Tia Silverthorne Bach's Blog, page 100
October 10, 2011
Exciting New YA Book and Giveaway: Turning Point, Melissa Luznicky Garrett
Being part of the writing community has been a blessing in so many ways. I am learning so much, but the added benefit is finding out about new books and exciting authors. Even better, I get to pass this information along to my readers.
I am so excited to post this press release for Melissa Luznicky Garrett's young adult novel, Turning Point. I met Melissa through the online writing community, and she's been an amazing support. Her novel, Precipice, is next in my to-be-read pile.
Melissa has been kind enough to offer a free digital copy of Turning Point to one lucky reader. Please see details below.
*****Turning Point_______________________________________________________
Melissa Luznicky Garrett
She recalled her mother's warning: Bad things alwayshappen to nice girls like you.
Convinced a fresh start is all she needs to escapethe problems at home, seventeen-year-old Jenna Lyons runs away in the middle of thenight. But when her car breaks down on the outskirts of La Grange, Missouri,population less than a thousand, she gets sucked into the small town, and one family inparticular. Jenna discovers there's a liar in La Grange, and he's deceived everyone. Nowshe must decide whether to run away from the truth, or blow his secret wide open.
"The tornado isn't the only thing that twists in this story--if youlove dark characters with even darker secrets,
TURNING POINT is for you!" ~Anne Riley, author of The Clearing
"TURNING POINT is a YA thriller that will rock yoursocks, young or old. You should add it to your wish list immediately. I recommend it to anyone who lovesstories that expose hidden secrets." ~Tegan Allen, review on Goodreads
Publishedby Create Space
ISBN 1461149703(ISBN13: 9781461149705)
AvailableIn Print and Online:
Create Space
Amazon
Smashwords
Barnes & Noble
Watch the TURNING POINT book trailer on YouTube.
MelissaLuznicky Garrett isan author of adult and young adult novels. TURNING POINT is Melissa's second published book. She lives withher husband and children in upstate New York, where she is currently at work on her nextbook. Connect with Melissa on her blog: http://www.MLGarrett.blogspot.com.
*****
Hidden secrets, twists, deception... what more could you want? A free digital copy!
For an entry into the contest, please leave your answer (and email) to the following question in the comments below: Do book trailers influence your decision to buy books?
For an extra entry, please tweet this post or post a Facebook link so we can show Melissa some love. (two extra entries if you do both) Please leave a comment below letting me know you shared.
Let the fun begin... my trusty assistant, my oldest daughter, will draw a name out of a hat on Wednesday evening, October 12. Good luck!
I am so excited to post this press release for Melissa Luznicky Garrett's young adult novel, Turning Point. I met Melissa through the online writing community, and she's been an amazing support. Her novel, Precipice, is next in my to-be-read pile.
Melissa has been kind enough to offer a free digital copy of Turning Point to one lucky reader. Please see details below.
*****Turning Point_______________________________________________________
Melissa Luznicky GarrettShe recalled her mother's warning: Bad things alwayshappen to nice girls like you.
Convinced a fresh start is all she needs to escapethe problems at home, seventeen-year-old Jenna Lyons runs away in the middle of thenight. But when her car breaks down on the outskirts of La Grange, Missouri,population less than a thousand, she gets sucked into the small town, and one family inparticular. Jenna discovers there's a liar in La Grange, and he's deceived everyone. Nowshe must decide whether to run away from the truth, or blow his secret wide open.
"The tornado isn't the only thing that twists in this story--if youlove dark characters with even darker secrets,
TURNING POINT is for you!" ~Anne Riley, author of The Clearing
"TURNING POINT is a YA thriller that will rock yoursocks, young or old. You should add it to your wish list immediately. I recommend it to anyone who lovesstories that expose hidden secrets." ~Tegan Allen, review on Goodreads
Publishedby Create Space
ISBN 1461149703(ISBN13: 9781461149705)
AvailableIn Print and Online:
Create Space
Amazon
Smashwords
Barnes & Noble
Watch the TURNING POINT book trailer on YouTube.
