Tia Silverthorne Bach's Blog, page 68
September 21, 2012
Word Spy: Fascinating Facts Friday
Words fascinate me. But I have to admit, I'm a traditionalist. I don't like "new" words. I trust Webster, the original, much more than fly-by-night pretenders. Words that didn't make the original cut should be slang, in my mind.
Still, I find some of the new words interesting, and I find many of them through Paul McFedries Word Spy site.
Some fun ones I've run across there recently...
mansplaining pp Explaining in a patronizing way, particularly when done by a man who combines arrogance with ignorance of the topic. [Man + explaining.] fiberhood n. A neighborhood that has Internet access via fiber-optic cable. [Fiber + neighborhood.] twitchfork n. An angry or aggressive protest on Twitter, particularly one seeking justice or vengeance. [Twitter + pitchfork.] —twitchfork mob n. shtick lit n. A writing genre in which the author undertakes an odd or stuntlike project with the intention of writing about the experience. Also: schtick lit, shtik lit. (Note: Love this one!) binge viewing n. A period of excessive indulgence spent watching previously broadcast episodes of a TV show. —binge viewer n.
And one I'll definitely be watching out for... gynobibliophobia (gye.noh.bib.lee.oh.FOH.bee.uh) n. A dislike of women writers.
What do you think of "new" words constantly flooding our beautiful language? (okay, that wasn't at all a loaded question. he he)
Still, I find some of the new words interesting, and I find many of them through Paul McFedries Word Spy site.
Some fun ones I've run across there recently...mansplaining pp Explaining in a patronizing way, particularly when done by a man who combines arrogance with ignorance of the topic. [Man + explaining.] fiberhood n. A neighborhood that has Internet access via fiber-optic cable. [Fiber + neighborhood.] twitchfork n. An angry or aggressive protest on Twitter, particularly one seeking justice or vengeance. [Twitter + pitchfork.] —twitchfork mob n. shtick lit n. A writing genre in which the author undertakes an odd or stuntlike project with the intention of writing about the experience. Also: schtick lit, shtik lit. (Note: Love this one!) binge viewing n. A period of excessive indulgence spent watching previously broadcast episodes of a TV show. —binge viewer n.
And one I'll definitely be watching out for... gynobibliophobia (gye.noh.bib.lee.oh.FOH.bee.uh) n. A dislike of women writers.
What do you think of "new" words constantly flooding our beautiful language? (okay, that wasn't at all a loaded question. he he)
September 20, 2012
Heartfelt Review Means the World
As writers, we have to be able to take criticism and suggestions, but there's nothing sweeter than someone appreciating your work. Better yet, someone important to you appreciating your work.
Today I wanted to share a heartfelt review story that meant the world to me.
If you stopped by yesterday, you found out about the follow up we are currently writing, but The Next Big Thing post also told a lot about Depression Cookies and why we write women's fiction.
An excerpt:
Who or What inspired you to write this book?
I am one of three daughters and now have three daughters of my own. I have a vested interest in exploring the mother-daughter dynamic, as well as female relationships in general.
Life has such a funny way. I wrote that post a few days ago.
Last night, my preteen daughter came to me with a worrisome text, one from a friend that was asking if she liked another friend. My daughter has been having trouble with this friend, so red flags shot up. I coached my daughter on how to handle it.
About 20 minutes later, my daughter came down and hugged my neck and told me she loved me. Anyone who has an emotional preteen girl knows you have to take these moments when you can get them.
Then she told me...
I'm so glad you wrote your book. There was a scene almost like what happened to me. I knew you'd understand. Thanks, Mom.
At first I debated on whether she was old enough to read the book. Not just because of some of the themes, but also to make sure she could distinguish fact from fiction. After all, this book is written by her mom and Nana and a lot of it did happen. We embellished, of course, but could she understand that?
I've often said I write to work out my own feelings, a journey of self-discovery if you will. But to know what I wrote helped her, or could help any other teenager or mother (or woman), was beyond my expectations. Such a meaningful feeling.
Her few words have now become the best review I have ever received.
What review of your work meant the most to you? Do you let your children/significant other read your work?
Today I wanted to share a heartfelt review story that meant the world to me. If you stopped by yesterday, you found out about the follow up we are currently writing, but The Next Big Thing post also told a lot about Depression Cookies and why we write women's fiction.
An excerpt:
Who or What inspired you to write this book?
I am one of three daughters and now have three daughters of my own. I have a vested interest in exploring the mother-daughter dynamic, as well as female relationships in general.
Life has such a funny way. I wrote that post a few days ago.
Last night, my preteen daughter came to me with a worrisome text, one from a friend that was asking if she liked another friend. My daughter has been having trouble with this friend, so red flags shot up. I coached my daughter on how to handle it.
About 20 minutes later, my daughter came down and hugged my neck and told me she loved me. Anyone who has an emotional preteen girl knows you have to take these moments when you can get them.
Then she told me...
I'm so glad you wrote your book. There was a scene almost like what happened to me. I knew you'd understand. Thanks, Mom.
