tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48310331422753649402024-03-05T12:31:09.398+00:00The Writing CocoonWhen all else fails, go back to writing.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09978176432357891953noreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831033142275364940.post-52893264782314671622013-06-05T20:52:00.001+01:002013-06-05T20:52:47.549+01:00The Devil Has Eight Legs - A (True) Horror Story<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Posted by Jennifer Baylor at <a href="http://writingcocoon.blogspot.com/">The Writing Cocoon</a>. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Filed under "Random Musings" and "Travel Stories"</span></i></span><br />
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<i><b>Warning: Contains mild, spider-induced foul language and descriptions of creepy spider snafus. Discretion advised.</b> </i><br />
<br />
Spiders. Arachnids. Little eight-legged creatures. There are <a href="http://animal.discovery.com/animal-facts/insects-on-earth1.htm" target="_blank">approximately 2 billion creepy-crawly insects on earth per each human being</a>, probably more, so why is it that so many people have issues with spiders,* in particular? People like me.<br />
<br />
I hate spiders; they set my teeth on edge. At the sight of them, my lip curls and icy cold shivers run up and down my spine. There's a ridiculous dance I do when I discover another eight-legged roommate. It involves weird jerks and stomping and usually a shrill shriek. I'm not proud. <br />
<br />
I remember a childhood summer in Oklahoma, visiting family and camping around Lake Tenkiller. On a hike, one afternoon, we came across a tarantula on the pathway, swear-to-god it was the size of a softball. I froze in place, it stopped to face us. My cousin threw a rock at it, but all that did was piss it off. It reared back on four legs, front legs waving menacingly, and it <i>hissed</i>. The others wanted to go around it, but I refused. Hell no! I stood there waiting patiently in the sizzling Oklahoma sun, and I let that bastard cross the path in its own damn time. <br />
<br />
Then, fast-forward a few decades, and I've moved to the UK, a spider's paradise, because here, in Great Britain, they don't kill spiders. Uh-uh. The English people I know run around with cereal bowls and slips of paper, and they try to catch the little beasts so they can go out into their gardens and let those crawly denizens of hell go!<br />
<br />
I first witnessed this in one of my Spanish classes, at the local university. I caught sight of some speck or debris floating in the air in my peripheral vision. Before I even turned my head, I knew - it was a sneak attack, an aerial invasion. It was a spider sliding down on a silky line. <i>Along came a spider, </i>I thought, then I jumped up and screamed.<br />
<br />
A dozen or so English faces eyed me with a mixture of disgust and amusement as the teacher grabbed the silk spider thread and used it to ferry the spider out a window. I choked back a dry-heave as she wiped a stubborn bit of spiderweb on her skirt. In a shaky voice, I asked my classmate to my left, "Why didn't she just kill it?" and she looked at me as if I'd farted loudly in church.<br />
<br />
Later that day, I recounted my close encounter to my English buddy James**, hoping for some local insight into this strange behavior. James informed me that English people don't kill spiders indoors as it is considered bad luck. He then told me the most horrific story I've ever heard. This is my version (paraphrased from memory) of what he told me:<br />
<br />
<i>I was on holiday, far away from the tourist scene, staying in a small hotel in rural Mexico. It was a small stucco building in the Spanish style, and I'd just checked into my room after a long and hot journey. All I wanted to do was take a cool shower and put on a clean shirt, but as I sat on the edge of the bed, I noticed something fuzzy scurry across the floor. Great, I thought, a mouse. But, as it moved from shadow to light and back to shadow, I caught a glimpse of too many legs. At least, too many legs for a mouse.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Well, that's a relief, I thought. Not a mouse at all, but a spider. I looked around the room for something to scoop it up with, but all I could find in the sparse room was a half sheet of laminated paper with instructions for making local and international phone calls. It would have to do.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Armed with my small rectangle of paper, I approached the spider. Now it was facing me, backed into a corner. As I approached, I began to think twice about my spider-retrieval plan. The spider was too big for the laminated paper and it certainly wouldn't hold the spider's weight. Furthermore, I'd have to to keep the spider from leaping off the paper, and I didn't want to squash it with my hand.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>On a small table in the hallway outside my room there had been a small, decorative bowl, about the size of a large cereal bowl. That would be perfect. I'd plop the bowl over the spider, then slide the paper under the bowl and spider to keep it tucked safely inside for relocation.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>A few seconds later and I was back in the room, bowl and paper at the ready. But, the spider was gone. Damn. I looked around for several minutes, under the corner table and beneath the tattered luggage rack. I looked under the bed. Nothing. I thought perhaps it had followed me out, escaped when I went for the bowl, but then I caught a flash of motion out of the corner of my eye, this time, at shoulder height. It was on the wall.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Advancing on my quarry, we were now eye-to-eye (or eye-to-many-eyes). It looked even larger. I hefted the bowl and sized up the spider. The bowl might cover its body, but the legs would be a problem. I tried to hold the bowl over it, to get a better measure, but it waved two legs at me and it hissed. This was something I'd not encountered before, but I was tired and I wanted the whole ordeal over with, so I advanced anyway. Besides, the bowl was my only option.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I lunged at the spider, but it scrambled away and I only managed to slam the bowl against the wall. It was on the move now, and I gave pursuit, lunging and missing until we had moved halfway around the room. I followed it over the bed and across a nightstand. It ran for a small tapestry on the wall and I smacked the bowl against the wall again. This time, I caught its leg and it turned on me and lunged. I shouted and jumped back, alarmed, and dropped the bowl. It shattered into a dozen, useless pieces. The spider hissed once more than ducked under the tapestry, forming a small, darting lump.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Then it hit me - use the tapestry, so I slammed my forearms against the tapestry, trapping the spider in a confined space. Now what? There was only one thing I could do, so I scooped the rough fabric around the spider and yanked it free from the wall. It came away easily (along with a chunk of the wall) in a cloud of loose plaster. I was sweating now, the moisture dripping into my eyes, but I carefully wrapped the spider into a bundle and headed out the door, down the hallway and out to the courtyard.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I burst through the patio doors, red faced, sweating and covered in white plaster and came to a halt. Several men were seated around the patio, sipping drinks, some playing cards. I paid them no mind. I flipped the tapestry open and out flew the spider. It landed in the middle of the patio. Everything stopped for two heartbeats, the spider hissed and every man, without exception, sprung to their feet and ran from the patio. They stopped and cowered just outside the tiny courtyard gate and peered back at the spider. One man shouted something to me in Spanish - it might have been something about poison, I've never been sure. The spider gave one final waggle of its front legs, then scampered away. I didn't bother to see where it went. After giving the tapestry one final shake, I turned on my heel and returned to my room. </i><br />
<br />
<br />
<i><b>* Yes, I know spiders aren't insects. </b></i><br />
<i><b>** Name changed to protect the utterly bonkers. </b></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09978176432357891953noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831033142275364940.post-8488509256549393082013-06-03T09:23:00.000+01:002013-06-03T09:23:08.452+01:00Linkity-Link: News & Noteworthy from the SFF World<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Posted by Jennifer Baylor at <a href="http://writingcocoon.blogspot.com/">The Writing Cocoon</a>. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Filed under "<span style="font-size: x-small;">T<span style="font-size: x-small;">he Sunday Paper: SFF Links</span></span>" </span></i></span><br />
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<h3>
<i><b>Science Fiction (and Science Fact):</b></i></h3>
<br />
For the Science Fiction <b>comic fan</b>: a <a href="http://www.craveonline.com/comics/reviews/508543-science-fiction-gold-from-the-simonkirby-library" target="_blank">full-color, hardbound collection</a> from <b>Simon & Kirby</b>.<br />
<br />
In defense of <b>Tom Cruise and his Sci-Fi movie career</b>: an interesting article, <a href="http://sciencefiction.com/2013/05/29/in-defense-of-tom-cruise/" target="_blank">here</a>. I must confess I have a love-hate relationship with Cruise, myself, and the author makes some good points.<br />
<br />
A <a href="http://twitchfilm.com/2013/05/chile-goes-scifi-with-conexion.html" target="_blank">Science Fiction film from Chile</a> - the trailer looks interesting. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/29/space-elevators-stronger-materials_n_3353697.html" target="_blank">Space Elevators</a>! Going up? <br />
<br />
<b>Scalzi</b>'s fans bring him...buttercream frosting? Love it. Ah, to one day have such fans as <a href="http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/05/27/2921546/sci-fi-authors-words-invite-acclaim.html" target="_blank">these</a>.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b><i>Fantasy:</i></b></h3>
