Wow, this weekend has certainly flown by. It seems like it was just Friday. I don’t feel like I got anything accomplished. I had big plans for my two days off, but that didn’t work out very well. I guess plans were made to be broken, as the saying goes. But, this week will be better. I’m going to move forward. I’m going to get some words down. I’m going to write.
As I told you a few weeks ago (wow, has it really been that long?), I have been working on a new story idea. I really like the idea, and I have been encouraged by others to get busy on it (waves to Gracen and Tierney). They are right! I do need to get busy! The problem is, I’m not sure I remember how. I feel stuck. I don’t know where to go from here. It shouldn’t be this difficult. Put one word in front of the other, LOL.
Well, while I’m figuring this whole thing out, my writing is stalled. I’m thinking about pulling out an old story to work on some revisions. At least that way I’d feel like I’m accomplishing something. And, they really need to be finished. They’ve been sitting idle for way to long. Yes, it is they, there are more than one.
So, those are my plans for this week. Hopefully, I’ll be able to complete at least a little bit of them. What are your tricks for when you’re stuck? I’m taking suggestions! Happy reading and writing to all!
Showing posts with label Sierra Wolfe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sierra Wolfe. Show all posts
Monday, February 7, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
Happy Monday
Well, here it is, Monday again. They say time flies when you're having fun, I just must have missed out on the fun part. Work has kept me awfully busy lately. I haven't had much free time for anything else. I did do a little writing, though. Yay!
Thanks to my good friend, Gracen! She's such a doll! She helped me brainstorm an idea for a new story and I started writing a little on it. Not much, but a little. I can't believe how hard it is to get back into writing when you haven't done it for a while. I knew it would be hard, but I am a writer at heart, and I will always be one. There's no denying it. No matter how much time has passed, I will always come back to it. But, that doesn't change the fact that I feel like a brand new writer, needing to relearn everything I had already learned in the past. Maybe it's not that bad, but it feels like it. I'm second guessing every single word choice. *shakes head* Well, I'm sure I'll get past that once I get further into it. At least I hope so.
One of my biggest problems is that I'm a plotter. I've tried it both ways, but plotting I must do. It's really hard for me to plot out a whole story before hand. I do so much better when I have someone to talk it out with. Help me brainstorm and tell me if my ideas are stupid or not, because many times they are, lol.
I've heard many pantsers say that they wish they could plot because it would keep them from having to backtrack when they've run off course. I can see how that would be true. And, that may have been my problem when I tried it before. I would get part of the way through, usually about a third or so, and then get stuck, unable to move forward. Probably because I've written myself into a corner and needed to back out of it.
So, how do you write? Are you a plotter or a pantser? Have you tried both ways? Which do you think is harder for you? Leave a comment and let me know what you think.
Thanks to my good friend, Gracen! She's such a doll! She helped me brainstorm an idea for a new story and I started writing a little on it. Not much, but a little. I can't believe how hard it is to get back into writing when you haven't done it for a while. I knew it would be hard, but I am a writer at heart, and I will always be one. There's no denying it. No matter how much time has passed, I will always come back to it. But, that doesn't change the fact that I feel like a brand new writer, needing to relearn everything I had already learned in the past. Maybe it's not that bad, but it feels like it. I'm second guessing every single word choice. *shakes head* Well, I'm sure I'll get past that once I get further into it. At least I hope so.
One of my biggest problems is that I'm a plotter. I've tried it both ways, but plotting I must do. It's really hard for me to plot out a whole story before hand. I do so much better when I have someone to talk it out with. Help me brainstorm and tell me if my ideas are stupid or not, because many times they are, lol.
I've heard many pantsers say that they wish they could plot because it would keep them from having to backtrack when they've run off course. I can see how that would be true. And, that may have been my problem when I tried it before. I would get part of the way through, usually about a third or so, and then get stuck, unable to move forward. Probably because I've written myself into a corner and needed to back out of it.
So, how do you write? Are you a plotter or a pantser? Have you tried both ways? Which do you think is harder for you? Leave a comment and let me know what you think.
Monday, January 17, 2011
My apologies!
I want to start out with an apology. I’m sorry I’ve been gone for so long. I know it’s been too long, but it seems like every time I’ve tried to write a post, I’ve lost the ability to even put together a decent post. I’ve tried and tried, but it was really useless, which this post may be as well.
To let everyone know where I’ve been, I’ll try to explain. 2010 was the worst year of my life, and I was none to sorry to see it go. My husband had a massive heart attack and was placed in ICU. He was very lucky to have survived. His kidneys shut down and he had to have dialysis. After about a month, he was released to come home. We got to spend about a month with him at home before he passed away in July.
Since that time, I have been unable to write anything. I’ve tried countless times, but I never got farther than a couple of sentences. I’ve gotten myself in a pretty deep depression. Anyway, I’m trying to dig myself out of it. I never realized just how hard that was to do. But here I am, desperately wanting to get back into my writing, and having to fight just to get a few words down. I’m at a loss as to where to even begin. I’m going to try my best not to desert you all again. I hope you can understand that I never meant to do that.
Anyway, just wanted to let you all know that I am here and trying to get back to my writing self. Hopefully it will start to creep back into me sooner rather than later. If anyone wants to crack the whip on me, please feel free. I’m definitely needing some extra motivation, because I can’t seem to muster up much. I look forward to talking to you all soon.
Sierra
To let everyone know where I’ve been, I’ll try to explain. 2010 was the worst year of my life, and I was none to sorry to see it go. My husband had a massive heart attack and was placed in ICU. He was very lucky to have survived. His kidneys shut down and he had to have dialysis. After about a month, he was released to come home. We got to spend about a month with him at home before he passed away in July.
