Well that didn't work - but I'm still here

I knew - even as I was starting to post that Wednesdays were not going to play nice for long.... the middle of the week is always packed with writer and non-writer activities.

So I'm going to keep trying - probably to include updates over the weekends when there is a little more down time... does anyone even have down time anymore and if so - HOW!??

Now where were we?

WRITERLY Things:

• I'm playing with STATIC - need to find a bit of time to work some edits on that this week. I know I have changes to make in the beginning, but I want to get through before I go back.. I'm sort of obsessive like that
• Also working with an awesome CP, which is keeping me on track. Thank you!!! <3
• There are two conferences I am looking at attending this year (at least two) - one looks very doable with the timeline and schedule - I'm just waiting for a bit more information about the Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Conference. The other (Philadelphia Writers Conference), which I have wanted to go to for EVER is right over graduation weekend and I want to be there. I'm still trying to figure if there is a way I can be in two places at once.

PUBLISHINGLY Things:

• Etched in Lies is officially out there and I still can't quite believe it... does this ever feel real? (Yes, I already shared this.... some things don't change) - A few reviews have come in - I'm honored that some have taken the time to tell everyone what they thought... have you read it yet?
• Getting closer to announcing some book signings and maybe a reading in a few places.
• And I'm reading Goodreads for some questions - hit me with it!

READERLY Things:

• I'm sad to say that I'm still working on the book I started before Christmas... STILL. I love it, but haven't had one of those days where I can just sit and read ad nauseaum (like THAT will ever happen) - I hope to finish it soon. I already filled my kindle with lots of books I can't wait to read.
• Hoping to get a bit more reading done now that I'm getting back on the treadmill to read... multitasking is my specialty - okay - so reading while I walk on the treadmill is my multitasking superpower - wish I had another.

OTHERLY Things:

• I'm still PiYOing and can feel results happening - more flexibility and strength - now I just have to get the diet into alignment (coughs - looks around...)
• I'm neck deep teaching Shakespeare as I always am in January and I love it...
• And trying to find time for everything else I want and/or need to do - like the laundry... so I have to call it for this week with promises of more again in the near future.

Until then....

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)

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 - #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)

Checking in one last time #YABbootcamp

I'd love to say that I stayed strong, and completed all my goals....but I can't. Life, as it usually does, got in the way more than I would have liked.

BUT I did make progress in each of the goals I set forth at the beginning of the boot camp, and I can honestly say that #YABbootcamp helped me get further than I would have if left to my own devices. That is both awesome and saddening at the same time.

But spring is hard for me. Real life demands a lot in these three months - a lot more than I realized when I decided to jump on and walk the plank.

And these three months have left me with lots to think about as I move forward.

SO: status:

I DID edit some, and in so doing, really evaluated the genre. I went NA with the story - a shift I was happy with, but has left me wondering if the characters survived the shift - jury is still out.

I DID send query drafts and a few rounds to my CP of awesome for some valuable positive and negative feedback

I DID get to see and provide feedback for that same CP of awesome - and I was soooooo happy to see words from her. I think that inspired me to keep going.


Where do I go from here?

Forward.

I think the query for WHITE LIES I've been playing with is finally ready for a round with agents.

STATIC - thought definitely still a draft is going somewhere - and there WILL be time in the near future to play with it more.

Thanks YA Buccaneers for a lot of fun, the chance to meet some truly awesome and inspiring teammates, and the time (and accountability) to keep writing even when everything was in my way!

Inspiration... that rebel

If you are forcing it, inspiration will always be the next exit, always be just a little out of reach.

Inspiration is not the child who waits to be put in time out after digging up your beautiful rose bush. It is not the teenager who calls you to let you know they snuck out and won't be home in time for breakfast.

Inspiration is the child who looked around the yard before grabbing your pruning shears.
Inspiratios is the teen who checked your bedroom door and waited to hear snoring before giving the dog a treat and slipping out the back door.

It is is thought that hits you at the worst possible moment - you know the one - when you are three quarters of the way through your current draft and everything is flowing well, but you know one little derailment could throw everything out of whack? Yup! That's when inspiration will strike.

It will be the dream that you can't get out of your mind even though you are already too overwhelmed with your non-writer life to do anything about it. It is the seemingly random thought that will strike on the drive home when you can't stop to jot it down.

Inspiration is the rebel that dares you to write and at the same time, dares you not to, because it knows as well as you, that if you accept the dare, the laundry won't get done. The dishes will sit in the sink. You will miss your favorite television show, and manage to go to sleep just as the sun is rising.

That's just the way inspiration likes it, that rebel. And as a writer, it is those moments we strive for, we crave, because they let us know there will be one more story to tell, one more chance to write, one more opportunity to speak for the characters trapped in our heads.

Don't go searching for inspiration. It will find you. . . when it's ready.