What’s Up Wednesday is a weekly meme started by Jaime Morrow and Erin Funk that allows us to touch base with blog friends and let them know what's going on in our crazy writer lives.
What I'm reading
Three words, you guys: THE DREAM THIEVES. Oh man. So, I'm not sure if I've talked about my favorite book that I read last year, but it was THE RAVEN BOYS by Maggie Stiefvater. Following at a close second was THE SCORPIO RACES by Maggie Stiefvater. As you might be able to tell, I have a thing for Maggie's books. I've never read something and been so overwhelmed with how pretty the sentences and paragraphs are but these books do it to me every time. I actually took a picture of one paragraph and saved it in my phone as "What Character Descriptions Should Be Like!" Maggie just has a way with words and THE DREAM THIEVES, which is the follow-up to THE RAVEN BOYS is everything I hoped it would be. I'm a little bit obessesed. Just in case you couldn't tell.
Read them!
What I'm Writing
I'm still working my way through edits, trying to strengthen it wherever I can. I love this book so much, but honestly, I'm not sure I planned for anyone else to read it when I wrote it. I just wanted to write something different from what I normally do. I grinned and giggled a lot while drafting it and it's probably the most fun I've had writing a book. Which says something because there is probably nothing else in the world I love doing more than writing the first draft of a new book. I need to get it done though because The New Idea was ok'd and I'm ready to roll with it for NaNoWriMo!
What Else I've Been Up To
I probably picked the wrong season to do this, but I've been dragging myself back to the gym these days. Maybe it's because all I want to do is eat and bake and bake and eat, and if I don't go to the gym I wont be able to fit through the front door, but it's happening. I'm not one of those people who loves the way I feel after the gym (normally just tired) or feel a runner's high (I'm convinced it's a myth made up by personal trainers) but the big 2-9 is coming up, so that's motivation enough.
What Inspires Me Right Now
I think writing is what's really inspiring me right now. As I've mentioned here, I'm working a lot and last week I didn't have a chance to write or edit at all until the weekend. When I was finally able to sit down and put words together, it was almost like I exhaled. It just feels right, which sounds cheesy but it's true. Hell, I'll take my Writer's High over a Runner's High any day. ;)
What's up with your Wednesday?
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
What's Up Wednesday
What’s Up Wednesday is a weekly meme started by Jaime Morrow and Erin Funk that allows us to touch base with blog friends and let them know what's going on in our crazy writer lives.
What I'm reading
Okay, so ... I gave into peer pressure (from non-writer friends) and read the Fifty Shades series. My friends thought I would need to know what they, and everyone else, are talking about when the movie comes out and so on. So I did. And it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Now, obviously the writing is ... not fantastic, but I actually found the characters kind of complex and interesting and while some of the scenes were cringe-worthy, I liked the questions it raised about relationships and what's "wrong" and what's not. One of my favorite actors, Charlie Hunnam, signed on to play Christian Grey in the movie and I figure that if he's in it, I'll watch it. I normally don't feel apologetic about anything I do but I went into reading these books almost in secret because of the hubub that surrounds them, but I enjoyed them. Now I'm going to read Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead (who I love!) and get back to my normal reading material.
What I'm Writing
Working on revisions and kicking around new ideas for my next book. As always, exciting and terrifying.
What Else I've Been Up To
Work, work and more work. Seriously, if I'm not writing and I'm working and if I'm not working, I'm writing. Which is better than not writing. Oh! I did get a new vacuum cleaner this week which is way more exciting to me than it should be. What can I say? My life is crazy.
What Inspires Me Right Now
The weather! I know I mentioned Fall in my last WUW, but man is it fantastic outside! It's nice to brainstorm with the windows open and pumpkin scented candles lit!
What I'm reading
Okay, so ... I gave into peer pressure (from non-writer friends) and read the Fifty Shades series. My friends thought I would need to know what they, and everyone else, are talking about when the movie comes out and so on. So I did. And it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Now, obviously the writing is ... not fantastic, but I actually found the characters kind of complex and interesting and while some of the scenes were cringe-worthy, I liked the questions it raised about relationships and what's "wrong" and what's not. One of my favorite actors, Charlie Hunnam, signed on to play Christian Grey in the movie and I figure that if he's in it, I'll watch it. I normally don't feel apologetic about anything I do but I went into reading these books almost in secret because of the hubub that surrounds them, but I enjoyed them. Now I'm going to read Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead (who I love!) and get back to my normal reading material.
What I'm Writing
Working on revisions and kicking around new ideas for my next book. As always, exciting and terrifying.
What Else I've Been Up To
Work, work and more work. Seriously, if I'm not writing and I'm working and if I'm not working, I'm writing. Which is better than not writing. Oh! I did get a new vacuum cleaner this week which is way more exciting to me than it should be. What can I say? My life is crazy.
