Amanda Hannah

Road Trip Wednesday: Ouch.

2011-04-13T06:44:00.000-07:00

Lame ER stitching ensured a close replica.

Road Trip Wednesday is a ‘Blog Carnival,’ where we post a weekly writing- or reading-related question. We'd love for you to participate! Just answer the prompt on your own blog and leave a link in the comments over at the highway - or, if you prefer, you can include your answer in the comments. You can hop from destination to destination and get everybody's unique take on the topic.

This week's question:
What's the story behind your best scar?

Some people will pay through the nose for creams and medicines to magically make scars disappear. Personally, I love them. They're road maps on our skin, and every scar has a story to tell.

Picture it:

Biting cold, snow-capped mountains. Me, teetering on a pair of skis. The rush of wind, stinging my face as I raced down the bunny slope.

Yeah, totally kidding.

Real story?

I was around four or five. An infamous Arkansas ice storm had hit (see? There really was snow and ice involved!) and knocked out our phone line. Living in the middle of nowhere, my mom loaded us up in the truck to head to the neighbor's house to call my dad at work. We were about to be iced in for days and needed toilet paper and bread.

I was best friends with the neighbor's son and knew the stash of awesome toys he had in his room. So while my mom and the neighbor chatted, I bolted down the hall to play.

"Don't run in the house," my mom warned me.

I turned around to tell her I was NOT running, simply waking VERY fast. Then I turned back around, and 'walked very fast' into a doorframe, cracking open my noggin.

I know there was some panic because it turns out the neighbor's phone had been out as well, which meant they would have to drive me to the ER. But the neighbor lived on a giant slopping hill (see. Big slope wasn't a fabrication either!). It took ten minutes just to get to the main road. The next thing I remember was a lucid dream involving a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle sewing up my head. And now I have a permanent HP scar :D

Road Trip Wednesday: The Book Industry--2111

2011-04-06T06:10:00.000-07:00

source

This week's question:

The publishing world: 2111. What will it be like?

One word peeps: Osmosis.

You know that large percentage of gray matter doctors swear we don't use? Sometime in the next century we're going to figure it all out and gain the ability to absorb knowledge and great works of literature by simply touching them.

Gone are the days where authors and publishing houses are battling it out over things like e-book royalties. Now we're dealing with how to stop book piracy when reading a book is as simple as touching it.

How often have you started telling your friend about the most AMAZING BOOK YOU'VE EVER READ, and then nothing but a bunch of dribble and randomness came out, leaving said friend confused and a bit worried for your mental health? No longer a problem. Simply hold out the book for your friend to touch and they'll know how awesome it is right away!

Of course, some will become nostalgic for that feeling of thin paper pages between their fingers. This will inevitably lead to the retro movement. Brick and mortar stores will rise up once again. Being in public holding an actual book will be seen as a defiant rebellion against the status quo (Just like how twenty years ago no one bought records--most would deny owning them anymore. But now it's kind of a cool throwback to have a vinyl collection).

Seriously, though. The book industry, like all things in life, is constantly evolving. No matter what its future holds, people will always need good books. That, I'm certain, will never change.

Road Trip Wednesday: Childhood Obsessions

2011-03-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

Road Trip Wednesday is a ‘Blog Carnival,’ where we post a weekly writing- or reading-related question. We'd love for you to participate! Just answer the prompt on your own blog and leave a link in the comments on the highway - or, if you prefer, you can include your answer in the comments. You can hop from destination to destination and get everybody's unique take on the topic.

This week's topic:

What books were you obsessed with as a kid?

I think a more appropriate question would be, what books was I not obsessed with as a kid. Starting with a Wrinkle In Time and Bridge To Terabithia when I was young.

By middle school, I'd moved on to Sweet Valley High and The Babysitter's Club. In sixth-grade, my circle of friends had all but formed a book club with R.L. Stine and Christopher Pike's books.

Then came the embarrassing highschool nerdiness where I'd finish required reading in a matter of days as opposed to the month we were given. Nothing will raise your popularity factor like the teacher taking you out in the hall to discuss The Scarlet Letter because you finished so quickly and she didn't want to spoil it for the rest of the class ;)

Road Trip Wednesday: I Want To Be Like . . .

2011-03-09T00:43:00.000-08:00

Road Trip Wednesday is a "Blog Carnival," where YA Highway's contributors post a weekly writing- or reading-related question and answer it on our own blogs. We'd love for you to participate! Just answer the prompt on your own blog and leave a link in the comments - or, if you prefer, you can include your answer in the comments.

This week, we're celebrating the release of my Kirsten Hubbard's , Like Mandarin!

(have you entered YA Highway's amazing Like Mandarin giveaway?)

The prompt:

In Like Mandarin, 14-year-old Grace Carpenter would give anything to be like 17-year-old Mandarin Ramey -- the bold, carefree wild girl of their small Wyoming town. Who did you want to be like growing up?

I'm not sure there was one specific person I wanted to be like. More often, I had the image of who I wanted to be (cool, laid back, effortless) in comparison to who I actually was (hyper, spastic, and nerdy).

There were definitely people I watched exude those qualities that I tried so hard to mirror sometimes (and failed horribly). But that was the beautiful thing about being a teenager: looking back we were all awkward in some way. All of us wishing to be someone else at one time or another. The sad thing is we rarely realize that until we became adults lol.

Road Trip Wednesday: Favorite Line

2011-01-12T06:56:00.000-08:00

C'mon. You know you loved this show.

Welcome to our 62nd Road Trip Wednesday!

Road Trip Wednesday is a ‘Blog Carnival,’ where YA Highway's contributors post a weekly writing- or reading-related question and answer it on our own blogs. You can hop from destination to destination and get everybody's unique take on the topic.

We'd love for you to participate! Just answer the prompt on your own blog and leave a link in the comments over at the highway.

This Week's Topic:

What is your favorite line from your WIP (or from a book you read recently)?

I won't lie. It's out of sheer laziness that I'm not going to dig through some of my favorite books (or notebooks where I scribble down some favorite lines). However, I have one burned into memory (though out of context it might not be as goosebump-inducing)

AND SO THE YOUNGER GIRL DID IT

AND HER WHOLE WORLD FILLED WITH LIGHT.

The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

As for my own personal line, I'm not sure this my absolute favorite or anything. But it's from the middle grade story I've been working on and I think it sums my character up well ;)

After such a long first day, nothing sounded better than throwing off my sneakers and kicking back with a cold glass of Kool-Aid.

Road Trip Wednesday: Your Autobiography

2011-01-05T09:04:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our 61st Road Trip Wednesday!

Road Trip Wednesday is a "Blog Carnival," where YA Highway's contributors post a weekly writing- or reading-related question and answer it on our own blogs. You can hop from destination to destination and get everybody's unique take on the topic.

This Week's Topic:

5 Best Books of 2010

and/or

Sum Up Your 2010 in a Book Title

I'm going to do a little overachieving (to make up for my RTW absences during a lot of December) and do both =) (with a little twist). Each one of my picks is followed by my own personal 2010 autobiography titles.

Best Five Books I Read in 2010:

(not necessarily released in 2010)

The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

The Snow is Everywhere

Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta

Amanda of the Laundry Mountain

The Sky Always Hears Me and the Hills Don't Mind ( <333) by Kristin Cronn Mills

My Library's Selection is Lackluster, But Amazon Doesn't Mind (my bank account on the other hand? *sigh*)

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Yeah, I suck. I can't think of one for that title lol

Final Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

Final Countdown (you know, all the birds falling from the sky and fish washing up on the shore--makes for great dystopain/apocalyptic reading though, doesn't it. )

What were the best books you read last year?

Road Trip Wednesday: Best Book of the Month--December

2010-12-29T08:39:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our 60th Road Trip Wednesday!

Road Trip Wednesday is a "Blog Carnival," where YA Highway's contributors post a weekly writing- or reading-related question and answer it on our own blogs. You can hop from destination to destination and get everybody's unique take on the topic.

We'd love for you to participate! Just answer the prompt on your own blog and leave a link in the comments over at the highway!

This Week's Topic:
What is the best book you read in December?

Dude.

Duuude.

Now I know many people are burnt out on the vampire trend. But trust me when I say this series uses it in a unique way. The main character, Rose, isn't a vampire, but a dhamphir--a super hybrid of sorts that is meant to protect the vampires. And Richelle Mead can weave a story so in-depth yet clear that it never fails to blow my mind. I loved her writing and this series so much I went and read all of her adult Georgina Kincaid series books this month as well (also, awesome).

Insane world building. Wonderful, three dimensional characters that you can't help but love. And this final book in the series (#6) was a perfect conclusion. Not a fairytale ending, but realistic and satisfying. Loved it.

Road Trip Wednesday: Your Six Word Memoir

2010-12-08T06:17:00.000-08:00

Road Trip Wednesday is a "Blog Carnival," where YA Highway's contributors post a weekly writing- or reading-related question and answer it on our own blogs. You can hop from destination to destination and get everybody's unique take on the topic.

We'd love for you to participate! Just answer the prompt on your own blog and leave a link in the comments - or, if you prefer, you can include your answer in the comments.

This Week's Topic:
Write Your Six-Word Memoir (inspired by I Can't Keep My Own Secrets) My memoir: All with reason, and with rhyme.

It's the most obnoxious thing in the world to hear because you always hear it when you'd rather not. But in my twenty-eight years I don't think anything has been proven to me (sometimes shoved down my throat, really) more than this. We steer the ship, but will never be able to predict the weather ;)

Road Trip Wednesday: Those Crazymaking Winds . . .

2010-11-17T05:51:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our 54th Road Trip Wednesday!

