Fare thee well

What was the first book you read after you completed your novel? Do you remember? Was it a different reading experience for you?

I guess every reading experience is different, but the Hunger Games was my first read after I finished my own manuscript.

I was amazed at the new details that stood out to me. The POV. The present tense. The clever way Suzanne Collins weaves through passages of time - but always keeps us ever present. The unique, simple descriptions. The dialog staying true to every character. The internal dialog. Powerful action sequences and the nail biting moments of suspense (I guess that's pretty much the whole novel!).

It was amazing! A completely different experience than it would have been had I read it a year ago before I started this writing adventure.

I've learned so much about writing by -- well, writing. :) And of course blogging is a huge part of that. I've learned a lot from your posts and from my own posts and getting feedback from you. But unfortunately, I'm going to take a break for a while. There are a few demands outside the blogosphere that deserve more attention. And if I ever do get a moment to myself, I know I'll be working on my WIP.

The more involved I become in Blogging, the more time I want to dedicate to it. And I just can't squeeze more hours from the day.

I feel like my 'season' for blogging will circle back around and I'll definitely be riding that train! But for now, I'll wave goodbye to you all from the station and wish you the very best on your blogging adventures. Thank you for the help you've given me and I look forward to checking out your blogs from time to time!

It's been a Pleasure!

--Sara

Beginning with the End

Do you watch Once Upon a Time on ABC? If you don’t you should. It—is—AWESOME!

 As I watched it last night with my hubby, I started to wonder…Do you like stories where you know the ending from the very beginning?

The pilot episode of Once Upon a Time starts with Snow White and Prince Charming getting married and the Evil Witch cursing everyone. It’s dramatic and exciting. So far so good—right? But then every other episode is a flashback showing some snippet of the story before the curse.

I love the show (I really do), but I will say that some of the mystery is lessened. I don’t worry that they might not get together because I know they will. The mystery then takes on a new dynamic. How do we get from point A to point B?

This is nothing new. Most romances are structured this way. We know they will get together. The drama is in HOW?

I’m so curious and I want your feedback. Do you like this kind of storytelling? Or do you prefer to be completely in the dark?

-Angie

Really? But you’re a writer…

Writers are a talented bunch of people, there is no denying this. I’m a writer and I’m surprised at all the things I should be good at—but I’m so NOT.

When people hear about my weaknesses I swear they are thinking—Really? But you’re a writer. So here is a brief list of a few of my shortcomings.

Spelling—I suck at spelling. I try and try, but the spelling part of my brain must be filled with something else (probably the plots from Law and Order). I’m seriously thinking of getting NECESSARY tattooed on my arm. That bugger kills me every time.

 Words with Friends—I should be good at that stinking game! But I’m not. My husband slaughters me. I think it's because I would rather play a cool word like zygote for 19 points instead of a boring word like qi for a billion. Sometimes I resort to cheating (don’t tell my husband), but I don’t feel too bad because he still beats me.

Education—I think people assume that writers will have a English or Creative Writing degrees. I have neither. In fact I don’t have a degree at all (shh, don’t tell the agents). I’m planning on going back to school. Maybe I will go when my oldest goes. He would love that :)

Eye sight—Okay this one is a stretch, but you have to see to be a writer. Hours spent in front of the computer and with my nose in a book have messed up my eyesight. I just got glasses. My 6 year old thinks I look like a geek.

So what about you? What skill do you lack? Tell me so I won’t feel so lame.

-Angie

Hey I'm over at the lovely Tara Tyler's blog today doing an interview and guest post about How To Be A Good Critique Partner. So if you have time come check it out.

Kidney stone free!

Hey everybody J I’m back and recovering nicely! Thank you for the wishes for a fast recovery. I think it worked.

There is nothing quite as demoralizing as writhing in pain for a two weeks, needing a surgery, waking up begging for morphine—only to have the doctor hand you a vile of what looks like sand (they had to blast my kidney stone) and thinking—ALL THAT TROUBLE FOR THIS!!!

My kids wanted to see my kidney stone, and I will just say that my 6 year old was less than impressed with my vile. The look on her face was priceless. She said, “That’s it?” But her face said, “My mom is crazy! I walk over stones like that to school.” I think she was expecting something grander :)

Aside from the pain I think the worst part of the ordeal was being so tired. Pain killers are the worst. I could barely focus. I tried writing and everything was garbled. I tried reading and fell asleep every time. Yuck!

I’m so happy to be coherent! Thanks for all the nice thoughts and wishes, I really appreciated it :)

-Angie

Awards!

