Writing sex scenes

Writing sex scenes- a scandalous and tricky business, don'tcha think?  On one hand, you don't want to sound like a prude, but on the other you don't want to make it seem like it's a porno.  I confess that the first time I wrote a sex scene in Rules of Vegas, it sounded like a prude.  It was so boring.  Then, I said to myself, "if you are going to write a sex scene, write a freakin' sex scene!"  Granted, I'm sure I could do it better.  The wholesome Roman Catholic girl inside me still monitors the writing. 

I'm all for tasteful sex scenes so I guess I'll never write a porn script.  Good thing it's not on my bucket list. 

Anyway, all this chat about sex scenes came about because I wrote a few with Andy's story aka Going All In.  Naturally, he's the playboy of characters.  I am approaching writing one with Mark's story ( I need a title for this one) and I find it challenging writing something tasteful from a guy's point of view.  Andy doesn't need as much as a filter as Mark does.  This may sound like I think guys are pigs and I don't believe this, but I think-No, I KNOW they are wired differently. 

Well, I'm almost to 13K words and counting...I'll keep you posted when I find that perfect filter for Mark. 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in the meantime!

Christmas Cheer

I got kind of depressed the other day because I heard someone say that they are just trying to survive the holidays.  I was at a Christmas party no less when this comment was made.
 ::Warning: I'm going to sound like a Christmas movie::
What do people stress over?  Even last year, I spaced out my time to bake and wrap presents.  It seems that everyone gets surprised about Christmas arriving when it's the same day each year.  This is the time of year where people need to chill out since everyone gets a few days off (hopefully) and you get spend time with family and friends. 
I hope you aren't surviving the holidays, and that you find a moment of peace if you are just trying to hang in there.  I suggest Christmas carols and cookies to get you in the holiday spirit.  Maybe watch a Christmas movie too (I suggest the Polar Express).

10,000 for the 3rd time

That's right kids, I just surpassed 10,000 words for novel number three.  Mark is the narrator this time and I have big plans for him.  We are going to set him on the roller coaster train and watch him go up and down those hills. 
I hope I can walk away from the characters when all is said and done.  I love them obviously, but will I love them enough to let them go?  After all we don't need a Rules of Vegas Part 13.  Surely that would be a disaster like the Land Before Time movies...did they even end with all the original characters?  They should have ended movie four with the meteor hitting Earth and all the dinosaurs dying.  The ending clip could read, "And that's your history lesson for today.  Happy Fossil Finding!" 
Anyway, Mark's story is set when the three of them our 35 years old.  This should be challenging as I do not have the wisdom of a thirty-something.  I will soon enough, but for now I only have twenty-some years of experience to work with.  Spoiler alert: Anne and Mark are married and have two kids.  Andy does not have either...he became married to his career.  Fitting right?
Anyway, I am excited to see where Mark's journey leads because I'm not entirely sure how his story ends.  It will be one extreme or another.  This will probably pose a challenge because I didn't know how Going All In aka Andy's story was going to end.  If you recall, I struggled with this issue because how do you drive to your destination without knowing where it is?  I'll just push the auto pilot button when I have used all my ideas for this story and hope for the best. 
Also, like last time, 90,000 words is my goal.  I suppose now I won't stop until I've obtained it!

Rumors

I was recruiting for my school the other day and one of the students raised their hands and asked, "Is it true that your school has a missile silo?"  We said no, but it would be cool to have a school that bad ass.  Where did he even hear that rumor?  How does something that large start?  Did his big brother decide to mess with him and say it exists? 
Rumors baffle me.  I had two students the other day where they used to be friends, the one got angry and started saying on Facebook that she was pregnant, and then they became friends again and she retracted her statement.  You can't just retract something like that. 
Rumors-they are ugly. 

I just needed to stand on my soapbox for a few minutes today.

Sense of Accomplishment

I dropped off my novels for the book fair in three weeks that you should definitely attend and I have updated my web-site.  I added an excerpt from Going All In aka Andy's story.  I know I promised that a while ago and I feel awful for not delivering on it.  I guess I wasn't ready to share anything yet.  Now I am because I have accomplished another awesome thing. 

