Post Turkey Introspection

This is a slightly odd post but I felt like writing a bit post Turkeyday and well what else it your own personal blog for :) So Thanksgiving has officially passed...leftovers are spilling out of the fridge. Christmas lights are popping up every where. People look forward to the natural high of endorphin induced shopping. And a cold front has dropped into my neck of the woods. So why am I am I not sensing that "holly jolly" feeling?

I sense a complicated answer and so not to bore you with the myriad of ideas I'll keep it minimal. I think I've been bitten by the "adult" bug. The wonder of this season has been eclipsed by the immediates of life: job, bills, house, car...etc. I think many of you may agree that "life" lacks the quiet we all desperately try to grasp, especially during a holiday. But how are we suppose to do that in a day in age where speed is king and we have to rush to get anything done. If it's not instant it's too slow. Tell me how are we suppose to think, enjoy, feel at the speed of light?

So as the end of 2009 seems to move at warp speed, I'm going to try and step back. I'm not going to let December push me into another year. Instead I hope this next month will be a baseline for months to come. It will be a measuring drumstick that will serve to remind me that life is short and no matter what holiday approaches, the fact that I get to enjoy another holiday is blessing enough.

The effects of a New Moon...for the lovers and the haters

This weekend I stepped back into my youth. I surrounded myself with teens giggling and oooing over a world which momentarily takes captive their minds and most assuredly their hormones. I also sat among ladies twice as old as I, also dabbling in the same state of euphoria as the 14 year old sitting next to them. Now let me ask you...what could bring so many women (and some guys) to this place of unrelenting anticipation?

It's simple - New Moon.

Yes of course I'm referring to the movie spin off from the Twilight Saga Series by Stephenie Meyer. Which by the way I enjoy. Yes I said it...the Twilight Saga is my dirty pleasure.

Warning civilized rant to follow :)
For those of you who feel obliged to express your negative reaction to the books and movies...by all means do so. It's a free country enjoy your moment of solidarity. And now I will do the same but with a request for the strident haters. For those of you adimently opposed to anything "Twilight," that's cool, but please do me a favor. Try and compare apples to apples and not apples to wine or wine to french fries. It seems the hype which circles Twilight has become target practice for those opinioned enough to shoot at it. Really if it's so sub par then why even waste your time?

I think anyone who claims to enjoy the series either in lit or video form (or both), if they were being truthful, would admit the series is an indulgence. Nothing more or less. And who doesn't allow themselves to indulge every once in a while. Everyone's tastes are different- thank goodness. So like it or hate it, but haters however you distasteful you find this series keep in mind its a YA (young adult) series written for fun and obviously geared to teenage girls (aka idealistic-imaginary-hormone-driven-adolescents)(which if you're not a gal I can understand how this storyline might offer a biological disadvantage to its enjoyment).

O.k. now onto the movie for the Twi-lovers. I am declaring my bias up front, and I am happy to say I'm not a paid critique because I don't think I ever want to analyze a movie at that level...I think it can strip the fun from it like trying to edit a book vs. just reading it for pleasure. In my perspective it yields two very different experiences.

So her's my take on NEW MOON- the movie:
Enjoyment level - 10
Accuracy to book - 8.5 (I realize allowances must be made, but it was dead close)
Character portrayal - 8 (and may I add I'm most impressed with Taylor Lautner's take on Jacob- its perfect in my mind - he gets a 10 (thus his own character plug above- plus it looks cool)(also I spoke to someone who feels the development is weaker strictly based on watching the movie- which I could lend to agree on IF you haven't read the book first)
Special effects - 9.5 (compared to the first they were just plain fun)
Musical Score - 9
Satisfaction level - 10
And finally will I see it again - YES

I'll admit this blog was more a "get it out of my system" post - sorry for the length. But considering my how weekend was submerged in Twilight's cult following, I needed to post something with Stephanie and her works in mind. Thanks Stephenie.

To conclude, in relation to my writing addiction, like Stephenie, I write for me with the purpose of ENTERTAINMENT- a get away. If a day comes I also find a fan following for my characters and their fantastical lives I would be thrilled if it reached even a percent of Twilight's success. The glory will never been mine, that's not something I can claim for myself nor want to, but I can enjoy the thrill of seeing an audience connect to my work as much as it connects to me.

Amazing "Football" Hero

Leave it to the British...very awesome!

Welcome Abby's blog pet...

In keeping with me (and since my husband is making me wait to get a real pet- love you babe!) I've resorted to a lesser version of real to squelch my desire for a pet. This actually works out better for you as a reader because now you can interact with the little creature friend I've added to my blog...yes I know, I can feel your excitement through the screen.

