Just Me and HIm - Mama Drama

I had a great post planned today, but I'm g oing t o save it for next Monday.

Baby just woke up and the rest of the house is sleeping and he is all cuddly. NOT gonna  pass this chance up to snuggle him.

Have a great Monday!

There's No I In Team...

Courtesy of What They Play

Have you ever watched motocross?  Supercross? Or seen someone spinning it on trails somewhere? There isn't a track where the riders hand off batons. They compete against each other, even those on the same team. Much like track and field. But in dirt biking it's much more dangerous if you stutter-start.

Writing and dirt biking are so similar, it's scary. 

Dirt biking - you can go with a group but no one can shift for you.

Writing - you can do it with a group but no one can plot for you.

Dirt biking - you pick your pace and your progress

Writing - you pick your pace and your progress

Dirt biking - only a few really make "it"

Writing - only a few really get "it"

Dirt biking - there's a love-hate relationship with your bike, your gear, your trail, your riding companion, that hill.

Writing - there's a love-hate relationship with your tools, your path, your journey, your characters, your editor, your CPs.

Riding and writing sound the same.

Some key differences would be -

You don't wear a helmet when you're writing - or do you?

Gas is a must for one and the product of stress from the other.

Chocolate melts on dirt bikes.

Your butt gets tight on the bike but wide on the chair.

Injuries are a common occurrence with DB.

Rejection and hurt feelings are a common occurrence with writing.

But to put it quite plainly - writing and riding are not team sports.  You do them alone. You suffer them and struggle through them and grow - alone.

So jam that helmet on, grab those gloves and rev it up.  Write or ride your heart out and don't give up.  Cause while there aren't any teams in this business there are plenty of fans!

Can you think of something else you do that is a strictly "I" activity?

Ellen Meister - Authursday!

 THE OTHER LIFE

What if you could return to the road not taken?


Quinn Braverman is keeping two secrets from her loving husband, Lewis. One is that the real reason she chose him over Eugene, her neurotic, semi-famous ex-boyfriend, was to prove to her mother that she could have a happy, stable relationship with the guy next door.


The other is that Quinn knows another life exists in which she made the other choice and stayed with Eugene. The two lives run in parallel lines, like highways on opposite sides of a mountain. There, on the other side, the Quinn who stayed with Eugene is speeding through her high-drama, childless life in Manhattan. Here, the Quinn who married Lewis lives in the suburbs, drives a Volvo, and has an adorable young son with another baby on the way.


But the important part of the secret—the part that terrifies and thrills her—is that she knows it's possible to cross from one life to the other. So far she’s played it safe, never venturing over to see what’s on the other side. Then a shocking turn of events rattles Quinn to her very core, and she makes the reckless choice to finally see what she’s been missing.


There, she not only rediscovers her exciting single life, but meets the one person she thought she’d lost forever. Her mother.


But Quinn can’t have both lives. Soon, she must decide which she really wants—the one she has…or the other life?

I thoroughly enjoyed THE OTHER LIFE.  It made me think and it brought about some uncomfortable questions which made me really sympathize with Quinn. I'm a mom and this was hard. Ms. Meister, with delicate prose, delivered the options with such heartfelt confusion, it was difficult to not wish her to go both ways.

Expecting a sci-fi feel, I, instead, was easily won over by the realistic nature of the story.  This could be a story about me or a friend.  My heart went out to the characters and I consider this a book to be shoved QUICKLY to the top of your reading list. READ IT! I promise you, it will make your heart think.

With that said, let's meet the Author of THE OTHER LIFE (great title, too!).  I'd like to preface this by giving a huge thanks to Ms. Meister.  Her answers were indicative of the voice you'll find in THE OTHER LIFE. She is witty, thoughtful and honest.  I can't wait to get a hold of her other books!  Thanks, again!

Ellen Meister
Genre(s): General fiction/women's fiction

Titles:

THE OTHER LIFE (2/2011, Putnam)

THE SMART ONE (2008/HarperCollins/Avon)

SECRET CONFESSIONS OF THE APPLEWOOD PTA (Morrow/Avon 2006)

To come:

FAREWELL, DOROTHY PARKER (2012, Putnam)

Website:

ellenmeister.com

Blog:

ellenmeister.blogspot.com

Twitter   Facebook

State where you live: New York

Do your characters have a “fate”? Or do they get to choose where their story goes?

A little bit of both. I start out with a roadmap of where I intend to go with my characters, but often when I reach a certain scene they just won't say or do the things I had intended them to. I won't force it, because I do believe a writer has to respect that a certain portion of the story is always going to be organic. Otherwise, it just won't feel authentic.

That said, I do go in understanding what my character's ultimate arc will be, and that usually doesn't change.

How do you do your research?

Like most writers, I get a lot of information on the Internet. But that can never replace talking with a real live person. So I've reached out to doctors, lawyers, police detectives and other professionals, and I'm always astounded by how generous people are with their time.

Is your “real life” comparable at all to the stories you write?

My first instinct was to answer in the negative, as my books aren't autobiographical. And besides, my current novel, THE OTHER LIFE, is about a woman who is able to slip through a portal to an alternate reality. But now that I think about it, writing fiction a lot like that!

Which character would you sit down and have a meal with?

I'd love to sit down with Quinn, the protagonist from THE OTHER LIFE, after the action of the book takes place, so we could catch up on how her life is going.

