What do you do when you come to the END of yourself?
Read this AWESOME post:
http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/2011/01/coming-to-end-of-ourselves.html
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Query Letter Rejections
Rejection SUCKS makes us stronger.
Here's your link for the day: I love Mary Kole's blog. :)
In addition to the link above, you can click on the tag "rejection" on Mary's side bar and read a lot of great posts on the topic.
So, in theory, "personalized" rejections are a good sign. I get that. Intellectually. However, emotionally, those personalized rejections are agonizing because it feels like... oh... so close... but not quite...
I've been getting a lot of those personalized rejections lately. Which, don't get me wrong here, I am very grateful to be moving up the query ladder, and I am especially grateful for ANY response at all, but sitting on this precipice is making me dizzy.
How's your query process going for you? Are you getting more responses addressed "Dear Author" or are you getting some personalized responses?
Here's your link for the day: I love Mary Kole's blog. :)
In addition to the link above, you can click on the tag "rejection" on Mary's side bar and read a lot of great posts on the topic.
So, in theory, "personalized" rejections are a good sign. I get that. Intellectually. However, emotionally, those personalized rejections are agonizing because it feels like... oh... so close... but not quite...
I've been getting a lot of those personalized rejections lately. Which, don't get me wrong here, I am very grateful to be moving up the query ladder, and I am especially grateful for ANY response at all, but sitting on this precipice is making me dizzy.
How's your query process going for you? Are you getting more responses addressed "Dear Author" or are you getting some personalized responses?
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Williams-Sonoma OR Walmart?
When writing, do you ever pause to consider the accessories in your character's households? Do they shop at Williams-Sonoma or Walmart?
I'm not a coffee drinker, nor am I a big tea drinker; but I LOVE hot chocolate, and occassionaly, I enjoy a cup of herbal tea. I especially love the aroma of a fresh cup of tea. Years ago, my husband bought me a gorgeous tea kettle. I know I could use the microwave to warm an infrequent cup of water, but something about the process of putting water in the kettle and waiting for it to whistle brings me joy.
Luckily for me, my husband bought me a wonderful gift (picture below very similar to mine):
Frankly, I would have been sad if he'd gotten me the cheaper version:
We do actually own the second one as well... but we only take it camping, and it's covered with soot.
So... where does your main character shop? How would your character react to receiving one tea kettle over the other?
And keeping with the week's theme of leaving you a link for the day... here are two:
http://www.williams-sonoma.com/
http://www.walmart.com/
I'm not a coffee drinker, nor am I a big tea drinker; but I LOVE hot chocolate, and occassionaly, I enjoy a cup of herbal tea. I especially love the aroma of a fresh cup of tea. Years ago, my husband bought me a gorgeous tea kettle. I know I could use the microwave to warm an infrequent cup of water, but something about the process of putting water in the kettle and waiting for it to whistle brings me joy.
Luckily for me, my husband bought me a wonderful gift (picture below very similar to mine):
So... where does your main character shop? How would your character react to receiving one tea kettle over the other?
And keeping with the week's theme of leaving you a link for the day... here are two:
http://www.williams-sonoma.com/
http://www.walmart.com/
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
What Does Your Stuff Say about YOU?
"Of all the contexts in which we can learn about people — meetings, interviews, behavioral tests, personality questionnaires," Gosling writes, "bedrooms are the ones that give the most reliable information." For example, if you want to gauge if someone's truly tidy, you have to actually open the dresser drawer to check if the socks are rolled and filed by color.
read more from this USA today article here: STUFF
... so I'm wondering ... what does the bedroom of your m.c. look like? Have you included that in your ms?
read more from this USA today article here: STUFF
... so I'm wondering ... what does the bedroom of your m.c. look like? Have you included that in your ms?
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Submitting Query Letters & Manuscripts in the Digital Age
Maybe I should just post helpful links this week... What do you think?
I stumbled upon this post Monday and learned a few things about submissions! Check it out:
Query Letters & Manuscript Submissions
Have you come across a helpful blog post recently?
I stumbled upon this post Monday and learned a few things about submissions! Check it out:
Query Letters & Manuscript Submissions
Have you come across a helpful blog post recently?
Monday, January 24, 2011
Help Me Save the Cat!!
I love me a good contest! :)
And I love books on the craft of writing.
And I love Melissa Dean (she's an awesome critique partner!).
Put all three of these things together and you've got a book giveway at her website:
Click here to check out Melissa's easy contest for a great book!
And I love books on the craft of writing.
And I love Melissa Dean (she's an awesome critique partner!).
Put all three of these things together and you've got a book giveway at her website:
Click here to check out Melissa's easy contest for a great book!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Food... Yum
Been awhile since I wrote about the delicious pleasures of FOOD. Glorious food. Yum.
So, after standing for over 8 1/2 hours at work on Friday (and yes, I made a $13,000 sale - thank you very much) I walked in the front door to the fantastic aroma of COOKIES. YUM!
My 16-year-old son had been baking cookies all afternoon. Banana cookies, chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter cookies...oh delish. But after a couple of bites, I thought something tasted different. Not bad different. Just off different. I thought maybe he used more flour...or something. He said he did use more flour. Okay. Whatever. Give me more cookies.
Later, he came to me and asked me if I thought these two containers looked a lot alike:
I said, "Similar. Same size. Same lid. Why?"
He said, "Well, I didn't actually read the label first. And. Um. Yeah. I apparently used the Meringue Powder instead of Baking Powder."
...
Ha. Stinkin. Ha.
...
I thought they tasted "different." But not in a bad way.
I'll still eat them!! YUM!
Friday, January 21, 2011
Significant Other Blogfest!
I came across this great idea for a fun blogfest over at: http://dlcruisingaltitude.blogspot.com/
Sounded fun and not too hard... well, that was until I tried to convince my husband to participate! ha. ACK.
The "rules" of the blogfest said, "...you’re not allowed to censor or coach them in anyway, we want the hard-boiled truth! The good, the bad, and the ugly! We’d really like to see them step out from behind the curtain and tell us a little bit more about you…and them. We realize this may take some coaxing on your part, but just think how much fun this will be. They have an entire month to organize their thoughts (and emotions), but the important part is that they won’t be alone in doing this."
Well, he did have the necessary time to think about it but still didn't write anything for the post. The blogfest also had a few questions that we could ask our spouses and simply post their answers. So, I went with that option! Here it is:
1. What food or drink is guaranteed to return your loved one to a good mood, even after a bad day writing?
Healthy portion of chocolate.
