The last few months have been quite busy for me as I adjust to being back working full time, instead of being an almost full time mom at home. I do love being back in the workforce, but juggling all the other things becomes a new talent.
I realized over the weekend after reading EJ Weseley's post, that while writing my blog 5 days a week was a good strategy when I wasn't working those same 5 days, that I need to cut back a bit. So, I am taking the rest of the week off of posting, and next week will start a new blogging schedule- most likely Tues/Thurs for a bit.
In other news, the finalists from the Nature's Magic Blogfest are up. You can find them here. Read through and vote for your favorite! While mine didn't make it into the finalists, I did enjoy writing for this blogfest and reading all the other snippets that were shared.
Have a great rest of the week and weekend! See you next week!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
More Tips
To add to yesterday's post, here are two more things I've seen in my beta reading.
Then and than being exchanged for each other. They do not mean the same thing, and you can't interchange them. I catch it when I read because I hear the difference (I speak the words in my mind as I read) of the 'a' and the 'e'.
The other is past and passed. My husband constantly shakes his head at me when I ask him which it should be. Finally he told me past is almost always used after another verb. (I went past). Passed is almost always a verb. (Time passed.)
I hope you find these tips helpful. What tips do you have to share?
Speaking of sharing, EJ Wesely shared this link in yesterday's comments and I wanted to be sure you all saw it. It's a word/phrase frequency counter. I know I'll be checking it out!
Oh, in other news-- Lisa Shearin's Con and Conjure (5th in the Raine Benares series) comes out today. You can check out excerpts at her site. Have a great Tuesday!
Then and than being exchanged for each other. They do not mean the same thing, and you can't interchange them. I catch it when I read because I hear the difference (I speak the words in my mind as I read) of the 'a' and the 'e'.
The other is past and passed. My husband constantly shakes his head at me when I ask him which it should be. Finally he told me past is almost always used after another verb. (I went past). Passed is almost always a verb. (Time passed.)
I hope you find these tips helpful. What tips do you have to share?
Speaking of sharing, EJ Wesely shared this link in yesterday's comments and I wanted to be sure you all saw it. It's a word/phrase frequency counter. I know I'll be checking it out!
Oh, in other news-- Lisa Shearin's Con and Conjure (5th in the Raine Benares series) comes out today. You can check out excerpts at her site. Have a great Tuesday!
Monday, March 28, 2011
Tips and Thanks!
Thank you to all who stopped by for the Nature of Magic Blogfest. If you missed it, click on the link to the right and check out all the entries.
Welcome to all of my new followers and welcome back to my regular readers!
Today I'm sharing with you three things I've learned from my critique partners that I am trying to share with others I critique for. Hopefully you will find them helpful in your writing as well. So, in no particular order:
1) Be careful of over using words. I used to use THAT a lot. Now I've replaced it with THEN. Another favorite I've seen in writing is AND. If you can say the sentence without the word, leave it out. In the case of THEN, find another word (Thanks Trisha!!!)
2) Use common words. While I am a big fan of building vocabulary, I strongly believe a reader will lose interest if they are having to run to the dictionary every page (or paragraph!). Nothing is wrong with common words
3) Don't be repetitious with words. Do all your paragraphs start with the same word? Do all your sentences in the paragraph begin with s/he? Did you use the same descriptive word three times in that paragraph when you could have substituted something else? These are things I check for after I get my thoughts down. I often have drafts where each of these things happen abundantly. When I revise, I try to catch them and change out words-- sometimes I miss it, though-- thank God for Beta readers!!!
I hope these help you as you read through your work or critique others. What do you look for? Any tips you have to share?
Welcome to all of my new followers and welcome back to my regular readers!
Today I'm sharing with you three things I've learned from my critique partners that I am trying to share with others I critique for. Hopefully you will find them helpful in your writing as well. So, in no particular order:
1) Be careful of over using words. I used to use THAT a lot. Now I've replaced it with THEN. Another favorite I've seen in writing is AND. If you can say the sentence without the word, leave it out. In the case of THEN, find another word (Thanks Trisha!!!)
2) Use common words. While I am a big fan of building vocabulary, I strongly believe a reader will lose interest if they are having to run to the dictionary every page (or paragraph!). Nothing is wrong with common words
3) Don't be repetitious with words. Do all your paragraphs start with the same word? Do all your sentences in the paragraph begin with s/he? Did you use the same descriptive word three times in that paragraph when you could have substituted something else? These are things I check for after I get my thoughts down. I often have drafts where each of these things happen abundantly. When I revise, I try to catch them and change out words-- sometimes I miss it, though-- thank God for Beta readers!!!
I hope these help you as you read through your work or critique others. What do you look for? Any tips you have to share?
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Nature of Magic Blogfest
Today is the Nature of Magic Blogfest. In 250-1000 words, you are to describe what magic means to you or your characters. When I found out about this blogfest, it was as though fate smiled down on me. I was just getting to a point in my WIP where I needed to expound on the magic of the world.
In my WIP (YA Fantasy), The Ruby Dagger, my main character Moira has lost her voice as a side effect of her magic being stolen. Moira has gone to Cytherea, an island of sorceresses and it is winter. When she arrived on this island a spell was cast allowing Queen Latrice and another woman to be able to "hear" her speech. In this excerpt,Moira and the Queen are enjoying a walk in a garden inside the palace.
