ASPIRATIONS

What Inspires You?

2011-09-19T10:26:00.000-04:00

For me, inspiration comes in a variety of ways and to list them all would take the rest of eternity. However, the biggest source of inspiration for me is the human experience. What makes a person keep trying when they've been beaten every time and the odds are still against them? What makes a person lash out to those who only offer help and support? What makes a person love certain things and detest others?

More than anything I'm curious about the differences between people; the unmeasurable kind. Two people can have the exact same life experiences and end up in two totally different places. How can that happen? Answering those questions is what propels me to write. There are no real answers.. The only answers I'll ever get are the ones I write.

So, being naturally curious, I'm interested in what inspires you. Tell me in the comments!

World Population

2011-09-16T11:12:00.000-04:00

Today is another Agriculture Friday. Last week I said I'd talk about the world population and what that has to do with food. A lot of people bring up the topic and start ranting about how we aren't going to have enough food to feed everyone if the projected population in 2050 is accurate. I'm not going to do that here. Is there going to be an increase in population? Yes. Should we start to panic? No. Why? Because it isn't productive and it only divides us instead of unifying us. If we end up having a problem with feeding people then we'll need to work together to figure out what we can do about it.

Agriculture has the main role in figuring out what to do. In the past few years the agriculture industry has been in the news because of the obesity epidemic and concerns about the humane treatment of livestock. Neither of those were exactly positive even though the industry isn't entirely to blame for obesity and the percent of inhumane treatment is very low. Through this bad press, I think a lot of people are forgetting it's because of the advances in agriculture that we have the food we do. If you've looked in a grocery store recently, then you also realize that there are more options available than ever. Our stores are stocked even when the fruits and vegetables aren't in season here. There really are no limits. Each day new discoveries happen and through those discoveries we will be able to put more food on the shelves.

Take corn for example: A couple decades ago would have shown a great crop at 20 bushels an acre(about the size of a football field). Today, it's around 165 bushels per acre (source). How did that happen? There are a variety of reasons but it comes down to one thing: we know more about science. We know that breeding crops is just as important as breeding animals if we want the best output. What changed in those decades was spacing between crops, number of kernels in each ear, quality of fertilizer, disease resistance plants, new information on weed resistance, new soil retention habits, creation of no-till farming, and precision farming.

In case you didn't pick up on it, a lot has changed in the way we farm and that's a good thing. It means more food for a growing population. Are there some concerns? Yes, but there are always concerns when change happens. Don't take sensationalized news reports as complete facts. Go find out both sides for yourself from objective reports and come the conclusions that make the most sense to you.

Agriculture is not always a very clean business, but it's the business that puts clothes on your back, a roof over your head, and food in your mouth. We should give it some credit. The progress it's seen in the last several decades is incredible and we're going to need even more advances if we want to keep feeding the world. Are there problems? Of course. There are in every industry.

The point is every day we change a little bit of the world. Most of us don't even realize it's changed until a few years have passed and we can see the differences. The important thing to remember is, this is our world. We can change it the way we feel best for it and all it's inhabitants. There's going to be a great big world out there, the best thing we can do is figure out how we want to live in it.

Getting Back Up Again

2011-09-12T07:00:00.002-04:00

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Today hasn't been such a great day for a variety of reasons.

1. I didn't get the placement I wanted for a particular program I'm invested in.
2. My car decided to morph into a dinosaur. We all know what happened to them.
3. My enthusiasm for my new WiP has really dipped and I'm not sure I'm going to go back to it.

The thing is, even as I'm writing this I feel a little ridiculous. My dad used to say (and still does), "If you still have all your fingers and toes, and no one has died, then it is a good day." I think I'm realizing today how true that is. I am so blessed to be able to not only work towards accomplishing one dream, but two. I live in a country where I am free to do what I want to do. I have food. I have clean water. I have shelter. Today is a good day.

I think a lot of the time we get so focused on our own lives that we forget there's another world out there. A world that could have a lot more good in it if we would stop looking at ourselves and start looking at what we can do to make it a better place.

I don't want this to be a rant. I want it to be a reminder that even if your day isn't going so well, it doesn't mean that you have to drown yourself in chocolate, lay about on the couch, or even escape into a book so that you can avoid reality. Turn your emotions into something productive--something positive.

Write that chapter you've been meaning to finish. When it's published, it could save someone's life.

Go plant a flower garden, just because you can.

Donate to a fund you've been meaning to support.

Volunteer....ANYWHERE.

Say something kind to someone.

But most of all. Stop looking at yourself and start looking towards others. Today is a good day, let's not waste it.

Antibiotics in Agriculture

2011-09-09T07:00:00.016-04:00

Big topic today.
Controversial topic today.
Chipotle Mexican Grill has recently introduced an advertizing campaign that focuses on their decision to serve (when possible) hormone-free, anti-biotic free, locally produced food ingredients. (As far as I know, no one is complaining about the locally produced bit of this. It saves natural resources and gives local farmers business. Win. Win.)

Why Controversy?

It's creating a stir because of the way Chipotle decided to break the news. Instead of using positive advertizing, such as "We use the freshest ingredients available, straight from your local farmers. Hormone and Anti-biotic free." And they did do some of this, they use what some would call scare tactics such as the billboards below:

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Hormones.
The hormones used are those already created in the body of the animal. So, it's not like the animals are being injected with something that has mutated from outer-space. Some dairies use hormones to increase milk production. This increase in milk production increases profit for the farmer.

Antibiotics.
What happens when an person becomes ill? They get medicine. That's exactly what happens with livestock. They need medicine, so they get it. In some practices, however, an animal will receive an antibiotic because they have been exposed to sickness. They may not have the illness yet, but they are likely to because of the exposure. This could happen when cattle are bought or sold. The farmer wants to make sure the cattle he just bought are healthy so he'll give them an antibiotic. This protects his investment from dying of illness.

Controversy.
Some believe the hormones and antibiotics used in meat and food production will transfer to humans when consumed. Their concern is that when we absorb them, they will prevent us from being able to use other antibiotics (for human consumption) effectively when we need them to fight off an illness. This is a just concern.

Common Misconceptions.

1. The farmer does not abuse animals to increase profit. The farmer depends on these animals for his/her livelihood. It makes absolutely no sense to abuse animals in any way because doing so will hurt not only their reputation, but also their bottom line. It is not the farmer's fault.
2. Farmers are not trying to suck as much money as they can from their product. You should see the average profit for a farmer. Really, you should. In fact, go here and find out. It adds up to about $11.00 an hour on average because of the amount of time it takes to run a farm. Farming is not 9 to 5 and weekends and holidays...forget about days off. If they don't feed their animals or water their crops no one will. Can you really blame the farmer for using what (according to the information available) has been proven safe to increase their profit margin a little? I can't.

This is not an issue of good guy versus bad guy. It is an issue of making a profit and keeping food safe. Both groups want the same things. The farmers need the profit to survive. The "food purists" want the farmers to make a profit too, because if the farmers don't, the purists won't eat because the farmers will not produce food for no profit. They both want safe food for consumers. A farmer without a consumer base is worthless. A product unsafe for consumesr is a waste.

Lack of quality information has everyone fighting with each other. Everyone needs more information to make educated decisions. If the farmers can use antibiotics and hormones without harming the food's safety or the animal's well-being, why should they be stopped? If the hormones and antibiotics are not safe, why aren't they and what can we do to make sure they are safe? What other treatments can be provided at a reasonable cost so the animal doesn't have to suffer through an illness? The problem is we don't have the answers to all of these questions. Meanwhile, neither group is willing to budge.

This, my friends, is what I call a mess. We haven't even gotten to the good part. See next Friday's agriculture topic on the growing population and what that means for "feeding the world."

For now, what do you think about Chipotle's new advertizing? Opinions on hormones and antibiotics in food products?

*As this is a highly controversial topic, all comments are expected to be respectful. Any commentators using vulgar language or opinion bashing will have their comments deleted.

*Discussion is encouraged. New, accurate information sharing is encouraged. Please provide supporting information from quality websites or other resources if available.

I would also like to add the information on the Chipotle.com site is not accurate. They say they want, "naturally raised" animals. However, on the pork page they say their pigs "are fed a vegetarian diet." By their own nature, pigs are omnivores, like us. Meaning, they eat both animal and vegetable products. Therefore, Chipotle producers are not "naturally raising" their hogs by their own definition. If they were, the hogs would be omnivores, not herbivores. Goes to show, ignorance is everywhere. Be careful what you read and more importantly, what you believe.

Book Bigotry

2011-09-07T07:00:00.009-04:00

A couple days ago I read a post at Silver Lining (see here) by Julie Dao about people dissing certain books they believe are unsuited for reading because they are modern or not in a particular person's taste. I'd highly recommend reading it...no, really. Go HERE now.

I'd just like to say, "Calm down. It's a book, not the end of the world."

There are some books that some of us are going to say are pretty much the worst thing that ever hit the shelves, but for others that book will change their lives or bring them back into reading for pleasure again. By dissing books we don't like, we're dissing ourselves.

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Don't mistake me. If I don't like a book, I'll make my opinion known, but I'll also keep an open mind that other people might like it. This is why I think slightly impartial book reviewers are the best.They give the basics, their opinion, and who'd they'd recommend it to. Forget the point system...forever. It's too opinion based.

They follow this system:
1. Read
2. Form Opinion
3. Recommend to Others

Simple, right? Those three steps aren't going to change even if the reviewer really doesn't like the book. I believe there are elements in every book that we can find that other people would enjoy or that we can learn from.

Exhibit A: Twilight
My Opinion: eh, interesting storyline, little intense on romance, way too many adverbs, slightly pathetic/annoying main character, overall alright.
Recommendation: Teenage girls, fun weekend read when you're bored

There are thousands of books out there. Not all of them are going to be classics or connect with you but that doesn't mean they're bad for everyone. Tolerance my friends, tolerance.

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Any books you've read lately that others diss but you really like? I'd love to hear about them in the comments.

Also, wish my writing buddy, Marin, a happy 21st birthday! Couldn't do it without you, girl!

FREE EBOOK!

2011-09-02T19:20:00.000-04:00

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I just received an email from Tamara Rose Blodgett. Her book, Death Whispers, reviewed earlier this week on my blog is free at amazon, itunes, Smashwords, etc. in honor of the second book in the Death series, Death Speaks, release.

Go check it out and have a great weekend!

Bugs, Bugs, and more Bugs

2011-09-02T07:00:00.001-04:00

I just started a class called pest management. I honestly thought it might be boring and a lot of work. But, I found out this week that it is fascinating. <--this coming from a girl who really doesn't like bugs that much at all and abhors spiders. I get the chills just thinking about spiders. (by all means comment about how good they are for the environment. I agree. I just also think they are UBER creepy.)

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I figured since this is Ag Friday I'd share some entomology with you.
A couple weeks ago I was at a golf course. My mother spotted a bug and pointed it out to me because of the class I am in. I had never seen it before. This is it.

Creepy, right? Look at it's forelimbs (have no idea if that terminology is correct.) It's got little shovels. Based on the fact that it was found on a golf course and it's shovel-like appendages I guessed it was some sort of sod insect.

After a bit of digging (not the literal kind) I found out I was right. This is commonly referred to as a mole cricket. Like a mole, it burrows into the ground. It eats organic matter such as partially decomposed animal and plant matter.

Why does this matter to you?
It matters because so often we see something strange or ugly and crush it. We don't bother to think about the fact that it's probably not going to harm us and is most likely just trying to find a new source of food. This little guy (or gal) does a lot for our ecosystems. It breaks down bits of decaying matter and makes it usable for plants which feed animals, which feed us. So really, we have that creepy thing to thank for the dinner on our table. To me, that's incredible. Plow on little mole cricket, plow on.

See any creepy, strange, abnormal, or fascinating bugs lately? Have you identified them? If you want to, go here. Tell me about them in the comments!

Review: Death Whispers by Tamara Rose Blodgett

2011-09-01T13:37:00.000-04:00

Hello all! Today is a book review day. Yay!

Up for today is Death Whispers by Tamara Rose Blodgett. Go here to visit her blog. It's full of information about her and her books, including where to buy them.

Summary on Goodreads.com:
"Almost fifteen-year-old Caleb Hart is a Cadaver-Manipulator in the year 2025.

When teens receive a government-sanctioned pharmaceutical cocktail during school, paranormal abilities begin manifesting... making the teens more powerful than the adults.

After Caleb discovers he has the rare, "Affinity for the Dead," he must do whatever it takes to hide it from a super-secret government agency whose goal is exploitation.

Caleb seeks refuge in his new girlfriend, Jade, until he realizes that she needs as much protection from her family, as he does from the government.

Suddenly, Caleb finds that hiding his ability while protecting Jade and his friends is a full time job; can he escape the government, protect Jade and lose the bullies that are making him miserable?"

My Review:

I'll have to let you find out the answer to that question on your own.

The thing that stood out to me most in this book was the main character, Caleb. He definitely has his own personality. He seems like a genuine kid who is just finding out the world around him isn't exactly what he thought it was. That itself is what makes this book an interesting read. For me the most confusing and important part of life is those in between years. Where you're not a kid exactly and you're definitely not an adult. You're figuring out the world around you and you're figuring out who you are as a person. That's exactly what Caleb is going through during this book. But he isn't a regular kid, he's also has a twinge of paranormal activity that follows him around, making his life a lot more interesting.

Zombies. I've stated on another book review on this blog that I am not a fan of the undead. While I'm still not a fan of the undead, I did like the zombies in this book. They were creepy and a little comical, but not it a goofy sort of way where you could forget they are dangerous.

What to watch out for:
The language the characters use is strong and politically incorrect. It could even be offensive. It's accurate with their age and immaturity, but it is something to look out for. The mother character often chastises the characters who do speak that way. So, it's not like it's viewed as acceptable in the book. It is a sign of the characters immaturity.

Overall, I'd say Death Whispers is an interesting read. I'd recommend it to middle schoolers who are really into zombies. Parents could use the language as an introduction into a discussion on why it is important to speak correctly and accurately.

The 10 Things They Never Say About Becoming A Writer.

2011-08-31T07:00:00.002-04:00

I only recently figured out what a sneaky business this writing thing is. I mean, I don't know if I would have taken the leap into writing if I had known all these things before. I kinda feel like it's my duty to pass on the warning to others. So, here it goes.

The 10 Things They Never Say About Becoming A Writer.

1. Your hands will cramp...a lot. You're probably thinking this was an obvious one, but think about all the words you've written so far. Take that times a million or so and that's what you're getting into. Think about this. Do you really want to think that hard about anything?

2. You're spending a lot of time in your own head. I don't know about you all, but strange and unusual things happen inside this scull of mine and I honestly am not sure I like spending that much time alone with my thoughts.

3. Music will become life. If you're like me, then you MUST write with music. The thing is, because of your lack of social activity (you're spending all that time writing, remember?) you'll start depending on music to remind you that the world still exists. It will become an addiction.

4. Speaking of addictions...writing takes over your life. Every thought you have will eventually be translated into prose as if you were the author to your life story. This will be one of those times you wish you had adventure, romance, or something. Apparently, I'm stuck with the average joe memoir. (Not that memoirs are average or boring. Those characteristics would belong to my life.)

5. You're life, like mine, will become more average and more boring. Believe it or not, new worlds, people, and incredible adventures do not create, or write, themselves. Talk about a time suck.

6. No one ever told me how much I didn't know. I mean, I always did fairly well in English class. How hard could it be? It just making stuff up with the language I've used since I started talking. Pshaw, how naive...how naive.

7. You think you already know the basic function of most things. Oh, you are so wrong. You'll figure that out soon enough. I know I did when I had to write about the minute particles of atoms. Seriously, it's not like I want to be a chemical engineer. I just want to write for heaven's sake. Where was the fine print there?

8. Say adios to your daydreams. Your life is now consumed by writing. Daydreams? Heck, more like plotting and planning sessions. One second of distraction and you'll be out of the real world and into your book. Who needs time travel? Just drop into your book when you're bored. You name the time, the place, the setting, and the people. Heck, go to India if you want with your best Irish friend.

9. Speaking of friends. Is it officially unacceptable for your best friends to be fictitious and live in your head? I'd just like to know where I stand...right, well, I guess we all know where I am now. Guess I should add get used to those awkward pauses to this list.

10. The last thing they'll never tell you is that writing can become the best thing that's ever happened to you. You can meet real people who like you, have cramped hands, spend insane amounts of time with themselves, have no life, obsess over music, obsess over writing, time travel in their daydreams, and have fictitious friends. They're also some of the smartest people you'll ever know. (And you should probably stick with them during a zombie apocalypse)

You'll also find you are a lot more awesome than you ever knew because you are an author.

This is the plan.

2011-08-30T07:00:00.002-04:00

Thank you for all the welcome backs! Here's the basic schedule I have planned for this blog. Again, any suggestions are welcome.

I will be posting three days a week. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

The post Monday will feature something either writerly or something about college life.

The post Wednesday will feature something related to writing or books.

