tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68068575057485289542024-03-12T20:02:27.435-07:00All About Growing up and Becoming a Famous AuthorAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146136846875431598noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806857505748528954.post-79652037849567843702018-03-12T09:57:00.000-07:002018-03-12T09:57:18.701-07:00A Literary Weekend<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is about 3/4 of the books we bought.<br />We budgeted a much smaller amount for<br />buying books, the laughed and laughed<br />and laughed.</td></tr>
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If you've ever wanted to walk through an endless aisle of books, pass by the occasional author hurrying off to an event or signing, and make really difficult decisions between different workshops happening at the same time, then <a href="http://tucsonfestivalofbooks.org/">Tucson Festival of Books</a> was basically made for you.<br />
<br />
You may also call it heaven on earth. Reader's choice.<br />
<br />
Heaven on earth is crowded, overrun with people walking from tent to tent and toting canvas bags crammed full of books they never knew they needed. Crowded, and wholly wonderful. There are many things for which I will <i>not</i> deal with a crowd. Literature is certainly not one of those things.<br />
<br />
I met and spoke with authors, attended a workshop with literary agent (gotta up that query game, yo), and learned how to make a comic book with my kids. And if you're wondering, no, I could not think of anything better than, "I loved this book so much! I'm reading your first one now! I'm so excited to meet you!" to Celeste Ng.<br />
<br />
Other than a mountain of books and a blown budget, I came away from this Festival with something even more valuable - motivation. A push to keep working and trying and doing. I recently started attending a local writing group and sending off chapters for my BFF aka beta reader, doubling down on efforts to get <i>This is Now</i> whipped into shape.<br />
<br />
And maybe the best part of the whole damn thing? When my husband smiled and said, "One year it'll be you signing your book."<br />
<br />
That and getting this really sweet note of encouragement from Janet Fitch.<br />
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I've been feeling kind of down about not hitting some of my goals. But honestly, it's only two goals I'm struggling with: journaling and blogging. Otherwise, I'm all on track! I'm on track with revisions. I'm on track with running (crushed a 10k recently). I'm on track with using my daily planner, reading, becoming a better baker. So I'm going to focus on what I <i>am</i> doing well, and giving myself space to figure out the other things I'm struggling with.<br />
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Did anyone else do anything fun this weekend, or have any goals that you're crushing?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146136846875431598noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806857505748528954.post-42291118547945225122017-12-29T15:59:00.000-07:002017-12-29T15:59:38.754-07:00New Year, Same Me (New Goals, Though)I hope that all of you had a very, merry Christmas! And, perhaps more importantly, I hope that everyone enjoyed <i>Star Wars: The Last Jedi</i> just as much as I did.<br />
<br />
With the approaching New Year, I realized that the proximity of my birthday to when the calendar turns over is helpful. I get the urge to make changes and set goals from both turning a year older and saying goodbye to the past year.<br />
<br />
Sure, I don't make New Year's resolutions, but I do like to make goals. However, I typically make goals and then keep them to myself, which makes it quite easy to stop when things get hard. This is 100% why I decided to share my goals for 29. Not sure what my 2018 goals will be, but they'll likely be ones that will support my current list.<br />
<br />
I'll be doing an <i>easy</i> push towards working on these goals until we're settled in our new home. Right now we're in TLF (temporary lodging facilities) after moving out of our rental house. In less than 2 weeks we'll sign for our house (who knew there were so many, many steps to purchasing a home?), and I've promised my husband that I'll let him watch TV as loud as he freaking wants for a solid week after we move in.<br />
<br />
Yes, I am the annoying person with the remote in hand for entire movies, constantly turning it down while hissing, "We have neighbors!" Also, you're welcome to our neighbors who never had to hear our TV while I was home. I was not in control of what happened when I was not there.<br />
<br />
And if you're wondering, we're getting on just fine in TLF:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />They crawled in there themselves and neither is locked.<br />Don't call CPS on me.</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146136846875431598noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806857505748528954.post-49334575053326562162017-12-15T18:01:00.001-07:002017-12-15T18:01:43.041-07:0029 & Not Feeling FineThat's a lame title, we can commiserate over that, right? Lame, but accurate.<br />
<br />
I turned 29 earlier this month and it was...a day. I went grocery shopping, cooked dinner like always, and watched Elf with my family. Watching the movie was the highlight of my day, which I otherwise spent (mostly) alone. So yeah, fun times, and a pretty accurate representation of my twenties.<br />
<br />
Guys, I got pregnant with my daughter shortly before my 21st birthday, and soon after she was born we were gone, off to my husband's first duty-station. In Georgia. Look, sorry if you live there and love it, but we were stuck in Warner Robins, the armpit of that state.<br />
<br />
I've not been happy lately. I try to be honest about my ongoing struggles with depression, but this is something distinctly different from depression. This unhappiness isn't chemicals bouncing around in the wrong places, it's a genuine dislike of how I've been over recent years. Who I am is not who I want to be, so I made a list:<br />
<br />
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<br />
1. I struggle with maintaining my running life, and want to challenge myself to do something that is difficult and will require me to push myself outside of comfort zones.<br />
<br />
2. Why a signature bake? I watch a lot of Great British Baking Show with my daughter. Also, I can cook really well (self high-five), but I'm absolutely terrible at baking. My kids request certain suppers from me all the time, but never, ever ask me to bake anything. My son has eosinophilic esophagitis and is on a medically-necessary restricted diet, and I want to be able to bake something regularly that he can actually enjoy.<br />
<br />
3. I've been on-and-off querying my novel, <i>This is Now</i>, for a while now, and it's not going anywhere. I've started making editorial notes and am going to start editing and revising. I really believe in this story and think that I can make it better.<br />
<br />
4. I slacked off reading this year. According to Goodreads I've only read 34 books this year, so I'd like to bump that up a little next year. Reading is very important to me, and I want to make sure that I'm giving myself the time to do so.<br />
<br />
5. This has been a little bumpy already. I've missed 2 days since my birthday, once for no good reason. I also missed journaling yesterday, as my son had a bad reaction to anesthesia after his endoscopy, and we spent the evening in the emergency room after a morning at the hospital. Valid. Excuse.<br />
<br />
6. I'm starting this one this week. I tend to isolate myself when I'm feeling unhappy, and my two close friends moved away this year. Downside of living on a military base. While this isn't exactly fully interacting with people, it's definitely better than nothing.<br />
<br />
Most of these are really about one thing: making time for myself. I don't think it's uncommon for people (OK, especially moms) to have trouble taking time for things that are important to them, and guys, I became a mom when I was really, really young. I've spent a lot of time making sure everyone else is OK, and I've not left myself with any time to make sure that I'm also doing OK.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146136846875431598noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806857505748528954.post-63521138785642060532017-11-27T13:08:00.001-07:002017-11-27T13:08:48.041-07:00November: The Month of Excuses<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boxes on boxes on boxes of nothing but books.</td></tr>
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Life goes through phases. I know, this isn't revolutionary thinking or anything, but sometimes it's hard to fully grasp or even remember just how big the shift between phases is until you're in the thick of it again, saying goodbye to one part of life and hello to another.<br />
<br />
I'm going through a phase shift now, as my husband is nearing the end of his military commitment and we're putting down roots. We're buying a house, clearing out an ungodly amount of crap that we've accumulated in the 3 1/2 years since our last move, and getting ready to officially call ourselves Arizonians. Arizonans? I should probably figure that out before I change my state of residence.<br />
<br />
This shift has been stressful, and it's put a lot of strain on my family. I've allowed myself to make excuses for things I shouldn't.<br />
<br />
For example, I blew off NaNo fairly early on while crying into a beer that there's too much stuff going on for me to be able to write, then watched hours of mindless television immediately afterward. After my last less-than-stellar 5k I mostly stopped running. Just...stopped. Because we won't have the extra money to sign up for more races until after we've closed on our home, and I got grumpy about it.<br />
<br />
You get the picture. I'm an expert at making excuses.<br />
<br />
Changes are coming as I attempt to throw out my habitual excuses. Maybe I'm just getting a head start on the New Year, but I think it's more than that. It's a realization that who I am right now is not who I want to be. I can either continue on this path as a person who is deeply unhappy with herself or her situation, or I can do the really hard thing, which is to change.<br />
<br />
I'm still formulating the best approach to make these changes, but I know I'll be taking it slow and easy, and will do my very best to be kind to myself in the process.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146136846875431598noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806857505748528954.post-88621797353071873112017-10-17T08:00:00.000-07:002017-10-17T08:00:03.713-07:00Here’s to Nano (Again)<div class="MsoNormal">
My writing life has suffered lately. Sure, just life in
general has played a part in that. The whole job, kids, husband, running (then
injuring myself, resting, and running) kind of life in general. But it’s not
just that.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Like so many other writers and creative types, I suffer from
depression. I’ve written about <a href="http://caitlin-lane.blogspot.com/2015/09/the-depression-discussion.html">my depression</a> before, and every time it still
feels fresh and strange to put words to keyboards. Through it I’ve managed a
few submissions and queries, lots of rejections, and finished a new short
story. But…that’s been about it. For months and months on end. The idea of
exorcising these ideas and stories and characters from my head felt physically
exhausting.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I slept too much and too little.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ran too little then too hard, hurting myself.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ate too little then too much.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And stubbornly, desperately, achingly refused to write.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m coming out of the other side of a really bad depressive episode,
and what good timing! <a href="https://nanowrimo.org/">NaNoWriMo</a> (National Novel Writing Month) is an annual,
month-long literary event. In short, you write 50,000 words in a month. Long
version, you drink lots of coffee and tea and alcohol, write a bunch of shitty
words, and then in December and January whittle and edit it down into a better
second draft.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's to all the beer that will be<br />
drunk this November.</td></tr>
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NaNoWriMo doesn’t allow for second guessing of work. It
allows for plot holes and characters who switch names halfway through a manuscript.
