Thursday, January 31, 2013
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Where does the time go?
Already, it's the end of January. From Christmas on, I've battled flu and then a cough.
Lately, it's been changing weather. It whipped from cold (40s and 50s) to toasty (80s) and back again. We've had an inordinate amount of rain, which should create a flower explosion in spring.
Unfortunately, it means my brain is present only intermittently. Some days I do well with the rewrites of Unexpected Possibilities. Other days, stringing two words together on my own becomes a monumental challenge.
The difficult days are when I can't believe God could want someone as imperfect (messed up) as me. No matter how much I may struggle with formulating thoughts some days, it's a better day if I'm able to remember God is aware of me. He knows how many hairs are on my head.
My Savior loves me so much He willingly died for me. There is no taking it back. It's done, two thousand years ago.
There is only one question: Do I choose to turn to God? Because there are only two directions: Toward God or away from God.
Every day, I'm given the opportunity to start fresh.
Thank God.
Lately, it's been changing weather. It whipped from cold (40s and 50s) to toasty (80s) and back again. We've had an inordinate amount of rain, which should create a flower explosion in spring.
Unfortunately, it means my brain is present only intermittently. Some days I do well with the rewrites of Unexpected Possibilities. Other days, stringing two words together on my own becomes a monumental challenge.
The difficult days are when I can't believe God could want someone as imperfect (messed up) as me. No matter how much I may struggle with formulating thoughts some days, it's a better day if I'm able to remember God is aware of me. He knows how many hairs are on my head.
My Savior loves me so much He willingly died for me. There is no taking it back. It's done, two thousand years ago.
There is only one question: Do I choose to turn to God? Because there are only two directions: Toward God or away from God.
Every day, I'm given the opportunity to start fresh.
Thank God.
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Link picks...
Writers In The Storm's recent post is excellent, and I'm working on using the fixes:
http://writersinthestorm.wordpress.com/2013/01/25/an-easy-fix-for-a-tighter-point-of-view/
If you like contests, Tina Pinson is hosting one in celebration of her new release To Carry Her Cross:
http://tinapinson.blogspot.com/p/contests_12.html
Lynette Endicott is featuring Marcy G Dyer, writer of romantic suspense, and her new book Down & Out. There's a dog, so of course I had to read the post, which included an excerpt, about the dog. Adorable.
http://www.lynetteendicott.com/new-book-features-smart-dog#.UQMvhI7FW_U
Mary Galusha is releasing her first book, historical prior to 1900, Sapphire Skies:
http://www.marygalusha.com/
So get this, and laughed:
http://cuffesisters.com/2013/off-the-cuffe/scattered-me-by-sophie/
And I think my favorite or at least the one that went straight to my heart (I miss my old dog), Linda McMaken's post (definite kleenex warning and so worth the read):
http://www.makenwords.blogspot.com/2010/04/old-dogs-old-dogs-are-most-trusted.html
http://writersinthestorm.wordpress.com/2013/01/25/an-easy-fix-for-a-tighter-point-of-view/
If you like contests, Tina Pinson is hosting one in celebration of her new release To Carry Her Cross:
http://tinapinson.blogspot.com/p/contests_12.html
Lynette Endicott is featuring Marcy G Dyer, writer of romantic suspense, and her new book Down & Out. There's a dog, so of course I had to read the post, which included an excerpt, about the dog. Adorable.
http://www.lynetteendicott.com/new-book-features-smart-dog#.UQMvhI7FW_U
Mary Galusha is releasing her first book, historical prior to 1900, Sapphire Skies:
http://www.marygalusha.com/
So get this, and laughed:
http://cuffesisters.com/2013/off-the-cuffe/scattered-me-by-sophie/
And I think my favorite or at least the one that went straight to my heart (I miss my old dog), Linda McMaken's post (definite kleenex warning and so worth the read):
http://www.makenwords.blogspot.com/2010/04/old-dogs-old-dogs-are-most-trusted.html
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Yesterday's converstation on FB...
James: Jack! Did you see? Yesterday, she mentioned ME on FB.
Jack: This is significant because?
James: She usually mentions you.
