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Images

Where Will You End Up?

January 4, 2012 2 Comments

I came across this picture and thought it would be fitting for the beginning of 2012

I ask you the following questions…

1. Where do you want to be this time next year?

2. How do you anticipate making that happen?

3. Who will you advise to help you get there?

4. How will you motivate yourself?

5. When you finally get there, how will you reward yourself?

Filed Under: Isabella Tagged With: Books, Chick-Lit, Dreams, Editing, Images, Inspiration, Isabella, Random, Roads, Writing

Sleeping With Paris

January 2, 2012 7 Comments

Book Review for “Sleeping With Paris”

“Sleeping With Paris,” by Juliette Sobanet

All is right in Charlotte Summers’ life.  She’s quit her job to move with her fiancé, Jeff, to Paris so that she can study French at a highly acclaimed university.  When she goes to Jeff’s office to surprise him (an expensive bottle of champagne in hand to celebrate) he’s not there, so she sits down at his desk and signs into her email to look at pictures of their apartment in Paris as she daydreams about their upcoming adventure.  Suddenly a message from another woman pops up, and soon she learns the truth, that her beloved Jeff has signed himself up on a dating website and has been cheating on her.

Leaving Jeff behind she decides to still to Paris to achieve her goals.  At first she’s devastated at her broken engagement and longs for Jeff to call her and say he’s made a horrible mistake and that he’s coming to Paris to be with her.  After a few days of sulking she get up out of bed and begins a blog based on how women should learn to date more like a man.  Along the way Charlotte makes new friends, and without giving too much away, one of her French suitors brings a whole new way of thinking about chocolate and sex.

At the end, Charlotte has an opportunity to be with Jeff when they are both in a wedding.  Does she take him up on his offer, or does she kick him to the curb for good, and start over with the suitor I mentioned before, the “Half-Naked French Hottie?” 

“Sleeping With Paris” by Juliette Sobanet was one of the best books I read in 2011!  It’s a true Chick Lit, and one I will never forget.

From the beginning I liked Charlotte.  She was a no-nonsense kind of woman and I find that very refreshing.  Just because her fiancé cheated on her, that didn’t stop her from doing what she wanted to do, which I thought was very brave.  I think Juliette wrote a very real character in Charlotte, and I felt that I could relate to in many ways.

All of Charlotte’s suitors were very interesting men.  I loved how they all weren’t so much alike.  At times I couldn’t decide who I wanted her with, but in the end I loved who the choice was.  (I’m not going to spoil it for you.  You have to read the book).

Not only is this book an exciting read, it’s also gives you a few French lessons through dialogue.  If you can’t understand French, don’t worry; you’ll still understand every word.  I found myself swiping the pages on my iPad quicker and quicker as the story continued on, even when it was four in the morning and I was halfway asleep.

I recommend “Sleeping With Paris” to anyone who enjoys Chick Lit, wants a light-hearted sweet love story, and to anyone who loves Paris!

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

**Click HERE to read my Guest Interview with Juliette

Filed Under: Book Review, Guests Authors, Juliette Sobanet Tagged With: Book Reviews, Books, Chick-Lit, Guest Author, Images, Isabella, Link, Writing

What I Got For Christmas & Some VERY Exciting News

December 26, 2011 3 Comments

Merry (Belated) Christmas everyone!  I hope you all had a wonderful holiday.

When I was growing up I always got the question, “What do you want for Christmas?”  “Books,” I would reply.  Well I’m now thirty and my answer hasn’t changed.  If anything my want for books is even more so now.

Christmas Books, 2011

In my family at Christmas we all draw names to see who will be one another’s Secret Santa.  Well, I got really lucky this year and the youngest member in the family (she’s 5) drew me!  I made a list that consisted of grammar books and pajamas; she didn’t disappoint!  Along with a set of comfy pajamas, here are the two books she got for me:

Essentials of English Grammar: The Quick Guide to Good English is a must have for writers!  It is a great resource if you want a simple review of grammar.  This book answers any and every question that you might have about anything about grammar and style.  Whether it’s about how to write certain types of numbers (ages, dates, or times) in sentences, or knowing where to place the right punctuation, it’s all in this book.  It doesn’t matter if you’re a writer or not, I highly recommend this book to anyone who writes!  (I encourage you to walk-no, run-or click-to the nearest bookstore and get this book.  I promise, you will not be sorry!)

