Nicole Zoltack's Blog, page 37
January 24, 2012
Weekly Progress Report - Little Writing, Mostly Editing
Once I reached 50K on my WIP, I stalled some. I've only written about 4K since. Some of the problem stems from not knowing how to end the story. The main action of the story has already ended and I'm not sure how long I should continue the story after that. Basically all that remains is the romance aspect of the story, but I'm worried that it's too mellow after the adventure parts of the story that compromise the vast majority of what's already written. It's a little frustrating. Normally endings are the easiest part for me to write but I'm not sure how exactly to get to the end.
I've been doing a lot of editing for various editing jobs. I've edited slightly over 1,000 pages this month so far and still have more to go before the month is over. I also just received entries to judge for a contest. I really enjoy being a judge, it's a fun way to give back to the writing community but I can't believe I actually signed up to be a judge when the deadline to return the entries is after my due date. O.o My goal is to finish the entries and submit them the first week of February, well before they're due.
How goes your writing? Your reading? Seen any good movies lately? What have you been up to?
Check out some other great progress reports this week:
http://www.writersally.blogspot.com/
http://jc-martin.com/fighterwriter/
http://waibelworld.blogspot.com
http://susanfieldswriter.blogspot.com
http://skmayhew.blogspot.com/p/tuesday-wip-status.html
http://margoberendsen.blogspot.com
http://www.sherryauger.blogspot.com
http://www.susanoloier.blogspot.com
http://carrieannebrownian.wordpress.com/
http://lynneawest.blogspot.com
I've been doing a lot of editing for various editing jobs. I've edited slightly over 1,000 pages this month so far and still have more to go before the month is over. I also just received entries to judge for a contest. I really enjoy being a judge, it's a fun way to give back to the writing community but I can't believe I actually signed up to be a judge when the deadline to return the entries is after my due date. O.o My goal is to finish the entries and submit them the first week of February, well before they're due.
How goes your writing? Your reading? Seen any good movies lately? What have you been up to?
Check out some other great progress reports this week:http://www.writersally.blogspot.com/
http://jc-martin.com/fighterwriter/
http://waibelworld.blogspot.com
http://susanfieldswriter.blogspot.com
http://skmayhew.blogspot.com/p/tuesday-wip-status.html
http://margoberendsen.blogspot.com
http://www.sherryauger.blogspot.com
http://www.susanoloier.blogspot.com
http://carrieannebrownian.wordpress.com/
http://lynneawest.blogspot.com
January 23, 2012
Creature of the Week - Troll
Last week's creature was the Ogre and Johanna Garth asked how Ogres were different from Trolls so I decided to highlight trolls this week.
Credit for picture
Ogres and trolls are rather similar except for two things - one, where their mythology originated (Ogres from France and England and Trolls from Norse mythology and Scandinavian folklore) and two, there seems to be more variations to the different kinds of trolls versus ogres.
Credit for picture
Trolls appearance vary greatly in various stories. Some stories say that trolls are old, incredibly strong, slow, and dimwitted, although this is only the case with the males as the females trolls may be quite cunning. Another difference between male and female - males are ugly with big noses, long arms and lots of hair, while females are beautiful. Sometimes the only way to distinguish a female troll from a human women is by their dress - a female troll will be too elegantly dressed for walking in a forest.
Credit for picture
Some trolls are man-eaters. Some are said to turn to stone when the sun touches them. Some are fiendish giants. Most are ugly, may have tusks or only one eye. However, some stories say that trolls look like humans, not hideous at all, but they live far away from humans in hills, caves, or mounds.The wind-troll Ysätters-Kajsa could dance on the wind or fly. I combine mound trolls or haugtrold with the ability to dance on the wind when I created my race of trolls in my Kingdom of Arnhem trilogy. They first make their appearance in the middle book, Knight of Glory.
Credit for picture
Ogres and trolls are rather similar except for two things - one, where their mythology originated (Ogres from France and England and Trolls from Norse mythology and Scandinavian folklore) and two, there seems to be more variations to the different kinds of trolls versus ogres.
Credit for picture
Trolls appearance vary greatly in various stories. Some stories say that trolls are old, incredibly strong, slow, and dimwitted, although this is only the case with the males as the females trolls may be quite cunning. Another difference between male and female - males are ugly with big noses, long arms and lots of hair, while females are beautiful. Sometimes the only way to distinguish a female troll from a human women is by their dress - a female troll will be too elegantly dressed for walking in a forest.
