Colene Murphy

Getting Things Done

2012-02-20T07:00:00.001-06:00

I got back my full MS from both crit partners and now I can start the tedious task of going through them both and editing. Yeay! . . .

Editing is not my favorite thing to do. Some people really enjoy it and others don't. I used to be in the severely HATE it column of people as far as editing goes, but actually I really like this book. I'm not trying to say it's good, or bragging because -- it could be complete rubbish for all I know and my friends/crit girls are just being nice. Either way, I really enjoy this story and the characters. And I really enjoy making it shine. Though there are bunches of notes, suggestions, and errors (I'm sorry!) I need to fix, as well as elaborations to make, I'm going to make the best of it!

And, besides, this is the home stretch. My query is done, my synopsis is . . .on paper(ugh), and the edits will make it that much closer. So I have no room to bitch. No one made me want to be a writer. Tis part of what we do, and I'm damn determined to enjoy ever single phase of it, which really isn't that hard. I love this gig.

But, I am going to stop picking months as my query deadline, because it's just not helping me get things done like it should. It's just making me frustrated when I realize I can't do all that in the space of time I'm allowing myself. So as of right now, I have NO query month set to start and don't intend to. Just going to work on bettering the book and be happy with that.

Where are you guys with your writing?

Also, Kim Harrisons most recent book is coming out Tuesday! Hoping my preordered copy will get here then...hope hope hope...I'm in love with the Hollows series.

Finally, butt-ton's of seasons of Supernatural are on Netflix. Whoot!

Happy Monday!

Snow Day

2012-02-13T07:00:00.000-06:00

See what happens when I'm all "OH this winter has been nice and warm blah blah blah!" We get a freaking snow day. Not complaining. Oh no. Going back to bed? Oh yes... See you cats Friday. Pardon my absence last Friday. Went on a spontaneous trip to see a friend.

Hot As . . . Well, You Know

2012-02-06T07:00:00.014-06:00

It is a very warm winter around these parts. And I am not complaining a bit! I'm originally from SOUTH Alabama. We don't see snow there like I've seen since moving here. And this winter feels very S. Alabama. Makes me feel at home, and I love that. Groundhog (like that fuzzy bastard has connections or something) says 6 more weeks of winter? Sure! I'll take it at 60-70 degrees!

I think everyone is experiencing a weird season this year, right?

Just finished Wicked Lovely. Took me only 2 nights. I could NOT put that bitch down! I'll admit this. . . I . . . have never been a big fan of faery novels. *cringe* I'm sorry! It's just never been my favorite kind of YA. (everyone has one kind of book they aren't very thrilled about, right?) But I decided to give this one a chance (I know, I'm way behind on this series!) and am so glad I did! Totally changed my mind about this particular faery series. I doubt I'll end up the biggest cheerleader for fey novels, but I totally intend to read the rest of this series. And am pretty stoked about it. The ending? I expected a little more ass-kickery, but I won't complain. It was still dang good. And Melissa Marr is a lovely writer. I enjoyed her world very very much. Seth? Total drool factory. Loved him.

You guys read anything good lately?

My writing goals have shifted. I hoped to be querying by March, but I have a little bit more editing to do than I anticipated (wishful thinking? delusion? whatever.) So April is my new Query month, but only because this one is going to be perfect before I jump the gun.

How about you guys? Anything good going on in your writing worlds?

Short and sweet today. Busy busy! Happy Monday lovelies!

It's MONDAY MONDAY MONDAY!

2012-01-30T07:00:00.001-06:00

Ack. It didn't work. Was hoping if I was upbeat enough about the start of a new week I could trick myself into being excited. Nope. Not really. End of the week is always more fun.

Went on a mom/daughter date to see One For The Money. It was pretty good. My mom and I had a hard time getting past the fact that the "Ranger" they chose wasn't quite the hot hunk of man meat we were hoping for. He just wasn't the Ranger we knew. And Ramirez's part wasn't done well enough. But other than that it was satisfying!

My mom nagged me forever when I was a kid to read these books and only last year did I start. I'm still not very far in relation to how many there are, but they are the only books I've seriously LOL'ed at. So this movie was exciting to me (Anyone else wonder why it took so long to make?) and to see it with the original book-reading nag, even better. (My mom rocks. She knows I mean "nag" in the best possible way...).

Also this weekend, getting serious about planning this years Girl Trip with my most fabulous friends I've hung on to since high school. Every year we have a Girl Trip (usually to the beach). It's always been eagerly anticipated. Ever notice how nice life goes along when you have a yearly vacation to look forward to? If you don't, then you should get one, because it really does a world of good, no matter what's going on in life. And my girlfriends seriously kick ass. I love them dearly and only get to see them a couple times a year, so I'm stupid excited.

Crit meeting this weekend was very eye-opening to the old MS. I hate when I don't write things just because I forget my reader isn't in my head. Derp. It would be a lot easier if you all would just climb in, okay? Then I wouldn't have to go back and explain things better.

Lastly, the ladies at work and I do a BodyRock exercise 3x a week together and last Thursday we really killed it. I was so sore Friday I was doing a burpee and my legs just collapsed under me. Luckily no one was home for that. But I was so happy. Haven't been sore like that in forever. I know it isn't true, but I always FEEL more productive, workout-wise, if I end up sore. So that was nice. Gotta kick it up EVERY workout from now on, though. Gotta be smokin' for that bikini come Girl Trip time. (make no mistake, no matter how much you love a girl friend, there's always a little piece of you that needs to look hot next to your hot friend. And if you ARE the hot friend, you will always have those friends like me that hate you.;)In the best way possible, of course)

Did you all have a nice weekend? Hope so!

Happy Monday! See you cats around.

Funny Friday Is Where We Laugh At People

2012-01-27T07:00:00.003-06:00

Haven't done a Funny Friday video post in a while, so here! These are funny! I love to laugh. . .at people. . .doing stupid things. . .

But, really, who doesn't?

Here are some Russians listening to Johnny Cash in a back yard with a cannon and a bunch of random questionable barrels. Good times for all, yes?

Okay, not so much laughing at a person here, but this bear is totally effing cute. As long as he stays behind the fence. . .

Would be the worst vacation ever if it was just like *waving bear* how cute! OMG HE HOPPED THE FENCE! DRIVE DRIVE DRIVE!

EEERRRMMM. . . awkward news moment?

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to tickle a penguin? No? Well. . .I'm showing you anyway. . .

So, apparently stealing candy is a big deal in Arizona. And the candy thieves. . . are pretty clumsy.

I get asked all the time about what it's like living with 5 cats. To me, it's a strange question. But, still, it's asked. A. Lot. And I finally can show the world EXACTLY what it's like to live with 5 cats. Ready?

All. Day.

Happy weekend, my friends!

Ode To The Importance Of Backups

2012-01-23T07:00:00.009-06:00

I had a fancy computer
One I loved like no other
It was always with me
Even when I was under the weather
I watched Downton Abbey (season 2) on a slightly disreputable site
And all that got me besides hours of entertainment
Was a bug I could not fight
When all my computer knowledge was used up to no avail
And my virus protection was going insane
I had no other choice but to restore to a previous date.
Problem solved! Or so I thought, until a message popped up
It told me no documents had been harmed, which I thought a rather strange thing to say
And upon farther investigation found, indeed no documents had been harmed
But they had all been thrown away
Four years of document accumulation gone in the blink of an eye
But thankfully my panic attack lasted just long enough to remind me
I had a USB thing, Hurrah!
All hail the USB thingy!

This is my way of saying to you (and demonstrating my HORRIFIC lack of poetic abilities all at the same time!) to not wait for later. Back your shit up now, or else. It's not me threatening you, but all those a-holes out there that plant these little virus/worm/"malicious" URL bombs to destroy your entire life. Do they care that it took however long to write/perfect your work? Nope. They don't. Because they're a-holes. So go. RIGHT NOW.

Or be prepared to know the answer to this question: What would you do if everything you ever wrote was just gone?

On a more pleasant note,

Winner of My extra copy of The Marbury Lens goes to . . .

Random generator picked Gracielou

Yeay! So Gracielou, email me ce(dot)murphy(at)yahoo(dot)com with your address and I will send it your way!

Happy Monday!

Something Free! CONTEST CLOSED

2012-01-20T07:00:00.003-06:00

Happy Friday everyone!

So...I meant to give away my extra copy of a book I accidentally ordered 2 copies of a few weeks ago in that other giveaway! Whoops.

BUT, all that means for you fine folks is someone else can win something! A book to be exact. It's by Andrew Smith called The Marbury Lens.

I have not read it myself, yet. But it sounds positively awesome! And I just got so excited to find it on sale I accidentally ordered 2 instead of 1. (And for you people like my husband who's first question was "didn't you review the order first?" YES, I did! I swear! But they only show a list of the books you ordered and since I ordered ONE TWICE it only showed up on the list once.) Anyway, it's all too much hassle to send it back and bother with refunds and all, so how about one of you guys claim it?

This isn't going to be a long contest, just because...I don't want to drag it out. SO, sometime next week, probably after Monday, I'll pick a random winner. (You like how I nail down times and dates for you guys? I'm just nice like that, I suppose.)

No hoops, just tell me you want it in the comments to be entered.

AND FINALLY, one of my all time favorite things about blogging is looking at my stats. And more specifically, looking at Googled phrases that got people here.

So this week I have:

"sweet boobs" - I thank you. I think they're okay, myself. But I don't recall ever showing YOU...but thanks anyway.

"do I like cats or do I just like to talk about cats" - well, I think if you have to ask you must just like to talk about them. But me? I love cats AND talking about cats!

"sam winchester hot" - I have to agree. Sam Winchester is indeed smokin' hot. My mind thanks you for the reminder...mmmmm...

"artillery jokes" - ...you got me, I'm stumped. Okay... so this bullet walks into a bar and everybody ducks. Like that, only funny? I aim to please. HA! ZING!

"cats does this piss you off" - are you asking a cat what pisses it off, or are you wondering what pisses people off about cats? I can do both. Baby talk pisses cats off. But we still do it. ^_^ And I get particularly perterbed when my cat pisses on me. (he's done it a total of 3x in the past 2 years...while I'm asleep. In bed. Thinking of sewing that hole shut if he does it again...)

Hope you all have a great weekend!

The Creep-tactic And A Contest Winner!

2012-01-16T07:00:00.015-06:00

You guys know I don't do book reviews. And I don't intend to now, but I do want to marvel at one authors ability. She is so unusually good. Not unusual THAT shes good, but the unusual way that she's good. It's Dia Reeves. And she is awesome at what she does with her books.

I read Bleeding Violet last year at some point and was amazed. It's creepy, and her heroine is . . . not exactly heroine material. She's HUGELY flawed and not all the time even in her right mind, exactly. But you can't help but hang on to her the same you would any other heroine. And that, I think, takes amazing writing abilities.

And here we are again with Miss Reeves, I'm reading Slice of Cherry and . . . wow. She's got me again. If you've never heard of this book, it's basically about these two sisters who enjoy murder. Not exactly the basic idea of main characters you want to root for. And really, I'm reading this not ROOTING for them exactly, but so entangled into their world and how they think and function, that it's hard to see another point of view. Yea, it's twisted and dark, but it's wonderful in those ways too. The way I find myself swayed, is so unexpected. (not that I'm plotting murder or ever intend to. . .)

I just think that takes incredible skill to create these main characters that are the opposite of heroic and make your readers love them anyway.

So, last night I'm reading this part that just gave me the willies soooooooo freaking bad. (I would love to include that part because it's brilliantly, simplistically terrifying, but I don't want to tangle with the if I'm actually allowed to's and what not) I like to believe I'm not easily scared, but the truth is, all writers are in their own ways. Because we can't help how our minds wander. And I want to think I could write something this good, this creepy, and complicated. I donno if I really ever could! I'd freak myself out trying to write it!

Anyway, her books might not be for everyone (though I donno how they couldn't be!) but you want to see some incredible skill either way, you pick up one of her books.

But maybe you're saying "ugh, I don't give a flying squirrels fuzzy ass! tell me who won!". Well, I say to you . . . suck it. This is my blog, I do what I want.

. . .

. . .

Fine. . .

Random number generator picked out lucky number 9! And that was April Plummer!! Yeay!

So April, email me : ce(dot)murphy(at)yahoo(dot)com with your mailing address, what book you desire as your prize, and I will get it to you asap!

If you didn't win here, don't forget to check up on Abby and see who she had as her random winner!

Happy Monday my friends, and I will see you around the blogs!

Come Play The Triple F Game

2012-01-13T07:00:00.002-06:00

Okay, it sounds like it's going to involve curse words. But. It doesn't.

Anyway, some of you may remember my Triple F game from last year. It's easy, there is no prize (but don't forget the enter the contest to actually get a chance or two to win something! The last call is on Sunday, so be sure and get yourself entered with me or Abby before then!)

For now, just take a break in your day to play a little mind fantasy game with us. Day dream all you like, I don't mind. That's the point, after all! Thing is, first round was pretty easy. Like would you rather be super strong or super fast and things like that. This round . . . not so easy.

(slightly offensive at times)

Now, I would have gone farther, more questions and all, but the longer I sat here and thought of possibilities, the more offensive they became. So in an effort to be sensitive...ish...we'll stop there with this round!

Oh but wait.

Plans for this weekend include a crit meeting on Google chat and then a whole crap load of sitting on my bum. There may be reading or T.V., query fiddling or something too. But mostly the bum sitting. Well, and working out.

Lots of people have asked me what I've been doing to get in shape, and the short answer is Bodyrock.tv which has become part of my every day life! It's wonderful, free, effective, motivational, helpful, and full of ways to make intelligent choices for yourself and your body. So, that's the short answer. I still have pizza (Pizzahut is my biotch) about once a week, fast food from time to time, and one soda a day but I've changed how I eat (moderation!) and cut down on all that junk food. Mixed with Bodyrock workouts, and that's it! And it's made a HUGE impact on my body and life.Trust me, my ass has never jiggled less. Matter of fact *pokes*, almost no jiggle at all anymore! Whoohoo!

Yeah, so . . . Happy Friday! Tootles.

Practice Makes Awesome

2012-01-09T07:00:00.005-06:00

Don't forget to enter the contest!

So...I may have forgotten to write a post for last Friday. And I may not have even realized it until the day was mostly over and Abby texted me. Maybe.

Whoops! I suppose it will take a while to get back in the swing of it. But I'll remember from now on! Just takes one eff up to fix it, ya know? But hey, I don't mind admitting my dee-tee-dee moment. I have them all the time.

