Cathy Jackson's Blog
November 21, 2014
Being a Writer
Being an Writer is kind of like being an addict. After that first novel we feel the rush and high of creating a whole new world and characters.
Then we feel the alluring call of the second book. The page calls to us, seducing with its creative charms. Beckoning with the promise of laughter and imagination.
If we don't give in to her charms, we feel the withdraws. Moodiness, restlessness, unable to concentrate. Our life plays out before our lives but we find it lacking.
It is only through the writing and expressing do we find ourselves living. Our lives become sharper, brighter, & richer. Times with loved ones and friends become more special. Writing enhances our lives and brings a fullness, a richness we otherwise wouldn't have.
Then we feel the alluring call of the second book. The page calls to us, seducing with its creative charms. Beckoning with the promise of laughter and imagination.
If we don't give in to her charms, we feel the withdraws. Moodiness, restlessness, unable to concentrate. Our life plays out before our lives but we find it lacking.
It is only through the writing and expressing do we find ourselves living. Our lives become sharper, brighter, & richer. Times with loved ones and friends become more special. Writing enhances our lives and brings a fullness, a richness we otherwise wouldn't have.
November 7, 2014
Welcome and Friendship
Dictionary.com defines...
FRIENDSHIP: the state of being a friend; association as friends: to value a person's friendship, a friendly relation or intimacy, and friendly feeling or disposition.
WELCOME: to greet hospitably and with courtesy or cordiality, to accept with pleasure the occurrence or presence of, used as a friendly greeting to someone who has arrived at a place, used to express a greeting to a guest or newcomer upon arrival, giving someone happiness or pleasure, and used to say that you are happy to have someone come to and stay in a place.
In speaking with a very new and dear friend last night, I was told "Friendship is based on mutual partnership...So it goes both way Cathy." and "You are one of us so welcome to the club."
This struck me. My biggest struggles are in feeling welcomed in friendships. It's all me and I know it. Social cues and I don't often play well together. Many time I miss them completely or misinterpret. An 80,000+ word novel can make its way from my brain to the manuscript in 2 weeks but communally I feel awkward.
Maybe other people feel that way too. Do they hide it better than I? I don't really know.
But when I was told the words, "You are one of us so welcome to the club." This sentence allayed all the fears that I had for a while now. I have been striving to earn acceptance among my peers for so long. To be told I had finally made it (at least for my friend)... words cannot express the load that was taken from me.
So, THANK YOU, my good friend. Thank you for the friendship and the welcome you have given me. Thank you for saying those few letters that now mean so much to me.
*http://dictionary.reference.com/brows...
*http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictio...
FRIENDSHIP: the state of being a friend; association as friends: to value a person's friendship, a friendly relation or intimacy, and friendly feeling or disposition.
WELCOME: to greet hospitably and with courtesy or cordiality, to accept with pleasure the occurrence or presence of, used as a friendly greeting to someone who has arrived at a place, used to express a greeting to a guest or newcomer upon arrival, giving someone happiness or pleasure, and used to say that you are happy to have someone come to and stay in a place.
In speaking with a very new and dear friend last night, I was told "Friendship is based on mutual partnership...So it goes both way Cathy." and "You are one of us so welcome to the club."
This struck me. My biggest struggles are in feeling welcomed in friendships. It's all me and I know it. Social cues and I don't often play well together. Many time I miss them completely or misinterpret. An 80,000+ word novel can make its way from my brain to the manuscript in 2 weeks but communally I feel awkward.
Maybe other people feel that way too. Do they hide it better than I? I don't really know.
But when I was told the words, "You are one of us so welcome to the club." This sentence allayed all the fears that I had for a while now. I have been striving to earn acceptance among my peers for so long. To be told I had finally made it (at least for my friend)... words cannot express the load that was taken from me.
So, THANK YOU, my good friend. Thank you for the friendship and the welcome you have given me. Thank you for saying those few letters that now mean so much to me.
*http://dictionary.reference.com/brows...
*http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictio...
September 22, 2014
Decisions, Decisions
Do you have an easy time making tough decisions or are they easy? For me, making decisions are easy - sometimes - and snap. But not the one I have chosen to make. The decision concerning my books.
