M.C. Vaughan's Blog, page 4
April 14, 2018
Three Weekends at the Beach
I am giddy. I have had the excellent fortune to head to the beach for two weekends in March, and again this weekend. I love the shore. Adore it. Especially in the off-season. Everyone's more relaxed because they aren't trying to hustle through a week of memory-making good times.Instead, they are just enjoying the scenery, the food, the comfort.
The first weekend was a writer's retreat during which I wrote All The Words, and ate like an empress courtesy of my culinarily-inclined writer friends. These latter two visits? Have been courtesy of well-connected friends who can snag a place without forking over a rental fee.
This weekend sees me at a different resort town than is my custom, which is it's own kind of great. For I have now eaten at The Scone Pony, and my feelings towards scones may never be the same. Manna from Heaven, people. Go if you can.
February 11, 2018
Are You Watching the Olympics?
I am, at best, a serviceable athlete. I don't make the team worse, but I don't really add much either. This is not humility speaking. This is self-awareness. To wit: I played high school field hockey for three years. Know how many goals I scored? One, during the last game of my senior year.
Thus it's with awe I watch these athletes glide over ice like a whisper, hurtle down ice at 120+ kmph, and slog over 50km of open terrain on skis. They likely started out with a healthy dose of natural talent. But natural talent only takes you so far. Expertise requires a generous support structure, a metric ton of determination, ceaseless endurance, and years of practice, practice, practice.
Because that, my friends, is true for writing. No one emerges from the womb spinning Homeric odes or Shakespearean dramas. Nope. That ish takes ages of effort. Learning what works, and what doesn't, by exposing your soft underbelly (e.g., initial drafts) to people who are in the trenches with you. Listening to them, finding mentors and hanging on their words. Consuming the work of your peers, cheering them on, dissecting their words to find out what works.
I love the clips they show of the younger versions of Olympic athletes learning, falling, getting back up and doing it all again. It shows these lithesome creatures did not always exist as experts. They had to learn to crawl, walk, run, just like the rest of us.
And like them, we can learn a lesson... You can't improve in a silo. Don't hide. Share. Bare it all. It's the best way to sand off the rough edges and elevate yourself. Join a critique group. Submit to contests. And absorb the feedback. If it knocks you on your ass, pick yourself up, and get back to it.
Thus it's with awe I watch these athletes glide over ice like a whisper, hurtle down ice at 120+ kmph, and slog over 50km of open terrain on skis. They likely started out with a healthy dose of natural talent. But natural talent only takes you so far. Expertise requires a generous support structure, a metric ton of determination, ceaseless endurance, and years of practice, practice, practice.
Because that, my friends, is true for writing. No one emerges from the womb spinning Homeric odes or Shakespearean dramas. Nope. That ish takes ages of effort. Learning what works, and what doesn't, by exposing your soft underbelly (e.g., initial drafts) to people who are in the trenches with you. Listening to them, finding mentors and hanging on their words. Consuming the work of your peers, cheering them on, dissecting their words to find out what works.
I love the clips they show of the younger versions of Olympic athletes learning, falling, getting back up and doing it all again. It shows these lithesome creatures did not always exist as experts. They had to learn to crawl, walk, run, just like the rest of us.
And like them, we can learn a lesson... You can't improve in a silo. Don't hide. Share. Bare it all. It's the best way to sand off the rough edges and elevate yourself. Join a critique group. Submit to contests. And absorb the feedback. If it knocks you on your ass, pick yourself up, and get back to it.
December 22, 2017
The Fulcrum--December 22, 2017
"I'll totally be able to keep up with this 'Fulcrum' thing throughout the Fall," she said. "My kids are a little older, so they won't need as much help with homework," she said. "I'll set aside a little me time instead of working sixteen hours a day," she said. HA HA HA HA HA HA HA! Three-and-a-half-months ago me was adorable. To be fair, I didn't know a close family member would have major surgery, and that I'd be helping with her post-discharge care. SIDE NOTE: thank the Lord above for latex gloves. They allow a person to do things otherwise deemed too...um...intimate?
