#Writing is Life

There is SO MUCH going on this week! Meme Blog Hop, Release Day, and IWSG!

First I want to thank all the participants in advance for joining our MEME BLOG HOP!

Here are a few I came up with...

(All you need to make a meme is a picture and a few words of lightness or encouragement - put them together in Paint or I used Powerpoint. There's also a meme app.)

Stop by my most awesome co-hostesses - Christine Rains, C. Lee McKenzie - and those on the list below for some further wonderful wittiness!


I also hope these memes are encouraging for IWSG day! Here's my contribution...

Some say "Life's not a sprint, it's a marathon."
I say, "Life's a never-ending obstacle course!"

Does anyone else feel pressure to show others that writing isn't just a hobby? Lately I've been submitting short stories, hoping to prove my writing is "worth" something and help pay bills... But these bits and pieces take time away from my novels, which I feel I need to continue to put out there, too!

I'm also scheduling more appearances to drum up business - marketing is an incredible time drain. I've got so many different projects going on at the same time, it's hard to prioritize and can get very stressful (and makes me grouchy) Sometimes I just feel lost.

I guess the key is to concentrate on one thing at a time. I hate to break it to you, but science has proven that multi-tasking is FICTION. Our brains can only truly concentrate on one thing at a time. Though it may seem like multi-tasking, it's just doing successive things quickly.

Another way I help myself is to make deadlines. I like deadlines, they're just more concrete goals. I prioritize my stuff and set soft dates to try and get them done by.
>>Try to work on WIP 1 hour a day (finish the dang thing so I can start editing!)
>>Blog posts have their own deadlines, so I do them. And try to visit!
>>Submissions have deadlines too - but if I don't finish those, there are plenty more, so I'm working on building up a file of ready-to-submit stories.

How do you keep your head above water??


And lastly -

JOLISSA IS AVAILABLE TODAY!!

JOLISSA - An Anti-Princess Story,

with ongoing video storybook

A trouble-making maiden, a clumsy out-of-work squire, a loyal puppy, and a talking goat go on a quest - What could go wrong?

I didn't plan a big launch day or tour or anything, but I want to say a huge THANKS to Susan Gourley-Kelley and MJ Fifield for volunteering to help spread the word! We'll see how this self-publishing goes. And the next story in my Unconventional Princesses series (of course it's a series), TWO PRINCESSES, is somewhere on my extensive TO DO LIST...

Have a positive and productive week!

Confidence is...

...trying, even when

you know the odds against

you are tremendous

...glaring enemy

in the face and laughing at

his taunts. Bring it on!

source

...submitting queries,

entering contests, posting

words for all to see.

Go for it!

Brought to you by Sensational Haiku Wednesday.

And for more inspiration, here is a quote from me...

"A strong person can do anything alone.
A stronger person can admit when they can't."


Be stronger!

back in time

Some encouraging words from my BC days (before comments)...

Wish me luck!

Is there a pithy phrase to wish good luck to writers? Break a leg is for acting. I couldn't think of anything else. Too anxious!

So let's hear em! I will need all the positive vibes I can get for this get together and my first pitch sessions!

One of the things Editor J. B. George (whom I am meeting with!) suggested to prepare was to write down a meaningful line from your MS on a note card. One that gives you a good feel for it. Here are a few I picked out from POP TRAVEL.

"Losing a loved one makes you do stupid things."

"As my grandfather always used to say, 'If you want something done right, don't screw up.'"

"The goal was to be undetectable to everyone, not just your mark."

"The heartless creature was clueless to what fate had in store for some unlucky travelers."

"They had already decided they were going through with it, signing their life away was just a formality."

Have a great weekend everyone!

12th day of Christmas Quotes!

On the twelth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me - a wonderful family (sing it!)

"Cherish time spent with family,

skype can't replace a hug."

my lights - it may not seem like much,
but there are more in the back and just as many inside =)

How many relatives can you squeeze into a house? My friend just had 17 guests sleep over. Sounds like fun to me! But I know some people need their space. Seeing family after a while reminds me how we all change over the years. I remember being young and only seeing cousins once or twice a year, but we had a ball! After the first awkward meeting, we were instant friends for life. And I see my own kids enjoying the same wonderful bond, making miles and months disappear. Oh how I wish we lived closer to family.

And since I will be shutting down for the holidays, I wanted to give you my review of VARIANT by Robison Wells.

One word: Inescapable!

Remember Katniss? Her life is beautiful compared to this. She had a family and 2 boys who all loved her!

17 yo Branson has no one. And now he has to find a way to escape from a place he thought would be a haven which no one has ever left alive.