At first I debated on whether she was old enough to read the book. Not just because of some of the themes, but also to make sure she could distinguish fact from fiction. After all, this book is written by her mom and Nana and a lot of it did happen. We embellished, of course, but could she understand that?
I've often said I write to work out my own feelings, a journey of self-discovery if you will. But to know what I wrote helped her, or could help any other teenager or mother (or woman), was beyond my expectations. Such a meaningful feeling.
Her few words have now become the best review I have ever received.
What review of your work meant the most to you? Do you let your children/significant other read your work?
September 19, 2012
Week 14: The Next Big Thing & ROW80 Update
Today I’m participating in The Next Big Thing blog hop. Thanks so much to Sandi Tuttle for tagging me. Below, I will answer ten questions about my current WIP (Work in Progress) and feature five other bloggers who have recently done the same.
The original rules suggested tagging 5 new authors to answer the questions. I know this is a busy time of year for writers (I, for one, am just starting to get back on my feet after a crazy summer!), so I’m bending the rules. If you’d like to participate, please consider yourself tagged and feel free to link back to my post.
Without further ado…
Ten Interview Questions for The Next Big Thing
What is the working title of your book?
Mom and I have gone round and round about the working title of our follow-up to our award-winning Depression Cookies. We’ve considered Bourbon Blues, Bourbon Haze, Straight Up, and several others. We still haven’t decided. We want to keep with a two-word title to tie into Depression Cookies. The new book will follow Krista, now 18 and heading off to college, and Abby through their continued mother-daughter journey. It will again feature two distinct perspectives, with my mom writing Abby while I write Krista.
Where did the idea come from for the book?
So many people connected with our first novel and wanted to know more about the Simmons family. The first novel centered on Krista and the teenage years, the first time a kid pulls away and tries to find his/her own identity. The next logical step was to follow Krista to college and see how she and Abby dealt with the separation. Plus, it opens up a whole new world to Krista… that first baby steps into being an adult. Did you notice the mention of alcohol in possible title names above? Let’s just say both Abby and Krista lose their way for a bit.
What genre does your book fall under?
Women’s fiction. I love books that explore women and their relationships, particularly with each other. Sometimes we can be our own worst enemies, but for the most part, I don’t know what I would do without the women in my life. I’m sure I’m a bit biased since I have a wonderful relationship with my mom, two amazing sisters, and three beautiful daughters (plus amazing friends).
Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
I covered this in an earlier post: Oprah Winfrey and Roger Ebert: Dreaming About Depression Cookies. A quick recap from that post:
Topping my list, Diane Lane would play Abby, the mother and heart of the story. Diane Lane has grace, beauty, and an amazing emotional range.
I would want Elizabeth Olsen (after she dyed her hair darker) or Lily Collins (from Mirror Mirror) to play the part of Krista, the teenager. I would have loved Jennifer Lawrence of Hunger Gamesfame, but I bet she’s a bit too busy. The part requires spunk and vulnerability.
The “mean girls” in the book could be played by Ali Lohan, Lindsay Lohan’s sister (since Lindsay is a bit too aged, not by years but by lifestyle), and Anna Kendrick (Bella’s friend, Jessica, in Twilight). Both could embody the “pretty on the outside” teenagers who make Krista’s life so miserable.
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
Two distinct voices, two stories interwoven within the walls of family and love.
I’m using this one from our Depression Cookies back cover, because it really does speak to this book as well.
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
We will explore all our options. We know the value of self-publishing and doing things our way, especially now that we can apply all we learned from publishing Depression Cookies. But, we will query agents and look into small presses as well.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
Still writing. Depression Cookies took us ten years from idea spark to publication. We are more than a third of the way through this book (almost halfway done!), and we are ramping up our writing efforts after a crazy summer. We are hoping to have the second book out several months before Mother’s Day 2013.
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
I’ve always compared Depression Cookies to Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume, except with the addition of the mom’s point of view. The same could hold true for this piece, but on an older level.
Women’s fiction is one of my favorite genres to read, but it’s also one of the most varied. What I really love is a story rich in female characters that allows me to feel the emotional results of their actions, including: love, pain, loss, strength, courage, joy, and sadness.
Who or What inspired you to write this book?
I am one of three daughters and now have three daughters of my own. I have a vested interest in exploring the mother-daughter dynamic, as well as female relationships in general. But at the end of the day, my mother inspires me to write. Always has.
What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
Mom and I both know the way to get through the trials and tribulations of life is to inject humor. It’s something we’ve always done as a family, and a very important part of our writing. Sometimes the best thing to do when you feel like crying is have a good laugh followed by a hug.
We love the idea of mothers and daughters reading this book, and Depression Cookies, together in the hopes of opening up a dialogue about our choices and feelings. But beyond that, we hope all women will read it and embrace the female relationships in their life.
*****
Please visit the following authors and find out about their next big thing.
