Kristi Chestnutt's Blog, page 6
September 24, 2012
Monday Music Muse
My latest treadmill addiction:
What can I say? It's EPIC, no? And, trust me, when I'm running, I need EPIC audio/visual motivation. Hope everyone's Monday is off to a good start!
What can I say? It's EPIC, no? And, trust me, when I'm running, I need EPIC audio/visual motivation. Hope everyone's Monday is off to a good start!
September 21, 2012
All's Well
A clip from one of my favorite childhood cartoons was on repeat (inside my head) all last night and I desperately wanted to find it on YouTube this morning, but alas, it's a short small scene and I couldn't find it anywhere.
BUT, if you know the movie below, you'd probably remember it:
Ahhhh, good stuff. I still think Robin is hot. This clip makes me want to watch the movie all over again. Remember the part where the guard is guarding the jail (the clumsy one) and he keeps shouting the hour and "all's well"...like, "Twelve o'clock and all's well!"? Yeah, THAT PART. On repeat. Inside my head. All night. Received some really great agent feedback on my manuscript this week and have been in total revision mode, but I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I'm panicked about having more babies (manuscripts) out there now that I want to fix. Already gone. The bad part is knowing that something needs to be fixed. And until I fix it, I can't really do anything about it. So, yeah, every few hours that mantra is in my head. So, at the moment, right now, I'm all, "Seven o'clock, and all's well!" Speaking of (sounds of clock ticking in background), I've gotta' run! I have a manuscript to tweak. TGIF everyone! May your hours not be long and your news superb! Have a great weekend!
BUT, if you know the movie below, you'd probably remember it:
Ahhhh, good stuff. I still think Robin is hot. This clip makes me want to watch the movie all over again. Remember the part where the guard is guarding the jail (the clumsy one) and he keeps shouting the hour and "all's well"...like, "Twelve o'clock and all's well!"? Yeah, THAT PART. On repeat. Inside my head. All night. Received some really great agent feedback on my manuscript this week and have been in total revision mode, but I'd be lying if I didn't admit that I'm panicked about having more babies (manuscripts) out there now that I want to fix. Already gone. The bad part is knowing that something needs to be fixed. And until I fix it, I can't really do anything about it. So, yeah, every few hours that mantra is in my head. So, at the moment, right now, I'm all, "Seven o'clock, and all's well!" Speaking of (sounds of clock ticking in background), I've gotta' run! I have a manuscript to tweak. TGIF everyone! May your hours not be long and your news superb! Have a great weekend!
September 12, 2012
Wednesday Book Recommendation
My thoughts:Defiance by C.J. Redwine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Goodreads Description:
Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city's brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses and obey their male Protectors, Rachel knows how to survive in the wilderness and deftly wield a sword. When her father, Jared, fails to return from a courier mission and is declared dead, the Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector, her father's apprentice, Logan--the same boy Rachel declared her love for two years ago, and the same one who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but a fierce belief in her father's survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself. But treason against the Commander carries a heavy price, and what awaits her in the Wasteland could destroy her.
At nineteen, Logan McEntire is many things. Orphan. Outcast. Inventor. As apprentice to the city's top courier, Logan is focused on learning his trade so he can escape the tyranny of Baalboden. But his plan never included being responsible for his mentor's impulsive daughter. Logan is determined to protect her, but when his escape plan goes wrong and Rachel pays the price, he realizes he has more at stake than disappointing Jared.
As Rachel and Logan battle their way through the Wasteland, stalked by a monster that can't be killed and an army of assassins out for blood, they discover romance, heartbreak, and a truth that will incite a war decades in the making.
Brilliant debut by CJ Redwine and one of my favorite YA books of 2012! It was so good I don't even know where to start. Seriously.
Maybe by saying Logan is mine, so back off? Or is that just rude? ;)
I thought using the two main character POV's (point of views) was perfect for this story. We were able to get both perspectives, and it was done so well that it was obvious who was speaking without using the chapter headings as a guide. Each character, including The Commander, was well developed, unique, and deliciously stubborn. He is one of the creepiest villains I've read in a long time and if I could hunt him down myself, I would.
The plot is fresh and fast paced, and every time I thought I knew what was coming, I was wrong. And I loved that too. It was utterly unputodownable and I stayed up late reading several nights in a row.
