Monday, August 30, 2010

Deadlines!


I have taken charge and given myself a calendar of deadlines, you know, like a real, working author. Except the first deadline is coming at me like I'm a pizza and it's a hungry teen of the male persuasion. I'm a saucy chick, for sure, but I will probably be a pile of crumbs at the end of this week.

No problem. I just have to write 12 pages a day for the next week. Oh, and I only have one hour to devote to it each day (pretty sure I will be squeezing in a little more than that. Sorry, house, there's always the weekend to make you shine).

Honestly though, I'm excited about pushing myself and posting my progress on here.

Current WIP is a short about two formers who have to cook head-to-head on a reality t.v. show against each other. Let's just say, it's going to get hot in the kitchen.

Happy writing!

Thursday, August 26, 2010

The Beginning and Ending of Scenes

Great post about craft, and I can always use a little more help. Check it out for a few writing tips about beginning and ending your scenes.

http://thewritewords-lindsey.blogspot.com

And a little funny for all the stay-at-home writers.







Happy writing!

Monday, August 23, 2010

Permission to Write Crap


What are we looking at, you might ask. It is a wedding cake that looks like a pile of poo. Apparently, one person's disgusting ick is another's way to celebrate. Yet, I can't help but draw a correlation to my current ambition. I. Want. To. Be. Published. Hands down. It is my goal. I'm not going to pretend I write for the art of it, because I have to, or because it's my creative outlet. All of these are true, but the real truth is, I want others to like what I write. No, I want them to love what I write. That's not too much to ask is it?

But no matter how many classes I take, workshops I attend, or critiques I finagle, I still seem to end up with a steaming pile of poo for a manuscript. I have to wonder though, can you make cake out of poo?

Not really, thank goodness, but maybe, if the writing comes out smoothly, and I can accept all the straining when it doesn't (yes, I know what that sounds like), I have a chance to create something to celebrate out of just an inkling of an idea.

Although I have been doing so for awhile now without it, I give my self permission to write crap (you should too), with the idea that a slice of publication cake can be cut from it.

Happy writing!

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Real Life Invades

I am now touching down with my ruby slippers and unfortunately, wishing I could go back to Emerald City. Real life has invaded with a vengeance, and I haven't even been able to check my e-mail, blog, or duh, duh, duh...write.

Where are my priorities? This is a job after all, but so is teaching (which so far is going really well) and so is being a mom and wife (whew! I need overtime for that one).

All three of my wee (and big) kiddos as well as the hubby are back in school. Therefore, the sacrifices are being made, and I am doing so with a smile (most of the time). I am also being tempted by a large box of gleaming, sparkly, author-signed books that I collected at RWA National 2010. So far, I have resisted all but one (daily) slip for all of 10 or 90 minutes. Oh, and don't get me started with my latest obsession with True Blood. Somebody has got to get me an intervention. I am well and truly addicted.

Anyway, I have to write. I have set a deadline to get my short done by the end of September (finished manuscript, ready to send), so anyone got a ball and chain to which I can shackle myself. Perhaps, someone might have a whip or two? Despite the sudden turn, I am not writing bondage.

In other news, my doctor says that I am healthy as of now, and I am dutifully taking my Tamoxifen, despite the oh-so-badly-timed hot flashes, headaches, and maybe brain fog (? :/ ). But I know what I have to do, and I plan to make it all five years taking this medicine. Here's to perserverance (as I lift my glass of healthy orange juice).

Happy writing!

Monday, August 9, 2010

Super Fave

One of the highlights of RWA National 2010 was meeting the incomparable Kresley Cole. Her Immortals After Dark series is one of the best set of books I've ever read. Every book is a page-turner, and she makes it seem so effortless.

She also gave me and a couple of other fangirls a little insider information about Regin's man, but I'll keep my lips sealed for now. Let's just say, ooooohhh, it's going to be awesome!

I'm posting some pictures from RWA. One is of Kresley Cole and me (notice my pure happiness), and the other is after her RITA win for Kiss of a Demon King.





Happy writing!

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Wednesday Wow!

I feel very fortunate to have been able to attend RWA 2010. My career feels so in reach, and it's all thanks to the incredible women (and men) who write women's fiction today and choose to share their work, expertise, and experience with those of us excited to try. Here are some of those wonderful ladies.

Susan Elizabeth Phillips was one of the first that I asked for a picture, and she gave a big smile and invited me to get in the picture with her.

Eloisa James was so beautiful and so gracious. She, like many others, had a very long line, but it was well worth the wait.

Cherry Adair ran out of books during an earlier signing, but she posed with me for a picture anyway, explaining that she had written the novella in The Bodyguard with one finger because she had just had surgery. That's dedication for you. I was able to get into a later line for another book featuring a novella by Cherry Adair that she rubbed for luck, so I will read it and keep it beside my computer from here on.

