Friday, July 30, 2010

July 30, 2010

I found some new songs that are acting as the "soundtrack" to the novel I am writing. They aren't The Fray, but they are Snow Patrol. Is it obvious what kind of music I listen to? I downloaded (okay, my hubby downloaded) an application for my phone that plays various artists of the same genre. So I have been listening to Snow Patrol, Coldplay, and The Fray with the occasional Deathcab for Cutie and other random artists thrown in. My hubby also got me earbuds for my birthday so grocery shopping has some new pizazz to it!

The other day I saw that the Powerball was about $60 million. I said to my friend that I could totally live off of it and wondered out loud what I would do with myself if I did win that much money. I would of course pay off my bills and those that belonged to my family members, share with friends, and travel. But what would I do for the rest of my life? I am not the type of person to just sit around for long periods of time. My friend pointed out that I would write. I probably would. I would volunteer and when I have children, you better believe I would be an awesome classroom mom!

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

July 28, 2010

Truth be told, I feel like I repeat myself a lot on this blog. Plus, I am tired of writing about the same old things so tonight I'm just going to talk about random stuff. Do what you will with it.

Did you know that silk can't be spun in pure white? It's true, take that fact to Jeopardy, but because it is an all natural fabric it is not naturally white. So if you hear someone say that they can get you white silk, they are lying and going to give you something other than silk.

If money were no object (sadly it is), I would fly first class to Australia and check out The Australia Zoo (formerly run by The Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin. I miss Steve and all his crazy antics. The world was a better place with him in it and I hope his children aspire to be just like him). I would check out the opera house, the Great Barrier Reef, and wouldn't leave the country until I hold a koala bear.

I have never been to Disney World. I'm actually afraid to go now in case I see one of the Muppets and the puppeteers attached to one of them. I have loved the Muppets from day one and I think it would ruin all the magic to see them being worked by the puppeteer. I feel that some sense of awe from childhood should remain in adulthood. For example, I was totally disappointed when I went to Kennywood one year. I was too afraid to ride the coasters and all the kiddie land and rides like the Turtle had lost its luster. The magic was gone.

Finally, there are less lightning bugs out this year, than last year. I have no scientific basis for this other than the fact that last year, I could look out into my yard and it was like yellow twinkling lights everywhere. Now it's just a random sparkle here and there. I correllate the lack of lightning bugs with the heat. Last year, was unseasonable cool.

I hope you enjoyed the randomness of this post as much as I enjoyed writing it. If you want more random thoughts or stories, please feel free to let me know.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

July 27, 2010

Last night, I enjoyed the sillier aspects of writing a novel such as searching for small towns in Missouri. I have never been to Missouri, but when using Mapquest, I figured I found farmlands when all the roads in the immediate area titled County Road followed by a number. Plus, they were a great deal of distance from the major cities.
I would imagine that if I were to go to this small farm towns that I would hope to see my characters there, much like my drive to and from vacation when passing Mechanicsburg. If I exited at Mechanicsburg, would I have found Anne and her family? The prospect of having such success is what keeps me looking. We live for the "maybe's" and the "what if's" of life. Maybe I will meet Matt Damon. What if I win the lottery? Maybe my husband will bring me home a strawberry milkshake after his softball game. The mystery is exciting!

Monday, July 26, 2010

July 26, 2010

So last night I couldn't fall asleep because I had a ton of story ideas running through my head. It was to the point where I had quickly mapped out the story-line from beginning to end and even thought about how I would start writing it. I have to admit that it was rather annoying because I just wanted to go to sleep. Not only that, I am in the middle of writing a story and I wanted to kick out the last book of that series before starting anything new. I wonder if this happens to any other authors.

Before my racing mind plagued me, I was on a roll with writing. I'm getting to a really pivotal part of the story. It's kind of cruel to tease you like that. I will post something new on my web-site! Promise!

Sunday, July 25, 2010

July 25, 2010

Hello,

So I was in a major bookstore the other night and when I walked in, they had a table set up for an author to do a book signing. I totally want to do that! The big bookstores did not like the little guy and that is why I am thankful for Joseph-Beth Booksellers. So I was walking around looking for a book to read because I had a gift card to spend and I'm totally overwhelmed by the selection. I am taking suggestions for what would be a good read to close out my summer.
Anyway, while walking around I had this super longing for to get my book in there. My book may not win any publishing prizes, but it is a good read and I'm sure certainly better than some of the stuff on the shelves. Therefore, I'm on mission to find an agent. I will probably start this search in the fall because my mission now is to find a new full-time job, preferably one that will utilize my master's degree.
But I can taste the success of being in a large national bookstore and I want it. I'm the type of person that if I want something, I find a way of getting it. After all, I wanted to be published and I made that dream happen!

Friday, July 23, 2010

July 23, 2010

Hello,

I'm sorry I haven't written a few days, I was sick and then I had an espionage mission. That's right, an espionage mission. Just in case my master's degree doesn't pan out, I'm training to be a secret agent. I'm excited that I thought about more details for the end of the story.

I have no air condition and truth be told, it's a bit much to sit in front of the computer to write. It's just too hot to do anything except swim or sit in air conditioning. Today I successful spent most of my day at the mall. Hopefully by the time it cools down I will have the bulk of the story line worked out and will be able to breeze through the writing.