Clean, Well-Lighted Sentences: A Guide to Avoiding the Most Common Errors in Grammar and Punctuation I recommend this book to anyone who is in the editing process of their book, or just wants a refresher on making strong sentences.  From learning how to use adverbs the right way, modifiers, and tenses, this book will help you put the finishing pieces to your work.  I predict that I will be carrying this book with me everywhere I go since I find myself obsessed with the editing process.  (Yes, I know I’m a grammar nerd.)

Here is a very special thank you to my favorite little girl!  I love the books, and I love you!

My husband really scored when it came time to open his gifts.  He got me 3 books that I’ve never seen before, and a little something special which I cannot wait to share the news with y’all!

Lust: A Dictionary for the Insatiable is a book that any romance and/or Chick Lit writer needs to have!  In this 155 page book, it is filled with lustful terms with simple definitions for the sometimes very kinky words.  I was pleasantly surprised to find so many words that I didn’t know.  This is a book I will definitely be using when I write another book in 2012, whenever that might be.  As a Chick Lit writer aren’t I allowed some scenes that almost push you (the reader) to the limit and drive you wild with desire?  Well, this book is here to help with that, and what a help it will be.  (Is erotica in my future?  Just maybe!)

Have you ever wondered where certain expressions come from?  In Spilling the Beans on the Cat’s Pajamas explains from A to Z the heritage of where the slang terms come from.  While some think that this book might not seem like it pertains to writing, I think it does because I see it as a great way help define a character in a story.  I’m on page 30 of the 160 page book, but so far my favorite one is “All the cats love fish, but fear to wet their paws.”  This is “a traditional saying, dating back to at least the early sixteenth century, used to describe a person who is eager to obtain something of value, but who is not bold enough to make the necessary effort or to take the risk.”  It says that William Shakespeare referred to in Macbeth.

Descriptionary: A Thematic Dictionary (Facts on File: Writer’s Library) is an amazing book!  Every writer has to have this book!  If you know the word, but want to elaborate on it, it lists types of adjectives for a certain type of anything and then gives the definition for that word.  For example: If you say, “She was eating bread,” but by having this book it can help you strengthen the details to change it to, “She was eating bannock while she sipped on her coffee.”  This can also help readers gain knowledge through vocabulary.  I cannot tell you how much I love this book!

As you can see, it was a wonderful Christmas, and I got these amazing books that will help continue to help me down the path of my writing journey…

Oh yes, that’s right, I said I had some news to share.  Well, I hope I’ve kept you in enough suspense, so here goes!  As one of my presents from my husband (the IT guy), he told me how he had been working on updating my website.  Many of you know that my website is from the wonderful WordPress.com blogging site, but it’s now been upgraded.  You’re wondering what that means, right?  Well I was too, until he showed me in “presentation” form of how it will be different.  I cannot yet share the much-anticipated NEW blog with you yet, but I can promise that BIG and EXCITING changes are coming to the Chick Lit Goddess website!  In advance, I thank my faithful readers for being with me from the beginning, and to my new followers, I thank you for stopping by.  I hope that you come back very soon!

From my family to yours, I wish you a wonderful holiday season!

Filed Under: Isabella Tagged With: Books, Chick-Lit, Christmas, Christmas gifts, Dictionary, Editing, Expressions, Grammar, Images, Isabella, Link, Random, Romance Books, Writing

Karen DeLabar

December 23, 2011 3 Comments

I met this amazing woman, Karen DeLabar, from Twitter.  She’s a classy and witty lady, and one I’d like to call a friend.  I admire her passion for not only the love she has for her family, but for her writing.  She’s a dedicated wife and mother who does what she loves to do, which is write.  That’s only one of many reasons as to why I love her!  I am so happy Karen could join me at Chick Lit Goddess for a guest post during the holiday season!

