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Date Posted: 13:17:52 12/14/10 Tue
Author: Esther
Subject: What’s up?
‘Tis that time of year. Where our busy lives become even more so, and the pressure we put on ourselves increases.
Where before it was hard to find time to come here and participate, now it is next to impossible.
The consequences? Those dust bunnies are breeding. And it’s time for a sweep-up.
Okay, so how to do that? Simple. Take a few minutes, the time to drink a cup of coffee, and type out something to share. Re-introduce yourselves. Tell us what’s up. What’s doing. What’s the deal.
Yeah, yeah. I know. As writers we observe, ie lurk. But we can’t all do that at the same time or those bunnies, as cute as they are, are going to take over.
I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’d prefer that writers ruled the lit instead of a man-sized-machete-wielding-ball-of-dirt.
Anyone in? Cause I could use some help…
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I’ll go first >>> -- Esther, 13:26:24 12/14/10 Tue
You know the saying, something like how in a near death experience your life flashes before you like a blink of the eye? Don’t believe it. It’s a lie. And I can speak from experience, having been involved in a car accident. Totally not my fault, but my mommy mobile was toast and written off. So. Nope. No fun at all.
And yeah, perhaps my experience wasn’t in the same category as near death, but it has led me to take the road of what-if. I’ve a more acute awareness of how fast things change and are completely out of our control. I don’t like to think about what life would be like if I was hurt worse than the bruises and bleeding nose I had. Or if someone, perhaps me, had been killed. Heck, if I was driving the truck, I’d have probably killed him…but then again, if I was in the crummy, he probably wouldn’t have pulled out in front of me in the first place… The what-ifs are a terrible thing…
Unless they are implemented by writers. And since this is a writer’s board, let’s cut to the chase and face the facts. If things had turned out differently, my stories would have remained unwritten. And that bothers me. That bothers me a lot. More than I thought possible actually. So in the weeks I’ve been contemplating, I’ve arrived at some conclusions.
I want the LIT Board back and functioning as I know it can. And from the comments I read in the bad person post, there were definitely some positives. It’s true that this board has the potential to motivate and encourage us. Our experiences and knowledge are invaluable in the feedback we provide. Most importantly, this is where we _choose_ to come to share our time with fellow writers so we help, improve and practice our craft with people who have the same desire. This is where we come to do all that, and to have some fun.
With that intent, I’m inviting everyone to check-in. This should be like the Bulletin Board post on the Social Board. Its intent is to motivate us simply because it’s a way to participate on this board. It’s a way to keep in contact, even when life is nasty, brilliant, or just plain busy. It’s a way to have fun with our craft and get to know each other and become friends again instead of just names on one of the LOL Boards.
Okay. So let’s get personal.
I’m totally not ready for Christmas. My DD put the lights on the tree a week ago, and I have not yet dug out the rest of the decorations. It’s on my to-do-list. So is the shopping… and the baking…and the laundry. Ah, such a glamorous life I lead. The good news is that I have attended all the staff parties I had, and for the next few nights at least, have no obligations besides the usual demands of work and life. That’s enough to keep me busy for awhile. Especially since I’ve a few projects started that I should finish.
Writing wise, I’ve done not a bit. Just out of curiosity, I looked up my files and the last time I worked on any of my three WIP was September 17th. No wonder I’m crabby. *G*
Okay. My coffee is gone, so I better get in gear and get to some work or I’ll never get anything accomplished.
Hugs
Esther
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Me second>>>>>>> -- Page2, 23:45:00 12/16/10 Thu
Hi All, Happy happy holidaze..
Not much going on here in lovely Massachusetts. Cold, cold, and freezing. I'll take it as long as it doesn't snow. Though, I highly doubt I'll get that wish granted. Talking a storm for us on Monday. Yecchhh I knew the white stuff was going to come but I wished anyways.
Still have tons of shopping left but I am determined in the next two days to have it all done and wrapped. Ok you ALL can STOP laughing! No, really...I'm determined I tell you. Ok you're right - I'll be wrapping Christmas Eve - it's become tradition around here so I can't break tradition right? :-)
I just want it over with. I am not a winter person. Give me Spring and Summer. 4 months to survive the harsh New England weather. I wish I could move to say Hawaii, Tahiti, a nice tropical place - anywhere warm with sun. Someday...
I finished NaNo and won. Shut off that Internal Editor. Took some doing but it quieted down when it knew I wasn't going to cave. So now I have a 50k project filled with many blemishes, pimples, warts and all. Overall, I love the story and with some more additional beefing up of chapters and some cleaning of typo's etc.. This book will go out on submission, course I promised myself I would finish editing REMEMBRANCE first... and, I will! OK who is that laughing at me...Juli is that you????? I swear it will get done.
New story idea...Had this what if moment the other day and drafted a quick outline, then a short Chapter 1 intro. Then told 2 friends who told me to be careful if I was seriously going to write this story. Be careful, I asked. They said, yes. the witches don't like people creating a false image of witches. Hmmmmm it's not where I was going with this but ok. Still think I'm going to write it - the premise is good but I need to do some more fleshing out.
