Chick Lit Goddess

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And The Week Begins

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This week will start off busy, but that’s okay.

By the end of today I will (hopefully) have turned in another batch of edits to my editor and have written tomorrow’s blog.  I will have started on the loads of laundry that have been piling up, along with the other piles of clothes that we have (finally) unpacked this weekend.

Oh, Monday here you are to greet me with your glory.

(Yes readers, I’m STRESSED out).

This week consists of the following:

  •  Blogging, editing, starting my Nonfiction class from Gotham Writers’ Workshop, working on the assignments and preparing for my other GWW Mystery class which starts a week from Tuesday, writing an outline of some sort for NaNoWriMo, and of course the day-to-day wifely duties (laundry, dishes, shopping, this list never ends)!

Wish me luck!

Preparing for NaNoWriMo

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Like I announced on my LAST POST I will be participating in National Novel Writing Month.  I have a little over a month to prepare for this monthlong journey and I’m already panicking with preparation, so I’ve decided to make a list on what I need to do:

  • GET ALL THE NECESSARY ITEMS: Notepads for scratching down notes: legal-sized is best because it allows you more space to get creative.  Get a Mobile File Folding Cart.  This filing cabinet if wonderful!  It’s light and very portable.  (If all goes well I am planning on beginning my filing system soon).  Get a mini-notebook to keep with you at all times so if an idea pops in your mind all you have to do is write it down.  File Jackets have saved my life as far as keeping things organized.  These large folders are big enough (depending on if you get the large size) to put your legal-sized notepad in.  Of course you’ll need pens, but you will need an eraser.  Since I’m in the editing process, you will need an eraser, on you love.  HERE is a link to the eraser that I have.  Sticky Notes are my favorite item to use when writing, editing or jotting down reminders about your characters to place on your computer screen.  Write an outline for your novel.  If you’re like me, you probably are beginning to wonder what to write.  Using an outline will prevent you for completely stressing out and might help writer’s block stay away…or postpone his visit until you write your next book.
  • MAKE GOALS: Writing 50,000 words seems like a lot, but it averages to be around 1,650 words a day.  It doesn’t seem that bad once you see the number, right?  I’m not saying that there won’t be days when you can’t even write 500 because there will, and that’s okay.  You can create a writing schedule for yourself, similar to a To Do List.  Say you write 500 words a day at the least and if you don’t make it, make it up during the weekends.  Don’t worry, you can do it!
  • GET A SUPPORT GROUP: Having a friend or a writing support group during the month of November, can be a wonderful thing.  If you’re up for it, have them read what you’ve written and talk things over.  If you bounce thought between each other, most of the time you’ll be lucky enough to get a burst of inspiration.
  • PUMP YOURSELF UP: Get excited!  If you’ve never taken part in NaNoWriMo before but have always wanted to write a novel, this is your chance.  You can do it!  If you have, then remember how it felt when you finished writing your first book.
  • WAIT FOR IT TO BE 12:00:01 ON NOVEMBER 1st of 2011: Now that you’re ready, all you have to do is wait for time to pass.  Remember to breathe to calm your nerves.  It’s important to not stress before you get going.
  • WRITE: It’s time to start writing and by then end of the month, you’ll be able to say, “I wrote a book in a month!”

It’s That Time Again

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In just over a month National Novel Writing Month starts and I’m ready…I think!  While I was interested in it last year, I was more focused on finishing my first book.  Since I finished it in March and am in the editing process, I’m itching to get back to writing!  While some of you know I have started writing another book “Somewhere Down In Texas,” I have another story that I want to write even more.  That’s why I plan on participating in NaNoWriMo in November, 100%!  I’m very excited about it because it serve me new challenges!  In the beginning of October I will be taking a six-week Memoir class from Gotham Writers’ Workshop.  A week later starts my Mystery class also to be taken from GWW, though this course is ten weeks.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m horribly nervous and anxious about these challenges, but I’m also very excited!  I can’t remember when I’ve had so much going on at one time!  (Not to forget that birthdays, a girl weekend and Thanksgiving will be somewhere in between…imagine me pulling my hair out right now).

I hope to get through this with flying colors thanks to green tea, visits to the library, support from friends and family and of course wine!  Please know that if you don’t see me blogging as much don’t worry, I will be back once November is over with.

So, who’s going to join me during the National Novel Writing Month?

Sunday Reflections

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Mistakes can be erased...

Each Monday many people try to start things off right, maybe trying to erase their mistakes from the previous week and/or have had a burst of inspiration, or a talk with themselves.  Monday’s are for making things better, whether it’s emotional, physical or accomplishing tasks that need to be done.

Make A List!

Sunday’s are great days for making a list of what you want to do, goals to make and  a way to start fresh.  If I have several types of things that I need to get done, make lists for each category.  (Ex.: Writing, Family, Bills).  Now reflect back on what you didn’t do last week that you should have and make that top priority and write it all down.  No matter how little or how long the list is don’t worry, take it one step at a time.  It’s even okay to have a list to make time for yourself and put yourself on the list!  As you reflect, also think about your personal goals.  (Ex.: Walk every single day, drink eight cups of water, write blog entry before bed).

As you cross stuff off your list, you’ll notice that with each task completed, you will feel less stressed.  In doing so, for each three things you do, reward yourself.  I’m not saying go by yourself anything expensive, but you could go get your nails done, go out to dinner, buy yourself a bottle of wine, take a bubble bath…the rewards are endless!

Mystery Chick Lit! Do I Dare?

