R.A.W. Random Acts of Writing

A few tears...

2011-05-25T18:33:00.001-04:00

Ok..truthfully...I have cried more in this past week than I have in a very long time.

The first breakdown occurred at work Saturday night but that was pure exhaustion coming out.

Monday night was fifth grade night where the staff held an awards ceremony and social for just the fifth graders. I thought it would be like any other award day. Boy was I wrong. One of the PTA members put together a slide show of the students as they grew throughout the years. Immediate tears! The music choice alone had me weepy...add pictures of our children's happy smiles and experiences as they blossomed into fifth graders and sheesh!!

Then my beautiful little girl was honored by a WWII Veteran with am American History award.

And then I wrote a poem just for her. It brought me to tears again..and poetry is not where I excel! I want to share it here as well.. in case Rhiannon loses it along the way :)

I remember the day I brought you home. You were tiny and perfect; God gave you to me and I called you my own.
Much too quickly you were a baby no more and I held onto your hands as you practiced walking the floor.
Before too long school days came to call. I cried knowing I wouldn't be there to catch your every fall.
Each year continues to fly by; I never really imagined the day you'd be tall enough to look me in the eye. There are times I know I yell louder than I should. Some days seem to be nothing good.
However, in my life as a mother, I've always found the world to be a brighter place with your smile around.
On this special day when I know you've risen to every challenge along the way; I wanted to have the chance to tell you that I'm proud of you in every way!

Friday Photos

2011-05-20T00:00:00.000-04:00

What's your favorite Summer Activity??

Wednesday Writing

2011-05-17T20:55:00.001-04:00

For today's post I'm typing on my touch screen phone...the internet bill had to take a backseat to the electric bill and various end of school costs that popped up unexpectedly!

At first I was really mad. But then I remembered that with these phones..there's an app for that. :)
And with that I set off to find and download blogger.

Success! Now I can keep that promise to myself about posting this week. However ...the sample of writing is on my pc and not my phone and I don't think my cheap version will handle an app for that.

And so I'm sorry for not having a writing sample up. Instead I think a prompt will be more fun.
Apparently I can't schedule posts with this app...so it will be published early.

Here it is.....
A young man finds himself lost in the underground tunnels of Portland, Oregon. Why did he go there? And will he find his way out?

Monday Mania!!

2011-05-16T08:11:00.000-04:00

Every once in a while I run across a word and definition that still leaves me with a little bit of the .... "HUH?" factor.

Zeitgeist: the spirit of the time;the general intellectual and moral state or temper characteristic of any period of time.
Thank goodness for examples!
As most critics and all professors of cultural theory note, Madonna is nothing if not a skilled reader of the zeitgeist.
Callithump: A children's parade, with prizes for the best costumes.
Purlieu: a place where one may range at large; bounds or confines 2. A person's haunt or resort 3. an outlying district or region 4. A piece of land on the edge of a forest, originally land that, after having been included in a royal forest, was restored to private ownership, though still subject, in some respects, to the operation of the forest laws.

I've been reading Mark Twain's autobiography...the one he actually wrote (which is by far the worst example of writing and yet the most hilarious example I've ever seen.) and realize a little more each day that writers, as a rule, have completely lost our minds. To read the internal musings of such a great classic...well, I just have to say WOW.

What's your Monday looking like? :)

Random Theories

2011-05-06T13:39:00.000-04:00

Here is my mash-up of Thursday Theories and Friday Random....

Theory #1
The squeaky wheel is always the defective one. I do also see, unfortunately, that the squeaky wheel gets attention. But....it's always the ~~person~~ wheel that ~~gripes~~ squeaks the loudest that is usually guilty of something.

Theory #2
Business management has gone all wonky. Certain...qualities that are searched out are no longer the ones that REALLY matter. Where it used to be that hard work paid off and moved you up...it now seems that hard work is the last rung on the ladder of qualities an individual must possess. The most important qualities that businesses want in their upper level of management are no kids, no husband, no knowledge and no respect for peons.

Random.....
I can't seem to figure out how to get pictures from my phone to my hard drive. I can get them to facebook and then I suppose I could download them from there, eh? Look at that. Talking to you Cool Kids just solved one major problem. So..here is a random picture I wanted to share...

Princess Rhiannon thoroughly enjoyed her choir experience. After the performance she received flowers from her very proud Poppa. :) I am so proud of her. They did an excellent job...you would not listen to them and think they were little kids. I hope this is something she decides that she likes enough to pursue.

Oh look....a new business card! I have way too much fun on vistaprint.com and now I'm having way too much fun on Cafe Press. They allow you to "open shop" for free and create different slogans/designs which they will produce when ordered and you receive a commission. Kayla and I have one....we love it. We're not breaking the bank, but we figure it's got to take some time before our designs hit the red carpet. ;)

That's all for now. I have been blogging sporadically because I haven't worked on any work in progress steadily in so long that I kind of feel like I would be a bad influence to all of you writerly Cool Kids that are still writing along. :)

So tell me something random from your week!! :)

Monday Mania!!

2011-04-18T00:00:00.001-04:00

I've been unfaithful, Cool Kids. I'm sorry. I started this writing thing over at Triond.com where you write short articles or submit recipes or creative writing. They have deals with other websites to pretty much publish what they want (which is what you write) and you get a certain percentage of the income generated by people reading and clicking etc.. At least that's the way I understand it. I'm very new to this. It's not anything I'm trying to break the bank with or catch the eye of some dream agent with. But it's allowing me to write short bursts of junk that is in my head without all the strict guidelines. It's like my free-writing exercise. (And if you clicked on any of these links you will see that I shamelessly led you to my little articles. Fun game, huh?)

So, for today's vocabulary I have some fun words. Seriously fun.

Vociferate: to speak or cry out loudly or noisily; shout; bawl
Coruscate: to emit vivid flashes of light; sparkle; scintillate; gleam
Sedulous: diligent in application or attention; persevering; assiduous
persistently or carefully maintained

Wednesday's Writing.. .Lazy Writing

2011-03-30T00:00:00.002-04:00

I was looking over an old manuscript and found this passage.....

The mountains soared all around me with incredible color. I couldn’t name half of the trees or plants in the mountains, but I had always loved walking this road for the scenery. The mountains remained my highlight through everything over the years. I had even hiked them a time or two.

I was immediately struck by my laziness. Instead of naming off trees and plants that this character would obviously know...just by them being a highlight over the years; I made my character take the fall as ignorant. What kind of lame friend does that??

Have you found any examples of lazy writing in your manuscripts? Or are you too scared to call yourself out on it? :) Until next time....

Keep a Smile on!

Monday Mania!!

2011-03-28T00:00:00.001-04:00

How about a little vocab to wake up the Monday Brain Cells??

Kismet: fate, destiny

Quaff: to drink a beverage, particularly an intoxicating one, with great enjoyment and in excess

Ersatz: being a substitute or imitation; usually an inferior one

Gimcrack: tastelessly gaudy, tacky; a showy but useless object

And some inspiration to get you to the office/diaper changing table/coffee pot/vehicle/whatever....

"It's never too late to become the
person you might have been."
- George Elliot

And a laugh for you.....

You see how well this photo op went....Young Prince is throwing a fit and trying to get out of the swing and I look like I'm about to chain him to something..... ;)

Have a great Monday!

Thursday's Theory....Super Moon Musings

2011-03-24T17:58:00.000-04:00

Did any of you see the Super Moon on the 19th? We sure did, big and bright and unfortunately....without a cape. ;-)

Since that, I've had a really interesting week. I've decided it's the Super Moon's fault.

No blog posts this week? Super Moon. The negative effects of the Moon's gravitational pull so close to my home surely kept my brain from being able to type out three effective blogs.

Coolant in my car is low after filling it yesterday. Super Moon's fault. Obviously it was too hot.

The bickering between my children. *gritting teeth* Super Moon. Definitely.

Two car accidents (major accidents which involved flipping of vehicles) within 8 hours and 1 mile of each other. Super Moon.

My home almost caught fire. Super Moon is stealthy.

Griping guests at work? Oh they must have missed the Super Moon.....

You get my point. How did the Super Moon screw up (or maybe enhance with luck) your life this week??

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

2011-03-17T15:21:00.000-04:00

For each petal on the shamrock
This brings a wish your way -
Good health, good luck, and happiness
For today and every day.
~Author Unknown

May your blessings outnumber
The shamrocks that grow,
And may trouble avoid you
Wherever you go.
~Irish Blessing

Find more fun anecdotes, sayings, blessings and jokes here!!

Monday Mania!! .... On a Tuesday

2011-03-15T11:27:00.000-04:00

I'm feeling like a rebel. Actually...I'm feeling like I have some kind of sickness that is making my throat burn and swell and my body ache. Therefore my blogs didn't get written in time.

"Not every story has explosions and car chases. That's why they have nudity and espionage." ~Bill Barnes and Gene Ambaum

Blandishment: Flattering Speech or Action

Fanfaronade: Swaggering, empty boasting, blustering manner or behavior, ostentatious display

Gimcrack: Tastelessly showy; cheap or gaudy

I hope everyone has started their week off well. It's spring break around our house so all They Royals are running around free and wild. This makes routines a bit more difficult....but not impossible!! Have a great week, Cool Kids!!

I have not overlooked...

2011-03-14T19:17:00.000-04:00

I received two lovely blog awards over the past couple of weeks and I wanted to let you know that I have not forgotten about them, and please accept my apologies for not properly thanking you!!

Angelia Almos at One Writer's Journey awarded me the Irresistibly Sweet Blogger Award.

I'm to list 4 Guilty Pleasures

1.) Facebook...it's really such a guilty pleasure it should count as all four!

2.) Survivor on Wednesday night. Unless I'm working, I'm watching. This includes ignoring my children.

3.) Malibu and Hot Cocoa. Yes, this sounds odd. Malibu is coconut flavored rum. Throw it in hot chocolate and I swear it will taste like a melted Almond Joy. I only get this when the Young Prince goes to bed at a decent hour and I don't have to be up early!

4.) Angry Birds. It's embarrassing how much those little pigs piss me off!

Courtney Rene awarded me One Lovely Blog award!! Thank you!

Here's where I'm horrible....to pass these along. I can't ever choose. I hope that you link back to the fabulous blogging writers that awarded me these as they deserve them too!! Please feel free to share the awards with your favorite bloggers.

Wednesday's Writing

2011-03-09T00:00:00.001-05:00

My good blogging pal, Glasshalfful Gal, is starting a Creative Writing Challenge game on her blog. We haven't worked out all the deets yet, but it sure sounds like a good way to kick that writing muse in the rear!

She plans to begin on Saturday with our first short story due April 1st. So, head over to her blog and check it out! I plan on participating to try and get my discipline back!!

Speaking of discipline......for Wednesday's Writing, I want to know if you have a schedule or routine to go with your writing? I've tried many, many different forms of scheduling my writing time and it's not easy with a job that doesn't keep the same days off from week to week, three children and a husband. I imagine it's not easy if you do have a job with regular days off and you have no children. Let's face it; there's always something else that needs to be done, right?

My latest and greatest attempt looks like this:

WIP ONLY: Mon, Wed, Fri for 2 hours
weekends if possible

REVISING ONLY: Tues, Thurs for one hour
Friday if possible

BLOG POSTING ONLY: Saturday or Sunday

Let's see if this at least gets me back into the swing of sitting at my computer to write...not to facebook. ;) What are your tricks?

Fat Tuesday!!

2011-03-08T00:00:00.000-05:00

Let the Good Times Roll!

Just for fun, I thought I'd post a few videos of Mardi Gras past...it's not just about drinking and showing body parts... ;)

Monday Mania!!

2011-03-07T00:00:00.001-05:00

"Unless you try to do something beyond
what you have already mastered,
you will never grow."
- Ronald E. Osborn

I've tossed and turned over the idea of writing this current romance. A snippet of which you can find here. This is a genre I don't read, never attempted to write and am not even sure you could call mine a romance. Perhaps it would be more women's lit...but I don't consider myself good enough to be called literature, either. Ahh the dilemmas. But I'm going to go with good old Ronald Osborn and see it through to the very end...tragic or triumphant!!

How are you challenging yourself?

Through the course of....

2011-03-06T11:45:00.000-05:00

This has been one of those years. It's been a roller coaster ride, truthfully, and I hope to remember and learn from everything that has happened.

This last week, one chapter came to a close. BFF moved out and I wish her the best. It was a busy week and one that brought to light so many things I had not allowed myself to see. I grieved for the lost and forgotten and celebrated a new beginning.

In this new beginning; I'm again concentrating on my writing. My family. Myself. It's time to buckle down and better our lives. This. Is. Exciting.

My hopeful news fell through....however I'll keep on keeping on and we are going to survive in this big bad world.

Tomorrow is a new day! We'll have Monday Mania to kick off the week and I want to try and catch up with all of you fabulous Cool Kids out there!

Please Stay Tuned!

2011-03-02T07:14:00.000-05:00

We have a lot going on this week that sort of jumped up and surprised us. I will return to my regularly scheduled blogging next week and I hope to share some excitement with you this weekend. Unfortunately it is not a publishing contract.........

Wednesday's Writing

2011-02-23T05:16:00.000-05:00

This is a completely re-written beginning to a romance that I'm attempting. The original beginning is still in my document because sometimes those words will re-inspire me. Sometimes, I decide I want them back. I'm very fickle in my revisions. But after several years, I've learned a few things. Take a look at my example.

The announcer’s voice on the super sized TV boomed through the bar and informed Carrie that the ball was rising in Times Square. She couldn’t watch because ~~she was answering questions from ten different servers~~ ten servers flocked around her with questions while she ~~simultaneously adjusting~~ adjusted a guest’s check and used hand signals to get her bartender started on popping the cork off the cheap champagne. Carrie watched ~~the~~ couples around her scoot close and prepare to share their first kiss of the New Year. She longed to share a first kiss this year with her new, and first, girlfriend. Instead she had incompetent morons asking her questions about the one cent charge for the champagne toast her restaurant offered.

“I told my guests at table 63 that it was free. They’re going to see one cent on their check and be pissed, Carrie. We can’t call it a complimentary champagne toast and then charge one cent,” Brian whined.

She looked at the twenty year old law student with the intelligence of a genius and the common sense of a gnat. Instead of fighting with him, she dug in her pocket until she felt the smooth surface of a penny.

“Then deliver this with the check, Brian.” She pressed the penny into his palm and closed his fingers around it.

Revising can be a real painful experience. We chop out precious words that we love, wipe out entire scenes, play with the heart of our WIP uadd entire scenes and basically ntil it beats steadily.

I do a lot of visual editing. Some people prefer to print off their document and use different colored pens. I do this but usually not until I think I'm completely finished revising on the computer. Once a document is done, I will print it and do some revisions with good ol' pen and paper.

Saving all those deleted words can sometimes trick your brain into carrying on. Rather than hit delete after highlighting that entire two pages of dialogue...choose "cut" instead and paste your deletions in a new document. This makes it easier to cut all of that out. Then it makes it even easier if you realize that only one page of dialogue should have been cut. Or if you realize that there was one stellar sentence you want back.

As you see, I have lined through parts that I will eventually delete. In the meantime, I don't go into panic mode because those words are still there if I need them.

Highlight your verbs. This way you can see how powerful or weak they may be. Same thing with dialogue tags. Highlight them a different color. It's also instantaneously visual if you are using too many tags, too many

verbs or not enough.

Color your words! If something isn't jiving but you're not sure why; don't get rid of all of it. Change the color of the text so that you will automatically look at it again in the future.

Unless you absolutely love revision, don't try to do it all at once. Take a lot of breaks because right now is when you need to be fresh! I try for a chapter at a time. Sometimes I will even read them out of order, just so I don't bore myself with reading the story two hundred times in a week.

What do you think? How does your Revision Process work?

Monday Mania!!

2011-02-21T11:15:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the last week of February...and

Monday Mania!

A little of this and that! For example; some vocab for your writing week...

Uxorious: Excessively fond of or submissive to a wife
Effluvium: A slight or invisible exhalation or vapor, especially one that is unpleasant

And a question for you...How do you start off the week? Does Monday hold any kind of weight with you at all?

"Yesterday is not ours to recover, but
tomorrow is ours to win or to lose."
- Lyndon B. Johnson

Thursday's Theories

2011-02-17T00:49:00.000-05:00

During my long absence, I decided I needed to have a more organized blogging schedule. Or topics. I used to just blog on the fly. I think I've run out of that stream of writing consciousness. :) And so one of the things I'm going to start every week is Thursday's Theories or Theory; depending on how well I've processed life previous to writing the post. ;)

Today is a smorgasboard of theories....

1) Science Fair projects no matter how well intended for educational purposes, are a pain my ass. Yep, I actually swore because that's how much I hate them. I hated them as a kid and now I hate them as a parent. And I don't do all the work. That's not the reason. It's mostly because Science just isn't my thing and so it's hard for me to process my eleven year old Science-Genius talk about what she wants to experiment with. Is it anything that is simple, like growing mold or using different plant foods? Nope. I'm not even going to go into it on here it's that 'complicated.' Thank goodness the Court Jester is more inclined to be helpful in that subject area.

2) In general, people as a whole have gotten incredibly lazy. So lazy that they can't read menus before ordering, instructions before building, signs before entering/exiting/merging/not merging. And don't get me started on work ethic.