It creates a 30-day period where you’re just racing to create your story. And
right now that’s what I desperately need.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I first participated in NaNoWriMo back in 2005 or 2006, but
created a new account when I wanted a new username. According to this account I’ve
been at it since 2011 and haven’t missed a year yet, although I’ve only “won”
twice. So who am I to break this streak?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Anyone else participating
in NaNo this year? If you are, add me as a <a href="https://nanowrimo.org/participants/ifyouareadreamer">writing buddy</a>!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146136846875431598noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806857505748528954.post-10573062936025693962017-09-29T06:00:00.000-07:002017-09-29T06:00:18.781-07:00Banned Books Week 2017<div class="MsoNormal">
Chances are that you’ve read at least one banned book in
your lifetime. Judy Blume usually springs to mind around this time of year, but
what about Shel Silverstein, Maurice Sendak, JK Rowling? That’s right, someone
read Silverstein’s <i>A Light in the Attic</i>
and thought, “Hmm, not appropriate for children.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Guys. <i>Guys.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.bannedbooksweek.org/">Banned Books Week</a> occurs every year and serves as a “celebration
of the freedom to read.” The reasons behind challenges to books can vary, but
they all come back to the same thing – censorship. Attempts to censor
literature often comes under the veil of trying to shield children from so-called
inappropriate subjects. Which is probably one of the worst things you could do
for a child’s curiosity. Taking away information doesn’t sate the hunger, it
only makes it grow stronger.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Banning books (or attempting to have them banned) is still
going on today, which is absolutely crazy if you think about what kids and
teenagers can more readily access on the internet. I am one Google search away from
videos about fetishes I didn’t even know existed. Exposure to difficult topics
inside the context of a story can be much more beneficial than a quick few
minutes on the internet, which lacks the nuance of characters and plot that can
put things in perspective.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They have no choice but to be nerds.</td></tr>
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I normally try to read a banned book during this week, but
ended up not doing so this year. Although, I’ve been reading Harry Potter with
my kids (we’re up to <i>Prisoner of Azkaban</i>),
so technically I’ve been on board the banned books week for months now. Look at
me, ahead of trends!<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>What banned books have you read lately? Or were some of your
childhood favorites commonly banned or challenged?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146136846875431598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806857505748528954.post-28723006192456228542017-01-09T06:18:00.000-07:002017-01-09T06:18:10.099-07:00I Bit the Bullet (Journal)<div class="MsoNormal">
To say that notebooks are my thing would be like saying that
dogs have a mild affinity for bouncing tennis balls. I buy notebooks like I buy
books: ravenously and in quantities that border on wholesale. Let’s all take a
moment to appreciate used book stores and the library.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When I first saw <a href="http://bulletjournal.com/">bullet journals</a> popping up on Pinterest I ignored
them because I already journal, make daily to-do lists, track my runs with an
app, and use Goodreads for books that I’m reading. Adding something else in
just didn’t make sense, especially since I’m not a particularly artistic
person.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Eventually I gave in to Pinterest peer pressure (but I won’t
be handcrafting birthday goodie bags, dammit). I'm not doing it strictly by the books (ba dum tss) or using any type of specially-designed notebook, because if I'm going to stick with something, it needs to be on my own terms.</div>
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I'm using it to make my daily
to-do list which actively replaces what I was using before, but otherwise the
bullet journal is in addition to everything else. Because I’m a person who
likes lists. They make my life feel tidy and organized even when it’s anything
but.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQGxvC-TocjQ-OoKkvKkflRnCoFmTKoo30l2SYKtGDvCQADnKx_aN8qqLvUKg5AHjOuZdpkS9zH1lzmBor2375nQUwsTyDEdjVox6C7eVv0MgFFBrL8_9m1yng5zpXn7yGVOT75UJ2XHQ/s1600/bullet+journal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQGxvC-TocjQ-OoKkvKkflRnCoFmTKoo30l2SYKtGDvCQADnKx_aN8qqLvUKg5AHjOuZdpkS9zH1lzmBor2375nQUwsTyDEdjVox6C7eVv0MgFFBrL8_9m1yng5zpXn7yGVOT75UJ2XHQ/s320/bullet+journal.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Read #3 was awful. Just awful.</td></tr>
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I'm only a few days into the bullet journal, but I'm liking it so far. It combines: </div>
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<li>my love of lists</li>
<li>bright pens</li>
<li>keeping track of the little things that happen throughout my day.</li>
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I still journal in my, well, journal, but I usually only sit down to do so at the end of the day, and the bullet journal is handy for jotting down a quick thought, story idea, or just something that happened that I'd like to remember.<br />
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Plus, I may not be creative, but come on this is kind of cute.</div>
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I hope that you all had a fantastic winter break and enjoyed your holidays. We spent our time being lazy, reading, and enjoying this bomb-ass fire pit that my parents got us for Christmas.</div>
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<b>Have you started any new habits recently? Or do you journal regularly?</b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146136846875431598noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806857505748528954.post-73077762929332102982016-12-19T20:09:00.002-07:002016-12-19T20:09:50.756-07:00Coffee, Books, and Curse Words<div class="MsoNormal">
Want to read my flash fiction piece <i>Words in the Library</i>? Great! Go to <a href="https://thestoryshack.com/">thestoryshack.com</a> on Aug. 11, 2017. Yep,
those guys know how to plan ahead. If you haven’t visited the site before, it
features <b>beautiful</b> illustrations
with each story, and it’s an honor to have one of my stories selected for
publication with them. They also have a neat <a href="https://thestoryshack.com/tools/writing-prompt">writing prompt generator</a>
that you can customize, so be sure to check that out.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now on to more important things, like this absolutely <i>perfect</i> mug:</div>
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This was one of two gifts that I've already opened because, come on, friends open presents early right? These gifts from my two <b>best friends</b> absolutely kicked the butts of the gifts that I gave them. Did I mention that the book also came with a Starbucks' gift card? Coffee, books, and curse words. I am an incredibly simple person.</div>
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Other than work, it's these incredibly simple things that I'll be filling my time with over the upcoming winter break. See, I'm not really a Pinterest mom. I'm more of an oh-my-god-why-are-you-doing-that-please-just-go-outside-because-I-don't-care-if-you're-bored mom. Which is OK, because what I lack in crafts and a desire to lovingly construct <a href="http://www.scarymommy.com/elf-shelf-not-gonna-happen/">elaborate elf scenes</a> throughout December, I make up for with this simple love of books.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVhXVlcz9SvSN44kwnUy9FhgW0OqL71jjBngAYH7xJnWwMBiMQE-HFOlF0GEITqfXhgRMNtG_KkvmktxaS6ofrmcj-JsviBE2tU41yc_-qA1aj7shB2dszYkqVlhSUnY4eoyZZnv53O71E/s1600/IMG_20161219_154601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVhXVlcz9SvSN44kwnUy9FhgW0OqL71jjBngAYH7xJnWwMBiMQE-HFOlF0GEITqfXhgRMNtG_KkvmktxaS6ofrmcj-JsviBE2tU41yc_-qA1aj7shB2dszYkqVlhSUnY4eoyZZnv53O71E/s400/IMG_20161219_154601.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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After snack and homework, before she jets off to play with her friends in the cul-de-sac or at the park, we have quiet reading time. Sometimes the little guy joins in, sometimes he plays with his rock collection, but it's a chance to have a quiet moment with my kids while we gently ignore each other and enjoy one of the few true joys in life: reading.</div>
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<i style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: large;">Also</span></i>, do you enjoy YA books? Then visit <a href="https://thestarvingbookworm.wordpress.com/">The Starving Bookworm</a>, who just so happened to give me that book (and homemade treats, because I know ya'll jealous). She recently wrote about <i>The Night Circus</i> by Erin Morgenstern, which you should immediately add to your TBR list.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146136846875431598noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806857505748528954.post-59651295105623215982016-11-29T14:08:00.000-07:002016-11-29T14:08:25.950-07:00Why I Run<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfqcF6_ayhpygTeNAdAvvhgFbfAYIeVZ6-9i_eaHNnMuLFQtCGxkAk5QqaiTMuzmwwtdwDg5tkh2uvfrQK8MFSoIZWZeiG20QnyOvEYAgU_lXb-yG9qNUAmUx_shWkwI87zqFXjwr6cFM9/s1600/murakami.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfqcF6_ayhpygTeNAdAvvhgFbfAYIeVZ6-9i_eaHNnMuLFQtCGxkAk5QqaiTMuzmwwtdwDg5tkh2uvfrQK8MFSoIZWZeiG20QnyOvEYAgU_lXb-yG9qNUAmUx_shWkwI87zqFXjwr6cFM9/s200/murakami.jpg" width="132" /></a>Years ago I read <i>What
I Talk About When I Talk About Running </i>by Haruki Murakami. At the time I
wasn’t a runner, but Murakami is undoubtedly one of my favorite authors, and so
there was no question about whether I would read his running memoir. From what
I can remember it was pretty good, but it didn’t have much of an impact on me
otherwise.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I was a smoker. Super, duper overweight. Terrified of all
things exercise.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, I get to call myself a <b>runner</b>. I’m in training for my
first <a href="http://www.arizonadistanceclassic.com/">half-marathon</a> and it seems like it’s a good time to pull Murakami’s
running memoir back out and give it a second go.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But this also got me thinking about my own reasons for
