Kelly's Compositions

Friday Five

2012-02-10T08:55:00.000-05:00

Five things you can finally do while on bed rest:

1. Read a whole novel in one sitting when this would not typically be something I personally would have time to do. I read a romantic trashy novel which was excellent. I'm suprised how many times one author can use the word nipple. I read On Writing by Stephen King and today I plan on reading Save the Cat.

2. Watch a whole lot of TV: some bad, some good. Say Yes to the Dress (awesome), Toddlers and Tiaras (awesomely bad)

3. Nap

4. Eat candy

5. Think--although I'm getting tired of it because I've sort of run out of things to actually think about. I'm at the point where I keep thinking about the same things over and over again.

As for this weekend and what I'm looking forward too...ummm....nothing really as it will be more of the same from my pov. Hope everyone else has a great Friday and a wonderful weekend!

As promised...

2012-02-06T09:16:00.000-05:00

this morning on twitter I said that I would do my best to finally get a blog post up. So, this is me doing that, although I don't have much to report.

On the bed rest front, nothing has changed. In fact, today I feel worse. Tomorrow I'm supposed to go see the doctor and am hoping they'll be able to do the blood patch procedure on me sometime this week.

On the writing front, I haven't really wrote anything but let me tell you, I've had some good "light bulb" moments! Specifically, I have a better understanding of the turning points that need to occur in the story that I'm developing and I almost have the plot figured out. For this story I'm approaching it a bit differently and am writing the synopsis (more or less) before I begin the actual draft--and if the story changes while writing it, so be it! The only thing I'm missing now is finding the voice of my character. I still don't know it yet and am wondering if I can discover it by starting the draft?

This leads me to my question: what do you do to find each characters voice?

Goals: Finish synopsis for new story idea
What are your goals this week?

I'm still here...

2012-01-27T10:29:00.000-05:00

and it appears that I won't be going anywhere soon. Meaning: Yes, I'm still on bedrest.

If you don't know what is going on, I have a spinal leak causing a spinal headache. And, as I've told many people, I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy. It is that bad. I still have to lay flat in bed, which is hard to do! This is the main reason why I'm not really blogging or tweeting or FBing. I have to do all my typing one handed and on my side.

Just wanted to thank everyone for their well wishes and prayers-- the wish is that I'll be back to normal next week (although the doctor did warn me it could take 6 weeks or longer!!! Totally depends on the patient).

I am reading all your blogs, just not commenting (again typing is hard to do). I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Is Bedrest that bad?

2012-01-23T05:17:00.000-05:00

This is the question I've been asking myself since yesterday. The reason? I've just been put on it...baby is totally fine as am I.

The reason I'm on bed rest? Because I'm a freak of nature. The neurologist actually told me he sees a case like mine maybe once a year and has never seen it in a pregnant person. So....

To make a long story short:
I've had a constant headache since Christmas. At the time, I chalked it up to moving, which we happened on Jan. 13th. Having three small kids, being pregnant and moving isn't exactly stress-free. And, my hubby works very long hours so most of the move and all of the preparation fell to me. In fact, the day the movers came he was away on business. Add in just your "normal" schedule, and well, anyone would be stressed/tense.

However, starting around the first weekend of Jan. I began to notice a difference in my head pain (notice, I'm now saying head pain, not headache). I was only in ~~pain~~ agony when I would go from laying down to sitting. Any time I elevated my head I wanted to cry...in fact, I literally did. I've told many people that I would rather go through childbirth every day. This is how horrible the pain was.

My Mom finally forced me to go to the ER on Friday (I'm not a run-to-the-doctors-for-every-single-thing-type person). But, even I knew this was not normal. After spending all day in the ER, they finally gave me a room upstairs and on Saturday after doing an MRI found out that I have spinal fluid in/around my brain. Basically, I have a leak somewhere along my spine causing this and so when I sit/stand (and thanks to gravity) my brain more or less detaches from my skull (it sinks more or less) which causes the pain.

The reason this is a not normal case is because I haven't had had anything done to my spine in the last few days and I haven't been in any sort of accident. It just happened.

And because I'm 26 week pregnant, the way you treat this gets tricky. Fortunately, one way to treat this is bed rest--but I'm talking flat on your back bed rest--and it could take up to 6 week or longer, depending on the patient--which also means it could take less time as well.

So, because of bed rest, I have to wear these funky socks that go all the way up to my thighs and give myself shots in the belly when I get home to prevent blood clots. My hubby and I are going to have to rely on a ton of people to help out: cook, clean, take the boys to school and pick them up, daily activities, etc. The next couple of weeks should be interesting, that's for sure. Maybe I'll be able to get some writing in (however, it is SO hard to type while laying totally flat on one's back). I just hope I'm okay by the time my best friend walks down the aisle (March 3rd).

This has been my life for the past couple of weeks. I'm still in the hospital and will hopefully find out when they plan to discharge me. If all I'm allowed to do is lay around, I can certainly do that in my own bed.

Let's talk goals:
Me: None
You?

The Big Move

2012-01-17T10:01:00.000-05:00

*sigh*

I can't believe I pulled it off--sort of. We moved over the weekend and let me tell you, it was quite the experience. For those of you that do it all the time, I salute you! I have only ever moved twice in my life. The first time it was from my parents house into my townhouse when I married my hubby ten years ago. And, well, we didn't have much. The second move was from our townhouse into our "starter" house.

That "starter" house served us well for 6 years. We shared many memories there: three of the most important ones being the birth of son 1, 2, and 3. And, now that we are anticipating #4 (though we don't know if it will be a boy or girl) we sort of needed to move. We ran our of room (at least bedrooms). For a while I didn't think we'd ever move. We had a ton of interest in the house we wanted to sell, but no real bites. But finally, right around Thanksgiving, it happened. The rest of November and all of December was a whirlwind. I honestly never thought Jan. 13th would happen. But it did.

And now we are in our new place. The boys have much more room to run around and be boys. We actually have a basement (yeah!) and we finally have a garage (hubby has waited 10 years for one!). We also have AC--no more window units. So blessed!

We are also living out of boxes while we continue to settle in--which I'm anticipating is going to take a while. So, as usual, you guys have been great while putting up with my posts which are neither here nor there.

I think what I'm going to try and do in the future (hopefully starting next week) is get on some sort of schedule with blogging. I used to post every day and now, well, I'm lucky if I can get to this once a week. So, stay tuned!

As for goals for this week: I'm hoping to finally crit a chapter for a CP and dig into a MS for another one. You?

A CRACKED Book Launch Recap

2012-01-09T07:55:00.000-05:00

I know, I know. You haven't heard from me in a while, but like most things in my life, I have very good reason. If case you've forgotten (or are new around there parts--in which case, Hi!), I've been very busy with moving. Well, packing to move at least.

My husband and I have been "in contract" the whole month of December and on the 23rd, my realtor texted me two very exciting (yet stressful) words: "Get packing!" So, that's what I've been trying to do. Settlement and move in date is this coming Friday: Yes, Friday the 13th. So, life has been very crazy. And, if you recall, I have three little guys running/crawling around and am 24 weeks pregnant so....yeah...only so much I can handle.

In any case, this is why my blog has been sporadic with my posts lately. And, there is a pretty good chance it will continue that way until at least the end of next week as I need to try and settle in to the new house. But, really it is because I just found out today that we will be without internet and cable for our first week there!!! Yeah, I can't believe it either. I'm going to go CRAZY. I guess the only good outcome of that situation is it gives me a reason to start this new story that I have brewing.

Anyway- on to the real post. Saturday night I had the privilege to attend K.M. Walton's book launch for her debut novel, CRACKED. And let me tell you, it was awesome. Besides the fact that Kate is a friend of mine, I have never seen a crowd like this. I took a bunch of photos of the event to post, but found out tonight that hubby packed all the camera stuff. I do know that Simon had number 99 for the signing and he was far from last in line...check out Frankie's blog as she'll have pictures up (not sure when though) as well as a vlog of the event.

Besides the fact that the night was just full of awesome because it was Kate's book launch, there was also a ton of awesome people there. Yeah PLN gang: Simon, Jess, Jenna, Lily, Paul Joseph, Christine, Joanne, Donna, Amy, Ilene, Sara, Frankie--(if I'm missing someone, I apologize...as I write this, I have a 3 year old climbing on my back. Literally). After the launch there was an after party--which I heard was a blast, but sadly did not attend. Packing up a house and being pregnant sort of makes a person tired.

If you don't know anything about CRACKED, here is an overview taken from BN's website:

Victor hates his life. He’s relentlessly bullied at school and his parents constantly ridicule him at home.

Bull is angry. He’s sick of his grandfather’s drunken beatings. And he likes to take out his rage on Victor.

Determined to end it all, Victor takes a bottle of his mother’s sleeping pills—only to be disappointed when he wakes up in the psych ward. And his roommate? None other than Bull, whose loaded-gun effort at self-defense has been labeled as a suicide attempt. Things go from bad to worse—until the boys discover they might just have something in common: a reason to live.

After a brief "Thank You" from Kate and a reading from CRACKED, Kate challenged every one in the room. Here are her two challenges (in my own words from what I can remember she said!).

Challenge #1: Make sure you love people--those people who you come into contact with everyday of your life. And, let them know. It's easy to love people your family, your friends--make sure they know it!

Challenge #2: (this is the hard one) Show the people who you see every day, those people who you DON'T know, that they are worth something. Validate them. Smile at them. Hold the door for them. Complement them. Say hello to them. You never know when your kind word, your smile, your holding the door for them, could change the way they think of themselves. Could possibly change their life. By doing something as simple as this, you're showing them that they do matter. And, they do.

I hope you'll take Kate's challenge as well.

Well, that's my brief (okay, sort of) recap of the book launch. It was an awesome night and everyone there was thrilled for Kate. It's so awesome to watch someone achieve their dream--and inspiring!

Goals for this week: Finish packing and hopefully start a critique that I need to do!!! You?

My word for 2012: SAVOR

2012-01-03T08:19:00.000-05:00

I still am having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that it is 2012. But, 2012 it is and although the last half of 2011 was completely crazy and overwhelming for me (well, the beginning of 2012 will be the same too) I've decided that I needed a word to focus on for this new year.

And that word is SAVOR.

I plan on savoring everything experience this year (well, I'm going to try to at least).

I'm in that season of life where I want things to happen fast. "I wish this was over...I wish that was over..." especially with my boys (5, 3, 14 months). Can you tell that I'm in the process of potty training? Or, I wish they would sleep in and if they don't, just go down stairs and get their own bowl of cereal. (Granted, being pregnant is making me extra tired). But, I need to savor these moments when they want my help. When they want me around.

The thing is, I realized that I'm wishing it all away and that's not good. I need to SAVOR these moments because I know that real soon, my 3 year old isn't going to run up, wrap his arms around me just to say "Love you" before running off again. I know that pretty soon my 5 year old is not going to want to snuggle up with me just because I ask him too.

I think too, I've also been trying to wish away my writing. I'd love to get an agent in 2012, but that may not happen. And to an extent, I've been so focused on getting that agent, that I've wished my writing journey away. "I wish I could just finished this revision...I wish I could just finished this 1st draft...I wish..." and I've lost some of the joy in just writing. So, I want to SAVOR the process of creating again. Of writing just because I love to write. Just because I love to create and not worry about finding an agent. If I get one--awesome. If I don't, well, I'll be bummed, but that doesn't mean I still can't have the joy of writing.

So, my word for 2012 is SAVOR. I'm going to stop and take deep breaths, look around me and savor all that has been given to me. I'm going to savor the journey and the accomplishments (even the really small ones that we tend to overlook). I'm going to do my best to savor the potty training (as mess as it is).

What about you? If you could choose one word for this new year on how you want to look at life, what would it be?

3rd Annual No Kiss Blogfest!

2012-01-02T08:30:00.000-05:00

Today is the day--the 3rd annual No Kiss Blogfest hosted by Frankie. This is my absolute favorite blogfest and I'm so happy to participate again!

Go check out Frankie's blog to see all of the amazing scenes being posted today.

Now, before you read mine, please know that I just typed this up last night. It isn't part of any story and it isn't long (I'm in the process of moving, so getting these few paragraphs finished was hard!). So...yeah...enjoy and have fun!

“Okay," I said. "I trust you. But I still don’t understand what’s going on.”

“For now, I think it’s better you don't know everything. What's the fun in knowing all my secrets at once? I like to give things out in drips and drabs. Everyone regrets instant gratification sooner or later.”

Stone cocked his eyebrow and a tiny flutter tickled the inside of my stomach. Was he flirting?

"I'm sure you do. But, I have to wonder, will you eventually tell me everything or will you keep some of your secrets to yourself?"

He looked down at the quilt on my bed and began to trace one of the patches. "You'll know everything sooner or later. I promise. I just think it's better to clue you in slowly--why rush?"

I sighed and ran my hand through my hair. My fingers snagged on a knot, so I began to gather my hair back into a pony tail.

He looked up. "Don't," Stone commanded.

I stopped. My face must have had a questioning or perhaps a challenging look to it because his face turned red. He cleared his throat. "I, ah, like it down."

Stone reached forward hesitantly and touched a strand of my bangs that wouldn't go the whole way back.

Our eyes locked. I could scarcely breathe from the intense expression his face suddenly took. My body started to warm under his gaze. The warmth in the pit of my stomach stretched out, expanding over my body, slowly. I could feel it deep within.

Before I could stop myself, my eyes flickered to Stone’s full lips and I began to lean towards him, and he towards me. Just as our lips were about to touch, the door to my room burst open.

I looked over at my dad standing in the doorway, his sweatpants bunched up around his ankles and his hair a mess. A frantic expression must have crossed my face and he raised his eyebrow. My dad was so going to kill me for having a boy in my room.

But then, he yawned. “Rach? Everything okay? I thought I heard you talking.”

I turned back to where Stone was sitting, but he was gone. My room was dark again and I was cold. “Sorry. I was dreaming and must have been talking in my sleep,” I said, pretending to yawn myself before flopping back on my pillows.

His eyes crinkled for a second and he glanced around the room. After he was convinced that nothing extracurricular was going on, he nodded. “Get some sleep, Rachel. Goodnight.”

He closed the door.

"Stone?" I whispered. But no one answered. I was alone.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T10:05:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to write a brief post wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas--

Eat. Drink. And be merry! Enjoy the holiday with your family and friends and I'll see you in the New Year!

(Bob Rivers- The 12 Pains of Christmas)

(Stright No Chase- The 12 Days of Christmas)

(Bing Crosby- White Christmas)

(The Manhattan Transfer- Snowfall)

(Bob Rivers- Chipmunks Roasting by an Open Fire)

How Baking Cookies is like Writing (to me at least)

2011-12-20T07:47:00.000-05:00

I'm going out on a limb here, so stay with me. This totally makes sense in my head, but things make sense to me that usually make other people shake their heads (like my husband for instance). That being said, here goes it...

This morning I thought the perfect activity to do would be to make cookies with my two older songs, who are 5 1/2 and 3 years old. I had everything ready. All my measuring cups, ingredients, bowls, spoons and whatnot were placed on the the counter. I was excited, thrilled. My camera was standing by. This was going to be fun. I knew there would be a little bit of a mess, but for the most part, my oldest is a clean kid and his brother is too busy trying to lick everything, so the worst would be wiping their mouths of batter.

All three of us were laughing and excited as we began our baking. However, little by little, my excitement started going downhill as flour landed on the semi-clean floor, sugar spilled all over the top of the oven and get in the crease between the oven and counter top.

What started to put me over the edge was when my three year old exclaimed, "Mommy! Watch this!" and he dipped his hand inside the bowl and shoved a fistful of flour/baking soda/salt mixture into his little mouth (his face was worth it...it didn't taste so good). He then proceeded to spit that all out over the floor.

Sigh.

The kitchen was a mess, he was a mess and we didn't even have cookies at this point. We still had to mix everything together. We had to cream the eggs and butter then add the flour mixture slowly into the bowl. With flour all over the 3 years old face and all over my sweatshirt (because why would he use a towel to wipe his hands?), and the 5 1/2 year old yelling at him that he was messing everything up, we stood at my wonderful Kitchen Aid mixer. The 3 year old began to jump up and down, exclaiming: "Look, Mommy! It's going together! I love cookies Mommy." I smiled and looked down at the floor.

Another sigh.

Now it was time to really get our hands dirty. I pulled out the cookie sheets and showed him how to form the dough with this hands and lay them down (of course there is pushing and shoving between the two to get to the bowl). Without waiting, the 3 year old stuck his hands inside the bowl, pulled out a huge amount of batter and plopped it down on the cookie sheet and then thought it would be neat to press the palm of his hand down on the batter. I tried to get him a cloth to wipe his hands but his mouth beat me to it. Yes, he licked his palm and quickly stuck his hand back in the batter (for those of you who will be seeing us this Christmas, don't worry, these cookies are only for Santa).

A third sigh.

I finally cleaned his arms, hands, and face off and he jumped down from the stool he stood on, smiling saying: "Mommy, I love cookies. They are my favorite!" Indeed they are. He left me with all the clean up (of course). I glanced around my kitchen and you guessed it.

I sighed again, looking at my kitchen. Where should I start? The floor? Nah. The oven? The counter? The dishes? Bingo.

I put the dishes in the dishwasher, cleaned the counters and moved all the chairs into my hallway. It was time to sweep and mop the floor. One of my least favorite things to do, by the way.

However, once I finished, I surveyed my kitchen. Admittedly, it is the cleanest it has been all week. In a way, I'm glad he made such a mess. Not only did it make me clean up and feel good about how my kitchen now looks, but he had a blast (which is the important part).

So, here is where I'm going with my Christmas Cookie Baking and how it relates to writing, at least for me.

