Michelle McLean's Blog, page 38
March 29, 2011
How Being on a Diet is Like Writing a Book
One of my goals this year (like many people out there) was to lose weight. Starting in January, I hit the diet trail...and I'm doing pretty well. While doing dishes yesterday, I got to thinking (as I often do...I really should do dishes more often - great epiphany zone)...
Being on a diet is a lot like writing a book.
Why? Well, I'll tell you :)
1. There are a lot of ups and downs
Some days you are going to get on that scale and see an awesome weight loss. And other days, you might see nothing...you might even gain. Even if you did everything absolutely, perfectly right, sometimes the scale just doesn't reflect all your hard work.
Same with writing. Sometimes everything just falls into place. Your prose is perfect, every scene is turning out exactly how you wanted, your manuscript is polished and gorgeous and requests are overloading your inbox. And other times, all that may be true but you still hear nothing but crickets. Even though you put in all the hard work, even though everything is perfect and there is nothing more you can do to help your manuscript improve, sometimes you still don't get the results you deserve.
So, should you quit? No! Because if you quit, you negate all the hard work you've put into it. No matter what your results are that day, you have to just keep at it.
2. Everything in moderation
I love me some chocolate. LOVE IT. To the point of obsession, seriously. Is it bad for me? No. Not in moderation. Are french fries, chocolate shakes, ice cream, brownies, donuts, chips, dips, pies, cakes (getting carried away here :D ) bad for me? No, they aren't. Well maybe if I eat them all in one day....every day :D But in moderation? No. These things are just fine.
Well, when it comes to my writing, adverbs are my brownies. Sentence fragments are my pizza. Long, rambling, complex sentences are my Doritos. Are these things bad? No. As long as I use them in moderation. A few here and there are great, a treat for my readers. Too many and I'm in danger of giving my readers an overload that will cause nausea and cavities. :)
3. Do what you don't want to do and get what you want to get
Do I want to exercise every day? No. Do I want to eat chicken and celery soup for lunch instead of the leftover pizza or Mexican that everyone else is eating? Heck no!
Will I get better results and feel better if I do? Yes. *le sigh*
Do I want to write every single day? Not always. Do I want to rewrite a scene for the 1000th time? Not usually.
Will I get better results and feel better about my manuscript if I do. Yes *le sigh* :)
Does this mean that you have to exercise (or write) every day, or pass up every single piece of pizza (or ignore the rewrite)? Of course not.
But...it's better for me, and the results I'm after, if I do these things at least a few times a week. Don't feel like writing today - fine. But write tomorrow, or at least the next day. Don't want to rewrite that scene right now? So don't. But if you want results, be sure to come back to it in a few days.
Stay tuned on Thursday for more ways diets and writing are the same :) Now if you'll excuse me, there's a nice steaming bowl of chicken and celery soup with my name on it :D
Being on a diet is a lot like writing a book.
Why? Well, I'll tell you :)
1. There are a lot of ups and downs
Some days you are going to get on that scale and see an awesome weight loss. And other days, you might see nothing...you might even gain. Even if you did everything absolutely, perfectly right, sometimes the scale just doesn't reflect all your hard work.
Same with writing. Sometimes everything just falls into place. Your prose is perfect, every scene is turning out exactly how you wanted, your manuscript is polished and gorgeous and requests are overloading your inbox. And other times, all that may be true but you still hear nothing but crickets. Even though you put in all the hard work, even though everything is perfect and there is nothing more you can do to help your manuscript improve, sometimes you still don't get the results you deserve.
So, should you quit? No! Because if you quit, you negate all the hard work you've put into it. No matter what your results are that day, you have to just keep at it.
2. Everything in moderation
I love me some chocolate. LOVE IT. To the point of obsession, seriously. Is it bad for me? No. Not in moderation. Are french fries, chocolate shakes, ice cream, brownies, donuts, chips, dips, pies, cakes (getting carried away here :D ) bad for me? No, they aren't. Well maybe if I eat them all in one day....every day :D But in moderation? No. These things are just fine.
Well, when it comes to my writing, adverbs are my brownies. Sentence fragments are my pizza. Long, rambling, complex sentences are my Doritos. Are these things bad? No. As long as I use them in moderation. A few here and there are great, a treat for my readers. Too many and I'm in danger of giving my readers an overload that will cause nausea and cavities. :)
3. Do what you don't want to do and get what you want to get
Do I want to exercise every day? No. Do I want to eat chicken and celery soup for lunch instead of the leftover pizza or Mexican that everyone else is eating? Heck no!
