Wrapping up 2015

Here it comes! 2016

.... whether we're ready to not!

The holidays are crazy! A great time to gather ideas for new character, but maybe not the best time to write about them... so in the moments of quiet that I find (few and far between), I'm taking a look back at 2015 and a look towards 2016.

Besides passing too quickly, with each year speeding away even more quickly, I look back without regret. Like life, there were ups and downs... but overall, more laughter than tears.

And as I look forward, I march into 2016 with several goals - things that I don't necessarily "resolve" to do... but strive to continue doing...

• to keep writing, brainstorming, drafting, editing - and dreaming
• to continue working towards a healthier me with good food & consistent workouts
• to find time for the little things before they are only memories of what could have been

What are your goals or resolutions?
See you on the other side!

What's Up Week in Review...

We're back to Wednesday so I think it's a little time for an update... 

WRITERLY Things:

• I've gotten back into edits for STATIC - altering from feedback with one critique partner and swapping pages with another. I'm liking where this one is heading, and hope to clean it up by the spring for queries.
• I'm playing around with the idea of a companion to ETCHED... there's more that needs to be told - I may have to break my November only rule (well - it's been the only time in the last few years that I have drafted) and set some of those ideas down soon....

PUBLISHINGLY Things:

• Etched in Lies is officially out there and I still can't quite believe it... does this ever feel real? Part of me hopes it does... part of me hopes it doesn't.
• It's still not to late to get your copy in time for the holidays.... (hint hint) Check out the Etched tab at the top for links to retailers from around the world

READERLY Things:

• Knocking out a few books before the end of the year - though my to read list keeps going... I'm almost afraid to finish reading my current books because I'm not sure which ones I should read next...

OTHERLY Things:

• You can feel the buzz in the air as the holidays approach - it doesn't matter that it's warm and raining...well, maybe for the atmosphere - but around school you know everyone is counting down to a longer break from everything...on both sides of the desk.
• Hoping to make some cookies soon - that might help build a little of Christmas cheer since Mother Nature is having a hissy fit.

Chat again soon!

They've let me out!!!!!

Countdown to ETCHED: #1

In ETCHED IN LIES, 16-year-old Dylan Lord has just discovered she can physically feel the lies told to or around her... she struggles to come to terms with a world and an existence in which she must seek for the truth at all costs.

As I prepared and wrote this story, I had to do some research about lies.

To celebrate ETCHED's release on December 11, 2015, I am counting down to one with some of the fun fact and interesting ideas I stumbled upon in the name of writing... as well as a tidbit or two about how I came up with the idea....

Happy Reading!

1. The Most Common Lie

I can't believe we've made it to number one! And that means.... #eeeep! Tomorrow ETCHED hits the shelves! I hope you'll be able to see the influence of some of the countdown in ETCHED.... but let's finish this first.

I tried to save the best for last...

In all my research and review of lies, there was one that had ended up in or at the top of tons of lists, and it's one that I'm sure we've all said at one point or another... one that can be innocent enough - except that it really  isn't, because it usually requires a lie not only to whomever you are talking, but in some cases, also to yourself....

So what's the most common lie?

I'm fine.

Something to think about... Thanks for joining me for this count down.

Chat soon!

2. The Quote that inspired ETCHED (See 12/9/15)

3. Children.... (See 12/8/15)

4. Lies we tell ourselves (See 12/7/15)

5. And now for the lies Girls tell Guys (See 12/6/15)

6. Lies Guys Tell... (See 12/5/15)

7. Well known Quotes about Lying (See 12/4/15)

8. Lies Girls tell Girls (See 12/3/15 Post)

9. Employee/Employer Lies (See 12/2/15 Post)

10. Greatest Lies In History (See 12/1/15 Post)

Well it's Wednesday....

I lost last week in the craze that was the end of NaNo as well as Thanksgiving preparations - sorry about that. I won't make a habit of it... Is it just me or has the hectic pace of life only increased with time? I remember thinking and hear it often from my students: "I can't wait to be an adult and get to do what I want when I want..." cue laughter, which is my usual response because seriously! In a technological society where convenience is expected, we are so busy the idea of relaxing is several levels removed from reality!

Whoops! Sorry about that rant - though I do feel marginally better - yet now to get down to business with my weekly wrap-up

WRITERLY

I did finish NaNo coming in at just over 58K - *does a little happy dance* To celebrate?? I've given myself a little time away from writing and editing to just relax...but that is quickly coming to an end as I dive back into the editing trenches this week for STATIC - I would really love to have this ready for agents early 2016 - so that's my goal and I've made it public. We'll see how it all shakes out.