Speaking of accomplishments-I have started my holiday baking.  I always start the baking season with Hershey Kiss cookies.  They taste divine as I sample a cookie from every batch, what kind of baker would I be if I didn't?  Answer: An awful one.  So my intentions are to bake sugar cookies and thumbprints.  I could be brave and try a new cookie.  I have a recipe for an orange cookie (don't wrinkle your nose, it's actually quite tasty).  My attempts at making almond cinnamon triangles failed miserably last year as my food processor started smoking and probably was moments away from bursting into flames. 

Can you believe that it is almost Thanksgiving or Christmas for that matter?  If I recall correctly, I believed I blogged about my laundry list of new year's resolutions that my husband and I made earlier this year.  I'm happy to report that most of them were accomplished- Z graduated with a master's degree, our back yard is almost filled in, and I got my shiny new job.  The only thing that will remain unfinished this year is the task of dry walling the attic.  This will give me more time to plan out my super awesome walk in closet for the attic.  :-)

Another Novel

I wrote another novel.  This accomplishment hasn't sunk in quite yet.  I have another novel and I still want to write more.  I was talking to my cousin tonight who noted that I needed a hobby to occupy my time.  I agreed with him, but I think it has to be related to promoting myself as an author.  I think I need an agent.  I'm not ready to take on this endeavor, but it's something I would like to pursue as time moves forward.  And ultimately, isn't that what writing is all about is moving forward? 

While I brush my teeth and style my hair in the morning, I think about the next novel...you guessed it, it's going to be through Mark's point of view.  Oh, I have big plans for the mature Mark.  Big plans for Andy and Anne too.  It's going to be about ten years in the future for them, which will be challenging to write because I'm not very creative when it comes to thinking about the future...what will be the latest gadget to replace the iPod?  What will the cars look like?  Will Justin Timberlake sing again?  I will stretch my mind to its outer limits to answer those questions and I dare not dream of a world where Justin Timberlake doesn't make a new album that blows Future Sex Love Sounds out of the water! 

However, a bigger question of the future looms in the distance...just what will I do when I've completed my trilogy?  I love my characters and would hate to let them go, will I be able to move on?  I hope so.  It may be necessary to remind me that writing is all about moving forward. 

Just 400 words shy

I'm just 400 words shy of the 90,000 word mark for Andy's story aka Going All In.  It feels good and I really don't know what I'm going to do with the story, but at least I know I have it.  I had writer's block pretty much the whole summer.  Even after starting my latest and greatest job, I was like "uh, what am I doing with this story."  I don't have to know the answer right now.

I changed the ending...it's still the same concept, just the characters are doing/saying different things.  I've added some things and I need to add a little bit more in the details department.  I'm pretty happy with the story.  It makes me ready for the third story!  Oh my, a third story!

6 month update

Where have I been since May? Where I haven't I been...

Well, I was working 70 hours a week until June 7ish. Then, I went back to retail full-time for two weeks, where I was then hired by a credit company working on appraisals for a huge bank. That was all well and good for a few weeks-I met some great people, the job paid my bills, but yet it bored me since I was doing the same thing day in and day out. I kept looking for school counseling jobs and was really excited when a district called for a LTS position. It was a glimmer of hope after bombing a permanent full time job interview a few weeks prior.

I celebrated my birthday on the down low because I am creepin' closer to 30 and didn't have any of my goals accomplished. I felt old and like a loser to be honest. "Hi, my name is Kim Zylinski, I have a Master's degree and no job prospects." The statement felt like it was tattooed on my forehead. I was able to write on Andy's story a little bit here and there, for the most part I had writer's block.

Then, on August 6 everything changed...I went in to meet with one of the schools that I had subbed for earlier that year. It was my favorite building and I thought they were going to offer me a public relations job. The pay wouldn't be great but it would be in a school. I was happy to be wrong. They offered me a permanent full-time school counseling job! Let me say it again...THEY OFFERED ME A PERMANENT FULL-TIME SCHOOL COUNSELING JOB!!!!!! I took it without thinking twice.

I have been there for over three months and it is amazing. I am the best version of myself in life that I could ever be and I feel like I'm going to get better. It was such an honor to get the job. I love it. I love my co-workers, the students (well, most of them), and everything I do. I'm trying to get back to writing and Rules of Vegas promotions. In fact, on December 3, I will be at the Heinz History Center for a self-published authors festival--Please come!

So that's where I've been and now I'm back. I have my life situated and I'm happy. I'm blessed that my story of job hunting has a happy ending. I hope you are well too.

