Talk about a crazy week! Sorry I didn't post yesterday, but I was busy keeping up with the news.
Dear son went back to school on Wednesday, but rather than the normal week of school we expected, he had an early dismissal followed by tow days off due to record flooding in our area.
We are fine--had some ground water flooding in the basement--but others in our area lost everything. We are still not sure how bad it got, but we know it was worse than the flooding we went through in 2006. Both hubby and I are home from work until further notice (most likely Monday for me-- not sure for him).
I was hoping to participate in the Judge and Jury blogfest, but have nothing ready for it, and will be taking out wet carpet today.
Hope you all have a great weekend. Will be back to normal on Monday (I hope!)
Showing posts with label news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label news. Show all posts
Friday, September 9, 2011
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Goal Updates, New Goals, and News
In July I posted a list of goals I wanted to accomplish before the end of August, and with yesterday being the last day of August, I thought I'd share my update with you.
1) Finish current WIP by the end of August. I did finish my round of revisions on my WIP, and am now incorporating feedback from my CP's. I have the first 2 chapters of another WIP (another revision which is most likely going to be an almost complete rewrite) set, and will be working on this while waiting for feedback.
2) Reach 50 followers on my blog and on Twitter. Thanks to all my followers (old and new) I have over 50 followers here, but did not meet my Twitter goal.
My goals for September are:
1) Finish incorporating feedback from my CP's. This may take longer than the month as we only exchange 3 chapters a week, but I am hopeful to get through it all.
2) Get a good start on my next WIP. I have a basic outline (and now my characters very well as this is probably the 10th (or more) version of this story. Just couldn't get it quite right before) and a better idea of how to fix what was wrong.
NEWS:
One of my CP's has a new blog. You can check it out here. Isn't the tree just gorgeous? Don't you want to open the door and go inside?
For those of you who are fans of Rob Thurman, and haven't heard. She is recovering from a serious car accident. Updates can be found on her blog here.
Next week I hope to post a fun game for all of you to play along with, so stay tuned. Have a great weekend!!!
Monday, May 9, 2011
Contest!
For those of you who haven't heard, QueryTracker.net is having a contest that begins today. What is the contest? Roseanne Wells, of Marianne Strong & Associates, is judging first pages of completed YA novels.
The information can be found here. Just follow the directions.
If you are entering, good luck!
The weekend was crazy here, with an unexpected water heater change, and scattered showers that kept us from finishing staining the deck (I'm beginning to think it will never be done!). But it ended nicely with an extended family gathering for Mother's Day. Hope all of you had a wonderful weekend and are looking forward to an exciting week!
The information can be found here. Just follow the directions.
If you are entering, good luck!
The weekend was crazy here, with an unexpected water heater change, and scattered showers that kept us from finishing staining the deck (I'm beginning to think it will never be done!). But it ended nicely with an extended family gathering for Mother's Day. Hope all of you had a wonderful weekend and are looking forward to an exciting week!
Friday, May 6, 2011
Congratulations!!!!
Friday, April 15, 2011
We have new patio furniture! Well, almost
At the end of last summer we built a deck off the back of our house (well, actually we paid someone to build it for us :-) ). Since then we've been looking at patio furniture, wanting just the right set for the new space. We found two tables we loved, but didn't like the chairs that came with them, and you couldn't swap them around (note to all stores--customers should be able to mix and match tables and chairs).
Finally, we found a set that we liked both the table and chairs on. It arrived Wednesday (during the pouring rain) and last night dear hubby and our neighbor started opening it up to put it together. The chair parts were all fine, but the table was another story. It has four stone pieces that set into the rectangular frame. Unfortunately for us, three of the four pieces were broken. The store we ordered from was very nice about the problem and will be sending replacement pieces, but it will take time.
So, we're on our way there. Now to get the deck stained, but first we need more sunny days like today.
Hope you all have a great weekend!
Finally, we found a set that we liked both the table and chairs on. It arrived Wednesday (during the pouring rain) and last night dear hubby and our neighbor started opening it up to put it together. The chair parts were all fine, but the table was another story. It has four stone pieces that set into the rectangular frame. Unfortunately for us, three of the four pieces were broken. The store we ordered from was very nice about the problem and will be sending replacement pieces, but it will take time.
So, we're on our way there. Now to get the deck stained, but first we need more sunny days like today.
Hope you all have a great weekend!
