Saturday, January 30, 2010
Katya Peekin'
And yes... I am in love. OMG I am in love. And I frankly think a dedicated device with a lifetime of unlimited service is a good deal. A lot of the early responses to this little nugget were very "why on earth," but after thinking it through I decided to get one for the following reasons:
1. I hate using my cell phone for "everything." I always love the newest cells, then think it through, and realize that I get cranky if I have to navigate a menu on my cell.
2. It may be because I am dysgraphic, but menus that are all about navigation make me nuts. This device is a screen with a scroll (like a blackberry) with my twitter feed RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME. If I want to tweet I press a button, scroll, tweet, send. If I want to read I scroll and click. One handed, right in front of me.
3. I'm a little hyper, and I tend to be out of the house on my netbook or nowhere near a computer. And I very often turn my phone off or leave it elsewhere in the house when I'm "shut down." But leaving Katya on the bedside gives me the option to tweet quickly then plop it back down.
4. If I get a tweet on Katya that's big breaking news I know to go get online fast. WHAT? BIG FAT HAIRY BOOKS JUST ASKED TO SIGN THE FICTIONISTAS TO DO A CELEBRITY BLOGGER YA ANTHOLOGY AND WANT TO KNOW WHERE TO SEND MY FIVE MILLION DOLLAR ADVANCE??? You know, stuff like that.
5. I really am a gadget collector. I have two cells... one for business, one for personal use. And I swear I actually like it that way. I know... weird.
Anyhooters... after a day of use I am in lust with Katya. My single complaint is that the scroll is a little sluggish. Hopefully I'll get so used to it I won't care.
EDIT:
Meantime, I'll catchya on Katya... on twitter!! Follow me here!
Friday, January 29, 2010
One month down
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Romantic Comedy workshop at Romance Divas
Check out our very own Rhonda Stapleton's fantastic FREE workshop on writing YA Romantic Comedy at Romance Divas: http://www.romancedivas.com
She's giving great tips on comedy writing in general, as well as how to create a realistic teen romance.
See you there!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Notable quotes, ahoy!
Let's do a post collecting favorite quotes today. Here are a few of mine:
--"A positive attitude won't solve all of your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort." Herm Albright--Reader's Digest
--"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." Groucho Marx
--"If only God would give me some clear sign. Like making a large deposit in my name at a Swiss bank." Woody Allen
--"War does not determine who is right - only who is left." Bertrand Russell
--"Smoking kills. If you're killed, you've lost a very important part of your life." Brooke Shields
--"If it weren't for the killings, Washington would have one of the lowest crime rates in the country." Marion Berry
--"The pen is mightier than the sword, and considerably easier to write with." Marty Feldman
So, share your fav quotes! I love collecting them. :D
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Cuteness overload!
These guys have certainly made our lives more interesting. Do you have pets? Where did they come from?
Monday, January 25, 2010
McWTF
Too bad she's had to spend $5,000 of that money on legal fees because she's being sued by McDonald's for trademark infringement because she's calling the event McFest.
Um, her last name is McClusky....remember?
Why is McDonald's being such a bully here? They say they are required by law to "guard against third parties that infringe our trademarks." but c'mon! isn't this overkill?
Dear McDonald's,
My maiden name was McKenzie, would you like to sue me as well? I think you guys McSuck and I think you should McSTFU and leave Lauren McClusky and her pretty awesome charity event McAlone. McGot it?
McLove,
Melissa McKenzie Francis
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Evil Plot Bunnies Are Killing My Brain Children
It's five hundred and seventy eight different kinds of wrong. I get really into my groove, right? The story is flowing, gliding, slipping from my fingertips onto the page with the aid of the keyboard, a ratatat-tippity-tat of glee. The dialogue comes naturally, the plot shifts simply exquisite. Transitions slip and slide from one paragraph to the next like they are dancing on ice. I'm in THE ZONE. Then I take a break to regroup and it happens.
At first, it looks sweet and unassuming. It's cute. An idea. A lovely idea. A seductively simple idea. Hmm... a change of pace might be healthy.
But wait... this idea may be brilliant! I could build from clever item A, shift into clever item B, and culminate with spectacularly glorious item C!
Yes!!! Yes, this is brilliant!!! Yes, to heck with the-more-important-project-that-was-going-so-well. No, never mind that! It's all about THIS little plot that just came to me!
The problem, of course, as all writers know, is that these little side-trips are momentum killers and dream-suckers. They end up sputtering. They are subconscious methods of self-sabotage. Plot bunnies are actually the reason I began, a few years ago, keeping a PLOT BOOK. I scrawl them down and put them inside, then put the book under something large and heavy to keep them from escaping. Because they may seem cute... but eventually all the brain children I work so hard to create recognize them for their true selves. Like Mall Santas, they are cloaked in the clothing of magical fairy tales... but you can smell the Jack Daniels when you're on the sweaty lap.
Begone, evil one. I banish you!
STOP TORMENTING MY BRAIN CHILDREN, EVIL PLOT BUNNY!
Friday, January 22, 2010
100 questions!
Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed?
Closed for sure.
Do you take the shampoos and conditioner bottles from hotel?
Not usually. I am usually trying to lessen my load when I am packing to leave.
Do you sleep with your sheets tucked in or out?
I like the bottom tucked, but not the sides.
Have you ever stolen a street sign before?
Nope.
Do you like to use post-it notes?
Have you seen the new ones? They are durable!
Do you cut out coupons but then never use them?
I neither cut them or use them.
Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of a bees?
A bear. I would think it would go faster.
Do you have freckles?
I used to have more.
Do you always smile for pictures?
Usually.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Excuses.
Do you ever count your steps when you walk?
No. That would be a pet peeve if I started.
Have you ever peed in the woods?
Yes.
What about pooped in the woods?
Um, ewwww.