What Inspires Me Right Now
The weather! I know I mentioned Fall in my last WUW, but man is it fantastic outside! It's nice to brainstorm with the windows open and pumpkin scented candles lit!
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
What's Up Wednesday
What’s Up Wednesday is a weekly meme started by Jaime Morrow and Erin Funk that allows us to touch base with blog friends and let them know what's going on in our crazy writer lives.
What I'm reading
I've been so excited to answer this question because I've actually been reading! It struck me the other day that I hadn't read DIVERGENT by Veronica Roth yet and I figured it was time to remedy that. I think the reason I kept pushing it back is because I wasn't a huge fan of THE HUNGER GAMES series and the two had been compared SO MUCH. But I really, really like these books. I'm halfway through INSURGENT now and so far, so good.
What I'm Writing
My latest edits are done, so now I can move on to semi-major revisions on another WIP. I luuurve this book and it always makes me happy to go back and hang out with characters when I've been away for a while. Is that weird? Don't answer that.
What Else I've Been Up To
My sister and my niece were in town from Delaware this past weekend for a big softball tournament my niece was invited to play in. I've talked about her before on here, but she's going into her senior year of high school and she's just such a good kid. I don't know where that came from because both my sister and I were hellions, but she's great.
We also ate a lot because all of our will power combined totally disappears when we're together, so it's back to the gym for me tomorrow.
What Inspires Me Right Now
Everything! I think it's the fact that I can feel Fall coming and I want to create and knit and write and create all the time. Work gets in the way, but I'm happy my brain is working this way right now. Hopefully this will be my best fall yet!
So. What are YOU up to?
What I'm reading
I've been so excited to answer this question because I've actually been reading! It struck me the other day that I hadn't read DIVERGENT by Veronica Roth yet and I figured it was time to remedy that. I think the reason I kept pushing it back is because I wasn't a huge fan of THE HUNGER GAMES series and the two had been compared SO MUCH. But I really, really like these books. I'm halfway through INSURGENT now and so far, so good.
What I'm Writing
My latest edits are done, so now I can move on to semi-major revisions on another WIP. I luuurve this book and it always makes me happy to go back and hang out with characters when I've been away for a while. Is that weird? Don't answer that.
What Else I've Been Up To
My sister and my niece were in town from Delaware this past weekend for a big softball tournament my niece was invited to play in. I've talked about her before on here, but she's going into her senior year of high school and she's just such a good kid. I don't know where that came from because both my sister and I were hellions, but she's great.
We also ate a lot because all of our will power combined totally disappears when we're together, so it's back to the gym for me tomorrow.
What Inspires Me Right Now
Everything! I think it's the fact that I can feel Fall coming and I want to create and knit and write and create all the time. Work gets in the way, but I'm happy my brain is working this way right now. Hopefully this will be my best fall yet!
So. What are YOU up to?
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
What's Up Wednesday
What’s Up Wednesday is a weekly meme started by Jaime Morrow and Erin Funk that allows us to touch base with blog friends and let them know what's going on in our crazy writer lives.
What I'm reading
I think I'm at that point in my edits where I can't be bothered with someone else's story, because I've had no interest in reading books this past week, which is soooo not like me. Although, late last week I read Being Friends with Boys by Terra Elan McVoy, which was a really cute book. I felt like I was left with some unanswered questions and the ending was wrapped up really quickly and I would have liked to dig into that more, but still, super cute. And it nails that whole boyfriends and friends that are boys dilemma that is so common with teen girls.
What I'm Writing
I'm dotting the I's and crossing the T's on my latest edits. A few minor, tiny changes and feedback from betas and I'm all set. Yikes.
What Else I've Been Up To
My ::cough:: 29th ::cough:: birthday is in 91 days. The reason I know this is because I put a countdown clock on my phone with those stressed out little emoticons around the number 29. Now, I'm sure most of you think this sounds like a crazy idea, but I have a plan! If I have to look at the days dwindling down to the big 2-9, then I am much more likely to get my lazy butt back to the gym. And so far it's worked. So working out again is what I've been up to. I'm also maybe, probably making myself crazy, but whatever.
Also, I've become obsessed with the show Twisted on ABCFamily and I've been catching up with that OnDemand. Ugh. So good.
What Inspires Me Right Now
See above, folks. I'm one of those Five-Year-Planners and a Do-This-This-and-This-Before-a-Certain-Age people and it's making me nuts. But right now, I'm inspired by trying to accomplish things that I've always wanted to do. Putting a time table on it isn't very smart, but it's something.
So. What are YOU up to?