2. What one thing would you change about your others writing habits?
She would be able to tune out the family commotion.
3. How hard is it to sit by and watch someone you care for struggle to attain a dream...knowing there's very little you can do to help?
There's always something we can do to help. A listening ear... try to reduce distractions... Bring her plenty of water... There's always something we can do to help.
When I said, "Boy that is pretty short!" He said, "I'm not a writer."
Ah. Valid point.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Love at Home
I have three teenagers. Need I say more? ha.
My husband and I *were* looking forward to a happy family day Monday since there was no school for them, and no work for him, but teenage hormones reared their pesky little heads and threatened to destroy our *happy* "Love at Home" kind of day.
Two choices as a parent: 1) yell at the kids and make them storm to their rooms 2) love them and make them laugh
While we are NOT perfect (ha, choke), we do our best to choose the 2nd option. Sometimes we even start by singing their least favorite song (I wonder how they'll remember it in thirty years?): Love at Home written by John Hugh McNaughton.
Some of my favorite words from the song:
"...There is joy in every sound, when there's love at home. Peace and plenty here abide, smiling sweet on every side...when there's love at home..."
Click here to view the full text and music via a really cool interactive music player.
Do you have teenagers? What strategies do you employ tofight those pesky hormones get along joyfully?
My husband and I *were* looking forward to a happy family day Monday since there was no school for them, and no work for him, but teenage hormones reared their pesky little heads and threatened to destroy our *happy* "Love at Home" kind of day.
Two choices as a parent: 1) yell at the kids and make them storm to their rooms 2) love them and make them laugh
While we are NOT perfect (ha, choke), we do our best to choose the 2nd option. Sometimes we even start by singing their least favorite song (I wonder how they'll remember it in thirty years?): Love at Home written by John Hugh McNaughton.
Some of my favorite words from the song:
"...There is joy in every sound, when there's love at home. Peace and plenty here abide, smiling sweet on every side...when there's love at home..."
Click here to view the full text and music via a really cool interactive music player.
Do you have teenagers? What strategies do you employ to
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Drunk on Writing
I realized something huge last week. I love writing.
What? You think I should have already known that? Well, of course I *knew* it, but the realization was more about how writing makes me feel GREAT!
Here's what happened: I had a hard time getting out of bed. The to-do list was long for the day (as it is most days), and I just didn't want to get up and face it. I wasn't depressed, but I recognized something was different that morning. The previous several days, I had hopped right out of bed, excited to get to my computer and continue the revisions that have been going SO WELL! So, that dreary morning, I realized the gloom was rooted in the fact that I would have NO time to write that day. I knew that when I went to bed the previous night, and so... what was the point in getting out of bed?! HA.
Seriously. When I *know* that I get to write for a certain time period, or even snippets throughout the day, I feel more alive and motivated.
I'm in love with writing, and while I don't do drugs or drink alcohol... I found this quote that is perfect for today:
You must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you. ~Ray Bradbury
How does writing influence your emotions? Do you have a favorite quote about writing? Share!
What? You think I should have already known that? Well, of course I *knew* it, but the realization was more about how writing makes me feel GREAT!
Here's what happened: I had a hard time getting out of bed. The to-do list was long for the day (as it is most days), and I just didn't want to get up and face it. I wasn't depressed, but I recognized something was different that morning. The previous several days, I had hopped right out of bed, excited to get to my computer and continue the revisions that have been going SO WELL! So, that dreary morning, I realized the gloom was rooted in the fact that I would have NO time to write that day. I knew that when I went to bed the previous night, and so... what was the point in getting out of bed?! HA.
Seriously. When I *know* that I get to write for a certain time period, or even snippets throughout the day, I feel more alive and motivated.
I'm in love with writing, and while I don't do drugs or drink alcohol... I found this quote that is perfect for today:
You must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you. ~Ray Bradbury
How does writing influence your emotions? Do you have a favorite quote about writing? Share!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Process Blogfest!!
I have been looking forward to this blogfest started over at: http://shalleemcarthur.blogspot.com/
We all have a different personalized processes we go through when writing. What's your process?
To look at the LARGE picture, I could feel overwhelmed and just never even start, but luckily for me, I chose to start with an easy to read book on the craft of writing.
Now... after a couple of years of working hard at this writing thing, I have to say this is not the BEST book on the topic of writing (no offense Janet, you are still one of my favorite authors, and I still refer back to your book!); however, this book was exactly what I needed to get started. Janet Evanovich's no-nonsense approach to writing is easy to follow, and I used it as a guide to map out my first ms. She talks about timelines and character sketches and how to prepare these items before you begin writing.
So, for my first ms, I did simple sketches of both the plot and the characters. For the actual writing, I went by the seat of my pants. Some of it worked, some of it didn't.
Before writing my second ms, I wrote the query letter first. This was a great tip I picked up from someone's blog along the writerly path. After struggling so much with the query letter for my first ms, I realized the significance of the process. If you can't write a query - - it could be because something is wrong with your plot, or your characters.
I highly recommend this thought process. Before starting your next ms, I challenge you to write the query letter first.
Main Character.
What life altering event happens to her?
What decision does she make?
What will happen if she makes the wrong decision?
Then what happens?
Then what?
Simplified version of course, but I've already used this process for four other book ideas that are brewing in my head.
Where do you start in the writing process? Do you outline every chapter? Do you write by the seat of your pants? Have you ever written your query letter FIRST? Share!
We all have a different personalized processes we go through when writing. What's your process?
To look at the LARGE picture, I could feel overwhelmed and just never even start, but luckily for me, I chose to start with an easy to read book on the craft of writing.
So, for my first ms, I did simple sketches of both the plot and the characters. For the actual writing, I went by the seat of my pants. Some of it worked, some of it didn't.
Before writing my second ms, I wrote the query letter first. This was a great tip I picked up from someone's blog along the writerly path. After struggling so much with the query letter for my first ms, I realized the significance of the process. If you can't write a query - - it could be because something is wrong with your plot, or your characters.
I highly recommend this thought process. Before starting your next ms, I challenge you to write the query letter first.
Main Character.
What life altering event happens to her?
What decision does she make?
What will happen if she makes the wrong decision?
Then what happens?
Then what?
Simplified version of course, but I've already used this process for four other book ideas that are brewing in my head.
