Tia Silverthorne Bach's Blog, page 103
September 7, 2011
Short and Sweet: ROW80 Check In
My writing obligations are equal parts killing and thrilling me these days! Earlier today, I did my first flash fiction challenge of 200 words, ever. Please check it out here.
It's 11pm, my latest ROW80 update. It'll be short and sweet.
My progress this week:
- I've written for hours upon hours, but little on my WIP. Still, I can tell the more I write, the more words flow. I quite enjoyed this flash fiction piece. In addition, I wrote two guest posts as well as posting on my own blog.
- I've had editing challenges in my own WIP that have kept me from my other editing. Yet, I edited.
- I've spent hours visiting blogs, especially with the Campaign in full swing. It's great to see so many ROW80 participants taking part.
- I finished The Gentlemen Poet, and hope to have my review up tomorrow or Friday. The author was lovely. Hearing her passion for her book was inspiring.
- I completed all my coursework, and helped with way too much 6th, 4th and 1st grade homework.
I've had a week full of accomplishments, they just didn't follow the plan. I'll take it.
Do you sometimes find unexpected success in not following the plan?
It's 11pm, my latest ROW80 update. It'll be short and sweet.
My progress this week:
- I've written for hours upon hours, but little on my WIP. Still, I can tell the more I write, the more words flow. I quite enjoyed this flash fiction piece. In addition, I wrote two guest posts as well as posting on my own blog.
- I've had editing challenges in my own WIP that have kept me from my other editing. Yet, I edited.
- I've spent hours visiting blogs, especially with the Campaign in full swing. It's great to see so many ROW80 participants taking part.
- I finished The Gentlemen Poet, and hope to have my review up tomorrow or Friday. The author was lovely. Hearing her passion for her book was inspiring.
- I completed all my coursework, and helped with way too much 6th, 4th and 1st grade homework.
I've had a week full of accomplishments, they just didn't follow the plan. I'll take it.
Do you sometimes find unexpected success in not following the plan?
Flash Fiction Challenge
Rachael Harries has given campaigners our first challenge. In short, our task was to create a 200 word fiction piece. For an extra challenge, we could start it with "the door swung open" and end with "the door swung short."
My first reaction was terror. I haven't written an assignment like this since writing classes. But the words came quickly. I hope you enjoy and leave a comment. Go easy on me!
Lady's Choice
The door swung open. The invitation was extended weeks ago, but she hesitated. Was she too old, too tired to give in to passion? What about the kids?
She smoothed her skirt, feeling the lumps that weren't there twenty years ago. So much had changed, so many emotions closed away. Her marriage once so dear to her was now long dead. Too many tears. Since she met him two weeks ago, needs began resurfacing—ones she thought she'd forever suppressed. She wanted to open herself up again, but it was all so raw.
There he was, standing at the window. His back was to her. She still had time to run, but the draw to him was greater than her fear. When was the last time she allowed herself pleasure, a bit of selfish indulgence?
Hand still on the door, she took in the scene. Champagne chilling, robes arranged on the couch, roses on the table. Then he turned. His blue eyes captivated her from their first meeting. Images of her husband and kids flooded her brain and heart. Yet her decision was clear.
She took one step, closed her eyes and made her decision. The door swung shut.
My first reaction was terror. I haven't written an assignment like this since writing classes. But the words came quickly. I hope you enjoy and leave a comment. Go easy on me!
Lady's Choice
The door swung open. The invitation was extended weeks ago, but she hesitated. Was she too old, too tired to give in to passion? What about the kids?
She smoothed her skirt, feeling the lumps that weren't there twenty years ago. So much had changed, so many emotions closed away. Her marriage once so dear to her was now long dead. Too many tears. Since she met him two weeks ago, needs began resurfacing—ones she thought she'd forever suppressed. She wanted to open herself up again, but it was all so raw.There he was, standing at the window. His back was to her. She still had time to run, but the draw to him was greater than her fear. When was the last time she allowed herself pleasure, a bit of selfish indulgence?