Do you ever dance even if there's no music playing?
Yup.
Do you chew your pens and pencils?
No.
How many people have you slept with this week?
Just the one.
What size is your bed?
Queen
What is your Song of the week?
I don't have a Song of the Week. Am I lame?
Is it okay for guys to wear pink?
I can't stop laughing even thinking about Mr. Hayes wearing pink. Good one.
Do you still watch cartoons?
No.
Whats your least favorite movie?
The Parent Trap. Seriously. I hate it. I can't get past the "it's okay to choose on of your children to love and abandon the other" aspect. What kind of person can do that?
Where would you bury hidden treasure if you had some?
Like I'd tell you.
What do you drink with dinner?
Milk! Organic, ice cold milk. Every night.
What do you dip a chicken nugget in?
ranch
What is your favorite food?
cheese
What movies could you watch over and over and still love?
Dirty Dancing, When Harry Met Sally, Blades of Glory
Last person you kissed/kissed you?
The man who would never wear pink.
Were you ever a boy/girl scout?
I was a girl scout for a long time.
Would you ever strip or pose nude in a magazine?
I won't even pose nude in a room by myself.
When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper?
I type letter at work all the time.
Can you change the oil on a car?
There is oil in cars?
Ever gotten a speeding ticket?
Yes.
Ran out of gas?
Yes, but I wasn't driving.
Favorite kind of sandwich?
Club
Best thing to eat for breakfast?
bacon and eggs
What is your usual bedtime?
10pm-midnight range
Are you lazy?
Guilty.
When you were a kid, what did you dress up as for Halloween?
A witch most years.
What is your Chinese astrological sign?
Dog
How many languages can you speak?
I'm not always certain that I've mastered this one.
Do you have any magazine subscriptions?
RWR
Which are better legos or lincoln logs?
I don't like either, really. Though my kids like Legos.
Are you stubborn?
You say that like it's a bad thing.
Who is better...Leno or Letterman?
Letterman
Ever watch soap operas?
My teen years were filled with the soaps.
Afraid of heights?
I'm not fond of them.
Sing in the car?
Always. Especially when an old Journey song comes on. It's scary, frankly.
Dance in the shower?
That sounds dangerous.
Dance in the car?
Yup
Ever used a gun?
I don't think so.
Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer?
1993.
Do you think musicals are cheesy?
Yes, but I love cheese.
Is Christmas stressful?
Yes! but also wonderful.
Ever eat a pierogi?
yes.
Favorite type of fruit pie?
blueberry
Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid?
Ice dancer
Do you believe in ghosts?
Yes.
Ever have a Deja-vu feeling?
Yes.
Take a vitamin daily?
No. should though.
Wear slippers?
all the time
Wear a bath robe?
yes...also I wear a blanket with arms. Don't judge.
What do you wear to bed?
jammies
First concert?
Chicago
Wal-Mart, Target or Kmart?
I hate all three, but the only one in town is Wal-Mart.
Nike or Adidas?
I don't even care.
Cheetos Or Fritos?
Cheetos
Peanuts or Sunflower seeds?
peanuts
Ever hear of the group Tres Bien?
No.
Ever take dance lessons?
Yes.
Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing?
I don't have a future spouse. I have a spouse of the present, and he's employed caretaking me.
Can you curl your tongue?
Yes.
Ever won a spelling bee?
Yes.
Have you ever cried because you were so happy?
Yes.
Own any record albums?
Yes.
So many. Xanadu comes to mind
Own a record player?
not any more
Regularly burn incense?
No.
Ever been in love?
Yes
Who would you like to see in concert?
Michael Buble, Springsteen
What was the last concert you saw?
Daughtry/Theory of a Deadman
Hot tea or cold tea?
Hot
Tea or coffee?
both. Coffee in the morning, tea at night
Sugar or snickerdoodles?
Snickerdoodles
Can you swim well?
Yes.
Can you hold your breath without holding your nose?
Yes
Are you patient?
Not so much.
DJ or band, at a wedding?
DJ
Ever won a contest?
Yes
Ever have plastic surgery?
No.
Which are better black or green olives?
both. LOL
Can you knit or crochet?
I knit!
Best room for a fireplace?
my livingroom
Do you want to get married?
I would like to keep the guy currently wearing my ring.
If married, how long have you been married?
7 years
Who was your HS crush?
I had so many. So, so many. And at our reunion, I realized I had great taste. The boys from my class are great men.
Do you cry and throw a fit until you get your own way?
That never works.
Do you have kids?
Yes.
Do you want kids?
I continue to want the ones I have.
Whats your favorite color?
I can't pick favorites.
Do you miss anyone right now?
Hi Nanny. How's Heaven treating you?
Did you watch, Next Great American Band on FOX?
Um. Guess not. Never heard of it.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Interview with Linda Joy Singleton
Today I'm chatting with author Linda Joy Singleton, author of THE SEER series and the DEAD GIRL trilogy, both from Flux.
Welcome, Linda!
AB: Tell us something about yourself.
LJS: I started writing young and with my father's help submitted short stories to a teen magazine at age 14. I didn't sell then but by the time I was 30 I'd made my first book sale; a chapter book called ALMOST TWINS. I have a supportive, wonderful husband who built my second-story office and also a home library for my girl series book collection. I enjoy spending time with my family and traveling for writing events where I'm often a speaker. I'm also an animal lover and have cats, dogs and horses.
AB: Tell us about DEAD GIRL IN LOVE.
LJS: This is the 3rd book in my DEAD GIRL trilogy with Flux. High school senior, Amber Borden, literally becomes her own best friend when she body-swaps into her best friend's body. She discovers that her best friend has family secrets that involve graveyards and seeking something that's lost. While trying to solve this mystery, Amber is romanced by a Dark Lifer who wants her body and soul.
AB: Pretty cool! How did you get the inspiration for it?
