Today I received an awesome invitation from Joseph-Beth Booksellers in the Southside. They have invited me as well as other local authors to come for a reading and book signing event on August 21 in the afternoon! I am really excited for this because I was very afraid that it was going to be on the weekends that I already have plans. I have girls weekend and the wedding event of the year in August, so I can't miss the events! Please mark your calendars and join me to celebrate local authors.
I think it will be a really cool opportunity to not only get my name out there, but to see what other local authors are doing. It will be nice to branch out and make more writer friends. So anyway, that is my big news. I will worry about doing more local book readings when I get back from vacation. Unfortunately, I don't have the time to focus on anything else right now.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
June 28, 2010
I read through the comments that my friend sent to me about Andy's story. I found one of them highly amusing because when I was struggling to figure out how I was going to end the story or at least a direction of how to end the story, he wrote something to the effect that it was kind of foggy. Of course it was foggy, the author was in the dark as to what was happening! So needless to say, I have a lot of editing to do.
I am also thinking about picking a part to post on my web-site. I spend so much time talking about the story, it would be nice if I shared it with you, even if it was just a snip-it. I will have to reread what I have written and pick a good part to post.
I'm very excited because I started packing for my vacation and I'm going to take some of my own novels to try and sell at a coffeeshop in CT. I hope I can have an impromptu wedding. Maybe I could gather all the beach goers for a reading. Who knows? The sky is the limit.
I am also thinking about picking a part to post on my web-site. I spend so much time talking about the story, it would be nice if I shared it with you, even if it was just a snip-it. I will have to reread what I have written and pick a good part to post.
I'm very excited because I started packing for my vacation and I'm going to take some of my own novels to try and sell at a coffeeshop in CT. I hope I can have an impromptu wedding. Maybe I could gather all the beach goers for a reading. Who knows? The sky is the limit.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
June 27, 2010
My apologies for having not been super consistent with blogging. My boss is away on vacation and I have been working more in addition to dealing with the phenomenon of everything happening all in the same week before you leave on vacation.
Awaiting in my inbox is the latest section of new story with edited comments from my friend. I am very excited to look over this e-mail as well as hopefully send the next part to him before leaving on vacation. I am still trying to connect parts A to C and to be perfectly honest, I don't remember how close I am to accomplishing that. Just how sad is that? LoL, I would be a fun character to write about right now. A clean freak scatterbrain with a to-do list as long as Santa's nice check-list at Christmas time who is trying to work close to fifty hours in five days, clean her house, and go see the long awaited Eclipse movie all before sticking her toes in the sand.
I think I have just proven once again that inspiration is in fact everywhere, even if it's in your own chaotic life.
Awaiting in my inbox is the latest section of new story with edited comments from my friend. I am very excited to look over this e-mail as well as hopefully send the next part to him before leaving on vacation. I am still trying to connect parts A to C and to be perfectly honest, I don't remember how close I am to accomplishing that. Just how sad is that? LoL, I would be a fun character to write about right now. A clean freak scatterbrain with a to-do list as long as Santa's nice check-list at Christmas time who is trying to work close to fifty hours in five days, clean her house, and go see the long awaited Eclipse movie all before sticking her toes in the sand.
I think I have just proven once again that inspiration is in fact everywhere, even if it's in your own chaotic life.
Friday, June 25, 2010
June 25, 2010
I had my book reading tonight and unfortunately, the turn out isn't what I had hoped for. I need to reassess my plan of attack for marketing RoV and go from there. Fortunately, the owner of affogato had some good ideas for marketing myself in her store, so I think I will give them a whirl. Please go hang out with Victoria at affogato as the environment and beverages are superb.
I have to say being in my career crossroads is kind of a scary sort of exciting. Will my book take off to the point where I could live off of it? Can I live the dream and be a stay-at-home mom (when the times comes) and be a novelist? Will I join the ranks of education professionals? Am I destined to stay in retail? I think I can answer the last question confidently with a 'no' but I'm beginning to think all bets are off the table.
I'm sorry if I sound like Debbie Downer this evening, I promise with the dawn of a new week I will try to be chipper.