Hand still on the door, she took in the scene. Champagne chilling, robes arranged on the couch, roses on the table. Then he turned. His blue eyes captivated her from their first meeting. Images of her husband and kids flooded her brain and heart. Yet her decision was clear.
She took one step, closed her eyes and made her decision. The door swung shut.
September 6, 2011
Irene's Aftermath Deals More than Destruction: Tub-Full Tuesday
Mom is posting today about her experience with Irene. And, yes, it's a Tub-full Tuesday post. So much can be learned when we least expect it. Enjoy!
****
We waited expectantly for Hurricane Irene, bracing for the worse. The media threw New York under the transit, predicting a major weather disaster for the Northeast. North Carolina was told to hunker down and keep doing the same things they do with every storm that threatens the coastline. And we did. We ran to the grocery stores and bought every last loaf of bread and jug of milk. Generators were cranked up; new ones purchased. Everything not bolted down was put away. And we waited. Irene began her visit late Friday night with rain. By Saturday morning at 4:30am the power went out. At 6:30am, I began videoing the devastation, continuing every hour until 5:00pm when the winds abated. During those long hours, the wind whipped in from the east, bringing six foot plus water surges from the Atlantic, up the Pamlico Sound to our home on Chocowinity Bay. Debris traveled with the torrent, dragging huge cypress trees, crab pots, sea trash, human debris, pieces of houses and old piers. Then we watched the wind direction change westerly and suck the water like a siphon back out to sea, but most of the debris stayed. As the storm died down, we walked outside to access the damage and begin the cleanup. So far this story sounds horrible, doesn't it? In reality we have had a tremendous amount of blessings and laughter. Yes, laughter. And tears.
We worked five 14 hour days. We found a six foot water moccasin. I screamed, my husband screamed… but my Paul Bunyon landed the axe perfectly! Then we laughed like crazy. The grandchildren were told the heroic story and think Papa is a true hero, saving their Nana. Later we found a copperhead in the sunroom. I was outside when I heard my husband scream again. This time he called for assistance. Son-in-law #2 came to the rescue. We are minus that sweet thing as well. Later we laughed as we drifted off to sleep from exhaustion.
The sea took a lot of things, but it gifted us. I had been collecting driftwood for years. All were taken away, but more, much more were left behind under all the debris—pieces even more beautiful than I had before. Neighbors checked on one another. We assisted in other parts of our storm-battered county—delivering food, helping put tarps on houses, helping with debris removal, and offering lots of hugs and encouragement. Today we worked at the Disaster Relief Center. Again, tears and laughter. People are stopping what they are doing and helping others. Relief teams from Florida to Virginia are arriving with help and resources.
Right on the eve of September 11, I feel a resurgence of American pride and ingenuity. I see firsthand what our people can do. Irene did not go sweetly in the night, but behind her she left people who are rolling their sleeves up and digging in. That's what we should be about, always. Helping others.
*****
A link to a video Mom shot during the Hurricane:
What was the last unexpected lesson you learned?
****
We waited expectantly for Hurricane Irene, bracing for the worse. The media threw New York under the transit, predicting a major weather disaster for the Northeast. North Carolina was told to hunker down and keep doing the same things they do with every storm that threatens the coastline. And we did. We ran to the grocery stores and bought every last loaf of bread and jug of milk. Generators were cranked up; new ones purchased. Everything not bolted down was put away. And we waited. Irene began her visit late Friday night with rain. By Saturday morning at 4:30am the power went out. At 6:30am, I began videoing the devastation, continuing every hour until 5:00pm when the winds abated. During those long hours, the wind whipped in from the east, bringing six foot plus water surges from the Atlantic, up the Pamlico Sound to our home on Chocowinity Bay. Debris traveled with the torrent, dragging huge cypress trees, crab pots, sea trash, human debris, pieces of houses and old piers. Then we watched the wind direction change westerly and suck the water like a siphon back out to sea, but most of the debris stayed. As the storm died down, we walked outside to access the damage and begin the cleanup. So far this story sounds horrible, doesn't it? In reality we have had a tremendous amount of blessings and laughter. Yes, laughter. And tears.
