M.L. Chesley's Blog, page 30
November 15, 2013
Friday Faves & Funnies...
It's Friday! We all know what that means. Sleeping in on Saturday, unless of course you work. Sundays are somewhat better. Relaxing, going out for breakfast, but dreading Monday.
Anyway, enough first day of the work week anxiety on Friday.
So, some favorites of mine. Super Mario Brothers. I used to love playing that game. Still a favorite. Tetris is another and I actually have Tetris Blitz on my Kindle.
I've been looking at artwork these days, too. I've been getting some stuff done for people, pondering the cover for book two, things like that. So I have a couple I'd like to share.
And now for the funnies:
Okay, have a good weekend, everyone!
Anyway, enough first day of the work week anxiety on Friday.
So, some favorites of mine. Super Mario Brothers. I used to love playing that game. Still a favorite. Tetris is another and I actually have Tetris Blitz on my Kindle.
I've been looking at artwork these days, too. I've been getting some stuff done for people, pondering the cover for book two, things like that. So I have a couple I'd like to share.
And now for the funnies:
Okay, have a good weekend, everyone!
November 13, 2013
Seriously...
I saw this on Facebook. And suddenly I had to share.
I tend to joke about how my characters keep me awake. The voices in my head. Getting stuck on plot points. All of it. But where would I be without writing?
Probably in a padded cell.
Writing has helped me in so many, many ways.
It's helped me find an outlet for my crazy imagination.
It's helped me through depression and anxiety.
It's helped me find an amazing group of friends and warm community.
Writing has taught me a lot about myself. I mean a LOT.
I don't think I've ever had a moment of bravery (up until we moved to Washington) before. It was a brave thing to actually release my book out into the world. It's a brave thing to face the reviews you get. Which, some of them aren't going to be nice. You have to be prepared for that. I was posting on here recently about my dealings with bad reviews.
So yeah, in a way, my book wrote me. I've changed, I've grown. I'm a heck of a lot more confident.
Even though it sounds odd, thanks, book. For all you've done.
November 11, 2013
Where I'm At...
So. It has taken me awhile to get settled in and used to our new area. Mainly because I'm not doing a lot.
A lot of driving.
A lot of cooking.
A lot of cleaning.
A lot of any. Thing.
I've shifted from having a houseful of people to me and hubby living with our friends out in a camper trailer. First of all, this is about all we can afford at the moment. Our trip here was riddled with financial issues and a very bad experience at the border that caused more financial issues.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not complaining. Bear with me.
This past year, I became a grandmother, my son graduated high school and then we moved to another state. I'm still sort of in a state of limbo, I suppose. Not only do I have an 'empty nest', I'm not living in my own place. Me, hubby and the cats are 'camping out', so to speak while we recuperate financially.
I've had all this time thrown into my lap to do with as I please. I don't make dinner every night. Although, I do make it as often as possible. I don't have an entire house to clean, I just have the camper. I don't do loads and loads of laundry. I do maybe three. On Sunday. I don't do all of the grocery shopping.
I no longer have a house to manage. It's just me and hubby and the kitties. So I suppose it's no wonder that I find myself sleeping a lot. I'm bored. I write, I watch TV, I make some jewelry when I can. But there isn't much more for me to do. So I need to add a little more to my life. I'm slowly building up a Scentsy business. But slowly is the key word there. I'll include a link so you can see what it's all about.
Bottom line, if I want to be successful, I have to start changing things a little at a time. Again, don't get me wrong. I'm not complaining, or bragging or begging. It is just a realization that I have come to the past couple days. I'm in a totally unfamiliar stage of my life. A place I didn't think I would be at 43 years of age. It's a little tough to take. But I will adapt. I always do. Sometimes a little too slowly for my own good.
A lot of driving.
A lot of cooking.
A lot of cleaning.
A lot of any. Thing.
I've shifted from having a houseful of people to me and hubby living with our friends out in a camper trailer. First of all, this is about all we can afford at the moment. Our trip here was riddled with financial issues and a very bad experience at the border that caused more financial issues.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not complaining. Bear with me.
This past year, I became a grandmother, my son graduated high school and then we moved to another state. I'm still sort of in a state of limbo, I suppose. Not only do I have an 'empty nest', I'm not living in my own place. Me, hubby and the cats are 'camping out', so to speak while we recuperate financially.
