I'm sort of in a writing lull. I'm actually a little exasperated. And again it all comes back to the time spent in my heroine's head. I can't tell anymore how much time is too much time. I'm not sure if my critique partner and I will ever see eye to eye on this point, and I don't really know what to do about it. Other than this little difference, I think things between us are going really well, but I think that this is sort of a big problem, being that it's the way I write. I don't write action/adventure or suspense. My story is character driven and concerns a big issue in the heroine's life--so she has plenty to think about. I definitely don't want to get bogged down with internal thoughts, but hey, everyone's different. Some people (like myself) write and like to read with a peppering of introspection. So I'm kind of an impasse. I've taken a mini break from my manuscript. I think I needed some time away to reflect so that I can come back with a decision on how I'm going to proceed. I. Need. To. Finish. This. Book. If just to get people off my back.
I think it makes no sense to anyone that it's taken me this long to write a second book. But as I've said before, this time, I have some writerly knowledge up my sleeve, and I'm trying to use what works and ignore what doesn't. And then there's the fact that I didn't plot this book well enough before I started writing it--big surprise there--so I've had to go back...and go back...and go back. And then I got a critique partner, a new set of eyes, a fresh take, new opinions, and I went back and back again. And now I'm tweaking the plot, building up the external conflict, so... Anyone? Anyone? That's right: I have to go back again to early in the book.
But not for a few more days yet. I've been cleaning, and my house has NEVER looked this good. Usually I give myself a job for the day before I go in to write. Well for the past few days, I haven't gone in to write, so I just kept finding things that needed a little scrub. I like this break from writing, knowing I don't have to rush to get my time in everyday. But I also miss it. I'm hoping I'll come back raring to go, with confidence and efficiency.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Holidays
Blech--I've been cleaning. And now my hands smell of cleaning supplies. And not the green apple or citrus stuff--I'm talking hard core. Ick! I considered wearing gloves, but I've never done that, so I didn't. Guess there's a first time for everything....
So yesterday a friend of mine told me that after Wednesday (Halloween), it'll be Christmas. I wasn't quite sure how to take that, whether she was complaining, excited, or what. And while it is weird to see the Chrismas stuff out in stores, in my mind, it's still way far off in the distant future. If for no other reason than that Thanksgiving is a big deal for me.
Autumn is my favorite time of year--it has the trifecta of holidays, and all of them are suitable for decorations of some sort. The rest of the year, barring Easter, our house remains unadorned. But in the first few weeks in October, Halloween decorations come down from the attic, then after Halloween they're paired down to include just the plain pumpkin, berry, and autumnal leaves selection. And then it all gets replaced at the beginning of December.
As kids we never did anything for Thanksgiving. We only had Thursday-Sunday off of school, so we had the big Turkey Day and then we had left-overs and a long weekend. These days my boys have the entire week off, so we've traveled often during that time in recent years. It's nice because it's the cusp of Christmas. Decorations are going up, it's a festive holiday, and yet you don't have the worries over transporting presents or interfering with holiday parties and other committments. And I've decided I actually like to shop on Black Friday. My mom had me brainwashed--Worst Shopping Day of the Year!--STAY AWAY FROM THE MALL!--but then I went on my own, and it was great. Bustling, certainly, but I steered clear of some major stores, and it was fine. Many a good deal was found and taken advantage of.
So while I'm already Internet browsing for Christmas gifts, that holiday is still months away. I have no doubt that those months will fly by very quickly though.
****UPDATE**** Halloween is officially over. Target had their Halloween stuff (except candy) cleared out today, replaced by Christmas stuff. I should just have my boys dress as Santa and an elf next year: get us all in the spirit.
So yesterday a friend of mine told me that after Wednesday (Halloween), it'll be Christmas. I wasn't quite sure how to take that, whether she was complaining, excited, or what. And while it is weird to see the Chrismas stuff out in stores, in my mind, it's still way far off in the distant future. If for no other reason than that Thanksgiving is a big deal for me.
Autumn is my favorite time of year--it has the trifecta of holidays, and all of them are suitable for decorations of some sort. The rest of the year, barring Easter, our house remains unadorned. But in the first few weeks in October, Halloween decorations come down from the attic, then after Halloween they're paired down to include just the plain pumpkin, berry, and autumnal leaves selection. And then it all gets replaced at the beginning of December.
As kids we never did anything for Thanksgiving. We only had Thursday-Sunday off of school, so we had the big Turkey Day and then we had left-overs and a long weekend. These days my boys have the entire week off, so we've traveled often during that time in recent years. It's nice because it's the cusp of Christmas. Decorations are going up, it's a festive holiday, and yet you don't have the worries over transporting presents or interfering with holiday parties and other committments. And I've decided I actually like to shop on Black Friday. My mom had me brainwashed--Worst Shopping Day of the Year!--STAY AWAY FROM THE MALL!--but then I went on my own, and it was great. Bustling, certainly, but I steered clear of some major stores, and it was fine. Many a good deal was found and taken advantage of.
So while I'm already Internet browsing for Christmas gifts, that holiday is still months away. I have no doubt that those months will fly by very quickly though.
****UPDATE**** Halloween is officially over. Target had their Halloween stuff (except candy) cleared out today, replaced by Christmas stuff. I should just have my boys dress as Santa and an elf next year: get us all in the spirit.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Writing Style
As I've mentioned in previous posts, my writing tends to be heavy on the introspection. I have no problem churning out sentence after sentence, paragraph after paragraph of a character's internal thoughts. It comes easily to me but I end up having to cut a lot of it...because I understand that for some readers, it drags. This is definitely the comment I see most from my critique partner: Get us out of her head!
