Seriously, someone just write my query letter for me.
Selling myself has never been my strong suit. I'll sell my books till kingdom come, but the moment someone then begins to ask about my qualifications and how I'm fitted to write, I become a stammering mess. Even just writing it out for the query has been rough. I think I've utilized the backspace far more frequently then I've ever anticipated.
After all this time, I thought for sure that writing a one page query letter would be easy as pie. It's basically End Game: Condensed. Like the back of a book cover. A brief synopsis and a smigin about yourself, the author.
Why does anyone want to know about me in the first place?
I want to write because I've got this silly epic story in my head, not 'cause I want people to care about me. If I wanted attention, I would have done like, music or something. God knows I can sing (when I want to). So why does anyone need to know about me? I'm just the one splattering words against a screen and then holding it up yelling, "I MAED DIS."
Yes, I did just become slightly stupid. Because that's how I feel sometimes. Sometimes I feel like the otter in that meme, screaming to the world, "LOOK. Now do something with it please!" Only I don't think otters say please.
In other news, my sister graduates from college on Saturday.
Epic adventuring to all! And to all a good night!
Currently Reading: Brisinger by Christopher Paolini
Currently Listening to: "Paperman" by Christope Beck
Showing posts with label adventures. Show all posts
Showing posts with label adventures. Show all posts
Friday, May 17, 2013
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Cabin Fever
In the span of two days, I wound up getting an intense case of claustrophobia in regards to my house. I don't know why, exactly. Just that I wanted out. I craved an adventure and for some reason, I wished to do so alone. Coupled with that was this sudden urge to not sleep.
Sometimes I get this strange desire to pull an all nighter, work until morning, watch the sunrise while I have some coffee, ease into the day, and then just barrel on through with whatever else needs to get done. Normally, I ignore this. Because it's crazy. It's bizarre. Normal people don't do that.
Recently, I decided that "normal" never applied to me and that I simply don't care what other people think of me or what I do with my time. So, following that mantra, I decided to stay up all night. It wasn't until around 5:30 that I realized my mom would be getting up and would undoubtedly question why I was awake. Thankfully, she didn't press the issue and let my randomness be.
Now, I really shouldn't call it an all nighter. I did nap for about two hours. (Aside, I'm smelling toast. I hope my brother is making something, otherwise, insanity literally is only moments away.) Anyway, now that I'm almost to my regular bedtime, I sit back and look at the day. I was incredibly productive. I had eleven things I wanted to accomplish. One of them was wishful thinking (building a custom bookcase). The only other thing I didn't get done was vacuuming, and that's 'cause I only just finished excavating my floor about an hour ago.
You've gotta blow up a room before you can clean & organize it.
Strange how I can function so well with so little sleep. I imagine that when I wake up tomorrow (later today?), I'll feel it and curse myself. At the moment though, I'm incredibly grateful for the fact that for once, I followed a brash and instinctual decision. I did a lot of nonprofit stuff and a ton of agent narrowing-down between the hours of one and five-thirty. Around six I began to get myself ready to go watch the sunrise.
All in all. It was a good day. I encourage you to do something random and unusual today. You never know what'll happen until you try something new. Make every day a new adventure.
Currently Writing: Zero Point
Currently Listening to: "Red Like Roses" by Jeff Williams feat. Casey Lee Williams
Sometimes I get this strange desire to pull an all nighter, work until morning, watch the sunrise while I have some coffee, ease into the day, and then just barrel on through with whatever else needs to get done. Normally, I ignore this. Because it's crazy. It's bizarre. Normal people don't do that.
Recently, I decided that "normal" never applied to me and that I simply don't care what other people think of me or what I do with my time. So, following that mantra, I decided to stay up all night. It wasn't until around 5:30 that I realized my mom would be getting up and would undoubtedly question why I was awake. Thankfully, she didn't press the issue and let my randomness be.
Now, I really shouldn't call it an all nighter. I did nap for about two hours. (Aside, I'm smelling toast. I hope my brother is making something, otherwise, insanity literally is only moments away.) Anyway, now that I'm almost to my regular bedtime, I sit back and look at the day. I was incredibly productive. I had eleven things I wanted to accomplish. One of them was wishful thinking (building a custom bookcase). The only other thing I didn't get done was vacuuming, and that's 'cause I only just finished excavating my floor about an hour ago.
You've gotta blow up a room before you can clean & organize it.
Strange how I can function so well with so little sleep. I imagine that when I wake up tomorrow (later today?), I'll feel it and curse myself. At the moment though, I'm incredibly grateful for the fact that for once, I followed a brash and instinctual decision. I did a lot of nonprofit stuff and a ton of agent narrowing-down between the hours of one and five-thirty. Around six I began to get myself ready to go watch the sunrise.
All in all. It was a good day. I encourage you to do something random and unusual today. You never know what'll happen until you try something new. Make every day a new adventure.
Currently Writing: Zero Point
Currently Listening to: "Red Like Roses" by Jeff Williams feat. Casey Lee Williams
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
I'd Much Rather Just Stay Ignorant
This week, on "What Bugs Susan"...
We have faxing at Staples. You'd think in today's world, faxing would be obsolete. I mean, you can scan and email just about anything. Yet every day we've got a line out the wazoo for faxing. So right above this fax machine we've got this sign that says, "Self-Service Fax Machine". Pretty self-explanatory, right? It's even got instructions labeled all over the thing on how to use it.
Today I had this woman with a strong Spanish accent come in and need faxing done. Normally, when I have nothing else going on, I say, "Sure, step right on over to the fax machine and I'll walk you through it." I'm all about teaching a man to fish so he can feed himself for a lifetime.
The woman then proceeds to tell me she doesn't have her glasses and can't read the fax number. Then - as if to mock me - she says, "That's the number. 484..." I almost asked, "I thought you didn't have you glasses and couldn't read the number?"
It's as if she wanted to say, "I'd rather remain ignorant, so why don't you do it for me?" but she didn't have the courage to just call herself what she was - lazy.
The worst example of this though was a woman about a month back that came in and set her brand new phone down on the counter and said, "I need to email a document I have on here to you." I proceeded to tell her how to do it. She shook her head and waved her hand, saying, "No, you need to do it. I don't know how to work that thing. Anyway, whenever I come in here, they do it for me, so just do it for me." She spent the rest of the time yapping to her friend about what she may or may not want for lunch.
I literally want to scream at these people. They have no clue how good they've got it. Worse though are those that know precisely how spoiled they are, and they revel in it. I get it. We live in an incredibly awesome time. Technology is fascinating and can do just about anything. In my direct area, homelessness and poverty are pretty non-existent (aside from struggling college students). Aside from the occasional shooting, crime is minimal in my hometown.
None of this excuses laziness and selfishness.
One of my friends from school and I used to occasionally remind one another of how good we had it. She was thankful for indoor plumbing and I was always thankful for the fact that I could walk up to a refrigerator and suddenly have something to quiet my rumbling stomach. We did this to remember that we aren't dying. In fact, we're flourishing. We live in a country that (for the time being), is for the free. A good chunk of our society has it so good, they don't know what a real depression would be.
I've been lucky enough to not only have parents who refuse to let me be ignorant, but to have driven all over this country and seen with my own eyes the devastation of poverty. I've seen houses that look about ready to cave in. I've seen homeless individuals huddled on street corners, begging for something to eat. I've offered lunch to the hungry in New York City. I've repaired houses for those suffering from hurricanes. And I've listened to them in these moments and every time, I've thanked God for what He's given me.
Don't be ignorant and don't be lazy. Take control of what you can. Feed yourself, don't just steal someone else's time and energy. Give more than you take. Offer what you have and then double it. I understand. That's a hard bill to swallow.
Swallow it anyway.
Currently Editing: Genesis
Currently Listening to: Ludovico Einaudi's "Divenere"
We have faxing at Staples. You'd think in today's world, faxing would be obsolete. I mean, you can scan and email just about anything. Yet every day we've got a line out the wazoo for faxing. So right above this fax machine we've got this sign that says, "Self-Service Fax Machine". Pretty self-explanatory, right? It's even got instructions labeled all over the thing on how to use it.
Today I had this woman with a strong Spanish accent come in and need faxing done. Normally, when I have nothing else going on, I say, "Sure, step right on over to the fax machine and I'll walk you through it." I'm all about teaching a man to fish so he can feed himself for a lifetime.
The woman then proceeds to tell me she doesn't have her glasses and can't read the fax number. Then - as if to mock me - she says, "That's the number. 484..." I almost asked, "I thought you didn't have you glasses and couldn't read the number?"
