Today I am writing about 50 for Anstice Potts' Nifty Fifty Blogfest. It's not too late to join, so pop on over to her blog!
It's my son's birthday so I took the day off work. I had his cousin spend last night, so they are skipping school, building Lego sets and having a fun time while I sneak on here real quick. Earlier I was looking for an old email, and while searching through my email folders, I found one titled 'Novel'. I've been writing since I was 5 or so, and wrote a ton of stuff through my teens, before taking a few years off writing when my son was young. So, as I clicked on the folder I was curious as to what story of mine was hidden away from years past.
When I opened it up, I saw that the emails were from 2001. A whole decade ago! Crazy. Anyways, I had been working on a novel I'd titled Blood Moon, which involved a race of people that descended from vampires and had other cool magical abilities (I will point out that this was way before the trend). It was saved in my email because I'd been getting a friend to do some editing. I started reading it, and it was good! And horrible. Intermittently. I'd written it a few months after I'd lost *ahem* something, so it's pretty juicy. I made my ten-year-older and much more settled down self blush a little.
So what does any of this have to do with 50? Well, in one of my emails to this crit partner, I mention that no matter what, I will be published one day, even if it takes me until I'm 50. And here I am, writing again after years away from my stories. While I was reading, I realized that this is me. I've always been creating stories, and characters and magic. And I always will. It's who I was when I was 5, 18, 28. Who I will be when I'm 50. Who I will be when I'm twice that. So, even if it does take me until I'm 50 to get published, I'm never giving up. Hey, Harlequin might be pretty interested in Blood Moon, so if this urban fantasy thing doesn't work out I can write romance :~)
What about you, writer friends? Any nostalgic writing tales to share?
P.S. Later tonight at my son's party I'm going to kick everyone's ass at laser tag. Those kids better watch out!
Friday, February 25, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
I've Been Tagged!!
The super cool Jennifer Hillier has tagged me to answer 19 questions about myself. I feel so loved! And I'm passing on the love to four bloggers below, per the question tagging rules.
But first, a quick reminder to check out me and Colene's SPD Blogfest! Linky sign-up thing here!
1). If you have pets, do you see them as animals, or are they members of the family?
I have two dogs, three cats, three horses, and if my son has his way, soon a lizard. They are definitely members of the family, my animal children.
2). If you can have a dream come true, what would it be?
Well, you guys can guess this one. I want to get an awesome agent and publisher and publish awesome books that become international bestsellers with movies made after them. That’s all :~)
3). What is the one thing most hated by you?
Hmmm. Haven’t really thought about the one thing I hate. Probably the utter lack of humanity shown by so many humans throughout the world that commit horrible atrocities on each other.
4). What would you do with a billion dollars?
This one I have totally thought about, in great detail. I’ll say the selfless stuff first so you feel all warm and fuzzy before I get to the selfish stuff. I’d probably contribute to or create organizations to assist with world hunger, the environment, women and children in third world countries, animal rescue, and political awareness. I’d give a ton to my family. I’d have fabulous homes in New York, Paris, France or Italy, somewhere tropical. I’d travel everywhere, really get to know the world. Go on some crazy shopping sprees. Definitely have a private jet for all that traveling.
5). What helps to pull you out of a bad mood?
Music often helps. I’ve had a pretty intense week already, so yesterday I turned on some Usher in my car really loud until it was vibrating through my skin and rattling my heart. I just let it wash away everything else.
6). Which is more blessed, loving someone or being loved by someone?
Being loved is awesome, but having my son and experiencing truly unconditional love for the first time ever was and continues to be the most amazing thing in my whole life.
7). What is your bedtime routine?
I go to bed really late (11 or 12) even though I have to get up at 6:30 for work. I usually blog, write or read until I have to make myself go to bed.
8). If you are currently in a relationship, how did you meet your partner?
I met my husband when I was a bank teller and he was a financial crimes investigator for the local police. He came in to interview me about a customer opening up fraudulent accounts.
9). If you could watch a creative person in the act of the creative process, who would it be?
Wow, this is tough. Maybe Prince, Natalie Merchant or Quentin Tarantino?
10). What kinds of books do you read?
I'm trying to broaden my range of genres, but my faves are what I write: urban fantasy. Something with a kickass heroine and magic.
11). How would you see yourself in ten years time?
Well, I’d like to be writing full time and earning a decent living doing it. I want to have traveled to a lot of cool places. I want to still be healthy and happy and have a healthy, happy family.
12). What's your fear?
Death. Mine or a close family member.
