Recently, Anna Genoese commented on the "Pro" designation for RWA. I cringed. Not because of what she said. I agreed with her for the most part but I knew what would happen. My email inbox was going to be overloaded with upset Pro's eager to defend themselves. My prediction was correct.
I'm not really commenting on the whole "Pro" issue. What I am noticing is how touchy people are in cyberspace. Everyone gets their noses out of joint because of one person's opinion and that is all it is. An opinion. Words are given far more power than they actually have. Also, it is far easier to go off the handle with the anonymity of the Internet. You can afford to be touchy because you can walk away from it so easily. In every day life, we are confronted by annoyances and opinions which we don't agree with regularly. But the truth of the matter is that if we made a big deal out of every slight, we wouldn't be able to leave the house. Online, all we need do is turn off the machine and go about our day.
I'm not sure what my point is only that taking everything you read online as a personal attack is useless and counterproductive. And yes, my inbox was full of Pro's waving their virtual pitchforks and cheering their compadres on. My only thought was perhaps the energy they spent on the topic should have been poured into their writing.
There are enough serious matters in the real world without finding them in the virtual one.
Yeah, I'm a little cantankerous tonight. First, my kids are home for spring break and they are driving me nuts. As soon as I sit down at the computer, they surround me like rabid piranhas. Second, I got a notice from the water company that they are shutting my water off tomorrow all day. To say I'm not happy is a gross understatement. Its bad enough they've been digging up the only direct street to my house, now they shut the water off during spring break. No, I didn't whip off an angry email, I called them and let if fly. Like they care. No good SOB's and they are applying for a rate hike. Ah well, aggravation seems to trigger my creativity.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Easter
I realized Saturday that Easter was this weekend. I'm not a particularly religious person, but it is a holiday where the family gathers together.
We used to go out to one of the hotels for a big champagne brunch, but as the family got larger and the prices got higher, we decided to make brunch an at-home thing. Guess who hosts?
I don't mind hosting, I like to cook and I have the biggest house, so it is logical. But I have so much to do, I wish I had thought of this last week. DH warns me not to do too much and my in laws are telling me not to have as much food as I usually do. Not sure why they care, they aren't the ones doing the cooking. If I want to have a huge spread, I will. I cheat a lot, though. I get the croissants, muffins and danishes at Costco. I will probably get some of those little quiches as well. My mom got a chocolate fountain for Christmas so I'm going to set that up. And then there is the whole Easter Bunny thing.
I still haven't bought candy and I usually get the kids a little present from the Easter Bunny. My mom also gives them Easter baskets as well.
Do any of you have Easter traditions? Or Passover? I know that is occurring this week as well. Do you serve special dishes for Seder or Easter? Anyone have a good recipe for eggs benedict?
In Writing News...
I've signed up for a BIAW this week and so far have a big fat goose egg to show for it. My kids are home this week so I'm having a heck of a time finding the patience and focus required to write.
We used to go out to one of the hotels for a big champagne brunch, but as the family got larger and the prices got higher, we decided to make brunch an at-home thing. Guess who hosts?
I don't mind hosting, I like to cook and I have the biggest house, so it is logical. But I have so much to do, I wish I had thought of this last week. DH warns me not to do too much and my in laws are telling me not to have as much food as I usually do. Not sure why they care, they aren't the ones doing the cooking. If I want to have a huge spread, I will. I cheat a lot, though. I get the croissants, muffins and danishes at Costco. I will probably get some of those little quiches as well. My mom got a chocolate fountain for Christmas so I'm going to set that up. And then there is the whole Easter Bunny thing.
I still haven't bought candy and I usually get the kids a little present from the Easter Bunny. My mom also gives them Easter baskets as well.
Do any of you have Easter traditions? Or Passover? I know that is occurring this week as well. Do you serve special dishes for Seder or Easter? Anyone have a good recipe for eggs benedict?
In Writing News...
I've signed up for a BIAW this week and so far have a big fat goose egg to show for it. My kids are home this week so I'm having a heck of a time finding the patience and focus required to write.
Saturday, April 08, 2006
May 21
I got this from Tori's blog. She asked that we go to
Wiki and list three "fun" things, two birthdays and one death that happened on our birthday, so here's mine:
Events
1881 - The American Red Cross is established by Clara Barton.
1904 - Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) founded in Paris.
1936 - Sada Abe is arrested after wandering the streets of Tokyo for days with her dead lover's severed genitals in her hand. Her story soon became one of Japan's most notorious scandals
Births
427 BC - Plato, Greek philosopher (d. 347 BC)
1952 - Mr. T, American actor
Death
2000 - Barbara Cartland, English author (b. 1901)
Wiki and list three "fun" things, two birthdays and one death that happened on our birthday, so here's mine:
Events
1881 - The American Red Cross is established by Clara Barton.
1904 - Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) founded in Paris.
1936 - Sada Abe is arrested after wandering the streets of Tokyo for days with her dead lover's severed genitals in her hand. Her story soon became one of Japan's most notorious scandals
Births
427 BC - Plato, Greek philosopher (d. 347 BC)
1952 - Mr. T, American actor
Death
2000 - Barbara Cartland, English author (b. 1901)
Ch-Ch-Changes
As you can see, I'm into making changes. With the advent of spring, I'm eager to see the changes all around, including my blog. Anyway, I'm still playing around with it, so I probably won't post until Monday.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Opening Day
I've noticed a change in me this week. There is a lightness of heart, a feeling of hope which I did not feel two weeks ago. Yes, Spring is here.
Yeah, yeah, I know, it came in March, but spring doesn't come to my house until the first pitch. A joy invades our home, a sense that this could be the year. Well, being a Dodger fan, I don't have much hope for a playoff season, but still...
Baseball means a great deal to me. It is tied to so many memories, good memories, memories I continue to build upon. I remember being a little kid and playing softball then heading to Dodger Stadium to watch Steve Garvey and Steve Yeager play. I remember going to Angel Stadium, seeing Nolan Ryan pitching his last complete game, realizing how much in love I was with my boyfriend. We got engaged the next week.
When dh and I have nothing else to talk about, when things are rough, we always have baseball. We watch Super Vlad pound them out of the park, and while I'm not a big Angel fan (after all they are in the American League. Designated hitter, need I say more?) I feel my hubby's enthusiasm. Baseball is played in beautiful places full of history. In fact, baseball itself has a place in history. It bonds generations, gives people something to talk about. Yeah, the recent fiascos of steroid use and obnoxiously high player salaries have tarnished its image, but its symbolism to me and my family still remains shining like a beacon.
Oh yeah...
On Search for the Good Life, I share my latest epiphany thanks to a small household gadget. I swear, I go through epiphanies like some people go through Kleenex.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Sunday Dinner
Tonight we had an old fashioned Sunday dinner. My husband barbecued chicken and we had steamed spinach, cauliflower and artichoke, all picked out by him and our daughter at the farmer's market this morning. It is a tradition I'd like to establish, a large meal at the dining room table with flowers and a feeling of family. Too often during the week meals are a rushed matter, usually skinless boneless chicken breasts with a rice dish and frozen veggies. The meal is hurried and over before anyone has time to enjoy it.
Tonight we lingered over our meal. Hubby also made strawberry lemonade from homegrown lemons and strawberries from the farmers market. It was pleasant sitting with the kids simply enjoying the fact of being together and eating a good meal. Tomorrow we go back to our routines and while I'm a pretty good cook, Monday through Friday tends to have the rushed feel of getting through a meal between activities and bedtime.
While I do spend a great amount of time on tirades about my kids, sitting with them tonight made me appreciate what I have. I think it is important to have these moments with those you care about, to take the time to fix a good dinner and enjoy one another's company.
I'll be back to whining tomorrow.
Tonight we had an old fashioned Sunday dinner. My husband barbecued chicken and we had steamed spinach, cauliflower and artichoke, all picked out by him and our daughter at the farmer's market this morning. It is a tradition I'd like to establish, a large meal at the dining room table with flowers and a feeling of family. Too often during the week meals are a rushed matter, usually skinless boneless chicken breasts with a rice dish and frozen veggies. The meal is hurried and over before anyone has time to enjoy it.
Tonight we lingered over our meal. Hubby also made strawberry lemonade from homegrown lemons and strawberries from the farmers market. It was pleasant sitting with the kids simply enjoying the fact of being together and eating a good meal. Tomorrow we go back to our routines and while I'm a pretty good cook, Monday through Friday tends to have the rushed feel of getting through a meal between activities and bedtime.
While I do spend a great amount of time on tirades about my kids, sitting with them tonight made me appreciate what I have. I think it is important to have these moments with those you care about, to take the time to fix a good dinner and enjoy one another's company.
I'll be back to whining tomorrow.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
All Mine
Mark asks the question if we tell others we are writers. When someone asks us what we do for a living, do we tell them we write?
I don't. I'm not embarrassed and I'm not too concerned about what people think. The simple fact of the matter is I don't like to share it. Writing means a great deal to me. It is a personal means of expression and I don't take it lightly. Also it is one of the few things I have in my life that is mine and mine alone.
I have found over the years that I have gone from a self-involved twentysomething singleton to a thirtysomething stay at home mom. For those of you who are stay at home caregivers, you understand how so much of what you once were must be abandoned for what you are now. I'm not saying it is bad, but it is a progression. Most of my waking hours are devoted to taking care of my family and home. That includes the mental part of anticipating the needs of my family.
I'm not staying people with jobs have it easier, but when I worked full time, I had eight hours a day where someone else made the decisions about my kids. Someone else worried about getting the house clean. And I shared cooking duties with my dh. Also, I was more apt to share my writing with my co-workers. In fact, I wrote a book that I passed along to them strictly for theirs and my enjoyment. I talked about my writing more.
What's the difference? I think my writing is the one selfish thing I do. I don't go on weekends away with the gals, I don't shop beyond Target, I don't do bunco and I don't even watch t.v. for myself. Writing is the one thing I do where I am only trying to please myself. Does any of this make sense?
Mark asks the question if we tell others we are writers. When someone asks us what we do for a living, do we tell them we write?
I don't. I'm not embarrassed and I'm not too concerned about what people think. The simple fact of the matter is I don't like to share it. Writing means a great deal to me. It is a personal means of expression and I don't take it lightly. Also it is one of the few things I have in my life that is mine and mine alone.
I have found over the years that I have gone from a self-involved twentysomething singleton to a thirtysomething stay at home mom. For those of you who are stay at home caregivers, you understand how so much of what you once were must be abandoned for what you are now. I'm not saying it is bad, but it is a progression. Most of my waking hours are devoted to taking care of my family and home. That includes the mental part of anticipating the needs of my family.
I'm not staying people with jobs have it easier, but when I worked full time, I had eight hours a day where someone else made the decisions about my kids. Someone else worried about getting the house clean. And I shared cooking duties with my dh. Also, I was more apt to share my writing with my co-workers. In fact, I wrote a book that I passed along to them strictly for theirs and my enjoyment. I talked about my writing more.
What's the difference? I think my writing is the one selfish thing I do. I don't go on weekends away with the gals, I don't shop beyond Target, I don't do bunco and I don't even watch t.v. for myself. Writing is the one thing I do where I am only trying to please myself. Does any of this make sense?
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
The Internal Editor
Writers know they need to develop a working relationship with their internal editor. If they don't, they tend to either be stuck in a writer's block the size of Montana or they write garbage unworthy of the paper it is printed on.
Internal editing is an instinct which is there but needs to be trained. Everything we know about writing, all those classes and books, get stored in the part of our brain where the editor resides, at least it should. When we write, there should be a little guy sitting on our shoulder offering tips and opinions but it shouldn't be crippling.
I work pretty well with my internal editor. Its timing is a little off. This morning while I was putting laundry in the dryer it pointed out my story had a weak portion. People who read vampire novels don't want to hear about the paneling in the house. When I got the wash going, I went back to my WIP and read the portion in question. Yep, it slowed the story down. While it served a purpose, giving some backstory and set up, the same thing could be accomplished further into the story. What was important was dragging my readers into an action-packed tale of love and passion, not a treatise on interior design. So mouse in hand, I deleted and sure enough, the story picked back up again.
How do you get your internal editor to be a helper rather than a hindrance? You are a writer because you enjoy it. You write because something inside compels you to express yourself through words. You write because there is a story inside that needs to be given life. You have control. The internal editor works for you. Trust what it says, but it isn't always right. Too often it is just spitting out dictates from rules others have said. Make it play by your rules.
On the flip side, when the internal editor is telling you something, don't ignore it. The editor holds the knowledge which could improve your craft. You may not like what it has to say, but you need to trust it as well. Even if you don't agree with what the internal editor says, it is worth looking for another option. Between the writer and the internal editor, there is a middle ground.
I'm cleaning my fridge right now and it tends to make me thoughtful. Some of the things I have found in there would frighten the most vicious of beasts. I was going to blog about my 3 year old but the number of expletives was excessive even for me.
Writers know they need to develop a working relationship with their internal editor. If they don't, they tend to either be stuck in a writer's block the size of Montana or they write garbage unworthy of the paper it is printed on.
Internal editing is an instinct which is there but needs to be trained. Everything we know about writing, all those classes and books, get stored in the part of our brain where the editor resides, at least it should. When we write, there should be a little guy sitting on our shoulder offering tips and opinions but it shouldn't be crippling.
I work pretty well with my internal editor. Its timing is a little off. This morning while I was putting laundry in the dryer it pointed out my story had a weak portion. People who read vampire novels don't want to hear about the paneling in the house. When I got the wash going, I went back to my WIP and read the portion in question. Yep, it slowed the story down. While it served a purpose, giving some backstory and set up, the same thing could be accomplished further into the story. What was important was dragging my readers into an action-packed tale of love and passion, not a treatise on interior design. So mouse in hand, I deleted and sure enough, the story picked back up again.
How do you get your internal editor to be a helper rather than a hindrance? You are a writer because you enjoy it. You write because something inside compels you to express yourself through words. You write because there is a story inside that needs to be given life. You have control. The internal editor works for you. Trust what it says, but it isn't always right. Too often it is just spitting out dictates from rules others have said. Make it play by your rules.
On the flip side, when the internal editor is telling you something, don't ignore it. The editor holds the knowledge which could improve your craft. You may not like what it has to say, but you need to trust it as well. Even if you don't agree with what the internal editor says, it is worth looking for another option. Between the writer and the internal editor, there is a middle ground.
I'm cleaning my fridge right now and it tends to make me thoughtful. Some of the things I have found in there would frighten the most vicious of beasts. I was going to blog about my 3 year old but the number of expletives was excessive even for me.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Reclusive
First, I must say, I'm having a hard time focusing. My coffee maker died yesterday and I haven't had a chance to replace it. I feel as if I have an open wound on my body, a deep, gaping chasm in my psyche which can only be filled by Mr. Coffee or one of his companions. Which leads me to meat of my post:
I have to leave my house today and go shopping. I hate leaving my house. I'm becoming a hermit. I've always had these tendencies anyway. I was an only child and I enjoyed my solitude. But I find as I get older and more focused on writing and other things, the less I want to leave my haven. No, I'm not agoraphobic, I don't being out, I just resent the time it takes me from my home. I force myself to do extra stuff because I do fear I will become too comfortable in my solitude.
Is it the writer in me which is more at ease with the world in my head rather than the one at large? Perhaps I like my home because it is the one place I have the most control. I have a whole wide world at my fingertips when I sit down at my computer. It's usually more interesting than the one outside. I crave my alone time. Of course, it also may be because it is the one thing I cannot have.
If you are beholden to care for another be it child, parent or pet, you know that feeling of having your time dictated to some extent by another. The more dependents you have, the more you crave your own time.
Whether it is a case of me wanting to be a recluse or being childish and craving my solitude like a kids craving candy, I'm not sure.
I do know that the grass is always greener. When I worked full-time, I'd watch the stay at home moms with their kids going to Target or wherever and I was green with envy. Now when I go to Target and see the moms stopping by on their lunch hour, I'm green with envy. Perhaps all I'm feeling is the very human trait of never being satisfied. I suppose if we were easily pleased, we would have nothing to work for.
Good post....
Writers, Kelly has an interesting post on POV & deep POV.
First, I must say, I'm having a hard time focusing. My coffee maker died yesterday and I haven't had a chance to replace it. I feel as if I have an open wound on my body, a deep, gaping chasm in my psyche which can only be filled by Mr. Coffee or one of his companions. Which leads me to meat of my post:
I have to leave my house today and go shopping. I hate leaving my house. I'm becoming a hermit. I've always had these tendencies anyway. I was an only child and I enjoyed my solitude. But I find as I get older and more focused on writing and other things, the less I want to leave my haven. No, I'm not agoraphobic, I don't being out, I just resent the time it takes me from my home. I force myself to do extra stuff because I do fear I will become too comfortable in my solitude.