<br />
A nice <a href="http://fantasy-faction.com/2013/ya-science-fiction-fantasy-part-two-from-humble-origins-to-lofty-heights" target="_blank">two-part article</a> from Fantasy Faction on the <b>history of the Fantasy Young Adult genre</b>. If you are a YA fan and/or writer - this is a good one to read. <br />
<br />
A <a href="http://publiclibrariesonline.org/2013/05/women-of-fantasy-fiction-part-three-j-k-rowling-nora-roberts-and-laurell-k-hamilton/" target="_blank">three-part series</a> on <b>women authors</b> of Fantasy Fiction. If you read the genre, you probably know these names, but there might be some new authors to add to your list. <br />
<br />
<b>Fantasy Faction</b> has a lot of nice, in-depth articles on the genre (this the second link from the site in today's Fantasy links). <a href="http://fantasy-faction.com/2013/fantastical-creatures-of-greek-mythology-the-lamia" target="_blank">Here's one</a> on <b>creatures from Greek mythology.</b><br />
<b> </b> <br />
<h3>
<b><i>Publishing News</i></b></h3>
<br />
The publishing industry's <a href="http://www.nypost.com/p/news/business/book_publishers_finally_get_reason_UXb13ICiYIrLf0yfhpfIOP" target="_blank">plans for a new year.</a> Are things looking up or is it just the calm before the storm? In any case, here's what some of the <b>Big 6 have to offer in 2013</b>. <br />
<br />
Short <a href="http://www.thebookseller.com/news/dedicated-website-launches-amazon-publishing.html" target="_blank">write-up</a> on <b>Amazon Publishing</b>'s new dedicated website. <br />
<br />
<b>Kuttab Publishing</b> out of the UAE helps those with special needs or disabilities to get their stories printed. Read about this wonderful project, <a href="http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/books/kuttab-publishing-prints-the-work-of-two-special-needs-authors" target="_blank">here</a>. It is a new venture, one I've not heard of before, but it seems like a great idea. <br />
<br />
New Chief named for independent, queer publisher <b>Cleis Press</b>. <a href="http://www.edgeonthenet.com/news/national/news/144916/new_chief_named_for_queer_publisher" target="_blank">Interesting writeup</a> about the "largest independent queer publishing company."<br />
<br />
<h3>
<i><b>Bric-a-Brac for the Reader and Writer</b></i></h3>
<br />
Need something inspiring to hang over your Writer's desk? Serious Penguin book fan? I always love <b>book-themed prints</b> and <a href="http://www.retrotogo.com/2013/05/penguin-science-fiction-book-covers-print-by-arthur-buxton.html" target="_blank">this one looks interesting</a> - whether you're a Reader or a Writer.<br />
<br />
Looking for some <b>short Fantasy fiction</b>? Lois Tilton reviews a couple of anthologies, <a href="http://www.locusmag.com/Reviews/2013/05/lois-tilton-reviews-short-fiction-late-may-3/" target="_blank">here</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09978176432357891953noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831033142275364940.post-65504486565673282562013-05-30T14:32:00.000+01:002013-06-03T12:12:01.830+01:00Brendan O'Connoll Had Better Watch His Back<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Posted by Jennifer Baylor at <a href="http://writingcocoon.blogspot.com/">The Writing Cocoon</a>. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Filed under "<span style="font-size: x-small;">Travel Stories</span>" </span></i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgLvhjMhlXzDEfrX56nVtL8fo67wJAzP5nWdJVBK_dsoJnloZ6g8efe5-CX6RnyJUBr0uItKd0x2eJlH20cvS8WU4R2qurt23_Zjk_JRxtFpOzyUhxvsP5w9eHb1Asyww-uATTyam0LA/s1600/100_2875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgLvhjMhlXzDEfrX56nVtL8fo67wJAzP5nWdJVBK_dsoJnloZ6g8efe5-CX6RnyJUBr0uItKd0x2eJlH20cvS8WU4R2qurt23_Zjk_JRxtFpOzyUhxvsP5w9eHb1Asyww-uATTyam0LA/s200/100_2875.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>The Cashel Dancers- Ro<span style="font-size: xx-small;">wan Gillespie</span></i></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The trip to Ireland was fantastic. I always enjoy my time there. The people are great, the pubs lively and the landscape is magical. And, I always seem to come back with a random story or experience. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">The Husband (hereafter "TH") and I were enjoying a meal in a restaurant in Derry/Londonderry one evening, about halfway into our trip. This was our first night in Northern Ireland, having been to Dublin many times and once before around the Republic of Ireland's coast. We were pretty exhausted by that time, as we usually are due to TH's "climb every mountain" approach to travel itineraries, and I felt a little weary as the Irish trad band started up in the adjoining bar. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">I was two pints in and needed to visit the loo, so I headed toward the back through the bar area to get to the toilets. As I passed the bar, I couldn't help but overhear a short snippet of conversation between the only two men listening to the band. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">It went something like this:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">"Can you imagine? What if someone came into their country and acted like that? What do you think he deserves?" a muscular, bald man wearing a white t-shirt said, slurring his words a bit. He was hovering over his mate who was seated at the bar. The guy was pretty beefy - he had no discernible neck.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">"I'd thrash 'em," said his companion with a shake of his fist. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">"Exactly. He had no call to act that way. Who does he think he is?"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Needless-to-say, I walked right past these two gentlemen and continued to my destination, glad I wasn't the stupid tourist who had angered the locals. All of Ireland was crawling with American tourists this trip, and I couldn't help but wonder if it wasn't one of my compatriots who had angered the two men. I cringed at the thought. American tourists don't have the best reputation in Europe (as Europeans are always eager to remind me), but the Irish seemed to cut us a bit more slack and even, dare-I-say-it, like us. I hated to think we were wearing our welcome thin, here, too. Damn - there's always someone to spoil the party. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">On my way back to our table, I stopped momentarily to listen to the band, and noticed that the two men had gone. After the song ended, I started back to rejoin TH. We were seated in the front window of the restaurant, right next to the door, and TH's back was to me as I approached our table. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">As I sat down, he looked at me, wide-eyed, with a funny expression on his face. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">"What's up?" I asked.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">"Um, I think we'd better go back to the B&B."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">"Okay. Are you all right?"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">"Yeah, but I think I almost got my ass kicked."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">I just raised an eyebrow at this. I mean, my husband is not the type to get into brawls. Ever. "What happened?"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">"These two guys came through to the front door, and the first guy stops at the table and shouts something at me. I think he was shouting in Irish."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">"What the hell? Are you serious?"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">"Yeah, then he storms out the door. Then, his friend opens the door to leave, but turns to me first and says: 'Are you Brendan O'Connell?' I shook my head and said, 'No,' and he said: 'Good. You're lucky,' and then he stormed out the door, too."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">"Holy shit. That really happened?"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">"Yeah, what the f*ck?" TH shook his head in disbelief. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">"Wait, was one of the guys bald and real solid, with no-neck?"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">"Yeah, you saw them?"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">"They were at the bar talking about clobbering a stupid tourist."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">"Oh shit. Who the hell is Brendan O'Connell? It sounds Irish. Do I even look Irish?" Then TH starts laughing.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Sizing up my six-foot-two, olive-skinned husband, with his Roman nose inherited from Italian ancestors, who had not one drop of Irish blood in his body, I shook my head 'no.' "I don't even think you could pass for Irish-American. Who knows what that was all about." </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">We laughed it off and eventually returned to the B&B. Even after that incident, I can't say I felt truly threatened. It was bizarre, yes, and random, but not really frightening. Maybe I'm naive, but I feel safer walking around European cities than US cities - even cities with recent histories of violence, such as Derry. Plus, we're not unseasoned travelers - we do our research and try not to act like idiots. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">In any case, after we returned home, I looked up the name "Brendan O'Connell." Turns out there is a football player by the name, who played for several English teams. Maybe they were making a joke? They were at least a little drunk, so maybe after a few pints TH might somehow resemble this football player - who knows? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">All I know is - Brendan O'Connell, whoever he is, had better be on his p's and q's in Derry. </span><br />
<br />
<i>Anyone else step into a strange or sticky situation while traveling?</i> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09978176432357891953noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831033142275364940.post-48858441408977275492013-05-12T11:10:00.000+01:002013-05-30T16:00:57.009+01:00Links-a-lot: Writing News and Inspiration<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Posted by Jennifer Baylor at <a href="http://writingcocoon.blogspot.com/">The Writing Cocoon</a>. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Filed under "<span style="font-size: x-small;">T<span style="font-size: x-small;">he Sunday Paper: SFF Links</span></span>" </span></i></span><br />