running. Health and weight-related issues are the reasons I started, but now
they’re only part of why I keep going. Unlike other forms of exercise, like
strength training or swimming laps or even yoga (the latter two of which I
actually really enjoy), there’s a definitive freedom to running.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There are headphones in my ears. An audio book or maybe a
podcast going. Myself. And sometimes this crazy kid:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7MDjuNIqAO1eqa8lXAGljJaQ_r_eo9oHbwWXeueqGTYOPIVCqeN2XKV68eoNGzW1YQZ0f84aMdMva36seEJs2OO26g0CemTa1T3wzMMOzo6GlYIPYB6Mf59jyzOHnOIcm8UG4ygVGwA0/s1600/meandpen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7MDjuNIqAO1eqa8lXAGljJaQ_r_eo9oHbwWXeueqGTYOPIVCqeN2XKV68eoNGzW1YQZ0f84aMdMva36seEJs2OO26g0CemTa1T3wzMMOzo6GlYIPYB6Mf59jyzOHnOIcm8UG4ygVGwA0/s200/meandpen.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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For me, this is pure, beautiful freedom. Especially
coming from my <i>*ahem*</i> very
non-athletic background in which running was absolutely <b>never</b> an option. Sometimes I forego the headphones when I really
feel as if I need to clear my head or I’m trying to work out a story idea, but
for the most part, those earbuds are plunked firmly in there.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My love of running parallels my love of
writing. At its most basic there is freedom. All this talk of freedom makes it sound like I’m trying to run
away from something, but it’s more than that. Different. It’s freedom to expand
my world and push up against its edges, to swallow up everything I see and reincorporate
it back into something real and tangible.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Even if sometimes naps sound more fun.<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146136846875431598noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806857505748528954.post-55917558679228099232016-11-24T06:30:00.000-07:002016-11-24T06:30:00.142-07:00Happy Thanksgiving!Happy Thanksgiving to all of my blogger friends in the U.S., and happy regular Thursday to everyone else.<br />
<br />
I'm enjoying spending time with my parents whom I haven't seen for <b>TWO YEARS</b>. My dear, wonderful daughter decided to seize upon the opportunity to display my parenting skills, and leaned over to my dad on the ride home from the airport to tell him, "This song has 'mother fucker' in it."<br />
<br />
Also, here's a reminder of how ugly these mother fuckers are before we cook them.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146136846875431598noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806857505748528954.post-34159176546216060372016-11-15T06:00:00.000-07:002016-11-15T06:00:20.055-07:00New Release & Giveaway: Piper Morgan to the Rescue<div class="MsoNormal">
My daughter recently hit the exciting stage of *<i>dun dun
duunnnn</i>* chapter books!</div>
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I worried over whether my kids would take after my
love of reading, especially with my husband’s deep love of gaming and the easy
access to consoles and computers in our house (OK, I like gaming too). So after my daughter was born I did
what any parent would do: I read and read and read to her.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Bedtime stories started when she was still an infant, and her
brother joined in on the nightly ritual when he was born. When she headed off
to kindergarten I started reading chapter books during bedtime, going through
one or two chapters a night or even more when the book was especially good. And
now?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now she reads some of those chapters to me. I cling to this
nightly ritual, even as she sets off to finish certain chapter books by
herself. We’ve read a lot of a Junie B. Jones (who my daughter thinks is
extremely naughty), Roald Dahl, and many of the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Power-Fire-Dragon-Branches-Masters/dp/0545646316">Dragon
Master</a> books by Tracey West. There have also been the Monster High and Big
Fat Zombie Goldfish books that have taken us in. It’s these nightly chapter
books that got me so excited to discover <a href="http://stephie5741.blogspot.com/">Stephanie Faris’</a> Piper Morgan
books. <o:p></o:p></div>
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As we’re about to start the Piper Morgan series, a
new one is hitting the shelves! <i>Piper
Morgan to the Rescue </i>is the third book in the series and I already can’t
wait to get to it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBmGi1v1B07mUtPl98SUhvs2XkRY0qRlVEq23cQJteLg0rFMf45aCMmAQkAo-wfGfwzPVWZ7NFngcWPnb5XBpxTqGl2K0XJM8kQ4iajs4ItpSHei8RIEK8VX8xy6nitdvqvpuE4B51gf7a/s1600/Piper+Morgan+to+the+Rescue+JPEG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBmGi1v1B07mUtPl98SUhvs2XkRY0qRlVEq23cQJteLg0rFMf45aCMmAQkAo-wfGfwzPVWZ7NFngcWPnb5XBpxTqGl2K0XJM8kQ4iajs4ItpSHei8RIEK8VX8xy6nitdvqvpuE4B51gf7a/s320/Piper+Morgan+to+the+Rescue+JPEG.jpg" width="215" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Piper Morgan to the Rescue</i></b></span></div>
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Piper helps some four-legged friends find the perfect
home in the third book of the brand-new Piper Morgan series.</div>
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Piper is super excited to help out at Bark Street, a local animal shelter in
town. Who wouldn’t want to be surrounded by adorable puppies and dogs all day?
And when Piper sees Taffy, the cutest dog she has ever seen, Piper is
determined to find a way to bring Taffy home. But it won’t be easy—especially
when she finds out someone else wants to make Taffy a part of their family,
too!<o:p></o:p></div>
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The author is a pretty cool person, too.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Stephanie Faris</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Stephanie Faris knew she
wanted to be an author from a very young age. In fact, her mother often told
her to stop reading so much and go outside and play with the other kids. After
graduating from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science in
broadcast journalism, she somehow found herself working in information
technology. But she never stopped writing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Stephanie is the Simon
& Schuster author of <i>30 Days of No Gossip</i> and <i>25
Roses</i>, as well as the <i>Piper Morgan</i> series. When she isn’t
crafting fiction, she writes for a variety of online websites on the topics of
business, technology, and her favorite subject of all—fashion. She lives in
Nashville with her husband, a sales executive.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Still want to know more about this lovely lady? Find her pretty much everywhere on the Internet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.stephaniefaris.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Website</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://stephie5741.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Blog</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/stephfaris"><span style="color: blue;">Facebook</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://twitter.com/stephfaris">Twitter</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://instagram.com/stephfaris">Instagram</a></span></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>(Fun story, Stephanie, I used to live just a couple hours away in Memphis!)</b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Stephanie is also giving a way a <b>free</b> copy of <i>Piper Morgan to the Rescue</i>. What could be better than that? A <b>free</b><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>copy that also happens to be signed. Don't miss out on the chance to get your hands on this book!</div>
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<br /></div>
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="ba7205fa7" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ba7205fa7/" id="rcwidget_m8md42xl" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146136846875431598noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806857505748528954.post-72016148246273695702016-11-11T11:36:00.000-07:002016-11-11T11:36:26.347-07:00With Great Querying Comes Great Rejections<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQX1jGQadPH30kbynSQOEt9RUEx2uj2AFJFm1gXamJM0GZR1iWFIfrIZKmo7pqBUcDssDR5XCC3l3Ai36YtzFptMWeu_3Euu9LqF0Z7GJKGk_rP0JKQfRFoMRN5u8YxauQKvxuDI9RLSFt/s1600/writingreading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQX1jGQadPH30kbynSQOEt9RUEx2uj2AFJFm1gXamJM0GZR1iWFIfrIZKmo7pqBUcDssDR5XCC3l3Ai36YtzFptMWeu_3Euu9LqF0Z7GJKGk_rP0JKQfRFoMRN5u8YxauQKvxuDI9RLSFt/s320/writingreading.jpg" width="320" /></a>If there’s any single aspect of being a writer that takes up
more time than writing and reading, that aspect is probably querying.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Oh, querying. How optimistic you make me feel before you
bangarang back around with a swift defeat. Writing requires resiliency, though.
Rather, writing <b>then attempting to be published</b> requires resiliency.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Mostly
because you’ll get plenty of non-writer friends saying things like, “JK Rowling was
rejected, like, a million times,” or “Doesn’t Stephen King still get rejected?
I read that somewhere.” Just pet them on the heads and say, “<u>Shhhh, shush your
beautiful mouth.</u>"</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Rejections used to take a pretty hard toll on me. I’d need a
drink, a nap, and then more drinks while I pouted and re-watched <i>Parks & Rec</i> for the hundredth time.
How can
you not be inspired to keep going when watching Leslie Knope? <b>That woman gets
shit done. </b>If Leslie Knope can keep going after being recalled from the Pawnee
City Council, I can keep sending out queries after rejections.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I would tally up the number of times the following have been collectively rejected, but that’s depressing so I’ll spare us all that pain. We’ll just put it this way: Rejections. Rejections for days.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBvBxgRMNDpKqWL0Rz1FlZLEfRBWWqRBsYLHPOWgyuc1otoAkFVg_WN8kh0vSui8hF8MBV00Tas6OVqx9JmTX7De5uRQl6VaP3Tdb4MfvcyHMTuKKcMT88UlAHJnBy2SWWXRHqBR8_rg6/s1600/rejections.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBvBxgRMNDpKqWL0Rz1FlZLEfRBWWqRBsYLHPOWgyuc1otoAkFVg_WN8kh0vSui8hF8MBV00Tas6OVqx9JmTX7De5uRQl6VaP3Tdb4MfvcyHMTuKKcMT88UlAHJnBy2SWWXRHqBR8_rg6/s320/rejections.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>
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Right now I’m not <i>super</i>
busy with querying, but it takes up about half as much time as a part-time job.