Since I began writing I wanted to tell a story that would people would love and want to read over and over again. Books that inspired and made us think. I know when I was writing them, the books made me contemplate all kinds of things.
What should I put in the books? What should I not put in the books? How far should my writing go? Not go? Where should I draw the line?
With much soul searching and contemplation I have made several decisions about my writing.
One:I will never have swearing in my books. Personally, I just don't read swear words if they are in a book but I don't particularly care for them.
Two: There will never be graphic, explicit sex in my books. Yes, some of them have plot points in which a woman becomes pregnant but the emotions are what I want the focus to be on.
I know that some people will not care to read what I will release and that is fine. The literary world is filled with novels that have what you like to read. All I ask is that you try my novels because I know that once you read them they will become your favorites.
Since I began writing I wanted to tell a story that would people would love and want to read over and over again. Books that inspired and made us think. I know when I was writing them, the books made me contemplate all kinds of things.
What should I put in the books? What should I not put in the books? How far should my writing go? Not go? Where should I draw the line?
With much soul searching and contemplation I have made several decisions about my writing.
One:I will never have swearing in my books. Personally, I just don't read swear words if they are in a book but I don't particularly care for them.
Two: There will never be graphic, explicit sex in my books. Yes, some of them have plot points in which a woman becomes pregnant but the emotions are what I want the focus to be on.
I know that some people will not care to read what I will release and that is fine. The literary world is filled with novels that have what you like to read. All I ask is that you try my novels because I know that once you read them they will become your favorites.
September 8, 2014
Changes
If you are ANYTHING like me you DETEST changes! GAH! I mean, I get that there are those who love the challenges and adventures that changes bring but I am not one of them. Sometimes I wish I were one of those who embraced the changes that life brings. To have the happiness and joy that jumping into seemingly impossible situations with both feet.
And it doesn't really have to be big changes that set us off. It's really often the little ones. Small glitches in our day or people challenge the way we think about certain issues. Those are things that change us, make us think, often redefine who we are or what we represent.
When I began writing, I wanted to bring characters and stories to life that people would love. They would be people that were flawed and the stories would show those imperfections to bring them peace. In each story I will release is a little bit of me and, selfishly, will bring me a little peace.
So in that spirit, I am making a decision about those stories as of yet to be released. I have not yet made peace with the decision I know will be made. Changes will have to be made on my part concerning said stories. I haven't made peace with those changes yet either. But I know they are for the best and at some point embracing those decisions to make those changes is what I will ultimately do.
You are always in my thoughts. I rejoice with you when you are happy and cry with you when you are sad. Thank you all for hanging in with me as I grow in my walk as an Author and Writer.
And it doesn't really have to be big changes that set us off. It's really often the little ones. Small glitches in our day or people challenge the way we think about certain issues. Those are things that change us, make us think, often redefine who we are or what we represent.
When I began writing, I wanted to bring characters and stories to life that people would love. They would be people that were flawed and the stories would show those imperfections to bring them peace. In each story I will release is a little bit of me and, selfishly, will bring me a little peace.
So in that spirit, I am making a decision about those stories as of yet to be released. I have not yet made peace with the decision I know will be made. Changes will have to be made on my part concerning said stories. I haven't made peace with those changes yet either. But I know they are for the best and at some point embracing those decisions to make those changes is what I will ultimately do.
You are always in my thoughts. I rejoice with you when you are happy and cry with you when you are sad. Thank you all for hanging in with me as I grow in my walk as an Author and Writer.
August 28, 2014
5 Interesting Things About Me
Several GOOD things happened today. Here they are:
NUMBER ONE: Jamie Rushly named the rock band for my anthology piece. That was AWESOME because I stressed over the name for a WEEK! Thanks, Jamie!