MelissaLuznicky Garrett isan author of adult and young adult novels. TURNING POINT is Melissa's second published book. She lives withher husband and children in upstate New York, where she is currently at work on her nextbook. Connect with Melissa on her blog: http://www.MLGarrett.blogspot.com.*****
Hidden secrets, twists, deception... what more could you want? A free digital copy!
For an entry into the contest, please leave your answer (and email) to the following question in the comments below: Do book trailers influence your decision to buy books?
For an extra entry, please tweet this post or post a Facebook link so we can show Melissa some love. (two extra entries if you do both) Please leave a comment below letting me know you shared.
Let the fun begin... my trusty assistant, my oldest daughter, will draw a name out of a hat on Wednesday evening, October 12. Good luck!
October 9, 2011
Finding my Rhythm: ROW 80 Check In
Setting goals, creating to-do lists, and planning... I admit it, I'm Type A. Yet, I've found my best writing comes during unplanned, chaos-free times. With three kids and writing and editing freelance jobs starting to pick up, these moments are hard to come by. I'm trying to have set times of day to work on paid projects and social media while also finding time to work on my two novels. It's a delicate balance, and I must admit I haven't quite found my rhythm.
Plus, I've really missed dedicated reading time. Not only does consistent reading help my writing, it's also something I love to do and a major stress-reliever. One of my priority goals for ROW 80 was to make reading a priority. Again, this requires time.
Finding a rhythm really equates to carving out time into workable chunks. I'm getting there. Slowly, but surely.
My progress this week:
Depression Cookies blog
Results: Blogged every day
Reaction: Oh, yeah!
Mom in Love with Fiction blog
Results: Two posts
Reaction: So close. Want to do 3 posts per week. Still, major progress from the attention this blog was getting.
Writing
Results: Some research and outlining for my YA novel. Received Mom's chapter and need to write my response. I've been stewing a bit over it, and the words haven't flowed.
Reaction: Reserved. This is where finding my writing rhythm is so important.
Reading
Results: So close to finishing Valhalla. A fun, interesting read by one of my Blogathon cohorts, Jennifer Willis. Will review soon.
Reaction: Love making reading a priority again!
Can you plan writing time? Or must you let the muse decide when it's time to write?
I hope my writer friends, especially those participating in ROW 80, are achieving their goals and finding their rhythm. Please check out some great writers below:
Plus, I've really missed dedicated reading time. Not only does consistent reading help my writing, it's also something I love to do and a major stress-reliever. One of my priority goals for ROW 80 was to make reading a priority. Again, this requires time.
Finding a rhythm really equates to carving out time into workable chunks. I'm getting there. Slowly, but surely.
My progress this week:
Depression Cookies blog
Results: Blogged every day
Reaction: Oh, yeah!
Mom in Love with Fiction blog
Results: Two posts
Reaction: So close. Want to do 3 posts per week. Still, major progress from the attention this blog was getting.
Writing
Results: Some research and outlining for my YA novel. Received Mom's chapter and need to write my response. I've been stewing a bit over it, and the words haven't flowed.
Reaction: Reserved. This is where finding my writing rhythm is so important.
Reading
Results: So close to finishing Valhalla. A fun, interesting read by one of my Blogathon cohorts, Jennifer Willis. Will review soon.
Reaction: Love making reading a priority again!
Can you plan writing time? Or must you let the muse decide when it's time to write?
I hope my writer friends, especially those participating in ROW 80, are achieving their goals and finding their rhythm. Please check out some great writers below:
October 8, 2011
How to Set Up a Blog: Guest Blog by Dana Silverthorne Newbrough
This blog is truly a family affair. Today I'm featuring Part One of a guest post series from my Web/Blogmaster and baby sister, Dana Silverthorne Newbrough. She has graciously taken on the challenge of turning our ideas into this blog. Enjoy!
*****
A couple of years ago my sisterapproached me about this book her and my mother were writing – the book younow know as Depression Cookies . Shewas struggling with how to get her book and her writing in general noticed andhow to "plug into" the web world. I hadfallen in love with blogs and was using them as a medium to not only sharebaby pictures and videos, but to also create Recipe Swaps amongst fellow at-homemothers.