PUBLISHINGLY

Can you believe that ETCHED will officially hit the shelves in TWO DAYS!!!!!!!! I can't! I know amazon has been shipping them early - but I'm really excited to see ETCHED out there and get some feedback from readers. For those in the area, I am working with a local artist to set up a book signing in the very near future - I'll let you know when I get more details!

READERLY

Still swinging away at my to be read list so I can add more - though I am trying to get into the holiday spirit and throwing a few Christmas inspired books into the mix. One of the books I'm currently reading Dash and Lily's Book of Dares which I started not realizing the time setting of the book. I have a few others to add to my read list for this month...

OTHERLY

As far as other things go, I feel like a bit of a broken record - lots to do - not a lot of time to get it all done... feeling a bit rundown with a crazy pace needed to keep up with everything had needs to happen. I'm looking forward to a bit of time off for the holidays and hope it will be a period of at least a little rest.

Counting down to ETCHED.... #2

In ETCHED IN LIES, 16-year-old Dylan Lord has just discovered she can physically feel the lies told to or around her... she struggles to come to terms with a world and an existence in which she must seek for the truth at all costs.

As I prepared and wrote this story, I had to do some research about lies.

To celebrate ETCHED's release on December 11, 2015, I am counting down to one with some of the fun fact and interesting ideas I stumbled upon in the name of writing... as well as a tidbit or two about how I came up with the idea....

Happy Reading!

1.

2. The Quote that inspired ETCHED

Several of the stories I have written have been inspired by a quote. The first was a line from TS Eliot's "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock"... ETCHED proved no different. It was harmless enough - I was just skimming through Facebook - I wasn't even looking for it (probably why I found it), when a quote caught my eye and the rest, as they say, was history... so thanks for posting it!

"The truth is, everyone is going to hurt you. You just got to find the ones worth suffering for."  Bob Marley

I hope as you read ETCHED, you can see the inspiration in the final version of the story... Have you used a quote to guide your story?

Tomorrow - we'll wrap up this top 10 with the most common lie told.... check back then!

3. Children....

4. Lies we tell ourselves (See 12/7/15)

5. And now for the lies Girls tell Guys (See 12/6/15)

6. Lies Guys Tell... (See 12/5/15)

7. Well known Quotes about Lying (See 12/4/15)

8. Lies Girls tell Girls (See 12/3/15 Post)

9. Employee/Employer Lies (See 12/2/15 Post)

10. Greatest Lies In History (See 12/1/15 Post)

Counting down to ETCHED - #3

In ETCHED IN LIES, 16-year-old Dylan Lord has just discovered she can physically feel the lies told to or around her... she struggles to come to terms with a world and an existence in which she must seek for the truth at all costs.

As I prepared and wrote this story, I had to do some research about lies.

To celebrate ETCHED's release on December 11, 2015, I am counting down to one with some of the fun fact and interesting ideas I stumbled upon in the name of writing... as well as a tidbit or two about how I came up with the idea....

Happy Reading!

1.
2.

3. Children....

"I didn't do it."

"I don't know how that happened."

"It wasn't me."

"It wasn't my fault."

We've all been either (and/or both) on the receiving or telling end of these common childhood lies... but they don't really fade away... and here's the thing - children learn by modeling - so they see us lie and continue the cycle - sad, huh?

What? You don't lie to your child(ren)?

Santa.
Easter Bunny.
This will hurt me more then it will hurt you.
If you keep making that face, it will stay like that.
Maybe tomorrow... (in response to a request)

4. Lies we tell ourselves (See 12/7/15)

5. And now for the lies Girls tell Guys (See 12/6/15)

6. Lies Guys Tell... (See 12/5/15)

7. Well known Quotes about Lying (See 12/4/15)

8. Lies Girls tell Girls (See 12/3/15 Post)

9. Employee/Employer Lies (See 12/2/15 Post)

10. Greatest Lies In History (See 12/1/15 Post)

Counting down to ETCHED: #4

In ETCHED IN LIES, 16-year-old Dylan Lord has just discovered she can physically feel the lies told to or around her... she struggles to come to terms with a world and an existence in which she must seek for the truth at all costs.

As I prepared and wrote this story, I had to do some research about lies.

