Writ, Written, Wrote

Happy holidays

2011-12-24T19:26:00.001-08:00

If you're like me, the holidays are spent trying to make other people happy. I'm not religious, I'm not into shopping, I'm not into crowds, Santa, caroling, or late night parties, but… I am into making the holidays happy for my loved ones. This year that involves riding a train halfway across the continent, tipping my hat at my sister's, then jumping a second train to Seattle, clinking glasses with the inlaws, jetting to Calgary to have a festive sleepover at the other inlaws, then catching a flight back home. Don't get me wrong, I love the whole idea - getting away, the adventure, visiting people I haven't seen for a long time, but it stresses me to leave the house.

I'd rather be chilling at home with a fire in the woodstove, playing some lively games on the floor, perhaps sipping my favorite wine, but… the wind tore apart our chimney (no woodstove), we aren't going to be home (riding the train), but we will be together and we are packing games.

For those not stressing, wrapping, cooking, cleaning, stressing, sitting by a woodstove sipping bevvies of their choice, or stressing, here's a little bizzarre youtube video about sitting around the table.

Onward

2011-10-18T08:57:00.000-07:00

Okay, so, I have signed the contract for Hello, My Name is Trollface, with kNight Romance Publishing. I'm very pleased. I also just let my mother and mother-in-law read the final rough draft ( Two very scholarly women) so now I'm in a cold sweat, lol.

What's next? (aside from edits in my future?)

Well… I have some plots banging on the door of my brain demanding I admit them. One is a sci fi funny, but I don't know if it's adult or YA. Stuff those characters say… I mean… can they DO that in YA? Probably. I'm a prude when it comes to YA fiction - so it turns out.

My steampunk story wants to be written, but it has a multiple plotinality disorder. It has two many possible twists and turns which fuddle-me-up.

Then I have my old contemporary story that is nearly finished. If I blow the dust off that one I know I'm in for an agrivating time of it. This story wants to be many stories as well, but the goal is to have my characters meet, conflict, conflict, conflict…. resolution. So far they want to psack their bags and leave town in a big huff, have a life altering adventure, leave that town, have another life altering adventure, leave town possibly with a few squad cars chasing after them, nearly expire, then return home. Yeah, they should just stay put.

Other than that, there's a paranormal, a murder mystery series, and another story that I just can't figure out who the audience is.

Space junk and stretching science fiction

2011-09-22T07:43:00.000-07:00

Oh my word, my brain is boggled. I have crisscrossing genres, sometimes sci fi, other times steampunk, then a moment later urban fantasy, and all rotating around one or two ideas that could go together, but then are teased apart into their own stand alone novel. Sheesh!

But perhaps that is how a new genre is born, something like urban fantasy steampunk evolves from an idea that just can't be separated. Is that osmosis, morphing, or asexual novel reproduction? hmm.

I winder then, how can a person even begin to write when they are backtracking as much as they are progressing forward?

Pretty far, I hope. I, like many other readers and fans of science fiction, can be skeptical and picky when it comes to an imagined future. For me, a new idea has to be possible, or, at least believable.

I've leaned on a friend of mine who is a physics WIZ, and he brought me back down to earth a few times on my outlandish fantasies, yet, maybe readers don't care if it can't be done, or the logic is skewed.

I'd still like to use these ideas. I'd like to share them and hear what people think. Maybe their eyes would light up with delight, or roll to the backs of their eye sockets with a disgusted groan, I dunno. But.... once upon a time Giant reptiles roamed the surface of the earth... Victorians were skeptical until their bones were uncovered (the dinosaurs, not the Victorian's bones). Rockets went to the moon, and the Earth is round, sea monsters have been photographed (even if it was a slimy log bobbing in the lagoon) or learned to be nothing more than a squid with giantism, so why not some of my ideas? I think I might just try.

What types of outlandish things might be implausible? Well… what would happened if humans started mining the moon? Would it spin off into space, come crashing down onto earth, turn out to really be made out of cheese like Wallace and Gromit discovered?

There are scientific facts to measure this and to answer these questions, yes, but it might not fit in to the plot. And another thing, I'm not sure what exactly happens to the discarded fuel tanks and lunar landers from rocket ships going up to visit the moon, but I do know that if they are left to orbit that cold rock, it is eventually going to get very cluttered.

It is partly this strange train of thought that gave me an idea, a while back now, for a sci fi novel. It's just that I didn't know it was going to be a YA title at that time. I had a great breakthrough on that old plot, combing it with two other old plots, and voila! I have a longer, funnier, and much more appropriate age level for this story line.

I'm glad to be working on it again. I hate unfinished business, loose ends, and wasted ink.

I'm thinking Space Junk might be a good title, then again, it might not. It's pretty blunt, even if that is what part of the theme centers around, but it's not the entire plot. lol. Thank goodness.

Fanciful Project

2011-09-22T07:38:00.000-07:00

I have always dreamed of having a separate writing space. A place where I can stash my favorite reference books, hang my artwork, and paste sticky notes and various other scribblings all over the walls. That's why I'm so pleased with my latest idea to renovate the old wooden round granary just at the edge of the forest. It will take quite a lot of work, and believe me, there are more pressing things I should be doing, but that dream isn't going away.

This is what I'm working with; rotten plywood, left over moggy grain, spiders with dibs, and a shortage of time and money. I'm already started on a building project as well (a playhouse/sandbox) for my son. Then there's the whole thought that I might get this dream shack built only to be usurped by squirrels, raccoons, or more likely - my son.

I want this building to be a work of art as well as functional. An ornate, yet functional weather-vane, glowing galaxy of stars on the ceiling and a skylight to energize them, shelves for my books, a stone floor (to keep the rodents at bay), and a very steampunk theme. (Gee, where ever am I going to find scrap metal parts... "Oh dad....."

The closest I'll probably get to this project is a photoshop rendered design.

Getting ready to chainsaw!!

2011-09-18T08:44:00.000-07:00

Yeah, okay, so if you're reading this blog hoping for a topic on gore and dismemberment, here's a heads up, it's not. I just like to cut trees into smaller chunks. But I really, really like it. It makes me smile.

Now that it is autumn I can venture in to the woods out back of my house without getting the tar kicked out of me by nettles and burrs and I can actually see the fallen trees. Yay for fallen trees.

Last year for christmas, my dad gave me two brand new chainsaw chains. One of which I tested out mid-winter (like a hot knife through butter).

This autumn I hope to get enough wood cut to last through till spring. Far too often I have to tromp through deep drifts with a giant tree over my shoulder and the butt of the log wedged into a sled. Not easy.

Now that my son is in school, I will have more time on my hands, time to stuff the woodbox full of fresh, spicy ash logs, a hot bevie beside me, and my laptop open to a word document of my choice. Wow!! See, this blog IS about writing. It's a big set up to get to the point of writing, but there it is.

Other things I intend to do with some of my new found ~~freedom~~ er, time… visit other author blogs! It's something I think about doing most days but can never quite take the time or space to just read blogs and comment. So, now I will.

Up Next

2011-09-03T10:15:00.000-07:00

I'm giddy, I think that thing, that I mentioned earlier, about the story and contract… yeah, that thing, might be going through. I finished the final draft, the query, the synopsis, and … drum roll… there were contracts mentioned.

So, now, while things get finalized, I can open my fat file on my steampunk story (something I have been working on and off on for a little while) or another contemporary (like the one I just handed in). I have a contemporary that wouldn't take too much to finish.

Maybe both.

Awarded for Following well

2011-08-31T09:23:00.000-07:00

I've been awarded! Which means I get to award others.

This award is from Catherine Stine - http://catherinestine.blogspot.com/

I am giving the award out to:

Amanda Borenstadt - http://afortnightofmustard.blogspot.com/

Miranda Hardy - http://mirandahardy.blogspot.com/

WTF's Writing thrilling Fiction - http://nhwcwritingexercises.blogspot.com/

Samantha Verent's - http://thefrogandaprincess.blogspot.com/

And Nicole MacDonald - http://www.damselinadirtydress.com/

I really appreciate all those who stop by and read my ramblings. It is easier to post updates and musings when one thinks someone is listening.

Thanks again for the award Catherine.

P.S. If anyone could help me out with my blogging dolema, see poll posted on left hand side. Please, tell me what to do! lol.

What a week

2011-08-21T07:40:00.000-07:00

I might have good news. Hello, My Name is Trollface, might have a home at a publisher. I'm not giving out too many details yet seeing as I haven't submitted the manuscript or signed a contract, but I'm excited that this might work out.

This is my baby, (as far as stories go), the one I don't want to go just anywhere, which is why I'm super pleased.

Here's a blurb about the story.

Calvin has been dealt a loser hand and he knows it, so how, when things start going in his favor, does he expect to win the heart of the prettiest girl in school? With a face like a Ferengie, a bully who has him in his sights, and the last name of Dinklage, he isn't exactly prince charming. Thankfully, his future princess-to-be has some issues of her own, only they seem to be getting in the way.

Featured Guest: T.L. Mitchell

2011-08-01T07:23:00.000-07:00

Perhaps you watched the book trailer in the post below, well, now I have T.L. Mitchell as a guest here on my blog. She talks about her experience writing her book series.

Thanks for being my guest. :)

Behind The Scenes: The Making of The kNight Series Saga

Many authors have a dream of writing an exciting series that will keep readers coming back for more. I wasn’t one of those authors. I wanted to write a stand-alone novel, and there were no series planned. After Dark of kNight was written, I discovered I had on my hands something more than just a stand-alone novel, but a series. Three years later, it turned out to be more than I imagined.

One of my toughest challenges to write a series goes back to the whole plan of the series plot line. Writers need to understand there is a difference between writing a series and a saga. A true series includes different books related to one plot line. Kathryn Smith’s Brotherhood of Blood Series is a perfect example. A saga is the continuing story of the main character, for example Stephanie Myers Twilight Saga. The kNight Series Saga is both. Set into a the first three books, Dark of kNight, Fall of kNight and Dawn of kNight is the story of Julie Knight and her life beginning as a wolf shape shifter. Through the first three books, Julie faces love, treachery, betrayal and a heart that is torn between two loves. Dawn of kNight, answers all the questions from the first two books, as well as gives the reader the answers to what, why and where the story began. It is the final chapter in Julie’s life. The next three books will consist of her son, Jonathan.

Did I write the plot line out for the series? I have to admit my answer is- no. I have a tendency to rewrite an entire book three to five times before I have the story and plot the way I want it. My characters take a mind of their own, and sometimes I find myself in a battle with them. Ultimately, we all come into an agreement and their story is told. I believe strongly that a series must have a strong plot line, not just the individual books, but the entire story of the series. You want a reader to finish the last book, and go “Wow” and reflect back on the previous books, as their eyes open to a tale that you have so carefully constructed.