Since that time, I have been unable to write anything. I’ve tried countless times, but I never got farther than a couple of sentences. I’ve gotten myself in a pretty deep depression. Anyway, I’m trying to dig myself out of it. I never realized just how hard that was to do. But here I am, desperately wanting to get back into my writing, and having to fight just to get a few words down. I’m at a loss as to where to even begin. I’m going to try my best not to desert you all again. I hope you can understand that I never meant to do that.
Anyway, just wanted to let you all know that I am here and trying to get back to my writing self. Hopefully it will start to creep back into me sooner rather than later. If anyone wants to crack the whip on me, please feel free. I’m definitely needing some extra motivation, because I can’t seem to muster up much. I look forward to talking to you all soon.
Sierra
Monday, April 26, 2010
Another Monday
Another Monday. Another beginning of the week. Many people hate Monday’s because it means time to go back to work and end the fun of the weekend. That’s perfectly understandable. Who wants to give up their free time and get back to business? Well, I guess if you own the business, then you might want to, but the majority of us working folk usually don’t look forward to heading back to work.
There is another way to think about it, though. It’s a new beginning. A blank slate. You can start the week off fresh. Did you have a bad last week? Well, that’s over.
This is a whole new week. You might have the best one yet, you never know.
I’m a firm believer in the philosophy that life is what you make of it. I think a positive attitude goes a long way in making your life better. Bad things will happen, they happen to all of us, there is no avoiding it. But, you can be miserable because things go wrong, or you can try to find the positive and work to make things better. Look at it as a setback, not the be all end all. You have to keep trying and fighting to make things work out.
So, I’m actually looking forward to making my week the best it can be. I’m going to go to work with a positive attitude and keep telling myself that no matter what happens, I’m going to do well. I’m going to get my work done, I’m going to study for my test (that I’ve been avoiding terribly), and I’m going to keep editing my book that I’ve been working on forever and a day. Yes, I know the house needs to be cleaned and the yard needs to be mowed. Maybe I’ll get to that, too. (I’m not completely insane, I know I can’t do everything in one week) I am going to give it my best shot, anyway.
Those are my goals for this week. Hopefully, I make at least a few of them. If I don’t make them all, oh well, there’s always next week.
There is another way to think about it, though. It’s a new beginning. A blank slate. You can start the week off fresh. Did you have a bad last week? Well, that’s over.
This is a whole new week. You might have the best one yet, you never know.
I’m a firm believer in the philosophy that life is what you make of it. I think a positive attitude goes a long way in making your life better. Bad things will happen, they happen to all of us, there is no avoiding it. But, you can be miserable because things go wrong, or you can try to find the positive and work to make things better. Look at it as a setback, not the be all end all. You have to keep trying and fighting to make things work out.
So, I’m actually looking forward to making my week the best it can be. I’m going to go to work with a positive attitude and keep telling myself that no matter what happens, I’m going to do well. I’m going to get my work done, I’m going to study for my test (that I’ve been avoiding terribly), and I’m going to keep editing my book that I’ve been working on forever and a day. Yes, I know the house needs to be cleaned and the yard needs to be mowed. Maybe I’ll get to that, too. (I’m not completely insane, I know I can’t do everything in one week) I am going to give it my best shot, anyway.
Those are my goals for this week. Hopefully, I make at least a few of them. If I don’t make them all, oh well, there’s always next week.
Monday, April 19, 2010
To sway or to stay?
Do you have a particular genre you read most? I do. Although I do read other types of books, my all time favorite is paranormal romance. It is my chosen genre. I read it more than anything else. And, that’s what I write the most as well.
Once in a while, though, I think it’s important to read outside of your “area of expertise”. It allows you to get a handle on some new tricks or tips that may not be utilized in your one niche of the market. If you only read historical romance, chances are that you could learn some new tricks by reading paranormal or sci-fi. Even though they are both romance stories, they are entirely different reads.
The same thing goes with other types of books. If you’re a big romance reader, have you considered reading a biography? Both deal with life and human nature, but they are written in a completely different style. You may not think you can learn anything from that, but you absolutely can. Granted, it’s not fiction, but you can still pick up on things like sentence structure, spelling, punctuation, etc. No matter what it is, if it’s in written form, you can learn from it.
At least, that’s my opinion on the matter. I love to read. Romance is my favorite genre, with paranormal romance being my favorite sub-genre, but I still read other types as well. I read almost as much non-fiction as I do fiction. Sounds crazy doesn’t it? I’m sure everyone reads in different ways, just like they write in different ways. As I always say, to each his own. That’s what makes us all unique. And, with my eclectic tastes, I’ll probably be reading something from each of you someday.
So, do you agree with my assessments? Do you disagree? Leave me a comment and let me know what you think.
Once in a while, though, I think it’s important to read outside of your “area of expertise”. It allows you to get a handle on some new tricks or tips that may not be utilized in your one niche of the market. If you only read historical romance, chances are that you could learn some new tricks by reading paranormal or sci-fi. Even though they are both romance stories, they are entirely different reads.
The same thing goes with other types of books. If you’re a big romance reader, have you considered reading a biography? Both deal with life and human nature, but they are written in a completely different style. You may not think you can learn anything from that, but you absolutely can. Granted, it’s not fiction, but you can still pick up on things like sentence structure, spelling, punctuation, etc. No matter what it is, if it’s in written form, you can learn from it.
At least, that’s my opinion on the matter. I love to read. Romance is my favorite genre, with paranormal romance being my favorite sub-genre, but I still read other types as well. I read almost as much non-fiction as I do fiction. Sounds crazy doesn’t it? I’m sure everyone reads in different ways, just like they write in different ways. As I always say, to each his own. That’s what makes us all unique. And, with my eclectic tastes, I’ll probably be reading something from each of you someday.