A quarter-time job, if you will. These are what I’m actively querying and
submitting right now:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">This is Now</span></i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> –
novel</span></div>
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</div>
[This is totally just a pared down version of my query letter.]<br />
<i><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This is Now</span></i><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
is an 80,000 word new adult novel that follows Ina Wickham as she grapples with
shaving those stubborn inches off of her waist and struggles to find her place
in the adult world. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Twenty-one-year-old Ina has spent most of her life
trying to blend into the background. However, saddled with what her mother
calls the “perfect birthing hips” and a height that teeters at six feet,
standing out is all she’s ever done. Trapped in a sexless relationship, a
nearly deadly trip to the emergency room drains Ina’s savings account and
tensions rapidly rise in her cramped apartment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Strapped for cash, Ina finds herself entangled in
the world of alternative modeling where hiding is no longer an option. Tattoos
and piercings, bright red lipstick, and shady weight loss tricks begin to
dominate her life. As the fabric of her old life begins to unravel around her,
Ina discovers the true cost of changing her clothes and she begins to wonder,
is it worth it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Brothers Browne Lost and Found </span></i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">– short story</span><br />
A quirky museum full of lost items gets just what it wants on its opening night
– a visitor testimonial. The story of a lost and found item turns out to be
bigger than anyone could have imagined.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Longest Three Minutes </span></i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">– short story</span><br />
Three minutes isn't much time, unless a life is on the line. So what happens
when those three minutes are over? Not much happens for Gwen, but nothing is
ever the same for Keith.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Are you querying or
submitting anything right now?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146136846875431598noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806857505748528954.post-76290723323821275922016-11-08T06:30:00.000-07:002016-11-10T16:25:37.785-07:00What I'm Writing + NaNoWriMo Update<div class="MsoNormal">
It’d be great if someone just plopped down a contract,
shelled out a huge advance, and then asked me to spend my time leisurely
writing the most spectacular novel ever. You know, if we’re talking about
dreams.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But dreams only get you so far. Listen, I’m not knocking
dreams. I think that they’re important to have, even when they’re maybe not the most attainable. But when they are? Hello driving force, let’s get to work. For me, that work is writing. And writing. And writing some more. Even if I can’t sit down to work on my novel every day (sorry <a href="http://nanowrimo.org/">NaNoWriMo</a>, I’m doing my best!), I still
make it a point to journal daily.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduCrReqd7y3TlRRpLm1nDkXIeWENWtfKNfCGw5XfeEHIJ0T80dH4J5mJ357Dhwj8Z_XIatc_Keg7D9Xpg5Y5_BfizDq16oqeCDnUzfenxwE2ujcAbIJ2Gcztoia9ho2QpSMgSNYtB1ezj/s1600/writing+double+tasking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduCrReqd7y3TlRRpLm1nDkXIeWENWtfKNfCGw5XfeEHIJ0T80dH4J5mJ357Dhwj8Z_XIatc_Keg7D9Xpg5Y5_BfizDq16oqeCDnUzfenxwE2ujcAbIJ2Gcztoia9ho2QpSMgSNYtB1ezj/s320/writing+double+tasking.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is me multitasking pretty much all of November.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Right now I’m working on my novel, <i>The Articulate Boy</i>, formerly-titled <i>Forgetting Home</i>. It was interesting to watch my WIP title evolve
from what was a very fitting name in the beginning to something that turned out
to be totally off-base. And yes, in case you’re wondering, I <i>do</i> outline. Thoroughly. Also, I
completely admit that it’s a procrastination tool. I eventually hurdle over the
fear that keeps me in the planning stage, but I definitely chill there for a
while.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Super Awesome Summary</span></b></div>
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<i>The Articulate Boy</i>
follows a family dealing with one life change after another. First Norma,
Heather’s mother, moves in with the family after her rapidly developing
Alzheimer’s makes it impossible to continue living on her own. David is on the
verge of losing his agent because he hasn’t managed to produce a bestseller (or
even a mediocre seller) in years. He’s in the process of adopting Josiah, his
stepson, and his rocky marriage to Heather has him especially eager to complete
the process as quickly as possible. Josiah, still getting over the death of his
father, is soon faced with a problem that his whole family must deal with – his
girlfriend’s pregnancy and the tension of being biracial in a mostly white
community. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeNGB5qjr9g11v5pb4GVwu5VuTjRPShbsjXjKMa14Of3e0myX4WiRk62gEwZ0cpjR332snNQt5Vo3yqvo3GvekLlbVa4K_GMXS3ti79Bp1ESTJOqgkGX45oLna3P6fA0FiDCUq6u6NAvIf/s1600/summaries2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeNGB5qjr9g11v5pb4GVwu5VuTjRPShbsjXjKMa14Of3e0myX4WiRk62gEwZ0cpjR332snNQt5Vo3yqvo3GvekLlbVa4K_GMXS3ti79Bp1ESTJOqgkGX45oLna3P6fA0FiDCUq6u6NAvIf/s320/summaries2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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You know what sucks? Writing summaries. <b>#WritingTruths</b><br />
Back-of-the-book blurbs suck, too.<br />
If I could make a great story that brief, <i>I
would just fucking do it</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My short stories have taken a backseat to NaNoWriMo and <a href="http://www.coffeemarkscopy.com/">mynew business venture</a>, but I do have a really fun flash fiction piece in mind
for when November wraps up. It involves life and death, who haven’t had sex in
a few centuries, but still share a bed and a coffee maker.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
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<b>What are you writing?
If you’re participating in NaNoWriMo, how goes the word count?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<h4>
Current NaNo Word Count: 10,115<br />Days Left to Pull the Rest of This Novel Out of My Ass: 23</h4>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146136846875431598noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806857505748528954.post-7675393938699669672016-11-04T06:30:00.000-07:002016-11-04T06:30:31.874-07:00DIY Thanksgiving Centerpiece -- Book-Style<div class="MsoNormal">
Spending time with family is pretty much the hallmark of
every commercial, TV show, and movie that involves the holidays. This reflected
reality for my husband, who grew up surrounded by an <span style="font-size: large;">enormous</span> extended family
that got together for not just the holidays, but for any reason to spend time
together and eat food.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Me? I grew up in the military. Spending lots of time with extended relatives? That's adorable.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5mWoRqspsWcxRHntm3fLjnPQ0y_z50Nw3xY32n4KXr0pgdiYBdVE4pDbMLj5GfZo32m8-B0AUe6VVuYSNw_7uUIkFLKN3pIAVxoAFbbc38waxyUjiu-o3pzlwyX6dlcOFU4pakuHPMcxR/s1600/plane.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5mWoRqspsWcxRHntm3fLjnPQ0y_z50Nw3xY32n4KXr0pgdiYBdVE4pDbMLj5GfZo32m8-B0AUe6VVuYSNw_7uUIkFLKN3pIAVxoAFbbc38waxyUjiu-o3pzlwyX6dlcOFU4pakuHPMcxR/s320/plane.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't know a single person who actually flies the planes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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My parents trucked us back to
Alabama for a few holidays throughout the years, but we spent most
Thanksgivings and Christmas’ at home. And you know what?</div>
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<b>I still hate going
home for the holidays.</b></div>
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It’s not because I don’t want to see loved ones, or
because my own family is now so spread out it’s impossible to get us all
together at once, it’s because it’s <i>fucking stressful</i>. When you don’t live near family and then go back for a
visit, you’re expected to join in on every activity, to stay throughout the
entire event, and to generally run yourselves and your kids ragged to make
everyone happy. I love our families, but <i>please</i>.
Fuck that.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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So we do our own <span style="color: #38761d;">m</span><span style="color: #bf9000;">i</span><span style="color: #274e13;">l</span><span style="color: #38761d;">i</span><span style="color: #bf9000;">t</span><span style="color: #274e13;">a</span><span style="color: #783f04;">r</span><span style="color: #38761d;">y</span>-style holidays at home. None of us
have family nearby, so every Thanksgiving I cook up a Turkey and a side or two,
then open our doors to friends and anyone else who doesn’t have a place to go.
We celebrate potluck style and usually have more sides, desserts, and alcohol
than we know what to do with. Christmas is the same. No one to chill
with? Come over after we open presents! I’ll make you some fajitas because
Jesus Christ, I just made a turkey last month and <u>it’s not happening again</u>.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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This Thanksgiving is no exception to my open-door policy,
but there’s an added bonus – <b>my parents will be here</b>! I haven’t seen my parents
in <i>two years</i> and am counting down the days till their flight lands.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiOMoBlIQEmzttJLehjxhdmfi4wSzn5Kkx22DdDtZE-EfTj2uuaWMRaFcSN2A_hAaZ5uHMCG2fj9RHDc9SjA3HqQ_HYJhaKRa9AA3t6abYLQUv7piV2-ucAvfMbp9HleUg3DvHg-fmRGKy/s1600/centerpiece.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiOMoBlIQEmzttJLehjxhdmfi4wSzn5Kkx22DdDtZE-EfTj2uuaWMRaFcSN2A_hAaZ5uHMCG2fj9RHDc9SjA3HqQ_HYJhaKRa9AA3t6abYLQUv7piV2-ucAvfMbp9HleUg3DvHg-fmRGKy/s400/centerpiece.jpg" width="86" /></a></div>
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Since I’ll be hosting several of our friends, anyone else
who might need a place to go, <i>and</i> my
parents, I’m trying to make a bigger effort presentation-wise. OK, OK, it’s
mostly for my parents. My dad was the kind of person who vacuumed the ceiling while I was growing up and this
is a blatant attempt to impress them. Mom, if you’re reading this, I promise I’ll
clean the bathrooms before you get here.<br />
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I decided I wanted a book-themed Thanksgiving centerpiece
because, well, why not? Honestly I knew I could use it as an excuse to either
