My Non-Writing Summer...

Well, it’s July. The middle of July to be specific. What the heck happened to June?! I have nothing substantial, in terms of writing, to show for the whole summer. Yeah, that makes me a bit sad L.  But my lack of writing is not due to a lack of trying, because I’ve tried, I promise.

You see, every time the mood strikes, I’m bombarded with reasons why writing can wait. They vary, but have one thing in common—kids. With three boys (oldest is 15, middle is 13, and youngest is 5), I’m too busy. And when I’m not physically going, my head is wrapping around the randomness that leaks from my children’s mouths. I mean seriously, y’all wouldn’t believe the things these kids say!

So, just for fun, and since I haven’t blogged anything in forever, I’m gifting a list of reasons why my summer has been wordless. Enjoy!

1)      “Mom, can we go to the waterpark?” Usually I’m okay with this, because Oklahoma summers must be almost as hot as Hell! Seriously, it’s hot!

2)      “Mom, can we go driving?” My oldest just received his driver’s permit, which means he’ll do anything to get behind the wheel of a car. My nerves, with this whole “parent taught driver’s education” thing, are totally shot. Pray for me, y’all!

3)      “Mom, look at my toenail!” Gross, I know. My middle son ran his big toe over with his skateboard. His toenail turned various shades from the Crayola box, then fell off, then grew back. Fortunately for me, it grew back deformed, which he thinks is awesome and frequently shows off.

4)      “Mom, I have a horn!” Yes, a horn, like a bull’s horn. Because he’s five, he’s a clumsy mess. If he bumps his head and gets a knot, he’s growing a horn. This summer, he’s had three horns, all of which sent me into panic mode, but resulted in nothing more than a good story for him to tell Grandma.

5)      “Mom, the dog’s tooth fell out!” He’s old. Poor guy, I think he has four teeth left now.

6)      “Mom, I’m hungry!” They’re always hungry!

7)      “Mom, I’m going commando today.” That’s code for needing laundry done. Because saying, “Can you wash my clothes?” is apparently way too difficult.

8)      “Do we really have to go to the dentist?” Duh!

9)      “My butt is itchy.” Independence Day chiggers attacked. Some of us were lucky enough to only get them on our ankles, while others endured itchy backsides. It wasn’t fun!

10)  And finally, “Mom, can I get a tattoo?” I nearly blew a gasket on this one. Life choices, son, life choices.

I may not have written much, but I’ve certainly been busy. And it’s been one heck of an entertaining summer.

*Disclaimer-I do not own the images in this blog post. All credit to original owner.

Write Club 2015

So...I ran across something interesting on another blog the other day. Write Club! You know, like Fight Club. With words not fists! You can find all the details and rules here, on DL Hammons blog.

There's prizes too! I'm not sure I'm brave enough to enter, but I'll definitely stop by to vote! Although, it's anonymous, so maybe I'll sneak an entry in and see what happens. So, go ahead, run on over and get all the details, pick a pen name, whip out 500 words, and submit! Maybe I'll see you there :)

The Perfect Title

I’m a totally pantser, in regards to my writing anyway. I never outline, never plot anything. I just write, and then I edit like crazy when the writing is done! My non-planning doesn’t stop with just the writing either. It bubbles right on over to titling my book.

My title is generally the last thing I type. And it takes me forever and a day to figure out exactly what I should type on that first page. I’ve never thought of myself as someone who picks a book based on its title, but apparently I really do. I mean, something makes me pull that book from the shelf instead of the one next to it, right? This epiphany has kicked me in the backside and forces me to really consider what exactly goes into that perfect title.

I suppose I decide on my title when the writing is finished because I’m not completely sure where I’m heading. For an effective title, I really need to capture the feel of the book I’ve just written. Because who wants to pick a funny titled book off the shelf only to discover it’s heartbreaking and didn’t induce a single laugh! So yeah, a title should feel like it belongs to the words inside.