So, do you agree with my assessments? Do you disagree? Leave me a comment and let me know what you think.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Apologies and ramblings
I apologize for being MIA lately. It seems like life has completely gotten away from me. Spiraling out of control into a volcano of duties that is about to explode. I’m not trying to make excuses, I have none. I’ve just let things slip.
I can’t believe we are already into April. Where has the year gone already? It just started, I swear! Now, it’s already a quarter of the way gone.
I hate to admit it, but I’ve accomplished nothing of my plans for the year. I know I still have time, but a lot less of it than I had January 1st. It’s time to get busy. I need to buckle down and just do it.
Lucky for me, I’ve been hit with a giant dose of spring fever. My daydreams are abundant. I can’t stay focused on anything. My mind just wanders off on its own at regular intervals. I’ve got plenty of ideas floating around in there. As long as I can keep my mind occupied long enough to jot them down, I should come out of this with a heaping file for the future.
I’m a firm believer in there being a reason for everything. Maybe this down time has been good for me. I sure have been paying attention to my surroundings a lot more lately. I’ve noticed characteristics, personality traits, flaws, biases, and judgments. People are certainly fascinating creatures. Hopefully, all my observational skills will continue, and they will help me with my writing. As long as my memory holds out long enough to find a paper to write it down, that is. I know, I’m supposed to keep a pad and paper close by for these moments, but somehow, mine was removed from my purse and I haven’t replaced it. Bad writer!
Obviously, I have lots of bad habits I need to kick, and soon. I am going to start working on that ASAP. I don’t even have my fingers crossed behind my back. I mean it.
Do you have that problem? What are some of your bad habits? Is spring fever getting you down, or have you experienced it at all this year? Leave a comment and let me know what you think.
I can’t believe we are already into April. Where has the year gone already? It just started, I swear! Now, it’s already a quarter of the way gone.
I hate to admit it, but I’ve accomplished nothing of my plans for the year. I know I still have time, but a lot less of it than I had January 1st. It’s time to get busy. I need to buckle down and just do it.
Lucky for me, I’ve been hit with a giant dose of spring fever. My daydreams are abundant. I can’t stay focused on anything. My mind just wanders off on its own at regular intervals. I’ve got plenty of ideas floating around in there. As long as I can keep my mind occupied long enough to jot them down, I should come out of this with a heaping file for the future.
I’m a firm believer in there being a reason for everything. Maybe this down time has been good for me. I sure have been paying attention to my surroundings a lot more lately. I’ve noticed characteristics, personality traits, flaws, biases, and judgments. People are certainly fascinating creatures. Hopefully, all my observational skills will continue, and they will help me with my writing. As long as my memory holds out long enough to find a paper to write it down, that is. I know, I’m supposed to keep a pad and paper close by for these moments, but somehow, mine was removed from my purse and I haven’t replaced it. Bad writer!
Obviously, I have lots of bad habits I need to kick, and soon. I am going to start working on that ASAP. I don’t even have my fingers crossed behind my back. I mean it.
Do you have that problem? What are some of your bad habits? Is spring fever getting you down, or have you experienced it at all this year? Leave a comment and let me know what you think.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Spring Fever has begun!
I’ve been working like crazy lately. It was okay when it was cold and ugly outside, but now that the sun has been shining and the temperature’s rising, I’m feeling the fever. It’s really hard to concentrate when I know I could be outside having fun.
This is not a good time to be losing my concentration, that’s for sure. We’re waiting on state to come in and do their annual inspection of our facility. Which really isn’t a big deal. We’re a good home and we provide good care. It’s just that this is my first inspection and I’m nervous. I know I really shouldn’t be, but I am anyway. I tend to worry about stupid things I shouldn’t.
Not only that, but I’m studying to take my Nursing Home Administrator test to get my Administrator’s License. I really don’t want to screw that up. It would mean at least doubling my salary. I could really use that right now. So, fingers crossed that I can get through this in one piece.
I really haven’t given up on my writing, I swear! I’ve just had too much on my plate lately. Once I get through this test, I promise to do better again. Cross my heart. I’m actually excited to get busy with my writing projects, which I haven’t been for quite some time. But, I know for the sake of good writing, I don’t have the ability to do it justice right now. That will change.
So, anyway, spring fever is not helping out my situation at the moment. I keep fantasizing about hopping in my car and driving to somewhere fun. Anywhere but here. I’m a major road trip freak! To me, that’s the best thing in the world. I love to travel.
Have you been feeling the bug? Has spring fever set in for you yet? How do you deal with it? Leave me a comment and let me know!
Monday, February 22, 2010
What’s Your Fantasy?
Tonight, I’m sitting at home watching Extreme Home Makeover, and it’s an awesome episode! This family is totally deserving of a home makeover (If you can call it that! They completely tore down their old home and built a new one). While the show was building them a new house, they sent the family on a rock and roll vacation. The family was a very giving group that ran a non-profit music school and so the vacation was a dream come true for them. They got to spend time with KISS and the dad got to play the drums with the band. How awesome would that be? Even if you don’t care for rock music, you’d have to appreciate what a life changing experience that would be.
It got me to thinking, what would be your fantasy? I’m not sure if I could even come up with just one thing. There are tons of people I’d like to meet, and millions of things I’d like to do. For one, I’d love to travel around the world and see all the amazing things out there. I’d love to spend time in Italy, Greece, England, Scotland, Ireland, Australia…to name a few. :D That would be awe inspiring!
I’d love to meet some of the musical artists/groups that I listen to all the time. For one, I’d love to meet Brad Paisley. I bet he has an amazing personality. He’d have to. His songs are fun. I love to listen to music that can make me laugh and want to dance at the same time. I’d also like to meet Kelly Pickler. She seems to have a great personality, as well. Of course, those a just a couple of the many, many people on my list.