I am a Darwinist now

No, I'm not in the Galapagos Islands, although it would be a nice excuse for not blogging in a while. No, it's just survival of the fittest and I am not sure if doing three jobs places me at the top or the bottom of the food chain. Nevertheless, I'm in survival mode.

I'm sorry that I've been away. Last week, there was a death in my family. My grandfather, WWII vet, grandfather of 9, father of 7, passed away. He had dementia and the family is relieved that he is in a better place and with my grandmother and the rest of our family that has passed away through the years. As a tribute to him, I have a shell casing from the 21 gun salute from his funeral on display in my dining room (fave room of my house).

I also managed to purchase a new car. I decided on a Honda Civic and for all my fans, no it is not black or souped up. It is a silver/blue color and functionally. I love it especially the fact that I can now control the radio/cd player from my steering wheel.

I've been working like crazy but have a few job opportunities cooking. The kind that will be just ONE PERMANENT FULL TIME JOB, because that is my new goal in life. Sorry, the market is so tight that I'm not revealing what they are. I guarantee you that it is nothing for the FBI or CIA. Or is it? ::Insert evil laugh here::

Needless to say, I haven't been writing but with all the driving I do, I think about writing all the time. I hope to get back to it at some point. As an update for my RoV project, I e-mailed that bookstore that is only opening for a month or so that was looking for local authors. After several attempts of trying to contact them, I have not received a response. This serves as proof that even authors don't care about other authors; it's an ugly world out there, I'll tell ya!

Anyway, I hope you are well and thank you so much for sticking with me these past few months. I know I don't have a large following, but I do appreciate what I have!!!!

Oh the things I miss...

Hello Friends,

As you know, I have been working 60 hours a week and I'm not thrilled. I have been a lot during my new self-imposed reality such as my life. More specifically, I miss the concept of one just having one job that is 9-5. It's a been a few years since I've reaped the benefits of that, but I am familar with the concept. I miss stress-eating, oh no, scratch that-I've eaten my weight in junk food. It's been delicious too...Cool Ranch Doritos, Ben and Jerry's ice cream, marshmallow peeps...hungry yet?

I have missed Anne, Andy, and Mark lately. I have missed mainly Andy because his story remains unfinished and Mark because his story remains untold. I miss writing and having all that creativity. I now have to channel my creativity to creating worksheets and games for austistic children. This perhaps may be a more beneficial use of my time, but I miss the one job concept more.

Oh yeah, I miss gas prices below $4/gallon because I now fill up my car every four days. Yay! The silver lining to working all these crappy hours is that I'm getting a new car soon. I have selected a Ford Fusion as my next vehicle of choice. Now I just have to find a used one in my price range.

I miss you too my faithful few readers. I hope you are well. I hope you have one job that sustains you.

I haven't disappeared completely

Hello Strangers,

I have been working three jobs at the rate of 60 hours a week, trying to embrace spring, and job hunting like there is no tomorrow. "Three jobs," you're thinking, "there are people who can't get one job and this girl has three. She must crazy."

True and yes! I have another LTS position at an elementary school an hour away from my home which I love, but it ends in June. I am still working in retail and I started working with austistic children part time, which will eventually become my full-time job. I am still searching for that permanent full-time school counseling job and have even resigned myself to the possibility of moving across for something.

I was cleaning out my bedroom (and my house for that matter) in the event that I have to move on the fly and I found my journals that I had kept since middle school. I began flipping through them and thought that someone else had written it. I was super boy crazy and the things I stressed over were so miniscule compared to the problems I am dealing with now. I laughed after reading through them and then parted ways with that part of my life. I kept my college journal. I wasn't ready to let go of all that just yet. It made me think about when I read RoV 10 years from now, will I think that someone else wrote it?

I'm assuming yes because I think I only stand to gain more life experience from which I will grow and learn from even though RoV isn't my own personal tale, but fictional. Nevertheless, it should be interesting.

P.S. I am getting rid of a bunch of board games, a curling iron, and some excercise equipment in case you are interested. :-)

I hate Lady Gaga

That's right, I have an extreme dislike for Lady Gaga...she annoys me. More importantly, she scares me as a human being. I think she is the type of person Freud would have a field day with and be rather accurate; and I have very little respect for Freud's work. Where did this rant about Lady Gaga come from? Well, I like watching VH1 some mornings while I get ready for work and one of her new videos came on and it just creeps me out and makes me sad. I know sex sells, but is there any good reason to parade your too skinny self around like a prostitute? Go eat something more substantial than three grapes and a cracker Lady Gaga! My other reason for not liking Lady Gaga is that all her songs are starting to sound the same to me. Let's just toss in the category of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Nickelback...choose a different beat, instrument, or pace to sing because your entire album sounds like one large continuous song. I feel better about ranting about Lady Gaga now! Have a great day kids!