13). Would you give up all the junk food for the rest of your life for the opportunity to visit space?
I don’t really eat much junk food, so sure.
14). Would you rather be single and rich, or married and poor?
Married and poor. Relationships have always meant more to me than money.
15). What's the first thing you do when you wake up?
Let the dogs out, then check my Droid for emails from you guys!
16). If you could change one thing about your spouse/partner, what would it be?
For his sake, I wish he could relax and enjoy life more.
17). If you could pick a new name for yourself, what would it be?
I love V names, so maybe Victoria or Verona. Or a cool hippy name like Raven (which also has a V!).
18). Would you forgive and forget no matter how horrible a thing that special someone has done?
No. I start out with a pretty open heart with everyone; I’m overly trusting and optimistic about human nature. But if someone screws me over, while I may or may not keep them in my life, I don’t tend to forget or trust them again.
19). If you could only eat one thing for the next six months, what would it be?
Fruit. Strawberries, mangos, pineapples, raspberries, kiwis. Ha, see how I got away with all that under the umbrella of fruit?
Alright, I'm passing the torch to:
Colene Murphy at The Journey
B.E. Sanderson at The Writing Spectacle
Joann Swanson at It's Dark, Dark In Here
Jai at Jai Joshi's Tulsi Tree
And I'd love to have everyone share their answer to what creative person they'd love to observe in the creative process!
Also, I want to say thank you to N.R. Williams for the You Make Me Smile Award and Maria McKenzie for the Making Smiles on Faces Award!
Yay! I guess I'm doing decent in the smile department. Maria and N.R. both rock in this department, too, so go give them a visit! To all of my followers, I pass these lovely awards on to you! Please choose one or both.
Happy Wednesday writer friends! We're over the hump now :-)
But first, a quick reminder to check out me and Colene's SPD Blogfest! Linky sign-up thing here!
1). If you have pets, do you see them as animals, or are they members of the family?
I have two dogs, three cats, three horses, and if my son has his way, soon a lizard. They are definitely members of the family, my animal children.
2). If you can have a dream come true, what would it be?
Well, you guys can guess this one. I want to get an awesome agent and publisher and publish awesome books that become international bestsellers with movies made after them. That’s all :~)
3). What is the one thing most hated by you?
Hmmm. Haven’t really thought about the one thing I hate. Probably the utter lack of humanity shown by so many humans throughout the world that commit horrible atrocities on each other.
4). What would you do with a billion dollars?
This one I have totally thought about, in great detail. I’ll say the selfless stuff first so you feel all warm and fuzzy before I get to the selfish stuff. I’d probably contribute to or create organizations to assist with world hunger, the environment, women and children in third world countries, animal rescue, and political awareness. I’d give a ton to my family. I’d have fabulous homes in New York, Paris, France or Italy, somewhere tropical. I’d travel everywhere, really get to know the world. Go on some crazy shopping sprees. Definitely have a private jet for all that traveling.
5). What helps to pull you out of a bad mood?
Music often helps. I’ve had a pretty intense week already, so yesterday I turned on some Usher in my car really loud until it was vibrating through my skin and rattling my heart. I just let it wash away everything else.
6). Which is more blessed, loving someone or being loved by someone?
Being loved is awesome, but having my son and experiencing truly unconditional love for the first time ever was and continues to be the most amazing thing in my whole life.
7). What is your bedtime routine?
I go to bed really late (11 or 12) even though I have to get up at 6:30 for work. I usually blog, write or read until I have to make myself go to bed.
8). If you are currently in a relationship, how did you meet your partner?
I met my husband when I was a bank teller and he was a financial crimes investigator for the local police. He came in to interview me about a customer opening up fraudulent accounts.
9). If you could watch a creative person in the act of the creative process, who would it be?
Wow, this is tough. Maybe Prince, Natalie Merchant or Quentin Tarantino?
10). What kinds of books do you read?
I'm trying to broaden my range of genres, but my faves are what I write: urban fantasy. Something with a kickass heroine and magic.
11). How would you see yourself in ten years time?
Well, I’d like to be writing full time and earning a decent living doing it. I want to have traveled to a lot of cool places. I want to still be healthy and happy and have a healthy, happy family.
12). What's your fear?
Death. Mine or a close family member.
13). Would you give up all the junk food for the rest of your life for the opportunity to visit space?
I don’t really eat much junk food, so sure.
14). Would you rather be single and rich, or married and poor?
Married and poor. Relationships have always meant more to me than money.
15). What's the first thing you do when you wake up?
