Just now figuring this damn blog out. Yeesh...and here I thought I was computer savvy. My attempt to figure out how to use the RSS feed was a humbling experience. I'm still not certain its working properly, but I have had enough for the time being. This is a test post.
If it works....I will do a little dance.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Romancing the Blog
Blog needed a serious makeover. I am hoping the new look will help motivate me to start blogging regularly and work on increasing my online presence. Network, network baby!
P.S. I am increasingly certain (read: positive) I will not be finishing Nano. : ( While I am sad and irritated with myself, it was not a waste of my time. Not only did it motivate me to finish my first novel, it helped me lay the groundwork for a strong second novel. Always look on the bright side, right?
P.S. I am increasingly certain (read: positive) I will not be finishing Nano. : ( While I am sad and irritated with myself, it was not a waste of my time. Not only did it motivate me to finish my first novel, it helped me lay the groundwork for a strong second novel. Always look on the bright side, right?
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Bring on the Bubbly!
Last night at 11:00 pm, I FINISHED the first draft of my novel!!!!!!!! Now, I am well aware of the mountains of revisions to come and the seemingly endless editing, but frankly, I don't give a damn. It has been two years in the making (at least), finding time to write while working 10 hour days, early mornings, late nights, but it is done....For now. : )
I would say time to edit, but I signed up for NaNoWriMo this year and I plan on "winning." It just so happens I have the perfect plot in mind.
So, this is your formal warning that I will be obnoxiously giddy the next few days and hopefully, come December, I will have TWO manuscripts to edit. : )
I would say time to edit, but I signed up for NaNoWriMo this year and I plan on "winning." It just so happens I have the perfect plot in mind.
So, this is your formal warning that I will be obnoxiously giddy the next few days and hopefully, come December, I will have TWO manuscripts to edit. : )
Thursday, September 30, 2010
New Ideas!!!!
Okay, so it has been,like 30 years since I have posted anything! Blah. But no apologies, no excuses. Otherwise, that is all I will ever do. : )
My husband, the handsome genius that he is, is always throwing new ideas at me for story or novel ideas. So not only do I have my own ideas to twist around in my brain, I get to hear his ideas and what he finds interesting. God love him.
Recently, he pitched an idea at me, and I fell in love with the concept. Now, I'm not certain if it will be a short story or novel length, but it is a new direction for me.
I would classify the novel I am currently working on as commercial fiction. Suspense/thriller-ish novel. It's still a work in progress, almost finished with my first draft and then EDITING!!! I'm so excited to edit. Seriously....I REALLY am.
Anyways, the new novel is science fiction, which I have always loved to read. So I set about to start writing it (I had a few jumping off points I was rolling around) and instead of writing the story I ended up with something strangely like a query. I'm not complaining.
The "query" helped me sculpt the plot of the book. I went from only having a starting point to discovering the path for the rest of the novel. Snap. Like magic. It was amazing. I never have written this way before, but I think I may start using it as an exercise when I want to start a new project. It helped show me if my story idea was even viable and helped me flesh out the rest of the idea.
Definitely a good writing day. : )
My husband, the handsome genius that he is, is always throwing new ideas at me for story or novel ideas. So not only do I have my own ideas to twist around in my brain, I get to hear his ideas and what he finds interesting. God love him.
Recently, he pitched an idea at me, and I fell in love with the concept. Now, I'm not certain if it will be a short story or novel length, but it is a new direction for me.
I would classify the novel I am currently working on as commercial fiction. Suspense/thriller-ish novel. It's still a work in progress, almost finished with my first draft and then EDITING!!! I'm so excited to edit. Seriously....I REALLY am.
Anyways, the new novel is science fiction, which I have always loved to read. So I set about to start writing it (I had a few jumping off points I was rolling around) and instead of writing the story I ended up with something strangely like a query. I'm not complaining.
The "query" helped me sculpt the plot of the book. I went from only having a starting point to discovering the path for the rest of the novel. Snap. Like magic. It was amazing. I never have written this way before, but I think I may start using it as an exercise when I want to start a new project. It helped show me if my story idea was even viable and helped me flesh out the rest of the idea.