I often put two words together so it makes one word that just sounds silly. Sometimes + moment sounds like somoment. I run into corners in my own house. I trip constantly. I closed the laundry room door on my toe. (Who does that!?) I drop things CONSTANTLY. (got an Ipad for Christmas from my hubs. Dropped it 2 days later. Dented. *sob!*) So, forgetting a post is really just another day for me. But I am sorry!

Right now I'm working on my query for my new book. I have at least a month to get it done, but it's slow going. I'm no good at them. Takes practice, I know. And I've only ever done one before this, but still. I want to be good at it right now. And the synopsis comes next and I KNOW I haven't got the foggiest how to do that well. Why can't I just be good at it now? Download it into my brain and bang it out.

But, really, if you think about it, it's a good thing it takes practice to do things like that. I wouldn't be allowed to walk into a hospital and do open heart surgery.(right...?) If writing was as easy as people(non-writers) seem to think it is, everyone could do it. Everyone would do it. But it does take practice. Write a short story, write a novel, write a query, write a synopsis. None of it can be done WELL without practice.

So wherever you are in this process with your writing, don't get discouraged if you aren't perfect all the time right away. I can't widdle. I can't play the piano. I can't even do a cartwheel. But that's the best thing about life. You can always learn a new thing, no matter what it is.(especially now that we have the internet to teach us. You can learn ANYTHING on the internet, after all)

Happy Monday dudes. See you Friday, I swear!

P.S. It's my birthday tomorrow!

P.S.S. Really...Don't forget the contest!

I'll Toot My Horn, Mostly Glad To Be Back, And A CONTEST! CONTEST CLOSED

2012-01-02T07:00:00.015-06:00

Hello!

You know what? I've missed you all something fierce.

I'll be the first to admit it...the break? She was nice. The first few...~~months~~ weeks, I was loving the freedom. No pressure to get posts done, no guilt if I didn't see everyone's blogs that day. Was so lovely just to write and not worry about writing a post or answering emails. (and there was possibly some slacking off like little Jasper over there. A little bit. MAN I miss those pants...)

But as the break wore on, I started wondering about certain people here and there. And then the curiosity and missing you feelings got too much and I started blog stalking in my writing breaks.

And then I got news of this person getting a book deal, or that person with awesome news that just trickled down to me through FB and stalking after the big news was old news. Which made me realize how much I was missing.

You guys. . . I. Missed. You. Guys. There I said it. Can we cue the cheesy romantic music? Someone hand me a mic and I'll sing my love for you. No? Probably best...

The good news is . . . I finished my new book! Even had time to run through the first round of edits and broke it up into chapters! (I don't write rough drafts in chapters. I just write one big ass document and break it up later.)

The crit girls start on the first section this week and hopefully within 2 months I'll have some of the best crit notes around to make it bright and shiny! And by the early summer at the latest is my query goal. Fingers crossed.

So, even though I missed you guys something fierce, stalked quite a few of you, and couldn't wait to get back to it by the end, I did accomplish great and wonderful things. Ta-da! And it even has a freaking title. I won't assume anyone remembers, but I'm a total ditz when it comes to titles. But this one just popped in my head one day. As did. . .the 2nd and 3rd book titles. . . but more on those later. Much later. If ever.

But this was so epic for me, I had to text Abby right then and there. After I pulled over safely so as not to endanger myself or other drivers, dogs, pedestrians, etc. of course. . .

Speaking of Abby. . . She's back today as well! Hurray! Since we BOTH accomplished loads on the break(and both missed our one year anniversary blogging to accomplish them), we decided since we finished roughly around the same time, we'd make our bloggy comeback at the same time too.

ALSO, we are having a contest to thank you guys for hanging around with us and coming back!

It's easy-peasy. All you have to do is leave her and/or me a comment in our first posts back as well as telling us what book you're dying to read that you haven't gotten around to. And if you're picked at random, you win that book! Simple, right?! You have 2 chances to win--either with her or me, so that's a bonus!

(Go here for the lovely Abby Minard!)

US only (sorry!)

We will announce each of our winners two weeks from today (Monday 16th) so keep an eye out for your name!

In other quick catch up news: I have lost a shit ton of weight on purpose and still working on it, I have not decided on the next book to write, I still have 5 cats and a Netflix love bordering on unnatural, and I already have a to-be-read pile(s) next to my bed bigger than this time last year. 3x bigger. 2012? Startin' off good!

What's new with you guys? And I'm so freaking serious, I want updates on everything I might have missed between July and now!

See you all around the blogosphere!

Backseat Blogging

2011-07-25T07:00:00.002-05:00

Going on hiatus for a while. It's been a long time coming, and I'm still here, just not here here. Right? Right.

I'm amazed at all you mothers and fathers that work, write, and take care of children! You guys are super heros!!

But I am failing miserably at blogging and writing and working! I'd much rather succeed at one than fail at 3. So...

When my third novel is written I will be back! I'm just having a hard time focusing on so many different areas in life and I need to dive into my novel fully. Because it's bitchin'. And I love it. And I need it to be awesome on paper and not just in my head!

Happy Summer guys! See you all soon!

Midnight Potter Madness!

2011-07-15T09:59:00.001-05:00

Short and sweet and picture-ific. Movie was...amazing. I have lots to say about it but you will hear none because I like to keep people neutral till they see it! So. Bring a tissue or two, and go and enjoy asap!

People kept moving too much, it was hard to get good pics of all the characters. I missed an incredible Bellatrix (she looked fierce!!) AND I missed a fun Hagrid who was also great!! (He got lots of cheers when he came in!)

There is a Mad-eye Moody, and a very bright pink Tonks in there.

No one in particular, just the side of our line. We look far back, but when they started calling individual theaters we got right up front! Great seats: Top row, middle!

CREEPY good Voldemort! He got on the news, and was taking pictures with people ALL NIGHT!(if this is you, I would love to give you credit! Let me know and I will! You were great!)

There is a professor Trelawny in there! She was great too! (again, I offer credit, if you will let me know!)

The mask was insta-sweat so I didn't wear it much, but people made me promise to have my movie bud take a picture so there you are!

I have more, but my computer isn't letting me blur faces for some reason, so I don't feel comfy posting them! Sorry! But the lines were so fun! People were awesome! Movie was *thumbs up* and had a wonderful time!

Hope you enjoy your weekend! Will be back Monday!

But don't forget my HP buds!!
LISA GALEK!
JEN DAIKER!
ABBY MINARD!
MELISSA SARNO!
MICHAEL DI GESU!
LAUREL GARVER!
AND RENAE MERCADO!

Toodles.

Things You Look Forward To

2011-07-13T08:00:00.012-05:00

Today I wanna discuss with you dudes! Granted, I will be out for the afternoon with work, but I will be back in the evening so don't use that as an excuse to slack off...

Firstly! The first "episode" last year was so cute/funny. So glad they did another!

Get More: Movie Trailers, Movies Blog

Questions!

Pick one question, pick all questions I don't care! But I do urge you to join in and answer something! I wanna know!

What scene are you looking forward to most in the new Harry Potter movie?

Me, there is so much I look forward to, but the stand out scene I want is Mrs. Weasley and Bellatrix. "Not my daughter, you bitch!" CRAP! I got chills. I remember reading that line the first time and my heart nearly exploded! I was SO nervous for Mrs. Weasley! So much sadness by that point, and I just NEEDED her to be alright but at the same time I NEEDED HER TO KICK BELLATRIX'S ASS! Ya know? It was a very powerful mother to the rescue moment. And I loved it. And I can't wait to see it.

What has been your favorite book?

I loved 3. It has been hard to keep 3 as a favorite after 4-7, which were all good competition but it has always been my favorite. It's the first time you get a really good glimpse of how much deeper Voldemorts evil grip has tainted. How it isn't just Harry that has suffered and been struck by loss. I mean, you hear about everyone before then, but you never have seen it yet. And the introduction of Sirius into the novel just opens a new can of crap that has happened to people. Besides the fact that I have adored Sirius Black even before you found out he was on the good team. That helps ;)

Where were you/ how old were you when you picked up the first book?

I was around 15 when I started the first novel in 2001 after the 4th book was released. I was at my dads for the weekend and my sister had gone out on a date with a boyfriend. I was bored. My dad was upstairs, probably asleep, and there was nothing on tv. My friends were all an hour away cellphones weren't THE thing yet. So, as I sat there on the couch debating just giving up and going to bed like a loser at 7pm on a friday night, I noticed my sister left her stupid kid book on the table.

I had heard of Harry Potter but it wasn't something I was interested in because I was 15 and that might make me seem less cool. Cause. That's important and all...But rather than go to bed, I flipped it open to her marked page and started reading in the beginning middle without even reading the back flap to know what it was about. It only took one page for me to NEED to know wtf was going on! I loved Harry and I was concerned about how he got where he was and what was happening. And that was the beginning of my obsessive love 10 years ago. My sister took me to see the movie the very next night, the weekend it was released as a matter of fact.

Are you going to see the movie this weekend? If no, why not?! Are you insane?!

I AM! And yes. A bit.

If you could be anyone from the books, who would it be?

I would be Tonks. I love Tonks. She's bitchin!

Let's not forget that even though this is a major HP mania week in honor of the movie, it's the books that built everything. And it's the woman who built the books. And let me tell you, while this is sad, the last book was truly a depressing, exciting emotional trip when it was released! BUT then, you could at least console yourself with still having movies to look forward to! *sob*

If you haven't read the books...wtf is wrong with you!? ^_^ But seriously, you're missing out on SO much magic and awesomeness if you haven't and I urge you to do it already! The books, they are incredible. JK weaved such a realistic, wonderful, in depth world you just can't miss out on!

I'll be back Friday with pictures of the release night!

And don't forget to check out the other HP Maniacs this week!

LISA GALEK!
JEN DAIKER!
ABBY MINARD!
MELISSA SARNO!
MICHAEL DI GESU!
LAUREL GARVER!
AND RENAE MERCADO!

Harry Potter Mania!

2011-07-11T08:00:00.008-05:00

Hurray! And *cry* the week is finally here! I have my tickets for midnight Friday. Do you? Two weeks before the release my theaters started selling them. And 2 weeks before the release my theaters were almost sold the eff out!! And I'm talking, 15 rooms in almost everyone one in the surrounding areas and they were all almost gone!

This week is all about HP. I'll be coming back to my old schedule for this week only. Today is just about showing off bits of the events that have already gone on around HP and letting you all know of my fabulous HP Mania companions!

Wednesday is just a fun discussion I want you all to participate in!

And Friday I'll be posting pictures (if by some MIRACLE I remember my camera) of costumes, my costume, and all the festivities at the theater! I donno about you guys, I LOVE the lines and waiting! My movie bud always gets a good spot, because he's fabulous and we always have a great time!

I can't believe this is the last time ever, though! *sigh*

But in honor, this week is being celebrated by some amazing bloggers and everyone else who is obsessed!

I'll tell ya, nothing has ever captivated me the way Harry Potter did. To people that don't get it, don't feel the same, we're very weird. But that's alright. It's hard to imagine people like that that don't get it, to me. So I can understand how they feel...sorta...

Lot's of theaters are doing something very cool. Mine is playing all 7 already released movies back to back all day long on the 14th for just $25.00. UNFORTUNATELY I'll be at work. But I bet it will be an awesome, butt-numbing experience!

HIGHLIGHTS:

Did you see the farewell? Omg.
<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;I don&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>
I donno about you dudes, but when the crowd started chanting "thank you" to JK Rowling, I lost my cool.

London premier interviews!!

And lastly!

The last days on set! boohoo...

See you all Wednesday! Get pumped! And if you're the HP scrooge, don't ruin this for the rest of us. I'll confringo curse your ass so fast... ;)

Be sure and stop by my fellow HP lovers this week for all your HP needs! Everyone has something different and fun going on so you don't want to miss any of it!

LISA GALEK!
JEN DAIKER!
ABBY MINARD!
MELISSA SARNO!
MICHAEL DI GESU!
LAUREL GARVER!
AND RENAE MERCADO!

And, if you hadn't noticed, I have gone Death Eater in my profile pic for this occasion! (bad to normal after this week) This was last years model, which won't be too different from this years DE model. Mask was homemade, painted, and carved by yours truly!

Happy Monday!

Gone For A Bit

2011-07-04T08:00:00.004-05:00

But you guys have to check out this AWESOME contest brought to you by Lisa Galek herself. Win some awesome Harry Potter swag! (I get to be a judge! Squee!)

Also, Don't forget about Jennifer Hilliers CREEP birthday on the 5th!!! Hurray!!

Happy 4th to Americans!

Happy Monday to everyone else!

Tah.

Odds and Ends. Mostly Odds...

2011-06-27T08:00:00.015-05:00

Hey dudes! Happy Monday again!

Have you seen this insanity!? Bagel Head Saline Injections!? Japan. You have officially lost me.

Did you see where the Hyperbole and a Half gal got a book deal!? Awesome! She is too funny.

Did anyone miss this???

EPIC!

It happens. You write a story you enjoyed writing and being a part of. You decide that, hey, it might be good enough. You spend a butt-ton of time editing it (having other people edit it.) And then you put it out there. I'm talking about me, btw. Keep up.

Then...dun dun dunnnnnn...it isn't up to scratch. It isn't the writing(I have been told), it isn't the story(so much) it's a lot of little things. And when you get a bunch of little things that keep you down with that story, you have 2 choices: Revise to change all those little things. Or call it quits.

Me, I have amazing, wonderful writer friends in my corner and am not bummed so much as sorry they "wasted" time on a novel that just isn't going to work out right now.

But we move on. Something about character and not getting knocked down but how long it takes to get up or something.

My other novel that has been shelved for a year or so is being dusted off. Am proud beyond words of this idea and thrilled to make it kick-ass. So, away this writer shall go. The journey goes on. It'll happen. Encouraging words and such.

Query status: closed for now. With the queries still out, if one of those agents loves the story idea enough to pick it up, then awesome. If changes are requested after that, no problem. I am all in. But as is, I don't think it's something an agent will take a chance on.

HEY! This is catchy!

How you find me results for this past week:

vincent valentine

I get that a lot. Damn my love of him.

ryan reynolds naked

Again, damn my love for all things sexy

cejourney.blogspot.com

Meh.

jump fly

Beg pardon?

real mermaids found alive

or people who made tails...

"i like weird news"

me too buddy.

colene murphy journey

meh.

colene sexy

Alright! Find what you were lookin for baby? ;)

real mermaid Well, they are pretty...

Happy Monday!

