Molly O'Keefe's Blog, page 45
January 11, 2012
Starbuck
No, this isn't a flashback post about one of our favorite topics of years past -- Battlestar Galactica -- it's a post about a great movie I saw last night that I expect very few if any of you have heard of or seen, unless you live in Quebec.The movie's called Starbuck and I can't remember when I last had such an unexpectedly good time at the movies. After I got out of jury duty this afternoon, I went down to the TIFF building just to see the Grace Kelly exhibit before it closes... and this movie was starting in an hour and I'd remember people raving about it during the festival this year, so thought I'd check it out.
The star is Patrick Huard who's not well known outside of Quebec, although according to the programmer who introduced the film, he's just about the biggest movie star in Quebec TV and film these days. I saw him a few years ago in the Canadian film Bon Cop/Bad Cop, which could have been fabulous, but was just kind of okay... But this post isn't about that movie, one that frankly was trying too hard to be "Canadian". This post is about Starbuck, which wasn't trying to be anything but funny and heartwarming and succeeded at both.I'm trying to analyze Starbuck from a DWT perspective, but honestly, I think I'd have to see it again. I think there's something to learn about introducing a less than heroic character, but I can't 100% remember how the character was introduced. No, that's a lie. We first see him about 20 years before the story starts, jerking off at a sperm donor clinic... But then I can't remember what came next, (oh, that pun was not intended!), except that I started laughing out loud (really loud) soon after the movie began, and also teared up at least twice near the end. For me, that sums up an perfect comedy movie experience.
The premise is a tad ridiculous and some of the ways in which the story develops aren't plausible, but it's so funny and has so much heart, you don't care. The premise is this affable 40-something screw up who's just learned his girlfriend is pregnant at the same time she breaks up with him for being a screw up (oh, and some loan sharks are beating him up daily for the $80,000 he owes them, and he's trying to start a grow-op, but doesn't have a green thumb and his plants are dying...) Anyway, things are already not going well for this guy when he's visited by a lawyer who tells him that based on all the sperm donations he made back in the late 80's, using only the name "Starbuck", he's fathered 533 children, 148 of whom have filed a class action lawsuit to force the clinic to divulge his identity.
In one of the implausible plot points (which honestly, you just slide) the lawyer hands him an envelope with a profile and photo of each of the 148 young adults he's fathered who want to meet him, and after realizing some of them turned out well (the first is a famous pro-soccer player) he decides to visit (stalk) more of them and be like a guardian angel to as many of them as he can.
Of course, it doesn't go how he plans, but what enfolds is just so funny and so sweet... And Patrick Huard is beyond hot. These photos don't do him justice... You really need to see him in his soccer shorts to fully appreciate the hotness. ;)Okay, here's a photo I found of him, but not from this movie... Are you getting it now?
The film is in French with subtitles but so worth that tiny bit of extra effort. It's really, really funny. I have no idea how easy it will be to track this one down. imdb.com only lists release dates for France and Belguim right now, later this year... Looks like it screened in Quebec last summer...
But if this one comes to a theater near you that plays foreign language films, it's seriously worth checking out.
If a movie is really funny, I think I can forgive some implausible developments... like court cases happening almost over night... How about you? How many "mistakes" can a movie or book make before you're done with it?
January 10, 2012
5 Things Not to Say to an Author
I am offering this post as a public service both to authors and the people around them. I am the first to admit that we authors can be a tad on the sensitive side. Honestly, we wouldn't be able to do what we do if we weren't. We feel deeply. While we have no choice but to develop thick skins when it comes to the public in terms of reviews and public commentary, it's not always so easy to toughen up that epidermis in social situations. I am offering a list for any of you out there who know an author and would prefer not to have him or her seething or plunged into despair after an encounter with you.