Will I get better results and feel better if I do? Yes. *le sigh*
Do I want to write every single day? Not always. Do I want to rewrite a scene for the 1000th time? Not usually.
Will I get better results and feel better about my manuscript if I do. Yes *le sigh* :)
Does this mean that you have to exercise (or write) every day, or pass up every single piece of pizza (or ignore the rewrite)? Of course not.
But...it's better for me, and the results I'm after, if I do these things at least a few times a week. Don't feel like writing today - fine. But write tomorrow, or at least the next day. Don't want to rewrite that scene right now? So don't. But if you want results, be sure to come back to it in a few days.
Stay tuned on Thursday for more ways diets and writing are the same :) Now if you'll excuse me, there's a nice steaming bowl of chicken and celery soup with my name on it :D
March 28, 2011
Writing - a Difficult but Glorious Process
A writer is someone for whom writing is more difficult than it is for other people. — Thomas Mann
I love this quote. I find it hilarious because of the absolute sheer truth in it. I do think writing is more difficult for writers...because for us, writing isn't just the process of putting words down on paper. Getting the words down is just the tip of the iceberg. But while it may be more difficult for us, I also think it's more rewarding than it is for other people. There really is no feeling in the world like finally finishing a completed, polished manuscript.
I always find it interesting when I discuss writing with non-writers. I remember being surprised at the amount of work it takes to get a complete, polished novel out. And, being someone who has at least dabbled in stories my entire life, and being an English major who has spent the vast majority of my life writing in some form or other, I knew in advance that it would take more work than just sitting down and writing the actual story.
I knew there would be edits and revisions and rewrites. But I still never fathomed just how much work it really was until I wrote my first book.
Non-writers really don't understand. And it's kind of fun to watch their reactions when you explain it :D
Our neighbors came over for dinner last week, as they often do, but this time I had just gotten a brand new corkboard (that I am sooo in love with!) It's big and shiny and BIG :D My last one was small so when I chunked out my scenes I had to use both sides of the board - and it fit neatly underneath my desk. This one fits the entire book on one side and must sit loud and proud on top of the desk (as I have no available wall space in this house to hang it).
So when my neighbors came over, they saw it and asked about it. And I explained how I chunk out my scenes so I can see where I need to change things, add things, delete things, rearrange things, etc. Their eyes grew rounder and more glazed as I spoke (I do tend to get carried away...it IS my favorite topic after all lol)
I've talked with my mom about how I agonize over finding the exact right word, the exact right way to say something, to describe something; the exact right scene to evoke the emotions I want or to get the results in the plot I want. How I go over and over and over everything to make sure every little comma is in exactly the right place at the right time :)
Writing for a writer isn't just sitting down and writing. It's so much more than that. Every word really is a labor of love, agonizing and exhilarating at the same time. There is nothing simple about it.
Have you ever had the "what it really takes" discussion with a non-writer?
I love this quote. I find it hilarious because of the absolute sheer truth in it. I do think writing is more difficult for writers...because for us, writing isn't just the process of putting words down on paper. Getting the words down is just the tip of the iceberg. But while it may be more difficult for us, I also think it's more rewarding than it is for other people. There really is no feeling in the world like finally finishing a completed, polished manuscript.
I always find it interesting when I discuss writing with non-writers. I remember being surprised at the amount of work it takes to get a complete, polished novel out. And, being someone who has at least dabbled in stories my entire life, and being an English major who has spent the vast majority of my life writing in some form or other, I knew in advance that it would take more work than just sitting down and writing the actual story.
I knew there would be edits and revisions and rewrites. But I still never fathomed just how much work it really was until I wrote my first book.
Non-writers really don't understand. And it's kind of fun to watch their reactions when you explain it :D
Our neighbors came over for dinner last week, as they often do, but this time I had just gotten a brand new corkboard (that I am sooo in love with!) It's big and shiny and BIG :D My last one was small so when I chunked out my scenes I had to use both sides of the board - and it fit neatly underneath my desk. This one fits the entire book on one side and must sit loud and proud on top of the desk (as I have no available wall space in this house to hang it).
