Tia Silverthorne Bach's Blog, page 79
April 27, 2012
Xanthippe & Xenophon = X: Blogging from A to Z
Ah, X. Game on. I can't take credit for thinking of Xanthippe (nod to Mom, thanks!) or for knowing anything about Socrates' wife (or that he had one). Too often in history those who support and uplift are relegated to the dark background. I'm still waiting for someone to tell me the name of Noah's wife. You can't tell me she wasn't doing her fair share on that Ark, so it seems her name should at least be mentioned.
But back to Xanthippe.
Xanthippe [zænˈθɪpɪ], n
1. (Biographies / Xanthippe F, Greek, MISC: wife of Socrates) the wife of Socrates, proverbial as a scolding and quarrelsome woman2. any nagging, peevish, or irritable woman
Wow, that's quite the legacy. Now, I'm sure Socrates must have been one tough man to live with for her to have earned such a reputation. One particular story has Xanthippe dumping a chamber pot on Socrates' head. According to various online sources, she was almost 40 years his junior and they had three sons close in age.
Can you imagine being married to a man "known for confusing, stinging and stunning his conversation partners into the unpleasant experience of realizing their own ignorance, a state sometimes superseded by genuine intellectual curiosity"? (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy) And also one known for this quote: "As to marriage or celibacy, let a man take which course he will, he will be sure to repent."
I'm thinking some repenting caused the chamber pot incident. Just a theory, so Socrates would be proud.
Did you know Socrates didn't write philosophical texts? Most of his legacy is told through his star pupil, Plato. Scholars aren't sure how much of Plato's version is strictly fact or fictionalized character. Another pupil, Xenophon, is credited with sullying Xanthippe's good name.
From Wikipedia: It is only in Xenophon's Symposium where we have Socrates agree that she is (in Antisthenes' words) "the hardest to get along with of all the women there are." Nevertheless, Socrates adds that he chose her precisely because of her argumentative spirit.
Sounds like Xanthippe should get some credit for pushing Socrates to greater heights. Of all of Socrates' famous quotes, I'm hoping he utilized this one most at home: "As for me, all I know is that I know nothing."
If your name could live on, what definition would you like it to represent?
As for me, I'm happy that Tia stands for Truth in Advertising. I want to be known for representing myself truthfully and openly.
*****
Only two to go. I bet you can hardly hide your excitement! Please check back for Y & Z. I'd give you a preview, but I'm still mulling over my options.
Check out some other X posts, and great blogs, here.
But back to Xanthippe.Xanthippe [zænˈθɪpɪ], n
1. (Biographies / Xanthippe F, Greek, MISC: wife of Socrates) the wife of Socrates, proverbial as a scolding and quarrelsome woman2. any nagging, peevish, or irritable woman
Wow, that's quite the legacy. Now, I'm sure Socrates must have been one tough man to live with for her to have earned such a reputation. One particular story has Xanthippe dumping a chamber pot on Socrates' head. According to various online sources, she was almost 40 years his junior and they had three sons close in age.
Can you imagine being married to a man "known for confusing, stinging and stunning his conversation partners into the unpleasant experience of realizing their own ignorance, a state sometimes superseded by genuine intellectual curiosity"? (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy) And also one known for this quote: "As to marriage or celibacy, let a man take which course he will, he will be sure to repent."
I'm thinking some repenting caused the chamber pot incident. Just a theory, so Socrates would be proud.
Did you know Socrates didn't write philosophical texts? Most of his legacy is told through his star pupil, Plato. Scholars aren't sure how much of Plato's version is strictly fact or fictionalized character. Another pupil, Xenophon, is credited with sullying Xanthippe's good name.
From Wikipedia: It is only in Xenophon's Symposium where we have Socrates agree that she is (in Antisthenes' words) "the hardest to get along with of all the women there are." Nevertheless, Socrates adds that he chose her precisely because of her argumentative spirit.
Sounds like Xanthippe should get some credit for pushing Socrates to greater heights. Of all of Socrates' famous quotes, I'm hoping he utilized this one most at home: "As for me, all I know is that I know nothing."
If your name could live on, what definition would you like it to represent?
As for me, I'm happy that Tia stands for Truth in Advertising. I want to be known for representing myself truthfully and openly.
*****
Only two to go. I bet you can hardly hide your excitement! Please check back for Y & Z. I'd give you a preview, but I'm still mulling over my options.
Check out some other X posts, and great blogs, here.
April 26, 2012
Writing Wanderlust = W: Blogging from A to Z
I have a strong desire to explore the world through writing and reading. The writing fire is a constant burn within me. Whether I'm working on my latest novel or writing a blog post, I can't imagine a day where words don't bring me happiness. It's my way of figuring out why we are here. Or trying to anyway.