I've had all this time thrown into my lap to do with as I please. I don't make dinner every night. Although, I do make it as often as possible. I don't have an entire house to clean, I just have the camper. I don't do loads and loads of laundry. I do maybe three. On Sunday. I don't do all of the grocery shopping.
I no longer have a house to manage. It's just me and hubby and the kitties. So I suppose it's no wonder that I find myself sleeping a lot. I'm bored. I write, I watch TV, I make some jewelry when I can. But there isn't much more for me to do. So I need to add a little more to my life. I'm slowly building up a Scentsy business. But slowly is the key word there. I'll include a link so you can see what it's all about.
Bottom line, if I want to be successful, I have to start changing things a little at a time. Again, don't get me wrong. I'm not complaining, or bragging or begging. It is just a realization that I have come to the past couple days. I'm in a totally unfamiliar stage of my life. A place I didn't think I would be at 43 years of age. It's a little tough to take. But I will adapt. I always do. Sometimes a little too slowly for my own good.
November 8, 2013
Friday Faves & Funnies...
It's Friday! For those of you who've just joined me, I do posts every Friday where I share my favorites. Favorite music, favorite movies, television shows, books, etc.
So on with it!
I finally got to see Iron Man 3. I love it. All of the Iron Man movies are good. The second one, like in ANY trilogy, wasn't exactly the best, but it was still good.
I'm currently sitting on the edge of my seat to see "Catching Fire" and "The Desolation of Smaug". I know those will become favorites very quickly. Tolkien has been a favorite for years. Suzanne Collins is a new favorite too, due to the "Hunger Games" series. Which... I have to finish! Gah!
Okay, enough about me. Let's get on to the funnies!
And for those of you doing NaNoWriMo...
Have a good weekend, everyone! What are your plans?
So on with it!
I finally got to see Iron Man 3. I love it. All of the Iron Man movies are good. The second one, like in ANY trilogy, wasn't exactly the best, but it was still good.
I'm currently sitting on the edge of my seat to see "Catching Fire" and "The Desolation of Smaug". I know those will become favorites very quickly. Tolkien has been a favorite for years. Suzanne Collins is a new favorite too, due to the "Hunger Games" series. Which... I have to finish! Gah!
Okay, enough about me. Let's get on to the funnies!
And for those of you doing NaNoWriMo...
Have a good weekend, everyone! What are your plans?November 7, 2013
Strong Females...
Everyone has their idea of what a strong female character is in writing.
It can be Buffy from the series, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer". It can be Xena, the Warrior Princess. It can even be Princess Leia from "Star Wars".
Of course Princess Leia is like, the toughest Princess I know. Unless you count Princess Vespa from "Space Balls".
But some people feel that Bella from "Twilight" is a strong female character. While I have to beg to differ, like I just said, everyone has their idea of what a strong female character is.
So what would be some guidelines you could follow if you feel like you don't have a strong woman, but want one, as a character?
First of all, start looking for all the Tom Boys in your family and friends circle. Then ask them what makes them tick.
Ha! Kidding. That would take FOR. EVER.
Okay, so here we go with some serious guidelines.
A) Don't let her be afraid to throw a baseball or change a flat tire. But do allow her to break a nail during the tire change.
B) Don't make her primp every five seconds. While this is a good "girl trait", tom boys (a.k.a. strong female characters), like to throw their hair into a ponytail once in a while.
C) Let her yell and scream, threaten other people. But when she's hurt, let her cry.
D) She's still a girl, and people call women "the weaker sex", sometimes. A strong female character can throw a punch, but she's not going to slam a guy to the ground with a single punch.
There is a fine line between being a nice, sweet, frail girl and a strong woman who, quite frankly, resembles a man.
The girl who wears the short skirt with the frilly blouse can still be wearing some kick ass, platform, knee-high leather boots. Find the balance. Find the Yin to the Yang. But most of all, don't try too hard.
It can be Buffy from the series, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer". It can be Xena, the Warrior Princess. It can even be Princess Leia from "Star Wars".
Of course Princess Leia is like, the toughest Princess I know. Unless you count Princess Vespa from "Space Balls".