Three Sisters (Dana's in the middle)My experience was new and far fromprofessional, but I was absorbed in learning how to infiltrate this beast knownas the Internet. So, my sister somehowconvinced me to help her on this journey of social networking, which has been alot of fun, at times overwhelming, and more often a HUGE learning curve! You must know how much I love my sister,because only true love and an insatiable curiosity would make anyone take sucha job pro bono, especially with a little one and now #2 on the way! ;)
I have to admit I had NO IDEA whatI was saying yes to! My sister andmother dove right into their "vision" for the web and blog headfirst. My sister spent hours researching whatshe wanted and still constantly sends "proposals" on new ideas, forums,contests, feeds, and integrating other social networks. I spent hours reading and learning html codesand how to manipulate them, reading articles, looking through templates, andlearning how to design banners/buttons. What I thought would be a simple project, put it all together and thenBAM you're done, was not the case.
What Idid learn was that building attractive and effective sites take a lot of work,but the key is in setting them up right!
*****
Don't miss the next two parts to this series.
Part Two: What Makes an Effective and Successful Blog will be featured on Monday, October 17.
Part Three: What Makes an Attractive Blog will be featured on Monday, October 24.
Please tune in!
If you are a blogger, what has been the most challenging part of blogging? If you are a reader, what draws you into a blog or turns you off?
*****
A couple of years ago my sisterapproached me about this book her and my mother were writing – the book younow know as Depression Cookies . Shewas struggling with how to get her book and her writing in general noticed andhow to "plug into" the web world. I hadfallen in love with blogs and was using them as a medium to not only sharebaby pictures and videos, but to also create Recipe Swaps amongst fellow at-homemothers.
Three Sisters (Dana's in the middle)My experience was new and far fromprofessional, but I was absorbed in learning how to infiltrate this beast knownas the Internet. So, my sister somehowconvinced me to help her on this journey of social networking, which has been alot of fun, at times overwhelming, and more often a HUGE learning curve! You must know how much I love my sister,because only true love and an insatiable curiosity would make anyone take sucha job pro bono, especially with a little one and now #2 on the way! ;)I have to admit I had NO IDEA whatI was saying yes to! My sister andmother dove right into their "vision" for the web and blog headfirst. My sister spent hours researching whatshe wanted and still constantly sends "proposals" on new ideas, forums,contests, feeds, and integrating other social networks. I spent hours reading and learning html codesand how to manipulate them, reading articles, looking through templates, andlearning how to design banners/buttons. What I thought would be a simple project, put it all together and thenBAM you're done, was not the case.
What Idid learn was that building attractive and effective sites take a lot of work,but the key is in setting them up right!
*****
Don't miss the next two parts to this series.
Part Two: What Makes an Effective and Successful Blog will be featured on Monday, October 17.
Part Three: What Makes an Attractive Blog will be featured on Monday, October 24.
Please tune in!
If you are a blogger, what has been the most challenging part of blogging? If you are a reader, what draws you into a blog or turns you off?
October 7, 2011
Best Reads, Photo Edition
Fridays are fun days on our blog. We talk about our favorite reads of the week. This week we are featuring two photos. The first was posted on Facebook by my Colorado writer friend, Betsy Dornbusch. Check out her blog, some amazing stuff. I think many artists will appreciate this photo.
Artists' inspiration may not come from money, those who create will create regardless, but they have as many bills as the next guy/gal. Please support your local artists. The internet has misrepresented entertainment as free. People can log on and see videos, pictures, blog postings, etc. If you love a writer's blog, show them support by buying their book. If you see artwork online, buy it. An artist will appreciate it and create more.
The next is a comical representation of my Oxford comma beliefs. Thanks, Laura! I hope nobody is offended by the images they are about to see. Use your Oxford comma to avoid situations like this in the future.
Fridays are for highlighting the best reads, but I must mention the saddest thing I read this week: the passing of Steve Jobs. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and all those who loved him. May he rest in peace.
