Michelle McLean's Blog, page 42
February 1, 2011
Last Day Blog Tour Stops and a Special Guest!
Welcome to February everyone! Can you believe we are here already!?
Okay, today is the last day of my blog tour. And I have a special treat for you today. I will be featured over at the lovely and talented Vicki Rocho's, and I will also be over at my awesome Blog Chain buddy's, Eric Stallsworth's. So head on over to their blogs! Today is the last day to leave a comment on any of the blog tour posts (for a complete list with links, check out the blog tour tab above) for more entries in the huge Grand Prize Giveaway!!! I will be announcing the winner of the Grand Prize on Thursday, so go comment!!
And for an added treat...Eric will be doing a guest post for us here! The floor's all yours Eric! :)
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First off, a big thanks to Michelle for allowing me to grace your blog. I'm truly honored to be allowed to guest post here.
Essays are a big part of my life, particularly since I'm still working my way through a Masters degree. And depending on the assignment, I either really enjoy or really dread writing essays. Okay, more often than not I dread them. Michelle McLean has the answer for everyone like me who hates the idea of writing essays. Even if you just find the task difficult, Michelle's book Homework Helpers: Essays & Term Papers will ease your pain.
After reading through her book, I found that Chapter 3 on Argumentative/Persuasive Essays is my favorite. Michelle is compelling, and her writing is very conversational. Reading through the chapter makes this type of essay much easier to begin and work through. From the get-go, Michelle tells you what the purpose of this essay type is (i.e. to convince your reader to agree with your point of view), and then she launches into easy-to-follow steps that will get you through the essay creation.
Since I've already stated that I don't particularly like essay writing, why would I choose this type as a favorite? Surprisingly, I like the challenge. More often than not in this type of essay, you're forced to take a stance and defend it. You have to base your stance on factual information, and sometimes you may be forced to take a stance you personally don't agree with. This is where the true challenge comes into play.
I also believe that this type of essay has an impact on my ability to write fiction. When we're crafting a character, everything has to be believable. In essence, we have to take a stance on who the character is and why they choose to do the various things they do. We have to prove to our readers that the story makes sense, that the characters are realistic, and that the world we are creating is worth reading about. We put ourselves in a character's figurative shoes and walk around until our readers believe.
If you're struggling with essays (or know someone else who does), you really need to pick up Michelle's book Essays & Term Papers. It will help your writing ability in ways you never imagined, and it's hands down the most laid-back (and yet incredibly informative) textbook I've ever read.
Thanks again to Michelle for allowing me to visit. It has been a real pleasure.
Okay, today is the last day of my blog tour. And I have a special treat for you today. I will be featured over at the lovely and talented Vicki Rocho's, and I will also be over at my awesome Blog Chain buddy's, Eric Stallsworth's. So head on over to their blogs! Today is the last day to leave a comment on any of the blog tour posts (for a complete list with links, check out the blog tour tab above) for more entries in the huge Grand Prize Giveaway!!! I will be announcing the winner of the Grand Prize on Thursday, so go comment!!
And for an added treat...Eric will be doing a guest post for us here! The floor's all yours Eric! :)
---------------
First off, a big thanks to Michelle for allowing me to grace your blog. I'm truly honored to be allowed to guest post here.
Essays are a big part of my life, particularly since I'm still working my way through a Masters degree. And depending on the assignment, I either really enjoy or really dread writing essays. Okay, more often than not I dread them. Michelle McLean has the answer for everyone like me who hates the idea of writing essays. Even if you just find the task difficult, Michelle's book Homework Helpers: Essays & Term Papers will ease your pain.
After reading through her book, I found that Chapter 3 on Argumentative/Persuasive Essays is my favorite. Michelle is compelling, and her writing is very conversational. Reading through the chapter makes this type of essay much easier to begin and work through. From the get-go, Michelle tells you what the purpose of this essay type is (i.e. to convince your reader to agree with your point of view), and then she launches into easy-to-follow steps that will get you through the essay creation.
Since I've already stated that I don't particularly like essay writing, why would I choose this type as a favorite? Surprisingly, I like the challenge. More often than not in this type of essay, you're forced to take a stance and defend it. You have to base your stance on factual information, and sometimes you may be forced to take a stance you personally don't agree with. This is where the true challenge comes into play.