On the other hand, I tend to struggle over dialogue. I'm hardly ever happy with the first pass, sometimes not even the second. I pour over the conversations between characters, trying to keep the voices different, the words and attitude authentic, to not say too much but still say enough. And eventually I get it where I like it.
Lately I've been wondering if the reasons for the above are because of my personality. I've always been sort of a loner, always happier as a kid with my head in a book than playing with my brother and sister, almost always would rather stay in than go out, read than watch TV. Even my job--when I had one--was the sort where you mostly work on your own. And as for friends, I'm not the type to call them up everyday, just to check up. We can go for weeks without talking. I spend a lot of time alone, with just my thoughts for company.
Could this be the reason I'm having so much trouble with the dialogue? The reason my characters tend to overthink instead of interact? If it is, I guess I need to start striking up random conversations.
On the other hand, I tend to struggle over dialogue. I'm hardly ever happy with the first pass, sometimes not even the second. I pour over the conversations between characters, trying to keep the voices different, the words and attitude authentic, to not say too much but still say enough. And eventually I get it where I like it.
Lately I've been wondering if the reasons for the above are because of my personality. I've always been sort of a loner, always happier as a kid with my head in a book than playing with my brother and sister, almost always would rather stay in than go out, read than watch TV. Even my job--when I had one--was the sort where you mostly work on your own. And as for friends, I'm not the type to call them up everyday, just to check up. We can go for weeks without talking. I spend a lot of time alone, with just my thoughts for company.
Could this be the reason I'm having so much trouble with the dialogue? The reason my characters tend to overthink instead of interact? If it is, I guess I need to start striking up random conversations.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Thursday 3
This is a sort of on-again, off-again tradition. I think I missed the last two weeks of my recently-launched Thursday 3. But lucky you, because today it's back! So...here are three blogs/sites I would recommend to you this week:
1. Damned Scribbling Women. Kate Diamond is a writer with attitude and a fellow fan of Anne and Gilbert.
2. Melissa Walker is a writer, published in magazines and now in fiction. Her debut, Violet on the Runway, came out this month and is getting some awesome reviews.
3. Readergirlz. For all you YA fans out there...
Enjoy!
1. Damned Scribbling Women. Kate Diamond is a writer with attitude and a fellow fan of Anne and Gilbert.
2. Melissa Walker is a writer, published in magazines and now in fiction. Her debut, Violet on the Runway, came out this month and is getting some awesome reviews.
3. Readergirlz. For all you YA fans out there...
Enjoy!
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
I'm It!
I've been tagged by Susan and a couple of weeks ago by Vicki (sorry I'm just getting to it now!) to write eight little tidbits about myself. I've done five before, so I'm gonna try to come up with new material this time around. Then, after all that, I tag eight more people. Really? Eight? (Yikes!)
So eight quirky, unusual, completely random things about me:
1. I much prefer to deal in email than over the phone or in person.
2. A clothing purchase must first pass the two-finger touchy-feely test.
3. I've recently discovered that my favorite color is red, which doesn't mesh at all with my personality.
4. I was born on an army base in Arizona.
5. I love Cary Grant and Hitchcock movies.
6. I've discovered a fondness for dark chocolate--until recently, we've never been more than casual acquaintances.
7. This blog is my outlet.
8. I wear glasses most of the time but will never even consider contacts.
My taggees (and keep in mind, I'm graciously not tagging you if I've already read your list):
Lucy
Trish
Stacy (not sure if you've done it or not...)
Sally
Liz
Virginia
Melissa
Sara
So eight quirky, unusual, completely random things about me:
1. I much prefer to deal in email than over the phone or in person.
2. A clothing purchase must first pass the two-finger touchy-feely test.
3. I've recently discovered that my favorite color is red, which doesn't mesh at all with my personality.
4. I was born on an army base in Arizona.
5. I love Cary Grant and Hitchcock movies.
6. I've discovered a fondness for dark chocolate--until recently, we've never been more than casual acquaintances.
7. This blog is my outlet.
8. I wear glasses most of the time but will never even consider contacts.
My taggees (and keep in mind, I'm graciously not tagging you if I've already read your list):
Lucy
Trish
Stacy (not sure if you've done it or not...)
Sally
Liz
Virginia
Melissa
Sara
Monday, October 22, 2007
H.P.A.T.D.H.
When I took my boys to school this morning, it was an unpleasantly muggy 76 degrees outside. Then I went to the grocery store and it proceeded to drop thirteen degrees while I was inside. The wind whipped up and it's started to rain. Aaahh...autumn! It's supposed to drop another eight or so degrees before the afternoon is over, so we'll be in the high fifties here! My sons are both in short-sleeved shirts and shorts, so I'll have to bundle them up when they come out of school. I'm so excited--finally a little cool weather!
I've recently bought a CD. This is pretty rare for me, since once I latch onto something, I cling to it, and so logically, I listen to my few CD's over and over. But I saw this one reviewed, popped over to Amazon to listen to the tracks, and then went out and bought it. It's KT Tunsall's Drastic Fantastic. There's just something about it. It's weird because while I'm listening, I feel like it's the soundtrack of either my life or the life of the main charater in my WIP. I imagine her and I doing things (not together, naturally) to these songs, and it's a very odd feeling.
In other news, I'm a little over half-way through Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. There is at least one among my frequent visitors here--WHO SHALL NOT BE NAMED--that has never read a single H.P. You don't know what you're missing! I've had the book since the day it came out, but I always let my husband read the HP's first, and he's been rather slow to get going with it. (Plus, I've had all those library holds to wrestle with). But now that I have virtually nothing on hold, I'm catching up on my own stack of books, and I just couldn't resist Harry any longer.