This came up because of an encounter at a book signing I recently attended. The author is a hugely successful (like fourteen or fifteen times at the top of the NY Times Bestseller list successful) guy who lives in my town. He's also a total sweetheart and very supportive and helpful to other authors. I went to try to be supportive back (not that he needs it, but you know what I mean). The signing was huge. Packed. Bigger than any of his other signings I've attended and I've been to probably all the local ones over the past three or four years. We ran into an acquaintance there who said, "So, Eileen, are your book signings this big?"
I was completely floored. My sweet and somewhat clueless sweetheart launched into something about how well-attended my signings are, but I was really stung. What was I supposed to say? No, I'm not as successful as John and probably never will be. It seemed rude to point it out, especially in front of an audience. My honey contends that it wasn't meant as an insult, but was just a casual and thoughtless remark. It still was hurtful, though. Here's a list of a few more casual remarks that tend to leave me gnashing my teeth.
1) Wow. You're really cranking those books out.
I understand that you're trying to say that I'm prolific, but what you're implying is that I'm like a factory. My books are not widgets. I do not crank them out. I work very hard to produce a book a year and sometimes more. I'm crafting, revising, plotting and thinking. Not cranking.
2) You should send your book to Oprah!
I don't get this one as much anymore as most people realize that Oprah is now off the air, but for Pete's sake, really? Do you think the book isn't sent out for promotion? Don't you realize how many people send books to Oprah or Kelly Ripa or any of those celebrities? Do you honestly think that's a helpful hint that no one's considered?
3) Do a lot of research for those books?
Honestly, I've only gotten this one once, but it really stands out as incredibly offensive since we were at a school function and he said it while staring at my boobs which I realize are magnificent, but really?
4) I'll read your book and then I'll tell you what I think of it.
Then the next day I'll stop by your office and tell you how I think you're doing your job, 'kay?
5) So are your books self-published?
This one is slowly leaving my offensive list with the rise of e-pubbing, but it used to drive me nuts. I would not tell you I was a published author if I was self-published. Why are you assuming that no publishing house would want my work? How about just asking what publishing house(s) I write for?
I know there are more, but these are the ones that I can come up with off the top of my head. Any others out there?
This came up because of an encounter at a book signing I recently attended. The author is a hugely successful (like fourteen or fifteen times at the top of the NY Times Bestseller list successful) guy who lives in my town. He's also a total sweetheart and very supportive and helpful to other authors. I went to try to be supportive back (not that he needs it, but you know what I mean). The signing was huge. Packed. Bigger than any of his other signings I've attended and I've been to probably all the local ones over the past three or four years. We ran into an acquaintance there who said, "So, Eileen, are your book signings this big?"
I was completely floored. My sweet and somewhat clueless sweetheart launched into something about how well-attended my signings are, but I was really stung. What was I supposed to say? No, I'm not as successful as John and probably never will be. It seemed rude to point it out, especially in front of an audience. My honey contends that it wasn't meant as an insult, but was just a casual and thoughtless remark. It still was hurtful, though. Here's a list of a few more casual remarks that tend to leave me gnashing my teeth.
1) Wow. You're really cranking those books out.
I understand that you're trying to say that I'm prolific, but what you're implying is that I'm like a factory. My books are not widgets. I do not crank them out. I work very hard to produce a book a year and sometimes more. I'm crafting, revising, plotting and thinking. Not cranking.
2) You should send your book to Oprah!
I don't get this one as much anymore as most people realize that Oprah is now off the air, but for Pete's sake, really? Do you think the book isn't sent out for promotion? Don't you realize how many people send books to Oprah or Kelly Ripa or any of those celebrities? Do you honestly think that's a helpful hint that no one's considered?
3) Do a lot of research for those books?
Honestly, I've only gotten this one once, but it really stands out as incredibly offensive since we were at a school function and he said it while staring at my boobs which I realize are magnificent, but really?
4) I'll read your book and then I'll tell you what I think of it.
Then the next day I'll stop by your office and tell you how I think you're doing your job, 'kay?