Where do you start in the writing process? Do you outline every chapter? Do you write by the seat of your pants? Have you ever written your query letter FIRST? Share!
Monday, January 17, 2011
BLOG AWARDS! Wahoo!
I love love love getting awards! More importantly, I love that you've taken the time to stop by the blog, read, and comment... *blushes* ... drumroll please ... OH -- and be sure to read ALL the way to the bottom (this morphed into a super long post - eek!) where I "unveil" a brand new blog award. Can you say, "WAHOO!!!" ??
I received the Stylish Blogger Award from two people! A big giant THANKS to Margo (not me) Benson. Must say: I've recently met more people named MARGO in the blogosphere, than I have in the last ten years of day-to-day life! Check out her blog here! and a big thanks to Summer who recently hosted a fun blogfest! Check out her blog here!
To accept this award, I must:
1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you the award. (done!)
2. Share 7 things about yourself. (okay, okay, see below!)
3. Pass the award on to ten (Margo's rules) or fifteen (Summer's rules) newly discovered bloggers and let them know. (the fun part! see below!)
Ten things you're dying (of boredom?) to know about me:
1. Family is the most important thing to me. I have three teenagers and one husband (whew!) and a wonderful dog.
2. I work with wonderful teenagers in the youth program at our church.
3. On the 11th day of the year 2011, I sent out eleven query letters.
4. I do *not* enjoy housework, and I fantasize about having a maid.
5. I have been a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator for almost 13 years. Click here to see my SU! website.
6. I occasionally work at the Quilt Crossing in Boise, Idaho, selling Bernina sewing machines.
7. I love food. YUM! Well... except for shell fish - I've never really cared for those!
I am passing this award along to the following ten bloggers (YAY!) - check out their sites:
1. http://writinginanutshell.blogspot.com/
2. http://scribbleandedit.blogspot.com/
3. http://lizficherablog.blogspot.com/
4. http://rolandyeomans.blogspot.com/
5. http://clarissadraper.blogspot.com/
6. http://renajtraxel.blogspot.com/
7. http://cheekyness.blogspot.com/
8. http://ainetierney.blogspot.com/
9. http://shalleemcarthur.blogspot.com/
10. http://carolriggs.blogspot.com/
And, a giant THANK YOU to Patricia Timms (love her profile picture!) Check out her blog here!
The requirements for the Life is Good Award:
1. First, thank and link back to the person that gave the award. (done!)
2. Answer the 10 survey questions. (blech - but done - below)
3. Pass the award along to other bloggers whom you think are fantastic. (see below)
4. Contact the bloggers you have chosen to let them know about the award. (done!)
1. If you blog anonymously, are you happy doing this? If you are not anonymous, do you wish that you had started out anonymously, so that you could be anonymous now? Not anonymous and don’t’ wish I would’ve started that way. Truth.
2. Describe an incident that shows your inner stubborn side. I’m still sending query letters. If that isn’t stubborn, I don’t know what is. I’m determined to be a published author.
3. What do you see when you really look at yourself in the mirror? A chubby aging momma, with a lot of spunk and joy.
4. What is your favorite summer cold drink? lemonade
5. When you take time for yourself, what do you do? What is that?
6. Is there something that you still want to accomplish in your life? What is it? Be a traditionally published author.
7. When you attended school, were you the class clown, the class overachiever, the shy person, or always ditching? Overachiever. Still am.
8. If you close your eyes and want to visualize a very poignant moment in your life, what would you see?
Wedding day. Love my guy. Still. After 22 years.
9. Is it easy for you to share your true self in your blog or are you more comfortable writing posts about other people or events? Easy.
10. If you had the choice to sit down and read a book or talk on the phone, which would you do and why?Read a book – no question. It’s much more fun.
Award-winning bloggers:
1. http://loreleismuse-lorelei.blogspot.com/
2. http://the-open-vein-ejwesley.blogspot.com/
3. http://ablogadaywhileyoureaway.blogspot.com/
And now... here is the brand-new-created-by-Margo-but-inspired-by-you-all-AWARD...
Yup. That's right. TC came up with the name (how could I resist that name?) and Melissa suggested the color orange. :)
Okay, now Melissa and PK - - loved loved loved your writerly award ideas, and I would still love to do that one also... but on another day... I'm almost award-ed out for now. If you create it first - - let me know!! Otherwise, let's get it done next!
So, the RULES for this ELECTROPOSITIVE AWARD are:
1. You must post it on your blog and link back to the award-giver.
2. You must pass the award on to at least one other blogger (preferably more) AND note on your blog post why the award winner's blog makes you smile.
3. Be sure to link to the award winning blogs in your post.
4. Tell the award winners they've won the award by commenting on their blog!
Let's get started! The first ever recipients of this award are:
1. http://tcmckeewriter.blogspot.com/ - - hey her blog makes me laugh, but mostly, she's getting this award because she came up with the idea!! YAY! Thanks.
2. http://summersvoice.blogspot.com/ - - a blog with fun pictures and great ideas - I loved her recent blogfest! Thanks!
3. http://www.melissaddean.com/ - - I LOVE Melissa!! She is a great critique partner, and her blog posts make me want to be a better writer!
4. http://pk-hrezo.blogspot.com/ - - PK is uber-smart and I love the pictures on her blog - - they make me smile! THANKS!
So... what do you think? Do you like the new Electropositive Blog Award? :-) Have you ever created a blog award?
To accept this award, I must:
1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you the award. (done!)
2. Share 7 things about yourself. (okay, okay, see below!)
3. Pass the award on to ten (Margo's rules) or fifteen (Summer's rules) newly discovered bloggers and let them know. (the fun part! see below!)
Ten things you're dying (of boredom?) to know about me:
1. Family is the most important thing to me. I have three teenagers and one husband (whew!) and a wonderful dog.
2. I work with wonderful teenagers in the youth program at our church.
3. On the 11th day of the year 2011, I sent out eleven query letters.
4. I do *not* enjoy housework, and I fantasize about having a maid.
5. I have been a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator for almost 13 years. Click here to see my SU! website.