All in all~a great story, written beautifully, without a word wasted.
And now, it's going to be a long wait for the next one. :)
What about you? Have you read it? Have another book that is high up on your 2012 list? (I'm always willing to add to my ever-growing TBR list for something noteworthy!)
September 10, 2012
On Finding that Elusive Balance
As a mother and a wife, who works full time while also pursuing a writing career—balance is something I struggle with constantly.
Some days I have it. Others, it’s obvious I’m not even close.
And the balance shifts all the time—it’s never constant. Different days call for different hats.
I fully admit to having a Type-A personality. Without it, I’m not sure the balance I want and strive to achieve would even be possible. I have this inner drive that makes me want to excel in all that I do, to give 100%, and I am happiest when there is WAY TOO MUCH on my plate. I know. It’s like I’m an alien inside.
But with that desire, often comes frustration and irritation, because it’s hard to keep all those balls in the air all the time and be good at all of them. Look at my blog, for instance. I’ve been less present the last few months, and that’s been a conscious decision. Though I wanted to be here every day, there just hasn’t been time, so for the most part, I put that time into Twitter, where it’s easier to manage and interact on a more regular basis with less planning. (Also, not going to lie. Confession: I'm a Twitter addict. If you haven’t had the Kool-aid yet, what are you waiting for?!?)
My first writer’s conference over the summer took more concentration and preparation than ever. I wanted to be prepared. My critique partners and I worked hard. The emails were flying daily and my balance before I left for Texas was a well-oiled machine. I got up early to write and edit for an hour before going to work, sometimes worked 9 and 10 hour days, came home, cooked dinner, spent time with my family, and once everyone was in bed, wrote and edited some more. I was in the ZONE. And I think it’s important, when in the midst of a giant project, to dive in like that—to be consumed with your writing and edits. To live it and breathe it, and most importantly, get it done.
My balance flails most in the awkward transition between phases, and this time was no different.
Once the conference was over and my first round of queries had been sent, I was in a strange place. The dreaded query wait everyone talks about had begun, and because I was used to this insane pace, I had WAY TOO MUCH time on my hands. I tried to start new projects. I opened some old ideas and tweaked them, but nothing STUCK.
So what did I do? I checked my email like a maniac and obsessed about whether what I wrote was good enough. I was encouraged by a few full manuscript requests from literary agents I absolutely loved, which only added to my nervousness and extra time. My balance was insanely out of WHACK.
After a few full manuscript rejections and some really helpful agent feedback, I was all too happy to go back to work on revisions. I wrote numerous (as my critique partners and betas can attest) new first chapters before I found THE ONE that I could again be proud of.
So I sent a few more queries out. And this time, received a better ratio of full manuscript requests from agents I honestly ADORE. So, the wait had began again. But unlike the previous time, this time, I was ready to adjust. And to breathe. And to CHILL.
Which brings me to my biggest point—and I swear there is one here somewhere—I hope—for those of you, like myself, that are swimming in the query waters: ENJOY THE MOMENT.
Here’s the thing. I can tell by agent responses to this manuscript that my writing is getting better, that I’m moving forward. Is it enough to get an offer? Maybe. Maybe not.
BUT it’s worth celebrating the fact that I know this manuscript is better than the last I queried, that I’m more proud of it, and that agents that rep some of my favorite YA authors are currently considering it, regardless of what their response will be.
All too often, as writers, we obsess about who has what and forget to step back and be proud of where we are in the process, regardless of outcome. Enjoy the small successes. Take a little time off. (I, for one, am enjoying catching up on my reading.)
Reset yourself. For me, anyway, it’s been a game changer.
And I know all too well that the insanity of editing could be right around the corner. Or maybe even starting a new project. Or book two of the series, which has been percolating in my head. There will be plenty of time for that. Later. When I'm ready. For now, my balance is requiring calm and peace. And it feels good.
What about you? What do you do to find your balance? To juggle life? Does it change constantly?
Wishing you all a happy week and lots of balance!
Some days I have it. Others, it’s obvious I’m not even close.
And the balance shifts all the time—it’s never constant. Different days call for different hats.
I fully admit to having a Type-A personality. Without it, I’m not sure the balance I want and strive to achieve would even be possible. I have this inner drive that makes me want to excel in all that I do, to give 100%, and I am happiest when there is WAY TOO MUCH on my plate. I know. It’s like I’m an alien inside.
