Lisa Roecker's Blog, page 45
October 13, 2010
Get excited...
Our next WriteOnCon live event has been scheduled! Go ahead and get those calendars out...
Monday, September 25th at 9 PM EST
Featuring:Sara Megibow of Nelson Literary Agency, LLC
Sara has worked at the Nelson Literary Agency since 2006. For three years, her main responsibility was to be the first reader for all queries, sample pages and full manuscripts submitted to the agency. In 2009, Sara was promoted to Associate Literary Agent and is actively acquiring new clients. The Nelson Literary Agency specializes in representing young adult and middle grade fiction, romance, science fiction and fantasy, commercial and women's fiction (including chick lit) and high concept literary fiction. Nelson Literary Agency is a member of AAR, RWA, SFWA and SCBWI. Please visit our website for submission guidelines, and feel free to visit Sara's Publisher's Marketplace site to learn more about her personal tastes and recent sales.
I know, amazing, right???
So be sure to join us October 25th at 9 PM with Sara who will be answering all of your most pressing pub questions.
We'll see you there!!!
Monday, September 25th at 9 PM EST
Featuring:Sara Megibow of Nelson Literary Agency, LLC
Sara has worked at the Nelson Literary Agency since 2006. For three years, her main responsibility was to be the first reader for all queries, sample pages and full manuscripts submitted to the agency. In 2009, Sara was promoted to Associate Literary Agent and is actively acquiring new clients. The Nelson Literary Agency specializes in representing young adult and middle grade fiction, romance, science fiction and fantasy, commercial and women's fiction (including chick lit) and high concept literary fiction. Nelson Literary Agency is a member of AAR, RWA, SFWA and SCBWI. Please visit our website for submission guidelines, and feel free to visit Sara's Publisher's Marketplace site to learn more about her personal tastes and recent sales.
I know, amazing, right???
So be sure to join us October 25th at 9 PM with Sara who will be answering all of your most pressing pub questions.
We'll see you there!!!
October 12, 2010
Title Angst Continued - Yeah, they're THAT Important
Okay, so it has been fascinating reading your comments about our title woes. What's really interesting is that most of us make the assumption that our title will be changed once we sell the book to a publisher.
And that's definitely true.
But (and this is a big BUT...kind of like the size of my butt right now with 20 extra post-baby pounds) your title STILL needs to rock and here's why.
The first time Laura and I spoke to the amazing Dan Ehrenhaft after he'd acquired THE LIAR SOCIETY
(aka THE HAUNTING OF PEMBERLY BROWN) the very first thing he told us was that the title needed to be changed. He said that the title made him think of some historical, gothic, Jane Austen inspired novel.
Yeah, not exactly what we were going for.
Even worse, he almost didn't bother reading the manuscript based on the title alone.
Ouch.
The thing about a good title is that it prepares the reader for your book. Our old title probably turned off a lot of editors because they opened the book expecting one thing and got something completely different. The right title is essentially a mini-marketing plan for your book, allowing agents to start thinking of editors and publishing houses that would be interested in your work or helping editors see how your book will fit into their list and how they'd eventually market the book.
Bad titles usually change once you have a publisher (if people even bother reading), but a good title should force people to pick it up and put them in a position where they can't NOT buy your book, right? Right.
And if nothing else, a title helps us avoid emailing back and forth a book called Document1. And our beta ninja usually appreciates it too.
And that's definitely true.
But (and this is a big BUT...kind of like the size of my butt right now with 20 extra post-baby pounds) your title STILL needs to rock and here's why.
The first time Laura and I spoke to the amazing Dan Ehrenhaft after he'd acquired THE LIAR SOCIETY
(aka THE HAUNTING OF PEMBERLY BROWN) the very first thing he told us was that the title needed to be changed. He said that the title made him think of some historical, gothic, Jane Austen inspired novel.Yeah, not exactly what we were going for.
Even worse, he almost didn't bother reading the manuscript based on the title alone.