This was a record read, 4 days!

I hate awesome books like this because they're over too quick! Give me more, Robison!

Highly recommend it! =D

Now go enjoy the holidays! Be with the ones you love! And spread some charity!

11th Quotes of Christmas and a haiku

Only one more day of quotes - then I'll be signing off for the holiday. I'm also posting my review of VARIANT tomorrow. It was sooooo good! And I'm hearing of some other books to add to my list, thanks to you guys =)

"Commercialism isn't all bad."

(xmas 2005)

Today my train of thought starts with fireplaces. Do you have one? Is it gas or wood burning? (wish ours was wood, love that smell!) Does everyone get a stocking to hang on it? When my family was smaller we all got one, now we just have them for the kids and this year the dog, at the kids' request. I love stocking stuffers - they are the easiest junk to get. They're cheap, cute and usually yummy! And opening the stocking is exciting with so much stuff in one package. They bring back memories of our family stockings when I was a kid. And my favorite part of the holiday season was the Christmas specials, especially Charlie Brown!. My parents would get us out of bed to watch them! Hence, the quote. Now there are so many, they have marathons. I don't think I can claim this quote, but it fits...

"There is such a thing as too much of a good thing!"

And here is a haiku with Spirit for Sensational Haiku Wednesday!

Into the Spirit

Spirit makes me cheer

Look at the lights! Hear the songs!

Smell snow in the air!

Spirits bring us fear.

Be aware of your actions

Or you'll get haunted.

Spirits douse the stress.

Have a party drink with friends

Just don't drink and drive!

Only 4 days til Xmas! Hope yours is happy! 

10th Quotes of Christmas

Been to any good Christmas parties this year? Any memorable moments? I like to dress up fancy for most parties. I love all the themed parties, like decorate the tree/bring an ornament, cookie decorating, cookie exchange, and my favorite - the white elephant. We went to one this year and one gift was a live fish in a bowl! Hilarious! And people stole it! Some friends posted pictures of an ugly Christmas sweater party! Anyone been to an office party lately? Many places did away with those to cut back on expense. Bummer! I love gatherings =) And Christmas parties are particularly nice!

"Parties are delicious concoctions of flavorful personalities."

9th Quotes of Christmas

"Winter is the warmest time of the year - with crackling fires, fuzzy sweaters, and cozy companions."

Don't you love sweater weather? I like dressing in layers. And I have been wearing more scarves - cute & cozy trend =) But one fad I won't do - Snuggie! I'll stick to slippers and sweatshirts and comfy blankets.

What's your favorite warming accessory?

And here is a fun wintery poem...

Itchy!

Winter morning warm in bed
Hopeful for a day of snow
Looks like Jack Frost stopped by here!
Time to bundle, head to toe.

Pull on long johns, cotton soft,
Thick wool socks protect my toes,
Fuzzy sweater with a deer
And a pom pom for its nose

Now for snow pants, coat and gloves,
Hat that grandma made from scratch.
Scratch is right, it makes me itch!
Round my neck a scarf to match,

"Where are you off to, young man?"
Mother asks suspiciously.
"The roads are clear, you have school."
Brother laughs obnoxiously.

Building forts, sledding glory,
Plans for snowballs have to wait.
Shoulders slump, I trudge to eat
Little bro has sealed his fate.

8th Quotes of Christmas

Lest we forget all the people that make our life run smoother...

"Smiles to strangers bring the world closer to harmony."

Tis the season to thank.

My family Christmas shopping is just about done. Now I have the "oh, yeah"s. Mustn't forget the teachers, bus driver, postal worker, garbage guys, and the paper person who conveniently sends me a card so I know who he is. I appreciate these people and a "tip" at Christmas time is a nice way to let them know. Sometimes a small gift card or sometimes some candy, depends on when I remember...If you have other ideas, I'd love to hear them!

Hope you all are having a nice December so far =)

And here is a haiku on preparation, for Sensational Haiku Wednesday.

Lists

Call me Queen of Lists

Can't remember ev'rything

Keep paper handy

Decorations hung

Christmas presents left to wrap

Cards put in the mail

Plan the meals they like

Tidy house and then I can

Enjoy company

PS - I just finished VARIANT by Robison Wells - LOVED IT!!! Review next week.