LJS: Originally it was going to be called DEAD GIRL DATING and I had plans to focus on finding romance for her best friend. But darker plots emerged in the form of a charming body-thief named Gabe who recites poetry and died for love (literally) centuries ago. I enjoyed the romantic out of body scenes and hopes readers do, too. I also wrote about best friends because of my experiences finding out that I didn't know some serious things going on with my best friend when we were kids. So I wanted to explore the depths and secrets of friendship.
AB: What authors do you read?
LJS: MANY! I devour YA and midgrade books. Some favorites are Suzanne Collins, Margaret Peterson Haddix, Ingrid Law, Nancy Werlin, Maria V. Snyder, Jeanne DuPrau, Scott Westerfeld, Eva Ibbotson plus many more (I rate my favorites on GOODREADS).
AB: Who is your favorite character (from your own books or any other books out there)?
LJS: Judy Bolton by Margaret Sutton, a vintage girl series I read, collect and I also knew the author.
AB: What five things are always in your purse?
LJS: Fun question. Keys, date book, pink wallet, cell phone and usually a book.
AB: What music are you currently listening to?
LJS: When I'm in the car I listen to audio books now instead of music (although I love lots of music). I'm currently listening to EVERLOST, a fantasy by Neal Schusterman.
AB: Tell us about your pets (if any).
LJS: I have 3 cats: Snowy is white with a racoon tail; Molly is a beautiful calico who likes to be petted but won't let me hold her; Kiki is smokey gray and prefers to roam outside. And I have a small dog who is my constant companion: Lacey has curly white with black fur and she follows me (or my hubby) everywhere.
AB: One item of makeup you can't live without.
LJS: Auburn eye-brow pencil which matches my hair color of choice.
AB: Worst high school memory.
LJS: Realizing shortly after receiving an antique opal ring from my grandmother that I lost one of the three opals at school. Never found it but my parents replaced the stone with a lovely fire opal. Still I always felt bad for losing the original stone (even though since the ring is a size 5, no way can I wear it now!). If I ever have a granddaughter with an October birthday, I'll pass it on like my grandmother did.
AB: Tell us your best prom story, and you get bonus points if you let us post your prom picture. (Oh, come on, we had to ask!)
LJS: I didn't go to the prom. Instead my fiance (yup, I was engaged my senior year) and I went to a Hoot Owl Dance with our teen square dance club. It was an all night dance and we stayed up till around 2AM, dancing. I was proud to do something different than what kids at my school were doing and I had a great group of friends in our dance club. I was also part of the only teen round dance (like ballroom dancing) exhibition group in the US. Our group was called the Rainbow Stars and occasionally those of us still near the Sacramento area have a reunion. I'll include a picture of myself round dancing with an ex-boyfriend.
AB: Wow, folks, we have a winner! Linda, you're our first guest to let us post a prom pic...you rock! Great pic, btw. Looks fun! OK, moving on. If you could go back in time and talk to the teenage you, what would you tell her?
LJS: Well I don't want to change any events since I have a great husband and family. But I'd love to talk to myself and tell her that she'll have a writing career and the family she dreams about, and to have more confidence and not feel compelled to marry the first guy who asks her. That girl I was would have been amazed to know the things ahead. Of course if I'd known, I might not have worked and struggled so hard to become published. Anxiety pushes me into action and makes me try new things and work harder. Still it would have been cool to know that my dreams would come true.
AB: Great advice. What are you working on next?
LJS: I'm writing a contracted book with Flux that's a spin-off to my THE SEER series. It's about Goth girl Thorn who has the gift of psychometry. I'm not sure what the book will be called since THE FINDER, the original title, is similar to something that came out recently. The book is about Thorn moving to a conservative town in Nevada and finding a locket which leads to buried bones and secrets involving a rock star who used to go to her new school. I'm having lots of fun with this since I've never written such an anti-social, sarcastic heroine. This book is due in March and will be published in 2011. And in September 2010, THE SEER finally gets one more book: working title THE SEER #6 MAGICIAN'S MUSE.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Win a Signed Copy of Stupid Cupid!
And what do you have to do to win a copy of my book? Super simple--pick five of the 100 questions that Kristen and Mel answered on Monday and Tuesday of this week, and give your own answers to those questions as a comment in this post. You can find Mel's HERE and Kristen's HERE.
That's it!
Contest runs from now until Thursday, 1/21/10 11:59 PM EST. I will ask Gwenny Gwen to announce the winner in her Friday post. So...answer away! And tell your friends. And your grandma--I'm sure she'd love to read my book. haha
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
100 Questions - The Kitteh Edition
Open.
Do you take the shampoos and conditioner bottles from hotel?
If it's good stuff.
Do you sleep with your sheets tucked in or out?
What constitutes tucked?
Have you ever stolen a street sign before?
Nope, but you know those blinking construction thingys? Uh huh.
Do you like to use post-it notes?
Post-it's keep me organized.
Do you cut out coupons but then never use them?
No, I tend to use them.
Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of a bees?
I've already been attacked by a swarm of bees, so do I get a pass?
Do you have freckles?
Yes. Meh.
Do you always smile for pictures?
I try.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
False eyelashes used in mascara ads. Hate. That.
Do you ever count your steps when you walk?
Nope.
Have you ever peed in the woods?
Dude, what a question! Yes.
What about pooped in the woods?
Seriously?
Do you ever dance even if there's no music playing?
Probably.
Do you chew your pens and pencils?
Nope.
How many people have you slept with this week?
Like in bed? One human plus three cats.
What size is your bed?
King
What is your Song of the week?
Wait. Were we supposed to have a song of the week?
Is it okay for guys to wear pink?
Totally
Do you still watch cartoons?
Sometimes.
Whats your least favorite movie?
Titanic. I hate movies I know the ending to before I watch them.
