Have Dirt Bike? You're Hired!

Well, hunting season is upon us which means I am accepting applications for the position of "temporary spouse".

 

This job runs from 10/10 until 11/30.

 

Education: Must be able to read and speak English fluently.

 

Requirements: 

No talk, speak or scent of hunting or fishing of any kind. 

No football or other sports unless they include dirt biking (motoX or trail), boxing, track, and/or eating.

Please be well-versed in the art of chick flicks (with action movies a la carte). 

Know how to make a helluva deliscious cup of tea.

I will on occasion ask for my shoulders to be rubbed and may even tolerate a blizzard here and there.

 

Other than that, the job is low key. I request that you stay out of my way unless asked and take the garbage out. Easy.

The pay is... Well being "married" to me for less than 2 months. If you ask me, you're the lucky one!

 

I'm low maintenance so will consider job share on an individual basis.

 

If you bring a dirt bike into the arrangement, the primary Hub may consider trading me in for you. Just saying.

 



dirtbikeridingtips.com



 

Brooke Moss and THE CoMmEnT!

I spotlighted Brooke Moss on my blog a week or so ago here for interview and to promote her book, The "What If" Guy.  She's super fun and as you can see on the left hand side of my blog, I now CP with her.

But that's not all that's awesome about this woman!  As you know, and if you don't you will soon enough, I'm huge into promoting other authors here. I love talking to and finding out who and where and when and what.  Well, I was over at her blog last week and you'll never, NO never!, guess who commented on her blog that she wrote ABOUT them! No seriously.

This guy. Johnny Iuzzini. Makes me wanna sing that song - I'm gonna lick you all over!

Johnny Iuzzini

Drool.

And from what I understand (cause I can't lick the television when he's on - well, I can, but hubby gets annoyed when I try to sample hot men or delicious looking dishes on his flat screen - leaves marks/streaks) he is one talented chef.

I love food. I love food made my hot men. Sigh.

Haha. Hubs is going to laugh his head off, if he ever reads this. You all know he is the hottest man on earth! Purr and he's all mine. But that's another story.

Anyway, Brook wrote an awesome blog about him - no not Hubs - Johnny Iuzzini. Keep up people! 

And Johnny commented.

Yes. He. Did. Go look. I'll wait.

But here's the kicker! Brooke is offering to host authors on her site on Tuesdays. What if this hotty-pitotti chef has friends who read her blog? Wouldn't you like the chance to be seen? Contact Brooke Moss at brooke@brookemoss.com for more details or visit her blog for more details.

Tell her Bonnie sent ya!

Oh and can I just ask this - do you prefer Tiramisu or Cheesecake?

Loves!

Starting to Write - What's Next?

So you've summarized your idea, dated your characters, and written the piece (manuscript, article, short story, essay, whatever).  You're all proud of it and ready to send it off!

STOP.

No seriously, stop. You're SOOOOO not ready, it's scary.

Have you read over what you wrote? How about fixed any typos or grammar mistakes?

Do you know the difference between passive and active writing?

Can you recognize a "telling" sentence versus a "showing" sentence?

How about head-hopping?

POV?

Tense?

Character or story arc?

Dang, man, do you know how to tie your shoes?

Okay, *wipes brow*. Let's get down to this.

No, I am not going to give a lesson on any of these. Maybe in the future, I will give examples of each, but at this point, this is really just a post on how to point you in the right direction.

The above are standard writing tools you need to even begin to start to edit with half a brain. Because after you edit it and do the other steps I will outline in the future, you will be read to submit and then we will talk agents, self-pubbing and so many other options.

But may I suggest you visit Angela James (Carina Press Executive Editor) and take her Before You Hit Send Self-Editing Workshop as soon as you can? It's VERY affordable and applicable in all writing. Even if you think you know it all, I think you'll be surprised to find you learn something.

If in-person classes are more your style, I suggest googling your local writing chapters and events in the newspaper. You will find something which you can learn from.

If you don't want to take any courses, online or otherwise, books may be your cup of tea. I really enjoyed the second half of Stephen King's On Writing, but that's not necessarily where you get your editing know-how.  Amazon has a gabillion and one options. I don't promote any of them because I have never used one (I need interaction to learn) so go peruse.