Counting Down

2011-06-20T08:00:00.002-05:00

I got chills, teary eyed, and reminiscy feelings. This is going to be amazing and oh so sad at the same time. *sigh* The end. This Harry Potter girl has been living in the shadow of the last book for a long time so the last movie is...hard!

Last time dressing up for a HP release! Ah well! It's been amazing fun!

Has anyone tried Hot Yoga or Hot Pilates before? Signed up for a class and interested to talk to someone about their experience.

Still going along with queries and rewrites over here! Nothing news worthy to report yet. How's everyone else doing with their work?

Wherefore Art Thou Delinquent Blogger?

2011-06-16T11:08:00.000-05:00

I'm not really here this week. But I am (secretly) @ Laurel's place!

See you all Monday! (when, I swear, I'll be a better blogger friend.)

Happy Birthday Possession! Congrats Elana!

2011-06-07T10:38:00.000-05:00

Nuff said. Control or be controlled.

New Game

2011-06-06T06:18:00.000-05:00

Firstly I need to thank you all for being amazingly supportive. I really really needed to read all your wonderfully kind comments. Really. Truly. Thank you.

Also, BIG sorry for not replying to each and every one of you as I usually like to. I know you'll understand and forgive me (you're just that way, I know ;) but I am sorry. Things were just things. You know. *feet shuffle* I loved her so much. And I couldn't do it--get back to you, you know? And I'm sorry.

Moving on. As promised by the oh so tempting post title, I have a new game for you!

We're writers, right? We spend hours/days/years making characters up and making them special or putting them in special circumstances. Well, it's hard to imagine you all never thought of yourself in those predicaments. Right? Fantasizing it was you? Pft. Don't lie.

Well, today, since my WV game is running a little slow, I decided to start a new one every now and then!

Fictional Fantasy Favorites. Or Triple F.

So, have at it! Make your choices for your new magically awesome life! (I made mine already!) First round goes to personal abilities. Choose wisely.

Happy Monday Everyone!

Sadness

2011-05-30T08:00:00.003-05:00

My grandmother died this weekend. We knew it was coming, her battle with lung cancer has been a long and hard one on her. I'm grateful her suffering is over, but I will miss her every day and love her more than I got a chance to tell her. I know she's better off. I know she is at peace, but my heart aches every time I think about the millions of good memories I have of her.

Please keep my family in your thoughts and prayers. I would appreciate that a bunch.

I won't be here. Her visitation is Monday and funeral Tuesday, so please understand my absence.

Find time to tell your family you love them. Find time to share life with them and make memories where you can.

See you all next week!

Stranger Thor Fatty Weekend

2011-05-23T08:00:00.005-05:00

This weekend was nice. Too fast, as usual, but nice! On my way home from work Thursday I stopped at Hardees to try it out (I haven't always been a huge fan, and haven't eaten it in years).

Thursday was also the first day in uniform for the office that I work in. Apparently, if you show up in scrubs you get free small fries and drinks! (Small being a normal persons medium, btw) Hazzah! It was pretty good for fast food too! (having half free didn't hurt either)

Saturday night was steak grilled out on the bbq and a fresh tomato. MMMMMMMMMMM MMMM. Also, had a super fun crit meeting with the gals. Love those gals. I haven't laughed that much in a while. Even if my villain turned into a fountain and a deflating inflatable arm flailing tube man at one point in the conversation ;)

Sunday mom and I couldn't decide which movie to see, Thor or the new Pirates. So we picked both! Thor was way better than I expected, but I really would have paid 6.50 just to see sexy Chris Hemsworth mud wrestle in the rain any day so it was a total, unexpected win. Also pretty randomly funny.

Pirates of the Caribbean was a surprise too. I expected very little and was given a lot! Johnny Depp rocked my world AGAIN. So, all in a all a movie going success!! (don't waste money on 3D for Pirates, though. We had to upgrade because of Thor letting out late and missed the opening to the non-3D one, and it was a waste of 6 bucks. Not cool enough to warrant the $)

Oh man...I hope I have dreams of Johnny Depp mud wrestling Chris Hemsworth in the rain...Prize for the winner? Muah! Prize for the loser? Oh that's right. Me again! Bring it dream land.

Lastly, I have been in a funk lately with my MS. I need to finish up some work on it, and have put off finishing my synopsis as long as my bratty attitude can. So this week I am knucklin' down and just doing that shiz. No excuses!

What's new with you guys? See anything/do anything fun this weekend?

Word Verification Gets Tricky

2011-05-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

Did everyone shut off their word verifications lately or what!? This was a difficult list to compile, a couple donated by the lovely Abby Minard herself. Ah well, not complaining. Easier to comment without them, harder to make the game without them. Kinda balances out in the end ;)

Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Fear Itself

2011-05-09T08:00:00.003-05:00

Anyone watched that? Fear Itself? It's pretty good! Pretty weird! Just started on it last night, just curious.

Anyway!!

This week marks the beginning of the hunt for that dream agent. I'm grateful I never tried with my first novel and decided to give another one a try before approaching anyone. I've learned a lot since starting out. That's the beauty of this whole gig. Ever day you write you learn more.

But this is very new. It's terrifying. It's exciting. And every time I think about submitting my little novel to a professional I want to vomit and jump for joy at the same time. (what a mess that would be...)

I run and check my query every half hour. I double check...triple check my agent list. I scour their website/blog and am on the verge of stalking the ones on twitter(Gimme a little credit, I have some restraint...right now...)

And all the while think "Oh God, what am I doing!?" while another thought, an excited thought that sparks unwanted hope pops in-"I can do this."

But mostly I know: whatever will be, will be!

General Updates:

Almost broke my right elbow Saturday mowing the grass. Weird? I'm accident prone that way. The weird way.

Buffy marathon this weekend rocked. Only halfway through season 2, which is awesome. I savor Buffy. Is that weird? It's all for Spike, though. Mmmmmm Spike...

A friend lent me 16 Stephanie Plum novels. They. Are. Bitching! My mom has been hassling me since they came out to read them, but I have always blown her off. She totally got a ridiculous "I told you so" moment on Sunday. There. Happy Mothers Day, you were right! ;)

What's new with you guys?

Happy Monday!

Thursdays Are For Doing

2011-05-05T07:36:00.000-05:00

Back again for day 2 at The QQQE with Matthew MacNish!

Thanks to everyone for their sweet words and kindness over there yesterday! And thanks in advance for anything you have to add in today!

See you all Monday!

Not there, There! No, over THERE.

2011-05-04T08:00:00.004-05:00

So, today I'm not here. I am disabling comments because I am literally not HERE to respond or reciprocate.

And, anyway, this is just a heads-up.

I...lost my ever lovin' mind, or grew some serious nads (not sure which I like better...) and asked Matthew MacNish to crit my query. *Cringe* So that is up on The QQQE today!

So, man balls, or insane, I am up on his blog today and tomorrow.

Will be keeping an eye on comments there, not here, after work. As this is the first(ish) glimpse of something I have written and my novel, I hope you will enjoy it!

Moved the possible query release to agent date to Monday, to accommodate any changes I need to make, as well as finish up my list of desired agents.

Happy Wednesday!

Am I Tan Yet?

2011-05-02T08:00:00.013-05:00

Okay, so the blogcation wasn't really on a beach in the sun somewhere tropical. Maybe in my head. That counts, right?...right...?

HELLO! Glad to be back! Missed you guys!!! Hope you had a great month! Welcome my new followers! So pleased to have you!

I accomplished the great query write of 2011. The novel is looking pretty shiny thanks to my awesome crit gals, and no, I didn't write the synopsis. I'm holding out hope that I wont really need it. Don't rain on my parade. Denial is a real process. Be cool, guys. Be cool.

The query wasn't as hellish as I expected. Maybe to the gals it was. (3-5 emails from me a day with minor tweeks "IS THIS BETTER!?" while I do the peepee-dance of anticipation and hope to GOD they don't boot me out of the group for being a major pain in the ass.) But truthfully, it wasn't as hard as I expected. Picking out the necessities and leaving out the stuff that isn't NEED TO KNOW is probably the hardest part.

If you're there plugging away at a query or about to, I suggest getting badass crit partners who you can bounce different versions of queries off of (yes, need more than one) and ask yourself at every sentence "do they need to know that to get the story?". I'm no expert. This is the first query I have ever finished, but without the gals and the debate, the query would still be in pieces in my writing folder. Not ready to send off!

Got some balls together and asked the awesomely fantabulous Matthew MacNish to give me a hand too. So that may be up this week at some point on his blog!! SCARY! Will let you know if/when that goes up.

Either way, by Thursday I hope to begin the query process.

Lastly, this time off from blogging has made me realize something very important that is ultimately going to lead to changes around here. I miss writing. I had not realized how much time I devoted to blogging, and don't get me wrong, I love you guys and blogging, but the reason behind it all is for writing. Which I neglected...seriously neglected. SO the changes to come, I will be cutting from 3 days a week to 1-2 a week.

Still on the fence about whether or not Funny Fridays will be axed. But Mondays will not be.

I need to refocus on the dream. Ya know? THE dream. Which has taken a back seat for too long. Rededication. Yes, indeedy.

So all in all, this April I made some good progress, watched some great TV/Movies, went on a diet, lost 5lb, gave up diet cause I have no real willpower, started an exercise regiment that is pretty frikkin awesome, and had a really wonderful time getting even closer with the crit gals. So, I would say HUGE success!

Since I missed so much in April, feel free to tell me some great news you got, any news I might have missed, or anything about yourself in general. I am anxious to know what you all have been up to!

Hazzah! And Happy Monday!

F.F.Toodloo

2011-04-01T08:00:00.018-05:00

Since there is an astronomical amount of bloggers going to be busy with the A-Z Challenge this month, I decided to take a break. Well, sort of.

Chances are, you'll find me enjoying many of your posts from time to time but the month long break is about getting some serious work done!

Goals for April:

Finish ALL final edits on INTO.

Write/edit/polish query

Write synopsis

Now, that is a short list at a glance but I don't think I need to tell anyone how much work all those things really are going to be.

So, though I may be neck deep in the final stages of novel writing and balancing on the edge of queridom, I will be thinking fondly of you all and wishing you luck on the A-Z challenge or whatever other projects you have in April! (how effing long was that sentence!?)

But first: Last FF until May 6th! (calm down. Don't spazz. It'll be alright.)

What is it about old folks dancing to Zeppelin that I love? Umm...I just answered my own question.

Since it is April Fools Day:

Happy Friday! See you in May!!

Harry Potter Best Buddy Blogfest

2011-03-30T08:00:00.007-05:00

Michael Di Gesu is hosting a sweeeeeeet blogfest today!

Simple, fun, my kind of blogfest! Go get in on the action!

All you have to do is sign up and tell the world which two characters would you want for your BFF, AND what kind of trio would you be? Isn't this GREAT!? We need something fun for this HUMP day.

So, I thought and thought...then thought some more. And came up with a problem. You see, I thought of my friends in school and I had different kinds in different "groups". I like all kinds of people, hang out with all kinds, and always have. SO, I couldn't pick JUST two. BUT I could pick 2 sets that best fit the kinds of people I grew up friends with(and still am friends with most today!)

First up we have the girl group. These lovely ladies were my giggles and shoulders. They had my back, were(are) brave, strong, and tough. Katie Bell and Alicia Spinnet would be my girls.

Second group, the boys. I loved having boy's as close friends. They were funny and never seemed to need to treat me as "the girl" in the group. I ran with their pack, played their delinquent hoodlum guy games, cursed like the best of them and could throw a punch.

So my second choice was easy. Sirius Black and Remus Lupin would be my boys. Smart, funny, rugged, loyal, sympathetic, but could also be brutal. (no one said the students had to be in HP's time!)

Hop around and find out who everyone's BFF's would be! Or just tell me here!

Happy Wednesday lovies!

You Shall Be Named . . . What?

2011-03-28T08:00:00.004-05:00

Forgoing my regular Monday post full of catchup stuffs and nothing in particular, I'd like to move Writery Wednesday to today since Wednesday will be for Michael's HP Blogfest. You're welcome.

(Feeling much better this week! Thanks everyone for the well wishes! Got some pampering from the sweet hubs, lots of rest, and bunches of movies this weekend! ((Crazies, Red Riding Hood, Sucker Punch, Eat Pray Love, and the TV series Eureka!)) so feeling better.)

My damn-near finished novel has always had a name. It's what I have called it since I changed the main character's filler name(anna) to her permanent one. (My characters always have a filler name in the beginning until I settle. It's weirdly, usually always Anna. Except the newest idea's character is Annalee, for some reason. Weird, right? I don't even realize I do it when I'm furiously putting down a new idea before it's lost!)

ANYWAY, naming characters has never been a problem. I love the name hunt, actually.

But...book titles? Not so much...

I'm to the point that the title is becoming a problem. I know authors don't have the final say in titles, usually, but it's still important to have something good, appealing, attention getting, curiosity evoking, and memorable in the first place when you approach and agent. Can't just call the damn thing...My Damn Thing.(can I?)

So how do you do it? What is your method? Where do your titles come from? Do they just show up or do you have to brainstorm?

I'm not worried about finding my title. I know I will, I have some plans and some very creative and smart people with my back. I was just curious about how you guys do it!

Happy Monday! Hope you all had a great weekend and have a great week!

F.F. Sicky

2011-03-25T08:00:00.011-05:00

Ugh! Okay, I really want to apologize to everyone. I started off this week with the best intentions to read all my blogs, be a good follower, answer all the comments I got in emails and then...I got knocked on my ass. It's Wed night as I type this apology and all I want to do after a long day toughing it out at work is crawl in bed and die.

I don't say any of this to make anyone feel sorry for me, it's I that truly feel badly about not getting back to everyone like I planned! So, I'm sorry you guys!

Anyway, on to FF!

As I have spent half a day in bed watching TV/Movies and will continue on the quest for perfect body indentation until illness has left this house, here are some (inappropriate) commercials to enjoy!

Happy Friday! Have a great weekend!

Writing Accusation

2011-03-23T08:00:00.021-05:00

Has this ever happened to you? Do you worry that it might, one day?

PLAGIARISM!

Does it haunt you? The thought that maybe, one day, you could accomplish your dream, get published and then...DUN DUN DUUUUUUUN...someone calls you a thief?(Didn't till now? Whoops...my fault...)

Me neither.

Okay, so, unless you consciously are a thieving liar, then I doubt you'll ever have to worry. But what about when you're busy writing a book, editing you book, or submitting it and someone comes along and publishes that idea, close enough that you just *facepalm*?

Do you keep going? Do you quit? Try something else? Break stuff and insult the authors mother?

