Every year I go nuts over football, red and yellow leaves, fuzzy sweaters, cozy blankets, comfort foods like nachos or chili, apple orchards, and everything that comes with autumn!
I track seasons by climate. My unofficial farewell to fall happens on Halloween. Why? We usually see snowflakes early in November--plus, my Christmas spirit arrives on November first. :)
But before we start whispering about winter, we get to have fun with Halloween--and I adore Halloween!
First of all, there's candy involved, and I love candy.
Secondly, I get a kick out of the neighborhood kids' costumes when they trick-or-treat. So cute!
The one thing I didn't think I'd like about Halloween, but do?
Spooky shows and movies!
I get too frightened to watch horror movies on a regular basis, but mildly scary ones work for me.
Sleepy Hollow is a goodie! I also love the less scary Monsters, Inc! And who doesn't enjoy It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown? We even tuned in to The Lost Boys the other night.
I started watching American Horror Story: Asylum this season, but it's freaking me out. Great writing and acting, but this television show is surprisingly rated-R even for cable.
My absolute favorite spooky show right now? The Walking Dead. I love this show!!
Do you like spooky shows or movies? Share your favorites in the comments!!
Have a fantastic weekend!
Friday, October 26, 2012
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Party Time for Shay Lacy!!
I'm so thrilled to host my dear friend, Shay Lacy, on my blog today! We're celebrating the release of her first romantic suspense novel, Hero Needed, published through Crimson Romance!
Shay and I met through MVRWA, our local RWA chapter, and we immediately hit it off. She has such a unique way of looking at life--I couldn't help but be drawn to her! We've been friends for several years, and in that time, I never doubted she would find a publishing home for her romantic suspense novels. We've shared ups and downs, and it makes me SO HAPPY to be able to share this huge up with her!! The best part? Shay has more books and novellas being released into 2013!
Let the celebration begin!!
First on the agenda? You know how I like to celebrate...with yummy treats!
Shay is a fabulous baker (my son and I fight over her banana bread!) so I'm including some virtual banana bread too!
Of course, we need to wash all these decadent treats down, so grab a beverage!
Now that we have our snacks, let's get to it!!
Hero Needed ~
Some heroes are born and some are forged by events.
Marisa’s best friend Carolyn was killed by a train, but then Carolyn’s husband claims she committed suicide. Proving he’s wrong will be a heroic feat. EMT Nick Stark seems a natural for the job. Yet the truths Marisa and Nick uncover spark unexpected danger.
Does the secret of Marisa’s parentage tie in with Carolyn’s death? And is Marisa prepared to face the truth in order to identify whoever now wants her dead?
My review (on Goodreads):
If you love category romantic suspense novels with a high spice level, this book is for you!
The heroine, Marisa, was a heroine I loved rooting for! Marisa and Nick won't stop until they get to the bottom of a puzzling death. As more facts and strange happenings occur, solving more than a murder is at stake. Marisa's life and the future of the small town where she resides are in danger too.
What really stood out for me in Ms. Lacy's book were the strong characters and the beautiful setting. From the opening chapter, the setting is almost like another character. It influences the events of the book, and I have to say (no spoilers!), one of the pivotal scenes toward the end, where Marisa controls her fate, had me grinning and wanting to high five her! Fun stuff!
**I received an advanced reader copy of this book with no obligation to review it. All opinions are my own--give this book a try!**
About Shay ~
Shay Lacy never moved from her native Ohio, except in her imagination. She considered joining the Army, but thought marriage would be the bigger challenge. She collects glass paperweights and rocks, and dreams of one day owning the rock section of the Smithsonian’s Museum of Natural History. She's an amateur photographer and an avid reader.
To learn more about Shay's books, head to her website, be friends with her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter. Hero Needed is now available for sale on Amazon!
Thanks so much, Shay, for being my guest!! And thank you all for celebrating with us!
Have a fabulous day!
Let the celebration begin!!
First on the agenda? You know how I like to celebrate...with yummy treats!
Shay is a fabulous baker (my son and I fight over her banana bread!) so I'm including some virtual banana bread too!
Of course, we need to wash all these decadent treats down, so grab a beverage!
Now that we have our snacks, let's get to it!!
Some heroes are born and some are forged by events.
Marisa’s best friend Carolyn was killed by a train, but then Carolyn’s husband claims she committed suicide. Proving he’s wrong will be a heroic feat. EMT Nick Stark seems a natural for the job. Yet the truths Marisa and Nick uncover spark unexpected danger.
Does the secret of Marisa’s parentage tie in with Carolyn’s death? And is Marisa prepared to face the truth in order to identify whoever now wants her dead?
