The things dreams are made of...

2:30 am is a time that most mothers are familiar with--whether it's when your child is a newborn & waking up for a feeding or when they are teenagers and waiting up to make sure they get home safely.  For me, it was a time to get my son who'd woken up only to find he'd leaked clean through his diaper...after I'd already picked him up.  So, after 10 minutes, he was dry and clean, I was dry and clean & we'd finally settled in to go back to sleep.  He was restless which in turn made me restless.  When all of a sudden--WHAM!  An idea hit me head on :)  A dream is literally what inspired Blue Twilight so I know to listen to these ideas--whenever they come.  I was awake for a couple more hours replaying and building on the idea I had to make sure I didn't forget come morning.  And I remember--whoo hoo!  Now off to jot down this latest project...

Playlist for 10/11:

The Best is Yet to Come: Michael Buble
Change Your Mind: Gloriana
Don't You Wanna Stay: Jason Aldean & Kelly Clarkson
Wake Up Call: Maroon 5
Fire: Jimi Hendrix
Like I Love You: Justin Timberlake
Down & Out: Tantric

Memories...

It's amazing when I first started writing "Save Me" how easy I thought this story would be to tell.  Holy hell, was I ever wrong!  I literally had writers' block for three weeks--how does that happen when I should already know this story?!  But at any rate, I yelled, i cussed, and I worked through it.  I am back on track and am about a third of the way done with the initial draft.  I love telling my husband about some of the story & having him say "But that never happened!"  Ah, the beauty of fiction based on reality ;)  It's funny to become immersed in the past and remember what was and what you thought would happen.  It's been a fun, sometimes painful process.  But that's life and that's what I am hoping will shine through in the story. 

Playlist for 5/26:

Mine: Taylor Swift
Sick Cycle Carousel: Lifehouse
Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not: Thompson Square
Don't You Wanna Stay: Jason Aldean & Kelly Clarkson
My Love: Sia (This is such a beautiful song)
Don't Drink the Water: Dave Matthews Band (My favorite DMB song of all time!)

Creative Juices...

Well, the hampster has resumed its spinning in my wheel :)  The creative juices are flowing once again & I've got a good start to my next venture, tentatively called "Save Me".  It was slow to get started, I think because I HATE leaving my other book unattended/incomplete, but I've done what I can do with it, so I'm moving on to other projects for the time being.  This book is going to be easier and harder to write at the same time.  Easier because now I know I can finish what I've started.  Easier because I feel like I've found my "voice" so to speak.  But harder because this story is going to be a little closer to me.  But I think that is what will make it that much better.  I'm interested to see how it goes and how I can grow as a writer.  After this, I think I'll try returning to my roots so to speak :)  I think a kids book or two...or series...maybe in the works.  But, alas, I can only do one thing at a time and there are only so many hours in a day.  And I think the kids may notice if I never leave the computer ;)  Well, at least I think they would...

Playlist for 4/8:

There Goes the Boy: Cyndi Thompson
Home: Daughtry
Sick of Life: Godsmack
I Can Transform Ya: Chris Brown
Decode: Paramore
Good Times Bad Times: Led Zeppelin

Editing's a Bitch...

So, my husband finally finished his read/edit on my book.  Some of his thoughts made me think, some made me cringe, & some made me laugh.  The whole editing process is so very frustrating and to be able to laugh through some of it has been incredibly beneficial.  Just when my eyes are ready to start crossing, I see a comment about chicken wings...LOL  I love my husband ;)  Still hoping to see this completed sooner rather than later.  I've got the opening done to my next venture, but I'm a little stalled on that as I try to finish BT.   So, not a lot exciting to report, but it's getting there... :)

Playlist for 3/21:

SFC-Silvertide
A Moment Changes Everything-David Gray
Givin Up On You-Lara Fabian
Fly From the Inside-Shinedown
Wild Hope-Mandy Moore
It Will Be Me-Faith Hill

Getting closer...

So, it's been a while, I know, I'm sorry!  Strep, sick kids, & work kind of slow down the creative process ;)  Well, the first edit is completed (YEA!!!).  All of the new parts I wanted to add in were added and overall, I am very happy with the story thus far.  Now I've got a couple of people going through & doing the nitty gritty editing/reviewing.  I've had a couple more people read it & told me they loved it (what better compliment is there, really?!).  So, I'm sort of idle at the moment waiting on the second stage of editing to begin.  But we all know idle hands are never good, so....