Yet another happy surprise in the world of blogging. Jaye Robin Brown, of Hanging on to Wonder, (which is such a lovely name BTW!) has nominated Live to Write for the Versatile Blogger Award. :) It technically goes to both Angie and I, but I'll do the honors since Angie is out of commission at the moment. Thank you Jaye for taking the time to check out our blog and be such an awesome participant. Thank you so much!

So, here's the skinny:

1. In a post on your blog, nominate 15 fellow bloggers for the Versatile Blogger Award.(or 5 like me - you will not be smited.)
2. In the same post, add the Versatile Blogger Award.
3. In the same post, thank the blogger who nominated you in a post with a link back to their blog.
4. In the same post, share 7 completely random pieces of information about yourself.
5. In the same post, include this set of rules.
6. Inform each nominated blogger of their nomination by posting a comment on each of their blogs.

And that's about it! So, here we go. Seven lesser known facts about me:

1. I was once offered 100 camels for my hand in marriage. The man was Arabic, twice my age, and had lost most of his teeth, but I'll be honest - I was a little flattered. But mostly freaked out! ;)

2. When I write I don't listen to music. At first it was because I always had a sleeping child in the next room, but now, I just enjoy the silence. Instead of music, I read my manuscript out loud to myself. It's so great, because I catch a lot of errors and my dialogue feels more authentic.

3. If I do listen to music, I'm an ABBA fan and I listen to vintage Michael Jackson when I need to feel amazing and 'out of this world-cool'!

4. I'm one half Icelandic and I feel like Iceland is one of the best kept secrets of the world (at least before I blew the whistle on it!). I've been there during the Winter and the Summer and I have never seen a place more beautiful in all my life. You should go ... seriously, it's amazing!

5. When I was 19 years old, I took a train across the country to live in North Carolina without having ever visited there, without family or friends and with no expectations of what I would find. It was an adventure and may be the best decision I ever made. I thank my parents every day for going along with it! :)

6. I had four children in four years. Two sets of Irish Twins and I LOVE them beyond words. :)

7. In my high school, a play I wrote called, "Irish Eyes" was chosen, with a few others, to be produced. It was student directed and student acted. It was an amazing experience and gave me the confidence I needed to begin to wonder if I could really write. :)

Okay, that's it for me ... And now for my nominations ... I know many of you have received this award, but I'm going to acknowledge your versatility and coolness anyway!

1. Brooke from The Blank Page . I was an instant fan when she talked about her LOVE of the VHS and 80's movies. She's down to earth, a busy mom and from what I can tell, a great person. She's new to the blog-o-sphere and so far, I've thoroughly enjoyed her posts!

2. Kim Karras, of Confessions of a Bibliophile. Kim is so kind, and has intelligent comments as well as posts. She's a great writer. She balances a busy life with blogging and I will always admire that. Her posts cover a variety of topics and reach a lot of different readers. Thanks Kim.

3. Shelley and Chad of Writing with Shelley and Chad. I became a fan when Shelley flew solo as Small Town Shelley Brown. I was so new to all this blogging stuff, and she was so encouraging. Their blog is hilarious and fun and full of heart. The most memorable post for me was about why Shelley shaved her head. Everyone should read it because she's a great example of living and living well! Thanks Shelley and you too Chad. :)

4. Donna Weaver, Weaving a Tale or Two. I have recently stumbled onto Donna's blog and I love it. I have never met her, but here's the thing: I feel like I could sit at her feet and just listen to her stories! She's awesome. Do any of you know how many places she's lived? Or visited? She's got a great perspective on life and living and I enjoy all of the insights that she brings to the table. And yes, Donna, you are a superstar blogger!

5. Peggy Eddleman, Will Write for Cookies. It's not all about the cookies, but c'mon - how cool is that? She unites all of us cookie lovers! Not only does she post some incredibly delicious pictures and recipes, she is an author that I think we'll see a lot of. She's full of gratitude for her latest book that will be published this September the thirteenth and continues to share all kinds of good thoughts, quotes and advice on her blog. She takes the time to make amazing comments too, and I honestly don't know how she has the time. Thank you Peggy!

6. E.R. King, Get Busy Writing. Emily not only has a stupendous pen name, but she is a team player. She offers honest, real comments that have, btw, helped me so much. Plus she does all kinds of stuff on her blog - interviews, giveaways, Mentor Mondays, blog hops, etc. She's versatile, serious about her writing and always extends a helping hand. Thanks Emily.

7. Leigh Covington . Another amazing pen name! Leigh is always supporting Angie and I on the blog and throws out all kinds of good contests and hops as well. She also is a great participant, putting herself and her writing out there. She's good and she's motivated, and that's a contagious cocktail! I appreciate it, and glean a lot from her enthusiasm.

