I AM FINISHED WITH CANDY FOR 2010!
I have packed the excess chocolate that I ordered and place it in the deep freeze to be thawed out for my next maniacal candy making session. The molds are cleaned and boxed and ready to go back into storage. And half of the candy has been delivered (and consumed, if my hubster is to be believed), though I still have to deliver candy to a few friends and family members, but that's it!
I don't know about y'all, but as much as I love Christmas, I hate the extra mess that happens (cards on the table waiting to be addressed and signed, the candy making stuff and now the packed boxes, the extra lights for outside when we blow fuses or bulbs, the dust that breeds around all the Christmas geegaws, the wrapping paper room, end of the year projects the child has for school, etc. etc.).
I couldn't hold a party in my house even if I wanted to!--And trust me, I no wanna hold any stinking parties!
So what am I thinking about now?
Leprechauns, of course!
I probably told you about a website called Duotrope. If I haven't told you about it, then it's high time that I did! Duotrope is a free website that lists ALL the magazines out there, from paying to non-paying, from old established print mags to new fly-by-night electronic rags. It's an incredible resource for writers.
Anyhoo, I was sitting in the car playing with my EVO phone the other day while the hubster ran into the pharmacy. As I was perused my email, I saw one from Duotrope--I signed up for their updates and I get a weekly email. Normally, I don't really 'LOOK' at them, but I had some time to kill so I scrolled down to their list of magazines that are looking for anthologies.
There was a call for LEPRECHAUNS and FAIRIES!
OH. MY. GOSH!
I had written a story about leprechauns last March! No fairies, but it does have pixies in it. So I dusted off the story, reread it-tweaking it as I went along-and submitted it to Irish's Story Playhouse. Oh, I could get rejected, but as my friend Cyndi said, "I won't be your first." And my response, "And it probably won't be my last." So my story is in the queue for the submission editor. If the story gets bought, then I'll be the proud owner of $3.00--Yes, that's right, three bucks. But more important than anything, I'LL HAVE A PUBLISHING CREDENTIAL! And right now, that's more important to me than making a gazillion bucks . . . well, maybe not MORE important, but you know what I mean. Once I get a publishing cred, I can use it when I query my stories, proving that I'm not just a hack! Yay!
Until next week, Peeps!
I know y'all will probably have better things to do than blog hop, but I'll try to keep it interesting . . . even if I have to give out some more candy recipes!
12/15/10
Debriefing Christmas Candy 2010
 |
| Top row: Lime Gimlet, Whiskey Toffee, Peanut Butter Cup, Peppermint Schnapps, Frangelico Middle row: Kahlua, Chambord, Strawberry Margarita, Limoncello Bottom row: Grand Marnier, Amaretto, Caramel, Black Forest (cherry chocolate) The bags on the right Top to bottom: Toffee, Turtles, Peanut brittle |
The candy making time of the year is winding down and unless someone pops up offering me a book contract to publish my truffle fillings, well, then my recipes will be between you and me. Tuesday, I spent the day packaging my candy and thinking up helpful hints.
I discovered many things:
--a 1/2 lb box holds 16 pieces of candy . . . and I only made 13 varieties. oops.
--dry weather is optimal for making any kind of toffee and peanut brittle, but the little static shocks the child/dog/hubster plague you with, well, I just have to live with it.
--guesstimating and making three batches of toffee was right on the money
--ordering 15 lbs of milk chocolate was seriously overkill . . . I hope I have room in my freezer.
--when one makes candy, one must have a serious candy thermometer
--one does get sick of the smell of chocolate . . . as unbelievable as that statement is, it is the truth
--making candy for 6-8 hours a day results in an aching back and feet, along with a cranky temper. Treat the candy making queen as she deserves.
--NEVER wash candy molds with soap. Use only scalding hot water as the soap leaves a residue behind
--when molding caramel over pecans for turtles keep a stick of butter handy--the grease keeps the caramel from sticking to your hands.
--drink a glass of water for every few "taste testing" episodes. It works while drinking booze so it can't hurt while candy eating.
--if you truly enjoy eating my candy TELL ME, telling the hubster doesn't have the same impact. But if you didn't like it, well, then Eff-off and "No more soup for you!" Er, candy. "No more candy for you!"
--plan to have someone else 'steam clean' the kitchen. The dog licking the floor is NOT good enough.
That's it for now. If I have any other gems of wisdom, I'll post them in another color.
It's time for me to think about writing again. I've been itching to write another short story, so maybe next week.
Later, Peeps!
12/12/10
Buttery Toffee recipe
I posted on Facebook that I was finishing up my candy making process and one of my FarmVille friends requested my toffee recipe. As I mentioned, I don't mind sharing my recipes, so here is my revamped version of a Bon Appetit recipe. Before attempting to make you MUST HAVE A CANDY THERMOMETER.
BUTTERY PECAN TOFFEE
makes about 1.5 lbs.
Unsalted butter
1 1/4 cups (2 1/2 sticks) butter
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup firmly packed golden brown sugar
1/4 cup water
1 Tablespoon honey
1 cup coarsely chopped pecans, toasted
Unsalted butter (used to butter small baking sheet 9 X 13)
melted milk chocolate for dipping (pre-tempered is best--Merkens)
coarsely ground pecans
Butter small baking sheet, set aside. Melt butter in heavy 2 1/2-quart saucepan over low heat. Add both sugars, water and honey and stir until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to medium and cook until candy thermometer registers 290 F, stirring slowly, but constantly, and scraping bottom of pan with rubber spatula, about 15 minutes (but can take longer. If taking too long, then slightly increase the heat). DO NOT WALK AWAY. Toffee and caramels seem to take forever to get to the appropriate tempurature or color, but will burn quickly.
Remove pan from heat. Mix in 1 cup of chopped nuts. Immediately pour mixture into prepared sheet: do not scrape pan. Let stand about 2 minutes and then score the candy with knife or metal scraper into 1-inch pieces. Let cool. Slip spatula under candy and break along the scored lines. Melt chocolate and dip toffee pieces in chocolate, flipping the candy until coated. Using fork, lift candy out and tap off excess chocolate, scraping fork along edge of bowl. Gently lay wet candy on a bed of ground pecans until dry. Or you can sprinkle ground pecans on top. When dry store in air-tight container until ready to package and give away.
I hope you all enjoy this recipe. I usually make 3 batches (thus my candy making exhaustion) to give out to about 35 friends and family members, along with all the other stuff that I make. If you have any problems or questions, feel free to email me at: margaret.golla (at) gmail.com
BUTTERY PECAN TOFFEE
makes about 1.5 lbs.
Unsalted butter
1 1/4 cups (2 1/2 sticks) butter
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup firmly packed golden brown sugar
1/4 cup water
1 Tablespoon honey
1 cup coarsely chopped pecans, toasted
Unsalted butter (used to butter small baking sheet 9 X 13)
melted milk chocolate for dipping (pre-tempered is best--Merkens)
coarsely ground pecans
Butter small baking sheet, set aside. Melt butter in heavy 2 1/2-quart saucepan over low heat. Add both sugars, water and honey and stir until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to medium and cook until candy thermometer registers 290 F, stirring slowly, but constantly, and scraping bottom of pan with rubber spatula, about 15 minutes (but can take longer. If taking too long, then slightly increase the heat). DO NOT WALK AWAY. Toffee and caramels seem to take forever to get to the appropriate tempurature or color, but will burn quickly.
Remove pan from heat. Mix in 1 cup of chopped nuts. Immediately pour mixture into prepared sheet: do not scrape pan. Let stand about 2 minutes and then score the candy with knife or metal scraper into 1-inch pieces. Let cool. Slip spatula under candy and break along the scored lines. Melt chocolate and dip toffee pieces in chocolate, flipping the candy until coated. Using fork, lift candy out and tap off excess chocolate, scraping fork along edge of bowl. Gently lay wet candy on a bed of ground pecans until dry. Or you can sprinkle ground pecans on top. When dry store in air-tight container until ready to package and give away.
I hope you all enjoy this recipe. I usually make 3 batches (thus my candy making exhaustion) to give out to about 35 friends and family members, along with all the other stuff that I make. If you have any problems or questions, feel free to email me at: margaret.golla (at) gmail.com
12/10/10
Still Making Candy . . .
Every year the hubster tells me not to get carried away with making candy.
--and every year I go nuts. I enjoy making candy. It's right up there with inventing fantasy stories. I made six flavors of candy (40 candies of each flavor) yesterday: Black Forest, Strawberry Margarita, Limoncello, Amaretto, Chambord, and Kahlua (the unexpected one). So, in theory, I should have only had four flavors to do today, but I ended up with SIX, possibly SEVEN!
How did this happen?
Well, I did make ten new flavors this year, BUT that doesn't mean I didn't have some flavors that I made last year and froze. And yes, making and freezing candy fillings works. I've done it for years. Sometimes you end up with more filling than you expected. Sometimes it's because the mold you are using is smaller than the other molds.
I calculated the Limoncello and Chambord perfectly. Oh, I could make a few more candies, but why? I'm already making enough candy for 35 gifts with 5 extra candies/flavor in case of accidents (I did have some problems with the Black Forest mold). I'll probably freeze the little bit of left over so I can taste it next year to remember the flavor.
Anyhoo, I ended up with six flavors today: Lime Gimlet, Whiskey Toffee, Frangelico, Peppermint Schnapps, Grand Marnier and caramel. The Caramel was unexpected. I wanted to try my hand at making a HARD caramel. The recipe wasn't all that and I ended up with a soft caramel--too soft to make turtles. So, I'll use it in a filled candy.
If I could hazard a guess, it will taste FANTASTIC!
And then there is my peanut butter cups. Yes, they do taste almost like Reeses, though creamier.
Enough talking about making candy. I need to make some coffee, take some Aleve, pick a movie for the DVD player, and get my chocolate melted.
Later, Peeps!
Cyndi wanted my peanut butter filling recipe. I think it's smoother than Reeses, but still very good. It makes a huge amount, so you might want to halve the recipe or you can freeze the remainder.
18 oz. jar Jif peanut butter
1 stick melted butter
1 lb. powdered sugar
Mix peanut butter and butter together. Add powdered sugar and mix together by hand.
If it's too dry, add more melted butter. If it's too moist add more powdered sugar.
That's it, folks. I have a peanut butter cup mold. I place a paper cup in the mold and coat the bottom with melted chocolate. I make a ball of peanut butter filling and press down, leaving space around the edges. Add melted chocolate around the edge of the peanut butter filling and over the top. Tap the mold against the counter to release air bubbles. Place in freezer to harden.
--and every year I go nuts. I enjoy making candy. It's right up there with inventing fantasy stories. I made six flavors of candy (40 candies of each flavor) yesterday: Black Forest, Strawberry Margarita, Limoncello, Amaretto, Chambord, and Kahlua (the unexpected one). So, in theory, I should have only had four flavors to do today, but I ended up with SIX, possibly SEVEN!
How did this happen?
Well, I did make ten new flavors this year, BUT that doesn't mean I didn't have some flavors that I made last year and froze. And yes, making and freezing candy fillings works. I've done it for years. Sometimes you end up with more filling than you expected. Sometimes it's because the mold you are using is smaller than the other molds.
I calculated the Limoncello and Chambord perfectly. Oh, I could make a few more candies, but why? I'm already making enough candy for 35 gifts with 5 extra candies/flavor in case of accidents (I did have some problems with the Black Forest mold). I'll probably freeze the little bit of left over so I can taste it next year to remember the flavor.
Anyhoo, I ended up with six flavors today: Lime Gimlet, Whiskey Toffee, Frangelico, Peppermint Schnapps, Grand Marnier and caramel. The Caramel was unexpected. I wanted to try my hand at making a HARD caramel. The recipe wasn't all that and I ended up with a soft caramel--too soft to make turtles. So, I'll use it in a filled candy.
If I could hazard a guess, it will taste FANTASTIC!
And then there is my peanut butter cups. Yes, they do taste almost like Reeses, though creamier.
Enough talking about making candy. I need to make some coffee, take some Aleve, pick a movie for the DVD player, and get my chocolate melted.
Later, Peeps!
Cyndi wanted my peanut butter filling recipe. I think it's smoother than Reeses, but still very good. It makes a huge amount, so you might want to halve the recipe or you can freeze the remainder.
18 oz. jar Jif peanut butter
1 stick melted butter
1 lb. powdered sugar
Mix peanut butter and butter together. Add powdered sugar and mix together by hand.
If it's too dry, add more melted butter. If it's too moist add more powdered sugar.
That's it, folks. I have a peanut butter cup mold. I place a paper cup in the mold and coat the bottom with melted chocolate. I make a ball of peanut butter filling and press down, leaving space around the edges. Add melted chocolate around the edge of the peanut butter filling and over the top. Tap the mold against the counter to release air bubbles. Place in freezer to harden.
12/8/10
Busy Making Candy
Over the last two days, I've been busy making candy fillings . . . and I'm not even close to finishing.
For the most part, I enjoy this task that I set myself every year. I make my own truffle fillings for my filled candies. I also make caramels, fudges, turtles, peanut brittle and toffee. And I'm not like some people who keep their recipes a closely guarded secret. If you want my recipe, I'll give it to you.
BUT I make my candy fillings visually. In other words, I eyeball everything--no measuring, which makes it difficult for me to 'write' down a recipe and duplicate it exactly. I basically follow the same technique for most of my fillings.
I invented a Strawberry Margarita filling yesterday. Here's my rendition:
Take handful of frozen strawberry slices (roughly 1/2 cup) and place in glass cup measure, add roughly 1/4c tequila (Cuervo Gold has more flavor than the clear stuff) and add the juice of one large lime. After the strawberries melt, blend together with hand blender (should be about 1 cup--add tequila to top off). Pour into heavy saucepan and add enough sugar to sweeten (See? Told you, I don't measure stuff), anywhere from 1/4-2/3 cup (don't over sweeten because you will be adding white chocolate to the mixture). Boil down (alcohol cooks out, but the flavor stays), stirring regularly until it resembles the thickness of cold pancake syrup. Taste, adjust flavors (add sugar, tequila, or lime if needed). Turn off burner and add white chocolate, stirring constantly until desired texture and thickness (again, no clue as to how much I use, probably 1/2 lb-ish). I store my fillings in a quart-sized Ziploc freezer bag.
Now that I have my ten fillings ready and chilled, I need to make a plan to fill my candy molds. I have about 35 people (husband's coworkers and employees, both of our families). So I want to make at least five extra of each flavor in case of accidents. Accidents could be from too thin chocolate coating, or the filling bursts through the bottom, or the bottom slides off, or someone steals a 'sample'. All have happened. Candy molds are plastic and can mold anywhere between 8-12 candies per mold. I prefer the hard plastic over the rubbery silicone. I've found working three to four molds at a time seems to be the most efficient, but for beginners don't try to do more than two until you get comfortable.