Ouch.
The thing about a good title is that it prepares the reader for your book. Our old title probably turned off a lot of editors because they opened the book expecting one thing and got something completely different. The right title is essentially a mini-marketing plan for your book, allowing agents to start thinking of editors and publishing houses that would be interested in your work or helping editors see how your book will fit into their list and how they'd eventually market the book.
Bad titles usually change once you have a publisher (if people even bother reading), but a good title should force people to pick it up and put them in a position where they can't NOT buy your book, right? Right.
And if nothing else, a title helps us avoid emailing back and forth a book called Document1. And our beta ninja usually appreciates it too.
October 11, 2010
What's in a name?
As you know, Lisa and I began writing a brand spanking new book last week (shhh...), but unfortunately we've already run into our inevitable snafu. We suck, (suck, suck, SUCK) at titles. We've had five million okay, fine three titles for THE LIAR SOCIETY (GMAIL, FINDING GRACE, THE HAUNTING OF PEMBERLY BROWN). Our agent declared most of our titles inadequate and one "wet." Not sure exactly what it means, but context clues lead us to believe it's less than fabulous.
As of now our new book is named "Document1." Creative right? Despite being in the car for over 10 hours this weekend, I'm still coming up lame. I listed out the themes in our work in progress, tried to draw inspiration from music on the radio and even called upon my husband for help. Still nothing.
So tell us, dear readers. How do you title your manuscripts? Beginning, middle, end? What do you use for inspiration? Do you change your title multiple times? Does it drive you crazy until your title is absolutely perfect? Do you know when it is perfect?
Titles are the first clue readers get for what's to come, they're part of the reason people pick up a book and maybe even part of the reason they buy it. So what's your secret?
As of now our new book is named "Document1." Creative right? Despite being in the car for over 10 hours this weekend, I'm still coming up lame. I listed out the themes in our work in progress, tried to draw inspiration from music on the radio and even called upon my husband for help. Still nothing.
So tell us, dear readers. How do you title your manuscripts? Beginning, middle, end? What do you use for inspiration? Do you change your title multiple times? Does it drive you crazy until your title is absolutely perfect? Do you know when it is perfect?
Titles are the first clue readers get for what's to come, they're part of the reason people pick up a book and maybe even part of the reason they buy it. So what's your secret?
October 8, 2010
Friday Five
1. Lisa had her first official drop off at school with all three kids. Apparently it involved a whole lot of lollygagging, screaming and "shiny eyes" (/sh-eye-nee/ ahy-s: adjective, noun, plural 1. When Lisa's son's big, old brown eyes gloss over with unshed tears after internalizing angry words from his mom.) There goes her shot at Mother of the Year.
2. One week shy of giving birth, Lisa and I created a new document and wrote chapter number one. It's a hot mess of like 10 different ideas we've had over the past 6 months. This should be interesting. Just don't tell her husband. I'm not supposed to encourage her.
3. Parenthood is one of my favorite shows. The music is amazing, the story lines are tight and the acting top notch. When I sit down to watch TV, it's the first show I cue up on my DVR. Even before Glee. There, I said it. Now go set record.
This just in from Lisa via phone:4. I'm reading CONFESSIONS OF THE SULLIVAN SISTERS
and it rocks. Hard. Review coming soon. And can we talk about the cover? There's no way I'd see this at a bookstore and not pick it up. It's like this book was written and marketed for me. Well, a 16-year-old version of me.
5. I've officially booked my first post-baby outing. I'm going to see The Social Network on Sunday and I could not be more excited. Okay, full disclosure. The friend I'm going with has been known to smuggle wine in water bottles into movie theatres which may or may not be contributing to my excitement levels. Hey, don't judge, it was a LONG 9 months.
Have a fab weekend everyone!
2. One week shy of giving birth, Lisa and I created a new document and wrote chapter number one. It's a hot mess of like 10 different ideas we've had over the past 6 months. This should be interesting. Just don't tell her husband. I'm not supposed to encourage her.
