And so I was Tagged....

Let met tell ya what! My lips are way chapped after all that snogging yesterday! Remind me to bring my Lip Smackers during the Tour de No Kiss Blog Fest hosted by Frankie over at Frankie Writes (about #windinherhaaaaiiiirrrr) I'm going to have to come up with a No Kiss scene before then. I think I'm way too naive to know if I've ever taken part in an almost kiss myself! But January 2nd friends...January 2nd....

So on my road to recovery after such an epic snog fest I read in my comments that Simon over at Constant Revision thought he would be funny/cool/irritating and tag me in this little Tag Game going around. I'm not sure who started it, but it's probably better that way. So without further adieu...

1) What's the last thing you wrote? What's the first thing you wrote that you still have?

The last thing I wrote was the current MS I am working on right now. It is all sorts of awesome wonderful and we are in love and it woos me every day. It's a dystopian sci fi -ish YA novel. (As in it involves time travel) It makes me want to be 13 again so I can fall in love with one of my characters!

The first thing I wrote...hard to say. I really have been writing every since I could read Hop on Pop. I THINK the first book I wrote was a book about monsters. Nice monsters. In my closet. (Monster's Inc. totally ripped my idea off!) Now I feel the need to go looking for it.

2) Write poetry?

Not since I was forced to in grade school. I wasn't really that bad at it, but I didn't really enjoy it either.

3) Angsty poetry?

Isn't MOST poetry Angsty? Well at least half of mine was.

4) Favorite genre of writing?

I adore YA. (I hope that doesn't make me creepy) I just like reliving the fun life on not having any responsibilities even though it felt like you were holding the weight of the world on your shoulders! Plus young love is so adorable and pure. I do prefer it to be fantasy or sci fi-ish as well. Paranormal is fun too!

5) Most annoying character you've ever created?

I'd have to say one of the characters in my first MS, Rachel. I loved her and hated her all at the same time. I couldn't stand the things she did but I felt bad and totally understood why she was doing them. She was a blast to create!

6) Best plot you've ever created.

The one to my newest MS. It is so intricate and complicated in such a lovely perfect way with all these twists and turns and ... did I mention we are in love?

7) Coolest plot twist you've ever created?

The one at the end of this book. BUT like I'm going to tell you about it. What fun would that be. Let's just say it left people saying they were still thinking about it the next day (OMG seriously...isn't that like the best compliment ever! Or ... maybe the worst ... I'm shooting for best!)

8) How often do you get writer's block?

I spent the entire summer with writer's block. It was awful. So I read over 20 books and didn't stop reading until my mind got going again. Now I'm in idea overload. I can't keep up with any of them.

9) Write fan fiction?

Never. Not a big fan. People have tried to get me to read some too and I just can't bring myself to do it. Why ruin an already great story?

10) Do you type or write by hand?

Both. Sometimes I'll write a chapter short hand then elaborate as I type it out. All small ideas get written by hand. Each book I write has an entire notebook dedicated to it.

11) Do you save everything you write?

Yes and it drives my husband CRAZY now that I have 30 million copies of everything clogging up our hard drive!

12) Do you ever go back to an idea after you've abandoned it?

My newest MS. I had the prologue written for months and all my ideas down in the notebook but I just couldn't figure out how to get it moving. So I picked it back up for NaNo and forced the words and once I started I couldn't stop! It was WONDERFUL!

13) What's your favorite thing you've ever written?

Something I haven't really started writing much of. It's kinda a memoir, but with totally different names and I intend on deviating from what really happened quite a bit. But I've written three chapters almost exactly as it happened and I love them! They are hilarious and oh the angst I went through was totally worth it to get it all down in writing!

14) What's everyone else's favorite story you've written?

Most people have only read the two manuscripts. And of both they tend to like the newest one better. But my sister has read the memiorish MS that I started and assures me I'm going to hit it big with that one. Gotta love sisters! Best confidence builders EVER!

15) Ever written romance or angsty teen drama?

I suppose my MS is somewhat angsty romance. But that is really just on the side, and not too angsty. But definitely teen!

16) What's your favorite setting for your characters?

The future that I've created in my newest MS. LOVE IT!

17) How many writing projects are you working on right now?

I am solely devoted to one right now. But I have a few that are waiting for me to give them attention again.

18) Have you ever won an award for your writing?