Definitely a good writing day. : )
Friday, June 4, 2010
A Quick Update with a Side of Self Motivation
Good golly miss molly! It has been a hell of a couple months and I am MORE than happy to have something that resembles a life again.
The past two months solid my husband and I have been:
1. Packing and organizing every little thing we have ever accumulated in our five years together
2. Renovating our new, down-sized apartment (it's coming along...hopefully soon I will no longer have a bed
in my living room. *fingers crossed* : P)
3. TRYING to get back into a good writing routine. You see, I have fallen off the wagon and I'm trying to get my leg back up so I can pull myself out of this rut. I have been re-reading my novel, going over my storyboard, going over my editing notes so that I can connect with my novel again. I want to have that endless stream of thought that begs to be written. I need the rush when the story clicks and the words pour out so fast I have to make tiny, scribbled notes everywhere just to keep up.
As I write I keep reminding myself of what other writers have told me when they get like this. One of my favorites being that in order to write a novel, you have to be willing to write a first draft.
Just write it.
Who cares whether or not you think it's crap-you were able to get your thoughts on paper and now you have a jumping off point to make it perfect... It makes me feel better anyways. : )
The past two months solid my husband and I have been:
1. Packing and organizing every little thing we have ever accumulated in our five years together
2. Renovating our new, down-sized apartment (it's coming along...hopefully soon I will no longer have a bed
in my living room. *fingers crossed* : P)
3. TRYING to get back into a good writing routine. You see, I have fallen off the wagon and I'm trying to get my leg back up so I can pull myself out of this rut. I have been re-reading my novel, going over my storyboard, going over my editing notes so that I can connect with my novel again. I want to have that endless stream of thought that begs to be written. I need the rush when the story clicks and the words pour out so fast I have to make tiny, scribbled notes everywhere just to keep up.
As I write I keep reminding myself of what other writers have told me when they get like this. One of my favorites being that in order to write a novel, you have to be willing to write a first draft.
Just write it.
Who cares whether or not you think it's crap-you were able to get your thoughts on paper and now you have a jumping off point to make it perfect... It makes me feel better anyways. : )
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Excitement!!!!...oh, and moving
It has been way too long since I posted anything, but the past few weeks have been crazy! We decided we are moving into a smaller space so that we are actually able to save money to buy a house next year. I thought having to downsize would be more painful, but really it was pretty enlightening. Hehe. Only when you have to move all of your belongings do you really realize how much crap you own and how much clutter you had around the house just for the sake of having it.
Sooooo the past few weeks my house has been filled with so many boxes boxes and bubble wrap I thought I would lose my mind! Alas! I am still here...in pain from moving, but still here. Now comes the fun part (or at least I think so). We are renovating the place we are moving into so my husband and I spent all day picking out paint, cabinets, molding,-the whole nine yards. We have a little under a month to get it ready, but I know we can do it. I'm taking before and after pics for a HGTV- style reveal.(I am a self-admitted HGTV addict) It will be awesome.
On the other hand, while my living situation is getting in order, my writing has been put on hold. I have only had time to write bits and pieces and its frustrating. Especially since I'm near the end of the book and the story has been marinating in my head for so long. Sigh. Oh well, maybe that will just make it extra flavorful. : p My that book tastes delicious! Why thank you!
Until next time ( which hopefully won't be long at all) I bid you farewell and happy writing!
Sooooo the past few weeks my house has been filled with so many boxes boxes and bubble wrap I thought I would lose my mind! Alas! I am still here...in pain from moving, but still here. Now comes the fun part (or at least I think so). We are renovating the place we are moving into so my husband and I spent all day picking out paint, cabinets, molding,-the whole nine yards. We have a little under a month to get it ready, but I know we can do it. I'm taking before and after pics for a HGTV- style reveal.(I am a self-admitted HGTV addict) It will be awesome.
On the other hand, while my living situation is getting in order, my writing has been put on hold. I have only had time to write bits and pieces and its frustrating. Especially since I'm near the end of the book and the story has been marinating in my head for so long. Sigh. Oh well, maybe that will just make it extra flavorful. : p My that book tastes delicious! Why thank you!