PPS - I interviewed S.R. Johannes about marketing and her new book, UNTRACEABLE at Unicorn Bell today =)

7th Quotes of Christmas

Got snow?
So far we've gotten snow showers mostly - more rain than flakes. But we will get a good snow before long. It's the kids who long for a snow day (and us adults). The funny thing is, our school board sometimes likes to call a snow day if the weatherman thinks we are going to get a few inches. Then it turns out to be nothing much and at the end of the season we get dumped on and are scrambling to keep the kids in school with no snow days left! I do like how our town covers the streets with salt when a big storm is supposed to come. We are prepared! Unlike our southern friends who have to shut everything down when they get a surprise dumping. Either way, snow days are splendid!

Anticipation is watching a fluffy, gray sky for the first snowflake to fall.

These are a few of my favorite snow things:

• seeing a coating of snow on everything - so pretty!
• watching big snowflakes fall, I could look at it out my window all day



(2009)

• snowmen, snowforts, watching my boys have snowball fights and sledding
• real icicles

"Icicles - they'll poke your eye out!"

How do you feel about snow?

6th Quotes of Christmas

"Happiness is watching your kids get along."

One of our holiday traditions that the kids still look forward to is trimming the tree. They joke and tease but are happy together. There is actual joy! And I don't have to do it all by myself. We play "John Denver & the Muppets" Christmas songs and rock around the tree =) Poor youngest guy still doesn't have the "hang" of it and broke a couple more ornaments this year, but it's part of the experience. No tears, it's replaceable. These moments aren't. That's why...

"A Christmas tree lights up my heart."

And I want to do a quick tree survey.

1. How many xmas trees do you have in your house? (I have lots, but I would say 3 that need to be assembled)
2. real or fake? (fake, and pre-lit! woot!)
3. star or angel? or other topper? (star)
4. white lights or multi-colored? (white, pre-lit, someday we will try a real one again)
5. garland? (sometimes...)
6. icicles? (remember tinsel? we don't use, too messy!)
7. do you have a favorite/special ornament? (my favorites are a set of clear balls with red glitter polka dots - no reason, just simple and cute)

And one last thing, since it is kick start monday, here's this week's happenings. I've seen more fests popping up all over, but I can't handle any more!

• Today is the last day to join Secret Santa Fest!

• Tomorrow the great 12 days of Christmas giveaway will be over!

• Friday is the Deja Vu blogfest!

 

• And this is my week at Unicorn Bell where I talk about Scene Setting.

Only 12 shopping days to go =) Get those reindeer in gear!

5th Quotes of Christmas

Are you done with your shopping? I'm getting closer. Don't you want to just take a day off and get it all done? But that never happens. There's always something you can't find. Special orders have to be made on line - which is fine if you can get free shipping and even then, it's never all on one site! Smart people start early. Unfortunately, just like buying costumes too early for Halloween, my kids change their minds on what they want, frequently. I'm thankful that we adult siblings have given up trying to buy for each other - we were basically trading gift cards.

So here are my quotes about Christmas gifts and shopping.

"The people you know the best are the worst people to shop for."

This happens because you know what they wouldn't like. You can't find the perfect gift because it doesn't seem to exist. I wish that came in a different color. Of course they don't have the right size. I think I got that last year.

"The best gift is something you didn't know you wanted."

A gift cards says, "I have no idea what you want."

 

"Christmas morning is like looking in a hospital nursery window. So many possibilities!"

That last one was tres lame, I know.

And don't forget to wrap everything up all nice and pretty! I love wrapping! One of my favorite crafty things to do, that I got from my mom, is to cut up all the cute Christmas cards and use them for present tags (the next year, of course!). Do you have any shopping or wrapping tips?

4th Quotes of Christmas

Here are some cleaning quotes to perk you up when you're cleaning for holiday visitors!

"I clean up after others, for others."

"Dirt doesn't bother me, I just avoid it."

"If you can't do the work, don't bring the dirt."

"The best part of cleaning is the five minutes after when you get to enjoy it."

Having company over, especially relatives who live far away, is one of my favorite things about Christmas. But it's also stressful. I want to put up extra decorations and have the house sparkly. Unfortunately the only way guests will see the house at its cleanest is to clean the whole thing right before they arrive. It's hard work, but worth the relaxation when I'm done. I can enjoy their visit without worrying about cleaning for a while. Ahh.

The 3rd Quote of Christmas

Insecurity is cutting others down to make yourself feel better.

I had a strange train of thought for this quote. It all started with Christmas Cards! I love getting them and hanging them up and seeing how my friends' kids have grown. At the store it's hard to pick from all the pretty, sparkly, crafty cards plus the funny, silly cards. Thinking of cards reminded me of looking for a good birthday card. They come up with some funny ones and the sound ones are good too, but some are lame or gross. And that reminded me of shopping for t-shirts for my boys and all the sayings and pictures on them. I was amazed at how many "I'm smart & you're lame" type sayings I saw. Blasted with so many wasn't funny after a while. It was like the shirts were having a dissing contest! There are enough bad attitudes without bored t shirt makers trying to come up with more inventive ways to be rude. Maybe I'm being over sensitive... (pic source)

Why is being good not cool? Society could use a shot of kindness!

