"You can kid the world. But not your sister." ~Charlotte Gray
OK, I know probably everyone out there has gotten one of these "how well do you know your friends" emails. I rarely respond, just because I either (1) don't have time or (2) figure the person who sent it already knows most of the answers.
But today I'm going to post my answers to the latest one right here on my blog, 'cause it was from my sis and she rarely stops by...so this is a reason for her to! (Waving at you, H) Oh, and a happy birthday to my dad, too, since I know he'll read this today!!!
Here you go...
1. What is your occupation? Teacher
2. What color are your socks right now? Navy with light blue flowers - cute, not weird, I promise!
3. What are you listening to right now? "Son of a Preacher Man"
4. What was the last thing that you ate? An English Muffin
5. Can you drive a stick shift? Nope (yeah, I know, if I ever had an emergency and had to drive one, I'd be out of luck...actually I have a story where this happened. Too long to get into here, though, and my parents read this blog, so...)
6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Red
7. Last person you spoke to on the phone? My husband - he was out doing errands yesterday and wanted to know if he could bring me lunch :)
8. Favorite drink? Depends. Usually water. Sometimes red wine if it's been a long day!
9. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV? Pro baseball, if the Cleveland Indians are playing
10. Have you ever dyed your hair? Just highlights
11. Pets? 2 cats
12. Favorite food? Dark chocolate
13. Last movie you watched? "Next" (last night - it wasn't very good)
14. What's your Favorite Day of the year? July6 - my anniversary
15. What was your favorite toy as a child? My stuffed Paddington Bear
16. What is your favorite, fall or spring? Spring - rebirth after a cold, dead winter!
17. Hugs or kisses? Hugs
18. Cherry or Blueberry? Blueberry but only if fresh - cooked (warm, mushy) fruit is one of the things I detest most
19. Current living arrangements? A house with my hubby
20. When was the last time you cried? Earlier this week, when I heard Heath Ledger had died.
21. What is on the floor of your closet? Shoes!
22. Favorite smell? Chocolate chip cookies baking
23. What inspires you? My students when they try harder than they realized they could
24. What are you afraid of? Not making a difference in this life
25. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers? Bleu cheese
26. Favorite car? Red, sporty, and lots of horsepower!
27. Favorite cat breed? My mixed breed sweeties
28. Favorite day of the week? Friday after school is out!
29. How many states have you lived in? 3
30. How many countries have you been to? 6
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
The State of my Writing
"The good writers touch life often. The mediocre ones run a quick hand over her. The bad ones rape her and leave her for the flies." ~Ray Bradbury
It's that time of year when I just sort of put my head down, dig in, and wait for spring to arrive. We've had a string of cold weather here, with nights in the single digits and days with the temp below 25 and the wind chill below 10. Everything's gray (my car most of all - yuck). The sun hasn't been shining too much. With the writers' strike, there's nothing good on television.
The bright side?
I've been reading a lot more. I know, I should be reading a lot anyway. But it's hard during school. I read my students' awkward papers and don't have time for much else. With no TV at nights, though, I've found new motivation :) Right now I'm about half-way through The Red Tent and enjoying it. It's quite interesting, and different: historical fiction, I guess. It's the story of Dinah/Jacob/Esau/Leah/Rachel from the Bible but focuses almost solely on the women's roles and points of view.
I've also been reading and reviewing not only for LASR but also for Black Lyon Publishing (you can see one of my review clips here). That's been fun.
I've also been actively working on marketing myself these last few months, mostly through writing free-lance articles for a couple different sites. In fact, I think I'm going to ask my webmaster (webmistress?) to add a page to my website just for article links. (Oh - and here's one I wrote for LASR this week. If you're an author, you might want to check it out).
Also on the marketing front, I've been working with Stella Price and some other sort-of local authors in setting up author parties (like the one last weekend) and book signings. In fact, I just marked the date for my first official signing: May 30th! It's the week after both my books come out in print. Exciting - even though many authors say signings are not the best way to spend time...we'll see.
Finally, I've been working through the galley for ONE NIGHT IN BOSTON - this is basically a line-by-line proofread of the manuscript to make sure there are no typos or words I want to change before it goes to the printer next month. It's rather tedious but it's allowing me to look at that book again. And that's been fun.
I sent back my signed contract to Samhain for ONE NIGHT IN MEMPHIS and hope next month to work through edits on my draft of SUMMER'S SONG (anyone out there volunteering to read it for me??). I haven't decided yet where I'm going to submit it...I had originally thought The Wild Rose Press, and I still might. But I looked at their contract again, and they pay less in royalties for both electronic and print versions than Samhain (I didn't really notice last year, I was so excited to sign a contract with anyone). So I may bite the bullet and query print publishers or agents. We'll see.
And that was probably much longer than you wanted to read on a Saturday! Time for me to go cuddle under some blankets and do some more reading.
Happy weekend!
It's that time of year when I just sort of put my head down, dig in, and wait for spring to arrive. We've had a string of cold weather here, with nights in the single digits and days with the temp below 25 and the wind chill below 10. Everything's gray (my car most of all - yuck). The sun hasn't been shining too much. With the writers' strike, there's nothing good on television.
The bright side?
I've been reading a lot more. I know, I should be reading a lot anyway. But it's hard during school. I read my students' awkward papers and don't have time for much else. With no TV at nights, though, I've found new motivation :) Right now I'm about half-way through The Red Tent and enjoying it. It's quite interesting, and different: historical fiction, I guess. It's the story of Dinah/Jacob/Esau/Leah/Rachel from the Bible but focuses almost solely on the women's roles and points of view.
I've also been reading and reviewing not only for LASR but also for Black Lyon Publishing (you can see one of my review clips here). That's been fun.
I've also been actively working on marketing myself these last few months, mostly through writing free-lance articles for a couple different sites. In fact, I think I'm going to ask my webmaster (webmistress?) to add a page to my website just for article links. (Oh - and here's one I wrote for LASR this week. If you're an author, you might want to check it out).
Also on the marketing front, I've been working with Stella Price and some other sort-of local authors in setting up author parties (like the one last weekend) and book signings. In fact, I just marked the date for my first official signing: May 30th! It's the week after both my books come out in print. Exciting - even though many authors say signings are not the best way to spend time...we'll see.
Finally, I've been working through the galley for ONE NIGHT IN BOSTON - this is basically a line-by-line proofread of the manuscript to make sure there are no typos or words I want to change before it goes to the printer next month. It's rather tedious but it's allowing me to look at that book again. And that's been fun.
I sent back my signed contract to Samhain for ONE NIGHT IN MEMPHIS and hope next month to work through edits on my draft of SUMMER'S SONG (anyone out there volunteering to read it for me??). I haven't decided yet where I'm going to submit it...I had originally thought The Wild Rose Press, and I still might. But I looked at their contract again, and they pay less in royalties for both electronic and print versions than Samhain (I didn't really notice last year, I was so excited to sign a contract with anyone). So I may bite the bullet and query print publishers or agents. We'll see.
And that was probably much longer than you wanted to read on a Saturday! Time for me to go cuddle under some blankets and do some more reading.
Happy weekend!
Friday, January 25, 2008
One More Look
"I have long feared that my sins would return to visit me, and the cost would be more than I could bear."
~from "The Patriot"
Marianne told me yesterday that I forgot to include a video from "The Patriot," which of course Heath Ledger was also in. I didn't forget, really, I just couldn't find one I liked with him in it. I still wish I could find one with him actually speaking, but here's a fanvid with background music that's just too damn heartbreaking. So, one more tribute for the guy who died too young:
And now for something slightly more cheerful to end the work week, here's your Friday Feast:
Appetizer
How many times per day do you usually laugh?
Wow, I have no idea...I never stopped to count! Maybe 20? (I teach high school students, so it might be a lot more than that...I laugh at them every chance I get)
Soup
What do your sunglasses look like?
Over-sized, squarish, dark...I like going for the whole "important actress" look (kidding)
Salad
You win a free trip to anywhere on your continent, but you have to travel by train. Where do you go?
Through the Rocky Mountains, of course. Gorgeous! I think there's actually a train trip by Amtrak that does this...I would love to take it someday.
Main Course
Name one thing you consider a great quality about living in your town/city.
It's small enough that when you're on vacation, the local police will come by and check your house twice/day.
Dessert
If the sky could be another color, what color do you think would look best?
Hmm...maybe that awesome pink and orange that a really great sunset offers. Of course, we'd get used to that after awhile too, just like with the blue, but for a while it would be cool.
~from "The Patriot"
Marianne told me yesterday that I forgot to include a video from "The Patriot," which of course Heath Ledger was also in. I didn't forget, really, I just couldn't find one I liked with him in it. I still wish I could find one with him actually speaking, but here's a fanvid with background music that's just too damn heartbreaking. So, one more tribute for the guy who died too young:
And now for something slightly more cheerful to end the work week, here's your Friday Feast:
Appetizer
How many times per day do you usually laugh?
Wow, I have no idea...I never stopped to count! Maybe 20? (I teach high school students, so it might be a lot more than that...I laugh at them every chance I get)
Soup
What do your sunglasses look like?
Over-sized, squarish, dark...I like going for the whole "important actress" look (kidding)
Salad
You win a free trip to anywhere on your continent, but you have to travel by train. Where do you go?
Through the Rocky Mountains, of course. Gorgeous! I think there's actually a train trip by Amtrak that does this...I would love to take it someday.
Main Course
Name one thing you consider a great quality about living in your town/city.
It's small enough that when you're on vacation, the local police will come by and check your house twice/day.
Dessert
If the sky could be another color, what color do you think would look best?
Hmm...maybe that awesome pink and orange that a really great sunset offers. Of course, we'd get used to that after awhile too, just like with the blue, but for a while it would be cool.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Heath Ledger: Gone Too Soon
"Working with Heath was one of the purest joys of my life. He brought to the role of Ennis Del Mar more than any of us could have imagined — a thirst for life, for love and for truth, and a vulnerability that made everyone who knew him love him. His death is heartbreaking." ~Ang Lee, Director
Well, unless you've been living under a rock the last couple of days, you know that actor Heath Ledger died on Tuesday, under somewhat strange circumstances. I hope it wasn't suicide. I even hope it wasn't an overdose of an illegal substance. I'd like to live in my little idealistic world and imagine that he just took the sleeping pills the doctor prescribed and something went weird with his heart.
The autopsy didn't reveal anything conclusive, which means anothe 10 days for a full toxicology report, I guess. I suppose we'll know all the details then; they'll be splashed across every tabloid in the grocery store.
It's just so sad. Unbelievable, too. Such a loss, such potential, and so young for it all to end, just 28. I mourn for his 2-year old daughter and for his ex-fiancee, Michelle Williams.
Here are a few of his best movie moments, in my opinion. He will be missed, that's for certain. RIP.
Well, unless you've been living under a rock the last couple of days, you know that actor Heath Ledger died on Tuesday, under somewhat strange circumstances. I hope it wasn't suicide. I even hope it wasn't an overdose of an illegal substance. I'd like to live in my little idealistic world and imagine that he just took the sleeping pills the doctor prescribed and something went weird with his heart.
The autopsy didn't reveal anything conclusive, which means anothe 10 days for a full toxicology report, I guess. I suppose we'll know all the details then; they'll be splashed across every tabloid in the grocery store.
It's just so sad. Unbelievable, too. Such a loss, such potential, and so young for it all to end, just 28. I mourn for his 2-year old daughter and for his ex-fiancee, Michelle Williams.
Here are a few of his best movie moments, in my opinion. He will be missed, that's for certain. RIP.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Writers' Wednesday: An Interview with Jack Adler
"Down, down, down into the darkness of the grave
Gently they go, the beautiful, the tender, the kind;
Quietly they go, the intelligent, the witty, the brave.
I know. But I do not approve. And I am not resigned."
~Edna St. Vincent Millay
OK, I know today is Writers' Wednesday, but first I have to offer up a cyber-space moment of silence for Heath Ledger, who passed away yesterday. 28 years old and a damn good actor...what a loss. Full tribute here tomorrow~
***
Now, help me welcome Jack Adler: author, playwright and screenwriter living in North Hollywood, California. He's the author of Splendid Seniors, an anthology featuring biographical sketches of 52 remarkable people who made notable achievements after the age of 65. He is also the author of five nonfiction books: Consumer's Guide to Travel; There's A Bullet Hole in Your Window; Southern India; Exploring Historic California; and Travel Safety (co-authored); as well as the novels Blackmail High and Parthian Retreat. The Library of Congress selected Travel Safety for translation into Braille.
Hi, Jack! Thanks for being here today. Your book Splendid Seniors sounds intriguing and inspiring. What advice would you give new authors, just starting out in the journey to publication?
I'd advise any writer to develop their own style,not copy or mimic any other writer; and to make suretheir material -- no matter what other flaws it mayhave or not -- is tightly written. Use strong verbs,cut down on adverbs, and support adjectives.
Definitely good advice. What do you like to read? Any favorite authors?
I like historical fiction and nonfiction, and mysteries. Elmore Leonard is one of my favorite authors.
From looking at your bio and background, it certainly looks as though you've been successful writing in many different lengths and genres. That's exciting! Any final words for readers today?
Always struggle to do good work, and then make it even better. Getting recognized through publication, and possibly good reviews, is always gratifying.