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As some of you might know I’ve been thinking about taking a Gotham Writers’ Workshop class on writing mysteries!  Now some might think that this is way out of my league, even I think that.  As I evaluated my DVR today, I realized that more than half of them are crime and mystery shows like CSI: Las Vegas, The Mentalist, NCSI: Los Angeles and at the extreme, Dexter, just to name a few.

I have only read one mystery and loved it, though I forgot the name of it or who it’s written by, but I was so intrigued and loved every minute of it.  I recall finishing it in two days.  That was ten years plus years ago and ever since then, I have been plotting a mystery in my head, but haven’t put any of it on paper.  Since I have had a lot of luck with Gotham Writers’ Workshop, last night I decided to sign up for the class that begins in early October.  To get myself started I began looking online for helpful mystery tips.  THIS was the best one that I found.  Since I am a Chick Lit writer in the making, I want to incorporate mystery into one my next books.  If you don’t know what that means, HERE’S the definition.  Now HERE is the best guide I could find how to write Mystery-Lit.  After reading this I am now even more exciting about beginning the mystery writing class.  Wish me luck!

 

It’s Savory Saturday

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Green Tea. My favorite!

 Since yesterday was the first day of my favorite season, I anticipate that I will be upping my intake of the savory drink, tea, green tea specifically!

I first started drinking green tea when I would have sushi, and I couldn’t get enough of it.  When my husband and I received our wonderful Keurig machine as a wedding present, green tea was at the top of my list!  HERE is the link to the Keurig machine and Keurig cups.

(**Note: Some of you might have seen that earlier this week my Keurig machine died.  I will hopefully be getting a new one tomorrow).

If you do not have a Keurig cup, that is okay.  As long as you have green tea bags, you can still have and enjoy the drink.

There is no other kind of tea that is better than Green Tea!  While some might think that this Chinese tea is bland, I disagree.  When served hot this soothing tea it has a woodsy flavor and a hint of tang, but when served cold its natural flavors mixed with a lemon exude a refreshing summery taste.

As a writer I think it’s important to have a warming or refreshing drink, green tea is my choice.  On a good day (meaning without having writer’s block), I can drink up to seven or eight cups.  I also must tell you something that every writer needs if drinking a hot drink, a Mr. Coffee mug warmer.  This can help keep your tea nice and warm while you write.  I also bought another one and placed a glass candle (Yankee Candles, for an example) on top of it and let it melt, for a nice aroma while you write.

Below is a recipe for creating my perfect cup of tea.

Pick your favorite coffee mug
Put the tea in the Keurig maker!
Patiently wait for it to brew
Drink up!

One note about drinking green tea is that it’s good for you.  Without going into too many details, green tea can help fight cancer and heart disease.  It can assist in lowering cholesterol, burning fat, preventing diabetes and strokes and can also help wart off dementia, says the following link.  (Please see THIS site if you would like more information on the benefits of green tea).

Now that this blog has been written, I’m off to make yet another cup of green tea!  You should too!  Happy Sipping!

Making Your Dreams Come True

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A few nights ago I went to the Dallas premier of “Hold Your Peace” that was written, produced and directed by one of my Guest Authors, Wade McDonald.  Wade is not only my friend, but he’s also my inspiration and someone I strongly admire.

As an unpublished author, I think it’s pretty darn cool that he has made his dream a reality, something I hope to do too.  I was one of the very few to read his draft of “Hold Your Peace,” which was previously known as “The Best Man,” and from the very start I was a fan of the storyline.  It was cool that someone shared my dreams, though I didn’t know just how well the dreams were shared…until I saw the movie!

Thanks to all the time he’s invested, determination and the work he’s put into making me see that dreams can come true.

Nothing To Write? No Problem!

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A blank mind...

This morning I woke up shortly after five and couldn’t go back to sleep.  Around six, I headed into the kitchen to make some tea, only to find that my Keurig machine is broken, so no morning tea — ugh!  I grabbed my laptop and headed back to the bed, with a snoring husband and cat laying next to me.  Must be nice to still be asleep, I thought.  After checking the my inbox, seeing that there was little to be read, I headed on over to WordPress to start getting inspired to write my blog for the day.  Well, that was almost five hours ago and I’m still not inspired to write anything.

Since I can’t think of anything to write about today, I think that it’s important to keep writing, even if it’s bad.  You might even get a spark of something worthy to write and you can always edit later.  As a writer, I think that it’s important to keep the momentum up and train your brain to write and yes, you can train your brain.

Now take a deep breath, put your fingers on the keys and write!  You can do it!

Don’t You Just Want To Be Published Already?!

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Books aren’t written – they’re rewritten. Including your own. It is one of the hardest things to accept, especially after the seventh rewrite hasn’t quite done it. — Michael Crichton 

As I look at parts of the edited second draft of my first book, I’m beginning to think that being published is just another dream that will never happen.  Honestly I know that’s not true, but the process is long and grueling, which is why I’ve heard of some “wanna’ be writers” give up.  Two years ago I would’ve given up.  I would not be able to say that I have written a book, I would not have been able to say that am a ChickLit Goddes, and I would not have had the confidence in myself to continue on this amazing journey.

I have to say that since March of this year, right after I wrote the end in my book, I have become more stubborn, (Kathryn Stockett’s word for being rejected).  I want to be a writer, I will be a writer and I will not give up!

I’ll leave you with a message, from me to you:

If you’re down in the dumps and think that your story will never get told or are struggling with rejection(s), turn the page to your life and make a new plan.  Make your dream of being a writer into a reality and create the life you want!  Good luck!