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Just a general, hodgepodge of links today. Publishing news and interesting bits related to Science Fiction, Fantasy and general writing.<br />
<br />
I know the Internet is chock-a-block with blogs and articles on <b>self-publishing tips</b>. I can't say that there is anything totally new or earth-shattering in author <b>Russell Blake</b>'s approach, but <b>Karen Woodward</b> does a <a href="http://blog.karenwoodward.org/2013/05/russell-blakes-26-tips-on-how-to-sell.html" target="_blank">nice recap</a> of a post by Russell in the Kindle boards on her blog. It is a peak inside his <b>self-publishing and marketing process</b> and methods (and boy, does he churn out the novels). <a href="http://www.kboards.com/index.php/topic,150526.0.html" target="_blank">Here</a> is the original Kindle board post, if you're interested in the discussion, there.<br />
<br />
For you <b>Margaret Atwood</b> fans, <a href="http://gulfnews.com/about-gulf-news/al-nisr-portfolio/weekend-review/author-margaret-atwood-on-e-publishing-1.1181143" target="_blank">an article</a> where the author discusses <b>e-publishing</b>. <br />
<br />
The <b>publishing industry</b> just gets sadder - <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/10043774/US-publishers-still-reeling-from-Borders-bankruptcy.html" target="_blank">a write-up</a> on the fallout from the <b>Borders bankruptcy</b>. Can't imagine this helps the cause of those writers trying to get published with these US publishing houses.<br />
<br />
The <b>SciFi future of your dreams</b> is one step closer with advancement in the <a href="http://www.sciencecodex.com/batteries_that_bend_and_flex_will_transform_electronics_transportation-111865" target="_blank">flexible battery technology</a>!<br />
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Marvel fans rejoice - <a href="http://sciencefiction.com/2013/05/07/kevin-feige-reveals-whats-in-store-for-marvels-cinematic-universe/" target="_blank">a taste of what's coming</a> for <b>future Marvel Movies.</b><br />
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<b>Copyright protection: Tor's experiment</b> - <a href="http://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/05/09/the-e-book-piracy-debate-revisited/" target="_blank">an article</a> discussing the statement made by Tor on their experiment with copy-protection-free e-publishing.<br />
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<b>The Locus Awards Ballot</b> is announced - <a href="http://boingboing.net/2013/05/09/locus-awards-2013-ballot-annou.html" target="_blank">see what's hot in SF&F</a>.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09978176432357891953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831033142275364940.post-6869599618662463382013-05-10T11:27:00.000+01:002013-06-01T11:23:26.454+01:00Something new...coming up!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Posted by Jennifer Baylor at </span></i></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://writingcocoon.blogspot.com/"> The Writing Cocoon</a>. </span></i></span> <br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Filed under "<span style="font-size: x-small;">Literary Pilgr<span style="font-size: x-small;">i</span>mages."</span></span></i><br />
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I've been toying with this idea for a while. As you may or may not know, I'm quite the travel buff. And, in the six years that we've lived in England, I've visited a lot of places and come across a lot of homes or estates of famous literary figures. So, the idea is to write articles about these literary pilgrimages, including pictures, and post them here.<br />
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Today, I'm heading out to visit the grave of a famous poet. She's no English rose, either, but a fellow ex-pat American. I'll have some pictures for you next week. <b>Can anyone guess who this American poet, buried in an English graveyard, might be?</b><br />
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Also, does anyone have any place in <b>Ireland or Northern Ireland</b> that I should visit? Outside of Dublin, please, as we will be traveling by car in a loop around both countries in the coming weeks and I'd love some input on a literary site to visit!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09978176432357891953noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831033142275364940.post-1693267653412628412013-05-09T19:20:00.001+01:002013-05-30T10:55:44.065+01:00Giving up and Moving on<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Posted by Jennifer Baylor at</span></i></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://writingcocoon.blogspot.com/"> The Writing Cocoon</a>. </span></i></span> <br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Filed under "<span style="font-size: x-small;">The Mental Game."</span></span></i><br />
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I came across this post, <b><a href="http://worldobserveronline.com/2012/04/25/15-things-you-should-give-up-to-be-happy/" target="_blank">"15 Things You Should Give Up To Be Happy."</a></b> It's a spot-on list. Thankfully, neither chocolate nor alcohol were included. If you are struggling to follow your path, to get that first novel written, to submit a first short story or wavering in whatever it is that you dream of doing, you should go read this post. Even if the last sentence doesn't describe you, go read it. Everyone can get something from it, so go on, read it now. Plus, this post won't make as much sense otherwise. <br />
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I'm going to write about the things from the post's list that spoke to me the most, as a writer, and as a person struggling to carve a place for myself in this world. <br />
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<i><b>Give up your need for Control</b></i><br />
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This has been a big one for me, in accepting myself as a writer and allowing myself to pursue my dream. An artist's life is full of unknowns. Will your work be any good? Will it appeal to anyone enough for them to purchase your art? Will you be able to pay the bills?<br />
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My corporate career gave me a sense of more than a modicum of control (one might argue, an <i>illusion</i> of control, but that's another topic). I knew that, if I completed XYZ task, I would be paid ABC dollars. There was a career path I followed and I had constant feedback and could know, to an extent, how successful I could be. <br />
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I had to accept that pursuing writing full-time would mean giving up my financial freedom and control, perhaps for good (my kick-ass husband pays my bills, now*). A one-paycheck household is riskier, though. I also had to come to terms with the fact that I can't know how good my writing is until I spend a lot of time and effort writing and put my work out there for feedback. Even if my writing is good, there are no guarantees I'll ever sell a single story or make one thin dime. The structure and safety-nets of a more conventional career just don't exist for a writer, and I cling to my fantasy that control means escaping pain like a drowning man will clutch at straws. <br />
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<i><b>Give up your self-defeating self-talk</b></i><br />
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Holy hell I am guilty of negative self-talk. Damn the cliche, I am my own worst enemy. For years, I've woven a detailed story about why I can't be a writer: I'm not that clever, I'm not that disciplined, I'll never be anything but a dreamer, I'll never measure up, and on and on and on.<br />
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When I sit down to write, I have to first do battle with that little writing demon who likes to tell me how hard it is, how crap my sentence structure is, that my stories are derivative tripe - you get the picture. I have to slay that little shit every single time. <br />
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Over the last two years, just doing, moving forward with the plans that scare me the most, seems to have quieted the voices of self-doubt slightly. Every story written, shrinks the demon. Still, I'm not very nice to myself, and that gets in the way. <br />
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<b><i>Give up your limiting beliefs</i></b><br />
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This one coincides with the previous one in a way. I kept telling myself that writing was too hard, too competitive, too out-of-reach and not very sensible. Successful writing careers are as realistic as unicorns - that sort of thing. Jeez, I sound like a damned librarian. <br />
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I used to <i>believe</i> that I could do things, that things would happen, and usually, somehow, but not always in the way I expected, they would. Somewhere along the way, that sense of belief got beaten out of me. Not sure how to repair that damage. I've taken on board a metric ton of fears.<br />
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<b><i>Give up living your life to other people's expectations </i></b><br />
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I almost want to qualify this one with a "real or imagined." I'm sure I sometimes project my fears onto other people, and decide they are judging me, if that makes any sense. For example, I assumed people would think me a lazy, delusional dreamer if I chucked it all to pursue my dream of being a writer. A lot of my fears about leaving my career had to do with feeling like I'd be letting people down by abandoning the corporate ladder. Here I was, a woman making her way in corporate America, making oodles more money than most everyone else she graduated from college with - well, wasn't that the very definition of success? Ugh, it doesn't sound so hot when I write it out like this. <br />