I was so excited to begin my WIP. I had my idea, my characters, the outcome in my mind. I knew how the story would go, how it would unfold, however, along the way, I have run into mess after mess. Nothing has seemed to land or go how I envisioned. I'm now at the cleaning up stage (truthfully, I've been cleaning up for ~~months~~ over a year).

For the most part, chapters 1-2 (and maybe 3) are shining and ready to go. The rest of my WIP may be a mess now, but after revision, it won't be. I can see the light. It may take a few more months to see the light up close, but it is there. And it will be great.

Throughout all of this, the anticipation, the self-doubt, the sighing at all the clean up, the sighing at all the cleaning up of the clean up, the discouragement, the encouragement, the "Wow! I love that sentence," to the "What in the world was I thinking?"- I have had a blast. I have loved every minute of this whole process. I have learned so much. And even if my WIP never sees a public bookshelf, I have this adventure to look back on with fondness. At times, it was stressful and messy, but when finished, it was awesome. What a great memory and a great accomplishment!

That's my holiday metaphor on my writing and baking. It makes sense to me at least.

And oh, the cookies taste awesome- hand licked batter and all!

What Books are on your Christmas List?

2011-12-19T08:22:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year when different family members have been calling and asking: "What do you want for Christmas?"

And, my typical response the last few years has been: "Uhhh, I don't know."

I think the reason being is that I don't need anything--and usually, I tend to ask for things I need...those things that I'm too cheap to go out and buy myself (mainly stuff for my house, unmentionables, socks, cooking/baking stuff). This year has been very difficult to come up with gift ideas since we are hoping to move Jan. 13th.

The one idea I give every year (to my brother...it has to be easy and he shops on Christmas Eve) are books. One year he bought me all the Harry Potter books in hardback (his idea actually and one of my favorite gifts). Last year he bought me books as well, although now I forget which ones!

So, in anticipation of him asking me what I want, which usually occurs the day before Christmas Eve, I need some suggestions. My TBR pile has actually dwindled down so now is the perfect time to pile it up again. I'd love some books on craft as well as fiction (mainly YA, but I'll read anything!).

This is what I have already down:

On the craft
1. On Writing by Stephen King
2. Bird by Bird: Some Instruction on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott
3. 20 Master Plots and How to Build Them by Ronald Tobias
4. 45 Master Characters by Victoria Lynn Schmidt
5. Save the Cat by Blake Snyder

Fiction
1. Yeah...I have nothing! Would love any and all ideas!

I Gave My Kids A Terrible Present...

2011-12-15T11:47:00.000-05:00

To help put us in the holiday mood, I thought I'd share this.

Enjoy!

Finished...for now.

2011-12-12T15:17:00.000-05:00

Okay guys- hold in your gasps. Close your mouths.

Yes, I'm back. I'm actually posting something. I can't believe it either. And, my excuse isn't original either.

It's December. And, that means that my life is crazy busy (as is yours). This past week I finished my run of shows (YES!)--which means I have a few more minutes to myself because this week I only have three concerts to prepare for. My season will end at Longwood Gardens on the 17th, with two mini concerts (7pm and 8pm if you live in the area).

Of course, now that my concert is over I have to run the 5 year old to his rehearsal practice for his Christmas musical.

And, in the midst of all these rehearsals and concerts, I'm trying to sell my house (which we did--and now we are going through inspections) and trying to buy another (which the seller agreed to our offer). So, this is all very exciting...and our settlement date is Jan. 13th (if everything goes according to plan...which it never does).

On top of buying/selling houses, rehearsals and concerts, it is also the Christmas season (shocker, right?). Which means, I still have all my baking, wrapping and buying presents to do.

Am I overwhelmed? Yes, which is why you haven't heard from me in about a week and why my blog posts from now until Jan. 13th will be hit or miss. Just an FYI.

Also, I'm sort of taking a break from writing during this time. I'm not giving it up by any means--I just want to take the last 3 weeks or so of December and reflect on why I write, to think about what I write, to brainstorm, etc. so I can start back fresh in 2012.

I have a story that I've been writing off and on for the past couple of months and I'm sort of stuck. During these three weeks I'm going to really focus on why it isn't working. I'm going to brainstorm, write out another set of characters sketches, etc.

In the meantime, please don't forget about me! Life is just, well, life right now. And, if I have to stop doing something for a short amount of time, it has to be blogging everyday...besides, my life isn't that interesting at the moment anyway to write about! You can still catch me on Twitter (are we friends on there? If not, why?).

How do you plan to spend the next few weeks before the big holiday?

The right form for your story...

2011-11-28T08:03:00.000-05:00

"There are some books which refuse to be written. They stand their ground year after year and will not be persuaded. It isn't because the book is not there and worth being written -- it is only because the right form of the story does not present itself. There is only one right form for a story and if you fail to find that form the story will not tell itself."
- Mark Twain

This is exactly how I'm feeling about my current story. I keep looking at the screen with my fingertips on the keyboard, almost willing my hands to work. But, nothing happens. I think because I haven't found the right form of the story.

I was looking over my first draft yesterday. I'm only about 18,000 words into this story and I'm stuck, stuck, stuck! I'm thinking of deleting the whole dang thing and totally starting over. As Twain put it, I don't think I have the right form for this story. We'll see. Maybe I should just continue and get all of the wrong words out now?

Has this ever happened to you? What did you do to help find the right form?

Tangled Tides: Which Side Will You Choose?

2011-11-25T08:17:00.000-05:00

HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY TO TANGLED TIDES!

Karen Amanda Hooper’s young adult novel, TANGLED TIDES, is officially being released into the world today. I’m joining the celebration by fighting in the war--the underwater web war between the sea creatures!

TANGLED TIDES contains battling merfolk, selkies, sirens and gorgons. I know that Karen loves all of them, but she wants everyone else to choose a side, so…

I CHOOSE: SELKIES

Why? Because they are just plain awesome. And, because they are just plain beautiful creatures (of course, it also helps that my latest MS is based off the myth of the Selkies too).

Don't know enough about merfolk, selkies, sirens or gorgons to choose a team?

Here's a chart to help with your decision...

MERFOLK: of the sun, need warmth, gifted singers, can control water. Fun fact: in my story merfolk are ranked by color. Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, and Violet (yes, the rainbow. And yes, my MC makes fun of it.) Each rank has a designated role and duties to their kind. Also, they must smoke C-weed to survive. You'll have to read the book to find out what C-weed is.

SIRENS: of the sun, need warmth, seductive singers, can control the weather. Fun fact: There are 3 siren sisters, one for each of the original gorgon sisters who were eternally banished to the dark and cold gorgon grotto. The sirens fly and swim between the worlds doing the gorgon sisters' dirty work, but the sirens evolved to be feisty rebels who do whatever they want most of the time--including stealing memories from humans.

SELKIES: of the moon, need cold, phenomenal dancers, can control human minds. Fun fact: selkies need the cold to survive but they're trapped in warm FL weather, so they hang out at Jack Frost's, a bar that is freezing cold and everything (seats, tables, walls, etc) are made out of ice. Their chic fur coats also help keep their bodies cool. They smoke seagarettes and have lots of scars that are invisible to humans.

GORGONS: of the moon, need cold, slithery dancers, can control the sea creatures (the original 3 gorgon sisters are like the gods of their world). Fun fact: Just like Medusa, the gorgons can turn any living thing to stone, but they aren't the heartless evil monsters that are portrayed in most legends. They are wicked smart, fast, and powerful. The male gorgons are tough as rock.

Wanna learn more or join in on the fun? Go check out the details at Karen’s blog HERE

Karen is giving away a signed copy of her book and some other sea creature themed prizes. To enter, join the underwater web war on Twitter. Tweet which sea creatures you’re rooting for and why. Include the hashtag #TangledTides and you could win.

Karen will be on Twitter all day celebrating and answering questions, so stop by and say hello. @Karen_Hooper

Summary of the story:
Yara Jones doesn’t believe in sea monsters—until she becomes one.

When a hurricane hits her island home and she wakes up with fins, Yara finds herself tangled up in an underwater world of mysterious merfolk and secretive selkies. Both sides believe Yara can save them by fulfilling a broken promise and opening the sealed gateway to their realm, but they are battling over how it should be done. The selkies want to take her life. The merfolk want something far more precious.

Treygan, the stormy-eyed merman who turned Yara mer, will stop at nothing and sacrifice everything to protect his people—until he falls for Yara. The tides turn as Yara fights to save herself, hundreds of sea creatures, and the merman who has her heart. She could lose her soul in the process—or she might open the gateway to a love that’s deeper than the oceans.

Linkage:
Amazon:
Rhemalda Bookstore:
Barnes and Noble:
Goodreads:

Novel Advice

2011-11-23T10:06:00.000-05:00

Thank you Writer's Digest (January 2012) for digging around in your archives and providing us with this wisdom and inspiration (oh, and many thanks for the wonerful interview with Diana Gabaldon):

"The trap into which all writers have, will, or should fall into, of writing The Great American Watchamacallit, is such an uncluttered and inviting one that from time to time I'm sure even the greatest have to pull themselves up short by the Shift key to remind themselves that it is story first that they should write." -Harlan Ellison, January 1963

"One thing that helps is to give myself permission to write badly. I tell myself that I'm going to do my five or ten pages no matter what, and that I can always tear them up the following morning if I want. I'll have lost nothing--writing and tearing up five pages would leave me no further behind than if I took the day off." -Lawrence Block, June 1981

"The writing of a novel is taking life as it already exists, not to report it but to make an object, toward the end that the finished work might contain life inside it and offer it to the reader. The essence will not be, of course, the same thing as the raw material; it is not even of the same family of things. The novel is something that never was before and will not be again." -Eudora Welty, February 1970

"Plot, or evolution, is life responding to environment; and not only is this response always in terms of conflict, but the really great struggle, the epic struggle of creation, is the inner fight of the individual whereby the soul builds up character." -William Wallace Cook, July 1923

"Plot is people. Human emotions and desires founded on the realities of life, working at cross purposes, getting hotter and fiercer as they strike against each other until finally there's an explosion--that's plot." -Leigh Brackett, July 1943

"Don't expect the puppets of your mind to become the people of your story. If they are not realities in your own mind, there is no mysterious alchemy in ink and paper that will turn wooden figures into flesh and blood." -Leslie Gordon Barnard, May 1923

"The first sentence can't be written until the final sentence is written." -Joyce Carol Oates, April 1986

"You can't write a novel all at once, any more than you can swallow a whale in one gulp. You do have to break it up into smaller chunks. But those smaller chunks aren't good old familiar short stories. Novels aren't built out of short stories. They are built out of scenes." -Orson Scott Card, September 1980

"Genius gives birth, talent delivers." -Jack Kerouac, January 1962

"When your story is ready for rewrite, cut it to the bone. Get rid of every ounce of excess fat. This is going to hurt; revising a story down to the bare essentials is always a little like murdering children, but it must be done." - Stephen King, November 1973

"Long patience and application saturated with your heart's blood--you will either write or you will not--and the only way to find out whether you will or not is to try." -Jim Tully, October 1923

Naming Characters

2011-11-22T07:35:00.000-05:00

Well, I think it's safe to say that I will be failing NaNoWriMo this year. I've only managed to write about 17k. And, I'm okay with that. There is a ton going on right now in life--selling a house (well, trying to), being pregnant, sick kids, etc.

But, if I'm really being honest, it's because I don't have a clear view of what my MCs goal is for the story. I'm not sure of her motivation, which leads me to wonder if I'm writing this story from the wrong POV. I don't really think so though- maybe I'll try 3rd person?

However, none of what I already mentioned has anything to do with this post, so I'll get on with it. As I was trying to sleep last night, my mind kept thinking about my characters--specifically naming them. I always worry that I've named them wrong. Almost like when you're about to have a baby--I was so worried that I would name my children the "wrong" name, like there really is such a thing. I always go to the hospital with two names that I like and when the baby is born, which ever is the first to come to mind is what they are named. For the longest time, I felt that I had named my 2nd son the wrong name. His name just didn't sound right when we got home, but he grew into it and now I can't imagine him having any other name.

I sort of feel the same with my characters. Yes, I look up what their names mean and I try my best to have a hidden meaning that goes along with one of the themes to the story, but that doesn't always work out.

For instance, in my WIP, my MC's name is Rachel. Why? No clue. I like the name. It isn't too common anymore (at least around here) and yet it is common enough that everyone knows a few people named Rachel. I personally know two--one is a 5 year old and the other is in her 40s. I don't know if I'll keep her name. I may change it. But seeing as I'm 17k words into the story, probably not. Because she is starting to become Rachel to me, even if I'm still figuring her and her story out (which is a whole other post)

Do you feel as though your characters grow into their names? Have you ever changed a characters name? How do you go about choosing the "right" name?

Books to Movie

2011-11-18T07:57:00.000-05:00

So, as we all know (unless you live under a rock), Breaking Dawn is now out. As of midnight last night, the theatres were packed with fan all waiting to see Edward and Bella finally get it on.

I did not see the movie at midnight-- I was sound asleep in my nice warm bed (it really feels as if it could snow any minute here in PA). But, I'm hoping to see it next week, so don't spoil anything for me!

However, I started thinking last night about all the books out there that have been made into movies. Some good, some bad. And then I started to think about the books that I would LOVE to see on the big screen. I ran through the list in my head. There are some I think which would be awesome to see, but I'm not sure how Hollywood could pull it off--even they have limits I think (however, sometimes I don't think they know that....)

Anyway- the number one movie that I would love to see on the big screen (although I do admit it would be one long movie, so they'd probably have to make it into 2) would be Outlander by Diana Gabaldon.

If you haven't read this book, it is an epic historical fiction/romance/time traveler/sci-fi/ anything else you can think of sort of book.

I've read it a couple of times (it is the first in the series) and each time I fall in love with Jamie Frazer all over again. He is the man of many a girls dream (or at least mine, sorry hubs) for a number of reasons. Mainly (in my opinion) because of the way he loves Claire, the way he fights for what he believes in but also the way he admits when he is wrong (which is often is...).

If you haven't read this book (which I believe I've gushed about a million a times) I do urge to. You won't be disappointed.
I would like to say if you aren't a fan of profanity or love scenes, well, do try to get over it. The language makes sense when it is used (not just thrown in there for shock value) and the romance scenes are beautiful.

How about you folks? What book would you love to see on the big screen?

Who saw Breaking Dawn last night? Who will be going to see it?

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

2011-11-17T10:07:00.000-05:00

I don't usually do book reviews. In fact, I believe this will be the first one that I've posted on here...maybe the second. In either case, the reason I don't usually do book reviews is because I generally like *almost* every book I read. I'm easy to please.

So, if I am going to write about a book, it's because I'm going to gush on it. And, Unearthly by Cynthia Hand is book that I'm going to do just that...Kelly style.

Reasons why you NEED to read this book (in my humble opinion).

1. Clara is awesome. She seems like your typical teenager--but she is far from it. However, even though she knows from the very beginning of the book that she is part angel, she doesn't dwell on it too much. Sure, she goes through her angel stuff, but she really is portrayed like your typical teenage girl and everything a teenage girl goes through. And this, I like.

2. Her family moves to a new town where Clara has to attend a new school (as we know, this happens all the time in YA). Thing is here, Clara adjusts rather well. Nobody really shuns her and she doesn't really get the "new girl" status. And the friends that she makes are cool--their relationships seem authentic

3. Love interest-- Incredible love story. It wasn't over the top sexual at all- it was sweet and very realistic. I fell in love with the love interest myself.

4. I admit that I haven't read many angel books. But this one was just a fresh take on the whole angel thing which was cool

5. Clara really struggles with following the rules and following her heart--sometimes she makes the wrong choice and sometimes she make the right one. Again, I just felt that it was very real because this is something that teens (heck, even adults) struggle with.

6. The cover is just beautiful!

All in all, I thought Unearthly was a lovely, sweet read. I couldn't put it down. Clara captured me straight away with her story and held me the whole entire time. I never once skimmed a page.

Schedules

2011-11-09T07:11:00.000-05:00

I love schedules. Not to the point where I have every second of every day planned, but I do like to keep things moving along. I like knowing what to expect.

Perhaps it's the former teacher in me? Kids thrive on schedules- they like knowing what's coming next. And to a point, I think adults do as well. Now, I'm not talking about those times where it's great to be spontaneous- to just go with it and see what happens. I also love a grand adventure. Some of my favorite memories are from when I didn't know what was around the bend.

I'm talking about schedules in your every day situations. Monday-Friday. The work week.

Recently, there has been no schedule in my life. I admit though, my life has been a bit hectic right now (which is probably another reason I need a schedule). I never know what I'm doing.

There is no cleaning schedule (and there really should be since we just put the house on the market)
There is no writing schedule (for NaNo or otherwise- which there should be because I've missed the last three days of writing time)
There is no blogging schedule
There is no schedule for when I'm getting together with a girlfriend/playdate

My day just happens. Some mornings I have time to blog, other days- nope. And, I've been feeling guilty about it. I don't post much and I don't comment much because I haven't had the time. When I want to, something else comes up and I can't get to it.

So, to make my life easier and so I feel less crazy (and guilty, which I know I shouldn't anyway), I'm thinking about going to a blogging schedule. Only post/read other blogs on certain days of the week. I know some of you already do this.

So, I'd love your thoughts!

What do you like about blogging schedules? What don't you like? Do you find it hard to stick to your schedule if you have one?

*oh, I finally have a hair appointment scheduled for tomorrow night--5 year old is so excited because he thinks I look like Rapunzel from Tangled.*

Don't Quit

2011-11-08T09:03:00.000-05:00

One time a month, I attend a crit group. There are five of us who get together for about 1 1/2-2 hours. Before the meeting, we submit up to 15 pages that we want critiqued. These pages can be from something different each time, they can be from the same story (a continuation of), the same 15 pages that was crit. at the last mtg. and were revised, or you can choose not to submit anything. Up to you.

