Writing Aspirations

A year.. a year... a year

2008-11-06T17:30:00.003-06:00

How much has happened in a year, so much that I don't even know where to start. So, I shall just start afresh and say that I am participating in the NaNoWriMo once more. Something very fun and always exciting. I suppose I will update my lovely little blog here and remove some of old sidebar addons, that will be a good activity for me.

Hello again to you all :)

The evil puppet that makes me laugh.

2007-11-30T17:58:00.001-06:00

Hehehe, this just makes me crack up.

Hail to the Sagittarians

2007-11-28T12:58:00.000-06:00

I am a Sagittarian and I love being a Sag. I feel that quite a few of the traits common to Sag's fit my own personality. Today I saw a first though... I've never read health concerns for people by their astrological sign....

Here's an excerpt I found:

"Sagittarius governs the hips, thighs and sacral area; subjects suffer from ailments of the hips and thighs and are liable to sciatica and rheumatism. An alleged deficiency of silicon in their physiques can give them poor skin, nails and hair.

As they are often sportsmen indulging in dangerous pursuits, they are prone to accidents which arise from these. The ancient astrologers mention falls from horses and hurts from them and other four-footed beasts. The taking of risks in other sports is a danger to the modern Sagittarian, and he is also liable to accidents with fire and heat."

Hmmm, is it telling me I have a big butt! What do you think? Health concerns by sign? Make sense or no?

Here's the site where I got the excerpt.

Giant Bugs have so much potential!

2007-11-27T10:47:00.000-06:00

Ok, as a writer who digs those adventure stories and strangely mutated creature stories, this news article just gets my brain buzzing. This is soooo cool. Read the giant bug article.

The Office is Closed

2007-11-09T12:47:00.001-06:00

Kudos to the writers. They don't see nearly the benefit that the actors see. I wish em luck.... but secretly hope they resolve things soon!

SNOW!

2007-11-09T09:12:00.000-06:00

Oh good grief the snow has arrived already.

Le Sigh

Happy Monday to All!

2007-11-05T11:58:00.000-06:00

You know, Monday's come and go! I found the old nursery rhyme about the children of the days. I thought it might be interesting to see how folks think they match up to this little nursery rhyme.

Monday's Child (Nursery Rhyme)
Author: Unknown
Monday's child is fair of face,
Tuesday's child is full of grace,
Wednesday's child is full of woe,
Thursday's child has far to go,
Friday's child is loving and giving,
Saturday's child must work for a living,
But the child that's born on the Sabbath day,
Is fair and wise and good and gay.

Can't remember what day you were born on... This Site will give you the day!

I was born on a Monday. Well, I have no grace... and I'm pretty positive so I knew I wasn't a Tuesday or Wednesday. And who wants to be a Saturday?

Shoot!

2007-11-04T23:56:00.000-06:00

Don't you hate it when you get busy and you forget to do something you meant to do?

This time last year...

2007-11-03T21:40:00.000-05:00

I made the decision to review every letter of the alphabet of the entrants for the NaBloPoMo event. This year, I think I won't try that again! Instead. I think I'll just randomly surf through the great blogs participating and just share my favorites for that day.

So stay tuned and I'll bring you some of the blogging highlights from Nablopomo! And maybe share some of my lovely designs that I've made in photoshop... why? Because I'm always goofing off in photoshop these days and am a bit addicted to it! :)

I've still got it! Oh Yah!

2007-11-02T13:15:00.000-05:00

I may have been out of the game but I haven't lost it all yet! I took the What's Your Blog IQ quiz and got the following:

"Blogs are nothing new to you – you've weathered your share of blogstorms and maybe even started a couple yourself. You may remember reading "weblogs" in 1997, when Jorn Barger started "logging the web" in Robot Wisdom. Since then, the "blogosphere," the total of blog-related websites, has exploded. As a blog guru, you've probably encountered blog novelties out such as the milblog, a soldier's military chronicle. "Dark blogs" are no mystery to you either – you might even be a member of these hidden, invitation-only websites."

To Nano or Not To Nano, That is the Question.

2007-11-01T13:41:00.000-05:00

So... it's been WEEKS since I've blogged and the last couple of weeks I find myself thinking more and more about it. Here it is the first day of Nablopomo AND nanowrimo and I find myself wondering if I have it in my to give both of them a whirl.

I think I can do it. Well, I hope I can do it... I should say. I do know one thing. I've missed being in the blogosphere and the nablopomo is just the thing to get me back in the groove!

When Mom's HIT ebay!

2007-09-04T10:28:00.000-05:00

Hehehe, this lady is a riot. If you've not seen her listing, you should! You've got to read her story!

A little funny on public restrooms.

2007-08-20T12:47:00.001-05:00

Yes, I'm shamelessly forwarding a funny one of my friends emailed to me!

When you have to visit a public bathroom, you usually find a line of women, so you smile politely and take your place. Once it's your turn, you check for feet under the stall doors. Every stall is occupied.

Finally, a door opens and you dash in, nearly knocking down the woman leaving the stall.

You get in to find the door won't latch. It doesn't matter, the wait has been so long you are about to wet your pants! The dispenser for the modern "seat covers" (invented by someone's Mom, no doubt) is handy, but empty. You would hang your purse on the door hook, if there was one, but there isn't - so you carefully, but quickly drape it around your neck, (Mom would turn over in her grave if you put it on the FLOOR!), yank down your pants, and assume " The Stance."

In this position your aging, toneless thigh muscles begin to shake. You'd love to sit down, but you certainly hadn't taken time to wipe the seat or lay toilet paper on it, so you hold "The Stance."

To take your mind off your trembling thighs, you reach for what you discover to be the empty toilet paper dispenser. In your mind, you can hear your mother's voice saying, "Honey, if you had tried to clean the seat, you would have KNOWNthere was no toilet paper!" Your thighs shake more.

You remember the tiny tissue that you blew your nose on yesterday - the one that's still in your purse. (Oh yeah, the purse around your neck, that now, you have to hold up trying not to strangle yourself at the same time). That would have to do. You crumple it in the puffiest way possible. It's still smaller than your thumbnail .

Someone pushes your door open because the latch doesn't work. The door hits your purse, which is hanging around your neck in front of your chest, and you and your purse topple backward against the tank of the toilet. "Occupied!" you scream, as you reach for the door, dropping your precious, tiny, crumpled tissue in a puddle on the floor, lose your footing altogether, and slide down directly onto the TOILET SEAT. It is wet of course. You bolt up, knowing all too well that it's too late. Your bare bottom has made contact with every imaginable germ and life form on the uncovered seat because YOU never laid down toilet paper - not that there was any, even if you had taken time to try. You know that your mother would be utterly appalled if she knew, because, you're certain her bare bottom never touched a public toilet seat because, frankly, dear, "You just don't KNOW what kind of diseases you could get."

By this time, the automatic sensor on the back of the toilet is so confused that it flushes, propelling a stream of water like a fire hose against the inside of the bowl that sprays a fine mist of water that covers your butt and runs down your legs and into your shoes. The flush somehow sucks everything down with such force that you grab onto the empty toilet paper dispenser for fear of being dragged in too.

At this point, you give up. You're soaked by the spewing water and the wet toilet seat. You're exhausted. You try to wipe with a gum wrapper you found in your pocket and then slink out inconspicuously to the sinks.

You can't figure out how to operate the faucets with the automatic sensors, so you wipe your hands with spit and a dry paper towel and walk past the line of women still waiting.

You are no longer able to smile politely to them. A kind soul at the very end of the line points out a piece of toilet paper trailing from your shoe. (Where was that when you NEEDED it??) You yank the paper from your shoe, plunk it in the woman's hand and tell her warmly, "Here, you just might need this."

As you exit, you spot your hubby, who has long since entered, used, and left the men's restroom. Annoyed, he asks, "What took you so long, and why is your purse hanging around your neck?"

This is dedicated to women everywhere who deal with a public restrooms (rest??? you've GOT to be kidding!!). It finally explains to the men what really does take us so long. It also answers their other commonly asked questions about why women go to the restroom in pairs. It's so the other gal can hold the door, hang onto your purse and hand you Kleenex under the door!

This HAD to be written by a woman! No one else could describe it so accurately!

Send this to all women that need a good laugh AND, don't forget to have a mammogram!!!!!! It could save your life!

A Friend Is Like A Good Bra...

Hard to Find

Supportive

Comfortable

Always Lifts You Up

Never Lets You Down or Leaves You Hanging

And Is Always Close To Your Heart!!!

Share this with a friend!

I Just Did

My heart goes out to all impacted by HWY 35 Collapse!

2007-08-02T09:01:00.000-05:00

I've called my friends and they are all well. Thank goodness. A few of my friends I was unable to reach until this morning and I was worried. The Twin Cities is a huge metro... but I can't tell you how many times I've driven across that bridge... and this morning, as I crossed the bridges on 494, I admit to having moments of concern.

My friends and family have also been calling me to make sure we are all well.... and we are, thank goodness. I can't tell you how much of a tragedy this is for all of us here in Minnesota.

by Robert Frost

Out through the fields and the woods
And over the walls I have wended;
I have climbed the hills of view
And looked at the world and descended;
I have come by the highway home,
And lo, it is ended.

The leaves are all dead on the ground,
Save those that the oak is keeping
To ravel them one by one
And let them go scraping and creeping
Out over the crusted snow,
When others are sleeping.

And the dead leaves lie huddled and still,
No longer blown hither and thither;
The last lone aster is gone;
The flowers of the witch-hazel wither;
The heart is still aching to seek,
But the feet question 'Whither?'

Ah, when to the heart of man
Was it ever less than a treason
To go with the drift of things,
To yield with a grace to reason,
And bow and accept the end
Of a love or a season?

Major HWY Bridge collapses into Mississippi River... OMG

2007-08-01T19:30:00.000-05:00

Oh man.... I live in the Twin Cities and cross over HWY35 to work every day. The bridge collapsed, part of it covering a train, several children in school buses... cars just dropping beneath them.

Simply unbelievable. For all my neighbors here in the Twin Cities... I hope you are well.

Local news station

Question for you writers of erotica and poets on word usage.

2007-08-01T09:20:00.001-05:00

Some people are deeply connected to anniversaries and spend a lot of time, money and energy on getting the perfect anniversary gift for our beloveds. My husband and I aren't the kind of people you'd describe as deeply connected to our anniversary though.... Nope, last year we both completely forgot our anniversary. It wasn't until a day or two after that we remembered! Anyway, this year I wanted to write an erotic poem for my husband. The only problem is.... I don't write in that genre. I've been reading up and I've found several articles on the difference of erotica and sexual fiction... and much of it seems to me to come down to word usage... glistening folds, heaving bosoms... versus other more... colorful or straight forward language. So, my question to you writers of the "mature"... when you write for men and in the form of poetry, what side of the word usage fence do you stand on? Do you go with words that I can't post here, or do you go with softer, more romantic imagery type of words?

I'm sure my husband will read it, say, "yeah that's great".... but it's the thought that counts and I want to get it right :)

To teenagers, young adults and all you little whiners, here you go from us 30ers

2007-07-31T14:43:00.000-05:00

If you are 30 or older you will think this is hilarious!!!!

When I was a kid, adults used to bore me to tears with their tedious
diatribes about how hard things were when they were growing up; what with walking twenty-five miles to school every morning ... uphill BOTH ways.
yadda, yadda, yadda

And I remember promising myself that when I grew up, there was no way I was going to lay a bunch of crap like that on kids about how hard I
had it and how easy they've got it!

But now that I'm over the ripe old age of thirty, I can't help but look
around and notice the youth of today. You've got it so easy! I mean,
compared to my childhood, you live in a Utopia! And I hate to say it
but you kids today don't know how good you've got it!

I mean, when I was a kid we didn't have The Internet. If we wanted to know something, we had to go to the library and look it up ourselves, in the card catalog!!

There was no email! ! We had to actually write somebody a letter ... with a pen! Then you had to walk all the way across the street and put it in the mailbox and it Would take like a week to get there!

There were no MP3's or Napsters! You wanted to steal music, you had to
hitchhike to the record store and shoplift it yourself!

Or you had to wait around all day to tape it off the radio and the DJ'd
usually talk over the beginning and mess it all up!

We didn't have fancy stuff like Call Waiting! If you were on the phone and somebody else called they got a busy signal, that's it!

And we didn't have fancy Caller ID Boxes either! When the phone rang, you had no idea who it was! It could be your school, your mom, your boss, your bookie, your drug dealer, a collections agent, you just didn't know!!! You had to pick it up and take your chances, mister!

We didn't have any fancy Sony Playstation video games with high-resolution 3-D graphics! We had the Atari 2600! With games like "Space Invaders" and "asteroids" and the graphics sucked! Your guy was a little square! You actually had to use your imagination! And there were no multiple levels or screens, it was just one screen forever! And you could never win. The game just kept getting harder and harder and faster and faster until you died!
Just like LIFE!

When you went to the movie theater there no such thing as stadium seating! All the seats were the same height! If a tall guy or some old broad with a hat sat in front of you and you couldn't see, you were just screwed!

Sure, we had cable television, but back then that was only like 15 channels and there was no on screen menu and no remote control! You had to use a little book called a TV Guide to find out what was on!

You were screwed when it came to channel surfing! You had to get off your butt and walk over to the TV to change the channel and there was no Cartoon Network either! You could only get cartoons on Saturday Morning. Do you hear what I'm saying!?! We had to wait ALL WEEK for cartoons, you spoiled brats!

And we didn't have microwaves, if we wanted to heat something up . we had to use the stove or go build a fire ... imagine that! If we wanted
popcorn, we had to use that stupid Jiffy Pop thing and shake it over the stove forever like an idiot.

That's exactly what I'm talking about! You kids today have got it too easy.
You're spoiled!!!

You guys wouldn't have lasted five minutes back in 1980!

Regards,
The over 30 Crowd

Blocking Property of Certain Persons.... WTH is this?

2007-07-30T09:39:00.000-05:00

Destabilizing Iraq, Broadly Defined

"President Bush issued an executive order last week titled "Blocking Property of Certain Persons Who Threaten Stabilization Efforts in Iraq." In the extreme, it could be interpreted as targeting the financial assets of any American who directly or indirectly aids someone who has committed or "poses a significant risk of committing" violent acts "threatening the peace or stability of Iraq" or who undermines "efforts to promote economic reconstruction and political reform" in the war-torn country."

Admittedly, I've been out of the news loop lately and definitely out of the blogosphere but... what the hell is this exactly and who thinks it's in anyway a good idea? What is the real motivation of this? That's what I want to know.

My aunt sent me a link to St. Pete for Peace and I've been reading through it. So... what do you think?

Book Review Harry Potter Deathly Hallows

2007-07-22T10:52:00.000-05:00

At long last people around the world know what ultimately happened to the Boy Who Lived. Many children have grown up with Harry Potter in their lives. They have been stimulated. There is no doubt that Harry Potter has been responsible for a great increase in reading for pleasure among children.

And here we are, the end has come. There is no way to properly do this book justice without discussing what occurred in the final installment. If you have not read book seven and do not wish to know what happens, do not continue reading.

Book seven brings together many of the players of the previous stories. We see Lee, our favorite announcer, we see the members of the order, we see Hagrid's giant brother, and more. The reunion of characters is satisfying.

We travel with Harry one more time to Privet Drive. There is a touching article about Dumbledore that opens the story arch that develops within book seven. Dumbledore's family and his history is a main plot line. At times I found it difficult to believe some of the behavior and actions described of Dumbledore, however, with the conclusion of the story I found myself accepting and comfortable. Many times I have wondered about the history of Albus Dumbledore. With book seven I find many answers to my questions.

The Dursley's are moved to a safe place and members of the order appear before Harry with many of his friends. Their plan is to use polyjuice to "duplicate" Harry Potter and escape because they know the Death Eaters are preparing an attack. As soon as they fly to make their escape they are attacked. This attack kicks off the violence and darkness within the story.

There is a war going on. It is dark and deadly. In this first encounter two of our beloved characters leave us: Mad Eye Moody and Hedwig the owl. Ron, Hermione and Harry eventually strike out on their own, traveling and hiding, seeking the last of the Horcruxes. In this search we discover the tale of the deathly hallows. Three magical items that when brought together will cheat death: A wand, a robe, and a stone. And as the Harry Potter story began with a stone, so it ends with a stone.

Another major item that has always existed with us readers is, what is the story behind Snape. Is he good or is he evil? The less complicated answer is... he is both. J.K. Rowling has done Severus a great justice and even though how he died was a bit of a surprise to me, the result was... well, fantastic if I do say. Snape joined the Death Eaters and a part of him was one of them. If not for Lily Potter, Snape probably would have fully embraced the life of a dark one. However, as we learn, Snaped had one great love and it was his love of Lily that pulled him from Voldemort and brought him to Dumbledore. We readers now know what we need to know about Snape.

There were two moments within the story that did make me pause while I battled tears. Dobby was one of my favorite characters and I always enjoyed seeing him. When he died and the subsequent burial, I admit to being quite upset. The second.... Fred. Who has not cheered for the Weasley's? Who has not said those Weasley twins are two of the best characters ever? Who did not stand up and do a little dance at the end of Order of the Phoenix when the twin's make their exciting exit? When Fred Weasley died I simply could not turn the page. I sat there, my finger frozen on the page, while I read and reread the paragraph.