In my WIP (YA Fantasy), The Ruby Dagger, my main character Moira has lost her voice as a side effect of her magic being stolen. Moira has gone to Cytherea, an island of sorceresses and it is winter. When she arrived on this island a spell was cast allowing Queen Latrice and another woman to be able to "hear" her speech. In this excerpt,Moira and the Queen are enjoying a walk in a garden inside the palace.
Moira walked down the path, pausing every few feet as Queen Latrice pointed out hidden blooms and plants in the underbrush. The variety of plants and flowers amazed Moira. She had never seen so many in one place, not even in the large fields of Ravenvale.
They stopped before the largest flower Moira had ever seen. The bloom so large, it seemed the stem shouldn't be able to hold it upright. It was as though strong magic was at work.
“No magic is used in this room,” Queen Latrice said, when Moira asked. “The glass walls capture the warmth of the sun, and everyone has the chore of watering and weeding.”
Why don't you use magic in here?
“If we used magic to grow the plants, it would contaminate them, taint them with parts of ourselves. By letting them grow naturally, the magic they are used for will be pure.” Latrice gestured to a small group of white flowers growing in the shadow of the giant red bloom, disdain coating her words. “These blooms here will be sold to wizards in Ravenvale for use in their potions."
You don't seem to care much for the wizards, Moira said.
“Why should I?” Latrice asked as she continued down the pathway. “Other than the money they pay for our plants, they are worthless to us. We are forever correcting the messes made by their elemental magic.”
Moira frowned. She had never heard of elemental magic before, and the wizards she knew of were all quite competent in their magic. Although, she did question their habit of selling potions and charms to non-magic users. Perhaps these were the source of the problems Queen Latrice mentioned.
What do you mean 'elemental' magic'? I've never heard of such a thing.
Queen Latrice's eyes lifted in surprise. “You have never heard of this before?”
Moira shook her head, and Latrice threw her hands in the air, stalking away around a bend in the path. Moira trotted to keep up, surprised at the monarch's reaction.
Latrice led her to a marble bench beneath a flowering fruit tree. “Come, sit beside me as I correct the sad neglect of your education.” She huffed out a breath, then looked at Moira. “There are two kinds of magic in the world, elemental and spiritual. Wizards, may the goddess bless them, use elemental. Sorcerers and sorceresses use spiritual.”
Moira stared, waiting for Queen Latrice to continue, but the woman just sat there looking at her as though waiting for her to say something. Did she really think that explained the difference and why she disliked wizards so much?
What is the difference between elemental and spiritual magic?
“Ah. . . the difference. Elemental magic uses the elements—earth, air, fire, water. Wizards manipulate these elements to create their own magic in potions, charms, and spells. Sorcerers and sorceresses, like us, are touched by the gods and goddesses themselves, bestowed with a portion of their power, their magic. The magic flows in our blood, and we learn to manipulate it to create with it.”
Moira frowned. I use the elements when I cast a spell, but I am a sorceress.
Latrice smiled. “There is always overlap in magic for sorceresses. We use the magic that flows through us, manipulating the elements with its power. We create talismans and amulets, rings and potions, as do wizards. The difference is we can create the magic out of nothing, should we choose to. They must take what is there and use it to create new magic.”
Moira had never realized there was that much difference between sorcerers and wizards. She knew magic came easy to her, even easier than many of those who had taught her. They had often seemed to wonder at the power and control she had with so little training.
They stopped before the largest flower Moira had ever seen. The bloom so large, it seemed the stem shouldn't be able to hold it upright. It was as though strong magic was at work.
“No magic is used in this room,” Queen Latrice said, when Moira asked. “The glass walls capture the warmth of the sun, and everyone has the chore of watering and weeding.”
Why don't you use magic in here?
“If we used magic to grow the plants, it would contaminate them, taint them with parts of ourselves. By letting them grow naturally, the magic they are used for will be pure.” Latrice gestured to a small group of white flowers growing in the shadow of the giant red bloom, disdain coating her words. “These blooms here will be sold to wizards in Ravenvale for use in their potions."
You don't seem to care much for the wizards, Moira said.
“Why should I?” Latrice asked as she continued down the pathway. “Other than the money they pay for our plants, they are worthless to us. We are forever correcting the messes made by their elemental magic.”
Moira frowned. She had never heard of elemental magic before, and the wizards she knew of were all quite competent in their magic. Although, she did question their habit of selling potions and charms to non-magic users. Perhaps these were the source of the problems Queen Latrice mentioned.
What do you mean 'elemental' magic'? I've never heard of such a thing.
Queen Latrice's eyes lifted in surprise. “You have never heard of this before?”
Moira shook her head, and Latrice threw her hands in the air, stalking away around a bend in the path. Moira trotted to keep up, surprised at the monarch's reaction.
Latrice led her to a marble bench beneath a flowering fruit tree. “Come, sit beside me as I correct the sad neglect of your education.” She huffed out a breath, then looked at Moira. “There are two kinds of magic in the world, elemental and spiritual. Wizards, may the goddess bless them, use elemental. Sorcerers and sorceresses use spiritual.”
Moira stared, waiting for Queen Latrice to continue, but the woman just sat there looking at her as though waiting for her to say something. Did she really think that explained the difference and why she disliked wizards so much?
What is the difference between elemental and spiritual magic?
“Ah. . . the difference. Elemental magic uses the elements—earth, air, fire, water. Wizards manipulate these elements to create their own magic in potions, charms, and spells. Sorcerers and sorceresses, like us, are touched by the gods and goddesses themselves, bestowed with a portion of their power, their magic. The magic flows in our blood, and we learn to manipulate it to create with it.”