I also believe that this type of essay has an impact on my ability to write fiction. When we're crafting a character, everything has to be believable. In essence, we have to take a stance on who the character is and why they choose to do the various things they do. We have to prove to our readers that the story makes sense, that the characters are realistic, and that the world we are creating is worth reading about. We put ourselves in a character's figurative shoes and walk around until our readers believe.
If you're struggling with essays (or know someone else who does), you really need to pick up Michelle's book Essays & Term Papers. It will help your writing ability in ways you never imagined, and it's hands down the most laid-back (and yet incredibly informative) textbook I've ever read.
Thanks again to Michelle for allowing me to visit. It has been a real pleasure.
January 31, 2011
Award Shows and Book Covers
Today's Blog Tour Stops:
Today I will over at the lovely Colene Murphy's and Steena Holmes's - tomorrow is the last day of the tour so come on by and leave some comments for more entries in the super huge Grand Prize giveaway!!
For today on my blog...a confession....
I only watch award shows for the clothes.
In fact, I often only watch the PRE-award shows when the stars are arriving. I just want to see the pretty gowns and shiny bling and then I'm good for the night. It makes me feel slightly guilty as I know these nights are the most important nights of the year for the people involved, and really some of the host stuff is pretty funny.
But nope, I just watch for the clothes.
Kind of reminded me about books and their covers. A lot of people (myself included) pick (or don't pick) books by their covers. They don't care much about what is between the covers, how much work has gone into every word on every page, how important those pages are to the person who wrote them....they just care about the pretty shinies on the front cover. (Or the horrible covering on what is really a very talented actress...er, book).
I once refused to read a series that everyone I knew loved because the covers were so ridiculous IMO. I finally broke under peer pressure and grabbed one and it's now one of my favorite series. On the other side of the coin, there is a series I have no interest in reading based on the blurbs, but the covers are so gorgeous it's all I can do not to buy them all just to have them on my selves.
Am I the only one who does this? Who else watches the awards shows just for the clothes? Or buys or refuses to buy a book based on the cover?
Today I will over at the lovely Colene Murphy's and Steena Holmes's - tomorrow is the last day of the tour so come on by and leave some comments for more entries in the super huge Grand Prize giveaway!!
For today on my blog...a confession....
I only watch award shows for the clothes.
In fact, I often only watch the PRE-award shows when the stars are arriving. I just want to see the pretty gowns and shiny bling and then I'm good for the night. It makes me feel slightly guilty as I know these nights are the most important nights of the year for the people involved, and really some of the host stuff is pretty funny.
But nope, I just watch for the clothes.
Kind of reminded me about books and their covers. A lot of people (myself included) pick (or don't pick) books by their covers. They don't care much about what is between the covers, how much work has gone into every word on every page, how important those pages are to the person who wrote them....they just care about the pretty shinies on the front cover. (Or the horrible covering on what is really a very talented actress...er, book).
I once refused to read a series that everyone I knew loved because the covers were so ridiculous IMO. I finally broke under peer pressure and grabbed one and it's now one of my favorite series. On the other side of the coin, there is a series I have no interest in reading based on the blurbs, but the covers are so gorgeous it's all I can do not to buy them all just to have them on my selves.
Am I the only one who does this? Who else watches the awards shows just for the clothes? Or buys or refuses to buy a book based on the cover?
January 30, 2011
Today's Blog Tour Stops
For today, I'll be visiting the wonderful Kate Karyus Quinn and later on tonight and tomorrow I'll be over at the lovely Stephanie Thornton's. Come on by and leave a comment! :)
Happy Sunday :D
Happy Sunday :D
January 29, 2011
Today's Blog Tour Stops
Today I have the pleasure of being hosted by the lovely Laura Diamond and Katrina Lantz. Come on by and say hi! Only 3 more blog tour days left to gain more entries into the Grand Prize Giveaway!!
For those who have won giveaways that I will be shipping, I will begin sending those out next week once the blog tour ends :)
January 28, 2011
Friday Funnies and Blog Tour Stops
Today's Blog Tour Stops:
I have the pleasure of joining:
Mary Lindsey and Cole Gibsen
today...two of my wonderful QueryTracker friends. Stop by and leave a comment for more entries in the Grand Prize Giveaway! Only four more Blog Tour days to enter!