Fred is not the last to die and the final chapters of DH are an up and down of bravery, and sadness. The story focuses on death, how does one master death? Using Horcruxes or Hallows... Horcruxes or Hallows. Harry matures as he makes choices that many would be hard pressed to make. Ultimately, Harry makes a sacrifice, a sacrifice as powerful as his mother's. With that sacrifice Harry mastered death.

The final confrontation between Harry and Voldemort is tense. The battle between Mrs. Weasley and Bella was well done and I could not help but feel the rush of excitement when her strike landed the killing blow.

And in the end, Harry is victorious. Voldemort is finally gone from the wizarding world... The last chapter takes us into the future where we see Harry and his wife, Ginny, with their three children. Once more we see Ron and Hermione, together with their children. We know that Neville is a professor and we see a glimpse of Draco. And as the adults who were once children stand and watch their own children board the train to Hogwarts, we take a deep breath and smile. It has been a long and emotional journey and life continues. We will miss our old friends. We will think of them fondly. And then we will turn ourselves to the future.

I know that I will be returning to the world of Harry Potter again, and so will my children. And with that, all I have left to say is, Thank You J.K. Rowling.

My thoughts on HP Order of the Phoenix movie.

2007-07-18T11:28:00.001-05:00

I admit to being a Harry Potter fan. I recall when I first saw the first book and picked it up on a whim. I have been to each midnight book release and have read the stories many times. I've been pretty wishy-washy on the movies. I much prefer the detail from the books. So, I read the movie reviews of OthP with caution. I believe it is my favorite of the series and was unsure how the movie could really convey the important points in such a condensed fashion.

Some reviews said it wasn't good. Some reviews said it was wonderful. Some said Dolores made the day... and others said Bella was the highlight. Others, still said that Harry's faithful friends drifted to the background.

What do I think? I went in to that movie with five years of Harry Potty history floating around my mind. They selected a great actress for Dolores, she did a great job with the role she was given and I enjoyed her presence. Though, I do wish we had seen more of the mayhem caused by those Wonderful W Twins we all know and love! Bellatrix was fantastic. Carter did a great job and I really look forward to seeing more of her in the HBP. I didn't feel that the others were in the background. There was so much to the story of OthP and yes, most of it was transitional.

In the end, I did enjoy the movie very much. I think they did a good job with it. My husband who has never read the books (shame on him) said this was his least favorite movie.

So, have you reserved your copy of the grand finale?

TT 13 things I realized while wearing blinders

2007-07-12T11:41:00.000-05:00

I took some time off from blogging and even when I did pop on for a quick post. It was brief and I did little surfing among my blogging buddies. I consider this period of time as the time I "put my blinders on". As my first TT after my hiatus, I thought it would be interesting to share 13 things I learned (or was reminded of) when I wore my blinders.

1. If you remove the creative stimulation that you are used to and hope to call it on a whim... you will be lucky to find it hiding in the corner of your mind, shivering from disuse.

2. If you think that removing some of your small obsessions will allow you to get more accomplished on bigger life matters, like finally cleaning the basement, or organizing the garage; you will just find yourself finding new small obsessions.

3. Stepping away from things you enjoy (just for you) to give yourself more time for other things doesn't work. There is no more free time. Ever.

4. No matter how quick you are, how smart, or how well you adapt; as you get older it is darn hard to learn new things about crap that doesn't interest you.

5. Two words: Semiconductor Industry (see #4)

6. I really like playing in photoshop (see #2) except that I feel like a dummy trying to figure it out.

7. Project Playlist is awesome.

8. If you want to do someting. You need to do it. Stop thinking about it.

9. My children are growing up faster than I can keep up with them. So I won't stress about it. (yeah right, delusion #1)

10. Delusions and denial are sometimes needed to keep yourself from drowning.

11. I really like Last Comic Standing.

12. If I never hear another word about Britney Spears it will be too soon.

13. You are never too old to try new things, and you've never been away too long from the things you love to return to them.

2007-07-10T19:33:00.000-05:00

Gearing up for the Harry Potter movie rush! (another non-title post brought to you by our friends at blogger)

I am going to go see HP and the order, regardless of what other critics say... but I thought I'd go ahead and see what preliminary reviews were out and about on the net. If you'd like to see them too, here you go:

A 7/10 Review
Article about Staunton as Umbridge
A must visit for reviews is the Rotten Tomatoes
Leaky Cauldron has a good list as well!

2007-07-09T19:14:00.000-05:00

Grrr, for the last three posts I have not been able to enter a title... why on earth is that happening?

Anyway, it's been some time since I've been on the train, but I thought I'd go ahead and climb aboard for this week. The Poetry Train presents:

Unseen threads slide upon our palms
Gossimer strands shimmer
Soft tugs pull at our fingers from time to time,
an unexplained tingle

The threads glide across our bodies
Incorporeal wisps linger upon the strands
No beginning or end, only a steady flow
toward the hand that weaves the tapestry of fate

2007-07-07T19:06:00.000-05:00

Ok, we took the family out to the movies and I have to say that Transformers is totally awesome! Oh man, they did an awesome job on everything. The acting was good, the graphics were sweet, and the story.... just loved it. It made me remember all those days my brother and I watched Transformers.

I did pick up Judas Strain. I also picked up the new one by Christine Feehan, Safe Harbor. I also picked up a new hardback by an author I wasn't familiar with. The review on the front described it as "funny, dark, and sexy. One of my favorite books." Then the inside cover gave an interesting blurb... calling it exotic, etc. It wasn't until I got it in the car and looked at the UPC sticker on the back that I saw this book was coded as young adult. Hmmmmmm. The way they've described it doesn't strike me as YA. I'm going to have to read it and see what I think. Here's the cover of it if you are interested, it's City of Bones by Cassandra Clare.

2007-07-07T10:49:00.000-05:00

Happy Saturday guys and gals!

A new book is out that I just need to run out and get. I think I'll be going today!

Reminder for the Summer Hidden Contest

2007-07-06T17:37:00.000-05:00

Susan over at West of Mars has worked hard on this great summer event! I just wanted to remind you to visit and see the most recent link with incentives!

Fourth of July Facts

2007-07-03T12:41:00.001-05:00

1776: The Declaration of Independence is signed on July 4 in Philadelphia. Celebrations are held throughout the colonies and in New York City, where crowds topple a statue of King George III of England on his horse.

1808: Residents of Richmond, Va., decide that only liquor produced in the United States should be consumed at July Fourth celebrations. The resolution is a result of the tension between the United States and Great Britain that eventually leads to the War of 1812.

1911: William Howard Taft heads to Indianapolis, where he sits in a grandstand on July Fourth and watches two locomotives smash into each other at full throttle.

1942: Fireworks in most cities are canceled because of blackouts enforced during World War II.

2006: The space shuttle Discovery lifts off at Kennedy Space Center, marking the first launch on the Fourth of July.

James Heintze is also author of the new "The Fourth of July Encyclopedia," published by McFarland & Company Inc. and available at www.mcfarlandpub.com.

Some Inspiration for the Day

2007-06-28T16:08:00.000-05:00

“Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning a lion wakes up. It knows it must outrun the slowest gazelle or it will starve to death. It doesn’t matter whether you are a lion or a gazelle. When the sun comes up, you better start running.”

African proverb

* I'm not entirely sure if I'm the Lion... or the Gazelle.... but I definitely feel like I've been running a hell of a lot lately.

Good grief, what are the young doing?

2007-06-27T13:12:00.000-05:00

Taken from an article today:

"There has been a "disturbing" increase in STIs -- over the last 12 years, chlamydia and HIV are up 300 percent and syphilis 2,000 percent."

Is it me or is that just a frightening bit of news?

Are you Harry Potter?

2007-06-26T16:25:00.000-05:00

Harry Potter 7 is sooooo close. I think I'm going to request a day off from work just so I can read it all night! I found this great little quiz and while there were quite a few questions, I'm pretty pleased with the results :)

You scored as Albus Dumbledore, You are Albus Dumbledore. Calm, perceptive, forgiving, and wise beyond your years.

Albus Dumbledore

75%

Harry Potter

75%

Luna Lovegood

66%

Hermione Granger

66%

Remus Lupin

63%

Bellatrix Lestrange

59%

Oliver Wood

59%

Neville Longbottom

56%

Lord Voldemort

50%

Sirius Black

47%

Severus Snape

41%

Percy Weasley

41%

Draco Malfoy

41%

Ron Weasley

28%

Harry Potter Character Combatibility Test
created with QuizFarm.com

May the longest day of the year be one of your best!

2007-06-21T08:04:00.000-05:00

Welcome summertime!

Today is officially summer and it's the longest day of the year. What will you be doing today?

Me... I'll be working, but this afternoon, if it's not raining golf ball sized hail again, my family and I will go for a nice long bike ride!

Hidden Treasures Reading List V.01

2007-06-19T15:51:00.000-05:00

If you don't know what this is for, just look at the post on Reading Contest! Or, head over to West of Mars for more information!

Hidden Treasures Reading List:

Henry Miller - The Smile at the Foot of the Ladder
Karel Capek - Absolute at Large
Albert Cossery - Proud Beggars
Harold Maine - If a Man be Mad
Andre Breton - Mad Love
Henry Martin - The Mad Days of Me: Escaping Barcelona
Donald E. Westlake - The Dortumunder series (What's So Funny? the last book
was released in April I think)

Richard Stark (Westlake's pen name) -- The Parker series (Ask the Parrot, the
last book was released late last year)

Beauty by Robin McKinley
The Restorer by Sharon Hinck

The Rise of the Dibor by Christopher Hopper

Whiskey Sour by JA Konrath

The Naming by Alison Croggon

Isle of Swords by Wayne Thomas Batson
Miss Lonelyhearts - Nathaniel West
Angels - Denis Johnson (not as beloved on my part as "Jesus' Son," but still pretty damn good. I also recommend his collected poems, "The Throne of the Third Heaven of the Nation's Millennium General Assembly"
Beneath the Underdog -- autobiography of Charles Mingus
The Sound & The Fury and As I Lay Dying (have these ever made a bestseller's list? In a perfect world, yes, but otherwise I doubt it).
Wide Sargasso Sea -- Jean Rhys (I'd also recommend her other novels. Depressing as hell, but damn good reads ... especially if you're depressed!)
All I know of love - Katie Schneider
Stigmata: A Novel - Phyllis Alesia Perry
Zahrah the Windseeker - Nnedi Okorafor-Mbachu
The Passion of Mary Magdalen and Magdalen Rising by Elizabeth Cunningham
Speak Right On: Dred Scott A Novel by Mary E. Neighbour

Virginia Fellows book The Shakespeare Code (historical fiction)
Amy Lignor book The Heart of a Legend (historical fiction)
Pam Jenoff book The Kommandant's Girl (historical fiction)
Amy Lignor book Mind Made (science fiction)
Hepler & Barkely book The Dream Factory (young adult)
The Right Thing by James Richard Larson

Contributors: Jennifer Estep, Henry Martin, Wayne Thomas Batson, Steven Lee Beeber, Karen Morse, Sabrina Williams, Amy Lignor

Hidden Treasures Prize List:
A signed Hardcover of Henry Martin's Mad Days of Me
A signed trade paperback of Jennifer Estep's Karma Girl
A signed copy of Isle of Swords, by Wayne Batson
Three copies of Mind Made and two copies of Heart of a Legend, all by Amy Lignor
A copy of the hard-to-find (a true treasure!) book, The Cobra & The Concubine, by Bonnie Vanak
An autographed copy of Cut to the Bone, along with some autographed bookmarks, from Shane Gericke

In the land of bumper stickers

2007-06-18T09:19:00.001-05:00

I enjoy reading some of the bumper stickers that people have on their cars. I don't have any, I just don't like the cluttered look. I've seen some that were silly, some that were naughty, some that were plain and some that were odd.

We've all seen the honor roll ones... and the proud to be an American ones... but on my way into work this morning I saw one that said, "Proud to be a Union Sprinkler Fitter". Now, no offense to the unionized sprinkler fitters out there.... but is that really the bumper sticker you want to go with on your car?

Summer Reading Contest!

2007-06-16T10:55:00.000-05:00

I know. I know. Where have I been? I've just been taking a break, that's all. :)

But this contest will be lots of fun!

It's time for the West of Mars, Breeni Books, Morsie Reads, Eclectic Closet, Writing Aspirations Summer Reading Contest!

The rules are simple:

1. Find a book that's a Hidden Treasure. That means a book that hasn't made it to a best-seller list anywhere that you can find. A suggested reading list is available at WestofMars.com. Feel free to find your own treasure, though.

2. The book MUST be from a royalty-paying publisher. If in doubt, ask.

3. Read it.

4. Post a review somewhere on the Internet between July 15 and August 15.

5. Sign the Mr. Linky at West of Mars. Include the permalink for your review. (yeah, that link brings you back here.)

6. Yes, you can use a Hidden Treasure book that fulfills another contest or reading challenge.

7. Yes, you can review more than one book.

8. If, for some reason, you don't want to win a prize, let Susan know.

9. If you have suggestions for the Hidden Treasures Suggested Reading List, or a prize for the winners, drop Susan an e-mail. You can also contact Janelle; she's giving me a LOT of help (so be sure to surf over and thank her).

10. Prizes will be awarded August 20. Winners will be contacted and winning list will be posted no later than 22 August; be sure to have a way for us to contact you!

So, there you go. Got a prize to offer? Got a favorite book that you want more people to know about?

Leave a comment or e-mail me. I'm a bit slow lately, but I'm still here.

Kudos to friends for helping spread the word: Nimrodiel,

When your muse has gone

2007-06-04T08:26:00.000-05:00

I've been away for some time it feels like, even though I've been home. I just haven't spent much time on my blogging. I think that getting away from it for a while made me realize that sometimes I just spend too much time on it. So, I've enjoyed some time away from the computer. Though, two things have happened... one, I feel a little guilty! two, my creativity has taken a huge dive. It's amazing the difference I've noticed in the last couple of weeks. I've not read any books, not used my creative mental prowess and today I sat down to come up with something creative and struggled! Therefore, I conclude that blogging is quite good for my creativity!

Poetry Train Monday:

What do you do,
when your muse is gone?

Perhaps you sit and watch the dawn?

If scenic dazzle bears no strength,
perhaps a massage of great length?

If touchy feely isn't your thing,
perhaps you tie on your apron strings?

If a chef, you are not,
perhaps you lace up and go for a trot?

Or, are you like me,
and be quite lazy.

13 Funny One Liners

2007-05-30T20:13:00.000-05:00

Rashenbo's Edition #22
Thursday Thirteen #95

It's taken me a bit of time to get back in the groove after being away. I did get a job offer today and will be starting a new job next week, so that's a big relief! For now, I thought we could all use some chuckles and thought I'd share 13 one-liners that I find particularly entertaining.

1. A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.

2. A day without sunshine is like, night.

3. Atheism is a non-prophet organization.

4. Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder.

5. Boycott shampoo! Demand the REAL poo!

6. Despite the cost of living, have you noticed how popular it remains?

7. Duct tape is like the force, it has a light side and a dark side and it holds the universe together.

8. Hard work has a future payoff. Laziness pays off now.

9. I tried sniffing Coke once, but the ice cubes got stuck in my nose

10. I used to have an open mind but my brains kept falling out.

11. I'm writing a book. I've got the page numbers done.

12. If ignorance is bliss, you must be orgasmic.

13. Shin: a device for finding furniture in the dark.

Who put the extra in extraordinary?

2007-05-28T20:23:00.000-05:00

So, if ordinary is usual, basic, plain, etc... why is extraordinary beyond the ordinary and special? Why wouldn't extraordinary be a more ordinary than just usual ordinary? Do we get to count it as an oxymoron?

Well, needless to say, I'm home. We have collected the pooch from the country kennel. The last load of trip laundry is in the wash and I've spent the entire day practicing my couch potato skills.

I love my family. I really do. But the chaos and drama that surround them is simply exhausting.

We did happen to see on the atlas a small town in Missouri named "knob lick". My husband really wanted to stop by on our way home...

Ah, my daughter just pulled another tooth. That's the third one she's pulled in the last 10 days. That's my cue. See you all tomorrow!

Out to Lunch

2007-05-17T08:56:00.000-05:00

I've had to return my work computer and am taking a few unemployed days to finish up the spring cleaning I've put off. Then, we are going on a car ride to Springfield, Missouri. We've got some family to visit. Take care and see you soon! I'll be back around Memorial Day!

Haiku Happiness

2007-05-14T19:08:00.000-05:00

Poetry Train Monday Presents:

Comments left excite

Fame in the void surges need

Cravings build the blog

May your weekend move along swimmingly.

2007-05-11T15:55:00.000-05:00

The other day I found myself using swimmingly and thought that it might be a less known adverb. Then, ERiCa used it in one of her blog posts recently. Then, my daughter asked me what "swimmingly" meant. Apparently, it's said on Flushed Away. All of this in the last week or so. I know what it means, but it did get me thinking... where the heck did that word come from. I mean, "swimmingly" , it's an odd word to use as adverb - don't you think?

So, I did a little bit of investigation. I say little bit... because, well, it's Friday and I've been known to get easily distracted on a Friday afternoon. Without further delay, here is what I now know about the mysterious word.

Swimmingly: Great ease, progress, without difficulty or effort.