Where would you bury hidden treasure if you had some?
If I had hidden treasure, it would already be hidden.
What do you drink with dinner?
Water
What do you dip a chicken nugget in?
The trash can. Then you leave it there.
What is your favorite food?
Really? You expect me to pick one? Hah.
What movies could you watch over and over and still love?
MIB, Better Off Dead, My Blue Heaven, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Last person you kissed/kissed you?
Hotrod.
Were you ever a boy/girl scout?
Nope
Would you ever strip or pose nude in a magazine?
Nope
When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper?
Do post-its count?
Can you change the oil on a car?
No and I don't want to.
Ever gotten a speeding ticket?
Not in a long time.
Ran out of gas?
No, but my husband on the other hand...
Favorite kind of sandwich?
Italian cold cut sub
Best thing to eat for breakfast?
Ham and cheese omelet.
What is your usual bedtime?
10-11 pm
Are you lazy?
Yes. So what. I still get crap done.
When you were a kid, what did you dress up as for Halloween?
We weren't allowed to go trick or treating.
What is your Chinese astrological sign?
Wonton Soup
How many languages can you speak?
Just English, although I know smidgens of French, Italian and German. I could once sign fluently.
Do you have any magazine subscriptions?
Yes.
Which are better legos or lincoln logs?
Dude. Legos.
Are you stubborn?
Have you met me?
Who is better...Leno or Letterman?
Ferguson
Ever watch soap operas?
Not since HS.
Afraid of heights?
A little, but it's no big.
Sing in the car?
Loudly.
Dance in the shower?
And hurt myself? No.
Dance in the car?
If Hotrod is driving
Ever used a gun?
Yep
Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer?
For my author headshots
Do you think musicals are cheesy?
Yes, but I like them anyway.
Is Christmas stressful?
Yes, but I still love it.
Ever eat a pierogi?
Mmm...fried in butter with onions....
Favorite type of fruit pie?
Chocolate.
Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid?
Scientist
Do you believe in ghosts?
Nope
Ever have a Deja-vu feeling?
Yes.
Take a vitamin daily?
Yep. Although daily might be stretching it.
Wear slippers?
Right now as a matter of fact.
Wear a bath robe?
See above answer
What do you wear to bed?
Tshirt and sometimes yoga pants if I'm chilly
First concert?
See answer below.
Wal-Mart, Target or Kmart?
Target, natch.
Nike or Adidas?
Hmm. I'm not really a sneaker girl...
Cheetos Or Fritos?
Baked Cheetos and Chili Cheese Fritos
Peanuts or Sunflower seeds?
Both. Salted.
Ever hear of the group Tres Bien?
No.
Ever take dance lessons?
Nope.
Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing?
Masseuse
Can you curl your tongue?
Yes, two different ways.
Ever won a spelling bee?
Nope
Have you ever cried because you were so happy?
Yes.
Own any record albums?
Yes.
Own a record player?
Nope
Regularly burn incense?
Nope
Ever been in love?
Am now!
Who would you like to see in concert?
Tina Turner, Annie Lennox, Daughtry.
What was the last concert you saw?
I've really never been to a concert. Unless you count the Beach Boys with my dad in HS.
Hot tea or cold tea?
Both
Tea or coffee?
Both. Either cold or hot.
Sugar or snickerdoodles?
Sugar.
Can you swim well?
Yes.
Can you hold your breath without holding your nose?
Yes. What a strange question.
Are you patient?
No. Are these questions over yet?
DJ or band, at a wedding?
DJ
Ever won a contest?
Yes!
Ever have plastic surgery?
Not yet. Hah!
Which are better black or green olives?
All of the above.
Can you knit or crochet?
Knit. Only scarves.
Best room for a fireplace?
Bedroom.
Do you want to get married?
Again? Not so much. I'm good with this one.
If married, how long have you been married?
Seven years. Although some days I think it's eight.
Who was your HS crush?
David Sampson. David, if you're reading this, you missed out.
Do you cry and throw a fit until you get your own way?
Why, would that work?
Do you have kids?
Nope.
Do you want kids?
Nope.
What's your favorite color?
Leopard print
Do you miss anyone right now?
Yes. Family. I wish they lived closer.
Did you watch, Next Great American Band on FOX?
Never heard of it, so no.
Monday, January 18, 2010
100 fun questions
My closet doesn't have doors, so I guess that means OPEN
Do you take the shampoos and conditioner bottles from hotel?
Always
Do you sleep with your sheets tucked in or out?
Start tucked but they are definitely untucked by the end of the night.
Have you ever stolen a street sign before?
Several.
Do you like to use post-it notes?
I kinda have a Post-It problem.
Do you cut out coupons but then never use them?
Yes. More often than not.
Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of a bees?
Um. Bees? I would have a better chance of survival. I think.
Do you have freckles?
A few on my shoulders. I always wanted them on my nose though.
Do you always smile for pictures?
99.7% of the time.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
People who don't return the shopping cart to the cart corrals.
Do you ever count your steps when you walk?
Never. But now that you ask, I may start.
Have you ever peed in the woods?
Yes.
What about pooped in the woods?
Um. I don't talk about pooping.
Do you ever dance even if there's no music playing?
Yup.
Do you chew your pens and pencils?
Yes.
How many people have you slept with this week?
seriously?
What size is your bed?
Queen
What is your Song of the week?
CONSIDER ME GONE by Reba McIntyre
Is it okay for guys to wear pink?
It's sexy.
Do you still watch cartoons?
Yes.
Whats your least favorite movie?
Steel Magnolias. Yes, I'm southern. No. I'm not kidding.
Where would you bury hidden treasure if you had some?
Um. I wouldn't. I'd spend that bitch.
What do you drink with dinner?
At first I thought this said, do you drink dinner? LOL Beer if alcoholic beverage, water otherwise
What do you dip a chicken nugget in?