Do you have a spice or flavor that defines you?

My husband calls me "honey." Does that count?

You bet it counts!

Would you rather do a reading of your work to a group of nudists you don’t know or read to your friends and family in the nude?

Ha! I think it might be fun to read to a group of naked strangers. Reading naked to family and friends? Not so much.

Would you react the same way your character did to the plot?

The main character in THE OTHER LIFE has the ability to cross between the life she has with her husband and young son, the life she would have had if she never got married. Eventually, she has to choose between the two lives. The decision might sound like a slam dunk, but the mother whose death tore a hole in her heart is alive in her single life. So it's an emotionally-wrought decision.

I don't want to give any plot spoilers by saying what she chooses (or what I would choose), but I've been getting emails from early readers, and am gratified to hear that they are asking themselves that same question.

What is the weirdest place you’ve been at or thing you were doing where you came up with a book idea?

I once got an idea for a story at a funeral. Eep!

How do you come up with ideas (don’t you hate this question?)?

There are two parts to this for me. The first has to do with paying attention. I think we all have random (and sometimes very odd) thoughts that flit through our brains. As a writer, my job is to pay attention to these thoughts, to hold onto them and examine them from every angle.

Then, once I've established that a germ of idea has interested me—like, what would happen if a woman had the ability to slip through a portal to the life she would have had if she never got married—I get to work. This is the hard part, where I start to write reams and reams of notes, asking questions about what the directions the story could travel and who the main characters are. For me, it's a long process, and harder than writing the book itself.

You’re sitting there and you’ve hit a writer’s wall… what food inspires you?

Caffeine is my fuel, though I try not to overdo it. Two cups of Joe in the morning and a Diet Coke in the afternoon, and I'm good to go.

Describe your office in three words or less…

A big mess.

One word that defines you.

Busy.

How did you become a writer?

I read a lot and worked very, very hard.

Who is your biggest supporter?

I'm very fortunate to be surrounded by family and friends who really believe in me. If I were to single out one person, it would be my darling husband, Mike. He's been astounding through this whole journey.

Is there anything off-the-wall you think no one should know? Come on, now you have to tell!

Okay! I'm very turned off by reality television, but for some reason I am drawn to those TLC shows about people with strange conditions and deformities. God help me, I can't look away!

List three things you want to do or accomplish in the next three years.

I'd like to write three more books that make me proud. Or maybe write two more books and clean my office.

Game of Would You Rather…

… be rich and famous and sell mediocre books or be average paid and a respected name that reviews acclaim? Can't I have both? Seriously, so much goes into my writing that I would be very depressed if my books were mediocre. I think all writers feel that way; our work is so personally important. But I'm as ambitious as anyone, and would certainly like to sell a lot of books.

… shake up a can of pop and open it in a group of people or go for a Polar Bear plunge? *shiver* It takes me twenty minutes to get up to my waist when I go to the beach on a summer day, so I guess there's your answer.

… eat 10 pounds of raw carrots or half a pound of raw fish?  Ew. Neither.

… hug a stranger or slap a friend?  Easy. Hug a stranger.

… pray in public or not at all?  Is there something wrong with praying in public? You'd be surprised!  Great answer!

To pre-order THE OTHER LIFE visit:

Amazon

Don't Call Yourself Names... I Know, Write?

My friend, Cathy West, and I were engaged in an email conversation a couple of weeks ago and she called herself SOTPster.

I was concerned. Poor girl, she doesn't have a very high opinion of herself.  True, I had no idea what it was but look at that acronym!  SOTPster.  It doesn't look nice - like SOB or STD.

I emailed her back, kind of sad for my friend that I think is just a doll!

The joke was on me.  She lol'd me and said she's a "Seat Of The Pantster" - doesn't like to plot, lets the story tell itself.

Hmmm.  Well, I'm one of those too!  I just didn't know I had a cool name to go with it.

How do you plot?  Do you have a cool name like Cathy and me? 

Robyn B. - Reader Tuesday

Robyn B.Age Group:   26-35
State:          Washington
Marital Status:   Married
Genre(s) of Choice: Mystery, suspense, novels based on fact, Christian
Favorite Authors: Anita Stansfield, Sandra Grey, Suzanne Collins, Chris Stewart
Favorite book(s): Hardest question on here! Like choosing my favorite child!
Favorite character ever: Elizabeth Bennet. Strong, willing to stand, unafraid.

What is your dream-something that is at the top of your bucket list: The thing I would love to do the most is this: To live near the ocean, and gallop down an empty beach on a beautiful horse every evening to watch the sunset with my husband. (how's that for sappy)

What kind of ending do you like-sad endings, sappy endings, hangers, happy endings, etc.? Well, to stay in form with my last question, I would have to say happy, sappy endings. I love hangers if I know there will be another book to follow.

What is your favorite age? I would say the time of castles, Lords and Ladies, chivalry, and horse-drawn carriages.

What are the best traits for a villain? I enjoy a villain who makes you really think. One that draws you in and actually makes you start to like him. I believe that if you form any type of attachment to the villain, then the betrayal feels more powerful when you find out who the villain really is.

Best traits for a hero? I like a humble hero. One who isn't in it for the glory or the prize. I even enjoy a hero more when they need help at certain points of the story. It makes it more realistic.