What led you to writing, or is it something you’ve always done?  Expressing myself has always come natural to me and for most of my life my outlet for that expression was the stage. I can’t remember a time in my life when I didn’t want to be an actor; I even started college as a theatre major, but life didn’t take me towards the Great White Way. However, it did put a young man by the name of Eric in my path. It was my husband that pushed me to put my expressions down on paper. 

He has always been amazed at the vividness of my dreams and my ability to recall them the next morning. From day one of our relationship he said that I should be a writer but it wasn’t until after the birth of my second daughter, 10 years later, that I even entertained the thought. Eric introduced me to NaNoWriMo last year and challenged me to do it. Anyone knowing me knows that unless its physically impossible for me to do so, I almost always take a challenge. I wrote my first novel that month, or at least the start of a novel. Alas, its a novel that is currently sitting in the bottom drawer of my desk, but its there as a reminder that I can do it, that I want to do it.

I came alive that month, as corny as that sounds but its the truth. I was lost for awhile trying to figure out how to channel my creativity and need for connections with only two little babies at home with me. Writing gave me an outlet and lead me to meet some of the most interesting people the literary world has to offer.

At what moment did you consider yourself a writer?  I don’t remember the day but I definitely remember the moment. It was in early December last year, shortly after NaNo ended and I sat in my darkened dining room, the light of the blank computer screen my only light. I had just finished writing close to 72K in 25 days during NaNo and I felt drained, exhausted and yet… I had this itch. This bubbling inside my tummy. At the end of those 25 days I couldn’t coherently string two words together but in this moment story lines and dialogue came rushing at me from all directions. I couldn’t type fast enough. I think I even had that maniacal laugh delusional mad scientists are known for. It was great!

I do consider myself a writer, however, I’m a mom, too. And right now that comes first. There are days when I can write when they go to bed, or when they play nicely together, but unfortunately more often than not, my writing time is few and far between. But fear not, my oldest is going to be four… that means school is right around the corner. 😉

What’s a day in the life of Karen DeLabar?  Scary. You don’t want to know. Just kidding. Like I said above, its the life of a mom. I wake up to a very energetic and loud almost 4 year old declaring that she needs to pee. Every day. I usually lay in bed for another hour until I realize that I should have gotten up when she first awakened me because now I’m late. After waking up my youngest, I dress them both in something that I pray matches because my eyes are basically glued shut until I have my coffee. After they’re dressed, I grab a cup of coffee (because driving requires sight) and out the door we go to either school, or my mother-in-law’s for morning day care. 

So I have my mornings free, I should write, right? Nope. I wish, but the truth is, I can’t write in the morning. I’ve tried, I’ve failed. So, I do what any self-respecting writer would do… I head to Twitter. 🙂

After catching up with friends while doing some mindless chores around the house I pick the kids up after lunch and nap time comes. Wooooo! Now, I write. Wait, nope, not then either. I usually read or write (yay!) reviews (oh.) for the many wonderful authors I’ve met through my morning tweeting.

Sometimes at night there is dance class for the oldest and sometimes there are gym classes for me but our night’s fly by and before I know it, its bed time for the girls. If it’s a good day, I write, if it’s not, I watch tv with the hubs. Ah, the glamorous life of a mom.

When and how do you have time to write?  Well, you saw my day. It revolves around dropping off and picking up offspring, breaking up fights, teaching lessons on sharing and why you shouldn’t pull your dress up over your head in public. But on a good day, which means when the kids haven’t drained me of all conscious thought, I sit down after they go to bed at night and write. I may continue a review I started in the afternoon, I may pull up my WIP, or whip out a blog post or just write down thoughts I had during the day. Those are always my favorite nights. 

I’m definitely a night writer. I love the stillness of the night. The worries of the day seem to lose importance and I can focus on what I find to be important or inspiring.

What is your favorite genre to read?  To Write?  I’m a hopeless romantic. I love to read about happy endings because darn it, they just don’t happen in real life, do they? And if they do, not often enough. But the ones I really love reading and writing are the gut-wrenching, heart-breaking ones where two people find a way to accept the faults in each other and still find a way to be happy. 