Me (it happened a little over a year ago) I finished off the novel and put it in a drawer. I quit it...and used some bad language against someone who is probably a very fine person and not at all what I said nor did the things I suggested they do. (tempers.)

BUT, my version blew in comparison. It was a smidgen too generic and the other guy wrote it better. I'm the kind of person that knows when to let go and not regret it. (JNCO's, let 'em go. Wearing 12 necklaces at once, Let it go((oh...high school...)) Diets, let 'em go)

So, if faced with that situation, you just have to use your best judgment. If your judgment sucks, ask a friend. But either way, it's up to you if you give it up or keep it alive.

Here are some questions can ask yourself: Is my idea better? Is my idea stronger? Is my idea different enough? Am I good enough to make this work? Do I love it enough?

If you answer "yes" to any of them, see where you can take it! And don't lose heart.

Also: Did you get your copy of Wither yesterday? This gal did. Hazzah!

Happy Wednesday!

SPAM man! And my own WINNER!

2011-03-21T08:00:00.009-05:00

Talei @ Musings of an Aspiring Scribe gifted me with the Stylish blogger award! Thanks sooo much Talei!!
(duties have been performed for this award previously)

Not often do I get a forward that makes me giggle quite so hard. So this Monday I just want to pass on the giggles.

I DID NOT WRITE THIS. I DO NOT KNOW WHO DID OR I WOULD SO CREDIT YOU! (please don't sue me ;)

"Best friends graduated from medical school at the same time and decided that, in spite of two different specialties, they would open a practice together to share office space and personnel.

Dr. Smith was the psychiatrist
and Dr. Jones was the proctologist.

They put up a sign reading:
"Dr. Smith and Dr. Jones: Hysterias and Posteriors".

The town council was livid and insisted they change it.

So, the docs changed it to read:
"Schizoids and Hemorrhoids"

This was also not acceptable, so they again changed the sign.
"Catatonics and High Colonics"

...No go.

Next, they tried "Manic Depressives and Anal Retentives"

...thumbs down again.

Then came "Minds and Behinds"

...still no good.

Another attempt resulted in "Lost Souls and Butt Holes"

...unacceptable yet again.

So they tried "Analysis and Anal Cysts"

...not a chance.

"Nuts and Butts"

...no way.

"Freaks and Cheeks"

...still no good.

"Loons and Moons"

...forget it.

Almost at their wit's end,
the docs finally came up with:
"Dr. Smith and Dr. Jones - Odds and Ends"

I hope you had an awesome weekend!! Oh, wait, you all probably want to know who won Alexia and my SPD Blogfest from last week! Well, it was REALLY hard to choose just one! You guys were bringing the awesome writing for sure!

But Alexia and I got together Sunday and narrowed them all down to our two picks, though we wish it could have been more like 40 something winners.

Without farther diddling around...I had to go with TRACY! @ Forever Endeavor. She wrote a hilarious bit that totally caught me off guard. Go check it out and see for yourself!

And Tracy, if you would please email me your book choice and address I'll have your prize out asap! ce dot murphy at yahoo dot com.

(For Alexia's winner go to her page.)

Happy Monday!

ROLL CALL! Speak Now or Be a Loser!

2011-03-18T08:00:00.002-05:00

(Hey, I gave you the choice...)

Thank you to EVERYONE who participated in Alexia and my very first blogfest on St. Patrick's Day! And to everyone who hopped around, even if they didn't have the ability to enter (we understand. Life gets in the way of extra stuff a lot. No worries!)

It was a blast!! You guys ROCK!

BUT:

Dudes, I just want to verify I have seen and have everyone's name down on my list of who's entered into the contest. If you have written a post for the SPD Blogfest hosted by the lovely and talented Alexia Chamberlynn and myself, and I have confirmed via comment that I have seen you, then you're entered!

IF NOT, let me know now that we have not been by to see y

Also:

Are you ready?

I am...

Happy weekend!

SPD Fest Baby! Blarny! Arse! Bollocks! Sexy Accents and Such!

2011-03-17T08:00:00.046-05:00

Happy Thursday! Did you all wear your green today?

I donno about you, girls, but I am a SUCKER for the Irish accent. Dudes, take note! 1.Get the accent and 2.you will get the babes. Proven fact. Don't believe me? FINE! Be alone then!

Okay, I broke the rules but as one of two of the creators of this fest, I can, so nanner-nanner-boo-boo. It's longer than 200. But again. My game. I get to.

We had an amazing turn out for this fest! Thanks everyone for being so incredibly awesome!! Alexia and I will pick our 2 winners by the end of the week! Keep an eye out for the announcement on MONDAY!!(Alexia will post her's on her site, me on mine.)

Green lights flickered in the distance. I managed to find a secluded patch of grass to pass out on. The hill overlooked all the downtown action but I was tired of the noise and needed to get away. Cool night air folded blades of grass onto my cheek. It tickled but my Guinness-heavy arms couldn't brush it away. Just as that all too familiar black, solid sleep hit I thought I saw a flash of green velvet and gold buckles.

“Poke her,” a too high pitched voice to be human said near my head.

“You can't poke the princess!”

Princess? Did I pass out in the 1800's?

My eyes opened but the haze didn't lift for some of the longest seconds I have ever known. Little men with fuzzy faces, green velvet suits with gold accents, and curly shoes were crowded around me.

“Give her some air,” one snapped at the small – and I meant that literally – crowd.

Head pounding, I sat up on my elbows, eyes darting around me. I felt weird. Hung over, yes, but my skin was being assaulted by a strange sensation. When I looked down, I found the culprit. A gown of silk and silver draped over me. Ringlets bounced on my shoulders as, startled, my accusing gaze glared at each little man in turn.

Someone had changed me, seen me naked!

“Amber,” a booming voice called to me. Not small or pitched right to belong to one of the tiny men and nothing but my name was spoken.

I found him, standing tall and commanding behind the crowd. It parted as he drew near. His hand motioned for me to take it. When I did, his strong arm lifted me from the ground. He was ugly as sin. Though his smile was obviously meant to be comforting, the sneer, full of gangly, yellow teeth, did nothing to ease my fear. His eyes were what made me believe he was trying to be kind. They were soft and bright green, sparkling like glitter.

He filled me with magic, from my perfectly dyed blond hair, to my pedicured toes. It tingled within me, almost painfully. And the little men bowed low, their noses touching the grass.

The ugly stranger, a King it would turn out, gave me magic. The little men -leprechauns-gave me adoration.

And that is how I became the Leprechaun Queen – drunk and passed out on a hillside in Ireland on Saint Patrick's Day.

~Colene Murphy

Hop around! Enjoy the festivities and Happy St. Patrick's Day my friends!

Ides of March

2011-03-15T08:00:00.010-05:00

BROPHYO WON!! Two dudes making yogurt seems to be the favorite word verification definition! So go forth into the world, my lovely bloggy friends, and brophyo till you can't brophyo no mo!

Hart Johnson is hosting an awesome blogfest I'm looking forward to hopping around to read today. Clicky her name to get the post about the fest and other participants!

I thought about writing a more in depth plot to murder, but I really don't feel comfortable letting you all know exactly how things would play out if I chose to be evil. And, believe me, the thought has crossed my mind...once or twice... It would really be too incriminating to give you all the dets, don't you think?

But, either way, my plans for murder aren't complicated or drawn out. Torture isn't my way. Molotov cocktails are.

Sure, the cops would know it wasn't an accident, but maybe I want people to know not to mess with me. No fingerprints, no evidence of explosive making equipment to be found in my house, on my credit cards, or receipts. It wouldn't be traced back to me. The cops could do nothing to me! And people would just know not to screw with this chick.

I'll burn your house down.

***No one needs to call the cops. I seriously don't know how to make Molotov cocktails IRL. It's just...a dream...***

I hope everyone will have fun checking out the fest and other entries!

Thursday is Alexia and my St. Patties Day blogfest,(Sign up button on your left there) so you have from now until then to sign up and participate! Everyone have their new release picked out in case they win yet?

Happy...oh! Tuesday! This is weeeeeird!!(As it's Tuesday I am "diligently" working on finishing INTO. It's already middle of March and my plans for querying this month have officially DIED with the fact that I have 10 sections left to finish! *sob* It's like I'm trapped in a clown suit pulling on never ending handkerchief of crit notes! I digress...all that to say, I will be replying to comments via email on my breaks and checking fest entries as it is polite, but unless I finish my notes early, fingers crossed, please don't be offended if I don't make it to you!)

Just A Sec.

2011-03-14T08:00:00.002-05:00

So, I signed up for one blogfest and helped make another for this week. Turns out both are on days I don't usually blog! Meh, whoops. So instead of M-W-F, this week will be just a T-Th.

I'll still be bebopping around, but don't feel obligated to comment here today! Tomorrow will do.

Thanks all!

ALSO! Alexia wrote a perfect poem to get you all motivated for the SPD blogfest!

Happy Monday!

FF is...Not So Funny

2011-03-11T08:15:00.052-06:00

Michael Di Gesu, (everyone knows that dude right? Super awesome? Writes some of the best posts? YEA! That guy!) gave me a great honor this past Thursday with this beauty:

Which really means a lot to me! Thanks so much Michael!! Pop on over to see him if, by some weird fluke, you don't know him!

Gotta pass it along to Abby Minard, Jennie Bailey, and Melissa Wideen first of all, because I know how hard they are all working on novels too.

Also, in no particular order, just fab people who never fail to bust out some writerage:
Erica & Christy
Mary Vaughn
Donea Lee
Alexia Chamberlynn
Candace Granger
Matthew McNish
Jen Daiker

I'm stock piling my funnies this week for a reason you shall not know. BUT I do bring you some awesome 2011 YA can't wait's!! I hope to PUMP you all up for St Patties day!

You see, if you hadn't heard, Alexia and I have teamed up to bring you goodies! We will each be picking our favorite entry for our SPD blogfest (button is the little dude riding that damn pig over there to your LEFT) And the winner gets to pick their choice of a 2011 new release as a prize! Hazzah!

So here are a few of the MILLIONS of goodies to come this year! Some you can click on to find out more, some have the caption below that will take you there. I was having issues....SHUT UP! ;)

Info Here

Happy Weekend!! Go sign up! You're running out of time!!!

Word Verification Wednesday Wants Your Favorite

2011-03-09T08:00:00.017-06:00

Short and sweet for today. I wanted to revisit some of your top choices for WVW. These words won the first voting round and I want you to pick your favorite! It's really that easy ~~and not at all because I am WAY behind this week and haven't had a moment to write a real post.~~

Seriously, though, I'm sorry dudes. I have been butt deep in the slimy waters of revisions and actual pay-the-bills-and-provide-the-noms work work this week. It's been CRAZY! But because of the list of priorities, (1.Writing ze novel, 2. working ze job, 3. eating ze foods, and 4. being ze semi-decent wifey) blogging has had to take the #5 spot this week.

Please know that this does pain me. I miss you guys something fierce. I hate missing out on all the wonderful things you all say that I have grown accustomed to reading on a regular basis. Egads! Dare I say it? I pine for you...

Okay, serious did take a weird turn there, didn't it?

All that just to say that while I am sorry, and I do miss you guys, what would be the point of a blog about a writer's journey to getting published if that particular writer never actually polished up the novel and got it out there? It's like a boat with no sea. A cloud with no air. A bitchin' shade of nail polish with no nails.

Anyway! Vote away, my fine fizzy friends! And I will be back Friday with the LOLs for you all! Hopefully...

ALSO! Don't forget to sign up for Alexia and my blogfest! You have a little over a week to participate, write something fun, and try to win a new release of your choice!!

It's A Mystery! Solve it?

2011-03-07T08:00:00.001-06:00

This weekend was spent like most. Netflix, something new to love watching thanks to an awesome recommendation, amazing meeting with the crit girls on Skype, and an afternoon hanging with my mom.

Starting with the mom: We went and saw the area's sort of new Philharmonic Orchestra playing classical music that has appeared in a classic cartoon. Then played clips of the specific cartoon. It was pretty darn cool! They also gave facts about the pieces, cartoons, etc. I had no idea Fantasia was so old! And the sorcerer in it was modeled lightly after Walt Disney himself! Anyway, it was a sweet time.

The new Netflix watch this weekend was Veronica Mars. Oh. My. I love this show!! So much so I tuned out the hub's protest about watching shows about teenagers for 12 year olds. Made him give it a chance, and he soon after stopped fighting it. I'm inclined to say he actually began to get interested by Sunday, but I doubt he would ever admit it ;) And Kristen Bell is just too adorbs.

Lastly leads to a question for you all. My fabulously talented crit ladies are too smart and kind to me. They are really whipping my novel into shape! (and provided more LOLs than I can remember) But Lady M pointed out my love for cliches sayings. I use them because people can understand them easily... And also when I can't think of another way to say something. I have 3 I'm interested in changing. But I have hit a wall. (See there? Another one. There are other ways to say that that I can think of, but it's sometimes easier and less distracting to just use a cliche. It isn't always wrong, but Lady M is right about not doing it too much.)

So, how do you solve the cliche saying problem?

How was everyone else's weekend?

Happy Monday!!

F. F. Brings You A Series Of Motions

2011-03-04T08:00:00.013-06:00

Hurray Hurray! It's the weekend! And I have some awesome dancing folks for you! BUT FIRST:

Elena Solodow had a brilliant post that brought all the drafts together for dinner.

This chick is CRAZY good!!

And, as it's the weekend, you all can just picture me doing this:

Happy Weekend all!!

Writery Wednesday R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Fool

2011-03-02T08:00:00.038-06:00

Bloggers come into the blog world all shiny and stupid, we were all born into it like an ignorant infant in most cases. Not knowing a whole damn lot.

But under the layer of supportive writers, great writing advice, and just great people worth knowing, there is a dark underbelly of etiquette. It's just like every aspect of life - there are some people who do it, and some that don't and really piss you off.

So, my writer friends, do you follow the rules?

Don't badmouth other bloggers by name or distinguishing characteristics. You just don't. Whether you like them, don't like them, not friends, not following them, they crap all over things you like, etc, doesn't matter. You can't point out someone and say bad stuff about them. You never know who's reading or who DOES like them. It's rude. And more importantly it makes you look like a turd. And no one likes to read another bloggers hate. (not people you want to know anyway.)

*Don't badmouth publishers, editors, agents either. BAD BAD...oooh that's just bad. Don't do that.