The first book in my kNight Series, Dark of kNight begins with Julie Knight. Her life turns upside down after the death of her father. She is returns home to a small town in Georgia, where she soon finds out that her life wasn’t quite what it seemed. The handsome and mysterious Daniel Maxwell wins her heart, and becomes the most important person in her life. It is Daniel who opens Julie’s eyes to the world that she had been sheltered from, the world of Lycans. Lycans are the wolf shapes shifters, who protect humans from the evil werewolves. Julie discovers the cause of her father’s death, but not without a few risks.

The second book, Fall of kNight, picks up where Dark of kNight ended. Julie has become an accomplished killing machine as a wolf. She is still learning more about herself, as well as learning about the mysterious death relating to her mother. She finds herself in more danger as the werewolves return, this time more violent than before. The seductive and in humanly beautiful vampire Richard has one goal…Julie. He’s determined to make Julie his one way to the other. Dark Wolves have risen, and the Lycan Clans are at a civil war. The Lycan Counsel seeks a new leader to bring peace between the clans…or engage in a war. Daniel is the choice for new hope. Julie’s life is threatened by the werewolves, and Daniel has to make the ultimate decision to save her life. BUT will Richard take advantage of the moment and make Julie his? A war breaks out between the Lycan Counsel and the Dark Wolves. Sides are chosen and lives are lost. A new vampire comes into play. His name is Mithras, and he is the only one who knows what is hidden deep within Ft Mountain that the Lycans were meant to protect. The item is so vile and evil, if released could bring all hell on earth.

The third book, Dawn of kNight picks up where Fall of kNight ended. Julie finds her heart torn between two loves. The final saga details the history behind Mithras, which ties the story to the item hidden in Ft. Mountain over a thousand years ago. Mithras also reveals a horrifying behind the death of Juliet to Richard. Julie is betrayed, and the sacred lines of the true bloodline have been crossed. Her fate has already been written, and she doesn’t have a choice. She will do what she can to protect her unborn child from the killers that have arisen. The item of destruction is unleashed, and all hell breaks loose. No one is safe, not the werewolves, not the vampires and not the Lycans. An Epic ending unfolds with loved ones lost.

The kNight Series Saga is a continuing story, which incorporates suspense, romance, seduction and mystery all into one tale. The plot behind the entire series revolves around Fort Mountain, and the item left there and guarded by the Lycans. Readers are introduced to Julie’s life as she was thrown into this world in Dark of kNight. The subplot of the series revolves around her life as she develops and grows into a lethal killing machine and the problems she endures. She’s a smart cookie, but faces turmoil when her love is divided between her mate and a vampire. Although each book is written as a stand-alone novel, the reader can’t appreciate what Julie has gone through unless they read the entire series.

One specific element of the story that I started in book one is the white rose. In book one Julie has a dream she is in a rose garden and notices a white rose. The name of the rose is called Peace, she reaches through the fog to collect her prize. To collect her peace. In book two, Richard sends Julie a dozen white roses, and tells her that she has brought him peace after all those lonely three hundred years. The mystery of what this white rose really means is revealed in book three. Julie has a vision of her father and he tells her that she is the white rose that brings peace. It is only at the end of the book will the reader understand the purpose of this statement.

Dawn of kNight has been the most challenging to write, because of all the twists and plots. I have had to refer back to book one and two more than once. Not to mention the importance of the details in the plot line, the story while writing it had to be reviewed chapter by chapter by an editor. It is very fast paced, action packed, and heart wrenching. I hope the readers will enjoy the story and the final saga for our dear Julie.

Dawn of kNight will be released November 22, 2011. What’s next? Dark of kNight was adapted into a screenplay written by J.Z. Murdock. The screenplay for Dark of kNight is currently under review by NOVA Entertainment in consideration for a major motion picture. Producer, Frankie Nasso and I have discussed the future possibilities that the kNight Series may develop into a three-part movie deal. Right now, all depends on budgets and costs.

After Dawn of kNight is released, I will take a break from writing on the kNight Series. My attention will be more on the movie aspects. I have an Young Adult contemporary romance (no weres or vampires) called Sound of Thunder to complete which will go directly to Sharon BelCastro, president of the BelCastro Literary Agency. After that, I have been engaged to write an urban Fantasy called Glisten.

An Awesome booktrailer to a great series

2011-07-12T07:25:00.000-07:00

T.L. Mitchell's next book, Dawn of Knight.

Simplistic tactics of regulating traffic

2011-07-04T21:09:00.000-07:00

What, you might say, is she talking about?

Well... I was driving in the city today, a feat us country folk never look forward to, but there we were anyway. And we were driving, minding our own side of the road when a large gravel truck pulled out of a yard site, deeked between us and oncoming traffic, then sped away with the wrong turn signal on for seven blocks. This said gravel truck, having woken us up for six years to come, then weaved, meandered, and bobbled its way over all the highway lines and came to a screeching halt at a red light. We slowly crept up alongside on the right and peered at the driver. They seemed coherent, not drunk necessarily, nor rabid, but nonetheless, incompetant at driving sane.

The y sped off once the light turned green and we turned right.

My five year old son was perplexed by this driver, slightly angered, and well, quicly out and out richeous. They should be arrested! Put in jail! The public must be warned. I concidered it. "hmmm, no, I could call the company printed on the door of the truck"... (I still might). But, jail was extreme. I said so, stating they should at least lose their right to drive.

My son decided they should have their seat taken away from them. Physically. Not figuratively, not Literally, but physically. Can you imagine driving without your seat?

I thought about it. "Their seat... now that's a good idea. How uncomfortable, how metaphorical, how awkward!" yup, they should have their seat taken away.

If only all things were goverened with such natural consequences.

Ouch!

Awarded for my destructive nature

2011-06-21T13:31:00.000-07:00

Okay, the image is of sweetness, but Amanda Borenstadt said this award was because I tore apart a piano (which I did, with the help of my sweetheart). What award, you might ask? Why... this one.

So, thank you Amanda, for thinking of me, and for reading my blog posts so often. I'm touched. Her blog is A Fortnight of Mustard

The award does come with some responcibility.

The Rules:

1. Thank and link to the person who nominated you.
2. Share 7 random facts about yourself.
3. Pass the award along to 8 deserving blog buddies.
4. Contact those buddies to congratulate them.

Seven Random Facts About Me:
1. Tearing apart a piano isn't the first destructive thing I've done. Mwahahaha. I've torn buildings apart with a sledge hammer. (feels good, I highly recomend it)

2. I also tend to build things out of scrap materials. (comes in handy when there is a pile of rubble after said demolition)

3. I've hidden out in a garbage dumpster late one night. It was located behind a flower shop and I was looking for flowers for my dried wreath arrangements.

4. This past year, I've come to terms with my natural (heriditary) pack rat nature and have resolved not to keep everything "just in case". I have since been donating things to local second hand stores.

5. I'm starting to fear I won't live long enough to get all my manuscripts finished and published.

6. I love watermelon and will happily eat a half of a melon in one sitting. Unfortunately half my family is allergic to the stuff.

7. Before my son was born I did NOT like chocolate. (this pleased many mermbers of my family who realised their share was just that much larger). I've now joined the army of chocolate eating zombies drooling in the grocery store aisles. (Genetics must have switched directions somewhere along the line.) I've come to accept that chocolate does have a place in my life, but only if it is good chocolate. Nothing that burns my tongue with the cheap white sugar content.

I pass the award to:

1. Pia Moonglow - http://piamoonglow.blogspot.com/

2. Nevey Berry - http://TheVictorianVanity.blogspot.com

3. Jordan Mierek - http://kissedbyliterature.blogspot.com/

4. Catherine Stine - http://catherinestine.blogspot.com/

But that's all I got. I really must network a little more. (I've either awarded those few I know over and over or start tapping strangers on the shoulder to award them) :)

Upcoming event

2011-06-20T08:30:00.000-07:00

My friend and crit/writing partner, Jordan Mierek, has a writing opportunity she asked me to share;

"My name is Jordan Mierek, and I am the vice president of the Utica Writers Club. This July, we are hosting a writing workshop with guest speaker, Maria V. Snyder.

A few years ago, I read Maria’s novel POISON STUDY, and fell in love with it. The characters are realistic and captivating, and the storyline is unique. The back of the book included Maria’s author biography, as well as her email address. Whenever I read a book I enjoy, I make sure to tell the author. I emailed Maria and she actually wrote back. Her reply was personal, not a form, which I usually received from authors. Since then, we have kept up our correspondence and she has proven very helpful in my own writing endeavors. When the Utica Writers Club was discussing which author they wanted to host a writing workshop, I knew Maria would be a great candidate.

Maria V. Snyder was originally a meteorologist before she became a novelist. She is the author of the New York Times best-selling Study series (POISON STUDY, MAGIC STUDY, and FIRE STUDY), the award winning Glass series (STORM GLASS, SEA GLASS, and SPY GLASS), and the Insider books (INSIDE OUT and OUTSIDE IN). She has also written numerous short stories for anthologies. She is currently working on a new fantasy series and the first book, TOUCH OF POWER, is to be published January 2012.

The writing workshop will be held on July 16, 2011 at the Kirkland Town Library in Clinton, New York. It will run from 1 pm to 4 pm. The cost is $25, and the registration form is located here: http://uticawritersclub.org/workshop.html. Maria will also have signed copies of her books available for purchase.

The itinerary for the event is the following:
1 pm-1:45 pm - Writing Fiction, Tips, Techniques, Rules and Breaking the Rules

2:00-2:45 - How to Get Published

3:00-3:30 - Question/Answer Session
3:30 – Door Prizes/Thank You/Autograph"

What crazy music!

2011-06-10T15:42:00.000-07:00

Have you ever ripped apart an upright piano?
Well, we did? And it sounded awesome. I kept thinking, "If I was only recording this! I could sell the sounds to a horror theme movie company."

Originally, we were going to push the beast over to our bonfire pile and light it up, (think of the photoshoot), then common sense kicked in. We weren't pushing that thing anywhere. It is just too heavy.

So, out came the screw drivers.
We twisted and turned, and took out as many screws as we could find - bringing it to its near skeleton state (still weighed a ton)-then we pushed it out the door and into our lawn, yes, into, because that thing left a dent, I'm telling you.

I've decided to keep the strings that are still attached to the back board. It looks and sounds fantastic and I think it'll make a great feature in my garden. Whenever I'm in the mood for a little drama, I'll run my fingers along those taught strings and clear the forest.

Working on...