I have to say being in my career crossroads is kind of a scary sort of exciting. Will my book take off to the point where I could live off of it? Can I live the dream and be a stay-at-home mom (when the times comes) and be a novelist? Will I join the ranks of education professionals? Am I destined to stay in retail? I think I can answer the last question confidently with a 'no' but I'm beginning to think all bets are off the table.
I'm sorry if I sound like Debbie Downer this evening, I promise with the dawn of a new week I will try to be chipper.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
June 23, 2010
I am so regretting jumping ahead in writing stuff this evening. I went from point A to C without stopping at B! Now I have backtracked to B and it's like forcing together puzzle pieces. Forcing together pieces doesn't make the picture any clearer. However, I am happy to report that while listening to my awe-inspiring guys, The Fray, that I thought of how I want to end the book. That's means I can go from point C to D without too much thought!
A few days (it might even be weeks since the summer is moving so quickly) I was ranting about going back to basics and moving from A to C definitely didn't fit in with that. I can sort of make my peace with this because the conditions in which I wrote RoV are totally different from now. Once upon a time, I had a nice office job that allowed me to do actually do my job and whatever I wanted at the same (it does exist) and I wrote RoV while at work. It worked out well since I am morning person. I attribute some of writer's block to writing in the evening when I'm ready to fall asleep.
The moral of my story today is that if I was successful before, I should really stick to the track that led to that success in the first place!
P.S. Can anyone else believe that June is almost over? Didn't it feel like that it just started last week? I find this all very disconcerting.
A few days (it might even be weeks since the summer is moving so quickly) I was ranting about going back to basics and moving from A to C definitely didn't fit in with that. I can sort of make my peace with this because the conditions in which I wrote RoV are totally different from now. Once upon a time, I had a nice office job that allowed me to do actually do my job and whatever I wanted at the same (it does exist) and I wrote RoV while at work. It worked out well since I am morning person. I attribute some of writer's block to writing in the evening when I'm ready to fall asleep.
The moral of my story today is that if I was successful before, I should really stick to the track that led to that success in the first place!
P.S. Can anyone else believe that June is almost over? Didn't it feel like that it just started last week? I find this all very disconcerting.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
June 22, 2010
I finally got a hold of a computer without competing for it! I was going to blog at home, but my husband was hogging the computer. So I went to my parent's house (I was going there anyway for dinner) and had their computer all to myself. I pulled up youtube to listen to music while I checked e-mails and blog, but got sidetracked on the main page with the video of Lisa Kudrow giving a commencement speech at Vasser where she majored in Biology.
I began listening to her speech while checking e-mail and she explained an all important question-how did she go from researching with her dad at a headache clinic to being an award-winning actress. Her answer: failure. Before being cast in Mad About You as Ursula the waitress, and then in Friends as Phoebe; she was fired after two days of working on Frazier, was turned down for SNL, and a couple other jobs along the way. The point is that if she had went back to biology or succeeded at any of those other jobs then she wouldn't be where she is today.
Anyway, why I am telling you about Lisa Kudrow's commencement speech at Vasser? Well, Lisa could have been talking to me because some days I feel like what is the point of having a Master's degree in Education while working in retail and having a novel? Any moment can be the moment and it fueled my dream that maybe I can be a big name author too. I don't care that I sound corny because the fact that I succeeded with publishing a novel is an accomplishment in itself and for now Lisa Kudrow's speech as made me feel better about my unsuccessful job hunt for education jobs. So thank you Lisa Kudrow and thank you to my readers for your support. Support has also fueled my dream of infamy.
I began listening to her speech while checking e-mail and she explained an all important question-how did she go from researching with her dad at a headache clinic to being an award-winning actress. Her answer: failure. Before being cast in Mad About You as Ursula the waitress, and then in Friends as Phoebe; she was fired after two days of working on Frazier, was turned down for SNL, and a couple other jobs along the way. The point is that if she had went back to biology or succeeded at any of those other jobs then she wouldn't be where she is today.