We can see that it uses swim. I figured that swim came before swimmingly. Yes, I have mad powers of deduction. Swim seems to come from the Middle English swimmen or Old English swimman (akin to Old High German). The dating that I could find places it before the 12th century.

Then I tried to see if I could find out when "swimmingly" may have entered our vocabulary. The only dating I could find mentioned the 1600's.

I found some references to it in classic literature.

Thanks to this inspiration, he got on swimmingly for a time, but gradually the work lost its charm, and he forgot to compose, while he sat musing, pen in hand, or roamed about the gay city to get some new ideas and refresh his mind, which seemed to be in a somewhat unsettled state that winter.
Little Women by Alcott, Louisa May

She had a turn for narrative, I for analysis; she liked to inform, I to question; so we got on swimmingly together, deriving much entertainment, if not much improvement, from our mutual intercourse.
Jane Eyre by Bronte, Charlotte

Fiction Friday: In which our heroine receives some exciting news.

2007-05-11T14:47:00.000-05:00


This Week’s Theme: Use the word Penguin to refer to something other than the animal. Part One (The Beginning) (click to read the beginning of this story) Part Two: In which our heroine receives some exciting news. “Mom, oh my god, mom!” Susan couldn’t contain her excitement as she gripped the phone. “Honey, what is it? Is it, John?” “No! My agent just called. Penguin has made an offer. YES! My book is gonna get published!” Susan ended with a yell. “Sue, oh how exciting. That’s wonderful news. Now I can tell all the red hats that my little girl is a real writer.” “Mom, I’ve always been a writer.” The lights flickered and Susan glanced out the window. The trees in the front yard bent with the wind, their leaves spinning away wildly. Her mother’s voice continued with praise through the phone. “Susan, are you listening to me?” “Yeah, mom, but the weather is turning crazy. We might get disconnected. Looks like a massive thunderstorm is hitting town.” “Ok, I’ll let you go. Where’s your brother?” “I’m not sure. I imagine he’s out with a friend or up at Carl’s.” Her eyes rolled at the long sigh from her mother. “Susan, John shouldn’t be hanging around up at that place. It’s not good for him.” “I know that. But he’s a grown man, mother.” “You should check on him, you know how I worry about him.” “I know. If I talk to him, I’ll have him call you. Listen mom, I think I need – With a click the lights fluttered and went dead. The phone lay silent in her hand. “Perfect.” She said to the empty room. She hung up the phone and then spun in a circle, “I’m going to be published! I’m going to be published!” She continued to chant while she dug in her junk drawer for the flashlight. She tried using her cell phone but received the all lines are busy message. She grabbed her poncho and headed to the garage. “You know, Susan, the news would say not to go out in this weather right now. But here you are, going out.” Talking to herself eased her nerves. She had better things to do than look for her wayward brother, but if she didn’t run over to his apartment to check on him, the guilt would be sure to find her. She sighed. She didn’t want to have to tell her mother she hadn't checked on him. If she didn’t she’d have to listen to another lecture from her mother. The car started and Susan couldn’t shake the ominous feeling that settled around her shoulders.
get the Fiction Friday code	about Fiction Friday

Celebrating Mother's Day

2007-05-10T08:41:00.000-05:00

My edition #21

I've got a mom. You've got or had a mom and this weekend is the day we celebrate that momness! So let's look at some Momness stuff!

1. 82.5 million Estimated number of mothers of all ages in the United States.

2. 35,000 Number of births in 2002 attended by physicians, midwives or others that do not occur in hospitals.

3. Labor... wooo isn't it fun? On average there is half a centimeter an hour of cervical dilation. Nearly twice as long as the Friedman Curve. Source

4. August is the most popular month to have a baby, with 359,000 births taking place that month in 2002. July, with 358,000, was just a shade behind. Or should we just say that November/December/January are um.... months preferred for fun and games? Really, what are you supposed to do when it's freezing outside?

5. Old Wives Tale: Do you have acne? Some believe that getting acne during your pregnancy indicates you're carrying a girl. Maybe the acne is caused by twice the amount of female hormones?

6. "If you've never been hated by your child, you've never been a parent." -- Bette Davis

7. Ancient Greeks celebrated a holiday in honor of Rhea, the mother of the gods.

8. "Salary.com determined that a stay-at-home mother might be paid as much as $134,121 for her contributions as a housekeeper, cook, day care center teacher, janitor and CEO." - Source

9. A saying that my mother used to always say, and pretty much drive me crazy when she did, "Well, life is full of pit holes and this is just one of them."

10. A silly saying that my grandmother had, "Have you ever seen an elephant with red eyes in a cherry orchard?" And when you would sigh and say no... she'd say, "well, see how well they hide."

11. A favorite memory I have of my mother. She hates the smurfs. She always has. I remember several mornings I would see the smurfs on TV. I'd turn up the volume really loud and then sit by the couch and giggle. She'd coming storming out of bed to turn off the tv. Yeah, she'd yell at me... but it was so funny. Well, one morning I woke her up with the La La La's and then went on my merry way to school. I came home from school to find a piece of cardboard on the table. There were tiny holes in it and where there was a hole there was metallic blue paint splatter. On the table were tiny pieces of blue and white plastic. My mother had taken my smurf pez dispenser, wired it to the piece of cardboard, taken a bb gun and then shot it to pieces....

12. "Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother." -- Lin Yutang

13. There are moments when I think that I'm not a good mother... I think we all have them. I know my mother had them. Mothering is not easy, and it's not always fun - but I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. I love my mom, very much. I can appreciate her now, in ways I never could as a child. I wish you a very happy mother's day.

Too Hero or Not Too Hero?

2007-05-08T07:53:00.000-05:00

In December's Geekfest post from yesterday, she brings up a nice little discussion on the fallibility of heros and heroines. It's certainly not a new discussion, but it did get me thinking. Whether in a movie or in a book, a strong character can make or break the success. We've even heard it said that a story is only as good as your antagonist is bad.

Does that bad = to ultimate evil? In goodness or badness, characters must connect with the entertainee. I'm a fan of Heroes (the tv series). They've got an excellent villain in Sylar. A slightly twisted hero who believes other heros are broken and he is the only one who can fix them. Last night we got a glimmer of his humanity. He went to see his mom. He was questioning his future. The thought of just being "normal" was driving him. Did that weaken him as a character? No, it only made him more fascinating as a character to watch develop.

I have seen many first time writers (yes, even my own work *sigh*) write heroes that are too good and perfect and villains that are too evil and sadistic. Perfection is boring. I'm not perfect. My husband isn't perfect. He stinks from time-to-time and doesn't do the dishes nearly enough in my mind. My mother isn't perfect, though she is a perfectionist. My father isn't perfect. He definitely has anger management issues. My children certainly aren't - so if all the people I love the most aren't perfect, why would I be interested in a pretend character who is?

Some of my favorite books are my favorites because of the characters within those pages. Same thing with television and movies. I love Dr. House. His character is twisted and loveable at the same time. Pendergast from the Preston and Child books is one of my absolute favorite characters, though, for a while, he did ride a tad close to being too perfect. There is a Julie Garwood book that I love because her heroine is just so loveable, but she has a bad habit of forgetting anything she is holding and picking up items that don't belong to her.

When you are reading and you have finished - what remains with you? The characters or the plot? I'm sure we have ones that fall into either or, and many that fall into both. Writers who understand the fundamental basics of personality and have a grasp of psychology tend to develop stronger characters. What is motivating this person? This person hates split pea soup, why? How does that dislike shape future decisions?

I enjoy characters who are real. Characters who have beliefs that I disagree with or who make decisions out of reaction instead of careful plot manipulation. What is probably my biggest pet peeve in character development is when communication is tailored specifically to achieve a plot goal, instead of communicating in the way that real people do. I often see this in some of the weaker romance novels, where the writer doesn't have too much external conflict and it seems the only internal conflict she (or he) can really find is miscommunication or no communication at all... Yes, miscommunication happens, so does hiding from an emotion... but there is a fine line between "yeah, she's scared of rejection" and "Oh come on already, you are acting like a moron and I'm going to throw this against the wall."

One thing we writers should know, is how personalities work. I do believe that writers are as close to psychologists as someone can get, without actually being a psychologist. (at least the good ones anyway)

I have a book on characterization and I wanted to share an excerpt:

There is no one more expert about the psychology of personality than you. The ordinary clinician opens his bible, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association, and names your problem according to the symptoms you report. If you report that you've been feeling blue for a certain number of days, have had trouble sleeping, and experience little or no pleasure from life, a clinician runs his finger down the page, looks up, and says it's major depression. A writer does something very different.

A writer gets inside his sleepless, blue character and discovers that she is blue because she has contrived a loveless marriage that made sense from one point of view, the security angle, but was a horrible mistake from the purely human angle, since her husband is a cipher. A clinician says it's major depression. A writer says, "Hmm. Given the inner conflict, given that she really does love her walk-in closet but hates her husband, what is she going to do? What if I bring in, not a handsome stranger, but someone she'd never look at twice under ordinary circumstances but who, by virtue of the fact that she is so conflicted, begins to attract her in an obsessional way? Wouldn't that be interesting?"

- What would your character do? Eric Maisel & Ann Maisel

An Ode to a Job

2007-05-07T08:09:00.000-05:00

Poetry Train Monday presents:

This job, it does sucketh.
I can take it, no moreth.

There once was a gal named Jane.

Who thought she could handle the insane.

Troubled, our lovely lady,

For it was just too shady.

So she cried, "It's time to go back to mundane."

PSA: Fantasy title that might be worth a read.

2007-05-06T09:49:00.000-05:00

I stumbled across an author I'm unfamiliar with today, Daniel Arenson. I love a good fantasy and if it's by a new author, all the better. The title, Firefly Island, caught my eye. I wasn't too keen on the cover, I think it's a tad cheesy, but I never judge a book by it's cover.

I read the brief blurb:

A cruel king, his flesh made of stone, tyrannizes the enchanted Firefly Island. No sword or arrow can harm him. Aeolia, a servant girl, can magically share feelings and senses... even pain. Only she, by hurting herself, can hurt the mad monarch. But can she save the island from his grasp?

Ok, my first thought was, "her name sounds way too much like areola to me." I admit to wondering if it was YA at first. Even though the blurb didn't give me the WOW factor, I was still interested so I popped over to his site and read the prologue and first chapter. Two immediate things put my reader radar up, first, every time I read the girl's name I couldn't help but think "nipple". Second, the behavior of the ten year old brother struck me as unbelievable, but sometimes that happens when you don't know the character. Even though these two points stuck out a little, they are both items I can put aside. As I develop a link with the character, I will stop thinking of her as something from anatomy class and think of her as a person. Once I get to see the brother's character, his behavior in the prologue will fall into place for me as a reader.

So far, the writing is fairly tight. The premise is definitely interesting and I like the glimpses into this new world. The book is released in hardcover in August. I have added it to my "to be read" pile because I'm interested enough in the story and the first two chapters hooked me enough that now I must satisfy my curiosity.

Charming the Prince by Teresa Medeiros

2007-05-06T09:36:00.000-05:00

I don't know about you, but I'm a book hog. The books I love, and even some I didn't, I just have to keep. I'll buy a second one to give away before I'll part with a favorite. One of these days perhaps I'll count the number of paperbacks I have, but not today. On Friday I grabbed a book off my shelf and read a book I've read before. There is something about rereading a book you enjoy that is comforting.

Charming the Prince is an older title. It was published by Bantam in 1999. It's a fun historical romance. The hero, Lord Banner the Bold, is naturally strong, passionate, and in this case, particularly kind. He has nine children and no idea how to raise them. Enter Willow, the lovely daughter of a nobleman. Her history has a strong Cinderella backdrop. She was the sole daughter until her father remarried. The new mother had several children and Willow was shoved aside and made to care for them. She is tired of children and isn't particularly fond of them, however, through some brief observation Banner's vassal decides Willow would be perfect as the new mother for Banner's troop of children.

It's not an overly complex plot line. There isn't much for intrique or mystery. The characters are fun and entertaining. The relationship is built quickly and strongly (as is often the case in these historical romance titles). It's one that I enjoyed reading the first time and I enjoy reading it periodically when I'm in the mood for a relaxing and pleasant story. Teresa Medeiros is an author I tend to look for when I am browsing through the romance section. I like her writing style.

What about you? Have you read work by Teresa Medeiros?

Fear is Fear is Fear

2007-05-05T19:04:00.000-05:00

"let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts" - FDR's First Inaugural Address

I woke this morning with the anticipation of a day for writing. It has been months since I have worked on my WIP. I spent some time with the children, watched some cartoons with them and squeezed in some Lava Girl and Shark Boy action. I then sat down at my computer. Did I pull out my ms and refresh my memory? No, I checked email. Did I then jump into my saved files of research? No, I went to bloglines to check my feeds. Did I then pull out my posterboards with my timeline and character notes? No, I spent an hour reading through posts on Backspace.

I don't need to be a psychologist to recognize delay tactics. I think we writers are particularly gifted with finding creative ways to hide. And, that is precisely what I was doing. I was hiding. Why you ask? I'll tell you why. I'm afraid - afraid of myself. Afraid that what I think is creative, entertaining, and a fantastic plot line is actually weak and unworthy of continuation. Well, acknowledgement is the only true way to combat fear. I read my previous 50 pages, pulled out my posterboard and forced myself to get back into the groove. After 20 minutes the "force myself" attitude was gone. I was suddenly there, in the middle of the rainforest, listening to the sounds of the monkeys, birds and chittering insects. Unexpectedly, a new character decided to join the team. His name is Puchito, a Ka'apor Capuchin. He looks very similar to this, another Capuchin. He's a naughty little monkey, but I think he has a very important role to play.

I spent some time reviewing some pharmaceutical research I'm keeping tabs on... and updated some files on endangered species, I needed to make sure I had the right information as I describe them in my story. 1,200 nice clean fresh words, incorporating two new characters and providing some scientific information that will tie directly to the core plot later in the story. It's tough to write smart stuff sometimes.

I took a break and played some princess monopoly with the Pea Pie. I also walked my heir apparent through the directions of baking a lemon poppy seed bunt cake. While it was baking she said she would like to play in the front yard.

Ten minutes later when the buzzer went off I ventured outside to get her. Lo and behold, she was nowhere to be found. She did not respond to my yells. She was not at the neighbor's. She was not at her friend's house (three houses down the cul de sac from ours). As the panic was rising and I was preparing myself to call my husband (who is working) and the police. I hear her voice carried to me on the wind. I race to the end of the block and see her flying into a different neighbor's driveway. She had decided to grab her scooter and go on a ride with the neighbor boy.

First, I never let my children leave the cul de sac unless they have my permission - which they know. They can't even go inside the neighbor's house without permission. Second, my body was shaking from fear and relief. Not a good combination for me. I marched her inside where I called her father.

As I now sit here while she sits in her room, I realize. I experienced two completely different kinds of fear today. Both of them internal and yet completely different in nature. Both of them powerful. The fear of harm coming to my child is the most primal and overpowering fear I have ever experienced. Even if you only experience it for a moment. That moment feels endless. The other fear is tied intimately with my internal self, a portion of my soul, one might say.

Fear is Fear is Fear.

I don't know about you, but it's a freckle past a hair at my house and that means it's beer time.

Fiction Friday: The beginning

2007-05-04T09:29:00.000-05:00

Fiction Friday
Edition #1
Rashenbo's Edition #1
Write Stuff prompted Fiction Friday today and I thought it would be fun to participate. Anything to get the creativity going and the brain all warm and energized is a good thing, right? I don't know what this story is yet. I don't even know the characters. I just met them this morning. I think it will be interesting to see what kind of people they turn out to be. If you decide to participate in the Fiction Friday, be sure to let me know with a linky link so I can stop by and read it!

Title: Untitled
Writing Time: 40 Minutes
Words to use: Climate, Guide, Flag

“The weather is nucking futs!” John said as he battled with the door. Fierce winds tugged at it; with a slam he pulled it tight and slid the bolt.

“Hey, man! What you locking the door for? I’m still open.” The man behind the counter said.

“What kind of nut would be out in this weather, Carl? Nobody is coming here today.”

“Well, you’re here ain’t ya.” Carl said. His height, slender build and bug-eyed glasses seemed more appropriate for a lab rather than a dingy bar. John could never shake the picture of Carl in a white coat.

“Give me a Guinness and shut up.” John slipped off his coat and tossed it on a bar stool.

“It’s that global warming. It’s changing our climate. The government, they are keeping it quiet… but, we’re all gonna die.”

John nodded his head and turned toward the hoarse voice, “Evening, Marty. Does Lucy know you are out tonight?”

Carl brought a tall frosted mug and a can that gave a metallic clink when he set it down. “Lucy dropped him off here. She got called in for some accident. She was worried about him being home alone in the storm.”

Footsteps shuffled against the concrete floor. A whiff of beer, tobacco, and sickness drifted to John. Marty’s gnarled hand shook against the counter as he climbed onto the stool next to him.

“That girl. She done right by me. She’s a good girl, just like her mother.” Marty sniffed.

“She is a good girl.” John said. Lucy was old enough to be his mother, but Marty always called his granddaughter a girl.

The wind kicked up again and John heard a rhythmic pounding. “Wow, the power lines are probably gonna get knocked over.” He said.

“That’s not the wind, dumbass. That’s the door. You locked out a customer.” Carl hurried over and unlocked the door. Immediately two people stumbled in and the wind tore the door from his grasp. Carl struggled against the wind to close it. When John heard the click of the bolt he smiled.