I'm starting on basic ideas for my next venture :)  Not really sure what it's going to be just yet, but I've got a great idea for a beginning.  No working title yet, but I figure that will come with time.  This is definitely gonna be a snarkier book than my current one (oh yes, I said snarky), but I think that's just me.  Thanks to all my supporters, you guys mean the world to me :) 

Play List:

Liquor Store Blues: Bruno Mars
Best I Ever Had: Drake
Marry You: Bruno Mars
Just the Way You Are: Bruno Mars
The Lazy Song: Bruno Mars
Talking to the Moon: Bruno Mars (I just got his CD & OMG, LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT)

Busy Busy Busy

It's been a while, but I haven't been sitting doing nothing--that's for sure!  I've got about 2-3 chapters left before I finish, YES FINISH the first edit of my book :)  I've had a couple people reading & giving me input--you know who you are & I appreciate it very much!!!!  So, what comes next?  Well, after this first major edit, I'm going to go back through & add in some ideas that some of my readers had & then go back through everything with a fine tooth comb.  I have some questions on POV that I might get a professional to take a look at.  But I am hoping (Fingers majorly crossed here) to have it done by the end of March--way earlier than my end of the year projection.  I'm very excited, but there is still work to be done :)  And I'm also very excited that I've got another idea in the works, so looks like I may be busy all year after all! 

Play List for 2/1:

Ladies Choice: Mandy Moore
DJ Got Us Fallin In Love: Usher
Strong Enough: Sheryl Crow
Blue Jeans: Silvertide
If I'd Never Loved You: Julie Reeves
Smoke & Mirrors: Lifehouse

Now that's Love...

So, not only did my wonderful husband read the 4 chapters I sent to him, but he offered some really insightful suggestions & let me bounce ideas off of him.  (And I am in no way saying this in a derogatory manner b/c my man is very intelligent, but he went above & beyond what I thought which was wonderful)  It's wonderful having someone so supportive in my corner.  Love my honey!! <3

Playlist for 1/22:

You're My Best Friend: Queen
I Lost It: Kenny Chesney
Stupify: Disturbed
Alright: Darius Rucker
What About Now: Daughtry
You're The Only One: Keith Urban

Evil Genius

So, I stayed up and edited for 2 hours last night.  By the time my eyes were starting to cross, my poor husband comes downstairs and asks when/if I'm coming to bed.  I told him as soon as I emailed him the first 4 edited chapters...but of course that put me back to finishing the 4th chapter before I could copy him with it.  So, another half hour later & I finally finish and hit send.  I shut everything down (after saving of course) and head upstairs.  I am lying there for maybe 5 minutes when a great idea pops into my head for one of my main characters.  It's so good and so funny, I had to get up and go back downstairs to write it down.  At this point, my sister is on the computer and looking at me like I'm crazy, so my explanation to her is that "I am an evil genius"  LOL  Mwah ha ha...

Playlist for 1/21:

Must Get Out: Maroon 5
Frequency: Tantric
Never Going Back Again: Fleetwood Mac
Slummin in Paradise: Mandy Moore
Wrong Again: Martina McBride
The More I See You: Michael Buble

18 months

I can't believe my little guy is 18 months old today!  I feel like I just brought him home :(  Love my little guy so much!! 

So I found a book to take some of the guesswork out of converting my book into the templates required for Amazon, B&N, etc.  Now I'm trying to think of some cover artwork....at this point, this is the least of my worries, but I want it to be a great cover as I think that is what will initially attract potential readers.  Getting lots of support from friends & family and just wanted to say thank you!  Now I am off to do something creative ;)

Play List 1/20:

Lookin for a Good Time: Lady Antebellum
It's Gonna be Love: Mandy Moore
It Will Be Me: Faith Hill
Never Say Never: The Fray
When You Kiss Me: Shania Twain    :)  <3  For those that don't know, this was my 1st dance w/ my hubby
Nightblindness: David Gray

When the Going Gets Tough...

I am finding it difficult to get things done this week.  No real clear cut reason, just lots of stuff going through my mind.  I think I need a vacation LOL  I just need a laptop, a warm tropical climate, and a stiff drink ;)  Is that asking too much??  No worries, I will get things done...I just need to get focused.  Hopefully this afternoon I will gain some creative perspective.  Still kicking the setting around.  I think maybe what I need is a beta...someone to bounce my ideas off of & to tell me when I'm being absolutely insane ;)  My poor husband just got volunteered for the job & he doesn't even know it yet ;) 

Playlist for 1/12:

Knock You Down: Keri Hilson
Mary Jane: Silvertide
Another One Bites the Dust: Queen
Goodbye Girl: Hootie & The Blowfish
Devil's Swing: Godsmack

Musically Speaking...

So, I am really trying to focus on getting some of the musical aspects of my book tightened up a bit.  As I said, music is a huge part of this story and I want it to really shine (God does that ever sound cheesy...).  I'm getting some help on background info & for that, I am eternally grateful!!!  Hopefully this week will let me have some more breakthroughs as well.  Whoever said weekends were restful clearly did not have children ;)  As I am typing, my 5 year old is standing over my shoulder asking to play on the computer & asking who I am writing a message to ;)  Until next time...