We worked five 14 hour days. We found a six foot water moccasin. I screamed, my husband screamed… but my Paul Bunyon landed the axe perfectly! Then we laughed like crazy. The grandchildren were told the heroic story and think Papa is a true hero, saving their Nana. Later we found a copperhead in the sunroom. I was outside when I heard my husband scream again. This time he called for assistance. Son-in-law #2 came to the rescue. We are minus that sweet thing as well. Later we laughed as we drifted off to sleep from exhaustion.
The sea took a lot of things, but it gifted us. I had been collecting driftwood for years. All were taken away, but more, much more were left behind under all the debris—pieces even more beautiful than I had before. Neighbors checked on one another. We assisted in other parts of our storm-battered county—delivering food, helping put tarps on houses, helping with debris removal, and offering lots of hugs and encouragement. Today we worked at the Disaster Relief Center. Again, tears and laughter. People are stopping what they are doing and helping others. Relief teams from Florida to Virginia are arriving with help and resources. Right on the eve of September 11, I feel a resurgence of American pride and ingenuity. I see firsthand what our people can do. Irene did not go sweetly in the night, but behind her she left people who are rolling their sleeves up and digging in. That's what we should be about, always. Helping others.
*****
A link to a video Mom shot during the Hurricane:
What was the last unexpected lesson you learned?
September 5, 2011
Revisiting the Beginning
First of all, I hope everyone is having a wonderful Labor Day weekend. For all my non-US readers, I hope you are having an incredible Monday.
Fellow campaigner, Jessica Therrien, issued another challenge in the get to know you vein. Her suggestion was to post your first or favorite post. My instinct was to go with my favorite, but I wanted to see where the journey began.
My first post (originally published on 12/31/10)...
Navigating Depression Cookies
We are excited to have this medium as an interactive tool between us and readers. The tabs above should help you easily navigate the blog. In the FAQs section, both authors will respond to questions frequently posed by readers. To facilitate book clubs, something near and dear to both of our hearts, we have generated a list of suggested book club questions. The more feedback from readers, the better we can make these sections. We also have tabs to highlight upcoming news and events as well as information on how to get your copy of Depression Cookies.
We promise to post often to keep you updated about our journey. Our plan is to let you, the reader, guide these posts.
Especially important to us... this is a book about family. We want to hear your stories whether it's the Quillie in your life, the Drake of your dreams, mother-daughter experiences, the friend in need, the hardships of parenting, humorous moments, or the choices that define us. We'd love to see this blog become the place where we all share in Krista and Abby's journey. *****
For the most part, we have stayed true to our original vision and gone beyond. We hope readers and writers alike feel welcome here. My goal is to join two of my passions, reading and writing. Let the journey continue... To my fellow campaigners, has your blog vision changed?
Fellow campaigner, Jessica Therrien, issued another challenge in the get to know you vein. Her suggestion was to post your first or favorite post. My instinct was to go with my favorite, but I wanted to see where the journey began.
My first post (originally published on 12/31/10)...
Navigating Depression Cookies
We are excited to have this medium as an interactive tool between us and readers. The tabs above should help you easily navigate the blog. In the FAQs section, both authors will respond to questions frequently posed by readers. To facilitate book clubs, something near and dear to both of our hearts, we have generated a list of suggested book club questions. The more feedback from readers, the better we can make these sections. We also have tabs to highlight upcoming news and events as well as information on how to get your copy of Depression Cookies.
We promise to post often to keep you updated about our journey. Our plan is to let you, the reader, guide these posts.
Especially important to us... this is a book about family. We want to hear your stories whether it's the Quillie in your life, the Drake of your dreams, mother-daughter experiences, the friend in need, the hardships of parenting, humorous moments, or the choices that define us. We'd love to see this blog become the place where we all share in Krista and Abby's journey. *****
For the most part, we have stayed true to our original vision and gone beyond. We hope readers and writers alike feel welcome here. My goal is to join two of my passions, reading and writing. Let the journey continue... To my fellow campaigners, has your blog vision changed?