NUMBER TWO: This is kind of funny! Don't fall asleep reading this!! Twice today I was tagged in the "Name 5 Interesting Things about Me" post. My first thought and still is: I am NOT THAT INTERESTING! I'm weird and the things I do have been labeled 'unconventional'. Unconventional does not fit in to the status quo. Curious as to what I put in the statuses? Here they are:
POST #2 (Tagged by Danielle Bannister)
1. I am not a morning person! I hate going to bed & hate getting out of it.
2. I've never been out of the USA. I would like to preferably in a TARDIS!
3. I am an obsessive writer! I can knock out a 75,000 word manuscript in less than a month!
4. I never have a lot of time to read. When I do, I binge!
5. I always crave chocolate (or bananas). There are certain times when I go to the store I buy a bunch of bananas & eat them all before I get home.
Post #1 (Tagged by Bella Roccaforte)
1. I am OBSESSED with David Tennant. SUPRISED, RIGHT?
2. I am a newbie Author.
3. I have written over 12 stories, 13 counting the one I just wrote in the last year and a half. Each different genres.
4. I LOVE to sing & listen to all types of music!
5. My family are my world! They mean so much to me & I them!
SEE! Weird! Unconventional. But, hey, I am me and I am okay with it! I like me!
NUMBER ONE: Jamie Rushly named the rock band for my anthology piece. That was AWESOME because I stressed over the name for a WEEK! Thanks, Jamie!
NUMBER TWO: This is kind of funny! Don't fall asleep reading this!! Twice today I was tagged in the "Name 5 Interesting Things about Me" post. My first thought and still is: I am NOT THAT INTERESTING! I'm weird and the things I do have been labeled 'unconventional'. Unconventional does not fit in to the status quo. Curious as to what I put in the statuses? Here they are:
POST #2 (Tagged by Danielle Bannister)
1. I am not a morning person! I hate going to bed & hate getting out of it.
2. I've never been out of the USA. I would like to preferably in a TARDIS!
3. I am an obsessive writer! I can knock out a 75,000 word manuscript in less than a month!
4. I never have a lot of time to read. When I do, I binge!
5. I always crave chocolate (or bananas). There are certain times when I go to the store I buy a bunch of bananas & eat them all before I get home.
Post #1 (Tagged by Bella Roccaforte)
1. I am OBSESSED with David Tennant. SUPRISED, RIGHT?
2. I am a newbie Author.
3. I have written over 12 stories, 13 counting the one I just wrote in the last year and a half. Each different genres.
4. I LOVE to sing & listen to all types of music!
5. My family are my world! They mean so much to me & I them!
SEE! Weird! Unconventional. But, hey, I am me and I am okay with it! I like me!
August 26, 2014
Round Things
In honor of the new episode of Doctor Who I am dedicating this post to "the round things". Don't know Doctor Who? That's okay. That may be the only Who reference in this post.
Life is full, I mean CHOCK FULL of round things. Hamburgers, chocolates, steering wheels, cups, you just can't escape the round things. They are everywhere!
Writing a book is full of round things too. A writer starts at the beginning of the story and rounds it all out at the end. (Or we hope so, right?)
Why am I telling you this? Because today I hope to finish my submission for Felicia Starr's Rock anthology. Another 5,000 words and that baby is finished. After some polishing, it's going to my betas for some last minute clean up and then BAM! I am done with it!
Sitting beside me are more round things. A decadent bag of Dove Milk Chocolate Silky Smooth Promises is beckoning me to open it. BUT I have promised, see what I did there, myself NOT to OPEN the bag until the story is sent to Felicia.
Today's the day people. Carpe diem! (Seize the fish!) I know that's not really what it means.
Life is full, I mean CHOCK FULL of round things. Hamburgers, chocolates, steering wheels, cups, you just can't escape the round things. They are everywhere!
Writing a book is full of round things too. A writer starts at the beginning of the story and rounds it all out at the end. (Or we hope so, right?)
Why am I telling you this? Because today I hope to finish my submission for Felicia Starr's Rock anthology. Another 5,000 words and that baby is finished. After some polishing, it's going to my betas for some last minute clean up and then BAM! I am done with it!
Sitting beside me are more round things. A decadent bag of Dove Milk Chocolate Silky Smooth Promises is beckoning me to open it. BUT I have promised, see what I did there, myself NOT to OPEN the bag until the story is sent to Felicia.
Today's the day people. Carpe diem! (Seize the fish!) I know that's not really what it means.
