Okay - I've put this off for far too long. A bit cowardly I admit, but I've decided it's time.
Recently Anne Riley over at Reading. Writing. Querying. Publishing? generously awarded me the One Lovely Blog award. Thanks again, Anne! I appreciate your kind words and your thoughtfulness :)
I was also awarded the Honest Scrap Award over at Chasing Empty Pavements. Again, thank you so much! It was such a nice thing to wake up to this morning :)
These are two great ladies. If you haven't checked out their blogs yet, pop on over and say hi! You'll definitely feel welcome.
Now I've ignored the instructions for the last several blog awards. Bad, I know, but it's tough!! I'm really quite shy - sharing stuff can be difficult. Also I visit so many fabulous blogs, it's really, really hard to choose only a few! Major trauma.
So, here's what I'm going to do. I'll give a few intersting (???) facts about me. And I'll talk a bit about some fabulous sites you should be visiting.
Ahem...
1. I'd love to live in an old-fashioned farmhouse (with very modern plumbing) with wonderful wrap-around porches.
2. I still have nightmares from reading The Shining in high school.
3. I have so many untended injuries from playing sports when I was younger that I have over 60 places where my bones crack. Really icky! I think my knees are now much older than the rest of me.
4. I once owned a purple plastic record player. I wore out innumerable needles on it. Loved it!
5. I get a little giddy when I'm shopping for school supplies! There's nothing quite like prettily coloured post-it notes, fresh pencil crayons, bulletin board borders, name tags and new books. Heaven!
6. I can't choose favourites - be it books, movies, or just about anything else. Instead of 1, I choose a list. I don't even like selecting kids for jobs at school. All of their names are in a jar. Whenever I need something done, I choose from the jar. They love it!
Okay, enough already. On to my blogging buddies. I avoided choosing people to whom I've passed awards already. I think. Sorry folks!
I'm only choosing 7. I did it totally randomly by putting the numbers 1 - 79 (the number of blogs on my blog roll) into the random.org site! How's that for avoiding the pressure? :) I never was very good at choosing favourites! See #6 above.
#67 - Mary Brebner
#22 - Helen Ginger over at Straight from Hel
#46 - Yvonne over at The Organic Writer
#69 - Julie over at The Climb
#9 - Shannon O'Donnell over at Book Dreaming
#20 - L. Diane Wolfe over at Spunk on a Stick
#10 - Natalie Whipple over at Between Fact & Fiction
Phew! That was mildly exhausting! Ladies take your pick of the 2 awards and do with them what you will. No pressure :) I believe the official rules are to tell 10 true facts about you and to pass the award along to 7 bloggers. Follow as you see fit. Have fun!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Monday, January 4, 2010
Torches!
“It is the inspiration of the Olympic Games that drives people not only to compete but to improve, and to bring lasting spiritual and moral benefits to the athlete and inspiration to those lucky enough to witness the athletic dedication.”
-- Herb Elliott
“We cannot hold a torch to light another's path without brightening our own.”
-- Ben Sweetland
The Olympic Torch relay came through my city last weekend. It was a chilly -25 degrees Celsius, but nothing can stop the torch. Everyone just threw on a pair of long johns and out we went.
Great experience. We were lucky with our spot along the route. They switched torch bearers right in front of us, so we got to see the flame up close and personal! Very, very cool!
Total strangers laughed, hugged and cheered together, proving the Olympic Spirit is also alive and well. There's nothing quite like the Olympics to give the spirit a boost.
I love the way people cheer for people -- regardless of race, creed, gender or any other qualifying factor. The Olympics is often more about effort and perservence than winning. So many stories can bring a tear to your eye.
I love the ideals of the Olympics: people doing their best together. Slightly paraphrased, but you know what I mean. It certainly isn't always perfect in reality, but the ideals are incredible. In some sappy way this reminds me of the online writing community.
Over and over and over again the writers I meet online amaze me. Whether it's help with a technical issue, advice on how to tackle a plot problem, a unique perspective on how people write, an honest critique, or a much needed boost to the spirit, the online writing community is there. People helping and supporting people - regardless of any qualifying factors :)
Through blogs, Twitter and writing sites, I've come to know and appreciate so many wonderful people. Inspiration and support at every turn. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all of your help, advice and support.