September 4, 2011
Spreading Myself Thin, but Enjoying It: ROW 80 Check In
The devil on my shoulder has been winning lately, chuckling every time I sign up for a new challenge. He knows time is not my friend. As much as I love and appreciate the tool that is social media, it is a true time-sucker.
"God put me on this earth to accomplish a certain number of things. Right now I am so far behind that I will never die." Bill Watterson
I have learned so much from blog and writing challenges, but it often distracts from my writing time. I am excited to meet fellow writers in Rachael Harrie's Platform Building Campaign, but I need to work on my time management skills. Since I can't create more time, I need to create focus.
What are your tips for managing time and focusing on tasks? Do you hit a bunch of easy projects first to make progress, or force yourself to sit with your WIP for x hours a day before you touch anything else? Help!
Now to my progress report for A Round of Words in 80 Days:
* Worked several hours on the sequel and will be emailing to Mom by tomorrow. Had to rework some scenes with inconsistencies. (I laugh, last week I put my goal was "Finish sequel"... what was I thinking? It truly was a typo.)
* Posted most days, and posted a review on Mom in Love with Fiction. One more review set to post tomorrow.
* Made good progress on my book club book. I'm looking forward to posting about my experience with an author present. The following month I'm presenting Depression Cookies to the same book club, so I'm interested to see how this goes.
* Editing is going well. I'm so captivated by the book, I'm eager to ask for more chapters. It sure makes editing easier when you enjoy the piece!
Next week's goals:
* Manage time better between WIP and social media obligations. Since I wait on Mom in-between chapters, I'm going to spend an hour writing a day on my new YA project.
* Finish book club book by Wednesday.
* Complete editing and homework assignments. If I haven't mentioned it, I'm taking a great class right now... Get Paid to Write: Become a Freelance Writer. I'm exploring opportunities to write outside of novels and this blog, especially paying opportunities.
* Visit as many ROW 80 and Campaign blogs as I can. I am ready to mingle and learn!
Please check out the amazing writers participating in ROW 80. Many of them will also be part of the Platform-building Campaign.
"God put me on this earth to accomplish a certain number of things. Right now I am so far behind that I will never die." Bill Watterson
I have learned so much from blog and writing challenges, but it often distracts from my writing time. I am excited to meet fellow writers in Rachael Harrie's Platform Building Campaign, but I need to work on my time management skills. Since I can't create more time, I need to create focus.
What are your tips for managing time and focusing on tasks? Do you hit a bunch of easy projects first to make progress, or force yourself to sit with your WIP for x hours a day before you touch anything else? Help!
Now to my progress report for A Round of Words in 80 Days:
* Worked several hours on the sequel and will be emailing to Mom by tomorrow. Had to rework some scenes with inconsistencies. (I laugh, last week I put my goal was "Finish sequel"... what was I thinking? It truly was a typo.)
* Posted most days, and posted a review on Mom in Love with Fiction. One more review set to post tomorrow.
* Made good progress on my book club book. I'm looking forward to posting about my experience with an author present. The following month I'm presenting Depression Cookies to the same book club, so I'm interested to see how this goes.
* Editing is going well. I'm so captivated by the book, I'm eager to ask for more chapters. It sure makes editing easier when you enjoy the piece!
Next week's goals:
* Manage time better between WIP and social media obligations. Since I wait on Mom in-between chapters, I'm going to spend an hour writing a day on my new YA project.
* Finish book club book by Wednesday.
* Complete editing and homework assignments. If I haven't mentioned it, I'm taking a great class right now... Get Paid to Write: Become a Freelance Writer. I'm exploring opportunities to write outside of novels and this blog, especially paying opportunities.
* Visit as many ROW 80 and Campaign blogs as I can. I am ready to mingle and learn!
Please check out the amazing writers participating in ROW 80. Many of them will also be part of the Platform-building Campaign.
September 3, 2011
10 Random Facts about Me
I was late to the game joining Rachael Harrie's Campaign group, so I'm playing catch-up. Several campaigners recently listed random facts about themselves as suggested by fellow-campaigner Jessica Therrien on her Imagination to Publication blog.
Better late than never, so here goes...
