Marta Szemik's Blog, page 8
July 25, 2012
I'm here and not here ;)
Today, I have the pleasure of answering a few questions on the A-Z Blog. So, please scoot on over and visit me:) I'll be lurking around most of the day so if you have any other questions, don't hesitate.
On a side note, Two Halves is on sale at Amazon for $0.99 for the next couple of days. Feel free to spread the word.
I'll see you all on the A-Z Blog!
Cheers!
On a side note, Two Halves is on sale at Amazon for $0.99 for the next couple of days. Feel free to spread the word.
I'll see you all on the A-Z Blog!
Cheers!
July 23, 2012
Fifty Shades of Grey
Being away on vacation with no internet access has its advantages. Last week, we (myself and hubby) took the kids camping and had an awesome time. No computer, no internet, no media.
While camping I had an opportunity to catch up on my reading. Finished City of Lost Souls (book 5 in Cassandra Clare's series). Loved it as I knew I would and cannot wait for the next one.
Disclaimer: The following is not an official review and it's just my opinion. I do not review books, I write them;)
I also had a chance to read Fifty Shades of Grey to see what all the hype has been all about and yes, I see it. I can understand why women in particular are attracted to the book. There are many elements of Twilight and the characters are likable. The male lead is as fictional as you can get, nevertheless, women will fall for him even if you will never find a guy like that on earth (I'm sure his flaw will be washed away in one of the next two books. He will be magically cured by his creator E.L. James).
I didn't enjoy the style of writing, and I'm sure that's just me because it's very different from the way I write. BUT I did enjoy the story and focused more on that and the relationship between Christian and Ana and I'm curious to see what will happen next. The story line was well developed and clear. As a writer I can already predict some twists from the back story.
Do I honestly care whether the book was originally supposed to be fan fiction of another novel (Twilight). No, not really. Because to me reading books always boils down to enjoying the story and losing myself in the lives of the characters, which is exactly what this book did.
Yes, the sex is quite graphic (and I'm sure it will be in the next two novels), but honestly I don't know what people expect from an erotic romance (as there's been quite a bit of controversy regarding the sex). It's exactly what it says it is: an erotic romance.
On a different note, Two Halves is on sale this week only for $0.99.
Have you had a chance to read Fifty Shades? What are your thoughts?
While camping I had an opportunity to catch up on my reading. Finished City of Lost Souls (book 5 in Cassandra Clare's series). Loved it as I knew I would and cannot wait for the next one.
Disclaimer: The following is not an official review and it's just my opinion. I do not review books, I write them;)
I also had a chance to read Fifty Shades of Grey to see what all the hype has been all about and yes, I see it. I can understand why women in particular are attracted to the book. There are many elements of Twilight and the characters are likable. The male lead is as fictional as you can get, nevertheless, women will fall for him even if you will never find a guy like that on earth (I'm sure his flaw will be washed away in one of the next two books. He will be magically cured by his creator E.L. James).
I didn't enjoy the style of writing, and I'm sure that's just me because it's very different from the way I write. BUT I did enjoy the story and focused more on that and the relationship between Christian and Ana and I'm curious to see what will happen next. The story line was well developed and clear. As a writer I can already predict some twists from the back story.
Do I honestly care whether the book was originally supposed to be fan fiction of another novel (Twilight). No, not really. Because to me reading books always boils down to enjoying the story and losing myself in the lives of the characters, which is exactly what this book did.
Yes, the sex is quite graphic (and I'm sure it will be in the next two novels), but honestly I don't know what people expect from an erotic romance (as there's been quite a bit of controversy regarding the sex). It's exactly what it says it is: an erotic romance.
On a different note, Two Halves is on sale this week only for $0.99.
Have you had a chance to read Fifty Shades? What are your thoughts?
July 16, 2012
Vacation
July 9, 2012
Summer Plans and NY
WORD FOR THIS POST:
Vacation (n): 1. a period of suspension of work, study, or other activity, usually used for rest, recreation, or travel; recess or holiday: School children are on vacation now.