What I'm reading
I think I'm at that point in my edits where I can't be bothered with someone else's story, because I've had no interest in reading books this past week, which is soooo not like me. Although, late last week I read Being Friends with Boys by Terra Elan McVoy, which was a really cute book. I felt like I was left with some unanswered questions and the ending was wrapped up really quickly and I would have liked to dig into that more, but still, super cute. And it nails that whole boyfriends and friends that are boys dilemma that is so common with teen girls.
What I'm Writing
I'm dotting the I's and crossing the T's on my latest edits. A few minor, tiny changes and feedback from betas and I'm all set. Yikes.
What Else I've Been Up To
My ::cough:: 29th ::cough:: birthday is in 91 days. The reason I know this is because I put a countdown clock on my phone with those stressed out little emoticons around the number 29. Now, I'm sure most of you think this sounds like a crazy idea, but I have a plan! If I have to look at the days dwindling down to the big 2-9, then I am much more likely to get my lazy butt back to the gym. And so far it's worked. So working out again is what I've been up to. I'm also maybe, probably making myself crazy, but whatever.
Also, I've become obsessed with the show Twisted on ABCFamily and I've been catching up with that OnDemand. Ugh. So good.
What Inspires Me Right Now
See above, folks. I'm one of those Five-Year-Planners and a Do-This-This-and-This-Before-a-Certain-Age people and it's making me nuts. But right now, I'm inspired by trying to accomplish things that I've always wanted to do. Putting a time table on it isn't very smart, but it's something.
So. What are YOU up to?
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
What's Up Wednesday
What’s Up Wednesday is a weekly meme started by Jaime Morrow and Erin Funk that allows us to touch base with blog friends and let them know what’s up.
What I'm reading
You guys. I read SPEECHLESS by Hannah Harrington last week after seeing the cover while shopping in my favorite bookstore and I HAD to read it. I mean, look at it! I'm a cover junky anyway, but the crisp whiteness of the book and it's amazing textured pages had me at hello. Luckily, the book totally holds up to the cover. The story is about a girl whose gossip leads to someone almost being killed, so she takes a vow of silence to stop causing trouble and to think before she speaks (or writes on a white board, in her case.) This was just so, so good. Not only did the main character grow on me drastically from the first chapters but her personal growth is so natural and the friends she gains, who connect with her without actually "talking" to her are awesome. I thought it would be weird to have a book told by someone who didn't actually speak but it helped show her thought process even more and the white board was just cute. Ugh. Anyway, go read it, guys. Seriously.
What I'm Writing
E-D-I-T-S. 2013 is the year of editing all the things. But it's cool because seeing a book get better is awesome.
What Else I've Been Up To
I'm on this I-need-to-clean-out-my-closet kick this week and I'm hoping to tackle that tomorrow after I work on edits. I just have so. much. stuff. that I don't wear anymore. I moved to North Carolina with only a car full of belongings and now there's stuff everywhere. It's time to clean house. Or closet. Whatever, same thing.
What Inspires Me Right Now
Other writers. Whether it's reading fun publishing news from people on Twitter whose careers I've been able to follow from the beginning or talented beta readers. Maybe I'm being nerdy but there's kind of this feeling that writers are in this together and I'm inspired by all of them.
Also, I've had so many teenagers come in to where I work and they're holding books and reading while waiting for their parents and it takes everything in me not to hug them. So readers are inspiring me too.
So, what's up with you guys?
What I'm reading
You guys. I read SPEECHLESS by Hannah Harrington last week after seeing the cover while shopping in my favorite bookstore and I HAD to read it. I mean, look at it! I'm a cover junky anyway, but the crisp whiteness of the book and it's amazing textured pages had me at hello. Luckily, the book totally holds up to the cover. The story is about a girl whose gossip leads to someone almost being killed, so she takes a vow of silence to stop causing trouble and to think before she speaks (or writes on a white board, in her case.) This was just so, so good. Not only did the main character grow on me drastically from the first chapters but her personal growth is so natural and the friends she gains, who connect with her without actually "talking" to her are awesome. I thought it would be weird to have a book told by someone who didn't actually speak but it helped show her thought process even more and the white board was just cute. Ugh. Anyway, go read it, guys. Seriously.
What I'm Writing
E-D-I-T-S. 2013 is the year of editing all the things. But it's cool because seeing a book get better is awesome.
What Else I've Been Up To
I'm on this I-need-to-clean-out-my-closet kick this week and I'm hoping to tackle that tomorrow after I work on edits. I just have so. much. stuff. that I don't wear anymore. I moved to North Carolina with only a car full of belongings and now there's stuff everywhere. It's time to clean house. Or closet. Whatever, same thing.
What Inspires Me Right Now
Other writers. Whether it's reading fun publishing news from people on Twitter whose careers I've been able to follow from the beginning or talented beta readers. Maybe I'm being nerdy but there's kind of this feeling that writers are in this together and I'm inspired by all of them.