“What can I get for you?” Carl asked.

“We need someone to guide us to Flag Point.”

John looked at the couple over the rim of his mug. They wore long dark coats. He could see glints from the man’s wrist, fancy cuff links. The suit the lady wore was probably worth more than what he made in a month.

“Nothing up on Flag Point.” He said. “No reason to go right now.”

She stared at him. “Regardless, we need to get there. Can one of you take us?”

“Lady, it’s not safe. The storm is wind and rain now, but there is going to be hail and lightning. You aren’t going to want to be out in it.” Carl said with a smile that didn’t look all that pleasant.

“They need to get to the lab.” Marty spoke up.

“Shoosh, Marty.” John said.

“No, they want to go to the secret lab up there.”

“Marty, you know there’s no lab there. Carl even took you up there, remember?” John said.

“It’s hidden.” Marty said with a petulant tone.

“Sorry about him. He’s always got these crazy ideas.” John said. The couple had been quiet during the exchange.

“I think the three of you will need to come with us.” The lady said.

“I don’t think so.” John said.

“No, really, I insist.” Her hand moved quickly into her coat and came out with a gun.

A flash of lightning pulsed through the room. They heard a sizzle. Then darkness descended.

13 Grammar Rules Used by Moi

2007-05-03T12:41:00.000-05:00

Rashenbo's Edition #20

05/03/2007

Ok, I admit to being busy and not thinking about this list as much as I thought about last week's list! So, I've snatched some of the "rules" or guidelines from some of my writing books.

1. If you can drop the clause and not lose the point of the sentence, use which. If you can't, use that. A which clause goes inside commas. A that clause doesn't.

2. If I... Add if and "I was taller" becomes "If I were taller." Hello subjunctive mood.

3. "Some writers and editors believe that if that can logically follow a verb, it should be there. Others believe that if that can logically be omitted, it should be taken out. If you like it, use it. If you don't, don't."

4. If you use while in place of although, be sure there's no chance it could be misunderstood to mean "during the time that."

5. Hyphenate most compoun adjectives that appear before a noun.

6. Most compound adverbs are spelled as two words.

7. Good is always an adjective: good bread; good vibrations; dinner was good. Don't use good as an adverb. Use well, an adverb meaning to perform capably.

8. Appositives are words that restate or identify a noun or pronoun. When appositives, are nonrestrictive, they are enclosed in commas.

9. The correct forms of the verb wake are wake, woke, and have waked. Past tense of related verbs, waken and awaken are have wakened or have awakened.

10. Who does something (it's a subject, like he), and whom has something done to it (it's an object, like him).

11. Myself and the rest of the self-ish crew (yourself, himself, herself, etc) shouldn't take the place of the ordinary pronouns I and me, she and her, and so on. They are used for only two purposes. 1. To emphasize. I made the cake myself. 2. To refer to the subject. The problem practically solved itself.

12. Dangling modifiers are similar to misplaced modifiers except that the modifier isn't just separated from the word it modifies; it is missing the word it modifies. The writer has the term being modified in mind - but not on paper.

13. Many wordy expressions make use of there is, there are, or it is. These constructions can often be eliminated. Example: There is a famous author who lives on my block. Vs. A famous author lives on my block.

Crappy Poetry Hour

2007-04-30T22:51:00.000-05:00

Swirling crimson liquid, thrums with vibrations;
Whirls spread out, farther, faster, stronger;
The soul's elixir vociferous with discord.

A moment's breath and swell, the flood rushes;
The sea of red reigns over all.

With a scream the barrier is torn asunder;
The deluge breaks free and
Life glistens with its dew.

Death by Times New Roman

2007-04-30T15:36:00.000-05:00

I once had a creative writing teacher tell me:

Kill a character your reader knows and it's a tragedy,

Kill a character your reader doesn't and it's a mystery.

For whatever reason, it's something that has stuck in my mind. I was thinking about writing my novel this weekend, and I say thinking because that's pretty much as far as I got with it. My novel is an action piece and as such, several stranger characters have already died. Really, they should have heeded the warning signs.

Anyway, I'm quickly coming to the point in my novel when one or two of the primary characters must bite the dust. They must be torn to pieces (yup, literally).

I find killing stranger characters easy and surprisingly satisfying. Nothing is quite so stress-relieving as writing someone's death by the teeth of a crazed jungle creature. And if the helpless victim resembles the jerk at work - all the better to make things more realistic, eh?

It's the build up to killing them off that's causing some obstacles for me. I don't want to suddenly pay too much attention to the character, but I also don't want the death to catch the reader completely by surprise. It's that balance...

So, how do you cope with the death of your characters? Do you go with a slow build or more of the direct approach with suspense? Do you treat death more as a tragedy or more as a mystery?

Friday Fun with Blogthings

2007-04-27T08:04:00.000-05:00

Your Pirate Name Is...

Dirty Neck Snapper Nellie

What's Your Pirate Name?

You Are A Fig Tree

You are very independent and strong minded.
A hard worker when you want to be, you play hard too.
You are honest and loyal. You hate contradiction or arguments.
You love life, and you live for your friends, children, and animals.
A great sense of humor, artistic talent, and intelligence are all gifts you possess.

What's Your Celtic Horoscope?

In a Past Life...

You Were: A Lazy Herbalist.

Where You Lived: Quebec.

How You Died: The Plague.

Who Were You In a Past Life?

Thursday’s Link Love!

2007-04-26T08:28:00.000-05:00

I’ve got a few sites I wanted to share with you.

The spicy link of the week: Tshirt Hell. I’d never been there before and my husband said I had to stop by. Man, I laughed so hard over some of those shirts. Site does include mature content.

The “get together” link of the week: Blog Writers & Artists Network is a fairly new Ning community and it’s got some very nice folks as members (like me!) Stop by, check it out, stay awhile.

For moms, Felicia linked to True Mom Confessions. If you’ve ever had one of those moments when a crazy thought or feeling comes across your mind and you need to just get it out – True Mom Confessions provides an anonymous sounding board of mom confessions. Just reading through what others have “confessed” makes me feel a little better about my “momness”.

A moment for some shameless friend promotion: My friend Susan has been nominated for a variety of Bloggers Choice Awards . If you haven’t voted or don’t have your own favorites, check her out (and vote for her!). Another friend, Laughing Muse, is in the running to get paid to blog for a year , she just needs votes!

The State of Literacy: Did you know?

2007-04-25T16:23:00.000-05:00

TT 04/26/2007

Rashenbo's Edition #19

Millions of blogs take up space on the net and they come in all shapes and sizes. Truly, the blogosphere is a reflection of our diverse cultures and beliefs. Blogs that: are mom blogs, pet blogs, corporate, political, humorous, focused on a hobby, focused on making money, and everything else with a bag of chips. One thing they all share is the written word.

Each and every one of us not only has a familiarity, but a passion to write and read… even if the writing is just a joke, a review of a TV show, or a title on a photograph.

As long as there are humans, there will be conflict. Many of us are focused on the major situations prevalent in our news: Global Warming, War, Economic Instability, Crime, Violence, Natural Disasters, Anna Nicole Smith…

It’s easy to forget about the more basic problems that face our society, problems that affect each state, every country. Through our ability to learn, from our parents, and from those educators that showed us the way - we received a gift, reading and writing. Such a basic thing and our lives, our successes, even our futures are all based upon this skill.

- "The UN defines illiteracy as the inability to read and write a simple sentence in any language. In 2003, the National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL), conducted by the US Department of Education, found that fourteen percent of American adults scored at this “below basic” level in prose literacy in English. More than half of these persons did not have a high-school diploma or GED. 39 percent of persons at this level were Hispanic; 20 percent were black; and 37 percent were white." Source

- Our country ranks 49 out of 156 UN countries in literacy, 18 spots lower than where it was in 1950. Illiteracy costs the US more than $225 billion a year in productivity. 60% of all juvenile offenders have problems reading. Source

- "According to UNESCO, in the world today there are about 1 billion non-literate adults. Women represent 2/3rds of that 1 billion." Source

- "In 1998, the EFA 2000 Assessment measured progress and reported that, while some progress had been made in educating children, 113 million still remained out of school. The overall adult literacy rate had risen, but at least 875 million adults remained illiterate, 64% of them women." Source

- "To examine fourth-graders' views on reading for enjoyment, PIRLS 2001 created an index of Students' Attitudes Toward Reading (SATR). All of the participating G8 countries, with the exception of England, had greater percentages of fourth-graders with higher SATR scores than the United States." Source

- The CIA reports that the US has a 99% literacy rate. Source

- There have been minimal increases in the reading scale scores over the last 30 years. Source

- "In California, 85% of nonfiction books in school libraries were published 15 years ago." Source

- "Evidence shows that children who do not read by third grade often fail to catch up and are more likely to drop out of school, take drugs, or go to prison. So many nonreaders wind up in jail that Arizona officials have found they can use the rate of illiteracy to help calculate future prison needs." Source

- Utah claims to have the highest literacy rate in the nation. Source

Three simple ways you can help improve literacy:

- Read books, let people see you reading, and talk about them. Ask questions.

- Get involved in your library by volunteering your time to help local literacy programs.

- Encourage children to read for enjoyment and pleasure. Reading is fun. Share that. There is more to life than myspace, ipods, PSPs, and nickelodeon.

Now I have a question for you, take a moment and ponder, where would you be if you couldn’t write, let alone read, a sentence?

Participate in an interview of Leslie Bennetts The Feminine Mistake

2007-04-25T07:53:00.000-05:00

Edited for a bit of Clarification. This message is from Felicia C. Sullivan. She is a great contact and is always sending me great information on new books and she often has offers for folks to pick up a new book for a review.

I wanted to share this message from her with all of you:

As you may know, there has been a firestorm debate over Leslie Bennetts' new book The Feminine Mistake.

About the book
Author's Blog

I (Felicia, not me!) plan on interviewing the author on an uncoming podcast radio show that I'm producing (which will garner a great deal of attention) and I want to put you guys in the driver's seat. I want to use your questions/comments/praise/criticism when I chat with the author.

If you have a question/questions for the author, leave them here, in the comments space (along with your blog URL). (Even if you don't have a question, be sure to check out Felicia's little corner of the blogosphere)

And if you are one of the ten questions/comments, etc that I use on my show, not only will you be credited, but you'll receive a free copy of the book!

Do feel free to pass this on to other parenting bloggers/friends. I will drop you a line when the show will air.

Are apocalyptic scenarios still fresh or are they becoming cliche?

2007-04-24T08:04:00.000-05:00

We know that man vs man and man vs self are two of the more common forms of conflict, personally, I enjoy man vs environment just as much. In my "What would your character do?" book there is a small section on apocalyptic situations:

- highly contagious plague strikes
- a tsunami is predicted
- two nuclear nations look poised to launch missiles
- ozone layer is suddenly degraded
- an endless drought leads to famine
- during a way, an enemy approaches
- civil war erupts after long economic depression

Definitely situations that can create a dynamic, fast-paced (or tragic) back drop for a story.

It seems that movies and television have taken hold of the apocalyptic / mass destruction realm and constantly churn out something new about the end of life as we know it. But what about books?

Swan Song, The Stand, The Postman, Eternity Road - these are just a few of the works that have an apocalyptic situation.

My question comes down to... are apocalyptic themes still "in" or are they "out"?

Here is an older article on the 20 ways the world could end. It's pretty interesting... and a little frightening at the same time.

How does Inspiration find you?

2007-04-23T07:59:00.000-05:00

Writing is a mentally challenging hobby. Nothing stimulates the brain quite like creating an entire new world and people to interact with it. It is a dynamic field, of that, there can be no doubt.

As I sit here on this beautiful and sunny Monday morning. The energy of my mind is high and I feel my fingers twitching in response. Unfortunately, I need to work... but I did wonder, what is it that has me inspired today? Could it be the relaxing weekend? Perhaps the bright and sunny day?

Have you found any trends that seem to influence your creativity and inspiration? When is your creativity highest? First thing in the morning or late into the night?

Brand New Website for Writers, Word Dork!

2007-04-19T12:33:00.000-05:00

Announcing Word Dork

A long while back I sent in some comments to a woman who was collecting information on what writers might be looking for on another website for writers. Now, I know we have lots of websites available to us, but there is always room for more. I sent her in some feedback and she recently announced the site is live. It's a free site and it's new. They are looking for people to sign up and provide feedback on ways to improve it.

I do see some ways it can be improved, but it's got a good start to it. Check it out, if you create an account... request to join my circle :D My user name is.... tada! Rashenbo!

(Sorry to my feed readers, stupid blogger messed up my hyperlinks. Had to fix em.)

What do the Tarot Cards reveal?

2007-04-18T18:43:00.000-05:00

When I was younger my mother experienced what she believed to be a few psychic occurrences. As a birthday present, my aunt bought her tarot reading classes from a psychic. In one of those rare coincidences, one of our neighbors bought her a deck of tarot cards thinking that my mother should use them. The neighbor didn't know that my mother had just received classes. Tarot cards were pretty cool and my mom bought me my own deck. I found them today (they live in a handy dandy Crown Royal pouch). I thought I would perform a Thursday reading for all the Thursday Thirteeners. So, using the Celtic Cross Spread (or ten card), here's how Thursday shapes up for us.

1st Position represents our atmosphere, our question, or us: Six of wands. It means we are on a conquest, a conquest of the blogosphere! Good news for us. Our desires are achieved through our activities and the activities of others!

2nd Position represents our immediate influences or obstacles: The World. Rewards received from hard work. I take this to reflect our desires and influences; we seek success, fulfillment, and attachment. Truly the blogosphere brings us together and Thursday will be another day when we come together and we will be influenced by each other.

3rd Position represents our goal or destiny (or aim or ideal): Nine of Cups. It means success, well-being, good health, and difficulties surmounted. We aim to have balanced, happy lives with fulfillment.

4th Position our past influences/foundation: The Emperor. One of the "masculine" cards shows us a history of stability, spirit, domination of reason, and overcoming emotional situations. I believe it shows how we confront what faces us and have achieved victory of them. (I'm reading, so I get to interpret and put my spin on it).

5th Position to reflect recent past events: The Lovers. (We have a great reading so far! So many major arcana!) Reflects our passions, our relationships, it appears many of us focus on our relationships and it is those relationships of those we like, love, and trust that are most recent in our memories... or rather, they are the things of most interest to us at this moment. It reflects the power of our feelings and how our feelings have driven our actions.

6th Position a broad sense of future influences: Page of Wands. Friends and associates with good intentions. We will all be touched by someone who cares for us and hopes to help us. The blogosphere is truly a place where we can support each other and create stronger bonds of friendship!

7th Position reflects our attitude or present position: Judgment. To accent and forgive, to rejuvenate, to promote, thinking and consideration, desire to immortalize ourselves... Seems like we've got a mixing pot here and too many of us are bringing together our present attitudes!

8th Position reflects how we influence each other (our environment) and the tendencies that we have when interacting with each other: Six of Pentacles. We act with generosity and sincerity! We lend an ear or a shoulder when we are needed.

9th Position our inner self... hopes, hidden emotions, secret desires: Seven of Wands. We all want victory, now, what victory is may differ for each of us. We want to win. We want the promotion. We want the biggest hits for the Thursday Thirteen.

10th Position is the final outcome of the reading, the overall result. Ten of Pentacles. A good reading, we are individuals focused on family and the importance of a happy home. We all have our own riches, sometimes we may have to remind ourselves of what they are - but we are all blessed in some way and we know it. Good things will come to each and every one of us.

Now then, at the conclusion of the 10 card reading my mother allowed 3 questions that were yes/no questions or to ask about something specific on the reading. I will think of three questions for all of us.

1. Will one of us win the lottery this weekend?
Alas, the cards say no. Sorry guys and gals. No winning this weekend.

2. Will Sanjaya ever get voted off American Idol?
YES!! The cards say goodbye to Sanjaya. - They just don't say when.

3. Will I ever finish my current WIP? (Ok, so this one's just for me)
Ace of Cups... That's a definite "YES" wipppppieeeeee!

What Movie Are YOU like?

2007-04-18T17:38:00.000-05:00

I was surfing through my usual blog spots and saw that Sophisticated Writer had a fun little blog quiz. She's Apocalypse Now.... I'm:

What Classic Movie Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

Quick Q&A with Jenny Rappaport

2007-04-18T07:59:00.000-05:00

A while back I had sent some questions to Jenny Rappaport with the L.Perkins Agency. She is a regular blogger, for those of you who don't recognize the name, and her blog is called Litsoup.

1. What has blogging done for you in the literary industry?

Blogging has given me a much greater visibility. People know who I am from my blog, and I've gotten a large number of clients through it. It's also made me more visible to editors, of which quite a few read my blog as well. I think blogs are some of the most effective marketing tools out there, at least as far as promoting yourself goes.

2. Has blogging impacted your writing?

Blogging hasn't really impacted my writing. If anything, I write more now, since I've started blogging, which is an accomplishment for me. =)

3. So... Miss (soon to be Mrs.) Lit Soup, what's your favorite soup and why?

Progresso Macaroni and Bean--simply because I love it, and it's great with a little bit of Parmesan on top of it.

4. Many writers have a book or two that had a profound impact on them, an epiphany, or perhaps just a deep rooted love that began their journey into writing. Do you have a book that you've read like that? If so, which one?