But with that desire, often comes frustration and irritation, because it’s hard to keep all those balls in the air all the time and be good at all of them. Look at my blog, for instance. I’ve been less present the last few months, and that’s been a conscious decision. Though I wanted to be here every day, there just hasn’t been time, so for the most part, I put that time into Twitter, where it’s easier to manage and interact on a more regular basis with less planning. (Also, not going to lie. Confession: I'm a Twitter addict. If you haven’t had the Kool-aid yet, what are you waiting for?!?)
My first writer’s conference over the summer took more concentration and preparation than ever. I wanted to be prepared. My critique partners and I worked hard. The emails were flying daily and my balance before I left for Texas was a well-oiled machine. I got up early to write and edit for an hour before going to work, sometimes worked 9 and 10 hour days, came home, cooked dinner, spent time with my family, and once everyone was in bed, wrote and edited some more. I was in the ZONE. And I think it’s important, when in the midst of a giant project, to dive in like that—to be consumed with your writing and edits. To live it and breathe it, and most importantly, get it done.
My balance flails most in the awkward transition between phases, and this time was no different.
Once the conference was over and my first round of queries had been sent, I was in a strange place. The dreaded query wait everyone talks about had begun, and because I was used to this insane pace, I had WAY TOO MUCH time on my hands. I tried to start new projects. I opened some old ideas and tweaked them, but nothing STUCK.
So what did I do? I checked my email like a maniac and obsessed about whether what I wrote was good enough. I was encouraged by a few full manuscript requests from literary agents I absolutely loved, which only added to my nervousness and extra time. My balance was insanely out of WHACK.
After a few full manuscript rejections and some really helpful agent feedback, I was all too happy to go back to work on revisions. I wrote numerous (as my critique partners and betas can attest) new first chapters before I found THE ONE that I could again be proud of.
So I sent a few more queries out. And this time, received a better ratio of full manuscript requests from agents I honestly ADORE. So, the wait had began again. But unlike the previous time, this time, I was ready to adjust. And to breathe. And to CHILL.
Which brings me to my biggest point—and I swear there is one here somewhere—I hope—for those of you, like myself, that are swimming in the query waters: ENJOY THE MOMENT.
Here’s the thing. I can tell by agent responses to this manuscript that my writing is getting better, that I’m moving forward. Is it enough to get an offer? Maybe. Maybe not.
BUT it’s worth celebrating the fact that I know this manuscript is better than the last I queried, that I’m more proud of it, and that agents that rep some of my favorite YA authors are currently considering it, regardless of what their response will be.
All too often, as writers, we obsess about who has what and forget to step back and be proud of where we are in the process, regardless of outcome. Enjoy the small successes. Take a little time off. (I, for one, am enjoying catching up on my reading.)
Reset yourself. For me, anyway, it’s been a game changer.
And I know all too well that the insanity of editing could be right around the corner. Or maybe even starting a new project. Or book two of the series, which has been percolating in my head. There will be plenty of time for that. Later. When I'm ready. For now, my balance is requiring calm and peace. And it feels good.
What about you? What do you do to find your balance? To juggle life? Does it change constantly?
Wishing you all a happy week and lots of balance!
September 4, 2012
Caution: TMI fangirling ahead!
TMI, as in The Mortal Instruments and NOT as in Too Much Information. (Because I'm pretty sure there can never be too much City of Bones movie filming information. Seriously.)
If you're a fan of Cassandra Clare's series and haven't already checked out the TMI Source site below, what are you waiting for? They have great photos and daily reports from Toronto, Canada where the movie is currently being filmed.
http://tmisource.com/
Very cool.
There's also the movie website, which can be found here:
http://www.cityofbonesmovie.com/
And if you aren't already following author Cassandra Clare on Twitter (@cassieclare), you should. She posts regular updates and fun fan questions, etc...
http://twitter.com/cassieclare
There's also a terrific fansite here:
http://tmifandom.net/
What am I *most* looking forward to in the movies?
Magnus Bane, and of course, sweet, silly, adorable, SIMON.
CAN.NOT.WAIT.
