tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86623859483493463382024-03-13T22:35:29.242-06:00WriterBrainedThoughts more or less in order. Probably less.Jeighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05224421886252533143noreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662385948349346338.post-48778604313069464032016-08-24T16:29:00.001-06:002016-08-24T16:29:50.345-06:00I Made GlueHave you ever made mashed potatoes?<br />
<br />
I'm from Idaho, so I know a thing about cooking a good potato. (Except for baked potatoes, for some reason? Fail every time.) And my mashed potatoes, guys, are so good that you don't even need gravy on them. For reals. If you don't believe me, come over on Thanksgiving. (This is your official invitation. Please don't lose it.)<br />
<br />
But I learned something early on in my potato career: if you mash potatoes for too long, the starch breaks down into a very gummy substance and your potatoes turn into glue. This makes for a VERY unhappy mother when you drop the pot into the sink and don't rinse it for hours.<br />
<br />
So, question for you: is it possible to overwork a story?<br />
<br />
Yes. Yes it is.<br />
<br />
I know, because I've done it.<br />
<br />
GIANT DISCLAIMER: Since my last [embarrassingly hyper] post was all about how I got into Pitch Wars and ahkadsfajg kljfkdla and ohmygosh I'm going to learn so much, I want to mention that this isn't a post bashing Pitch Wars, or my mentors, or anything like that. They didn't contribute to this problem. This is all on me.<br />
<br />
Here's the thing: I started writing this story six years ago. The idea hit me like lightning. I stayed up until six in the morning writing down scenes that played through my head like a movie. I finished the first draft in six months--very fast, for me--and clutched the story to my bosom like a precious babything. It was ready to face the world.<br />
<br />
And then...<br />
<br />
I learned a little something about writing craft, and began to see how my story needed to be improved. I got critique partners. I joined the writing community. I participated in contests and Put Myself Out There and took criticism like a champ.<br />
<br />
And I revised. And revised. And rewrote. Revised. Rewrote. Rewrote. Revised.<br />
<br />
Mashed and mashed and mashed and mashed and mashedandmashedandmashedandmashed.<br />
<br />
Every pot of mashed potatoes must be squished and broken down. Every story needs revision. But there comes this moment...if you stir those potatoes one more time, they will be sticky and messy and hard to digest.<br />
<br />
The same can happen with a story.<br />
<br />
I'm not writing this for the pity vote. If anyone reads this, I would be surprised, honestly, because who does blogs anymore? Anyone? But I want to put it out there to the universe. Something about blogging again makes me feel the way I used to about writing. In a word, EXCITED. It's been a long time, and I want it back.<br />
<br />
But I need to pull out some new potatoes and a clean pot and remember how to make mashed potatoes that taste amazing. Because when done right? That stuff is irresistible. Just wait until Thanksgiving.<br />
<br />
<br />Jeighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05224421886252533143noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662385948349346338.post-12141681710665543362015-09-02T22:43:00.000-06:002015-09-08T20:56:23.954-06:00Exciting News!!!!!GUESS WHAT GUYS NO GO AHEAD GUESS DO YOU GIVE UP I'LL JUST TELL YOU<br />
<br />
I WAS PICKED FOR PITCH WARS!!!!!!<br />
<br />
And probably I shouldn't write this blog post in all caps, but on the inside I'm all AEKORJIRFANBJERHJFDAJRHEG<br />
<br />
But on the outside I'm all SAHUIEFJOARJGAHRUEIGEARJEKGHEAEAJGKEALRE<br />
<br />
So you can see that inside and outside I'm incomprehensibly excited.<br />
<br />
ARIEHGJKALREG;EAHRJEKEAHREHAEKRE<br />
<br />
Thanks to the awesome and very wise <a href="https://apalessandri.wordpress.com/">Alexandra Alessandri</a> and <a href="http://dcmorin.blogspot.com/">Dannie Morin</a> for taking me under their collective wings. We have a lot of work to do in the next two months! They've been relatively quiet so far, but it's the kind of quiet a lady lion does right before she pounces, only when they pounce on my manuscript, yeah it will get bloody and torn up, but instead of then rotting and stinking and turning to dust it will emerge from the tatters better and brighter. Like a Phoenix!<br />
<br />
Huh. I should write a book about that.<br />
<br />
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA DO YOU SEE WHAT IT'S BEEN LIKE IN MY BRAIN/BODY ALL DAY TODAY SO MANY EXCLAMATORY TIMES!!!!!!<br />
<br />
Anyway, on a more serious note, I'll be blogging about my experience, including the buckets of knowledge I'll gain, so tune in for more of these shenanigans.<br />
<br />
May your Red Vines ever be soft!Jeighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05224421886252533143noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662385948349346338.post-83306707741527317272015-08-21T13:58:00.000-06:002015-08-21T13:58:39.030-06:00Pitch Wars Mentee BioHello, Pitch Wars enthusiasts, Mentors and Mentees alike!<br />
<br />
*straightens tiara* *smooths wrinkles from prom dress* *shuffles notecards*<br />
<br />
I'm totally late to the game (yay, strep throat!) and there are a lot of mentee bios to read through, so I'm going to make this short.<br />
<br />
First, a little about me:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I'm a small town Idaho girl.</li>
<li>I'm married with five kids. (So I've gotten reeeeallly good at tuning high, whiny noises out while I write or read.)</li>
<li>I have a blue Great Dane named Hydra. She's bigger than me, but too lazy to do anything about it.</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OVvpIpuRy2w/VdeCV-PKcbI/AAAAAAAAAJA/4_XYzSutddk/s1600/176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OVvpIpuRy2w/VdeCV-PKcbI/AAAAAAAAAJA/4_XYzSutddk/s320/176.JPG" width="292" /></a></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>I love corn in (almost) all its varieties: popped, cobbed, uncobbed. But give it to me canned, and you're on my Black List.</li>
<li>I love to ride my bike.</li>
<li>I'm dying to be on Survivor. I've seen every episode at least once. I have a killer strategy. And I attended an open casting call just last week, where I formed an airtight alliance.</li>
</ul>
<br />
A little about my MS:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>It's called RESONANT.</li>
<li>It's YA Fantasy. </li>
<li>It's about a girl named Tenny who has synesthesia, which causes her to taste music. (It's a real thing, guys!)</li>
<li>It has phoenixes from Japan, China, Russia, Greece, and New Zealand who help mankind progress through magical (and tasty) songs that inspire epiphanies and strokes of genius.</li>
<li>It has a fox witch.</li>
<li>My characters can manipulate things by singing their resonant frequencies.</li>
<li>Oh, and there's a best-friend-becomes-more-than-a-friend romance. </li>
</ul>
<br />
Choose me as a mentee! Because:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>My story is awesome!</li>
<li>But it could be even awesomer!</li>
<li>I'm well-experienced with taking hard critiques and using them to make my writing even better.</li>
<li>On a related note, I've very good at self-medicating with chocolate.</li>
<li>I love making new writer friends.</li>
<li>AND I'm ready to get this story out into the world!</li>
</ul>
Thanks for stopping by! Good luck to all the mentees, and many thanks to all the mentors!<br />