Sometimes this wanderlust is a curse, because writing a novel takes patience and focus. My mind wants to jump around to different topics and tackle new writing challenges. Once I have an idea, I have to force myself to stay with it until the end. To truly savor the journey, I can't be wanting to take another one.
“The person susceptible to wanderlust is not so much addicted to movement as committed to transformation.” Pico Iyer
Writing allows me to give characters troubles I might be facing or contemplating. Through their journey, I can have my own. Blog posts and journal entries also give me tools to answering life's toughest questions.
Do you have wanderlust?*****
Only 3 days left for A to Z. I can't wait to see what others come up with for X, Y, Z. Check out some amazing bloggers here.
And a special shout-out to my baby girl, Madeleine Elizabeth. She is seven today. I am grateful to call myself her mom and help her on this journey we call life.
That was then
This is now
Sometimes this wanderlust is a curse, because writing a novel takes patience and focus. My mind wants to jump around to different topics and tackle new writing challenges. Once I have an idea, I have to force myself to stay with it until the end. To truly savor the journey, I can't be wanting to take another one.
“The person susceptible to wanderlust is not so much addicted to movement as committed to transformation.” Pico Iyer
Writing allows me to give characters troubles I might be facing or contemplating. Through their journey, I can have my own. Blog posts and journal entries also give me tools to answering life's toughest questions.
Do you have wanderlust?*****
Only 3 days left for A to Z. I can't wait to see what others come up with for X, Y, Z. Check out some amazing bloggers here.
And a special shout-out to my baby girl, Madeleine Elizabeth. She is seven today. I am grateful to call myself her mom and help her on this journey we call life.
That was then
This is now
April 25, 2012
When Will I Learn? = ROW80 Check In
What is it about knowing what will work that causes me to do the opposite? I know eating too much sugar makes me bloated and yucky, yet I crave it. I know I have to write to accumulate words, yet I let anything and everything distract me from it. Yes, let. As much as I'd like to pretend otherwise, it's a choice. A choice I make way too much these days.
It's so much easier to blame distractions (phone rings; email, FB, and Twitter announcements flash on my phone; stomach growls; kids come home; and on and on) than to focus.
Today, I forced myself to do a #ROW80 #teamsprinty word sprint. Yes, I must use the word forced. I tried a thousand times during the day to talk myself out of it, although I wasn't totally conscious of doing so. "I have so much to do," kept taking over my thoughts.
In the first thirty minutes of the sprint, I had 208 words. They came out slowly and painfully. I was set to give up, but I couldn't go out with a 208 thirty-minute check in. I may be pig-headed, but I'm no quitter. The second half whizzed by, and I had 822 more words to show for it. And, guess what? I kept writing for thirty minutes and added 671 words. An hour and a half of focus resulted in 1,701 words.
I've learned this lesson before, so back to my title... when will I learn? Why do I fight what I know to be true? I do this with more things than writing, and it's starting to tick me off. I'm going to be 40 in August, and it's high time I learn a lesson and log it permanently into my brain. Learning a lesson the first time is hard enough!
Wish me luck!
My ROW80 Update
Writing: See above. Now to make 2-3pm part of my magic writing time at least 3x a week. That's now part of my goals.
Blogging: A to Z is still cruising along (although it's also been one of my excuses not to work on the WIP). Since Sunday: Tripping over Transitions = T, Undone and Unsettled = U (thanks, Mom!), and Veracity = V.
Editing: I have signed on to be a beta reader for the first time. I'll include that here, because I don't know that I can differentiate between beta reading and editing. Can someone enlighten me? I can't help but to correct and offer suggestions. But, as a beta reader versus a hired editor, should I only give generalized impressions?
Social Media: I'm catching up, but refusing to let it be my excuse for not getting other things done.
Reading: Still going strong. I finished another book Monday, and reviewed it. Finally wrote my Ape House review for tomorrow (on Mom in Love with Fiction).
Exercise: Running is becoming a way of life for me, thanks to some wonderful running partners. I never thought I'd say that. Ever. I'm quite proud of myself. Sugar, however, loves to present itself as a reward. Still working on conquering that.
Check out some other A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) participants here.
It's so much easier to blame distractions (phone rings; email, FB, and Twitter announcements flash on my phone; stomach growls; kids come home; and on and on) than to focus.Today, I forced myself to do a #ROW80 #teamsprinty word sprint. Yes, I must use the word forced. I tried a thousand times during the day to talk myself out of it, although I wasn't totally conscious of doing so. "I have so much to do," kept taking over my thoughts.
In the first thirty minutes of the sprint, I had 208 words. They came out slowly and painfully. I was set to give up, but I couldn't go out with a 208 thirty-minute check in. I may be pig-headed, but I'm no quitter. The second half whizzed by, and I had 822 more words to show for it. And, guess what? I kept writing for thirty minutes and added 671 words. An hour and a half of focus resulted in 1,701 words.