Friday's post here will focus on something agriculture related while the post on the Ink Slinger blog will follow with whatever is going on with the Ink Slingers that week.

This week is the exception. I will be posting every day this week just because I can. :)

Sound good? Good.

Now, in other planning sort of news, I just discovered this picture and I thought you'd enjoy it.

WRITING ADVICE FOR THE DAY:

Not all plans will work out. Be flexible. Remember. This is your story. You can change it wherever, whenever, however, and as often as you want.

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Happy Writing!

Welcome Back!

2011-08-29T07:00:00.001-04:00

Oh....wait, you all were here. I wasn't.
Uh, whoops?!

The whole truth is that I spent the summer in my hometown at my house and the internet was so slow and pitiful it wouldn't load blogger at all, ergo no blog posts. Sad day, my friends. Sad day. I have missed you. So tell me. What is new with you. Is there anything exciting and new in your life? How's writing or aggie stuff going? Swell, I hope.

During this summer of blog drought, I have thought of a few new ideas for the blog. In the coming weeks, I will be putting those into action. They will come in a variety of different ways. Also, I would like your input. What do you like to see? What would you like to see more of? Is there something I'm not covering that you'd like me to? Is there something I have done occasionally that you'd like to see more of?

On a slightly different note. There is something you can select within your blogger or google account that will allow me to email you a comment after you comment on my blog. (if you have no idea what I'm talking about let me know in the comments and I will explain further) I'd love to get to know you more so please make sure that is selected. I do read every comment and I want to send you a response!

I am super excited to be back and blogging! Can't wait to catch up with everyone.

Best Book in April at Ink Slingers

2011-05-06T05:59:00.001-04:00

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To see the entire critique group's best book of April go here!

April's book of the month goes to:

Welding Technology Fundamentals

(I would have given them bonus points if they changed it to Funde'metals', ha ha.) <--please excuse me, it's finals week.

Anywho, this may seem like an off the wall selection, but not as off as you might think.

Ever heard the expression, write what you know? I have about a million times. What happens though if you have the perfect solution to your plot problem but it means 'Mike' who used to work at a desk job, actually has to work in a motocycle shop for everything to work out? Give up? NEVER! Your solution is to buy a textbook.

Text books can come in every variety but there's one thing that makes them different than any random information you could dig up on mororcyle shops on the internet:
It's guarenteed to be correct. That, my friends is worth the expense.

I'm the first to complain about a teacher who insists on the newest version because on page 88 they changed "a" to "the." It's a pain for poor college students like me, but it means great news for writers like you. It floods the book markets with college textbooks just a year or so old and sells them cheap. (We're talking 20 bucks a pop or less on some) Most of the time they just change a couple pictures or a phrase here or there. 99% of the time the information is the same.*

*this is a completely made up statistic. Made up, but with strong personal opinoin backing it from a college student in the know.

So, what do you think? Ready to invest in some textbooks? If you are there's of course amazon.com. There's also half.com and a sleu of others with a simple google search.

Thought I'd Share: Video Time

2011-05-03T06:03:00.000-04:00

Hi all! I hope you're having a good week so far. I'm creating a new post idea today so be sure and let me know what you think. Basically, when I find something that has some sort of impact on my life I'll share with you. Videos, books, articles, other blog posts, etc.
Sound good?

Good.

Here's the first:

Con Fessing at Ink Slingers

2011-04-29T06:20:00.000-04:00

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This week at the Ink Slingers we're all about confessing. Go here to see everyone else's secrets.

I'll keep this simple. I am fessing to a love of a show about cons, convicts that it.
No, I am not in love with someone in jail.
I am in love with two characters though who happen to be convicts in a show.
Prison Break.
(Sadly, the show ended a few years ago, but this does not detract from it's awesomeness)

Quick Summary:
One guy who has a sketchy past gets set up and convicted of a murder he didn't commit. He has this brother who plots out their escape, tattoos it on his body and then pulls off the biggest jail escape of all fictional time. Through the next part in the television series the brothers are on the run and go through extreme obstacles in their search for the truth, justice, and a normal life.
I am in no way influencing you to take the law into your own hands or do any crime at all.
I am inflewancing (or trying rather) to take another look at your characters.

Here's what I've learned from the show:

Keep true to what your characters would and wouldn't do.
Completely flesh out your character's family background. This will tell you the lengths they'll go to help not only family, but also their friends.
Keep them working. Do not give the characters or yourself the easy way out.
Make it original.
Throw in realistic curve balls.
Don't forget the love.
Get them in some trouble.
Don't make them perfect.
Have your characters make mistakes.
Make them real.

I can't stress that last one enough. Bring a picture of them to your mind. Pause for ten minutes and consider what they'd do in every hard decision you've had to make. Don't make them paper. Make them alive until they jump off the page. I know, easier said than done. It's great to say those things and most of you already know them. I'm holding by the old saying "what practice can't make perfect, experience can."

You can see the series online at Netflix.com or Hulu.com Also, you get to see Dominic Purcell and Wentworth Miller (among others). Not a bad thing in my book. Seriously, look at those eyes. If this isn't character inspiration I don't know what is.

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Ke$lor, why no. I did not make a typo

2011-04-28T06:04:00.000-04:00

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Ke$ha-hip, trendy, lots of beat, may-or-may-not be a cannibal...she also has that dollar sign thing going on. $Ca-Ching!$

(Really wishing right now I had an s in my name...what do ya think? Be%hany? B^thany? I'm really pulling for B3t@n%? No way anyone would forget about me then, right?)

Taylor Swift-country-ish, funny, America's sweetheart...she also has that do me wrong and you'll regret it thing going on...rawr!

Not a lot in common, right?

WRONG!

They both have a song out now that has a similar theme, sound, and uses the exact same symbol. OMG, hold the calls and press the PANIC button!

What does this have to do with us writers?

How many times have you panicked? Worried that someone else has your idea? I know I have. Here's the thing. It. Happens. That doesn't make yours obsolete. It doesn't make yours worthless. It means yours can rock alongside and maybe share some groupies. Originality is key. You can have a lot of similar elements and still have your own song. Check out the similar elements and then listen to Ke$ha's and Taylor's below and see for yourself.

Taylor's Lyrics Ke$ha's Lyrics

So here I am in my new apartment                                                   I see your face in strangers on the street.
In a big city, they just dropped me off                               I still say your name when I'm talking in my sleep.
It's so much colder than I thought it would be                                        And in the limelight, I play it all fine.
So I tuck myself in and turn my night light on                                         But I can't handle it when I turn off my night light.

Theme: Regret, Growing up Theme: Regret, Heart break

Sound: Soft, Lullaby Sound: Soft, some heavier beats

Symbol: Nightlight Symbol: Nightlight

Taylor's song: Never Grow Up Ke$ha's song: The Harold Song

So, what do you think? Anyone win this duel or is it a tie? Anything else to add?

Character vs. Story

2011-04-26T06:42:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I had a thought. Is it the character or the story that compels the reader? Is there a difference?

Think about the stories you love.

Do the characters keep you reading or does the story (by story I mean plot, idea, purpose, or concept)?

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Character

Through the story, you're developing a relationship with the main character(s). Based on what their personality is, you should, (generally and in most cases) begin to like them, want them to catch a break, root for them to keep going, etc. As soon as you develop the relationship and see their hardships you keep reading. You want to know how your "friend's" life is going to turn out. For some, this is the soul of a book, for others they need a plot that involves more than what just a couple characters can give.

Story

You've got the concept, plot, idea, intrigue, and suspense playing for this team and that's a lot to handle. Think Inception (I know, movie reference, but you'll get it). The characters tend to come second. For some, this doesn't really matter because the concept is so well played, but for some the humanity element is everything.

So who wins?

I don't know. For me, it's a mix. I really need a plot to keep me going but Inception is a movie I'll watch twice in my life. Harry Potter (high concept and awesome characters) well, let's just say I lost count long ago.

Who wins for you? Do you have a strategy for what mix you want in your story? Let me know in the comments.

What I hate to write at Ink Slingers!

2011-04-22T06:47:00.001-04:00

First though, an ammouncement:

Henceforth, I will be posting on Tuesday and Thursday only. Between work, school, writing, and blogging, I've nearly keeled over this semester. I will be here though on those two days bright eyed and ready to slash ink across this metaphorical canvas.

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On to today's post. Over at the Ink Slingers, it's what you don't like to write week. While there's nothing I really HATE to write (except for maybe nonsensical essays with no room for creativity), there is one thing I don't enjoy writing as much. What? You ask, not enjoy writing something? BLASPHEME!

Super action scenes.

I know and I'm even hanging my head in shame right now...sort of. Okay, not really.

Little action scenes are fine, it's those monumental, climatic, stupendous, make-it-or-break-it action scenes that really make the book superb that I flounder with. It's not flounder really, but I'm constantly tweaking them, constantly reading them again and again. I'm in constant doubt if it really hits the level that it needs to be at, hits it and then supasses it. It very nearly freaks me out. I mean, what happens if the only reason I'm feeling something in that moment is because I now my story well and I know what I want it to be, not what it is? What if I'm blind to the biggest flaw in the biggest part of my story?

Ahhh!

This would be the point when I run for cover.

Thankfully, I have a great critique group that tells me what works and what doesn't. What detail adds the right touch and what is a tad too much. (Thanks gals!) Without them, I'd probably be on my millionth rewrite of the same scene and in the end it'd end up in the same place, back in rewrite mode. (Not that I'm downing rewriting because it's rockin'. The trick is knowing when you've hit gold and knowing when you're still at iron ore.)

So, which type of scenes do you stuggle with? Do you know why? Let me know in the comments!

Reality, such a fickle thing

2011-04-21T05:14:00.000-04:00

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Hey all! I saw this sticker the other day and was like, oh, yes. Yes, this is me.

I know we've talked often about how being writers makes us a little different, a little quirky even. Maybe it's not that we're different, maybe we just have a different reality.

In a world where ~~walking down the street~~ (wait, who am I kidding...) riding down the street in your super huge, Fancy Nancy car (that probably cost more than my college debt (no small number, let me assure you)), not noticing that the tulips just bloomed across the street or that the neighbor's puppy is suddenly a dog is reality, maybe, it's just our reality is different.

I first began to realize that being a writer made me different when I was walking down the street. I noticed a couple things I walked passed for years and never considered. Heck, I hardly knew they existed. Then suddenly, they were there and the world changed. I guess it was kind of like when a person with eye problems finally gets glasses and can see clearly. I could see all the details and more than that, a constant stream of prose began to run in my head. Everything I came across became a challenge. Could I describe it accurately? Could I really make the readers smell the bread baking or feel it's rough texture on their tongue? And the biggest challenge of all....can I make them believe in magic?

While I'm still working at it, I still find the challenge addicting and fun. So, what about you? What reality are you living in? Do you have a stream of prose running through your head...please say yeah, sometimes because if not this might be highly awkward.....*crickets*

My Critique Partner, EMERY LORD, has an AGENT!!!!!

2011-04-20T06:19:00.001-04:00

WaaaHOooooo!
That's right people of the world. The lovely and awesome Emery Lord has landed herself an agent (Taylor Martindale). I had the pleasure of interviewing Ms. (soon to be Mrs.) Emery just a couple days ago. So, hot off this keyboard it comes to you.

1. If there is one thing you want to get accomplished as a writer, what is it?

On a read-to-read basis: to have the reader to identify with a character or feel like they know them, enough to want to spend some time with them. Sure, I have other career benchmarks I'd like to hit, but mostly I just want people to feel at home in my world for a few hours.

2. Name something you'd die without....dun, dun, duuuun.

Coffee, laughter, my girl friends, books, online shopping. (I know. That was five. I am the Charles Dickens of questionnaire responses.)

3. Who is your agent and how did you manage to snare her?

Haha* "Snare" sounds like I tricked her into signing me. Maybe I did... :) Anyway, my agent is Taylor Martindale, and I contacted her the old-fashioned way: research agents till nearly cross-eyed, draft many iterations of a query and have critique partners massacre each version until one is passable, click send.

Emery and Winston Churchill (aka the cutest dog on Earth).

4. Who/what is most helpful in the writing process
a. the future hubbs b. Winston (dog)

c. the cat(Hazel) d. an unknown party/thing

Definitely Choice A. I'm kind of a hot mess- in writing and life- and he holds together all my crazy pieces. Winston Churchill is only good for falling asleep on me, and Hazel is, if anything, counterproductive to my writing process. She tries to nap on my desk chair, sulks when I move her, and shoots me judge-y glares while I'm trying to write.

5. If people want to check out more of your awesomeness where should they go?

www.emerylord.blogspot.com - or twitter.com/emlord1 ...I really don't know about awesomeness though ;) It's mostly just me blabbering on about writing and pretty shoes and television.

Don't let her fool ya ladies and gents, she's full of awesome. If she wasn't, she wouldn't have an agent. Go follow her and tweet her something nice...something about shoes...or maybe cute puppies...or maybe even, I don't know?

CONGRATS!!!!

Shh! and awesome next week planned!

2011-04-15T06:47:00.000-04:00

I tend to keep my writing habit quiet for two reasons:

1. People's first question is: Write anything I know?

They just assume it's published. A lot of people have no idea how complicated it is to get published. It's not easy. Then again, I'm preaching to the choir if you're reading this.

2. I have a strange enough "main" career that's complicated enough to explain without having to add in the whole writing thing.

I have one year left until I'm an official high school agriculture teacher. That takes some explaining like...why yes, I am a girl....I'll teach shop, welding, mechanics, horticulture, floral design, animal science, business, and who know's what else....that's right, high school kids....(and my favorite) no, I'm not crazy.

I've got a feeling that until my book hits shelves I won't tell the everyday person. My family knows, my closest friends know, and well everyone else....they can wait. (Except for you, you're special.)

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I'm actually considering just getting a new wardrobe...what do you all think? It might work?

Have a great weekend!

P.S. I have a super awesome week planned for next week! Including an interview with one of my critique partners who JUST SIGNED WITH AN AGENT!!! Be sure to check back! See ya then!

Read that part again...'bout teh cheezburger.

2011-04-06T06:16:00.000-04:00

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My dearest followers,
I am sorry to say that I will not be posting for the remainder of the week. My life needs some organization and a hint of R&R. Hope you all have a great week! See ya Monday!

~Bethany

Any R&R lately in your life? Let me know what you did and if you'd recommended it for a tired college girl.

I now leave you with this...

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Block Party at Inkslingers: Building Books with Stacy Henrie UPDATE

2011-04-01T06:00:00.001-04:00

Stacy Henrie is a writer of inspirational historical romance novels. When she's not writing or blogging (go here) she's reading, interior decorating, digital scrapbooking, seeing new places, watching movies/TV with her hubby, joking around with her boys, or cuddling with her daughter.

She is also the featured blogger for today's post at the Ink Slinger Critique Group blog! Go here to see what she has to say about building a book. Trust me, you will enjoy it.

Have a great weekend!

EDIT: Whoops! My bad. The link is definitely working now. Sorry!

BLOCK PARTY!

2011-03-31T08:55:00.000-04:00

Today there's an awesome writer taking over the Ink Slinger Critique group blog! Go here to see who it is and what she has to say. It's going to be awesome.

BLOCK PARTY! Why I Think Bloggers Are the New Booksellers

2011-03-30T06:39:00.000-04:00

It's a week long BLOCK PARTY at the Ink Slinger's blog this week! Super exciting!

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Today's post comes from author, Holly Schindler at Novel Anecdotes. She is awesome so go here to read her post at the Ink Slinger's and go here to follow her.

What's she talking about?

The role of bloggers in the book industry. How much inflewence do we have? Where are readers getting their reviews from?

Awesome, right? Go check it out. Your life will be utterly incomplete if you don't.*

*Only you can judge the complete or incompleteness of your life. The writer of this blog is not stalking you in any way to prove or disprove value of your life....well, probably not anyway.

2011-03-29T00:30:00.000-04:00

Hey all! Hope you're having a wonderful day in sunny where-ever-ville. It's PARTY TIME at the Ink Slingers' Blog. (Go here for an all access pass to our BLOCK PARTY!)

Part of a great Block Party is spreading the news about wonderfully awesome things and we have a great one for you! Tahereh Mafi is a 23-year-old author represented by Jodi Reamer of Writer's House. Her debut novel, SHATTER ME, is set to release November 15th of this year! We have the great pleasure of sharing a post she published on her blog (go here!) just a few days ago.