Is it the writer in me which is more at ease with the world in my head rather than the one at large? Perhaps I like my home because it is the one place I have the most control. I have a whole wide world at my fingertips when I sit down at my computer. It's usually more interesting than the one outside. I crave my alone time. Of course, it also may be because it is the one thing I cannot have.
If you are beholden to care for another be it child, parent or pet, you know that feeling of having your time dictated to some extent by another. The more dependents you have, the more you crave your own time.
Whether it is a case of me wanting to be a recluse or being childish and craving my solitude like a kids craving candy, I'm not sure.
I do know that the grass is always greener. When I worked full-time, I'd watch the stay at home moms with their kids going to Target or wherever and I was green with envy. Now when I go to Target and see the moms stopping by on their lunch hour, I'm green with envy. Perhaps all I'm feeling is the very human trait of never being satisfied. I suppose if we were easily pleased, we would have nothing to work for.
Good post....
Writers, Kelly has an interesting post on POV & deep POV.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Talent without Passion
Chrys* talks about reading something you really enjoy and wanting to try it yourself with miserable results. I couldn't write chick lit if it would save my life. I do enjoy reading it from time to time, but I can't emulate it.
But what about the opposite? Can you write something you don't feel passionately about? I love historical romance and I love writing it. But paranormal comes easier for me. I have a knack as it were. I started a contemporary paranormal and I'm having no problems writing it. It's like auto-pilot for me. I like paranormal romance, I enjoy reading it. But it doesn't hold the same place in my heart as historical does.
How often have you heard the advice you must write what you love? But do you? Has anyone else had this experience? Does our passion and heart get in the way sometimes when we are writing?
And the same goes for other things. I bake a mean lemon meringue pie...so I've been told. I can't stand lemon meringue pie so I have to rely on the opinions of others. I hate eggs over easy but I am almost flawless at cooking them. Same goes for canning. DH loves my pickles and jalapenos. I would rather be stretched on a rack then try them.
Do you have talents or abilities which don't impress you much?
Chrys* talks about reading something you really enjoy and wanting to try it yourself with miserable results. I couldn't write chick lit if it would save my life. I do enjoy reading it from time to time, but I can't emulate it.
But what about the opposite? Can you write something you don't feel passionately about? I love historical romance and I love writing it. But paranormal comes easier for me. I have a knack as it were. I started a contemporary paranormal and I'm having no problems writing it. It's like auto-pilot for me. I like paranormal romance, I enjoy reading it. But it doesn't hold the same place in my heart as historical does.
How often have you heard the advice you must write what you love? But do you? Has anyone else had this experience? Does our passion and heart get in the way sometimes when we are writing?
And the same goes for other things. I bake a mean lemon meringue pie...so I've been told. I can't stand lemon meringue pie so I have to rely on the opinions of others. I hate eggs over easy but I am almost flawless at cooking them. Same goes for canning. DH loves my pickles and jalapenos. I would rather be stretched on a rack then try them.
Do you have talents or abilities which don't impress you much?
Friday, March 24, 2006
Tumultuous Week
This has been a rough week around my house. My hubby has been in trial all week (he's a lawyer, not a defendant). The stress level has been pretty high. He is a sole practitioner so not only does he have the trial to worry about but when he gets home he has his other clients to worry about. His work schedule has disrupted life at home and things have been a little strained.
But enough about him. What's important is how this affects me.
The kids sense when things are crazy and like the velociraptors they are, they go for the juggler on all sides. They have been driving me crazy. Hubby is either snappish or euphoric, depending on how court went. And I'm just riding the wave.
Now here's the crazy part. I've been writing like a madwoman. I put out 6 solid pages yesterday, 3 the day before. Tuesday had me out of the house and doing other stuff but Monday I wrote 1500 words. I guess this happened to be how I dealt with the stress. Some stress cripples me, other sets me free.
Anyway, the trial is over, hubby won. His client was so happy he handed him $100 and told him to go out to dinner. So we took the kids out to dinner at a steakhouse. Not particularly relaxing but the kids got a kick out of it. I hope I can keep the momentum and keep writing. He doesn't have another trial until May.
GH & RITA
Today is the day! I've been watching my email and Melynda Beth Skinner's Unofficial List of 2006 Golden Heart® and RITA® Award Finalists for names of people I know. Good luck to all of you.
For those of you who don't know, this is like the Academy Awards for romance writers. RITA's are for published, Golden Heart is for unpublished.
This has been a rough week around my house. My hubby has been in trial all week (he's a lawyer, not a defendant). The stress level has been pretty high. He is a sole practitioner so not only does he have the trial to worry about but when he gets home he has his other clients to worry about. His work schedule has disrupted life at home and things have been a little strained.
But enough about him. What's important is how this affects me.
The kids sense when things are crazy and like the velociraptors they are, they go for the juggler on all sides. They have been driving me crazy. Hubby is either snappish or euphoric, depending on how court went. And I'm just riding the wave.
Now here's the crazy part. I've been writing like a madwoman. I put out 6 solid pages yesterday, 3 the day before. Tuesday had me out of the house and doing other stuff but Monday I wrote 1500 words. I guess this happened to be how I dealt with the stress. Some stress cripples me, other sets me free.
Anyway, the trial is over, hubby won. His client was so happy he handed him $100 and told him to go out to dinner. So we took the kids out to dinner at a steakhouse. Not particularly relaxing but the kids got a kick out of it. I hope I can keep the momentum and keep writing. He doesn't have another trial until May.
GH & RITA
Today is the day! I've been watching my email and Melynda Beth Skinner's Unofficial List of 2006 Golden Heart® and RITA® Award Finalists for names of people I know. Good luck to all of you.
For those of you who don't know, this is like the Academy Awards for romance writers. RITA's are for published, Golden Heart is for unpublished.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
You Said WHAT????
I firmly believe in saying what I want when I want. I don't care for censorship and the like. But I also believe if one is going to write something which is going to be seen wide and far on the Internet, one should be prepared for the reprisals.
I censor myself. I try not to swear too much in my posts. I don't bash on too many people except for my kids. I've written blog posts and paused before I hit "publish post," what if my MIL read this? Hubby has been known to peruse my blog now and then, what if he read this? Or my mother finally figured out the Internet and found my blog? Then I end up deleting it. There are repercussions for what we say and I have been burned before.
I'm not saying my opinions aren't valid or the problem isn't worth talking about, but sometimes I have to think if it is worth it. Sometimes it is. If you annoy someone in the process, oh well. Things need to be said. The only thing is that you need to be prepared for what comes of it.
Anyway, there is a point here. I was researching an agent today when a blog popped up during my search. This person went off on a rant about this agent, calling this agent names and encouraging the readers to try and make this agency's life hell. The blogger even posted the rejection letter that set her off.
I winced.
So she doesn't like this person. Okay, fine. But to make such a production over it shocked me. I wonder if this blogger realizes how damaging such a rant could be in the future? Perhaps an agent is looking at her work and happens to check out her blog. Are they really going to be that interested in representing her after reading her diatribe?
The Internet is a very little place where news travels at the speed of a "send" button. We've seen it happen time and time again.
Have you seen people post things on their blog that surprised you or you found distasteful? Has it influenced you to quit reading their blog? Or if it was an author, did it discourage you from buying their books? No need for names, just curious.
I was going to talk about my daughter's uncanny ability for playing "Punch-Buggy" but I thought this topic was more relevant.
I firmly believe in saying what I want when I want. I don't care for censorship and the like. But I also believe if one is going to write something which is going to be seen wide and far on the Internet, one should be prepared for the reprisals.
I censor myself. I try not to swear too much in my posts. I don't bash on too many people except for my kids. I've written blog posts and paused before I hit "publish post," what if my MIL read this? Hubby has been known to peruse my blog now and then, what if he read this? Or my mother finally figured out the Internet and found my blog? Then I end up deleting it. There are repercussions for what we say and I have been burned before.
I'm not saying my opinions aren't valid or the problem isn't worth talking about, but sometimes I have to think if it is worth it. Sometimes it is. If you annoy someone in the process, oh well. Things need to be said. The only thing is that you need to be prepared for what comes of it.
Anyway, there is a point here. I was researching an agent today when a blog popped up during my search. This person went off on a rant about this agent, calling this agent names and encouraging the readers to try and make this agency's life hell. The blogger even posted the rejection letter that set her off.
I winced.
So she doesn't like this person. Okay, fine. But to make such a production over it shocked me. I wonder if this blogger realizes how damaging such a rant could be in the future? Perhaps an agent is looking at her work and happens to check out her blog. Are they really going to be that interested in representing her after reading her diatribe?
The Internet is a very little place where news travels at the speed of a "send" button. We've seen it happen time and time again.
Have you seen people post things on their blog that surprised you or you found distasteful? Has it influenced you to quit reading their blog? Or if it was an author, did it discourage you from buying their books? No need for names, just curious.
I was going to talk about my daughter's uncanny ability for playing "Punch-Buggy" but I thought this topic was more relevant.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Haunted
Yesterday when I opened my WIP, I accidentally opened another. It was one I started awhile ago and I'd done 22 pages. I re-read it and had to hold myself back from working on it. Great action, good characters but no plot. I remember why I stopped working on it, but I can't help but be haunted. Is it a sign I should be working on it? Probably, but I have four WIP's that are all plotted out with developed characters, stories I know I can finish. But I can't help but think about it. Do you have a WIP that haunts you?
I have plenty of story idea I haven't worked on for one reason or another. For some reason, this one keeps coming back to me. Perhaps one day the wall will crumble and a story will spill out. I guess I need to keep myself open to it.
BTW...
Went to the gym today and wrote 1500 words yesterday. I'm just getting started on the writing thing now, so I hope I can get a respectable amount in tonight.
Yesterday when I opened my WIP, I accidentally opened another. It was one I started awhile ago and I'd done 22 pages. I re-read it and had to hold myself back from working on it. Great action, good characters but no plot. I remember why I stopped working on it, but I can't help but be haunted. Is it a sign I should be working on it? Probably, but I have four WIP's that are all plotted out with developed characters, stories I know I can finish. But I can't help but think about it. Do you have a WIP that haunts you?
I have plenty of story idea I haven't worked on for one reason or another. For some reason, this one keeps coming back to me. Perhaps one day the wall will crumble and a story will spill out. I guess I need to keep myself open to it.
BTW...
Went to the gym today and wrote 1500 words yesterday. I'm just getting started on the writing thing now, so I hope I can get a respectable amount in tonight.
Monday, March 20, 2006
Bad, Bad Girl
That's what my friend Melissa called me. Why? Because she asked me how I was doing on my writing goals and if I had been writing them down in my calendar as I said I would at the beginning of the year. And I had to tell her no.
Ughh....my goal setting has fallen by the wayside. If it weren't for BIAW's I'd have no goals. Why do I let my goals go? I don't think it is anything deep-seated, just scattered and I haven't pressed myself to do anything about it. I have the tools, I have the know-how, just not the motivation.
Today would be a good day to write. My kids are at school and my folks just picked up my little one for a shopping trip. But I can feel my attention slide. Some of it comes from the fact that I'm tired. Not that I haven't been getting any sleep, but the exhaustion that comes from too many days of the same routine, too many days trapped in a house with a bunch of kids, too many days of putting my writing on hold while I do something else.
I surrender, I need to schedule my writing like I do my housecleaning. Is there a Flylady for writing? A mentor could send out a gazillion emails reminding a writer what they need to be doing. "Did you do your morning routine?" "Did you shine your last chapter?" "Five minute POV check."
The same could be said for working out. I haven't been doing that either and I wonder why I'm not losing weight. I fully believe exercise is beneficial for the mind and soul as well as the body. And it isn't the actually the workout that bothers me. It's the prep and the time it takes out of my day. It really isn't that bad, but I've made such a mental block of it, I tend to give up.
So what's the answer? Perhaps I should sit down every morning with my first cup of coffee and decide what I want to accomplish for the day. I should write it down in my pretty, pastel date book and follow it. Maybe I should by a pack of gold star stickers and stick them on my forehead when I've complete a goal. Well, maybe not because then I would look like a big doofus. But perhaps some small reward: 10 mins. of game time on the Gamecube or something like that.
Do you live by a schedule? Do you write it down? Does it help?
That's what my friend Melissa called me. Why? Because she asked me how I was doing on my writing goals and if I had been writing them down in my calendar as I said I would at the beginning of the year. And I had to tell her no.
Ughh....my goal setting has fallen by the wayside. If it weren't for BIAW's I'd have no goals. Why do I let my goals go? I don't think it is anything deep-seated, just scattered and I haven't pressed myself to do anything about it. I have the tools, I have the know-how, just not the motivation.
Today would be a good day to write. My kids are at school and my folks just picked up my little one for a shopping trip. But I can feel my attention slide. Some of it comes from the fact that I'm tired. Not that I haven't been getting any sleep, but the exhaustion that comes from too many days of the same routine, too many days trapped in a house with a bunch of kids, too many days of putting my writing on hold while I do something else.
I surrender, I need to schedule my writing like I do my housecleaning. Is there a Flylady for writing? A mentor could send out a gazillion emails reminding a writer what they need to be doing. "Did you do your morning routine?" "Did you shine your last chapter?" "Five minute POV check."
The same could be said for working out. I haven't been doing that either and I wonder why I'm not losing weight. I fully believe exercise is beneficial for the mind and soul as well as the body. And it isn't the actually the workout that bothers me. It's the prep and the time it takes out of my day. It really isn't that bad, but I've made such a mental block of it, I tend to give up.
So what's the answer? Perhaps I should sit down every morning with my first cup of coffee and decide what I want to accomplish for the day. I should write it down in my pretty, pastel date book and follow it. Maybe I should by a pack of gold star stickers and stick them on my forehead when I've complete a goal. Well, maybe not because then I would look like a big doofus. But perhaps some small reward: 10 mins. of game time on the Gamecube or something like that.
Do you live by a schedule? Do you write it down? Does it help?
Friday, March 17, 2006
Vacation, All I Ever Wanted....
We've decided to go on a family vacation this summer. We are thinking Hawaii but dh is drawn to the idea of Bermuda. I've been to Bermuda and can't imagine spending a week there, but it is an option. I'm also looking at some of the all-inclusives down in the Caribbean.
I have learned a few things.
We really shouldn't have had that third kid.
Most vacation packages for families are designed for 2 parents and 2 kids. You pay for that fifth wheel, let me tell you.
Going in the summertime is really, really expensive. When the kids were younger, dh and I would go on vacations by ourselves. We would go in September to Hawaii and get the benefit of Fall prices. I'm thinking of maybe jerking the kids out of school for a week. I don't think they would suffer much but dh is pretty old fashioned on such ideas. He might not go for it.
I would like to stay someplace that has planned activities for the kids. All dh wants to do is lay on the beach. I said that was fine, but one of us was going to have to watch the kids at all times. While I will be happy to take my turn, he is going to have to share the burden. He did suggest we leave the youngest behind. I didn't think that was fair. We took her sister to Hawaii when she was younger, so I don't think it would be right not to take her. We've also thought about bringing a relative to help chase the kids. An added expense but probably not too much.
If anyone has any great ideas, please post them. I'm a sponge at this point.
We've decided to go on a family vacation this summer. We are thinking Hawaii but dh is drawn to the idea of Bermuda. I've been to Bermuda and can't imagine spending a week there, but it is an option. I'm also looking at some of the all-inclusives down in the Caribbean.
I have learned a few things.
We really shouldn't have had that third kid.
Most vacation packages for families are designed for 2 parents and 2 kids. You pay for that fifth wheel, let me tell you.
Going in the summertime is really, really expensive. When the kids were younger, dh and I would go on vacations by ourselves. We would go in September to Hawaii and get the benefit of Fall prices. I'm thinking of maybe jerking the kids out of school for a week. I don't think they would suffer much but dh is pretty old fashioned on such ideas. He might not go for it.
I would like to stay someplace that has planned activities for the kids. All dh wants to do is lay on the beach. I said that was fine, but one of us was going to have to watch the kids at all times. While I will be happy to take my turn, he is going to have to share the burden. He did suggest we leave the youngest behind. I didn't think that was fair. We took her sister to Hawaii when she was younger, so I don't think it would be right not to take her. We've also thought about bringing a relative to help chase the kids. An added expense but probably not too much.