Well as Simon pointed out...do all those blogger awards on the side count? ----->

No, but to be perfectly honest up until recently I've never entered any of my writing into a contest. I did enter my latest MS into the First 200 words YA contest. But I won't know anything until February. So we'll just have to wait and see.

19) What are your five favorite words?

Angst, Snarkasm, Actually, Phantasmagoric and Totally (Good thing I write YA eh!)

20) What character have you created that is most like yourself?

Every one of my characters has something of me in them. I can't say that any certain one is more like me than any of the others. And if there was one that is, I probably wouldn't point it out because they have more of my bad qualities than good ;)

21) Where do you get your ideas for your characters?

I'm not sure really. I kinda just make them up as I go along. I know that's pretty lame, but it's how I do it!

22) Do you ever write based on your dreams?

My latest story came from a dream. I had this scene in my head and decided I needed to elaborate and figure out why they were doing and saying what they did. That scene never made it into my book....

23) Do you favor happy endings?

Not a big fan of happy endings. They are not realistic. I do like happy elements in my endings, just not tooooo happy. (What does that say about me??? Glass half empty anyone?)

24) Are you concerned with spelling and grammar as you write?

I can't help it. I hate to see little red or green lines under my words. But besides that, if MS word doesn't pick it up, I can' usually move past them.

25) Does music help you write?

OMG NO!!! How can you guys do that?!?! I can not listen to anything except the sound of my fan as I write or I get so distracted.

26) Quote something you've written. Whatever pops in your head.

Paper back writer (paperback writer)
Dear Sir or Madam, will you read my book?
It took me years to write, will you take a look?
It's based on a novel by a man named Lear
And I need a job, so I want to be a paperback writer,
Paperback writer.

It's the dirty story of a dirty man
And his clinging wife doesn't understand.
His son is working for the Daily Mail,
It's a steady job but he wants to be a paperback writer,
Paperback writer.

Paperback writer (paperback writer)

It's a thousand pages, give or take a few,
I'll be writing more in a week or two.
I can make it longer if you like the style,
I can change it round and I want to be a paperback writer,
Paperback writer.

If you really like it you can have the rights,
It could make a million for you overnight.
If you must return it, you can send it here
But I need a break and I want to be a paperback writer,
Paperback writer.

Paperback writer (paperback writer)

* * * * *

Sweet...now that THAT is done...I shall get back to editing. But not before I tag a few people. The problem is, almost everyone has been tagged. Hmmmm..... I tag Mindy and Hilary. Sorry Ladies! I Hope you enjoy.

Kissing Day Blogfest : In Honor of Mistletoe

Yay for kissing day. I once wrote an entire post on kissing, though you won't find it on this blog. It included the history of me and all my kisses and ended with "the kiss that hurts".

What?

A kiss that hurts?



Oh yes. The kiss that hurts.

We've all been there. Kissing the man we love goodbye because he is leaving on a business trip. Or kissing him hello because something terrible had just happened and you thought you would never see him again. Or even a kiss that signifies a break up that you are not entirely sure you want, but know you need.

The kiss that means nothing but at the very same time means everything. The kiss where you close your eyes and your face tightens because your entire mind is wrapped around that kiss. The kiss where you place your hands on his face and hold on for dear life because you never want to let go, though you know you are going to have to in a very short amount of time. It takes your breath away until your lips part. And afterward you step away staring at each other and gasping for air. This is the kiss that hurts. My unlucky character got to experience one of these. For a bit of a different reason, but it still hurt nonetheless. And to make it worse, my MC, who is painfully in love with him, had to witness the entire ordeal. It is possible that this kiss hurt more for her than the two involved.

They stopped on an empty street corner. It was dark and damp outside. The only lights surrounding them were from the street lamp above and the blinking traffic light beside them. “Rachel, I know you are going through a rough time right now with Oliver, but he is your husband. Regardless of whether or not I notice more than he does, he is the one you are with. Not me.”

I was proud of Michael for telling Rachel this. She needed to hear these words. Michael needed to hear these words. I feared he often forgot this himself. Unfortunately, as quickly as I was feeling pleased about Michael’s acknowledgment, Rachel was doing the unspeakable. She leaned in toward Michael. The next thing I knew she was kissing him. It was not like the kiss I had encountered with Greg. This was a kiss where I wished I could have been her. Their mouths had become one and his arms grabbed her closer until there was no longer any space between them.