What's the best thing you've read this week?
Artists' inspiration may not come from money, those who create will create regardless, but they have as many bills as the next guy/gal. Please support your local artists. The internet has misrepresented entertainment as free. People can log on and see videos, pictures, blog postings, etc. If you love a writer's blog, show them support by buying their book. If you see artwork online, buy it. An artist will appreciate it and create more.
The next is a comical representation of my Oxford comma beliefs. Thanks, Laura! I hope nobody is offended by the images they are about to see. Use your Oxford comma to avoid situations like this in the future.
Fridays are for highlighting the best reads, but I must mention the saddest thing I read this week: the passing of Steve Jobs. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and all those who loved him. May he rest in peace.
What's the best thing you've read this week?
October 6, 2011
I Get By with a Little Help from my Friends
Mom came up to visit for a day and a half. So sweet, but too short. Her mission: accompany me to my neighborhood book club featuring our novel, Depression Cookies. We had a lovely time. Everyone was so supportive!
Women shared childhood memories, family traditions, raising children, and how the book affected them. Some of their insight was truly inspiring.
We had some fun dissecting the meaning behind our title. I love when readers see more depth than we intended but are now thrilled to include in our interpretation. I joked with them: if Shakespeare were alive today and sitting in a book club, would he hear the generations of interpretation and simply sit back and say, "Sure, I meant all of that."
As authors, we build our story and want readers to embrace it. It's a whole other gift when the readers add value and make it even better. Thank you!
When my family and I moved to Maryland last year, I was sad. I loved my Colorado community, especially the lovely ladies in my book club (I still miss you!). Within weeks of the move, I opened up our new neighborhood newsletter to see a picture with the headline, "Goshen Oaks Book Club Celebrates 10 Years." I was beside myself with anticipation.
The Beatles summed it up perfectly for me. I truly get by with a little (lot) help from my friends. I am so grateful to this wonderful group of ladies for letting the new kid in and making me feel so special. A special thank you to Suzy for hosting.
Next on our list: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. I've heard wonderful things about the book, and it's been sitting in my to-read pile since it came out in paperback.
As a reader, does the book club experience add to a book?
Women shared childhood memories, family traditions, raising children, and how the book affected them. Some of their insight was truly inspiring.
We had some fun dissecting the meaning behind our title. I love when readers see more depth than we intended but are now thrilled to include in our interpretation. I joked with them: if Shakespeare were alive today and sitting in a book club, would he hear the generations of interpretation and simply sit back and say, "Sure, I meant all of that."
As authors, we build our story and want readers to embrace it. It's a whole other gift when the readers add value and make it even better. Thank you!
When my family and I moved to Maryland last year, I was sad. I loved my Colorado community, especially the lovely ladies in my book club (I still miss you!). Within weeks of the move, I opened up our new neighborhood newsletter to see a picture with the headline, "Goshen Oaks Book Club Celebrates 10 Years." I was beside myself with anticipation.
The Beatles summed it up perfectly for me. I truly get by with a little (lot) help from my friends. I am so grateful to this wonderful group of ladies for letting the new kid in and making me feel so special. A special thank you to Suzy for hosting.
Next on our list: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. I've heard wonderful things about the book, and it's been sitting in my to-read pile since it came out in paperback.
As a reader, does the book club experience add to a book?
October 5, 2011
After-Party Update, Feeling the Love
What a wonderful group! I feel so honored to be part of ROW 80. It's late, and I've enjoyed the partying, but still wanted to post my first update. I will be checking on everyone's first thing tomorrow. Best to comment after the partying effects wear off! ;-)
A quick first update.
Depression Cookies blog: Thanks to the Ultimate Blog Challenge, I'm dedicated to daily posting and ROW 80 parties have made it fun this week. Yeah! Check out my earlier post today for some fun, rocking pictures.
Mom in Love with Fiction: I've already posted twice this week thanks to blog ideas from Should be Reading.
Writing: Mom just emailed me her latest chapter, so tomorrow I start writing. The last two days I made some headway with characters and storyline on my YA book. I'm truly inspired to write right now.