Road Trip Wednesday is a "Blog Carnival," where YA Highway's contributors post a weekly writing- or reading-related question and answer it on our own blogs. You can hop from destination to destination and get everybody's unique take on the topic.

This Week's Topic:

"The winds in Washokey make people go crazy."

That's the first line of Kirsten Hubbard's LIKE MANDARIN, and you can read the rest a few months early if you win the yahighway's ARC giveaway! Post on your own blog about
a time you did something completely crazy

and be sure you enter the contest to win!

All one has to do to find out some of the crazy things I did is check out my senior page in my yearbook. There's the photo of me and my friends alongside 'Bob', the old man that drove around the Wal-Mart parking lot in a golf car as a security officer. We made friends with him (hey. There wasn't exactly a lot to do in the small town, all right?) and he used to let us go for rides.

Then there were the police officers we charmed out of giving us a ticket and convinced to take our picture in the backseat, behind the bars (they said they couldn't handcuff us even if it were for pretend lol). There was an epic kidnapping scheme involving a stuffed animal. We had shopping car races in parking lots, went swinging at the parks at two a.m. We camped out in our cars after concerts, spent New Years in New Orleans, and of course there was the epic Mud Fest of 1999 that involved rain and a massive mound of construction dirt.

In all honesty I can say my friends and I had a constant stream of crazymaking winds blowing through our hair and it was amazing. For all the uncertainty and angst that come with being a teenager, I wouldn't have changed a day of it.

Road Trip Wednesday: Blue Jeans

2010-11-10T06:28:00.000-08:00

Road Trip Wednesday is a ‘Blog Carnival,’ where YA Highway's contributors post a weekly writing- or reading-related question and answer it on our own blogs. You can hop from destination to destination and get everybody's unique take on the topic.

This Week's Topic:
Favorite literary cliches.

This question (for some odd reason lol) made me realize how much the publishing industry is like the fashion industry. Mainly, the fact both work off trends. But no matter how often trends change, there's always certain staples that stand the test of time. For instance, blue jeans. They can change the style of the cut, but jeans never go out of style.

The same goes for books. You can throw in vampires, angels, or any other supernatural creatures. A character could be bullied on-line now instead of just on the bus. Times and interests change, but the concepts stay the same, which makes some literary cliches impossible to avoid. But that's not always a bad thing . . .

I have a favorite 'cliche' that I don't think I'll tire of no matter how often I see it (which is pretty often). It's the tried and true . . .

I can't stand you, but really I <3 you cliche.

I think there's a reason it's become almost cliche: because it works. Now I'm in now way saying I haven't read books with beautiful and sweet relationships that I loved, too. Only that this is one of my favorites to see. The snarky commentary. The denial. I love it.

What are your favorite literary cliches? Head over to the highway and let us know!

ps
If you haven't entered my contest go!! Make haste! (it's open 'til the 13th) Super quick and fun way to win a free book of your choice!

A Query, a Haiku, and a Contest!

2010-11-06T14:03:00.000-07:00

Want to know a secret?

It's my first time.

I heard there would be moments of awkwardness. Moments of excruciating pain. And moments of blissful joy.

And it's oh so true.

That's right. I'm finally riding the query-go-round and suddenly feel the urge to go back in time and send platters of cookies and chocolate to those that have gone before me. But in all honesty it hasn't been as horrible as my vivid imagination made it out to be. (psst . . . guys, these agents? They're all pretty nice. Even their form rejections are worded so kindly it's hard not to smile and just say 'oh, shucks'.)

There is of course the dramatic side of me that likes to express any emo-ish angst through, what else, words.

I give you the Querying Haiku:

One query, two query, three

Query more and more

Heart hits ceiling, then the floor

So as you can see, I'm totally being productive with all this waiting.

Now, onto the contest.

~*~CONTEST~*~

Leave your own query haiku in the comments--or leave a query limerick, or heck, leave a query song lyric--along with an email for me to contact you at. My lovely meese over at the highway will help me select one winner.
*Open until December 13th at midnight.

~*~PRIZE~*~

Winner will receive one book of their choice!

(Up to twenty dollars. Must be available from Amazon since I'll have to order it online).

That's it!

Contest closed. Congrats Jamie!!!!

Road Trip Wednesday: What Would You Change?

2010-11-03T06:03:00.000-07:00

Road Trip Wednesday is a ‘Blog Carnival,’ where YA Highway's contributors post a weekly writing- or reading-related question and answer it on our own blogs. You can hop from destination to destination and get everybody's unique take on the topic.

This Week's Topic:
If you were made supreme ruler of the publishing world (go you!), what would be your first ruling?

My answer to this is short and sweet.

Cupcakes.

Complimentary cupcakes for writers, agents, editors, publishers, booksellers, etc. every third Wednesday of the month :)

Road Trip Wednesday: Do You Come to This Bar Often?

2010-10-13T07:06:00.000-07:00

This week's topic:

First Lines

First lines are so, so important to me. The perfect first line can set the tone, voice, and the stage for the entire novel. I love opening a book, reading the first sentence, and instantly falling into the story. First lines really are like pick up lines. I usually know within a few sentences whether its a match or not.

Some of my favorite first lines:

"My father took one hundred and thirty-two minutes to die." --Jellicoe Road

"Wait--did you--you just yawned!" The vampires arms, raised over his head in the classic Dracula pose, dropped to his sides. --Paranormalcy

These are some of my own first lines.

Middle Grade WIP:

Mole bet me a Grape Gusher slushie that I couldn’t fit a whole bag of gummy bears in my mouth.

Berwyn stole my biscuit at dinner. Again.

YA WIPs:

“I didn’t say that!” I cradled the cordless between my shoulder and cheek to free up a hand for digging.

I killed my first boyfriend at the age of fifteen.

Road Trip Wednesday: Best Book of the Month --September

2010-09-29T08:54:00.000-07:00

This week's topic?

Best Book of September

I read a couple really good ones this month, but my top pick's going to PARANORMALCY by Kiersten White. I'm a huge para/super/fantasy reader, but after reading so much fantasy, a lot were starting to feel so expected that I found myself having trouble getting into them. PARANORMALCY was such a fresh and welcome difference I couldn't put it down.

There's a mysterious creature, a dark secret, and an irresistible love interest. But White tweaks the details just enough to make the story stand out. Definitely worth checking out.

Road Trip Wednesday: The TARDIS

2010-09-14T23:17:00.000-07:00

This week's topic:

If you go travel back in time to any historical era for research purposes, which would you choose?

First, let's start with transportation mode. If you're going to time travel, you have to do it in style.

Ohhh look! The TARDIS comes equipped with nerdy/sexy tour guide with British accent!

Ahem. Moving on.

Now, you'll have to forgive me because while I loved History classes it's been a while. But I think the Victorian Era. Give me full satin skirts that rustle. Men in vests and coats. Parasols and carriage rides and lanterns and candles. The formality and the hushed gossip (tough this might be my mind glamorizing the time period lol).

It seemed like a rather peaceful time, not a lot of plagues going on. There was a rise in education and economy. It all sounds like an exciting time of growth and would be awesome to watch happen.

Though I wouldn't stay too long. I'm kind of a fan on indoor plumbing and my iPod.

Where would you go? Head on over to YAHighway and link a comment to your response!

Nine Years and One Day

2010-09-11T12:03:00.000-07:00

Nine years and one day ago

classes
work
what shoes went with my outfit

Nineteen, hovering a fine line between child and adult

Nine years ago today

I asked my mom to drive me home
what I saw on TV
what I saw downtown
cars lining up at the gas stations
shelves emptied of water and bread
"We're going to war," they said.

unsafe? A new concept.
never feared for those I loved
until now
devastation struck thousands of miles away
while I hugged my mom on the couch

Nine years and one day ago

I could define War
Freedom
Terrorism

Nine years ago today
I understood

human nature at its very darkest
then at its very brightest
hatred that scared me
then a hope that uplifted me

Nine years ago today
thousands of hearts were silenced
then a few weeks later
more, halfway across the world

when we say we'll never forget
I pray we never do
I hope beyond hope
we've learned to value freedom
and cherish life.

"On this day, we also honor those who died so that others might live: the firefighters and first responders who climbed the stairs of two burning towers; the passengers who stormed a cockpit; and the men and women who have, in the years since, borne the uniform of this country and given their lives so that our children could grow up in a safer world," Obama said.

"They may wish to drive us apart but we will not give in to their hatred and prejudice," he said. "The perpetrators of this evil act didn't simply attack America, they attacked the very idea of America itself.
"And so the highest honor we can pay those we lost, indeed our greatest weapon in this ongoing war, is to do what our adversaries fear the most -- to stay true to who we are as Americans, to renew our sense of common purpose, to say that we define the character of our country and we will not let the acts of some small band of murderers who slaughter the innocent and cower in caves distort who we are."

Well said, Mr. President. Well said.

Road Trip Wednesday: What's In Your DUFF Kit?

2010-09-08T07:02:00.000-07:00

This week's topic:

What would you keep in your DUFF kit? (In honor of The DUFF release)

Having read the book isn't necessary to play along (though I strongly recommend you do!) But if you don't know what a DUFF kit is, Kody explains it on her blog:

My DUFF Kit involves a collection of items that Bianca has in THE DUFF, plus a few of my own. DUFF Kits are meant to be comforting little collections that you can use on a relaxing night either alone or with friends. Things that are purely comfortable and fun and require zero pressure to be the prettiest in the room or the smartest or the funniest. You get the point.

So what would be in my DUFF kit?