1. I have moved, on average, every three years my entire life. First with my dad and now with my husband. Four and a half years is the longest I've ever lived in one house, and my three children were born in different states: IL, CA & MD. "Home is where the heart is" holds special meaning for me.
2. I require sunshine. I don't like snow or winter. Of all the places I've lived, San Diego and Colorado are my favorites. All CO is missing is the ocean to be the best place in the US. Isn't there snow in Colorado, you ask. Yes, but I lived in Superior, CO near Boulder and we were protected by the mountains. The only place I think snow is pretty is in the distance covering a mountain top.
Blue skies, but snow in the distance... Colorado perfection
3. I have many food phobias. Can't stand onions in any form but powder. I will throw up. I used to not eat anything green, but I have gotten past that thanks to a newfound love of green beans, lima beans, salad and avocados. I eat so much better now than I did as a child, and I'm hoping my three girls mature similarly.
4. I met my husband on my third day of college. It was a blind date. It went well. In March, we celebrated 16 years of marriage and we've been together 21 years.
5. I am the oldest of three girls and am blessed with three girls of my own. My sisters and I have given my parents seven grand-daughters. My baby sister, and Webmaster Extraordinaire, is pregnant with #8... what are the odds it's another girl? If you flip a coin eight times, you eventually get tails. We'll see.
6. My goal is to publish my second book by the time I'm 40 (8/4/12). Darn it, I just gave away my age (don't be expecting any such slip on my weight!).
7. I hate traffic and crazy drivers! Unfortunately I live near Washington, DC. Allstate recently published a list of cities with the safest drivers and DC came in dead last. And to think I was joking when I told my husband about taking my life into my hands every time I drive on the beltway.
8. I love Food Network. I'm become addicted to shows like Cupcake Wars, Chopped, and Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. Unfortunately, I usually watch these at night and end up hungry.
9. I will read anything, any genre, and usually pick books based on friend recommendations. Now that I'm meeting so many writers and people in the writing community, I have a lot of new friends and my to-read pile is out of control. Time is not my friend, and my husband is wondering why I bought the Kindle if I'm still going to stack books. (I like my books!)
10. I have a wicked sense of humor and will get the giggles at the most inappropriate times. Thankfully I am gifted with a silent laugh so I don't get caught much. Just ignore me when I turn away and my body convulses.
I hope I've not bored you to death with my random facts. At number eight, I dried up and asked my husband for help.
"Help me. What's an interesting fact about me?" I asked. Silence. "Come on! Something cute or quirky." Silence. I could tell he was thinking, but silence remained. "Oh, forget it!" I sent him packing. He was thrilled about it until the girls started barking their breakfast orders. Guess I got the last laugh!
If you stop by to comment, let me know a random thing about you. The very first thing that pops in your head.
Better late than never, so here goes...
1. I have moved, on average, every three years my entire life. First with my dad and now with my husband. Four and a half years is the longest I've ever lived in one house, and my three children were born in different states: IL, CA & MD. "Home is where the heart is" holds special meaning for me.
2. I require sunshine. I don't like snow or winter. Of all the places I've lived, San Diego and Colorado are my favorites. All CO is missing is the ocean to be the best place in the US. Isn't there snow in Colorado, you ask. Yes, but I lived in Superior, CO near Boulder and we were protected by the mountains. The only place I think snow is pretty is in the distance covering a mountain top.
Blue skies, but snow in the distance... Colorado perfection
3. I have many food phobias. Can't stand onions in any form but powder. I will throw up. I used to not eat anything green, but I have gotten past that thanks to a newfound love of green beans, lima beans, salad and avocados. I eat so much better now than I did as a child, and I'm hoping my three girls mature similarly.
4. I met my husband on my third day of college. It was a blind date. It went well. In March, we celebrated 16 years of marriage and we've been together 21 years.
5. I am the oldest of three girls and am blessed with three girls of my own. My sisters and I have given my parents seven grand-daughters. My baby sister, and Webmaster Extraordinaire, is pregnant with #8... what are the odds it's another girl? If you flip a coin eight times, you eventually get tails. We'll see.
6. My goal is to publish my second book by the time I'm 40 (8/4/12). Darn it, I just gave away my age (don't be expecting any such slip on my weight!).