3. Parenthood is one of my favorite shows. The music is amazing, the story lines are tight and the acting top notch. When I sit down to watch TV, it's the first show I cue up on my DVR. Even before Glee. There, I said it. Now go set record.
This just in from Lisa via phone:4. I'm reading CONFESSIONS OF THE SULLIVAN SISTERS
and it rocks. Hard. Review coming soon. And can we talk about the cover? There's no way I'd see this at a bookstore and not pick it up. It's like this book was written and marketed for me. Well, a 16-year-old version of me. 5. I've officially booked my first post-baby outing. I'm going to see The Social Network on Sunday and I could not be more excited. Okay, full disclosure. The friend I'm going with has been known to smuggle wine in water bottles into movie theatres which may or may not be contributing to my excitement levels. Hey, don't judge, it was a LONG 9 months.
Have a fab weekend everyone!
October 7, 2010
The Bookanistas: XVI blog tour and giveaway!
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I tried to convince Lisa to fork over Julia Karr's XVI
before she went to the hospital, but she refused claiming that she'd need reading material while she was waiting around to pop out a kid. I laughed at her thinking there was no possible way that anyone could read while in labor.I was wrong.
Lisa finished the whole damn book over the course of her 48 hour hospital stay. I'm not sure if that's a testament to her stubbornness or the amazingness of XVI, but I'm leaning toward the latter. Lisa phoned in her review and said, "It's sort of like a sexed up 1984. I literally could not put it down! I can't wait for this one to be released so we can all talk about it."
Luckily, Julia invited us to be a part of her 16 weeks of XVI blog tour so we get to talk about the book right now. For each of the 16 weeks of the tour, Julia's going to talk about a specific aspect of her book.
Week 16 - Julia's favorite things about Chicago (where the novel is set)
Week 15 - Julia answered 15 questions about vegetarianism (her main character is a vegetarian)
Week 14 - Julia discussed banned books, which feature in her novel
We're lucky week #13 and Julia has graciously answered some of our questions about how protest music of the 1960's contributed to the themes in XVI.1. Can you tell us a little bit about what inspired you to write XVI?
XVI was a NaNoWriMo novel. The whole idea behind NaNo is "no plot/no problem!" Well, a few days prior to the start of NaNo, I had this image pop into my head of a sort of Manga-looking punk rock girl, just trying to make her way through the day in a city full of noise and homeless people. The book grew organically from that vision.
2. Were there any specific "message songs" that inspired the book?
Not really. Although I can certainly look back and see connections with certain songs. "For What It's Worth" by Buffalo Springfield is probably one of the most connected.
3. A lot of those songs are from the 60's, do you think there are parallels between 1960's Chicago and the Chicago portrayed in XVI?
I do. In the 1960's, the first Mayor Daley was running the city. A person could feel pretty safe, if they knew how to maneuver through the system. Of course, there were lots of things wrong with that system - but it's the way things were. You learned to live in/with it - or you left. Of course, in XVI, Nina doesn't have the choice of leaving.
4. Chicago has a fantastic music scene, did you have any specific clubs or venues in mind when you wrote the concert scenes in XVI?
Funny you should ask that. Yes. Yes, I did. When I lived in Chicago there was a little all-ages club called Like Young. Definitely the place to be. It was kind of dark with utilitarian tables and just enough room to dance until close. My friends and I practically lived there on the weekends! (And, I still love to dance!)
5. Do you think "message songs" are dead? Are there any current bands or songs that come to mind?
I think message songs will always be around. The arts are a great way to say things with relative impunity. (Although there is that ugly-headed beast known as censorship always lurking around!) Currently - Neil Young, Pearl Jam, Radiohead, R.E.M., and Tom Waits, are keeping the "messages" alive. I know there are others - perhaps some commenters will name a few!