I've learned this lesson before, so back to my title... when will I learn? Why do I fight what I know to be true? I do this with more things than writing, and it's starting to tick me off. I'm going to be 40 in August, and it's high time I learn a lesson and log it permanently into my brain. Learning a lesson the first time is hard enough!
Wish me luck!
My ROW80 Update
Writing: See above. Now to make 2-3pm part of my magic writing time at least 3x a week. That's now part of my goals.
Blogging: A to Z is still cruising along (although it's also been one of my excuses not to work on the WIP). Since Sunday: Tripping over Transitions = T, Undone and Unsettled = U (thanks, Mom!), and Veracity = V.
Editing: I have signed on to be a beta reader for the first time. I'll include that here, because I don't know that I can differentiate between beta reading and editing. Can someone enlighten me? I can't help but to correct and offer suggestions. But, as a beta reader versus a hired editor, should I only give generalized impressions?
Social Media: I'm catching up, but refusing to let it be my excuse for not getting other things done.
Reading: Still going strong. I finished another book Monday, and reviewed it. Finally wrote my Ape House review for tomorrow (on Mom in Love with Fiction).
Exercise: Running is becoming a way of life for me, thanks to some wonderful running partners. I never thought I'd say that. Ever. I'm quite proud of myself. Sugar, however, loves to present itself as a reward. Still working on conquering that.
Check out some other A Round of Words in 80 Days (ROW80) participants here.
Veracity = V: Blogging from A to Z
Not only did Mom and I co-author
Depression Cookies
, but she's a frequent guest here. She's the reason I love writing and reading, and I credit her with so much of who I am.
But, I wanted to use V to talk about Dad. Both my parents are super-honest people, but Dad was the one who really drove the importance of veracity ("devotion to the truth") home. We are all human, and we all lie on occasion. Yet, I try with every fiber of my being to be honest and truthful with people.
However, that doesn't mean I am compelled to go spouting my truth to anyone who will listen. As Dad often said, "I try not to ever lie, but that doesn't mean I go blabbing the truth."
Plus, there's an important element to truth that we should all consider: my truth may not be yours. I may strongly believe in something, hold it as truth in my heart, but that does not mean someone else believes the same. Truth is in the mind of the beholder, and it's easy to manipulate or evade. Not to mention, if you lie to yourself long enough, doesn't it become your truth?
Growing up, my dad often said:
You have the audacity
to doubt my veracity
to insinuate
that I might prevaricate.
Few things insult me more than someone telling me I'm lying, particularly my children. I tell them they can always expect the truth from me. Then my daughter pointed out the "Santa lie" as proof that I don't. I really had to ponder that one.
So, now I'm even more honest with my children. I tell them I will always do what I think is in their best interest, and will always give them direct and honest answers to their questions. Santa, the Tooth Fairy, and the Easter bunny fall into the "don't go blabbing the truth" idea.
To further complicate veracity, I think little white lies that protect people's feelings are justified. ("No, you don't look fat in that dress.")
So after all this talk about being devoted to the truth, I sure seem to have come up with many exceptions to the rule.
What does veracity mean to you?
But, I wanted to use V to talk about Dad. Both my parents are super-honest people, but Dad was the one who really drove the importance of veracity ("devotion to the truth") home. We are all human, and we all lie on occasion. Yet, I try with every fiber of my being to be honest and truthful with people.
However, that doesn't mean I am compelled to go spouting my truth to anyone who will listen. As Dad often said, "I try not to ever lie, but that doesn't mean I go blabbing the truth."
Plus, there's an important element to truth that we should all consider: my truth may not be yours. I may strongly believe in something, hold it as truth in my heart, but that does not mean someone else believes the same. Truth is in the mind of the beholder, and it's easy to manipulate or evade. Not to mention, if you lie to yourself long enough, doesn't it become your truth?
Growing up, my dad often said:
You have the audacity
to doubt my veracity
to insinuate
that I might prevaricate.
Few things insult me more than someone telling me I'm lying, particularly my children. I tell them they can always expect the truth from me. Then my daughter pointed out the "Santa lie" as proof that I don't. I really had to ponder that one.
So, now I'm even more honest with my children. I tell them I will always do what I think is in their best interest, and will always give them direct and honest answers to their questions. Santa, the Tooth Fairy, and the Easter bunny fall into the "don't go blabbing the truth" idea.
To further complicate veracity, I think little white lies that protect people's feelings are justified. ("No, you don't look fat in that dress.")
So after all this talk about being devoted to the truth, I sure seem to have come up with many exceptions to the rule.
What does veracity mean to you?
April 24, 2012
Undone & Unsettled = U: Blogging from A to Z
One of my biggest blessings is my relationship with my mother. I hope my daughters feel the same way about me someday.
Today, please welcome Mom. She's guest posting for U day in Blogging from A to Z, and please come back to finish the journey V through Z. Only five more days of A to Z fun!
But, for now, please enjoy Mom's call to action.