If anyone has any great ideas, please post them. I'm a sponge at this point.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Read In
When my son was in 1st-2nd-3rd grade (he was in the same class for 3 years) their teacher would reward them for good behavior with a read in. On that day, they could dress in their pajamas, bring sleeping bags and blankets, they have special snacks and they spent the bulk of the school day reading. Doesn't that sound delightful? I remember my son loving those days, bringing one of his books and packing up his sleeping bag to spend the day lounging around and reading.
I want a read in day.
Wouldn't it be great to camp out in the middle of the room with a blanket and your favorite drink, being told that all you have to do is sit and read.
Reading has always been a joy for me, but over the years I haven't been able to read as much or as often as I would like. Mostly I don't have the time in between taking care of my kids and writing. But also, I find my attention is too easily distracted or I'm too lazy. Sometimes it is easier to sit down and watch t.v. than pick up a book. I have friends that will sit down with a book and let the world go by, not worrying about a thing, but I can't do that. As much as I like to immerse myself, I'm too aware of what has to be done to surrender to a good book. Vacation is when I do most of my reading. Dh and I pack a suitcase full of books, find a beach and start reading.
Do you find you read more or less these days? Are you able to block out the world when you have a good book? What are some of your strategies to getting more reading done?
BTW, sorry, yesterday's post was a mess of typos. I hate that. I was suffering from a severe lack of Diet Coke when I typed it. Hopefully I did better this time around.
When my son was in 1st-2nd-3rd grade (he was in the same class for 3 years) their teacher would reward them for good behavior with a read in. On that day, they could dress in their pajamas, bring sleeping bags and blankets, they have special snacks and they spent the bulk of the school day reading. Doesn't that sound delightful? I remember my son loving those days, bringing one of his books and packing up his sleeping bag to spend the day lounging around and reading.
I want a read in day.
Wouldn't it be great to camp out in the middle of the room with a blanket and your favorite drink, being told that all you have to do is sit and read.
Reading has always been a joy for me, but over the years I haven't been able to read as much or as often as I would like. Mostly I don't have the time in between taking care of my kids and writing. But also, I find my attention is too easily distracted or I'm too lazy. Sometimes it is easier to sit down and watch t.v. than pick up a book. I have friends that will sit down with a book and let the world go by, not worrying about a thing, but I can't do that. As much as I like to immerse myself, I'm too aware of what has to be done to surrender to a good book. Vacation is when I do most of my reading. Dh and I pack a suitcase full of books, find a beach and start reading.
Do you find you read more or less these days? Are you able to block out the world when you have a good book? What are some of your strategies to getting more reading done?
BTW, sorry, yesterday's post was a mess of typos. I hate that. I was suffering from a severe lack of Diet Coke when I typed it. Hopefully I did better this time around.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
When I Grow Up, I'm Going to Write.....
Kelly asked on her blog what made us decide to be writers. I think for many, it was a question we could rattle off the answer to. Love of books, compulsion, etc. But I'm curious, are you writing what you thought you would write? I write romance. I've never had any urge to write anything else. Never have I wanted to write a masterpiece which would move mountains or win me a Nobel Prize.
When I was in college, I took heat because I wanted to write romance novels. The more lurid, the better. I'll say it, it was the 80's, I wanted to write "bodice rippers." You would think my the reactions I got from my fellow students that I wanted to go out and club baby seals. But it is the only form of fiction I've ever had a desire to write. I'm educated, fairly bright, not particularly profound, I'm a woman who has found her limitations.
Not that I have anything against literary fiction or other genres. I read plenty of other things. I adore Steinbeck. Heck, I like to read Thomas Hardy. But interest in writing has always been limited.
So what about you? Did you dream of creating a novel so profound it would change the world? Did you want to be the next Dashiell Hammett or Harper Lee? Are you happy with what you write?
Kelly asked on her blog what made us decide to be writers. I think for many, it was a question we could rattle off the answer to. Love of books, compulsion, etc. But I'm curious, are you writing what you thought you would write? I write romance. I've never had any urge to write anything else. Never have I wanted to write a masterpiece which would move mountains or win me a Nobel Prize.
When I was in college, I took heat because I wanted to write romance novels. The more lurid, the better. I'll say it, it was the 80's, I wanted to write "bodice rippers." You would think my the reactions I got from my fellow students that I wanted to go out and club baby seals. But it is the only form of fiction I've ever had a desire to write. I'm educated, fairly bright, not particularly profound, I'm a woman who has found her limitations.
Not that I have anything against literary fiction or other genres. I read plenty of other things. I adore Steinbeck. Heck, I like to read Thomas Hardy. But interest in writing has always been limited.
So what about you? Did you dream of creating a novel so profound it would change the world? Did you want to be the next Dashiell Hammett or Harper Lee? Are you happy with what you write?
Other stuff...
I posted at Ainsley Park about keeping the faith as a historical writer when all your told is that the market is too tight.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Snow Days
Most people think I live in Southern California so I can party with Lindsay Lohan or sit and exchange child-rearing tips with Britney Spears over lattes. But no, the real reason is the weather. I like the lack of seasons, I like the warmth and the sunshine. I don't crave a white Christmas.
It snowed yesterday. HELLO?????
We were out at a museum up near my house. When we got out, it was pouring rain. Dh comments that is hail. Looking down at my jacket, I realized it wasn't hail but snow. It melts as soon as it hits the ground, but it is so cold here. The highs yesterday didn't get above 40 degrees F. Gimme a break. My kids don't even own a cold weather jacket. This morning I woke up to my entire yard frozen over. This is bad news because a bunch of my trees are blooming. My citrus trees are going to take it pretty hard. I guess it is an excuse to drink hot buttered rums. Like I need an excuse....
On the writing front....
I'm still working on my voice workshop. I love doing workshops and articles because they keep me in the game even if my own writing is at a halt. I tend to pick topics that I'm working on for myself or have given me trouble. Doing a workshop helps me get through my own problems. My last topic was about how to find the strengths one's writing and apply it to developing a voice. I really think all writers have a voice, but sometimes it needs to be cultivated. If a writer can find their strengths, they can find their voice that much faster.
I felt like giving up on my historical again for no particular reason, so I worked on something completely different. After punching out a few pages of a new project, I turned back to my historical and felt renewed vigor for it. It really is a good story and the characters are strong. It seems to flow pretty well. Where I get stuck is when the hero or heroine are in a narrative section. I'd rather do dialogue but sometimes continuity requires explanation.
Most people think I live in Southern California so I can party with Lindsay Lohan or sit and exchange child-rearing tips with Britney Spears over lattes. But no, the real reason is the weather. I like the lack of seasons, I like the warmth and the sunshine. I don't crave a white Christmas.
It snowed yesterday. HELLO?????
We were out at a museum up near my house. When we got out, it was pouring rain. Dh comments that is hail. Looking down at my jacket, I realized it wasn't hail but snow. It melts as soon as it hits the ground, but it is so cold here. The highs yesterday didn't get above 40 degrees F. Gimme a break. My kids don't even own a cold weather jacket. This morning I woke up to my entire yard frozen over. This is bad news because a bunch of my trees are blooming. My citrus trees are going to take it pretty hard. I guess it is an excuse to drink hot buttered rums. Like I need an excuse....
On the writing front....
I'm still working on my voice workshop. I love doing workshops and articles because they keep me in the game even if my own writing is at a halt. I tend to pick topics that I'm working on for myself or have given me trouble. Doing a workshop helps me get through my own problems. My last topic was about how to find the strengths one's writing and apply it to developing a voice. I really think all writers have a voice, but sometimes it needs to be cultivated. If a writer can find their strengths, they can find their voice that much faster.
I felt like giving up on my historical again for no particular reason, so I worked on something completely different. After punching out a few pages of a new project, I turned back to my historical and felt renewed vigor for it. It really is a good story and the characters are strong. It seems to flow pretty well. Where I get stuck is when the hero or heroine are in a narrative section. I'd rather do dialogue but sometimes continuity requires explanation.
Friday, March 10, 2006
One Last Kid Post...
You can always tell when my kids are on my nerves because I tend to blog more about them and parenting than I would like. I truly like to keep my blog posts evenly mixed with writing and parenting, but sometimes one topic wins out over another. Right now its those @#%^%^&**&% kids of mine. Yeah, I know there really isn't an expletive that long, but they deserve their own special curse word right now.
Anyway, I've heard parents of teenagers talk about how the kids ravage their house after a trip to the grocery store. I'm finding that mine are doing the same thing and they are a ways from the teen years. I filled up my pantry yesterday and a bunch of the stuff is gone. The apples have been looted. The Pop Tarts are gone. The sourdough bagette disappeared the day I got it. My dh managed to get one sandwich out of the lunch meat I bought. They are barbarians, I tell you. I keep my pantry locked with a chain lock but they have figured out how to unhook it with a broom handle. So today while I was fixing the toilet upstairs that they broke, they were downstairs sneaking into the pantry. Of course they don't clean up after themselves until I explode.
I've tried having a "snack time" when they get home from school and have a decent snack for them, but they will still look for more food. I don't get it. My son can't keep weight on him. His sister is pretty active so I can understand her and the pre-schooler likes the challenge of breaking into the pantry. She likes sugar.
Anyway, my dread is what happens in another five years when these kids hit their teens. I'll live my life at the grocery store.
You can always tell when my kids are on my nerves because I tend to blog more about them and parenting than I would like. I truly like to keep my blog posts evenly mixed with writing and parenting, but sometimes one topic wins out over another. Right now its those @#%^%^&**&% kids of mine. Yeah, I know there really isn't an expletive that long, but they deserve their own special curse word right now.
Anyway, I've heard parents of teenagers talk about how the kids ravage their house after a trip to the grocery store. I'm finding that mine are doing the same thing and they are a ways from the teen years. I filled up my pantry yesterday and a bunch of the stuff is gone. The apples have been looted. The Pop Tarts are gone. The sourdough bagette disappeared the day I got it. My dh managed to get one sandwich out of the lunch meat I bought. They are barbarians, I tell you. I keep my pantry locked with a chain lock but they have figured out how to unhook it with a broom handle. So today while I was fixing the toilet upstairs that they broke, they were downstairs sneaking into the pantry. Of course they don't clean up after themselves until I explode.
I've tried having a "snack time" when they get home from school and have a decent snack for them, but they will still look for more food. I don't get it. My son can't keep weight on him. His sister is pretty active so I can understand her and the pre-schooler likes the challenge of breaking into the pantry. She likes sugar.
Anyway, my dread is what happens in another five years when these kids hit their teens. I'll live my life at the grocery store.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
How Do They Do It?
I ran into a mom I knew from my kids' school during the waning days of summer. We chatted a bit in the grocery aisle about summer and she told me she was sorry to see it go. She was going to miss her kids. I think my face petrified like a fossil. It was the only way not to scream: "ARE YOU NUTS??????" When I go to school, I watch the other moms, eager to get their kids home because that is what their lives revolve around. I can't imagine it. These are women with law degrees, ph.d's, brains up the whazoo...but they cashed it all in to be full time mothers. They seem to tackle the chores of motherhood with the ferocity and focus of supernatural beings. And I wonder how they do it.
Don't get me wrong, I love my kids and, well, usually enjoy being a mother. But it isn't my entire world. My life revolves around my kids simply because it does, not from my desire to make them the center of my universe. My interests go way beyond children. Perhaps it was the way I was raised or maybe the quirk in my personality, but I couldn't imagine making my kids the only thing in my life.
Many of these women didn't start having kids until they were in their 40's and they seemed to have stopped with two. But when you talk to them, all they can talk about is their kids, the school, the sports, the dance classes, playdates, etc. It is as if they never had a previous life. I never hear them yelling at their kids. I can't imagine them telling their kids to "stop it because I said so." They explain things. I don't have the patience.
In some ways I envy them the joy they take in motherhood. To be able to immerse themselves in their children's lives so completely and seem content to do so is beyond my comprehension. I'm always longing for something more. Writers understand that craving for time to write, time to focus, etc. But even if I didn't write, I'd have something else that occupied my mind.
I do wonder, however, what happens when their kids hit high school and the last thing they want is their moms breathing down their necks. I wonder what happens then?
I ran into a mom I knew from my kids' school during the waning days of summer. We chatted a bit in the grocery aisle about summer and she told me she was sorry to see it go. She was going to miss her kids. I think my face petrified like a fossil. It was the only way not to scream: "ARE YOU NUTS??????" When I go to school, I watch the other moms, eager to get their kids home because that is what their lives revolve around. I can't imagine it. These are women with law degrees, ph.d's, brains up the whazoo...but they cashed it all in to be full time mothers. They seem to tackle the chores of motherhood with the ferocity and focus of supernatural beings. And I wonder how they do it.
Don't get me wrong, I love my kids and, well, usually enjoy being a mother. But it isn't my entire world. My life revolves around my kids simply because it does, not from my desire to make them the center of my universe. My interests go way beyond children. Perhaps it was the way I was raised or maybe the quirk in my personality, but I couldn't imagine making my kids the only thing in my life.
Many of these women didn't start having kids until they were in their 40's and they seemed to have stopped with two. But when you talk to them, all they can talk about is their kids, the school, the sports, the dance classes, playdates, etc. It is as if they never had a previous life. I never hear them yelling at their kids. I can't imagine them telling their kids to "stop it because I said so." They explain things. I don't have the patience.
In some ways I envy them the joy they take in motherhood. To be able to immerse themselves in their children's lives so completely and seem content to do so is beyond my comprehension. I'm always longing for something more. Writers understand that craving for time to write, time to focus, etc. But even if I didn't write, I'd have something else that occupied my mind.
I do wonder, however, what happens when their kids hit high school and the last thing they want is their moms breathing down their necks. I wonder what happens then?
Monday, March 06, 2006
Back to Writing....
Do you recognize your voice when you are writing? If you do, what kinds of things do you do to cultivate it?
I'm running a workshop at Romance Central's forums on finding and developing the writing voice. Some people have a distinctive voice right out of the box. They write and it is immediately recognizable. Some writers take years to develop their own voice and the road can be rocky.
First, there are "da rules." Writers know all about these rules that tell us what we can and can't write, what will and won't work. But too often we takes these rules as gospel rather than guidelines. We get so concerned that we are not fitting into the mold required, we dilute our voices. Then there are the cp's. A good cp will recognize your voice and critique your work without changing it. I've had cp's who have literally re-written sentences in their voice because that is what they prefer. A good cp may not like your voice, but they will respect it as yours and help you polish your work.
If you haven't recognized your voice, how do you do it? It isn't that easy. But read through your work and look at word choices. Keep a rhythm in your head when your read. Look at themes you follow in your writing. I think the biggest eye opener for me was when I ran into some writing I did about 18 years ago. The word choices were the same, the structure of the sentences followed the same cadence as I have today. It lacked in other areas, but the voice was definitely mine.
For me, the biggest pitfall with voice is my choice of projects. Its like clothes shopping. I am always drawn to outfits that look horrible on me. I know they will, but I go ahead and try them on anyway then gag when I look in the mirror. Writing is similar. I have some harebrained idea for a novel, get about 10 or more pages into it then gag in the mirror. It isn't the writing, but the voice is all wrong. Matching the wrong voice to the wrong project takes all the spark out of it. I think we've all read a book by a favorite author that lacked that spark we liked so much. I think there has been a rash of authors jumping from the books which fit their voices into stories that are more marketable.
Do you recognize your voice when you are writing? If you do, what kinds of things do you do to cultivate it?
I'm running a workshop at Romance Central's forums on finding and developing the writing voice. Some people have a distinctive voice right out of the box. They write and it is immediately recognizable. Some writers take years to develop their own voice and the road can be rocky.
First, there are "da rules." Writers know all about these rules that tell us what we can and can't write, what will and won't work. But too often we takes these rules as gospel rather than guidelines. We get so concerned that we are not fitting into the mold required, we dilute our voices. Then there are the cp's. A good cp will recognize your voice and critique your work without changing it. I've had cp's who have literally re-written sentences in their voice because that is what they prefer. A good cp may not like your voice, but they will respect it as yours and help you polish your work.
If you haven't recognized your voice, how do you do it? It isn't that easy. But read through your work and look at word choices. Keep a rhythm in your head when your read. Look at themes you follow in your writing. I think the biggest eye opener for me was when I ran into some writing I did about 18 years ago. The word choices were the same, the structure of the sentences followed the same cadence as I have today. It lacked in other areas, but the voice was definitely mine.