With that said, I hate fluff stories. Give me drama, give me tears, and give me supernatural. There’s a darkness to supernatural stories that attracts me to no end it’s why I read them and now write them.

However, thanks to the people that I’ve met on Twitter I have read science fiction, thriller/suspense, urban fantasy, erotica and chick lit that I have all loved and left me wanting more. When it comes to reading I can honestly say that I’ll read anything as long as it’s a good story… and having some hot sex scenes thrown in there never hurts. 🙂

What writer(s) inspire(s) you?  Being of the romance persuasion I have to say that Nora Roberts is the one that got me addicted to genre so without a doubt she is my first inspiration. Her characters are accessible and her stories are easy to get swept away in. Julia Quinn’s historical romances are funny and heartwarming and when I need a quick pick me up I turn to her. For the supernatural I love Laurell K. Hamilton and JR Ward; those two are my favorites in the genre.

As for general writers, I’m going to get sappy here for a second, but the authors that I’ve met on Twitter inspire me to no end. It doesn’t matter if they are traditionally published or are doing it on their own, they all have a story to tell and will do their damnedest to see it out there. They network, they support each other, they beta read, copy edit and review each other’s work. It’s amazing to watch and I’m grateful to be a part of such a network.

What are your personal goals for your writing?  To write! Ack! Oh, if I could just write every day. So, you know what? My New Year’s resolution is to write every day. I don’t care if its five minutes a day or writing 5,000 words a day, I’m doing it. And I’m not even waiting for the new year. I know, I’m a rebel. 😉 I’ve already started and so far so good. 

So as long as I keep up that goal, my next one is to have a story ready to be published by summer. Whether that means I start looking for an agent or publisher or by doing the indie thing I haven’t decided, but dammit that story is going to be ready!

With the “Have Coffee…Will Write” being over with, tell us something about Writing on the Rocks?  Writing on the Rocks was meant to be a place for people to come together to read and review each other’s works. Unfortunately, it didn’t turn out that way. But not all was lost. I’ve met some terrific writers through this venue who have opened me up to more channels of networking. The site, as it was, was shut down and integrated into my personal website. It’s currenlty being used as a home for my own reviews, interviews and blog posts.

Which do you prefer, ebook or paperback?  Tough one. I love the smell of books and I love seeing them on my bookshelves. I know that’s a bit weird but it’s like looking at them and seeing old friends. However, I love the accessibility my Kindle gives me. Anytime, anywhere a book is at my fingertips. And, there are times when I’m reading my Kindle and my fingers go to turn the page. It is quite surreal when I realize that I have to hit a button and not flip a page. 

So, to finally answer your question, I’ll go with ebook purely for the fact of having multiple books at the ready no matter where I am.

What has been your most proudest moment in your writing career?  When my book went live and I had 30 sales in the first 10 minutes and they were all from people I did not know. … Oh, wait, whoops. There goes my imagination again. 🙂 In all honestly, my proudest moment happened a few days ago and came to me by way of a request from a friend. 

I received an email from a friend, let’s call her Veruca,  who had dinner with a friend of hers. This friend seemed like someone who had the world wrapped around her finger, almost too perfect, you know? However, as the meal progressed Veruca learned that her friend’s life is far from perfect, in fact, her friend’s life holds some very tough struggles. Veruca left the dinner realizing that pretty much everyone has problems its just some are better at hiding them. It got her thinking about how everyone has their struggles and you never really know what is going on behind someone’s smile.

This is part of her email to me, “I was thinking about your blogs yesterday, and how they’re always so honest and mostly funny but sometimes just pure truth, and I’d love to hear your thoughts on a topic like this.” I was blown away by her email. The fact that she thought of me, my blog, the way I look at things and wanted me to write about it was something I held as a great compliment.

Writers take on difficult topics all the time. We break down human nature and inspect it in minute detail so we can truthfully, honestly, and reliably put it back together in a way for our readers to relate to. We hope to touch, to teach and to inspire a desire in our readers to question the meaning around them. Whether that inspiration comes through a comedy who wants you to take pleasure in the little things in life, or the spy thriller that makes you question government activities, or a romance that teaches you the meaning of love, our goal is to portray life openly and honestly. Veruca’s comments to me led me to believe that I’m on the right track with my work.