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But, dreams of scaling the corporate heights and smashing through glass ceilings, they weren't <i>my</i> dreams. I honestly don't give a shit about that stuff. I'm not going to lie, it was very hard leaving that kind of money and financial stability behind, but I had my own dreams and they were dying terrible deaths so that I could be a "success" as defined in my money-loving culture. <br />
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Then there are the very real expectations people have of me, beyond societal pressures. I've told a couple of friends about my novel writing, and it wasn't a great response. I got that look you get when you are slowly backing away from a pissed-off, soft-ball sized tarantula that you've interrupted as it goes about its morning crawl through your camp site, AKA: its former home (oh, you haven't had that experience? There's a look, trust me.) I suppose, if you're going to be an artist, you have to expect that some people will not think much of that choice, for whatever reason. <br />
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These are just a few of the 15 things to give up, and I completely agree with every item on the list. In fact, I think I'll have to print out the list and tape it to my mirror for a while.<br />
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<b>What about you? Did you agree with the 15 things to give up? Do you struggle with any of these? Or, are you giving my post the tarantula look?</b><br />
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*<span style="font-size: x-small;">Yes, I realize that I'm very <span style="font-size: x-small;">privileged</span> that we don't have <span style="font-size: x-small;">big expenses (no kids<span style="font-size: x-small;">, for example)</span></span> and that we can afford to live off the husband's paycheck. I'm not suggesting that everyone <span style="font-size: x-small;">can or should do this. <span style="font-size: x-small;">F</span>or me, leaving my career was still about choosing to be dependent on my husband and losing my financial freedom<span style="font-size: x-small;"> and letting go <span style="font-size: x-small;">of my identity of "successful business woman," not so much about taking on a financial hardship. I had this ideal about women paying their own way in life, <span style="font-size: x-small;">but sometimes life is also about allowing others to help you. It does</span> put <span style="font-size: x-small;">all the financial pressure on my husband, which I still struggle with. I'm a terrible ho<span style="font-size: x-small;">usewife<span style="font-size: x-small;">, too!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09978176432357891953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831033142275364940.post-3531462283729282452013-05-06T17:15:00.002+01:002013-05-30T16:13:13.052+01:00Even cowgirls get the blues<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Posted by Jennifer Baylor at <a href="http://writingcocoon.blogspot.com/">The Writing Cocoon</a>. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Filed under "<span style="font-size: x-small;">The Mental Game<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span>" </span></i></span><br />
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Sometimes, life is just shit. Inelegant, I know, but true. Life has handed me a bit of a turd in the last few months, and once again, I'm struggling to keep myself on course with my writing, my studies, my piles of dirty dishes and laundry, and with just about everything else, actually.<br />
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It isn't really that hard to keep on going, is it? People do maintain their lives while managing some pretty stressful situations, don't they? What is the matter with me? I think I'm depressed.</div>
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Yes, things have not worked out the way I had hoped (sorry for being vague, but I'm not quite ready to discuss this particular issue at the moment), and it is no small thing I'm faced with. The timing for this new crisis, is as always, fracking unbelievable. However, it is also not the end of the world and many people have been dealt much worse in life. </div>
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I admit it, I've been alternating between avoidance and wallowing. I've gained six pounds due to stress/grief-induced-chocolate consumption. I've fallen behind in my language and yoga studies, and even dropped my entire semester of language classes. I haven't touched my novel. The only reason I've written any short stories is that I do still make it to my writing class every week. I've logged a ridiculous number of hours on Skyrim, but I've yet to finish the damned game. I weep a lot. </div>
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This is one of those moments where I need to break out a little tough love (or a can of whoop-ass) and use it on myself. Not-so-deep-down, I'm not at all convinced I can do it. Part of me is ready to adopt another cat, gain another twenty pounds, call it a mid-life crisis and surrender utterly to the madness and self-loathing. I didn't say this was a proud moment in my life. </div>
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There's a fork in the road, people. I've got to make a decision, got to decide what kind of person I'm going to be. I can give in to the familiar and easy or choose something better. I could wallow in grief forever- I've had my share of it the last three years. Still, it would be a damned shame, wouldn't it? Wouldn't it?</div>
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Thankfully, I have a husband whom I don't want to disappoint. And a sister who wants a creative business partner. And friends and family. </div>
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It is all so close...if I can just get out of bed. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09978176432357891953noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831033142275364940.post-72673518535070540712013-02-19T16:27:00.001+00:002013-06-01T11:27:33.500+01:00IndieReCon - It's happening now!<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Posted by Jennifer Baylor at <a href="http://writingcocoon.blogspot.com/">The Writing Cocoon</a>. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Filed under "<span style="font-size: x-small;">Publishing</span>" </span></i></span><br />
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Hi everyone. I'm over enjoying the free <a href="http://www.indierecon.org/" target="_blank">IndieReCon: Making indie-publishing a mission possible.</a><br />
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Posts, live chats, vlogs and giveaways around the topic of indie-publishing - check it out. It is just starting today and everything will remain available on the website for later perusal. I'm hoping to get some interesting information and read/hear some thoughts on publishing in 2013.<br />
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In other "news" - I've been on overload overhear with deadlines and school and husband's business travels and a holiday abroad. I'll be back next week when things finally settle down (here's hoping).Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09978176432357891953noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831033142275364940.post-14890155225357073222013-01-24T18:50:00.003+00:002013-01-24T18:50:49.466+00:00Feed your Creativity - A List<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Posted by Jennifer Baylor at <a href="http://writingcocoon.blogspot.com/">The Writing Cocoon</a>. </i></span><br />
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I've been going through a bit of a slow patch the last week. I still managed some free writing and wrote a short story (it received rave reviews from my readers - hooray!), but I've not worked on The Beast (AKA WiP1) in a week. The creativity impulse has been wavering, wilted, waning (Yes, already...funny how these things go). <br />
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I saw this list, <b><a href="http://www.theworldsbestever.com/2011/06/06/33-ways-to-stay-creative/#.UP8qX4DD9xs.blogger" target="_blank">33 Ways to Stay Creative</a></b>, on Google+ (<b><a href="http://girlwriter87.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/33-ways-to-stay-creative.html" target="_blank">thanks, Girl Writer</a></b>) and it made me think about how we creative types need to take care of ourselves and protect our creativity from perfectionism, insecurity, boredom, isolation, negativity, burn-out and fear. <br />
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The list has some good ideas ("carry a notebook everywhere"), some ideas I subscribe to but that are not as universal ("drink tea or coffee"), and then there are some ones I'm not sure what to do with ("be otherworldly"). The list made me ask myself: how can I do a better job of nurturing my creativity and protecting this still-fragile writer identity?<br />
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So, without further ado, I present to you (I've borrowed a few suggestions from the above linked list where noted with an *) my version of the list:<br />
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<b>Feed Your Creativity - A List</b><br />
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<li><b>Carry a notebook everywhere.* </b>(I have tiny notepads with tiny pens. They fit in the tiniest of bags or pockets. I record: overheard conversation snippets, funny signs, random thoughts, etc.)</li>
<li><b>Take a daily walk outdoors.</b> (Preferably somewhere pretty or inspiring and filled with nature.)</li>
<li><b>Write badly, boldly - just write.</b> (or draw or paint or whatever you do)</li>
<li><b>Experiment with various hobbies/activities </b>(I took boxing lessons for a while, for example, and I want to learn to pick locks.)</li>
<li><b>Take up a creative hobby different than your main passion.</b> (For example: if you're a writer, do something wordless, like knitting or painting or photography.)</li>