And now, for some funnies :D
Times are bad. Children no longer obey their parents, and everyone is writing a book. — Cicero
I know of three ways to recognize another writer: Writers are shamelessly nosy. Writers tell good stories, even about dumb old, daily things. On most writers, the earmarks of thrift, if not outright poverty, are evident. — Joyce Thompson
(ha! this is soooo me on a diet :D )
And coming up!!! Mystery Agent Contest over at Operation Awesome! We'll start taking entries Feb 1st - our awesome awesome AWESOME mystery agent is looking for 25 word pitches for MG and YA.
I have the pleasure of joining:
Mary Lindsey and Cole Gibsen
today...two of my wonderful QueryTracker friends. Stop by and leave a comment for more entries in the Grand Prize Giveaway! Only four more Blog Tour days to enter!
And now, for some funnies :D
Times are bad. Children no longer obey their parents, and everyone is writing a book. — Cicero
I know of three ways to recognize another writer: Writers are shamelessly nosy. Writers tell good stories, even about dumb old, daily things. On most writers, the earmarks of thrift, if not outright poverty, are evident. — Joyce Thompson
(ha! this is soooo me on a diet :D )And coming up!!! Mystery Agent Contest over at Operation Awesome! We'll start taking entries Feb 1st - our awesome awesome AWESOME mystery agent is looking for 25 word pitches for MG and YA.
January 27, 2011
Tip Thursday - As IF!
Today's Blog Tour Stops:
I'll be visiting two lovely ladies today :)
Jemi Fraser
Kristal Shaff
Stop by and comment for more entries in the super Grand Prize Giveaway! Only a few more days of the blog tour before I do the drawing so don't delay :D
Now...for today's tip I've got something I'm not sure I agree with :D
"As" phrases....
As in - "Veronica burst into tears as she slammed the door."
Or - "She sobbed as if her heart were broken."
When I was just a baby writer, I was told that relying on "as" phrases was a sign of an amateur writer because these phrases can almost always be rewritten without the "as". Using these phrases was laziness on the part of the writer, a crutch. Being very fond of "as" phrases, that stung a little.
Now, I get the point. Sure...most of the time these can be rewritten. Like:
"Veronica burst into tears and slammed the door." And "She sobbed, her heart breaking a little more with every tear."
But is that necessarily a better, stronger sentence because of the absence of the word "as"? Maybe...maybe not.
Since it was something I did overuse once upon a time, I do try to rewrite those sentences whenever they crop up in my writing. I do agree that these phrases, like anything else, can be overused. If you have an "as-fest" going on, it's going to stand out in a negative way. But that is true of any word or phrase. And frankly, sometimes the "as" just sounds better.
So is using "as" a sign of an amateur or lazy writer? I don't think so. But...I'll still try to avoid them when I can :)
What do you think of "as" phrases? Have you ever been told what I was told about them?
I'll be visiting two lovely ladies today :)
Jemi Fraser
Kristal Shaff
Stop by and comment for more entries in the super Grand Prize Giveaway! Only a few more days of the blog tour before I do the drawing so don't delay :D
Now...for today's tip I've got something I'm not sure I agree with :D
"As" phrases....
As in - "Veronica burst into tears as she slammed the door."
Or - "She sobbed as if her heart were broken."
When I was just a baby writer, I was told that relying on "as" phrases was a sign of an amateur writer because these phrases can almost always be rewritten without the "as". Using these phrases was laziness on the part of the writer, a crutch. Being very fond of "as" phrases, that stung a little.
Now, I get the point. Sure...most of the time these can be rewritten. Like:
"Veronica burst into tears and slammed the door." And "She sobbed, her heart breaking a little more with every tear."
But is that necessarily a better, stronger sentence because of the absence of the word "as"? Maybe...maybe not.
Since it was something I did overuse once upon a time, I do try to rewrite those sentences whenever they crop up in my writing. I do agree that these phrases, like anything else, can be overused. If you have an "as-fest" going on, it's going to stand out in a negative way. But that is true of any word or phrase. And frankly, sometimes the "as" just sounds better.
