Tia Silverthorne Bach's Blog, page 50
September 6, 2013
Banning is for Bullies
I don't like censorship. We live in a country where we have the individual power, and responsibility, to determine what is and is not good for our families and to exercise one of our most influential controls--that of being the consumer.
If something offends you, don't buy it or allow it to be in your home to influence your children. I realize we can't protect our children all of the time (they will see things at school, at friends' houses, at sports), but censorship is a very slippery slope. A dangerous one.
After Miley Cyrus twerked her way into the national spotlight at the MTV Music Awards, everyone had an opinion about the spectacle. I sadly see it for what it is, a sad cry for attention. At the end of the day, everyone talking about it is what she wanted. She won. But, what I found funny was how the image and video of her shenanigans went viral. You couldn't look at Facebook the next day without seeing her bent over or with her tongue out. Not the images I want to see. But Facebook did nothing to stop it, not that I would want them to.
However, Facebook has made many women angry by taking down several posted images of women breastfeeding their children*. No nipple was shown (hello, the baby has that part covered). Really, Facebook, you are more worried about people being offended by a woman feeding her child than by what I had to see Miley Cyrus doing?!
Again, if you don't want to see breastfeeding images, either unfriend (is that a word?) the person or quickly scroll past. You have the power.
Public Domain Image
When it comes to books, nothing makes me angrier than censorship. Did Footloose teach us nothing? *winks and smiles* I have read several erotica books lately for reviews. No, it's not necessarily my thing, but I hate that so many sites don't review those books. I can skim over the blush-inducing parts, and I've been pleasantly surprised by how much depth of emotion and complicated characters I've discovered in these books.
If you find a book offensive, don't buy it. If enough people find it offensive and exercise their consumer rights, the book won't sell. Problem solved.
And for those who think only extremely offensive books are ever targeted, I wanted to show a sampling of books that have been banned in the US at one time or another ( source ):
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
Blubber by Judy Blume
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Canterbury Tales by Chaucer
Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
East of Eden by John Steinbeck
Forever by Judy Blume
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Prizoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare
I have read many of the above and most are considered classics. (Judy Blume may not be in the classics category for scholarly types, but she is for me!) Can you imagine life without these titles, and many more, just because some people found them offensive? Heck, I bet the vast majority of paranormal fiction would be eradicated for propagating evil.
At the end of the day, I think banning is for bullies. It's a way for people to try and force their opinion on others. And I don't like it.
All that being said, there are certainly extreme examples. Child pornography is vile, and nothing about it should be tolerated. Children should be protected at all costs. If an adult wants to film a porno, I feel sad for them, but it is their choice. Images sexualizing children should not be tolerated and should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. And any book that glorifies child pornography or has any images of it should not be sold. Period. Although, I guess we could have a whole day discussion on how to define "sexualizing children."
But I'm open-minded. Is there a time and place for censoring books?
* Note; Facebook clarified that it made mistakes when taking down some breastfeeding images and "Facebook is glad that mothers and their families – including many who work at Facebook – use our site to share their parenting experiences, including breastfeeding their children. By uploading photos, joining groups, and engaging with different organizations, these families are able to share and connect on a very important topic, and we are thrilled they are using Facebook to do so." ( source )
If something offends you, don't buy it or allow it to be in your home to influence your children. I realize we can't protect our children all of the time (they will see things at school, at friends' houses, at sports), but censorship is a very slippery slope. A dangerous one.
After Miley Cyrus twerked her way into the national spotlight at the MTV Music Awards, everyone had an opinion about the spectacle. I sadly see it for what it is, a sad cry for attention. At the end of the day, everyone talking about it is what she wanted. She won. But, what I found funny was how the image and video of her shenanigans went viral. You couldn't look at Facebook the next day without seeing her bent over or with her tongue out. Not the images I want to see. But Facebook did nothing to stop it, not that I would want them to.
However, Facebook has made many women angry by taking down several posted images of women breastfeeding their children*. No nipple was shown (hello, the baby has that part covered). Really, Facebook, you are more worried about people being offended by a woman feeding her child than by what I had to see Miley Cyrus doing?!
Again, if you don't want to see breastfeeding images, either unfriend (is that a word?) the person or quickly scroll past. You have the power.
Public Domain Image
When it comes to books, nothing makes me angrier than censorship. Did Footloose teach us nothing? *winks and smiles* I have read several erotica books lately for reviews. No, it's not necessarily my thing, but I hate that so many sites don't review those books. I can skim over the blush-inducing parts, and I've been pleasantly surprised by how much depth of emotion and complicated characters I've discovered in these books.If you find a book offensive, don't buy it. If enough people find it offensive and exercise their consumer rights, the book won't sell. Problem solved.
And for those who think only extremely offensive books are ever targeted, I wanted to show a sampling of books that have been banned in the US at one time or another ( source ):
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
Blubber by Judy Blume
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Canterbury Tales by Chaucer
Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
East of Eden by John Steinbeck
Forever by Judy Blume
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Prizoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare
I have read many of the above and most are considered classics. (Judy Blume may not be in the classics category for scholarly types, but she is for me!) Can you imagine life without these titles, and many more, just because some people found them offensive? Heck, I bet the vast majority of paranormal fiction would be eradicated for propagating evil.
At the end of the day, I think banning is for bullies. It's a way for people to try and force their opinion on others. And I don't like it.
All that being said, there are certainly extreme examples. Child pornography is vile, and nothing about it should be tolerated. Children should be protected at all costs. If an adult wants to film a porno, I feel sad for them, but it is their choice. Images sexualizing children should not be tolerated and should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. And any book that glorifies child pornography or has any images of it should not be sold. Period. Although, I guess we could have a whole day discussion on how to define "sexualizing children."
But I'm open-minded. Is there a time and place for censoring books?
* Note; Facebook clarified that it made mistakes when taking down some breastfeeding images and "Facebook is glad that mothers and their families – including many who work at Facebook – use our site to share their parenting experiences, including breastfeeding their children. By uploading photos, joining groups, and engaging with different organizations, these families are able to share and connect on a very important topic, and we are thrilled they are using Facebook to do so." ( source )
September 4, 2013
Fear of the Blank Page: #IWSG & #ROW80
It's the first Wednesday of the month and time for my Insecure Writer's Support Group post. But not only is it the first Wednesday of the month, it is
the second anniversary of this amazing group
. *throws confetti*A little birdie tells me that the awesome creator of #IWSG, Alex J. Cavanaugh , has something up his sleeve to take this group to the next level. So if you need support and some new writer buddies, please join us!