I don't really have a book which started me on a profound journey to be a writer, or anything like that. I've been reading since I was three and a half years old, and I pretty much devour everything in my path. I've been telling stories for even longer than that, as my mother literally has notebooks full of the ones I would tell her, before I was old enough to write them down myself. It's just something I've always done...

5. What advice would you give to people that want to follow a literary agent career path?

Publishing is still very much an apprenticeship-based business, so you really need to get in on the ground floor. Work your butt off to get an internship in the publishing industry, even if it's not in a field you want to work in (i.e., textbooks); the experience you gain is going to open doors to you, which would otherwise be closed.

6. What's your biggest pet peeve when you read manuscripts?

My biggest pet peeve is bad grammar and spelling, as well as improper manuscript format.

The Prestigious Thinking Award

2007-04-17T17:49:00.000-05:00

Descartes said, "I think, therefore I am."

While it is fun to debate precisely what Descartes meant, or how much our thinking selves impacts who we are - I'm not going down that road today. My friend and sister-in-blog, Susan, gifted me with the Thinking Blogger Award while I was at my brother's wedding.

We share our stories and our thoughts for many reasons: to educate, entertain, call to action, anger, appease, or just boost our own ego, etc. For any reason, when you share something that stimulates or causes another to think - it's a wonderful thing. One of the reasons that I am so addicted to the blogosphere is that connection, the sharing of minds that we can do.

Now that I have received the thinking award I am to send it on, to other bloggers that have made posts that I found particularly thought provoking. I'm a little behind and I've seen several of my usual blog haunts have already posted, of course, Susan... and then I was going to tag December Quinn - but someone else got her first! So, I'll just have to try others that may not have been hit yet. In no particular order, I am giving the Thinking Award to:

On 101 Reasons to Stop Writing there are often humorous and cynical posts, which I find amusing. There was a post in March that I enjoyed reading. Here is the link to Aside: The Ark of the Incompetent

Erica Writes often has great posts that bring a smile to my lips, or make me get to thinking. She's got a great post on Battling Writers Blocks. Since I haven't written a word on my manuscript in the last month... I think I'm right in the middle of a block!

Cuss and Other Rants is one of my favorite stopping spots. It's definitely for a mature ready, sometimes her humor is dry, to-the-point, and oh so witty (but with a touch of *naughty*). She recently went on a trip and has had several posts about her trip. I found her post on Polyagomy=A Nor'eater on a Sunday in April a read to get you thinking.

I enjoy visiting Mark Terry's blog and often think about the tidbits, observations, and advice he shares for writers. His post Writing As Chess is another great read.

Daisy Dexter Dobbs is a blog I've only recently discovered because Rhian/Crowwoman said she had some great posts... and she does! And here, a post dedicated to chocolate... how can that not get your synapsis firing? Daisy Visits Junk Chocolate Heaven

Fun with Google Maps

2007-04-15T07:13:00.000-05:00

I am returned my friends! My brother is happily wed to a lovely young lady. I forgot I was pretty much allergic to the entire state of New Mexico. Allergies... *shiver*

It's taken me a few days to get back in the groove, but a friend sent me this fun little tip and just wanted to share!

1. Go to google.com.

2. Click on Maps.

3. Click on Get Directions.

4. From: New York, New York.

5. To: Paris, France.

6. Then, read line #23...

7. Laugh

8. also read the amount of time it takes too do this trip!!!

I before E, except after C and sometimes Y.

2007-04-06T12:49:00.000-05:00

There are a few executives at my organization, and on more than one occasion they've sent out emails with some poor spelling... and, the developers have some of the worst spelling I've come across. I'm product testing today and I noticed on the shipping pages they kept using "reciever" or "recieve" - Now. Receive happens to be one of the words that I will type incorrectly, but I always check it and ever since grade school the little rhyme: "I before E, except after C and sometimes Y" stays with me. I don't know when I learned it... but I don't think I'll ever forget it.

What are some that you remember and you use to help you?

I sent an email to the developer with that little rhyme and circled the misspellings. We'll just have to see if he responds. He's also the one who uses "availible". Every time I see it - I twitch a little. Is it really that hard to spell check?

A brief look into the Cajun dictionary

2007-04-05T09:24:00.000-05:00

My husband and his family are Cajun. His grandfather, Pop Blackey, is not doing too well. They found an aneurysm in his abdomen (and won't operate because of his age). He's a riot of an older man. I can barely understand him because he's got a thick (THICK) accent. This week was also my husband's birthday, so I thought I'd focus a little on Cajuns today. I may have already done this before... I can't recall :) So if so, here's more.

"Making fun of the way people talk is one of the oldest forms of good-natured humor. It's a combination of ridicule and respect, for we seldom tease anyone we don't like." - Cajun Dictionary

1. Abdominal: detestable, horrible

"If you don get a hair cut you gone to look like de abdominal snowman."

2. All: petroleum

"Check de all too, please."

3. Ball: to boil

"Ya'll come over tonight, we gonna ball some crawfish!"

4. Boo-dree-ox: How Rednecks & Yankees pronounce Boudreaux. (Note... our dog's name is Boudreaux!)

5. Cam: trainquil, calm

"De fish should bite, de waters cam."

6. Cooyon: stupid, dumb, also an educated fool. (Note: This is used on a regular basis in our household)

"If dem cooyon engineers don stop digging canals all over, we gonna all flood."

7. Do Do: to sleep (Note: Grammie Lina sang a do do lullaby to the chiddrens when they were young. They love the do do song.)

"It's time to make do do, I got to get up at five tomorrow."

8. Hafass: low grade, half hearted effort, inferior

"Dat's a hafass job if I ever saw one."

9. Juga Keen: Sugar Cane

"Arry time dey spray de juga keen it kills all de doves."

10. Kang: a metal container

"Pop me another kang of Bud, please."

11. Ma: possessive adjective

"Ma feet hurt!"

12. Pansil: implement used for writing

"Don't run wit dat pansil in you mouth!"

13. Q - There is no Q in the Cajun Alphabet!!!

Mother Pie's results on female blogger study

2007-04-04T14:46:00.000-05:00

A while back I participated in a study for Mother Pie, she was collecting information from mothers/women that blog. She's got a series of entries posted about the study. The information is pretty interesting. Here's a link so you can check it out if you are interested.

Mother Pie's Blogging Study

Juggling those eggs, when life tosses in one too many.

2007-04-02T18:42:00.000-05:00

Most of you know that I've had a few busy weeks lately and Domestik Goddess tagged me with a meme focusing on how one achieves balance in life. Now this meme did as all memes do and floated around the blogosphere, Lillie Ammann started it (so blame her!), and now it's landed at my doorstep.

How do you achieve balance in life?

Well, I've got a highly technical and overly complicated formula that goes something along the lines of:

Square the root of messy household and divide that by the sum of children running through the household and then multiply that by what you want to accomplish and then subtract what you actually accomplish and then factor in the "husbandly rights" quotient and then fractionalize resting time... and you'll end up with harmonious balance.

Honestly, there is a basic formula for balance in life and I call this the "sum of me".

Identify who you are and how you spread yourself.

Here's my "me formula": I am first myself. I am then a mother. I am then a wife. I am then a daughter. I am then an employee. I am then everything else.

You must identify the priorities of where you stand and your relation to life. As busy as life gets, never lose yourself in the chaos of the moment. If the "me" isn't centered, then everything else is out of balance.

What is your biggest challenge in balancing your life?

It's easy enough to figure out where your priorities are once you think about it. But... ah, the execution... that's where so many of us fail. I don't know about you, but I'm a list maker. I make lists of to-do items. I make lists of chores. In my mind I'll create a task list of what I need to accomplish, and in what order it should be accomplished. Making lists is easy.... actually running the errands, cleaning the house, cooking dinner, having quality time and squeezing in a little me time is much harder to actually accomplish.

There are many challenges when you try to balance out life... These are my big three:

Time is a big culprit, it never seems as if we have enough of it.

Third parties are another one... how many times have we had a last minute potty stop that ended up lasting 15 to 20 minutes? How often have you had to wait on someone to get you information or call you back or not be there when you need them?

Unforeseen complications are just about the worst, because even when you've got a plan - it takes only one unforeseen complication to throw everything off kilter.

What advice can you share to help all of us balance our own lives?

Make your plan as if you have all the time in the world. Make your contingency plan as if you only can accomplish one thing. Expect to fall somewhere in the middle and when the chaotic monkey is climbing up your back - take a deep breath, reach back, carefully grasp its scrawny little neck and then beat the ever loving piss out of it as you bang it against the kitchen counter.

And if your day is just a little too crazy - stop all your plans. Go rent a movie or buy a book, grab a bottle of wine... go home, climb into some jammies and relax on the couch, because sometimes you just need a little "me" time to get back to being centered.

I invite you all to share your own bits of life balancing advice... I'll tag a few people in particular like A Spot of Tea, Susan at West of Mars, Thomma Lyn, and Laughing Muse

Who says google doesn't have a sense of humor?

2007-04-02T10:44:00.000-05:00

Did you see google's announcement for totally free wireless internet?

Google's TISP Beta

Too funny!

I was offline this weekend... buying a brand new 60 inch television and playing with some new HD movies. HD ROCKS! :)

It.... LIVES.... Muhahahahah

2007-03-30T13:07:00.000-05:00

*gasp* It's been so long since I've been able to play on the internet. I'm dying over here! Between having major projects at work, scheduling and pulling off a birthday party for an "ADD" child, few physical hurdles (pulled my back and had a nasty migraine for two days), and looking for a new job... I've not had any time!

A few of those major projects at work are moving along nicely so I can relax a little on those. The birthday party has come and gone... the Pea Pie is now a proud parent of a crazy haired guinea pig, fondly named Scooby. Flexoril fixed the back. Relpax and sleep fixed up the migraine... and I've got a phone interview on Monday for a job I really want... ready for the title? Associate Consumer Strategist, Global. Sounds cool, huh?

So... how are you doing? Have a post you made in the last week or two that I should make sure I read while I'm playing catch up? Give me the link so I can be lazy and go right to it!

Scheduled for this weekend? Picture of Scooby to share his crazy hair with ya'll and maybe some of those book reviews finally!

In the meantime, how internet addicted are you?

You Are 75% Addicted to the Internet

In your opinion, life without the internet is hardly worth living.
Could be, but you probably need a bit more fresh air and sunshine to think clearly.

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Women on Writing Ezine

2007-03-22T08:35:00.000-05:00

I was surfing along this morning and saw a blogger, I think it was inky girl mention the WoW (not world of warcraft) site. I popped over and it does look like it has some interesting stuff. I thought I'd share it with you.

Women on Writing Ezine

13 things that have kept us apart!

2007-03-21T16:54:00.000-05:00

I haven't even spent five minutes in the blogosphere since last week. The craziness from Friday continued on through the weekend and early part of this week... Let's see what's happened since Friday morning - here they are... 13 things that have kept me 5,000 miles from the blogosphere.

1. Severe abdominal pain of unknown source.... or so says the ER release form that I got when I spent a day in the emergency room with my 9 year old. She had some severe pain a month or two ago and I took her to the doctor and he saw nothing troubling and eventually it went away. It's back and this time we took her straight to the hospital. It's incredibly tender to touch... but blood tests and xrays couldn't identify it... so now we play the waiting game.

2. The joy of seven year glee... The pea pie turns 7 this month and I've been trying to get her party scheduled and invitations together. The party is this Saturday.

3. My mother who loves me.... and feels the need to call me every evening to ask what my daughter wants for her birthday or how my other daughter is... or if I saw American Idol... or if I wrote my grandmother...

4. Lincoln Child's Deep Storm (book I finished and need to write a review on)

5. Trudi Canavan's Priestess of the White (which I also finished and need to review)

6. Trudi Canavan's Last of the Wilds (ditto)

7. Read Blanchard's Raving Fans.... not by choice mind you. I was given a week to read it for work and starting soon we're all going to talk about our thoughts on customer service... every day... each morning, before we start our day. Oh may the joy never end.

8. The job which has lost it's appeal. The CEO completely wigged out on Friday, treated the employees in a completely unacceptable fashion and when I let him know he was pushing me to look for another job he responded by telling me they may just go ahead and hire some one soon so that there isn't a gap in the service provided to the clients (yeah, I really felt appreciated after that).

9. The beginnings of the job search. So I brushed off my resume and sent it out on Saturday. I've already had five calls in response. I'm thinking it's a good sign so far.

10. Longer than usual work days... It's called the work harder, get criticized more, get more tasks, have shorter timelines and get nothing in return business model... oh yeah... I love working 10 to 11 hour days. (see #9)

11. Hunger Strike in response to Idol and oh how it surfs through the net - really... I don't know

if I want to criticize the stupidity or pity the thought that this is the most important thing in someone's life. Unless it's all a great big joke.... then Har Har Har

12. Family funday. Saturday (to release some of last week's pent up energy and before #1) we went to the Children's Museum as a family outing.

13. Let's see... Oh yeah, a UTI, a special gift for me from the "Life Sucks Fairy, Ha Ha Ha".

So, it's been an interesting couple of days for me.

Geez... question for you astrology folks

2007-03-16T16:36:00.000-05:00

Is mars traveling through "Uranus" in retro or something... (sounds uncomfortable to me) I mean, completely crappy day at work, my kids are home less than an hour and screaming with temper tantrums... what is up?

Is Cosmic Karma's evil twin on the loose?

13 Things I've learned about the Amazon

2007-03-15T12:20:00.000-05:00

Thursday Thirteen brings you 13 things I've learned about the Amazon!

My work in progress takes place in the Xingu-Tapajos region of the rainforest. Since I don't happen to live in the Amazon, I've had to do a lot of research. I wanted to share 13 things that I've learned in the research I've done for my novel.

1. The Amazon is the largest river in the world. At the most narrow, it is 1.2 miles wide.

2. The Amazon Basin is nearly 140 times the size of Costa Rica.

3. The Xingu Valley is one of the largest tributaries in the Amazon. It's nearly the size of France.

4. Cattle ranching and logging are the two most important economic activities in the lower Xingu region.

5. The Tucuma Palm (26 to 66 feet tall) are covered with long black spines and the fronds are relatively small. The fruits are popular. They can also make a cream of Tucuma Butter (like cocoa butter).

6. The Piraha are an indigenous tribe who live on the Maici River. Their numbers are now down to 200 people. They have a fascinating language, which the men whistle. There are no relative clauses or grammatical recursions and the language only has 7 consonants and 3 vowels.

7. Vincristine is an anticancer drug that comes from periwinkle.

8. Ayahuesca is a hallucinogenic brew that comes from lianas (vines). It is often used as medicine or part of a ceremony. There is a very interesting ceremony I found that uses it and it's mentioned in my novel.

9. The Lear's Macaw was seen by illustrator, Edward Lear. However, it wasn't scientifically discovered until 1858 by Charles Lucien Bonaparte, nephew of Napoleon. It was pretty much unseen and the mystery of the origin of the bird began. Ornithologist Helmut Sick started searching for the Lear's in 1954. It took over 20 years, but finally he found them. It took 120 years to resolve the mystery of the Lear's Macaw.

10. The Urucu-Manaus pipeline will travel 670 kilometers through the Amazon to Manaus.

11. Electronorte is proposing a huge dam on the Xingu river called the Belo Monte. It is being heavily protested.

12. Brazil is considered the most biologically diverse country in the world. It has over 30% of the world's rainforest and more than 55,000 vascular plants (17,000 are endemic to Brazil). There are more than 500 mammal species, 460 reptiles, and 500 amphibians that naturally occur in Brazil - and we don't even want to try and count all the creepy crawlies.

13. Rivers that look like tea are called blackwater rivers. Rivers that are milky brown are called whitewater rivers. These are not the same as the clear whitewaters that canoers and kayakers are familiar with.

The many layers of novel writing

2007-03-15T11:45:00.000-05:00

Last night, as my mind wandered I found myself thinking about my work in progress. I’m not moving forward as I should be – not because I’ve got plot block. No, I know what comes next, but, I’m dissatisfied with the quality and flow of the last few thousand words.

We beat the dead horse over first drafts and inner editors. It’s just hard to get past that sometimes. When a painter decides to paint a picture of a bouquet of flowers, he doesn’t start with a petal. He starts with the curtain of the backdrop. Then, when dry enough he adds some shading and depth, and then begins on the centerpiece; painting the pieces that will result in the vision of the painter’s inner eye.

I know that I must follow the same concept: complete my first draft, which is my background. When dry, come through a second time and start working on the depth and texture. Go over it, again, to make the final masterpiece come alive and only then, if I’m lucky, will it match the masterpiece I am expecting.

A fun little movie for writers

2007-03-14T14:06:00.000-05:00

Have you seen Stranger than Fiction? I'm not a big Will Ferrell fan, yes, I know - how could I claim to have a sense of humor and not like him! I just find his style over the top on more than a few of his movies. I did enjoy Old School... I refuse to watch Elf... I just can't do it...

Anyway, I didn't go see this movie in the theater because it was one of "his movies" and I thought I wouldn't like it. However, the premise of the movie was interesting enough that I did pick it up at the video store.

I LOVE THIS MOVIE

It's not a "Will Ferrell Movie" and instead it's a fun little movie that I found particularly amusing. Emma Thompson plays a fantastic writer with quirks and obsessions. It was like seeing some of my neurotic writer friends on screen! Will Ferrell plays his role of the "tax man" perfectly. Dustin Hoffman plays a literature professor, the kind that makes me want to sign up for classes at whatever school he would teach at... I love how important, "little did he know" is to the story!