Terrific advice ~ thanks! Readers, want to know more about Jack Adler or his works? Visit his publisher's page. And thanks for stopping by today!
Gently they go, the beautiful, the tender, the kind;
Quietly they go, the intelligent, the witty, the brave.
I know. But I do not approve. And I am not resigned."
~Edna St. Vincent Millay
OK, I know today is Writers' Wednesday, but first I have to offer up a cyber-space moment of silence for Heath Ledger, who passed away yesterday. 28 years old and a damn good actor...what a loss. Full tribute here tomorrow~
***
Now, help me welcome Jack Adler: author, playwright and screenwriter living in North Hollywood, California. He's the author of Splendid Seniors, an anthology featuring biographical sketches of 52 remarkable people who made notable achievements after the age of 65. He is also the author of five nonfiction books: Consumer's Guide to Travel; There's A Bullet Hole in Your Window; Southern India; Exploring Historic California; and Travel Safety (co-authored); as well as the novels Blackmail High and Parthian Retreat. The Library of Congress selected Travel Safety for translation into Braille.
Hi, Jack! Thanks for being here today. Your book Splendid Seniors sounds intriguing and inspiring. What advice would you give new authors, just starting out in the journey to publication?
I'd advise any writer to develop their own style,not copy or mimic any other writer; and to make suretheir material -- no matter what other flaws it mayhave or not -- is tightly written. Use strong verbs,cut down on adverbs, and support adjectives.
Definitely good advice. What do you like to read? Any favorite authors?
I like historical fiction and nonfiction, and mysteries. Elmore Leonard is one of my favorite authors.
From looking at your bio and background, it certainly looks as though you've been successful writing in many different lengths and genres. That's exciting! Any final words for readers today?
Always struggle to do good work, and then make it even better. Getting recognized through publication, and possibly good reviews, is always gratifying.
Terrific advice ~ thanks! Readers, want to know more about Jack Adler or his works? Visit his publisher's page. And thanks for stopping by today!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Atonement
"I love you. I'll wait for you. Come back. Come back to me. " ~Keira Knightley, in Atonement
Man, I was disappointed in this movie. I went to see it yesterday, on my day off from school, and from the movie trailer and the Golden Globe for Best Picture and the rave reviews, I expected to be blown away.
I wasn't.
If you watch the trailer, you'll know the "secret" - it isn't really difficult to figure out. The younger sister sees "something," is a typical 13 year old brat, and lies to her parents and the police about what she thinks she sees. So, okay, I can deal with that, even though the super-suspenseful music throughout the 2-hour film keeps you thinking that maybe there's something you missed, maybe there will be this grand other secret revealed at the very end.
There isn't.
Interestingly enough, the part I found most intriguing was the final scene. I won't give it away, but it is a commentary on why novelists write - and why they write fiction, rather than retell the truth. The truth, and honesty, is boring and predictable and unforgiving and unchangeable, and often hopeless as well. So novelists create different versions of life for their characters, different adventures, and they give their characters a happy ending because life won't.
Not a very uplifting message, perhaps, but the movie isn't uplifting. And some may see that final statement as a negative mark on authors in general, but I found it the most intriguing and honest part of the movie.
Other negatives: The love story isn't fleshed out, and so it's difficult to identify with or feel compassion for either main character when they're torn apart by The Big Lie. The little girl who tells the lie is an interesting character, but she comes across as bratty and unrepentant, even though her atonement is supposed to be the focus of the film. Finally, there's a sweeping war scene on the beach in France, all death and destruction, which is effective but goes on WAY TOO LONG. I was sitting there thinking, "What does this have to do with the rest of the plot?" Not much, as it turns out.
On the bright side, the movie is beautifully shot, with lush landscape, and the one sex scene is hot. (James McAvoy, as the doomed hero, is easy on the eyes, no doubt.) The film also makes a good point about perspective, about how different people view the same event from multiple vantage points. As a result, it's sometimes impossible to find out the "truth," whatever the truth really is.
I give "Atonement" 3.5 stars.
I wasn't.
If you watch the trailer, you'll know the "secret" - it isn't really difficult to figure out. The younger sister sees "something," is a typical 13 year old brat, and lies to her parents and the police about what she thinks she sees. So, okay, I can deal with that, even though the super-suspenseful music throughout the 2-hour film keeps you thinking that maybe there's something you missed, maybe there will be this grand other secret revealed at the very end.
There isn't.
Interestingly enough, the part I found most intriguing was the final scene. I won't give it away, but it is a commentary on why novelists write - and why they write fiction, rather than retell the truth. The truth, and honesty, is boring and predictable and unforgiving and unchangeable, and often hopeless as well. So novelists create different versions of life for their characters, different adventures, and they give their characters a happy ending because life won't.
Not a very uplifting message, perhaps, but the movie isn't uplifting. And some may see that final statement as a negative mark on authors in general, but I found it the most intriguing and honest part of the movie.
Other negatives: The love story isn't fleshed out, and so it's difficult to identify with or feel compassion for either main character when they're torn apart by The Big Lie. The little girl who tells the lie is an interesting character, but she comes across as bratty and unrepentant, even though her atonement is supposed to be the focus of the film. Finally, there's a sweeping war scene on the beach in France, all death and destruction, which is effective but goes on WAY TOO LONG. I was sitting there thinking, "What does this have to do with the rest of the plot?" Not much, as it turns out.
On the bright side, the movie is beautifully shot, with lush landscape, and the one sex scene is hot. (James McAvoy, as the doomed hero, is easy on the eyes, no doubt.) The film also makes a good point about perspective, about how different people view the same event from multiple vantage points. As a result, it's sometimes impossible to find out the "truth," whatever the truth really is.
I give "Atonement" 3.5 stars.
Monday, January 21, 2008
I Have a Dream
"A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual doom." ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
Anyone else think it's sort of discouraging how far we haven't come in the last 40 years?
***
Well, I have to give major props to the NY Giants, who pulled out a win over the Green Bay Packers IN Green Bay, last night. Anyone watch the game? It was -4 degrees, with -24 degree wind chill, and those guys were hitting the frozen ground and having a harder and harder time getting up as the game went on. Went into overtime, too...and I was so happy for the NY field goal kicker, who missed 2 at 37 yards, got chewed out by his coach, and then made a 47-yarder to win the game. I was also happy for the NY quarterback, Eli Manning (the famous Peyton Manning's brother, of course), because he's been ripped apart by the media here for most of the season as being sub-par and not up to the challenages of being an NFL quarterback. I always like it when the underdog comes back and shows the naysayers they were wrong!
Of course, I still want the New England Patriots to win the whole thing, just because I think it would be cool for them to make history as the first team to go unbeaten for 19 games in a season/post-season. Yes, I know the Miami Dolphins did it years ago, but they had a shorter season and played fewer games.
***
Since I have today off for the holiday, I'm treating myself to the movie "Atonement" - there's a 10:45 showing for $5.00. Can't beat that! I don't know much except that it has a twist ending and is very sad. So I'll be forgoing the eye makeup and stuffing my pockets full of tissues. I'll give you the report tomorrow...
Sunday, January 20, 2008
A Very Very Cold Sunday
"Winter either bites with its teeth or lashes with its tail." ~ Anonymous
Brr! They promise single digits overnight, and they were right (for once!). It's crawled up to a blistering 14 degrees and is supposed to top out at 17 for the day. So I'll be staying inside for most of it...
Last night's author party was fun! Not as many people showed up as we originally thought, but it was still cool to hang out and talk books. One women drove 2 hours to come chat with romance authors - now that's dedication! (Or a really devoted sense of stalking, as she joked). I would definitely do it again - I think the idea is a good one.
Update on the Winter Reading Challenge: I finished Carrie Pilby a few days ago. You can read my thoughts on it here.
I'm currently finishing up a book review for another small press (ideally they'll put a clip from my review along with my name on the book cover itself, which would be nice promotion), and then I have a few choices as far as what I want to read next. I'll probably review one for LASR, but I also have a stack of Tori Phillips historicals next to my desk (I found all 6 in the "Cavendish Chronicles," on Ebay...I'm so excited!). Then The Red Tent is sitting patiently next to my bed as well, and I've been wanting to read that one for a while.
Hmm...we'll see what mood strikes me later today!
Brr! They promise single digits overnight, and they were right (for once!). It's crawled up to a blistering 14 degrees and is supposed to top out at 17 for the day. So I'll be staying inside for most of it...
Last night's author party was fun! Not as many people showed up as we originally thought, but it was still cool to hang out and talk books. One women drove 2 hours to come chat with romance authors - now that's dedication! (Or a really devoted sense of stalking, as she joked). I would definitely do it again - I think the idea is a good one.
Update on the Winter Reading Challenge: I finished Carrie Pilby a few days ago. You can read my thoughts on it here.
I'm currently finishing up a book review for another small press (ideally they'll put a clip from my review along with my name on the book cover itself, which would be nice promotion), and then I have a few choices as far as what I want to read next. I'll probably review one for LASR, but I also have a stack of Tori Phillips historicals next to my desk (I found all 6 in the "Cavendish Chronicles," on Ebay...I'm so excited!). Then The Red Tent is sitting patiently next to my bed as well, and I've been wanting to read that one for a while.
Hmm...we'll see what mood strikes me later today!
Saturday, January 19, 2008
All Sorts of Excitng News for a Saturday!
"If there's a book you really want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it." ~Toni Morrison
So I've been really confused the last few days, because Marianne and Judy of LASR kept leaving these really cryptic comments on my posts about books..and reading...and needing bookshelves...now I know why. Apparently I won their January giveaway contest and a whole bunch of autographed books! Very, very exciting!! Now I just have to find the time to read them...
Thanks, guys!
***
So you'll remember that I was stressing about the telephone interview I did with a reporter from my hometown newspaper. I was worried about what I'd said (and forgotten to say)...but I just got a copy of the article/interview yesterday, and it turned out great! Of course, you can't read it online, because it's a small town and the paper's website only features the front page and lead stories (maybe one day I'll be there!), but she did a good job and was pretty much true to everything I said :)
My advice to other authors out there: send out press releases and do as many kinds of contact/promo/interviews as you can, especially when it doesn't cost you very much. Speaking of which...
***
Tonight I am going to a "private author party" - sort of like a Tupperware party, only we're selling our books rather than food storage containers. It's being organized by Stella Price, the author I met back at the December Book Fair in NYC (who, it turns out, lives about 30 minutes from me), and there will be 4 authors there total, and about 15-20 guests. I'm looking forward to it, even though I'm a little nervous as well. I'm obviously not "selling" my books, since they aren't in print yet, but one of the other authors emailed me tips on making excerpt booklets for both One Night in Boston and Lost in Paradise, and I'm going to give those away. I'm hoping that if people read and enjoy the first chapter, they'll want to buy the whole thing!
Not exactly sure what to expect, but I'm keeping an open mind. Hey, I figure the more people who hear my name, the better, right? So I'll give you the lowdown, tomorrow...make sure to check back!
So I've been really confused the last few days, because Marianne and Judy of LASR kept leaving these really cryptic comments on my posts about books..and reading...and needing bookshelves...now I know why. Apparently I won their January giveaway contest and a whole bunch of autographed books! Very, very exciting!! Now I just have to find the time to read them...
Thanks, guys!
***
So you'll remember that I was stressing about the telephone interview I did with a reporter from my hometown newspaper. I was worried about what I'd said (and forgotten to say)...but I just got a copy of the article/interview yesterday, and it turned out great! Of course, you can't read it online, because it's a small town and the paper's website only features the front page and lead stories (maybe one day I'll be there!), but she did a good job and was pretty much true to everything I said :)
My advice to other authors out there: send out press releases and do as many kinds of contact/promo/interviews as you can, especially when it doesn't cost you very much. Speaking of which...
***
Tonight I am going to a "private author party" - sort of like a Tupperware party, only we're selling our books rather than food storage containers. It's being organized by Stella Price, the author I met back at the December Book Fair in NYC (who, it turns out, lives about 30 minutes from me), and there will be 4 authors there total, and about 15-20 guests. I'm looking forward to it, even though I'm a little nervous as well. I'm obviously not "selling" my books, since they aren't in print yet, but one of the other authors emailed me tips on making excerpt booklets for both One Night in Boston and Lost in Paradise, and I'm going to give those away. I'm hoping that if people read and enjoy the first chapter, they'll want to buy the whole thing!
Not exactly sure what to expect, but I'm keeping an open mind. Hey, I figure the more people who hear my name, the better, right? So I'll give you the lowdown, tomorrow...make sure to check back!
Friday, January 18, 2008
A 3-Day Weekend AND a Snow Delay!
Wow, nice way to start the 3-day weekend, with a 2-hour weather delay. I guess there's some slick stuff outside (I should probably look before I go careening off to work in a couple of hours)...been a weird sort of winter so far, what with more ice and sleet than rain. Guess we can thank global warming for that.
Anyway, here's the Friday Feast - enjoy!
Appetizer
What is your favorite beverage?
It really depends on the moment:
Morning: Starbucks Nonfat Latte
Evening: A glass of good Chianti if it's been a long day
Water every other time
Soup
Name 3 things that are on your computer desk at home or work.
Home:
1. A calendar with all my deadlines for writing and promotional events
2. A cute little sticky note holder with the acronym "BIC, HOK!!" on it (that's "Butt in Chair, Hands on Keyboard" for those who don't write...it means no procrastinating)
3. My Zune with all my favorite music!
Salad
On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being highest), how honest do you think you are?