It's only July 9th and the kids have been off school for a week, but to me, it feels like summer is half done. I feel like I have every single week planned out with work and activities, which worries me a bit because I don't want the summer to fly by so fast.
This week I'm finishing some editing and formatting. The following week we're camping and the week after that is dedicated to more formatting, writing and cover design time.
What I'm really looking forward to is going to New York this summer. I've never been to NY and we're very excited. We're driving, which means a 10 hour ride of motion sickness for the kids. Yes, they'll need lots of Gravol, but we've driven to Florida last winter, so I'm sure New York should feel like a breeze.
Now, I have a question to anyone who lives in NY or has ever been there. What are the must, must sees? Yes, I can do research on the internet, but there is nothing better than personal experience. We have about 3-4 days there so your wise words of wisdom and suggestions are welcome:)
Vacation (n): 1. a period of suspension of work, study, or other activity, usually used for rest, recreation, or travel; recess or holiday: School children are on vacation now.
It's only July 9th and the kids have been off school for a week, but to me, it feels like summer is half done. I feel like I have every single week planned out with work and activities, which worries me a bit because I don't want the summer to fly by so fast.
This week I'm finishing some editing and formatting. The following week we're camping and the week after that is dedicated to more formatting, writing and cover design time.
What I'm really looking forward to is going to New York this summer. I've never been to NY and we're very excited. We're driving, which means a 10 hour ride of motion sickness for the kids. Yes, they'll need lots of Gravol, but we've driven to Florida last winter, so I'm sure New York should feel like a breeze.
Now, I have a question to anyone who lives in NY or has ever been there. What are the must, must sees? Yes, I can do research on the internet, but there is nothing better than personal experience. We have about 3-4 days there so your wise words of wisdom and suggestions are welcome:)
July 4, 2012
Happy 4th of July & IWSG
First off, Happy Independence Day to my neighbors in the south! Hope you have a great one!
As a Canadian, I feel blessed to live in a country where people enjoy freedom in many forms. Where people have a greater chance to feel human the way humans should feel: Free, safe and happy! I am grateful to those who fight for that freedom, risking their lives everyday. They are heroes!
WORD FOR THIS POST:
Focus (n): 1. a central point, as of attraction, attention, or activity: The need to prevent a nuclear war became the focus of all diplomatic efforts.
A big Thanks to Captain Ninja Alex J. Cavanaugh for hosting each first Wednesday of every month, the Insecure Writer's Support Group (IWSG), where writers post their doubts, concerns and insecurities without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Others offer assistance and guidance in the comments. This is what I call "the safe zone". (I just made that up)
For a full list of participants click here and hop on over to offer words of encouragement and/or assistance.
As you may notice today, my post is a little late. I wish I could come up with an excuse other than "Yes, I forgot." but I cannot. There's a reason for that:
I'm focused.
The past month I've spent concentrating on re-editing Marked and Two Halves. I'm almost done and can see the 'light at the end of the tunnel' (as cliche as it sounds), but I've been so focused, I can't remember the last time (in my life) it's happened. My work ethic has been beyond normal. 10-14 hour days (in between kids activities, and family obligations) at a computer. I don't go to sleep unless I physically cannot look at the screen anymore (I'm sure I'll need to visit an optometrist next month). I've forgotten about dinners (nicely saved by pizza), a couple of karate practices, and don't even try to talk to me when I'm at the computer. I won't hear you. But I will not stop until what I set out to do is finished.
Now, my insecurity this month is simple. In the back of my mind I'm afraid all the hard work will be in vain and I will not reach my goal which has always been to be a full time writer and support my family. It takes a long time to reach that goal (and I understand that). But, what if it doesn't happen? I would be crushed.
Do you experience that as a writer? What is your insecurity? Any excited plans for 4th of July?
As a Canadian, I feel blessed to live in a country where people enjoy freedom in many forms. Where people have a greater chance to feel human the way humans should feel: Free, safe and happy! I am grateful to those who fight for that freedom, risking their lives everyday. They are heroes!
