Two weeks disconnected…
… and I feel like a completely different person.
Hi tumblr friends! I have missed you, but it was so relaxing to be far, far away from the wired world.
Writing On...
LIFE IS FICTION
efkelley asked:
Inquiring minds want to know!
42.
The Worst First Line of a Book
This year’s winner:
For the first month of Ricardo and Felicity’s affair, they greeted one another at every stolen rendezvous with a kiss—a lengthy, ravenous kiss, Ricardo lapping and sucking at Felicity’s mouth as if she were a giant cage-mounted water bottle and he were the world’s thirstiest gerbil.
- Molly Ringle, Seattle WA
A contest worth entering? I think so!
Excuses
I logged 1,000 words today, but the goal was 1,600. I even set up a reward system for myself. I also came up with a solid (not totally unreasonable) list of excuses, such as:
- I should really be packing for my 4th of July vacation.
- The apartment needs to be cleaned.
- The Rabbit needs a walk. Desperately. Or he will never stop licking my toes.
- I have to chat with my friends.
- My blog needs to be updated.
- I have banged on my keyboard so hard that it is missing the ‘m’ key. How can I type without it?
These things, and a few others, have managed to sideline the remaining 600 words. Pity. I will be driving for 6 hours tomorrow, and I hope when I’m not at the wheel I’ll be able to squeeze in a few more words before my vacation actually starts. Let’s say… 1200. But then my boyfriend might want to talk, or we may have to stop for gas, and that darn ‘m’ key will still be blank…
Got any good excuses?
writerling asked:
Does this work?
Sure does!
A Word With You Press Review
As a writer I’m always looking for niche communities to test out new works, and to stretch my own boundaries. A dear friend of mine introduced me to AWWYP and I’ve been hooked since May.
The site regularly features contests, which have a reasonable range of prizes ($25 coffee card, anyone?).They have some of the oddest themes and requirements, so prepare to think outside the box. Most of their contests are flash fiction. Fair warning.
The witty and personable Editor-in-Chief Thornton Sully knows how to hook his audience, and will make you feel like you’re writing for a damn good reason: to connect with others.
So, what are you waiting for?
One of the most valuable lessons I learned from Taos Toolbox is the lesson of routine. Even as a writer - a creative type - it’s important to have a schedule for writing. This way your mind and body come to expect to write at the same time, same place, every day.
I’ve allotted two hours in the afternoons to writing. I’m supposed to unplug my computer, sit back, and stare at the screen until drops of blood appear on my finger tips.
So far, I’m about 75% successful.
In some ways I think it would be much easier if I lived in the pre-computer age. There would be less twittering happening. But also, I find that when presented with a pen and pad of paper, I feel the need to fill it up with thoughts. But oh, how I would miss spell check.
What are your writing habits?
WorldCon 2011
I have officially submitted my registration for Renovation 2011.
This will actually be my second WorldCon, as I attended the 2002 San Jose convention. I remember bits and pieces of it. Mostly I remember listening to my father between official panels.
Considering I was seventeen at the Con (and clueless), this will be a totally different experience. I’m not sure what to expect, other than pure elation at seeing my Taos Toolbox friends.
Plenty of time to research and figure out my strategy for Reno. Right now the goal of attending is a wonderful motivator.