But some people feel that Bella from "Twilight" is a strong female character. While I have to beg to differ, like I just said, everyone has their idea of what a strong female character is.
So what would be some guidelines you could follow if you feel like you don't have a strong woman, but want one, as a character?
First of all, start looking for all the Tom Boys in your family and friends circle. Then ask them what makes them tick.
Ha! Kidding. That would take FOR. EVER.
Okay, so here we go with some serious guidelines.
A) Don't let her be afraid to throw a baseball or change a flat tire. But do allow her to break a nail during the tire change.
B) Don't make her primp every five seconds. While this is a good "girl trait", tom boys (a.k.a. strong female characters), like to throw their hair into a ponytail once in a while.
C) Let her yell and scream, threaten other people. But when she's hurt, let her cry.
D) She's still a girl, and people call women "the weaker sex", sometimes. A strong female character can throw a punch, but she's not going to slam a guy to the ground with a single punch.
There is a fine line between being a nice, sweet, frail girl and a strong woman who, quite frankly, resembles a man.
The girl who wears the short skirt with the frilly blouse can still be wearing some kick ass, platform, knee-high leather boots. Find the balance. Find the Yin to the Yang. But most of all, don't try too hard.
November 6, 2013
Insecure Writer's Support Group...
Wow, November already!
Well, if you're just joining the Insecure Writer's Support Group, you can find out details at Alex J. Cavanaugh's blog.
Around my birthday last year, I submitted my first book to a publisher and got accepted. My book came out in December. Almost one year ago!
The pressure has been on since that moment to get book two done. I've revised and polished, but not quite ready to send it off to my Beta Readers and Critiquers.
So while this is sort of a "oh my gosh, I need support" post, it's also an advice post.
Life is going to happen, regardless of how much we plan and set goals and make deadlines. I need to relax a little more. This book will get done, when it gets done. If I force it, it'll be crap. I have to take my time with it as much as I did the first one, albeit, not AS long as before. It took me almost 20 years to write my first book. I don't think my readers would appreciate the wait.
So if you're in between your first and second book or your one hundred first and one hundred second, just take it easy. It'll come. All in due time.
Well, if you're just joining the Insecure Writer's Support Group, you can find out details at Alex J. Cavanaugh's blog.
Around my birthday last year, I submitted my first book to a publisher and got accepted. My book came out in December. Almost one year ago!
The pressure has been on since that moment to get book two done. I've revised and polished, but not quite ready to send it off to my Beta Readers and Critiquers.
So while this is sort of a "oh my gosh, I need support" post, it's also an advice post.
Life is going to happen, regardless of how much we plan and set goals and make deadlines. I need to relax a little more. This book will get done, when it gets done. If I force it, it'll be crap. I have to take my time with it as much as I did the first one, albeit, not AS long as before. It took me almost 20 years to write my first book. I don't think my readers would appreciate the wait.
So if you're in between your first and second book or your one hundred first and one hundred second, just take it easy. It'll come. All in due time.
November 4, 2013
Writers Who Are Readers...
When you are a reader, you have a different opinion about books than you do if you're a writer who reads.
I don't know about you, but when I read these days, I find it very difficult to discuss a book with people who don't write. Before I started writing, I enjoyed a certain level of ignorance. I liked being able to discuss the book for reasons other than lack of editing.
When I read a book now, I have a totally different perspective. But when I try to discuss that perspective with someone who doesn't write...
*crickets*
Is it just me?
I've had a couple of discussions about certain paranormal books with a friend of mine who adores them. I can't stand them for lots of reasons. Even as just a reader, I didn't like them for the message they sent. But my friend adored them. Her arguments, when we would talk about it, were, "But you're a writer and you're seeing it from a writing point of view."
...
But I'm a READER, too! How come my opinion no longer matters as a reader? But it does matter, it's just. Different.
So what's changed? Has my opinion always been this way? Is it just coming out more because I'm writing? How do you connect and discuss books with people who don't write?
I can like a book just for what it is. I can enjoy reading like I used to. I just happen to pick it apart more, find the flaws a lot easier. I can pinpoint the issue I have with the books now, rather than trying to figure out what concept I'm failing to grasp.
I think I've always been a closet Writer/Reader and not just a typical Reader. It's just, up until now, I never knew it.
So do you have trouble discussing books with people who aren't writers?