6. I occasionally work at the Quilt Crossing in Boise, Idaho, selling Bernina sewing machines.
7. I love food. YUM! Well... except for shell fish - I've never really cared for those!
I am passing this award along to the following ten bloggers (YAY!) - check out their sites:
1. http://writinginanutshell.blogspot.com/
2. http://scribbleandedit.blogspot.com/
3. http://lizficherablog.blogspot.com/
4. http://rolandyeomans.blogspot.com/
5. http://clarissadraper.blogspot.com/
6. http://renajtraxel.blogspot.com/
7. http://cheekyness.blogspot.com/
8. http://ainetierney.blogspot.com/
9. http://shalleemcarthur.blogspot.com/
10. http://carolriggs.blogspot.com/
And, a giant THANK YOU to Patricia Timms (love her profile picture!) Check out her blog here!
The requirements for the Life is Good Award:
1. First, thank and link back to the person that gave the award. (done!)
2. Answer the 10 survey questions. (blech - but done - below)
3. Pass the award along to other bloggers whom you think are fantastic. (see below)
4. Contact the bloggers you have chosen to let them know about the award. (done!)
1. If you blog anonymously, are you happy doing this? If you are not anonymous, do you wish that you had started out anonymously, so that you could be anonymous now? Not anonymous and don’t’ wish I would’ve started that way. Truth.
2. Describe an incident that shows your inner stubborn side. I’m still sending query letters. If that isn’t stubborn, I don’t know what is. I’m determined to be a published author.
3. What do you see when you really look at yourself in the mirror? A chubby aging momma, with a lot of spunk and joy.
4. What is your favorite summer cold drink? lemonade
5. When you take time for yourself, what do you do? What is that?
6. Is there something that you still want to accomplish in your life? What is it? Be a traditionally published author.
7. When you attended school, were you the class clown, the class overachiever, the shy person, or always ditching? Overachiever. Still am.
8. If you close your eyes and want to visualize a very poignant moment in your life, what would you see?
Wedding day. Love my guy. Still. After 22 years.
9. Is it easy for you to share your true self in your blog or are you more comfortable writing posts about other people or events? Easy.
10. If you had the choice to sit down and read a book or talk on the phone, which would you do and why?Read a book – no question. It’s much more fun.
Award-winning bloggers:
1. http://loreleismuse-lorelei.blogspot.com/
2. http://the-open-vein-ejwesley.blogspot.com/
3. http://ablogadaywhileyoureaway.blogspot.com/
And now... here is the brand-new-created-by-Margo-but-inspired-by-you-all-AWARD...
Okay, now Melissa and PK - - loved loved loved your writerly award ideas, and I would still love to do that one also... but on another day... I'm almost award-ed out for now. If you create it first - - let me know!! Otherwise, let's get it done next!
So, the RULES for this ELECTROPOSITIVE AWARD are:
1. You must post it on your blog and link back to the award-giver.
2. You must pass the award on to at least one other blogger (preferably more) AND note on your blog post why the award winner's blog makes you smile.
3. Be sure to link to the award winning blogs in your post.
4. Tell the award winners they've won the award by commenting on their blog!
Let's get started! The first ever recipients of this award are:
1. http://tcmckeewriter.blogspot.com/ - - hey her blog makes me laugh, but mostly, she's getting this award because she came up with the idea!! YAY! Thanks.
2. http://summersvoice.blogspot.com/ - - a blog with fun pictures and great ideas - I loved her recent blogfest! Thanks!
3. http://www.melissaddean.com/ - - I LOVE Melissa!! She is a great critique partner, and her blog posts make me want to be a better writer!
4. http://pk-hrezo.blogspot.com/ - - PK is uber-smart and I love the pictures on her blog - - they make me smile! THANKS!
So... what do you think? Do you like the new Electropositive Blog Award? :-) Have you ever created a blog award?
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Let's Create a Blog Award
YAY! I received two blog awards recently (check back Monday to see who, what, when, where, why, etc.).
I haven't posted the awards yet because they have "requirements" I need to fulfill before accepting... and I've been a little busy... so I'll get that done for Monday.
IN THE MEANTIME... I think we should CREATE our own very original blog award!! Dontcha think?
Help me create it, and you'll be an original recipient of it! INCENTIVE! wahoo
So:
1. What should it be called? *think* original, creative, out-of-the-box, unique
2. What color should it be?
3. What "rules" should be attached to it? If any? Let's keep it easy-peasy! Some of us are time-challenged.
4. Anything else?
Post your answers and opinions in the comments here, and everyone who contributes will be an original award recipient. I'll try to get it finalized for posting on Monday - - so, hurry and leave your comments.
I haven't posted the awards yet because they have "requirements" I need to fulfill before accepting... and I've been a little busy... so I'll get that done for Monday.
IN THE MEANTIME... I think we should CREATE our own very original blog award!! Dontcha think?
Help me create it, and you'll be an original recipient of it! INCENTIVE! wahoo
So:
1. What should it be called? *think* original, creative, out-of-the-box, unique
2. What color should it be?
3. What "rules" should be attached to it? If any? Let's keep it easy-peasy! Some of us are time-challenged.
4. Anything else?
Post your answers and opinions in the comments here, and everyone who contributes will be an original award recipient. I'll try to get it finalized for posting on Monday - - so, hurry and leave your comments.
Friday, January 14, 2011
WHAT'S YOUR SIGN? ... Root of Personality Disorders - Mystery Solved!
.... Now to the regularly scheduled post ...
Have you ever stopped to wonder why so many people suffer from some sort of personality disorder?
I think I've stumbled upon the answer (thanks Twitter).
We've had the zodiac signs ALL WRONG!
Click here to read the breaking news! OH MY!
Thought you were a gemini with two personalities (aka my mom) ?? - NOT any more! Now, you're a taurus - ROAR!
How many times has someone asked you your sign, and then they'd nod and say, yeah, I can see that. Well, no wonder so many people suffer from personality disorders. We've had it all wrong. We've constantly been told we're one thing... when in FACT we are another! And if you're really lucky, now you're a OPHIUCHUS.
Wait a minute... my son is now an ophiuchus... *pause while I run and google it*
*pause* Twitter update... now they're saying the new zodiac signs only apply to people born after 2009! What? Make up your mind! Now my son is no longer an Ophiuchus... back to being a lowly Saggitarius, an archer who is optimistic and wealthy. Okay. I can live with that.
Anyhow... I digress.
So, if you're currently taking medication for a personality disorder, please visit the above site, find your NEW zodiac sign (even if you were born before 2009 - it could explain your problems!). Then, put your mind at ease. Or if you prefer, just close your eyes and point. Select your sign that way. Or just read all of the descriptions and choose the one you like the best, and then maybe... just maybe... medication will no longer necessary. *please consult your doctor before discontinuing any previously prescribed medications*
If only the world had known sooner, think of how many problems could have been averted... oh wait, the world did know sooner... but those silly Babylonians changed it because they didn't want a 13th zodiac sign. Oh yeah.