3) The youngest child is spoiled because ~~I'm~~ parents are exhausted by then. Although I'm still trying to keep some semblance of order in the court; my Young Prince wins a lot. Possibly too much. I see it in Princess Rhiannon's eyes. "I never got away with that!" You know; bedtime, eating in the living room, eating whatever he wants, eating whenever he wants (look, I just want him to eat), etc... I'm just too damn tired to battle every single thing he does 'wrong' because then I would never, ever stop yelling, talking, time-outing and smoking.

4) The experts say that quitting smoking is harder than kicking heroin. Fabulous. I've been trying to use mind over matter as I slowly cut down. I'm not doing the whole cold turkey thing. Why? Because I'm too much of a wimp. Quitting causes certain receptors on our cells to die. DIE. Like, withering away. I know it's good in the long run, but those receptors dying off is what creates withdrawals. So, experts suggest that you slowly step down. *sigh* However, I'm continuing to change my attitude about smoking. I'm hoping that if I keep saying to myself, "you're a non-smoker" it will eventually sink in. Okay, it's not that easy either, but......

What's your theory/thought for today??

My Absence

2011-02-15T14:36:00.000-05:00

Oh my goodness! Life without the internet is horrid. Just horrid. I almost had to go to the library to get online. Almost. Luckily my phone kept me in facebook touch and I could read blogs. Commenting on them or composing them on the phone however, is not very expedient.

So, I'm back. I'm on a journey. This is a journey that I start and then lose track of pretty much all. the. time. It's the journey of self-discipline and willpower. I believe I blogged about this before. It's my biggest flaw. I mean huge! And self discipline is so necessary!

I'm reminding myself again, through my blog and with accountability, to keep on trucking. I'm tired. But the end product is going to be worth it. The sacrifices are hard. But a best-seller is one huge accomplishment to compensate.

Okay, cool kids! Let's go forth! Write! Read! Love life and write some more!!

Old Words, New Inspiration

2011-01-31T01:26:00.000-05:00

I was searching frantically for my server book earlier today when I ran across a torn scrap of paper with a few sentences written on it. The handwriting was sloppy, like I had been in a rush to write them down. I still can't for the life of me remember writing it...but I do remember the reasons behind this rushed story idea.

My eleven year old has a heart of gold and it seems to get her into some sticky situations at school. She tends to choose the outcasts as her friends and takes some teasing for it. While I commend her for being a friend to someone in need; sometimes those friends aren't so good for her.

Toxic Friends Forever was the working title and this the first sentence: So, either I am such a different person I no longer like the person you are, or you are such a different person that I no longer like you.

I can't even describe the excitement that flooded my brain. I couldn't wait for my quiet time to get home and start re-working on my old project. I've tumbled the words over and over my brain and thought of the many different directions I could take this story. I have that rush again to write a good story and the feeling that maybe it will be a really good one. :)

My question for you is this; Do you jot down short ideas or keep a journal of sorts that can inspire you when you're feeling the itch for something new? Or do old manuscripts sometimes spark something new within you that gets the muse all fired up and ready to whisper sweet nothings over your shoulder?

EUREKA!!! Part 2

2011-01-28T01:53:00.000-05:00

So to follow up on my previous blog about the discovery of this new phenomena I've been experiencing; I'm writing today about my lack of a complete solution. However, it's also an acceptance of my situation that helps me out a lot.

First of all; there are certain truths we hold to be uhm..truths. The kids/husband/plumber/electrician/internet service/brand new episode of some favorite show/the need for food will all inevitably interrupt your writing time. Accept it. Love it. Live it. Learn it.

In my situation; the Court Jester has a degenerate hip disease which causes him much pain. Therefore, his load is a *tiny* bit lighter. Full time Dad is no easy load.

There is a lot more to a disability than the physical aspect. His disease also creates a lot of mental and emotional distress. He gets tired of sitting at home and therefore when I'm home from work, he really enjoys having another adult to talk with. *conflict* I have so damn much to do when I'm home from work that sometimes he ends up feeling a tad left out. So then when I think about sitting down to write...I feel a tad bit guilty.

SOLUTION: Re-communication. We both fell out of our routines and neither of us really talked about my writing much anymore...bills, kids, bills, work, kids, bills is about what was happening. When we talked I found out that during the Prince's naptime he would really love to go out to his garage and piddle around. It's a short amount of time and with the weather slightly warming, it's a little less painful. So we agreed-he will go and piddle; I will write. If he doesn't go out; I will still write. On my days off, I have two hours allotted to me of guilt free writing time.

Next conflict: I had lost all self-discipline in finding those stolen moments and grasping onto them with both hands on the keyboard. I think the solution there is simple enough. This is why I'm writing this blog post at 1:50 in the morning. I haven't quite wound down from my night at work. Instead of watching TV...I'm blogging. I might only write one sentence. Two words. But I will be writing when the rest of the house is sleeping. This is only solved with self-discipline. This will be the hardest part of this process of weaning myself back into writing again.

But I'm glad to be more conscious of why I had such a hard time writing for more than a few minutes at a time without losing all concentration. It's not really them. It's me.

EUREKA!!!

2011-01-23T02:09:00.000-05:00

If you have followed this blog for long, you will notice that I'm very dishonest and don't often whine or complain about things in my personal life.

Oh.....

*ahem* Perhaps I exaggerate??

Alright, so this post is a bit of personal, but with a fabulously happy ending about writing. Will you continue to read?

The last six months have been really rough for me. Not just in finances, or daily family struggles or children misbehaving; but emotionally and mentally....R-O-U-G-H. It is usually in times like these, I turn to writing. I pump out hundreds of thousands of words (we won't mention that most of them are not used in story form-oh wait, I just told on myself) in blog posts, journals, short stories, novel beginnings(hehe get it?) and letters to the dead.

These last six months, I've possibly pumped out a few hundred words. Total. Period. I'm supposed to be a writer, ya know...I write. But I've found myself instead, thinking about writing a whole lot and then staring at a blank screen. So, then I stare at a TV screen or read to try and inspire myself. Nada.

I've re-evaluated my process. Where my desk sits. How I feel at each point of each day. Is Saturday different than Tuesday? Morning better than night? Afternoon better than ever? I briefly considered moving my desk into the bathroom....you know what they say...... Best thoughts on the pot and all. Not to mention the hundreds of times an idea has appeared to me in the middle of my shower and then *poof* disappear by the time I get out.

I let go and gave up. Let me tell you how well that worked for my self-confidence. Not.

Well tonight, the Prince went to bed early and my wonderful Court Jester went to pick up BFF from work. I put pen to paper and started writing. It was cohesive. It made sense. The words kept coming and coming. Then BFF and Court Jester got home. For a minute, it was okay. And then I suddenly couldn't keep my thoughts straight anymore. I got this funny little tightness in my chest and I thought, "This is ridiculous! I'm not having a panic attack right now. There's no stresser, no fight or negativity flying around." But try as I might, I simply got more irritated and frustrated and the words wouldn't come together for me anymore.

I've suddenly become ....... Write Shy.

I don't want to write when other people are in the room. I don't believe it to be specific to CJ or BFF. I think I just suddenly have gotten some strange affliction that I've never had before. I don't know where I could have caught it. I don't even know why it would infiltrate my very strong Ignore the World to Write instincts!

Having identified this problem is a huge step. Let me tell you about the weight that has broken and tumbled off my chest. Well, it's been replaced by a smaller weight. How to resolve the problem.

That, my Cool Kids, will be for another blog post. ;)

Closed Due to ....

2011-01-11T21:14:00.000-05:00

I'm lurking around, but not blogging. It seems right now the only amount of time I have on the computer is for quick status updates.

I expect to have a plan and back to regular blogging by the beginning of February. Note the word *plan* in that sentence. *wink wink*

See you around!

The Cost of Happiness

2010-12-31T02:23:00.000-05:00

In this tumultuous year of 2010, I've learned a lot. This is to say; I found all the wrong ways of doing things.

I've learned that just because I had two children did not mean I would be a pro at raising child #3. God love him. I've learned that acquiring a job doesn't necessarily relieve stress-no matter how much you talk in the beginning of the changes that are about to occur. I've learned that sometimes I can't be everything for my children; and even sometimes they can't be everything for me. I've learned that life is never what we expect it to be and our decisions are not often made logically-even though we think we are being logical at the time. I've learned that no matter how loudly we protest that we are not a judgemental person; there is a tiny judge sitting in each of our brains.

And at the root of all this, I started thinking about happiness and how we all search for it in our lives. Even when we are happy, part of the human nature is to drive for further happiness (whether that be in wealth, fame, health,etc..) I realized that in most instances of misery that I hear from friends or family; it's not the lack of knowing what will make them happy, but the cost of achieving it that creates friction. Between parents and children, husbands and wives, lovers and friends; the concern for how our actions will make them feel is a roadblock. Sometimes a positive roadblock-don't get me wrong! I realize this is part conscience that makes us human.

However; what happens when so many dominoes are going to fall at the expense of a smile on your face and peace in your heart?

As writers, this is something that is a crucial part of our character development, plot, conclusion and everything in between that sometimes the thought of it all is so deep and overwhelming I get lost in my thoughts of what-ifs. Think of your past for a moment. Remember that one big thing you did that you really stressed and worried about. A move away from home? A divorce? A marriage? What about an unexpected pregnancy or career change? How many people did it affect and did you weigh the cost of their happiness against that of your own?

Some things to ponder as you pound away. And I'd love to hear your thoughts on the cost of happiness.

Happy Holidays!!

2010-12-24T03:19:00.000-05:00

Let me preface this post with the fact that I'm not trying to leave Christ out of Christmas. To those of you that celebrate; Merry Christmas!! But I also know that many of you do not celebrate Christmas, but Channukah or other holidays that are perfectly wonderful. So...Happy Holidays, my Cool Kids!

I'll be honest with you guys...this isn't my favorite time of year. I don't know what happened to the magic...I can't blame it on my children. They assure me every year that they do not expect a big, expensive Christmas (and every year I deliver a too expensive for us Christmas) and my husband and I do not even exchange gifts, usually. The past couple of years, he has sneakily bought me a present and I'm the one out on Christmas Eve searching for something...anything...for him.

I love giving gifts...but do not have the means to buy presents nor the ~~energy/time/~~creative ability to make them. I feel like December is this huge Time Suck in life that drains me emotionally, mentally, financially and physically. That's pretty draining. Which ruins the whole magical Christmas stuff for me.

The kids are cute. The anxiety and the wishing and hoping, searching and wondering about presents, Santa, God and everything in between. I love that part. I love seeing their faces light up at the simplest things-like baking cookies (we actually got around to that, thank goodness!) and making snowflakes (we did not get around to that one....) is priceless.

This is perhaps The Royals' favorite part of Christmas

Oh and we can't forget this....

This was the Prince's first year decorating cookies, and he had a blast!

So, here's to next year that I will somehow find the magic again and here's to this year that I faked it pretty well and there's only one day left. ;)

Everyone stay safe!!

A New Blog

2010-12-20T17:08:00.000-05:00

*snicker* I just love this girl, my BFF, and she has started a blog about her trials and tribulations in dating.

ManFax. How cool is this? Head over there and check it out.

A Bit of Fiction Molly's Gift

2010-12-10T03:17:00.003-05:00

I wrote this three Christmases ago for my husband.... It's the often hidden softer side of him that makes me love him so much. And I figured to get us all in the spirit of things I would share....again (found this in last year's batch of blogs as well!) Enjoy.

MOLLY’S GIFT

by: Kristi Faith

Molly juggled several bags of food and groaned to keep from screaming aloud in frustration. Why am I here? There are so many better things I could be doing. Yesterday, a fire claimed several homes in an apartment complex. Molly’s mother insisted she go to the shelter and help out. The crisis shelter provided food, blankets and a place to sleep for families that lost their homes to a disaster situation.

“Hey Molly, need some help?” Roger, the volunteer coordinator, jogged across the snow covered parking lot.

“Thank you. I brought some food that my mother gathered.” Molly gratefully handed him two full bags.

“I’m glad you’re here. This time of year is rough,” Roger explained.

Molly shrugged and followed him inside. People covered every inch of the old building. Several volunteers handed out plates and hot cocoa. Molly noticed a few kids from her high school. She wondered how they could deal with all this depression without any comforts from home.

Roger handed her a stack of blankets. “Could you start passing these out? More blankets and pillows are stacked over there.” He pointed to an overflowing pile.

Molly handed two blankets to a frightened young mother carrying a small baby. “She’s precious.”

The woman attempted a smile, but cried instead. “This is her first Christmas.”

Molly felt a little tug on her sweater. Looking down, she saw a sandy haired little boy of about four. Molly smiled and asked, “What can I do for you?”

“Me and my momma and my sissy didn’t get a blanket,” the little boy explained.

“Well, I’m sorry! Take me to your family and I’ll make sure you each get your own blanket.” Molly followed the little boy to a corner where his mother and sister waited. His mother looked frightened and tired, but thanked Molly for bringing them.

“I’m Rhonda. These are my kids, Tyler and Katie.” She wiped away the tears welling in her eyes.

Katie held a small Raggedy Ann doll with one hand and her mother’s pant leg with the other. She looked just like her brother, but with a dusting of freckles across her nose. She stared at Molly with wide eyes. Tyler stuck a thumb in his mouth and whimpered.

“He lost everything,” Rhonda explained. “His special toy was a goofy brown giraffe. He’s been missing it the most.”

“I’m so sorry,” Molly mumbled. She didn’t know what to say.

Rhonda nodded and turned her attention to her children.

After Molly finished passing out blankets and pillows, she helped clean up the kitchen and said goodbye to Roger. Molly pulled her scarf tightly against the chill and hurried home.

Why does my mom always suggest these volunteer jobs? The trip to the shelter depressed her. Molly sighed and walked into her bedroom.

As she fell into her pillow covered bed, something orange on her closet shelf caught her eye. She stood on her tip-toes and found her stuffed mouse from childhood. It had been a gift from Santa when she was four. She still remembered waking up early Christmas morning, running down the stairs, and squealing with delight. In front of the sparkling tree stood an orange mouse almost as big as she, and the brightest orange color she had ever seen. His black button eyes and nose shined, and his whiskers stood straight out, tickling her face every time she squeezed him. She called him Mousey and dragged him everywhere with her. She must have tossed him in the box with other stuffed animals she had outgrown.

Molly inspected Mousey and found his whiskers drooping down his face. His nose hung by a single thread. He still had a tear in his back, but he felt soft and the bright orange hadn’t faded. Molly smiled and picked up the phone to call Roger.

The next morning, Molly woke with a brighter outlook. She dressed in her warmest clothes, grabbed her backpack, the box of stuffed animals, and headed for the shelter. When she arrived, Roger was already waiting.

“I’m glad you called last night. We gathered enough stockings for the kids to decorate tonight. You brought stuffed animals, enough for 10 children?” Roger asked.

Molly smiled. “Yep, I brought them. My parents and I also found a few things to wrap for everyone else.”

Roger led Molly to a supply closet in the back of the little kitchen. “We can put the stuffed animals with the stockings our other volunteers brought.”

Molly pulled the big orange mouse out of the box. “Roger, this mouse is really special. I sewed him up, but you can see he was well loved. I really want this one to go to Tyler, the little boy that lost everything in the fire.”

Roger took Mousey from Molly and tenderly placed him in the closet. “I give you my word.”

Early the next morning, Roger called. “I’m sorry to interrupt your Christmas, Molly, but there’s something you really need to see down here.”

When Molly arrived at the shelter, she was amazed. Laughter filled the building. People chatted together, seeming to have forgotten their woes for the morning. Clutched in ten different children’s hands, Molly saw her old stuffed animals.

Roger walked over to her side. “You helped bring this together.”

Molly nodded, speechless. She felt a little tug on her sweater.

“Look, blanket lady! Look! Santa brought me this orange mouse! I call him Mousey and he’s my best friend. Look at his crooked whiskers. Do you see him?” Tyler said in one breath. As he ran off, tripping over Mousey’s big feet, he hollered, “Merry Christmas!”

Molly laughed, feeling the magic of Christmas surround her. She couldn’t imagine a better place to be. “Merry Christmas, Tyler!”

It has come to my attention:

2010-12-09T14:33:00.000-05:00

There's a hot, new blogger in town! ;) Ashley is a bright, young lady I work with and she informed me today of her new blog. YAY! I'm her first follower. I love it!

So check it out... Simplicity at It's Finest

E-Readers

2010-12-09T00:00:00.002-05:00

A year ago when I began blogging; e-readers were a hot topic. Would they destroy publishing as we know it? Many of us gasped at the very blasphemy of a world without the feel of a brand new hardback or well worn paperback novel in our hands. Then there was the whole money issue. Holy Moly! How would authors, us, survive on three dollars a book?? It's just not possible.

It's been a year and a lot of the debate has simmered down. Many writers have made their peace or kept their ground...but quietly and respectfully.

My BFF recently questioned me about my desire to have the new, much less expensive Kindle or the Nook.
"I don't know why you would want one of those? I doubt I'll ever own one. I just love the feel of a book."

I immediately manipulated the conversation, knowing I'd get a good blog out of this.

As a reader, I do agree that I love the feel of a book in my hands. I love the smell. I even enjoy the posture that seems to immediately sink into your bones when a book is in hand. I'll never give up print books. I don't think anyone will for a very long time.