Sandi Tuttle – An Average Woman in a SuperWoman World
Jo Michaels
Bridgette O’Hare – Random Writes of Passage
Crystal Lee ~ Author
Beth Jones – The Hungry Freelancer
Even if you don’t have time to answer all ten questions, I’d love to hear your one sentence synopsis of your Next Big Thing. Feel free to leave it in the comments section below.
*****
A quick A Round of Words in 80 Days(ROW80) Update
Man, this round went fast! I’m finally finding my footing after a whirlwind summer followed by a manic few weeks of catch up. Writing progress: 762 words in two days. I’m back! (On second thought, maybe I’ll whisper that to make sure I don’t tempt the evil word-stealing gremlins to come back.)
Finally made a breakthrough on an editing project, and I’m excited to talk to the author about it. Reading and blogging are back on track.
I’m looking forward to starting a new round on October 1 with some fresh goals and new determination.
The original rules suggested tagging 5 new authors to answer the questions. I know this is a busy time of year for writers (I, for one, am just starting to get back on my feet after a crazy summer!), so I’m bending the rules. If you’d like to participate, please consider yourself tagged and feel free to link back to my post.
Without further ado…
Ten Interview Questions for The Next Big Thing
What is the working title of your book?
Mom and I have gone round and round about the working title of our follow-up to our award-winning Depression Cookies. We’ve considered Bourbon Blues, Bourbon Haze, Straight Up, and several others. We still haven’t decided. We want to keep with a two-word title to tie into Depression Cookies. The new book will follow Krista, now 18 and heading off to college, and Abby through their continued mother-daughter journey. It will again feature two distinct perspectives, with my mom writing Abby while I write Krista.
Where did the idea come from for the book?
So many people connected with our first novel and wanted to know more about the Simmons family. The first novel centered on Krista and the teenage years, the first time a kid pulls away and tries to find his/her own identity. The next logical step was to follow Krista to college and see how she and Abby dealt with the separation. Plus, it opens up a whole new world to Krista… that first baby steps into being an adult. Did you notice the mention of alcohol in possible title names above? Let’s just say both Abby and Krista lose their way for a bit.
What genre does your book fall under?
Women’s fiction. I love books that explore women and their relationships, particularly with each other. Sometimes we can be our own worst enemies, but for the most part, I don’t know what I would do without the women in my life. I’m sure I’m a bit biased since I have a wonderful relationship with my mom, two amazing sisters, and three beautiful daughters (plus amazing friends).
Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
I covered this in an earlier post: Oprah Winfrey and Roger Ebert: Dreaming About Depression Cookies. A quick recap from that post:
Topping my list, Diane Lane would play Abby, the mother and heart of the story. Diane Lane has grace, beauty, and an amazing emotional range.
I would want Elizabeth Olsen (after she dyed her hair darker) or Lily Collins (from Mirror Mirror) to play the part of Krista, the teenager. I would have loved Jennifer Lawrence of Hunger Gamesfame, but I bet she’s a bit too busy. The part requires spunk and vulnerability.
The “mean girls” in the book could be played by Ali Lohan, Lindsay Lohan’s sister (since Lindsay is a bit too aged, not by years but by lifestyle), and Anna Kendrick (Bella’s friend, Jessica, in Twilight). Both could embody the “pretty on the outside” teenagers who make Krista’s life so miserable.
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
Two distinct voices, two stories interwoven within the walls of family and love.
I’m using this one from our Depression Cookies back cover, because it really does speak to this book as well.
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
We will explore all our options. We know the value of self-publishing and doing things our way, especially now that we can apply all we learned from publishing Depression Cookies. But, we will query agents and look into small presses as well.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
Still writing. Depression Cookies took us ten years from idea spark to publication. We are more than a third of the way through this book (almost halfway done!), and we are ramping up our writing efforts after a crazy summer. We are hoping to have the second book out several months before Mother’s Day 2013.
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
I’ve always compared Depression Cookies to Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume, except with the addition of the mom’s point of view. The same could hold true for this piece, but on an older level.
Women’s fiction is one of my favorite genres to read, but it’s also one of the most varied. What I really love is a story rich in female characters that allows me to feel the emotional results of their actions, including: love, pain, loss, strength, courage, joy, and sadness.
Who or What inspired you to write this book?
I am one of three daughters and now have three daughters of my own. I have a vested interest in exploring the mother-daughter dynamic, as well as female relationships in general. But at the end of the day, my mother inspires me to write. Always has.
What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
Mom and I both know the way to get through the trials and tribulations of life is to inject humor. It’s something we’ve always done as a family, and a very important part of our writing. Sometimes the best thing to do when you feel like crying is have a good laugh followed by a hug.
We love the idea of mothers and daughters reading this book, and Depression Cookies, together in the hopes of opening up a dialogue about our choices and feelings. But beyond that, we hope all women will read it and embrace the female relationships in their life.
*****
Please visit the following authors and find out about their next big thing.
Sandi Tuttle – An Average Woman in a SuperWoman World
Jo Michaels
Bridgette O’Hare – Random Writes of Passage
Crystal Lee ~ Author
Beth Jones – The Hungry Freelancer
Even if you don’t have time to answer all ten questions, I’d love to hear your one sentence synopsis of your Next Big Thing. Feel free to leave it in the comments section below.