I’d also be thrilled to go to New York and get to tour a major publishing house. I’d love to see the inner workings of the business. To meet the editors. To see the slush pile. That would be a dream come true for me!
So, what is your fantasy? What would be something that would be life changing for you? Leave a comment and let me know what you think.
It got me to thinking, what would be your fantasy? I’m not sure if I could even come up with just one thing. There are tons of people I’d like to meet, and millions of things I’d like to do. For one, I’d love to travel around the world and see all the amazing things out there. I’d love to spend time in Italy, Greece, England, Scotland, Ireland, Australia…to name a few. :D That would be awe inspiring!
I’d love to meet some of the musical artists/groups that I listen to all the time. For one, I’d love to meet Brad Paisley. I bet he has an amazing personality. He’d have to. His songs are fun. I love to listen to music that can make me laugh and want to dance at the same time. I’d also like to meet Kelly Pickler. She seems to have a great personality, as well. Of course, those a just a couple of the many, many people on my list.
I’d also be thrilled to go to New York and get to tour a major publishing house. I’d love to see the inner workings of the business. To meet the editors. To see the slush pile. That would be a dream come true for me!
So, what is your fantasy? What would be something that would be life changing for you? Leave a comment and let me know what you think.
Monday, February 1, 2010
My obsession!
Today, I plan to bring to you… my latest obsession. How exciting! I think so anyway. :D
But first, a confession. I’m a bad little writer girl. I’ve not read the books yet. I do own them, but I haven’t read them. I know, it’s a terrible thing to admit, but I figured it’s best to be honest up front. If I love the show this much, though, the books must be amazing! I can’t wait to dig in.
So, for my obsession, The Vampire Diaries. I am in LOVE with this show! I can’t get enough of it. Every time I watch it, I fall in love all over again. And, not just with the good guy, but the bad guy, too. Yeah, he’s not all bad, but bad enough. :D He can bring his bad self over to my place anytime he wants to.
This is Damon. So delicious! Check out these eyes…
Yummy!
And, for some more gorgeousness for you to lust over…
How’s that for catching your attention? It sure got mine!
Now, for the good guy. He's definitely good enough to eat. Meet Stefan...
and...
Do you need to wipe the drool from your mouth? I sure do!
Ok, so I think I’ve made it clear that I love this show, right? Well, I just wanted to share a little of the love with you this week.
Have you seen the show? Read the books? Do you love it as much as I do? Leave a comment and let me know what you think.
If you haven't seen it, you can catch it on Thursday nights on the CW. I highly recommend it!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Catching up
Well, in going through all my “works in process,” and I use that term lightly, I’ve found a book that I’ve written 22 out of 24 chapters. Now for the pathetic part… I wrote this over a year ago, and I still haven’t finished it. Come on, how hard is it to finish the last two chapters of a book? Apparently, for me, it’s very hard.
I know what happened. I was writing like a mad woman at the time, and I burned myself out so that I lost interest in the story. So, I thought, I’ll set it aside for a while and finish it later. Well, as you can see, later never came. So, here I am, over a year later, and I’m going to have to reread it just to catch myself up so I can finish the last two chapters. Might as well edit as I go along. It’s certainly been sitting long enough for me to be objective. LOL.
I was asked recently in an interview at Moonlight, Lace, & Mayhem about getting back into writing when you’ve taken some time off. Well, I admit that it is hard, but still, shame on me. I should never have let that one sit for so long. I hate to admit it, but that’s not the only one I’ve let languish. I have another one completely finished, it just needs edited. See, I told you, big shame on me.
So, now I’m playing catch up. It needs to be done. Once I get caught up, I think it will help me feel better about my writing, and I can move on to newer things. I’ve got big plans for this year, and I don’t intend to let myself down. I’m just going to have to force myself to make time for my writing.
That is my current plan as far as my writing goes. Now, I may need a few whips cracked on me to keep me going. Luckily for me, I’ve found a few willing volunteers to yield the whip.
I know what happened. I was writing like a mad woman at the time, and I burned myself out so that I lost interest in the story. So, I thought, I’ll set it aside for a while and finish it later. Well, as you can see, later never came. So, here I am, over a year later, and I’m going to have to reread it just to catch myself up so I can finish the last two chapters. Might as well edit as I go along. It’s certainly been sitting long enough for me to be objective. LOL.
I was asked recently in an interview at Moonlight, Lace, & Mayhem about getting back into writing when you’ve taken some time off. Well, I admit that it is hard, but still, shame on me. I should never have let that one sit for so long. I hate to admit it, but that’s not the only one I’ve let languish. I have another one completely finished, it just needs edited. See, I told you, big shame on me.
So, now I’m playing catch up. It needs to be done. Once I get caught up, I think it will help me feel better about my writing, and I can move on to newer things. I’ve got big plans for this year, and I don’t intend to let myself down. I’m just going to have to force myself to make time for my writing.
That is my current plan as far as my writing goes. Now, I may need a few whips cracked on me to keep me going. Luckily for me, I’ve found a few willing volunteers to yield the whip.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year Glitter Pictures
Happy New Year to all our wonderful friends! I hope 2010 brings you much joy and happiness!
I’ve been giving a lot of thinking to what my New Year’s resolutions will be. It really is tough to come up with appropriate goals that aren’t too light or too heavy to try to obtain. Of course, the way things have been going with my writing lately, I’m not sure they could be too light, but I want to set good goals.