2011-05-10T10:33:00.000-07:00

Graphic art design, as per usual these days, (blog headers this time) although... I did get a brainwave (a vital part of my current W.I.P.) THE PLOT. Okay, that's an exaggeration, I got the "conflict" functional part - which in essence... is the plot. To what story? A few, actually. One contemporary YA that I thought I had to give up on because someone else already wrote and published it now has a new twist that takes the plot in an entirely different direction yet lets me keep some of the characters and written scenes. "Phew!" (wipes forehead) Let me just say Drummer mom.

And the other one is my YA steampunk story. I keep getting flashes of scenes but I could never find the reason these characters existed. They were there (my characters), staring at me, patiently waiting for me to figure it out, then a day or so ago I got the flash that connected it - voila! Conflict. Voila! Plot.

Other than that I've been trying to get back into writing. It's hard once you've let yourself get distracted. Cover art is sort of shiny and I might be a bit of a crow.I also think I have too many blogs. I never seem to update my steampunk blog, I rarely visit facebook, I'd like to frequent the nings I've joined more often, but rarely do, and of course, I'd like to read more blogs from other people's endeavors, alas... My blog visits are more like knock knock ginger.

That said, my mother sent me these in my email a while ago but they're always good fun especially if they fit the mood.

I was THAT adult

2011-04-10T11:47:00.000-07:00

Due to an early flight, my small family and I stayed at a hotel by the airport last night. This particular hotel has a kid-friendly environment. A waterslide, a shallow pool, and plenty of appreciative kids running amok to prove it.

It was on that particular waterslide that I became that adult. Don't know WHAT adult I'm talking about? Picture it. You're six-ish, seven-ish and your parents are yaking with their pals poolside. They've nearly forgotten you exist. They've forgotten how clever your mind is, and how fun it is to be unsupervised. So their backs are turned, both figuratively and physically. That is interpreted to mean weeeeeeeehahahahahahaweeeeeeeee! And everything else in between.

Okay, so to break it down;

"Weeeeeeehahahahahaweeeee" = run across the slippery pool floor, shove your way past younger children (at times knocking their heads against the wall of the stairs going up, up, up...) and barging under the arms of those who are crammed in a semi-line up near the mouth of the waterslide, then leap (all three of you) onto the waterslide and rush down like some flashy-swimmingtrunk-clad-train and crash into those trying to scramble out of the way at the bottom. Yeah... that's what it means time after time until the one lone parent who has had her butt dragged up that slide to appease her only-child son loses her patience.

Okay, enter THAT ADULT. duh duh dunnnnnnhhhhhhh!!

But first, a flash back - (so you know why I know what to say to strike fear into the hearts of these three wee loosecannonballs er...children)

Picture it, 1980-something. A mall. Three country cousins. An escalator. No supervision...... Yeah....

"go up the down, and down the up!! The bigger kids are doing it!!"

In fact, the teenagers were riding the handrails up the down and down the up. We were restraining ourselves compared to them. But we were slower, more innocent, naive, catchable.

The mall security was called in, she grabbed us, bagged and tagged us, had us at the exit of the mall by that tender bit under our arm threatening to take us to the police station to show us videos on how children lose limbs doing what we were doing when I said "But what about my mom?" (my mother was bent over laughing in the ladies wear department watching me trying to talk out way out of it).

Okay, so now I know what being "Paged" means in mall security talk. (mommy=enforced apron strings) Sigh, no fun.

Soo....

Place yourself in a kid's POV and see the adult that snuffs your fun. THAT ADULT. The bigpeople that is the killjoy. The scary stranger who says, "You shouldn't be pushing and shoving past all these kids. Which one of these people here are YOUR parents?" The bigpeople that makes you swallow real loud, the bigpeople that you fester over after you're too embarrassed to go up that waterslide staircase again in cxase they are there chaperoning from the top. The bigpeople the three of you make plans to seek six-year-old-deviance-revenge upon - though don't execute the plan because... you're six....

Sigh.
I lost my patience at the top of that waterslide and nameddropped their parents. It stopped their dangerous behaviour, but I felt bad after. I felt like ... an adult.
I am an adult, I know. I have a son whose head I don't want knocked against the wall by eager watersliders, but being THAT adult is like wearing big shoes. I was a hellian kid. I had plenty of THAT adult trying to keep me and the others around me safe, but I never thanked them for it.

Now, I just might.

Thanks, THAT adult security guard for pulling me off that escalator and not letting my arm be ripped off in the mechanism that drives that machine. ;)

I think the internet took a day off

2011-03-29T17:12:00.000-07:00

What the heck was going on today? Or was it just on my end? Websites were closed. Temporarily being serviced, or just not loading, or abducted by aliens... it's all entirely possible!

Okay, I digress.

I finished a book the other day, which, of course, means I got to start a new one. When you have as many to-be-read books as I do (bookaholics anonymous anyone?) it is quite a task trying to figure out what is going to entertain you for the next short while.

This time I chose "Obernewtyn" because one of the goodreads groups was reading it. I flipped open the pages, read the prologue... and set it down. I'm not saying there was anything wrong with it, not at all. I love a well-written Apocalypse book with a strong heroine, I just wasn't in the mood. So, I reached for the book beside it, "Give a Boy a Gun" (a book that I have had on my currently reading category for nearly half a year. I started reading and it took, like a happy blood transfusion.

Why?

My mood?

The genre?

The writing?

Why do you stop reading a book? Aside from the obvious "You thought it sucked."

I've been awarded

2011-03-26T06:27:00.000-07:00

Amanda Borenstadt from A Fortnight of Mustard has been very thoughtful and awarded me the stylish blogger award. I've seen these awards across the blogosphere but this is MY first. I'm tickled pink.

I am supposed to list seven things about myself:

1.) I am millimeters away from submitting my teen angst story Hello, My Name is Troll Face.

2.) I'm a cover artist with my own company/site at http://spittyfish.wordpress.com

3.) I have a young son who is both my inspiration and my critic.

4.) I grew up living a life much as Huck Finn, rafting, climbing trees, pretending to be a pirate, getting into rural mischief.

5.) As a young turmoil-filled teenager, I have runaway from from home and returned.

6.) I love rusty metal, gears, cogs, and scientific things that go boing!

7.) For the most part, I enjoy a good edit-session, but not always.

Thanks to Amanda Borenstadt for thinking of me.

Now I need to think of seven people to gift the award to...

Well, 1.) Jordan Mierek - http://kissedbyliterature.blogspot.com

2.) JA Scribbles - http://one-mystake-at-a-tyme.blogspot.com/

3.) Jasmine Denton - http://jasmineldenton.wordpress.com/

4.) Carolina Valdez Miller - http://carol-in-print.blogspot.com/

5.) Medeia Sharif - http://sharifwrites.blogspot.com/

6.) Lia Keyes - http://liakeyes.com

7.) J. L. Jackson - http://yourjen.blogspot.com/

I could just keep on nominating.

Ready.... Set.... Submit!

2011-03-22T20:09:00.000-07:00

Query, cover letter, synopsis.... Everything is just about ready to send the first three chapters of hello, my name is troll face, off to orca book publishing. I realized I can send it in and work on the remaining edits in the meantime. Crossing fingers.

What else have I been doing? Book covers. Wow!

Pruning

2011-02-22T11:10:00.000-08:00

Lately I have been pruning my distractions, things that I do before I write, things that get in the way of writing, and I've had moderate success.

It is my intention to send my YA story off to one, or two pubs before the summer begins. Originally I was going to have Trollface in to a publisher by Christmas but that didn't happen.

One distraction I won't give up is the graphic art designs I've been doing. That has started to pay off as much as it competes with writing. I am working with a publisher now and have completed my first Teen Romance cover. I think the plot, the publisher, and the author are just simply fabulous.

A New Year is looming on the horizon

2010-12-29T15:46:00.000-08:00

duh duh duhhhhhhhh!

And, we're doing nuthin.
Yup. We are staying home.
I'm too tired to go out and party like I used to, so now, I get excited at the thought of staying in, lighting a fire in the woodstove and chilling with my squeeze. Here's hoping everyone has the New Year's eve they prefer!

glitter-graphics.com

Winter tree

2010-11-24T08:26:00.000-08:00

After trying to bash the ice out of the plastic black hose that takes the water out of the sump pump in the basement, (sigh... winter), I noticed the impressively tall evergreen tree that has been benefiting from the constant supply of water. This particular tree grew to be at least twelve feet tall when the rest of the pine trees that were planted at the same time have remained a stunted two feet tall.

I like my big tree. I've almost killed it though. Just a note to those who forget to take their christmas lights down year after year, the tree will be strangled by the cords. Thanks to my sharp eyed husband, we removed the pretty white christmas lights and it has continued to thrive.

So, this year I have a new plan for this tree. I'm going to buy nature friendly decorations, cranberries, suet, popcorn, etc... and hope that the deer eat the food and not the tree.

This is the tree now.

and I'll take pictures when it's done.

Oh Happy Day!

2010-11-22T15:44:00.000-08:00

We have a babysitter!

I know... that isn't really something most people celebrate, but in our case, it is. We live in the boonies, or, at the edge of a small town, close to the boonies, and there aren't tons of babysitters to be seen. Gophers, yes. Hawks, definitely, but babysitters that you meet on a lark, on remembrance day, that your son hand picked? Very rare indeed. This couldn't have worked out better. A young neighbor girl and my son hit it off. She's babysitter age and he's babysittee age. She's less than two miles away!

I ... might... just ... get... to .... WRITE!

deep breath. deep breath.

This Friday... everything I've ever known of being a work-in-the-house-mom might change.

Guest blogger: Arthur Slade visiting my other site

2010-11-14T06:59:00.000-08:00

I'm very pleased to announce that Arthur Slade will be visiting my steampunk/fantasy site.
http://shelleyhw.wordpress.com in just under two weeks time. After reading his teen novel, Tribes, I decided I had to read everything else he has written. I'm reading some of his older works first and will move on to what really holds my interest, his steampunk novels.

I'm away on vacation at the time being, but I will be posting more details in the days to come. I sure hope to see you there!

Shel

Early morning happiness

2010-10-31T06:58:00.000-07:00

How does dancing with an eclectic entourage of muppets improve your cool status? If you're Feist, (one of my husband's favorite singers) and the muppets are on Sesame Street.

There they were, my sweet husband and son, cuddled up together on the couch with a laptop across their knees, grinning ear to ear and glowing with joy that comes from light-hearted creative genius.

