'm off to read everyone's blogs. Have a great week everyone!

Deadlines and Dead socks.

2011-04-14T05:39:00.000-07:00

If you've noticed I haven't been commenting lately, it's because...*nervously looking away* I haven't.

I was given two deadlines, one for my house (we had a dump run and I tried to de-clutter everything...it didn't work out as nicely as I would have liked - there is still a huge pile for me hiding in the basement) and the second was my final paper for my YA reading class (can I just say, awesome class).

Deadlines come with most things - the dirty baby diaper deadlines (if you have not had a baby, this has to do with the stinkifying of good breathable air), work/school deadlines (to prove to the college professor that you actually understand the meaning of relativity...which I kind of don't - I never did take physics). And yes my friends with writing.

Once you get an agent, you will have to deal with edit deadlines, synop deadlines, and anything else your agent needs you to do. It is always a good idea to do this with a positive attitude (because no one wants to be known as the one who "is really hard to work with". Really...not a good title). So be forewarned, there will be deadlines.

And now I have a deadline to tackle that pile of dead socks in the basement. I'm totally calling Super Laundry Girl to take care of this one.

Any thoughts on deadlines? (p.s. I'll be back around next week to the commenting. Have a great week everyone!)

Do You Want Some Whine With That Cheese - A Sentimental Repost

2011-03-31T05:54:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, I'm re-posting this (from two years ago...yikes), because I'm in the hospital today with my little guy (nothing serious, just some easy surgery stuffs).

So, this week, I was really whiny. Not just to friends and family, but to a few strangers as well. (Hey, if you’re that kid at the movie popcorn stand, I am really sorry for spilling out my life in front of you – I owe you big man... I owe you big).

Maybe it was because of the snow that assaulted my house (didn’t that porcupine say it was spring?). Or maybe it was because this week was Parent Teacher Conference and I spent a billion dollars at the book fair (now I know why they schedule the book fair at the same time as P.T.C. - Conspiracy). But I think I was whiny mostly because of daylight savings.

So yes, I whined. Whined about getting older, whined about my shoes smelling like moldy cupcake frosting, and whined about getting dinner on the table (why do we have to eat so many times during the day? Can’t they make a pill for that?) (Oh, maybe they do. I think it’s called a diet pill.)

Anyway, I have had my fill of whine; I am ready for the good stuff. So, I’m taking action! I’m starting a new writing project, I’m watching what I eat, and I’m washing my tennis shoes! They have a cool drying rack for that ... I’ve been told. (Hey, I did all three of those things...SWEET! But I'm pretty sure I tossed those shoes.)

And next time you come to my door, I’m going to talk your ear off, even if you are trying to get me to buy your new windows with the extra layer of warmth. Yes, you will be begging to get away from my house (and will be warning others of the crazy woman down the street).

So world, beware. I’m on the prowl!

There will be no need for that cheese anymore. I’m throwing that cheese into a great casserole with macaroni (and little cornflakes on top). Ah, the world is looking better already!

Have a great week guys!

Writing, Life, and Spilling Stuffs

2011-03-24T08:02:00.000-07:00

Okay, first you should know that I'm writing this blog post this morning...in my sweats and running shoes...without my makeup on (sorry about that). But I've had something on my mind for a few weeks.

You see, when I started blogging, I went to blogs that talked about writing (because writing is awesome--Oh, and you should know that I'm a little behind this week...again, sorry).

As I learned more about the craft, I started going to bloggers who talked about life. (Because even though writing is awesome...I wanted to interact with people who were people...does that make sense? I did tell you it was really early right?)

Now I read both (because they both rock).

Since I'm almost through school and seeing my writing improve, I want to improve my own blog. (You know add stuffs to the side, maybe add some writing ideas, spend more time checking out other blogger's blog - after that final...I guess I should get that done first). I really want to start to give back.

So I guess what I'm asking is...what do you like in a blog? What do you read? How do you give back? (You'd think I would know this by now.)

So...spill it! What do you do? What do you like?

Okay. I'm off to run...or go back to sleep. (The running shoes and sweats have me all confused.) Maybe I'll just blog instead. Have a great week guys!

Feelings those Feelings of Feeling

2011-03-17T05:26:00.000-07:00

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First, My heart goes out to those in Japan (my brother had the privilege of living there for a few years). Please check out your local humanitarian resources if you want to donate to help the people there. And make sure it's reputable.

I've learned that being a writer, means you experience a vast field of feelings:

Depression (Why am I not getting anywhere?)

Jealousy (Seriously? Why am I not there?)

Happiness (...that your work has been noticed)

Love/Hate (for that perfect ms...which takes WAY too long to write)

Elation (YES! So and so got an agent! I know she's been trying so hard!) or (Yes! I found an agent!)

I have never experienced such a range of crazy emotions. Why didn't anyone warn me?

What are some of the crazy emotions you've dealt with?

Feeling Rebellious I tell ya!

2011-03-08T07:49:00.000-08:00

I'm feeling a little rebellious this week.

Serious. I ate a whole bag of chocolate chips to prove it.

So I'm unplugging. Getting some of that treadmill loving in my life. Plus I have to prepare a lesson I'm giving this week and having a hard time finding any time.

Which brings me to lesson 2 from LTUE.

Take time for yourself.

We writers seem to eat, sleep, and dream about our stories and characters. Sometimes it helps the creative process to take a break (or eat a bag of chocolate chips...).

So, I'm taking a break and hope to be better next week. What are your thoughts on breaking from writing for a while? Does it help you?

The First 13 Lines

2011-03-03T05:22:00.000-08:00

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One of the best classes I attended at LTUE was “Lucky 13” presented by Kathleen Dalton-Woodbury (who…may I say, totally knows her stuff—she moderates the Hatrack River Writers Workshop and Orson Scott Card’s website—click here or here and even here).

She had five (very brave) writer’s share the first 13 lines of their work with the class. We then tore it apart. Just kidding! (Did I freak you out a little?)

But we did analyze the lines.

Just the first 13…because that is all the chance you may have with an agent.

She asked:

Do you understand what is going on (what the story is about? What the character’s problem is?)

Do you care (I mean, really…who wants to read a story when we don’t care about the mc)?

Do you want to keep reading?

As we continued to listen to the five brave souls, I noticed that a great first line hook is every important to a book. Check out a few well written books from the library and just read the first line. (I just finished both Speak & Fahrenheit 451. Great first lines.) What do they promise the reader?

Plus, please no flashbacks or info dumps. That is guaranteed to turn off your reader. (I have a book on my shelf completely devoted to a fantastic info dump in its first chapter. I couldn’t tell you about the rest of the book, because I stopped reading. The info dump was that good.)

Also, please just get to the meat of the story. We need to know why you started where you did. What is different in your character’s life at this moment? We don’t care about the sunny picnic, we want the picnic ruined with rain and the swarm of ants.

I’m sure there was more to the class, but these were the things that stood out to me. Do you have any other suggestion?

What do you look for in the first 13 lines?

What? You Mean I can just Wear my Socks?

2011-02-24T05:58:00.000-08:00

LTUE rocked!

I have so many notes, rubbed shoulders with so many cool writers (I even got a scary leer from one of the horror presenters—OH, WAIT! That might be bad).

But many of my writing bloggy buddies mentioned that they can’t go to a writer’s conference because of distance, money, etc.

So first, let’s talk about conferences/workshops. Did you know that you don’t actually have to leave home to participate in a conference or workshop?

It’s true! You can be a part of a conference and stay in your living room, walking around in your undies and socks (just don’t let anyone know about that).

Not only that, but there are tons of online sites that accommodate even the most hermitost-shy writer known to man (Is hermitost a word? I think it should be…or there should be some kind of treatment for it).

First, if you don’t know Elana Johnson, you’re missing out. She’s super cool and a great presenter! She and a bunch of writing buds have created the WriteOnCon. You can check it out HERE and HERE and even HERE. They did such a great job last year and it’s completely free. Plus they have events throughout the year. Did I mention they rock? They really do.

If you are looking for writing info, you can't pass up a site that's claims "Fifteen minutes long, because you're in a hurry, and we're not that smart." (I know...cool.) Checked out the Writing Excuses podcasts. Not only are they informative, but they are entertaining as well. This is especially good for new writers who are learning the craft of writing (there is a craft. Trust me. It’s almost as fun as macramé…which... I can’t do).

Then there is Muse. I have never attended this conference before…ever…but I remember one of my blogging buddies mention it last year (plus it's the name of an awesome band--but that has nothing to do with writing). Muse is a totally free online conference. That’s all I know friends. Let me know if any of you have attended and what you got out of it.

There you have it, a few places to start right in the comfort of your own home. Cool, huh?

Don’t forget, you can do it! Now go get dressed (or not...you know- the whole comfort thing) and get started.

Have you attended any online conferences/workshops and how did they go?

Life, the Universe, and Everything... happy sigh

2011-02-14T14:11:00.000-08:00

If you haven't heard from me this week, it's because I'm Here:
at the LTUE or Life, the Universe & Everything conference.

Yes, it's the kickoff of many fine conferences. So I'm unplugging this week to prepare and mingle with other writes. I'm way excited.

Here are a few things I've packed in the past, and highly recommend to anyone attending a conference this year:

MnMs (because I have a noisy stomach and really, no one wants to be startled by that thing!)

Pencils (even a pen, because I have broken a pencil a time or two and writing with plain wood just doesn’t work well. I did try to chew off the wood, but I had wood shavings stuck in my teeth for a week!)

Paper (To write on… and make spit wads to launch at people who are making me jealous). (j/k I would never do that, and that incident in New York last year - Not me.)

Crackers (Please see MnM’s above).

Notebook (At the conference last year I brought home piles and piles of notes! I expect the same today).

Deodorant (this one is pretty self explanatory).

Couple of chocolate bars (because chocolate is the magical food made by tiny magical creatures from a magical land *sigh * and it’s so, so good!)

A little extra coinage (for silly things like, food, bottled water, gas for car – stuff like that).

Antacid (There is a funny story behind this, I promise, but just not enough time to disclose. So sorry, and if you’ve heard the story * head hung low * you have my deepest sympathies).

So there you have it! My list of stuff that I will be dragging through the halls with other devoted writers, breathing in the fumes of excitement and hope. If you see me, feel free to ask for a handful of MnM’s, hopefully I haven’t eaten them all yet, but it is very possible that I still have a few good sheets of paper left for spit wads.

Are you planning for any conferences this year?

It's really me....really. Promise.

2011-02-08T10:11:00.000-08:00

Okay, so here's the thing. I changed my email.

I know!!!! I know. What were you thinking?

Well, a year (or so) ago, I was a contributor to a book that was published in our local market. It was a great experience and so wonderful to get my name out there on a real book shelf (honestly, it's in the book and not on the cover....but I'll take it).

The gal who put the book together emailed everyone to let them know that she was approved for a second book and wanted us to contribute again (if we wanted).

But guess who got my email? Carolynwrites. Not CarolynVwrites. See the difference? (It's little, but it could save your life---please see video below)

So I never had the opportunity to contribute. (Carolynwrites, on the other hand, may be in that book. I guess I'll find out when the second book comes out.)

I blew it off, thinking, "Well, another opportunity will come around again." (Or else I'd be in the corner weeping with a bag of chocolate chips in my hand.) But then I found out more and more people were emailing Carolynwrites and not CarolynVwrites. So, I decided to change my email address. I hope this doesn't ruin our relationship. *looking longingly up with puppy dog eyes*

And to you, Carolynwrites. Thank you for your patience with receiving all my emails. Although I would really like to know what we are doing for girl scouts next week (if you want, you could at help out on the booth. Just saying).

See? It's small, but it makes a big difference. *sigh*

Have a great week everyone.

Under Construction

2011-02-05T11:14:00.000-08:00

So, weirdness is happening on my blog and we are going under construction for the next few days.

I hope to be back by Thursday. If not, please send some cookies my way (you know to help with the stress).

Thanks bloggy friends.

NOTE: Just found out that I was a no-reply blogger for a day. It just about killed me. I didn't get mails from anyone! I quickly changed that. Whew. *wiping forehead* That was a nightmare!

Come on! Will You Just Put That Book Down?????

2011-02-03T07:59:00.003-08:00

Self: So, you totally slept in today.

Me: Hey, it was only a few minutes.

Self: Yeah. But your eyes are blood shot and your hair... I mean...Look at your hair. Don't you believe in brushing?

Me: *evil glare at Self while setting cup of orange juice down on table* Well...if you hadn't gotten so wrapped up in that book last night, I might not have gotten to bed so late.

