Chick Lit Goddess

...because every author wants to feel like a goddess!

Isabella

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!

Fun Friday

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...Heaven...

My two favorite things: jeans and boots.  These are more than favorites, these are my loves.  Thanks to the chill in the air (82 degrees), it was the first thing I thought of when I picked out what to wear today.  On any other day this would have  been a simple choice, but due to the record high temperatures we have had in Dallas, jeans and boots haven’t been a thought in my mind, until now.  When I reached for my jeans, a smile crossed my face, and when I pulled on my elephant boots, the most comfortable shoes I have, I felt normal for the first time in a long time.  Jeans and boots are my normal and it’s just not because I live in Texas, the Lone Start state!  (I’d also like to clarify that we don’t all drive trucks and wear cowboy hats).

With all the different kind of jeans that are sold these days, it’s hard to find that one pair that you love — and of course, the right fit — but when you do, it’s like a breath of fresh air.  Right?

Like jeans, boots are so versatile.  You can wear them with jeans, dresses, skirts and slacks, depending on what kind of boots you have.  I even wore my boots under my dress when I got married and it was definitely one of he smartest I made during that process!

Like many I’m excited that the cooler weather is right around the corner, for many reasons!, but especially because that means that it’s jean and boot season!

Write This Way…

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You must write this way...no, this way! BOTH ARE WRONG!

Most writers want to learn how to be a writer, right?  With all the books and websites that are accessible, shouldn’t every book that is written be published by now?  Shouldn’t the wanna’ be writers be famously known like Shakespeare, Poe, Salinger, Blume, Steel, King, just to name a few?  My bookshelves are filled with “how to” books on writing, but am I published?  No.  One thing that I’ve noticed with all of these are the title of the books; they grab you right away!  Yes, that’s the point of them, but shouldn’t what’s behind the flaps be the main selling point of an instructional or guide?  Every author or co-author has their own style of saying how to write and get published.  I have read and tried my best to follow their advice but nothing has helped.

YOUR WAY IS THE RIGHT WAY TO WRITE

On Saturday night I started Stephen King’s book “On Writing: A Memoir on the Craft,” a book that has been recommended for emerging and current writers.  After reading only a few chapters, I was hooked on this book.  THIS is the book that will teach you how to be a writer.  “Why,” you ask?  Because he’s not saying do this or do that, no.  He’s simply telling you his story and how he began writing.  Currently I’m only on chapter nineteen (each chapter very short, 3-4 pages at the most), but I am truly in love with this book.  His story gives me inspiration and confidence to write…MY WAY!  That’s what I’ve learned, to write one way, MY WAY!  

The following are some tips that I want to share with you.  Some of these have been given to me (thank you to my writer friends) or I had to learn (sometimes the hard way):

  • WRITE WITHOUT EDITING!  Write a lot!  It doesn’t matter what you write or how amazing or horrible it might be, just do it!  You can always go back and edit or get an editor
  • Share you work!  Don’t be afraid to have people (friends, family and/or writing pals) read over your work.  Often times they will suggest something that will click and will give you insight or advice, sometimes that you didn’t even know you needed
  • It’s okay to have Writer’s Block — I did when I was writing my 1st book, and quite often!  I would write day after day and I would be on a roll, and the next thing I knew the cursor would be staring back at me asking, “Where’d you go, lady?  Come on, write!”
  • If you use a computer, click “save” a lot!  Just trust me on this one!
To close, I encourage you to learn to be a writer, your way.  🙂