READ ON! READ ON!

so this is a story.

it's a story about all the things you've ever wanted and all the things you didn't know you even had it in you to want and you sit there. you watch the windows and you wait for the mail and you jump up, alert, ready for even the smallest bit of news, something to change, something different coming your way, something to tell you your time has come. maybe now maybe in just a moment maybe even tomorrow.

you wait for it.

you open the doors and look outside and walk up and down the driveway. you check your watch and peek into the neighbor's yard and wonder why they never open their blinds anymore. you sit on the sidewalk. you smile at the strangers who stroll past, leashes laced into fingers clenched, concentrated on keeping the dogs at bay. don't step out of line, little quadruped. don't bark too loudly and don't jump too high and make sure, they tell you, they say make sure you sign on the dotted line and don't forget to file your taxes on time. wear your shiniest shoes just to stand in lines and fidget just enough, smile just a little, nod at nothing in particular and shove your hands in your pockets and pretend you're unable to make eye contact with anything but that spot, that little mark on the wall 50 feet from where you're standing. pretend you're just a number.

tap your left foot. shift your weight. tug at your collar and bite your bottom lip and take a deep breath. look around a little. check your wrist for the time you've lost and beg a stranger for a cigarette.

flip the channels on your television and watch the colors flicker and fade. pay your bills and play with the kids, touch the aging walls, run your hands through your hair and ignore whatever it is in your throat that you just can't seem to swallow. close the windows in your home and open the windows on your desk, forget all about outer space and lose yourself in cyberspace and click away the moments, the conversations you're not interested in having.

open that word document and stare at it.

wait for the moment. stare at the cursor blinking back at you and study it, try to ignore the bleats of your heart as you check your phone for no missed calls, no new messages, no news worth staining your screen. try to stop your fingers from running a marathon down your thigh.

tell the moment to jump off a cliff.

stack the dishes in the sink and shove the papers off your desk and cut the cord on your internet connection. lose the pleats in your pants. pick up your fingers and put them to work. catch the clock on the wall and put it in your pocket. chain it to your wrist. don't let it go.

don't wait for someone else's moment. write the book ripping a hole in your chest and seize the hours slipping through your fingers because it's now, the moment is now, it's right now it's always been right in front of you.

don't apologize for having a story to tell.

apologize for not telling it.

<3

Thanks Tahereh for letting us post it! Go here to visit her in her own domain. (You won't regret it!)

So, what did you think? Inspired? Fired up?

What story do you have to tell? And better yet, are you telling it?

BLOCK PARTY!

2011-03-28T15:52:00.001-04:00

This week is officially block party week at the Ink Slinger Critique Group Blog! ( go here) We've some fantastic guests lined up. Tell one, tell all! All are welcome to stop, share, and check out other neighbors/bloggers.

Today's guest is Ghenet of Ghenet Writes.

She is talking about.....

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Trust me, this post is a must read. Check it out here!

Flower Maintenance for Spring! (REPOST)

2011-03-26T13:32:00.000-04:00

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Deadheading flowers is a process that removes the flower head and the developing seed pod from a plant in the hope that it will bloom again. (Basically, you remove dead flowers to make new flowers will bloom in their place.) By removing the flower head and seed pod, a plant will put energy into making new blooms instead of making seeds.

Why It Works:

The goal of a plant is to reproduce. Generally, their entire hope of reproduction is held in their flowers because the flowers are an essential part of the seed making process. When you cut off a flower, the plant gets a little worried it won't be able to reproduce so it sends out a couple more flowers and so on until it has satisfied its goal.

Who to Deadhead:

Plants that respond the most to deadheading are annuals like Zinnias, Marigolds, and Daisies. Google any flower and the word, "deadheading," to check for all the varieties in your garden that can benefit from this process. Some plants, like Impatiens and Petunias deadhead themselves.

How to Deadhead:

Use garden shears or just your fingers to snap the flowers from the stems. Try and get as close as possible to the first leaf that comes after the flower head. If you use garden sheers, remember to keep them clean to avoid transferring diseases from pant to plant.

Ready for spring? I know I am! Let me know what you're going to plant this spring.

Titles Reign at Ink Slingers and BLOCK PARTY INVITE!

2011-03-25T06:17:00.000-04:00

Hey all! So titles, they will drive you crazy, drive you wild, make your hair fall out, and give you the urge to slit throats. <---just me?

*cough*

How embarrassing. *blushing like a firetruck*

Titles are super-substantially-importantifical (yes, I did just make up that word, it's 1 am. Give me a break) because they are the first thing the reader is exposed to, aside from the cover in some cases, of a book. A book called, "Dusk" is most likely going to be different than something called, "Willy and the Witch's Brew." It gives a general idea of your story.

How to come up with a title: No Clue

This is what I do: _________<---big period of time where I wait for it to "come to me"

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What I suggest: Find titles that you like and try to figure out why. Symbolism? Simplicity? Superficiality? (just kinda kidding on that last one. I really just wanted 3 "S" words...like I said, it's late.) Then, mess around with some words, think about what you want the reader to get make a big mess of what your brain is thinking on a whiteboard, chalkboard, wall, or other shiny surface, like a mirror. Play scrabble (but with words) just have fun. You'll be suprised what comes out...like Girl of Words, Boys of Betrayal or even Children of Reptiles. (At least one of those is a future book of mine. Guess which in the comments)

Part 2 of this post is a super awesome and amazing event the Ink Slingers are hosting all week long next week. It's going to be totally fun and really awesome. What is it?

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We're inviting all of our friends and that means you! YES YOU! Bring your friends, your family, your fellow writers! It's fun for all!

The best part is we've lined up some fantastical guest bloggers. Check some them out!

SUNDAY: My guest is Lisa (aka The Blonde Blogette) - http://the-blonde-blogette.blogspot.com/. She's a pop-culture/reality TV kinda guru. ~B. Robison

MONDAY: My guest is YA writer Ghenet, of www.GhenetWrites.blogspot.com. Her blog is a must-read for me, and I'm so glad she'll be regaling us with her insights about time management in writing. As someone who continued to write during a period where she was working full-time, planning her wedding AND receiving an MFA, she's an inspiration to us all! ~Emery

TUESDAY: Surprise guest blogger!

WEDNESDAY: My guest is YA and MG writer Holly of www.hollyschindler.blogspot.com. In addition to being the author of the fantastic books A Blue So Dark andPlaying Hurt Holly was the first author whose blog tour Ella and I participated in. Her insights about using blogs to promote newly published books were a real eye opener for me. ~Aaron

THURSDAY: Surprise guest blogger!

FRIDAY: Surprise guest blogger!

So, what about it? Are you going to be at the cyber world's largest BLOCK PARTY!?

How to be Inspirational: The 10 Step Process

2011-03-24T06:45:00.000-04:00

You know those people....those people that just have the magic?
(No, for once I'm not talking about Harry Potter)

They've got this thing...CHARISMA.

It's magic.

I want it.

I think I might be turning green (jealousy)....or maybe my thumb is just stained from greenhouse plant work...hmmm.

I really have no idea on how to be inspirational, but in my time of watching and observing inspirational people these are the things I've noticed:

They know everyone. Bill Clinton it is said knew everyone's name. This is probably a lie because I'm pretty sure he has no idea who I am. It probably is true that he could remember a lot of names easily. This makes everyone feel connected to that person. People naturally talk about other people. It's like having their name wired into brains around the world and having those brains extend the network.
They are happy. Or...they at least act like they're happy. No one likes a downer.
They are tremendous speakers.If this isn't a strength for you, good news, practice makes almost perfect. I have to concede that some is just natural talent.
When they speak, they soften their voice at the important parts so you really pay attention. Brilliant.
They are open and honest with their experiences. When they speak, they tell true stories from people they know or from their own lives. It begins this connection. You don't see them as a random person talking, you can see their life and what makes them tick. It connects you to them because something also makes you tick, even if that something is completely different. It doesn't matter, it's a connection.
They know when to stop. This one is key. It's the difference between shooting the target and blasting it to smitherines. It's the balance between informing and preaching.
They can make people laugh. This is really varied. I've laughed with inspirational people when things are slapstick funny, gross funny, stupid funny, genuinely funny, sad funny, and not really funny at all. I think this tunes into the next point.
They are their own person. They know who they are as completely as a person can know themselves. They have direction and drive because of this and it gives them set of confidence. This part in itself is magic.
They respect others and accept that they don't know what exactly another person has gone through. Respect some say is earned, but I don't think that's completely true. Respect should be given freely until it is deemed undeserved. Everyone (and I really mean everyone) deserves respect because of the simple fact that none of us know exactly what that person has felt or been through during their lifetime.
They genuinely believe in what they are trying to share with others. No one can really inspire people unless they believe passionately, whole-heartily in what they are sharing.

You might be saying...well, that's great.

What does this have to do with writing?

If you don't already know, then maybe nothing for you. For me, it means everything. I started writing because I wanted to have someone tell me that the words I wrote made them reflect on their life and the future. I take some of the things I wish had never happened to me and offer them up for judgement through my characters, my plot, and my themes.

Will I ever be one of those charismatic, inspirational people?

I don't have a clue. All I can do is work towards my goals and continue my path on self discovery. I think that's all any of us can do.

Are you charismatic? Inspirational? Have something to add? I'd love to hear about it in the comments!

Blastin' through the Block: HUNTING PICTURES EDITION!!!

2011-03-22T06:31:00.000-04:00

It's that time again. The time where I give you my many (and I do mean...MANY) ways of combating writer's block. This week's edition?

HUNTING PICTURES

One of the best things that can give you a spurt of inspiration is a picture. They weren't lying when they said a picture's worth a thousand words....or several thousand in our case. Take a look at the pics below.

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Pretty intense right? They don't even look like they're from this world. There are thousands of other pictures on the web, just do a google search. See what inspires you.

This is my favorite part: You can type in anything your want.

Try common words and uncommon words; use ideas from your story. You can even type in abstract words like hope, love, happiness, or cruelty. Go. To. Town. Have fun. See what you come up with. I'm sure the results will surprise you.

Now, take the pictures that have really drawn your eye and think about why that is....is it the flow of the image, the bright colors, the lack of color, the idea behind it? What is it that really "speaks" to you. Think about how you can incorporate this into your book. Does it remind you of a character? A chapter? Or even an unwritten plot line? The pictures you've found is complete...now, you just have to make your WiP that way. That's the real challenge.

So, have you hunted for pictures? Plan to hunt for them? What have you found? Let me know in the comments!

Love is in the Air at Ink Slinger Blog!

2011-03-18T06:22:00.000-04:00

I love a good classic romance like pretty much everyone else. (Including my critique partners, go here to check out their thoughts on our group blog.)

Ron and Hermionie = Perfection.

Harry + Ginny = (there are no words)

Emma + Knightly = LOVE!

Noah + Allie = Breath taking (The Notebook)

Benjamin + Andie = Lovely (How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days)

Elizabeth + Will Turner = H.O.T.

Elizabeth + Mr. Darcy = Classic

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They can MAKE the story for me. That said....there are so many books/movies/etc out there with the happy couple ending that sometimes I want the love to be more complex. I want the challenge to be more that getting up the guts to ask that girl/guy out or get over the fact that your parents expect you to marry someone you'll never love. I'm not trying to say those aren't great, because they are. I find myself wanting...more. On those days I dig out the historical fiction books. Namely, anything to do with Elizabeth I of England, aka The Virgin Queen.

Elizabeth's love story is filled with rumors and accusations. That alone makes it fascinating. What I like most about her is she gave up love, among a lot of other things, for the chance to rule her people. I won't go into her history, because I know for some that's boring, but trust me when I say, she's more than the classic love story.

I adore love stories where one of the lovers has to make the ultimate choice: love or the greater good. I rejoice with them when they choose love, but I respect them when they choose the greater good. I think most of us would choose love, but people like Elizabeth couldn't be as carefree as we are. She had a country to lead, nothing she did could be done carelessly or selfishly, not even love. I find that really tragic.Which may be part of my fascination with her. I can't imagine going through the same thing.

If you are interested in Elizabeth's story I could name a million and one books to read, but I think it'd be more useful for you to check out what your local bookstore or library has. You'll be amazed the amount of historical fiction available. (One of the best things, is that these people lived. Sure, the writer may have fudged a little, but it's still fascinating.)

If want the quick version, I have yet to see an Elizabethan movie based on her life that doesn't give an overview of her love life. So go pick up a couple at your local rental. It seems they come up with a new one every couple years. I just saw ELIZABETH, the Golden Age. It was amazing and held true to most of the history I know.

So what about you? What couples make your heart flutter? Let me know in the comments!

One last note: Don't forget to go congradulate Demitria Lunetta!!! She just got an offer on her manuscript, In the After. Go here to check her out, trust me, you'll be happy you did.

Spring Break??? Austria?

2011-03-17T06:24:00.001-04:00

I think he looks comfy. Source

Well, I bet you're wondering what happened to Austria? Let's just say we had a few too many pints....or we had a Rip Van Winkle experience and slept through Thursday's trip to Austria? (Also known as....the internet at home ate my soul and wouldn't let me open up, let alone write, on my blog. So...adios spring break week idea. At least I had three ready to go. We had fun for a while. :)

I also want to thank everyone who commented on our spring break vacation. (again internet problems so I couldn't respond timely) I will be making my blogging rounds today so I can't wait to catch up on what I missed.

On to today's post.

I'm following the K.I.S.S. method today. (Keep It Simple Stupid)

I'd love your answers to the following questions:

What is your favorite meal to eat? What makes it special/awesome?

Let me know in the comments! (This is not as random as it seems. It will have a purpose in next week's posts.)

Spring Break Week: IRELAND

2011-03-09T06:36:00.001-05:00

1. This is the sight you wake up to from the boat.

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Now that's a view a story can be inspired by. You have coffee on the deck while the boat comes to shore.

Day #3

Ireland

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2. Go do some local shopping. It's always fun and you never know what you're going to find in Ireland. Oh ad this (below) is a place you just can't pass up. It will make you physically sick if you do.

It is awesome. You buy ~~too many~~ not enough books about Celtic history and begin plotting your next bestseller. It's going to be stellar.

3. Hiking time. Look at the views that inspire you. People say there's no place like home...looks like you found home.

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4. Next, we're going to a restaurant with food that looks like this.
Oh, and yes, it does taste as good as it looks. You get the recipe from the chef, because that's just how nice people are in Ireland. (No joke, the recipe link is here) I don't know about you, but my mouth is watering. Let's head to one of the things Ireland is known for....

5. Awesome Irish pubs.
This is ours.

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We have a ~~several~~ couple pints and go on our merry way. Lots of traveling to do tomorrow. (Shhh! We're going to Austria!)

Have you been to Ireland? Was it as amazing as all the pictures I've seen? Are you ready to eat your computer after seeing that stew? I am. Let me know in the comments!

Spring Break Week: EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND

2011-03-08T06:32:00.000-05:00

What would be a fantasy world trip during spring break if it didn't include Scotland?
It wouldn't be amazing...it would be sad. London was great, but today is all about Scotland.

Day #2

Welcome to Edinburgh, Scotland.

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Above is the view we're seeing from Scott Monument. Gorgeous, no? It is our stop #1 today. Go us.Though we would never get tired of this view and the intense people/place watching we could get from staying here all day, we have an appointment with someone in ten minutes, so we're storing this in our memory and in our camera until later.

2. Go to a cute little cafe and have Earl Grey tea, because it just tastes better in Europe and a crumpet, because well...you really just like the idea of having a crumpet with tea (it makes you feel all grown up inside). In walks the person you're supposed to meet. Say hi!

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You start chatting it up (and it is surprisingly not awkward at all). She's sharing with you her new stuff and how she can't wait to come visit you back in the states (you begin to think you might need to move out of that dorm room asap).

She asks to see your book and you give it to her. She has mad fast reading skills and reads it through in ten (slightly awkward) minutes. To the left is the face she makes towards the end. She says it is beautiful. (Hey, it's called a fantasy vacation for a reason, right? Might as well dream big, or gargantuan in my case)

3. Tour the rest of the city with J.K. Rowling. Both of you stopping mid-sentence to write some detail down about future novels in notebooks you stash in your purses. She says she's writing a character about you and you tell her that she is awesome and you're going to write more secret references to Harry Potter in your books.

4. Rest of Scotland, though amazing and beautiful, is a fog because...well it's J. K. Rowling and you don't start looking at pretty trees when she's talking to you about your book...or hers for that matter.

5. Say your goodbyes at sunset. Make plans for her visit in 6 months (<--longest 6 months of your life). Get on a train and then a boat. Sleep until tomorrow.

Anyplace you remember we stopped at that I was in a fog about? J.K. saw something awesome to you? Let me know in the comments.

Spring Break Week: LONDON

2011-03-07T06:55:00.001-05:00

Hey all! So this week is spring break for me. Instead of posting normal things (<---not sure if I do this on "normal" days either but...) I'm going to post about places I'd like to go. We'll go exploring together.

Day 1

London, England

Things to do:
1. Go to some museums because that's like something you're supposed to do...right?
Let's go to this one.

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Looks nice. Quaint. It's The Sherlock Holmes Museum. Turns out this makes our trip part of our "job" as writers. (I'm thinking tax write off?) Because learning about other books is very important. That is what we're doing at this museum...right? (Or maybe it's just because we want to get a pipe and one of those fun hats...oh! and a magnifying glass. Can't forget one of those.)