6. How do you use music in your writing?
Well, I have to have it QUIET when I write. Otherwise, I just can't concentrate. But, when I know I'm heading for a marathon writing session, I spend some time filling my head with songs I listened to when I was a teenager. Why? Because it puts me back in that time of my life and I can remember exactly how I felt. I think that's one of the amazing things about music, at least for me - I identify certain times and events of my life with certain songs and music groups. As in - I cannot hear Good Vibrations by the Beach Boys without thinking of Oak Street Beach in Chicago. Or, Black is Black by Los Bravos without being taken right to the outside of a little coffee house in the basement of a church just north of Old Town in Chicago. And, Groovin' by the Young Rascals - Lincoln Park on a sunny day. So - although I don't have playlists or listen to music as I write - I couldn't write without music. Heck, I don't think I could live without music!
Here's a list of 13 "Message Songs" from the 1960's. Unfortunately, they are mostly still relevant today!
Blowin' in the Wind - Bob Dylan / Peter, Paul & Mary
Eve of Destruction - Barry McGuire
Let's Get Together - The Youngbloods
Fortunate Son - Credence Clearwater Revival
For What It's Worth - Buffalo Springfield
Abraham, Martin & John - Dion
Imagine - John Lennon
Everyday People - Sly & the Family Stone
Vietnam - Country Joe McDonald & the Fish
Ohio - Crosby, Stills & Nash
I Am Woman - Helen Reddy
One Tin Soldier - Joan Baez
War - Edwin Starr
In order to be eligible to win a CD by one of these amazing artists (winner's choice), be sure to leave a comment. The contest will end next Thursday at midnight! Even if you don't win this week - you'll be eligible (and entered) in the GRAND PRIZE drawing on 1/6/11.
So - comment - and then go out and stand up for something right!
And be sure to check out what the other Bookinistas are up to...
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Kirsten Hubbard gives props to Between Shades of Gray
Shannon Messenger brings us Cover Love and a Teaser for Desires of the Dead
Elana Johnson is a fan of HER AND ME AND YOU
Christine Fonseca is enthralled by GIRL, STOLEN
Shelli Johannes-Wells gives us a Paranormal Preview
Myra McEntire shares some Trailer Love
Carolina Valdez Miller adores NIGHTSHADE CITY
Jamie Harrington is awed by ACROSS THE UNIVERSE
Michelle Hodkin gives props to LIKE MANDARIN
October 6, 2010
WTF Wednesday: The 'How Did I Graduate?' *Edition*
It's been pretty gloomy around these parts and I've been a bit lonely with my boss out on maternity leave. What better time to take a trip down memory lane than on these long, cold days?
If you're a regular reader, you might remember that I dabbled in a little poetry back in the day. Well, you should know, I'm also a force to be reckoned with when it comes to random, completely unacademic research. That's right...I pulled down the old writing files and found another gem. Here are the facts...
1. It's an I-Search paper2. Written in *gasp* high school (I'm hanging my head in shame)3. The topic is...wait for it...wait for it...JARED LETO4. I was stalker-level-wall-covered-with-magazine-cut-outs obsessed with Jared Leto in high school, as you will see...
Okay, so as my classmates were researching normal things like countries where they were born and their hobbies, I was researching a character from my favorite TV show. Reach for the stars, Laura. As much as I'd love to share the entire report (because it is truly riveting), it is six pages of nonsense long. But let me just share a little taste. Here's the hook.
"My heart came to a halt after being mesmerized by his wondrous blue eyes that touched my soul."
BAM. Try not reading on.
And the thesis statement: "I have recorded every episode of the *plagiarism alert* acclaimed but short lived television series "My So Called Life". I recorded it, one, to live everyday in my world with my love, and two for the outstanding entertainment benefits this show brings to its audience. This is what promptly inspired me to research my infatuation: Jared Leto."
Now that's a strong case.
In my "Want to Know" section, I had some pressing questions about Jared. "I want to know what religion Jared practices, and if he is active. Not that this point makes much of a difference, but it would help to break the mystery of his thoughts if I could touch upon what he was thinking." Teacher marked this one as "awkward." In fact, this is the only word she uses throughout the paper. I think she was trying to tell me something.