It's as if she wanted to say, "I'd rather remain ignorant, so why don't you do it for me?" but she didn't have the courage to just call herself what she was - lazy.
The worst example of this though was a woman about a month back that came in and set her brand new phone down on the counter and said, "I need to email a document I have on here to you." I proceeded to tell her how to do it. She shook her head and waved her hand, saying, "No, you need to do it. I don't know how to work that thing. Anyway, whenever I come in here, they do it for me, so just do it for me." She spent the rest of the time yapping to her friend about what she may or may not want for lunch.
I literally want to scream at these people. They have no clue how good they've got it. Worse though are those that know precisely how spoiled they are, and they revel in it. I get it. We live in an incredibly awesome time. Technology is fascinating and can do just about anything. In my direct area, homelessness and poverty are pretty non-existent (aside from struggling college students). Aside from the occasional shooting, crime is minimal in my hometown.
None of this excuses laziness and selfishness.
One of my friends from school and I used to occasionally remind one another of how good we had it. She was thankful for indoor plumbing and I was always thankful for the fact that I could walk up to a refrigerator and suddenly have something to quiet my rumbling stomach. We did this to remember that we aren't dying. In fact, we're flourishing. We live in a country that (for the time being), is for the free. A good chunk of our society has it so good, they don't know what a real depression would be.
I've been lucky enough to not only have parents who refuse to let me be ignorant, but to have driven all over this country and seen with my own eyes the devastation of poverty. I've seen houses that look about ready to cave in. I've seen homeless individuals huddled on street corners, begging for something to eat. I've offered lunch to the hungry in New York City. I've repaired houses for those suffering from hurricanes. And I've listened to them in these moments and every time, I've thanked God for what He's given me.
Don't be ignorant and don't be lazy. Take control of what you can. Feed yourself, don't just steal someone else's time and energy. Give more than you take. Offer what you have and then double it. I understand. That's a hard bill to swallow.
Swallow it anyway.
Currently Editing: Genesis
Currently Listening to: Ludovico Einaudi's "Divenere"
Journeys
I tend to take lots of road trips.
A majority of my college friends live a minimum of 5 hours away from me. Because of that fact, I usually have to request weekends off here or there to be able to visit my friends and spend a few days laughing my butt off over absolutely nothing.
This naturally leads to many miles being added to my car and lots of car washes. My poor boy's current situation is evidence of that. Just a few days ago, Mitchell (that's my car, by the way), looked like this:
Now, he looks like this:
This is what happens when you travel to upstate New York on a semi-regular basis. I kid you not. I've been there three times in the past month. I know lots of people would be asking questions like, "Do you know how many hours of driving that is?" and, "How many miles is that?" Honestly, I don't care.
It is so rewarding to make those trips. I've said on numerous occasions in the past few weeks that I would travel any distance for a friend. That's the truth. I find little value in how few miles are on my car or how much money I've got in the bank. That sort of thing means nothing if I haven't got friends and family that love and cherish my company - and I theirs. I'm super blessed to have the financial stability to visit my friends as frequently as I do. For that, I thank God. Because sometimes I really need a brief respite from my day-to-day life. Sometimes, I just need a friend to hug me and say, "You're gonna do fine."
And, it doesn't hurt that whenever I get to hang with my college friends, I laugh until my sides hurt and get so little sleep that delirium sets in early in the day. That's worth it too. Despite the exhaustion and weariness of my adventures with my friends, I'm always glad for those journeys. I have yet to ever leave a friend's house and say, "Man, I wish I could get that weekend back."
In fact, my thought always is, "Why do weekends go by so fast?"
So enjoy your adventure. Go visit a friend - regardless of the distance. I imagine you'll thank yourself.
Currently Editing: Genesis (FOR REALSIES!)
Currently Listening to: "Hope Will Lead Us On" by Barlowgirl
A majority of my college friends live a minimum of 5 hours away from me. Because of that fact, I usually have to request weekends off here or there to be able to visit my friends and spend a few days laughing my butt off over absolutely nothing.
This naturally leads to many miles being added to my car and lots of car washes. My poor boy's current situation is evidence of that. Just a few days ago, Mitchell (that's my car, by the way), looked like this:
This is what happens when you travel to upstate New York on a semi-regular basis. I kid you not. I've been there three times in the past month. I know lots of people would be asking questions like, "Do you know how many hours of driving that is?" and, "How many miles is that?" Honestly, I don't care.
It is so rewarding to make those trips. I've said on numerous occasions in the past few weeks that I would travel any distance for a friend. That's the truth. I find little value in how few miles are on my car or how much money I've got in the bank. That sort of thing means nothing if I haven't got friends and family that love and cherish my company - and I theirs. I'm super blessed to have the financial stability to visit my friends as frequently as I do. For that, I thank God. Because sometimes I really need a brief respite from my day-to-day life. Sometimes, I just need a friend to hug me and say, "You're gonna do fine."
And, it doesn't hurt that whenever I get to hang with my college friends, I laugh until my sides hurt and get so little sleep that delirium sets in early in the day. That's worth it too. Despite the exhaustion and weariness of my adventures with my friends, I'm always glad for those journeys. I have yet to ever leave a friend's house and say, "Man, I wish I could get that weekend back."
In fact, my thought always is, "Why do weekends go by so fast?"
So enjoy your adventure. Go visit a friend - regardless of the distance. I imagine you'll thank yourself.
Currently Editing: Genesis (FOR REALSIES!)
Currently Listening to: "Hope Will Lead Us On" by Barlowgirl
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Day 1
Well, today I not only managed to navigate New York City, but I also made it to the conference with a half hour to spare, didn't have to eat lunch alone (making friends is good!), made it onto the correct train to get me back to my Uncle and Aunt's house safely, and did not explode from nerves as I pitched my book to my fellow workshoppers.
That's where the good news ends.
Today was all about laying out ground work for our pitches. Basically, we sat in a room, read our pitches one at a time and our group leader (a seasoned veteran of the publishing world), tried to help us craft it in the best possible way to make the pitch - and therefore the book - its most sellable. A lot of what he said was good to learn and even better to have validated.
However, he basically wants me to completely write a different story than what I've got. He thinks the concept of having another world in the mix is too confusing, he wants my character to not be a teenager, and he wants it somewhere exotic. Not America.
None of those changes sit right with me.
Is that stubbornness? I don't think so. I guess since I think God gave me this story, it doesn't make any sense to completely obliterate the story and tell something completely different. I mean, if I get rid of Tilion, everything I love about the story and the characters pretty much is thrown out the window. I can't have Grovix that way and I can't do any of the things I already have written out. That's not the end of the world, but we're talking about an entirely different story. A story that, to me, isn't End Game.
I might just be one of those authors that refuses to make changes. But, at the same time, nothing about those changes sit right with me. Also, I'm not in this business to make money. I get that my book is a hard sell. A lot happens in it and I require an intelligent audience. I require an audience of inquiring minds and curious intellect.
Basically, I don't know what to do. And I imagine that despite my exhaustion, I'm not going to be getting much sleep tonight.
Don't hold your breath people. This ride is gonna be a long one.
Currently Reading: Brisinger by Christopher Paolini
Currently Listening to: "10,000 Reasons" by Matt Redman
That's where the good news ends.
Today was all about laying out ground work for our pitches. Basically, we sat in a room, read our pitches one at a time and our group leader (a seasoned veteran of the publishing world), tried to help us craft it in the best possible way to make the pitch - and therefore the book - its most sellable. A lot of what he said was good to learn and even better to have validated.
However, he basically wants me to completely write a different story than what I've got. He thinks the concept of having another world in the mix is too confusing, he wants my character to not be a teenager, and he wants it somewhere exotic. Not America.
None of those changes sit right with me.
Is that stubbornness? I don't think so. I guess since I think God gave me this story, it doesn't make any sense to completely obliterate the story and tell something completely different. I mean, if I get rid of Tilion, everything I love about the story and the characters pretty much is thrown out the window. I can't have Grovix that way and I can't do any of the things I already have written out. That's not the end of the world, but we're talking about an entirely different story. A story that, to me, isn't End Game.
I might just be one of those authors that refuses to make changes. But, at the same time, nothing about those changes sit right with me. Also, I'm not in this business to make money. I get that my book is a hard sell. A lot happens in it and I require an intelligent audience. I require an audience of inquiring minds and curious intellect.
Basically, I don't know what to do. And I imagine that despite my exhaustion, I'm not going to be getting much sleep tonight.
Don't hold your breath people. This ride is gonna be a long one.
