Thankful, a year later

November 30, 2011 - THE DEADLINE

Exactly one year ago, I completed my first NaNoWriMo project. (Well, it was one year ago, minus 3 days, actually, but I didn't want to brag.) What a wonderful experience that was: creating a brand new story of 50,000 words in one month. I was petrified at the time, though energized and excited. All in all, it was major blast. 

From day one, I was in love with my story (that I named "Maren's Big Scoop") along with the funny, big-hearted characters that played around inside my head for a solid month. Recently, I went sifting through my Facebook posts from last November, to kind of relive when I'd been writing about Maren and Patrick and all their tomfoolery. What an amazing time that was for me, and what a perfect way to prepare for my future writing projects. Of course, last November, I had no idea that I would soon be under contract to write two more stories for the fabulous Entangled Publishing's Bliss cat-rom imprint--namely, "Playing at Love" (you remember her?) and her upcoming spin-off "Speaking of Love." I wrote each new story in about three weeks. Without my NaNo experience, I probably wouldn't have been able to tackle such an ambitious goal.

Color me grateful.

And what is even more thrilling is that--a year later--I am currently editing my sweet "Maren's Big Scoop," preparing her for submission. And, ya know what, I'm just as head-over-heels in love with my characters and story as I was a year ago. I can't wait for the world to meet these people and follow them on their ride.

So, cheers to you, NaNo. Thank you. You almost killed me, but I am forever grateful. 

And an extra cheers to all the fab writers out there who are winding down on this years' NaNo. Congrats and let the celebrating begin!

in the bag

Playing a little "40 Things" catch-up.....

#2 - Read two books that have always intimidated me  
(or in this case, bugged me.) 

"A Christmas Carol" (this is one of the two)

 

#6 - Teach a class

As part of COMPANY's "Natural Gas 101," I've taught two mini (very mini) refresher courses to three different groups. Two more to come.

#12 - Take a step toward my true passion

National Novel Writing Month.

done & done.

#18 - Embrace the White

If anyone has seen me lately, you know this one is oh-so-true. (Paula's Choice is my first ever daily sunscreen of choice. Excellent product.)

 

#26 - "Unplug"

This started during my NaNo month, and I'm so used to the quiet now, that I seldom turn on TV, radio, cd like I use to. Digging the quiet.

#27 - "Unsubscribe"

I've been doing this pretty religiously since September. I get so much junk mail, junk email and worthless Facebook news feeds. Now, when something comes up that I don't read and know I will NEVER read, I don't just delete, but I go to the site and unsubscribe. It's amazing how much cleaner all my inboxes are these days. I highly recommend this. I was keeping track of my email unsubscribes for a while, but stopped counting after 50.

#28 - Take a class

In October, I sat in on one of those free classes at Home Depot. It was on home fire safety. And I loved it. They offer three every Saturday. This will definitely not be my last.

Still a long way to go on my list, but I'd like to rest for a while now. Thanks. Bye.

"winning....."

Soo.....it's been a craZy, wonderful, blurry-blur month of writing and eating and writing, not washing dishes or clothes and writing and then writing some more. I've learned so much about forming habits, patience, discipline and dealing with my silly self-inflicted pressure. 

Now when I can sit back and think about it, it's really quite an accomplishment to have this pretty, shiny new story that just kind of poured out of me. About five days into the challenge, it was clear to me that THIS was the story I was meant to write this month. Except for one experience (which I refer to as "The 900 word night"), I didn't struggle much with writers' block or get too hung up on details and research--which was the whole point of this particular NaNoWriMo challenge. We were meant to just WRITE, let it flow, and worry about details later. My inner-editor never really went away, which was the biggest challenge for me. But I managed to bind and gag her for the most part. She's very feisty, however. 

I'd like to thank each of you for your support and love this past month.  

I'm already looking forward to next November!

Writing Inspirations - starry stars

Why I love Don McLean:

("The Starry Night," by Vincent van Gogh)

(clicky-click here to play pretty song) 

Vincent (Starry, Starry Night) 

"For they could not love you

and yet your love was true
And when no hope was left in sight

on that starry, starry night

you took your life as lovers often do

But I could have told you, Vincent

This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you."

Writing Inspirations - The movies, part 2

Why I love The Long, Hot Summer

(1958, story by William Faulkner, starring Paul Newman & Joanne Woodward)

"I am a human being, do you know what that means? It means I set a price on myself, a high, high price. You might be surprised to know it but I have quite a lot to give. I've got things I've been saving up my whole life. Things like love and understanding and jokes and good times and good cooking. I'm prepared to be the Queen of Sheba for some lucky man or at least the best wife that any man could hope for. That's my human history." 

 

"I like life. I like it so much I just might live forever."

Plus, Paul Newman's eyes are really blue.....

Writing Inspirations - my lovely beta

Why my Beta Reader rocks.....

because of emails like this that I've saved for months......