Let the dogs out, then check my Droid for emails from you guys!
16). If you could change one thing about your spouse/partner, what would it be?
For his sake, I wish he could relax and enjoy life more.
17). If you could pick a new name for yourself, what would it be?
I love V names, so maybe Victoria or Verona. Or a cool hippy name like Raven (which also has a V!).
18). Would you forgive and forget no matter how horrible a thing that special someone has done?
No. I start out with a pretty open heart with everyone; I’m overly trusting and optimistic about human nature. But if someone screws me over, while I may or may not keep them in my life, I don’t tend to forget or trust them again.
19). If you could only eat one thing for the next six months, what would it be?
Fruit. Strawberries, mangos, pineapples, raspberries, kiwis. Ha, see how I got away with all that under the umbrella of fruit?
Alright, I'm passing the torch to:
Colene Murphy at The Journey
B.E. Sanderson at The Writing Spectacle
Joann Swanson at It's Dark, Dark In Here
Jai at Jai Joshi's Tulsi Tree
And I'd love to have everyone share their answer to what creative person they'd love to observe in the creative process!
Also, I want to say thank you to N.R. Williams for the You Make Me Smile Award and Maria McKenzie for the Making Smiles on Faces Award!
Happy Wednesday writer friends! We're over the hump now :-)
Monday, February 21, 2011
What Puts You in the Mood?
The writing mood that is... get your head out of the gutter!
Of course, we all know that sometimes we have to write even when we're not in the mood. Otherwise, we would never get those WIPs finished! Kind of like romance, it's not always sunshine and rosebuds for our writing projects. And we just have to push through and do it anways.
But just for a moment pretend that it's one of those glorious times when your mind is overflowing with great ideas and you can barely type fast enough to keep up with the awesomeness pouring out of your artistic soul. How did you get to that place? What put you in the mood to create some awesome works of literature?
For me, typically it's when I've come up with a new idea or scene and it's been ruminating in my head for the whole day (or more), so that when I finally get to sit down and write it flows easily. Countless was actually the result of eight years of mulling, but no time to write with my son being so young, and working and taking classes. So when I finally graduated, I threw all the time I had been spending on classes into the book and the first draft was done pretty quickly.
If I want to get myself in the mood, I'll sometimes play some Vivaldi or drink a glass of wine. I write better when it's quiet (except for the classical music) and I'm not interrupted. I've heard of people that train themselves to get in the groove by always lighting a scented candle or listening to a certain song or sitting in a certain place.
How about you? What puts you in the mood?
Of course, we all know that sometimes we have to write even when we're not in the mood. Otherwise, we would never get those WIPs finished! Kind of like romance, it's not always sunshine and rosebuds for our writing projects. And we just have to push through and do it anways.
But just for a moment pretend that it's one of those glorious times when your mind is overflowing with great ideas and you can barely type fast enough to keep up with the awesomeness pouring out of your artistic soul. How did you get to that place? What put you in the mood to create some awesome works of literature?
For me, typically it's when I've come up with a new idea or scene and it's been ruminating in my head for the whole day (or more), so that when I finally get to sit down and write it flows easily. Countless was actually the result of eight years of mulling, but no time to write with my son being so young, and working and taking classes. So when I finally graduated, I threw all the time I had been spending on classes into the book and the first draft was done pretty quickly.
If I want to get myself in the mood, I'll sometimes play some Vivaldi or drink a glass of wine. I write better when it's quiet (except for the classical music) and I'm not interrupted. I've heard of people that train themselves to get in the groove by always lighting a scented candle or listening to a certain song or sitting in a certain place.
How about you? What puts you in the mood?
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Would I Make A Good Movie Director?
Before you answer that, the results of my 100 followers celebration giveaway! Two lucky followers have each won a $15.00 Amazon gift card! And the winners are:
B.E. Sanderson and Lisa Galek!
Ladies, send your preferred email address to alexiachamberlynn@gmail.com and I'll send you the goods. Congrats! And thank you to everyone else who participated!
So, a few weeks ago I was on Talli's blog and she was talking about her friend Gemma Burgess, who had made a cool book trailer. Now, I'd seen a couple book trailers before and thought they ranged from super lame to mediocre. But the one for Gemma Burgess' book The Dating Detox is amazing! I can easily see why it's garnered over 25,000 views (you should check it out).