So when my neighbors came over, they saw it and asked about it. And I explained how I chunk out my scenes so I can see where I need to change things, add things, delete things, rearrange things, etc. Their eyes grew rounder and more glazed as I spoke (I do tend to get carried away...it IS my favorite topic after all lol)
I've talked with my mom about how I agonize over finding the exact right word, the exact right way to say something, to describe something; the exact right scene to evoke the emotions I want or to get the results in the plot I want. How I go over and over and over everything to make sure every little comma is in exactly the right place at the right time :)
Writing for a writer isn't just sitting down and writing. It's so much more than that. Every word really is a labor of love, agonizing and exhilarating at the same time. There is nothing simple about it.
Have you ever had the "what it really takes" discussion with a non-writer?
March 25, 2011
Friday Funnies
Never give up. And never, under any circumstances, face the facts. -Ruth Gordon Never pick a fight with anyone who buys ink by the barrel. -American adage about antagonizing newspaper editors. (I think the same can be said about writers) :DNever offend people with style when you can offend them with substance. -Sam Brown, "The Washington Post", January 26, 1977
A Messy Kitchen Is A Happy Kitchen And This Kitchen Is Delirious No Husband Has Ever Been Shot While Doing The Dishes A husband is someone who takes out the trash and gives the impression he just cleaned the whole house If we are what we eat, then I'm easy, fast, and cheap. A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand. Thou shalt not weigh more than thy refrigerator. Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves for they shall never cease to be amused. A Clean House Is A Sign Of A Misspent Life Help Keep the Kitchen Clean - Eat Out Housework Done Properly Can Kill You Countless Numbers Of People Have Eaten In This Kitchen and Gone On To Lead Normal Lives My next house will have no kitchen --- just vending machines
(today's funnies brought to you by LOLCats and Electronix Warehouse)
March 24, 2011
Chip Off the Ol' Quill
My husband and I had a meeting with my kids' teachers yesterday and one of them said something about my son that just had me giddy with proud-mama glee.
She said that she had posted a picture of a fish in the ocean and told the class to write about it, describing what they see in the picture. (This is a first grade reading class, my son is 7). She said my son wrote "I am a fish." And then described the picture from the point of view of a fish.
How awesome is that!? His teacher said she was very impressed with that (so was I!) that he would think of something like that.
I'm already envisioning all the books he'll be writing some day LOL He actually does like to write books. He'll sit next to me while I'm working and write and illustrate his own little book. Just like his mama :)
It made me think about my family...whether or not I got the writing bug from anyone along the family tree. I know my great-grandmother wrote poetry - I have a book of it on one of my shelves. And my grandmother also writes poetry and is an amazing artist. My mother was always an avid reader - I grew up raiding her bookshelves.
What about you? Are you the chip off of anyone's writing block? Are any of your kids following in your footsteps? Or are you the first in your family to develop our strange and wonderful "disease"? :)
She said that she had posted a picture of a fish in the ocean and told the class to write about it, describing what they see in the picture. (This is a first grade reading class, my son is 7). She said my son wrote "I am a fish." And then described the picture from the point of view of a fish.
How awesome is that!? His teacher said she was very impressed with that (so was I!) that he would think of something like that.
I'm already envisioning all the books he'll be writing some day LOL He actually does like to write books. He'll sit next to me while I'm working and write and illustrate his own little book. Just like his mama :)
It made me think about my family...whether or not I got the writing bug from anyone along the family tree. I know my great-grandmother wrote poetry - I have a book of it on one of my shelves. And my grandmother also writes poetry and is an amazing artist. My mother was always an avid reader - I grew up raiding her bookshelves.
What about you? Are you the chip off of anyone's writing block? Are any of your kids following in your footsteps? Or are you the first in your family to develop our strange and wonderful "disease"? :)
March 23, 2011
Start at the End
There is a scene in the movie "You've Got Mail" where Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks are looking at books at the market. Meg picks up a book and flips to the end and Tom asks her what she's doing. She replies that she likes reading the end first - if she likes the end, she knows she'll like getting there.
This is soooo something I do. Well, I'm not quite as bad. I don't read the ending first. I usually get about 50 - 100 pages into the book before I sneak a peak at the end. Usually right about the time the first major twist happens...and I just can't wait and have to flip to the end to see how things go.