I also use pre-tempered chocolate (Merkens). This chocolate is very smooth and flavorful, giving me one less thing to worry about. Get two work areas ready, laying down waxed paper: one to fill the candy, and the other area for the finished products. I usually use a sharpie to write on the paper, so I remember the flavors. Before starting, pull the fillings out of the refrigerator to warm up. The fillings should be thick, but malleable. If too thin, keep refrigerated until needed. If too thick, you can pop them into the microwave for a few seconds.
I melt about 2-3 lbs of chocolate in the microwave. Start at about 3 minutes, then take out and stir, continue nuking for 30 seconds at a time until melted. Using a plastic spoon (trust me--the chocolate hardens on the spoon and you will want to nuke it) fill each mold to the rim. Tap mold against counter to remove air bubbles. Do this with each mold. Return to the first mold, flip over and dump excess chocolate on the waxed paper (let harden and remelt as needed), roll the mold around tocoat the walls of the shell thoroughly. Use flat scraper to wipe away excess chocolate and level the rims of the candy. Pop mold into freezer. Repeat with other molds.
I used different mold shapes for different flavors. I have a heart-shaped mold for Amaretto, a rose for my Chambord, etc. I also wrote on a piece of painter's tape and put it on the mold so I can keep track of the mold and the flavor.
Remove first mold. Snip a bottom corner of the bag, squeeze filling into frozen shell until it is about 1/4 below the rim. If the filling is stiff, then gently press down to fill the air spaces. If the filling is thin, pop into the freezer to firm up. Repeat with other molds.
When you 'top' off the candy, make sure your chocolate is warm. If it has thickened and cooled too much, then pop it in the microwave to warm it up. Using the plastic spoon take a half scoop of chocolate and spread over the filling, sealing the edges around the candy. Try not to make a mess as it will mean less work later. If the filling is too liquid and thin, the heavy chocolate will sink, causing all sorts of problems. Thicker filling is better in the long run. Seal all the candies in the mold and pop it into the freezer. Repeat with remaining molds. By the time you finish the last mold, it should be time to release candies.
Take your filled candy mold from the freezer, flip over onto second area of waxed paper. If the candies are ready, they will drop out of the mold. If some candies fall out, but not all of them, take your hand and rub it over the outside of the mold. The warmth of your hand will release the candy. When you flip the candy out, try to do it as close to the waxed paper as possible. If your chocolate shell was too thin, then the drop from the mold can crush the candy. Been there, done that.
Repeat a gazillion times. Then you have to trim the excess chocolate from the bottoms of the candy (a sharp paring knife works well) and place in cute little candy cups. I have a pair of cotton gloves that I use to handle the finished chocolates. I don't want to melt fingerprints into the candy. I store the candy in airtight containers. I can usually fit two flavors in each 7 in. X 11 in. container. Keep in a cool room until all candy is made. Filling gift boxes is quick and easy as I make a circuit around my table. Repeat until all boxes are filled.
Merry Christmas!
For the most part, I enjoy this task that I set myself every year. I make my own truffle fillings for my filled candies. I also make caramels, fudges, turtles, peanut brittle and toffee. And I'm not like some people who keep their recipes a closely guarded secret. If you want my recipe, I'll give it to you.
BUT I make my candy fillings visually. In other words, I eyeball everything--no measuring, which makes it difficult for me to 'write' down a recipe and duplicate it exactly. I basically follow the same technique for most of my fillings.
I invented a Strawberry Margarita filling yesterday. Here's my rendition:
Take handful of frozen strawberry slices (roughly 1/2 cup) and place in glass cup measure, add roughly 1/4c tequila (Cuervo Gold has more flavor than the clear stuff) and add the juice of one large lime. After the strawberries melt, blend together with hand blender (should be about 1 cup--add tequila to top off). Pour into heavy saucepan and add enough sugar to sweeten (See? Told you, I don't measure stuff), anywhere from 1/4-2/3 cup (don't over sweeten because you will be adding white chocolate to the mixture). Boil down (alcohol cooks out, but the flavor stays), stirring regularly until it resembles the thickness of cold pancake syrup. Taste, adjust flavors (add sugar, tequila, or lime if needed). Turn off burner and add white chocolate, stirring constantly until desired texture and thickness (again, no clue as to how much I use, probably 1/2 lb-ish). I store my fillings in a quart-sized Ziploc freezer bag.
Now that I have my ten fillings ready and chilled, I need to make a plan to fill my candy molds. I have about 35 people (husband's coworkers and employees, both of our families). So I want to make at least five extra of each flavor in case of accidents. Accidents could be from too thin chocolate coating, or the filling bursts through the bottom, or the bottom slides off, or someone steals a 'sample'. All have happened. Candy molds are plastic and can mold anywhere between 8-12 candies per mold. I prefer the hard plastic over the rubbery silicone. I've found working three to four molds at a time seems to be the most efficient, but for beginners don't try to do more than two until you get comfortable.
I also use pre-tempered chocolate (Merkens). This chocolate is very smooth and flavorful, giving me one less thing to worry about. Get two work areas ready, laying down waxed paper: one to fill the candy, and the other area for the finished products. I usually use a sharpie to write on the paper, so I remember the flavors. Before starting, pull the fillings out of the refrigerator to warm up. The fillings should be thick, but malleable. If too thin, keep refrigerated until needed. If too thick, you can pop them into the microwave for a few seconds.
I melt about 2-3 lbs of chocolate in the microwave. Start at about 3 minutes, then take out and stir, continue nuking for 30 seconds at a time until melted. Using a plastic spoon (trust me--the chocolate hardens on the spoon and you will want to nuke it) fill each mold to the rim. Tap mold against counter to remove air bubbles. Do this with each mold. Return to the first mold, flip over and dump excess chocolate on the waxed paper (let harden and remelt as needed), roll the mold around tocoat the walls of the shell thoroughly. Use flat scraper to wipe away excess chocolate and level the rims of the candy. Pop mold into freezer. Repeat with other molds.
I used different mold shapes for different flavors. I have a heart-shaped mold for Amaretto, a rose for my Chambord, etc. I also wrote on a piece of painter's tape and put it on the mold so I can keep track of the mold and the flavor.
Remove first mold. Snip a bottom corner of the bag, squeeze filling into frozen shell until it is about 1/4 below the rim. If the filling is stiff, then gently press down to fill the air spaces. If the filling is thin, pop into the freezer to firm up. Repeat with other molds.
When you 'top' off the candy, make sure your chocolate is warm. If it has thickened and cooled too much, then pop it in the microwave to warm it up. Using the plastic spoon take a half scoop of chocolate and spread over the filling, sealing the edges around the candy. Try not to make a mess as it will mean less work later. If the filling is too liquid and thin, the heavy chocolate will sink, causing all sorts of problems. Thicker filling is better in the long run. Seal all the candies in the mold and pop it into the freezer. Repeat with remaining molds. By the time you finish the last mold, it should be time to release candies.
Take your filled candy mold from the freezer, flip over onto second area of waxed paper. If the candies are ready, they will drop out of the mold. If some candies fall out, but not all of them, take your hand and rub it over the outside of the mold. The warmth of your hand will release the candy. When you flip the candy out, try to do it as close to the waxed paper as possible. If your chocolate shell was too thin, then the drop from the mold can crush the candy. Been there, done that.
Repeat a gazillion times. Then you have to trim the excess chocolate from the bottoms of the candy (a sharp paring knife works well) and place in cute little candy cups. I have a pair of cotton gloves that I use to handle the finished chocolates. I don't want to melt fingerprints into the candy. I store the candy in airtight containers. I can usually fit two flavors in each 7 in. X 11 in. container. Keep in a cool room until all candy is made. Filling gift boxes is quick and easy as I make a circuit around my table. Repeat until all boxes are filled.
Merry Christmas!
12/6/10
How did you do with your 2010 goals?
I was at a bit of a loss as to what to talk about today, so I blog hopped . . . and I still didn't get any lightbulb moment ideas, but then I started thinking about GOALS.
I know this is a hectic season to think about goals--whether wrapping up your 2010 goals or thinking about your 2011 goals, but this is actually the perfect time to reflect. Think of all the time you spend waiting in lines or sitting through numerous stoplights in backed up traffic. Instead of getting frustrated use this time wisely.
If you set goals for 2010, how did you do? Did you meet your goals? Did you meet part of them? Or did you take a 90- or 180-degree turn from your original goal? If you did, don't worry about it. Goals aren't static, they should be adjustable and fluid, undulating and changing according to what life throws you.
I always make a HUGE goals list. Writing, judging, health, and family goals all mushed into one sheet. Some goals I met, some I didn't and I exceeded expectations on others. All in all, I kept track of what I accomplished by forcing myself to record the books that I read this year. Every time I opened the document to write the title/author/genre/date down, I was forced to acknowledge my goals.
As of this blog post I wrote on December 5, 2010, I managed to:
See what I mean? Fluid. Life happens. You aren't a failure if you didn't meet the goals you set at the beginning of the year. Just sit down and take a good look at what YOU DID ACCOMPLISH.
I think you might be surprised.
Write on!
I know this is a hectic season to think about goals--whether wrapping up your 2010 goals or thinking about your 2011 goals, but this is actually the perfect time to reflect. Think of all the time you spend waiting in lines or sitting through numerous stoplights in backed up traffic. Instead of getting frustrated use this time wisely.
If you set goals for 2010, how did you do? Did you meet your goals? Did you meet part of them? Or did you take a 90- or 180-degree turn from your original goal? If you did, don't worry about it. Goals aren't static, they should be adjustable and fluid, undulating and changing according to what life throws you.
I always make a HUGE goals list. Writing, judging, health, and family goals all mushed into one sheet. Some goals I met, some I didn't and I exceeded expectations on others. All in all, I kept track of what I accomplished by forcing myself to record the books that I read this year. Every time I opened the document to write the title/author/genre/date down, I was forced to acknowledge my goals.
As of this blog post I wrote on December 5, 2010, I managed to:
- write three middle grade short story serial blog posts, Sugar Plum Disaster (I started writing it in December 2009, but actually finished it in January 2010--so I'm counting it), Lost Leprechaun Loot, Halloween Monster Mix-up--NONE OF THESE WERE PLANNED AND ON MY GOAL LIST
- wrote two middle grade novels, THE FAST AND THE FAERIEOUS, and FOR WHOM THE BELL TROLLS (didn't plan to write this one)
- edited two middle grade novels, TO GNOME ME IS TO LOVE ME and THE FAST AND THE FAERIEOUS
- rewrote a picture book PIPER'S MESSY ROOM--didn't plan to do this one
- had a goal of writing DEMON CONNECTION, marked out that goal in March, and started writing it again in October. I'm at 28,000 words on a book I never expected to write. Again, had the goal, changed it, but then started it again, entered it in 3 contests, got some good scores and an HM and it's sitting on an editor's desk.
- judged 8 writing contests, reading 43 submissions writing comments and scoring them. Figure between 1-4 hours per submission, depending on the length and quality of submission. Yep, planned this one.
- critted when needed, which was less than I expected--guess I scare everyone away with my lack of warm touchy-feely comments.
- queried a gazillion agents with GNOME (rejected by many, requested by some), and started querying FAERIE--planned this one
- read 50 books--well, I haven't hit this one yet as I'm on book 44, but I expect to read 50 by the end of December.
See what I mean? Fluid. Life happens. You aren't a failure if you didn't meet the goals you set at the beginning of the year. Just sit down and take a good look at what YOU DID ACCOMPLISH.
I think you might be surprised.
Write on!
12/3/10
From Reading to Candy Making
Sorry, I'm a little late today. Originally I was going to compare two authors, but I started reading another book and my thoughts about those previous authors flew out of the sieve that is my brain in December. Though I might write about it later. Okay, I'll be the first to admit that the 1992 Mary Balogh book, A CHRISTMAS PROMISE is supreme!! I bawled my eyes out, clutched the book to my chest and sighed. That's what romance writing is all about!
I decided for the good of all to take off the month of December. My poor little mind is chocked full so much extraneous information that it would be counter-productive to try to write--though I would if I had a contract deadline hanging over my head.
I don't. So I won't write.
I don't know about y'all, but I have Christmas decorating, shopping, wrapping and making candy on my mind.
Speaking of making candy. I decided what I was going to make this year--and yes, it will be less than I made the last few years. I pulled out my order slips from the previous years and checked them to see how much chocolate I need to order. I order Merkens chocolate from Country Kitchen SweetArt. Merkens chocolate is already tempered and it has a good flavor and texture. It's the best stuff out there if you ask me. The problem is that the prices have seriously increased for a pound of chocolate. In 2006, it was $2.95 per pound. In 2007-2009, it was $3.25 per pound. And this year, $3.60 per pound. *ouch*
So this year, I'm making peanut brittle, turtles and an Old English Toffee made with pecans. These I'll bag up separately and then put them in a clear Christmas bag. I had bought these bags over the years and haven't used them, so this year is the year to use up the supplies I already have.
Then comes the filled candies. Last year, I had bought the wrong sized boxes, 1/2 lb size instead of the 1 lb size. We ended up buying tins at Hobby Lobby, since it was too late to order the boxes. Oops. Which means I have 30 1/2 lb boxes sitting in the box with my candy molds. These boxes hold maybe 8 candies without crowding. Which means, I'm only making 8 filled candies . . . from a list of 18 truffle and caramel fillings that I've invented.
I immediately scrubbed my caramels. Not that I don't like caramels--I do--and I'm the Queen of having the perfect color on my caramels, but because they are a little more temperamental when filling the candies. They are a little more liquid and when I put the chocolate bottom on the candies--the chocolate is heavier and it sinks into the caramel. Temperamental.
I think I have the list of truffles that I want to make. The first four are made with white chocolate and the last four are with a milk chocolate base.
Lime Gimlet
Limoncello
Chambord
Peppermint Schnapps
Black Forest (w/kirshwasser)
Whiskey Toffee
Grand Marnier
Now, I'm having a problem figuring out my last flavor and need your help. Should I make:
Rum Raisin
Frangelico
Amaretto
Please comment and let me know which one sounds the most interesting.
Thanks!
I decided for the good of all to take off the month of December. My poor little mind is chocked full so much extraneous information that it would be counter-productive to try to write--though I would if I had a contract deadline hanging over my head.
I don't. So I won't write.
I don't know about y'all, but I have Christmas decorating, shopping, wrapping and making candy on my mind.