That should give you something to do. Edit and edit and edit. Then next week we discuss who you should be looking for while you're editing.

Does anyone have any suggestions for editing or writing or craft books for a new writer? Or even a jaded writer constantly looking for new tricks?

Catch Up - Not Ketchup

Five things I've accomplished since Summer started.

1. Lost 15 pounds in 8 weeks - Weight Watchers - woot!
2. Completed a co-author book with buddy.
3. Found a new CP to join my other one in my arsenal as I seek to better my writing.
4. Survived a few events.
5. Built my testimony.

Five things I WISH I'd accomplished.

1. Established a budget - not for me, the nation.
2. Become a millionaire - I'd like to try the trial of wealth, please!
3. Cured cancer - If I see one more friend off to chemo, I'm gonna scream.
4. Accepted my flaws - this will never happen, but I'd like to dream.
5. Met the leader of my church - that would be the sweetest!

(my list is lighthearted because I actually completed everything on my list I wanted to! Goooo me!)
What did you do this summer and what did you hope to accomplish?

Dirt Bikes Are Like Candy Bars...

No, really, they are!




All different types.
Not everyone likes the same thing.
Sometimes you need protection when indulging.
MODERATION.
They can cost you big in the wallet, if you have a problem with self-control.
Inspire you while taking all the motivation out of other activities.
Can be homemade, but REALLY? Let the professionals handle that...

dirtrider.com

What is your favorite candy bar? And what is it like?

Mine is 3 Musketeers... and then after that? Anything with sugar... I would not make a good diabetic.

SICK DAY

Sick today with four kids down as well. I will make it up to you...

I promise!

Mama Drama changed for Medical Monday Today

Okay, so I usually cover the basics in the medical world on here, things you should check for and/or watch for like washing hands, etc.

For a recap, shielding is a MUST when having xrays taken, unless it will interfere with the picture and washing hands is always a MUST - I don't care what the excuse may be. Wash hands medical people!

Immunizations will be covered next week.

But today, I would like to ask you a question.

What is the most invasive procedure you have had to date and what about it improved your outlook on the medical profession and/or what about it diminished your opinion?

Also, did you think Maggie did a good enough job explaining to Ryan why she was hiding in his room? Don't know? Did you read Breathe Again? Head on over!



Yep National Radiologic Technologist Week is coming up!





Authursday!

Oh, but who am I going to be supporting today?

I think it's time for a little bit from you all as well. Don't forget I'm doing the Campaign and making my way around to all the blogs (slowly, BUT SURELY!).

My reading treat!

If you would like to promote an author friend or a great book, comment. I'm looking for some fantastic reads to pop on my Kindle and I find I'm not particular. Just looking for something that will make me keep clicking the "next page" button.

Read anything great lately?

Seriously Starting to Write #3

Snap - You'ved summarized and dated your characters, now what?

Here you go, I'm releasing you to write.

But write what?

Well, pull out that summary and the dating info you got on your characters. Have you thought about where your story starts? No, not at the conception of the main character. No, not at their first kiss or when they got their first job.

Try a point of conflict. Get the reader (And yourself) locked into the pages, then get us more invested. Make it impossible for the reader (and, again, you) to put it down. Maggie Fechner discusses the pacing and speed of an opening and some key points.

But let's say you have no idea where to start? Chances are this is the first time you've written anything, right? Hence, the Starting to Write series.

Just start.

If it helps you to write 10 chapters about the backstory of your characters, then by all means do it. Trying different dialogue styles? Different twists? Still unsure where the story starts? Experiment. 'Cause the sad (And yet soooo awesome) advantage of writing is you can CUT and ADD anything and everything. Seriously.

Hubs took this pic. I love the shot of the guy. I don't know why, but it feels like he might be in the middle of the conflict. That car is WAY too close with the flames coming out. Scare the crap out of me.

I start mid-conflict, sometimes without much investment in the stakes. I just start killing people, or whatever. But sometimes, the conflict is in kissing, or catching someone doing something they aren't supposed to, ending something. Some people start with prologues, and some start you mid-plot and you have no idea what is going on until page 256 and the End is typed on 258.

