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Itinerant Vagrant Writer’s Workshop – Dallas

March 20th, 2012 . Posted in Writing | No Comments »

Oh where even to start… this last weekend I spent time just outside of Dallas with kindred souls. We critiqued, broke plots, ate, drank and giggled our way through. Yes, it was exhausting, and yes, Dallas’ weather is the stuff of nightmares.

But I came out the other side so pleased!

The ten other writers obliged me in a plot break for my new novel, which actually evolved into more of a world building session. That was fine by me. I purposefully did not submit questions ahead of time so that the discussion could be more organic. I talked to my father about the suggestions, and he also provided some great insights.

All in all I’m stoked to get back to work on this sucker!

And as grateful as I am for the feedback, there was much more to love about the workshop: old friends and new friends, affirmation that this is a profession worth pursuing, and lastly – whiskey followed by pickle juice will made me cringe.

Here’s a little cowboy hat action, although I have to say I saw very few of these! Guess I’ll just have to go back to Texas sometime…

I miss everyone already, and I haven’t laughed so hard in months! Definitely cannot wait for the next workshop/convention/writerly outing.

Willow Glen 5k!

February 22nd, 2012 . Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Last night I officially registered for the Willow Glen 5k! This is a very concrete end date for my fitness aspirations. Well, the end of a beginning I suppose; I hope to run more and longer races later this year.

If only I could come up with something so concrete for writing…

R. A. Salvatore

February 9th, 2012 . Posted in Famous Quotes | No Comments »
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If you can throw a lightning bolt, do you need a pistol? If you can teleport, are you going to build an auto factory? [...] We want logic to be a part it, even with magic. [...] If you live in a world, where someone suddenly came  up with something to give you immortality, how would you feel? What would be the reactions in that world?

Now the first thought everyone would say to that is: everyone would be ecstatic! We’re going to be immortal! But what about the mother and father of the last person who died, before the Well of Souls [immortality] was available? What about the mother who lost all her children, and her husband, and is very old and frail and broken down, and looking forward to an after life that she devoutly believes in? Where she can see her husband and children again?

Snippet from an interview with R. A. Salvatore about world building / game lore design. Absolutely fascinating.

Early 2012 Challenges

February 2nd, 2012 . Posted in Personal Life | 3 Comments »

I promise I’ll get back to blogging about writing next week! But one last exercise post for now. I’ve found that the time I spend working out directly relates to how focused I am throughout the day. One day after a brutal run I got through more of my to-dos than I had in the last several combined. Woohoo!

I’ve also been working hard on identifying new challenges for myself, both writing and exercise related. Anne, my trainer and dear friend, has been encouraging me to try swinging with kettlebells. And by encouraging, I mean telling me how many reps I will complete with the 18 lb. bell.

It’s just so innocent looking here… but after swinging it 500+ times in 45 minutes, I was wiped. But it was also exhilarating to have my heart rate up so fast so consistently. And I felt like a real gym rat after she taped me up!

New challenges at the gym help me to think outside the box – and indeed I think I have fixed some major flaws with my new YA novel. I’m not quite ready to go back to writing in it yet, but I am so much closer.

Writing and Running

January 23rd, 2012 . Posted in Personal Life, Writing | 4 Comments »

So back when I was talking about my goals for 2012, it became pretty clear that my life revolves around a few key things, which is good. I like simplicity. While I do intend to talk about my travel adventures, and any developments with my family, for the beginning part of this year I’ve set benchmarks for myself for both writing and fitness.

These may seem like two unrelated categories but more and more I find them intertwined. It’s more than just plotting my novel while I’m busting out miles on the tread mill. It’s a mentality that I’ve picked up from fitness which has made me a better, and more consistent, writer.

Running, especially, has moved me away from, “Can I do this? I don’t want to do it. I’m not sure I can,” to “I absolutely can do this, even if my body or my brain doesn’t want to right now, I am capable.”

This is a huge shift – a confidence in myself I’ve never had. So while writing a new novel and running a 5k before June may not seem like they’re related, to me they are both equally important goals that depend on one another. So how’s my progress? As of today, here is where I stand:

  • Running 1.5 miles consistently at race pace. Goal is get 1-2 minutes faster, and add a bit of distance each week.
  • Plotted the new novel and have written 5,000 words of (hopefully) the first chapter.

I’m pretty happy with my starting points for both. Oh, and here is a photo of me on the treadmill, getting ready for my run!

Do you have any unrelated goals? How are they connected?

Review of UnCONventional

January 20th, 2012 . Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

I’m just squeeing over the fact that my work can now be read, discussed, and reviewed. It’s a whole new thing for me.

Creative Reads dives into some of the stories, including my own. You can check it out here.

Blackout 1/18

January 16th, 2012 . Posted in Personal Life | No Comments »
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I don’t normally update on Wednesdays (okay, let’s be honest, I don’t update with any regularity anyhow…), but on 1/18 you won’t see me online during the day. Why?

Because I will be participating in the internet-wide blackout, in solidarity against SOPA and PIPA.

It’s a small thing to do, to give up the internet for twelve hours, but I hope it sends a message to Congress. These bills do more harm than good, and I for one like the internet the way it is.

Wise Words from Stephen Hawking

January 9th, 2012 . Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Be curious. And however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. It matters that you don’t just give up.

Try. That’s sometimes all that matters. Here’s to starting off this January week with Hawking’s words in mind.

Goals

January 6th, 2012 . Posted in Writing | 1 Comment »
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I don’t really like making new years resolutions, simply because I never seem to be able to follow up on them consistently, and therefore they are moot. But I do have a few things I would like to keep in mind for 2012:

  • Write another book. All of it. Even if it hurts.
  • Enjoy travel more. Don’t stress so much over it.
  • Be healthier. Run a 5K, lift weights, eat right.
  • Spend more time actually doing things with family.
  • Stretch my writing – try exercises, or workshops, or whatever it takes.

So we’ll see how the year goes, but right now I’m pretty optimistic about things!

Happy 2012!

January 2nd, 2012 . Posted in Personal Life | No Comments »

Just a quick update to say that I am resolving to be a better blogger, and to work on a new novel this month.

I also turned 27 a few days ago. I do love birthdays!

Once again, Mr. Rabbit makes an appearance, and that’s my husband in the background. I always have angel food cake at my Dad’s on my birthday. It’s so fluffy and delicious!

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