For me, I appreciate the opportunity to share my insecurities on the #IWSG therapy couch and to read how others are doing. Every month I'm inspired in some way to keep on keeping on.
So let me get comfortable on the couch. Okay, here goes...
I've decided that nothing stunts my writing more than pulling out my laptop and staring at the blank page.
Why is it so hard to get out of the gate?
Once I write the first few pages, the words start flowing like water from a busted dam. If I can re-read a little bit of the story, the rest of it flows.
It's the curse of a pantser. If I try to plot, I end up with a lot of question marks on a page and scribbles and arrows and crossed-out ideas. But if I can just get those first ten pages secured, I'm home free.
I've done most of the research for Chasing Memories Book 2 and jotted down storyline ideas. But they come to me at the worst times, always have. Because of this I keep a notebook and pen in my purse and car at all times. This past Sunday, inspiration hit while my family and I took a train into San Francisco. Thirty minutes later, I had pages of notes, scribbles, question marks, crossed out... but I was excited.
So today I sat at the laptop... and froze.
I can't stand to waste time, so after 15 minutes of nothing I moved on to more research and other pressing to dos (editing projects, guest posts, interviews).
So, my dear writer friends, some advice please... how do I jumpstart writing this book?
Oh, one more annoying fact about my process: I prefer to write linearly. So I get really hung up on the beginning. In the dictionary a la Tia, pressure = beginnings and endings.
*****
A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80)* Update
My only goal for the next two weeks is to initiate and stick to a writing schedule. Today, my schedule was off, but I did set aside writing time. Unfortunately, I sat and looked at a blank page until I couldn't stand it any longer. I did get some research done and several pages of editing on two different novels. But I want a different kind of progress. *sigh*
Also, I'm very excited to be part of the Indie-Credible event going on all-month long. In addition to highlighting some great indie authors, there's an amazing giveaway: an eReader of the winner's choice with the remainder on a gift card. Find out more here .
The Chasing Memories blog tour wraps up this week, and I will share what I learned from a month of reviews, interviews, and guest posts next week.
*another amazing group of writers for those of you looking for support, encouragement, and camaraderie.
September 3, 2013
Indie-Credible Event, Video & Giveaway
I don't usually post on Tuesdays, but I had to make an exception to spread the word about the Indie-Credible event happening all month long.
Plus, there's an amazing giveaway and a video of several indie authors pumping up the volume (yes, I'm in it and I'm dancing -- eek!). Both can be found at the bottom of this post.
Please support indies this month by visiting these blogs and showing some love.
I will be featured on Book Kraze on Monday, September 9!
Sunday, September 1, 2013 Helen Boswell – Laura @ Little Read Riding Hood Monday, September 2, 2013Addison Moore - Heather @ SupaGurl Books
Jennifer Collins - Ren Reidy @ A Little Bit of R&R
Sophie Davis - Angela Pratt @ I Feel the Need, the Need to ReadJennifer Miller - Chandra Haun @ Unabridged Bookshelf Tuesday, September 3, 2013Chelsea Fine - Maliha Khan @ Anonymous Interests
Marianne Morea - Syreeta Eli @ Hardback Book Hotties
Marquita Valentine - Alyn Love @ Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Ali Cross - Shannon O’Donnell @ Book Dreaming
S.R. Johannes - Kate Tilton @ Kate Tilton’s BlogWednesday, September 4, 2013Chris Buecheler - L.T. Kelly @ Lucy’s Lit Lovin’ Blog
Mary Ting - Mindy Fangedmom @ Forbidden Book Reviews
Stacey Marie Brown - Amy McGlone @ Turn the Page
Amos Cassidy - Laura Greenwood @ A Reader Lives A Thousand LivesThursday, September 5, 2013Christi Snow - Shauni @ Bodice Rippers
Megan Curd - Jodi Murphy @ Butterflies, Books and Dreams
Jennifer Sights - Jodie Pierce @ Jodie Pierce
Susan Quinn - Kelly Fox @ Kindle and Me
Allie Brennan - Peggy @ Le Book Squirrel
Jennifer Snyder - Denice Cordero @ Books MystifyFriday, September 6, 2013Ella J. Phoenix - S.M. Boyce @ S.M. Boyce
Cindy C. Bennett - Alexandra Lindé @ Lexie LaserMichele G. Miller - Megan @ Paper Book Princess
Tawdra Kandle - Lauren K. McKellar @ Lauren’s Written Word
Melainie Rose - Crystal Allmon @ Out There ReviewsSaturday, September 7, 2013Teresa Lynn Tolles - Lori @ Contagious Reads
Alyssa Rose Ivy - Jackie @ No Bent Spines
Cindy M. Hogan - Chelsea @ Book Blogger Paradise
Jenni Moen - Dani Sanchez @ Just Booked
Michelle Madow - Becca @ BS Book ReviewersSunday, September 8, 2013Amber Kallyn - Noemi Stude @ Wild Wordy Women
Thomas Amo - Marianne @ Boricuan Bookworms
Claire Riley - Shauni @ Tea and Book
Jessica Scott - FranJessca @ Book Lovin’ Mamas
Michelle Muto - Alice Ramos @ All Things in the Cloud SweetMonday, September 9, 2013Amelia Hutchins - Dina Given @ Read, Love, Lust
Danielle Torella - T Spry @ Hooked on Books
Mike Hartner - Tammy Hall @ Tammy’s Tea Time
Tia Bach - CoCo White @ Book KrazeTuesday, September 10, 2013Tiffany Carmouche - Makayla @ Makayla’s Book Reviews
Kit Rocha - Ellen Widom @ The Book Bellas
Jill Cooper - Mami Jarman @ Word to Dreams
David James - Lynsey Newton @ Narratively Speaking
Amy Maurer Jones - Erin Lindsey @ Paws & PrintWednesday, September 11, 2013Desi DeOrto - Alii Shah @ Alii’s Book Jungle
Morgan Wylie - Jackie McPherson @ Sated FaeryJulie Coulter Bellon - Dawn @ Dawn AllenAmy Queau - Elizabeth @ The Novel TeaseThursday, September 12, 2013Andrea Heltsley - Grace Fonseca @ Grace Books of Love
Devri Walls - Donna & Melanie @ Book Passion for Life
Juli D. Revezzo- Caroline Clemmons @ Caroline Clemmons
K.A. Last - Toni Lesatz @ My Book Addiction
M.R. Merrick - Danielle Young @ Consuming WorldsFriday, September 13, 2013Tiffany King - Gabbie @ Rampant Readers
Andris Bear - Mickey @ I’m a Book Shark
Devyn Dawson - Megan Curd @ Megan Curd
Nicole R. Taylor - Reanna @ Phantasmic ReadsSaturday, September 14, 2013Destiny Ford - Yara @ Once Upon a Twilight
Donna Faz - Gaele Hince @ I am, Indeed
Nikki Jefford - Katrina Tinnon @ Bookish Things and MoreSunday, September 15, 2013Angeline Kace - Catarina @ Reading and Things
K.A. Tucker - Jamie Birdwell @ Alphas, Authors, Books, Oh My!