Sappy speech over :)
Do you find inspiration in the spirit of the Olympics? Or the magnificient folks you've met online? (Please tell me it's not just me!!)
-- Herb Elliott
“We cannot hold a torch to light another's path without brightening our own.”
-- Ben Sweetland
The Olympic Torch relay came through my city last weekend. It was a chilly -25 degrees Celsius, but nothing can stop the torch. Everyone just threw on a pair of long johns and out we went.
Great experience. We were lucky with our spot along the route. They switched torch bearers right in front of us, so we got to see the flame up close and personal! Very, very cool!
Total strangers laughed, hugged and cheered together, proving the Olympic Spirit is also alive and well. There's nothing quite like the Olympics to give the spirit a boost.
I love the way people cheer for people -- regardless of race, creed, gender or any other qualifying factor. The Olympics is often more about effort and perservence than winning. So many stories can bring a tear to your eye.
I love the ideals of the Olympics: people doing their best together. Slightly paraphrased, but you know what I mean. It certainly isn't always perfect in reality, but the ideals are incredible. In some sappy way this reminds me of the online writing community.
Over and over and over again the writers I meet online amaze me. Whether it's help with a technical issue, advice on how to tackle a plot problem, a unique perspective on how people write, an honest critique, or a much needed boost to the spirit, the online writing community is there. People helping and supporting people - regardless of any qualifying factors :)
Through blogs, Twitter and writing sites, I've come to know and appreciate so many wonderful people. Inspiration and support at every turn. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all of your help, advice and support.
Sappy speech over :)
Do you find inspiration in the spirit of the Olympics? Or the magnificient folks you've met online? (Please tell me it's not just me!!)
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Steampunkery!
Steampunk is a fairly new idea for many people. I've run into a lot of writers who don't know much (if anything) about it. I'm no expert, but I'm learning!
As many of you know, my NaNo novel is a YA Steampunk story. It's my first foray into the genre, and I'm finding it a lot of fun. I like playing around with the Victorian setting. I enjoy the research I've been doing to learn more about the timeframe.
The characters are a lot of fun too. My characters are lower class, and that makes it a bit different from some of the Steampunk I've read. My main characters rely on creating new machines and selling them for their income. They're also trying to solve a couple of murders and keep one step ahead of the killers who are now after them.
Calista Taylor over at A Steampunk Reverie is currently holding a Steampunk Short Story Contest. The entries are up on her blog. For a great introduction to Steampunk, pop on over and check out the stories. You'll be amazed at the diversity of the writing. Some will make you shiver, some will make you laugh, others will make you wonder. All will keep you entertained.
Have you ever read any Steampunk? Do you enjoy trying out new genres in your writing or do you prefer to stick with what you do best?
As many of you know, my NaNo novel is a YA Steampunk story. It's my first foray into the genre, and I'm finding it a lot of fun. I like playing around with the Victorian setting. I enjoy the research I've been doing to learn more about the timeframe.
The characters are a lot of fun too. My characters are lower class, and that makes it a bit different from some of the Steampunk I've read. My main characters rely on creating new machines and selling them for their income. They're also trying to solve a couple of murders and keep one step ahead of the killers who are now after them.
Calista Taylor over at A Steampunk Reverie is currently holding a Steampunk Short Story Contest. The entries are up on her blog. For a great introduction to Steampunk, pop on over and check out the stories. You'll be amazed at the diversity of the writing. Some will make you shiver, some will make you laugh, others will make you wonder. All will keep you entertained.
Have you ever read any Steampunk? Do you enjoy trying out new genres in your writing or do you prefer to stick with what you do best?
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
No Guilt!
I'm not a big fan of resolutions for myself. I understand the theory, but it just doesn't work for me. I tend to tinker with my life in little steps rather than giant resolutions.