ANYWAY! On to the Fulcrum...
What I'm Reading
Bad for Her, by Christi Barth. Oh my gosh, I freakin' LOVE Christi Barth. Full Disclosure: Christi and I know each other. We word sprint with each other at Panera. If you haven't read her yet, I urge you to. Her stuff is funny, and sexy, and her characters are so darn likable. And lickable? Yes, both. Anyway, this latest is a total blast. If I weren't such a slow reader, I'd have gobbled up the whole thing. Anyway, I'm mostly through the story of Rafe and Mollie, I can't wait for more (and I SWEAR I'm a girl scout and never turn her laptop to see what she's writing while she's grabbing lunch).
What I'm Watching
Mindhunter Continuing my tradition of watching all things dark and disturbing, holy jeez, have you been watching Mindhunter? Two years ago, I binged
Making a Murderer,
and Netflix once again delivers a dark and twisty walk down true crime lane around the holidays. The MOST disturbing part is that Jonathan Groff plays FBI agent Holden Ford, but every time he speaks, I just hear Kristoff from
Frozen
. THAT ASIDE, if you are intrigued by true crime, docudramas, and the like then you should give this a watch.
What I'm Hearing
What About Us. Pink is wonderful. I full-on love her. She's always been honest about who she is, that she doesn't fit a mold, and that she doesn't know all the answers. Which is why this song-- this anthem--is so important. The people who think they know it all, they have the solutions, often don't intend to include everyone in those solutions. And the people excluded? They suffer. And the more you exclude, the more people you 'other,' the more you sow the seeds of dissent.
Something that Broke My Heart
I received some exceptionally great news this week--I'm going to be a published author. I signed that contract Carmelita Joyner-fast. Not only was is my dream to see my name on shelves--digital and otherwise--but was also the dream of my father. Here I am, achieving that dream, and he and my mother are not here to witness it. In a ghosty way, I feel their presence. My scalp tingles on the regular like someone is petting me, smoothing it down in quiet moments. (Fine, this could also be an issue to see a dermatologist about, but I prefer my interpretation.) Anyway I would very much love to hear my dad say, "No stuff!" when I tell him the news of my impending publication, or my mom wrapping me in a hug. Alas, that is not my deal.
Something that Made Me Smile
My daughter asked me to braid her hair for Colonial Day at school. She's eleven, and every time we do this, I'm aware that it may be the last time she allows me a participae in her physical appearance. But we enjoyed it, and chatted about school while I braided, and it was probably the best part of my day.
ANYWAY! On to the Fulcrum...
What I'm Reading
Bad for Her, by Christi Barth. Oh my gosh, I freakin' LOVE Christi Barth. Full Disclosure: Christi and I know each other. We word sprint with each other at Panera. If you haven't read her yet, I urge you to. Her stuff is funny, and sexy, and her characters are so darn likable. And lickable? Yes, both. Anyway, this latest is a total blast. If I weren't such a slow reader, I'd have gobbled up the whole thing. Anyway, I'm mostly through the story of Rafe and Mollie, I can't wait for more (and I SWEAR I'm a girl scout and never turn her laptop to see what she's writing while she's grabbing lunch). What I'm Watching
Mindhunter Continuing my tradition of watching all things dark and disturbing, holy jeez, have you been watching Mindhunter? Two years ago, I binged
Making a Murderer,
and Netflix once again delivers a dark and twisty walk down true crime lane around the holidays. The MOST disturbing part is that Jonathan Groff plays FBI agent Holden Ford, but every time he speaks, I just hear Kristoff from
Frozen
. THAT ASIDE, if you are intrigued by true crime, docudramas, and the like then you should give this a watch.What I'm Hearing
What About Us. Pink is wonderful. I full-on love her. She's always been honest about who she is, that she doesn't fit a mold, and that she doesn't know all the answers. Which is why this song-- this anthem--is so important. The people who think they know it all, they have the solutions, often don't intend to include everyone in those solutions. And the people excluded? They suffer. And the more you exclude, the more people you 'other,' the more you sow the seeds of dissent.Something that Broke My Heart
I received some exceptionally great news this week--I'm going to be a published author. I signed that contract Carmelita Joyner-fast. Not only was is my dream to see my name on shelves--digital and otherwise--but was also the dream of my father. Here I am, achieving that dream, and he and my mother are not here to witness it. In a ghosty way, I feel their presence. My scalp tingles on the regular like someone is petting me, smoothing it down in quiet moments. (Fine, this could also be an issue to see a dermatologist about, but I prefer my interpretation.) Anyway I would very much love to hear my dad say, "No stuff!" when I tell him the news of my impending publication, or my mom wrapping me in a hug. Alas, that is not my deal.