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!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Happy Valentine's Day!
Happy Monday, and Happy Valentine's Day!!!
This past weekend was filled with writing, reading, and getting the last few things we need to finish up our son's room. (We are remodeling the upstairs of our cape to give him a bigger room.) The half bath should get the walls up and toilet and sink back in this week. That leaves the carpet (which will happen next week), then we can move him in.
What makes this so exciting? Well, his current bedroom will become my office. Since October, all my writing things have been scattered throughout the house as we remodel and move things from one room to another. This means by the end of the month, I should have an office to relax and write in (or by early March if I am being more realistic--- I do have to paint the room!)
Speaking of painting, I am taking the room from a bright green (it worked for my son) to a color called "Glass Slipper" (a very pale blue). The humor of the name is not lost on me. (For those of you who don't know, I write fairytales!)
Well, hope you and yours have a love filled Valentine's Day!!!
This past weekend was filled with writing, reading, and getting the last few things we need to finish up our son's room. (We are remodeling the upstairs of our cape to give him a bigger room.) The half bath should get the walls up and toilet and sink back in this week. That leaves the carpet (which will happen next week), then we can move him in.
What makes this so exciting? Well, his current bedroom will become my office. Since October, all my writing things have been scattered throughout the house as we remodel and move things from one room to another. This means by the end of the month, I should have an office to relax and write in (or by early March if I am being more realistic--- I do have to paint the room!)
Speaking of painting, I am taking the room from a bright green (it worked for my son) to a color called "Glass Slipper" (a very pale blue). The humor of the name is not lost on me. (For those of you who don't know, I write fairytales!)
Well, hope you and yours have a love filled Valentine's Day!!!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
It was a cold and snowy day!
It's cold and snowy here, but that's January in New York for you. This week has gone by quite quickly. I started back with my walking (a bit more consistently) and am doing the 100 push-up routine. (I am at level one, and resort to girlie push-ups as I do not have the ability yet to do normal ones-- my goal is to be able to do at least 1 real push up by the time I'm done with this routine.)
I worked on my query letter following the worksheets from Elana Johnson. They are a great help, so if you are having problems, be sure to check out her book From the Query to the Call. It's a great resource. Trisha and I exchanged comments on it last night, and I have some more work to do, but I feel like I am getting closer.
For those of you who might have missed it, WriteOnCon is having a chat Monday, January 24 at 5 PM. Holly McGhee, Elena Mechlin, and Joan Slattery of Pippin Properties, Inc. will be there to discuss query writing do’s and dont’s and what they’re looking for! Hope to see you there!
Have a great Thursday!
I worked on my query letter following the worksheets from Elana Johnson. They are a great help, so if you are having problems, be sure to check out her book From the Query to the Call. It's a great resource. Trisha and I exchanged comments on it last night, and I have some more work to do, but I feel like I am getting closer.
For those of you who might have missed it, WriteOnCon is having a chat Monday, January 24 at 5 PM. Holly McGhee, Elena Mechlin, and Joan Slattery of Pippin Properties, Inc. will be there to discuss query writing do’s and dont’s and what they’re looking for! Hope to see you there!
Have a great Thursday!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Hodge Podge
Well, it's official, pending a physical and a drug test (I am certain I can pass both), I have a new job! I have been doing this job since Thanksgiving week (with the exception of 1 day a week), so it won't be a big change to my schedule as it was then. I think I have found a way to juggle my working, my family, and my writing--so, if I don't get a post up in the morning, this is why!
My team went out in the first round of the playoffs-- oh well, there's always next year. I didn't think they were going to make it into the playoffs in the first place.
Last week, I was at Trisha's blog and saw her post on the Comment Challenge. If you haven't seen it yet, check it out! (My current count as of Sunday afternoon was 5 comments for Friday and Saturday combined. I obviously have some catching up to do!)
I did some reading over the weekend on Query Letters, and am doing some research on Middle Grade fiction. I am hoping to be querying again in the next few weeks. Expect to see some posts on these topics in the near future!
Hope you all have a Happy Monday!
My team went out in the first round of the playoffs-- oh well, there's always next year. I didn't think they were going to make it into the playoffs in the first place.
Last week, I was at Trisha's blog and saw her post on the Comment Challenge. If you haven't seen it yet, check it out! (My current count as of Sunday afternoon was 5 comments for Friday and Saturday combined. I obviously have some catching up to do!)