<li><b>Create a pleasant, healthy ritual around your work.</b> (Sit down to your workstation with a cup of nice tea or cocoa, start your day with your favorite song, or light a candle or incense. Don't start your creative sessions with a cigarette (or something addictive and bad for you) - <i>trust me</i>.)</li>
<li><b>Collect "found objects" and keep them in a box for inspiration.</b> (This came from a writing teacher. I collect pine cones and dried leaves/seeds, bits of fabric or buttons, weird items from thrift shops, toys, old pictures and postcards, etc. and keep them in a nice tin or box.)</li>
<li><b>Take breaks and get plenty of rest.*</b> </li>
<li><b>Learn how to accept criticism graciously.</b> (Don't take it personally - you are not your art. Also, recognize when criticism doesn't feel true for you. Which leads to...)</li>
<li><b>Trust your gut.</b> </li>
<li><b>Meditate daily.</b> (Seems like creative types have a lot going on upstairs - ten minutes of quiet every day does wonders). </li>
<li><b>Drink your water.</b> (Hydration - it's important)</li>
<li><b>Take a class or join a group.</b> (A lot of art work is solitary work. Being with others who share your passion can be invigorating.)</li>
<li><b>Read books, watch plays, see a film, go to a museum.</b> <b>Travel if you can.*</b></li>
<li><b>Study a foreign language. </b></li>
<li><b>Learn to like yourself. </b></li>
<li><b>Don't always wait on the Muse.</b> (Sometimes you just have to make things happen. )</li>
<li><b>Have goals you can control, and know how you're going to make them happen.</b></li>
<li><b>Put yourself out there: be vulnerable. </b>(Go ahead and create a blog, submit a story, tell your friends you wrote a book, etc.)</li>
<li><b>Finish something.</b>* (Nothing feels as good as finishing a project. It will keep you going for quite some time.)</li>
<li><b>Cut negative people out of your life. </b>(If someone is sucking the life out of you - take a hard look at their place in your life. Some people are vampires.)</li>
<li><b>Make note cards with creative, inspirational or funny quotes or images and hang them around your work station.</b></li>
<li><b>Laugh daily.</b> </li>
<li><b>Don't take yourself (or your art) too seriously.</b> If you can laugh at yourself or your work every once in a while, it takes the edge off.</li>
<li><b>Share your work with others.</b> </li>
<li><b>If you can, change your work setting once a week.</b> (For writers, it is easy: grab pen and notepad and go to the local coffee shop, park or library.)</li>
<li><b>Take care of your health.</b> (Go to the dentist, already!)</li>
<li><b>Let yourself cry.</b></li>
<li><b>Love a pet. </b></li>
<li><b>Enjoy the small things:</b> a sunset, a sleeping cat, holding hands, quiet mornings, the smell of a flower, dark chocolate.</li>
<li><b>Be content with now, enjoy where you're at in your artistic journey.</b> </li>
<li><b>Don't expect to master your craft immediately.</b> (Goes along with #31)</li>
<li><b>Accept that there will be bad days. </b></li>
<li><b>Create a space dedicated to your art.</b> (My "writing space" is the corner of the guest room/sewing room/exercise room/storage room, but that corner is organized with all my "tools" and decorated with stuff that inspires me.)</li>
<li><b>Respect your art.</b> (Dedicate time to it, study "the masters," have your work critiqued, commit yourself to your work, finish your projects.)</li>
<li><b>Enjoy what you do. </b>(If you don't, do something else.)</li>
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<i>What do you do to protect your creativity?</i><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09978176432357891953noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831033142275364940.post-985687867172933122013-01-16T17:43:00.004+00:002013-05-30T16:15:32.716+01:00Sometimes I don't brush my teeth at night...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Posted by Jennifer Baylor at <a href="http://writingcocoon.blogspot.com/">The Writing Cocoon</a>. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Filed under "<span style="font-size: x-small;">The Mental Game<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span>" </span></i></span><br />
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...nor wash my face. I know, you're judging me, probably thinking, "My God, the plaque!" It's okay, I judge me, too. But, there are some nights, when I am cozied-up in bed, reading a book and the room is already cold because we've turned off the radiators - and it is too easy to reach over and turn off the reading lamp and snuggle down to sleep. I don't want to throw back the duvet and brave five minutes of exposure to get clean teeth and face. Hell, I'll only clean them again in the morning. <br />
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If only it were just my teeth I neglected.<br />
<br />
I have this back injury due to a car accident, a dysfunctional sacroiliac joint to be precise, and it took me years of pain and ever-more-limited movement to finally get it sorted with the help of a phenomenol physiotherapist. It happened seven years ago, and I have only made progress on resolving the issue in the last year. Before the accident, I was a very fit runner. In fact, I was training for a marathon when the accident occurred. Today? I'm still battling to get back to where I was, but it took me six years of misery to even get <i>here</i>. <br />
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<i><b>What in the name of all that is holy, is my point?</b></i><br />
<br />
My point is, sometimes I'm a bit lax about taking care of myself. I've been throwing myself into my writing all year (all fifteen days of it), which is great, but I've gone a little overboard. I'm supposed to get in my 2 mile walk, some yoga, my physio exercises and strength training every day. I'm supposed to take a break from sitting in front of my computer <i>every half hour</i>.<br />
<br />
At first I was vigilant, setting a timer on my computer to remind me to get up, walk a bit on the treadmill and stretch my upper body and arms. But, then there was the day I was so into my scene, I forgot to set the timer. A few days later and the timer was already a memory, and I've been working very long days.<br />
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My back began to ache, but I ignored it. Flash forward a week, and I was back in my PT's office, barely able to sleep because of the pain. You'd think I'd know better about office injuries. <a href="http://www.writingcocoon.blogspot.co.uk/2011_11_01_archive.html" target="_blank">Remember the girl with tendinitis in both wrists?</a><br />
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<i><b>It's all about moderation</b></i><br />
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My back was killing me, but I didn't get up and move. I wasn't listening to my body. It wasn't until I went to yoga class this morning that I got a clue. My teacher read a quote about having moderation in your life. Ah yes, then it hit me: my back being out-of-whack again was the symptom; I was being too extreme. I like extreme. Extreme is exhilarating, but it usually has some sort of repercussions you have to face up to.<br />
<br />
<i><b>Um...what does this have to do with writing?</b></i><br />
<i><b> </b></i> <br />
We creative types can be a bit...obsessive, focused, determined, extreme, etc. But, we have to remember to take care of ourselves while following our passions. We can't let everything else fall apart because it will kill our creativity in the end. <br />
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I know it's not sexy. I've been seduced down the road to extreme too many times. What is less sexy than the word <u>moderation</u>? Extreme is a lacy black thong and moderation always seems so...granny pantie.<br />
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However, I've got to stop letting myself be seduced by the dark side. If my body falls apart, my mind follows and then where does that get me? Plus sixty pounds and depressed, that's where. Very difficult to write anything when you're back hurts so much you can't think and you're too depressed to get out of bed.<br />
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<i><b>Time to check in with reality</b></i><br />
<br />
I can't sit for hours on end, without a break, and expect to be able to walk when quittin' time rolls around. I know this. Plus, I've been wearing myself out with long days without breaks. I need to be more focused, get my work done earlier and take care of my body throughout the day. This means less time futzing around the forums and blogs (thanks <a href="http://doubtingwriter.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/monday-musing-lockout-is-over.html" target="_blank">JeffO</a> for the reminder) and more regular breaks for activity and movement. Simple.<i><b></b></i><br />
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<i>What about you? Anyone else out there go to extremes in pursuit of their passions (or just because it's Tuesday)? Have a good story to share? Leave a comment so I know I'm not the only crazy artist out there. </i><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Posted by Jennifer Baylor at <a href="http://writingcocoon.blogspot.com/">The Writing Cocoon</a>. </i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09978176432357891953noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831033142275364940.post-34244937917794147442013-01-13T18:15:00.002+00:002013-05-30T16:02:27.099+01:00SFF Links to cure Sunday "Blahs"<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Posted by Jennifer Baylor at <a href="http://writingcocoon.blogspot.com/">The Writing Cocoon</a>. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Filed under "<span style="font-size: x-small;">T<span style="font-size: x-small;">he Sunday Paper: SFF Links</span></span>" </span></i></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Storm Troopers invade London</i></td></tr>
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It is Sunday, and I'm "sharpening pencils." Over on Google+, <a class="g-profile" href="http://plus.google.com/113224676560202982626" target="_blank">+Jeremy Menefee</a> made a comment about a phrase his dad used to indicate when one is wasting time preparing instead of doing - sharpening pencils. I love it, it's my new euphemism for procrastination.<br />