For me, the biggest pitfall with voice is my choice of projects. Its like clothes shopping. I am always drawn to outfits that look horrible on me. I know they will, but I go ahead and try them on anyway then gag when I look in the mirror. Writing is similar. I have some harebrained idea for a novel, get about 10 or more pages into it then gag in the mirror. It isn't the writing, but the voice is all wrong. Matching the wrong voice to the wrong project takes all the spark out of it. I think we've all read a book by a favorite author that lacked that spark we liked so much. I think there has been a rash of authors jumping from the books which fit their voices into stories that are more marketable.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
I'm Just a Girl
This is my six year old, the princess of the family. And this is what she looks like on the weekend. This morning she helped her dad in the yard. He bought her a special set of tools just for the job.
And here she is on third, ready to score. She plays Little League, Farm division. But she does it with a pink batting helmet, cleats with pink stripes, pink batting gloves and a pink set of sleeves. Some of her team mates only wish they could throw like a girl. By the way, her hair is dyed red to match her uniform.
My bet is she will grow up to host her own show on HGTV while dating handsome Major League Baseball players.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Kisses
Earlier today I had typed out a diatribe about my kids and how they were driving me insane. After reading it, I realized it was too whiny even for me. So I went to the gym. Amazing how exercise can clear the mind. Then I went to Target. There is nothing like a sweet trip to Target to soothe the savage beast. While I was there, I picked up some Herhey's Kisses filled with Peanut Butter. I'm a sucker for these little guys. So I have a question for you. How do you feel about Hershey's Kisses? Are you a purist and will only eat the milk chocolate in their bright silver foil or are you an adventurous type? Kisses website can give you a rundown on their products although I noticed they are missing at least one. I got the Hugs with Strawberry at Valentine's Day. They were okay but not my favorite. My favorite I think is the Kisses with Almonds. But these peanut butter ones are pretty tasty.
Earlier today I had typed out a diatribe about my kids and how they were driving me insane. After reading it, I realized it was too whiny even for me. So I went to the gym. Amazing how exercise can clear the mind. Then I went to Target. There is nothing like a sweet trip to Target to soothe the savage beast. While I was there, I picked up some Herhey's Kisses filled with Peanut Butter. I'm a sucker for these little guys. So I have a question for you. How do you feel about Hershey's Kisses? Are you a purist and will only eat the milk chocolate in their bright silver foil or are you an adventurous type? Kisses website can give you a rundown on their products although I noticed they are missing at least one. I got the Hugs with Strawberry at Valentine's Day. They were okay but not my favorite. My favorite I think is the Kisses with Almonds. But these peanut butter ones are pretty tasty.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Why Writing with Children is a Problem
Isn't she cute?
This is my pantry door, notice the lock and the trash can?
This is what I found in the pantry. Notice the empty sugar sprinkle container next to the pretzels with the layer of pretty pink sugar at the bottom.
While I was buried in my WIP, lost in the 18th century, my littlest darling, "Apple" from the previous post, was getting into my pantry and destroying. There were also five potatoes and a few marshmallows in the pretzel container but I'd already taken them out when I took the picture. This is one of the hazards of writing with children. How she got the lock undone, I'm not sure, I guess she can stretch taller than I realized.
This is what I'm going to have after she goes to bed tonight. Make it a double.
Monday, February 27, 2006
The Calm Before the Storm
I'm speaking literally rather than figuratively. We are expecting a mammoth storm later this afternoon and it is predicted to dump 10-12 inches of rain in my area overnight. I know, I know, it's just a little rain, not snow or anything and my house is safe from flooding. But still, there is a nervous tension, knowing this storm is coming. I'm not sure how to describe it, but I find myself wandering the house, looking out at the sky, amazed that in a few hours the sunshine will disappear and the dark clouds will roll in and dump a ton of water. I think it is just a natural reaction to a drastic change, but it is there.
This is what I want to accomplish in my writing. I want to present a beautiful, pastoral scene, perfect, so perfect, you know something is going to go wrong. I think that is why setting is so important to me. My current WIP takes place on this beautiful English estate, with a fabulous garden and pretty people. Something dark and ugly has to happen, right? I guess I love the contrast.
Anyway, as a reader, do you enjoy the tension? Do you like the sense of dread? I have to admit, I love horror movies, so maybe that's just me, but I love that feeling of unease. I like seeing that lovely scene and knowing it will go horribly wrong. Allison Brennan did that well in The Prey. I think that is what I liked about the book so much. Stephen King does it too.
I'm speaking literally rather than figuratively. We are expecting a mammoth storm later this afternoon and it is predicted to dump 10-12 inches of rain in my area overnight. I know, I know, it's just a little rain, not snow or anything and my house is safe from flooding. But still, there is a nervous tension, knowing this storm is coming. I'm not sure how to describe it, but I find myself wandering the house, looking out at the sky, amazed that in a few hours the sunshine will disappear and the dark clouds will roll in and dump a ton of water. I think it is just a natural reaction to a drastic change, but it is there.
This is what I want to accomplish in my writing. I want to present a beautiful, pastoral scene, perfect, so perfect, you know something is going to go wrong. I think that is why setting is so important to me. My current WIP takes place on this beautiful English estate, with a fabulous garden and pretty people. Something dark and ugly has to happen, right? I guess I love the contrast.
Anyway, as a reader, do you enjoy the tension? Do you like the sense of dread? I have to admit, I love horror movies, so maybe that's just me, but I love that feeling of unease. I like seeing that lovely scene and knowing it will go horribly wrong. Allison Brennan did that well in The Prey. I think that is what I liked about the book so much. Stephen King does it too.
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Her Name Is Apple
My 6 year old has declared that she has changed her little sister's name to Apple. Why, I don't know, but she is getting the kid to answer to the name. I dread when my daughter has kids of her own. Does this mean she is destined for celebrity? Will she develop a faux British accent, marry a rock star and move to London? She also told her father he should love her more than he loves me because she is cuter. Oh yeah, this girl is Hollywood-bound.
In writing...
I've spent a bulk of the morning researching governesses. Or actually trying to research governesses in 18th century England. Plenty of stuff on Victorian governesses but the 18th century is sadly lacking in research. I'm sure they existed, but finding the info isn't easy. Also, there is a level in research goes deep, meaning some of the materials are truly geared towards the academic and while I'm sure I could find some more information, I have to wonder if it is worth it. There's a reason I didn't continue on to graduate school. While I enjoy research, I don't have the time. So at this point I'm going to go with the knowledge I have and my understanding of society at the time and uh, go with my instinct. Anyway, to that end, I posted on Ainsley Park about historical accuracy and what other readers thought.
My 6 year old has declared that she has changed her little sister's name to Apple. Why, I don't know, but she is getting the kid to answer to the name. I dread when my daughter has kids of her own. Does this mean she is destined for celebrity? Will she develop a faux British accent, marry a rock star and move to London? She also told her father he should love her more than he loves me because she is cuter. Oh yeah, this girl is Hollywood-bound.
In writing...
I've spent a bulk of the morning researching governesses. Or actually trying to research governesses in 18th century England. Plenty of stuff on Victorian governesses but the 18th century is sadly lacking in research. I'm sure they existed, but finding the info isn't easy. Also, there is a level in research goes deep, meaning some of the materials are truly geared towards the academic and while I'm sure I could find some more information, I have to wonder if it is worth it. There's a reason I didn't continue on to graduate school. While I enjoy research, I don't have the time. So at this point I'm going to go with the knowledge I have and my understanding of society at the time and uh, go with my instinct. Anyway, to that end, I posted on Ainsley Park about historical accuracy and what other readers thought.
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Kicked into Overdrive
So I worked on a new WIP yesterday while kid vid played in the background. Yes, it did happen to be that annoying pseudo-Holly Hobby movie. Anyway, by the time the day ended, I'd written 2500 words. When I told Melissa I had started my WIP over again, I didn't need to see her to know she was probably rolling her eyes. She suggested that maybe I should put the historical aside for now and go with another genre. But I'm a glutton for punishment (why else would I have three kids?) and gave it another try. This time it stuck. Funny, I can see pieces from my other false starts in this one, so none of those earlier efforts were wasted.
It is a good feeling I have to admit.
Oh yeah, I posted on Search for the Good Life about the importance of eating breakfast when you are trying to lose weight.
So I worked on a new WIP yesterday while kid vid played in the background. Yes, it did happen to be that annoying pseudo-Holly Hobby movie. Anyway, by the time the day ended, I'd written 2500 words. When I told Melissa I had started my WIP over again, I didn't need to see her to know she was probably rolling her eyes. She suggested that maybe I should put the historical aside for now and go with another genre. But I'm a glutton for punishment (why else would I have three kids?) and gave it another try. This time it stuck. Funny, I can see pieces from my other false starts in this one, so none of those earlier efforts were wasted.
It is a good feeling I have to admit.
Oh yeah, I posted on Search for the Good Life about the importance of eating breakfast when you are trying to lose weight.
Friday, February 24, 2006
Holly Hobbie
Do you remember this girl?
This is what she looks like now.
Is the world out of fresh ideas? I loved to draw Holly Hobbie when I was a kid because she was easy to create. Now she isn't that cute little pioneer girl but a hip chick in bell bottoms. I imagine the creators of this new Holly are my age and they have a sentimental streak, but was it necessary to change her into a modern girl? Even Strawberry Shortcake has gone a more modern route. Ah well, my childhood has passed and I shouldn't complain. But it does taint ones memories.
Do you remember this girl?
This is what she looks like now.
Is the world out of fresh ideas? I loved to draw Holly Hobbie when I was a kid because she was easy to create. Now she isn't that cute little pioneer girl but a hip chick in bell bottoms. I imagine the creators of this new Holly are my age and they have a sentimental streak, but was it necessary to change her into a modern girl? Even Strawberry Shortcake has gone a more modern route. Ah well, my childhood has passed and I shouldn't complain. But it does taint ones memories.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Leverage
Yesterday was student-led conferences at my kids' school. Or I should say it was the first day. It runs for a week so my kids get out at 1 p.m. everyday. Anyway, I like to get it over with so I did both of them yesterday. Nothing too interesting with my daughter. Her teacher thinks the sun rises and shines on this kid. My son's wasn't all that interesting either except his teacher was concerned about his homework. While the homework itself isn't all that important, she is trying to get him into good habits before he goes off to jr. high. He's interested in going to a fancy private school near my house for high school and then head for Caltech for college. Yes, at age 10 he has made these decisions. We were trying to impress upon him the need for diligence on his homework habits in order to get good grades and achieve his goals.
But his teacher found the right leverage. She found out he wants to learn how to bake. So she told him if he would keep turning his homework in on time, she would teach him how to make a challah. She said she is very good at braiding the dough. This isn't something I can teach him. He is quite excited and told everyone. Odd where leverage comes from.
Other stuff...
I posted on Search for the Good Life about motivation and my lack thereof.
Yesterday was student-led conferences at my kids' school. Or I should say it was the first day. It runs for a week so my kids get out at 1 p.m. everyday. Anyway, I like to get it over with so I did both of them yesterday. Nothing too interesting with my daughter. Her teacher thinks the sun rises and shines on this kid. My son's wasn't all that interesting either except his teacher was concerned about his homework. While the homework itself isn't all that important, she is trying to get him into good habits before he goes off to jr. high. He's interested in going to a fancy private school near my house for high school and then head for Caltech for college. Yes, at age 10 he has made these decisions. We were trying to impress upon him the need for diligence on his homework habits in order to get good grades and achieve his goals.
But his teacher found the right leverage. She found out he wants to learn how to bake. So she told him if he would keep turning his homework in on time, she would teach him how to make a challah. She said she is very good at braiding the dough. This isn't something I can teach him. He is quite excited and told everyone. Odd where leverage comes from.
Other stuff...
I posted on Search for the Good Life about motivation and my lack thereof.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
I'm Almost Too embarrassed...
To write this post. Yesterday I complained about how I couldn't write despite the lovely silence and lack of distractions. Yesterday, when I got the kids, the first thing they did was click on the television.
"ARE YOU READY, KIDS?"
Next thing I know, I've pounded out three pages. Is it some kind of twisted Pavlovian reaction gone horribly wrong? If I'd only realized, I'd have had the kid vid on all day. I feel so pathetic. Its like some episode of the "Twilight Zone."
Monday, February 20, 2006
Silence is Golden
My inlaws took my kids last night and kept them. Dh and I got to out to dinner by ourselves again (twice in one weekend, think it's a record). My MIL called and asked to keep them most of today. So I have a day all to myself. Sigh.... Think of all the writing I could do. Think of those craft projects I've put aside. Think of the reading I could get done. Heck, even housework would be a breeze with only my own company.
So what have I done?
Well....I did do some sweeping. Read blogs. Ate lunch. Put one load of laundry in. And watched t.v., "Men in Black" to be precise. What I don't understand is why I have no motivation to do anything. I crave this kind of time, blog about it, whine about to my dh and yet what do I do when I get it? Pretty much go into a catatonic state. I'm not sure why. I think one reason is because I don't get enough of this kind of time so when I do, my brain shuts off. Maybe it's re-charging. Don't know. Anyway, how's everyone's day going?
New Blog
Because four blogs just isn't enough, I started another one. This one focuses strictly on historical romance. I hate boring people with specific writing issues, particularly when they pertain to historicals. Also, I found a really cute template and wanted to have an excuse to use. I twisted Melissa's arm to participate so she is also on it. Ainsley Park (the title of my WIP) is still pretty sparse but I hope to have some good links and info for writers (and readers) of the historical romance genre.
My inlaws took my kids last night and kept them. Dh and I got to out to dinner by ourselves again (twice in one weekend, think it's a record). My MIL called and asked to keep them most of today. So I have a day all to myself. Sigh.... Think of all the writing I could do. Think of those craft projects I've put aside. Think of the reading I could get done. Heck, even housework would be a breeze with only my own company.
So what have I done?
Well....I did do some sweeping. Read blogs. Ate lunch. Put one load of laundry in. And watched t.v., "Men in Black" to be precise. What I don't understand is why I have no motivation to do anything. I crave this kind of time, blog about it, whine about to my dh and yet what do I do when I get it? Pretty much go into a catatonic state. I'm not sure why. I think one reason is because I don't get enough of this kind of time so when I do, my brain shuts off. Maybe it's re-charging. Don't know. Anyway, how's everyone's day going?
New Blog
Because four blogs just isn't enough, I started another one. This one focuses strictly on historical romance. I hate boring people with specific writing issues, particularly when they pertain to historicals. Also, I found a really cute template and wanted to have an excuse to use. I twisted Melissa's arm to participate so she is also on it. Ainsley Park (the title of my WIP) is still pretty sparse but I hope to have some good links and info for writers (and readers) of the historical romance genre.
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Cell Phones
Last night dh and I went out for dinner sans children. We went to Black Angus (a steakhouse) and a nice time. Anytime I'm not forced to cut up another person's meat is a nice time. Anyway, the thing I noticed was the number of people using their cell phones. And it wasn't just people arranging to meet or emergencies instructions to the babysitter. They were conversations. Some sat there and checked there voicemail. It was like that little gadget was a part of their person.
Usually I have no idea where my cell phone is. I rarely use it. But I know some people who are lost without it. Now, I imagine if I were a teenager, the darn thing would be glued to my ear at all times. But these aren't kids. Do people really want to be that accessible? If I'm out to dinner with my spouse, friend, family, that who I want to focus on, not someone on the phone. Am I alone? How dependent are you on your phone?
I also wonder about etiquette. Isn't there a time when it is rude to use your cell phone? It makes me uncomfortable when I am with a friend and they are talking on the phone. I'm trying not to listen to their conversation but its hard. How do you feel about cell phones?
Last night dh and I went out for dinner sans children. We went to Black Angus (a steakhouse) and a nice time. Anytime I'm not forced to cut up another person's meat is a nice time. Anyway, the thing I noticed was the number of people using their cell phones. And it wasn't just people arranging to meet or emergencies instructions to the babysitter. They were conversations. Some sat there and checked there voicemail. It was like that little gadget was a part of their person.
Usually I have no idea where my cell phone is. I rarely use it. But I know some people who are lost without it. Now, I imagine if I were a teenager, the darn thing would be glued to my ear at all times. But these aren't kids. Do people really want to be that accessible? If I'm out to dinner with my spouse, friend, family, that who I want to focus on, not someone on the phone. Am I alone? How dependent are you on your phone?