Honey Mustard
What is your favorite food?
Cheese Dip
What movies could you watch over and over and still love?
Dirty Dancing, The American President, The Replacements
Last person you kissed/kissed you?
A girl never kisses and tells.
Were you ever a boy/girl scout?
Yes, but I quit b/c I looked terrible in that color green.
Would you ever strip or pose nude in a magazine?
Never say never.
When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper?
about 3 months ago, actually.
Can you change the oil on a car?
my daddy taught me how when I was a teen but I haven't done it since then, so no.
Ever gotten a speeding ticket?
Yes.
Ran out of gas?
No.
Favorite kind of sandwich?
Bacon
Best thing to eat for breakfast?
Biscuits and Gravy
What is your usual bedtime?
11 pm
Are you lazy?
lazy is such a harsh word. I prefer super relaxed.
When you were a kid, what did you dress up as for Halloween?
Gypsy.
What is your Chinese astrological sign?
Rooster
How many languages can you speak?
1 (unless you count 'teenager' as a language...)
Do you have any magazine subscriptions?
nope.
Which are better legos or lincoln logs?
Legos. Duh.
Are you stubborn?
Hah. That's like asking do you breathe.
Who is better...Leno or Letterman?
Letterman
Ever watch soap operas?
Yup.
Afraid of heights?
not really.
Sing in the car?
Always.
Dance in the shower?
Nope.
Dance in the car?
Yup
Ever used a gun?
as a kid.
Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer?
for my author photos.
Do you think musicals are cheesy?
a little bit, yeah.
Is Christmas stressful?
I don't like christmas. It's very stressful for me, but not for the typical reasons. And that's all I'm gonna say about that.
Ever eat a pierogi?
don't know what that is, so I guess not.
Favorite type of fruit pie?
Apple.
Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid?
Vet
Do you believe in ghosts?
Yes.
Ever have a Deja-vu feeling?
Yes.
Take a vitamin daily?
No. should though.
Wear slippers?
Yes.
Wear a bath robe?
No.
What do you wear to bed?
Tshirt
First concert?
Air Supply
Wal-Mart, Target or Kmart?
Target!!
Nike or Adidas?
Adidas
Cheetos Or Fritos?
Cheetos
Peanuts or Sunflower seeds?
Sunflower seeds.
Ever hear of the group Tres Bien?
No.
Ever take dance lessons?
Yes.
Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing?
No unless Billionaire is considered a profession.
Can you curl your tongue?
Yes.
Ever won a spelling bee?
Yes.
Have you ever cried because you were so happy?
Yes.
Own any record albums?
Yes.
Own a record player?
Yes.
Regularly burn incense?
No.
Ever been in love?
Yes
Who would you like to see in concert?
Michael Buble, Springsteen
What was the last concert you saw?
Daughtry/Theory of a Deadman
Hot tea or cold tea?
Hot
Tea or coffee?
both. Coffee in the morning, tea at night
Sugar or snickerdoodles?
Snickerdoodles
Can you swim well?
Yes.
Can you hold your breath without holding your nose?
Yes
Are you patient?
Yes.
DJ or band, at a wedding?
DJ
Ever won a contest?
Yes
Ever have plastic surgery?
No.
Which are better black or green olives?
both. LOL
Can you knit or crochet?
No.
Best room for a fireplace?
Bedroom.
Do you want to get married?
been there, done that.
If married, how long have you been married?
Long time.
Who was your HS crush?
Denton McDonald
Do you cry and throw a fit until you get your own way?
No.
Do you have kids?
Yes.
Do you want kids?
Don't want anymore.
Whats your favorite color?
Hot Pink
Do you miss anyone right now?
Yes. Very much so.
Did you watch, Next Great American Band on FOX?
Um. Guess not. Never heard of it.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Happy Happy Joy Joy
Recently The Simpsons celebrated a landmark episode, and I think The Simpsons are swell. I like cheapo animation with cheesy production values but very smart writing. I like South Park. But before any of these was a little slice of genius called REN AND STIMPY.
REN AND STIMPY was an angry, goofy, incredibly smart, but also incredibly subtle cartoon. I remember when it first broke a lot of adults were mystified that this wasn't for kids. It was for teens and adults. It often even outstripped the dimmer adults with its cultural references. I was a massive, frothing, fanatic REN AND STIMPY enthusiast.
I still miss it.
And so, my friends, I give you on this lovely Saturday at the dawn of a new decade, a little dance down memory lane. Enjoy:
Friday, January 15, 2010
How to Help
If the charity is one you've never heard of, you can try checking them out on the Better Business Bureau website. Or, stick with well known, or personally known, fundraisers.
UNICEF,DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS, RED CROSS, and SAVE THE CHILDREN are just a few reputable charities. Google has put them all on one page quite nicely for us here. You can even text donations (if you're one of our teen readers, please make sure you talk to Mom and Dad first).
And it's easy to get overwhelmed with all the images and news. Sometimes it seems there is so much suffering on our planet--it's hard to not feel helpless and hopeless when looking at all that tragedy. If you're reading this post, chances are that even when money is tight, you've never not had sanitized water and the luxury of an education. Sometimes, if I look too long at the great, big picture I wonder how little old me can make a difference in the face of such hardship.
But look...I just did. I talked about a problem and let people know how to keep from getting scammed. I can go donate blood today. I can make sure that instead of feeling guilty for having so much, I use my resources to knit a scarf for a Veteran or send my latte money to the Red Cross. I know I can't wipe out world hunger by myself, but I can be kind and charitable--and I can teach my children to be the same. When I get overwhelmed, I try and do even small things. There are a lot of people on this planet, if we all did little small things to help each other out, it would be like Christmas all year.