Speaking of making candy. I decided what I was going to make this year--and yes, it will be less than I made the last few years. I pulled out my order slips from the previous years and checked them to see how much chocolate I need to order. I order Merkens chocolate from Country Kitchen SweetArt. Merkens chocolate is already tempered and it has a good flavor and texture. It's the best stuff out there if you ask me. The problem is that the prices have seriously increased for a pound of chocolate. In 2006, it was $2.95 per pound. In 2007-2009, it was $3.25 per pound. And this year, $3.60 per pound. *ouch*
So this year, I'm making peanut brittle, turtles and an Old English Toffee made with pecans. These I'll bag up separately and then put them in a clear Christmas bag. I had bought these bags over the years and haven't used them, so this year is the year to use up the supplies I already have.
Then comes the filled candies. Last year, I had bought the wrong sized boxes, 1/2 lb size instead of the 1 lb size. We ended up buying tins at Hobby Lobby, since it was too late to order the boxes. Oops. Which means I have 30 1/2 lb boxes sitting in the box with my candy molds. These boxes hold maybe 8 candies without crowding. Which means, I'm only making 8 filled candies . . . from a list of 18 truffle and caramel fillings that I've invented.
I immediately scrubbed my caramels. Not that I don't like caramels--I do--and I'm the Queen of having the perfect color on my caramels, but because they are a little more temperamental when filling the candies. They are a little more liquid and when I put the chocolate bottom on the candies--the chocolate is heavier and it sinks into the caramel. Temperamental.
I think I have the list of truffles that I want to make. The first four are made with white chocolate and the last four are with a milk chocolate base.
Lime Gimlet
Limoncello
Chambord
Peppermint Schnapps
Black Forest (w/kirshwasser)
Whiskey Toffee
Grand Marnier
Now, I'm having a problem figuring out my last flavor and need your help. Should I make:
Rum Raisin
Frangelico
Amaretto
Please comment and let me know which one sounds the most interesting.
Thanks!
12/1/10
Turning Grinchy McScrooge into Festive Cheer
FYI: I had written my Monday post on Sunday when I was still in the post-Thanksgiving doldrums and pre-Christmas cheer. By Monday, I was a happy little camper again, since the hubster had put up the tree the previous night after I went to sleep. He's such a good guy--I'm allergic to dust and dang! those things get dusty!
But that didn't stop my long distance writing bud, Cyndi, from calling me out on it . . . literally. Cyndi called to give me a hard time about being Grinchy McScrooge and I have to admit that, yes, I was feeling a touch of the Grinch when I wrote the blog. And for anyone who bakes, cooks, knits, crochets or makes anything homemade, please, please, please give them your heart-felt thanks for their efforts, because it IS a lot of work, not counting the time and money involved.
So, on Tuesday, I pulled up my candy list and checked it twice, jotted down the ingredients I would need to make candy. So, yes, I will be making about 30-40 pounds of candy again this year. I love experimenting with truffle and caramel centers. I think my favorites are Lime Gimlet (lime and gin), Whisky Toffee (self-explanatory), and Bananas Foster Caramel. I might need to try a strawberry margarita one this year. Last year was the first time I made peanut brittle and it turned out well. Toffee and turtles are always on my to-do list.
While waiting for my chocolate to be delivered, I started putting out my Christmas stuff.
Now, I admit that I have a selfish Christmas tradition--I have to unwrap everything by myself. Ornaments, smokers, nutcrackers, etc. The reason is two-fold. One, I want to see if anything broke. Usually there are one or two needing some TLC. And two, I love remembering when and where I was when I bought them.
I could tell you about the smokers that I bought in 1987 when I backpacked around Germany and Austria after my brother's French wedding. A couple of them still have the East Germany stamp on them. And I'm always on the lookout for unique Christmas ornaments. One of them is a hand carved face with a potpourri of German spices tied under it. I have a small snowman painted gourd that I bought at Silver Dollar City three years ago. I have ornaments that I bought at Disney World over the last nine years. I've made ornaments with my daughter as craft projects.
Every item brings back memories, memories that I treasure each and every Christmas.
Do you have a tradition that you insist upon keeping every year?
I would say "Write on!", but I'm taking a small break to enjoy the holidays.
Happy Holidays!
But that didn't stop my long distance writing bud, Cyndi, from calling me out on it . . . literally. Cyndi called to give me a hard time about being Grinchy McScrooge and I have to admit that, yes, I was feeling a touch of the Grinch when I wrote the blog. And for anyone who bakes, cooks, knits, crochets or makes anything homemade, please, please, please give them your heart-felt thanks for their efforts, because it IS a lot of work, not counting the time and money involved.
So, on Tuesday, I pulled up my candy list and checked it twice, jotted down the ingredients I would need to make candy. So, yes, I will be making about 30-40 pounds of candy again this year. I love experimenting with truffle and caramel centers. I think my favorites are Lime Gimlet (lime and gin), Whisky Toffee (self-explanatory), and Bananas Foster Caramel. I might need to try a strawberry margarita one this year. Last year was the first time I made peanut brittle and it turned out well. Toffee and turtles are always on my to-do list.
While waiting for my chocolate to be delivered, I started putting out my Christmas stuff.
Now, I admit that I have a selfish Christmas tradition--I have to unwrap everything by myself. Ornaments, smokers, nutcrackers, etc. The reason is two-fold. One, I want to see if anything broke. Usually there are one or two needing some TLC. And two, I love remembering when and where I was when I bought them.
I could tell you about the smokers that I bought in 1987 when I backpacked around Germany and Austria after my brother's French wedding. A couple of them still have the East Germany stamp on them. And I'm always on the lookout for unique Christmas ornaments. One of them is a hand carved face with a potpourri of German spices tied under it. I have a small snowman painted gourd that I bought at Silver Dollar City three years ago. I have ornaments that I bought at Disney World over the last nine years. I've made ornaments with my daughter as craft projects.
Every item brings back memories, memories that I treasure each and every Christmas.
Do you have a tradition that you insist upon keeping every year?
I would say "Write on!", but I'm taking a small break to enjoy the holidays.
Happy Holidays!
11/29/10
*sigh* First Holiday Wave Down and a Gazillion to go . . .
Wow, I don't know about you all, but we hit the ground running last week. Some recipes worked, some didn't. Some will be placed in the 'keeper' file, while others will be burned. But I have to admit that no matter how things turned out, it was fun.
After all the family gatherings, visiting, cooking, wine imbibing, it was odd when we were left to our own devices on Saturday. I didn't feel good (weird weather and residual cold), so hubster went outside to rake up a few leaves . . . nine bags later, the yard is almost ready for the winter season. We've had a few cold snaps, but not all my perennials have died back. One or two more freezing days should take care of them and I'll pull them up. I still need to plant about three flats of pansies, one flat would be used exclusively to replace the bunny eaten ones.
No one is really ready to pull out Christmas stuff, though hubster did put up the outside lights last Wednesday (it was really warm--72 degrees). If we don't do anything else we need to get the Advent calendar out. The kidlet opens a door each night and gets a toy, treat, ornament, etc. Thank goodness, I bought a few things ahead of time, though we have been known to raid her Halloween candy for goodies.
We need to make a Christmas card list, brainstorm Christmas presents (I get a new set of car tires --woohoo! . . . not), and decorate. I usually make filled candy, but right now, I'm wondering if it's worth the trouble. Oh, some people appreciate it--in fact, they've dragged out their tins from last year in hopes I'll make them some--but I doubt if anyone realizes how much money, time, energy, and back breaking work really goes into the process.
I guess this is the downer before the artificial Christmas spirit high. I'll get in the mode, but right now, I'm just glad my family is relatively healthy and happy. Maybe I need to read a few more Christmas books and turn on the iPod to Christmas carols.
And I haven't touched my novel in over ten days. Maybe I need to get it out and reread the last few pages to figure out where I took a wrong turn. Until later . . .
Write on!
After all the family gatherings, visiting, cooking, wine imbibing, it was odd when we were left to our own devices on Saturday. I didn't feel good (weird weather and residual cold), so hubster went outside to rake up a few leaves . . . nine bags later, the yard is almost ready for the winter season. We've had a few cold snaps, but not all my perennials have died back. One or two more freezing days should take care of them and I'll pull them up. I still need to plant about three flats of pansies, one flat would be used exclusively to replace the bunny eaten ones.
No one is really ready to pull out Christmas stuff, though hubster did put up the outside lights last Wednesday (it was really warm--72 degrees). If we don't do anything else we need to get the Advent calendar out. The kidlet opens a door each night and gets a toy, treat, ornament, etc. Thank goodness, I bought a few things ahead of time, though we have been known to raid her Halloween candy for goodies.
We need to make a Christmas card list, brainstorm Christmas presents (I get a new set of car tires --woohoo! . . . not), and decorate. I usually make filled candy, but right now, I'm wondering if it's worth the trouble. Oh, some people appreciate it--in fact, they've dragged out their tins from last year in hopes I'll make them some--but I doubt if anyone realizes how much money, time, energy, and back breaking work really goes into the process.
I guess this is the downer before the artificial Christmas spirit high. I'll get in the mode, but right now, I'm just glad my family is relatively healthy and happy. Maybe I need to read a few more Christmas books and turn on the iPod to Christmas carols.
And I haven't touched my novel in over ten days. Maybe I need to get it out and reread the last few pages to figure out where I took a wrong turn. Until later . . .
Write on!
11/22/10
Take a deep breath, and be thankful . . .
The holiday season has arrived. In America, it starts with Thanksgiving on the last Thursday of November. There are so many things to be thankful for, but I will simply wish good health to everyone.
December is a huge holiday month for so many religions that I can't name them all, but I wish good will to any and all.
This time of year we tend to live in our own little sphere and forget about others. Try to keep your temper roped in when you encounter long lines, serious traffic tie-ups, poor customer service, etc. A little love and happiness goes a long way, so remember not to snap at the poor slob just trying to do his job. Allow extra time and don't wait until the last minute . . .
After all, your kids don't have to have the next Zhu Zhu pet or Fushegie ball, instead they simply want to spend time with you.
Love and Happiness.
Write On!
December is a huge holiday month for so many religions that I can't name them all, but I wish good will to any and all.
This time of year we tend to live in our own little sphere and forget about others. Try to keep your temper roped in when you encounter long lines, serious traffic tie-ups, poor customer service, etc. A little love and happiness goes a long way, so remember not to snap at the poor slob just trying to do his job. Allow extra time and don't wait until the last minute . . .
After all, your kids don't have to have the next Zhu Zhu pet or Fushegie ball, instead they simply want to spend time with you.
Love and Happiness.
Write On!
11/19/10
Playing to your Strengths
This next week will be busy with birthdays, family visiting, cooking and the overall Thanksgiving cheerfulness. I'll try to post on my usual days, but don't hold your breath--you'll only pass out.
I LOVE having my family staying with us. My SIL Margie and I have a great relationship, but one thing that makes our relationship work is that we know each other's strengths and weaknesses. Over the past--gosh, I don't know HOW many years we've been doing this, let's just say--20+ years, we've been cooking desserts and appetizers for Thanksgiving. Once Marge reacquaints herself with my kitchen, then we go to town, picking recipes, writing up lists and cooking. . . and drinking wine . . . lots and lots of wine.
We tend to work together on many recipes. I'll start one, but she'll finish it, and vice versa. But if there is any sort of crust to be rolled out--I make her do it. I suck at rolling out pie dough. I know it. I embrace the fact. So Margie does the dough. She's not too fond of making caramel. Watching and swirling sugar is paramount to watching paint dry on the wall, but I enjoy it. It takes forever for sugar to get to the caramel stage, but once it starts browning you have to keep a close eye on it, otherwise it will burn.
In other words, we play to our strengths.
The same goes for writing. If you excel at sensual love scenes, then you need to gear your writing in that direction. If you are mentally (*raises hand* I am!) at the sixth grade level, then write middle grade stories. If you like goofy, write goofy. Write to your strengths.
I've heard numerous times that writers need to write outside the box, or push past your comfort zone.
Why?
Why set yourself up for failure? You know you aren't comfortable with X, Y, or Z, why force yourself to write something that you don't like? Especially if you are just starting down the writing path. That's insane.
Get comfortable with WHO you are as a writer FIRST, then push your boundaries. It may take you one book or ten to get to that point, or you may not even care to push through.
In MG and YA, dystopian, end-of-the-world is big. So many debut writers are selling this stuff right now. Will I write it? NO. I don't like reading that stuff and I'm sure as shooting not going to write it!
Readers aren't stupid. They sense within the words when you don't write your passion. The story is flat, lifeless. If you don't love it, so why should they?
Write to your strengths, then branch out after you know who you are as a writer.
Write on!
I LOVE having my family staying with us. My SIL Margie and I have a great relationship, but one thing that makes our relationship work is that we know each other's strengths and weaknesses. Over the past--gosh, I don't know HOW many years we've been doing this, let's just say--20+ years, we've been cooking desserts and appetizers for Thanksgiving. Once Marge reacquaints herself with my kitchen, then we go to town, picking recipes, writing up lists and cooking. . . and drinking wine . . . lots and lots of wine.
We tend to work together on many recipes. I'll start one, but she'll finish it, and vice versa. But if there is any sort of crust to be rolled out--I make her do it. I suck at rolling out pie dough. I know it. I embrace the fact. So Margie does the dough. She's not too fond of making caramel. Watching and swirling sugar is paramount to watching paint dry on the wall, but I enjoy it. It takes forever for sugar to get to the caramel stage, but once it starts browning you have to keep a close eye on it, otherwise it will burn.
In other words, we play to our strengths.
The same goes for writing. If you excel at sensual love scenes, then you need to gear your writing in that direction. If you are mentally (*raises hand* I am!) at the sixth grade level, then write middle grade stories. If you like goofy, write goofy. Write to your strengths.
I've heard numerous times that writers need to write outside the box, or push past your comfort zone.
Why?
Why set yourself up for failure? You know you aren't comfortable with X, Y, or Z, why force yourself to write something that you don't like? Especially if you are just starting down the writing path. That's insane.
Get comfortable with WHO you are as a writer FIRST, then push your boundaries. It may take you one book or ten to get to that point, or you may not even care to push through.
In MG and YA, dystopian, end-of-the-world is big. So many debut writers are selling this stuff right now. Will I write it? NO. I don't like reading that stuff and I'm sure as shooting not going to write it!
Readers aren't stupid. They sense within the words when you don't write your passion. The story is flat, lifeless. If you don't love it, so why should they?
Write to your strengths, then branch out after you know who you are as a writer.
Write on!
11/17/10
Got Head Cold, Need Books
My head is stuffed full of snot and I really don't feel like writing. Heck, I don't feel like doing much of anything. I don't know about y'all, but when I get a sick I just want to curl up with a good book for a few days. Christmas stories are my novels of choice this time of year. One of my goals this year was to read 50 books, I just crossed over the 40 book mark and I doubt if I'll make it, but you never know.
