Hey everyone...
Hope ya'll have been having a great Christmas!
Christmas this year put me in mind of a few videos that i just wanted to share:
Yup. I love this guy.
Here's some holiday cheer
For you this year! (Yep, that's my pitiful excuse for rhyming.)
Merry Christmas!
Also, I forgot to add... this year my absolute fav gift this year was from my mom.
AND AUTOGRAPHED NOTE FROM WENDY MASS, the best author of all time!
Fantastic, no?
So anyways, I hope that Christ has been in your Christmas this year and have a fantastic rest of the day!
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Wow! NaNoWriMo Epicness
So, whoa, NaNo's over and I am writed-out.
It was epic.
And I am SO glad it's over!
At 30,337 words, I barely made it! At least I got to put in my word count... I had some buddies who didn't 'win' because they didn't validate in time. :( So sad. But I am DONE, D-O-N-E done. At least, with NaNoWriMo, not my novel, The Supreme Lord. Here's the cover an awesome someone did for me on NaNo's original site:
Fantastic, no?
Anyways, I have about 20k to go... wish me luck and so so sorry I've been neglecting you!
Peace out,
The Writeress
PS As an afternote, just wanted to direct readers to my charrie shop, where I'm drawing pencil sketches of Wrimo users' characters. sketchwriteress.blogspot.com
It was epic.
And I am SO glad it's over!
At 30,337 words, I barely made it! At least I got to put in my word count... I had some buddies who didn't 'win' because they didn't validate in time. :( So sad. But I am DONE, D-O-N-E done. At least, with NaNoWriMo, not my novel, The Supreme Lord. Here's the cover an awesome someone did for me on NaNo's original site:
Fantastic, no?
Anyways, I have about 20k to go... wish me luck and so so sorry I've been neglecting you!
Peace out,
The Writeress
PS As an afternote, just wanted to direct readers to my charrie shop, where I'm drawing pencil sketches of Wrimo users' characters. sketchwriteress.blogspot.com
Friday, November 25, 2011
Back so soon?
Wow, guys, it's been a long time... Sorry to my dedicated fans (meaning myself. Ha, ha).
So I'm pretty sure I owe you guys at least six book reviews, at least 8 random posts, and who knows how many writing prompts (I might ditch that last one, or I might just steal one from Gail Carson Levine each week). But for now I'll just apologize and tell ya'll what's going on in my little writing bubble right now...
As you all know, I'm participating in NaNoWriMo this year, and my current word count is 23,378. I'm trying to get to 30,000, so I have a little ways to go... and all the writing my novel, posting on forums, and NaNoMail/email is keeping me from blogging. But here's a little glimpse on the genres I am trying to shove myself into...
Fantasy: Untitled (Robin and Elias's story), The Pen, Flygirl, Untitled (Maris's story)
Sci-Fi: The Supreme Lord (my NaNo-Novel), Drowned
Juvenile: Camp Kidnapped
Children's literature: Lizzie's Christmas Tree, Patience
Realistic fiction: Untitled (Damien's story)
Fan fiction: Something with Maximum Ride
Religious: Blessing
So if anyone wants a synopsis, I'd be happy to give it to ya. Right now, only Camp Kidnapped is finished, and I'm working on The Supreme Lord right now.
So, thanks, guys, and ciao!!
So I'm pretty sure I owe you guys at least six book reviews, at least 8 random posts, and who knows how many writing prompts (I might ditch that last one, or I might just steal one from Gail Carson Levine each week). But for now I'll just apologize and tell ya'll what's going on in my little writing bubble right now...
As you all know, I'm participating in NaNoWriMo this year, and my current word count is 23,378. I'm trying to get to 30,000, so I have a little ways to go... and all the writing my novel, posting on forums, and NaNoMail/email is keeping me from blogging. But here's a little glimpse on the genres I am trying to shove myself into...