Sometimes, like in my last manuscript, there’s a particular setting that just won’t leave me alone. It bugs me (in a totally good way) until I spin it into the title. And it fits perfectly. There’s a ton of stuff that happens under those Maples, so it’s only right to carry it over in the title.

For my most recent manuscript, I chose a two word title, and yes one of those words is The! Admittedly, I’m not a fan of one or two worded titles, but it felt right for this manuscript. Two little words pull my characters together, describes them, and, in my opinion, is eye catching. If I were to see those two little words on the spine of a book in a bookstore, I’d totally snatch it up.

And, it’s not like I’m completely convinced my titles are the most awesome things in this world. Chances are, they’ll change at some point before my books ever hit the shelves (if they ever do!). So, while I love my titles, even the migraines they induce, I’ll happily consider alternates.

*note* I do not own the images in this blog post. All credit to original owner.

Will the edits ever end?!

Will the editing ever end?! Probably not—that’s the best answer I have at this exact moment!

Seriously, my current manuscript is a never-ending mess of edits. At least that’s what it feels like to me. Why? Because I can’t stop! I told myself there’s just not enough drama…I need more drama. And so, drama added. Next, (after reading my 52,000 words five times!) I figure my male POV isn’t ‘male’ enough. So, I became a seventeen year old boy every time I sat at my computer! That was interesting! Now, I’m off to add sensory details! See what I’m saying here…IT NEVER ENDS!!

Okay, I’m being dramatic. It will end, eventually, I suppose. But for now, I’m obsessed and nothing will keep me from making my story better! Because one day, it will be finished…oh, yes it will! (Unless I find something else I want to change!)

Like a good blogger (I’m totally not), I’ve included some helpful links for editing! Enjoy!

7 Tips for Revising by Writers Digest
Tips on Editing by Manuscript Edit
A Checklist! by Writers Digest




*Note: I do not own the images in this blog post. All credit to original owner.

In The New Year...

A new year! My granny always told me time flies so I should try to slow it down with every opportunity. Yeah, that’s not working out for me, but it would be nice to have such a superpower.

I’m not the type to make resolutions with a new year. I can honestly never keep to them, so I gave up ages ago. Now, I simply resolve to do things differently. Maybe I won’t have buns of steel, be the nicest person you’ve ever met, or become the queen of organization, but I know I can make small changes that will eventually become good habits…I hope. And this applies to my writing as well.

First up—read more! Every writer knows reading is a must. It helps us with our own stories, with our words, and gets our creative juices flowing. At least that’s what happens when I pick up a book. I generally only read one or two novels a month (currently reading I’LL GIVE YOU THE SUN by Jandy Nelson! If y’all haven’t read it…get on it…amazing voice in there!).

 

This year I also vow to bring my characters to life. I seem to struggle with this—making them real, giving them a unique voice. Each character is different, and I find it hard to switch around while writing dialogue. I seem to want them all to speak a specific way. This is something I definitely need to work on.

In 2015 I plan to people watch. Yep. I’m going to sit around—at the park, while shopping, hanging with family and friends—and stalk the heck out of people. This will most likely help in making my characters original and different in their own special ways. I’ll strive to be covert in my attempts, but I fear a very, very dark shade of glasses is in my near future. And I’m okay with that.

 

Happy New Year Everyone!

*Note: I do not own the images in this blog post. All rights to original owner.

 

 

 

 

#HolidayQuery Blog Hop

The fabulous Michelle Hauck is hosting yet another blog hop! Last time I shared my first 250 and got amazing feedback. Thanks y'all! This time we get to tackle QUERY letters (insert dramatic music here). My brain already hurts...

Michelle has all the details on her blog. Join in, get feedback, and give a little too. It's fun...I promise!

My query letter is below. Happy critiquing, fellow writers!

Revised

Dear ______:

When seventeen-year-old Jill is submerged in a mob of angry fans on a football field, she discovers two things: the rivalry is way out of control, and she just met the boy worth questioning everything she’s grown up believing.