*****
A quick A Round of Words in 80 Days(ROW80) Update
Man, this round went fast! I’m finally finding my footing after a whirlwind summer followed by a manic few weeks of catch up. Writing progress: 762 words in two days. I’m back! (On second thought, maybe I’ll whisper that to make sure I don’t tempt the evil word-stealing gremlins to come back.)
Finally made a breakthrough on an editing project, and I’m excited to talk to the author about it. Reading and blogging are back on track.
I’m looking forward to starting a new round on October 1 with some fresh goals and new determination.
September 18, 2012
Best Indie Book Festival
Another fun book event brought to you by the World Literacy Cafe and its founder, Melissa Foster.
This is the time to try Indie, if you haven't already! This events features 10 award-winning books and a chance to enter to win Amazon gift cards (no purchase necessary). I don't see a downside!
Please click on the photo above (or here) to join in on the fun. The event runs today and tomorrow, September 18 and 19.
Happy Indie Reading!
Please feel free to share information about this event! You are welcome to share my post or simply pass on the event page link on Twitter (#BestIndieBook), Facebook, your own blog, Google+, and/or any other social media sight. Let's make sure readers know about this one!
This is the time to try Indie, if you haven't already! This events features 10 award-winning books and a chance to enter to win Amazon gift cards (no purchase necessary). I don't see a downside!
Please click on the photo above (or here) to join in on the fun. The event runs today and tomorrow, September 18 and 19.
Happy Indie Reading!
Please feel free to share information about this event! You are welcome to share my post or simply pass on the event page link on Twitter (#BestIndieBook), Facebook, your own blog, Google+, and/or any other social media sight. Let's make sure readers know about this one!
September 17, 2012
Genre Favorites Blogfest
Alex J. Cavanaugh, author of CassaStar and CassaFire as well as the mastermind behind the Insecure Writer's Support Group (#IWSG), is hosting the Genre Favorites Blogfest today. All you need to do is list your favorite genre in movies, music, and books and add a guilty pleasure.
I thought this exercise would be harder, but I went with the first thing that popped into my head on each category. But I'll go on the record now saying picking my favorite book genre was the hardest, because I will read any genre. Actually, if I read too many books in a row of a particular genre, I get burned out.
On with the show...
My favorite genre of: Movie
This was the easiest category for me. I love comedies. Life is full of enough of the other emotions, so when I go to a movie I want to escape. What better way to escape than a good belly laugh? Sadly, really good, laugh so hard you almost pee your pants comedies are hard to come by. Some of my favorites: Caddyshack, Bridesmaids (the bathroom scene had me in tears), Christmas Vacation, There's Something About Mary, Nutty Professor, The 40 Year Old Virgin, and Beverly Hills Cop. Music Music is so mood-dependent for me. When I'm going for a run, I need stuff with a great beat. When I'm sad, I'm all about the ballads. When I'm dancing around the house with my girls soaking up life, it's 80s music all the way, much to their chagrin.
To show my husband how much I care, I listen to Neil Diamond with him. See how much I love my husband! Books Why do I have to choose?! I was going to go with the cop-out answer and say... relationship books with memorable characters and storyline. It's true, but I want to play by the rules here.
My favorite is women's fiction. At the end of the day, I want to be invested in the character and their real-life struggles. As a woman, I most identify with women's issues and emotions. But sometimes I find that theme in a different genre, books like Hunger Games and The Book Thief. Some of my favorite women's fiction: The Help, Winter Garden, Stones from the River, Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man, The Honk and Holler Opening Soon and Secret Life of Bees. I know I'm forgetting other favorites! Back in the day, I would read anything from Judy Blume. Actually, I still will. I say women's fiction versus chick-lit for a reason. I don't like the books where the biggest struggle is trying to get the guy to notice you on a crowded dance floor. I need a literary leaning. And a guilty pleasure genre from any of the three categories!
My total guilty reading pleasure... celebrity magazines. If you think about it, it's really fiction. I go through the pictures first and then read the articles based on my interest level. (Come on guys, it's the equivalent of your Playboy. You can be honest here.)Outside of that, it's young adult. I loved the City of Bones books (I've only read the first three), Divergent, Hunger Games, the Lightning Thief series (through book four), the Uglies series, and so on. I have a preteen daughter who loves to read, so I use that as my excuse to enjoy these books. It's been a treat for me. Not only do I get to read some great books, but I get to discuss them with my daughter. We even went on a girl-date to see Hunger Games.
I think my answers show my diverse nature. For movies, I want to escape and laugh. For books, I want an emotional roller coaster ride. For music, I pick based on mood. Finally, for a guilty pleasure, I read total fluff about celebrities or embrace what my preteen is reading. Don't try to figure it out. I know my husband has given up!
Please comment and share your favorites.
And feel free to join in on the fun. It's not too late. Just hop over to Alex's post and sign in.