Self: *looking down at table, blushing a little* OH... Well *nervous laugh* That...well...

Me: Don't blame me for sleeping in.

Self: *fidgeting with gross thing on table that didn't get cleaned off from late night reading* I have a weakness. I'm sorry.

Me: *sighing* Fine. You're forgiven. *running fingers through hair, but stopping short when finding big mat of tangle* That was a great book though.

Self:Yeah, it was.

Me: So....*super long pause* what book do you want to read tonight?

Self: Oh, I have a list.

So I finished Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card last night. So good! Unfortunately, I didn't get this post ready until this morning (or worked on my writing assignments for class, or studied for my final tomorrow, or panicked about the dentist appointment today--oh wait, that's a good one).

Have you ever gotten lost in a book? If so, which one?

Oh, and by the way, this is for my kids.... Need I say more? (you guys crack me up!)

Warning...You Might Want to Rethink that Title. Just Saying.

2011-01-27T05:24:00.000-08:00

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Hey guys.

Well, my littlest decided it was a good idea to jump from the top of his bunk bed yesterday.

Needless to say....he broke his foot.

So, today I am carrying him from room to room --since he can't figure out the crutches thing (he thinks they're lightsabers and keeps waving them at his siblings mumbling things about not being the droids they are looking for. Whatever that's about ). So I thought I'd re-post something from years past.

I'm hoping next week we will talk about conferences, because I'm making my list (and checking it twice)!

I’ve been sitting her typing nothing for twenty minutes. So I got to thinking, does a title of a book mean that much to the content of a book? Possibly. I mean, what if:

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was Chuck and his Culinary Assembly Plan, or even better… Chocolate and the Charlie Factory (I'd totally ~~eat~~ read that book).

The Twilight Saga was changed to The Very Sparkly Vegetarian Vampire Series (very fitting).

A Christmas Carol was changed to Merry Terror Christmas Stories for the Whole Family.

The Lord of the Rings was Circular Metal Devices of Theocrats and the Short Men who Love Them.

I guess that is why titles can change before they are published. That way the reader will (hopefully) be caught by the title of a book and pluck it off the shelf to take home. I mean, would you really want to read The Little Boy with Some Lightening Scar Thingy on His Head? Just not as catchy as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Well...now that I read it again....

Have a great week everyone (and I don't want to hear about any of you jumping from the tops of the bed. Seriously. One broken foot is enough).

You Can Do MORE!

2011-01-20T05:07:00.000-08:00

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So I was reading a book (that I had bought to help me get in shape), and the lady (who wrote said horror book) said that I could do more than I thought I could.

I thought...really?

So I tried. She was right.

Which made me think...am I doing enough as a writer to be where I want to be? The answer was no. So I am rededicating myself to my MS, my bestie characters, and my hidden writing snacks (for the energy to keep on keeping on...don't tell my kids. They'll want those snacks).

Because I can do more than I think I can.

Doing the Unbelievable

2011-01-13T05:49:00.000-08:00

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I decided to go back to school after my youngest was born. It was something inside of me that always felt…unfinished.

I had over twenty classes to complete what I had started so many years before. My mind told me I couldn’t do it—there was just too much to do—but my soul told me I could.

So I started digging through classes one by one. Studying while babies slept, while teens learned to drive, as children grew into towering stalks.

I took my time, making sure I learned what was being taught, gleaning research that I hoped would be used in the future or even the present.

Math never came easy to me. I used to dream it did when I was a child—when numbers were made of magic. I failed the course—I was defeated.

It was time to quit.

But the fighter in me told me I couldn’t, I had to keep in the battle, even though I was weary and ready for home.

So I fought.

Now I can see it, just beyond the horizon. Waving to me, urging me to keep in the fight, to keep moving forward. The flag—my flag. The one that calls to victory.

And I know it can be won.

(Two and a half more classes to go!!! *squeal*)

What is your fight? Revising, school work, finding awesome writing shoes?

Sorry. I'm Not Posting Today

2011-01-06T10:04:00.000-08:00

I'm not posting today, because I can't think of anything to say.

Maybe it's because I have to get a lesson ready for church.

Or that I stayed up way too late last night reading a book that I said I couldn't "get into" and suddenly found myself unable to set it down.

Maybe it's because I feel like I should say something about who I am and am afraid that there is nothing much to say.

Perhaps it's because I gave up chocolate and even though I feel a ton better, I still think about the way it melts on my tongue.

You know it might be because I found that cool new song that won't get out of my head, but I don't really care, because it makes my spirit soar and my lips turn into a smile (even when I'm driving).

It's probably because I have characters mingling in my thoughts and I just can't think of anything more than what I should write about them in the next scene.

So nope. I'm not posting today.

*startled surprise*

Hey, I think I just posted something. Opps. Maybe next week I won't post (but I probably will).

So tell me...Do you find other things coming in the way of posting on your blog? Please let it be writing! *fingers crossed*

2010, I will miss you.

2010-12-30T17:58:00.000-08:00

The New Year always fills me with hope of new dreams for the upcoming year. New hopes, new goals.

This year is no exception. Except I have found myself looking back on 2010 with bitter-sweet feelings.

I didn't get as much done in my life as I wanted. My book is still in revisions, my school work still hangs over my head, my house is just as messy this year as last year. I've lost a few good bloggy friends, but made some that I really care about.

It's been a roller coaster year.

I expect this year will be just as tumultuous.

I've started a new cleaning program (I can do my laundry in 4 minutes flat...with a little pumped up music...it's the most awesome thing ever) (okay, it's a little more like 7, but still, I love it!).

I will get my degree this year. I cannot begin to tell you how difficult this has been for me. I have wanted to give up so many times, but I am only two classes away from smartness.

I've learned that writing vs revisions is something that is both exciting and tedious. A new idea is so amazing to get down on paper, but it isn't until I get into the description and word building that the story really comes to life.

So I am looking forward to this new year, hoping to achieve new goals that will teach and mold me.

It's going to be a great year!

What New Year's goals do you have?

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-20T05:33:00.000-08:00

"I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month." ~Harlan Miller

I wanted to first thank you all for just being awesome and I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas season!!! This dance is for you!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Short but Sweet

2010-12-16T08:01:00.001-08:00

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Must. Not. Write. Creatively!

Must. Finish. Homework.

Urge. To. Create. Rising.

So I'm in almost done with homework and research papers, just in time for the Christmas break. But I still have a table full of work to do. So I leave you my friends with a quote, short and sweet.

No one is able to enjoy such feast than the one who throws a party in his own mind.
~Selma Lagerlöf

Do you agree?

Have a great week everyone! Nine more days till Christmas! Woo hoo!

Here's to You

2010-12-09T07:34:00.000-08:00

Here's to those who are creative,
Who think outside of the box,
even when the box wants to hold you in.

Here's to those who dream of things to come.
Who work on an idea that comes from thin air,
that see that being creative isn't just a way - it's a way of life.

Here's to those who see magic through the fog.
Who see faeries in old oak trees, life on other worlds, magic shoes that dance,
Those who see beyond normal realms of imagination.

Here's to you my friends-
Those of you chasing the dream.
The dream of creativity.

Because one day those dreams will be caught.

~written by me. As I do my homework. Because I should be doing my homework, but this is so much more fun. Woo hoo creativity!

Busy doing homework this week, but the thought came to me - what would I tell a friend who is struggling with his/her writing?

The best advice I can give anyone would be to keep going. Persistence (and consistency) is the key. What do you think? What advice would you give a friend who is struggling to keep their dream alive?

You Mean Three Hours of Sleep is Bad for You?

2010-12-02T07:29:00.000-08:00

Woo hoo! I'm back! It's so nice to have a little holiday break!

Since I'm back online, I decided it would be a great idea to get organized. 'Cause I like organizing and stuff. I found this awesome calendar feature on my lappy. It has places to schedule things and what priority they are (high, medium, low priorities).

So I went through and organized all my times and activities. It was amazing and beautiful all at the same time. *wiping happy tear from eye*

But when I was done...(scary music here)...I realized not only was my day filled with activities, but every hour on my schedule was filled. (Except for the three hours I left for sleep - yeah, three hours. Sleep is so overrated. (Okay, I really need eight hours or I'm really grumpy. My kids know to stay away from me on those days.)

So I decided to look at what level priority they were. Most of them were high priority (school, laundry, bubble bath - you know that's high priority!)

And I found out I was spending two hours blogging each day. TWO HOURS! I can make three batches of cookies in two hours. Maybe four.

So I'm taking a second look at blogger and how I can improve my time here (because bloggy friends rock).

But I want your advice.

How much time do you spend blogging a day?

How do you keep up with all the awesome followers you have?

Thanks you guys! I'm going off to curl up on the couch now and sleep. (stupid needing-eight-hours of sleep. i have so much to do! i bet sparkly vampires never had a problem like this. lucky stinkin' vampires who don't need any sleep. *zzzzzzzzz*)

Beware! They aren't just for dinner anymore!

2010-11-18T07:28:00.001-08:00

So I wanted to post something cute and thankfully-ness for Thanksgiving (because I'm thankful for a ton of stuff), but when I went looking for something to share, this is what I found:

THIS-

AND THIS!

Now I'm just frightened of those crazy turkeys!!!

Have a fantastic Thanksgiving everyone! I'm unplugged for the week...I'm hiding out from those things with a can of cranberry sauce in my hand (you know, back up). They scary me! Has anyone been attacked by a Turkey? Be honest, they are a little crazy aren't they?

Carrot, Eggs or Coffee Bean?

2010-11-11T08:15:00.000-08:00

Have you heard the story of the Carrot, Eggs or Coffee Beans? If you haven't take a look. Thanks to my writing bud for sending this to me.

(If you don't drink coffee, like me, you can just imagine the coffee beans are cocoa beans with lots of sugary goodness and the richest cream in the world added...no calories of course. Yay no calories!)

Good luck with the writing everyone!

Carrots, Eggs or Coffee Beans Movie: "Carrots, Eggs or Coffee Beans. All of us at one time or another have experienced a difficult situation, had setbacks, or dealt with our share of disappointment. Most things that happen to us on a daily basis we can’t control and I can honestly say (with conviction) that it is not what happens to us that matters but rather, how we choose to respond."

Here's to Re-posts and Rejections

2010-11-04T07:20:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I'm a little late on getting my bloggy grove back on. So, I'm doing a re-post.

I wrote this about two years ago (Oh man! Two years?) But I still find it fascinating!

If you haven’t heard the song, Pork and Beans, by the rock band Weezer, you'll need to check it out (embedded above).
“What?” you say, “does Weezer have anything to do with writing?” I will tell you, but first I want to contemplate rejection. *putting hand up to chin in thoughtful pose*

Did you know that Stephen King got so many rejection letters that he nailed them on a spike under a board in his bedroom? When he tried to get Carrie published, the publisher said, “We are not interested in science fiction which deals with negative utopias. They do not sell.”

Dr. Seuss’s work was rejected over fifteen times before he found an editor to even look at his work.

Madeleine L’Engle was rejected by twenty-six publishers before A Wrinkle in Time was picked up. It is now in it’s sixty-ninth printing.

J.K. Rowling was rejected by nine publishers for Harry Potter. Nine times!!!! Wha....?

What does this mean? Anyone who is in the writing field or publishing field will tell you, rejection is a part of writing. It is at every turn. Critique groups, publishers, editors, …the list goes on and on. But take heart you are not alone!

Which brings me back to the band Weezer.

Weezer was working with a label who wanted them to write catchier songs to make themselves more marketable (according to the producers), and rejected many of the songs they had been working on. Weezer left the them and with the inspiration of the meeting that day wrote the hit Pork and Beans.

Their video had 3.5 million views before even appearing on MTV.

So here's to rejection! Whoop! It only leads to success.

Have any of you had a time when you were rejected, but kept working until the fabulous day came?

I'm a Fool for You...Blogger

2010-10-28T08:48:00.000-07:00

"Sucked into the super massive." ~Muse - Super Massive Black Hole

Blogger: Um…soooo…. *longish kind of short pause* Whatcha doin?

Me: *typing away on lappy* My writer’s block is gone, so *shrugging shoulders* I’m writing.

Blogger: Oh. *Another longish pause—a little awkward*

Me: *Still typing*

Blogger: So I haven’t seen you hanging out for a while... It’s like you fell off the internet. *uncomfortable laugh*

Me: *stopping, looking up at Blogger* I really want to get this revising done. I’m on a roll. It should only take me a few days to be caught up.

