Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Goodbye 2010 and Hello 2011

As I sit here at my desk, my youngest daughter crawls behind me to stick her icicle toes under my bottom. Yikes! She insists her feet aren't cold and refuses to go upstairs and put some socks on.

She reminds me of me when I don't take criticism well. I might put a chunk of writing out there, asking for input, but sometimes I'm really just looking for positive feedback. If I get anything too negative I am stubborn and refuse to look at it with an open mind.

2010 was a tough year, but aren't they all? When it comes down to it, we all do what we think is really important and unavoidable. I thought I'd really make time to get up and run every day. Obviously in an entire year I'd be able to focus more time on MDA (my novel).

Well, I did make myself go back through my 60K novel that I've been working on for almost 2 years now. After taking a break, and soaking up several other books, I was able to come back with somewhat fresh eyes. I thought about what made other books great and what my book was lacking. I tore out several chapters, made drastic changes to the plot and character traits. I wasn't taking enough chances; wasn't captivating the reader. So, you might think "Oh nice, so you've finished and you're submitting it?" No. I'm still working on it. I hate and love that I'm a perfectionist but I'd never survive on the income I'd get off publishing a book once every 3 or 4 years....LOL

I just want to write the best book I can, with the best well thought out plot and genuine dialogue and set up events for a good series. Last month I worked on a big document with history and bios for my characters to help me understand the background and futures for everyone involved.

Just in terms of writing, not health and all that other stuff, I want to really buckle down in 2011 and finish MDA and be able to start querying by the end of the year. My plan all along, though, has been to be ready and already have a good framework for book two at that point, which I should be able to throw in as a goal, as well.

But as for the health thing, I signed up today for Muay Thai Kickboxing. I took a class to try it out and I'm a natural. I also tried some kind of cardio combat class and felt like I was dying...I am way too out of shape.

My long term goal is to be in great shape so I can join an adult soccer league. I've really become quite fond of the sport and get very emotional when I watch my daughters play. But that is a 2012 goal, so the kickboxing is step 1 in achieving that goal.

The ony other major goal I have for 2011 is to set aside time for God. I don't pray often enough and I don't make a intentional effort to be the best Christ follower I can.

So I will be writing, editing, kickboxing and praying more in 2011 :D

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Frozen

NaNo opened my mind to all the possiblities that could be with my book series.

Great

Yeah, it's wonderful. I am backtracking, researching, plotting and ripping apart book one to lay proper foundation for books two and three. I now have a short book on the history, timeline and biographies of my characters and overall creation of life in general.

I've expanded into realms and additional planets and my muse is tempting me to visit them down the road so I'm making sure I understand everything about them now so I don't screw something up that I regret later.

I feel like Scooby Doo when his feet are spinning super fast while he sits there, stuck in the air, for several seconds before successfully running away from the bad guy.

It's a major thrill and frustration all at the same time.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Thanksgiving

We are quick to think of all the things that we have to be thankful for...family, health, homes, food, cars, friends...we are pleased that our wish list for life has been mostly checked off.

Do we feel gratitude for all the tings that could have been but didn't come to pass? All the near misses on the highway, the lifestyle we were born into, the freedom that never comes for millions across the globe? Cough drops and ibuprofen are among the top ten list of things I don't ever want to live without. I am thankful that I don't live in fear of a flying insect we consider annoying but kills every day.

Slavery exists today - quarries, prostitution, famlies, children - and I am free to be my own person and live in a country where the justice system (even with all its flaws) provides protection and upholds civil rights.

Today, I am more grateful for what I don't have than for what I have. I give thanks for what has not been bestowed upon me and those I love.

Happy Thanksgiving

Thursday, October 7, 2010

BLAH

I am not doing a good job of multi-tasking all the things that I say are important to me.

My writing comes and goes. I am afraid to sit down and write because it will crash over me like a tidal wave. So, what do I do? I put it off.

What am I doing with my time? Girl Scouts, church, work, soccer with the girls, dinner parties and playdates. I am also trying to start a company. I've been working on the web site layout and pricing since February.

Oh, I recently learned to crochet. I do that in bed or while waiting for a query to run (if I'm working from home).

Also, I still haven't found a way to get regular exercise into my weeks, either. (sigh)

When I figure out a good schedule, I'll have to post the good news.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Vacation july 2010


We are nearing the end of our summer vacation. We visited the kids' godparents in Yonkers, just outside of NY city and then headed up to Lake Placid for the Nash/Cole family reunion and to watch Uncle Mark in the iron man competition.  It was beautiful Ans relaxing.

Then down to Albany to stay with close friends and visit with Grandpa and tgw cousins. Up to Lake George yesterday and out to a traditional dinner at Massie's to celebrate grandpa's 66t birthday.

Believe it or not, I've spent a couple of hours writing while up here.  It was great to get up before the girls and sit alone with my cup of coffee and let the creative juices flowing.

We'll be back on the  road home tomorrow or the next day..... (sigh).


Thursday, February 25, 2010

Blah weeks

This year has warped into hyper drive. Instead of having a blah day,I'm having blah weeks.


Thursday, January 28, 2010

You Have to Make Choices

Choosing not to decide is still a choice. Choosing to wait for more information is still a choice... to wait.

I had to make a choice earlier this month about the various commitments in my life - to remove something to keep my sanity. Anxiety and panic attacks forced me to seek professional help and through an exercise we did together I made a choice.

It was exhilerating.

Finally deciding what to remove from my schedule felt like a weight had been lifted. It was a little bit easier to breathe. This wasn't easy, mind you, but the end result was healthy. I was afraid to upset the people invoved but they told me they understood. I'm learning to accept what people say and not continue to worry about what they really think.

This choice also frees up time for me - time I can spend with the kids, which frees up other time I can now spend writing instead. Complicated but it works. I promise.

Today I was just thinking about how all day long we make choices - big and small - and how every choice we make has a consequence - big or small.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Reunited and it feels so good

I used a vacation day to take off work so I could... dare I say it? ... WRITE! I'm afraid I'll jinx it if I say it out loud. Over the holiday season I found a few hours here and there to do some editing but I can't remember the last time I did some solid writing.

I've had some time to step back away from my YA novel Morte De Alma and today I intend to do some serious damage. This book will be complete and queried in 2010. That is a goal I intend to stick to.

So I am still multi-tasking... I'm doing a Harry Potter movie marathon while I sit at the computer and type today. Movie marathons are another thing that has been stripped from my life. So today is gonna be a good day!

Monday, January 4, 2010

Fresh Start

Ahhh....a new year.

Clean slate.

Fresh start.

I love grouping things together in bundles and groups like weeks, months and years. It's an easier way to make an excuse for change. I lie to myself. I make promises too beautiful and wonderful to ever be realistic. However this doesn't keep me from making them and believing in them.

So, 2010 I salute you...I welcome you with open arms.

I will write more.
I will read more.
I will listen more.
I will learn more.
I will love more.

This will be the greatest year yet!