Elizabeth Sharp - Christine Marquette @ My Bookopolis
Kait Nolan - Jamie Johnson @ Fantasy Book Chick
Pendragon Inman - S. Cu’Anam @ Cu’s Author SpotlightMonday, September 16, 2013Penelope Reece – Lori @ Romancing the Dark Side
Katie Hayoz – Melanie @ Little Read Riding Hood
AnnaLisa Grant – Jacqueline Driggers @ The Book News JournalElle Chardou - Mari Brown @ Keeping it Real Book BlogTuesday, September 17, 2013Phoebe Lane – Jen Smith @ Random Jendsmit
Kandy Kay Scaramuzzo – Sue London @ Writing Insight
Ashley Lavering – Justine Vandale @ Shelves of Books BlogElle Strauss – Calla @ Read Books and Live GreenWednesday, September 18, 2012Priya Kanaparti – Francine Soleil Pinpin @ The Bookworm in Boots
Karen Hooper – Jennifer @ Boricuan Bookworms
Elyssa Patrick – Jackie @ No Bent Spines
Bailey Ardisone – Mary Smith @ Book Nerds Across AmericaThursday, September 19, 2013Raine Thomas – Annmarie @ Fandom Fanatic
Erin Keyser Horn – Emmalee @ Little Read Riding Hood
Belle Whittington – Nicola Horner @ Endless ReadingFriday, September 20, 2013RaShelle Workman – Kendall McCubbin @ Book Crazy
Kendall Grey – Jamie Degyansiy @ Addicted to Heroines
Felicia Tatum – Kris Seek @ The Book Beacon
Beth Michele – Melanie Kozak @ Mommy’s Late Night Book UpSaturday, September 21, 2013Rebecca Ethington – Jaz @ Fiction in Fiction in Fiction
Kimberly Stedronsky – Cremona @ Mythical Books
HJ Bellus – Lisa @ A Life Bound By Books
Bethany Lopez – Tyhada Reads @ Tyhada ReadsSunday, September 22, 2013Renee Carlino – Yvette Cervera @ Nose Stuck In A Book
Kristi Strong – Stacey @ Illustrious Illusions
Heather Hildenbrand – Christyn @ The Book Cafe
Bonnie Paulson – Zee Hayat @ Zee Books BlogMonday, September 23, 2013Renee Peterson – Meagan @ Inside the World of Books
Laura Elliot – Casey Peeler @ Hardcover Therapy
Jessie Lane – Charlotte Lynn @ A Novel Review
Heather Killough-Walden – Author Amelia Hutchins @ Erotica Book Club
Boone Brux - Shawnie Nicole @ Book Pages & Dripping InkTuesday, September 24, 2013Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen – Gabi Bahr @ Gabic Reads
Laura Smith – Chandra Haun @ Unabridged Bookshelf
Heather Lyons – Jessica @ Lovin’ Los Libros
Breena Wilde – Chrisy Fletcher @ Reading Past My BedtimeWednesday, September 25, 2013Sarah Ross – Brianna Lee @ Brianna Lee Book Reviews
Lila Felix – Mandy Hessong @ The Book Mom’s Reviews
Heather Self – Kathryn Grimes @ TSK, TSK, What to Read?
Dani Hart - Michele G Miller @ Author Michele Miller BlogThursday, September 26, 2013Sarah Dosher – Tess Watson @ My Pathway to Books
Rebecca Rynecki – Natali @ Pretty in Pink Books and Reviews
Liz Long – Becky Paulk @ Book Bite Reviews
J. Elizabeth Hill – Jasmine & Megan @ The Book GroupiesFriday, September 27, 2013Sean Hayden – Jessica @ Jess Resides Here
L.M. Augustine – Jessica Baker @ Just a Book Lover
J.L Bryan – Kelsey Wentworth @ Kelsey’s Cluttered Bookshelf
C.A. Kunz - Tamara Beard @ Tamara’s One Stop Indie Shop
Chelsea M. Cameron – Nat @ Seeking Book BoyfriendsSaturday, September 28, 2013Shannon Dermott – Holly Harris @ Words Fueled by Love
M.E. Franco – Charity Parkerson @ The Sinner Author
Jason Letts – Tiffany Riach @ Book Infatuation
C.J. Ellisson – Melanie Marsh @ Fang Freakin’ Tastic ReviewsSunday, September 29, 2013M.R. Polish – Angie Edwards @ Books 4 Tomorrow
Jean Booth – Jennifer Greeff @ Battery Operated Book Blog
Cameo Renae - Amber McCallister @ The Wonderings of One PersonMonday, September 30, 2013S.M. Boyce – Mandi Kaye Ottaway @ Never Too Fond of Books
Magan Vernon – Amy Logg @ The Reading Realm
Jen Wylie – Azahara Arenas @ Living in Our Own Story
Chelsea Camaron – Carrie Stadtler @ Books, Coffee, and Wine
Oh, and Karen Hoope r, author of Tangled Tides and Grasping at Eternity, made an awesome Indie-Credible video. Check it out...
And last but not least...
The Giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Plus, there's an amazing giveaway and a video of several indie authors pumping up the volume (yes, I'm in it and I'm dancing -- eek!). Both can be found at the bottom of this post.
Please support indies this month by visiting these blogs and showing some love.
I will be featured on Book Kraze on Monday, September 9!