To celebrate ETCHED's release on December 11, 2015, I am counting down to one with some of the fun fact and interesting ideas I stumbled upon in the name of writing... as well as a tidbit or two about how I came up with the idea....

Happy Reading!

1.
2.
3.

4. Lies we tell ourselves 

It's bad enough we lie to others, but we can't even handle the truth in our own minds - something Dylan had to come to terms with in the story... so, here are a few of the most common ones - for both guys and girls - Lies are equal opportunity....

• If only I had (fill in blank), I'd be happy.
• If I ignore it, it will go away.
• My life is so much harder/ worse/ more problematic then everyone else's.
• I don't have a choice.
• I'll do it tomorrow.

So be honest with yourself - how many of these 5 have you thought at one point or another? Something to ponder....

5. And now for the lies Girls tell Guys (See 12/6/15)

6. Lies Guys Tell... (See 12/5/15)

7. Well known Quotes about Lying (See 12/4/15)

8. Lies Girls tell Girls (See 12/3/15 Post)

9. Employee/Employer Lies (See 12/2/15 Post)

10. Greatest Lies In History (See 12/1/15 Post)

Counting down to ETCHED - #5

In ETCHED IN LIES, 16-year-old Dylan Lord has just discovered she can physically feel the lies told to or around her... she struggles to come to terms with a world and an existence in which she must seek for the truth at all costs.

As I prepared and wrote this story, I had to do some research about lies.

To celebrate ETCHED's release on December 11, 2015, I am counting down to one with some of the fun fact and interesting ideas I stumbled upon in the name of writing... as well as a tidbit or two about how I came up with the idea....

Happy Reading!

1.
2.
3.
4.

5. And now for the lies Girls tell Guys:

Time for the ladies to share since the guys have already put their cards on the table - so to speak. It was interesting as I researched that these lies had a different feel - for the most part - then the ones the guys tell...

So a few of the top lies girls tell:

• I'm not hungry.
• This outfit? I just threw it on.
• I don't know.
• I'm almost ready.
• He's just a friend.

Food for thought....

6. Lies Guys Tell... (See 12/5/15)

7. Well known Quotes about Lying (See 12/4/15)

8. Lies Girls tell Girls (See 12/3/15 Post)

9. Employee/Employer Lies (See 12/2/15 Post)

10. Greatest Lies In History (See 12/1/15 Post)

Counting down to ETCHED - #6

In ETCHED IN LIES, 16-year-old Dylan Lord has just discovered she can physically feel the lies told to or around her... she struggles to come to terms with a world and an existence in which she must seek for the truth at all costs.

As I prepared and wrote this story, I had to do some research about lies.

To celebrate ETCHED's release on December 11, 2015, I am counting down to one with some of the fun fact and interesting ideas I stumbled upon in the name of writing... as well as a tidbit or two about how I came up with the idea....

Happy Reading!

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

6. Lies Guys Tell...

It's one of the most discussed topics in magazines, and yet, these lies still exist...
So, here are some of my "favorites":

• I'll call you.
• I've never told anyone this before...
• I like your friends.
• I won't tell anyone...
• I'm on my way.
• (comment ended with).... Honestly I do!
• It'll never happen again....

Uh huh... but then again, ladies, we aren't much better - you'll see what I mean if you check back tomorrow. 

7. Well known Quotes about Lying (See 12/4/15)


8. Lies Girls tell Girls (See 12/3/15 Post)

9. Employee/Employer Lies (See 12/2/15 Post)


10. Greatest Lies In History (See 12/1/15 Post)

Counting down to ETCHED.... #7

In ETCHED IN LIES, 16-year-old Dylan Lord has just discovered she can physically feel the lies told to or around her... she struggles to come to terms with a world and an existence in which she must seek for the truth at all costs.

As I prepared and wrote this story, I had to do some research about lies.

To celebrate ETCHED's release on December 11, 2015, I am counting down to one with some of the fun fact and interesting ideas I stumbled upon in the name of writing... as well as a tidbit or two about how I came up with the idea....

Happy Reading!

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

7. Well known Quotes about Lying

It was a quote that drove the original concept for ETCHED... so today I'll share a few of the other quotes I found along the way. Want to know what quote drove ETCHED? Check back in later...