But to end on a positive note, I have a book review!

During my travels, I finished Stephen King's latest collection of short stories, FULL DARK, NO STARS. A huge book that was a quick read. How is he so good? (pic source)

One word: Gripping!

Here is my take on each of the tales. Overall a fabulous read, par for Stephen King, but not as horrific and gory to my pleasant surprise.
 
1922 - good old, reliable ghost story. the moral is, if you kill someone, it will make you crazy so even if you don't get caught, you pay for it. =)
 
Big Driver - hard to read because it was so close to possible. graphic and scary! but a positive ending. =/
 
Fair Extension - reminded me of the twilight zone! good story, but not a just ending for me. =(
 
A Good Marriage - great, great story! shock, suspense, justification, hope! =D
 
Under the Weather (a bonus story) - creepy classic, made me shake my head and smile. Loved it! =D

Like my faces rating system? BTW, I'm struggling with my latest reads, looking for something GOOD! I have NIGHT CIRCUS by Erin Morgenstern & VARIANT by Robison Wells on my Xmas list, but I want something now! Not YA or romance... a good thriller? Any suggestions?

KSM - The Second Quote of Christmas

Why is complaining so much easier than complimenting?

Christmas lists sparked this second quote. My kids get what they want and need throughout the year. Then they get spoiled more on their birthdays & at Christmas. We have a hard time making lists of what people can get them because they HAVE everything!

I think kids have heightened expectations of what might be under the tree. What fabulous gift will I be surprised with? And when they open the gifts, they are happy, but many times disappointed. That wasn't on my list, why didn't I get that other thing? I like his better. Wah wah wah.

I really need to take my kids to see where our donations go. They need to see exactly how fortunate they are. They need a good kick in the pants of appreciation.

One of my favorite gifts is homemade coupons. All I want for Christmas from my kids is a book of "No complaining" coupons. (PS - Dear Santa, put an agent in my stocking?) Ah, well.

And so, I leave you with a couple of bonus quotes.

Slather on the compliments and sprinkle sparingly complaints.

See the complaint department - through the exit door.

And don't forget, coming up this Wednesday (12/7) is the Insecure Writer's Support Group sponsored by our distinguished host, Alex.

There is also a grand 12 days of Christmas giveaway blog hop - an incredible conglomeration of bloggers donating their services and prizes coordinated by Sara. Enter as many as you want by 12/13.

I love Secret Santa! I'm so glad Laura came up with this! You can join until 12/12 =)

And I wanted to thank Nicki again for guest posting yesterday - I also met some new folks and appreciate all the comments and will be getting around to visit today. Thanks!

The First Quote of Christmas

Stupidity is thirsty work.

 

Happy December! (it feels weird not to have a poem topic today) And to jump on the 12 days band wagon, I am giving you all "The 12 Quotes of Christmas!" - finding reason in the season.

 

Does anyone else love to see neighborhoods compete to have the brightest, most outrageous lights & decor? It gets crazier every year! Well, I have been fighting with my Christmas lights for several days. I like to conserve extension cords so I try to link as many lights as possible. Here are my deck the house in twinkle lights woes:

• this isn't going to reach, redo
• this plug doesn't fit into this one, redo
• repeat first problem
• new lights dead out of the box! replace teeny tiny fuses (it worked!)
• didn't test lights, 1/2 the set is out - test more, 1/2 the set is out on 3 sets!
• hands frozen, get gloves
• toss some, keep some, note to self for next year, test lights before going outside...

So my stupidity of not planning ahead and not checking the lights created extra work which, combined with the drying heat inside, made me thirsty. Tis the season for cocoa and coffee. Yum! At least I don't have to deal with tangled wires =) And the satisfaction when the timer turns the lights on is well worth all the silly struggles - until it rains and shorts them out...but I fixed that too. Don't you love the holidays!

New to You - Retro Post 1

To celebrate my 1st year of blogging, I am going to put up some posts that no one saw. Yes, they came BC - before comments. This first installment has my very first 4 posts. Quotes by me, testing the waters.

I'm a planner

Plan for the worst, hope for the best. You won't be disappointed.

Don't let your guard down

In this day and age of cameras in every hand you have to act like someone is always watching you, because they are. And then it's all over the web.

Who's got the time?

Save time, let it go. Most of the time it isn't that important.