Here's a thought: Maybe I'll raid my daughter's stockpile of middle grade books--then I should hit the 50 book mark by the end of the year.
I've also been known to watch movie marathons for days on end. Recently, my choice has been the Harry Potter movies--gotta get ready for the Deathly Hallows, ya know. I can't wait to see the new Disney movie, Tangled either. The previews look wonderful and fun. It's twisted fairy tale, which puts it in the unique category. I mean, how many movies have hair as a character? Well, there was that Fairy Oddparents episode when Timmy Turner's hair got a mind of it's own and it started taking over the world, but that's another story.
So what movies do you want to see over the holidays?
And do you read Christmas stories during the season?
If you want to read a fun anthology then you need to pick up WOLFSBANE AND MISTLETOE, edited by Charlaine Harris (she of Sookie Stackhouse fame). the only thing these stories have in common is werewolves and Christmas. Reading an anthology of short stories or novellas is great way to discover new to you authors.
Write on! . . . not today, but later after the full moon . . .
Here's a thought: Maybe I'll raid my daughter's stockpile of middle grade books--then I should hit the 50 book mark by the end of the year.
I've also been known to watch movie marathons for days on end. Recently, my choice has been the Harry Potter movies--gotta get ready for the Deathly Hallows, ya know. I can't wait to see the new Disney movie, Tangled either. The previews look wonderful and fun. It's twisted fairy tale, which puts it in the unique category. I mean, how many movies have hair as a character? Well, there was that Fairy Oddparents episode when Timmy Turner's hair got a mind of it's own and it started taking over the world, but that's another story.
So what movies do you want to see over the holidays?
And do you read Christmas stories during the season?
If you want to read a fun anthology then you need to pick up WOLFSBANE AND MISTLETOE, edited by Charlaine Harris (she of Sookie Stackhouse fame). the only thing these stories have in common is werewolves and Christmas. Reading an anthology of short stories or novellas is great way to discover new to you authors.
Write on! . . . not today, but later after the full moon . . .
11/15/10
The Many Layers of STAR TREK--the movie
So what does it take to make a movie or novel to go from 'meh' to a 'blockbuster'?
Characters.
This was the reason LOST was such a powerful show. It wasn't about the logistics of a plane breaking apart with possible survivors, or even the idea that it was some form of purgatory. It was about the individuals and how they related to each other, both with their weaknesses and their strengths.
So, Abrams had a huge problem of making a STAR TREK 'pre-quel' of a VERY popular series. How do you write a realistic story of how the cast of characters found each other? All the characters came from very diverse backgrounds, but as a team they meshed into a true working unit of personalities, foibles, and quirks to the table and all Abrams did was mix and shake well. And it wasn't just cut and dry cardboard characters, but layers of humor and nuance added to the mix that made this movie one I will watch over and over again.
What about your keeper books versus the books you read and said, "meh"? What did they have in common with Star Trek?
I don't know about you, but I'd have to go with MANY LAYERED CHARACTERS. And the best thing you can do for your stories is to give your characters layers--like SHREK when he was describing an ogre and talking about the layers of an onion.
This is why a first draft isn't a final draft. Most writers don't truly know their characters until they finish the story. I don't care how many character charts or arcs or whatever the you diddle with, it isn't until you throw disastrous stuff at your characters and write their reactions do you really know who they are.
If you haven't seen STAR TREK, watch it. If you aren't a trekkie, who cares? But study the characters, their personalities, and their interactions with each other. I bet you can add character layering to your writing arsenal, too.
Write on!
11/12/10
NaNo--Not Happening
Word count for DEMON: 26,789 words
I really tried to do NaNO.
And I have to admit that I am writing more in the month of November than I normally do, but . . .
it just isn't happening for me. November is the reason that I've NEVER signed up for NaNo before. It's a busy, busy month. I have my daughter's birthday. The first party is on the 20th for her classmates and the second party at my house for family on the 21st. And though it's a relatively small gathering, we could have up to 28 people in the house. I have family coming into town staying with us for Thanksgiving, probably on the 22nd, and DAYS of cooking.
I'm not complaining. Heck, far from it. I LOVE all the stuff going on, but it's unrealistic for me to sit and write 50,000 words.
Plus, I put too much pressure on myself by dinking away my September and October. If I had prepared to do NaNo and prepared to enter RWA's Golden Heart a little earlier, this would be a different blog post.
On Wednesday, I had an epiphany. There was NO POSSIBLE WAY I could get DEMON to the point where I felt comfortable enough to fork over $50 to enter the GH. So I scrubbed that idea.
Once that pressure was off my back I took a breath and reevaluated.
I had received an email from the MARA coordinators that I had a week to to tweak DEMON before they sent the HM's to the editors. Virtually every judge from all three contests had a problem with my synopsis . . . and, true confessions here, I did, too.
--I KNEW I concentrated on the plot and not the romance.
--I KNEW I told too much back story of the under layers of the story
--Why did I know this, but didn't change it? Because I HADN'T WRITTEN ENOUGH OF THE STORY TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT.
On an aside: Selling scares the shit out me for precisely this reason. Published authors sell on proposal, which is synopsis and three chapters. I write by the seat of my pants. I don't have a road map to follow. yes, I'm pulling the story out of my ass as I write. I discover stuff when I write. I just found out there are ghouls in this story and they gang up on my heroine. Hero rescues her and takes her to cemetery. Who knew? I didn't. And yes, I know ghouls originate in cemeteries like zombies, but I'll figure out this problem.
So, I'm cleaning up my submission and rewriting my synopsis. End of story.
Does this mean I'm quitting? Heck, no! But others may think that. I don't care what anyone else thinks. This is all about me and MY career. I'm simply taking a jog around an obstacle in my writing path. I'm still going to try to hit my 50K, but I've taken the NEED to hit 50K OUT of the equation.
My current goal for DEMON is to finish the first draft by the end of the year. Doable even with the holiday chaos upon us.
Later, gators! Write on!
I really tried to do NaNO.
And I have to admit that I am writing more in the month of November than I normally do, but . . .
it just isn't happening for me. November is the reason that I've NEVER signed up for NaNo before. It's a busy, busy month. I have my daughter's birthday. The first party is on the 20th for her classmates and the second party at my house for family on the 21st. And though it's a relatively small gathering, we could have up to 28 people in the house. I have family coming into town staying with us for Thanksgiving, probably on the 22nd, and DAYS of cooking.
I'm not complaining. Heck, far from it. I LOVE all the stuff going on, but it's unrealistic for me to sit and write 50,000 words.
Plus, I put too much pressure on myself by dinking away my September and October. If I had prepared to do NaNo and prepared to enter RWA's Golden Heart a little earlier, this would be a different blog post.
On Wednesday, I had an epiphany. There was NO POSSIBLE WAY I could get DEMON to the point where I felt comfortable enough to fork over $50 to enter the GH. So I scrubbed that idea.
Once that pressure was off my back I took a breath and reevaluated.
I had received an email from the MARA coordinators that I had a week to to tweak DEMON before they sent the HM's to the editors. Virtually every judge from all three contests had a problem with my synopsis . . . and, true confessions here, I did, too.
--I KNEW I concentrated on the plot and not the romance.
--I KNEW I told too much back story of the under layers of the story
--Why did I know this, but didn't change it? Because I HADN'T WRITTEN ENOUGH OF THE STORY TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT.
On an aside: Selling scares the shit out me for precisely this reason. Published authors sell on proposal, which is synopsis and three chapters. I write by the seat of my pants. I don't have a road map to follow. yes, I'm pulling the story out of my ass as I write. I discover stuff when I write. I just found out there are ghouls in this story and they gang up on my heroine. Hero rescues her and takes her to cemetery. Who knew? I didn't. And yes, I know ghouls originate in cemeteries like zombies, but I'll figure out this problem.
So, I'm cleaning up my submission and rewriting my synopsis. End of story.
Does this mean I'm quitting? Heck, no! But others may think that. I don't care what anyone else thinks. This is all about me and MY career. I'm simply taking a jog around an obstacle in my writing path. I'm still going to try to hit my 50K, but I've taken the NEED to hit 50K OUT of the equation.
My current goal for DEMON is to finish the first draft by the end of the year. Doable even with the holiday chaos upon us.
Later, gators! Write on!
11/10/10
Sharpen your claws on Short stories
NaNo update : I'm up to 25,000 words. I've had a couple of really good writing days.
I have to say that I LOVE reading short stories. In fact, I'm reading a compilation of short stories called, WOLFSBANE AND MISTLETOE. Each of these stories has only two things in common: werewolves and Christmas. Charlaine Harris edited it and yes, I must confess this was the very first Sookie Stackhouse story that I've read. Reading an anthology is a wonderful way of discovering new-to-you authors without having to invest too much money by buying a book.
I love writing them, too. But I haven't always felt that way. I didn't think I could write one if my life depended on it. I'm not here to say that writing shorts are easy, but they can be fun. My serial blogs are short stories, but I try to tailor the story to have a hook at the end of each post.
Novels, shorts, and even flash fiction all have the same structure in common, the story must have a beginning, middle and an end. All you need to do as an author is to challenge your writing chops. One weekend I was bored and came across Janet Reid's blog challenge. She'd listed 5 words and you have to write a story using the five words WITHIN A 100 WORD LIMIT.
After thinking about it for a couple of hours I came up with this, my first flash fiction story:
Try the challenge. You might open up your muse.
Write on!
I have to say that I LOVE reading short stories. In fact, I'm reading a compilation of short stories called, WOLFSBANE AND MISTLETOE. Each of these stories has only two things in common: werewolves and Christmas. Charlaine Harris edited it and yes, I must confess this was the very first Sookie Stackhouse story that I've read. Reading an anthology is a wonderful way of discovering new-to-you authors without having to invest too much money by buying a book.
I love writing them, too. But I haven't always felt that way. I didn't think I could write one if my life depended on it. I'm not here to say that writing shorts are easy, but they can be fun. My serial blogs are short stories, but I try to tailor the story to have a hook at the end of each post.
Novels, shorts, and even flash fiction all have the same structure in common, the story must have a beginning, middle and an end. All you need to do as an author is to challenge your writing chops. One weekend I was bored and came across Janet Reid's blog challenge. She'd listed 5 words and you have to write a story using the five words WITHIN A 100 WORD LIMIT.
The words:
Honeywagon
Flaws
Stake
Pivotal
fairbank
“Honeywagon, you gotta plugged tank?”
“Yes, follow me.” I led him to the backyard.
“Well, Mrs. Fairbank, I see one of the pivotal flaws that caused your sewage tank to overfill.”
“Oh, what is it?”
“Uh, Ma’am, there seems to be a body in the hatch.”
“Damn! I knew I should have taken the stake out of Edward’s heart before I shoved him in there.” I deliberately caught his gaze. “I certainly hope you are for Team Jacob.”
“Yes, follow me.” I led him to the backyard.
“Well, Mrs. Fairbank, I see one of the pivotal flaws that caused your sewage tank to overfill.”
“Oh, what is it?”
“Uh, Ma’am, there seems to be a body in the hatch.”
“Damn! I knew I should have taken the stake out of Edward’s heart before I shoved him in there.” I deliberately caught his gaze. “I certainly hope you are for Team Jacob.”
Try the challenge. You might open up your muse.
Write on!
11/8/10
Laid Back Weekend
My long weekend started off very simply. The kidlet was out of school on Friday. Only the Good Lord and the Union School board knows why they planned a teacher professional day when they could have tacked it onto Fall break, giving us SIX blissful days lounging around in our underwear.
But they didn't.
I tried to write, only getting a measly 1409 words written, but alas, I can't blame my hideous performance on the kidlet. She did as I requested. She left me alone. So I only have myself and Laura to blame.
Who's Laura, you ask? Well, Laura and I belong to the same goals group and the goals group has a chat site and we do writing sprints. I usually love kicking Laura's ass during the sprints, but she had some issues with her story, so we mainly brainstormed.
If she doesn't come up with a logline, then I'm going to have to go to Florida to kick some Laura butt, but that's another story.
Anyhoo, the hubster came home early and the three of us went to IT'S GREEK TO ME for gyros and then the theater to see MEGAMIND. I liked the movie. I must say Minion was too cute, and the director managed to rein in Will Ferrell's psychoses into a fun character. In fact, I thought about answering the phone when it rang with an, "Ollo" instead of my normal "Yellow". Yes, I do say that instead of the traditional "Hello". My kidlet has also begun the habit.
Ah, the rotten apple doesn't fall far, does it??
To tell you the truth, I don't remember a whole lot about the weekend, except we went to a 'barn-raising' party. Ah, yeah, hubster reminded me.
He bathed the dog. I watched.
He fixed an outdoor faucet. I watched.
In between, I read. It was a good weekend.
Then we went to the barn party. The barn was already up, with a cement floor and insulated walls, which meant it really wasn't a 'real' barn. The food and company were fun, and while the kidlet went on a hayride I forced the hubster to learn how to square dance with me. Ah, good times. :-)
Sunday was just as laid back. Church, clean the house, do laundry (still doing laundry while writing blog) and a Sam's run. Hubster made the mistake of looking at Nintendo DS games with the kidlet, allowing me time to peruse the book--I SCORED FOUR CHRISTMAS BOOKS!! Hehehee, sucka!
So that was my weekend. Now the dog smells fresh and doesn't have any dingleberries hanging from her butt--Sheepdog, ya know. The house is clean. Laundry is caught up. I meditated in church about my story and I'm good to go.
So, this week, I need to kick DEMON into high gear and write at least 20,000 words. Oh, and I promised hubby, I'd actually attempt to workout this week. *sigh*
So who's with me?? I can't hear you!!!
Write on!!
Uh, please, periodically kick my ass into gear.
But they didn't.
I tried to write, only getting a measly 1409 words written, but alas, I can't blame my hideous performance on the kidlet. She did as I requested. She left me alone. So I only have myself and Laura to blame.
Who's Laura, you ask? Well, Laura and I belong to the same goals group and the goals group has a chat site and we do writing sprints. I usually love kicking Laura's ass during the sprints, but she had some issues with her story, so we mainly brainstormed.
If she doesn't come up with a logline, then I'm going to have to go to Florida to kick some Laura butt, but that's another story.
Anyhoo, the hubster came home early and the three of us went to IT'S GREEK TO ME for gyros and then the theater to see MEGAMIND. I liked the movie. I must say Minion was too cute, and the director managed to rein in Will Ferrell's psychoses into a fun character. In fact, I thought about answering the phone when it rang with an, "Ollo" instead of my normal "Yellow". Yes, I do say that instead of the traditional "Hello". My kidlet has also begun the habit.