Hey, what's your sign? Did it change? Are you happier? Or are you just jealous of the 13th sign?
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Make a Choice!
I'm currently working on a major revision of my first ms, MANIFESTED, and while doing so, I'm striving to drastically improve each chapter, each page, each paragraph, sentence, and word. A challenge indeed.
And yet, I am enjoying the revision process.
One thing I'm striving to do is create strong voices for each character. So, I turned to my favorite book on the craft of writing: THE FIRE IN FICTION by Donald Maass:
"What about point of view? Do you lurk in the third person or vocalize in first person? Do you stick to your protagonist's point of view, widen to others, or explore unexpected perspectives? There is nothing wrong with any particular choices. What bugs me is that many writers do not seem to have made a choice in the first place. Most manuscripts wander along in the way that it first occurred to their authors to write them. They do not confront me, insist that I listen, or seek to surprise me with a different way of seeing" (page 125).
Make a choice. Insist that your reader pays attention to your words. Surprise your reader.
Easy. Peasy.
Right? Write...
And yet, I am enjoying the revision process.
One thing I'm striving to do is create strong voices for each character. So, I turned to my favorite book on the craft of writing: THE FIRE IN FICTION by Donald Maass:
"What about point of view? Do you lurk in the third person or vocalize in first person? Do you stick to your protagonist's point of view, widen to others, or explore unexpected perspectives? There is nothing wrong with any particular choices. What bugs me is that many writers do not seem to have made a choice in the first place. Most manuscripts wander along in the way that it first occurred to their authors to write them. They do not confront me, insist that I listen, or seek to surprise me with a different way of seeing" (page 125).
Make a choice. Insist that your reader pays attention to your words. Surprise your reader.
Easy. Peasy.
Right? Write...
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Find Your Passion - And Write About THAT!
Remember when I told you about this totally awesome young woman I judged at a speech competition awhile ago? Click here to refresh your memory.
Well, we're not all good at everything.
Agents tell aspiring writers all the time, write what you love, not what you think the market wants. I think there is a purpose behind this. Passion and devotion are needed.
Last Saturday, I had the opportunity to judge speech competitions again. The first round I judged was "Radio Speaking" and guess who walked in as the first competitor? Mmm. Hmm. It was her. Awesome girl from last time. She didn't remember me at all (huh! go figure.), but I certainly remembered her.
And as a result, I expected awesome.
However, a couple of things to consider first:
1. In the previous competition, her category had a very visual element to it. I watched her body language, body movements, facial expressions, eye contact... these things have huge impact on the delivery of a dramatic speech.
2. In the Radio Speaking category, the judge is actually expected to turn her back to the student and not look at her (or him) the entire time. It is judged solely on verbal skills.
However, I truly believe that body language (as listed in #1 above) still has a huge impact on the delivery, regardless of whether or not the recipient can see it.
None-the-less, I expected awesome. Now understand, I am a great judge (really, no bias) and only judged her based on this competition. I did not bring in past competitions or set expectations too high for this awesome young woman. I judged her fairly.
She stunk at Radio Speaking.
I'm not using her name, and she doesn't have a clue who I am, so I can say what I think (well, in theory). This was not *her* category. I felt like she was only there to stretch her wings and take a shot at another potential trophy. Maybe her teacher made her do it. I dunno.
It's okay to stretch our wings. It is: good exercise.
But we need to remember to focus our efforts where our passion rests, on the thing we most love.
It was pretty clear to me that she did not love Radio Speaking. It sounded like a chore. You can HEAR a smile in someone's voice. It's a proven fact. Ask any successful salesperson. A smile while talking on the phone will achieve better results than a scowl. Don't believe me? Tape record yourself doing both. It works.
And that smile in your voice is where your passion is. Find your passion. Write about that.
Well, we're not all good at everything.
Agents tell aspiring writers all the time, write what you love, not what you think the market wants. I think there is a purpose behind this. Passion and devotion are needed.
Last Saturday, I had the opportunity to judge speech competitions again. The first round I judged was "Radio Speaking" and guess who walked in as the first competitor? Mmm. Hmm. It was her. Awesome girl from last time. She didn't remember me at all (huh! go figure.), but I certainly remembered her.
And as a result, I expected awesome.
However, a couple of things to consider first:
1. In the previous competition, her category had a very visual element to it. I watched her body language, body movements, facial expressions, eye contact... these things have huge impact on the delivery of a dramatic speech.
2. In the Radio Speaking category, the judge is actually expected to turn her back to the student and not look at her (or him) the entire time. It is judged solely on verbal skills.
However, I truly believe that body language (as listed in #1 above) still has a huge impact on the delivery, regardless of whether or not the recipient can see it.
None-the-less, I expected awesome. Now understand, I am a great judge (really, no bias) and only judged her based on this competition. I did not bring in past competitions or set expectations too high for this awesome young woman. I judged her fairly.
She stunk at Radio Speaking.
I'm not using her name, and she doesn't have a clue who I am, so I can say what I think (well, in theory). This was not *her* category. I felt like she was only there to stretch her wings and take a shot at another potential trophy. Maybe her teacher made her do it. I dunno.
It's okay to stretch our wings. It is: good exercise.
But we need to remember to focus our efforts where our passion rests, on the thing we most love.
It was pretty clear to me that she did not love Radio Speaking. It sounded like a chore. You can HEAR a smile in someone's voice. It's a proven fact. Ask any successful salesperson. A smile while talking on the phone will achieve better results than a scowl. Don't believe me? Tape record yourself doing both. It works.
And that smile in your voice is where your passion is. Find your passion. Write about that.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
GRAMMAR: Who needs it? Blech!
So, I'm reading this tiny little book about grammar. Tiny. So tiny I actually looked back at my Amazon bill to see how much I paid for it.
Well, if you count the days (okay, truth, weeks) I've spent trying to read it, I suppose it's worth it's money in that regard...WEEKS of grammar learning entertainment.
Of course, sarcasm abounds here (except for the fact that I'm struggling to get through this massive textbook). It really is a GREAT book. Really. I wouldn't lie.