Something that Made Me Smile
My daughter asked me to braid her hair for Colonial Day at school. She's eleven, and every time we do this, I'm aware that it may be the last time she allows me a participae in her physical appearance. But we enjoyed it, and chatted about school while I braided, and it was probably the best part of my day.
December 21, 2017
Champagne Books Obviously Has Excellent Taste
Because they've offered me a contract to publish The Charm City Hearts series!
What's that, you ask? Set right here in Baltimore, my series features four twenty-something roommates--Zara, Grier, Brooke, and Melinda--and their travails and triumphs in love, artistically-based careers, and life. You'll recognize lots of landmarks throughout the novels, and the Smalltimore vibe is threaded throughout.
I can't wait to work with the fabulous people at Champagne Books, and to share these stories with everyone! As soon as we have dates and schedules worked out, I will bombard you with more announcements. In a friendly way, of course.
Big thanks to my agent, Barbara Collins Rosenberg, for making this happen, and for all my writerly friends who critiqued, consoled, and celebrated my work.
Now I need to run around and scream with joy...
What's that, you ask? Set right here in Baltimore, my series features four twenty-something roommates--Zara, Grier, Brooke, and Melinda--and their travails and triumphs in love, artistically-based careers, and life. You'll recognize lots of landmarks throughout the novels, and the Smalltimore vibe is threaded throughout.
I can't wait to work with the fabulous people at Champagne Books, and to share these stories with everyone! As soon as we have dates and schedules worked out, I will bombard you with more announcements. In a friendly way, of course.
Big thanks to my agent, Barbara Collins Rosenberg, for making this happen, and for all my writerly friends who critiqued, consoled, and celebrated my work.
Now I need to run around and scream with joy...
December 6, 2017
Gues Who Racked Up Another "Finalled in a Contest" Badge?
This lady! *waggles thumbs at self* (OK, I didn't really do that, 'cause that's kind of a douchey move.)
But the point is, I finalled in the Southwest Florida Romance Writers' Joyce Henderson Contest. I'm in the Contemporary category. With which manuscript, you ask? Welp, it's with "Pictures of You," a second-chance romance tale among high school besties. Want more details? Hie thee hence!
So, anyway, I am super-excited, and can't wait to see who the other finalists are! Finals results are to be posted by December 30, 2017.
But the point is, I finalled in the Southwest Florida Romance Writers' Joyce Henderson Contest. I'm in the Contemporary category. With which manuscript, you ask? Welp, it's with "Pictures of You," a second-chance romance tale among high school besties. Want more details? Hie thee hence!
So, anyway, I am super-excited, and can't wait to see who the other finalists are! Finals results are to be posted by December 30, 2017.
December 3, 2017
Rollercoaster Weekend
This weekend, man. It has been, like, nine years long. I caught a cold last weekend that still. Has. Not. Gone. Away. I'm evicting it. With DayQuil, sleep, and nutritious food. I may have even smudged with a sage stick. ANYWAY...