Currently Reading: Brisinger by Christopher Paolini
Currently Listening to: "10,000 Reasons" by Matt Redman
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Random Aside
I forgot how much I really don't like Ted Dekker outside of the thriller genre.
Yesterday I picked up Green and began to read it. In the first chapter, I nearly groaned out loud. It's not that he's not a good writer. It's just, I don't know. I guess I don't like his allegory. It actually makes me feel off-set and not at all comfortable. Narnia, the Grey Havens - they left me with the feeling of protection/perfection/peace. Dekker's allegory always 1) bored me to tears 'cause the plot twists were neon lights you saw 18 miles out (or in my case, 1/2 a book into the 3 book series), and 2) seems like it should be heartwarming but is really just kinda...weird.
I dunno. I may be singing a different tune when I officially finish Green. It also kinda bothered me that literally in the first paragraph of the introductory page he basically compared himself to Tolkien and Lewis. Like I said: their allegory I love. His, not so much.
But goodness, I loved Three and Adam. They were terrifying, but wonderfully written and portrayed. Those were twists I didn't see coming. Personally, I think he should stick to the thriller realm and leave allegory to others (not me, just others. I'll write a post about my feelings on allegory some other time).
In other news, I've about a week left till the conference. Only two days left until the holiday shop to promote my book, and only a few weeks until Christmas. The next few weeks are kind of like a snowball falling down a hill. Soon it'll be me stumbling over myself in an attempt to not fall smack into the concrete.
Happy adventuring everyone!
Currently Writing: I'm teetering between Arthur and the new story. I think I'll be veering a hard left and shooting for Arthur. 'Cause I really want to get to Thor.
Currently Reading: Green by Ted Dekker
Currently Listening to: "What Child is This?" by Steven Curtis Chapman
Yesterday I picked up Green and began to read it. In the first chapter, I nearly groaned out loud. It's not that he's not a good writer. It's just, I don't know. I guess I don't like his allegory. It actually makes me feel off-set and not at all comfortable. Narnia, the Grey Havens - they left me with the feeling of protection/perfection/peace. Dekker's allegory always 1) bored me to tears 'cause the plot twists were neon lights you saw 18 miles out (or in my case, 1/2 a book into the 3 book series), and 2) seems like it should be heartwarming but is really just kinda...weird.
I dunno. I may be singing a different tune when I officially finish Green. It also kinda bothered me that literally in the first paragraph of the introductory page he basically compared himself to Tolkien and Lewis. Like I said: their allegory I love. His, not so much.
But goodness, I loved Three and Adam. They were terrifying, but wonderfully written and portrayed. Those were twists I didn't see coming. Personally, I think he should stick to the thriller realm and leave allegory to others (not me, just others. I'll write a post about my feelings on allegory some other time).
In other news, I've about a week left till the conference. Only two days left until the holiday shop to promote my book, and only a few weeks until Christmas. The next few weeks are kind of like a snowball falling down a hill. Soon it'll be me stumbling over myself in an attempt to not fall smack into the concrete.
Happy adventuring everyone!
Currently Writing: I'm teetering between Arthur and the new story. I think I'll be veering a hard left and shooting for Arthur. 'Cause I really want to get to Thor.
Currently Reading: Green by Ted Dekker
Currently Listening to: "What Child is This?" by Steven Curtis Chapman
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Hodgepodge
That's my life at the moment. Or so it feels.
As you can tell by the lovely little counter to the left of this post, I finished NaNoWriMo. With two days to spare, I finished the final chapter to Unity and began, almost immediately, trying to plan a cover. Not because it's ready for publication - simply because it's immensely cheaper to get the book printed through Createspace and then use that to edit vs. anywhere else.
Reflecting back on this month is kind of difficult. It feels like a blur. This whole past six months have felt like a blur. I mean, graduation happened and then BAM, reality. And then I fell into this sort of rhythm of life. I get up, go to work, I go home, I write. Occasionally in there, I get the chance to see some friends, though that's difficult.
So to only look back on November is kind of like asking me to look back at last week. I can barely remember what I ate yesterday, let alone what's transpired over the past month. All I know is that every night (or nearly every night), I sat at my computer and hammered against a keyboard, trying to bring still images in my head to life via words on a screen.
In spite of my efforts though, I think I've let myself down. Sure, I rewrote Unity in record time - 28 days. But at what cost? Quite a bit, I'm afraid. Even as I sit here writing this blog, I know I missed some things, forgot others, and blatantly ignored others still. It's a more coherent draft, yes, but a better one?
Well, the judges will be my friends and family that will gladly tear it apart and help me put it back together again.
Currently Writing: Nothing. I'm gathering my wits and then either attacking Arthur (and actually finishing it), or hitting Zero Point some more.
Currently Reading: Green by Ted Dekker
Currently Listening to: "Into the Open Air" by Julie Fowles (I may have spelled her name wrong)
As you can tell by the lovely little counter to the left of this post, I finished NaNoWriMo. With two days to spare, I finished the final chapter to Unity and began, almost immediately, trying to plan a cover. Not because it's ready for publication - simply because it's immensely cheaper to get the book printed through Createspace and then use that to edit vs. anywhere else.
Reflecting back on this month is kind of difficult. It feels like a blur. This whole past six months have felt like a blur. I mean, graduation happened and then BAM, reality. And then I fell into this sort of rhythm of life. I get up, go to work, I go home, I write. Occasionally in there, I get the chance to see some friends, though that's difficult.
So to only look back on November is kind of like asking me to look back at last week. I can barely remember what I ate yesterday, let alone what's transpired over the past month. All I know is that every night (or nearly every night), I sat at my computer and hammered against a keyboard, trying to bring still images in my head to life via words on a screen.
In spite of my efforts though, I think I've let myself down. Sure, I rewrote Unity in record time - 28 days. But at what cost? Quite a bit, I'm afraid. Even as I sit here writing this blog, I know I missed some things, forgot others, and blatantly ignored others still. It's a more coherent draft, yes, but a better one?
Well, the judges will be my friends and family that will gladly tear it apart and help me put it back together again.
Currently Writing: Nothing. I'm gathering my wits and then either attacking Arthur (and actually finishing it), or hitting Zero Point some more.
Currently Reading: Green by Ted Dekker
Currently Listening to: "Into the Open Air" by Julie Fowles (I may have spelled her name wrong)
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Curse My Short Attention Span!
I had such high hopes for this evening.
First off, I'm sick (again?! Why does this keep happening?!). And not just like, "*cough cough* now I'm all better" sort of sick. I'm losing my voice. One of my managers kept making fun of my inability to speak today and a few of my coworkers were laughing at how I could totally do a Batman impression just by talking. Then I made my brother nearly die of laughter when I tried to go falsetto and basically squeaked like a chipmunk.
Anyway, because of this, I'm lethargic. All I wanted to do today was watch Stargate and let my brain ooze. I can't do that. I'm a little behind on my writing and I still have around 30,000 words left to hammer out of Unity. Assuming Unity is around 120,000 words long when it's all said and done. That's just my rough estimate. It might wind up being more or less. Whatever. So long as the story's told properly.
Due to my lack of discipline today, I pretty much have had no control over my normally steadfast ability to just sit down and write. I kid you not. I've just spent two hours playing around in Photoshop trying to make up a mock cover of Unity.
'Cause I have time for this.
NOT. I have an event coming up in like, two weeks to promote Genesis (at my old elementary school no less!), the giveaway on Goodreads ends in a few days, and I have the Writer's Conference in New York to prepare for. And I want to finish the Unity rewrite. AND I'm getting a hankering for trying to nail down more histories for Zero Point.
Sometimes, I think I try to tackle too much at any given time.
As though this all isn't crazy enough, today's Thanksgiving. Which means tomorrow is Black Friday. Which means Christmas is in like, doomsday looming distance. Goodness gracious, what kind of pill have I decided I'll swallow? One of my friends was right, I am an overachiever. But only in this area of my life.
I wonder what that says about me...
Thankfulness:
I'm incredibly thankful for a myriad of things. My family, my friends, my job, my creativity, my story, my characters, my God who controls all things and holds them all in His hands, my freedom (however long it may last), my car, and a trillion other things. I'm grateful for the fact that I can celebrate my Savior's birth and that I can have the financial ability to buy my family members and friends something nice. I'm blessed to know that there are people who love me, albeit far away, but they love me none the less. That somewhere out there, regardless of where I go and what I do, I can always return home and have someone who understands who I am and what I feel. I'm so far beyond thankful for the chance I have to give my characters life, to tell their story, and to pursue my dreams AND have the support of friends and family behind it. Not everyone is so lucky and somehow, God gifted me a bunch of different people who provide nonstop encouragement in all I do.