I showed my husband and we began a several day obsession, planning out the trailer for my novel, Countless. Whereas Gemma's was a humorous scene from her book acted out by professionals, mine would be pretty dramatic, and thus easy to venture into cheesiness. We have a film school at the local university to which I have some connections through work and friends, so it's possible I could get some students to help. Hubs was very sweet and googled royalty-free stock video websites which have different cool stuff like time elapse videos of different city skylines. Anyways, we had fun geeking out and planning different scenes for our "movie", even though this isn't something I'd consider doing until I'd found an agent or publisher and had their blessing.
If done right, a book trailer can be a super marketing tool. Have you guys seen any good book trailers? What are your thoughts on the subject? Would you make one for your book?
Have a good rest of the weekend!
B.E. Sanderson and Lisa Galek!
Ladies, send your preferred email address to alexiachamberlynn@gmail.com and I'll send you the goods. Congrats! And thank you to everyone else who participated!
So, a few weeks ago I was on Talli's blog and she was talking about her friend Gemma Burgess, who had made a cool book trailer. Now, I'd seen a couple book trailers before and thought they ranged from super lame to mediocre. But the one for Gemma Burgess' book The Dating Detox is amazing! I can easily see why it's garnered over 25,000 views (you should check it out).
I showed my husband and we began a several day obsession, planning out the trailer for my novel, Countless. Whereas Gemma's was a humorous scene from her book acted out by professionals, mine would be pretty dramatic, and thus easy to venture into cheesiness. We have a film school at the local university to which I have some connections through work and friends, so it's possible I could get some students to help. Hubs was very sweet and googled royalty-free stock video websites which have different cool stuff like time elapse videos of different city skylines. Anyways, we had fun geeking out and planning different scenes for our "movie", even though this isn't something I'd consider doing until I'd found an agent or publisher and had their blessing.
If done right, a book trailer can be a super marketing tool. Have you guys seen any good book trailers? What are your thoughts on the subject? Would you make one for your book?
Have a good rest of the weekend!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Re-Christmas
First! A quick announcement. Since I forgot to give a final reminder to enter my giveaway for two followers to win a $15 Amazon gift card, I am giving it now. Last chance! Leave a comment on this post before midnight on Thursday the 17th. I will announce the winners this weekend. Comment now or forever hold your peace!
Also, since I'm in reminder mode, check out the SPD Luck o' the Irish Blogfest me and Colene are hosting. Linky thing on Colene's blog!
The Hunger Games was pretty amazing. Just the whole concept really floored me. And it made me absolutely sob at one point (those of you who've read it will know which part). Fallen was pretty good, kind of like Twilight but with angels instead of vamps. I've kind of paused on Full Dark No Stars because (warning: you may find my next words blasphemous), I just couldn't really get into it. I've never read Stephen King and thought I should, since he's so famous and stuff. And I'm going to give it another try, but it seemed sort of sexist and I just really wasn't feeling it. I'm currently reading Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and while the writing is excellent, it's slow starting. It has a lot of backstory, which is something we're all told is a cardinal sin. If it weren't for everything I've heard about it, I might not keep reading.
So, that's my Re-Christmas. What are you guys reading these days? Have you ever gotten a book by a famous author and not liked it?
Also, since I'm in reminder mode, check out the SPD Luck o' the Irish Blogfest me and Colene are hosting. Linky thing on Colene's blog!
So, a few weeks ago I ordered a few books from Amazon with a gift card from Christmas. I got The Hunger Games, Matched, Fallen, Full Dark No Stars, Eat Pray Love, and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. So far I've read Hunger Games and Fallen, and started Full Dark No Stars and Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
The Hunger Games was pretty amazing. Just the whole concept really floored me. And it made me absolutely sob at one point (those of you who've read it will know which part). Fallen was pretty good, kind of like Twilight but with angels instead of vamps. I've kind of paused on Full Dark No Stars because (warning: you may find my next words blasphemous), I just couldn't really get into it. I've never read Stephen King and thought I should, since he's so famous and stuff. And I'm going to give it another try, but it seemed sort of sexist and I just really wasn't feeling it. I'm currently reading Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and while the writing is excellent, it's slow starting. It has a lot of backstory, which is something we're all told is a cardinal sin. If it weren't for everything I've heard about it, I might not keep reading.So, that's my Re-Christmas. What are you guys reading these days? Have you ever gotten a book by a famous author and not liked it?
Happy rest of the week!
Monday, February 14, 2011
When Characters Get Busy
Yes, I mean exactly what you think I mean.
So: romance in writing. Love it or hate it? For me, I like a nice balance. A little sizzle and some romantic tension is the icing on a really good read. But no need for gory details. I want no mention of shafts, pillars or secret places of desire in what I read or write.