As a writer, I see both pros and cons for the profession. I understand publishing houses being cut out of their profits. They work very hard at what they do for our names to be on a shiny jacket of a hard back book. Agents work hard, editors, writers...all of us deserve the money we earn. Which means, I should support all avenues of my chosen profession. E-readers with their e-books are a big part of that. Not to mention that I've now heard of many talented authors through their e-books. It's awesome that it brings a whole new level to debut authors. As a fellow writer, I want to support them just as much as the person that sells a million hard backs! It's good Karma, too.

So, will I toss aside the print and stay green with my ultra hip e-reader (given Santa is in a good mood) forever? Nope. Will I toss aside my fellow writers and tip my nose at the thought of an e-book? Absolutely not.

What about you? Have you seen the positive changes that e-publishing has brought to the world of readers? Or do you still feel strongly against it? Inquiring minds want to know!

To blog or not to blog

2010-12-08T19:47:00.000-05:00

Okay, seriously. I'm not going to delete this post.

I've written about ten blogs in the past few days and then discarded them before ever hitting "publish." I thought of comparing me and Scrooge as I'm terribly un-prepared for December-but it kind of turned into something darker than I intended. And rambly. Do you do that when you write?

Then I wrote a post about work, because let's face it...the restaurant business is stranger than fiction. But-well, I've had enough of that and comparing hot food to hot books just didn't come across the way I wanted it to.

I wrote a post about how everyone is posting such great content. Then I got depressed. I'm not posting such stellar things lately.

Which leads me to my point.

Finally.

Writers write. These two words are on a notecard that was taped to my computer monitor for a long time. Long enough that they aren't taped there anymore, but I still see the ghost of those words floating next to my screen.

We just need to remember that with those two words come a lot of things. Grocery lists, emails, blogs, status updates, re-writes, permission slips, rough drafts that are crap, second drafts that are slightly better crap, tweeting, love letters, hate letters, opinion letters to editors, letters in general. That's a lot of writing we do, isn't it?

So it's okay to let go and know that you might not write a novel a month or every other month (or maybe you do and if so, please pass that magic to me) but you write. And you write some more. It's no wonder that sometimes we wonder what in the hell to write about.

And now I'm done with my rant. And I'm going to publish this post even though it got all long winded and pointless. You still love me, right?

I'll be blogging intermittently this month-just like last month. As I've explained, time keeps on creeping in despite my protests, so I'm giving in. I'll write. Because I'm a writer. But it might not always be great. Or relevant. And it might not always be in a blog. But know I'm thinking of you and wishing you all Happy Holidays! :)

NaNo Drain

2010-12-04T12:36:00.000-05:00

Well, long time, no blog. I figure it gives everyone a chance to catch up on other blogs though, so it works, right?
I'm really doing this for you. Not for any selfish reasons at all. Right?

Seriously, though. I've been hard at work with edits and rolling a new idea around in my head. I did not finish Nano this year, and rather than feel like a failure...I'm pretty happy that Nano at least gave me a good kick in the rear end to get back into the writing biz. So..for me, Nano was a success.

How about all of my dear Cool Kids that stick with me? How was your month of November? I know many of you did not participate in Nanowrimo, but still had plenty of writing going on. Let me know how you're doing! And if any of you are experiencing that Nano Drain that I felt last year after completing a 50,000 word novel-it's normal. :) Give yourself a few days to get back to life before you get back to writing. :)

Now, I must plunge back into the business of laundry and getting to work on time this evening. Keep an eye out, I will have some great book reviews coming in the next week!

A Rant about Dining Out

2010-11-22T10:19:00.001-05:00

DISCLAIMER: THIS POST HAS NO USEFUL WRITING ADVICE.....HOWEVER IT MIGHT MAKE YOU LAUGH....A LITTLE. ;)

I wanted to take a chance to enlighten those of you who do not have the pleasure of serving others in a dining environment.....

When you first walk into a restaurant, you will definitely notice the age of your host or hostess. They're generally under 18 and this is probably their first job outside of fast food. They might look similar to deer caught in headlights. Please don't take advantage of this.

Going out to eat is usually a great time. Please do not come into my restaurant in a sour mood and take it out on me before I even get your drink order. Wendy's is next door and McDonald's is down the street and there is limited interaction in a drive-thru. Perhaps that will better suit you tonight.

Do not go to a popular restaurant, and especially one with a bar, to have a quiet and intimate conversation with your friend that you haven't seen in years. Corporate chains of restaurant actually have a policy about the volume of music in their restaurants...LOUD. It's a marketing ploy. If you're happily bopping to music, or even mildly irritated to distraction-you might spend more money.

Servers have a ton of responsibilities. Not only do I take your order and bring you food, I also take food that is ready out to other tables, fill ice buckets, run dishes through a dishwasher, roll silverware (yeah, those cute little cutlery wrapped in napkins-generally done by your server), stock things like RANCH DRESSING which seems to disappear at a rate of 16 oz per five minutes, and then we come to you each time with a smile to meet your needs.

Which brings me to the most important part of dining out. How you tip your server. The number one thing to remember is that we make 2.13 an hour. Yes-unless you are in a few other select states like CA or NV or WA, your server only makes 2.13 an hour. Should I say it again in a clearer manner?

I MAKE 2.13 an HOUR.....2.13 per hour....TWO DOLLARS AND THIRTEEN CENTS.

The general rule is to tip 15% of your bill. And it's okay to tip more. I'm generally understanding if a family leaves me 10% with a heartfelt "thank you" because times are tough. But, they're tough on me, too and this is my job. If you had me bring you more than 2 refills, and you and your thirteen friends asked for them at different times-my tip should go up. If you think it's okay to snap your fingers at me, tug on my shirt while I'm at another table, or simply yell at me across the dining room-my tip should go up.

I make 2.13 an hour and there are generally 1-3 hours of a shift that I don't make tips because I'm doing all that other fun stuff that servers are responsible for. And because what we have control of is very limited. In fact, we are the peons of the restaurant. Yup, I said it. (Deanna, hope you aren't reading this right now.....)

If your food is burnt; I apologize and will have it re-cooked. This does take time. I did not cook your food, nor am I the one that tells the cook how to do his job. I am the one that communicates with the cook.....*evil grin* (I have never, ever in any restaurant where I've worked had food spit in or otherwise compromised. Nor have I ever, ever known of another server/cook to do that. Big, scary myth to keep our guests in line.*wink*)

I do not have control over your wait time, either. That's partly the doe eyed hostess and the insane servers snapping at said hostess every time they get a "bad" table or if the timing of when our guests are seated is all wonky. And the rest of it is just the business....

Food taking a long time, thinking we forgot about you? It's fine to ask, but when I come back and tell you that my kitchen is slammed with 200 plate orders, don't act like it's my fault.

And I giggle at the thought of your face if you were back in the kitchen and saw all of those orders come in at the same time.

Now, let's say all is well and you aren't having any problems at all. You have been served your drinks, food, desserts and the bill is delivered all within a 20-30 minute time period. There's a reason for that. Each table is money. The faster you leave, the faster another~~(possibly more generous)~~guest arrives. It's a vicious cycle. Will I tell you this to your face as you sit at my table for hours? No. I feel like it's rude. I have had plenty of guests stay and end up tipping me really well and I enjoyed their company. Will I curse you in my head if you leave me 2 dollars? Yes. *If it's my fault that you sat there that long because I didn't get your orders right while taking them and inputting them-by all means, leave 15% only*

One last thing you should know about tipping. At the end of the night, your server does some tipping of his/her own. As servers, we tip our hosts/hostess or bussers AND the bartender(s). And it's 3% of our SALES. Not our tips, but our sales. Which means that if my guests rack up a lot of money in their check-say 150 dollars-$4.50 of that money goes straight to my bartender and host. It used to be that we tipped according to our total tips at the end of the night-but it came down that too many people were "stiffing" their co-workers. It's the business....

And it's a business I love. I don't feel like I'm a peon or lower than anyone because I serve others as a living. I feel honored. I meet a lot of really great folks that end up becoming friends. On Veterans Day, I had the highest honor of serving our men and women in uniform and heard so many fascinating stories-it was a lot of fun despite the chaos-it was a controlled chaos.

So, when you go out to eat, keep in mind that your server is kind of like....'just the messenger' and you aren't supposed to shoot the messenger.

Have a great week!!! It's my Friday today and I'm hoping to get a lot done over the next few days off. If you can't tell-the business is ruling my brain right now. ;)

There are Days

2010-11-16T08:31:00.000-05:00

I'm not going to lie. I've had a rough week. I will fudge a little to tell you, of course I'm not having pity parties daily. ;)

Last night seemed to be the breaking point, and then this morning my son woke up extra early. It wouldn't have been a big deal, but CJ planned to take the girls to school so I could get a little extra rest. I did not get any extra rest.

This past week, it hasn't been the bills or the bigger picture of things going to crap in my life-it's been all the little things. The hay baler in front of me when I'm running late for work. The guest that complains about the price of our drinks. The trash overflowing. The laundry taking over my bed. I could go on, but I'm almost certain you have all had this experience. It's called life.

Do we put enough life in our stories? There are the basic rules of storytelling that we try to nail down-tenses, beginnings, middles and ends. But, whilst planning our big conflict for our main character to solve; we tend to forget about all those little life annoyances that can slow us down or sometimes bring us to a screeching halt. I know that we want our readers to keep turning the pages. We want them to connect with our main character. We keep all of these things in mind as we create new worlds and characters. But do we remember to add a dash of 'life' to get in the way of their plans?

Sometimes, it's the little things that bring about the biggest change. Our reactions to life's little problems shape who we are and who we will become. This is true for our characters as well.

People Are Strange

2010-11-15T09:51:00.000-05:00

That song by The Doors tends to pop in my head at least once a week due to actions I observe from other people. They really are...strange to me. Because I don't know why they happen to be doing what they are doing. I'm the stranger.

Something happened this morning as I took the girls to school that hit me, yet again, with the realization that we are not all the same. We all have different priorities, beliefs and backgrounds.

We have the same routine every morning, but today started off different. I overslept and had to wake the girls in a rush. "Come on, get dressed, get backpacks and let's go! We're late."

They weren't necessarily late for school, but late for their school breakfast and there's not enough milk for two bowls of cereal in the house. I rummage through the cupboards, but only find Halloween candy. Crap. I'll have to double my speed to get them there in time for a bite.

We jump in the car and make it down the bumpy driveway without tearing the exhaust off my car. After turning onto the main road, I hit the accelerator, only to notice something in the road ahead of me. I let off the gas and see that in my lane lies a deer and in the other lane a Toyota Camry is stopped. The windshield is shattered and hanging into the driver's side of the car. The driver's window is completely gone but for shards of glass in the window track. The woman is staring at her steering wheel. Dots of blood cover her face and her neck looks to be pretty bloody.

Of course, I slam on my brakes. "Honey, are you okay?"
"Uhm. I hit a deer."
She's in shock. I turn on my hazards (we're on a two lane road) and get out of my car. "Are you alright? You're bleeding."
"It was a deer. It just came from nowhere. I slowed down, but...I hit a deer."
"Yes, honey. Are you hurt anywhere? Can you move?"
"I need to call my brother." She turns to rummage through her glass filled car, which instantly worries me.
"No, no. Don't dig through all that glass. Let me get my phone." I run back to my car, tell my girls to be good, and grab my cell phone. Traffic is starting to back up behind my car and behind hers but I don't want to touch a dead deer and doubt I'd be able to move it anyway. I go back to her window and ask for the number to dial. While I wait for an answer on the phone, I see a man get out of a work truck.

Thank goodness. He's going to help. I wouldn't be able to move her car on my own either, and she certainly wasn't in any shape to push it! He lifts the leg of the deer and whips it off the road into the ditch. Then he climbs back into his truck and speeds by, yelling out the window, "Get outta the road!"

"Asshole!" I scream, before remembering that my children sit in the car with my window open and the woman in her wrecked car might not appreciate such language. I turn my attention back to her.

"I can't reach your brother. Can you very slowly move your car to the edge of the road?"
"I think so. It's running isn't it?"
I lean down and hear the engine. "Yep, it's running fine. Just be slow so the glass doesn't fly in your face." As soon as the words are out of my mouth, I feel like an idiot. She's already covered in glass.

Another driver pulls to the side of the road. When she gets out of the car in scrubs, relief floods my body. Perhaps she is a nurse and will be able to better evaluate the woman's condition. I know shock is a definite diagnosis, but the blood is still worrying me.

So, I could go on and on with this story. To make it shorter, I'll let you know that the woman was fine-minor cuts only. The other driver dressed in scrubs stayed with her until her brother arrived so that I could take my girls to school. All in all, it ended as well as it could have. Thankfully, she wasn't hurt.

But I was mad at that man that drove by, hollering out the window. I thought, "How could he?" Then I remembered. He's not like me. He's not been through what I have. Perhaps he was late and if he lost his job, he couldn't feed his children. Maybe his own loved one was in an emergent situation that I didn't know about down the road.

But I do know this; my girls were both relieved to hear that the woman was alright and both assured me that it was okay they didn't get breakfast. They were just happy that everyone was safe. *tears of pride* Skipping breakfast IS a big deal. But my girls are like me. They do care about others above themselves (most of the time). They are awesome.

Now...Question for you. Could you write a story from the "rude" man's perspective of that whole situation?

What Happened?

2010-11-10T19:21:00.000-05:00

So, has anyone fizzled out, yet? *meekly raising hand* Yup...my job seems to be consuming my life. And it's not even that I'm there SO much...it's just consuming my life. So is my failing fifth grader and my demanding second grader, demanding husband and wild two year old. Yup...haven't written in almost a week.

Crap.

I also forgot to blog on Monday and I had a really good post in mind.

I forgot it.

Tomorrow is Veterans Day and I will be at work from morning until night. Apparently, this is a big day for us at Applebees. Which is great. I need lots of tips. Plus, I really appreciate our Men and Women in the Service. I like that I'll be in a position to thank them all day long.

I won't be writing though. And really, I would love to have a hot tub, bottle of wine and my computer sitting in one room with the rest of the world on pause while I write (in between soaking and inebriating) and write and write.

My current story is giving me a lot of stress, so I think I will go back to last year's nano project and see if I can't make it perfect. Or...I am going to finish a different novel I started six months ago. There's a plethora to choose from.

How are you??

Random Nano Tips and a Rant

2010-11-04T00:00:00.000-04:00

*Just to be clear, I have not followed the cardinal rule of Nano...which I'm about to tell you*

Write as much as you can the first day. Try to get ahead of the daily word count goal even if only by twenty five words each day. (I have not done this)

Steal moments you might normally use for Television. (I still watched Survivor...and then some)

Stay away from the internet. (I party on facebook, cool kids.)

Okay, so there are my pearls of wisdom for the day. I haven't followed these rules, but it's because I think this story is going to explode in a few days and I might write four or five thousand words in a setting.

My rant is this;

I went to court with BFF to support her during the consequences of her unfortunate run-in with the law. (Also very minor. She's not really a criminal) The Honorable Judge called a recess but warned not to stay away long. I brought my book that I haven't been able to read in what seems like a decade. Perfect opportunity to crack it open.

Wrong.

Apparently. Reading is not allowed in a courtroom.

I'm very embarrassed/slightly irritated to find out this tidbit of information. I mean...really? I can understand not cracking open the book while court is in session. I totally understand why cell phones are to be turned off. But.....But..... a BOOK? It's not even an electronic one. Sheesh.

So....

Boo on you, Mr. Bailiff/cop/guy that wouldn't let me read for the 25 minutes that the Judge was gone. Plain ol' meanness. That's all you are.

Okay, I feel better. Because you know I couldn't say any of this in court. I might have gone to the big house. Then I'd really be screwed on my Nano Word count.

So....how are you doing??

Preparation in Anticipation of a Nano Nation

2010-11-01T00:00:00.001-04:00

This has been a busy day for me. Luckily I was able to pawn off my work shift to another waiter and managed a nap since my Pink Out Bash out Breast Cancer last night kept me up way, way, way too late. Oh...are you curious?

Our restaurant held a Pink Out Halloween Party to collect donations for the Susan G. Komen fund and have a little fun too. This is me and BFF in our costumes.

Cute huh? Lots of pink everywhere. The turnout wasn't what we hoped, but we did all have fun.

Okay, back to Nano stuff.

In addition to ensuring that the Royals had a good time and loaded up on Halloween candy, I've caught up the laundry (it may not be put away, but it's clean!), done the dishes, changed the vacuum bag AND vacuumed (even the little corners with the attachment hose), swept and mopped, disciplined and loved and even ate a little something. Why? Well, in a mere couple of hours from right as I type-November 1st rolls in and Nano begins. I do not have a clue what I'll be writing, yet. This is why I'm cleaning and preparing for a month of lacking in chores, cooking and who knows what else. I'm pretty determined to just write.

I love the challenge it poses. For me, it is motivational. Perhaps like a deadline for a real publisher. I can dream. ;) But...what I love most is that it's only rule is 50,000 words IF you want to be "official" and recognized as such. (Which is kind of a rush, I realized last year.) I love that the participants are nothing but helpful, supportive and kind...and witty. Man, they crack me up.

So, last year I began at Midnight .... my time. This year I have responsibilities at six am and then work at ten-thirty so I'll begin after dropping the Royals off at school. I think I'll need tonight to stew on it and let it come to me more clearly. As of right this second...only wisps of different characters are running through my brain. Perhaps I'll have a dream....

All Hallow's Eve....