Don't comment derogatory things on other people's blogs that put's the blogger or any other blogger down. This one is pretty simple, though hard for people to understand it seems. But the rule goes back to "if you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all." I'm not sure why that went out of style. If you don't dig on what someone is posting about, just leave. No one is forcing you to read it. No one is making you comment. Just. Leave. (unless they are talking bad about your mother. But, since they negated the very first rule by making fun of your mother, well...they're asking for it.)

If you ask a favor of a blogger be prepared to compensate. We are busy, writers. We work, we have kids, family, lives, books to write, and deadlines to make. You want something, you have to be willing to make it worth our while. Yes, people should do nice things for the pleasure of doing nice things. BUT, if you aren't good friends with a person, that blogger owes you nothing. (take advantage of friends)

So, if you want something, you got to have something up your sleeve to offer. Need someone to read for you? Be prepared to have that favor called on you whenever. Want something posted on someone's blog? Candy will usually do. Want a writer to write something for you? That might take cash...

It doesn't have to be a big something, it doesn't have to be much more than a public thank you, but you have to do something to show your appreciation. (them's the rules)

Give credit where credit is due. Pretty self explanatory. You take something from someone's blog, you give them credit. (Duh.)

White space, White space, White space. It's a favor to your readers to offer this up. If you write posts in one huge paragraph, chances are good that no one is really reading you. Might be hard to hear(read), but from one ~~skimmer~~ busy writer to a couple hundred others, it happens. (oh come on, we all skim from time to time. I know I have been able to tell, as you probably have from time to time reading your own comments that...make no real sense...oh yea, I said it.) And if reading it isn't easy, your audience gives up and moves on. Attention spans are short. Make life easy with adding some white space.

Answer comments. It's another simple one to read, but not always followed. Readers do you a great honor to stop by and take the time out to say something to you. You do not have opinions made of diamonds. You may have things to write people want to read but there are a bajillion blogs out there to read. No one is beating down your door begging you to post just one more post like you're the freaking crack fairy of south street.

People don't stick around if you never acknowledge them. Be humble, answer comments.

These are just a few, but very important things to remember. If you have more to add, please share away!

DON'T FORGET! You have 13 days to sign up for Alexia and my first blogfest! You could get free stuff, it's easy to enter, and...you could get free stuff! So...DO IT. Thank you!! (see, you must write a short something, but we're giving you a shot at something! Compensation, my friends.)

**Lots of Lolcats!

You're Not A Real Writer Unless You Can Bore Nonwriters

2011-02-28T08:00:00.012-06:00

This weekend I have discovered Downton Abbey is on Netflix instant watch. Whoo! A blogger a while back mentioned it (please forgive me, I have been wracking my brain all weekend trying to remember who. If it was you, please let me know so I can credit you.) and I have been wanting to see if since. So glad I have, too! It's addicting!

**Nancy Williams says it was Clarissa Draper and she was RIGHT!

I can't get enough of the old houses and gowns and scenery! It's breathtaking. The scandals and plots. The rules of society and the changing women's rights. Ahhh...
It's just a bunch of goodness.

And makes me miss PBS.

That has been my weekend obsession as well as reading and critiquing. Not cleaning so much...Feel pretty guilty about it but whatever. I'll live.

We moved our crit. group meeting to a night that I don't feel like I'm going to fall asleep at the skype on. Worked out pretty well, me thinks! Those gals never fail to crack me up. Also realized that, somehow, breaking a novel into pieces and discussing it for 2 hours isn't interesting to everyone! I know, right? "The Hell!" you say! I know, I know. It's a weird thing to think about but nope. It's totally true. I guess only writers appreciate a 15 minute discussion about rocks vs gems.

So that was my weekend, how about yours?

Funny Friday Makes Fun of Men. Unintentionally. Swear. But It's Funny. Dudes.

2011-02-25T08:00:00.015-06:00

Kari Marie over @ Writing by Heart gave me The Stylish Blogger award!!! Thanks so much Kari! (And she is reading The Hollows series ((One of my favorite series EVER)) and will have to rave about it with me when she gets done!) (((duties have been paid)))

Kid tells the best story about watching a movie!

HA! Wait...

I love how she's all "and if he says he isn't coming back, I'll be all MEH whatevs. I can get me's a new man!"

I LOVE this website. It's a new find thanks to Jennie Bailey. NotAlwaysRight.com. It cracks me up. Constantly. As do PassiveAggressiveNotes.com and DamnYouAutoCorrect.com. Need a quick giggle? Just pop over and enjoy a few entries.

Happy weekend you guys! See you all Monday!

Word Verification Wednesday

2011-02-23T08:00:00.019-06:00

Is there a BA(bookaholics Anonymous) meeting anywhere? I think I might have a problem. First step is admittance, right? RIGHT?! Wait. Do I ever want a cure?...No. No I don't.

Book addictions are nothing to be taken lightly. My bank account is seriously showing the strain. But. I can't stop. I have bought...12 books in the past 2 weeks. And I keep browsing Amazon and GoHastings for deals!!

AND on top of that, I already have a "small"(by comparison) stack of books to read! Is there a pill? 12 step program? Support group?

SO I JUST found out that Kim Harrison's next book in The Hollow's series came out TUESDAY! How can I stop buying books now!? They don't want me to get better...

HERE is a hilarious query critique from the Evil Editor. So...so many snickers.

Happy Wednesday!

It's Disgusting, Just How I Like It

2011-02-21T08:00:00.017-06:00

The hubs and I were watching Survivorman. If you don't know what Survivor Man is, it's a show where this one guy puts himself into dangerous landscapes for 7 days with no crews, no food, and very few supplies. As if he was put into that circumstance by some sort of freak accident.

So, we were watching where he was in a desert (which he does a few times if I'm not mistaken((different deserts))) And, I think...I'm being punished for some content in my MS. OR a lesson in how gross I actually made my novel!

It is supposed to be oogy. That's how I wrote it. So, every time someone has mentioned how dark or yuck one part or another is, I'm all "sweeeeeet". Mission accomplished!

But, Les Stroud is demonstrating how to survive in this desert. And at one point, after a day or so with no water and little food he sets up traps. And...catches...half a dozen or so SCORPIONS!

Now...Scorpions are my biggest creepiest gross-out fear. I HATE THEM. HATE. HATE. HATE. HATE.

So, naturally he eats them. BBBBBBLECH!! Crunchy, disgusting, HORRIFYING awfulness. (I tried to put up a picture of some scorpions but I couldn't...I typed it in, found the pictures, then virtually hauled ass! Nope, couldn't do it.)

The cool thing is, I totally nailed the scene without seeing it first! Whoohoo! (IMO)

Experience, I suppose. I don't know if other people will be creeped and grossed out like I mean them to, but I think, if you can pull it off on yourself, then you have accomplished what you wanted.

Sometimes, we just have to suck it up and actually experience some things we never want to just to make it perfect for a novel. AH a writers curse! The rest of my creepy/gross content, however, I will have to just hope I got right. Maybe I need to write a book about a pudgy white girl who moves to a private island with Ryan Reynolds...OH the research I could do!

Check back in Wednesday for another round of What's That Word Verification? !

Don't forget to check out Alexia and my St. Patty's Day blogfest where there are books to be won! Just click on that crazy little guy riding a pig to find out more!

HERE is K. M. Walton's 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Querying. GOOD stuff, for anyone about to, going to, getting ready to, wanting to query!

Lastly, thanks for everyone being so understanding about the bloggy absence a few days a week to do some writing!

Happy Monday!

F.F. Bringing You The Only Reason You Need to Exercise

2011-02-18T08:00:00.018-06:00

So, if this doesn't motivate you to start working off those winter pounds, you're hopeless.

So, I bought the cats a bunch of crap because...well there are 5 of them against 1 and I buy them things to keep them from getting pissed and eating my face. So I spend half an hour assembling this 5'5 cat tree thing. They spend 2 minutes inspecting, 5 minutes playing, 3 minutes slapping each other just to irritate one another, and the rest of the night in the box full of bubble wrap that it came in...

Maria McKenzie @ Reading, Writing, Romance gave me the smiley award! I love that colorful thing. Thanks Maria!! (duties have been done to the award)

Quicky this week, sorry about that. But I hope you guys have a great weekend!
M

Writer Wednesday Where I Say Boob Too Much

2011-02-16T08:00:00.020-06:00

So, I am a lady. (derp) And ladies have their favorite bras. We love the way this particular one feels, makes us look all sexy, is comfy, etc.

I have a favorite. And an older back up of the same kind. The one was being washed so I just threw on the backup old one for the day. All day my boobs felt...weird. Not internally, but something just felt off.

I'm just laying around catching up on blogs, snacking, watching t.v. on another snow day stuck inside. And I just don't feel right. I can't get comfortable because of the strange feeling with my boobs. Re-situate the bra. Nothing. Re-situate myself. Nothing.

So, I debate asking the hubs "do my boobs look okay? Normal?" and decide against it. He, being the sweet liar that he is, will tell me what he thinks I want to hear. That my boobs look great, blah blah blah. Not. Helpful. I don't ask.

As I get ready for bed, I take off my shirt. (boys, calm down...) And see it! They aren't the same! They don't look symmetrical. The one is all "HI!", the other is all "meh, hey". Turns out the washing machine or something ate the wire out of one side. Took the pep out my one step, so to speak.

This whole story about my boobs and bra has a point. When you have something in your manuscript that doesn't feel right -- you know something is wrong and you can't figure it out on your own just by going off feelings -- who do you ask for help? Are they the kind of people that will tell you your boob is off? Or will they tell say you rock, it's perfect and let you walk around lopsided?

A gut feeling is nothing to ignore when it comes to your work. When you feel like you suck, you're probably wrong. When you feel a scene doesn't work right for some reason, you're probably right.

I want to thank my three favorite bras, Abby, Jennie, and Melissa for being the right amount of lift, support, and helping me to force my boobs(MS, just in case you are now confused) into the right shape. Thanks, you wonderful gals! Those 3 have pointed out some real boob mistakes this week!

In other news, how in this WORLD did someone come across my blog by searching : "club penguin with sexy boys and wieners on them" ?!

I might be taking a few days off a week from reading blogs to work all day on my MS revisions. I have a long way to go, and a rapidly approaching deadline.

Hopefully you will all understand that I need to take my own advice (finally) and put writing first for now. So please don't be offended if you don't see me poking around Tuesdays and Thursdays. And if you do, please tell me to get back to work.

Don't forget to sign up for my very first blogfest I'm cohosting with the lovely Alexia Chamberlynn!! Button on your top left!

Happy Wednesday!

Just Kiss Already Blogfest

2011-02-14T08:00:00.003-06:00

Happy Valentines Day!!

The hubs and I aren't Valentines Day people. We have tried, but it's just a day to do what you should be doing all year long--loving one another. BUT I do really enjoy the candies and the pretty red stuffs. So we usually just have a nicer than usual dinner. I asked for those chalky cheap hearts with the words on them this year too. I love those things.

And I couldn't NOT want to participate in Stina Lindenblatt and Christina Lee's Just Kiss Already Blogfest!! It was just too sweet to pass up! All you have to do is post a 250 word excerpt from your work or a book with actual kissing involved. Easy-peasy!

Hop around to check out everyone else.

"Now, finally, he has found her, and he has found his children, and there is no rush, for they have all eternity to love one another.

And she is kissing him and he is kissing her and the tears she has held back for five years, the tears that I knew could transform the moment, the tears that had to be saved for the right moment to transform, now come streaming down and drop on the face of the man whose head is cradled in the woman's arms. Zel's tears fall in Konrad's eyes, hot and salty and full of life. He blinks them in, absorbs them; they are now his own tears, and yes, he can see.

And they see each other, and yes, oh, yes, we are happy. "~Zel by Donna Jo Napoli

I could read that story a million times and still read it again, loving it's magic like it were the first. Swooooon. I HIGHLY suggest it.

What do you have planned for today? Do you have a go to book that you could read over and over and never not love every second of it?

I hope you all have a great day!! Happy Monday!!

F.F. Where We Get To Let It All Hang Out.

2011-02-11T08:00:00.029-06:00

Here we are again, another Friday! I hope you all had a great week. Mine was...difficult. But that is life, right? We all are here, life is good (could be worse that's for sure), and if you're like me, you need some entertainment. I hope to provide that for you!

Did you guys see this Thriller/Heads Will Roll mash-up? I LOVED it! Way to come back, Glee!
**I had the video up for you from the amazing episode of Glee that aired after the Super Bowl last Sunday. But Fox took them all down!!! It was epic, though.
***Someone put up an edited mirrored version. Hopefully it will still be up after tonight! Maybe that cancels out the copyright?

Gals, isn't that new Caleb guy(Tyler Blackburn) in Pretty Little Liars SMOKING!? Mmm.

Anyone else really really really wish Kurt and Blaine would hook up already!?!?!

What are your nerdy TV pleasures? You can tell me! Our secret!
This is the kind of fun I want to be having in snow! Not the stressful, no fun I am having!

Alright, alright. Get back to doing this, now:

Don't forget to sign up for Alexia's and my St. Patrick's Day blogfest!! Button on your left will get you there!

Happy weekend my sweet, loyal friends.

Who Rides a Pig On St. Patty' s Day?

2011-02-09T07:13:00.001-06:00

This gal.

The lovely and talented Alexia Chamberlynn had a great idea to celebrate St. Patricks Day. As a proud, mostly Irish pastey white girl, I couldn't NOT want to be in on it!

RULES: (are very relaxed to give you all freedom)
Write a 200ish word flash fiction entry about something to do with SPD(real, fantasy, whatever makes your pig squeal). OR, you could also write about a memory you haveof a past SPD. In the end, we aren't being picky. Just make it goooood and make it about St. Patricks Day! (Leprechauns, luck, gold, green, clovers, beer, celebrations, etc. Funny, touching, horrifying, dark, fast-paced, romantic, etc.)

On March 17th post your entry and hop around to see what else everyone has chosen to do! Let's just light up this blog place with green and gold and awesome! Show us what you got, writers!

it has been a long while since I held a contest. And lots of you already know I don't give you guys stuff for nothing. So Alexia and I decided this would be a great opportunity to give you stuff!

We will both pick our favorite piece and the 2 winners get to pick whatever 2011 new YA release of their choice!!

So sign up, write something, and have a chance to win!

**Please forgive my absence yesterday. It was...crazy.**

Bunch of Stuff and Stuff

2011-02-07T08:00:00.030-06:00

Back to work after a LONG snow break. Was touch and go there for a little while when the snacks ran out and the wii remote almost died. But I survived without eating a cat. Hurray!

Today is for just a few odds and ends:

Tracy at Forever Endeavor has started an online book club! The first one this month is My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent. If you have read it already, you have a free month. If you haven't get it read by February 25th and join her discussion! Head on over for more details and just to check her out!