“If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.”
― Mark Twain

“Above all, don't lie to yourself. The man who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to a point that he cannot distinguish the truth within him, or around him, and so loses all respect for himself and for others. And having no respect he ceases to love.”
― Fyodor Dostoyevsky, The Brothers Karamazov

“I lie to myself all the time. But I never believe me.”
― S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders

“If you do not tell the truth about yourself you cannot tell it about other people.”
― Virginia Woolf

“Isn't it funny how we live inside the lies we believe?”
― A.S. King, Please Ignore Vera Dietz

8. Lies Girls tell Girls (See 12/3/15 Post)

9. Employee/Employer Lies (See 12/2/15 Post)

10. Greatest Lies In History (See 12/1/15 Post)

Counting down to ETCHED - #8

In ETCHED IN LIES, 16-year-old Dylan Lord has just discovered she can physically feel the lies told to or around her... she struggles to come to terms with a world and an existence in which she must seek for the truth at all costs.

As I prepared and wrote this story, I had to do some research about lies.

To celebrate ETCHED's release on December 11, 2015, I am counting down to one with some of the fun fact and interesting ideas I stumbled upon in the name of writing... as well as a tidbit or two about how I came up with the idea....

Happy Reading!

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

8. Lies Girls tell other Girls...

It was interesting researching this topic - as there is LOTS out there about the lies we tell to the opposite sex...and vice versa, but apparently (coughs) girls don't lie to other girls...NOT! Here are a few I've heard in my life as a teacher:

• No, I don't like him like that. or We're just friends.
• That outfit is really cute. or You look like you've lost weight.
• I'll call you later.

Each of these would be simple enough, and in some cases are being stated sincerely, but chances are the idea is just filler and the usual eye roll or muttered curse that follows is a pretty good indication of that...

9. Well known Quotes about Lying (See 12/2/15 Post)

10. Greatest Lies In History (See 12/1/15 Post)

Counting down to ETCHED - #9

In ETCHED IN LIES, 16-year-old Dylan Lord has just discovered she can physically feel the lies told to or around her... she struggles to come to terms with a world and an existence in which she must seek for the truth at all costs.

As I prepared and wrote this story, I had to do some research about lies.

To celebrate ETCHED's release on December 11, 2015, I am counting down to one with some of the fun fact and interesting ideas I stumbled upon in the name of writing... as well as a tidbit or two about how I came up with the idea....

Happy Reading!

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

9. Employer/Employee Lies

Some people have gotten creative in their lies as they call off work, or show up late. On The Hiring Site, one of the most ridiculous reasons was recorded as being: "I got sick from reading too much..." IS that even possible?

However this person, with a creative lie, should be given...credit? "I got lost and drove to another state."

Sadly, we all know someone who may not be lying when they say that....

And let us know forget that horrible "doctor's appointment" which I feel is still the most tried and true employee lie.

And recorded as being the most common Employer lie: "There are always advancement opportunities..."

10. Greatest Lies In History (See 12/1/15 Post)

Counting down to ETCHED: #10

In ETCHED IN LIES, 16-year-old Dylan Lord has just discovered she can physically feel the lies told to or around her... she struggles to come to terms with a world and an existence in which she must seek for the truth at all costs.

As I prepared and wrote this story, I had to do some research about lies.

To celebrate ETCHED's release on December 11, 2015, I am counting down to one with some of the fun fact and interesting ideas I stumbled upon in the name of writing... as well as a tidbit or two about how I came up with the idea....

Happy Reading!

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

10. Greatest Lies In History 

In my head there is totally an announcer's voice and cool echoing effect as each number is read... but that is completely beside the point... Here are some of the greatest lies ever told and/or are still discussed:

• The Trojan Horse
• Watergate
• The "Unsinkable" Titanic
• Ponzi Schemes

Weekend Review & Mashup

Obviously Wednesday's wrap up didn't happen... my procrastinator spirit was in full drive as I raced from work to liquor store and grocery story (no one can say I don't have my priorities straight...) home to finish cleaning before in invasion on Thanksgiving.

I'm also getting ready for a little release/count down fun - so be sure to check back starting on December 1 to see what's happening!

So a lot in a little space:

I'm doing one more crock pot meal for the month. Last week's turned out really well - and left overs were still good.. but there was something about the way it smelled that made me less then happy with the cool ranch chicken (sometimes it is the little things) - But this one is different. It's my twist on a lasagna soup. It took me about 45 minute to get everything ready and into a crock pot to simmer all day was the lasagna sauce (my own recipe: tomato sauce; paste; seasonings/spices; garlic; onion, ground beef) + Italian sausage (first time I tried that)
Then it will be buffet style later with gluten and gluten free noodles for the guests... hopefully this will work well?