This drives some people I know crazy. They think I should wait and be surprised. But hey, I am still surprised and I still enjoy getting to the ending...in fact, I might even enjoy it more because I can see how the author weaves all the twists and turns into the story since I know how it's going to end. :D
So I'm curious...how many of you are end-first readers? Do you wait to reach the end or do you flip ahead a bit?
P.s. My book and a swag pack is up for auction over at Write-Hope until Friday at 2 pm. Click HERE if you are interested in bidding on it. There are tons of other awesome items up for bid, so if you are looking for some signed books, fun swag, critiques, etc, or just want to help out (proceeds go to Save the Children to help those in need in Japan) swing on by!
This is soooo something I do. Well, I'm not quite as bad. I don't read the ending first. I usually get about 50 - 100 pages into the book before I sneak a peak at the end. Usually right about the time the first major twist happens...and I just can't wait and have to flip to the end to see how things go.
This drives some people I know crazy. They think I should wait and be surprised. But hey, I am still surprised and I still enjoy getting to the ending...in fact, I might even enjoy it more because I can see how the author weaves all the twists and turns into the story since I know how it's going to end. :D
So I'm curious...how many of you are end-first readers? Do you wait to reach the end or do you flip ahead a bit?
P.s. My book and a swag pack is up for auction over at Write-Hope until Friday at 2 pm. Click HERE if you are interested in bidding on it. There are tons of other awesome items up for bid, so if you are looking for some signed books, fun swag, critiques, etc, or just want to help out (proceeds go to Save the Children to help those in need in Japan) swing on by!
March 22, 2011
Writers Helping Japan
Good morning, all :)
I've been seeing these posts all over the blogosphere and it just warms my heart that so many writers out there are doing what they can to help Japan. I have added a new page to my blog (up above) with links to the writer-run sites that I know of that are holding auctions or other fundraisers to help. If you know of any others, please let me know in the comments and I'll add them to the list :)
For my part, I've donated a signed copy of my book, Homework Helpers: Essays and Term Papers, along with a swag pack that includes a T-shirt, a mousepad, a calendar magnet, custom pens, and bookmarks, to the wonderful writers over at Write Hope. If you'd like to bid on my item (I'll ship internationally!), it should be up at 2 pm EDT. I'll get a link active as soon as it's up :)
There are tons of other fabulous items, including signed books, pre-orders, and critiques, up for auction, so head on over to Write Hope or any of the other sites and check it out! :D
I've been seeing these posts all over the blogosphere and it just warms my heart that so many writers out there are doing what they can to help Japan. I have added a new page to my blog (up above) with links to the writer-run sites that I know of that are holding auctions or other fundraisers to help. If you know of any others, please let me know in the comments and I'll add them to the list :)
For my part, I've donated a signed copy of my book, Homework Helpers: Essays and Term Papers, along with a swag pack that includes a T-shirt, a mousepad, a calendar magnet, custom pens, and bookmarks, to the wonderful writers over at Write Hope. If you'd like to bid on my item (I'll ship internationally!), it should be up at 2 pm EDT. I'll get a link active as soon as it's up :)
There are tons of other fabulous items, including signed books, pre-orders, and critiques, up for auction, so head on over to Write Hope or any of the other sites and check it out! :D
March 20, 2011
Blog Chain - Literary Love
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Today is my turn on the Blog Chain - this round's topic is brought to us by our wonderful Kat, who wants to know:
How do you feel about love scenes? As a reader, are you put off by the gratuitous? As a writer, do you shy away from spelling out the down-and-dirty? Or do you write until your computer lights a cigarette?
Ha! I love this question. And if you know me at all or have read any of my stuff, you'll know why :D I LOVE love. Love romance. Love love scenes. Love love love :)
Having said that, I want to point out that while I enjoy a good love scene, and definitely love a good love story, I don't like books that are nothing but love scenes. Frankly, one bodice-ripping scene is much like another and if that is all that a book contains, it gets boring pretty quickly. In fact, I tend to skim over the actual love scenes in books.
What I really love is the actual love, the romance, the eyes-meeting-across-a-crowded-room-and-their-hearts-stop type thing. The rush of butterflies in her gut when she sees him type thing. The miss-the-basketball-shot-because-he's-staring-at her type thing. The I-love-you-so-much-I'll-kill-that-mean-vampire-who's-after-you type thing. :)
In other words, I want to read about the love, not so much the sex.