Be thankful everyone. And have a happy adventure this Thanksgiving.
Currently [re]Writing: Unity
Currently Reading: Hood by Stephen Lawhead
Currently Listening to: Music from Disney's Robin Hood playing over and over in my head. Don't ask me why. It just is.
P.S. - I feel like I need to explain why it takes me months to read easy books. It's cause I only read when I'm at work. When I'm home, I'm writing or creating. I love reading, I really do. I have a bookcase that proves that. But I don't give myself the free time to dive into a story. I did it with Hunger Games and was sorely disappointed. So I think now, I'm super wary to devote prime writing time to someone else's story. Although Lawhead's Hood has been good so far.
First off, I'm sick (again?! Why does this keep happening?!). And not just like, "*cough cough* now I'm all better" sort of sick. I'm losing my voice. One of my managers kept making fun of my inability to speak today and a few of my coworkers were laughing at how I could totally do a Batman impression just by talking. Then I made my brother nearly die of laughter when I tried to go falsetto and basically squeaked like a chipmunk.
Anyway, because of this, I'm lethargic. All I wanted to do today was watch Stargate and let my brain ooze. I can't do that. I'm a little behind on my writing and I still have around 30,000 words left to hammer out of Unity. Assuming Unity is around 120,000 words long when it's all said and done. That's just my rough estimate. It might wind up being more or less. Whatever. So long as the story's told properly.
Due to my lack of discipline today, I pretty much have had no control over my normally steadfast ability to just sit down and write. I kid you not. I've just spent two hours playing around in Photoshop trying to make up a mock cover of Unity.
'Cause I have time for this.
NOT. I have an event coming up in like, two weeks to promote Genesis (at my old elementary school no less!), the giveaway on Goodreads ends in a few days, and I have the Writer's Conference in New York to prepare for. And I want to finish the Unity rewrite. AND I'm getting a hankering for trying to nail down more histories for Zero Point.
Sometimes, I think I try to tackle too much at any given time.
As though this all isn't crazy enough, today's Thanksgiving. Which means tomorrow is Black Friday. Which means Christmas is in like, doomsday looming distance. Goodness gracious, what kind of pill have I decided I'll swallow? One of my friends was right, I am an overachiever. But only in this area of my life.
I wonder what that says about me...
Thankfulness:
I'm incredibly thankful for a myriad of things. My family, my friends, my job, my creativity, my story, my characters, my God who controls all things and holds them all in His hands, my freedom (however long it may last), my car, and a trillion other things. I'm grateful for the fact that I can celebrate my Savior's birth and that I can have the financial ability to buy my family members and friends something nice. I'm blessed to know that there are people who love me, albeit far away, but they love me none the less. That somewhere out there, regardless of where I go and what I do, I can always return home and have someone who understands who I am and what I feel. I'm so far beyond thankful for the chance I have to give my characters life, to tell their story, and to pursue my dreams AND have the support of friends and family behind it. Not everyone is so lucky and somehow, God gifted me a bunch of different people who provide nonstop encouragement in all I do.
Be thankful everyone. And have a happy adventure this Thanksgiving.
Currently [re]Writing: Unity
Currently Reading: Hood by Stephen Lawhead
Currently Listening to: Music from Disney's Robin Hood playing over and over in my head. Don't ask me why. It just is.
P.S. - I feel like I need to explain why it takes me months to read easy books. It's cause I only read when I'm at work. When I'm home, I'm writing or creating. I love reading, I really do. I have a bookcase that proves that. But I don't give myself the free time to dive into a story. I did it with Hunger Games and was sorely disappointed. So I think now, I'm super wary to devote prime writing time to someone else's story. Although Lawhead's Hood has been good so far.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Holy Validation Batman!
About a week ago, I was telling my mom how discouraged I was regarding my book. I guess I need to check Goodreads more often.
Not only did some random person rate it (with 4 outta 5 stars!), but over 200 people entered into the giveaway of 5 copies and over 100 people want to read the book. I'm excited. It's a stupid thing to get excited over, I suppose, but it shifted me straight into the tippy top of my happiness radar.
See, for me, just knowing that somewhere out there, someone read it and enjoyed it makes me happy. And knowing that they read it of their own volition and then chose to rate it toward the higher end of the scale is even better. I can't even describe it properly. I'm shivering with excitement.
It definitely didn't hurt matters that as I was looking at this, "Promise" by Thomas Bergersen came on my iPod. I kid you not, this song is one of my absolute favorites. I could listen to it on repeat for days and never get sick of it. Whenever it comes on, I get so inspired to write and do great things, even if I'm not capable of them.
Well, that's all. I really just wanted to sort of spew my excitement, and it's like, 2am. Normal people are sleeping now.
Not me!
Happy adventuring everyone :)
Currently [re]Writing: Unity
Currently Reading: Hood by Stephen Lawhead
Currently Listening to: "Proud Nation" by Immediate Music
Not only did some random person rate it (with 4 outta 5 stars!), but over 200 people entered into the giveaway of 5 copies and over 100 people want to read the book. I'm excited. It's a stupid thing to get excited over, I suppose, but it shifted me straight into the tippy top of my happiness radar.
See, for me, just knowing that somewhere out there, someone read it and enjoyed it makes me happy. And knowing that they read it of their own volition and then chose to rate it toward the higher end of the scale is even better. I can't even describe it properly. I'm shivering with excitement.
It definitely didn't hurt matters that as I was looking at this, "Promise" by Thomas Bergersen came on my iPod. I kid you not, this song is one of my absolute favorites. I could listen to it on repeat for days and never get sick of it. Whenever it comes on, I get so inspired to write and do great things, even if I'm not capable of them.
Well, that's all. I really just wanted to sort of spew my excitement, and it's like, 2am. Normal people are sleeping now.
Not me!
Happy adventuring everyone :)
Currently [re]Writing: Unity
Currently Reading: Hood by Stephen Lawhead
Currently Listening to: "Proud Nation" by Immediate Music
Friday, November 2, 2012
Outside the Comfort Zone
So today I was checking my emails (because I have like, four), and discovered I've been accepted to register for a writer's conference in New York City. It's a pretty hardcore one. It's basically four days of me sitting in front of editors and pitching my book.
When I applied for the registration (that's how selective this is: I had to apply to be allowed to register), I didn't expect to make the cut. For one reason or another, I thought I wouldn't be good enough. Either my age or inexperience or whatever was going to limit me in the mind of whomever was choosing the participants this year.
I'm freaked out of my mind! Because I didn't expect to make the cut, I didn't prepare at all. I have about a month, but still. This is the kind of nervousness that chews at my insides and makes me quiver when no one's looking. This isn't where you go to get praise or to get a pat on the back. This sort of conference is where you go and have editors of high end houses sit down and say, "Why should I back your book?"
Now I'm busy mapping out my money and seeing if I can spare $600 for the four day excursion. It's in mid December too, so getting the time off of work will be...tricky. I'll probably have to sacrifice a lot to get the time off, especially since I need a huge chunk of Christmas off 'cause my family's going to Florida.
I have a lot of praying to do to determine if this is the right step to take. I have a few days to figure this out and determine if I can swing the conference. A part of me really wants to do this. The scared child part of me wants to run away screaming.
But I guess this is how it is. I need to have confidence in my book and in my characters. Being published through an actual house (HOLY WOW), would be amazing. I mean...who knows what might happen.
Sometimes, I feel like my life is the one scene in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, where Indy needs to step into the unknown (literally), before he can find the Holy Grail. This is one of those times where I have no clue if there's a rock ledge to stand on, but I guess I'll step out anyway.
The beauty is, even if I fall, God will catch me. That's always a comfort. Kinda makes me wonder why I shouldn't just take the step. Can't lose anything, right?
Happy adventuring everyone!
Currently [re]Writing: Unity
Currently Reading: Hood by Stephen Lawhead
Currently Listening to: "Ascencia" by Jo Blankenburg
P.S. - You would think I had been searching for the Holy Grail this afternoon. All I wanted was my Chocolate Mocha coffee made by Gevalia. And every store I went to that had power carried every other variety they made, but not mine! I had to settle on something that cost like, four dollars more than I was expecting to spend. This Godiva Chocolate Truffle had better be worth it.
When I applied for the registration (that's how selective this is: I had to apply to be allowed to register), I didn't expect to make the cut. For one reason or another, I thought I wouldn't be good enough. Either my age or inexperience or whatever was going to limit me in the mind of whomever was choosing the participants this year.