<br />
*especially Brenda Drake, for putting this all together. Check out her blog <a href="http://www.brenda-drake.com/pitch-wars/">here</a>.<br />
<br />
**and thanks to Christopher Keelty for the Pimp My Bio fun. Check out the other mentees bios <a href="http://christopherkeelty.com/pitchwars-2015-pimpmybio-contestant-blog-hop/">here</a>. Jeighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05224421886252533143noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662385948349346338.post-660037471064793962015-07-20T22:57:00.000-06:002015-07-20T22:57:31.532-06:00Hello There!WriterBrained!<br />
<br />
*sprinkles food over computer*<br />
<br />
*peers at screen*<br />
<br />
Are you alive, old girl?<br />
<br />
I came to check on the state of my blog only to discover that something has happened to all my pictures! That stinks. Anyone know how to fix that?<br />
<br />
Anyone still out there in the blogiverse?<br />
<br />
No?<br />
<br />
Perfect. More popcorn for me.<br />
<br />
If you are out there, leave me a comment!<br />
<br />
(Unless you're a spambot. Move along, spambots. No need for your spammification here.)Jeighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05224421886252533143noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662385948349346338.post-62866295088807372682013-07-24T09:00:00.000-06:002013-07-24T09:00:08.324-06:00Huge Revelation that Shouldn't Have Been Huge that was Super HugeI've been avoiding writing for a long time. Perhaps you've noticed. It's spilled into my blogging. Slightly.<br />
<br />
But the other day, I had a revelation that freed me from the shackles of avoidyness that I was kind of confused by, since I wanted to write, and I had things to write, but for some reason, was not writing.<br />
<br />
I read a book. It was the third in a trilogy. It was good. It was just fine and I didn't have any problem with it. My thought was, "That was a good ending." It didn't blow my mind, but it didn't disappoint.<br />
<br />
And then, I got hooked on that word: <i>Good</i>. It was good. This author is one I consider to be quite talented. I figure this author will continue to be successful, as well they should be. Because they are a good writer. They write good books.<br />
<br />
(Are we sick of the word good yet? Is it starting to look like a fake word? Good good good good good good good good whoa I have to stop.)<br />
<br />
So, here's what hit me. The book was good. I'll even shake things up and say it was great.<br />
<br />
<i>But it wasn't perfect.</i><br />
<br />
And for some reason, when I thought of that, I also thought, <i>The person who wrote it, was just a person.</i><br />
<br />
And I was struck by this notion that I had burdened myself with, that I couldn't write this story that I love so much, I couldn't do it justice, because I'm not perfect. And therefore, I can't get the story perfect.<br />
<br />
But guess what? I can make it good. And I can be a good writer. And I can get better every day.<br />
<br />
So, once again, time to take off my self-inflicted pressure suit and remember that I might not be perfect, but I can be good. And that's something I can control.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662385948349346338.post-79806079269034195342013-07-22T08:00:00.000-06:002013-07-22T08:52:00.800-06:00Book-Tube-A-Thon Giveaway!!My bestie, <a href="http://www.christinetyler.net/">Christine</a> (WHOSE HAIR I COVET ON A DAILY BASIS) has a fantastic vlog. If you haven't seen it yet, you should check it out. Every time I watch a new episode, I think two things: 1) I should start vlogging. 2) I should cut my hair like hers. And then I remember that I don't know how to vlog, and that my hair--thin and straight vs. her thick and curly--would hang limply by my ears, instead of being fantastic like hers.<br />
<br />
I should stop talking about her hair, because I think it makes her slightly uneasy how obsessive I am about it.<br />
<br />
But guys, it's AMAZING. Like, rivaled only by Ewan McGregor's hair in Jack the Giant Slayer.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zD2ZOYEIH_4/Uey2AKdjjOI/AAAAAAAABOs/mcGhVEjI0wg/s1600/tumblr_mkep0jscAK1qclfm0o1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zD2ZOYEIH_4/Uey2AKdjjOI/AAAAAAAABOs/mcGhVEjI0wg/s320/tumblr_mkep0jscAK1qclfm0o1_500.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/415e72d0356ca625305a94464db14880/tumblr_mkep0jscAK1qclfm0o1_500.jpg">This hair was my favorite part of the movie.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
ANYWAY.<br />
<br />
Christine has a <a href="http://www.christinetyler.net/p/booktube-thon-lotr-giveaway.html">vlog</a>. And on that vlog she's having a giveaway, one that you want to enter and win, because oh man.<br />
<br />
The pretty! The books! The pretty books!<br />
<br />
But I'm not going to tell you what books, because you should really hop over there and check it out for yourself. But you want them. So go <a href="http://www.christinetyler.net/p/booktube-thon-lotr-giveaway.html">check it out.</a><br />
<br />
And leave a comment about her amazing hair. She loves those.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662385948349346338.post-63408310706936905852012-10-24T11:34:00.000-06:002012-10-24T11:34:35.396-06:00Adverbs: I Finally Get It.I wrote the first draft of my very first story in complete, blissful ignorance. I'm telling you guys, this is the way to write. I thought I was the best. writer. ever.<br />
<br />
Luckily, when I started researching agents online--the day after I finished my draft--I also came across a lot of valuable information on writing and realized I was far from ready to send my baby out into the wild.<br />
<br />
One of the things I kept reading was the evil of adverbs. I didn't get it.<br />
<br />
Then, I came across a blog post explaining it. I wish I could remember the blog I read it on, because they explain it better than I can, but pretty much they said that adverbs are a stand-in for weak writing. When you use an adverb, you spare yourself the need to show the emotion or action you're trying to portray, but you also spare your reader the need to care or imagine.<br />
<br />
I read my first draft to my kids with this advice in mind, and it mostly made sense. Plus, have you ever tried to read something out loud when it's riddled with adverbs? Those suckers are hard to spit out!<br />
<br />
I was still a bit confused, though. I mean, I like the occasional adverb myself, but some people shun them entirely. It all made sense, though, when I read a certain book (which will remain unnamed) the other day.<br />
<br />
You guys. The adverbs in this thing. Not only were there over 1000 (yay, Kindle search feature!) but some of them were really weird. Understandingly. Scoldingly. Exasperatedly. Defeatedly. I understand these are real words, but they're kind of like the tweens of the English language: so awkward. And distracting all lined up in a row like that.<br />
<br />
I was so entertained by this blatant use of adverbs, though, that I started reading the story out loud to my husband. He could only take about one page, after we counted eight adverbs in one paragraph and three in one sentence. He asked me how I would change the sentence structure to get rid of the adverb but keep the same meaning. In almost every instance, the solution was to just drop the adverb and let the context do the talking. If the showing-not-telling is in good shape (which is was in this story, I should point out), the adverbs aren't needed. It's like the Hulk saying, "I'm ridiculously, unequivocally, resoundingly, unabashedly ANGRY!" And we're like, "Yeah, Hulk, we know. You're green." See? No adverbs needed.<br />