I fought to think about my kiss with Greg, every little detail I could remember. I thought about the horrible breath that lingered from the extensive amount of onions he had consumed. I thought about his pointy tongue trying to penetrate through my firmly closed lips, but it did not work.

Time, up until this moment for the most part, had slid by unnoticed. But this moment - This moment where I longed to be Rachel’s lips pressed up against his, and Rachel’s waist held firmly by his arm, and Rachel’s hair flowing over each of Michael’s fingers - This moment lasted for what seemed to be an eternity. Again, I could not shake the feeling that there was something more, some force working against me.

The laughter was louder and more pronounced this time. It was also more malevolent. I knew it was near and knew it was meant for me. Someone was reading my thoughts or watching me. They were witnessing my failure to influence Michael, and they were entertained by it. I could tell the laughter was that of a woman’s, but did not see any other person or soul anywhere near. It was just Michael, Rachel and I as far as I could see. But the laughter continued, as did my frustration.

However, I continued to hold my concentration, to provide distraction. For one slight moment I felt confident it may have helped as Michael broke through their embrace and gently pushed Rachel back. When I looked into Michael’s eyes though, I knew the accomplishment was small. There was agony in his eyes as he stared at Rachel and watched her fight back the tears glistening in her eyes. It hurt him to see her hurt.

“I’m sorry Michael,” she said slowly, refusing to let the tears fall, she was feeling somewhat humiliated. “It was just that the moment was right, and I’ve wanted to do that for months now, and I just let the emotion overtake my common sense. It will never happen again, I promise. Please don’t tell Oliver.”

And without any notice she had turned away and began sprinting down the road away from Michael. Michael stood there, like a statue. He seemed stunned by the passing events. I could only imagine the thoughts cascading through his mind.

I knew the thoughts running through my own mind. I felt guilty. I knew this was my fault and I knew he would not have continued to kiss her had I not had the idiotic moment of weakness where I wished I were Rachel. I couldn’t stop Rachel’s actions, but I did have some small control over Michael’s. I had to make this right.

So that is my kissing scene. It's actually the only kissing scene in that manuscript. Sorry for all the poor grammar and such. It was my first novel and I had MUCH to learn after I wrote that. Well enjoy you kissing fest! I'm off to read some blogs!

Recomendations and Agents

Husband Poppins My dear loyal and absolutely devoted, not to mention handsome husband (Is that better dear?) and I got in a chat about recommendations. He's big into Linked In. I like the site too, though it's not twitter. (Just sayin...)

On Linked In you put your resume up and connect with former/current employers and/or employees and/or co-workers. As you connect you are able to leave each other recommendations (As long as you have worked together in the past) and boost one another's credibility. It's an awesome feature and I don't doubt it helps in the hiring process.

Our conversation began when we started talking about agents I like and how I know some of their clients via blogging/twitter.

He said, "You should get recommendations!"

Now I think this a great idea, but I felt like 'eh'.

I explained that to me it seems like an unspoken rule between writers that we don't cross that boundary. Kinda like the unspoken rule that you never date your best friends ex. Or the one where it is mandatory to tell a good friend that they have food in their teeth.

Nobody flat out makes these rules, they are just kinda there.

OR maybe it's just me. I love my bloggy friends! I would never want them to think I am stalking following them just to earn me some recommendations. That is totally NOT the reason I stalk follow/read my favorite blogs and chat it up with my twitter folk! (Now in twitter language would that be Twolk? I'm totally trade marking that one!)

So what are your thoughts? Would you ask a friend for a recommendation before you queried their agent? If you have an agent, have you ever had anyone/everyone ask for a recommendation?

Please share your feelings. I am incredibly curious! (And I'd love to prove to the man that I am right about my unspoken rule that I may or may not have created all on my own)

I feel like this Separation isn't Working Out

So I've traveled back to the writers seat again ... and I'm LOVING in! But I'm having a hard time with the whole blogging world. Well my blogging world that is.

A few months back I got my website up and running and decided to devote all my fun loving writer words to that blog and that blog only, but my writer words miss this blog. And unfortunately all my visitors go to this blog, which in turn means less comments and not nearly enough advice on that one. So I'm not sure what to do!

(Oh listen to me whining like a little girl ... well in all retrospect, I am a "little" girl...so it's totally ok!)

