Archive for the 'Life' Category

2010 Reboot

Published
by
Christine d'Abo
on January 28, 2010
in Health, Life and Writing
. 5 Comments

I’ve had an interesting start to my year. As some of you know, I’ve been sick for the past month. Not “hey I’ve had a bad flu” sick. More like “hey, this could kill you if you’re not careful” sick. The good news is that I’m on the mend. The bad news is I’ve had a lot of free time on my hands.

This shouldn’t be a problem.

I haven’t been able to write anything since this mess started. Understandably, my creativity has been sapped a bit. But what it has done, is given me time to think. Its helped me focus on what I want my year to be like going forward.

First off, I’m going to start taking care of myself better. That means listening to my body and not ignoring things when they’re not right. Yes, women tend to do this a lot, but I won’t anymore. I’ve also learned that bad things can happen to me. It’s funny, I never considered before that something could. I know that sounds naive, but really, who does. I’m not old, I thought I was healthy, why would I think bad things were about to happen. I now know that I’m not invincible and need to put myself first so I can be there for my family.

On the writing front, I’ve learned that if I want things to move forward, I need to make them happen. No more sitting around thinking I can’t get an agent, or a bigger contract, or write the book I always wanted, just because it’s hard. Of course its hard, and I might even fail. But one thing I know for certain, it will never happen if I don’t try.

So, I’ve decided to start 2010 over. I go back to my day job on Monday after having been on sick leave for a month. I’m also going to start writing again and get those queries out to agents. No, I won’t giver up after getting five rejections and think I’m a sucky writer.

Positive side of life. It’s a nice place to be.

:)

Birthdays and Reviews

Published
by
Christine d'Abo
on October 19, 2009
in Life, Review and The Bond That Saves Us
. 8 Comments

It’s amazing how quickly life actually goes by. On Wednesday my oldest daughter turns ten. We had her birthday party/sleep-over this past weekend and had a ball. The whole time I’m staring at her and am in shock that I have a ten year old. She’s become her own person and I couldn’t be prouder of her.

When I asked her what she wanted to be when she old older, she told me she plans on being a kindergarten teacher. “But if that doesn’t work out, I’ll be a writer, mummy.” I was so proud!

Happy birthday baby!

Speaking of proud…I opened my inbox this morning to the most amazing review from Two Lips Reviews. The ever fantastic Merrylee gave The Bond That Saves Us five Lips!! It was an incredibly flattering review.

Sadly, The Bond That Saves Us is the final book in this exceptionally good series. I’ve read all four books, and I can truthfully say that they are not to be missed. Christine D’Abo not only writes with a knowledgeable flare for futuristic sci-fi, her characters are powerfully human – even if they aren’t. The pages of her books read fluidly, with absolutely no drag anywhere. Her world building and plot lines are extraordinarily well drawn and captivating. Beyond that, no other author I’ve read reaches quite the depth of sensuality and emotion in their sex scenes as does Ms. D’Abo. In fact, her sex scenes can be more aptly described as love scenes, as they grab hold of the reader’s heartstrings and hang on tight. You can’t read a D’Abo novel without sinking heart and soul into the lives of her characters, who seem so real it’s hard to believe they do not truly exist.

Thank you so much Merrylee for your kind words. You can read the review in its entirety over at Two Lips Reviews.

Writer’s Head Space

Published
by
Christine d'Abo
on October 14, 2009
in Life and Writing
. 0 Comments

You know your a writer when…

I have this tendency to drift off some days. I can be sitting there, working away on something, or doing the laundry and my mind drifts off. I’m choosing to believe there isn’t something wrong with me, but rather I’m getting into that spot where my characters start talking to me.

Wow, that really does make me sound a bit off my rocker LOL!

I really enjoy finding that writer’s head space. Sometimes its hard to get to if things around me are a bit insane, but most of the time it just happens. I think some of my best ideas have popped out when I’m drifting along. I’ve fixed plot issues when I’ve been doing the dishes thinking about nothing in particular.

It’s also interesting how I find myself working on new plots more in the fall than in the summer or spring. I’m not sure if it’s my way of dealing with the winter, or if I’m simply more introspective this time of year.

How about you? Do you find fall makes you more introspective? Do you read more, do more quite activities? Or are you one of those brilliant people who explode with energy and ideas this time of year?

Happy Labour Day!

Published
by
on September 7, 2009
in Life
. 0 Comments

I wanted to pop in and wish everyone a wonderful Labour Day. I’ve been very busy this weekend. Between painting, cleaning and writing, I’m ready for a vacation LOL!

Time for a rest. :)

Survived Vacation!

Published
by
on August 7, 2009
in Life
. 2 Comments

I’m alive!! And mostly sane. :D

The trip home was fantastic. The kids and the puppy survived the car drive with little to no issues. Hubby and myself enjoyed the break, though we’re both running around mad today trying to get things organized. Once I have a few minutes to sit, I’ll post some of the pictures we took while visiting beautiful New Brunswick Canada.

But first…laundry!!

*groan*

Insanity of the Family Vacation

Published
by
on July 23, 2009
in Life
. 2 Comments

Well folks, I’m not sure if hubby and I are brave or insane. We are getting ready for our family vacation, which starts on Saturday. It will take us the next two days to prepare for the drive.

I hear you asking, “Why so long, Christine?” Excellent question!  You see we need all the prep time because we are driving from Ontario to New Brunswick. Now if you put this into Mapquest, it tells you that it will take 16 hours to complete this insanity. This (naturally) ignores the idea of traffic, or the fact I will have two kids and a dog in the car. Hubby and I are anticipating it will take us between 18-20 hours with stops and slow downs.