Sunday, September 1, 2013 Helen Boswell – Laura @ Little Read Riding Hood Monday, September 2, 2013Addison Moore - Heather @ SupaGurl Books
Jennifer Collins - Ren Reidy @ A Little Bit of R&R
Sophie Davis - Angela Pratt @ I Feel the Need, the Need to ReadJennifer Miller - Chandra Haun @ Unabridged Bookshelf Tuesday, September 3, 2013Chelsea Fine - Maliha Khan @ Anonymous Interests
Marianne Morea - Syreeta Eli @ Hardback Book Hotties
Marquita Valentine - Alyn Love @ Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Ali Cross - Shannon O’Donnell @ Book Dreaming
S.R. Johannes - Kate Tilton @ Kate Tilton’s BlogWednesday, September 4, 2013Chris Buecheler - L.T. Kelly @ Lucy’s Lit Lovin’ Blog
Mary Ting - Mindy Fangedmom @ Forbidden Book Reviews
Stacey Marie Brown - Amy McGlone @ Turn the Page
Amos Cassidy - Laura Greenwood @ A Reader Lives A Thousand LivesThursday, September 5, 2013Christi Snow - Shauni @ Bodice Rippers
Megan Curd - Jodi Murphy @ Butterflies, Books and Dreams
Jennifer Sights - Jodie Pierce @ Jodie Pierce
Susan Quinn - Kelly Fox @ Kindle and Me
Allie Brennan - Peggy @ Le Book Squirrel
Jennifer Snyder - Denice Cordero @ Books MystifyFriday, September 6, 2013Ella J. Phoenix - S.M. Boyce @ S.M. Boyce
Cindy C. Bennett - Alexandra Lindé @ Lexie LaserMichele G. Miller - Megan @ Paper Book Princess
Tawdra Kandle - Lauren K. McKellar @ Lauren’s Written Word
Melainie Rose - Crystal Allmon @ Out There ReviewsSaturday, September 7, 2013Teresa Lynn Tolles - Lori @ Contagious Reads
Alyssa Rose Ivy - Jackie @ No Bent Spines
Cindy M. Hogan - Chelsea @ Book Blogger Paradise
Jenni Moen - Dani Sanchez @ Just Booked
Michelle Madow - Becca @ BS Book ReviewersSunday, September 8, 2013Amber Kallyn - Noemi Stude @ Wild Wordy Women
Thomas Amo - Marianne @ Boricuan Bookworms
Claire Riley - Shauni @ Tea and Book
Jessica Scott - FranJessca @ Book Lovin’ Mamas
Michelle Muto - Alice Ramos @ All Things in the Cloud SweetMonday, September 9, 2013Amelia Hutchins - Dina Given @ Read, Love, Lust
Danielle Torella - T Spry @ Hooked on Books
Mike Hartner - Tammy Hall @ Tammy’s Tea Time
Tia Bach - CoCo White @ Book KrazeTuesday, September 10, 2013Tiffany Carmouche - Makayla @ Makayla’s Book Reviews
Kit Rocha - Ellen Widom @ The Book Bellas
Jill Cooper - Mami Jarman @ Word to Dreams
David James - Lynsey Newton @ Narratively Speaking
Amy Maurer Jones - Erin Lindsey @ Paws & PrintWednesday, September 11, 2013Desi DeOrto - Alii Shah @ Alii’s Book Jungle
Morgan Wylie - Jackie McPherson @ Sated FaeryJulie Coulter Bellon - Dawn @ Dawn AllenAmy Queau - Elizabeth @ The Novel TeaseThursday, September 12, 2013Andrea Heltsley - Grace Fonseca @ Grace Books of Love
Devri Walls - Donna & Melanie @ Book Passion for Life
Juli D. Revezzo- Caroline Clemmons @ Caroline Clemmons
K.A. Last - Toni Lesatz @ My Book Addiction
M.R. Merrick - Danielle Young @ Consuming WorldsFriday, September 13, 2013Tiffany King - Gabbie @ Rampant Readers
Andris Bear - Mickey @ I’m a Book Shark
Devyn Dawson - Megan Curd @ Megan Curd
Nicole R. Taylor - Reanna @ Phantasmic ReadsSaturday, September 14, 2013Destiny Ford - Yara @ Once Upon a Twilight
Donna Faz - Gaele Hince @ I am, Indeed
Nikki Jefford - Katrina Tinnon @ Bookish Things and MoreSunday, September 15, 2013Angeline Kace - Catarina @ Reading and Things
K.A. Tucker - Jamie Birdwell @ Alphas, Authors, Books, Oh My!
Elizabeth Sharp - Christine Marquette @ My Bookopolis
Kait Nolan - Jamie Johnson @ Fantasy Book Chick
Pendragon Inman - S. Cu’Anam @ Cu’s Author SpotlightMonday, September 16, 2013Penelope Reece – Lori @ Romancing the Dark Side
Katie Hayoz – Melanie @ Little Read Riding Hood
AnnaLisa Grant – Jacqueline Driggers @ The Book News JournalElle Chardou - Mari Brown @ Keeping it Real Book BlogTuesday, September 17, 2013Phoebe Lane – Jen Smith @ Random Jendsmit
Kandy Kay Scaramuzzo – Sue London @ Writing Insight
Ashley Lavering – Justine Vandale @ Shelves of Books BlogElle Strauss – Calla @ Read Books and Live GreenWednesday, September 18, 2012Priya Kanaparti – Francine Soleil Pinpin @ The Bookworm in Boots
Karen Hooper – Jennifer @ Boricuan Bookworms
Elyssa Patrick – Jackie @ No Bent Spines
Bailey Ardisone – Mary Smith @ Book Nerds Across AmericaThursday, September 19, 2013Raine Thomas – Annmarie @ Fandom Fanatic
Erin Keyser Horn – Emmalee @ Little Read Riding Hood
Belle Whittington – Nicola Horner @ Endless ReadingFriday, September 20, 2013RaShelle Workman – Kendall McCubbin @ Book Crazy
Kendall Grey – Jamie Degyansiy @ Addicted to Heroines
Felicia Tatum – Kris Seek @ The Book Beacon
Beth Michele – Melanie Kozak @ Mommy’s Late Night Book UpSaturday, September 21, 2013Rebecca Ethington – Jaz @ Fiction in Fiction in Fiction
Kimberly Stedronsky – Cremona @ Mythical Books
HJ Bellus – Lisa @ A Life Bound By Books
Bethany Lopez – Tyhada Reads @ Tyhada ReadsSunday, September 22, 2013Renee Carlino – Yvette Cervera @ Nose Stuck In A Book
Kristi Strong – Stacey @ Illustrious Illusions
Heather Hildenbrand – Christyn @ The Book Cafe
Bonnie Paulson – Zee Hayat @ Zee Books BlogMonday, September 23, 2013Renee Peterson – Meagan @ Inside the World of Books
Laura Elliot – Casey Peeler @ Hardcover Therapy
Jessie Lane – Charlotte Lynn @ A Novel Review
Heather Killough-Walden – Author Amelia Hutchins @ Erotica Book Club
Boone Brux - Shawnie Nicole @ Book Pages & Dripping InkTuesday, September 24, 2013Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen – Gabi Bahr @ Gabic Reads
Laura Smith – Chandra Haun @ Unabridged Bookshelf
Heather Lyons – Jessica @ Lovin’ Los Libros
Breena Wilde – Chrisy Fletcher @ Reading Past My BedtimeWednesday, September 25, 2013Sarah Ross – Brianna Lee @ Brianna Lee Book Reviews
Lila Felix – Mandy Hessong @ The Book Mom’s Reviews
Heather Self – Kathryn Grimes @ TSK, TSK, What to Read?