The second part of that question is, if you like it, can you write it? Some people just don't have it. You guys know I love J.K., but her attempt at romance is pretty terrible - "and then suddenly they started snogging". What the heck?? But it's hard to write good scenes without being cheesy. And then there are the writers who build up a ton of awesome tension, and then it fizzles out into nothing when the deed is done (I'll pick on Stephenie Meyer here).
Further, how do you decide who's going to hook up? Do you know from the beginning that certain characters are destined to get together, or does it evolve naturally? I'm currently working on the second book of my trilogy, and have been debating this for my MC (which kind of makes me feel like some sort of literary pimp). Does she have a fling with the hot shapeshifter, even though she's in love with this other character?
So, writer friends, how do you feel about romance? How much is too much (or can you never get enough)? Do you like to write it, or does it make you blush? Does your MC have multiple love interests? Do tell! And happy V-Day!
So: romance in writing. Love it or hate it? For me, I like a nice balance. A little sizzle and some romantic tension is the icing on a really good read. But no need for gory details. I want no mention of shafts, pillars or secret places of desire in what I read or write.
The second part of that question is, if you like it, can you write it? Some people just don't have it. You guys know I love J.K., but her attempt at romance is pretty terrible - "and then suddenly they started snogging". What the heck?? But it's hard to write good scenes without being cheesy. And then there are the writers who build up a ton of awesome tension, and then it fizzles out into nothing when the deed is done (I'll pick on Stephenie Meyer here).
Further, how do you decide who's going to hook up? Do you know from the beginning that certain characters are destined to get together, or does it evolve naturally? I'm currently working on the second book of my trilogy, and have been debating this for my MC (which kind of makes me feel like some sort of literary pimp). Does she have a fling with the hot shapeshifter, even though she's in love with this other character?
So, writer friends, how do you feel about romance? How much is too much (or can you never get enough)? Do you like to write it, or does it make you blush? Does your MC have multiple love interests? Do tell! And happy V-Day!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Leprechauns, Darth Vader and Harry Potter
What do you get when you cross two Irish writer chics, an epic holiday, and free stuff?
That's right, the SPD Blogfest!
This reminds me of when I was a kid and was obsessed with having magical powers, thus the reason I now write fantasy stuff. Minus the Darth Vader getup, this was totally me! Love it! Of course, I may or may not currently have dreams about doing magic...
Lastly, my son is now reading the Goblet of Fire (he's blown through the first three in about 3 weeks). I love sharing the Harry Potter adventure with him! He started reading the first one for a book report and character parade at school. So, I drew a little lightning scar on his forehead with black eyeliner, and put a cape on him (coincidentally his Darth Vader cape from Halloween), and he already has glasses, so good to go there. He sat down for his breakfast of cereal and put his hands on the table and said, "Where's my big feast? I'm Harry Potter!" He grinned up at me and it was one of those priceless moments. My kid rocks.
So, go sign up for the SPD blogfest, don't forget about my 100 followers celebration contest (more free stuff!), and have a stellar weekend!
That's right, the SPD Blogfest!
Who: Colene, me and you guys!
What: Mega dose of Irish fun
When: SPD of course (3/17/11)
Where: Linky sign up thing on Colene's blog
How: Sign up, write your flash fiction or SPD/Irish story of 200 words or less (but nobody's really counting), visit everyone else's awesome posts!
Free stuff? Absolutely. Colene and I will each pick our fave post and award the two winners with the new release of their choice!
Go sign up and join us in the Irish debauchery! Or not-debauchery. Up to you!
So, not to blow your mind with too much awesomeness in one post, but did you guys see this hilarious Super Bowl ad? I don't watch football, but I came across this:
This reminds me of when I was a kid and was obsessed with having magical powers, thus the reason I now write fantasy stuff. Minus the Darth Vader getup, this was totally me! Love it! Of course, I may or may not currently have dreams about doing magic...
Lastly, my son is now reading the Goblet of Fire (he's blown through the first three in about 3 weeks). I love sharing the Harry Potter adventure with him! He started reading the first one for a book report and character parade at school. So, I drew a little lightning scar on his forehead with black eyeliner, and put a cape on him (coincidentally his Darth Vader cape from Halloween), and he already has glasses, so good to go there. He sat down for his breakfast of cereal and put his hands on the table and said, "Where's my big feast? I'm Harry Potter!" He grinned up at me and it was one of those priceless moments. My kid rocks.
So, go sign up for the SPD blogfest, don't forget about my 100 followers celebration contest (more free stuff!), and have a stellar weekend!
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