August 24, 2014
NEW THINGS
Life is full of beginnings and endings and that's okay. I personally do NOT like change so I try to mask it with giddiness and fun stuff. Often I think I actually succeed in covering my nervousness.
I think...
Last week, I became frustrated as an Author/Writer. Every day I try so hard to promote "As You Wish", my debut novel and, it seems, everything I do just falls...flat. It's perception. I know it is.
People ARE SEEING the book and they KNOW WHAT IT'S ABOUT. Impatience is the word I would describe it. As human beings some of us are hard wired to get what we want RIGHT NOW. And, when we don't get it, then we become depressed and frustrated.
That explains the bag of Dove Milk Chocolate Promises laying of my writing desk. It tells me, reminds me, not to give up AND to press on. Write, think, type what needs to be done and get it over. This bag, without saying a word, is telling me. "You write 10,000 words this week, clean up your submission for Felicia Starr's anthology and you can have me. All of me, RedHotness." That means, I have to do it. I have to finish the story. Will I do it? YEAH! It's chocolate.
If you are facing frustration in your life, don't give up. You got this. One thing I have learned in the few 39 years on this Earth is this... If I am in a valley that just means I am getting ready to climb to the top. So suck it up and GO!
I. GOT. THIS!
I think...
Last week, I became frustrated as an Author/Writer. Every day I try so hard to promote "As You Wish", my debut novel and, it seems, everything I do just falls...flat. It's perception. I know it is.
People ARE SEEING the book and they KNOW WHAT IT'S ABOUT. Impatience is the word I would describe it. As human beings some of us are hard wired to get what we want RIGHT NOW. And, when we don't get it, then we become depressed and frustrated.
That explains the bag of Dove Milk Chocolate Promises laying of my writing desk. It tells me, reminds me, not to give up AND to press on. Write, think, type what needs to be done and get it over. This bag, without saying a word, is telling me. "You write 10,000 words this week, clean up your submission for Felicia Starr's anthology and you can have me. All of me, RedHotness." That means, I have to do it. I have to finish the story. Will I do it? YEAH! It's chocolate.
If you are facing frustration in your life, don't give up. You got this. One thing I have learned in the few 39 years on this Earth is this... If I am in a valley that just means I am getting ready to climb to the top. So suck it up and GO!
I. GOT. THIS!
August 22, 2014
Zero
No. No. Wait! This is not a negative post. Hang on..
Today's word count for my WIP (tentatively titled) "Lost & Found" is zilch. I know what I need to write but I don't want to! I know the chapter and how it should be written. For that matter I know how the entire book should be written but I don't want to write this chapter! UGH! *laughter* I guess I should just write the stupid thing and get it over with but *sniffle* yeah. Don't get me wrong I LOVE THIS BOOK but once I get about mid point for a WIP (Work in Progress) I start procrastinating. I don't like ending a book. Despite the other 11 in my head that are screaming to be written, I adore the story I am currently working on. Whether it is the other 11 I have already written or the current one, I don't like finishing a project. It makes me sad. :-(
On a lighter note, the Jackson household is incredible Doctor Who oriented. Tomorrow marks the beginning of Season 8 with Peter Capaldi. I am so super excited for 12's Doctor but NO ONE WILL EVER TRUMP David Tennant's Doctor. EVER!
I leave you all with this thought: if you ever find yourself in an incredible position take the time to seize the opportunity. Whether it's saying, "hi" to Michael W. Smith (which I didn't do when I could and regret) or getting a pic with Matt Smith *cough cough* Bella Roccaforte. Do it! Live! This is your one and only shot. Make it a good one!
I love you all! Shine on!!
Today's word count for my WIP (tentatively titled) "Lost & Found" is zilch. I know what I need to write but I don't want to! I know the chapter and how it should be written. For that matter I know how the entire book should be written but I don't want to write this chapter! UGH! *laughter* I guess I should just write the stupid thing and get it over with but *sniffle* yeah. Don't get me wrong I LOVE THIS BOOK but once I get about mid point for a WIP (Work in Progress) I start procrastinating. I don't like ending a book. Despite the other 11 in my head that are screaming to be written, I adore the story I am currently working on. Whether it is the other 11 I have already written or the current one, I don't like finishing a project. It makes me sad. :-(
On a lighter note, the Jackson household is incredible Doctor Who oriented. Tomorrow marks the beginning of Season 8 with Peter Capaldi. I am so super excited for 12's Doctor but NO ONE WILL EVER TRUMP David Tennant's Doctor. EVER!