And onto other things:

WRITERLY

I am almost done!! I have a few bits to add while I'm thinking about them - and then not thinking about them because ideas will always pop into my head when I'm NOT actively writing *grumbles* So as of Monday - I'll be done with NaNo and taking a few days off to reset the mind before jumping back into edits for STATIC

PUBLISHINGLY

We are at t-minus 12 days.... EEEEP!! I'm so excited and so nervous... and I'm working on a bit of fun for the beginning of December.

READERLY

Taking a little of that down time to get some reading started. i have a huge wish list stored for Christmas, which means I need to knock out some more now (twist my arm!)

OTHERLY

Getting ready for a crazy three weeks at work before the nice Christmas break - lots to finish in a short period of time... but if you haven't noticed, I tend to thrive a bit on chaos - so I say bring it! (remind me I said that then I'm losing it later)

So short and sweet - as I have rooms to vacuum, food to prepare and workouts to starts... and obviously words to pound

Chat soon!

Last NaNo Crock Pot for the year...

It doesn't seem possible, but we have reached that point in the month - where one more crock pot meal should hold everyone until Thanksgiving - and then there will be leftovers until Christmas.... just kidding - but not really. And if I'm being honest, I'm a little sad that this is the last one - because that means this story is almost over - well in theory it is, but that's another post for another day.

So for this week, we are going to make a Cool Ranch Crockpot Chicken.

Of all the recipes, this one has the least number of ingredients, but it also takes the last amount of time to cook...which is great - as long as I remember to start it in a few hours!

You can find the recipe here and be sure to check back on Wednesday to see how this one turned out!

Now back to pounding keys...

Wanderings of Wednesday...

Short and sweet - this week's crock pot - the bourbon chicken was really good. I was afraid that it would be dry and  maybe too full of flavor - but it wasn't either. And leftovers have been yummy!
Now onto other things:

Writerly
NaNo is continuing to roll - some days are easy and I can knock out 8K+ - others I'm fighting to break 1K... I'm hoping to break 40K tonight so I'm in the home stretch to that goal of 50K but feel fairly certain my story will need more then 50K words - but I have time... hehehe
This NaNo continues to amaze me - some times the characters are all but screaming at me - and that's usually when I've stopped for the night and am just about to fall asleep... wow - totally just remembered that I had typed myself a note in my phone that I never reviewed...three cheers for plot help!

Publishingly
I'm trying to spread the word - let people know ETCHED is coming... I'm getting other pages on this Blog ready for release. I'm hoping to get to some local bookstores in the next few days and set up signings and other fun stuff.

Readerly
Same books - little progress... maybe I'll get them finished this weekend...

Otherly
So because of NaNo and student council conferences - I'm behind on grading and housework... and with Thanksgiving coming up, I'm trying to use my time really wisely...

So this will remain short - with the idea that in the future, I'll have more time to really expound on writer life and read life... so until then, keep writing.

Put it in the pot!

So this week's Crock Pot meal will not be prepared until Tuesday.... have I mentioned November
hates me? Not really - but maybe a little.

I have been neck deep in words - pounding keys as quickly as the story will unfold because life just has too many things planned for me - which is why Tuesday will be crock pot day!

Last Christmas, my brother got me a programmable crock pot - the problem that I had previously run into was that I left really early for work - and most meals only needed 7-8 hours to cook - I was usually gone at least 10 (on a good day) - therefore a programmable crock pot + freezer prepped meal = yummy food that was completely over cooked or dried out.

The recipe? Slow Cooker Bourbon Street Chicken - you can get the recipe I'm using via https://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=2034705

This particular meal has been prepped and waiting in the freezer for a few weeks. I just bought the last ingredient - Apple Juice at the store - so we're ready to go!

Now let's hope I remember to actually (1) put it in the pot (2) turn the pot on... both have not happened before and I didn't even have NaNo to blame...

Wish me luck...
Now get back to writing!