I'm freaked out of my mind! Because I didn't expect to make the cut, I didn't prepare at all. I have about a month, but still. This is the kind of nervousness that chews at my insides and makes me quiver when no one's looking. This isn't where you go to get praise or to get a pat on the back. This sort of conference is where you go and have editors of high end houses sit down and say, "Why should I back your book?"
Now I'm busy mapping out my money and seeing if I can spare $600 for the four day excursion. It's in mid December too, so getting the time off of work will be...tricky. I'll probably have to sacrifice a lot to get the time off, especially since I need a huge chunk of Christmas off 'cause my family's going to Florida.
I have a lot of praying to do to determine if this is the right step to take. I have a few days to figure this out and determine if I can swing the conference. A part of me really wants to do this. The scared child part of me wants to run away screaming.
But I guess this is how it is. I need to have confidence in my book and in my characters. Being published through an actual house (HOLY WOW), would be amazing. I mean...who knows what might happen.
Sometimes, I feel like my life is the one scene in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, where Indy needs to step into the unknown (literally), before he can find the Holy Grail. This is one of those times where I have no clue if there's a rock ledge to stand on, but I guess I'll step out anyway.
The beauty is, even if I fall, God will catch me. That's always a comfort. Kinda makes me wonder why I shouldn't just take the step. Can't lose anything, right?
Happy adventuring everyone!
Currently [re]Writing: Unity
Currently Reading: Hood by Stephen Lawhead
Currently Listening to: "Ascencia" by Jo Blankenburg
P.S. - You would think I had been searching for the Holy Grail this afternoon. All I wanted was my Chocolate Mocha coffee made by Gevalia. And every store I went to that had power carried every other variety they made, but not mine! I had to settle on something that cost like, four dollars more than I was expecting to spend. This Godiva Chocolate Truffle had better be worth it.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
The End of the World!
Or so many in the northeast seem to think.
I live in eastern Pennsylvania (in case you don't know), so that means that Hurricane Sandy is moving right on through where I call home. Every state office is closed, the government has declared a state of emergency, and even the mall closed. I, however, don't know if I'm working tomorrow yet or not. Even though I seriously doubt I'm gonna have someone coming in "needing" to get some copies made in the middle of a hurricane.
Although, if it comes down to me braving the elements and one of my coworkers, I'm gonna volunteer. I was saying to my parents as we watched the weather report, "I know this might sound reckless and stupid, but I'd much rather that I risk my life just to watch the store than one of my coworkers."
Yeah, there will probably be power outages. Yeah, there's gonna be flooding and I'm sure a good bit of devastation My brother's already on call for catastrophe claims work and my dad's getting himself ready for a boatload of claims to hit his computer sometime next week when this all blows over. Yes, I'm sure there will be casualties and there will be problems that arise in many, many people's lives.
However, I don't view this as the end of the world. Even if I'm without power and the water shuts off and we have to move by candlelight and my cell phone dies, it won't be the world caving in on itself. Yes, it'll be uncomfortable and might even drive me slightly bonkers. But I will still be converting oxygen into carbon dioxide.
Honestly, I just hope people use their brains. Don't go driving around to run errands. Stay inside, stay safe. Use your head and keep yourself informed. Prepare, but don't freak out. When an evacuation is ordered, leave. Keep yourself alive. Things can be replaced - people can't.
And that's why tonight I said to my parents, "I know where I'm going when I die. And I know where many of my coworkers are going if they were to die tomorrow. So I'd much rather be the one that bites the bullet if I know it'll buy them a few more years to see the light and hear the News."
Hey, if the power goes out, it gives everyone an excuse to finally work on that story they've always wanted to write. Or better yet, plan it out so they can join me in NaNoWriMo :)
Stay safe everyone. And happy adventuring.
Currently [re]Writing: Unity
Currently Reading: Hood by Stephen Lawhead
Currently Listening to: "Promise" by Thomas Bergersen
I live in eastern Pennsylvania (in case you don't know), so that means that Hurricane Sandy is moving right on through where I call home. Every state office is closed, the government has declared a state of emergency, and even the mall closed. I, however, don't know if I'm working tomorrow yet or not. Even though I seriously doubt I'm gonna have someone coming in "needing" to get some copies made in the middle of a hurricane.
Although, if it comes down to me braving the elements and one of my coworkers, I'm gonna volunteer. I was saying to my parents as we watched the weather report, "I know this might sound reckless and stupid, but I'd much rather that I risk my life just to watch the store than one of my coworkers."
Yeah, there will probably be power outages. Yeah, there's gonna be flooding and I'm sure a good bit of devastation My brother's already on call for catastrophe claims work and my dad's getting himself ready for a boatload of claims to hit his computer sometime next week when this all blows over. Yes, I'm sure there will be casualties and there will be problems that arise in many, many people's lives.
However, I don't view this as the end of the world. Even if I'm without power and the water shuts off and we have to move by candlelight and my cell phone dies, it won't be the world caving in on itself. Yes, it'll be uncomfortable and might even drive me slightly bonkers. But I will still be converting oxygen into carbon dioxide.
Honestly, I just hope people use their brains. Don't go driving around to run errands. Stay inside, stay safe. Use your head and keep yourself informed. Prepare, but don't freak out. When an evacuation is ordered, leave. Keep yourself alive. Things can be replaced - people can't.
And that's why tonight I said to my parents, "I know where I'm going when I die. And I know where many of my coworkers are going if they were to die tomorrow. So I'd much rather be the one that bites the bullet if I know it'll buy them a few more years to see the light and hear the News."
Hey, if the power goes out, it gives everyone an excuse to finally work on that story they've always wanted to write. Or better yet, plan it out so they can join me in NaNoWriMo :)
Stay safe everyone. And happy adventuring.
Currently [re]Writing: Unity
Currently Reading: Hood by Stephen Lawhead
Currently Listening to: "Promise" by Thomas Bergersen
Friday, October 26, 2012
The Rough Days
Today I wanted to take a sledgehammer to every copier in existence.
It was one of those nights where everyone and their mother must have thought, "Let's go to Staples and bog up the Copy Center." There was literally one moment where I had eight customers all waiting for me to help them. That wouldn't be too bad, if they wouldn't all just stare at me. Or worse, rock back and forth with this listless, bored and slightly agitated expression on their face.
So when eight pm rolled around and suddenly both copiers were eating the paper they were supposed to be copying, I gave up. Right then and there, I hung my head, fought the urge to scream, and began to pray a stream of prayers for God to take over. And all I could think of was, "God's not my GPS, He's my driver. Move over to the passenger seat idiot."
That helped boatloads. Not only did God grant my plea for things to slow down, but the rest of the evening went by quickly. Thankfully a day like this happened before I had my day off. So I was able to leave work in the dust and know that I wouldn't have to return until Saturday afternoon. Sometimes that's a nice relief - knowing that I can basically take the next day and a half and use it for my own goals.
I can't say that I get it right. After all, it took me seven of my nine hours of work to finally give up trying to control the night's workload before I nearly got on my knees and prayed. But I can say that in that one moment, once I let the chaos go from my grasp, I felt better. So I encourage you, in your chaos, remember that sometimes it's best to just stop trying to hold the reigns and instead, hand them off to someone with far more experience.
In other news, I'm excited. I have off today, which means that after some morning archery practice, I'm going for a quick shopping trip, and then the rest of the day I'm writing. At least until the evening. Then I'll be preoccupied with some serious Killer Bunnies gameplay.
Happy writing everyone! Remember, NaNoWriMo is right around the corner. I expect to see some new faces.
Currently [re]Writing: Unity
Currently Reading: Hood by Stephen Lawhead
Currently Listening to: "What Makes you Beautiful" by One Direction
P.S. - This is Killer Bunnies by the way.
It was one of those nights where everyone and their mother must have thought, "Let's go to Staples and bog up the Copy Center." There was literally one moment where I had eight customers all waiting for me to help them. That wouldn't be too bad, if they wouldn't all just stare at me. Or worse, rock back and forth with this listless, bored and slightly agitated expression on their face.
So when eight pm rolled around and suddenly both copiers were eating the paper they were supposed to be copying, I gave up. Right then and there, I hung my head, fought the urge to scream, and began to pray a stream of prayers for God to take over. And all I could think of was, "God's not my GPS, He's my driver. Move over to the passenger seat idiot."
That helped boatloads. Not only did God grant my plea for things to slow down, but the rest of the evening went by quickly. Thankfully a day like this happened before I had my day off. So I was able to leave work in the dust and know that I wouldn't have to return until Saturday afternoon. Sometimes that's a nice relief - knowing that I can basically take the next day and a half and use it for my own goals.