And I am just so, so, so, so, soooooo impressed with J. K. Rowling and this entire series. So many characters--unique, clever, intriguing characters, so many twists and little details, and impressive, imaginative locales and props. I could go on and on. After I finish this one, I think I'm going to have to go back and read them all again. Which is exactly what my critique partner is doing right now. Maybe this time around my sons will want to listen. Although that is A LOT of reading aloud.
And what about that Albus, huh?
NO SPOILERS IN THE COMMENTS, PEOPLE!!! I BEG YOU!
I've recently bought a CD. This is pretty rare for me, since once I latch onto something, I cling to it, and so logically, I listen to my few CD's over and over. But I saw this one reviewed, popped over to Amazon to listen to the tracks, and then went out and bought it. It's KT Tunsall's Drastic Fantastic. There's just something about it. It's weird because while I'm listening, I feel like it's the soundtrack of either my life or the life of the main charater in my WIP. I imagine her and I doing things (not together, naturally) to these songs, and it's a very odd feeling.
In other news, I'm a little over half-way through Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. There is at least one among my frequent visitors here--WHO SHALL NOT BE NAMED--that has never read a single H.P. You don't know what you're missing! I've had the book since the day it came out, but I always let my husband read the HP's first, and he's been rather slow to get going with it. (Plus, I've had all those library holds to wrestle with). But now that I have virtually nothing on hold, I'm catching up on my own stack of books, and I just couldn't resist Harry any longer.
And I am just so, so, so, so, soooooo impressed with J. K. Rowling and this entire series. So many characters--unique, clever, intriguing characters, so many twists and little details, and impressive, imaginative locales and props. I could go on and on. After I finish this one, I think I'm going to have to go back and read them all again. Which is exactly what my critique partner is doing right now. Maybe this time around my sons will want to listen. Although that is A LOT of reading aloud.
And what about that Albus, huh?
NO SPOILERS IN THE COMMENTS, PEOPLE!!! I BEG YOU!
Friday, October 19, 2007
So Many Books...How to Choose?
I've mentioned this before, but I put a lot of stock in a book's cover--a LOT. And not so much the excerpt. It used to be that I'd have to read the excerpt before I could buy the book. Now I hardly ever read it. I think mostly because I'm used to shopping with my kids. I didn't have a lot of time to stand silently staring at a book, so I made snap decisions.
The cover has to perfect though. Intriguing and appealing to the eye and to the touch. This is a big deal. Color can make all the difference. Fonts can play in. But reviews count big time--BIG time.
I'm definitely interested in reviews by author's I've read and admire, but there aren't too, too many of my favorites that actually blurb. At least on the books that I'm perusing. The trade publications have a big impact on my decision making process--Booklist, School Library Journal, Publisher's Weekly, Kirkus. Newspapers less, and magazines even less.
Sometimes I get the book just because I'm curious about it, as a result of the quote. If the review heralds the book as something I want my book to be, it piques my interest, and I want to read and see if I agree. For example, if a book gets a starred review and is described as 'winningly clever' or 'laugh-out-loud funny' by one publication or another, I'm curious to see if I concur. In reality I'm researching, assessing the criteria for such heady review terms.
It's odd that this method is working so well for me. Just lucky I guess, or else I know what I like.
And now, back to Book 7.
The cover has to perfect though. Intriguing and appealing to the eye and to the touch. This is a big deal. Color can make all the difference. Fonts can play in. But reviews count big time--BIG time.
I'm definitely interested in reviews by author's I've read and admire, but there aren't too, too many of my favorites that actually blurb. At least on the books that I'm perusing. The trade publications have a big impact on my decision making process--Booklist, School Library Journal, Publisher's Weekly, Kirkus. Newspapers less, and magazines even less.
Sometimes I get the book just because I'm curious about it, as a result of the quote. If the review heralds the book as something I want my book to be, it piques my interest, and I want to read and see if I agree. For example, if a book gets a starred review and is described as 'winningly clever' or 'laugh-out-loud funny' by one publication or another, I'm curious to see if I concur. In reality I'm researching, assessing the criteria for such heady review terms.
It's odd that this method is working so well for me. Just lucky I guess, or else I know what I like.
And now, back to Book 7.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Coincidence?
Virtually nothing new today. My husband drove to Austin with his immediate family to go to a cousin's funeral. My sister-in-law had flown in for the occasion. I saw her for a minute this morning when I drove down to pick up my in-laws' dog and then for about forty-five minutes in the evening when they drove down to pick the dog up. It wasn't nearly as awkward as I thought it would be, just casual, minimal chit-chat.
Anyone familiar with my recent sister-in-law saga will find this amusing I think:
We got Chinese food for dinner, and afterwards we broke into the fortune cookies. After reading her own aloud (I don't remember what it said), my MIL insisted that my SIL read hers. It said:
Someone who cares about you is interested in a reconciliation.
Hahahahahahahahahahaha!! No one said anything--and I was totally thinking my MIL would insist that that someone was me and that the two of us (the SIL and I) should hug. But the moment passed. Later I told my husband, who hadn't been in the room, and we both laughed uproariously. Talk about your funny coincidences. Hee hee hee.
Anyone familiar with my recent sister-in-law saga will find this amusing I think:
We got Chinese food for dinner, and afterwards we broke into the fortune cookies. After reading her own aloud (I don't remember what it said), my MIL insisted that my SIL read hers. It said:
Someone who cares about you is interested in a reconciliation.
Hahahahahahahahahahaha!! No one said anything--and I was totally thinking my MIL would insist that that someone was me and that the two of us (the SIL and I) should hug. But the moment passed. Later I told my husband, who hadn't been in the room, and we both laughed uproariously. Talk about your funny coincidences. Hee hee hee.