Dani Hart - Michele G Miller @ Author Michele Miller BlogThursday, September 26, 2013Sarah Dosher – Tess Watson @ My Pathway to Books
Rebecca Rynecki – Natali @ Pretty in Pink Books and Reviews
Liz Long – Becky Paulk @ Book Bite Reviews
J. Elizabeth Hill – Jasmine & Megan @ The Book GroupiesFriday, September 27, 2013Sean Hayden – Jessica @ Jess Resides Here
L.M. Augustine – Jessica Baker @ Just a Book Lover
J.L Bryan – Kelsey Wentworth @ Kelsey’s Cluttered Bookshelf
C.A. Kunz - Tamara Beard @ Tamara’s One Stop Indie Shop
Chelsea M. Cameron – Nat @ Seeking Book BoyfriendsSaturday, September 28, 2013Shannon Dermott – Holly Harris @ Words Fueled by Love
M.E. Franco – Charity Parkerson @ The Sinner Author
Jason Letts – Tiffany Riach @ Book Infatuation
C.J. Ellisson – Melanie Marsh @ Fang Freakin’ Tastic ReviewsSunday, September 29, 2013M.R. Polish – Angie Edwards @ Books 4 Tomorrow
Jean Booth – Jennifer Greeff @ Battery Operated Book Blog
Cameo Renae - Amber McCallister @ The Wonderings of One PersonMonday, September 30, 2013S.M. Boyce – Mandi Kaye Ottaway @ Never Too Fond of Books
Magan Vernon – Amy Logg @ The Reading Realm
Jen Wylie – Azahara Arenas @ Living in Our Own Story
Chelsea Camaron – Carrie Stadtler @ Books, Coffee, and Wine
Oh, and Karen Hoope r, author of Tangled Tides and Grasping at Eternity, made an awesome Indie-Credible video. Check it out...
And last but not least...
The Giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway
September 2, 2013
Finding Focus & A Book Trailer Reveal
Now that school has started again, I am determined to create a schedule. Two things need to happen first, or my day will make sure they don't happen at all: exercise and writing.
Exercise is a stress-reliever for me which means it frees my brain to focus on my writing, so it has to come first. My goal for the upcoming week is to make the following schedule a routine...
6am -- Check emails/Facebook and prioritize afternoon needs
7:45am -- Drop off my older two daughters to school
8:45am -- Drop off my baby to school (1 mile walk there)
9-10:30am -- Exercise
(run from school or straight to gym -- haven't joined one yet, but it's on my to do list)
11am-12:30pm -- Write/Research
After that, I will do social media and catch up on assignments/editing projects. I need to make this a routine in my life, so that is why I'm making it my A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) goal for the next two weeks.
I think my biggest stumbling block will be walking away from social media (and emails - GASP!) until after lunch. Wish me luck!!
This weekend I worked on storyline for Chasing Memories Book 2. Finally, we took the girls to see San Francisco/ Fisherman's Wharf. During the train ride, I filled four notebook pages with storyline ideas with help from the kids.
Also, my 8th grade daughter is quite the whiz with the computer (and is taking a year-long computer projects course this year). She asked if she could take a stab at a book trailer for Chasing Memories. Her first attempt was to make one very personal to me, but I had to share it.
Without further ado, the Chasing Memories Bach Family Style book trailer...
What do you think?
Exercise is a stress-reliever for me which means it frees my brain to focus on my writing, so it has to come first. My goal for the upcoming week is to make the following schedule a routine...
6am -- Check emails/Facebook and prioritize afternoon needs
7:45am -- Drop off my older two daughters to school
8:45am -- Drop off my baby to school (1 mile walk there)
9-10:30am -- Exercise
(run from school or straight to gym -- haven't joined one yet, but it's on my to do list)
11am-12:30pm -- Write/Research
After that, I will do social media and catch up on assignments/editing projects. I need to make this a routine in my life, so that is why I'm making it my A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) goal for the next two weeks.
I think my biggest stumbling block will be walking away from social media (and emails - GASP!) until after lunch. Wish me luck!!
This weekend I worked on storyline for Chasing Memories Book 2. Finally, we took the girls to see San Francisco/ Fisherman's Wharf. During the train ride, I filled four notebook pages with storyline ideas with help from the kids. Also, my 8th grade daughter is quite the whiz with the computer (and is taking a year-long computer projects course this year). She asked if she could take a stab at a book trailer for Chasing Memories. Her first attempt was to make one very personal to me, but I had to share it.
Without further ado, the Chasing Memories Bach Family Style book trailer...
What do you think?
August 30, 2013
Bat Out of Hell & Other Phrases
As I was doing research the other day, a phrase caught my eye... like a bat out of hell. It made me wonder about the origin of phrases I use.
Bat Out of Hell
(from Urban Dictionary )
to flee recklessly fast
"Bats have been associated with witches and the occult, and therefore thought to originate in the bowels of hell, (and) they fly quickly as if in panic..."
I Don't Give Two Flying Shits
don't care at all
I had a hard time finding the saying with the flying in there, although that's the way I always heard it in the South. Although I found this definition from Uncyclopedia one of the bests: Two Shits is a measurement, standardized under the SI system of measurements, used as a yardstick to determine how much one cares.
Why two, why not just one? I would think not giving one would be expressive enough. Stumped on this one.
But as I was looking for definitions, I happened upon this great site (at least for a word nerd like me): Some Old Sayings Explained .
A few of my favorites from perusing that site (the definitions below are all from there)...
Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve
making your feelings obvious
In the Middle Ages knights who fought at tournaments wore a token of their lady on their sleeves.