Maybe a 7? I'm not always completely honest when telling people I love their new haircut or stuff like that. I'd rather preserve their feelings.
Main Course
If you could change the name of one city in the world, what would you rename it and why?
Not the name, but the slogan: Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love. Now, don't get me wrong, I like the city itself, with all its history, and I've spent many weekends there, but the Philly natives are definitely NOT the nicest I've come across. Especially when they're driving. I'd change it to Philadelphia, we're not our brothers' keepers.
Dessert
What stresses you out? What calms you down?
Stress? Too many things on my plate at once. And people at work who don't pull their weight or are too dense to understand something even after you've explained it 5 times.
Calm? Reading, writing, playing the piano, working out. Oh, and see "favorite evening beverage" above.
Anyway, here's the Friday Feast - enjoy!
Appetizer
What is your favorite beverage?
It really depends on the moment:
Morning: Starbucks Nonfat Latte
Evening: A glass of good Chianti if it's been a long day
Water every other time
Soup
Name 3 things that are on your computer desk at home or work.
Home:
1. A calendar with all my deadlines for writing and promotional events
2. A cute little sticky note holder with the acronym "BIC, HOK!!" on it (that's "Butt in Chair, Hands on Keyboard" for those who don't write...it means no procrastinating)
3. My Zune with all my favorite music!
Salad
On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being highest), how honest do you think you are?
Maybe a 7? I'm not always completely honest when telling people I love their new haircut or stuff like that. I'd rather preserve their feelings.
Main Course
If you could change the name of one city in the world, what would you rename it and why?
Not the name, but the slogan: Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love. Now, don't get me wrong, I like the city itself, with all its history, and I've spent many weekends there, but the Philly natives are definitely NOT the nicest I've come across. Especially when they're driving. I'd change it to Philadelphia, we're not our brothers' keepers.
Dessert
What stresses you out? What calms you down?
Stress? Too many things on my plate at once. And people at work who don't pull their weight or are too dense to understand something even after you've explained it 5 times.
Calm? Reading, writing, playing the piano, working out. Oh, and see "favorite evening beverage" above.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Roar For Powerful Words
"If I feel physically as if the top of my head were taken off, I know that is poetry." ~ Emily Dickinson
Judy tagged me the other day with the Roar for Powerful Words Award (2 tags in 1 week! What is the blogging world coming to?) I liked the questions, so I'm playing.
Here are the rules:
* Link back to the person who tagged you.
* List three things that you believe are necessary to make writing good and powerful.
* Tag five others and comment on their blog informing them that they've been tagged with this award.
In My Mind, Good & Powerful Writing Has All Of The Following Elements:
1. An Original Way With Words ~ The authors I admire most are those who can manipulate language in a way that takes my breath away (to paraphrase Emily Dickinson, who said it best in today's quote). When a line is so perfectly constructed, with the right words and the right tone, when it makes me stop and read it again, aloud, because the cadence and the image is near-perfect, that's powerful writing.
2. A Plot That Turns Pages ~ Even if the language of a story doesn't have finesse, if it has a plot so intense that I can't put it down, the book will usually capture me. Intense doesn't have to mean suspenseful, by the way. It does have to mean original and captivating. It means that every chapter ends with a hook that makes me want to read more. It means that I try and guess where the plot is going, and then I'm pleasantly surprised when I'm wrong.
3. Characters That Captivate ~ I want characters that are so developed that I think about them when I'm not reading the book. I miss them when the story is over. I feel as though they are somehow real people that I have come to know in real life. That's tough to do, but the talented authors succeed. All the little details, from physical description to inner turmoil to relationships with others in the story...in the best stories, they add up perfectly to a person I want to get to know more.
(Now, of course, the challenge is to try and do all that in my own writing!)
I'm not going to tag anyone specifically for this one, but if you want to play, let me know!
Judy tagged me the other day with the Roar for Powerful Words Award (2 tags in 1 week! What is the blogging world coming to?) I liked the questions, so I'm playing.
Here are the rules:
* Link back to the person who tagged you.
* List three things that you believe are necessary to make writing good and powerful.
* Tag five others and comment on their blog informing them that they've been tagged with this award.
In My Mind, Good & Powerful Writing Has All Of The Following Elements:
1. An Original Way With Words ~ The authors I admire most are those who can manipulate language in a way that takes my breath away (to paraphrase Emily Dickinson, who said it best in today's quote). When a line is so perfectly constructed, with the right words and the right tone, when it makes me stop and read it again, aloud, because the cadence and the image is near-perfect, that's powerful writing.
2. A Plot That Turns Pages ~ Even if the language of a story doesn't have finesse, if it has a plot so intense that I can't put it down, the book will usually capture me. Intense doesn't have to mean suspenseful, by the way. It does have to mean original and captivating. It means that every chapter ends with a hook that makes me want to read more. It means that I try and guess where the plot is going, and then I'm pleasantly surprised when I'm wrong.
3. Characters That Captivate ~ I want characters that are so developed that I think about them when I'm not reading the book. I miss them when the story is over. I feel as though they are somehow real people that I have come to know in real life. That's tough to do, but the talented authors succeed. All the little details, from physical description to inner turmoil to relationships with others in the story...in the best stories, they add up perfectly to a person I want to get to know more.
(Now, of course, the challenge is to try and do all that in my own writing!)
I'm not going to tag anyone specifically for this one, but if you want to play, let me know!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Writers' Wednesday: An Interview with Paula Calloway
Welcome to Writers' Wednesday! Today I'm pleased to feature author Paula Calloway, who writes sensual and erotic romance in the genres of fantasy, sci-fi and paranormal. She has a lot more fun information about herself and her writing on her website, so make sure to visit there as well.
Note: Paula will be chatting with readers from 11 am to 9 pm at http://www.ebooklove.com/, this-coming Saturday, to celebrate her newest release. If you like what you see here and want to find out more, make sure to mark that date on your calendar!
Hi Paula! Can you tell us a little about your background?
Born in Pennsylvania and grown in Florida, I call Tennessee home. I still cuddle with my husband. My teenage daughter is an angel who interprets "teenageese" when I ask. One of my nephews lives with us and is an A/B honor roll student. I have five nieces and five nephews from four baby sisters. As is typical with siblings, they all have at least me as an older sister and, on occasion, each other, by their own choosing. You ought to see when they quibble...most flee the area. LOL
Wow! So when did you first begin writing? Was there an event or moment in your life that triggered your desire to write?
I always wrote poetry. In 1991, I endured a dream that would not leave me alone. Haunted for weeks on end by this dark and devastating vision of future earth, I created a web page titled "Nature's Plea" where the dream is revealed (accessible from my home page). It wasn't enough. Two of the characters from that dream came to life and demanded I tell their story. I lived through those dreams on a nightly basis and the only way to get them to leave me in peace was to write them down. Hence, The Cursed Hit and The Blessed Return. These were based on the Y2K theory and postponed when that date slipped past. Now, with a little rewriting and time shifting, I'll adjust any given dates, years and events to work on the 12/21/2012. I haven't stopped writing since.
Can you tell us about your latest writing project or published title?
A Cry in the Night. Oh my heart be still! I entwined my father's love of the old Werewolf with my version of the new Vampire. So many Werewolves in today's stories shift when they want because the one thing that is supposed to rule them has been deemed a mere light in the night sky. Nature's power of full moons, lunar cycles and the tide shifts are forces that should never lose their part in a creature created to work with them. I took the Werewolves of days lost, from times long ago and legends faded and brought them back. Now the Were, the Beast and the Wolves need help. Only one legendary creature has ever been able to tangle with a Beast and survive: vampires. Once known as healers in some ancient realms, they walk the earth and care for the Were who cry out in the night, protect the Wolves lost to the feral side and intercept the hunted the Beast in its bloodlust frenzied search for Human flesh.
How do you go about developing your characters?
Odd as it sounds, they come to life on their own. I might hear a phrase or song or see something in a dream or life and they live. The rest is the Hero and Heroine standing close and telling their story. Occasionally I have to heave a sigh to get them to slow down, but it's worth it. There are times where the Heroine-especially the young, inexperienced one-might drive me insane or moments where the Hero-young and dominant-agitates me, but it's part of them, their ways and the path they walked. I don't create them, they are and they live. I do have to look over my shoulder every now and then because I have this supervising, lurking, muse. He has a nice smile but can be unnerving at the worst of times. Sometimes I think he's what keeps the others in line. Or is he waiting to see who tells what and try to better their story? *shiver*
Oh, very well said. So what advice would you give to new writers just starting out?
Actually, I put together a page with the help of reviewers and editors just for this purpose. I hope it helps. http://www.paula-calloway.com/writingtips.htm
Great resource! Well, what do you find most difficult about writing? What do you find most exciting or rewarding?
Difficult? Editing. Making sure all the little glitches are destroyed.
Exciting? When a reader tells me they like my story. Even more so is the comment one reader gave about Dark Hope and how she enjoyed it so much, she read it again!
What a great compliment! Tricky question, now: How do you balance writing with the rest of your life?
Carefully. There are times where I shut down writing because my family needs or wants me and there are times where they lead me to my desk and make me sit because the energy thrumming in my veins is a story and they can feel it. It is those moments they send me to my desk so I can de-energize. But no matter what, I am always there for them. With a husband, a daughter, a mother, four sisters, five nieces, five nephews and numerous pets, I am always available.
OK, but do you ever suffer from writer's block? If so, what do you do about it?
I have, but not for some time. (Knock on wood.) When writer's block struck years ago, I spent hours on my porch listening to the cascading brook, babbling stream and plunging waterfall that feeds my 3500 gallon pond. With all the soothing sounds of nature, I soon washed away all the interference and returned to writing in only a few short months.
How blissful! Can you describe your writing space for us?
My small desk houses hubby's generous gift of a 3.4 GHz dual processor, 1.5 GHz memory, large non-glare/flat screen, HP Compaq. I don't understand all that, but it does fly. Little yellow stick 'em notes decorate the monitor's left side and bottom. Full page notes stand on the monitor's left and right. A tall left-hand shelf holds a thesaurus, dictionary and various research books, including a Strunk & White Elements of Style. The top desk shelf holds a dragon with a massive sword, a baby dragon, a tiger, a unicorn and a black knight. On the right is a large cage with four parakeets who dance and sing throughout the day. Behind me, the sliding glass door opens and invites in the sound of the backyard waterfalls. A coffee warmer lives a foot from my right hand. Shame I can't find a tea cooler for my right. If I snack while working, I prefer cereal and fruits. The other day, I concentrated on finding an error I knew I saw and reached for a honeycomb. I dipped my fingers in the coffee. :)
I can almost picture that! LOL Thanks for an informative and entertaining interview, Paula!
Readers, remember to check out Paula's website and also join her for an all-day chat and a chance to win one of her books on Saturday, January 19, 2008. (You must be a member of the group to participate, so head on over to join before the 19th and get in on the fun: Click here to join eBookLove)
Note: Paula will be chatting with readers from 11 am to 9 pm at http://www.ebooklove.com/, this-coming Saturday, to celebrate her newest release. If you like what you see here and want to find out more, make sure to mark that date on your calendar!
Hi Paula! Can you tell us a little about your background?
Born in Pennsylvania and grown in Florida, I call Tennessee home. I still cuddle with my husband. My teenage daughter is an angel who interprets "teenageese" when I ask. One of my nephews lives with us and is an A/B honor roll student. I have five nieces and five nephews from four baby sisters. As is typical with siblings, they all have at least me as an older sister and, on occasion, each other, by their own choosing. You ought to see when they quibble...most flee the area. LOL
Wow! So when did you first begin writing? Was there an event or moment in your life that triggered your desire to write?
I always wrote poetry. In 1991, I endured a dream that would not leave me alone. Haunted for weeks on end by this dark and devastating vision of future earth, I created a web page titled "Nature's Plea" where the dream is revealed (accessible from my home page). It wasn't enough. Two of the characters from that dream came to life and demanded I tell their story. I lived through those dreams on a nightly basis and the only way to get them to leave me in peace was to write them down. Hence, The Cursed Hit and The Blessed Return. These were based on the Y2K theory and postponed when that date slipped past. Now, with a little rewriting and time shifting, I'll adjust any given dates, years and events to work on the 12/21/2012. I haven't stopped writing since.
Can you tell us about your latest writing project or published title?
A Cry in the Night. Oh my heart be still! I entwined my father's love of the old Werewolf with my version of the new Vampire. So many Werewolves in today's stories shift when they want because the one thing that is supposed to rule them has been deemed a mere light in the night sky. Nature's power of full moons, lunar cycles and the tide shifts are forces that should never lose their part in a creature created to work with them. I took the Werewolves of days lost, from times long ago and legends faded and brought them back. Now the Were, the Beast and the Wolves need help. Only one legendary creature has ever been able to tangle with a Beast and survive: vampires. Once known as healers in some ancient realms, they walk the earth and care for the Were who cry out in the night, protect the Wolves lost to the feral side and intercept the hunted the Beast in its bloodlust frenzied search for Human flesh.
How do you go about developing your characters?