If you're a fan of Cassandra Clare's series and haven't already checked out the TMI Source site below, what are you waiting for? They have great photos and daily reports from Toronto, Canada where the movie is currently being filmed.
http://tmisource.com/
Very cool.
There's also the movie website, which can be found here:
http://www.cityofbonesmovie.com/
And if you aren't already following author Cassandra Clare on Twitter (@cassieclare), you should. She posts regular updates and fun fan questions, etc...
http://twitter.com/cassieclare
There's also a terrific fansite here:
http://tmifandom.net/
What am I *most* looking forward to in the movies?
Magnus Bane, and of course, sweet, silly, adorable, SIMON.
CAN.NOT.WAIT.
August 28, 2012
In which I shrug. Annually.
It’s true, lovely blog readers. I’m afflicted with Birthday Confusion.
It started in my mid-twenties, when hubs and I were out with a group of friends and someone casually asked me how old I was going to be in a few days, and I answered, never realizing that the number coming out of my mouth was all wrong. He gave me the look, which, for the life of me, I couldn’t quite figure out.
After pulling me aside, he’s like, you know you’re (insert real age here since clearly I can’t remember and can’t be trusted.) To which he got the big, round, no-way-did-I-just-lie-accidentally eyes. Because, honestly, I really thought I was younger. I really did. Time has a wacky way of getting confused, and though I deal with numbers every day, age isn’t one of those I really bother with. It is what it is, and who cares anyway?
But I’m not going to lie. It was slightly embarrassing. I may have only been off by two years, but I was still off. I didn’t know my own age. Who does that?!?
So every year since, I get nervous.
Because it’s inevitable that people, during your birthday week, will ask you how old you’re about to be. And I will shrug, get the deer in the headlights look of fear, and go silent. They’ll think it’s because I’m embarrassed about my actual age, when in reality, I’m just not sure what it is. And I do accounting for a living. Seriously.
It’s a strange phenomenon.
This past weekend we had dinner with my in-laws and the dreaded question came up. I did my annual shrug of the shoulders and waited for hubs to answer for me. Which I’m fully aware, makes me look weird, but I’m totally okay with it. Especially around the in-laws, who already know I’m strange.
And this year? It surprised me again, but thankfully, in the OPPOSITE direction. Could’ve sworn I was thirty-five this year, but turns out (according to hubs calculations) I’m going to be thirty-four.
Happy Birthday to me. *grin*
Please, someone, anyone out there, tell me this happens to you. Surely I’m not the only one who has a hard time keeping up. Am I? *hangs head in shame*
It started in my mid-twenties, when hubs and I were out with a group of friends and someone casually asked me how old I was going to be in a few days, and I answered, never realizing that the number coming out of my mouth was all wrong. He gave me the look, which, for the life of me, I couldn’t quite figure out.
After pulling me aside, he’s like, you know you’re (insert real age here since clearly I can’t remember and can’t be trusted.) To which he got the big, round, no-way-did-I-just-lie-accidentally eyes. Because, honestly, I really thought I was younger. I really did. Time has a wacky way of getting confused, and though I deal with numbers every day, age isn’t one of those I really bother with. It is what it is, and who cares anyway?
But I’m not going to lie. It was slightly embarrassing. I may have only been off by two years, but I was still off. I didn’t know my own age. Who does that?!?
So every year since, I get nervous.
Because it’s inevitable that people, during your birthday week, will ask you how old you’re about to be. And I will shrug, get the deer in the headlights look of fear, and go silent. They’ll think it’s because I’m embarrassed about my actual age, when in reality, I’m just not sure what it is. And I do accounting for a living. Seriously.
It’s a strange phenomenon.
This past weekend we had dinner with my in-laws and the dreaded question came up. I did my annual shrug of the shoulders and waited for hubs to answer for me. Which I’m fully aware, makes me look weird, but I’m totally okay with it. Especially around the in-laws, who already know I’m strange.
And this year? It surprised me again, but thankfully, in the OPPOSITE direction. Could’ve sworn I was thirty-five this year, but turns out (according to hubs calculations) I’m going to be thirty-four.
Happy Birthday to me. *grin*
Please, someone, anyone out there, tell me this happens to you. Surely I’m not the only one who has a hard time keeping up. Am I? *hangs head in shame*
August 20, 2012
*Insert Book Drool Here*
There are SO MANY good books coming out thatI.MUST.HAVE.