Like many of you. I'm pretty busy. I tend to be a little OCD about my job. To me, teaching is more than a job - it's a passion. I spend a minimum of 50 hours a week on my job, but it's generally more than that. Sometimes a lot more! Then there's my family - hubby & 2 teens - and their lives. Plus nieces and nephews and all of their sporting activities to attend.
So, if I can make a resolution to increase the number of hours in a day, especially if those hours are just for me, I'm in! Other than that I think I'll just keep doing what I always do. My best. I'll write and revise when and as I can. When I'm able to, I'll blog and visit blogs of my friends. I'll squeeze in the Twitterverse for fun.
And I won't feel in the least bit guilty. The real world has to come first for me. I love, LOVE, my writing. Bringing characters to life on paper is so much fun. I enjoy torturing them with nasty plot twists and seeing how they handle it. I even like the way revising and editing make my story tighter and stronger - well most of the time I like it! :) Writing is a vital, important part of my life.
But, it's not my real world. So my resolution will be to keep doing my best, to keep living my multiple lives to the fullest. Let the fun continue!
How about you? Are you a resolution setter? In your real life or in your writing?
On another note, I've been lucky enough to be awarded two more blog awards! First thanks so much to the lovely Sara McClung at her blog: The Babbling Flow of a Fledgling Scribbler. She awarded me the Picasso Award (aka From Me to You Award).
The delightful Natalie Bahm at her self-titled blog awarded me the Superior Scribbler Award. Thanks so much, Natalie!
These ladies are fabulous bloggers and if you haven't checked out their blogs yet, do yourself a favour and pop over to have some fun!
Like many of you. I'm pretty busy. I tend to be a little OCD about my job. To me, teaching is more than a job - it's a passion. I spend a minimum of 50 hours a week on my job, but it's generally more than that. Sometimes a lot more! Then there's my family - hubby & 2 teens - and their lives. Plus nieces and nephews and all of their sporting activities to attend.
So, if I can make a resolution to increase the number of hours in a day, especially if those hours are just for me, I'm in! Other than that I think I'll just keep doing what I always do. My best. I'll write and revise when and as I can. When I'm able to, I'll blog and visit blogs of my friends. I'll squeeze in the Twitterverse for fun.
And I won't feel in the least bit guilty. The real world has to come first for me. I love, LOVE, my writing. Bringing characters to life on paper is so much fun. I enjoy torturing them with nasty plot twists and seeing how they handle it. I even like the way revising and editing make my story tighter and stronger - well most of the time I like it! :) Writing is a vital, important part of my life.
But, it's not my real world. So my resolution will be to keep doing my best, to keep living my multiple lives to the fullest. Let the fun continue!
How about you? Are you a resolution setter? In your real life or in your writing?
On another note, I've been lucky enough to be awarded two more blog awards! First thanks so much to the lovely Sara McClung at her blog: The Babbling Flow of a Fledgling Scribbler. She awarded me the Picasso Award (aka From Me to You Award).
The delightful Natalie Bahm at her self-titled blog awarded me the Superior Scribbler Award. Thanks so much, Natalie!
These ladies are fabulous bloggers and if you haven't checked out their blogs yet, do yourself a favour and pop over to have some fun!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Voice - Long or Short?
As I've been rereading my Steampunk from NaNo, I find myself thinking a lot about voice. Not my characters' voices, but mine.
I believe one of the ways voice is showcased is in length - length of sentences, phrases, paragraphs and chapters.
My sentences vary in length, but I do use a lot of short, tight sentences, and more than my share of sentence fragments. I like the effect. I know some people believe fragments should never be used. It's one of those grey areas. I think I know the rules well enough to break them for effect & emphasis. Will readers agree? Don't know yet. :)
My paragraphs tend to be short as well. Obviously they vary in length as needed, but I do include a lot of one or two sentence paragraphs.
This tendency of mine extends to chapters as well. Again, there is a fair amount of variety, but I have more short chapters than long.
I believe this is part of my voice as an author. When I look at some of my favourite reads, I find I enjoy variety. Some of my faves lean towards long sentences, paragraphs and chapters, while others run towards short with more fragments. As I read widely, I'm not terribly surprised at the variety of styles I've found!