Miscellaneous: Still getting to these, but I have been checking out blogs. Will check out more tomorrow once the party haze is gone.
So stoked about Round 4 starting! I like this idea of partying after the completion of a writing challenge. So much so, I'm considering hosting a book party once I finish my next one.
What events do you celebrate with a party?
A quick first update.Depression Cookies blog: Thanks to the Ultimate Blog Challenge, I'm dedicated to daily posting and ROW 80 parties have made it fun this week. Yeah! Check out my earlier post today for some fun, rocking pictures.
Mom in Love with Fiction: I've already posted twice this week thanks to blog ideas from Should be Reading.
Writing: Mom just emailed me her latest chapter, so tomorrow I start writing. The last two days I made some headway with characters and storyline on my YA book. I'm truly inspired to write right now.
Miscellaneous: Still getting to these, but I have been checking out blogs. Will check out more tomorrow once the party haze is gone.
So stoked about Round 4 starting! I like this idea of partying after the completion of a writing challenge. So much so, I'm considering hosting a book party once I finish my next one.
What events do you celebrate with a party?
Rocking the ROW. It's Party Time!
I missed the late night hours of the rocking party, but will be checking into Twitter later today! I only wish we had a room reserved somewhere. I'd love to meet the rock stars from Round 3 (and hopefully still with us for Round 4) and the new talent coming into Round 4. Imagine the girl running around high-fiving and hugging people with a giddy look on her face. That'd be me!
Two of my favorite Round 3 rockers joined forces for an additional Rock the ROW giveaway. Please visit Nicole Basaraba's Uni-Verse-City for a wonderful Alberta Ross giveaway. Trust me, you'll fall in love and go back many more times.
One of the party challenges was to post a photo inspired by the Rock the ROW theme.
The first was inspired from my oldest daughter's guitar all the way down to my baby's dress up supplies:
The next represented how I rocked the ROW, and is a lovely painting by a friend of my mother's. Herta Abarr is a renowned artist, writer and teacher who was inspired by the classic party song, It's a Quarter to Three.
It's a Quarter to Three: Herta AbarrCheck later today for my first official Round 4 check in. But for now, head on over to #ROW80 on Twitter and join the party. First round's on me!
Two of my favorite Round 3 rockers joined forces for an additional Rock the ROW giveaway. Please visit Nicole Basaraba's Uni-Verse-City for a wonderful Alberta Ross giveaway. Trust me, you'll fall in love and go back many more times.
One of the party challenges was to post a photo inspired by the Rock the ROW theme.
The first was inspired from my oldest daughter's guitar all the way down to my baby's dress up supplies:
The next represented how I rocked the ROW, and is a lovely painting by a friend of my mother's. Herta Abarr is a renowned artist, writer and teacher who was inspired by the classic party song, It's a Quarter to Three.
It's a Quarter to Three: Herta AbarrCheck later today for my first official Round 4 check in. But for now, head on over to #ROW80 on Twitter and join the party. First round's on me!
October 4, 2011
Proud to be a Writer: Tub-Full Tuesday
"The maker of a sentence launches out into the infinite and builds a road into Chaos and old Night, and is followed by those who hear him with something of wild, creative delight." Ralph Waldo Emerson
I read an interesting post yesterday: The Difference between Writers and People who Write. Some really interesting points. And, although I am guilty of multi-tasking, I am proud to say I am a writer. If I was still living in Colorado, I'd shout it from the mountaintop.
Today is Tub-Full Tuesday for our blog, and my tub is filled with this newfound realization. I don't just write for writing's sake. I spend my days reading out loud and striving for the most impact with the fewest words. I go to bed with ideas swirling on what to write the next day. I have scribbled thoughts on papers all over my house. I breathe words.
The words flew out of me today. When they slowed down, I checked email to discover a "Highly recommended" review of Depression Cookies from A Cozy Reader's Corner Reviews. A highlight from the review:
"It always amazes me when two people can collaborate so well and produce an amazing book. While the career of an author is generally viewed as a solo act, I have been pleasantly surprised by co-authors, such as Tia and Angela, who pen a book together and leave you wondering where one left off and the other began. How do they make the book flow as one complete work when they are in fact two different people? It amazes me."