My review (on Goodreads):
If you love category romantic suspense novels with a high spice level, this book is for you!
The heroine, Marisa, was a heroine I loved rooting for! Marisa and Nick won't stop until they get to the bottom of a puzzling death. As more facts and strange happenings occur, solving more than a murder is at stake. Marisa's life and the future of the small town where she resides are in danger too.
What really stood out for me in Ms. Lacy's book were the strong characters and the beautiful setting. From the opening chapter, the setting is almost like another character. It influences the events of the book, and I have to say (no spoilers!), one of the pivotal scenes toward the end, where Marisa controls her fate, had me grinning and wanting to high five her! Fun stuff!
**I received an advanced reader copy of this book with no obligation to review it. All opinions are my own--give this book a try!**
About Shay ~
Shay Lacy never moved from her native Ohio, except in her imagination. She considered joining the Army, but thought marriage would be the bigger challenge. She collects glass paperweights and rocks, and dreams of one day owning the rock section of the Smithsonian’s Museum of Natural History. She's an amateur photographer and an avid reader.
To learn more about Shay's books, head to her website, be friends with her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter. Hero Needed is now available for sale on Amazon!
Thanks so much, Shay, for being my guest!! And thank you all for celebrating with us!
Have a fabulous day!
Monday, October 22, 2012
Pushing Your Word Count: WSG 27
The writing world holds its breath and in a few days will exhale a flood of excitement. Yes, it's almost NaNoWriMo time again!! Every November, throngs of writers challenge themselves to write 50,000 words of a new book. Some break the word count into daily goals, some into weekly goals, but by the time November ends, even if they didn't "win" with 50,000 words, most participants have exceeded their normal, non-NaNo word counts.
How do they do it?
There are two keys:
1. Group support
2. Pushing to meet a goal
Since everyone starts their new project on November 1st, it's like a race, but instead of competing against each other, everyone encourages their fellow writers to keep going. It's easy to check in on Twitter (use #NaNo) or Facebook to stay accountable and get much-needed motivation.
While I don't participate in NaNoWriMo, I always get inspired by the people who do. I usually am writing a first draft during November, and I love that my word count piles up before the holidays. It's great to end the year on a high note!
Here are ways I push my word count limit on a daily basis:
* I tell fellow writers I'm pushing myself to high goals, and I check in with them throughout the week to let them know how I'm doing (Accountability).
* I break my writing sessions into short chunks and take "reward" breaks. I used to write for 3-4 hours straight, but I find I get higher word counts--and I feel better--on days I write for an hour, take a short break, write for another hour, work on another task, etc... If you do not have much time to write, try 30 minute sessions. (Endurance)
* Break your overall word count into weekly and daily word count goals. Decide on your target end date. Have your calendar in front of you when you do this. It's easy to "forget" the non-writing commitments you've signed up for over the next few months, not to mention any holidays! I've learned the hard way that the day before Christmas break will NOT be productive. I never schedule big word counts for hectic times! (Realistic goals)
**If you want to write an 85,000 word novel in three months, you'll need to write 7083 words every week for 12 weeks. If you have two days a week to write, you'll need to write 3540 words/day. If you have five days, you'll need to write 1416/day. Seven days? 1011/day. **
* Track your progress EVERY writing session. Write the date, the amount of words you wrote, the total words overall, and calculate how many you still have to write. Doing this gives you solid proof progress is being made. It will keep you motivated. (Results)
* Ask other writers on Twitter to join you in a #1k1hr session. This is where you push yourself to write 1000 words in one hour. You then post the actual number of words you wrote. It's a great way to keep it fun! (Challenge)
* Remind yourself you don't have to "be in the mood" to write. You don't have to have three hours of a cleared schedule. You just have to show up and write. That's all. You can fix anything while revising, but you have to get it on paper first. (Attitude)
Writing is fun! But taking three years to write six chapters of a book isn't. Part of successful writing is momentum. We have to keep our writing muscles toned or they weaken. When we eventually have to build them up again, we waste precious time and energy. Keep pushing yourself!
Do you challenge yourself to reach high word counts? I'd love to hear your tricks!
Have a wonderful Monday!
How do they do it?
There are two keys:
1. Group support
2. Pushing to meet a goal
Since everyone starts their new project on November 1st, it's like a race, but instead of competing against each other, everyone encourages their fellow writers to keep going. It's easy to check in on Twitter (use #NaNo) or Facebook to stay accountable and get much-needed motivation.