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662385948349346338.post-76592864916745394072012-10-12T12:34:00.000-06:002012-10-12T12:34:48.946-06:00Funky Fad Friday--Bad Boys Gone SoftI'll put this out there first of all: I don't really like bad boys, in real life or in books.<br />
<br />
In real life, because I was born without a rebellious streak, I guess. In books, because I hate to see a bad boy gone soft.<br />
<br />
Have you noticed this? Hot Guy is mysterious, moody, dark. Girl is drawn to him because he just feels so deliciously dangerous. There is tension. This is good. I'm totally on board up to this point.<br />
<br />
But then.<br />
<br />
Tension breaks. They get together. Bad Boy starts sharing his feelings like a freaking girl! And he's nice and sensitive and kind and patient. And it seriously bugs me. This is not the same guy Girl was initially attracted to. He has become her, with a deeper voice. Guh.<br />
<br />
I say, if he's a Bad Boy, he has to have a reason to be bad. And he has to stay bad. Now, I'm not saying he should slap her around or forbid her from talking to her friends or anything. And of course, a guy would open up more to someone he loved than to the general public. But please, don't make the Bad Boy a pushover as soon as he falls in love.<br />
<br />
I'll give you one example of Bad Boy done right: Jace Wayland in the Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare. (No spoilers, guys, I just finished Book 4) Jace is arrogant, sarcastic, and can be downright ruthless with his cutting words. He is emotionally cut off and aloof. He falls for Clary and--wonder of wonders--<i>is still the same guy.</i> Yes, he opens up a bit to Clary, she can see how his sarcasm is a coping device. But he still does it. He still annoys her. She loves him anyway, and I totally buy it because that's who she fell in love with in the first place.<br />
<br />
So, Bad Boys. Be nice to the girl you like, but please, continue to be a jerk for your unique reasons, and I will appreciate you all the more for it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662385948349346338.post-26899010837110603532012-10-10T17:45:00.000-06:002012-10-10T17:45:28.409-06:00Sagging Middle SyndromeI have been tromping through this draft with all the grace and delicacy of a grasshopper stuck in tar this <strike>week </strike>month. It finally occurred to me that what I'm dealing with is Sagging Middle Syndrome.<br />
<br />
All writers face this, I know. I don't need to preach to the choir.<br />
<br />
I decided to read up on some tips for fixing a sad, saggy middle, and in an effort to internalize the pointers (and avoid my story for *that much* longer), I'm going to share them with you.<br />
<br />
<b>Tip #1: When blogging about Sagging Middle Syndrome, don't make jokes about your own saggy stomach. </b>Because everyone else who is blogging about SMS has already made that joke.<br />
<br />
<b>Tip #2: Tension.</b> Build it. It's like blowing up a balloon: don't let it go too soon or it will skitter across the room making fart noises and land in a rumpled heap. Or something. Someone make that work. *delegates someone*<br />
<br />
<b>Tip #3: This is where your subplots get to take center stage.</b> For just a little while, at least. This is where you change gears and let other bits of the story, besides the main conflict, come out to play.<br />
<br />
<b>Tip #4: Raise the stakes. </b>This is kind of like building tension. And kind of not. Make your protag fail. Rain consequences down upon their head! Let relationships form and strengthen, and then make trouble for them.<br />
<br />
So now, I beg. Someone who has seen the other side of SMS: what advice can you give us floundering grasshoppers? Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662385948349346338.post-69274725228994285692012-10-05T11:02:00.000-06:002012-10-05T11:02:27.891-06:00Funky Fad Friday--How Old Are These Guys?<br />
<i> </i>So, according to the comments on <a href="http://writerbrained.blogspot.com/2012/09/funky-fad-friday-winking.html">last week's fad</a>, I am the only person weirded out by winking? Okay, cool.<br />
<br />
Moving on. Let's discuss something in YA that pops up a lot: Hot Guys. More specifically, cut, ripped, built, broad-shouldered, five o'clock-shadowed, other-kinds-of-manly Hot Guys.<br />
<br />
I don't have a problem with this one. I, like every other slightly creepy adult woman, really don't mind reading about a love interest with rippling muscles or whatever.<br />
<br />
BUT.<br />
<br />
You guys, let's be realistic for one second.<br />
<br />
I had the privilege of growing up with my husband. I met him in high school at the age of sixteen, which is often the age of Hot Guys in YA books. And yeah, his shoulders were definitely broader than mine. He was shaving by that time, at least once a week. He had a fair amount of muscles. But, he was still kind of growing into his ears. He was lanky, like most teenage boys are. His voice was deep, but still cracked from time to time. He didn't hit the Hot Guy needs-to-shave-that-attractively-careless-scruff mold until, oh, about twenty, I'd guess.<br />
<br />
I had a lot of guy friends who served LDS missions. They typically leave at nineteen and come back at twenty-one, and the thought I had as each one came home was, "Wow, he filled out." Boys became men somewhere in that two year window.<br />
<br />
So, my point is, are these Hot Guys <i>really</i> only sixteen or seventeen? Because sometimes the way they're described makes them sound older.Not that I mind. It makes me feel less creepy.<br />
<br />
Input! Has anyone else noticed this? What do you think about it? <br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662385948349346338.post-16883226155127451752012-10-01T10:48:00.002-06:002012-10-01T10:48:32.653-06:00EVIE'S KNIGHT Book Bomb! And NYAFT Blog Tour!I'm so excited for my friends today! <a href="http://kimberlykrey.wix.com/kimberlykrey">Kim Krey</a> is having a book bomb for her debut novel, EVIE'S KNIGHT, and <a href="http://chantelesedgwick.blogspot.com/">Chantele Sedgwick</a> is kicking off a blog tour for her debut novel, NOT YOUR AVERAGE FAIRY TALE.<br />
<br />
Let's start with Kim's book:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LY1FxzYQtlM/UGnFNkcA0nI/AAAAAAAABN8/c8Lde7Kr_rg/s1600/Evie%27s+Knight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LY1FxzYQtlM/UGnFNkcA0nI/AAAAAAAABN8/c8Lde7Kr_rg/s1600/Evie's+Knight.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: times new roman, new york, times, serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal;">
<span style="color: #007f7f;">In <span class="yiv1885450073yshortcuts" id="yiv1885450073lw_1348853667_0">Evie</span>'s Knight, love
doesn't simply hurt ... it kills.</span></div>
<div style="color: #007f7f;">
<br /></div>
<div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1349108377774148" style="color: #007f7f;">
EVIE
always thought college life would be magical, but so far it's not what
she hoped for. Her best friend has gone wild, her
love life is void, and she misses her mom more than ever. But life for
Evie is about to change. CALVIN KNIGHT, the very object of her
fascination, is about to fall madly in love with her. Just one problem:
Their love conjures a murderous woman from beyond the grave who wants
Evie dead. The same demon who has haunted the Knight men for over four
generations.</div>
<div>
<span style="color: #007f7f;">Soon Calvin is forced
to choose: Set Evie free and hope to evade the wrath of The