I just wanted to share that. I'm done now. Okthankstalktoyoulater!

What do bad dreams mean?

2007-03-13T08:09:00.000-05:00

Last night I had a bad dream, not necessarily a nightmare. I wasn't scared or terrified; but it was emotional. My mother became sick again and this time she wasn't going to survive it. At the point where she was dying in the hospital my other little inner persona jumped up and I took control of the dream. I tend to have lucid dreams, not often, but usually a couple of times a month I realize that I am in a dream and influence what happens next. Usually, I fix something I don't like about it.

But, as I sit here sipping my cranberry juice, my mind wanders and I wonder what (look at my mad alliteration skills) bad dreams foretell.

Now then, Freud would certainly tell me I'm repressing some kind of sexual need. Naturally, I think everyone in his time period was sexually repressed. But the nuts and bolts of a dream, to me, is the communication between your body and subconscious and your conscious self. Sometimes your dreams are sort and store, it's like the little monkey in your mind picks up all the pieces from the hectic day and tries to shelve them where they belong. Sometimes your body is trying to tell you something, "Hey, you are too stressed out and making me tense up!" or "Yo! Dummy. Stop eating so much crap!" I remember one time where in my dream I started suffering migraine symptoms. I woke up, and shortly after I did get hit with the aura of an oncoming migraine. My body recognized the chemical imbalance and tried to warn me.

Dream Moods lists eight types of dreams:

Daydreams:
Studies show that we all have the tendency to daydream an average of 70-120 minutes a day. Day dreaming is classified as a level of consciousness between sleep and wakefulness.

Lucid dreams:
Lucid dreams occurs when you realize you are dreaming. "Wait a second. This is only a dream!"

Nightmares:
A nightmare is a disturbing dream that causes the dreamer to wake up feeling anxious and frightened.

Recurring Dream:
Speaks for itself

Healing Dreams:
Healing dreams serve as messages for the dreamer in regards to their health. Many dream experts believe that dreams can help us avoid potential health problems.

Prophetic Dreams:
Prophetic dreams, also referred to as precognitive or psychic dreams, are dreams that seemingly foretell the future.

Signal Dreams:
Signal dreams help you how to solve problems or make decisions in your waking life.

Epic Dreams:
Epic dreams (also known as Great Dreams or Cosmic Dreams) are so huge, so compelling, and so vivid that you cannot ignore them.

I found a fun little dream interpreter tool that allows you to describe your dream and it pulls out significant words you use and tells you what that might mean. It's at Freakydreams.com .

So, what did my dream from last night mean? Well, I'm dissatisfied with work and I'm thinking of looking for a new job. I always worry about my mother's health. I would bet my subconscious was using my mother to symbolize my dwindling relationship with work. The great thing is, once you've dreamed and remembered, you can think through it and figure out what makes sense to you.

As a writer, I've certainly had some crazy dreams and honestly, I've gotten a few plot ideas from thinking through my dreams the next morning.

What type of dreamer are you? Have any that really stick with you?

Spring Reading Challenge

2007-03-12T08:47:00.000-05:00

Susan let me know about the Spring Reading Thing hosted over on Callapidder Days. It's a fun event where you can put together your reading list and try to get some of those books you've been putting off!

Check out her site for all the details, but here is a little snippet for you:

When: Not surprisingly, the challenge takes place during the spring. :) Specifically, it will run from March 21st through June 21st, 2007.

Where: Here, and on blogs all over the bloggy universe. I'll put up a Mr. Linky on March 21st where you can submit a link to your own Spring Reading Thing blog post. All I ask is that you share your goals and list of books in your post, and that you include a link back to the post here that contains the Mr. Linky. We want to spread our love of books and reading far and wide, and make sure people have easy access to everyone's lists!

Babyproofing Your Marriage Book Review

2007-03-11T16:30:00.000-05:00

Blogher virtual tour had a Harper offer for the book Babyproofing Your Marriage. It sounded like an interesting read.

And an interesting read it is! Stacie Cockrell, Cathy O'Neill, and Julia Stone bring their own experiences and toss them together in some fast, witty advice for couples. Along the way they include quotes from other couples.

It's actually an easy read, you can pick it up, read about 20 minutes of it and then put it down to pick it up a little later. Many of the sections are pretty entertaining and I think this would be a great book for new couples considering children. In fact, I'm going to pass this copy on to my brother and his fiance.

I do remember life B.C. (before children). My husband and I never fought. We'd have a disagreement every now and again. Then first child came along and oh yes, things certainly changed. First of all, mommy clock turned on the light sleeper mode. Second, I realized that while my husband was still staying up until the wee hours of the morning playing video games - I had to wake/sleep/wake/sleep, care for an infant, work and try to keep a house. Yeah, the little resentment bug got me a time or two. I think having this book during those early days would have been helpful for me as a young wife and mother.

A large portion of the book focuses on the physical relationship between a man and wife. Definitely an important component. Luckily for my husband and me, we do alright in that arena and we've never had the issues the book mentions. I particularly liked reading the sections "It's Never Enough" and "Marriage in a Vicious Cycle".

Another portion of the book is the use of "terms" like SGI's for small gestures of intimacy. I really liked the "ick factor". I can't tell you how many times I've bent over a pile of puke and battled with my gag reflex. When you don't have children it's easy enough to think about how your life might be when you do have them... but you won't really know it, until you do.

Overall: The book has some great quotes. There is some great advice in here. (In fact, there is one little bit of advice for women in there that my husband thinks is particularly good advice - don't worry, when you read it, you'll know precisely what part I'm talking about.) It's a fun, easy ready and can benefit many of its readers. It's Win-Win all round!

Announcing Book Review Sunday!

2007-03-11T13:17:00.000-05:00

Hello my friends and lurkers,

I am a big reader, yes, I know you are surprised by that! I have decided to devote Sunday's to book reviews. I usually read at least one book a week. Last week I read Christine Feehan's newest in the Game series. It's the second part of the twins and yes, it was fabulous. I also read Julie Garwood's The Wedding. It's an old one and I like to read it periodically. I'll not be reviewing those today. I've got another book I'll be writing about.

I just wanted to let you know about the new plan and to give you the heads up on Sunday activity.

Cheers!

A Great Place for a Screenwriter to Get Their Manuscript Read

2007-03-10T17:55:00.000-06:00

Sometimes we writers get a little... focused on our level of the writosphere and we forget that the writing family has a lot of relatives, the novelists, the poets, the lyrists, screenwriters... flashers (flash fiction) and more.

I could never be a screenwriter. I just have too many words floating around and could never break it down for screen. With that said, I do love watching movies and tv shows so I wanted to take a moment and share some information that may be of interest to those writers of a visual kind.

Scriptapalooza is an internetional screenplay competition that reviews 1,000s of scripts and has some great industry support. Scriptapalooza president, Mark Andrushko, was kind enough to answer a few questions for me on this event.

1.Can you tell me a little bit about how Scriptapalooza came to be?

About 9 years ago, a lot of my personal friends were writers and always telling me how discouraged they were with screenplay competitions - they would send their script to competitions and hear nothing back and what really annoyed them was that they didn't know who was reading their script if anyone? Basically the other competitions would say, "Read by Hollywood producers," well who are these people? Because they never mentioned any info on the judges...What Scriptapalooza did was we listed on our website every company that reads, the person's name and their title. We have over 70 producers, managers and agents reading every entry that comes in.

2. I see it's the 9th annual - how has the event grown since its first year?

The first couple of years were tough; we were cold calling producers to read our winners, now everyone calls us to see the winners, runners-up etc...

3. How many entries does the Scriptapalooza usually receive?

Anywhere between 3500-4000 per year.

4. There are over 70 production companies and agents listed as the entities reviewing the scripts. Overall - what are they looking for?

Since we deal with so many companies, they are looking for everything...we have producers that just want horror or animation. Basically every genre is needed by all these 70 companies.

Is there a percentage of how many entrants see something come from participation in the competition?

The good thing about Scriptapalooza is that if you win 1st place or you are just a Semifinalist, your script will be pushed for an entire year.

5. It sounds like you have some exciting news about past entrants, like Craig Clyde. How do you think their participation has helped develop their project or improve their craft?

We open the doors for them, they write great scripts, and we have the connections to get them a meeting, an agent, get their script optioned, sold and eventually made.

6. The Scriptapalooza has some fantastic support from writer's groups and entertainment agencies, how has that impacted the competition?

It validates everything we do...Robert McKee has said that Scriptapalooza is the best screenplay competition out there, Writers Guild of America west and Writers Guild of Canada both endorsed us...so it feels good, people are recognizing that we work for the writer.

7. What do you think is the most important component of a successful script entered into the competition?

Great storytelling and great dialogue.

8. What words of advice do you have for writers trying to break into the industry?

I'm very honest with everyone, it's a very difficult business to get into, but if you're a great writer you'll float to the top eventually.

9. How can entering contests and competitions help advance the writer's career?

Competitions are good way to get your work out there and see what people think. But make sure you only submit your script to reputable competitions, such as Nichols and Scriptapalooza. They are many competitions are there that don't really do anything, do your homework and judge for yourself before submitting.

The Research Files: Harpy Eagle

2007-03-08T17:54:00.000-06:00

As we all know... research is a critical component of any story. As writers, we spend hours reading, watching, asking and absorbing (yes, I just love those gerunds)... now, sometimes we carry too much of that research with us and put a little too much into the story.

Sean likes Harpy Eagles... and they are pretty awesome. I'd thought I'd share some of what I've learned... after all, if Sean knows all about them - I need to as well.

- The Harpy Eagle stands over 3 feet tall.

- Wingspan can reach seven feet

- Females are quite larger than males (some reports say twice as large, others say three times)

- The Harpy Eagle talons are the longer than a grizzly bears

- They eat monkeys, sloths (their tasty treat), and sometimes - small antelope

- They can exert several hundred pounds of pressure with their talons

- They have a chick every two to three years and don't reach sexually maturity until four or five

- They are threatened

- The Harpy Eagle is the national bird of Panama

- Latin name: Harpia Harpyja from Harpe (don't we all recall the harpies from mythology?)

What is threatening the Harpy Eagle? Deforestation

Visual DNA

2007-03-07T23:35:00.000-06:00

Spot of T had this on her blog and it is awesome!

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

The mystery of the < div > tag

2007-03-07T21:54:00.000-06:00

For some reason blogger today has been unfriendly with it's paragraph spacing and not reading my paragraphs and then adding in way too many spaces between lines. So, I apologize for the size of the TT post today... but instead of editing/posting/editing/posting, etc I'm just going to leave it... :)

Meat Sean Watts, Eco-Challenger

2007-03-07T21:48:00.000-06:00

1. Sean, I'd love to let my readers get a chance to know more about you. Could you tell us where you live?

I live in Manaus, near the Amazon river. I've got a cozy little boat that does an adequate job of keeping the skeeters away.

2. Have you always lived there?

No, heh, I'm originally from the Ozarks of Missouri.

Yeah, I see you thinking of a hillbilly comment... it's best you kept that a thought.

3. That's a pretty big change in location, what do you do there?

I'm a tour guide. I take boats up the Rio Negro and take tourists and adventurers on strolls through the jungle.

4. Sounds like fun!

It's something to do. Keeps me out of an office.

5. You were a member of an Eco-Challenge team. What did you have to do to make the team?

I worked hard. I had to push my limits and embrace the thrill of adventure.

6. I read some articles that you had a rough childhood. Would you mind telling us about that?

Yes. But I know you are a nosy, pain in the ass who won't leave me alone until I tell you more. My mother stayed at home with me. My father worked in construction... he had a passion for Schlitz... and Jack... and anything else that would help him "relax".

7. So he was an alcoholic?

Yeah. You could say that.

8. I understand that you lost your mother while you were young. I'm sorry for your loss.

*Shrug* I don't really remember much of her, other than her constant praying... and her moans after my father finished using her as a punching bag.

9. Well, I'm sure she's in a better place now, with God's grace.

*He snorts*

What? You don't agree?

I might, if I thought there was a God and if I thought she was deserving.

10. Um... Ok... Well... Uh, It must be amazing to see all the wildlife in the rainforest. What's your favorite creature?

The poison-dart frog is pretty darn cool... but, I think I'd have to say the Harpy Eagle.

11. How do people get in touch with you for a tour?

I've got a few deals with hotels, travel agents and I've got a friend who handles some of the internet work for me. I don't like working all the time, so my tours are sometimes spaced out a bit.

12. So, what's next for Sean Watts?

I've actually just been hired as a guide for a larger project. I'm afraid I can't tell you any details at the moment though. I'll be out of Manaus for a little while.

13. Hello fellow Thursday Thirteener! Sean Watts is the protag in my "Work In Progress". He's been spending a lot more time with me recently. He's fascinating but also a little annoying and... he can be a real ass sometimes. I hope that he continues to keep me company. I really need to finish his story.

Time for some serious link love!

2007-03-07T12:45:00.000-06:00

I've been a little busy and distracted lately... it happens, right? And I've been pretty quiet in the blogosphere. I pop on just to make a fast announcement to the world at large: "Yay! I finished something important. I AM syked! WoooT!"

And along come the wonderful people in the blogosphere to pipe in and make me feel even better. One of the reasons why being involved in the blogging community is to have a support network of friends and like-minded associates.

My mother sent me a lovely arrangement - let me share it with you... and a special thank you to the folks that stopped in to say hello!

The one, the only! Susan!

Laughing Muse

Joely Sue

Mike Berta – where ever you are!

Wylie

Angela the SciFiChick

Sabrina at the Coffee Quill

Amy Ruttan

Rob with Paxton Fiction

Katie with Slightly Savage

The Domestik Goddess

Visit them, tell them how wonderful they are :) and let the bloggy karminess continue!

One life goal down... BOoYah!

2007-03-05T08:35:00.000-06:00

My husband and I met in high school. When I graduated, my mind was not on my education, but on other things. I had a 3.9 GPA, scholarships aplenty, and enough acceptance letters to go where ever I wanted. I managed to finish a year of college and then found myself married, working full-time, and shortly after - pregnant.

I love my husband and my children. I have no regrets and I thank the powers that be everyday that I am so fortunate to have such a wonderful family.

Not having that degree though... that was a burr in my saddle. As I matured and as my children went off to school the annoyance became a fever. In 2004, I signed up for University of Phoenix online campus. Today I am finished. Yes!

I am raising two children, maintaining a solid - loving relationship with my husband, working a full-time career which often requires 50 or more hours a week of my time, blogging, writing a book, trying to keep a house clean... and I spent the last two and a half years in accelerated college courses writing at least one (usually two) papers a week - every week. (Which is, of course, why my house is often a mess and I'm only a third of the way into my first draft!)

Life goals 1 & 2:

1. Complete my bachelor's degree: Is officially taken care of.

Now I can focus on 2. Complete a novel.

You are never too old to finish something you started - or start on a completely new path for your life. No matter who you are or where you happen to be, never give up your dreams or your goals. No matter how unattainable they may seem to be. No matter how many obstacles you think you face. With determination and dedication anything is possible.

When the blogging lull hits

2007-03-04T10:12:00.000-06:00

It hits hard! My regular readers have noticed I'm not posting quite as frequently as I usually do. I'm experiencing one of those blogging lull's. I'm not really accomplishing anything else. I'd love to say that I've been focused on my writing. Instead, life has just been taking up my time.

We've had some out of town trips, some major snow falls, and some family nights out. It all equals less time for me to think about the blog.

So, what do you do when you have a blogging lull? What is usually the biggest factor that takes your time?

Time to play... Name That Line!

2007-03-01T07:52:00.000-06:00

There are some debates over the importance of an opening line for a story. Some people think the opening line should stand alone as a hook (or at least example of the author's writing skill) and others don't consider the opening line as that important. I thought for this week's Thursday Thirteen we'd play a little game. Here are 13 opening lines from books and below are the 13 books they come from. Can you guess which is which? Of these - which one is your favorite?

(Note: If there was a prologue, I skipped and went to the first line of chapter 1)

1. The ghastly, corpse-pale face appeared suddenly, materializing out of the depths of the fathomless darkness like some demonic guardian set to protect forbidden secrets.

2. The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed.

3. The scent of slaughter, some believe, can linger in a place for years.

4. "Dear Deverell, of course I know exactly the right lady for you."

5. Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much.

6. "Vicious little beasts, aren't they?"

7. On the night the Underworld put a contract out on me, a crescent moon dangled overhead like a celestial fishook and stars bobbed in the sky.

8. On his thirty-sixth birthday, May 18, Travis Corell rose at five o'clock in the morning.

9. Vampires.

10. My name is Odd Thomas, though in this age when fame is the altar at which most people worship, I am not sure why you should care who I am or that I exist.

11. Eragon knelt in a bed of trampled reed grass and scanned the tracks with a practiced eye.

12. Sssshhhh.

13. The first thing the boy Garion remembered was the kitchen at Faldor's farm.

(Ok, I've given you some easy ones... and some not so easy ones. Let's see if you can match the book to the opening line.)