Ah, the rotten apple doesn't fall far, does it??
To tell you the truth, I don't remember a whole lot about the weekend, except we went to a 'barn-raising' party. Ah, yeah, hubster reminded me.
He bathed the dog. I watched.
He fixed an outdoor faucet. I watched.
In between, I read. It was a good weekend.
Then we went to the barn party. The barn was already up, with a cement floor and insulated walls, which meant it really wasn't a 'real' barn. The food and company were fun, and while the kidlet went on a hayride I forced the hubster to learn how to square dance with me. Ah, good times. :-)
Sunday was just as laid back. Church, clean the house, do laundry (still doing laundry while writing blog) and a Sam's run. Hubster made the mistake of looking at Nintendo DS games with the kidlet, allowing me time to peruse the book--I SCORED FOUR CHRISTMAS BOOKS!! Hehehee, sucka!
So that was my weekend. Now the dog smells fresh and doesn't have any dingleberries hanging from her butt--Sheepdog, ya know. The house is clean. Laundry is caught up. I meditated in church about my story and I'm good to go.
So, this week, I need to kick DEMON into high gear and write at least 20,000 words. Oh, and I promised hubby, I'd actually attempt to workout this week. *sigh*
So who's with me?? I can't hear you!!!
Write on!!
Uh, please, periodically kick my ass into gear.
11/5/10
Stuff
NaNo update: 3440 new words on DEMON, bringing my total up to 16892.
I have a lot more words to go if I want to get this ready for RWA's Golden Heart. And I'm still waffling over which category to enter it, paranormal or romantic elements. It's an Urban Fantasy with a romantic subplot. I still have ten days to decide.
Part of the reason I'm hesitant about entering it in paranormal is because I got sliced and diced in contest #2 that I entered. All the components (dialogue, characterization, emotion, description, viewpoint, opening) of the entry did well (4's and 5's) EXCEPT the HERO and ROMANTIC CONFLICT (1's . . . ouch). This story doesn't start hot and heavy like many paranormals, in fact, they don't even 'meet' until page 30. *sigh* I must think this through.
I ate lunch yesterday with writer friend Marilyn and her hubby Bob. It was a nice visit, we talked about everything. I did get to see her Kindle and I think that might work for my mom for Christmas, especially since the font size can be enlarged. I might have to make a point of attending RWI's next meeting just to see those ladies again. It's been a long time and I do miss the camaraderie of the group.
I got an interesting call last night. No, it wasn't anything big, but it was . . . interesting. I had entered the MARA contest and they take the top ten scores and send the entries to an editor and agent. I didn't make the top ten, BUT they took the entries that scored between 90-93% (6 of them) and decided to call them Honorable Mentions, PLUS they are sending those entries to the editor who is judging the category. Now, this member apologized that my entry wouldn't get recognition in the placings or winning any of the prizes, but I'm cool with that. I don't need recognition, I need to get my foot in the door of a publishing house and that is what this contest did for me.
Oh, and the editor judging the Paranormal category?
Meredith Giordan of Berkley Publishing Group. Yeah, I'm stoked.
Slight Addendum: Danielle Poiesz at Pocket will judge the paranormal category honorable mentions Again: foot in door and yes, I'm still stoked
Time to write.
I have a lot more words to go if I want to get this ready for RWA's Golden Heart. And I'm still waffling over which category to enter it, paranormal or romantic elements. It's an Urban Fantasy with a romantic subplot. I still have ten days to decide.
Part of the reason I'm hesitant about entering it in paranormal is because I got sliced and diced in contest #2 that I entered. All the components (dialogue, characterization, emotion, description, viewpoint, opening) of the entry did well (4's and 5's) EXCEPT the HERO and ROMANTIC CONFLICT (1's . . . ouch). This story doesn't start hot and heavy like many paranormals, in fact, they don't even 'meet' until page 30. *sigh* I must think this through.
I ate lunch yesterday with writer friend Marilyn and her hubby Bob. It was a nice visit, we talked about everything. I did get to see her Kindle and I think that might work for my mom for Christmas, especially since the font size can be enlarged. I might have to make a point of attending RWI's next meeting just to see those ladies again. It's been a long time and I do miss the camaraderie of the group.
I got an interesting call last night. No, it wasn't anything big, but it was . . . interesting. I had entered the MARA contest and they take the top ten scores and send the entries to an editor and agent. I didn't make the top ten, BUT they took the entries that scored between 90-93% (6 of them) and decided to call them Honorable Mentions, PLUS they are sending those entries to the editor who is judging the category. Now, this member apologized that my entry wouldn't get recognition in the placings or winning any of the prizes, but I'm cool with that. I don't need recognition, I need to get my foot in the door of a publishing house and that is what this contest did for me.
Oh, and the editor judging the Paranormal category?
Slight Addendum: Danielle Poiesz at Pocket will judge the paranormal category honorable mentions Again: foot in door and yes, I'm still stoked
Time to write.
11/3/10
The Basics of Good Storytelling
NaNo update: Edited DEMON synopsis. Edited 46 pages of DEMON, deleting five because I didn't want to sort through the mess. I wrote 1025 new words. The 'real' writing begins today
When I checked my yearly goals list recently I noticed I was lacking in my goal to reach 50 books by the end of the year. I have 15 books to read in the two busiest months of the year. Luckily, my daughter is getting a few MG books from Scholastic Book orders that I can read for 'research'. :-)
So I looked at my TBR pile and, out of seven books on my desk, three of them had been partially read. I stopped reading them for one reason or another. The currently published books weren't giving me the satisfaction that I needed. I took my pile upstairs and looked in my TBR box and my 'keeper' box. I finally found what I wanted to read.
The first book, I read in a little over a day. Julie Garwood's THE SECRET. I'm currently reading THE BRIDE, and then THE WEDDING will be next. These books were published in 1992, 1989, and 1996, respectively. I love, love, love her historicals, but won't read any of her contemporary stuff. I tried it, but it doesn't appeal to me.
So what do these books have that current books don't?
I don't really know. I can't pinpoint it. I'm drawn in by the characters, but the story keeps me reading.
She head hops like a fiend, but it works for the story and she does it well. It doesn't jolt me out of the story, rather it enhances my reading. Clue #1 for head hopping. There is tons of narrative, but again it works for the story.
Maybe that's what's missing from so many current books . . . the basic ability to tell a good story.
As writers, especially new writers, we get wrapped up in the 'rules'. THERE ARE NO RULES, PEOPLE! Yes, you need to know what head hopping is, what a POV character is, and all the other junk that belongs to the craft of writing, but deep down, the writer needs only one thing in her arsenal.
THE ABILITY TO TELL A GOOD STORY. Learn how to craft a story. Learn how to structure it. Learn to pace it appropriately for the genre. And then,
Screw the other stuff. Follow your gut and write it down.
Back to NaNoing. Write on!
When I checked my yearly goals list recently I noticed I was lacking in my goal to reach 50 books by the end of the year. I have 15 books to read in the two busiest months of the year. Luckily, my daughter is getting a few MG books from Scholastic Book orders that I can read for 'research'. :-)
So I looked at my TBR pile and, out of seven books on my desk, three of them had been partially read. I stopped reading them for one reason or another. The currently published books weren't giving me the satisfaction that I needed. I took my pile upstairs and looked in my TBR box and my 'keeper' box. I finally found what I wanted to read.
The first book, I read in a little over a day. Julie Garwood's THE SECRET. I'm currently reading THE BRIDE, and then THE WEDDING will be next. These books were published in 1992, 1989, and 1996, respectively. I love, love, love her historicals, but won't read any of her contemporary stuff. I tried it, but it doesn't appeal to me.
So what do these books have that current books don't?
I don't really know. I can't pinpoint it. I'm drawn in by the characters, but the story keeps me reading.
She head hops like a fiend, but it works for the story and she does it well. It doesn't jolt me out of the story, rather it enhances my reading. Clue #1 for head hopping. There is tons of narrative, but again it works for the story.
Maybe that's what's missing from so many current books . . . the basic ability to tell a good story.
As writers, especially new writers, we get wrapped up in the 'rules'. THERE ARE NO RULES, PEOPLE! Yes, you need to know what head hopping is, what a POV character is, and all the other junk that belongs to the craft of writing, but deep down, the writer needs only one thing in her arsenal.
THE ABILITY TO TELL A GOOD STORY. Learn how to craft a story. Learn how to structure it. Learn to pace it appropriately for the genre. And then,
Screw the other stuff. Follow your gut and write it down.
Back to NaNoing. Write on!
11/1/10
And So, It Begins . . .
NaNo, that is.
If you want to be my buddy, I'm magolla.
National Novel Writing Month, AKA NaNo, starts today, November 1, and participants have until the end of the month to write a 50,000 word novel. It's a good challenge as it forces a writer to actually sit and write, cranking out the words without the internal editor challenging every sentence.
The only problem is that 50K isn't really a novel-length novel. It works for middle grade and young adult, but it's too short for most genres and too long to call it a novella. But turning out a publishable product isn't the goal of NaNo, finishing a novel is.
There's a thing called editing, which involves fleshing out the subplots, the characters, and the entire storyline, while tweaking sentences and words. But that's what multiple drafts are all about.
This is my first year to 'officially' do NaNo. I know I can write 50K in 19 days, because I did it this last May when I wrote TROLL. But this time I have to write DEMON. I'm debating about entering RWA's Golden Heart and they want their money by 11/15, but you have to turn in a completed manuscript by 12/1. I'll see how the next week or two progresses and take it from there.
Which means I might be flaky with my blog posts. I'll try to post my stats as I write, but that's all I can promise.
NaNo is a HUGE challenge for me because this month is my daughter's birthday, we have company coming for Thanksgiving, plus all the Thanksgiving cooking. I'll have to go on Farmville and CafeWorld sabbatical, I guess.
Until later, Write on!
If you want to be my buddy, I'm magolla.
National Novel Writing Month, AKA NaNo, starts today, November 1, and participants have until the end of the month to write a 50,000 word novel. It's a good challenge as it forces a writer to actually sit and write, cranking out the words without the internal editor challenging every sentence.
The only problem is that 50K isn't really a novel-length novel. It works for middle grade and young adult, but it's too short for most genres and too long to call it a novella. But turning out a publishable product isn't the goal of NaNo, finishing a novel is.
There's a thing called editing, which involves fleshing out the subplots, the characters, and the entire storyline, while tweaking sentences and words. But that's what multiple drafts are all about.
This is my first year to 'officially' do NaNo. I know I can write 50K in 19 days, because I did it this last May when I wrote TROLL. But this time I have to write DEMON. I'm debating about entering RWA's Golden Heart and they want their money by 11/15, but you have to turn in a completed manuscript by 12/1. I'll see how the next week or two progresses and take it from there.
Which means I might be flaky with my blog posts. I'll try to post my stats as I write, but that's all I can promise.
NaNo is a HUGE challenge for me because this month is my daughter's birthday, we have company coming for Thanksgiving, plus all the Thanksgiving cooking. I'll have to go on Farmville and CafeWorld sabbatical, I guess.
Until later, Write on!
10/22/10
ABC’s of Contest Coordinating--Part Two
So how do you make a contest run smoothly?
Develop a timeline and stick to it. It doesn’t have to be a visible timeline for the entrants, but as coordinator, your life will go more smoothly because of it. Allow 5-7 days padding (after receiving the entries, after receiving the judged entries), just in case.
Make new email accounts for each contest category and check them DAILY. So if you change your personal email, who cares? The contest isn’t linked to any one person’s account it belongs to the contest.
Excel spreadsheets are your friend—use them for EVERYTHING
Backup, backup, backup! Plus send the info to another coordinator/friend who is on a different network, use an external backup (hard drive or flash)
If using PayPal to receive monies from entrants, the Treasurer needs to confirm with the category coordinator that payment has been received.
Cross-reference everything (list of judges, list of entrants, who is judging whom).
EVERYONE ON THE COMMITTEE NEEDS TO BE ON THE SAME PAGE—the contest coordinator is the rudder, it’s up to her to stress the communication factor, the fun factor, the thrill of communicating with various editors and agents.
Usually editor/agents final judges are set up many months in advance. About a month out, someone needs to touch base with the final judges to see if they are still able to judge. One year, I had an erroneous email for one judge. She’d been waiting for her entries and never got them, but I sent them. . . . to the wrong place. Eventually she got the packet and it all worked out, but I felt awful! Some editors are horrible about reading the entries and ranking them. Personally, I wouldn’t enter a contest if that particular editor is a judge for my category.
Remember to be courteous. Send an email to each entrant acknowledging an entrants submission. This is where communication with the treasurer is paramount. Entrants spend a lot of money and energy getting a submission ready, the least the coordinator can do is let us know it arrived and she was able to open it. In the long run it will result in less hassle for the coordinator.
Every day the category coordinator needs to check the email inbox, processing the entries when they arrive otherwise you will get seriously snowed under. The category coordinator WILL get seriously snowed under during the last 48 hours—BE PREPARED! If you are surprised by this, then you are too stupid for your own good and let someone else handle the responsibility.
Post a copy of the score sheet on your contest web site. Judges and entrants want to know how detailed the comments will be. Trust me on this one.
Oh, DO NOT LET A POTENTIAL JUDGE REQUEST TO JUDGE A CATEGORY TO SEE “WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT.” True story here: A while back on one of the RWA loops, some idiot (yes, I know I’m playing fast and loose with the term) said she wanted to judge paranormal—she’d never read a paranormal story, but she wanted to see what the hubbub was about. Are you EFFIN’ serious??? If a coordinator finds this out, she needs to have a discussion with the judge. I’m sorry, but if you are going to judge a contest, pick the category you read or write. Don’t pick one out of the blue because you want to see what the big deal is. You aren’t doing the entrant or the chapter any favors if this is allowed to happen.
Get your judges lined up. You need to let them know when to expect their packet—remember the timeline?—USE IT. If you have a list from a previous year, send emails to the judges to see if they are interested in judging again. If their experience was a pleasant one, then they will. It will cut down on the time you’ll need lining up judges.
For example: If the deadline for the contest is 9/1 be prepared to have entries emailed to you as late as 11:58. And yes, I have emailed my entry this late before. It might be the night of 9/2 before you get everything logged in (email to entrant acknowledging submission, jotted on spread sheet with spaces for scores and list of judges, and generic email ready to go to the judge as you attach a copy of the entry). If you have been keeping up with it, you should have your judges sitting with a draft folder with the entries they are to judge. Allow yourself 5-7 days before you HAVE to get the entries into your judge’s hands. The sooner the better. MAKE THE JUDGE RESPOND TO THE EMAIL, ACKNOWLEDGING THEY RECEIVED THE PACKET, CAN OPEN THE SUBMISSIONS, AND HAVEN’T PREVIOUSLY JUDGED OR CRITIQUED THEM.