Play List for 1/9:

2 The Sky: Robin Thicke
Forever my Lady: Jodeci
Picture: Sheryl Crow
This Year's Love: David Gray
Dare You to Move: Switchfoot

Setting

So yesterday was actually a pretty productive day.  I got some minor editing done and even got another half page added to give some more description to the house.  Granted, this took me a good 2-1/2 hours, but at least my son got in a good nap while Mommy wrote and cursed the computer ;)  And I'm getting lots of ideas, so I just keep making random notes all over the place...should probably add them to the folder I specifically started for my notes, but hey, what can you do?  LOL  Hopefully today will be as productive.  I keep going back to the setting of my story.  I've never thought it wise to set a story somewhere you've never been, so I'm kicking around the idea of moving the central setting, but we'll see as I get deeper into things.  I may just make up a place if it gets to be too ridiculous ;)  Now I am off to work on cleaning/getting ready for my daughter's 5th birthday party...OMG...all I keep thinking is that she's gonna be a whole hand :'o(  They grow up so fast...wouldn't trade a second of it though!

Playlist for 1/7:

It's a Love Thing: Keith Urban
Sky: Joshua Radin
Please Forgive Me: David Gray
Whole Lotta Love: Led Zeppelin
Serenity: Godsmack
Something Better: Tantric

Overwhelming...

I've started going through the first couple of chapters & my first thoughts are "Holy Hell, what have I gotten myself into?"  and "Run away, run away now!"  But after calming down and listening to some great music, I just remind myself that I knew that this is what I was getting into and to take it one day at a time.  It seems so daunting to have to break apart this entire story--it's almost like starting all over again, but I've got the bones--I just need to get to adding the flesh and muscle to my story before it'll be ready.  I guess I should explain a bit more too...when I say I'm going to publish this year, I did mean e-publish, but if it does well enough, I'm sure it could be published in paperback eventually.  You know, even if it bombs, I think I'd still be happy b/c I'll know that I did it and that's good enough for me :)  This has always been my dream--ever since I was 8 years old and first started writing about a Parrot Private Eye ;)  So, somehow in between planning for my baby girl's birthday this weekend, I plan on getting a lot accomplished over the next few days.  So, here's to birthdays, blogging, & blah blah blah ;)

OH & on a completely random note, I found a CD yesterday that was the very last CD I ever bought from Tower Records (great memories there) & it is a KICKASS CD, so I'm quite happy :)  Just wanted to share that...I warned ya'll this would get random!

Playlist for 1/6/11:

Hey Jealousy: Gin Blossoms
Look After You: The Fray
Better Than Me: Hinder
Blank Sheet of Paper: Tim McGraw
I'm Yours: Jason Mraz
Ain't Coming Home: Silvertide

Play List

So, yesterday afternoon & so far this morning, I've been working on a playlist for my writing.  Now, you may be thinking I'm totally crazy & that may be true, but I'm doing this for two reasons.  One: Music is a HUGE part of my book & Two: It helps put me into the right place mentally for writing/creativity.  So, don't be surprised if I add in my playlists to these wonderful little updates.  So, besides that, I'm kicking around a couple of ideas to add some twists to the plot and some depth to my central characters.  I asked a select number of people about adding a pretty big twist and it was an overwhelming yes.  And I had one person say you can never have too many twists/surprises in a book, but that got me thinking...at what point is it considered too much? 

1/5 Playlist:

Just Haven't Met You Yet:  Michael Buble
Settlin: Sugarland
Shameless: Billy Joel
Gardenia: Mandy Moore (If you haven't heard this song, you need to)
What If You: Joshua Radin (see above comment, this guy is amazing!)

My First attempt...

Okay, so go easy on a newcomer.  I figured my life is constantly chaotic and disorganized, so what better way to feel better about things than sharing it with all of the world?!  So, here we are on our 4th day of 2011 and I came to the realization that I really want to set a goal for myself.  Not one of those "Oh I'm going to lose weight this year"  because, come on...really?!  But I really do want to get my book published.  Now, I've contacted editors and while they are great and deserve every penny they earn, it's just not a realistic option for me, so I've decided to start on the overwhelming (and slightly terrifying) journey of self-editing.  *shudders*  Now, how I am going to get this done in between taking care of the kids, working, and everything else in between...well, I can't tell you because then I'll be revealing to you my secret super powers ;)  But it should be an interesting journey...follow along if you dare :)  And don't be surprised if I go off subject...a LOT.  If nothing else, it should be humorous :)