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It was a brilliant, sunny morning for a change, and I watched the sun slide along its near horizontal path, low in the sky, through my office window. I thought the solar charge might make me extra-productive, but not so. <br />
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It isn't even mid-month and the enthusiasm over goal setting and manifesto writing is starting to wane as I get down to what writing is really all about: hard work. But, I've been chugging along, keeping to my minimum daily writing goals. I've even submitted two short stories. Still moving forward. I just need to be more efficient with my time in order to keep it all together.<br />
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But, this is a link post, so on to the links (only if you've finished your work).<br />
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<i><b>A few links related (sometimes loosely) to the world of science fiction and fantasy writing, reading and viewing </b></i><br />
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I've been following <b><a href="http://www.jlake.com/" target="_blank">Jay Lake's blog</a></b> for quite some time. He is a speculative fiction author, in case you aren't familiar with his work, but he has also been fighting cancer since 2008. There is a <b><a href="http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/Sequence-a-Science-Fiction-Writer/38705" target="_blank">fundraising effort</a></b> underway to help with the costs of his treatments. For anyone who's interested or a fan, check out the links to his blog and the fundraising site. It is nice to see the writing community coming together in support of Mr. Lake.<br />
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<b><a href="http://io9.com/5975248/what-you-can-do-personally-to-get-more-original-science-fiction-movies" target="_blank">Here's</a></b> a great article from io9, which gives great tips for how You, the consumer/viewer of science fiction films, can help to improve the quality of the films that get produced. Great ideas in here for the SciFi fan.<br />
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There is <b><a href="http://io9.com/5973961/watch-out-someone-is-trying-to-scam-science-fiction-authors" target="_blank">a scam</a></b> going round, targeting science fiction authors and speakers. Over at the <b><a href="http://www.skepticblog.org/2011/03/22/shermer-spam-scammers-scam/#more-12265" target="_blank">Skepticblog</a></b>, they have a little fun trying to out-scam the scammer. Hilarious. I had tears.<br />
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<a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/filmblog/2013/jan/07/week-in-geek-2013-film-preview" target="_blank"><b>More about films</b>.</a> What goodness can we expect on the superheroes and science fiction front in 2013? <br />
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Found this link via Jay Lake:<a href="http://www.mhpbooks.com/the-slow-death-of-barnes-and-noble/" target="_blank"> <b>Barnes and Noble bookstores closing</b>-</a> the end of bookstores? Or, the end of books?<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.sciencenews.org/view/feature/id/347461/description/Little_Mind_Benders" target="_blank">Brain parasites</a> </b>- we all have them. Gah! Zombie apocalypse, this is how it starts.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09978176432357891953noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831033142275364940.post-39406472149434868342013-01-12T17:19:00.000+00:002013-01-12T17:19:30.712+00:00Snapshot SaturdayWow, I haven't participated in a Snapshot Saturday in over a year! Glad to see it is still going strong over at Alyce's blog, <b><a href="http://athomewithbooks.net/2013/01/saturday-snapshot-january-12/" target="_blank">At Home with Books</a></b>. Visit her page if you would like to participate.<br />
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In celebration of my two cats surviving severe health woes in 2012, I'm posting their pictures. (Plus, I'm a writer - <b><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2008/nov/12/writers-and-cats" target="_blank">writer's love cats</a></b>!) I was inspired by the joy in Alyce's pictures of her son playing so happily with dominoes. Here are my beasts at their happiest. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09978176432357891953noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831033142275364940.post-42054084635907871522013-01-10T18:20:00.000+00:002013-01-10T18:20:52.610+00:00Ludic Poetry as Writing Exercise<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Posted by Jennifer Baylor at <a href="http://writingcocoon.blogspot.com/">The Writing Cocoon</a>. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sunflower field:</span> Provence</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">In<span style="font-size: small;"> my writing class<span style="font-size: small;"> this week, we started off with a little <span style="font-size: small;">ludic poetry. Th<span style="font-size: small;">is poetry is more like a word <span style="font-size: small;">game,<span style="font-size: small;"> and it is great for getting <span style="font-size: small;">you to think about word selection. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I particularly lik<span style="font-size: small;">ed this exercise as I've been wr<span style="font-size: small;">iting a lot of flash fiction lately<span style="font-size: small;">. With fla<span style="font-size: small;">sh fiction, you <span style="font-size: small;">are forced to disti<span style="font-size: small;">ll your story to <span style="font-size: small;">its core an<span style="font-size: small;">d choose yo<span style="font-size: small;">ur <span style="font-size: small;">language carefully in order to maxim<span style="font-size: small;">ize your s<span style="font-size: small;">tory <span style="font-size: small;">writing potential<span style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Are you ready<span style="font-size: small;">?</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The exercise <span style="font-size: small;">I'm starting with is the univocalic poem. It is simpl<span style="font-size: small;">y a poem in which you use only one vowel<span style="font-size: small;"><b> (</b><span style="font-size: small;">let's begin with the letter 'o')</span></span>. <span style="font-size: small;">To start, I wrote a list of <span style="font-size: small;">o-words, divided by <span style="font-size: small;">noun<span style="font-size: small;">/verb/adjective/conjunction/etc. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"></span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The exercise was much more difficult than I thought it would be<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">. Now, for some really odd/bad poetry!</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">Only <span style="font-size: small;">Sorrow </span></span></b></i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">No moon, no glow</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Sorrow won't g<span style="font-size: small;">o</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Tomorrow blows cold</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Comfort grow<span style="font-size: small;">s</span> old </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Top<span style="font-size: small;"> Show</span></b></i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Stop to pop corn</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">H<span style="font-size: small;">ot dogs, top notch</span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Won't borrow no flops<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Only mock </span>crock plots </span> </span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Storm's Doom</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Gloomy snows follow storm<span style="font-size: small;">s</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Downtown</span><span style="font-size: small;"> grows <span style="font-size: small;">cold</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">C</span>omfort fools forlorn folks</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rooftops <span style="font-size: small;">wo<span style="font-size: small;">n't hold. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bloody socks do no good</span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Foots<span style="font-size: small;">teps g<span style="font-size: small;">row slow</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sorrow knocks sorry moods<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Only doom to sow</span>. </span> </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span> </span></span></span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Poor Frogs </b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Horned frogs <span style="font-size: small;">slowly </span>hop<span style="font-size: small;">, </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">On<span style="font-size: small;">t</span></span>o <span style="font-size: small;">st</span>ools o<span style="font-size: small;">r <span style="font-size: small;">rocks.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Soon f</span>locks boldly drop,</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Down to scoop frogs off.</span></span></span></span> </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Before you laugh at my efforts, give<span style="font-size: small;"> it a<span style="font-size: small;"> go<span style="font-size: small;"> yourself. <span style="font-size: small;">Post your own poems <span style="font-size: small;">and link back to them in the com<span style="font-size: small;">ments<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">- I'd love to read someone else<span style="font-size: small;">'s<span style="font-size: small;"> poems. Someone has to be better at this than <span style="font-size: small;">I. An<span style="font-size: small;">yone have <span style="font-size: small;">so<span style="font-size: small;">me good tw<span style="font-size: small;">o and three syllable words with only 'o<span style="font-size: small;">'<span style="font-size: small;"> as its vowels</span>?