2009 was a bad year for me as far as my writing goes. I don’t feel like I really accomplished anything. I want that to change in 2010. So, for now, here are my goals for this year…
• I want to write at least one full length novel
• I want to sub at least twice
• I would like to participate in the mentor program from Romance Divas
• I would like to write and submit a YA novel
• I would like to have more time to devote to my writing
• I would like to move to another area of the country, at least for a while
I guess, this is my list for now. Hopefully, I’ll be able to stick with it.
I’ve been trying to focus on certain areas of my writing that need improvement lately, one area at a time. Right now, I’m working on characterization. I’ve really been enjoying digging into this one aspect so far. In the past, I’ve come up with characters that I’ve really liked, but I’m trying to take it a step farther. I’m trying to make them unique, more unique than I have. It’s been fun examining all the different possibilities out there.
There are many different things I have plans to work on, but I think it’s best for me to just try to overcome one obstacle at a time. I can do my best to master that aspect before I move on to another. I hope this will help me to improve without overwhelming myself. At least, that’s the plan for now.
So, tell me, what are your plans for the new year? Have you made a list of goals or resolutions?
Monday, December 28, 2009
Happy Holidays to all!
Sorry, I'm so late posting today. I meant to get to it this morning before work, and then I overslept. Ooops. Anyway, here I am. :D
As some of you know, I've been having lots of computer troubles this year. It's been one thing after another. So, I broke down and bought myself a new computer for Christmas. I definitely needed it. My old computer gave it's all, but it just couldn't hold in there. Poor thing wasn't very old either. It died way before it's time. Unfortunately, when it died, so did a lot of my writing. :( I thought I had it backed up, but apparently it wasn't. When I went to open my files from my flash drive, they were the old versions. I must say, I was not very happy. I KNOW I saved them. Technology has not been my friend this year. Hopefully, in 2010, we will once again resume our happy relationship.
Well, at least now I have a new computer. That's a good thing. In some ways, I'm very happy with it. In others, I hate it. I cannot get used to this mouse. Is that what you call it on a laptop? Anyway, instead of two separate buttons, it has one long button. I know I'll eventually get used to it and it won't bother me at all, but for now, it's kinda crazy.
I had a pretty good Christmas. No fighting in the family, which is always a good thing. Everyone got along well. We played games with the kids, who aren't really kids anymore. Man, do I feel old. But, they all had a good time. I'm really hoping that New Year's will go well also.
So, how did your Christmas go? Was Santa good to you this year? Share your stories with me, I'd love to hear them!
As some of you know, I've been having lots of computer troubles this year. It's been one thing after another. So, I broke down and bought myself a new computer for Christmas. I definitely needed it. My old computer gave it's all, but it just couldn't hold in there. Poor thing wasn't very old either. It died way before it's time. Unfortunately, when it died, so did a lot of my writing. :( I thought I had it backed up, but apparently it wasn't. When I went to open my files from my flash drive, they were the old versions. I must say, I was not very happy. I KNOW I saved them. Technology has not been my friend this year. Hopefully, in 2010, we will once again resume our happy relationship.
Well, at least now I have a new computer. That's a good thing. In some ways, I'm very happy with it. In others, I hate it. I cannot get used to this mouse. Is that what you call it on a laptop? Anyway, instead of two separate buttons, it has one long button. I know I'll eventually get used to it and it won't bother me at all, but for now, it's kinda crazy.
I had a pretty good Christmas. No fighting in the family, which is always a good thing. Everyone got along well. We played games with the kids, who aren't really kids anymore. Man, do I feel old. But, they all had a good time. I'm really hoping that New Year's will go well also.
So, how did your Christmas go? Was Santa good to you this year? Share your stories with me, I'd love to hear them!
Monday, December 14, 2009
All I Want for Christmas…
You know, I haven’t made a Christmas wish list in a long, long time. Not since I was a kid and made my list for Santa. Well, I figured it was about time I did it again. Why not? You can’t get anything you want out of life if you don’t try, right? So, I might as well give it a shot. But, what do I want?
I’ve spent the majority of my adult life thinking about what other people want. I’ve rarely had the opportunity to think about what I might want. When I actually tried to sit down and think about it, it was really hard! Of course, the majority of my wishes have to do with my writing, so that makes it easier. If I had to come up with a list that was completely non-writing related, I don’t think I could do it.
So, without further ado, here is my list…
• Write a full length manuscript
• Get an agent
• Get a contract with a major NY publisher
• A new car
• Fix up my house
• Have enough money for my daughter’s college
• Have enough money to go to conference next year
• Get to go on a real vacation
• Be fit and healthy
Now, some of these are more like goals, I guess, but I still think of them as wishes. I know it’s going to take a lot of hard work to achieve some of them, but I’m just hoping it happens sooner rather than later, so that would be where the wish comes in.
So tell me, what is on your Christmas list this year?
I’ve spent the majority of my adult life thinking about what other people want. I’ve rarely had the opportunity to think about what I might want. When I actually tried to sit down and think about it, it was really hard! Of course, the majority of my wishes have to do with my writing, so that makes it easier. If I had to come up with a list that was completely non-writing related, I don’t think I could do it.
So, without further ado, here is my list…
• Write a full length manuscript
• Get an agent
• Get a contract with a major NY publisher
• A new car
• Fix up my house
• Have enough money for my daughter’s college
• Have enough money to go to conference next year
• Get to go on a real vacation
• Be fit and healthy
Now, some of these are more like goals, I guess, but I still think of them as wishes. I know it’s going to take a lot of hard work to achieve some of them, but I’m just hoping it happens sooner rather than later, so that would be where the wish comes in.
So tell me, what is on your Christmas list this year?
