What I'm Up To....

Hello fine peoples. I've been busy...breathing and such. I just wanted to pop onto the blog and say... I really missed blogging. Sure it can get time consuming and I don't always get comments but its, what's the word - cathartic. 

I've been pretty much away from the writing world altogether while I get my stuff together. Again. Well, away from everything but writing. I couldn't stop writing for two years. I haven't tried to not breathe but it's been scientifically proven to kill you after a short amount of time. Same with me and writing. 

I'm writing this while most of the world is probably watching The Oscars. Meh. Didn't feel much for watching it this year. I've got writing and editing and agents to contact. Oh yeah. Agents. I've decided I can't self-publish. Or at least it will be a last resort if I don't get picked up by an agent. 

Right now, it's the right thing for me and I've got to be true to what I feel is right. Dang, that's a lot of rights. What am I planning to shop around? Mass Hysteria: A young adult science fiction novel. I'm super excited about this! Here's a teaser of the first 320 words: 


I time my laugh to spill perfectly from my lips. 

Except, the sensation rises from my abdomen like gravel tumbling through my mouth. Stacy turns in her seat with her lips pursed tight. She shakes her head. The other girls stop giggling. Their purrs of laughter in deep contrast to my piercing cackle. 

They frown in unison - everyone but Stacey. She has an ‘I’m sorry I got you into this mess, Hun’ look on her face. Though lacking in most social skills, I’m easily able to read their expressions: ‘What the hell was Stacey thinking bringing the schizoid?’

I’m painfully aware something is off with me. On a scale of weirdness, I’m not Pinhead. I’m more Carrie, without the powers. I’d change this perception of oddness I convey, but I don’t know where to begin to work on myself. 

So I don’t. 

Glancing around the table, I attempt a quick recovery. “I have a dog, too. He’s the cutest little Pomeranian.” 

My words are met with oohs and awws but Stacey shakes her head once, slightly. I don’t know why she does it. I’ve hit a cord with these girls. I block her shaking head and the bombardment of senseless information streaming through my mind and continue talking. “He’s a handsome little fur ball.”

“I love dogs,” One of Stacey’s friends says.. “My Jax is too freaking cute.” 

 “My little FeFe is too adorbs. What’s your dog’s name, Elizabeth?” Melissa, the closes girl to me asks. 

“Norman Bates. He’s a  -” 

“You named your dog Norman Bates,” Melissa says. 

“Yes. He -” 

“Like, isn’t that the crazy dude from that movie? The one who cross dressed like his mom and like killed everyone?” someone else asks. 

“Yes, it’s - ”

“It’s kinda weird…Well, a lot weird that you named your dog after a homicidal maniac.” Melissa says. No one speaks after her comment. They all stare in opposite directions. 

I almost laugh at their reaction but stop myself. A rush of useless information hurries through my head: the song streaming over the speaker in the restaurant is by Colbie Caillat; approximately twenty-five people have walked into the restaurant since we arrived; More women than man eat here; our waitress has a build-up of dandruff she tries to cover with a bad hair dye...

 I shake my head discretely. They act like I told them I’m naming my first born Freddie Kruger.  

What have you been up to? Any exciting news? 

Short and Sweet

So sorry, I've been neglecting the blog. I've been super busy...writing. And living. I have a daughter graduating high school and a son moving up to high school. And both of their birthdays are in May, too. Yikes! And if you have teenagers you know how they can be...

I'm finished with the first draft of my novella, Finding Her. Its a companion novella to Finding Her, told from Chris's POV. I've also added it to Goodreads so please add this to your TBR list.

I thought I'd give everyone a little teaser:

Her lips were so soft. I could suck on them all night.

But there were other parts of her body I wanted to explore. I lifted my head and placed it in the crook of her neck. Then I ran my tongue slowly down the side. She moaned and arched her back off the mattress. I smiled into the fold of her skin knowing I was responsible for her pleasure.

I traced my kisses back up her neck and held my lips dangerously close to her mouth. Our eyes locked. A small gasp escaped from her lips. She blew my mind. She was walking perfection. And she’s mine.

 She reached behind me and tangled her delicate hands into my hair. With a light tug she pressed our lips back together. And we fell back into each other completely - lips and tongues colliding.

She pushed me back, panting. “Chris. I miss you so much. I really need you to find me. I’m lost. I’m alone. Please.” Heavy tears flowed from her brown eyes.  She threw her hands to her face.

My stomach flipped. “Amanda. I’m here. What are you talking about? I’m right here.” I tried to pry her hands away but she refused. Finally, she spread her fingers apart so I could see only a sliver of her face. Then she slowly peeled both her hands away.