Blogger: *pursed lips, tone defensive (a little annoying)* You didn’t even say you were unplugging or anything. I mean…what’s up with that?

Me: I wasn’t planning on unplugging, it just kind of happened that way. *putting fingers back on keys, commencing the writing*

Another awkward pause, really…really…realllly long. Blogger looks a little fumed.

Blogger: Be honest. Are you breaking up with me?

Me: What? *surprised at Blogger’s concern…and honestly, a little perplexed*

Blogger: Is it my hair? I knew it! You hate my hair! *little sob*

Me: Ah….no... It’s not your hair. I promise. I’ve just been so busy with the writing that I kind of…haven’t been blogging.

Blogger: So you’re not breaking up with me?

Me: No you silly. I’m not breaking up with you. I’m just unofficially unplugged. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner.

Blogger: So we’re okay then. *wiping away a single tear (for dramatic sake)*

Me: Yes, we are just fine. I’ll be back next week.

Blogger: Whew.

Me: So… *making a funny face, not realizing the strangeness of it all* You have hair? Interesting.

Sorry I haven’t been commenting lately my awesome bloggy best friends. My writer’s block has broken and I’m sucked into the super massive writing hole. I promise I’ll be back next week (or the week after…you know. If this writer’s block stays away.)

But before I run off to write, how do you guys deal with writers block? Be honest, do you talk to blogger when it happens?

Happy 11th Lenny!

2010-10-20T07:27:00.000-07:00

Photo from photobucket

Why am I posting a day early? Because today is my bloggy friends 11th B-day!!!

Happy Birthday Lenny!!!!

If you don't know who Lenny is, please check out his most awesome blog. He is an amazing kid.

In honor of said b-day, I am serving virtual cake.

Thank you photo bucket for your delicious virtual cake stuffs

So have a slice and wish Awesome Cool Lenny a great b-day.

I hope it's the best year ever!

Stinkin' Old Wonderful Corner Thingy

2010-10-14T08:20:00.000-07:00

"Do you want this? I'm just going to set it out on the curb and wait to see if someone takes it."

In the back of the truck was an old broken armoire, the special kind that can snuggle in a corner. It was dingy and its cupboard doors were off their hinges, its frame torn from it's center.

Oh yeah! A corner wardrobe thingy. I had always wanted one. I had some tools -hammer, heavy duty staples, varnish, time. Maybe I could fix it up. Even if I couldn't get those doors back on.

So the next day, I got to work. I washed, nailed, re-hinged, added awesome new knobs.

And then it was finished (I even got the doors fixed).

It turned out better than I thought. It was beautiful. (I cried a little. I also did a happy dance which turned out more embarrassing than I had planned when the mailman walked in front of my window.)

Today, it sits in my front room corner, hiding all my stuff and making my room actually look clean (I love that! Plus I can hide my chocolate chips in there and NOBODY knows- mwa ha ha). All to the thanks of all my tools. Thanks tools!

Sometimes my wip reminds me of that old broken armoire. I just want to set it on the corner outside and wait for someone to take it away. But deep down I know it can be fixed. I just need the right tools -crit buddies (super loves ya), revisions, rewrites.

It's going to be beautiful one day. And when it's done-I'm going to set that book down, inside the corner wardrobe thingy, where all my special stuff goes and do a super happy dance. I don't even care if the mailman sees me.

So how about you? How do you feel when you are doing rewrites/revisions? Do you feel like you can do it? do you feel like it's worth it?

p.s. I'm unplugging for a few days. The kids have school off and we are going to party (as long as they call cleaning out their rooms partying. Mwa ha ha)!

Have a great week guys!

You Got Style, Baby

2010-10-07T05:30:00.000-07:00

I’m back in school and working on the last of my degree. I hope to be finished by the end of this year of school. (Oh please, please. *fingers crossed*)

I‘m also in the middle of revising my dystopian TORN.

Plus, I post here on my blog. Which I love. (Love ya blogger buddies!)

The funny thing is…when I write—in my book, for my school projects, on my blog—my tone of writing changes. Yup, my voice changes.

I try to be articulate when I write for school, making sure every word sounds elaborate and knowledgeable. (For example: “The obscure editorial's statistics do not calculate in favor of variation. Therefore, I conclude that it does not work.”)

When I’m writing in my book, I put myself in my character’s head, writing only words and thoughts that she would say. (Like, “Her voice was sweet. Too sweet. And she blinked at him way too many times for her eyeballs to be moistened.” She's a little jealous.)

On my blog, I write in more of myself. I like fun light things, so that’s how I write. (Plus I always add in a little random thought here and there, which sometimes makes no sense at all. But I can do it, because I’m a writer—at least that’s my excuse.)

See? My writing style changes.

I think as writers, when we are looking more than one character in our wip, we need to look at the style and voice we want to give them. Because no two people are alike, neither are our characters or their circumstances. They talk differently, they act differently. That’s how you can differentiate them and give them style.

What do you do to make your characters’ voices and style different?

p.s. Thanks Carolyn A (her name totally rocks!) for the awesome Strangely Irresistible ~ Yo Gabba Gabba award! I love it. I will pass it on, hopefully soon. =D

Organization, awards, and Devastating Epidemics

2010-09-30T05:34:00.000-07:00

This week I am getting my blog lists organized. Why didn't anyone tell me about Google Reader earlier??? You did? Oh. Well, I love it! I'm putting all the blogs I follow into little folders so I can find your posts easier. It's awesome.

(If you follow me at Paper and Parchment, please leave a comment so I can follow you! I don't want to leave anyone out!)

I have to thank Quinn for the excellent award! I love the bloggy awards, I need to be better at posting them.
If you haven't read Quinn's blog, check it out (here). Thank you Quinn!

I am passing this award on to a few of my new bloggy buddies:
Leisha Maw
Lisa M. Potts
Nicole Ducleroir
Terry Lynn Johnson
Ann Best
Charmaine Clancy
Please check out their blogs. They are all going places!

My new bloggy friend Elena Solodow (click here for her excellent blog) has informed me of a terrible epidemic. It' could be raging within your home town right this minute! It's quit frightening-- Please take a look.

(You'll have to go to Elena's blog to view the video. It's awesome! Go do it....do it....) =D

So tell me, what do you think we should do about this awful crisis?

Compelling Characters

2010-09-24T07:59:00.000-07:00

Okay, so this is a speedy first draft blog post, because I'm a slacker this week and didn't get this written until this morning (but my laundry's done, so I'm feeling pretty good about that).

Elana J, Jen, and Alex have challenged us to write down what we feel makes a compelling character (for the full list of bloggers see Elana's post here).

I think, to make a compelling character, you need your character to be like my Aunt Betsy. Yes, Aunt Betsy.

First, she is super nice. She would give you the shirt off her back (if she wore one, but she is always wearing those floral dresses). She invites people in to visit, she makes meals for people in her neighborhood who are having a hard time. Yeah, she has a reputation of niceness.

Now, something you should know about Aunt Betsy, which is kind of creepy. She has twelve cats. TWELVE! Which makes her house stinky, so she wears enough perfume to make your eyes water. It's kind of gross, but she's got that niceness thing going on and she can't stand to see any stray cats go without.

The cat thing wouldn't be so bad if Aunt Betsy didn't look so weird. I mean, she has blue hair. You know, the kind of blue that is fluffed up so high—it makes you want to eat a big ball of cotton candy. That kind of hair (hey, at least it’s not pink).

Plus, she loves her make-up. I heard once Queen Elizabeth or Mary or some queen out there, wore her make-up without taking it off. It was so thick when she died that they had to use a chisel to find her actual skin. I think Aunt Betsy took make-up lessons from her. It wouldn’t be so bad, but that red lipstick’s gotta go!

There is something else you should know about my Aunt. I found out - that night - the one when Mom and Dad had to go to my little brother’s school play, and I had to stay at her house because I got in trouble for taking all the money from the family’s vacation jar to buy myself some doughnuts for school lunch (but that’s a completely different story).

You see, Aunt Betsy has a fetish with that old movie Arsenic and Old Lace, you know, the one where the old women were killing off lonely old men and burying them in their basement. Well, she keeps a shovel in the basement. And the floor boards look like they’ve been pulled up. Plus it kind of stinks down there like a moldy sandwich that’s been kept in a lunch sack too long. It just makes me wonder. But I’ve never asked her. I mean. Would you?

So tell me what you know about my Aunt Betsy?

Let’s see. She is a weird nice cat lady, has big blue puffy hair (probably older with a little weight, because those are the only women I know with big blue hair), she wears much too much make-up and smells like the perfume kiosk at the mall. Oh, yeah, plus she probably has dead bodies in the basement. Gross.

Oh! And there’s one last thing you need to know about my Aunt Betsy. She’s totally made up. I don’t really have an Aunt Betsy. Aunt Sue, on the other hand, I do have. She is just as interesting as Aunt Betsy, (except for the dead body).

Description, likes dislikes, needed bonding with the reader/mc, what ticks them off, would they really react that way? How come they do that little raising thing with their shoulder? What are their little secrets?

Know your character! That’s how you can make your character more compelling. Any other thoughts you’ve learned along the Blog fest?

Thanks guys! I hope you all get tons of writing done with many compelling characters to interact with.

Wow

2010-09-23T05:15:00.000-07:00

First I should tell you I have not read this book. But there is a ton of controversy about it lately because a parent wants it banned. All I can tell you, is look into it yourself and find out how you feel about it.

All I can say is, "wow."

It's Catching Like Fire

2010-09-16T05:18:00.000-07:00

"Like everybody else, when I don't know what else to do, I seem to go in for catching colds." ~George Jean Nathan

Everything’s fuzzy-my head, my hearing, my nose. Yes my friends, I tried to escape it with mega doses of vitamin C, but…it got me. I have a cold.

And not just any cold. It’s the kind that makes you write really boring stuff. The kind that won’t let you think of any kind of awesome action scene, because…let’s face it…I am just too tired to think of fast paced things right now when all I want to do is crawl under the covers and wish this cold away.

And the comments I’m leaving. Oh, why aren’t they more clever? More brilliant? Well, who can be brilliant with wads of tissue sticking out from their nostrils?

So my friends, if I sound too senseless or if I’m late checking out your posts this week, just remember…I am infested. And be careful, I hear it’s catching on.

So tell me, do you still write when you are sick? Do you sit next to your computer with a roll of t-p wads in your hand like me?

p.s. Sara B. Larson gave me a wonderful award this week. Thanks so much Sara (it’s already in my little award pictures)! You totally rock! Please check out her blog and pass on the bloggy love (not the awful colds).(Sorry Sara, I had that e and o mixed up--silly alphabet).

Have a great week everyone.

Where are the Plot Holes People?

2010-09-09T05:10:00.000-07:00

Do you know what really makes me mad?

When you go to a movie, all prepared to pick said movie apart, and there are NO PLOT HOLES!!! What's up with that? I want plot holes people, poor writing, people screaming through the water (because some people forget humans can’t breath hundreds of feet under the ocean). I was truly disappointed.

We took our kids to a movie (I won’t mention which one) and it was good. I mean, the beginning was action packed, the loose ends were all tied up. What is with that?

I wasn’t disappointed at all! Which…is kind of disappointing. j/k

But honestly, there was one thing that came to mind as I was watching "no-plot-hole" movie. You can learn a lot about writing when watching the cinema.

For instance:

Does the movie catch your attention at the beginning?

Do you find your mind wandering in the middle of an “important” scene?

What about the ending, does it leave you feeling, “Oh yeah! AWESOME!” or “Why didn't she just pick up that stick and beat the bad guy with it?" Come on lazy girl! (That one always drives me crazy.)

What about the tension? Does the movie start with little tension and grow as the story continues (You know, do they make their character climb a tree and then start throwing rocks at them? Or do they just throw the rocks in the tree and forget the main character?)

Writing has the exact same elements:
good beginning,
moving middle,
realistic actions
disaster to make the plot great (because no one remembers the fun happy picnic in a story. They remember the picnic when the ants came and ate all the potato chips, which made Little Tommy run over to shoo them away, but instead he tripped and fell over Great Aunt Edna's famous chocolate fudge cake, *gasping for air to keep reading* thus imposing a trip to the hospital where the huge family fight broke out because no one remembered setting Great Aunt Edna's cake on the ground in the first place...That's what the reader will remember--btw, please don't use run on sentences in your writing. They are so hard to read (I'm totally out of breath now).

Okay there you have it. You can learn a lot from the movies and the movie doesn't even have to even be bad.

So what have you learned from the movies lately that can help out a fellow writer?