Jack: I repeat: This is significant--
James: You do know you are a bit intimidating?
Jack: Surely you jest! I'm practically nothing to speak of, good or ill, except the assurance I am a hero.
James: Don't pretend you don't notice. It's Jack this and Jack that. It's enough to leave a fellow wondering whether or not he counts for anything, if you must know.
Jack: Do not be a widgeon. It's most unbecoming in a hero.
James: Heroes are not perfect, you know.
Jack: Never said we were, but we do need more than a modicum of confidence.
James: True enough. Still…
Jack: Do stop comparing.
James: Still smarting over your story?
Jack: We will not speak of it.
James: I will take that as a yes.
Jack: Muzzle it.
James: Not to worry, Jack. You do understand the only reason I was mentioned is because she is currently working on re-writes for my story?
Jack: Yes. She is working on YOUR story.
James: Oh. I do see the problem, now.
Jack: Thought you might.
James: Yes, well, it might help to know her writing improves with each story, so yours ought to be quite spectacular.
Jack: Now, I fear not living up to expectations!
James: Imagine how she must feel.
Jack: Oh, there is that. I suppose you want to pray for her.
James: Every day.
Jack: This is significant because?
James: She usually mentions you.
Jack: I repeat: This is significant--
James: You do know you are a bit intimidating?
Jack: Surely you jest! I'm practically nothing to speak of, good or ill, except the assurance I am a hero.
James: Don't pretend you don't notice. It's Jack this and Jack that. It's enough to leave a fellow wondering whether or not he counts for anything, if you must know.
Jack: Do not be a widgeon. It's most unbecoming in a hero.
James: Heroes are not perfect, you know.
Jack: Never said we were, but we do need more than a modicum of confidence.
James: True enough. Still…
Jack: Do stop comparing.
James: Still smarting over your story?
Jack: We will not speak of it.
James: I will take that as a yes.
Jack: Muzzle it.
James: Not to worry, Jack. You do understand the only reason I was mentioned is because she is currently working on re-writes for my story?
Jack: Yes. She is working on YOUR story.
James: Oh. I do see the problem, now.
Jack: Thought you might.
James: Yes, well, it might help to know her writing improves with each story, so yours ought to be quite spectacular.
Jack: Now, I fear not living up to expectations!
James: Imagine how she must feel.
Jack: Oh, there is that. I suppose you want to pray for her.
James: Every day.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Back into the fray...
I'm doing the re-write of Unexpected Possibilities, the third book of the Endless Possibilities series, James' story. I'm using what I've learned. Different word choices, greater care with POV.
It feels good to be back at it again, and it's coming a long as planned and a little ahead of schedule.
For me, writing is still something I'd rather do than almost anything else, though I do seem to procrastinate at times. I'm learning things aren't always as they seem. I've needed to make some changes here and there. The time away, doing something else, allows my subconscious to work on the story and iron out the details. When I come back to it, I know how to fix the bubbles and catch errors I missed.
An example, today, I'd described my hero wearing a superfine coat in black a few days ago. I continued with the chapter, today, and discovered the coat was described again later as chocolate brown. I changed the first because the chocolate brown was correct. I know, correct in my mind. Another way of looking at it is I tried them both out in my mind and chocolate brown fit better.
It feels good to be back at it again, and it's coming a long as planned and a little ahead of schedule.
For me, writing is still something I'd rather do than almost anything else, though I do seem to procrastinate at times. I'm learning things aren't always as they seem. I've needed to make some changes here and there. The time away, doing something else, allows my subconscious to work on the story and iron out the details. When I come back to it, I know how to fix the bubbles and catch errors I missed.
An example, today, I'd described my hero wearing a superfine coat in black a few days ago. I continued with the chapter, today, and discovered the coat was described again later as chocolate brown. I changed the first because the chocolate brown was correct. I know, correct in my mind. Another way of looking at it is I tried them both out in my mind and chocolate brown fit better.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Links for the week...
To start...