Where were were 11/11/15

So before I begin this week in review, I wanted to do a follow up on Sunday's Crock Pot - it turned out well. I did end up adding extra garlic and a few other spices because I was afraid it would taste a bit bland, and the end result was very good. Naturally, my daughter was disappointed in it's lack of Disney appearance (told you she would expect to see the mouse himself...) I did try to appease her by serving it in her beloved Minnie bowl, which I think saved me this time. Next time I make it, she will be expecting the stew in the mouse... and now, for our regularly scheduled program:

WRITERLY Things:

• NaNoWriMo 2015 is still happening, but this novel is behaving differently then the others - but if I think about it, each year was some how different.
• Two years ago DEMANDED to be written grabbing huge hours of my time where I just pounded keys and the words flowed
• Last year, the characters wouldn't shut up and while I anticipated 60K, they weren't done until closer to 82K - and I'll be the first to admit that the ending is sub-par and major revisions will be needed when I return to that story.
• This year, however, wants to be written, but it isn't in a great hurry, which sort of bothers me. The characters are there, but they aren't demanding my time like the others, and the story is happy to give me small chunks each night, which honestly works better as a form, but because I'm used to the crazy write until I can't see approach, this calmer approach feels awkward. BUt I tell my students that they have to let the story speak, and listen to what it wants to do - and I like to follow my own example, so I am cranking less then 2K a night - some days I'll have a little rush and hit over 4K, but that's about it. I am ahead of the curve having broken 20K last night, but I was hoping to be further along in the story - 
• I know what's happening - the plot is there - but its just taking it's time.
• Another learning experience - which may make this first draft more user friendly for edits. Where as the others sort of threw themselves at me, this one is being a little more meticulous with pace and content...something to ponder as I move forward.

PUBLISHINGLY Things:

• One month from today ETCHED will be on the shelves - GAH! That's crazy! Are you ready? I'm not!
• The Goodreads giveaway ended last night, and I was so honored to see 879 people signed up for my giveaway. 
• The business card debacle has been fixed, and I am working at slowly disbursing them in society... 

READERLY Things:

• I am still working on the same books as last week, as I expected given that NaNo takes up so much of my time this month... 

OTHERLY Things:

• Tomorrow I leave for the PASC State Conference with a great group of student leaders - some of whom have not gone before and others who this will be their last trip to the state conference before graduation, so this past week has been busy planning and preparing not only for the trip, but also to take care of everything that needs to happen in my absence...

And for now, I think that's all. I still have to pack, and clean, and NaNo before the night is up... and maybe get a workout in... and then there sleep..... ha!

NaNo Crock Pot

I had what I thought was a great idea to share some easy and yummy recipes this month to ensure that people lucky enough, or unfortunate enough - to live with a writer during NaNoWriMo would still be able to eat.

And then... I happened to google something and found that someone else had the same idea a few years ago. So I deleted this post and moved on with my life...

Until this morning when I prepped a crock pot meal I had never made before... If it ends up tasting even half as yummy as it already smells the prep time will be worth it. So I figured what the heck - nothing wrong with offering a bit of help - right?

So this week's crock pot meal was found via Facebook and Pinterest. It is: Disneyland's Slow-Cooked Beef Stew.

You can check out the meal yourself via https://www.pinterest.com/pin/554857616570406568/

Please note I will not be scooping out a hard roll to make a Mickey shaped bowl for the finished product - much to the dismay of my little girl... maybe another time.

I have tried to select meals that are easy to prep and will offer a decent meal plus provide left overs... to feed the family while I pound keys later this week.

It too me about half an hour - maybe a bit more to prep as I was trying to multitask without my daily allotment of caffeine via tea - but it still wasn't too messy. I did need two good size bowls as I prepared - one for the meat once browned so that I could saute the garlic and onions, and another for the potatoes, carrots and celery (I didn't add mushrooms - not a fan)...

I'll be sure to share how the finished product turned out once it's done cooking!

Do you have a favorite? Please share and I'll pass it along!

Where were we....

So here's my attempt to be more consistent with blogging and communication in general...

All things WRITERLY:

• Nano is in full swing, and yet again, this year is different. I really like the general premise for this year's stab at 50K, but my characters are not being as cooperative as usual. They're there - but they aren't as loud and ready to feed me information as they usually are. Usually, I just have to sit back and keep up. This year, its really like pulling teeth, but I think I've made a bit of progress on that front. I actually printed out a calendar for the month of July - (when my story takes place) and mapped my characters movements during that month. See, the story is really based on travel and near misses so I needed to make sure I knew where they were going. I'm hoping now that I have a timeline, they will be a little more willing to cooperate.... We'll see how that goes.
• I am also hoping (hahaha) to continue working edits for STATIC, which I'd LOVE to start querying after the new year... if its' ready. I know it needs a major rewrite in the beginning, but I'm hoping the rest isn't too messy. Time will tell!