Odd as it sounds, they come to life on their own. I might hear a phrase or song or see something in a dream or life and they live. The rest is the Hero and Heroine standing close and telling their story. Occasionally I have to heave a sigh to get them to slow down, but it's worth it. There are times where the Heroine-especially the young, inexperienced one-might drive me insane or moments where the Hero-young and dominant-agitates me, but it's part of them, their ways and the path they walked. I don't create them, they are and they live. I do have to look over my shoulder every now and then because I have this supervising, lurking, muse. He has a nice smile but can be unnerving at the worst of times. Sometimes I think he's what keeps the others in line. Or is he waiting to see who tells what and try to better their story? *shiver*
Oh, very well said. So what advice would you give to new writers just starting out?
Actually, I put together a page with the help of reviewers and editors just for this purpose. I hope it helps. http://www.paula-calloway.com/writingtips.htm
Great resource! Well, what do you find most difficult about writing? What do you find most exciting or rewarding?
Difficult? Editing. Making sure all the little glitches are destroyed.
Exciting? When a reader tells me they like my story. Even more so is the comment one reader gave about Dark Hope and how she enjoyed it so much, she read it again!
What a great compliment! Tricky question, now: How do you balance writing with the rest of your life?
Carefully. There are times where I shut down writing because my family needs or wants me and there are times where they lead me to my desk and make me sit because the energy thrumming in my veins is a story and they can feel it. It is those moments they send me to my desk so I can de-energize. But no matter what, I am always there for them. With a husband, a daughter, a mother, four sisters, five nieces, five nephews and numerous pets, I am always available.
OK, but do you ever suffer from writer's block? If so, what do you do about it?
I have, but not for some time. (Knock on wood.) When writer's block struck years ago, I spent hours on my porch listening to the cascading brook, babbling stream and plunging waterfall that feeds my 3500 gallon pond. With all the soothing sounds of nature, I soon washed away all the interference and returned to writing in only a few short months.
How blissful! Can you describe your writing space for us?
My small desk houses hubby's generous gift of a 3.4 GHz dual processor, 1.5 GHz memory, large non-glare/flat screen, HP Compaq. I don't understand all that, but it does fly. Little yellow stick 'em notes decorate the monitor's left side and bottom. Full page notes stand on the monitor's left and right. A tall left-hand shelf holds a thesaurus, dictionary and various research books, including a Strunk & White Elements of Style. The top desk shelf holds a dragon with a massive sword, a baby dragon, a tiger, a unicorn and a black knight. On the right is a large cage with four parakeets who dance and sing throughout the day. Behind me, the sliding glass door opens and invites in the sound of the backyard waterfalls. A coffee warmer lives a foot from my right hand. Shame I can't find a tea cooler for my right. If I snack while working, I prefer cereal and fruits. The other day, I concentrated on finding an error I knew I saw and reached for a honeycomb. I dipped my fingers in the coffee. :)
I can almost picture that! LOL Thanks for an informative and entertaining interview, Paula!
Readers, remember to check out Paula's website and also join her for an all-day chat and a chance to win one of her books on Saturday, January 19, 2008. (You must be a member of the group to participate, so head on over to join before the 19th and get in on the fun: Click here to join eBookLove)
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
7 Things You Might Not Know About Allie
"Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art... It has no survival value; rather is one of those things that give value to survival." - C. S. Lewis
Emma Sanders tagged me the other day, and since I haven't done one of these in a while, I'll play:
The rules are:
List seven things about yourself
Link to the person who tagged you (see above)
Tag seven new victims, er, friends.
So here's a list of seven things about me:
1. I didn’t get married until I was 30 years old.
2. I can still sing the “50 States” song that I learned in 6th grade. It lists them all in alphabetical order and is quite impressive at cocktail parties LOL (“Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas…”)
3. I studied sign language for 2 years after graduate school and wish I’d continued.
4. I don’t like mustard, mayonnaise, onions, or pickles. As you can imagine, I eat a very naked burger.
5. I have a baby grand piano in my living room that I play daily.
6. I ran a marathon in 1999, in Washington DC, and have no desire to ever physically punish myself like that again.
7. I would go back and live in Shaker Heights, Ohio, in a heartbeat, if my hubby would agree to it. I miss Cleveland :)
So who am I tagging? YOU, if you want to play...let me know!
Emma Sanders tagged me the other day, and since I haven't done one of these in a while, I'll play:
The rules are:
List seven things about yourself
Link to the person who tagged you (see above)
Tag seven new victims, er, friends.
So here's a list of seven things about me:
1. I didn’t get married until I was 30 years old.
2. I can still sing the “50 States” song that I learned in 6th grade. It lists them all in alphabetical order and is quite impressive at cocktail parties LOL (“Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas…”)
3. I studied sign language for 2 years after graduate school and wish I’d continued.
4. I don’t like mustard, mayonnaise, onions, or pickles. As you can imagine, I eat a very naked burger.
5. I have a baby grand piano in my living room that I play daily.
6. I ran a marathon in 1999, in Washington DC, and have no desire to ever physically punish myself like that again.
7. I would go back and live in Shaker Heights, Ohio, in a heartbeat, if my hubby would agree to it. I miss Cleveland :)
So who am I tagging? YOU, if you want to play...let me know!
Monday, January 14, 2008
Rewriting the Romance
The decision to kiss for the first time is the most crucial in any love story. It changes the relationship of two people much more strongly than even the final surrender; because this kiss already has within it that surrender. ~Emil Ludwig
Well, we got a little bit of snow overnight, but definitely not the 6-12" they were predicting! We got a 2-hour delay from school rather than a snow day...
So over the weekend I finished up another article for WOW (their February issue) titled "Romance: It's Not Your Mother's Bodice-Ripper Anymore." (It's a feature article, which means from this one piece I will make just about the same amount of $$ I have made in royalties on One Night in Boston since last August. Oh well.)
My article is, as you would guess, a look at why today's romance is so different from those of 20-30 years ago...and why it should get more respect than it does. In doing some research online, I found this terrific article, that appeared in TIME magazine back in 2003. It's definitely worth a read, though I'll quote a couple of my favorites passages here:
Julia Quinn [author of the Regency romance The Further Observations of Lady Whistledown] isn't who you think she is. For starters, she isn't really Julia Quinn. That's just a pseudonym she chose so her books would be shelved next to those of the best-selling romance writer Amanda Quick. What's more, she's not a little old lady with a dozen cats. Julia Quinn is Julie Pottinger, 33, a smart, ambitious Harvard graduate. Quinn spent two years after college fulfilling her pre-med requirements, then went to Yale medical school. But after two months she dropped out to pursue her true purpose in life: writing romance novels...
Writers like Quinn are reinventing the romance novel for the postfeminist generation. Although she hasn't discarded the conventions of romance, Quinn is more than willing to tweak them...
In her next novel, Quinn plans to explore some darker themes — the hero is a widower whose late wife suffered from clinical depression. It's an interesting direction for a romance writer, one that might bring her perilously close to literary respectability. As she points out, "You always get more respect when you don't have a happy ending." So is she tempted to trade in her soft-focus covers for cultural credibility? To end, just once, with a funeral instead of a wedding? "Oh, no!" Quinn says quickly. "I have a mortgage."
It makes me happy that a Harvard grad can write romances and (maybe, just maybe) not get a bad rap because of it. Maybe there's hope for the rest of us too :)
Well, we got a little bit of snow overnight, but definitely not the 6-12" they were predicting! We got a 2-hour delay from school rather than a snow day...
So over the weekend I finished up another article for WOW (their February issue) titled "Romance: It's Not Your Mother's Bodice-Ripper Anymore." (It's a feature article, which means from this one piece I will make just about the same amount of $$ I have made in royalties on One Night in Boston since last August. Oh well.)
My article is, as you would guess, a look at why today's romance is so different from those of 20-30 years ago...and why it should get more respect than it does. In doing some research online, I found this terrific article, that appeared in TIME magazine back in 2003. It's definitely worth a read, though I'll quote a couple of my favorites passages here:
Julia Quinn [author of the Regency romance The Further Observations of Lady Whistledown] isn't who you think she is. For starters, she isn't really Julia Quinn. That's just a pseudonym she chose so her books would be shelved next to those of the best-selling romance writer Amanda Quick. What's more, she's not a little old lady with a dozen cats. Julia Quinn is Julie Pottinger, 33, a smart, ambitious Harvard graduate. Quinn spent two years after college fulfilling her pre-med requirements, then went to Yale medical school. But after two months she dropped out to pursue her true purpose in life: writing romance novels...
Writers like Quinn are reinventing the romance novel for the postfeminist generation. Although she hasn't discarded the conventions of romance, Quinn is more than willing to tweak them...
In her next novel, Quinn plans to explore some darker themes — the hero is a widower whose late wife suffered from clinical depression. It's an interesting direction for a romance writer, one that might bring her perilously close to literary respectability. As she points out, "You always get more respect when you don't have a happy ending." So is she tempted to trade in her soft-focus covers for cultural credibility? To end, just once, with a funeral instead of a wedding? "Oh, no!" Quinn says quickly. "I have a mortgage."
It makes me happy that a Harvard grad can write romances and (maybe, just maybe) not get a bad rap because of it. Maybe there's hope for the rest of us too :)
Sunday, January 13, 2008
The Way Words Work
"A word is not the same with one writer as with another. One tears it from his guts. The other pulls it out of his overcoat pocket." ~Charles Peguy
Today my brain is in a fuzz, because of all the writing-related stuff I have to do before the end of this month, so I thought I'd share these funny, very philosophical questions a friend emailed me. You've probably seen some of them in other places...but they're still worth a laugh. And they do make you wonder about how metaphors and idioms get formed, in this language!
How important does a person have to be before they are considered assassinated instead of just murdered?
Why do you have to "put your two cents in"... but it's only a "penny for your thoughts"? Where's that extra penny going to?
Why does a round pizza come in a square box?
How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage?
Why is it that people say they "slept like a baby" when babies wake up like every two hours?
Why are you IN a movie, but you're ON TV?
Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binocularsto look at things on the ground?
Why is "bra" singular and "panties" plural?
Did you ever notice when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him for a car ride, he sticks his head out the window?
Can a hearse carrying a corpse drive in the carpool lane ?
If the professor on Gilligan's Island can make a radio out of a coconut, why can't he fix a hole in a boat?
Why does Goofy stand erect while Pluto remains on all fours? They're both dogs!
If Wile E. Coyote had enough money to buy all that ACME crap, why didn't he just buy dinner?
If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, what is baby oil made from?
If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons?
Why Do the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same tune?
Why did you just try singing the two songs above?
Today my brain is in a fuzz, because of all the writing-related stuff I have to do before the end of this month, so I thought I'd share these funny, very philosophical questions a friend emailed me. You've probably seen some of them in other places...but they're still worth a laugh. And they do make you wonder about how metaphors and idioms get formed, in this language!
How important does a person have to be before they are considered assassinated instead of just murdered?
Why do you have to "put your two cents in"... but it's only a "penny for your thoughts"? Where's that extra penny going to?
Why does a round pizza come in a square box?
How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage?
Why is it that people say they "slept like a baby" when babies wake up like every two hours?
Why are you IN a movie, but you're ON TV?
Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binocularsto look at things on the ground?
Why is "bra" singular and "panties" plural?
Did you ever notice when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him for a car ride, he sticks his head out the window?
Can a hearse carrying a corpse drive in the carpool lane ?
If the professor on Gilligan's Island can make a radio out of a coconut, why can't he fix a hole in a boat?
Why does Goofy stand erect while Pluto remains on all fours? They're both dogs!
If Wile E. Coyote had enough money to buy all that ACME crap, why didn't he just buy dinner?
If corn oil is made from corn, and vegetable oil is made from vegetables, what is baby oil made from?
If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons?
Why Do the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same tune?
Why did you just try singing the two songs above?
Saturday, January 12, 2008
How to Play Nice in Cyber World
There are admirable potentialities in every human being. Believe in your strength and your truth. Learn to repeat endlessly to yourself. "It all depends on me." ~ Andre Gide
Hey everyone, quick post today, 'cause I'm on my way to my local RWA chapter meeting. But check out my article over at WOW - Women on Writing:
Online Friendships and Virtual Connections: How to Play Nice in Cyber World
I found this a fun one to write, based on everything I' ve learned over the past 5 or so years being part of different online groups. Hope you'll find it useful or a good reminder!
###
P.S. WOW is always looking for article and column ideas, so it's a good market if you're trying to get your name out there, or if you just have something you'd like to write about. Plus the pay is decent ;) I think they do a really nice job formatting everything, too. I'll have to ask Angela, the editor, what their upcoming issue themes will be. If I find out, I'll let you know.
Happy Saturday!
Hey everyone, quick post today, 'cause I'm on my way to my local RWA chapter meeting. But check out my article over at WOW - Women on Writing:
Online Friendships and Virtual Connections: How to Play Nice in Cyber World
I found this a fun one to write, based on everything I' ve learned over the past 5 or so years being part of different online groups. Hope you'll find it useful or a good reminder!
###
P.S. WOW is always looking for article and column ideas, so it's a good market if you're trying to get your name out there, or if you just have something you'd like to write about. Plus the pay is decent ;) I think they do a really nice job formatting everything, too. I'll have to ask Angela, the editor, what their upcoming issue themes will be. If I find out, I'll let you know.
Happy Saturday!
Friday, January 11, 2008
Whew! One Long Week!!