Tempted to Design

2010-10-24T16:31:00.000-07:00

I received an invite to dust off my photoshop program. The Bookish Type is holding a contest for the best cover. Personally, I think the original is impossible to beat. But, I do like an excuse to monkey with images. I have until Halloween, apparently, and I haven't read the novel. In fact, I don't know ANYTHING about this story, noty even what genre it is. I might check into that first.
My designs so far have been under the steampunk genre, http://shelleyhw.wordpress.com, but fantasy isn't that far off.
I'd need to take some pics of birds for the angel wings.

Oh, and I sent Hello, My Name is Trollface, off to an editor. In my mind it feels great to have it 'finished'. I know edits is still a long way from submitting it, but still, it's farther along than I've taken that story in a year!

Write when the inspiration strikes!

Spoiler alert!

2010-10-20T12:51:00.002-07:00

If you believe in Santa Clause, the Tooth Fairy, or the Easter Bunny, don't read this.

;)

My son caught me off guard the other day as we were driving through the city late at night. He asked me, "Is the Toothfairy real?" and I answered without thinking, "uhhhh nope."

I realized what I had done in the silence that followed. Outing the tooth fairy had opened up a whole can of worms. I feared an onslaught of questions, an interrogation into the truth behind the existence of Santa Claus (a subject we've given him multiple possibilities on), into this rabbit from the East, and his cohort from the West (see last Easter's entry)-both rodents who deliver chocolate into our secure household,(Rather suspicious if you ask me. Whenever rabbits leave anything behind it's certainly NOT chocolate).

But, true to form, and much to my surprise, he said, "Good, because sometimes I wake up quickly as a meat eater."(see entry --My son the Tyrannosaurus Rex.)
Yeah, that rabbit would be short one unlucky foot should he be faced with a groggy T-rex.

Of course, I didn't get off that easy. He needed details.
Why money?
Why teeth?
What does she DO with the teeth?

I don't know. I mean, I could do the research, but can't I just lie, like everybody else?
Why do we tell kids these things? To fit in? Parent peer pressure? Because television started it?
I know the stories originated to make sense, eg; werewolves and rabies etc... But why did WE, my educated, spiritually open-minded husband and I, tell my son about Santa, chocolate bearing rabbits, or strange winged ladies who have nothing better to do than spend her money on poorly washed enamel?

Is it to explain things that are fantastic or scary like they did back in the days when humans huddled in damp earthen huts while rabid wolves prowled outside the door? Or, is it to honor people with good intentions who break into our house in the middle of the night, clears throat, Kris Kringle (not to be mixed up with Chris Pringle).

Either way. We've told our son a few things, that a story starts from somewhere. So, there must be an ounce of truth in it, and it's up to him to decide what to believe.

If he wants a fairy to throw some coinage his way, well, then he's probably going to promote that Toothfairy like there's no tomorrow and there won't be anything I can do about it, but I did draw the line at sporting a gossamer costume with wings.

Keeping with the season, here's our latest afternoon project, and no, I don't believe in The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.

Happy Halloween.

Thrown a curve ball

2010-10-05T07:06:00.000-07:00

My plans to be a published YA author have changed over the years, I've adapted, toughened, learned the hard way, and been shown a few easy routes too, but never had I expected this, a publisher contacting me about an unfinished book. No, never.

My current w.i.p. still sits in an overstuffed manila envelope awaiting my full attention. I've made plenty of add on notes over the year, I've sent it out to a family member to get her opinion, but I haven't finished it. My plan was to finish a different w.i.p. then give this other one my all, send it to an editor, then to one of two publishers which I think it would fit in with the best (sort of like sending your child off to school I suppose).

But, now, I don't know. This publisher who has shown interest has opened my eyes even wider, given me pause for thought. It's extremely nice that they like what they see, even if it is just a blurb about the book they are basing their interest on. It motivates in a new way.

I replied to this publisher, asking for more information, but I'm not sure I'm ready to be swayed off my goal path. It would be like switching icecream flavors mid lick. Or would it?

For now I'll just chalk it up to another possibility, another learning experience, another curve ball I will try to catch, or possibly throw back.

Ah, living with dogs

2010-10-04T18:18:00.000-07:00

I guess I had grown accustomed to living with two old dogs (now one old dog remaining). Eventually dogs kick nasty habits like digging up roadkill and dragging it into your house. Well, my new puppy thinks this is grand ol' fun. I swear, the stench leads you right to the source, a tail wagging, slightly bewildered cherub face covered in fur, my pup, Pete.

Well, said mentioned carcass part evicted, my computer room, the safe haven where I write has been tarnished. It's getting better, but what a way to break someone's concentration!

On the bright side, I have first hand knowledge of what it would be like for a hero or heroine to venture into a dragon's lair with the bodies of various victim's bones mostly picked clean and strewn about. I'd be able to describe the foul breath of an ogre, a vagabond's cold night in a dumpster, the very depths of muck and mire itself.

Ugh! Thanks dog.

What to buy a five year old for xmas?

2010-10-04T16:00:00.000-07:00

I've decided this xmas I didn't want to buy my son yet another toy to add to his growing heap. This year I wanted to get him something different, something with deeper meaning. So, when I was listening to Stuart McLean on CBC last Sunday I got the perfect inspiration.

My son loves Stuart McLean. (especially the ferret story) I can't tell you how many times I heard that story on our trip to Lake Superior this past summer. We have all of the stories on CD, well, on the ipod, and we listen to them, at the request of my son, every trip in to the city, (an hour's drive) and every trip back home.

So, when I heard that there is a new CD coming, titled Out and About, I was sold. He might not be excited the moment he unwraps it, but I'm sure he will appreciate it the next time we climb in to the car.

If you haven't read or heard Stuart McLean, I recommend you do. The stories are endearing, hilarious, witty, intelligent and really well written.

And now, a few links brought to you by... (me, I guess, since no one is sponsoring me to type this.)

The Vinyl Cafe website

Out and About (the CD I'm going to buy)

I don't see it up on Amazon.ca yet, but it is somewhat up on amazon.com.

Ah, the changing of seasons, and toy locations

2010-09-15T08:17:00.000-07:00

I know Autumn is approaching, if not fast upon us, when I bring in the toys. I just finished washing the mud off off at least four large items, the pup brought in one of the smaller items (rescued it from being devoured), and there are more under the deck, but I must brave spiders to get to them. (cringes) (Shudders) (Bucks up and says, aw, they're only bugs.) (WITH FANGS!)

er ahem... (no, that bug doesn't live anywhere near me, I hope.)

Back to toys, I had to laugh the other day.
Because my work is mainly at the computer, I have a growing collection of toys piled next to me which my son brought to me for whatever reason. A stuffed penguin, a few toy cars, a plastic horse, a little deer, a shiny gem stone, a toy boat... and the list goes on.
It's getting crowded, and soon I will have to find homes for them, but this is actually great. Call it inspiration, or perhaps something to do when my brain stalls, but those two little cars just might star in one of my stories. Perhaps not, but the toys remind me of the person in my life who inspires me the most, my son.
So much of what he says and does goes into my characters, especially in Joel in Mists of Summer Cabening. (Working title)That said, not everything about Joel reflects my son, of course.

Two days to running like a ... a... I don't know what

2010-09-10T14:03:00.000-07:00

About a month ago reality kicked in and I dropped down to the quarter marathon.I haven't been running, not only because I developed a strange allergic reaction to something that makes me look like I have space worms streaking beneath my skin (itchy!!) and that I developed an outer ear infection, but because I just can't see myself actually enjoying that long of a run.

I like running. I used to like it a lot more than I do now, but really, I might like cross country skiing more. Tastes change with age.

So, on Sunday, I'm going to hustle my fanny across the prairie landscape along with approximately 250 other hopeful athletes.

Then, I'm going to make the announcement that I'm going to take up skiing and swimming from now on. We will see.

Guest blogger on my wordpress/steampunk blog

2010-09-07T19:25:00.000-07:00

I have Simply Willow, Steampunk Jewelry on my blog Wednesday Sept. 8th! http://shelleyhw.wordpress.com (I'd love for people to drop by!)

Not So Secret Confessions: #2. Singer songwriter?

2010-09-05T13:00:00.000-07:00

My husband and I make up silly, kid-friendly songs, and sing them, a lot. Usually in the car, and never in public. (okay, he sings in public sometimes, but not me, nope, no way.) I'm too shy.

It occurs to me, on occasion, that we could write them and sell them to a children's entertainer. Fred Penner, Rafi, Heather Bishop? Anyone out there interested? Clears throat (Anyone know of an children's entertainer who is short on material?)

We have enough for a record now, (okay that dated me) Yeah, I said a RECORD! Those round plastic discs that fit a record player. At least it's not a gramophone. Or an eight track. I suppose the hip of today's children's entertainers say CD? MP3? Holographic concert beamed in from London central stage? Oh dear.

What do we sing about?

~ Being Hungry
~ Our four x four truck
~ The neighbors whose name we cannot pronounce
~ Pirates (naturally)
~ Old tired dogs with attitudes

You know, stuff that happens around the house or on the road.

I wonder if this gig comes with groupies?

With one glimpse... a novel is born

2010-08-14T10:40:00.000-07:00

I love it when that happens. What the heck am I talking about?
When something, whether it is an object, a person, an action, or something that has been said, strikes me as significant. It gets my brain working, and before I know it, I have the basic plot of a novel.
This happened to me two days ago. We were driving down the highway (to pick up Pete), when I glanced over to a derelict grain elevator and saw a tattered tarp covering a hole in a broken wall way near the top.
Sounds rather insignificant, I know, but what stemmed from that brief moment was an apocalyptic style teen novel. Part of the story reminds me of something I started to write years and years ago, like when I was 15 and nothing but trouble. Hopefully I'll be able to draw from that old abandoned story and write it better now. The idea is very fresh in my mind and new snippets pop into my head daily.
I really hope to finish my current w.i.p., a humorous teen novel about date rape, peer pressure, bullying, and living with obtuse parents, but I have set this story aside for the time being to work on other creative ventures.
It's time though. I've got a back load, a traffic jam of ideas. I'm going to be ninety and gray before I finish everything I set before myself.

Skunks, puppies, and mountains, oh my!

2010-08-12T14:19:00.000-07:00

I posted about our new puppy on facebook this morning. Ironically I have told none of my family, yet I announced it to the world. Pete is a black and white spotty sweetie pie, and our older dog is doing a fantastic job grinning and baring this new arrival. My son, on the other hand, is experiencing sibling rivalry with intermittent bouts of very mature dog ownership. It's a marvel to see. One moment he's a puppy demanding attention, the next he's topping up the food bowl.

I have a photo now, so I'm slipping one in here.