I'm rambling a little, I know. Four hours of sleep and one cup of coffee isn't enough of either...but I hope that what you come away with is a sense that even if you can't raise a million dollars to send to Haiti, you can focus your attention on making the world, your corner of it, a better place. You can donate your time, you can research the groups that are making a difference and support them, you can treat people you come across with a charitable spirit and show by example how to keep paying forward your good fortune.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Reading for Critiques
__________________________________________
Normally, when I talk about reading and critique groups, I’m talking about reading manuscripts from the other writers in your group. When I saw that all the Fictionista writers play with paranormal elements in some of their writing, I thought I’d write a post about another kind of reading you can do with your critique partners.
Analytic reading.
No, I’m not asking you to step back into college and write an essay. No footnotes required here. I am, however, going to point out the benefits of stretching your critique group a bit beyond the standard expectations. In one particular way.
If the members of a group sometimes, like the Fictionistas, write in a shared genre, you all have a specific need. You have to keep up with what is happening in your field, to see what’s being published, to understand what those writers are doing to make themselves successful. Do I mean that you should write (and critique) to the market? Definitely not. However, while you grow as a writer, you only help yourself by understanding your genre and staying in touch with what other writers in that area are producing. And the more you and your critique partners educate yourselves, the more constructive your feedback will be.
If, on the other hand, you and your critique partners are writing in a wide variety of genres, then I believe reading in each others’ field is critical. So many elements of a manuscript are different across genre—pacing, voice, the balance of prose to dialog. The expectations of a reader for literary novels are very different from those of a mystery reader; similarly most young-adult books have a faster, edgier prose than books for younger readers. For a critique to be truly helpful, the critiquer should be as familiar as possible with the type of books her partners are writing.
What can you do to educate yourselves and each other about a genre?
• See if the group has time to set aside for discussions. If you’re swamped with productive writing and feedback, don’t push that aside. If, though, you have extra time (maybe that warm-up session that you spend catching up on the kids and the latest news in sports?), see whether you can use that time to fit in a book-group session.
• Read the same book. If you’re writing in the same genre, select a book in that field that’s hit it big. If you’re writing in different genres, take turns picking a book. See if you can all pick out the elements that are particular to this field—what is it that makes this book YA or suspense or urban fantasy.
• Take that book apart. No, I don’t mean literally. Literarily! Think as you read—approach this book as a critique. Dig past your first emotional reactions and get to the why and the how. Why do you like/dislike elements of the book, and how has the author manipulated his story and characters and text to make you feel that way? Make sure to read and analyze books you do and don’t like, so you’re talking about what works as well as what doesn’t.
We write because we read. We love books and we want to be part of the community of word people who produce stories for others. What better source of material can we have for educating ourselves, both as writers and critiquers, about tools and techniques that can make our own books better?
Go, read, enjoy, and learn!
Becky Levine is the author of The Writing & Critique Group Survival Guide, coming from Writer’s Digest this January. You can read more about Becky and her writing at her website & blog, www.beckylevine.com.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Roooooad Raaaaage!!
Living in Cleveland, I encounter a lot of angry drivers. And not always because I'm, uh, not the best driver in the world, haha. No, sometimes people are just pissed off. You're going over the speed limit, but it's not fast enough. You're in their lane when they want to go around you, or take your spot. What's the deal with all the anger?
When I was in Canada last weekend, I quickly realized how crazy American highways have gotten. I didn't get honked at once while there. No one flipped me off, or rode right on my tail. The most I got was a sad shake of someone's head. Which, yes, I totally deserved.
When I'm driving around and encounter a jerk on the road, here's how I handle it to keep from blowing my top:
--If the jerk is riding on my tail and swerving like an idiot behind me to try to get around, I arrange my car in relation to others so that they can't pass. I also go exactly the speed limit and not one mile over. I find this helps me get out that passive-aggressive anger, even though it's waaaaay evil. LOL
--I put on the classical music station. Listening to the soothing strains of the violin helps the irritation seep right out of me. I find I'm instantly more relaxed and less likely to get pissed off at stupid people.
--Or, I put on a good booty-shaking song. It lifts my mood and distracts me from being angry.
What do you do to deal with road rage (either in you or in someone else)?
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Why you shouln't text while driving.
Consider this your Fictionistas PSA.
Monday, January 11, 2010
STOP IT!
What I don't love? The drama that surfaces. Lots of times it's celebrity drama, which we seem to be willing to forgive because they're, you know, CELEBRITIES. But lately I've noticed more everyday people drama popping up and it makes my head spin.
As Bob Newhart said in one of my favorite Mad TV skits:
STOP IT!
When your marriage is coming to an end, don't post about whose fault it is, what went wrong, if he's a cheating bastard or if you're much happier with your new lesbian lover.
STOP IT!
When you get into a fight with your BFF, I know it's tempting to be passive aggressive and post something that will dig at your friend and get her riled up. As you're posting that witty little status update, just remember I may read it and I'll be yelling at my computer:
STOP IT!
I know sometimes you're tempted to post about how deliriously happy you are with your love life, and that your partner is the best thing next to
YES WE KNOW WHAT YOU MEAN! NOW STOP IT!
Seriously, folks. It's one thing when kids do this...but adults? We should know better. So from this point forward, when you're thinking about posting something that will hurt someone else, or make me feel slightly uncomfortable please remember:
STOP IT!
Saturday, January 09, 2010
Make a Difference in 2010
Tonight I will be attending an "appreciation" dinner for members of my community who volunteer their time. I usually skip it, but mom and dad are going and I recently got involved in something that was not only fun, but made me really want to spend more time with the others participating. The cool thing about my volunteer stuff is that I very often make lasting friendships with the other people who are pitching in. In general, people getting their hands dirty to help others are keepers. At least that has been my personal experience.
Since we are in a brand new year, I am going to take my Saturday posting to remind all of us how easy it is to make a difference. It's very easy to fall into the "I don't have time" or "I don't have money" trap. You don't need time or money to pitch in. You don't even need to be physically able.
