The Curse of a Writing Addict

Ooooh my goodness, it has been way to long since I've written anything. After finishing my novel and jumping into the next one so quickly... my brain fried. I'm not joking, either. I failed at NaNoWriMo this year as life and lack of creativity got in the way. I think I got burned out and I found that everything I wrote, sucked. The only thing that I liked in novel #2 was the prologue and maybe the beginning of Chapter 1... the rest I think I'll be scrapping. In fact I will. This was on top of clipping 2 horses, riding 2-3 horses a day, taking care of the barn, and running Thanksgiving.
That's right, you heard me, I RAN THE KITCHEN on Thanksgiving.
My mother got called into work (she's an OR nurse) and left my father and I to clean and cook for the big day. I pinched hit and got a home run. Go me! I actually had some help. Anywho, this is about where my writing self has been the past month.


Let me just tell you how great it feels to actually be writing right now. Even though I'm typing a blog and not creating story... its nice to get what's in my head out. See, I've not written nor read a lick in the past three weeks and I think I've gone a little crazy. I'll zone out in normal routine things during the day and my imagination will suck me out of reality. VERY WEIRD experience; my heart pounds faster and I go a tad cold when I force myself back to the present. That or I have some brain issue that I should go to the doctor for...

One thing that has surprised me, is that I didn't know once I became addicted to writing that it would become a part of me. I guess I have things deep in my psyche that demanding having a say. The story creator inside me will not be stifled... try as I may to ignore her. She's as stubborn as I am... go figure, she is me. Now that I'm writing again... let's have a second look at book #2 and figure out how to make it good. I should start with an outline.... that would help. ;)

National Novel Writing Month

Last year my friend Laura (I know, I bring her up a lot but she's helpful!) mentioned she participates in something commonly known as NaNoWriMo, a.k.a National Novel Writing Month. You have 30 days to write 50,000 words. She's told me that in the past few years she's been able to crank out the very basic storyline for, I think, 3 or 4 novels.
This year, she told me I had to do it, of course I didn't disagree. What I wasn't sure of was if I'd be done with my first novel --alas, I am!!!! Woot!-- She challenged me to finish my first book so that I could get a HUGE jump on the second one. I am proud to say that I met her challenge and seek to do my 2nd story justice.
So, as of today, I signed up as a participant and developed my "Story Question" for Book 2. In my first official act I shall now post my badge! :)

Wish me luck! We'll see what kind of slug fest is in store for me!

SUCCESS!

Finished! Acabada! Críochnaithe! Finie! Finita!
My messy, jumbled, and unedited first draft, as of 4:47pm on the 28th day of October in the year 2010, is done. My book is complete... or rather the story is complete. The book is far from done. The plan: edit, edit, edit. I shall then clean it up and make it presentable. I will find an editor (see how much it costs) and have them fix my horrid grammar and tie up loose ends on the story. I plan to submit it to a few publishers and see where it goes from there!

I'll write more... its time for dinner and my brain needs a break. :)

Where its NOT done my way...

This is not one of my normal blogs. It has nothing to do with a book review or writing. Try as I may to not include horses in every aspect of my life, I feel this is something I would like to share with you. So here goes...
For those of you who don't ride horses you'll never experience the tragic downfall of "rider pride" (that's what I'm calling it). God is the greatest Humbler of all but He's not always so forthright with it; sometimes he uses the little things to keep you in check.
Let me give you a little lesson on "Rider Pride" and I'll use myself as an example. I've been riding since I was 7 yo (I'm now 26) my ability and skill has grown exponentially. I can deal most everything any given horse may throw my way. A spook here A buck there. Or even a jump refusal.
As my skill progressed, it would take more and more force from any action to FINALLY cause me to come off my horse. Beginners all the way to Grand Prix riders WILL FALL. The reality is that one day a rider will, in fact, eventually find the ground with their body. This is not fun nor does it feel good. Sometimes these falls hurt and break bones other times (if you are fortunate) you land softly.