~
J.C. Martin, amazingly lovely writer/blogger, awarded me this award!!

The (optional) rules for accepting this award:

Thank the person who awarded you and link back to them. CHECK
Share 7 things about yourself. CHECK
Award 5 recently discovered great bloggers, and notify them of the nomination! CHECKISH

1. I sleep with my eyes open sometimes... Often...
2. I don't like South Park. It isn't that I don't think it's funny, because it is. I just don't care for it.
3. I would prefer to wear flip-flops year round. Or go barefooted. Damn snow...
4. I have never seen Hellraiser, though I want to. But I'm kind of bitter about it. One of my HS boyfriends used to call me Pinhead because of all my piercings. Even though at the time I had none in my face. So, I have never "gotten around" to watching it.
5. There is a constant scissor war in my house. We have at least 7 pair, but it doesn't matter.
6. I have to make the bed every night before I can get in it. It's a thing.
7. I like birds in general, watching them outdoors, feeding them seed outdoors, but I don't like owning birds.

I'd like to pass it on to these ladies who's blogs I have recently fallen in love with:
Ellie Garrat
Ann @ Inkpots n' Quills
Jemi Fraser
Kristina Fugate
Kimberly Franklin

~
I am going through all my posts and deleting pictures that aren't mine or crediting them. It is taking a little while but I will feel better when it's done!

I was getting a lot of traffic on one particular picture that would have been cool EXCEPT it had nothing to do with writing and I was getting page views but I HIGHLY doubt any followers came from it. Because it had nothing to do with writing. Or YA. Or anything really...it was just a silly picture that people can't help but clicking on when they see it in Google images.

ANYWAY, all that to say, I'm being safe rather than sorry and deleting most pictures that aren't mine or crediting them. AND just FYI, apparently, even if the signature is in the picture of whoever it belongs to, that is not sufficient credit. I have not had any run-ins on this but people have and I'd rather not.

~
THIS article cracked me up on What If the Best Picture Nominee Posters Actually Told the Truth?

By Eric Larnick

~
HERE are 2 video tributes to the greatest fictional bands ever. THEY ARE!! (although, I thought Spinal Tap was real?) They have the weird alien guys from Star Wars that just play that one song, The Soggy Bottom Boys, Plavalaguna(Fifth Element FTW) and so many others!

~
And lastly, I have a question, how many of you all that don't get replies to your comments emailed to you come back and check to see if a blogger replied? I'm HORRIBLE at doing that! I think I have sent thousands of emails to that damn no-reply address.

So, if you all do check back in and I never answered you, I'M SORRY! But you probably have an e-mail in that no-reply box somewhere...SO, do you all check back here and I should feel like an ass? And more importantly, why don't you want replies emailed to you? Cause...it makes life easier...for me, I mean. ;)

Happy Monday!

F.F. is Just a Tad Innapropriate

2011-02-04T08:00:00.029-06:00

"The neighbors have their latin music up really loud again."-Me. "Well we'll just have to blast the most american music out there, then."-hubs. "Skynard?"-Me. "Yea. No! Steve Miller Band."-hubs.

Don't you hate it when you're almost done with a drink, you're throwing back the last of it, and an unidentified thing slides into your mouth too quickly to catch what it is/if it is part of the drink? No? Me either...

Hate people that don't say "thank you"!!!

This is a bit old. I first saw it on Jenny B. Jones blog last year. But I just love to see that fat cat slide into that damn box!

Hilariously inappropriate!

The wonderfully kind, creative, generous, and talented Kristal Shaff created a new banner for my new look! What do you all think?! I love it! Thank you so much Kristal!!

Who got a 6 day weekend this week? This gal? Yep. This gal.

Happy Friday! Have a great weekend!

Writery Wednesday Where You Find Me In HELL

2011-02-02T08:00:00.021-06:00

Yes. I am in hell.

Today, I'm sorry to remind you(myself) that this blogs' purpose was initially all about documentation and for helping others who find themselves with the same problems know they are not alone.

Now, I enjoy entertaining more than I enjoy blabbling about the same ol crap that has me down(or up) about my MS. But, quite honestly, I'm feeling guilty for abusing Abby as my go-to-email-crit-partner-bitch-buddy. (I'm the bitcher, obviously not Abby) And now must abuse you. As it is Writery Wednesday, I want to open up about my writing a bit and where I am in the process.

I'm in the midst of revisions on a novel I don't believe in as it stands. It is hell to me. The part of hell that you only hear about happening but don't ever believe that could happen to you. I hate my novel. I have been working on it for over a year and I have this pain in my chest that is trying to make me believe that all that work was for nothing.

But I can't believe that. I have had some of the best eyes I know on it, probing it, helping to make it shine. And I know how to write, dammit. I am a good writer. I didn't start out that way and by no delusional dream do I believe that this novel is well written through and through. I know there is work to be done. And I know I can make it awesome. It just took me a while to learn how.

I'm still learning every day but, I just want to say that I'm finding my love for this story again. This time last week it was gone and I was ready to abandon ship for a new shiny idea. But, being snowed in and running out of distractions made me face my beast. And I am finding the love again.

Thanks to Writers Knowledge Base I have also found that this is a common thing among writers. We love it, we hate it, we love it, we hate it. It's a freaking WiP yo-yo. It's exhausting. And I think I could have been done with my revisions by now if I wasn't on the downer part of my yo-yo trip. But I am holding on to hope that the fire will return, my passion for this one will be reignited, and my novel will be great! Dammit...How hot is that guy? I mean, yea you can't see his face but...umm...what is the problem? ANYWAY

So, when do you love it again?

Well, no search engine in the world could tell you that. It just happens. You find something about it you loved and realize that you still love the whole thing. You wrote it for a reason, you loved it for a reason in the first place. And the reason is still there, it never left. Your MS is loyally waiting for you to love it again, too. It's you(me) that has the problem. Not the MS.

SUBJECT CHANGE!

Yesterday I wasn't able to make my usual rounds. I do sincerely apologize to everyone!! But it was a beautiful snow day. I slept in a little, snacked a bit, revised a bit more, let the 5 kitties explore the snow(that was seriously a very short bit..they thought it was pretty evil after...5 minutes...when they realized the white fluffy was actually cold and wet), did a bunch of laundry, and changed up my hair a bit.

Tomorrow I will probably be snowed in again (my vacation days are pretty low now...) but without laundry (praying the cat doesn't piss on my bed again...thank goodness for thick blankets or he would be a homeless boy if he ruined my barely 6 month old mattress!) and hair, I can work harder on my novel and see you all!

In other news, the amazing blogger Donna Weaver @ Weaving a Tale or Two presented me among several awesomes to receive The Versatile Blogger Award! Thanks so much Donna! (duties have been done to this one.)

Happy Wednesday! Set a fire!

It's A One Of A Kind Michelle McLean Monday!

2011-01-31T08:00:00.007-06:00

Today I hand over The Journey to the lovely and talented Michelle McLean!

Colene asked me about my journey…how I got where I am today.

I started the way a lot of writers do…with a first novel and a mother who was certain it would soon be featured on Oprah. I didn’t have quite the conviction she did, but I’d always wanted to be an author, ever since I was little. I had a bit of a “why not” moment. Sure it was a dream…one that I had a pretty slim chance of achieving. But I definitely wasn’t going to reach it if I didn’t try. So I did.

Got some requests. Even more rejections. Found writer friends and crit groups. Revised over and over. Submitted again. Got more requests. And even more rejections.

Somewhere along the line I started a blog. I wanted to put good, helpful, informational posts on my blog so I started a series of How To posts on writing poetry. I got such a great response I expanded to essays and papers and different aspects of fiction writing.

In doing some refresher research for the writing posts, it drove me nuts that so many guidebooks and websites out there either listed the rules and left it at that, or filled their instructions with so much overly complicated and technical information that even I had a hard time understanding it.

My writer buddies encouraged me to turn my blog posts into a book. I wasn’t sure about that idea :) But memories of helping my sister and brother with their papers kept coming back to me. They knew what they needed to do. They had all the rules, they knew the basic process. But they had no idea how to get from A to B. They didn’t know how to start, how to implement those rules.

I came up with an outline, wrote several chapters, tackled a non-fiction proposal and query letter and started submitting. After shopping an unsuccessful novel, I was ready for a long, hard road. But things actually happened pretty quickly. The day my agent, Krista Goering, read my proposal she contacted me to set up a phone call. After speaking with her, I knew we’d be a good match, so I withdrew my proposals from the rest of the agents who had them and signed with her.

We started submitting to publishers, waited and waited and waited some more, and after several months, received an offer from Career Press. A year later, here we are :)

Michelle McLean is a writer and the Chief Editorial Consultant for PixelMags, LLC. In addition to her non-fiction work, Michelle writes YA historical novels and other children’s books. If she's not editing, reading or chasing her kids, she can usually be found in a quiet corner working on her next book.

Homework Helpers: Essays and Term Papers is a fun, user-friendly book that guides the reader, step by step, through writing a dozen different types of essays, including the dreaded SAT essay. Using straightforward, plain English, this book shows the reader exactly what they need to do, from start to finish, and includes rough draft, edited, and final draft versions of every type of essay discussed. This book also provides chapters that include tips and instruction on researching, proofreading, and citations.

Here are all the wonderful places you can find Michelle or her wonderful book!

My website

My blog

Operation Awesome Blog

Thanks SO much Michelle!! Congratulations!!

F.F. Where We Never Truly Grow Up

2011-01-28T08:00:00.001-06:00

I...okay, I love CollegeHumor.com. But I haven't been a big ritualistic checker. Until recently. I have gotten so many snickers from that place. (some of it is stupid but what website doesn't have a bit of stupid?) So today is all about the silly things/awesome things on Collegehumor.com that make us realize we will never grow up. And things can still be giggle worthy and magically amazing!

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

I like this version better.

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

UGH! This makes me feel like a failure at LIFE!

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor

Two hot guys playing schmexy instruments to an awesome song!

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

HERE is an interesting article on a new study that says they can alter bad memories while you sleep.

BUT most importantly, I need you all the head on over to my dear friend and one of my crit partners, Abby Minard today and show her some much needed love! For every comment she will donate a dollar to her favorite charity Soles4Souls!

Happy Friday everyone!

Erica and Christy Mugfest! Come see my pretty mug!

2011-01-27T08:00:00.027-06:00

Okay, so what is fuzzy nerds is that I tried to take a picture of this mug with my bright and shiny camera that I got for Christmas. And it died. Which wouldn't be an issue if I had a charger. Because, you see, my mom bought me that camera after hours of scouring the internet. Had it shipped to her that arrived just in the nick of time. The UPS guy was so nice to put it behind the fence because she wasn't home so it wouldn't be seen from the road and get stolen. And then. My aunts dog DESTROYED the box.

I mean, there are teeth marks in the little arm strap the dog got so close to chewing the camera. Luckly, the pup missed the camera and important bits, EXCEPT for the charger. Chewed it to bits... So long story short, you get camera phone mug instead of a good one.

Sorry.

When I signed up for the Mugfest hosted by the AMAZINGLY wonderful Erica and Christy, I thought I was going to picture my Destin mug that I use to keep my keys, plastic pirate knife that I use for a letter opener, and pens in on my desk at work. But then I remembered this one:

Not too bad quality, right? Meh.

Anyway, this is my mug. It isn't pretty. It isn't one of a kind in this house. It has many brothers and sisters in the cupboard and boxed in the garage. (we only have 3 or so in the house because neither of us drink coffee and don't want to waste the space) It doesn't function as a normal coffee mug should. And it isn't in danger of anyone else wanting to use it and there for causing me to have to smack a biotch.

But it is special to me. It gets pulled out from under the sink when I need to get my head out of writing. When I just can't think of one more work to put down that makes sense. It helps. I day dream and paint with my mug. Which actually helps with writing!

Oh, yea. And one of my tattoo tubes lives in it too. I don't actually have a good reason why...it's just easier to leave it in the mug in the kitchen under the sink... There is a long story about the tattoo stuff in my house but I don't want to bore anyone who might not care.

We may not drink coffee ever or even hot chocolate very much. But mugs still have a purpose!

So hop on over to THIS post at check out all the other awesome mugs!

The Touch plus Word Verification Game Round II

2011-01-26T07:30:00.001-06:00

Roman Numerals make everything look more bad ass. Wait...much more bad ass?

I am elbow deep in some of my last revisions on this particular novel. (hopefully) And the whole time I'm editing I'm panicking. Terrifying questions keep popping in my head with every word I change or take out.

Thankfully, I'm FINALLY confident in the story. And pleased with the new scene I added and the change to the beginning I have made. But the nagging questions about everything else keep tormenting me.

How do you know where editing ends and butchering begins?

What is to stop you from cutting up your baby in the quest to publication perfection so badly that it is unrecognizable?

And how can you tell if the carving is for the better or you have just destroyed your baby?

And what is even worse, I'm suspicious that the answers will be similar to "you just know" or some vague, unhelpful crap like that.

The panic may be over nothing. But. What if it isn't?

Ah, well. Here is another round of WV!(not to be confused with VD) I think it will become a regular thing around here, unless you guys don't like it?

So tell me, anyone seen any good word verifications of their own lately?

Author Elizabeth Spann Craig and Mike Fleming teamed up on the creation of the best writer's resources on the web, Writers Knowledge Base. It is a search for all the things writery related that you may need to search in your own journey with writing! Awesome, right!? Yes.

Happy Wednesday!

Weirdo Monday

2011-01-24T08:00:00.011-06:00

I like weird news. It's actually the only news I'm happy to read most of the time. So today I wanted to share with you some weird news going around the internet lately. And you are free to click whatever you find interesting!

HERE is a story about a fox who shot his hunter in the leg. Right on you fuzzy little bastard.

UNDERPANTS that give men more booty.

THERE is a woman who likes to eat foam couch cushions. *snicker*

Awe a CROCODILE ate a cellphone and now is feeling listless and in pain. I hope they can help him!

You can all keep your HICKEYS away from me. I want no stroke like this woman.

THIS Great Dane was rescued from a ravine after 16 days of being stuck! Not weird so much as just amazingly great news for the pretty pup!

A woman finds 280,000$ worth of drugs in a vacuum.

Going to prison in RUSSIA wont be so bad for your tan pretty soon.

A SWISS village is calling in on a 1904 law that says they can kill your pup if you don't pay.

THIS woman is arrested for "slapping" a horse. Wait, I'm sorry, a POLICE horse.