I did some reading over the weekend on Query Letters, and am doing some research on Middle Grade fiction. I am hoping to be querying again in the next few weeks. Expect to see some posts on these topics in the near future!
Hope you all have a Happy Monday!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Switching characters
Seeing the holidays are rapidly approaching (can you believe there are only 12 days to Christmas!!!) I am going to add in a few extra recipe posts, in order to share some of my holiday cookie recipes with you. So, this week, recipes will be more than just Friday.
Now to return to my regularly scheduled post!
When I decided to write out one of my characters and replace her with another, I didn't realize how much I was going to have to change. Not only does it effect the last half of Sleeping Handsome, but it also effects parts of The Lost Princess. But the changes I am making are necessary, and I think will improve the story in the long run.
While I am sad to have this character leave the stage of this story, I am excited to rewrite her entrance into her new story.
Have you ever had to decide to cut out a character you really loved? Did you put them in a new role in a new story, or did you relegate them to the circular file, never to be heard from again?
Now to return to my regularly scheduled post!
When I decided to write out one of my characters and replace her with another, I didn't realize how much I was going to have to change. Not only does it effect the last half of Sleeping Handsome, but it also effects parts of The Lost Princess. But the changes I am making are necessary, and I think will improve the story in the long run.
While I am sad to have this character leave the stage of this story, I am excited to rewrite her entrance into her new story.
Have you ever had to decide to cut out a character you really loved? Did you put them in a new role in a new story, or did you relegate them to the circular file, never to be heard from again?
Monday, November 22, 2010
NaNo Update
Well, this weekend I did it. I reached my 50,000 word goal. Does that mean I'm stopping, with the rest of November ti just sit back and relax?
Nope. I am continuing to edit Sleeping Handsome, and will work on finishing The Ruby Dagger (the actual story I began for NaNo.)
How about you? Have you reached your goals? If you did, are you continuing on? Let me know, and good luck!
Nope. I am continuing to edit Sleeping Handsome, and will work on finishing The Ruby Dagger (the actual story I began for NaNo.)
How about you? Have you reached your goals? If you did, are you continuing on? Let me know, and good luck!
Monday, October 11, 2010
Happy Columbus Day
Happy Columbus Day! I hope all of you had a great day. Sorry for the late post. I am at training for work and not able to blog for a few days. The blog will return to its normal schedule Thursday!
Until then, enjoy a good book!
Until then, enjoy a good book!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Recipe Friday
Update: For those of you interested in seeing the world my stories are set in, there is a map link to the right.
Now, back to our regularly scheduled blog!
It's fall, and October! That means pumpkins and cool days. Today I am going to share my recipe for Pumpkin Sausage soup. (You didn't think I only made cookies and candy, did you?) At one point in time I actually had a written recipe for this that I got somewhere, but I have no idea where it is. What I am giving you is the simple, basics for the soup and how I modify it when I make it to get different flavors.
Pumpkin Sausage Soup
1 large can pumpkin (not the pie flavored kind) or 3 soup can sized cans
1 container chicken stock (approx 32 oz) (you can use beef or vegetable stock, too)
1 tube frozen sausage, thawed (I prefer Jimmy Dean Sage or the blue wrapper Great Value breakfast sausage)
1 to 2 teaspoons Mace or Nutmeg
1 teaspoon Cumin
Red Hot or Tobasco Sauce
Salt and Pepper
Cream/Half and Half (optional)
Cook the sausage in a deep skillet (or a regular skillet if you want to do the rest in a separate pan- I don't like to do dishes, so I do it all in one pan!) Chop into small bits while cooking. Add stock and pumpkin. Mix. Add mace/nutmeg. (I used Mace this last time and found it worked better than the nutmeg- a more subtle flavor.) Add cumin (this gives it a smoky flavor). Add a dash of Red Hot or Tobasco, (or more if you like things spicy!) Salt and pepper to taste (I don't use a lot of salt, but found this helped balance the sweet from the mace). Cook until hot. If you want a creamier version, add a pint of cream or half and half. Serve sprinkled with grated romano or parmesan cheese.
It goes very well with a fresh loaf of bread, or grilled cheese. And, I found Saranac's Pumpkin Ale is a nice accompaniment for the over 21 crowd. (Cider works well for the under 21 crowd in our house!)
Enjoy and have a great weekend!