Until next time ( which hopefully won't be long at all) I bid you farewell and happy writing!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Damn you, Daylight Savings
I have definitely fallen off the writing wagon this weekend.
Friday day, my husband and I worked hard to put the finishing touches on a desk we have been repurposing for a mini-bar. Between that and making a cake for a little party we had planned to celebrate a friends birthday, my time was pretty much occupied. Friday night, the so called little party led to an empty bottle of tequila, a 3 a.m. trip to IHOP, and not getting to bed until 5 a.m. (all in all a good time considering I did not vomit or pass out at any point during the evening)
Saturday-the tequila caught up with me and royally kicked my ass. Most wicked hangover EVER. I had a perma-headache from the moment I woke up until I went to bed. Absolutely dreadful. So much so I have to ask myself- WTF were you thinking?!?!? Never again I tell you. Never again.
Sunday-slept in, woke up, looked at the clock. Noon. Thought to myself- No, it couldn't possibly be noon. Wrong. Damn you daylight savings! At no point in my life do I think to myself that I need to lose an hour. What sense does this make? None. People should really ask me about these things.
Looking back at my last three posts, they all pretty much consist of the same thing. I have too much to do and no time. And this is without even having a job! I have to go back to work soon and then what will happen? Next mission: I need a schedule ASAP!
Oh and below is a before and after picture of our newly re-finished mini bar! It is soooo cute!
Friday day, my husband and I worked hard to put the finishing touches on a desk we have been repurposing for a mini-bar. Between that and making a cake for a little party we had planned to celebrate a friends birthday, my time was pretty much occupied. Friday night, the so called little party led to an empty bottle of tequila, a 3 a.m. trip to IHOP, and not getting to bed until 5 a.m. (all in all a good time considering I did not vomit or pass out at any point during the evening)
Saturday-the tequila caught up with me and royally kicked my ass. Most wicked hangover EVER. I had a perma-headache from the moment I woke up until I went to bed. Absolutely dreadful. So much so I have to ask myself- WTF were you thinking?!?!? Never again I tell you. Never again.
Sunday-slept in, woke up, looked at the clock. Noon. Thought to myself- No, it couldn't possibly be noon. Wrong. Damn you daylight savings! At no point in my life do I think to myself that I need to lose an hour. What sense does this make? None. People should really ask me about these things.
Looking back at my last three posts, they all pretty much consist of the same thing. I have too much to do and no time. And this is without even having a job! I have to go back to work soon and then what will happen? Next mission: I need a schedule ASAP!
Oh and below is a before and after picture of our newly re-finished mini bar! It is soooo cute!
BEFORE
AFTER
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Too Much To Do...
Oy! I had a ton of things to get done today, and not one of them had anything to do with writing. Grrrrr. Although now, since everything is done I can focus on the task at hand....hopefully.
Now that my mundane list is done, I need to work on the novel. I'm excited to write this next chapter- it is the beginning of conflict between the main characters and I know once I start writing it I won't be able to stop. It will be interesting to see what comes of this next scene. The main character is not used to being out of his comfort zone and he tends to take drastic measures in his effort to right the situation.
So...new to do list-
1. Write the next chapter without any interruptions (interruptions being my cats sitting on the laptop and my Corgi, Ein, telling me its time to be fed and then it is time to play).
2. Break down and create a Twitter account even though I have been opposed to this idea for months, the goal is to at least add one writer, publisher, or agent as a friend day and follow their feed. Hoping to make a few more contacts this way.
3. Read the rest of Strunk and White's THE ELEMENT OF STYLE. (loving this 'little' book by the way)
Alright, enough blogging, there's work to be done. I have become fond of my little blog though. I choose to think of it as an e-diary. Then when I'm all rich and famous (wink) I can look back and reflect on my days of anonymity. : )
Now that my mundane list is done, I need to work on the novel. I'm excited to write this next chapter- it is the beginning of conflict between the main characters and I know once I start writing it I won't be able to stop. It will be interesting to see what comes of this next scene. The main character is not used to being out of his comfort zone and he tends to take drastic measures in his effort to right the situation.