Fantasy: Untitled (Robin and Elias's story), The Pen, Flygirl, Untitled (Maris's story)
Sci-Fi: The Supreme Lord (my NaNo-Novel), Drowned
Juvenile: Camp Kidnapped
Children's literature: Lizzie's Christmas Tree, Patience
Realistic fiction: Untitled (Damien's story)
Fan fiction: Something with Maximum Ride
Religious: Blessing
So if anyone wants a synopsis, I'd be happy to give it to ya. Right now, only Camp Kidnapped is finished, and I'm working on The Supreme Lord right now.
So, thanks, guys, and ciao!!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
"What day is it?!" Christmas
Are you wondering what day it is? Well, if you said Wednesday, you're half right! It's.... (drumroll, please) WRITING-PROMPT WEDNESDAY!!!!!!!!
Okay, today's soundtrack is Christmas music. The real jazzy kind. Pick up some Vince Guaraldi or Erin O'Donnell. Now reach back WAYYYYYYYY into your memory files in your mind and glean out your earliest Christmas memory. Mine is strange, but I'll share it with you.
I was 6? 7? 8? Don't know. But that was one of the only Christmases my grandparents from Florida had come to visit us, and I got sick. I don't remember any of my gifts or the giving process, Christmas dinner or anything, but I do remember playing Monopoly with my grandma by our back door.. There was snow outside, but I couldn't play because I was sick. But I did have fun playing Monopoly on our old ripped-up card table. I had a drink of that nasty stuff, Airborne, in a bright pink plastic cup, sitting on the floor next to my chair. That's all I remember.
Could you make a story out of that? I think I could. Add a little anticipation, a shattering realization, then a grudging acception. Add a little Christmas music and some snow, and you have a cute little Holiday short story with the whole plot roller coaster: set up the scene; the inciting incident; the rising action; the climax; the falling action, and the resolution, just in as many words.
Can you do that with your story? In fact, what was the worst thing that happened to you that Christmas? Make it worse. Best thing? Make it INFINITELY better!
Merry Christmas!
Okay, today's soundtrack is Christmas music. The real jazzy kind. Pick up some Vince Guaraldi or Erin O'Donnell. Now reach back WAYYYYYYYY into your memory files in your mind and glean out your earliest Christmas memory. Mine is strange, but I'll share it with you.
I was 6? 7? 8? Don't know. But that was one of the only Christmases my grandparents from Florida had come to visit us, and I got sick. I don't remember any of my gifts or the giving process, Christmas dinner or anything, but I do remember playing Monopoly with my grandma by our back door.. There was snow outside, but I couldn't play because I was sick. But I did have fun playing Monopoly on our old ripped-up card table. I had a drink of that nasty stuff, Airborne, in a bright pink plastic cup, sitting on the floor next to my chair. That's all I remember.
Could you make a story out of that? I think I could. Add a little anticipation, a shattering realization, then a grudging acception. Add a little Christmas music and some snow, and you have a cute little Holiday short story with the whole plot roller coaster: set up the scene; the inciting incident; the rising action; the climax; the falling action, and the resolution, just in as many words.
Can you do that with your story? In fact, what was the worst thing that happened to you that Christmas? Make it worse. Best thing? Make it INFINITELY better!
Merry Christmas!
Monday, October 10, 2011
The Ginormous, Epic, and otherwise Huge Tag
Okay, I stole this from Jake's blog Teenage Writer, and of course I can't pass up a challenge. So I'm attempting something this huge in 5 minutes, which is all I have until I have to abdicate the computer. Here I go:
1. What’s your word count?
Nothing so far. This is for my soon-to-be NaNo novel.
2. How long until you finish?
We-ll... say the end of November, maybe?
3. If you have finished, how long did it take you?
*see above*
4. Do you have an outline?
Of course!
5. Do you have a plot?
Oh, please. Who plots anyway? I sure don't. Although it is to be admitted that I do let my characters runa away from me.
6. How many words do you typically write a day?
Not including essays/papers/notes/blogging/emails? I'd say... about 10 when I'm in a bad mood, 2500 in a good. (hey, it's happened before.)
7. What was your greatest word count in one day?
Over 2500.