We basically read the pages and then each person gives his/her comments. This is my first experience with a crit group who meets in person. I've been fortunate to have some awesome crit partners online who I still use and value. Actually, my online crit partner is my first line of defense. I write, rewrite, revise with them before I submit to this other group.

However, the pages I submitted for review last night have been through a ton. In fact, it is the first story that I ever wrote. The Watcher (yeah, I haven't brought that title up in a while...anyway). I did a major revision on this story earlier in the summer. I had finished writing Seven Tears and needed to let it sit for a while before going back to it. So, I read The Watcher and I revised it. For the millionth time. Actually, I did a ton of cutting and rewriting and finally thought that I had the story. It was ready to be beta read. This was July.

In Augest I devoted all my time to Seven Tears and was able to finish that in the beginning of September. Since then, I've dabbled with some other ideas. I started 3 other stories, none of which I could really get into (so, now I have 2 first pages and 1 story with about 3 chapters). But, that's about all.

This brings us to November. And NaNoWriMo. With the help of my hubby, I got this idea that I coudn't let go--which is how I knew it was the one to write. So, that's what I've been doing. Trying my best to not let NaNo kick my butt (NaNo is winning by the way).

So, when it came time to submit 15 pages for the monthly crit group meeting, I really had nothing to submit. I certainly wasn't going to submit NaNo stuff, but I thought The Watcher pages would work. Submit them I did.

The group asked a lot of question (good ones) which I thought I knew the answers to. Maybe it's because they only get to read a snipit at a time that these questions were being brought up? Dunno.

What I do know is that I walked away feeling very deflated, discouraged and wanting to throw in the towel (being perfectly honest here). I wanted to quit--esp. this story. A story that I've been working on for three years and actually thought that this was the version that I would eventually query. I honestly thought that the overall arc was there, the overall character arc was there, etc.

I'm now wondering if I should just give this story up. That I should just understand that even though it is the first thing I ever wrote (which is one reason it is so near and dear to my heart) that it is what it is. It can't be saved.

Have you ever been here?

I've posted this poem before. It's one of my all-time favorites. And, I'm posting this for myself just as much as I'm posting it for any of you who feel like quitting...(oh, thanks for sticking with me through this long post)

Don't Quit

When things go wrong as they sometimes will,

When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,

When the funds are low and the debts are high

And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit,

Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,

As every one of us sometimes learns,

And many a failure turns about

When he might have won had he stuck it out;

Don't give up though the pace seems slow--

You may succeed with another blow,

Success is failure turned inside out--

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,

And you never can tell how close you are,

It may be near when it seems so far;

So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--

It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.

- Edgar A. Guest

Getting the Story Down

2011-11-07T08:03:00.000-05:00

I admit, I'm doing okay with NaNoWriMo. I missed writing on Friday and on Sunday. And today, well, I'm hoping to get something in. I have 15 pages to crit for a friend before a crit mtg. tonight. So, if I get nothing in, well, that will be two days to make up.

Fortunately, the days that I have been able to write, I've gone a little bit above the "recommended" word count, so that at least gets me a little bit of padding.

As I was writing though the other day, I realized how much my story stinks. It is truly horrible. But, then I figured, it is a first draft and it is a first draft that I didn't have time to plot/outline. I'm just going with it. So, even though the whole story up until this point is mostly telling and not showing (the horror!), I'm okay with that.

Why? The point is to just get the story down. It's not like anyone is going to read this version (thankfully). The point it to write everyday to make it a habit. To use my brain for something creative. To stretch my patience, my determination. To claim victory over the blank page or when I literally say out loud to my screen, "What happens next? I have no clue, but something has to happen...ugh!"

And, I've also come to the conclusion that even if I don't "win" and I finish this story on Dec. 1st, I'm cool with it. My life is CRAZY right now-- just the mere fact that I have to try and keep this house clean for showings is enough to make me insane (I've also realized as I was washing my baseboards this weekend, (I know, right), that my house is clean. I just need help with organization and throwing things away...I guess I really don't need to keep everything my kids make...).

Anyway- I guess the point of this rant is if you are in the middle of a first draft, be it for NaNo or just yourself, don't worry about showing vs. telling. Don't worry about metaphors. Don't worry about using stronger verbs.

Just. Write. The. Story.

Just. Get. It. Down.

Everything else comes with revisions.

Goals for today:
1. Make chocolate chip cookie dough
2. Don't kill my 3 year old (it's not the terrible 2s, it's the terrible 3s)
3. Crit 15 pages
4. Try and write as much as I can for NaNoWriMo during naptime

You?

Day 1 of NaNoWriMo

2011-11-01T13:35:00.000-04:00

So, as pretty much everyone is aware, today is day 1 of NaNoWriMo. And, this year I'm going to do it...well, at least I'm going to try. I mean, my life isn't crazy enough.

As I write this post, it is 1:36pm--I know, I'm late on the post itself, but right now is when I have time. I haven't written anything yet of my story and am hoping that come 8pm, I'll still have the steam to do get down at least 1,000 words.

Yep- my writing time is going to be from 8pm- whenever I just have to go to bed.

I wanted to thank everyone for the tips/advice and encouragement last week when I was deciding if I was going to participate in this. Keep em' coming!

Are you doing NaNo?

Life Changing News...

2011-10-31T09:32:00.000-04:00

So, if you stopped by my blog on Friday you'll know that I wanted to share some exciting news with you all today. I've been wanting to tell you for weeks now, but needed/wanted to wait until the right time.

If you are wondering if it has anything to do with me getting an agent...well, sorry. Nope. Not yet at least. Hopefully one day I'll be able to to post something about getting "The Call." But, today is not that day.

However, my news is still exciting...at least for me and my family. Actually, it's scary and exciting, but I think those two words tend to go together a ton.

Anyway, around May 1st my hubby and I will be adding to our brood...yep. Baby #4 is due to make his/her appearance.

And, if you are wondering right now, "Didn't her other son just turn 1 year old about two weeks ago?" Ummm...yep. And, yes, we're crazy. And no, we don't know what the baby is yet and probably won't find out. I have three boys already, so I'm sort of counting on the fact that this little blessing is another boy. Too bad I'm not a basketball fan...I could have my own team!

And so now we are getting ready to embark on another huge life change. Adding another person into the mix (we have a 5-year-old, a 3-year-old as of today, and a 1-year-old) means that we need another house. Well, I shouldn't say need...I just personally don't want to put 3 boys in one bedroom but you do what you gotta do.

So, that's my big, exciting, life changing news!!!

Friday Five

2011-10-28T09:36:00.000-04:00

Keeping this short today as I have a house to clean before my three-year-olds birthday "party" tonight!

1. My street smells like skunk. I'm not joking. It's awful--the air should smell fresh and clean on a beautiful fall morning such as this and it doesn't. It smells like roadkill.

2. I have to clean my house. Enough said.

3. We are supposed to get 6-10 inches of snow tomorrow. What? What? We haven't even carved our pumpkins yet.

4. I'm supposed to go to MD tomorrow for High Tea. Well, if we really do get this snow...er...nope. Not happening. I hate driving to begin with.

5. On Monday I have an announcement to make....

Gearing Up For NaNoWriMo...I think

2011-10-26T09:49:00.002-04:00

So, as we are all well aware, NaNoWriMo is just around the corner. And I'm sure this is but one of the hundreds of blog posts dedicated to the topic.

However, you can stop reading if you are looking for advice on the subject. I'm actually asking for advice. This is the first time that I'm able to participate in it. For the past couple of years, I've been in the middle of drafting or hardcore revising and just couldn't go for it.

This year it is different. I have the time (well, I don't have time...I do have 3 boys under the age of 5 running around), and even better, I have a brand new shiny idea.

What I'd love to hear from you guys are any tips you have on surviving NaNo. I know there are countless blogs and articles to read. But, I like hearing from you, my friends, on what works. What doesn't work? What kind of candy do you recommend? Do you write every day? Do you actually sign up at the NaNo site or sort of do it yourself?

Give me anything and everything!! Thanks!

Are you participating?

Haiku: Autumn Leaves

2011-10-24T10:00:00.000-04:00

Autumn Leaves, 10/24/11

The leaves hang gently

Swirling to the ground they fall

Beautiful colors

Ugly Duckling to Beautiful Swan

2011-10-21T08:43:00.000-04:00

So, I had a totally different blog post ready for today and that went out the window early this morning. 2:30am to be exact (3 year old woke up crying, leaving me wide awake after he was settled).

I finished my book last night that I was reading. The one where yesterday I talked about how unhappy I am with the author because they murdered one of my favorite characters...who happened to also be the love interest.

I was hoping that a new, better, hotter love would spark, but no. However, the way the book ends leaves me to hope that there will be a book 2. And, if there is, I'll be buying it. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the book very much, however, once there is no romance, I get unhappy. I need to read a about a life with love and sexual tension.

Anyway, I started to think about the story of the Ugly Duckling. You know it, right? Here's a refresher, Kelly style: There once was an ugly duckling, some things happen, duckling overcomes events, and in the end, he becomes a beautiful swan.

As I thought of this story, I started to think about the word transformation and the word change. The ugly duckling changed physically of course (which is what most think of) but he changed in other ways too.

All that aside, the author did a great job at showing how the MC changed, transformed. The MC truly went on a journey. Not just going from place A to place B to place C, but she transformed physically, mentally and emotionally. And, she did so in a very real way to me.

There are too many times where I read a book and when I get to the end, I think to myself, "Did the character really change that much from beginning to end?" Sometimes the answer is yes, but I really have to think about it because the change is small, subtle. And sometimes the yes answer is very obvious while at other times I have to say No. Maybe some characters changed, but not the MC.

So, as I was thinking on this last night, about how this MC really went from an ugly duckling to a beautiful swan in numerous ways, I started thinking of my own stories. And, I do confess, this is one of the hardest parts for me. I see the change in my mind of my characters, but it's hard for me to get it on paper. I make the changes too small I think where most people would say, "Uh, no. They didn't change at all."

I think this is half the reason why the first book I ever wrote I had to rewrite (from start to finished, from a blank page) 4 times--well, that's some of the reason. The other reasons are the first takes on the story were just horrible.

I'm in the process of starting a new story right now. I'm stoked to start it--and it will be a huge challenge for me because I need to try and find a way to take a genre that has been almost overdone into something new, fresh and original. But, I can't get the plot out of my mind and "they" say to write what you love, so....

In any case, I decided to outline very little for this story (I'm tossing around the idea of doing it for NaNo, however, I've done it before...). I really want to see where the story takes me. But, I will be doing character sketches and I also think I'm going to focus on the changes the MC goes through so it is easily seen throughout the story.

How do you make sure to show the changes your character goes through?

I SO can't believe she did THAT!

2011-10-20T15:23:00.000-04:00

Have you ever been in the middle of reading a book and had a moment where you exclaim (out loud), "Oh no! She/he didn't just do that!" And, you are talking about the author, not the character?

I had a moment like that last night. I won't say what book I'm currently reading, but I'm enjoying it. Until last night. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm still going to finish the book and the book is still great. It's just that the author killed off one of my favorite characters. And, she did it in a horrible way. This character didn't die of fever, or an illness. He was murdered. And, he was the love interest.

I'm not happy.

All I can hope for is that a new, better, love interest comes along- and fast. Or, somehow this character pulls a Lazarus and comes back from the dead.

Has this ever happened to you?

Finding Your Playlist

2011-10-18T07:32:00.000-04:00

I know what you're thinking: Wow. Two blog posts, one right after the other? What is going on?"

Nothing! I just finally had something to say yesterday and today!! Anywho- on to the post.

I've written tons of posts on what help us write. Meaning, what do you do to help spark creativity, to get "in the zone" before you write a particular scene, etc.

I love seeing all of the different answers come in. The range in variety, which is so cool. It goes to show how unique we are all and unique our creative writing process is. Some people read books or watch movies that are similar to their own story to help spring ideas, others clean (what? what?), others go for a run.

However, I think the number one answer that always appears on the list is listening to music. Most of you have said that you have particular playlists for each WIP, as do I.

My last two books that I wrote, the playlists were very different. And, the way I found the music was by chance really. I would be listening to the radio, the song would come on and suddenly I saw a scene in my head. I'd quickly jot the song down and try to buy it off of iTunes if I didn't already own it. And, my playlist was made.

I'm currently getting ready to start a new story and so far I have no music to help with my process. I haven't heard anything yet on the radio that gives me ideas or helps set the emotion for any of the scenes I want to write. This is unusual for me. I've never sat down before and "tried" to find a playlist by going through song after song.

Have any of you?

My question today for you is, how do you come up with the playlist? Do you hear a song and it springs something up inside of you for your WIP or do you go hunt the songs down?

What Color is the Sky in your World?

2011-10-17T09:19:00.000-04:00

Ever since I can remember, my family has always joked about my creative streak. For the most part, my family tends to be very scientific; the follow logic, follow rules. They are great at creating solutions for problems (i.e. think MacGyver stuff...Dad always has duct tape on him).

However, creating different worlds, different characters, making up poems, dances, songs, etc., that was always me. And, there were tons of times that my parents, especially my father, had no idea what to do with me.

I've heard the "bedtime" story millions of times: Dad puts older brother to bed and they discuss the planets, evolution vs. the Bible, dinosaurs, the speed of light, etc. And apparently, Mom had to put a time limit on these conversations because they would go on and on and on. After Dad was finished tucking older brother in, he'd come to say goodnight to me. I would ask him to sing. And he would. Then, he'd ask me about the planets.

Dad: "Kel, do you know how many planets are in our solar system?"
Me: "Did you see my dress today?"
Dad: "Yes. Can you tell me the names of the planets?"
Me: "I wanted to wear the pink dress but it was dirty, so I had to wear the purple one. Sarah wore a blue dress. Can I get a blue dress?"
Dad: "We'll see. Are there 8 planets or 9?"
Me: "I made up my own language today! And, I found a secret hideout. Guess where it is?"
Dad: "So, Kel, what color was the sky in your world today?" *smiles and kisses my cheek*
Me: Pink and green

And, you get the picture.

My grandmother used to say that I was the black sheep of the family, the one who would wear red lipstick (shocking!).

My parents used to chuckle at me, shake their heads. And, the last question I wrote down that he asked, is true. And, depending on my mood my answer was anyone's guess.

For me, not only would I dream up these different worlds, different characters, etc. when I was bored, but I remember doing it when I was sad, angry, depressed, happy, excited. I loved pretending I was really a princess and had a knight in shinning armor coming to rescue me.

Taking myself to a dreamed up place is just what my brain automatically did. Sometimes the daydreams I would have would be unique stories with made up characters, sometimes I would put myself into them too. And, if I want to be really honest with you guys, I still do it. Although, this isn't how I cope with anything anymore. Now, it's just fun. Now, I write the stories down.

Now that I'm an adult, my family will still ask, "What color is the sky today in your world?" when they see me not paying attention to the conversation or when I come up with a wild idea for us to do.

And my answer usually is pink.

(usually something like this)

How about you? What color is the sky in your world?

One year ago today...

2011-10-14T08:25:00.000-04:00

How time flies when you're ~~crazy busy~~ having fun!

One year ago today at 3:36am my 3rd son, my little guy, was born. I still can't believe that he is 1 year old. We had a rocky first few months because of his sever reflux and weight gaining issues, but he has been doing great recently. Just the fact that he has survived his two older brothers this long means he is a trooper--and he always has a smile on his face (well, not counting when said older brothers love on him a little too much).

And how are we celebrating? Well, the first birthday party is tonight (we just do family) and I'm so looking forward to seeing him smash his cake. At least, I hope he does! The messier the better! So, I have a ton of cleaning to do today (now come on, you all know I'm not doing it beforehand!)

Here are my top five reasons why today, which is supposed to be a non-stressful day, will be stressful:
1. I volunteered to help out at preschool all morning long today because I totally forgot about the party

2. This leaves me with only the afternoon to try and clean before family arrives (my Mom checks everything out, which means I totally have to do my baseboards)

3. I have to figure out when to pick up the cake and the balloons...and to get the cake free I need his birth cert. which I can't find

4. I still have to wrap his gift which I bought last night and I have no idea if I have wrapping paper....

5. Did I mention I have to clean?

Kick A** Debut Author Spotlight

2011-10-10T07:21:00.000-04:00

So, a bunch of us around the blogosphere are giving shout-outs to different 2011 debut authors today. We just wanted to give these different authors props--that's pretty much it!

First, I need to thank the ever lovely Christina Lee for coming up with and organizing this awesome idea. If you want to know what other 2011 debut authors are being spotlighted, go check out her blog. She has a complete list.

So, the author/book I chose to spotlight: Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton

(awesome cover, right?)

Here's the blurb:

First there are nightmares.

Every night Ellie is haunted by terrifying dreams of monstrous creatures that are hunting her, killing her.

Then come the memories.

When Ellie meets Will, she feels on the verge of remembering something just beyond her grasp. His attention is intense and romantic, and Ellie feels like her soul has known him for centuries. On her seventeenth birthday, on a dark street at midnight, Will awakens Ellie's power, and she knows that she can fight the creatures that stalk her in the grim darkness. Only Will holds the key to Ellie's memories, whole lifetimes of them, and when she looks at him, she can no longer pretend anything was just a dream.

Now she must hunt.

Ellie has power that no one can match, and her role is to hunt and kill the reapers that prey on human souls. But in order to survive the dangerous and ancient battle of the angels and the Fallen, she must also hunt for the secrets of her past lives and truths that may be too frightening to remember.

Three reasons why I liked this book (but not limited to 3...I'm trying to keep it short!):

1. Taking the idea of what we commonly think of the "Grim Reaper" and totally changing it up. The concept for this book is very orginial and will totally change your idea on this guy--

2. The fight scenes were excellent. Courtney doesn't skimp at all. Ellie and Will both get their a** kicked, as does the enemy.