It's a Party...A Party, Party Weekend

2010-09-03T11:34:00.000-07:00

Hi everybody! Karen G. is hosting a great party over on her blog. What a great idea! I'm bringing virtual cookies and blogging about keeping a positive attitude. This is so we can meet new awesome bloggy writers, so please check her site for more details.

Okay, the positive attitude thing is... hard. If you read my post this Monday, I kind of left you hanging. Things didn't go quite as I had planned. The national editor wasn't taking any new clients and the other was sick. So I was sent to a well known local publisher who said they wanted my ms, but they informed me they don't publish dystopian.

I was torn. Should I cry because the opportunity I had been working towards wasn't going to happen? Or should I cry because I was finally picked. I did the later. I was so thrilled just to know I had the talent to do it. All I had left to do was polish and query.

Sometimes things don't go the way we envisioned them. Sometimes plans are changed. Sometimes we don't think we can live up to the potential. It gets discouraging, but I believe there is always hope, if we just keep keepin' on.

But how do we keep our chins up as writers? I'm forming a list. So far this is what I have:

1. Eat lots of chocolate (or twizzlers if you aren't a fan of chocolate...although I'm pretty sure chocolate cures anything..except for finding lost shoes. Chocolate never helps with that).

2. Listen to songs that make you want to go out and get it! (Pork & Beans by Weezer, Something Good Can Work by Two Door Cinema. *grinning* Oh there are just so many good ones I can't list them all!)

3. Spend time discussing (yelling, crying, gnashing of teeth, a little nose blowing) said discouragement with a trusted writing buddy. Writing friends know how it feels. They really do. Most of them have all been there.

4. Stop whining and start writing. (That's my big one. I took drama as a teen. I can wallow with the best of them.)

There are my top four. Do you guys have any other suggestions? I'd love to know what helps you get over the writer blues.

It Happens in Little Steps

2010-08-30T07:38:00.000-07:00

It was summer when I went to the writing conference. There was a rumor that only one student per class would be picked by the teaching author to visit with an agent/editor. But it was only a rumor.

But I knew it was true.

I had known of its truth for three years.

I cried each time I was passed up, knowing I wasn’t good enough, wondering if my invested time was wasted.

This year I hoped it would be different.

As I read, I hid behind my glasses, hoping the teacher couldn’t see the sweat forming underneath their rims.

It was quiet when I finished. All my peers’ comments were good. A few suggestions, but not many.

Had I done it?

I waited, but nothing out of the ordinary happened. My turn was over. It was someone else’s chance to read. I just had to try to keep calm, keep the crushing disappointment from overtaking me.

Time passed. I didn’t hear any news. It was happening again, but I wouldn’t let it get me down. I wouldn’t shed any tears.

I grabbed my things, tucking them away, getting ready to go. The assistant inched her way over to me, smiled, and began to speak.

Her lips moved. I could hear her words, but they didn’t make sense.

My ears weren’t the only things broken. Something was wrong with my feet. I knew because with each step I took, they didn’t touch the ground.

My friend noticed the difference too. She was the first to ask me. I had warned her about the sniveling, she should just expect it. We writers are emotional beings. But I couldn’t help it. I started to sob.

But it was different this time. Because I felt like I was a little bit closer. Because I had overcome what I had wanted to for so long. Because I knew I could do it. Somehow, the tears were okay today.

How Many Papers do I have to Sign?

2010-08-24T15:35:00.000-07:00

AHHHH! Save me! I'm stuck under this pile of disclosures from my kids' classes! The one disclosure they promised turned into twelve. Maybe they don't add very well.

I'm going to have to unplug this week. Not that I want to, but because I have to. (My six-year-old just told me he had to wear pants to school. The underwear thing just wasn't cutting it.)

Have a great week. Let me know what your writing/signing disclosure goals are.

Da da da da!

2010-08-20T05:52:00.000-07:00

Did you guess correctly?

So this is my girl. It's a modern day Alice in Wonderland with awesome fashionable boots. Lots of you guessed right! You guys are dang smart. =D

Thanks for playing guys. You did great!

Guess that Character Blogfest

2010-08-19T05:50:00.000-07:00

Woo hoo! It’s Guess that Character Blogfest! I’m so excited to be a part of it! Thanks to Jen Daiker for putting this awesome 'fest together. All you have to do is figure out what this character looks like from the description I tell you.

So here’s my description. Can you guess what she looks like? Good luck guys. =D

What was it about him that made me keep getting into so much trouble? Was it his striking light hair, his incredible sense of time? Maybe I was just a sucker for a multi-pocket vest.

What did it matter? I fell for him and now I was stuck in his world. Now I would have to find my way out. Literally.

But I couldn’t go back the way I came. At least not in these awesome button up shoes. I’d hate to get them dirty. I’d have to find some help to get out of here.

I tried to ask his friends, but they don’t seem to be any help at all. There’s that one friend, who just sits and grins at me. When I ask him for help, he takes off. I can’t find him anywhere. His other friends party way too much. I bet they drink every night. To be honest, I think one of them has gone a little nutty. I mean really, why is he singing about bats? I am so much more sophisticated than that.

But I’m not snotty. I would be glad to ask anyone for help. Even if it’s help from the palace.

So there you have it. She gets into trouble, has button up shoes, sophisticated and keeps running into the wrong people. Wow, I think this is a little too easy. So what do you think? Can you see what she looks like? Just put your description in the comments and come back tomorrow for the answer!

Take a look at some of my other blogfest friends:
Shannon O'Donnell
Creepy Query Girl
Mary Campbell
Candyland
Don't forget Jen

Oh man! There are 49 more! Just take a look, everyone is doing a fab job! Happy Character Fest!

Oh and before I forget, Linda Garner is having an amazing get together for children suffering from child abuse. Please take a look at L.T. Elliot's blog for info and see if you can come. Thanks!

Words of Wisdom...sort of

2010-08-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

I wanted to thank everyone's well wishes and emails in the last two weeks. Thanks! Everything is getting back to normal, kids are bored with summer, laundry is piling up. *content sigh* Yup back to normal.

Ugh! I've started this post three times!!!

I wanted to write down some awesome words of wisdom, but nothing is sounding too wisdomy. So I've decided to write myself some short thoughts (because sometimes I forget):

1. Just do it!!!

2. Keep doing it!!!

3. You're doing great!!!

4. You're almost done!!!

Okay, There you go.

The number one word of advice for any writer--is to do it! That's what makes you a writer. Do you guys have any other wisdomy words of advice that you like to give yourself?

If you haven't heard around the blog-o-sphere, WriteOnCon is going on this week. Just go to WriteOnCon.com. =)

Best Plans Gone Awry

2010-07-26T21:49:00.000-07:00

I really was planning on revising last week. I even got through the first chapter (which I have been told is the hardest).

But then life happened.

My daughter was bit by a beloved pet...the pet died the next day. We spent that day on the phone with the pediatrician and disease control making sure everyone would survive. Plus there was a shot. I think we are through with pets for a while.

Another day was spent in the emergency room with my son, by no fault of his own. There were a few traumatic days but everything seems to be okay for now.

Things are finally settling down. I feel the urge to write, but I know that there are some things that need to come first. So many other things. But I can't seem to break the feeling.

So I am left juggling life and dreams. I believe I can achieve both, if I can find that perfect balance. But it's like walking on a tight wire.

So tell me...How do you juggle life and dreams? Do you set one or the other aside from time to time? Do you spend sleepless nights trying to achieve the dream? What do you do?

You might not see me again this week. I'm really going to push for that revision, unless I spend another week on the phone and in the rooms of medical people (whom I am so grateful for!!! They have seen so much of me, they even know me by first name).

Have a great week everyone! I hope the writing is going well.

Unplugged and Lovin' Every Minute of it!

2010-07-19T13:03:00.000-07:00

Okay, well, maybe not every minute. But I taking an unplugged week this week!

I'm starting on my second round of revisions and I'm fired up to get it done! (This time I'm not going to take three months on it. I'm hoping only two months and one week...wish me luck!)

Have a great week everyone!

The Sweetness of the Interview

2010-07-14T21:26:00.000-07:00

The Awesome February Grace (Bru) of Pitch Slapped has been gracious enough to interview me on her blog. (click here) (or here)

She is full of wisdom and humor. I like her a lot. Go check out her blog! She rocks! Plus you can find out a little about me and my ms.

What a great way to start the end of the week and the (almost) middle of revisions (okay, kind of the start).

Thanks again Bru! You are amazing!

Have a great week guys. (or you can even click here.)

Because You Rock!

2010-07-07T09:37:00.000-07:00

Okay, I’ve learned a couple of things about my awesome bloggy friends:

1. People do not like the word “Loser”. It’s true, it’s kind of a downer. I shall be erased from my blog terms. I will use anti-winner instead. That’s a little more positive.

2. I don’t write great blog posts at 5:30 in the morning. Things are misspelled and some things don’t even make sense. At least not to most people. That weird lady with the superhero cape doesn’t count (oh wait, that’s me).

3. I have super bloggy friends. Have I told you lately that I love you? (Remember that song?) Anyways, I do, I totally love having bloggy friends and I need to thank a few of you for the awesome blog awards that I have procrastinated posting (sorry about that). But I appreciate you all and all your great comments. *super hugs*

4. Strangely, you guys are okay with me posting about stinky shoes, football boy’s hemorrhoids and my chocolate cravings. Because you’re cool like that. I like that about you.

5. And finally, I get to glean from other awesome blog stuffs. Wow you guys are wise. I love reading about your writing goals, things you’ve learned and writing tips. It keeps me motivated and encourages me to move forward. Thanks guys! YOU TOTALLY ROCK!

And because of that, I want to pass on this award to all of ya! Woo hoo!

So tell me, what do you love about bloggy friends?

Learning You're a Loser

2010-07-01T08:33:00.000-07:00

photo from flikr.com

What do you do when you lose? Point fingers, throw a temper tantrum, or do you try to get better?

I heard on the radio this week about a jr. sports team where they didn’t take score of the game. That way, no one would have his or her feelings hurt and no one would be called “loser”.

I found it very interesting.

Not that I would want people to be called loser, but I think losing builds character. People learn how to cope with one another, even when they feel bad about the way they have performed. They learn to be gracious winners, good sportsman or sometimes that they are jerks when they win and need to learn to be a little more humble.

The same thing goes for writing. We write, we get critiqued, we get rejected, we quit or we improve and start writing again. But this time, we learn what we are doing wrong in the craft and build upon that. See? Character building.

I just think losing gives me the drive to try harder, to improve myself to be the best I can. If I lose, I hope I’ll try again (Yeah, my mom had this try, try again rule in our house. I guess it stuck with me).

So the next time someone gives you that good old finger and thumb on the forehead, remember, it’s a good thing. It just means you are getting better and better. Sweet!

Have a great week guys, if you don’t hear from me much in the blog world, it’s because I’m using my super powers to conquer the pile of laundry overtaking my basement (I’m a little scared)!

JFYI: I’m going to start posting the same post from my personal blog as my group blog (at least through the summer). It just gives me more time to write. And I love the writing! =D

Writing for Young Readers...I Survived

2010-06-21T05:25:00.001-07:00

Well, I just got back from my conference and it was fantastic! This is the year that I felt I took a step up in my writing. Which made me super happy.

I mingled with friends, I learned about the craft and I also met Yamille! Hi Yamille (who is dang cute!) My friend put together this amazing video all about it.

And take a look at Alane Ferguson dancing! So awesome!

BTW: I don't read well under pressure (unless it's Cat in the Hat or Green Eggs and Ham...I totally rock reading those books).

I'll be catching up on blogs the next few days (after my long, long nap).

You're too Fluffy!

2010-06-09T07:16:00.000-07:00

I know, I know I’m too fluffy. Sometimes I post things that are so fluffy, you can get static cling from just looking at the title.

But it makes me happy. And it keeps me positive (because you writers know how hard it is in this business! I’ve never experienced anything like it before, and I used to work in an insurance office. And they were harsh...and brutal…and mean.)

So I hope you don’t mind the fluff and will keep coming back when you feel the clouds of despair coaxing you to eat yet another comfort food for relief. (Please don’t tell me I’m the only one who does this.)

On to other things. Next week, I will be here at the WIFYR conference. *extra excited laugh*
This is my most favorite conference of all time. I always feel like I can do it when I leave this conference. I will be working with the ever talented Alane Ferguson! I went to a break out class last year and she was a hoot!

So if you don’t hear from me for a while, it’s because my brain is soaking in those amazing writing tips, writing critiques and writing recommendations (plus I’ll be mingling with agents! *happy squeal*)

Question for thought. Who in the writing industry have you wanted to work with? It can anyone.

