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[Renee]

This is what I've found Debra. If I don't plot at least an outline, rewrites are hell. I avoid rewriting as much as possible. So if plotting saves me drafts 4-6, I'm happy. Three rewrites I can manage without needing my meds.

[Renee]

Oh, and I've written myself into a corner a few times. It took me a while to learn about this plotting thing.

[Debra]

That's probably how we all learn...through trial and error :)

[Renee]

This is classified as news I suppose. Goodreads has been nominated for a Webby. The Webby's have been called "The Internet's highest honor." Goodreads is competing in the Social Networking category against top sites Twitter, Digg, Bakespace and Cute as Hell. Right now, Goodreads holds second place, but barely.

Head on over to the Webby site and cast your vote for Goodreads! Voting ends on April 29, so hurry!

http://webby.aol.com/

[Erma]

Thanks, Renee. Let's get those votes in!

[Renee]

A new epidemic sweeping the world, afflicting mostly writers, but also the occasional reader. Help us find a cure for genre sensitivity.

http://reneeamiller.blogspot.com/2010...

Yeah, I'm silly. Gotcha wondering though, didn't I?

[Erma]

Read your article, Renee. Really interesting. I try and look past genre and formula too and simply look for good writing. But have to admit, I do have trouble with sci-fi and fantasy, even in children's books.

[Renee]

Some things just don't appeal and that's okay too. You don't have to like every genre. What gets me is that writers/readers of many genres get really upset and offended if you say something like that. As though you've insulted them personally because you don't prefer that genre.

I like good writing, but don't often read some genres without a recommendation. This is simply because I haven't found many writers that I enjoy in that genre. Romance is one I only have a handful of authors that I will pick up on my own. Otherwise, I don't bother. The same with Medical thrillers and Western. They don't generally appeal to me although I'm sure each genre has amazing and brilliant writers.

[Erma]

I agree, there's a lot to be learned from each genre. Without wanting to appear sexist, I think male authors for the most part might not want to be classified in the Romance category. Not long ago I read Backstop: A Baseball Love Story in Nine Innings by a Goodreads author. All applicable genre(s) aside (sports, romance), I really liked it. The romance was from the male perspective.

[Renee]

I prefer romance from the male perspective. Although, it's rarely classified as romance. To me it is more interesting, maybe because it's a different take on what I'm used to.

[Erma]

Yeah, I do too. And sometimes they're full of surprises. In Backstop, though a story about a baseball player, he couldn't have been a more sensitive guy.

[Renee]

Sigh. Sensitive. Imagine...nope, I don't have one of those. Just as well, I'd probably eat a sensitive man alive. He'd be horrified and never recover.

[Erma]

Funny. LOL

[Renee]

My blog got a makeover today when my wonderfully artistic and amazing sister-in-law got messing around with the pictures my daughter took of me. Have a look: http://www.reneeamiller.blogspot.com

[Erma]

Looks really great! Love the artwork. Your daughter and sister-in-law should go into business together.

[Renee]

Courtney got into the photography because Tanya (my sister in law) is a photographer, not paid, but she should be. And Courtney loved how cool her pictures turned out. She's also an artist, very good with several mediums (is that what you call it?) So when she offers to help, I'm always going to say yes.

[Erma]

I love the artisic flair and it shows. Lucky you.

[Renee]

For those of you not in our 'sister group', I wanted to make a little announcement and add another site you'll find me on. I will be writing for Examiner.com as the Toronto Literature Examiner. Among tips on writing and publishing, I'll include reviews of books (mostly Canadian) and news within the publishing industry.

Check out my page. http://www.examiner.com/x-48436-Toronto-... Subscribe and you'll get email alerts when new articles are posted. My newest article is about Classic Canadian reads to add to your summer reading list and I've included some links just in case these aren't to your tastes.

[Renee]

I love your site, Lauren. Very nice. Going to check out your blog too.

[Renee]

I get up really early. While everyone is sleeping I write. Now it's break time. Well, it was. That grass isn't cutting itself.

Someone want to look into inventing self-cutting grass?

[Renee]

My dad wants a goat. So do the kids. I can't convince Kurt that it's a good idea. That's okay, all done now. The backyard is a mess of deck. Kurt started ripping apart the old rotten thing yesterday. Using his man logic, he started with the stairs...makes taking the dogs out pretty interesting.

[Erma]

Renee, just had time to see your first article in the Examiner, it's great! You ARE really quick. I thought things were to start up in June.

Lauren, had a moment to peek at your website. Really impressive, and it's got a really good edge to it. Am looking forward to Renee's article in the Examiner on you and your work.

[Renee]

I had three articles qeued(how do you spell that word??) and had to wait for approval before publishing them. The reviews won't start until June. I'll try to publish a few articles each week though about writing, publishing, and all that fun stuff.

[A.F.]

Renee wrote: "I had three articles qeued(how do you spell that word??) and had to wait for approval before publishing them. The reviews won't start until June. I'll try to publish a few articles each week though..."

Congrats on becoming a fellow Examiner! I'll add you to my subscriptions.

[Renee]

Oh, you're an examiner too? Cool. What's your link. I'll subscribe.

[Erma]

Renee, your link for your Examiner page doesn't work. Declined.

[A.F.]

Renee wrote: "Oh, you're an examiner too? Cool. What's your link. I'll subscribe."