3. Will (enough said). He is definitly swoon worthy--and I'm not going to say anything else because you should read it for yourself!

If you want to check out more about Courtney, you can visit her Goodreads page, her blog or her author's website.

Enjoy hopping around the the different blogs and reading a short spotlight on all of the 2011 debut authors! If we missed anyone, feel free to write up your own spotlight and us know in the comments section!

Frozen

2011-10-03T10:09:00.000-04:00

And, not just from the weather. Although, I am SO glad that it is finally feeling like fall and not summer.

I'm talking about writing. And, I'm just going to jump right into what I mean...no big introduction today folks.

I started a new project. It is an idea that I've had swirling around in my head for a couple of months now--actually since May. The cool thing with this story is that I know what is supposed to happen already. I know the beginning, the middle and the end.

However, when I go to sit down at the computer, I freeze up. I stare at the screen. And have no clue what to write.

I had 2 chapter written last week and I cut them. Now, I have 2 paragraphs. I'm motivated to work--and like I said, I know what is supposed to happen. So, why aren't my fingers working?

Has this every happened to you?

Goals for this week: Write at least 5 pages in new project (baby steps here people) and finish some critiquing I have to do. Also, I have 3 mountains of laundry.

You?

What I've Read from the Top 100

2011-09-30T07:02:00.000-04:00

Janet J. had this on her blog, and I thought it was interesting to see what others have read, so I’m copying.

A couple of disclaimers before I start:

I don't know who originally made this list, so I don't know who is proclaiming these books to be the "Top YA." It actually excludes some I really love, and includes others I don't even consider to be YA.
This list is NOT a list of my recommendations. Just because I've read it (or own it), doesn't mean I highly recommend it. And just because I haven't read something (and don't own it), doesn't mean I wouldn't like to. It's simply a list of what I've read.

So, with that in mind, here we go:

Bold = I've Read It
Italics = I Own It
Underline = Started, but Didn't Finish It

1. Alex Finn – Beastly
2. Alice Sebold – The Lovely Bones
3. Ally Carter – Gallagher Girls (1, 2, 3, 4)
4. Ally Condie – Matched
5. Alyson Noel – The Immortals (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
6. Anastasia Hopcus – Shadow Hills
7. Angie Sage – Septimus Heap (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
8. Ann Brashares – The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (1, 2, 3, 4)
9. Anna Godbersen – Luxe (1, 2, 3, 4)
10. Anthony Horowitz – Alex Rider (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
11. Aprilynne Pike – Wings (1, 2, 3)
12. Becca Fitzpatrick – Hush, Hush (1, 2)
13. Brandon Mull – Fablehaven (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
14. Brian Selznick – The Invention of Hugo Cabret
15. Cassandra Clare – The Mortal Instruments (1, 2, 3, 4)
16. Carrie Jones – Need (1, 2, 3)
17. Carrie Ryan – The Forest of Hands and Teeth (1, 2, 3)
18. Christopher Paolini - Inheritance (1, 2, 3, 4)
19. Cinda Williams Chima – The Heir Chronicles (1, 2, 3)
20. Colleen Houck – Tigers Saga (1, 2)
21. Cornelia Funke – Inkheart (1, 2, 3)
22. Ellen Hopkins – Impulse
23. Eoin Colfer – Artemis Fowl (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
24. Faraaz Kazi – Truly, Madly, Deeply
25. Frank Beddor – The Looking Glass Wars (1, 2, 3)
26. Gabrielle Zevin – Elsewhere
27. Gail Carson Levine – Fairest
28. Holly Black – Tithe (1, 2, 3)
29. J.K. Rowling – Harry Potter (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
30. James Dashner – The Maze Runner (1, 2)
31. James Patterson – Maximum Ride (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
32. Jay Asher – Thirteen Reasons Why
33. Jeanne DuPrau – Books of Ember (1, 2, 3, 4)
34. Jeff Kinney – Diary of a Wimpy Kid (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
35. John Boyne – The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
36. John Green – An Abundance of Katherines
37. John Green – Looking for Alaska
38. John Green – Paper Towns
39. Jonathan Stroud – Bartimaeus (1, 2, 3, 4)
40. Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl – Caster Chronicles (1, 2)
41. Kelley Armstrong – Darkest Powers (1, 2, 3)
42. Kristin Cashore – The Seven Kingdoms (1, 2)
43. Lauren Kate – Fallen (1, 2, 3)
44. Lemony Snicket - Series of Unfortunate Events (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
45. Libba Bray – Gemma Doyle (1, 2, 3)
46. Lisa McMann – Dream Catcher (1, 2, 3)
47. Louise Rennison – Confessions of Georgia Nicolson (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
48. M.T. Anderson – Feed
49. Maggie Stiefvater – The Wolves of Mercy Falls (1, 2, 3)
50. Margaret Peterson Haddix – Shadow Children (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
51. Maria V. Snyder – Study (1, 2, 3)
52. Markus Zusak - The Book Thief
53. Markus Zusak – I am the Messenger
54. Mark Haddon – The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
55. Mary Ting – Crossroads
56. Maureen Johnson – Little Blue Envelope (1, 2)
57. Meg Cabot – All-American Girl (1, 2)
58. Meg Cabot – The Mediator (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
59. Meg Cabot – The Princess Diaries (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
60. Meg Rosoff – How I live now
61. Megan McCafferty – Jessica Darling (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
62. Megan Whalen Turner – The Queen’s Thief (1, 2, 3, 4)
63. Melina Marchetta – On the Jellicoe Road
64. Melissa de la Cruz – Blue Bloods (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
65. Melissa Marr – Wicked Lovely (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
66. Michael Grant – Gone (1, 2, 3, 4)
67. Nancy Farmer – The House of the Scorpion
68. Neal Shusterman – Unwind
69. Neil Gaiman – Coraline
70. Neil Gaiman – Stardust
71. Neil Gaiman – The Graveyard Book
72. P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast – House of Night (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 )
73. Philip Pullman – His Dark Materials (1, 2, 3)
74. Rachel Caine – The Morganville Vampires (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
75. Rachel Cohn and David Levithan – Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist
76. Richelle Mead – Vampire Academy (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
77. Rick Riordan – Percy Jackson and the Olympians (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
78. Rom LcO’Feer – Somewhere carnal over 40 winks
79. S.L. Naeole – Grace (1, 2, 3, 4)
80. Sabrina Bryan & Julia DeVillers – Princess of Gossip
81. Sarah Dessen – Along for the Ride
82. Sarah Dessen – Lock and Key
83. Sarah Dessen – The Truth about Forever
84. Sara Shepard – Pretty Little Liars (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
85. Scott Westerfeld - Leviathan (1, 2)
86. Scott Westerfeld - Uglies (1, 2, 3, 4)
87. Shannon Hale – Books of a Thousand Days
88. Shannon Hale – Princess Academy
89. Shannon Hale – The Books of Bayern (1, 2, 3, 4)
90. Sherman Alexie and Ellen Forney – The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
91. Simone Elkeles – Perfect Chemistry (1, 2, 3)
92. Stephanie Meyer – The Host
93. Stephanie Meyer – Twilight Saga (1, 2, 3, 4)
94. Sue Monk Kidd – The Secret Life of Bees
95. Susan Beth Pfeffer – Last Survivors (1, 2, 3)
96. Suzanne Collins – Hunger Games (1, 2, 3)
97. Suzanne Collins – Underland Chronicles (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
98. Terry Pratchett – Tiffany Aching (1, 2, 3, 4)
99. Tonya Hurley – Ghost Girl (1, 2, 3)
100. Wendelin Van Draanen – Flipped

I'm seriously ~~ashamed~~ amazed at how many books I haven't read in this list...however, there are a ton that aren't on the list, so...

So what have I missed that is a MUST READ in your book?

A Year Ago Today...

2011-09-29T08:40:00.000-04:00

I thought it would be neat to go back one year and see what I posted. And, I'm so glad I did. I was rambling on and on about how I was in a bookstore and came across a book that seemed to have a similar idea to the one that I was writing...the one that I just started to query actually.

Here is the original post:

I was in the mall today (walking and walking hoping to get labor started) when I decided I'd go into the bookstore. I browsed the isles for a bit and decided that it would be cheaper for me to go to B&N and use my membership discount. However, as I was leaving the bookstore, something caught my eye. Usually, the picture/graphic on the covers of books is what does it, but this time it was the title. So, I walked over, picked the book up and did what most people do. Read the back cover. My mouth flopped open as I set the book back on the shelf, pulled out my iPhone, and typed down the name of said book and author.

I couldn't believe it.

This book (which I'd never heard of but was out on display) is my new idea! And when I say new idea, I don't mean an idea that I've only thought about. I mean an idea that I have researched, have tons of notes on and have already written 4 chapters!!! I've been so stoked about my new idea because I have never heard of a YA book on this topic- I honestly thought my idea was new, fresh, different!

Yeah. I'm so wrong.

Now that I am recovering from the shock of it, here is my question. Do I buy the book and read it before I finish my story so I can make sure that I'm not rewriting what this chick wrote OR do I buy the book after I've written my story so I don't inadvertently write the same thing?

For the record, I haven't read the book yet. I'd love to know what you guys were posting a year ago! I think looking back every once in a while is a great way to see how far each of us has come...let me know what you find!

Let's Play Catch Up!

2011-09-28T10:17:00.000-04:00

I'm back--after a week of slacking. Big time.

And, I have no excuse. I wasn't away on vacation, or work. I haven't been sick. There has been no family emergencies.

I honestly have had nothing to say and didn't want to bore you to death with a post about nothing.

So, I thought for today, we could play catch up. I tell you what is new with me and you do the same.

As you know, I started to query (so far I've heard nothing). And, in a lot of ways I feel like I'm coming off a sugar rush. I was going, going, going on my WIP. Revising, rewriting, revising. Researching agents, getting my queries together. It was all very exciting. But, all of that is over with. Now I'm in the waiting period. So, nothing is going on.

This weekend, I did start a new story. I was able to get seven pages in but have scraped it. It just wasn't working (better 7 pages and not 7 chapters). Now I'm trying to rethink the story. It is going to be tough for me because it is leaning towards being a contemporary piece--however, I'm sure at some point, something magical or something paranormal will appear. That just always seems to happen with me.

So, in a nutshell, that is whats new with me. How about you guys? What are you working on? What are you finishing? Let's play catch up!

What inspired your story?

2011-09-22T09:48:00.000-04:00

I love hearing people talk about the things that inspire them and help their creativity. For me, it is fun to get someone talking about this and watching their expression as they begin to discuss their passions. And, as we all know, inspiration comes to each of differently and in very unique ways.

Some common trends: music, books, fashion, art, movies, people, dreams, nature

These are just a few.

I also love hearing what has inspired a person's current work. Was it a movie? A person? A quote? A conversation? A piece of stained glass? A building?

For me and the book I'm currently querying (that's right folks...I sent out my first 5 queries yesterday!) my inspiration hit from a book. I was rereading Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series (I think I was on book 3?). If you don't know this series (I'm sorry for you...go out NOW and get it!), quite a bit of it takes place in Scotland. In this particular book, the main character mentions the Selkie myth. And, well, that's all it took.

I knew the myth on a elementary level, but since I love mythology and I love everything Scotland, I started to research it. Not for story writing purposes--I just wanted to learn more. And from this research, my story was born.

How about you? With your current story that you are writing, or perhaps just sent out into query land, where did you get your inspiration? What is it that sparked your initial idea?

Two Agents, One Agency

2011-09-19T10:15:00.000-04:00

As you all know, I'm in the stages of querying.

Well, almost.

My MS is as polished as I can personally make it. The query letter is written. And, (thanks to all the advice) I've decided to write up a synopsis now before I send everything out. I wrote the synopsis this weekend (1st draft) and this week the plan is to finish it.

As I've been working on the synopsis, I've also been researching agents. This is fun for me, but also daunting. Why?

I've found a few agents who I would like to submit to, however, some of these agents happen to be at the same agency. And, when I've gone to the website, they have stated that you maybe not submit to multiple agents for the same MS--you may only submit to one. And, if that agent rejects you, the whole agency rejects you.

So, how should I decide which agent (at the same agency) to query? I'm almost at the point where I feel like flipping a coin.

Thoughts?

Hmmm?

2011-09-15T07:59:00.000-04:00

So, I totally came up with an awesome blog post for today last night when I was going to sleep. In fact, it was so awesome that I knew there was no way that I would forget this idea when I woke up....

Errr...

Yeah. Right.

I totally forget.

So, hopefully at some point today, I will remember what I wanted to say--there was a cool metaphor involved and everything--and will post for tomorrow.

In any case- here is what I'm thinking about today (excited, right?).

Synopsis.

Actually, writing a synopsis.

As you know, my revisions are finished (yes!), my query letter is finished (yes! yes!). I'm currently researching agents to submit my masterpieces of a story to (ha!). So, while I'm stalling on sending the query out, do I NEED to write a synopsis?

From the agents sites that I've looked at all already, most either say to send a query letter only, or to send a query letter and the first 5 pages to 3 chapters. So far, nothing says anything about a synopsis.

And, honestly, if I don't NEED to write one, I don't wanna!

Thoughts?

Tell the Truth Tuesday: I'm a scared slacker

2011-09-13T08:38:00.000-04:00

I've been such a slacker. Big time.

I finished my revision and my query. You would think I'd be excited, right? This is the opportunity I've been waiting for--2 1/2 years I've been waiting actually--to get to the point of querying.

But, guess what? I've done nothing about it. I haven't sent one query letter out. Not a single one.

And the one answer I can come up with is the fact that I'm scared. Which is dumb, I do realize. It's not like any of the agents know me and I know that when I get rejected it is nothing personal. So, I've been sort of floating around the last 2 weeks or so. Not really doing anything.

I did revise the first 15 pages of my other finished WIP (yeah, this is the one that has been written 4 times). And I managed to write 2 more pages of my next story, bringing my grand total to 7 whole pages (I won't even tell you how long ago I started writing this draft)!

So, now I'm in the place where I feel like a scared slacker. I need to bite the bullet and just send the queries out so I can move on with the other stories. But I just can't bring myself to do it--which is very uncharacteristic of me. I'm usually the type to jump and ask questions later so it's bothering me that I'm being this way.

Has anyone else ever put off querying because you were scared? Please let me know I'm not alone!

friday Five

2011-09-09T10:40:00.000-04:00

Okay folks--here are my Friday Five for this dreary Friday. I'd love to hear what your are!

1. I found my notebook!!!! You remember, the one I wrote about the other day...the one that had ALL my research notes in it...the notebook that held various thought on my projects, my To Revise/Rethink list, my life (okay, not really, but it feel that way). Where did I find it? In a purse...I still have no clue why it was in there, but that doesn't matter. I found it. I still can't believe it.

2. The first week of preschool is over and we all survived. Mostly. The mornings are rushed, but I'm thinking it is going to be like that for the next twenty years (until all the kids are out of high school).

3. My almost three year old embarrassed me this morning dropping his five-year-old brother off at school. He wanted to stay so badly that he wouldn't leave and started screaming, crying and kicking. I had to carry him out...and let me tell you--he is one big guy. Almost as big as his older brother...we call him Gunney for a reason.

4. I have a wedding to go to this weekend and in all honesty, I'm not looking forward to it. I have a feeling it is going to be very disorganized. I hope not. Besides, I have nothing to wear.

5. As I write this, I have pumpkin bread in the oven (and yes, I topped off my 2 cups of pumpkin with baby food squash because I needed it) and listening to Christmas music. No clue why. I usually don't listen to Christmas music until December 1st. I hate listening to it beforehand, so I want to slap myself, but it is putting me in a good mood.

Lost but not found...yet

2011-09-06T07:28:00.000-04:00

I misplace things all the time. Shoes, car keys, my day planner, pens, jewelry. You name it, I've (at one time or another) have "lost it." Lost of course meaning can't find it but I KNOW that whatever it is is still in my house.

Usually, it is my husband that has to find whatever that item is. And usually the said item was in front of my face the whole entire time.

Sad, but true.

So yesterday when I couldn't find my writing notebook--you know, the note book where I write ALL of my ideas down, my notebook that has all my research notes for my current WIP, that notebook that is my everything--I didn't freak out.

I looked in all the usual places: the desk (every single drawer), the kitchen cabinets, the dining room hutch, the dining room table, my nightstand, my computer bag. You see, I usually write in the kitchen. No, it isn't an office, but I have to be able to hear all of the kids and so this spot works. Because my "office" is in this space, my stuff usually gets piled up on the counter. My husband hates it, but it is what it is. So, of course this said pile usually (at some point) gets moved around. Yeah, not the best system.

Well, I still can't find my notebook. My husband can't find my notebook. And now, I'm starting to freak out. My memory is not so great that I can remember all of the research that I've written in there!

It has to be in this house- somewhere--but no clue. I'm really hoping the 2 1/2 year old didn't throw it out--he totally would do that sort of thing.

So, what to do? No clue. Have you ever lost something important to your writing?

And yeah, I know--I should one place (not the kitchen) to put all my stuff. Lesson learned.

I hate her!

2011-09-02T08:23:00.000-04:00

But, at the same time I love her.

Do you know any characters who you feel the same way about (not in real life...fiction...well, maybe in real life, but keep your comments to fictional characters...)?

I'm in the middle of reading Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin. And, let me tell you, there is one character who I absolutely hate with a passion--which means, Martin did his job (which is why I love her). It has only happened a few times where I've wanted to see a character killed and in this book, I want it to happen. Badly.

There is another character who I find so annoying and I want to knock some sense into her. In fact, I literally said last night, out loud, "You're so dumb. Why did you do that!" She isn't a villain but I can see her turning...