I *am* learning a LOT. Just like I learn a lot when I'm flossing my teeth and rinsing with Listerine. A lot. (Think about it... I'm getting the junk out and then using a sterilizing rinse... that's what we do when we improve our grammar, right?!)
Here's what I learned today:
"A common blunder is the use of a singular verb form in a relative clause following 'one of...' or a similar expression when the relative is the subject" (page 9 of this wonderful book, really it is). Seriously. Page 9. That's how far I've gotten after weeks of reading. Granted, I read a 750 page Koontz book and now I'm reading a 1000 page King book in that same time period, but I digress.
For example (of the grammar rule listed above):
wrong: One of the smartest writers who has attacked this problem
right: One of the smartest writers who have attacked this problem
Who knew? Not me. Guess I should spend more time reading this book. But sometimes I think grammar is a pain in the patootie. And yet, for some reason, it's required if you wanna be a published author. Go figure.
FYI: This post is time stamped 1:11 on 1/11/11, just in case you wondered.
Well, if you count the days (okay, truth, weeks) I've spent trying to read it, I suppose it's worth it's money in that regard...WEEKS of grammar learning entertainment.
Of course, sarcasm abounds here (except for the fact that I'm struggling to get through this massive textbook). It really is a GREAT book. Really. I wouldn't lie.
I *am* learning a LOT. Just like I learn a lot when I'm flossing my teeth and rinsing with Listerine. A lot. (Think about it... I'm getting the junk out and then using a sterilizing rinse... that's what we do when we improve our grammar, right?!)
Here's what I learned today:
"A common blunder is the use of a singular verb form in a relative clause following 'one of...' or a similar expression when the relative is the subject" (page 9 of this wonderful book, really it is). Seriously. Page 9. That's how far I've gotten after weeks of reading. Granted, I read a 750 page Koontz book and now I'm reading a 1000 page King book in that same time period, but I digress.
For example (of the grammar rule listed above):
wrong: One of the smartest writers who has attacked this problem
right: One of the smartest writers who have attacked this problem
Who knew? Not me. Guess I should spend more time reading this book. But sometimes I think grammar is a pain in the patootie. And yet, for some reason, it's required if you wanna be a published author. Go figure.
FYI: This post is time stamped 1:11 on 1/11/11, just in case you wondered.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Food Poisoning
I had a great time judging high school speech competitions all day Saturday, but ended up with food poisoning...
Blech.
Down with ickies.
Be back Tuesday.
Blech.
Down with ickies.
Be back Tuesday.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Be a GREAT Writer? Here's how:
Wanna be an amazing writer? Simple. Read these two blog posts:Click Here
and/or
Click Here
Okay. Maybe not "simple" but the more we learn and practice, the closer we get... :-)
Do you have a favorite website that you read daily for writing inspiration?
Friday, January 7, 2011
CRAFT: Voice
As I considered what to write today for the topic of VOICE, I clicked back through some old blog posts, and decided that I'd simply repost one from several months ago. Why? Because voice is a hard concept to explain, and if you really want to learn what it is - - you need to read... a lot.
How then do you gain your own VOICE? Really get into the head of your characters. Know them. Create conflict. Edit until you're blue in the face. Practice.
Here's the repost on VOICE:
Many writers discuss the topic of "voice." Many agents say they will only sign a writer with a strong "voice."
What is "voice" and how do you get it? Well, the answer to that is quite vague, and you could spend days blog hopping and researching to find a "maybe" kind of answer. However, after reading one issue of Glimmer Train from cover to cover, I understand much better what "voice" is. And, I think I'll start reading the next issue right away, because I've learned more about voice from this one issue than I have from any other form of reading or research I've done on the topic.
While I was impressed, confused, and moved by the first story in the issue, I was even more influenced as I went from one story to the next. The stories in this issue each have an obvious and distinct voice. It's been a great lesson to read one story and immediately go into the next story and see, read, feel, the distinct change in voice. Amazingly, Glimmer Train provides not only a great demonstration of voice, but it also gives examples of impressive language, word choices and sentences, which leaves the reader considering the images long after setting the story down.
If you want to read great stories, buy a copy. If you want to improve your writing craft, buy a copy. :) http://www.glimmertrain.com/issue74spring.html
Do you have an example of an author with strong voice? Share!
How then do you gain your own VOICE? Really get into the head of your characters. Know them. Create conflict. Edit until you're blue in the face. Practice.
Here's the repost on VOICE:
Many writers discuss the topic of "voice." Many agents say they will only sign a writer with a strong "voice."
What is "voice" and how do you get it? Well, the answer to that is quite vague, and you could spend days blog hopping and researching to find a "maybe" kind of answer. However, after reading one issue of Glimmer Train from cover to cover, I understand much better what "voice" is. And, I think I'll start reading the next issue right away, because I've learned more about voice from this one issue than I have from any other form of reading or research I've done on the topic.
If you want to read great stories, buy a copy. If you want to improve your writing craft, buy a copy. :) http://www.glimmertrain.com/issue74spring.html
Do you have an example of an author with strong voice? Share!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
CRAFT: Editing
One of my goals for 2011 is to read a book on the craft of writing in between each work of fiction I read. Lofty goal.
Currently, I'm reading THE ELEMENTS OF STYLE by Strunk and White.
It's a tiny little book with great tips and tools for improving our writing skills.
Some of the concepts seem basic and obvious, however, oftentimes when we are writing our first, or even second, draft of a WIP, we are so close to the story, we don't see the mistakes.
Which is why we should always "put the book to bed" for an extended period of time to gain distance from the writing and from the story. The time period to walk away from the ms is debateable, but maybe a minimum of three weeks is necessary. Then, when we come back to the ms, we can see it with more objective eyes.
Read one or two books on craft before starting the revision process. Then use the tid-bits gained from these books to help you with your editing.
For example, do a pass through your ms where you only look for misplaced modifiers. Strunk and White list examples of these on page 28 of their book THE ELEMENTS OF STYLE:
Incorrect: "He noticed a large stain in the rug that was right in the center."
Correct: "He noticed a large stain right in the center of the rug."
Plus, by correctly placing the modifier (right in the center), not only does the meaning become more clear, but also two words are eliminated, tightening up the sentence.
For more tips on editing your WIP, click on the "revising" tag on the right side bar of this blog.
What does your editing process look like? Do you put your ms to bed for awhile before starting the revision work?
Currently, I'm reading THE ELEMENTS OF STYLE by Strunk and White.