My point is, just start writing. Whether you longhand it, crazy type it, shorthand it, dictate it, or draw the pictures, get it down and out of your head and heart. That story needs to be told. And you are the only one who can tell it.

What is the hardest part of "just writing" for you? Have any tips?

Harder On Mom When They Grow Up...

My youngest is 16 months and he moved from the crip into a toddler bed this weekend. So sad. My heart is aching. I don't want him to grow up. He's the last of the four and I gotta tell you, at this point, I feel like I'm done.

So my oldest is 7 and my youngest is 1 and I wish I had more time with them while at the same time I think I get too much.

What has been the hardest thing for you to deal with in recent days?

Hello IECRWA!

Waddup?

'Nuff Said

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I did. Let me know if you are! Because Seriously! The holidays are right around the corner.

Starting To Write #2

This is the second installment of the Starting To Write segments I, well, started last week.

To recap, let me summarize. Lol. Yep, Summarize your idea.

But then what? You have a succinct little paragraph or so that concisely (or not so concisely) wraps up your premise as a whole.

Do you think you should "jump" on that keyboard and get to it? Eh, not so much.

I'm not heavy into outlining or plotting (I'm getting there), but I do believe in getting to know your characters before you shove them into circumstances and expect them to solve the riddle. What if you are thinking of a hero who is tough and strong and burly, but when faced with a mouse he screams? This, by the way, is a terrific complexity that would make your hero stand out among heroes. But how do you know that's what he would do?

I used to start writing, just going for gold, and that's how I got to know my characters. But then I found myself cutting a large chunk - large meaning 5k words or more - because I'd spent valuable MS space "dating" my characters.

I suggest at this point you get to know them. Take them out for dinner or a snack. Ask them mundane questions and hype up the questions. You have a bad guy? Make him a bad guy with a good reason. You have a good guy? Make him a good guy with bad choices to make.  Give the characters as much as possible to deal with, trials and trials and little blessings.

Because you might have the best premise in the world, but it will fall flat if you have chosen characters that won't react the way the book needs them to.

 

Let's face it, Rhett Butler would not have worked as Scarlet's cousin, Ashleigh. I don't care which way you try to slice it.

So what is the hardest thing to you about getting to know your characters? Have any tips for the rest of us?

I never liked dating and this is exactly what it's like. I'm always worried about what to wear.

Oooh. What cheese...

I'm over at Brooke Moss's site today discussing favorite cheeses and who I'd like to play Brodan if Breathe Again went to the big screen. Do you agree with my choice?

Totally random pic my Hubs took.

What's Your Brand? - Not what you think!

My husband is a hard core Honda fan. He literally would rather ride an old Honda than a new Yamaha. He rides red. That's great. I have to admit, I'm a fan of Honda as well. But I also crush on Yamaha. The blue does it for me.

Riding gear, for me, runs toward that wily brand, Fox. Fox riding boots, jerseys, gloves, blah blah blah. The only thing I wear that isn't Fox is my helmet and the pants. The pants are LBZ. Love them!

What other brands am I specific to? Well, I'm glad you asked. I have a huge crush on

Lucky Brand Jeans - anything.

Life is Good - anything.

Old Navy - anything.

And New Kids on the Block paraphernalia - HA! Just checking to see if you're awake.

If you had to choose between major brands, what would you choose? Pepsi, Coke? Chevy, Ford? Nike, Asics?

Are you into Honda or Yamaha?

Brooke Moss - Authorsday!

The "What If" Guy debuted in August of this year.

I don't do summaries - if you want the summary, you can check out the book or see below. But I will review this sucker!

To preface this, I met the author at a local RWA chapter meeting and found her quite delightful. She told me about her book but didn't push anything on me.

When I Kindled it (yes, I love that thing), I started reading, unsure of what to expect. I mean, let's face it, that cover is UNREAL! Absolutely gorgeous. I was worried that the story inside wouldn't hold up to it.