Best traits for a heroine? Very similar to the hero traits I listed, but I would add that I like a heroine with a backbone. One who isn't afraid to stand up for herself and the strengths of her gender. (not a feminist by any means, just not a weakling)

What is the most memorable plot you've read? The plot in the Captian of My Heart collection from Anita Stansfeild. It is about a girl who's family was wealthy, but her father gambled it all away. He then committed suicide and left her and her mother with almost nothing. She is forced to become a servant in her former home, to a man who is despicable. After years, a boy, now a man, she knew from childhood returns form war. He falls in love with her, but her master has other plans. He takes her way to America, and no-one knows where. After much time, they are reunited, but there are many obstacles to overcome before the end is in sight. --being a six volume novel, it is very hard to include all of the exciting twists and turns these books contain.

If you could tell the publishing world one thing, what would it be? More good, Less garbage!

Robyn B. is a spectacular woman! She homeschools her two children, serves in church callings, takes excellent care of her hubby and is a terrific friend.  I only trust my kids with certain individuals and she's one of them! Thank you so much, Robyn, for taking the time to answer these questions.  I appreciate all you do!

If you'd like to know more about Robyn and her search for another child to add to their phenomenal family please email them at ryanandrobyn4@yahoo.com ! Check them out!  Please help them by sending this message out to your family, friends, etc. and help her spread the word about their desire to adopt.

You Woke Me Up Why? - Mama Drama Monday

Alarm clocks have buzzers, radios, lights, you name it and there's a way to wake you up.

I had this morning off - where I didn't have to get up at 2 am. BUT Baby didn't care. I pulled him up to feed with me sometime last night and, of course, fell asleep. Hey, I'm tired!

Around 5:30 his feet slammed into my face, over and over. This is not the first time this has happened. I can't even swear it'll be the last. I don't want to be up yet. I want to be in the cozy covers and I want to be thinking about my plot or characters or what I'm gonna make for dinner.

Baby kicked me. Woke me up. And WENT BACK TO SLEEP! It's all good, though. I have things to do. Maybe it's a blessing. He's sleeping and now I can take bike ride to all my fellow bloggers' this morning. Woohoo!

See you in a bit!

What is the worst way you've been woken up?

Do You Know The King? Would you Leave the Throne?

Yeah, baby!  Dirt bike Friday! *sigh* I love this day.

Here we talk dirtbiking - its relationship to life, writing, fun, and dirtbiking!

Here is a list of Kings and/or Queens.  Take a stab if you know who they are in the comments section.
Queen of England:
King of Rock:
Queen of Romance:
King of Motocross:

What?  You don't know the last one? Let me help you out, my friend! (picture and more info from an article about the King in 2006 with Mike Hobbs' pics).

7, yes SEVEN, time AMA Supercross Champ in Supercross/MX is Jeremy McGrath. 

He switched it up a while back to try out new things. I would too if I was all-recorded out.  Other riders have been close to meeting or beating his records but so far remain unsuccessful.   

There are some things worth doing when you do them well.  But did you know that success breeds the need for more success?

Imagine you are recognized as the best at writing romance novels - okay, just pretent you're Nora Roberts. What do you do? She's written over 160 books (I'd give a specific number but it's continually going up and I can't seem to find an accurate up-to-date listing) with a happily-ever-after ending.  She switched it up, herself, to mystery and started writing under a pseudonym, J.D. Robb. 

What do these two royalty members have in common?  They expanded and are continuing to grow their horizons. 

I'm a true believer that there is always someone better out there.  This gives us something to work toward, a goal, if you will.  But what happens when one day you become the "best". You don't just stop. You can't.  Because if you've hit the spot where you are the best, that means you have drive and ambition and stopping to "be" isn't going to be enough. So you move, you find the next thing you're interested in becoming the "best" at and you try that. 

What can we take from this? Continue growing and working toward being the best. Even if you can't "beat" someone else, doesn't mean you can't be YOUR best.  Because afterall, when you're in a race with yourself there can only be a winner or a loser - never both. 

Have a great Friday and weekend and ask yourself "What can I do to be my best self?"

Hugs!  

Rebecca Zanetti - Authorsday Preview!

You will be seeing a few mentions of Ms. Zanetti on here in the next couple of weeks.  The first book, Fated, in her Dark Protectors series is scheduled to be released February 22, 2011.  Yep, a mere month away!

I'm planning on being at this release.  Hope to see you there!

The Hardest Part of Writing - I Know, Write? Wednesday!

The hardest part isn't writing the book. It used to be, but not anymore. Then the query letter did me in. Revisions followed the query in taking the lead. Critiques and rejections make the list as well.

But when I sent in my latest MS to Ms. Gardner (AND It Keeps Piling On) she sent me a list of things I need to get together to help her create my proposal.  I was so excited! Am still excited, but a little weary now. (I desperately want to grin here, but Mac is eating my wrist brace!)

Her list was great and I'm going to run down the five things she gave me to work on and where you can find help on getting them done.

1.  A Hook! Wowser, this sucker was fun. Crazy, but fun. Keli Gwyn talks about this in more detail.

2.  A query or summary of the MS - similar to the back of a book or what you would find in a query letter.  On Bookends, LLC Blog, Jessica Faust (agent) has multiple posts on querying as well as Rachelle Gardner, of course!

3, A synopsis.  Yes, I thought this was going to kick my butt, but it wasn't too bad. I have some more work to do on it, but it's done. Whew! Nathan Bransford (Agent) gives a terrific breakdown of this on his blog!

