I'm posting at ACA this Monday about when life hands you lemons--write about it. Come check it out.
Happy Writing!
http://www.cheriemarks.blogspot.com
http://www.cheriemarks.com
Into the Fire releasing October 5, 2011 from The Wild Rose Press
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Things You Might Want to Know and Some Things You Probably Don't
I had the big C. Whew! Not a good time in my life.
Specifically, I had breast cancer, and my treatment consisted of a mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, and five years of Tamoxifen.
Now, I'm not going to lie. I was strong. I faced it all with my eyes on a future without cancer. Not because I'm naturally a strong person (most definitely not true), not because I suddenly found strength, not even because I was completely confident I would make it through it all, but I was strong because I'm a wife to an amazing husband and mother to three children--the oldest of which is just now a teenager (although she acted like she achieved that age a whole lot earlier) and the youngest just finished kindergarten.
Plain and simple--there was no other option.
Now I'm a year cancer-free (I love saying that), and I thought it was time to begin living my faith that God would provide a cancer-free future for a long time to come. So, I consulted a highly recommended plastic surgeon about breast reconstruction surgery. After speaking with her extensively, I elected to undergo a Tram-Flap Reconstruction.
As usual, it hasn't been easy. There have been complications, so over the next few blog posts, I'm going to use this space to explain my decisions, the process, the complications, and maybe answer some questions for anyone out there trying to make decisions of their own or those that are just curious.
This is what is swirling around in my mind right now, so I'm going to use this space to get those thoughts, fears, and musings out. Maybe then I'll free up some space in the old noggin for some lighter topics.
Until then...
Happy Writing!
Specifically, I had breast cancer, and my treatment consisted of a mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, and five years of Tamoxifen.
Now, I'm not going to lie. I was strong. I faced it all with my eyes on a future without cancer. Not because I'm naturally a strong person (most definitely not true), not because I suddenly found strength, not even because I was completely confident I would make it through it all, but I was strong because I'm a wife to an amazing husband and mother to three children--the oldest of which is just now a teenager (although she acted like she achieved that age a whole lot earlier) and the youngest just finished kindergarten.
Plain and simple--there was no other option.
Now I'm a year cancer-free (I love saying that), and I thought it was time to begin living my faith that God would provide a cancer-free future for a long time to come. So, I consulted a highly recommended plastic surgeon about breast reconstruction surgery. After speaking with her extensively, I elected to undergo a Tram-Flap Reconstruction.
As usual, it hasn't been easy. There have been complications, so over the next few blog posts, I'm going to use this space to explain my decisions, the process, the complications, and maybe answer some questions for anyone out there trying to make decisions of their own or those that are just curious.
This is what is swirling around in my mind right now, so I'm going to use this space to get those thoughts, fears, and musings out. Maybe then I'll free up some space in the old noggin for some lighter topics.
Until then...
Happy Writing!
Monday, August 1, 2011
Complications
Still kicking after all these complications, except I'm dealing with medical issues again. Three weeks ago, I elected to have a breast reconstruction surgery. It was supposed to be the happy ending to my breast cancer story. Everything seemed to be going well, until it swelled. That went down eventually, but then it began to get infected. So that's where I am now--another complication. And all along the way, little complications keep coming. But what can I do? People tell me I'm strong, that I'm a trouper who has gone through so much, but the truth is, there is no other option. I have to keep praying, hoping, and trying until things work out. And they will. That's where my strength truly comes in. I don't let myself think of any other option than things working out.
I can't help relating my medical struggle to the ultimate goal of being published in book-length fiction. You see, I take chances, write a piece in which I have confidence, then put it out in front of others to see the reactions. Along the way, there are complications--big and small--and my ability to push through the blocks, the lack of time, the unfortunate medical issues, the plot bunnies, or whatever happens to get in the way of the story is what will ultimately lead to success. Regardless of all these possible problems, I don't let any other option other than pushing through and getting published even become a possibility.
Complications are going to happen, but they're merely bumps in the road. Never full stops.
Happy Writing!