September 16, 2012
Pump Up the Am: ROW80 Update
It's time to Pump up the "I Am" in my life.
Okay, it's a bit corny. But music with a good rhythm really helps me, and I am nothing if not a product of the 80s. Dork that I am, I now hear in my mind...
Yes, a cassette tape. Remember?Get the writing going on the Word doc
Seek ROW80 that's where the party's at
And you'll find out if you're behind
Pump up the Am pump it up
A pump it up yo pump it
I don't want the words to stray
Get your fingers on the keyboard
Make my day
Now that I've shared my totally uncool ways to motivate myself, it's time to focus on the "I Am" statements.
I am going to write.
I haven't been making this the priority I should. I've overwhelmed with commitments, so I try to knock out the easiest ones first. Plus, my brain is so junked up and scattered, I'm finding it hard to focus enough to write. My priority is to write first thing in the day, before my brain can be distracted. Kids on bus, mom to write.
Or, even more straight to the point: there will not be word progress without writing.
I am going to embrace structure.
Schedules and organization are normally my friend, but I lost my way this summer. Yesterday, I sat down and wrote out six pages of to-dos. Yes, six pages. I have been dreading writing them all down and realizing just how behind I am. But now I know. Knowledge is power, right? Beside each item I put a deadline date and assigned hours in the day to accomplish the task. I should have done this weeks ago.
I am going to stop making excuses.
My life is full. Don't get me wrong, I'm blessed. Truly. But my days are helter skelter and overloaded as so many of ours are. It's an easy excuse, but excuses won't get my next book done. I am bad about the word No, as I clearly demonstrated in my BlogHer featured post: The Art of Saying No (To More than Just My Kids).
Or, as we southern ladies like to say, "get to gettin'".
What inspires you to shake a bad week or shake your excuses and just move forward with your goals?
*****
My A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) Update
Writing: I spent a lot of my hour each day staring at a blank page, thanks to my overcrowded brain. I did manage to pump out a scene or two. Not sure how good they are, but I need to get the story moving again.
Editing: I need to write a post on flashbacks and pacing and ask my writer and reader friends for input. I'm having a tough time with a current editing job on these two issues. It's such a good story, but the flashbacks are affecting the pacing, and I'm finding it slowing me down as a reader. Not I'm struggling with how to fix it.
Reading: Too many books, too little time... especially for ones that are disappointing. Although I didn't really love Anne Lamott's Blue Shoe, it wasn't enough of a mess to have me give up on her. Please keep checking Mom in Love with Fiction for my "reader" thoughts.
Social Media: This has become my albatross, the thing I just can't get out from under. I owe you all comments and support, and for that I'm sorry.
Blogging: When will I ever learn? Blogging daily is just not what I need to be doing right now. In October, I'm going back to Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday. It's enough. Why not now, you ask? It's a quirk in my character. Once I say Yes, I'm no quitter.
Hope everyone is Pumping Up the Am!
Okay, it's a bit corny. But music with a good rhythm really helps me, and I am nothing if not a product of the 80s. Dork that I am, I now hear in my mind...
Yes, a cassette tape. Remember?Get the writing going on the Word docSeek ROW80 that's where the party's at
And you'll find out if you're behind
Pump up the Am pump it up
A pump it up yo pump it
I don't want the words to stray
Get your fingers on the keyboard
Make my day
Now that I've shared my totally uncool ways to motivate myself, it's time to focus on the "I Am" statements.
I am going to write.
I haven't been making this the priority I should. I've overwhelmed with commitments, so I try to knock out the easiest ones first. Plus, my brain is so junked up and scattered, I'm finding it hard to focus enough to write. My priority is to write first thing in the day, before my brain can be distracted. Kids on bus, mom to write.
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit." Aristotle
Or, even more straight to the point: there will not be word progress without writing.
I am going to embrace structure.
Schedules and organization are normally my friend, but I lost my way this summer. Yesterday, I sat down and wrote out six pages of to-dos. Yes, six pages. I have been dreading writing them all down and realizing just how behind I am. But now I know. Knowledge is power, right? Beside each item I put a deadline date and assigned hours in the day to accomplish the task. I should have done this weeks ago.
"Forgive yourself for your faults and your mistakes and move on." Les Brown
I am going to stop making excuses.
My life is full. Don't get me wrong, I'm blessed. Truly. But my days are helter skelter and overloaded as so many of ours are. It's an easy excuse, but excuses won't get my next book done. I am bad about the word No, as I clearly demonstrated in my BlogHer featured post: The Art of Saying No (To More than Just My Kids).
"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." Walt Disney
Or, as we southern ladies like to say, "get to gettin'".
What inspires you to shake a bad week or shake your excuses and just move forward with your goals?
*****
My A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) Update
Writing: I spent a lot of my hour each day staring at a blank page, thanks to my overcrowded brain. I did manage to pump out a scene or two. Not sure how good they are, but I need to get the story moving again.
Editing: I need to write a post on flashbacks and pacing and ask my writer and reader friends for input. I'm having a tough time with a current editing job on these two issues. It's such a good story, but the flashbacks are affecting the pacing, and I'm finding it slowing me down as a reader. Not I'm struggling with how to fix it.