"...And you're books are better than hers anyway. At least you don't write about the same thing over and over. Oh, so I've been meaning to tell you, since our talk.....I think you should keep trying to get Abby published. I know it seems like you've [oy, I started this email 3 hrs ago, but E was being needy] Anyway. I know you said it seems like you've been at it for a long time, but I hate for you to "give up" yet. I mean, I totally get why you would want to, but in some ways it seems like your just starting. Like, going to that writers conference, and that one thing w/ FSL where you chatted with that chick editor lady. I just think the more stuff like that you do, the more you'll learn and I just hate to see you stop. Does any of that make sense? I'm failing miserably at giving a pep talk. :) I only got like 4 1/2 hrs of sleep last night, and sometimes when I'm tired things sound good in my head then 2 hrs later I realize it really sounded stupid. But, I guess I'll go ahead and send this anyway." 

BR, you have no idea how much I appreciate your notes, kind ear, kindred attitude and PP. Here, have some Nutella gelato on me. You deserve it after putting up with me (and my words) all these years.
xoxo

Writing Inspirations - The 4077th

Why I love M*A*S*H

 Henry Blake: Will you stop saying what I'm thinking?
Radar : One of us has to.

Frank: I'm taking this to a higher authority.
Trapper : Aw, Frank... you're not going to write your mother again.

Frank: This is the last straw!
Hawkeye: Remind me to order more straws.

Frank: The men hate me, don't they?
Radar : Just your guts, sir.

Frank: Why don't you guys like me?
Hawkeye: Because you're a lousy doctor and a rotten person.
Frank : Aside from that.
B.J. : Well, there's your pimples.
 
Plus, the theme song makes me cry.

Writing Inspirations - gratitude

things i'm grateful for:

my charming neighborhood, where I can run around and feel completely safe.

friends who listen and laugh and empathize.

my joyful day job that allows me the opportunity to pursue the art that I love so much.

any and every kind of cheese.

chilly afternoons spent nestled beneath cozy blankets.

the calm that comes from having a clean, candlelit home.

mandy moore--her soft, whisper-sweet sort of singing voice.

the insight gleaned from jane austen's words.

old family games that can make me cackle until I can't breathe.
sweet treats.

holiday lights glowing throughout town.

morning endorphins, afternoon adventures, evening peace.
the absolute knowledge of who I am.

the warmth, the kindness that underlies this season.

and, above all, the health and happiness of my family and friends.

Writing Inspirations - Sara Bareilles

Why I love Sara B

(clicky-click on the titles to hear pretty songs) 

Undertow

"Little girl,

I don't know why you stay

If I had a feather for every time Daddy said that

I could fly away

Cuz old habits are so hard to break

It'd be a shame to stop now that I started me make really good mistakes."

Come Round Soon

"I may seem naive

if I cry as you leave

like I'm just one more tortured heart

These cracks that I show

as I'm watching you go

aren't tearing me apart...

The angels say I'd smile today

Oh well, who needs angels anyway?"

Inside Out

"I'll be strong

And if not now it won't be long."

Basket Case

"I don't want to talk about it to you

I'm not an open book that you can rifle though...

I don't say much

and it'll stay that way

You're got a steel-train touch

and I'm just a track you lay,

So I'll stay right here underneath you

I'm just a basket case--it's what we do."

Send Me the Moon

"Sweet sun,

send me the moon."

City

Situation's always the same

You've got your wolves in their clothes whispering Hollywood's name."

Gonna Get Over You

"I've got a thick tongue

brimming with the words that go unsung

I simmer then I burn for a someone

the wrong one."

Bottle It Up

"They'll be girls across the nation that'll eat this up

Baby, I know that it's your soul. but could you bottle it up?"

Love on the Rocks

"You love the chase but hate me for the run around

We're both just tired of the whole thing,

You tell me what you need, you want, you know you have to have,

And I just pretend I'm listening."

Machine Gun

"I'm well-versed 

in  how I might be cursed

I don't need it articulated."

Writing Inspirations - not writing

Sometimes there's nothing better for stirring creativity than blowing off responsibilities and just messing around. 

So, go ahead, live vicariously through my long, writing-free weekend....

Sisters first in line at Breaking Dawn, part 1.......

S & N waiting anxiously in the dark......

Sitting in the theater hallway......waiting to get into the Twilight marathon.....

(PS: it's the dim lighting and flash that made us look all vampire-like)

S getting her hair did with sweet K......

Then we got some chocolate cream pie......

Then we saw this movie......

(where I took this contraband picture of the screen)

And ate some crepes......

and speaking of eating......

Then watched a bit of this show...

Then we saw this movie......

(after defacing the vile posters)

then we had some sweet treats at......

Where I bought these super-snazzy earrings...

Then we ate a bit and did some family hanging out
(PS: my nefs are insane)

 

Then we saw a movie with this guy........

After S finished flirting with a bad boy...

Now, enough with the cupcakes, Oreo balls, pizza, sparkly vampires, barbecue, cinnamon French toast, pie, blood-red vampire eyes, Eggs Benedict, dark chocolate bark with almonds, kettle chips, fried chicken tenders, idiot werewolves who I hate, mint chocolate chip ice cream, sparkly vampires who probably smell like mint chocolate chip ice cream, diet cokes, pancakes and peacock earrings......