I also wonder about etiquette. Isn't there a time when it is rude to use your cell phone? It makes me uncomfortable when I am with a friend and they are talking on the phone. I'm trying not to listen to their conversation but its hard. How do you feel about cell phones?
Friday, February 17, 2006
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Two Rants for the Price of One
Actually, the first one isn't the rant I planned. It was going to be, but then I really couldn't find enough support for it. Or rather I found an overwhelming amount of support for my position to the point it brought me to a new rant.
I read something this weekend disparaging romance writers. Actually, it was a romance writer talking about a writing conference where the speaker disparaged romance writing. Of course it raised hackles. So I thought I would rant about the lack of respect, etc. of the romance genre. I searched the web for examples of rotten things said about romance novels and the people who write them. I didn't really find that much but when I did, there was a huge response defending the genre. I'm talking overwhelming. And it got me thinking.
Why do readers and writers of romance care? What is the big deal about people slamming on romance. Why do we care what these people think? We are particularly prickly about our genre. Post something on your blog about how romance is formulaic and perpetuates the stereotypes of dominant men and weak-willed women and I can guarantee you an avalanche of response.
I read and write romance novels. I like those overly dramatic bookcovers with half-naked men on them. If people think less of me, so be it. I do not need to be validated by others because they don't like my taste in reading. Why do romance enthusiasts get so worked up? Is it the literary equivalent of saying "you look fat in that dress?"
I suppose it is human nature to want the admiration and respect of others. But sometimes I feel romance writers and readers take it too seriously. So some academic writes an essay putting down the genre. Who cares?
Everyone has an opinion. Romance writers can scream to the hills about how the stereotypes about romance novels are wrong. They can present the facts about romance and how it shows women controlling their own destinies. It doesn't matter. The genre is still going to get slammed and for a variety of reasons.
Let the criticism roll. It isn't going to make a difference in the romance world. The genre still commands the bulk of paperback fiction published. Romance is a powerhouse. If we cannot swallow the criticism heaped upon us, we are validating the comments made by others.
Why is My Son an Idiot?
My ten year old son spent the bulk of the weekend whining about how bored he was. I pointed out he could always do his homework. He shunned that suggestion and followed me around whining. Anyway, his homework was due yesterday. And guess what he was doing at 6 a.m.?
My son is very bright. Although he is in 4th grade, he does 6th grade work. This assignment was multiplying and dividing fractions, problems that were well within his grasp. But they were time consuming and required a significant amount of time to do. He had all week to do this. But no, he waits until the morning it is due to work on it.
Why does he do this? I want to scream. I will not babysit him to get his homework done. He knows when its due. I will help if he needs help with the problems, but he needs to learn to do his work and get it in on time. Problem is he is a teacher's pet and I know his teacher is letting him get away with stuff. Someday he is going to learn. I just hope it isn't something too dramatic.
Actually, the first one isn't the rant I planned. It was going to be, but then I really couldn't find enough support for it. Or rather I found an overwhelming amount of support for my position to the point it brought me to a new rant.
I read something this weekend disparaging romance writers. Actually, it was a romance writer talking about a writing conference where the speaker disparaged romance writing. Of course it raised hackles. So I thought I would rant about the lack of respect, etc. of the romance genre. I searched the web for examples of rotten things said about romance novels and the people who write them. I didn't really find that much but when I did, there was a huge response defending the genre. I'm talking overwhelming. And it got me thinking.
Why do readers and writers of romance care? What is the big deal about people slamming on romance. Why do we care what these people think? We are particularly prickly about our genre. Post something on your blog about how romance is formulaic and perpetuates the stereotypes of dominant men and weak-willed women and I can guarantee you an avalanche of response.
I read and write romance novels. I like those overly dramatic bookcovers with half-naked men on them. If people think less of me, so be it. I do not need to be validated by others because they don't like my taste in reading. Why do romance enthusiasts get so worked up? Is it the literary equivalent of saying "you look fat in that dress?"
I suppose it is human nature to want the admiration and respect of others. But sometimes I feel romance writers and readers take it too seriously. So some academic writes an essay putting down the genre. Who cares?
Everyone has an opinion. Romance writers can scream to the hills about how the stereotypes about romance novels are wrong. They can present the facts about romance and how it shows women controlling their own destinies. It doesn't matter. The genre is still going to get slammed and for a variety of reasons.
Let the criticism roll. It isn't going to make a difference in the romance world. The genre still commands the bulk of paperback fiction published. Romance is a powerhouse. If we cannot swallow the criticism heaped upon us, we are validating the comments made by others.
Why is My Son an Idiot?
My ten year old son spent the bulk of the weekend whining about how bored he was. I pointed out he could always do his homework. He shunned that suggestion and followed me around whining. Anyway, his homework was due yesterday. And guess what he was doing at 6 a.m.?
My son is very bright. Although he is in 4th grade, he does 6th grade work. This assignment was multiplying and dividing fractions, problems that were well within his grasp. But they were time consuming and required a significant amount of time to do. He had all week to do this. But no, he waits until the morning it is due to work on it.
Why does he do this? I want to scream. I will not babysit him to get his homework done. He knows when its due. I will help if he needs help with the problems, but he needs to learn to do his work and get it in on time. Problem is he is a teacher's pet and I know his teacher is letting him get away with stuff. Someday he is going to learn. I just hope it isn't something too dramatic.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Flatter than a Pancake
Isn't great when you are baking a cake and you peak in the over to see it nice and full? Then when you get it out of the oven and set it to cool, the damn thing falls?
So if you don't bake, you don't have a clue what I'm talking about but it is a good metaphor for my historical WIP. I'm about 5K words into it and nothing is happening. I've got atmosphere and plot but my characters are so boring. Their motivations feel artificial and their conflicts are too weak to carry a story and make it interesting.
For romance writers, the conflicts between the hero and heroine are the core to the story. The characters make the book, that is why romance readers read them. Plot is secondary. The plot serves the characters rather than the other way around. If your characters are dullards, the plot could be fascinating but the reader will lose interest.
Considering I write on the fly, I love plot. I like to go from point A to point B onto C. But sometimes I forget and leave my characters behind. I started this story thinking the characters would develop with the plot and they didn't. They simply drifted through WIP without any real substance. To make up for the lack, there is too much narrative.
Anyway, it was a frustrating writing day. Today is going to be no great shakes because I had insomnia last night. I never get insomnia. I've had maybe two hours of sleep. Hopefully I get a nap sometime today.
Isn't great when you are baking a cake and you peak in the over to see it nice and full? Then when you get it out of the oven and set it to cool, the damn thing falls?
So if you don't bake, you don't have a clue what I'm talking about but it is a good metaphor for my historical WIP. I'm about 5K words into it and nothing is happening. I've got atmosphere and plot but my characters are so boring. Their motivations feel artificial and their conflicts are too weak to carry a story and make it interesting.
For romance writers, the conflicts between the hero and heroine are the core to the story. The characters make the book, that is why romance readers read them. Plot is secondary. The plot serves the characters rather than the other way around. If your characters are dullards, the plot could be fascinating but the reader will lose interest.
Considering I write on the fly, I love plot. I like to go from point A to point B onto C. But sometimes I forget and leave my characters behind. I started this story thinking the characters would develop with the plot and they didn't. They simply drifted through WIP without any real substance. To make up for the lack, there is too much narrative.
Anyway, it was a frustrating writing day. Today is going to be no great shakes because I had insomnia last night. I never get insomnia. I've had maybe two hours of sleep. Hopefully I get a nap sometime today.
Monday, February 13, 2006
Bread
Here are the monsters and the loaf of bread they made today. My son has been bugging me for weeks to let him make a loaf of bread. Today they didn't have school so I went ahead and let him and his sister have at it. They did all the measuring, stirring and most of the kneading. I did step in to finish the kneading but for the most part they made the bread. It was a very long process because the bread had two raisings: one 2 hours and the second an hour and a half. The kids were not particularly patient.
They drove me crazy the rest of the day. Fighting and screaming. Making a mess out of the house. And the constant noise. They have the attention spans of cooked spaghetti. My girls are extremely demanding. Everytime I sat down at my laptop to write, they got into something, needed something, etc. Children are very possessive of their parents. And not just with other people, with anything that distracts a parent from the child. By 4:30 I called dh and said I was on strike and not cooking. After my day with the kids, there was no way I was going to dive into a cooking venture.
What concerns me is what is going to happen this summer. I definitely need to get them out of the house. Or is there a summer camp for moms? Preferably with an open bar and good looking cabana boys? And, of course, high speed Internet access.
Sunday, February 12, 2006
But Is It Art?
Sorry, no rant today. I'm feeling more...contemplative today. I do have a rant brewing, but it needs to simmer for a little bit.
Anyway, do you consider writing art? Is a piece of fiction a work of art? Are writers artists? Is art in the eye of the beholder?
I don't consider myself an artist. I am in awe of people who can express themselves with blank canvas and paint or with a chunk of clay. I'm amazed by people who can create music, whose natural abilities create something beautiful. My talent is learned. I could never write how I do without years of learning and honing of skill.
I think poets are artists. I couldn't write poetry to save my life. But how many poets are also talented in other artistic mediums?
Is storytelling an art form? Is the word "artist" slung around with unearned bravado or are there too many works of intelligence and beauty mislabeled as something else?
I'm just curious. I'm sure there are a bunch of opinions out there and I'd love to hear them.
Speakings of opinions, great comments poured in on the previous post. Kelly admires Queen Latifah and Raven for projecting views of full figured women and I agree, I just wish there were more of them. Zephra, I worry constantly that my daughter is going to put up a poster of Paris Hilton in her room. It won't happen, but you can't escape from that...woman.
Lory, my daughter plays boys baseball. She will be playing the farm level this year. And Toni, she wears a pink batting helmet, pink cleats, pink batting gloves and uses a pink glove. I'm trying to convince her she can be a macho stud and a girly girl at the same time. BTW, congrats Toni on your book. Her book Venus' Slipper will be available in print soon. For those with boys like Sandy, I think its important to teach them what is important in a girl. They need to be aware that women are more than a decoration and to appreciate what's inside.
Skinny models have been around for a long time and what I can't understand why they are still admired and why extreme thinness seems to be encouraged. At the same time we are getting larger. And it isn't just North America. Europe is seeing a similar phenomenon. Like Nienke I don't understand why our media doesn't present more of a healthy lifestyle. Of course I did go to Krispy Kreme this morning....
srp and Dorothy give us hope because their girls turned out just fine. I think Dorothy is polishing up her "ERA" button and wearing it proudly *g*
Then there is Mark, our romantic who wants his daughter to find love. I think we all want our children to find love, but I don't want my daughter to compromise herself to achieve it. There are worse things than being alone and love can take many forms. Don't worry, Mark, she'll find what she's looking for.
Boy, there was some major linkage going on here. I think I better take a nap! I'm worn out!
Sorry, no rant today. I'm feeling more...contemplative today. I do have a rant brewing, but it needs to simmer for a little bit.
Anyway, do you consider writing art? Is a piece of fiction a work of art? Are writers artists? Is art in the eye of the beholder?
I don't consider myself an artist. I am in awe of people who can express themselves with blank canvas and paint or with a chunk of clay. I'm amazed by people who can create music, whose natural abilities create something beautiful. My talent is learned. I could never write how I do without years of learning and honing of skill.
I think poets are artists. I couldn't write poetry to save my life. But how many poets are also talented in other artistic mediums?
Is storytelling an art form? Is the word "artist" slung around with unearned bravado or are there too many works of intelligence and beauty mislabeled as something else?
I'm just curious. I'm sure there are a bunch of opinions out there and I'd love to hear them.
Speakings of opinions, great comments poured in on the previous post. Kelly admires Queen Latifah and Raven for projecting views of full figured women and I agree, I just wish there were more of them. Zephra, I worry constantly that my daughter is going to put up a poster of Paris Hilton in her room. It won't happen, but you can't escape from that...woman.
Lory, my daughter plays boys baseball. She will be playing the farm level this year. And Toni, she wears a pink batting helmet, pink cleats, pink batting gloves and uses a pink glove. I'm trying to convince her she can be a macho stud and a girly girl at the same time. BTW, congrats Toni on your book. Her book Venus' Slipper will be available in print soon. For those with boys like Sandy, I think its important to teach them what is important in a girl. They need to be aware that women are more than a decoration and to appreciate what's inside.
Skinny models have been around for a long time and what I can't understand why they are still admired and why extreme thinness seems to be encouraged. At the same time we are getting larger. And it isn't just North America. Europe is seeing a similar phenomenon. Like Nienke I don't understand why our media doesn't present more of a healthy lifestyle. Of course I did go to Krispy Kreme this morning....
srp and Dorothy give us hope because their girls turned out just fine. I think Dorothy is polishing up her "ERA" button and wearing it proudly *g*
Then there is Mark, our romantic who wants his daughter to find love. I think we all want our children to find love, but I don't want my daughter to compromise herself to achieve it. There are worse things than being alone and love can take many forms. Don't worry, Mark, she'll find what she's looking for.
Boy, there was some major linkage going on here. I think I better take a nap! I'm worn out!
Friday, February 10, 2006
I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar
Before I get into the rant du jour, I wanted to thank everyone for some great comments. Isn't it amazing how our lives are so split? And how the grass is always greener? Yeah, Dorothy, I do realize how fortunate I am to have the ability to stay home, which is why I'm irritated at my lack of appreciation. "Find your own path to happiness, and accept that it might not be the same path you thought you were on when you started" was Mark's comment and probably the theme I need to follow, as does everyone else. Geez, I have a sudden urge to recite the Serenity Prayer *shudder*. Think I better move on to my next rant. BTW, the good thing about rants is they seem to free my creative flow. I've written 12 pages in the last two days!
When I was in college, I was an ardent feminist. I quit shaving my legs, attended rallies and the like. I'd vowed that if and when I got married, I wouldn't change my name and I'd never let the dictates of the media tell me what I should and should not do. I believed the value of beauty came from within. My heroines were Sally Ride, Maggie Thatcher, Rosa Parks and all the women before me who'd fought for the rights of women.
Jump up 20 years. Who are the women we see most in the media? Anorexic starlets and heiresses who make their name by behaving like trash. The more outrageous the behavior, the more likely it will get some press. We are constantly bombarded with images of skinny girls and a praise for youth. Why?
This isn't what the women's movement did. Why are women still measuring their worth by dress size and age? Women are lured into the idea that youth is ideal. Hello, they are injecting toxins into their faces to clear up wrinkles. If you think about it, isn't that bizarre? What's wrong with looking our age?
And weight. Wow, what a juxtaposition in our society. Obesity is on the climb and yet the images we see on television and the magazines are girls wearing a size "0". What is that about? What truly bothers me about this "skinny" look is the message it sends. One, it isn't healthy. Starving the body damages the internal organs and everything else. Two, it gives women a waifish appearance. Waif's are powerless. They are victims. They are reliant upon the kindness of strangers. They look like children.
While I am not going to get caught in this trap, I have daughters and that is what concerns me. My daughter is the one who will grow up with these images and will have to struggle to find her way. Right now she is into Hilary Duff and I cross my fingers, hoping Duff doesn't follow the Lindsay Lohan path of self-destruction.
It also seems like the media is telling women they are nothing if they can't capture a man. Look how many reality shows are based on a competition to capture a member of the opposite sex. Like gaining a spouse is a trophy, a validation of who they are.
I'm trying raise my daughter to believe the only validation she needs is from herself. She does not need to conform to the dictates of what she sees on t.v. or film. She doesn't need to lower herself or her standards for the pleasure of anyone else. She doesn't need another person to validate her existence. Having a spouse should compliment not complete her.
I think this is why I am still a devoted romance reader. The myth with in the media is that romance novels are about a woman capturing a man. That's not true. It is about characters overcoming personal and external conflicts to find someone to share their life with. Even if a heroine is beautiful, that is not what wins her happiness. She learns about herself and finds strength from within before she is able to find love with the hero. The hero's interest in the heroine may first be driven by her looks, but that tends to be a hindrance rather than plus. He must find the woman within in order to find happiness.
When I write, my heroine tends to be damaged or "weak" as it were. By the end of the story, I want her to find her inner-strength, to lover herself and realize that even if she and the hero don't get together, she is going to be okay.
I hope this rant makes sense. Sometimes I go off and sound like a crazy person, my mind tends to explode into many directions.