Take a minute and look at your own WIP. Have you written your villain (if in fact it is a person/animal) in such a way that will make your reader just hate them and hope that they get it? Will your reader be scared of them? Does their motive make sense and does the reader know what their motive is?

Will your characters draw emotion out of your reader? Will the reader talk out loud while reading because they can't believe something that has happened?

I hope so. If you don't know, make sure you ask your beta readers to give you the answer.

If you've read Game of Thrones, can you guess which characters I'm talking about??

Plans for this holiday weekend- what are they? Mine: just hanging with the family and doing a whole lot of nothing!

Me, My Friends and Irene

2011-08-30T08:18:00.000-04:00

(the calm before the storm)

Well, hello everyone! Miss me?

I sure did miss you. My hubby and I have had quite the adventure recently. We went to Punta Cana for a friends wedding/vacation and it was wonderful. The weather was great, the food was delicious and hanging out with friends was awesome.

However, Irene decided she wanted to be part of our group. And well, she succeeded.

We were supposed to come home Monday, the 22nd but all flights in and out of the island were canceled. Actually, they shut every single airport down. So, we ended up getting "stranded" in paradise until Friday. Which, once we figured out where we were going to sleep, ended up being okay. We were with friends so we made the most of it. Obviously, having three little kids at home was the worst part.

But, we made it back to home (very late) on Friday. And, on Saturday, Irene decided to visit us again. But this time, we lost power. For hours. And hours. And hours.

So, sorry that it has been a while since you've heard from me! But, I'm back. Finally.

I had a chance to catch up with a bunch of people (Kate, Christine, Frankie, Sara, Jessica) at the PAYA event on Saturday mid-morning. We met some awesome authors, got some books signed, ate some pizza. And I forgot my camera. But, other people snapped some photos and Frankie said she was "vlogging", so be on the look out.

As for me and writing: well, I added a new scene over the last couple of days and am on the last leg of my revision. It seems that is the never ending story of my life these days. I always think it is the last revision but alas, it never is.

Goals for this week:
1. I have to move a scene around and rewrite part of it
2. Started potty training 2 1/2 year old...today is day 1. So far, not so good. He is definitely not like his brother.

What are your goals?

I'm leaving on a jet plane...

2011-08-17T05:43:00.000-04:00

Literally in any second...in fact my husband is standing at the door saying, "Come on!" as I write this.

I'm on my way to Punta Cana (bummer, right?) for a friend's wedding and will be back next week!

Have a good one!!!

Catching the Right Wave

2011-08-16T08:26:00.000-04:00

I've never been great at making decisions. I usually look to other people to help me decide on things. For example, I like to be the last person to place my order when I'm out to dinner. I like to hear what everyone else is ordering because for some reason what the person across from me gets help me to make up my mind.

Weird, right? Right.

Well, I'm currently in a situation where I have to make a decision. And, I have no idea what to do. I've asked people who I trust what their thoughts are. And, I'm getting conflicting opinions.

For someone like me, this is not good.

So, it boils down to my decision--I have to listen to all of the opinions and decide which I agree with. And, to be 100% honest with you, I have no clue what to do.

And because I have no idea what to do (my gut isn't telling me anything either) I'm standing still. Which isn't necessarily a good thing. Sometimes not doing anything is worse because you can miss your shot.

I'm not a surfer, but from what I've seen in the movies I feel like I can relate to them.

Surfers hang out on their boards, in the water, waiting for the perfect wave. They wait and wait and wait. All too often, they wait to long and they miss their perfect wave because they didn't DO anything. However, sometimes they are in too big of a rush and paddle out only to get knocked down because they weren't patient enough. (this makes sense in my brain...sorry if this metaphor is totally out there)

I was always taught that patience is a virtue. And, that you should "study and prepare yourself for when the time comes, you'll be ready" (Abe Lincoln). Yet, I was also taught not to be passive and don't just wait around thinking that opportunities will just come to you--you have to get off your butt. Too many people have missed out on something great because they were too afraid to make a move- just jump and trust in yourself that you can hit the target.

Basically, I have a huge decision to make and no clue what to do. Move forward--just go for it. Or take a few weeks, rethink some things and work it out. Be patient.

I know this is all vague. Sorry. But, what do you guys do when faced with a decision you need to make AND you are getting conflicting opinions on the matter AND your gut instinct decides to go on vacation?

Striving for Balance

2011-08-15T09:26:00.000-04:00

We are all in this boat of trying to find balance in our daily lives. Anyone who says that their life is balanced is lying. Just sayin'.

I do believe some people are better at the whole "balanced life" thing though. But, at the end of the day, I would guess that these people feel as though the do better...okay, not them personally, but their day.

This is something that I am currently struggling with. There are just too many demands and not enough time (which, really is a lie too...there are 24 hours in each day...but I NEED 8 of them to sleep or else I really can't function).

I am a wife, a mother, a friend, daughter, sister, niece. I have responsibilities in my house, in my community groups, at church. I want to get in shape (and finally lose ALL of the baby weight). I write. I critique for others. I blog. I watch TV. I read. I sing.

Sometimes I wonder if I do too many things. I don't even have a full-time job like some of you do (you are my heroes).

My biggest struggle is between the kids, the house and writing. I think mostly because my best time of day to work is morning. And, this is when all of the boys are up and at em' (thankfully the ten-month old still takes two naps a day)!

I am the sort of person that when I start a project, I go all in. I have a hard time stopping until it's finished. I had a CP ask me once how I can bang out a rough draft (a very rough draft, mind you) as fast as I do. Part of it is because once I start writing, I can't stop--I don't want to stop until it is finished. I will obsess over it until it is finished (this is for anything...one reason my husband hates it when I paint with him. He likes to takes breaks in between and take his time whereas I'm totally like, "Move it, move it, move it! Let's get this done!")

It dawned on me though.

Sacrifice.

We all have to sacrifice one thing or another at one time or another. I think part of finding balance is to remember not to sacrifice the same thing all the time (thank goodness for DVRs).

There are going to be times when my house is just not going to be clean and the laundry is going to be spilling over the top of the basket. There are going to be times when my blog suffers (like, the last 2 weeks for example because I was revising). There are going to be times when my children do in fact watch a movie so I can finish a critique or a rough draft or a revision. There are going to be times when I say to my husband, "just order pizza" (he doesn't cook...).

And, you know what? This is all OKAY. It is all give and take. I'm trying hard not to stress over it--and it is a work in progress--just like my writing--just like me.

How about you guys. Do you have a hard time balancing writing with life? Any tips on how to be more productive? I would love to hear them!

Finding a title

2011-08-08T09:28:00.000-04:00

My MS is all but finished. I have a couple more things to fix but after they are taken care of, it appears as though this baby will be set to fly (aka QUERY).

My first reaction to this (after beta told me): Seriously? Already? Oh snap.

Truth be told, as I'm writing this post and thinking about how I'm only a few short weeks away from querying, my stomach is flipping and I'm feeling very anxious and nervous, but in a semi-good way.

Good because I'm finally at a poitn where I can actually get to querying. I have two completed stories but have yet to query. This one is finally it. It's exciting.

However, I also know that rejection is around the bend. My only hope is that they aren't all rejections. Even if I get one request for a partial or a full I'll be happy--even if that requests end up with a rejection. I think because if that happens, I know there is at least a little bit of hope.

But, I digress. This post is about titles.

So, I'm almost ready to query (yeah!). However, I still don't have a title!! There have been some possibilites floating about, but nothing concrete (and yes, I do realize that the title can change if I ever get an agent...and change again if I ever get published).

How do you come with your titles? Any tips?

I'm still here

2011-08-03T08:05:00.000-04:00

I haven't gone anywhere, yet (I'm leaving Aug. 17th for Punta Cana...can't wait!!). I just haven't been blogging mainly because I don't have anything to say. Does that ever happen to you?

The last couple of days I have revising and revising and revising. I'm working on The Watcher, as you'll recall (very first story that I ever wrote) and it is frustrating me. It has potential (at least I think so) and I've been told that the second half of the story flows wells and the tension is good, etc. It's the bloody first half that is driving me crazy! And as we all know, readers will not read the second half of the book if they can't get through the first half.

So, this is the reason I haven't posted since Friday--sorry.

The problem is I have to establish a relationship between two characters to only have that relationship betrayed. I guess where I'm stumbling is how to show this relationship being built (they don't each other when they first meet) so the betrayal is believable.

Any thoughts?

How has your writing been going this week?

MG vs YA

2011-07-29T07:49:00.000-04:00

As it stands, I write YA. I've never tried to write anything else. On some levels, my mind is stuck within my eighteen year old self. I remember my senior year of high school like it was yesterday. I interact with teens every Sunday and find them hilarious.

I've never thought to write MG. I mean, no sexual tension, no boy drama, no driving around late at night? Where is the fun in that?

However, the other night, I had this dream and in it was a 12 year old boy. And, let me tell you, he was on some adventure. Now I think I want to turn this dream into a story. But, I have no idea how.

Middle grade is SO different from young adult. I really have no concept as to the "rules" of MG. Granted, I do know there is certain content that is not found in these books, sex anyone (okay, that's SO not what I meant), but that is about as far as my information goes.

Of course, I need to go get some good MG and read, but besides that, any tips out there?

If you love something, let it go...

2011-07-28T06:51:00.000-04:00

I think almost all of us have heard this phrase, or one like it, in our real lives or at least in the movies. There have been countless songs wrote on this theme as well.

If you truly love something/someone, you have to know when to let them go.

*sigh*

When do you know it's time to let a story go?

I decided last week to start revising The Watcher. This is a story that I've been working on for 2 1/2 years. The total number of rewrites is three and the total number of revisions are countless.

What made me pull the story out to look at it again is a local writers group I joined. I have people who read my work via internet (*waves at Mary, Tiana, Stina, Nisa*) but I wanted some face to face contact with people who were planning to meet every month. I'd been advised not to send my first 15 pages of my current WIP because it is pretty solid. So, the only other thing I had to send were the pages from The Watcher. It's been since December that I'd looked at it so it was interesting to pull it out again.

Since last Monday, I've cut over 17,000 words--and this was a story that I was considering to query in the winter! Here's the thing though: I'm changing the story as I go. Majorly. It's not a full on rewrite but I'm changing parts of the plot in a big way.

I don't know if the story is getting better or worse at this point. And, even though I had a ton of time away from it, as soon as I opened the document up, it was like we'd never been apart.

This was the first story that I ever wrote, so it is near and dear to me. When I started it, I had a very general idea of what the story was going to be about--hence all the rewrites.

All of this got me thinking. Maybe my idea is just not a story that I'm supposed to write. When is it time to let go of a story idea for real. To just hang it up and say, "It's been grand, but I can't do this anymore. I'm moving on."

I'm a pretty determined person, which can serve me well. However, there are times when this attribute is not so good. Sometimes, I don't know when to stop, to quit, to let go. Maybe I'm missing the signs on this one?

What are your thoughts? Do you Never, Never Never Give Up (thanks Churchill) or is it okay to simply let it go and move on to the next story? Have you ever left a story for good?

It is a lot like Running a Marathon

2011-07-27T10:38:00.000-04:00

I just started training to do my first full marathon. Crazy? Yes. I'm going to endure 16 weeks of putting my body through something it really doesn't want to do. I hate running. But having done a half marathon already, I fully believe that a major part of doing something like this is mostly mind over matter. The mind is stronger. The body will always want to give up, so you have to push your mind to control your body.

Why am I doing this? A couple reasons.
1. To prove to myself that I can; my goal is to cross the finish line, even if it take me the full 7 hours to do it.

2. I really want that magnet that says 26.1 to put on the back of my car. I could have a 13.2, but I don't.

How did I get into this mess?
A good friend of mine just finished a CRAZY race. His goal was to run 100 miles in 24 hours. He ended up running 101.5 miles. He has inspired me.

I will freely admit though that I haven't signed up yet for the November 20th race (Philly). It's been a while since I've done real training. I'm out of practice. So, my girlfriend who is pushing me to do this and I have decided that we are going to wait a bit until we actually pay the registration fee. Because time in limited, I'm not sure if 16 weeks is enough for me to really train for it. If I really feel as though I won't be ready, well, I am going to wait, train more and do the next one.

How does this relate to writing (at least for me?)

I think writing a book is a lot like a marathon. You spend weeks and week writing the draft, and weeks and weeks revising or rewriting (still more training). And, once the training is over, it's time to see what you're made of (race day).

1. You get your idea. You plot (or not). You come up with your characters, the plot, the climax. You begin to write (sign up for the race, figure out your training schedule and begin to run--one step at a time).

2. You finish your draft and revise the best you can. You get your CPs to take a look at your story (sometime, multiple times) and you make corrections (this would be your long runs, maybe a 5k for practice)

3. Then, when you feel as though your story is finished, you send it off to fresh, new eyes to read (this is the part in training where you do a super long run...as in 20 miles....yeah...)

4. And, now, it's time to make those final edits...make sure every i is dotted, every t is crossed. Every period is in place. You write the query. You research the agents (tapering off before the big race)

5. Send it out your MS. Email, snail mail, whatever. You send you story off and you wait and wait and wait. (Race day...pace yourself. If your only goal is to cross the finish line, you have 7 hours; that's a 16 min. mile...take your time).

6. You hear back from agents. Rejections, requests for a partial, requests for a full. Maybe your asked to maybe make some changes and resubmit. (you pass the 1 mile mark and the 5k marker, you might have to walk for a bit and that is okay...you see the 13.2 mile mark, you pass the 20 mile mark)

7. You sign with agent awesome and get your book published (you cross the finish line)

8. You start the process all over again (plan your next race...even if it's 2 years from now...)

It's hard work and exhausting; mentally, physically and emotionally. But, you did it. You finished. And, that is what matters in the end. Your time and how long it took you does not matter (at this point...it is your first marathon after all). All that matters is that you crossed the finished line.

I'll let you all know if I end up running or not....

Friday Five

2011-07-22T08:36:00.000-04:00

1. Planking: What the? I am so confused by this whole concept. I always thought planking was some for of exercise that you did you strength your abs...clearly not. Anyone care to explain?

2. I decided to go on the Southbeach diet...well, my version of it anyway. The hubs and I are leaving on Aug. 17th for vacation and I have about 5lbs I want to drop. It isn't going so well though- I love bread too much. Why can't there be an all carb diet?

3. The baby has a fever. NOT. FUN. (for either of us)

4. I started revising The Watcher again. Yesterday alone I cut roughly 10k from the MS. No word is safe at this moment.

5. I sat in my kids baby pool yesterday. I made them get out so I could get in a sit down. I was that hot. I think today we are going to stick to sitting in the bathtub that is filled with cold water.

Any plans for the weekend? Have a great one!

Revision Cave, Progress and my Long Lost Love

2011-07-21T07:55:00.000-04:00

I entered my revision cave the other day. It was dark, scary and totally made me anxious. However, I can now see the light.

It has been a long time, a very long time, since I've pulled any sort of "all-nighter." In fact, I think the last time I did so was when I was a student at WCU. If I'm being honest, I didn't even do a real all-nighter at school...studying at least. There was this one time at 11pm we decided to go to Atlantic City, but, I digress.

In case you are wondering, a few weeks ago I revised my "workable draft." When I finished, I had written 25 chapters and had the MS up to 67,862 words. I was pretty proud of myself.

As of yesterday morning, I cut 3 chapters and 14,584 words--bringing the total word count to 53,278 words and 22 chapters.

Whew!

So, the revision is finished (this round at least). I'm pretty satisfied with the beginning. The last few chapters I have some questions on, but I sent it out to someone I trust. After I get their opinion and make any changes, it is back off to a couple other people who read a very early version of the story.

But, I'm feeling good. I can see the light. So, now the question is, what do I do now?

Well, this revision sparked something in me. I'm on a revision roll. I picked up my very first MS, The Watcher, and have started the revision process on that--again.

I've totally rewritten the beginning and have a ton of new ideas in which I'm going to implement into the story. I'm excited again for this. I feel in love with this story but we had some problems. So, we decided to part ways for a while (it's been almost a year now). However, my love has been rekindled.

Has revision ever charged you up to work on something that you lost the love for?

Feelings of Guilt

2011-07-19T08:11:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I went into my revision cave. All morning, all afternoon and for a solid one hour last night I worked. I was able to revise 84 pages. Part of that revision included me cutting one whole chapter (*sniffle*) and cutting tons and tons of sentences. I predict that another chapter will get cut today. I feel good about it though. Today I want to at least get to page 107 (that is the end of the chapter).

My goal, if you will remember, is to query by the end of summer (at the very latest, mid-September).

Here's my deal: I am feeling SO guilty about working on this story.

My most productive time to work is during the day--makes sense--but, my kids are here. And, my kids are little (5, 2 1/2, 9 months). Although I worked hard yesterday on my story, I didn't really interact with my children, unless it was to make a meal, change a diaper or play referee during a fight. And, because I was so preoccupied writing/revising, my kids wanted to bug me and therefore I became snappy (I'm just keepin' it real).

I know a good idea would be to work at night after the kids go to bed, but then I feel guilty not spending time with my husband. He works hard and usually gets in later anyway. Honestly, I can only really work from about 8-9 before I'm dead tired and just want to sleep. I've never been a night person and don't think I ever will.

Should I just suck it up and know that for two weeks (at least) my kids will be okay without my full attention while I TRY to finish these revisions?

How about you guys?

Do you every feel guilty for writing? What do you sacrifice? Have you ever had to give writing the backseat for a while?

I'm Back...finally!

2011-07-18T08:19:00.000-04:00

Wow guys. I'm finally back on here after a week long ~~vacation~~ trip. And, I'm sorry that I didn't post while I was away. I had no clue the place I was going did not have Internet...it was just to Ocean City for crying out loud. I told my aunt (who I stayed with) that she really did need to join the revolution...actually, the decade.