“See that’s the problem. I’m not Amanda.”

I sat up so fast I nearly knocked the large print of New York that covered the wall behind my bed on top of my head. My heart beat like a trapped guerrilla in my chest. I inhaled three deep breaths to calm myself.

It didn’t work.

NOW THAT THAT'S DONE...

 

Now that the book is available to the world, I'm sitting here twiddling my fingers trying to figure out what to do next.

NOT!

I'm staying busy with...WRITING. And reading, of course. And watching movies.

What have I read that was good, you ask?

Well, I just finished a novel titled, Etoile by Olivia Besse. It is New Adult and set in the gritty and sparkly world of the modeling industry. It started slow but picked up considerably. The writing, once you get past the prologue (I don't like prologues) is decent, then about a quarter of the way in, it's terrific. The reader is really immersed into the life of Elodie, the main character, and her modeling career...and her tumultuous love life.

I'm currently reading Model Position by Kitsy Clare and it started off great. A swoon-worthy male model complete with suede thong and all. Definitely can't wait to continue reading this one!

I'm writing a novella titled, Finding Her. It is from Chris's perspective from my Finding Me novel. I actually haven't started writing it but I plotted it all out. I'm excited to write this, too. Is it wrong to ABSOLUTELY love one of your characters? He's so perfect! If you've read or are reading Finding Me you understand.

I've already plotted the sequel to the next two books in the Finding Me series: Enlighten Me and Awaken Me...though these names might change. I'm having a ball writing this sequel! I can't wait to share this with the world.

I'm also watching movies: Divergent and Captain America, most recently. They were both great. I read Divergent, of course, if you follow my blog you know this. You also know that it is one of my favorite books. It's action, romance, a horrible future society - what's not to love. I usually have a problem with how my favorite books are casted when they do the film adaptations but I so love Shailene Woodley and Theo James in these roles that it was like I handpicked them myself!

Captain America was equally good. Full of action, no romance but that was okay. I sometimes prefer no romance with my action...there are hints of it in the movie, though. There really is noting more to say about this but go check it out for yourself.

What have you been up to? Have you seen these two movies? Read these two books? What did you think?

I'M READY

I've made a decisions.

And I'm going to stick with the decision I've made because I feel, at least for now, it's what's best for me. I posted a few months ago, that I was thinking of self-publishing. I've given the traditional route about as much as I can.

For now.

I've queried countless agents. I've gotten a few requests for fulls. I've even gotten a few, "I like this but I can't sell it." While I tried to remain positive and encouraged, it was a struggle. Each rejection was like a slap in the face...telling me I'm not good enough. Give up! But that's the thing: I can't give up. This is my passion. I don't think I could even function without writing anymore.

So, I'm going to self-publish my first book: Finding Me. I'd be the biggest liar if I didn't admit that I was nervous.

I'm terrified.

But I believe in my story. I've had three different CP's (no family or friends), three beta readers, and I've even posted the first five chapters on Critique Circle and I've gotten positive feedback. Well, after the MS was eviscerated a few times. So...

 

I'd like to share the opening line to Finding Me:
The weirdest day of my existence started with a kiss.

What are you ready for in 2014? Anticipating any big events or moments. Please share.


Have a great day. Read a book and laugh!

I'M ALL FOR SHARING...COME AND GET IT

I’ve been compiling some helpful writing sites and what not for a while. The information I learned from these sites have been invaluable. So, I thought I’d share!

HELPFUL WRITING WEBSITES

THE BOOKSHELF MUSE – descriptive words, phrases to help strengthen your writing

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STORY - tons of useful info

THE BLOOD RED PENCIL - editing tips galore

MISS SNARK’S FIRST VICTIM - writing contests with agents and editors, helpful info on writing

  

Agent Information

Nathan Bransford – former agent turned writer

Agent Kristin Nelson’s Blog

Agent Jenny Bent

Agent Query

Predators and Editors

Writer’s Market - small fee associated with this site

 

Websites for Socialization/Publishing and help with promotion

Goodreads

Smashwords

YALitchat

SheWrites

CBI Clubhouse - small fee associated with site - for Children's books authors

Writer’s Digest – has a community forum for critiquing – subscribe to their newsletter by email. They offer courses on how to write/the business of writing/and publication and just about anything else writer related.

Wattpad

Editing Posts from my personal blog

http://dawnbrazil.blogspot.com/2011/01/editing-tips-for-writers.html

http://dawnbrazil.blogspot.com/2011/09/you-have-homework.html

http://dawnbrazil.blogspot.com/2011/09/how-to-make-your-manuscript-shine-sing.html

http://dawnbrazil.blogspot.com/2011/04/im-not-finished-yet.html

Do you have any helpful sites, tips, programs that could be of assistance to other writers? Please share!