Some of the concepts seem basic and obvious, however, oftentimes when we are writing our first, or even second, draft of a WIP, we are so close to the story, we don't see the mistakes.
Which is why we should always "put the book to bed" for an extended period of time to gain distance from the writing and from the story. The time period to walk away from the ms is debateable, but maybe a minimum of three weeks is necessary. Then, when we come back to the ms, we can see it with more objective eyes.
Read one or two books on craft before starting the revision process. Then use the tid-bits gained from these books to help you with your editing.
For example, do a pass through your ms where you only look for misplaced modifiers. Strunk and White list examples of these on page 28 of their book THE ELEMENTS OF STYLE:
Incorrect: "He noticed a large stain in the rug that was right in the center."
Correct: "He noticed a large stain right in the center of the rug."
Plus, by correctly placing the modifier (right in the center), not only does the meaning become more clear, but also two words are eliminated, tightening up the sentence.
For more tips on editing your WIP, click on the "revising" tag on the right side bar of this blog.
What does your editing process look like? Do you put your ms to bed for awhile before starting the revision work?
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
BLOGFEST: New Creations
A fun blogfest started over at: http://summersvoice.blogspot.com/
Rules: A favorite last line from a story from last year, and a new sentence to start a new story this year.
Last line from one of last year's stories: What am I supposed to say when I’m all choked up that you’re okay? – The Script
Yes, I ended a story with a quote.
New first line from a new story this year (does a major revision count?): Luke Michaelson sat at the small desk in his bedroom and methodically spun a closed pocket knife with his index finger.
Let me know your sentences! I look forward to reading lots of great writing this year! YAY. And, visiting new blogs - so leave your links below and I'll come visit your blog.
Rules: A favorite last line from a story from last year, and a new sentence to start a new story this year.
Last line from one of last year's stories: What am I supposed to say when I’m all choked up that you’re okay? – The Script
Yes, I ended a story with a quote.
New first line from a new story this year (does a major revision count?): Luke Michaelson sat at the small desk in his bedroom and methodically spun a closed pocket knife with his index finger.
Let me know your sentences! I look forward to reading lots of great writing this year! YAY. And, visiting new blogs - so leave your links below and I'll come visit your blog.
CRAFT: Characters
A few days ago, I listed my favorite books of 2010, but today I'm wondering... who are my favorite characters from the books I've read in 2010? Do the two lists match up? No.
Favorite Characters (just from my 2010 reading):
1. Lula (a secondary character from the Stephanie Plum novels by Janet Evanovich)
2. Lucy Valentine (m.c. from Deeply, Desperately by Heather Webber)
3. Mercy Thompson (m.c. from Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs)
Why are they my favorites?
1. They're memorable.
2. They're all strong and yet insecure women. (...eh: strong & insecure = conflict!)
Readers need to bond with the characters in some way and become invested in them. Many agents say that a reader needs to know the main character's name on page one. Other agents say that the m.c. needs to "do" something within the first two pages.
Make a list of your favorite characters. And, then go back and look at the writing with the craft in mind. What did the author DO with the writing to make you love and remember that character?
1. Lula is always trying a new diet (and failing to lose weight). She wears clothes that are way to small for her. And yet, she's proud. There's conflict in those attributes, which helps me connect with her and remember her.
2. Lucy Valentine uses numbers and math to calm herself when she gets nervous. She has a "gift" that she doesn't want to use. Her quirky behavior makes me smile and gets me emotionally involved in her success.
3. Mercy Thompson is a very independant and strong woman, and yet she has occasional panic attacks that immobilize her. = Conflict!
Is your m.c. a hero? Are heros always perfect? Give your hero a flaw.
When your m.c. is involved in a conversation with another character, create conflict by having your m.c. say one thing aloud, but think the opposite in his/her head.
Characters become more memorable when we become emotionally involved in their success. Conflicts of varying degrees help achieve this goal.
Here are some more posts on great characters:
http://margokelly.blogspot.com/2010/07/ping-pong.html
http://margokelly.blogspot.com/2010/04/fire-in-fiction-by-donald-maass.html
Who are your favorite characters, and why?
Favorite Characters (just from my 2010 reading):
1. Lula (a secondary character from the Stephanie Plum novels by Janet Evanovich)
2. Lucy Valentine (m.c. from Deeply, Desperately by Heather Webber)
3. Mercy Thompson (m.c. from Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs)
Why are they my favorites?
1. They're memorable.
2. They're all strong and yet insecure women. (...eh: strong & insecure = conflict!)
Readers need to bond with the characters in some way and become invested in them. Many agents say that a reader needs to know the main character's name on page one. Other agents say that the m.c. needs to "do" something within the first two pages.
Make a list of your favorite characters. And, then go back and look at the writing with the craft in mind. What did the author DO with the writing to make you love and remember that character?
1. Lula is always trying a new diet (and failing to lose weight). She wears clothes that are way to small for her. And yet, she's proud. There's conflict in those attributes, which helps me connect with her and remember her.
2. Lucy Valentine uses numbers and math to calm herself when she gets nervous. She has a "gift" that she doesn't want to use. Her quirky behavior makes me smile and gets me emotionally involved in her success.
3. Mercy Thompson is a very independant and strong woman, and yet she has occasional panic attacks that immobilize her. = Conflict!
Is your m.c. a hero? Are heros always perfect? Give your hero a flaw.
When your m.c. is involved in a conversation with another character, create conflict by having your m.c. say one thing aloud, but think the opposite in his/her head.
Characters become more memorable when we become emotionally involved in their success. Conflicts of varying degrees help achieve this goal.
Here are some more posts on great characters:
http://margokelly.blogspot.com/2010/07/ping-pong.html
http://margokelly.blogspot.com/2010/04/fire-in-fiction-by-donald-maass.html
Who are your favorite characters, and why?
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
CRAFT: Conflict
Conflict. What is it? If you have kids or a rocky marriage or a bipolar mother, the answer is clear.
Conflict is tension, stress, anxiety, and emotionally based.
My big A-HA moment regarding the craft of conflict came one day when I was reading one of my favorite blogs: writerunboxed.com
Now I promise, this week of CRAFT postings won't be just one big Donald Maass love-fest, but he does have really great writing advice. Here's the post that inspired me: The Elements of Awe Part II
In this post he writes:
"What does your protagonist believe beyond all else? Create a story event that forces him or her to accept the opposite."
A-HA!