*****
Undone and Unsettled I like these words. For years I fought both, never wanting to seem vulnerable or weak. Today, I find them freeing and revolutionary. I want to be undone and unsettled. I want to feel undone and unsettled. Not in the case of a health crisis, a bounced check, or relationship problems. I want to be undone and unsettled from the ordinary, mundane day-to-day experiences.
Maybe I won’t get Flynn Ryder coming through my bedroom window, but maybe, just maybe, I will push the limits and strive to see today in a way I’ve never seen it before. To experience something so intentionally that it becomes a cherished memory.
What does this mean? Undone? Unsettled? It is a new mantra to empower us, move us to initiate newness and boldness in our lives. A lot of people start every New Year off with a list of resolutions to pump-up and prepare themselves for more . . . move more, eat less, live a healthier lifestyle . . . yadda, yadda, yadda. How long did it last for you this year? It is April, you know.
So why not forget all that foolishness. Get undone and unsettled. Now I didn’t say overdone and overdue, I said undone and unsettled. It’s bold, and it’s courageous. Every day for a month push yourself to do something outrageously female. Eat a dish of creamy, decadent pasta and follow it with spumoni. Indulge in a second glass of wine. Take a friend or a lover with you and laugh out loud and unabashed. Savor each mouthful as if it was pure gold and you are worth every dime of it. It’s so much more tantalizing to be uninhibited. Make eye contact with the person at the table next to you and smile like you’re Sophia Loren, shove those breasts up high and round. Forget the belly. Only wimpy women care what’s below the table’s edge.
That could be day one. For day two through thirty, dream up idiotic, fun, exploratory things. You don’t have to sign it, kiss it, or live with it. It’s just for the day! And for fun, share one brazen, hussy thing to tantalize us with. I can’t wait to hear from you!
Today, please welcome Mom. She's guest posting for U day in Blogging from A to Z, and please come back to finish the journey V through Z. Only five more days of A to Z fun!
But, for now, please enjoy Mom's call to action.
*****
Undone and Unsettled I like these words. For years I fought both, never wanting to seem vulnerable or weak. Today, I find them freeing and revolutionary. I want to be undone and unsettled. I want to feel undone and unsettled. Not in the case of a health crisis, a bounced check, or relationship problems. I want to be undone and unsettled from the ordinary, mundane day-to-day experiences.
Maybe I won’t get Flynn Ryder coming through my bedroom window, but maybe, just maybe, I will push the limits and strive to see today in a way I’ve never seen it before. To experience something so intentionally that it becomes a cherished memory.What does this mean? Undone? Unsettled? It is a new mantra to empower us, move us to initiate newness and boldness in our lives. A lot of people start every New Year off with a list of resolutions to pump-up and prepare themselves for more . . . move more, eat less, live a healthier lifestyle . . . yadda, yadda, yadda. How long did it last for you this year? It is April, you know.
So why not forget all that foolishness. Get undone and unsettled. Now I didn’t say overdone and overdue, I said undone and unsettled. It’s bold, and it’s courageous. Every day for a month push yourself to do something outrageously female. Eat a dish of creamy, decadent pasta and follow it with spumoni. Indulge in a second glass of wine. Take a friend or a lover with you and laugh out loud and unabashed. Savor each mouthful as if it was pure gold and you are worth every dime of it. It’s so much more tantalizing to be uninhibited. Make eye contact with the person at the table next to you and smile like you’re Sophia Loren, shove those breasts up high and round. Forget the belly. Only wimpy women care what’s below the table’s edge.
That could be day one. For day two through thirty, dream up idiotic, fun, exploratory things. You don’t have to sign it, kiss it, or live with it. It’s just for the day! And for fun, share one brazen, hussy thing to tantalize us with. I can’t wait to hear from you!
April 23, 2012
Tripping over Transitions = T: Blogging from A to Z
As a mother, I know a lot about transitions. But knowing and mastering are two completely different things. Most kids don't like transition and they
really
don't like quick, unexpected changes. You can't move too quickly from play to work or homework to activities. Rushing them only makes the situation more volatile. But it's hard to space things out in a way that everyone flows gracefully from one thing to another.
I feel the same way when I'm reading. I don't like an abrupt and unexplained change in story, focus, or voice without any explanation.
A good book should be an interesting journey down a scenic, winding path--not a straight drop off a cliff. Some tense and surprising story changes can add to drama, but it has to be expertly done to not be jarring. I don't mind a maze, as long as I'm never left so frustrated that giving up seems easier than finishing.
Abrupt story changes leave the reader scratching his/her head. An author should give the reader as few excuses as possible to pull away from the story. If a reader's mind starts to wander, they disengage. Almost every 5-star review talks about not being able to put a book down. These types of books have seamless transitions.
Flashbacks and changing narrators make for tricky transitions. When it's done well, the story threads weave together into a beautiful tapestry. When it's not, it's a first time knitter's three-armed sweater.