"The successful person has the habit of doing the things failures don't like to do. They don't like doing them either necessarily. But their disliking is subordinated to the strength of their purpose." ~ Napoleon Hill
I am so glad to get to Friday, this week...somehow, January became a crazy month. Signed my contract with Samhain, yesterday, though, and will put it into the mail today - exciting! (Even though they made some changes to it...notably that you have to sell more copies to make $$...but it wasn't like One Night in Boston was rocking the charts, so I didn't have a huge problem with the changes. Anyway...)
Today's Marianne's birthday - go over and wish her a happy one!
I'm off to my local RWA chapter meeting tomorrow, and have lots to do, promo-wise, between now and the end of the month, so I'll be busy reading and writing and marketing (what else is new?). During my telephone interview the other day, I told the woman about what an effort constant self-promotion is, and that it's probably the one thing I wish I knew before I first published. Not that it would have changed my desire to be published - I just would have been more prepared.
For any of you writers out there, how challenging (or frustrating) do you find marketing yourself? I've gotten better, I think, and I know what seems to work for me and what I feel most comfortable doing...and what I don't. Still, it's a never-ending process, isn't it?
At least until I land an interview spot on Oprah...LOL
Happy Friday!
I am so glad to get to Friday, this week...somehow, January became a crazy month. Signed my contract with Samhain, yesterday, though, and will put it into the mail today - exciting! (Even though they made some changes to it...notably that you have to sell more copies to make $$...but it wasn't like One Night in Boston was rocking the charts, so I didn't have a huge problem with the changes. Anyway...)
Today's Marianne's birthday - go over and wish her a happy one!
I'm off to my local RWA chapter meeting tomorrow, and have lots to do, promo-wise, between now and the end of the month, so I'll be busy reading and writing and marketing (what else is new?). During my telephone interview the other day, I told the woman about what an effort constant self-promotion is, and that it's probably the one thing I wish I knew before I first published. Not that it would have changed my desire to be published - I just would have been more prepared.
For any of you writers out there, how challenging (or frustrating) do you find marketing yourself? I've gotten better, I think, and I know what seems to work for me and what I feel most comfortable doing...and what I don't. Still, it's a never-ending process, isn't it?
At least until I land an interview spot on Oprah...LOL
Happy Friday!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Can I Please Have Yesterday Back?
"Sometimes when I'm talking, my words can't keep up with my thoughts. I wonder why we think faster than we speak. Probably so we can think twice.” ~ Bill Watterson
Yesterday I had my first-ever telephone interview about my books and my writing. It was with the "Living" Editor at my hometown newspaper (the hometown where I grew up, not where I currently live). It was weird! I did have an interview appear in another local paper, a few months back, but the editor just sent the question via email and I sent them back. At my leisure. When I could think through my responses and reread and reword them if I wanted to.
With this, I just had to think on my feet and answer her questions...and of course when we finished and hung up I thought of at least 2 things I wanted to say differently. Or add. Or delete altogether. But I don't know the etiquette for that sort of thing. I don't think you're supposed to call back up and say "Oh, by the way, you know when I was rambling on about what I would do if I actually appeared on Oprah? Well..."
And it wouldn't be such a big deal if it weren't going to appear in the local paper of the town where I grew up. I mean, I don't even live there anymore, so it's not like I have to read it and see it and hear people in the grocery store talking about it. But at the same time, it's a pretty small town, and a lot of the kids I grew up with are now adults raising their own kids there...and if you know anything about how people talk and remember things in small towns, then...
We'll see. I think it went well overall. She didn't really ask me anything I couldn't answer. And I have to be better at letting go of what's done and gone and what I can't control. Aargh. I'll let you know how it turns out!
Yesterday I had my first-ever telephone interview about my books and my writing. It was with the "Living" Editor at my hometown newspaper (the hometown where I grew up, not where I currently live). It was weird! I did have an interview appear in another local paper, a few months back, but the editor just sent the question via email and I sent them back. At my leisure. When I could think through my responses and reread and reword them if I wanted to.
With this, I just had to think on my feet and answer her questions...and of course when we finished and hung up I thought of at least 2 things I wanted to say differently. Or add. Or delete altogether. But I don't know the etiquette for that sort of thing. I don't think you're supposed to call back up and say "Oh, by the way, you know when I was rambling on about what I would do if I actually appeared on Oprah? Well..."
And it wouldn't be such a big deal if it weren't going to appear in the local paper of the town where I grew up. I mean, I don't even live there anymore, so it's not like I have to read it and see it and hear people in the grocery store talking about it. But at the same time, it's a pretty small town, and a lot of the kids I grew up with are now adults raising their own kids there...and if you know anything about how people talk and remember things in small towns, then...
We'll see. I think it went well overall. She didn't really ask me anything I couldn't answer. And I have to be better at letting go of what's done and gone and what I can't control. Aargh. I'll let you know how it turns out!
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Writers' Wednesday: An Interview with Judith Rochelle
Welcome to Writers' Wednesday! Today I'm visiting with Judith Rochelle, who writes in a variety of romance sub-genres. Enjoy the interview - then make sure to watch her book trailers and visit her website to find out more!
Hi, Judith! Can you start by telling us a little about your background?
I think I’ve had almost every kind of job you can think of – newspaper reporter, insurance agent, special events planner, manager of rock bands, concert promoter, merchant, public relations and fundraising. Ad that doesn’t include the summer I picked beans or the one I spent cleaning out stalls at a stable!
What' your latest published title? Any writing projects waiting in the wings?
My latest published title is a psychic romantic intrigue, Always On My Mind, published by The Lotus Circle, a sister imprint of Ellora’s Cave, and it’s a project that really excited me. I just completed a novella for The Wild Rose Press as part of their Wayback, Texas series called Shadow of the Hawk, that has kind of a mystical quality to it. An d of course I always have a lot on the drawing board.
What do you find most difficult about writing?
Editing and proofreading,. I’m a terrible proofreader and an obsessive self-editor.
What do you find most exciting or rewarding?
The pleasure people tell me they get from my books.
Oh, that's definitely a warm fuzzie :) What do you like to do when you're not writing?
Read and watch football. I’m obsessive about both of them.
So when you write, do you use the computer or compose by hand, oral dictation, or some other method?
I use the computer, but I always carry a notebook with me so I can jot things down as they occur to me – ideas, people, scenes, etc.
Always a fun question: What is your favorite movie? Did it inspire your writing in any way?
The Hunt for Red October, and while it didn’t inspire my writing, it made me drool over Sean Connery. He’s aged very, very well.
Oh, yes, yummy!
Is there anything else you’d like to mention to our blog readers today?
I just want to thank all the people who buy my books and read them, and encourage them to email me at judithrochelle@judithrochelle.com or desireeholt@desireeholt.com with their comments. I love hearing from my readers.
Thanks, Judith!
Hi, Judith! Can you start by telling us a little about your background?
I think I’ve had almost every kind of job you can think of – newspaper reporter, insurance agent, special events planner, manager of rock bands, concert promoter, merchant, public relations and fundraising. Ad that doesn’t include the summer I picked beans or the one I spent cleaning out stalls at a stable!
What' your latest published title? Any writing projects waiting in the wings?
My latest published title is a psychic romantic intrigue, Always On My Mind, published by The Lotus Circle, a sister imprint of Ellora’s Cave, and it’s a project that really excited me. I just completed a novella for The Wild Rose Press as part of their Wayback, Texas series called Shadow of the Hawk, that has kind of a mystical quality to it. An d of course I always have a lot on the drawing board.
What do you find most difficult about writing?
Editing and proofreading,. I’m a terrible proofreader and an obsessive self-editor.
What do you find most exciting or rewarding?
The pleasure people tell me they get from my books.
Oh, that's definitely a warm fuzzie :) What do you like to do when you're not writing?
Read and watch football. I’m obsessive about both of them.
So when you write, do you use the computer or compose by hand, oral dictation, or some other method?
I use the computer, but I always carry a notebook with me so I can jot things down as they occur to me – ideas, people, scenes, etc.
Always a fun question: What is your favorite movie? Did it inspire your writing in any way?
The Hunt for Red October, and while it didn’t inspire my writing, it made me drool over Sean Connery. He’s aged very, very well.
Oh, yes, yummy!
Is there anything else you’d like to mention to our blog readers today?
I just want to thank all the people who buy my books and read them, and encourage them to email me at judithrochelle@judithrochelle.com or desireeholt@desireeholt.com with their comments. I love hearing from my readers.
Thanks, Judith!
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
"K-Mart Sucks"
"For every nine people who denounce innovation, only one will encourage it… For every nine people who do things the way they have always been done, only one will ever wonder if there is a better way. For every nine people who stand in line in front of a locked building, only one will ever come around and check the back door. Our progress as a species rests squarely on the shoulders of that tenth person. The nine are satisfied with things they are told are valuable. Person 10 determines for himself what has value.” — Za Rinpoche and Ashley Nebelsieck, in The Backdoor to Enlightenment
Yesterday, we had a great, dynamic, inspiring guest speaker in my class, and she used the quote above to start her discussion about why we need great people to go into the field of education...and make change.
She gave a really practical, honest presentation about the field of special needs students, and one of the things she talked about was the growing prevalence of autism. It's a scary thing: 1 in 90 boys, and 1 in 150 girls, born today will be diagnosed somewhere along the autistic spectrum.
Here's the thing that startled me the most, though: she mentioned the movie "Rainmain" when she was talking about the brains of autistic children (and that's fodder for a whole different, fascinating look at how the brain is wired)...and not one of my students had seen the movie. Most hadn't even heard of it! Wow...
So guess what we're watching later this week?
Yesterday, we had a great, dynamic, inspiring guest speaker in my class, and she used the quote above to start her discussion about why we need great people to go into the field of education...and make change.
She gave a really practical, honest presentation about the field of special needs students, and one of the things she talked about was the growing prevalence of autism. It's a scary thing: 1 in 90 boys, and 1 in 150 girls, born today will be diagnosed somewhere along the autistic spectrum.
Here's the thing that startled me the most, though: she mentioned the movie "Rainmain" when she was talking about the brains of autistic children (and that's fodder for a whole different, fascinating look at how the brain is wired)...and not one of my students had seen the movie. Most hadn't even heard of it! Wow...
So guess what we're watching later this week?
Monday, January 07, 2008
Love 2008
“I read in the newspapers they are going to have 30 minutes of intellectual stuff on television every Monday from 7:30 to 8. to educate America. They couldn't educate America if they started at 6:30.” ~ Groucho Marx
Happy Monday to you! I have about a zillion things going on this week at work, so I can't promise any of the next few posts will be terrible scintillating...but I'll try! Anyway, you'll still want to post a comment so you can be in the running to win the very cool, author-autographed copy of Cast in Stone, which is my January book-blog giveaway. Right?
I forgot to mention last Saturday that I was doing a book giveaway of Lost in Paradise, over at The Romance Studio...so apologies if you didn't get a chance to enter. I had a turnout of 100+ people who entered to win, though, with over 50 who opted to join my newsletter, so that's always encouraging :)
[And every day they offer multiple books being given away, so check it out if you're interested!]
Hey, check out this rather interesting video (click on "Love 2008" when you get to the main page). My dad sent me the link (I haven't asked where on earth he found it), but the concept is an original one. Plus it's about love, so how can you go wrong?
Enjoy, and I'll see you back here tomorrow!
Happy Monday to you! I have about a zillion things going on this week at work, so I can't promise any of the next few posts will be terrible scintillating...but I'll try! Anyway, you'll still want to post a comment so you can be in the running to win the very cool, author-autographed copy of Cast in Stone, which is my January book-blog giveaway. Right?
I forgot to mention last Saturday that I was doing a book giveaway of Lost in Paradise, over at The Romance Studio...so apologies if you didn't get a chance to enter. I had a turnout of 100+ people who entered to win, though, with over 50 who opted to join my newsletter, so that's always encouraging :)
[And every day they offer multiple books being given away, so check it out if you're interested!]
Hey, check out this rather interesting video (click on "Love 2008" when you get to the main page). My dad sent me the link (I haven't asked where on earth he found it), but the concept is an original one. Plus it's about love, so how can you go wrong?
Enjoy, and I'll see you back here tomorrow!
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Sunday and I'm Strapped for Time
"A Sunday well-spent brings a week of content." ~Anonymous
How is it possible that the weekend is almost over?!
In the interest of time, today's post will be a very brief one.
I spent all of yesterday helping a group of volunteers clean and sanitize rooms housing 50+ cats, at a local animal shelter which is in over its head and closing soon..but in the meantime all of these lovely felines are passing around upper respiratory infections because they're living in crowded conditions that aren't properly cleaned. I know people mean well, but geez. How hard is it to use some bleach once in a while, or change bedding, or empty the litter pans, or wipe the projectile vomit off the ceiling? (Sorry, but it's true.) It was gross, somewhat depressing, but hugely satisfying when we made some headway and these poor things rushed madly to curl up in their new beds and cushy towels and blankets we put on the shelves.
Sigh. I hope at least some of them get healthy and find good homes.
Anyway, I did nothing else yesterday, which means today I have to find time to work out; finish edits on the "My Mom is my Hero" story; send in my author and book info for my Featured Author Spot over at The Romance Studio; tutor a student (we have a standing Sunday appointment); get my hair cut; and go to a friend's 30th surprise party later this evening.