Driving with my RoV friends....

For those of you that have written short stories, manuscript, novel, etc. you know that the characters live with you. They are their in the morning to eat breakfast, they follow you to work, and they are their when you go to bed at night. I now have a job that is an hour long commute and this morning Mark traveled with me. I thought about the story I want to write from his perspective. I thought about different scenarios that I would place him in and thought about his words and actions. I find myself with some extra time this evening so I might play around with editing Andy's story or writing a little bit of Mark's. Anyway, as much as I'm not thrilled about my hour long commute on the turnpike or the amount I will spend in gas to fill up my car (which isn't the most fuel efficient) I think it will be nice to have some time to think about where these characters are going. Plus, it will be nice a vacation from the three jobs that I'm juggling temporarily. Anyway, that is my status on writing. Where does everyone else stand?

I just wanted one...

As you know, I am on this quest to obtain one permanent full-time job that it is my field. As of Monday, I have three jobs and sadly they aren't what I really want, but I feel like I'm getting closer. I accepted a temporary full-time position as a school counselor at a district that is an hour away (see previous entry about a need for a new car). I'm quite excited about this opportunity other than the drive. Then, I accepted a part-time job with the promise of becoming full-time after the school counseling job is over. This will require driving all over God's green Earth (see future entry about how my car is falling a part). Of course, I still have the bridal shop job. I am not leaving this until I have achieved the goal, it's just good sense. I find it ironic how I've been praying for one job and yet I now have three that aren't quite what I asked for. Unless I'm not unemployed, which my husband is also grateful for because he is saved from cleaning. I clean and organize when I'm bored and make him join the fun. My quest for obtaining one job has pressed me into a whole new territory of desperation. In the past ten days, I applied for various school counseling jobs that are on the other side of the state. I don't want to move, but I'm curious as to whether the big opportunity would entice me further east. We'll see. My three jobs start next week and I will be super busy, but it's only for two months. I'm hoping to take a wonderful vacation at the end. Stay posted for those details!

Moving to where?

I'm sorry I've been away oh faithful readers... I've been job hunting and have a few irons in the fire that require moving. I've been cleaning out my house in a way that if I need to make a quick getaway to some other part of the state that I will not be bogged down by so much stuff. However, I have the issue of having cases of novels with no one interested in purchasing them. I'm not sure how to overcome that issue. Little book readings don't seem to be the answer. Moving would bring about a whole new region to share my book with, but I really don't want to move. I love my house and all my friends and family are here. Plus, I don't want to be a part of the hour or more car ride with my cats. They meow incessantly until they get to their destination. I would probably have to drug them for the ride. Not only that, my journey to move would begin independently while my husband finished his degree; he graduates in August. I hate the big question mark in front of me. Did I rant about Tom Corbett and how his budget has dried up any potential jobs since the school districts are afraid of hiring new people for the upcoming retirements. Thanks Tom, thanks for adding to my misery of hunting for jobs. So that is what is going on with me and my job hunt and book sales. Big ol' goose eggs on all fronts it feels like. I will keep trucking and keep cleaning my house. I will let you know when I'm having my yard sale!

The Great Unknown

The unmistakable question mark sits in front of me again as I am still searching for a job. I have extended my search to all of Pennsylvania since I'm a certified school counselor for the state. It could be an exciting adventure to move with the intention of eventually coming back to Pittsburgh. More than anything, I just want a permanent full-time job that pays decent so I can get a new car. I love my car, but it is time to trade up.

I'm open to car suggestions and here are some of my criteria...

1. Must be car seat friendly (No, I'm not pregnant, but plan to be within the next few years)
2. Must have the temperature displayed somewhere on the display (I am just a weather freak and this is now a feature that I can't live without)
3. Must not have low profile radial tires. (Not sure if this makes sense, but that's okay. Basically, if my car hits enough potholes or sewer covers not level with the street then it wreaks havoc on my car.)
4. Preferably silver, but not a deal breaker.