So...new to do list-
1. Write the next chapter without any interruptions (interruptions being my cats sitting on the laptop and my Corgi, Ein, telling me its time to be fed and then it is time to play).
2. Break down and create a Twitter account even though I have been opposed to this idea for months, the goal is to at least add one writer, publisher, or agent as a friend day and follow their feed. Hoping to make a few more contacts this way.
3. Read the rest of Strunk and White's THE ELEMENT OF STYLE. (loving this 'little' book by the way)
Alright, enough blogging, there's work to be done. I have become fond of my little blog though. I choose to think of it as an e-diary. Then when I'm all rich and famous (wink) I can look back and reflect on my days of anonymity. : )
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Writers are God's Fools
My most recent brush with poverty has forced me to get out of the house and drag myself to the local library. In retrospect, I should have done this a lot sooner, but I didn't...that's just how things happen. So anyhoo- I found this book in the nonfiction section titled "Good Advice on Writing: Great Quotations from Writers Past and Present on How to Write Well." Now, I can readily admit, I'm a sucker for a good quote, but I am also very aware of the danger of over-quoting. If all you do is quote, you never actually say anything, but I came across one that I love and cannot get out of my brain so I am forced to share it instead.
"To sum it all up, if you want to write, if you want to create, you must be the most sublime fool that God ever turned out and sent rambling.
You must write every single day of your life.
You must read dreadful dumb books and glorious books, and let them wrestle in beautiful fights inside your head, vulgar one moment, brilliant the next.
You must lurk in libraries and climb the stacks like ladders to sniff books like perfumes and wear books like hats upon your crazy heads.
I wish for you a wrestling match with your Creative Muse that will last a lifetime.
I wish craziness and foolishness and madness upon you.
May you live with hysteria, and out of it make fine stories-science fiction or otherwise.
Which finally means, may you be in love every day for the next 20,000 days. And out of that love, remake a world."
-Ray Bradbury
Which got me thinking, in his own right...
-A writer is a god -he creates a world to live in and people to inhabit it. He wishes the inhabitants to do as he wants, but the inhabitants, having free will, sometimes do as they please with no regard to plot, pacing, or character development. So, sometimes, the god must intervene.
-A writer is a devil-poking holes in the world that god created and causing trouble for all of the inhabitants.
- A writer is a destroyer-tearing down and erasing the blight of the world. Wiping out everything the writer (as a god) had worked so hard to create, but deemed unworthy.
-A writer is a builder-working from the bare bones of a story he adds the materials and words necessary to make a sturdy structure.
We wear many hats and perform many tasks that directly contradict each other, but I love it and can't get enough. Thank god I'm a fool.
"To sum it all up, if you want to write, if you want to create, you must be the most sublime fool that God ever turned out and sent rambling.
You must write every single day of your life.
You must read dreadful dumb books and glorious books, and let them wrestle in beautiful fights inside your head, vulgar one moment, brilliant the next.
You must lurk in libraries and climb the stacks like ladders to sniff books like perfumes and wear books like hats upon your crazy heads.
I wish for you a wrestling match with your Creative Muse that will last a lifetime.
I wish craziness and foolishness and madness upon you.
May you live with hysteria, and out of it make fine stories-science fiction or otherwise.
Which finally means, may you be in love every day for the next 20,000 days. And out of that love, remake a world."
-Ray Bradbury
Which got me thinking, in his own right...
-A writer is a god -he creates a world to live in and people to inhabit it. He wishes the inhabitants to do as he wants, but the inhabitants, having free will, sometimes do as they please with no regard to plot, pacing, or character development. So, sometimes, the god must intervene.
-A writer is a devil-poking holes in the world that god created and causing trouble for all of the inhabitants.
- A writer is a destroyer-tearing down and erasing the blight of the world. Wiping out everything the writer (as a god) had worked so hard to create, but deemed unworthy.
-A writer is a builder-working from the bare bones of a story he adds the materials and words necessary to make a sturdy structure.
We wear many hats and perform many tasks that directly contradict each other, but I love it and can't get enough. Thank god I'm a fool.
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