These ladies amaze me. I feel so fortunate to have met them, and if I were able to breathe in even an nth of their talent, maybe I could finish my current wip with only a few nagging revisions.

Happy writing!

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Tuesday Tickles

As promised, I have pictures! First is the incomparable Nora Roberts, keynote speaker at Thursday's luncheon. Overall, she reminded the attendees that first publication is never easy (even for her) and that if you want to get in the pool, stop making excuses and jump in.

Here is what remained of my delicious dessert that first day. I haven't yet braved the scales, but I literally had to squeeze myself into my dress for the GH/RITA awards dinner.

Here is Anne Stuart, who was unique and wonderful, and I feel so fortunate to have attended her workshop (although my drafts are still quite sh**ty).

Finally, here is one of my all-time favorite authors, Teresa Medeiros. She is a fellow Kentuckian and was so generous, allowing me to snap two pictures of her (the first was blurry--maybe I was shaking). She also was sweet enough to give me two books. Love me some Teresa!


I will continue to post more pictures as the week goes on.

Happy writing!

Monday, August 2, 2010

There's No Place Like RWA

RWA national conference will go down as one of my all time favorite trips. Not only was the writing information invaluable, but I was able to meet some very wonderful people.

Sandy Randazzo was one of the first ladies I met. She is from North Dakota, and we attended at least four of the same workshops. I also ran into her on the Boardwalk and met her adorable husband (any man who supports his wife's writing is adorable).

Jerrie Alexander (http://www.jerriealexander.com/) and Marsha R. West gave me some great advice while standing in line for the keynote luncheon. They suggested I go ahead and submit a query for my contemporary manuscript. Whether it's accepted or rejected, it shows I'm seriously pursuing a writing career, which in turn, will allow me to join PRO.

Elizabeth Bank and I had a wonderful conversation during the awards luncheon on Friday. She writes Regencys with a touch of paranormal as Noelle Pierce and can be found at http://www.noellepierce.weebly.com/

Some other wonderful women I met in between bites of food were Silvia McDaniel (http://www.sylviamcdaniel.com/), Jan Nash, Liese Sherwood-Fabre (http://www.liesesherwoodfabre.com/), and Kathy Franklin. These lovely ladies were great conversationalists and insightful.

Rebecca Finley (http://www.rafinley.blogspot.com/) and I met at breakfast on Friday, and I tried to hook up with her for the awards luncheon, but was running late after a particularly good workshop. We seemed to be on the same page though (forgive the pun) because we met in workshops again and again. She was my first west coast contact and such a sweetie.

Deirdre E. Robertson (http://www.derobertson.com/) and I had West Virginia in common. Annette Radosa, Kaylee Ruddle (http://www.twitter.com/KayleeRuddle), and Roberta B. Bombonato (http://www.rbombonato.ordermygift.com/) all wrote paranormal and/or urban fantasy like I am currently attempting to do.

I sat with some other outstanding ladies (and one's husband) at the Golden Heart and RITA awards dinner. Alexandra Ratcliff, Lara Chapman (http://www.larachapman.com/), Jaye Garland (http://www.jayegarland.com/), and Karen Kinser.

The after party in a suite on the 11th floor was hiiiilarious! We formed a group that will someday be famous, and probably already is infamous--The Ass Cheek Angels. Some of those amazing ladies are Kellie J. Winzinowich (http://www.kelliejwin.wordpress.com/), Kellie Clark (writing as J. D. Elliot), Jennifer Jakes (http://www.jenniferjakes.com/ and Golden Heart finalist), and Cecily Cornelius-White, Psy.D.

Yet, two of the women with whom I connected the most were Lori H. Leger (http://www.lorilegerauthor.com/), Trish F. Leger (http://www.trishfleger.webs.com/). Their love of romance and writing was almost as strong as their love for Louisiana and hot, shirtless men. No doubt, I'll be seeing these fantastic ladies again and keeping in touch with my fellow ACAngels.

And, Carla Davis (writing as Karla Teri) was my lunchmate on Saturday afternoon and my fellow starstruck fangirl. We met in the line for Kresley Cole and we dragged each other all over the signings from then on. Even though we knew we probably wouldn't be able to squish one more book into our luggage, we kept thinking about possible items we could leave behind that could easily be sacrificed for another good read.

Finally, thank you Katherine Bone (http://www.katherinebone.com)/ for complimenting my hat on Thursday while waiting for a trip through the goody room, for giving me a hello and a smile through a few other sightings, and for being my buddy in the airport. I love talking about writing, and with you, I certainly felt a kindred spirit.

I will be counting the time until New York!

Happy writing!