How much stumbling can you take before you put a book down? What story elements do you feel are the trickiest transitions?
I feel the same way when I'm reading. I don't like an abrupt and unexplained change in story, focus, or voice without any explanation. A good book should be an interesting journey down a scenic, winding path--not a straight drop off a cliff. Some tense and surprising story changes can add to drama, but it has to be expertly done to not be jarring. I don't mind a maze, as long as I'm never left so frustrated that giving up seems easier than finishing.
Abrupt story changes leave the reader scratching his/her head. An author should give the reader as few excuses as possible to pull away from the story. If a reader's mind starts to wander, they disengage. Almost every 5-star review talks about not being able to put a book down. These types of books have seamless transitions.
Flashbacks and changing narrators make for tricky transitions. When it's done well, the story threads weave together into a beautiful tapestry. When it's not, it's a first time knitter's three-armed sweater.
How much stumbling can you take before you put a book down? What story elements do you feel are the trickiest transitions?
April 22, 2012
Damn Ants: ROW80 Check In
I know what you're thinking... what could ants possibly have to do with my A Round of Words in 80 Days check in post? Well, since you asked...
Wikipedia Yesterday, I went to put away our Costco haul into the pantry. As I was moving things around, I found a colony of ants. I freaked, bugs tend to do that to me. I started pulling everything out... not just the stuff on the floor level where the ants were. Everything.
My husband sees my panic attack and tries to help. He's a good man, but hanging with me in a small space while I freak out is a bit beyond the call of duty. (The children ran and hid. I thought my panic scared them off, but it was their own fear. Turns out the ant attraction was an opened box of cookies left on the pantry floor.)
I never saw an ant above the floor level, but I was a woman on a mission. Then I decided that the connected washroom could be hiding some critters, so I started scrubbing and rearranging in there too. Once I had the vacuum out, it made sense to vacuum the whole main level. And so on.
The ant-writing connection: my original goal was to put things away and move on. But the ants completely sidetracked me, and I lost focus. The Costco stuff was sitting in the kitchen in piles while I freaked out. A simple task snowballed into two hours of insanity.
Daily, it is my goal to sit down and write. I usually start by reading the previous chapter to spark the story in my brain. Too often I find ants running around. I start editing or think of a post I want to do. Two hours later, I haven't added one single word to my WIP.
Granted, some situations require immediate attention, but most of my ant-distracting moments are social media, editing, shiny objects. I need to just clean the ant-infested area, instead of letting distractions domino and take over.
Okay, enough about bugs...
Writing: The ants took over. I read a chapter and then went back and worked on some inconsistencies (and let many other distractions take me away as well). I need to move forward and stop going back. The problem: the more time between writing sessions, the more I need to read the previous chapter to get in the zone.
Do you reread the last few pages before you start writing again, or do you go with it and plan to go back later and fix any issues?
I feel like re-reading is distracting me lately. My goal is to put writing first and not even look at anything else. I might have to take my laptop and go somewhere without distractions (or wi-fi). My home is not that place.
Also, I need to take a couple of days and do some outlining. I'm a write-by-the-seat-of-my-pants kind of lady, but it might be time to embrace planning.
Blogging: Oh the places you'll go, when A to Z you must row. Okay, Dr. Seuss I'm not, but I'm really enjoying the brain firing that's going on for this challenge. Since Wednesday, I posted: Questioning Quantity & Quality, 'Riting & Receiving Reviews, and Story Strengths. And I reviewed a book, ReVamped (4.5 stars), on Mom in Love with Fiction.
Editing: The nonfiction book I've been working on needed one more look before going to the printer. I found quite a few formatting errors. I love editing, but I feel such pressure to make sure nothing gets by me. I honestly feel like I could edit from now until the end of time and find SOMETHING!
Reading: Still reading at least a book a week. I'm finding the time to read, but now I need to find some time to sleep. I'd rather read than sleep, but my body doesn't always agree.
Social Media: I seem to be perpetually behind, but I'm not giving up! If I haven't been to see you in awhile, leave me a comment and challenge me to get by your blog. I'm all about a good challenge. ;-)
Exercise: Friday morning I got up at 5am to do a 5-mile run. I'm working on adding more protein (thanks, Eloise!) and avoiding sugar.
If I haven't been by to encourage you yet this ROW80 round, I apologize. I'm pulling for you, and I plan to make a stop by your blog soon to make sure you know it.
Want to know more about A Round of Words in 80 Days or its participants, please visit here.
Wikipedia Yesterday, I went to put away our Costco haul into the pantry. As I was moving things around, I found a colony of ants. I freaked, bugs tend to do that to me. I started pulling everything out... not just the stuff on the floor level where the ants were. Everything.My husband sees my panic attack and tries to help. He's a good man, but hanging with me in a small space while I freak out is a bit beyond the call of duty. (The children ran and hid. I thought my panic scared them off, but it was their own fear. Turns out the ant attraction was an opened box of cookies left on the pantry floor.)