The same thing needs to happen in the reverse order when you get the judged entries back. Document the scores, scan the judge’s comment, have a generic email ready to send to the contest entrant attaching the judged entry, and thank the judge for being so prompt with their judging.
When you are 10 days out from when the entries are due—SEND THE JUDGES WHO HAVEN’T RETURNED THEIR PACKET A COUNTDOWN NOTE. Do this for 7,3, and 1 days left—be sure to take the compliant judges off the notification list. If you haven’t gotten response from a judge—start compiling packets to send to your standby judges. Yes, some judges go MIA and you need to have a plan already formulated and ready to go.
If your contest has a rule that the judge MUST comment on an entry when scoring a 3 or lower—FORCE THE FREAKIN’ JUDGE TO COMMENT. If the judge is late sending in the submission back and doesn’t answer your emails—BLACK BALL THEM FROM EVER JUDGING YOUR CONTEST AGAIN—AND PULL UP YOUR BIG GIRL COORDINATOR PANTIES AND FINISH THE DAMN JOB!!
This isn’t about how hard it is to coordinate a contest (yes, it’s hard)—it’s about client satisfaction. If you made a promise to your contest entrants that every entry will have comments, then you better have someone ready to judge on the fly and MAKE COMMENTS! This is where you have the reliable judges (the ones who finished their packet during the first week), your chapter mates and your reserve judges ready to do it on the fly.
IT ISN’T ABOUT THE JUDGE IT’S ABOUT YOUR CONTEST’S REPUTATION.
DO SEND ALL YOUR JUDGES A LIST OF THE FINALISTS. We want to know if one of our favorites finaled. I HATE having to find out from the loops. This is a simple courtesy that the list should be sent to judges and entrants alike. I mean, COME ON—HOW HARD IS IT TO BCC THE EMAILS???
Do NOT post the list of finalists until all the non-finalist entries are ready to be sent back. AGAIN, common courtesy. If you keep up with it, during the process, how hard is it? Simply have the list of the entrants (alphabetized, of course) in your draft folder. All you have to do is hit send.
Things I HATE:
--a single score sheet where the judge records their scores--talk about a clusterf*ck waiting to happen. Plus double work for the coordinator--if they are doing their job. They still have to cross check the addition, plus they need to see if the judge commented on scores below 3 (provided that was part of the contest guarentee). The argument is that it's easier for the coordinator, but I see it as easier for someone to skew their scores for their friends.
--judging grids. Many times in the past I was worried I scored the entries that I judged too low--it was nice to see that wasn't the case. EVERYTHING IS SUBJECTIVE, PEOPLE!! What I like, you might not like. I might see great storytelling and score high, but you might be nit-picking the grammar and score low. But, in the long run, it's not worth it for the judge OR the entrant to see where they landed in the grid. And yes, as an entrant, I saw that I was third from the bottom of 25 entries--and this was AFTER I had been writing for five years. It's a blow to one's writing ego that need not be delivered. FORGET THE GRIDS.
--wearing my judge's hat here: I'm sorry, but unless an entrant can't string a sentence together, head-hops like nobody's business, or adds a southern twang to a proper Brit's dialogue there is NO real reason to give someone below a 3 out of 5 as a score. A solid set of threes won't final, but it shouldn't totally destroy the writer's ego if accompanied by decent comments or even craft book recommendations. Some judges believe giving a 3 instead of a 1 is doing a disservice to the entrant, but IMO I feel they are overly cruel because of the anonymity of the judge. Be truthful, but not cruel.
I'm sure there are many other suggestions that can help potential coordinators. Please chime in if you have something to share that helped you.
Things I HATE:
--a single score sheet where the judge records their scores--talk about a clusterf*ck waiting to happen. Plus double work for the coordinator--if they are doing their job. They still have to cross check the addition, plus they need to see if the judge commented on scores below 3 (provided that was part of the contest guarentee). The argument is that it's easier for the coordinator, but I see it as easier for someone to skew their scores for their friends.
--judging grids. Many times in the past I was worried I scored the entries that I judged too low--it was nice to see that wasn't the case. EVERYTHING IS SUBJECTIVE, PEOPLE!! What I like, you might not like. I might see great storytelling and score high, but you might be nit-picking the grammar and score low. But, in the long run, it's not worth it for the judge OR the entrant to see where they landed in the grid. And yes, as an entrant, I saw that I was third from the bottom of 25 entries--and this was AFTER I had been writing for five years. It's a blow to one's writing ego that need not be delivered. FORGET THE GRIDS.
--wearing my judge's hat here: I'm sorry, but unless an entrant can't string a sentence together, head-hops like nobody's business, or adds a southern twang to a proper Brit's dialogue there is NO real reason to give someone below a 3 out of 5 as a score. A solid set of threes won't final, but it shouldn't totally destroy the writer's ego if accompanied by decent comments or even craft book recommendations. Some judges believe giving a 3 instead of a 1 is doing a disservice to the entrant, but IMO I feel they are overly cruel because of the anonymity of the judge. Be truthful, but not cruel.
I'm sure there are many other suggestions that can help potential coordinators. Please chime in if you have something to share that helped you.
Write on!
Next week will be my Halloween blog posting!
10/20/10
ABC’s of Contest Coordinating--Part One
I will start this blog topic by say that I have NEVER coordinated an unpublished contest, but I have co-coordinated a published contest when I belonged to my local RWA Chapter, Romance Writers Ink. There are some aspects of the contests that can be handled in a similar fashion, but other aspects of the contest—the fact that you have books to distribute to judges (whether handed out or mailed)—that must be handled differently. I must say that the two women who initiated me in the coordinating aspect of contests were the best: Susan Shay and Marilyn Pappano—Credit where credit’s due.
I have been a judge in NUMEROUS contests by many different RWA chapters. Some were run well, others could use some tweaking.
After a couple of years away from entering contests, due to concentrating on my middle grade writing, I decided to enter DEMON in a few contests.
Thus the reason for this blog, it’s a minor gritch-fest about a contest I entered with a deadline of August 15:
• The finalists were notified 10/5 and they had a week to tweak their entries. I have a friend who finaled –YAY, Cyndi!!
• After they turned in their tweaked entries 10/12, the list of finalists was officially announced
• I waited to receive my non-finaling entry
• After one week post the announcement, I sent the coordinator an email. She responded that she was getting around to it.
WHAT???
Okay, here’s my beef:
1) The scores have all been tallied to identify the finalists, which means ALL the entries have been judged and returned to the coordinator.
SO—why aren’t they ready to be sent back to the entrants??
2) If I had someone enquire about her entry—I would get my shit together and send that person their scored entries. Yeah, it can be a pain in the ass, but you would have made this entrant a happy camper and she wouldn’t be writing about you or your contest! But this coordinator didn’t do that, which makes me wonder about screw-ups in her system (lost entries, miscalculated scores, etc)
I realize not everyone is as anal and Virgoean as I am, but to be competent as a contest coordinator, I think efficiency should be part of the job description.
And if this coordinator is doing the ENTIRE contest on her own, she needs to learn to delegate responsibilities to others. One person doesn’t run a contest—a chapter runs the contest and though it can be run by one person—IT CAN’T BE RUN WELL. Like anything else, it takes a village to pull it off with ease.
Why?
Because it is all about consumer satisfaction.
Who is the client?
The contest entrant, who is forking over $30 bucks to get feedback or her entry in front of a specific final judge, be it agent or editor, is your client.
When you fail to return the entries in a timely fashion, who gets pissed?
The client. Then they complain online about the contest, complain to their chapter mates, or to anyone who will listen. AND they won’t enter your contest again, which ultimately results in lost revenue for the chapter. Oh, it might not matter the first or second year, but if a contest is run in this manner then the contest will get a bad rap, and yes, it will start to affect the overall # of entries, which in turn will decrease the chapter’s revenue.
• Oh, and on an aside, NEVER EVER CHANGE THE RULES DURING THE CONTEST. This happened to one of my entries years ago. I should have gotten a discrepancy judging because the point difference was 28 and the contest stated in the rules a discrepancy judging would happen if there was a difference of 25 points. I complained to the coordinator AND SHE HAD THE GALL TO CHANGE IT ON THE WEBSITE TO REFLECT HER ‘NEW’ JUDGING LIMITS OF 30 POINTS. I had a hard copy proving my point, but it didn’t seem to change her mind. This was a direct hit below the belt, and yes, I badmouthed that contest to my RWI sisters and refused to enter that contest again. And mentally told that coordinator to EAT SHIT AND DIE! This happened around eight years ago and I’m still hot about it. And yes, I emailed the president of the chapter—she did nothing. The nasty woman was even coordinator the next year.
Just don’t change anything while a contest is in progress. If you screwed up with the instructions, man up and take freakin’ responsibility for it. All I wanted was one more read. I knew it wouldn’t final, but the nasty woman wouldn’t even give me that.
Many contests now have three judges score an entry, but only calculate two scores—built in discrepancy. But make sure the entrant sees all the judged entries as the low scoring judge might have the most beneficial comments to the entrant. Do NOT assume you know better or you want to keep from hurting their feelings. Shit gets flung on you in this biz—get freakin’ used to it. Hell, ask any NYT bestseller about the trolls who don’t read their books, but post negative comments on Amazon. Shit happens—get used to it.
So the question becomes how do you make everyone happy?
COMMUNICATION
1) When you post the list of finalists, you should return the contest entries to the non-finalists within a day or two.
I can hear the whining now. “But, I work outside the house, plus write, I don’t have time.” Wah, wah, wah. Quit being such a baby.
If you can’t find the time to do a good job, then don’t volunteer.
Coordinating a contest or simply judging a contest is a huge time commitment. But if you do a little every day then it isn’t as overwhelming.
When I judge a contest, most coordinators will inform you when to expect your judging packet. I document this on a calendar in advance and plan my writing around it. If you discover that you will be on vacation, having surgery, a deadline or whatever at that time—contact your coordinator ASAP, so she can find another judge.
Common courtesy, it’s all about the domino effect, baby!
Suggestions for a smooth-running contest will be posted on Friday!
Write on!
I have been a judge in NUMEROUS contests by many different RWA chapters. Some were run well, others could use some tweaking.
After a couple of years away from entering contests, due to concentrating on my middle grade writing, I decided to enter DEMON in a few contests.
Thus the reason for this blog, it’s a minor gritch-fest about a contest I entered with a deadline of August 15:
• The finalists were notified 10/5 and they had a week to tweak their entries. I have a friend who finaled –YAY, Cyndi!!
• After they turned in their tweaked entries 10/12, the list of finalists was officially announced
• I waited to receive my non-finaling entry
• After one week post the announcement, I sent the coordinator an email. She responded that she was getting around to it.
WHAT???
Okay, here’s my beef:
1) The scores have all been tallied to identify the finalists, which means ALL the entries have been judged and returned to the coordinator.
SO—why aren’t they ready to be sent back to the entrants??
2) If I had someone enquire about her entry—I would get my shit together and send that person their scored entries. Yeah, it can be a pain in the ass, but you would have made this entrant a happy camper and she wouldn’t be writing about you or your contest! But this coordinator didn’t do that, which makes me wonder about screw-ups in her system (lost entries, miscalculated scores, etc)
I realize not everyone is as anal and Virgoean as I am, but to be competent as a contest coordinator, I think efficiency should be part of the job description.
And if this coordinator is doing the ENTIRE contest on her own, she needs to learn to delegate responsibilities to others. One person doesn’t run a contest—a chapter runs the contest and though it can be run by one person—IT CAN’T BE RUN WELL. Like anything else, it takes a village to pull it off with ease.
Why?
Because it is all about consumer satisfaction.
Who is the client?
The contest entrant, who is forking over $30 bucks to get feedback or her entry in front of a specific final judge, be it agent or editor, is your client.
When you fail to return the entries in a timely fashion, who gets pissed?
The client. Then they complain online about the contest, complain to their chapter mates, or to anyone who will listen. AND they won’t enter your contest again, which ultimately results in lost revenue for the chapter. Oh, it might not matter the first or second year, but if a contest is run in this manner then the contest will get a bad rap, and yes, it will start to affect the overall # of entries, which in turn will decrease the chapter’s revenue.
• Oh, and on an aside, NEVER EVER CHANGE THE RULES DURING THE CONTEST. This happened to one of my entries years ago. I should have gotten a discrepancy judging because the point difference was 28 and the contest stated in the rules a discrepancy judging would happen if there was a difference of 25 points. I complained to the coordinator AND SHE HAD THE GALL TO CHANGE IT ON THE WEBSITE TO REFLECT HER ‘NEW’ JUDGING LIMITS OF 30 POINTS. I had a hard copy proving my point, but it didn’t seem to change her mind. This was a direct hit below the belt, and yes, I badmouthed that contest to my RWI sisters and refused to enter that contest again. And mentally told that coordinator to EAT SHIT AND DIE! This happened around eight years ago and I’m still hot about it. And yes, I emailed the president of the chapter—she did nothing. The nasty woman was even coordinator the next year.
Just don’t change anything while a contest is in progress. If you screwed up with the instructions, man up and take freakin’ responsibility for it. All I wanted was one more read. I knew it wouldn’t final, but the nasty woman wouldn’t even give me that.
Many contests now have three judges score an entry, but only calculate two scores—built in discrepancy. But make sure the entrant sees all the judged entries as the low scoring judge might have the most beneficial comments to the entrant. Do NOT assume you know better or you want to keep from hurting their feelings. Shit gets flung on you in this biz—get freakin’ used to it. Hell, ask any NYT bestseller about the trolls who don’t read their books, but post negative comments on Amazon. Shit happens—get used to it.
So the question becomes how do you make everyone happy?
COMMUNICATION
1) When you post the list of finalists, you should return the contest entries to the non-finalists within a day or two.
I can hear the whining now. “But, I work outside the house, plus write, I don’t have time.” Wah, wah, wah. Quit being such a baby.
If you can’t find the time to do a good job, then don’t volunteer.
Coordinating a contest or simply judging a contest is a huge time commitment. But if you do a little every day then it isn’t as overwhelming.
When I judge a contest, most coordinators will inform you when to expect your judging packet. I document this on a calendar in advance and plan my writing around it. If you discover that you will be on vacation, having surgery, a deadline or whatever at that time—contact your coordinator ASAP, so she can find another judge.
Common courtesy, it’s all about the domino effect, baby!
Suggestions for a smooth-running contest will be posted on Friday!
Write on!