I am thinking SUV, but you can't get good gas mileage. Crossover perhaps? Anyway, a new job would allow for a new car to drive me off into this fun and exciting unknown.

P.S. I am loving the spring-like weather.

Holding pattern

Going All In along with my life plans en generale are in a holding pattern for now. I did have big plans to renovate my bathroom, going to a new hot sandy beach, and finish my book but that was before I had to frantically start searching for a new job. Renovating the bathroom and going to the beach on are hopefully temporarily on hold until I know that I have a cash flow that is going to continue. Ah, cash...that green stuff makes the world turn!

I am excited about my upcoming book reading and very anxious to meet the new authors. I am hoping they can give me some inspiration to forge forward with my writing as well as book readings. My book reading is March 23 at 7 pm at Northland Library. Please come and bring friends too!

UPDATE: My car is very pretty looking now from the auto-body shop. My awesome students removed the dent, rust, and paint that was placed there by mother nature and awful drivers. I drove it for a few days and then found out my brake line rusted out completely and ended up in a fiery crash. No, not that last part. I didn't crash, it was pretty hairy finding out that I was driving with only one brake line. Now I can stop!

More fuel for the fire

Throw on another log because I got one more depressing chapter for the book where I talk about my job hunt. I found out definitely that my sub position is coming to a close in three weeks. I'm heart broken and panicked because now I have to find a full-time job. 2011 started out so promising and now it feels like it is taking a nose dive. Even my call to the temp agency didn't end all that well, there isn't much out there. I don't know what to do.

Out of necessity to pay the bills, I'm contemplating a full-time career in retail. RETAIL-the sell your soul to make a dollar career. I also looked for school counseling jobs on the other side of the state to no avail. P.S. Thank you Tom Corbett for cutting the education budget. I'm sure this will only add to my success in finding a permanent full-time job. I'm too afraid to go to Libya, otherwise I would consider the military. I'm not brave enough to do something like that. Thank you to the men and women who are!

Maybe I can knock out another book during my upcoming unemployment. Maybe it will lead to financial success. Maybe...

Run you over

I've felt all high and mighty this week because I'm borrowing my dad's pick-up truck because my car is having some body work done to it. I like being high up, which is a complete 180 from car. It makes my road rage threats of running over people that more credible because it's more of an option in the vehicle I have. My theory with driving is that if you are in my way then I will run you over. It's amazing that this one small adjustment just makes me so damn content with life.

Imagine if we could make small adjustments every week, how much more peaceful the world would be with the exception of my road rage. What small thing makes you happy. I also get enjoyment out of seeing dogs with their heads out the window of moving cars and chocolate. Okay, now that I've proven to you that I'm a freakshow, I'm going to go to yoga-in my dad's pick-up truck. Stay out of my way!

Back from the dead

I am back from the dead. I was so sick last week, it was ridiculous! I literally was useless for a whole week. Anyway, I'm am feeling like a human being and back to blogging.

While watching Friends seasons (I watched three in their entirety) on the couch, I tried to put two things into perspective for novel writing purposes. First, I was on so many anti-biotic and over the counter meds that the one afternoon I felt hung over, which is a feeling that I have experiences only a few times. In college, I was never the party type because feeling hung over always made me feel wretched. I found it all to be pointless. I wanted to not take the OTC stuff, but yet it was my saving grace to being able to breathe. In a small way, I guess I was an addict.

Secondly, I literally lost a week of my life. When I finally returned to work, I was stunned to see the date. I questioned whether it was correct or not. I refused to believe that it was so late in the month despite it being the shortest month of the year. In Going All In, one of the characters does get ill and spends some time in the hospital. I think feeling absolutely useless as if time has no continuum will serve this portion of the story well.

So while last week was extremely unproductive, I plan on using some facet of it for my writing.

Identity

As you know, I have two jobs at the moment. The full-time one is in my field and the part-time job is in retail. While there are major pros and cons to the part-time job, I left very angry the other night and it only fueled my desire more to find a permanent full-time job. Jokingly at some point the other evening I said, "I'm smart, I have a Master's degree." I wouldn't dream of saying this seriously to anyone because that is rather narcissitic and big-headed. However, in retail, you are to have no identity and I have been threatened with a warning if I ever speak of my education again.