Before I get into the rant du jour, I wanted to thank everyone for some great comments. Isn't it amazing how our lives are so split? And how the grass is always greener? Yeah, Dorothy, I do realize how fortunate I am to have the ability to stay home, which is why I'm irritated at my lack of appreciation. "Find your own path to happiness, and accept that it might not be the same path you thought you were on when you started" was Mark's comment and probably the theme I need to follow, as does everyone else. Geez, I have a sudden urge to recite the Serenity Prayer *shudder*. Think I better move on to my next rant. BTW, the good thing about rants is they seem to free my creative flow. I've written 12 pages in the last two days!
When I was in college, I was an ardent feminist. I quit shaving my legs, attended rallies and the like. I'd vowed that if and when I got married, I wouldn't change my name and I'd never let the dictates of the media tell me what I should and should not do. I believed the value of beauty came from within. My heroines were Sally Ride, Maggie Thatcher, Rosa Parks and all the women before me who'd fought for the rights of women.
Jump up 20 years. Who are the women we see most in the media? Anorexic starlets and heiresses who make their name by behaving like trash. The more outrageous the behavior, the more likely it will get some press. We are constantly bombarded with images of skinny girls and a praise for youth. Why?
This isn't what the women's movement did. Why are women still measuring their worth by dress size and age? Women are lured into the idea that youth is ideal. Hello, they are injecting toxins into their faces to clear up wrinkles. If you think about it, isn't that bizarre? What's wrong with looking our age?
And weight. Wow, what a juxtaposition in our society. Obesity is on the climb and yet the images we see on television and the magazines are girls wearing a size "0". What is that about? What truly bothers me about this "skinny" look is the message it sends. One, it isn't healthy. Starving the body damages the internal organs and everything else. Two, it gives women a waifish appearance. Waif's are powerless. They are victims. They are reliant upon the kindness of strangers. They look like children.
While I am not going to get caught in this trap, I have daughters and that is what concerns me. My daughter is the one who will grow up with these images and will have to struggle to find her way. Right now she is into Hilary Duff and I cross my fingers, hoping Duff doesn't follow the Lindsay Lohan path of self-destruction.
It also seems like the media is telling women they are nothing if they can't capture a man. Look how many reality shows are based on a competition to capture a member of the opposite sex. Like gaining a spouse is a trophy, a validation of who they are.
I'm trying raise my daughter to believe the only validation she needs is from herself. She does not need to conform to the dictates of what she sees on t.v. or film. She doesn't need to lower herself or her standards for the pleasure of anyone else. She doesn't need another person to validate her existence. Having a spouse should compliment not complete her.
I think this is why I am still a devoted romance reader. The myth with in the media is that romance novels are about a woman capturing a man. That's not true. It is about characters overcoming personal and external conflicts to find someone to share their life with. Even if a heroine is beautiful, that is not what wins her happiness. She learns about herself and finds strength from within before she is able to find love with the hero. The hero's interest in the heroine may first be driven by her looks, but that tends to be a hindrance rather than plus. He must find the woman within in order to find happiness.
When I write, my heroine tends to be damaged or "weak" as it were. By the end of the story, I want her to find her inner-strength, to lover herself and realize that even if she and the hero don't get together, she is going to be okay.
I hope this rant makes sense. Sometimes I go off and sound like a crazy person, my mind tends to explode into many directions.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
This Perfect Life
Sorry, but this week appears to be rant week on my blog. Perhaps it is the residue of hormones but I seem to have plenty to whine about right now.
Today I'm hot under the collar about being a SAHM (this rant applies to caregivers of all sorts as well).
When I was in high school during the 80's, I had goals that did not include marriage and a family unless a member of Duran Duran was involved. I had my sights on becoming a career woman. Captain of industry, political power broker, whatever, it was going to be high-powered and require expensive suits and awesome shoes.
Skip up 20 years and now I'm a hausfrau with three kids. I wear cheap sweats and slippers. On a good day I take a shower. How did I get here and why do I feel bad about it?
I have a good life and I'm not eaten up with regrets, so no, this isn't a pity party. It is more of a rant about the lack of appreciation for being a stay-at-home and why I of all people appreciate it the least.
By the time I reached adulthood I knew I had no desire to be a Career Woman Extrodanaire, they have to work too hard. But I figured I'd still work and be a productive member of society. But as things worked out, I ended up getting married. I still worked, but my priorities changed. I started having kids and I married a man with a stressful job with unreliable hours, so there was no way I could put in the time and energy to a career. That was okay because I'd re-discovered writing so I wanted to pour my attention into that instead.
My friends and I would go to lunch and see the SAHM's going to Target with their kids. We were so envious. Boy, they had the perfect life. They came and went as they pleased. They weren't bound by the restrictions of being employed. Think of all the free time they had. I wanted to be an SAHM so bad because, heck, I knew I could write probably 4 books a year and in no time I'd get published.
To make a long story short, I got my wish only the reality was so far different from what I expected. Time certainly wasn't my own and the responsibilities of being a full-time wife and mother really weren't what I expected. I can tell you the brief time I had for maternity leave did nothing to prepare me for the reality.
It seems like a lot of lip service is paid to SAHM's. We are told how important it is to do what we do, but I think the underlying feeling is that it is an easy job. Even I don't appreciate the effort it takes to do what I do. I'm a girl of the 80's, the beneficiary of the women's movement. And how have I used it? By becoming a homemaker.
There is a loneliness to my job. I am in the position of being an older mom. Most women my age do not have toddlers. They do lunch while the kids are in school. Some of them participate in charity leagues and the like. I can't do that with my little one. Also, the cloud of writing hangs over my head. If I have time to do lunch, I have time to write. Yeah, there needs to be balance, but there just isn't enough time and I don't have enough energy to do all that I want.
Another thing I've noticed is my lack of interest in venturing out of my house. It isn't fear, just a strong desire to stay home. I feel uncomfortable being out and about. I think it is my natural tendency rather than something that has developed. When I worked, I had to socialize whether I wanted to or not. I loved being in my cubicle, I liked the isolation. I also recognize it probably isn't the healthiest way of living so I volunteer for my kids and go to the gym.
My belief is that we have to find our own happiness. No great trauma put me in this position, I did it willingly. I'm not unhappy, but I do feel the frustration of being in a position I was not prepared for. I'm also frustrated because I haven't done all I can to make this a good experience. I will find my way eventually. Of course, when I have found my balance is the time I will sell a book and end up with deadlines and my whole balance will be thrown out of whack. But that will be a whole 'nother post.
Sorry, but this week appears to be rant week on my blog. Perhaps it is the residue of hormones but I seem to have plenty to whine about right now.
Today I'm hot under the collar about being a SAHM (this rant applies to caregivers of all sorts as well).
When I was in high school during the 80's, I had goals that did not include marriage and a family unless a member of Duran Duran was involved. I had my sights on becoming a career woman. Captain of industry, political power broker, whatever, it was going to be high-powered and require expensive suits and awesome shoes.
Skip up 20 years and now I'm a hausfrau with three kids. I wear cheap sweats and slippers. On a good day I take a shower. How did I get here and why do I feel bad about it?
I have a good life and I'm not eaten up with regrets, so no, this isn't a pity party. It is more of a rant about the lack of appreciation for being a stay-at-home and why I of all people appreciate it the least.
By the time I reached adulthood I knew I had no desire to be a Career Woman Extrodanaire, they have to work too hard. But I figured I'd still work and be a productive member of society. But as things worked out, I ended up getting married. I still worked, but my priorities changed. I started having kids and I married a man with a stressful job with unreliable hours, so there was no way I could put in the time and energy to a career. That was okay because I'd re-discovered writing so I wanted to pour my attention into that instead.
My friends and I would go to lunch and see the SAHM's going to Target with their kids. We were so envious. Boy, they had the perfect life. They came and went as they pleased. They weren't bound by the restrictions of being employed. Think of all the free time they had. I wanted to be an SAHM so bad because, heck, I knew I could write probably 4 books a year and in no time I'd get published.
To make a long story short, I got my wish only the reality was so far different from what I expected. Time certainly wasn't my own and the responsibilities of being a full-time wife and mother really weren't what I expected. I can tell you the brief time I had for maternity leave did nothing to prepare me for the reality.
It seems like a lot of lip service is paid to SAHM's. We are told how important it is to do what we do, but I think the underlying feeling is that it is an easy job. Even I don't appreciate the effort it takes to do what I do. I'm a girl of the 80's, the beneficiary of the women's movement. And how have I used it? By becoming a homemaker.
There is a loneliness to my job. I am in the position of being an older mom. Most women my age do not have toddlers. They do lunch while the kids are in school. Some of them participate in charity leagues and the like. I can't do that with my little one. Also, the cloud of writing hangs over my head. If I have time to do lunch, I have time to write. Yeah, there needs to be balance, but there just isn't enough time and I don't have enough energy to do all that I want.
Another thing I've noticed is my lack of interest in venturing out of my house. It isn't fear, just a strong desire to stay home. I feel uncomfortable being out and about. I think it is my natural tendency rather than something that has developed. When I worked, I had to socialize whether I wanted to or not. I loved being in my cubicle, I liked the isolation. I also recognize it probably isn't the healthiest way of living so I volunteer for my kids and go to the gym.
My belief is that we have to find our own happiness. No great trauma put me in this position, I did it willingly. I'm not unhappy, but I do feel the frustration of being in a position I was not prepared for. I'm also frustrated because I haven't done all I can to make this a good experience. I will find my way eventually. Of course, when I have found my balance is the time I will sell a book and end up with deadlines and my whole balance will be thrown out of whack. But that will be a whole 'nother post.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Priorities and Dreams
Is writing the big dream for all of you? Is the rest of your life an stumbling block to your writing dreams? Sometimes, when I read articles or posts about writing, I feel like I'm off because writing isn't my ultimate goal. I want to be published. I want to write books and see my name on the cover. But not at the sacrifice of everything else.
I remember reading an article in RWR about writing with a family. The author pointed out that if you wanted to be a serious writer, you couldn't volunteer for your kids' activities. Let the other mothers do it. You don't have time because you can use that time for writing. A couple of things bothered me about that statement. One, it assumes writers are the only ones with dreams. My writing is more important than another person's goals and dreams. Two, it denies the joy of interacting with your children. Part of what makes me a good writer is my experiences in life. If I stay walled up in my house at my PC typing away, I lose some of what makes my writing voice unique. The people I interact with in the outside world have an influence on my writing.
And it isn't just parents I'm thinking of. We all have other commitments. We are caretakers, employees, friends, children, etc. and all of those commitments which fill our time. Does it make our writing dreams less important when we put other things first? Certainly there are things we don't want to do and curse because they cut into our writing time. But what about those things we choose to do? Am I a less committed writer because I choose to lead a Daisy troop? Does going to the gym for two hours make me less of a writer?
Is there anything besides your sudden demise that would make you give up your dreams of writing?
Other Stuff....
I've got a post on Search for the Good Life about stress eating.
Is writing the big dream for all of you? Is the rest of your life an stumbling block to your writing dreams? Sometimes, when I read articles or posts about writing, I feel like I'm off because writing isn't my ultimate goal. I want to be published. I want to write books and see my name on the cover. But not at the sacrifice of everything else.
I remember reading an article in RWR about writing with a family. The author pointed out that if you wanted to be a serious writer, you couldn't volunteer for your kids' activities. Let the other mothers do it. You don't have time because you can use that time for writing. A couple of things bothered me about that statement. One, it assumes writers are the only ones with dreams. My writing is more important than another person's goals and dreams. Two, it denies the joy of interacting with your children. Part of what makes me a good writer is my experiences in life. If I stay walled up in my house at my PC typing away, I lose some of what makes my writing voice unique. The people I interact with in the outside world have an influence on my writing.
And it isn't just parents I'm thinking of. We all have other commitments. We are caretakers, employees, friends, children, etc. and all of those commitments which fill our time. Does it make our writing dreams less important when we put other things first? Certainly there are things we don't want to do and curse because they cut into our writing time. But what about those things we choose to do? Am I a less committed writer because I choose to lead a Daisy troop? Does going to the gym for two hours make me less of a writer?
Is there anything besides your sudden demise that would make you give up your dreams of writing?
Other Stuff....
I've got a post on Search for the Good Life about stress eating.
Monday, February 06, 2006
TAGGED
I had this really meaty post planned for today, but I really didn't feel that profound so I was thrilled to get tagged. Thanks Eve *g*
Four Jobs I've Had:
fast food worker at Disneyland
office clerk at Mervyn's
legal secretary
executive secretary
Four Movies I Watch Over and Over:
The Empire Strikes Back
Planes, Trains, & Automobiles
A Christmas Story
Smokey and the Bandit (I hate this movie but dh watches it all the time and I kind of get forced).
Four Places I've Lived:
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Austin, Texas
Alta Loma, California
Santa Cruz, California
Four TV Shows I Love:
Twilight Zone
Monty Python's Flying Circus
Six Feet Under
Deadwood
Four Place I've Vacationed:
Hawaii
San Francisco
Washington, D.C.
Bermuda
Four Favorite Dishes
Filet Mignon
Tiramisu
Turkey with all the trimmings
Ono (fish from Hawaii)
Four Sites I Visit Daily (not counting blogs)
Agent Query
Go Fug Yourself
Conversations About Famous People (yeah, technically a blog, but not one I comment on)
Romance Central Forums
Four Places I'd Rather Be Right Now:
Hawaii
Washington, D.C.
San Francisco
Can I say Hawaii again?
Four Bloggers I'm Tagging:
Melissa
Kelly
Dana
Teresa
BTW, back is better although still a little sore. Daisy meeting was a wild success expect I committed a faux pas. I hadn't gotten around to getting my daughter her uniform. Some of the girls showed up dressed to the Daisy-nines and my prima donna refused to go into the meeting. We ironed it out and got her a uniform this weekend. Bad mommy, bad mommy.
I had this really meaty post planned for today, but I really didn't feel that profound so I was thrilled to get tagged. Thanks Eve *g*
Four Jobs I've Had:
fast food worker at Disneyland
office clerk at Mervyn's
legal secretary
executive secretary
Four Movies I Watch Over and Over:
The Empire Strikes Back
Planes, Trains, & Automobiles
A Christmas Story
Smokey and the Bandit (I hate this movie but dh watches it all the time and I kind of get forced).
Four Places I've Lived:
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Austin, Texas
Alta Loma, California
Santa Cruz, California
Four TV Shows I Love:
Twilight Zone
Monty Python's Flying Circus
Six Feet Under
Deadwood
Four Place I've Vacationed:
Hawaii
San Francisco
Washington, D.C.
Bermuda
Four Favorite Dishes
Filet Mignon
Tiramisu
Turkey with all the trimmings
Ono (fish from Hawaii)
Four Sites I Visit Daily (not counting blogs)
Agent Query
Go Fug Yourself
Conversations About Famous People (yeah, technically a blog, but not one I comment on)
Romance Central Forums
Four Places I'd Rather Be Right Now:
Hawaii
Washington, D.C.
San Francisco
Can I say Hawaii again?
Four Bloggers I'm Tagging:
Melissa
Kelly
Dana
Teresa
BTW, back is better although still a little sore. Daisy meeting was a wild success expect I committed a faux pas. I hadn't gotten around to getting my daughter her uniform. Some of the girls showed up dressed to the Daisy-nines and my prima donna refused to go into the meeting. We ironed it out and got her a uniform this weekend. Bad mommy, bad mommy.
Friday, February 03, 2006
Daisies
I spent most of yesterday moaning and groaning. I did something to my back and was in pain much of the day. I don't know what I did, but boy was I hurting. And of course I had lots to do. Amazingly enough, I went to the gym and exercising didn't hurt. It is mostly bending and standing that does it.
I haven't written anything on my WIP for days. I did manage to catch up on my assignments for my online class which was tough. I'm a panster by nature. I don't really do much in the way of planning, but I've had to in order to participate in this class. I like the opportunity. As I wrote my conflicts down, more popped up. These characters revealed themelves the more I delved. My plot is still vague and that is how I like it. I don't want to know what is going to happen next.
Today is my first Daisy meeting. Daisies is the first level of Girl Scouts. I'm co-leading our troop. We have way too many girls signed up. It should be a circus. The things we do for our kids....
I hope to have a post up later on Search for the Good Life about stress eating if I can put the jelly donut down long enough *g*
BTW, big hello to Dorothy. Thank you for stopping by.
I spent most of yesterday moaning and groaning. I did something to my back and was in pain much of the day. I don't know what I did, but boy was I hurting. And of course I had lots to do. Amazingly enough, I went to the gym and exercising didn't hurt. It is mostly bending and standing that does it.