Here's my weekend:
Cared for a relative who's recently undergone surgery (she stays with me). This involves packing wounds, helping her shower, and reminding her to perform her physical therapy. Fun times, yes?Caught up on 'This is Us,' which triggered a huggy memory of my deceased mother. Which was equal parts wonderful and heartrending.Attended a celebration of life for a mom from my kids' elementary school. We were more than acquaintances, but not-quite-friends. Two of my kids are in the same grade as her kids, though. The lovely sentiments expressed about her devastated me, and made me wish I'd known her better.Wrote two thousand words, and ironed out a plot problem with my WIP.Ran a 5k with my 11-year-old daughter. There was much girl power, wheezing, and hugging at the end. We also brunched and they gave me extra Applewood bacon because there was a little bit of a wait. Suckers. I was fine with the wait because my daughter is hilarious and I enjoy her company. Plus they gave me a bucket-sized mug of coffee. this is all I need to be happy.Prior to brunch, we killed our wait time by Christmas shopping in Hampden. Have you been to the Hampden neighborhood in Baltimore? Holy God, if you haven't, GO. It is wonderful. Baltimore, in general, is a city of "Why the Hell not do that?" And Hampden? Well, Hampden is where it all comes true. Need chocolate? Done. A bong? Got you covered. Romantic eatery? Obviously. Anyway, I scored my White Elephant gift for the Maryland Romance Writers holiday party. I am not sharing any details about that, because there are spies afoot.Post-brunch.... Welp, we kind of accidentally got stuck in the Mayor's Christmas parade. I AM SO GLAD. We parked on a street that wasn't marked as a parade street. They towed my car to a lot. A FUNERAL HOME PARKING LOT. I am not making this up. So, my daughter and I enjoyed all of the weirdness Baltimore had to offer...from a funeral home parking lot.Then we went home and decorated for Christmas. And I took a bath.Then I cooked dinner.And did PTA stuff. But listen, seriously, please enjoy the Baltimore Mayor's Christmas Parade through Hampden. This is quintessential Baltimore...
Christmas themed balloon dresses? Why not?
What Christmas parade is complete without large scissors?
Or Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer riding a horse (which, wut?)
I apologize. I caught the Christmas Oyster from behind. What? You don't have a Christmas oyster?
Marie Antoinette came to the parade. Why? I have no idea.
You need these drums in your life.
The largest contingent in the parade? Not the Shriner go-carts. Not the Masons. Not the horses.NOPE. It was the Star Wars contingent.
Or was it Ghostbusters? Because there were a lot of them, too. I could connect this to Christmas a bit better, what with Dickens' "ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future."
And then, at the end, a Baltimore Hon and her sweetheart walked by. Perfect conclusion to the parade.
Here's my weekend:
Cared for a relative who's recently undergone surgery (she stays with me). This involves packing wounds, helping her shower, and reminding her to perform her physical therapy. Fun times, yes?Caught up on 'This is Us,' which triggered a huggy memory of my deceased mother. Which was equal parts wonderful and heartrending.Attended a celebration of life for a mom from my kids' elementary school. We were more than acquaintances, but not-quite-friends. Two of my kids are in the same grade as her kids, though. The lovely sentiments expressed about her devastated me, and made me wish I'd known her better.Wrote two thousand words, and ironed out a plot problem with my WIP.Ran a 5k with my 11-year-old daughter. There was much girl power, wheezing, and hugging at the end. We also brunched and they gave me extra Applewood bacon because there was a little bit of a wait. Suckers. I was fine with the wait because my daughter is hilarious and I enjoy her company. Plus they gave me a bucket-sized mug of coffee. this is all I need to be happy.Prior to brunch, we killed our wait time by Christmas shopping in Hampden. Have you been to the Hampden neighborhood in Baltimore? Holy God, if you haven't, GO. It is wonderful. Baltimore, in general, is a city of "Why the Hell not do that?" And Hampden? Well, Hampden is where it all comes true. Need chocolate? Done. A bong? Got you covered. Romantic eatery? Obviously. Anyway, I scored my White Elephant gift for the Maryland Romance Writers holiday party. I am not sharing any details about that, because there are spies afoot.Post-brunch.... Welp, we kind of accidentally got stuck in the Mayor's Christmas parade. I AM SO GLAD. We parked on a street that wasn't marked as a parade street. They towed my car to a lot. A FUNERAL HOME PARKING LOT. I am not making this up. So, my daughter and I enjoyed all of the weirdness Baltimore had to offer...from a funeral home parking lot.Then we went home and decorated for Christmas. And I took a bath.Then I cooked dinner.And did PTA stuff. But listen, seriously, please enjoy the Baltimore Mayor's Christmas Parade through Hampden. This is quintessential Baltimore...