1. Miniature peanut butter cups--the ultimate snack food.

2. Buffy Season 5 for laughs and some tears. (Glory? Best freaking villain ever created.)

3. Laptop. A lack of internet access would be the opposite of comforting to me.

4. The hoodie. My husband worries it's going to meld with my skin permanently. That's how often I wear it. But it's comfy, has pockets for stashing said peanut butter cups, and a hood for when I feel like doing my gangsta/jedi impression.

What would be in your DUFF kit? Head over to YAhighway and leave a link to your answer!

Road Trip Wednesday: Best Book of the Month - August

2010-09-01T05:14:00.000-07:00

This week's topic (pushed back for some Mockingjay fun last week) is:

What's the best book you read in August?

There wasn't much not to love about WHITE CAT by Holly Black. Simple but intriguing world building. Awesome action and twists throughout the entire book. I read non-stop until the very end. Cannot wait for more in this series.

Road Trip Wednesday: How I'd Impress the Hunger Game Judges

2010-08-25T06:32:00.000-07:00

Me being taken into the hovercraft.

This week's topic:

How would you impress the Hunger Games Judges?

I don't really have any noticeable athletic abilities. If put into a life or death situation I would lose all ability to be clever or quick-thinking, and probably control over my bladder. However, we're all equipped with a natural instinct to survive. Which is why I would shamelessly show off my ability to play dead.

Yeah in comparison to the bow-wielding badass Katniss or the artistic cake decorating Peeta, playing dead might seem . . .dull. A cop out.

BUT

Think of how many times people fall for the he/she is dead act, only to turn their backs and get strangled/maimed/shot/axe thrown into their spine (I think that was a B flick back in '92). Not that I would do any of those things in the arena. The second the hovercraft assumed I was dead and beamed me out of there, I'd cause some big distraction, and hightail it somewhere to hide. So yeah, a total cop out. I own up a thousand percent to being a chicken.

An Experiment in Superstition

2010-08-13T10:21:00.000-07:00

Let me start by saying I'm an obnoxiously superstitious person.

Uneven numbers give me hives.

An open umbrella indoors make me cringe.

I broke a mirror when I was twenty-two. I'm still paying for that one.

Goats are really evil devices that use their creepy eyes to suck the souls of humans.

Logically, I know none of these things are true (except the goats. Laugh all you want, but when goat-pocalypse comes, I'll be the one telling you I told you so.)

Sometime yesterday afternoon, an annoying streak of deluded badassery crept its way into my otherwise anxious persona. In a somewhat anti-climatic announcement, I informed Super Galactic Bicepthrower of my plans.

I was going to defy superstition, on the unluckiest day possible.

Friday the 13th.

No longer would I be the woman frantically tossing salt over my left shoulder when it spilled. Oh, no. Today, I would look the Morton canister in the eye and I would be the one to ask, "Are you feeling lucky?"


Level of badassery: 10

With the first act of defiance underway--and feeling pretty kickass in general--I set out, looking for trouble.

Level of badassery:8

Yes, that's a Darth Vader umbrella. No, you may not borrow it.

Other acts of badassery not pictured:

Watched neighbors cat (who is mostly black with a bit of gray) cross my patch. 5

Stood under a ladder: 2

Conclusion:

My experiment with superstition has lead me to believe that logic is indeed the winner. Nothing above what would be considered the normal level of bad luck has occurred today.

Now, excuse me while I convince myself to uncurl from the fetal position I've taken on the couch, and find some wood to knock on. It's only seven p.m. here--five more hours until Saturday.

Logic? You're a fickle, fickle beast.

Road Trip Wednesday: What Your Character is Hiding

2010-08-11T05:07:00.000-07:00

We'd love for you to participate! Just answer the prompt on your own blog and leave a link in the comments section over at YAhighway!

This week's topic comes from a prompt at SCBWI:

What does your character hide in their underwear drawer - or other secret location?

This is a fun one. Since Charley and her friends are all about secret espionage, she would have lots of things hidden, but not in her underwear drawer because that's the first place people would look. Some of her possessions--secret language notebooks, a stash of arcade money, and important documents outlining top secret operations-- could be found:

In an envelope taped to the back of the air conditioning unit.

Hidden behind the loose brick at Mole's house (three rows down, two over).

In the garbage disposal, since all top secret documents should be destroyed.

What would your character hide, and where?

Road Trip Wednesday: Best Book of the Month -- July

2010-07-28T02:33:00.000-07:00

July was a big reading month for me so there was a good amount to choose from. But Jandy Nelson's THE SKY IS EVERYWHERE had to take the cake.

This isn't the type of book I normally go for -- the tear spilling contemporary that deals with death. But this was such a realistic story about grief. How it can drive people apart, and bring them closer together. Lennie's journey in dealing with her sister's death is both heart wrenching and, at times, humorous. The poems she composes in random places -- from the bottom of a paper cup to the sides of her shoes -- will take your breath away with their honesty and beauty. Definitely a must read.

Road Trip Wednesday: Favorite Reading Memory

2010-07-14T03:23:00.000-07:00

This week's question:

What is your favorite reading memory?

I've always found reading memories funny. They're just as powerful as the other sensory memories. I see Sweet Valley High and I'm instantly transported to my elementary library. Any of the classics and I can remember the exact scent of my High School halls (that's not a particularly fond one. The whole mix of cafeteria food and sweaty gym stuff clothes that swirled about the halls. ew.) And then there are times where I can remember a line from a novel that had blown me away years ago and still have tears spring up in my eyes. But that's a bit embarrassing so we won't go there today.

I don't know if it's my favorite reading memory, but I always thought it was funny. I want to say I was around seven years old when I had quite the obsession with The Rescuers Down Under. You know, Banard, Miss Bianca, McLeach?

I had not only the book, but the tape. Yes, tape. At that age it wasn't unusual for me to wander off and find a quiet place to read. Out in the yard. Laid out in the truck bed. Under a bed. I demanded to be alone to read. So with my boombox and book in hand, I wandered into one of the closets in my parents room, flipped on the light, and locked the door (I believe my sister was being extraordinarily obnoxious that day.)

I put my headphones on and listened to the tape and read my book over and over and over. Suddenly, I hear people. Screaming people. And they're screaming my name.

When I step outside of my parent's room, it's dark. I've been locked away in a closet with my headset on for hours and no one knew where I was.

I thought it was rather amusing. My mother -- still to this day -- doesn't really agree.

Where I Quote a Thai Meditation Master and Explain How I Applied It To Writing.

2010-07-02T04:33:00.000-07:00

“You see this goblet?” asks Achaan Chaa, the Thai meditation master. “For me this glass is already broken. I enjoy it; I drink out of it. It holds my water admirably, sometimes even reflecting the sun in beautiful patterns. If I should tap it, it has a lovely ring to it. But when I put this glass on the shelf and the wind knocks it over or my elbow brushes it off the table and it falls to the ground and shatters, I say, ‘Of course.’ When I understand that the glass is already broken, every moment with it is precious.”

- Mark Epstein
Thoughts Without a Thinker

Okay, Amanda. What is this all about, you ask? How does it have a thing to do with writing? Let me explain.

While some people blaze through drafts left and right, there are plenty who struggle. They have it all there. Fleshed out characters, outlines, and an ending even . . . but they can't bring it all together. I can't speak for all, but I know my biggest problem was stifling the editing side of my brain to let the creative side flow. I'd reach the end of the first three chapters, change my mind about a subplot and go back. Rewrite scenes again and again because I knew I could make them better. Which, in editing mode, is what you should be doing. But when you're simply getting out that first draft -- learning the story so you can find the best way to tell it -- you should sit back and transcribe the movie running through your head.

image credit Alicepopkorn

It's quite a bit harder than it seems to get past this stage fright in writing. But what if you did stop fretting about the end result? Threw caution to the wind. Grammatical errors be damned! (Yeah, I'm pretty wild like that.) What if you wrote the story knowing there would be a lot of editing ahead, but you didn't care? In the end, you wouldn't have any regrets for not taking the road less expected with a storyline or holding back on any other crazy idea that might have sparked in your mind.

What if you looked at your draft like it's already a broken pile of words and metaphors and let go of the need for perfection? It might allow you to enjoy the ride.

And that's as philosophical as you shall ever see me on this blog :D

Road Trip Wednesday: Best Book of the Month -- June

2010-06-30T07:17:00.000-07:00

This week's question is the monthly 'best book you've read'.

I read three books this month and I have to say IF I STAY by Gayle Forman was the best of the bunch. Beautifully written and a cool concept that I was a bit surprised to see work. Writers are always told to avoid the the lengthy explanations of events that took place before the story. To stay in the here and now to keep the story moving. IF I STAY not only breaks that rule, but uses it to tell the story of a girl's life who is deciding whether to fight or let go. Sweet and touching, it's definitely worth reading.

Road Trip Wednesday: Fictional Characters on FML

2010-06-22T03:00:00.000-07:00

This week's question:
What would your favorite character say on F My Life?

Okay. These were way too much fun, so I didn't pick a favorite character, I just did whatever ones came to mind.

"My mom was crazy. She went and got herself infected with the zombie juice, leaving my soon-to-be-called-a-spinster butt all by my lonesome. So when the alarm rang, I totally ran away from the boring fenced in subdivision with the hottie I'd been playing nurse with (wink, wink). Not only did he get infected, but I got my brother killed, too." FML.

-Mary
FOREST OF HANDS AND TEETH

"I killed people to escape the arena just to be thrown back into it." FML

-Katniss
CATCHING FIRE

"Right after I finally convinced my hot and older instructor to sleep with me, he turned into an undead vampire and wanted to kill me." FML

-Rose
VAMPIRE ACADEMY

"I sparkle." FML

-Edward Cullen
TWILIGHT

"The girl I'm in love with dissed me for a guy who sparkles."