I never saw an ant above the floor level, but I was a woman on a mission. Then I decided that the connected washroom could be hiding some critters, so I started scrubbing and rearranging in there too. Once I had the vacuum out, it made sense to vacuum the whole main level. And so on.
The ant-writing connection: my original goal was to put things away and move on. But the ants completely sidetracked me, and I lost focus. The Costco stuff was sitting in the kitchen in piles while I freaked out. A simple task snowballed into two hours of insanity.
Daily, it is my goal to sit down and write. I usually start by reading the previous chapter to spark the story in my brain. Too often I find ants running around. I start editing or think of a post I want to do. Two hours later, I haven't added one single word to my WIP.
Granted, some situations require immediate attention, but most of my ant-distracting moments are social media, editing, shiny objects. I need to just clean the ant-infested area, instead of letting distractions domino and take over.
Okay, enough about bugs...
Writing: The ants took over. I read a chapter and then went back and worked on some inconsistencies (and let many other distractions take me away as well). I need to move forward and stop going back. The problem: the more time between writing sessions, the more I need to read the previous chapter to get in the zone.
Do you reread the last few pages before you start writing again, or do you go with it and plan to go back later and fix any issues?
I feel like re-reading is distracting me lately. My goal is to put writing first and not even look at anything else. I might have to take my laptop and go somewhere without distractions (or wi-fi). My home is not that place.
Also, I need to take a couple of days and do some outlining. I'm a write-by-the-seat-of-my-pants kind of lady, but it might be time to embrace planning.
Blogging: Oh the places you'll go, when A to Z you must row. Okay, Dr. Seuss I'm not, but I'm really enjoying the brain firing that's going on for this challenge. Since Wednesday, I posted: Questioning Quantity & Quality, 'Riting & Receiving Reviews, and Story Strengths. And I reviewed a book, ReVamped (4.5 stars), on Mom in Love with Fiction.
Editing: The nonfiction book I've been working on needed one more look before going to the printer. I found quite a few formatting errors. I love editing, but I feel such pressure to make sure nothing gets by me. I honestly feel like I could edit from now until the end of time and find SOMETHING!
Reading: Still reading at least a book a week. I'm finding the time to read, but now I need to find some time to sleep. I'd rather read than sleep, but my body doesn't always agree.
Social Media: I seem to be perpetually behind, but I'm not giving up! If I haven't been to see you in awhile, leave me a comment and challenge me to get by your blog. I'm all about a good challenge. ;-)
Exercise: Friday morning I got up at 5am to do a 5-mile run. I'm working on adding more protein (thanks, Eloise!) and avoiding sugar.
If I haven't been by to encourage you yet this ROW80 round, I apologize. I'm pulling for you, and I plan to make a stop by your blog soon to make sure you know it.
Want to know more about A Round of Words in 80 Days or its participants, please visit here.
April 21, 2012
Story Strengths = S: Blogging from A to Z
I love stories, whether in book form or oral, and find myself attracted to storytellers. Some of my dearest friends know the art of spinning a tale; it could be about their husband, their children, childhood memories, something that happened to them, and so on. Not only do I find sharing stories entertaining, I find it a way for us to bond and relate to each other.
My Favorite "S" Story Elements
Sarcasm
Ah, I adore the wit and humor needed to pull off sarcasm. I've always been a fan. However, a warning to anyone who loves sarcasm and is considering becoming a parent... the two don't mix. Children do not have the capacity to understand sarcasm for many years. Case in point: my middle daughter is quite verbal, and I quite sarcastic. When she was about five, she was having a meltdown (about what, I can't remember... God grants Mommies the gift of amnesia so our children survive). The crying was so fake, I could barely stand it. Then she said she was going to keep crying until she got what she wanted. Distracted and bored with the drama, I offhandedly said, "Like that's going to work." She looked at me, slightly confused, and asked the obvious question, "It is?"
Sweet
Nothing's better than an endearing story, especially about children or loved ones. Sweetness, at least for me, can wear a bit thin if it gets gooey or downright over the top. But it's a nice element when mixed in with others. (Note: sweet should never be confused with sweat. Ask my husband who once started a card to me with, Dear Sweaty.)
Saucy/Sexy
We all want a little sexiness in our lives. Look at the success of Fifty Shades of Gray by E L James. It's tantalizing and tempting, or so I've been told. As far as sharing stories with friends, the sexy element is in the delivery. Sexiness doesn't always have to be about sex; it's something alluring and that piques our interest. (Note: Another argument for e-readers... books like Fifty Shades of Gray. Nobody on an airplane or in the doctor's office will ever know what you are reading!)
Sincerity
Without this, you have little. I don't mind a tall tale every now and again, but what I really want is to know someone means every word they say. Readers and listeners are savvy, and they'll know when you aren't being genuine.