4. A personal bio of 2 to 3 sentences. I hate talking about myself (yeah, right) and the hard part is picking out what you should include. Should I mention I won the Regional Spelling Bee in the 6th grade?  Hmmm.

And last, but not least, oh, no, in fact the hardest and now my least favorite on all lists!

5. Comparable/competitive book titles in the last 2 to 3 years. (she wants four to five). 

This is the part that has kept me away from my WIP the last few days, away from reading anything for fun, away from sleep for the last few nights and yes, has pushed back my weight loss goal 'cause when I'm stressed, you best be moving away from the fridge, people!  Bonnie's coming through!

I got some great advice from fellow authors and some friends.  My mom tossed some ideas around with me and Hubs said to screw it all and write down Twilight.  Okay, this I was able to explain is not a good idea.  First of all, I don't write paranormal or YA. Not to mention that is one set of books I don't want to be compared to - because I would come up lacking in the sales department. 

So what to do? I was so close to emailing Rachelle Gardner last night.  I sat down to type an email to her but said a quick prayer instead for help finding the information I needed.  Like someone whispered in my ear, I realized I couldn't be the only person with that question. AND if I know Rachelle (which I should say if I know her blog) then I know that if even one other person had that question, she would have addressed it there! 

I brought up her blog and noticed she had passed 3600 followers (this is a game of mine - watching her numbers go up and up). Then in the search box at the top of the screen I typed in competition.

And WHIPPEE!!! I got all kinds of posts.  But the one I wanted is this one - The Competition Section.

Thank HEAVEN!  I really did NOT want to email my agent and have her think I'm not the brightest egg in the barn and why, oh, why did she take me on! Well, I can't guarantee she's not thinking that about any of my other idiot actions, but I can say I didn't make this one! 

I've printed off her advice and after Mac's nap today, while the kids are in school, me and the baby are going to Borders to do some research. Tomorrow, Barnes and Nobles! I can handle this kind of research! Woohoo!

What's your least favorite part about what you do?  What's your favorite?

Have a great day, y'all! 

Tawsha C. - Reader Tuesday!

Tawsha C.

Age group:  26-35,  Work/Occupation: Business owner, mom

State: Tennessee

Marital Status: Married…8 years.

Genre(s) of choice: Romance, Chick Lit
Favorite author(s): Nora Roberts, Susan Wiggs, Lauren Weisberger
Favorite book(s): Nora Roberts’ Bridal Quartet series, Susan Wiggs Lakeshore series

Character most like: I can usually identify with the woman who had a dream, it was squashed and then something makes her go back to that dream and try until she succeeds. Either that, or, the woman who hooks up with a super-hot guy and lives happily ever after.

Favorite character ever: It’s hard to say who my favorite character is but her characteristics are similar. She’s strong, sensitive, independent, is looking for support (love or otherwise) and achieves success.

What is your dream – something that is at the top of your “bucket list”? My dream is to create a business that will leave a positive lasting impression on individuals. I want to change the world for the better, even if it’s a small change.

What kind of ending do you like - sad endings, sappy endings, hangers, happy endings, etc.? I like happy endings that I can see coming from a mile away but I get caught up in the how’s, why’s, what could have changed the course and the possibility that it may not have happened.

What is your favorite age? Early 30’s. The characters aren’t immature but they are still vulnerable.

What are the best traits for a villain? Being passive, trying to re-route a plan already in place. Hmm…this is a tough question, too. I see a villain not so much as one from a super-hero type of story but more of a person who tries to inflict negativity (when, really, they are just lacking in their own life).

Best traits for a hero? Good looking (just being honest), empathetic, has faults, can prevail.

Best traits for a heroine? Someone we’d all like to be…confident and good looking (still being honest). One who can make a comeback.

What is the most memorable plot you’ve read? Right now it’s the Nora Roberts Bridal Quartet series. Each book follows the life of four women who have opened a full-service wedding planning company. All of them have different hang-ups and come from such diverse backgrounds. There’s insecurity, forms of abuse, lifetime of being sheltered and death. Sounds dark but it’s quite the opposite.

What would you like an author to know about you, the reader? That it’s not fun to know exactly what the story will include just by knowing who the author is. For example, Fern Michaels ALWAYS has a dog as a focal point in her books. I’m tired of hearing about the dog. I love her style and she’s easy to read but I won’t continue to read her work because I know what I’m going to get and I’d love something different.

If you could tell the publishing world one thing, what would it be? To support new ideas and to take a chance on something that may hold many questions. We are all so incredibly different and it’s nice to read something that matches who we are or embodies who we’d like to be.

This has really got me thinking. I’m not one to read the books that everyone else is reading (still haven’t read any Harry Potter or Twilight books). I don’t like being a part of the crowd but I do like to escape into a world where I feel comfortable “living”…one where I can dream of what these lives are like without being noticed that I’m there. It’s much like reality TV or Lifetime Movies. I’m a sucker for those.

***Tawsha is the owner of  My Big Day Planner (www.mybigdayplanner.com) "Providing tools for every bride to effectively and efficiently plan her wedding."  And let me ask you - what is more romantic than brides?

Thank you so much, Tawsha, for taking the time out of your busy day to give some terrific answers! I love when I learn something!