Have a great week everyone!

Hey, Check This Out!

2010-06-03T15:19:00.000-07:00

Okay guys. If you don't know Nathan Bransford is having a contest called (drum roll please):
The Rock Paper Tiger chase/action writing contest extravaganza!!! (Whew, that's a long name!)

In honor of Lisa Brackmann's novel Rock Paper Triger (which I have not read yet, but is now on my TBR list...#2 of 324 books).

This is what you need to do:

"Write the most compelling chase and/or action and/or suspenseful sequence. It may be something you have written for the purpose of the contest or from a work in progress."

You should enter!

He is an awesome agent and very well liked. So do it... do it... Plus the prizes are breath taking. And awesome. (--because everything is better with awesome.)

Have a great weekend guys! I hope to see your entries!!! btw, let me know if you entered, I'd love to read some of you wips!

Oh no! I have 30 more minutes to enter... I've gotta get typing!!!

I Think She's Talking to You

2010-06-01T07:30:00.000-07:00

So how did you do on your revising?

Um…are you talking to me?

Yeah…I’m talking to you. So how did it go?

Well, I got the garden planted.

Okay. That’s great. But what about the revising?

Hey! We made s'mores last night. Yum!

Oh... I see what you’re doing. You’re trying to avoid me. Well guess what? Since I’m your conscience, you can’t. HA!

Okay, fine. I only got through one-third of my ms. There. Now you know. *making a sad puppy dog face*

One third? That’s not bad.

*tilting head, trying to clear ears* I think… *trying once more to clear ears* I think I heard you wrong. Did you say that wasn’t bad? *looking at self in shock*

Yeah, I did. One third is a lot of work.

Yeah…yeah it is! *smiling overcoming sad face* I totally got my garden planted, ate s'mores AND revised one third of my ms. Woo hoo! I’m on a roll!

Now. How long do you think it will take you to finish that last two thirds?

Well…*nervous coughing* …Hey, I have an idea. Do you want to come make s'mores with me?

*eyes narrowing* Are you trying to distract me with your delicious chocolaty treat?

Would I do something like that? *seesh*

Yes. Yes, I believe you would.

Then, yes I am.

Oh, well in that case. I think it’s a great day for s'mores and revising. What do you say.

Chocolaty goodness AND getting work done? *laughing in delight* I give it two thumbs up!

Alright. Let’s get to work.

On the revision or the s'mores?

Good question.

Hey guys! I’m glad to be back. I’ve got one third of my ms finished. (But I can’t stop making changes! What’s wrong with me?)

I have one question for you. How long does it take you to do your revisions and what are the best treats to eat during the revision process? A girl can never have too many treats. Glad to be back! Whoop! =D

Unplugged and Dancing! Okay, I'm Really Revising

2010-05-24T07:47:00.000-07:00

We break this scheduled blog post to broadcast an important announcement:

I am unplugging this week to finish my revisions. (Okay, so not that important, but if you don't see me around this week, you'll know why).

I'll miss you guys. Have a great week!

Note to self: Get back to work!

Be the Pretzel

2010-05-19T07:11:00.000-07:00

*sitting in yoga pretzel pose* Take deep breaths and visualize. Good. Now think about your writing goals. Stop making that cringing face…you can totally do this. *falling out of my yoga pose and stomping away*

Okay, so I am really into goal making. I love setting goals, organizing goals, seeing goals through (Yeah, I’m a little OCD with that). But it has really helped my writing.

When I was a young teen, I read a book (I read lots of books, but this one was one of those “Goals and Their Destiny” books – or something like that). Anyways, it had all these steps to achieve your goals. I really can’t remember all of the steps, but there is one I remember and have used over and over.

Visualize. (Please read in breathy awe inspiring voice…thanks.)

To achieve your goal, you have to visualize yourself getting to the goal. Really. See yourself getting the goal in mind. (I know weird, right?)

Like my writing. I used to write on my couch (with my handful of chocolate chips and my cup of hot cocoa by my side…man I really do love that chocolate). But I wasn’t getting much writing done.

Then one day it hit me. If I had an agent and was writing full time, would I really be lounging on the couch, chomping on chocolate chips and painting my toenails (warning, please do not paint toes and write on laptops at the same time. It turns into a sticky mess).

NO. I always saw myself at my dining room table, sitting up straight with the sun shining through my front window as I typed my awesome stories (maybe with a pencil tucked behind my ear – for style).

But I wasn’t acting like that at all!

So the next day, I hooked my lappy up at my table and started writing. You won’t believe what happened! I typed twice the amount of words I had planned to. Yeah, I know, Sweet! And the best part…I was doing that amount of words everyday! (Plus I gave myself a deadline – like we will have when we have agents and publishers. Right? Right!) (Please remember there were always setbacks, but that made achieving the goal even better.)

I’m at the revising stage and have had to rework my goals (and working on those setbacks). But visualizing and tracking my progress has made all the difference. (Oh yeah! I so see some beta readers in my future.) I don’t know if this will always help me in my writing, but it has really helped my current wip. (I just hope it works next time, too!)

Now that you’ve heard what I do to help me reach my writing goals, what do you do? (Please say it doesn’t include eating chocolate, because I really need to cut back on that stuff…tomorrow. Hee hee hee. Maybe chocolate covered pretzels. Mmmm.)

Doing the Hard Things...continued

2010-05-12T10:37:00.000-07:00

Some of you that know me know that I am trying to take up running. (I’ve been trying for about five years now. ;p) The problem is I don’t have the body of a runner, and I like to eat like a food critic or a gourmet chef (lots of real butter. Mmmmm, my fav).

When I first started running. It was hard! I mean...super nose bleeding hard for me! Plus I would sweat! Ew...Gross! I hate sweating. I got shin splints and the more I ran, the more stinky I'd get (Yuck! I am so not about the stink).

There were times I stopped because it was HARD!!! (I mean, what was I thinking? Running?)

Now, I'm at two miles at least three or four times a week AND I'm seeing results (okay, just a few). I'm not super skinny (um...please see food love above) and I still stink when I run (so stand back when you see me in sweats...really, this is not a joke). But I'm doing it (a little at a time).

I won't lie, it's still hard.

Elana J. mentioned this in her presentation a few weeks ago regarding writing the query. She said many times, “You can do the hard things.”

It was one of the best bits of information I had heard at this year’s conference. You can do the hard things, querying, finishing that first draft, revising for the umpteenth time, getting that critique back with uber stuff written in red (and then accepting it)…you can do the hard things.

It won’t be easy, you may want to quit from time to time. But all this will make you and your writing better. And you won’t even sweat while you do it. (Well, maybe a little, but you won’t be super stinky.)

So just remember…You CAN do the hard things! Woo hoo!

My Poor, Poor Characters.

2010-05-06T08:28:00.000-07:00

It's sad really.

Come check out our group site. I'll show you what I do to my characters. I feel sorry for them.

So Much Bloggy Love!

2010-05-05T05:15:00.000-07:00

You guys rock! Thanks so much for the awards and the tags!

I have known Nichole Giles since my first conference, she is an amazing person and writer. She is very cool. She has given me the 10 Things that Make me Happy award. Thank Nichole!!!

Okay, so here are my ten things:
1. My hubby
2. My kiddos (when they aren’t fighting...oh, even when they are fighting. They're so cute.)
3. My bff
4. My bloggy bffs
5. My old smelly tennis-shoes (They are great for running!)
6. Chocolate (Um…that was a given!)
7. Awesome books
8. Crappy books that make me smile at awesome books
9. Playing in my garden (even when everything is dying)
10. Going home from the dentist with no cavities (I mean…can anything be better?)

Now I get to pass these on to 10 awesome people! I’m so excited. Here we go:

1. Candace from Candyland
2. Jaydee Morgan
3. Carrie Harris
4. Danyelle
5. Sherrie from Solvang Sherrie
6. Yamile
7. Jen Daiker from Unedited
8. Shannon O’Donnell
9. Becca Wilhite
10. Amparo Ortiz

If you haven’t been to these awesome ladies blogs, go check them out. They are all incredibly amazing.

The second award I received is from the ever awesome (and I don’t use that ever part lightly) Amparo Ortiz. I love her blog plus we have so much in common (she loves chocolate, ice cream and she watches Bones, too! She’s so cool!)

She has passed on the Blogger Buddy Award (which makes my heart happy) and I would love to pass it on to these lovely bloggy friends:

1. Creepy Query Girl
2. Jennifer Shirk
3. Jamie Burch
4. Sheri Larsen
5. Shelly Sly

Lastly (is that even a word? It sounds so strange), Candace of Candyland tagged me. Okay, she is incredibly cool (and when I say cool, I mean uber cool) so go check out her blog.

Question 1: Where were you 5 years ago?
- Deciding it was time to go back and finish my college degree. (I’m almost done.)
- Taking care of my little guy who was just a baby
- Trying to organize my kitchen
- Buying my first treadmill
- Writing mg stories about children with disabilities (I never showed them to anyone…and then I lost them.)

Question 2: Where would you like to be 5 years from now?
- Um…done with that stupid college degree thingy.
- Published and writing super wicked stories for YA everywhere.
- Eating lunch with all my blog buddies
- Have an organized kitchen
- Able to run 5 miles (that would be so cool!)

Question 3: What is (was) you to-do list today?
- Run that three miles (I only ran two, I ran out of time.)
- Get kids off to school.
- Blog.
- Revise.
- Pick up kids from school (I know, my life is an adventure...I tell ya!)

Question 4: What 5 Snacks do you enjoy.
-hee hee hee, I can’t stop laughing…Chocolate (need you ask?)
- 100 calorie snack bags (because I eat too much chocolate *looking down at floor with embarrassment)
-yogurt with frozen blueberries mixed in (it’s delish)
- frozen fruit
- Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches. (Ummmm…skinny cows)

Question 5: What 5 thinks would you do if you were a billionaire?
- 1st I would totally buy a house for my parents. They are hard workers and I would love to help them out.
- Give some to charity
- Help out those who really needed some help to get back on their feet
- Get those college funds set up for my kids
- Not tell kids we had money and teach them how to work, so they won’t be spoiled.

There’s my five answers. =) That was harder than I thought! Here are the five people I’m tagging:

L.T. Elliot
Mary Campbell
Lola Sharp
Shari
Tess Hilmo

If you’ve already received these awards or have been tagged already…I’m still giving them to you. And if you didn't receive an award, you just wait! I wanted to add more people, but to be honest, my fingers and eyeballs hurt trying to get everyone's link on. But never fear! You guys are all super cool and you guys rock! =) Oh, and if the links are wrong, please let me know, because I hate that when that happens.

Have a great week guys!

Doing the Hard Things and Looking for You

2010-04-28T05:20:00.000-07:00

I spent last weekend in conference classes, learning about the craft of writing and hanging out with amazing people.

The first class I took was all about becoming computer wise as an author. I'm trying to do better, but I must admit, I'm still struggling (especially with that whole Twitter thing. I wanna be a Twit too). But I'll keep working on it until I get it.

One of my goals was to catch up on my blog-buddies blogs (*whew* that's a lot of Bs). So last night I spent a few good hours reading posts and adding new people to my list of reads. I must admit, I was really pleased with all the great writers out there in the blog world. I'm so excited to meet new authors/writers! (p.s. I missed reading all my good bloggy friends' posts...You know who you are - if you don't - it's you.)

I also went to Elana J.'s class on writing queries. She was excellent, not only did she keep us awake with wise and witty humor, she passed out candy!!!! Most awesome class! When she comes to your town, you'll have to check it out.

I learned I am a solid writer (that's good right? A solid writer?) But reminded myself that I should not bring a first draft with me to have the editor critique...bring the polished funny one (what was I thinkin'?). But now I know...I'm solid.

Another thing I learn was - pack more than one pair of pants! (I accidentally left them on my bed, waiting for the suitcase along with my clean underthingies. Yeah. I shouldn't pack the day of a conference...there's too many things to forget.)

L.T. is a great person to share a room with (but we didn't get room service, maybe next time - we did get subs and talked for hours about writing after the conference. (I love rubbing shoulders with awesomeness.)

I think the most important thing I learned this year is that I can do the hard things (quoted from Elana J's class). It's true. Writing is hard, trying, time consuming. Plus all the difficult stuff that comes with querying, critiquing....the rest...but we (as writers) can do the hard things. I'll post more on this next week.

Tell me...what has been the best advice/stuff you've learned in this journey of writing?

