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Monday Haunts

Monday, August 24th, 2009

I’m talking about my favorite Cinderella adaptation on the big screen over at Tales From the Hollow Tree.

Other than that, I’ve been working on my fantasy sequel (check out the cover and blurb for book one in the post beneath this one!).

I think I may have finally figured out how to begin chapter 9. Something about it kept feeling so OFF to me. I thought it was the POV. It wasn’t. I thought it was the lack of action. It wasn’t. It was the intro. The transition from the last chapter to this one didn’t flow and it seemed to start abruptly without really setting the stage and letting the reader know what was happening. After filling about three notebook pages with new first paragraphs, I may have finally stumbled on something that works. I’m going to take about an hour and work it out.

In the meantime, I’m busy folding clothes and taking care of Peanut who is suffering from some serious teething aches and pains. His top gums were a little bloody yesterday as his tooth was cutting right through and this morning he woke up in hysterical tears, poor baby. So I had to pull out the infant tylenol.

And that’s my Monday plan. What are you all doing today?

Posted in hollowtree, life, writing | No Comments »

Time Conscious

Wednesday, July 29th, 2009

I have quite a dilemma on my hands. In this brain cell frying heat, I’ve had to limit my laptop time to avoid overheating. Not to mention how insanely hot the computer gets while on my lap. The two fans blowing in my direction don’t seem to help keep it cool (is there anything that can keep a laptop cool or will I just need to purchase one of those lap desk things that you serve breakfast in bed on?)

Anyway, as you can tell by my very distracted commentary, I’ve had a lot of trouble concentrating on too much at once, which is why my blogging has been limited. I’ve had to learn to use my time wisely. If the laptop is going to be on for 2 hours, then those 2 hours need to be used for writing. And you know what? That has worked out well. I’ve been working scene by scene, on not just one project, but two!

My fantasy sequel is taking shape. It’s a good 30k in, I’ve filled in a lot of the glaring plot holes that were haunting me, and with some of the new subplots I’ve managed to figure out how to up the stakes. Once I get to the part where I left off before I wrote myself into a corner, I think I’ll have a good idea how to end it. *sigh* The life of a pantser is a difficult one. Never knowing where the wind is going to take me. It can be nerve wrecking.

My YA fantasy is also coming along nicely. Chapter two is about done and the world is becoming clearer and more lush with each scene. The characters fascinate me, theyre so distinct and specific to their world, which makes the whole world feel that much more real. I have high hopes for that story. It’s probably the most high fantasy I’ve ever written. When it’s all said and done it’s going to be a mish mash of fairytales with a touch of Romeo and Juliet.

I hope to keep this focus and progress going, even when the weather cools. Although I do plan on taking more daytrips when that happens. But, in the meantime, I’m glad to be feeling productive.

In my time off, I’ve been doing some reading and catching up on Series 3 of the new Doctor Who. David Tennant, I love thee.

Hope everyone is having a good Wednesday!

Posted in heat, life, world building, writing progress | 2 Comments »

What a Day!

Friday, July 17th, 2009

I’m exhausted- but man was today awesomely productive.

My family and I enjoyed a day trip to Mystic Aquarium. Peanut absolutely loved it! He kept reaching out to touch the glass of the indoor exhibits. His eyes grew so wide when he looked at the flourescent fish or when one of the sea lions splashed into the pool and swam by in a hurry. It was so great to see his little brain at work making connections and being in awe. I’ll admit, it’s been ages since I went to an aquarium, so I enjoyed myself just as much as he did. I took a billion photos and was won over by the cutest group of penguins ever.

Then, I enjoyed some delicious bacon pizza at the infamous Mystic Pizza. Yes, the one that the movie was based on. The one with Julia Roberts. Here’s a link if you’re curious. The pizza was surprisingly delicious and the atmosphere was light and casual. We had a great time.

And since the ride was a long one, I even got some writing done! In fact, I’ve been writing a scene here and there for the past few days, fleshing out the WIP and trying to get the pace going. It tends to slump. So today’s car ride provided the time (which I usually sorely lack) for me to write a really crucial scene. And honestly, I really like how it will round out the chapter. So thank you, Miss Cora Zane, for your awesome writing words of wisdom and support. I would not have been moved to even finish the story, were it not for you. *hugs*

So yea, I’m exhausted. Ha ha. I’m going to go feed my Peanut and hit the sack. Good night Blogland.

Posted in life, random thoughts, wip work | No Comments »

Another Monday

Monday, June 29th, 2009

After spending a week with hubby home from work, I’ve gotta admit, I really missed him today. The house seemed particularly quiet. My little brother didn’t stop by or call either, so it was just me and Peanut, entertaining each other, and watching the awesome show Jericho on Netflix online.

I’m tired but happy after spending the weekend at my grandma’s house. My surprise BBQ party to celebrate mine and hubby’s 5th wedding anniversary went well, though we had more cancellations than I would have wanted. I did make ice cream cake though, and it was delicious. We also got to go out on the lake near my grandma’s house. That was tons of fun. Peanut just looked around in awe. It was so great. The picture shown was one of my favorite shots of the day.

All in all, I haven’t done any writing today. I seem to have hit a bit of a plot wall in my fantasy sequel. I think I have to start doing a bit of outlining to see which direction I’m headed in before I can get back to it. In the meantime, I have my hands full with a teething baby who is obviously uncomfortable and wanting my full attention. Just another Monday morning. How was it for you?

Posted in life, wip woes | 2 Comments »

So Exciting!

Thursday, June 25th, 2009

Look at what I have to show you:

If you look carefully at the shelf below mine, you’ll see Gena Showalter’s books and Nalini Singh’s!!! Imagine that! I’m in fantastic company, wouldn’t you say? There is no feeling like seeing your book on a store shelf. It’s totally surreal. *squee*

Also, my awesome hubby bought us tickets to the Paramore/No Doubt concert yesterday. What a show!!! I tend to use a lot of Paramore music on my fantasy series. Their song Conspiracy was practically written for the series, it fits so perfectly. Check it out:

No Doubt was fantastic too. High energy, great performers, and she sounded amazing. I’ll admit I was jealous that she looks so good after having children, but you know what, it just means I gotta work harder to get myself in shape. Period. Bah.

The concert did inspire me to get back to my fantasy sequel which has been on hold while the muse played with the YA fantasy. But that one is now at 6500 words, so that one is on a steady pace as well. I really like where it’s headed and the tone that it has. Very different from any of my other stories.

All in all, I’m thrilled about the happenings in my life. Only cloud: my Peanut has his first cold. Mommy took him to the docs and they told me to just keep an eye on his fever, but he seems to be getting better already. His nose is really runny but with lots of crying and fighting, I give him some saline drops and he feels much better. So stubborn. *shakes head* We got him a new bouncer/exercise machine thing from Baby Einsten and he loves it! He tries to talk to the the little plastic froggy which makes me laugh. Ha ha.

Little Sister graduates from high school today so I gotta go get ready. Congrats, sweetie! So proud of you.

Posted in barnes and nobles, cinematic royalty, life, music's emotive power, writing progress | 1 Comment »