I've finally finished all the Percy Jackson books, and LOVED them! They were fast and fun, and made me feel like a kid again! Thank you Rick Riordan!
Now, I'm reading The Other Lands by David Anthony Durham. It's the second book of the Acacia Trilogy. This book is the exact opposite of the Percy Jackson books. Instead of fast and fun, this book, like the first one, is intricate and moving. I'm completely caught up in the characters, the setting, and the plot development. It's like a slow moving catastrophe that takes your breath away and leaves you on the edge of your seat. (And I say that with the utmost admiration for the story.)
What will happen to the heirs of Acacia? I have no idea, but I'm DYING to find out. I think I know what's going to happen, and I think I know how Aliver will return, but I don't want to get my hopes up, especially since David might throw me for a loop like he did in Acacia.
As a writer, I'm also learning a lot from David's books. First and foremost, how to show and not tell. The other thing I'm learning is character development. To me, these are the two most important parts of a book. And to say I'm inspired by David is an understatement.
That being said, I'm signing off to return to my WIP. See you next time!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Boys Gone Wild
Today is my son's 9th bday, and this weekend was his party. When I say it was crazy, I'm not even kidding.
He had a bowling party with 19 of his closest friends. (the kid likes to socialize) Then, a handful came over after for a sleepover. I had to limit it to a handful for my own sanity, and thank the Lord I did! Those boys were monsters! We had decided to 'wrap' or 'TP' some houses. Of course, I alerted the moms just so they'd know and not freak out.
Here's what I learned from the experience: throwing toilet paper in the air is like a drug to boys. They went nuts, especially the oldest boy who happened to also be the tallest with the longest arms. They threw those rolls with all their strength. The higher, the better. I had to practically tear them away from each house. And then, when we got home, they were wired. I don't even know what time they went to bed, if they did at all.
So, was the party a success? According to my son and his friends, it was the best party ever. The only drawback will be the payback. I know we're gonna get it, and get it big time!
He had a bowling party with 19 of his closest friends. (the kid likes to socialize) Then, a handful came over after for a sleepover. I had to limit it to a handful for my own sanity, and thank the Lord I did! Those boys were monsters! We had decided to 'wrap' or 'TP' some houses. Of course, I alerted the moms just so they'd know and not freak out.
Here's what I learned from the experience: throwing toilet paper in the air is like a drug to boys. They went nuts, especially the oldest boy who happened to also be the tallest with the longest arms. They threw those rolls with all their strength. The higher, the better. I had to practically tear them away from each house. And then, when we got home, they were wired. I don't even know what time they went to bed, if they did at all.
So, was the party a success? According to my son and his friends, it was the best party ever. The only drawback will be the payback. I know we're gonna get it, and get it big time!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Ash Wednesday
Today is Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. And, for those of you who don't know, Lent is the observation of the 40 days before Easter. This is the time where Jesus wandered alone in the desert in preparation of his crucifixion. During this time, he was plagued by temptation from the Devil.
During lent, many people "give up" things. I don't really have any vices to give up, but I do like to improve myself as person. Sometimes I tell myself I'll eat better, exercise, go to church instead of sleeping in--stuff like that.
Not sure yet what I'll be doing in observation of Lent. Traditionally, we sit around at the table and come up with ideas. It's a good exercise for the kids. So tonight I'll figure it out, and then I'll let you know!
During lent, many people "give up" things. I don't really have any vices to give up, but I do like to improve myself as person. Sometimes I tell myself I'll eat better, exercise, go to church instead of sleeping in--stuff like that.
Not sure yet what I'll be doing in observation of Lent. Traditionally, we sit around at the table and come up with ideas. It's a good exercise for the kids. So tonight I'll figure it out, and then I'll let you know!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
More Contests!
Right Now: Listening to Daylight by Coldplay. Sending out queries.
One of my writing buddies just told me about two agent contests! Wanted to pass along the info for those wanting to jump on the bandwagon.
First, agent Nephele Tempest of the Knight Agency is having an "I'm in the Mood for Love" pitch contest. The guidelines can be found here on her Live Journal.
Second, the GLA blog is having their second "Dear Lucky Agent Contest." You'll want to visit the blog for the guidelines. Judging the contest this go-around is Jennifer Laughran of the Andrea Brown Literary Agency.
Any contest that gets you in front of an agent is good. Just be sure your manuscript is finished and in tip-top shape. In other words, don't rush if you're not ready. If you do, you'll end up shooting yourself in the foot. Anywho, good luck everyone on your submissions!
One of my writing buddies just told me about two agent contests! Wanted to pass along the info for those wanting to jump on the bandwagon.
First, agent Nephele Tempest of the Knight Agency is having an "I'm in the Mood for Love" pitch contest. The guidelines can be found here on her Live Journal.
Second, the GLA blog is having their second "Dear Lucky Agent Contest." You'll want to visit the blog for the guidelines. Judging the contest this go-around is Jennifer Laughran of the Andrea Brown Literary Agency.