If you enjoy contests, Tina Pinson is having one:
http://tinapinson.blogspot.com/p/contests_12.html
I'm behind on the A Woman Like Me blog:
http://awomanlikemeblog.com/
Barri Bryan shares a lovely piece about green, one of my favorite colors:
http://barribryan.com/blog/
Sandra Sookoo shares a delightful blog post:
http://sandrasookoo.wordpress.com/2013/01/18/fun-friday-where-do-you-find-your-happy-how-do-you-take-back-your-smile-by-sandra-sookoo/
Stephania McGee is starting a new review blog, and her first book is Perfect on Paper by Patty Froese, which I also enjoyed:
http://fictionwithflair.blogspot.com/
If you enjoy contests, Tina Pinson is having one:
http://tinapinson.blogspot.com/p/contests_12.html
I'm behind on the A Woman Like Me blog:
http://awomanlikemeblog.com/
Barri Bryan shares a lovely piece about green, one of my favorite colors:
http://barribryan.com/blog/
Sandra Sookoo shares a delightful blog post:
http://sandrasookoo.wordpress.com/2013/01/18/fun-friday-where-do-you-find-your-happy-how-do-you-take-back-your-smile-by-sandra-sookoo/
Stephania McGee is starting a new review blog, and her first book is Perfect on Paper by Patty Froese, which I also enjoyed:
http://fictionwithflair.blogspot.com/
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Most recent conversation on FB...
James: I say, Jack. Pray tell why the sudden morose mien?
Jack: You don't know what I've done.
James: Of course not. Oh. Our Laurel Hawkes is unearthing your story.
Jack: Aye.
James: We did warn you.
Jack: That you did, but I never expected this turn of events.
James: She has a way of wringing out one's secrets, whether you wish it or no. You'll survive it.
Jack: I'm not sure I want to…
James: None of that now.
Jack: You don't know--
James: Neither do you. The beginning is always a bit like a country back road after a storm, passable if you give yourself time, but a muddy business no matter how you go about it.
Jack: You don't understand.
James: We've all been through it--
Jack: No! You're not listening. I planned it all out. It involved adventure and time travel--
James: Time travel? Are you daft? Our Laurel doesn't write time travel.
Jack: I helped her lay an impressive foundation--
James: She doesn't write time travel.
Jack: Excitement, intrigue--
James: What part of she doesn't write time travel are you not grasping?
Jack: My plan was brilliant.
James: We all like to believe we know best. Trust her. She's already made you a hero. She'll not abandon you. Of course, that isn't to say she won't drag you through a bit of mud along the way.
Jack: I wanted to be a knight in shining armor, so to speak.
James: She's more of a tarnished armor kind of writer.
Jack: So I'm learning.
James: Trust she'll see you through it.
Jack: Not easy.
James: Never said it was.
Jack: You don't know what I've done.
James: Of course not. Oh. Our Laurel Hawkes is unearthing your story.
Jack: Aye.
James: We did warn you.
Jack: That you did, but I never expected this turn of events.
James: She has a way of wringing out one's secrets, whether you wish it or no. You'll survive it.
Jack: I'm not sure I want to…
James: None of that now.
Jack: You don't know--
James: Neither do you. The beginning is always a bit like a country back road after a storm, passable if you give yourself time, but a muddy business no matter how you go about it.
Jack: You don't understand.
James: We've all been through it--
Jack: No! You're not listening. I planned it all out. It involved adventure and time travel--
James: Time travel? Are you daft? Our Laurel doesn't write time travel.
Jack: I helped her lay an impressive foundation--
James: She doesn't write time travel.
Jack: Excitement, intrigue--
James: What part of she doesn't write time travel are you not grasping?
Jack: My plan was brilliant.
James: We all like to believe we know best. Trust her. She's already made you a hero. She'll not abandon you. Of course, that isn't to say she won't drag you through a bit of mud along the way.
Jack: I wanted to be a knight in shining armor, so to speak.
James: She's more of a tarnished armor kind of writer.
Jack: So I'm learning.
James: Trust she'll see you through it.
Jack: Not easy.
James: Never said it was.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Manners...
Post at WordWenches: http://wordwenches.typepad.com/word_wenches/2013/01/manners.html
I thought it an interesting discussion. It isn't difficult for me to see the servant or gypsy learning. When I lived in England, I watched and learned. I like the unobtrusiveness of keeping the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right, but I also like how changing hands forces me to slow down. I use both methods depending on what my goal is at the time.