"Excuse me (insert name of person who complained whoever they may be), I spent nearly a quarter of my life-time in college to earn that degree and last time I checked, you can't take away my education," is what I would like to say to them. After all, it's not like I told a customer they fat in the dress they wanted to purchase. Anyway, I have to admit that this really hurt me because my education is a part of me. It would be like writing Andy without his passion for all things sex related or Anne without her value of friendship. Kim Zylinski doesn't exist without her education.

I may start to have an identity crisis at my part-time job. I'm open for suggestions as to how to avoid a meltdown on the sales floor. What am I to say if someone notices my Duquesne ring? I suppose I could have some fun with it like "I bought it off of Ebay" or "It's actually a knock-off." I think the latter would be place me in some hot water with Duquesne at that point as their ring is one of the most recognizable in the country. Feel free to float out your ideas.

6K more to go

I'm rocking and rolling the editing and coming up with awesome ideas. I have been submerging myself into scenes as if I was there hearing the language first hand and seeing the characters in real life. If the characters aren't real to me, then I don't think anyone else will see them in that capacity. That makes me sound like I'm delusional. I may be able to hear them speaking, but I promise I'm not following the actions they say.

Anyway, I have a little over 6,000 words to go and with my two rather large scenes that I want to add, I think I will make it. I was doubting myself after reading through the story and thinking "I don't know where to add anything!" It is a bit worrisome...how do I as a perfectionist perfect something that can't be perfected but clearly is not perfect. (Are you still with me on that one? I'm on a sugar high because I may or may not be sampling the cookies that I'm baking). And because I know you are curious, I'm baking chocolate chip cookies-an oldie but goodie!

I keep promising that I'm going to revamp my web-site and I will. It's important and it deserves my attention when I'm not tired. It's my priority this weekend-3 day weekend from both jobs! I intend to squeeze it in between drinks with friends and a small shopping spree. I still haven't spent my cash from Christmas. Yay, for a new spring wardrobe. Anyway, if you have any other fabulous ideas for my web-site, please share them!

Dialogue

It was brought to my attention today by someone reading through the "Future Works" portion of my web-site that I like writing in dialogue. Very true, I do. I like to play the scene out in my head with all the words and write it down. I know I mentioned it before, it took me a day and half to figure out the perfect dialogue for the end of RoV. I suppose that is why I'm 7K words short of my goal. I write the dialogue and build the details around it later.

Plus, I love talking. I could chat little ear off. I love learning and hearing about other people's hobbies and places they have visited. Also, I'm weird and like public speaking. Give me ten people or a hundred...I'll stand up in front of them all day and speak. I think 150 people has been my max audience to date. I'm up for a bigger audience.

Going back to my 7K word goal...I was reading through RoV for the billionith time and then it hit me. I am lacking core scenes with Andy and his mom. In RoV, I have Anne and John interacting several times to build that relationship/dynamic. I don't have much with Andy and Karen. Karen gets a bigger role this time. After all, she is the mom and don't we have a whole day devoted to them?

Speaking of manufactured holidays (not that I'm knocking Mother's Day), Happy Valentine's Day. My beloved is at class tonight. Just me and my other loves: Sadie and Tess, the two best kitties ever! It's okay though, I got a card, flowers, and chocolate in addition to a home cooked meal from my husband. So yes, whatever you are doing or whoever you are with I hope you love it or them. Valentine's day is all about the love. I love to write so I'm going to go do that.

I've been editing!

I am back to editing my story, Going All In, and I feel like I have a fresh pair of eyes when reading it. I was too attached to the project. I am happy that I have the motivation to write again. I intend to edit a little after I finish blogging because my hubby gave me the gift of time by doing some extra chores around the house this week. Thanks again Z!

I received positive feedback from someone who read my book. They liked the relationship between and Anne and Andy. I have to say that that aspect of the story turned out stronger than I ever anticipated when I was writing. Initially, it was going to be the secondary relationship; but as you may know, it took on a life of its own. I think that produces the best work when something is unexpected and I know it is a major part of the reason that I love the chapter where Mark and Anne meet. I had no idea how I was going to write him into the story and then that chapter poured out of me. It was an amazing feeling when I was writing it.

Anyway, I will keep you posted with my editing and my quest to write 8,000 more words for my 90K word count goal. I know I can do it.

Go Steelers!