Secrets
We all love a juicy secret. Gossip has survived for generations due to our desire to be privy to knowledge. It's not just the secret, it's the feeling of knowing someone wants to confide in you. In novels, the reader gets to be privy to the secret and see the repercussions.
Silly
The best source for these stories: children. I love listening to a child, particularly my own, go on and on and developing their own sense of storytelling. A bit of silliness from adults and characters in books is usually a welcome breath of fresh of air, too.
Sadness
Life is a grand mix of happy and sad. Happiness means more when it comes out of or after moments of sadness. Without one, the other is cheapened. Sadness helps us relate and realize we all have our struggles. I believe sharing sad stories can bring us all together quicker than the happy ones.
It's all about balance and moderation. Too much of any of these hurts a story.
What do you think is the best S element of storytelling?
****
We so appreciate everyone who is stopping by to enjoy our A to Z journey. Please join us for T to Z. Check out some of the other participants here.
My Favorite "S" Story ElementsSarcasm
Ah, I adore the wit and humor needed to pull off sarcasm. I've always been a fan. However, a warning to anyone who loves sarcasm and is considering becoming a parent... the two don't mix. Children do not have the capacity to understand sarcasm for many years. Case in point: my middle daughter is quite verbal, and I quite sarcastic. When she was about five, she was having a meltdown (about what, I can't remember... God grants Mommies the gift of amnesia so our children survive). The crying was so fake, I could barely stand it. Then she said she was going to keep crying until she got what she wanted. Distracted and bored with the drama, I offhandedly said, "Like that's going to work." She looked at me, slightly confused, and asked the obvious question, "It is?"
Sweet
Nothing's better than an endearing story, especially about children or loved ones. Sweetness, at least for me, can wear a bit thin if it gets gooey or downright over the top. But it's a nice element when mixed in with others. (Note: sweet should never be confused with sweat. Ask my husband who once started a card to me with, Dear Sweaty.)
Saucy/Sexy
We all want a little sexiness in our lives. Look at the success of Fifty Shades of Gray by E L James. It's tantalizing and tempting, or so I've been told. As far as sharing stories with friends, the sexy element is in the delivery. Sexiness doesn't always have to be about sex; it's something alluring and that piques our interest. (Note: Another argument for e-readers... books like Fifty Shades of Gray. Nobody on an airplane or in the doctor's office will ever know what you are reading!)
Sincerity
Without this, you have little. I don't mind a tall tale every now and again, but what I really want is to know someone means every word they say. Readers and listeners are savvy, and they'll know when you aren't being genuine.
Secrets
We all love a juicy secret. Gossip has survived for generations due to our desire to be privy to knowledge. It's not just the secret, it's the feeling of knowing someone wants to confide in you. In novels, the reader gets to be privy to the secret and see the repercussions.
Silly
The best source for these stories: children. I love listening to a child, particularly my own, go on and on and developing their own sense of storytelling. A bit of silliness from adults and characters in books is usually a welcome breath of fresh of air, too.
Sadness
Life is a grand mix of happy and sad. Happiness means more when it comes out of or after moments of sadness. Without one, the other is cheapened. Sadness helps us relate and realize we all have our struggles. I believe sharing sad stories can bring us all together quicker than the happy ones.
It's all about balance and moderation. Too much of any of these hurts a story.
What do you think is the best S element of storytelling?
****
We so appreciate everyone who is stopping by to enjoy our A to Z journey. Please join us for T to Z. Check out some of the other participants here.
April 20, 2012
'Riting & Receiving Reviews = R: Blogging from A to Z
Reviews are important to authors and readers alike. Readers can find reviewers they trust and base their to-be-read pile on their recommendations. Authors can get valuable feedback and word-of-mouth advertising, hands down the best way to get other people to read your book is to have unbiased readers touting it.
There are some wonderful review bloggers out there, in addition to the reviewers in magazines in newspapers. Although I must admit, I see very few of those nowadays. If you have any interest in book reviews on lesser-known novels or independently-published ones, you need to find book bloggers.
I have a review blog, Mom in Love with Fiction, that is primarily dedicated to lesser-known and independently-published books. Since I read anything and everything, I also write reviews of popular titles. I started it simply because I love reading and wanted to share.
As an author, I have great respect for writers who put their books out there for public consumption and review. Before I published, I was a harsher critic. Now, I try to find the good in any given piece while also being honest about my opinions.
What I find the hardest, summarizing why I think someone should read a book. One thing I know for sure from being a longtime book club member, a roomful of people RARELY agree on a book.
Should I summarize the highlights of the book as I see it and give a quick commentary, or mainly write commentary and let them read the back cover for a summary?
As far as receiving reviews, I understand and respect that people have different opinions. But, there are some reviews on Amazon that seem mean-spirited and hateful. You can politely say a book is not for you without calling it awful, stupid, worthless, etc. Just as bad, a one-star review on GoodReads without one word as to why.