Manners are often used as a way to belittle others. I've seen people complain about someone's manners when they, in fact, committed the same faux pas. The urge to say, "Pot meet kettle" is almost overwhelming. Sometimes I don't resist.
Having a door opened for me and a chair held for me is a polite kindness I appreciate. Unfortunately, the whole "I am woman I can do it myself" has ruined it because men are afraid of offending. I've asked. I know there are those who will be offended by my perspective. I've stopped trying to please everyone. It doesn't work.
It's never too late to learn manners. I'm still learning.
Perhaps it's why I'm drawn to writing Regency. Manners were a must. I know it was used to delineate the uppercrust (which were often quite vile individuals) from the working class. The joy of writing Regency, rather than actually living in it, allows me to give it my own twist. I do try to keep it period correct, to an extent. I dislike having a twenty-century heroine dropped into a different century, without the benefit of time travel. If she's time traveling, then I expect her to take her modern thinking with her. However, too much modern thinking in a historical novel takes me out of the story.
I thought it an interesting discussion. It isn't difficult for me to see the servant or gypsy learning. When I lived in England, I watched and learned. I like the unobtrusiveness of keeping the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right, but I also like how changing hands forces me to slow down. I use both methods depending on what my goal is at the time.
Manners are often used as a way to belittle others. I've seen people complain about someone's manners when they, in fact, committed the same faux pas. The urge to say, "Pot meet kettle" is almost overwhelming. Sometimes I don't resist.
Having a door opened for me and a chair held for me is a polite kindness I appreciate. Unfortunately, the whole "I am woman I can do it myself" has ruined it because men are afraid of offending. I've asked. I know there are those who will be offended by my perspective. I've stopped trying to please everyone. It doesn't work.
It's never too late to learn manners. I'm still learning.
Perhaps it's why I'm drawn to writing Regency. Manners were a must. I know it was used to delineate the uppercrust (which were often quite vile individuals) from the working class. The joy of writing Regency, rather than actually living in it, allows me to give it my own twist. I do try to keep it period correct, to an extent. I dislike having a twenty-century heroine dropped into a different century, without the benefit of time travel. If she's time traveling, then I expect her to take her modern thinking with her. However, too much modern thinking in a historical novel takes me out of the story.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Post picks of the week...
Steph did a 12 Days of Christmas theme:
http://sgcardin.blogspot.com
Sadie and Sophie Cuffe are starting a new blog for the year, A Woman Like Me. Combining an ongoing serial and devotionals. I'm intrigued.
http://awomanlikemeblog.com/2012/12/30/a-woman-like-me/
Barri Bryan writes wonderfully poetic essays:
http://barribryan.com/blog/
Barri is also in the spotlight at the Desert Breeze Publishing blogspot, with new book out yesterday:
http://desertbreezepublishing.blogspot.com/
I enjoyed Celia Yeary's posts on contrast and eating dessert first:
http://www.celiayeary.blogspot.com/
If you like Steampunk, there's a new blog to visit:
http://www.steampunk.coffeetimeromance.com/
Lovely post by Patty Froese:
http://pattyfroese.com/2013/01/10/dawn/
http://sgcardin.blogspot.com
Sadie and Sophie Cuffe are starting a new blog for the year, A Woman Like Me. Combining an ongoing serial and devotionals. I'm intrigued.
http://awomanlikemeblog.com/2012/12/30/a-woman-like-me/
Barri Bryan writes wonderfully poetic essays:
http://barribryan.com/blog/
Barri is also in the spotlight at the Desert Breeze Publishing blogspot, with new book out yesterday:
http://desertbreezepublishing.blogspot.com/
I enjoyed Celia Yeary's posts on contrast and eating dessert first:
http://www.celiayeary.blogspot.com/
If you like Steampunk, there's a new blog to visit:
http://www.steampunk.coffeetimeromance.com/
Lovely post by Patty Froese:
http://pattyfroese.com/2013/01/10/dawn/
Friday, January 11, 2013
Thursday, January 10, 2013
My list of I AM...