Wait a minute...how many waking hours are in a single day??
How is it possible that the weekend is almost over?!
In the interest of time, today's post will be a very brief one.
I spent all of yesterday helping a group of volunteers clean and sanitize rooms housing 50+ cats, at a local animal shelter which is in over its head and closing soon..but in the meantime all of these lovely felines are passing around upper respiratory infections because they're living in crowded conditions that aren't properly cleaned. I know people mean well, but geez. How hard is it to use some bleach once in a while, or change bedding, or empty the litter pans, or wipe the projectile vomit off the ceiling? (Sorry, but it's true.) It was gross, somewhat depressing, but hugely satisfying when we made some headway and these poor things rushed madly to curl up in their new beds and cushy towels and blankets we put on the shelves.
Sigh. I hope at least some of them get healthy and find good homes.
Anyway, I did nothing else yesterday, which means today I have to find time to work out; finish edits on the "My Mom is my Hero" story; send in my author and book info for my Featured Author Spot over at The Romance Studio; tutor a student (we have a standing Sunday appointment); get my hair cut; and go to a friend's 30th surprise party later this evening.
Wait a minute...how many waking hours are in a single day??
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Two Contracts in Two Days
"Motivation will almost always beat mere talent." ~ Norman R. Augustine
So three days ago, I received an email from Literary Cottage Agency, who was taking submissions for the anthology "My Mom is my Hero." I had submitted one and found out it's been selected as a finalist! They take 53 finalists. 50 are published in the book, and 3 are alternates. So the odds are good for me...fingers crossed. It's similar to the "Chicken Soup" books, from what I can gather, with narrative nonfiction pieces all about, well, you know, why your mom is heroic to you. I wrote about the time when I was in elementary school, and I wasn't allowed to take certain books out of the library because they were considered "too advanced" for a 1st grader. My mom straightened that out, and fast! The story is titled "Blue Circle Books," and if all goes well, the anthology will appear in print in Spring 2009, right before Mother's Day.
Then two days ago, I heard back from my editor at Samhain Publishing, offering me a contract for One Night in Memphis!! Very exciting...I had submitted the full to her over two months ago, so it was nice to hear a response. No guarantees, even if you've already published with them! So I am really, really happy about that one as well!
I feel as though I can finally say, yes, I am a writer. It's a nice feeling :)
So three days ago, I received an email from Literary Cottage Agency, who was taking submissions for the anthology "My Mom is my Hero." I had submitted one and found out it's been selected as a finalist! They take 53 finalists. 50 are published in the book, and 3 are alternates. So the odds are good for me...fingers crossed. It's similar to the "Chicken Soup" books, from what I can gather, with narrative nonfiction pieces all about, well, you know, why your mom is heroic to you. I wrote about the time when I was in elementary school, and I wasn't allowed to take certain books out of the library because they were considered "too advanced" for a 1st grader. My mom straightened that out, and fast! The story is titled "Blue Circle Books," and if all goes well, the anthology will appear in print in Spring 2009, right before Mother's Day.
Then two days ago, I heard back from my editor at Samhain Publishing, offering me a contract for One Night in Memphis!! Very exciting...I had submitted the full to her over two months ago, so it was nice to hear a response. No guarantees, even if you've already published with them! So I am really, really happy about that one as well!
I feel as though I can finally say, yes, I am a writer. It's a nice feeling :)
Friday, January 04, 2008
TGIF!!!
"I much prefer working with kids whose life could be completely upended by a reading of a book over a weekend. You give them a book to read - they go home and come back a changed person. And that is so much more interesting and exciting. " Russell Banks
I have some more exciting news to share, but since today's Friday's Feast, I'll wait until tomorrow. Make sure you stop back to find out what it is!
Did you see which book I'm giving away in the month of January to one lucky person who comments on my blog? Scroll down to yesterday's post to see...
I have some more exciting news to share, but since today's Friday's Feast, I'll wait until tomorrow. Make sure you stop back to find out what it is!
Did you see which book I'm giving away in the month of January to one lucky person who comments on my blog? Scroll down to yesterday's post to see...
Appetizer
When was the last time you received a surprise in the mail, and what was it?
Well, I did get a holiday card last week from a friend I hadn't heard from in a couple of years, so that was a nice surprise.
Soup
If you could have a summer and/or winter home, where would you want it to be?
I'm spoiled and lucky: my husband and I own 5 acres of lakefront property in upstate New York and are hoping to start building that very home in the next 5 years!
Salad
Pick one: pineapple, orange, banana, apple, cherry.
Apple, without a doubt. Loved them as a kid and still eat at least one/day.
Main Course
Describe the nicest piece of clothing that you own.
My wedding dress. First, it's just beautiful (of course!) and second it reminds me of a happy day!
Dessert
If you could forget one whole day from your life, which day would you choose to wipe from your memory?
I wouldn't. Even the worst days make us tougher for surviving them. And I'm a writer, so those bleak moments also serve as fodder for stories!
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Contests and Polls
"Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us." ~Hal Borland
What do I give it? Let's say 3 1/2 stars.
I think my next book will be The Red Tent - it's on my list for the Winter Reading Challenge, and I want to get started!
Here's the news about my January book-blog giveaway! Everyone who comments on my blog during the month of January will be entered into a random drawing to win an autographed copy of Cast in Stone, by Kerry A. Jones. Readers, this is a tremendously written paranormal romance. It's been nominated as a Best Romance of 2007 over at LASR, and you can read a review of it here. And it's signed by the author! So go ahead and comment away...
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Well, as if having both my novels One Night in Boston and Lost in Paradise nominated for the LASR Best Long Ebook Romance of 2007 wasn't enough, I just found out they were also both nominated for the Preditors and Editors Best Romance of 2007 as well! Truly an honor...and if you're inclined, I'd love it if you would take the time to vote! (P.S. - Marianne's nominated in the short romance category, so vote for her too!)
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In other news, I got John Grisham's newest novel, Playing for Pizza, for Christmas. I finished it in a few days (it's an easy read) ~ it was entertaining, nothing terribly brilliant or original, but sweet. It features Rick Dockery, a washed-up, third string NFL quarterback whose only option left is to play for the Parma Panthers of Parma, Italy. He gets paid (a paltry amount), but the Italians who make up the rest of his team play for pizza and beer. It's a pretty predictable story, about how Rick discovers a country and culture he never knew existed, and it has some good sports scenes, so I think male readers will like it too. Actually, one of my students who's a big football player asked to borrow it today, and anytime a teenage boy picks up a book to read, it's a good thing!
What do I give it? Let's say 3 1/2 stars.
I think my next book will be The Red Tent - it's on my list for the Winter Reading Challenge, and I want to get started!
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Writers' Wednesday: An Interview with Hazel Statham
Welcome to the first Writers' Wednesday of 2008! I have some terrific authors lined up for interviews in the upcoming months, so be sure to stop by each week to see who's featured!
Today I'm chatting with Hazel Statham, whose Regency romance, My Dearest Friend, just released yesterday!
Welcome, Hazel. Can you tell us a little about your background?
I live in the UK and am now 'officially' retired. When I am not reading or writing, my other ruling passion is animals and until recently I was the treasurer of an organisation that raised funds for animal charities. We currently share our home with a lovely Labrador named Lucy although, over the years, we have owned everying from hamsters to horses.
I have always been fascinated by history and write mainly in the Regency and Georgian eras, although I have been known to stray into medieval times. I have written on and off since I was fifteen but only recently plucked up the courage to submit my work to a publisher.
When did you first begin writing? Was there an event or moment in your life that triggered your desire to write?
I only know that it was a compulsion. I was inspired by authors such as Charlotte Bronte, Georgette Heyer and Jane Austen and wanted to recreate my own historical world. I wrote three novels between the age of fifteen and eighteen. I only wish I had those novels now so that I could compare them with my current work.
Tell us about your latest writing project or published title.
'My Dearest Friend' just released with Wings ePress on January 1st and will be available both as an e-book and in print. Here's a brief blurb:
Devastated and wracked with guilt by the death of his younger brother, Stafan, in the Peninsular War, Robert Blake, Duke of Lear, readily agrees to aid Jane Chandler to bring her seriously wounded brother back from Portugal.
Much against Jane’s wishes, he decides to accompany her and together they embark on the hazardous mission to retrieve the young soldier. However, the journey holds many revelations, not least of all the abiding friendship and growing love between the two travelers.
That special love is put severley to the test by the treachery that awaits them upon their return to England, when a tenant of Jane's former home invades their lives, maliciously creating jealousy and misunderstandings for his own nefarious reasons.
Can their friendship and love conquer the emotions that threaten to tear them asunder?
Sounds like a winner! So how do you go about developing your characters?
I live with the characters in my mind and get to know them before actually putting pen to paper. I start with the hero first and know exactly the kind of person I want him to be and how he will react in different circumstances. Sometimes they have several layers that are only revealed as the story unfolds although, on the whole, they are strong men.
I know many people are using the new year as an incentive to finally start writing, or finally finish that first work-in-progress. What advice would you give to new writers just starting out?
Enjoy your writing. Write what you know and feel you have an afinity to. Whether you write for yourself or aspire to become a published author, there is a great satisfaction in completing your work.
OK, the tough questions now: What do you find most challenging about writing? What do you find most exciting or rewarding?
For me, writing is like watching a play unfold or listening in on other people's conversations. Quite often, someone will say something I never expected and it will take the plot off at a tangent. However, this just enriches the storyline and adds more depth to the characters.
How do you balance writing with the rest of your life?
Now that I no longer work, my time is more or less my own although I prefer to write when the house is empty and quiet. I have always written for myself alone and it is just an added bonus to have my work accepted by a publisher.
Do you ever suffer from writer's block? If so, what do you do about it?
Yes, occasionally I suffer from writer's block but I just find something else to do until it resolves itself. Usually it doesn't take long before it is resolved.
Can you tell us about your writing space?
I wish I was one of the lucky few who had a room they could dedicate to their work, but unfortunately. I am not. I have a desk in the corner of the diningroom where all is organised chaos. I try to keep everything in its place but rarely succeed. Thank goodness I have an understanding husband who rarely complains.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I read or spend time with my lovely grandson, Daniel. Lucy is my constant companion and she adores Daniel too.
When you write, do you use the computer or compose by hand, oral dictation, or some other method?
I write mainly on the computer but sometimes inspiration comes as I'm just dropping off to sleep and if I waited to boot up the computer, I would have lost the thought, so I then write by hand. A few Christmases ago, my daughter bought me a dictaphone, but my messages were so garbled that I gave up the idea and reverted to pen and paper.
Anything else you’d like to mention?
I love to hear from my readers and respond to all my mail. On my website, http://www.hazel-statham.co.uk/ you will find excerpts and reviews of all my published and upcoming works.
Thanks so much for your time today, Hazel! And may you sell many books in 2008!
Thank you, Allie.
Today I'm chatting with Hazel Statham, whose Regency romance, My Dearest Friend, just released yesterday!
Welcome, Hazel. Can you tell us a little about your background?
I live in the UK and am now 'officially' retired. When I am not reading or writing, my other ruling passion is animals and until recently I was the treasurer of an organisation that raised funds for animal charities. We currently share our home with a lovely Labrador named Lucy although, over the years, we have owned everying from hamsters to horses.
I have always been fascinated by history and write mainly in the Regency and Georgian eras, although I have been known to stray into medieval times. I have written on and off since I was fifteen but only recently plucked up the courage to submit my work to a publisher.
When did you first begin writing? Was there an event or moment in your life that triggered your desire to write?
I only know that it was a compulsion. I was inspired by authors such as Charlotte Bronte, Georgette Heyer and Jane Austen and wanted to recreate my own historical world. I wrote three novels between the age of fifteen and eighteen. I only wish I had those novels now so that I could compare them with my current work.
Tell us about your latest writing project or published title.
'My Dearest Friend' just released with Wings ePress on January 1st and will be available both as an e-book and in print. Here's a brief blurb:
Devastated and wracked with guilt by the death of his younger brother, Stafan, in the Peninsular War, Robert Blake, Duke of Lear, readily agrees to aid Jane Chandler to bring her seriously wounded brother back from Portugal.
Much against Jane’s wishes, he decides to accompany her and together they embark on the hazardous mission to retrieve the young soldier. However, the journey holds many revelations, not least of all the abiding friendship and growing love between the two travelers.
That special love is put severley to the test by the treachery that awaits them upon their return to England, when a tenant of Jane's former home invades their lives, maliciously creating jealousy and misunderstandings for his own nefarious reasons.
Can their friendship and love conquer the emotions that threaten to tear them asunder?
Sounds like a winner! So how do you go about developing your characters?
I live with the characters in my mind and get to know them before actually putting pen to paper. I start with the hero first and know exactly the kind of person I want him to be and how he will react in different circumstances. Sometimes they have several layers that are only revealed as the story unfolds although, on the whole, they are strong men.
I know many people are using the new year as an incentive to finally start writing, or finally finish that first work-in-progress. What advice would you give to new writers just starting out?
Enjoy your writing. Write what you know and feel you have an afinity to. Whether you write for yourself or aspire to become a published author, there is a great satisfaction in completing your work.
OK, the tough questions now: What do you find most challenging about writing? What do you find most exciting or rewarding?