-Jacob Black
ECLIPSE

"My name is Renessmee." FML

-Renessmee Cullen
BREAKING DAWN

5 Ways To Tell Your Work In Progress Is Progressing (complete with picture diagrams)

2010-06-21T03:35:00.000-07:00

1. The people you once called family now tell their friends a wild animal has set up house in the basement.

2. The term 'clean laundry' takes on a new definition.

3. You put the customer service associate on on hold because you're sure there's a better metaphor to describe your frustration.

4. You redefine Maslow's Hierarchy of needs.

5. You resurface after months of writing only to discover that the lack of sun, social interactions, and sanity has taken its toll on you . . . but you can't seem to bring yourself to care.

Road Trip Wednesday: When and Why

2010-06-16T05:00:00.000-07:00

This week's question:
When/why did you start writing.

I always wanted to write. When I was a Junior in High School looking at colleges, I wanted to get a degree in writing. But the no-nonsense side of my brain told me to major in something that was safer. Reliable. So I did.

I spent the rest of my college years switching majors, being bored, and feeling terrified that I'd turn into one of those cubicle-bound people. (Not that there's anything wrong with cubicle-bound people. I just knew I'd be miserable.)

I cried for him the first time I saw Office Space.

So about two months after I graduated, I promptly started working toward what had truly been a goal of mine. (Not the degree. I'd already had plenty of school. And it was getting expensive.) But to sit down, learn as much as I could, and write, write, write.

As to the actual why I write, I'm not sure. I was a big daydreamer in school, creating all kinds of stories. I guess I finally just wanted a way to share them.

Road Trip Wednesday:

2010-06-09T11:47:00.000-07:00

This week's question:
How do you know when a project will work?

I'm kind of in the camp that all projects can work if you really want them to. Plotholes can be filled and smoothed. Pacing can be adjusted with a little trim of the fat. Page-turning, by raising the stakes. What I think this question really boils down to is, how do you know when you are ready to commit to a project?

I've started six WIPs. Of those six only one has made it to the end (and it was a first draft). But given that I've only been writing seriously for a little over a year, it doesn't bother me (too much). There's always that surge of inspiration that hits with SNIs. Where ideas for scenes are fireworks exploding in your brain. You can't even keep up with them. It's like the first stage of coupledom. And, yeah, for some of the WIPs the love has cooled. But the best part is putting it out of your mind and working on other projects. You come back to read a story and all the problems you were having with it, suddenly don't seem as difficult. Your mind has had time to sort it out and wham! you're back in the game with it.

I firmly do not believe in 'trunking' a novel until you've exhausted any and all love for the story. Until you've reached the gross and cranky stage of avoiding writing simply because you want to gouge out your eyes just thinking of said WIP. That's why even though I have several WIPs that are sitting on the back burner, I refuse to just give up on them. That being said, it can be dangerous ground focusing solely on one project that you don't seem to be making any progress in.

I guess the important thing is to keep writing. If it's not happening with one project, move on to another. Oh snap. It's that lame quote we all used to write on notebook paper with pretty markers and tape the pages to our lockers at school. "If you love something, let it go. If it comes back to you, it's yours. If it doesn't, it never ones." As much as I've grown to loathe that quote (I just really do not get the reasoning in letting something you want go. Insanity.) it does apply to this.

Road Trip Wednesday: Best Book of the Month

2010-06-02T05:29:00.000-07:00

Road Trip Wednesday is a "Blog Carnival," where YA Highway 's contributors post a weekly writing- or reading-related question and answer it on our own blogs. You can hop from destination to destination and get everybody's unique take on the topic.

Last week was a small pit stop on the road trip due to the awesome contests we're running at the Highway. (What? You haven't entered?! Get thee hence to the highway at once!) But now that we're loaded back up on Mountain Dews and gummy bears (or more likely coffee/tea and Kristin M's goodies), we're ready to get back on the road.

This week's question:
What's the best book you've read this month (for May)

We recently relocated and all the packing and moving made getting in any reading time pretty hard. So it's a good thing I've been researching some MGs lately to help me get in the swing for one of the WIPs I'm working on. It was a reread, but you just can't go wrong with Judy Blume.

Of course I also reread Are You There God? But it was at the end of April so it couldn't count for this month. What I have always loved about Blume's writing is how very realistic it is. Her stories aren't about youngsters facing any out of the ordinary circumstances. Just everyday life and growing up with all of its fears, excitements, and changes. If you ever feel you've forgotten what it was like for you at that age, just open one of her books.

Memorial Day

2010-05-31T00:49:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you just can't say it any better. (Not to mention these peeps are seriously hysterical.)

Road Trip Wednesday: Ink: Not Just For Writing. . .

2010-05-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

Road Trip Wednesday is a blog carnival at YAHighway. We ask a question and answer it on our own blogs. We'd love for you to play along. Just leave a link to your answer in the comment section over at the Highway.

This week's topic:

What tattoo would you get to celebrate your book's success OR to represent a favorite book?

Hmmm. This is a toughie. I already have two tattoos. Do I still love them? Eh. If I could go back and not get them, would I? Hell no. Because both were done in a spontaneous moment. Both represent a major changing point in my life.

Would i get one to represent a favorite book? Definitely no. While a great book can certainly be a life changer, I wouldn't feel the need to mark it on my body. If a book had that much impact on me, I'd already carry it's message with me in my soul. Not to mention, your thoughts on certain books might change as you get older. Hell, seventeen years ago, I thought slap bracelets and crimping irons were the COOLEST. THING. EVER. (Though to be fair, I still kind of love some crimped hair action).

I can't help feeling she'll regret this in a few years.

Now, would I get one to celebrate my own book's success? Possibly. It would certainly mark an amazing moment in my life. And I suppose if there was a certain symbol that embodied everything I felt when I was either writing the story or when I found out it sold, I would. But I don't like to plan things like these. I think the beauty in life is those spontaneous, crazy moments where you just give in to the excitement. So this is a to be continued. You know if it happens for me one day, and I do get inked, I'll come running in here to show it off ;)

Hexennacht

2010-04-30T06:15:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again. When we all have to pull our cars and bikes into the drive, shut the gate, and lock it. Why? Because you don't want to wake up in the morning to discover your car has been toilet-papered or find your bike, still standing upright on its kickstand, on top of your roof.

It's Hexennacht and there is sure to be some hexing.

In Pagan times, it was believed that evil ghosts prevented the Queen of Spring from entering the country. To ward off the evil spirits, giant bonfires were built and whips were cracked to make as much noise as possible so the Queen of Spring could make her arrival.

Heidelberg Hexennacht

As was common in early Christianity, the once pagan holiday was covered by declaring it a Saint's Day in honor of Saint Walpurga. Walpurgis Night is celebrated throughout Central and Northern Europe. German folklore claims that April 30 is "when witches meet on the Brocken mountain and hold revels with their gods" while awaiting Spring (May Day). Now , many of the bonfires are called Easter bonfires.

Road Trip Wednesday: Best Book of the Month

2010-04-28T04:00:00.000-07:00

For the last week of this fine April, the question is:

What's the best book you've read this month?

I cheat at these types of questions frequently. So it should come as no surprise that I'm doing it again. There were two standouts that couldn't have been more different or more amazing.

First up:

Holy smokes. Amazing world-building. Twists and turns. Thought-provoking and well-writen. Loved it. (I'll have a review of it up on the highway soon!)

Second:

Yeah, I know. I'm very late to the Shiver love. But I have arrived and am dying for the sequel. Steifvater made my heart swell up, tore it out, did some of those crazy Lord of the Dance steps all over it.

Wait a second . . .Ah. Here it is.

(Strangely, I'd pay to see the first guy's show.)

But finally, after my heart had become a mutilated pulp on the ground, at the last moment, I was allowed to breathe. Beautiful writing. Engaging story. And is anyone else glad to see a couple just fall in love? No games. No sarcastic back and forths or playing hard to get. Don't get me wrong. I really enjoy those types of relationships in books, but a change in pace is nice every once in a while. And Steifvater managed to do it without Sam and Grace being boring in the least.

So there you have it. The best (two) books I read this month!

Two for Tuesday

2010-04-27T04:00:00.000-07:00

Initiated by the lovely and talented, K ate Hart:

What is it? Post two of anything: book reviews, pictures, quotes, poems, songs, videos, rants, shout outs, whatever floats your boat. Just connect them somehow. That's it.

So for my first Two for Tuesday, you shall get . . .

castles!

Estimated to have been built in 1162, the Nanstein castle is one of our favorites to visit.

It's certainly not the most grand castle, but the beauty's in the details.

Curving stairways

Large stages where plays and celebrations were held.

A real showstopper, is the Heidelberg Castle.

Built before AD 1214 (I know. Insane.)

A gorgeous historical landmark that offers a stunning view and beautiful statues.

Writers spend plenty of time lost in daydreams and places like these are perfect for doing just that. Hearing the soft swish of heavy and corseted dresses. The rush of footsteps as men flock to barricade gates against attacks. Memories are thick on the breeze and ingrained forever in the stones.

But what fun would castles be without . . .

A hot arrow-shooting elf to guard the gate?

And of course, we'd need an Orc hunting King . . .

What's that? Did I totally just find a way to insert LoTR pictures in my blog? Bet your sweet pickle I did. (nerd points + 5 baby)

Road Trip Wednesday: Only Positives

2010-04-07T07:53:00.000-07:00

This Week's Topic:
Discuss something positive about the publishing industry

This topic is inspired by agent Colleen Lindsay's No Whining Week (#nww on twitter)

The countless hours of entertainment provided.