I can't say that I get it right. After all, it took me seven of my nine hours of work to finally give up trying to control the night's workload before I nearly got on my knees and prayed. But I can say that in that one moment, once I let the chaos go from my grasp, I felt better. So I encourage you, in your chaos, remember that sometimes it's best to just stop trying to hold the reigns and instead, hand them off to someone with far more experience.
In other news, I'm excited. I have off today, which means that after some morning archery practice, I'm going for a quick shopping trip, and then the rest of the day I'm writing. At least until the evening. Then I'll be preoccupied with some serious Killer Bunnies gameplay.
Happy writing everyone! Remember, NaNoWriMo is right around the corner. I expect to see some new faces.
Currently [re]Writing: Unity
Currently Reading: Hood by Stephen Lawhead
Currently Listening to: "What Makes you Beautiful" by One Direction
P.S. - This is Killer Bunnies by the way.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
It's That Time
Dust off your keyboards. Renew your interest in a dried out story. Shake out your writing pads & notebooks. Track down your favorite pen or pencil.
NaNoWriMo is back!
In several short days, November will be here. Crazy to imagine that we're already nearing that threshold of a new challenge. For those new to the party, NaNoWriMo is the opportunity for writers (of all ages, genres, levels of expertise, etc.), to band together and attempt a goal that might be insane. In the course of the month of November, hit 50,000 words on a novel of your choosing.
What will I be doing? Well, the rewrite of Unity. Unless if this new story idea hijacks my attention. Or possibly Zero Point. Or I might finish Arthur. This is the first time in a long time that I've left projects hanging. Literally, ZP & Arthur are just chilling until I work up the courage to drag them back into the sunlight.
If you happen to be interested in my goal timeline, this is it. November: rewrite Unity. December: Actually finish Unity (and go to Disney and see one of my favorite couples get married). January: Finish Arthur. February: Knock out a few more stories of Zero Point.
And that's as far as I'm planning ahead. God knows I hate making any plans, let alone ones that have the possibility of cementing into some sort of foundation.
The event today went well. I got the chance to talk with a number of people, both about Genesis and about future events. I've made a lot of connections and contacts now, so that should help open something up for later in the coming months.
So, to tie this back to my original reason for writing: join me! Sign up for NaNoWriMo and give a crack at something insane, but mighty fun. There's a great community of writers out there to help encourage you as you trudge along. Trust me, we understand the pressure of that goal. I'm really going to be fighting to be diligent about it. Crazy - I have to actually find time to write? Ugh, please, can I have my final semester of college back?
Happy adventuring everyone :)
Currently Writing: kinda rummaging through the possibility of this new story. Nothing major yet, just...mishmash plot stuff.
Currently Reading: Hood by Stephen Lawhead
Currently Listening to: "Thankful for You" by TobyMac
P.S. - The TobyMac kick, there is a reason. I just bought his new album and it's kinda been on repeat.
NaNoWriMo is back!
In several short days, November will be here. Crazy to imagine that we're already nearing that threshold of a new challenge. For those new to the party, NaNoWriMo is the opportunity for writers (of all ages, genres, levels of expertise, etc.), to band together and attempt a goal that might be insane. In the course of the month of November, hit 50,000 words on a novel of your choosing.
What will I be doing? Well, the rewrite of Unity. Unless if this new story idea hijacks my attention. Or possibly Zero Point. Or I might finish Arthur. This is the first time in a long time that I've left projects hanging. Literally, ZP & Arthur are just chilling until I work up the courage to drag them back into the sunlight.
If you happen to be interested in my goal timeline, this is it. November: rewrite Unity. December: Actually finish Unity (and go to Disney and see one of my favorite couples get married). January: Finish Arthur. February: Knock out a few more stories of Zero Point.
And that's as far as I'm planning ahead. God knows I hate making any plans, let alone ones that have the possibility of cementing into some sort of foundation.
The event today went well. I got the chance to talk with a number of people, both about Genesis and about future events. I've made a lot of connections and contacts now, so that should help open something up for later in the coming months.
So, to tie this back to my original reason for writing: join me! Sign up for NaNoWriMo and give a crack at something insane, but mighty fun. There's a great community of writers out there to help encourage you as you trudge along. Trust me, we understand the pressure of that goal. I'm really going to be fighting to be diligent about it. Crazy - I have to actually find time to write? Ugh, please, can I have my final semester of college back?
Happy adventuring everyone :)
Currently Writing: kinda rummaging through the possibility of this new story. Nothing major yet, just...mishmash plot stuff.
Currently Reading: Hood by Stephen Lawhead
Currently Listening to: "Thankful for You" by TobyMac
P.S. - The TobyMac kick, there is a reason. I just bought his new album and it's kinda been on repeat.
Take 2
I need to be up in five hours. (Aside: I hate that I'm one of those people that counts how much sleep I'll get). Tomorrow/Today, I'm appearing at another event to try to get some more PR out for Genesis. It promises to be a fun day, filled with all sorts of adventuring. This offers a different experience and atmosphere from the first show I did. Not only is this indoors, but all I've got is an eight foot table.
Quite a drastic change from the ten by ten area I had outside in September.
In other news, my rewriting has been stagnant for about three weeks. Whether that's due to my own laziness of late (fighting against lethargy in a myriad of ways), or because I'm actually starting to get a new idea completely unrelated to End Game, I don't know. The other story, by the way, may or may not see the light of day. It might not even be written. But every now and then it pops into my head and I mull it over. I honestly don't think I'll venture far down it simply because there's still so much for me to unwrap with the Tilion world.
Since I really should get to bed, I'll say goodnight/good morning. Have a beautiful day, whomever you are, and if it crosses your mind, wish me luck.
Happy adventuring!
Currently Rewriting: Unity
Currently Reading: Hood by Stephen Lawhead
Currently Listening to: "Eye on It" by TobyMac
P.S. - Anyone good with websites care to explain why my domain won't use my index.html file to automatically connect to the enter page of my site and instead will only display a directory? 'Cause I really am frustrated by the stupid thing. Is it simply 'cause I capitalized the word 'index'? If it is, I'm gonna throw a fit with myself for it being such a simple answer.
P.P.S - Anyone good with websites care to tell me how to link keywords to the site?
Quite a drastic change from the ten by ten area I had outside in September.
In other news, my rewriting has been stagnant for about three weeks. Whether that's due to my own laziness of late (fighting against lethargy in a myriad of ways), or because I'm actually starting to get a new idea completely unrelated to End Game, I don't know. The other story, by the way, may or may not see the light of day. It might not even be written. But every now and then it pops into my head and I mull it over. I honestly don't think I'll venture far down it simply because there's still so much for me to unwrap with the Tilion world.
Since I really should get to bed, I'll say goodnight/good morning. Have a beautiful day, whomever you are, and if it crosses your mind, wish me luck.
Happy adventuring!
Currently Rewriting: Unity
Currently Reading: Hood by Stephen Lawhead
Currently Listening to: "Eye on It" by TobyMac
P.S. - Anyone good with websites care to explain why my domain won't use my index.html file to automatically connect to the enter page of my site and instead will only display a directory? 'Cause I really am frustrated by the stupid thing. Is it simply 'cause I capitalized the word 'index'? If it is, I'm gonna throw a fit with myself for it being such a simple answer.
P.P.S - Anyone good with websites care to tell me how to link keywords to the site?
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Colds
I think God is testing me. Because not 24 hours after I told a coworker that I tend to not get sick often, I come down with some nasty head/nose/throat thing that has stuck to me like glue for the past six days. Normally that'd be no biggie. I'd just sleep and it would go away. I so wish I could just do that and it would this time. Because not only am I working nothing but closing shifts this week, but it's inhibiting my ability to write.
My head just feels inflated and breaking off any creativity I might have. It's even kind of difficult to write this blog right now. But I'm trying. And I think that's something everyone should do.
Sometimes we hit road blocks that make us stumble on what we're doing or trying to accomplish. Especially, I think as creators (artists, crafters, writers, etc.), we have to make time for our fun job. And sometimes we get sick or family emergencies crop up or we're just basically told "No, you can't do that" by the world. Because there's not time for something fun or creative in this world. Right? That's what we're told, right?
Well, it's wrong. I love being creative and I love having the opportunity to delve into a world unknown to others except the readers that follow with me. That, I think, is a gift not enough people encourage in others. So I encourage you, whoever you are, to be the best creative person you can be. Strive for something extraordinary despite what gets in the way. And above all, have hope & faith. God's got this.
In a closing note, I have no clue if any of this made sense. Foggy brain...