buy a new book or notebook. It was also the perfect reason to go to <span style="color: #990000;">Target</span>, because I have a problem and am not ashamed to acknowledge it. I also have no interest in fixing it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<-- These are the items I used to create my on-a-budget centerpiece, and the price came out to just about $20. I picked up a small basket, a wooden cutting board-style display, a matching notebook (the priciest item on the list), wooden leaves, a set of <span style="color: #b45f06;">warm </span>LED lights, and a new table runner. It was important that I went with a color scheme that matched a tablecloth I already owned, because I both yearn to impress my parents and am also cheap as hell.</div>
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Therapy let thy will be done. Or, you know, drinking coffee and having late night conversations with the husband. Same thing, right? Too bad insurance won't reimburse our costs for the latter.</div>
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Overall, I think it turned out pretty good. I'm clearly not winning any awards here, but it gives the table a focal point and <i style="font-weight: bold;">bonus</i>, I got a new notebook.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvvOw7QU7UtcrT0MS8TAYiLS7WN4donpzRaQLNSsahOF3qLWCRlT2I5wwQFM2gRrIzB8hYsVZjUHGxbxzH8eHpgEO_QU9MRhbgyqeJymzw1Mgt01RZYblYO8OV48Zw_0m1NIJ0bSl4dqG/s1600/CENTERPIECE3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvvOw7QU7UtcrT0MS8TAYiLS7WN4donpzRaQLNSsahOF3qLWCRlT2I5wwQFM2gRrIzB8hYsVZjUHGxbxzH8eHpgEO_QU9MRhbgyqeJymzw1Mgt01RZYblYO8OV48Zw_0m1NIJ0bSl4dqG/s640/CENTERPIECE3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The LED lights are woven throughout the basket, which is artfully stuffed with white tissue paper,<br />because tulle was $3.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And before anyone gets the wrong idea and thinks that I'm way more into housework than I actually am, this is what my adjoining kitchen looked like during the process:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZVpsiuhBUGgOQ3NZr5daUD_Pzh8cJcO4cyn7kI57zLPtJScmHV7BhDLmykl-8020-tCVFKZ48rz5HQzpLoHIR0lVqxV7cYB-uIc4mze67fuk7MjCWT7D3AMn5V-ybDz6eFwjm1yVRFfF/s1600/IMG_20161103_154409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZVpsiuhBUGgOQ3NZr5daUD_Pzh8cJcO4cyn7kI57zLPtJScmHV7BhDLmykl-8020-tCVFKZ48rz5HQzpLoHIR0lVqxV7cYB-uIc4mze67fuk7MjCWT7D3AMn5V-ybDz6eFwjm1yVRFfF/s400/IMG_20161103_154409.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dishes are the worst.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What are your plans for Thanksgiving? Do you have annual family traditions or are do you just go with the flow?</b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146136846875431598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806857505748528954.post-38547383415884884932016-11-01T07:00:00.000-07:002016-11-01T07:00:00.863-07:00Halloween Wrap-Up + NaNoWriMo<div class="MsoNormal">
We bid farewell to October with trick-or-treating, a
candy-induced headache, and lots of non-food treats that we passed out as part
of the <a href="https://www.foodallergy.org/teal-pumpkin-project#.WBgbg_krKUl">Teal Pumpkin Project</a>. The TPP is a way to help include kids with food allergies or disease-related dietary restrictions in the holiday. My son happens to
fit both of those categories as he has food allergies and <a href="http://apfed.org/about-ead/egids/eoe/">eosinophilic esophagitis</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Shout-out to the Target not-quite-dollar section for the
goodies we passed out.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyoRKuBuvwL5fioSKUKTdUBiI88W9APyYNToyU-sa5zujFxObI9bxW9IOvDjDEpDWASvCVaMbR7hyphenhyphenVKJv5ng1bNgcP02JANTmjNmmntl_D19l3AufuZtg6FNoJXBDZaWZZJJKd5I_fMjU/s1600/teal+pumpkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyoRKuBuvwL5fioSKUKTdUBiI88W9APyYNToyU-sa5zujFxObI9bxW9IOvDjDEpDWASvCVaMbR7hyphenhyphenVKJv5ng1bNgcP02JANTmjNmmntl_D19l3AufuZtg6FNoJXBDZaWZZJJKd5I_fMjU/s320/teal+pumpkin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most of the kids were super thrilled to grab some vampire
teeth or a pencil, which my daughter and I handed out while she sat out
trick-or-treating with a stomach ache. And then, <i>that kid</i> came.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Why are you giving us this stuff?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because, you
little shit, it’s Halloween. Now grab a pencil and get off my porch. Luckily my
daughter has more tact than I do, and told him “Happy Halloween.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Halloween is also more than just a fun holiday. For me,
turning off the porch lights and sending the kids to bed marks the beginning of
a month-long literary adventure. <a href="https://d.docs.live.net/5014ebce86725d9b/Documents/Blog/nanowrimo.org">NaNoWriMo</a>, or
National Novel Writing Month, begins once the clock strikes midnight and the
calendar flips over to November.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>It’s kind of like a Disney fairytale, but with
lots of coffee and telling the prince to fuck off because you need to write.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The goal of NaNoWriMo is to write a 50,000-word novel in a
single month, which averages out to about 1,667 words a day. I’ve lost track of
how long I’ve participated in NaNoWriMo, although I skipped last year due to a
fun combination of school + work + husband’s deployment + son’s
hospitalization.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m being a NaNo <b>rebel</b>
this year, as I’m not actually starting a brand-new novel from scratch.
Instead, I’m using the crazy motivation that is the month of November to add
50,000 words to an already in-progress novel that I’ve been struggling to finish.
<i>The Articulate Boy</i> is sitting at
20,665 words, but I’m starting my word count at 0 for NaNoWriMo to ultimately
land at 70,665 words by the beginning of December. On the bright side, it will
give me plenty to cut during edits.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%;">How
was your Halloween? And are you participating in NaNo, or do you have other
literary plans for November? Send me a <a href="http://nanowrimo.org/participants/ifyouareadreamer">buddy request</a> if you're on the NaNoWriMo train!</span></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146136846875431598noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806857505748528954.post-13859673297687271802016-10-28T07:10:00.000-07:002016-10-28T07:10:08.063-07:00DIY Couple's Costume – Bob and Linda Belcher<div class="MsoNormal">
Like pretty much every other family in America, we love
celebrating Halloween. We’re not the family that basically turns their house
into the entire Halloween section at Target (although we lived across from them
in Georgia), and my husband and I don’t go out drinking all night while trying
to make sure our nipple pasties don't sweat off. Instead we put up fake spider webs and
a few dollar store decorations, then have mixed feelings about a much-needed
thunderstorm in Tucson. (Come on nature, we <i>just</i>
put up those spider webs.) We also happen to rock the DIY couple’s costume
scene.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>You know, the scene that shows up at the elementary school’s
fall festival in full costume.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last year I rocked it solo in my <span style="color: orange;">Pikachu</span> onesie while my
husband sported a lively ensemble of camo and then some more camo on his
deployment. I wanted to make sure we both got to enjoy fun Halloween costumes
this year, but you know how financial disasters tend to strike all at once? And
then keep striking? Our budget was looking pretty grim as we headed into October.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ1ro43VeFdsk_5BJpcQPlcLyAc-VG3u_wMQzWEoSQSyud-KM891odZpiBbPBpOKUQ2_yXwOMGYh5gzCBjhMbtwU7y0diHnUpCzrVorpbv8XSmePqSgIhBvnurQpbfItdAmt75_5J2vTTt/s1600/DIY+bobLinda+Costume.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ1ro43VeFdsk_5BJpcQPlcLyAc-VG3u_wMQzWEoSQSyud-KM891odZpiBbPBpOKUQ2_yXwOMGYh5gzCBjhMbtwU7y0diHnUpCzrVorpbv8XSmePqSgIhBvnurQpbfItdAmt75_5J2vTTt/s320/DIY+bobLinda+Costume.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCctoHqeZ3KRjYgWu0gkM843IuJOCwOZeFDj5A0n7R3ZKv6GLNmypB2OQsDrtsG-7euRLCmmJXgtwzV3WOKqM4krES7PTVaZ4xzP07E4EKcwMm2BKYmLqWxHaMiILnPbuJlCbBsL9rk7aE/s1600/bob_linda.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCctoHqeZ3KRjYgWu0gkM843IuJOCwOZeFDj5A0n7R3ZKv6GLNmypB2OQsDrtsG-7euRLCmmJXgtwzV3WOKqM4krES7PTVaZ4xzP07E4EKcwMm2BKYmLqWxHaMiILnPbuJlCbBsL9rk7aE/s200/bob_linda.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There wasn’t a lot of wiggle room, but we budgeted $30 and picked one of the best character couples to dress up as: <b>Bob and
Linda Belcher</b>.</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not familiar with <i><a href="http://www.fox.com/bobs-burgers">Bob’sBurgers</a></i>? Then jump onto Netflix right now and start catching up. Bob and
Linda are the owners of Bob’s Burgers, a fictional burger restaurant that they
run with the help of their 3 kids.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ironically, neither of our own two kids were
willing to help us out by doing a family costume, and refused to dress up as
any of the Belcher kids.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<h2>
Making the Costumes</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><u> </u></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaHW2ILmqsF2LDLjkX4fPi0-aM_zj1ZBxEbXrk8-rKc6VHhyRDhf3IZNeKJYec2Nr_cpLpmI_T7f9Wo59ZnwZSWoJtDMt5ejRD25b7i3MR_rQIs4Ymclg9eLppcM-ow4hLtx2MclISYwK9/s1600/bobandlinda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaHW2ILmqsF2LDLjkX4fPi0-aM_zj1ZBxEbXrk8-rKc6VHhyRDhf3IZNeKJYec2Nr_cpLpmI_T7f9Wo59ZnwZSWoJtDMt5ejRD25b7i3MR_rQIs4Ymclg9eLppcM-ow4hLtx2MclISYwK9/s320/bobandlinda.jpg" width="233" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
First we compiled what we already had. I
decided to wear my <span style="color: #073763;">navy-blue</span> sweatpants, my husband pulled out his jeans and a
white undershirt, and we both just wore the shoes we already own. Remember, we’re
not trying to win any costume contests here!<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Next, we hit up Amazon. Because everything wonderful that
can be delivered for free within two days lives on Amazon. Ultimately we found
a Linda-style apron for a little over <span style="color: #cc0000;">$8.50</span>, an apron with a pen-pocket like Bob’s
for around <span style="color: #cc0000;">$5</span>, and a long-sleeve red shirt for just under <span style="color: #cc0000;">$13</span>. We spent a
little more on the shirt because it’s something I can wear in the future. You know, when we get our two days of winter in the desert.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The grand total? <span style="color: #cc0000;">$26.53</span>, squeaking in under budget!</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Going all out for costumes can be a lot of fun, and there
are even times and places when doing so is expected, but Halloween is just about