Have a great day. Read a book and laugh!

READING IS FUN-DAMENTAL

It’s common knowledge that many writers were first readers. But not just any kind of reader. Most writers read everything, anything, they could get their hands on. Or I could just be describing myself. But I doubt it.

I fell in love with books at an early age. I’d devour books so quickly; I can't accurately say how many I’ve read. That love for books, for stories, parlayed into my love for writing. Since starting on my writing journey, I've enjoyed reading more. I’ve found, however, with family, work, writing, and other demands on my time, I don’t have as much time for reading. I’ve been slacking. And I hate it.

I made up for that recently by reading some awesome books, though:  

The Guardian by Katie Klein – I found this book when I read an anthology called “In His Eyes.” I had originally picked this up because of another author’s work that I wanted to check out. But ended up loving this short story because of its fantasy element. Oh, I loved that other story, too, by Jessie Harrell. The thing I liked the most about The Guardian was the main character – Genesis. The author created this character that leaped off the page and I kept reading the story until I was finished because of her. Then I grabbed the next book in the series. And another great book by the author, too.

Bully by Penelope Douglas – I saw this book recommended on another blog, can’t remember where now, though. I’m not a big romance reader – but honestly, if the book is good with great pacing and believable characters, I’ll read it. Bully was that book. I think the characters are what make the story interesting for me. I don’t necessarily need a super original plot that no one has ever heard of – but that wouldn’t hurt. Just give me characters that are unique in some way and I’m half-way there. It wasn’t the main character that I fell for though, it was her love interest. Read the book, you’ll understand.  

Matched by Ally Condie - This book is not last on my list because I liked it the least but it was the book I thought most of you would know best. This is another book with an interesting character(s). I love the story because I have a thing for Dystopia’s. I can’t get enough of the “What would happen if the world…” stories. I have so many books on my TBR that I have not read the sequel to this one yet but I’m itching to get my fingers on it. There’s a love triangle and I’m torn completely down the middle with this one. I love that!

 What I want to read next:

Allegiant by Veronica Roth – Come on already! This is one of my favorite YA series and I’m dying to know what’s going to happen next. If you haven’t read the first two books in the series, you’re missing out. It’s a great Dystopian with awesome world building and jump off the page characters that you won’t forget.

Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi – This book is part of another really great series. It was labeled a Dystopia but I mostly thought of it as fantasy/romance with a little world building. Maybe there will be more on the new society mentioned in the first book but it was the writing that did it for me with this one. It was different, descriptive, and weird – in a good way. I really enjoyed it and it was mostly romance (not my favorite thing to read but it's in all the books I read now – and write coincidentally).

Partials by Dan Wells –  I found this book in an anthology for YA Dystopias. I read all the books in the anthology after I read the sample chapters, with the exception of this one…and I think one other. But it’s not because I did not like these two, I just haven’t had time to read them. If you haven’t gotten this anthology, you should. It is the Hunger for Dystopian Sampler. Not only have I read most of the full length books in the sample but also the sequels to those books as well. Can’t wait to read this one by Wells, too.

A book I’d recommend to all writers:

The Emotion Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi – this book offers valuable info on how to describe – show, not tell – the emotions your characters experience in your story. It offers a definition of the emotion; physical signals of the emotion (jumpiness – for nervousness); Internal Sensations (a flutter of the abdomen – for love)…and more. It’s a great companion when you’re writing and you need that added descriptor to complete or compliment a scene.

Have you read any great books lately? I’m always open to suggestions and I’ll read just about anything with great characters – especially if it’s a Dystopian, fantasy, or horror.

Have a Great Day. Read a Book and Laugh!

NURTURING THE GIFT

When I was in the third grade, personal issues forced me to close myself off a little from others. I, as a child, took a step back from the world, but I took a step closer to the imagined world of books. I had always thought reading was enjoyable. But this was different. I relied on books to do so much more than entertain me. As a child, I didn't fully understand why I needed to read so much. I just knew I needed it. 

Soon, this love for books blossomed into a love for crafting my own stories. Something I had always done aloud with the kids in my family. But now, I was putting my words on paper for others to see. I was stepping forward bravely and telling the world that I had something to say. Unfortunately, no one I knew wrote, or thought about writing as a career. This desire I had drifted away as I grew older. The adults in my life who knew I loved to read and write never questioned it either.

