Natasha Deen's Blog, page 50

Author Question

Q: When I query an agent or editor, do I use my pen name or my legal name?

A: You use your legal name. The question/use of pen names only comes up once you have received a contract.

Ignore Him

Was out and overheard a girl telling a guy that another guy (Joe) had followed her home and left a note in her mailbox. She was creeped out by it. The friend thought it was romantic and that love “is creepy.”

The conversation went on for a while and in the end, she agreed with his opinion, but I couldn’t help but disagree…

If you think the gesture is creepy, then it is creepy, and let’s face it. If this Joe character goes all whacka-doo, it won’t be the guy he takes the machete to, it’ll be the...

Random Conversations

Location: The doctor’s office

Me (to the elderly woman in the wheelchair): They told me to come in here. Is someone supposed to find us or do we check in somewhere?

Her: Did you check in at the main desk?

Me: Yes.

Her: Then you’re good. Sit down.

Me: Okay.

Her: Yep, just take a seat and relax.

Me: Okay.

Her: Yep, just sit down, shut up, and hold on.

Me: *Eye-ing the seat far away from her* uh, okay.

Her: Yeah **Sees me taking out a book** Sit down and read.

Me: Yep.

Her: I should just talk to you the who...

Worth Reading

If you’re looking for a fun, interesting read (and one you can read on many levels, from sheer enjoyment to the bigger questions of what defines family and culture), then try out these two books.

Almost There: The Family Vacation Then and Now Gillespie, Curtis (Book – 2012)

Road Tripping: On the Move with the Buffalo Gals Massing, Conni L. (Book – 2010)

Gaps in Logic

© Socrates | Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images

Was once again reminded of the uniqueness (and weirdness) of the human mind when I got home after running errands. I was going to dump the cola by the flower bed, then toss the cup in the recycling bin in the garage, then decided against it because I didn’t think pop would be good for the flowers about to grow…got to the front door and had to ask myself, “Uh, if you don’t think they’re good for flowers, why the heck are YOU drinking this...

First Draft…Whoa/Woe

© Taxzi | Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images

Okay, after much wrestling, gnashing of teeth, begging and cajoling, the first draft of my novel done and resting for the next month, while I try my best to forget plot/character (so that when I go back, I read with fresh eyes)…

Does anyone else find their first draft a mix of whoa & woe?

As in, you’re happy (thrilled!) that you have this massive thing scribed from your head to the page, but on the other hand, there are so many gaps/holes/iss...

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CEATCA!

So excited to hang out with the teachers of the Central East Alberta Association and after, lunch with historical fiction author, Lois Donovan. YAY Friday!!

Free Today Only!

Free Today Only! Feuding Hearts http://bit.ly/IPuUVs

Thanks Learning Center

Thanks so much to The Learning Center & EPL’s Poet in Residence Anne-Marie Sewell for the awesome time yesterday. There’s nothing quite as much fun as getting together with a band of writers and drafting stories