Also, I've had so many teenagers come in to where I work and they're holding books and reading while waiting for their parents and it takes everything in me not to hug them. So readers are inspiring me too.
So, what's up with you guys?
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
What's Up Wednesday
What’s Up Wednesday is a weekly meme started by Jaime Morrow and Erin Funk that allows us to touch base with blog friends and let them know what’s up.
What I'm reading
So I've actually taken time out to read in the last week or so! Actually, it's more like I had two days off and read two books while I had the time. Yes, I should have worked on edits more but honestly you guys, my brain needed a break. And Abbi Glines heard my call, man. I started reading The Vincent Boys series a month or so ago and since then I've been plowing through Glines book. They are just so readable. I'm finishing the Fallen Too Far series now and it won't be hard. It's almost like you sit down and accidentally read the whole thing in a few hours. So, so readable.
What I'm Writing
Same edits, different week. I'm actually a day out from finishing the first round of edits. I'm just at the end now, so everything I've changed is catching up to me, so this is the hard part. Which is still kind of awesome when you think about it.
What Else I've Been Up To
Work, work and more work. I have a few days off this week, so I'm hoping to not only finish my edits but clean up my apartment. It seriously looks like a group of frat boys live here. I also need to clean out my closet, which is one of my favorite things to do, so hopefully I can put my life back together a little bit this week.
What Inspires Me Right Now
Comic-Con! I've never had the opportunity to go out to Comic-Con in person but I follow it closely -and with as little jealously as I can- every year and this year didn't disappoint. Between all of the Marvel movies, Tom Hiddleston showing up in his full Loki costume, The Veronica Mars movie, Batman joining Superman in the next Man of Steel movie AND the City of Bones panel, I was a teensy bit overwhelmed by all of the awesomeness. But it's also so inspiring to see all of these fun, creative people putting their talents on display. Hopefully, maybe, someday I can actually go and let my nerd flag fly.
So. What are YOU up to?
What I'm reading
So I've actually taken time out to read in the last week or so! Actually, it's more like I had two days off and read two books while I had the time. Yes, I should have worked on edits more but honestly you guys, my brain needed a break. And Abbi Glines heard my call, man. I started reading The Vincent Boys series a month or so ago and since then I've been plowing through Glines book. They are just so readable. I'm finishing the Fallen Too Far series now and it won't be hard. It's almost like you sit down and accidentally read the whole thing in a few hours. So, so readable.
What I'm Writing
Same edits, different week. I'm actually a day out from finishing the first round of edits. I'm just at the end now, so everything I've changed is catching up to me, so this is the hard part. Which is still kind of awesome when you think about it.
What Else I've Been Up To
Work, work and more work. I have a few days off this week, so I'm hoping to not only finish my edits but clean up my apartment. It seriously looks like a group of frat boys live here. I also need to clean out my closet, which is one of my favorite things to do, so hopefully I can put my life back together a little bit this week.
What Inspires Me Right Now
Comic-Con! I've never had the opportunity to go out to Comic-Con in person but I follow it closely -and with as little jealously as I can- every year and this year didn't disappoint. Between all of the Marvel movies, Tom Hiddleston showing up in his full Loki costume, The Veronica Mars movie, Batman joining Superman in the next Man of Steel movie AND the City of Bones panel, I was a teensy bit overwhelmed by all of the awesomeness. But it's also so inspiring to see all of these fun, creative people putting their talents on display. Hopefully, maybe, someday I can actually go and let my nerd flag fly.
So. What are YOU up to?
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
What's Up Wednesday
What’s Up Wednesday is a weekly meme started by Jaime Morrow and Erin Funk that allows us to touch base with blog friends and let them know what’s up.
It's also the best way for me to update what I've been doing because, you guys, my brain is a little broken between a very busy June and edits on MISFITS. I'm hoping July will be a nice relaxing month where I finish the edits and my agent still loves the book. *fingers crossed*
What I'm reading
Sadly, I haven't really had a chance to read in the last few weeks. Between edits and work and traveling to Delaware to visit family, (my new nephew is the cutest boy EVER, by the way) I just haven't had time. When this happens, I'll normally grab a book I've already read a few times and read my favorite scenes, just to have something to read before I fall asleep, but I haven't dug into anything new. I plan to change this very soon.
What I'm Writing
Still working on edits. This is going to be a theme for the rest of the year, just in case you were wondering. I have lots of things to dig through and I'm preeetttty excited about it.