My love for reading persisted, but the idea that I could write fiction dissipated. When I decided on a major for collage, writing resurfaced. It was journalism and not fiction that sounded more within my reach. I never told anyone that I wanted to be a writer. But I had shared stories, written plays for school - things like that. I did have one teacher in high school show interest in my writing and we and talked about writing books. I think he was actually writing one himself. I don't know if he ever wrote the book, though. 

My point about all this...writers need nurturing. Sometimes I think about how good I could be now if I had nurtured the craft, if I had stayed true to what I wanted and pursued it with my whole heart. I know that I cannot go back but I can pay it forward. 

I don't tell my kids their dreams are unattainable because it might be tough for them. I encourage them to push on anyway. I do educate them on their pursued passions and the obstacles they might face because of them but I never discourage. Never!

Have you always felt encouraged in your writing or other endeavors? Did anyone ever tell you, you couldn't do something? What was your reaction?


Have a great day. Read a book and laugh!

MY WRITING BRAIN

I’m on vacation. The kids are enjoying the lake. I’ve gone horse-back riding; I’ve played golf (with my limited skills) and I’ve had a great time relaxing with my family. But no matter what I do, I find some way to fit my writing into each activity.

This is not something I’ve done intentionally. I’ve even tried to take a real break from writing but all I do is end up thinking about it obsessively. No matter how I try not to do it, I find myself comparing the action in a movie to the action in one of my WIP’s. Or I find myself thinking about one of my characters and how they would hate or enjoy an activity I might be engaged in.

Do these obsessive thoughts make me crazy? I don’t think so. I think it’s probably normal for writers. It’s difficult to suddenly drop a character that’s been with you for years because you want to “do something else for a while.” It almost seems selfish.  Why can’t they tag along, too? Maybe you’ll learn something new about your character that helps with your story.

I’m not saying that you have to be in writer mode 24/7 but if you can go away on vacation and not think about any of your characters, one of your WIP’s, or some aspect of your writing maybe you’re not passionate enough about it. This is my opinion, of course, but it seems the more I write and read – the more I think about these things when I am engaged in activities that have seemingly nothing to do with them.

This has been a good thing: It forces me to see the world differently. I see a potential story-line in the guy in the cabin beside ours, leaning over the railing staring off into space. I see a potential story in the way my oldest daughter’s eyes water and discolor when she comes back from the lake. I watch people as they react to the world around them. I store these reactions for later use when I try to write as descriptively as I can. These are good things.

However, this obsessiveness can have its draw backs. The one area that I find the drawback is my ability to quiet my thoughts and fall asleep. It takes me forever. My brain suddenly goes into rewind and I’m picking over my day and possibly the next… I never fall to sleep immediately unless I’m sick. I’ve been this way so long, it almost seems wrong to count it as a negative. I’m used to it now.

Does your writer brain kick in when you’re doing other activities? Do you find this distracting?

 

 

Have a great day. Read a book and laugh

LET'S ESCAPE FROM OUR COMFORT ZONES

I'm certain it will come as no surprise that I love YA literature. I write for the YA audience, after all. But, this cannot be stated enough, we should read and practice writing outside of our normal/comfort zone parameters. I write science fiction and fantasy but I have written poems, short stories, a novella...all for the sake of practicing. But also as a tool to learn. The more you do something the better you'll get at it. Right?

Some of my favorite literature isn't found in the YA section at the library. I thought I'd share some of my literary favorites that aren't YA. Maybe you've heard of a few. If you haven't, you could check them out for yourself. They are rich with symbolism, uncommon/ingenious metaphors, and some are a bit satirical.

Short Story/Essays:

The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin
The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas by Ursula K. Lagoon
A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift
The Canterbury Tales - The Wife of Bath's Tale

Poetry:

Daddy by Sylvia Plath
The Flea by John Donne
Lord Randall by Anonymous
The Ladies Dressing Room by Jonathan Swift
We Wear the Mask by Paul Lawrence Dunbar

Mythology:

Greek: Herakles - Hercules
Greek: Theseus
Greek: Daedalus and Icarus

Plays:

The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams
A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen

Did I list any of your favorites? Did I leave your favorite off my list. Please let us know in the comments.




Have a great day! Read a book and laugh.

TOTAL RANDOMNESS

I couldn’t think of anything witty and smart to say so I decided to talk about what’s been going on in my life. I’m not a superstar so my life isn’t glammed out but it is mine. I’m not the most interesting person in the world but who is…

 

1. My daughter is going to Prom tonight. Kids grow up so fast. It seems like just yesterday I was sending her off to high school. I remember her saying not too long ago, "I'm not worried about guys, Mom. I'm concentrating on my grades so I can get into a good college." Where'd that girl go! She’s been dating a senior on the football team all year. They went to Homecoming and I thought, yeah, this won’t last long. I was wrong. I guess now I’m trying to see what will happen for her senior year next year.