Here are some ways you can contribute without spending money or even getting out of your chair.
Sell some stuff you no longer use on ebay and donate the money to charity. You can even have the payment go directly to the charity you select using ebay's giving system. Great way to clean out overstuffed closets and storage spaces, and make a difference.
Link up your blog, myspace, or facebook page to get out the word. Some charities even have "click to donate" buttons you can copy and paste.
Sign up for email alerts and notifications. Any cause you care about will have them, and being aware is how you get involved in the first place. Even if you can't make an event, you may know somebody else who can.
Ask for donations as gifts. Nothing wrong with telling loved ones "I'm lucky, and would rather you give $5 to the Susan G Khomen foundation than buy me a card this year."
Donate stuff to Big Brother/Big Sister-- they come around regularly to collect old clothing, used appliances, and other stuff. Special Olympics will come haul away old vehicles. Some charities will come cart away boxes of used books in good condition, too. You don't even have to deliver!
And not all charity has to have an office and stationary. Some things I do in my day-to-day:
If I notice the customer in front of me didn't tip at the coffee shop, I double my tip.
If I see an elderly person, mother with a small child, pregnant woman, or other person struggling physically I offer to load their groceries for them or help them carry a load to their car.
Let somebody go first in line if they seem rushed or frustrated. It's 3 minutes. It may make their entire day.
Wave cars across the intersection when traffic is crazy.
Just smile at somebody who looks miserable. It's free.
Friday, January 08, 2010
Let me tell you a story
My first foray into the audio world was a Georgette Heyer, SYLVESTER, narrated by Richard Armitage. I am a fan of his acting and he has one of those great voices with a low timbre and, of course, a British accent. I was a little skeptical still--would I be restless during the story? I'm a fast reader, sometimes too fast, and tend to skim once in awhile. Would I get antsy?
No. I didn't.
I really liked it.
So, I tried another. Jennifer Cruisie's, BET ME, my fave by her and always a comfort read. This had a female narrator, once I didn't know already. I wondered if I would like a contemporary story in the audio format. And yes, I did. I actually loved it and wanted to listen to it again the minute I was done.
Right now, I'm dividing my time between HUNGER GAMES, which I like--but it's a fairly heavy book and I need breaks, and STORM FRONT by Jim Butcher, narrated by James Marsters.
Dude, Spike from Buffy is narrating it. I LOVE it.
I think I may like audiobooks better than movies right now. I know I like audiobooks better than books turned into movies, which are never the same. Save for GONE WITH THE WIND and THE PRINCESS BRIDE.
I knit while I listen, or file if I'm a work. I still fall deep into the rich world of the author like I'm reading, but to be told a story is a treat I'd forgotten how much I loved since I'm not...six years old anymore.
I think it's also helped my writing cadence. I notice that I write a little slower now, not so rushed. It feels more detailed and complete to me.
Do you have any favorite audiobooks? A great website for the best downloads? Or do you not like them?
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Interview with Caroline Hickey
Today we're chatting with Caroline Hickey, a DC gal like myself. Caroline is a tween and YA author, whose most recent release, Isabelle's Boyfriend, just came out in paperback on December 22.
I met Caroline at the KidLit Con back in October, and she was nice enough to let me interview her, and pre-post it here. So I'm actually typing this up in October, since I knew I'd be on maternity leave come late Dec-early Jan. Kinda cool, huh? I'm here, but I'm not. (Cue "Twilight Zone" music.)
Anyway, let's give Caroline a big Fictionistas welcome!
AB: Thanks for coming, Caroline! Tell us something about yourself.
CH: I love to feel organized, even if I’m really not. I have a hand-sized spiral notebook that I carry around full of lists and ideas (not all writing related, some are about my furnace or getting new tires on my car) and I feel like if I can just write down all the things I want and need to do in my life, then everything will be okay.
AB: I know exactly what you mean. So, tell us about Isabelle's Boyfriend.
CH: It came out initially in 2008, but the paperback has just been released by Square Fish. The story is my take on what love is really like at fifteen. Girl likes boy, boy already has a girlfriend, girl tries to make boy notice her anyway, girl ends up in a series of embarrassing situations. It’s fun and funny.
AB: How did you get the inspiration for it?
CH: Mostly from the ridiculous things my friends and I did when we were teenagers. The book isn’t autobiographical … or is it???
AB: LOL. What authors do you read?
CH: I try to read a little of everything. Realistic fiction, dystopian novels, sci-fi, fantasy, mystery, you name it. Whatever catches my eye.
AB: Who is your favorite character (from your own books or any other books out there)?
CH: I always say Pippi Longstocking. She’s an oldy, but she was a role model then, now, and always. Pippi stands for strength and kindness, my two favorite things.
AB: Time for our standard Ficitonistas random questions. What five things are always in your purse?
CH: Lip balm, hand sanitizer, my iPhone, diaper wipes (because you can use them for anything), and a hair elastic.
AB: What music are you currently listening to?
CH: Some old Fiona Apple. Just fits my mood today.
AB: Tell us about your pets (if any).
CH: No pets currently. My husband is begging for a dog, but we have a toddler, and isn’t that enough of a mess???
AB: LOL, we're the opposite. We got a dog, then we decided to get the baby. Of course, if the baby and the dog don't get along, we'll have to put the baby up for adoption -- we had the dog first! (OK, I kid...kinda...) Moving on...one item of makeup you can't live without?
CH: Tinted moisturizer.
AB: Worst high school memory.
CH: When a guy I was dating called and said he was not only breaking up with me, but he was going to ask out one of my best friends, and that they’d been secretly writing to each other for weeks. That was pretty lame.
AB: Definitely! Tell us your best prom story, and you get bonus points if you let us post your prom picture. (Oh, come on, we had to ask!)