5) So are your books self-published?
This one is slowly leaving my offensive list with the rise of e-pubbing, but it used to drive me nuts. I would not tell you I was a published author if I was self-published. Why are you assuming that no publishing house would want my work? How about just asking what publishing house(s) I write for?
I know there are more, but these are the ones that I can come up with off the top of my head. Any others out there?
January 9, 2012
Cage Match: Cecilia Grant's A Lady Awakened vs Joanna Bourne's The Black Hawk
For Christmas this year I gave my son a series of books called "Who Will Win?" It's sort of like a Deadliest Warrior for animals. Like if a Tiger and a Lion would fight, who would win? T-Rex and a Velociraptor? In the only one I've actually read a Polar Bear and a Grizzly Bear duke it out, but it ends up as a tie - the two are too evenly matched.
That's how this cage match is going to go for me, these two books are too evenly matched, but I REALLY want to talk about them.
These books rocked my world. They are totally different, Bourne's is an intricate historical spy novel and Grant's is an intricate historical landowner novel. Not kidding. Landowner.
But as different as these two plots are, in each book the plots are utterly key to the romance. Each character being (or becoming) GOOD at thier jobs was a big part of why the characters fall in love. So, Bourne's book wasn't just a romance with a dangerous espionage suspense plot thrown in - the plot and it's details ware crucial to what keep the leads together and throw them apart. And again, it wasn't vague. It wasn't easy. She's a French spy. He's an English spy. She shoots him, vows to kill him at one point. And we BELIEVE it. We believe she hates him as much as she loves him. Deeeeeeelicious.
Same with Grant - this wasn't a story with a wall paper village life. The character's attatchment and involvment with the land created the turning points that made the love believable. Made the love possible. Cheese, actually makes the love possible.
And because the non-romance plots are so nuanced and detailed and so tied to character growth - the romance is nuanced and detailed and tied to chracter growth.
To some extent this seems like a no-brainer, but in EVERY SINGLE BOOK I WRITE - I get bored writing about the "life stuff" the subplots about jobs and family that create a characters sense of self-worth. I kind of want to yada yada that stuff.
But Grant and Bourne take thier time. They totally commit to these "job" scenes. You can't skim this stuff like so many historical romances.
Grant's book challanges every single expectation, it zigs and zags. Bourne keeps us climbing deliciously upward, ratcheting up tension.
Both are difficult to put down, both are two of the best books I've read this year.
That's how this cage match is going to go for me, these two books are too evenly matched, but I REALLY want to talk about them.
These books rocked my world. They are totally different, Bourne's is an intricate historical spy novel and Grant's is an intricate historical landowner novel. Not kidding. Landowner.
But as different as these two plots are, in each book the plots are utterly key to the romance. Each character being (or becoming) GOOD at thier jobs was a big part of why the characters fall in love. So, Bourne's book wasn't just a romance with a dangerous espionage suspense plot thrown in - the plot and it's details ware crucial to what keep the leads together and throw them apart. And again, it wasn't vague. It wasn't easy. She's a French spy. He's an English spy. She shoots him, vows to kill him at one point. And we BELIEVE it. We believe she hates him as much as she loves him. Deeeeeeelicious.
Same with Grant - this wasn't a story with a wall paper village life. The character's attatchment and involvment with the land created the turning points that made the love believable. Made the love possible. Cheese, actually makes the love possible.
And because the non-romance plots are so nuanced and detailed and so tied to character growth - the romance is nuanced and detailed and tied to chracter growth.
To some extent this seems like a no-brainer, but in EVERY SINGLE BOOK I WRITE - I get bored writing about the "life stuff" the subplots about jobs and family that create a characters sense of self-worth. I kind of want to yada yada that stuff.
But Grant and Bourne take thier time. They totally commit to these "job" scenes. You can't skim this stuff like so many historical romances.