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2. Let's just start exploring (note to selves, figure out where we're going to explore. It may not be the best idea to just start walking in a strange area)

Look where we end up! Always wanted to check one of these telephone booths out. Sweet! We are now calling home to ~~brag~~ tell everyone how awesome London is and how we are officially going to make it out home for the rest of our lives. (We should keep in mind this is only Day 1 of our world trip....we decide to make many homes all over the world.)

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3. Take a tour of the city on a double decked bus. Sit on the top level and take in the sights. It is wonderful.

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4. Live and breath London. Absorb the city so you can create something from your memories. Make it wonderful.

5. Finally, get on a train at King's Cross railway station (and take a pic at Platform 9 3/4 like the one on the right) Head to destination #2.

See ya tomorrow!

Anyone been to London? Any suggestions of places to visit or things to do? Did we stop somewhere I forgot to mention? Let me know in the comments!

My Confession

2011-03-04T06:29:00.000-05:00

1. I could not think of a better title for this post than the one above...sad, I know. (To see all Ink Slinger confessions, go here.)

2. Today, I found a little green man on my car in the parking lot. (He is plastic.) I think St. Patrick's Day is coming early this year.

3. I went to an awesome hockey game and now am dying to add something hockey related to some book I eventually write.

4. I really want to be on spring break right now so I don't have to worry about homework or class. Thank heavens it starts at 11a.m. today!!!

5. I have a reoccuring thing in a couple of my dreams. That thing may or...may not be a carrot vending machine.

That is all. What confessions do you need to voice? Let me know in the comments!

Video Day!

2011-03-03T08:58:00.000-05:00

Hey, so I decided last night that I'd do a random video day, like pajama day in school (loved those days), but on the blog. Brilliant, yes? Watch one watch them all, it's up to you. Let me know what you think in the comments!

Video #1
Yesterday Jennifer Earp had this video on her blog. It's definitely worth sharing. Go here to read her thoughts on it.

Love it. Pretty much sums up why I want to be a teacher. Have any teachers that really meant something to you? I'd love to hear about it down below.

Video #2

Ahh, love Disney. Love this song. Thoughts? Do you want adventure in the great wide somewhere? I already signed up.

Video #3

I'm really looking forward to the date this movie comes out. I hope my expectations aren't greater than what the movie is though. Did you like it?

I want your opinion. Yes, you!

2011-03-02T06:46:00.000-05:00

Hey, so I've been bouncing around an idea in my head for a couple weeks now and I'm not anywhere closer to figuring it out than I was two weeks ago. So, enter you. All you have to do is answer the following question in the comments. Easy, right? (not that question) Right.

This blog is mostly about writing and my journey to publication, but I also talk about agriculture from time to time as the need arises (or because I just feel like it). My question is:

Would you like to hear more about agriculture on this blog?

Like, a weekly or bi-weekly post on something of interest...gardening, production, what's new in agriculture, etc. I'll keep an objective opinion if controversial topics come up.

Bonus question: If yes, anything you'd like to know more about? (Can be specific or general)

Calling all Writers, Readers, and People of the World

2011-03-01T06:33:00.000-05:00

Have you ever had that moment where you feel like something has to be done? A moment of enlightenment that says, hey I can't do much, but I'll do what I can? I had one of those last night and I want to share it with you.

I've been blessed to have good health for my entire life. No broken bones. No stitches. No real sickness or disease scares. I've had my share of childhood mishaps, but nothing has really threatened my life. I feel truly blessed for that.

I don't think anyone can really appreciate anything until it is gone. Think about the first best friend you ever had. Are you still close friends with them? Do you still share all those secrets with the same person? I don't. Somewhere along the line things changed. We changed. I mourned for our loss of friendship. Until I lost a friend, felt betrayed by a friend, loved a friend; I never really knew what they meant to me. What having that kind of bond could mean to me. Knowing what it really means changed everything. It changed my life.

It's the same thing with good health. Those of us blessed with good health, even decent health, have no clue what it is to go through what others do who aren't as lucky as us. Really luck and chance are the only differences.

You might be wondering where I'm going with this.

Aaron, one of my critique partners in the Ink Slinger's Critique group, send an email last night asking the group to help someone she knows.

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Hannah is a fifteen year old girl in California, who is waiting for a heart transplant at the Ronald McDonald house. There's one thing she'd like to do while she waits, read letters. The thing is, she hasn't gotten that many. This is where I'm asking for your help. A lot of the people who read this are writers. I'm asking you to use your craft. Write Hannah a letter. Some of you are readers. Write to Hannah what you'd want to read. Some of you are people who don't read or write more than the average person. I'm asking you to open an email and write.

It could be that you don't have a clue what to write. That's alright. I don't have a clue what I'm going to as I write this post. What do you say to someone you don't know? Think about it. Reflect on it. Pray about it (if that's something that will help you). Inspiration will come. Then, write. Send your letter to thebloggergirlz@gmail.com. No postage necessary, Aaron will take care of the rest.

Want to do more? Check out the links below. Some need funding, others volunteers, and some...well, organs. Think about how blessed you are and ask yourself if you can't do something. It doesn't have to be big or complicated. It can be as simple as a letter, dropping your change at the donation tub at McDonald's, or volunteering at a local Ronald McDonald House. If I've learned anything, it's that I may not understand what someone else is going through, but that doesn't mean I can't do something about it. A lot of the time we get stuck in the thought that we are too small to make a difference, my challenge to that is: if not me, then who?

Ronald McDonald House
OrganDonor.gov
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Make-A-Wish Foundation

Naming Names at Ink Slingers

2011-02-25T06:10:00.000-05:00

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Ever heard a future parent say that until they see their baby, they won't know a name? Or even that the baby will name itself, based on it's reaction to names said? That is basically how I name a character. (To read how my critique partners name theirs, click here.)

I'm a pantser, first and foremost (pantser = no/little planning for novel other than possibly knowing the end and a few tidbits ), so it may come as no surprise that I don't really create a character, except for the main ones. They just float in and out of the story, sometimes with more importance than other times (that's what editing is for right?) Sometimes, I won't know they're there until they start talking...and then the details come....and then their name. Other times, I start writing and fill in the details right before they jump in. (which is what happens below) (Keep in mind, that, like most things I do, this is a mental process that I don't write down and plan...normally)

Example: Let's say I'm writing something about a girl, named Lisa, who is skipping class...For all I know at this point, Lisa could continue walking down this sidewalk for the rest of her life, but something tells me she's going to run into someone who isn't in school either. As soon as the idea hits me to add another character, I start imagining it.

This is what I know just from seeing him in my head:

It's a boy, though not one Lisa knows well or by name
He's a dweeb
Slightly annoying--makes me think he's younger than her
Brown hair that hasn't been combed
He has glasses that are too big for his face
Mismatched clothes, they're worn, as if they've come from a lower end thrift shop
He's bored and curious as to why "Perfect Patty" has skipped.

Here are the names that immediately come to mind, just from thinking about who I think he is:

Tom
Andrew
Matt
Harold

Two stick out the most for me (Which for you? or are you seeing another name?) Tom and Harold. He seems like an young kid under the influence of older people...like he lives with his grandparents or his parents are older. I don't confirm a name in my mind until I actually start writing him.

"Hey!"
Something flopped from the bushes not ten feet before Linda and landed on the sidewalk, blocking her path like an animated trash bag. It took a few minutes for her to see there was a head attached to the bag along with arms and legs. It waddled like a duck coming closer until she could see it wasn't a bag at all, but a boy in an over-sized black jacket, floppy baseball hat, and shoes at least three sizes too big.
"Uh." She looked down at the mess and figured he was about ten. "Excuse me." She tried to edge past the blob of clothing.
"I said, 'hey.'" The boy complained in a whining tone, pushing the thick glasses up his nose, which like the rest of his attire were way too big. "I'm Harold."

Not my best, but you get my point...at least, I hope you do.
I can't name a character until they come alive on the page. Until they have an actual voice or flow about them, I find that I keep renaming them every ten seconds. Every image of a character conjures a name or two that seem to just "fit" the character. Of course, if I want to surprise the reader, I may pick a name like Harold, and turn him into the school jock, just because that seems less predictable.

So, what about you? Are you feeling a different name for this new character? How do you name your characters? Let me know in the comments!

2011-02-23T06:30:00.000-05:00

Note: Thank you for all the birthday wishes everyone! They made my day really special. I've been so busy lately, that I haven't made my usual rounds, but hope to fix that today.

I ran across and interesting idea the other day. It made me ponder about the essence of my future books. I want to know what you all think about it. Basically it surrounds one question...

Is there one thing you will ALWAYS include in your novel(s)?

Not something like, plot or characters. More like, there will always be a cat, a moment in a field, a single gold coin, a thunderstorm. Is there one element that you feel would leave your story "feeling naked?"

This is what I'd like to know. Let me know what your answer is in the comments!

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Side-note: I found this shirt design earlier and am dying (almost literally) to get my hands on one. Perfect, no?

Go here to get your hands on a t-shirt.

Getting a GOOD Critique Group

2011-02-22T06:34:00.000-05:00

One of the things that can be hard to understand as a writer is getting a good critique. When you're first starting out you may not have let anyone read what you've written or maybe everyone in your family has. Whatever the case, the response is the same: you're going to need objective critique partners. People who can tell you how it is without it being personal. This can be one of the hardest battles EVER!

First of all there's the approach. You coast around the blogs and you see some people that seem pretty cool to you (or join a local group)....do you send that stalker-esque email you've been thinking about, or corner them when the group session is over? Do you go serious or light-hearted? What do you even say? And then there's the dreaded: What do I say if it doesn't work out? If you all are anything like me, these questions have run through your mind often. And then when you get into a critique group there even more questions, the biggest of which is: Am I being sensitive, or are they being a jerk?

Finding a GOOD critique group can. drive. you. INSANE!

Luckily, the Ink Slingers have been amazing for me and we've found a great rhythm that works for everyone in the group. (Click the badge on the sidebar if you want to visit our group blog)

When I was looking for a good group I ran through all the blogs and read what other writers said. I did this a couple months ago for a friend and I thought I'd share what I re-discovered in the hope that if any of you are out there looking for a critique group, you'll find what you need. Let's start with some links.

Critique Group Info:
http://bethrevis.blogspot.com/2010/10/revision-faq-how-do-you-find-readers.html
http://kierstenwrites.blogspot.com/2010/01/critically-speaking.html
http://betweenfactandfiction.blogspot.com/2009/11/get-thee-to-crit-group.html
http://querytracker.blogspot.com/2009/02/essential-critique-group-supplies-life.html

I personally think the best way to get a critique partner/group is to talk to other bloggers (You don't know if you're going to fly or fall, unless you jump.)

If that's not exactly your style. There's the link below that will send you to Nathan Bransford's blog where in the forums there's a discussion group just for people looking for critique partners.

To Get Critique Group:
http://forums.nathanbransford.com/viewforum.phpf=16&sid=07be8597621b40d9c81b99adf770ee01
http://querytracker.net/index.php

My personal advice for finding a critique group:
1. Find some people you can laugh with. Heaven knows you're going to write something that sounded good at some point in time and turns out to be ridiculous later. It's much easier if you get an honest critique from a friend, than someone you don't know. It also means a lot more.
2. Make sure at least one person in your group writes in the same genre as you do. It makes it a lot easier, trust me on this one. If you write mainly YA Fantasy when your critique partners write Adult Fiction, it's going to be harder to accept their critiques because they write at a different level.
3. After a few months, if things "feel" off with the group, don't be afraid to break things off. In the end, your manuscript must come first. It's one thing you need to be selfish on. The wrong group will not help you get where you need to be.
4. Hunt the blogs. A HUGE number of writerly people have their own blog. If you reach out to them (comment), become a follower, see what they post, and read the excerpts they post from their own manuscripts, you can get a feel for how that writer operates. If that person writes in a similar fashion to you, then they'll probably be a good match as a critique partner. If they haven't talked a whole lot about their critique group, or even if they have, you can always ask to see if you could exchange your stuff with theirs. Writers in general are very nice people. They don't bite....usually.

So, what do you think? Have a critique group? Looking for those special people right now? Have any advice to add? Let me know in the comments!

Donuts for Everyone!

2011-02-21T06:31:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone! I am in a fantastic mood today!
You scratch head and maybe look out the window....where it's pouring rain. (How can she possibly be in a good mood?)

I can because it is officially my 22nd birthday!

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In honor of my birthday I am giving away cyber donuts. Eat your fill because they never run out! AND you won't gain any weight.*

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*has not been proven in clinical trials. Proceed with caution.

Which one did you choose? (I call dibs on the chocolate and green one!) Hope everyone else has a happy unbirthday (Unless it is your birthday, then come celebrate with me!)!

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Fictional Females at Ink Slingers

2011-02-18T06:27:00.001-05:00

This week at the Ink Slinger Critique Group blog, we are talking about what makes our female characters awesome and what we require in a good female character. Go here to read everyone's responses. Trust me, you'll want to (especially Emery's).

I love my female characters to stand out and surprise the reader. I also want them to be challenged to do something that may not follow their traditional gender role. I require my girls to be fearless and confront danger head on. (None of this damsel business). I don't want my readers to see my female characters and say, "Ugh, she's pathetic." (I'm talking to you Bella Swan and Sleeping Beauty. Seriously? The first time you see a spinning wheel you reach out to it...duh.)

Here's what I look for in a Fictional Female:

-Fearless (or if they have fear, they work through it)
-Don't let others fight for them (Take on their own battles, though in their own way)
-Challenge themselves to something better (They're not satisfied with being mediocre, *cough* Bella Swan *cough*)

-Don't let the boys have all the fun while they drink tea in the parlor (Self explainitory)
-Never use gender as an excuse (I can't! I'm a girl!!! <--Characters you're warned. I will kill you and it will be excruciating)
-DON'T WHINE. (this is pretty much any character for me, unless I mean for them to be annoying)

And the most important:

Have faith in themselves.

Eventually the young adults reading my books are going to have to go out on their own in the world. For some it won't be so bad (Harry practically ran from the Dursley's) but for others leaving home is not going to be easy. Home is comfortable and safe, and you don't have to worry about making really stupid mistakes.The world is freaking scary. I like to see my characters take the jump and not look at where they're landing, only have the faith that they will land on their feet. It goes back to the saying, "If they can do it, why not us?" Thank you J.K. Rowling for that brilliance.


Chloe Moretz: Rumored by imbd.com to play Katniss	.

Take Katniss from The Hunger Games.

- volunteers in her sister's place.
- fights her own fight, she doesn't even make really good alliances.
- risks her life to hunt food for her family.
- tries to save Peeta, even though he won't let her.
- takes on the role of mother when her own is out of it.

I know what you're saying...she was soooo stupid about Peeta though. Why did she have to be so dumb? He loved her.

Easy. Look at her stats. Female characters who are this self reliant (and awesome) usually have a common flaw: they won't let a guy close. They are often scared that by depending upon a guy, they will turn into those fainting Disney princesses (I love Disney, don't get me wrong, but sleeping while the prince comes to kiss me sounds a bit...pitiful.). This also adds tension to the story...will she fall? Won't she fall?

This means your guy characters have to be hunters (not literally). They almost have to be those guys you see in romantic comodies shaking the girl and screaming, "My God, when will you understand I love you and I'm not going anywhere?"

Basically, my fictional females must rock the world of my readers by being awesome and working through their flaws. What makes your fictional females awesome?

Sidenote: You're right if you were wondering if I choose that pic of Chloe just because she was with Rupert Grint.

DOUBLE Sidenote: Hello and welcome to everyone who has joined the last two weeks. If I haven't made it over to your blog to follow or responded, it is due to my lack of awesomeness. I'd love to meet you. Leave me a comment if you want or shoot me an email. I love hearing from fellow bloggers. Have a great weekend!

Which Books? A Writing Exercise

2011-02-17T06:30:00.001-05:00

Last week Tricia O'Brian at Talespinning had a fabulously interesting post about books. Particularly which books would you choose to read over and over for the rest of your life? (Apparently, it was a YA Highway thing) In this post, I'm taking that to the next level (or just a new level of fun).

Here's what you do:
Pick three books that you can't live without. (And you can't change them)
I'm picking Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, The Giver, and Chronicles of Narnia: The Horse and His Boy.

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Got 'em? Good. Now, write down a fun sentence featuring the plot of each. Mine are below.
HPDH: Harry takes on Moldy Voldy in one last epic battle.
TG: In a world where everything and everyone is the same, one boy makes a change.
CNHB: A talking horse and a boy run from their past in the hope of creating a better future.

And mash (yeah, like potatoes):
Harry changes the world from a place of ordinary, with the help of a talking horse, into a place where there is no mold and definitely not a plastic surgery crazed man who calls himself Voldy.

AND the purpose of this was.........
1. It was fun. <--Best reason for anything in my opinion (unless it's illegal and/or you grandmother wouldn't approve of course)
2. I don't know about you, but it opened me up to new ideas. I think a lot of the time we get stuck in the same plot ideas. Bad Guy + Evil Plot + Good Guy = Story. Not that those aren't good, 'cause they are, but sometimes a mash up isn't only fun, but also more interesting. Try instead, Bad Guy + His Girlfriend + He LOVES Her + She Uses Him = Greatest Revenge Plot EVER!