WORD FOR THIS POST:
Focus (n): 1. a central point, as of attraction, attention, or activity: The need to prevent a nuclear war became the focus of all diplomatic efforts.
A big Thanks to Captain Ninja Alex J. Cavanaugh for hosting each first Wednesday of every month, the Insecure Writer's Support Group (IWSG), where writers post their doubts, concerns and insecurities without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Others offer assistance and guidance in the comments. This is what I call "the safe zone". (I just made that up) For a full list of participants click here and hop on over to offer words of encouragement and/or assistance.
As you may notice today, my post is a little late. I wish I could come up with an excuse other than "Yes, I forgot." but I cannot. There's a reason for that:
I'm focused.
The past month I've spent concentrating on re-editing Marked and Two Halves. I'm almost done and can see the 'light at the end of the tunnel' (as cliche as it sounds), but I've been so focused, I can't remember the last time (in my life) it's happened. My work ethic has been beyond normal. 10-14 hour days (in between kids activities, and family obligations) at a computer. I don't go to sleep unless I physically cannot look at the screen anymore (I'm sure I'll need to visit an optometrist next month). I've forgotten about dinners (nicely saved by pizza), a couple of karate practices, and don't even try to talk to me when I'm at the computer. I won't hear you. But I will not stop until what I set out to do is finished.
Now, my insecurity this month is simple. In the back of my mind I'm afraid all the hard work will be in vain and I will not reach my goal which has always been to be a full time writer and support my family. It takes a long time to reach that goal (and I understand that). But, what if it doesn't happen? I would be crushed.
Do you experience that as a writer? What is your insecurity? Any excited plans for 4th of July?
July 2, 2012
Happy Canada Day!
Yesterday, Canada celebrated its 145th Birthday!
A young country in the history of mankind, but a very patriotic one. We enjoyed a 10 km bike ride, a nice fire in the backyard and fireworks. We happen to live in a subdivision where everyone seems to gather in the same parkette to light up the sky and we can see it all happen from our back yard.
The evening was peaceful and memorable as we were able to spend it with my brother in law (whom the kids love). He's in his late twenties and my kids adore their uncle:)
Now, just to back up to the bike ride, we had a great laugh at the expense of my 9 yr old. As we passed a clear stream the sun bounced off it's surface. The breeze ruffled the green shrubs and trees and my son said pointing at the stream: "Look! It's even better than HD!"
And that's how you know you have a child born in the 21st century.
4th of July is just around the corner. If you celebrated Canada Day, did you create any wonderful memories? Do you have any plans for the 4th of July?
A young country in the history of mankind, but a very patriotic one. We enjoyed a 10 km bike ride, a nice fire in the backyard and fireworks. We happen to live in a subdivision where everyone seems to gather in the same parkette to light up the sky and we can see it all happen from our back yard.
The evening was peaceful and memorable as we were able to spend it with my brother in law (whom the kids love). He's in his late twenties and my kids adore their uncle:)
Now, just to back up to the bike ride, we had a great laugh at the expense of my 9 yr old. As we passed a clear stream the sun bounced off it's surface. The breeze ruffled the green shrubs and trees and my son said pointing at the stream: "Look! It's even better than HD!"
And that's how you know you have a child born in the 21st century.
4th of July is just around the corner. If you celebrated Canada Day, did you create any wonderful memories? Do you have any plans for the 4th of July?
June 27, 2012
And the Winners Are.....
First of all, A Big Thank You to all participants in the Midsummer's Eve Giveaway! Wow! What a success!
I wish I could pick everyone as a winner, but can't. Nevertheless, there will be more great news coming your way very soon and I promise, everyone will benefit!
Drum-roll.... Ready.....
And the winners of the ebook of Marked: A Two Halves Novella are (chosen by Rafflecopter):
Claire T.
Brian B.
Natalie L.
