Facebook Virgin :)

Okay, I did it. I took the plunge and joined facebook. I’ve been holding out. I think it is my little way of rebelling against the world. But my oldest is turning 13 in a few days and I promised him he could start an account. Plus I want to be able to monitor him :) I’m hoping this will be a good way to keep in touch with my friends after I move to Florida.

I still haven’t figured out how to change the look of it. I might have to get some tips from Leigh. Please help me Leigh :)

So come and find me and be my friend—Angela Ure Cothran is my profile name. Gotta throw in the maiden name in for fun.

-Angie

Offline

I’ve been drowning in stuff. And not fun stuff. Not writing. Not reading. Not watching movies. I’ve been packing. YUCK!

I’m going to be offline for a few weeks while I try and get all this packing done. It takes a lot of boxes to move to Florida. And patience. Boxes I have. Patience not so much :)

So I’ll try and get around to your blogs, but if I’m MIA for a while you’ll know why.

-Angie

Friday Funnies—Addicted

This is SO me! I need serious help.

I love Will Write for Chocolate! If I made a million dollars that is what I would spend it on anyway :)

Have a great weekend.

-Angie

Random Ramblings—Things that don’t go together…

Orange Juice and Nutella (don’t try it)

Me and Cleaning the Bathroom (I’m tired just thinking about it)

Kids and Migraine Headaches (obvious)

Me and Mornings (also obvious)

High heels and a Primary Calling (I’ve never walked so much at church)

Tamales and Typing (only if you want hot sauce dripping on your keys)

Socks and Sandals (but I secretly wish they did)

Black and Navy Blue (you look like you tried to match an failed)

Now it’s your turn. Give me a good one :)

-Angie

Crafting Corner—Meanings

Who doesn’t love Princess Bride? The Romance. The Action. The Humor.

Here’s a gem:

Vizzini: He didn’t fall? INCONCIEVABLE!

Inigo Montoya: You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.

Here is another gem I learned from my writing conference:

When choosing your words be aware of their connotation and denotation.

Denotation: Dictionary definition of a word.

Connotation: Emotional associations of a word.

In an editing class I took we talked about this, and how important it is to choose words that truly say what they want them to say.

I’ll give you an example from my own MS:

“Zven is a hard man, I want to know how hard.”

I big thanks to Cassie and her dirty mind for convincing me to change hard to cruel :) LOL!

This is something I’d never thought to look for, but it is so true. You can’t just hit the thesaurus when you need a new word for walked, because march means something different than stroll, and stride and roam are actually opposites.

What about you? Are you aware of the secondary meanings of words? What was your worst blunder?

-Angie

Won’t You Be My Neighbor—Deana Barnhart

I'm so excited to day to introduce you all to my good friend Deana Barnhart. I can say good friend because we've met in real life :) She has the cutest southern accent! Do you think I can get you to type in an accent?

Deana: Aww shucks Aieengee, thank yee fur havin' lil ole me on ur blog. I cunsider yew a good freend too.

K, that may be a little more Andy Griffith than Kentucky girl me. Hopefully my Podunk roots aren't that deep:-)  Ha! They probably are. Best to embrace my red neck side. Ya'll is probably used in my vocab more than I'd like to admit:-) But I promise people, I really can spell.

Anyhoo, I'm thrilled to be here...and quite intimidated to follow so many totally cute interviews. I hope I don't bomb...or ramble...like I'm doing now...

Angie: Don't worry, I'm a fan of the rambling :) and I LOVE the drawl. But you're right yours isn't so pronounced.

Alright y'all on to the first question...Name one food, one TV show (or movie) and one book you can't live without.

Deana: Oh crap. You've gotta start with the REALLY hard stuff. Let me see...

Food: Reese's Peanut Butter Cups or Lucky Charms. I know I'm a real health nut:)

TV Show: Just one? Really? I guess Vampire Diaries even though Elana drives me crazy sometimes.