7. I hate traffic and crazy drivers! Unfortunately I live near Washington, DC. Allstate recently published a list of cities with the safest drivers and DC came in dead last. And to think I was joking when I told my husband about taking my life into my hands every time I drive on the beltway.
8. I love Food Network. I'm become addicted to shows like Cupcake Wars, Chopped, and Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. Unfortunately, I usually watch these at night and end up hungry.
9. I will read anything, any genre, and usually pick books based on friend recommendations. Now that I'm meeting so many writers and people in the writing community, I have a lot of new friends and my to-read pile is out of control. Time is not my friend, and my husband is wondering why I bought the Kindle if I'm still going to stack books. (I like my books!)
10. I have a wicked sense of humor and will get the giggles at the most inappropriate times. Thankfully I am gifted with a silent laugh so I don't get caught much. Just ignore me when I turn away and my body convulses.
I hope I've not bored you to death with my random facts. At number eight, I dried up and asked my husband for help.
"Help me. What's an interesting fact about me?" I asked. Silence. "Come on! Something cute or quirky." Silence. I could tell he was thinking, but silence remained. "Oh, forget it!" I sent him packing. He was thrilled about it until the girls started barking their breakfast orders. Guess I got the last laugh!
If you stop by to comment, let me know a random thing about you. The very first thing that pops in your head.
September 1, 2011
I'm Campaigning to Build a Platform
Don't worry, I'm in no way entering into any kind of political career. Although maybe I should, some days I think we should clean house (both sides) and start over. But, I digress...
I am joining Rachael Harrie's Writers' Platform-Building Campaign. I was late checking in on some ROW80 participants Wednesday and happened across an Alberta Ross post about the campaign. Thanks, Alberta. I rushed over and signed up in the nick of time. I'm playing catch-up, but looking forward to connecting with authors in YA - All genres and Women's Fiction/Chick Lit.
If you are a fellow campaigner, please leave a comment and introduce yourself.
I am joining Rachael Harrie's Writers' Platform-Building Campaign. I was late checking in on some ROW80 participants Wednesday and happened across an Alberta Ross post about the campaign. Thanks, Alberta. I rushed over and signed up in the nick of time. I'm playing catch-up, but looking forward to connecting with authors in YA - All genres and Women's Fiction/Chick Lit.
If you are a fellow campaigner, please leave a comment and introduce yourself.
August 31, 2011
Excited and Confused: ROW80 Check In
Late to post, but good news to share. Depression Cookies was just honored with a Silver Award for Realistic Fiction in the 2011 Readers Favorite book awards. In addition, we were named a Finalist in the Chick Lit category.
After a week of questioning myself and my character, this was a nice reboot. But the pressure is on... Depression Cookies was also a Finalist in the 2010 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. I don't want to sully the story by not putting out a quality sequel.
As a reader, do you have much higher expectations for the sequel? I've often commented about sequel-syndrome, how sequels often disappoint (especially the second book in a trilogy).
This leads me to the worries I've been having about writing my character again. I am so attached to her, yet I understand the need to age her slightly and allow her to grow up. An early reader I really trust warned me that her voice, thoughts, reactions need to age. But I hestitate to age her too much. I'm nearing 40, and I still have 15 year old thoughts running through my head. Granted they are balanced with older, more mature thoughts. I want her to age, but I think her inner musings won't change drastically.
If you are attached to a character, how much to do want to see him/her grow? If the character changes too drastically is something lost?
Brief progress update:
- Sequel is moving along, but had to rework the first two chapters due to an inconsistency between our chapters. The joys of co-writing. I worked on the sequel two hours today alone. No major word count tallies, but I felt good about the progress.
- Making great progress toward my editing goal. Still hope to be done by Friday.
- Homework. Check. Sign up for SITS 31DBBB challenge. Check. (although I'm finding the forum aspects confusing) Leave encouraging comments for fellow ROW80 participants. Check. Book Reviews, so close.
Overall, I feel great about the week.