Grant's book challanges every single expectation, it zigs and zags. Bourne keeps us climbing deliciously upward, ratcheting up tension.
Both are difficult to put down, both are two of the best books I've read this year.
January 6, 2012
Best supporting characters
One of the new shows I've started watching is Suburgatory. I love that the humour is dry and the main narrator is a snarky teenage girl, a fish out of water type and that her single Dad is drool worthy, but what I love most about the show is the Cheryl Hines character, Dallas.
At first glance she is the typical rich, suburban housewife. Enhanced, clueless and a little batty, but Hines brings such a sweet vulnerability to everything, a real sense that she only wants to be a help to those around her and I'm not sure if the character was written as such, or if Hines brought it to the screen, but she is utterly compelling.
A character that could so easily have been cliche is the best surprise about the show. When Hines fell for the single Dad, with just an expression, we could see her hope, her heartbreak and even a hint of pride, all without dialogue.
I know in the past I've wasted my supporting characters, I haven't thought enough about them, gifted them with surprise elements or taken them past just being support to the main characters or possible heros and heroine's in future books, but going forward, I'm going to try and pull a Suburgatory. Because we should all have a Cheryl Hines in our books, or at least try to.
And I finally got my replacement kindle. So excited about the reading ahead of me. The first is Cecilia Grant.
At first glance she is the typical rich, suburban housewife. Enhanced, clueless and a little batty, but Hines brings such a sweet vulnerability to everything, a real sense that she only wants to be a help to those around her and I'm not sure if the character was written as such, or if Hines brought it to the screen, but she is utterly compelling.
A character that could so easily have been cliche is the best surprise about the show. When Hines fell for the single Dad, with just an expression, we could see her hope, her heartbreak and even a hint of pride, all without dialogue.
I know in the past I've wasted my supporting characters, I haven't thought enough about them, gifted them with surprise elements or taken them past just being support to the main characters or possible heros and heroine's in future books, but going forward, I'm going to try and pull a Suburgatory. Because we should all have a Cheryl Hines in our books, or at least try to.
And I finally got my replacement kindle. So excited about the reading ahead of me. The first is Cecilia Grant.
January 5, 2012
And the winner is...
Kristin Noel Fischer! Congratulations.
Kristin if you either want to leave your email address in comments or you can contact me through www.stephaniedoyle.net I'll arrange to send you your gift card.
Happy Reading!
Kristin if you either want to leave your email address in comments or you can contact me through www.stephaniedoyle.net I'll arrange to send you your gift card.
Happy Reading!
Last call for Free Stuff and Chemistry
Just a reminder I'll be announcing the winner of the $20 Amazon gift card later today. And today's comments still count so feel free to say anything that moves you. At the end of the day (that's 5:00 pm est) I'll put all the non DWT writer comments in a hat and draw. Good luck!
Now onto my thoughts for the day. I'm reading a book now where a reviewer made the comment that she liked both of the characters but didn't necessarily buy them together. As I'm reading the book this does make sense to me. All the pieces are there but for some reason I'm just not getting that click. And I don't know why.
As a writer of romance obviously I need to make sure the click happens. Naturally I'm starting to obsess about it. I tried to break it down analytically by reading different stories where for me the chemistry just leapt off the page.
An easy example - kicking it old school - I'll use Nora Roberts. In her first "In Death" book Eve and Rourke meet and there it is. That magic moment when they are standing at the funeral and you realize he's found the button off her drab grey suit. As a reader you just know these two want each other. It's not overdone, it's not obvious. It's just there somehow on the page.
I went back and re-read the early chapters of my current WIP and yeah, I really feel this chemistry between my hero and heroine in spades. Somehow it's just there. Yeah me!
But then I went back and read some of my other stuff and … yeah not so much. Boooo… I suck.
It's not that the book sucks. The characters, their development, their growth… all that's there. And yes you get to a point where you can feel the love between them – at least I hope. But that's not the same thing as chemistry.