Thank you!
Today, I'm especially proud to be a writer. The muse may at times disappear and praises may be few and far between, but this knowledge will remain.
What have you discovered about yourself recently?
I read an interesting post yesterday: The Difference between Writers and People who Write. Some really interesting points. And, although I am guilty of multi-tasking, I am proud to say I am a writer. If I was still living in Colorado, I'd shout it from the mountaintop.
Today is Tub-Full Tuesday for our blog, and my tub is filled with this newfound realization. I don't just write for writing's sake. I spend my days reading out loud and striving for the most impact with the fewest words. I go to bed with ideas swirling on what to write the next day. I have scribbled thoughts on papers all over my house. I breathe words.
The words flew out of me today. When they slowed down, I checked email to discover a "Highly recommended" review of Depression Cookies from A Cozy Reader's Corner Reviews. A highlight from the review:
"It always amazes me when two people can collaborate so well and produce an amazing book. While the career of an author is generally viewed as a solo act, I have been pleasantly surprised by co-authors, such as Tia and Angela, who pen a book together and leave you wondering where one left off and the other began. How do they make the book flow as one complete work when they are in fact two different people? It amazes me."Thank you!
Today, I'm especially proud to be a writer. The muse may at times disappear and praises may be few and far between, but this knowledge will remain.
What have you discovered about yourself recently?
October 3, 2011
Blog Musings: Where Do We Go from Here?
Thanks to the Ultimate Blog Challenge and A Round of Words in 80 Days, it's time to evaluate my writing, blogging and reading goals. Although my writing and reading journeys started years ago, my blogging adventure is fairly new.
Today, I'm defining my goals for blogging, writing and reading through year-end.
*raises wine glass* A toast to inspiration. May these goals inspire a creative focus that carries me through 2012 and beyond. To my fellow writers, bloggers and readers, I hope stopping by here encourages you to follow your heart's desire. *downs wine for bravery*
Depression Cookies blog
In addition to posting about my love of books and adventures in writing, I want to challenge myself and give readers (and fellow bloggers and writers) a glimpse into my inner thoughts. It scares me to open up more, and I refuse to let fear rule! I would, however, appreciate someone telling me if my inner musings start to create widespread fear and concern. I teeter on the edge of insanity, but tend to fall back to the sane side most days.
This blog and our novel began as a mother-daughter journey, and I want to continue to highlight posts showing this important aspect of my life.
Goals for the rest of 2011
• Blog daily through October
• Cut myself some slack during the busy months of November and December and average posting four times per week
• Focus on writing, but also incorporate personal musings
• Have a stockpile of posts for "those days"
• Learn more about HTML code and focus on improving the look and function of this blog
• Hit the big 10,000 visitors and celebrate 200 posts
Mom in Love with Fiction blog
It's time to show this blog the love it deserves. My initial goal was to review a book a week, but my time management skills are lacking these days. I'm finding it very difficult to keep up with writing, volunteering, kids' activities, etc. and keep up with my reading. I truly believe avid reading makes a good writer, so reading is a priority.
Before embarking on the writing journey, I always read at night. It was my way to wind down after a long day with small children. Now that they are all in school, I should have all day to read, right? It's amazing, I'm so much busier now! Granted, I write and edit during the day and am now finding freelance work to supplement my novel writing passion. Once 2:30 hits, it's run, run, run.
Goals for the rest of 2011
• Incorporate Should be Reading prompts to ensure three times a week posts
• Read 3-4 books per month and review
• Focus on independently published books, but still read and review what strikes my fancy
Writing
Mom and I have a unique writing schedule. She writes a chapter and sends it to me for my character's response. I tried writing ahead during the last round with mixed results. I was cruising for awhile on word count, but had a lot of reworking to do once Mom's chapters came in.