Good luck! By the way! I love the My Big Day Planner! It's a brilliant concept and fits the need of all brides - budgets of all kinds and themes of all kinds.  Great job!

Climb that Mountain! Mama Drama Monday!

I love my kids. LOVE LOVE LOVE them! I'm not a perfect mom, but I do love my kids and I hope they know that.

Last Wednesday, the Inland Northwest was dumped on with loads and loads of awesome snow - the packing kind. I called in to all three schools and kept my turkeys home for a Mom-Snow-Day. We played on the snow hill that Hubs has been building over the course of the winter. We watched a great movie. We had hot cocoa and crackers and cheese for a snack. We played more outside.

And then Thursday, school was cancelled! We played MORE!

I love this family. Thanks guys!

This was 12/06/2010.

This was on 12/29/2010.

 This was 01/12/2011.

 

And because this little turkey can't play outside yet, I had to include him!

What have you done with your loved ones lately?

ReV IT uP, Y'aLL!

I hopped on my virtual dirtbike this morning and visited all the blogs I follow.  I've been catching up on reviewing books on Amazon and planning blog posts and interviews like mad. Tempted to run out, jump on a dirtbike and go crazy in the mud.

Only there is no mud. We have snow upon snow upon snow.

Dang.

I'm hopping on the cyberbike again, 'cause visiting your blogs is what I like to do for down time!

Have a great weekend everyone and if you get a minute, check out the blogs on the right.

VROOOOMMMM!!!!!!!!

I'll Scratch Your Back and ...

It's Authursday! I was talking with a writing buddy, Rebecca Zanetti, and found out that while reviews are great (especially if they're positive) rating and reviewing books on Amazon do a lot for authors. 

Did you know that? Would you go out of your way to post a review on Amazon for a book that you liked? Or didn't like?

A fellow author, Marla Taviano, discusses a great way for authors to promote each other on Rachelle Gardner's blog this morning.  Because, come on, if one succeeds, don't we all?  (Did I mention she's giving away a copy of two books today? yeah, check that out!)

Sure, you say, I try to plug other authors and all that.  But do we go out of our way?

My goal today is to get on Amazon and review/rate all the books I've read in the past four months.  This includes many of my author friends' work. 

What are some other ways to promote each other? You know I'm open to trying anything!

AND It Keeps Piling On...

Hop on over to Jody Hedlund's blog and check out her post on complaining.

I don't like complaining in general, mostly because there is always someone worse off than myself.

Just like I recognize there will always be someone better off than me as well. 

A few months ago, I read someone's post about this, I think an agents (I will get back to you on who) and they suggested you be ready for the demands of a writing career before you submit. 

I understand what they were saying. 

No, I'm not complaining.  If anything, I'm offering my own testimony of this phenomenon.  I thought before I got an agent - if only I could get an agent, it would be so easy! Then I thought, if only I could finish this book, it'd be so easy. 

I refuse to regale you with my "easy list" so let me cut to the chase.

As you know (and I love pointing this out 'cause I'm so excited she IS my agent), Rachelle Gardner of WordServe Literary is representing me.  AND a whole slew of the people on my list on the right.  That's right.  She's a busy girl! So I turned in my latest "pretty" MS (I say pretty because I refuse to consider its ugly points).  And she sent me a list of things I needed to get ready while she read it.  Hallelujah! That's what I was looking for - a list with exact directions on what to do next.  She kept it concise and directive and honest (a few other authors turned in their MSs at the same time so we're in a queue).  She did all this without making me feel like I wasn't a priority.  Yay!  Talk about professional. 

Excited to get started on the pieces she needs for the proposal for BC and way into this current WIP (current status 23.5k yay), I was completely thrilled and grateful to hear from my editor at Carina, Mallory Braus with my first round of revisions (Carina does a mandatory three rounds - that's why their quality is so high!). 

So I have a WIP that I'm working on, edits with a time line for Carina and items for my agent to get ready.

Want to hear what happened next?

My doctor (the one I type for) came back on full time, almost doubling my typing time. 

Baby M is teething and has a nasty cold (oh, well) and my four-year-old decided to develop separation anxiety everytime I need to use the bathroom. 

Activities and needs are soaring in church right now and family seems to need more time than ever.

And the snow keeps coming. 

But I'm not complaining.  I read through that again and I smile.  My cup runneth over. 

I have kids to be sick and drive me nuts - and they are great! 
I have a church that cares enough to serve its members and the community and give me opportunities as well.
I have a job.
I have a family.
I have a publisher. 
I have an agent.
I have three completed MSs (two sold - one with agent) and another in the oven.
I have a warm house and food for my table.
I have health.
I have friends who let me bug them about anything and everything.

There isn't anything up there to complain about. 

I love having tasks to do and I love feeling like I'm accomplishing something. 

What a great day!  I hope yours is as blessed.

What do you have on your plate that can look negative from one angle but great from another?

Chelsea - Reader Tuesday!

Tuesdays I am welcoming a new reader to the blog. Reader of books, that is. I value readers's opinions and desperately want a grasp of what the people turning the pages expects from the stories and the people behind them.

Welcome, Chelsea!  Thanks for coming by!
Name: Chelsea
Age group: 26-35

Work/Occupation: Accounting

State: ID

Marital Status: Divorcee

Genre(s) of choice: Suspense/Mystery

Favorite author(s): James Patterson

Favorite book(s): Right now it’s the Twilight series. I change my mind with every book I read, though!