My "Rider Pride" comes from years and years of being able to prefect the art of keeping the horse underneath you. Its a skill I've had to work at. I don't expect a good solid piece of riding through a series of bucks to receive a standing ovation. But it should be commended; people all the way from being able to stay on during your very first canter to an explosion of animal beneath you is a big deal. The better you are the harder the falls get; whether on your body or your pride.
Horses are the greatest at teaching me that things are NOT always done the way I want. Casey, my horse, is a firm believer in practicing humility. He thinks that its his God given duty to assure that I do not get too big for my breeches (or saddle); that my head does not swell to gigantic proportions.
Today, my Rider Pride has been wounded. I hit the ground because my thoroughbred saw scary (INVISIBLE!) horse-eating tree monsters. Casey went for a mad gallop on open trail and I stood horseless in the midst of my trainer's group of 10. They were all firmly on their horses. I was unhurt and fell in soft sand, no scrapes could be seen. The only thing that hurt was that I now have to put yet another notch in the "Falls from Casey" category. There is a life lesson here... LISTEN TO YOUR TRAINER when she tells you "Don't drop your shoulders at a fence!" In the end, my wonderful friend Katie went to get my dear, sweet red headed stepchild. I got back on, finished the ride, and never ever dropped my shoulder again today.
No, but really, listen when people give you good solid advice in life. Be aware of what's going on around you. Listen to your gut, its usually right. And hold your head up when something embarrasses you... those situations happen to EVERYONE. No one is without blush-filled, ears-turning-red situations.
*pictures are not mine except last one.*
This is Casey and I preforming PROPERLY!

Writing is _____ (fill in the blank).

So when I started my journey to write this story of mine (which it has no title yet, I don't want to jinx it by giving it one!) I never thought I would actually finish it. To draw up an outline, start the book, and see it to completion is HARD. I'm not even joking. I know there a ton of people out there who start novels and never finish. I'm not going to blame them nor think that they didn't give it their all b/c its a bloody battle to get to the end. I think its like running a 10k marathon but only in your head. You have to train and dedicate yourself to see the finish line.


As I am now in Chapter 20 in my book, I can see the last stretch. I can't tell you how BADLY I want to cross that line. I can practically taste it! It makes my heart beat a little faster. So for me writing is a release. Its an expression of myself. Writing is actually FUN; I get to create things and control the chess pawns. Its slightly addictive, really. It would be so cool to go back to school and get some sort of writing degree --but alas, that is not practical in today's society.


Writing is a jouney; you find yourself along the way and discover things you never knew. Writing is educational; I've found so sweet new words I've never heard of before and HAD to use them in my book! Writing is not a one man sport. Well, it may before Steven King or James Patterson but for the rest of us, we need S U P P O R T! Its a must. I can not imagine the disarray my story would be in if it weren't for Laura, Caela, Abby, Jill, or Leah. I go to them and tell them to read things 4 times over. Or I ask them to read the raw version. They are a brave, brave folk for whom I am eternally thankful to God for. And let me tell you that its nerve-racking to put yourself out there all vulnerable like. But I do it because I have a story I want to tell.


I am almost to the end but FAR from finished. This is only the first battle. The battle to the end of the beginning. Wish me luck, support me, and encourage me. Until next time, keep reading :)

Book Review #6: The 8th Confession by James Patterson

James Patterson is one of my favorite authors simply because he writes great murder mysteries. Its always a pleasure to read one of his books. You can be on chapter 90 but only be on page 115. His novels are an easy read --chapters no longer than about 5 pgs. They are great books if you don't care to read but want something to put your nose in. ANYWAY, since 2007 -when I graduated college- I've been reading his Woman's Murder Club series (b/c we all know that I'm a sucker for series). Recently the 8th book came out. Its called The 8th Confession (I know original, right? haha At least you won't confuse which books goes where on the bookshelf)
In this book, Lindsey Boxer, the cop of the series battles with her inner demons wether to marry he current beau or try a fling with her younger, attractive cop partner (whom she out ranks at that). All while she and Rich (her partner) try to hunt down a killer who is murdering upperclass rich people with virtually NO evidence. As always Mr. Patterson weaves his tale to leave you wrapped up until the end.
Not my favorite in the series, it seems to lack some of the "pop" the others have had. It could be because its now co-written with a woman. I don't know. It doesn't hurt the book but the flow isn't what it used to be. I'll buy the 9th one when it comes out because, hey, its Patterson! ;) I give it 3.5 hearts. [Sorry don't have the little hearts for you today :)]

Book Review #5: House of Night Series

Alright, its been a while since I've written a book review & that's due to me writing my book. But recently Caela (my fave 14 yo) told me to read the House of Night books. These are also vampire books so I was hesitant to read them.(For those who know me I don't buy into the vamp lore, just makes no sense to me!)However, because Caela asked me too, I did. If she jumped off a bridge I would follow b/c she'd need someone to save her. Duh. Anyway, back to the book(s) review(s). There are 6 (or 7 now?) in this young adult series. Do I think that P.C. and Kristen Cast hopped on the vamp bandwagon? Yes. Is it better written than Vampire Academy? A BIG yes.