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09978176432357891953noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831033142275364940.post-67582341411561233182013-01-08T20:27:00.000+00:002013-05-30T16:03:00.430+01:00Linkity-Link: Fantasy Reading Lists<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Posted by Jennifer Baylor at <a href="http://writingcocoon.blogspot.com/">The Writing Cocoon</a>. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Filed under "<span style="font-size: x-small;">T<span style="font-size: x-small;">he Sunday Paper: SFF Links</span></span>" </span></i></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCvoYCHn7kwiUw-uZcUvFprfgCog8RVQPCke__Kn_GmQmLmKBcsPFvAHLblbT1TKmkXEcRH8PgGVm42QmY-o_DP84SyNgww5r6k0pFGGUYB4VuMLev04L72mBts65vvlVrI0WTmb4HYBc/s1600/ParisGriffinFountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCvoYCHn7kwiUw-uZcUvFprfgCog8RVQPCke__Kn_GmQmLmKBcsPFvAHLblbT1TKmkXEcRH8PgGVm42QmY-o_DP84SyNgww5r6k0pFGGUYB4VuMLev04L72mBts65vvlVrI0WTmb4HYBc/s200/ParisGriffinFountain.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Everyone says that to be<span style="font-size: small;"> a g<span style="font-size: small;">ood</span> writer, you have to be a great reader.<span style="font-size: small;"> As it happens, I've alw<span style="font-size: small;">ays loved <span style="font-size: small;">to read<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">. I've read so many books, I can't keep track of what I have and have n<span style="font-size: small;">o</span>t read. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">However, this is not to say that I couldn't use<span style="font-size: small;"> a good readi<span style="font-size: small;">ng list or two, or that my reading is <span style="font-size: small;">sufficiently varied</span>. Like everyone<span style="font-size: small;"> (presumably<span style="font-size: small;">), I get into reading ruts.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm particularly bad a<span style="font-size: small;">bout finding new authors of the up-and-co<span style="font-size: small;">ming sort, usually being the <span style="font-size: small;">last person to read that new <span style="font-size: small;">book everyo<span style="font-size: small;">ne <span style="font-size: small;">is raving about<span style="font-size: small;">. What can I say, I like authors who have been out for a while<span style="font-size: small;"> and</span> thoro<span style="font-size: small;">u<span style="font-size: small;">g<span style="font-size: small;">hly </span></span></span>vetted, <span style="font-size: small;">like<span style="font-size: small;">, say </span>Dickens or Shakespeare. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm <span style="font-size: small;">only kidding. Sort of.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">So, I went digging through the Internet<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">, looking for some inspiring fantasy novel reading lists and came up with the links, below<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">. I<span style="font-size: small;"> may <span style="font-size: small;">go through<span style="font-size: small;"> and compile <span style="font-size: small;">my own ma<span style="font-size: small;">ster list<span style="font-size: small;">, and if I do, I'll add it to the blog.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>The Best of 2012 and Most Anticipated in 2013 </b></i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"> From io9: Their <b><a href="http://io9.com/5969670/the-best-science-fiction-and-fantasy-books-of-2012" target="_blank">best sf&f books of 2012</a></b>. At the bottom of the article are links to their lists for previous years. I haven't read a single book on this list, but I have read some of the authors. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://fantasy-faction.com/2012/most-anticipated-fantasy-books-of-2013" target="_blank">This site</a> </b>has a list of the "most anticipated fantasy books of 2013." Some very interesting looking offerings. I don't think I've read any of the authors on this list, so definitely will be checking out at least a few of these titles. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Fantasy Books Every Author Should Read</b></i></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Again, from io9, their list of <b>ten books every fantasy author should read</b> is <b><a href="http://io9.com/5897484/10-books-every-fantasy-author-should-read" target="_blank">here</a></b>. I've read a couple of these, and some are reference books for fantasy fans and authors rather than novels. Reference books for fantasy authors - that's a whole other post.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://www.sff.net/paradise/fant_list.htm" target="_blank">This list</a></b> of <b>books for fantasy authors</b> comes from Viable Paradise and has contributions from some well loved authors. It also has a link at the bottom to suggested non-fiction for the fantasy author or fan.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Another page I came across <b><a href="http://www.mania.com/top-20-greatest-fantasy-writers-alltime_article_114266.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>, has a list of the <b>twenty best fantasy writers</b>, ever, from Mania.com. I've read a lot of these, so you probably have, too. Still, it is worth a look. I'm not sure I agree that some of these authors are in the top twenty, but I haven't read others on the list, so what do I know?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Fantasy Books Written by Women</b></i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://jawasreadtoo.wordpress.com/2010/09/20/2011-book-club-the-women-of-fantasy/" target="_blank">Here</a></b> is a great list of eleven books by <b>female fantasy authors</b> from a great little site I used to read (she no longer posts, but the blog is still there). I have read quite a few of these books and authors and it is a good list. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Over at <b><a href="https://www.worldswithoutend.com/" target="_blank">Worlds Without End</a></b>, they have a <b>Women of Genre Fiction challenge</b> starting, which asks that you write reviews of what you read. I've signed up and started to read my first book (science fiction, though). Still, they have a lot of reading lists you can peruse with plenty of fantasy books.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Other Fantasy Novel Reading Lists</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">I've been writing a lot of <b>urban fantasy</b> (and reading, too), so <b><a href="http://bestfantasybooks.com/best-urban-fantasy-books.html" target="_blank">here's a little list</a></b> I found of the best urban fantasy at Best Fantasy Books. Actually, this site has a lot of fantasy reading lists at your disposal.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Back in 2011, NPR compiled this list of their readers' <b><a href="http://www.npr.org/2011/08/11/139085843/your-picks-top-100-science-fiction-fantasy-books" target="_blank">top 100 science fiction and fantasy books</a></b>. A good list to gauge how well-read you are compared to your average speculative fiction fan. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Finally, there is<b> <a href="http://101fantasychallenge.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">this list</a></b> from a blog of the same name: <b>101 fantasy challenge book list</b>. If you click through the tabs, there is a<b> mammoth list of 813 fantasy books</b> compiled from a reader poll conducted by several book bloggers. Just in case these other lists leave you with spare time in 2013. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Okay - who's got some good links or reading lists? </span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09978176432357891953noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831033142275364940.post-57555045852766151432013-01-05T13:35:00.000+00:002013-06-01T11:24:33.054+01:00Setting Goals: Anyone can do it<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxShkvJ1M_IShidPeoDVh8EbPFs7BNqppz7bBoYET46zYKzz-T-d_REZfVp8qS2lkbsmP8SHzsbgZ4OFOu9JuoLnHknAS_R3EHcalEAMJY2-6DRd2Uc4NBOgJ7DqBcdfShkVGq0nnAxdA/s1600/image_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxShkvJ1M_IShidPeoDVh8EbPFs7BNqppz7bBoYET46zYKzz-T-d_REZfVp8qS2lkbsmP8SHzsbgZ4OFOu9JuoLnHknAS_R3EHcalEAMJY2-6DRd2Uc4NBOgJ7DqBcdfShkVGq0nnAxdA/s200/image_4.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Shah Jahan met his goals.</span></td></tr>
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<i><b> Setting Goals is Child's Play</b></i><br />
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Setting a goal (or announcing a resolution) is very easy. All it takes is a whim and a moment’s thought, maybe some time putting pen to paper or fingertips to keyboard. Even if you spend quite a lot of time thinking about and analyzing what you want to do, it is only the first step and let's face it, the easiest step. I can set goals and make lists all damned day. (See, I've done it, <a href="http://writingcocoon.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/writing-2013-manifesto.html" target="_blank">here</a>.)<br />
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<i><b>Making Dreams a Reality is a lot of Hard Work</b></i><br />
<b> </b> <br />
Meeting goals, now that is a whole different kettle of fish. This is where I fall down. Perfectionism usually rears its head in this phase, that’s my kryptonite. I have a dream, I create a goal, then I go completely insane and make schedules and lists and plans that very few humans could endure until I’ve strangled any ounce of drive or passion out of whatever it is I’m in pursuit of. <br />
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<b><i>But, this time is different! Again</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
Given my above confession, I’m a little hesitant to make sweeping, bold proclamations, but here goes: <span style="color: #990000;"><b>This year will be different!</b></span> Go ahead and picture me pumping my fist triumphantly into the air as I say this. Maybe I’m even wearing a viking helm or something, hair blowing in the wind as I stand on top of a mountain, proclaiming<b> </b>my intentions, grandly for all to hear. <br />