Reading: Too many books, too little time... especially for ones that are disappointing. Although I didn't really love Anne Lamott's Blue Shoe, it wasn't enough of a mess to have me give up on her. Please keep checking Mom in Love with Fiction for my "reader" thoughts.
Social Media: This has become my albatross, the thing I just can't get out from under. I owe you all comments and support, and for that I'm sorry.
Blogging: When will I ever learn? Blogging daily is just not what I need to be doing right now. In October, I'm going back to Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday. It's enough. Why not now, you ask? It's a quirk in my character. Once I say Yes, I'm no quitter.
Hope everyone is Pumping Up the Am!
September 15, 2012
Savvy Seuss: Short and Sweet Saturdays
Dr. Seuss, aka Theodor Seuss Geisel, created beautiful stories for kids with many lessons meant just as much for adults. Whenever I sit down and read a Dr. Seuss book to my kids, I realize how mature the themes and lessons often are.
SourceFor example, The Lorax. My kids always loved the book and then the movie. But it's really a lesson for all of us to care for our planet and watch our greed.
I stumbled across this quote today...
Be who you are
and say what you feel,
because those who mind don't matter
and those who matter don't mind.
Wow.
The older I get the more I realize how true this is. Knowing yourself is a gift. Those who accept that knowledge will enrich your life; those that don't, won't.
What is your favorite Dr. Seuss line or book?
SourceFor example, The Lorax. My kids always loved the book and then the movie. But it's really a lesson for all of us to care for our planet and watch our greed.I stumbled across this quote today...
Be who you are
and say what you feel,
because those who mind don't matter
and those who matter don't mind.
Wow.
The older I get the more I realize how true this is. Knowing yourself is a gift. Those who accept that knowledge will enrich your life; those that don't, won't.
What is your favorite Dr. Seuss line or book?
September 14, 2012
The Mystery of Scientology: Fascinating Facts Friday
There's no rhyme or reason to my inspiration for Fascinating Facts Friday posts. Actually, I shouldn't say that. Most often, I pick my Friday posts based on a subject that comes up that I don't know much about. Curiosity sends me to the Internet and the interesting things I find end up in a FF post. Over the last several weeks, the Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes split has been celebrity magazine news. More interesting to me, all the information leaking out about Cruise's elusive Scientology leanings. I have to admit I know little to nothing about the "religion." So off to the Internet I went. Fascinating Facts about Scientology
L. Ron HubbardScientology was founded by L. Ron Hubbard, an American Pulp Fiction author. According to Wikipedia: After establishing a career as a writer, becoming best known for his science fiction and fantasy stories, he developed a self-help system called Dianetics which was first published in May 1950. He subsequently developed his ideas into a wide-ranging set of doctrines and rituals as part of a new religious movement that he called Scientology. Scientology teaches that people are immortal beings who have forgotten their true nature. "In the primordial past, thetans brought the material universe into being largely for their own pleasure. The universe has no independent reality, but derives its apparent reality from the fact that most thetans agree it exists. Thetans fell from grace when they began to identify with their creation, rather than their original state of spiritual purity. Eventually they lost their memory of their true nature, along with the associated spiritual and creative powers. As a result, thetans came to think of themselves as nothing but embodied beings." (Source) Note: I was going to put this into my own words, but quite frankly I wasn't sure I could. A creature from another planet, Xenu, features prominently. "Xenu, also spelled Xemu, was, according to the founder of Scientology L. Ron Hubbard, the dictator of the "Galactic Confederacy" who, 75 million years ago, brought billions of his people to Earth in a DC-8-like spacecraft, stacked them around volcanoes and killed them using hydrogen bombs. Official Scientology scriptures hold that the essences of these many people remained, and that they form around people in modern times, causing them spiritual harm." (Source) "The thetans who were captured and exploded on Earth are the origin of body thetans. Each human has his or her own thetan, which Scientologists purify through auditing until the practitioner reaches a state of Clear. While a Clear's own thetan is now free of destructive engrams, his physical form is still inhabited by body thetans: clusters of these ancient, executed thetans." (Source) Note: Again, I would have attempted to put this into my own words, but I found the task near to impossible. It's a bit out there, if I may say so. Formally recognized as a religion in 1993. The US granted full tax-exempt status to the church in December 1993. In 2007, the church claimed 3.5 million members in the US. But in 2008, the American Religious Identification Survey found that the number dropped to 25,000. (Source) But, this quote from L. Ron Hubbard (LA Times, 1978), is what I found most fascinating... "Writing for a penny a word is ridiculous. If a man really wanted to make a million dollars, the best way to do it would be start his own religion."
My husband joked that I shouldn't publish this post because it would ruin my chances of working in Hollywood. I'll take my chances. If I manage to land a movie deal one of these days, you'll all support me and swear you never saw this post, right? (Since I'll promptly delete it!) Actually, if you think about it, writers everywhere should rejoice. If L. Ron Hubbard can write science fiction so well that it becomes a religion, it shows the power of the pen. Now, if I can just start my own mother-daughter revolution, Depression Cookies will fly off the shelves. What author can you imagine spearheading the next religious movement?