Its about a 16 yo girl named Zoey who gets "Marked" to become a vamp. In this series, vampirism is a genetic mutation (or something like it) and you become a fledgling. Now if you happen to get "Marked" you have to to get to the House of Night (which is like high school for baby vampires) before your body rejects the "Change." So anyway, Zoey gets Marked and starts her journey to becoming a full vampire. However, if wouldn't be a story if she were ordinary! She's a very special fledgling that is blessed by Nyx (the goddess).
Its her story of struggle and triumph. Add in that she can't seem to choose ONE boy and constantly bounces between 3 or 4 at a time. THAT annoys the crap out of me... PICK ONE! The series gets pretty dark and twisted... a little too much Wicca in there for me. Some Cherokee spiritualism is included. Its written as if a teenager were speaking as its written in 1st person. I had to put it down a few times because the teenage babble would get on my nerves.
Do I like the series? Ehhh, its debatable. I don't hate it! But as a Christian it was very hard for me to actually enjoy them. There was too much mysticism in it. I can deal with steamy makeout scenes --I can deal with the mythology --I can even deal with cussing --but the darkness of the series concerns me. I give it three hearts because a decent plot is there, just covered in teenager jargen. ♥ ♥ ♥

Winning the small battles...

...one chapter at a time! So today I completed chapter 14 in my novel. This is so super exciting for me. I'm STOKED right now. I had to walk away and marvel at this chapter. I have to say that things just got a big shove into "a lot more interesting"


I had to blog about this crowning achievement in my short writer life. I wanted to share with you the excitement I felt at writing something that blew even ME away and I WROTE IT!!! Not only are my characters becoming "real" but the story is "coming to life"... no joke! Today it just leapt off the screen and into my fingers. I feel like I need a beer or some sort of small gratifying award for this. (Chocolate Sundae from Campbell's or Coldstone's... any takers??) I'm so stoked, seriously. It was worth it to push forward, ignoring my messy, unedited chapters, and taking Laura's advice to continue on.


I'm so glad that God gave me the talent to write --or the drive --or the idea --or whatever it was that He programmed into me. I give God glory that this story brings me joy to write it. Its also allowed me to discover a few things about myself that I'd never known. I encourage every person to at least start the journey of writing a story. Wow... just wow. I have a huge smile on my face right now.


Thanks for reading and I hope you have a great day! :)

Procrastination is a pain...

So here I am writing a blog instead of writing on my book. I've decided to forge ahead and at least get the book finished. I think things would be so much less stressful if I sat down and pounded out the story. THEN I'll go back and work on what Laura has given me. I'll then submit it to my horse riding teacher, Jill, and see what she thinks. There are precious few people that I want reading this until I'm done with the unpolished "final" version... the one I'll submit to an editor. So I say all this to drum up the energy to write on my story. Its 7:05 pm... I'll give myself an hour to work on it. Until my next update, keep reading. ;)

Operation "Write a book" Update

As I mentioned in my previous post my friend Laura has been helping write a better story. This chick is GREAT and I'm soooooooo glad that God gave her the brain that He did. It works on a different level than most people's. (That's totally meant to be kind and NOT mean!) When I submit a chapter to her I get it back COVERED (and I mean COVERED!!!) in her handwriting. It triggers two reponses in me.
1.) Omgosh, that is a crap ton of work. I can't do this.
2.) Her wisecrack remarks make is laugh. I love love love to see my reader's reaction to things.

Its not even that her critque is mean, its just in depth. She's forced me to look at my story and characters deeper. I've had to gain a greater understanding of this worldview I've created. I knew I had holes in my story and she's helped flush them out. It is HARDwork!

Another thought... my characters have taken on their own life forms. My main character Sam now listens to music... as often as she can. She doesn't listen to any specific type, its whatever she's feeling at the moment. Sam's best friend Leigh (who Laura was dying for me to give her a flaw, any flaw) has become a very good liar. She does it with ease... and its not that she lies about petty things but more like how the CIA lies. National security depends on CIA lies and in my book, people's lives depend on Leigh's lying abilites. (This does not, what so ever, depict my best friend Heather, in which the character Leigh is based on. Heather couldn't and wouldn't fib her way out of a paperbag!)