For me, writing is like watching a play unfold or listening in on other people's conversations. Quite often, someone will say something I never expected and it will take the plot off at a tangent. However, this just enriches the storyline and adds more depth to the characters.
How do you balance writing with the rest of your life?
Now that I no longer work, my time is more or less my own although I prefer to write when the house is empty and quiet. I have always written for myself alone and it is just an added bonus to have my work accepted by a publisher.
Do you ever suffer from writer's block? If so, what do you do about it?
Yes, occasionally I suffer from writer's block but I just find something else to do until it resolves itself. Usually it doesn't take long before it is resolved.
Can you tell us about your writing space?
I wish I was one of the lucky few who had a room they could dedicate to their work, but unfortunately. I am not. I have a desk in the corner of the diningroom where all is organised chaos. I try to keep everything in its place but rarely succeed. Thank goodness I have an understanding husband who rarely complains.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I read or spend time with my lovely grandson, Daniel. Lucy is my constant companion and she adores Daniel too.
When you write, do you use the computer or compose by hand, oral dictation, or some other method?
I write mainly on the computer but sometimes inspiration comes as I'm just dropping off to sleep and if I waited to boot up the computer, I would have lost the thought, so I then write by hand. A few Christmases ago, my daughter bought me a dictaphone, but my messages were so garbled that I gave up the idea and reverted to pen and paper.
Anything else you’d like to mention?
I love to hear from my readers and respond to all my mail. On my website, http://www.hazel-statham.co.uk/ you will find excerpts and reviews of all my published and upcoming works.
Thanks so much for your time today, Hazel! And may you sell many books in 2008!
Thank you, Allie.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Happy 2008!
"Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve. Middle age is when you're forced to. " (Bill Vaughan)
Last night arond 11:00 I was definitely agreeing with this quote, even though I'd like to think I'm still pretty far from middle age!
Still, I do always love the start to a new year, and the farewell to the old...something about clean slates and empty pages waiting to be filled...
I have some exciting news to start 2008!
First, both Lost in Paradise and One Night in Boston have been nominated over at The Long and the Short of It Best Romance of 2007 Poll!! So scoot on over there when you get a chance...
...and if you need some help deciding which to vote for, you might want to read this 5-Angel review Lost in Paradise just received from Fallen Angel Reviews! In part, it says
"Lost in Paradise by Allie Boniface is an emotional love story that draws the reader in and keeps the pages turning as the couple overcomes obstacles on their journey to true love...Ms. Boniface develops the characters well, enabling the reader to understand the pain and fear that threaten to keep Eddie and Ashton apart. The author presents a solid conflict, keeping the reader engaged until the satisfying conclusion. Lost in Paradise was a delight to read. I can recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a love story that brings an unlikely couple together..."
Finally, I'm happy to announce the winner of my December Book-Blog Giveaway: WindyCindy will receive a brand new, once-read copy of Scenes from a Holiday! [Cindy, email me at allieb@allieboniface.com to arrange the mailing details] Thanks to everyone who commented in the month of December - and I'll be giving away a book in January too! Stay tuned...I'll be announcing the details this Thursday.
Have a terrific start to a brand new year...may it be the start of something wonderful for you:)
Last night arond 11:00 I was definitely agreeing with this quote, even though I'd like to think I'm still pretty far from middle age!
Still, I do always love the start to a new year, and the farewell to the old...something about clean slates and empty pages waiting to be filled...
I have some exciting news to start 2008!
First, both Lost in Paradise and One Night in Boston have been nominated over at The Long and the Short of It Best Romance of 2007 Poll!! So scoot on over there when you get a chance...
...and if you need some help deciding which to vote for, you might want to read this 5-Angel review Lost in Paradise just received from Fallen Angel Reviews! In part, it says
"Lost in Paradise by Allie Boniface is an emotional love story that draws the reader in and keeps the pages turning as the couple overcomes obstacles on their journey to true love...Ms. Boniface develops the characters well, enabling the reader to understand the pain and fear that threaten to keep Eddie and Ashton apart. The author presents a solid conflict, keeping the reader engaged until the satisfying conclusion. Lost in Paradise was a delight to read. I can recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a love story that brings an unlikely couple together..."
Finally, I'm happy to announce the winner of my December Book-Blog Giveaway: WindyCindy will receive a brand new, once-read copy of Scenes from a Holiday! [Cindy, email me at allieb@allieboniface.com to arrange the mailing details] Thanks to everyone who commented in the month of December - and I'll be giving away a book in January too! Stay tuned...I'll be announcing the details this Thursday.
Have a terrific start to a brand new year...may it be the start of something wonderful for you:)
Monday, December 31, 2007
Reflecting on 2007 - Part 2
And here we are, in the final hours of the year. Can you believe it? Here are my reflections on July - December:
July 1, 2007
"Fifteen Things for which I am Truly Grateful (Appearing in no particular order)
1. My family - my parents, my sister, my husband. My niece and nephew. Everyone who shows me what unconditional love is."
The beginning of a cool meme - I was happy I had no problem thinking of 15 things, and probably could have gone on for more! It's always good to stop, take stock and give thanks, I think.
August 1, 2007
"Welcome to Writers' Wednesday! Today we have another author interview, this time with fantasy writer Jim Melvin. Sit back, relax, and learn about his six-book series premiering in fall 2007, The Death Wizard Chronicles."
This was one of my early author interviews. I've really enjoyed doing them every Wednesday; I've learned so much and met some really cool people. I already have authors lined up through May 2008, so watch out!
September 1, 2007
"First off, a big THANKS to everyone who visited my blog and played along in the One Night in Boston trivia contest this week. I'm hoping you enjoyed getting to know some of the characters in my novel and will read on to find out what unfolds for them next!"
This was one of my first giveaway contests...and the one that Dru won...read on to find out more about Dru!
October 1, 2007
"Last Friday, I was setting up an activity for my students when I overheard a piece of their conversation: "Man, I love this class. It's like - remember when you were in kindergarten, and you loved going to school every day because it was fun? That's what this class is like."
Ah. Always good to remember my day job, the one that pays my bills and keeps me sane when writing makes me crazy (well, okay, teaching makes me crazy too, but in a different way). I still enjoy it, most days, and feel lucky to have my cozy classroom to go in to, every morning.
November 1, 2007
"Ah, the day after Halloween...All Saints' Day. There's actually a Catholic school in town that's closed today, for the holiday. Interesting, huh? Of course, for the most part, November 1 is like the quiet, unassuming little sister, whose bad boy big brother, All Hallows' Eve, gets all the attention."
I love finding out new things, and this fact about Catholic schools being closed on November 1 was one of them.
December 1, 2007
"I'm off to the NYC Independent and Small Press Fair today...and while I'll admit I'm a little intimidated, I'm trying to keep an open mind and just learn from the whole experience."
Considering where I started the year, this was a smashing good place to wind it up, I think. I did survive, and I did meet a lot of other authors. One of the best perks of this day, though, was meeting Dru in person - fantastic!
###
Man, this was a great 2-day reflection for me. I learned so much about writing and editing and publishing and marketing this year. I can't wait to see what 2008 brings!
July 1, 2007
"Fifteen Things for which I am Truly Grateful (Appearing in no particular order)
1. My family - my parents, my sister, my husband. My niece and nephew. Everyone who shows me what unconditional love is."
The beginning of a cool meme - I was happy I had no problem thinking of 15 things, and probably could have gone on for more! It's always good to stop, take stock and give thanks, I think.
August 1, 2007
"Welcome to Writers' Wednesday! Today we have another author interview, this time with fantasy writer Jim Melvin. Sit back, relax, and learn about his six-book series premiering in fall 2007, The Death Wizard Chronicles."
This was one of my early author interviews. I've really enjoyed doing them every Wednesday; I've learned so much and met some really cool people. I already have authors lined up through May 2008, so watch out!
September 1, 2007
"First off, a big THANKS to everyone who visited my blog and played along in the One Night in Boston trivia contest this week. I'm hoping you enjoyed getting to know some of the characters in my novel and will read on to find out what unfolds for them next!"
This was one of my first giveaway contests...and the one that Dru won...read on to find out more about Dru!
October 1, 2007
"Last Friday, I was setting up an activity for my students when I overheard a piece of their conversation: "Man, I love this class. It's like - remember when you were in kindergarten, and you loved going to school every day because it was fun? That's what this class is like."
Ah. Always good to remember my day job, the one that pays my bills and keeps me sane when writing makes me crazy (well, okay, teaching makes me crazy too, but in a different way). I still enjoy it, most days, and feel lucky to have my cozy classroom to go in to, every morning.
November 1, 2007
"Ah, the day after Halloween...All Saints' Day. There's actually a Catholic school in town that's closed today, for the holiday. Interesting, huh? Of course, for the most part, November 1 is like the quiet, unassuming little sister, whose bad boy big brother, All Hallows' Eve, gets all the attention."
I love finding out new things, and this fact about Catholic schools being closed on November 1 was one of them.
December 1, 2007
"I'm off to the NYC Independent and Small Press Fair today...and while I'll admit I'm a little intimidated, I'm trying to keep an open mind and just learn from the whole experience."
Considering where I started the year, this was a smashing good place to wind it up, I think. I did survive, and I did meet a lot of other authors. One of the best perks of this day, though, was meeting Dru in person - fantastic!
###
Man, this was a great 2-day reflection for me. I learned so much about writing and editing and publishing and marketing this year. I can't wait to see what 2008 brings!
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Reflecting on 2007 - Part 1
Borrowed this one from Marianne: the idea is to pull your opening lines from the first blog post of every month of 2007 and then comment from your current perspective. I'm doing Jan - June today and July - Dec tomorrow. Kind of a nice way to wrap up the year...
January 1, 2007
"A brand new year…exciting! And just to start it off really well, 2 great things happened to me in the final days of 2006: I got to meet, in person, one of my virtual writing friends, Marianne and my manuscript One Night in Boston was accepted by Samhain Publishing!!!!!!"
Wow...that was definitely the way to start off a new year. 2007 turned out to be a great year for me in terms of moving my writing career forward. It's funny to think it all just started one year ago.
February 1, 2007
"Today’s the day! My article about character building is supposed to be up at WOW. "
Ditto the forward progress of my writing. I had a ball writing this article, and I have two articles in the works for WOW (Women-on-Writing), coming up in the next few months.
March 1, 2007
"For a little something different, I thought I’d post an excerpt from my WIP Lost in Paradise, which is in its umpteenth revision since being pulled from Virtual Tales. It’s also being read as a partial right now by The Wild Rose Press, so fingers crossed."
I actually forgot I originally agreed to publish Lost in Paradise with another, small e-press. Deciding to terminate that contract was a huge, nail-biting decision...but it paid off, since TWRP liked it and published it!
April 1, 2007
"Well, I never was a big one for "celebrating" this day - I'm not a prankster by nature, and I can't remember the last time someone really got me. Still, in honor of this day you might be interested in reading the History of April Fool's Day."
Still true (and the link still works, so check it out for some interesting facts)!
May 1, 2007
"First off, a big thanks to Marianne, who nominated me for "The Best of the Best" Blog Entries, and to everyone who voted for "Why I Harbor Hope"...I ended up winning!"
Oh, yeah, the blog post where I shared an email from a former student. Update: I continue to keep in touch with her; we just had lunch the other day and she told me all about her first year at graduate school. She's doing fabulous, of course!
June 1, 2007
(It was a Friday Feast day):
Appetizer: Name something you think is “the best.”
"Hmm...the end of a long day, when I've time to go for a long run in the morning, and I've had a student say "Thanks, I understand now," and I've just enjoyed a favorite dinner, and I'm sitting in the living room with my hubby and my cats and a handful of dark chocolate which contains no calories, and we're watching a favorite TV show together while we chill out from the day (this rarely happens, which is why when it does, it's THE BEST kind of day...)"
All still true!
See you tomorrow for the LAST DAY of 2007...
January 1, 2007
"A brand new year…exciting! And just to start it off really well, 2 great things happened to me in the final days of 2006: I got to meet, in person, one of my virtual writing friends, Marianne and my manuscript One Night in Boston was accepted by Samhain Publishing!!!!!!"
Wow...that was definitely the way to start off a new year. 2007 turned out to be a great year for me in terms of moving my writing career forward. It's funny to think it all just started one year ago.
February 1, 2007
"Today’s the day! My article about character building is supposed to be up at WOW. "
Ditto the forward progress of my writing. I had a ball writing this article, and I have two articles in the works for WOW (Women-on-Writing), coming up in the next few months.
March 1, 2007
"For a little something different, I thought I’d post an excerpt from my WIP Lost in Paradise, which is in its umpteenth revision since being pulled from Virtual Tales. It’s also being read as a partial right now by The Wild Rose Press, so fingers crossed."
I actually forgot I originally agreed to publish Lost in Paradise with another, small e-press. Deciding to terminate that contract was a huge, nail-biting decision...but it paid off, since TWRP liked it and published it!
April 1, 2007
"Well, I never was a big one for "celebrating" this day - I'm not a prankster by nature, and I can't remember the last time someone really got me. Still, in honor of this day you might be interested in reading the History of April Fool's Day."
Still true (and the link still works, so check it out for some interesting facts)!
May 1, 2007
"First off, a big thanks to Marianne, who nominated me for "The Best of the Best" Blog Entries, and to everyone who voted for "Why I Harbor Hope"...I ended up winning!"