Monday, November 16, 2009
Personality Differences
Have you ever insulted or irritated someone unintentionally? My daughter faced this same situation this past weekend. She said something that to someone else may have sounded a little rude, yet she didn’t mean it that way. It was just her way of talking. Something she would say to me and I wouldn’t think a thing about it, but to someone else, not necessarily the case. I told her, not everyone has as warped a sense of humor as I do, and unfortunately, I’ve passed that on to her.
It got me to thinking about my characters, though. Do I do that with them as well? Is my own sometimes warped personality coming out in my characters? Do I sometimes make them say or do something that might offend or irritate my readers? Maybe I do. I know I’ve read books before where I just wanted to strangle the main character. They just rubbed me the wrong way. I couldn’t get into the story at all because every time I turned around, they were driving me nuts to the point that I didn’t even want to read the book. I would just put it down and not pick it up again.
So, how do we make our characters into something that doesn’t annoy the crap out of others? I think there has to be a quality that makes them loveable. Just because a person is annoying, there has to be something about them that you like or you lose interest. I’m hoping that that was the problem with the book I read. Maybe I couldn’t find anything to like. If I had liked them a little bit, I’m sure I wouldn’t have been so annoyed with them.
That’s the main thing I want to avoid in my writing. I don’t want to have annoying characters, but I sure don’t want to have a character that’s not the least bit likeable.
How do you make a character likeable? Good question. Well, I think you have to look at your friends and family to find the answer. What characteristics do they possess that make you like them? Not just the ordinary “because they are nice”. I want more than that. Why are they nice? What do they do that makes them nice? Do they rescue puppies from the pound? Do they never buy paper plates because they are concerned about the environment? Do they always pick up a friend to drive them to work because that person doesn’t have a car or can’t afford gas? Everyone does something that makes them different from everyone else. To me, that is what makes them special, makes them likeable. Those are the qualities we need to instill in our characters to make them well rounded and loveable.
What do you think? Leave me a comment and let me know.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Hooray! Another good review!
I'm so excited, I had to share with you all! I got another lovely review of Love Can Be Murder. It's so nice to know that someone enjoyed my work! Check it out here...
Long and Short Romance Reviews
Long and Short Romance Reviews
Wonderful World of the Web
What an amazing world the internet is. And it is a world unto itself. I was thinking about all the wonderful friends I’ve made online, and how sad I would be if I’d never met them. Every single one of my blog partners, for starters. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like without my wonderful partners to share the blog with. They are not just my partners, they are also mentors, critique partners, and friends. I’ve learned something from every one of them.
There are also other groups that I belong to online. Writers groups with like minded people who share their ups and downs, their knowledge, trials, gains and losses. I’ve made so many online friends that it amazes me how authors did it before the internet.
Can you imagine not talking to another author for maybe months at a time? I can’t! I would go completely nuts. It’s a good thing for RWA or some authors might never have gotten to mingle with others in their field. Unless you lived in NYC, I imagine it would have been very difficult to get together with other authors. Especially if you lived in a rural area. The nearest RWA to me is two hours away. There are no other close writers groups. The internet has really closed the gaps that would have separated me from my writing friends.
Not only does it help bring me closer to other writers, the information that I can get online is absolutely amazing. Everything you could possibly want to learn about, you can find on the world wide web. You can research anything you want. Are you writing a book about murder? Maybe you need to find out exactly what substances can do the job without being detected. Are you writing a paranormal? You can learn about all kinds of mystical creatures right from your own computer.
How has the internet helped you with your writing? Leave a comment and let me know what you think.
There are also other groups that I belong to online. Writers groups with like minded people who share their ups and downs, their knowledge, trials, gains and losses. I’ve made so many online friends that it amazes me how authors did it before the internet.
Can you imagine not talking to another author for maybe months at a time? I can’t! I would go completely nuts. It’s a good thing for RWA or some authors might never have gotten to mingle with others in their field. Unless you lived in NYC, I imagine it would have been very difficult to get together with other authors. Especially if you lived in a rural area. The nearest RWA to me is two hours away. There are no other close writers groups. The internet has really closed the gaps that would have separated me from my writing friends.
Not only does it help bring me closer to other writers, the information that I can get online is absolutely amazing. Everything you could possibly want to learn about, you can find on the world wide web. You can research anything you want. Are you writing a book about murder? Maybe you need to find out exactly what substances can do the job without being detected. Are you writing a paranormal? You can learn about all kinds of mystical creatures right from your own computer.
How has the internet helped you with your writing? Leave a comment and let me know what you think.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Nightmares, scary or good ideas?
I had a horrible, terrifying nightmare the other night that still lives vividly in my brain. It was unique for me though. I do have nightmares often enough. In fact, most all of the dreams that I do remember are full of zombies and dead bodies. This one was different, which is why it was so unique. I didn’t dream of my regular scary creatures. This one was something I’d never dreamt of before. Although, it was deadly enough, it was almost funny at the same time.
I can’t even begin to describe the creature in my dream. It was a combination of Puff the magic dragon and platypus. It ran around town eating people, between bouts of swimming in the ocean, where we had a fabulous view looking down from our upper level apartment. Don’t ask me why, because I live no where near the ocean. Maybe we were on vacation, who knows. At any rate, I was terrified when it tore through the buildings eating people left and right while I was trying to keep track of my family members to make sure they weren’t eaten as well.
I’ve been thinking about this dream for the last couple of days and considering what an interesting story it would make. I know a lot of writers get ideas from their dreams, which is something I’ve never really done. Most of my story ideas come from other aspects of my life. But, this dream was so clear and vivid, and in full color, that it would definitely be something I could recreate if I wanted to.
I get most of my ideas from…
So, I was wondering, do you use your dreams for storylines? What kind of dreams do you use? Are you like me and rarely dream, or do you have awesome, vivid dreams on a nightly basis? Share your thoughts with me and let me know what you think.