Part of me wonders if it is because that blog is on WordPress and this one is on Blogger. I myself must admit it is MUCH easier to follow a blog on Blogger. I just head over to my dashboard and scroll through all my favorite bloggers (which by the way I have way too many because you all freaking rock!) and click in and out of each blog. WordPress isn't that easy. With word press you have to click on the RSS feed to know when I update or watch through my fan page and/or this blog for posts that I've updated. That's really quite a bit of work.

So do you visit many WordPress sites? Do you own a WordPress site? How do you keep your followers updated? Does anyone else have this frustration? Any advice? Should I just double post and bring my writing posts back to my Poppins world as well? Have I asked enough questions yet? Would you like me to ask a few more? Are you sick of my questions? Do you know why the sky is blue? Did I tell you I can totally make a website in WordPress?

How do you Moderate your Comments?

My husband and I have been discussing this for most of the morning. Have you ever had to delete comments posted to your blog? How did you deal with telling the commenter after you deleted it?

I know the "Mom Wars" are going on right now. The Good vs. The Bad. And I am so torn in my own opinions with these blog posts. I can only imagine the comments that are getting posted on each one!!! I couldn't do a post like that. I would have a really hard time letting people post mean things on my blog. I am a Comment Moderator. I can't help it. Granted I've never really had to delete more than one or two comments. One was only because someone had figured out my Big News before I posted it. LOL

However I did come upon a comment that made me uncomfortable to post on one of my blogs and I wasn't sure what to do with it. So originally I let it simmer, trying to consider my options. Then finally I just put it up. Although I can only imagine what that person must have felt wondering where their post went to, I was still somewhat unhappy to post something I did not fully feel comfortable with. At the very same time my "nice/people pleasing" self just couldn't upset that person and leave it out because I could not figure out a way to explain why I didn't want to share it without possibly upsetting that person further.

How do you deal with this? Has it ever happened to you? Can someone please explain to me why I am incapable of upsetting people even after they have upset me? Possibly I should reread this previous post eh?

(Sorry, couldn't resist the picture...it's one of my favorites!)

Don't forget to visit My Website to and give me your advice on
Deciphering Agent Responses and Crit Groups!

But I like to Play in Traffic!!!

As an aspiring novelist ...I like the word novelist better than author or writer...doesn't it just roll off the tongue so nicely...say it with me...novelist...it just gives me goosebumps! So as I was saying ... As an aspiring novelist, I find that it is important to build a platform. (small word...Big meaning, I know...didn't quite understand it myself at first.)

Although it wasn't the only reason I started this blog, I have found it to be quite relevant toward making a name for myself. (Keep in mind, the networking and support system I have gained has been much more rewarding than simply getting my name out there!!!) Unfortunately simply building a blog doesn't exactly guarantee you readership. That piece of the puzzle is a bit more difficult to put together. And let's be honest here...regardless of WHY we are blogging, we all want more followers...am I wrong? (Who said never play in traffic...I love traffic!!!)

So here are a few things I have started that have helped build traffic.

Facebook has been an AWESOME tool for me. By building a Page, starting a Group and participating in Networked Blogs...I have brought on a good amount of new readers (Thanks guys...I LOVE YOU!!!)

I've become very active in Twitter. Although I haven't gained a ton of readership, I have gained contact with other aspiring novelists (there is that pretty word again! Novelist...) and publishing agents.

I've also joined other sites such as Blogher, Blogged, and MomLogic but unfortunately haven't had much success with them yet.

I think the best method of building traffic is comments. I know when someone new leaves a comment on my blog, I immediately check out their blog in return. I've also noticed when I leave comments on new blogs I have visited, I often get a comment from that blog owner. Comments ARE Contagious!

What have you found to be helpful? If you are a fellow writer, has blogging helped build your platform? Let me know what you think!!!

Not a Rant....Just a Realization :)

I have been so intertwined in writers blogs, agents on twitter and advice websites about how to write the best book, that it's got me thinking....

(Stick with me here....I'm hoping not to confuse ya...)

ALTHOUGH..... I LOVE all the blogs, I AM ENTERTAINED by twitter, and I'VE LEARNED a wealth of knowledge from all the websites....

At what point should we put it all down and just write? After all, isn't that why we started the craft to begin with...to write? At what point to we throw all the advice into a bucket, sit down at our computers and just spew what our hearts and heads are shouting to us?