What Else I've Been Up To
As I mentioned above, I went to Delaware to see my family this past week. I got to spend time with my sister, who just moved up into the Vice Principal position at her local elementary school. There is one of my WIPS that I really hope people get to read (okay, I'd like people to read all of them) because I not only named the school principal after my sister but the whole character is based off of her. I also got to watch my niece play softball and she's still not only a great kid but an awesome softball player. And then I saw my new nephew (via best friend, not my sister) and niece, who are so cute it hurts. It's funny that my best friend's kids call me Aunt Brandy but when my real niece was born, I was younger and didn't want to be called Aunt anything because it made me feel old. Go figure.
What Inspires Me Right Now
Music! I've always listened to music while brainstorming. It helps me set the mood for whatever scene is coming up. I can't listen to music while I'm writing though, because it distracts me. Recently, I've been trying to find songs that match up to the feeling I need for big scenes in my current edits, just to help with the punch of emotion I want to deliver. I don't know if it's helping, but I do know that if I hear a certain song on the radio, it makes me want to re-read whatever book I'd matched it up to.
Writing is weird.
It's also the best way for me to update what I've been doing because, you guys, my brain is a little broken between a very busy June and edits on MISFITS. I'm hoping July will be a nice relaxing month where I finish the edits and my agent still loves the book. *fingers crossed*
What I'm reading
Sadly, I haven't really had a chance to read in the last few weeks. Between edits and work and traveling to Delaware to visit family, (my new nephew is the cutest boy EVER, by the way) I just haven't had time. When this happens, I'll normally grab a book I've already read a few times and read my favorite scenes, just to have something to read before I fall asleep, but I haven't dug into anything new. I plan to change this very soon.
What I'm Writing
Still working on edits. This is going to be a theme for the rest of the year, just in case you were wondering. I have lots of things to dig through and I'm preeetttty excited about it.
What Else I've Been Up To
As I mentioned above, I went to Delaware to see my family this past week. I got to spend time with my sister, who just moved up into the Vice Principal position at her local elementary school. There is one of my WIPS that I really hope people get to read (okay, I'd like people to read all of them) because I not only named the school principal after my sister but the whole character is based off of her. I also got to watch my niece play softball and she's still not only a great kid but an awesome softball player. And then I saw my new nephew (via best friend, not my sister) and niece, who are so cute it hurts. It's funny that my best friend's kids call me Aunt Brandy but when my real niece was born, I was younger and didn't want to be called Aunt anything because it made me feel old. Go figure.
What Inspires Me Right Now
Music! I've always listened to music while brainstorming. It helps me set the mood for whatever scene is coming up. I can't listen to music while I'm writing though, because it distracts me. Recently, I've been trying to find songs that match up to the feeling I need for big scenes in my current edits, just to help with the punch of emotion I want to deliver. I don't know if it's helping, but I do know that if I hear a certain song on the radio, it makes me want to re-read whatever book I'd matched it up to.
Writing is weird.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
What's Up Wednesday!
I saw this meme over at the super fantastic Jen Pickrell's blog, and since I literally couldn't think of a single interesting thing to blog about this week, I'm doing it! Also, it's just a really cute way to keep up with that everyone is up to.
What I'm reading
The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines. I take book recommendations very seriously, okay? And when I saw multiple tweets from people who just couldn't quit this series, I knew I had to check it out. I'm just starting the first one but I'm pretty pumped about it.
What I'm Writing
Woe is me. I'm actually editing right now, so I haven't gotten a chance to write anything new. But I want to, and more importantly, I think my soul needs it. Once I get through these edits, I plan on writing something even though I don't know what yet. Remember last week I talked about summer reading? Well, there's also nothing I love more than summer writing. And it is time, my friends.
What Else I've Been Up To
Besides reading over everything I've written, editing and beta reading, nothing much. Work has been busy, as usual. My normal TV shows are all off the air for the summer, although True Blood starts soon and I'm hoping things are better than they were last season.
I think I've mentioned that I'm a huge movie lover, but only when I actually go to the movie theater. It's hard for me to sit on my couch and watch a movie, but I'm still not talking about how many times I went to see The Avengers last year. It's possible I'm the one who made it the biggest movie ever, I'm just saying. But this summer is packed full of good movies. I saw Iron Man 3, which was amazing but not as amazing as Star Trek Into Darkness. In the next few days I'm going to see Now You See Me, which gives me major I-Wish-I'd-Thought-of-That feelings. And then the new Superman comes out!
So, yeah. You'll know where to find me this summer.
What Inspires Me Right Now
Well, my best friend since I was eleven is having her second baby this coming Tuesday. And it's a boy! Her first child is a sassy, amazing little girl and I'm so, so excited to meet this little (not that little, he's almost 7 pounds already and he's still hanging out in there! He'll be showing up via C-section) guy! I'm inspired by my best friend for being so calm in the face of having two kids, because I'm overwhelmed by my two cats. But I'm also inspired to write really good books that these two, along with my niece, (who is 17 and the best kid ever) can read, love and be proud of.