Here's where it gets interesting. Apparently my Details magazine featuring Jared Leto could only take me so far. I needed to dig deeper, to locate a living breathing source. Enter Lori, 24, a student at Slippery Rock University. I remember finding Lori through an AOL profile search. Jackpot. Lori is a wealth of knowledge on all things Jared. "I asked Lori if she believed the rumor about a new CD being released by Jared was true. '"I think Jared loves to play, but I think if he did decide to do it full time it wouldn't be for a while. To tell you the truth, he is way too eccentric to make it in Hollywood. He'll crack under the pressure..."'
Lori's got to be eating her words right now.
After covering all my bases, I presented readers with a killer conclusion. "Writing about something or someone I love comes very easily to me, every new piece of information makes my heart skip a beat. I absolutely love discovering new things, especially when I discover them myself. This paper has defeated every goal I attempted and wanted to defeat."
Wise words by high school Laura.
*Addition Thanks to my new editor, the Regulator. That misspelling was...um...done on purpose.
If you're a regular reader, you might remember that I dabbled in a little poetry back in the day. Well, you should know, I'm also a force to be reckoned with when it comes to random, completely unacademic research. That's right...I pulled down the old writing files and found another gem. Here are the facts...
1. It's an I-Search paper2. Written in *gasp* high school (I'm hanging my head in shame)3. The topic is...wait for it...wait for it...JARED LETO4. I was stalker-level-wall-covered-with-magazine-cut-outs obsessed with Jared Leto in high school, as you will see...
Okay, so as my classmates were researching normal things like countries where they were born and their hobbies, I was researching a character from my favorite TV show. Reach for the stars, Laura. As much as I'd love to share the entire report (because it is truly riveting), it is six pages of nonsense long. But let me just share a little taste. Here's the hook.
"My heart came to a halt after being mesmerized by his wondrous blue eyes that touched my soul."
BAM. Try not reading on.
And the thesis statement: "I have recorded every episode of the *plagiarism alert* acclaimed but short lived television series "My So Called Life". I recorded it, one, to live everyday in my world with my love, and two for the outstanding entertainment benefits this show brings to its audience. This is what promptly inspired me to research my infatuation: Jared Leto."
Now that's a strong case.
In my "Want to Know" section, I had some pressing questions about Jared. "I want to know what religion Jared practices, and if he is active. Not that this point makes much of a difference, but it would help to break the mystery of his thoughts if I could touch upon what he was thinking." Teacher marked this one as "awkward." In fact, this is the only word she uses throughout the paper. I think she was trying to tell me something.
Here's where it gets interesting. Apparently my Details magazine featuring Jared Leto could only take me so far. I needed to dig deeper, to locate a living breathing source. Enter Lori, 24, a student at Slippery Rock University. I remember finding Lori through an AOL profile search. Jackpot. Lori is a wealth of knowledge on all things Jared. "I asked Lori if she believed the rumor about a new CD being released by Jared was true. '"I think Jared loves to play, but I think if he did decide to do it full time it wouldn't be for a while. To tell you the truth, he is way too eccentric to make it in Hollywood. He'll crack under the pressure..."'
Lori's got to be eating her words right now.
After covering all my bases, I presented readers with a killer conclusion. "Writing about something or someone I love comes very easily to me, every new piece of information makes my heart skip a beat. I absolutely love discovering new things, especially when I discover them myself. This paper has defeated every goal I attempted and wanted to defeat."
Wise words by high school Laura.
*Addition Thanks to my new editor, the Regulator. That misspelling was...um...done on purpose.
WTF Wednesday: The 'How Did I Graduate?' Addition
It's been pretty gloomy around these parts and I've been a bit lonely with my boss out on maternity leave. What better time to take a trip down memory lane than on these long, cold days?