8. J.A. Bennett. I didn't know Jennifer or her blog prior to The Wrap it Up Blog Hop. She co-hosted it with David Powers King and Leigh Covington. I participated and began following Jennifer's blog. Jennifer writes beautifully. Her website is so calming too ... that probably sounds strange, but I enjoy the simplicity that she brings to the table as well as her great knowledge base of writing and craft.

9. David Powers King. I heard of David through the same blog hop as I mentioned above. But I've continued following him because he knows so much! He's down to earth and puts stuff out there (especially in regards to Sci Fi and Fantasy) in such a way that I feel encouraged, not in over my head. He really knows his stuff, but he also really wants to see people succeed and that is apparent in all of his posts.

10. Mel Fowler, Adventure Writes. First of all, Mel has one of my favorite blog titles. Mel is a bit of a mentor to me, without knowing it. She's exudes enthusiasm and seems to just jump in with both feet. I participated in one of her give-aways - my first ever - and had a great experience.

10. Kelly Lynn, Between the Bookends. Here's another blogger that jumps off the page! She's got great comments and fun posts. She's so committed and willing to put herself out there and risk. I admire that, and am still working on that!

11. Angela Brown. Her post today, in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. is indicative of all her posts. She's thoughtful, humble, determined and grateful to be able to pursue her own dream. I admire her and have benefited from her comments. Thanks Angela!

12. Nick Wilford, Scattergun Scribblings. I'm new to Nick's blog, but he's commented on our blog a few times and really offered some great thoughts. He's down to earth and isn't afraid to disagree and discuss it. He offers a very fresh perspective, and I appreciate his posts. He's genuine and is giving his writing every opportunity out there.

Okay, I'm going to wrap it up at 12 awards - it's my lucky number. There are so many others who have greatly influenced me, so thanks to all of you who pop onto our blog and whose blogs inspire me to keep going! Thanks everyone and thank you again Jaye for noticing our efforts on Live to Write!

-Sara

A Tribute

What is blogging? I'm still figuring that out, but I can tell you what it's not. It's not just cranking out a daily or weekly post about random thoughts, as I once believed. Turns out, it's a whole lot more!

This is my acknowledgement or tribute to you rock solid bloggers out there who help those of us who are new to the game. You teach us how to get involved, connect with one another and have fun through interviews, blogfests, contests, giveaways, etc. etc. etc.

In my short blogging life, I've had incredible fortune. A couple of months ago, I won, Become by Ali Cross and some deluxe swag on Mel Fowler's awesome blog, Adventure Writes. Become is my first e-book experience and so far, so good. I won't spill the beans yet, but hope to give a full report on the book and my e-book reading experience soon. Thanks Mel for helping me take my first plunge into e-books and for sharing your awesome blog with all of us!

Another blogging first for me was the Wrap It Up blog hop hosted by David Powers King, Leigh Covington and J.A. Bennet. I had a great family story to tell, and took at stab at this fun holiday hop. It was awesome! I read some great flash fiction by a bunch of you and I ended up winning! It was like Christmas a week early! I loved it! Thank you David, Leigh and Jennifer for hosting this - I learned so much.

Most recently I participated in E.R.King's blogging survey. I actually learned a ton about blogging from this. You should check out the results here. I was really surprised by some of the outcomes. And as luck would have it, Emily was kind enough to have a survey give away and I was the name drawn out of the hat. :) Crazy, right? I'm so excited.

Now if you really want to get serious, you'll check out Chad Morris's latest survey, "Tackling the Hard Issues". Not to mention Shelly's Therapy Hour. Get to know these guys on their blog: Writing with Shelly and Chad.

This is a small handful of people who rock the house when it comes to blogging. How do you guys do it??

This isn't a rhetorical question - I'm serious! How do you all do it? :)

Though I only had room to mention a few, I salute all of you who do survey's, giveaways, fests, blog hops, interviews, and in the meantime, sneak in all sorts of good info, humor and education. On behalf of all of us little people, Thanks! :)

p.s. Angie is home, heavily sedated and hopefully on the road to recovery! ;)

--Sara

I'm too sexy for myself???

The post I wrote for today has been bumped to Monday because I happened upon this video and enjoyed it too much! I hope you do too!

I love that in writing--adding flaws, or at least being honest about character flaws: physical, emotional or whatever, adds to and shapes our characters. We're not going for perfection, we want authentic.

But for the media, flawlessness is the name of the game and now there's the prefect product available to anyone! Check it out:

As promised, here's the update on Angie: She's in surgery today, but will be back on the blog radar Wednesday of next week, so stay tuned! I've passed along all of your well wishes on her behalf - Thank you. I think she's itching to be back in the saddle and I, too, hope she has a speedy recovery.

Have a great weekend!

--Sara