Happy writing!
Currently (re)Writing: Unity
Currently Reading: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Currently Listening to: THIS.
My head just feels inflated and breaking off any creativity I might have. It's even kind of difficult to write this blog right now. But I'm trying. And I think that's something everyone should do.
Sometimes we hit road blocks that make us stumble on what we're doing or trying to accomplish. Especially, I think as creators (artists, crafters, writers, etc.), we have to make time for our fun job. And sometimes we get sick or family emergencies crop up or we're just basically told "No, you can't do that" by the world. Because there's not time for something fun or creative in this world. Right? That's what we're told, right?
Well, it's wrong. I love being creative and I love having the opportunity to delve into a world unknown to others except the readers that follow with me. That, I think, is a gift not enough people encourage in others. So I encourage you, whoever you are, to be the best creative person you can be. Strive for something extraordinary despite what gets in the way. And above all, have hope & faith. God's got this.
In a closing note, I have no clue if any of this made sense. Foggy brain...
Happy writing!
Currently (re)Writing: Unity
Currently Reading: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Currently Listening to: THIS.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Step One
On Sunday, I'm making what's always been in my head a reality. I officially begin to market my book. T-Shirts have piled into boxes neatly, 50 copies of my book sit in wait, boxes of ceramics work are packed and ready to go. Two ladders sit outside ready to be turned into "bookshelves". Sheets of wood are currently covering the dining room table with traced outlines of wings to be cut tomorrow. My business cards are sitting for the first time to be used in a professional atmosphere.
It's kind of surreal.
I have absolutely no idea what's going to come of Sunday. In a way, I'm trying not to get too excited about it, simply because I might get my hopes up. Honestly though, I'm not expecting anything astounding to happen. I anticipate a few books getting sold, maybe a T-shirt or two. But I'm not expecting awards or prizes or even for lots of books to go flying. I'm doing this mostly for PR. To get my name out there and my book on someone's mouth.
So I'll do my darndest to make the most of this Sunday. I'm a little bummed that I'm missing church, but I just have to have faith that this will be worth it. My pastor helped me out tonight in getting a canopy for me to use, and he was excited for me. I guess I'm just lucky to have the support I do. After all, my house is currently filled with my siblings (minus one - bummer too!), and they're here to show their support and offer their encouragement.
My parents have been super helpful in every aspect of this whole endeavor. Saying "I'm blessed" only marginally covers how truly lucky I am to have the people I do in my life. I only hope everyone else has the same kind of support I get on a daily basis. Because I know at any moment, I can text my friends or family members and know that they'll respond with words of encouragement and a prayer on their hearts.
That kind of thing isn't something to take lightly. I try to remember that as often as possible.
May all your writing (and reading), adventures be happy :)
Currently Writing: Nothing at present. After this week, I'm hoping to have more time for Unity's rewrite!
Currently Reading: Finally getting around to finishing The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Currently Listening to: "Starvation" by Thomas Bergersen
PS - Sometime next week (or possibly the week after), I'll be unrolling a website for End Game. It's a wonderfully exhilarating experience!
It's kind of surreal.
I have absolutely no idea what's going to come of Sunday. In a way, I'm trying not to get too excited about it, simply because I might get my hopes up. Honestly though, I'm not expecting anything astounding to happen. I anticipate a few books getting sold, maybe a T-shirt or two. But I'm not expecting awards or prizes or even for lots of books to go flying. I'm doing this mostly for PR. To get my name out there and my book on someone's mouth.
So I'll do my darndest to make the most of this Sunday. I'm a little bummed that I'm missing church, but I just have to have faith that this will be worth it. My pastor helped me out tonight in getting a canopy for me to use, and he was excited for me. I guess I'm just lucky to have the support I do. After all, my house is currently filled with my siblings (minus one - bummer too!), and they're here to show their support and offer their encouragement.
My parents have been super helpful in every aspect of this whole endeavor. Saying "I'm blessed" only marginally covers how truly lucky I am to have the people I do in my life. I only hope everyone else has the same kind of support I get on a daily basis. Because I know at any moment, I can text my friends or family members and know that they'll respond with words of encouragement and a prayer on their hearts.
That kind of thing isn't something to take lightly. I try to remember that as often as possible.
May all your writing (and reading), adventures be happy :)
Currently Writing: Nothing at present. After this week, I'm hoping to have more time for Unity's rewrite!
Currently Reading: Finally getting around to finishing The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Currently Listening to: "Starvation" by Thomas Bergersen
PS - Sometime next week (or possibly the week after), I'll be unrolling a website for End Game. It's a wonderfully exhilarating experience!
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Amongst the Chaos
I'm telling ya, this month has been hard.
Initially, I thought this month was going to be cake. I'd write every day and I'd totally cream that 50,000 word goal of Camp Nano and I'd have a blast with my friends at a wedding earlier this month and I'd enjoy work and I'd do a million other things and still have time to do what I wanted.
That was wrong.
Not only am I way behind on my Arthurian lore piece (which has been a blast), but I've thrown another major weight onto my shoulders. In less than a month (WHAT?!), I am embarking on self-promoting my book hard core. I'll be attending an art show that my town does every fall and broadcasting my book as much as possible. That means coming up with marketing and advertising and figuring out if I can afford to buy everything that people need when they start a business and...and...I don't even know what else.
Do I buy T-shirts? What about a banner? And how about business cards? Who should I get to endorse my book? Will anyone endorse my book? What will grab someone's attention? Will what grabs my attention grab someone else's?
And all the while, I'm scraping by to meet a goal that should have only taken me a couple of days to complete. My brain feels like mush half the time and the other half I'm running rampant with ideas and thoughts and wishes and oh gosh I really should work out and I should rework my cover art and maybe I should...
This is what I've signed up for.
This is it kids. No one said it would be easy. The bills will come. The money will be tight. The nights will be long and the hours will be strenuous. You will feel stretched as you write in the odd hours. You'll feel exhausted after coming home from 9 hours of physical labor. But it's the greatest of writers, I think, that persevere through this difficulty and become something more.
Don't shy away from the challenge. Believe in yourself, even if you can't find the faith to. Somehow I do. And I think that's simply because I get by with a little help from my friends.
Currently Reading: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Currently Writing: Arthur
Currently Editing: Genesis
Currently Listening to: "Promise" by Steven Bergesen
Initially, I thought this month was going to be cake. I'd write every day and I'd totally cream that 50,000 word goal of Camp Nano and I'd have a blast with my friends at a wedding earlier this month and I'd enjoy work and I'd do a million other things and still have time to do what I wanted.
That was wrong.
Not only am I way behind on my Arthurian lore piece (which has been a blast), but I've thrown another major weight onto my shoulders. In less than a month (WHAT?!), I am embarking on self-promoting my book hard core. I'll be attending an art show that my town does every fall and broadcasting my book as much as possible. That means coming up with marketing and advertising and figuring out if I can afford to buy everything that people need when they start a business and...and...I don't even know what else.
Do I buy T-shirts? What about a banner? And how about business cards? Who should I get to endorse my book? Will anyone endorse my book? What will grab someone's attention? Will what grabs my attention grab someone else's?
And all the while, I'm scraping by to meet a goal that should have only taken me a couple of days to complete. My brain feels like mush half the time and the other half I'm running rampant with ideas and thoughts and wishes and oh gosh I really should work out and I should rework my cover art and maybe I should...
This is what I've signed up for.
This is it kids. No one said it would be easy. The bills will come. The money will be tight. The nights will be long and the hours will be strenuous. You will feel stretched as you write in the odd hours. You'll feel exhausted after coming home from 9 hours of physical labor. But it's the greatest of writers, I think, that persevere through this difficulty and become something more.
Don't shy away from the challenge. Believe in yourself, even if you can't find the faith to. Somehow I do. And I think that's simply because I get by with a little help from my friends.
Currently Reading: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Currently Writing: Arthur
Currently Editing: Genesis
Currently Listening to: "Promise" by Steven Bergesen
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Accuracy
I've never written a story that has historical fact to it.
Okay, so Arthurian lore isn't historical fact. But, there is a universally known bit about Arthur. He was king of England at some point. He may or may not have worked with Robin Hood (who is also a fictional/possibly real character from history), and his tutor/educator was a wizard named Merlin. He had a half brother named Kay and a step-father/uncle named Sir Ector. He pulled the sword from the stone and was crowned king of England at a young age. In some levels of the myth, he's a bastard child of Uther Pendragon. He has a sword called Excalibur and spoke with a lady in a lake. He married Guinevere. She may (or may not), have had an affair with Lancelot, depending on which time frame you're talking about for the lore.