Moira frowned. I use the elements when I cast a spell, but I am a sorceress.
Latrice smiled. “There is always overlap in magic for sorceresses. We use the magic that flows through us, manipulating the elements with its power. We create talismans and amulets, rings and potions, as do wizards. The difference is we can create the magic out of nothing, should we choose to. They must take what is there and use it to create new magic.”
Moira had never realized there was that much difference between sorcerers and wizards. She knew magic came easy to her, even easier than many of those who had taught her. They had often seemed to wonder at the power and control she had with so little training.
Let me know what you thought, then click above to see more magical posts! Have a great weekend! I'm off to explore the world of magic on the Blogfest!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Recipe Friday!
Hope you've all had a great week! Remember I'll be posting here tomorrow as part of The Nature of Magic Blogfest!
Today's recipe is a favorite of my son's. Loaded Nachos. Hope you enjoy it as much as he does!
Loaded Nachos
Ground beef (about 1 pound)
Taco seasoning packet
tortilla chips
lettuce (chunked up or shredded)
salsa
sour cream
shredded cheese
black olives, sliced
jalepenos
banana peppers
Cook your meat as you would for tacos. Add taco seasoning following the directions of the seasoning packet. On a plate, layer tortilla chips. Then add as much (or more) of the rest of the ingredients above in whatever layers you like. Enjoy!
Today's recipe is a favorite of my son's. Loaded Nachos. Hope you enjoy it as much as he does!
Loaded Nachos
Ground beef (about 1 pound)
Taco seasoning packet
tortilla chips
lettuce (chunked up or shredded)
salsa
sour cream
shredded cheese
black olives, sliced
jalepenos
banana peppers
Cook your meat as you would for tacos. Add taco seasoning following the directions of the seasoning packet. On a plate, layer tortilla chips. Then add as much (or more) of the rest of the ingredients above in whatever layers you like. Enjoy!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Jumping Ahead
When you're writing, do you move forward along a pre-determined time line, or do you jump around, writing scenes as they come to mind?
I have been known to do a little of both. Normally, I write the story in sequence, but occasionally I write out of order. There's that scene that just pops into mind and you have to get it down on paper/screen before it is gone with the breeze.
For the Nature of Magic Blogfest Saturday, I wasn't at the point of my story to write the scene about the magic in my world. In fact, I was about four chapters away when I had the idea for the scene I will be sharing. What amazed me was this scene helped me answer a bunch of questions that were making huge gaping holes in my story.
So, would I write out of order again? Absolutely!! Especially if it helps me find the answers I need!
I have been known to do a little of both. Normally, I write the story in sequence, but occasionally I write out of order. There's that scene that just pops into mind and you have to get it down on paper/screen before it is gone with the breeze.
For the Nature of Magic Blogfest Saturday, I wasn't at the point of my story to write the scene about the magic in my world. In fact, I was about four chapters away when I had the idea for the scene I will be sharing. What amazed me was this scene helped me answer a bunch of questions that were making huge gaping holes in my story.
So, would I write out of order again? Absolutely!! Especially if it helps me find the answers I need!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
World Building
As I work through my current revisions, I am finding ways to build my world a bit more. To explore the magic of the realm and the lands within. My beta readers have noticed the subtle comments and told me it has made a world of difference in the story.
When you write, do you make your world as important as a character, almost making it a character in and of itself? If you haven't, have you thought of ways you can add little touches to flesh out the world for your reader?
Speaking of exploring the magic, I will be making a special post this Saturday as part of the Nature of Magic Blogfest. Post in 250-1000 words what magic means to you or your characters. Follow the link and join in the fun.
When you write, do you make your world as important as a character, almost making it a character in and of itself? If you haven't, have you thought of ways you can add little touches to flesh out the world for your reader?
Speaking of exploring the magic, I will be making a special post this Saturday as part of the Nature of Magic Blogfest. Post in 250-1000 words what magic means to you or your characters. Follow the link and join in the fun.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Will winter ever end?
Last week we had a beautiful taste of spring. This morning I heard we can expect up to 7 inches of snow tomorrow. It seems like this winter has gone on forever, and I am ready for it to end.
I took yesterday off for writing, wanting a day to just let things sit and jell in my mind. I've made so many changes to my WIP in the last week, I wanted to be sure they worked and improved the story I am trying to tell. Seeing my muse is still telling me to go down this twisty road, I am going follow her. I do know how to use the delete button, after all.
Speaking of deleting. When your write, do you only keep your current copy, or do you keep all the prior versions, just in case you cut something you want for later? I save my WIP with a new name each time I work on them, that way I don't lose something I may want to put back in later. I also have learned to store locally and on Dropbox (an on-line storage place). This way I can be more assured not to lose anything I am working on should something happen to my computer.
Have a great Tuesday!
I took yesterday off for writing, wanting a day to just let things sit and jell in my mind. I've made so many changes to my WIP in the last week, I wanted to be sure they worked and improved the story I am trying to tell. Seeing my muse is still telling me to go down this twisty road, I am going follow her. I do know how to use the delete button, after all.
Speaking of deleting. When your write, do you only keep your current copy, or do you keep all the prior versions, just in case you cut something you want for later? I save my WIP with a new name each time I work on them, that way I don't lose something I may want to put back in later. I also have learned to store locally and on Dropbox (an on-line storage place). This way I can be more assured not to lose anything I am working on should something happen to my computer.
Have a great Tuesday!