When a book is so great that we devour it in only a few hours, it's easy to forget how many people are a part of the process. How much time and effort and everything else it took to get that book onto shelves and into our hands. Kind of like taking Mom's cooking for granted. Once you go to college you finally appreciate all those loaves of homemade bread and casseroles as you spoon more Ramen into your mouth.

Then there's the people in specific. So many amazing, talented, passionate people in this industry. You don't see that level of dedication in every job out there. People willingly devoting their time to help you improve. Succeed. Reach goals you only dreamed of. And that's what's so great about this industry. People really want other people to succeed. It's not like a battle between Superstores where there's this insane drive to run the other out of business. Writers want other writers to do well because we want to see more good quality books on the shelves. Great books bring in more readers. More readers produce more funding to use for backing new authors. It's a lovely little circle, and there's plenty of room for all of them.

Teaser Tuesday

2010-04-06T08:01:00.000-07:00

I haven't done one in ages! But for once, I'm moderately on top of things this week. *crosses fingers, toes, and eyelashes (just for you Kaitlin) that things stay that way.

I padded across the thin ornate carpet of the lobby that would soon be dotted with nacho cheese drips and coke spills, and ducked beneath the counter of the snack bar.

Kyle McKinnen was leaning over the glass of the candy display, the picture of arrogance and annoyance, flirting with a freshman. I fought back a wave of nausea as she tucked a strand of bleach blonde hair behind her ear and looked up at him from under lashes that had to weigh a ton from all the mascara.

Kyle turned in my direction. “Sammi Smith.”

“Samantha, “I said, busying myself with unwrapping a sleeve of plastic cups. Only people I liked were allowed to call me Sam.

H grinned and I knew it was coming. God. I would have traded stations with Jimmy Fulton and spent the night sweeping up leftover wrappers and popcorn between showings if I’d have known Kyle would be working the snack bar. But it was too late now. He was already drawing in a deep breath.

“Take the ribbon from your hair,” he sang with a thick country accent. “Shake it loose and let it fall.”

I shoved the cups down into the dispenser and turned around.

The freshman giggled and I swear to God I could actually see her eyes glazing over. It wasn’t an uncommon occurrence. All the female – and even a few male – customers under the age of seventeen tended to go all giggly when Kyle was at work. I had no clue why.

Wait. Yes I did.

Because they were enthralled with the fact he was older. Were fooled by his strategically unkempt hair that said ‘I’m cool without even trying’ when in reality those inky layers falling artfully across his forehead required at least half a tube of gel. He was enough of a troublemaker to earn an assigned seat in detention, but hadn’t reached the scary level of doing time in Juvie.

Oh. And he was in a band. Aren’t they all these days?

Whatever their reasons, the bottom line was he attracted groupies like garbage collected flies, and for the past year I’d had to swat the pesky little gnats away just to get Kyle to do any work.

Enjoying his all too eager to be entertained audience, his shoulders lifted as he prepared to sing another line of the song he‘d been singing to me since my first day of work almost a year ago. A song I’d never even heard of or had a clue what it had to do with me.

I plucked a rag from under one of the counters and made my way toward them.
Making a show of wiping the spot directly in front of the freshman fawner, I leaned forward. “You’re getting a little drool on the glass,” I whispered loudly.

I Swear It Wasn't the Milkman

2010-04-05T12:32:00.000-07:00

That's right folks. It's once again that wonderful time of year where I plan epic and slightly dorky themed parties to celebrate growing older. Pull out all the old photo albums to reminiscence about years past. All in all, drive everyone in my household nuts because it's

Birthday Week!
please, hold your applause until the end.

Today's birthday week celebration was immediately put on hold when Husband stopped mid-memory lane to declare that the women in our family must produce asexually. I'm not sure I agree, but a little scientific experiment never hurt anyone.

Well, we both obviously knew how to rock some awesomely dated hair . . .

Ah, now this proof is a little more convincing.

Both specimens exhibit the inability to follow simple commands. You know, like look at the camera, ladies, and smile!

Even more damaging evidence:

It looks like neither of us waited five minutes after saying 'I do' to put the smackdown on the husbands . . .

Still. For the husband's theory to be true, the little Spawn would have to share in pulling strictly from my gene pool.

We obviously both share an uncanny ability to give the camera serious attitude.

Well, I'm not sold on the asexual reproduction theory, but at least I can honestly say, honey, it wasn't the milkman's baby.

Roadtrip Wednesday

2010-03-24T10:06:00.000-07:00

Road Trip Wednesday is a "Blog Carnival," where YA Highway's contributors post a weekly writing- or reading-related question and answer it on our own blogs. You can hop from destination to destination and get everybody's unique take on the topic.

This week's topic: Which author's career would you most like to emulate?

This is an interesting topic because every author wants to succeed. But the individual definition of success is where writers might differ.

Are you the kind of writer that wants to be a household name? Or a quiet, but constant piece in the young adult genre?

For me, I'd like to fall somewhere in between. I'm not opposed to having a hugely popular story, but I'd be be perfectly happy being a well-known name in the industry without being well-known in the world in general (a la Twilight or Harry Potter). I guess the authors that I correlate most with that would be Sarah Dessen or Meg Cabot. Writers who might not be writing the next 'big thing', but have built careers with solid, stories that relate to teens, earning large and faithful followings. That being said, I don't see myself writing only contemporary. I'd like to dabble in a couple different genres eventually.
The great thing in young adult right now, is that with its growing success, great new writers are appearing everyday on the bookshelf, so my answer to this sort of question could be a constantly changing one.

Roadtrip Wednesday: Favorite Reading/Writing Sites

2010-03-10T08:30:00.000-08:00

Road Trip Wednesday is a "Blog Carnival," where YA Highway's contributors post a weekly writing- or reading-related question and answer it on our own blogs. You can hop from destination to destination and get everybody's unique take on the topic.

This week's topic: Favorite Reading/Writing Sites.

Let's start with a couple blogs:

Reading Janice Hardy's blog is like enrolling in a writing class. Every post is like a mini-lesson and broken down in straight-forward style (not to mention quite hilarious when she uses her zombies to illustrate).

Janet Reid. Honesty in this business is indispensable. And while I'd fear being on the biting end of her shark-tastical sarcasm, she really does all of it so she can help people succeed. She also posts awesome youtube links lol.

Rachelle Gardner. Again, an agent that puts a lot of time into helping aspiring novelists succeed. Always informative and honest.

Writing Sites:

Absolute Writing Forums. This is where it all started for me. A random googling of writing boards to see how to get started led me here. Truly some intelligent discussion and debates, fellow writers to offer help for questions, and a place where you can befriend people with similar goals and interests.

Once a guestblogger on YAhighway, John Rea-Hedrick often tweets links to a site, Magical Words, that has some really great posts.

And finally, after soaking in so much useful knowledge, I go somewhere like here. Billie Jean + Moonwalking legos=win.

A Sunday Haiku

2010-03-07T08:22:00.000-08:00

Snow you really suck.
Did you not get the memo
Deutschland, it is March.
dammit.

Word.

Procrastinate? Me? Never . . .

2010-03-03T05:10:00.000-08:00

Today's topic: Procrastination.

I'm so good at procrastinating. It started years ago. In eighth grade, we were assigned the standard 'How Did You Spend Your Summer' paper. I found my summer insanely dull with no family vacation. No month spent at camp. Nothing but swimming and spending the night with my friends. So I put it off. And off. The night before it was due, I filled the entire three page paper with a confession that there was nothing really interesting for me to write about, how I put the paper off until the last minute, and that I hoped Mrs. Reynolds (best. teacher. ever.) would allow me to turn in my one-time get out of homework free card instead of giving me detention.

I got an A.

Mrs. Reynolds wrote that I could have a career in writing if I really pursued it. (See, I had an enabler!)

Twitter

Googlegroups
Facebook
Blogger
construction paper, scissors, and glue
leftover scrapbook paper
colored pencils and printer paper
windows movie maker
iTunes (<--the devil!)

American Idol

I'm not going to count reading books as procrastination. That's homework for writing. But I do tend to get wrapped up in one and neglect my own work.

You Tube.
You can learn all kinds of cool things on You Tube. How to play guitar or piano. How to make an origami heart out of a dollar bill. You can also watch hilarious spoofs.

So when I tell my husband to give me half an hour of writing time, it's safe to bet at least fifteen of that is spent doing one of the above procrastinationatory (yes. I made that word up.) activities. Head over to YA Highway and let us know how you procrastinate.

RTW Where Do You Read/Write?

2010-02-17T05:23:00.000-08:00

Road Trip Wednesday is a "Blog Carnival," where YA Highway's contributors post a weekly writing- or reading-related question and answer it on our own blogs.

This week's question:
Where do you read/write?

The full answer would be, everywhere. In parking lots. At the park (at least when there isn't snow covering the ground). I've even scribbled that 'perfect line' on the mirror in my bathroom with eyeliner. But the majority of my reading and writing takes place in one of two places.

The papasan.

Located in what is known as my Creativity Cave (a.k.a. a spare bedroom) is the most comfortable chair known to man. The papasan has witnessed many ink stains, drink spills, the occasional tear, and even a few tantrums (mostly my own). Ahh. I love this chair.

The bed.

I've been woken up several times with my headphones still on, keyboard imprints on my face, or book in lap. Not the most productive place to read or reawrite, but certainly the most snuggley. At least until someone comes home and kicks me out for clicking and clacking on my keys.

And if You'll Look to the Left, You'll See. . .