I love Adventures of Kat. She makes me think and evaluate myself. Where am I headed? Am I being honest with myself? She recently shared something she read on FB:
http://www.adventuresofkat.com/i-am/
This is my list:
I AM a writer.
I AM a blessing.
I AM loyal.
I AM persistent.
I AM creative.
Another one that came to mind was friendly. I'm a little surprised that loyal came to mind before so many other possibilities.
http://www.adventuresofkat.com/i-am/
This is my list:
I AM a writer.
I AM a blessing.
I AM loyal.
I AM persistent.
I AM creative.
Another one that came to mind was friendly. I'm a little surprised that loyal came to mind before so many other possibilities.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
My Word for the Year...
My niece suggested this recently, but I didn't know what to do.
Then I saw this link on FB. I follow Word Wenches.
http://wordwenches.typepad.com/word_wenches/2013/01/whats-your-word.html
I thought about it as I read through the post and the comments and finally chose my own.
CREATE
I'm creating a healthier me, physically and mentally.
I'm creating a haven in my living space.
I'm creating more stories to share.
(Jack's story is starting to take shape.)
Then I saw this link on FB. I follow Word Wenches.
http://wordwenches.typepad.com/word_wenches/2013/01/whats-your-word.html
I thought about it as I read through the post and the comments and finally chose my own.
CREATE
I'm creating a healthier me, physically and mentally.
I'm creating a haven in my living space.
I'm creating more stories to share.
(Jack's story is starting to take shape.)
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Final Week to Enter the 2013 Golden Quill Contest...
***Permission to forward granted and encouraged***
Time has flown, and we're now down to the FINAL WEEK before the 2013 Golden Quill Contest deadline. That's right, there are only SEVEN DAYS left to submit your entries for this internationally recognized Published Authors' Contest hosted by Desert Rose RWA and get your work into the waiting hands of our judges, all of whom are romance readers and librarians - people whose praise drives sales. The Golden Quill seeks to honor some of the best romantic fiction of the year, and we would love to see your novel or novella (or both!) in the spotlight.
Fee: $30 per entry
Eligibility: Published Authors
Deadline for Submissions: January 11, 2013
Entry: Novel or novella copyrighted in 2012 (print and e-formats accepted)
Judges: Romance readers and Librarians
Categories: Best First Book; Mainstream Single Title (includes Novel with Strong Romantic Elements); GLBT; Historical; Paranormal/Sci Fi/Fantasy/Futuristic; Romantic Suspense; Regency Historical; Hot/Sexy/Erotic; Inspirational; Short Contemporary; Traditional Romance; Long Contemporary; Inspirational - Romantic Suspense; Novella (stories under 40,000 words)
FMI, rules, and entry form, visit http://desertroserwa.org/contests/Phoenix-Romance-Writers-Golden-Quill.php
Time has flown, and we're now down to the FINAL WEEK before the 2013 Golden Quill Contest deadline. That's right, there are only SEVEN DAYS left to submit your entries for this internationally recognized Published Authors' Contest hosted by Desert Rose RWA and get your work into the waiting hands of our judges, all of whom are romance readers and librarians - people whose praise drives sales. The Golden Quill seeks to honor some of the best romantic fiction of the year, and we would love to see your novel or novella (or both!) in the spotlight.
Fee: $30 per entry
Eligibility: Published Authors
Deadline for Submissions: January 11, 2013
Entry: Novel or novella copyrighted in 2012 (print and e-formats accepted)
Judges: Romance readers and Librarians
Categories: Best First Book; Mainstream Single Title (includes Novel with Strong Romantic Elements); GLBT; Historical; Paranormal/Sci Fi/Fantasy/Futuristic; Romantic Suspense; Regency Historical; Hot/Sexy/Erotic; Inspirational; Short Contemporary; Traditional Romance; Long Contemporary; Inspirational - Romantic Suspense; Novella (stories under 40,000 words)
FMI, rules, and entry form, visit http://desertroserwa.org/contests/Phoenix-Romance-Writers-Golden-Quill.php
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
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