I have to say I was pretty proud at that moment. 🙂

It’s a known thing that you like scotch.  Is that your drink of choice when writing, or to inspire new ideas?  Both?  I started drinking Scotch a couple of years ago while I read Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series. Her characters were always drinking it and I thought, “why not?” So I started… and now I can’t stop. 🙂 

I’ll admit that after a tough day I’ll relax with a snifter of Scotch (straight, no rocks) and let the worries of the day melt away. I by no means have a drinking problem, but it does help me relax and I have a wicked inner editor that 2 fingers of Scotch can help quell. But I’m not biased either, I’ll drink any alcoholic beverages while writing. 😉 However, I do have to say when I’m writing reviews Pinot Grigio is my go to drink of choice. I don’t know why, but it helps me formulate ideas about other’s work. However, just so everyone knows, I always finish my reviews at night and reread them the next day… sober. 🙂

Do you have any upcoming projects?  I’m currently working on the first in a trilogy about two warring kingdoms existing just outside the realm of our world. It has magic, sex, humor and heartache, all the things I love to read and write about. I’m hoping to have it ready to go this coming summer. I’ll definitely keep you posted!

**For more information on Karen DeLabar, please visit her at the following:

Facebook.com

Google+

Goodreads

Twitter

www.writingontherocks.com

Filed Under: Guests Authors, Karen DeLabar Tagged With: Books, Chick-Lit, Guest Author, Images, Isabella, Karen DeLabar, NaNoWriMo, National Novel Writing Month, Publishing, Random, Writing

Nikki Jefford

December 18, 2011 Leave a Comment

Nikki Jefford is one of the funniest girls I know.  I “met” her when I was taking a Romance writing course from Gotham Writers’ Workshop.  Since then I’ve gotten to know this wonderful woman!  Her blog posts make me laugh out loud, as she tells it how it is!  I have had the pleasure of reading her book, Forbidden Footage, and loved it!  She is an amazing writer, and I am honored to have her as a guest!

When did you start writing?  From the moment I could hold a pen. My stories really started improving once I learned to form words.

What is your genre, and why?  More and more I’m becoming a genre juggler. I’ve written short stories, a memoir, historical romance, erotica and now young adult. I’ll tell you what I love: Romance. I was an entertainment reporter back in Anchorage trying to break in as a literary fiction writer. Then I realized I wasn’t having fun doing either. When I wrote my first historical romance it was a Eureka moment. This is what I love to do!

Congratulations on your book.  I noticed you’re under a pseudonym, Louise Harvey.  Why?  Thank you. I chose a nom de plume for my erotica because I wanted to keep that genre separate from my – I’ll call it true pursuit – and especially not use the same name when I’m writing spicy content for adults on one hand and material for young adults on another. I dipped my pen into erotica as a way to bring in money (or try bringing in money), but it’s not the genre I want my name associated with. Don’t get me wrong, erotica’s a blast to write!

How long did it take you to write your first book?  My first fiction novel was finished in a month. I’d just read about National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), but it was February and I was too impatient to wait till November so I did it on my own, unofficially, in April 2005.

Why did you choose online publishing?  Online publishing offers many more opportunities. As far as online marketing, it’s easy to post links via blog and other social media outlets. You can spread the word instantly and I have to say, I love the quick turnaround.

How did you go through the editing process?  In the case of my erotica, my editor made the edits. I was never given a chance to look them over. Let that be a lesson to everyone: Take the time to research the publisher you go with. Funny enough I had doubts after reading the contract and never signed it. Then one day I received an email saying the stories were going live. I stressed over it then finally decided to basically write those stories off. Ultimately you learn, let go and move on.

What’s a day like for you?  I’m lucky in that I only have to work part-time. At the beginning of the year I had Tuesdays and Wednesdays off and it was the most productive writing time in my life. I wrote two novels, two short stories and one novella in three months. Ever since I changed my day job in July I’ve been working five hour shifts five days a week and lost my most productive time: Mornings. I know I should get up early and write before work, but I don’t feel like it. Sleep is a priority for me. As is a 3 mile+ hike with my dog, a home cooked meal and spending time with my husband. No exceptions. Starting in January I’ll be forced to take a 2-3 month hiatus from my day job and I’m already anticipating another round of crazy awesome productive writing time.