I love writing. I always liked to write... but I've found that I love it. I love getting what's in my head out on paper. I can get home from a really bad day at work and type on my story. I will write and write and write until my brain says it had enough! When I'm done with the brain dump, I feel 100% better about my life. The ONLY other thing that does that for me is riding horses. Its very cool to discover these things about myself... and I'm 26! Anyway, stay with me and thanks for reading!! I love you all!

Perserverance & Friends

So there I was in chapter 11 of my book and I was floundering. I needed to go through my first 10 chapters and elaborate and edit, but I just couldn't bring myself to do so. If I had to read that first chapter ONE more time, I was going to pitch all of that work. I just couldn't do it but I needed to. I wanted to claw my eyeballs out. I had Chapter 1 pretty much memorized.

This is where wonderful friends enter the picture. My BFF, Heather and newest friend, Laura have gotten the first 5 chapters to critique & edit. Dana is in the process of reading it but she goes to college. :) I also gave my farrier, Karl and trainer, Jill the first two chapters so they could give me their opinions. Turns out I don't have to do all this on my own! Who would have thought? I mean, I know I ask for opinions but this was a good idea.

Laura was the first to return the pages to me. My prolouge and Chapter 1 went from 3 and 8 pages to 4 and 12. She was very helpful! I can't wait to get the feed back from everyone else. Its exciting to see my friends reactions. Its also very very very very cool to see what I've written invokes an emotional response from "my readers". That what I wrote made them ask the questions I wanted them to.

I do all of this 1.) I have a story I want to tell 2.) I'm decent at writing and think I may have a LONG shot at being published. 3.) I have friends that are horse people. They will ALWAYS give me an answer as to if something sucks. 4.) Its an adventure. I'm finding things out about myself that I NEVER knew. I had no idea what it took to write a book until I started doing it. 5.) I HAVE GOT TO finish the story otherwise I will feel incomplete. 6.) Its actually rexlaing. Go figure... the writers' block included.

Thanks for reading and I hope to give you a couple books reviews in the next week. Until then, take care! :)

Writing Woes

Oh its times like these that I think I'll never finish my book. I write and write and hope some inspiration hits me so that my store can move forward. I'm kinda at a road block, a detour... and I can't figure out how I want the next few chapters to play out. I know where I want my story to go but I don't know how to get there.

Its frustrating because I don't want to write crap. I want it to be good... I know that not everyone will like my story but my friend Laura was right when she said if you can't stand a certian section in your book, how do you think your reader will feel.

Maybe I'm trying too hard. Is that even possible? Maybe I'm over thinking and trying to aim for prefection when I need to be aimming for a rough draft. I need a body of bones before I can add muscle and flesh. But what if the bones don't come. I'm just not feeling very creative... the mojo ain't flowin' dude. I'm tired and my mother is watching Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Rings in the next room over. I can't focus.

I know I'm bitching but it can't be helped. I told you this was going to be a place for me to confess my writing woes. Is this writer's block? I think it may be but isn't writer's block. You know what I need to do. Step away for the night... maybe even a day... and come back with fresh eyes. I need to listen to some music, rider my horse, read a book for enjoyment, and not touch my story for a couple days. Yes, I think that's what I will do. I don't want to... taking a break isn't really in me but something's gotta give.

I gave my BFF, Heather, the first 5 chapters of my book and I should wait for her feedback. Laura said she'd help me too... I can do this. I can do this. I can do this.... I'm the little engine that could. I'm walking away and not think of it for 24 hours... starting now 7:56pm, Monday evening. Until next time, thanks for listening to me whine. ;)

Book Review #4: Vampire Academy & Frostbite by RIchelle Mead

Oh. My. Gosh. Its books like these that gives me hope that my book will one day be published. I struggled to finish the 2nd book and that are 6 in this series. The story is pretty good... and I'm really not a fan of vampire books. (while I'm off on this tangent, I don't buy the whole vampire deal. Makes no sense to me, like how the heck are they supposed to be walking around, blood flowing in their veins, BUT yet they have no heart beat. I just don't get it!)