L. Ron HubbardScientology was founded by L. Ron Hubbard, an American Pulp Fiction author. According to Wikipedia: After establishing a career as a writer, becoming best known for his science fiction and fantasy stories, he developed a self-help system called Dianetics which was first published in May 1950. He subsequently developed his ideas into a wide-ranging set of doctrines and rituals as part of a new religious movement that he called Scientology. Scientology teaches that people are immortal beings who have forgotten their true nature. "In the primordial past, thetans brought the material universe into being largely for their own pleasure. The universe has no independent reality, but derives its apparent reality from the fact that most thetans agree it exists. Thetans fell from grace when they began to identify with their creation, rather than their original state of spiritual purity. Eventually they lost their memory of their true nature, along with the associated spiritual and creative powers. As a result, thetans came to think of themselves as nothing but embodied beings." (Source) Note: I was going to put this into my own words, but quite frankly I wasn't sure I could. A creature from another planet, Xenu, features prominently. "Xenu, also spelled Xemu, was, according to the founder of Scientology L. Ron Hubbard, the dictator of the "Galactic Confederacy" who, 75 million years ago, brought billions of his people to Earth in a DC-8-like spacecraft, stacked them around volcanoes and killed them using hydrogen bombs. Official Scientology scriptures hold that the essences of these many people remained, and that they form around people in modern times, causing them spiritual harm." (Source) "The thetans who were captured and exploded on Earth are the origin of body thetans. Each human has his or her own thetan, which Scientologists purify through auditing until the practitioner reaches a state of Clear. While a Clear's own thetan is now free of destructive engrams, his physical form is still inhabited by body thetans: clusters of these ancient, executed thetans." (Source) Note: Again, I would have attempted to put this into my own words, but I found the task near to impossible. It's a bit out there, if I may say so. Formally recognized as a religion in 1993. The US granted full tax-exempt status to the church in December 1993. In 2007, the church claimed 3.5 million members in the US. But in 2008, the American Religious Identification Survey found that the number dropped to 25,000. (Source) But, this quote from L. Ron Hubbard (LA Times, 1978), is what I found most fascinating... "Writing for a penny a word is ridiculous. If a man really wanted to make a million dollars, the best way to do it would be start his own religion."My husband joked that I shouldn't publish this post because it would ruin my chances of working in Hollywood. I'll take my chances. If I manage to land a movie deal one of these days, you'll all support me and swear you never saw this post, right? (Since I'll promptly delete it!) Actually, if you think about it, writers everywhere should rejoice. If L. Ron Hubbard can write science fiction so well that it becomes a religion, it shows the power of the pen. Now, if I can just start my own mother-daughter revolution, Depression Cookies will fly off the shelves. What author can you imagine spearheading the next religious movement?
September 13, 2012
The Women Behind this Woman
This month, I am taking part in BlogHer's "Eye" daily blogging challenge to allow my readers to get to know me, to bare my soul if you will.
Today's prompt: Who is someone you wish you could see again?
My great-grandmotherI am torn between my maternal grandmother and great-grandmother. Both women were ahead of their time and intricate pieces of the puzzle that was to become my mother, and I was blessed to know both of them for many years. My great-grandmother, Antho Greer LeMaire, passed away when I was in my early 30s while my grandmother, Mazelle LeMaire Beach, passed away in my late 30s.
In this day and age, very few people get to know their grandmother for that many years, much less their great-grandmother. My children won't. Their great-grandmothers are all gone. They won't know them. That makes me so sad.
My grandmotherIf I could see my grandmothers again, I'd have a list of questions a mile long. Questions I never thought to ask them before they left for their new journey. Just as importantly, I'd want them to spend time with my children and teach them the best of each of their generations, to teach them about true strength and character.
My great-grandmother was a Southern dame who never shied away from expressing her opinion. One day she told me she just might live forever. I knew if will alone could make it possible, she would do it. But I asked her why. "Heaven might not take me, and Hell isn't ready for the likes of me."
My grandmother was the backbone of my mother's family, one of the hardest working women I've ever known, outside of my mother--the daughter she influenced.
As a writer, I kick myself for the opportunity I missed to write down every word they ever said and extract words they never uttered.
The only thing I can do now to honor their memories is never miss the same opportunity with my own mother, and to make sure my kids know her like I knew the generations before me.
Speaking of the women in my life...
Wishing my mother, Angela Silverthorne, a Happy Birthday today! I am so blessed to have you in my life and my children's lives.
Who is someone you wish you could see again?
Today's prompt: Who is someone you wish you could see again?