I'm the Canada Sci-fi Examiner:
http://www.examiner.com/x-37362-Canada-Sci-Fi-Examiner
I'll be posting a review of Iron Man 2 sometime today.

[Renee]

Oh, I've seen yours. I didn't realize it was you. I don't know why. My kids are dying to see that movie. They loved the first one.

[A.F.]

Renee wrote: "Oh, I've seen yours. I didn't realize it was you. I don't know why. My kids are dying to see that movie. They loved the first one."

The review is live now: http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-37362-Canada-Sci-Fi-Examiner~y2010m5d12-Review-of-Iron-Man-2
The second film is as good as the first one.

[Renee]

Awesome. That doesn't happen often, that the second is as good. I love Robert Downey Jr. too.

[A.F.]

Renee wrote: "Awesome. That doesn't happen often, that the second is as good. I love Robert Downey Jr. too."

Yes, sequels often suck; I'm glad glad this one didn't. I'm a big Robert Downey Jr. myself.

[Renee]

I don't think I've watched a movie that he's been in where I haven't loved his character.

[A.F.]

Renee wrote: "I don't think I've watched a movie that he's been in where I haven't loved his character."

Yes, he's the best thing in any movie.

[Steve]

This is for my wife Bonnie Grove.
Her web site: www.bonniegrove.com
Her blog is www.fictionmatters.blogspot.com
She blogs with 5 other writers on www.novelmatters.blogspot.com

[Erma]

Thanks for the links, Steve, on behalf of Bonnie! Looks intriguing and with good information.

[Renee]

Just posted a review of Radiant City by Canadian author Lauren B. Davis. Awesome Lauren. I'm so glad I picked this book up.

http://www.examiner.com/x-48436-Toron...

[A.F.]

Renee wrote: "Just posted a review of Radiant City by Canadian author Lauren B. Davis. Awesome Lauren. I'm so glad I picked this book up.

http://www.examiner.com/x-48436-Toron......"

It was a great review and a nice companion interview as well.

[Renee]

Thanks A.F. I find I'm more likely to pick up a book if I feel 'connected' to the author. So I'm hoping to do an interview with each review where I can. Obviously that won't always happen. I'm actually really pleased at the moment. I've read two new authors (one was a debut novel and Lauren I consider new because I've never read her. Hope that makes sense) in as many months who just blew me away with their books.
I think I can count on one hand how often that happens for me. So I'm glad. Makes me eager to pick up more authors I've never read or who are just finding their way.

[A.F.]

Renee wrote: "Thanks A.F. I find I'm more likely to pick up a book if I feel 'connected' to the author. So I'm hoping to do an interview with each review where I can. Obviously that won't always happen. I'm actu..."

That's the best part of reviewing books, finding great new books and authors.

[Renee]

I know. Hey, I forgot you reviewed too although I've sent your link out a couple of times. What if the book is...less than stellar? Do you try to find positives? I do here on Goodreads, or I just don't review. I'm trying to spotlight authors to help show the talent we have, and to help new authors of any 'nationality' get a little more exposure, so I'm hoping that it won't come to one of those moments where I'm like, "This is so terrible I can't even finish."

[A.F.]

Renee wrote: "I know. Hey, I forgot you reviewed too although I've sent your link out a couple of times. What if the book is...less than stellar? Do you try to find positives? I do here on Goodreads, or I just d..."

I've been fairly lucky in reviewing books that I like. I've only had two or three that I found hard to read and I do try to balance the review and offer negative points as my opinion, especially if the book has some redeeming value. There was only one book that was so utterly atrocious I trashed it.

[Renee]

Who wants an Amazon gift card? Go on over to The Edge and dangle a while with me and my friends. You might win one if you're up to the challenge.

[Renee]

Posted a review for Wave of Terror by Theodore Odrach (translated by our very own Erma) here: http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-48...

This is the first in a three part series of articles spotlighting Erma and her father as part of my Canadian author spotlights.

PS: I highly recommend you go out and pick up this book.

[[deleted user]]

My website www.loispeterson.net

[Corey]

My meanderings are here:

http://shelf-monkey.blogspot.com

[Renee]

Hey, I'm your 100th follower on Twitter. I love the site. Don't you have a 'follow' button? You have to have a follow button. All the cool kids have one.

[Renee]

Hello everyone. Just wanted to let you know I have a little contest running on The Edge. http://reneeamiller.blogspot.com/2010... Write a love scene (any love scene, doesn't have to be hearts and flowers and bullshit like that, or it can, depending on your preference) and you could win...

[Renee]

Hey guys, I just posted a review on my Canada Books Examiner page of two awesome sites for Canadians only. They're both for promotion, marketing, and networking. Thought you might want to check them out.

http://www.examiner.com/books-in-cana...

[Erma]

Thanks for the info. It really looks like something to look into.

[Debra]

Renee wrote: "Hey guys, I just posted a review on my Canada Books Examiner page of two awesome sites for Canadians only. They're both for promotion, marketing, and networking. Thought you might want to check the..."

Thanks for this, Renee. Your article is really informative and I'll check out the links. It sounds like something I'd be interested in.

And happy Thanksgiving to my Canadian friends. I cooked a dinner for family on Saturday and just got back from another dinner tonight. I've now eaten turkey for three days straight, which would be good for my weight if it wasn't for that pesky gravy, mashed potatoes, and stuffing I have to have with the bird. :)

Debra
Fatal Encryption
Taxed to death