2010-02-03T05:43:00.000-08:00

Road Trip Wednesday is a "Blog Carnival," where YA Highway's contributors post a weekly writing- or reading-related question and answer it on our own blogs.
This week's question:
What's Going to be the Next Big Thing in YA?

Starfish.

(Hey, even echinoderms need love)

The epic love story, Starfish-crossed Lovers written by fellow highwayer Kaitlin Ward and myself, will be out soon. Check your local B&N for release dates.

Okay, but seriously, I have no idea.

If you break it down into genres, fantasy seems to have covered every mythical creature there is. Mermaids, perhaps? Gargoyles? Maybe someone will just invent a new kind of creature for fantasy, though I don't see the angel/vampire/werewolf trends dying away just yet.

As far as contemporary goes, I know the past few years have seen a lot of books dealing with some very serious issues and while that's definitely something that many teens want and/or need to be able to relate to, I wouldn't mind seeing a little more lighthearted comedies making their way onto shelves beside them.

What do you think is the next big thing in YA? Post your answer on your blog, then head over to YAhighway and leave us a link!

RTW Book Cover Love

2010-01-27T10:37:00.000-08:00

Road Trip Wednesday is a "Blog Carnival," where YA Highway's contributors post a weekly writing- or reading-related question and answer it on our own blogs. This week's question?

Book Covers We Love

I'm a sucker for a good cover.

One of my all time favorites because not only is it beautiful but the one image embodies so much of what the novel is about.

I adore Shiver's cover. The simple one-word title in a normal font, surrounded with a tangle of heart leaf branches sets the tone for a sweet, lyrical story before even reading the first page

This cover is so dark and intriguing, I would have bought it without even reading the summary.

What book covers do you love?

Have You Done Your Good Deed for the Day?

2010-01-22T11:49:00.000-08:00

We're all familiar with how the topics of mental illnesses, self-injury, and suicide have grown in the young adult book industry. And there's a reason why.

Suicide is the fifth leading cause for death among 5-14 year-olds.*
It's the third leading cause for death among 15-24 year-olds.*

To Write Love On Her Arms is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire and also invest directly into treatment and recovery.

Currently, Chase Bank is giving away five million dollars to charities. The organization with the most votes will receive one million dollars. If you have a facebook account, all you have to do is click 'vote'. It's that simple.

Today is the last day to vote. Head over to TWLOHA 's website to learn how you can help.

*www.afsp.org

More Adventures with SuperGalacticBicepThrower. . .

2010-01-16T10:10:00.001-08:00

When we last saw our arch-household-enemies, SuperGalacticBicepThrower and SuperCrankyHousewife, they were deep in the throes of yet another Epic Laundry Battle. But, as with most arch enemies, the two have a long and complicated history. In fact, there was a time when they worked side-by-side to protect such worldly treasures as 80s Hair Band music and Joe Dirt.

Neither were prepared for what their star-crossed love would create: a villain more dangerous than the world has ever seen. . .

SuperAdorableSpawn

Even with their strong willpowers combined, our heroes are unable to resist his spells of 'I wuv you' and 'pwease!' With a simple bat of his disproportionately long and curled lashes, SuperAdorableSpawn creates a cuteness explosion that woos our heros into helping him build his arsenal of toe-stubbing boobytraps. . .

furthering his plans for living room domination.

Will SuperGalacticBicepThrower and SuperCrankyHousewife be able to outsmart our villain's powers on their next Toys R Us trip? Stay tuned. . .

RTW When I Grow Up. . .

2010-01-13T09:45:00.000-08:00

Road Trip Wednesday is a "Blog Carnival", where YA Highway's contributors post a weekly writing or reading-related question and answer it in on our own blogs.
This week's Roadtrip question is:

What do people say when you tell them you're a writer?

"Well. That's. . .nice." (Translated: Why doesn't she just get a real job like the rest of us?)

"How's your little book coming along. That's just so cute." (Sorry. I was talking about my book. Not a puppy.)

"Ohhh. So you want to be like that lady that wrote Harry Potter." (Just for the record, her name is J.K. Rowling, and no. I'm cool just being me.)

"So you decided to write young adult because it's easier, right?

*Sigh* Hello, palm. Meet my forehead.

Now, if you'll excuse me for a moment. . .

I've always found it amusing that as children we're encouraged to dream big. Ask any five year old what they want to do when they grow up and you'll get some great responses. An astronaut. A writer. President. A rock star. But after a certain age, none of those seem to be acceptable answers.

Eight-year-old Amanda never said, "When I grow up, I want to work in Data Analysis for a medium sized firm that offers a great retirement package and health care benefits." So why would she say it now?

Yes, yes. Responsibilities, mortgages, 401Ks. My head is not completely engulfed in the clouds. Reality means food on the table and clothes on the little spawn's back. Doesn't mean I have to completely give up on eight-year-old Amanda's dreams, though.

It seems the general idea of writing a book to most people who haven't tried it themselves, is that the craft of writing is a lofty, whimsical thing that doesn't equate to a real job.

Sorry. I'm calling bull@$%*.

Writing is hard. Well, good writing is hard.

I've certainly become more cautious of who I talk to about my writing. It isn't something I bring up in conversations with people I barely know. But the ones closest to me are the ones who matter most, and I'm very lucky that my husband, mother, and even my mother-in-law are all supportive and honestly interested in my writing.

RTW We All Had to Start Somewhere. . .

2010-01-06T07:10:00.000-08:00

Road Trip Wednesday is a "Blog Carnival", where YA Highway's contributors post a weekly writing or reading-related question and answer it in on our own blogs.
This week's Roadtrip takes us back to our youth and what kind of writing we did back then.

I almost didn't take part in this RTW. For some reason, online anonymity isn't enough to stop my palms from sweating or keep my cheeks from heating up just thinking about posting things I wrote at such a young age.
I didn't really try writing a novel or story until a few years ago. All of my notebooks are filled with haiku and horrible poetry (rhyming hooks just seemed like more of a challenge to younger Amanda *cringe*) mixed in with picture collages, lyrics to songs, and other memorabilia that I treasured at that time. So I'm sorry to say that's what you're stuck reading today.

I'm the one in red with the overly hyper smile that I attribute to the fact I existed solely off of Coca-Cola and chewy sweet tarts at this age.

I was a nosy, obnoxious little observer in Junior High. Ever the nerd, I finished my assignments quite quickly and spent the rest of the class period watching other people and writing about them. Case and point: Untitled Poem numero uno, written about a girl in one of my classes that I watched claw her way to a position in the popular crowd, becoming someone completely different than who she'd been years before.

Twist. Stretch
until you fit the mold.
What's left behind,
so empty.
Cold.
A shallow shadow
reflecting in the mirror.
Because what they want
is all you can hear.

Sit. Wonder.
Search your soul.
Find what you need
to become whole.

I have absolutely no clue what this one was about, but I wrote it when I was fourteen and kind of found the last part amusing given the topic for this week.

A metaphor
not anymore.
Bile coats my tongue
at memories
now clearly seen
with eyes turned toward the sun.
What could have been
will never be
Relief, a wash of cold.
For better dreams,
and plans unseen,
still waiting to unfold.

Oh, the melodrama! Should I pass you the Phenergan yet? Air sick bag? If you've made it this far with me, congratulations. You're quite the trooper as I was obviously the angsty, writes poetry by candlelight (and lava lamp, because yes, I was that cool) teenager.

One more and you're free to poke fun, or heck, even poke out your eyes if you feel the need.

Haiku I wrote around fifteen:

order in chaos
the only thing consistent
everything changes

note: This post might 'mysteriously' disappear after forty-eight hours

And on a completely unrelated note, three years ago today I became a mom! The day has been filled with lots of sappy hugs and tear-filled eyes, though I'm certain the little spawn just thinks his mom is off her rocker.

I Married a Superhero

2010-01-02T11:20:00.000-08:00

They say honesty is imperative for a healthy relationship, which is why I was glad my husband told me of his superhero powers way back when we were still dating. Disclosure of true nerdiness is a big step. But being married to a superhero has its downside. With SuperGalactic Bicep Thrower *eyeroll*, duty always seems to call at inopportune times.

He roams the world in search of good beer that is at risk of being left untapped. Smooths out awkward moments by breaking into his special 'sultry salsa' dance at random. With a single flex of his biceps, women swoon and men stare in envious wonder.

Well. Who am I to stand in the way of saving the universe.
Guess I'll be forced to disclose my alias as well. . .

Careful now, SuperGalactic Bicep Thrower! Do not be snared in by Supercranky Housewife's passive-aggressive dismissal of laundry day. She wields the power to turn flashy red spandex suits into pink leotards with a simple twist of the dial! Her icy glance has the power to freeze you in your tracks, making a retreat to your MMORPG Lair an impossible (not to mention highly stupid) feat.
Will SuperGalactic Bicep Thrower be able to escape Supercranky Housewife and live to play another World of Warcraft dungeon? Or will he be forced to save the universe in pink spandex? Tune in next week. . .

Disclaimer:
I do not claim to have the slightest talent in drawing. These were sketched after a thirty minute tutorial from about.com and I have no doubt they suck. Oh. And SuperGalactic Bicep Thrower insists that I make it clear he does not, nor has he ever, owned red spandex undergarments. At least that's what he tells me. . .

Aaaand Breathe. . .

2009-12-31T12:35:00.001-08:00

I could write out all the memorable moments that somehow found their way into my life in 2009, and as a writer, I probably should. But sometimes pictures (and a few captions) do a much better job. The past year has definitely been the most eventful in my life. Some good things. Some bad. Some I still haven't fully processed enough to even define.