What I'm reading
The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines. I take book recommendations very seriously, okay? And when I saw multiple tweets from people who just couldn't quit this series, I knew I had to check it out. I'm just starting the first one but I'm pretty pumped about it.
What I'm Writing
Woe is me. I'm actually editing right now, so I haven't gotten a chance to write anything new. But I want to, and more importantly, I think my soul needs it. Once I get through these edits, I plan on writing something even though I don't know what yet. Remember last week I talked about summer reading? Well, there's also nothing I love more than summer writing. And it is time, my friends.
What Else I've Been Up To
Besides reading over everything I've written, editing and beta reading, nothing much. Work has been busy, as usual. My normal TV shows are all off the air for the summer, although True Blood starts soon and I'm hoping things are better than they were last season.
I think I've mentioned that I'm a huge movie lover, but only when I actually go to the movie theater. It's hard for me to sit on my couch and watch a movie, but I'm still not talking about how many times I went to see The Avengers last year. It's possible I'm the one who made it the biggest movie ever, I'm just saying. But this summer is packed full of good movies. I saw Iron Man 3, which was amazing but not as amazing as Star Trek Into Darkness. In the next few days I'm going to see Now You See Me, which gives me major I-Wish-I'd-Thought-of-That feelings. And then the new Superman comes out!
So, yeah. You'll know where to find me this summer.
What Inspires Me Right Now
Well, my best friend since I was eleven is having her second baby this coming Tuesday. And it's a boy! Her first child is a sassy, amazing little girl and I'm so, so excited to meet this little (not that little, he's almost 7 pounds already and he's still hanging out in there! He'll be showing up via C-section) guy! I'm inspired by my best friend for being so calm in the face of having two kids, because I'm overwhelmed by my two cats. But I'm also inspired to write really good books that these two, along with my niece, (who is 17 and the best kid ever) can read, love and be proud of.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
I heart books
So, by nature, I'm kind of a private person. I've never been one to tell everyone my life story... well, ever, but much less right when I meet them. I'm also a Scorpio, and that might just explain everything. Either way, word has gotten around at my job that I signed with a literary agent and this has led to questions like, "You write books? What kind of books? Oh, like Twilight? When will your book be out? Can I read it?" To which I answer, "Yes. Young Adult. Not so much. No clue, and maybe someday."
Of course, this has also led to me recommending YA books that everyone should read, talking more about books in general and basically opening up the Library of Brandy to get them started. Last week, my boss (who, I just found out, LOVES to read) said that she didn't understand why it had taken so long to see this side of me and that she wished she'd seen it sooner. She also called me weird (in a good way) because my voice did that squeaky, geeking out thing that happens when I talk about books I really love.
I think most of the reason I don't tell people I write books is exactly because of all of those questions that I know will follow. But I've also realized that by me not telling people, they're never really getting to know me. For instance, if I had to list my favorite things to do, the top 3 would be: Write, Read and Talk About Books. Now that I'm thinking about it, I have no idea what I've been talking to people about.
I guess there's no better time like the present to open up a little, since hopefully someday soon lots of people will not only know I write book but will also have the chance to read them. Maybe by the time that happens, I can get over the whole awkward, squeaky voice thing, because it's kind of embarrassing.
In other news: I'm diving into my TBR pile. While other people love to head outside when the weather heats up, I get a nostalgic feelings for summer reading. There's nothing like my couch, a good book and air conditioning!
Of course, this has also led to me recommending YA books that everyone should read, talking more about books in general and basically opening up the Library of Brandy to get them started. Last week, my boss (who, I just found out, LOVES to read) said that she didn't understand why it had taken so long to see this side of me and that she wished she'd seen it sooner. She also called me weird (in a good way) because my voice did that squeaky, geeking out thing that happens when I talk about books I really love.
I think most of the reason I don't tell people I write books is exactly because of all of those questions that I know will follow. But I've also realized that by me not telling people, they're never really getting to know me. For instance, if I had to list my favorite things to do, the top 3 would be: Write, Read and Talk About Books. Now that I'm thinking about it, I have no idea what I've been talking to people about.
I guess there's no better time like the present to open up a little, since hopefully someday soon lots of people will not only know I write book but will also have the chance to read them. Maybe by the time that happens, I can get over the whole awkward, squeaky voice thing, because it's kind of embarrassing.
In other news: I'm diving into my TBR pile. While other people love to head outside when the weather heats up, I get a nostalgic feelings for summer reading. There's nothing like my couch, a good book and air conditioning!
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Books, self-doubt and other things I'm dealing with this week.
I really wish I was the kind of writer who so fully believes in themselves that they hand over their books for people to read and say, "I wrote this, you'll love it." Instead, I fall into the category of writer who tells people I'll let them read it and then I put it off for as long as possible. And then when I do finally give in, I make sure I don't have to see them for a while, so I don't have be face-to-face with someone who may hate my book. It's an on-going joke with everyone I know that when my books are (fingers crossed!) published, I'll be hiding under my bed.