Through Thick & Thin
being devoted through anything
This old saying was once 'through thicket and thin wood'. It meant making your way through a dense wood and through one where trees grew more thinly.
Go To Pot
fall apart
Any farm animal that had outlived its usefulness such as a hen that no longer laid eggs would literally go to pot. It was cooked and eaten.
One more I could not find the origin of, one from my dad...
"You might want horns, but you're going to die butt-headed."
Any sayings you've always wondered about?
Bat Out of Hell(from Urban Dictionary )
to flee recklessly fast
"Bats have been associated with witches and the occult, and therefore thought to originate in the bowels of hell, (and) they fly quickly as if in panic..."
I Don't Give Two Flying Shits
don't care at all
I had a hard time finding the saying with the flying in there, although that's the way I always heard it in the South. Although I found this definition from Uncyclopedia one of the bests: Two Shits is a measurement, standardized under the SI system of measurements, used as a yardstick to determine how much one cares.
Why two, why not just one? I would think not giving one would be expressive enough. Stumped on this one.
But as I was looking for definitions, I happened upon this great site (at least for a word nerd like me): Some Old Sayings Explained .
A few of my favorites from perusing that site (the definitions below are all from there)...
Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve
making your feelings obvious
In the Middle Ages knights who fought at tournaments wore a token of their lady on their sleeves.
Through Thick & Thin
being devoted through anything
This old saying was once 'through thicket and thin wood'. It meant making your way through a dense wood and through one where trees grew more thinly.
Go To Pot
fall apart
Any farm animal that had outlived its usefulness such as a hen that no longer laid eggs would literally go to pot. It was cooked and eaten.
One more I could not find the origin of, one from my dad...
"You might want horns, but you're going to die butt-headed."
Any sayings you've always wondered about?
August 28, 2013
Pitfalls of Research: ROW80 Update
My kids went back to school, and the first thing I wanted to do was write.
Score one for progress, especially after a lackluster summer of writing. (But plenty of living. And I truly believe the two are closely intertwined.)
To get back in the writing mode, I picked up my two research books. One about wolves, and one about the Indians from Manitou Springs in Colorado. Both hold keys to my next book's storyline.
The positive... the books had me furiously jotting down ideas.
sourceThe negative... distraction. For example, one book mentioned a simple phrase. The word nerd that I am, I was suddenly struck with an intense curiosity about the phrase's origin. Note: this prompted a post that will appear on Friday. The phrase: bat out of hell.
Are you the curious sort? Will research for one thing send you searching for the answer to another?
So, I didn't get done as much as I wanted, but it was the first day back to creating a schedule. The most important piece, in my mind... the excitement I felt to get back to writing.
Since ROW80 is as much about support as it is about goals, I have to mention a comment Beth Camp left on my last update post, A Day in the Life . Her comment:
Despite the intensity of the day, the poop, the rushing back and forth, the sense of being on the brink of something brand new for your girls, the beginning of the school year, all shows your love for them and commitment to family. Underlying this frenetic reality, is the pull to write. Once they begin school, flip flops aside, new shoes donned, I believe you will find uncluttered time again to write. Persevere! Organize! Schedule! Seize the moment! And celebrate that creativity that pushes you on.
Life has a funny way of putting obstacles in my writing path. Sometimes my focus needs to be elsewhere, such as family issues. But, other times, I need to Persevere! Organize! Schedule! Seize the moment! Thanks, Beth.
But I'm truly grateful for the passion to write.
Speaking of passion, Shan Jeniah Burton wrote a great ROW80 sponsor post this past week: Do I Really Have To? The Puritan Work Ethic and Writing with Passion . If you missed it, check it out. I found it inspiring.
My goal for the rest of the week... let the passion of writing take over and celebrate creativity. I'm excited. Wishing everyone a wonderful week full of their passion.
Score one for progress, especially after a lackluster summer of writing. (But plenty of living. And I truly believe the two are closely intertwined.)
To get back in the writing mode, I picked up my two research books. One about wolves, and one about the Indians from Manitou Springs in Colorado. Both hold keys to my next book's storyline.
The positive... the books had me furiously jotting down ideas.
sourceThe negative... distraction. For example, one book mentioned a simple phrase. The word nerd that I am, I was suddenly struck with an intense curiosity about the phrase's origin. Note: this prompted a post that will appear on Friday. The phrase: bat out of hell.Are you the curious sort? Will research for one thing send you searching for the answer to another?
So, I didn't get done as much as I wanted, but it was the first day back to creating a schedule. The most important piece, in my mind... the excitement I felt to get back to writing.
Since ROW80 is as much about support as it is about goals, I have to mention a comment Beth Camp left on my last update post, A Day in the Life . Her comment:
Despite the intensity of the day, the poop, the rushing back and forth, the sense of being on the brink of something brand new for your girls, the beginning of the school year, all shows your love for them and commitment to family. Underlying this frenetic reality, is the pull to write. Once they begin school, flip flops aside, new shoes donned, I believe you will find uncluttered time again to write. Persevere! Organize! Schedule! Seize the moment! And celebrate that creativity that pushes you on.
Life has a funny way of putting obstacles in my writing path. Sometimes my focus needs to be elsewhere, such as family issues. But, other times, I need to Persevere! Organize! Schedule! Seize the moment! Thanks, Beth.
But I'm truly grateful for the passion to write.
Speaking of passion, Shan Jeniah Burton wrote a great ROW80 sponsor post this past week: Do I Really Have To? The Puritan Work Ethic and Writing with Passion . If you missed it, check it out. I found it inspiring.
My goal for the rest of the week... let the passion of writing take over and celebrate creativity. I'm excited. Wishing everyone a wonderful week full of their passion.
August 26, 2013
A Day in the Life: ROW80 Update
Lately, I've seen a lot of blogs who share a day in the life of a writer. Once school gets started, I will share with you one of my writing days. I started to say typical writing days, but I need to work on creating the system that will result in those days.
Today, instead, I want to share the day in the life of a woman with three kids going to school tomorrow. The reason I share this, and those of you considering kids in the near future might want to skip to Wednesday's post, is to remind myself why I wasn't overly productive this summer (especially with a cross-country move).
Before I start, a blast from the past...
And now the day...
7:45am: Started the day at my middle daughter's new patient appointment for her allergies. When you have to start the appointment with, my daughter tends to befuddle doctors, you know it's going to go long.