Credit for picture
Some trolls are man-eaters. Some are said to turn to stone when the sun touches them. Some are fiendish giants. Most are ugly, may have tusks or only one eye. However, some stories say that trolls look like humans, not hideous at all, but they live far away from humans in hills, caves, or mounds.The wind-troll Ysätters-Kajsa could dance on the wind or fly. I combine mound trolls or haugtrold with the ability to dance on the wind when I created my race of trolls in my Kingdom of Arnhem trilogy. They first make their appearance in the middle book, Knight of Glory.
January 20, 2012
Diamond Candle - Review and Giveaway!
I was selected to review Diamond Candles. Diamond Candles are soy candles that are made with earth friendly all natural soy. The best part of the candle is there is a ring worth $10, $100, $1000, or $5000 inside every candle!I received the Pumpkin Chai scented Diamond Candle to review. I love burning candles. And there are so many different scents to choose from with Diamond Candles - like strawberry bliss, cinnamon roll, vanilla cream, lavender lemon and many more.
As I said, I got the Pumpkin scent. It is a great scent for fall and winter. I love how light the scent is, it isn't overpowering, and it lingers in the air for a good while after you blow out the candle. I also love that the jar the candle is packaged in can be reused after you're done burning the candle. Soy candles burn cleanly, another plus, and they are mainly made in the US. Diamond Candles burn slowly at around 125-160 hours, which is a good thing unless you're like me and are impatient to get to your ring!
Overall, I was thrilled with my Diamond Candle! They also make great gifts. Maybe for Valentine's Day?
Now you can enter to win your very own Diamond Candle, a $24.95 value. To gain entry to the giveaway, enter below with Rafflecopter. A Diamond Candle is a girls best friend! Diamond Candles will be coming to a retail shop near you, but in the mean time you shop Diamond Candles online, and shipping starts at only $5, anywhere in the US.
Good Luck!
Receiving a free candle did not affect my review in any way.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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January 19, 2012
Guest Blog with Leslie D. Soule - Women in Fantasy
Hey there, everyone! Thanks for joining me today.
Today I'm going to be discussing the roles of women in fantasy novels. Well, I had the pleasure of attending last year's RT Booklover's Convention in Los Angeles, where one of the panel discussions I listened to was on this very topic. I saved my notes from this panel discussion, knowing they would come in handy (as they are proving to at this very moment!)
One of the things that was discussed is how women have become more accepted as characters in the fantasy genre and action/adventure genre books, which traditionally featured male characters. A social demand grew for strong female characters – characters who weren't afraid to get out there and fight alongside men. It is socially acceptable to have a woman character who is a fighter, and it is gratifying to women to read these stories, that show strong women who aren't afraid to stand up for what they believe in.
This change in female roles in fiction may be the result of social changes in history that determine women's social role. In this way, art imitates life. However, a novel can also be said to be an image of what is possible, and in this way can serve as an example for further social progress to be built upon. Since literature is so powerful, it should be examined for how it instructs or creates an example.
Personally, I question the purpose of characters like Bella in the Twilight books. Although she seems to know what she wants in life and isn't afraid to go after it at all costs, which seem like admirable qualities, all she wants for herself is to be in a relationship and to have a child. She has no further aspirations for herself. She is willing to be "dead" to the world, so that she can have the man of her dreams, a guy she would throw herself off a cliff for, crash a motorcycle to see, and repeatedly put herself in harm's way for. To me, Bella seems like the anti- strong woman. So I wonder whether throngs of Twilight fans are going to grow up using Bella as an example, throwing themselves after a guy at all costs, even of life and limb.
It will be interesting to see how social discourse and literature play off of each other and how women will be portrayed in future fantasy novels.
Well, thanks for joining me today. If you'd like to be entered to win a Barnes & Noble gift card, please leave a comment, along with your name and e-mail address.
---
Leslie Soule lives in Sacramento, California. Fallenwood is her first fantasy novel. She has received her B.A. in English from Sacramento State University and is currently working on her Master's degree in
English at National University.