Okay...I'm off to do the hard things (yes laundry, that means you. Stinkin' pile of dirtiness). Have a great week everyone! =)

Conferences 2010..oh yeah!

2010-04-21T05:22:00.000-07:00

So… *looking around the room like I’m trying to keep a secret* …I’m getting ready to go.

Yeah, I’m cleaning out the old statistics bag and filling it with important stuff – first chapters, notebook, pens, chocolate. (BTW, I totally passed that stats class. Mwa ha ha! I’m so glad.)

Why? because it’s conference time! Whoop, whoop (that’s my happy cry). I am on my way to mingle and meet with other awesomely cool writers, editors and agents. I’m very excited.

But also a little bit nervous. I won’t lie, last year after the conference I left discouraged. I didn’t feel like I was where I wanted to be in my writing. I wanted to be further ahead in my craft, I wanted to be querying, I wanted to be pitching my story to the professionals. Plus I totally lost that 1st chapters thing. *wiping tear from eye*

Well, now it’s a year later, I am writing my last chapter of my dystopian (I know…last chapter! Whoop!) I am revising my Incognito Burrito (and other things I did on my trip to Mexico). Things are looking up. I hope I can go to this conference and feel like I am getting on top of my game. Plus L.T. and I are hanging at our most righteous hotel room together this year (I love that girl!), so she will have to hear all my complaints and wishes (we may have to order midnight room service….do they have midnight room service? Oh, I hope so)!

This year will be great! And I won’t cry this time. Promise. Well, maybe a little.

So I am curious…Are you guys planning any awesome conferences this year??? I’d love to hear which ones, where they are and if you plan on getting room service. We should compare menus.

TMI my friend...TMI!!!!

2010-04-13T11:51:00.001-07:00

I was about twelve or thirteen when I rode home in the back of my neighbor’s car on the way home from the amusement park. The mom who sat in the seat in front of me had just finished nursing school and was telling everyone in ear shot about her son’s bout with hemorrhoids. After listening to a half hour lecture of how hemorrhoids form, what they look like, and how to correct the problem; I knew three things for sure.

1. Listening to hemorrhoid talk + motion sickness = urge to vomit.
2. Pre-teen girls have a hard time looking football playing boys in the face after learning about their difficult trials…um…underneath.
3. Last, but not least, I knew I would never become a nurse. *cringe*

How could I remember the vivid workings of this hemorrhoid-otic talk after so much time? Was it the way she discussed her football playing son not being able to sit on his tooshie for a week (and how did he feel knowing I knew about his toosh and its problem)? Was it the way her voice echoed through the car so that all the young girls present knew of the torture and treatments of such dealings? (Oh man! That poor football playing boy!)

No my friends, it was the way she described the on goings of things falling out of places we really don’t want them to (the nausea and urge to vomit may have contributed). But mostly - the detail she used in each disgusting detail.

She used colors in her description and smells (I’m serious *gag*). She even gave a detailed description of the ointment that was used in the horrific incident. How could I forget?

What does this have to do with writing?

Well, when writing, what kind of detail do you use? Do you use sight, smell or touch to describe your scenes? Does it make the writer feel like they are there in the scene sharing the moment with the character?

Do you add too much detail, making the rider of your book ask for a bag so that they will not heave over the backseat of your newly cleaned writing upholstery? It happens sometimes.

Details are important to use. They can leave a reader feeling that they know the places you are talking about and the characters you love - OR - They can pull the reader out of the story, searching for a garbage can for book deposit. This is something all writers learn to balance.

I'm sure there are many ways to fix this situation, but the best advice I can give is to:

1. Have someone else who loves to read look over your MS and listen to their feedback.
2. Put the ms away for a few weeks and then take a second look at it.
3. Read, read, read how other writers write.

My last bit of advice for the day – remember - when in a car with a group of pre-teen girls, don’t talk about your football-playing son’s hemorrhoids (I don’t care how cute you think he is). Ew. Gross.

p.s. I finished the challenge and missed you guys. I’m glad to be back!

Are You Asking for a Challenge!?

2010-04-05T05:21:00.000-07:00

The family and I were sitting around yesterday, enjoying some quality time together, when somebody mentioned how much time we spend on the internet/tv/ipod/ etc....

So my oldest child offered his dad a challenge - no computer games/tv shows for a week.

I sort of tuned out at that moment as the kids all laughed and upped the wages of the challenge. Soon everyone was involved. My daughter vowed to no ipod, my son no video games, etc...etc...(I secretly laughed, because I was not involved in the crazy challenge of no media week. Sweet! I'd be watching TV and playing my tunes while eating fudge as I sat in a super huge beanbag - which I don't have, but still....it would be awesome).

Then I heard the dreaded words, "I think Mom should give up Blogger for a week!"

"NOOOO!" I screamed (making everyone jump a little). I thought had so cleverly adverted the situation. Wrong! (Please sing as you say wrong, and emphasis the "g". For dramatic effect. Thanks.)

"I don't think she can do it." I heard, making the competitive part of me rise to the top.

"Oh yes I can," I snarled, giving them my oh-you-wanna-play eye-look thingy.

Everyone laughed again (I wasn't sure why this time, but I was sure it was because I was suckered into something ).

Then somebody said, "The winners will get pizza and rootbeer floats as an award." (Oh man, I was so there.)

So my blogger buddies, if you don't hear from me for a week, (yes, I will be unplugged from Tuesday to Tuesday - *cringe*) it's because I'm proving to my awesome family that yes, I can unplug - and they can too!

I will miss you! Have a great week everyone!

Dear Lucky Agent Contest....Sweet!

2010-04-03T08:28:00.001-07:00

How do you get your work out there? How does anyone find out who you are?

You need to take a few risks. Have people look at your work, see how people feel about the writing. A great way to do this is through agent contests. Here is one I feel is worth sharing (plus I'm considering entering):

The "Dear Lucky Agent Contest" for middle grade and YA writers (with Regina Brooks).

WHAT TO SUBMIT
The first 150-200 words of your unpublished, book-length work of middle grade or young adult fiction. You must include a contact e-mail address with your entry and use your real name. Also, submit the title of the work and a logline (one-sentence description of the work) with your entry.
(paragraph copied from Guide to Literary Agents)

PRIZES
Top 3 winners all get: 1) A critique of 10 pages of your work, by your agent judge. 2) A free one-year subscription to WritersMarket.com. (paragraph copied from Guide to Literary Agents) *squeal!* Why not try!

If you write for middle grade or YA, I suggest jumping on over and taking a look! The contest ends April 14th, so time is running out! Yikes, I'd better get my stuff on over! Good luck guys!

Shout outs, Happy days, and Awards

2010-03-31T05:38:00.000-07:00

First.

I want to wish everyone a very Happy Easter this weekend! I’m hoarding my marshmallow bunnies and chocolate eggs even as we speak.

Second.

My good writing friend Sara Larson has just signed on with *** of *** (I put those stars there because I don’t know who!!!! Plus I don't know if Sara is telling anyone yet. Sara, who is it????). Anyway, she’s got a fabulous agent. How do I know Sara? I’ve been in a writing group with her for almost a year and I can tell you, her book - excellent!

Here we are (Sara, me, Carla) hanging out and laughing (about something I’m sure was super funny).

Sara writes YA. I am so excited for her and cannot say enough good things about her amazing writing (plus she bought Girl Scout cookies from us, so you know she’s awesome!). She has started her own blog site, so please check it out here or here or even here. You won’t be disappointed. (Way to go Sara! Whoop!)

Third.

Awards!!! I want to thank everyone who gave me awards in the last little bit. Shannon. (Shannon is more than amazing and love to stalk her blog – sorry Shannon, you’re stuck with me now), Jen (who is very cool and an amazing writer – I’ve read some of her stuff on her blog. Excellent!) and Mary (Oh my golly-gosh-willakers, Mary is just awesome. When are we having dinner again?) I cannot begin to express how much I enjoy these three gals. Thanks you guys!

So I’m passing these on:

Awesome Jen awarded me the It's like we're Soulmates Award, which is so true. I really enjoy Jen (and her blog). Plus you should have seen us at Vegas together. It was a blast!

The rules:

1. Choose five followers/commenters that 'get' you

2. Write something fake (preferably not too mean) about them

3. Link to them, and link back to this post to comment your receipt of the award.

Patti - Patti and I were in an underwater basket weaving class together. She got an A and I got an F. Plus my basket turned out really really soggy. I should have asked her for more help.

L.T. Elliot - L.T. and I are secret superheros. She flies around in the sky while I sing. I can shatter glass with my high pitched squeals, enabling her to swoop down and capture the bad guys. We also fold freshly laundered clothes at the speed of light.

Mary C. - Mary and I are W.O.W. (world of warcraft) buddies. She's a sleek elf with mighty arrow flinging ability and I'm a kick-butt dwarf that shots fire blots from my high heel boots. We play every Thursday from 9-12 midnight.

Shannon - Shannon and I are both apart of the ELOGW, yes, the Evil League of Genius Writers. We meet the third Wednesday of the month. Unfortunately, we aren't that evil. We are more of your sunshine-and-lollipop kind of evil. And that's the worst kind. Plus we have a cool theme song.

Thanks Shannon for the Sunshine Award! She is just all around awesome. Her blog makes me smile and she is just C.O.O.L. I get to pick out a handful of writers. I have decided to give these awards to some of my new followers (thanks you guys for following me! It totally makes my day!)

Here they are:

Sara Larson
Sheri Larsen
Jamie

Last but not least- Mary gave me The Sugar Doll Award (that just sounds yummy!) Thanks so much!!! I’m passing this one on to three of my new friends:

Sherri
Danyelle

Jackee

I want to thank my old friends and my new friends for all the great comments and support that have been offered on my blog. It means so much to me. Thanks. =)

One last thing (I know, this post is so long!) Linda Garner, has written a fantastic book, Some Secrets Hurt. She is hosting a run/walk-a-thon to prevent child abuse. You can get all the info at our group blog (just click on Linda's name there). There will be cotton candy and I believe hot dogs. So you can eat and run all at the same time (okay, don't do that, I would hate to hear on the news about a group of runners choking during a run/walk-a-thon. That would just be sad). But the run/walk will be awesome!

If you haven’t heard from me yet on your blog, don’t worry. Stats is over in three weeks and I plan on catching up with everybody (my Professor would be so proud that I made it through the class – she’s an excellent teacher).

Have a great week guys! Happy Easter!

Favorite Word, What's Your Favorite Word?

2010-03-24T05:19:00.000-07:00

“No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.” ~ Robin Williams

(First, I need to give a special thanks to Jen and Shannon for the awesome awards they have given me. I will get those out to some of my bloggy friends in a little while. I am in the middle of the last part of Stats and am working my tail off to get a decent grade. Thanks guys!)

If you haven’t seen Word Girl on PBS, you’re missing out. She is a witty super hero who goes around fighting crime and correcting words that are used incorrectly (kind of like my thesaurus, but better).

At the end of the show there is a segment called Favorite Word, where… *momentary pause while thinking how to describe*….well, here - take a look:

After running around one morning trying to get my kids out the door, I heard this segment coming from the other room and thought, “Hey, what’s my favorite word?” Being a writer, I ought to have a favorite word, right?

I thought and thought.

There are so many words. Some roll off the tongue: loquacious, fabulous, splendid.

While others burst out in amusement: chunk, rutabaga, aghast. (Okay, maybe not that funny, unless you said, “That fabulous rutabaga left me aghast.” Nope, still not funny.)

But I think out of all the beautiful and words there are, I believe awesome is my favorite. ( definition from http://www.merriam-webster.com/: Expression of awe -- inspiring awe/terrific -- extraordinary)

You can tell I love this word, because I use it so much. You’re awesome. That is an awesome view. Did you read that awesome book?!

My favorite word might change next week (because I’m fickle that way) -- I may love the word rutabaga, but for now awesome is it.

So as writers and readers, what are some of your favorite words? (Crackers? Exquisite? Rutabaga? That is kind of fun to say.)

Tennis Shoes vs Fat-fudge Filled Goodness

2010-03-17T09:10:00.000-07:00

“Hitch your wagon to a star.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

I fell off the wagon. It’s true. I fell off the treadmill/eating foods-good-for-you wagon.

Remember when I had lost weight, fit in my skinny pants and thought I was doing great?

Well, old habits started to sneak back into my life. Like eating chocolate bars, just to make sure they tasted good (Don’t tell me you haven’t done it before. *looking down at floor ashamed* Okay, maybe it’s only me).