The Good with the Bad

On my journies to yoga class tonight, I had a moment of brillance because I found one of the missing pieces to Andy's story...the title! I finally have a title for Andy's story! Ready....Going All In. Boom! Elated that I finally had a story title to go with my story and essential a minor theme to play out in the book (where I could easily add scenes in) I continued to drive feeling hopeful that my meditative state at yoga would only increase my probability of working out the finer details of Going All In. (The more I use the title, the more I like it).

However, like all good things, they come to an end. My excitement instantly evaporated when someone backed into my car while we were driving. I'm fine, just mad as hell, and my car is driveable with a tiny dent. Nevertheless, my car that I worked so hard for has yet another scratch (add that to the hit and run from the mall and a dent from a football because I parked too close to football practice one afternoon). P.S. If you can't park your car well then don't drive it.

In an attempt to buffer this craptastic incident with two good things, I would like to share my other big news that I'm not entirely sure I have shared because I had the flu earlier this week. I have a book reading at Northland Public Library on Wednesday, March 23 at 7 pm. It will include myself and three other local Pittsburgh authors. I encourage all of you to attend and please bring some friends. I'm very excited for the opportunity and I hope it serves to help me with my New Year's Resolution, which is to get my novel out of my attic.

I hope your day went a little bit better than mine!

My Missing Piece

I found part of my missing piece to why Andy's story lacks something...yoga. I just started doing yoga as my weekly exercise where I go out in the world and do a class with others. In the fall I did zumba and did not have the coordination to do this. Therefore, my concentration was spent trying to do the right moves. With yoga, I am clearing my head and can focus on thoughts. The true point of yoga is to clear your mind completely, however, I don't think that is truly possible. I enjoy trying to think of different story lines and plots.

For example, I have decided that I lack some of the true essence of Andy in his own story. He's still the lovable ass, but I highly doubt he sees himself in that kind of light. I guess I need to place myself more in Andy's mindset...maybe I'll go clubbin' one evening. Seeing others try to hook up in meaningless ways should be helpful. I did think of some additional scenes that I could add. My hopes is that Wednesday nights can be my new yoga/writing night. We'll see how it goes.

I need to get moving

So I really have been slacking on my new year's resolutions. January is almost over and I haven't scratched one thing off my list and there are at least that are easy to do. One of them is organize my office a.k.a. the "catch-all" room of the house. I have to say that I am more guilty of this than my husband. However, my own mess is driving me crazy so it needs to be addressed. Also, I have started my phone calls with trying to find someone who will let me do more readings/speaking engagements. It's still a sad thing that Joseph-Beth went out of business as they were in fact an actual book store that would let me talk.

I'm going to blame the weather, I just want to vegetate with a blanket when I get home and not do anything. I think new year's resolutions would be more effective if the new year started in June, not January. I'm also very curious and would love to see a study that looks at where most realistic new year's resolutions are broken. I bet it's the states where there is colder weather, not places in the south where it's warmer all year round. However, I think it's been in the 50s in Florida and Floridians whine if it's below 60 there. No offense to any Floridians out there, but you need to man up with the 50 degree weather. It's been single digits here. I can't wait for 30 degree weather to return.

Anyway, I'm going to forge forward with my resolutions. I hope your resolutions are going well!

How into your characters are you?

Hello my friends,

I was driving home today and singing to Linkin Park (yes, I listen to LP) and thinking about Grey's Anatomy. If you are a McDreamy and McSteamy fan and haven't seen the latest episode then come back to read this after you have seen it. **SPOILER ALERT** So Torres is prego with McSteamy's baby and I was guessing the upcoming plot twists related to that. Then, for whatever reason I thought about how Shonda Rimes, GA writer, must be super into her characters to come up with extraordinary plots.

It was at this point, I passed a chocolate distributor and thought, "mmmm....chocolate," before turning my attention back to the road and my thought process. I wondered if I would have it in me to keep the plot going if Rules of Vegas was ever turned into a television series. I would imagine if I really stretched it, I could get two or three seasons out of the first book. Essentially, if I carried out all my ideas from my trilogy concept for these characters then I could make a hearty 8-9 seasons of television.

Upon turning on to the main road to take me to my street, I immediately decided that Anne, Andy, and Mark are too good for television. They would lose their magic as characters. While I love Grey's Anatomy, there were two seasons that almost made me stop watching altogether. I wouldn't want that to happen to my beloved characters. This leads me to my original question that perhaps I do have what it takes to write season after season of solid television material. However, it is not a talent I wish to explore. I would rather work on my computer hacking or secret agent prowess.