Monday, March 21, 2011
My Fickle Muse and Exciting News
I have been working on revisions to my current WIP, The Ruby Dagger, all week (and weekend!). Last week I was pleased with the chapters I had, even though I asked my beta readers to see what they thought about the reason my MC was leaving where she was (in my mind it didn't work and was forced). Well, between Saturday night and Sunday morning, my muse pounced on me and told me exactly what she thought was wrong with it and how to fix it. (Oh how I wish she could have said something earlier, like maybe when I was in front of the keyboard working on it??)
So, happy to have corrected the problem, I changed it and resent it to my readers (with a huge apology to them for the double sending!)
I knew eventually the answer would come (and this one helps fix more things that were wrong further into the book-- hopefully in a good way-- still learning to trust the inner voice :-) )
How do you deal with things you know are wrong plot wise? Do you let it sit and boil? Do you ignore it hoping it will fix itself? Do you get out the pen and paper and outline?
In other exciting news, my fellow critquers and authors Trisha Leaver and Lindsay Currie have put up a blog for their YA dystopian FATUM. Go here to check it out and show them some love!
Have a great and productive Monday!
So, happy to have corrected the problem, I changed it and resent it to my readers (with a huge apology to them for the double sending!)
I knew eventually the answer would come (and this one helps fix more things that were wrong further into the book-- hopefully in a good way-- still learning to trust the inner voice :-) )
How do you deal with things you know are wrong plot wise? Do you let it sit and boil? Do you ignore it hoping it will fix itself? Do you get out the pen and paper and outline?
In other exciting news, my fellow critquers and authors Trisha Leaver and Lindsay Currie have put up a blog for their YA dystopian FATUM. Go here to check it out and show them some love!
Have a great and productive Monday!
Friday, March 18, 2011
Recipe Friday!
Happy Friday! Hope you've all had a good week. I'm still looking for recommendations on an e-reader, so if you have any, let me know!
For today's recipe, I decided for a simple sandwich that I've enjoyed a lot. There are two ways to make this (maybe even more!) so, have fun with it.
Tuna Melt
1 can tuna fish (more if you are feeding more than 2-3)
1/2 a brick of cheddar cheese, (or whatever cheese you favor), shredded
mayo (a couple tablespoons or more-- however much you like for tuna salad)
salt, pepper, and seasonings of your choice
rolls and aluminum foil, or bread and butter
Mix the tuna, cheese, and mayo and seasonings in a dish. Spread on rolls and wrap in aluminum foil. Bake in 350 oven for about 10-15 minutes (until cheese is melted). Or, butter one side of each slice of bread, put tuna mixture on unbuttered sides, and grill on the stove top (like grilled cheese).
Enjoy! And have a great weekend!
For today's recipe, I decided for a simple sandwich that I've enjoyed a lot. There are two ways to make this (maybe even more!) so, have fun with it.
Tuna Melt
1 can tuna fish (more if you are feeding more than 2-3)
1/2 a brick of cheddar cheese, (or whatever cheese you favor), shredded
mayo (a couple tablespoons or more-- however much you like for tuna salad)
salt, pepper, and seasonings of your choice
rolls and aluminum foil, or bread and butter
Mix the tuna, cheese, and mayo and seasonings in a dish. Spread on rolls and wrap in aluminum foil. Bake in 350 oven for about 10-15 minutes (until cheese is melted). Or, butter one side of each slice of bread, put tuna mixture on unbuttered sides, and grill on the stove top (like grilled cheese).
Enjoy! And have a great weekend!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Top o' the mornin' to ye! I remember being in elementary school and everyone being "Irish" for the day. We would pick to add "O'" or "Mc" to our last names, our teachers would leave "piles of gold" on our desks (usually pennies) and there was always the mysterious leprechaun who got into our desk and messed them up. We had a blast!
Hopefully today will be just as fun for you and your families!
On a side note, I am considering getting an e-reader and have narrowed it down to a Nook and a Kindle. I am looking for pros and cons. Let me know your thoughts (good or bad) about either! (Or other suggestions.) I'd like to be able to import text documents into it and apply editing marks (comments and notes).
May the road rise up to meet you!
Hopefully today will be just as fun for you and your families!
On a side note, I am considering getting an e-reader and have narrowed it down to a Nook and a Kindle. I am looking for pros and cons. Let me know your thoughts (good or bad) about either! (Or other suggestions.) I'd like to be able to import text documents into it and apply editing marks (comments and notes).
May the road rise up to meet you!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Bring on the dice!
PK Hrezo has been running an excellent series of posts on characterization. You can find them here. If you haven't seen them, check them out. They are well worth the read. Her posts got me thinking about how I create my characters, and I decided to share that process with you.
I started playing Dungeons and Dragons with my Hubby and his (now mine, too) friends shortly after we met until well into out married years. The character creation for the game has stuck with me into my writing. You would roll dice and place the numbers in for your strength, intelligence, wisdom, dexterity, constitution, and charisma. Sometimes your roll determined the class and race of your character, sometimes you made them work for the class and race you want.
How does this relate to writing? Do I pull out my twenty sided dice and get rolling? (No, but that could be lots of fun to try sometime-- create a character for a story based on the rolls you make. Hmmm....)
Sorry- got off track there for a moment! No, I don't actually roll dice, but I think about the things that helped me build those characters I had so much fun playing.
First, I come up with a name (sometimes the physical description comes first). Then I decide their alignment (lawful good, neutral good, lawful evil, chaotic evil, etc), their class (fighter, ranger, thief, cleric, etc.), and sometimes subclass (paladin, rogue, bard, etc.) Next, I think about their strength, intelligence, wisdom, dexterity, constitution, and charisma.