When you look at your writing, do you find you have a preference for long or short? Do you think this affects your voice?
I believe one of the ways voice is showcased is in length - length of sentences, phrases, paragraphs and chapters.
My sentences vary in length, but I do use a lot of short, tight sentences, and more than my share of sentence fragments. I like the effect. I know some people believe fragments should never be used. It's one of those grey areas. I think I know the rules well enough to break them for effect & emphasis. Will readers agree? Don't know yet. :)
My paragraphs tend to be short as well. Obviously they vary in length as needed, but I do include a lot of one or two sentence paragraphs.
This tendency of mine extends to chapters as well. Again, there is a fair amount of variety, but I have more short chapters than long.
I believe this is part of my voice as an author. When I look at some of my favourite reads, I find I enjoy variety. Some of my faves lean towards long sentences, paragraphs and chapters, while others run towards short with more fragments. As I read widely, I'm not terribly surprised at the variety of styles I've found!
When you look at your writing, do you find you have a preference for long or short? Do you think this affects your voice?
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Christmas Wishes
Tis the season to wish all of my blogging friends the merriest of Christmases!
Do you know your favourite Christmas present of all time? My beautiful boxed edition of The Hobbit is a close second, but in first place, is a large stuffed dog. Yellow and white. I can still remember the excitement of coming down the stairs and seeing him under the tree. I didn't even look at the tag, I knew he was mine. I'm not sure how old I was, but he was big enough for me to sit astride his back, kind of like a horse. He sat at the end of my bed for years. He was a pillow, a toy, a confidant and a friend. Fluffy hung around for years and years.
I hope your Christmas brings you the same joy Fluffy brought me as a child. Treasure your family, friends and the memories you make. There's really nothing better. Merry Christmas!!
Do you know your favourite Christmas present of all time? My beautiful boxed edition of The Hobbit is a close second, but in first place, is a large stuffed dog. Yellow and white. I can still remember the excitement of coming down the stairs and seeing him under the tree. I didn't even look at the tag, I knew he was mine. I'm not sure how old I was, but he was big enough for me to sit astride his back, kind of like a horse. He sat at the end of my bed for years. He was a pillow, a toy, a confidant and a friend. Fluffy hung around for years and years.
I hope your Christmas brings you the same joy Fluffy brought me as a child. Treasure your family, friends and the memories you make. There's really nothing better. Merry Christmas!!
Monday, December 21, 2009
An Outline Begins
So, I'm finally starting to look at my NaNo novel again. I'd been tinkering with it a little, but the ending just wasn't coming to me. After listening to all of your very helpful advice, I decided to do a reread.
I've only done a few chapters so far. And I know the holiday craziness is going to cause a lot of interruptions in the process, but... I like the way it's going!!
I'm keeping a very short outline of the novel as I write. It's in a separate file. I number the chapters and add a one-line description of the action. I also include the pov because it alternates between the male mc and female mc.
I think I've got a handle on the direction for the ending already. It will require a little reorganization of the last few chapters I've written, but I think it'll work :) At least, that's the way it's looking in the very early going!
I know many of you outline before you write (which kind of blows my mind by the way!) and some of you do it later - the way I'm doing it now. I'm curious as to what your outlines look like. Are they "thin" like the ones I use, or "thick"? Do you include a lot of details? Which style works for you?
I've only done a few chapters so far. And I know the holiday craziness is going to cause a lot of interruptions in the process, but... I like the way it's going!!
I'm keeping a very short outline of the novel as I write. It's in a separate file. I number the chapters and add a one-line description of the action. I also include the pov because it alternates between the male mc and female mc.
I think I've got a handle on the direction for the ending already. It will require a little reorganization of the last few chapters I've written, but I think it'll work :) At least, that's the way it's looking in the very early going!
I know many of you outline before you write (which kind of blows my mind by the way!) and some of you do it later - the way I'm doing it now. I'm curious as to what your outlines look like. Are they "thin" like the ones I use, or "thick"? Do you include a lot of details? Which style works for you?
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