I read an article recently that there are "spammers" that go around putting one-star reviews on tons of books to bring the averages down. That's a shame.
What do you look for in a book review to make you want to read a book? Do you ever leave reviews on Amazon or GoodReads?
*****Thanks for visiting during R of my A to Z Blogging journey. Please visit other participants here.
Also, a fun giveaway on my review blog. Click HERE for details on how to win a Kindle copy of ReVamped by Ada Adams (4.5 stars). The contest deadline is TODAY, 4/20/12, at 1:00pm EST.
There are some wonderful review bloggers out there, in addition to the reviewers in magazines in newspapers. Although I must admit, I see very few of those nowadays. If you have any interest in book reviews on lesser-known novels or independently-published ones, you need to find book bloggers.
I have a review blog, Mom in Love with Fiction, that is primarily dedicated to lesser-known and independently-published books. Since I read anything and everything, I also write reviews of popular titles. I started it simply because I love reading and wanted to share.
As an author, I have great respect for writers who put their books out there for public consumption and review. Before I published, I was a harsher critic. Now, I try to find the good in any given piece while also being honest about my opinions.
What I find the hardest, summarizing why I think someone should read a book. One thing I know for sure from being a longtime book club member, a roomful of people RARELY agree on a book.
Should I summarize the highlights of the book as I see it and give a quick commentary, or mainly write commentary and let them read the back cover for a summary?
As far as receiving reviews, I understand and respect that people have different opinions. But, there are some reviews on Amazon that seem mean-spirited and hateful. You can politely say a book is not for you without calling it awful, stupid, worthless, etc. Just as bad, a one-star review on GoodReads without one word as to why.
I read an article recently that there are "spammers" that go around putting one-star reviews on tons of books to bring the averages down. That's a shame.
What do you look for in a book review to make you want to read a book? Do you ever leave reviews on Amazon or GoodReads?
*****Thanks for visiting during R of my A to Z Blogging journey. Please visit other participants here.
Also, a fun giveaway on my review blog. Click HERE for details on how to win a Kindle copy of ReVamped by Ada Adams (4.5 stars). The contest deadline is TODAY, 4/20/12, at 1:00pm EST.
April 19, 2012
Questioning Quantity & Quality = Q: Blogging from A to Z
I am constantly questioning. Rarely does a day go by where I don't analyze and try to process a myriad of issues. As a writer, I love questioning... diving deep into my own thoughts and trying to figure out the thoughts of others adds to my character database.
Today, I thought I'd question my readers on some things I've been pondering lately.
First, questioning quantity.
I love blogging, it's exercise for my writing muscles, but I'm always unsure how many posts a week people want. Challenges like A to Z and May's Blogathon inspire me to post daily, but can most readers keep up with that? Do they want to?
Please help me out by answering this poll.
Online Surveys & Market ResearchSecond, questioning quality.
I love to read, and nothing distracts me more than errors throughout a story. I'm a firm believer in not giving a reader any excuse to disengage from your work. Poor grammar, bad punctuation, awkward sentences... it all distracts me from the story.
But what's acceptable?
I have to admit I'm more critical of traditionally published novels. Those novels get the benefit of an experienced and focused editing department. A few errors in one of those novels comes across as sloppy. However, I understand more errors in independently published books. I'm still picky and those authors aren't off the hook, but it's hard to find a trustworthy professional editor who knows what they are doing.
Are you more lenient about errors in independently published books? Will you put a book down for having too many errors, or can an amazing story hold your attention?
*****
Thanks for helping me today! I hope you'll be back for more fun, R to Z.
Check out some other amazing bloggers here.
Today, I thought I'd question my readers on some things I've been pondering lately.
First, questioning quantity.
I love blogging, it's exercise for my writing muscles, but I'm always unsure how many posts a week people want. Challenges like A to Z and May's Blogathon inspire me to post daily, but can most readers keep up with that? Do they want to?
Please help me out by answering this poll.
Online Surveys & Market ResearchSecond, questioning quality.
I love to read, and nothing distracts me more than errors throughout a story. I'm a firm believer in not giving a reader any excuse to disengage from your work. Poor grammar, bad punctuation, awkward sentences... it all distracts me from the story.
But what's acceptable?
I have to admit I'm more critical of traditionally published novels. Those novels get the benefit of an experienced and focused editing department. A few errors in one of those novels comes across as sloppy. However, I understand more errors in independently published books. I'm still picky and those authors aren't off the hook, but it's hard to find a trustworthy professional editor who knows what they are doing.
Are you more lenient about errors in independently published books? Will you put a book down for having too many errors, or can an amazing story hold your attention?
*****
Thanks for helping me today! I hope you'll be back for more fun, R to Z.
Check out some other amazing bloggers here.