And I know I'm not alone. I mean, WOW.
Here are a few (listed in order of release date according to Goodreads) that I've been salivating over:
Release Date: August 28, 2012
Release Date: September 11, 2012
Release Date: September 18, 2012
Release Date: October 2, 2012
Release Date: October 2, 2012
Release Date: October 23, 2012
Release Date: October 23, 2012
Release Date: October 23, 2012
Release Date: November 13, 2012
Release Date: January 2013
Release Date: March 2013
Release Date: March 2013
Yeah. October's going to be a pretty huge month. And I'm sure I forgot some along the way that I've been looking forward to.
What about you? Any of these on YOUR list? Care to add any?
And I know I'm not alone. I mean, WOW.
Here are a few (listed in order of release date according to Goodreads) that I've been salivating over:
Release Date: August 28, 2012
Release Date: September 11, 2012
Release Date: September 18, 2012
Release Date: October 2, 2012
Release Date: October 2, 2012
Release Date: October 23, 2012
Release Date: October 23, 2012
Release Date: October 23, 2012
Release Date: November 13, 2012
Release Date: January 2013
Release Date: March 2013
Release Date: March 2013
Yeah. October's going to be a pretty huge month. And I'm sure I forgot some along the way that I've been looking forward to.
What about you? Any of these on YOUR list? Care to add any?
August 13, 2012
Monday Music Muse
So...want to hear my newest workout addiction?
Found this song (and video) over the weekend and am in love. One of my favorite bands of all time, and this single is now on constant repeat on my iPhone. They're just fun. And it doesn't get any more awesome than Gwen Stefani, let's be honest.
Can.Not.Wait.To.Buy.This.Album!
Also: The Olympics are officially over, and is it just me, or does it feel like there's this gaping hole today?
Found this song (and video) over the weekend and am in love. One of my favorite bands of all time, and this single is now on constant repeat on my iPhone. They're just fun. And it doesn't get any more awesome than Gwen Stefani, let's be honest.
Can.Not.Wait.To.Buy.This.Album!
Also: The Olympics are officially over, and is it just me, or does it feel like there's this gaping hole today?
August 8, 2012
Wednesday Book Recommendation
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle HodkinMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Goodreads Description:
Mara Dyer doesn’t think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.
It can.
She believes there must be more to the accident she can’t remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.
There is.
She doesn’t believe that after everything she’s been through, she can fall in love.
She’s wrong.
My thoughts:
As a huge fan of Michelle's blog, I've been looking forward to this book for a very long time, and it definitely did NOT disappoint.
The twists and turns kept everything fresh and the plot moved forward at a perfect pace, making it hard to put down. I won't lie. There were late nights reading and Venti sized coffee the next morning to recuperate. Just the way I like my books. Addicting.
All in all, a very unique and awesome debut. One of my favorite YA reads of the year.
Can't wait to get my hands on the next one. :)
View all my reviews
July 30, 2012
Monday Movie Muse
In lieu of music today, I thought I'd do a post in honor of the Olympics being held in London, listing my very favorite British movies, which coincidentally, just so happen to also be my favorite movies of all time. (British or not, they're bloody brilliant.)
First up is a movie I've probably seen over twelve times (no exaggeration--my roommate and I were obsessed with making everyone we knew watch it)...and I could still watch it over and over without ever getting tired of it. I LOVE IT THAT MUCH!About a Boy
Next, is an oldie but goodie, made-for-TV miniseries with Colin Firth as Darcy. *swoon*
Pride and Prejudice
And here are a few of my very favorite holiday movies...
Love Actually
The Holiday
Honestly, there are SO MANY it's hard to choose.
What about you? Any favorite British movies/television shows? Was your favorite here?
First up is a movie I've probably seen over twelve times (no exaggeration--my roommate and I were obsessed with making everyone we knew watch it)...and I could still watch it over and over without ever getting tired of it. I LOVE IT THAT MUCH!About a Boy
Next, is an oldie but goodie, made-for-TV miniseries with Colin Firth as Darcy. *swoon*
Pride and Prejudice
And here are a few of my very favorite holiday movies...
Love Actually
The Holiday
Honestly, there are SO MANY it's hard to choose.
What about you? Any favorite British movies/television shows? Was your favorite here?
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