8. What was your least impressive word count in one day?
As in fictional writing? Like, 10. And that's only brainstorming character personalities.
9. What inspired you to write?
Reading. Reading good books. Reading good books by great authors. I think, I want to write like THAT.
10. Does your novel/story have a theme song?Yes. Christmas music.
11. Assign each of your major characters a theme song.
1. Grant. 'Dynamite' Taio Cruz (the clean version)
2. Katherine 'Looking Down' Audiovent
As for Maureen, Hector, and Eugene, I have no clue.
12. Which character is most like you?
Hector. Undoubtably goofy.
13. Which character would you most likely be friends with?
Katherine, but more likely Maureen.
14. Do you have a Gary-Stu or Mary Sue character?
Yes... just to fill in the gaps. I mean they have like one defining characteristic and that's it.
15. Who is your favorite character in your novel?
Eugene. Every chapter he gives you a new excuse for why he doesn't have any eyebrows. I'm not kidding.
16. Have your characters ever done something completely unexpected?
Well, I expected them to, so it's not really unexpected any more, is it?
17. Have you based any of your novel directly on personal experiences?
Of course.
18. Do you believe in plot bunnies?
WHA-- no. Cute little stick men, maybe, but no plot bunnies.
19. Is there magic in your novel/story?
No... more sci-fi-ish.
20. Are any holidays celebrated in your novel/story?
Now that I think of it... I think I'll put in Christmas.
21. Does anyone die?
I think so. I mean, they might come back to life... does that count?
22. How many cups of coffee/tea have you consumed during your writing experience?
I don't drink.
23. What is the latest you have stayed up writing?
11ish?
24. What is the best line?
When I write it, I'll let you know.
25. What is the worst line?
(Spoken to Justin Beiber) Who are you? JK. See above.
26. Have you dreamed about your novel/story or its characters?
For months! I can't wait for NaNo!
27. Does your novel rely heavily on allegory?
??
28. Summarize your novel/story in under fifteen words.
Katherine helps Grant play sports. Field blows up. Grant missing. Alien abductors. Bring him home!
29. Do you love all your characters?
I must. Even when it goes against my nature, I must.
30. Have you done something sadistic or cruel to your characters specifically to increase your word count?
Well, only to the good guys.
31. What was the last thing your main character ate?
Guacamole. I'm just kidding. I have no clue.
32. Describe your main character in three words.
Pretty. Christian. Passionate.
33. What would your antagonist dress up as for Halloween?
Justin Bieber. LOL I think he's the only one scarier than the evil guy.
34. Does anyone in your story go to a place of worship?
Yup, a church.
35. How many romantic relationships take place in your novel/story?
Lots.
36. Are there any explosions in your novel/story?
Why wouldn't there be?
37. Is there an apocalypse in your novel/story?
Maybe. They'll have to live through this to see.
38. Does your novel take place in a post-apocalyptic world?
No.
39. Are there zombies, vampires or werewolves in your novel/story?
That's for hack writers, which, I really hope, I am not.
40. Are there witches, wizards or mythological creatures/figures in your novel/story?
No. Robots, yes. Aliens, yes. Evil burritos... did you think I was going to say yes?!
41. Is anyone reincarnated?
Maybe. >:)
42. Is anyone physically ailed?
Yes.
43. Is anyone mentally ill?
Possibly. Isn't every antagonist at the core, though?
44. Does anyone have swine flu?
No, but one may have mad cow. If I'm feeling cruel enough.
45. Who has pets in your novel and what are they?
Rabid sheep! And stickdogs. Just kidding. Only rabid sheep.
46. Are there angels, demons, or any religious references/figures in your novel/story?
Yes.
47. How about political figures?
Well, someone wants to rule the universe... that may count. But other than that, it's a free country. (Ha. Ha.)
48. Is there incessant drinking?
Why would there be?
49. Are there board games? If so, which ones?
Oh yeah! Monopoly and Uno.
50. Are there any dream sequences?
No.