I don't know about you, but when I read these days, I find it very difficult to discuss a book with people who don't write. Before I started writing, I enjoyed a certain level of ignorance. I liked being able to discuss the book for reasons other than lack of editing.
When I read a book now, I have a totally different perspective. But when I try to discuss that perspective with someone who doesn't write...
*crickets*
Is it just me?
I've had a couple of discussions about certain paranormal books with a friend of mine who adores them. I can't stand them for lots of reasons. Even as just a reader, I didn't like them for the message they sent. But my friend adored them. Her arguments, when we would talk about it, were, "But you're a writer and you're seeing it from a writing point of view."
...
But I'm a READER, too! How come my opinion no longer matters as a reader? But it does matter, it's just. Different.
So what's changed? Has my opinion always been this way? Is it just coming out more because I'm writing? How do you connect and discuss books with people who don't write?
I can like a book just for what it is. I can enjoy reading like I used to. I just happen to pick it apart more, find the flaws a lot easier. I can pinpoint the issue I have with the books now, rather than trying to figure out what concept I'm failing to grasp.
I think I've always been a closet Writer/Reader and not just a typical Reader. It's just, up until now, I never knew it.
So do you have trouble discussing books with people who aren't writers?
November 1, 2013
Friday Faves & Funnies...
Yay, it's Friday! I'm trying to be happy and excited over here for all you working people.
I know, rub it in, right?
Right, then, on with it before someone comes knocking on my door...
So, I'm a little behind in lots of the TV shows I have wanted to watch. Lately, I've been on a "Brothers & Sisters" kick. It was one of those shows I wanted to watch and never did due to either A) It was on at the same time something else was on that caught my attention more or B) It was on when someone else wanted to hijack the TV.
That's okay, Netflix is helping me catch up. I'm still watching House, M. D. as well. Love him. He's like my idol. I aspire to be as snarky and misanthropic as House.
I might be succeeding...
I've also been playing Sims 2 alot. It sort of keeps my blood pressure down and these days, I seriously need that.
On to the funnies!! This is my way of showing support for all you NaNoWriMo'ers out there. I have too much going on to participate this time around.
And this last one here is for you when you begin to hit the second week of NaNoWriMo:
All right! Good luck to you all, I'll be cheering you on and making sarcastic comments from the sidelines. Have a good weekend!
Are you participating in NaNoWriMo? What are your plans for the weekend?
I know, rub it in, right?
Right, then, on with it before someone comes knocking on my door...
So, I'm a little behind in lots of the TV shows I have wanted to watch. Lately, I've been on a "Brothers & Sisters" kick. It was one of those shows I wanted to watch and never did due to either A) It was on at the same time something else was on that caught my attention more or B) It was on when someone else wanted to hijack the TV.That's okay, Netflix is helping me catch up. I'm still watching House, M. D. as well. Love him. He's like my idol. I aspire to be as snarky and misanthropic as House.
I might be succeeding...
I've also been playing Sims 2 alot. It sort of keeps my blood pressure down and these days, I seriously need that.
On to the funnies!! This is my way of showing support for all you NaNoWriMo'ers out there. I have too much going on to participate this time around.
And this last one here is for you when you begin to hit the second week of NaNoWriMo:
All right! Good luck to you all, I'll be cheering you on and making sarcastic comments from the sidelines. Have a good weekend!
Are you participating in NaNoWriMo? What are your plans for the weekend?
October 31, 2013
Good And Bad All Over...
Hmm. I sort of had a bit of a low point.
As much as I like to say that bad reviews really won't bother me, that they'll just roll like water off a duck's back...
They sort of sting.
No worries, I'm not really letting it get to me. I am looking over what is being said, and taking it all into consideration.
I tried something new in fantasy, and, well, you either love it or you hate it. Experiment done. "Mischief managed". On to the next book.
So while I am sort of sad when people don't like my book, I have a slight confession to make. I've put some of you, yes, you, up on a pedestal. Yes, my author buddies, I've sort of raised you all up in my mind, and had a slight moment of Hero Worship.
*Gasp!*
I still worship you all, don't worry. But, I did go read some of your one- and two-star reviews. Is that mean? Is that like, "Mean Girl-ish"? Catty?
Rawrrr...