Website: www.lesliesoule.com
---
Blurb:
Fallenwood—a land where magic is the life force, dragons are sages, and wizards good and evil battle for supremacy. When 23-year-old Ash is thrust into the middle of Fallenwood's power struggles, she is also forced to face her own inner battles. Life on Earth was hard enough on Ash, who is locked in grief for her stepfather. Now, the fate of Fallenwood rests on her shoulders. She must destroy the Great Crystal—the catalyst for all the land's magic. As the kingdoms prepare for war, Ash must look inside to find the power to save the world, and herself.
---
Excerpt:
The dragon's eyes glowed, for a flickering moment, with white light.
"Ash," the dragon continued, "Welcome to Terra Illumina…or as it is more commonly known,
Fallenwood." Then a fierce roaring laugh erupted from the stone, as though the dragon thought the new
name a joke. "A dark, difficult, dangerous path lies before you, Ash Kensington."
Ash's heart grew heavy. In truth, she knew that she was destined to some terrible, dark fate. For so long, her life was filled with sadness and doubt, and one horrible thing after another. What else can I hope for?
"But Ash, you must not lose hope. Our world needs you..."
---
Thanks for joining us today, Leslie!
And readers, don't forget that Leslie will be giving away a $25 Barnes and Noble GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. The more you comment on the tour stops, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here.
Today I'm going to be discussing the roles of women in fantasy novels. Well, I had the pleasure of attending last year's RT Booklover's Convention in Los Angeles, where one of the panel discussions I listened to was on this very topic. I saved my notes from this panel discussion, knowing they would come in handy (as they are proving to at this very moment!) One of the things that was discussed is how women have become more accepted as characters in the fantasy genre and action/adventure genre books, which traditionally featured male characters. A social demand grew for strong female characters – characters who weren't afraid to get out there and fight alongside men. It is socially acceptable to have a woman character who is a fighter, and it is gratifying to women to read these stories, that show strong women who aren't afraid to stand up for what they believe in.
This change in female roles in fiction may be the result of social changes in history that determine women's social role. In this way, art imitates life. However, a novel can also be said to be an image of what is possible, and in this way can serve as an example for further social progress to be built upon. Since literature is so powerful, it should be examined for how it instructs or creates an example.
Personally, I question the purpose of characters like Bella in the Twilight books. Although she seems to know what she wants in life and isn't afraid to go after it at all costs, which seem like admirable qualities, all she wants for herself is to be in a relationship and to have a child. She has no further aspirations for herself. She is willing to be "dead" to the world, so that she can have the man of her dreams, a guy she would throw herself off a cliff for, crash a motorcycle to see, and repeatedly put herself in harm's way for. To me, Bella seems like the anti- strong woman. So I wonder whether throngs of Twilight fans are going to grow up using Bella as an example, throwing themselves after a guy at all costs, even of life and limb.
It will be interesting to see how social discourse and literature play off of each other and how women will be portrayed in future fantasy novels.
Well, thanks for joining me today. If you'd like to be entered to win a Barnes & Noble gift card, please leave a comment, along with your name and e-mail address.
---
Leslie Soule lives in Sacramento, California. Fallenwood is her first fantasy novel. She has received her B.A. in English from Sacramento State University and is currently working on her Master's degree inEnglish at National University.
Website: www.lesliesoule.com
---
Blurb:
Fallenwood—a land where magic is the life force, dragons are sages, and wizards good and evil battle for supremacy. When 23-year-old Ash is thrust into the middle of Fallenwood's power struggles, she is also forced to face her own inner battles. Life on Earth was hard enough on Ash, who is locked in grief for her stepfather. Now, the fate of Fallenwood rests on her shoulders. She must destroy the Great Crystal—the catalyst for all the land's magic. As the kingdoms prepare for war, Ash must look inside to find the power to save the world, and herself.
---
Excerpt:
The dragon's eyes glowed, for a flickering moment, with white light.
"Ash," the dragon continued, "Welcome to Terra Illumina…or as it is more commonly known,
Fallenwood." Then a fierce roaring laugh erupted from the stone, as though the dragon thought the new
name a joke. "A dark, difficult, dangerous path lies before you, Ash Kensington."
Ash's heart grew heavy. In truth, she knew that she was destined to some terrible, dark fate. For so long, her life was filled with sadness and doubt, and one horrible thing after another. What else can I hope for?
"But Ash, you must not lose hope. Our world needs you..."
---
Thanks for joining us today, Leslie!