Oh, yeah, the blog post where I shared an email from a former student. Update: I continue to keep in touch with her; we just had lunch the other day and she told me all about her first year at graduate school. She's doing fabulous, of course!
June 1, 2007
(It was a Friday Feast day):
Appetizer: Name something you think is “the best.”
"Hmm...the end of a long day, when I've time to go for a long run in the morning, and I've had a student say "Thanks, I understand now," and I've just enjoyed a favorite dinner, and I'm sitting in the living room with my hubby and my cats and a handful of dark chocolate which contains no calories, and we're watching a favorite TV show together while we chill out from the day (this rarely happens, which is why when it does, it's THE BEST kind of day...)"
All still true!
See you tomorrow for the LAST DAY of 2007...
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Movies and Such
Thanks to Blockbuster Online, I saw a couple of decent movies in the last few days:
Apocalypto - Quite a brutal, but interesting, story (directed by Mel Gibson) that takes place during the heights of the Mayan civilization. You see the grandeur and celebration at the temples but also the way the most powerful rulers pillaged villages in the surrounding forests to find human sacrifices. It's pretty bloody and graphic, but also quite suspenseful as, of course, one man gets away from his captors and spends most of the movie trying to outrun them. Oh, and it's done entirely in subtitles, which I didn't know ahead of time but didn't mind. [Actually, when I looked up the link on IMDB, I found out it had been nominated for quite a few movie awards - and won a handful]
Ocean's Thirteen - Yes, the third in the clever "ring of thieves" movies with a star-studded cast: Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Andy Garcia, Al Pacino, Don Cheadle, Casey Affleck, Bernie Mac, Matt Damon (who's hilarious, by the way, as the geeky kid who really wants to be a cool cat like Pitt and Clooney but isn't)... In this one, the group works to steal profits from a hotel/casino owner who double-crossed one of their own. It was good, not as good as the first one, but OK. I figured out the twist at the end before it happened, while Ocean's Eleven and Ocean's Twelve surprised me, so enough said.
And there are actually a couple in the theaters I wouldn't mind seeing: Atonement, Juno, I Am Legend, National Treaure 2. It's just a matter of finding the time (sigh). Seen any good ones lately that you'd recommend?
Apocalypto - Quite a brutal, but interesting, story (directed by Mel Gibson) that takes place during the heights of the Mayan civilization. You see the grandeur and celebration at the temples but also the way the most powerful rulers pillaged villages in the surrounding forests to find human sacrifices. It's pretty bloody and graphic, but also quite suspenseful as, of course, one man gets away from his captors and spends most of the movie trying to outrun them. Oh, and it's done entirely in subtitles, which I didn't know ahead of time but didn't mind. [Actually, when I looked up the link on IMDB, I found out it had been nominated for quite a few movie awards - and won a handful]
Ocean's Thirteen - Yes, the third in the clever "ring of thieves" movies with a star-studded cast: Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Andy Garcia, Al Pacino, Don Cheadle, Casey Affleck, Bernie Mac, Matt Damon (who's hilarious, by the way, as the geeky kid who really wants to be a cool cat like Pitt and Clooney but isn't)... In this one, the group works to steal profits from a hotel/casino owner who double-crossed one of their own. It was good, not as good as the first one, but OK. I figured out the twist at the end before it happened, while Ocean's Eleven and Ocean's Twelve surprised me, so enough said.
And there are actually a couple in the theaters I wouldn't mind seeing: Atonement, Juno, I Am Legend, National Treaure 2. It's just a matter of finding the time (sigh). Seen any good ones lately that you'd recommend?
Friday, December 28, 2007
TGIF!!
I can't believe it's Friday already! Of course, I do love the way you lose track of the days when you're not working...
OK, here it is, the last Friday Feast of 2007!
Appetizer
Name 2 things you would like to accomplish in 2008.
I'd like to publish another book, and I would like to improve my fitness/workout regime. It's OK right now, but it could use some tweaking!
Soup
With which cartoon character do you share personality traits?
Cartoon character? Honestly, I don't even watch cartoons.
Salad
What time of day (or night) were you born?
Around 8:30 AM - my hubby tells me that's why I'm such a morning person and not a night owl!
Main Course
Tell us something special about your hometown.
My hometown growing up as a child: It's an old, historic New England town (translation: beautiful) that still has old hitching posts in front of many of the homes on Main Street.
My hometown now, as an adult: It's the site of one of the old sanitoriums, where people from New York City used to come to recover from tuberculosis. Even more interesting: Agnes von Kurowsky, the great love of Ernest Hemingway's life, worked as a nurse at this sanitorium for 3 years back in the 1920s.
Dessert
If you could receive a letter from anyone in the world, who would you want to get one from?
Actually, my paternal grandfather, who passed away about 20 years ago. I'd like to know what he thinks of all I've accomplished..
Have a great Friday!
OK, here it is, the last Friday Feast of 2007!
Appetizer
Name 2 things you would like to accomplish in 2008.
I'd like to publish another book, and I would like to improve my fitness/workout regime. It's OK right now, but it could use some tweaking!
Soup
With which cartoon character do you share personality traits?
Cartoon character? Honestly, I don't even watch cartoons.
Salad
What time of day (or night) were you born?
Around 8:30 AM - my hubby tells me that's why I'm such a morning person and not a night owl!
Main Course
Tell us something special about your hometown.
My hometown growing up as a child: It's an old, historic New England town (translation: beautiful) that still has old hitching posts in front of many of the homes on Main Street.
My hometown now, as an adult: It's the site of one of the old sanitoriums, where people from New York City used to come to recover from tuberculosis. Even more interesting: Agnes von Kurowsky, the great love of Ernest Hemingway's life, worked as a nurse at this sanitorium for 3 years back in the 1920s.
Dessert
If you could receive a letter from anyone in the world, who would you want to get one from?
Actually, my paternal grandfather, who passed away about 20 years ago. I'd like to know what he thinks of all I've accomplished..
Have a great Friday!
Thursday, December 27, 2007
A Climax, a Church, and a Cool Contest
Whew! It's been a lovely few days, celebrating Christmas with the various sides of the family, but I am glad to be home again! I am bound and determined to make some headway through the last few chapters of Summer's Song. I'm at the point leading up to, and including, the climax, which will be a challenge since I'm changing a lot of it, but oh well!
Hey, did you see this article about the church in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, that gave away $50 to every member and then challenged people to double the amount? Pretty cool. And Chagrin Falls is a charming little town outside of Cleveland, by the way, in case you're ever driving through the state of Ohio and feel like stopping :)
And I can't leave today without mentioning the very cool contest that the folks over at The Long and the Short of It are running - you can win books! Doesn't everyone want to win books? Go forth and enter!
Hey, did you see this article about the church in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, that gave away $50 to every member and then challenged people to double the amount? Pretty cool. And Chagrin Falls is a charming little town outside of Cleveland, by the way, in case you're ever driving through the state of Ohio and feel like stopping :)
And I can't leave today without mentioning the very cool contest that the folks over at The Long and the Short of It are running - you can win books! Doesn't everyone want to win books? Go forth and enter!
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Writers' Wednesday: An Interview with Mary Eason
Welcome to Writers' Wednesday ~ hope you're enjoying your holiday :) Today I'm chatting with chick lit author Mary Eason. Her novel The Things You Think You Want just released last month with Samhain, so let's find out a little bit more!
Hi, Mary! Thanks for stopping by during this busy holiday season. So, can you tell us about your latest writing project or published title?
Hi, Mary! Thanks for stopping by during this busy holiday season. So, can you tell us about your latest writing project or published title?
My latest book, entitled The Things You Think You Want released through Samhain Publishing on November 27th. It is a chick lit romance that I’m very proud of because it has a lot of me in it. It's about a woman who realizes finding love is the easy part.
Carrie Sinclair thought she knew exactly what she wanted from life until she came face-to-face with the bluest eyes in Texas.
Carrie Sinclair thought she knew exactly what she wanted from life until she came face-to-face with the bluest eyes in Texas.
Ooh, I love that tagline! OK, what advice would you give to new writers just starting out?
Chances are, unless you are Nora Roberts you aren’t going to get rich by writing. Do it because you love it. Writing is a roller coaster ride. The highs are very high, but the lows can bring you to your knees if you aren’t tough. You have to find a way to learn not to take rejection personally.
What kinds of books do you like to read? Who is your favorite author?
I read many different romance genres, but my favorites are Romantic Suspense and Romantic Comedy. My favorite authors are Lisa Gardner, Rita Herron, Brenda Novak, Nora Roberts, and Lilly Winston.
Now for a tough question: What do you find most difficult about writing?
For me, the most difficult part of writing is the distractions from it. Today, with the internet, authors are required to do more of their own publicity. That in itself can be a full time job. It’s easy to get caught up in promoting and lose your writing time.
Very true! So what do you find most exciting or rewarding?
My favorite part of writing is seeing my name on the cover of my book and hearing that someone loved the story I created. There’s nothing like those two things to keep you going.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I love being with my family as well and with my granddaughter Ava. I’m a huge reader. I read everything I can get my hands on. Also, my hubby and I have a vacation home in the Colorado Rockies. We love spending time there.
That sounds amazing! So when you write, do you use the computer or compose by hand, oral dictation, or some other method?
My method of writing is my laptop. When I start a new project, I give myself permission to simply write the story that’s in my head all the way to the end without editing it.
Once I’m done, then the fine-tuning begins.
Once I’m done, then the fine-tuning begins.
This has been a great interview. Anything else you’d like to mention?
Only that I love hearing from my readers. They can contact me at maryjeason@netzero.com
And I’m always, always, always giving something away over on my website. So, stop by and check it out.
http://www.maryeason.bravehost.com/
And I’m always, always, always giving something away over on my website. So, stop by and check it out.
http://www.maryeason.bravehost.com/
Other places to find Mary?
Thanks for being here today, Mary, and good luck with your writing!
Thanks so much for having me, Allie.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Merry Christmas!
Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas Day...and if you don't celebrate Christmas, I hope you have a peaceful day spent with people most important to you!
Monday, December 24, 2007
Merry Christmas Eve!
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.
His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.
His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"
Sunday, December 23, 2007
The Winter Reading Challenge
Hey everyone, I blogged yesterday over at Samhain's Blog...and my post is a little lonely. Would you hop on over and maybe leave me a comment there?
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Marianne posted yesterday about The Winter Reading Challenge, which seems like an excellent way to start the new year. 12 weeks of winter, or so, and given my time constraints, I think 6 books (+ an extra couple for LASR) will be the most I can attempt.
So here they are:
1. Nineteen Minutes - I've been wanting to read this one by Jodi Picoult, about a school shooting, for some time now. It's supposed to be pretty powerful...and not what you'd expect.
2. A Thousand Splendid Suns- The follow-up novel to The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini. Loved the first one and have heard good things about this second one.
3. What is the What or A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers (I put both on my Christmas list, so it depends on which one I get!)
4.Carrie Pilby - This chick lit novel by Caren Lissner features one of the characters from a novella in Scenes from a Holiday (see yesterday's post), and I found a copy used on Ebay. UPDATE: Entertaining enough, it's the story of a teenage genius who's just finished Harvard and is now living in NYC trying to figure out what to do with the rest of her life. There are some funny moments, as well as some poignant ones, though Carrie's "poor me" attitude kind of wore on me after awhile. I did like the main character, because she's not a typical chick lit heroine (she's smart and only 19, so her whining can be forgiven a little, I suppose). But I actually liked the novella in Scenes... better. The minor characters (especially Kara, Carrie's colorful, bisexual best friend) were more interesting, and the plot seemed tighter. Read that one if you have to choose; the saga about Carrie and her lack of a social life is about the same in both works.
5.The Red Tent - A fictional account of the life of Dinah (daughter of Leah and Jacob), written by Anita Diamant, this one's been recommended to me by a couple of students. UPDATE: Loved this book, a beautiful fictional retelling of this minor character from Genesis. It's a lovely, lyrical story highlighting the power of female friendships, motherhood, and the power of women, especially in a patriarchal society. The character development is rich, the scenes are moving, and it's also a really nice historic view into a long-ago time period. I highly recommend it!
6. Something by Tori Phillips - She's my new favorite historical romance author, and there are a few used copies of her books floating around Ebay too, so we'll see.
7. And whatever I decide to read and review for LASR.
Whew! What about you? Want to join the challenge? Or just share which books you'd like to read in 2008?
###
Marianne posted yesterday about The Winter Reading Challenge, which seems like an excellent way to start the new year. 12 weeks of winter, or so, and given my time constraints, I think 6 books (+ an extra couple for LASR) will be the most I can attempt.
So here they are:
1. Nineteen Minutes - I've been wanting to read this one by Jodi Picoult, about a school shooting, for some time now. It's supposed to be pretty powerful...and not what you'd expect.
2. A Thousand Splendid Suns- The follow-up novel to The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini. Loved the first one and have heard good things about this second one.
3. What is the What or A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers (I put both on my Christmas list, so it depends on which one I get!)
4.
5.
6. Something by Tori Phillips - She's my new favorite historical romance author, and there are a few used copies of her books floating around Ebay too, so we'll see.
7. And whatever I decide to read and review for LASR.
Whew! What about you? Want to join the challenge? Or just share which books you'd like to read in 2008?
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