Raven-haired Ghost, or use his newly gifted strengths to fight against
her. If he
chooses to fight and wins, Calvin will free the Knight men of this
demonic witch. If he loses, Evie will become her next victim.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now, I haven't read it yet but Kim read me an awesome kissy part (in her naturally sultry voice) and I've been thinking of it ever since (the book, not her voice. Although I am jealous of that voice, Kim.) I bought it on Kindle for $2.99 this morning. It's also available in paperback. Check it out <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0099THKBK">here</a>. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Also happening today is the kickoff for Chantele's blog tour! I have read NOT YOUR AVERAGE FAIRY TALE and it was awesome! You can buy it on Amazon <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Not-Your-Average-Fairy-Tale/dp/1937254658/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1349109965&sr=8-2&keywords=not+your+average+fairy+tale">here</a>. Here's the blurb:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="color: purple;"><i>Armed with wings and a blue wand, being a fairy godmother should be easy. Unless your name is Ash, and you're a dude.<br /><br />
Ash Summerland has it all–good looks, popularity, and the best grades at
The Academy of Magical Beings. Ready to complete his last assignment in
order to graduate, Ash is confident he will get the apprenticeship he
wants. When he opens the letter from the Council, he is shocked to
discover he has been assigned to apprentice Lady Shenelle, Keeper of
Happy Endings. A.K.A. the </i>
<i>head fairy godmother. Ash is forced to
grant three wishes to a troubled human girl named Kendall, and
ultimately give her a "happy ever after". But Kendall turns out to be
more than he bargained for. Still grieving over her father's death,
Kendall doesn't want anything to do with him. And worst of all, she
doesn't believe in happy endings.</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #45818e;"><i> </i></span></div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a7ShbVpcEuQ/UGnHjW4RcdI/AAAAAAAABOE/y3Q71wJsXAw/s320/not+your+average+fairy+tale.JPG" width="213" /></div>
<div>
<i> </i></div>
<div>
Ash. I'm a big fan. *thinks creepy thoughts*</div>
<div>
<i> </i></div>
<div>
ANYWAY. Chantele's blog tour is going on October 1st-19th and there will be prizes, including a Kindle! So go check it out!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Congratulations, ladies!</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662385948349346338.post-75982328843819553622012-09-28T13:07:00.000-06:002012-10-05T10:18:22.286-06:00Funky Fad* Friday--Winking<i>Every week I'm going to discuss something I've noticed popping up a lot in books I read. Some things I like, some I don't, some just puzzle me. I'm curious to know what other people think, so weigh in! Let your voice be heard!</i><br />
<br />
<b>Winking</b><br />
<br />
I read a lot of YA, and I like it a lot, but this is always something that has made me wonder--do real teenagers actually wink to be flirtatious? Because in almost every YA book I read, there is at least one wink, and often many more. Usually, it's the most popular girl in school, or the hot mysterious guy, and whoever they're winking at is often left flustered and totally attracted to the winker.<br />
<br />
Really?<br />
<br />
Now, I had a dear, dear friend in high school who would wink flirtatiously and every time he did, it was like, "Huh? How old are you? Are you from the fifties?" (Sorry, people from the fifties. Did people wink back then? I don't even know.)<br />
<br />
There was also another boy in high school whose gaze had the power to literally render me speechless. Once, under the full force of his eyes, my actual response was, "Ummmbluuuhhhhhhh." (He didn't look at me much after that.) He was hot, guys. But, my point is, even if <i>he</i> had winked at me, it would've been more like, "Eh?" Because I don't think teens wink like they're often portrayed to do.<br />
<br />
What do you guys think? Is the winking legit or is the cheese factor too much for you?<br />
<br />
Are there any fads in books these days that you want to talk about? Let me know!! <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>*Fads and trends are different. I know this.** Some of these will be trends. But trend doesn't start with an F and I'm trying to be cutesy. Work with me here.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>**My design schooling demands I defend myself.</i></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662385948349346338.post-63128348473472529742012-09-26T13:27:00.001-06:002012-09-26T13:30:09.656-06:00What's Really ImportantI recently came across an old notebook, the one I was using when I wrote the first draft of my current WIP (the WIP fondly known as "The Story That's Trying to Kill Me") (more on that another day). Along with some utterly embarrassing story snippets that I thought back then were <i>pure gold</i>, I found a list I wrote called "The Important Points of the First Ten Chapters."<br />
<br />
The reason I made this list was because I had just realized my story started at the wrong place. I'd read a blog post that suggested making a list to see what really needed to be included and going from there. So, with that brilliant idea, and my equally brilliant and creative list title, I did that.<br />
<br />
Guys.<br />
<br />
It's been over a year since I made that list, and my beginning is finally (hopefully) where it should be, but on a list of over twenty important points, guess how many are still in the story?<br />
<br />
Four. Yes, four little things that have survived the hacking and slashing and ugly weeping of six more drafts. It was amazing to me to see how much my story had changed. And it's not just changing, it's improving. Very encouraging.<br />
<br />
It made me think of <a href="http://betweenfactandfiction.blogspot.com/2009/05/malleability.html">this post</a> by Natalie Whipple about the malleability of stories. Things might feel so important and key to our plot, but if they're not working out, you know, it's okay. It's okay, guys.<br />
<br />
Now. I'm going to chant that to myself as I go back to kneeling in front of my laptop, begging this WIP to cooperate. Malleability. I got this.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662385948349346338.post-31871911212802682292012-05-18T15:48:00.003-06:002012-05-18T15:56:13.848-06:00What's that sound?That whimpering from the corner? Oh, it's my blog. I got on last week to check something, and realized my last post was March 20th!<br />
<br />
Wow. Poor little bloggy.<br />
<br />
Then, I decided to post something, and the new layout stuff BLEW MY MIND, so I avoided for another week. But I miss blogging, and my blogging friends, and ohmygoshyouguysIjustwenttoStorymakersanditwasawesome.<br />
<br />