And readers, don't forget that Leslie will be giving away a $25 Barnes and Noble GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. The more you comment on the tour stops, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here.
January 18, 2012
Question of the Week - Weakness
Credit for picture
What do you consider to be your biggest weakness? The weakness of your favorite literary character? The weakness of one of your characters?
My weakness - I sometimes have a hard time saying no when someone asks me for help so I might bit off more than I can chew.
Snape's weakness - wow, that's tough. Probably his anger.
One of the princesses in my current WIP has a lack of self confidence.
And just as a heads up - I'll be announcing the details for my 1,000 followers contest next week, I promise!
January 17, 2012
Weekly Progress Report - Writing and Editing and No Reading
Since last week, I wrote another 26,400 words of Two Princesses, One Prince, and a Dragon to be slightly over 50K for the month so far. The story isn't quite done yet but maybe by next week. Definitely by the end of the month which makes me very happy. Even if baby #3 comes early, at least the story will be done.
I've also been editing like crazy this month and I just got two more stories to edit. I'm hoping to get as much editing done before baby #3 comes. Then I'll take a little break.
And what will I be doing during that break? Reading! I've been too busy writing and editing to read right now. I'm really looking forward to getting some reading done once the baby comes since I promised hubby I won't write or edit at all for at least two weeks after the baby is born.
How goes your writing? Your reading? Seen any good movies lately? What have you been up to?
Check out some other great progress reports this week:
http://www.writersally.blogspot.com/
http://jc-martin.com/fighterwriter/
http://waibelworld.blogspot.com
http://susanfieldswriter.blogspot.com
http://skmayhew.blogspot.com/p/tuesday-wip-status.html
http://margoberendsen.blogspot.com
http://www.sherryauger.blogspot.com
http://www.susanoloier.blogspot.com
http://carrieannebrownian.wordpress.com/
http://lynneawest.blogspot.com
I've also been editing like crazy this month and I just got two more stories to edit. I'm hoping to get as much editing done before baby #3 comes. Then I'll take a little break.
And what will I be doing during that break? Reading! I've been too busy writing and editing to read right now. I'm really looking forward to getting some reading done once the baby comes since I promised hubby I won't write or edit at all for at least two weeks after the baby is born.
How goes your writing? Your reading? Seen any good movies lately? What have you been up to?
Check out some other great progress reports this week:http://www.writersally.blogspot.com/
http://jc-martin.com/fighterwriter/
http://waibelworld.blogspot.com
http://susanfieldswriter.blogspot.com
http://skmayhew.blogspot.com/p/tuesday-wip-status.html
http://margoberendsen.blogspot.com
http://www.sherryauger.blogspot.com
http://www.susanoloier.blogspot.com
http://carrieannebrownian.wordpress.com/
http://lynneawest.blogspot.com
January 16, 2012
Creature of the Week - Ogre
Credit for picture
In French and English folk and fairy tales, Ogres and Ogresses are mythical giants. They have superhuman size and strength, an oversized head, large belly, and long wild hair. In many ways, they are very similar to trolls. Ogres love to eat human flesh, especially children's, hence their common portrayal as monsters in fairy tales.
Credit for picture
They have low intelligence, however, which makes it easy to trick or defeat them. Some ogres are also shapeshifters, and if one is clever enough, they can use this against them. In "Puss in Boots," the cat tricks a shapeshifting ogre to turn into a mouse which the cat pounced on and ate.
Credit for picture
January 12, 2012
Tell the Truth Thursday
1. I love chocolate. If I grab a Hershey kiss, I have to eat more than one.
2. I have less than 6 weeks until my due date and so much I want to get done before baby #3 is born. Why has no one invented the time-turner yet?
3. I'm so glad my shows are back from break, especially The Vampire Diaries and Once Upon a Time.
4. I can't help but smile each time son #1 says "Merry Christmas!" which he's still saying.
5. I can't help but be frustrated that potty training son #1 has stalled. He had showed interested and was starting to do well and now he's pretty much stopped completely.
6. I love to daydream about winning the lottery and figuring out what I would do with all that money. Then I get depressed because the chances of winning is so slim. But hubby buys a ticket every week with his office so I guess that's better than no chance. You can't win if you never try.
7. I'll probably post the details of my 1,000 followers contest next week. Still trying to figure out all of the prizes. :)
8. I don't like odd numbers (although 5 is ok) so I had to make another point even though I have nothing really to say for it.