In the car.

With two kids AND a puppy.

Yes, yes, I hear your laughter now. But we are strong! We are prepared (or will by tomorrow night)! I have Gravol for the kids…and have figured out that we can give it to Jack too (he’s the dog, not my husband). We have the laptop and an adapter ready to go so the kids can watch Smallville (Superman saves the day AGAIN!), and I’ll have a good assortment of music to listen to while I drive.

And yes, I’ll do most of the driving. I’m a terrible passenger, so it’s less stressful on hubby if I just drive. :D

So, I won’t be on my blog for two weeks, but I will be bugging everyone on Twitter.

Wish me luck!

The Drive To Move Forward

Published
by
on July 21, 2009
in Life and Writing
. 9 Comments

No one claimed being any type of artist was easy. For the most part, friends and family don’t get what you do (even the really supportive ones), you are constantly battling self doubt, only to put your work out there and pray someone likes it. Those of us who do it have our own reasons for what drives us on. Sometimes, those reasons get a bit muddy.

I really love being a writer–but it is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I’ve never questioned my own ability to accomplish what I set out to do in my life. I wanted to write a book. I wanted to be published. I did and I am. Next on my list, I want to have an agent and be published with a NY house. I will…only a matter of time. But I’m impatient with myself. Honestly, it’s one of my greatest faults.

Why am I rambling on about all this? No, I’m not trying to toot my own horn, looking for sympathy, or prove I’m some sort of uber-awesome person. To be honest, I’m finding myself slipping. My writer self has been going through some soul searching recently. I’ve been asking myself some questions (what do I hope to accomplish? how am I going to get there?) and I’ve come to the realization that I’ve lost sight of why I wanted to be a writer in the first place.

I love telling stories. I like making shit up and getting a reaction out of people. If you’ve ever met me, you know I’m even worse in person. That drive to entertain is something very deeply ingrained in me.

Recently, I’ve lost sight of that.

I’ve been finding myself drifting. I’m more concerned with writing to the market. While that’s important, it can also be stifling. While I want to advance my career, I need to be true to myself. This is the reason I haven’t been able to do much recently. I’ve been feeling trapped as a writer–not quite good enough to go in one direction, but wanting a new challenge.

So, I’ve come over to my blog and am giving myself an opportunity to get all these thoughts out of my head and onto the virtual paper. I need to look at them and figure out what I need to do to move forward. I know a lot of you out there who read my blog are also writers. I’m asking for your advice as well. How do you keep yourself going and focused?

My motivation has slipped, but it’ not gone.

Edits – Almost There

Published
by
on July 16, 2009
in Life and Writing
. 3 Comments

It really is funny to go back and read something you’ve written quite some time ago. It’s my voice, but not really. I’ve changed a lot over the past two years, and I hope its all for the better. That said, it can be really hard for me to go back and make edits to a story, knowing there is a problem with the voice, but not seeing why.

Thank god for critique partners! *hugs JK and Amy*

The good news, is that I’m almost done the edits I wanted for this submission to Spice Briefs. I think I need to add some more sex to it (because you can never go wrong with more sex), and then out the door it will go! This is my first time submitting to Spice, so I’m curious to see what will happen. This might not be the right story for them, but I’m excited to give it a go. :D

Once this one is done, I’ll be going back to my WIP for a while. It’s an urban paranormal, and very different from anything else I’ve ever written. If I actually sell this one, I might have to consider a different pen name. There’s no sex! Shocking, I know. :D

I really want to try and tie up loose ends over the next week and a bit before I go away on vacation. It’s been a while since we’ve been home, and I’m looking forward to spending time with my family.

I hope everyone is having a great week so far.

HUGS!

Happy Canada Day!!

Published
by
on July 1, 2009
in Fun and Life
. 4 Comments

Happy Canada Day! There is something fantastic about having a day off in the middle of the week. Not only did I get to listenn to the new radio play Torchwood: Asylum on BBC4 Radio, but I’ll be heading out for some festivities soon. When we get home there will be a BBQ and wine – good times.

canadian_flag

And for your listening entertainment, this little video was Twittered by Leah Braemel. Silly thing has been stuck in my head for DAYS now. Enjoy!

Journal

Published
by
on June 25, 2009
in Life and Writing
. 1 Comment

I discovered long ago I am motivated by check lists. Yes, I’m one of those crazy people who will put things on a list just so I can cross it off. Gives me a sense of accomplishment. :D Like most people, if I have to keep track of things then I’m less likely to cheat, be that on a diet, exercise or writing.

Yesterday, I decided to start what I’m affectionately calling “Christine’s A Slacker” journal. Starting yesterday, I’m writing down on each page what I’ve eaten, what I’ve done for exercise and how much I’ve written. Nothing fancy, but it’s helping me fit thing into my busy life.

It must be working because I managed to write over 2k on my WIP, didn’t go crazy when hubby took us out to a restaurant last night, and even managed to squeeze a walk in despite the crazy heat. I’ll do my best to keep it up, if for no other reason than it will help keep track of my writing.

Summer is always a challenge for me when it comes to motivation. The weather is so nice, why would I want to be inside! My WIP is keeping my focus though, and I’m anxious to keep the pace moving forward.

On a personal note, our crazy weekend was fantastic! Little one had a great birthday, Father’s day was fun with a BBQ and good friends, and our anniversary was lovely. Now it’s back to reality and hard work. :)

I hope you are all having a great week so far. :)