Any contest that gets you in front of an agent is good. Just be sure your manuscript is finished and in tip-top shape. In other words, don't rush if you're not ready. If you do, you'll end up shooting yourself in the foot. Anywho, good luck everyone on your submissions!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
kidlit.com contest TODAY!
Mary Kole, literary agent at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, is having a contest! And the deadline is today, January 30th!! She's had contests before, but this time around she's doing something different. She's asking for novel beginnings. Specifically, the first 500 words of your YA or MG finished novel.
For more info, go here. So hurry up with those submissions and good luck!
For more info, go here. So hurry up with those submissions and good luck!
Monday, January 25, 2010
What I'm Working On
Right Now: Thinking of having Mexican food for lunch. It's gorgeous and sunny outside. Listening to Viva La Vida by Coldplay
Sorry I haven't posted in a while, been busy with a million things. I promise to be more consistent! Anyhow, here's what's going on with me:
1. I'm back to making some edits to my YA paranormal romance. I plan on finishing this week. Then, back to queries.
2. I've hooked up with three awesome Houston writers. One agented, me and the other two not agented as of yet. We are forming a local YA/MG writers group. I'm so psyched! It's going to be a great group. Stay tuned for more details.
3. I've started a new book. (on the back burner right now, though) It's a YA mystery with a supernatural undertone. I'm really excited about this one. It's got a lot of suspense, and several twists and turns.
I promise to post more frequently. That's it for now!
Sorry I haven't posted in a while, been busy with a million things. I promise to be more consistent! Anyhow, here's what's going on with me:
1. I'm back to making some edits to my YA paranormal romance. I plan on finishing this week. Then, back to queries.
2. I've hooked up with three awesome Houston writers. One agented, me and the other two not agented as of yet. We are forming a local YA/MG writers group. I'm so psyched! It's going to be a great group. Stay tuned for more details.
3. I've started a new book. (on the back burner right now, though) It's a YA mystery with a supernatural undertone. I'm really excited about this one. It's got a lot of suspense, and several twists and turns.
I promise to post more frequently. That's it for now!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
A Look Back on 2009
Right Now: The Arctic blast is moving into Houston. So windy and cold outside! Listening to Let Go by Frou Frou.
I've always been the kind of person who looks at my circumstances and my experiences for a message--a lesson if you will. In order to keep moving forward, it's necessary to make such reflections. And so, that's what this post is all about, a look back at 2009. Here we go...
1. The biggest part of 2009 was, for me, spent on writing. I love my story, my characters, my setting. It was such an incredible experience for me, living in another world that was so vivid that I even dreamed about it. And even though the experience was positive, I learned something...see below.
2. As good as I thought my writing was, I needed help. Enter the critique group. Having your "baby" critiqued isn't easy, but boy was it good for me. Show, don't tell. Add some sensory perception to your story. Less dialogue please, more action. These are just a few of the things I learned, and I'm so grateful!!
3. Revisions are just as important as the initial writing. I've got some more to do before I plunge back into the hunt for an agent, and I'm cool with that. It's all about producing the best possible story, right? Revisions are just part of the game.
4. Another important lesson I've learned is to NOT put all your eggs in one basket. To that end, I've written a PB and I'm currently writing another YA book that I'm really crazy about based on a short story I wrote for a competition. I'm only on the first chapter, but my brain is busily plotting out the entire book.
I'm sure I could say more, but that's really the most important things I learned in 2009. As for 2010? All I have to say is this, 2010 is going to be MY YEAR. You just wait!
I've always been the kind of person who looks at my circumstances and my experiences for a message--a lesson if you will. In order to keep moving forward, it's necessary to make such reflections. And so, that's what this post is all about, a look back at 2009. Here we go...
1. The biggest part of 2009 was, for me, spent on writing. I love my story, my characters, my setting. It was such an incredible experience for me, living in another world that was so vivid that I even dreamed about it. And even though the experience was positive, I learned something...see below.
2. As good as I thought my writing was, I needed help. Enter the critique group. Having your "baby" critiqued isn't easy, but boy was it good for me. Show, don't tell. Add some sensory perception to your story. Less dialogue please, more action. These are just a few of the things I learned, and I'm so grateful!!
3. Revisions are just as important as the initial writing. I've got some more to do before I plunge back into the hunt for an agent, and I'm cool with that. It's all about producing the best possible story, right? Revisions are just part of the game.
4. Another important lesson I've learned is to NOT put all your eggs in one basket. To that end, I've written a PB and I'm currently writing another YA book that I'm really crazy about based on a short story I wrote for a competition. I'm only on the first chapter, but my brain is busily plotting out the entire book.
I'm sure I could say more, but that's really the most important things I learned in 2009. As for 2010? All I have to say is this, 2010 is going to be MY YEAR. You just wait!
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