2010-10-30T00:00:00.000-04:00

This is actually one of my favorite holidays....but this year with my schedule and some of the issues we've run into, it took a while to get to pumpkins. We haven't decorated the house this year because the Young Prince is a little unsure of all the spooky stuff!

Here are a few fun Halloween Facts for your holiday! :)

1) Bats are associated with Halloween because back in the day pagans would burn bonfires on Halloween. The bonfires attracted mosquitos-which bats love to eat. It was not uncommon to see bats soaring above the bonfires.

2) Kids begging for candy (though loosely based on the pagans offering treats to the dead) was actually started in the U.S. to keep children from getting into mischief on Halloween.

3) The candy poisonings, apples with razor blades-though they did happen on Halloween, no children died as a result from trick-or-treating. The ones who did die, they found, had been poisoned by their own family-not a candy giving neighbor.

4) In Ireland, children carved faces on a TURNIP. When Irish immigrants came to the States, they found the pumpkin was much easier to carve. Hence, jack-o-lanterns.

Confessions of a Blocked Writer

2010-10-29T00:00:00.001-04:00

All this talk of Nano is stirring my soul. I'm serious. There's a longing to write again that is just barely peeking from behind the wall I've been trapped behind for the past couple of months. Could it be there is a story somewhere for me?

I finally went to my Nano page today, KristiFaith if you want to buddy me, and I have to admit.....I got very excited. It's the wrong time of year, the wrong time of my life, the wrong everything....but my heart is a flutter. And it hasn't fluttered over a writing project in a few months.

Of course I have no idea whatsoever of what to write. I am sitting still and hoping not to miss the wisp of a muse that I can capture and perhaps ~~coax~~ bribe to sit with me for 30 days. Even as I type this post, my brain giggles. Slowly it is awakening. I hope it awakens in full bloom on 11/01!!

Now, I know several of my bloggy buddies who are not participating and here's the thing. I get it. I really do. And don't apologize for not doing Nano. It isn't a necessary part of your career. Seriously. Don't allow guilt to creep in. We are all on a journey (as I've been told by many wise cool kids) that is different from one another's but with the compassion to comprehend it better than non-writers. So, we support those who are not participating in Nano this month. In whatever you are pursuing this November; I hope it's successful!

And for those of you who do not know what the hell this whole post was about because Nano makes no sense to you.... Check it out. ;)

Finding Time for Nano (re-post)

2010-10-28T09:01:00.000-04:00

Most of us have jobs, children, husbands, friends and family that are going to miss us this November. :) Here are a few tips to try and make it a little easier on everyone....

Enlist extra help: If you can afford a sitter, great! If not, sit down with the husband and explain that this writing career will require a certain amount of sacrifice. Even if it is just one hour an evening/morning (whatever your schedules are) ask him to take the reins for one hour. During that one hour-WRITE! Don't blog or email or facebook. Write words, plan a story-outline, whatever gets your wheels turning, do it! If you have older children, explain to them that there is going to be a certain time that while you are at the computer/desk each day, they are to color/paint/draw/play cars/build a tent with pillows-whatever they want to do (within reason) and you focus on your writing. Even if it's only 30 minutes, add that to the hour from hubby and that's 1.5 hr each day for five days, that's 7.5 hours of writing time.
Let Go: Depending on the age of your children, I had to realize that my oldest could learn to do some dishes, sweep a floor and clear the table. Even my six year old could do things in the evening to relieve me a few minutes of time. Once I let go of the 'control' of running the household, I found a lot more time to do some social networking AND writing!
Dishes Will Wait: So will laundry, toys on the floor, cluttered tables, etc.. etc.. Here's what I've learned from three children. They will follow me and undo everything I've done during the day. Therefore-toys are not a concern until 30 minutes before bedtime. Then everything is to be picked up and put away. I vacuum if it's needed (which it usually is with a crumb leaving prince). I may do a few dishes here and there throughout the day, but the majority of them are left for the evening. Surprisingly, once everyone is in bed, there may be some laundry to fold or put away, but the house is generally clean. Time to write, or read a story to the kids, or yourself. :) This also creates a great new routine of having a clean house in the morning.
Get up Early/Stay up Late: Yeah, this part sucks, but if you want to carve out the time...you will. Either get up 30 minutes before everyone a few times a week or stay up late on Friday or Saturday. I get up 30 minutes earlier than everyone on school days. During this time I read blogs, and write mine. If I don't write in mine, I may write a few words in my WIP. When I get home, sometimes, I am lucky enough to have another 20 or 30 minutes before young prince is awake. I take that time to write!
Analyze Activities: Are you doing too much? If you work, have three children that each have one activity a piece and you are the den mother for the Girl Scouts and oh yes, the library book club-you have too much going on! Do you really need to be the den mother? Are each of the kids' activities necessary? Maybe they could use a little break too! Once you lose some of those activities that previously held such priority-your writing will thank you.
Use The Most of TIME: When you know that you have a dr's appointment that will take more than a few minutes, bring your notebook to write notes or story ideas. It's also a good time to bring books that you may have been putting off reading. Sitting in the field waiting for your soccer pro? Write in a notebook. Bring a notebook and pen with you EVERYWHERE. Are there times you play games online instead of write? Re evaluate and make yourself a block of time specifically for online distractions, then you won't be so tempted to play during writing time.
Accept That sometimes It won't Work: There are just those days. Don't beat yourself up and let yourself get into a downward spiral and end up not writing for weeks. There are going to be days that the best laid plans don't count for a hill of beans. It's okay. There's tomorrow.

This isn't the perfect plan, but it's worked fairly smoothly for me and my family. Everyone is different, obviously. My husband, the court jester, is disabled and is therefore home with me each day. But, he is limited in how much he can help me, much like husbands that go out to work each day to support their families. It takes a little time to get used to, but even your children will understand, once explained, that this is mommy's time. And Mom-it's okay to have that. I promise you aren't going to send your kids to therapy for this.

Re-post Tip for Nano

2010-10-27T10:50:00.000-04:00

With Nano looming around the corner a lot of my friends are considering whether or not to do this crazy adventure. I have a lot of opinions and most of them I expressed last year. So I'll be doing a series of re-posts with a few new tidbits of info that I've learned since then.

Today, it's all about keeping the kiddos busy. For those of you amazing mothers out there with a child that is too young for you to just leave unattended, here's something new and interesting (and non-toxic) I found with my son.

So, today's tip is probably a couple rolled into one. I have a young prince that can't do arts and crafts or make goals or write with me. So, to keep him busy (other than threatening the Princesses so they play with him) I put flour in a shallow baking dish (metal, not glass) and gave him a couple of cars, a baby spoon and some cookie cutters. He had a blast playing in the flour and I didn't have to worry about him eating it, because it wouldn't hurt him. If you are the type that listens to music while you write, jam it loudly and let the kids dance. Even the young prince left me alone for a couple of songs while they twirled in the living room. :)

And, the last recipe of this week is not edible. Well, it would be, but it's not going to be very yummy. Play Dough!!

1 cup flour

1/4 cup salt

2 tsp. food coloring-any color

1 cup water

2 Tblsp. cream of tartar

1 Tblsp. vegetable oil

Combine flour, salt and cream of tartar in a saucepan over medium heat. Add water, oil and food coloring. Stir for 3-5 minutes. It will start out looking like a globby mess, but it will turn into dough-keep stirring! Remove from heat once it looks more like playdough. Then remove from saucepan and knead dough. It will be hot! Refrigerate in a plastic baggie or tupperware container. My kids could never wait for it to cool completely, so they worked with it while still warm-which is great for cold, rainy days.

I'm so honored to be part of this blogging community, I wanted to take the chance to thank all those who read my blog every day-or even once a month, I'm flattered. :) You all give me hope and encouragement to keep going. You all make me smile, and you all make me a better writer.

The Write Market (re-post)

2010-10-26T13:14:00.002-04:00

I'm lazy and decided to do some re-posts this week. .... Enjoy!! :)

When I began this journey last year, I was the most naive person you'd ever met regarding the publishing industry. I knew about agents and publishers. I knew I would have to work hard to sell my work. I entered contest after contest with the hopes that an award would boost my career. *laughing hysterically* I daydreamed of my first book deal and how I would spend the money. *laughing hysterically again* My goodness, this writing thing certainly hasn't turned out to be what I thought. For whatever reason, I didn't imagine query letters, synopses, outlines and begging for food. And I don't know why, but I never thought about needing to write what was popular, in demand, needed.

Which brings me to the eternal question burning in every new author's overworked, word-building brain. Do I write what I want or what the market wants?

I have seriously thought about this as it is a question I see pop up on other writer's forums. I have differing opinions. Don't you love that? Of course we hear, "Write what you Know" which I feel is the most misleading statement of all time. I'm a mom, but I don't want to write about mothers or demanding children. I know how to crochet....big deal. What I know is pretty boring, to be honest. But, what the market wants is something different. It's not about writing what you know (unless it's nonfiction, then you research until you know), it's about writing what the masses are asking for, already buying and predicting what they want in the next five years. That's tough!

PRO: If you have the ability to look at a subject and want to write it. DO IT! If you can see that right now YA is selling out of books and for some odd reason it's all about aliens, but you feel you could write that story and write it well....Then WRITE IT. All professionals cater to their audience/customer base. It's how you catch a group of people.

CON: Here's the thing, if YA aliens are all the rage, but I usually write poetry, why would I think I could write a novel about aliens? If it doesn't interest you, then you probably can't. Writing to someone else's standards/ideas can drain a person of all their creativity. You might get stuck in the box of only writing what the market calls for in a very drab way. You won't sell anything like that.

In conclusion-it's your personal decision. Let your heart guide you. If you look at what's selling these days and you shake your head in confusion, don't bother trying to write it. Or, you might see that it's a market you can write without too much heartache and then you should go for it. Personally, I'm taking a course in writing for children and teens. While I have written several children's books...I don't think they are stellar-I think they are fairly mediocre. So, I haven't even tried to query or sell those. I have drifted to adult and then realized I could fit most of my plot ideas into a young adult genre. YA is doing very well right now. So, that led me to the decision to do a novel for YA. Vampires are also very popular right now, but I really, truly, honestly, do not care a lick for vampires or werewolves for that matter. Therefore, I do not write about such things. I don't care if someone else does, I just know that it wouldn't come out of my writing soul with power and ease.

Now that I know the less than glamorous side of publishing, writing and agent hunting....I still can't wait. I still daydream, although I've decided that the Lexus probably won't come with my first book deal. *sigh*

Just Smile

2010-10-14T10:13:00.000-04:00

So, I'm running off to work and I don't have much thought provoking, intelligent or entertaining points to make today. I will leave you with this...

Just Smile
Truthfully, it's the same amount of muscles to smile as is to frown...However "laugh lines" are far more beautiful than a "scowl face"

Any kind of smile is contagious. Even to yourself. So if no one else is doing it...smile to yourself. You may think you look like an idiot, which will make others smile. Smile anyway.

When you want to pick up a foreign object and beat the nearest person senseless....just smile. They'll be worried.

:0)

Have a great Thursday everyone! :)

Angels or Vampires?

2010-10-13T00:49:00.000-04:00

We love to read about them, write about them and discuss their existence. They are among us. Yes...even vampires.

Before you click out and slowly back away from your computer with worries of being influenced by a crazy person...hear me out. ;) <this is my new favorite winky face...have you noticed?>

We are surrounded by people for a considerable amount of our days. I think we've all noticed our Angels. Those people that pop up with just the right thing at just the right time for no particular reason other than God knew we needed that person. An angel.

But what about the co-worker that has something to say each day at each break about how horrible their life is? Or the friend* that calls twice a day only to dominate each conversation with their troubles? How about the lady at the grocery store that seems to always be the empty line and always wears a scowl? Vampires. Energy sucking vampires. They drain us. And the really creepy part....

We don't even know it half the time.

Let's face it, life is not always a bowl of cherries and there are plenty of times that we can't hold onto the positive smile when faced with bills, economy, banking, mis-behaved children, the grouchy spouse or the leaking sink. These are all circumstances that wear on us. That lovely word....S-T-R-E-S-S

And so, we have to choose to surround ourselves with Angels and not Vampires. Vampires leach out the remaining happiness and energy we have left to deal with our lives.

Another sad point, many vampires do not even know of their power-which makes it all the more dangerous. Many times we, as humans that do occasionally mess up, get into a cycle of negativity. We forget to smile and put our burdens aside for a few moments each day to appreciate each other. All of a sudden....vampire.

My point in all of this rambling? Try to recognize the vampires so you don't get bit. Surround yourself with those angels and try to save a vampire or two. They'll be grateful.

*I am not speaking of close friends that call each other up and tell each other problems, ask for advice, etc.. and then it is returned. I'm speaking of those that manage to manipulate the conversations and every time you need a little something they aren't around...yanno?

Proof Positive

2010-10-12T08:17:00.000-04:00

So, five days of positive posts is my goal this week. How about today we talk about positivity in the workplace? I knew you'd want to listen to my rant on this one. ;)

Did you know it is proven that a motivational leader with positive affirmations will triumph over a company/leader that does not give their employees a pat on the back sometimes?? It's scientific. If I felt like searching for the statistics that I learned many years ago, I'd give them to you. But it's early, I haven't slept much and I figure you guys trust me. Right?

There are two magic words that one can use in the workplace. These words are not even long or difficult to spell or speak. They can make hours worth of difference in a work day. These words are simply:

GOOD JOB!

When a person hears a compliment, endorphins are actually released. Bet you didn't know that, did you? Not as many as exercise, but chemically speaking, we do respond to compliments. By releasing such endorphins, the employee is motivated to continue the work and even tempted to raise their quality of work.

In a company where employees rarely saw a supervisor or manager of any kind to encourage them; their production level is only met at required levels. Morale is low and generally friendships are not forged. Turnover rate is high and quality of work is just barely there.

So, while you are at work today, choose someone you've never really spoken to before and perhaps mention that they're doing a great job. Or that you love their smile. Appreciate their work. Even if it's the janitor-your toilet wouldn't be clean without him/her.

Random Acts of Kindness

2010-10-11T14:25:00.000-04:00

After all the ho-hum, glum and gloom days....I figured that it would be a good time to devote some kindness to the world.

Today, I made it a point to write on MOST (not all 138, yet) of my FB friends' walls. Something nice, happy, positive. Even if just to say have a good day. I had an amazing response that made me feel better than I could have possibly made them feel.

Try it out today! Let me know in the comments if this love is being returned your way. ;) *wink*

This Rare Occasion

2010-10-09T12:36:00.000-04:00

So, it's not silent in my home today by any means. It's Saturday after all and the kids are home. I can hear the Scooby Doo movie playing from the Princesses's bedroom and the young prince is in a timeout in his playpen. Though he's babbling, he's not screaming and that's rare. Everyone is occupied enough that I don't feel a burden of guilt for sitting in front of this computer screen. And the worst part is that I can not say that I've neglected anyone due to writing. It's been all Facebook and Reader and games. It's tragic, really.

Many thanks to so many of my followers that I don't feel like I'll never write again. Every once in a while I think of something slightly poetic and write it down. Nothing has gone anywhere significant, but I'm nurturing and appreciating the words when they do come.

In the meantime, I'm learning a lot of BIG things. Well, let me re-phrase that. Beliefs I've held are being challenged a lot in my life lately and I'm learning more from the challenges than the affirmations. Did that make sense?

For example; the power of a pat on the back and a few words of praise upon a human being is incredible. Do not take this for granted! You will miss it should it ever disappear.

A smile brings untold joy to a person. I'm generally a happy person that goes into any gas station, grocery store, church, school and work, wearing a smile. Just last Friday I had a gentleman approach me at the gas station where I frequent. They all know my name as I try to always offer an anecdote of some sort when I'm there.
"Kristi, are you okay?"
Me, shocked, "I'm fine, why?"
"You don't smile all the time like you used to. I miss the old you."
Even more shocked. "Wow, really?"
"Yeah, you've been quiet and serious the last few times I've seen you. I don't like it."
Humbled. "I don't like that either. I guess I had no idea anyone ever noticed."

I've smiled every time now no matter how I feel. I couldn't stand the thought of my frown bringing someone else down. Because I know how that feels.

Fight your brain's tendency to finish another person's sentence. It's hurtful. I know I was the most guilty person of this. Always in such a rush I didn't have time to contemplate that another person might have something different to say. We, as a nation, should learn to listen better.

Remember how small the world is to your children. For us, it doesn't make sense that they blow up over a toy being misplaced. But that's all they have. Nurture their small world so the big one isn't quite so lonely.

Despite every good intentioned quote, every idealistic belief of peace and love, there is a yang. Another side to keep our good in check. Fighting the negative to appreciate the positive can be exhausting, but it's worth it...I believe.

I wish I may....

2010-09-30T19:37:00.000-04:00

First of all....A huge thank you to all of my followers for

Sticking around despite my slightly crazy and random rants...
Always encouraging my slightly crazy and random rants...
The kind words, prayers and general love I feel every time I read your comments....
Still being here despite the list function being overused today
Well...everything else. I just wanted to have 5 reasons....

Secondly...
(overused list function in use) I'm learning some things about myself that I could possibly have lived without knowing. Do you ever do that? Like...my stunning ability to ignore all things IMPORTANT when I'm in a funk. Kinda like an Ostrich with my head in the sand and I used to be the type of person...a 20-ish person...that met every challenge head on, plugged through the rules and red tape and rose above. *ahem* I'm not rising above lately.