I mean, I love my books, and obviously I thought they were pretty okay enough to query agents and now I actually have one, but oddly, this has done nothing to squelch the self-doubt that I usually deal with. For instance, I've been reading through older WIPS because my agent wants to see them and multiple times this week, I've been positive that she'll read them and be all, "Now that I've thought about this, I've changed my mind."
I was smiling while reading an e-mail the other day and my mom saw me and asked why I looked like a crazy person smiling at my phone. My answer? My agent had just e-mailed me back, and obviously still wanted to work with me because of the e-mailing.
I'm not joking, guys. This is my life.
I'm not saying it hasn't been very life-affirming to have someone love my books as much as I do and to believe that I have enough talent to want to work with me long-term, but when does the self-doubt stop? Or does it? Are all writers just really fragile?
I bet it doesn't. I bet we are. Good grief.
So anyway, this is the glamorous life of someone who just signed with an amazing agent! Which, by the way, I'm still super, super excited about. Don't let all of the self-doubt whining fool you, I'm pumped. I'm just also nervous. Hopefully it's normal. If not, well... I don't know.
In other news, I'm reading REBOOT by Amy Tintera and GOOD LORD, is that book good. I'm hoping to finish it today because I have to work all weekend. It definitely gives me jealous I-wish-I'd-thought-of-that feelings, but it's so good that I'm not sure I could have done it better. It's a must-read, so go ahead and add it to your TBR pile!
Okay, that's it. Feel free to leave comments about your self-doubt to make me feel normal. Don't be shy!
I mean, I love my books, and obviously I thought they were pretty okay enough to query agents and now I actually have one, but oddly, this has done nothing to squelch the self-doubt that I usually deal with. For instance, I've been reading through older WIPS because my agent wants to see them and multiple times this week, I've been positive that she'll read them and be all, "Now that I've thought about this, I've changed my mind."
I was smiling while reading an e-mail the other day and my mom saw me and asked why I looked like a crazy person smiling at my phone. My answer? My agent had just e-mailed me back, and obviously still wanted to work with me because of the e-mailing.
I'm not joking, guys. This is my life.
I'm not saying it hasn't been very life-affirming to have someone love my books as much as I do and to believe that I have enough talent to want to work with me long-term, but when does the self-doubt stop? Or does it? Are all writers just really fragile?
I bet it doesn't. I bet we are. Good grief.
So anyway, this is the glamorous life of someone who just signed with an amazing agent! Which, by the way, I'm still super, super excited about. Don't let all of the self-doubt whining fool you, I'm pumped. I'm just also nervous. Hopefully it's normal. If not, well... I don't know.
In other news, I'm reading REBOOT by Amy Tintera and GOOD LORD, is that book good. I'm hoping to finish it today because I have to work all weekend. It definitely gives me jealous I-wish-I'd-thought-of-that feelings, but it's so good that I'm not sure I could have done it better. It's a must-read, so go ahead and add it to your TBR pile!
Okay, that's it. Feel free to leave comments about your self-doubt to make me feel normal. Don't be shy!
Friday, May 17, 2013
An Agent Story
You know how sometimes you research an agent and you see something, just a little something, that makes you think, "We could be good together!"? Well, I thought that a few months ago, when I found the bio of Becca Stumpf at Prospect Agency. It was this one line in her bio that said, "Fantasy/SciFi is not just for nerds anymore, so let's bring it to the masses!" Of course, I'm 100 percent nerd, but I'm the kind of nerd that's constantly trying to get people to come see the next Marvel movie with me, not just because they're awesome, but so I can enlighten them. Know what I mean?
So anyway, I felt that I could really get on board with the whole bringing Fantasy/SciFi to the masses with MISFITS, so I crossed my fingers and sent the query. Well, guess what guys??? I am now represented by the amazingly bright, helpful and fun Becca Stumpf!
It was a big decision and I had some other things going on, but one phone call with Becca sealed the deal. Number one, she's really knowledgeable, great to talk to and she loves MISFITS -and let me tell you- I've been waiting a loooong time for that! Number two, she laughs a lot and makes me want to sit and have coffee with her just to talk about books and other fun things. But also, I really feel good about working with her. I think we're really on the same page about my books and my career, not to mention that right when I logged on to my e-mail to tell her I wanted to work with her, she e-mailed me to check in. Like, at the very same time.
I'm not one to talk about fate or anything... but come on!
So now it's time to get to work. I'm excited and a little (a lot) overwhelmed, but I'm ready. Also, anything that can be documented will totally be documented here. To show people what it's like, of course, but also to serve as proof that this is actually, finally happening.