Here are the books these lines come from:

Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz
Dawn of Prophecy by David Eddings
Eragon by Chris Paolini
Hunting Fear by Kay Hooper
The Paid Companion by Amanda Quick
The Loop by Nicholas Evans
To Distraction by Stephanie Laurens
The Gunslinger by Stephen King
Hunter by James Byron Huggins
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by Rowling
Hell's Belles by Jackie Kessler
The Rest Falls Away by Colleen Gleason
Watchers by Dean Koontz

Good luck!

Interview with Karen Dionne of Backspace

2007-02-27T08:02:00.000-06:00

As an aspiring writer, I know how important an active network of fellow insa... err, passionate writers can be. A good critique group can take an ok novel to great! An understanding ear and soothing back pat can get you over the next hurdle of self-doubt or writer's block. These are the primary reasons I joined Backspace - the Writer's Place. I enjoyed the discussions; I can get lost in reviewing past questions and answers with agents and authors... and you can meet some excellent authors. People who have put their foot in the door of publication and really, it can be an inspiring experience for those who yearn for similar success. I sent some questions to Karen and Christopher, founders of Backspace.

1. When did Backspace begin?

Christopher Graham and I started Backspace three years ago, in April of 2004. We met over the Internet at a large, public writers board that had lots of great people posting helpful information, but because of its public nature, it also had problems - a handful of troublemakers and nuisance posts by people who weren’t serious about writing tended to overwhelm the discussion, making it difficult to find the good stuff. As aspiring writers, Chris and I felt we needed a site where writers could gather in large numbers to talk about writing and help one another understand the publishing process in an atmosphere of respect, and so we started Backspace. The Backspace discussion forums now have nearly 500 members in a dozen countries. About a third of the membership is agented and/or published, including a handful of New York Times best-selling authors. We believe Backspace’s phenomenal success demonstrates that in creating the kind of writers site we wanted, we discovered a need.

2. In your mind, what does Backspace offer to writers?

The real beauty of the Backspace discussion forums is that the membership is a mix of published authors and the soon-to-be. Writers join because they want to give and get. In that sense, no matter where they are in the publishing process, everyone's a mentor because we're all learning from each other. In not quite three years' time, members have watched dozens of Backspacers sell their books, work with their editors and publicists, do book signings, go on tour -- even hit the New York Times best-seller list. We understand what copyedits are even if we've never seen them; we know what happens at an editorial board meeting; we understand the reason for a last-minute cover change (and how little the author can do about it); we know that Amazon rankings don't mean diddly in terms of overall sales (though we also understand the author's need to check them compulsively every hour).

3. The articles and forum discussions by authors and literary agents are impressive. How did you build those relationships?

In the process of assembling the articles on the www.bksp.org homepage and lining up guest speakers for online question and answer visits, I made an interesting discovery. I found out that for every stereotypical bitter, jealous writer, there are hundreds of well-published authors and agents and editors who are eager to see aspiring writers succeed. The Backspace organization is predicated on the idea of writers helping writers. I’m extremely grateful that those in the publishing world who are of like mind recognize the value of our educational efforts, and are eager to contribute.

4. Do you have a favorite article or author discussion from 2006? If yes, which one and why?

I love all of the discussions, but a few that stand out are literary agent Jeff Kleinman’s visit back in December 2005 where he went far and above the call of duty, spending literally hours answering members’ questions, and Jerry Gross’s recent question and answer discussion that shed light on the writing process from his freelance book editor’s perspective. The article on the www.bksp.org homepages by David L. Robbins “Advice for Writers” is absolutely inspiring, as is the talk and video of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Douglas Wright’s 2006 keynote conference speech.

New York Times best-selling author Lee Child and literary agent Richard Curtis have been outstanding early supporters, and both have terrific articles on the homepages. David Morrell is a fabulous contributor to all things Backspace, with articles for our homepages, a guest speaker visit to our discussion forums, and as a faculty member at our conferences. David touts Backspace as a valuable writers resource when he attends other conferences, and recently included our url in the revised edition of his how-to-write book Lessons From a Lifetime of Writing (excerpted on our homepages).

5. Backspace has received varying levels of accolades, from literary agent support and recommendation to site awards from Writer's Digest. How does that make you think/feel about Backspace and its position in the writing world?

That Backspace has been recognized early on as an important entity in the publishing world is extremely gratifying. Again, I believe it ties back to our purpose: helping authors succeed. Writing is a solitary endeavor, and publishing is a tough business. The better educated writers are about the business they’re trying to enter, the more likely they are to break in – and to stay in. Publishing professionals know this, and have been very gracious in offering Backspace support.

6. How many Backspace Conferences have there been?

The 2007 Backpace Writers Conference on May 31 & June 1 will be our third full-fledged writers conference. In addition, last fall Backspace sponsored a one day Agent-Author seminar at The Algonquin Hotel in New York with only agents on the program that was so well received, we’re planning another for the fall of 2007.

From an organizer’s standpoint, our conferences have been a little too successful, since there are far more great folks offering to be on the program than we have room for. Naturally, the New York location is a factor – our conferences are convenient for agents and editors to attend. But I also believe the conferences’ early success is because we set the bar so high. Newer authors can learn from the material that’s presented, but our program is so advanced, even published authors take something useful away. And of course the networking possibilities at a smaller, more intimate conference like ours are outstanding.

7. What do you enjoy most about Backspace?

The thing I enjoy most about Backspace is watching members succeed. Every month when I assemble the content for the Backspace newsletter, I marvel at all of the announcements that have been posted at the discussion forums of short story placements, novel and non-fiction sales, awards won, interviews posted, book reviews in major magazines, and on and on. The cumulative success of Backspace members is inspiring!

8. Do you have any lessons that you have learned while developing your own writing that you can share with aspiring writers?

Perhaps the biggest thing I’ve learned along the road to publication is that each person’s path is different. Occasionally, an author will hit one out of the park their first time at bat, but that’s not the norm. Most spend years in the minor leagues honing their craft before being called up to the majors – as they should. The key is to persevere.

I signed with my agent in 1999. My first novel wasn't ready, but my agent loved the premise and thought my writing was strong enough that I could pull it off with a rewrite. But it really was early days for me, and while I had a great idea and a certain amount of talent, I didn't know how to craft a novel. I’m not exaggerating when I say my agent taught me how to write one. Three and a half years and three complete rewrites later, we were both so tired of it we couldn't bear to work on the story any longer, and the novel went on submission without a sale.

I spent another couple of years writing my second novel, and somewhere in the midst of that started Backspace, which quickly consumed great gobs of my writing time (as in literally years). In fact, Backspace was so successful, there were many times I considered throwing in the publishing towel and concentrating solely on it. But last month, my second novel, an eco-thriller called FREEZING POINT in which extremists plot to stop an energy company from melting icebergs into drinking water - neither realizing that the water is contaminated with an unknown, deadly disease, sold to Natalee Rosenstein of Berkley. Am I glad now that I hung in with the writing!

9. What should Backspace members look forward to in 2007 (regarding agent articles, author forum discussions, site changes, etc)?

Chris and I are currently working on a major change for the www.bksp.org website that we hope to announce at the Backspace conference this spring. The Internet is a fantastic resource for writers, and we’re very excited about the expanded possibilities in the upcoming changes. Stay tuned!

I enjoy being part of the writing community at Backspace. If you'd like to get to know a little more about Karen Dionne, you can visit her on her website.

From the realm of superstitions

2007-02-26T11:32:00.000-06:00

The folk tales, myths and superstitions of our human kind present endless possibilities for story creation and development. They are particularly useful with fantasy, scifi, and paranormal stories. I thought I'd share a new form of divination with you all.

Alectromancy

Method of divination, in which a white Rooster is placed in a circle divided into twenty-six segments, each containing a grain of wheat. The order in which the cock eats the grains as a magic incantation is delivered will spell out the answer to any question perviously posed, be it an unknown lover's name of the indentity of the next ruler. A cock thus employed predicted the coming to power of the Roman Emperor Theodorus in ancient times, and over the centuries the practice has been resurrected for various purposes in many countries.

A Thursday HAHA

2007-02-22T10:06:00.000-06:00

A writer comes home to a burned down house. His sobbing and slightly-singed wife is standing outside.

“What happened, honey?” the man asks.

“Oh, John, it was terrible,” she weeps. “I was cooking, the phone rang. It was your agent. Because I was on the phone, I didn’t notice the stove was on fire. It went up in second. Everything is gone. I nearly didn’t make it out of the house. Poor Fluffy is...”

“Wait, wait. Back up a minute,” The man says. “My agent called?”

Interview with Colleen Gleason

2007-02-21T18:26:00.000-06:00

I read The Rest Falls Away by Colleen Gleason and just had to ask her a few questions. Here are her responses.

1. When did you begin writing with the goal to get published?

I’ve been writing since I was very young, all through school and college, but it wasn’t until I finished college—and finished my first novel—that I decided to try and get it published. And, well, it took eight more books and many more years later before I actually got the call that I’d sold a book.

Of course, during that time between college and that first sale, I was going to grad school, getting married, having a career in business, and having three children, so I had periods of time where I wasn’t writing at all (lots of them! Can you say morning sickness?)

2. Is The Rest Falls Away your first novel (completed - not published)?

No, The Rest Falls Away was my ninth finished novel.

3. What is your greatest motivation to write?

The stories that I want—need!—to tell, mainly because I don’t think anyone else could tell them the way I want to. I have so many stories and what if’s swirling around at any time that it’s hard to think that they’d never come to fruition if I didn’t write them.

4. Where did the term "venator" come from?

Venator is from the Latin for “hunter.” Many of the words in my Gardella Vampire Chronicles series come from Latin roots because Rome is where the Venators began.

5. Ok, so you've told us that we'll see more of Max and Sebastian in Rises The Night (thank goodness! I MUST know more about them!) - what about Verbena? I find myself attached to her and I wonder what will become of her?

I like Verbena too, and so do many other readers—much to my delight. She is such a fun character and she just took over when she appeared on the page, with all of her quirks and surprising knowledge.

Yes, Verbena makes several appearances in Rises the Night, and also in The Bleeding Dusk, which is the third in the series and the one I’ve just finished writing.

6. The training Victoria experiences is relatively minor in the first book, will we see some more detail of her training and how her skills will advance?

I don’t spend a lot of time on the details of her training, although she started to bug Kritanu about why she can’t learn qingongg (the Crouching Tiger/Hidden Dragon-like form or martial arts fighting) like Max, but he tells her she needs to take things in steps.

She does have a sword fight with Sebastian, however. Ok, that sounds like it'll be fun!

7. With that said, the fight scenes are done quite well and fit in seamlessly with style and tone - how did you research for them?

Thanks for saying so. I did do quite a bit of research about martial arts—much more than what shows in the books. I wanted to use specific, real, traditional Eastern fighting skills that logically fit with who the Venators are and how they are trained. Most of my research was done online, and as for writing the specific fight scenes…well, I think those are some of the hardest scenes to write—sort of like sex scenes.

You don’t want either one to sound mechanical, nor to give a step by step description of every movement and every blink of an eye…yet you have to give the reader a sense of the flow, so to speak. I’m glad you felt they were well-written, because I think fight scenes, again, like sex scenes, can begin to get redundant if not handled carefully.

8. Can you tell us - is Victoria currently the last of the Gardella line or is there another family member out there?

There are many other Venators out there—from far-flung branches of the family, some of whom you’ll meet in Rises the Night and The Bleeding Dusk, but right now, she’s the last of the direct descendants from Gardella the Venator. She’s not the only slayer, but she’s the most powerful because of her direct descent.

9. Max and Eustacia are particularly concerned with Victoria becoming pregnant, understandable (it just wouldn't have been right in the first book), but as the last in the line, don't they want her to carry on the bloodline? Does this get touched on in the next novel?

It doesn’t get touched on in Rises the Night, although it will be hinted at in The Bleeding Dusk.

As I mentioned earlier, there are other Venators—they pop up in the widespread Gardella family tree, which has grown the world over—purposely, because of their duty—randomly, almost like a genetic mutation. LOL. So there are other Venators who are born Venators, and are of Gardella blood…but Victoria is the last in the direct line from Gardella, and that has to mean something, doesn’t it? - Yes, it does!

10. The teaser for Rises the Night introduces a new threat, is Lilith still the main foe? Or, has someone darker entered the picture?

Lilith is still the most powerful of all vampires living, and thus is the biggest threat—although in Rises the Night her role is an off-stage one. There are other vampires, and even other creatures, that either work with her or against her. Ooo, I can't wait!

11. Can you give us any little goodies of what we can expect in Rises the Night?

Well, I mentioned about Victoria and Sebastian’s sword fight above. Let’s see….There will be a discussion about Max possibly taking up gardening. And Victoria will travel to Venice and Rome after attending a house-party in the countryside of England. Oh, and she’ll meet Lord Byron and will annoy his current lover.

How’s that? - AWESOME! :)

12. What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

Keep writing. You have to finish a book and send it out, and while you’re waiting to hear on that book, you have to write something else. And then something else. And then something else. Always write the best you can, always have something to send out, and keep doing this until you either give up—or get published.

13. Do you think having an internet presence has made an impact on your writing career?

I hope it has. A lot more people knew about my book and about me before it hit the shelves than if I didn’t have a blog or a Web site. However, the number of people who do know about my book via the Web is such a small percentage of readers out there…it’s still an inefficient form of marketing. But I love my blog and really enjoy the people I’ve “met” by writing it, and visiting their blogs.

14. Who are your favorite authors?

Nora Roberts/J D Robb, Elizabeth Peters/Barbara Michaels, Roberta Gellis, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Colette Gale, Liz Carlyle, Georgette Heyer, J K Rowling, and there are others, but that’s a good start!

15. What can we expect to see from Colleen Gleason in the future?

Well, there are a total of four Gardella books contracted and in the works: Rises the Night (June 2007), The Bleeding Dusk (Feb 08) and the fourth as-yet untitled one in late 2008. I hope to write a total of five books about Victoria, and then to move on and write about another Gardella woman after that!

Thank you so much for having me here! I appreciate your time and questions…and I’ll be happy to answer any questions people leave in the comments section today.

Thank you, Colleen, for sharing your wonderful world with us and taking the time to answer a few questions! :)

The Sun Sets on the Thursday Thirteen

2007-02-21T17:44:00.000-06:00

I was surprised to see a note on the Thursday Thirteen hub today that this week's list is the final Thursday Thirteen. I am bummed. I look forward to my Wednesday night / Thursday morning blog surfing. There are so many bloggers I've found through the TT and I make sure I always visit them when it's list time!

I think it would be most fitting that I share with you 13 of my favorite fellow Thursday Thirteeners. (In no particular order:)

1. West of Mars - Susan is the one who really got me interested in the Thursday Thirteen. She's a lovely lady with a great sense of humor.

2. Ramblings of Maggie

3. The Screaming Pages

4. Title Deleted

5. Confessions of a Sophisticated Writer

6. Colleen Gleason

7. Fond of Snape

8. Dreaming in Rhyme

9. Christine d'Abo

10. Tennessee Text Wrestling

11. Scooper Speaks

12. Whiskey Talking

13. It's so hard to just list a few. I've seen some great 13 posts that are creative, moving, inspiring, delightful, hilarious... I've enjoyed this weekly diversion and I wish all the best for you!

A sunbeam to warm you,A moonbeam to charm you,A sheltering angel, so nothing can harm you.~Irish Blessing

I am destined to rule the world!!

2007-02-20T10:23:00.000-06:00

You Are Destined to Rule the World

You have the makings of a very evil dictator...
Which is both kind of cool and kind of scary!
Will you rule the world? Maybe. Maybe not.
But at least you know that you could.

Are You Destined For World Domination?

And when I accept my position of ultimate power, I will follow the ever important evil overlord guidelines...

-->My Legions of Terror will have helmets with clear plexiglass visors, not face-concealing ones.

-->My ventilation ducts will be too small to crawl through.

-->My noble half-brother whose throne I usurped will be killed, not kept anonymously imprisoned in a forgotten cell of my dungeon.

-->Shooting is not too good for my enemies.

-->The artifact which is the source of my power will not be kept on the Mountain of Despair beyond the River of Fire guarded by the Dragons of Eternity. It will be in my safe-deposit box. The same applies to the object which is my one weakness.

-->I will not gloat over my enemies' predicament before killing them.

-->When I've captured my adversary and he says, "Look, before you kill me, will you at least tell me what this is all about?" I'll say, "No." and shoot him. No, on second thought I'll shoot him then say "No."

-->After I kidnap the beautiful princess, we will be married immediately in a quiet civil ceremony, not a lavish spectacle in three weeks' time during which the final phase of my plan will be carried out.

-->I will not include a self-destruct mechanism unless absolutely necessary. If it is necessary, it will not be a large red button labelled "Danger: Do Not Push". The big red button marked "Do Not Push" will instead trigger a spray of bullets on anyone stupid enough to disregard it. Similarly, the ON/OFF switch will not clearly be labelled as such.

-->I will not interrogate my enemies in the inner sanctum -- a small hotel well outside my borders will work just as well.

-->I will be secure in my superiority. Therefore, I will feel no need to prove it by leaving clues in the form of riddles or leaving my weaker enemies alive to show they pose no threat.

-->One of my advisors will be an average five-year-old child. Any flaws in my plan that he is able to spot will be corrected before implementation.

-->All slain enemies will be cremated, or at least have several rounds of ammunition emptied into them, not left for dead at the bottom of the cliff. The announcement of their deaths, as well as any accompanying celebration, will be deferred until after the aforementioned disposal.