So, I'm in the process of changing things. October is my "Face Your Fears" month. It's going to be really hard, friends. Superbly difficult.

But I want to be ready for November. Know why? I loved NanoWriMo last year. I want to do it again. I'm determined to be writing again with confidence by then. Because I'm going to make the changes necessary in my life to become Confident again.

De-Nial...Not just a river in Egypt

2010-09-24T02:46:00.000-04:00

I've been avoiding this blog post for a long time now. Months. The reason for this is because I haven't wanted to lose hope. I haven't wanted to vocalize my fears. I certainly didn't want them in black and white. But I'm starting to feel the pinch. I'm hearing that little voice in the back of my head that tells me to be honest. Honest. True. Brutal.

I can't write. It's not that I feel I don't have the ability. I simply can't put words onto paper in a story fashion. Just can not do it. My ideas are all stale. I don't feel that passion. The urge to return to my characters...gone. The glimmer of a new setting, a better dialog or a new conflict is not even present.

I'm usually ever optimistic. I usually know that I'm in a rough patch, a stressful place, a disorganized mess. I don't have the answers this time. I can't pin it down. I'm a little lost, friends. I don't feel like a writer. *tear*

The really brutal truth is that I'm not feeling like myself in very many areas lately. I'm feeling a little crowded. At the risk of sounding like a person with Multiple Personality Disorder; it seems that too many personalities are fighting for the stage. I work at a job that requires a constant smile, something friendly to say at any given moment. I do well at this job, as I'm naturally outgoing and sociable. I'm a wife to a man with a painful disability and while I excel at this job, he's in more pain each day with juggling three kids, one of them more demanding than the worst customer I've ever had, but we need the financial addition badly. I'm losing my ability to be a good friend, I feel it daily. How much longer can I expect my kids to deal with half of my attention? How long can I deal with feeling like I'm never alone? I'm never just me.

And don't get me started on all the guilt with the feelings I've described above. How selfish? I'm married, I'm a mother, I'm a waitress, and I used to love to write. Now who am I?

It's Monday...a good thing?

2010-09-20T15:06:00.000-04:00

(Princesses attacking BFF)

I'm feeling a little like this today.....

so I'd rather do this than go to work..... (that is a manuscript under my arm)

How are you today?

Friday's Letters to Life

2010-09-17T00:00:00.000-04:00

Dear Weather,
I love you right now. The cool nights and dew kissed mornings are about all that keep me going. That fantastic lightning show on Sunday? Totally awesome. However....whatever pollen or mold you bring with you is horrid. Please make it go away. I'm sick of the uncontrollable cough at the most inappropriate times, runny nose that makes me resemble a crack head and voice that sounds like Janis Joplin. Okay, maybe I could keep the voice.

Adoringly, snot-filled yours,
Kristi

Dear Disney channel On Demand,
Please. Pretty please. For the love of my sanity, please allow more than the same four episodes of Little Einstein's and Imagination Movers on the On Demand channel. The prince knows them by heart. It was adorable for a moment. I'm now speaking in rhymes, dreaming in symphonies and oh hell.....it's killing me!

On Playback,
Kristi, the ever attentive mother

Dear Fall line-up on television, including football,
Curses! When do you expect me to get anything done with all these new shows?? Not to mention my old time favorites are always playing in the fall. Did you not get that memo about NaNoWriMo? Let me explain it again: 50,000 words in 30 days=no television, eating or sleeping. And your cable companies charge too much for DVR.

Hopelessly Addicted and now Anxiety Ridden,
Kristi

Dear Children,
Keep it up and you know what's going to happen......

The evil mother

Thursday's Random Rant....

2010-09-16T00:00:00.001-04:00

Not that I want to make ranting a weekly event....(even though I really could with all my little pet peeves and strange observations in my life lately....)

Cell Phones...love 'em? Hate em? Can't live without 'em? I enjoy my cell phone...mostly for making phone calls. Rarely do I access the internet or do anything else it may be capable of. I didn't realize I could watch tv episodes on it until after I'd had it for 9 months. It's great that I can access the internet in a pinch or if I'm terribly bored somewhere alone. Key word....ALONE.

Here's the deal. As a waitress, the cell phone obsession is glaring me in the face. I probably won't win. But I'm going to try. Does anyone remember a little thing called Phone Ettiquette? I was not even allowed to answer the phone as a kid in my home until I knew the proper way to handle a phone call. Never say, "who is this?" But..."May I ask who is calling?" Never did I speak on the phone during dinner or family time. But for some reason since phones have become mobile...all manners are null and void.

I walked up to greet a table last night where a mother and her teenage son had just sat down with menus.
"Hi! How are you guys tonight?" I set napkins in front of them to hold their drinks once I get the order.
They barely glance away from their phones. "Just fine," says Mother.
"Uh," says the son.
"Can I offer you an Ice Tea, Coca-Cola product or House Margarita from the bar tonight?"
long pause.
"Uhm, I'll just have sweet tea."
"Coke."
"Alright, I will be right back with those drinks for you!"

In my head... "Seriously? You morons are out to eat together and nevermind the fact that you barely spoke or acknowledged your server...the person handling your meal time experience....you aren't even speaking to each other!!! Argh! Cell Phones are EVIL."

The other scenario is that I'll walk up to ask a co-worker a question and they say "hang on" as they sneak out their cell phone and text a friend. (Cell phones aren't allowed for employees inside the restaurant...obviously not followed) I will usually walk away. Rude.

Here's another one. There's a car coming into my lane from the opposite side of the road!! AAAAA!!! They finally LOOK UP FROM THEIR PHONE and notice they're about to kill a family of three. Does this not make a person decide to STOP using the phone while driving?

I'm going to give these scenarios the benefit of the doubt that they don't realize how disgusting this behavior is until it's shown to them. I'm showing you. See. Up there. Don't forget about the real people in your life because of the amazing abilities of a phone.

WIP Wednesday!

2010-09-15T08:59:00.000-04:00

These Wednesdays are creeping up on me lately! :) Though I haven't written much in the way of my WIP, I have been doing a lot of thinking about my characters. My main character and her BFF to be exact. For this story it's really important that their personas really come through clearly. Of course we can't write a bunch of backstory in our manuscripts (slow and boring for our readers) so I've decided to write the backstory in a different document entirely. Perhaps then I won't be as tempted to add it in the wrong places of my story.

My name is Delilah Marks. I live on the outskirts of town with my mom; which works, because we're outsiders in this place. My family has lived in this desert for generations, but each generation seemed to have brought some sort of shame to the Marks name. The most recent talk of the town is my Aunt's death. They all say it's suicide, but I don't believe she would do that. No one questioned her boyfriend and no one, other than my mom and me, thought it was strange that he burned all of her belongings and skipped town. I never told anyone about my strange dreams and how my aunt's handwriting suddenly popped up in my journals without my recollection of ever writing the passage.

I don't trust anyone, except my best friend Bethany. She has a strength I could never muster and in that sense she's good to have around. I don't have much to say, but if I did, Bethany would speak it for me. We've always just had a connection like that.

I couldn't be more opposite of my light-haired best friend. I have curly, dark hair that is too thick and wild. My eyes are too far apart for my little nose and full lips. Bethany can match colors and wear a different palette of makeup every day and still look like a model. I look like something from "Attack of the Zombies" every time I attempt to wear the stuff.

After my aunt died, we started watching this show, "Talking to the Other Side" with Elcie. I knew I had to meet her. From what I could tell there wasn't any trickery or vague descriptions that could apply to just about anyone from the woman that wore purple silk. I wanted desperately to meet her and so when Bethany found out on the internet that Elcie was holding a contest for one lucky person and their friend to be her interns for the summer, I had to try it. For the first time since my aunt's death, I felt hope. I could see a light at the end of the tunnel; and for some reason I knew this was meant to be. Getting chosen only validated that feeling. I never thought I would learn so much about myself and the consequences of knowing secrets from the Other Side.

Author Interview, Kiersten White

2010-09-14T00:00:00.001-04:00

This is a re-post of my interview with the awesome Kiersten White. Paranormalcy has been released!! AND It's #7 on the kids' best-seller list!!

If you don't already follow Kiersten White's blog, See Kiersten Write, you are missing out. Not only does she dispense of invaluable advice for writers, she keeps us laughing and empathizes with humor. For me, following her blog is a little like following a mini-series on TV. :0) Which is why I can't wait for her September release of Paranormalcy! You can pre-order at Amazon! Yay! Alright, now it's her turn to entertain! (see all those exclamation points?!)

Evie’s always thought of herself as a normal teenager, even though she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she’s falling for a shape-shifter, and she’s the only person who can see through paranormals’ glamours.

But Evie’s about to realize that she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.

So much for normal. (From Amazon)

Are you a pantster or a planner?

Total pantster. I plan a bit, but if I have an entire outline I get bored and the book doesn't happen.

What was the toughest part of your journey to publication?

The waiting and the rejection. I had a book go out on submission to editors before Paranormalcy. Month after month I waited. And about once a month, I'd get a rejection. It was brutal and it really wore me down emotionally. This is why it's imperative you have writing friends who are in similar stages--they are the only ones that really understand what you are going through. This is why it's also imperative that once you have that first project done, you are working on the second!

How was Paranormalcy born?

I wanted to play around with something a little more on the fantastical side than what I'd been writing. My friend, Natalie Whipple asked how I would do vampires if I ever wrote them and my husband talked about taking them back to what they really are--living corpses. From that idea came the International Paranormal Containment Agency and my darling girl, Evie and that was that.

At the red-carpet event of Paranormalcy, the movie, who would you take and what would you wear?

I would either take my husband, or if he had to babysit, I would take Natalie Whipple, Stephanie Perkins, and Carrie Harris, some of my critique partners. They would make funny jokes with me, which are essential to the movie-going experience, I've found. Although none of them would look as good in a suit as my husband does. I would wear something someone else picked out as I am utterly hopeless at fashion and would probably look like I was trying to go to the prom or something.

What is your advice for aspiring writers?

Keep writing! Finish a project, edit as best you can, workshop it and then write something else. It wasn't my first book that sold. Or my second. Or my third. Fourth try was the charm in my case--or at least, that's how long it took me to get my writing to a level where it was ready to be published. Don't be afraid to work because it's a huge, huge part of writing.

Tell the truth....did you write Paranormalcy or did Laptop slave over it?

Let's just say it was a group effort, but don't tell Laptop I said so.

Thanks again, Kiersten!! I know you are super busy with all of your edits and emails. Congratulations and I can't wait to read it!!

Author Interview, Courtney Rene!

2010-09-13T00:00:00.002-04:00

This is a re-posted interview. Courtney's debut novel, Shadow Dancer, will be released electronically on September 15th!! :)

I know I always say this, but seriously....I'm super excited for this debut author and her book! You know why? She is one of the first writers I met through an online writing forum and I've always adored her. When I heard the good news that she would be published soon, I think I squealed for her!! So, let's start, shall we?!!

Sunny has a gift that she has no idea how to use, until she meets Leif, a boy, from the kingdom of Acadia, on the other side of the shadows.

Leif teaches Sunny about Shadow Walkers, and how to use her new gifts. As they grow closer, and their gifts grow stronger, a threat arrives. The Shadow Guard has been sent to bring Sunny back to Acadia, to determine if she is a threat to the king as the rightful ruler of Acadia.

As Leif and Sunny prepare to defend themselves, Sunny finds out that Leif has also been sent to bring Sunny back to the kingdom but for very different reasons. As a battle for possession of Sunny wages, she is struggling to come to turns with her feelings of inadequacy regarding controlling her gifts as well as the hurt regarding the lies and deceit of everyone around her.

Tell me about Rogue Phoenix Press!

They are a small, relatively new publisher. They take on all genres and publicize mainly in e-publishing but they also have a POD to some authors-including ME!

Where did you get the inspiration?

I think all of us wish sometimes that there were something different, exciting and special about us. That we really are a lost princess or hero from some far away land that is just waiting for us to return to it. Plus, I always wished I could be invisible. To me, that would be the greatest “gift” to have. To be able to just melt away into the shadows when you wanted or needed. So I put the two together and came up with Shadow Dancer.

How long did this project take you?

Writing this novel, only took me maybe six months. I just suddenly had this story running screaming through my brain and I couldn’t get it down on paper fast enough. Editing and formatting, took me a while, several more months in fact. Then, it took me thirteen months to find it a home. All in all, not that long. As I have heard of authors taking years and years to get a first novel out, I’ll take my two years and be quite content.

Did you have in mind this would be a series or did that evolve as you wrote?

I didn’t start off making Shadow Dancer into a series. The more I got to know the characters, and the story, the more I realized I couldn’t fit it all in one book. Well, I could have, but that would have been one HUGE book.

Do you have a favorite writing spot?

I don’t have any real favorite writing spot. If I can fit a tablet of paper somewhere, or hook up my computer, I am just as happy and able to flit off into fantasy than if I was set up nicely in the perfect writing nook.

Let's say you acquire mad fame and fortune from this series....What do you do with it?

Fame scares me. I don’t want to be famous. I always say, you can have the fame, but the fortune, now that’s a different story. There are so many places on this Earth that I want to see. That is what I would do if I had money. Travel to Ireland, Rome, Greece, Australia, and many, many other places I have always wished to go. I would set up a scholarship fund for would-be writers. I don’t think people realize how hard the business of writing is. If I could lighten the load of just one struggling writer, I would be happy. The rest, well I would probably just stay the same as I am now. I don’t need much to be content. Not the fancy cars, or the big fancy house. I certainly don’t need a huge house, since after all I would be the one to have to clean it.

(Yeah, that's my problem with a big house, too!)

What is the best advice you've received as a writer?

The best advice I received as a writer was: Not to get lost in the technical side of writing. Write the story, then go back and worry about the grammar, the spelling, the format. The story is what people want to see, and if you write a good enough story, your readers won’t even notice the rest. They shouldn’t notice the work that went into it.

Courtney, thank you so much for taking the time out to do this interview when everything is still so crazy and busy!

Letters to Life

2010-09-10T07:58:00.000-04:00

Dear Laundry,
Please stop multiplying. I don't recall having all of these clothes to begin with. Also, if you could just hang yourself up, my life would be so much easier.

Piled Under,
Kristi

Dear School Staff,
Why is it necessary to have breakfast so early? My children are going to starve if this keeps up!

Under Slept,
Kristi

Dear Fellow Drivers on the roads of TN,
GET OFF MY A$$! err... Bumper

Highly irritated,
Kristi

Dear WIP,
I miss you, truly I do. Could you just skip that garden scene? I know it's important, but we could find something else, right? I'm not really great at all this research while so much else is going on. If you could just magically write it yourself, that would be even better!

Missing You,
Kristi

Uh Oh

2010-09-08T09:38:00.000-04:00

Here it is WIP Wednesday and I have not a drop to offer you. How selfish am I?! :)

Seriously, though. I've blogged before about stealing those five minutes here and ten minutes there to write when life gets so busy and hectic. I used to be able to do that without an issue. Here lately, I've been avoiding my WIP's because I know that I'll be interrupted, or the house is too messy for me to concentrate, or I'm feeling guilty about the lack of time spent with my husband and kids. What a dilemma!!

We all wear different hats. Mommy, wife, housekeeper, chauffeur, top chef, employee and friend. Sometimes it's a little more difficult to find that one hat that says, WRITER. I imagine it's sitting in our desk chair, patiently waiting for us to don it and get on with the fun stuff.

And so, despite the anxiety and the busy day ahead, I'll go work on a WIP, even if it is only for a few minutes.

How are you doing with your WIP?

WIP Wednesday

2010-09-01T00:00:00.001-04:00

Edward felt a knot in his chest as he gunned the Camaro around the corner to the little office where his paycheck was being held. The initial anxiety was always his favorite part of the chase. He didn't know what to expect from his prey, yet. He wondered if Cassandra would agree to dinner with him. The knot in his chest grew tighter and he almost couldn't breathe. The old engine protested as he shifted into neutral and turned the key off.

He forced himself to take a deep breath when the cool air from the office hit him in the face. Cassandra sat in her usual position behind the desk that couldn't hide her overpowering build.

...........

So, it's a short one this week. I've not done a lot of writing and I'm hoping to pull out of the 'slump' soon. I know it's mostly a matter of self-discipline, but I'd rather say that it's because I'm busy. Although we all know that isn't an excuse. *sigh*

So, how is everyone doing? Are you sitting down to write every day like a good little writer? Do you have some discipline to hand down to me?

Should We All Have a Label?

2010-08-31T01:32:00.000-04:00

I was thinking of writing. Which is good, considering I haven't had time to think of much of anything except table numbers and food orders and extra dressing....(crazy dreams every time I start a job)

I digress. I thought about how snotty I am when it comes to reading and if I would want my readers to feel the same. You see, I love James Patterson's crime novels. I noticed his recent release is co-written. I wrinkled my nose. I read one of his other books co-written with someone completely different. I will say it wasn't bad, but it wasn't a single voice and I noticed it. Neither one a bad voice. Each one enjoyable. But to me a little discerning. Kind of like I was cheating on my author with another one right in front of him. *gasp!*

Then he went and wrote different genres. I judged without even reading these books. I came to a realization that I was not behaving as a writer should. I should applaud his ability to move within the writing world and come out shining every time. I should be relieved that it's okay to have several different kinds of books going on at once. I should rip off the label of "Alex Cross" (his fabulous main character in the crime novels that are still my faves)and move along forward...with the author. Not against him.