2. I’m babysitting a toddler. My brother-in-law and his wife are going out for the weekend and asked if I could watch my adorable nephew. I fawn over him every time he comes to the house. He is the cutest little man I’ve seen in a long time. But he also cries a lot – mainly for his Daddy. And the biggest concern I have….he’s not potty trained. Guh! All the adorableness in the world can’t make up for a full diaper.

3. I’ve recently finished editing one of my WIPs and instead of sending it out to the slouch pile, I’ve been thinking about self-publishing. This is an older manuscript I took a break from to write another manuscript and now I’ve reworked it. I sent it to agents but got a lot of “this just isn’t for me” and “I like what you are trying to do here but I don’t think this is for me”…Grrr I haven’t sent it out to publishers yet though and I’m wondering if I should do this before I try to self-pub it.

What’s been going on in your world? Anything interesting you want to share.

 

 

Have a great day! Read a book and smile.

MY ADVICE...TO ME

What would I have told my newbie writer self four years ago…

About four years ago I thought, what the hey, I’ll write that book I’ve been dreaming about. And I did. Yeah me!

But it wasn’t that simple.

I toiled with the idea of writing a book for years. I put it off. Got married. Had kids. Dropped out of college - three times. Then one day I decided I was going to take a break from cooking, my day job, school, housework….and sit and read. I had always loved to read but I barely had time to shower let alone sit and enjoy a book. But I decided I had to make time. I needed the comfort books had always brought me. I started reading what was being called Young Adult – because that was what my daughter was reading. I wanted to be a responsible parent and monitor what she read. But I ended up liking it myself. I was hooked and couldn’t stop reading these books about these kids doing all this interesting things.

Then one day, I sat down and wrote out a recurring scene from a story that had been in my head for years. I let my oldest daughter read it. I didn’t tell her I had written the piece – I wanted her honest opinion. She loved it and wanted to read the entire story. But that was it I told her. “And I wrote it,” I triumphantly announced.

This was my first realization that I could actually write a novel. A whole, real, full length, novel. I was thrilled. And revving to go. I wrote that first story so fast I barely had time to breath. I was so proud of myself. I was so going to be famous for the wonderful story I had written. I quickly let my daughter, then in the 7^th grade, read what I had written. She loved the entire story. I was on my way – I even had a fan.

Let’s stop the story here…I think everyone can kinda see where this is going. It’s almost comical now. Almost. I also think it’s a bit sad. I had so much to learn. So what would I have said to myself four years ago had I the knowledge:

Have patience.

And

Read and Write. Then write more.

That’s it. That is what I would have said to myself or any other newbie writer. Without patience, perfecting your work is impossible. Without patience, the revision process becomes a joke. Without patience, you don’t make your manuscript shine, you bring yourself to shame.

Why read? Reading what you write and what you don’t write offers many opportunities to learn from those published authors. Just like a student needs to study for a test, a writer must study also. A writer studies the craft of writing. Not simply getting the story down but arranging the words and actions of the characters so that the audience will not want to put the book down.

Why write and write more. With anything, and everything in life ‘practice makes perfect.’ I can’t say how true this statement is. I have seen a drastic change in the manner in which I write. I was so serious about my craft that I decided to finish school this time *insert huge grin here* and I majored in English. Oh, the many papers I wrote that had nothing to do with kids with supernatural ability, or teenage angst over their first loves. But the lessons I learned were invaluable. I wrote short stories, poems, anything – not to have them published but to practice. To get better. And I did. And this time, it wasn’t my daughter who told me she loved my story…but that’s another post entirely.

What advice would you give your newbie writer self?

Have a great day. Read a gook and laugh!

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I'm Done

I'm officially done, complete, finished...happy, thrilled, excited. I took my final the other day and let's just say I could've done better - much better. No crying about it now. It's over. I passed with a "C" and I must admit it was the happiest "C" I've ever received. Well, its the only "C" I've gotten. I'm a bit of a perfectionist/nerd but I had no problem accepting this grade. I earned it.
 