Gale A. N.
kindlemom1
Congratulations! I have already emailed you the information. Enjoy! And to everyone again, Thank You for participating!
I wish I could pick everyone as a winner, but can't. Nevertheless, there will be more great news coming your way very soon and I promise, everyone will benefit!
Drum-roll.... Ready.....
And the winners of the ebook of Marked: A Two Halves Novella are (chosen by Rafflecopter):
Claire T.
Brian B.
Natalie L.
Gale A. N.
kindlemom1
Congratulations! I have already emailed you the information. Enjoy! And to everyone again, Thank You for participating!
June 19, 2012
Midsummer's Eve Giveaway Hop
This week I am participating in the second annual Midsummer's Eve Giveaway Hop hosted by the wonderful Kathy at I Am A Reader Not A Writer.
From June 20th to June 26th fill in your information below for a chance to win one of 5 copies of "Marked: A Two Halves Novella" in any format of your choice.
Xander is a shapeshifter, a watcher, a demon. Stuck in an oblivion between good and evil, he impatiently waits to be marked—with the sphere that will identify him as a servant of the underworld; or with the water mark, serving the keepers of humans, vampires, and warlocks. His twin sister, in love with a man bearing the water mark, wants Xander to follow the path of the good. But Xander is in love with a black witch, minion of the underworld. All he has to do to join her forever . . . is kill. After all, there's something good about being bad.a Rafflecopter giveaway
Then, click on the other participants in the Linky List below to enter their Giveaways as well!
Have Fun, Good Luck and Happy Hopping!
June 18, 2012
Walking the Tightrope
WORD FOR THIS POST:
Daredevil (n): 1. a recklessly daring person.
On Friday June 15th, 2012 Nik Wallenda, a tightrope walker from a family of daredevils who walk with no harness at great heights, walked on a tightrope over Niagara Falls. Watch the video to see a clip. Sorry, but no embedding was allowed. Now, for this stunt Nik was required to wear a harness in order for the authorities to allow him to perform the stunt. Nevertheless, this was nothing short of amazing.
http://youtu.be/Ka2vnJWQxyo
I write about Nik today for a reason. Not because he's a daredevil or has accomplished something no one ever has before, but because I see so many authors walking a tightrope everyday. Not the real one, but a metaphorical one of course. Here are the top three ways they do it:
1. Arguing online
As an author, I feel the need to be professional. This blog one of the few places I will let my guard down a little. In life, I'm known to bite my tongue quite a few times, speak before I think and share my opinions openly. Yet, I will not get into arguments on the internet, I will not comment on reviews, good or bad, I will not bash other authors. And I see so many authors do those things without being provoked. Why? I don't get it. It doesn't achieve anything, nor does it get you closer to my goals (if so, then their goals must be waaayyyy different than mine).
2. Opening yourself to the opinion and scrutiny of others
Most of us edit, re-edit, then edit some more before publishing our work or sending an MS to an agent. We all know the feeling in your stomach when your "baby" will be read by others. And even if we think of our work as our first newborn, no one else does (unless they're in the industry). Now, would anyone say anything bad about a baby when he/she is born? No (most likely). But about a book, which readers consider a book? Absolutely. For that, I think authors are as brave as Nik Wallenda.
3. Perseverance
Have you ever told anyone you've written a novel and they said they want to write one too?
"Really? You do? What's it about?" You ask them.
"Well, I don't know, but I really want to write one."
Most people want to write a book. Most think they can. A small percentage of them will actually start, then a smaller percentage will finish, even less will 'let it go' and pursue publishing.
So, for those of you that have done it or are in the midst of writing/editing/publishing, give yourself a nice pat on the back, because you have the same kind of perseverance as Nik Wallenda does.
Now, for some announcements:
Today and tomorrow Stephen Tremp's Novel Breakthrough is available for a free download from Amazon.
**********************
Starting this Wednesday, until next Tuesday, I am participating in the Midsummer's Eve Giveaway Hop hosted by Kathy at I Am A Reader, Not A Writer.