I leave you all with this thought: if you ever find yourself in an incredible position take the time to seize the opportunity. Whether it's saying, "hi" to Michael W. Smith (which I didn't do when I could and regret) or getting a pic with Matt Smith *cough cough* Bella Roccaforte. Do it! Live! This is your one and only shot. Make it a good one!
I love you all! Shine on!!
August 21, 2014
Quotes
Today has been a day of quotes. If you ever come to visit the Jackson household, you should be prepared. As I once told Desiree DeOrto "free association is the name of the game". Subjects change often while one of the people in the household is speaking.
PeanutButterGamer, if you don't know this guy you should, has become a household name. (Just not the older youtube vids if you have kids or sensitive ears.) Phrases and vernacular he uses have worked their way into everyone's vocabulary here. This guys is the bomb and my kids love him.
Legolas' line in LoTR "Lembas bread. One small bite will fill the stomach of a grown man" is awesome! As I have 2 teenage boys, the line is hilarious!
My WIP, tentatively entitled "Lost and Found", saw around 3,000 words today. Loved the scenes that came from those words. Elijah and Jubilee have great chemistry together. I really hope that shows. The story has evolved as I have worked on it and you are going to love it.
PeanutButterGamer, if you don't know this guy you should, has become a household name. (Just not the older youtube vids if you have kids or sensitive ears.) Phrases and vernacular he uses have worked their way into everyone's vocabulary here. This guys is the bomb and my kids love him.
Legolas' line in LoTR "Lembas bread. One small bite will fill the stomach of a grown man" is awesome! As I have 2 teenage boys, the line is hilarious!
My WIP, tentatively entitled "Lost and Found", saw around 3,000 words today. Loved the scenes that came from those words. Elijah and Jubilee have great chemistry together. I really hope that shows. The story has evolved as I have worked on it and you are going to love it.
Headache
Sitting at the laptop yesterday, Facebook closed because as we all know it's a time killer, I continued to work once again on my story for Felicia Starr's upcoming Anthology. After much deliberation I have decided to title the WIP "Lost and Found". This is going to be a BRILLIANT STORY! *le sigh*
As I worked on it yesterday, polishing what I have already written, I found myself falling in love with Elijah and Jubilee. Their individual back stories are great and I love writing how this point in time is when their lives are meant to converge. Even being a short story at 5,000 to 20,000 I will find a way to give my characters an HEA!
Being of an impetuous nature, I tend to
write a story quickly often without thought as how to make the ideas cohesive. As I am often "controlled by emotion rather than thought" I want my characters together RIGHT NOW and not make them wait!
The issue I had, and will continue with today, is taking what I have already written and piecing it in to their story. It is a challenge but one that I am finding very rewarding. When the story completely coalesces I will be so happy!
As it was a KILLER headache hit me and I had to lay down yesterday. I think I was attacked by the Nap Monster, he's real people!, I managed to awake mentally done with the story for the day.
I can' wait for you to meet and fall in love with Elijah and Jubilee!
As I worked on it yesterday, polishing what I have already written, I found myself falling in love with Elijah and Jubilee. Their individual back stories are great and I love writing how this point in time is when their lives are meant to converge. Even being a short story at 5,000 to 20,000 I will find a way to give my characters an HEA!
Being of an impetuous nature, I tend to
write a story quickly often without thought as how to make the ideas cohesive. As I am often "controlled by emotion rather than thought" I want my characters together RIGHT NOW and not make them wait!
The issue I had, and will continue with today, is taking what I have already written and piecing it in to their story. It is a challenge but one that I am finding very rewarding. When the story completely coalesces I will be so happy!
As it was a KILLER headache hit me and I had to lay down yesterday. I think I was attacked by the Nap Monster, he's real people!, I managed to awake mentally done with the story for the day.
I can' wait for you to meet and fall in love with Elijah and Jubilee!