Sometimes the order varies a bit, and sometime I don't think of all the things (dexterity and strength aren't always things I think of when creating my characters, unless I have a specific path planned for them, or specific task/class that relies heavily on these areas (I would think about dexterity with a thief-- how easy do they pick locks?)
Once I have these ideas for my characters, I am ready to start putting them into my setting. Which for me is what usually comes first. I have a setting I need specific types of characters for. Once they are developed, we are off and rolling.
How about you? How do you characterize?
I started playing Dungeons and Dragons with my Hubby and his (now mine, too) friends shortly after we met until well into out married years. The character creation for the game has stuck with me into my writing. You would roll dice and place the numbers in for your strength, intelligence, wisdom, dexterity, constitution, and charisma. Sometimes your roll determined the class and race of your character, sometimes you made them work for the class and race you want.
How does this relate to writing? Do I pull out my twenty sided dice and get rolling? (No, but that could be lots of fun to try sometime-- create a character for a story based on the rolls you make. Hmmm....)
Sorry- got off track there for a moment! No, I don't actually roll dice, but I think about the things that helped me build those characters I had so much fun playing.
First, I come up with a name (sometimes the physical description comes first). Then I decide their alignment (lawful good, neutral good, lawful evil, chaotic evil, etc), their class (fighter, ranger, thief, cleric, etc.), and sometimes subclass (paladin, rogue, bard, etc.) Next, I think about their strength, intelligence, wisdom, dexterity, constitution, and charisma.
Sometimes the order varies a bit, and sometime I don't think of all the things (dexterity and strength aren't always things I think of when creating my characters, unless I have a specific path planned for them, or specific task/class that relies heavily on these areas (I would think about dexterity with a thief-- how easy do they pick locks?)
Once I have these ideas for my characters, I am ready to start putting them into my setting. Which for me is what usually comes first. I have a setting I need specific types of characters for. Once they are developed, we are off and rolling.
How about you? How do you characterize?
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Fun and Games
After a weekend of running around, it was nice last night to come home, have dinner, then play bowling on the PS3.
Our friend got a PS3 Move recently, and for his birthday Hubby bought him the bowling game for it. What a blast! It was the first time I have ever bested my hubby at bowling (well, at least until he figured out how to curve the ball!)
How do you spend your down time? Movies, museums, bowling alleys? Doesn't it feel great just to unwind every now and then??
Our friend got a PS3 Move recently, and for his birthday Hubby bought him the bowling game for it. What a blast! It was the first time I have ever bested my hubby at bowling (well, at least until he figured out how to curve the ball!)
How do you spend your down time? Movies, museums, bowling alleys? Doesn't it feel great just to unwind every now and then??
Monday, March 14, 2011
When Your Muse Strikes!
My muse is usually nice to me, at least she has been lately. She flits along in my subconscious giving me ideas, pointing me down that path I missed three turns ago. Usually this is done during my waking moments when pen and paper aren't too far away. Last night, it was as I was drifting off to sleep and too tired to get to pen and paper. Fortunately I was able to recall what it was my muse had pointed out to me (darn shifting time from almost night to daybreak-- forgot to carry that thread through the rest of the chapter!)
So today I ask, how does your muse treat you? Do you find yourself scrambling for pen and paper as sleep is beckoning you? Are you able to put the thought into your memory and recall it the next day, or is it gone forever if you don't record it?
So today I ask, how does your muse treat you? Do you find yourself scrambling for pen and paper as sleep is beckoning you? Are you able to put the thought into your memory and recall it the next day, or is it gone forever if you don't record it?
Friday, March 11, 2011
Recipe Friday and Contest winner!
It's Friday! That day we all look forward to every week. Hope yours is going splendidly!
Last week I announced a contest on the blog. Only one of you were brave enough to enter (which made my decision quite easy!). It is with great pleasure I announce that Demitria is the winner of the recipe naming contest with her entry of Peanut Butter Chocolate Lava. Congratulations, Demitria! E-mail me at mewaibel at gmail dot com with the name of the book you would like and cookies or fudge.
In other exciting news, I finished the first draft of my current WIP yesterday afternoon! Now, I have a huge amount of revisions to look forward to-- I need to add in over 11,000 words to make my minimum word count. I'm not sure which is easier-- adding words or having to cut :-)
Now, on to this weeks recipe. In honor of St. Patrick's Day this coming Thursday, I am posting a recipe I made up for Shepherd's Pie. Last year, Hubby and I went to Pittsburgh for our anniversary, and I have an amazing Shepherd's Pie at this awesome Irish Pub we went to. I didn't get their recipe, but knew they marinated the meat in Guiness. Well, this week I decided to play around with a recipe, and here it is.
Shepherd's Pie
Stew meat (about 1-2 lbs)
1 bag frozen mixed vegetables
3-4 Tablespoons Flour
1 bottle Guiness
Seasoning of your choice
Mashed potatoes (I used boxed ones)
Shredded Cheese
Put the stew meat in a container and pour the bottle of Guiness over the meat. Let it sit in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Using a crock-pot, pour the meat and beer into the crock-pot. Add 3-4 tablespoons of flour and mix well. Add vegetables (still frozen) and mix. Add seasoning to your taste (I didn't do this, but next time plan on adding Montreal Seasoning).Cook on low for about 8 hours. Fix the mashed potatoes. Spoon over top of beef mixture. Sprinkle with cheese. Put in oven for about 15 minutes to melt cheese. Enjoy!