The Good.

Meeting Blue October: Priceless.
Meeting Blue October and being too starstruck to do anything more than mumble incoherently? Humiliating.

The cooking skills vastly improving.

The Bad

Husband complains to this day for me making him do this.

Pretty building? Yes. Weather conducive for sightseeing? Not so much.

And the Ugly . . .

I swear we weren't bad drivers back in the states. . .

Illusions, Alliances, and Blizzards

2009-12-20T08:05:00.000-08:00

Ahhh Christmas.

The trees look like they've been dusted with powered sugar.

I've learned how to work the fireplace (and it's one of those old school kind with dampeners, flues, and other knobs that don't seem necessary to the process).

Even the family channel on AFN cable has started Christmas movie marathons. . .and I have to ask if anyone else feels a little disturbed watching their beloved favorites now that they're older.

For example: Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer. I haven't watched the movie in a few years and today watched it with my son for the first time. Could Rudolph's father be any more verbally abusive? And what is up with the elves toy factory resembling something more like a sweatshop in a third world country? The poor elf just wanted to be a dentist. Sheesh.

Okay, but seriously. I really miss that magical element Christmas used to hold when I was a child. The lights, the spicy cinnamon scent all of our tree decorations used to have, and making several drafts of my list before submitting it to the parental units for mailing (because even Santa wasn't fond of typos). Luckily, I've been able to experience it again vicariously through my son. It's truly amazing, and dare I say a million times better, to see him find the magic in it all. I want him to feel that magic for as long as he can. All too soon he'll start crafting silly assumptions about how the Island of Misfit Toys is where the whole Emo-craze was born, like his mother does.

Aaaannnd in other news. I've joined up with a new alliance.

It was a necessary step to battle against the *K* takeover.

(This is said with the highest amount of silliness possible. I <3 my *K*s) The YAhighway has gained two new contributors, Kate and Emilia, and I couldn't be more excited. They're talented and fun. 2010 is set to be an awesome year at the Highway.

The snow outside is stunning. I'm still in awe of it. Though, the negative temperatures we had yesterday were definitely something I'd never experienced (and can't really say I'd care to again anytime soon.) So, just for amusement, this is how an Arkansan deals with the blizzard we've been having:

RTW Just a Few Questions. . .

2009-12-09T03:32:00.000-08:00

The question for RTW at the YAhighway this week is actually a few questions. We've gotten a bunch of new followers over the past week (at 199 as I type! *waves at shiny new followers*) so we thought it would be fun to learn a little about everyone with a handful of quick questions.

What are the three best book you've read this year?

The Sweet Far Thing

Catching Fire

Jellicoe Road

If you could meet one author (living or dead) who would it be?

I honestly don't know . . .

What book are you most looking forward to in 2010?

Finnikin of the Rock (Marchetta + high fantasy? Destined to be grand.)

If you want to play RTW, head over to YAhighway and post a link to your responses in the comments section.

Fictional Love

2009-12-02T10:48:00.000-08:00

RTW Question of the week:
Who are/were your literary crushes?

Oh, this was a fun one :)

Jonah Griggs Jellicoe Road
There's just something about a tortured soul wrapped up in a stubborn personality that I love. But to be truthful, I should probably say I crushed on Jonah and Taylor--the relationship they had together.

Jace Wayland Mortal Instruments series
The epitome of a good guy hiding beneath a bad boy persona. Yes. I was a sucker for the bad boys (with hearts of gold. No, really. . .) in my youth, and it still holds true today. Which probably explains why my father finally quit asking to meet my dates by the time I hit seventeen. He preferred to be blissfully ignorant.

Seth from Wicked Lovely
His quiet and calm demeanor, level-headed decision process; all rare to find in love interests in the YA sector. He won me over when he put aside any jealousy or fear for his girlfriend, Aislinn, so she could be happy. But he drew the line at becoming anyone's doormat which made me respect him as well.

Christopher from Being Nikki
List would not be complete without the 'nerd turned hottie' character. Maybe it was the similarities to my husband, but a guy that can talk video games, comics, and anything else in geek language and still be cute? Yes. Please.

Besides Writing . . .

2009-11-25T04:01:00.000-08:00

What do you do when you aren't writing (hobbies and such)?

That's the question for Road Trip Wednesday over at YAhighway this week.

My hobby is usually picking up new hobbies. There's so many things I want to learn and try. Recently, I mastered some basic origami, played around with stop-motion photography, and learned how to work Windows Movie Maker. I like to paint (not well though), do crafty things that almost always result in a few burns from the glue gun, and of course, read.

What do you do besides writing? Head on over to YAhighway and leave a link to your answers in our comments section!

And an early Happy Thanksgiving to those in the US.

Road Trip Wednesday Time

2009-11-18T10:46:00.000-08:00

Question for the week at YaHighway for Road Trip Wednesday is:

What song(s) would represent your WIP(s)?

Music plays a huge part in the writing process for me. It can bring on the right mood, whether it be somber, cheerful, exciting, or reflective. Ideas for a WIP have hit me after hearing a song for the first time. And, like many writers, I have playlists for each WIP. But it was still a little difficult to pick one song that would encompass the entire WIP (so I cheated and put two songs for one of them). Though the lyrics of the songs represent the general message of the WIP in some fashion, the actual music the words are set to also carries the feeling of the story.

HC: "Broken" -- Paramore or "Soul Meets Body" -- Death Cab for Cutie

EFTL: "Further to Fall" -- Dan Craig

7StGOC : "In Another Life" -- The Veronicas

PT: "The Great Escape" -- Boys Like Girls

Outside of YA

2009-11-11T06:58:00.000-08:00

The question for this week's Road Trip at the YAhighway is:

What do you read outside of YA?

Before I started writing YA, I read a lot of different books from different genres, mostly based off recommendations or in some cases interesting covers. To keep from boring you with a super long list of all the books, I'll stick with my favorites.

Jennifer Weiner rarely writes something I don't love. Always a safe bet.

The Rachel Morgan series by Kim Harrison is a favorite of mine. An urban fantasy set in the imaginary Hollows, where humans are more afraid of tomatoes than the witches, vampires, werewolves, and fairies they knowingly exist alongside with. But we have to give the humans a little credit. The awful virus that affected many of their race was traced back to that dreaded red fruit. The books are full of humor and great characters, with vivid imagery and plenty of magic.

The Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich is another great one. A ladies undergarment seller turned bounty hunter, Stephanie, is full of quick wit and knows how to think on her feet. With a Grandma who thinks funeral visitations in the 'Burg are a hobby, and a former plus-sized prostitute, Lula, as a sidekick, the books are full of mystery and laugh out loud moments.

Whedonesque. I read this blog daily because the man is, well, kinda my hero. If you've never had the pleasure of watching the award winning, Dr. Horrible's Sing-a-long blog, you really should remedy that problem. Like, yesterday.
Though I'm not an avid comic book reader, I do like to read the one's following the Buffy series.

Because Somedays You Just Need to Laugh

2009-11-06T01:21:00.000-08:00

Though I'm very much a pacifist and have never been involved in any kind of physical altercation except some sisterly catfighting when I was young, in this day and age, it doesn't hurt to know some basic self-defense.

With this instructor, any attacker would surely run away in, ahem, fear.

Daydreaming Really is Work Sometimes

2009-11-05T02:24:00.000-08:00

Of course the edits, revisions, and all the other parts of writing a novel aren't exactly a piece of cake either. Many people would say daydreaming is the easiest, and sometimes best, part of writing. For the most part, I agree.

Many of the stories I've worked on came rolling in with a rather large amount already set in place, leaving me to simply observe and write, occasionally nudging the character to continue (they do like to wander at times). However, there are certain holes in the story that my imagination is forced to put some serious effort into filling. And that's where it becomes a little more tricky.

Right now, there's one element in my story that simply isn't working, no matter which way I try to take it. The most obvious option is to toss that element out, which I have done. Now I'm forced to find another way to get from A to B. This is where my mind is left to not simply wander, but to ponder (Cute, huh? Just like Dr. Seuss).

I take my 'world' and start throwing my characters into particular situations to see what possibilities unfold for them, taking notes of the different outcomes. I look for which situation has the biggest impact. Which one I feel takes my story a notch higher notch. My characters become my pawns.

I know many people choose to let the characters always tell them their story, and that works for a good chunk of my writing. But for me, to truly make the story into a great one, I have to take control of the daydreaming sometimes.

Road Trip Wedneday: Choosing Genres

2009-11-04T06:02:00.001-08:00

The question for the week over at the YAhighway for this week's Road Trip Wednesday is:

How do you choose a genre? Or how does the genre choose you?

My first YA WIP was fantasy, a genre I loved, but had never really seen myself writing. Since that story, I've started on three contemporary ones. For the most part, stories come already attached to their genre and if there's a story idea that latches on to me, refusing to let go, I want to see it through. So I dive in. A great story is a great story, I'm not picky about the genre.

I do believe some writers are stronger in a certain genre, and with that in mind, I have set out to write in a specific genre to strengthen things I felt were my weaknesses. I think writers can learn quite a bit by tackling different genres that are outside of their comfort zone.

Do you choose the genre, or does it choose you?

Two Writers and a Graphic Designer Walk into a Bar . . .

2009-11-02T00:46:00.000-08:00

Kirsten Hubbard, author of the upcoming LIKE MANDARIN and fellow YAhighway blogger, and her good friend Michelle, stopped by to have some fun in Germany with me before setting out on their epic Eastern Europe backpacking adventure!

What better way to spend Halloween than in a cave built over nine hundred years ago?

