Monday, February 28, 2011

It's Monday? Already? Crap! No, no...I mean, SPARKLES!! Yes, that's it!

I pretty much did nothing all weekend.  It's nice to do that sometimes.  I stressed some about where to go with my story.  I mean, I have a who, what, when, where, and why -- but I have no idea how to tie it all together.  I know it's too soon for me to be discouraged but I am just a little.  My writing and book buddy, K-Rae, basically told me to get off it and suck it up.  (Yes, I called her K-Rae.  That's going to be her rapper name.  She's good at everything, so why not be a rapper?  Well, maybe I should ask her what she thinks about all of this before I set up a gig...)

ANYWAY she's right, I need to suck it up, and just put it all down, and worry about the rest later.

Then I watched this!  This is SO going to be my launch party.  How epic! 

I hope ya'll have a great and productive week ahead.  This Friday is the Rachel Hawkins signing!  Totes excited about that!

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Does that sparkle with all the girls? Sunshine!

Just incase you are wondering, yes, I am feeling a little bit better.

Now, on to the point.

I am definitely not the most positive person in the world, I don't try to hide that. I consider myself not so much negative (yes, maybe I am in denial) but more realistic. I don't sugar coat much, if anything and I don't hide behind rose-colored glasses.  Sometimes my outlook makes people laugh.  Sometimes it affects me more than I'd like to admit.  Sometimes I let it get me down.  WAY down.



In catching up on blogs, I've had some time to reflect.   I've read posts about the what ifs and mantras and have thought about the issues I am having at work and asked myself, "what do I do now?".

I have really just one thing to say.  Sparkles, Sunshine, Rainbows, and Unicorns.  If something isn't going my way, or if I get in a "mood", I just repeat it.  Sparkles, Sunshine, Rainbows, and Unicorns.  It's my new mantra.  Fake it 'til you make it, right?  I am trying hard to have a more positive demeanor.  Trying REAL hard.  I have 35 years of cynical thinking to undo.  What can I say?  One day at a time!

I was somewhat inspired by a South Park (Season 11) episode called "The List".  I'm a back and forth watcher.  Sometimes I am in the mood, sometimes they take it too far.  This episode CRACKS me up.  I tried to find a clip on YouTube but looks like the South Park peeps have that on lock down. If you have Netflix, just watch it.  Yes, there are inappropriate words.  But you will laugh.  I hope. 

PS - HAPPY FRIDAY EVE!

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Cough...sneeze....hack...snort...zzzz

It appears that what I thought was allergies is something WAY more intense.  Did not sleep one iota last night.  Looks like I am going to be out of commission for a few days!!  No bueno!

Being sick sucks.  That is all!

Monday, February 21, 2011

It's just another Manic Monday.....

Monday oh how I loathe thee!

I had a pretty rough week last week, especially Friday.  It's always refreshing to find out you've been betrayed and that betrayal affects your potential to be promoted and make more money.  Yes, that is sarcasm you are reading here.

ANYway...I met up with my favorite writing / reading buddy Kristin after finding out about said event/betrayal and we took our laptops over to Starbucks and did some writing.  I've never done that before.  In fact, I'm usually the one making snarky comments about those sitting around in Starbucks doing just that.  I found, however, that it was very nice to write somewhere other than my office at home, and I can't wait to do it again! I apologize to the millions of people that use their laptops in Starbucks for my harsh judgement. We chatted, brainstormed, and did some writing and it really took my mind off of the 9 to 5.  I was calm, cool, and relaxed.  As soon as I got back in the car to go back to my cubicle, my stomach started knotting up, and I literally felt sick to my stomach.  When I got to the parking lot I just broke down in the car, practically hyperventilating.  It could have been the coffee, but I was pretty sure it was the job.  To make myself feel better, I packed up ALL personal items from my desk.  It was fun to watch the boss squirm a little bit watching me.  Finally someone asked if I'd be back on Monday, and I confirmed that I would be...I just had a few personal items I'd been meaning to take home -- that's all.  Bwahahahaha!

Did I want to quit?  My gosh yes!  I've been unhappy for quite some time.  I know that financially it would be tricky so I stay anyway and take the abuse.  I think that this was my final warning though - not work wise but stress wise.  My body is telling me it's time to move on from there.  I've got to finish this book, get it published, and get the eff out of there!!  The thought of getting away from that toxic, high-schoolish environment is the best motivation I can think of to get my story down and done!

Do I have a point?  I think so...

I think the point is that there is a turning point for all of us - when we realize our lives need to change and only we have the power to do it.   I mean, of course this is pretty basic stuff...but we get comfortable and just keep on with how we are doing things.  Friday was my last wake up call.  I'm getting this DONE!