Proof: I can't even show you the best pictures. It was <i>that</i> awesome. Am I right, Katie? But, here are the rest, and they're still pretty great.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XcngTApyRFk/T7a2teeFp-I/AAAAAAAABMk/S2MZJKi301k/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XcngTApyRFk/T7a2teeFp-I/AAAAAAAABMk/S2MZJKi301k/s320/021.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My fantastic roomies: Chantele Sedgewick, Ruth Josse, Katie Dodge, Shelly Brown (who wasn't a roommate but is still fantastic) and Donna Nolan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BWLjNsrwnWY/T7a3Zk7uJEI/AAAAAAAABMs/7x28420tr9E/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BWLjNsrwnWY/T7a3Zk7uJEI/AAAAAAAABMs/7x28420tr9E/s320/022.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kiersten White (who remembered my name from the book festival last summer!) (and who is only taller than me because she's wearing heels.)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dxeTVGjr_Co/T7a3fqQd4RI/AAAAAAAABM0/Pp-SnjPcMfY/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dxeTVGjr_Co/T7a3fqQd4RI/AAAAAAAABM0/Pp-SnjPcMfY/s320/028.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Donna with James Dashner! (who also remembered my name!), Robison Wells (who promised he would remember my name forever), and J. Scott Savage (who said my name should be in a book.) (Don't worry about that grotesque stretching sound...it's just my head inflating.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zkT3Pe1huPI/T7a3zSQSmEI/AAAAAAAABNM/CM20KGwAgWM/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zkT3Pe1huPI/T7a3zSQSmEI/AAAAAAAABNM/CM20KGwAgWM/s320/031.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Brenda Sills</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dBm4Be4-reQ/T7a3rVC25FI/AAAAAAAABNE/oSoL0dGU9kM/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dBm4Be4-reQ/T7a3rVC25FI/AAAAAAAABNE/oSoL0dGU9kM/s320/030.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Jessie Humphries, and Angie Cothran</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-epmyLSHazSs/T7a3lTc7QuI/AAAAAAAABM8/AeBiJvNVVAY/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-epmyLSHazSs/T7a3lTc7QuI/AAAAAAAABM8/AeBiJvNVVAY/s320/029.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Mel Fowler (and Donna, feeling all superior over that blue water bottle) (sorry, Donna!)<br />
<br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pBEC3YOswX0/T7bEaOtyZNI/AAAAAAAABNg/5UJhyDm557E/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pBEC3YOswX0/T7bEaOtyZNI/AAAAAAAABNg/5UJhyDm557E/s320/037.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This may be THE ONLY PICTURE IN EXISTENCE of Erin Summerill, who was the official photographer for the conference.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I think one of my favorite parts of being at the conference was being around so many like-minded people. After the first day of classes was over, the lobby was covered with writers, camped out in chairs or on the floor, typing, writing, laying out lines of index cards. I overheard--and participated in--conversations about WIPs, protags, MG, YA, hooks, plot arcs and pitches. A few times, I looked around and thought, "I totally <i>get</i> all this stuff. I am with <i>my</i> people." It was a good feeling.<br />
<br />
So now, Storymakers is over, I'm moved into my new house, and I'm hoping I'll have plenty of time to write and blog and paint my piano!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662385948349346338.post-46507514199284695232012-03-20T10:00:00.000-06:002012-03-20T10:00:05.739-06:00Guest Post-age!I'm over at <a href="http://writingwithshellyandchad.blogspot.com/">Shelly and Chad's</a> blog today, sharing my love for these guys<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z4wQStrnV_4/T2gMg6JQg4I/AAAAAAAABMM/KUNgcFKmw9w/s1600/how-to-train-your-dragon-3d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="161" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z4wQStrnV_4/T2gMg6JQg4I/AAAAAAAABMM/KUNgcFKmw9w/s320/how-to-train-your-dragon-3d.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&biw=1366&bih=639&tbm=isch&tbnid=wiNK8tVOnnXC6M:&imgrefurl=http://screenrant.com/how-to-train-your-dragon-2-details-cast-ross-82526/&docid=JhoU2A0mx535eM&imgurl=http://cdn.screenrant.com/wp-content/uploads/how-to-train-your-dragon-3d.jpg&w=550&h=277&ei=LAxoT-TRA4ayiQLstaj_Bg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=519&vpy=200&dur=1982&hovh=159&hovw=317&tx=172&ty=69&sig=110394118491293583217&page=1&tbnh=89&tbnw=177&start=0&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:3,s:0">Disclaimer: This Night Fury isn't mine. But I wish it was.</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
and sharing how they helped me shape my story's beginning. So go, check it out. (Please?)<br />
<br />
In other news, I've decided I'm going to paint my piano. Like this:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lEnP_IgZ-Xc/T2gNjitCb3I/AAAAAAAABMU/PayrXTjF_OY/s1600/turquoise-piano-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lEnP_IgZ-Xc/T2gNjitCb3I/AAAAAAAABMU/PayrXTjF_OY/s320/turquoise-piano-1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&biw=1366&bih=639&tbm=isch&tbnid=wiNK8tVOnnXC6M:&imgrefurl=http://screenrant.com/how-to-train-your-dragon-2-details-cast-ross-82526/&docid=JhoU2A0mx535eM&imgurl=http://cdn.screenrant.com/wp-content/uploads/how-to-train-your-dragon-3d.jpg&w=550&h=277&ei=LAxoT-TRA4ayiQLstaj_Bg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=519&vpy=200&dur=1982&hovh=159&hovw=317&tx=172&ty=69&sig=110394118491293583217&page=1&tbnh=89&tbnw=177&start=0&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:3,s:0">Nice, yeah?</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Or maybe this:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x6DYDegsqZ4/T2gN6bqR2vI/AAAAAAAABMc/wnj98gtc7vc/s1600/greenpiano2-782060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x6DYDegsqZ4/T2gN6bqR2vI/AAAAAAAABMc/wnj98gtc7vc/s320/greenpiano2-782060.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&biw=1366&bih=639&tbm=isch&tbnid=eXqS09K_Q797qM:&imgrefurl=http://www.designmom.com/2009/05/painted-piano/&docid=IJ0oT6XqhMEo-M&imgurl=http://www.designmom.com/wp-content/uploads/from_blogger/greenpiano2-782060.jpg&w=720&h=480&ei=IA1oT6amBKWyiQKTl9CpBw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=107&vpy=187&dur=1205&hovh=183&hovw=275&tx=167&ty=80&sig=110394118491293583217&page=1&tbnh=126&tbnw=168&start=0&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0">*drool*</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Any color suggestions?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662385948349346338.post-19236823760532279102012-03-09T13:54:00.000-07:002012-03-09T13:54:24.150-07:00What Are You Wearing...?And by you, I mean your characters. (I'm not a creeper. I don't care what you're wearing. Unless you got a stealer deal on it. I love awesome deals.)<br />
<br />
Are you a fan of outfit descriptions in YA? You know, the ones where every peep-toe slingback, every matchstick jean [side note: what's the difference between matchstick jeans and skinny jeans? Anyone know?], every cute top is described in detail.<br />
<br />
I'm okay with it when used sparingly, but every outfit of every character is a bit much in my opinion. In my own writing, I rarely give clothing descriptions, unless the clothing is important to the scene, and even then, the descriptions are pretty loose to interpretation. "He was wearing jeans. Not a dress. Nope, no dress for him today." Stuff like that.*<br />
<br />
There's two reasons for this: A) I'm really fashion-challenged. I don't even know how to think up a cute outfit in my head. Good heavens, I don't even know the difference between skinnies and matchstick jeans. B) I think adding too much detail to clothing can date your book. Think Babysitter's Club. Think Claudia and Stacy, who were so ultra-cool and trendy in their acid-washed jeans and high side ponytails. I have a hard time not being distracted by stuff like that. I was a kid of the 90's. Those white leggings with lace that I wore with a bold, geometric print sweater and jelly shoes haunts me. Please don't make me go back.<br />
<br />