CH: Not a chance, ladies. Sorry. I wore a sequined fuchsia dress with matching tinted heels. It’s enough just to know that.
AB: Nice! I might have had that dress in navy blue sequins. LOL. If you could go back in time and talk to the teenage you, what would you tell her?
CH: I’d tell her to relax and stop taking everything so seriously. I thought I had to be cool every minute of the day. WHY? It’s so much more fun to just be myself.
AB: Excellent advice. What are you working on next?
CH: A teen novel about girl whose guy best friend comes back from a year away at boarding school and is suddenly too cool for her. She tries to save the friendship, but does that ever work? Can you make someone stay friends with you? It’s never worked for me, and we’ll see how it works out for this character.
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Recurring nightmares
So, I looked it up to see what that means. The site BellaOnline says there are multiple reasons why people have this sort of dream, which is apparently WAY more common than I realized. According to the article, the loss of my teeth in the dream, coupled with my anxiety, indicates a fear of transition and change.
This makes perfect sense to me. I'm going through some serious transitions right now. My book just came out a couple of weeks ago, and though I'm happy about it, I'm also stressed and worried about how it's doing. It doesn't help that I'm a total control freak. LOL
In addition, my day job is getting sent overseas this year, so I'm extremely nervous about my pending joblessness. I am, however, searching and applying for jobs. Plus, I'm writing more proposals to try to sell another book. Basically, I'm hanging in there, trying to believe and hope that things will work out.
So, do you ever have recurring dreams? Are they good, bad, scary, and what do they mean to you?
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Ereaders and questions
I have a Sony reader and I love it. I love traveling with a whole library of books without the bulk. I love the ability to just whip that thing out and read wherever I am - in line, in an airport, in the car (not while driving obviously.) But as much as I love my Sony, there are other readers cropping up that have caught my eye. Also, I'd really like one I can take notes on so I can edit my own books that way.
What do you think about ereaders and ebooks? I'd love to hear your opinions!
Monday, January 04, 2010
snow day
This is what we woke to this morning:and guess what?
School was canceled. Not. Even. Kidding.
Central Arkansas just doesn't see that much snow, so the bus drivers aren't really accustomed to driving over icy bridges or up steep, snow and ice covered hills. So even though it's in the kids' best interest to be better safe than sorry, it also seems like overkill.
Besides, my kids are old enough now that they can stay at home without me...so I still have to go to work. And how unfair is that?
Do you live in an area that shuts down at the mere mention of wintery weather or do you walk to school, up hill, in two feet of snow EVERY DAY NO MATTER WHAT?
Saturday, January 02, 2010
Meet My Demands Or Else
She's pretty cute. Can you sleep at night if I'm forced to do it?
Here are my Demands for 2010:
10. Michael Jackson will be allowed to rest in peace... and silence.
9. We will all be allowed to stop caring about Jon, Kate, and just hope for the best for the 8.
8. Both political parties will be forced to discuss successes and failures without making any reference what-so-ever to the opposition.
7. There will be no more chickens on television. Seriously. They freak Max out and nobody knows why, nor can anyone seem to stop it. So enough with the chickens. I've gone through a television, two toes, and an instep. WEE DONE LYKE DE CHEEKENS!
6. Cover artists will, henceforth, be banned from doing any work until they have read a one page synopsis of the book, including brief descriptions of both main characters. Any cover artist submitting skinny characters as fat, fat characters as skinny, blonde as brunette, or any other complete reversal of actual descriptions... five days in solitary with no crayons. I'm not kidding.
5. The cast of Jersey Shore will write a fully notarized apology to the people of New Jersey and read it, live on camera, in the Governor's office. Phonics specialists will be provided to aid them in the sounding out of large words.
4. Kanye West will join Chris Brown on a world tour. It will not sell out. It will, in fact, be free. They will travel to every major city of the globe to stand up for three consecutive nights at each location and apologize for being the world's biggest twin-scuzbags. Halfway through Kanye's speech the local cute blonde girl will take the mic away and talk about how he's not cool enough. Then she will slug Chris Brown in the face. Yes, this WILL take place EVERY night. When the mission is completed they have my permission to make attempts at "comebacks." But first they have to successfully complete their apologia, followed by brief "go aways."
3. Perez Hilton will retire. There is absolutely nothing about him anyone needs to see, hear, or read. Buhbye.
2. The media will realize that crappy sales in print are due to crappy reporting and an obsession with celebrity that is completely manufactured. We read about them because you don't write about anything else. I know how to find TMZ... so does everyone else. News would rock, k thanx bai.
1. The Fictionistas will become the first online tag-team radical sisterhood and writing group to dominate the top of the New York Times best seller's list for 9 consecutive months, giving birth to a phenomenon unlike anything seen since some lady named Jo wrote a weird book about a boy named Harry.
Friday, January 01, 2010
New Year, Fresh Starts, 100 Book Challenge
I don't make resolutions, and I'm horrible with goals...but challenges? Challenges I love. I found an excellent reader blog recently--J. Kaye's Book Blog. It's full of great challenges, read-a-longs, reviews--it's a wonderful place for people who love books--all books.
I entered the challenge to read 100+ books in 2010. Here are the rules:
1. The goal is to read 100 or more books. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.
2. Audio, Re-reads, eBooks, YA, Manga, Graphic Novels, Library books, Novellas, Young Reader, Nonfiction – as long as the book has an ISBN or equivalent or can be purchased as such, the book counts.
What doesn't count: Individual short stories or individual books in the Bible.
3. No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.
4. Crossovers from other reading challenges count.
5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010. Books started before the 1st do not count.
If you would like to sign up on J. Kaye's official challenge list, the original post is here. I will be keeping track of my books read in 2010 on my personal blog with my Shelfari widget in the sidebar.
Happy Reading!