10/18/10
Dis and Dat
My brain has just not been up to speed in the last few weeks. Personally, I think it's still on vacation at Disney World. Halloween is just around the corner and do I have ANY Halloween stuff up--NO. I don't know if I even want to put any stuff out. Come to think of it, it's probably the beautiful weather we've been having. Cool mornings and nice warm afternoons don't make me feel in the right autumnal mood.
Okay, list for today:
--climb in the teeny-tiny crawl space of an attic and find the Halloween stuff. I need to pull out the pumpkins to see if one will work with my kiddo's costume, but I think they will be too large. She's going to have to carry her pumpkin for candy around her neck/fake hands. Her costume is almost ready--it just needs some more blood on it to make it look good and creepy. And yes, I requested hubster to place the headless corpse out of direct eyesight of my desk.
--whack my Don Juan rose bush back to a reasonable size. Wrong time of year to cut back roses, but it's in attack mode and everyone who walks by gets strafed.
--schedule spaying for the Magster. Yep, there will NOT be sheepdog puppies in our future.
--visit with my bro and his wife. They leave on Wednesday and I haven't had a chance to talk to them. Hm, maybe dinner??
--I haven't written anything on my short story and I need to get my butt into gear on that since I'll have to start posting it next week
--I figured out what was wrong with DEMON and with a little deleting and rewriting, I should be able to make it work. And that's another blog post.
Write On!
Okay, list for today:
--climb in the teeny-tiny crawl space of an attic and find the Halloween stuff. I need to pull out the pumpkins to see if one will work with my kiddo's costume, but I think they will be too large. She's going to have to carry her pumpkin for candy around her neck/fake hands. Her costume is almost ready--it just needs some more blood on it to make it look good and creepy. And yes, I requested hubster to place the headless corpse out of direct eyesight of my desk.
--whack my Don Juan rose bush back to a reasonable size. Wrong time of year to cut back roses, but it's in attack mode and everyone who walks by gets strafed.
--schedule spaying for the Magster. Yep, there will NOT be sheepdog puppies in our future.
--visit with my bro and his wife. They leave on Wednesday and I haven't had a chance to talk to them. Hm, maybe dinner??
--I haven't written anything on my short story and I need to get my butt into gear on that since I'll have to start posting it next week
--I figured out what was wrong with DEMON and with a little deleting and rewriting, I should be able to make it work. And that's another blog post.
Write On!
10/15/10
Stupidity is Catching up to me! and other stuff
Okay, I KNOW y'all are dying to hear what stupid stuff I've been up to recently. It's not totally stupid--like those teenagers in scary movies--"Oh, let me turn off ALL the lights and then walk into the dark, dark basement to see what's knocking" stupid. More of a proverbial shot in the foot stupid.
Writer friends: If you aren't aware of this, then this is your one and only posting I'll be doing of this--Penguin currently is accepting slush. Yes, my friends, open submissions until the end of this month. So polish up your synopses and send away! And no, they never stated what types of books they are looking for, so in my mind it's a free-for-all. Onward ho! (uhm, the western slang, not the modern day 'ho').
Oh, the stupid thing I did? Well, I subbed a synopsis for a partially written book, DEMON. 12K isn't a full 90K manuscript. So if I DO manage to generate some interest, well, I'll be typing like a fiend! I've written fast before and can do it again. Well, I'll be typing like a fiend anyway, since I'd like to enter this story in RWA's Golden Heart contest, deadline 12/3 . . . or is that 12/5? Guess, I'd better check that out.
I also subbed my two middle grade stories, GNOME and FAERIE. Those are complete and highly polished. I'm currently querying FAERIE with various agents. I'll let you know if there is any news other than the 'not right for me'. And yes, out of 14 queries I've already secured 5 Rejections. Rejections bite, but they are a part of the biz so get used to them.
What else is new?
Were busy getting my kidlet's costume ready for Halloween. We started working on it in late September--it's going to look wicked! This year, she's a headless bride and I must say that we've had fun working on the infrastructure and now we are working on the blood. In the recent past, she's been a robot (w/flashing LED's that read 'FEED ME', a mummy (tearing up strips of tea-dyed muslin and spray gluing them on, hubster made cobra crown, scepter and ankh), a pumpkin-headed scarecrow. I'll post pictures next week.
Tomorrow is my mom's 89th birthday. She's a pretty remarkable woman. She raised 9 of us and we've all graduated from college, many of my sibs have advanced degrees. Not too shabby considering there were some seriously hard times along the way. We're taking her to P. F. Chang's for dinner. One of my bros is driving in, but he probably won't make it on her birthday.
I'm working on a Halloween blog. I'm pre-writing it, unlike the other two that I had put up. There's a little less pressure on me, especially with Fall break next week. This time around instead of posting on my regular M-W-F schedule, I'll post it everyday until finished. I'm shooting for 6-7 installments and plan to have it finished on Saturday, 10/30.
Oh, and I'm also starting to plan my Christmas candy making. Grand Marnier has a vanilla liqueur that's new this year and I realized I didn't have any vanilla truffles in my recipe file. I'll post a list of my truffle guts after Thanksgiving, post-kidlet's birthday, post-Halloween, post-finishing DEMON . . .
Hm, I'd better get my fat ass in gear if I want to get all this stuff done before the end of the year!
That's it for now. Today, I'd like to finish a rough draft if the Halloween blog (@ 2000 words to write). And I need to do some cutting and rewriting on DEMON to get it ready for me to charge ahead writing it on Monday.
Write on!
Writer friends: If you aren't aware of this, then this is your one and only posting I'll be doing of this--Penguin currently is accepting slush. Yes, my friends, open submissions until the end of this month. So polish up your synopses and send away! And no, they never stated what types of books they are looking for, so in my mind it's a free-for-all. Onward ho! (uhm, the western slang, not the modern day 'ho').
Oh, the stupid thing I did? Well, I subbed a synopsis for a partially written book, DEMON. 12K isn't a full 90K manuscript. So if I DO manage to generate some interest, well, I'll be typing like a fiend! I've written fast before and can do it again. Well, I'll be typing like a fiend anyway, since I'd like to enter this story in RWA's Golden Heart contest, deadline 12/3 . . . or is that 12/5? Guess, I'd better check that out.
I also subbed my two middle grade stories, GNOME and FAERIE. Those are complete and highly polished. I'm currently querying FAERIE with various agents. I'll let you know if there is any news other than the 'not right for me'. And yes, out of 14 queries I've already secured 5 Rejections. Rejections bite, but they are a part of the biz so get used to them.
What else is new?
Were busy getting my kidlet's costume ready for Halloween. We started working on it in late September--it's going to look wicked! This year, she's a headless bride and I must say that we've had fun working on the infrastructure and now we are working on the blood. In the recent past, she's been a robot (w/flashing LED's that read 'FEED ME', a mummy (tearing up strips of tea-dyed muslin and spray gluing them on, hubster made cobra crown, scepter and ankh), a pumpkin-headed scarecrow. I'll post pictures next week.
Tomorrow is my mom's 89th birthday. She's a pretty remarkable woman. She raised 9 of us and we've all graduated from college, many of my sibs have advanced degrees. Not too shabby considering there were some seriously hard times along the way. We're taking her to P. F. Chang's for dinner. One of my bros is driving in, but he probably won't make it on her birthday.
I'm working on a Halloween blog. I'm pre-writing it, unlike the other two that I had put up. There's a little less pressure on me, especially with Fall break next week. This time around instead of posting on my regular M-W-F schedule, I'll post it everyday until finished. I'm shooting for 6-7 installments and plan to have it finished on Saturday, 10/30.
Oh, and I'm also starting to plan my Christmas candy making. Grand Marnier has a vanilla liqueur that's new this year and I realized I didn't have any vanilla truffles in my recipe file. I'll post a list of my truffle guts after Thanksgiving, post-kidlet's birthday, post-Halloween, post-finishing DEMON . . .
Hm, I'd better get my fat ass in gear if I want to get all this stuff done before the end of the year!
That's it for now. Today, I'd like to finish a rough draft if the Halloween blog (@ 2000 words to write). And I need to do some cutting and rewriting on DEMON to get it ready for me to charge ahead writing it on Monday.
Write on!
10/13/10
Battle of the Air Fresheners
A few years ago, we moved Mr. Kato Kitty into our laundry room (it's a big laundry room) while we had new carpet laid.
The laundry room has remained his kitty-condo. He used to sleep up on the dryer (soothing warm rhythmic rumblings when it's running), but when we came home from Disney World, it became a different story. Mr. Kato is 20.5 years old and arthritis is claiming his ability to walk, much less jump.
He's lived a pretty good life, Mr. Kato has, with the exception of being harassed by two OES (Old English Sheepdogs). He outlived Katie, but this new pup, Maggie,--who isn't much of a pup any longer--is simply too much for him. He still has his teeth and until he stops eating, drinking, pooping and peeing, he's going to be in my laundry room. And yes, I'll put him to sleep if he gets to that point, but I'd rather he would simply not wake up some morning.
Heck--I've had him longer than I've known my hubster!
Anyway, when you have a 'cat room', it tends to get stinky. I clean the box when there is one poo--provided he even HITS the litter box! Yeah, he does leave a trail, but it's tile. I sweep multiple times daily and scrub the floor down more times than I care to admit--usually because he's puked his dinner or water all over the floor. Luckily, he usually manages to pee in the box.
I spoke too soon. When I was writing this on Tuesday, Mr. Kato missed his box and I had to Fantastic and hand scrub the floor, wash his kitty bed and blankie and then mop the room. Ye-ah, fun stuff.
Cat urine is NASTY!
Anyhoo, when you have stinky odors in a small area, well, it's noticeable--very noticeable. It will hit you in the face like a baseball bat when you come in from the garage.
I've started spraying his cat bed and litter box with Febreeze fabric spray. And it helps give it a nice clean scent.
But then, I got a coupon for some new Glade spray. Buy one get one free. I couldn't resist. So I bought one and got the second for free. I happily sprayed away.
and sprayed
and sprayed.
And you know what?
It smelled like poop-scented mango flowers.
I tried the other Glade spray. I don't remember the scent. Ocean breeze or something like that. Anyhoo, I manage to make the poop smell slightly oceany over the stench of cat pee and poop. It wasn't working for me.
So I go to my downstairs bathroom and grabbed the Febreeze I had in there. Mistletoe and Magic. Yeah, from LAST Christmas. I don't go through Febreeze very often. So I sprayed it in Mr. Kato's room.
I sniffed.
It . . . smelled . . . nice. Like Mistletoe and, dare I say it?. . . Magic.
I promptly bought a Febreeze spray for the laundry room. Cranberry and frost.
The product works wonders, just like their commercial touts. It doesn't mask odors, it makes them go away. And especially in such a tiny room.
Motto of this story: stick with the good products. screw coupons, because you end up spending more money than saving in the long run.
Oh, and those two containers of Glade? I sent them to work with the hubster to donate to the bathrooms.
Write on!
The laundry room has remained his kitty-condo. He used to sleep up on the dryer (soothing warm rhythmic rumblings when it's running), but when we came home from Disney World, it became a different story. Mr. Kato is 20.5 years old and arthritis is claiming his ability to walk, much less jump.
He's lived a pretty good life, Mr. Kato has, with the exception of being harassed by two OES (Old English Sheepdogs). He outlived Katie, but this new pup, Maggie,--who isn't much of a pup any longer--is simply too much for him. He still has his teeth and until he stops eating, drinking, pooping and peeing, he's going to be in my laundry room. And yes, I'll put him to sleep if he gets to that point, but I'd rather he would simply not wake up some morning.
Heck--I've had him longer than I've known my hubster!
Anyway, when you have a 'cat room', it tends to get stinky. I clean the box when there is one poo--provided he even HITS the litter box! Yeah, he does leave a trail, but it's tile. I sweep multiple times daily and scrub the floor down more times than I care to admit--usually because he's puked his dinner or water all over the floor. Luckily, he usually manages to pee in the box.
I spoke too soon. When I was writing this on Tuesday, Mr. Kato missed his box and I had to Fantastic and hand scrub the floor, wash his kitty bed and blankie and then mop the room. Ye-ah, fun stuff.
Cat urine is NASTY!
Anyhoo, when you have stinky odors in a small area, well, it's noticeable--very noticeable. It will hit you in the face like a baseball bat when you come in from the garage.
I've started spraying his cat bed and litter box with Febreeze fabric spray. And it helps give it a nice clean scent.
But then, I got a coupon for some new Glade spray. Buy one get one free. I couldn't resist. So I bought one and got the second for free. I happily sprayed away.
and sprayed
and sprayed.
And you know what?
It smelled like poop-scented mango flowers.
I tried the other Glade spray. I don't remember the scent. Ocean breeze or something like that. Anyhoo, I manage to make the poop smell slightly oceany over the stench of cat pee and poop. It wasn't working for me.
So I go to my downstairs bathroom and grabbed the Febreeze I had in there. Mistletoe and Magic. Yeah, from LAST Christmas. I don't go through Febreeze very often. So I sprayed it in Mr. Kato's room.
I sniffed.
It . . . smelled . . . nice. Like Mistletoe and, dare I say it?. . . Magic.
I promptly bought a Febreeze spray for the laundry room. Cranberry and frost.
The product works wonders, just like their commercial touts. It doesn't mask odors, it makes them go away. And especially in such a tiny room.
Motto of this story: stick with the good products. screw coupons, because you end up spending more money than saving in the long run.
Oh, and those two containers of Glade? I sent them to work with the hubster to donate to the bathrooms.
Write on!
10/11/10
Aaarrgghhh! Pacing Issues!
When I was editing FAERIE last week, I knew something was wrong in chapters 7 & 8. I didn't know what it was, but I knew something was off. It was around pg 35 or the 25% mark. It was the climax scene from ACT ONE.
I made a note to myself on page one of the manuscript and continued editing. I could have fussed over it, but I wouldn't have gotten any insight into the problem if I didn't refresh my mind with the rest of the story. Remember, it had been five months since I looked at it.
So I kept editing. I reached chapter 14, the climax scene of ACT TWO. WOWZERS! What a difference! It moved! It kept me engaged. I wanted to know what happened next! This was what should have been happening with the previous climax. I sent a note to my goals group. I'll admit it was a slight whine, but it was more of a "geez, I suppose this happens to every writer." type of comment.
One writer thought it was the sagging middle--good call--but it wasn't the middle--IT WAS A FREAKIN' CLIMAX!
Another writer had a similar problem with it dragging in a critical scene. She cut the scene in half and ended up changing POV characters--good idea!--but it won't work for my scene. I'm only in this one POV for the middle grade novel.
Then I realized what Chapter 14 had that was missing in Chapters 7 & 8. To show increased pacing, I needed to tighten my sentences until they are squeaky--the bare minimum. I mentioned in a response that I needed to make them staccato: bam, bam, bam!