Pete isn't the only black and white resident on our farm. For a few weeks now we've had one large skunk visiting the cat's dish out our front door while the two cats looked on, but since last night I see we have two skunks. The cat bowl and the cats are inside now. Hopefully our well dressed duo get the hint and move on. Unfortunately, I'm kinda growing fond of them. They have cute faces and one tried to get off the back step and did and flip, tuck and roll that most trapeze artists would envy.

Seeing as we are back from the mountains, our family reunion hike to the Beartooths, we are back on our marathon training schedule. Tomorrow we tackle a different kind of slope, THE BIG HILL that most participants gawk and groan at when they see what they are up against in Treeherne. We're going to haul butt up and see how bad it really is.

Nonsense

2010-07-12T16:14:00.000-07:00

If you were caught in a pievalanche, what type of pie would you want to eat your way out of?

Nothing too sweet, nothing too filling, nothing too heavy...

Ants

2010-06-30T19:37:00.000-07:00

No, not the Disney movie. The real thing. The cute black ants that live in the region of my backyard, except that they don't REALLY live there, since they are rapidly taking over my house.

I'm not squeamish about bugs. I actually like them, especially Beetles, and dragonflies, and moths, and bees, and even ants. (the black ones) They don't bite. In fact, they are rather friendly, the sort that tip a top hat and say Cheerio as they pass you by. BUT! They are in my house, by the dozens (or worse, the hundreds).

This is the case in wet weather around these parts. Living breathing creatures like to get up out of the muck and mire and onto dry land, can't really blame them, until now. An ant just crawled into my keyboard, so yes, I AM playing Russian Roulette with a bug whilst typing this blog. Yes, it is playing an ant version of Indiana Jones as the keys go slamming down and behind and beyond its thorax or sixth leg.

Seriously, who can write with these distractions?

Actually, the ant just crawled out. For those who were holding your breath, we're all good now. Continue on. As you were.

Can you outrun a mosquito?

2010-06-23T18:29:00.000-07:00

The answer to that question, is no. I just proved it. They buzzed around my head like a tiny vampire cheerleading team, cajoling, and bad mouthing me, in hopes that I'd lay down in the middle of the road and surrender.

No, they had my number the second I stepped foot outside my front door. Why you ask? A mosquito's wings beat 500 times a second. They can spot a moving object 18 feet away. They can fly an estimated 1 to 1.5 miles per hour. Some are known to migrate 75 to 100 miles.

I had originally planned to run down our 800 ft lane, (the worst area inhabited by mosquitoes because of the dense bush and swamp water nearby) and then see where my mood took me. My mood, apparently, was to survive. I sped up just a bit, heading for the open fields ahead only to discover a pack of horse-sized mosquitoes were determined to follow me. I felt like a lone Elk caught unaware by a family of half starved wolves. My plan to run to the half way marker was quickly abandoned. When I turned the corner, I just kept on going. It was that or have my husband discover my deflated corpse later that night.

That wasn't the only reason I kept going at the marker. My husband told me he read that a runner will go only as far as the goal they set out for themselves, and knowing this, I had to prove that magazine wrong. That aside, I was reminded of a story about the mosquito, the Whistling Tsonoquas.

I think I'll have to credit those tiny insects for my successful run tonight after all.

What have I gotten myself into?

2010-06-07T13:53:00.000-07:00

For those who didn't see my latest facebook updates, I have allowed myself to be led astray. Only my sweet, dear husband could convince me that running 13 miles is a good idea... okay, my son might be able to pull off that same trick, but it takes quite a lot of oomph to get me out in public, especially if it means flailing all four limbs in as whirligig sort of fashion with a bunch of other misled whirligigs.

(If you don't know what a whirligig is,(wind propelled lawn ornament), click here: and yes, it's an over exaggeration)

What the heck am I talking about? (And no it doesn't really have to do with writing- although I could go off topic and ponder what I should do if an idea pops into my head on mile five and with no way to jot it down), but it does have to do with why I won't be writing on THAT day. Er Ahem, what I'm blathering on and off about is running a marathon, the Treeherne Run for the Hills marathon, to be exact.

So, to see what we were really up against we took a drive, and then some pictures.

It doesn't look so bad in these photos, really it doesn't, but I did consider hopping out of the car with a geometry set on some of the scarier hills. (not shown in actual size)

It's not so much the steep uphill part of the road that fills me with dread, but rather the building that most likely is a HOGBARN we must run past. Hopefully they don't choose to clean the manure out of the gutters that particular day.

Not so secret confessions

2010-06-03T11:50:00.000-07:00

Well, if I'm blogging about it, I can't exactly say they are secret, just not common knowledge. Also known as "Ratting on oneself"

My secret confession for the day?

Ever since watching The Dark Crystal by Jim Henson, I've wanted to become a puppeteer.

I must have been eight years old when I first saw those animated rugs pull off the best fantasy story of my era, (sorry Labyrinth and Fraggle Rock- it was a close race). This wasn't a hand shoved up a badly decorated tube sock, no, this was invisible threads and patient artisans capturing every painstaking detail of movement so I wouldn't be distracted from the plot of the story (which was also excellent).

I can't decide whether Ogra is my favorite character or that fluff ball of a dog-thing that spun its way across the landscape.

I'm not going to go through with the craving to become a puppeteer, but, man, it was sure tempting.

Canoeing for the very first time

2010-06-01T06:46:00.000-07:00

(Sorry to those who might have either Madonna or weird Al Yankovic stuck in their minds)

But... we picked up our canoe last month and took it out for a spin on Black Lake for the long weekend. It is a NICE ride. It was also our son's first canoeing experience. Did he like it? Yes, as much as any four year old might. I mean he was eager to get in the boat, eager to try out his new child-size paddle, and then eager to get back to shore to play with his digger in the sand.

Was my husband and I excited? OH YES!!

Owning our own canoe was a way we celebrated selling our small business. It symbolizes a new lifestyle we want to engage in far more than we did for the past four years. It encourages us to get out of the house, and off our butts.

Where is the canoe right now? Suspended on rope above our living room. (Crazy stormy weather is flooding southern Manitoba in places)

My son keeps suggesting we take the canoe out onto the fields. (It's not entirely impossible) About as impossible as someone para-sailing across a flooded fields, which we saw just yesterday on our way home from the city. (Wish I had pictures.)

What to do with that old playdoh?

2010-05-18T15:41:00.000-07:00

A while back I included my mother-in-law's recipe for homemade playdoh, well, I have another use for it that I can share.

My son is intrigued by volcanoes (some of you know where this is going), so, I thought, 'We have old, hardened playdoh in the fridge, why not try a little grade school science experiment and wow someone who hasn't yet seen it done?'

We squished the old playdoh into a cone shape, drove our fingers down into the middle to make a 'volcano vent', then I handed him a box of baking soda, a cup of vinegar, and some food colouring. It didn't take him long to figure out what went where and the food colouring really added to the overall explosive effect.

I'll be the first to admit, it's not quite the same as a plastic model that I've seen in some schools, but it gives a bit of a thrill and some first hand knowledge of chemical reactions. The playdoh eventually becomes waterlogged, gelatinous, and slimy, so it's best tossed afterward.

Okay, I did it

2010-05-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

I have my new look, thanks to the Background Fairy, and it was so easy. The only thing I need to do now is shrink my header image. It GREW.

I visited three sites before I found the Background Fairy site. Some of the graphics on the other sites were pretty except they came out as little blocks of the same image over and over, and some images would give me concern for anyone who had epilepsy. Flashing stripes=not good.

So, I'm satisfied, and can now go back and forth and stare at both of my teen blogs in hopes of inspiration.

It's time for a facelift

2010-05-13T08:29:00.000-07:00

Not my face, just my blog's.

I'm going to do some research into this because it used to be a big deal to switch blogspot templates around. A year ago I goofed and had to redo most of my widgets.

But, the template for my scifi/steampunk teen blog is so pretty I just think flat black isn't happenin any more. Nope.

Looking for something that makes me feel dreamy, not bored.

New blog

2010-04-30T13:41:00.001-07:00

Seeing as I have a few sci fi, and now a new steampunk book in progress, I've set up a new, separate blog dedicated to those two genres. This blog will feature my contemporary teen fiction, while the other will dive headlong into the cool interior of Victorian London.

My new blog is very new and therefore sparse, but to visit that site, go HERE.

Book Blogs

2010-04-28T07:06:00.000-07:00

Apparently Ning has changed it's policy and has decided to charge a fee for services, so... I have closed my Ning account and will just focus more on my facebook page as well as this blog... oh and my jacket flaps page. That should be enough.

Also, just heard this on kids CBC, wow! I'm a fan.

Recommendable Game for four +

2010-04-28T06:48:00.000-07:00

Most of my comments, facebook shouts, and blogs seem to stem from one source, my son, so most things are rated from a four year old perspective. That said, I'd like to recommend a great educational, yet fun game that my son gives it two muddy thumbs up.

It's no surprise really, but it's the Magic School Bus series. I'm not sure if there is a version that runs on the latest computers, (I have an Hp, 95/98), but I lucked into a second hand copy on ebay, then purchased as many more that I could find.

game

The magic school bus, written by ,Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen, covers topics that kids devour such as facts about the solar system, dinosaurs, the ocean, sound, the earth, and it goes on.

We have the books, three videos, and almost all of the games. For some reason the age level is listed four 6-10 years olds, but to me, that's an under estimation.

My son rambles off science facts to me all day long, facts I didn't know. Starfish eat clams? They pry open the shell with their arms? Really?

Learn something from a kid when they can't wait to educate themselves.

What age level to set a book at?

2010-04-20T07:29:00.000-07:00

I have a dilemma, not a big one, but I'm trying to figure out what age level would read one of my books. The characters are eleven, thirteen, and fourteen. This book also highlights the thoughts and angst of the main character's parents, (not from their POV mind you,) as well as the 4 year old,

The subject is puberty, young love, divorce, and of course watching one's parent deal with her crush on the hunk in the cabin next door. I think 9-14 year old would read it, but it is not a chapter book. It would stand alone.

I now wonder if there is a market/publisher for it. yeeks.

We found a Train Game!!

2010-04-10T11:43:00.000-07:00

After years of searching for an affordable, functional, yet snazzy train simulation game for my son, we have had success, so I thought I'd share.

Rule the Rail is absolutely awesome. My son is four and he thinks it's the Bees Knees (his latest saying).

Much like Sim City, he can create his own landscape and lay his own train track, but the focus is on the trains rather than the city. He's very pleased. So, if you have a train enthusiast, like I do, this is a recommendable purchase. To try the game out for yourself I have a link to a demo.

