S.L. Viehl's Blog, page 79
October 15, 2014
NaNoLive
The official website of National Novel Writing Month has gone live for 2014, and there are lots of changes. But before I begin grousing about get into all that, let's take a look at this year's official graphic:
I'm thinking Judy, you were right. Very vintage, chock full of fun stuff and so much more attractive than 2013. I will get all the various incarnations uploaded to my Photobucket account and post the links next week (this week Photobucket does not like me uploading, for some reason. Maybe it got fried from the air show pics.)
The good folks at the website have fiddled with the site while renovating, so expect change in your face when you go to sign in for 2014. Among other things, there's a new dashboard, graphic Girl/Boy-Scoutish "badges" you can earn by doing participatory things that do not involve camping, burning marshmallows or sleeping with the crickets (at least I hope not), and the chance to join virtual "write-ins" via something with YouTube that isn't working yet. They've also rounded up an interesting roster of pros to give pep talks, coach you and do some sort of sprinting (and Chuck Wendig will likely be the most practical/smart/fun of that bunch, so keep an eye out for him.)
Change is inspiring, and every writer can use new motivation, so I'm on board with all this. At the same time I am waxing a bit nostalgic for the good old tech-lite days of NaNo, when all we did was write and nag each other to write in chatrooms where we'd post out daily counts and wait for the occasional word war to break out. You remember, before cell phones ate the world and turned everyone into texting and instagramming zombies?
Anyway. Looks like there is much fun to be had over at the website, so do check it out when you get a chance.
I'm thinking Judy, you were right. Very vintage, chock full of fun stuff and so much more attractive than 2013. I will get all the various incarnations uploaded to my Photobucket account and post the links next week (this week Photobucket does not like me uploading, for some reason. Maybe it got fried from the air show pics.)
The good folks at the website have fiddled with the site while renovating, so expect change in your face when you go to sign in for 2014. Among other things, there's a new dashboard, graphic Girl/Boy-Scoutish "badges" you can earn by doing participatory things that do not involve camping, burning marshmallows or sleeping with the crickets (at least I hope not), and the chance to join virtual "write-ins" via something with YouTube that isn't working yet. They've also rounded up an interesting roster of pros to give pep talks, coach you and do some sort of sprinting (and Chuck Wendig will likely be the most practical/smart/fun of that bunch, so keep an eye out for him.)
Change is inspiring, and every writer can use new motivation, so I'm on board with all this. At the same time I am waxing a bit nostalgic for the good old tech-lite days of NaNo, when all we did was write and nag each other to write in chatrooms where we'd post out daily counts and wait for the occasional word war to break out. You remember, before cell phones ate the world and turned everyone into texting and instagramming zombies?
Anyway. Looks like there is much fun to be had over at the website, so do check it out when you get a chance.
October 14, 2014
Sky Masters
This past weekend my guy and I took off for a day to visit the beach and watch these daredevils:
October 13, 2014
Say It Ten
Ten Things About How to Pronounce Those Odd Names & Words I Write
Charmian: the h is silent, and the C is hard, just as it is in Chemistry, so it's KAR-mee-ahn.
Cherijo: The #1 most mispronounced name from my books; usually read out loud like the cereal (Cheerios.) The correct way to say it is CHAIR-ee-joe.
Cyprien: I've had actual arguments with people over the various ways to say this one. I pronounce it SEE-prahn.
Darkyn: I cooked up this one from a medieval reference to "dark kin" in a history book, which is probably why I pronounce it DAR-kin.
Jamys: Made this one up myself, too, although there may be an ancient equivalent out there somewhere. Most people say it as JAM-miss or JAY-miss. I pronounce it as Jshah-ME.
Kao: I coined it from the letters K and O, which is also how it's pronounced: KAY-oh.
Kyara: I borrowed this from a baby name book; it's pronounced Key-ARE-ah.
Thierry: Another silent h here -- it's pronounced Tee-AIR-ee.