Anyway, why I am telling you about Lisa Kudrow's commencement speech at Vasser? Well, Lisa could have been talking to me because some days I feel like what is the point of having a Master's degree in Education while working in retail and having a novel? Any moment can be the moment and it fueled my dream that maybe I can be a big name author too. I don't care that I sound corny because the fact that I succeeded with publishing a novel is an accomplishment in itself and for now Lisa Kudrow's speech as made me feel better about my unsuccessful job hunt for education jobs. So thank you Lisa Kudrow and thank you to my readers for your support. Support has also fueled my dream of infamy.
Monday, June 21, 2010
June 21, 2010
So I wrote my little heart out last night and I am very excited what I got going. I just regret being a morning person and pooping out before ten a.m. I'm going to blame my day in the sun as to why I was so tired. I need to figure out how I'm going to tie up all my loose ends of the story. Then, I am going to go back in and fill in the gaps of the story. An interesting tidbit about Rules of Vegas is that Chapter 18 (the sled riding chapter) wasn't original to the story. After reading through the story, I wanted to show non-dramatic time amongst Mark, Andy, and Anne. There were also a few chapters that didn't make the cut because they began straying too far from the story line.
I have a book reading on Friday and I'm excited about it. Victoria, the owner of 'a,' is going to being tweeting about me. As far as I know, I haven't been tweeted about. This book has brought about a number of first experiences for me! I'm toying with the idea of a fall regional book tour by visiting cities such as D.C., Baltimore, and maybe some places in Ohio if my friends would be willing to put me up for the night. I'm not sure if I could get the vacation time or the cooperation from non-local coffee shops, but I'm willing to give it a whirl. Any other p.r. suggestions out there?
I have a book reading on Friday and I'm excited about it. Victoria, the owner of 'a,' is going to being tweeting about me. As far as I know, I haven't been tweeted about. This book has brought about a number of first experiences for me! I'm toying with the idea of a fall regional book tour by visiting cities such as D.C., Baltimore, and maybe some places in Ohio if my friends would be willing to put me up for the night. I'm not sure if I could get the vacation time or the cooperation from non-local coffee shops, but I'm willing to give it a whirl. Any other p.r. suggestions out there?
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Father's Day!
I wish to extend a very Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there reading my blog! You have a very important job-to be a super hero for your kids!
Over the years, I have written a few father characters in my stories. Anne's dad, John, I feel I wrote a good role model. While Anne keeps him in the dark on certain things, it is clear that she is his number one priority. In reality, it shouldn't be any other way. In Andy's story, John's role as a stepdad is equally important to Andy. Thus, in John's case, he takes his parenting seriously whether it is with Anne or Andy because he knows family comes first.
Reflecting on my writings, all of my stories have a father who has some hero-like quality to them. I think I can thank my own dad for that because he's always been there for me. I'm truly blessed to have had both parents place me and my sister as their priority. I imagine it would be an extreme challenge to write an evil parent character. I know of some pretty poor parents, but I haven't dared placed myself in their shoes. I may have to step over to the dark side of parenting when writing my 1920s who-dunnit story.
Anyway, I must go get ready because my dad has chosen to go golfing for Father's day. Once again, to all the dad's out there-keep being a hero! It is appreciated even though it may not be expressed as much as it should be.
Over the years, I have written a few father characters in my stories. Anne's dad, John, I feel I wrote a good role model. While Anne keeps him in the dark on certain things, it is clear that she is his number one priority. In reality, it shouldn't be any other way. In Andy's story, John's role as a stepdad is equally important to Andy. Thus, in John's case, he takes his parenting seriously whether it is with Anne or Andy because he knows family comes first.
Reflecting on my writings, all of my stories have a father who has some hero-like quality to them. I think I can thank my own dad for that because he's always been there for me. I'm truly blessed to have had both parents place me and my sister as their priority. I imagine it would be an extreme challenge to write an evil parent character. I know of some pretty poor parents, but I haven't dared placed myself in their shoes. I may have to step over to the dark side of parenting when writing my 1920s who-dunnit story.
