A New Year

A new year is unfolding – like a blossom with petals curled tightly concealing the beauty within." ~ Unknown

The new year starts tomorrow and, looking back, I didn't achieve all that I wanted to.

So, what now?

Do I get mad because it didn't work out the way I wanted or do I see it for something else?

For me, I choose to see it as a time of appreciating contrast and further knowing of what I do want; of appreciating the things that did come into my life and that were enhanced in my life.

I appreciate the clarity and guidance it gave me and the ability (mentally, physically, emotionally) to move forward.Although I didn't accomplish those things I wanted to accomplish, it doesn't mean 2010 was a failure--It only means I became more focused.

There is always a choice: Will you follow your heart, your dreams, your goals and come to know who you truly are?

Or, will you stay stuck in the past of what should have been?

It's all up to you.

Have a Happy and Healthy 2011!

Is It the Words or the Vibration Behind Them?

Everything that doesn't kill you makes you stronger. And later you can use it in some story. ~ Tapani Bagge

I've been reading quite a bit on quantum physics/vibrational alignment/everything is energy, and my questions is: Are the things we write really about the words, or is it about the vibration of the story?

Don't get me wrong---the words, the story, and how it reads are all important. But, how do you explain the really bad published books of the world? It's not luck--no such thing. It's not karma-- that doesn't exist. It's not a lucky rabbit's foot, horseshoe or four-leaf clover. It's all vibration. It's the energy, the vibration of the story and of the writer; it's the entire energy that surrounds the work.

Does the writer believe in his/her work? What type of vibration are they 'giving off' in this whole process? Are they connecting to the vibration of those other vibrations that are searching for a piece of work like this?

Look at your writing and how you write it. What type of feeling surrounds it? Nervous, anxious, eager, happy, sad, depressed, excited, elated, resistant, grumpy, disconnected, bored, in-love?

Next time you write, tune in to how you are feeling about it. If it's positive, then you are on the right track. If you are feeling any negative or resistant emotion, then step back and evaluate. There's no use moving forward if you aren't passionate about what you are writing about.

Happy writing! 

The Keith Hernandez Moment

I love this post from Literary Agent, Nathan Bransford. Enjoy!

Writers, Authority, and The Keith Hernandez Moment

Writer’s Digest - Creating Characters: 4 Simple Exercises

Here's something fun to do with your characters.

Writer’s Digest - Creating Characters: 4 Simple Exercises

I Write Like James Joyce

If you are interested to learn who you write like, go to I Write Like by clicking on the link below called: 'Analyze Your Writing'.

It's not an exact science.... well, you know what I mean.

I write like
James Joyce

I Write Like by Mémoires, Mac journal software. Analyze your writing!

Free Words

I love reading other people's writings. Even when they aren't 'writers', I love to read the flow of their words, understand where they are coming from.

It's either sweet music to my brain, like eating strawberries on a summer's day, or clunky, like a pair of wooden clogs.

It seems to me that those who let their words flow are in a different place--a place where their true-self resides. What do I mean? They write uninhibited. They write with no restrictions. They write without regarding how it may sound to others.

Instead, they let it go. "This is who I am. Like it or lump it."

There's something to be said about letting the words flow freely. Isn't there?

Magical Kingdom

I just returned from the Magical Kingdom.... AKA Disneyland. This was my first time and I wasn't sure exactly what to expect. Was it going to be like Calaway Park but with a mouse? (Calgary's very own Wally World.)

Well, of course not. We're talking about Walt Disney here. I'm amazed at the amount of creativity and 'thinking outside the box' that goes into the place. The detail...making everything as Magical as possible.

Okay, okay. There isn't much thought that goes into charging $5 for a Hot Dog or $3.03 for a Coke. And maybe the Haunted Mansion wasn't so Magical after riding on the "Doom Buggy" for the third time...

The point is, creativity abounds....Everywhere. When you think that there couldn't possibly be anymore ideas or creations or new story lines....suddenly, someone comes up with something that touches millions of people.

Walt Disney said:
"If you can dream it, you can do it."

So, what do you want to create today?