Xonea: For some reason everyone thinks it's Zoh-NEE-ah; I pronounce it with the short o: Zuh-NEE-ah
and finally, about my own headache:
Viehl: It's not pronounced VALE or VILE, and it's actually two syllables, like Kal-El (you did not know I belonged to the House of El, did you?) So to be completely accurate it's pronounced VEE-el, but VEEL is perfectly acceptable.
Charmian: the h is silent, and the C is hard, just as it is in Chemistry, so it's KAR-mee-ahn.
Cherijo: The #1 most mispronounced name from my books; usually read out loud like the cereal (Cheerios.) The correct way to say it is CHAIR-ee-joe.
Cyprien: I've had actual arguments with people over the various ways to say this one. I pronounce it SEE-prahn.
Darkyn: I cooked up this one from a medieval reference to "dark kin" in a history book, which is probably why I pronounce it DAR-kin.
Jamys: Made this one up myself, too, although there may be an ancient equivalent out there somewhere. Most people say it as JAM-miss or JAY-miss. I pronounce it as Jshah-ME.
Kao: I coined it from the letters K and O, which is also how it's pronounced: KAY-oh.
Kyara: I borrowed this from a baby name book; it's pronounced Key-ARE-ah.
Thierry: Another silent h here -- it's pronounced Tee-AIR-ee.
Xonea: For some reason everyone thinks it's Zoh-NEE-ah; I pronounce it with the short o: Zuh-NEE-ah
and finally, about my own headache:
Viehl: It's not pronounced VALE or VILE, and it's actually two syllables, like Kal-El (you did not know I belonged to the House of El, did you?) So to be completely accurate it's pronounced VEE-el, but VEEL is perfectly acceptable.
October 12, 2014
Charting Your Colors
Writer Ingrid Sundberg has an interesting post here on some visual thesaurus charts she created to help people who have problems coming up with interesting color words.
Here's a screenshot of one of her charts:
I do something similar with my color reference notebook, although mine is less chart-worthy and more like a diary crossed with a backlist bible. I think color and how creative people describe it does tend to be very personal, so if you have your own ideas about how to create a color reference chart or book, definitely go for it. Or borrow Ingrid's and make up charts with your own descriptive word preferences.
(Article link swiped from Gerard at The Presurfer)
Here's a screenshot of one of her charts:
I do something similar with my color reference notebook, although mine is less chart-worthy and more like a diary crossed with a backlist bible. I think color and how creative people describe it does tend to be very personal, so if you have your own ideas about how to create a color reference chart or book, definitely go for it. Or borrow Ingrid's and make up charts with your own descriptive word preferences.
(Article link swiped from Gerard at The Presurfer)
October 11, 2014
Off to Not Be Here
Create a sticky note online for your blog at Wigflip.com's sticky note generator, Superstickies (link originally swiped long ago from Gerard over at The Generator Blog.)
October 10, 2014
Welcome to the New Age
While we were on our epic road trip my daughter introduced me to Imagine Dragons, and I was surprised at how quickly the band became my favorite on our traveling playlist. When I looked for more info online about "Radioactive" (the song I most adored) I found this enchanting video that most of you have likely already seen. But hey, for the smiles and the great song it's worth another watch (music, obviously, for those of you at work):
October 9, 2014
Just Write
Today I'm off to write something new and post it online before midnight. Everyone inclined to do the same is invited to join me.
For more details on Just Write Thursdays, click here to go to the original post.
For more details on Just Write Thursdays, click here to go to the original post.
October 8, 2014
NaNo Ten
Ten Things About Joining in National Novel Writing Month
All-Encompassing Excuse: For thirty days you can answer any request made of you with, "Sorry, can't. I have to write a novel in a month."
Annoyance Factor: By doing this you will seriously, genuinely, deeply annoy all those people who think you can't, tell you why you shouldn't, don't think you should be allowed to, and/or are too afraid to try themselves. This includes every single one of those snotty pro authors who make a point to spit on NaNoWriMo participants every year.