Time for me to get back to NaNo.

Writing Inspirations - photography

I will write these scenes someday......

Writing Inspirations - The Mary Tyler Moore Show

Why I love "Mary Richards" 

(skip to 5:15, kick back & enjoy the greatness)  

"Ya know what. You've got spunk."

"Well, yes.

"I HATE spunk!"

She CAN, indeed, turn the world on with her smile.

Writing Inspirations - Alanis Morissette

Why I heart Alanis

"Just make sure you don't tell on me 

especially to members of your family,

We best keep this to ourselves 

and not tell any members of our inner posse,

I wish I could tell the world 

cuz you're such a pretty thing when you're done up properly ,

I might want to marry you one day 

if you'd watch that weight and you keep your firm body..."

Writing Inspirations - chick lit

Why I love chick lit

"I'm surprised you're not married, Flora."

"Oh?"

"You're lovely and you can cook. What more can a man ask for?"

"It's not what more a man can ask for, Charles, but what a girl can ask for. These days women are not prepared to settle for mediocre. There has to be a good reason to give up her freedom and independence."

--Katie Fforde, Flora's Lot

"It made me aware that I didn't have a man and made me wonder if perhaps there isn't something missing in my life."

"Oh? What?"

"Love, companionship, that sort of thing.....And I may be quite wrong. A lot of women are totally satisfied and happy being single these days. But I thought I might have a boyfriend for a while and see if I like it."

--Katie Fforde, Second Thyme Around

"But the trouble with falling in love was that it was involuntary, and no matter how well you knew it was a bad idea, if it was going to happen, it happened, and you couldn't prevent it, however much you wanted to."

--Katie Fforde, Practically Perfect

“There are some things I don't understand about Jess and never will. No wedding dress. No flowers. No photo album. No champagne. The only thing she got out of her wedding was a husband. (I mean, obviously the husband is the main point when you get married. Absolutely. That goes without saying. But still, not even a new pair of shoes?)”

--Sophie Kinsella, Mini Shopaholic

 "It was more to do with the way she had taken control of her own future. She had seized it, given it a good shake, and forced new things to happen. Poppy was fearless, impulsive, and determined to make the most of every moment. She seldom bothered to worry about what might happen if she got something wrong."

--Jill Mansell, Perfect Timing

"Rejection was bad enough on its own. To be buck-naked and rejected was the complete pits."

--Jill Mansell, Perfect Timing

"I can't help feeling as if there's something missing in my life. But I don't know what it is. And the harder I look, the more I can't find it because there's just too much pressure and not enough time... I've bottled all this stuff up for so long that now its as if I've lifted off a lid and it's all pouring out. It's like I'm always playing catch-up. I rush through my life exhausted and anxious and worried all the time. Not to mention hungry."

--Alexandra Potter, The Two Lives of Charlotte Merryweather

"Age and experience haven't made me this wise old master; it's made me this anxious, strung-out thirtysomething who worries about everything. Whose life is completely out of balance. Whose forgetting how to have fun. And who spends her life reading self-help books trying to find herself when she was here under her nose all along."

--Alexandra Potter, The Two Lives of Charlotte Merryweather

"I love television. I mean, I do other things, it's not like I just sit on my own and watch TV all day long, but there's really nothing better than curling up on the sofa with a good take-away and "Friends" or "Cheers" or something."

--Gemma Townsly, When In Rome

"...Like when I go to the doctor, I'm always convinced the doctor thinks I'm wasting her time. The moment I sit down I forget what my symptoms are, and end up apologizing and leaving, only to remember that I'm almost dying of food poisoning."

--Gemma Townsly, When in Rome

"He just wasn't......The One. It's a funny business isn't it? You can lineup ten thousand men and know immediately that nine hundred and ninety of them aren't your type. so then you're left with ten who are possibles and you have to narrow it down by a process of elimination, And it can all be going really well, you can think someone's perfect in every way, then they do or say one tiny thing that makes you realize you could never have a relationship with them."

--Jill Mansell, Rumor Has It

"You shouldn't call a  handbag a purse. A purse was what people used to carry coins in the sixteen hundreds.....A bag, on the other hand, is meant to be seen."

--Candace Bushnell, The Carrie Diaries

"How can you relax in front of someone who doesn't think you're enough?"  

--Kim Grenenfelder, There's Cake In My Future

"Man, I hate writing. I mean, you know, I love being paid to be a writer. I love reading what I've written. I love telling people at parties that I'm a writer. I just don't so much like the writing part. As a matte of fact, lately, I hate all of it. Seriously, why do people ever want to become writers?"

--Kim Grenenfelder, There's Cake In My Future

"I knew that one day my life would be entirely different; full of feelings and friends and laughter and color and with an almost entirely new cast to the one currently peopling it. I was wholly certain that someday there would be another man and more children and a different job and a proper home. I had no idea how I would get from the small, bare life I was now living to the full, colorful one I envisioned. All I knew was that it would happen. But right now it was a long way away, happening to a different Lily, and I was in no rush for it." 

--Marian Keyes, The Other Side of the Story