I can't help relating my medical struggle to the ultimate goal of being published in book-length fiction. You see, I take chances, write a piece in which I have confidence, then put it out in front of others to see the reactions. Along the way, there are complications--big and small--and my ability to push through the blocks, the lack of time, the unfortunate medical issues, the plot bunnies, or whatever happens to get in the way of the story is what will ultimately lead to success. Regardless of all these possible problems, I don't let any other option other than pushing through and getting published even become a possibility.
Complications are going to happen, but they're merely bumps in the road. Never full stops.
Happy Writing!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
The Bumpy Road to Love
I write romance, so even from the first word, I know my hero and heroine are going to fall in love, have a happy ending, and forsake all others forever more. But to get there, I have to really make it worth it. Torturing is the name of the game.
Probably the first thing I had to learn was that in order to make it worth it, I had to make my heroes and heroines likable. That way, no one could doubt they deserved a happily ever after. I struggled with creating an Alpha male without making him unlikable. My first attempt didn't work. I kept getting feedback that he wasn't likable at all. Not good. I figured out that even if my hero had a hard edge, he had to have a deep, dark reason that matters to the reader. In other words, he had to have some internal conflict from the get-go. With my stories since then, up-front characterization has been key to creating people I like and people readers like as well.
Once this important component is put in place, it's time to provide external conflict. Time to make their lives miserable. In order to do that well, I have to establish what the character really, really wants, and what would be the worst thing that could happen instead. It can't be so horrible that it can't be overcome (no maiming, if possible), but it needs to be something that creates a bumpy road for the character.
In the end, the characters need to overcome all external and internal conflict and come together. Their goals are either met or changed until they can be met to make everyone happy in the end--to make all the torture worth it.
My own path to love wasn't/isn't smooth, and although fiction can surely take leaps that reality doesn't, real life can give you ideas for possible conflicts in your stories. I love to listen to other peoples' stories about falling in love, but I'll admit that I often use tidbits here and there (so be forewarned, friends, aquaintances, and strangers).
At any rate, as a romance writer, I have to make the happily ever after worth it, and that means creating a bumpy road to love.
Happy Writing!
Probably the first thing I had to learn was that in order to make it worth it, I had to make my heroes and heroines likable. That way, no one could doubt they deserved a happily ever after. I struggled with creating an Alpha male without making him unlikable. My first attempt didn't work. I kept getting feedback that he wasn't likable at all. Not good. I figured out that even if my hero had a hard edge, he had to have a deep, dark reason that matters to the reader. In other words, he had to have some internal conflict from the get-go. With my stories since then, up-front characterization has been key to creating people I like and people readers like as well.
Once this important component is put in place, it's time to provide external conflict. Time to make their lives miserable. In order to do that well, I have to establish what the character really, really wants, and what would be the worst thing that could happen instead. It can't be so horrible that it can't be overcome (no maiming, if possible), but it needs to be something that creates a bumpy road for the character.
In the end, the characters need to overcome all external and internal conflict and come together. Their goals are either met or changed until they can be met to make everyone happy in the end--to make all the torture worth it.
My own path to love wasn't/isn't smooth, and although fiction can surely take leaps that reality doesn't, real life can give you ideas for possible conflicts in your stories. I love to listen to other peoples' stories about falling in love, but I'll admit that I often use tidbits here and there (so be forewarned, friends, aquaintances, and strangers).
At any rate, as a romance writer, I have to make the happily ever after worth it, and that means creating a bumpy road to love.
Happy Writing!
Monday, June 27, 2011
How Do You Know?
How do you know when you're good enough? When your voice is distinctive? When you have an original plot or a new twist on an old one? When people other than your mom, sister, spouse, or best friend like what you write? Honestly, I don't have a clear-cut answer.
Some days I read what I write and think it's good stuff. Other days, I'm sure I'm deluding myself. Clearly, I'm not the go-to-girl to judge good enough.
Is a contract a validation? For most, yes. But there's always a bigger, better publisher to net. Maybe it's the number of contracts that counts. If that's true, the more prolific, the more successful, right?
Then there's the indie authors. I know indie authors who are some of the most successful writers I've seen. How do they know they're good enough? Number of downloads? Money earned? Number of POD books sold?
