Natasha Deen's Blog, page 51

Breaking a Sweat

© Parrus | Stock Free Images & Dreamstime Stock Photos

Oof. Taking time from the writing has really atrophied my production muscle. I’m slowly working my back to writing shape, but WOW it’s a lot of heavy lifting…but at least I’m lifting!

The interesting thing is I have friends who can pick up and set down their work–for months!–and they never lose their skill. I guess it’s just another reminder of how subjective the industry is, how unique every individual is…

Overheard at a YA Conference

Two girls are leaving my Story Avenue session. One turns to the other & in a perfect mix of valley-girl & teacher tone, says, “I just knew she’d be awesome as soon as I sat down.” Grabs her friend by the arm and continues, “Did you see how detailed her notes were?”

Lol.

And kids think you stop doing homework after high school/university.

**Groan**

Nothing hurts my over-achieving, perfectionist heart like realizing–with 72 hours left in the month–that I’d set myself a word goal. Am now debating whether to roll it over into March or forgo sleeping & eating in an effort to meet the challenge…

Photos from the 2013 Story Avenue

(From YABS’ website): Story Avenue is a writing conference held annually at the Centre for Education in downtown Edmonton. Participants are Grade 5, 6, and 7 students from the Edmonton City Centre Schools.

I’m back & about to do some writing, then work on the session for dream interpretation (Sunday)!

The Center for Education–blue on the outside, writing drool-worthy on the inside!

Volunteer Dana Ferguson & YABS Director, Stephanie Gregorwich

Left to Right: Carolyn Fisher, Debby Waldman, Lorna Ni...

You Know Your Place in the Universe…

when one of the big battles you’re fighting is ignoring the demands of your kitten, who (loving but unrelenting) is by your bed, insisting that 3:30 AM is now wake-up time…

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YES!! YYYEESS!!!

Oi!!

Last fall, in what I can only see as madness, I laid down the challenge of writing an inspirational (Christian) story. I wanted something gentle and light…and have spent the last few months getting my butt kicked by the novel, Finding Home.

For the last 6 weeks, I’ve agonized over the climax/resolution, but am happy to report, I did it! I fixed it and even though it’ll probably get deleted next month when I edit, I don’t care. I pushed through and fixed it.

Who’s the quitter now, manuscript...

Chewed Pencil Anthology

Back in November, the Edmonton Writers Group decided to put together an anthology of writing stories–a book of our collected wisdom, as it were. The book (free for download) is almost ready for launch, and I just got in the cheeky cover art from our designer.

I love this cover–lighthearted and fun–hope you do, too!

A Delay at Imagination Station

Well, oh boi.

I finished NaNoWriMo early and thought I’d take the rest of November off…then, I was notified about the RWiR position, and planing began, and I thought, “Well, that’s okay, because I’m taking time from writing…”

Then December hit & I was still planning, and still in the plan of taking time from writing (I was working very long hours and afraid I was losing a sense of balance between work & life)…then it was January…………………………………………………….and suddenly, I’d forgotten how to write.

The t...

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