Book: That is so hard because I'm not usually the type to read books over and over. There are just too many. So what if I said my Kindle so I could buy the new ones? Is that too much of a cop out?

Angie: We are soul sisters I would pick all those things too!!! (Except the Lucky Charms—too soggy too fast for me :)

Deana: And that's why they're magically delicious because you have to gobble them up so fast it's like magic when they disappear :-)

Angie: I will let you pick a Kindle just this time, but only if you answer a follow up question. What is the BEST book you have read this year?

Deana: As for the book, I'm going to show my incredible slacker status. With this years beta reads and my own writing I've only read about 5 books this year. My fave would have to be Sing Me to Sleep by Angela Morrison. It was one of those where I stopped everything so I could finish it in a day. I was bawling like a baby after I finished. It was that good.

Angie: I LOVE a book that makes you drop everything. I've seen Sing Me to Sleep, now I'm really going to have to read it!

Because I've been thinking a lot about writing schedules for myself, I'm super interested in what everyone else does. So when do you do most of your writing? What kind of balance have you figured out? Tell me you have secrets.

Deana: Yeah, I have secrets, but they aren't the balance kind. I do know that I am a better morning writer so if I can get up, get the kids off to school and stay away from my blog, Twitter and people in general, I'm good to go. But being a recluse is hard sometimes :) On the other hand, when I get that fire burning for an idea that needs to come out, I'm lucky if I get showered and feed my kids cereal for dinner. So balance...not so much.

Angie: I'm a total moody writer. If I'm feeling it, I do great. If I'm not, my writing is garbage. I still haven't figured out how to write well through a slump. I guess that is the essence of a slump. LOL!

Deana: Ha! Now that would be a secret to know: How to write amazing while you're in a slump. When you find that out please let me know :-)

Angie: If I could figure it out, I'd be rich :)

Okay next question, I'll even make it multiple choice--but you have to explain why. 

What inspires you most:

A. Movies or TV (That Damon is a dish :)

B. Nature (I hear Kentucky is especially lovely)

C. Everyday life (Kids say the darnedest things)

D. People (We are all people watchers aren't we?)

E. Book (Need I say more?)

Deana: Aww man I stink at this, because I want to choose all of the above. 

If I absolutely have to pick one it would be people. I love taking little quirks from people to help create my characters. I suppose it's the people that really make books, movies, life and even nature that much more appealing in my opinion.

Angie: You are like a wisdom guru! Characters are really the only thing that matters! Tell me a little about your favorite character from your WIP.

Deana: I would have to say Mole is one of my favorites. She's a girl the mc, Kali, meets in a mental institution from the past. Mole's battled so many demons in her young life that she's developed multiple personalities to help her cope. I love a flawed character and Mole is a mess! But her flaws are also her strengths and actually allow her to grow through the story. She's just cool people in my book (no pun intended).

Angie: You should intend the pun. It was funny :) 

Deana: Cool, then pun totally intended :-)

Angie: Mole sounds so interesting! Did you have to research multiple personalities to write her? I read a book years ago about multiple personalities and it scared the crap out of me!!!

Deana: I did do research for Mole, and actually found varying opinions on whether people even believe MPD is a real mental disorder or not. For the sake of my book and the many case studies I read about, I choose to be a believer.

Angie: I'm a believer too :)

Okay, time for the last question (that went by fast). Of course it needs to be a pageant question, and you're a southern bell straight from pageant country so I expect great things from you!

On to the question...What is the greatest gift you've ever been given? And why.

Deana: Yep, I'm southern to the core. The bell part I'm not so sure about :-) I wasn't a pageant gal, but I was a Tennessee Twirler and we did pageants as a part of our competitions. I stunk at the them...but I did rock a baton :-) 

As for my greatest gift? I could go the pageant route and say something like "my life" or "my family". But like I said, I was never good with the pageants so I'll stick to my greatest writer gifts.