Anyway, I must go get ready because my dad has chosen to go golfing for Father's day. Once again, to all the dad's out there-keep being a hero! It is appreciated even though it may not be expressed as much as it should be.
Friday, June 18, 2010
June 18, 2010
Well, I was able to clear my mind today while sunbathing by the pool (I know, what a rough day I had), which allowed me to think through my storyline and decide where I'm going with this whole thing. And I did it without getting too much sunburn! I also decided on some minor character details. For example, I decided to make the one character shorter than what I originally said in the story. If I can't picture the characters in my head then it's no good. (Now that's a comment that makes it sound like I got too much sun).
Unfortunately, my book reading got canceled today. I was anticipating some new people showing up this week too, so it is a bit of a bummer. I have a book reading next week that I'm looking forward too. I typically read from Chapter 2, however, I'm getting tired of reading that particular chapter. Does anyone who has read my book have any suggestions? It has to be a part with enough intrigue to draw people in without giving too much away. I'm tempted to read the party scene and I also like sled riding scene just because of the descriptive details. I'm open to some feedback.
Unfortunately, my book reading got canceled today. I was anticipating some new people showing up this week too, so it is a bit of a bummer. I have a book reading next week that I'm looking forward too. I typically read from Chapter 2, however, I'm getting tired of reading that particular chapter. Does anyone who has read my book have any suggestions? It has to be a part with enough intrigue to draw people in without giving too much away. I'm tempted to read the party scene and I also like sled riding scene just because of the descriptive details. I'm open to some feedback.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
June 16, 2010
I got a pleasant surprise today. My original editor, Chris, edited the first portion of Andy's story that I sent out a few days ago. Guess what I'm reading after writing this? I feel like I'm finding my groove! My back to basics plan seems to be working.
I'm also looking forward to my book reading tomorrow. I think the Fire Escape has been talking me up to their customers, which is appreciated. For those of you that haven't visited the Fire Escape, it has a really great ambience. It's very spacious and has a large selection of drinks and even ice cream. So I hope to see you there tomorrow. If tomorrow doesn't work for you, then I have a reading next Friday as well.
I'm also looking forward to my book reading tomorrow. I think the Fire Escape has been talking me up to their customers, which is appreciated. For those of you that haven't visited the Fire Escape, it has a really great ambience. It's very spacious and has a large selection of drinks and even ice cream. So I hope to see you there tomorrow. If tomorrow doesn't work for you, then I have a reading next Friday as well.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
June 16, 2010
I think it's amusing that inspiration can be found anywhere in almost anything: music, nature, or even the cracked out lady coming into my work today. It's true, there was a woman of questionable character who came in claiming to be in love after a month and wanted to try on wedding gowns. No ring, no date; just love, apparently. To me, what makes this small tidbit of information so exciting is the creativity that it allows. Who is she in love with? Her drug dealer, the guy across the street, or the person she imagines in her mind? What kind of wedding does she envision? A small thing at the JP or some elaborate fairy tale wedding that only Disney could manufacture? These details are the descriptive glue that holds stories together!
I've started debating with myself about whether to take the laptop with me on vacation. On one hand, it would be nice to update my blog and write if it's a rainy day. However, I know if it travels with me, I may not be able to pry my husband and brother-in-law away from it (sorry boys, but you know it's true), which would defeat the purpose of spending quality time with family on the beach. This will most likely be a game time decision, but I still have two weeks to worry about this.
I've started debating with myself about whether to take the laptop with me on vacation. On one hand, it would be nice to update my blog and write if it's a rainy day. However, I know if it travels with me, I may not be able to pry my husband and brother-in-law away from it (sorry boys, but you know it's true), which would defeat the purpose of spending quality time with family on the beach. This will most likely be a game time decision, but I still have two weeks to worry about this.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
June 15, 2010
It may be super early to call my back to basics move a success, but I'm feeling better about going back through my story and reading through it. I was able to read through the first six chapters or so and fill in the gaps, thus helping me rid of the comments I place all throughout the story for myself. Also, I finally got around to sending the first few chapters out to my original editing team, which consists of close friends.