Last week I announced a contest on the blog. Only one of you were brave enough to enter (which made my decision quite easy!). It is with great pleasure I announce that Demitria is the winner of the recipe naming contest with her entry of Peanut Butter Chocolate Lava. Congratulations, Demitria! E-mail me at mewaibel at gmail dot com with the name of the book you would like and cookies or fudge.
In other exciting news, I finished the first draft of my current WIP yesterday afternoon! Now, I have a huge amount of revisions to look forward to-- I need to add in over 11,000 words to make my minimum word count. I'm not sure which is easier-- adding words or having to cut :-)
Now, on to this weeks recipe. In honor of St. Patrick's Day this coming Thursday, I am posting a recipe I made up for Shepherd's Pie. Last year, Hubby and I went to Pittsburgh for our anniversary, and I have an amazing Shepherd's Pie at this awesome Irish Pub we went to. I didn't get their recipe, but knew they marinated the meat in Guiness. Well, this week I decided to play around with a recipe, and here it is.
Shepherd's Pie
Stew meat (about 1-2 lbs)
1 bag frozen mixed vegetables
3-4 Tablespoons Flour
1 bottle Guiness
Seasoning of your choice
Mashed potatoes (I used boxed ones)
Shredded Cheese
Put the stew meat in a container and pour the bottle of Guiness over the meat. Let it sit in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Using a crock-pot, pour the meat and beer into the crock-pot. Add 3-4 tablespoons of flour and mix well. Add vegetables (still frozen) and mix. Add seasoning to your taste (I didn't do this, but next time plan on adding Montreal Seasoning).Cook on low for about 8 hours. Fix the mashed potatoes. Spoon over top of beef mixture. Sprinkle with cheese. Put in oven for about 15 minutes to melt cheese. Enjoy!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Award
Last week, the fabulous Regina of Unsettled gave me this lovely award.
It came with the following rules:
List 7 things about yourself, and pass it on to 15 bloggers. (I will confess with the limited time I have now that I am working full time, I get to as many blogs as I can, but I don't think I get to fifteen!)
I am not sure which will be easier, the listing or the passing!
So, here goes.
1) I like music in genres ranging from Gregorian Chant to Heavy Metal
2) I love to listen to movie soundtracks when I write (in fact, The Prince of Persia soundtrack is playing on my Zune as I type!)
3) I drink coffee in the morning to wake up and at night to go to sleep.
4) I can't play racing games (or watch others play them) on the PS3 as I get motion sick.
5) I re-read my favorite books multiple times during the year.
6) I use Dungeons and Dragons character structure to create my characters for stories (Lawful good, neutral good, lawful evil, chaotic evil, etc.)
7) I love shoes. I don't have as many as Imelda Marcos was rumored to have, but that's more because of money and space, not lack of desire.
Now, for the blogs I am awarding to (in random order-- as you can see, I am short the 15-- sorry! But, I try to get to the blogs of those who follow me as often as possible):
1) Demitria Lunetta
2) Nicole Ducleroir
3) Lindsay Currie
4) Trisha Leaver
5) T.C. McKee
6) Shelley Sly
7) DSTracy
8) PK Hrezo
9) Rayna Iyer
Be sure to grab your Stylish Blogger award and pass it on!
Don't forget!!!! Your recipe name suggestion must be posted no later than 9PM tonight! Winner receives a book/e-book of their choice (price restrictions apply). some writing supplies, and choice of Cheater Fudge or Peanut Butter Cookies (with or without chocolate chips) Recipe you are naming can be found here!
List 7 things about yourself, and pass it on to 15 bloggers. (I will confess with the limited time I have now that I am working full time, I get to as many blogs as I can, but I don't think I get to fifteen!)
I am not sure which will be easier, the listing or the passing!
So, here goes.
1) I like music in genres ranging from Gregorian Chant to Heavy Metal
2) I love to listen to movie soundtracks when I write (in fact, The Prince of Persia soundtrack is playing on my Zune as I type!)
3) I drink coffee in the morning to wake up and at night to go to sleep.
4) I can't play racing games (or watch others play them) on the PS3 as I get motion sick.
5) I re-read my favorite books multiple times during the year.
6) I use Dungeons and Dragons character structure to create my characters for stories (Lawful good, neutral good, lawful evil, chaotic evil, etc.)
7) I love shoes. I don't have as many as Imelda Marcos was rumored to have, but that's more because of money and space, not lack of desire.
Now, for the blogs I am awarding to (in random order-- as you can see, I am short the 15-- sorry! But, I try to get to the blogs of those who follow me as often as possible):
1) Demitria Lunetta
2) Nicole Ducleroir
3) Lindsay Currie
4) Trisha Leaver
5) T.C. McKee
6) Shelley Sly
7) DSTracy
8) PK Hrezo
9) Rayna Iyer
Be sure to grab your Stylish Blogger award and pass it on!
Don't forget!!!! Your recipe name suggestion must be posted no later than 9PM tonight! Winner receives a book/e-book of their choice (price restrictions apply). some writing supplies, and choice of Cheater Fudge or Peanut Butter Cookies (with or without chocolate chips) Recipe you are naming can be found here!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Head Hopping
Normally Wednesdays have been for writing about my writer's group from WCC. I've decided to change things up a bit and take Wednesdays as a day to talk about how to write. I am sure these are things we all know about, but hope that maybe the discussion from them will help us all become better writers.