Now, there's some conflict.
What is the best piece of advice you have for including conflict in your writing?
Conflict is tension, stress, anxiety, and emotionally based.
My big A-HA moment regarding the craft of conflict came one day when I was reading one of my favorite blogs: writerunboxed.com
Now I promise, this week of CRAFT postings won't be just one big Donald Maass love-fest, but he does have really great writing advice. Here's the post that inspired me: The Elements of Awe Part II
In this post he writes:
"What does your protagonist believe beyond all else? Create a story event that forces him or her to accept the opposite."
A-HA!
Now, there's some conflict.
What is the best piece of advice you have for including conflict in your writing?
Monday, January 3, 2011
CRAFT: Dialogue
Let's spend this week discussing the CRAFT of writing.
Monday: Dialogue
Tuesday: Conflict
Wednesday: Characters
Thursday: Editing
Friday: Voice
Dialogue.
A year ago, a wonderful agent read part of a WIP that I was really struggling with and offered the following advice:
"[This] is a more pedestrian beginning, but I don't think that more dialogue and talking means a scene and action, necessarily, because the dialogue really is very day-to-day, boring stuff."
This was very helpful, because it made me realize that while I was trying to write a realistic scene, it was boring. Just because the dialogue is accurate and realistic, doesn't mean we need to waste words on the page relating the obvious.
THE FIRE IN FICTION by Donald Maass:
"A common downfall of many scenes is dialogue. The characters talk, talk, talk, but scenes spin in circles and don't travel much of anywhere...The process of stripping it down and finding the tension in it can be revealing. It can help define the purpose of a scene" (pages 60-61).
Grab a section of dialogue from your current WIP and ask yourself the following questions:
1. Why are your characters talking to each other?
2. What's the purpose?
3. Are the lines bogged down with unnecessary dialogue tags?
4. Is there a source of tension in the dialogue that moves it forward, making the reader want to turn the page?
Here's another great exercise suggested by Donald Maass (paraphrased and shortened by me):
1. Select a two-person dialogue scene from your WIP.
2. Strip out all dialogue tags (he said, she said) and incidental action.
3. Rewrite the dialogue entirely as an exchange of insults.
4. Rewrite the dialogue with rapid fire exchanges with each response only 1-5 words.
5. Rewrite the dialogue with only one character speaking and the other responding with non-verbal gestures.
6. Without referring to the original WIP, rewrite the scene using the best of the results from this exercise.
THE FIRE IN FICTION page 78.
Here's a previous post on dialogue: Listening to Teenagers
Were any of these tips helpful to you? What is your best advice for writing great dialogue?
Monday: Dialogue
Tuesday: Conflict
Wednesday: Characters
Thursday: Editing
Friday: Voice
Dialogue.
A year ago, a wonderful agent read part of a WIP that I was really struggling with and offered the following advice:
"[This] is a more pedestrian beginning, but I don't think that more dialogue and talking means a scene and action, necessarily, because the dialogue really is very day-to-day, boring stuff."
This was very helpful, because it made me realize that while I was trying to write a realistic scene, it was boring. Just because the dialogue is accurate and realistic, doesn't mean we need to waste words on the page relating the obvious.
THE FIRE IN FICTION by Donald Maass:
"A common downfall of many scenes is dialogue. The characters talk, talk, talk, but scenes spin in circles and don't travel much of anywhere...The process of stripping it down and finding the tension in it can be revealing. It can help define the purpose of a scene" (pages 60-61).
Grab a section of dialogue from your current WIP and ask yourself the following questions:
1. Why are your characters talking to each other?
2. What's the purpose?
3. Are the lines bogged down with unnecessary dialogue tags?
4. Is there a source of tension in the dialogue that moves it forward, making the reader want to turn the page?
Here's another great exercise suggested by Donald Maass (paraphrased and shortened by me):
1. Select a two-person dialogue scene from your WIP.
2. Strip out all dialogue tags (he said, she said) and incidental action.
3. Rewrite the dialogue entirely as an exchange of insults.
4. Rewrite the dialogue with rapid fire exchanges with each response only 1-5 words.
5. Rewrite the dialogue with only one character speaking and the other responding with non-verbal gestures.
6. Without referring to the original WIP, rewrite the scene using the best of the results from this exercise.
THE FIRE IN FICTION page 78.
Here's a previous post on dialogue: Listening to Teenagers
Were any of these tips helpful to you? What is your best advice for writing great dialogue?
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Happy Birthday Blog!
This blog is a year old today! Happy Birthday!
I glanced back at some of my early posts and came across a favorite:
Creating Memorable Characters
Here's to another great year!
I glanced back at some of my early posts and came across a favorite:
Creating Memorable Characters
Here's to another great year!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Best & Worst Books of 2010
I love reading!
What was the BEST book you read in 2010? The WORST? Is it fair to rank either? Maybe not... but it is certainly fun to look over the list of books I've read in 2010 and remember them.
I log my books and reviews at goodreads.com - which makes it easy to look back at my reading list for 2010. I read about 35 books last year, which is less than what I would have LIKED.
It was easy for me to pick out the worst book and very hard for me to pick out the best.
Worst:
I'm a huge Dean Koontz fan, but this book was the hugest disappointment of my 2010 reading. It felt like it was a chore for him to write; like he only wrote it to fulfill his contract. It was the third book of a supposed trilogy (he's since come out with a fourth in the series). I won't read the fourth. The first book in this series, however, was AWESOME!
Since I'm struggling to pick one favorite, I'll pick several. :) You can read my reviews for all of them at goodreads.com (link on right sidebar).
Best Literary:
Best Young Adult:
Best Historical Fiction:
Best on the Craft of Writing:
How many books did you read in 2010? What are your best and worst picks?
What was the BEST book you read in 2010? The WORST? Is it fair to rank either? Maybe not... but it is certainly fun to look over the list of books I've read in 2010 and remember them.
I log my books and reviews at goodreads.com - which makes it easy to look back at my reading list for 2010. I read about 35 books last year, which is less than what I would have LIKED.
It was easy for me to pick out the worst book and very hard for me to pick out the best.
Worst:
Since I'm struggling to pick one favorite, I'll pick several. :) You can read my reviews for all of them at goodreads.com (link on right sidebar).
Best Literary:
Best Young Adult:
Best Historical Fiction:
Best on the Craft of Writing:
How many books did you read in 2010? What are your best and worst picks?
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