A Mix
I haven't thought of anything much to post about today, but for those of you who are published authors of romance, my RWA chapter is running the Judge-A-Book-By-Its-Cover-Contest again this year for any of you with stellar 2007 covers. We don't have a YA category yet, which is a shame, because there are some awesome YA covers out there, but there's discussion of adding the category for next year. The judges are booksellers from all over the world (U.S., U.K., Australia, N.Z. and Canada...I think). And this year, the Borders/Waldenbooks buyer Sue Grimshaw will also be judging. So this is a great opportunity. For more info, click here.
I was also supposed to post on my progress on getting my 'next' chapter tied up on Monday. I didn't. I tied up a bunch of other loose ends on Monday, and then yesterday I worked at Mother's Day Out and got the weirdest, worst, horrible cramp just below my breastbone for about four hours. * There was no writing during this time. * After it went away, life took over again, and then I had my RWA meeting last night. So I'm working on it today.
At M.D.O. I nearly witnessed a smack-down. There's this one new girl who apparently is used to getting her way and is always grabbing from the other kids, pushing, screaming, etc. (Otherwise she's very sweet). And there's one little girl in particular who gets the brunt of these bad manners. So yesterday, I look over, and the two of them are in the corner, and I watch as the underdog cups her hand around the other's head and smacks it against the wall. My mouth fell open and my eyes bugged out, and before I could get over there, she did it again. Who knows what would have happened if I hadn't pulled her off. Is this just a natural way to fight back, or did she learn this from someone??? Apparently last Thursday I missed the biting, and some other girl pooping all over the bathroom floor. I start working Thursdays only next week. Cross your fingers for me--come on Thursdays!!
I was also supposed to post on my progress on getting my 'next' chapter tied up on Monday. I didn't. I tied up a bunch of other loose ends on Monday, and then yesterday I worked at Mother's Day Out and got the weirdest, worst, horrible cramp just below my breastbone for about four hours. * There was no writing during this time. * After it went away, life took over again, and then I had my RWA meeting last night. So I'm working on it today.
At M.D.O. I nearly witnessed a smack-down. There's this one new girl who apparently is used to getting her way and is always grabbing from the other kids, pushing, screaming, etc. (Otherwise she's very sweet). And there's one little girl in particular who gets the brunt of these bad manners. So yesterday, I look over, and the two of them are in the corner, and I watch as the underdog cups her hand around the other's head and smacks it against the wall. My mouth fell open and my eyes bugged out, and before I could get over there, she did it again. Who knows what would have happened if I hadn't pulled her off. Is this just a natural way to fight back, or did she learn this from someone??? Apparently last Thursday I missed the biting, and some other girl pooping all over the bathroom floor. I start working Thursdays only next week. Cross your fingers for me--come on Thursdays!!
Monday, October 15, 2007
Cookie Crumbles
Today I made oatmeal chocolate chip cookies from a mix, and while they're pretty tasty, they are nothing--NOTHING--like homemade. I had it in my head that I was going to make homemade oatmeal chocolate chip cookies (my husband's favorite) or molasses crinkles (a personal autumnal favorite of mine). But at the store I started thinking about how busy I am and how any time it would require to make and bake those cookies would take precious time away from something else, and I bought a mix. Don't get me wrong, they're pretty good, but it just isn't the same.
As far as cookies goes, I'm very particular. I hardly like any pre-packaged store-bought cookies, Pepperidge Farm being the main exception, and even bakery cookies just don't hit the spot. I'm wary too of other people's cookies--I don't really understand this except to say that I've been burned before. So I'm left with my own cookies and my mom's. And since I don't see my mom all that often, it's up to me. And today I went with the storebought...
finished in a jiff, and managed to watch half of Dancing With the Stars and that new program Samatha Who? LOVED the dancing, particularly the Paso Dobles--even my sons were wowed. And the new show has potential. All in all, maybe it was a good decision.
And just look at this cover! I love it, and I have a soft spot for Christmas stories--I want it, I want it! I'm forever impressed with Eloisa James, but she's one of those authors whose books make me work for it. She has so many characters I often get lost and confused, but I'm nonetheless VERY impressed with how well she manages them all and how truly unique her stories are. I've heard her speak, and she's also impressive in person.
As far as cookies goes, I'm very particular. I hardly like any pre-packaged store-bought cookies, Pepperidge Farm being the main exception, and even bakery cookies just don't hit the spot. I'm wary too of other people's cookies--I don't really understand this except to say that I've been burned before. So I'm left with my own cookies and my mom's. And since I don't see my mom all that often, it's up to me. And today I went with the storebought...
finished in a jiff, and managed to watch half of Dancing With the Stars and that new program Samatha Who? LOVED the dancing, particularly the Paso Dobles--even my sons were wowed. And the new show has potential. All in all, maybe it was a good decision.
And just look at this cover! I love it, and I have a soft spot for Christmas stories--I want it, I want it! I'm forever impressed with Eloisa James, but she's one of those authors whose books make me work for it. She has so many characters I often get lost and confused, but I'm nonetheless VERY impressed with how well she manages them all and how truly unique her stories are. I've heard her speak, and she's also impressive in person.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Blog Action Day
My mother sent me a link (to a link) of Blog Action Day. I read up on it and decided to say my piece. Technically I'm supposed to say it tomorrow, Oct. 15, but I like to get a jump on things.