So, whatcha think? Fun? Not fun? Useful? Not Useful? What was yours? I can't wait to read it in the comments!

Bernard Pivot Blogfest!

2011-02-16T06:27:00.001-05:00

Hey all! Today is the Bernard Pivot Blogfest! Click the pic to the right to see everyone's answers and check down below for mine.

EDIT: Apparently, I left the first question off. My favorite word is...Ambidextrous. I've loved it ever since I figured out what it meant in 2nd grade.
What is your least favorite word? DEAD
What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally? Music and landscape
What turns you off? Gross hygiene
What is your favorite curse word? S***, though don't cuss a lot.
What sound or noise do you love? Waterfalls or rain, but not the stuff you can buy recorded, it has to be the real thing. Oh, and thunderstorms.
What sound or noise do you hate? Cars and traffic sounds--could just wrap that up as city sounds
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Plant designer/breeder
What profession would you not like to do? Telephone service: telemarketer or customer service (people get nasty)
If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? Good job, leave your baggage there, and now come give me a hug.

Now, it's your turn. Pick a couple, or all of them, and let me know what the answers are in the comments. If you're participating, let me know what you think :)

Blastin' through the Block: YOUTUBE IT EDITION

2011-02-15T06:30:00.001-05:00

Still got writer's block? Well, check this out! YOUTUBE.COM. It's probably something you've already heard about. Pretty much anything is on there. Book trailers, movie trailers, music videos, videos of people doing stupid things, you name it...you can find it or something close to it.

In the days of yesteryear (also known as the 80's and before) the internet wasn't really up and running. Any research for books was usually done with books, magazines, journals, and interviews. That was pretty good, but now we can take a fiction book and make it that much more AWESOME because of youtube.

Youtube.com is my go to for any sort of action/reaction of the human nature. It's also a huge source for abstract things...like the digestion system of a chicken. (Not joking, it's on there. Thank you people who put in on there for the good grade I'm going to get on my Poultry Production exam because of it)

Besides disecting chickens, you can also check out action scenes. Say you're writing a fighting scene, or a runaway scene. With normal research methods (including your own experience) you might come up with something like...

"Jared hopped from box to box, each one wobbling with his weight. In a dramatic jump, he launched over the barbed fence and into the junkyard. At the sound of barking dogs, he stood and began again."

Not that great. Check out this video though and see what you can add to the paragraph. (You don't have to watch the whole thing to get the gist.)

Pretty cool right? Most likely, if your character is really on the run, he isn't going to be showing off the like the guy in the movie, but you can see why some of the things he does can really help you character, especially if you're writing a distopian or apocalypse. (Also, if your characters are on the run, they might have to hunt. Finding "how to dress/skin animals" on youtube is a gruesome thing to watch, but it is helpful if you don't want to try it for yourself.)

With the new info you can rework your paragraph to something like...

"Jared launched off of the barrel. His back arched as he cruised over the barbed fence, it's metal teeth snapping at his shirt. The impact on the Earth vibrated up his body until his ears wiggled. The sound of barking dogs alerted him. The race wasn't over yet."

Still, it could use some fine tuning, but you're in a better place than you were.

Going to youtube is also a great way to get an action or reaction that you don't have experience with or seeing something that doesn't happen often. Unlike the guy in the video above, I have no desire to jump off a building or run up a moving car. My characters might have to and that's where youtube enters the scene.

Maybe you're having a problem writing a scene because you don't have enough experience with what your character is doing. You can look it up all you want in books and articles, but there are some things, like the way your body moves when you're fighting with a sword, that you need to see someone do (or do yourself) to understand and therefore describe.

One note: Double check references and information. Sometimes the people talking are experts, other times they're not. It's still up to you to do the basic research.

Check out the videos below. Any great sentences coming to you? I'd love to hear them in the comments.

What flowers are you giving/getting and what do they mean?

2011-02-14T06:33:00.000-05:00

Hey all! I was sitting trying to figure out what to post, I mean it is Valentine's Day. That should call for something a little out of the norm, right? Poems, chocolates, smooches, professions of love...something. Well, I've never been good at poetry and chocolates are just torture if all you can do is look at them through your screen. I guess that leaves me with either smooching or professing my love to you....

*crickets*

Right. I think you all are awesome and your comments always make my day brighter but....well, I don't want to make things awkward.
Lucky for us both, I've got one more idea.

FLOWERS!FLOWERS!FLOWERS!FLOWERS!FLOWERS!FLOWERS!FLOWERS!

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Did you guess flowers?
Wow, you sure are smart.

As an agriculture lover and future agriculture teacher, I am very nearly obligated (pretty sure people will be sent to hunt me down) to tell you something about one of the biggest florist days of the year. Instead of teaching you all just any ol' something, I thought I'd share a useful something.

Most of us are writers here, so why not tie that in. Unless you're writing picture books, and maybe even then, you're probably going to have some sort of romance going on in your book. It could be just a high school crush, or something more intimate between two adults. Consider adding flowers to the ROMANCE FEST if you haven't already.

Why?
It adds something simple to the story that can really make a huge difference.

Take a girl. She over-analyzes EVERYTHING. "Like he totally gave me a yellow rose! No, I'm not joking. YELLOW! and it was taped to my locker!"

This could go two ways...the girl is happy about a person giving her a rose.

The girl is devastated because a person gave her a yellow rose. YELLOW! (totally the end of the world as we know it because yellow=friendship)

May not seem like a big deal...does anyone actually care about the colors of the roses that were near the grave in the Scarlet Letter? Probably not (I'm talking to you former English prof) But when it comes to romance, assume your reader knows everything.

If you put in a yellow rose/flower and don't connect it with friendship and your reader does, you could have one confused reader on your hands and we all know how awesome that is....not.

No worries, easy solution.
Look it up. (Or follow the links below) Bookmark it on your internet browser for easy search.

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This is what it can add:
You have a girl. She's a simple, not complicated sort of character. She finds a flower taped to her locker. It looks like something she's never seen before. And in this age of internet technology, she fires up Google. It's a ...

Gladioli

Well, erm....cool. She thinks until she sees another link for flower meanings. She clicks in and finds out that Gladioli are the flowers of GLADIATORS and meant as a message of girl, give me a break. I'm a good guy. Give me a chance. From around the corner comes the bad boy, football player from History class that has been making eyes at her all semester. The rest they say, is history.

If you're interested in learning more about flower meanings click here.

If you want to learn more about color choices, click here.

If you are really interested in flower meanings, here's a link to a book on Amazon that is said to be really helpful. (I'd definitely recommend for a history novelist, as flowers and their meanings were used a lot in years past.)

If you are alone (like me) this Valentine's Day, click the play button below. It's sure to make you smile.

Have a great day! What flowers did you get? Did you figure out their meanings? Let me know in the comments!

"I NEED a Hero!"

2011-02-10T07:44:00.001-05:00

For those of you who didn't recognize the quote in the title, it's from a band named SKILLET! I love them. They're like magic sauce for writing. No matter which character I'm writing, I can listen to they awesome rock. One of their songs is called Hero. I highly recommend it. The video is below.

Awesome, right? I love it for any character who needs to find themselves. Some of the best stories aren't when the damsel in distress gets a hero, it's when the damsel frees herself and kicks butt. She becomes the hero.

I recently stopped by Bethany Robison's blog (here) (Go follow her!) There, I found a post about loved heroes and well other...heroes. I thought it was sooo awesome I pilfered it from her and posted it here so you can all see it. It's also below. Enjoy!

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Let's say you want to create a hero. You don't want to make him too good, or he won't be believable. Hell, he may not even be likable. But, at the same time, you don't want to make him too flawed, either. You have to be careful with his narrative, keeping in mind that the best way to reveal character is through dealing with adversity. How does he react in different situations - show, don't tell.

Exhibit A: Jay Cutler, Quarterback for the Chicago Bears

Grew up in Santa Claus, Indiana (yes, you read that right. I'm from Indiana and I have BEEN to Santa Claus. It's real).
Became somewhat infamous for throwing a fit in Denver that resulted in him being traded to the Chicago Bears. Said my cousin, who lives in Denver: "He's such a whiny brat - you guys can have him." Said my other cousin who lives in Denver:"We disliked Cutler even before he left because he looked hungover at press conferences, especially when he lost, and was surly during interviews. It was just the cherry on top when he threw his little tantrum." Yikes.
Gained national attention last weekend when he didn't play the second half of the NFC Championship game (one game away from the Superbowl). Announcers during the game commented on his pouty body language, and his peers started tweeting in colorful terms about how he was a wimp who didn't care.
After the game, the Bears announced that Jay tore his MCL (knee). A week later, people are still chewing Jay up - not for how he handled the injury, but for how he's handled his career up to this point.

Words and phrases I've collected this week pertaining to Jay Cutler:

"His expression is usually that of a man wearing sandpaper underwear. He looks everywhere but into your eyes. It's a tie as to which he enjoys more -- smirking or shrugging. It's hard to say what interests Cutler, but it's definitely not you." --Rick Reilly, ESPN
"The Jay Cutler Fan Club is meeting in the bathroom of a 747, for which he has himself to blame.... This is what happens to people who don't care what people think of them. If Cutler wonders what he can gain from portraying a positive public image, here's his answer: The benefit of the doubt." --Neil Hayes, Chicago Sun Times
"Jay Cutler is a riddle wrapped in a mystery hidden inside a jackass.... Which merely goes to show how fragile a thing, and how fleeting, is the reputation of any man who pretends not to care about his reputation. I have no doubt that Jay Cutler was too seriously hurt to return to the field on Sunday. I also have no doubt that he is now the most openly disrespected star in the NFL. If you're being dissed Twitter-style in real time by your peers, your reputation is junk." -- Jeff MacGregor, ESPN

That's just a small sampling. I almost feel like the media was waiting for this moment and gleefully dusted off their Thesauruses for the occasion.

Jay Cutler words: surly, curt, heartless, careless, aloof, smirk, shrug, scowl, whiny, tantrum, hungover. Oh, and jackass. Nothing against Jay, but I kind of enjoyed that one.

Exhibit B: Robbie Hummel, Senior Forward for the Purdue Boilermakers

From Valparaiso, Indiana (you're getting a little Hoosier state geography lesson today. You're welcome)
Came to Purdue as part of the "Baby Boilermakers" amazing freshman class at a time when Purdue fans were HUNGRY for some good basketball.
Known for being an emotional player (no, that doesn't mean he cries).
Made a game winning shot against top ranked Wisconsin his junior year that resulted in Purdue students storming the court (for only the second time in school history). They picked up Robbie and carried him on their shoulders. Literally. I found a picture of it a few days ago, and now I can't find it anymore. I hate myself.
Last year, Purdue was projected to make the final four in the NCAA tournament... until Robbie tore his ACL (knee) at the beginning of March.
Robbie rehabbed and worked hard. Boiler nation tracked his progress and eagerly anticipated his return. Purdue was ranked second in the nation in the preseason polls.
During his first practice back, Robbie blew out his ACL. Again. Same knee. I still remember where I was when I heard the news - Cheesecake Factory. I love the Cheesecake Factory, but on that day, it tasted like sadness.

Words and phrases often associated with Robbie:

"[After the second injury, Robbie's parents] went back to Robbie's apartment to watch the [Purdue] football game, and news of the ACL tear was already on the ESPN ticker. They heard of the wave of murmuring and sick stomachs that spread across Ross-Ade Stadium as the story disseminated. They heard it was announced on the PA during IU's football game in Bloomington. Robbie had already received hundreds of texts." -- Luke Winn, Sports Illustrated
"Optimistic, realistic, reflective and disappointed. Injured Purdue basketball standout Robbie Hummel expressed all of those emotions Wednesday.... He acknowledged that he experiences moments of guilt when things are going badly for the Boilermakers." -- Jeff Washburn, Lafayette Journal and Courier (posted on the Indianapolis Star website)
"Though a twice-torn knee ligament might cause the average person to feel sorry for himself, Robbie Hummel has used the ordeal as just another learning experience.... Hummel continues to serve as a resource for his teammates while viewing the game from a different perspective." --Joanne Norell, Purdue Exponent
Here's a link to the report of Robbie's second injury on Fox Sports (from Jeff Goodman) - listen to the tone of the guy's voice. If you've heard any of the reporting on Jay Cutler this week, think about the contrast. "Robbie Hummel is one of the best kids I've ever met.... Really devastating.... I've gotten more texts and calls from opposing coaches.... A lot of people are really feeling for Robbie Hummel around the country." --Jeff Goodman, Fox Sports

Robbie Hummel words: team player, leader, great kid, hard working, emotional. I've never heard a bad word about him. I conducted a little poll (very scientific) and there is some feeling that this injury may have actually made Robbie MORE popular, because now so many people are rooting for him to recover.

Two top athletes, both with a shot at a national championship, both from Indiana, both sidelined by blown-out knees. And yet, look at how the two were perceived.

Why did this happen? Their career narratives unfolded prior to their injuries.
When Jay got hurt, the reaction was almost "He deserves it. Maybe now he'll finally get his act together." When Robbie got hurt, he was treated as a tragic hero. Every time I watch a Purdue game, he gets as much face time on camera as he would have if he were playing. Watch the next time Purdue is on ESPN. Watch for how many times they show him on the sidelines (in his shirt and tie) cheering for his teammates, living and dying with them. Make it a drinking game, if you're into that sort of thing. You'll see what I mean.

So, how can you apply this study to creating characters of your own? How can you apply these emotions, now that you've seen the reaction they get in the "real world"?

A literary example of a similar situation.
Imagine for a moment that there are two men. On the surface, they appear very similar. About the same age. Similar features. Similar capabilities.

One is a shining, heroic example of everything good a guy should be. He has a good job, a wife and family. He's noble, honorable, a productive member of society... but he comes from a bad family. He's done everything right, but he still finds himself in trouble - facing a death penalty.

The other is the epitome of wasted potential. He's a washed up drunk who could have really made something of his life, but he chose not to. He's surly. Unpleasant. Has many bad habits. No friends or family. He barely has a career.

Who's the hero here?

I submit to you, Sydney Carton, the washed up drunk from A Tale of Two Cities - my favorite character from my favorite book. He was described by all of those Jay Cutler words, but at the end, he took Charles Darnay's place below the guillotine. It would not have been anywhere near as powerful if it had been the other way around. Sydney Carton was redeemed after he seemed unredeemable.

I'm not suggesting that Jay Cutler offer up his ACL to Robbie (ugh, if only). I'm just pointing out that there are narratives all around us, and there is value in looking at real people in these intense, emotional situations to learn how adversity affects different types of people.

What real-life actions/reactions could you draw from? What flaws could make your character more powerful?

A-Mazing right?

Writer Crazies

2011-02-09T06:57:00.000-05:00

A few days ago Renae Mercardo at The Siren's Song had a good humored post about being insane. (Ha, ha, turns out I am...so what else is new?) It had me thinking about another blogger who probably everyone knows: Nathan Bransford. (If you don't, go follow his blog. Here.) He had a post on sanity issues too, but with a slightly different thought way back in the summer of 2009. I revisited it get a second opinion on my condition. (follow the links above to see if we're both insane!) This is what I figured out:

Source

I may, or may not be insane. By Mercardo's definitions I am absolutely there (I do, after all, write new book ideas on my arms), but by Bransford's standards I haven't reached it yet. And oh the questions that have been tossed around my brain sense. I'm hoping you all can give me some answers.

In Bransford's post the main question is: "Am I crazy for spending so much time doing this when there is no guarantee that I will be published?"

No??? Is my answer. (Notice the question marks.) Has it crossed my mind that I might never be published...uh, totally. Has it crossed my mind that this was a waste of time....no. So what exactly does that mean? I have no idea???

Bransford made the suggestion that everyone wonders if it is a waste of time. Soooo, what does it mean that I don't think it's ever a waste of time? My guess is below for everyone else who has a possible case of insanity (assuming I'm not alone...hello? *crickets chirping*....crap.)

I don't write to be published. It is my goal of course, but I'd continue to write even if I did query the heck out of my manuscripts and never got published. I started writing because it was fun and I'm going to keep writing because it is fun. Am I alone here? Do you write because you want to be published first and because it's fun second? Or is it completely a job to you? ( I do take writing and getting published seriously, but fun comes first. I hope that translates in my writing. I write for the love of it, first and foremost.)

I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. What do you think? Am I really insane? And more importantly, are you? Don't lie. You are aren't you?

First line blogfest

2011-02-07T15:03:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone! Thanks for visiting. My first line is below. Let me know what you think in the comments (Don't worry about hurting my feelings, 'cause you won't). To see a list of other people go here. Thanks to Brenda Drake for hosting, and Weronika Janczuk for her time.

Name: Bethany Mattingly
Title: Girl of Words, Boys of Betrayal (totally tentative)
Genre: YA Fantasy

"Rebellion wasn’t in Giddian’s mind as he walked up the sand dune to his brother, leaving his friends behind without a second glance."