And because I know you were wondering, when I turned onto my street I thought my neighbors children were feeding a deer, but it ended up being their dog playing in the snow. Have a great weekend!

Progress

Hello,

I journeyed to the library today to drop off a copy of my book in hopes that they will invite me to their author's night in a few weeks. I feel hopeful that my book will have a better year this year than last. Maybe it's because I'm giving it more attention (the beauty of not working seven days a week) or maybe it's just simply my year. I have lots of hope for this year. It is a wonderful and fulfilling feeling. I feel like I cannot lose.

So here is my ADHD moment for my blog...

I am watching The Social Network while typing out my blog and a tiny part of me that wishes I had the capability to hack into other computers undetected. I feel the same way when I watch Matt Damon run around as a super agent. However, you have to be able to distinguish whether to use this power for good or evil. Matt Damon chose good. Mark Zuckerberg chose evil originally and then tailored his idea to something for the greater good. (If you believe Facebook is good).

Maybe I have a talent that others perceive that can be used for good or evil. I suppose my counseling degree can be used for good or evil. I've opted for good. At any rate, I wish I had mad computer or secret agent skills. But in the meantime, I'm just going to watch my movie and hope to develop another skill.

The grocery store

Do you know how many times I have walked out of the bread/cheese aisle at Giant Eagle to see the row of books and magazines for sale on the way to check out counter and say to myself, "I wish my book could be there." The answer is every time. Then, it occurred to me that I have never tried inquiring to get my book there and it may be worth a shot. The worse they can say is 'no.' Well, I finally wrote an e-mail to them asking if I could speak to somebody regarding selling my book there. How awesome would it be to get even just one copy in all the stores?

Can anyone think of other oddball places that are more regional or localized? I have a feeling that national pharmacies may not want to work with me. However, it might be worth a shot trying to ask.

100th post

This is my 100th post on this web-site! Congratulations and thanks if you are still reading, LOL!

Armed with antibiotics for my sinus infection and renewed hope to sell my book. I called two local libraries and am actually confident about the result. I am meeting one woman next week and she is planning a local author reading night kind of thing. I left a message at the other place. I need to start drafting my letter to Ellen Degeneres.

I haven't felt inspired to write fiction lately. Perhaps it is the fact that I have been sick or I'm not used to my new routine, but the urge to write hasn't hit me. Sometimes it bugs me that I have all these story ideas out in limbo, but right now I'm okay with it.

Anyway, Matt Damon is running around as Jason Bourne on my television and I can't resist watching.

My New Year's Resolution

Hello and Happy New Year Friends!

So I had a WTF moment a few days prior to the new year that ties into my resolution. My husband so kindly renewed my post office box for another six months and emptied out the mail that was in it. Among the junk mail there were a few legal type letters in there. Upon opening them, I saw that they were letters from a bankruptcy court saying that I could be owed money. Sadly, Joseph-Beth Booksellers in the Southside that was selling my book went out of business. They had two copies on the shelves at Joseph-Beth and I can't help but wonder what happened to the two copies of RoV.

Had I known they were going out of business, I would have purchased them back to save them. I cringe at the idea that all extra merchandise that wasn't liquidated gets thrown in a box and is sitting in a warehouse somewhere. I kind of wish I had the ability to track them, kind of like on wheresgeorge.com, where you can track $1 bills across America and essentially the world. Did someone buy the copies of my book? Were they donated to a shelter or library? If you are the purchaser of one of the copies, please let me know. I'm very attached to my books.

In a not so smooth way, this brings me to my New Year's Resolution. I have an abundance of copies of my book sitting in my attic and that is not where they belong. My husband and I declared 2011 to be the year where we finish things that we started such as landscaping the yard, finding permanent full-time jobs in our field, and making the attic and basement more functional spaces. I added one more thing to the list: get Rules of Vegas out of my attic!

I intend to call my publisher to see if they have any contacts for me. I'm going to call the libraries once again and ask them if I can do readings, I will restart my book tour and look for craft shows as well as other small community events to sell RoV at, and crazily enough I'm going to write Ellen Degenerous to see if I can sell my book in the Riff Raff room of her studio. This is my mission and I must not fail. I am also asking for you to help me! If you can please tell a handful of people about my book, I would be greatly appreciative.

Happy New Year and may it be a healthy and blessed one at that!