Now that school's finished...for now, (I'm a perpetual learner, need-to-knower, noisy) I'll focus on my writing more. One thing that work, family, and school could not distract steal from me was my love for reading. Here are a few of my recommendations:

Shatter Me - Tahereh Mafi

 
This book was different with its strike throughs and poignant use of imagery. I loved it. As soon as I've finished my current read, I'll start on the sequel - Unravel Me. One thing I wasn't certain about with respect to the book was the "dystopian" reference. I didn't think it was a dystopian. The author did attempt to introduce the readers to a new world but it was mainly about the main character's reaction to her less-than-favorable "gift." This will be a great read for anyone who dares to be different with their work. This author was and I think it worked well for her. Read it and let us know what you think.

Hopeless - Colleen Hoover

 
This book was different from what I normally read. I like action, paranormal, suspense but this book was full of romance. I loved it, though. The author's voice is GREAT. She is my new YA hero. Her characters are flawed, beautiful, and you love and hate them. I 've been told there's a sequel and I can't wait to read it. Oh and this author is from Texas and she's self-published! Kudos to her. She totally rocks!!!! If you write YA, I recommend you reading this for the voice alone - but there are other bits of awesomeness going on here, too.

What the Dead Know - Laura Lippman

 
This is not YA! But this book hooks you from the beginning and doesn't let go until the very end. This book, with my mommy pants on, makes me cringe. Like the plot of the story, I have two girls and couldn't imagine the story that unfolds in this book happening to me. Horrible, shattering. This book was spellbinding but I wouldn't read it again just because it makes me think too much. But if you haven't read it, you should.
 
 
What have you read? Share it with us.

 

Have a great day. Read a book and laugh!

IT'S BEEN TOO LONG

Yes, I know I've been absent for a while. What can I say? I'm lazy. No. I don't think that's it. I'm selfish and don't want to share what's been going on. No, definitely not that. I've just been busy. Yes, that will suffice. I hope.

Not that I haven't been busy before. Before, when I updated my blog on a regular basis, when I read and commented on the blogs that I follow. Yeah, before, I did much better. But school, work, the kids...it all just got the better of me.

I still wrote. I kinda didn't have a choice most of the time being an English major and all but I also worked on my WIP's. A lot. And I read, a lot. I mean a whole lot. And I'm two weeks shy of finishing school. YAY!!!!! I'm super excited. I'm doing my happy dance. Good thing you can't see me because I have two left feet, one eye, and big flappy pajamas.





Have a great day! Read a book and laugh.

My Grown-UP Christmas List, Part 2

1.      Plot that is not predictable – I don’t want my readers to see it coming before I want them to. I also don’t want them to say, “this sounds exactly like (plug any movie or book similar to your MS here).” –that comment is not a complement (well not for me).

2.      A Thrilling Middle – I don’t want my readers to put down the book and I know middles can sag if I don’t add drama/tension to that section. I want the middle to be as exciting as the beginning and the end. I want to add subplots to fill this area. And I want details the readers care about. I won’t add a new character in the middle of the book only for the purposes of filling space.

3.      A Great Ending – I don’t want a forced ending. One the readers scratch their heads at and say “what the ?!@! was that.” I don’t want the readers to know exactly what is going to happen but I want them to say, “Oh, I see how that all connects. That makes perfect sense. Why didn’t I see that?” Then I want them to reread the book to find out if there were clues leading to the ending (there should be, subtle ones) – no dues ex machine here. There should be a clear path to the ending.

4.      No Plot Holes – I don’t want my readers to get to the end and say, “What happened with the ___ she never told us what happened. Now the story doesn’t make sense." I don’t want to leave loose ends – frayed and almost falling a part. I want some ominous moments, some moments the readers will have to keep reading to understand, and some questionable actions on behalf of my protagonist and antagonist but my the end of the story, I want to have answered all of the questions. Or (if I'm writing a series – which I happen to be doing) I want to answer the major plot questions (and tie all loose ends) and answer most sub-plot questions. It will be good to leave the readers questioning some things but not major plot questions. I want to ensure it all adds up in the end and the readers don't feel cheated for their time invested. 

My son came home and song this for me. I loved it. Too Funny!!! Enjoy!

Have a great day. Read a book and laugh!!!

What I like about you...

I'm a sucker for a good story. It's true! Give me a good book and you'll not hear a peep from me until it's finished. And I love reading young adult fiction the most. The characters are awesome and writers (in their infinite wisdom) keep coming up with new ways to say old things.

So instead of list all the reasons or things I love about YA fiction, I'm listing what I don't like. That's a much shorter list. Believe me you'd thank me if you'd seen the other list.