I've sort of briefly (as in for a few seconds) toyed with writing a book that doesn't contain any romance, but tossed the idea immediately. I want the romance. All of my books thus far have centered around a romance. There is a lot of other stuff going on. I prefer the romantic suspenses where there is a lot of action and mystery and danger going on along with the romance as opposed to just the straight romance. But yeah, definitely love the romance.
Now, do I shy away from spelling out the down-and-dirty? Yes.
Why?
Because someday I know my mother and grandmother will be reading it :D
Seriously, I try very hard not to think about anyone reading while I'm writing because if I do, I start editing myself. I've written a few cigarette-inducing love scenes before, just to see if I could. And yep....I can :D But...I don't really want to. I want to write books that a large audience can read. I'm focused on YA right now, so of course I want to keep my books appropriate for that age level - something the teens will enjoy reading but that their mothers will also.
So, I keep it at the blood-pumping but sweet level, focusing more on the romance, the actual "love" part of the whole thing, rather than the "Mom, cover your eyes" thing :)
How about you? How do you feel about love scenes? Do you write them? Enjoy reading them? Or shy away from anything with the word "love" in it? :D
Don't forget to see what the ever awesome Eric had to say on the topic, and stay tuned on Tuesday to see how Margie feels about the whole Love scene :)
How do you feel about love scenes? As a reader, are you put off by the gratuitous? As a writer, do you shy away from spelling out the down-and-dirty? Or do you write until your computer lights a cigarette?
Ha! I love this question. And if you know me at all or have read any of my stuff, you'll know why :D I LOVE love. Love romance. Love love scenes. Love love love :)
Having said that, I want to point out that while I enjoy a good love scene, and definitely love a good love story, I don't like books that are nothing but love scenes. Frankly, one bodice-ripping scene is much like another and if that is all that a book contains, it gets boring pretty quickly. In fact, I tend to skim over the actual love scenes in books.
What I really love is the actual love, the romance, the eyes-meeting-across-a-crowded-room-and-their-hearts-stop type thing. The rush of butterflies in her gut when she sees him type thing. The miss-the-basketball-shot-because-he's-staring-at her type thing. The I-love-you-so-much-I'll-kill-that-mean-vampire-who's-after-you type thing. :)
In other words, I want to read about the love, not so much the sex.
I've sort of briefly (as in for a few seconds) toyed with writing a book that doesn't contain any romance, but tossed the idea immediately. I want the romance. All of my books thus far have centered around a romance. There is a lot of other stuff going on. I prefer the romantic suspenses where there is a lot of action and mystery and danger going on along with the romance as opposed to just the straight romance. But yeah, definitely love the romance.
Now, do I shy away from spelling out the down-and-dirty? Yes.
Why?
Because someday I know my mother and grandmother will be reading it :D
Seriously, I try very hard not to think about anyone reading while I'm writing because if I do, I start editing myself. I've written a few cigarette-inducing love scenes before, just to see if I could. And yep....I can :D But...I don't really want to. I want to write books that a large audience can read. I'm focused on YA right now, so of course I want to keep my books appropriate for that age level - something the teens will enjoy reading but that their mothers will also.
So, I keep it at the blood-pumping but sweet level, focusing more on the romance, the actual "love" part of the whole thing, rather than the "Mom, cover your eyes" thing :)
How about you? How do you feel about love scenes? Do you write them? Enjoy reading them? Or shy away from anything with the word "love" in it? :D
Don't forget to see what the ever awesome Eric had to say on the topic, and stay tuned on Tuesday to see how Margie feels about the whole Love scene :)
March 18, 2011
In Celebration of Christine Fonseca and 101 Success Secrets for Gifted Students
So, I know we usually do Friday Funnies today. But today we are going to do something a little bit different.
See, I have this amazing friend. The lovely Christine Fonseca. She's incredible - she's a crazy talented writer, an absolute marketing guru, she's determined, stronger than anyone I know, rips my manuscripts up better than the best editor and helps me piece them back together again over and over. She is always there for me through thick and thin.
One of the things that draws us together is the fact that we both write fiction and non-fiction. Christine's novels are awesome - wonderfully emotional, gripping, unique, and I have no doubt they will soon be appearing on shelves around the world.