Who is/are your favorite writer(s)?  I’m a huge Jane Austen fan. I consumed her novels like candy in high school. For historical romance: Susan Carroll, Philippa Gregory, Candace Camp (excluding her latest series – so disappointing!), Sherry Thomas, Sophie Jordan and Loretta Chase. I love Michelle Moran’s books based on past events and people like Nefertiti and Cleopatra. Bill Bryson and David Sedaris are both a hoot. For chick lit: Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding!

What are your greatest strengths in writing?  Humor and dialogue.

What are you weaknesses in life?  Food! Particularly bread, sweets and snacks. I treat all symptoms with food: angst, boredom, depression, stress, sorrow, fatigue, joy, happiness… When my husband first met me he thought I’d done time in prison because he’d practically get stabbed in the hand by my fork anytime he took something off my plate.

What would someone be surprised to know about you?  My last name changed four times before I reached 20. I went to 13 different schools before graduating from high school. My mind has always been in the gutter. In fifth grade my teacher had to talk to me about bringing a naughty picture book to school. Shame on the snark who ratted me out! Very uncool.

Where do you see yourself in five years?  On Orcas Island in a home of our own, growing veggies and at least a dozen books published!

What would your perfect day consist of?  The house to myself all morning with five hours of uninterrupted time to write. Really good leftovers or takeout and a chewy chocolate chip cookie at lunch. Reading on the couch with a cup of tea and dog by my side. A hike with my husband, our good friends and our dogs (in the warm sun). Dinner out with everyone (dressed up) and two glasses of champagne

Do you have any upcoming projects?  If so, explain.  Heck, yeah! I’m jazzed about my latest YA romance: Entangled. It’s a dark comedy with magical elements. A condensed version of Entangled will be included in the anthology Death By Chocolate, a selection of six lip-smacking YA paranormal romance stories we chocolatiers plan to self-publish and release for Kindle Valentine’s Day 2012.

I’m especially excited about the release of Bob Friel’s The Barefoot Bandit: The True Tale of Colton Harris-Moore, New American Outlaw (available March 20, 2012). The chance to be Bob’s research assistant was the opportunity of a lifetime. Not only was this one of the most outlandish true stories I’ve ever heard, but Bob’s writing puts you right in the action and his humor cracks me up.

Do you consider yourself a writer?  Totally. Writing is one of my only skills. And it does wonders for boosting self-morale when you bounce from one crap job to another: When you’ve got eight screaming kids climbing up the walls or Cruella De Vil snapping at you to schedule her facial or a grumpy old millionaire watching as you weed on his plantation and making you paint the floor of his meat locker or having a woman throw her bill in your face at the reception desk… you drift off into dreamland and tell yourself, “This is only temporary. I am a writer.”

**For more information on Nikki Jefford, visit her blog:

http://www.nikkijefford.blogspot.com/

Filed Under: Nikki Jefford Tagged With: Books, Chick-Lit, Guest Author, Images, Isabella, Link, Nikki Jefford, Random, Romance Books, Self-publishing, Writing

NaNoWriMo: Less Than 24 Hours To Go!

October 30, 2011 4 Comments

30 days & 50,000 words...

It’s less than 24 hours NaNoWriMo begins and I can’t wait, though I have a swarm of butterflies in my stomach!  I’ve been racking my brain all weekend for a plot, but I had no luck…until now!  (Yes, I know I’m late in the game, but at least I figured it out, and later today I’ll be doing an outline).  The thought of 50,000 words might seem scary, but I’ve gotten use to the idea, especially since my math capable husband (total opposite of me) figured that all I would have to do is write 1,666 words a day, I’m no longer as afraid of that scary number.  But, to make the goal, that means that I need to be dedicated, even on Thanksgiving!  Wish me luck!