Some dream of a Disney wedding, on the beach, by the Niagara Falls, in a huge chapel. And, apparently, some would be happy with a MCDONALDS wedding in Hong Kong.

VAMPIRE flying frog discovered. Also a SOLAR powered hornet has been discovered. We're doomed.

HERE you can see the top 10 discoveries of 2010. Pretty damn cool!

The Austria OBAMA robber hits banks.

Man tries to sell FAKE gold to a police chief. Derrrp.

Fake ER VALET steals a pregnant woman's car. What a jerk.

I highly suggest looking into weird news if you don't already. Otherwise you miss out on some...gems. *snicker* Heard any strange news lately?

Happy Monday!

F.F. Is Where the F stands for...

2011-01-21T08:00:00.009-06:00

I'm sorry you guys, but my hubs rocks. I'm tempted to go so far as to say...my husband rocks harder than yours does. (ladies) and...is better than you guys.(dudes)...yep.

Insight #2:Thanks to the snow and one derp driver who slammed on his breaks in front of me, my car is stranded in a ditch. It's my punishment for attempting to get to work. Pft. Won't try that again...

That's my car. I couldn't get pulled out because I was scared to make the 10 min drive back home. I was half way between work and home and I chickened out. I couldn't bring myself to admit out loud I was too scared to try. So I left my car there. Cyrus spent the night in a cold dark ditch because I'm a baby.

On top of that, I called the hubs to come get me and we got lost on the way home because we couldn't get through that spot. (too many cars had gone off road) So a 10 minute drive turned into an hour.

And then, I get home and had to wash poo out of one cats butt fur. (TMI? Yea. Was for me too.)

But, I guess it could have been worse...

This week I found a mashup of 2 awesome things that I love for some, weird, inexplicable reason.
Fred & iCarly!

In a rut? This guy can help. (profanity.)

Cutest kitteh evah! (I always wanted a scottish fold!)

Lastly, a prank.

Happy Friday! Have a great weekend!

Part II Of AbCoJen Sandwich

2011-01-19T20:01:00.002-06:00

Can be found HERE with the lovely and talented friend, Donea Lee! Go dudes!!

Secondly: I haven't made it to any blogs today. I am so sorry for that but tomorrow I will be back on my game! Please forgive today, though. It has been crazy!

Thanks for sticking with me even when I have an off day!!

Writery Wed with N.R. Williams!

2011-01-19T08:00:00.014-06:00

Thanks to Yahoo being a total a**hat Tuesday I was able to write my knew scene for INTO that I mentioned on Monday! So, umm, thanks Yahoo for not letting me obsessively check, read, and respond to emails! (conflicted-woot!)

But today really isn't about me. (shocker)

Fellows, today I am taking a break and handing The Journey over to the lovely and talented Nancy Williams or N.R. Williams, Fantasy Author. Her novel The Treasures of Carmelidrium is out! Follow the book link to purchase on Kindle!

Nancy is also giving it away to 3 lucky duckies who enter her contest! Woot! Free stuff!!

She has put together an interview with her villain, Renwyk for us!! So I hope you will all enjoy and leave her some love! See you all Friday!

Now enjoy some Nancy!

Interview with the Antagonist, (villain), Renwyk, Lord of the Symberveen.

Thank you Colene for letting me continue my blog book tour for “The Treasures of Carmelidrium,” with you today. As you can see, we have a special line-up today. We have Renwyk with us.

Q. Renwyk, why are you referred to as “the Lord of the Symberveen?”

Renwyk: I have lived among these beasts all my life and know how to communicate with them.

Q. Do you mean like someone who is referred to as a “horse whisperer?”

Renwyk: I have never heard such a term before. “Horse whisperer.” This must be a special talent indeed. Perhaps I will meet this person. They would make for a good stable hand. I have the same psychic abilities as the symberveen; only, I can control my abilities while the symberveen are just beast and cannot control them.

Q. Do you mean you are clairvoyant?

Renwyk: I don’t prescribe to visions of ghost. There is much more to my psychic abilities than running into cold mists. I can speak to the symberveen, give them ideas, interfere with their normal behavior. It is thrilling in many ways.

Q. There are rumors that you intend to start a war. Is that true?

Renwyk: I have made plans for the future, but I will not discuss them with you.

(He frowns. When he did this he got a dangerous, predatory cat like look on his face and began to study me with cold grey eyes. I shivered).

Q. I noticed that everyone here dresses in black. Why is that?

Renwyk: I prefer black. It is simple and doesn’t distract my staff from their duties.

Q. Your staff resembles soldiers.

(He leaned forward in his chair and grabbed my arm. An electric tingle sizzled through my body. I pulled away).

Renwyk: The resemblance to soldiers is simple. There are more men in the north than women.

(I knew this to be a lie. He was clearly hiding something).

Q. Have you heard of America?

Renwyk: America? What is that?

Q. It is a country in an alternate world.

Renwyk: How did you come to learn about this alternate world? You clearly have some powers that I don’t. Perhaps you would like to join my army. (He grabbed my arm, twisted it as he stood, came to me and touched my head…ahhh).

I’m sorry, the interview was abruptly cut off while our interviewer lost and Renwyk seized her mind. He has great powers.

I hope you enjoyed this encounter. I’ll be by all day to answer your questions so please leave a comment and don’t forget about my e-book giveaway.

N. R. Williams (Nancy)

Thanks Nancy!

You can also check out a review of Nancy's book from Summer Ross @ My Inner Fairy today!

Happy Wednesday!

Get mad. Then fix it. And be jealous

2011-01-17T08:00:00.022-06:00

Rachna @ Rachna's Scriptorium honored me with the Fair Dinkum award! This one has taken off since L'Aussie made it! Thank you so much Rachna! If you don't know her, you need to. She writes some awesome posts!

Liz Pezzuto @ 8-Bit Words gifted me with the Versatile Blogger award! Oh...I do love this one. And Liz is such an awesome blog buddy to know! Know her!! Thanks Liz!!

This is unusual for me. But I thought it would be educational for all of you to see what $70.00 worth of books looks like.

You're welcome.

It was a great weekend for using gift cards.

And being interviewed! It always blows my mind when people want to know more about me. I always want to ask if they're high...But, you all truly flatter me. Thank you!

Abby, my fantabulous crit parter (whom I really want to send roses now. And money. And chocolates), just saved my MS from the flames this weekend. There I am, plugging in all the edits from the last round of critiques(from Abby herself) and it hits me like a 2x4.

I HATE THE BEGINNING OF MY NOVEL!! It's a year old. I'm coming up to the finish line. I'm almost done and ready to query and now...I hate it.

So I sent her a panicked email. And waited.

Just my luck, she worked all day and wasn't able to check emails till I had already stewed in my hate and desire to set it on fire for a good day.

And then she responds with...heaven.

All my tension...POOFT...

Because until she replied I had no idea what I hated. I just hated it all. The first 3-4 chapters, I just wanted them to die a horrible, painful death.

But she made me realize where I had gone wrong.Why it didn't work. (Lack of motivation for my MC to do what she needed to do. Yea I gave her a reason to think about it but not a reason to push her off the cliff, so to speak. A year ago it seemed like what I did give her was enough. Now, I know better. And I could tell it wasn't enough. Made me hate it.) AND, if that wasn't enough of a relief, she gave me a way to fix it!!( Hooray for awesome crit partners!!!(THANK YOU ABBY!)

But, it all made me realize something else: A year ago, two years ago I had no one but my best friend who I could email panicked. And, while I love her to pieces, she isn't a writer and would have only been able to reassure me that it wasn't garbage and...that's it. I would have felt better about it, after that, but I would have been no closer to solving the problem.

This blogger world of writers, where everyone I have ever met on here is awesome, saved my MS!

I don't like to brag, but this Monday I couldn't resist. I had to brag on my lovely book pile, and my incredible crit partner friend, and all the amazing interviews I was asked to do.

I just had to brag on how much you all lit up my life. And how much I sincerely care and appreciate all of you guys. I haven't met a one of ya I didn't like yet!

Thank you. Again.

ABBYMEJEN SANDWICH!

2011-01-16T11:40:00.001-06:00

Today you'll find me smooshed between two of the most awesome chicks I know on the internet!! (Abby Minard and Jen Daiker!! Duh...)

And the interviewer is another fantastically amazing blogger chick friend!!

Donea Lee, THE QUEEN OF PROCRASTINATION, has us up on part I of her interview!

GO!

Forgetful Fail!

2011-01-14T12:50:00.001-06:00

I completely had a blonde moment!

I'm interviewed on Michelle Merrill's blog today!! Woop!

Go check her out, she is such an awesome writer blogger! Go know her!

Oh, and the hubs found my blog all on his own!! *waves*

***Facepalm* NOW there is a link. Thanks Lisa!

F.F. where you can't spell Opossum without the Oh.

2011-01-14T08:00:00.020-06:00

I was both shocked and unsurprised with the word verification game on Wed! Shocked, because some definitions won that I didn't expect. Shocked because of how many people claimed to have enjoyed it and asked I do a repeat! (which I will be!)

Unsurprised because of the ones I knew would win.

And then shocked again because I don't think the program can do math...that or I'm a little confused. Sometimes the percentages, well more often than just one or two, they didn't add up to 100%. The ones that were off were always off by 1%. Is that normal? Confused face.

Unimportant!! Important: YOU. Thank you for enjoying it and playing along with me!!

On to funny things!

When is someone getting intentionally tasered and having a completely random response NOT funny?

That's right. Never not funny.

Did you know there was a cross eyed opossum on facebook? Well...there is. Do with that what you will. Apparently Heidi is an "internet sensation" and a zoo celebrity in Germany or some junk.

I'm just stunned. I mean, I could have conked one of those furry lil suckers on the head as they hissed at me and ate my stray cat's food so hard I crossed their eyes and made them a celebrity? Nuts...

heeeeere kitty kitty kitty...

HERE is a SHOCKINGLY hilarious bit of awesome photo that Beth Revis is responsible for highlighting. I laughed. Twice. Like, read it and laughed. Then read it again right after and laughed again.

Quinn at Seeing, Dreaming...Writing awarded me the Fair Dinkum award! I love this one. It's so fun. Thank you so much Quinn!

Madeleine at Scribble and Edit gave me the Stylish Blogger Award!! Thank you Madeleine. You rock!!

Getting any award always makes me feel so special. Validation always does, doesn't it?!

This show never fails to make me laugh. It's just so silly. 5 minutes to spare, I hope you'll check it out!

Umm...

Okay, well. We're going to watch Despicable Me! So, you all have an awesome weekend and I will catch you back here Monday!

**Despicable Me was awesome!

Define that word

2011-01-12T07:30:00.038-06:00

I have so much fun with word verification, as I have surely mentioned a jillion times. And, because I want to share my love with you, and hopefully SHOW you why I have fun with the annoying little buggers, I made a game.

Game is, simple enough: Define That Absurd Word!

Yea, it sucks having to decipher some of them. Yea it's a b**** when you don't see the word verification in time and close the window, thinking you have just commented, just as it pops up to taunt you.

But when they cooperate, it's just a little bit of fun to think of what the crap that word would ever mean. It's stupid, it's pointless, but isn't it nice to be easily amused?

***

A thanks to Abby Minard, my amazing crit partner, for the Bee elle oh gee award! It made my day to know I could make someone smile! And then to get the proof to show off like it was diamonds was pretty killer too! Thanks Abby!

Passing it on to:
Katrina L. Lantz
Erica and Christy
Jennie Bailey
Shannon Whitney Messenger

Okay, another award!! WHOOTTTT!! This one comes from Katrina L. Lantz!!!! Who is just a big bucket of awesome ALL THE TIME. Thank you Katrina!!

With this one I give you 7 things you didn't know about me(I hope): 1. my hubs got his hair cut Tuesday AND shaved down his beard from mountain man to distinguished business man without me knowing he was going to. I get home and seriously, no shittin', had a weird moment where I felt like I was cheating on my husband by kissing this sexy sexy man in my bedroom. Had to wonder if I had gotten in a serious accident on my way home and kissing a sexy stranger was going to be comma dream.

2. I HATE dark chocolate. HATE HATE HATE. Until I found Brookside Dark Chocolate Pomegranate. NOM! (but still hate DC)

3. Can't live without a throw on my couch. My mom told me recently that it is just expected of me to have a blanket wrapped around me. At the time I was on the couch. Wrapped in a Jack Sparrow-faced throw. It's just as good as it sounds, to be wrapped in a blanket with Johnny Depps face.

4. Just found out I ~~had~~ have 3 coats in the back seat of my car. That have been there since last year. I was going to bring them in but...who am I kidding, they will just end up back there in no time. I'm really just saving myself some work, bringing them back out.

5. "There's nothing sexier than a bread winner"(King of the Hill shout out!) is something ever man should know. And, whats more, UNDERSTAND.

6. I miss raising litters of kittens much more than I hated waking up ever 2 hours to bottle feed them. (cat sanctuary in my future where I can educate people on cat matters, home strays and unwanted, and save lil kitty lives!)

7. I have NEVER eaten Ben and Jerry's *sigh* It's just never come up.

Tada! Things about me!

This one goes to:
Jules Ausborn
W.B. @ Voltaire
Abby Minard
B.E. Sanderson

HERE is a repost by Rachelle Gardner that I liked about how to not get an agent.

HERE is a post by Shannon Whitney Messenger that seriously made me want to climb through the computer, surf the web, pop out on her side, and give her a hug. I thought I understood querying. And I did get the formula and the layout. But what I have been struggling with is my own hook and HOW to do it right.

Welp, my friends, she answered it for me!! Couldn't have been more thrilled to have that "AHA!" moment! Definitely good timing. I know so many of you are querying too this year, like me, and could use it. (you see why she needs an award!?)

Happy Wednesday!

It's Here! And All Across the Blogaverse

2011-01-11T11:11:00.013-06:00

Banner made by Jeremy @ Novel Thoughts

She's on Facebook, Twitter, her blog, her website, and the official Across the Universe website!!

As well as Penguin blowing her up on Penguin Teen Facebook, Penguin Twitter, and the Penguin Website!!!

On her Acrosstheuniversebook.com website you can explore the amazing, imaginative space ship Godspeed yourself!! Believe you me, it is a fun exploration!

My favorite part of the ship was going to be the greenhouse until I tried to click on Eldest quarters and it cracked me up. All you get is Access Denied! I love it!

It has got to be the coolest book site I have seen in a looooong time!

Today she has exploded into the world. Forever ATU will remain a sensation because it is truly an AWESOME novel!

And here is an interview with the lovely lady!