Goals for the upcoming week:
- Finish Sequel
- Two book reviews
- Finish editing and request more chapters
- Read my book club book by Wednesday, September 7th.
Hope my fellow A Round of Words in 80 Days particpants feel good about their weeks, too. Let me know! If you stop by, I'd love some thoughts on my questions above.
After a week of questioning myself and my character, this was a nice reboot. But the pressure is on... Depression Cookies was also a Finalist in the 2010 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. I don't want to sully the story by not putting out a quality sequel.As a reader, do you have much higher expectations for the sequel? I've often commented about sequel-syndrome, how sequels often disappoint (especially the second book in a trilogy).
This leads me to the worries I've been having about writing my character again. I am so attached to her, yet I understand the need to age her slightly and allow her to grow up. An early reader I really trust warned me that her voice, thoughts, reactions need to age. But I hestitate to age her too much. I'm nearing 40, and I still have 15 year old thoughts running through my head. Granted they are balanced with older, more mature thoughts. I want her to age, but I think her inner musings won't change drastically.
If you are attached to a character, how much to do want to see him/her grow? If the character changes too drastically is something lost?
Brief progress update:
- Sequel is moving along, but had to rework the first two chapters due to an inconsistency between our chapters. The joys of co-writing. I worked on the sequel two hours today alone. No major word count tallies, but I felt good about the progress.
- Making great progress toward my editing goal. Still hope to be done by Friday.
- Homework. Check. Sign up for SITS 31DBBB challenge. Check. (although I'm finding the forum aspects confusing) Leave encouraging comments for fellow ROW80 participants. Check. Book Reviews, so close.
Overall, I feel great about the week.
Goals for the upcoming week:
- Finish Sequel
- Two book reviews
- Finish editing and request more chapters
- Read my book club book by Wednesday, September 7th.
Hope my fellow A Round of Words in 80 Days particpants feel good about their weeks, too. Let me know! If you stop by, I'd love some thoughts on my questions above.
August 30, 2011
Back to School: Tub-Full Tuesday
Tub-full Tuesday posts celebrate things that fill our tubs, make us grateful. First and foremost, I am thankful to say goodbye to Irene. She could have been worse, but I know people have suffered damages and loss. Those people will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Yesterday my kids went back to school. And, no, seeing them go is not what filled my tub this week. (insert snicker here) The summer went by way too quickly, and I miss them already. Yes, there were moments of constant bickering this summer that threatened to send me to the looney bin, but I truly feel blessed to spend summers with them and be home when they get home during the school year.
Seeing them becoming strong, confident young women fills my tub. I don't want to rush time, but I can't wait to know the women they will be. I feel honored to be their mom.
My girls... entering 6th, 4th and 1st grades.
Yesterday my kids went back to school. And, no, seeing them go is not what filled my tub this week. (insert snicker here) The summer went by way too quickly, and I miss them already. Yes, there were moments of constant bickering this summer that threatened to send me to the looney bin, but I truly feel blessed to spend summers with them and be home when they get home during the school year.
Seeing them becoming strong, confident young women fills my tub. I don't want to rush time, but I can't wait to know the women they will be. I feel honored to be their mom.
My girls... entering 6th, 4th and 1st grades.
August 29, 2011
My Writing Journey
Writing is a journey, one where I often experience unexpected paths and people. The month of May brought much needed blog knowledge into my life through Wordcount's Blogathon; with it also came new friends. One of those was Liz Sheffield.
She recently guest posted here about her experience starting a Women Write Night, something I'm still hoping to organize. I've enjoyed her Motherlogue blog and getting to know her, she's open and encouraging.
Today, she featured a Q&A with me on Motherlogue. Please stop by. I share details about my writing journey as well as co-authoring with my mother.
For fun, I created a Tagxedo using the interview. Enjoy.
She recently guest posted here about her experience starting a Women Write Night, something I'm still hoping to organize. I've enjoyed her Motherlogue blog and getting to know her, she's open and encouraging.
Today, she featured a Q&A with me on Motherlogue. Please stop by. I share details about my writing journey as well as co-authoring with my mother.
For fun, I created a Tagxedo using the interview. Enjoy.