In non-fiction, Christine is just a rock star. No other word for it. Her first book Emotional Intensity in Gifted Students is making huge waves in the gifted world. Her second book, 101 Success Secrets for Gifted Students is due out May 1st.
But...
It is in so much demand, they are actually shipping it NOW!
Well, we just couldn't let that amazing news go by without a massive shout out :) This book is amazing. It really is. I've had the pleasure of reading it and all I can say is if you have a gifted child in your house, or if you know someone who does, go get this book for them. It is chock full of tips and ideas, many of them from other gifted children, to help these special kids navigate through their often intense worlds.
It's an amazing book from an amazing lady :) Congrats Christine!!!! And happy early release! :D
See, I have this amazing friend. The lovely Christine Fonseca. She's incredible - she's a crazy talented writer, an absolute marketing guru, she's determined, stronger than anyone I know, rips my manuscripts up better than the best editor and helps me piece them back together again over and over. She is always there for me through thick and thin.
One of the things that draws us together is the fact that we both write fiction and non-fiction. Christine's novels are awesome - wonderfully emotional, gripping, unique, and I have no doubt they will soon be appearing on shelves around the world.
In non-fiction, Christine is just a rock star. No other word for it. Her first book Emotional Intensity in Gifted Students is making huge waves in the gifted world. Her second book, 101 Success Secrets for Gifted Students is due out May 1st.
But...
It is in so much demand, they are actually shipping it NOW!
Well, we just couldn't let that amazing news go by without a massive shout out :) This book is amazing. It really is. I've had the pleasure of reading it and all I can say is if you have a gifted child in your house, or if you know someone who does, go get this book for them. It is chock full of tips and ideas, many of them from other gifted children, to help these special kids navigate through their often intense worlds.
It's an amazing book from an amazing lady :) Congrats Christine!!!! And happy early release! :D
March 17, 2011
Write Hope for Japan's Children
First of all, Happy St. Patrick's Day :D
May you wear lots of green, avoid plentiful pinches, and eat lots of corned beef (always a tradition at my house) :D
Now, on to something a little more serious. I came across this information on the blog of my awesome friend Bethany Wiggins. With all the devastation in Japan, I know many of you are looking for a way to help. And here it is :) Check out Write Hope, a blog set up to help the children of Japan. Here is what they have to say:
Welcome to Write Hope! We're an international group of Kidlit writers with a connection to Japan. Some of us have lived there. Some of us speak the language. Some of us love the culture. Some of us simply think Japan is exotic and mysterious.
We want to do our bit to help. To that end we have formed Write Hope. We're busy preparing everything now and over the next few weeks we plan to auction kidlit books, critiques, and other prizes for donation to the relief fund of our chosen charity Save the Children.
We'd love for you to be in too. Sign up, spread the word. If you have ARC's, books, critiques, swag to spare, pop us a mail. If you're a publishing professional, agent, editor, author, who wants to participate, pop us a mail.If you want to help, pop us a mail.
Together we can move mountains :-)
----------
So, if you'd like to do something to help, please check it out. I hope everyone has a beautiful and blessed day :)
May you wear lots of green, avoid plentiful pinches, and eat lots of corned beef (always a tradition at my house) :D
Now, on to something a little more serious. I came across this information on the blog of my awesome friend Bethany Wiggins. With all the devastation in Japan, I know many of you are looking for a way to help. And here it is :) Check out Write Hope, a blog set up to help the children of Japan. Here is what they have to say:
Welcome to Write Hope! We're an international group of Kidlit writers with a connection to Japan. Some of us have lived there. Some of us speak the language. Some of us love the culture. Some of us simply think Japan is exotic and mysterious.
We want to do our bit to help. To that end we have formed Write Hope. We're busy preparing everything now and over the next few weeks we plan to auction kidlit books, critiques, and other prizes for donation to the relief fund of our chosen charity Save the Children.
We'd love for you to be in too. Sign up, spread the word. If you have ARC's, books, critiques, swag to spare, pop us a mail. If you're a publishing professional, agent, editor, author, who wants to participate, pop us a mail.If you want to help, pop us a mail.
Together we can move mountains :-)
----------
So, if you'd like to do something to help, please check it out. I hope everyone has a beautiful and blessed day :)
March 16, 2011
Like Mandarin - I Would Have Given Anything to be Like...