-->The hero is not entitled to a last kiss, a last cigarette, or any other form of last request.

-->I will never employ any device with a digital countdown. If I find that such a device is absolutely unavoidable, I will set it to activate when the counter reaches 117 and the hero is just putting his plan into operation.

-->I will never utter the sentence "But before I kill you, there's just one thing I want to know."

-->When I employ people as advisors, I will occasionally listen to their advice.

-->I will not have a son. Although his laughably under-planned attempt to usurp power would easily fail, it would provide a fatal distraction at a crucial point in time.

-->I will not have a daughter. She would be as beautiful as she was evil, but one look at the hero's rugged countenance and she'd betray her own father.

-->Despite its proven stress-relieving effect, I will not indulge in maniacal laughter. When so occupied, it's too easy to miss unexpected developments that a more attentive individual could adjust to accordingly.

Every time I read the evil overlord list I just chuckle. So, if you were an evil overlord - what would you do? I think I'll use that as a little writing prompt for the day.

Interview with Joshua Palmatier

2007-02-19T09:21:00.000-06:00

Last week I reviewed The Skewed Throne by Josha Palmatier. Joshua has the first two books of the series out now and the third installment will hit the shelves early '08. After reading the opener, I know that I'll be picking up two and three. I simply can't leave a trilogy unfinished! Joshua was kind enough to answer a few of my questions.

1. When did you begin writing with the goal of being published?

I started writing in the 8th grade, when we were assigned to write a Twilight Zone short story. I wrote "Aquantico," a short story about a man looking out the window of his space ship as his homeland, Atlantis, was engulfed by the ocean. One page. In 8th grade size handwriting. But the teacher thought it was written well and suggested I write more. The idea took hold and I started writing to see what I could come up with, including stories for shared-world anthologies like "Magic in Ithkor."

However, I can't say I got REALLY serious about the writing until I hit graduate school. At that point I'd written a rather bad fantasy novel and after finishing that I sat back and asked myself whether this was just a hobby or whether I really intended to go anywhere with it. I decided I'd get published, and worked hard for the next 10 years before managing to break that first barrier and getting an editor (and an agent) to say "yes."

2. Is The Skewed Throne your first novel (completed - not published)?

The Skewed Throne is actually the fourth book I wrote. The first book was called Sorrow, and it went through numerous revisions before I managed to get myself to set it aside and move on to something else. It's the book I used to teach myself how to write, at least in my mind. I then (stupidly) worked on the sequel to Sorrow, which of course can't sell because Sorrow never sold. Once I realized my mistake there, I began something completely different, a contemporary fantasy/horror novel along the lines of Stephen King called Fever. (Actually, I call it a cross between Stephen King and M Night Shyamalan.) I needed the break from the usual fantasy novel, a break from Sorrow and it's characters and environment. Once I'd had my breather, I returned to the world of Sorrow and wrote The Skewed Throne.

The good news is that my editor is interested in returning to Sorrow and it's sequel at some point in the future. And I hope to get Fever published at some point as well.

Now, that's definitely an interesting writing history. I'm curious about the premise of Sorrow! I'm not so sure about Stephen King, though. A mixture between his style and Shyamalan sounds intriquing to me!

3. How long did it take you to write it?

The Skewed Throne took be approximately 6 months to write. Since I teach mathematics at the university, the only real "free" time I have to write--to seriously write--is during the summer break. I wrote Part 1 of The SkewedThrone one summer, and Part 2 the next summer. Now, however, I've settled into the teaching schedule and the writing schedule, and I can actually write some during the semester as well. I hope to produce one book a year from now on, if not more.

4. Varis is an interesting character, she's strong and her emotions are equally strong. What did you do to bring her to life on the page?

Ha! Actually Varis "came to me," so strongly that she demanded I write her next, even though I had another project in mind at the time. However, that's not extremely helpful, and in the end that doesn't answer the question about how I brought her to life on the page. Yes, having a character come so vividlyto you is great it gets you halfway there, but the other half has to come from you as a writer.

So, how did I bring her to life? Well, the main point of The Skewed Throne is her development, how she progresses from a gutterscum thug to a royal assassin. So when I sat down to actually begin writing, I asked myself, "What would it take for ME to kill someone? What would have to happen to push me onto the road to being an assassin?" And that's how I moved Varis from thief to assassin. Each time I sat down, I spent a long moment pushing myself into her world, into its grittiness and reality, and then I forced myself to live Varis' life.

That's the secret to good writing, I think. The writer has to actually place himself or herself into the character's world, into their mind. To write Varis, I had to become her. Some days this was easy, others it wasn't. I listen to music while I write, because I find that it helps submerge me in the character's world, blocking out the "real" world at the same time. There are other tricks as well, such as rereading what you've written the previous day, revising as you go. This seats you into the character's mind before you start writing something new. In the end, to get that emotional impact that you want,you have to BE that character.

Excellent advice, Joshua. I could tell that you had an excellent handle of Varis. Your commitment to her character shines through!

5. The third installment of Varis' tale is coming out soon. Can you give us a few hints of what will happen? I haven't read 2 yet - but I will... will we find out why Varis can see the river? And, what is the story behind the White Fire?

What, and spoil all the fun, all the anticipation? You couldn't torture that information out of me! *grin* OUCH, OUCH, OUCH! Don't touch the hair, don't touch the ha--AHHHHHHHH!!! OK, OK, OK! I'll spill! Geesh. *grumble, grumble*

*rubs my hands together* MuHaHaHa!

Both The Skewed Throne and the sequel, The Cracked Throne, take place almost exclusively in the city of Amenkor where Varis grew up. In the third book, The Vacant Throne, due out January 2008, Varis actually gets to leave the city and see some of the rest of the Frigean Coast. I found it hard to get Varis to leave actually, because Varis herself didn't want to leave. Or rather, she did, but she's grown up so isolated that she was afraid to leave. I had to push her out, essentially.

Once she gets out, it gets interesting. New cities, cultures that are close to what we've seen in Amenkor, but with subtle differences. All of it outside of Varis' experience. Along the way, you learn more about the magic system of the world, about the Skewed Throne itself and in particular its creation, about the Frigean coast and its past. And yes, you learn more about the White Fire. I don't answer all of the questions readers might have though, because I hope to return to the coast, to Amenkor and the people we've gotten to know (and Ihope, love) in the Throne books, but I believe I wrap up all of the important plot lines while still giving the impression that the characters' lives continue beyond the third book.

Excellent, I look forward to reading it even more!

6. What else will we be seeing from Joshua Palmatier in the future?

Well, I've just signed a contract for a book called Well of Sorrows, the first book in a new trilogy set in the same world as the Throne books. However, it's set over a thousand years earlier than the Throne books on a different continent, with (of course) a completely new cast of characters. The main character is named Colin and during the course of the first book . . . he becomes immortal. The series is about how he tries to use his power, his successes, his failures, and his struggle with the idea of immortality, its advantages and its curse.

After that, I have at least four other ideas--either trilogies or duologies--set in the same world. I hope to be able to write them all, assuming there's continued interest of course.

Yup, it definitely sounds interesting to me!

7. Who do you like to read when you aren't writing?

I read pretty much everything. At the moment, I'm reading the first Harry Dresden novel by Jim Butcher called Storm Front, and the fifth book in Michelle West's Sun Sword sextet, called The Riven Shield. However, if I were to recommend an author or two, I'd suggest Tad Williams or Guy Gavriel Kay. Both can create incredibly vivid worlds, with interesting, well-developed characters. And narrowing it down to two authors was HARD!

8. What advice do you share with aspiring writers?

The best advice I can give aspiring writers is the advice that Kate Elliott passed on to me: Be persistant. Which I take to mean, write. And even as what you've just written is out there, waiting for an editor or agent to look at it, write more. Write, write, write. And when you get a rejection (and you will, it is extremely rare that an author gets accepted with their first story and the first editor or agent they send it to), yes, get upset, feel depressed--it's impossible not to--but PERSIST. Keep writing. File that rejection away, make a note of whether it was a good rejection or a bad rejection, and who it came from, and keep that rejection in mind when you send out the next submission. But KEEP WRITING. Nothing in publishing happens fast. You have to be persistant, and have some thick skin, if you really want to be published.

More excellent words of advice, thank you, Joshua.

9. Do you think having a blog and a strong internet presence has impacted your writing career?

I think having a blog and a strong internet presence allows the writer to "keep in touch" with readers, giving them a place to ask questions of the author, to voice their opinion about the books, the world the author has created, etc. Authors love to hear what readers are thinking regarding their books. Without the internet, we'd live in a void. We know our books are out there, we hope they're being read, but we rarely hear what people think of the books. And since we can't write and release a book a month, our blogs and the internet allow us to keep connected while we work on the next book.

Also, the internet can help generate sales, because you can reach readers that you wouldn't normally be able to. It's impossible--financially and phycially--for an author to travel to all parts of the nation or world in order to promote their book. The only way to do this is through the internet. And authors have to promote themselves, because--let's be realistic--if he or she doesn't, then the sales won't be high enough for the publisher to continue publishing that author. And all of us want to continue writing stories.

But in the end, it's still the readers themselves who help the author the most. If you've read a book that you found interesting, that excited you, that made you say "Wow!", the best thing you can do for the author is to TELL SOMEONE ELSE, either in person, at the bookstore, or using your blog or website. Post a review at amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. Talk about it in a chat or create a thread at a forum. Word of mouth is the most effective promotional technique, especially for new authors. So (here's where the self-promotion kicks in) if you liked The Skewed Throne, go tell someone! Let all your Myspace friends know. Get them to try the book. Otherwise, I may not be able to continue Varis' or anyone else's story.

Another reinforcement that as readers we do have the power to keep seeing the books we like. Find something you like and spread the word.

Thank you, Joshua, for taking the time to share your thoughts and advice with us. We appreciate it!

Colleen Gleason The Rest Falls Away

2007-02-18T09:09:00.000-06:00

The Rest Falls Away is a debut novel by Colleen Gleason. I've been meaning to pick up a copy since it came out and the debut contest was the perfect motivation to do it. This novel takes the battle between good and evil into the streets of historical London.

When Victoria, 19, begins having unusual dreams she goes to her Aunt Eustacia and discovers that she is the last in a long line of vampire hunters. Victoria Gardella has been born with the strength and skills to become a Venator. But first, she must pass a test and kill a vampire, unfortunately, this test falls on the same night of her debut ball. Victoria must balance her role in society, with her role as a lean, mean, vampire-slaying machine.

Lord Rockley, Phillip, is the tons most eligible bachelor and has set his eyes on Victoria. She can't help but embrace his love. She realizes that being a proper young socialite and a strong venator is no easy task. The silent and harsh Maximilian, fellow venator, and Sebastian, the handsome and humorous tavern owner, are the two other men in Victoria's life. There is a tantalizing possibility that Phillip is not the only man for Victoria.

Behind the growth and development of Victoria, is the evil machinations of Lillith, the daughter of Judas. Lillith is the queen of the vampires and would like nothing more than to see the last of the Gardella's destroyed. There is a venator prophecy that it can only be one of the Gardella line to kill Lillith. Is Victoria the one?

Colleen has captured the feeling of the era and placed the reader in the heart of a tantalizing story. Victoria is an enjoyable character. I enjoyed reading about her. The writing is solid and Colleen's voice is strong. There were no skips or difficult writing to get through. The plot is tight and while I'm left with many questions, they are the kind that just increase my interest on reading the second book, the continuation of Victoria's tale.

If you like historical romance or if you enjoy a good vampire tale - this is definitely a book you may want to consider. You can stop by Colleen's blog to see more about her and her writing career!

Debut Contest Reviews List

2007-02-17T11:19:00.000-06:00

*Stickied! This post is staying up top till the 17th! Scroll down for recent blog posts!*

The Debut a Debut contest has two primary goals. 1. Encourage readers to read something by a new author (and hopefully find a new favorite) 2. Help promote debut books and debut authors!

We have a long list of prizes. On the 19th, Susan and I will randomly pull out participants and they will get a prize. We'll continue to randomly select participants until we are out of prizes!!! Prizes include gift certificates, books, goodies and more!

Here are the current participants:
Karen Morsie reviews The Interpretation of Murder by Jed Rubenfeld
Writing The Winnower reviews The Skewed Throne by Joshua Palmatier
Confessions of a Literary Persuasion reviews The Last Templar by Raymond Khoury
Eclectic Closet reviews The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs
Eclectic Closet reviews Was She Pretty? by Leanne Shapton
Littlebird Blue reviews Firmin: Adventures of a Metropolitan Lowlife by Sam Savage
Cherie Pie reviews The Rest Falls Away by Colleen Gleason
The World in the Satin Bag reviews The Tower of Shadows by Drew Bowling
Eclectic Closet reviews Special Topics in Calamity Physics by Marisha Pessl
Karen Morsie reviews Kabbalah: A Love Story by Lawrence Kushner
SahBu reviews Nightmare in Laos: The True Story of a Woman Imprisoned... by Kay Danes
Breeni reviews Speak Right On: Dred Scott A Novel by Mary Neighbour
Eclectic Closet reviews And Only to Deceive by Tasha Alexander
Mark Baker reviews Death on the Flop
Mark Baker reviews A Killer Collection by Jennifer Stanley
Scooper reviews The Rest Falls Away by Colleen Gleason
Karen Morsie reviews Torch by Cheryl Strayed
Prester John reviews Rumble on the Bayou by Jana DeLeon
She reviews Don't Be Afraid by Rebecca Drake
La Lady Lisa Westerfield reviews And Only to Deceive by Tasha Alexander
Eclectic Closet reviews The Glass Books of the Dream Eaters by Gordon Dahlquist
Megan reviews Disobedience by Naomi Alderman

Rashenbo's Debut Reviews
Hell's Belles
Passion Draconic
The Skewed Throne

The Skewed Throne by Joshua Palmatier

2007-02-16T08:25:00.000-06:00

The Skewed Throne is a debut novel by Joshua Palmatier. The story takes place in the town of Amenkor, a city of legend. Its walls are home to traders, craftsmen, merchants, the guilds, and the Mistress. She is the ruler of its people and protects them. There has always been a Mistress. 1000 years ago a white fire - with no flame or heat, swept across its glory. In its wake Amenkor began to split, the prosperous and the wealthy stayed in the heart of Amenkor. The poor, the desperate, the homeless, the criminal - they lived in the outer reaches. The old part of Amenkor known as the dredge and home to the gutterscum. The criminals could not escape the justice of the Mistress; her assassin guards, known as the seekers, would hunt them down where they hid.

The story begins five years after the second time the white fire has passed. A young teenager is struggling to survive in the dredge, orphaned at six, nearly raped at 11 - she has a hard edge and a sense of despair. But, she is just another in a sea of gutterscum, until she is noticed by Erick, one of the seekers. He notices her uncanny abilities and gives her the opportunity to learn new skills and become something more than just another dredge orphan. He names her Varis, the hunter. Varis has two gifts. The first, the ability to shift her sight and enter what she calls "the river". While in the river she can see people in a different light... and then she can see people that are a danger to her, marked in red. When she delves deeper, she can actually see how something may happen. The second gift came with the white fire... a piece of it lingered behind, within her.

These gifts are Varis' tools to change the future of Amenkor. The current Mistress has gone insane and the city is in even more peril. Only Varis can make the choice to save it.

I enjoyed this book, it has a quick pace, the reading is smooth - I finished it in about three hours. There are some timeshifts in the story and a couple of times I found myself losing a bit of the timing. However, I became attached to Varis and enjoyed being with her through her development. Joshua captures the emotional twists and turns of a young teenager who is lost and seeking a place to be herself... while using a gift that gives her an upper hand in murder.

I've read some excellent debuts and some mediocre debuts. The Skewed Throne is definitely on the excellent end of the spectrum. I'm excited to have found Joshua early in his writing career... I suspect we will see a lot more of him in the future, something I look forward to.

Ebook Review of Elisabeth Drake's Passion Draconic

2007-02-15T17:14:00.000-06:00

As the creator and co-host of the Debut contest... I realized that I really need to also show my involvement by getting out and reading some debut works and then sharing them too! Last week I read, reviewed and interviewed Jackie Kessler with her debut of Hell's Belles. Well, this week I'm going to be reading more!

I've never actually read an ebook before. Call me a book snob - but I like having a book in my hands. I was browsing through the author list and Passion Draconic by Elisabeth Drake caught my eye. I read the plot summary and thought it sounded interesting - a fantasy romance!

The lovely Shaiandral is a healer for the Sharteka tribe, a clan of jaguar shapeshifters. She is summoned by a healer's oath to the enemy tribe of shape shifting dragons. The dragonlord, Veren, is dying by some magical disease. She must make a sacrifice to save him. Together they must combat the demons trying to take over their world.

The premise of the plot is interesting, however, this book kind of jumps fantasy and romance and goes straight for erotica. The sex scenes are well done and quite steamy... a couple of them push the ropes for me, though. This wasn't particularly my kind of story. I tend to enjoy novels with a stronger plot line than physical love sequences.

This author has potential and I'll be interested to see her career grow.

If you like photographs...

2007-02-15T08:49:00.000-06:00

My husband has entered the blogosphere. He's working on getting a website/blog together for his photography.

If you'd like, you can pop over and give him a warm welcome!

Shutter and Light Photography

Yup... shameless promotion of family and friend blogs is completely acceptable! :)