Here is what I learned while away:

1. Family vacations aren't really vacations until your children are at least partly self-sufficient. Mine are 5, 2 1/2, and 9 months. This was not a vacation. This was a trip. Vacation implies relaxation...there was none of that. I'm so tired I need to get away by myself for a bit!

2. I didn't realize how much I would feel out of the loop by not having Internet. It was horrible, yet, at the same time it was probably best. But, I did feel like I was SO disconnected from everything and everyone.

3. I can no longer do rides that go in circles. The Merry-Go-Round made me what to hurl. Not fun.

4. My 5 year old is afraid of seagulls. I never knew that. My 2 1/2 year old just wanted to chase after them on the beach...and he did, yelling at them in order to protect his older brother.

5. The pool really does work as a bath for your kids, although you need to remember to put lotion on them at night or their skin will get very, very, dry.

6. I need a new camera...okay, I need a new battery for the camera but WANT a new camera. As soon as we got there, my battery died. Thank goodness for my iPhone

7. Even though I was away from my computer for a whole week and did not write at all, I still thought of my WIP almost the whole entire time. WIPs really do haunt us.

8. My 2 1/2 year old is part fish. Who knew?

9. I haven't looked at my WIP in about a month and am feeling ready to tackle this revision. The break was great.

10. I found myself thinking of my first story while away for some reason. It has been almost a year since I've looked at it...the night I came home, I ended up rewriting the first three chapters to it.

There was so much more I learned and could tell you, but I don't want to bore you any longer. In any case, I'm back and normal proceedings will resume!

Goals for this week: Start my nitty-gritty revisions of my WIP...and truth be told, I'm scared to death to begin it! What are your goals?

Encouragement and Support

2011-07-08T07:48:00.000-04:00

Every single one of us needs support, in every area of our lives.

This, I firmly believe in.

Goodness knows what sort of mother I would be if I didn't have the support system of my family and close girlfriends when it comes to raising my children. I try to be supportive of my husband's work, but since I don't really "get" any of it, I'm glad that he has some good friends he can turn to. I even have support when it comes to shedding these last ~~couple~~ few pounds of pregnancy weight. Why are the last 5-10 pounds the most difficult? My girlfriend and I are trying our best to walk/run every week together and hold each other accountable. It's tough, but I'm glad I have her support.

As for writers, we need all the support we can get. This is a tough journey we are traveling and sometimes (at least for me) it can be lonely and so discouraging! There are so many ups and downs (sometimes more downs though). Writing is emotional on all levels and is so full of self-doubt that without support of others, especially the support of other writers, I don't think any of us would still be doing it. Maybe I'm wrong?

Last night I was lucky to get together for a "Girls' Night" (Simon was invited if he wore his kilt). These chicks I got together with are all fab writers and when we first started meeting it was for writerly supportive and encouragement. It still is. But, now, I consider these women my friends. And, that makes the support and the encouragement that much sweeter.

I really don't know if I would still be writing if I didn't have the support of those women and my other CPs (who live all over and whom I've never met but hope to someday!). But, it's not just the support of my local friends/CPs. It is also you guys, who are reading this tiny little blog. Thanks so much for sticking with me--for all the encouragement, the love (even the tough love) and advice. It makes what we do seem less lonely and scary.

My weekend is filled with crazy stress (5 year olds birthday party and packing for vacation), so I won't really be posting over the weekend. And, since I'll be at the beach all next week, I plan on reposting some older posts that people seemed to have loved. So, still swing by and say Hi--there will be stuff here!

Try and find two person today to encourage (one person face to face and the other through email/blogs)!

Have a great weekend everyone!

So, ah, what do you write?

2011-07-07T07:58:00.000-04:00

The following conversation happens all the time:

Them: So, Kelly. You're a writer?

Me: Ummm. Yeah? (*uncomfortable chuckle*) Yeah. Yes. Yes, I am.

Them: Are you published?

Me: No.

Them: Oh. When will you be?

Me: *shrugs* No idea.

Them/Me: *awkward silence when nobody says anything*

Them: So, ah, what do you write?

Me: Ummm, YA. Young Adult, I mean.

Them: Interesting. But what exactly do you write? Vampires? Aliens? Locker rooms?

Me: No vampires, no. And, no werewolves either. At least not yet...maybe if an idea strikes me though. I mean, Jacob Black was hot and I like writing about hot guys who can shapeshift. Although, right now I prefer seals to wolves.

Them: Seals?

Me: Nevermind...ah, aliens? No to that. Ummm..locker rooms? Yeah- though none of my stories have an actual locker room in it. I think I mention a locker room at one point, but ah--"

Them: So what genre do you write in then?

Me: Ummm...

I'm preparing to query. Finally. Not next week, mind you. But, I'm hoping to by the end of August. My query letter is more or less finished. I wrote it, tweaked it, sent it off to a friend and now I need to make the corrections (I haven't looked at it in about a month). And when that is all finished, I'll send it out one more time to the betas.

Here's my thing though. I'm not entirely sure what the genre is.

My story takes place in modern day Orkney (yes, those Scottish Islands) and stays grounded there. Nothing magical happens, as there are no flying brooms or wands with fairy dust. There are no ghosts or the biting of necks, drinking of blood. There is no howling at a full moon. However, there are shapeshifters as my story is loosely based of the Scottish myth of the Selkies.

Knowing the basics of the story, would it be paranormal? Urban Fantasy? Fantasy? Speculative Fiction (which I have no idea what exactly it is, truth be told)?

Are you guys ever confused on what the genres are?

Scared to write my story

2011-07-06T08:22:00.000-04:00

So the other day I mentioned how I'm beginning a new story. I also mentioned how this is the first time that I know everything about the story--I know how it needs to start, I know the middle and I know the end. Pretty much everything involving the plot is figured out. Score!

I also happen to know who my major characters are and what their deal is.

Knowing all of this should make writing this story easy, right? Wrong.

I'm about to admit something to you guys...but, please. Don't tell anyone. I'm known for keeping things close the vest. I don't usually tell people my inner most thoughts or feelings (at least this is what my circle of friends tell me).

But, here it goes.

I'm really scared to write this story. This story means a lot to me. I've been thinking about writing it for over a year now. I've researched a ton. I've planned and plotted. I have notes. Tons of notes. I'm very prepared.

So, why am I clamming up? I think, okay...I know, that part of me is afraid that I just can't do it. That I can't write this story the way it should be written. That I won't do this story justice. That is will be an epic failure (I will be an epic failure).

I know, I know. It's stupid to feel this way. Heck, I don't even have an agent, so if I fail, technically nobody will know but me. But, again. I will know. This story is to imporant to me to fail. Yet, I know if I don't try that is also a failure.

Any advice to how to push through this? Have you ever been scared to write something?

Truthful Tuesday

2011-07-05T07:26:00.000-04:00

1. We (or at least my kids and I) did not stay up and watch the fireworks. Sad. I know.

2. My son is having his very first friend birthday party on Saturday and I'm going crazy trying to make sure I have everything prepared. They are going to play a mystery game which is driving me bonkers.

3. The boys and I are leaving for the beach on Sunday. We'll be staying with my aunt and uncle in very tight quarters. They look forward to this every year. And, every year I wish we had rented a place.

4. It is only 7:30am and I'm ready for naptime

5. I have so much to do this week that I'm already feeling overwhelmed, therefore, I feel like shutting down.

6. I really want to put a cover on my treadmill so it will stop giving me the evil eye.

7. I ate 2 cupcakes (okay, maybe 3) which is another reason why I think the treadmill is giving me the evil eye

8. I finally admitted to my mother-in-law that my writing. Well, she actually came out and asked me when I was going to tell her. So, I had to admit it. She was very supportive, as I knew she would be.

Goals for this week: Try to finish drafting Chapter 1 of my new story, clean, pack for the beach, create party games, and find someplace close to here that will enlarge a picture of Scooby-doo

Today is one of those days...

2011-06-30T08:19:00.000-04:00

where I have absolutely nothing to post. Unless of course you're dying to know that I feel sick and want to crawl back into bed. However, if you know me, you'll also know that I have a soon-to-be 5 year old, a 2 1/2 year old and a 8 month old. So, there is no crawling back into bed for me.

My only saving grace today is that I have a bright, shiny, new idea that is in my head and I've begun to flesh it out. This is a story that I've been wanting to write for over a year now and the time has come where I feel like I might be able to pull it off.

The weird thing for me is this though: usually I have a semi-formed story when I start. I have a general idea of the story, but no real plot. So, I tend to focus on the characters first. However, this time around, my story is fully formed. I know how it starts, I have the middle and I have the ending. I even know who the major characters and what roles they play. I know their background information and what they look like. But, as far as "who" they are (personality, mannerisms) I'm still figuring out.

I've already fleshed out the scenes and in what order I want them to go and am wondering if I should just go ahead and start to draft the thing...maybe the characters personalities will reveal themselves? What do you guys think? See if the characters will reveals themselves to me while writing or do a more in depth character profile before I begin?

Have you ever let your characters reveal themselves to you bit by bit?

Just Do It

2011-06-28T07:30:00.000-04:00

In the past 5 days, I've had two conversations like this:

Me: "Yes. I write. I'm not published or anything, but that's my dream. The goal, actually."

Person: "OMG! I've always wanted to write, but I just have no idea how to go about it....I don't have any real ideas. I wrote my life story down and "published" it for my husband. It was awesome, but I don't think I could write a piece of fiction, but I've always wanted to try. I'm too scared to try."

Me: "Just do it! Just sit down and do it!"

Now, if you visit this blog on a daily basis (or semi-daily basis), I don't hand out advice on writing all to much. If I do, it's something that I've learned through WD or a conference and I have a TON of notes that I'm gathering this advice from. On occassion, I will have some tried and true tips that I personally use.

The reason being I don't do the advice thing too much is I don't feel like I have strong advice to give (just keepin' it real here...I'm all about honesty). I still consider myself a newbie at this writing thing (I've been writing hardcore for 2 1/2 years and have only written 2 novels--getting ready to finally query one of them).

But, I feel like everyone has some sort of advice to give others. They really do, even if it the encouraging kind. So, I was thinking, I may have some advice for the newer writers...those of you who are wondering if you should do this. For those of you who want to write, but haven't tried it out yet because you're not sure where the idea will come from, or how to begin.

This is my advice (okay, I stole it, but whatever...lots of people use this one. So, thank you Nike.)

JUST. DO. IT.

Seriously. Just go for it. There really is no wrong way to go about it--everyone does it differently--everyone's creative process is different. Some plot, some don't. So bang out each draft one right after the other, some have to let each draft sit for a month (or longer!) before they come back to it. Some people write in the morning, some in the afternoon, some at night and some all day long. Some people write everyday, and yet others don't. Some people write with music, or the TV on, while others need total silence.

The point is they do it. They write.

Some people get their idea from a conversation, from a TV show, a passage in a book, an article of clothing, something in nautre, a song, a picture. Some writers get their idea from a dream they remember. Some writers do not have the whole story when they begin their tale--they may only have a glimpse yet others know the whole entire thing.

For those of you who have wrote out your life's story but you want to write a piece of fiction but have no idea how to get a "fictional idea"? Take a little nugget from your own personal story and run with it! There has to be some element of truth in the story anyway, so take it from your own life and just develop it.

The point again, dear friends, is that they just sit down and write. Can the process be tough? Can it be hard work? Yep.

But is it worth it in the end? Yep, yep.

So, for all of those out there who are nervous, scared, unsure (of the process or even yourself) to write, don't be. You have nothing to lose, dear friends. The reward of your finished product (published or not) is worth every little bit of the sweat, blood and tears that you go through. The final product is worth those hour and hours spent in from of the computer (sometimes staring a blank screen because you just have no clue what happens next).

The other rewards that you get: You'll learn something about yourself that you never knew, you'll learn something about your family as well (my husband actually does know where the pot holders are...), and you'll make some great friends along the way (other writers who love what you are doing and who really do want to encourage you and help!).

I'll end with this:

Stop talking about it. Stop thinking about. Stop dreaming about it. Stop saying you can't. Stop saying you don't know how.

JUST. DO. IT.

How about you guys and gals who have been at this longer...do you have any advice to someone who wants to start writing but for whatever reason, they haven't yet?

Children's Books, Animal Noises and my 200 Followers Winners!

2011-06-27T07:25:00.000-04:00

Before I get to the winners of my 200 Followers giveaway, take a look at the following video. Love this guy. Brian Regan- so, so funny. This is a 3 minute bit on children's books and animal noises in books (oh, no disrespect to children book writers- they are so hard to write and I give you guys major props, but this is still funny...)

And, the 2 winners are:

1. Janet Johnson

2. Jamie Manning

Congratulations!!! Thanks for entering- email me your info and I'll ship your prizes out to you!

Happy Monday everyone! And as usual, feel free to write down your weekly goals for me ('cuse, as you know me, I feel like if you write them down, your bound to at least attempt one of them!) Mine: finish writing out the scenes for my new idea AND edit on chapter of my WIP.

Defining Gravity

2011-06-24T09:59:00.000-04:00

There are very few songs where I really listen to the lyrics. It is the rhythm, the pulsing beat, the bass, the high pitch of the violin that captures my heart, that stirs my emotions. When I find a song that does that to me, that's when I start to listen to the lyrics. There are plenty of songs that I love, but really have no idea what the artist is singing.

However, there are some songs that when I hear the lyrics grab me at my very core and make me cry. My husband laughs at me, but whenever I hear this song, that is what happens. I cry. When nobody is around, I sing this on top of my lungs and pretend I'm standing on stage (voice was my major in school, and no, I don't use a hairbrush as a microphone).

For some reason, these lyrics just speak to me so clearly, especially in this journey of trying of being an author.

If you've never seen this show, sorry. Really. It's incredible (read the book too).

Defining Gravity, from the musical Wicked

Something has changed within me

Something is not the same

I'm through with playing by the rules

Of someone else's game

Too late for second-guessing

Too late to go back to sleep

It's time to trust my instincts

Close my eyes: and leap!

It's time to try

Defying gravity

I think I'll try

Defying gravity

And you can't pull me down!

I'm through accepting limits

''cause someone says they're so

Some things I cannot change

But till I try, I'll never know!

Too long I've been afraid of

Losing love I guess I've lost

Well, if that's love

It comes at much too high a cost!

I'd sooner buy

Defying gravity

Kiss me goodbye

I'm defying gravity

And you can't pull me down:

So if you care to find me

Look to the western sky!

As someone told me lately:

"Ev'ryone deserves the chance to fly!"

And if I'm flying solo

At least I'm flying free

To those who'd ground me

Take a message back from me

Tell them how I am

Defying gravity

I'm flying high

Defying gravity

And soon I'll match them in renown

And nobody in all of Oz

No Wizard that there is or was

Is ever gonna bring me down!

I should be editing but...

2011-06-23T08:39:00.000-04:00

I freeze up.

I've revised my characters, plot and descriptions to the best that I can on my own (I'm sure the CPs will give me more notes...). I finished this about a week ago. I took the past week off from my MS--read 4 books, listened to some great music, brainstormed new ideas. I actually didn't really think about my story at all- which is awesome for me.

My goal was to get away from the story to clear my head. My head is clear, I'm ready to work, but when I open up my MS, I freeze.

I'm at the point where I'm trying to tighten my story. Pick the right word, cut 4 sentences if I can say the same thing in 1, trying my best to delete adverbs and the passive voice. But, I'm having so much trouble.

I literally stare at the words and my mind goes blank. I feel like I don't know how what to do--I don't know how to begin. And, if I do manage to change anything, I feel like that particular sentence isn't even any better.

Admittedly, I'm not the best person when it comes to editing. I know that it is something you have to learn to do and the more you do it, the better you'll become at it. But, right now, I'm stalling out.

Advice for me?

Don't forget to enter my 200 Followers giveaway (click on the sidebar)!

Sand, Sun and Surf = Happiness

2011-06-19T20:18:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone has a great week! I'll be back on Thusday...the boys and I are hitting the beach for the next few days.

Don't forget to sign up for my 200 Followers Giveaway (link on my sidebar)!

What's Your Favorite YA Book?

2011-06-17T08:37:00.000-04:00

First, don't forget to sign up for my 200 Followers Giveaway. All you have to do is tell me what you would love to have 200 of--simple and easy. And, I think the prizes are pretty cool. Go HERE to do it.

Second, I'd love to know what your favorite YA book is--or books.

My babysitter (who watches the boys, not me...obviously) is a 16-year old girl. She just finished her freshmen year of high school and loves to read. She asked me for a list to give her for some fun summer reading. She loves anything and everything and is super fast. Example: I texted her on Wednesday night about reading The Hunger Games. She went out yesterday morning, bought it and texted me last night that she had finished reading it. How or when she did this, I have to clue because this girl is always busy! But, on a day off, she loves to sit and read.

I told her that I knew just the right people to give me a great list--you!

So, give your favorite books in the comments section, and if you can, maybe a sentence or two about what the book is about. Think this year, last year, 10 years ago. Whatever!

Thanks and happy Friday! (I'm seeing Green Lantern tonight and I'll let you know if it's as horrible as what People Mag. says it is)

Another hard letter to write...

2011-06-16T08:40:00.000-04:00

Dear "was,"

This is my second letter to you. At first, you listened to what I had to say--you really listened. But, then as the days, the weeks and the months past, you started to go back to your old self.

I don't necessarily want you to change, you are perfect. Yet, I need the role you play in my life to change. Does that make sense? I need you, I do. But, just not in the way that you're used to.

You mean the world to me. You really do. You're such a cute little three letter word that can be used over and over again and you never mind it. I love that about you.

You are simple and convenient. You just seem to naturally show up and fit. However, you've been showing up a little too much lately. I'm sorry but I need a break, or at least a small one.