Character most like: I love Alex Cross from James Patterson’s book.

Favorite character ever: Hmmm. That’s a hard one. I relate to Bella (Twilight) a lot. She’s klutz and uncoordinated. She’s shy and unsure of herself. I feel like that all the time. It’s nice to read about characters that you can connect with.

What is your dream – something that is at the top of your “bucket list”?  My dream is to be happy. Having recently been through some very difficult life changes, I am very open to what life has to offer as long as I’m happy and healthy.

What kind of ending do you like - sad endings, sappy endings, hangers, happy endings, etc.?  I hate sad endings and hangers. I am all about the happy endings. What’s the point of reading a book that leaves you disappointed?

What is your favorite age?  For me, the perfect age is ever-changing. It’s not the age we look back on and remember. It’s what we were doing. I loved my teen years because I was maturing and branching out as an individual. I loved my 20s because I did a lot of schooling and really loved the challenge. Now, my 30s, because they giving me the opportunity to try new things and explore new opportunities.

What are the best traits for a villain?  The villain has to have something about him that is intriguing and pulls the reader in to his world. He should almost make you want to root for him because he is so engaging. He should also be very “boy next door.” The more normal they seem, the scarier they are!

Best traits for a hero?  My hero has to possess rugged good looks and a killer personality!  More importantly, I want to relate to him. I want him to be down to earth. A man you wouldn’t expect to jump in and save the world. One that cares more about the important things in life versus the praise such actions will attract.

Best traits for a heroine?  She has to be very feminine. I don’t like the heroine to be big and masculine. She has to be kind and compassionate. She must be motherly and good-natured. Her strength must come from within.

What is the most memorable plot you’ve read?  Books are weird for me. I read a lot. Plots come and go. I don’t generally hang on to what I’ve read for long. The only plots that I really will remember for any length of time are from movies that I’ve watched of books I’ve read like Twilight for example. I remember a Nicholas Sparks book I read a long time ago about a woman who was in long with a man who was dying. I don’t remember much more than that, but the feeling of the book stayed with me. I read it in one sitting. I think if a book touches me personally, it’s bound to stay with me longer than one normally would.

What would you like an author to know about you, the reader?  I’m open to reading pretty much any fictional book as long as it draws me in right away and holds my attention. It can be about mystery, suspense, drama, romance, etc. It doesn’t really matter what the subject matter is as long as the book can hold my attention.

If you could tell the publishing world one thing, what would it be?  Give more authors a chance!

Chelsea and I share an equal love of Cry Baby (you know you do too!) and she's a fun one to text at any time of the day or night.  Chelse is turning out to be a great find in a friend.  Thanks, Chelsea!


***WOW!  Thanks a ton, Chelsea!  You gave me a lot to think about.  I like that!  And what a great suggestion at the last!  Thanks!

Fat or P.H.A.T - Mama Drama Monday

This is my Miss T.  Isn't she gorgeous?  Absolutely B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L.

Well, this doll comes home last week really upset.  We sit down to lunch and I ask little Miss what's going on.

"_________ called me fat today and turned and whispered something into _________'s ear."  Miss was so upset, she couldn't eat her mac n cheese - her favorite!

First is what I wanted to say, followed by what I actually said. 

"Well, __________ is fat, her mother's fat and her mother's mother is fat!  They're all heifers!  They eat grass for lunch and drink mud for dinner!  I'm going to go sit on the cow and make her moo for mercy!  Nobody talks to my daughter like that!"

What I actually said was, "Sissy, that sucks!  You know you're beautiful and I bet __________ is jealous.  She might not get told that at home.  Maybe she doesn't have awesome brothers like you.  Or maybe she doesn't realize she's a child of God.  Here, let's say a prayer for her to have a good day."  Miss smiled and we laughed. 

'Cause guess what Hubs and I also said?  "Next time, tell _________ to change her diaper 'cause she stinks!" 

We teach forgiveness, tolerance and understanding but also to defend yourself, your God, your family and your country. 

Next time, I'm telling the mother she's FAT not PHAT.  Seriously. 

You throw down, and I'll pick it up. 

OKAY, thanks for letting me vent.  Wow.  I needed that.  And that's my Mama Drama for this week!

By the way, photo was taken by Maggie Fechner Photography.  LOVE IT!

Don't Overheat That Engine!

I received a critique from my partner, Maggie Fechner, this morning and her awesome comments gave me the idea for this post!  Thanks, Mag!

When you're driving a car or, since it's Friday, a DIRTBIKE!, you want to watch how hot the engine gets.  There are all kinds of factors that play into the heat level.  (so glad I didn't find a dirtbike engine on fire online, would've freaked me OUT!)

• Is the oil/gas mixed appropriately (this is for two-stroke engines)
• Is appropriate gear shifting occurring
• Has the bike been run hard and fast with little time to cool
• How is the weather
• What is the weight load

These are only a few of the things that can affect the heat of your bike. 

What happens if the engine gets too hot?  Why engine failure of course.  Metal starts stripping due to the breakdown of the lubrication and bam, bye-bye bike.

The same can be true for a story.  Well, except it's not necessarily bye-bye story, at least not yet.

My first book was decidely spicier (thanks Rebecca Zanetti for the term usage!) than I'd like to write.  I attribute this to my naivete with regards to my writing style, vast over-knowledge of the romance genre as a whole (I've read romance novels since I was eight and heat was almost always present), the story needs and what I thought the market would bear - (bear not bare *grin*).