I have two. One was the Storymakers Writer's conference I just got back from. Between my husband's Marriot points and my Dads sky miles, I got to meet tons of awesome bloggers (you being one of course), I learned loads, and got to experience life out west!

My second greatest gift was received this past Christmas. My computer crashed right in the middle of editing Ripple Effect and I was devastated. Until I got a knock on my door and there on the porch was a brand new computer!

These two gifts aren't just awesome because of how cool they are, but because they showed me how much my family really believes in me as a writer, and that is about the best gift I could imagine...until I land an agent and a book deal of course :-)

I can't believe the interview is already over. It's been so much fun Angie!

Angie: You rocked it! Seriously! I give you a standing ovation. Next time I'm in Kentucky or Alabama we will do lunch! And let's plan on making Storymakers a standing yearly date :)

Deana: Sounds great to me girl! Good luck with your move. When are you becoming a southern girl?

Angie: We are moving to Orlando Florida in July! Yikes!!! Talk about culture shock. 

Thanks for taking time to let me interview you! You are awesome :)

Now that you all know Deana a little better, jump on over to her blog and give her a little love :)

-Angie

Lessons in Storytelling—Get on with it

I have a question for all of you—What is the appeal of Soap Operas?

I get the drama, the sex, the gorgeous men, and the maids, but the plot takes so long to unfold. I’m a fan of building tension. But I’m also exceptionally impatient, so the slow build has its limits.

I haven’t watched a Soap in years. My sister convinced me to watch Passions with her (horrible show). We got SO into it, but not in the normal way. We watched to see how drawn out they could make it. If I remember right it took over a week to get through one day on the show (we judged time by the clothing).

So tell me do you love or hate Soaps? Which ones do you watch? Do they move to slow for you?

-Angie

After thought—I’m a fan of teen versions of the Soap, like Vampire Diaries and Smallville. They seem to move fasters, but maybe I’m wrong.

  

Friday Funnies—Evil Pencil

This gave me a good chuckle :) Have a great weekend!

-Angie

Big news…but not THAT big news :)

I wish I was announcing that some agent has snatched me up, but alas that is not my big news.

I’m not a change girl. I like things boring and steady. I’m most creative when my life is boring and steady. But my hubby LOVES change. He would change everything all the time if I would let him.

But change is sometimes just what your family needs. So my big news…

I’m moving to ORLANDO FLORIDA!

Yep, that is right. I’m trading sleepy mountainous American Fork Utah for sunny flat Orlando Florida. 

These are the Mountains in my back yard! Aren't they amazing!

I feel just like you think I would—excited, sad, adventurous, stressed, eager, lost. We’re moving in July so I have a little time to enjoy the dry Utah air, visit family, and say good-bye to all my friends.

On a slightly unrelated note, I’m going to finally take the plunge and jump into facebook :) I’m ridiculous I know.  This way we can keep in touch better. When I finally do it I’ll let you all know so you can come be my friends. I would appreciate it.

So tell me…have you ever lived in Orlando or Florida? Have you ever moved across the country with kids in tow? Tell me how it went.

-Angie 

Save the last Dance…

Yes that is a Phantom of the Opera theme. Classy!

Oh how I wish I had a hilarious dance story to tell you all, but the truth is I only remember one of my High School dances (even though I went to them all :).

This is a picture of my first prom. I went as a Sophomore (16 years old) and I was SOOO excited. Who wouldn’t be excited to go to a dance dressed in aqua blue tinfoil?

I don’t remember the dance as much as I remember dinner. My dress was beyond freaking tight. It had boning in the bodice and I could barely zip it up. It did help me have excellent posture, though.

So I’m in this crazy constrictive dress at the fanciest restaurant in Pocatello Idaho (this happens to be out at the airport, weird I know). But I can barely breathe let alone eat. I think my date (Cody Behrend) thought I was nervous or didn’t like the food, but in reality it was a choice between air and food. Hard choice.