I haven't written anything on my WIP for days. I did manage to catch up on my assignments for my online class which was tough. I'm a panster by nature. I don't really do much in the way of planning, but I've had to in order to participate in this class. I like the opportunity. As I wrote my conflicts down, more popped up. These characters revealed themelves the more I delved. My plot is still vague and that is how I like it. I don't want to know what is going to happen next.
Today is my first Daisy meeting. Daisies is the first level of Girl Scouts. I'm co-leading our troop. We have way too many girls signed up. It should be a circus. The things we do for our kids....
I hope to have a post up later on Search for the Good Life about stress eating if I can put the jelly donut down long enough *g*
BTW, big hello to Dorothy. Thank you for stopping by.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
The Road to Hell is Paved with Good Intentions
If this statement is true, I'm truly damned.
After setting all sorts of goals for the new year, I've missed every one of them. I know it is only February, but if I don't catch myself now, it will be another year with little accomplished.
I mentioned this to Melissa and she said she doesn't make resolutions. She makes goals for the year and checks on the 15th of every month to see where she is on those goals. That seems like a pretty good idea to me. I think I need to pull out my pretty desk calendar and make myself look at it each and every day. Whether I actually do anything or not, I need to at least see time in a concrete way. Looking at the days passing will make me more aware of what I wanted to accomplish. I think my goals for this year were too vague.
How about everyone else? How did your goals progress the first month of the year?
If this statement is true, I'm truly damned.
After setting all sorts of goals for the new year, I've missed every one of them. I know it is only February, but if I don't catch myself now, it will be another year with little accomplished.
I mentioned this to Melissa and she said she doesn't make resolutions. She makes goals for the year and checks on the 15th of every month to see where she is on those goals. That seems like a pretty good idea to me. I think I need to pull out my pretty desk calendar and make myself look at it each and every day. Whether I actually do anything or not, I need to at least see time in a concrete way. Looking at the days passing will make me more aware of what I wanted to accomplish. I think my goals for this year were too vague.
How about everyone else? How did your goals progress the first month of the year?
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Is it any wonder?
I just finished reading "The Prey" by Allison Brennan. Great book but dark and violent. My own writing tends to be violent and dark. I have no problem forcing my characters into horrible, deadly situations. Because I've been through worse and I'm guessing Allison has too.
I've gone shopping with my kids.
Saturday dh and I packed up the tribe and went to Costco. "How much longer are we going to be here?", "Can I have this?" "Are we going to be here much longer?", "Can I have that?" "I'm sooooo tired."
Is it any wonder I had a minimum 20 body count in my last story?
Last night I took the two oldest to Target. Son had a gift card and he wanted to get a Nintendo game. That was easy. Except, right after he paid for it, he was ready to go. His sister had some allowance money she wanted to spend. She spent 40 minutes in the freakin' toy department. She found these ugly dolls, Groovy Girls which are really expensive. The accessories are outrageous. She couldn't just pick out a Barbie. Heck, they had tons of those and they were reasonable. She ended up getting a ball. Yeah, a ball. So they were ready to go, except I had my own shopping to do. "Can we go now?" "Can we go to Starbucks" "I'm tired."
Yeah, is it any wonder I feel violent at times?
I just finished reading "The Prey" by Allison Brennan. Great book but dark and violent. My own writing tends to be violent and dark. I have no problem forcing my characters into horrible, deadly situations. Because I've been through worse and I'm guessing Allison has too.
I've gone shopping with my kids.
Saturday dh and I packed up the tribe and went to Costco. "How much longer are we going to be here?", "Can I have this?" "Are we going to be here much longer?", "Can I have that?" "I'm sooooo tired."
Is it any wonder I had a minimum 20 body count in my last story?
Last night I took the two oldest to Target. Son had a gift card and he wanted to get a Nintendo game. That was easy. Except, right after he paid for it, he was ready to go. His sister had some allowance money she wanted to spend. She spent 40 minutes in the freakin' toy department. She found these ugly dolls, Groovy Girls which are really expensive. The accessories are outrageous. She couldn't just pick out a Barbie. Heck, they had tons of those and they were reasonable. She ended up getting a ball. Yeah, a ball. So they were ready to go, except I had my own shopping to do. "Can we go now?" "Can we go to Starbucks" "I'm tired."
Yeah, is it any wonder I feel violent at times?
Sunday, January 29, 2006
I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends....
Thanks for everyone's comments about my WIP problems. I had a chat with my friend Becky and I figured out the problem. It is an old one that I've struggle with before. I have a problem with motivation for my heroes. My heroines are easy, so are my villians, but heroes are tough. If I look at reality, the men around me have far less interesting motivations. Heroes in fiction are angst-ridden. Angst for my dh is when the Lakers are losing. Romance heroes have elaborate plans to defeat the villian and claim their birthright. My dh weeds the yard early in the morning so he can watch football for the rest of the day. Heroes in romance novels use complicated plots and flowery language to seduce their women. My dh takes a shower. So I have a tougher time with men.
So I chatted with Becky and figured out what was driving my hero and what his motivations were. I feel much better about my WIP and know where I need to go.
Thanks for everyone's comments about my WIP problems. I had a chat with my friend Becky and I figured out the problem. It is an old one that I've struggle with before. I have a problem with motivation for my heroes. My heroines are easy, so are my villians, but heroes are tough. If I look at reality, the men around me have far less interesting motivations. Heroes in fiction are angst-ridden. Angst for my dh is when the Lakers are losing. Romance heroes have elaborate plans to defeat the villian and claim their birthright. My dh weeds the yard early in the morning so he can watch football for the rest of the day. Heroes in romance novels use complicated plots and flowery language to seduce their women. My dh takes a shower. So I have a tougher time with men.
So I chatted with Becky and figured out what was driving my hero and what his motivations were. I feel much better about my WIP and know where I need to go.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Banging My Head on the Keyboard
I'm taking a great online class about paranormal writing. Currently, I'm not working on a paranormal but I had an idea for one I wanted to try. So I've been using that as my "homework" for this class. Of course the more I think about it, the more solid it becomes. But I have committed myself to the historical I'm working on. I like my historical and the plot is moving the way I want it, except I don't the big black moment for the hero and heroine.
It is driving me crazy. I have a couple of black moments for the hero and heroine individually, but I need something that will tear my couple apart, making them miserable. I really like to see my people suffer, so this is driving me crazy. I see them starting to get together and I see them falling apart, but I haven't figured out why. My usual way of writing is figuring out the black moments first then writing around them, but this is a different kind of book. Setting is a bigger part than it usually is for me.
Sigh...I hope it comes to me soon or I'm likely to have my own black moment.
I'm taking a great online class about paranormal writing. Currently, I'm not working on a paranormal but I had an idea for one I wanted to try. So I've been using that as my "homework" for this class. Of course the more I think about it, the more solid it becomes. But I have committed myself to the historical I'm working on. I like my historical and the plot is moving the way I want it, except I don't the big black moment for the hero and heroine.
It is driving me crazy. I have a couple of black moments for the hero and heroine individually, but I need something that will tear my couple apart, making them miserable. I really like to see my people suffer, so this is driving me crazy. I see them starting to get together and I see them falling apart, but I haven't figured out why. My usual way of writing is figuring out the black moments first then writing around them, but this is a different kind of book. Setting is a bigger part than it usually is for me.
Sigh...I hope it comes to me soon or I'm likely to have my own black moment.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
If Money Were No Object....
When I was in Vegas (actually Henderson) we went into a cute kids' clothing store. The stuff was adorable but the prices.... Most of the outfits were priced over $100. I'm not kidding. I looked at the outfits and I wondered, if I were wealthy beyond reason, could I spend that kind of money on an outfit for a 6 month old? I can't see me doing it. I think I would still cut coupons and shop at Target and Wal Mart, looking for a deal. I suppose I would be more willing to spend money on other things, but at the core, I can't imagine spending obscene amounts on stupid things.
How about you? Say you woke up Bill Gates-wealthy tomorrow. Would it change your core spending habits? This goes beyond "If I had a million dollars" question. Once the novelty wore off, would you be able to spend without thought or would those bourgeois values kick in?
When I was in Vegas (actually Henderson) we went into a cute kids' clothing store. The stuff was adorable but the prices.... Most of the outfits were priced over $100. I'm not kidding. I looked at the outfits and I wondered, if I were wealthy beyond reason, could I spend that kind of money on an outfit for a 6 month old? I can't see me doing it. I think I would still cut coupons and shop at Target and Wal Mart, looking for a deal. I suppose I would be more willing to spend money on other things, but at the core, I can't imagine spending obscene amounts on stupid things.
How about you? Say you woke up Bill Gates-wealthy tomorrow. Would it change your core spending habits? This goes beyond "If I had a million dollars" question. Once the novelty wore off, would you be able to spend without thought or would those bourgeois values kick in?
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Settings and Inspiration
I really enjoy the drive to Vegas. There is something about the desert landscape I find inspiring. I love all the little roads that trail off into the hills and I wonder where they lead. So of course my mind follows them and before I know it, I have the makings of a story. When I pass a little cafe or garage in the middle of nowhere, I wonder what circumstances led these people to this place. And being a writer I make up something, probably far more interesting than the truth, but that is part of the fun.
Vegas itself inspires me. I think it is because of the sheer amount of people it takes to run the city. I pass a cocktail waitress in a second rate casino and I wonder how she ended up working here. Or the guys running the black jack tables, why here and why this? It is city where a person could lose themselves.
I even find inspiration in the monotonous housing tracts that surround the city. Henderson is one giant housing tract with all of the houses looking the same. The houses are all new and the yards are well-manicured. I wonder what has brought these people here. Another story idea pops into my head.
Do you have a place that inspires you? Have you been anywhere that seemed the perfect setting?
I really enjoy the drive to Vegas. There is something about the desert landscape I find inspiring. I love all the little roads that trail off into the hills and I wonder where they lead. So of course my mind follows them and before I know it, I have the makings of a story. When I pass a little cafe or garage in the middle of nowhere, I wonder what circumstances led these people to this place. And being a writer I make up something, probably far more interesting than the truth, but that is part of the fun.
Vegas itself inspires me. I think it is because of the sheer amount of people it takes to run the city. I pass a cocktail waitress in a second rate casino and I wonder how she ended up working here. Or the guys running the black jack tables, why here and why this? It is city where a person could lose themselves.
I even find inspiration in the monotonous housing tracts that surround the city. Henderson is one giant housing tract with all of the houses looking the same. The houses are all new and the yards are well-manicured. I wonder what has brought these people here. Another story idea pops into my head.
Do you have a place that inspires you? Have you been anywhere that seemed the perfect setting?
Monday, January 23, 2006
Whew!!
Just a quick post because I have so many blogs to catch up on. You ladies have been busy! Had a nice time. I was actually in Henderson for the entire trip. It really is a great place to live if you don't mind the heat and the wind. The city has everything. We got home to severe winds but we seem to be surviving. My last house I was guaranteed to lose power, but so far so good. I'd hate to be without my Internet.
Kelly has a fiction blog and my story is featured. Stop by and take a gander. There are some great stories to be found, most with a twist. Here's the link:
Fictional Musings. I'm also leading a BIAW at Mages Pages. It's a busy Monday and I do need to write 3 pages today.
Just a quick post because I have so many blogs to catch up on. You ladies have been busy! Had a nice time. I was actually in Henderson for the entire trip. It really is a great place to live if you don't mind the heat and the wind. The city has everything. We got home to severe winds but we seem to be surviving. My last house I was guaranteed to lose power, but so far so good. I'd hate to be without my Internet.
Kelly has a fiction blog and my story is featured. Stop by and take a gander. There are some great stories to be found, most with a twist. Here's the link:
Fictional Musings. I'm also leading a BIAW at Mages Pages. It's a busy Monday and I do need to write 3 pages today.
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Greetings from Sin City
Yes, it has been a non-stop whirl of thrills here. We went to a buffet yesterday for lunch then visited relatives then came home. That was it. We watched t.v. My son is fighting a cold, so he really didn't want to go out. Today we have an exciting trek to Chuck E. Cheese planned.
I did go into my first Wal Mart Supercenter yesterday. Oh, I am in love. The prices! The aisles! The selection! We only have regular Wal Marts where I live and they are horrible. Ugh!
You know you are pathetic when the highlight of your trip is a tour of the local Wal Mart. No, Michelle, I didn't get to go to Cirque, that was a joke. I've never been to a Vegas show in my life, and I was born here!
I will be glad to get home tomorrow.
Yes, it has been a non-stop whirl of thrills here. We went to a buffet yesterday for lunch then visited relatives then came home. That was it. We watched t.v. My son is fighting a cold, so he really didn't want to go out. Today we have an exciting trek to Chuck E. Cheese planned.
I did go into my first Wal Mart Supercenter yesterday. Oh, I am in love. The prices! The aisles! The selection! We only have regular Wal Marts where I live and they are horrible. Ugh!
You know you are pathetic when the highlight of your trip is a tour of the local Wal Mart. No, Michelle, I didn't get to go to Cirque, that was a joke. I've never been to a Vegas show in my life, and I was born here!
I will be glad to get home tomorrow.
Friday, January 20, 2006
Greetings from Vegas
So after a night of prowling the casinos slurping down watered down rum and cokes, I picked up a hunk from the "Cirque du Soleil" (boy are they flexible!) . I woke up in a fleebag hotel and here I am.
Well...not really. I'm here at my aunt's house, hijacking her computer while the monsters are watching t.v. We will be spending the day visiting relatives with a stop at Wal Mart because my dipstick daughter didn't pack a sweater. She packed sundresses. I told her it would be cold and she needed to pack warmly. She never listens to me...sigh.
I'll be back on Sunday and can regale you with stories of my adventures. That should take a sentence. BTW, I can't get the spellcheck to work, so please forgive me for my errors.
Well...not really. I'm here at my aunt's house, hijacking her computer while the monsters are watching t.v. We will be spending the day visiting relatives with a stop at Wal Mart because my dipstick daughter didn't pack a sweater. She packed sundresses. I told her it would be cold and she needed to pack warmly. She never listens to me...sigh.
I'll be back on Sunday and can regale you with stories of my adventures. That should take a sentence. BTW, I can't get the spellcheck to work, so please forgive me for my errors.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Brick Wall Part Two
Brick Wall Part Two
I'm twenty-six pages into my WIP and I've hit a brick wall. And it's a biggie. I don't like it. There is no spark to it.
Nienke (Hi, thanks for stopping by) made a great point about the wall. She suggested that perhaps I was more "in tune or in love" with my earlier stuff. Yes, I was. I wrote my paranormal and followed it with a sequel. They flowed so well, the characters were so great. I wanted everything I wrote to be as easy. But nothing is ever the same.
Four or five months ago I would be swearing in frustration. Well, I am swearing in frustration but mostly because my kids are doing their damnedest to drive me insane. They are doing a good job. Anyway, I feel more able to see what it is that is missing in my WIP. Unfortunately, it isn't something that can be fixed. So back to the old drawing board. I'm infamous for this. I want my WIP exactly a certain way from the outset. While I am forgiving of the typical errors in a WIP, I want my story set and the flow in motion right out of the box. (Pardon me while I yell at my kids, did I mention they are driving me insane?)
In this particular WIP, I needed a sense of danger and I'm not feeling it. I need that feeling from page one. And I really want it to come from the heroine. So I need to re-think my beginning and start again. But I see it as a minor frustration. I remember a time last year when this particular wall would look too daunting. I feel like I'm moving furniture around the room trying to find what feels right. This is about a sofa-size problem, I'm going to have to strain, but I can do it. Not like an oak entertainment center which requires help.
So I feel like I know what I need to do, what I intended to do all along. Hopefully it won't be too painful.
Wanted to say "hi" to Stephanie, thanks for stopping by and offering your encouragement.
Over at the other blog
I have a couple of new recipes up over at Search for the Good Life.
I'm twenty-six pages into my WIP and I've hit a brick wall. And it's a biggie. I don't like it. There is no spark to it.
Nienke (Hi, thanks for stopping by) made a great point about the wall. She suggested that perhaps I was more "in tune or in love" with my earlier stuff. Yes, I was. I wrote my paranormal and followed it with a sequel. They flowed so well, the characters were so great. I wanted everything I wrote to be as easy. But nothing is ever the same.
Four or five months ago I would be swearing in frustration. Well, I am swearing in frustration but mostly because my kids are doing their damnedest to drive me insane. They are doing a good job. Anyway, I feel more able to see what it is that is missing in my WIP. Unfortunately, it isn't something that can be fixed. So back to the old drawing board. I'm infamous for this. I want my WIP exactly a certain way from the outset. While I am forgiving of the typical errors in a WIP, I want my story set and the flow in motion right out of the box. (Pardon me while I yell at my kids, did I mention they are driving me insane?)