51. Is there humor?
Maybe. If you have a really twisted sense of humor and enjoy watching people die/get attacked by sheep & dying chickens/thrown through a Portal for eternity.
52. Is there tragedy?
Yes, but it has a happy ending. In my terms.
53. Does anyone have a temper tantrum?
Yes.
54. How many characters end up single at the end of your novel/story?
Everyone. They're not that old, you know.
55. Is anyone in your novel/story adopted?
Yes.
56. Does anyone in your novel/story wear glasses?
Yes. Hector!
57. Has your novel/story provided insight about your life?
Maybe. I need to analyze it more.
58. Your personality?
A tad... okay, guilty as charged. It has a plethura of what I wish my personality could be.
59. Has your novel/story inspired anyone?
Not yet...
60. How many people have asked to read your novel/story?
I'm sure all the editors in NYC will want it... after I start it, that is.
61. Have you drawn any of your characters?
Yes.
62. Has anyone drawn your characters for you?
No.
63. Does anyone vomit in your novel/story?
No.
64. Does anyone bleed in your novel/story?
Yes.
65. Do any of your characters watch TV?
They watch holographs, people. Not TV. That's a thing of the past.
66. What size shoe does your main character wear?
Size 11. I gave her big feet, after me. :)
67. Do any of the characters in your novel/story use a computer?
All the time.
68. How would you react if your novel/story was erased entirely?
Well, if it was done, FREAK. OUT. Then start a new one. If it wasn't anywhere near finished, maybe start it over. It'd be better, for sure.
69. Did you cry at killing off any of your characters?
I might. I'm keeping Kleenexes with me just in case.
70. Did you cheer when killing off one of your characters?
I could, perchance.
71. What advice would you give to a fellow writer?
Read and try to write like the authors.
72. Describe your ending in three words.
Happy. Romantic. Dying chickens. (Oh, wait, that's four.)
73. Are there any love triangles, squares, hexagons, etc.?
A quadrahedran, for sure.
74. On a scale of 1-10 (1 being the least stressful, 10 being the most) how does your stress rank?
At what? Writing? When I want to, 1. When I don't want to, 10. Seriously, guys?
75. Was it worth it?
It always is.
Yay! Done! IN YOUR FACE!! I challenge anyone else to attempt THIS bad boy. By the way, I did not finish in 5 minutes. It took way longer. Wayyyyyyy longer. Who cares? :)
By the way, thanks for reading. Have some cake. (This cake is not a lie, it's the truth.)
1. What’s your word count?
Nothing so far. This is for my soon-to-be NaNo novel.
2. How long until you finish?
We-ll... say the end of November, maybe?
3. If you have finished, how long did it take you?
*see above*
4. Do you have an outline?
Of course!
5. Do you have a plot?
Oh, please. Who plots anyway? I sure don't. Although it is to be admitted that I do let my characters runa away from me.
6. How many words do you typically write a day?
Not including essays/papers/notes/blogging/emails? I'd say... about 10 when I'm in a bad mood, 2500 in a good. (hey, it's happened before.)
7. What was your greatest word count in one day?
Over 2500.
8. What was your least impressive word count in one day?
As in fictional writing? Like, 10. And that's only brainstorming character personalities.
9. What inspired you to write?
Reading. Reading good books. Reading good books by great authors. I think, I want to write like THAT.
10. Does your novel/story have a theme song?Yes. Christmas music.
11. Assign each of your major characters a theme song.
1. Grant. 'Dynamite' Taio Cruz (the clean version)
2. Katherine 'Looking Down' Audiovent
As for Maureen, Hector, and Eugene, I have no clue.
12. Which character is most like you?
Hector. Undoubtably goofy.
13. Which character would you most likely be friends with?
Katherine, but more likely Maureen.
14. Do you have a Gary-Stu or Mary Sue character?
Yes... just to fill in the gaps. I mean they have like one defining characteristic and that's it.
15. Who is your favorite character in your novel?
Eugene. Every chapter he gives you a new excuse for why he doesn't have any eyebrows. I'm not kidding.