All things PUBLISHINGLY:

• Just over a month from launch for ETCHED - eep! I have I mentioned EEEEPP!! 
• I'm sort of enjoying watching the giveaway on Goodreads. I think I feared that no one would want a copy of my book - so to see the number slowly climbing is exciting.
• And I'm navigating the new author waters, and have found and rammed into my first moment of live and learn... first of many, I'm sure. And while this one isn't major, it's annoying and will one day be laughable.
• So I pondered the idea of what to do for marketing with giveaway and other paraphernalia, and after tossing around the idea of stickers and totes, decided cute little business cards with the cover of the book and a cool tag line on the front and all relevant launch info on the back would make a lot of sense. Pass them out - they get stuck in a wallet or pocket and hopefully end up in front of a computer and not in the washer... And they came in the mail today - like a kid in a candy store - until I opened the packaging.
• They look GREAT - until you turn them over... and then they still look great. BUT (yes, there's a catch) apparently they don't flip the way you would expect a card to flip - like a book - they flip on the short end. Like I said, more annoying then disastrous, but I've learned a lesson - make sure it's EXACTLY as it should be. I did proof it, and it looked great, but I didn't pay attention to the layout of front and back

All things READERLY:

• I'd love to say I'm being really dedicated to my reading, but I'm not.
• I've been working on GIRL ON A TRAIN for several days, and enjoying it, but there so much else going on I can't really focus on reading - sad commentary on my November

ALL things OTHERLY:

• Anything else happening? Yup - but it can wait for another time - because I need more of it, and I have a book that needs my attention - after I put the little one to sleep. 

So until later -

It's November and that means Chaos!!!!

I love November, but not because that means the holidays are right around the corner.
I love November, and not because the house is now filled with bowls of Halloween Candy.

I love November because that means NaNoWriMo!

It is the time of year where writers all over the world scramble to knock out at least 50K of a new idea - and I'm right there with them!

I've been sitting on this idea so long that to finally let it free is empowering - and a little terrifying.

So here's the all those crazy writers out there who are trying to add writing a novel to their already full lives - good luck!

NaNo Prep Ideas

This year will be the fifth time I will NaNo.

I can't believe it's been that many already!

man I feel old

Over the years, there have been a few (only a few....haha) things that I have learned about writing. As time grows closer to that mad rush to 50K and beyond, I want to take a moment to share a few that have helped me over the past few years:

1. Get pictures - rummage through Pinterest or the internet until you find a picture that accurately embodies your characters and/or someone who could become a character later. I print them and glue them into my novel notebook so I don't have to search again later.
2. Get pictures of places my characters will go
3. talk to people. Are you sending your character some place that you've never been? Find out everything you can about it so the setting feels authentic
4. Have an idea - but only an idea. I'd like to consider myself a hybrid - not quite a plotser and not fully a pantser. This year, I know where I'm starting, and I know where i'd like to end - I have the last sentence in mind - but I'm not sure which of my main characters will get the honors yet - and maybe someone will shift by then
5. Write with a notebook open - once November 1 hits, the only thing that will be left on my desk - besides my laptop...and a large cup of tea - will be an open notebook and a writing utensil or two. As I write, I take note of where my characters are taking me and/or phrases/ideas that I may want to use later so I don't forget them. - I also use the notebook to track who my characters are turning into

Are you NaNoing? What tricks do you have to conquer November?

Rebooting Life

This blog has sat dormant for way too long... sorry about that. Real life and the real world got in the way - as did, in some cases, my writer life.

So what's happened in the last year? Why I'm glad you asked!

I am happy to report that we are T-minus two months until the launch of my first novel! Can you believe it! Giveaways and fun stuff are coming

ETCHED IN LIES was my first NaNoWriMo project, and I'm am so excited to see it out there... and a little terrified if we're being honest. So it's pretty cool that it's launch comes on the heels of this year's NaNo...

In addition, I've been editing another, and prepping NaNo for a third... and then there's the family, and the teaching, and everything else that likes to get in the way.

There is not enough time to accomplish everything, and I have learned - am learning - that fast may not always be the best way. Some times it's okay to slow down and take a little longer to edit, or work on a project before hitting that submit button.

So that's what I've been trying to do.

Slow. Down.

It's not working....