Now, back to our regularly scheduled blog!
It's fall, and October! That means pumpkins and cool days. Today I am going to share my recipe for Pumpkin Sausage soup. (You didn't think I only made cookies and candy, did you?) At one point in time I actually had a written recipe for this that I got somewhere, but I have no idea where it is. What I am giving you is the simple, basics for the soup and how I modify it when I make it to get different flavors.
Pumpkin Sausage Soup
1 large can pumpkin (not the pie flavored kind) or 3 soup can sized cans
1 container chicken stock (approx 32 oz) (you can use beef or vegetable stock, too)
1 tube frozen sausage, thawed (I prefer Jimmy Dean Sage or the blue wrapper Great Value breakfast sausage)
1 to 2 teaspoons Mace or Nutmeg
1 teaspoon Cumin
Red Hot or Tobasco Sauce
Salt and Pepper
Cream/Half and Half (optional)
Cook the sausage in a deep skillet (or a regular skillet if you want to do the rest in a separate pan- I don't like to do dishes, so I do it all in one pan!) Chop into small bits while cooking. Add stock and pumpkin. Mix. Add mace/nutmeg. (I used Mace this last time and found it worked better than the nutmeg- a more subtle flavor.) Add cumin (this gives it a smoky flavor). Add a dash of Red Hot or Tobasco, (or more if you like things spicy!) Salt and pepper to taste (I don't use a lot of salt, but found this helped balance the sweet from the mace). Cook until hot. If you want a creamier version, add a pint of cream or half and half. Serve sprinkled with grated romano or parmesan cheese.
It goes very well with a fresh loaf of bread, or grilled cheese. And, I found Saranac's Pumpkin Ale is a nice accompaniment for the over 21 crowd. (Cider works well for the under 21 crowd in our house!)
Enjoy and have a great weekend!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Busy Weekend
This past weekend we took out a tree, a series of bushes, and a grotto in preparation for the new deck we are building. It was A LOT of work, but will be well worth it in the end. I was surprised by how much larger the backyard looks with those things gone.
Writing Update:
I sent chapter 4 of Th Lost Princess off to Katie yesterday for her thoughts and comments. I am finding writing with the plot summary much easier than my usual way of writing. I am still taking time to listen to my characters and see where they want to go-- in fact I just met a new character at their insistence!
While I am writing TLP, I am working through my thoughts for a third book in this setting. I have my two lead characters and a villain, I am just trying to figure out my plot--it is not falling together well at this point, but I am sure one day I will have my "Ah-ha!" moment and rush to pen and paper to jot it down before I forget it!
Upcoming Posts:
WCC Wednesday
Recipe Friday
Showing vs Telling
Writing Update:
I sent chapter 4 of Th Lost Princess off to Katie yesterday for her thoughts and comments. I am finding writing with the plot summary much easier than my usual way of writing. I am still taking time to listen to my characters and see where they want to go-- in fact I just met a new character at their insistence!
While I am writing TLP, I am working through my thoughts for a third book in this setting. I have my two lead characters and a villain, I am just trying to figure out my plot--it is not falling together well at this point, but I am sure one day I will have my "Ah-ha!" moment and rush to pen and paper to jot it down before I forget it!
Upcoming Posts:
WCC Wednesday
Recipe Friday
Showing vs Telling
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
New Look!
As you can see, I spent time over the weekend updating and changing the layout of my blog. I included links (over to the right) that will take you to excerpts of my writing (as well as links that give you a brief synopsis of what the story is about).
Feel free to look around and explore! Let me know if there's something I am missing that you would like to see!
I am going to try to get back to blogging at least 5 days a week- I am aiming for Monday-Friday. I am setting up Wednesdays as my Weekly Chapter Challenge (WCC) postings (to keep you up to date on my writing) Fridays as Recipe Exchange day (get the recipes ready!!)
Books I Read This Week:
Over the weekend, I raided my son's bookshelf and read Ranger's Apprentice- The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan. I really enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the following books in the series.
Upcoming Posts:
Interview with my critique partner and fellow writer Katie Taylor (WCC Wednesday)
Recipe post (Recipe Friday)
Feel free to look around and explore! Let me know if there's something I am missing that you would like to see!
I am going to try to get back to blogging at least 5 days a week- I am aiming for Monday-Friday. I am setting up Wednesdays as my Weekly Chapter Challenge (WCC) postings (to keep you up to date on my writing) Fridays as Recipe Exchange day (get the recipes ready!!)