While I don't participate in NaNoWriMo, I always get inspired by the people who do. I usually am writing a first draft during November, and I love that my word count piles up before the holidays. It's great to end the year on a high note!
Here are ways I push my word count limit on a daily basis:
* I tell fellow writers I'm pushing myself to high goals, and I check in with them throughout the week to let them know how I'm doing (Accountability).
* I break my writing sessions into short chunks and take "reward" breaks. I used to write for 3-4 hours straight, but I find I get higher word counts--and I feel better--on days I write for an hour, take a short break, write for another hour, work on another task, etc... If you do not have much time to write, try 30 minute sessions. (Endurance)
* Break your overall word count into weekly and daily word count goals. Decide on your target end date. Have your calendar in front of you when you do this. It's easy to "forget" the non-writing commitments you've signed up for over the next few months, not to mention any holidays! I've learned the hard way that the day before Christmas break will NOT be productive. I never schedule big word counts for hectic times! (Realistic goals)
**If you want to write an 85,000 word novel in three months, you'll need to write 7083 words every week for 12 weeks. If you have two days a week to write, you'll need to write 3540 words/day. If you have five days, you'll need to write 1416/day. Seven days? 1011/day. **
* Track your progress EVERY writing session. Write the date, the amount of words you wrote, the total words overall, and calculate how many you still have to write. Doing this gives you solid proof progress is being made. It will keep you motivated. (Results)
* Ask other writers on Twitter to join you in a #1k1hr session. This is where you push yourself to write 1000 words in one hour. You then post the actual number of words you wrote. It's a great way to keep it fun! (Challenge)
* Remind yourself you don't have to "be in the mood" to write. You don't have to have three hours of a cleared schedule. You just have to show up and write. That's all. You can fix anything while revising, but you have to get it on paper first. (Attitude)
Writing is fun! But taking three years to write six chapters of a book isn't. Part of successful writing is momentum. We have to keep our writing muscles toned or they weaken. When we eventually have to build them up again, we waste precious time and energy. Keep pushing yourself!
Do you challenge yourself to reach high word counts? I'd love to hear your tricks!
Have a wonderful Monday!
Friday, October 19, 2012
Need a Boost? Try a Walk!
Yesterday, I finally started writing a long-awaited book. I'd procrastinated it on Wednesday to streamline my website's masthead across all the pages (if you're new here, feel free to poke around using the navigation bar), but I'd run out of "projects" and knew I needed to just start writing already!
Sheesh!
After one hour of intense focus, I saved my document and smiled. I'd done it. I'd found the words I'd worried wouldn't come. But, while my writing session wasn't long, it was plenty for my first day back. So I took the afternoon off for some "Jill time."
A few resale shops and a run to Taco Bell later, I drove to a local metropark and stared in awe at the fall colors. The wind made the trees look frisky, and it always makes my heart sing to see leaves blowing willy-nilly in the air.
I took a brief stop at the wildlife viewing area to watch squirrels, cardinals, blue jays, woodpeckers, goldfinches, and even a huge hawk. Then the trails called my name. I hadn't planned on hiking, but the medley of fall colors, the wind, the sunshine, and the wildlife changed my mind.
As I power-walked through a sandy path in the meadow, I just soaked it all in. God's world amazes me, leaves me awestruck. It's roaring loud, yet seems so quiet. It's frenetically busy, yet seems so peaceful. It's full of odd smells that all meld together into a pleasing aroma. It's visually so inspiring, I can't even describe it.
Nothing I could have done would have lifted my spirits more.
If you ever need a boost, head to the park and take a walk. Let God's beautiful world soften and heal you!
On another note, yesterday I had the pleasure of guest posting at Jenny Lee Sulpizio's blog for her Write On, Mom! series. I hope you'll take a few minutes to stop by her fantastic blog to learn a bit about my writing journey. Thanks!
Does nature lift your spirits the way it does mine?
Have a wonderful weekend!
Sheesh!
After one hour of intense focus, I saved my document and smiled. I'd done it. I'd found the words I'd worried wouldn't come. But, while my writing session wasn't long, it was plenty for my first day back. So I took the afternoon off for some "Jill time."
A few resale shops and a run to Taco Bell later, I drove to a local metropark and stared in awe at the fall colors. The wind made the trees look frisky, and it always makes my heart sing to see leaves blowing willy-nilly in the air.
I took a brief stop at the wildlife viewing area to watch squirrels, cardinals, blue jays, woodpeckers, goldfinches, and even a huge hawk. Then the trails called my name. I hadn't planned on hiking, but the medley of fall colors, the wind, the sunshine, and the wildlife changed my mind.