Cover Art Creation: Books need covers, you've got that amazing photo you took on vacation last year that would work perfectly with your story, and you've never put your byline in 76 pt. font. Hours of photoshopping fun, I promise.
Facebook/Twitter Fodder: Finally, something to post besides cat memes, political rants or the usual "Watching DWTS. Checked fridge. Nothing to eat."
Font Debate Joy: For a solid month you can drive yourself crazy trying to decide on extremely important issues that are utterly integral to the success of your novel, such as Times New Roman, or Courier New?
Immediate Social Bump: When you tell ordinary people what you're doing in November, many of them will a) think it's very cool, b) wonder how the heck does anyone write a book in a month, and c) decide you're a lot more interesting than they ever imagined. To maintain this new status, politely deflect any questions on what the book is about by shaking your head and smiling mysteriously.
Nothing Ventured: You've never written a book. Want to find out if you can minus the usual decade of on-again off-again half-hearted tinkering on an idea that lost 99% of its luster during year three? Here you go.
Sex Scene Research: Really, do I even need to explain this one?
Storytelling Freedom: You can write whatever you want. Think about that: whatever you want. Sometimes that liberty turns out something very special -- like Harry's Charm, the novel I wrote during NaNoWriMo 2009, which went on to become Disenchanted & Co.
Writing Life: For a month you not only get to have one, you get the extreme, deadline-pressurized, all-out word war version. Or you could abstain so you can concentrate on the important things in your non-writing life, like eating too much turkey, watching too much television, hauling down the boxes of holiday decorations from the attic, raking leaves, and standing in line for twelve hours the night before Black Friday for a sale-priced game system you really don't need. Me? I'm going for door #1.
What do you love about joining in NaNoWriMo? Let us know in comments.
All-Encompassing Excuse: For thirty days you can answer any request made of you with, "Sorry, can't. I have to write a novel in a month."
Annoyance Factor: By doing this you will seriously, genuinely, deeply annoy all those people who think you can't, tell you why you shouldn't, don't think you should be allowed to, and/or are too afraid to try themselves. This includes every single one of those snotty pro authors who make a point to spit on NaNoWriMo participants every year.
Cover Art Creation: Books need covers, you've got that amazing photo you took on vacation last year that would work perfectly with your story, and you've never put your byline in 76 pt. font. Hours of photoshopping fun, I promise.
Facebook/Twitter Fodder: Finally, something to post besides cat memes, political rants or the usual "Watching DWTS. Checked fridge. Nothing to eat."
Font Debate Joy: For a solid month you can drive yourself crazy trying to decide on extremely important issues that are utterly integral to the success of your novel, such as Times New Roman, or Courier New?
Immediate Social Bump: When you tell ordinary people what you're doing in November, many of them will a) think it's very cool, b) wonder how the heck does anyone write a book in a month, and c) decide you're a lot more interesting than they ever imagined. To maintain this new status, politely deflect any questions on what the book is about by shaking your head and smiling mysteriously.
Nothing Ventured: You've never written a book. Want to find out if you can minus the usual decade of on-again off-again half-hearted tinkering on an idea that lost 99% of its luster during year three? Here you go.
Sex Scene Research: Really, do I even need to explain this one?
Storytelling Freedom: You can write whatever you want. Think about that: whatever you want. Sometimes that liberty turns out something very special -- like Harry's Charm, the novel I wrote during NaNoWriMo 2009, which went on to become Disenchanted & Co.
Writing Life: For a month you not only get to have one, you get the extreme, deadline-pressurized, all-out word war version. Or you could abstain so you can concentrate on the important things in your non-writing life, like eating too much turkey, watching too much television, hauling down the boxes of holiday decorations from the attic, raking leaves, and standing in line for twelve hours the night before Black Friday for a sale-priced game system you really don't need. Me? I'm going for door #1.
What do you love about joining in NaNoWriMo? Let us know in comments.