So I'm supposed to blog about the environment--one aspect or issue that I feel strongly about. I would have to say, without question, that my hot-button topic is littering. I cannot ABIDE littering. Any of it, all of it, is just nasty, unsanitary, unsightly, and flat-out disgusting. And people seem so oblivious. Not only the litterers but anyone else that can walk by a piece of trash and not even consider picking it up. It's as if it's just a part of the world and everyday life. But it isn't, and it doesn't have to be. People can be more careful and notice when a trash can is too full for their trash instead of dumping it in anyway and letting it blow away. They can pick up the occasional bit of litter and beautify just one small corner of the world. They can teach their children the importance of cleaning up after themselves and not just letting that candy wrapper blow away in the wind. They can stop throwing trash in the storm drains that flow out into the oceans. They can smarten and stop littering in public parks, on public beachs, and in protected areas. HOW CAN WE ENJOY NATURE WHEN THERE'S A RED BULL CAN LYING AROUND??? And to save the biggest offense (in my opinion) for last, they can stop treating the world like a giant ash tray. Ideally, everyone would stop smoking, but that's the subject for another post. If they can't do that, then they should at least strive to throw their cigarette butts in the trash and not on the ground or out their car windows. I so wish the police would start ticketing for that...
So I challenge you to try, to consider this: when you see a piece of trash, consider that by picking it up, it's one piece of trash that bunches of other people don't have to see. Pay it forward.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Writing Progress
I admit, I've been sort of lazy with my blog posts lately. Paradoxically, I'm really busy, and yet nothing of interest seems to be happening to me. I'd love to run into a kooky character or two, but mostly my time is my own, and I spend it working around the house, shopping (for necessities, of course), and writing.
The writing is actually going pretty well--or seems to be. I think I'm kind of on a roll now and am really going to try to start working with actual mini-goals. My long-term goal is to finish (or nearly finish) by Christmas (or by the end of the year), but I think smaller, more compartmentalized goals will keep me motivated. Today for instance, I told myself I couldn't eat lunch until I finished the chapter I was working on. Normally I'd just get up when my stomach growling got too disruptive to the writing, but today I stayed in the chair and finished it up. And then I came back from lunch and started up on the next chapter. Woo-hoo!
I'm going to go on record here and say that I'd like to have this next chapter tied up my Monday night. (This one needs a little more work, and with all the boys home for the weekend, my concentration is pretty iffy). So I will report back on Monday.
One interesting note about my critique partner... I keep sending her chapters, and she keeps making notes that my heroine shouldn't do this or that, because it's not believable. I find this rather curious given that a lot of my character quirks are my own. So basically...I act like this...believe it. She and I laugh about it--well, as much as you can laugh together via email--but she still tries to tone down the unrelatable behavior. When this book finally comes out (either traditionally or via my own press), I may have to post a Truth or Fiction Test for my blogging buddies. How well do you know me??
Have a great weekend!
The writing is actually going pretty well--or seems to be. I think I'm kind of on a roll now and am really going to try to start working with actual mini-goals. My long-term goal is to finish (or nearly finish) by Christmas (or by the end of the year), but I think smaller, more compartmentalized goals will keep me motivated. Today for instance, I told myself I couldn't eat lunch until I finished the chapter I was working on. Normally I'd just get up when my stomach growling got too disruptive to the writing, but today I stayed in the chair and finished it up. And then I came back from lunch and started up on the next chapter. Woo-hoo!
I'm going to go on record here and say that I'd like to have this next chapter tied up my Monday night. (This one needs a little more work, and with all the boys home for the weekend, my concentration is pretty iffy). So I will report back on Monday.
One interesting note about my critique partner... I keep sending her chapters, and she keeps making notes that my heroine shouldn't do this or that, because it's not believable. I find this rather curious given that a lot of my character quirks are my own. So basically...I act like this...believe it. She and I laugh about it--well, as much as you can laugh together via email--but she still tries to tone down the unrelatable behavior. When this book finally comes out (either traditionally or via my own press), I may have to post a Truth or Fiction Test for my blogging buddies. How well do you know me??
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Almost Up and Out There!
I'm skipping my Thursday 3 this week for other news. My sister is going into business online. Her website is up but still has kinks. I'd link to it, but she'd kill me because it isn't quite ready. She's selling little wool felted animals mounted on wooden plaques--the type of thing that would be very cute and unique in children's bedrooms. They are all one-of-a-kind. Aren't they cute?
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Ahhhh...Autumn
I had a lovely fall morning today. It was so cool when I dropped the boys off at school that I decided to skip the elliptical and walk outside instead. I enjoyed it very much, and those cool autumn breezes more than made up for the cramp I had in my leg when I got home. So then, thinking to cool down outside, I ran in to get my book The Family Fortune and finished it right up in the cool, shady spot on my driveway. I actually considered finding a lunch spot with a patio and taking my AlphaSmart to spend some time outdoors writing, but I didn't. Didn't know if it would work anyway--I'm pretty much a creature of habit. I like to have my entire document at my disposal, easily-reference-able. And then after all that, the writing got a very slow start. When I finally picked up some momentum, the boys were already home, and the little one kept asking me if we could do an experiment with baking soda and vinegar. So the momentum sputtered and died.
I did finish The Family Fortune though, and I highly recommend it. It's a 'Radiant Retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasion', if the publisher does say so themselves, and I have to agree. The author's writing actually reminds me of Jane Austen's with all her little witty jabs and clever inserts of social commentary. Having read Persuasion for the first time earlier this year, it was fun comparing the two and seeing how creative the author was with character matching. Go. Get it. Read it!
Monday, October 08, 2007
Even Tougher Meme
I've been putting off this meme that I bullied Beck into tagging me for because I seriously cannot finish off the list. Maybe I don't bestow my lips lightly or maybe I just haven't found the right literary heroes, but either way, I'm doing it, the best I can.
Ten Literary Characters I Would Totally Make Out With If I Were Single and They Were Real But I’m Not, Single I Mean, I Am Real, But I’m Also Happily Married and Want to Stay That Way So Maybe We Should Forget This.