One thing I discovered about my writing style during the last round of ROW80: the more I write, the better the ideas flow. Thanks to several suggestions from fellow participants, I have decided to work on my YA novel when not working on the sequel.
Goals for the rest of 2011
• Write 500 words per day on my YA novel idea and thirty minutes daily on background work such as character outlines, story outlines, research, etc.
• Write a new chapter for our sequel within two days of receiving Mom's chapter
Miscellaneous Goals
• Support my fellow bloggers by reading and commenting on a minimum of 10-15 posts per week, more if time allows
• Read two books on the craft of writing: Stephen King's On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft and Dorothea Brande's Becoming a Writer
• Finish my Freelance Writing course and look for another writing course to jumpstart 2012 ( would love recommendations )
• Free write in a journal 15 minutes, 3-4 times per week (will involve my children in this goal for fun)
I'm exhausted, but inspired. I may have to pour myself another glass of wine. Wait, it is just after noon. And, confession time... I downed hot tea earlier in place of wine because I'm freezing thanks to the first signs of fall.
Best wishes to my fellow UBC and ROW80 friends with all their year-end goals.
How important are goal-setting and planning in your day to day achievements?
Today, I'm defining my goals for blogging, writing and reading through year-end.
*raises wine glass* A toast to inspiration. May these goals inspire a creative focus that carries me through 2012 and beyond. To my fellow writers, bloggers and readers, I hope stopping by here encourages you to follow your heart's desire. *downs wine for bravery*Depression Cookies blog
In addition to posting about my love of books and adventures in writing, I want to challenge myself and give readers (and fellow bloggers and writers) a glimpse into my inner thoughts. It scares me to open up more, and I refuse to let fear rule! I would, however, appreciate someone telling me if my inner musings start to create widespread fear and concern. I teeter on the edge of insanity, but tend to fall back to the sane side most days.
This blog and our novel began as a mother-daughter journey, and I want to continue to highlight posts showing this important aspect of my life.
Goals for the rest of 2011
• Blog daily through October
• Cut myself some slack during the busy months of November and December and average posting four times per week
• Focus on writing, but also incorporate personal musings
• Have a stockpile of posts for "those days"
• Learn more about HTML code and focus on improving the look and function of this blog
• Hit the big 10,000 visitors and celebrate 200 posts
Mom in Love with Fiction blog
It's time to show this blog the love it deserves. My initial goal was to review a book a week, but my time management skills are lacking these days. I'm finding it very difficult to keep up with writing, volunteering, kids' activities, etc. and keep up with my reading. I truly believe avid reading makes a good writer, so reading is a priority.
Before embarking on the writing journey, I always read at night. It was my way to wind down after a long day with small children. Now that they are all in school, I should have all day to read, right? It's amazing, I'm so much busier now! Granted, I write and edit during the day and am now finding freelance work to supplement my novel writing passion. Once 2:30 hits, it's run, run, run.
Goals for the rest of 2011
• Incorporate Should be Reading prompts to ensure three times a week posts
• Read 3-4 books per month and review
• Focus on independently published books, but still read and review what strikes my fancy
Writing
Mom and I have a unique writing schedule. She writes a chapter and sends it to me for my character's response. I tried writing ahead during the last round with mixed results. I was cruising for awhile on word count, but had a lot of reworking to do once Mom's chapters came in.
One thing I discovered about my writing style during the last round of ROW80: the more I write, the better the ideas flow. Thanks to several suggestions from fellow participants, I have decided to work on my YA novel when not working on the sequel.
Goals for the rest of 2011
• Write 500 words per day on my YA novel idea and thirty minutes daily on background work such as character outlines, story outlines, research, etc.
• Write a new chapter for our sequel within two days of receiving Mom's chapter
Miscellaneous Goals
• Support my fellow bloggers by reading and commenting on a minimum of 10-15 posts per week, more if time allows
• Read two books on the craft of writing: Stephen King's On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft and Dorothea Brande's Becoming a Writer
• Finish my Freelance Writing course and look for another writing course to jumpstart 2012 ( would love recommendations )
• Free write in a journal 15 minutes, 3-4 times per week (will involve my children in this goal for fun)
I'm exhausted, but inspired. I may have to pour myself another glass of wine. Wait, it is just after noon. And, confession time... I downed hot tea earlier in place of wine because I'm freezing thanks to the first signs of fall.