My great-grandmotherI am torn between my maternal grandmother and great-grandmother. Both women were ahead of their time and intricate pieces of the puzzle that was to become my mother, and I was blessed to know both of them for many years. My great-grandmother, Antho Greer LeMaire, passed away when I was in my early 30s while my grandmother, Mazelle LeMaire Beach, passed away in my late 30s.In this day and age, very few people get to know their grandmother for that many years, much less their great-grandmother. My children won't. Their great-grandmothers are all gone. They won't know them. That makes me so sad.
My grandmotherIf I could see my grandmothers again, I'd have a list of questions a mile long. Questions I never thought to ask them before they left for their new journey. Just as importantly, I'd want them to spend time with my children and teach them the best of each of their generations, to teach them about true strength and character.My great-grandmother was a Southern dame who never shied away from expressing her opinion. One day she told me she just might live forever. I knew if will alone could make it possible, she would do it. But I asked her why. "Heaven might not take me, and Hell isn't ready for the likes of me."
My grandmother was the backbone of my mother's family, one of the hardest working women I've ever known, outside of my mother--the daughter she influenced.
As a writer, I kick myself for the opportunity I missed to write down every word they ever said and extract words they never uttered.
The only thing I can do now to honor their memories is never miss the same opportunity with my own mother, and to make sure my kids know her like I knew the generations before me.
Speaking of the women in my life...
Wishing my mother, Angela Silverthorne, a Happy Birthday today! I am so blessed to have you in my life and my children's lives.
Who is someone you wish you could see again?
September 12, 2012
The Next Best Thing Teaser: ROW80 Update
The Next Big Thing...
Dreaming I was rocking the ROW!
What writer doesn't want to be the next big thing?
Although, I'd be happy with the next bitty thing, known in the reading and writing community but still able to lead a normal life day to day. To dream.
Thanks to Sandi Tuttle (an amazing blogger, writer, and supporter of writers), I was tagged today to participate in The Next Big Thing Blog Hop. Basically, I will answer ten questions about my newest WIP and tag five authors to do the same the following week. I will publish mine next Wednesday, and I'm looking for 5 of my writer friends to participate.
Please let me know if you are interested so I can include you in my post next week. You'd then have a week (to post on Wednesday, 9/26) to complete the ten questions and tag five more people. Check out Sandi's post to see how it's done, or even Jo Michaels' post here.
I am blessed to know a lot of writers, and I'm interested in what you are all writing about, so please leave your name below if you are interested in being tagged.
Looking through the questions made me really excited to get my WIP done and out there for readers.
*****
My A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) Update
Writing: Is it really Wednesday? If so, I lost Monday and Tuesday somewhere. If any of you see a few extra days laying around, please return them. I can't afford to lose any!
Editing: I'm happy to report I made progress in this area. Yesterday, I dropped in on Lauren Garafalo and Julie Jordan Scott for #teamsprinty #row80 (2Pm EST weekdays). I needed to get through some editing, and they kept me motivated. Thanks, gals!!
Reading: Still struggling a bit with Anne Lamott's Blue Shoe. This is what happens when I go in with very high expectations.
Social Media: My head's still under water, but I'm determined to come up quickly for air and make some progress!
Blogging: Several subjects came up that kept me away from the BlogHer "eye" prompts, but I have been blogging daily. Actually, this week I've also blogged daily on Mom in Love with Fiction, my review blog.
I hope my fellow ROW80 writers are achieving their goals and cranking out words!
Dreaming I was rocking the ROW!What writer doesn't want to be the next big thing?
Although, I'd be happy with the next bitty thing, known in the reading and writing community but still able to lead a normal life day to day. To dream.
Thanks to Sandi Tuttle (an amazing blogger, writer, and supporter of writers), I was tagged today to participate in The Next Big Thing Blog Hop. Basically, I will answer ten questions about my newest WIP and tag five authors to do the same the following week. I will publish mine next Wednesday, and I'm looking for 5 of my writer friends to participate.
Please let me know if you are interested so I can include you in my post next week. You'd then have a week (to post on Wednesday, 9/26) to complete the ten questions and tag five more people. Check out Sandi's post to see how it's done, or even Jo Michaels' post here.
I am blessed to know a lot of writers, and I'm interested in what you are all writing about, so please leave your name below if you are interested in being tagged.
Looking through the questions made me really excited to get my WIP done and out there for readers.
*****
My A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) Update
Writing: Is it really Wednesday? If so, I lost Monday and Tuesday somewhere. If any of you see a few extra days laying around, please return them. I can't afford to lose any!
Editing: I'm happy to report I made progress in this area. Yesterday, I dropped in on Lauren Garafalo and Julie Jordan Scott for #teamsprinty #row80 (2Pm EST weekdays). I needed to get through some editing, and they kept me motivated. Thanks, gals!!
Reading: Still struggling a bit with Anne Lamott's Blue Shoe. This is what happens when I go in with very high expectations.
Social Media: My head's still under water, but I'm determined to come up quickly for air and make some progress!
Blogging: Several subjects came up that kept me away from the BlogHer "eye" prompts, but I have been blogging daily. Actually, this week I've also blogged daily on Mom in Love with Fiction, my review blog.
I hope my fellow ROW80 writers are achieving their goals and cranking out words!