Chemistry is the click. It's the thing that makes you look at a person and decide you want to take your clothes off in front of him. You can write words like lust, and tension, and desire. But for whatever reason sometimes that works and sometimes it just doesn't. No click.
The editor in me – I obviously wasn't able to see this flaw. I hope by having this new couple show me the way I'll be able to recognize it going forward. But I don't know. Can we ever see the click as we're writing our own stuff?
Is it the characters? Is it the writing? Is it the way we set the couple up? Who knows! What do you all think?
Now onto my thoughts for the day. I'm reading a book now where a reviewer made the comment that she liked both of the characters but didn't necessarily buy them together. As I'm reading the book this does make sense to me. All the pieces are there but for some reason I'm just not getting that click. And I don't know why.
As a writer of romance obviously I need to make sure the click happens. Naturally I'm starting to obsess about it. I tried to break it down analytically by reading different stories where for me the chemistry just leapt off the page.
An easy example - kicking it old school - I'll use Nora Roberts. In her first "In Death" book Eve and Rourke meet and there it is. That magic moment when they are standing at the funeral and you realize he's found the button off her drab grey suit. As a reader you just know these two want each other. It's not overdone, it's not obvious. It's just there somehow on the page.
I went back and re-read the early chapters of my current WIP and yeah, I really feel this chemistry between my hero and heroine in spades. Somehow it's just there. Yeah me!
But then I went back and read some of my other stuff and … yeah not so much. Boooo… I suck.
It's not that the book sucks. The characters, their development, their growth… all that's there. And yes you get to a point where you can feel the love between them – at least I hope. But that's not the same thing as chemistry.
Chemistry is the click. It's the thing that makes you look at a person and decide you want to take your clothes off in front of him. You can write words like lust, and tension, and desire. But for whatever reason sometimes that works and sometimes it just doesn't. No click.
The editor in me – I obviously wasn't able to see this flaw. I hope by having this new couple show me the way I'll be able to recognize it going forward. But I don't know. Can we ever see the click as we're writing our own stuff?
Is it the characters? Is it the writing? Is it the way we set the couple up? Who knows! What do you all think?
January 4, 2012
When Flawed is Good Enough
I'm reading a YA novel right now that I shall not name, but it was one of the big anticipated books of 2011 and while I don't think it hit high on any bestseller lists (or as high as it was expected to) it did pretty well.
I can't quite decide what I think about this book. (Am waiting for Sinead to finish it, so we can discuss.) In parts it's amazing and creative. In parts it seems cliched. Parts are graceful and breathtakingly beautiful. Parts are clunky and awkward. Parts I've skimmed. (I'm not a skimmer.) And ultimately I've decided, reading it through writer's eyes, that the author, while clearly very talented, didn't know that much about writing. I'm guessing she didn't go through the "apprenticeship" that many of us go through writing multiple books that gather rejections and criticism through which we learn the craft of writing.
But the book is entertaining. And I keep turning the pages. So like other bestsellers that weren't considered "well written" clearly the story is making up for the muddy POV's, the occasional lazy choices, like repeating the same scene from two different points of view, or adding of a random POV for no reason other than to explain something she couldn't figure out a better way to explain... The things that stand out like sore thumbs to me as a fellow writer.
It almost makes me think I've wasted my time learning all that I have about "good" writing. But then I remember. I actually care. I know not everyone will like or appreciate my style or agree with my choices in storytelling, but no matter what criticism I hear in reviews, I know why I made the decisions I made in my books.
And in contrast, a study in perfection... I saw an absolutely wonderful film tonight that I highly recommend. Do not let the fact that it's a silent film made by a French filmmaker scare you off. It's very commercial and very entertaining and at its core is a really simple and believable and very sweet romance. Of course I'm talking about The Artist. The lead actor, Jean Dujardin, is favored to get an Oscar nomination and if I had a vote I agree. I'd also nominate the jack russell terrier in the movie for best supporting actor. Awesome.