If you're a regular reader, you might remember that I dabbled in a little poetry back in the day. Well, you should know, I'm also a force to be reckoned with when it comes to random, completely unacademic research. That's right...I pulled down the old writing files and found another gem. Here are the facts...
1. It's an I-Search paper2. Written in *gasp* high school (I'm hanging my head in shame)3. The topic is...wait for it...wait for it...JARED LETO4. I was stalker-level-wall-covered-with-magazine-cut-outs obsessed with Jared Leto in high school, as you will see...
Okay, so as my classmates were researching normal things like countries where they were born and their hobbies, I was researching a character from my favorite TV show. Reach for the stars, Laura. As much as I'd love to share the entire report (because it is truly riveting), it is six pages of nonsense long. But let me just share a little taste. Here's the hook.
"My heart came to a halt after being mesmerized by his wondrous blue eyes that touched my soul."
BAM. Try not reading on.
And the thesis statement: "I have recorded every episode of the *plagiarism alert* acclaimed but short lived television series "My So Called Life". I recorded it, one, to live everyday in my world with my love, and two for the outstanding entertainment benefits this show brings to its audience. This is what promptly inspired me to research my infatuation: Jared Leto."
Now that's a strong case.
In my "Want to Know" section, I had some pressing questions about Jared. "I want to know what religion Jared practices, and if he is active. Not that this point makes much of a difference, but it would help to break the mystery of his thoughts if I could touch upon what he was thinking." Teacher marked this one as "awkward." In fact, this is the only word she uses throughout the paper. I think she was trying to tell me something.
Here's where it gets interesting. Apparently my Details magazine featuring Jared Leto could only take me so far. I needed to dig deeper, to locate a living breathing source. Enter Lori, 24, a student at Slippery Rock University. I remember finding Lori through an AOL profile search. Jackpot. Lori is a wealth of knowledge on all things Jared. "I asked Lori if she believed the rumor about a new CD being released by Jared was true. '"I think Jared loves to play, but I think if he did decide to do it full time it wouldn't be for a while. To tell you the truth, he is way too eccentric to make it in Hollywood. He'll crack under the pressure..."'
Lori's got to be eating her words right now.
After covering all my bases, I presented readers with a killer conclusion. "Writing about something or someone I love comes very easily to me, every new piece of information makes my heart skip a beat. I absolutely love discovering new things, especially when I discover them myself. This paper has defeated every goal I attempted and wanted to defeat."
Wise words by high school Laura.
If you're a regular reader, you might remember that I dabbled in a little poetry back in the day. Well, you should know, I'm also a force to be reckoned with when it comes to random, completely unacademic research. That's right...I pulled down the old writing files and found another gem. Here are the facts...
1. It's an I-Search paper2. Written in *gasp* high school (I'm hanging my head in shame)3. The topic is...wait for it...wait for it...JARED LETO4. I was stalker-level-wall-covered-with-magazine-cut-outs obsessed with Jared Leto in high school, as you will see...
Okay, so as my classmates were researching normal things like countries where they were born and their hobbies, I was researching a character from my favorite TV show. Reach for the stars, Laura. As much as I'd love to share the entire report (because it is truly riveting), it is six pages of nonsense long. But let me just share a little taste. Here's the hook.
"My heart came to a halt after being mesmerized by his wondrous blue eyes that touched my soul."
BAM. Try not reading on.
And the thesis statement: "I have recorded every episode of the *plagiarism alert* acclaimed but short lived television series "My So Called Life". I recorded it, one, to live everyday in my world with my love, and two for the outstanding entertainment benefits this show brings to its audience. This is what promptly inspired me to research my infatuation: Jared Leto."
Now that's a strong case.
In my "Want to Know" section, I had some pressing questions about Jared. "I want to know what religion Jared practices, and if he is active. Not that this point makes much of a difference, but it would help to break the mystery of his thoughts if I could touch upon what he was thinking." Teacher marked this one as "awkward." In fact, this is the only word she uses throughout the paper. I think she was trying to tell me something.