(Have I lost you yet???)

Although my crazy, chaotic life is slightly to blame for my lack of accomplishments lately, I will admit that all these blogs, tweets and web articles have also hindered the completion of my MS. Sometimes I need to remind myself that the reason I am sitting in this uncomfortable kitchen chair, staring at my unforgiving red pen, is because I had an idea, an idea needing to be shared with the world (or anyone willing to read...which SHOULD be the world, cuz I'm that awesome!)

There is no blog that will tell me what happens next in my story. No one is going to send me a tweet about where my protagonist is going to figure out she's made numerous mistakes and there is no website or article that can tell me what my reader is going to feel when they read the last sentence of my novel.

True, they can all teach me and tell me how to mold my craft....BUT....they can't write the story for me. In the end, I am still the author, the writer, and the creator of my characters' worlds. Nothing I read on the internet is going to change that fact.

So how bout you? At what point do you put aside all the advice and knowledge and just write from your heart?

Proof that the internet does not have ALL the right answers!
(Although where can I find me some sky gnomes yo!?!?)

It's ok, don't cry!

I found my computer weeping this morning, after spending so much time away from me. The keys on the keyboard were calling my name. Unfortunately I had a Dr. Appointment to attend before I could comfort them. By the time I returned, the desk was soaked in salty tears! (What!?!?! You didn't know keyboards could produce salty tears? Well they can! No I don't know where they come from!!!)

I can only imagine how all my Tweets (Twits, Twats? What are they suppose to be called anyway?), all my Facebook Friends (even the ones who I don't even really know...) and all my Blogger fans must have felt in my absence. BUT IT'S OK KIDS, I'M BACK!!! Nothing too exciting to talk about today. Well, I did get enough blood drawn from my arm to drain the entire limb. Vile after vile, they stole the precious Cullen loved liquid from my arm. I'm surprised it didn't go limp! But that is about the most exciting thing to happen today. (Which is quite comforting, considering the excitement that was had this week.)

Next week I get back to my WIP. Hold me to it friends! I will not back down from my red pen any longer. I will get my arse in gear, and I WILL get to work. Hopefully then will I have something interesting to Blog about! Till then.......................................

Why I Read YOUR Blog...

I'm finally back to Blogging today. Unfortunately, real life kicked me in the ass this week. So I realized this morning, when I finally got a chance to catch up on all my favorite Blogs, how much I missed slipping away from reality for a bit each day. I never much occurred to me before, that I do indeed read blogs for an escape, a break, and a moment of solace. There are other perks of course.

Some Blogs, such as Rachelle Gardner and Nathan Bransford's, are insanely informational and helpful in regards to the career path I am pursuing. They provide insight about the world of writing and wonderful tools to help when searching for agents and/or publishers. They're Blogs have become a must read every day.

When it comes to writing I have also found it helpful and comforting to find a network of Bloggers whom are going through all the same experiences as I am. With their words and experiences, I find confidence and motivation. I am eteranally grateful to have found the Blogs of T. Anne, Jessica, Hillary, and Kate, amongst MANY others! You guys keep me moving along on my current WIP!

And then there is the ever tedious job of being a mother! I have no idea HOW our mothers did it. They had no Blogs, no Twitter, no Facebook, no Mommy Boards. OMG, I don't even think they had the happy pills so many of us rely on! Wine...that's all I can think of...wine....wine and Jesus. :D But when my children have left me exasperated, I rely on my favorite mommy Blogs. My favorite is hands down from a friend of my sisters. As a fellow woman in the writing industry, her eloquant words capture my attention with every Blog. The Momplex is also a must read for me! But if she hasn't updated, I keep my eyes on other Blogs. The Mommy Rambles, Mission Motherhood, and Happy Meals and Happy Hours are amongst some of the best! You girls are the key to my sanity some days!

I also have a few key Blogs I follow for mere entertainment and laughs. The best being Twitarded! Nothing better than a couple Edward Obsessed Fans! I also love Pajamas and Coffee. How can I resist reading about stories that involve a gay gargoyle! Thanks for the laughs. You girls ROCK!!!

So here's to you fellow Blog friends. I know I missed a few, but I love ya all the same. Keep Blogging, if only for my sanity. Because when real life kicks me in the ass, it's you I look for to put a bandaid on it! I LOVE YOU GUYS!