October 7, 2014
Winner
The winner of the #576 giveaway is:
Battlekitty (aka Tami), who wrote:
I inherited some antique furniture from my great-grandmother and her sister, my great-great aunt. Two wonderful ladies, who after their husband died, moved in with each other. Even after they had to be put into nursing care, they lived in a room together. Anyway, my great-grandmother left us first, then a few years later, my aunt. My father went to North Carolina and began to clean out the old brownstone that was still owned, but vacant. Had lots of furniture still in it. I chose a desk made by handmade by their father, my great-great grandfather. Several draws and the top folds down and lots of nooks and crannies for papers. In one of the small drawers, I found an old bank register from the 1920's, prior to the big crash. It was my aunt's and she had beautiful writing. I also found an old business letter and the way words were used almost 100 years ago is so different and formal than our way of writing and speaking now. Truly a neat find for me and a surprise for my dad when I showed him what I found. I also got a few other pieces of furniture and a Lane cedar Hope Chest with the tags still on it from World War II era! It even talks about buying war bonds! I love history.
Personal history mysteries are wonderful, aren't they? Thanks for sharing your story (and same goes for all of you who posted your own discoveries.)
Tami, when you have a chance please send your ship-to address along with the title of which of my books you'd like, and I'll get that and #576 in the mail to you (and if you want to tell us what you find inside the box, it would be icing on the cake! Ha.) My thanks to everyone for joining in.
Battlekitty (aka Tami), who wrote:
I inherited some antique furniture from my great-grandmother and her sister, my great-great aunt. Two wonderful ladies, who after their husband died, moved in with each other. Even after they had to be put into nursing care, they lived in a room together. Anyway, my great-grandmother left us first, then a few years later, my aunt. My father went to North Carolina and began to clean out the old brownstone that was still owned, but vacant. Had lots of furniture still in it. I chose a desk made by handmade by their father, my great-great grandfather. Several draws and the top folds down and lots of nooks and crannies for papers. In one of the small drawers, I found an old bank register from the 1920's, prior to the big crash. It was my aunt's and she had beautiful writing. I also found an old business letter and the way words were used almost 100 years ago is so different and formal than our way of writing and speaking now. Truly a neat find for me and a surprise for my dad when I showed him what I found. I also got a few other pieces of furniture and a Lane cedar Hope Chest with the tags still on it from World War II era! It even talks about buying war bonds! I love history.
Personal history mysteries are wonderful, aren't they? Thanks for sharing your story (and same goes for all of you who posted your own discoveries.)
Tami, when you have a chance please send your ship-to address along with the title of which of my books you'd like, and I'll get that and #576 in the mail to you (and if you want to tell us what you find inside the box, it would be icing on the cake! Ha.) My thanks to everyone for joining in.
October 6, 2014
Dollar Ten
Ten Things I Found at The Dollar Store
1. Set of ten 3-ring binder tab dividers.
2. Three double-ended highlighters.
3. Plastic flapped document wallet.
4. Plastic 3-ring binder zippered envelope.
5. Roll of 1.88" X 400" 3M carton sealing tape.
6. Spiral bound 5.5" X 4" 180 page pocket notebook.
7. Six count 9" X 12" clasp brown envelopes.
8. & 9. Hardcover bestsellers.
10. 240 inkjet white mailing labels.
All of the above items were purchased at Dollar Tree on 9/29/14.
1. Set of ten 3-ring binder tab dividers.
2. Three double-ended highlighters.
3. Plastic flapped document wallet.
4. Plastic 3-ring binder zippered envelope.
5. Roll of 1.88" X 400" 3M carton sealing tape.
6. Spiral bound 5.5" X 4" 180 page pocket notebook.
7. Six count 9" X 12" clasp brown envelopes.
8. & 9. Hardcover bestsellers.
10. 240 inkjet white mailing labels.
All of the above items were purchased at Dollar Tree on 9/29/14.
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