What are your truths this week?
2. I have less than 6 weeks until my due date and so much I want to get done before baby #3 is born. Why has no one invented the time-turner yet?
3. I'm so glad my shows are back from break, especially The Vampire Diaries and Once Upon a Time.
4. I can't help but smile each time son #1 says "Merry Christmas!" which he's still saying.
5. I can't help but be frustrated that potty training son #1 has stalled. He had showed interested and was starting to do well and now he's pretty much stopped completely.
6. I love to daydream about winning the lottery and figuring out what I would do with all that money. Then I get depressed because the chances of winning is so slim. But hubby buys a ticket every week with his office so I guess that's better than no chance. You can't win if you never try.
7. I'll probably post the details of my 1,000 followers contest next week. Still trying to figure out all of the prizes. :)
8. I don't like odd numbers (although 5 is ok) so I had to make another point even though I have nothing really to say for it.
What are your truths this week?
January 11, 2012
Question of the Week - Strengths
Credit for picture
What do you consider to be your greatest strength? The greatest strength of your favorite literary character? The greatest strength of one of your characters?
My greatest strength? Probably my willingness to help others. (that can sometimes lead to my inability to say no - which just might be one of my bigger weaknesses). Greatest strength of my favorite literary character? First - my favorite literary character is Snape. His greatest strength was his love for Lily Potter. The greatest strength of one of my characters? Aislinn - the heroine in Woman of Honor - her drive and determination to achieve her goal despite it being against society's normal standards.
January 10, 2012
Weekly Progress Report - Writing and Editing and Running out of Time
So far, January has been a very productive month. I've edited nearly 550 pages for various editing jobs with an additional 115 for a friend. I've also written over 23,600 on my WIP - Two Princesses, One Prince, and a Dragon. I'm not sure where this story is going right now. I'm just winging it. I normally am a pantser but lately I had been plotting a little. This one is completely surprising me each time I open the document to add more words. I don't know how it'll work out or if it'll be any good but I'm having fun with it so I guess that's all that matters.
I've been writing like crazy recently because of a major deadline - baby #3 is due in less than 6 weeks. Crazy. I would love to be able to finish Two Princesses, One Prince, and a Dragon before he's born. With my own writing, I find it easier to go days in between editing and not having a problem picking up where I left off, but writing doesn't quite work the same way. So I'm writing like mad now so that I can edit and make perfect after he's born (and about two months old at least. Waking up every two hours to feed him and the resulting sleep deprivation will not make for anything becoming perfect!).
On the reading front, I'm reading Shatter Me. So far, I'm loving it!
How goes your writing? Your reading? Seen any good movies lately? What have you been up to?
Check out some other great progress reports this week:
http://www.writersally.blogspot.com/
http://jc-martin.com/fighterwriter/
http://waibelworld.blogspot.com
http://susanfieldswriter.blogspot.com
http://skmayhew.blogspot.com/p/tuesday-wip-status.html
http://margoberendsen.blogspot.com
http://www.sherryauger.blogspot.com
http://www.susanoloier.blogspot.com
http://carrieannebrownian.wordpress.com/
http://lynneawest.blogspot.com
I've been writing like crazy recently because of a major deadline - baby #3 is due in less than 6 weeks. Crazy. I would love to be able to finish Two Princesses, One Prince, and a Dragon before he's born. With my own writing, I find it easier to go days in between editing and not having a problem picking up where I left off, but writing doesn't quite work the same way. So I'm writing like mad now so that I can edit and make perfect after he's born (and about two months old at least. Waking up every two hours to feed him and the resulting sleep deprivation will not make for anything becoming perfect!).
On the reading front, I'm reading Shatter Me. So far, I'm loving it!
How goes your writing? Your reading? Seen any good movies lately? What have you been up to?
Check out some other great progress reports this week:http://www.writersally.blogspot.com/
http://jc-martin.com/fighterwriter/
http://waibelworld.blogspot.com
http://susanfieldswriter.blogspot.com
http://skmayhew.blogspot.com/p/tuesday-wip-status.html
http://margoberendsen.blogspot.com
http://www.sherryauger.blogspot.com
http://www.susanoloier.blogspot.com
http://carrieannebrownian.wordpress.com/
http://lynneawest.blogspot.com