It's a lot that people tend to know or have some basic carnal knowledge of. While yes, I've written of real places before, this is different. There was a lot of research involved. It's kind of how it was when I wrote my novella. I sat down and read a lot before I actually started writing. I had cheat sheets to help guide me in the story and the characters.
This is a bit harder though. At least for me. Trudging through the sludge of may haves and may-not haves is difficult. Granted, it leaves a lot of room for play. I can mess with things because, technically, there's no real hard core proof that Arthur ever existed. He had a magician call snow out in the middle of summer for crying out loud. Probably a work of fiction that acted as a good story for kids back in the day.
So I keep reminding myself to have fun with it. Take what I know (and what the world knows), and make it your own. After all, we're messing with the way the world views things already in the current world-stream from the series.
Oh yeah, this story deals with the same world as my 5 book series. At this rate, I'm never going to be done with this world. Is it alright if I say that makes me smile? I'm having some fun though. Because I'm learning more about my characters along the way. There's a flip to that and that's simply this: plot holes! There's the potential for many of them to pop on up. I'm trying to squash them though and fill the cracks before they become craters.
That may prove difficult.
Happy writing everyone!
Currently Writing: Arthur
Currently Reading: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Currently Listening to: "What Makes you Beautiful" cover by The Piano Guys
PS - The Hobbit movie is going to be a 3 parter. I don't think I like that one bit.
Okay, so Arthurian lore isn't historical fact. But, there is a universally known bit about Arthur. He was king of England at some point. He may or may not have worked with Robin Hood (who is also a fictional/possibly real character from history), and his tutor/educator was a wizard named Merlin. He had a half brother named Kay and a step-father/uncle named Sir Ector. He pulled the sword from the stone and was crowned king of England at a young age. In some levels of the myth, he's a bastard child of Uther Pendragon. He has a sword called Excalibur and spoke with a lady in a lake. He married Guinevere. She may (or may not), have had an affair with Lancelot, depending on which time frame you're talking about for the lore.
It's a lot that people tend to know or have some basic carnal knowledge of. While yes, I've written of real places before, this is different. There was a lot of research involved. It's kind of how it was when I wrote my novella. I sat down and read a lot before I actually started writing. I had cheat sheets to help guide me in the story and the characters.
This is a bit harder though. At least for me. Trudging through the sludge of may haves and may-not haves is difficult. Granted, it leaves a lot of room for play. I can mess with things because, technically, there's no real hard core proof that Arthur ever existed. He had a magician call snow out in the middle of summer for crying out loud. Probably a work of fiction that acted as a good story for kids back in the day.
So I keep reminding myself to have fun with it. Take what I know (and what the world knows), and make it your own. After all, we're messing with the way the world views things already in the current world-stream from the series.
Oh yeah, this story deals with the same world as my 5 book series. At this rate, I'm never going to be done with this world. Is it alright if I say that makes me smile? I'm having some fun though. Because I'm learning more about my characters along the way. There's a flip to that and that's simply this: plot holes! There's the potential for many of them to pop on up. I'm trying to squash them though and fill the cracks before they become craters.
That may prove difficult.
Happy writing everyone!
Currently Writing: Arthur
Currently Reading: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Currently Listening to: "What Makes you Beautiful" cover by The Piano Guys
PS - The Hobbit movie is going to be a 3 parter. I don't think I like that one bit.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Sometimes I Say Things I Don't Think Come From Me
It's a long title, but fitting.
I've been having a lot of conversations like the one I'm currently having with a friend. We're both struggling with the uncertainties of life and growing up. Finding our paths in life and where we're meant to be. The answers elude us and we're left with shrugs and blank stares at the sky as we ask, "Okay, now what?"
As I was talking with her, I realized there wasn't anything I could really say to bring her comfort. So I told her the only word I knew that might help, which was to have faith.
To me, faith always requires some level of blindness. Some level of complete trust in something unseen.
In the midst of talking with her about this, I said, "It's when we're blind that we begin to see."
At first I thought, "That's stupid. Why would you even say that?" Then I thought about it. To me, it resounded around my head for a few seconds and then settled into my heart. It was true. It was something that I didn't really believe when I wrote it, but when I read it again, I realized it was something I needed to hear.
Become blind so then you can see.
Currently Writing: Arthur outline
Currently Reading: The Once and Future King by T.H. White
Currently Listening to: "Finale" from the DragonHeart Score
I've been having a lot of conversations like the one I'm currently having with a friend. We're both struggling with the uncertainties of life and growing up. Finding our paths in life and where we're meant to be. The answers elude us and we're left with shrugs and blank stares at the sky as we ask, "Okay, now what?"
As I was talking with her, I realized there wasn't anything I could really say to bring her comfort. So I told her the only word I knew that might help, which was to have faith.
To me, faith always requires some level of blindness. Some level of complete trust in something unseen.
In the midst of talking with her about this, I said, "It's when we're blind that we begin to see."
At first I thought, "That's stupid. Why would you even say that?" Then I thought about it. To me, it resounded around my head for a few seconds and then settled into my heart. It was true. It was something that I didn't really believe when I wrote it, but when I read it again, I realized it was something I needed to hear.
Become blind so then you can see.
Currently Writing: Arthur outline
Currently Reading: The Once and Future King by T.H. White
Currently Listening to: "Finale" from the DragonHeart Score
Saturday, July 14, 2012
The Seasons
Right now I'm not at a job I necessarily am enthused about. Working in retail for the rest of my life doesn't sound like my ideal position, but I'm always trying to remind myself that I'm where I need to be for the moment. Every day I make as valid an attempt I can at asking God to show me why I'm where I am. To help me endure the rough days and to praise Him for the good ones.
Yesterday, two good things happened.
The first of which was, three of my customers asked me about my necklace. I have a crown of thorns necklace that I've had since the year the Passion of the Christ came out. When I was younger (and even now), I'd had cross necklaces, but they always felt empty to me. The world had lost the understanding, the weight behind what the cross meant. How it could be beautiful and awful at the same time. I liked them enough, but I wanted something different. Something people would ask about.
I've taken to wearing the necklace every day at work. Just something small (like my promise ring), that can set me apart and maybe, just maybe, help witness to others. I'm sure I fail on a regular basis. But I still try.
Then yesterday, those three customers asked what it was. It opened the doorway for short conversations with each of them. One was definitely a believer, while one was obviously not. The last person that asked me was a woman who was faxing the death certificate of her best friend and sister-in-law.
I can only hope that somehow my brief talks with each of them helped them in some way.
The other good thing that happened was: I got a job nibble. One of my customers (not only is the mom to a once-fellow associate), has to clients that are editors for magazines. One of them is interested in me. So last night I emailed off my resume to her. I'm excited to see what happens with it. Because working retail, while it's great to have a job right now, is not what I want to be doing for the rest of my life. There's far too much I want to accomplish outside of these cramped walls and massive windows.
So wish me luck. And prayer. Prayer is always a good thing in times like these.
Currently Editing: Genesis
Currently Reading: The Once and Future King by T.H. White
Currently Listening to: "Promise" by Thomas Bergersen
Yesterday, two good things happened.
The first of which was, three of my customers asked me about my necklace. I have a crown of thorns necklace that I've had since the year the Passion of the Christ came out. When I was younger (and even now), I'd had cross necklaces, but they always felt empty to me. The world had lost the understanding, the weight behind what the cross meant. How it could be beautiful and awful at the same time. I liked them enough, but I wanted something different. Something people would ask about.
I've taken to wearing the necklace every day at work. Just something small (like my promise ring), that can set me apart and maybe, just maybe, help witness to others. I'm sure I fail on a regular basis. But I still try.
Then yesterday, those three customers asked what it was. It opened the doorway for short conversations with each of them. One was definitely a believer, while one was obviously not. The last person that asked me was a woman who was faxing the death certificate of her best friend and sister-in-law.
I can only hope that somehow my brief talks with each of them helped them in some way.
The other good thing that happened was: I got a job nibble. One of my customers (not only is the mom to a once-fellow associate), has to clients that are editors for magazines. One of them is interested in me. So last night I emailed off my resume to her. I'm excited to see what happens with it. Because working retail, while it's great to have a job right now, is not what I want to be doing for the rest of my life. There's far too much I want to accomplish outside of these cramped walls and massive windows.
So wish me luck. And prayer. Prayer is always a good thing in times like these.
Currently Editing: Genesis
Currently Reading: The Once and Future King by T.H. White
Currently Listening to: "Promise" by Thomas Bergersen
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