having fun. Perfect costumes? Fuck that, I want to put gas in my van and have some money leftover to snag a bottle of wine. A DIY couple's costume can be great without costing half of a paycheck.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Do you still dress up for Halloween? And what's your favorite costume you've ever worn? Drop a comment and let me know!</b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146136846875431598noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806857505748528954.post-86939155070951041152016-10-21T07:30:00.000-07:002016-10-21T11:39:22.536-07:004 Things I did to Become a Morning Person<div class="MsoNormal">
Ever look at someone who gets up at the butt crack of dawn
to start being productive and think, “Man, fuck that person”? That used to be
me. Now? Now people look at me and think, “Man, fuck that person.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don’t get me wrong, I still <i>adore</i> sleeping in when possible, but that’s more of a rarity these
days.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I used to drag myself out of bed with just enough time to
get dressed, grab a cup of coffee, and shove the kids out of the house. That
was back when I was still in school, but even when I didn’t have class in the
mornings I would struggle with my productivity levels. The end of my days were
packed with a sudden onslaught of everything I’d ignored that day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This didn’t just start after kids, either. Back at 19, I
lived a mere 5 minutes from the University of Memphis campus. I signed up for
an 8 a.m. class, and then proceeded to show up only twice. It’s OK, I ended up
dropping out anyway. (Stay in school, kids.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Soon after finishing my degree, I was still working from
home, and it made financial sense to take my kids out of daycare and the
after-school program. My age-old trick of <i>just</i>
sliding by in the evenings wasn’t cutting it anymore, and I knew what I had to
do – wake up before my already early-rising kids. Which sounded just about as
pleasant as receiving a hair cut from a T-Rex. It took some time, but here are
the 4 steps I made to make it happen.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLhzjKD6YUhs-XF0EDUD0B4Pa6sjK8uDDfsFwc4eLnTGPOVsamGoZaxhbUIamFlW05J0B4QseFoUjaJB6ebn1WtBQwyUT1-8p0WFdqaeZfgeJG0U2kpPbZfM5zDHlGQR7rTdyxRuygH3i/s1600/morning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLhzjKD6YUhs-XF0EDUD0B4Pa6sjK8uDDfsFwc4eLnTGPOVsamGoZaxhbUIamFlW05J0B4QseFoUjaJB6ebn1WtBQwyUT1-8p0WFdqaeZfgeJG0U2kpPbZfM5zDHlGQR7rTdyxRuygH3i/s320/morning.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mornings look less like this and more like a hungover zombie.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">1. Went to bed early<br />
</span></b>Look, this one isn’t groundbreaking, I get it. But I used to
routinely stay awake until midnight or one in the morning, which generally
contributed to my inability to do little else than hit the snooze button for
half an hour. So did I just hit the hay with lights out at 9:30 and conk the
eff out? <i>Nope</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In order to make going to bed early actually work, I put off
reading time until I went to bed. That way I had something to actually look
forward to and could easily roll over and go to sleep as soon as I felt ready.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">2. Made plans for the morning<br />
</span></b>The first morning that I rose before the sun and managed to make it
downstairs was disorienting. I was up early, but what was I supposed to be
doing? Maybe I would eat breakfast first, or get a bit of writing done, maybe
take care of a few work assignments. Ultimately, I didn’t get anything done. I
sat on the couch watching <i>The Mindy
Project</i> while downing cups of coffee. Relaxing, but the complete opposite of productive.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My mornings have routine now. First I get up, wash my face,
then enjoy a cup of coffee while I make my daily to-do list. It may not seem
like much, but it’s the definitive starting point to my day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">3. Moved my phone<br />
</span></b>Look I am like queen of the snooze button. I don’t care what time it
is or where I have to be, if it is within reach I will slap that little son of
a bitch like there’s no tomorrow. Give or take 30 minutes of telling my phone
to shut up, and my morning is off to a late start and I have to make my to-do
list while my kids are awake and begging to play video games.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My phone now stays plugged up on
my dresser, on the other side of the room from my bed. This forces me to
actually get out of bed and stumble over there without my glasses to turn it
off. By then I can’t fight the “I’ve gotta pee” feeling anymore, so screw it up
I’m up.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">4. Changed my outlook<br />
</span></b>This was probably the most difficult step in all of this. It took a
tremendous amount of effort to change how I perceived my nighttime habits,
which mostly consisted of re-watching TV shows and browsing through social
media. Which, FYI, I’m in Mountain Time Zone (Arizona, no daylight savings FTW),
so pretty much everyone east of me was already in bed and no longer posting.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These nightly habits were neither
worthwhile nor were they healthy. Sure, taking a lazy night every now and then
is great, but every night? Not so much. I had to make a conscious decision to
look at early mornings as an opportunity to address the issues I was having,
and to reconsider just how much I valued my nightly habits.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<u>______________________________________________________________________________________________</u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3XFVWxOdxDpSxYJVtLbILLLmjsrku-cmfgOAZTzzQq4e1-2qgN5kAg_p-NtxOBHmVu8tVUv9Lsl3VU9XMVFDia0wC0YZDtM3Y3mTauRgYfYslVs41pHrCGPXUoLAh8bVlcFqeYrcBctt/s1600/mornings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3XFVWxOdxDpSxYJVtLbILLLmjsrku-cmfgOAZTzzQq4e1-2qgN5kAg_p-NtxOBHmVu8tVUv9Lsl3VU9XMVFDia0wC0YZDtM3Y3mTauRgYfYslVs41pHrCGPXUoLAh8bVlcFqeYrcBctt/s320/mornings.jpg" width="214" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Changing an aspect of yourself
isn’t easy, and before you decide to change part of who you are, it’s probably a good idea to ask yourself <i>why</i>
you’re making this change.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Have you ever made a conscious effort to change a bad habit? How did you do it?</b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146136846875431598noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806857505748528954.post-5312572799451708712016-10-15T15:53:00.000-07:002016-10-15T15:53:14.269-07:00What I'm Reading (and Why I'm Putting Some Books Down)<div class="MsoNormal">
Ever read a book that leaves you so completely enamored that
you read nothing else but that author’s work for about a month straight?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That
was me this past August and September. A friend lent me her copy of <i>It Ends with Us</i> by Colleen Hoover, and
suddenly I was checking out every available Hoover title at my library and
putting the others on hold. There are still a few more of her books I want to
read, but you know how it is. Budgets and books don’t always mix, so shout at
to my library.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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This post wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t also talk
about what I’m <i>not</i> reading.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For me, life is too short for bad books. Maybe
“bad” is the wrong sentiment here, but the truth wouldn’t fit into a convenient
motto. The truth is that some books just aren’t my taste or don’t hold my
interest very well. I used to push through these books like I was a child being
told I’d get dessert if I would just eat my freaking vegetables. But you know
what you get for finishing a book you don’t like?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nothing. No one cares, and now you’ve wasted your time. So
repeat it with me:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVHhDKYsG7LJfgA7SoCSVuZDG4OfdpAalqZ-7JQSoO6-9aGM2nzkmoIzm5a-D5D8jpv75bNI__IqraZ4phmx39bNNN9hJRJqkIAhlcASeHixTdj8-cnQqHFn-zMuo8K37e_vLtuBKm3TR/s1600/Life+is+too+short.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVHhDKYsG7LJfgA7SoCSVuZDG4OfdpAalqZ-7JQSoO6-9aGM2nzkmoIzm5a-D5D8jpv75bNI__IqraZ4phmx39bNNN9hJRJqkIAhlcASeHixTdj8-cnQqHFn-zMuo8K37e_vLtuBKm3TR/s320/Life+is+too+short.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I give books until about page 60 to turn things around. If
they don’t? I take it back to the library and bring home
another stack.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Right now I’m reading <i>The
Perfect Neighbors</i> by Sarah Pekkanen. I’ve enjoyed her novels over the past
several years, but I didn’t even realize she had a new book out until I spotted
it with a 20% off sticker on its cover at Target. So far, so good (I’m past the
60-page mark, if you’re curious). Each character and her respective family is going through its own crisis, when from the outside they might even seem like the perfect neighbors.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>So what are you reading right now? Did it come from the
library, the store, a friend, or your own shelves?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146136846875431598noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806857505748528954.post-27808636889884684462016-07-08T19:21:00.000-07:002016-07-08T19:21:49.560-07:00Tell Me The Truth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtiTGYhBHPgPzebcd1iWooTaK8ImjdqBQv-HjVjeYrZr1pIOH7kDVlVO3PtVHs-ZuVTsoSnCxqe8j7Gl9vbScaOrh_DUhTadOUfoEEgCeTFelZ3aZzRQCuZw9Gh0bXk3fqs-8mXvgDsqI/s1600/pencil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtiTGYhBHPgPzebcd1iWooTaK8ImjdqBQv-HjVjeYrZr1pIOH7kDVlVO3PtVHs-ZuVTsoSnCxqe8j7Gl9vbScaOrh_DUhTadOUfoEEgCeTFelZ3aZzRQCuZw9Gh0bXk3fqs-8mXvgDsqI/s320/pencil.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The most useless person you could possibly ask to read and comment on your work is your spouse. Unless you have a spouse who is an editor or a writer themselves, otherwise, bad idea.<br />
<br />
To my husband, every word that I tap out at the keyboard is brilliance, pure magic. Realistically, we both know that's not true. I have an Excel spreadsheet of rejected submissions to prove it.<br />
<br />
Ideally, I'd like to find a local writing group, but time-wise this isn't really feasible right now.<br />
<br />
I hear other writers mentioning beta readers and critique partners, but I've never really picked up the necessary networking or social skills to find any of my own. For years I've convinced myself that having someone else read my work before submitting it isn't <i>really</i> necessary, or that swapping critiques with a partner won't really add much to my writing, but I'm starting to think that I'm wrong.<br />
<br />