Anyway, my blogger patrons the new addition...(trumpets sound)...is a little tree frog who's faithful to anyone with a working mouse and especially enjoys those who have a tendency to left click alot...give it a try and you'll see why. Yum!

I will announce this little guy's name shortly...let me know your ideas either as a comment or if you are so privileged as to be my friend on facebook ;) you can message me there too!

***UPDATE: After several great suggestions for my new blog pet, a name has been chosen. Drum roll please......Frodo the Frog. I felt it only necessary to chose a lit. name seeing that my blog is primarily focused on my writing adventures. Thanks to all who participated. Now be kind and feed Frodo some flies.

Fall's Essence

Is there a time of year when your body experiences a natural high due to the weather? For me this feeling happens when it rains- LOVE the rain- and when the steamy summer days transition to the crisp fall air. I love the fall!

And for this reason, I've realized why my mind dove head first into the invigorating waters of writing at the slightest hint of fall's arrival. The cooler weather has kick started my drive to sit in my cozy chair and think up plot lines and character actions. I think after breathing in the sultry summer air of Texas for however many months, my mind felt like it was running on fumes, sucking every last particle of creative energy from the heat waves burning them up.

Ahh, but now, finally, the cooler weather is pushing out the heat and filling the air once again with its creative fall essence. Can't you smell it? Can you feel it soaking into your pores? I can! Wow, come to think it was this time two years ago when the first creative juices began to flow for my first book, and now I am working on book two!

There is just something enticing about the fall- it's natural association to picking up a great book and getting lost in its pages as your body nestles into a blue snuggie (yes our household owns two of the fleece-armed blanket marketing wonders) and sipping on some hot chocolate with the sound of a fire imitating the rice crispy cereal sound- Snap-Crackle-Pop- in the background. Oh my, if my mind could salivate it would.

So I challenge you to enjoy the change of season. Take in the wonder which is the essence of fall and dive into something that excites the creative part of your soul.

Oh and let me know what season's essence does this for you and why? Who knows I may apply it to one of my characters...

Kris to the Allen!

I've been waiting to hear what Idol winner Kris Allen's debut single would be...well it's out so take a listen and enjoy.

In honor of the new season...

And of course I mean the football season. Can't you smell pigskin in the air? Trust me there is no escaping its return in my household. I received this and was compelled to share it.

College Football Time... The difference between Northern and Southern Football

Planning for the fall football season in the South is radically different than up North. For those who are planning a football trip South, here are some helpful hints.

Women's Accessories:
NORTH: Chap Stick in back pocket and a $20 bill in the front pocket.
SOUTH: Louis Vuitton duffel with two lipsticks, waterproof mascara, and a fifth of bourbon. Money not necessary - that's what dates are for.

Stadium Size:
NORTH: College football stadiums hold 20,000 people.
SOUTH: High school football stadiums hold 20,000 people.

Fathers:
NORTH: Expect their daughters to understand Sylvia Plath.
SOUTH: Expect their daughters to understand pass interference.

Campus Decor:
NORTH: Statues of founding fathers.
SOUTH: Statues of Heisman trophy winners.

Homecoming Queen:
NORTH: Also a physics major.
SOUTH: Also Miss America.

Heroes:
NORTH: Rudy Giuliani
SOUTH: Archie, Peyton & Eli Manning

Getting Tickets:
NORTH: 5 days before the game you walk into the ticket office on campus.
SOUTH: 5 months before the game you walk into the ticket office on campus, make a large financial contribution and put name on a waiting list for tickets.

Friday Classes After a Thursday Night Game:
NORTH: Students and teachers not sure they're going to the game, because they have classes on Friday.
SOUTH: Teachers cancel Friday classes because they don't want to see the few hung over students that might actually make it to class.

Parking:
NORTH: An hour before game time, the University opens the campus for game parking.
SOUTH: RVs sporting their school flags begin arriving on Wednesday for the weekend festivities. The really faithful arrive on Tuesday.

Game Day:
NORTH: A few students party in the dorm and watch ESPN on TV.
SOUTH: Every student wakes up, has a beer for breakfast, and rushes over to where ESPN is broadcasting "Game Day Live" to get on camera and wave to the idiots up north who wonder why "Game Day Live" is never Broadcast from their campus.

Tailgating:
NORTH: Raw meat on a grill, beer with lime in it, listening to local radio station with truck tailgate down.
SOUTH: 30-foot custom pig-shaped smoker fires up at dawn. Cooking accompanied by live performance from the Dave Matthews Band,... who come over during breaks and ask for a hit off bottle of bourbon.