So is using "as" a sign of an amateur or lazy writer? I don't think so. But...I'll still try to avoid them when I can :)
What do you think of "as" phrases? Have you ever been told what I was told about them?
January 26, 2011
Wednesday Randomness and Blog Tour Stops
Today's Blog Tour Stops:
I'll be at three fabulous ladies' blogs today:
L. Diane Wolfe's
Stina Lindenblatt's
and Michelle Hickman's
Stop by and leave comments for more entries into the huge Grand Prize giveaway! Stina will also be giving a copy of my book away so be sure to enter her drawing as well :)
As for me...I think I'm on the mend. I think :D However, my brain is still way to fuzzy to write anything grand or witty, so I'll take a cue from my amazingly awesome BFF Christine Fonseca and leave you with a little bit of Wednesday randomness....
The world will NOT crash and burn if you can't be on the computer all day....it just feels like it willWriters are seriously the best, most generous, most supportive people I have ever had the pleasure to associate withYou do not have to love a book that everyone else in the world is loving...it's called a subjective business for a reason...revel in your dislike of the popular ;-DCastle is seriously the best show E.V.E.R.Sending out proposals for books 2 and 3....actually more stressful than book 1 - who'da thunk?The suckiest part about being sick - I'm in bed all day but my eyes hurt too bad to read....how unfair is that!?Each comment from my awesome readers is like a little drop of sunshine - I heart you guys....might have to do something fun in the near future to show some follower love :DI hope everyone has an awesome Wednesday!!! Hopefully tomorrow I'll be a little more coherent :D
I'll be at three fabulous ladies' blogs today:
L. Diane Wolfe's
Stina Lindenblatt's
and Michelle Hickman's
Stop by and leave comments for more entries into the huge Grand Prize giveaway! Stina will also be giving a copy of my book away so be sure to enter her drawing as well :)
As for me...I think I'm on the mend. I think :D However, my brain is still way to fuzzy to write anything grand or witty, so I'll take a cue from my amazingly awesome BFF Christine Fonseca and leave you with a little bit of Wednesday randomness....
The world will NOT crash and burn if you can't be on the computer all day....it just feels like it willWriters are seriously the best, most generous, most supportive people I have ever had the pleasure to associate withYou do not have to love a book that everyone else in the world is loving...it's called a subjective business for a reason...revel in your dislike of the popular ;-DCastle is seriously the best show E.V.E.R.Sending out proposals for books 2 and 3....actually more stressful than book 1 - who'da thunk?The suckiest part about being sick - I'm in bed all day but my eyes hurt too bad to read....how unfair is that!?Each comment from my awesome readers is like a little drop of sunshine - I heart you guys....might have to do something fun in the near future to show some follower love :DI hope everyone has an awesome Wednesday!!! Hopefully tomorrow I'll be a little more coherent :D
January 25, 2011
Blog Chain - MC Fear Central
Today's Blog Tour Stops:
We have an awesome day on the Blog Tour today! I'll be featured over at:
Matt Rush's
Shaun Hutchinson's
and L. Diane Wolfe's
Stop on by and leave a comment for more entries in the Grand Prize Giveaway! Matt will also be doing a giveaway so head to his blog for deets :D
Now, Blog Chain time. This topic was chosen by the lovely Christine who wants to know:
What is the main character of your current WiP MOST afraid of, and why?
We aren't supposed to use an old WIP, but my current WIP is an old WIP that I'm rewriting so here goes :)
This is going to be short and sweet, but it's pretty straight forward :) Min is most afraid of being helpless...of having her choices taken away. Her whole motivation for everything she does in the book is to ensure that she is the master of her own life.
What is your MC most afraid of?
And, as promised a few days ago, a picture of the super huge Grand Prize Basket that will be awarded to one commenter from my Blog Tour!