1. Gilbert Blythe. I have to agree with Beck on this one. Anne was a silly fool to nearly let him slip away.
2. If the criteria were pulled solely from the recent movie production of LOTR, I'd also go with Aragorn, despite, like Beck, never having read the novels. My husband (who has read them) however, told me that Aragorn is actually about 87 years old, so I'm thinking maybe not so much. Viggo, though, definitely.
3. Mr. Knightley. I love him. So clever, so genuine, so romantic.
4. Mr. Darcy. He's a little bit filler. I hold a mean grudge and after that first slight, I never would have looked at him again. But once he comes around, he's a definite possibility.
5. Wesley. From The Princess Bride. Stole this one from JenKneeBee, and must say, it's a definite. Just cocky enough to be attractive, but not enough to be off-putting--it's a fine line. And of course, he's swash-buckling.
And that pretty much exhausts the classics, in my opinion, so I'm adding a few newer ones...
6. Johnathon from Hester Browne's Little Lady series. An American, all business and very, very charming.
7. Colin Hargreaves from Tasha Alexander's Emily series. Very dashing, attentive, and just slightly mysterious (or possibly dangerous).
8. Nick from Jenny Crusie's Crazy for You. Rough around the edges, but loyal and dependable and sexy.
9. Any one of the men Mary Stewart created in her collection of incomparable romantic suspense.
10. Colin Bridgerton from Julia Quinn's Bridgerton series. All around likeable guy, and of course dashingly handsome.
Whew! I'm out.
Ten Literary Characters I Would Totally Make Out With If I Were Single and They Were Real But I’m Not, Single I Mean, I Am Real, But I’m Also Happily Married and Want to Stay That Way So Maybe We Should Forget This.
1. Gilbert Blythe. I have to agree with Beck on this one. Anne was a silly fool to nearly let him slip away.
2. If the criteria were pulled solely from the recent movie production of LOTR, I'd also go with Aragorn, despite, like Beck, never having read the novels. My husband (who has read them) however, told me that Aragorn is actually about 87 years old, so I'm thinking maybe not so much. Viggo, though, definitely.
3. Mr. Knightley. I love him. So clever, so genuine, so romantic.
4. Mr. Darcy. He's a little bit filler. I hold a mean grudge and after that first slight, I never would have looked at him again. But once he comes around, he's a definite possibility.
5. Wesley. From The Princess Bride. Stole this one from JenKneeBee, and must say, it's a definite. Just cocky enough to be attractive, but not enough to be off-putting--it's a fine line. And of course, he's swash-buckling.
And that pretty much exhausts the classics, in my opinion, so I'm adding a few newer ones...
6. Johnathon from Hester Browne's Little Lady series. An American, all business and very, very charming.
7. Colin Hargreaves from Tasha Alexander's Emily series. Very dashing, attentive, and just slightly mysterious (or possibly dangerous).
8. Nick from Jenny Crusie's Crazy for You. Rough around the edges, but loyal and dependable and sexy.
9. Any one of the men Mary Stewart created in her collection of incomparable romantic suspense.
10. Colin Bridgerton from Julia Quinn's Bridgerton series. All around likeable guy, and of course dashingly handsome.
Whew! I'm out.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Weekend Update
Update from the last post: She bought the copy of my book I toted along and told me that if I was willing, she'd take me on a single-day-a-week basis. This time I didn't say no. I do get paid slightly more this way (so not the point), and, as my husband reminded me, at least now I'll have a schedule. Now I just need to wait and see if she can work this out and which day of the week I get. And plan to cram everything else in my life into four and a half days instead of five.
This is the rainbow we chased Friday on our way up to my in-laws' lakehouse. My older son claims it's the first rainbow he's ever seen, but I find that hard to believe given the number I've pointed out to him. It was actually a double rainbow at one point, and we could intermittantly see the whole thing. Very exciting.
Today I went to the book launch party of a good friend of mine from my local RWA chapter, Dawn Temple. She's been waiting a long time to see her debut novel in print--27 months from contract to publication!--and it was an exciting day. She has a spunky, sassy writing voice and a great sense of humor--I highly recommend her.
This is the rainbow we chased Friday on our way up to my in-laws' lakehouse. My older son claims it's the first rainbow he's ever seen, but I find that hard to believe given the number I've pointed out to him. It was actually a double rainbow at one point, and we could intermittantly see the whole thing. Very exciting.
Today I went to the book launch party of a good friend of mine from my local RWA chapter, Dawn Temple. She's been waiting a long time to see her debut novel in print--27 months from contract to publication!--and it was an exciting day. She has a spunky, sassy writing voice and a great sense of humor--I highly recommend her.
Friday, October 05, 2007
I Can Say No.
Yesterday, while stuck in traffic, I got a call from the director of the Mother's Day Out I sometimes (often) substitute for. She told me she wanted to give me one more chance to come to work for her full-time. My husband told me later that it was probably not the best etiquette to bust out laughing, but frankly, I couldn't help it. M.D.O. has been in session for over a month now (I've already substituted four times), and I'd assumed everything was settled. She told me I'd be put in the 'Fish' room--the two-year-olds I've already been working with occasionally--that I would be replacing someone. She went on to say that she just thinks I'm a really good fit for that room, and how much she admires my work. All very sweet, but my 'work' is rubbing backs, building with blocks, and opening juice boxes. She then asked that I think about it and told me she didn't feel guilty asking me, because she already knew I could say no.
I can definitely say no and plan to this afternoon if she's home.
I've never told her that I write, that all this time I gained with both boys going to school now is targeted towards something else. I honestly wouldn't mind committing to work one day a week, but two is too much with all the other stuff that goes on. I already don't have as much time as I thought I would, what with life, appointments, other projects, etc. So my plan is to go speak with her, carting along a copy of my book--actual proof that I'm serious about writing. She'll be fine with it, and I'll continue on as a substitute. It's for the best. Because I have GOT to get this book finished once and for all!