Best wishes to my fellow UBC and ROW80 friends with all their year-end goals.
How important are goal-setting and planning in your day to day achievements?
October 2, 2011
Let's Party and Rock the Row!
For everyone who wondered about my fascination with the A Round of Words in 80 Days challenge, here's your opportunity to find out more about this wonderful group. Stop by and enjoy the fun with the ROW80 gang.
*****
The party is coming! The party is coming! On October 5th, the #ROW80 hashtag is going to light up like the stage at a teen rock concert. There's going to a be a 24-hour celebration for:All the participants who just finished Round 3 of ROW80.Anyone who plans to post their goals and dive into Round 4.The amazing people who supported the ROW80 writers throughout the year (y'all REALLY deserve a drink!)
Party Details:
Theme: "Rock the Row"
However you want to work that in is great. I leave it to your outrageously creative imagination!Date: October 5th, 12:01 AM to 11:59 PM ET in the U.S.
This also happens to be the first day of check-in so there should be a ton of ROW80 fun happening around the blogosphere.Party will be held at the #ROW80 hashtag.
Fire up your Tweet Deck or HootSuite and let's get jiggy with it.Photo Competition:
You can start now...we won't tell. Start digging for or taking photos that reflect the theme. We'll do our best to gather them and decide on the best to spotlight in a post at the ROW80 blog. Once the readers vote, the 1st place winner gets a copy of Kait Nolan's latest book, Red , in e-book format!!Friendly Blog Competition
We will also post a mash-up of favorite ROCK THE ROW posts at the Row80 blog.Jenny Hansen is developing some polls ready so everyone can vote on these things. :-)
There's also going to be dancing! Jenny made a "Rock The Row" playlist! All these details can be found at her ROW80 post. Co-host Nicole Basaraba's post can be found here. What is a Twitter party? This is where we all stop in to the #ROW80 hashtag all day long and play and party together - trading news, pictures, music and jello shots. It's going to be a great time! *****Don't forget to sign up for the ROW 80 challenge. Wrap up 2011 with writing style! The fun begins Wednesday, October 5.
*****
The party is coming! The party is coming! On October 5th, the #ROW80 hashtag is going to light up like the stage at a teen rock concert. There's going to a be a 24-hour celebration for:All the participants who just finished Round 3 of ROW80.Anyone who plans to post their goals and dive into Round 4.The amazing people who supported the ROW80 writers throughout the year (y'all REALLY deserve a drink!)
Party Details:Theme: "Rock the Row"
However you want to work that in is great. I leave it to your outrageously creative imagination!Date: October 5th, 12:01 AM to 11:59 PM ET in the U.S.
This also happens to be the first day of check-in so there should be a ton of ROW80 fun happening around the blogosphere.Party will be held at the #ROW80 hashtag.
Fire up your Tweet Deck or HootSuite and let's get jiggy with it.Photo Competition:
You can start now...we won't tell. Start digging for or taking photos that reflect the theme. We'll do our best to gather them and decide on the best to spotlight in a post at the ROW80 blog. Once the readers vote, the 1st place winner gets a copy of Kait Nolan's latest book, Red , in e-book format!!Friendly Blog Competition
We will also post a mash-up of favorite ROCK THE ROW posts at the Row80 blog.Jenny Hansen is developing some polls ready so everyone can vote on these things. :-)
There's also going to be dancing! Jenny made a "Rock The Row" playlist! All these details can be found at her ROW80 post. Co-host Nicole Basaraba's post can be found here. What is a Twitter party? This is where we all stop in to the #ROW80 hashtag all day long and play and party together - trading news, pictures, music and jello shots. It's going to be a great time! *****Don't forget to sign up for the ROW 80 challenge. Wrap up 2011 with writing style! The fun begins Wednesday, October 5.