16. Have your characters ever done something completely unexpected?
Well, I expected them to, so it's not really unexpected any more, is it?
17. Have you based any of your novel directly on personal experiences?
Of course.
18. Do you believe in plot bunnies?
WHA-- no. Cute little stick men, maybe, but no plot bunnies.
19. Is there magic in your novel/story?
No... more sci-fi-ish.
20. Are any holidays celebrated in your novel/story?
Now that I think of it... I think I'll put in Christmas.
21. Does anyone die?
I think so. I mean, they might come back to life... does that count?
22. How many cups of coffee/tea have you consumed during your writing experience?
I don't drink.
23. What is the latest you have stayed up writing?
11ish?
24. What is the best line?
When I write it, I'll let you know.
25. What is the worst line?
(Spoken to Justin Beiber) Who are you? JK. See above.
26. Have you dreamed about your novel/story or its characters?
For months! I can't wait for NaNo!
27. Does your novel rely heavily on allegory?
??
28. Summarize your novel/story in under fifteen words.
Katherine helps Grant play sports. Field blows up. Grant missing. Alien abductors. Bring him home!
29. Do you love all your characters?
I must. Even when it goes against my nature, I must.
30. Have you done something sadistic or cruel to your characters specifically to increase your word count?
Well, only to the good guys.
31. What was the last thing your main character ate?
Guacamole. I'm just kidding. I have no clue.
32. Describe your main character in three words.
Pretty. Christian. Passionate.
33. What would your antagonist dress up as for Halloween?
Justin Bieber. LOL I think he's the only one scarier than the evil guy.
34. Does anyone in your story go to a place of worship?
Yup, a church.
35. How many romantic relationships take place in your novel/story?
Lots.
36. Are there any explosions in your novel/story?
Why wouldn't there be?
37. Is there an apocalypse in your novel/story?
Maybe. They'll have to live through this to see.
38. Does your novel take place in a post-apocalyptic world?
No.
39. Are there zombies, vampires or werewolves in your novel/story?
That's for hack writers, which, I really hope, I am not.
40. Are there witches, wizards or mythological creatures/figures in your novel/story?
No. Robots, yes. Aliens, yes. Evil burritos... did you think I was going to say yes?!
41. Is anyone reincarnated?
Maybe. >:)
42. Is anyone physically ailed?
Yes.
43. Is anyone mentally ill?
Possibly. Isn't every antagonist at the core, though?
44. Does anyone have swine flu?
No, but one may have mad cow. If I'm feeling cruel enough.
45. Who has pets in your novel and what are they?
Rabid sheep! And stickdogs. Just kidding. Only rabid sheep.
46. Are there angels, demons, or any religious references/figures in your novel/story?
Yes.
47. How about political figures?
Well, someone wants to rule the universe... that may count. But other than that, it's a free country. (Ha. Ha.)
48. Is there incessant drinking?
Why would there be?
49. Are there board games? If so, which ones?
Oh yeah! Monopoly and Uno.
50. Are there any dream sequences?
No.
51. Is there humor?
Maybe. If you have a really twisted sense of humor and enjoy watching people die/get attacked by sheep & dying chickens/thrown through a Portal for eternity.
52. Is there tragedy?
Yes, but it has a happy ending. In my terms.
53. Does anyone have a temper tantrum?
Yes.
54. How many characters end up single at the end of your novel/story?
Everyone. They're not that old, you know.
55. Is anyone in your novel/story adopted?
Yes.
56. Does anyone in your novel/story wear glasses?
Yes. Hector!
57. Has your novel/story provided insight about your life?
Maybe. I need to analyze it more.
58. Your personality?
A tad... okay, guilty as charged. It has a plethura of what I wish my personality could be.
59. Has your novel/story inspired anyone?
Not yet...
60. How many people have asked to read your novel/story?
I'm sure all the editors in NYC will want it... after I start it, that is.
61. Have you drawn any of your characters?
Yes.
62. Has anyone drawn your characters for you?
No.
63. Does anyone vomit in your novel/story?
No.