I can't quite decide what I think about this book. (Am waiting for Sinead to finish it, so we can discuss.) In parts it's amazing and creative. In parts it seems cliched. Parts are graceful and breathtakingly beautiful. Parts are clunky and awkward. Parts I've skimmed. (I'm not a skimmer.) And ultimately I've decided, reading it through writer's eyes, that the author, while clearly very talented, didn't know that much about writing. I'm guessing she didn't go through the "apprenticeship" that many of us go through writing multiple books that gather rejections and criticism through which we learn the craft of writing.
But the book is entertaining. And I keep turning the pages. So like other bestsellers that weren't considered "well written" clearly the story is making up for the muddy POV's, the occasional lazy choices, like repeating the same scene from two different points of view, or adding of a random POV for no reason other than to explain something she couldn't figure out a better way to explain... The things that stand out like sore thumbs to me as a fellow writer.
It almost makes me think I've wasted my time learning all that I have about "good" writing. But then I remember. I actually care. I know not everyone will like or appreciate my style or agree with my choices in storytelling, but no matter what criticism I hear in reviews, I know why I made the decisions I made in my books.
And in contrast, a study in perfection... I saw an absolutely wonderful film tonight that I highly recommend. Do not let the fact that it's a silent film made by a French filmmaker scare you off. It's very commercial and very entertaining and at its core is a really simple and believable and very sweet romance. Of course I'm talking about The Artist. The lead actor, Jean Dujardin, is favored to get an Oscar nomination and if I had a vote I agree. I'd also nominate the jack russell terrier in the movie for best supporting actor. Awesome.
January 3, 2012
I don't believe in writer's block
I don't. I really don't. I think it's . . .self-indulgent. Yet, I've spent the last two weeks not making any progress on my book.
Oh, there are reasons. Holidays. Kids. Mother. News I didn't like that set me back on my heels a bit. But I've never been this clabbered up for this long. Never.
I tried outlining. I spent quite a few hours looking at my current favorite plot structure craft book. Then I played a bunch of spider solitaire. Let me tell you, it didn't leave me feeling better about myself or my book.
I've now been reduced to just making a list of scenes that need to be written. Usually that gets my juices flowing. I'm still playing solitaire although the juices are starting to trickle.
So I lay it on me people. It's the start of a new year. What are you favorite ways to unstick and unblock yourself? I need info!
Oh, there are reasons. Holidays. Kids. Mother. News I didn't like that set me back on my heels a bit. But I've never been this clabbered up for this long. Never.
I tried outlining. I spent quite a few hours looking at my current favorite plot structure craft book. Then I played a bunch of spider solitaire. Let me tell you, it didn't leave me feeling better about myself or my book.
I've now been reduced to just making a list of scenes that need to be written. Usually that gets my juices flowing. I'm still playing solitaire although the juices are starting to trickle.
So I lay it on me people. It's the start of a new year. What are you favorite ways to unstick and unblock yourself? I need info!
January 2, 2012
A very Kindle Christmas
I am a really nostalgic person. And for me the act of reading a book in my bed is part nostaliga part habit. All love. And when I asked for a Kindle I thought primarily it would be helpful with my critique group so I wouldn't be reading manuscripts on my computer. Because there was no way that a Kindle was better than reading a book.
And it's not. Not really. What it is however is way better than how I usually buy books. Like, hugely better. Like the best thing ever. I never get to book stores - I live in a huge city and love bookstores, but I never get there. SO, for years I've done most of my book shopping on line. And then waited for the books to arrive.
But I am a junkie. A filthy dirty reading junkie. I am Bubbles with books - a heart of gold, yes, but I will do anything to get my next fix.
Having a kindle is like living with a dealer.