No, it really just helped me put things into perspective. Not every reader out there is going to love everything they read. I do book reviews, for pity's sake. I know how hard it is to give those one, two and even three star reviews. I don't like saying I don't like a book. It's no fair to the author, but how else are you going to help the author learn and grow?
For those of you who have more than one book under your belt, I did see how the reviews got better with each book written. So there is hope for me.
Thanks for putting up with my slightly self pity party. This would have been a better post for IWSG, but I couldn't wait.
As much as I like to say that bad reviews really won't bother me, that they'll just roll like water off a duck's back...
They sort of sting.
No worries, I'm not really letting it get to me. I am looking over what is being said, and taking it all into consideration.
I tried something new in fantasy, and, well, you either love it or you hate it. Experiment done. "Mischief managed". On to the next book.
So while I am sort of sad when people don't like my book, I have a slight confession to make. I've put some of you, yes, you, up on a pedestal. Yes, my author buddies, I've sort of raised you all up in my mind, and had a slight moment of Hero Worship.
*Gasp!*
I still worship you all, don't worry. But, I did go read some of your one- and two-star reviews. Is that mean? Is that like, "Mean Girl-ish"? Catty?
Rawrrr...
No, it really just helped me put things into perspective. Not every reader out there is going to love everything they read. I do book reviews, for pity's sake. I know how hard it is to give those one, two and even three star reviews. I don't like saying I don't like a book. It's no fair to the author, but how else are you going to help the author learn and grow?
For those of you who have more than one book under your belt, I did see how the reviews got better with each book written. So there is hope for me.
Thanks for putting up with my slightly self pity party. This would have been a better post for IWSG, but I couldn't wait.
October 30, 2013
Book Review: Words of an Angel by Savannah Rayne...
Title: Words of an Angel
Author: Savannah Rayne
Pages: 159 File Size: 1301 KB
ASIN: B00DWFPCI0
Purchase: Amazon
Summary (from Amazon):
After losing her job at the local newspaper, Rayanne Bradley finally had the time to reach for one of her dreams—writing a book. What should have been an easy task end’s up getting off to a slow start, until the day her muse shows up. Now, whenever the masculine scent of musk mysteriously fills the air, her thoughts flow freely as she types them into what will become her book. As the manuscript unfolds, the mystery deepens and becomes entangled with coincidences. Could this be real? Had she met the long haired, sexy, man of her dreams? Could she believe and trust the words of an angel?
My thoughts:
Now, you all know I'm not much of a romance reader. But this was a good, fast read. It kept me up until 4 a.m. one morning, which is good. Books that pull me in and keep me turning the pages are the kind of books I love, no matter the genre. Savannah asked me to take a look at 'Words of an Angel' and I did.
I like Savannah's writing style. It's pretty concise and her characters are usually well developed. This is her first attempt at romance, and I think she did a pretty good job.
The story itself is different, and moves at a good pace. All of the characters are well developed. There isn't anything bad I can say about this story. The rating will say it all.
My rating:
4 and a half skull and crossbones.
Author: Savannah Rayne
Pages: 159 File Size: 1301 KB
ASIN: B00DWFPCI0
Purchase: Amazon
Summary (from Amazon):After losing her job at the local newspaper, Rayanne Bradley finally had the time to reach for one of her dreams—writing a book. What should have been an easy task end’s up getting off to a slow start, until the day her muse shows up. Now, whenever the masculine scent of musk mysteriously fills the air, her thoughts flow freely as she types them into what will become her book. As the manuscript unfolds, the mystery deepens and becomes entangled with coincidences. Could this be real? Had she met the long haired, sexy, man of her dreams? Could she believe and trust the words of an angel?
My thoughts:
Now, you all know I'm not much of a romance reader. But this was a good, fast read. It kept me up until 4 a.m. one morning, which is good. Books that pull me in and keep me turning the pages are the kind of books I love, no matter the genre. Savannah asked me to take a look at 'Words of an Angel' and I did.
I like Savannah's writing style. It's pretty concise and her characters are usually well developed. This is her first attempt at romance, and I think she did a pretty good job.
The story itself is different, and moves at a good pace. All of the characters are well developed. There isn't anything bad I can say about this story. The rating will say it all.
My rating:
4 and a half skull and crossbones.