I can’t even begin to describe the creature in my dream. It was a combination of Puff the magic dragon and platypus. It ran around town eating people, between bouts of swimming in the ocean, where we had a fabulous view looking down from our upper level apartment. Don’t ask me why, because I live no where near the ocean. Maybe we were on vacation, who knows. At any rate, I was terrified when it tore through the buildings eating people left and right while I was trying to keep track of my family members to make sure they weren’t eaten as well.
I’ve been thinking about this dream for the last couple of days and considering what an interesting story it would make. I know a lot of writers get ideas from their dreams, which is something I’ve never really done. Most of my story ideas come from other aspects of my life. But, this dream was so clear and vivid, and in full color, that it would definitely be something I could recreate if I wanted to.
I get most of my ideas from…
- Something I saw on TV
- A snippet of a song from the radio
- A comment someone makes
- Watching strangers in public
- Out of nowhere, an idea just pops in my head
- Conversations with other writers
- Brainstorming questions
- Coming up with a character first, then throwing them into odd situations
- Etc, etc, etc (this list could go on and on)
So, I was wondering, do you use your dreams for storylines? What kind of dreams do you use? Are you like me and rarely dream, or do you have awesome, vivid dreams on a nightly basis? Share your thoughts with me and let me know what you think.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Making characters remarkable
I want to start out my blog today with an apology. I have been having computer difficulties and haven’t been around for the last couple of weeks. I’ve missed a couple of my blog posts and a guest spot with Moonlight, Lace, & Mayhem. I feel so terrible, and I hope everyone can forgive me.
I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about characters lately. What makes a character special? What about them makes others care enough to want to read about their lives? They can’t just be ordinary, boring characters with ordinary, boring lives. They need to have something extra, something that gives them zing! Who wants to read about someone who lives the same life that they do? Not me, that’s for sure. I want to read about someone extraordinary. I’m not saying that they can’t be average citizens. Of course they can. That makes them someone we can identify with. But, they should still be something just a little more. In some way, they go above and beyond the average. I’m talking about the beautician who dedicates her life to helping cancer patients on chemo feel pretty, even though they’ve lost their hair during treatments. Maybe she uses her talents to style their wigs and apply their makeup. Why does she do it? Maybe her mother lost her life to cancer, and she knew how miserable she was. The point is, she is a remarkable woman, an average woman, yet she goes above and beyond the ordinary.
One of the most popular series right now is the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. What makes the series so popular? In my opinion, it’s the characters. But why are the characters so moving? Because they are average citizens that are willing to do or be more. What makes Bella more than ordinary? Maybe it’s the fact that she’s willing to be miserable in order to make sure her mom is happy. Maybe it’s because she’s willing to love the one man who could destroy her. The same goes for Edward. He is willing to risk exposure of his kind to be with the girl he loves. He’s willing to fight his own kind in order to keep her safe. And he’s willing to do this for the one person who’s blood he craves more than any other. To me, that’s extraordinary.
In every book that rises to bestseller status, there are extraordinary characters. Just imagine Hogwarts without Harry Potter. You couldn’t. It wouldn’t be the same place. It might still be interesting, but I’m sure no where near as interesting as it is now. And what about the Vampire Diaries? What would Elena do if Stefan hadn’t entered her life?
I know it takes more than just great characters to create a great novel. But, if your characters aren’t great, how can your story be? I want to be able to love them, hate them, cry for them, and grieve for them. If I don’t feel for them, I’ll never remember them. And that, in my opinion, is the most important thing.
What do you think? Do you agree with me, or do you think I’m way off base? I’d love to hear your opinion on the subject. Leave a comment and let me know what you think!
I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about characters lately. What makes a character special? What about them makes others care enough to want to read about their lives? They can’t just be ordinary, boring characters with ordinary, boring lives. They need to have something extra, something that gives them zing! Who wants to read about someone who lives the same life that they do? Not me, that’s for sure. I want to read about someone extraordinary. I’m not saying that they can’t be average citizens. Of course they can. That makes them someone we can identify with. But, they should still be something just a little more. In some way, they go above and beyond the average. I’m talking about the beautician who dedicates her life to helping cancer patients on chemo feel pretty, even though they’ve lost their hair during treatments. Maybe she uses her talents to style their wigs and apply their makeup. Why does she do it? Maybe her mother lost her life to cancer, and she knew how miserable she was. The point is, she is a remarkable woman, an average woman, yet she goes above and beyond the ordinary.
One of the most popular series right now is the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. What makes the series so popular? In my opinion, it’s the characters. But why are the characters so moving? Because they are average citizens that are willing to do or be more. What makes Bella more than ordinary? Maybe it’s the fact that she’s willing to be miserable in order to make sure her mom is happy. Maybe it’s because she’s willing to love the one man who could destroy her. The same goes for Edward. He is willing to risk exposure of his kind to be with the girl he loves. He’s willing to fight his own kind in order to keep her safe. And he’s willing to do this for the one person who’s blood he craves more than any other. To me, that’s extraordinary.
In every book that rises to bestseller status, there are extraordinary characters. Just imagine Hogwarts without Harry Potter. You couldn’t. It wouldn’t be the same place. It might still be interesting, but I’m sure no where near as interesting as it is now. And what about the Vampire Diaries? What would Elena do if Stefan hadn’t entered her life?
I know it takes more than just great characters to create a great novel. But, if your characters aren’t great, how can your story be? I want to be able to love them, hate them, cry for them, and grieve for them. If I don’t feel for them, I’ll never remember them. And that, in my opinion, is the most important thing.