Yeah, these realizations sometimes suck.

I also realized that I possibly have ADD that has never been diagnosed. Which is what led me to thinking about the whole label issue in our society. If I do have ADD...do I really need to know? At this point in my life, what would it do for me? Slow me down? Oh crap, that would triple my problems. So, then I started thinking about writing again....

Yeah, I'm ADD.

Finally breathing....

2010-08-30T16:00:00.000-04:00

I poke fun at those that depend upon their iPhones, laptops or other devices, but let's be honest. I went for a week without my internet access working or my cell phone which works in a pinch.

Oh. My. God.

Would you like to know my first instinct? "What does my Facebook status say right now? How am I going to change it? OMG EVERYONE WILL THINK I'M DEAD!" After rationalizing with myself that I'm not exactly queen popularity on FB, the next thought came tumbling out before I had time to stop it.

"MY BLOG! Oh no. I didn't have enough posts scheduled and what if I miss something important from my fellow bloggers? I just know that today is the day that agent X will check me out and try to contact me... and OH NO........

I HAVE NO EMAIL ACCESS!!!"

Uh huh. Pathetic, right? So, the saying really is true-those things you point out about others are often the flaws you yourself possess.

WIP Wednesday

2010-08-25T00:00:00.009-04:00

Here it is, the story I'm playing with. I won't really call it a Work In Progress, yet. I have too many of those I'm supposed to be finishing this year. *whistles obliviously*

Edward felt a beat in his step he hadn’t felt in a long time. He jumped into his old Camaro and gunned the engine. It seemed that parole was working with him this time. He had a job, his brother housed him and he had just met the perfect woman.

Despite the considerable weight he noticed behind that desk; her eyes were intense and playful. She didn’t seem to be too self conscious, but she probably hadn’t had many meaningful relationships. While his brain ticked off possibilities he careened around a corner and screeched to a stop in front of a big construction site that had traffic diverted and dust flying so thick he could hardly make out the different people walking around.

He scanned the different men to find the foreman. Edward knew the right man would either wear a different color hardhat or be the one doing the least amount of work. From where he stood, it appeared no one did much work at this site. He shrugged his shoulders back and strode into the direction of the fattest guy, job slip in hand. A tall skinny guy with his hard hat in his hands pointed in Edward’s direction. The fat guy turned around and looked him up and down.

“You in charge?” Edward asked with a slow southern drawl.

The fat man spit a dark stream of tobacco into the dirt. “Who wants to know?”

“I gotta job slip here. I figure ya need some help out here.”

His eyes narrowed. “Fat Jim, but you can call me Jim.”

“Jim.” He barely nodded. “Well, sir, they call me Eddie and I can do whatever ya need me fer.”

Fat Jim cocked his head to the side. “How long you been out of the pen?”

Edward cleared his throat. He hadn’t expected hillbilly Jim to peg him so quickly. “Six weeks, but it ain’t a problem.”

“Yeah, I know it ain’t.” Fat Jim spat again and dirt jumped in the air.

Edward wanted to punch him. He kept his mouth shut and waited for fat ass to give him orders.

“Can you mix concrete?”

“Yessir.”

“Alright,” he jerked a beefy thumb over his shoulder to the tall skinny guy, “Johnny here will take you with him. Quittin’ time’s at four o’clock and I don’t pay overtime.”

Edward shook on it and hoped the guy didn’t have any body lice or weird skin disease. He felt like one of the worst parts of having to be a man was the expectation to shake hands. It was gross. He hated other people touching him or his food.

“Don’t let the boss get to you. This here’s the biggest site he ever overseen, ya know?”

“No, I don’t know.”

“Well that’s fine, mister. Don’t get yer feelers hurt.” Johnny threw his head back and cackled like he’d told the best joke he’d ever heard.

“I gotta make money for my girl, ya know?”

Johnny sobered. “I know what ya mean, bro. My girl gets expensive too.” He howled with laughter again and slapped Edward on the back.

Edward caught himself before knocking Johnny’s teeth right out of his mouth. He kept pushing it down, saving it for the right time. Maybe after a few dates with Cassandra. He liked the way her name rolled off of his tongue. It wouldn’t be too long before he called on her again.

********

I welcomed the rush of cool air when I walked into my mom’s house. I could hear Lily laughing and smiled. Her joy brings me more happiness I ever thought imaginable. Then I heard a tiny, high pitched bark.

“Mom?”

“Come in, honey. We found the most adorable friend for Lily!”

I walked into the kitchen and was greeted by Lily and a little white Chihuahua. “Hello Little-Lily!” I wrapped my arms around her while I shot a look at my mother.

My mom patted her stiff blonde hair. “I couldn’t possibly pass up the chance to get this little guy for free. You know, he’s a Teacup Chihuahua and he’s the runt. I know he’s not worth a lot of money, but I didn’t spend any money to get him.”

“It’s not about the money, but we already discussed this, didn’t we?”

“I remember and we’ll just keep the little guy here if you really think that will be too much trouble to care for.” The tone in her voice rose a notch.

“Alright, alright.” I rolled my eyes and patted Lily on the head. “Go take care of your little friend.”

My mother stood up and wiggled her nose. “The floors must need cleaning.”

I sighed; she was referring to my inability to clean them since I had vacuumed, swept, mopped and waxed her floors two days ago.

She raised penciled brows. “Are you gaining weight? Lordy, Sandy, that ass!”

“I hate it when you call me Sandy.” I rummaged around the fridge and found a leftover piece of pie.

“When do you start that membership at the gym?”

“I don’t go to gyms, mother.”

“I just thought Lily was enough to make you more concerned about your health. You remember the complications you had.” She poured a glass of whole milk and handed it to me.

“Why did you get the dog, mom?” I finished off the slice of pie with the creamy liquid.

“I suppose I could go with you every now and then, but with my arthritis, working out isn’t good for me, you know?” She took my dishes and washed them in the sink. I watched her busy herself and tuned out the rest of the noise coming from her mouth.

So, what do you think?

Mundane Monday

2010-08-23T21:39:00.000-04:00

I was kind of bored today and then I remembered to put on some music and record the Young Prince. Instant cure!

If You Really Knew Me...Blogfest

2010-08-20T00:00:00.000-04:00

May it be funny, tragic, serious, sarcastic or angsty.....Let's hear from our Main Characters, shall we? What would you want others to know about them that isn't written? Something deep? Something silly?

How about on a Friday? August 27th it is. I'll try to figure out how to use Mr. Linky and get that going this weekend so you can link to your blog if you decide to participate. Don't worry, I won't be offended if you don't. I know many people have kids going back to school, edits going on, current projects to finish, etc.. But, it might be a fun little exercise to get to know our characters better, eh?

A few thoughts on Thursday

2010-08-19T02:28:00.000-04:00

I'm trying something new that I will share on WIP Wednesday. I'm writing from two different POVs. The antag and protag. Thoughts? Is it something frowned upon by the publishing world? I still want to write it that way because so far it's been fun! But your thoughts are always welcome!!

My life schedule sucks. I mean. Sucks. I'm up until about 2:30 am with the young prince. I get up at 6:15 am to get the Princesses moving and out the door to school. I come back home around 7:30. I try desperately to stay awake and spend time with CJ, do some housework or catch up on blogs. I fail. I go to sleep around 9:00 am. Some mornings I work and so I might not go to sleep but be getting ready. If I work that night, I sleep a couple of hours and then the Prince wakes up. I get the kids home from school and start them on their evening. What day is it??

Despite the weirdness of my days due to work; I love my new job. I had a rough night last night. Don't really know what happened but it led to a slight emotional breakdown which is sooo irritating. I'm hoping next shift is better. Which is tomorrow night. Yay!

What are you thinking about today?

WIP Wednesday

2010-08-18T00:00:00.000-04:00

She opened the door to a small refrigerator and moaned. I looked over her shoulder and saw the reason. Inside was a gallon of milk, an assortment of colorful fruits, some of them unfamiliar and rows of bottled water. I didn’t see a soda can anywhere.

“What am I going to do without Diet Crush? Or Diet anything?” She slammed the door closed.

I re-opened the door and helped myself to a juicy looking peach. “We can go buy some diet at the store tomorrow. I’m sure we’re not trapped here or anything.”

“Whatever.” She opened a couple of cabinets, but didn’t find any of her four food groups available; fast, frozen, boxed or sugared.

Juice ran down my chin from the peach and it was too dark for me to find a napkin. “Get me a paper towel or something.”

She rummaged in a drawer and found a towel. By which time I had already tried to wipe off the juice with my hand, resulting only in more stickiness in more areas than when I began.

“You should try one of these peaches. I’ve never eaten a juicier fruit.”

I heard her exhale loudly and then she turned to face me. “I think that old lady’s right. We need to go to bed.”

“Yeah, I am tired.” I walked to the sink and threw the pit inside since I couldn’t see where a trashcan was. “Do you know where I put my whiskey?”

“What?”

I looked at her. “What?”

“Did you just ask me where you put your whiskey?”

I almost started laughing. “That’s ridiculous. I said I was tired. You’re such a dork.”

“I think you’re more tired than you realize if you can’t remember what you said.”

“I do remember what I said and it had nothing to do with whiskey. Come on; you know I hate the taste of that stuff anyway.”

How are your WIPs?? I'm actually way behind and I may have even posted this excerpt before. I am learning how to juggle all of the responsibilities of working odd hours, taking kids to school, blogging, facebooking, tweeting, and writing. Sheesh!

Hope your week is going well!

DREAMS

2010-08-17T00:00:00.000-04:00

As a very young child, between the ages of three and eight, I remember a recurring dream. It was about Peter Pan and miniature horses. To this day, I still haven't figured the meaning of that dream. But I haven't forgotten about it either. Which is mysterious. I always dream in full color and assume that everyone else does as well. I've actually never met a person tell me that they dream in anything but color.

Dreams are a fascinating bit of brain candy, don't you think? There are so many theories, proven and disproven. Meaning....it's not entirely understood, these dreams. Even if you feel you do understand them...One day, and I promise this; one day it will all change.

As I grew older, my dreams became nightmares. Constant battles in my sleep with either my parents, kids at school or people I didn't even know. Fears came to me in a different form every night and I got to the point that I hated dreams and I hated dreaming. I wished for it to end. I searched for answers everywhere. Stopped eating at night. Ate at night. Changed foods, the movies I watched, the books I read. Nothing helped.

One day, I found out the meanings of some of those dreams. I worked for a year after that day to resolve the issues my subconscious had brought to my attention. I finally found peace in the night. My dreams went back to random, odd things.

I'm dreaming again. I'm dreaming of fighting. Constant bickering. I'm dreaming that I forget incredibly important things in the light of remembering something dumb, like a straw. I'm dreaming like crazy.

Know what's funny? So is my main character. And I'm starting to think that she is begging me to get back to work. What do you think of your dreams? :)

If You Really Knew Me...

2010-08-16T00:00:00.001-04:00

I'd like to organize a blogfest based on this show I stumbled upon called, If You Really Knew Me on Mtv. From what I've seen so far, these two folks are travelling around to schools with a day called, Challenge Day and trying to bring teens together across the divides of race, religion, sexual orientation, cliques, etc.. If it is possible for you to find this and watch it OnDemand.... DO IT NOW.

As I have watched this show where real teenagers open up and tell the cameras their fears, secrets and hurt feelings....I've come to one conclusion. MORE ADULTS NEED TO STEP UP AND TEACH THESE KIDS SOMETHING DIFFERENT. Show love. Show tolerance. Show respect. I'm listening to the problems that they bear upon their tiny, inexperienced shoulders and I'm bawling. I wish I could visit every teen in the world and tell them that it's okay. I love you. I can listen to you.

These shows are obviously not good for me to watch on a daily basis. *wipes a tear*

Sooo what about a group cyberhug?? A cyber-challenge day? I would love for anyone, any age to either leave me a comment that finishes the sentence "If you really knew me, you would know that..." or write a blog post beginning with that sentence. Then come back by and link it for me. Or tweet it.We're all in this world together. Remind everyone you know. Let's run it for a week. This week, or next week....could be both. I don't think it will hurt if it went wild. Spread the word. Let's get to know the REALITY of us.

I'll start.....

If you really knew me, you would know that I struggle with self confidence daily and I worry every moment of every day that I'm not the perfect mother, wife or friend. You would know that I love people and crave their approval.

Your turn....

OMG I want it!

2010-08-09T13:47:00.000-04:00

Click HERE to enter for a chance to win Stephanie's book, A Bitch Named Karma. You may remember I did an interview with her recently. You can check that out, HERE!

They're BACK!!

2010-08-09T13:20:00.000-04:00

The Young Prince is so tough....

Princess Kayla is reading her heart out!

Wow! I have missed this face!

And this face!!

Princess Rhiannon is not pictured because an evil step-sister plucked and shaved her eyebrows. I am NOT happy about this, but trying not to contact said evil step-sister and ripping her a new eardrum.

Other than that, everything else is wonderful and happy and I'm so glad they're home with us! (Which is just what I needed.)

It's my party ......

2010-08-09T00:00:00.000-04:00

This is my birthday week. Tomorrow is my birthday and I'm choosing a random number (30). I don't really celebrate all week....birthdays tend to lose their celebratory nature with each year past 21. :) However, I don't plan on blogging this week. I have fallen a tad behind with the new job, the kids home and a WIP that I really need to focus on.

So, I am unplugging and will be seeing you on the 16th of August! :)

Memory

2010-08-05T00:00:00.024-04:00

I went to a class at the gym last week that discussed Muscle Memory and working outside of our comfort zones. The trainer who gave the seminar taught us that our muscles have memory. I remember this vaguely from college, so it was awesome to have a refresher. She brought up the great point that most of us sit down at our jobs all day and have our arms in front of us on a keyboard. Then she pointed out all of the different machines that we use and how most of them put us in the position of sitting. How are we changing our muscle groups?? How are we giving our butt something different to do?

It got me to thinking about writing. We get into modes of writing a specific genre, age group or premise. I know I do. So, I thought....and this is scary....what if I tried something drastically different? Not to publish or try to make it perfect. But to stretch those writing muscles and give something different other than the norm. In writing, I tend to follow a pattern. I tend to keep my characters a certain age. I tend to have tragedy and deep, serious issues. So, today I'll be attempting to write a humorous romance. Short one. And I'll post it for you next week on WIP Wednesday. I may find different 'stretches' for my current WIP by doing something different. It's all about staying in shape! :0)

What about you? Should you try to shake up the writing muscles a little?

WIP Wednesday

2010-08-04T00:00:00.004-04:00

So, here's a new WIP! I only have a few pages written, but here's the beginning. What do you think?

When Edward came into my office, I felt my stomach quiver and jump. Something about his demeanor; the way his strong build filled the doorway and his tattooed arm flexed when he pushed the door closed behind him exuded tough confidence. He looked like the kind of man that had lived a rough life, but the chocolate color in his eyes betrayed something softer. I was hooked.

“I’m here for a job.” He spoke with a northern accent that I couldn’t quite place.

“Okay.” My hands shook as I grabbed the forms from my metal desk drawer. The dent in the handle caught on my skirt and I cursed under my breath.

“One of those days?” he asked with a slight grin.

“Uhm, yeah, I guess so.” I hoped he couldn’t hear my voice shaking around the lump in my throat. I handed him the papers and a pen. “Just fill these out and I’ll see what we have for today.” I fumbled for the keyboard.

I noticed he filled out the forms with his left hand, right arm laying over the top of the papers. I peered over his hand to see his address. He wrote Logan, but I knew he wasn’t from there.

One of those days....

2010-08-03T00:00:00.001-04:00

Today, Princess Kayla turns 7 years old. It's been 7 years since I first laid eyes on the tiny, 6 lb squirming and demanding baby girl in Alturas, California.

Honestly, I didn't know if she would make it to 3. :0) Which is one of the million reasons that I love her so much. Having Kayla was a lesson in patience, a lesson in choosing battles and a lesson in operating on very little sleep. And it wasn't that she didn't sleep. It was that she stole my side of the bed for approximately 5 years. She slept just fine.

Princess Kayla showed me that all girls are not created equal. She showed me that not all babies are happy and content to sit in a swing or under a playgym.

Kayla taught me joy. Pure, unadulterated and from nowhere but a smile. She smiles a lot. She loves to laugh and tease. She's like a mischevous little pixie that bounces from one giggle to another.

I'm not really good with birthdays. They depress me when I see my children getting older. I know they're one year closer to leaving home. But, birthdays are good things too. Another year of new and exciting learning experiences. A new kind of smile. A different point of view.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRINCESS KAYLA!!

Monday Mayhem

2010-08-02T00:00:00.018-04:00

As I'm sure many of you have heard, I have a little obsession. It's with these CRAZY silly bands. And for my faithful cool kids that do not know of these wonderous little bracelets....lay your eyes on these!

Why am I so obsessed? I don't know. It could be the fact that Princess Kayla has a crazy obsession with them too and now, I've been drug in and brainwashed. :0) But, seriously. Aren't they cool?!

Can you pick out the shapes from the picture above? What are your favorites? These are mine:

It's sideways for some reason.....but can you tell why these are my favorites?

So, there's your Monday Mayhem. Silly bands! Do you have any? Wanna trade? :0)

Changes

2010-07-29T00:00:00.001-04:00

So, you may have heard from my Facebook page that I've become a part of the laboring workforce of the USA. Well, I'm a waitress at Applebees starting on Monday.