Getting to the Stadium:
NORTH: You ask "Where's the stadium?" When you find it, you walk right in.
SOUTH: When you're near it, you'll hear it. On game day it is the state's
third largest city.

Concessions:
NORTH: Drinks served in a paper cup, filled to the top with soda.
SOUTH: Drinks served in a plastic cup, with the home team's mascot on it, filled less than half way with soda, to ensure enough room for bourbon.

When National Anthem is Played:
NORTH : Stands are less than half full, and less than half of them stand up.
SOUTH: 100,000 fans, all standing, sing along in perfect four-part harmony.

The Smell in the Air after the First Score:
NORTH: Nothing changes.
SOUTH: Fireworks, with a touch of bourbon.

Commentary (Male):
NORTH: "Nice play."
SOUTH: "Dangit, you slow idiot - tackle him and break his legs."

Commentary (Female):
NORTH: "My, this certainly is a violent sport."
SOUTH: "Dangit, you slow idiot - tackle him and break his legs."

Announcers:
NORTH: Neutral and paid.
SOUTH: Announcer harmonizes with the crowd in the fight song, with a tear in his eye because he is so proud of his team.

After the Game:
NORTH: The stadium is empty way before the game ends.
SOUTH: Another rack of ribs goes on the smoker, while somebody goes to the nearest package store for more bourbon, and planning begins for next week's game.

The essence of Southern football is impossible to duplicate!

Definition of a Writer

The other day I went with a girlfriend of mine to see the movie "Julie & Julia" based on the book by Julie Powell. Yes I'm guilty of seeing a movie prior to partaking in the movie's foundational page-flipping source. Yes, avid readers I am aware of the travesty. Books are in many cases superior to their movie prototypes and should always be enjoyed before running to the theater and purchasing an ever increasing priced ticket stub. It's like visiting the Grand Canyon, but instead of actually stopping to take in its beauty and magnitude with my own eyes, I ran straight into the gift shop and purchased a postcard of the canyon.

But in my defense, I declare this: I enjoyed the "postcard" I purchased and you'll just have to accept my moment of literary rebellion. Deal with it :)

Anyway, as I watched the pleasurably cute story of how one life deeply influenced the life of another, I found myself very caught up in both ladies' desire to be published- each for their own differentiating yet similar reasons. Yes I know, shocker, me caught up in a story line about people getting published. I know I'm a glutton for punishment by imagining the unrealistic (what proper writer doesn't imagine the unrealistic?) Sorry tangent...

But there was one line in particular I found grating at the very essence of my being. At one point the character Julie states (in its essence) that "you're not a writer until you're published." Wait! Stop the film. My instincts instantly triggered in alarm. That's not true. I'm a writer and I'm not published. How dare they market such rubbish to an unassuming audience.

Now at this point my enjoyment for the movie continued, but I wanted to see if they would correct such a tragic blunder. The movie progressed and I enjoyed the antics and sympathized with the characters as they sacrificed their lives (in practically every way) to reach the audience to whom they wrote and nurture the project they loved.

In the end both characters found satisfaction and a sense of personal achievement- each eventually finding themselves published. I think in many ways their stories ring true in the pursuit to be came an "Author" - sacrifice, lots of hard work, more sacrifice, lots of rewriting, rejection by peers and people you don't know (and might never care to know), more rewriting, hard work again, did I mentioned rewriting and I think you get my drift. But even though I felt my $7.25 was well spent, I still felt the story lacked a clarified truth about being a writer.

One does not become a writer, cook, actor, painter, etc only once you've been "discovered." By all means no! No I say! Do you hear me? As my writing journey approaches its 2nd unofficial year, if I had to start over with only one morsel of truth it would be this: Abby you are a writer because you write and because you love to write.

Yes, that's it. It may seem simple but its the truth. I've been swept off my feet by the waves of pursuit compelling me to write something even better than the day before. I can promise you I'm far from being good at my craft, but here's the cool part - I know I can only improve the more I dedicate to it. It will be a life long learning experience like anything else we experience. Some people have strong natural affinities to do certain things, but if the heart beats strongly for those pursuing something they love then they are just as much a "insert title" as the other person. My title is Writer.

So write on Writers...your day of fame may never come but never doubt who you are. A Writer with a capital W.

Query "Ding"

Update: I've officially sent out my first query into the query abyss otherwise known as an agent's inbox. No I won't query and tell to whom my precious first query has gone, but I will say that I feel like a spelling bee contestant waiting to hear the dreaded "ding" of rejection.