Not only did I fill in some gaps, I feel that I will have a clearer idea of what is going on with my story. I don't know how other writers feel about writing their stories, but it can be a daunting task. You become in the mood to just write and before you know it you have a beast of a story that is bigger than you imagined it to be. I think that's where I am at in my writing process. I kind of can compare it to planning my wedding. After you set the date-it's like I have a ton of stuff to do. However, you break it down to smaller, more managable tasks and it's not so scary as you original picked out. (I guess I have revealed that I'm a planner).
Not only did I fill in some gaps, I feel that I will have a clearer idea of what is going on with my story. I don't know how other writers feel about writing their stories, but it can be a daunting task. You become in the mood to just write and before you know it you have a beast of a story that is bigger than you imagined it to be. I think that's where I am at in my writing process. I kind of can compare it to planning my wedding. After you set the date-it's like I have a ton of stuff to do. However, you break it down to smaller, more managable tasks and it's not so scary as you original picked out. (I guess I have revealed that I'm a planner).
Monday, June 14, 2010
June 14, 2010
I would like to tell you that my bike riding is going so well that I worked out the rest of the plotline for Andy's story. I would like to tell you that, but it would be a lie. I'm still concentrating just trying to not to run out of breath. However, I did ride further without stopping as much for air or water tonight! I think I need a flat, picturesque boardwalk or street close the beach and ocean for such things. If only I could teleport to the beach instead of waiting three weeks.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
June 13, 2010
So on Friday night, my wonderful hubby took me out on date night! He picked a super classy restaurant in the Southside for dinner and then after eating the most delicious chocolate mousse, we then proceeded down to Joseph Beth Bookstore. I approached the employee at the cash register and said, "Hello, I am a local author whose book is here and I wondering if it would be allowed for me to act like a dork and get my picture taken with it on the shelf?"
Needless to say, because of my hubby's last name that he gave to me it is on the bottom shelf, but it was there on the shelf in an honest to God bookstore! I plan on posting the pictures of this momentous occasion on my web-site or Facebook. I don't care that I'm a dork or that everyone knows it.
Needless to say, because of my hubby's last name that he gave to me it is on the bottom shelf, but it was there on the shelf in an honest to God bookstore! I plan on posting the pictures of this momentous occasion on my web-site or Facebook. I don't care that I'm a dork or that everyone knows it.
Friday, June 11, 2010
June 11, 2010
Well, I anticipate a productive afternoon of editing because it's a party of contractors at my house today: new gutters, clean fill for my yard, and the internet service provider guy. I still need to go grocery shopping, but I went to college-I can be creative with the weird items that lurk in the pantry and a microwave. It just may not taste all that great.
I mentioned yesterday that I'm going back to basics and quite frankly, I'm really happy with my decision to slow things up and make the draft I have going even more fabulous. For those of you that know me, you must know that it's an understatement that I'm a perfectionist. Writing drafts of letters, research papers, and now novels is no exception to this. If something is worth doing, then it's worth doing well.
Of course, I will keep you posted with my progress and as always, I'm interested to hear what other writers are doing.
I mentioned yesterday that I'm going back to basics and quite frankly, I'm really happy with my decision to slow things up and make the draft I have going even more fabulous. For those of you that know me, you must know that it's an understatement that I'm a perfectionist. Writing drafts of letters, research papers, and now novels is no exception to this. If something is worth doing, then it's worth doing well.
Of course, I will keep you posted with my progress and as always, I'm interested to hear what other writers are doing.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
June 10, 2010
Last night, my internet connection failed to the point where I had to call my service provider. I had some riveting things to say and of course it was all typed out and then the connection failed.
So anyway, while traveling to the bank for work today, I decided I need to go back to basics with my writing. My "routine" or even steps that I took last year when writing RoV are nonexistent. I need to use music for inspiration, which has sort of lacked. (This was what I was going to blog about last night). I have only read through what I have written two or three times, whereas with RoV, I read through the manscript at least once a week. Plus, I sent portions out for feedback, which I have yet to do. However, I did call my original Editor Extraordinaire to warn him that an approximate 40,000 words is coming his way.