Here's the whole paragraph:

Rebellion wasn’t in Giddian’s mind as he walked up the sand dune to his brother, leaving his friends behind without a second glance. He could count on one hand the number of times Ryan interrupted him from doing something and always for the same reason, someone’s life was about to change.

Best Book in January at Ink Slingers and Contest Results

2011-02-04T08:41:00.012-05:00

Yesterday, I had a random contest and we have two winners (I couldn't choose. They were both awesome) The winners should have received an email with instructions, if not, email me at bkaymattingly@yahoo.com.
Congrats to:
~Nicole Ducleroir~ said...

I always compare writing to quilt-making. Not so original, I know. And a quilt is a metaphor for pretty much any aspect of life -- hell, of life itself!

Demitria said...

I always thought writing was like knitting...you sort of pluck away at it until you come to the end...but then you have to go back and tie up the loose strings.

On to our regular scheduled post...

Go here to read the other Ink Slinger's best books or continue to read on my thoughts with Coraline.

Best (Or only) book I read in January goes to......
Coraline by Neil Gaiman

I read this quick middle grade just a couple days ago and was astounded by two things:

The vocabulary.

The story.

The vocabulary in this quick read was really complicated for the grade level in my opinion. There were some words that even I had to think about twice, and I like to think I have a pretty good vocabulary. I think for a middle grade or even young adult reader it would be very challenging.

The story was freaky and scary (Ella, totally a book made for you) in a good way. Coraline basically lets curiosity get the best of her and travels into another world. In this world, there are a lot of creepy things including rats (ewww) and a woman who looks like her mother, but isn't, and wants to replace her eyes with black buttons. TOTALLY CREEPY!!!!!

Now, I'm dying to see the movie now :) As an adult, I like it. As a kid, I think it'd really give me bad dreams. (Kinda like the Nightmare before Christmas did) If you're a fan of that though, you're guaranteed to love this book.

Have you read it? Plan on reading it? What about the movie? Let me know in the comments!

Welding and Writing, A Comparison and Contest!

2011-02-03T08:14:00.000-05:00

Yeah, you're probably thinking I'm making a huge stretch right here. (And I maybe...might be, you'll have to let me know at the end of the post)

Not me, Source

Not me either, Source

Welding and Writing

Well....they both start with 'W'....

and they're both something I'm learning to do well.

You'd think that's where the comparasion stops, but it's not. They're actually pretty similar. Check it out:

1. You have to know what's good and what's well....not.so.good.
Oddly enough you're looking for the same thing in both writing and welding. In welding you want the bead to be smooth with some wave to it. (imagine ocean waves frozen, but smooth) Likewise, in writing you want your prose to come out smooth but unique. You don't want to be boring, but you don't want the reader to be in the middle of a squall (unless you're setting is the ocean)

2. You start out blind. Literally.
I have yet to meet a writer who hasn't been surprised by some part of the writing process. Considering what you know now, you probably were basically blind when you started. With welding it's more literal. With the welding helmet/don'tburnyoureyesoutheadcontraption you can't see at all. Sunglasses are about a #6 shade (if they're good). The shade in a welding helmet is about a #10. Trust me when I say you don't see a thing. (Blind person with fire...really I'm shocked I'm still in one piece)

3. Eventually, (according to my professor for welding) something's going to catch on FIRE! <--not looking forward for my day....at all.
For writing, this is a good thing. Eventually you're going to get going and it's going to be great. Welding....well, you're going to get going....for the fire extinguisher.

4. Don't rush it.
If you rush the writing process, you're going to end up disappointed. Whether that's with rejections, feedback, finding an agent, or anything else. With welding, rushing it is basically like you didn't start it in the first place. With both, if you rush you're going to really mess it up somewhere.

5. You can't fake it 'til you make it.

Writing, if you're not ready, it's not going to happen (at that moment, you can get ready...eventually). An experienced writer can tell the difference between a beginner and someone who's been writing for a while. It shows in the writing. Welding is the same. As soon as you see a person's bead, you can tell how good/how long they've been welding.

Welding and Writing Contest:

This post is arguably the most bizarre comparison I've ever done on this blog (Unless maybe the Query Letter and the Brady Bunch...hmmmm) Got any bizarre comparisons between something and writing (like butter or flowers)? The more bizarre the better. Leave it in the comments! I'll pick the best and announce it on Friday's post. Whoever it is can either steal my blog for a day (aka post here), get a 25 page critique, or get a mock book cover from me (digital version only). Sound good? Good.

In other news:

Check out these awesome contests:

K.M.- Snow day giveaway! Just spread the word and you're entered for a chance to win a tote bag with 7 YA novels or first chapter critique from K.M.'s agent Sarah LaPolla!

Amie Borst- Best 150 Followers Contest! Anyone who follows her from Jan.1 2011 until the contest is over gets a free 150 word critique! AND everyone can comment with the 1 sentence pitch of their WiP for a chance to win a query critique from Elana Johnson (along with some swag), a surprise from Rose Cooper, and a book from author Jody Mammay! Don't forget to tell her I sent you! Go HERE!

Pity Party = Fail.

2011-02-02T08:55:00.004-05:00

Okay, by way of many blog hops I bring you the best thing I've seen in a long time.

"The time between when you are no longer a beginner but you are not yet in the business is the hardest ... and one of the biggest frustrations is: no one can tell you how long this phase will last."

-Sara Zarr

I feel like one of these people.

(because that quote reads out to me like a freaky-accurate fortune cookie)

(and because I want to scream something like YES! or AMEN! or YOU SAID IT SISTER!...only she's not my sister at all....soooo *crickets churping* <-- potential awkward moment)

Source

After I read this quote (by the fabulous Sara Zarr) via Candy Gourlay at Notes from the Slushpile,
something changed. I'd highly recommend the post that goes along with it to every single writer out there. (Click on keyword: slushpile above to read the full article or wait and there will be another link later at the end of this post)

A couple days ago, I got really frustrated with myself. Why couldn't I organize my time better? Why can't I be a better writer? Why is this taking. so. freaking. long? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? I had a very quiet and very sad attempt at a pity party. It was neither fun, nor hoppin'. One absolute thought came from this moment and it was ugly.

"I'm never going to be any good."

"Whoa!" I said to myself. "How about you pull out that binder you keep in your desk of the first copy of your manuscript. How about that you little moper?"
Mean Me shakes head.
"Pull. It. Out."
I pull it out and start reading...then laughing and then crying. Geez, it was atrocious and I thought it was good. I have changed and I have gotten better. The problem with thinking what I did, is "good" is an undefinable term. I could think the same thing when I've published 50 books and none have gotten "Harry Potter" recognition. Our goal shouldn't be "to be good." It should be "to get better."

Imagine if I thought instead: "I'm never going to make any progress." Then I know there's something wrong with my method. That's something I can fix. No matter what you like to do, you're going to be making progress if you keep working at it. As soon as I start looking at my "old stuff" I could see the change.

Change = Progress = Success.

I might be a little (or a lot) frustrated that I'm taking longer than I thought I would, but that doesn't mean I'm a hamster in a wheel. Back to the awesome quote at the beginning of the post: "The time between when you are no longer a beginner but you are not yet in the business is the hardest ... and one of the biggest frustrations is: no one can tell you how long this phase will last." No one can say how long this phase is going to last. That is sooo true. So why am I being so impatient with myself? *shrug* The answer: I shouldn't be.

Here's my challenge for you: Pull out your oldest thing and compare it to what you're working on now. Look for the progress you've made and then pat yourself on the back (total future teacher moment here). Now tell yourself good job. That's right. Now read the rest of that blog post here, and pull yourself out of your pity party. No one likes a pity party, it's like being told it's your turn to clean the toilet without a pair of gloves and only a toothbrush. Yeah, go have fun with that.

Does the quote "speak" to you? Have you been having a pity party? Is it over yet? Let me know in the comments!

Note: Did not mean for this to sound preachy and my deepest apologies if it did.

Blastin' through the Block: EXPLORATION EDITION!!!

2011-02-01T08:31:00.001-05:00

For those new on this scene, Blastin' through the Block, is where I give you my (numerous and sometimes crazy) methods for blasting through your worst case of writer's block. Today's edition is EXPLORATION!

Source

Remember those days when you were a kid, when you FINALLY finished your homework and you got to go outside and play? You had that tree-house high in the sky (or maybe just 4 feet) and there was that super, scary witch that lived next door and could curse you through her windows (aka your neighborhood babysitter), and can't forget your noble steed (dog) who was so brave he often dumped you on the ground so he could go after the dragon (bird) himself? Well, this is going to be a slightly less embarrassing version of the same thing. (Hopefully, no promises though :)

Not actual one in town, but scary similar. Source

What to do: Pick out someplace near that you've always liked/admired/thought was totally cool. I picked out the main street of my college town. It has this older/rustic type feel and on one side it fades into these huge houses with lots of columns and turrets. And start walking. (simple right) As you're walking, think about your characters.

What to think: Would they live in a place like the one to the left or would it be in a state of ruin? Do they live in a small town with eclectic little shops? Or maybe you're writing a dystopian? Imagine all of those places in your world and you're your character walking down the street wondering which house might have a couple canned goods left (BAM! Welcome to your setting.)

Hopefully, this will get your brain into gear. Let's think about this: generally, it takes little concentration to walk (unless you're me and you have to make sure not to trip over your own feet) this leaves your brain time to wonder = new ideas. Another plus is you get some exercise in. (Or you can take the kids out for a walk, they get tired, and take a nap longer than normal <--Hello more writing time)

On a side note: If the place you want to explore is not on your own property or public property, as the owner for permission first! (Because I don't want you to get shot and because it's the right thing to do)

Any questions? Got plans now to explore? Any further suggestions for ways to blast through the block? Let me know in the comments! (P.S. Do you like the color "notice me" thing I've got going? Or is it annoying?)

Blogfest Bonanza

2011-01-31T08:16:00.000-05:00

Hey all, I've decided to show you some awesome blogfests! So here they are:

The Bernard Pivot Blogfest
February 16th, 2011
Put on by: nicole ducleroir
Follow the link here to sign up. When that date above comes around you post your answers to a series of questions found through the link. Then, you go back and check out what everyone else wrote. You can be fun and sassy, or serious and sentimental. It's up to you. It's a chance to learn more about your fellow blogger. Go sign up! HERE!

That's YAmore Blogfest:
February 11-14th, 2011
Hosted by Oasis for YA
At this blogfest, more info found here, all the participants post a 250ish word excerpt from their Young Adult novel. Then of course, travel around to the other participants to read through their swoon worthy YA-rated romance excerpts. Totally going to be a blast! Go here! NOW!

The First Line Blogfest/Contest:
February 7-9th, 2011
Basically, (get details here) you post your first sentence of your FINISHED manuscript on your blog the 7th and the 8th. Then, you visit around everyone else's and give constructive critiques while they critique yours. On the 9th, you comment here with your new and improved first sentence where Literary Agent, Weronika Janczuk, will pick a couple winners who will recieve various critiques. Totally worth it. Go here!!

So, convinced you should join in the fun? I am. :) Can't wait to see who all participates! Let me know in the comments if you are, or if you know of an awesome blogfest coming to town.

January Confessional at InkSlingers

2011-01-28T08:15:00.000-05:00

It has been approximately 31 days since my last confession (to see other InkSlinger confessions go here)...and I have the following to confess:

1. If you are a writer and want a quiet place full of books and empty of people to work go to a University library the first two weeks of a new semester. DEAD. AS. A. DEADPERSON. (I should know, this is my place of work) promise they'll let you in free of charge and won't care at all if you stay there for hours or ask them endless questions. (There are only so many hours you can sit in one spot and watch nothing happen.)

2. If you are a gardener, then you will appreciate my laugh when my professor said the following while we, his students, were elbow deep in azaleas, "If you end up with a rash the next couple days, don't worry, it's the azaleas." (No worries, apparently azaleas don't think I'm at all that dangerous and therefore not worthy of rashness...ha, catch that play on words?)

3. Wednesday night I spent three hours re-reading....and laughing.....at my mauscript. Here are some of the things past me wrote: (I blame the writing challenge of 20,000words in two weeks)
      "Lies are like balloons, when they pop, they scare the hell out of you."
      "Lying to Ester(grandmother-type) was like eating a lollypop off the sidewalk, you just felt bad after doing it."

4. I discovered four songs, YEAH 4!, I can't believe it either, that fit one of my main characters to perfection. I usually have a terrible time finding a song that works perfectly and I found FOUR! I'm ecstatic. These totally get me in the writing zone. Click on them to hear them for yourself. Any guesses on what I'm writing?

    Behind These Hazel Eyes by Kelly Clarkson
    Never Again by Kelly Clarkson
    Just the Way You Are by Bruno Mars
    Haunted by Taylor Swift

Not me btw, Source

5. I started my welding class (I have yet to set fire to my person:) and had a major book epiphany just as the professor was trying to talk to us about a certain kind of welding. Not really funny huh? Well, imagine your face when you get a brilliant book idea.....right. Now, make that face in front of several people and your academic advisor/professor. Yes, welcome to my life. Above is a pic of welding, not me, notice lack of unruly tresses. Come back here next week for a post when I compare writing to welding....sure to be fun :) and fiery.

Young Writers are.....

2011-01-27T08:06:00.020-05:00

I've had a question plagueing my mind for a while now.

What exactly is a "young" writer?

Source

There's always been the heated debate on the blogisphere about writers/aspiring authors who are young, the main argument being that young people don't have enough experience to write thought provoking work because they lack depth and/or the ability to look back on decisions they've made. (I say that's a load of raspberries, but that's just me. This is not a rant/preaching post)

If you know me, you know that I've been writing for almost 5 years and that I'm almost 22 years old. Yes, that means I've been writing since I was 17 (I mean writing books). Here's the thing, when do young readers get to stop being a "young" writer and stop getting the stigma that goes along with it? And is where is the line drawn between "young" and "notsoyoung?" When exactly do young writers make that transition from eating their "Thanksgiving dinner" at the card table with the kids instead of with the adults in the dining room?

Here's the main argument against "age discrimination" in writing: just because you're 30, doesn't mean your mature, know what you want out of life, or even what your mistakes have been (let alone actually thought about the ramifications of them).

Here's what I propose: We stop playing the age game and all sit at the same table. There's always room for everyone regardless of age. Let's stop the numbers game all together. Yeah, I've been writing five years, but my "level" could be equal to that of someone with ten years or even two months of experience. Might as well toss that out. In the end we're just trying to find the differences instead of the similarities. Experienced people that person sitting next to you is your target audience and if she says the words "rad" and "groovy" are not used at all, then she's probably right. Young people, that person sitting next to you might know more about life and what's really important, so listen and see if what you know correlates. We have all been or will be in each others shoes so why not make them comfortable?

Want other's thoughts? Follow the links below:
Nathan Bransford-enter his first paragraph contest too!
Teens Writing for Teens blog

Comments? I'd love to hear them down below. Or have you heard/written about the same thing? Leave me a link and I'll add it to those above.

On a sidenote: One of my critique partners at InkSlingers, Bethany Robison/B.Robison has decided to host a give away of Across the Universe. Go here to enter.

Show and Tell: The TRUE Story

2011-01-25T09:27:00.001-05:00

The TRUE story of Show and Tell begins on a yummy spring morning....the sun was shinning, the birds were singing(or screaming:as they do out my window), and the cows had just been milked. Show, a lovely word, who's parents were Display and Spectacle, came from the country. She dumped extra sugar cubes in the horse buckets, she scratched the baby calves'heads, she even helped her mother with the worst chore in the world, cleaning dishes, and still she felt like she was missing something, though she would never say that.

Tell was a rowdy word who liked to use his voice. His parents, Talk and Yell were nice folk, thought it was obvious where he got his habits. Tell liked to clearly express his opinion, loudly and without thought. "Golly!" He said one day when he walked into the store and set his eyes on Show, a cute, country word who batted her eyelashes at him. "You sure are the prettiest girl I ever saw."

Show didn't know what to say after his exclamation. She blushed. "Hello." She called. "Would you like to come over for dinner? I'm fixing roast and all the fixings." Tell said sure and that he'd be over later. He wondered why she asked him at all and how she could possibly know his favorite dinner was roast.

Well, just a few weeks went by and before anyone in Dictionary knew it, Show and Tell were hitched. For a few months the marriage was a smart one. Show cooked roast every single day and Tell proclaimed his love for Show to everyone he passed.

One day, Show sat down after washing the dishes and began to think, Tell doesn't love me. After all, he never washes the dishes, he never cleans the clothes, he never fixes dinner or changes the television channel to Word Wishes, and must know I like that. The same day Tell sat down at his job at Word Construction LLC. and thought, Show must not love me. She never says she does, she never talks about me to her friends, she never says a word when we go to bed. (don't get too excited out there people).