I'm pretty excited about this one because I will actually be waiting tables. The restaurant business has been an industry that I've always loved for a long time. I love the interaction with people, new people and your teamwork with co-workers and the feeling of a job well done at the end of the day. Making people happy.

I think change is a good thing for me right now. I feel like this job is going to be a huge confidence booster to keep reminding me that I'm not worthless-sitting around. Which-my amazing CJ has nothing to do with. He's so supportive of me sitting at home and writing. I, personally, am not. I see where we have so many struggles that could be eased with a little extra income.

I am also looking forward to each change leading to more change-positive change of course. :0)

What kinds of changes have you had to face in the past?

WIP Wednesday

2010-07-28T00:00:00.001-04:00

When Ellie Starr looked down her nose from behind glasses held to her neck by a rock necklace, I knew she was a force to reckoned with. Her sharp green eyes didn’t miss a beat and seemed pierce through your skin and muscle and see right into the very core of your being. When I watched her on TV I saw this kind hearted woman that would contact other people’s loved ones and reassure them of their happiness. I needed that. Among other things.

“You are wasting a precious gift in the name of fear and you have a curiosity that is hungry like that of a playful kitten.” She held a finger pointed at my waist. Her bracelets clinked together when she moved. “When it is fulfilled, you will hunt like the Lioness. You have a gift. Do not deny it. Open your mind this summer and your life will change.”

Ellie turned to Bethany and leaned her head back. “Hmmm. Your bitter emotions stand in the way of your success. You are hungry, too; hungry for the nurturing embrace of a mother. You are a mother. Embrace that. It is you that not only leads your friend,” she gestured to me again with her tinkling bracelets, “but you follow her as well, to catch her if she falls.”

Bethany’s mouth hung open and I might have been a little shocked too. I had never seen this woman before. The entry card for her contest only asked the relative’s name you might want to contact and your mailing address. I couldn’t find a logical reason for her predictions or her accusations.

“Miss Starr, I’m not sure we understand,” I explained.

“It’s Ellie and you will understand by the end of summer.”

Bethany found her voice. “What is it we’re doing here this summer?”

“You’re going to live here, work with me, shadow me and then walk on your own.”

I shook my head. “I still don’t understand. What are our responsibilities? When do we have free time?”

She twisted a large turquoise rock around her finger. “Those answers will come in time. For now, why don’t you take the bikes and explore our little town. Dinner is served promptly at six-thirty.”

Bethany pulled her keys from her pocket. “We don’t need bikes, I have my car.”

Ellie smiled thinly. “The ride in the fresh air will invigorate you. Take the bikes.” Then she reached out and took Bethany’s keys from her hand.

“Where are the bikes, Ellie?”

She pointed to the side of the house where a dilapidated barn stood. I walked Bethany away from Ellie before she came to her senses and punched the lady.

“My dad doesn’t take my keys, that woman can not take my keys, Delilah!”

“Oh, come on,” I squeezed her hand, “how long has it been since we rode bikes together?”

She thought about it, but I knew she pictured the same scene in her head; the two of us with our skinny, stick legs sticking out off the pedals and careening down the big hill in our neighborhood.

“I believe I have the scar to commemorate our last ride,” she grumbled. At the end of the hill I was winning and as I goaded her, she skidded in a patch of dirt and hit a rock which had sent her flying over the handlebars of her own bike.

I gave her a light shove. “If you don’t cheer up, I’ll do it again.”

“Oh, alright, but I didn’t sign up for all this physical activity.”

“It’s great exercise.”

“Whatever.”

Here are some of the questions I will ask myself while I go over this passage: Does this show three very separate personalities? Am I clear in who is speaking and about what? Is Ellie's introduction sharp enough? Is she a three dimensional character?

What say YOU?

Truth for Tuesday

2010-07-27T00:00:00.001-04:00

I am becoming a cave dweller.

And I like it. It's totally okay with me.

It probably won't be so cool once my royals are home from their far, far away adventure. But I'm not fighting it.

I've gotten some writing done, less reading than I wanted to get done, and lots of time with my Court Jester.

Once upon a time, I would have loved to paint the town purple (yes, I prefer purple, thank you) and see my house only in time to sleep. (Oh yes, I've done a lot of that, too!)

At first, I was a little panicked. I thought about my youth flying right out the window without me, laughing as she hopped on the back of a Harley and threw caution to the wind.

And then, I realized that my youth comes back to me in the oddest moments, and they're the ones that are appreciated the most. Like my crazy obsession with silly bands. Yes...silly, crazy, shaped plastic type bracelet things. Holy cow, I don't know why or how, but I'm totally into it. I even trade with kids I see at the gas station. Not my kids. Yeah, I'm a little weird.

My youth skips through my memory as I write new stories and situations for her to get tangled in; and make me appreciate the *wisdom of age. *Ahem* Kind of.

And so, I'm striving to find the balance between cave dweller and socialite. So far, Truthfully, Cave Dweller is working just fine.

What's your truth?

Yes, it's Monday all over again....

2010-07-26T00:00:00.000-04:00

And...I must say that I don't have a lot of anything to say. Nothing important or related to writing, anyway. So, I figured that maybe you are all so much more clever on Monday that I would leave the blogging in your capable hands.

Then I snapped to my senses. I haven't blogged in a few days. I had a break. It's time to get down to business. Right? Right!

So, I leave you with words of wisdom!! Hope, Inspiration!! That someone else wrote....

Accept those things that I can not change....

A man is rich in direct proportion to the number of things he can afford to let alone. ~Henry David Thoreau

Philogyny: A love for or liking of women (opposite of misogyny)

"Toleration is the greatest gift of the mind; it requires the same effort of the brain that it takes to balance oneself on a bicycle." ~Helen Keller

"If all economists were laid end to end, they would not reach a conclusion." George Bernard Shaw

Freelance Writing and Contests

2010-07-22T00:00:00.001-04:00

I read a personal opinion somewhere and the author stated that she truly didn't have time for freelance writing jobs or entering contests because it stole focus from her one true love-the novel she was writing and editing. It got me to thinking....

Last year, I started off by taking a class on writing for children and teens through ICL. Awesome course and it completely revived my writing desires. But, it focused on magazine writing or short stories until the end when you decided if you wanted to pursue the novel writing course. This is all fine. They are a reputable school and I enjoyed my experience. But, I wanted to write that novel. I kept itching. And itching. But, I wrote article after short story after article after picture book to picture book *(which is SUPER hard!!). I entered contests galore. Almost every one that I ran across. I never placed or won any competitions I entered. This isn't a big deal, either. Half the time I forgot I entered them! I felt like it was good practice, win or lose.

Then a funny thing happened.....NanoWriMo. I poured all of my energy into a novel and it felt exhilerating! I loved every second of it and soon forgot all about contests and articles for children's magazines. Before I knew it, there was no more market research for magazines, but for an agent instead.

While I still have a ways to go before querying, I have felt that my energy has been better spent. But......

Am I missing out on opportunities? Am I appearing to be a lazy writer? There is another article out there that says; "Write! Write anything for anybody, just write!" I don't know if that applies to me. What about you?

WIP Wednesday!

2010-07-21T14:50:00.000-04:00

Instead of my usual excerpt and show of editing, today I want to talk about all the different ways we write through our ideas.

Outlines:
I've tried. Truly, really and poured sweat out trying. I can't do it. This is the closest I get to an outline....

Introduce main character, Jimmy, in school....conversation with friend about home
Mom and Jimmy are fighting more and more since the divorce....
Jimmy wants to run away and live with his dad.

So...you get the idea. :0) Very broad.

Sometimes I start with nothing more than a scene in my head. I find inspiration in funny places and in obvious places. Sometimes a sentence pops in my head that won't get out. Eventually I have to write it and see if it goes somewhere. If it does, I start to map little things out to keep me moving forward. Like this:

There is something very freeing about writing on a white board. Especially in multiple colors!

I also have been known to use notecards for visual reminders of where my scenes should be progressing.

So tell me, what are some of your tricks to keep the story going?

Mid Summer Blue Dream

2010-07-20T00:00:00.000-04:00

This past weekend has been a little tough on me emotionally. I've had this roller coaster of being very angry, hurt, confused....possibly in need of being committed? Nah. At any rate, it's made it difficult to write. However, it has also pointed out some valid points to consider while creating your cast of characters in each novel.

While I agree that it is a good idea and fun way to get to know your characters with lists of questions including what kind of music they like, what is their ideal occupation when they "grow up" or if they are-what is the occupation? Favorite colors? Foods?

What about emotions?
If your character is mad; do they cry? Yell and cuss? Laugh? (some people do, ya know!)
Does your character confront problems head on with strength and the courage to know that whatever the outcome is, it needs to be done? Or try to glaze over the problem with some icing and walk away? Do they tell you if they're sad? Do you remember those days that were seemingly perfect, but you were still sad? I have those days, still; but especially as a teenager did I suffer from 'nonsensical depression' as I called it.

If you're struggling, maybe you should consider the emotions your characters are experiencing as you take them through your own made up plot! :0)

Not enough

2010-07-19T17:52:00.002-04:00

I didn't have enough entries to post a story today. We'll try it another time!

Excuses, Excuses...

2010-07-14T22:58:00.000-04:00

I should be blogging in a normal routine as I have in the past. I'm not. Know why?

It's really hot! My a/c broke and the act of typing is enough to cause the heat from my fingers flying over the keyboard to affect the entire living room.

I'm very busy in my word documents! Yes, that contradicts statement number one. I'm READING my word document.....

Big Brother's new season has begun and it's crucial research to my current WIP.

After dropping my children off with their grandparents, I've suffered post traumatic stress disorder.

I didn't say they were good excuses....

So, to make up for it, let's do a story chain!! Leave your lines after mine in the comments and the next person can add and so forth. Just a little entertainment for us so we don't melt in the summer sun. I'll post the story in its entirety on Monday, July 19th!

Marcus thought about the past two weeks as he sat on the well-worn bench. He shook his head back and forth. The words of his mother echoed in his mind.

"Three months is all I have, Marcus. Make it count."

........(your turn!)

What I'm doing....

2010-07-13T19:19:00.000-04:00

This is how it began.......

It hurt a little bit...

But she represents so much in my life right now-the motion and freedom and openness of me. I told Matt how impressed I was with his work and how much I loved her.

So, he added a few more touches.... and LOOK! Isn't she beautiful?!

If you are around or near Oklahoma and you want some ink, Matt Naghabai in Stillwater, Oklahoma is awesome. Not only is his work great, he is a great guy. The whole experience of getting this tattoo was incredible. Much better than my first, I'll say that!

Check out his website!

WIP Wednesday...err Thursday

2010-07-08T00:59:00.000-04:00

Like everything this summer it seems that I'm falling a day behind!! I don't know what happens. Well, yes I do...but I probably won't admit it to you cool kids. Today's excerpt is from my current WIP which remains untitled. I do, however, have a white board full of brainstorm ideas for the title. Happy Reading!

“Do not move,(.)” Aidan eyed me.

My whole body stiffened, ~~but I wanted to jump in the creek~~. ~~I looked from side to side with my eyeballs~~ My eyes searched from side to side, but couldn’t see any inherent danger. “What is your problem?” I asked through my teeth.

“There’s a snake behind you. Luckily neither of you have seen each other, but if you move, he’ll feel it.”

I closed my eyes and fought the urge to cry. I tried to imagine warm beaches with white sand and nothing resembling snakes. I couldn’t stop thinking about the snake and the tears were rising in my throat, choking me.

“What do I do?” I managed to croak. (This is why I find it difficult to write in first person POV)

“The first thing to do is open your eyes,” Landon’s soft drawl filled the air.

I opened them slowly and saw Landon standing a couple of feet in front of me. I didn’t even hear him. He gave me a lopsided smile. “That’s better, ain’t it? You know which way is up.”

I laughed in spite of myself. “Yeah.” My voice didn’t sound like it belonged to me.

“Alright, no need to be nervous, just stretch yer arms out to me.”

“Will he hear my arms move?”

“He’s listenin’ to our conversation right now, darlin’.”

I pressed my lips together evaluating my options. ~~He tilted his head to the side with his hands stretched out to me.~~With his head cocked to the side, Landon reached for me. He wiggled his fingers. ~~and I felt like I could trust him.~~ I took a deep breath and hoped ~~that whatever snake was near me~~ the snake wasn’t a cobra. I ~~lifted my arms and before I knew what was happening~~ shook, but lifted my hands to him. He had me in his arms ~~I was in Landon’s arms~~ and halfway across the creek before I could hesitate.

“I think you hurt my shoulder,” I shuddered.

So, this is my first "suspenseful" scene in my book. Despite the fact that suspense is what I love to read or watch, I really struggle with writing it out. Sometimes I'm too short and leave out crucial details. The hardest thing about action and suspense is the varying of sentences and their length or power. It is something I definitely have to make sure to cover in my editing and re-writes.

How about you? Tell me about your WIP.

Tuesday Review-Kimberly Derting; The Body Finder

2010-07-06T07:39:00.000-04:00

I'm so glad that I finally get to do a Tuesday Review. Tuesday Reviews means I made it through the whole book despite my many distractions throughout a normal day. It sounds odd, but working out has improved the amount of time I have to read while on the treadmill or bike. It's amazing what we do as grown ups, isn't it?

Okay, on to what you really want to hear. The juicy details of this wonderful book, The Body Finder. Well, I'm not going to give you the juicy details. I'm not going to do any spoiling on this blogspot! :0)

POV: First person past tense
LENGTH: 327 pages
GENRE: YA/Paranormal

First of all, I loved the main character, Violet. I couldn't help it because she reminded me a lot of myself and so there was an instant kinship between us, you know?

The author did a great job of setting up the story without boring or confusing the reader. Though I could have used a little less explanation of her gift, that is a minute detail that I'm not going to squabble about. As a whole this book is awesome and an enjoyable read. Once you start diving into the mystery with Violet, there's really no turning back.

The romance is also swoonworthy in this book. I found myself rooting for the boy that she really loved(her childhood friend), and sighing in frustration when they would miscommunicate with each other. She did a great job of setting up the emotions of a YA relationship with your best friend that is suddenly a lot better looking than he was in junior high. It brought back that situation in my life with stunning clarity and I really understood Violet's angst.

Despite swoonworthy romance, this novel isn't for romance readers. Kimberly Derting weaves her words and the mystery together so well that half the time I forgot I was supposed to be asking whodunnit; I had actually let go and trusted the author. Something I don't always do too easily. I have my die-hard stand-bys when it comes to suspense and now this book will be added to that shelf. So will her next book, Desires of the Dead.

I think this is a perfect example of YA. There are a few swear words, but nothing drastic and it's certainly not littered through the entire book. I wouldn't give this to my 10 year old only because of the mature emotional content. (Bodies responding to each other-no sex, but the charge of it is in the air!)Go. Buy. It. Just click on the link and VOILA! And if you don't already follow Kimberly Derting's author blog you should be. So click on her name and leave a comment!

I Need Therapy

2010-07-05T05:18:00.000-04:00

I really do.

If I was a main character in a book, I would be really upset at the author. REALLY.

So, I was thinking...I'm in a situation. It's complicated. Though I normally tell BFF and CJ everything; something happened that I can't confide in either about. Not even just can't....but won't.

I've already told them I was crazy.

I think in some cases that was where I went wrong.

*Wait...it is possible that I got distracted from my original point which had something to do with writing...*
(I have been awake for way too many hours and I don't see relief anywhere in sight.)

Okay, so my point is this; I'm going to write an autobiography. It's going to be the next Twilight. Complete with Vampires and Vampiresses and even a real live Demon. Only it's my life, people.

Somewhere in a past life, I really screwed someone over. Like...Badly. Meaning, my autobiography will most likely suck. And not in a vampire kind of way.

On a more positive note, I will have a review tomorrow of The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting. Yay! I am about to go to the gym (why not, haven't slept nor will I in the future) and finish reading it while I work off some ~~frustrations~~ fat.

It's FRIDAY!

2010-07-02T00:00:00.001-04:00

I'm a writer

2010-07-01T00:00:00.001-04:00

When people ask what you do, do you tell them about your day job? Or that you are a stay at home mom? Or do you tell them you are a writer, even if you are unpublished? I met my neighbors a couple of months ago and we had the typical conversation of what do you do, how old are the kids, blah blah. Here's how my conversation went.

ME: I stay at home with the kids and actually I'm working on a book.

THEM: Oh, really? What kind of book?

ME: Young Adult novel. It takes up a lot of my time, I apologize I'm over here in my pajama bottoms.

THEM: Oh, how exciting. I have always thought about writing a book.

ME: Really?

THEM: Yes, but I just don't have the time. (looking over my disheveled hair, no make up, oversized tee shirt and pajama bottoms, completed with sandals that I hastily threw on to chase my kids down outside.) Have you published anything?

ME: No, not yet. That is the ultimate goal, though.

THEM: Oh. Well. Good Luck.

ME: Thanks!

But the look is that of disbelief, and a little judgemental-as if that's not a title I'm allowed to have until I've published something. So, I'm a little hesitant to tell people I write. I feel like they think I'm a joke. But, this writing business is hard work, I want to scream.