In this particular WIP, I needed a sense of danger and I'm not feeling it. I need that feeling from page one. And I really want it to come from the heroine. So I need to re-think my beginning and start again. But I see it as a minor frustration. I remember a time last year when this particular wall would look too daunting. I feel like I'm moving furniture around the room trying to find what feels right. This is about a sofa-size problem, I'm going to have to strain, but I can do it. Not like an oak entertainment center which requires help.
So I feel like I know what I need to do, what I intended to do all along. Hopefully it won't be too painful.
Wanted to say "hi" to Stephanie, thanks for stopping by and offering your encouragement.
Over at the other blog
I have a couple of new recipes up over at Search for the Good Life.
Monday, January 16, 2006
Brick Walls
Brick Walls
I have always been fairly arrogant about my writing ability. Not so much the quality of my work but my motivation and ability to pour out the pages with little stress. Over the last year or so, this has changed. I completed nothing in 2005, a bitter blow for my ego. And while I do not care for humbling experiences, I did learn about the difficulties of writing that I hadn't had before.
Hitting a brick wall hurts. Continuing to hit a brick wall hurts even more. Finding away over the wall is the trick. Today I finally feel like I've crested the top of this brick wall. I finished chapter one of my new WIP and am looking forward to chapter two. I think all writers hit brick walls. Sometimes they are simple retaining walls that require a minimum of effort to surmount. Other times, they are monsters and there is no way of climbing over them. Doesn't mean they are impossible, just means the writer needs to find another way around them. I've hit the gamut over the last year. Some I've managed to climb, others, I've given up on and chose a different path. Many of them have been daunting and I can't tell you how many times I merely wanted to hang it up and forget about writing altogether.
And I think I would have if it hadn't been for the blogging community. Every day I read posts from writers hitting and overcoming brick walls. I see their triumphs and their despairs and it gives me impetus to go on. I'm not the only one going through an obstacle course to getting a book published. As they say, misery loves company…. None of us likes to feel like we are alone and I think the blogsospere really hammers home how much we all have in common as writers.
Anyway, I see a correlation between my new outlook on writing and the cyber-community I have joined in the last year. So, those of you who are scaling your brick walls, look to bloggers to help and those who have gotten to the other side, know your triumph is helping others. I'd give you each a pound of Godiva chocolate if I were rich, but since I'm not, pretend I did.
Other stuff
I'm posting low fat recipes this week over at Search for the Good Life. Today is Overnight Oatmeal.
I have always been fairly arrogant about my writing ability. Not so much the quality of my work but my motivation and ability to pour out the pages with little stress. Over the last year or so, this has changed. I completed nothing in 2005, a bitter blow for my ego. And while I do not care for humbling experiences, I did learn about the difficulties of writing that I hadn't had before.
Hitting a brick wall hurts. Continuing to hit a brick wall hurts even more. Finding away over the wall is the trick. Today I finally feel like I've crested the top of this brick wall. I finished chapter one of my new WIP and am looking forward to chapter two. I think all writers hit brick walls. Sometimes they are simple retaining walls that require a minimum of effort to surmount. Other times, they are monsters and there is no way of climbing over them. Doesn't mean they are impossible, just means the writer needs to find another way around them. I've hit the gamut over the last year. Some I've managed to climb, others, I've given up on and chose a different path. Many of them have been daunting and I can't tell you how many times I merely wanted to hang it up and forget about writing altogether.
And I think I would have if it hadn't been for the blogging community. Every day I read posts from writers hitting and overcoming brick walls. I see their triumphs and their despairs and it gives me impetus to go on. I'm not the only one going through an obstacle course to getting a book published. As they say, misery loves company…. None of us likes to feel like we are alone and I think the blogsospere really hammers home how much we all have in common as writers.
Anyway, I see a correlation between my new outlook on writing and the cyber-community I have joined in the last year. So, those of you who are scaling your brick walls, look to bloggers to help and those who have gotten to the other side, know your triumph is helping others. I'd give you each a pound of Godiva chocolate if I were rich, but since I'm not, pretend I did.
Other stuff
I'm posting low fat recipes this week over at Search for the Good Life. Today is Overnight Oatmeal.
Saturday, January 14, 2006
The Rings of Saturn
The Rings of Saturn
My son got a telescope for Christmas. The other night, the sky was clear and the moon was full, a perfect time to use it. So we got it out and focused on the moon. Yes, it was spectacular and all of us were able to see it. We all saw the same details, appreciated the same moonscape features. My husband went on to focus on a star. He zoomed in on it and said there wasn't much to see, just a bright white dot. I looked in, focused it for my vision and saw the rings of Saturn. My husband and my son neither one could see it. I tried to explain what they were looking at, but still they couldn't see it. Our vision is too different.
I knew there was a lesson in there somewhere. As writers, we are trying so hard to present our view, we want our readers to be on the same wave length as us, to see the story we are trying to tell. I thought of this when I read a few posts regarding when a cp reads your chapters and sends it back with tons of correction and ideas. It is disappointing because we obviously failed in our quest to provide a vision of our story. But it is important to accept the fact our sight is different than others. You have a choice: try again to convey your story or accept the fact that no one is going to see what you see. That's okay. In the telescope I focused differently and found a blanket of stars invisible to the naked eye. My husband was able to see it and it was a vision we both enjoyed. I feel certain we will both see the rings of Saturn. Right now it is rising at 5 in the morning in our sky, so by the time we see it, the planet is not in a good spot for viewing. But for now, I will focus the telescope on objects we can both enjoy.
My son got a telescope for Christmas. The other night, the sky was clear and the moon was full, a perfect time to use it. So we got it out and focused on the moon. Yes, it was spectacular and all of us were able to see it. We all saw the same details, appreciated the same moonscape features. My husband went on to focus on a star. He zoomed in on it and said there wasn't much to see, just a bright white dot. I looked in, focused it for my vision and saw the rings of Saturn. My husband and my son neither one could see it. I tried to explain what they were looking at, but still they couldn't see it. Our vision is too different.
I knew there was a lesson in there somewhere. As writers, we are trying so hard to present our view, we want our readers to be on the same wave length as us, to see the story we are trying to tell. I thought of this when I read a few posts regarding when a cp reads your chapters and sends it back with tons of correction and ideas. It is disappointing because we obviously failed in our quest to provide a vision of our story. But it is important to accept the fact our sight is different than others. You have a choice: try again to convey your story or accept the fact that no one is going to see what you see. That's okay. In the telescope I focused differently and found a blanket of stars invisible to the naked eye. My husband was able to see it and it was a vision we both enjoyed. I feel certain we will both see the rings of Saturn. Right now it is rising at 5 in the morning in our sky, so by the time we see it, the planet is not in a good spot for viewing. But for now, I will focus the telescope on objects we can both enjoy.
Friday, January 13, 2006
New Look
As you can see, I have a new look for my blog. I'm still working on it. There are a couple of bugs. Some of the punctuation from my old posts which I wrote in Word are coming out funny. I've corrected most of the last post, but I missed a few. Please indulge me and pretend the older posts look fine *g*
I'm still playing around with it. I think the bright colors reflect my sunny personality. Or maybe the yellow harkens to the sallow color of my skin after a night of too much merlot (boy, was it tasty).
I'm still playing around with it. I think the bright colors reflect my sunny personality. Or maybe the yellow harkens to the sallow color of my skin after a night of too much merlot (boy, was it tasty).
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Number Crunch
When I was in high school and was given an essay assignment, I remember cringing when there was a word count. Five hundred words might as well have been five thousand. I had the hardest time making those limits. I still do...in the opposite direction.
I'm trying to write a short story that is 700 words. Whew! My first draft was 926 words. Now I'm at 817. Doesn't seem like it should be hard to pare down, but wow, it is tough. But I'll get there.
I never liked math, but I’m very number-oriented when I write. When I write in Courier, my chapters are 20 pages long and I write 20 chapters. In TNR, my chapters are 16 pages long, 20 chapters. I don't edit to meet those limits, its how I write.
Do numbers pressure you or do you worry about it when you finish and start editing? Do you keep in mind while your writing how many words you need to shoot for?
Other Stuff...
Wanted to say "Hi" to Tanya and Laura. Thanks for stopping by. Also, there are a couple of new posts on Search for the Good Life about shopping lists and stocking the pantry.
I'm trying to write a short story that is 700 words. Whew! My first draft was 926 words. Now I'm at 817. Doesn't seem like it should be hard to pare down, but wow, it is tough. But I'll get there.
I never liked math, but I’m very number-oriented when I write. When I write in Courier, my chapters are 20 pages long and I write 20 chapters. In TNR, my chapters are 16 pages long, 20 chapters. I don't edit to meet those limits, its how I write.
Do numbers pressure you or do you worry about it when you finish and start editing? Do you keep in mind while your writing how many words you need to shoot for?
Other Stuff...
Wanted to say "Hi" to Tanya and Laura. Thanks for stopping by. Also, there are a couple of new posts on Search for the Good Life about shopping lists and stocking the pantry.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Poppit Killed My Good Intentions
I would have posted earlier but I was too busy playing Poppit to think of anything to say.
Yes, I had time to write today and no, I did not because I had to keep popping balloons. Why? Was I going to win a car? No. Would it bring world peace? Nope. Is it a total waste of valuable time? Yep.
So why do I do it? Wish I had an answer. If it weren’t for the intermissions, I wouldn’t have gotten anything done. I’m not sure why I find the game so addictive. I know I’m not the only one. Do any of you have an Internet time waster you find yourself hooked on?
Oh, the intermission is over. Got to get back to popping balloons.
Yes, I had time to write today and no, I did not because I had to keep popping balloons. Why? Was I going to win a car? No. Would it bring world peace? Nope. Is it a total waste of valuable time? Yep.
So why do I do it? Wish I had an answer. If it weren’t for the intermissions, I wouldn’t have gotten anything done. I’m not sure why I find the game so addictive. I know I’m not the only one. Do any of you have an Internet time waster you find yourself hooked on?
Oh, the intermission is over. Got to get back to popping balloons.
Monday, January 09, 2006
There Was Much Rejoicing Through The Land....
The kids went back to school today. Oh, the peace. Of course, because I had them home so much, I hadn’t gone to the grocery store so we had no food. I refuse to go shopping with all three of them. It is a nightmare. They spend the time fighting or asking for stuff. It is distracting and annoying.
DH asked me how I thought summer was going to go. I felt my face pale and I wondered if I should go get a job. Would you like fries with that?
My kids aren’t bad. They are difficult with strong personalities (that is a nice way of saying they are spoiled brats). But having them home all the time is like being plunged into a three ring circus. The level of activity and the volume is enough to drive me nuts. Mostly because I am used the relative quiet of being home with just one child. And while Thing is a total pain, I can deal with her okay one on one. BTW, she was “congested” last night so I had to give her some Benadryl. We all slept well last night.
Last summer I had all sorts of plans, but none of them panned out. But it does make me think I need to put some thought into the summer now before it arrives and I don’t have a chance to get organized. I’d like to put them in summer daycamp, but with three kids, the price is pretty steep. If I could only sell a book.
My writing isn’t going as well as I’d hoped. My schedules haven’t gone as planned and I’m not as flexible as I should be. Stuff happens. Mentally, I know that but another part is unforgiving. Then I get frustrated. Frustration leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering and next thing you know, I’ll be working for the Dark Side. Well, probably not. Master Yoda can’t help me here.
If I sit for fifteen minutes and mull over what needs to be done and how I can fit some writing time in, I am back to my happy go lucky self.
This week over at Search for the Good Life I’m talking about meal planning and shopping. Today the topic is creating a weekly menu.
DH asked me how I thought summer was going to go. I felt my face pale and I wondered if I should go get a job. Would you like fries with that?
My kids aren’t bad. They are difficult with strong personalities (that is a nice way of saying they are spoiled brats). But having them home all the time is like being plunged into a three ring circus. The level of activity and the volume is enough to drive me nuts. Mostly because I am used the relative quiet of being home with just one child. And while Thing is a total pain, I can deal with her okay one on one. BTW, she was “congested” last night so I had to give her some Benadryl. We all slept well last night.
Last summer I had all sorts of plans, but none of them panned out. But it does make me think I need to put some thought into the summer now before it arrives and I don’t have a chance to get organized. I’d like to put them in summer daycamp, but with three kids, the price is pretty steep. If I could only sell a book.
My writing isn’t going as well as I’d hoped. My schedules haven’t gone as planned and I’m not as flexible as I should be. Stuff happens. Mentally, I know that but another part is unforgiving. Then I get frustrated. Frustration leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering and next thing you know, I’ll be working for the Dark Side. Well, probably not. Master Yoda can’t help me here.
If I sit for fifteen minutes and mull over what needs to be done and how I can fit some writing time in, I am back to my happy go lucky self.
This week over at Search for the Good Life I’m talking about meal planning and shopping. Today the topic is creating a weekly menu.
Sunday, January 08, 2006
The Thing in my House
I’ve been really good about blogging on writing and reading topics. Noticed there haven’t been any rants about my family?
Sorry, that period is over.
My three year old, now called “Thing” has turned into a demon from hell. First, Thing refuses to use the potty at home. But go out in public and she insists on using the bathroom. The dirtier and more disgusting the toilet, the better. And she touches everything. Still refuses to use it at home.
Say no to her and she bawls, say yes to her and she bawls, put the wrong clothes on her and she bawls, look at her funny and she bawls. This kid could dehydrate with the amount of bawling she is doing. And she has a shrill, loud voice that makes ear drums bleed.
She gets into stuff constantly. I have to be on my toes at all times to make sure she is not destroying something. The worst situation, however, is her sleeping. This is a phase I have gone through with my other kids as well. My son was the worst. He still doesn’t sleep well but he stays in bed and reads now. Thing seems to be following in her brother’s footsteps. It’s bad enough she won’t go to bed, but she insists on being loud and talking the whole time so we can’t watch TV. The night before last I put her in her bed and stayed with her until she fell asleep. Five minutes after I went back to my own bed, she came into my bed. This wouldn’t be so annoying if she would just sleep. But she tosses and turns, kicking us and making sleep impossible. Last night she wouldn’t go to sleep so I ended up on the couch with her. She watched cartoons while I dozed.
I guess I should end those six hour naps. Oh wait, she doesn’t take any of those. It is rare that she takes naps. Yesterday she slept for about an hour. The kid averages about 7 hours of sleep a day. How can she do this? Her father is the same way. My son, husband and Thing are bad sleepers, always have been. My other daughter and I could sleep through an earthquake (and have done so). We’ll get through this phase, I know, but boy is it ever difficult.
Other posts…
I update Villa in Tuscany and Age of Enlightenment today.
Sorry, that period is over.
My three year old, now called “Thing” has turned into a demon from hell. First, Thing refuses to use the potty at home. But go out in public and she insists on using the bathroom. The dirtier and more disgusting the toilet, the better. And she touches everything. Still refuses to use it at home.
Say no to her and she bawls, say yes to her and she bawls, put the wrong clothes on her and she bawls, look at her funny and she bawls. This kid could dehydrate with the amount of bawling she is doing. And she has a shrill, loud voice that makes ear drums bleed.
She gets into stuff constantly. I have to be on my toes at all times to make sure she is not destroying something. The worst situation, however, is her sleeping. This is a phase I have gone through with my other kids as well. My son was the worst. He still doesn’t sleep well but he stays in bed and reads now. Thing seems to be following in her brother’s footsteps. It’s bad enough she won’t go to bed, but she insists on being loud and talking the whole time so we can’t watch TV. The night before last I put her in her bed and stayed with her until she fell asleep. Five minutes after I went back to my own bed, she came into my bed. This wouldn’t be so annoying if she would just sleep. But she tosses and turns, kicking us and making sleep impossible. Last night she wouldn’t go to sleep so I ended up on the couch with her. She watched cartoons while I dozed.
I guess I should end those six hour naps. Oh wait, she doesn’t take any of those. It is rare that she takes naps. Yesterday she slept for about an hour. The kid averages about 7 hours of sleep a day. How can she do this? Her father is the same way. My son, husband and Thing are bad sleepers, always have been. My other daughter and I could sleep through an earthquake (and have done so). We’ll get through this phase, I know, but boy is it ever difficult.
Other posts…
I update Villa in Tuscany and Age of Enlightenment today.
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