But anyway, then I got that nasty cold (now I’m fighting the sinus infection. Curses!) and decided I should lay off the treadmill for a couple of weeks. Bad idea. Why?

Because Midnight cookie eating + No exercise = big bottom girl.

Yes, I gained weight. (And when that really cute skinny girl walked past my house last week, I teared up a little.)

So I’ve rededicated myself. I’m watching what I eat (no more fried cheesecake with fudge filling for me) and I’m back to running my two miles a day. I haven’t lost anything yet, but I’m feeling so much better.

Unfortunately, I have to do the same thing with writing. I sometimes get discouraged because I feel like I’m not a good enough writer or my story line isn’t doing what I want it to - and yes- sometimes I feel like quitting.

So I have to rededicate myself. Block out time to write, not worry about the stories imperfections (yet) and stop comparing myself (which I do way too often – stupid skinny girl, walking past my house, with awesome tan – I am SO adding you into my next book - and you're the bad guy. Mwa ha ha).

But you know what? I always feel better when I am dedicated and working on my goals. Maybe rededicating isn’t as bad as I thought it was. (Still - I’m going to miss taste testing those delicious candy bars when I’m supposed to be writing.)

What do you think helps to rededicate oneself?

You're Posting Twice in One Day?

2010-03-10T05:57:00.000-08:00

Yes I am. I know - spooky.

I just wanted to check in with all my bloggy friends and warn you....I made my goal last week (12,000 words). BEWARE (oooohhhhh). Now you know anything is possible.

And

I love plotting. Why didn't anyone tell me about plotting before? I mean - really? Oh, wait, yes you did. Sorry for not listening. You were right. Plotting rocks.

Dan Wells gave an excellent presentation on plotting at LTUE. He has posted it on his blog and even has a video you can view. Just go HERE and you can click on whatever link you are interested in.

So now you know. Plotting is cool and my fingers are on fire (Ouch!) Have a great week everyone!

And the Award Goes To....

2010-03-10T04:55:00.000-08:00

I promise I’ll be fast on the awards, but I just have to thank Shari for giving me the Humane Award. Shari is very cool (I love hanging out with her and her peeps at conferences. They totally make me spew milk from my nose, plus Shari is my good friend).

I want to thank Suzette for giving me the Silver Lining award! For those of you who haven’t met Suzette yet, she is a remarkable person. Plus she makes everyone feel at home (a talent I wish I had).

(btw, some of you I couldn't get a hold of, so I hope you are checking out the blog today. =) )

Drum roll please……(Wow, I kind of feel like I’m at the Academy Awards. I hope I’m wearing something awesome. And shiny!) Okay, sorry, I’m back.

Those who I would like to award the Humane bloggy Award are:

Michelle, because not only is she a courageous woman, she always has something positive to say. She is amazing.

Kimberly Job, did you know she is the awesome mom of ten kids?

Karen H. I just found this out, but she fostered and adopted two terrific boys who were brothers. How can you not admire her?

Stacey, because she is always smiling. I love that!

And Heidi A. because she is an amazing mother/caregiver/person. I am always astonished how much she does for her family. Very cool!

Those who I would like to pass on the Silver Lining Award goes to:

Nichole G. who first helped me get my name published and is just a great person all around.

Lotus Girl, I just started stalking her blog and I like her a lot! Plus she just has to write and so do I. We have awesome things in common!

Kasie W. She is just so fun. Did you know she drove a ton of hours to go to LTUE?

Jen, Her blog is incredible and I love hearing her journey as a writer.

Cindy, because she once challenged me to a pizza eating contest. We both won, but were sick as dogs. She’s awesome.

Thanks everyone! I love the awards and love to give them. You guys are the best!

Plugged in and turning to the Dark Side

2010-03-03T05:57:00.000-08:00

"I have you now! " ~ Darth Vader, Star Wars

While I was gone (in my cough syrup haze) as few things happened that I feel must be reported on:

1 – I missed all the Olympics. All of them. I was too busy blowing my nose to concentrated on the awesomeness of the winter festivities.

2 – Okay, the truth is I started a new WIP and I am way excited about it. One day I had the idea, and the next, it was plotted, characters had goals and subplots, and now….1/8 of the way to being finished. And you know what!? It’s Dystopian! (Elana J. you have turned me to the dark side! Say in funny Darth Vader voice to make more dramatic.)

3- Shannon O' (who is more than cool) gave me an award (just before I got super sick, so I’m sorry this has taken so long to post). And it is a great award!

All I have to do is share it with 5 of my blogging buddies:

1) Patti N (she always has good advice on writing and she really means what she says. I like that in a person! =) ).
2) L.T. Elliot (she not only is a super close friend, but I make her read all my first draft chapters. I love that woman!).
3) Ali Cross (she does a great job at answering all my bloggy questions. Did you know that most writers write with their feet in the nude? *gasp*).
4) Mary C. (she just rocks! I’ve hang out with her a few times in person and I feel a close kindred spirit thing going on there. She is very awesome).
5) Natalie W (again, kindred spirit thing. Plus have you seen her sketchings? Amazing! She is very cool.)

I would put Shannon down again because I love her and her blog, but I can’t. But go check out all these amazing women and their blogs. They are on their way up, I tell ya!

4 – I am reporting to you, my bloggy buddies, on my WIP. My goal is to have 10,000 words per week until I hit 50,000. Why? Because I’m ignoring Incognito and I have to have something awesomely-awesome to take to my next conference. Wish me luck. I’m already at 5,000 for this week. Half way there.

5 – Last but not the least of things to report on. Having a cold makes chocolate taste funny. I know, don’t panic (because I did one day and it was just an awful mess – I had to eat at least three chocolate bars to prove my point that I couldn’t taste them. I gained a couple pounds.)

So there you have it. My full report of things that happened during my cold-unplugged week. Thanks for being patient with me and my absence. I’m going to stalk your blogs now. I love the blog stalking.

Tissue Please

2010-02-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

"There is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great, and no tonics so powerful as expectation of something better tomorrow." ~O. Swett Marden

I usually try to post each week on my personal blog on Wednesdays (to keep myself on track), but this week I'm going to have to pass.

Why?

My throat feels like a hot fiery volcano, my eyes are as heavy as a fat laden doughnut and every time I open my mouth - a wind of backfiring flies out. (Ugh, those are awful! See? I'm sick!)

So I am giving myself permission to unplugging from blogging for a couple of days until I can see straight again (or at least breathe through my nose again).

Does anyone have a good remedy for the common cold? (Does it involve doughnuts or chocolate, because that would be helpful.)

Why Blog?

2010-02-15T19:00:00.000-08:00

I am amazed at what I have gotten from blogging.

Over a year ago, my critique group and I started a group blog called Paper and Parchment. It was my first experience with dipping my toes in the Internet world. It wasn't until a few months ago I decided I should have a blog of my own. So I took the risk and did it.

But why have a blog?

A writing friend of mine asked me that a few weeks ago. As I sat and thought about it, a few thoughts came to my mind. Having a blog is a risk - a risk of putting yourself in front of the world, a risk for criticism and embarrassment. But having a blog also gives new opportunities and opens the world up to you. I would recommend blogging to any one who is interested in writing. Why? Because of a few things:

1. The people you meet. It doesn't come over night, but little by little I have met wonderful people over the Internet that have the same dreams, goals, and yes, even troubles that I do. I have read posts that have brought tears to my eyes, made me feel blessed for what I have, and made me spew milk from my nose (because they were so funny). The only reason I have some of my short stories published are from friends I have met through networking (btw I am so grateful for you guys believing in my work and helping me get published).

2. The networking. Which is almost like #1, but a bit different. There is no way I could drive to New York or CA to interact with agents and editors, but through blogging I have had opportunities to meet such people. Awesome people who have answered questions for me, helped me with queries, and shown me that a rejection is not the end of the world (remind me when I am querying my WIP). We are all in this together.

3. Getting my name out there. Agents and publishers alike have commented that in this day and age, you have to market yourself. One of these ways is by writing a blog. It can be a blog about your day to day life, the journey of writing, or just anything you are in the mood to write. Just get yourself out there. (Plus you get all those benefits from above.)

4. Blogging gives me the chance to take risks that I wouldn't have taken in the first place. I have learned about contests that help me further my career in writing one way or another. For example, I have won a critique from Angie which I will need before I pass on my MS (Thank you Angie! I owe you big). (BTW Check out Elana J's AWESOME contest she and Shelli are doing this week. *squeal with delight!* Can you imagine how cool it would be to get your work critiqued by agents? AWESOME! Take the risk!)

5. Last but not least, I have learned what WIP, MS, LOL, and ROFL all mean. And you guys have all helped me ROFL from time to time, which I totally appreciate. =)

So there you have it. This is what blogging has done for me and why I would recommend blogging to any writer who has the desire to get published. It will be well worth your time.

You Guys Make my Day! Wait no....My Year!!!

2010-02-09T05:30:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I have been given a few awards in the last month from some incredibly cool bloggy friends. To them I want to say, "Thanks, you made my year!"

Here they are:
Elana J gave me The Creative Writing Award

Tiana Lei gave me the Honest Scrap Award

And Patti N. gave me the Over the Top Award.

They are all great writers, please check out their blogs. =)

Okay, for the Honest Scrap Award I have to:

• List ten honest things about yourself that your blogging friends do not know about you.
• Give the award away to seven (or 10?) bloggers.
• Let the seven (or 10?) bloggers know they have received the award.
• Link back to the person who awarded you.

Ten things you guys don't know about me???? Okay, here it goes:

1- Love songs make me cry, so I don't listen to them. Okay a few, but not many. I like the funky weird songs that make me laugh.
2- I am always happy when Fall comes (because I am pasty white and am so glad I don't have to show off my white, white, tan anymore).
3- Fudge on everything - Oh wait, you know that.
4- I loved the book the Scarlet Pimpernel (Oh, swoon).
5- I hated Lord of the Flies (ew, gross).
6- I'm getting my hair cut today (I hope I don't look like my brother when it's done!)
7- I have a terrible dry sense of humor.
8- My neighbors get scared when I use dry sense of humor, because they are not use to me being funny. Weird, I know.
9- My husband cracks up every time I use my dry sense of humor. I love that man.
10- My Favorite date night with cute hubby: Eating out and Book store. Best date nights ever!

I've search all over the bloggie-world for people I can pass this on to and I have realized something drastic. Either everyone has it, or they don't post their awards and I can't tell if they have it. So here is what I am doing. If you have not yet received the Scrap Award, I'm passing it to you. Just put your name in the comments so I (and others) can go check out your awesomeness answers. Deal? Deal!

Okay for the:

Here are the rules:

The rules are pretty simple. Answer the following questions with Single Word answers then pass this along to 5 other bloggers. Make sure you let them know about it though.

Your cell phone: Old
Your hair: Cut
Your mother: Busy
Your father: Busy
Your favorite food: Carbs
Your dream last night: Weird
Your favorite drink: Hot Cocoa
Your dream goal: Published!
What room are you in: Kitchen
Your hobby: sneezing
Your fear: Cavities (Scary!)
Where do you see yourself in 6 years: older
Where were you last night: School
Something you aren't: Hungry (I know, I can't believe it!)
Muffins: Yes, please (opps, two words, sorry about that)
Wish list item: Remodel
Where did you grow up: Here
Last thing you did: dishes
What are you wearing: Clothes (what kind of question is that?)
Your TV: quiet
Your pets: Stinky!
Friends: favorites
Your life: ROCKS
Your mood: pleasant
Missing someone: Who?
Vehicle: Dirty (no, stinky. Wait no, dirty)
Something you aren't wearing: Fake eyelashes ( just sayin')
Your favorite store: B&N
Your favorite color: Green
When was the last time you laughed: .0025 seconds ago
Last time you cried: stubbed toe (two word again, I know)
Your best friend: M/L
One place you go over and over: Stupid Laundry room! Have you no heart? (see how upset I am, more than one word. Maybe if I squish it together stupidlaundryroom. Better.)
Facebooking: Where's it booking to? Come back here face!
Favorite place to eat: Costa Vida

Oh my day of searching. Do you guys all have this award?! What's up with that? Okay, again. IF you do not have this award, I'm passing it on to you! Just put your post your comment so we can check out your answers.

I'm supposed to list 10 things that make me happy.

1. Writing
2. Accomplishing something I didn't think I could
3. My Awesome Family
4. Non-smelly shoes (who doesn't love non-smelly shoes?)
5. Clean Laundry (put away)
6. Clean house (which I haven't seen for two years)
7. Cookies (yes, they make me very happy)
8. Food (especially when I don't have to cook it)
9. Hanging out with very cool people.
10. Emails from very cool people.