Things I hate to see in my YA fiction:

 

1. Perfect characters – nobody’s perfect, not even your hot guy lead who always knows what to say to make your MC drool all over herself. He’s not perfect and neither is she. Before you submit that story to an agent, you’d better find out more about your character. Make them believable because nobody’s perfect and everybody’ll be able to tell you didn’t flesh out your character(s) enough.
2. Unrealistic dialogue. Um, kids don’t always talk in complete sentences. Well, sometimes. But not always. You’ve got to mix it up. Give the reader a taste of intelligent characters, but unless there is a specific reason for them sounding like Harvard Professors (something like an experiment gone wrong- sci-fi story) then stop trying to woo us and let the kids be kids. Oh and keep the slang to a minimum. I have a sixth grader (all his friends are older) and a 10th grader with dozens of friends and nieces and nephews - they don't talk slang 24/7. So your MC shouldn't answer their parents with, "Yo, what up, yo." I'm not even sure I wrote that right. A little goes a long way, but too much just starts to show your age- not your MC's. Plus it's distracting. Maybe give one character the habit of talking slang a lot- not every single one.
3. An MC with no choice. Everyone has a choice, if they didn’t where would the tension be. If your MC learns of something he/she has to do don’t make it so that they must do it. Let them decide that they don’t want to do what everyone is expecting of them- it gives the reader something to look forward to - Are they going to change their mind? And of course, this adds tension. This is what the reader wants. It propels the story forward.

Now there are a few other things I don’t like to see in my YA. I have had my mind changed once or twice about what I like and don’t like. Are there any that I missed that you hate? I’m sure there are. Leave a few of your own YA pet peeves in the comments.

Have a great day. Read a book and laugh.

Randomness...

I’m tired. I’m hungry. And I’ve been up all night. So today’s post are random tidbits about what’s been going on with me:

1.  The kids went back to school yesterday. I have three – a 10^th grader, sixth grader, and a third grader. The hubby’s conveniently gone away on business. Yeah, I was up all night signing papers. I can’t remember any more why I was excited about them going back.

2.  I’m adding extra villainous traits to my villain/antagonist in my current WIP at the suggestion of my CP. You can never have a villain that is evil enough. Right now, this pen and paper to my right with my children’s names on them are the most evil, loathsome, inhumane things I’ve seen in a while.

3.  I’m so ready to stop editing I want to smack someone. Of course, I’m practicing patience. But the hubby better watch out around the 18^th of every month. That’s all I’ve got to say about that…

4.  Pleasantly surprised about a new movie I’ve heard about, Magic Mike. Yeah, I know that title is something else, huh. It stares Channing Tatum, Alex Pettyfer, Matthew McConaughey, Joe Manganiello, and Matt Bomer. I could probably watch with the volume turned down. I’m wondering though, I usually see movies with the hubby, but I’m thinking he might not like this one too much.

5.  I’m thinking of writing a MG story. I haven’t decided yet, but I have a short story I never completed – I fell in love with the characters. A female protagonist who kicks some major butt and a nerd on a special mission- umm I’m thinking. Not sure right now all I can think about with any real clarity is snuggly up in my bed.

What are you up to? Let everyone know in the comments.

Have a great day. Read a book and laugh.

Part 2: Who's a good CP???

As promised, I’m continuing my discussion on critique partners. The focus of this post is showing proper etiquette. And no, it’s not just about saying thank you.

How can you have good CP etiquette?

·         Never show your CP’s work to someone else without their approval first

·         If your CP asks a specific question about their MS, please do answer. Even if the answer is, “I have no idea.”

·         Your comments can’t all be criticisms. Come on. I’m sure you can find something positive to say about the piece or you wouldn’t be working on it (see previous post here).

·         Don’t take a month to get back to your CP on ten pages of their MS. Unless you both decided to work at a snails pace.

·         Do respond to emails or phone calls from your CP in a reasonable amount of time. Even if you’re only responding to say, I’ll respond later. Don’t writers have to wait enough on others – don’t make your CP have to wait on you too.

·         Be humble. Do not assume that your suggestions are money in the bank. If they were you’d already have a book published. So what if your CP chooses to not take your advice/suggestion – get over yourself.

·         Don’t wear your heart on your sleeve. Remember your CP is trying to help you improve your piece. Don’t fight them. If you disagree on a particular suggestion and it means a lot to you, talk about it. If you can’t agree, agree to disagree. If it’s something you feel is a deal breaker – be honest. Being stuck with an unwanted CP is like being in a bad marriage (not that I’d know – I’m just saying).

·         If your CP reaches publication before you, you should be dancing with them – not frowned up in a corner with your thumb in your mouth. Their success is your success. After all, it was your excellent suggestions that helped to strengthen their MS.