Books I Read This Week:
Over the weekend, I raided my son's bookshelf and read Ranger's Apprentice- The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan. I really enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the following books in the series.
Upcoming Posts:
Interview with my critique partner and fellow writer Katie Taylor (WCC Wednesday)
Recipe post (Recipe Friday)
Friday, July 9, 2010
News and progress.
I was going to post the pictures from vacation, but Blogger, Picasa and I are having issues. The pictures are under Dear Hubby's Picasa account, and I am having issues linking to them (even though I -obviously- have his permission.)
Hopefully I can get it figured out over the weekend and get them up for all of you to see.
On the progress front, I have a new chapter in my story (yea!!) and another one that will be added soon. After discussion with Katie (and a good friend) concerning the ready acceptance of the men in my story dallying with others (with no real repercussions) and furthering the stereotype that it's OK for the guy, 'cause he's a guy, but not for the girl (Wow! and I didn't even realize I had done that until I was talking about it), I had to make some subplot changes. I think what I did will be best for the story and actually helps with the main plot even more. This is why I love the people who critique my work for me. They always catch the things I haven't seen or thought out completely.
Katie's story is moving right along. I love where she is going with it. Amberlyn, while still very secretive to those around her, has made the reader well aware of why she feels as she does about Vampires. Kaleb, up to his eyebrow in trouble, has more secrets than Amberlyn, and she has just stumbled into one. Katie did a great job giving the reader enough information to know there is more to him than meets the eye, but there is still a lot she hasn't revealed. I can't wait for her next installment to see what Amberlyn thinks about (and does with) what she's learned.
As for the news......
Brett, our son, is doing children's theatre this summer. They are putting on the musical Alice in Wonderland, and last night he learned he will be playing the part of the Gryphon. He is very excited about learning his lines and songs (and dances!) This is his first time on stage, and he is having a great time. We are so proud of him and can't wait for the performance.
What I read this week:
Hunted by Katie S. Taylor
Visions of Sugar Plums by Janet Evanovich
Plum Lovin' by Janet Evanovich
Plum Lucky by Janet Evanovich
Plum Spooky by Janet Evanovich
Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs
What I'm writing this week:
Finishing edits on chapter 5 and starting chapter 6. Then, I will be making some changes to what will now be chapter 7, then I will go through the remaining chapters to see what Katie has said about them and make changes as needed. My goal is to have the book done by the end of July.
Hopefully I can get it figured out over the weekend and get them up for all of you to see.
On the progress front, I have a new chapter in my story (yea!!) and another one that will be added soon. After discussion with Katie (and a good friend) concerning the ready acceptance of the men in my story dallying with others (with no real repercussions) and furthering the stereotype that it's OK for the guy, 'cause he's a guy, but not for the girl (Wow! and I didn't even realize I had done that until I was talking about it), I had to make some subplot changes. I think what I did will be best for the story and actually helps with the main plot even more. This is why I love the people who critique my work for me. They always catch the things I haven't seen or thought out completely.
Katie's story is moving right along. I love where she is going with it. Amberlyn, while still very secretive to those around her, has made the reader well aware of why she feels as she does about Vampires. Kaleb, up to his eyebrow in trouble, has more secrets than Amberlyn, and she has just stumbled into one. Katie did a great job giving the reader enough information to know there is more to him than meets the eye, but there is still a lot she hasn't revealed. I can't wait for her next installment to see what Amberlyn thinks about (and does with) what she's learned.
As for the news......
Brett, our son, is doing children's theatre this summer. They are putting on the musical Alice in Wonderland, and last night he learned he will be playing the part of the Gryphon. He is very excited about learning his lines and songs (and dances!) This is his first time on stage, and he is having a great time. We are so proud of him and can't wait for the performance.
What I read this week:
Hunted by Katie S. Taylor
Visions of Sugar Plums by Janet Evanovich
Plum Lovin' by Janet Evanovich
Plum Lucky by Janet Evanovich
Plum Spooky by Janet Evanovich
Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs
What I'm writing this week:
Finishing edits on chapter 5 and starting chapter 6. Then, I will be making some changes to what will now be chapter 7, then I will go through the remaining chapters to see what Katie has said about them and make changes as needed. My goal is to have the book done by the end of July.
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