So what do you think? Love it? Hate it? Don't-care-either-way it? Let's discuss.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*my descriptions are a little better than that. Just automatically assume in my books that my guys are wearing pants, unless stated otherwise.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662385948349346338.post-21854557823079293342012-03-06T10:06:00.000-07:002012-03-06T10:06:45.847-07:00A Post Not Very Related To Writing--But I'll Give It a ShotIn a fit of exuberance at the end of January, I joined a health and fitness challenge. Pretty much, I have an exercise regimen and I commit to eating healthy, check in every day on my progress, post results weekly, and post pictures every 30 days. Also, there are mini challenges once or twice a week.<br />
<br />
All in all, I'm feeling pretty good. However, this week's food challenge may be the hardest one yet: no sugar until Saturday morning. *sobs quietly into fist* *trashes house in search for grapes*<br />
<br />
Actually, it hasn't been that bad. Since I got the message this morning, only a third of my thoughts have been sugar-related. So I'm thinking this will be a piece of...carrot stick. *sob*<br />
<br />
In other, non-related, non-writerly news, my husband and I went to a basketball game in Utah this past weekend. A few observations:<br />
<ul><li>Utah Jazz fans are CRAZY.</li>
<li>Utah Jazz fans don't appreciate people cheering for the Heat in <i>their</i> arena.</li>
<li>Utah Jazz fans really don't like LeBron James.</li>
<li>LeBron James doesn't care.</li>
<li>Booing LeBron James only makes him play better.</li>
</ul>So, here's the writing connection we'll make: I'm lucky enough to have full support in my writing from family and friends, but I know some people have to deal with naysayers. If that's you, just let their booing propel you forward. Become the LeBron James of the writing world. Because like him or not, watching him play in real life is poetry. Unless you're a Jazz fan.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662385948349346338.post-17632996755226523002012-03-01T06:00:00.010-07:002012-03-01T11:11:44.532-07:00Links and A Thought Frenzy<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d-yTtEmUMPg/T08Pk_-p3HI/AAAAAAAABL4/n9st26d2BKU/s1600/dothishc0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="127" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d-yTtEmUMPg/T08Pk_-p3HI/AAAAAAAABL4/n9st26d2BKU/s320/dothishc0.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.prairiedobecompanion.com/2011/10/blog-about-blog.html">Let's DO THIS THING!!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>GUYS.<br />
<br />
I don't know what's come over me this week. Suddenly, I'm making plans. And setting ginormous amounts of goals. And writing out lists and charts to make said goals and plans actually happen!<br />
<br />
I think this is a good time to write out my goals, too, because I just found out about <a href="http://denisejaden.blogspot.com/2012/02/march-madness-is-here-wipmadness.html">March Madness</a> happening over at Denise Jaden's blog. It starts today, which is perfect, because I'm totally in a goal making/bashing/dominating mood! It's all about accountability and encouraging each other, so here are my goals:<br />
<ul><li>Write 1500 words a day**. Since I have about 3 hours a day I can block off for writing, I have to average 500 words an hour. That means no Internet or fridge breaks during that time. I will also drink lots of water and refuse to take potty breaks in an attempt to write faster.</li>
<li>Blog twice weekly. And think of things to blog about. Speaking of, I read an <a href="http://fromsarahwithjoy.blogspot.com/2012/02/little-spiders-strong-webs-blog.html">excellent post</a> about this very thing yesterday.</li>
<li>Keep up (and catch up) on CP critiques. YOU HEAR THAT, LADIES? I'M ON MY WAY! *clicks on editing tools* *cracks knuckles* *spits*</li>
</ul>Aaaand, in the spirit of blog linkage, here is one more: <a href="http://commutinggirl.wordpress.com/2012/03/01/i-love-reading-giveaway/">Elodie </a>is giving away two books to one lucky person, one for you and one for someone younger than you, so you can share your love of reading. How awesome is that? <br />
<ul></ul>So, that's how my March is shaping up. How about you?<br />
<br />
**This goal will help me get halfway to my goal of finishing this draft of my MS by May 1st, so that I'll at least have something to work with if I decide to go to the<a href="http://ldstorymakers.com/conferences/2012-conference/"> LDS Storymakers Conference. </a>(Any thoughts on this conference? Would it be worth the five-hour trip? Are any of YOU going? *friendly creepy eyes*)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662385948349346338.post-59401139001679227722012-02-27T09:30:00.000-07:002012-02-27T09:30:56.665-07:00Dirty Houses and Messy ManuscriptsIn the past six months, I've had the chance to meet two awesome women, my CP/BFFs <a href="http://www.christinetyler.net/">Christine</a> and <a href="http://www.rosewoodpencilbox.blogspot.com/">Julie</a>.<br />
<br />
I know what you're thinking.<br />
<br />
Yes, they are as awesome in real life as they seem online. Yes, I am actually taller than Julie. Yes, Christine does make the most a-MAH-zing scrambled eggs.<br />
<br />
And no, I didn't watch them sleep (tempting) or hold them hostage in my crawl space when it was time for them to leave (also tempting).<br />
<br />
When Julie came, I had just moved into my new house (living there for over a month still counts as JUST moving, right?) and there were still boxes everywhere. Within five minutes of our meeting, I had her and her husband helping me stuff boxes in a closet so we'd have room to hang out.<br />
<br />
When Christine was here, she did my dishes on more than one occasion. She also babysat my kids while I picked my husband up from work.<br />
<br />
Although our visits were--overall--super fun, I mention these lame things because inviting your best friend into your disheveled house is kind of like turning over your disheveled MS to a crit partner. It's not perfect. There are rough spots. There are embarrassing parts. There are things that don't work. But it's okay, because they are your friend, they love you, and they're there to help.<br />
<br />
Turning a rough draft over for anyone to read is hard, but giving it to someone who cares about you takes away some of the pain. They have your best interest at heart. They don't want you to strain your back carrying those heavy boxes by yourself. They want you to try eating crab that's cooked right so you can get over your seafood phobia. And they want your story to be the best it can be.<br />
<br />
It might be mortifying at times. It might make you feel like a dork. But, when the boxes are cleared, the dishes are dry, and the manuscript is fresh and tight and beautiful, you see that the most daunting tasks are better with a friend or two.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662385948349346338.post-3384255133662596892012-02-22T06:00:00.000-07:002012-02-22T06:00:18.224-07:00<div style="color: black;">I've been tagged! I know that comes as a surprise to all of you. Who plays tag anymore, and on the Internet? Dangerous. It's all fun and games until someone trips over their spell checker. Thanks to <a href="http://ginadenny.blogspot.com/">Gina</a>, <a href="http://findingthewriteway.blogspot.com/">Jenna</a>, and <a href="http://amberafterglow.blogspot.com/">Amber</a> for tagging me!</div><div style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black;">Since I was tagged three times, with 11 questions each, I've decided to pick five from each tagger to answer. So, here we go:</div><div style="color: black;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/3usaGfn7r0w?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><ol style="font-family: inherit;"><li style="color: black;"><b>What is your favorite YouTube video?</b> At the moment, this one: ^</li>