Rule The Rail Demo

My son, the Tyranasaurus Rex

2010-04-05T17:50:00.000-07:00

This little comment graphic reminded me of my son and his desire to be anything but a human. Most often he is a Tyranasaurus Rex and we spend many a meal with arms held aloft and growling over our plates. Not everyday. Sometimes we, (and I'm using the royal 'we' here), screech like a beluga, (ear piercingly loud), snort like a deer, or crunch softly like a caterpillar.
My son is my inspiration for many things I write, especially the four year old named Joel in Mists of Summer (working Title). Although he is featured only as a secondary character, I can't wait to share the shenanigans of this remarkable character.

Quotes for Myspace - Myspace Comments

The Easter Bunny... and the Wester Bunny

2010-04-04T08:41:00.001-07:00

Ah, Easter. Just like Christmas it is a holiday filled with the promise of treats, surrounded by stories of magical creatures (if you follow the Santa/Easter Bunny plots)that sneak into one's house during the night (break and enter) but leave sugar and presents behind.
Well, my son got to thinking, and knowing his directions, came up with the idea that the Easter Bunny works on the Eastern half of Canada, delivering sugar to kids to the right of the gravel road that leads to our house, and the Wester Bunny delivers sugar to the Western half. Gosh that is clever, and to think, they originate from his gravel road.
Seeing an opportunity, we decided to play on this new legend and came up with the idea to tie a string of yarn to the end of his bed. At the other end awaited a bowl of goodies, placed high, concealed, and impenetrable to the cat and dog. (Clever bunnies)
We wound the string all over the house, around table legs, into the bathroom, through the living room and kitchen, and then went to bed.
What we didn't anticipate, (although we should have), was a three o'clock waking and the trouble the yarn trail would cause. Eager to go downstairs and start the day, my son tried every trick in the book. "I see the sun coming up over the horizon, it must be morning!" "I'm hungry!" and finally, "I have to pee!"
What could we do but carry him down in the darkness, through the minefield of toys, over the twisting trail of yarn, and past the sugary waft of chocolate and jellybeans? Thankfully he was none the wiser and returned to bed, and an hour and a half later, he returned to the land of the sleeping.
We woke to an equally eager grandpa calling on the phone! Blast it!
Upon seeing the yarn tied to the bedpost we were up and rather quickly undertaking a strange expedition. With the cat sharking in and out of our legs, winding and knotting up our path, our son jumped ahead and found the loot stash before I could wind the yarn trail back into a ball.
The Easter and Wester Bunny were generous, perhaps too generous, and we'll pay for it for the rest of the day with a bouncy, cranky child, but... it's worth it.

I hope everyone has a happy holiday with whatever rabbits that venture your way.

New Perspective

2010-03-29T12:58:00.000-07:00

When my son and I returned home from the city today we discovered a bird had been trapped inside our woodstove. This isn't unusual, so unusual that my response is often irritation. But this time when I opened all the doors, including the one to the woodstove, the bird just sat there in a pile of ash, blinking.
Normally they shoot out of there like a rocket and it becomes a matter of ducking and dodging a frantic bird. Not this sparrow. After a moment it hopped down from its ash pile and hobbled over to my son who was playing with his trains on the floor. It investigated a few toys and remained quite calm.

I decided it would need some water so we filled a shallow plastic lid and proceeded to dribble a bit over the bird's beak until it looked like it had had enough.
Even after it shook the soot from its feathers, this little visitor still took the time to investigate the stairs, the coffee table, and almost... the cat.

It left quickly then and probably wondered what kind of place hosted felines, canines, and knew a bird's drink of choice.

My son was thrilled to have the brief experience, and my attitude, of course, has softened.

Speaking from, or Speaking to

2010-03-18T10:45:00.000-07:00

It occurred to me the other day, while I thought on who would choose to read my book, that I wasn't exactly sure what age level, what gender, what genre even, to categorize my story 'Hello, My Name is Trollface' under. H.M.N.T.F is written from Calvin Dinklage's POV. He's a young thirteen year old boy, an outcast, a joker, and a philisophist. He could appeal to many.

I realized I tend to write stories from the character's POV, rather than from the reader's, which of course leaves me scratching my head afterward when writing a query intended for the publisher. I'm sure they'd like me to know who I am marketing this to.

In all honesty I think many people read all types of books, I know I do. Teen fiction, stories about boy's struggles, stories about girl's struggles, stories about adult struggles when they were a boy or a girl... or a dragon in the middle ages for that matter. I'm not picky, but I do think I need to imagine what shelf it might sit on.

I have noticed a few young female readers have commented on the short blurb I posted on my Goodreads page. This is progress.

I'm going to try something out which I hope will help me decided who Calvin's audience is. I'm going to think about how his life will impact a reader, what they will take away from his story. If I write from Calvin's thoughts, maybe I can imagine who would sympathize with him the most.

The story I no longer need to write

2010-01-27T13:16:00.000-08:00

I've mentioned this on Goodreads, where I posted the summary of a story idea of mine titled Jenny Hit the Skins. This was a loosely plotted idea about a fifteen year old girl who lived with her fear mongering mother and who knew next to nothing about her aging rock star dad. In my story she goes off to stay with her dad for a while, experiences culture shock, meets and few kids and well, grows a little.

Turns out that story has already been written.

Beige, written by Cecil Castellucci fills all those plot points that I mentioned above and more. It is well written and so far, entertaining. I'm curious how the rest of it will go and to see how bang on two minds could be about something as intangible as a story.

Book Blurb:

Exiled from Canada to Los Angeles, Katy can't believe she is spending the summer with her father—punk name: the Rat—a recovered addict and drummer for the band Suck. Even though Katy feels abandoned by her mom, even though the Rat's place is a mess and he's not like anything she'd call a father, Kathy won't make a fuss. After all, she is a girl who is quiet and polite, a girl who smiles, a girl who is, well, beige. Or is she? From the author of BOY PROOF and THE QUEEN OF COOL comes an edgy L.A. novel full of humor, heart, and music.

A difficult, but worthwhile read.

2010-01-20T07:42:00.001-08:00

Tree Girl by Ben Mikaelsen

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh what heartbreak. This was such a difficult book to get through but so important. In fact, it should be a requirement for all those entering into the field of politics, the military, law of any type... etc...

Even though this book haunted my thoughts through the day and kept me up at night I am grateful for the personal account of what happened.

As for the writing, it's extremely good, mostly in the way that it didn't try to be more than the telling of the story itself.

View all my reviews >>

...And

2010-01-02T19:34:00.000-08:00

I made a new header for my site. Bye bye dragonfly, for now. I do like that little fly by visitor, but... the girl has to dream.

I liked this, so I thought I would share

2010-01-02T19:16:00.000-08:00

Albert Einstein once said: "Imagination is more powerful than knowledge. Knowledge is finite where as imagination is infinite."

Sometimes, thinking like a child allows us to imagine things that 'adults' would consider impossible.

Found from:

http://fridayreflections.typepad.com/games/puzzle.html

Which, if you have time, might be something entertaining to do.

Happy Holidays

2009-12-22T17:30:00.000-08:00

Christmas Myspace Comments | Online Mall

(I'm already eying up my tree and thinking chainsaw thoughts)

Clyde

2009-10-14T16:19:00.001-07:00

I'd like to introduce a little certain someone who once was nothing more than a gimmick, but now is a full fledged member of our family. Clyde, a plastic spider I bought years ago and had stowed away in a junk drawer, has reemerged to eat suppers with us, play toys, crawl into our bed to "sleep", and even bathe with us on occasion. Sigh.

My son is quite capable at bringing inanimate objects to life, okay, no, not like Dr. Frankenstein "to life" but animated, personified, and all that jazz.

Ranting: My frustration with children's movies

2009-10-14T15:59:00.000-07:00

My son sat in a chair at the hairdresser's facing a television screen. On the boobtube a movie, The Bee Movie, to be precise, flashed before my four year old's eyes. The show was right at the conclusion by the time we'd arrived but believe me, I'd seen enough.
This was a story about bees, a colony of insects made up mostly by militant males who harvested pollen with ray guns. Okay, so it must have taken awhile for the bees to get to the point where I started watching, but still, first off, bees are a colony made up mostly of female bees who harvest pollen, sans leather jackets and ray guns.

What I hate is how this type of show can't just get the facts right. They take a story set within a natural setting and pervert it to suit their plotting needs. Male cows have udders, bee colonies have males (drones, a creature necessary only to make more bees, then they're done) as the leading force in the colony, the harvesters, the protectors, when the facts are grossly skewed. My son knows the difference. We keep bees, we have cows. He knows who does what, who has an udder and who doesn't, but seriously, some kids don't and who is telling them lies, the show. Ugh! It's disgusting.

Where oh where has my note paper gone?

2009-10-01T05:52:00.000-07:00

Where oh where can it be?
I've searched high and low. Literally. Upstairs in my trunk where I keep snippets (neatly filed inside of manila envelopes with titles scrawled across the front) and on the main floor in the manila envelopes surrounding my computer, and lastly in the basement, in the antique suitcase where i keep the stories I do not intend to finish any time soon. Alas! Hawk, oh woe is me, it is gone.
That one little bit of info that ties it all together, that nags me in the night, that tickles the back of my conscience telling me it is not finished without that little itsybity notation.
I THINK I know where I was going with that thought I so carelessly set down. I THINK I can recreate it, but there's always going to be that doubt.

In the meantime,

Here is the recipe for homemade playdough. I found it in my search for the note.

1/2 Cup Salt
2 Cups water
Food colouring

Bring these ingredients to a boil.

ADD:

1-2 Tbsp alum (a substance that helps preserve this toy but should NOT be eaten)
2 Tbsp olive oil (other oils smell)
2 Cups flour. (put in freezer to cool until you can handle the material)
Beat in then lay out on the counter and knead in more flour.

Set in front of child and watch their face light up.

Again, DON'T EAT!!

Deeper Than You Think

2009-09-09T07:46:00.000-07:00

I picked up a new children's picture book the other day because I like dragons, and I liked the illustrations. What I discovered was that this little book packed a punch, delivering a deeper message that I'd like to offer my interpretation of.

The book is "There's No Such Things as Dragons" by Jack Kent, published in 1975 by A GOLDEN LOOK-LOOK BOOK. Amazon

After reading this story I showed it to my husband, who is a marriage and family therapist, and he very quickly pilfered it to show all his therapist friends.

When I say this book got deep, I mean it seems to be about talking about issues rather than pretending they aren't there. In the story a little boy sees a dragon but his mother tells him they don't exist. He is confused because he can see the dragon, yet he tries to listen to her, and not to himself. They go through the story pretending the dragon does not exist, but the dragon grows larger every time they deny it. Eventually the dragon is so big (the trauma/the truth/the incident that really did happen) that it can no longer be ignored and they acknowledge the dragon. Immediately the dragon returns to its normal size and life can continue on.