Traitor Tears Betrayed Me

Warning! The following content contains opinions on The Twilight Series and may not be suitable for some Twilight fans. Reader discretion is advised.


Let's be clear, I'm not a Twilight hater or lover...I'm a fence-sitter. And I openly admit to reading every single book in the series. Yes, it's true. The storyline managed to engage me, pulling me into its mystical vortex.

Even though the writing style occasionally irked me to the point where I wanted to slash my wrists and poke my eyes out, I persevered so I could understand what was so special about these stories compared to my.... 5.5 unpublished books. Uh-hmmm.

Anyway, this isn't about me.

Writers rarely read for pure enjoyment. Even if the intention is there, writers tend to study and dissect the book they are reading, especially if the genre is the same as theirs.

So, when something 'big' hits, a writer needs to know why. And, if the writing isn't exceptional, you are going to have some seriously ticked-off writers.

Don't get me wrong. I like to be supportive of my fellow writers because I would want the same in return. However, I still would want to dig deeper to discover why 'so-and-so's' book was published and not one of my 5.5 books....... (Right. This isn't about me.)

The point is, love it or hate it, The Twilight Series by Stephanie Meyer is here to stay..... well, at least till the Next Big Thing hits.

So, what started this blog post?
Click here to read a humorous discussion on the writing style of Twilight.

Hockey is Done....

Minor hockey, that is. My son plays hockey and, as a hockey mom, it's a ton of work. The schedule is brutal for a 7 year old (and for a 40 year old).

Anywho, because I'm still recuperating from the hockey season, I'm going to be lazy and provide a link to literary agent Nathan Bransford's blog. He writes on queries and why they should be specific. Queries are something that most people have a hard time with....unless you have an agent, then you don't need to read this.

I will return with more musings next week after I let loose with a little post-hockey celebrating.

Feeling Rejected?

I had to share this tid bit of information with all of you (my 3 fans): It's about being rejected by publishing houses, agents, magazine editors and everyone else in between.

Take heart my dear writer friends. So, you've been rejected. So what? Have you been rejected 11,100 times? Probably not.

Jacob Appel has. I kid you not. Over 11,000 times. That could certainly put a dent in a person's ego. He must be made of steel.
Check out Pimp My Novel.
Also check out Literary Rejections on Display.

The Flow of Writing

The flow of writing. What is it? And why is it uber-important?

Being in the flow of writing means not backing down from your story and not editing your words before they hit the page. It means expressing yourself as you are and how you want to.

It's your book, dammit! Get your words out there and write like your fingers are on fire.

"But...but", you might stutter, "how does writing 'whatever comes out' get me an agent/publisher/on the best seller list?"

The point, and I know this is going to sound redundant, is that you let the words flow out of you. The next step, after you have your story on the page, is to go back and make the changes you need to make. But, stay in the flow of your self-expression.

Readers will see through you if your story is awkward. They will know when you are not writing as 'you' should be writing. It just won't flow.

I discovered a blog by a recently published author and I love it. This woman is funny and natural and I want to make her my new best friend. Her book isn't out till September, but, just by reading her posts, I want to read her book. There is nothing forced there.

If you want to check it out, go to Kiersten White's blog at Kiersten Writes.

Stay in the flow.

Imagination

JK Rowling gives 2008 Harvard Commencement speech inspiring others to hold-fast to their imaginations and their dreams... no matter what. (Click on link underneath video if video doesn't load.)

J.K. Rowling Speaks at Harvard Commencement from Harvard Magazine on Vimeo.

Book Trailers: Marketing for Your Book

I think I've been living under a rock for at least a year. I recently learned about creating Book Trailers, a fantastic and creative way to promote your book online.

I've perused a few trailers and they make me want to, at the very least, check the book out. Even if the genre isn't my 'thing'.

Here's a book trailer for Wake by Lisa McMann.






Let's see the trailer for Duma Key by Stephen King.





And Witch Fire by Anya Bast.



As you can see, not much money needs to be spent on creating these trailers. Add a few eye-catching pictures, a dash of tantalizing music and some snappy words (the most important ingredient) and you'll be reeling your readers into checking out your book.