Christmas themed balloon dresses? Why not? 
What Christmas parade is complete without large scissors? 
Or Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer riding a horse (which, wut?)
I apologize. I caught the Christmas Oyster from behind. What? You don't have a Christmas oyster? 
Marie Antoinette came to the parade. Why? I have no idea.
You need these drums in your life.
The largest contingent in the parade? Not the Shriner go-carts. Not the Masons. Not the horses.NOPE. It was the Star Wars contingent. 
Or was it Ghostbusters? Because there were a lot of them, too. I could connect this to Christmas a bit better, what with Dickens' "ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future." 
And then, at the end, a Baltimore Hon and her sweetheart walked by. Perfect conclusion to the parade.November 16, 2017
I Love Writing
Obvious statement, eh? I'd be in the wrong business if I was all, "Euch. Writing's the worst."
Don't get me wrong. I'm not some magical unicorn who tra-la-las her way through a manuscript and delivers a tidy bundle of words in 3 weeks. I totally get it when one of my author pals wants to start a prayer circle because they're rewriting an opening scene for the eighth time, or hide all the sharp objects because they need to write a synopsis.
But I love threading together words to make you taste a crisp, tart apple, or feel the slap of a freezing day as a character steps outside.
That's magic, no? To evoke a feeling using squiggles on paper?
My love of writing started with a love of language. I am completely seduced by words. Visual words that make you see a thing... Shadowed, glister, soaring, dappled... Tactile words that make you feel a thing... Supple, crinkly, spiky, splintered. Scent words that make you smell a thing... Beefy, crisp, cinnamon, fug... And other words that are just fun to say... Muzzy, shamble, slump, kerfuffle.
English is a rich tapestry of Germanic roots and stolen Latinate words, and there are so many unique and lovely choices. There's no excuse for not using a wide variety of them.
What else could I do with this love of words than become a writer? I only hope the words entertain you.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not some magical unicorn who tra-la-las her way through a manuscript and delivers a tidy bundle of words in 3 weeks. I totally get it when one of my author pals wants to start a prayer circle because they're rewriting an opening scene for the eighth time, or hide all the sharp objects because they need to write a synopsis.
But I love threading together words to make you taste a crisp, tart apple, or feel the slap of a freezing day as a character steps outside.
That's magic, no? To evoke a feeling using squiggles on paper?
My love of writing started with a love of language. I am completely seduced by words. Visual words that make you see a thing... Shadowed, glister, soaring, dappled... Tactile words that make you feel a thing... Supple, crinkly, spiky, splintered. Scent words that make you smell a thing... Beefy, crisp, cinnamon, fug... And other words that are just fun to say... Muzzy, shamble, slump, kerfuffle.
English is a rich tapestry of Germanic roots and stolen Latinate words, and there are so many unique and lovely choices. There's no excuse for not using a wide variety of them.
What else could I do with this love of words than become a writer? I only hope the words entertain you.
November 6, 2017
'Pictures of You' WON the 2017 'Pages from the Heart' Contest!
Remember when 'Pictures of You' finalled in the 2017 Pages from the Heart Contest earlier this year? Well guess what? It won the Published Author--Contemporary Long category! How fun is that? Look--I even have a cool little graphic and certificate to prove it:
Thank you to the From the Heart Romance Writers chapter for organizing this contest. It's one of my faves, and if you haven't entered it yet, or volunteered to judge, I highly recommend you go for it.
And now, I'm off to make a cape out of these certificates and run around all day like a superhero writer.
Thank you to the From the Heart Romance Writers chapter for organizing this contest. It's one of my faves, and if you haven't entered it yet, or volunteered to judge, I highly recommend you go for it.And now, I'm off to make a cape out of these certificates and run around all day like a superhero writer.
