C.J. Duggan's Blog, page 13
February 1, 2012
Enough is enough!
Procrastination is my arch nemesis.
At the risk of turning into Jabba the Hut, is time to rejoin the blog world and get cracka-lacking.
I personally blame Julie Garwood and her amazing historical romance novels that have had me glued pool side in a swoony world of Scottish Highlanders. Needless to say I have an amazing tan.
I mean the problem with Scottish Highlanders are they are just so hideous to look at.
I so admire the Historical genre. I was always a nerdy straight A student in History and think it is the ultimate escapism. It is also a genre I would never feel 100% comfortable in writing, but I do immensely enjoy and admire the talent.
Speaking of admire!
*cough-cough* Where was I ??
Oh yes! I am back to kick off February with much gusto! I have finally purchased a Kindle....Oh how I love it, and my purchasing has gone up 300% but truly exciting to discover some new books and new authors. 2012 is going to be an exciting year on all fronts.
Writing, reading, blogging and sexy Highlanders is all I hope for.
A girl with simple pleasures really.
If you haven't read any Julie Garwood I highly recommend her
I started here, had me hook line and sinker. Soooo good!
What have you been reading poolside?
Any Historical Romance recommendations?
At the risk of turning into Jabba the Hut, is time to rejoin the blog world and get cracka-lacking.
I personally blame Julie Garwood and her amazing historical romance novels that have had me glued pool side in a swoony world of Scottish Highlanders. Needless to say I have an amazing tan.
I mean the problem with Scottish Highlanders are they are just so hideous to look at.
I so admire the Historical genre. I was always a nerdy straight A student in History and think it is the ultimate escapism. It is also a genre I would never feel 100% comfortable in writing, but I do immensely enjoy and admire the talent.
Speaking of admire!
*cough-cough* Where was I ??
Oh yes! I am back to kick off February with much gusto! I have finally purchased a Kindle....Oh how I love it, and my purchasing has gone up 300% but truly exciting to discover some new books and new authors. 2012 is going to be an exciting year on all fronts.
Writing, reading, blogging and sexy Highlanders is all I hope for.
A girl with simple pleasures really.
If you haven't read any Julie Garwood I highly recommend her
I started here, had me hook line and sinker. Soooo good!
What have you been reading poolside?
Any Historical Romance recommendations?
January 9, 2012
So much to tell you!
I am feeling rather nostalgic of late. Perhaps it was because I am penning a YA Romance? Perhaps it's because I caught up from my old friends from High School in the holidays? Maybe it's the hind site that age and wisdom brings? But I think to myself…..If I had a time machine (as ya do)
What would I say to my 16 year old self?
(Sweet 16 at my school social, for a small town I bravely rocked knee high boots and a suede mini)
Hey 16 year old me, you know what?
You know that boy you love? That you think you will die if you aren't together? The one you look at across a crowded school yard. The one that doesn't know you exist, that doesn't love you back.
It's o.k! Because in years to come you will see him in the supermarket when you go home to visit. He will be married to a plain wife with 3 kids under the age of 3, he will have receding hair line and generous beer belly.
Hey 16 year old me, you know what?
Take you hair out of that braid! There is something called "hair product" it makes curly hair avoid frizz, you needn't fear any longer.
Hey 16 year old me, you know what?Those mean girls? The ones that left the nasty note in your locker? Eh forget about them, in 10 years time there will be a thing called Facebook and you will receive a friend invite from all of them. You will even all meet up and look back and laugh about what little bitches you all were.
Dear 16 year old me,you know what?
You are not fat! You are like a size nothing. You are a teenager and guess what honey once you get older, some days you are going to wish you had that scrawny figure back.
Hey 16 year old, me you know what?School does suck, but you get to go home at 3! And those school holidays which there are SO many of, that you spend lounging around talking to your friends on the phone and pestering your mum and dad for money. Although you think it's boring days, trust me they are great days.
Hey 16 year old me, you know what?
When you think, I don't know what I want to do when I get older? You will.
When you look longingly at your high school crush that you have circled in your year book, and wonder will anyone ever love me.? They will.
And when you think. How will I ever survive this? You do.
If I had only an ounce of the confidence and wisdom in High School as I do now, it would have been a much more enjoyable place. Of course try telling that to a 16 year old! Yeah right!
You know what I also find would have helped my High School experience?
Adam Brody!
It's rather simple really, if I got to be Biology partners with the likes of Adam Brody, I think I would have appreciated school a whole lot more. Something about those bed tousled dark locks and dark eyes and that boy next door look, that I love so much. Sadly there was no boy like this at our school. In fact each time at school assembly when the principle would announce a new foreign exchange student was coming to our school. All our teenage girl hearts would squeeze expectantly with anticipation, only to be sadly disappointed when our green eyed Alessandro turned out to be a pasty sickly looking Hans.