As I power-walked through a sandy path in the meadow, I just soaked it all in. God's world amazes me, leaves me awestruck. It's roaring loud, yet seems so quiet. It's frenetically busy, yet seems so peaceful. It's full of odd smells that all meld together into a pleasing aroma. It's visually so inspiring, I can't even describe it.
Nothing I could have done would have lifted my spirits more.
If you ever need a boost, head to the park and take a walk. Let God's beautiful world soften and heal you!
On another note, yesterday I had the pleasure of guest posting at Jenny Lee Sulpizio's blog for her Write On, Mom! series. I hope you'll take a few minutes to stop by her fantastic blog to learn a bit about my writing journey. Thanks!
Does nature lift your spirits the way it does mine?
Have a wonderful weekend!
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Halloween Costumes and Crime Scenes
Based on the following list of items, what do you think?
- rope
- duct tape
- sheet
- scissors
- wire hanger
Homemade Halloween costume or crime scene?
No, I don't have much of a point in today's post, but I find it giggle-worthy that common items moms use to create costumes are the same items police find at crime scenes.
Putting costumes together can put a certain type of mother, *cough* me, in a murderous mood. It's not that I lack in creativity. And no one would suggest I don't love my kids. Hey, I like Halloween--I'm all about free candy. But why does it always involve elaborate schemes in regards to the costume?
When I was young, we scrounged up old clothes from around the house and, depending on the year, went as:
- lumberjack
- hobo
- native american
- scarecrow
- lumberjack
- hobo
- oops, I guess we already covered those!
No, we didn't have much variety, but our parents could figure out a costume in 9 minutes without having to sew anything.
So it's obvious I'm jealous--either of my kids' fancy costumes or my parents' lack of stress over this--I'm not sure.
My kids routinely want to dress up as things that involve elaborate makeup, an expensive trip to the fabric store, another expensive trip to the Halloween store for wigs, fake teeth, and other props, tricky and time-consuming hairstyles, and let's not forget face and/or body paint. Getting ready for trick-or-treating can take hours, days, weeks!
I know what you're going to say. It will be along the lines of one of the following:
- Enjoy it now. You'll miss it when they're gone.
- Buy, borrow, or rent a costume
- Make them find their costumes like you used to, from around the house.
Yeah, that's all good advice, but I know myself. After I pout and whine and kindly suggest an easy costume, I'll be making an expensive trip to the fabric store, another expensive trip to the Halloween store, and I'll be spending days, hours, and weeks fixing their hair, applying elaborate makeup, and sponging on face and/or body paint.
That's how I roll. I complain. But I do it. :)
If you're making a Halloween costume, would you mind listing the materials? Let's play a game of, describe the crime scene based on your items!
Here's mine: Wii Remote
- cardboard
- duct tape
- white spray paint
- box cutter
- elastic
- rope
The crime scene?
Obviously, this is a victim of blackmail and torture, maybe even a murder posing as a suicide? Hmm...
Have a wonderful day!
- rope
- duct tape
- sheet
- scissors
- wire hanger
Homemade Halloween costume or crime scene?
No, I don't have much of a point in today's post, but I find it giggle-worthy that common items moms use to create costumes are the same items police find at crime scenes.
Putting costumes together can put a certain type of mother, *cough* me, in a murderous mood. It's not that I lack in creativity. And no one would suggest I don't love my kids. Hey, I like Halloween--I'm all about free candy. But why does it always involve elaborate schemes in regards to the costume?
When I was young, we scrounged up old clothes from around the house and, depending on the year, went as:
- lumberjack
- hobo
- native american
- scarecrow
- lumberjack
- hobo
- oops, I guess we already covered those!
No, we didn't have much variety, but our parents could figure out a costume in 9 minutes without having to sew anything.
So it's obvious I'm jealous--either of my kids' fancy costumes or my parents' lack of stress over this--I'm not sure.
My kids routinely want to dress up as things that involve elaborate makeup, an expensive trip to the fabric store, another expensive trip to the Halloween store for wigs, fake teeth, and other props, tricky and time-consuming hairstyles, and let's not forget face and/or body paint. Getting ready for trick-or-treating can take hours, days, weeks!
I know what you're going to say. It will be along the lines of one of the following:
- Enjoy it now. You'll miss it when they're gone.
- Buy, borrow, or rent a costume
- Make them find their costumes like you used to, from around the house.
Yeah, that's all good advice, but I know myself. After I pout and whine and kindly suggest an easy costume, I'll be making an expensive trip to the fabric store, another expensive trip to the Halloween store, and I'll be spending days, hours, and weeks fixing their hair, applying elaborate makeup, and sponging on face and/or body paint.