<li style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>What was the greatest live music experience you've ever had?</b> This will make me sound like a super lamey lamerson, but I've never actually been to a concert, except my own in high school. So, I'll have to say, high school choir solos were great. Oh, and once we sang the national anthem at Candlestick Park in California, which is where the Beatles did their last public performance. So, there you go.</span></li>
<li style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>What was your worst date ever?</b> I was brought to the realization this summer, after a therapeutic discussion with a friend, that all of my worst dates have included frozen yogurt. The Frozen Yogurt Dates. Those are the worst ones.</span></li>
<li style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>If money is no object, what would your dream vacation be?</b> I would love to go on an African safari, the kind with the open air jeeps and the lions chasing me and giraffes eating leaves out of my hand. My plan, after high school, was to go to Africa and become a safari guide but that fell through. On my way home, I'd stop in Greece, Italy, and New Zealand as well.</span></li>
<li style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Would you rather live in a crowded city or small town?</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Small town, but not too small. Although, my <i>other</i> plan after high school was to move to New York City and live in a tiny apartment, just me and a gray cat. This also fell through, in part because I'm allergic to cats.**</span></li>
<li style="color: black;"><b>If you could choose the manner of your death- but not the timing- what would you choose?</b> I would choose a skydiving mishap. Then, on my 95th birthday, I would bid my family and friends farewell, get in the plane, and jump to my destiny. And enjoy the ride down.</li>
<li style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b>Redvines or Twizzlers?</b> Pfff, Redvines. NEXT QUESTION, PLEASE.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span> <span style="font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>With your iPod/MP3 on shuffle, what's the first song that comes up?</b> "Sleeping to Dream" by Jason Mraz. What can I say? I like angst.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; line-height: normal;"> <span style="font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>You're the producer for turning any one book into a movie, which do you choose to do?</b> Good grief, The Chaos Walking Trilogy by Patrick Ness, for sure. As producer, I do get to make sure the story isn't mangled, though, right? Because that would be a shame.</span></li>
<li style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b>Flowers or chocolate?</b> Flowers. I love flowers.</span></li>
<li style="color: black;"><b><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Favorite book, movie, and TV show?</span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b> </b>Favorite books: The Two Princesses of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine, I Capture The Castle by Dodie Smith, The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi. Favorite Movies: Stardust and Hairspray. Favorite TV show: Survivor. I will be on it someday, as soon as I get more buff and more crazy.</span></li>
<li style="color: black;"><b><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Would you rather have free Starbucks for five years or free itunes for life?</span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b> </b>I don't drink coffee, so iTunes wins hands down. I love me some music.</span></li>
<li style="color: black;"><b><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;">What inspires you more, music or visual (ie: photography, scenery, etc)?</span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b> </b>Music influences a lot of my creativity. But so does a long, hot shower...</span></li>
<li style="color: black;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Would you rather be able to talk to animals or to be able to speak and understand any language? </b>I think it would be cool to talk to animals. I used to talk to dogs about my woes when I was in those awkward teenage years, so it would've come in handy.</span></span></li>
<li><b><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Did you cry in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part two? Was one of the times when Dumbledore asked Severus, "After all this time?" and Severus responded, "Always. " And if not, are you sure you have a soul?</span></span></b><span style="color: black;"> </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span><span style="color: orange;"><span style="color: black;">I don't let myself cry during movies unless I'm alone. If I feel the emotion rising, I chant, "It's not real. They're only acting. It's not real. They're only acting." I have vulnerability issues. As for the condition of my soul, well, let's talk about Fred Weasley and see how well my chanting works. </span> </span></li>
</ol>Since I'm so late in the game, everyone else has been tagged, I think. So, I'm tagging...YOU! Pick one of the questions and answer it in the comments! (And if you haven't been tagged, consider this your tagsignation. [I don't know why I keep making up new words. I must be showing off for the new guys.])<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">**the real reason my plans fell through: I fell in love with my husband in high school and didn't want to leave him. Curse you, true love!! </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662385948349346338.post-79446033008954517582012-02-15T15:23:00.000-07:002012-02-15T15:23:18.868-07:00Signs You're Not Ready to QueryWay back when I was riding on a high of finishing my first draft, aka <i>ohmylandsthebeststoryEVER, </i>I took the next obvious step and began researching agents.<br />
<br />
Because, you know, I was ready. Heh.<br />
<br />
I found an agent who was looking for my book. She didn't know it, but I had EXACTLY what she wanted. I planned to do a read-through, catch grammatical errors and misspellings, and send my manuscript on it's merry way to the bestsellers list.<br />
<br />
Thankfully, at about the same time, I met my first critique partner, <a href="http://www.christinetyler.net/">Christine</a>. If you don't know her, go check her out NOW. My words can wait. She's brills for reals, guys. (I just made that up. Is it funny to anyone else?) More on the awesomeness that crit partners are later, but to sum up, after I sent her some of my perfect story, she very kindly but very firmly sent me back a "This isn't working." It wasn't ready yet. I had a lot of changes that needed to be made.<br />
<br />
Since then, my first draft has been relegated to the File of No, where all first drafts belong. And even though it's painful to read now, I'm glad to be able to see all I've learned since I wrote it. Hopefully, I'll know when I'm ready to query for real someday.<br />
<br />
So, compliments of my first draft (and a few other stories), here are signs your manuscript isn't ready to be queried:<br />