The reality is there's no such thing as good enough. Craft and skill only get you so far. In my very humble opinion, you're good enough when you're brave enough to put yourself out there, whether it's to a crit partner or an actual submission. Every step brings you closer to your goal, and if you get a publisher's nod or not, you're working toward your dream, and that's good enough for me.
Happy Writing!
Some days I read what I write and think it's good stuff. Other days, I'm sure I'm deluding myself. Clearly, I'm not the go-to-girl to judge good enough.
Is a contract a validation? For most, yes. But there's always a bigger, better publisher to net. Maybe it's the number of contracts that counts. If that's true, the more prolific, the more successful, right?
Then there's the indie authors. I know indie authors who are some of the most successful writers I've seen. How do they know they're good enough? Number of downloads? Money earned? Number of POD books sold?
The reality is there's no such thing as good enough. Craft and skill only get you so far. In my very humble opinion, you're good enough when you're brave enough to put yourself out there, whether it's to a crit partner or an actual submission. Every step brings you closer to your goal, and if you get a publisher's nod or not, you're working toward your dream, and that's good enough for me.
Happy Writing!
Friday, June 24, 2011
Contests
Well, I went back into the contest arena, but this time, I went as a judge--again. I feel a little more confident than the first time I judged, but it's still difficult to try to give constructive criticism without stepping on someone's dreams. If I could, I would tell the writers who were brave enough to enter to never give up, no matter where they are in the writing journey. Even if they don't final this time around, they're one step closer just by getting some feedback from people who aren't friends or family. But, instead, I give them as many positive comments as I can, mixed with some constructive criticisms that I hope are helpful and not hurtful.
Anyway, I'll do my best to encourage these brave writers to continue to create.
Happy Writing!
Anyway, I'll do my best to encourage these brave writers to continue to create.
Happy Writing!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Not the Best of Times Lately
I am so locking all my windows and doors and staying home for at least a day to try my best to hunker down until my luck changes. Things have not been great this week.
I learned last month that due to my history with cancer, I would need to have a colonoscopy to investigate some concerns. I wasn't looking forward to it, to say the least, but when the time came I ate my clear, liquid diet and drank the horrible colon scrubber they gave me and followed it all to a T.
The morning came and all was going well as my husband drove me to the office where the procedure would take place. Out of nowhere, a barely-more-than-a-kid plowed into the back of our car when traffic stopped. We careened into the car in front of us, but thankfully no one needed medical attention. I was sore for a few days, but overall I'm thankful it wasn't worse. Needless to say, I was late for the colonoscopy. We still went through with the procedure because I was not going through that prep again, and the doctor found that everything inside was as it should be. Yay, for another clean bill of health.
I was happy that my hubs got a chance to hang with the guys on a four day golf trip two states away starting the next day, but I had no idea just how jinxed I was going to be this week.
I thought my bad luck was over and ventured forth to play a little tennis with my minions...er...children. It was their first time, but I played a little in college, so I was the on-site expert, much to their misfortune.
The kids did wonderfully for their first time playing. They had a good time and might have learned a little too. Toward the end, the teen kiddo and I were volleying just a few more when I chased a wild one until I lost my balance, regained it, then lost it again. Heads don't mix well with concrete. Next thing I knew, I was on the ground, my head was hurting and my legs were numb. Scary, scary, freakin' scary. Fortunately, my teen jumped into quick action and grabbed her phone out of the nearby car. She desperately wanted to call 911, but I desperately didn't want to pay for an ambulance, so I opted for my sister instead.
She was there within twenty minutes, and we rushed off to the hospital. By this time, I was feeling dizzy and nauseous, but my legs were no longer numb, so I could slack off of the panic button a little. One examination and CT scan later, the doctor decided it was a concussion, but there was no internal bleeding in my brain, so I could go home.
Now, my hubby is on his way home. It was the final day of his trip, so he didn't have to cut it short for me. And I'm feeling happy things are not as bad as they could have been.
One bit of amazing news that helped brighten the whole situation: I finally took my comprehensive exam for school counseling. It was tough, but in about two to four weeks, I'll know my score. Cross your fingers and your toes, my long, long journey to becoming a school counselor is finally over.
Hope your luck has been better than mine lately.
Happy Writing!
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