Do you use beta readers or have a critique partner? More importantly, how did you find them in the first place?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146136846875431598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806857505748528954.post-61481868102263722732016-07-01T13:09:00.000-07:002016-07-01T13:09:56.700-07:00What I've Been ReadingEven if reading wasn't one of the most important aspects of being a writer (does reading time count as working?), much of my day would still be spent stealing minutes here and there to sit down with my nose placed firmly in a book. I've read some truly phenomenal books this year, some good books, and others that I didn't quite finish because life is too short for bad reads. Here are some of my favorites, and for your benefit, I've managed to cut the list down to five.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrFiUBXeF1ABlo8LwU7aaWFzeT86AHzRvMeuOu7xLwGxYiMoiN7Tez_mI_3EVCLAphyphenhyphenHJcAZsXCUI7paDRndSl2pbYmAZda8KJ2RFiogClRNTzK4XmOObiOQdG8LACa_9Jt1ZCtJRo6hkX/s1600/Britt+marie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrFiUBXeF1ABlo8LwU7aaWFzeT86AHzRvMeuOu7xLwGxYiMoiN7Tez_mI_3EVCLAphyphenhyphenHJcAZsXCUI7paDRndSl2pbYmAZda8KJ2RFiogClRNTzK4XmOObiOQdG8LACa_9Jt1ZCtJRo6hkX/s320/Britt+marie.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
<b><i>Britt-Marie Was Here</i> by Fredrik Backman</b><br />
I first fell in love with Backman's writing after reading <i>A Man Called Ove</i>. Britt-Marie is a character that appeared in one of Backman's other books, <i>My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry</i>, and I definitely suggest reading it before moving on to <i>Britt-Marie Was Here</i>. Backman's insight into the human soul (in a non-religious sort of way) is absolutely stunning.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaEs3LQvMnRvGxNrutnnaHZa_JZU5gsVXQTczoZQOAR93pgmy8lUHdEuMUPFAent232OS5cifuOOH3dvIxrMTfk4CvEioLXdaRMTvsMaweaWQ_HiX7AnZlc0I7LrbbusXL-1fmeTeVlHH1/s1600/The+Dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaEs3LQvMnRvGxNrutnnaHZa_JZU5gsVXQTczoZQOAR93pgmy8lUHdEuMUPFAent232OS5cifuOOH3dvIxrMTfk4CvEioLXdaRMTvsMaweaWQ_HiX7AnZlc0I7LrbbusXL-1fmeTeVlHH1/s320/The+Dinner.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<b><i>The Dinner </i>by Herman Koch</b><br />
This novel takes place over the course of a single evening at a fancy restaurant. Koch has the kind of pacing ability that I strive for, reveals necessary information without spoon feeding it, and depicts the lengths that parents are sometimes willing to go to in order to protect their children.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9N5Yx5gexE63lCmLzIr_SsEWCX0H_7_bBfpP6z8DNOASE1OKeIGWKxuLLuyFTwzEjlmOmN3YPR5qQ7YV2xuCt_3HZE0XQzZdTPSYAimMed5UdFpu-DqFiIvaZcz5dwnFb5poH2e_jaTgD/s1600/three+wishes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9N5Yx5gexE63lCmLzIr_SsEWCX0H_7_bBfpP6z8DNOASE1OKeIGWKxuLLuyFTwzEjlmOmN3YPR5qQ7YV2xuCt_3HZE0XQzZdTPSYAimMed5UdFpu-DqFiIvaZcz5dwnFb5poH2e_jaTgD/s320/three+wishes.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<b><i>Three Wishes </i>by Liane Moriarty</b><br />
Moriarty is easily one of my favorite authors. She has the brilliant ability to weave together multiple story lines and characters, and builds on conflict until explosive climaxes. <i>Three Wishes </i>isn't my favorite Moriarty novel, although it's still quite good, it just happens to be only one of two Moriarty books I've read this year. It follows the lives of three sisters (triplets to be exact) and the mayhem that seems to follow each of them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4h-oAccaZyb7CNoiTjkIYGBQD0xA7h83IfTZLIrvy9EcHYyos6fkBSILRWjduxNXFf7W8WUiPOaunHOlYNQix7HRovk113nc9ZpetcHh4CFYzZDS5pNXLIMtuTy-BvYZWVBfXsk7n7A_/s1600/penumbra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4h-oAccaZyb7CNoiTjkIYGBQD0xA7h83IfTZLIrvy9EcHYyos6fkBSILRWjduxNXFf7W8WUiPOaunHOlYNQix7HRovk113nc9ZpetcHh4CFYzZDS5pNXLIMtuTy-BvYZWVBfXsk7n7A_/s320/penumbra.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<i style="font-weight: bold;">Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore </i><b>by Robin Sloan</b><br />I listened to this one as an audio book, and specifically went on longer runs than normal in order to keep listening. First off, Mr. Penumbra's bookstore sounds like the kind of place I need to be (floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, yes please!). Between its weird owner, even weirder customers, and a beautifully designed secret society, this book is definitely one to add to your bookshelf.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotE-7vOtuiel4r3LrjOXc1IH1FHJapatYJ9w-k3BBKetjWYEFWHzwhrh4NMPYGU1WBiDXq8H1YRG9HgojYBaaYjlpdXsdGVAs1YmNKDSVfcnG1DkREME3Evg2FEAffbrEb6KJPNPY0zI6/s1600/core.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotE-7vOtuiel4r3LrjOXc1IH1FHJapatYJ9w-k3BBKetjWYEFWHzwhrh4NMPYGU1WBiDXq8H1YRG9HgojYBaaYjlpdXsdGVAs1YmNKDSVfcnG1DkREME3Evg2FEAffbrEb6KJPNPY0zI6/s320/core.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<b><i>The Core of the Sun </i>by Johanna Sinisalo</b><br />
Sinisalo is a master of speculative fiction and this novel is no exception. In the Eusistocratic Republic of Finland, there are two types of women: <i>eloi</i> and <i>morlocks</i>, and only the <i>eloi</i> have the legal right to marry. Defective <i>morlocks</i> are sterilized, drugs and alcohol are contraband, and the black market smuggles chili peppers across the border. This one had a real HG Wells feel to it and I gobbled it up in a few sittings. This was one that I checked out from the library, but I'm certainly adding it to my own collection in the future.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146136846875431598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806857505748528954.post-50175203129960602012016-06-17T14:36:00.001-07:002016-06-17T14:36:23.429-07:00Thirsty, But In The Physical Way<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve always been thirsty. Not metaphorically or spiritually,
just thirsty. My childhood nightstand always sported a cup of water at bedtime,
and even now I can distinctly recall the plastic Pocahontas cup standing ready
at the bedside.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nothing has changed now. Every night, before padding up the
stairs but after letting the dog outside for one last pee, I fill up a cup with
water and ice to carry to up to bed. On nights that I feel particularly parched,
I forego the plastic cup and fill up my two favorite reusable water bottles.
And no, I don’t share with my husband.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A few months ago I noticed that I was drinking even more
than normal. Even now, a cup of water is always at my side and I fill up
several water bottles when leaving the house. So I did what everyone does. I
Googled it. And convinced myself that I had diabetes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I used to be a fairly unhealthy person. I didn’t eat well
and exercise wasn’t even part of my vocabulary. After dropping and keeping off
about 100 pounds I’m an overall pretty healthy person, but I was terrified that
the damage had already been done.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A visit to my doctor ended in bloodwork and a two-week wait,
during which I turned my unending thirst and handful of other symptoms over and
over in my mind. Every activity was racked with guilt. Why hadn’t I moved more
when I was younger? I could hardly eat without wondering how things might have
been different if only I had exercised more self-control. And you know what?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was my fucking anemia.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Iron pills, a bill of clean health, and I was reassured that
some people are just thirsty. The dry, Tucson air doesn’t help much either.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
The whole ordeal was an unnecessary strain that I put myself
through, but I only recently realized how that situation mirrors my writing
life. When starting a new story or gearing up to outline an idea I’ve been
tossing around in my head for a while, I experience an extraordinary amount of
fear. It follows me throughout the day, beating itself against my skull as I
run farther and farther from actually writing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And then when I do start writing? Well, then I learn that
the fear was wrong.<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146136846875431598noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806857505748528954.post-53964540354832197992016-06-10T14:45:00.000-07:002016-06-10T14:45:46.005-07:00Whoops, There Goes Another 2 Months...I've pretty much accepted the fact that I'm the worst blogger ever. I remember, I forget, then I remember again and panic internally for 3 weeks straight. Maybe it's not a healthy system, but it's my system. Here are the highlights from the past 2 months, and we can move on to more exciting things next time.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNAM8atDB-ZU_D6oACqDbe8Oot6F5e4Ts60u0M6ZAZdrNONsWFgQBTx5bSsrZJz_QFWfHGfMVCV2bsIZMflSGqU56B3NA5Cipu3bN81tXjzxzNans1Wm1ebJ93_DRi_E3xIZXwh0uYQyB/s1600/welcome+home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>My husband came home:</b></div>
<b><br /></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfsQjIFfVAnbq5WehBBxjtJIhyphenhyphen_bDWzQyT09db768qAFGno-8hDsLZ5UHeeg8c9T0IuEnss1N-q3cVkNK-rKrN3Gi5wjT_zSqylSvubdu-UBGzZvBv77nlbXwQOS_shG8Eo5rgRP3QOzD/s1600/welcome+home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfsQjIFfVAnbq5WehBBxjtJIhyphenhyphen_bDWzQyT09db768qAFGno-8hDsLZ5UHeeg8c9T0IuEnss1N-q3cVkNK-rKrN3Gi5wjT_zSqylSvubdu-UBGzZvBv77nlbXwQOS_shG8Eo5rgRP3QOzD/s320/welcome+home.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh142602u491s0FpRN1KVWIFw9vLJZ9px2dCI05bMJ3eKFmjfdg-8KhWUqDiGrY83Lkq0UspOBaJLus6v_lZcHfKmxcHx4lsm9tE-KPdyyib0HtItLU1b0PFXI5PAQc_DiZfApVeYUlExUe/s1600/home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh142602u491s0FpRN1KVWIFw9vLJZ9px2dCI05bMJ3eKFmjfdg-8KhWUqDiGrY83Lkq0UspOBaJLus6v_lZcHfKmxcHx4lsm9tE-KPdyyib0HtItLU1b0PFXI5PAQc_DiZfApVeYUlExUe/s320/home.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And it was <i>awesome</i>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<b>I was published.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsY6fTJ_3hVG3gQEELkpw_eLB8E2WU0E5otiAayzTUCWGn9xaTSrzw-xomEvO4TOrF6r6Xx2N-A_hnDosLLUOlIWDz1iNp3Av8RYZRP5mdM5qrAnMQP7EHRG6mQeS4lMrhODgrqkvsOhqZ/s1600/To+love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsY6fTJ_3hVG3gQEELkpw_eLB8E2WU0E5otiAayzTUCWGn9xaTSrzw-xomEvO4TOrF6r6Xx2N-A_hnDosLLUOlIWDz1iNp3Av8RYZRP5mdM5qrAnMQP7EHRG6mQeS4lMrhODgrqkvsOhqZ/s320/To+love.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In 2016's SandScript.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>...twice.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4I0PmRp4GLygxYLJrFn5riCB03ODZsoX6rapHYMUXatKfjG4kPsV1GHUauRAXB89x3djghPQRZI-LlnZKxOI-kk4ZOUpypwIM_aLYEehpYQIIjhba9M57Xe2-61iPtu-obzTrJCZ3O_8/s1600/eFictionVol07No03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4I0PmRp4GLygxYLJrFn5riCB03ODZsoX6rapHYMUXatKfjG4kPsV1GHUauRAXB89x3djghPQRZI-LlnZKxOI-kk4ZOUpypwIM_aLYEehpYQIIjhba9M57Xe2-61iPtu-obzTrJCZ3O_8/s320/eFictionVol07No03.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can <a href="https://www.fictionmagazines.com/shop/efiction-issues/efiction-vol-07-no-03/">get it here</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Visited the Grand Canyon for the first time.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiXpkpNXxQbkc-cSwXSJYjRxfmT3vaN6xi63w6KafgILBB2HH6ecJyU_un6r8jZxRj6jxQvArRa0oh0b6k8uoVjZgfKd5T7wAk3QAlKlW7eE2h1gf_8XK2kWTvHvl3X3emlnLuDCjxmG3w/s1600/grand+canyon2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiXpkpNXxQbkc-cSwXSJYjRxfmT3vaN6xi63w6KafgILBB2HH6ecJyU_un6r8jZxRj6jxQvArRa0oh0b6k8uoVjZgfKd5T7wAk3QAlKlW7eE2h1gf_8XK2kWTvHvl3X3emlnLuDCjxmG3w/s320/grand+canyon2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14_-EOrmedeaV-j0qDHQYdFqTmiKrw1K4qSrRjAJIfWcVP_hbcQ-WbZzo4jzSl9W4e9xvL23rPWoA0Rzr_yUJJuUhTJlNg0KI9K9cEgI0-lQG3L8pzCOfMOY9mdwt-Q0UdW2EMr9avUCx/s1600/grand+canyon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14_-EOrmedeaV-j0qDHQYdFqTmiKrw1K4qSrRjAJIfWcVP_hbcQ-WbZzo4jzSl9W4e9xvL23rPWoA0Rzr_yUJJuUhTJlNg0KI9K9cEgI0-lQG3L8pzCOfMOY9mdwt-Q0UdW2EMr9avUCx/s320/grand+canyon.jpg" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They were clearly overwhelmed by its beauty.</td></tr>