Can we make a deal? Can you come to my rescue when no other words will do? I'll still use you, promise! I'm not entirely kicking you out of my WIP, I'm just asking you to not appear in every sentence, on every page. There are other words who are able to finish the job just as well and they aren't as passive as you. Does that make sense?

I hope you don't hate me. I have to do this for the sake of my WIP and I know that you agree. You want what is best for it too. I have to give those other words a chance.

We've had a great time, truly! I appreciate all of those times that you were there, but let's give each other a bit of space.

Thanks for listening. I'll be in touch soon. Promise.

Love,

Kelly

200 Followers Giveaway!!!

2011-06-14T09:38:00.000-04:00

I'm super excited today--and for various reasons.

1. Today is my husbands last day of work. He resigned from his current job and will be starting a new one on the 27th which mean I get him home for the rest of this week and all next week! Besides the fact that he'll be home with me and boys, he has promised me a writing work day, away from the house!! So, Friday I'll be heading over to the Wellington Book Shop in Eagle where I plan on revising all day long. I can't wait. If you live in the area, come on over and find me!

2. One of my CPs, Christine, finished her first draft!!!! Yeah!!! I had given her a June 30th deadline two months ago. Christine, I'm so proud of you!!

3. I finished my first round of revisions...or at least I think I did! I'm doing my revision in layers. So, in this first round I was concentrating on plot and characterization. I add a few new scenes and tried really hard to deepen my MC. I ended up highlighting each sentence, paragraph or scene in which I feel as though my MC made a choice. If I didn't see a choice being made at all within a certain chapter, I did my best to rewrite it an add one in. Something interesting that I discovered was that there were tons of choices being made FOR my MC, but not BY her. The highlighting is what helped me find these areas. Hopefully my CPs will like the changes and will feel as though my MC is now a better character.

4. I have reached 200 Followers! Woot, Woot! Guess what that means?!?! Another giveaway!! Seriously though, THANK YOU to everyone who follows my little blog here and who have stuck with me for the last 2 years. Your support means the world to me--I've learned SO much from each and everyone of you. The best part is that I've made some great friends (even though for some of you, we've never met!). This journey is a hard one and I'm so fortunate that I don't feel alone in it. So again, thank you!

Now, onto the giveaway: Two lucky followers will have the chance to win something. Win what you're wondering?

Winner #1:
*On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King (this was the last copy at BN by the way)
*A $10 gift card to BN
*And anything else that I feel like throwing in the package....I'll surprise you.

Winner #2:
*Save the Cat: The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need by Blake Synder
*A $10 gift card to BN
*And anything else that I feel like throwing in the package...I'll surprise you too!

To enter, you have to be a follower and tell me if you could have 200 of anything, what would it be?

Of course, extra points will be given:
Old Follower +2
New Follower +1
Tweet +1
Sidebar +1
Blog +5
Add it up +1

Giveaway ends June 24th. I'll announce the two winners on Monday, June 27th.

*open to anyone...because I love you all so much!

I saw HIM across the room...

2011-06-13T08:47:00.000-04:00

Picture this:

You're standing in a very crowded room, supposedly engaged in a conversation. However, your mind is drifting. You are only vaguely paying attention to the people who you are talking to. Every now and then you nod, you say "Oh, really?" However, you mind is elsewhere. As you scan the room, checking out the other guests, you spot him.

Your mouth drop open ever so slightly because you just can't believe it is him. You've seen him so many times in your dream but never in person. He's a bit more scruffy from what you imagined, but you like it.
Throughout the rest of the evening you can't keep your eyes off of him. You find yourself glancing over at him all through the night, hoping he won't catch on, hoping others won't catch on (especially your date).

Finally, at the end of the night, when all the guests are ready to leave, you walk up to him. You hold your breath because you have no idea how he'll respond. How do you say to someone you've never met that they are exactly like you pictured? That you feel so much for them? That you know them so well?
You're not sure how to say that, and you don't want to sound like a crazy person, so instead you say: "I know this sounds like a weird request, especially because we don't know each other. But, can I take your picture?"

Okay--so this is all semi-true.

Last night, I was singing in a concert. As I stood on the stage and looked out at the audience, I saw this guy in the back. For the first three songs, my eyes kept wandering over to him. There was something about him that was familiar. Something about him made me want to keep looking at him. At first I didn't know what it was.

However, in the middle of our fourth song, it hit me. It took everything I had to contain myself. This random guy in the audience looked almost identical as my MCs love interest in my WIP. They way he sat, his hair and scruffy beard, his baseball cap, even his clothes. It was weird. And, I'm sure he thought I was weird because I kept on looking at him throughout the whole concert. I literally couldn't peel my eyes from him.

Because I'm a visual person, I needed to capture him on film...well, on my iPhone. So, I did something that it totally uncharacteristic of me. I walked up to him (and his girlfriend) after the concert and ask him if I could take his picture (I took 2--one with his hat and one without).

Now, if you know me, you'll understand how hard this was. I'm the sort of person who observes. I like to sit back and listen. Unless I know the group of people I'm with (and know them well), I tend to just listen to conversation. I'm a rather quiet person. I'm the sort of person where my friends will say, "Did you have fun? You were kind of quiet." And, typically, I did have a wonderful time. I'm just quiet.

So, anyway, I captured a picture of my muse. Two of them. I still can't believe I did it.

How about you folks? Have you ever done anything similar? Do total strangers think you're weird.

Goals: I have 4 more chapters left in this layer of revision (trying to go deeper with my characters...not sure if I'm getting it though. I may need one more round on this. We'll see what the CPs say.

Setting + Imagery = Mood

2011-06-10T07:38:00.000-04:00

My revision is going well for the most part. I'm really trying to take my time and not rush through, which is so hard for me to do. I'm the type of person that when I have a project I'm working on (no matter what it is), I like to work through until it's finished. I hate stopping.

Example: When my husband and I were painting the house, I had the room that I was working on finished with it's first by lunch. My hubby, not so much. He likes to take a 5 minute break, a 5 minute break there to catch up on his sports, take a drink (longs one), just sit down to a minute or so to breathe. Not me. I painted and painted until that very first coat was finished. When it was, I took my break.

I do the same thing with writing and revision. I keep at it until it's finished. But, I also know in writing, taking so time away from your work can give you much needed perspective. So, I'm trying.

I took some time away from my wip while it was being critiqued. All in all, I didn't look at it for a month and some odd days. Even though my one CP sent is back in chunks, I resisted the urge to work on the comments.

I started my revision last week and this time around I'm doing it in layers. So, the first round of layers is revising characterization. I'm attempting to deepen my characters, specifically my MC. I have about 1/4 of the story left to work on in this area. Hopefully I'll finish this over the weekend. If you're interested in reading a bit more about digging deeper with your characters and my attempts on doing this (plus some good info from WD that I found) click HERE.

What I hope to start next is revising the setting. I'm not changing the setting or anything, but I'm going to go through my MS and focus on the setting, looking to see if I have enough imagery to set the mood, the tone of each chapter.

Here's my thing though- (being totally honest with you all), I have no clue how to go about doing it. How do you determine what scenes need more imagery/description? And, when you do finally determine this, what's the best way to go about adding it in--meaning, how do you determine what elements make sense to add? Should I just think about the character and what she would notice first?

I hope everyone has a great weekend and that you get to do something fun. As for me and my family, I'm singing this weekend in a wedding while my oldest has a very important job of caring the rings...oh my.

Happy Friday!

Going deeper with your characters

2011-06-07T08:11:00.000-04:00

I finally have a first draft were the plot really isn't the main issue. There were no huge holes that needed to be patched up--I'm still way thrilled over this.

However, what I do need to work on through my revision is adding some dimension to my characters--mainly my MC. Although she isn't totally one-sided or flat, she could use another layer.

One way I'm attempting to do this is by really thinking about what the core or the heart of my story is. After I figure that out, I'm going scene by scene, making sure that some element of this is present. So, I feel like the core/heart of my story is about my MC making her own decision, her own choices (growing up to be her own person). Therefore, I'm attempting to go through each scene to make sure that on some level my MC is making a choice (even if she is deciding not to choose). One way I'm keeping track of this is by highlighting the paragraphs in the scene so they stand out. Then when I go back, I already know where they are and I can see if they need to go deeper.

Another way that you can deepen you characters is by changing their status (thanks WD, July/Aug. 2011 issue). Status you ask?

Status is basically in a social interaction where one person has (or tries to have) more of a dominant role. We think of authority figures, sure, but think of your own life. If you are a parent, you are the authority figure in the house. If you are an older sibling, that authority role is typically you over your younger brothers and sisters (at least when you are kids).

1. Change it up: We are constantly changing our "role" in our daily life depending on our situations. Well, have you characters do that too. Status varies on the basis of three things. relationship (parent/child), position (boss/employee), and situation (you get a flat tire and have no clue how to even begin to change it).

Although the level of the relationship, position or situation status may be out of your characters (or your) hands, the response to it is not. So, the tables can slip. A child could manipulate her father (changing the status), the employee might quit (change in status) or I the character could learn to change their own tire.

To show real dimension, change it up. Find areas where your protag has a weakness (low status) or something to overcome (high status).

2. Word choice determines characterization: We've all heard the expression, "He stole the scene!" This is when one character (usually a secondary character) upstages the star of the show. In your story, do not let this happen! It will turn the reader off. One way to keep from doing this is by looking at your choice of words. Certain words portray low status, where other do not.

Example: A person with high status might shout, holler, call, or yell. But if they scream, screech, bawls or squeals, their status lowers. Another example: Characters who quiver, tremble, whine or plead have a lower status than one who tries to remain control their pain.

Is someone stomps across the floor vs. struts across it, you get a different picture in your head, yes?

Be aware of punctuation as well. The can effect status too. Just remember, a wimpy protag isn't interesting just as a wimpy antag isn't frightening. Both heroes and villains need high status at some point. Remember, choices determine status.

3. Give you protag a chance to be heroic: Readers will not empathize with a weak protag. They want them to have strength of conviction, moral courage, and noble aspirations. Now, this isn't all the time-- you have to show weakness too--they aren't superhuman (well, maybe they are, but there is still some sort of weakness).

If you can spot weakness in your protag but are having trouble finding ways to add more strength, look at these tips:
*Have your protag sacrifice for the good of others (physical, financial,material, or emotional)
*Have them stand up for the oppressed (show compassion and life affirming, uphold dignity and value human life)
*Have them turn the other cheek (self-control--shown by what they do, or refrain from doing).

4. Status builds as the story escalates: As the story builds towards the climax, the status of both your hero and the villain should also rise. The antag should become more an more cruel and unstoppable, while the good guy will become more courageous and find more strength.

Status has more to do with actions than motives, so even though the bad guy and the good guy have different ideas in store, you can raise the status of either one by giving them self-control, courage, or resolve. Keep in mind, being still can make someone more imposing too.

Low status: arrogance, loss of control, cries or weeps often, slouches, tense, avoids eye contact, postures, shows off, narcissistic, shrinks from danger, cowardly, shy, needy, argumentative, tries to be cool, dependent, conforms, makes threats

High status: confidence, self-control, reserved, good posture, relaxed, steady gaze, exhibits poise, humble, courageous, outgoing, self-reliant, listens attentively, independent but also relational, sets trends, takes action

Peripety and the winner of my giveaway!!

2011-06-06T07:40:00.000-04:00

So, I learned a new word over the weekend.

Peripety (say it out loud...it's fun. I think it is now one of my new favorite words. I love how it just rolls off the tongue).

Peripety: A sudden turn of events that reverses the expected or intended outcome, particularly in a literary work.

Another way to think about it: peripety is the hinge (another new favorite word!) on which the reversal of destiny occurs.

Two examples of peripeteia I've come up with are from two very different pieces of literature.

1. Hamlet: Hamlet has the chance to kill Claudius but doesn't because he thinks he is praying.

2. The Bible (in the old testament, the book of Ruth): King Xerxes suddenly has a case of insomina one night, which sets up the rest of the story.

Think of your favorite book, or think of the one you are ready now. Can you identify this turn of events?
Now, think of your WIP. Yes, you know where I'm going with this....can you identify the turn of events in the story you're writing? I hope so! If not, get to it.

Now, onto the winner of Jeri Smith-Ready's two SIGNED copies of Shade and Shift.

Drumroll please.....

Paul Joseph!!!

Congrats!!! I'll be in touch with you to get your info!

Thanks to everyone who entered!

Happy Monday!

Epic Fail Friday

2011-06-03T07:12:00.000-04:00

I dropped the ball guys.

I was supposed to announce who won BOTH Shade and Shift by Jeri Smith-Ready (signed copies, I might add) today. However, that's not going to happen.

My humble apologies.

It seems that this week I just couldn't pull my stuff together (I'm SO going to blame this on my 3 sick kids).

So, because I dropped the ball, I'm going to leave the giveaway open until Sunday (you're welcome) and will announce the winner on Monday (a great way to start the week off!).

All you need to do is answer the following question in the comment section:

* When you die, would you want to come back as a ghost and haunt the people you love? Why or why not?

1pt. New Follower

2pt. Old Follower (following before 5/26)

1pt. Twitter shout out

1pt. Sidebar of your blog

3pt. Post on blog

1pt. Add up total of points

Spread the word and have a happy Friday!

My MC lacks real motivation

2011-06-01T09:03:00.000-04:00

Every character needs motivation for anything they do, or the story wouldn't make any sense. Have you heard this question: "Okay, but what is their motivation to do (insert whatever it is here)?"

This is where I'm at with my story.

I have the main conflict and I have some good inner conflict (granted, I need to play this up a bit), but I am having a very difficult time figuring out what my MCs main motivation is--you know, the thing that really propels the story forward. I have the inciting incident, but no real motivation. I've been thinking and thinking on it, but I'm still coming up with nothing.

What is the best way to figure this out?

I'm also wondering if this motivation needs to be established in Chapter 1?

Trying to find my theme...

2011-05-31T08:27:00.000-04:00

okay folks...here's the deal. My first draft is finished (yahoo!) and so now begins the long process of editing and going through all the comments.

Fortunately, there aren't any huge plot holes (notice I didn't say plot problems, there are a few of those, but nothing horrid). From what I gather from the notes that I've received back, the main thing that I need to look at (for now- I edit in layers), is to deepen my MC (her motivation needs to be strengthened) and to really develop the theme (there are others, but for now, I'm focusing on this).

Theme- I'm having a hard time figuring out what it is in my story, which leads me to think that I don't have one or that I just need to make it more clear. Does every story have a theme or can a story be fine without one (or an obvious one)?

Or can the theme just "show up" while writing without the author knowing it. I guess I'm worried because when I set out to write this story, I didn't have a certain "theme" in mind. I'm not trying to make a statement of any sort. I just wanted to write an entertainging story.

But, if I really think about it and if there needs to be some sort of theme, I guess it is basically about a girl who is growing up--trying to figure out who she is/what she wants/what she believes in. Are these the themes? And, if so, are they enough or are they too general?

Thoughts?

Oh, and don't forget this is the last week to enter for you for chance to win SIGNED copies of Shift and Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready!!! Go HERE to enter- and spread the word!

Book Giveaway!!!

2011-05-26T14:11:00.000-04:00

I feel like all I do is apologize on here--or well, at least the past few weeks. Thing have just been CRAZY at my house. The baby is having major GI issues (biopsy is next week) and the oldest now has Lyme's disease...and I just found out he nows has bells palsy from the Lyme. *sigh*

So, again, I'm sorry that this blog has not been up to snuff as of late. Sometimes when it rains, it pours.

Okay- on to the post!

This past weekend was AWESOME (and tiring). In fact, I am still playing catch up from my lack of sleep.

Friday night I had the opportunity to attend Jeri Smith-Ready's book signing of Shift. And, let me tell you...it was FAB.U.LOUS. I met Frankie at the Chester County Bookstore and we drove together. Sara and Donna were also there...so basically, it was the First Novels Club (or at least 3/4 of them) and I *pictures of the event are somewhere out there*

Let me give a small rundown of why it was awesome:

1. It was my VERY first book signing ever!
2. Jeri is SO sweet. She took the time to talk to me about characters and their accents (she has a character from Scotland, I have a character from Scotland...I wish I could have picked her brain all night long).
3. She brought cookies...really good cookies
4. She read from Shift, and did a scottish accent
5. After the signing, Jeri, FNC, and myself stood around and talked...and talked...and talked. Not just about books and writing either. I think the end of the world was a topic as well as our school's motto.
6. After the signing, Frankie, Sara and myself went to see the new Pirates movie...so good.
7. I DROVE. Yep. That's right. I drove.

And because I love Shade and am loving Shift, I bought 2 extra copies, and asked Jeri to sign them. Guess what that means? 1 lucky winner will get both books, both signed. Awesome, right? Right.

To enter you must answer the following question: (in the comment section)

* When you die, would you want to come back as a ghost and haunt the people you love? Why or why not?

1pt. New Follower
2pt. Old Follower (following before 5/26)
1pt. Twitter shout out
1pt. Sidebar of your blog
3pt. Post on blog
1pt. Add up total of points

Entering closes on Thursday, June 2nd. I'll post who won on Friday, June 3rd.

Progress Post #2

2011-05-24T11:04:00.000-04:00

Okay folks, as promised (and if you're interested) here is my second update on the revision stats. for my WIP.

For now, I'm still calling it Wild Water, however, I'm throwing around some other titles.

These stats are from after I reread the MS to fix some things with the plot (I'm revising this in layers).

Total Number of Pages: 235

Words Cut: 78

Word Count: 62,063

Chapters: 28

I'm half-way through my first revision. I still have the last 10 chapters to go through, but thought I'd give an update now. I'm sure more will be cut and there are some things that need to be expanded upon in what I've looked at so far.