Today's topic is head hopping. I know we've all read it, most of us have probably written it at one time or another. You know, those scenes that are described from multiple points of view, where you know what every character is thinking, until you aren't certain whose thoughts are what.
This past weekend I was indulging myself with one of my favorite authors. As I read through the first chapter of a story I've read too many times to count, I noticed something. In the first three pages, I was inside the thoughts of five different characters and an omniscient narrator. It was something I had never noticed before. In the past, I had just read right along, enjoying the tale. This time, I stopped, looked at it, went back and counted the changes and sat there scratching my head as to why she had chosen to do this. What was the reason for the two points of view from two minor characters that we never see again? Why not focus on just one characters POV in the chapter?
So, regardless of what POV you write from, have you ever head hopped? Why? What did it accomplish that staying in the one character's POV couldn't do? Have you ever noticed a favorite author who head hopped? Did it distract you from the story? Did it make you stop reading them?
Don't forget the name the recipe contest. So far only one person has posted a name. A book, writing goodies, and food are up for grabs. Be sure to get your entry in by tomorrow at 9 PM!!!
Today's topic is head hopping. I know we've all read it, most of us have probably written it at one time or another. You know, those scenes that are described from multiple points of view, where you know what every character is thinking, until you aren't certain whose thoughts are what.
This past weekend I was indulging myself with one of my favorite authors. As I read through the first chapter of a story I've read too many times to count, I noticed something. In the first three pages, I was inside the thoughts of five different characters and an omniscient narrator. It was something I had never noticed before. In the past, I had just read right along, enjoying the tale. This time, I stopped, looked at it, went back and counted the changes and sat there scratching my head as to why she had chosen to do this. What was the reason for the two points of view from two minor characters that we never see again? Why not focus on just one characters POV in the chapter?
So, regardless of what POV you write from, have you ever head hopped? Why? What did it accomplish that staying in the one character's POV couldn't do? Have you ever noticed a favorite author who head hopped? Did it distract you from the story? Did it make you stop reading them?
Don't forget the name the recipe contest. So far only one person has posted a name. A book, writing goodies, and food are up for grabs. Be sure to get your entry in by tomorrow at 9 PM!!!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Moving In!
This weekend I finally began moving into my office. Thank you all for your kind posts and encouragement as I worked to create this new space to work in. In fact, this is my first post from the new office!
I will post pictures once all the things are hung on the walls and the curtains are up (currently waiting for them to come into the store). Things are definitely moving along.
For those of you wanting to see pictures of our snow from yesterday click here. And no, I didn't drive into the snow to imprint my license plate-- we found that after we backed the SUV up!
How are things going for you??
Don't forget to put your recipe name in for consideration in the contest! A book, writing goodies, and food are up for grabs!
I will post pictures once all the things are hung on the walls and the curtains are up (currently waiting for them to come into the store). Things are definitely moving along.
For those of you wanting to see pictures of our snow from yesterday click here. And no, I didn't drive into the snow to imprint my license plate-- we found that after we backed the SUV up!
How are things going for you??
Don't forget to put your recipe name in for consideration in the contest! A book, writing goodies, and food are up for grabs!
Monday, March 7, 2011
In Like a Lion
Sorry for the late post, but I was helping hubby clear snow, then getting ready for work. Yesterday morning our front yard had barely any snow in it and it was raining. The rain gradually turned over to snow during the day, and this morning when we woke up, there was close to 2 feet of drifting white snow on the ground.
I am so ready for spring to be here!!!!
In other news. On Friday I put a contest up to name my recipe and had no takers. So, either no one wanted to brave the waters, or you couldn't come up with a name. To sweeten the pot (pun intended!), I am continuing the contest into this week. The winner will receive a paperback or e-book of their choice (price restrictions do apply), some writing goodies, and choice of Cheater Fudge, or Peanut Butter Cookies (with or without chocolate chips) from the recipes previously posted on my blog.
Contest will run from today until 9 PM EST Thursday, March 10, 2011. Winner will be announced on Friday's post.
So, get your thinking caps on and name this recipe!
I am so ready for spring to be here!!!!
In other news. On Friday I put a contest up to name my recipe and had no takers. So, either no one wanted to brave the waters, or you couldn't come up with a name. To sweeten the pot (pun intended!), I am continuing the contest into this week. The winner will receive a paperback or e-book of their choice (price restrictions do apply), some writing goodies, and choice of Cheater Fudge, or Peanut Butter Cookies (with or without chocolate chips) from the recipes previously posted on my blog.
Contest will run from today until 9 PM EST Thursday, March 10, 2011. Winner will be announced on Friday's post.
So, get your thinking caps on and name this recipe!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Recipe Friday! (and special contest)
Today's post is s quick one as I am getting ready for work and helping son get ready for school. This is a recipe I use every now and then when I need a quick burst of something sweet, but have no goodies on hand. It sounds really gross, but tastes good (at least I think so!) You'll have to help me come up with a name for this concoction. In the spirit of things, I'll make the naming a contest. Share your names in the comments and I will choose a winner. Winner will get a goodie package from me.
Unnamed Recipe (to be named by help from blog followers)
Peanut butter
Chocolate chips
In a microwavable bowl, scoop in a large, heaping spoonful of peanut butter. Sprinkle with as many chocolate chips as desired (the more chips, the more chocolate, obviously). Put in microwave for 1 minute. Remove and stir until all chocolate is melted and well mixed. Eat.
It tastes like a liquid peanut butter cup. Enjoy!
So, what do you think it should be called?