Maybe when I open my inbox again I'll see the oh so wonderful word of P-A-R-T-I-A-L or better yet F-U-L-L. Either way I've joined the ranks of agent-seeking writer neophytes. Onward I will spell Q-U-E-R-Y in the subject line until my inbox "dings" no more.

If only Editing Elves existed...

Intrepidity

A fabulous quote:

In the history of literature there are many great enduring works which were not published in the lifetimes of the authors. If the authors had not achieved self-affirmation while writing, how could they have continued to write?
Gao Xingjian

I thought this quote fitting to proceed my new motto for writing. Intrepidity is a quality or state of being fearless. My intrepidity is focused on that of my pursuit and growth in my skills as a writer (and hopefully published author). Yet as the quote above noted, my affirmation in writing must not come from publication alone, but the simple drive and desire instilled within to continue writing. So come binding or not a true writer writes without the expectation of formal recognition. Instead he or she writes with fearless pursuit for the sole purpose of private accomplishment. Intrepidity!

The Bridal Pat

In attempt to heighten my savior faire (yep I'm whipping out the French today) of the publishing world, I've discovered literary blogs. After comfortably treading water at the beginning, I think I'm now swimming in the deep end and realize just how much advice there is to find. Ca alors!

Everything you can imagine starting with the basics of writing a solid query letter to accepting zero control over your book cover...not to worry apparently the majority of them turn out o.k. But those are just two topics out of a bazillion. I think my Achilles' heel is my inclination to try and read all of it - information overload! And that's when one of my life experiences brought me to an important realization. Sometimes it's important to put it all aside and find my bridal pat.

Walk down memory lane with me...

The thick satin dress trimmed with lace draped the bride-to-be's body. A strapless creation meant to indulge the eyes of its onlookers and magnify the beauty of bride who wore it. The dress was beautiful no doubt, but for Abby it had no more appeal than the 10 other dresses she'd tried on earlier. This is more stressful than finding the groom!

Abby shuffled out to her adoring friends and mother. Everyone with comments and opinions of their own. "That one accentuates your waist", "I like the fabric", "it's too poofy in the back", "could the train be longer", and so forth. All offering equally qualified and helpful input but no less not without some personal bias.

It was December. Time was ticking to get a dress ordered, fitted, refitted and pressed before nuptial day deadlines. What's a girl suppose to do when the necessary white attire all starts to look the same? Abby had narrowed it down to a multi toned dress but the bridal pat - the instinctual hand gesture designating "this is the dress" - had yet to appear.

For Abby it was all a matter of clearing out the hodgepodge of well intentioned input from family and friends and go it alone. The evening air held a stimulating chill as she walked into the bridal salon. Abby called earlier to make sure her bridal associate would be there to help her. A brand new shipment of designs had just come in, and Abby was going to be one of the first to slip into some of them. Paroozing through the isles of tall racks, lined with any style, cut, color and fabric you can imagine, five dresses were pulled for consideration.

The first dress was a soft ivory taffeta with a pick-up ball gown and a sweep drain. Simple touches of pearl beading adorned the dress, and it swooshed ever so lightly as she walked. A look perfectly in tune for a summer wedding. With the voices gone and only the quiet approval filling Abby's mind, she looked down and found her hands gently patting the dress. There it was- the bridal pat - she'd found the dress!

Yes this was a true account of my wedding dress hunt. And what did I learn from it? I learned that no matter how much advice I get, good, bad, or mediocre, sometimes it's best to wipe it all away and see what answers are found in the still, quiet moments. Finding your bridal pat or in writing finding that literary nod is essential.

It's all a matter of taste and experience when it comes down to picking out a bridal dress and writing a book. Some people will love it and other's might abhor it. Advice, opinions and input will come from every direction you can imagine, and that's even before you show it to people. But if your satisfied then go with it. Yes there's probably lots of room for further improvement, I will rightfully own to my novice status, but make sure the improvement has your flare.

As for me, when I feel my voice is losing potency amidst all the input, I'll happily withdraw to a place where the stories in my head can once again be put to paper, and I can luxuriate in the satisfaction of my own literary nod.

It takes a village...

OK, I'll admit I've never been a fan of this phrase as it's commonly used, but with writing I think it thoroughly applies. I was talking with my mom this morning, just our normal morning chat, and she commented on something I told her yesterday. I said something to the effect of getting "steamed" when she's suggested changes to my book as my unofficial editor. I felt it essential to clarify what I meant.