This is an important parallel for me because that is the theme of my teen novel (currently titled Trollface). In my story Desiree has been assaulted by her boyfriend but her parents sweep it under the rug. Her rage builds, she acts out, her trauma deepens until, like the large dragon, it can no longer be ignored.

I highly recommend this children's story, not just for therapists and their clients, but because the message is a good and important one for families and individuals who feel their experiences are ignored. Sometimes the reaction to trauma is worse than the trauma itself.

Break through

2009-07-21T08:53:00.000-07:00

I don't know if it's bad timing or a blessing but an idea came to me last night, one that breathes new life into an old story I've been working on and rescues the plot of a newer story that had been scrabbling off a cliff face for lack of details.
I'm just a little distracted at the moment, my working title story (Trollface) is nearly ready to submit, yet these other ideas are flooding my mind, demanding I pay them attention.

The old story is one I wrote ten years or more ago, with the working title RWMOTG, an abbreviation for Running With My Feet On the Ground. it is a story about a runaway, a girl mislead by a dangerous friend. The new story was similar, and I knew that when the idea came to me, but for some reason it never occurred to me to combine the two, until now.

So, my plan, if the muses will have it, is to finish Trollface, then dive straight into my combo books.

A new way to look at it

2009-07-16T17:50:00.000-07:00

Ever since I became a mother, three and three quarter years ago, I've found myself struggling with perceptions, labels, and the usual crisis of identity foisted upon me by others or by myself. Suddenly I'm saying things like, "Take that car out of your mouth!" "Stop biting the dog!" "You'll understand when you have kids of your own"

(shudder)

I never saw myself as a motherly type, but once becoming a mother I asked, what IS a motherly type. If I'm a mother, then I must be a motherly type. I'm certainly not fatherly, don't have the genetic makeup. So, I'm now satisfied with the answer that whatever I am is what being a mother is.

My sister sent me a cute whatchamacallit, feel-good, email along the same lines.

JUST A MUM?

A woman, renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk 's office,
Was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation.

She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.

'What I mean is, ' explained the recorder,
'do you have a job or are you just a .?'

'Of course I have a job,' snapped the woman.

'I'm a Mum.'

'We don't list 'Mum' as an occupation,

'Housewife' covers it,'
Said the recorder emphatically.

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself

In the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall.
The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised,
Efficient and possessed of a high sounding title like,
'Official Interrogator' or 'Town Registrar.'

'What is your occupation?' she probed.

What made me say it? I do not know.
The words simply popped out.
'I'm a Research Associate in the field of
Child Development and Human Relations.'

The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and
Looked up as though she had not heard right.

I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words.
Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written,
In bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

'Might I ask,' said the clerk with new interest,
'just what you do in your field?'

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice,
I heard myself reply,
'I have a continuing program of research,
(what mother doesn't)
In the laboratory and in the field,
(normally I would have said indoors and out).
I'm working for my Masters, (the whole family)
And already have four credits (all daughters).
Of course the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities,
(any mother care to disagree?)
And I often work 14 hours a day (24 is more like it).
But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers

And the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money.'

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she
Completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.

As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career,
I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 10, 7, and 3.
Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model,
(my 6 month old baby) in the child development program,
Testing out a new vocal pattern.
I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy!
And I had gone on the official records as someone more

Distinguished and indispensable to mankind than 'just another Mum'.

Motherhood!

What a glorious career!
Especially when there's a title on the door.

*****

Does this make grandmothers
'Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations'
And great grandmothers
'Executive Senior Research Associates'?
I think so!!!
I also think it makes Aunts

'Associate Research Assistants'!!!

My very long absence

2009-05-31T20:49:00.000-07:00

I haven't forgotten my other life, the one where I write teen novels, blog about them, read them, talk about them, but I had taken a bit of a break. I write in a different genre, under a different name, and I've had some successes. Unfortunately that takes up time, and a toll from the other genres I like to submerge myself in.
I hope to return my attention to my still current, still hopeful project that I have called Trollface, (even though I think it needs a different title). I'm pleased to see I've had interested visitors, or at least accidental tourists, here at my stagnant blog, even one follower (waves hi).
My ultimate plan is to finish a few more projects as my other self first and in a month or two's times I will re-edit, extend, and submit Trollface to my favorite publisher.

I'm in the loop

2009-01-21T12:16:00.000-08:00

I've gone and done it, put my name out there on Twitter. Sigh.

And, now for a progress update. I have my manuscript back from my sister in law and will be doing some tweaks on Troll Face, (Which needs a new name too), and then I'll be sending it off to Groundwood books.

Christmas Past

2009-01-14T17:57:00.003-08:00

This may seem like a late topic, bringing Christmas up again, like a regurgitated turkey, but I was cold.

Our Christmas tree served us well. It looked pretty and it stayed upright the whole time.

But, as I said, I was cold, and really, who needs a wilting pine tree on their deck when they could have a warm cozy fire.

A thirty dollar tree turned into fresh sap soaked logs. It's not quite equivalent to buying a sack of birch or crummy poplar from the gas station, (cough $8.00) and I confess we did that just last night, (despite the fact I live on a property with eleven acres of Oak, Ash, and Maple trees), but it was -50 (including the windchill)

There was something meaningful in taking the chainsaw to the family tree.
Pure carnage.

A rare opportunity

2008-12-03T09:38:00.000-08:00

The other night my husband rushed us out of the house and pointed our faces to the sky. CBC announced that the Space Station and the Shuttle were about to fly directly over our heads. Sure enough, one minute later two fast moving lights moved across the heavens, directly above us. even though my son is very young, he understood how cool it was to see a space ship, in real time. I realised then that the word space ship no longer meant sci fi and extraterrestrials like ET and b grade movies. There was one jetting off into the distance and it looked like a plane.

Space Station and Shuttle

At the same time Jupiter and Venus and the crescent moon had gathered in a tight cluster, aligning as I'd never seen done before. I got this image off of Google. I did not take this photo and from my perspective the moon was above the planets.

Cool huh?

Interview with Carol Denbow

2008-10-21T21:18:00.000-07:00

Carol Denbow is the author of three books including A Book Inside, How to Write, Publish, and Sell Your Story. She has written hundreds of articles on book writing and publishing and has been a featured guest on radio and television. Today Carol has added my blog as a stop on her 2008 Virtual Tour.

Shelley: Welcome Carol. Many of this blogs’ visitors are interested in writing a book but don’t know where to begin. How does one decide what to write?

Carol Denbow: Thanks for having me here today Shelley. With proper direction, all writers have the ability to see their story in book form. Whether you have a full length novel in mind or a unique life story you want to share,

book writing has become the most popular way for one to truly express themselves. Your visitors aren’t alone with their book ideas, there are about 195,000 new titles published in the U.S. each year.

Ask yourself this—will your expertise benefit others? Has your imagination run wild with thrilling mysteries others may enjoy reading about? Was there a special event in your life you’d like to share? Or do you simply have a story to tell? If you feel there is a book inside you, the first step to turning your idea into a book is of course, writing it.

First and foremost, write what you know. With experience comes knowledge, and a person will enjoy writing

more when they are familiar with their subject. When you choose your books subject matter, check your resources (library or internet) to make sure the book market is not already saturated with similar books. Look for a niche, something new that hasn’t been previously published or puts a new twist on a subject.

Shelley: How important is it to create an outline before writing a book and how does one accomplish this?

Carol Denbow: An outline is a blueprint—it’s crucial in creating comprehendible text and staying on target with your goals. Every manuscript contains an introduction, information, and conclusion, in other words, a beginning, middle, and ending. To start, define each of these categories in relation to your book idea. For instance, a non-fiction book on stress relief may begin with “what is stress.” The middle text may explain “how to relieve stress.” The ending may finish with “now that you are stress free…”

For a fiction book, the beginning may open by developing your characters and their place within your story. The middle is your story line or plot, and the ending is where your story concludes.

Once you have established these elements to your book, you can begin filling in the chapter titles according to the order of your stories events. Choose titles which are clear and define the content of that particular chapter; especially for non-fiction books. Compile your chapters and organize them in a logical order.

Once you have a complete outline finished, it’s time to begin “filling in the blanks.” With a proper and orderly outline of your story, you can flow through your writing process with confidence and ease.

Shelley: Is there any way a writer can know if he/she can actually write a good story, before jumping into this profession?

Carol Denbow: Most defiantly something writers rarely do, but should be number one on their list after the first chapter is written is to have their work critiqued; not just by one person, but several. We often become too close or familiar to our work to be a good judge of it. Just because we think we have a great story idea doesn’t mean we are naturally good with words. Make sure those you choose to critic your work will give you an honest opinion—and don’t be disappointed or quit your dream. For most writers, their skills develop over time through practice.

Shelley: Many of our blogs’ viewers are interested in writing specifically in the children’s and young adult genre. How does a writer know which publishers are most interested in their subject matter?

Carol Denbow: There are numerous references available which can guide writers in the right direction while seeking traditional book publishers to query. My favorite and quite possibly the most complete of these is the book Writer’s Market. This annually released publication contains more than 4,000 listings of book publishers, magazines, journals, literary agents and more. It’s worth the $25 investment. With Writer’s Market, you can search for only the publishers who would be interested in reading your script, eliminating the guesswork. For y/a and children’s books, some of the major publishing houses who may be interested will include Ambassador Books, Atlas, Bell, and Random House (Golden Books).

Shelley: So where can we find your books and do you have a Website?

Carol Denbow: All my books are available through Amazon.com as well as through my Website at http://www.booksbydenbow.weebly.com. I also have a great blog for new and seasoned writers at http://abookinside.blogspot.com. To see where by book tour is taking me this year, readers can visit my Website.

Shelley: Thanks for stopping by and sharing this information with us!

First Chapter to my WIP Troll Face (working title)

2008-10-20T11:23:00.000-07:00

Feel free to read the rough draft of my first chapter. I also like comments. I believe the more honest the better, that way I can take your feedback and put it to productive use.

It is posted on line on my good reads profile.

Troll Face

Here is the blurb:

Calvin has been dealt a loser hand and he knows it so, how, when things start going in his favor, does he expect to win the heart of the prettiest girl in school? With a bully who has him in his sights, a face like a Ferengie, and a last name of Dinklage, he isn't exactly prince charming. Thankfully his future princess to be has some issues of her own, only they seem to be getting in the way.

Guest blog with Carol Denbow

2008-10-20T09:57:00.000-07:00

Visit my blog this Wednesday to catch Carol Denbow as she stops in on her virtual tour. She will be talking about genre and offering tips on the craft of writing a book.