Both of them sat at the dinner table and stared at the roast. Then they stared at each other. Show burst into tears and Tell ran over to her. "What's wrong Show?" He asked. "Tell me please. I love you."

Show sniffed. "You don't love me, you never show it."

Tell said. "What are you talking about? I always tell you how much I love you. You don't love me! You never tell me that you love me."

At once, they both started laughing. The next morning Tell got up extra early and made Show breakfast. He cleaned the dishes afterward, and kissed her before he left for work. Show said. "I love you."

The End

Moral of the story: Each story needs to show and tell. Apart neither is complete and together, they'll always make a happily ever after. (However, Show would like to say that you need to show more than tell because telling in simple and showing takes several attempts before the meaning is clear. (It's roast again tonight!)

Today in English Class...

2011-01-24T08:00:00.008-05:00

Do you ever have those days when you surprise yourself? I had one a while back and while cleaning out my desk, I rediscovered it. In my English class, I had to write a closing statement about the class, include several different answers to posted questions, but the main theme of the statement was this question, "What does writing mean to you?"

For some, this might have been a hard question to answer, but for me (and for obvious reasons) it was rather simple. It means a lot. Of course, I couldn't exactly write that. This is where I surprised myself. Sometimes, it's hard for me to find the words that I want for something and I have to think about it for a while before I begin. But, for some reason, they came pouring out and I liked the way they splattered, so I'm sharing them with all of you.

"Writing to me is indescribable. It's a hunger in my belly, fever in my brain, laughter in a moment, and snapshots of life, all rolled into one."

What does writing mean to you? Can you describe it? Can you really tell someone how it feels when you sit down at your computer, or pick up your pen, what it is to have the words flow from your fingertips and the story pour out and your heart out with it? I wanna hear about it in the comments!

Get in the ZONE!!! Auto-Zone! at InkSlingers

2011-01-21T08:13:00.001-05:00

Hey all! It's how you get in the writing zone at InkSlingers Critique Group Blog this week. Go here to check out what everyone had to say on the topic or read below to see my thoughts.

If you have no idea what that title means then check out the quick commercial below. Sadly, it isn't one of those that says the tagline with a lot of feeling, but it also goes along with what I've got to say so check it out anyway...okay? Okay. (<--see I totally took in your opinion there)

Remember that nice guy tuning up his car? Well writing for me is a lot like that. Before I can start writing something new I have to get back into the world. I can do that by tuning/adjusting what I did yesterday, aka add some more oil, tighten a random bolt with a ratchet, or act like turning a piece of plastic with a wrench is actually doing anything at all to ready my car...I mean...WiP. *cough* (The funny thing is once you have a little mechanical experience (a college class in my case) mechanic and car commercials become a lot more fun.)

Back to topic. To get in the zone I need to remember where I was and my purpose. Once I'm there I'm usually good to go and if not, I've always got the back up plan of pixie popcorn and some diet beverages.Here's a good piece of advice I've found really helps: whatever gets you in the zone make it as easy and fast as possible. Make it something you can do every day. The more you do it, the easier it will be and the faster you can get into the zone (AUTOZONE!!!!) AUTOmatically and get writing.

I challenge you bloggers to get in the zone

(Sorry, I couldn't resist)

this weekend and get some stuff written. Let me know how you get in the zone in the comments!

Library Literature: Snippet and Reveal

2011-01-20T08:28:00.003-05:00

Book up for Reveal:

Title: FIRE (companion book to GRACELING)

Author: Kristin Cashore

Snippet:

Man or Monster? Curse or Cure? Girl or Manipulator? Love or Rejection? Truth or Selfishness?

Snippet Rating:

Thumbs up/sideways. I liked this novel at this point. The main character was likeable and well written.

Reveal:

Thumbs up! Overall, it was a good book. The ending was complete for the most part and I enjoyed the story it told. The imagry was really a big part of the love I have for this book. A part of that comes from the unique qualities of the main character. (She has bright red hair and startlingly green eyes) It's set in a world that is completely believable and yet incredibly exotic. As a plus, I got to see what made the main villian in CHANGELING the man he became. I would recommend this book to high school-ish age and above and especially to anyone who loves vivid imagry that doesn't take over the dialogue and the plot.

Up for Snippet:

Title: SISTERS RED

Author: Jackson Pearce

Currently on page: 212

Snippet:

Girls: Sisters. Tangled, entertwined with each other. One and yet two. Together. Forever. Plus one?

Snippet Rating:

Thumbs up. So far it's a great story. I get the feeling that something is about to happen, like this huge thing that's going to push it all over the edge, I just need to keep reading and get there...now. Like ASAP. Soooo.....yeah, gonna go now.

So, read anything new lately? Either of the above mentioned books? What are your thoughts? And as always, I'm looking for the next thing to read-got any suggestions? Let me know in the comments!

Blastin' through the Block: MEET YOUR AUTHOR EDITION!!!

2011-01-19T09:06:00.000-05:00

Okay, I'm going to come out and be completely honest. Ready??? Really..are you sure? This may not be pretty...well fine.

I haven't written anything in a long time....as in it's been about 2 months and some change.

*cringe*

Yeah, I'm definitely not proud of that. I'm in a slump for a variety of reasons but mostly because I lack the motivation. So here's what I'm going to do....revert to my old standbys, that's right, Blastin' through the Block. I figured well hey, maybe I'm not the only one who could use a picker-upper so I'm sharing with you.

This edition is called meet your author. Don't take it too literally because I know it's not always possible for that to happen. I mean sure, if I had several thousands of dollars I could probably talk J.K. Rowling into tea as long as I supplied the crumpets :) but as it is, I am a poor college student. So how do you meet your author? By stalking them. *DISCLAIMER* I am not encouraging the actual criminal type of stalking.* I mean check them out. Do they have a blog? A website? What is their tour schedule if their touring? Do they have an extras like interviews or vlogs on youtube? Read it all. Listen to it all. View it all.

Why? You ask. Well, because they're where you want to be, and in a sense who you want to be.

Here's the thing: It has to be an author you admire, believe in, etc. It has to be someone stalk-worthy. It has to be someone THE bookshelf worthy. Why? For the simple reason that they will inspire you the most. Take in what they say, what they type, what they have done for others, and use that as your motivation. Absorb the inspiration they give you and stream it onto your paper in your own words and in your own way. Every author I've ever stalked has given advice to writers. Take it in. They say what made them start writing and what keeps them writing. Use it as your inspiration.

Most of all. Listen to what they say when they're talking about themselves. You'll find a commonality (most likely) between them and you and in that moment they become human. You can take them off that divine bookshelf and turn them back into what they are: people who write. They're people just like me and you. That can empower you because as J.K.R. said, "If they can do it, why not us." And indeed, why not?

What did I just spend the last two hours doing? Checking out an author that I have spent very little time with: Lois Lowry (check here if you don't know what has made me love her as much as J.K.R.). I am really jazzed up to write something now...I don't know that anything will come of it, but you can bet I'm going to at least open a document and try. Which is progress for me :) I once told a friend that writing a book draft isn't more than just not stopping until you get to the end. I should probably remember that more often.

So, what do you think? Have you actually met an author in person? (I want to hear ALL about it!) If not, have you *stalked* an author lately? Are you going to stalk now? Any other ideas of how to Blast through the Block? Let me know in the comments!

Calendars and Creators

2011-01-18T08:19:00.000-05:00

Calendars and Creators was created after a good friend gave me a rip-the-day calendar chock full of fun facts about writers past and present. Calendars and Creators is when I get to share the best of them with you.

Today's fun fact comes from: Thursday, July 8th, 2010.

The Bronte sisters, Anne (author of The Tenant of Wildfire Hall), Emily (author of Wuthering Heights), and Charlotte (author of Jane Eyre), along with their brother grew up in a strange house that some called "dreary." It was surrounded on three sides by graveyards. Though to the girls this was hardly an uninspiring thing. It is rumored they called their nursery when they were children, "our study" rather than the usual "our room." All of the sisters were fantastic scholars who studied all sorts of literature, human behavior, and weather (hello Jane Eyre settings and mood descriptions based on the weather).

Bronte family home

On a side note, in the painting to the right can you see another person's form? Don't worry, you're not going crazy. Apparently, their brother painted himself out of the picture because he didn't want to clutter it. Aww, such brotherly love.

Did anyone else read Jane Eyre and predict what would happen based on the weather Charlotte Bronte described? Did you read another of the sister's novels and find something that correlated with the new info given today? I'd love to hear about it in the comments :)
*Information for Calendars and Creators comes from the Year-In-A-Box company based in Dayton, Ohio.

Meet YOU: Bethany Robison AKA I'm seeing DOUBLE!

2011-01-17T08:21:00.006-05:00

Hey all! So I had a thought. I could interview a lot of different people, there are agents, authors, agent-signed-writers, editors, etc. Those interviews are cool to read and informative, but what about us? Those writers who are just starting blogs, who may or may not have much writing experience? So, occasionally (when I can find a willing victim, ha ha) I'll interview someone who's new to blogging and we'll get to meet them in a new thing called Meet YOU. Sound good? Good. (Also, if you know of someone, or even you, who would like to say hello, email me: bkaymattingly@yahoo.com)

Meet Bethany! (not me silly readers, Bethany Robison. Told ya you'd see double.:)

Bethany Robison is in one word: AWESOME. She writes YA fiction, is a member of the InkSlingers Critique Group, and resides in the meandering boarders of Chicago.

If there is one thing you want to get accomplished as an author, what is it? (But not get published because really, who doesn't?)
This is a big question for a small word count. I'll skip the grand, philosophical answer and try to summarize in dry statistics.

1. At this point, my accomplishments are few - one completed MS, a YA fantasy (intended to be the first in a series of four). I'd like to finish the other three.

2. I've started a second project that is more of a superhero/comic book romance type of thing. I'd like to finish that.

So I guess, one thing I want to accomplish as an author - I want to continue finishing projects, regardless of whether or not anyone ever sees them.

Author you admire most?This is tricky because I admire different things about different authors. I could give you the easy answers of Rowling, Dickens... I did three college credits worth of study on Mark Twain... Suzanne Collins was the one who made me re-write my entire manuscript last year, in hopes of capturing that pacing and intensity.

One thing you'd die without?
Air. Yeah, I'm gonna go with air (see next question).

What are you most terrified of (not writerly related)?
Not breathing. Seriously, I have a completely irrational fear of drowning, regardless of the ten years of swimming lessons forced on me in my youth. Public speaking - got it. The dark - bring it on. Failure... well, that makes me very uncomfortable. Especially the idea of failing while in water.

Tell me a secret:
I don't really have any secrets... I do ridiculous things all the time and I'm all too happy to share. I could tell about that one time I was involved in a car chase on a New Orleans expressway... or the time I accidentally ended up in the red light district of Paris after dark... but you probably had to be there.

What's something you wrote about in your book that you never dreamed would ever hit paper? (My writing buddy swore she would never write about a pickle or a talking dog....I solved those issues)

I'm kind of surprised that I wrote myself into some of my characters (who I jokingly refer to as 'the kids'). One is scared of water, two can't sleep, one inherited my 'leap before you look' tendencies, and one, unfortunately, got my lack of patience. Upon reading the book, my husband noticed the trend and ask, "Why didn't you give them any of your good qualities?" Smartie pants.

What's the best thing about being in a critique group?
There are LOTS of cool things. I used to be really shy about letting other people read my stuff, but now I love it. I love talking to others about my characters, and I like seeing the other Slingers' ideas, too. I like getting a fresh chapter, knowing I'm one of the first people on the planet to read it - and then wondering where it will go. I think that's exciting, I like watching our group grow.

You're a writer. You're a blogger. The two do not always go hand-in-hand. Why do you blog?
I've only been blogging for a few months. I fought it for a long time because, frankly, I'm not convinced anyone cares about anything I have to say. I decided to give it a try because I attended a webinar from an agent who said that she won't even consider an aspiring author unless he/she has a web presence. So I grumbled and got a Blogspot.

I thought it would be a big waste of time, just another obligation. But I've really benefited from it. I enjoy being part of the community, part of the YA conversation, and I like having a space to organize my thoughts (all so easily searchable for my own convenience). And yes, I probably spend more time on it than I should, and yes, I use a different voice on my blog than I do in my novel writing, but it has a different "mission" - if that makes sense. The blog helps me keep track of my thoughts on books I read, what I take away from them, what I learn from different events I attend and people I meet - but I hope, for visitors, the blog is more on the entertaining side. I'm not in to preaching or ranting, or necessarily even teaching. Just... conversing. Gently. And giving away books.

Top three words that describe your blog?
A safe place.

If people want to check more of your awesomeness out (agents are included in those people), where should they go?

The INKSLINGERS! I post on Sundays, usually around noon-ish CST. I also post a couple of times a week on my personal site, www.bethanyrobison.com. I'm gonna give away a book a month for the 2011 Debut Author Challenge, so stop by and say hi!

Thanks again for stopping by Bethany! And people of the internet you should totally go take a look at her blog, it's awesome! Besides....GIVEAWAY!!! (And don't forget to email me if you'd like an interview or leave a comment below)

Productivity or BUST!

2011-01-15T08:31:00.000-05:00

It's all about when we're most productive at the Ink Slingers this week :) Go here to check out everyone's responses or read on to check out what I have to say.

Productivity is at it's max for me whenever I am most busy. It used to be that I was best at 2 am but most days I'm just too tired for that anymore and my brain is fried from classes and work. So.....

Exibit A:
One week before fall finals....alone in the dorm with super awesome sidekick roomie. It's about 10 in the evening after a full day of classes and work.

Bethany: I'm just sooooo tired of this crap. It's all crap. Who needs it?
Sidekick: No one. How was work?
Bethany: Uuuuuuuggggggghuh. (<--that was a really bad groan of exhaustion that I was too exhausted to utter)
Sidekick: What happened?
Bethany: There were people...everywhere....they all wanted things.....sooooo many things.
Sidekick: It is a university library and it is nearly finals week.
Bethany: I just want to stop. I want all of it to just stop. Why can't I just write. That's all I want, to write. (in a sad pathetic moan) I juuuuustt wannnnnna write!
Sidekick: It sucks.
Bethany: Why does it have to be so hard?
Sidekick: It's life?

As you can see, finals or near finals week would obviously be a bad time to try to write even more than I normally do. Could I have done it earlier? YES. Did I? Noooooo. Why? I don't know. I write pretty much all the time, but for some reason a huge surge hits me right when I'm supposed to be doing a project or during finals week.....you get the idea.

I guess you could say I strive when I'm challenged within an inch of sanity...note to self discover the units of sanity before you fall off that cliff.

I hope everyone has a good day! And happy writing when you're busy and when you're bored to tears. :)

THE Chronicles PART 2: Final Battle and Final Verdict

2011-01-14T08:49:00.000-05:00

I have this thing about a book series...it's a phrase that basically sums up my thoughts on whether or not a book should be in a series.

Make it epic, or don't make it at all.

Did I think C.S. Lewis made The Last Battle epic?
Errrrmmmm, well, kinda sorta.
I know, I know. What kinda answer is that?

Here's my reasoning:
It was so small.

I know it's not great to compare books because it's a different author and different story, but in this case, I don't think Lewis would mind, I mean, afterall J.R.R. Tolkien was his good friend and writing buddy. So let's take Tolkein's famous stuff and set it in a fighting ring against Lewis'.

Ding! Ding!

Tolkien:
Huge battalions of men, elephants, orcs, dwarves, elves, horses, and even hobbits pittled against each other.

Lewis:
Small grouping of 30 or so warriors, animal, human, centaur, fawn, and dwarf, against a by far bigger group with the advantage of terrorism and fear.

Ordinarily, I'd automatically say hands down, no contest, Tolkein wins. Who's the winner between Tolkien and Lewis? There isn't one. Both are epic. Here's the thing. (This is also why this post is not a review and doesn't belong under Library Literature, I'm telling you a bit of what happens). Lewis wasn't really talking about the battle as the "Last Battle." (Insert your own interpretation here) He was talking about the final battle between life and death or life, or life and immortality with a higher being. The wars in Narnia were long lost before this final moment, the land of Narnia had already been spent.

^This is what makes the Chronicles of Narnia epic.^

^This is what also makes me go errrmmmmm.^

I was expecting The Last Battle to be epic, I was expecting it to be phenomenal, full of action and moments where I held my breath, and while there were a few of those, it was not the kind of battle I expected. So in that way I was slightly let down. However, the final chapter of the Chronicles did give me something I absolutely didn't expect (when I didn't really get the battle I wanted) and that was resolution. It was complete. That above anything is what I love to see. I want more adventures in Narnia, I want more of everything, but I am satisfied as far as the plot and story lines go for the series.

Now the question you've all been waiting for.....

Does it make THE shelf?

Yes. (Technically, it isn't posted on that page/tab yet, but it'll make it there.)

So, what's your reaction? Surprised? Not at all? Any comments on the fact that Tolkein's books didn't make the shelf? (I guess we know who the winner is now:) Any books that make your "THE BOOK" shelf? Let me know in the comments!