I also wanted to let y’all know that during the month of November, I will be blogging less.  I’ll be back pretty much on a daily basis beginning December 1st, and will be sure to share my first NaNoWriMo experience.  I thank you in advance for your support and understanding.

Filed Under: Isabella Tagged With: Chick-Lit, Images, Isabella, Link, NaNoWriMo, National Novel Writing Month, Writing

NaNoWriMo Ideas

October 26, 2011 8 Comments

**I’d like to apologize for a blog not being posted for the past week or so.  Things have been busy around here, but I thank you my faithful readers, for all your sweet comments and support.  Now, back to blogging!

It’s been about a month since I decided to take part in NaNoWriMo and I still haven’t made an outline (YIKES)!  I finally narrowed down my book idea and thought this would be so much easier, but writing it all out is easier said than done.  The parts I’m stuck on are the beginning and ending; I find this humorous because this is usually where I find it easiest.  Anyway, to help motivate me, I’ve started to watch The Bold & The Beautiful once again, and it’s working!  I quit cold turkey on my soaps (I loved As The World Turns) when I was writing my “Redefined Dreams,” and so much on that show has happened!  I can see why it’s won so many Daytime Emmy’s!

I can see how not only reading can jog some thoughts, but so can TV!  It can also be very distracting, which is a good thing B&B is only a thirty minute show.  I hope by the end of this week I will have an outline for what will be my second completed book!

Wish me luck!

Filed Under: Isabella Tagged With: As The World Turns, Books, Chick-Lit, Images, Isabella, Link, National Novel Writing Month, Outlines, Random, Redefined Dreams, Soap operas, The Bold and The Beautiful, Writing

Refreshed Writing

October 13, 2011 2 Comments

A different kind of writing is like a breath of fresh air...

As many of you know I am taking a Mystery writing class from Gotham Writers’ Workshop.  Well two night ago I came up with a wonderful plot and then I outlined it, and then wham-I began to write my first mystery!  I started writing just after dinner and continued, as I sat in bed and listened to my husband and cat snore until three o’clock in the morning!  I was a mad woman.  During that time span I had written just over 3,700 words, which isn’t that bad-especially because I’m not a mystery writer.

With all the new ideas that seemed to flow, I found it to be very refreshing.  I needed this story to find me, and not for it to find me.  I needed the hows, what’s and the whys of my story and its characters.

I thought that it wouldn’t be a good idea to take the mystery writing class, only because it’s way out of my league.  Well, I’m encouraging you readers to jump out of the pond and do something that isn’t “you.”  Do something grand and make it fly!

Good luck!

Filed Under: Isabella Tagged With: Books, Chick-Lit, Images, Isabella, Random, Writing

Writing Backwards

October 12, 2011 2 Comments

I have two Booth reviews in my Gotham Writers’ Workshop mystery class, each consisting of at least 3,750 words.  My first Booth submission isn’t due until the middle of November but since I’m participating in National Novel Writing Month, I thought that it would be a good idea to get ahead on some projects that might conflict with NaNoWriMo.  Anyway after a sudden thought of a story, I jotted down some notes and thought I really had something.  After completing a few other items on my To Do list, it was time to start my murder mystery!

I finished the night with over 1,300 words and love what I’ve written so far.  After closing my laptop off for the night I thought of the next few events, but don’t know how to write from A to Z, but rather from Z to A.  Have you ever wanted to write the story backwards?  I’m seriously considering this!  BUT HOW?  Do I write line by line, from ending to beginning, or Scene Z to Scene A?  Have any of you done this before, or even thought about doing this?  I know it sounds crazy, right, but for you writers, is it really that insane?  You know how it is, Mr./Mrs. Writer’s Block comes for a visit and won’t go back home until you’ve had some time to mull and stress over until it hits you, and you beginning writing like a mad woman or man.

As I write this I’m beginning to think I’ve lost my mind and have too many things on my plate, but really it’s not that bad.  (See THIS blog for what I have coming up during the month of November).

Any backwards writing comments or advice are much welcomed!

Filed Under: Isabella Tagged With: Books, Chick-Lit, Editing, GWW, Images, Isabella, Mystery, Mystery books, National Novel Writing Month, Random, Writing, Writing help

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