Wednesday, October 22, TOPIC – “Genre” Visit Writ, Written, Wrote at http://www.shellyhw.blogspot.com

For information on the tour visit her blog here: http://abookinside.blogspot.com/

and visit her book blog: http://booksbydenbow.weebly.com/

What do you get for the woman who is 103?

2008-10-02T11:33:00.000-07:00

My grandmother, a tiny feisty lady who has seen it all, just turned 103. having been born in 1905 she was there for the early stages of automobile inventions, witnessed three wars, endured droughts, erratic fashion changes, the birth of inventions such as running water, telephones and computers and has learned to accept the fact that they are common place and widely used across the world.

But that is her, widely adaptable. She embraced the 20's, joining in on the flapper movement, held a job as a telephone operator when it was plugs and personal, faced off with cougars and wolves when she needed to get water from the well and settled peacefully into the role of prairie homesteader.
It boggles my mind to think what I will have seen by the time I'm eighty.

As I've said, she's feisty. Around her one must not get too comfortable. If you happen to forget and saunter too close to her easy chair she'll take the opportunity to give you a swift pinch and giggle about it after.

So I ask, now that I have introduced her, what do I get for her for her birthday?
A plant is right out of the question because its just one more thing she has to take care of. Chocolates are nice but she has a closet full of them and they're turning white. A card is really all that she'd need except it feels slightly cheap. I could take her out for a meal but she's shy in public because she can't hear and we could order in her favorite dish but we do that every other month anyway.

At 103 she has everything she seems to want except more visits from her grand and great grand kids.

Ideally a trip to Scotland and Ireland is what I'd like to give her, a tour of her homeland with her family but that is not feasible at this time.

Rough and Tough in the adult world

2008-09-28T20:02:00.000-07:00

After a strange interaction with a group of adult women on one of the forums I frequent I was shocked, appalled and disgusted by behavior that reminded so much of the hardest part of public school, bullying.

I was reminded of a book I had seen in the bookstore once,

The Bully, the Bullied, and the Bystander: From Preschool to High School--How Parents and Teachers Can Help Break the Cycle of Violence

Published	February 2004 by Collins
binding	Paperback
isbn	006001430X

I'm not too proud to say I've played a part in each of these roles. I've said things that were hurtful, ganged up on the weaker citizen. I've been ganged up on and ridiculed and I've watched from the sidelines as it happened. Its sad but what was more sad was to see it still happening outside of school, among adults.
What sets me apart from the women I was interacting with today is that I learned from my experiences and I took those experiences with me and applied them to every day life. They apparently have not. I don't know anything about their lives, either the present or the past but I have no admiration for what they bring to the table.

I haven't read this book but I think I need to. It won't help the person who was being bullied, not will it help those who were taking great joy in curb stomping her, but it might help me know what to say, the next time.

I'm up on jacketflaps

2008-09-18T06:23:00.000-07:00

Check me out on jacket flaps! I'm just getting started but I really like it there.
http://www.jacketflap.com/profile.asp?member=Shelleyhw

If you aren't already I highly recomend this fantastic community site where you can meet writers, illustrators, publishers, readers and more.

Also, if you are a member there feel free to friend me.

I love the oldies

2008-09-17T07:41:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite shopping experiences is in a second hand store. When I'm there I scour the book section in hopes to find a great old gem, one that is vintage and nostalgic. I found one like this just the other day. Its a 1950's print Big Golden Book Walt Disney's Alice in Wonderland. I can't bring an image of it up because the isbn has already been turned over.
The cover image is a still front the original movie that Disney made years ago. I think this book will go on my adult books shelf until my three year old quits bending pages.

Another day I picked up a 1970's hardcover of another of my favorites, Rudyard Kipling's "Kim". I have an old David Copperfield, an Anne Mc Caffery's Dragon Rider's of Pern and a set of Shakespeare works, cloth bound.

Ah, sigh, its heaven.

Thrill of a lifetime

2008-09-12T22:37:00.001-07:00

Its not everyday you get an experience like I had today. My neighbor put up his wind turbine today, an eighty foot tower with a light weight blade rotating at the top.

Saying I like heights is like saying a bird likes to fly so when he offered for me to go up, I said heck yeah.

Wind turbines are environmentally fun!

Some of my all time favorites

2008-09-11T18:29:00.000-07:00

On GoodReads I've posted my favorites by flagging them with five stars but, I think its nice to promote good work, and here seems as good a place as any.

When I was growing up my mother read "My Side of the Mountain"

by Jean Craighead George, 0141312424 (isbn13: 9780141312422), published by Puffin Books, to me as well as "The Never Ending Story"

by Micheal Ende, 0525457585 (isbn13: 9780525457589), published by Dutton Juvenile. These two novels really hit home with me as a young girl even though both stories starred a young boy. What appealed the most was the adventure they were going on rather than what sex they were. One boy was running away from home while another was trying to hold on to his home.

Along the same lines I loved "Ronia the Thieves Daughter"

The Pigman and by Paul Zindle, published by Starfire,

is also one of my favorites. I laughed so hard through that story I was weary. 0553564560 (isbn13: 9780553564563)

Another book that really hit home for me, one that I could connect with the character is "Bad"
by Jean Ferris, isbn 0374404755 (isbn13: 9780374404758)
published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux. This is a hardcore story about teen angst. Its no wonder I loved it. She's tough yet soft and you root for her the whole way through. (at least I did)

And now... the one that has my attention is "Loose Girl: A memoir of promiscuity
"
by Kerry Cohen Hoffmann , published by Hyperion, 1401303498 (isbn13: 9781401303495).
For all those people who were a part of the social structure that was the essence of school, this is a deep book. It covers sex in a tasteful manner but doesn't hold back on the honesty. She's a good writer writing about an important sensitive subject. i admire her, both for her skill in telling a tale and for her guts to tell this tale.

Yay! Another Camelot tale!

2008-09-10T07:41:00.000-07:00

The writer who brought us "I am Morgan Le Fay"
has another book! This is probably not news to anyone but me. Somehow I read these books out of sync and now I have to catch up.

I am looking forward to "I am Mordred" by Nancy Springer.

Here is the excerpt from Amazon:

"From Amazon.com
King Arthur has fascinated young people for centuries, and since fantasy literature has become a passion for so many bright teens, a whole body of writing has developed that reimagines Arthurian stories in ways that make them psychologically relevant today--without losing the magical resonance of Camelot. In I Am Mordred, Nancy Springer, known both for her fantasy writing and the realistic novel Toughing It, brings the central father-son conflict of the Arthurian saga vividly alive. Teen fantasy fans will be familiar with the background events: the young King Arthur, unaware, bedded his half sister Morgause and conceived the child Mordred, who according to the wizard Merlin, was fated to destroy his father and the kingdom. Goaded by Merlin, Arthur attempted to have the baby killed, but was foiled by the intervention of the good sorceress Nyneve and the evil sorceress Morgan le Fay. Years later Mordred arrives at Camelot and becomes a knight of the Round Table. Springer focuses on Mordred at age 15, as he struggles against his destined fate of killing the king and father he both loves and hates. In an adventure story festooned with the golden bells of enchantment, Mordred undertakes a quest in the Forest Perilous to save Arthur's life and his own soul, but ultimately fails. Springer brings the story to a moving and ingenious conclusion in which the prophecy is fulfilled--and simultaneously overcome. (Ages 12 and older) --Patty Campbell --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title."

Voice

2008-09-10T07:39:00.001-07:00

I recently read a blog entry article on the writer's voice. It intrigued me in the way that I had thought about this topic but never put a label on it. I wondered how I came across, or, rather how my characters came across.

If I am hearing them right, the majority of my characters have a sarcastic voice, an edge, a sardonic bitterness, resulting from past years of pain. They view the world as a place of condemnation (not in the biblical sense) yet they handle it with humor.

My current WIP is an excellent example of this. Calvin Dinklage (yes, Dinklage) believes the world is against him and that it treats him unfairly because he is ugly. Unfortunately, this is true, but he strides ahead because of his sense of humor.

I start to wonder then how much of my own way of dealing with the world is coming across in my characters. Quite a bit I would think. I also face the world with humor, making jokes when faced with a hostile situation. (Not always, but often enough). I think humor puts the attacker/aggressor ill at ease, kicks their legs out from under them so-to-speak, while the victim, (joker) retains their footing. Again, not every time.

In another story that I am working on lately, my heroine finds herself plunked down into a brand new setting, much like being beamed into a space ship. She has just moved from the city into the country and she experiences what I might consider to be culture shock. Her experiences are handled with a wry sense of humor. Hopefully lots of it too! I love this character and I hope to capture her right.

Sleeping Beauty Effect

2008-09-10T07:33:00.000-07:00

Well, not Sleeping Beauty herself, but her parents. The story of Sleeping Beauty was about a pair of anxiety ridden parents, who had a delicate child whom they dearly wished to protect. On a fairy's advice, they went to great lengths to remove all of the spinning wheels in the land, seeing as it was the sharp spindle upon which she was going to prick her finger and die. I told you she was delicate.
I can sympathize with these parents. I have a young son and moments where I ponder upon more morbid things such as will he outlive me. If something terrible were to happen would I have been able to prevent it, ie hide all the spinning wheels?
I baby proof, I coddle, I hover and I project but like the author of this well know tale, I fret that it could happen.
Until now, this fairy tale did not seem based in reality. Until I experienced the fear of potentially losing someone that means more to me than my own life, I had no true kinship with the parents of a story that I watched mainly to because I liked Sleeping Beauty's long hair and the fantastic dragon that the evil sorceress becomes.
I think I'll make sure I don't have any sharp spindles lurking in my farthest west tower.

A writer's life

2008-09-09T11:24:00.000-07:00

A small cottage along the ocean, nestled among the trees, a cool surf misting across the sand as a lone writer looks up from the page, a full page, with fantastic images, sentence structure and ...

Yeah, no. Maybe at one point I dreamed this would be the life I could create for myself. Now, I have to write that life for a character if it were ever to be true. Writing is not the easiest career to have plotted out for myself, especially with all the other goals I have on the side.

As it is I'm managing to take the time now, to do what I need to do to get the books done. After that is the submissions and then, the worst part, the waiting.

Of all the steps it takes to become a published author, the waiting for the yes or the no is the hardest. At that point it is out of our control and we hope that the late nights, the nervous sweating and fingernail biting make it worth it.

I'm in it for the long haul and want to stay aware of the process not just the product.
The product is nice, let me just say that, but that cottage with the ocean mist, well, I know now that ocean mist makes for very soggy paper and it just isn't based in reality.

-S