I hope you will stop by to enter:)
Cheers!
Have you seen Nik Wallwenda walk the tightrope? What do you think? Have you ever done anything daring?
Daredevil (n): 1. a recklessly daring person.
On Friday June 15th, 2012 Nik Wallenda, a tightrope walker from a family of daredevils who walk with no harness at great heights, walked on a tightrope over Niagara Falls. Watch the video to see a clip. Sorry, but no embedding was allowed. Now, for this stunt Nik was required to wear a harness in order for the authorities to allow him to perform the stunt. Nevertheless, this was nothing short of amazing.
http://youtu.be/Ka2vnJWQxyo
I write about Nik today for a reason. Not because he's a daredevil or has accomplished something no one ever has before, but because I see so many authors walking a tightrope everyday. Not the real one, but a metaphorical one of course. Here are the top three ways they do it:
1. Arguing online
As an author, I feel the need to be professional. This blog one of the few places I will let my guard down a little. In life, I'm known to bite my tongue quite a few times, speak before I think and share my opinions openly. Yet, I will not get into arguments on the internet, I will not comment on reviews, good or bad, I will not bash other authors. And I see so many authors do those things without being provoked. Why? I don't get it. It doesn't achieve anything, nor does it get you closer to my goals (if so, then their goals must be waaayyyy different than mine).
2. Opening yourself to the opinion and scrutiny of others
Most of us edit, re-edit, then edit some more before publishing our work or sending an MS to an agent. We all know the feeling in your stomach when your "baby" will be read by others. And even if we think of our work as our first newborn, no one else does (unless they're in the industry). Now, would anyone say anything bad about a baby when he/she is born? No (most likely). But about a book, which readers consider a book? Absolutely. For that, I think authors are as brave as Nik Wallenda.
3. Perseverance
Have you ever told anyone you've written a novel and they said they want to write one too?
"Really? You do? What's it about?" You ask them.
"Well, I don't know, but I really want to write one."
Most people want to write a book. Most think they can. A small percentage of them will actually start, then a smaller percentage will finish, even less will 'let it go' and pursue publishing.
So, for those of you that have done it or are in the midst of writing/editing/publishing, give yourself a nice pat on the back, because you have the same kind of perseverance as Nik Wallenda does.
Now, for some announcements:
Today and tomorrow Stephen Tremp's Novel Breakthrough is available for a free download from Amazon.
**********************
Starting this Wednesday, until next Tuesday, I am participating in the Midsummer's Eve Giveaway Hop hosted by Kathy at I Am A Reader, Not A Writer.
I hope you will stop by to enter:)
Cheers!
Have you seen Nik Wallwenda walk the tightrope? What do you think? Have you ever done anything daring?
June 11, 2012
Euro 2012 Craze
WORD FOR THIS POST:
Soccer (n): a form of football played between two teams of 11 players, in which the ball may be advanced by kicking or by bouncing it off any part of the body but the arms and hands, except in the case of the goalkeepers, who may use their hands to catch, carry, throw, or stop the ball. My home is filled with craze between hockey finals and Euro 2012. The TV screen keeps flashing between a green soccer field and white iced hockey rink. I am proud the country I was born is one of the hosts of Euro 2012. I haven't visited since 2000, so it's been a while and it's definitely a different country since then, but I still remember it as home. So much has changed in the past 10-20 years, it's difficult to even begin to describe it. I hope to be able to take my kids in 2013 to see Poland. Today, I'd like to share with you some photos of Poland. Hope you enjoy:)
Warsaw: Poland's Capital
Gdansk: Located in Northern Poland on the Baltic Sea
Krakow: Located in South Central Poland, this city boasts historic castles and wonderful legends. Also home to a great University where many US doctor's get their education.
Bielawa: This is the small town I was born in. In this picture I can see my home (far in the back), church and first elementary school. (I went to two different ones).Are you watching soccer? Cheering for any particular team? Have you visited Poland?