Welcome to a really fun non-blogfest blogfest! :D The wonderful Kristin Hubbard's book, Like Mandarin, just released and a bunch of us decided to blog about who our Mandarin was way back when. For those not familiar with the book, here is the gorgeous cover and blurb:
It's hard finding beauty in the badlands of Washokey, Wyoming, but 14-year-old Grace Carpenter knows it's not her mother's pageant obsessions, or the cowboy dances adored by her small-town classmates. True beauty is wild-girl Mandarin Ramey: 17, shameless and utterly carefree. Grace would give anything to be like Mandarin.
When they're united for a project, they form an unlikely, explosive friendship, packed with nights spent skinny-dipping in the canal, liberating the town's animal-head trophies, and searching for someplace magic. Grace plays along when Mandarin suggests they run away together. Blame it on the crazy-making wildwinds plaguing their badlands town.
Because all too soon, Grace discovers Mandarin's unique beauty hides a girl who's troubled, broken, and even dangerous. And no matter how hard Grace fights to keep the magic, no friendship can withstand betrayal.
I haven't read the book yet, but I can't wait to! Let's face it - we all had our Mandarin's growing up. We all had someone we really wanted to be.
The drill team girls. Well, two of them in particular. They were both good friends of mine (I was always friends with the really popular girls, but not one of them myself). They were gorgeous, athletic, smart, gorgeous, funny, THIN, popular, and even really nice. All the boys liked them, all the teachers loved them, they could do anything and did, and I wanted to be them more than anything.
What I didn't realize, being a delusional teenager who only saw the worst in myself, was that I was like them. No, I wasn't super model thin, but I wasn't the huge blob of jiggly flesh that I imagined myself to be. I was smart, I was funny, I was pretty, I was liked by a lot more boys than I knew about (I found out much later), and if I had had an ounce of confidence in myself, I could have been good at sports or anything else I wanted to do.
I spent so much time wishing I could be like someone else I didn't take the time to appreciate the pretty awesome human being I already was. Took me years to figure that out :) But then, teenagers aren't exactly known for their powers of rational thought/behavior ;-D
If you want to participate in this non-blogfest blogfest, check out Kristin's blog for details and for chances to win a copy of Like Mandarin!
Who was your Mandarin? Who would you have given anything to be like?
It's hard finding beauty in the badlands of Washokey, Wyoming, but 14-year-old Grace Carpenter knows it's not her mother's pageant obsessions, or the cowboy dances adored by her small-town classmates. True beauty is wild-girl Mandarin Ramey: 17, shameless and utterly carefree. Grace would give anything to be like Mandarin.
When they're united for a project, they form an unlikely, explosive friendship, packed with nights spent skinny-dipping in the canal, liberating the town's animal-head trophies, and searching for someplace magic. Grace plays along when Mandarin suggests they run away together. Blame it on the crazy-making wildwinds plaguing their badlands town.
Because all too soon, Grace discovers Mandarin's unique beauty hides a girl who's troubled, broken, and even dangerous. And no matter how hard Grace fights to keep the magic, no friendship can withstand betrayal.
I haven't read the book yet, but I can't wait to! Let's face it - we all had our Mandarin's growing up. We all had someone we really wanted to be.
The drill team girls. Well, two of them in particular. They were both good friends of mine (I was always friends with the really popular girls, but not one of them myself). They were gorgeous, athletic, smart, gorgeous, funny, THIN, popular, and even really nice. All the boys liked them, all the teachers loved them, they could do anything and did, and I wanted to be them more than anything.
What I didn't realize, being a delusional teenager who only saw the worst in myself, was that I was like them. No, I wasn't super model thin, but I wasn't the huge blob of jiggly flesh that I imagined myself to be. I was smart, I was funny, I was pretty, I was liked by a lot more boys than I knew about (I found out much later), and if I had had an ounce of confidence in myself, I could have been good at sports or anything else I wanted to do.
I spent so much time wishing I could be like someone else I didn't take the time to appreciate the pretty awesome human being I already was. Took me years to figure that out :) But then, teenagers aren't exactly known for their powers of rational thought/behavior ;-D
If you want to participate in this non-blogfest blogfest, check out Kristin's blog for details and for chances to win a copy of Like Mandarin!
Who was your Mandarin? Who would you have given anything to be like?
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