I'm glad that I have such a great group of peeps to hang out with while I'm doing it.  You know, YOU GUYS!  I think we are going to have a fun day when I hit the 50 follower mark.  I have plans for you ALL!  I'd put my evil plot laugh here...but I used it once already.

Happy Monday everyone!  Have a great week!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

What a day!

WOW!  Thanks to the blogfest, I think my followers list has DOUBLED!  I haven't even had a chance to go exploring on my own...will have to make time for that hopefully tomorrow.

Thanks to everyone that stopped by and shared (and followed)!  I look forward to getting to know all of you!

Almost 30 followers.  Maybe we can do something FUN when I hit 50!  Only if I can wear a tiara, though.

My Answers to the Bernard Pivot Blogfest Questionnaire!

In case you didn't know, Nicole is hosting a blogfest in the spirt of "In the Actor's Studio" to celebrate 500 followers!  Learn more about the contest here!  My answers are below.  Enjoy :)

What is your favorite word?   Asshat.  I'm pretty sure it's not a real word, but it gives me the giggles.  Especially when someone has done something worthy of being called one.


What is your least favorite word?   Work.  Seriously.


What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?  I don't know about "turned on" per se, but it inspires me to be around positive people.  If you know me, you know I'm not the world's biggest optimist -- it's been a semi-rough life so I have a lot of things to be cautious of.  The more I am around positive, and truly caring people, the less negative I become.


What turns you off? People that are nasty just to amuse themselves.  Nobody's perfect, and we all have our catty comments from time to time...but I really feel sorry for those who have nothing better to do than to just sit around and say nasty and unnecessary things about other people.


What is your favorite curse word?   Fcuk!  Fcukity! Fcuk! Fcuk! Fcuk!  Sometimes there is just nothing else that makes sense!

What sound or noise do you love? I love hearing the keys in the front door.  It means my handsome husband is home!


What sound or noise do you hate?  Well, I'd have to say that this is a very close tie between the sound of my alarm and the sound of one of my cats hacking something up somewhere in the house.  Blech.


What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?   I've always wanted to be a professional chef.  Now I want to be a writer.  Maybe I can be a professional chef that writes about being a professional chef?  Did I lose you there?
What profession would you not like to do?  The one I am doing now.  But seriously, I just don't like to work.  If I had my way, I'd be a homemaker.


If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?  Welcome.  Brad Pitt's been waiting for you over there on cloud 39.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

"Show me, show me, show me how you do that trick...the one that makes me scream", she says...

I love music.  All kinds.  Today is New Music Tuesday, and I am always on the hunt for something new to listen to!  Your suggestions are appreciated.

Now on to the real post.   I've found myself lately listening to an 80's New Wave / Alternative + early 90's Alternative / Grunge play list.  New Order, Joy Division, Depeche Mode, Echo & the Bunnymen, Siouxie and the Banshees, The Cure, Yaz, Violent Femmes, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, REM, RHCP - I could literally go on all day about music!  It takes me back to high school, and what it was like to have a crush on the boy next door (hint, hint).  It puts me in the proper mind set for my WIP.  I really believe that the music that was at your core in your teen / formative years is the music you tend to revert to in adulthood for comfort and general enjoyment.  I always gave my mom a hard time about her music - Zeppelin, Beatles, The Who, The Stones, Jimi, Janis...but I realize today it's no different than me listening now to the bands from my youth.  Oh my youth, where are you?

So, what music gets you in the mood?
(Get your minds out of the gutter - I'm talking about writing!)

Monday, February 14, 2011

Have you ever noticed that Friday is so CLOSE to Monday, but Monday is so FAR from Friday?

I had a VERY lazy weekend. I did not leave the house at all! I did accomplish one thing though - I basically have plotted out my entire story. There are of course details to be worked out, but I have a really good framework down so far!!


The hardest part to me so far has been picking names for my characters!! Who knew it would be that difficult?


I think I need to take my mind off if it for a day or so and see if anything just comes to me. Of course, I can't seem to be able to NOT think about my story. That's a good thing, right?

And now...it's my turn to BRAG!

Just last week, Kristin was bragging on ME because I won the Alice Marvels weekly giveaway from the week before.  I won a copy of Delirium by Lauren Oliver, which I am VERY anxious to receive and read!  As Kristin noted, if you are not getting your daily Alice Marvels, and you are a fan of the YA genre, you should really sign up!

Well, guess who won last week's contest?  That's right, your very own Kristin Creative!!  The prompt:  Which fairy tale character would you like to be and why?  The prize:  Cloaked by Alex Finn.  Y'all don't need me to tell you how fabulous Kristin is -- heck, most of you have been reading her blog longer than I've known her.   When she showed me this entry, I was blown away.  I would have been really angry with Alice Marvels had she not been chosen!  Her winning entry is below!