Each book since has been different according to what the story dictates.  I refuse to put gratuitous sex in my MSs because, like everything that goes into a novel - scenes, dialogue, description, action, etc. - needs to be pertinent to the story.  I learned this by visiting and learning from the agents, editors and other authors I've followed over the last couple years. 

Some factors affecting a story heat might be:

• What degree of chemistry do the characters share
• How electric is their meeting
• What are the issues surrounding their relationship
• What views do the characters have - not the author in this point, but the characters
• What views does the author have - not the character here, but the author
• Who is the target market
• What does the story warrant and support
• Is the story just as good, if not better, without the heat level at lava

The decision to no longer write red pepper spicy scenes was an easy one to make for myself.  The next two books I wrote (the one signed with Carina Press and the one I just submitted to Ms. Gardner) are more on the sweet side of the taste ruler. 

The newest one, my WIP, has a bit more spice to it.  Not red pepper of course, but the story is about sexuality and thus has a bit of salsa mixed in.  I'd like to compare it to Doritos Spicy Sweet Chilli Tortilla Chips.  The title says it all.   But it's not too spicy, just a touch of the flavor!

Do you know if your WIP has the appropriate touch of heat?  

What qualifies as too much heat and how do you decide as the author or as the reader?  Does the cover tell you enough or the blurb?  How do you know?

Maggie Fechner - Authorsday's 1st Visitor!!

Maggie Fechner

Genre(s):    LDS Young Adult Fiction

Titles:  Growing Up Gracie/ Cedar Fort Publisher (released in November of this year)

Website:    http://maggiefechner.blogspot.com/

Blog:    http://maggiefechner.blogspot.com/

Facebook:   yep (but not a fan page)

State you live:   Washington

Tell me a little about Growing Up, Gracie

Burnt sienna, auburn or even ginger colored hair was what Gracie Fremont longed for as her bony fingers held waxy crayons next to her long locks one by one. But if the timid, skinny five-year-old were honest with herself, the closest match was brown. Plain old brown.

And that brown crayon defined Gracie Fremont’s life: Average.

Nothing difficult or unusual or even interesting ever happened to this little girl sandwiched in an LDS family of eight. But growing up in rural Cody, Wyoming, Gracie learns that lasting friendships, hidden talents and developing a testimony of her own are some of life’s most precious gifts. And finding true love is a fantastic bonus.

You can buy Growing Up Gracie online through Amazon, Borders, Barnes and Noble, Cedar Fort or Deseret Book.

Come visit me at my author signing scheduled at The Brass Plates Bookstore in Spokane Valley, Washington January 22, 2-4

Note from BRP.***The book is phenomenal, and not just for those readers of the Young Adult Genre!  I enjoyed the realism and development of the characters - which are some of the most important parts to a book for me. 

But enough about what I like,    Let's get started! 

Maggie, Do your characters have a “fate”? Or do they get to choose where their story goes?

I think when I plot out a story I have an idea of each character's fate. But then sometimes they argue with my plan and just will not let things go the way I planned for them.

How do you do your research?  Is your “real life” comparable at all to the stories you write?

It's hard for me to completely separate myself from my stories. Like they say, it's easiest to write about what you know. So, there are a lot of references to Wyoming in my writing because I grew up there. There are many tidbits about construction because my husband has been in that business our whole lives together. In the book I am currently revising, some of the stories are loosely based on events from my ancestors' lives.

That being said, my stories are definitely more Fiction than Fact. I just don't have a very abstract mind, so I tend to fall back on the familiar. I don't think I'll ever delve into the fantasy world!

I ador the characters in your book, Growing Up, Gracie.  Which character would you sit down and have a meal with? What would you have? What would they have?

Awesome question. I'd love to sit down with Julie Fremont (Gracie's mother in Growing Up Gracie) and get some good parenting advice from her. She'd make some big country meal with the old staples: meat and potatoes and rolls with lots of butter. Of course she can eat like that and still look fabulous. She'd probably serve a big chocolate cake and ice cream for dessert. I'd want to hate her because her family is just so great and therefore she must be perfect. But then, I really couldn't, because she would be one the kindest woman I'd ever met.

In the book I am currently writing, I'd love to chat with any of the Ritchie women. Ailsa, Famie, and Ruthie are all amazingly strong women with so secrets to spill.

A question for you as an author... Would you rather do a reading of your work to a group of nudists you don’t know or read to your friends and family in the nude?

This is hilarious. I guess I'd rather read to nudists because I could just keep my eyes on the pages. I would never subject my awesome family and friends to that type of torture!

Describe your office in three words or less…

Kitchen. Children. Back-aching-stool. (Does that count?)  It's my blog, we'll make it count!

The age-old question - How did you become a writer?

I was an early reader with a wonderful mother who was and still is such a support to me. I wrote poetry from very early on. I always entered the Young Author's Contest as a child. In high school I was the editor of my high school newspaper and won some exciting awards through that. I earned a BA in Journalism and worked as a community reporter for three small newspapers before I became a mom. I then continued to write in a journal and started writing Growing Up Gracie when my oldest was a newborn.

Who is your biggest supporter?

My awesome husband Dan who puts up with my obsessive hobbies and way too much time at the computer.