I’m sure there are tons of other CP etiquette rules, but I’m tired and don’t feel like working the muscle in my head anymore. So, please, if you can think of others list them in the comments.

Have a great day. Read a book and laugh!!!!

Lost in revisions...

Okay, I’m knee deep in revisions now. And kids.

I have a ton of kids at the house (nieces and nephews) coupled with my three kids, their driving me crazy. Everyone will be gone in two weeks. Yeah, two. I’m counting the days. But it also means that my editing keeps being interrupted.

I pulled an all-nighter a couple days ago. Yeah, right! My daughter (15) and niece (13) came pounded down the steps. It seems at 2 am she had an allergic reaction to something. Her lips swelled up and her face had blotchy spots over them. Well, about 4:30 I sent her and the niece back to bed. About 5:00, I finished my shower then the hubby was getting up for work. So I stayed up with him. Oh, and I forgot, and apparently the hubby and son did too, that it was trash day. I took the trash out then thought I’d check my email before going to bed. Somehow, it was 8:00 before I crawled, defeated into the bed. My all-nighter had produced nothing. Frustrated isn’t even the word.

So to cheer me up, I thought of something that makes me happy. Other than writing, fam and books. It’s my fav TV show: Lost. So in honor of my fav show - that airs no more, I give you *drum roll, please* the cast of Lost.

Have a great day. Read a book and laugh!!!

Stirring and Sidesplitting...all in one post

I thought I’d tickle some funny bones and illicit some inspiration with my post today. So, laugh to your hearts content, then go write something.

A Canadian psychologist is selling a video that teaches you how to test your dog's IQ. Here's how it works: if you spend $12.99 for the video, your dog is smarter than you. ~ Jay Leno

You must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you. ~Ray Bradbury

When I was born my father spent three weeks trying to find a loophole in my birth certificate.
~  Jackie Vernon quotes

Writing is a socially acceptable form of schizophrenia. ~E.L. Doctorow

And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt. ~Sylvia Plath

Words - so innocent and powerless as they are, as standing in a dictionary, how potent for good and evil they become in the hands of one who knows how to combine them.

~Nathaniel Hawthorne

Smack your child every day. If you don't know why -- he does.
~  Joey Adams quotes

Be obscure clearly. ~E.B. White

The only cure for writer's block is insomnia. ~Merit Antares

Manuscript: something submitted in haste and returned at leisure.

~ Oliver Herford quotes

Only a mediocre writer is always at his best.
~  W. Somerset Maugham quotes

Women complain about premenstrual syndrome, but I think of it as the only time of the month that I can be myself. ~ Roseanne Barr

A young musician plays scales in his room and only bores his family. A beginning writer, on the other hand, sometimes has the misfortune of getting into print. ~Unknown

When I was a little boy, they called me a liar, but now that I am grown up, they call me a writer. ~  Isaac Bashevis Singer quotes

Children ask better questions than adults. "May I have a cookie?" "Why is the sky blue?" and "What does a cow say?" are far more likely to elicit a cheerful response than "Where's your manuscript?" Why haven't you called?" and "Who's your lawyer?"
~ Fran Lebowitz quotes

There are only two things a child will share willingly: communicable diseases and its mother's age. ~ Benjamin Spock quotes

Have a great day. Read a book and laugh

Blogger Issues...Grrrr!!!!! And Randomness

I've been having major issues with Blogger. I can't leave a comment on my own blog. I couldn't even leave comments on other blogger sites for a while also - and I read some awesome posts that I wanted to comment on. No fair. **slams fist on computer desk (ouch)** I've been trying to wait until it's fixed to post. But it's taking forever. Seriously!!!!

Anyway, I've been editing my WIP, The Chloe Chronicles and reading (of course). I am so thrilled with the revisions I could kiss the computer. Chloe is coming to life before my eyes and I'm loving it. Developing my characters personality was very important to me and has been a major focus of my revisions. My main character, Chloe, is the coolest 16 year old I know!!!!

I just finished reading, If I Stay by Gayle Forman and can't wait to read the sequel, Where She Went. It was a great book!!!! It was moving, romantic, and poetic. After I read the sequel I'm going to read, Delirium by Lauren Oliver. Can't wait to tear into it.

Yesterday evening my youngest daughter and I sat down to watch E.T. together - just the two of us. In the end, she was curled up on my lap watching it. During the credits, she looked up at me and said, "Mom, I know this movie is fake." I smiled. Oh, I think, my baby is really growing up. She is 8 after all, I remind myself. Then she looks at me and says, "Yeah, Mom, because I know that aliens don't really dress up like girls and talk." My baby is back!

Have a great day!!! Read a book and laugh.