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<b>And pitched a few tents.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUVysxQrWPznhkI2pL65bWTS7m891NQ4t13krOw7emVBxABF1YR3kZxZwN2aIBsRZbjOVxVJQBhDxoJ59NzaMCZLctY5Xb8W_1cmU5Mdd4oxhCGVd4YkWdva_ToHtbf3nRvucO0v6qPHMQ/s1600/glen+canyon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUVysxQrWPznhkI2pL65bWTS7m891NQ4t13krOw7emVBxABF1YR3kZxZwN2aIBsRZbjOVxVJQBhDxoJ59NzaMCZLctY5Xb8W_1cmU5Mdd4oxhCGVd4YkWdva_ToHtbf3nRvucO0v6qPHMQ/s320/glen+canyon.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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And now I'm writing again, which is what I'm always doing I suppose. Right now I have 2 different short stories that I'm working on and a novel that I'm scared to touch. Something tells me a bottle of wine could help me get over that.</div>
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What have you been up to recently? Any trips, new stories in the works, or a new brand of coffee at the grocery store?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146136846875431598noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806857505748528954.post-83664869973873420442016-04-08T13:40:00.000-07:002016-04-08T13:40:27.183-07:00Rejected, Accepted, and Still Going<div class="MsoNormal">
Excel has probably about a million different features and
formulas, but honestly I don’t use any of them. My husband set up our budget
spreadsheet and is an Excel master, but I’m more of a basic user.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I use Excel to track my submissions. What I submitted, when
it was sent off, where I sent it to, if it was an article or short story, and
if it was accepted or rejected.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The “Rejected” column has me feeling a little beaten down.
As writers, we all know that rejections far outweigh the “yes”s, but that doesn’t
mean it’s always easy to take. For me, it’s not so much the individual
rejections, it’s the image of them all combined in a tidy little spreadsheet.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Those few “yes”s, though? They’re the sip of water when I’m
trudging through the desert, fighting to get over the next sand dune to that
magical land of full-on publication. Recently I’ve had <a href="http://www.scarymommy.com/body-image-lessons-daughters/">two</a> <a href="http://hotmessanonymous.com/happy-and-fit-my-journey-with-a-personal-trainer/">articles</a>
published and not much else, although not for lack of trying and pitching and
querying the shit out of myself.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Recently, though, I got a larger drink of water when I found
out that my short story <i>I’m Coming, Mary</i> will be published in this year’s <i><a href="http://aztecpressonline.com/sandscript/">SandScript</a></i>. That
acceptance came at just the right time, as I had been struggling with my
competence as a writer. I mean come on, you can only have so many people say, “Sorry,
not for us,” before you start to question the validity of your chosen career
path.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Writing isn’t easy, and it isn’t necessarily the softest on the
ego, but I still couldn’t picture myself doing anything else. Which is why I
drink through the rejections. You know, sometimes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
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<b>How do you deal with
rejections?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146136846875431598noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806857505748528954.post-47175103437224181392016-03-29T11:06:00.000-07:002016-03-29T11:06:35.165-07:004 Ways I Deal with My Depression<div class="MsoNormal">
Last time that I discussed <a href="http://caitlin-lane.blogspot.com/2015/09/the-depression-discussion.html">my struggle with depression</a> I was in
the process of seeking help…again. Right now, though, I’m doing OK. It’s work,
a surprising amount of work actually, but it’s working.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I still have down days and up days, but in general the vast
majority of days are riding comfortably in the middle, neither too or too high.
Here is how I manage my depression.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">1. Medicine<br />
</span></b>Look, some people despise the idea of medication. I used to be one
of them. When I was a teenager I would sometimes flush my pills down the toilet
because I couldn’t bear the thought of taking anything else. No matter what your
thoughts might be on overmedicating or treating mental illnesses through
pharmaceutical drugs, I thrive while staying on my medication.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There is one downside though – it makes me weirdly sweatier
than normal. Silver lining of that downside, if I accidentally forget to take
my medicine I become unbearably sweaty, like, to the point that once my
daughter crawled into my bed at 3 in the morning and said, “Mommy…why is your
bed wet?” No, I did not pee the bed. Also, I don't forget my medication anymore.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">2. Exercise<br />
</span></b>Depending on the week, I average about 4-6 days of exercise.
Primarily, I love to run, especially with my dog. I also hit the gym 2 days a
week to strength train and I recently started working with a personal trainer.
Honestly, the fewer days a week I exercise the more likely it is that I start
sliding back into my depression.</div>
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I’m not sure what it is about exercising. Maybe
it gives me a tangible accomplishment to focus on or maybe all the endorphins
are giving my medication a boost, who knows.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">3. Eating Well<br />
</span></b>I am by far not the only person in America who has struggled with
dangerous deprivation and binge eating cycles. Fair warning, this <i>will not</i> result in weight loss. While
part of my focus right now is to lose weight until I reach a healthier mass for
my height, I’m doing it while eating well.</div>
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Yep, lots of veggies, no more
late-night binges, and actually eating to avoid hunger, which actually helps
with those late night binges. This also means coping with difficult or frustrating
situations in ways that don’t involve food.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">4. Breathing<br />
</span></b>I forget the actual name for this technique, but whatever. I call it
4-breathing. Closing my eyes, I breathe in for 4 seconds, hold it for 4
seconds, breathe out over another 4 seconds, hold it for 4, then start all over
again.</div>
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Along with my depression and anxiety, I also deal with a lot of anger issues.
I know, shocking. But among a number of other techniques, 4-breathing is one of
my best tools to battle depression, anger, and anxiety. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I don't think that there is any magic recipe for treating and handling depression, but there are a lot of tools out there that can be used to make things better. So from me to you, if you're struggling, remember that there is help, and when you're ready, reach out for it.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146136846875431598noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6806857505748528954.post-84830727091334322552016-03-18T09:34:00.000-07:002016-03-18T09:34:22.822-07:00Writing? Put it on the to-do list<div class="MsoNormal">
Look, I get it, no one likes to-do lists. They have a bad
reputation for being the tools of controlling individuals who have trouble
letting go. “No, we <i>can’t</i> do that. It’s
not on the list, see?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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But fuck it, I LOVE to-do lists. Mostly because I wouldn’t
get anything done without them. Want to know something else? Something that
might make you want to throw up in your mouth a little?<o:p></o:p></div>
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I also make to-not-do lists. Like, shit I need to avoid.
They mostly look like this:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
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<b><u>TO-NOT-DO</u></b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Dick around on the internet (there's nothing for you there)</li>
<li>Nap</li>
<li>Watch more than 1 hour of TV</li>
<li>Wallow in self-pity</li>
</ul>
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And yes, I re-write my to-not-do list every day in my
planner. Why? I’m a writer who works from home, I need a proverbial boss to
pass by my non-existent cubicle every now and then to make sure I’m being
productive. With my planner positioned right next to my keyboard all I have to
do is glance over and, “OH EXCUSE ME SIR NO I WASN’T GETTING ON FACEBOOK OK
BYE.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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But my to-do lists are honestly just as effective, even if
my kids have been conspiring to keep alternating weeks to get sick while my
husband’s deployment drags on for what feels like forever. One of the reasons
that to-do lists seem to be shunned by creative people is the constrains that
they can place on the creative process. There are many writers and artists who
feel as if they can’t get down to work until inspiration strikes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m of a different variety. Basically, force me to sit down
and I’ll hammer it all out right then and there. For me, sitting down to the
computer or the notebook <i>is</i> my spark
of inspiration. Kind of. Look, if I don’t make myself do it, I’ll fall back on
the old reliable, “Oh, I’ll get to that when I have a wider open schedule.” I
never, ever have a wide open schedule. No one does.<o:p></o:p></div>
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To-do lists haven’t always been my best friend, and
to-not-do lists are an even more recent addition to my game plan, but they’ve become
invaluable assets to my writing goals and career. I might not mark off every
item, especially when <i>someone</i> (not
naming names but TOTALLYMYKIDS) is sick again, but the lists keep me focused and
moving forward.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What are your feelings on to-do lists?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12146136846875431598noreply@blogger.com6