The premise is this... A black-out happens in Massachusetts and when the lights come back on they don't in Salem, MA Because over and around the perimeters of Salem a thick shrouded fog blankets the city. It's cause - the witches have used their power. Salem has been completely taken over by the witches. If you are an outsider (non-witch) you must leave (which the people do - choices are given but..trust me they leave) and cannot re-enter. Salem is re-named New Avalon. Only those people marked can leave and return. It will have its own rules (the witches crede); rituals, sabbats, etc. will be followed. Life is good in New Avalon - the sister & brotherhood of witches is like no other place to live. A throwback in the electronic age to a time when life was simpler and magic ruled. Of course, the downfall will be that the High Priestess will love the power too much and that's when New Avalon cracks. A child of great power will be born who the HP wants gone. Most people become afraid of this HP but some will revolt to save this child. The baby will be brought to the outside world to grow up. It will be taught the ways (in secret) and eventually will go back when full powers come. I'm also thinking of maybe making them twins: 1 girl 1 boy 1 inside the town and 1 outside. Not sure yet... still plotting out scenarios and such.
I'm really vibing with this, and think once my outline is done up, I can make this story shine. What do you all think?
Oh yes, I'm looking for beta readers. If anyone is interested in reading, let me know. I could use some fresh, new eyes. :-) TY in advance.
Anyways, that's the most recent stuff. I'm not going to bother you with my tales of woe - we all have them - we all endure. I sincerely hope we will all have a happy, healthy, prosperous, and bright New Year.
May 2011 bring all our dreams come true.
Happy Holidays to all,
Steph
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I like the new story idea! -- Debi, 13:26:18 12/17/10 Fri
True about the witches not liking the bad press, but it sounds like the idea you have is based on one person's misconduct, not the whole way of life. I like it.
Good luck with the shopping and decorating!
Debi
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Hiya! This way >>> -- Esther, 10:36:12 12/24/10 Fri
Well...it's the 24th, so I'm going to wish you happy wrapping. :-) Hey. I'm in the same boat, so why alter tradition right? I have some of the DD's stuff wrapped, but absolutely nothing for DS. I don't know. It just doesn't feel like Christmas here. It's way too warm for one thing. And there's not much snow either. Oh well.
Congrats on winning NaNo! That's awesome.
Your new story idea has promise. Actually, when I read over your premise, it reminded me somewhat of 'The Black Jewels Trilogy' by Anne Bishop. The HP wanting more power and a child born to save the others, with those that would risk their lives to ensure the child's survival. And I'm sure you'll find a way to write it so it does go in the direction you want it to go. Actually though. What impresses me the most is that you have an outline. I never could get the gist of those. *G*
As for beta readers, I find my fresh new eyes are tired. I'd love to help with any excerpt you post here on the Lit though.
Happy Holidays to you and yours too Steph.
May all of 2011 be everything you could wish for.
Hugs
Esther
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Tired... -- Debi, 13:30:05 12/17/10 Fri
Class is done, new ones coming up, work is making new demands of me so that I can be seen as a better employee by those who give a rat's patoot. When I go home anymore, I'm done. No energy, no inclination to do much except nap and play stupid games. Christmas will come and go and I'm glad to have it done since the only part of it that appeals to me is seeing my family and days off from work. So that's me.
Meh.
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Hey Debi. I hope you enjoy your time off from work and that spent with your family. Hugs! -- Esther, 11:19:55 12/24/10 Fri
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Hey, old timers! 'Member me?>>>> -- JulieO, 00:12:54 12/23/10 Thu
Howdy, y'all! I just popped in to offer some heartfelt holiday greetings to everyone!
Life at Casa O'Connell is busy, busy, and busier. My oldest is back at home this year while he finishes his degree. My middle son moved out in September, and just finished the first quarter of his sophomore year in college. My youngest is a junior (more or less) in high school and is a mess, but at least he's cute.
I attempted to do NaNo as a revision exercise this year. It kinda worked. I revised and re-wrote the first 35 pages of my YA book in anticipation of a querying blitz in January. (I have the first two books done in a planned MG/YA trilogy.) As soon as this holiday insanity calms a bit, I'm going to get back on the horse and revise until my eyes bleed. :-)
I'm in contact with Lady LaLa (Jen) and Nanili (Ginger), as well as LyndaG (Linda) and Lady Juliet (Nicole). Jen has an e-book coming out in January (pen name Gwen Roman), and a publisher very interested in another book. Fingers crossed! Linda Gerber had another book released in October (TRANCE) and is working on a MG series to be released in 2012. Nicole sold a three book series last year, to be released either at the end of 2011 or beginning of 2012. And like me, Ginger is working on submitting a completed and revised MS to agents in January
I hope everyone is well and writing like crazy. Remember - the key is 1) get your butt in the chair and 2) write. Everything else can be added later.