Guess now that I have the power to wield the pen, the time that mousy girl in me, stood by and watched the boy I loved slow dance with the girl I hated at the school social. Now I am going to write for the mousy, shy girls! I am going to let them dance with the boys!
In reality we may not have danced, but by God….we will now!
What would I say to my 16 year old self?
(Sweet 16 at my school social, for a small town I bravely rocked knee high boots and a suede mini)
Hey 16 year old me, you know what?
You know that boy you love? That you think you will die if you aren't together? The one you look at across a crowded school yard. The one that doesn't know you exist, that doesn't love you back.
It's o.k! Because in years to come you will see him in the supermarket when you go home to visit. He will be married to a plain wife with 3 kids under the age of 3, he will have receding hair line and generous beer belly.
Hey 16 year old me, you know what?
Take you hair out of that braid! There is something called "hair product" it makes curly hair avoid frizz, you needn't fear any longer.
Hey 16 year old me, you know what?Those mean girls? The ones that left the nasty note in your locker? Eh forget about them, in 10 years time there will be a thing called Facebook and you will receive a friend invite from all of them. You will even all meet up and look back and laugh about what little bitches you all were.
Dear 16 year old me,you know what?
You are not fat! You are like a size nothing. You are a teenager and guess what honey once you get older, some days you are going to wish you had that scrawny figure back.
Hey 16 year old, me you know what?School does suck, but you get to go home at 3! And those school holidays which there are SO many of, that you spend lounging around talking to your friends on the phone and pestering your mum and dad for money. Although you think it's boring days, trust me they are great days.
Hey 16 year old me, you know what?
When you think, I don't know what I want to do when I get older? You will.
When you look longingly at your high school crush that you have circled in your year book, and wonder will anyone ever love me.? They will.
And when you think. How will I ever survive this? You do.
If I had only an ounce of the confidence and wisdom in High School as I do now, it would have been a much more enjoyable place. Of course try telling that to a 16 year old! Yeah right!
You know what I also find would have helped my High School experience?
Adam Brody!
It's rather simple really, if I got to be Biology partners with the likes of Adam Brody, I think I would have appreciated school a whole lot more. Something about those bed tousled dark locks and dark eyes and that boy next door look, that I love so much. Sadly there was no boy like this at our school. In fact each time at school assembly when the principle would announce a new foreign exchange student was coming to our school. All our teenage girl hearts would squeeze expectantly with anticipation, only to be sadly disappointed when our green eyed Alessandro turned out to be a pasty sickly looking Hans.
Guess now that I have the power to wield the pen, the time that mousy girl in me, stood by and watched the boy I loved slow dance with the girl I hated at the school social. Now I am going to write for the mousy, shy girls! I am going to let them dance with the boys!
In reality we may not have danced, but by God….we will now!
January 6, 2012
Honey, I'm Home!
448 inbox....Yowsa!!Like Bill and Ted I feel like I have had a Bogas Journey, and now I am seeping back to the here and now (Minus the air guitar actions)
It's the holidays and there is so much to do, so little time. I am balancing, sleeping in, catching up with people through the festive season. I am reading a book poolside working on my tan, I am starting to think about my big trip planned to America this year, and I am brainstorming constantly on my current work in progress The Boys of Summer.
Please don't mistake any of the above as a whingey whiny tone….oh no! it is a purr of delight in which I retell the reasons why my blogasphere has been so quiet.
As I neglect my poor family for 11mths of the year, I thought it only right to take December off for some serious catch ups.
NOW...
As I seep back into the reality of my writing, a new year brings new enthusiasm and some fresh perspectives.
As in……
I aim to rewrite This Life. I am talking major changes people and I am rather excited about it, more on that to come :)
I will be getting my other WIP TBOS finalized and edited which I am SUPER excited about and believe this will be my first official published piece. (Fingers crossed)
Come February, in celebration of my one year anniversary of when I started this adventure of pursuing my dream to write seriously, I plan to do a cover reveal for This Life. I will then have both covers for both WIP out there and posted. I thought to keep them closer to publishing time, but eh….I love being able to give a visual.
I am planning for my epic trip to America in July-ish and I can' believe that 2012 is finally here so I can now be really excited about it, I know it's going to come around really fast.
And as for resolutions? Sure weight loss from all that Chrissy food, but more importantly to be fit and healthy for America. I aim to shed a few kilos in order to absolutely gain some as I plan to eat my way around the U.S ....Oh hells yeah!!
There will also be many a books devoured in the New Year... this is a given.
AS for anything else, I think I will occupy myself with the above and see what else falls into place, I think I have plenty to keep me busy.
I also want to take this time to acknowledge one of my writing She-roes.
It is no secret that I am a huge fan of Stephanie Perkins and her work. Anna and the French Kiss, Lola and the Boy Next Door are two of my dessert Island books. My first post I managed to tap into when I came back from holiday's was Stepahine's. Stephanie has made a brave decision to post pone her release for her 3rd novel Isla and the Ever After.