I can definitely say no and plan to this afternoon if she's home.
I've never told her that I write, that all this time I gained with both boys going to school now is targeted towards something else. I honestly wouldn't mind committing to work one day a week, but two is too much with all the other stuff that goes on. I already don't have as much time as I thought I would, what with life, appointments, other projects, etc. So my plan is to go speak with her, carting along a copy of my book--actual proof that I'm serious about writing. She'll be fine with it, and I'll continue on as a substitute. It's for the best. Because I have GOT to get this book finished once and for all!
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Thursday 3 and a Tough Meme
So, this week's three blogs I'd like to recommend:
1. One Word, One Rung, One Day: Travis Erwin is a writer (and blogger) with a unique perspective and a wacky sense of humor.
2. Sarakastic. This one is cheating a little because I've been reading her for a while, but she's not yet included on my 'Places to Go' sidebar, so judging by laziness standards, she's new. A very snarky perspective.
3. Little Black Dress Books Author Phillipa Ashley. A very jaunty British blog. Honestly? I just like reading all those curious-sounding expressions.
Got this meme from Liz's blog, and although I wasn't tagged, I thought it would be good for me to do it.
Make a list of five strengths that you possess as a writer/artist. It's not really bragging, it's an honest assessment (forced upon you by this darn meme). Please resist the urge to enumerate your weaknesses, or even mention them in contrast to each strong point you list. Tag four other writers or artists whom you'd like to see share their strengths. (Please consider yourself tagged if you're interested. I don't want to put anyone on the spot).
1. Voice. I've been told before that my writing voice is very strong, that it comes through even in my synopses, and that it's very unique.
2. Humor. I try. I think I'm at least somewhat successful in weaving humorous situations and witty repartee into my writing.
3. Resilience. I'm willing to shift, adjust, tweak, and revise ad nauseum--I'm not the type to give up on a story. I'm also willing to try virtually any writing technique at least once.
4. Yummy heroes. I've been told. I definitely try.
1. One Word, One Rung, One Day: Travis Erwin is a writer (and blogger) with a unique perspective and a wacky sense of humor.
2. Sarakastic. This one is cheating a little because I've been reading her for a while, but she's not yet included on my 'Places to Go' sidebar, so judging by laziness standards, she's new. A very snarky perspective.
3. Little Black Dress Books Author Phillipa Ashley. A very jaunty British blog. Honestly? I just like reading all those curious-sounding expressions.
Got this meme from Liz's blog, and although I wasn't tagged, I thought it would be good for me to do it.
Make a list of five strengths that you possess as a writer/artist. It's not really bragging, it's an honest assessment (forced upon you by this darn meme). Please resist the urge to enumerate your weaknesses, or even mention them in contrast to each strong point you list. Tag four other writers or artists whom you'd like to see share their strengths. (Please consider yourself tagged if you're interested. I don't want to put anyone on the spot).
1. Voice. I've been told before that my writing voice is very strong, that it comes through even in my synopses, and that it's very unique.
2. Humor. I try. I think I'm at least somewhat successful in weaving humorous situations and witty repartee into my writing.
3. Resilience. I'm willing to shift, adjust, tweak, and revise ad nauseum--I'm not the type to give up on a story. I'm also willing to try virtually any writing technique at least once.
4. Yummy heroes. I've been told. I definitely try.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Devious Desserting
My in-laws are having one of my husband's childhood friends over for dinner tonight, and we were invited to come too. Then it was discovered that the friend's parents would be in town, so that warranted another call to our house...just an FYI. Then it was discovered that the mother of the friend is celebrating her 60th birthday. So another call came through to tell us that my in-laws would be using the dinner as sort of a birthday party. I asked if I could bring dessert.
And not only to be polite. My mother-in-law doesn't really do dessert. She'll admit that herself. She doesn't really get this I don't think, but the problem is that she's all over the substitute. She never follows the recipe exactly, and sweets, particularly baked goods, are hard to tweak without prior experimentation. She believes olive oil and vegetable oil are interchangable in a cookie/cake recipe--they're not. She uses wheat flour in cookies, which is perfectly fine if you're going for a nutritious cookie, but I'm not--never am. When I was first dating my husband (in high school), we were hanging out at his house and decided to make chocolate chip cookies. So I read the package and got out the ingredients, including the 16 cup canister of sugar. Mixed everything up and just happened to lick the spoon. HORRIDLY DISGUSTING! That huge canister? Salt. The sugar was in a miniscule box tucked way back in the pantry. So as you can see, sweets are not a priority. But I digress...
I'd thought, when I volunteered, that I'd be bringing cake or cupcakes from a mix with homemade frosting--something simple. But instead, I was thanked for the offer and faxed a suggestion dessert: White Chocolate Cheesecake with Raspberry Sauce. Uh-huh. So here I am thinking it's going to take me a whole morning to prepare this, and even then I won't be sure how it'll turn out, when my husband suggests that I just buy a cheesecake. At first that sounds like a cop-out--I mean, I did volunteer to make a dessert. But then I get to thinking...I'll just buy a nice looking cheesecake, top it with the white chocolate glaze, and mix up the raspberry sauce on the side. So that's the plan. The naked cheesecake is in the fridge, and this morning I'm making the sauces.
My husband, who doesn't like cheesecake or raspberries, is getting a single, pre-packaged slice of key lime pie from the frozen food section, courtesy of his mother. I'll let you know if I get any compliments or if the whole thing blows up in my face.
And...
Some Publishers Weekly news from last week's fabulous interviewee...