Lots of love and hugs to everyone - have a wonderful holiday season!
Julie
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Well...I remember you! Does that make me old??? *G* >>> -- Esther, 11:32:25 12/24/10 Fri
>Howdy, y'all! I just popped in to offer some heartfelt
>holiday greetings to everyone!
Back atcha!
>
>Life at Casa O'Connell is busy, busy, and busier. My
>oldest is back at home this year while he finishes his
>degree. My middle son moved out in September, and just
>finished the first quarter of his sophomore year in
>college. My youngest is a junior (more or less) in
>high school and is a mess, but at least he's cute.
LOL
>
>I attempted to do NaNo as a revision exercise this
>year. It kinda worked. I revised and re-wrote the
>first 35 pages of my YA book in anticipation of a
>querying blitz in January. (I have the first two books
>done in a planned MG/YA trilogy.) As soon as this
>holiday insanity calms a bit, I'm going to get back on
>the horse and revise until my eyes bleed. :-)
Congrats! And good luck in your blitz! I know how well you can write so I anticipate good news early in the new year!
>
>I'm in contact with Lady LaLa (Jen) and Nanili
>(Ginger), as well as LyndaG (Linda) and Lady Juliet
>(Nicole). Jen has an e-book coming out in January (pen
>name Gwen Roman), and a publisher very interested in
>another book. Fingers crossed! Linda Gerber had
>another book released in October (TRANCE) and is
>working on a MG series to be released in 2012. Nicole
>sold a three book series last year, to be released
>either at the end of 2011 or beginning of 2012. And
>like me, Ginger is working on submitting a completed
>and revised MS to agents in January
Thanks for the news! And can I say how good it is to see all these familiar names and their successes written in your pixels?
>
>I hope everyone is well and writing like crazy.
>Remember - the key is 1) get your butt in the chair
>and 2) write. Everything else can be added later.
Well, I haven't been writing like crazy, at least not on my novels, but while I have been in kind of a writing stasis, I've come up with a few solutions and twists to expose my characters to, so it's all good.
>
>Lots of love and hugs to everyone - have a wonderful
>holiday season!
You too Julie! Merry Christmas.
Hugs
Esther
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There is a lot on our plate right now but >>> -- Lady Morilka, 06:27:06 01/13/11 Thu
I have actually done a bit of writing the last weeks.
We are still organising our life with our little one. She is a real joy and healthy like her mom. But it is a lot of change too.
Before christmas our lifes got even more mixed up since my gandmother died at the age of 99 beginning of december and my father (it was his mother) was diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer only two weeks later (diagnosing and searching had already lasted 3 or 4 weeks at that point). On top of that this form of cancer washes the calzium out of the bones so he has 2 vertebrae that have cracks and has to wear a special corset to prevent breaking. He was released a week ago after the first chemo but still has to take cortison (which screws up his bloodsugar > hell for a diabetic) and the next treatment is in a few weeks. I visit him as often as I can. On the other side of the family DH grandma is in failing health and my MIL basically moved in for a time. Our little girl is really a spirit lifter for the whole family and due to that I am busy driving aroud town visiting relatives.
Now it seems everything is calming down a bit, but it is still a lot. My parents are planning to restructure the house (an old farmhouse) to fit future needs for them and we kids are involved in the prozess.
The writing I have done is actually a song for our daughter that I thought up when changing diapers, she hates that and singing quiets her down ;) I am still working on the verses thought right now it has one finished verse one unfinished one and a refrain that needs further work. I'll post a translation when I am done with it.
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Hey LadyM >>> -- Esther, 10:27:17 01/20/11 Thu
Congratulations on your baby girl. I remember well how much change occurs overnight. And it's great that she's healthy, that's the best one can hope for.
Sorry to hear about the passing of your grandmother, and of your father's illness, and your DH's grandmother's failing health. That truly is a lot on your plate right now. I'll be keeping you and yours in my thoughts. And I'm glad that your daughter can bring some solace to those around her. She truly is a blessing.
Hugs
Esther
Oh, and of course, I look forward to your post once you translate it. What a beautiful memory you're making.
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Late to the party as usual.... -- Chessie >^..^<, 16:03:13 02/05/11 Sat
I have been back to work for a year now after almost 2 years unemployed. Those two years were kind of strange--while I lost one of my baby brothers and my grandmother, I also had time to take care of my in-laws as they battled various illnesses and surgeries. But also in those two years, my writing output increased--I actually finished two novel-length stories and am still editing them.
But I went back to work. My daily output dropped down to a little bit a day except for once a week (Sundays, when the DH was at work) where I could write away. There is a lot of overtime involved now, so even the little bit I did daily is impossible to get to. That leaves me Sundays, and sometimes it's hard to get back onto the horse and ride because I am so tired--or something happens that I can't sit and write, like if I go to visit my family or something.
Hopefully everyone has more output than I do! The spirit is willing, but damn this flesh is weak... ;)
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