Those little quirks led me to success the first time around and I hope it can do so for the second time. (The moment of truth is quickly approaching-will my internet connection fail?)
P.S. I have another reading lined up on Friday, June 25 at affogato otherwise known as 'a' located in Bellevue. The time has yet to be determined, but it will be some time in the evening.
So anyway, while traveling to the bank for work today, I decided I need to go back to basics with my writing. My "routine" or even steps that I took last year when writing RoV are nonexistent. I need to use music for inspiration, which has sort of lacked. (This was what I was going to blog about last night). I have only read through what I have written two or three times, whereas with RoV, I read through the manscript at least once a week. Plus, I sent portions out for feedback, which I have yet to do. However, I did call my original Editor Extraordinaire to warn him that an approximate 40,000 words is coming his way.
Those little quirks led me to success the first time around and I hope it can do so for the second time. (The moment of truth is quickly approaching-will my internet connection fail?)
P.S. I have another reading lined up on Friday, June 25 at affogato otherwise known as 'a' located in Bellevue. The time has yet to be determined, but it will be some time in the evening.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
So I have slight obsession with the Twilight series. I may or may not be purchasing my tickets for Eclipse after I'm done writing this blog and I just heard that Stephenie Meyer put out a novella from Bree's perspective. Bree is the lone vampire girl in Eclipse that surrenders at the end and eventually is taken care of by the Volturi. (P.S. if that is news to you then you aren't a true Twilight Series fan). Anyway, I'm not sure how I feel about this new little novella. I will read it as I am an avid fan, but I wonder why Bree? She's just a blip on the radar.
Then, I ask myself this very same question about my own sequel. Why Andy? My answers consist of because he was my fave in his own interesting way as I never expected him to turn out the way he did and why not Andy? Who am I to say that Stephenie Meyer loved Bree in her own special way. However, I am anxiously awaiting Stephenie's book through Edward's perspective. I suppose that's all I can hope for my own novel and perhaps novel-to-be-I hope Rules of Vegas is intriguing enough for people to see things through Andy's eyes.
Then, I ask myself this very same question about my own sequel. Why Andy? My answers consist of because he was my fave in his own interesting way as I never expected him to turn out the way he did and why not Andy? Who am I to say that Stephenie Meyer loved Bree in her own special way. However, I am anxiously awaiting Stephenie's book through Edward's perspective. I suppose that's all I can hope for my own novel and perhaps novel-to-be-I hope Rules of Vegas is intriguing enough for people to see things through Andy's eyes.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Monday, June 7, 2010
Well, I'm getting fancy now! One of my readers suggested this web-site and I checked it out and here am I blogging on an official blogging web-site. I feel that this is a good move as it provides a better platform for you to post your comments, thoughts, or ideas. I will post a link to this site on my web-site.
So today was a big day for advertising Rules of Vegas. For my fellow Duquesne University Dukes, you may have noticed that my name and web-site is on page 45 of the Spring 2010 edition of the Duquesne Magazine. Also, my parents kindly sold a copy of my book to a second cousin who does PR in Chicago. If she likes the story she may play around with advertising it for me, something I would greatly appreciate. I'm very excited for these opportunities and hopes it serves to keep the ball rolling with getting my book out there!
I would like to take my mini-book tour on the road and am looking for suggestions for coffee shops to contact in the Fairfield/New Canaan area of Connecticut. So if you know of any good places, please feel free to share as I'm vacationing there for a week in July.
So today was a big day for advertising Rules of Vegas. For my fellow Duquesne University Dukes, you may have noticed that my name and web-site is on page 45 of the Spring 2010 edition of the Duquesne Magazine. Also, my parents kindly sold a copy of my book to a second cousin who does PR in Chicago. If she likes the story she may play around with advertising it for me, something I would greatly appreciate. I'm very excited for these opportunities and hopes it serves to keep the ball rolling with getting my book out there!
I would like to take my mini-book tour on the road and am looking for suggestions for coffee shops to contact in the Fairfield/New Canaan area of Connecticut. So if you know of any good places, please feel free to share as I'm vacationing there for a week in July.
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