But hold the phone! I was so enraptured by the characters, I didn't get off the treadmill for a lot longer than I had planned (most reading is on the treadmill). My butt thanks this book!

But seriously, the conflicting emotions this book created had me talking about it to people I haven't discussed books with in a while.

At one point, I was literally laughing through sad tears. Seriously? What the heck? Yes, it is great characterization, plot reinforcement and mushy love stuff all rolled into one! And I LOVE mushy love wrapped around the word romance.

Brooke Moss did a great job threading a simple, engaging plot with a large variety of subplots which enriched her characters without a lot of baggage and gave them a multi-faceted gleam - like a diamond!

Great job, Ms. Moss. I can't wait for more.

Oh, but wait. I asked the author a couple of questions... want to know more?

Brooke! Thanks so much for answering a couple questions for me. I'm so excited to have you here. I'm *blush* a litte fan-struck! Let's get started before I go all cyber-stalky on you.

If you were a cheese, which cheese would you be and what cracker would you go on? A most excellent question, if ever there was one. I would be a lovely herbed goat cheese, and instead of a cracker, I would be melted over lemon steamed broccoli. Um…yah. I would rock your world.

What about the What If Guy drew you to write it? I know how you got the idea, but what actually called you to write it? My affection towards the town I grew up in (Fairfield, Washington) called me. I wanted to paint a pretty picture about a town that often gets overlooked. I think I may have pulled it off.

You hate the treadmill – seriously, who doesn’t? – but we have to lose weight somehow, right? If you could invent a way to lose weight (laws of physics be hanged!) what would you do? A non-narcotic, non-addictive pill that doesn’t make your bowels explode, and doesn’t make you shake like a coke head, and that also makes your hair grow like crazy and look really shiny.

With your super bubbly personality and constant optimism, how do you right such multi-faceted characters? Um….I don’t think my husband thinks I have constant optimism. LOL. Actually, I am a strong believer that ever person in the world has a good side and a bad side. They behave beautifully, but they can also behave badly. They can laugh and have fun, but can also be caught being whiney or snarky. It is my job as an author to capture all sides to a character’s personality, whether it be good or bad. I try to make each of my characters as “human” as possible, and humans naturally are multi-faceted.

Fasties!

Write the first and only word that comes to mind after each “word” I give you.

Color – Either orange or Tiffany blue. Those were my wedding colors, too!

Food – Stuffed grape leaves (dolmades)

Drink – A virgin mojito (emphasis on the virgin—I’m a non drinker) or diet wild cherry pepsi.

Men’s underwear – Make ‘em white and holy, baby!

Sexy – Gerard Butler

Chocolate – DARK and SALTED.

Fast – Fast Car, by Tracy Chapman (where did THAT answer come from?)

Car – Volkswagen bug…bright orange convertible style.

Motorcycle – Harley soft tail, aqua green.

Kids – Busy!

Love – Eternally.

Happiness – Watching Top Chef in my bed, eating ice cream, and cuddling with my nerdy husband.

Would you Rather –

… eat cheese with every meal or eat chocolate with every meal (both would be calorie free!) CHEESE!

… dance with Gerard Butler (yum) or swim with Gabriel Macht (HOLY COW!)? Wow. I cannot choose. They are both so incredibly hot. I would say…why not both?

… read your book to a naked agent or have it read to you by a naked editor? Yikes! Read to me by a naked editor! (Sorry Tracy March and Caro Phipps!)

… go without a shower for three months or bathe in mud? Bathe in mud. Isn’t mud good for the skin?

… read an apocalyptic thriller or a romantic contemporary western? Snort You already know the answer to that…though I waffle back and forth. Today, my answer is Apocalyptic Thriller.

Is there anything you would like to tell your fans? Like me! :)

Go to Barnes & Noble, Diesel Books, Books on Board, Amazon or your local bookseller to get your paws on a copy of The What If Guy. And keep reading! I have a trilogy coming out summer of 2012 that won’t disappoint!

Find me elsewhere on the web, at my website, blog, Twitter, Goodreads, and Facebook.

I can’t wait to hear what everyone thinks of my book.

Thanks for coming! I just adore you.

The feeling is mutual, chickadee!