Archive for the 'Writing' Category

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NaNoWriMo – Week One

Published on November 6, 2009 in NaNoWriMo and Writing. 3 Comments

Yes, once again I have joined the craziness that is NaNoWriMo. This is my fifth year participating and I’m always amazing by the volume of excitement generated by the even.

Personally, I love it!

So, I’ve jumped head first into my urban paranormal and have really connected with the plot and characters. For me, NaNo helps me get that first draft out of my head and onto the paper as quickly as possible. I know I will have to go back and add to the scenes, but the fundamentals will be there, ready and waiting.

In order to achieve the goal of hitting 50k in 30 days, you need to write 1,667 words a day. For some of you, this sounds like an awful lot. For others, a more than doable goal. For me, I’ve upped that goal to 3,000 words a day in the hopes I’ll get closer to finishing the first draft.

Today marks day six of NaNo, and I’m thrilled to say I’ve crossed the 15,000 word mark already. There is still another day and a half to go before week one is officially done. I’m going to try and push myself to cross 20,000 by end of day Saturday.

Crazy? I didn’t think there was any question of that.

If you are on Twitter, you can follow other NaNo folks by the #NaNoWriMo and #nanocout hash tags. Lots of fantastic people to keep your motivation going. Of course, there is also the official site at www.nanowrimo.org. If you’re interested, you can follow me there by searching for Christine99.

Who else is doing NaNo this year? How are you making out?

When Plot Bunnies Attack!

Published on October 21, 2009 in Writing. 3 Comments

The wild plot bunny is a dangerous creature. Unlike it’s kinder, gentler, fluffier cousin, the plot bunny is viscous. It jumps on unsuspecting people, biting with it’s oversized teeth and sharp claws. Anyone is at risk of being attacked – writers and readers alike.

How to Protect Yourself

1. Wear Protective Clothing – The plot bunny is especially fond of comfort clothing. Avoid sweat pants, t-shirts and fuzzy socks at all costs. Yes, I know this will come as heart-ache to many of you. I myself mourned the loss of my green fuzzy socks, but trust me, you’re life is worth it!

2. Don’t Be Alone - It has been my experience that the plot bunny picks on solitary figures. Whether you are walking the dog, getting groceries, or doing the laundry, if you are on your own your mind will wander. Once distracted, the plot bunny will see this weakness and will pounce! My advice…don’t do laundry!

3. Watch What You Eat – The plot bunny is an addict. Chocolate, chips, coffee, mint Girl Guide Cookies (I’m selling them btw if you want any), are all favourites of the plot bunny. As these are staples for most writers, a decoy is necessary. Have carrots, beets and other “healthy foods” on hand. If you spot a plot bunny, THROW THIS AT THEM! They will flee in terror, leaving your cookies alone.

What To Do If You Are Attacked
Don’t Panic! If there are a group of plot bunnies, the most important thing you can do is not move. Many of them will lose interest and wander off. If you have a persistent attacker, the best thing you can do is try to distract it. Sacrifice the cookies if you have to!

If it is a single plot bunny attacking, you may have the opportunity to capture the creature. I will not tell you how to do this (safety protocols prevent me from doing so), but if you manage it, do your best to domesticate the creature. You never know what the end result will be.

*This post is the result of too much cold medication*

Writer’s Head Space

Published 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?

First Review – The Bond That Saves Us

Published on September 3, 2009 in Review, The Bond That Saves Us and Writing. 2 Comments

Hello everyone!

Well, I’m sorry for the absence recently. Things are crazy as always in the household, but moving along nicely. I’ve recently finished edits on a book that I’ll be sending over to my Samhain editor (cross fingers that she likes it), and am at the halfway mark on a new erotic futuristic. The few people who have read the chapters I’ve done so far really like it. I’m going to push to have it finished and off to my EC editor by the end of the month.

Speaking of EC…

I just received my first review for The Bond That Saves Us!! It received 4.5 / 5 Nymphs from Literary Nymphs Reviews.

*does a snoopy dance*

Here’s a small peek…

The sexual tension between Amy and Sean starts off hot and only gets hotter, as these two lovers spend more time together, until their desire is molten hot and almost out of control. Both are afraid of admitting their need for the other, and the author does a wonderful job describing their unease, fear and confusion. Ms. d’Abo’s integration of old and new characters…friends was seamless, lending the story a sense of depth, caring and family.

You can check out the entire review here.

And on a side note. There was a problem with the contact form on my website. It’s been fixed by my wonderful web guy, so feel free to email me any questions or comments you may have. :)

The Bond That Saves Us August 12th!!

Published on July 31, 2009 in The Bond That Saves Us and Writing. 1 Comment

OMG I just got the BEST vacation present!! My editor emailed me to say that The Bond That Saves Us is being released on AUGUST 12TH!!!

*does a snoopy dance*

thebondthatsavesus_msr

I so wasn’t expecting this to come out as soon as it is, but I have to say I’m tickled pink!! Over the next week, I’ll be posting some excerpts to tickle your fancy and get you all excited about the final Eternal Bond book.

The Drive To Move Forward

Published 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 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!

Things are Moving!

Published on July 14, 2009 in All Bottled Up, Goals, In Print, The Bond That Saves Us and Writing. 5 Comments

So maybe I need to post more blogs becasue yesterday, I was seriously motivated. I managed to get my read through done for my submission. Cut quite a bit, tightened some more and even got it off to my fantastic critique partners. I got through a contest entry (mostly) before I fell asleep at my keyboard.A very productive night.

I got stuff done! *does a snoopy dance

Today, I managed to get about a 1000 words written on my WIP before heading out to work. It was early morning, so I may have to tweak when I get to read it over tonight. Still, forward motion is positive. :D I also have a plan for another story that is half done.Been turning that puppy over in my mind all day.

I think what I need to do is make myself a bit of a project plan. What I want to work on and when I hope to have it finished by. I’m a task list kind of girl, so having things to check off makes me happy. I’ll give that a think.

The good news is that the writing is finally happening again. The editing is going well. I should have a release date for The Bond That Saves Us soon. You can pre-order All Bottled Up on both Amazon and Chapters websites (I giggled when I saw that last one), and I’ll have at least one more print book out by October.

I am a happy author today. :D

Summer

Published on July 13, 2009 in Goals and Writing. 2 Comments

The weather is finally starting to turn nice where I am…I hope. The rain has been a bit crazy over the past few weeks making it not feel like summer. This weekend it was beautiful though, and I even managed to get out for a few walks with my dog. Jack and I have a nice route and I get to listen to lots of music as I go.

These walks have been very good for me. I’d been having difficulty focusing on my writing recently – not because I don’t want to write, but I’ve been putting other things ahead of it. Important things like family and friends, but still…

As I’ve been trotting around the neighborhood, my mind has started rolling over the three stories I have on the go at the moment. I’ve been spinning my wheels on all of them, not making any headway. Starting today, I’m going to change that.

I’m starting with the smallest of the stories (and the one that is 95% ready to go), and this week plan to clean it up and send it off for submission by Friday. I’m telling you here simply as public motivation…and if I don’t actually do it, you all have permission to kick my ass (Amy and a few others are actually close enough to me to physically do it to!).

So, goal for this week – Clean up story and submit it to Spice Briefs.

I’ll keep you all posted on how I’m making out.

Journal

Published 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. :)