Since getting my Kindle the day after Christmas, I have read Cecilia Grant's AMAZING! Truly truly amazing A Lady Awakened (I can't wait to talk about this, so hurry up and read it guys!) Courtney Milan's self-published Novella and novel. I've started Joanna Bournes' Black Hawk. And Stephen King's latest.
And there's no way I'm the only one like this - buying books like crazy. Full-priced, mostly agency books. Those three million Kindle's sold in the weeks before Christmas are an exciting reality. I'm not sure what it will all mean, but for me it means more books, faster. My habit and the habit of at least three million other readers will only get worse. I mean better. Or something.
How about you guys? Kindle Christmas?
And it's not. Not really. What it is however is way better than how I usually buy books. Like, hugely better. Like the best thing ever. I never get to book stores - I live in a huge city and love bookstores, but I never get there. SO, for years I've done most of my book shopping on line. And then waited for the books to arrive.
But I am a junkie. A filthy dirty reading junkie. I am Bubbles with books - a heart of gold, yes, but I will do anything to get my next fix.
Having a kindle is like living with a dealer.
Since getting my Kindle the day after Christmas, I have read Cecilia Grant's AMAZING! Truly truly amazing A Lady Awakened (I can't wait to talk about this, so hurry up and read it guys!) Courtney Milan's self-published Novella and novel. I've started Joanna Bournes' Black Hawk. And Stephen King's latest.
And there's no way I'm the only one like this - buying books like crazy. Full-priced, mostly agency books. Those three million Kindle's sold in the weeks before Christmas are an exciting reality. I'm not sure what it will all mean, but for me it means more books, faster. My habit and the habit of at least three million other readers will only get worse. I mean better. Or something.
How about you guys? Kindle Christmas?
December 29, 2011
In Preparation for the New Year...
So every year I make a list of things I want to accomplish in the next year. Usually stupid mundane things, get my carpet's cleaned, take golf lessons, learn French… that kind of thing. I'm horrible at resolutions so I've basically just given those up.
I always want to eat better, drink less, exercise and write more. Since they are a given – I don't even bother to write them down anymore.
Last year I had one very big goal which I finally accomplished at the end of the year. The Toronto DWT girls will remember my adventurous trip to San Francisco.
For 2012 though I've been floundering. This is what I have so far…
1. I want a repeat of my adventures in San Francisco – any city is fine.
2. I want to write 3 books.
3. I want to start a face care regime. Because at 41 let's face it, every woman needs a face care regime.
That's it. Seems pretty pathetic. I don't know if it's because as I get older I find that I've done a lot of things I've already wanted to do, or if I'm just particularly unmotivated this year.
I don't know which is more depressing.
Anyway I figured I would throw it out to all of you – any resolutions or plans for the new year? Any hobbies you find yourself wanting to take up? This way I can steal from all of you.
And don't forget the chance to win an Amazon $20 gift certificate is still out there. Leave a comment on any blog post from now until January 5th. I plan to just pick a random day, and from there a random comment.
I always want to eat better, drink less, exercise and write more. Since they are a given – I don't even bother to write them down anymore.
Last year I had one very big goal which I finally accomplished at the end of the year. The Toronto DWT girls will remember my adventurous trip to San Francisco.
For 2012 though I've been floundering. This is what I have so far…
1. I want a repeat of my adventures in San Francisco – any city is fine.
2. I want to write 3 books.
3. I want to start a face care regime. Because at 41 let's face it, every woman needs a face care regime.
That's it. Seems pretty pathetic. I don't know if it's because as I get older I find that I've done a lot of things I've already wanted to do, or if I'm just particularly unmotivated this year.
I don't know which is more depressing.
Anyway I figured I would throw it out to all of you – any resolutions or plans for the new year? Any hobbies you find yourself wanting to take up? This way I can steal from all of you.
And don't forget the chance to win an Amazon $20 gift certificate is still out there. Leave a comment on any blog post from now until January 5th. I plan to just pick a random day, and from there a random comment.