What do you think? Do you agree with me, or do you think I’m way off base? I’d love to hear your opinion on the subject. Leave a comment and let me know what you think!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Change is in the air
Do you ever have that feeling like something is brewing, just a little buzz crawling across your skin, but you’re not able to detect exactly what’s going on? I have that feeling right now, and it’s driving me insane trying to figure out what’s going on. It’s like I can feel an internal storm just waiting to erupt. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing. I guess I’ll just have to wait and see.
I live a hectic, but simple life. Just me and my daughter with our two dogs roaming around in our 100 year old house. Usually, that’s just fine with me. I enjoy it. But lately, I feel like maybe I’m missing something. I’m not sure what it is, but my heart doesn’t seem to be fully engaged in my surroundings. I’m finding myself pulled into my daydreams more and more. Maybe it’s the change of season, or the fact that I’m realizing that this year is already headed toward it’s close, and I haven’t accomplished anything that I set out to do. Maybe it’s a sign that my muse is waking up and is planning a full on attack (that would be nice). Whatever it is, I can feel it running through my veins, heated and charged, getting ready for whatever lies ahead.
My concentration is shot. I’ve started and stopped writing a hundred times, but I can’t seem to stay focused on the story. I’ve tried editing, still no good. I’ve now convinced myself that there’s a reason for that. Whatever kind of change is working it’s way through me right now seems to be the culprit. At least, that’s what I’m blaming it on. J So, for now, I’m going to think that this is a good thing. It’s a time of rejuvenation for me, and at the end of whatever it is, I’m going to come out stronger and better for it.
It seems strange to me, that this is happening now. Shouldn’t spring be the season for rejuvenation? Maybe my internal clock is off.
Have you ever experience this? I’d love to hear your story. Give me something to look forward to. Leave a comment and let me know what you think.
I live a hectic, but simple life. Just me and my daughter with our two dogs roaming around in our 100 year old house. Usually, that’s just fine with me. I enjoy it. But lately, I feel like maybe I’m missing something. I’m not sure what it is, but my heart doesn’t seem to be fully engaged in my surroundings. I’m finding myself pulled into my daydreams more and more. Maybe it’s the change of season, or the fact that I’m realizing that this year is already headed toward it’s close, and I haven’t accomplished anything that I set out to do. Maybe it’s a sign that my muse is waking up and is planning a full on attack (that would be nice). Whatever it is, I can feel it running through my veins, heated and charged, getting ready for whatever lies ahead.
My concentration is shot. I’ve started and stopped writing a hundred times, but I can’t seem to stay focused on the story. I’ve tried editing, still no good. I’ve now convinced myself that there’s a reason for that. Whatever kind of change is working it’s way through me right now seems to be the culprit. At least, that’s what I’m blaming it on. J So, for now, I’m going to think that this is a good thing. It’s a time of rejuvenation for me, and at the end of whatever it is, I’m going to come out stronger and better for it.
It seems strange to me, that this is happening now. Shouldn’t spring be the season for rejuvenation? Maybe my internal clock is off.
Have you ever experience this? I’d love to hear your story. Give me something to look forward to. Leave a comment and let me know what you think.
Monday, September 21, 2009
I'm Baaaaaack
Wow! That was so much fun! I'm glad to be home, but I miss it already.
I told you last week that it was my daughter's 18th birthday, and I believe I promised you pictures. Well, here they are!
Since you only turn 18 once, we decided to mark the occasion with a trip to our favorite place on earth...Nashville.
We took an extended weekend and spent 4 fabulous days having fun. We both had a blast!
We arrived on Saturday, and after getting settled into our hotel, took off to the Tennessee State Fair. She wanted to see JB Rocket, our favorite group from this season of the television show Can You Duet.
It was a great show. The guys really delivered! I have to admit, I was very disappointed with meeting them after the show. It would have helped if people weren't butting in line ahead of us so we could have gotten more than two words out of them and maybe some direct eye contact. But, we still had a good time and enjoyed the performance.
On Sunday, we went to the Hall of Fame.
All I can say is wow! There was so much to see. And I was thrilled to see a great display for one of my favorite singers, Hank Williams, Jr. Actually, it was for the Williams family, not just Hank, but it was great! So many interesting things. We saw Carrie Underwood's dress from the 2009 ACM awards. Holy cow!
The train on that thing was huge! I couldn't even imagine walking in that thing. It was gorgeous, though.
Monday was her birthday! 18 years ago, on September 14, 1991, she nearly killed me...literally. Actually, we both almost died. I had Toxemia, and I was flown by helicopter to Barnes Hospital in St. Louis for an emergency cesarean. She was born two months early at 3 lbs 5 1/2 ounces and 17 inches long. Hard to believe that was so long ago. Now, she's a beautiful young woman.
We celebrated appropriately! We spent the day shopping! What could be more fun than that? The night was even better, though.
We went to see her favorite singer, Billy Gilman, at a writers night at the Copper Kettle. Wow! What a view! If you're ever in Nashville, you really need to check this place out!
Fabulous show! It wasn't our first time seeing Billy live, and I have to say, he always gives a stellar performance. Very sweet guy and always friendly.
A member of Billy's band, Steve Hornbeak, also played some of his own music. Another excellent performance! (Steve is the keyboardist in the picture above Billy) Sorry, Steve. We did take more pictures of you, but they turned out blurry. :-( Steve is a Christian singer, and I have to say, you can see he feels it when he sings. It makes me want to be a better person.
On Tuesday, we went to check out Belmont University in Nashville. My daughter is hoping to go to school there. She's so excited about it.
We bought her this t-shirt from the bookstore on campus. I have a feeling she would wear it daily if she could. Oh well, if it keeps her motivated, I'd wash it nightly.
So, that was our fabulous trip. Can't wait to do it all again! (and again, and again, and again...)
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