I’ve never done the Friday Five before, but there’s always a first time for everything.
1. Yes, I’m happy it’s raining AGAIN (taking those lemons and makin’ lemonade) because in the afternoon it gives me a lovely excuse to throw on a movie for the boys and curl up with my edits.
2. It’s so humid, I’m close to screaming! I hate humidity–seriously. Gahhh! When I pulled out the clothes to wear yesterday they were damp!!!! And before you ask, yes I even broke down and put on the air, but it was just too cool outside. *head thunk* My head looks like a tumble weed.
3. Think I know the title for my third book. Not everyone works the same way, but I have to have a title to be able to write a story. It’s a vital part of the weaving I do. More to come on this later. I’m just really happy because, this one took a while to illuminate itself. I really like it too! *squee*
4. I’m refocused on watching what I eat and I’m exercising with purpose. This translates loosely into I’m tired of feeling like a big, fat, mushy cow. I love you cows, but yeah, that’s how I’ve been feeling. I’ve been stuck lately, but now I think I’ve got my head in the right spot again. In fact, when I’m done here–off to the gym. Ya know, cause of the humidity and train and stuff.
5. Last but not least, I slept in this morning…just a wee bit. I do have kids after all and ahem–a blog to write. But, *blows horn* today is the first day that everyone is officially on summer vacation! And because I personally believe that life would be a whole lot better if it were a musical…
You might recall that I’m a member of the Apocalypsies, a 2012 group of debut authors. All of a sudden it seems like I can’t keep up with all the gorgeous cover reveals. They are blowing my socks off, so I’ve just got to share them with you. The covers alone make me want to snatch the book and run, but make no mistakes, what’s between the pages has me as excited as the amazing cover art.
*drum roll please*
You can click on each cover to find out more information about the author and the book.
WE ARE NOW UP TO THREE FOUR COVERS ADDED ON TO THE ORIGINAL LIST!!!!
4) It’s an addiction and I just can’t stop…
3) Glad I crossed my fingers because I missed one…and you don’t want to miss this one!
2) Last cover add on…I promise *fingers crossed behind back* You have to see this!!!!
1) Amended…brand new cover added NOW!
See–told you they look AWESOME! And like the rest of the Apocalypsies, I can’t wait to have one of my own some day. If you like what you see, you can also add these and other Apocalypsie 2012 Debut books to your Goodreads list.
Of course–if a particular cover and/or book just makes you go *squee* I know the author would love to hear about it. And to make it fair– if you’re the author of one of these gorgeous covers, maybe you could leave a little tidbit of information about your cover in the comment section.
I love my local conference. It’s like a Hershey kiss: small, sweet and completely irresistible. The Eastern NY SCBWI was the first conference I’ve ever attended and it’s filled with great memories and wonderful friends. All great conferences start off with the hard work of the Regional Advisor!!!
Nancy Castaldo is an amazing Regional Advisor and I feel so lucky to have her running the show.
I wasn’t sure how relevant her talk on non-fiction was going to be for me, but lets just say I gave her a standing ovation when she was done speaking. I was so impressed with her drive to bring the truth out into the light. She had an endless stream of good advice, but here are some of the things she said that touched me the most…
*It takes at least three sense to breathe a story to life.
*8th graders have an unbelievably strong sense of justice.
*You never know if you have what it takes to be a hero-but you can practice every day.
And the funniest one of all, in reference to her being an avid note taker…
*I also take notes at church, which makes the people around me very nervous. LOL!
I’m looking forward to reading her books and sharing them with my boys.
This Keynote Address was followed by a workshop by Susan called–HOME REPAIR TIPS FOR YOUR NOVEL OR YOUR NON-FCITION BOOK.
Again this was a power packed session. I’ll pull out a few of my favorites from the session.
*When you’re writing key scenes, ask yourself what is at risk for your characters? The risk should be as great as the story you are telling. (This means that it may be different in a quiet book than in high concept one and that’s okay.)
*If an editor tells you your novel is episodic, it’s not a compliment–you have no plot.
*Good ideas don’t come in the beginning, they are a result of trial and error.
Next up was PUBLISHING CONTRACTS IN THE DIGITAL AGE with Mary Flower. The most telling statement she made was when she announced that “Everything I tell you today will probably be out of date by the end of next week.” *sigh*
Next up was lunch…
Very yummy and along with our dessert we got to hear Scott Meyer of Merritt Bookstore speak about CONNECTING WRITER TO BOOKSTORES: WHAT TO DO AND WHAT NOT TO DO.
He talked specifically about writers being honest in their stories and my favorite was when he said “Once I have a story about you–it’s woven into my soul.” That is exactly who I want selling my book someday. *heart squish*
We also had Oblong Books as our bookstore of the day.