THE Chronicles PART 1

2011-01-13T09:19:00.002-05:00

Quick recap: I have felt remiss ever since I noticed pretty much everyone has read the Chronicles of Narnia except me. So, I challenged myself to read them all before the new year, and I did. Here's what I thought:

*SIGH*

I feel like a sigh is nearly all I need to write. A sigh sums it up. It is everything.

It says:

No, I didn't actually do this one. It's near Lewis' birthplace.

I wish I was in Narnia.
I wish I was Narnian.
I wish I was a Pevensie, except Susan of course. Does the girl know the meaning of awesomeness? I don't think so.
I have totally been bemused and bewildered by lamposts ever since reading it.
I'm pretty sure some future child of mine (no, no, not yet or even soon) will be enamored with this world and I will turn their bedroom into a mural of dedication.
Nope, scratch that last. I'm turning my future writing office into a mural of dedication to Narnia.
I'm going to have a panic attack if they don't make any more Narnia movies
I'm already re-reading them.
I'm mesmerized by C.S. Lewis and his relationship with J.R.R. Tolkein.
I want to write with description like Lewis did.
I want a world that's alive for my readers.
I will sit and stare out my window, no matter the season, take away all the complications of this world and let my imagination run wild with centaurs, giants, dwarfs, and fawns.

So, I'm sure you're wondering (as f you don't already know the answer) is it THE book worthy? Could it possibly be on THE book shelf? Is it going to join The Giver and Harry Potter? Well, you're just going to have to wait until tomorrow to find out when I go in depth with the final book of the Chronicles and give my final verdict. However, I will leave you with this funny pic below to tide you over until tomorrow:

Calendars and Creators

2011-01-12T08:13:00.008-05:00

Okay, so I don't really know what to chat with you about today so I'm starting a new thing for days such as these and they're called...

*** drumroll please***

Calendars and Creators!

"Well okay then," you say with a brow raised. "Where'd that come from?"

Lewis Carroll, himself :)

"Well," says I, "last year my super writing buddy gave me a rip-the-day calendar and it has fun facts and inspiration from writers of the present and past. So, I figured you' find them as interesting as I do sooooo I present: Calendars and Creators.

Today's fun fact comes from December 2, 2010.

Apparently, Lewis Carroll, author of books such as Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, was also a gadget inventor. He bugged around with a typewriter, a tricycle, and a variety of electric pen. Creative dude, am I right? He also coined the term chortle (chuckle and snort). Here's the thing I found most interesting: he was also the smartie pants who said, "Hello, let's put the title of a book on the spine so you can read it when it's on a bookshelf." Okay, so maybe he didn't say it quite like that...regardless he was a pretty smart and cool dude. Don't ya think? Let me know who's smart in your book :) below in the comments.

*Information for Calendars and Creators comes from the Year-In-A-Box company based in Dayton, Ohio.

Library Literature: Reveal and Snippet

2011-01-11T08:32:00.002-05:00

So, had a nice break from blogging and got my life in order, at least, for the time being. :) What can I say? The life of a college writer farmer girl has it's unpredicability. However, I am pleased to say that I worked extra hard over the holidays to get a lot of reading in and this means more reviews for you! So here's the first batch (and later this week my 3 part series on the Chronicles of Narnia!).

(I must say I'm terribly sorry for making you wait MONTHS for the reveal, rather rude of me. Sorry!)
Book up for Reveal:

Title: Graceling

Author: Kristin Cashore

Snippet:

Girl with mad skills. Boy...curious. Connection=Perfection. Bigger world at stake, learning to change.

Snippet Rating:

Thumbs UP! I was loving this book where I stopped to review it and could hardly process because of the love I had for it. WONDERFUL.

Reveal:

Thumbs STILL way UP! It was fabulous. I'll need to read it again to see if it's THE BOOK shelf ready (see here if you're scratching your head), but it was a highly enjoyable read. I'd definitely recommend it for high school age people and adults. The characters are the main shining point of this book and Cashore really makes them work for their shine. *On a sidenote, there is a bit of a love scene in the book, so caution to younger readers, but it was tasteful and not overly descriptive.*

Book up for Snippet:

Title: FIRE (companion book to GRACELING)

Author: Kristin Cashore

Currently on page: 208

Snippet:

Man or Monster? Curse or Cure? Girl or Manipulator? Love or Rejection? Truth or Selfishness?

Rating: Thumbs up/sideways. I like this novel. The main character is likeable and well written. I don't think I love it as much as I did Graceling at this stage, but it's intriguing and a very good book so far and I look forward to getting the answers to all of my questions. :)

So, what about you? Read any awesome books ready that you'd like to suggest for me? Have you read GRACELING or FIRE? Let me know in the comments!

P.S. Anyone else just having a good day because it's 1/11/11? I love quirky things like that.

Goals for the New Year: at InkSlingers!

2010-12-31T13:42:00.000-05:00

It's goals/confession week at the InkSlinger's blog. Go here to check out everyone's responses or read on to check out mine :)

I must preface this with the statement that I am noctoriously BAD at keeping New Year's Resolutions. However, I think this is partially because I made a goal of what I knew I should want, rather than what actually meant something to me. This time last year I made a commitment to read the entire Narnia series by C.S. Lewis under my firm belief that you can't criticize until you've read the ENTIRE thing. Not that I was citicizing it, but everyone talks about Narnia, except for me and I felt out of the loop. So, I bought myself the HUGE master collection this summer and got to work. I finished just a few days before Christmas. My thoughts on it later. Why am I telling you this? Because it was the changing moment in what I thought a resolution should be. It's about what I've wanted to do with my life and haven't yet, not about what other people would do with my life if I was an automatronic (is that a real word?) robot that could be programed to do their will. After all this is my life and I choose how I want to live it.

Now, without further adou and blubbering, my goals for the new year:
Writing/Reading Goals:
1. Finish and begin submitting my WIP that was supposed to be finished by Jan. 1....whoops.
2. Create a list of agents (numbering at least 20) that I would like to represent my book and add to that list as each reection comes my way.
3. Begin and finish writing another book, but not in the same series as the WIP.
4. Begin book 2 of the WIP and begin making a more detailed plan of book 3. (I'm thinking of you whiteboards....you should be afraid, very afraid.)
5. Read. I'm not putting a number to this because I don't have an idea of how I can do. I know I can read at least fifty. I've read 8 in the past week and a half and read 0 the week and a half before that. My schedule's too nutsy to figure out how many I can read that would actually be a challenge. Commiting to read is more of a think about it more than I am now kinda thing.
6. Make more of a commitment to my blog. I've fallen WAY off the wagon, so far that the wagon train left me ten miles west of St. Louis and are already near Oregan. This is partially because of laptop issues, but also due to bad time management.
7. Read a book that I am not interested in. i.e. like Narnia. I didn't have much use for reading it and didn't care that much, but I gained way, WAY more than I thought was possible. So, I'm doing it again.

Family/Friends/Life Goals:
1. Call my family more often. I've seriously lagged in this dept. and there aren't really any excuses other than my life isn't that interesting. The thing is....while my life isn't, that doesn't mean that someone else's life hasn't changed for some reason and I should, as a person with feelings, care when my family members of friends have something new even though the phone works both ways.
2. Keep my desk clean so that I can actually use it. I think that says it all.
3. Get a chair cushion for my terrible desk chair in the hope that I will use it more often.
4. Do at least two things that I've wanted to do in my college town or near abouts.
5. Work really hard in my classes. I'm a good student by habit, but I can be a great student by trying. (<-- made that up by myself, aren't you proud?)

Well, that's my list. I challenge you to read, write, and make your own goals for the new year. Happy New Year!

Comfort LIFE at Ink Slingers

2010-12-17T18:01:00.000-05:00

Click here to read what my critique partners said about this same topic at the Ink Slingers' blog!

I have comfort books for different aspects of my life. What I'm feeling changes what kind of book related comfort I want. Here's a better idea of what I mean:

Bad day at school: Give me any book with adventure and excitement. I need to escape LIFE therefore, give me another's life that is both more complicated and more exciting than my own. Before I know it I'm swimming oceans (ha, I wish), climbing mountains (yeah, right), fighting bad guys (do professors count?), freeing the prince (yeah...haven't even found him yet), and all sorts of other things that really can take my mind out of what I'm doing. As long as it's a book and it's not anything close to my life, I'm good to go.

Doubting my career choice: This doesn't really happen that often, but when it does I need research. No escape is satisfactory to me. Give me journal articles, real life stories (that pertain to my career), or anything with a statistic showing that not only are employers looking for people with my future degree, they are also paying well for someone with my degree AND I have options with my degree in the chance that there isn't a job open. I need reassurance here and only facts can give that to me.

Doubting my writing ability: Give me J.K. Rowling and her land of awesomeness. You'd think by being surrounded my so much awesome this would lower my self-confidence but funny enough, it doesn't. It reminds me of this quote that Harry said in Order of the Pheonix: (I might be a little incorrect in the wording because I'm doing this from memory and don't have my OOTP with me, but here's the jist)

"Every great witch or wizard (or author in this case) started out just where we are now.

If they can do it why not us (me)."

This quote will kind of hover over me while I read any of her books. It gives me the va-va-voom to get up and start writing/editing/whatever again. In the end the only thing stopping me from what I want is me and my own doubts. In the end. Doubts are not worth the time or energy that they consume. Everyone has a starting point and eventually I will get to where I want to go. This is what calms and comforts me the most.

So, now that you know what makes me take a chill pill, what books give you that needed calm down factor? I'd love any references you can give me in the comments :) Have a great weekend!

I'm Late!

2010-12-03T21:13:00.002-05:00

For a very important date!!! What date? This date: Friday December 3, my date for my blog post on Ink Slingers. So why? Well, I kinda sorta, just....forgot?? I know, it's terrible. I could list several reasonable excuses, but I doubt you care, you're here for a book review and a book of the month you shall get. AND because I'm late, I'll do ya better. I'm doing a quick review to TWO books :) So, here it goes.

Book 1: Guardians of Ga'Hoole: The Capture

Author: Kathryn Lasky

Snippet:

Falling. Yikes! Captured and Entranced. Friends. Wow details. Escape and Adventure. Va-va-voom, bring me more.

Recommendation:

Thumbs up. This would rate in my "good book" category. I'm entranced enough to want to read the next book and this one was really good. I think for people younger than 6th grade it would be a great read. (though on amazon, it's recommended for grades 4-8) You can really get in Soren's head and feel what he's feeling regardless that he's upchucking parts of his food and talks about growing his flight feathers.

Here's the thing. This isn't just a story about an owl's life, it's adventure and it shows the importance of believing in something more important than just yourself. The descriptions are INCREDIBLE and the society of owls is completely believable. It sets up a great world and storyline for the rest of the books in the series. Overall, I'd recommend it to anyone regardless of age because it's good, but I'd really recommended it middle grade writers and middle grade/ young adult readers.

Book 2: Wolves of the Beyond: Lone Wolf

Author: Kathryn Lasky

Snippet:

OMG it's adorable! Oh no! Whew, okay, he's good. There's more to this. The end?

Recommendation:

Thumbs up, like Guardians of Ga'Hoole: The Capture, this books sets up an excellent premise for the books that follow. It's a great tale of working through adversity and not giving up because things aren't perfect or the way they're supposed to go. The entire novel I was rooting for Faolan. It's hard not to get a connection with this young wolf when he's going through so much to just survive. You really want him to succeed and that is what keeps the pages turning. At the same time, you get the sense that he's not going to end up like his typical kind do, there's something special about him and it's only a matter of times before he starts to shine. This is what's driving me to the next books in the series.

I'd definitely put this in my "good book" category. It was worth the read and even worth re-reading AND I kinda can't wait to read the rest of the series. I'd highly recommend this book to 5-6th graders or middle grade writers.

So, what about you? What's your best book from November?

Know When to End

2010-11-19T07:53:00.000-05:00

At the Ink Slingers this week we are talking about the best advice we ever received pertaining to writing. Go here to check it out or read it below :)

The best advice I've ever recieved is from an unknown author. I don't remember the exact quotation but it went something like this:

"Know when to end"

I like it.

It's simple.

It's straight forward.

It's all a writer needs to know.

No, I'm not joking.

Think about it. We all, I'm sure, have read books that seem to drone on. Is the end of this chapter ever going to happen? Heck, is the end of this BOOK ever going to happen?

Here's the thing. There may have been other reasons for why we asked ourselves those questions when we read those books, but really, it all comes down to one thing. The author didn't know when to end...

...with discription

...with gore

...with the book

...with the series

...with a character (kill him already!)

The list could go one forever. The thing is, as writers we're are creating our own world and sometimes we get lost in it. We see all the details sometimes and get lost in them when we should be thinking about the "real" story. The real story isn't in the flower you just wrote four paragraphs of description on (most likely) it's with your characters and the plot.

Sometimes I can be a little long-winded, you're shocked I can tell. Every time I consider adding just a bit more, know when to end comes to mind. Do I really need that? Is it going to add to the story? Can they get the idea without it? It reminds me that sometimes less is more, regardless of what my word count and the rest of the world says. In the end, it's a story and it ends where it ends. Figuring that part out can be a bit of a challenge, but we're writers right? No one said it would be easy.

So do you know when to end?

I Disapear and Ink Slinger Contest Results and Blogiversay Giveaway

2010-11-03T21:11:00.000-04:00

Hey, just letting you all know that I am disapearing for the next two weeks or until I feel like I can breathe again. Revisions are suffocating me and school is driving me nuts. For my sanity and the health of my grades, I'm cutting a few things from my life for a little while. Not that I don't love you, because you know I do! I hope to hop along your blogs in spare moments between classes and any other breathing time I have.

That said, let's get on to the winner! The Ink Slinger Blog had a contest to celebrate October and Halloween!!! The winner for Friday is......

Sharon K. Mayhew!

You should have recieved an email from me stating that you've won with directions for what to do now. If not, please shoot me an email :)

Finally, the following people have won a part of my Blogiversary Giveaway:

1. Jeanette

2. Amie B

3. Shannon

4. Carolyn V.

5. Quinn

6. Sharon Mayhew

Thanks go to everyone who participated in my contest/giveaway! If you did not get an email, please email me and I will send you the details :) See ya in two weeks!

Be an Ink Slinger for a day CONTEST!!! Last day!

2010-10-29T07:57:00.000-04:00

This is the final day of our Be An Inkslinger for a Day contest. Here's a recap of how to play along:

5 DAILY WINNERS

We will each post on our regular day with a random question of our choosing. To enter, you must be a follower and comment on the post once with your answer. Each of us will choose a winner from our post days and individually critique for that person. Query, first chapter or synopsis- one of us will give them the Inkslinger treatment.

1 WEEKLY WINNER

At the end of the week, we’ll tally up all the followers/commenters from the 5 weekly posts and randomly select one Grand Prize Winner. The winner can submit a query, first chapter or synopsis for review, and all 5 of us will critique for him/her.

Okay guys and gals! Free eyes for your WIP's...let's have at it.

We all have those books that blow us away. We read them again and again and we still can't get enough of them. I know for me, it's not one book it's a series: Harry Potter. What is that book for you? Can you pinpoint what it is that has you coming back for more? Let me know down below.

Don't comment here! Go here!

Before you go, go here too for a chance to win stuff from my giveaway!

Cake Decorating=Revision

2010-10-28T08:13:00.001-04:00

About a year and a half ago, my super-awesome aunt asked me if I wanted to take cake decorating classes with her. I said sure, because I really wanted to know how they could make something look so wonderful without using Elmer's glue and duct tape. Just so you know, it was one of the best decisions of my life. I LOVED it. It was amazing. Go here to find out more about how you can take the lessons locally from certified instructors. A picture of one of my cakes is below:

It has room for improvement, but I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out. (After all, what doesn't have room for improvement?)

Why am I telling you this? Because, I had this thought as I was thinking about revisions. I was actually trying to think of a way to describe revisions so that when I got really tired of it, I'd have something to pull me back up again. Then it hit me.

CAKE

Okay, technically, I was not hit with a piece cake, but I was hit with a great analogy. Cake decorating is to revision, as The Brady Bunch is to query letters.

Here's the idea:

Cake Decorating: Revision:

1. Make and bake the cake. 1. Write the first draft.

2. Wait for it to cool. 2. Let it sit so you can get some perspective.

3. Carve the cake. 3. Cut up your WiP through editing.

4. Cover with crumb layer icing. 4. Rewrite bits that don't work.

5. Roll out fondant and fit to cake. 5. Review all the new bits and make sure they gel with old.

6. Decorate to your heart's content. 6. Polish, and more polish, and oh, more polish.

7. Present it to the birthday person. 7. Send it to your last reader for approval of agent sending.

8. Enjoy. 8. Get an agent.

So, if your WiP is a cake, which part of the process are you in? Let me know in the comments!

Don't forget to stop by here for a chance to win the Guardians of Ga'Hoole, among other things, from me, and here for a chance to win 5 critiques of your first chapter, synopsis, query letter, or excerpt.