9:30am: Yes, 9:30am, we finally leave the doctor's office to run home and get my other two girls. Then, we are off to the mall for some school clothes. Why the day before school? Well, as the girls tried on things this weekend (remember we moved into our new home 7/29), they realized they had grown yet again. Really, when does that stop (my oldest is 13)? Oh, and their tennis shoes no longer fit, so three new pairs of tennis shoes were needed. Funny how you don't know their feet have grown when they wear flip flops all summer.
Noon: We do have a nice lunch.
1:00pm: To Target to get school supplies for my youngest daughter who did not find out for sure what school she was assigned to until last Friday. Three stores later we finally had the 12 blasted red pens (thank you, Staples).
3:00pm: Finally get notice from CVS that all my daughter's medicines are in. Pick them up and run them to her school before they leave at 4pm.
4:00pm: Run by grocery store to replace the milk my baby daughter announces she used the rest of that morning. Can't start a school week with no milk for cereal.
5:00pm: Home to dinner. Eat quickly and then run to baby girl's school to find out her teacher.
6:00pm: *** if you are squeamish, please look away *** Collect poop samples of baby daughter for some tests thanks to our vacation and a nasty guest she might have picked up. You would think that after 13 years as a mom I would no longer dry-heave with smell. You would think wrong.
7:30pm: In an effort to make sure all my kids go to bed on time after a long summer of being vagabonds, I am sitting in a dark room with two of my kids (hubby is out of town) and writing this post.
Tomorrow, I will miss them. I'm sad to see summer end, but I'm looking forward to focusing on book 2 and finding a CA writer's group. We all need some structure, because quite frankly creativity doesn't thrive well with poop scoops, red pen traumas, and begging my children to close their eyes.
Plus, I consider days like this character study on how teen and pre-teen girls handle chaos. Today, I learned quite a lot.
How do you carve out writing/creative time on days like this?
Today, instead, I want to share the day in the life of a woman with three kids going to school tomorrow. The reason I share this, and those of you considering kids in the near future might want to skip to Wednesday's post, is to remind myself why I wasn't overly productive this summer (especially with a cross-country move).
Before I start, a blast from the past...
And now the day...
7:45am: Started the day at my middle daughter's new patient appointment for her allergies. When you have to start the appointment with, my daughter tends to befuddle doctors, you know it's going to go long.
9:30am: Yes, 9:30am, we finally leave the doctor's office to run home and get my other two girls. Then, we are off to the mall for some school clothes. Why the day before school? Well, as the girls tried on things this weekend (remember we moved into our new home 7/29), they realized they had grown yet again. Really, when does that stop (my oldest is 13)? Oh, and their tennis shoes no longer fit, so three new pairs of tennis shoes were needed. Funny how you don't know their feet have grown when they wear flip flops all summer.
Noon: We do have a nice lunch.
1:00pm: To Target to get school supplies for my youngest daughter who did not find out for sure what school she was assigned to until last Friday. Three stores later we finally had the 12 blasted red pens (thank you, Staples).
3:00pm: Finally get notice from CVS that all my daughter's medicines are in. Pick them up and run them to her school before they leave at 4pm.
4:00pm: Run by grocery store to replace the milk my baby daughter announces she used the rest of that morning. Can't start a school week with no milk for cereal.
5:00pm: Home to dinner. Eat quickly and then run to baby girl's school to find out her teacher.
6:00pm: *** if you are squeamish, please look away *** Collect poop samples of baby daughter for some tests thanks to our vacation and a nasty guest she might have picked up. You would think that after 13 years as a mom I would no longer dry-heave with smell. You would think wrong.
7:30pm: In an effort to make sure all my kids go to bed on time after a long summer of being vagabonds, I am sitting in a dark room with two of my kids (hubby is out of town) and writing this post.
Tomorrow, I will miss them. I'm sad to see summer end, but I'm looking forward to focusing on book 2 and finding a CA writer's group. We all need some structure, because quite frankly creativity doesn't thrive well with poop scoops, red pen traumas, and begging my children to close their eyes.
Plus, I consider days like this character study on how teen and pre-teen girls handle chaos. Today, I learned quite a lot.
How do you carve out writing/creative time on days like this?
August 23, 2013
Geeking Out: Books Come to Life
I'm geeking out about some books-turned-movies!
In the last week alone, I've seen Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters and The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones . I had read both books, so I was eagerly anticipating seeing them come to life. It helps that my 13yo daughter was as excited as I was.
A brief review of each...
Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters
Fun. After being disappointed with The Lightening Thief (book one in this series) movie, thanks to too many changes from the book, I wasn't sure what to expect from this installment. But I really enjoyed it. It probably helped that I was further removed from reading the books so any changes weren't as obvious.
The action starts in the first frame and never lets up. Plus, there's a sweet side story with Percy and his newly found brother who is also a Cyclops.
*****
While my daughter was the one to suggest The Lightening Thief series to me, I recommended the City of Bones series to her. All you moms out there can relate... there's something cosmic about your 13yo daughter thinking anything you suggest is cool.
The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones
I SO wanted this to be good. I thought Lily Collins was excellent casting, but I was a little disappointed in the actor chosen for Jace. Please don't think I'm totally superficial for saying this, but he's just too skinny and not the stud I had created in my mind to represent Jace. But, I must say... he did an excellent job.
Still, I was a softie for Simon, Clary's best friend, in the book and even more so in the movie. Robert Sheehan is sexy and so expressive with his eyes. I'm still on the fence about the casting of Magnus Bane and his role in the movie. My image of him was much "bigger" and more sinister. They kind of played him like a drag queen with a soft side.
There were a few changes from the book, but I didn't find them distracting. It was a bit scary for my daughter, especially the demon images, but overall I really liked it.
*****
But the book-turned-movie I'm most excited to see is this November's The Book Thief. However, I'm nervous. This is one of my favorite books ever , and I want to cherish this movie.
Here's the book trailer:
What was the last movie that had you geeking out?
In the last week alone, I've seen Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters and The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones . I had read both books, so I was eagerly anticipating seeing them come to life. It helps that my 13yo daughter was as excited as I was.
A brief review of each...
Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters
Fun. After being disappointed with The Lightening Thief (book one in this series) movie, thanks to too many changes from the book, I wasn't sure what to expect from this installment. But I really enjoyed it. It probably helped that I was further removed from reading the books so any changes weren't as obvious.The action starts in the first frame and never lets up. Plus, there's a sweet side story with Percy and his newly found brother who is also a Cyclops.