After lunch I attended a great session on PACING AND PLOT: An Analytical Approach with Katherine Jacobs. Followed by A FIRST PAGES PANEL moderated by Bobbie Wells.
*Katherine Jacobs-Associate Editor, Roaring Book Press
AND THEN!!!!!! I got to meet Kate Messner!!!! We’ve been online friends for years now, it was such a wonderful surprise. She was honored as a SCBWI Crystal Kite winner.
Kate has been such a big influence on me as a writer. She crafts amazing books but she is also warm and welcoming to those who are joining the children’s writing community. She is an amazing person and I was so happy to get a chance to chat with her face to face for the first time. Congrats Kate, you deserve it.
There was also some additional faculty who’s presentations I didn’t get to attend.
First ever book contest was a success and we have a winner!!!! Woot!!!!
I haven’t mastered the on-line entry form yet (tutorials welcome) so I went with the next most high-tech plan I had. Here’s how it went down…
I wrote everyones name down on a piece of paper. (Went green and used the wrap from the last pack of paper) *takes little bow*
This is where the Whole Lot of Shakin’ was going on. I may have gotten some exercise. Sorry, Linda Grimes, I know that you expected more from that title. I’m a sad excuse for a Romantic Comedy Writer. *sniff* I’ll leave all the fun stuff to you.
Then…
–the Mater of Ceremonies pulled a name. The Winner is….*drum roll please*
Logan E. Turner!!!!!! Logan chose I AM J by Cris Beam. I’ve already got it on my to-read list and I’ll be getting that copy out to Logan ASAP. Lucky me, later I’ll get to read her wonderful blog review of the book. Thanks Logan!!!
So, why am I getting drug store reading glasses you ask? (I see you have the attention span of a flea.) It’s a long story. Well, actually it’s not that long, but the first half is boring so I’ll speed through it.
Went to eye doctor recently. Eye doctor asked if I was having trouble seeing things up close. Of course I denied it vehemently. Then got home and had a light bulb moment–was that why I was putting everything on my computer into a larger font??? Crap. *head thunk*
So I figured that I’d ride it out to my next visit because that’s why God made flexible font. Right? That plan of attack was working great for me until I got the first seven chapters back on my first round of revisions. Anica RIssi writes the BEST editorial notes EVAH! And…She has the cutes, tiniest, most adorable hand writing you could imagine. It’s like getting notes from Arrietty Clock of the Borrowers.
*squints* But I totally don’t care that I’ve been outed by my editor and forced to admit that I have body parts that are betraying me. What I care about is that Anica gets me and my writing. In the places where I need improvement, her guidance will get me through the tough spots. She says things in a way that doesn’t make me feel defensive or stupid for not seeing it myself. She also does this absolutely beautiful thing where she makes everything feel like a wonderful collaboration. I like this so much because this book isn’t just my dream anymore. Michelle and Anica are as deeply vested as I am in bring this book to life and making it the best that it can be. I don’t need special glasses to see that. I can feel it. *heart squish*
I can’t show you my favorite comment from Anica’s notes because it would be a spoiler. Just know that it’s written on an index card and is sitting on my bulletin board where I can see it. But I’ll give you my second favorite…
Yes, I’m lucky and I know it. I’m also grateful and determined to soak in every moment of what I’m experiencing as it happens. I have a feeling that happiness isn’t about getting what you want–it’s about wanting what you get. I love what I’ve got.
Just got done teaching one of my dance classes for today, but took some time to practice what I’d learned last night in my own class. I left the studio sweating, less than satisfied with my performance and very pleased with myself. Huh?
This is the first year that I’ve danced in Workshop–a mix of teens and adults. I’m going to come right out and tell you, these girls are fabulous dancers. They are doing amazing things that I don’t think I had the skill or training to do when I was their age. And now, I’m the old lady of the group and there are days–I’m not going to lie–when my ego is crushed. I used to be front and center. Now the dancer I am in my head isn’t usually the one I see in the mirror. I get a tiny bit bummed out–until I remember my heart.
First and foremost, I love to dance. It’s heart work for me. It makes me be a better, happier, healthier person. I move emotions around with my body the way I do with my words when I’m writing. It fills my empty spaces with good things and it flushes away the crap. Simply put, I love to dance. But that’s not all, there’s also love for everyone I dance with–I belong there. We laughed together and we cry together. Fortunately we get to laugh a lot more than we cry. You know you’re with the right group of friends when you feel comfortable doing both.
So that covers EGO and HEART, but what about HEALTHY COMPETITION you ask? Shhh don’t tell–it’s a secret–old dogs CAN learn new tricks. It’s hard work, but I’m growing as a dancer. The trick is to remember I said healthy competition. I’m not challenging the girls in class–I’m pushing myself to do better and I like what I’m seeing. I won’t lie–I can’t say I won’t be in line for that time machine when someone finally builds it, but then again–maybe I’ll be too busy dancing.