Here's where it gets interesting. Apparently my Details magazine featuring Jared Leto could only take me so far. I needed to dig deeper, to locate a living breathing source. Enter Lori, 24, a student at Slippery Rock University. I remember finding Lori through an AOL profile search. Jackpot. Lori is a wealth of knowledge on all things Jared. "I asked Lori if she believed the rumor about a new CD being released by Jared was true. '"I think Jared loves to play, but I think if he did decide to do it full time it wouldn't be for a while. To tell you the truth, he is way too eccentric to make it in Hollywood. He'll crack under the pressure..."'
Lori's got to be eating her words right now.
After covering all my bases, I presented readers with a killer conclusion. "Writing about something or someone I love comes very easily to me, every new piece of information makes my heart skip a beat. I absolutely love discovering new things, especially when I discover them myself. This paper has defeated every goal I attempted and wanted to defeat."
Wise words by high school Laura.
October 5, 2010
Tell the Truth Tuesday
1. I might have deleted our entire inbox. Twice. That's the last time Lisa asks me to do a mail merge.
2. We made dinner for Lisa's fam as an excuse to see Ben last night. The entire drive over, we discussed the importance of not overstaying our welcome and definitely not eating the food we specifically made for them. Even if they insisted (which I knew Lisa would) we would stand our ground and leave before dinner so they would have leftovers. We stayed (of course), Lydia and I ate (of course) and John lectured me the entire ride home.
3. Scheduling blog posts without Lisa's edits gives me an ulcer.
4. Sending emails without Lisa reviewing makes it double in size.
[Editorial note from Laura: I've opted not to correct the typos in Lisa's truths added via her DroidX. Somehow they're funnier this way.]
5. i was desperate for Laura to stya for dinner last night. Theres only so much you can discuscs baby poop without breaking down and begging for your macbook.
6. i'm scared of turning into a mommy blogger. theres about 10 times every day i loko at ben and want to tweet a picturoe of him. sad, but true.
7. i might have started writing in a notebook. just to keept he wheels greased.
8. imiss oyu guys. desperately. maternity leave is for suckers. or people who enjoy discussing baby poop.
9. it's taking every ounce of my willpower not to add a picture of ben to this post.
10. i'm kind of crushedthat lone star was cancelled. that guy was really hot.
2. We made dinner for Lisa's fam as an excuse to see Ben last night. The entire drive over, we discussed the importance of not overstaying our welcome and definitely not eating the food we specifically made for them. Even if they insisted (which I knew Lisa would) we would stand our ground and leave before dinner so they would have leftovers. We stayed (of course), Lydia and I ate (of course) and John lectured me the entire ride home.
3. Scheduling blog posts without Lisa's edits gives me an ulcer.
4. Sending emails without Lisa reviewing makes it double in size.
[Editorial note from Laura: I've opted not to correct the typos in Lisa's truths added via her DroidX. Somehow they're funnier this way.]
5. i was desperate for Laura to stya for dinner last night. Theres only so much you can discuscs baby poop without breaking down and begging for your macbook.
6. i'm scared of turning into a mommy blogger. theres about 10 times every day i loko at ben and want to tweet a picturoe of him. sad, but true.
7. i might have started writing in a notebook. just to keept he wheels greased.
8. imiss oyu guys. desperately. maternity leave is for suckers. or people who enjoy discussing baby poop.
9. it's taking every ounce of my willpower not to add a picture of ben to this post.
10. i'm kind of crushedthat lone star was cancelled. that guy was really hot.
October 4, 2010
Thank You
Three years ago if somebody would have asked us if we ever thought we'd make an actual friend on the Internet, we would have said no. We also might have referenced Date Line's "To Catch a Predator" and suggested that online friendships are creepy. We were still scarred from our AOL days when Stacey was caught instant messaging with some sketchy old dude.