With every draft of my book, which has been at least 4 maybe 5 with a million edits in between, I hit a "I can't handle any more edits for today" wall. A girl has her daily limit to the amount of marks and scratches to her manuscript she can handle. But it was important to understand the coal creating my "steam" was not found with the editor herself, love you Mom! Instead, it's found with the drafting marks that accompany each draft.

BUT, as in every process of becoming a writer, I have learned both the joy and necessary pain in editing- steam can be both uncomfortable and cleansing. It forces me to improve my writing and allows me to better understand what my readers will see. Even though the source and heart of my book remains mine, it still has to face it's own refining fire before it can be shared and enjoyed (hopefully) by others.

So thanks to all individuals future, past and present who will strengthen my story that much more. Your edits are essential. To publish a book, it really does take a village.

Quote...

Saw this quote the other day and wanted to share...

"There are thoughts which are prayers. There are moments when, whatever the posture of the body, the soul is on its knees."

-Victor Hugo

Rollercoaster Emotions

I've noticed during the past few days the extreme range of emotions transferring from my mind to my heart and then back again. I know it all stems from the reality that my safe haven in seclusive writing is about to be thrust, like a college student, into a world of professionals. Will I succeed? Is my work professional? Will people like my writing, which can be further translated to will people like me? The questions and doubts have made their debut.

But I know this is part of the process of stepping out on the stage (of publishing). Nerves are mixed with excitement. Fear is mixed with confidence. It's like feeling schizophrenic. Or maybe it's the long hours trapped in front of a computer making up new realities and talking to people who don't exist :) After all every writer has a little crazy in them. But seriously, I pray my writing will reach a point of notoriety. Not for fame or success, but for the pure desire to write well. There is something so precious about gaining the acceptance of your peers.

In the meantime, I'll soak up the roller coaster moments as a rite of passage. They will shape my appreciation for this craft, this career, this dream as I go along. All I have to do is strap in.

Inspiration

So the 6th movie installment of the Harry Potter series came out this week, and of course I went to see it. When the last scene cut away and the credits began to role with the oh so familiar Harry music playing in the background the only thing I wanted to do was sit down and write. I've found I get jazzed when I watch or read others' artwork. There is just something about creativity that stirs more creativity.

Now I have heard to be careful not to let others' work affect your writing too much. I guess they fear copying ideas and story lines. And for that reason I understand the concern and caution in reading a book while writing your own. Originality is a book's soul. But on a more important note I have to say I disagree. If it weren't for the visual stimulation of seeing a new world created on the big screen or being completely frustrated with a character in a book so much you can't sleep I'm not sure how much depth my writing would hold. These new creations and accounts of things both real and created allow my mind to explore beyond the day-to-day. They are stimulants and inspirations to better and more interesting writing.

So thank you J.K., C.S., J.R.R. and all other writers with initials or not. Your work extends to even more audiences by way of inspiration.

A writer's work is never done.

Yes I know it's been a while, long while, since my last post. I'm still new to this blog thing, and I've been out of the country so I'm granting myself pardon for being late. I can do that- it's my blog :)

Anyway, this past Saturday I "completed" a rewrite of my first book. I've been working to revise it since the spring and finally proofed the last page (pg.333). I was of course thrilled to have this part done, yet again, and ready to share it with a few select individuals. So I printed it off promptly, inserted the many pages carefully in some binder rings and began to pass it off to my eager readers.

But low and behold...my mind was not done thinking about it. I know a shocker! Well this morning as I'm in the shower (the best place to think) I had an epiphany. The idea in and of itself is only a small detail for the book, but my heart was racing and my fingers were antsy to type. I'll admit I rushed to work and the first thing I did was write the idea into my story line. Again it was only a simple event about an incoming fax, not very thrilling by itself, but to me it carried meaning the story would be richer for containing. No detail can be too small when writing a book. Sometimes the smallest of details can carry the largest of meanings and unlock a treasure trunk of information if you're paying attention.

So, once again I have a "completed" version of The Keeper's Tale. I anticipate more moments like today - that exhilarating and frantic feeling to sit down immediately and write one more thing into the story. Wouldn't have it any other way!

In the beginning...

In the beginning a girl discovered her fingers were drawn to the tap, tap, tapping feel of the keyboard. So she typed and typed and 80,000+ words later her first story was conceived. What's to come will be publishing news...she hopes :)

Welcome to my first attempt at capturing my writing adventures via the www. This site will be used to share my journey to book publication and everything it involves (and probably some it
doesn't.)

The site's name is twofold:
1) It expresses my new appeal or love for writing.
2) It works as a starter platform for my appeal to see my writing published.

So for now I'll wrap this first post up and figure out how I can format the site to have some Abby flare!