Monday, July 19, 2010

July 19, 2010

I'm going to write tonight! I was going to have arts and craft time, but realized the pair of scissors that cuts in fun shapes is in my car. It sounds like it's not a big deal, but my car is at the mechanic and it's just too much effort to go get them. Arts and crafts will be another night.

I need to get my fall book tour planned out so if you have suggestions, please let me know. I've been told about a place in Squirrel Hill and I think I will hit my usual spots since they are such gracious hosts. I'm open to any other suggestions.

Also, I'm looking for good book suggestions. I received a book store gift card for my birthday and I'm not sure what to buy. Going to large bookstores can be overwhelming! Let me know what you think I should get and then I will discuss it here with you.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

July 17, 2010

Well, it was year ago today that I spoke to the publishing company for the first time. Kathryn answered and we each asked a bunch of questions to one another before she finally said, "Just skip the admission process and send directly to me." I credited her the acknowledgements of my book because she definitely got the wheels in motion.

Last night, I had something really cool and rather cute happen to me: I was at a carnival and these two girls approach me who were ten to twelve years old and ask if I am the girl who has written the book. I said yes and the one girl mentioned she wanted to read it, to which I said she was too young. However, they seemed to be really excited to meet me and I gave them my business card for my web-site for them to share with adults. All in all, it was kind of neat to be recognized by complete strangers. I guess I'm building on my local celebrity status. :-)

Friday, July 16, 2010

July 16, 2010

So I had a crazy thought today, which I think I may attribute to the oppressive heat: I thought about scrapping Andy's story. I want to do a story through Mark's perspective, but to get to that one, I need Andy's story to bridge the gap. I thought about this horrifying thought while cleaning the bathroom and said to myself that I haven't had the time to devote myself to the story as I did with RoV and that it will come together and it may need some major tweaking to get to a point where I like it. Oppressive heat and cleaning lead to crazy thoughts, apparently.

On a lighter note, I think I'm going to collect testamonials about Rules of Vegas to place on my web-site. If you are interested in writing one, please e-mail it to me at kimberlyzylinski@kimberlyzylinski.com. As always, thank you for your support!

Thursday, July 15, 2010

July 15, 2010

Hello All!

I am happy to report that I actually was able to sit down and write out a decent size section last night. It was the first time in a while since I've been able to do that and it felt really good. I know I will still have a lot to fill in when I am finished writing the big events. I have to chronicle the big events of the story line because it feels like they are burning my mind until I can get them written down.

In the past, I have referenced the idea that I could write about a bridal shop since I work in one. I am excited about a new event that would definitely show up in the story-line if I ever do write about that. While not sponsored by the company I work for, I am participating in an esponiage trip where I get to play the role of matron of honor and my co-workers will be the bride and parent. We have an appointment at another bridal shop to see what kind of customer experience they provide.

I know I have said this before: Inspiration is everywhere and who knows what this little trip will spark. Maybe a CIA spy story line will commence.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

July 13, 2010

I had every intention of writing last night and tonight, but I find myself enthralled by the television. Last night, I was like "I'll just put on a movie as background noise as I write." Bad idea because I ended watching 50 First Dates in its entirety. Then, tonight I have to watch one of the most intriguing reality shows out there: Deadliest Catch. My television watching is multi-purpose tonight as I plan on ironing all my clothes for the week. The life of a housewife: perhaps a future story coming to you soon. :-)

No, I did end up writing a little bit. Whenever I log into my e-mail account, I see e-mails of the already edited story that I sent and know that I have to work harder to send the next part to my original editor. Perhaps tomorrow will be my big night to write as I know I will not have to share the computer with my lovable husband.

Monday, July 12, 2010

July 12, 2010

I'm back from vacation. While I had a wonderful time, it's always nice coming back from vacation because I missed my kitties and my bed. I am looking forward to getting back into my routine of blogging and writing. I need to incorporate reading novels in there. It was nice just to sit and read for hours on end, however the sun and the sand may have helped a little on that end.

I'm kind of done with book readings for the summer. I think I'm going to take a break and do some coffee shop readings in the fall. I need a small break for the rest of the summer. So I guess stay posted for the fall book tour line up.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

I'm on vacation, so I don't know what day it is

That's right, I totally have no clue as to what day it is. I think it's Wednesday. I know I have to leave Sunday. I was able to write a little bit of the story last night. I am definitely going to have to fill stuff in after I get the main parts written. That will be okay because it is all a part of my back to basics plan. I did it with RoV and I can do it this time around.

I apologize for this being short, but the sun and sand are calling my name and I'm going to follow the sound. I write again when I'm much tanner, which isn't a stretch since I'm the whitest girl ever!

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Independence Day!

Happy July 4th to you and your families! As mentioned a few weeks ago, I am on vacation this week. It is really great to be away and I can't promise that I will be writing every day. After all, I'm on vacation!

I am excited that I am going to be doing a reading at a local coffee shop named the Las Vegas Lounge in Fairfield, CT. It's an hour train ride from NYC if you know anyone who is looking to escape the city for an evening. It's going to be this Wednesday evening.

Driving up here, I passed Mechanicsburg. I got this stupid excited feeling like if I were to exit at Mechanicsburg, I could find Anne and Andy at home for the summer. They are real to me and I want to be a part of their world. It was no different than my first time in New York City and I was looking for Central Perk and the cast of Friends. They are great people, why shouldn't I want to hang out with them? So that is my dorky moment. I hope you have a great holiday and I will try to get on to blog every few days!