This is all I have today, folks. My mind is sort of blank. I don't really have anything to report on, so that is why I'm going with my progress report for the time being.

Any stats you want to give?

Friday Five

2011-05-20T10:06:00.000-04:00

Here we go:

1. When I poured the creamer into my coffee this morning, it came out in chunks. Not good.

2. Tomorrow starts "The Wedding Season" for me. *sigh* Don't get me wrong. I'm happy for all my friends getting hitched, but it's just a ton of money at once.

3. I'm hopefully going to see an old friend this weekend which means much laughter and shenanigans will take place.

4. I'm thinking of skipping out on the wedding early tomorrow and going to the theatre to see the new Pirates movie...that is, if I don't go with Frankie tonight.

5. The reason I may not go with Frankie tonight is because I have no clue as to where I'm going and I'm a BIG time wuss when it comes to driving places I've never been. Yes. I know. I need to build a bridge and get over it (or under it) but I can't. It's my one hang up. Yes. I only have one.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Cracked

2011-05-18T14:05:00.000-04:00

Okay. I usually don't do 2 posts in one day. I mean, seriously. It's a miracle if I'm able to write one post. But, today I want to give a huge shout out and show my love to K. M. Walton.

Why?

Because of this:

Awesome, yes?

Kate's debut book, Cracked, comes out on March 6, 2012 and this is the cover. I'm stoked. And for various reasons. But, I'll just write out my top three:

1. the book sounds awesome.

2. the book sounds awesome.

3. Kate is awesome.

I'm fortunate to say that I know Kate and am SO glad I do. Not only is she a talented writer but she is an amazing person. She is such an encourager and cheerleader to those of us who are aspiring to get to the position she is in. If you don't know her story about her road to publication, ask her.

Please stop by Kate's blog to say Congrats! Oh, and there might be a giveaway involved too....

Synopsis help!

2011-05-18T08:14:00.000-04:00

*First draft is finished of my MS and is in the hands of a CP- check

*First draft of a query letter is finished- check

*First draft of a synopsis is finished- uh, nope.

As you know, I've been feeling a bit restless because I haven't really had anything to work on. You may know the feeling. You're first, or second, or third, or...draft is finished and is being read by your CPs. So, you sit and twiddle your thumbs. You ask yourself, "what should I do now while I wait?"

This is what I've been doing. So, to find something to do, I wrote my query letter. Then I revised my query letter. I think it may be close to being finished but I need someone to look at it. So, I'm back to square one. Waiting.

But, someone reminded me the other day about this 2 page thing called a synopsis. Yes! Now, if only I really knew how to write one...

I know that a synopsis is only supposed to be about 2 pages long and that you basically go through the book from beginning to end. But, how do you actually do that in those 2 pages?

I would love any tips that you folks might have!

In a slump

2011-05-16T11:12:00.000-04:00

Yeah. So, it has been forever since I've posted. I know. Sorry, especially to all my new followers! Life has been a bit crazy recently.

The little guy (7 months) is having GI issues so this past week started the testing. Fun times. We still don't know what the deal is, so more tests are being scheduled. This is one of the main reasons I haven't been posting. But, to be honest, the biggest reason is because I'm in a slump.

My first draft is finished (yeah!!!) and in the hands of a CP. So, I'm basically waiting. I realized last week that I needed something to work on, so I drafted a query letter. And, well, now...it's back to waiting. This is the reason I haven't been blogging. I just don't have anything significant to post and I seriously doubt any of you want to hear about how I cleaned this weekend...

I will tell you though that Saturday night was the Philly Lit Night and was awesome. I'm not sure how much talking we did regarding writing, but I do know that a hypothetical stories were told--they are always good for laughs. I'm sure at some point this week there will be a picture floating around.

How was your weekend? Do anything fun? Get any writing finished?

Goals for this week:
* start brainstorming a new idea while I wait for my comments from my CP
* my house is actually clean everyone...what to do with that free time?

Tension and Release

2011-05-09T10:22:00.000-04:00

Okay-

I watch The Vampire Diaries and I'm not afraid to admit it. Here are but just 2 reasons why I do watch the show..can you blame me?

However, the other reason I watch is because the writing is great as far as tension is concerned. If you've seen the last few episodes, you know exactly what I'm talking about. I'm still reeling from last week. There aren't too many shows that do that to me, but this one does.

*There is of course the whole love triangle thing (admit it, Elana. Part of you is totally into Damon)

*There is the whole brotherly love/hate thing

*There is the whole we are friends but we shouldn't be because I'm a vampire and you're a werewolf thing

*There is the father/daughter (okay...well not anymore since John, ummm...left?), mother/daughter thing

*There is the whole sexy ex-girlfriend/vampire who looks like my current girlfriend thing and plays on everyones emotions

*Oh, and there's the which character is getting killed off this episode thing

I could go on. But, I'll stop there.

The writing is great and in every single show I'm so tense because I'm not sure what is going to happen next. And, after every show, I'm left thinking of my own writing.

So, now I want you to think of yours. How is the tension? Do you have any? Some? Is your book filled to the brim with it? Keep in mind, tension can come in many forms...not just sexual or a character getting ready to kill another one.

Go and look. I'll wait.

Okay- the tension is there. Great. If not, highlight parts where you need to add it in.

Now, go back and read. After the tension, do you have release from it all? Because release from the tension is just as important. We don't want our readers to be on edge throughout the whole entire story. They need to be able to breathe every once in a while.

Is it harder for you to write in the tension or the release? What is your "rule" on writing both of them?

Oh and if your a fan of The Vampire Diaries (and really, even if you aren't), check out Frankie's Vampire Diaries Recaps on the FNC blog. They are SO funny. Something I look forward to reading every week!

Goals for the week: Finish going through the comments on my MS and making any corrections

Character Questions

2011-05-03T07:52:00.000-04:00

Yesterday we talked about the past. More specifically, your character's past. I had quoted that "You cannot amputate your history from your destiny." This is true. In your own life and in the life of your characters.

Today, let's explore what interests your characters. What makes their heart leap? Plummet? What scares them? Excites them? What's their favorite color? Food? Drink?

Just stop for a moment and think on it.

Knowing your character loves pizza is not something the reader needs to know, unless it is important for the plot, but if you, as the writer know this, it can help you in the big scheme of things when your character is on the page.

Now, are you going to keep the the fact that your characters loves extra cheese and always wishes there was sauce on the side for dipping her crust in while writing the huge climax? Probably not. But, a character who loves her greesy pizza is probably going to have a certain air about them from a character whose favorite food is Mousse de Foies de Volaille (chicken liver pate).

Look at the following questions and answer them from your characters point-of-view (these are totally random and not very "deep"). More for fun, but still worth looking at to explore your characters better. At least I think so.

1. Full name
2. Zodiac Sign
3. Sweet or sour?
4. Summer or Winter?
5. Chocolate or vanilla?
6. Tea or coffee?
7. Driver or passenger?
8. Football or baseball?
9. Buffett or Sit down dinner?
10. chocolate candy or hard candy?
11. Sight-seeing vacation or tropcial island?
12. Green or blue?
13. Mac or Microsoft?
14. Pepperoni or plain cheese pizza?
15. Beer or wine?
16. blue ink or black ink?
17. coke or pepsi?
18. Dodge ball or card game?
19. Contacts or glasses?
20. CDs or downloaded?

Did you know all of these answers? Did you have to stop and think on any of them? Do any of your characters answers match those of your own?

Now I feel like we should all copy and paste this into an email and fwd. it around...oh wait...that's already been done!

Happy Tuesday everyone!

History = Destiny

2011-05-02T09:56:00.000-04:00

You cannot amputate your history from your destiny.

Just think on that for a second. Read it again.

You cannot amputate your history from your destiny. I love that. You cannot be the person who you are supposed to be if you forget your history--if you forget where you have been, what you have gone through. No matter how painful. No matter how ordinary you might think your history is.

Not only does this play into what you decide to do with your life, and what you are aspiring to be/do, I think it also plays into the stories that we weave. This plays into the life of our characters.

You need to know the history/past of your character to know where they are going, where they will end up, what their ultimate destiny will be. The reader doesn't need to all know of these facts, but you as the writer should. Their history is what makes they who they are in the beginning of the story and who them will become in the end.

The wip that I'm working on, I really thought about my characters. Where they had been, the hardships that they had encountered in the past. I thought of things that happened to them as kids. I thought of their family dynamics. Most of this stuff the reader will never see. But, it really helped me with my characterization. And, this is the first time where the CPs haven't really said anything about the voice of my character or that something seems "out of character" for them. I think because for the first time, I gave my characters a detailed past that only I know.

So, do your characters have a history that will help determine their destiny?

Goals for this week: Finish a critique and start working on the notes from my CPs. So far, I don't have anything major to do (*whew*). If there are no huge blunders on my part for the rest of the ms, I might just be able to query come June. *crossing fingers*

Friday Five

2011-04-29T09:57:00.000-04:00

I'm looking forward to the weekend. You?

1. I did not watch the Royal Wedding. At least not live. Nor did I record it. But, I did put on the news this morning when my mother called me and told me to put it on for my 4 1/2 year old. "He won't understand it, but he'll remember." His reaction: "Eww. They kissed! Am I going to marry that princess? Who am I going to marry? Can I marry Chloe (a girl in his preschool class)?"

2. Seeing the Royal Wedding makes me want to get married all over again. I loved my wedding day. We had a blast. It really was the best day of my life. Maybe someday I can renew my vows and do it all over again.

3. I went out last night and did karoke (I don't sing it..I go to laugh). Got home at midnight. Now I know why I like to get to bed early.

4. Tomorrow night we are meeting some friends for dinner at this place where the staff dresses up from the 1700s. And, I wouldn't be surprised if one of the guys from the gang joins in with a costume. He's fun like that.

5. I'm currently critiquing a MS for a CP which I love to do, although sometimes I wonder if I'm any help at all! I am so honored when people ask me to read and critique for them. The stuff that I am priviledged to look at always blows me away and inspires me to do better.

Have a great weekend!

Support...or lack of

2011-04-27T10:38:00.000-04:00

Having support and encouragement is SO important on this road to publication. I can't imagine doing this without it. Actually, I can't imagine doing life without support.

People need it. I don't care what your occupation is. We were not made to be islands.

However, what do you do when you feel as though you are an island, but not because of anything you have done? What do you do if you have no support on the home front?

We've all talked about balance. Trying to find the perfect balance is not a new or interesting post around these parts. A lot of it comes down to schedules.

What happens even when you make a schedule as balanced as you can but have that one person who feels as though writing is STILL more important? And, they make you feel guilty for writing?

You've tried talking to them. You've told them how you feel...about writing and about them. And, so for a little while, everything is cool. But, slowly (why is it always slow?) they start going back to how they used to feel. And again, your left feeling guilty.

Guilty that you're not spending enough time with them
Guilty that you're house isn't as clean as it could be
Guilty that you're not banging out that word count
Guilty that you could be focusing on something that would actually bring money in...like, the job you used to do
Guilty because you wonder if they are right and you really are chasing after a dream...after all, a dream is... well, a dream. You have to wake up eventually.

Just curious on how you handle a person/persons who just don't get it...and said person should be one the one holding the huge poster board cheering you on...

*in case my hubby reads this post: This is not about you...I know you would never hold a poster board because that's just not your thing, but I do appreciate your support (even if it is in a teasing way)*

Concept but no story + Goals

2011-04-25T08:24:00.000-04:00

I'm bored.

And, I shouldn't be. Technically speaking, I could clean every single day during nap time at the house, but I don't. For some reason, I'm a Saturday morning cleaner. Maybe it is just easier to do when I can tell the hubby to keep the boys occupied. I don't know. I just can't bring myself to clean during the week.

I know, I know. If I did one room each day, everything would be finished by Saturday and then I could play all day. Thanks, Mom. Perhaps one day I'll do that.

So, anyway- I'm bored. Why? My first draft has been in the hands of two CPs all last week so I have nothing to really "work" on. And, as everyone knows since you've been through it (or will know), I'm dying over here waiting to get the comments back. This is usually when I would start outlining another story.

And, I tired to. But, the story isn't coming to me.

At. All.

The only things I know are:
1. the concept of how to write this story (however, it totally might not work)
2. the time period
3. how my couple is torn apart (physically speaking...they get seperated)

And, that's it. I'm having a VERY hard time coming up with the actual story- you know, the plot. And well, that is sort of important.

I've tried all of my brainstorming techniques: looking at pictures, researching the era, listening to music, daydreaming, doing something unrelated to writing in hopes my mind will wander. Last night, I even sat down and tried to write a bit of what I think the opening might look like (I wrote 1/4 of a page). Still nothing.

So, any ideas for me?!?!

Goals for this week: I'm going to try and be patient. I SO want to bug the CPs and see how far they are and when they think they'll be finished. But, I'm not. Nor have I yet. The suspense is killing me! My other goal is to clean....ha! How about you?

Progress Post #1

2011-04-21T08:07:00.000-04:00

Okay folks, as promised (and if you're interested) here is my very first update on the revision stats. for my WIP.

Oh, and I finally have a title (or I think I do...). As for now, I'm calling it Wild Water. It might change, it might not.

These stats are from after I reread the MS to fix some things with the plot (I'm revising this in layers).

Total Number of Pages: 236
Words Cut: 746
Words Added: 2,668
Word Count: 62,141
Chapters: 30

When I look at these stats. I have a mixture of emotion. At first glance, I feel proud of myself. Not because I think I wrote an awesome story, but because I've learned SO much since writing my first book and this one was "easier." Meaning, I understood how to go about writing a book so much better that this time around there isn't as much unneeded pages or as much information dumping going on. This of course doesn't mean that there isn't any, just not as much. Besides the info. dump, my characters are there. I spent a ton of time really developing my characters in my head before I began writing this story. The first time around I didn't do this at all. I sat down and wrote and my characters finally found their voice by the last chapter...I had a lot of revising to do just to find each of their voices.

The second emotion I feel when I look at these stats are confusion (at least I think this is the right word for it). I'm getting why I won't cut 746 words. That doesn't seem like a lot to me. Maybe it's beause it my first book I cut thousands. And thousands. So, we'll see what the CPs say.

Again, just throwing it out there, unless the CPs find a HUGE problem with the story and a rewrite is called for, I'm hoping to query by the end of June. Key word there is hoping. If I can, great. If not, I'm fine with that too.

While I bite my nails and overeat waiting to hear back from the CPs I'm brainstorming new ideas (I have three and need to decide which to do!). I also wrote my first draft of a query letter. I actually didn't do to bad...some revision still on it, but for the first time around, it could have been worse!

Any stats you want to give?

It isn't you. It's me.

2011-04-18T09:44:00.000-04:00

Have you ever said any of the following?

* This doesn't mean it's over
* I just need some space
* We are still friends. Promise
* Distance makes the heart grow fonder. Really.
* I need some time to think things over

I hope so...at least to your first drafts (feel free to tell us any other stories if you want...I don't mind venting on this blog.)

I personally have used all of them. Breaking up is hard to do, that's for sure. But, sometimes I think taking a break can be more difficult-- at least for me.

Just this past week, I decided that I was going to break up with my first WIP. I had printed it out (much to my hubby's dismay) and started to read through it. Ugh. It is definitly the one story that will never see the light of day. Maybe someday we'll rediscover each other again, or at least the concept. But, we are through.

The first draft I just finished though, is a different story. We are currently on a break. And, only because I need some time to clear my head so when I do go back to it, I can look at it with an objective eye. Or, look again at it with an objective eye.

I took one week off from my ms. Reread it. Cut some words, added some words, fixed some plot lines and sent it off to my awesome CP. Now, I'm a nervous wreck.

My ms and I are on our 2nd break in 2 weeks--hey, it happens. But, this break is different because someone else has their hands on it and is speaking to it, making comments. I know it's necessary, but still...yikes!

Since I sent it off to be read, I decided I couldn't just sit around. I'm not that type of girl. Never was. I do not wait around for phone calls....so, I wrote my query letter...or at least my first attempt at one. However, now I'm at a loss. What to do? What to do?

Start brainstorming a new idea? Is that cheating (We were on a break!)? Email my CP has see if they started reading yet and what they think (no, I really won't do this, but I SO want to...)?

What do you guys work on when you are giving your WIP some space?

Weekend Love

2011-04-15T11:11:00.000-04:00

TGIF!!!!

This has been one long week for me...the rain had something to do with that though. Luckily, today is nothing but sunshine in PA.

Besides the fact that it just is the weekend, here is why I'm super excited...

1. No house showings!!! Or, at least not yet. I'm so sick and tired of trying to keep my house neat and clean with 3 little kids around. Not fun at all.

2. I have NO bridal or baby showers this weekend! Don't get me wrong, I love celebrating the beginnings of things with people, but it's nice to have a break every once in a while. This spring/summer is going to be another wedding full season for us.

3. On Sunday, my husband and I are taking our 4 year old to see Mary Poppins in Philly. I can't wait!! I love musical theatre!

4. On Saturday, I'm getting together with Kate and Christine to have a "workday." We're getting together and going to write, talk, eat, write,
eat, talk, write, write, write, write...and talk, talk, talk. I can't wait!!!

5. I'm sending my hubby out to Victory Brewing tonight to get our growler filled...if you don't know what a growler is, I'm so sorry.

Progress Post #1

2011-04-13T07:53:00.000-04:00

Here are my first round of stats. on my wip. Revisions have not started, so these numbers are from when I first finished the draft on April 7th.

Words: 59,312
Chapters: 26
Pages: 224
**Goal: Query in June**

I'm going to do my revisions in layers. First layer will be focusing on plot. Hopefully I'll be able to really see the story objectively (I have such a problem with this) and fix all the plot holes before sending to my CPs.

**Subject to change**

Have a happy Wednesday!