<ul><li>Your own mother doesn't even finish reading the entire draft.</li>
<li>It starts with waking up.</li>
<li>Your protagonist has to look in the mirror and reassess that she still has sparkling blue eyes just a shade darker than the Mediterranean, white-blonde, wavy hair with that one crazy kink by her right ear, and the slight dimple in her chin.</li>
<li>The climax is a very earnest discussion with the antagonist where everyone politely agrees to disagree.</li>
</ul>What are some ways you knew you weren't ready to query?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662385948349346338.post-64882660058370764742012-02-13T13:07:00.001-07:002012-02-15T15:25:48.491-07:00I'm BACK!!I've been gone for a long time! But let's not dwell on that.<br />
<br />
You guys, I missed you. Watch for my comments to start exploding onto your blogs. It's happening. I promise.<br />
<br />
In other news, I just joined Rachael Harrie's Fourth <a href="http://rachaelharrie.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/fourth-writers-platform-building_06.html">Writer's Platform Building Campaign</a>. Yay for peer pressure*!<br />
<br />
If you've never done this before, go check it out. You can still join until tomorrow. If you have done it before, well, you know how awesome it is, so go join! This is an great way to meet new writing buddies, the kind who don't think you're crazy if you cyber-stalk someone just because THEIR SMILE LOOKS JUST LIKE YOUR MAIN CHARACTER'S SMILE!!! (that...is purely an example. *cough*) Writer friends are the best! Who doesn't want more?<br />
<br />
So, I'll see you over at Rach's blog, yeah?<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*no actual peer pressure involved, actually. In fact, my peers were all, "No pressure," and then I was like, "Ugh, okay, FINE, I'll do it!"</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662385948349346338.post-83860487430292625382011-11-23T16:15:00.000-07:002011-11-23T16:15:54.693-07:00New Winners! Of Prizes!!A few of the winners didn't respond to my last post, so I've drawn a few new winners! Yay for you!<br />
<br />
First of all, I was contacted by <a href="http://yascribe.blogspot.com/">Angelina</a>, who is already an agented writer and therefore doesn't need a query crit. Because of that, I've decided to give her the copy of BIRD BY BIRD.<br />
<br />
The new winner of the MS read through is <a href="http://jennyleeyoung.blogspot.com/">Jennifer</a>.<br />
<br />
The new winner of a query crit from Christine is <a href="http://chrisphillipsclp.blogspot.com/">Chris</a>.<br />
<br />
And the new winner of the violence/medical Q&A is <a href="http://rachelbeansblog.blogspot.com/">Rachel. </a><br />
<br />
So, new winners, please contact me within a week and a half (I'm giving some leniency for turkey coma) at jeighmeredith [at] yahoo [dot] com.<br />
<br />
Happy Thanksgiving!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662385948349346338.post-78548890673242508762011-11-14T15:10:00.001-07:002011-11-14T15:11:21.550-07:00Winners!! Prizes!!I had planned to have this posted early this morning, but my internet connection was on the fritz last night. Which is unfortunate for all of you, but fortunate for me because I get to use the phrase "on the fritz" like some sort of coolio from the early 2000's.<br />
<br />
Anyway.<br />
<br />
Bilbo and I were <i>very</i> pleased with the response to our Eleventy-First Follower Giveaway Extraordinasticganza.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WLBJOu2oIYo/TsGLpMg85fI/AAAAAAAABKE/Vpqu3iLxLQo/s1600/The-Lord-of-the-Rings-The-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WLBJOu2oIYo/TsGLpMg85fI/AAAAAAAABKE/Vpqu3iLxLQo/s320/The-Lord-of-the-Rings-The-001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&sa=X&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&biw=1366&bih=639&tbm=isch&tbnid=S5GohlPIt8gGFM:&imgrefurl=http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/filmblog/2009/aug/20/hobbit-lord-of-the-rings-peter-jackson&docid=9fFaMQ_7MbSQjM&imgurl=http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Film/Pix/pictures/2009/8/20/1250770353296/The-Lord-of-the-Rings-The-001.jpg&w=460&h=276&ei=AYvBToiyOqGMigKxlpmsAw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=1035&vpy=331&dur=5400&hovh=174&hovw=290&tx=188&ty=148&sig=118119762946800905656&page=1&tbnh=106&tbnw=177&start=0&ndsp=22&ved=1t:429,r:14,s:0">As was young Frodo, bless his soul.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
92 entries, after I added up everyone's points! WOOHOO! I feel like a cool kid.<br />
<br />
Fine, I'll stop talking. Here are the winners and their prizes:<br />
<br />
<ol><li>Winner of THE TRUE CONFESSIONS OF CHARLOTTE DOYLE is <a href="http://www.rosewoodpencilbox.blogspot.com/">Juliemybird</a>.</li>
<li>Winner of I CAPTURE THE CASTLE is <a href="http://thegirlwiththepinkgun.blogspot.com/">The Girl With A Pink Gun.</a></li>
<li>Winner of BIRD BY BIRD is <a href="http://taffyscandy.blogspot.com/">Taffy</a>. </li>
<li>Winner of the writing prize pack is <a href="http://writingwithshellyandchad.blogspot.com/">Small Town Shelly Brown</a>.</li>
<li>Winner of a first chapter crit is <a href="http://meradethhouston.blogspot.com/">Meradeth</a>.</li>
<li>Winner of an entire MS read through is<a href="http://findingthewriteway.blogspot.com/"> Jenna</a>.</li>
<li>Winner of a query crit from Christine is <a href="http://yascribe.blogspot.com/">Angelina</a>.</li>
<li>Winner of an interview on my blog is <a href="http://writingonalimb.blogspot.com/">Jillian</a>.</li>
<li>Winner of a picture based on your hook is <a href="http://getbusywriting.blogspot.com/">E.R. King</a>.</li>
<li>Winner of a fanfic based on your hook is<a href="http://concretepiecesofsoul.blogspot.com/"> J.</a></li>
<li>Winner of the medical/violence Q&A is <a href="http://margokelly.blogspot.com/">Margo</a>.</li>
</ol>Winners, email me at jeighmeredith [at] yahoo [dot] com by next Monday with any pertinent info and your prizes will be on their way! (If I don't hear from you by Nov. 21st, I'll pick another winner.)<br />
<br />
Thanks everyone for entering!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8662385948349346338.post-76563122310506192632011-10-31T14:22:00.000-06:002011-10-31T14:22:15.428-06:00Happy October 31st!!I'm not a fan of Halloween. Please don't smack me.<br />
<br />
However.<br />
<br />
I AM a fan of today. Because <a href="http://writerbrained.blogspot.com/2011/10/my-eleventy-first-follower-giveaway.html">the prizes</a> came! Even though I accidentally sent them to my old address in WV and was afraid they would stay there, because you know how you can send things to more than one address on your Amazon account, so why would they bother to forward it to our new address, because what if we were actually sending the books to our friends in WV, if indeed the new people in my old house were my friends?<br />
<br />
But they found me!<br />
<br />
They are some of my favorite books for many reasons, now including their ability to find their way home. Good boooooks, yes you are!! *pets books*<br />
<br />
Today is also awesome because there is now exactly 11 days left to enter my <a href="http://writerbrained.blogspot.com/2011/10/my-eleventy-first-follower-giveaway.html">Eleventy-First Follower Giveaway Extraordinasticganza!</a> The odds are still pretty good that you'll win one of the 11 prizes (including two special books that will always find their way back to you *pets books*), so <a href="http://writerbrained.blogspot.com/2011/10/my-eleventy-first-follower-giveaway.html">check it out!</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9