(Michelle and I were certain the underground dungeon-like area was haunted).

After a little castle wandering, we headed out to the Irish House to listen to 'Boppin B'. They performed at least one song in English, 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight'.

We enjoyed some German beers and err . . .enlightening conversations with some other Americans enjoying the festivities.

And no, Michelle wasn't wearing a costume for Halloween. She's really just. that. pimp.

It was so much fun finally meeting someone from our writing group! Kirsten is just as awesome in person as she is online and Michelle is amazing, too.

RTW: Character Names

2009-10-27T15:49:00.000-07:00

The question for this week's Roadtrip Wednesday over at the YAhighway is:

Where do you get your character names?

It depends.

Sometimes the names for my characters pop into my brain as soon as their thoughts and faces do. This is almost always the case with my MCs. I've always felt names automatically bring to mind certain characteristics. Even when the story is still shaping in my mind, the MC has already stubbornly stepped forward to tell me their name.

Supporting characters are a little different. I still want names that just feel right for them, but they might not always be shouting the name out to me so I'm forced to dig around. It's like shopping for shoes. Some might fit, but others fit better. While I prefer unique names, I don't want names that are so far out there that it'd be a little unbelievable that any mother would have actually chosen that name at one time. I'm usually browsing babyname websites, seeing random names splashed on magazines at the checkout stand, or even just hearing them on television. Then that lovely moment occurs where the name comes (hits me upside the head) and even if I don't really like the name, it sticks.

Where do you get character names for your writing? Write about it on your blog and leave us a link in the comments at YAhighway so we can check it out!

RTW: One-breath poetry

2009-10-20T14:42:00.000-07:00

So for this week's Roadtrip Wednesday, we decided to let our creative juices flow in a new direction and describe our current Works-In-Progress in a fun way.

Haiku.

Haiku, sometimes referred to as a one-breath poem, uses imagistic language to convey the essence of an experience of nature, or the season intuitively linked to the human condition.*

Traditional Japanese Haiku is arranged in three lines with a 5/7/5 meter of syllables and conveys two images in some sort of juxtaposition. (Certainly makes query letter writing feel less difficult!) While some haiku poets writing in English don't follow the 5/7/5 rule, we did our best to incorporate as many of the traditional elements as we could while describing our stories in a few short words.

Using (loose) haiku form, here are my current Works in Progress:

7STGOC:

fading fire ember-
from cold ash, life sparks once more
now lit from within

HC:

fresh breath for cold lips-
soul entwined with a new life
unsure how to live

EFTL:

vicarious life-
too weak to exist alone
too strong to let go

Want to join in on the fun? We'd love to read your WIP haiku! Post a blog and leave us a link over at the YAhighway.

*http://haikuguy.com/issa/abouthaiku.html

Roadtrip Wednesday Time

2009-10-14T05:19:00.001-07:00

The question over at the YAhighway: How rough are your rough drafts?

I only possess one completed draft at this point, but I'd have to say it probably falls somewhere in the middle. I have a horrible habit of constantly rereading previous sections. Sometimes simply to get back into the voice or the 'moment' I had been working on before putting it away. Sometimes I would reread from the very beginning looking for potholes or going back in to change things I had decided to rework, which I'm slowly learning not to do right away. That much rereading can cause serious burnout on projects and make me over-think things to the point of it being ridiculous.

I'm currently working on a new WIP and I refuse to allow myself to go back and redo things until I write the last sentence. I'm hoping it will help me strengthen my skills of crafting a novel. It's making me think more before I type (which is a good thing. I can get carried away) and will probably save me some headaches in the long run. Instead of constantly adjusting, I'm keeping a notebook with reminders about what to go back and change, that way when I get ready to do my first edit, I'll know exactly what things to tweak to make the story come together and I can focus on the other aspects of editing without feeling so burnt out.

How rough are your drafts? Write your thoughts on the question and leave us a link to your blog in the comments section at the Highway!

I Hear You Tim Gunn!

2009-10-10T11:55:00.000-07:00

Make it work.

The three words whispered with determination to the flailing designers on Project Runway. They've done some lovely work, from tiny glass beading to possibly over the top feather necklines and geometrical skirts. Apart, each thing is brilliant. Together? It's not really working. But Tim Gunn's magical mantra swoops in with a logical approach: Make. It. Work.

I've struggled with several WIPs. I have great characters. Interesting and unique parts of a storyline. But I hit a little past mid-way and lose all hope, fearing nothing can be salvaged from the mess I've made. I stress over motivations. Realistic reactions. Is it interesting enough? Is the middle starting to sag? Introspection? Don't get me started.

What I am quick to forget is the most magical tool all writers are given. The fact that regardless of how crazy and unbelievable our stories might seem, it's in our power to wrestle with words and rebuild sentences and scenes, making them work. With little suggestions planted into a reader's mind along the way. By raising the stakes to make decisions valid. So instead of contemplating changing scenes in a story (though I'm not saying it isn't sometimes necessary) I have other options available besides scrapping thousands of words.

Tim Gunn, you mantra is golden. And your fashion sense isn't too lacking either.

Outlets

2009-10-09T11:25:00.000-07:00

I know most writers automatically turn to writing when they're stressed and need a way to vent their frustrations. When I'm in a glass-half-full mood, my writing is worthless. It drones, it whines, it dons a festive hat and throws itself a pity party. (Sarcasm lover that I am, I still rarely stumble into these moods. Surprising, I know).

But the past few days have drained my glass a little low and I was forced to find other venues for my creative juices. The great thing about being unemployed? Ample time to peruse the World Wide Web in search of new skills to acquire. (There's definitely some downsides to being unemployed, but that's a whole other post).

So in the past forty-eight hours, I decided to a) pick up stop-motion photography and b) make book trailers for all the lovely moosers at the YA highway.

New hobby a is amazingly fun and tedious and demands patience. Something I have a little of, but certainly not a plethora. Still, once I can locate a tripod and get to the store for some better supplies, I think I'll improve.

You can check out my feeble first attempt here.

New hobby b has proven to be quite fun. I've learned how to mix, scratch, and apply this awesome sound effect called a Wah Wah to music, and have a decent grasp on the wonder that is Windows Movie Maker (All the computer classes I took in college, and I never once used this?!)

Sometimes as writers, it's hard to want to do anything except write in our free time. But opening yourself up to some other artistic outlets can be refreshing. Can make you think outside of your Word document, and give you a whole new way to express yourself.

Oh, and if you find yourself coming up empty handed for ways to pass the time during a writing blank, just hit up Kirsten. She's very good at supplying fun games and pictures and anything else to get you through your slump (something with a venus flytrap, a cannon. . .wait. What was that last thing?)

Blog Road Trip!

2009-10-05T09:54:00.000-07:00

The Question:

Where do you get your ideas for books?

Most of my ideas start with just a random little thought. A little seed planted while I was watching the news, on the phone with someone, or even just half-asleep and daydreaming. Instead of thinking about what did happen, I start to think about what could happen.

Just a little idea that rolls around, branches out, and starts to take shape. By the time the actual storyline is developed, it's usually a thousand miles away, morphed and tangled and almost unrecognizable from the original thought that it was manifested in. But that's the great part; taking some tiny little idea and seeing all the possibilities you could have with it.

Head on over to the YA highway to see where the other girls find inspiration!

Pumpkins, Mums, and Dinosaurs

2009-10-03T08:47:00.000-07:00

You read correctly. October 1st kicked off the Autumn Festival at the Kaiserslautern Gartenschau. A huge hunk of grassy land filled with animal statues made of pumpkins, colorful mums and other flowers, and a slew of life-sized dinosaurs. I think Kaitlin would have been in Heaven seeing all the prehistoric creatures (though I'm sad to report there were no mammoths).

The entrance was marked by a Pumpkin Moose, further proving my theory that Meese are well on their way to world domination.

And as always, the gorgeous fall colors were a treat for the eyes.

I took a day off from the WIP yesterday. Not really a true day off. I reread some sections and started a little editing, but got a wee bit distracted by a discussion of YA novels with dead parents and all things chocolate. Today it's back to getting more scenes on the page so I can get this draft done.

The best thing about this WIP is I can see that my writing has improved, which is of course my goal. I'm in no way saying 'this is the one!'. But I've truly fallen in love with these characters and their story and just want to do them justice.

Tomorrow we *might* be going to a potato festival with a petting zoo, a grain grinding bicycle to make your own cereal, and a huge assortment of schnapps. (I'm telling you. Festivals for EVERYTHING!) How fantastic to celebrate every little joy in life.

Chugging Along

2009-09-17T04:48:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted a Teaser Tuesday in a while. I haven't really been on AW either. I've just been slowly working away on a rewrite and haven' t had much to contribute.

The rewrite is going well. I have a better grasp on the motivations for the characters and thanks to some very, very kind Beta readers, I have thinned out some unnecessary sections while beefing up the good stuff. I hope it all comes together as planned.

We went to a Wine festival recently. The German people know how to do festivals. It was a blast. There are some pictures on my facebook page. Other than that, we haven't got to travel to any new destinations yet. We're saving up for when our families come to visit at Christmas. Then we're heading out to see some really cool castles and such.

Clarity

2009-08-13T12:57:00.001-07:00

Sweet Zeus, I love days when it happens. Something I ate? Drank? A certain frame of mind? My fickle Muse? I have no clue. But the days when things flow effortlessly and fall into place, are wondrous. Unfortunately, they are also touch and go and rarely dependable. Which is why I savor these days and write/edit/rewrite like a madwoman into the wee hours of the night. /SIGH There are simply not enough hours in the day when this phenomenon strikes!