The winner will receive his/her choice of T-shirt, a signed copy of my Homework Helpers: Essays and Term Papers, a copy of Homework Helpers: English Language and Composition, an aluminum water bottle, a spiral notebook, bookmarks, custom pens, postcards, a calendar magnet, a mouse pad, and various other stationary items and edible treats (they aren't pictured but they'll be included because, well, I like various stationary items and edible treats) :D
The more blog tour stops you comment on, the more entries you get for this drawing! Go comment! :D
We have an awesome day on the Blog Tour today! I'll be featured over at:
Matt Rush's
Shaun Hutchinson's
and L. Diane Wolfe's
Stop on by and leave a comment for more entries in the Grand Prize Giveaway! Matt will also be doing a giveaway so head to his blog for deets :D
Now, Blog Chain time. This topic was chosen by the lovely Christine who wants to know:
What is the main character of your current WiP MOST afraid of, and why?
We aren't supposed to use an old WIP, but my current WIP is an old WIP that I'm rewriting so here goes :)
This is going to be short and sweet, but it's pretty straight forward :) Min is most afraid of being helpless...of having her choices taken away. Her whole motivation for everything she does in the book is to ensure that she is the master of her own life.
What is your MC most afraid of?
And, as promised a few days ago, a picture of the super huge Grand Prize Basket that will be awarded to one commenter from my Blog Tour!
The winner will receive his/her choice of T-shirt, a signed copy of my Homework Helpers: Essays and Term Papers, a copy of Homework Helpers: English Language and Composition, an aluminum water bottle, a spiral notebook, bookmarks, custom pens, postcards, a calendar magnet, a mouse pad, and various other stationary items and edible treats (they aren't pictured but they'll be included because, well, I like various stationary items and edible treats) :D
The more blog tour stops you comment on, the more entries you get for this drawing! Go comment! :D
January 24, 2011
New Idea Hit and Run
Today's Blog Tour Stops:
Amanda Bonilla
K.M. Weiland
How is everyone doing this fine Monday morning? I'm...not so hot LOL My darling son was sick all week last week and decided to share with Momma so I'm feeling a bit run over. Which means instead of doing something productive, I've been spending a lot of time staring off into space.
What happens when a writer stares into space for too long?
Yep, MORE STORY IDEAS!!!
Now, don't get me wrong...I love me some story ideas. But I've got two non-fiction proposals to finish by the end of the month, a novel WIP already in progress (well, two actually, but one is sort of close to getting finished) and a whole file full of ideas already.
But I really like this one :D However, it's just going to have to wait. Notes have been taken, a file has been created, but *le sigh* I won't be able to work on it for at least a few months.
What do you do when an awesome idea that you just totally love presents itself while you are in the midst of other projects?
Don't forget to stop by Amanda and Katie's today and leave a comment! The more stops you hit, the more entries you get for that super awesome Grand Prize Basket which I swear on the breath in my poor aching lungs I will get up later today :D
Amanda Bonilla
K.M. Weiland
How is everyone doing this fine Monday morning? I'm...not so hot LOL My darling son was sick all week last week and decided to share with Momma so I'm feeling a bit run over. Which means instead of doing something productive, I've been spending a lot of time staring off into space.
What happens when a writer stares into space for too long?
Yep, MORE STORY IDEAS!!!
Now, don't get me wrong...I love me some story ideas. But I've got two non-fiction proposals to finish by the end of the month, a novel WIP already in progress (well, two actually, but one is sort of close to getting finished) and a whole file full of ideas already.
But I really like this one :D However, it's just going to have to wait. Notes have been taken, a file has been created, but *le sigh* I won't be able to work on it for at least a few months.
What do you do when an awesome idea that you just totally love presents itself while you are in the midst of other projects?
Don't forget to stop by Amanda and Katie's today and leave a comment! The more stops you hit, the more entries you get for that super awesome Grand Prize Basket which I swear on the breath in my poor aching lungs I will get up later today :D
January 23, 2011
Today on the Blog Tour...
I'll be over at the lovely Amparo Ortiz's - come on by and say hi! :D
And I know I promised you a picture of the totally fun huge Grand Prize Basket....it's coming *pinky swear* but a couple of sick kids sidelined me for a bit. I'll get it up later on today! :) For now, head on over to Amparo's and leave a comment for another entry into the drawing and for a chance to win the giveaway she will be doing :)
And I know I promised you a picture of the totally fun huge Grand Prize Basket....it's coming *pinky swear* but a couple of sick kids sidelined me for a bit. I'll get it up later on today! :) For now, head on over to Amparo's and leave a comment for another entry into the drawing and for a chance to win the giveaway she will be doing :)