Then at the most odd place, I became proud of myself again. The school dance I recently attended with my girls was held directly after school let out until 5 pm. So, I brought the girls' dresses to the school and helped them get changed. On our way back to the gym, a particularly snotty ten year old walked up to Princess Rhiannon and said, "Nice dress." My daughter, who is thankfully oblivious to her sneer, says, "Thanks, this is my mom." She grabs onto my hand and leans against me, showing me how proud she is of me. And then, the snotty ten year old says, "Hi. Do you really write books for a job?" My first instinct was to tell her no. I thought, well it's not like she can go buy any of my books, how do I explain that to a snotty ten year old who probably has just as snotty a mother? (Sorry-I hate snotty kids)

But then I realized something. My not snotty nine year old was apparently bragging on me at her school. If my kid feels like what I do is something to be proud of, and calls it my job-despite the fact that she's never seen my name in print-what right do I have to doubt it? My whole family has been behind me during this journey. Even though it has cramped our wallet, they smile and hug me and tell their friends I'm a writer.

So, I held my head up and told that snotty ten year old, "Yes, I do and Rhiannon here is one of my best beta readers." I put my arm around my daughter and squeezed her. The snotty ten year old's face fell and she said, "Oh. Cool." And walked off.

Now, if you ask me, I'll tell you loud and proud..."I'm a writer."

(re-post)

My first Bit of Fiction Post

2010-06-30T00:00:00.001-04:00

wanted to thank Robyn Campbell and Uninvoked for stopping by and helping me see my paragraph in a new light. :) I can't tell you how much it helped, even to hear that it was well written. I don't have a critique group, YET, so there are times when I don't believe my husband's praise anymore. :)

And, to boost my ego further-or to get a little advice for free-I decided to post a little more of this novel in progress. This is the one I'm working on this month with the goal of 25000 words added to it. Speaking of goals, I almost forgot....

Today's WC GOAL: 1500

“Well, we’ve got a long drive to figure out the details. I’m not real thrilled about going back home either.” She stuffed the various clothes and toiletry items back into her suitcase and sat on it to latch the old brass lock.
Jarred let out a sigh and stormed into the living room. “I don’t see my backpack.”
“Anything other than cocaine in it?” she asked sarcastically.
“Yeah, my wallet and some clothes.” He shot back at her.
She studied his face and thought for a moment. He looked a lot like their mother. Audra had always wondered why she didn’t look like her mom or any of her brothers. She never had the opportunity of knowing if she looked like her father.
“Not important, we need to leave, now.”
He pouted, looking like the Jarred she remembered from so many years ago. She suppressed her laughter. It was not the time to be funny.
“Fine, I’ll go back with you, but when shit hits the fan don’t say I didn’t warn you,” he said.
She looked at him warily, empathizing with his desire to stay as far away from Georgia as possible. However, she knew the reality of it was that she couldn’t stay here and avoid some livid drug dealers looking for their drugs or their cash. She had neither to offer them. Audra stepped into the bathroom and quickly changed her clothes. It was hard for her to believe that driving to Pokenoe even existed on her agenda. The events of the past two days seemed too surreal to comprehend. She yanked open the bathroom door to find Jarred standing in front of her with pieces of her broken cell phone in his hands.

(repost-this wip died after near completion. It may be revived one day...so you don't have to critique as the above writing suggests.)

Make it Stick

2010-06-29T00:00:00.002-04:00

Ahhh, when I was young and limber, I took a gymnastics class and I performed really well. One thing I remember the most about tumbling is that you have to MAKE IT STICK. Your routine is important, the jumps, flips, splits, stretches...but even more important is that you have to STICK IT at the end. You MUST make that final leap, stay on your feet and throw your hands in the air with victory. You are judged by how well you make it stick.

I have made it a point to READ again. This is difficult with a royal court and a Jester that hates reading. I have read plenty of children's books out loud, and even a couple of MG's to myself. Research, ya know? But the books that I like, full of suspense, murder, mystery, crime, forensics, conspiracies, I don't get to read as often as I'd like.

Now, I recently finished a book that held my attention all the way through. It wasn't "unputdownable" as some would say, but it was well written and a good story. But, when I got to the end, I was terribly let down. There were a few subplot ideas that weren't wrapped up. I even had to go back and read a few chapters over again to make sure I didn't miss it. So, would I recommend this book to my friends? Probably not. (You notice I'm not asking my followers to run out and read it)

I probably don't have a lot of professional advice to offer on this, as I haven't completed my novel, YET. However, I do know that I am constantly making notes to remember to "wrap up" certain parts of my novel. I even found a character that I introduced in chapter one and then never spoke of him again!! I had to either delete him, or bring him into the story more. I noticed a conflict or two (minor ones) hadn't been resolved. Time to resolve it, or delete it. Is it really necessary to understand the plot? If so-tie it up, make it stick. If not, DELETE.

Is there anything you do when you are at the end of your novel to tie it up? Any foolproof plan on how to Make It Stick??

(repost)

Yin and Yang

2010-06-28T00:00:00.002-04:00

I have a tattoo on my leg with the yin yang symbol and then my astrological signs around it. I wont go into detail, as it really isn't that pertinent. But I will say that is a key sign in my life.

I try to remember that in all things we must have a balance. A balance of good and bad, written words and spoken words, beauty and despair, give and take and then the balance of helping others and helping yourself. Selflessness vs. Selfishness, if you will.

This is one of the areas where I need to be constantly reminded of a balance. There are days that I am so overwhelmed, all I can think of is how it is affecting me. Selfishness. But, the reason I'm so overwhelmed is usually due to being a wife, mother and friend all at once. Selflessness. Funny how we can be both at the same time, huh?

I think most, if not all, mothers and wives go through this highly contradictory feeling most of their lives. It's maddening sometimes. It's hard to find the balance-that line in the middle that says all is well and smoothly divided.

I recently decided that I had made enough excuses and it was time to start reading again. Something other than Dr. Seuss or Magic School Bus. Don't get me wrong, these are some great children's books.....but I lost that balance again. That balance between old and new. That balance of reading and writing. In part due to motherhood. I can't remember the last time I curled up on the couch all alone and read a great book. I'm sure it's been years.

So, I've begun anew, with my yin yang symbol for all to see. Find that balance. If all you do is take care of others, find something that takes care of you! On the other hand, if all you've done is write and write while the kids are running amok, maybe it's time to try a little of the other. :) Somehow, I doubt this problem exists for many of you. We are generally too selfless, not giving enough attention to ourselves.

Now, trying something new and taking time out for myself has just started this past weekend. Sunday I made a point of not making any schedule or plan. I had the freedom to read, write, play or sleep. I did a little of all of it. I caught up with my correspondence, I enjoyed the company of my great friends at the Writer's Retreat. I took my kids to the park and read fifteen pages in peace. I had a great selfish day!! It's amazing how revived I feel today.

If you haven't paid enough attention to yourself, take a break. Sit down and evaluate what kinds of things will nourish you, revive your haggard routines. Then, take steps to accomplish those things you need. Your writing will love you for it.

(re-post)

Sunday Inspiration

2010-06-27T00:00:00.002-04:00

I made two very big decisions last week and so I'm unplugging this week to take a mini break. I'm going to go camping, possibly talk my husband into a trip to the aquarium and try to be at rest with these two things:

1) I exert way too much energy, thought, time and sacrifice for the sake of others and therefore stuff my own creativities, desires and wants into a "later" pile that never seems to be addressed. The only person that can change that is me. It's time to do it. It's really hard, okay? I am a natural people-pleaser. Even if I don't know you. I feel sorry for telemarketers when my husband hangs up on them. Yes, I am that girl.

2) I'm sending my 22 month old son to Texas with his sisters to visit grandparents. The princesses are used to this annual trip. He isn't. I'm not used to him going. But I desperately need it. I needed it six months ago. Honestly. Does that mean I'm a horrible parent? Thank God for grandparents if I am. So, this kind of has to do with (1) but it's also a whole other thing. I can't remember not chasing this monster around. I can't recall a time that I wasn't saying "NO" or "Go to your ROOM!" or "Stop CLIMBING!" (That's a new one that I could really live without). I need to miss him. Yanno?

These decisions obviously kind of suck. They're selfish. They really suck. And CJ has been so much of a KING to me lately. He really deserves a little time without the kids and more time with the woman he fell in love with lots of years ago.

So...since I will be unplugged for a week-please leave in the comments any links to special posts because by the time I get back I will have over 1000 to read and I don't know if I can commit to all of that. Sorry...more selfishness. But, just to be nice I'll schedule a week of re-posts. Excitement, overflowing, or what?!

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But this is FOR you!

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Friday Lyrical Fun

2010-06-25T00:00:00.002-04:00

No more Youtube videos today, I promise. :0) I know that gets time consuming....

So, I have to say that this week of diving into songs has been a roller coaster for me, personally. I wanted to be short and concise, but with music it's just too difficult. I realized that for every important, funny, volatile and emotional time in my life; music was there with me. A song or group of songs that I had on a CD can bring back that time like an uncontrollable flood. I don't mean this in a bad way. I don't relive the moments....but can appreciate them. Like a cheesy montage in a movie. A life soundtrack, if you will. This also made me realize that it could possibly be crucial for me to have playlists for my WIPs

So, for Friday's Fun, I'm posting some lyrics that have always struck me as beautifully written. Feel free to join in in the comments if you have the time!

"My soul is painted like the wings of butterflies..." ~Brian May, Queen
"Her tears like diamonds on the floor..." ~Rob Thomas
"Life's like an hourglass glued to the table..." ~Ana Naelik 2 am
"Rhiannon rings like a bell through the night..." ~Stevie Nicks
"It's only me that wants to wrap around your dreams; have you any dreams you'd like to sell?" ~Stevie Nicks
"Am I making something worthwhile of this place?" Azure Ray Displaced
"Put your arms around me; what you feel is what you are and what you are is beautiful." ~Goo Goo Dolls Slide
"It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine." ~REM

I could go on and on, but it's too late.

Storytellers

2010-06-24T00:00:00.001-04:00

Some songs are stories with definite beginnings, middles and endings. Some are funny and some are serious wake up calls for society to listen to. Do you remember this one?

My name is Luca. I live on the second floor. I live upstairs from you. Yes; I think you've seen me before. If you hear something late at night, some kind of trouble, some kind of fight. Just don't ask me what it was.

And who could forget this classic storyteller, Johnny Cash.

Well my daddy left home when I was three and he didn't leave much to momma and me except this old guitar and an empty bottle of booze. I don't blame him because he run and hid, but the meanest thing he ever did was before he left, he named me Sue.

Country and Western is always great for a three minute story that brings tears to your eyes.

So as our week of songs comes to a close, what are some of your favorites? Either for inspiration or a good story?

Real Life and Songwriting-Lyrics

2010-06-23T00:28:00.000-04:00

I don't want to be the girl that laughs the loudest or the girl that never wants to be alone.
I don't want to be that girl at 4 o'clock in the morning 'cause I'm the only one you know in the world that won't be home.
The sun is blinding. I stayed up again. Oh, oh I am finding that's not the way I want my story to end.
I'm safe, up high, nothing can touch me. Why do I feel this party's over? No pain inside, you're my protection but how do I feel this good sober?

I don't want to be the girl that has to fill the silence. The quiet scares me 'cause it springs the truth. Please don't tell me that we had that conversation. I won't remember; save your breath what is the use?
Night is coming and it whispers to me softly, "Come and Play."
I, I am falling and if I let myself go I'm the only one to blame...

Another beauty and truth of songwriting is that it can be interpreted so many ways for so many different people and their different struggles in life. For me, this song helped me deal with something that had nothing to do with alcohol or drugs...rather an addiction to a bad life cycle. If that makes sense.

Even now, hearing it reminds me of the dark time I went through...and survived.

2010-06-22T00:00:00.000-04:00

I am unwritten; can't read my mind. I'm undefined.
I'm just beginning, the pens in my hand; ending unplanned.

Staring at the blank page before you.

Open up the dirty window; let the sun illuminate the words that you can not find.

Reaching for something in the distance; so close you can almost taste it.

Release your inhibitions. Feel the rain on your skin.

No one else can feel it for you. Only you can let it in.

No one else, no one else can speak the words on your lips.

Give yourself in words unspoken; live your life with arms wide open.

Today is where your book begins, the rest is still unwritten.

I break tradition. Sometimes my tries are outside the line.

We've been conditioned to not make mistakes, but I can't live that way.

Staring at the blank page before you.

Open up the dirty window; let the sun illuminate the words that you can not find.

Reaching for something in the distance; so close you can almost taste it.

Release your inhibitions. Feel the rain on your skin.

No one else can feel it for you. Only you can let it in.

No one else, no one else can speak the words on your lips.

Give yourself in words unspoken; live your life with arms wide open.

Today is where your book begins, the rest is still unwritten.... Natasha Bedingfield Unwritten

What I love about this song is that it took a second listen before I even realized the lyrics. The music and the beat were uplifting and so I cranked it in the car the first time. The second time I was in the car too, but caught the line about the "blank page before you" and made sure to look it up on Youtube as soon as I got in.

So, for me, this song is uplifting. It's what I listen to when I'm starting that downward spiral of doubts and insecurities. It reminds me that I'm responsible for my happiness.

Songwriting

2010-06-21T00:00:00.002-04:00

How many songwriters do I have as followers? I know of one or two. I'm curious if there are any more of you lurking in the shadows.

If you are out there....I admire the hell out of you!! Songwriters are amazing to me. I'll admit that there are a couple of songs that I wouldn't normally listen to...but the lyrics are so amazing I'll listen to them every time. This tends to make my music selection eclectic to say the least.

For me, each song has a purpose, even if that purpose is to make me car dance and sing into a hairbrush. (Don't deny you do it too!) A lot of writers I notice have playlists for their writing, editing or inspiring brainstorming. I have to admit that I've never made a specific playlist for a WIP.

I have no idea why. I love music. L-O-V-E it. Admittedly, I don't listen to music as often as I used to before having children. Sometimes, silence is golden. Seriously.

But I was driving in the car with Princess Rhiannon the other day and she had control of the radio. This is not usually a problem. She likes pop, country and some rock. Some of the "Disney artists" I can live without, but I don't make a fuss. This song came on....

I hop off the plane at LAX with a dream in my heart again. Welcome to the land of fame excess; am I going to fit in? Jumped in the cab here I am for the first time, look to my right and see the HOLLYWOOD sign. This is all so crazy, everybody seems so famous. My tummy's turnin' and I'm feeling kind of homesick. Too much pressure and I'm nervous. Just then the taxi man turns on the radio and the Jay-Z song was on....

So I put my hands up, they're playing my song, the butterflies fly away.
I'm noddin' my head like yeah, I'm moving my hips like yeah.
I've got my hands up, they're playing my song, you know I'm gonna be okay
~Miley Cyrus, Party in the USA

I'll let you listen to the rest on your own. The point is that it immediately hit me. I remembered a flood of experiences where I was so nervous until I heard my song, or I purposely listened to my songs before work, job interviews, school, dates....It didn't take a whole novel. Just a few important sentences that remind you of a certain feeling. Now, I don't know if Miley Cyrus is the songwriter as well as the singer. I have heard that she writes some songs and I admire that. I admire any artist. But I really think songwriters are AWESOME. They can evoke a feeling, memory or tell a story in less than 10 minutes. How cool is that?

We could learn a little from them, I'm thinking.... So... stay tuned for the rest of the week's posts on music/songwriting etc.. And if you're a songwriter, email me! I'd love to pick your brain.

R.A.W. **Random Acts of Writing**

A few tears...

Friday Photos

Wednesday Writing

Monday Mania!!

Random Theories

Monday Mania!!

Wednesday's Writing.. .Lazy Writing

Monday Mania!!

Thursday's Theory....Super Moon Musings

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

Monday Mania!! .... On a Tuesday

I have not overlooked...

Wednesday's Writing

Fat Tuesday!!

Monday Mania!!

Through the course of....

**Please Stay Tuned!**

Wednesday's Writing

Monday Mania!!

Thursday's Theories

My Absence

Old Words, New Inspiration

EUREKA!!! Part 2

EUREKA!!!

Closed Due to ....

The Cost of Happiness

Happy Holidays!!

A New Blog

A Bit of Fiction *Molly's Gift*

It has come to my attention:

E-Readers

To blog or not to blog

NaNo Drain

A Rant about Dining Out

There are Days

People Are Strange

What Happened?

Random Nano Tips and a Rant

Preparation in Anticipation of a Nano Nation

All Hallow's Eve....

Confessions of a Blocked Writer

Finding Time for Nano (re-post)

Re-post Tip for Nano

The Write Market (re-post)

Just Smile

Angels or Vampires?

Proof Positive

Random Acts of Kindness

This Rare Occasion

I wish I may....

De-Nial...Not just a river in Egypt

It's Monday...a good thing?

Friday's Letters to Life

Thursday's Random Rant....

WIP Wednesday!

Author Interview, Kiersten White

Author Interview, Courtney Rene!

Letters to Life

Uh Oh

WIP Wednesday

Should We All Have a Label?

Finally breathing....

WIP Wednesday

Mundane Monday

If You Really Knew Me...Blogfest

A few thoughts on Thursday

WIP Wednesday

DREAMS

If You Really Knew Me...

OMG I want it!

They're BACK!!

It's my party ......

Memory

WIP Wednesday

One of those days....

Monday Mayhem

Changes

WIP Wednesday

Truth for Tuesday

R.A.W. Random Acts of Writing

Please Stay Tuned!

A Bit of Fiction Molly's Gift