HERE you should be able to find a 111pg excerpt from the novel if you're in the reading mood. It will only be alive from 11:11 am- 11:11pm eastern on 1.11.11!!

HERE you can buy your own!

You wont be sorry for picking this one up. It is wonderful!! Though I have read it already, I do plan on owning my very own copy asap!

Happy Tuesday!

It's my birfday

2011-01-10T08:00:00.024-06:00

And my first present, though he didn't know it was, Kindros posted THIS on his blog in honor of Wash, my love of all Firefly loves.

It's Sunday night, and I was sure I had a post all ready to go. Until I checked, just to make sure. Womp Womp. I didn't.

But that's okay because it IS my birthday.

(Lord_Voldemort7 declared Sunday Snapes birthday. So, I thought this was fitting to borrow.)

AND my mom took me to a movie that fits into writing. Unfortunately.

My desire to review movies is equal to my desire to review books.(very low) Those of you that are here that review either or, I tip my stylish, always appropriate hat to you. It's difficult.

And I'm not doing it now either. But we did see a movie that opened my eyes to how becoming a better writer can taint things. It sounds like a good thing but it really boils down to having your eyes opened to something that was never a problem. In other words: poorly written movies.

I always loved most all movies. Even bad ones. I credit that to not knowing why it's bad. I used to not be able to pinpoint what made a bad movie. If you don't know WHY something isn't very good it's always easier to forgive.

But, after that movie, I realized I understood where they went wrong(flat characters, lacking real motivation, things just happened because they needed the story to go there not because it was the natural direction, dialogue fizzzzzzzle, etc.) That has me both sad and proud.

They had a great story. REALLY interesting IMO. I was so excited to see what they did with it. But then...they took a great idea and ran it into the ground! FAST.

Big names, awesome story premise. And then it was like watching a dude fall who's parachute didn't open. (which I have seen. He was, miraculously, okay btw.) You just had to cringe. Groan. Sigh. Then laugh because there was just nothing else you could do. (we didn't laugh at the skydiver who crashed down in front of us)

I have no point here except to warn all aspiring authors to be prepared for a change in vision when it comes to books and movies as your skill grows.

Oh well. I still can't say I hated it. My soft spot for bad movies has not hardened at least, no matter what crime they committed against a good plot.

I didn't make it to anyone this weekend! Which really bummed me out! My internet was so screwed up at the house the whole time. Again.

I'm ready to switch providers over it. It happens too often...But no matter, it started back up fine on
Sunday so I'm less moody. And excited to read up on you all!

Hope you all have a great day back! It snowed like a mother last night! I love to look at it but I hate driving in it. It is SO SCARY! But I know everywhere else has had much worse snow lately than what we got here so I have no room to complain I suppose.

Happy Monday!

Funny Friday with a little somethin' somethin'

2011-01-07T08:00:00.000-06:00

Ah, Friday again and, as usual I have collected a few funnies for you!

But first, is it just me or does Nicolas Cage just look like Nicolas Cage in a costume rather than looking like he belongs in the particular story to which he is playing a character in movies lately? (practicing my unnecessarily long sentences for Elena Solodow's 100 words for $100 contest)

And I want to present my entry! Words to Elena. (zing)

There wasn't a whole lot I could do because, before I realized what was going on, Jo Jo the rhesus monkey had already stolen that guy’s watch and was running up the street, across pedestrians heads, toward the horizon where I swear I saw an eight foot guy holding up a banana which, surely, was what the monkey was after, so I can only wonder what was so special about the watch that the circus freak had to have a monkey rob a stranger, but either way, you can see why there was nothing I could do in the end.

Epic has been banned? Why was there no vote on this? I should have been contacted! Harumph.

Cutest Bebeh evah!

HERE are 11 Smart Tips for Brilliant Writing.

The world is full of blogfests! But this one is simple, it's fun, and there are prizes! Erica and Christy are asking for your mugs!

Did you guys see this homeless man with the amazing voice!? The videos of him speaking for money on the side of the road got him job offers with HUGE names and house offers! How cool!? He seems like a pretty awesome dude too. Very honest about going down the wrong road and making the mistakes that landed him homeless. Just thought it was a cool story. Good for him! (the video of his voice is at the bottom of the article)

Phyllis Sweetwater over at The Epitome gave me one of my favorite awards! The Versitile Blogger one. I love that one. So green and pretty. Ah...THANK you Phyllis! I love it! As my duties to the award have already been done, I just wanted to give her a shout out and a thank you in public!

Quinn over at Seeing, Dreaming...Writing gave me the Life is Good award!! I love the pinky sunshinyness of this one. It's so bubbly and sweet. Again, I have done my duties to it and just wanted to shout it out to him for being a lovely bit of awesome sauce!!

Lastly, you know what can make any bad day better? Looking at the search words that got you blog traffic. And here is why:

Search Keywords

"will work for prom dress" <--HA! What!? Awesome. Earn that shiz ladies!

colene writer <--Whooo! I'm gonna just pretend you were looking for me, the writer and not the actual published Colene...

how to crack spontanious joke <--also gonna pretend I am so awesome at this that you can find only me that way.

my lof is creepy <--can someone tell me what a "lof" is and why it wouldn't be creepy?

ladies that are sexy and i can see there bubs and weeners <-- yea. I am so calling you out for this one, dooder....WHAT!?!

Happy Friday!!

Ketchup

2011-01-05T08:00:00.027-06:00

Since Monday was all about book love, blogger love, etc today will be my catch up with you all post. Then next week we will return to regular schedule. Aren't you thrilled!? (act thrilled)

Novels finished editing: 2

Movie watched thanks to new Netflix: Cop Out, Julie & Julia(the part where agents, editors, and publishing houses were calling Julie made me want to puke with jealousy), Ponyo, Fame, Christmas Vacation, Ugly Truth,Vanity Fair, Repo! The Genetic Opera, Meet Me in St. Louis, When in Rome, Serenity, Did You Hear About The Morgans?

Movies watched thanks to friends visit: Toy Story 3, The Host, Dead Girl(STAY AWAY! BAD! JUST TERRIBLE), Shrek 4, Reincarnation(we have a thing for Asian horror movies. LURV) Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader, and Easy A are the ones I remember.

Shows watched due to Netflix: River Monsters, Pushing Daisies Season 1/part of Season 2, Hoarders, Dexter Season 1, Obsessed, Taboo, finished Firefly (IT WAS ONLY ONE SEASON!?), The Dick van Dyke show (also caught up on V but just on the regular tv)

Querys tweeked: 1

Gifts recieved: 2 digital cameras (one went back and was replaced by a Wii), box of random/awesome treasures from one aunt, socks (at my request), gloves (amr), new pj's(amr), the bamboo(which you already knew about) Netflix 6 mo.(which you knew), and a gift card to one of my favorite movie/book/music haunts. Ah.

Book read for previously posted review: 1

Besides all that, it was an amazing time with my husband and mother. Very small Christmas this year but nonetheless special.

Now, it's back to work, back to regular blogging schedule, and back to regular routine of life. Ho. Hum.

HERE is the funniest blog I have ever seen in my whole life. Never a dull story or how to or advice on there. AND complete with cartoons to heighten the reading adventure! That link will actually take you to one post, The Awkward Situation Survival Guide. But you can check out all the other posts easily. (with over 40,000 followers, you know it's a goody)

Did anyone else miss THIS awesome query on Query Shark???? AWESOME!

What did you all do/watch/see/make progress on while I was away? Did you have a good holiday?

Where I practice my evil laugh

2011-01-03T08:02:00.046-06:00

Ehem: Baaahahahahahaha! no no.

Aaaheeheehee. Nah. To witchy...

Maybe stick with a classic MWAHAHAHA. Yes. I like that.

Hello, welcome back! I missed you cats. But I did get a lot of work done. What I want to focus on today, though, is a few great people that all connect.

What do author Beth Revis, crazy awesome blogger Cinnamon , another awesome blogger Abby Minard, and myself have in common? Across the Universe maybe???

Indeed.

You see, I have been wanting, needing, ACHING to get my hands on an ARC of ATU for months. Cinnamon, the sweet and wonderful woman that she is, emailed me offering her copy up to me for nothing! Just cause!

So, in my desperation to squeal my delight to SOMEONE over this incredibly generous act, I email my bud Abby. And that all led to an idea that Abby gave a name. We call it our Tour de ARC: Across the Universe.

And the head, engine, heart of the train all started with (Beth Revis) But also....

CINNAMON ~On Writing, Books, and Being Toast!

Don't know her? You should! Check her out!! She's a lovely new blogger/writer that always has something awesome to say about books and writing. So head over and check her out!

Now about Across the Universe...what could I possibly have to say about THAT...?

IT WAS AWESOME!!

I don't review books. Nope. But this one, I have been so anxious to read and believe me, it wasn't a let down. I pride myself, I mean PRIDE myself, on being able to guess endings, plot twists, and who done its and whys. But, of all the MILLION of questions Beth Revis throws at you in ATU I got, MAYBE 2 right. That is crazy! I was surprised! Left on the edge of my seat! Dying to keep reading! It is a hit, my friends.

Go get your copy 1/11/11!

On top of that, I was one of the tons of winners of Beth Revis epic contest! So this holiday season was highlighted by this bunch of awesome:

Oh yea, that is a bunch of autographed swag.

MWAHAHAHA!

THANKS BETH!!!!

How you like the new camera? MWAHAHA. Ehem. Sorry. I get carried away.

Thanks Cinnamon!!

So the details of Tour de ARC: Across the Universe are this: The book will go on tour. It started in the talented hands of Beth, obviously, placed into the mits of Cinnamon, passed along to me, Abby should have it by now, and she will pass it along once she has read it.

Now, as of this moment, I have no idea where this book will travel next. And even when I do know, I really can't tell you. You will have to keep your eyes peeled on Abby's blog to see who the lucky recipient will be and also check on her thoughts of the book.

We're hoping to see how far the ARC can go--to what bloggers it will see before 1/11/11.

Is my vacation really over? It was so short seeming... I mean, I missed you all, I like my actual work-job and all, but...waking up after 10 became a special part of my life. We bonded, me and sleeping til after 10AM. A love affair like no other, I'd even say. Ah well.

HERE are 5 scientific reasons a Zombie Apocalypse could actually happen. (or so this guy says. But...he kinda makes a good argument.)

HERE are 10 writing resolutions you CAN fulfill.

Lastly, irrelevant to anything at all ever: my favorite word verification from this past week: hellyas. Coincidentally, it was on a post that totally needed a hellyas.

Come back Wednesday for some catch-up. Hope to see you there!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T10:00:00.011-06:00

I, like most bloggers, will be taking off until the first Monday in January to enjoy ~~my new Netflix subscription I got for Christmas from my awesome bosses~~ family and festivities.

Though my posts will be ZERO until the 3rd, I will probably be lurking around to whomever has decided to stay in posty-business! Yeay!!

I wish you all a wonderful, safe, happy holiday! And please believe me when I say how terribly grateful I am to know you all as much as I do and hope the next year to know even more!

Merry Christmas! Happy New Year and all that jazz!

Catch you all on the 3rd!

Ho Ho Ho, Jingley Balls

2010-12-22T08:00:00.047-06:00

Last day of my best's visit. Boo! Will be back full force tomorrow(Thursday. Seriously have missed you all. Hate to think about all the great stuff I have missed from you too...) Thanks for being so patient and wonderful!!

But,

IT'S CHRISTMAS WEEK! Hurray!!! Holidays!!!!

No Writery Wednesday this week. Most people are taking breaks, so I'll just use it to celebrate.

I'm off for the week after Christmas. Mandatory vacation(not a complaint) Intending to use it for writing things and NOT sleep till noon and watch daytime T.V. until I start foaming at the mouth. Nope. Definitely not that.

This Christmasy post could have been all about how I love to go light looking. How Christmas lights always brighten my holidays. And how the people right across from us put up some beautiful and TASTEFUL lights this year so every time I shuffle to the kitchen at night my whole room is full of red and green and gold loveliness.

It could have been about my favorite part of Christmas morning (no not the presents). The STOCKING. Why is this the best thing to "open"? No idea. It just is.

It also could be about the foo. OH THE HAM!!

How about the feeling in the air? The crisp ping, chance for snow/ice(gross) the necessity for a fireplace or the icicles (fake or real) sparkling from overhead? Nope. Not that either.

Or getting together with family and celebrating life and love and good things in the world.

Those of us who celebrate it for the birth of our Savior(though everyone knows by now that this isn't the actual time of year for it. I am aware of what really started it all, just like everyone else.), and that's an amazingly awesome thing for us too. And I love to remember the days when I was little and my mom would light a new candle until we got to the middle one on Christmas(eve?) She would read the story and we celebrate the life that was born to save billions. (no haters. BE NICE or BE SILENT)

Or even how I adore, no no no ADORE the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. My favorite Christmas music bunch EVER and how seeing them live is as amazing. And how these light shows, this music, and this song never ever ever get old:

But this Holiday Festive post is about none of those wonderful, amazing, fantastical things. Because I can't REALLY get into the spirit to appreciate all that without...

Elf.

Ah... Love it. Him. My favorite holiday movie. It puts me in the Christmas spirit every time. Not A Christmas Carol, A Christmas Story, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, or Miracle on 34th.

Actually. I kinda hate those movies. *ducks* It's not because they aren't good movies, it's just because they are tedious? Aren't...fun? Umm...no no not the right word...not peppy? No...no...bland? Okay...maybe if there was a word for all of those. Lemme think... Aha!

Tedlandull? Yup. That's the word.

I have just seen them to DEATH I guess. I'm sorry if you like them. I'm not TRYING to be insulting. Good movies. But my holiday film love goes to...

Elf. And Nightmare Before Christmas. And Scrooged. And The Santa Clause. And Christmas Vacation.. Ugh! Love em! Nonconventional Christmas movies rock my holiday light-up socks. Yes indeedy! (also Anne of Green Gables and The Sound of Music are also holiday MUSTS)

But Elf is by far my favorite Christmas themed movie. Cause I like smiling. Smiling's my favorite.

What is your favorite holiday movie?? What is that one thing you need to get your holiday mojo going? If you don't celebrate Christmas, what do you celebrate and what is your favorite thing about it?

Merry Christmas! And just remember these wise words:

"We're all in this together. This is a full-blown, four-alarm holiday emergency here. We're gonna press on, and we're gonna have the hap, hap, happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny fucking Kaye. And when Santa squeezes his fat white ass down that chimney tonight, he's gonna find the jolliest bunch of assholes this side of the nuthouse." - Clark W. Griswold.

Happy Wednesday!