As a Capland girl, and daughter of the head coach, Jill never expects to fall for Rashon, a Montville boy. After all, Montville is full of worthless troublemakers—at least that’s what everyone in Capland says. But with one quick rescue on a football field, followed by an extraordinary amount of sneaking around and lying (there’s always lying) and she is hooked. When Jill learns Rashon will join her at State in the fall, she knows freedom to love him publicly is close. Too bad Dad, or the entire town for that matter, will disown her. Being with Rashon is what she wants. But what she wants and what her family wants are two different things. Ending the rivalry is the only way. First, she needs to know why it started and how it got so out of control.

And so, Jill starts an inquisition, determined to find answers. Granddad, bourboned up and chatty, offers the details, details that prevent either family to forgive and forget. If she’s not successful in bringing feuding towns and families together, then she’ll lose someone: Rashon or Dad. She has to make it happen. Somehow.

WHERE THE MAPLES GROW, a contemporary YA retelling complete at 51,000 words, is a story of forbidden love as seen from two points of view: my Romeo and my Juliet.

Per submission guidelines, I’ve included the first XXX of my manuscript. I appreciate your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Original
Dear ______,

When seventeen-year-old Jill finds herself submerged in violence on small town Capland’s football field she discovers two things: the rivalry is way out of control, and she just met the boy worth questioning everything she’s grown up to believe.

Jill wasn’t on the lookout for a boyfriend. What was the point when she’d be gone to State in the fall. One quick rescue on a football field, followed by an extraordinary amount of sneaking around and lying (there was always lying) and she was hooked. Too bad her new love, Rashon, was a Montville boy. Not to mention, Dad would have a stroke if he knew she even dreamed of dating his rival’s son. Loving him in secret was great and all, but there’s only so much time in a day without prying eyes. The only way to end the rivalry was to find out why it started in the first place. And so, the inquisition began. Granddad, bourboned up and chatty, would offer the details, details that prevented either love struck teen’s family to forgive and forget.
She had to make it happen. Somehow. Living without the boy her heart refused to forget wasn’t an option.

WHERE THE MAPLES GROW, a contemporary retelling complete at 51,000 words, is a story of forbidden love as seen from two points of view: my Romeo and my Juliet.

Per submission guidelines, I’ve included the first XXX of my manuscript. I appreciate your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

My Wants...

Hubby asked what I wanted for Christmas. Guess what I said? Yep…books. So, in honor of the quickly approaching holiday season, I’m going to share my list of must read books. Chances are, he’ll screw this up somehow and I’ll end up with at least one book I didn’t request. But I’m sure it won’t cause a divorce…maybe.

·       CREED by Trisha Leaver and Lindsay Currie. I didn’t even have to read the whole blurb on this one. Creepy! Also, I may end up chewing my nails to nubs while reading—a sacrifice I’m willing to make.

·        LOVE AND OTHER UNKNOWN VARIABLES by Shannon Lee Alexander. First and foremost, I loathe math. It’s an evil I’ll never understand! But give me a math nerd and tattooed girl and I’m hooked. Pranks too! I’m all about some teen shenanigans!

·        WE WERE LIARS by E. Lockhart. This one has been out for nearly a year, but I haven’t had the chance to read it. Can’t wait to get my eyes on the secrets between these pages.

·        THE WAY WE FALL by Megan Crewe. This is another one that’s been on the shelves for a bit. Love a good epidemic…especially when told from a teen’s point of view.

·       VISIONS (Cainsville #2) by Kelley Armstrong. I tend to read more YA, which this is not. I enjoyed her Darkest Rising and Darkest Powers series, so I gave Omens a chance. Loved it. So it’s only natural I get my hands on the second novel in this series.

I’m sure before Christmas rolls around, I’ll have added to this list. Crossing my fingers the hubby doesn’t alter my choices or think I’ll like something better than what I’ve suggested—he’s done that in the past!

Now, if only I knew what he wanted…