That's how I roll. I complain. But I do it. :)
If you're making a Halloween costume, would you mind listing the materials? Let's play a game of, describe the crime scene based on your items!
Here's mine: Wii Remote
- cardboard
- duct tape
- white spray paint
- box cutter
- elastic
- rope
The crime scene?
Obviously, this is a victim of blackmail and torture, maybe even a murder posing as a suicide? Hmm...
Have a wonderful day!
Monday, October 15, 2012
3 Ways to Fix a Story Problem: WSG 26
Writer's Survival Guide 26: 3 Ways to Fix a Story Problem
If you're a writer and you've gotten feedback on your work either from a critique partner, a contest, an agent, an editor, or a freelance editor, you know about story problems.
By story problems, I mean, things that don't work for whomever gives you feedback. These could be a character flaw, inappropriate pace, too much backstory, too little backstory, insufficient conflict, over-the-top conflict, stilted dialogue, unlikable characters, cliche'd writing, undeveloped setting--you name it!
I've been alerted to many story problems in the years I've been writing. It's shocking, I know. I'm not a perfect writer! What?? :)
When I get feedback that resonates with me, I sigh. I berate myself a little bit.
Why can't I get this right? How many revisions and books does it take to write a great book? I'm studying, working hard, and I'm committed to writing at my highest level--so why am I still not getting it right?
When I'm done with the self-loathing, I usually detach myself emotionally. I analyze the main problems identified and spend time analyzing if I agree they really are problems. Once I've done this, I'm ready to tackle them.
Here are three ways to fix a story problem.
1. Get to the heart of the problem by summarizing it in one sentence. Do this for every issue you will be working on.
2. Brainstorm 10 ways to fix the problem. You can always brainstorm more, but do a minimum of 10. You might not use every "fix," but you'll feel better knowing you have plenty of options.
3. Send the new version out for more feedback. Sometimes we do our best to solve a problem, but we only get it about 80% correct. A trusted critique partner, a contest, or a freelance editor will help us shape the book into it's absolute best form.
I've written a lot of books. When I stray from my prescribed revision and feedback routine, my book suffers. I've learned the hard way that for me to put out my best work, I have to be diligent about verifying the key plot points, paying attention to my critique partners' advice, and going through my revision checklist.
How do you fix story problems when you're writing?
Have a fantastic day!
If you're a writer and you've gotten feedback on your work either from a critique partner, a contest, an agent, an editor, or a freelance editor, you know about story problems.
By story problems, I mean, things that don't work for whomever gives you feedback. These could be a character flaw, inappropriate pace, too much backstory, too little backstory, insufficient conflict, over-the-top conflict, stilted dialogue, unlikable characters, cliche'd writing, undeveloped setting--you name it!
I've been alerted to many story problems in the years I've been writing. It's shocking, I know. I'm not a perfect writer! What?? :)
When I get feedback that resonates with me, I sigh. I berate myself a little bit.
Why can't I get this right? How many revisions and books does it take to write a great book? I'm studying, working hard, and I'm committed to writing at my highest level--so why am I still not getting it right?
When I'm done with the self-loathing, I usually detach myself emotionally. I analyze the main problems identified and spend time analyzing if I agree they really are problems. Once I've done this, I'm ready to tackle them.
Here are three ways to fix a story problem.
1. Get to the heart of the problem by summarizing it in one sentence. Do this for every issue you will be working on.
2. Brainstorm 10 ways to fix the problem. You can always brainstorm more, but do a minimum of 10. You might not use every "fix," but you'll feel better knowing you have plenty of options.
3. Send the new version out for more feedback. Sometimes we do our best to solve a problem, but we only get it about 80% correct. A trusted critique partner, a contest, or a freelance editor will help us shape the book into it's absolute best form.
I've written a lot of books. When I stray from my prescribed revision and feedback routine, my book suffers. I've learned the hard way that for me to put out my best work, I have to be diligent about verifying the key plot points, paying attention to my critique partners' advice, and going through my revision checklist.
How do you fix story problems when you're writing?
Have a fantastic day!
Friday, October 12, 2012
Jill's Happy Five! Oct 12, 2012
I love Fridays!
In an effort to find gratitude and joy in the smallest places, I'm sharing my week's Happy Five--the five things that made me happy this week--vloggy style!
What makes your Happy Five list this week?
Have a fun weekend!
In an effort to find gratitude and joy in the smallest places, I'm sharing my week's Happy Five--the five things that made me happy this week--vloggy style!
What makes your Happy Five list this week?
Have a fun weekend!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)