*****
While my daughter was the one to suggest The Lightening Thief series to me, I recommended the City of Bones series to her. All you moms out there can relate... there's something cosmic about your 13yo daughter thinking anything you suggest is cool.
The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones
I SO wanted this to be good. I thought Lily Collins was excellent casting, but I was a little disappointed in the actor chosen for Jace. Please don't think I'm totally superficial for saying this, but he's just too skinny and not the stud I had created in my mind to represent Jace. But, I must say... he did an excellent job.
Still, I was a softie for Simon, Clary's best friend, in the book and even more so in the movie. Robert Sheehan is sexy and so expressive with his eyes. I'm still on the fence about the casting of Magnus Bane and his role in the movie. My image of him was much "bigger" and more sinister. They kind of played him like a drag queen with a soft side.
There were a few changes from the book, but I didn't find them distracting. It was a bit scary for my daughter, especially the demon images, but overall I really liked it.
*****
But the book-turned-movie I'm most excited to see is this November's The Book Thief. However, I'm nervous. This is one of my favorite books ever , and I want to cherish this movie.
Here's the book trailer:
What was the last movie that had you geeking out?
August 21, 2013
Unwanted Guest: ROW80 Update
Just to make the last week of summer fun, I picked up a little guest on my trip to the Dominican Republic--a little guest that made the last week or so very unpleasant. Now the meds to get rid of said guest are just as unpleasant.
SourceYes, that's a picture of my unwanted, and hopefully now expelled, guest. I should have warned you because it's not pretty. Just another reason my Muse has been in hiding since our move and return from vacation. She is scheduled to return when the girls go back to school next week, and I plan to keep her quite busy.
In the meantime, my blog tour is in full swing and keeping me quite busy. A few highlights:
Let Them Read Books posted a great review. An excerpt:
I give Ms. Bach major thumbs up for keeping the story compelling and unputdownable while not actually revealing much about what happened that night in Yellowstone. And I was OK with that. Though I'm anxious to put the pieces together, I can appreciate an intense, slow-burning build-up to a larger and more meaningful revelation.
Full review can be found here .
Simply Sensational Book Fanatics hosted an interview with me and created a beautiful post with Chasing Memories-themed graphics. A sample:
Q: Who inspires you?
Women who know how to balance strength and heart. Read the full interview here. ***** I hope everyone is having a good writing week. Sorry I missed my Sunday/Monday check-in, but I did catch up on my sponsor visits, so it wasn't a complete miss. Next week I will return to my original A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) goals which include posting Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; writing a least an hour a day on Book 2 of the Tala Prophecy series; and promoting Chasing Memories. I'm excited to get back on track.
SourceYes, that's a picture of my unwanted, and hopefully now expelled, guest. I should have warned you because it's not pretty. Just another reason my Muse has been in hiding since our move and return from vacation. She is scheduled to return when the girls go back to school next week, and I plan to keep her quite busy.In the meantime, my blog tour is in full swing and keeping me quite busy. A few highlights:
Let Them Read Books posted a great review. An excerpt:
I give Ms. Bach major thumbs up for keeping the story compelling and unputdownable while not actually revealing much about what happened that night in Yellowstone. And I was OK with that. Though I'm anxious to put the pieces together, I can appreciate an intense, slow-burning build-up to a larger and more meaningful revelation.
Full review can be found here .
Simply Sensational Book Fanatics hosted an interview with me and created a beautiful post with Chasing Memories-themed graphics. A sample:
Q: Who inspires you?
Women who know how to balance strength and heart. Read the full interview here. ***** I hope everyone is having a good writing week. Sorry I missed my Sunday/Monday check-in, but I did catch up on my sponsor visits, so it wasn't a complete miss. Next week I will return to my original A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) goals which include posting Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; writing a least an hour a day on Book 2 of the Tala Prophecy series; and promoting Chasing Memories. I'm excited to get back on track.
August 16, 2013
Stuck Energy: Late & Lackluster ROW80
"Clutter is stuck energy.
The word "clutter" derives from the Middle English word "clotter,"
which means to coagulate -
and that's about as stuck as you can get." Karen Kingston
Sorry I was MIA this week. I came back from vacation all gung-ho to kick it back into gear. Unfortunately, all that energy was sucked up by my house. I tried to ignore it. Truly I did. But I simply can't function, much less be creative, in this...
When I sit down to my computer, I feel the weight of the clutter. Even though I've set up my office and have a few other places in the house that don't feel as confining, the Muse refuses to visit. She showed up a few times, made a screeching noise of pure fear, and disappeared immediately.
So this is a late and lackluster A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) update.
I will take up writing full force starting Tuesday, 8/27--the day my kids go back to school. Until then, I'm keeping up with my Chasing Memories promotions, book reviews (I've read some great ones lately!), and hopefully blog posts (missed Wednesday this week, boo!).
Also, I'm going to enjoy the last week of summer with my kids and finish organizing my house. My muse will be so happy... she'll have to come and stay for awhile.
Can you be creative in chaos?
Oh, and don't forget... Chasing Memories is available for 99 cents on Kindle through Sunday, 8/18. Pick it up before it goes back to $3.99. ( Kindle Link )
Plus, there are many other books on sale here as part of the Indie-Licious Back to School Sale.
The word "clutter" derives from the Middle English word "clotter,"
which means to coagulate -
and that's about as stuck as you can get." Karen Kingston
Sorry I was MIA this week. I came back from vacation all gung-ho to kick it back into gear. Unfortunately, all that energy was sucked up by my house. I tried to ignore it. Truly I did. But I simply can't function, much less be creative, in this...
When I sit down to my computer, I feel the weight of the clutter. Even though I've set up my office and have a few other places in the house that don't feel as confining, the Muse refuses to visit. She showed up a few times, made a screeching noise of pure fear, and disappeared immediately.
So this is a late and lackluster A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) update.
I will take up writing full force starting Tuesday, 8/27--the day my kids go back to school. Until then, I'm keeping up with my Chasing Memories promotions, book reviews (I've read some great ones lately!), and hopefully blog posts (missed Wednesday this week, boo!).
Also, I'm going to enjoy the last week of summer with my kids and finish organizing my house. My muse will be so happy... she'll have to come and stay for awhile.
Can you be creative in chaos?
Oh, and don't forget... Chasing Memories is available for 99 cents on Kindle through Sunday, 8/18. Pick it up before it goes back to $3.99. ( Kindle Link )
Plus, there are many other books on sale here as part of the Indie-Licious Back to School Sale.