64. Does anyone bleed in your novel/story?
Yes.
65. Do any of your characters watch TV?
They watch holographs, people. Not TV. That's a thing of the past.
66. What size shoe does your main character wear?
Size 11. I gave her big feet, after me. :)
67. Do any of the characters in your novel/story use a computer?
All the time.
68. How would you react if your novel/story was erased entirely?
Well, if it was done, FREAK. OUT. Then start a new one. If it wasn't anywhere near finished, maybe start it over. It'd be better, for sure.
69. Did you cry at killing off any of your characters?
I might. I'm keeping Kleenexes with me just in case.
70. Did you cheer when killing off one of your characters?
I could, perchance.
71. What advice would you give to a fellow writer?
Read and try to write like the authors.
72. Describe your ending in three words.
Happy. Romantic. Dying chickens. (Oh, wait, that's four.)
73. Are there any love triangles, squares, hexagons, etc.?
A quadrahedran, for sure.
74. On a scale of 1-10 (1 being the least stressful, 10 being the most) how does your stress rank?
At what? Writing? When I want to, 1. When I don't want to, 10. Seriously, guys?
75. Was it worth it?
It always is.
Yay! Done! IN YOUR FACE!! I challenge anyone else to attempt THIS bad boy. By the way, I did not finish in 5 minutes. It took way longer. Wayyyyyyy longer. Who cares? :)
By the way, thanks for reading. Have some cake. (This cake is not a lie, it's the truth.)
Book Review: The Mysterious Benedict Society
TITLE: The Mysterious Benedict Society
AUTHOR: Trenton Lee Stewart
READING LEVEL: 9-12
PAGES: 512
SYNOPSIS: "'Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?' When this peculiar ad appears in the newspaper, dozens of children enroll to take a series of mysterious mind-bending tests. But in the end just four very special children will succeed. Their challenge: to go on a secret mission that only the most resourceful children could complete. With their newfound friendship at stake, will they be able to pass the most important test of all?"
Okay, I admit that at first I had a bit of trepidation at reading this, giving the not-interesting-to-me title and LENGTH. But once I got started, I couldn't put it down! It has a plot that draws you right in, well-rounded characters, and suspense till the end. I've already finished the 2nd book in the series, The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey, and I'm anxiously awaiting the 3rd! I highly recommend this book, if you have the time to finish it.
My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars!
Friday, October 7, 2011
NaNoWriMo is almost here!
I am SO FREAKIN' EXCITED! My username is The Writeress on ywp.nanowrimo.org, and I am always open to new members!
Go to my page to read my story 'seed'. Actually, I'll just post it right here.
Well, there's this guy named Grant... and this girl named Katherine (or Coach, as she is affectionately called), then this pyromaniac named Hector? Howard? Not sure yet. then there's this villainous teacher named... ideas?! Anyone?! And something witty, please. I am open for comments. :) Then there's another girl named Maureen (or Maurice? I need help, people!) who has a crush on Grant, only Grant is dating the popular girl you is actually only an evil supervillain who is a... um... robot. Her name is... ideas? Katherine has this weird 'gift' that she can very easily pre-think-out game plans for the high school's sport, Baddock. She transmits the plans to Grant through an earpiece. Until one day her game-planning goes wrong, and the field blows up and Grant goes missing. But he's not dead. Oh, no. The evil teacher and girl have taken him, because they believe he is an.... DUM DUM DUMMMM.... ALIEN!!! Oh, yes! Oh yeah, there's also going to be a lot of books, Portal guns, stick men, insane people floating through space, giant turtles, and I plan to use every single 'I Dare You' NaNo writing tip there is. Oh, yes. It will be EPIC. And hopefully humorous. You'll have to let me know.
Anyone else counting down to NaNo? Give a shout-out here!
Monday, October 3, 2011
Welcome...
Welcome to my blog! From henceforth on, Mondays shall be "Random Post Days", Wednesday shall be "Writing Prompt Days", and Saturdays shall be "Book Review Days". Thanks for reading my blog, and enjoy!
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