If you could plug one author beside yourself, who would it be? (Can’t be Bonnie R. Paulson, but thanks, just kidding )

Duh Bonnie R. Paulson! But second to Bonnie, an awesome romance writer who I think should also delve into crime writing, would be Rachael Renee Anderson. She is an LDS author and mother who writes super sweet and fun LDS chic lit. She has two books so far, Divinely Designed and Luck of the Draw (both available on Amazon).

Right answer, Maggie!  

Last thing…

Game of Would You Rather…

… be rich and famous and sell mediocre books or be average paid and a respected name that reviews

acclaim?  Give me the money! I mean if I were rich I could still write the super good stuff and just print it for my family to read. Right? Seriously though, I have high morals in what I read as well as what I write. I wouldn't compromise my standards about language, sex, or violence in my books--even for a high price tag.

… shake up a can of pop and open it in a group of people or go for a Polar Bear plunge? Polar Bear Plunge. I can't inch my way in. I just have to jump.

… eat 10 pounds of raw carrots or half a pound of raw fish?  Hmmm. Carrots I guess. I've never tried raw fish.

… hug a stranger or slap a friend? Hug a stranger.

… pray in public or not at all?  Pray in public. In fact we do when we go out to eat sometimes and one of our kids reminds us we forgot to bless the food.

Thank you SO much for your time! I enjoyed your visit to my world!

Thank you Bonnie. I am so excited to see the new things you have slated for your blog!

I really enjoy Ms. Fechner's writing.  It's crisp, fun and wholesome and REAL.  She broaches taboo subjects with tact and hilarity and makes you feel like you're THERE.

I see great things from this author in the future.

Good Luck, Maggie!

I know, Write?

I get to cover some fun stuff this morning! 

First off, I signed a contract with Carina Press over the holidays for a contemporary romance.  I would love to tell you the title but it's in the process of changing.  The working title is Whispers of Me...  It's slated to be released this summer!  YAY!!

Another, you've probably noticed the new set up (hopefully).  I'm very excited to welcome others to this blog.  I'm finding that writing "I" is not as meaningful as having posts about others and their hopes and dreams (for me) - and may I point out this is only two days a week, so I still have three days to write I (Come on, I don't hate it that much!).

I visited Jody Hedlund's blog this morning and was delighted to find a list of the Top Ten things a new writer should do/know before pursuing writing as a career.  

Resolutions and so on, I haven't anything to offer but goals.  Since resolutions are given up after a time, I won't name them as such.  BUT my goals I usually meet, so we'll leave them there.  However, I would like to change my attitude this year to focus more on Gratitude and Humility.  So, you'll find me saying thank you more, rather I hope you will.  

So thank you for stopping by.  Thank you for the comments and for following.  I hope your year is great and has started off with a feeling of love.  

Read much, love much and eat what you can hold!  

Motto time.  What's a great motto to describe your 2011? 

The pic?  That's my grandparents over 60 years ago at the Grand Canyon.  It's one of the pics I look at for inspiration on romance.  Isn't it beautiful?

Kali B. - Reader Tuesday!

Tuesdays I am welcoming a new reader to the blog.  Reader of books, that is.  I value readers's opinions and desperately want a grasp of what the people turning the pages expects from the stories and the people behind them. 

Today, I am delighted to introduce you to Kali.  She's a terrific lady who I respect a great deal. 

Name: Kali B.

Age group: 36-45

Work/Occupation: Elementary School Teacher

State: UT

Marital Status: M

Favorite author(s): J.K. Rowling, Dan Brown, S.E. Hinton, Jude Deveraux, Suzanne Collins

Favorite book(s): Harry Potter series, Davinci Code, Follow the River, Watership Down

Character most like: the famous adventure author from Nim’s Island (with her hand sanitizer!)

Favorite character ever: Albus Dumbledore

What is your dream – something that is at the top of your “bucket list”? I would love someday not to have to worry about money so I could send all of my future grandchildren to college and buy my mom a home.

What kind of ending do you like - sad endings, sappy endings, hangers, happy endings, etc.? Surprise endings that catch you TOTALLY off guard, but still have closure!

What is your favorite age? TODAY

What are the best traits for a villain? You would trust them with your life.

Best traits for a hero? Unfailing honesty and complete devotion to family/life

Best traits for a heroine? Ditto

What is the most memorable plot you’ve read? In Follow the River, the main character has been stolen/kidnapped from her home by the natives and has to escape and make the perilous trip back to her family against LITERALLY all the odds.

What would you like an author to know about you, the reader? Do NOT end the story too quickly . . . if it is a good book, keep it going just a second longer – I’m never ready to stop reading if it’s good!

If you could tell the publishing world one thing, what would it be? I do not like the ‘glimpses’ into the next book sometimes included at the back of a publication . . . I want to finish the story and savor the ending, NOT get hooked on the next book only to realize I can’t read it because I don’t have it!

Stories written in ‘first person’ where the first person changes back and forth between different characters with ever chapter are usually very annoying unless REALLY well done.

When I need to ask someone an "informed" question, I usually turn to Ms. B.  She gives opinions with a honest forthrightness I have always found compelling.  She was one of the first on my list to ask to be a reader.  I value her opinion and I am so glad you get to enjoy her comments as well!

***This is well thought out.  I appreciate the time Kali has put into this. Thanks, Kali!  Well done!  - I learned something!