But that was before we were welcomed into this incredibly supportive and loving community of writers. Not only have we met amazing beta readers, congratulated friends on snagging an agent, selling a book, starting a new project or completing an old one, but we've made real, live friends. Friends who know more about us than most of the ones we've grown up with.
Thank you so much for all of your well-wishes on Friday. We feel so lucky to have met such wonderful people and hope we can thank you to your face one of these days.
P.S.: We also feel confident that you guys might dissuade us from hitting up a club heading to a book signing dressed in this number.
And for that we are eternally grateful.
P.P.S.
Editorial note from Lisa - Am still not allwoed to touch my Mac. Been hidden by evil husband. BUT i have figured ot how to add to posts via my fancy phone. MWA HAHA. Er, probably shouldnt laugh that loud considering this is most likely riddled withy typos. Just want to thank all of you for your comments last week. Ben and I are doing great and we're completely blown away by your well wishes. And holy crap, Laura is totally showing me up, right? It's pure evil. I never should have allowed it. I'll be back. As soon as I cna figure out where my husband hid my damn laptop. XOXO
But that was before we were welcomed into this incredibly supportive and loving community of writers. Not only have we met amazing beta readers, congratulated friends on snagging an agent, selling a book, starting a new project or completing an old one, but we've made real, live friends. Friends who know more about us than most of the ones we've grown up with.
Thank you so much for all of your well-wishes on Friday. We feel so lucky to have met such wonderful people and hope we can thank you to your face one of these days.
P.S.: We also feel confident that you guys might dissuade us from hitting up a club heading to a book signing dressed in this number.
And for that we are eternally grateful.
P.P.S.
Editorial note from Lisa - Am still not allwoed to touch my Mac. Been hidden by evil husband. BUT i have figured ot how to add to posts via my fancy phone. MWA HAHA. Er, probably shouldnt laugh that loud considering this is most likely riddled withy typos. Just want to thank all of you for your comments last week. Ben and I are doing great and we're completely blown away by your well wishes. And holy crap, Laura is totally showing me up, right? It's pure evil. I never should have allowed it. I'll be back. As soon as I cna figure out where my husband hid my damn laptop. XOXO
October 1, 2010
It's a Boy!
Benjamin Michael was born September 30th at 7:22 AM and weighs 8 pounds 7 ounces! Dear Ben,I wanted to write this letter to you while I still had the chance. Soon, your mom will be back full-force and I won't have any control over the blog again. Who knows, she might even try to change the password on me after my blog title adjustment stunt. And, I wouldn't be surprised if she edited this post. Her new phone does all sorts of fancy stuff.
First of all, welcome to the family. I've already informed your mom that I'm going to call you "Benny" because I think that is just the cutest nickname and I once heard your mom call Lydia "Lid" (not cute). After holding you for five minutes, your Auntie Stacey and I declared you to be the best baby ever. You made all of these little purring noises and even smiled a couple times. Keep up the good work.
I might as well tell you now because you'll find out soon enough, but you're expected to be laid back. As the third child, it is imperative that you go with the flow. I know, I know, it doesn't seem fair. But your older brother and sister are in school, so there's going to be a lot of running around. Plus, your mom is a writer, which means you'll have to do some of your eating and sleeping at Starbucks. If you need a few tips, just ask fellow third child, Auntie Stacey--she has laid back down to a science.
Finally, Benny (it works, right?), take your time. Don't go all growing up quickly or anything. You were pretty active in utero, making your mom's belly move in all sorts of crazy ways, but now that you're here you have my permission to slow down. Enjoy your time as a baby because soon your mom and dad are going to be saying things like, "Ben, that's 1 and 2...if I get to 3..." and "Clean up, clean up everybody everywhere..." Go ahead and get your nights figured out, take all sorts of long naps, gurgle and be happy.
Welcome to the world!
Love,Auntie Laura
PS: Oh, and I hope you don't mind the spotlight. I'm sure there will be many Ben-inspired blog posts of the future...