And another author chimed in: "Yes, change the cadence."
There you go. It's a pacing issue. I jotted a note to the top of my manuscript to keep in mind when I do my next round of edits.
I'm letting FAERIE rest this week. I need to get back to DEMON and finish it if I want to enter it in RWA's Golden Heart.
Oh, and I had a chapter like that in DEMON--it was the hero's first chapter. Want to know what I did?
I totally chopped it out. I kept it for reference, but it wasn't needed in this story.
It was the wrong time to intro the hero and all it did was slow the pacing and add unnecessary backstory.
Write on!
I made a note to myself on page one of the manuscript and continued editing. I could have fussed over it, but I wouldn't have gotten any insight into the problem if I didn't refresh my mind with the rest of the story. Remember, it had been five months since I looked at it.
So I kept editing. I reached chapter 14, the climax scene of ACT TWO. WOWZERS! What a difference! It moved! It kept me engaged. I wanted to know what happened next! This was what should have been happening with the previous climax. I sent a note to my goals group. I'll admit it was a slight whine, but it was more of a "geez, I suppose this happens to every writer." type of comment.
One writer thought it was the sagging middle--good call--but it wasn't the middle--IT WAS A FREAKIN' CLIMAX!
Another writer had a similar problem with it dragging in a critical scene. She cut the scene in half and ended up changing POV characters--good idea!--but it won't work for my scene. I'm only in this one POV for the middle grade novel.
Then I realized what Chapter 14 had that was missing in Chapters 7 & 8. To show increased pacing, I needed to tighten my sentences until they are squeaky--the bare minimum. I mentioned in a response that I needed to make them staccato: bam, bam, bam!
And another author chimed in: "Yes, change the cadence."
There you go. It's a pacing issue. I jotted a note to the top of my manuscript to keep in mind when I do my next round of edits.
I'm letting FAERIE rest this week. I need to get back to DEMON and finish it if I want to enter it in RWA's Golden Heart.
Oh, and I had a chapter like that in DEMON--it was the hero's first chapter. Want to know what I did?
I totally chopped it out. I kept it for reference, but it wasn't needed in this story.
It was the wrong time to intro the hero and all it did was slow the pacing and add unnecessary backstory.
Write on!
10/8/10
Hi, I'm Margaret and I'm a Lazy Writer
FINISHED THE FIRST ROUND OF EDITS ON FAERIE!!!
As I edited my first draft of FAERIE, I had to change virtually every sentence. In the process, I managed to cut roughly 10% of the story.
Why?
Because I'm a lazy writer in the first draft. I puke it out, and yes, I like doing it that way. In this particular story my main character is in first person, which tends to result in a lot of 'I' sentences. Even worse there was a lot of: I felt, I saw, I knew, I seemed, I heard, etc. etc.
This is very lazy writing because being in first person pretty much assumes the 'I' portion of the equation. Sometimes all I had to do was cut those first two words and the sentence worked, but many times I had to change the entire sentence.
Another lazy writer problem of mine is using multiple verb complexes. Oh, I'm sure there is some technical grammatical type of term for this, but I'm not a grammatical type of writer . . . so you get what you get and don't get in a snit.
For example: I might have thought about it.
Changes to: I thought about it.
Stupidly simple, right? It is. Don't worry about this stuff during your rough draft, unless you simply can't let it go. Instead, fix it on your second draft.
Why?
Because by the time you finish the draft, you know the WHOLE story (if you're a pantser like me) and you'll need to change the sentences to reflect the POV character's personality. FAERIE is written in the point-of-view of an eleven year old girl, and yes, the narrative is in her POV
BUT dialogue happens between numerous characters: a teacher, mom, a goblin PE teacher, a Down's Syndrome child, a young faerie, a faerie King, etc. Each of those characters speak differently than the others AND YOUR CHARACTER'S VOCABULARY AND RHYTHM MUST REFLECT THE DIFFERENCE.
That's it for today. I need to work on my serial Halloween blog. BWAHAHAHAHA . . .
Write on!
As I edited my first draft of FAERIE, I had to change virtually every sentence. In the process, I managed to cut roughly 10% of the story.
Why?
Because I'm a lazy writer in the first draft. I puke it out, and yes, I like doing it that way. In this particular story my main character is in first person, which tends to result in a lot of 'I' sentences. Even worse there was a lot of: I felt, I saw, I knew, I seemed, I heard, etc. etc.
This is very lazy writing because being in first person pretty much assumes the 'I' portion of the equation. Sometimes all I had to do was cut those first two words and the sentence worked, but many times I had to change the entire sentence.
Another lazy writer problem of mine is using multiple verb complexes. Oh, I'm sure there is some technical grammatical type of term for this, but I'm not a grammatical type of writer . . . so you get what you get and don't get in a snit.
For example: I might have thought about it.
Changes to: I thought about it.
Stupidly simple, right? It is. Don't worry about this stuff during your rough draft, unless you simply can't let it go. Instead, fix it on your second draft.
Why?
Because by the time you finish the draft, you know the WHOLE story (if you're a pantser like me) and you'll need to change the sentences to reflect the POV character's personality. FAERIE is written in the point-of-view of an eleven year old girl, and yes, the narrative is in her POV
BUT dialogue happens between numerous characters: a teacher, mom, a goblin PE teacher, a Down's Syndrome child, a young faerie, a faerie King, etc. Each of those characters speak differently than the others AND YOUR CHARACTER'S VOCABULARY AND RHYTHM MUST REFLECT THE DIFFERENCE.
That's it for today. I need to work on my serial Halloween blog. BWAHAHAHAHA . . .
Write on!
10/6/10
You Might not be ready to Publish, if--
My friend, Cythia D'Alba posted some "You might be a redneck, if--" type of jokes on my GIAM goals loop. But I can't credit this to Cyndi, but instead credit goes to Leigh Duncan who came up with this wonderful list. So, with her permission, I'm posting it for your enjoyment.
For those of you unfamiliar with some of the acronyms, I'll translate in red. :-)
So, I was talking with a couple of my writing pals about the mistakes we made as beginning writers, and I came up with this list of things every romance writer needs to know. Take a moment. Enjoy a laugh.
- If someone says “head hopping” and you think “rabbits,” you’re not ready to publish.
- If you think POV (Point Of View) is a new kind of economy car, you’re not ready to publish.
- If your manuscript includes the phrases “swashbuckling hero” or “ripped bodice,” you’re out of touch with today's market.
- If you think goal and motivation are the same thing, you could use a workshop or two. By the same token, if you’ve never heard of Deb Dixon (Goddess Extraordinaire), you’re not ready to publish.
- If someone says your story needs GMC (Goal, Motivation, and Conflict) and you go looking for car dealerships, you’re not ready to publish.
- If you think a black moment has something to do with the stock exchange, you’re not ready to publish.
- If you think conflict is an argument, you’re not ready to publish.
- If you’re writing romantic suspense and don’t have a villian, you’re not ready to publish.
- If the hero of your series contemporary doesn’t appear before the third chapter, you’re not ready to publish.
- If you think HEA (Happily Ever After) is a sexually transmitted disease, you’re not ready to publish.
- If your hero and heroine fall in love at first glance and lovingly hold hands right through their happily-ever-after moment, you need to join RWA (Romance Writers of America) and educate yourself on romance in today’s marketplace.
- If you chose to write romance because you thought it was easy, you’re not ready to publish.
Feel free to add to this list.
Editing FAERIE like a fiend and I should finish my first round of edits by Friday.
Write on!
For those of you unfamiliar with some of the acronyms, I'll translate in red. :-)
So, I was talking with a couple of my writing pals about the mistakes we made as beginning writers, and I came up with this list of things every romance writer needs to know. Take a moment. Enjoy a laugh.
- If someone says “head hopping” and you think “rabbits,” you’re not ready to publish.
- If you think POV (Point Of View) is a new kind of economy car, you’re not ready to publish.
- If your manuscript includes the phrases “swashbuckling hero” or “ripped bodice,” you’re out of touch with today's market.
- If you think goal and motivation are the same thing, you could use a workshop or two. By the same token, if you’ve never heard of Deb Dixon (Goddess Extraordinaire), you’re not ready to publish.
- If someone says your story needs GMC (Goal, Motivation, and Conflict) and you go looking for car dealerships, you’re not ready to publish.
- If you think a black moment has something to do with the stock exchange, you’re not ready to publish.
- If you think conflict is an argument, you’re not ready to publish.
- If you’re writing romantic suspense and don’t have a villian, you’re not ready to publish.
- If the hero of your series contemporary doesn’t appear before the third chapter, you’re not ready to publish.
- If you think HEA (Happily Ever After) is a sexually transmitted disease, you’re not ready to publish.
- If your hero and heroine fall in love at first glance and lovingly hold hands right through their happily-ever-after moment, you need to join RWA (Romance Writers of America) and educate yourself on romance in today’s marketplace.
- If you chose to write romance because you thought it was easy, you’re not ready to publish.
Feel free to add to this list.
Editing FAERIE like a fiend and I should finish my first round of edits by Friday.
Write on!
10/4/10
A Character's Past Deeply Affects Her Now
I've written about this topic before: Character's Baggage. But this looks at it from a different angle.
A fire-rapid discussion occurred on my goals loop last week. It centered around the heroine's backstory (BS). Though the BS is off-stage, so to speak, a writer MUST remember that EVERYTHING about a character's past will effect her in the now. And it wasn't a light-hearted BS, it was tough BS--domestic violence. Depending on the depth of the violence, it could turn the story into a far deeper well than the author was ready to commit to.
Why?
Let's go with a stalker scenario. Main character (MC) has a stalker in her past. He called. Left notes. Texted, etc. She took extra precautions, changed phone numbers, took self-defense classes, bought a gun, and basically became a recluse. Eventually stalker manages to get into her apartment and messes with her. Eventually the Stalker is caught and jailed, killed, or whatever.
Do you think she'll lighten up? Be less paranoid?
No effin' WAY!!
She'll still be frightened of her shadow, jump at noises or a ringing phone. Oh, over time, she'll seem to become more self confident, but the reality is she will just have a better front. Ten years later, with therapy, she might be doing good, life is good--but then throw in a weird phone call or someone with a similar voice will trigger memories. Paranoia might set in again.
Every character has baggage. That baggage forms who they are and how they act/react.
A writer can't just throw a backstory (or unrealistic ending for that backstory) into the picture that doesn't make sense to the reader. A perfect example of this debacle (IMO) of unrealistic endings was THE HORSE WHISPERER.
Why?
Because a horseman with forty years plus years of experience would never commit suicide by horse trampling. EVER. I don't care if he has an inoperable cancer/tumor or whatever. Horsemen DO NOT GIVE UP, they react. They are the fighters of the world, always have been and always will be.
--and yes, I felt cheated and NEVER WILL READ ANOTHER BOOK BY NICHOLAS EVANS PERIOD
The darker the BS, the darker and more damaged the character. MC's who have seriously damaged characters have a lot of growth they must accomplish in the space of the book. A perfect example of this is Karin Harlow's character Jax in ENEMY LOVER. A cop, she was set up. She was raped (w/children looking on) and beaten by a drug lord, and eventually he's murdered and she takes the fall (sorry, I can't remember if she actually did it or not--been too long since I read the book). A cop in prison doesn't do well. She's HARD, as hard as a diamond. She's learned that to trust or let your guard down, you get hurt and betrayed.
Another scenario: Our house was robbed when I was 12. Yes, that's over 37 years ago. I still have a ritual of checking ALL the locks on the house before I go to bed. One small incident changed me for life. So even kids have baggage, most of the time it's the middle child syndrome or trying to live up to the older bros or sis's, but it could also be deeper--losing a parent, having a parent in jail, abuse, etc.
My MG character finds out she was adopted. Depending on her personality, she could be devastated by this news or she have it not bother her. I have two friends who were adopted: one was devastated, the other didn't care.
It happens. Just make sure that your character's past defines how she deals with the now. It must make sense.
Write on!
A fire-rapid discussion occurred on my goals loop last week. It centered around the heroine's backstory (BS). Though the BS is off-stage, so to speak, a writer MUST remember that EVERYTHING about a character's past will effect her in the now. And it wasn't a light-hearted BS, it was tough BS--domestic violence. Depending on the depth of the violence, it could turn the story into a far deeper well than the author was ready to commit to.
Why?
Let's go with a stalker scenario. Main character (MC) has a stalker in her past. He called. Left notes. Texted, etc. She took extra precautions, changed phone numbers, took self-defense classes, bought a gun, and basically became a recluse. Eventually stalker manages to get into her apartment and messes with her. Eventually the Stalker is caught and jailed, killed, or whatever.
Do you think she'll lighten up? Be less paranoid?
No effin' WAY!!
She'll still be frightened of her shadow, jump at noises or a ringing phone. Oh, over time, she'll seem to become more self confident, but the reality is she will just have a better front. Ten years later, with therapy, she might be doing good, life is good--but then throw in a weird phone call or someone with a similar voice will trigger memories. Paranoia might set in again.
Every character has baggage. That baggage forms who they are and how they act/react.
A writer can't just throw a backstory (or unrealistic ending for that backstory) into the picture that doesn't make sense to the reader. A perfect example of this debacle (IMO) of unrealistic endings was THE HORSE WHISPERER.
Why?
Because a horseman with forty years plus years of experience would never commit suicide by horse trampling. EVER. I don't care if he has an inoperable cancer/tumor or whatever. Horsemen DO NOT GIVE UP, they react. They are the fighters of the world, always have been and always will be.
--and yes, I felt cheated and NEVER WILL READ ANOTHER BOOK BY NICHOLAS EVANS PERIOD
The darker the BS, the darker and more damaged the character. MC's who have seriously damaged characters have a lot of growth they must accomplish in the space of the book. A perfect example of this is Karin Harlow's character Jax in ENEMY LOVER. A cop, she was set up. She was raped (w/children looking on) and beaten by a drug lord, and eventually he's murdered and she takes the fall (sorry, I can't remember if she actually did it or not--been too long since I read the book). A cop in prison doesn't do well. She's HARD, as hard as a diamond. She's learned that to trust or let your guard down, you get hurt and betrayed.
Another scenario: Our house was robbed when I was 12. Yes, that's over 37 years ago. I still have a ritual of checking ALL the locks on the house before I go to bed. One small incident changed me for life. So even kids have baggage, most of the time it's the middle child syndrome or trying to live up to the older bros or sis's, but it could also be deeper--losing a parent, having a parent in jail, abuse, etc.
My MG character finds out she was adopted. Depending on her personality, she could be devastated by this news or she have it not bother her. I have two friends who were adopted: one was devastated, the other didn't care.
It happens. Just make sure that your character's past defines how she deals with the now. It must make sense.
Write on!
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