Maybe it's the Sociology major in me, but Cinderella is one of my favorite classic fairy tales. The story really demonstrates that you can rise above your circumstances. She worked hard her entire young life, desperate for change but stuck in a loveless home. Enter the fairy godmother, who represents anyone in our life that encourages and inspire us to take risks. Our lives are what we make of them, and while our efforts might not earn us an actual prince, they will earn us a better life. I'd want to be Cinderella because she has perspective. Often people who come from virtually nothing and become successful have a stronger outlook--they don't take anything for granted because they know what went into getting that success. They might even be kinder to those less fortunate, and who knows? They might be a fairy godmother for someone else.


Woo Hoo!  We are WINNERS!  Well, she's always a winner.  She seems to have the magic touch when it comes to contests!!  Congrats, K!


Happy Monday and Happy Valentine's Day to all of you! Hope your week starts off well!

Friday, February 11, 2011

Thanks, and HAPPY FRIDAY!

Well, it's Friday, and the end of a pretty good week for me. 

Thanks to everyone for your input and support so far.  My WIP now has over 900 words.  I feel very accomplished!  I've also noticed that since I am focusing so much on my WIP, I have been able to tune out the negative things around me.  Even if I am not actually writing, I'm too busy thinking about what my MC will be doing next, instead of letting the toxicity at my 9 to 5 bog me down. 

Have a fantastic weekend everyone!

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Getting Started

Well, I can officially say that I have written the first page of my story.  109 words.  I am on my way!!

What I am not sure of is which program to use for the rest of it.  I tried  Scrivener and it looks very useful.  It's only Beta for Windows right now, so I am really afraid to use it long term.  It saves in a format specific to the program.  In the event that the program never is fully released for windows, I am afraid of losing my data.
So for now I am starting with Word, and using One Note to organize my research and notes.  Any suggestions from the professionals (this means you guys!)?

As I started typing, I realize I have absolutely no idea what I am doing!!  I don't plan on letting that slow me down, but this brings me to some additional questions.  Should I take a class?  How many of you are self taught?  Are there any resources that you recommend for guidance?

Happy Friday Eve everyone!

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

They say you made a resoluuuution....weeelll you know....

Resolutions.  I made one this year.  Just one.  To exercise.  Every day.  Minimum 20 minutes.
It lasted one month.  I don't know what happened.  I was so committed.  Is it because I'm really lazy?  Did life get in the way?   Maybe, but I really believe I set a goal that was unreachable in the first place.  Did it ever make sense for someone to go from 0 work outs to 365?    My resolution should have been more realistic.  Maybe 3 - 4 days a week is more reasonable.

I have a tendency to dream big - to take on a big task at once, and then I fizzle out pretty quickly.  I get overwhelmed.  I say all of this because I worry in terms of deciding to write a book.  Sure, it's all exciting now - but can I stick to it? I can say this - I really want to, and I think I have a pretty good support system now to keep me encouraged.  So this will be my 2nd resolution - to stick to writing. 

What were your resolutions?  Have you stuck with it?  If not, do you know why?

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

WOW!

All I can say is THANKS for such a warm welcome today!   This is not my first attempt to blog, but my previous attempt was really just for me.  I wouldn't say I have anger issues, but I do sometimes have a hard time keeping my thoughts silent.  Instead of saying things out loud, I decided to blog them anonymously on what I called my "suck it blog".  I don't know if I went through a phase or what, but I haven't really felt the need to tell someone to suck it in a very long time.  Maybe I am growing up, who knows.

Anyway, I have imported them for historical purposes.  I think they are kind of funny - so maybe you will too.  Feel free to check out the 2010 Archives!

Monday, February 7, 2011

An Exciting Day...

Realizing your dreams is more overwhelming that one expects.  Today I came up with about 20 different ideas for my book.  Now it's time to organize them.

I only have one lonely little follower, but she does enough for 100! Between her own blog, her fantabulous photo photography career, and her new team blog, BooKrushed, she found time to make me this gorgeous header that you can find right up there...look up...see it?

I am almost too excited to sleep, but I am sure I will find a way...

I'm a blogger...sort of....

I have been advised lately that I should really get into writing.  A friend of mine says that I have a witty way of saying things.  I've never felt that I was terribly creative, but I did dabble in high school with the newspaper, and was a pretty good yearbook editor (my specialty was fun and witty captions).  Maybe it was meant to be!

So I've been brainstorming on what my debut novel should be about.  I am a big fan of the YA genre, and I tend to lean towards the paranormal, so I believe this is where my story will be heading.  I am admittedly nervous, excited, and overwhelmed ALL at the same time.

I'll be working on getting my blog all blogified and fun-looking.   Once I get up and running...maybe a giveaway!

So, welcome to my world.  Hang on to your gut, it's going to be a funny ride.  Or at least I hope so.