Anyway, the books. I REALLY wanted to like them because my little barn sister, Caela told me to read them. (She gave me the Mortal Instruments series and I loved those.) However, I just couldn't get into these.
They are about a girl named Rose who is a dhampire. She's half human half vamp. She is charged with protecting (as all dhampires are) the Moroi. More specifically her best friend, Lissa. The Moroi are a special race of vampire who are actually alive (with beating hearts!) and have elemental magic. They protect them from the Strigoi who are the evil vampires that kill anything, human, Moroi, dhampire... anything to gain increased power and immortality. Its more high school drama than actual supernatural coolness.
As I mentioned, the storyline... the actual idea of the books isn't bad but the writing sounds like something that I would have done in 8th grade. The main character, Rose, is loyal, dedicated, and hard working. She struggles with anger... great character but the writer lacks the ability to take the reader any deeper than the surface. I want to know more about her (actually all the "players"), but what ya see is what ya get. It will attract the middle school/high school age young people because it does have a lot of things they deal with in real life. (ie: pressure to have sex, cutting, gossip, etc...) Lots of cussing and adult situations so you may want to read it before your kid does (if you're a parent). Two hearts because I like the characters. ♥ ♥

Book Crush turned into Book Review #3

When you read as much as I do and you don't have any kind of romantic outlet, sometimes you develop these crushes on characters. Now, its like not creepy crushing but enough to make you not feel so blue. :)

My most recent love of my life is a character named Harry Dresden. He's a detective wizard who works in Chicago. He's not particularly attractive and the crush didn't happen in the first 5 books... its taken my a while. But I've finally admitted that I'm more attracted to him than I wanted. haha. I have discovered as often as Jim Butcher (the author pictured below) puts him through living hell, Harry never loses his focus of right and wrong. He's kinda the white knight with tarnished armor. He gets beat to kingdom come in every book but has a funny, sardonic, cynical attitude. He never looses his focus on the end game. He's got this noble trigger in him that hates to see women suffer or be used and abused. Harry has this skull that an air spirit, named Bob, in it; a recently acquired dog, named Mouse, who is a GINORMOUS guard dog; and his wit.

I did not intend for this to be a book review but more about Harry however it's turned into one. I do recommend all of these books but they have a fair amount of cussing, violence, and adult situation... so a no go for the young ones. Written in first person (again my fave style) Harry makes me laugh... a lot. and out loud. I'm not done with all of the books but there are 12 (soon to be 13) and I'm on #9: White Kinght. As a series in its entirety I give it 5 hearts. ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Individually, some get 3.5 - 4 ♥'s but most are a 5.

Book Review #2: Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan

I read all 5 of these books before the first movie (The Lighting Thief) ever came out. I was meandering around Boarders one day and noticed the books because they were showcased away from all the other childrens' books. I went in with the purpose to buy the next book in a series, of which I decided I didn't care to continue.
I read the first few pages, of the first book, and was pretty much hooked. Its written in 1st person (which is my preferred style of writing) from Percy's point of view. The kid is sarcastic and witty. I love the way Mr. Riordan weaves Percy's story.
Anyway, Percy is just a normal kid who... uh, okay not really... he's dyslexic and ADHD because he's discovered that he's a demi-god or half blood. His father was a god (I won't tell you who, you'll have to read to find out) and his mother was a mortal.
As the series progresses, Percy (with his bff's Annabeth and Grover) battles his archenemy while dealing with the possible end of the world and these feelings as he discovers girls don't have cooties anymore.
I enjoyed every book... though the first one started slow because the stage had to set. Its clean so okay for the children. Easy read for kids but is funny and mysterious enough to hold an adult's imagination. Five hearts. ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Book Review #1: The Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare

   I realize that a series is more than one book but you MUST read this in one go round. My friend Caela told me that I HAD to read The Mortal Instruments after failing to properly describe what the story was about. I thought that it was a good idea because I didn't actually have to buy the books!
   Its based on a girl, named Clary, just as her life is dramatically altered when she starts seeing people that others can not. From there her mother is violently kidnapped, the man she's grown up knowing as a father-figure tells her he wants nothing to do with her, and she's left with a group of people called the Shadowhunters. More specifically, a boy named Jace.
   The Shadowhunters are a race of people who descend from an angel who mixed the blood of man with the blood of angels. They are faster, more agile, warriors who fight demons who've infiltrated the human world. They also become invisible and amp up cool fighting abilities by placing runes on their bodies. (Sounds weird, but trust me, by the end of the series, you'll want rune tattoos too. I know I did!)
   Then there are the Downworlders (these are your warewolves, vampires, faries, and warlocks) who don't like Shadowhunters (because they are the ultimate authority when it comes to anything supernatural). And also normal humans are called mundanes.
   The series takes you on Clary's journey of self discovery, deeply embedded secrets, totally intense fighting, and forbidden love that twists your heart out. The storyline is predictable but OH-MY-GOSH kind of fantastic! Make sure when you start the series you have your weekend cleared. Once you sit down to read them, you'll want to devour them as fast as possible. They are the type of books that make me want to read faster. Five hearts totally, hands down! ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