How I commend Stephanie for making that tough decision in order to make herself happier and not compromise quality. It is so nice to see some one you respect be open and honest about the road to publication and that making a decision to change something is a huge inspiration for us writers.
Check out Stephanie's Blog an post about her decision here
And see why I totally heart this girl!
If anything my aim is to look at 2012 as a way to enjoy the works I am creating and continue on the path that makes me happy.
Create-Believe- Achieve
December 24, 2011
Merry Christmas Ya Filthy Animals
With all my Christmas shopping complete (Yes it involved many books) I am ready for the big day tomorrow. It will be a quiet affair as in camp Duggan New Years Eve is our choice of true celebration, we choose to make what is usually dubbed as the most overrated day of the year to be the most fabulous day of the year. Seeing as we are the rare 'childless' couple with a large house all to ourselves and....oh yeah and an in ground pool! We are the party house and I love it. All family and friends descend for the big day for great food, music and some rather uncoordinated handstands in the pool. awkward much?
So as we wind down for the festive season it is a time to look back in all we have achieved and also look forward to what is to come. It as been an amazing year creatively speaking and I look forward to bringing you my two works in progress in 2012....
>>>>This Life <<<<
>>>>The Boys of Summer<<<<
Epic Squuueeeeee.......
I would like to wish each and everyone of my followers a very Merry Christmas and a Sensational New Year. You have made my blogging venture a truly exiting and rewarding one. Coming from a girl who started blogging back in February with some trepidation, it is now as much apart of me as anything.
Happy Days and Much Love
C.J xox
December 14, 2011
KK&P Lands Film Rights to Keary Taylor's 'EDEN'! Squeeeeeeee......
Nothing like being welcomed back to the blog-a-sphere by utterly amazing news.
My epically talented friend Keary Taylor has landed herself in some utterly exciting waters and I am so thrilled about it. You may have heard me speak of Keary in the past as she is also the talent behind my beautiful cover designs. Keary is also a proud Indie Author of several books and finally she is being recognised for her talent and immense hard work. If anyone deserves it, Keary does.
You can read about her amazing news in her own blog post
"KK&P Lands Film Right's to "EDEN"
Wooo Hoooo!!
I myself devoured Eden, and am a proud owner of my own copy.
If you haven't yet, read this book!!
A big shout out to Keary, I can't wait to see how this all unfolds in some serious exciting times ahead. It is so lovely to see Keary waving the flag of Indie Authors, it's an amazing achievement and I know this is just the beginning for her.
Keary Taylor is the author of BRANDED, FORSAKEN, VINDICATED (Fall of Angels series), and EDEN. She lives in Washington State with her husband and their two children.
Want to more? Check Keary out HERE.
My epically talented friend Keary Taylor has landed herself in some utterly exciting waters and I am so thrilled about it. You may have heard me speak of Keary in the past as she is also the talent behind my beautiful cover designs. Keary is also a proud Indie Author of several books and finally she is being recognised for her talent and immense hard work. If anyone deserves it, Keary does.
You can read about her amazing news in her own blog post
"KK&P Lands Film Right's to "EDEN"
Wooo Hoooo!!
I myself devoured Eden, and am a proud owner of my own copy.
If you haven't yet, read this book!!
A big shout out to Keary, I can't wait to see how this all unfolds in some serious exciting times ahead. It is so lovely to see Keary waving the flag of Indie Authors, it's an amazing achievement and I know this is just the beginning for her.
Keary Taylor is the author of BRANDED, FORSAKEN, VINDICATED (Fall of Angels series), and EDEN. She lives in Washington State with her husband and their two children.
Want to more? Check Keary out HERE.
December 2, 2011
Turning 30 with 300!
Oh no you D'int....300 followers?
And the number was cracked on my 30th birthday, seriously does it get any better than that?
How about a cover reveal for my YA Romance The Boys of Summer?
*Cough* Shameful *Cough* Plug
I recall turning 25 and whining "Oh my God I am 5 years from 30!" which was followed by a blank stair from my mother who was like "Try 55 darling"
From then on 30 has been looming like a nightmare. Suddenly I realised my birthday was only 2 days away! Oh so close, I half suspected I would be more like this:
Bur strangely I was actually more like this:
And it was mostly due to the beautiful well wishes from family and friend's that made the day so special. Releasing my cover was also the best thing I could have done as the feedback for both the cover and synopsis have been so incredibly touching. I feel so blessed to have such amazing people I have connected with. And when I logged in to see 301 followers....It made my day!
What also made my day, or what I like to call "softening the blow of the big 3-0!" Was my amazing husband who makes me so happy!
Much like this:
Apart from being on cloud nine all day, my husband put the icing on the cake by giving me the most amazing gift.
Diamonds really are a girls best friend!!
A big thanks to each and every follower old and new, I am so excited to be sharing with you my new writing ventures and can not tell how much your kind words mean to me.
(A special shout out to Lesley Clancy and Elisa Hirsch ) Your friendship means more to me than words can say xx