Mystery/Crime
Tasha Alexander's TEARS OF PEARL, taking continuing heroine Lady Emily to Ottoman Constantinople where her visit is interrupted by the slaying of one of the sultan's harem girls, plunging her investigation into an alien world of luxury and deadly intrigue, to Andrew Martin and Charles Spicer at Minotaur, in a pre-empt, for two books, by Anne Hawkins at John Hawkins & Associates (world).
And not only to be polite. My mother-in-law doesn't really do dessert. She'll admit that herself. She doesn't really get this I don't think, but the problem is that she's all over the substitute. She never follows the recipe exactly, and sweets, particularly baked goods, are hard to tweak without prior experimentation. She believes olive oil and vegetable oil are interchangable in a cookie/cake recipe--they're not. She uses wheat flour in cookies, which is perfectly fine if you're going for a nutritious cookie, but I'm not--never am. When I was first dating my husband (in high school), we were hanging out at his house and decided to make chocolate chip cookies. So I read the package and got out the ingredients, including the 16 cup canister of sugar. Mixed everything up and just happened to lick the spoon. HORRIDLY DISGUSTING! That huge canister? Salt. The sugar was in a miniscule box tucked way back in the pantry. So as you can see, sweets are not a priority. But I digress...
I'd thought, when I volunteered, that I'd be bringing cake or cupcakes from a mix with homemade frosting--something simple. But instead, I was thanked for the offer and faxed a suggestion dessert: White Chocolate Cheesecake with Raspberry Sauce. Uh-huh. So here I am thinking it's going to take me a whole morning to prepare this, and even then I won't be sure how it'll turn out, when my husband suggests that I just buy a cheesecake. At first that sounds like a cop-out--I mean, I did volunteer to make a dessert. But then I get to thinking...I'll just buy a nice looking cheesecake, top it with the white chocolate glaze, and mix up the raspberry sauce on the side. So that's the plan. The naked cheesecake is in the fridge, and this morning I'm making the sauces.
My husband, who doesn't like cheesecake or raspberries, is getting a single, pre-packaged slice of key lime pie from the frozen food section, courtesy of his mother. I'll let you know if I get any compliments or if the whole thing blows up in my face.
And...
Some Publishers Weekly news from last week's fabulous interviewee...
Mystery/Crime
Tasha Alexander's TEARS OF PEARL, taking continuing heroine Lady Emily to Ottoman Constantinople where her visit is interrupted by the slaying of one of the sultan's harem girls, plunging her investigation into an alien world of luxury and deadly intrigue, to Andrew Martin and Charles Spicer at Minotaur, in a pre-empt, for two books, by Anne Hawkins at John Hawkins & Associates (world).
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Hitchhikers and Historicals
Last week while weeding, I was listening to a recording of Eloisa James speaking at the RWA National Conference this past July. When she announced the title of her talk: 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Historical', I had my doubts. I don't know anything about The Hitchhiker's Guide, and I'm not really much of a fan of space-related fantasy. But I was surprised. First of all, she's an awesome speaker. I'm sure she gets plenty of practice as a professor, but still. She sounded very with-it and approachable.
The basic meat of her talk was that to write a historical (or any book that is not of this time and place), you not only need to have done your research, immersing yourself in the history, social mores, clothing, food, etc. of the era, you need to find what makes you indispensible to a reader of that period. You need to discover what it is you provide to the reader that they don't get elsewhere--that thing that keeps them coming back. To do that, you need to bring something of yourself and of contemporary life to your work. For Ms. James, in part, that means a detailed knowledge of the life and times of Shakespeare (among other things)--and having read some of her novels, there are definite hints of that specialized knowledge.
In writing Unladylike Pursuits, I think I brought a healthy dose of sarcasm and a love of the historical: I wanted to write a book like the ones I'd been reading for years and years. For my next book, it's more than that. This one has a lot of little pieces of me, characters based loosely on people I know or have known, a very familiar setting--a city I lived in myself, and a heroine with mostly male friends, to name a few. This all sounds very much like writing what you know. And it is. But to write a historical, 'what you know' comes from research; it's what's available to everyone. So to put a fresh spin on your story, find inspiration in your own life, current events, or even pop culture, and then overlay that idea or theme onto your research to create a truly unique approach.
I thought her talk was wonderful, but I think I'm not explaining it well here. If you have a chance, I'd recommend you give it a listen. Otherwise, just try to find your unique perspective on life and overlay it on the world you're creating. Now you know why I don't give talks.
The basic meat of her talk was that to write a historical (or any book that is not of this time and place), you not only need to have done your research, immersing yourself in the history, social mores, clothing, food, etc. of the era, you need to find what makes you indispensible to a reader of that period. You need to discover what it is you provide to the reader that they don't get elsewhere--that thing that keeps them coming back. To do that, you need to bring something of yourself and of contemporary life to your work. For Ms. James, in part, that means a detailed knowledge of the life and times of Shakespeare (among other things)--and having read some of her novels, there are definite hints of that specialized knowledge.
In writing Unladylike Pursuits, I think I brought a healthy dose of sarcasm and a love of the historical: I wanted to write a book like the ones I'd been reading for years and years. For my next book, it's more than that. This one has a lot of little pieces of me, characters based loosely on people I know or have known, a very familiar setting--a city I lived in myself, and a heroine with mostly male friends, to name a few. This all sounds very much like writing what you know. And it is. But to write a historical, 'what you know' comes from research; it's what's available to everyone. So to put a fresh spin on your story, find inspiration in your own life, current events, or even pop culture, and then overlay that idea or theme onto your research to create a truly unique approach.
I thought her talk was wonderful, but I think I'm not explaining it well here. If you have a chance, I'd recommend you give it a listen. Otherwise, just try to find your unique perspective on life and overlay it on the world you're creating. Now you know why I don't give talks.
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