When I couldn’t take the oxygen restriction anymore I dragged my friend (this was a double date, of course) to the bathroom so she could unzip me and I could get a few deep breaths in.

So the night went something like this—Eat. Run to the bathroom. Eat. Run to the bathroom. Dance. Run to the bathroom. Dance. Run to the bathroom.

LOL! I didn’t realize until just now how weird that was. Cody must have thought I had a personal bathroom problem. Bawahaha!

So there you have it—my best dance story and proof that at one point in my life I was skinny :) Thanks Emily and Kelley! Super fun blogfest.

-Angie

Too my friends…

I’m back from LDStorymakers! BEST CONFERENCE EVER! I learned so much. But I think the best part for me was meeting so many blog friends that I LOVE! So here is a little shout out to each of you. (I stole the pics from Leigh. I suck at taking pictures)

Emily King—Such a cute pregnant girl! You’re so sweet and positive, just like I thought you would be :) I love you girl.

LeighCovington (Abby)—Oh my gosh, can we just be neighbors and you can make me laugh every day? Think of all the plot problems we could work out.

I know I look like a drunken weirdo. 

Deana Barnhart—Such a darling accent! And you are just as sweet in person as you are online.


David Powers King—You’re smart, funny, and surprisingly soft spoken. Rock that full request!

Erin Summerhill—You’re magic! I’m excited to see who you land an agent for this time. And you are by far my FAVORITE creepy photographer!

Leslie Pugh—I loved meeting you :) So much fun!

Jessie Humphries—Your energy is contagious. And your self-deprecating humor kills me :) You’re so not a B-word!

Emily, David, Jessie, Erin, Leslie

Peggy Eddleman—Your smarts and success intimidate me a little, but in person you are so kind. I love that.

Chantel Sedgwick—Another cute pregnant mama! And I don’t believe for a second that you are shy :)

Katie Dodge—Gorgeous in real life. Seriously :)

Ruth Josse—I love your peaceful demeanor. I’m so serious about the arranged marriage :)

Melanie Fowler—I love your spunky spirit. It makes me smile.

Front Row: Jeigh, Chantele, Katie, Ruth, Leigh, Me. Back Row: Tasha, David, Jessie, Mel

Jeigh Meredith—I can’t get over how young you look. Do you get sick of hearing that?

Brenda Sills—You are so cute in person and you totally rock hats :)

Chad Morris—Yay for your secret! Will you announce it soon so I can celebrate publicly?

ShellyMorris (Downtown Shelly Brown)—You’re so cute. I could fit you in my pocket, but I think you would wiggle out!

Donna Weaver—I have my fingers crossed for you. Can’t wait to hold your book in my hands.

Brittany Larsen—Get me those pages! Augh! I’m so excited for you.

Tasha Seegmiller—I’m not going to comment on how tall you are :) Just on how freaking talented you are—contest runner up!

Robin Weeks—Your laugh is contagious. Keep querying! I love the concept of your book!

Illima Todd—I love your imagination. I hope you rock your full request too :)

Shallee McArthur—You’re too cute pregnant also! It isn’t fair :) I loved your smile.

Amber Argyle—I can’t wait to read your book!!! I’m ready to be blown away.

Kim Karras—I was so excited to meet you and I’m serious about looking at your book, so get those last two chapters done.

Jen Bennett—How did I miss you until the last minute? My loss.

JoLynne Lyon—We sat across from each other at dinner and you never said what a weirdo I was for not remembering you. Congrats on your win :)

Cassie Cook—Now Cass wasn’t at Storymakers, but we had dinner Saturday night. Jealous? I know you are. Cassie is hilarious in person. We laughed for 3 hours. Laughed until I had a headache.

Did I miss someone? Gosh I hope not. I just wanted to say thanks to all of you for giving me hugs and being  sweet to me. I can’t wait until next year :)

-Angie