I am passing this on to:

Shannon, because I love her blog and find her to be a very cool person.
Suzy H, because she just rocks and so does her blog.
L.T. because she is awesome and I not only love her blog, but her too. She is completely awesome.
Carrie Harris, because I spew milk out of my nose everytime I read her blog. She is a hoot!
Kristi S, because I like her and she is cool. She has accomplished tons of cool stuff.

Go check them all out. They are very excellent and creative writers.

This was hard and took me all day (take that Stats homework!) But I loved it and am so grateful for those who thought of me. Thanks guys!

Can't wait to read your responses (so don't be surprised if I'm stalking your blogs - mwa ha ha ha, mwa ha ha).

Super Laundry Girl vs the Evil Stapler

2010-02-03T07:20:00.000-08:00

“They say something happen for a reason, if you don’t do them they won’t” ~ Life, Love & Laughter by Donavon Frankenreiter

This proves anything can happen if you try hard enough.

You see, it all began when my middle child came up to me holding a broken stapler.

“It’s broken,” he said.

“I can see that,” I replied. “How did it break?”

“I don’t know.” He shrugged his shoulders. “I tried to use it and it disintegrated.” (okay, not his real words). “Can you fix it?”

“Of course I can.” (Do not say this if you are a sane person. Not all things can be fixed. Especially a stapler in five pieces).

So I got to work. I put the spring back and played with the metal gadget that had mysteriously come un-popped from this holder.

It didn’t work. I tried again, and again, and again. Until I set it down firmly (um…okay, I smashed down on the counter) and said (yelled), “Curse you evil gadget of modern society! You are the burden of my soul!” (Okay, it’s not really the burden of my soul, but I was in a mood. Also, please take note. Yelling at inanimate objects does not make them want to be fixed any faster. Although, you can try.)

I took a break. When I got back, my cute youngest had taken the spring and had named it “Fred” carrying it around with him and not letting anyone lay a finger on it (honestly…he was using it as a rocket and throwing it through the kitchen, and he didn’t name it Fred. It was more like Destructor or something similar to that. I just like the name Fred.)

Anyway, all the pieces had either disappeared or where now a part of an imaginary artillery. So I called it quits.

This morning, as I was staring at my blank screen, trying to think of what should happen next in my story, but feeling the urge to talk to the computer because it wasn't doing what I wanted it to (again, please…objects do not speak back). When what should be sitting beside me? All five pieces of the evil stapler.

I knew what I had to do.

I popped that spring in place, assembled the metal thingy-object and snapped that pusher-down thing-er together. And Pow! My stapler was fixed.

I cheered in triumph! I wept with joy and then ate a bowl of crackers because I was really really happy. The stapler was working again.

So yes, this must prove it. If I can fix a stapler anything is possible. Even what seems to be unreachable, may be reachable.

We just have to keep pushing along, never giving up even when it looks like all is lost (especially when someone has named our stapler springs the Destructor).

See? Anything can happen. You just have to do it.

Support or Weight?

2010-01-25T12:48:00.000-08:00

Okay, this is my rant for the quarter. I have to have one at least once in a while…right? p.s. this was written in haste, because I really should be studying for my Stats class…shhh, don’t tell my teacher.

My good friend and I went to breakfast this morning and the subject of writing support came up. She and I have both had experiences where we have heard people say not very nice things about other writers or have seen controversy as we have taken this journey.

As we reflected on this, we thought about those amazing writers who did support others out there in the community. Those who answered questions, those who plan awesome activities, those who care if someone has gotten something published how big or little it may be. Those who haven’t gotten offended by someone’s misspoken words.

They are the class acts.

And there are many out there.

To you I say thank you. You are the support writers need to keep writing, the force of support to encourage a discouraged friend (not drag their noses in “you wrote this?” But instead said, "I can help you."). You are the ones who keep us going. And to you I say. Thanks.

After having a difficult week with the writing, I was grateful for those around me who came to my aide. I hope I can be more like you and be a support and not a weight when others in my life are struggling. I am truly grateful.

Have you ever had someone help you up when you were feeling low? Do you have any suggestions that I can put in my mini book of awesome ideas to help others around me? (I know long title for my notepad, but I love it!)

Thanks guys! Next week I will actually take the time to think of a great post and not go on a long rants. Well, maybe. =) Have a great week, and may all your writings be mind-boggling astounding.

Not a Hobby, Repeat, Not a Hobby!

2010-01-22T09:30:00.001-08:00

Okay, so I was talking to this woman. She knew I was writing and had been pursuing finishing my book. She also knew I was almost finished with school.

"So what are you going to do with your degree once you get out of school?" she asked.

I had to stop and think. Because I wasn't sure. Because I was planning on writing. You know - becoming a writer.

"Well, I can become a therapist." I mean really? (I'd have to go back to school and get my major - *cringe*) OR do I want to make up worlds where anything can happen?

"At least you have a hobby of writing." She smiled, unknowing what an impact her words had made on me.

It made me think. Do I really see writing as just a hobby?

No. *eyes narrowing* I don't. Writing is so much more to me and I see it as more than just something to pass the time with.

(Imaginary superhero cape flowing behind me.) "I am not just a hobby writer." (please use super-laundry-girl voice). "I am a writer." *hair blowing in the wind, hand raised holding powerful thesaurus of justice* I don't know why I always see myself as a writer-super-hero, but I do.

For me, I see myself as more then just a hobby-writer. Much more. I am a writer.

How do you see yourself?

Hangin' with Amazing-nous Peeps!

2010-01-20T08:20:00.000-08:00

Last weekend a group of us writers all got together for a terrific shin-dig hosted by Elana J. & Suzette . And look how rebellious we are with our cups full of sparkling apple juice. We are a wild pack of writers I tell ya.

The awesomeness people standing up: L.T. Elliot, Mary Campbell, Nichole Giles, Alaina Evans, Elana Johnson, Angie Lofthouse, Carolyn Vawdrey, Michelle Argyle, Suzette Saxton, Windy Aphayrath

Awesomenss people in the front: Jenn Wilks, Tess Hilmo, Ali Cross, Natalie Whipple
(To be honest, I copied this list from Elana J's website. She is so organzied! Thanks Elana!)

We ate, we played funny writing games (don’t ask about the tiara), and we even won awards. Please see picture below.

Yay! I won the Serious Skimmer award!

Along with the Skirmisher award, I was awarded a pirate sword kit, which was taken immediately by my five-year-old who ran around the house in his undies yelling, "Walk the plank, Matey." It was a sight to see. I should have taken a picture.

It was interesting that so many of us were at different stages of our journey. Some were agented authors, others waiting for their first books to be published – some wrote short stories, others novels - Some newbies, others oldbies (can there be oldbies?). But all in all a good time.

On the way home it was mentioned that it felt good to be with people who “get us,” Who understood what our dreaming and hopes were all about. It’s true. We writers have lofty goals. But meeting together gives one hope and inspiration.

I highly recommend meeting with said awesomeness if you have a chance to.
Thanks again to all those who planned and participated! You guys rock!

Turnips, Triumphs, and First Drafts...plus scary-crazy weeks...Yikes!

2010-01-14T09:13:00.000-08:00

I wasn’t sure if I should blog this week, because it has been one wacky week full of crazy teachers (not any of my teachers, but still - a whole long story), strange men who give out their email addresses (I don’t even want to begin with that one), sick little guys (thank goodness for indoor plumbing! Love it!), plus the whole awful earthquake in Haiti (my heart goes out to them - if you can, please donate to relief efforts - Check out Nathan Bransford's blog for a good resouce). (Or find a place near you that is taking donations. But only those you trust.)

There is one shiny light at the end of the tunnel (or should I say week?). I am almost done with my first draft!!!! Yes! Hooray! Doing funky dance. I just have to piece a chunk of story with another chunk of story, and I’m done.

But I’m not really done. Many people think that just because you finish writing a first draft of a story it is ready to query.

Don’t do it my friend! Not yet.

After you finish your story, you have to tuck it away for a few days, pull it out, and reread, revise, reread, revise.

Yes, this is what we writers do after we squeeze all the blood we can get out of that turnip – then we make pumpkin pie with it (it’s not easy making pumpkin pie from a turnip, but I’m trying).

Have the piece critiqued, maybe add a few beta-readers (or alpha-readers, whatever you like to call them), and then ….

Query.

Hopefully by that point the piece is ready to go. Not an easy task, but well worth the work.

Any other suggestions I’m forgetting? Maybe a trip to the therapist to discuss trying to make pumpkin pie from a turnip?

Welcome Back!

2010-01-05T10:10:00.000-08:00

Well I am finally back from my mini blog vacation. Hopefully I will be able to catch up with all my blog friends by the end of the week. =) Love you guys!

We actually took our cute kids to Southern Ca for the holidays - and can I say- just as wonderful in the winter as it is in the summer. And the surfers! Wow, there were a ton.

So here we are at 2010. Do you have any new goals for the year? Writing goals, weight loss goals, needle point kite making goals?

I’ve been thinking about my lofty bundles of goals and I do have a few. Finish school (only four more classes!). Finish book (only 30,000 more words to go!). Keep house clean and laundry under control (my neighbor told me an excellent way to control the stinky clothes-o-meter and it seems to be working). 2010 is looking great!

Last but not least – work on the craft of writing. Most writers will tell you, the more you write the better writer you will become. I totally believe that. So this year I will focus on finishing my book while improving THE CRAFT (say that in a really low spooky voice. So mysterious.) Plus I have three conferences to attend, writers to meet (so excited!), and books to read. What a great year this is going to be.

So hey! Tell me what your goals are. Are you going to finish that awesome book? Query the hottest agent? Start a critique group? Make lots of fudge and share it with all your writer friends (Will you invite me to that? I love the fudge).

What are your goals for 2010?

Checkerboard Squares by Carolyn V

Huh? Really? I don't Believe it.

Rebel Writer's Pledge

I Need a Hero

Things to Remind Myself this Year

I'm Moving!

Look out 2012!

Merry Christmas!

Moody Weather

Where have you been? I mean...really.

Zombie Love

Unplugging it

I Think we have a Communication Issue Here

I'm in Deep Reflection Today. Be Forewarned.

I Have Ten Minutes to Write this Post

Seriously? I mean...Really?

Why Didn't They Tell Me Before?

Help me Organize!!!

Happy Monday!

Cleaning it Up

What's happening?

I Miss You Blogger

I'm Possessed with Possession!

Lenny-Lee Fest

E-books vs. Traditional -- Let the Battle Begin *ding*

You're so Tweet

I'm a Beta-Yogurt Maker!

Will You Just Get Out of My Head?

I'm Back! Beware...just saying

Deadlines and Dead socks.

Do You Want Some Whine With That Cheese - A Sentimental Repost

Writing, Life, and Spilling Stuffs

Feelings those Feelings of Feeling

Feeling Rebellious I tell ya!

The First 13 Lines

What? You Mean I can just Wear my Socks?

Life, the Universe, and Everything... *happy sigh*

It's really me....really. Promise.

Under Construction

Come on! Will You Just Put That Book Down?????

Warning...You Might Want to Rethink that Title. Just Saying.

You Can Do MORE!

Doing the Unbelievable

Sorry. I'm Not Posting Today

2010, I will miss you.

Merry Christmas!

Short but Sweet

Here's to You

You Mean Three Hours of Sleep is Bad for You?

Beware! They aren't just for dinner anymore!

Carrot, Eggs or Coffee Bean?

Here's to Re-posts and Rejections

I'm a Fool for You...Blogger

Happy 11th Lenny!

Stinkin' Old Wonderful Corner Thingy

You Got Style, Baby

Organization, awards, and Devastating Epidemics

Compelling Characters

Wow

It's Catching Like Fire

Where are the Plot Holes People?

It's a Party...A Party, Party Weekend

It Happens in Little Steps

How Many Papers do I have to Sign?

Da da da da!

Guess that Character Blogfest

Words of Wisdom...sort of

Best Plans Gone Awry

Unplugged and Lovin' Every Minute of it!

The Sweetness of the Interview

Because You Rock!

Learning You're a Loser

Writing for Young Readers...I Survived

You're too Fluffy!

Hey, Check This Out!

I Think She's Talking to You

Unplugged and Dancing! Okay, I'm Really Revising

Be the Pretzel

Doing the Hard Things...continued

My Poor, Poor Characters.

E-books vs. Traditional -- Let the Battle Begin ding

Life, the Universe, and Everything... happy sigh