Unnamed Recipe (to be named by help from blog followers)
Peanut butter
Chocolate chips
In a microwavable bowl, scoop in a large, heaping spoonful of peanut butter. Sprinkle with as many chocolate chips as desired (the more chips, the more chocolate, obviously). Put in microwave for 1 minute. Remove and stir until all chocolate is melted and well mixed. Eat.
It tastes like a liquid peanut butter cup. Enjoy!
So, what do you think it should be called?
Thursday, March 3, 2011
From bedroom to office (well, almost!)
Here is the day you've been waiting for! The day you get to see my son's bright green room transformed into my new office! Well, when I started putting this post together Sunday night (for the pictures) that's what I was hoping for. I had no idea that it would take 3 coats of primer followed by 2 coats of paint (and I had to wait 4 hours between coats on the paint, which meant I had to do it across 2 days.)
Oh, well. I am close to being done with it. I taped off and started painting the trim tonight. Two more coats of that, a quick vacuum followed by a wet vac, and it will be ready for me to populate this weekend!
So, for your viewing enjoyment, this is how the project has gone so far!
When my son was in kindergarten, he wanted his room painted green. So he and I went to the store and he picked out the paint, and I painted it. I cautioned him that he would have to live with it for several years, as we weren't going to paint again for a long time.
This is what his old room looked like:
With all his things in there, the bright green really worked. But, it just wasn't going to cut it for an office.
So, I put primer on the walls:
And then, two more coats of primer later, we were finally white. (I meant to take pictures and forgot! But believe me, there was no green showing through when I was done!)
Then, I painted it Glass Slipper (I love the name of the paint!) It is very light, so you might not notice the blue hue.
I can't wait until I get some furnishings in it and it begins to look like an office. I think it will be a wonderful place to be creative in!
Oh, well. I am close to being done with it. I taped off and started painting the trim tonight. Two more coats of that, a quick vacuum followed by a wet vac, and it will be ready for me to populate this weekend!
So, for your viewing enjoyment, this is how the project has gone so far!
When my son was in kindergarten, he wanted his room painted green. So he and I went to the store and he picked out the paint, and I painted it. I cautioned him that he would have to live with it for several years, as we weren't going to paint again for a long time.
This is what his old room looked like:
With all his things in there, the bright green really worked. But, it just wasn't going to cut it for an office.
So, I put primer on the walls:
And then, two more coats of primer later, we were finally white. (I meant to take pictures and forgot! But believe me, there was no green showing through when I was done!)
Then, I painted it Glass Slipper (I love the name of the paint!) It is very light, so you might not notice the blue hue.
I can't wait until I get some furnishings in it and it begins to look like an office. I think it will be a wonderful place to be creative in!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
WCC Wednesday
Even with all the house projects we have going on, I've managed to get some writing time in. I plotted out a good section of the end of my current WIP (and have made changes already!!!). The end is in sight, and I am anxious to get it down, but at the same time I am finding these current chapters more difficult to write.
My critique buddies are all in different stages this week. Trisha is starting a new work, having polished up and sent out her other WIP's. Fiona is re-working sections of her WIP, and Katie just sent me her new version of an old WIP. Jackie made great progress with her outlining and is working on her first chapter.
How are your WIP's going? Have you learned anything new about your characters? Have they taken you in a direction you didn't expect? Right now I have a war going on between two characters as to who is really the bad guy pulling the strings. I think it is one person, but one of the other minor characters keeps trying to tell me he should be the one pulling the strings as it wouldn't be expected. I am letting it play out in my mind to see where I go. What do you do when your characters throw a monkey wrench in your plans?
Next week I am going to change up my Wednesday posts to more specifics on writing. If you have any topics you would like me to focus on, let me know.
My critique buddies are all in different stages this week. Trisha is starting a new work, having polished up and sent out her other WIP's. Fiona is re-working sections of her WIP, and Katie just sent me her new version of an old WIP. Jackie made great progress with her outlining and is working on her first chapter.
How are your WIP's going? Have you learned anything new about your characters? Have they taken you in a direction you didn't expect? Right now I have a war going on between two characters as to who is really the bad guy pulling the strings. I think it is one person, but one of the other minor characters keeps trying to tell me he should be the one pulling the strings as it wouldn't be expected. I am letting it play out in my mind to see where I go. What do you do when your characters throw a monkey wrench in your plans?
Next week I am going to change up my Wednesday posts to more specifics on writing. If you have any topics you would like me to focus on, let me know.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Are you sure there wasn't a natural disaster?
Well, I don't think anyone was more surprised about what was under my son's bed than I. I mean, I knew he had things under there, and of course there was dust because we hadn't vacuumed in awhile, but this?
In fact, between all of the things from his room, and all the stuff we stored upstairs before the remodeling, my house looked like a bomb had gone off! This is what my living room looked like from Monday until Wednesday night:
And my basement has been a disaster for most of the winter. We are slowly making our way through the things down there, now that we have a place for them to go (namely son's new room!)
By Thursday morning, my living room was back to this:
Oh, what about my son's old room? The one that is becoming my office? Check back on Thursday for those transforming pictures! You're not going to want to miss them!
In fact, between all of the things from his room, and all the stuff we stored upstairs before the remodeling, my house looked like a bomb had gone off! This is what my living room looked like from Monday until Wednesday night:
And my basement has been a disaster for most of the winter. We are slowly making our way through the things down there, now that we have a place for them to go (namely son's new room!)
By Thursday morning, my living room was back to this:
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