So my last post about queries and how hard it is? Totally true, but please don't give up. Seriously, just don't, okay? Okay.
So anyway, I felt that I could really get on board with the whole bringing Fantasy/SciFi to the masses with MISFITS, so I crossed my fingers and sent the query. Well, guess what guys??? I am now represented by the amazingly bright, helpful and fun Becca Stumpf!
It was a big decision and I had some other things going on, but one phone call with Becca sealed the deal. Number one, she's really knowledgeable, great to talk to and she loves MISFITS -and let me tell you- I've been waiting a loooong time for that! Number two, she laughs a lot and makes me want to sit and have coffee with her just to talk about books and other fun things. But also, I really feel good about working with her. I think we're really on the same page about my books and my career, not to mention that right when I logged on to my e-mail to tell her I wanted to work with her, she e-mailed me to check in. Like, at the very same time.
I'm not one to talk about fate or anything... but come on!
So now it's time to get to work. I'm excited and a little (a lot) overwhelmed, but I'm ready. Also, anything that can be documented will totally be documented here. To show people what it's like, of course, but also to serve as proof that this is actually, finally happening.
So my last post about queries and how hard it is? Totally true, but please don't give up. Seriously, just don't, okay? Okay.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
On Queries...
Querying is weird, okay? Let's just get that out of the way. I've been thinking about this since I wrote an e-mail to the Super Amazing Beta and Human Jennifer Pickrell in which I was whining complaining updating her on my query situation, and I finally decided I needed to get it out.
Querying is weird and hard and awesome and the most hopeful and devastating thing a writer can do. It's the time where we all at once decide that we've written something good enough for an agent to read and also when we know that we're horrible writers who deserve all of those rejections. It's just weird.
And yet, here we are, years, months and days into this torture because we want somebody to love the voices in our heads that fought to get out as much as we do. Weird.
I can remember my first partial request and my first full request. I also remember my first rejection. I like to think of myself now as a seasoned querier who lets rejection roll off her back like a duck with water... unless I get a few in a row, because then I know I've been fooling myself with the years I've put into writing. Of course, two days after I decide to quit and join a circus or something, I get a full request and I remember that there might, just maybe, be some skill left in me, and so what do I do?
I send out more queries.
I'm actually querying two books right now, which is a little weird and involves a lot of organization and e-mail folders, but I'm getting good feedback, despite still getting rejections right along with it. I've decided with these though, and especially MISFITS because there has been more interest in it than any other book I've written, that I'm not going to give up on it. I've got a Touch 'Em All mentality with this book that I'm going to send it out to every single agent that will read it (within their guidelines, obviously) and I just have to put up with all of those rejections until someone loves it.
In the past, I feel like I've given up pretty quickly because, let's face it, rejections suck. And it's very easy to get beaten up by all of them and assume that since X number of agents didn't like it, no one will. I'm not going to do that this time, so at least I'll know I've done everything I can to find the person who loves my books before I move on.
In the meantime, I'll keep writing, which is actually the most blissful thing I do on a daily basis, and also querying. Because I like weird, apparently.
Anybody else out there need to vent? Go for it.
Querying is weird and hard and awesome and the most hopeful and devastating thing a writer can do. It's the time where we all at once decide that we've written something good enough for an agent to read and also when we know that we're horrible writers who deserve all of those rejections. It's just weird.
And yet, here we are, years, months and days into this torture because we want somebody to love the voices in our heads that fought to get out as much as we do. Weird.
I can remember my first partial request and my first full request. I also remember my first rejection. I like to think of myself now as a seasoned querier who lets rejection roll off her back like a duck with water... unless I get a few in a row, because then I know I've been fooling myself with the years I've put into writing. Of course, two days after I decide to quit and join a circus or something, I get a full request and I remember that there might, just maybe, be some skill left in me, and so what do I do?
I send out more queries.
I'm actually querying two books right now, which is a little weird and involves a lot of organization and e-mail folders, but I'm getting good feedback, despite still getting rejections right along with it. I've decided with these though, and especially MISFITS because there has been more interest in it than any other book I've written, that I'm not going to give up on it. I've got a Touch 'Em All mentality with this book that I'm going to send it out to every single agent that will read it (within their guidelines, obviously) and I just have to put up with all of those rejections until someone loves it.
In the past, I feel like I've given up pretty quickly because, let's face it, rejections suck. And it's very easy to get beaten up by all of them and assume that since X number of agents didn't like it, no one will. I'm not going to do that this time, so at least I'll know I've done everything I can to find the person who loves my books before I move on.
In the meantime, I'll keep writing, which is actually the most blissful thing I do on a daily basis, and also querying. Because I like weird, apparently.
Anybody else out there need to vent? Go for it.
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