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<i><b>Flexibility, not just for my yoga mat</b></i> <br />
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There is this little thing called flexibility; I’m going to try it. Hell, I’ll even give <i><b>"</b></i>realistic" and "sane" a go, too. I don't have a magic formula, but get this: <i>I’m going to expect to struggle and find myself in need of a rethink or revision of my plans. </i>I will look at my goals for the year and figure out how to meet them, one day at a time. At the end of the month, I’m going to see how I progress and adjust my goals accordingly. See, no failure in 2013 here. I’ve got a plan, and it’s flexible.<br />
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<b>January’s Plan to meet Writing Goals:</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Daily Plan:</b></li>
<ul>
<li><b>Improve writing skills</b> - Need to write new words, every day. So, at the very minimum, I will free write in my writing journal (10 minutes timed writing with or without prompt) six days a week. This is my very minimum daily writing goal for January.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul><ul>
<li><b>WiP1 (novel)</b> - To finish the redraft of my first novel by June, I need to write 550 words per day, 6 days per week. I do type and write fast, so in theory, this <i>should</i> be very doable. </li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Weekly Plan:</b></li>
<ul>
<li><b>Write 1/ Submit 1</b> - I have at least 6 completed short stories that I can revise and submit in January. I know where the first story is going. So, there is no reason I can’t submit 2 stories in January. I plan to do it the first two weeks in January, so that the hurdle of hitting “enter” on the keyboard to send off my submission is past, and I start off with a success in January. I may even submit more than 2 stories. I have have to write one 1,000 word story per week for my writing class, which starts next Tuesday, so that should keep me going on producing new short stories. </li>
<ul>
<li>Need to assemble the submissions folder/binder and get organized.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul><ul>
<li><b>Take a class/workshop</b> - Done! I’ve signed up for the second trimester of a writing class/workshop I started back in September. I’m so glad I did this and wish I had done it earlier. Second trimester starts next week.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul><ul>
<li><b>Critique Group</b> - I’ve joined a few on-line, but I’d like to form one in real life. There is one woman from my writing class with whom I’ve exchanged emails. I will post one story to one of the on-line forums and post one critique - see how it goes. </li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul><ul>
<li><b>Read books on writing </b>- I have a long list of writing books, and already own half a dozen from said list. I’ve never read any of them. Going to start with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Making-Story-Creative-Writing/dp/0393337081/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1357391931&sr=8-1&keywords=the+making+of+a+story" target="_blank">“The Making of a Story”</a> by Alice LaPlante. I’ve been on page 165 for over a year. Time to finish this (enjoyable, really) book. </li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul><ul>
<li><b>Read 52 books</b> -Not a problem. Right now I'm reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Her-Smoke-Rose-Up-Forever/dp/1892391201/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1357392015&sr=1-1&keywords=tiptree+jr" target="_blank">"Her Smoke Rose Up Forever"</a> by James Tiptree Jr, a compilation of her short stories. Nothing like reading the short stories of a master to intimidate you. </li>
</ul>
</ul>
For some links to help with goal setting, read <a href="http://writingcocoon.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/writing-goals-why-bother.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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How about you? Are your goals just a static list sitting in a file folder on your computer? Do you know how you're going to get there (wherever that may be for you) in 2013? Do you think my plan makes sense?<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Posted by Jennifer Baylor at <a href="http://writingcocoon.blogspot.com/">The Writing Cocoon</a>. </i></span> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09978176432357891953noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831033142275364940.post-19081877577075129432013-01-02T19:47:00.000+00:002013-06-01T11:29:01.397+01:00Writing 2013 - A Manifesto!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Posted by Jennifer Baylor at <a href="http://writingcocoon.blogspot.com/">The Writing Cocoon</a>. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Filed under "<span style="font-size: x-small;">T<span style="font-size: x-small;">he <span style="font-size: x-small;">Writer's Desk</span></span></span>" </span></i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9wHiAym9FkpKbBilTIkKRJ2yCTVJyn7mMS3zL_-rIJV5LVdgYX3kcZWhxcWKs06huwp3FBo7AYJzskfe-RBpVFnCCmDZIUx8SMLLSg5qbSuP_DFOpXdLDiYEQuwwlrp9ChZKbdK9s9Q/s1600/image_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9wHiAym9FkpKbBilTIkKRJ2yCTVJyn7mMS3zL_-rIJV5LVdgYX3kcZWhxcWKs06huwp3FBo7AYJzskfe-RBpVFnCCmDZIUx8SMLLSg5qbSuP_DFOpXdLDiYEQuwwlrp9ChZKbdK9s9Q/s200/image_1.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Taj Mahal: <span style="font-size: xx-small;">What's your <span style="font-size: xx-small;">passion?</span></span></span></td></tr>
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Happy New Year and welcome to 2013!<br />
<br />
Time to post my 2013 writing goals. First off, I'd like to thank <b>Lisa Walker England</b> for her blog post <b><a href="http://journeycraft.tv/2012/12/31/6-reasons-to-trash-your-creative-resolutions/" target="_blank">6 Reasons to Trash Your Creative Resolutions</a></b>.<br />
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What a great post - hit all of my goal-setting issues right on the proverbial head. I highly recommend you read her post before finalizing your own goals for the year. My favorite part was the idea of a writing manifesto. Sounds so grand to say, "My Writing Manifesto." She has great links to creative manifestos to inspire you, too.<br />
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So, without further ado, here is my <b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2013 Writing Manifesto</span></span></b>:<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I believe that writing is one of the highest callings, and that we, as writers, have the power to help people to laugh, cry, think, or escape. We can make our readers feel empathy, anger, love, hate, wonder and joy. In short, we can shape reality with our words. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
In 2013, I will embrace my writing with joy and a sense of responsibility, both to myself and to others. I will respect my projects and finish the stories I begin, then send them promptly out into the world. I will honor my writing time and space by setting and meeting challenging, yet realistic goals, and I will take steps every day to meet those goals. I will take pride in my work, approach it as a professional and share it with others. </blockquote>
Now, keeping in mind my manifesto and all the helpful advice I've received from my fellow writers on the web, I give you my <span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>2013 Writing Goals:</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<b>Writing:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>I will write what I enjoy and send it out into the world, either by submitting to contests or publications or posting on my blog.</li>
<ul>
<li><b>Write1/Submit1</b> - Write two short stories per month and submit to contests and publications. 24 short stories submitted by end of year.</li>
<li><b>Critique Group</b> - find a critique group to join by the end of March.</li>
<li><b>WiP1(First Novel)</b> - I will rewrite my first novel (WIP1) by June 1. Then I will send it to beta readers. By the end of 2013, it will be ready to query or self-publish (or both).</li>
<li><b>Skills development:</b></li>
<ul>
<li>Free-write, every work day. </li>
<li>Read at least two books on writing. </li>
<li>Take a writing class (signed up for one class) or attend a workshop.</li>
<li>Read a book or attend a workshop on editing/proofreading. </li>
<li>Read blogs and books on self-publishing.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
<b>General:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>I will write a minimum of 100,000 words in 2012. </li>
<li>I will attend at least one writer's conference. (Possibly WFC in Oct.)</li>
<li>I will read 52 books. </li>
<li>I will follow Kristine Kathryn Rusch's <a href="http://kriswrites.com/freelancers-survival-guide-table-of-contents/" target="_blank">"Freelancer's Survival Guide"</a> and develop my professional writing career (it is not a hobby). </li>
<li><b>I will review these goals at least once per month and re-evaluate and revise as necessary. </b></li>
</ul>
There it is - my high level plan-of-attack for 2013. Anyone else have their goals written down? Anyone looking to finish, self-publish or submit a novel in 2013?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09978176432357891953noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831033142275364940.post-12737445632059817602012-12-31T12:32:00.001+00:002013-05-30T16:17:03.035+01:00Writing Goals - Why bother?<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Posted by Jennifer Baylor at <a href="http://writingcocoon.blogspot.com/">The Writing Cocoon</a>. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Filed under "<span style="font-size: x-small;">The Mental Game</span>" </span></i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevwbJhjGcRLzsOnqv2_nKnbsnpLQrzARUaPZyf3T1BDULMCvZmdKIujgp5FTyOKvw_9TYqsxm8_EqnpLVlsP2l80jowjNe69vAKeR-KQcZUJhPID-PHw5HM-94utJjDTgLdSa1HebxrI/s1600/GNR2011_EliteMen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevwbJhjGcRLzsOnqv2_nKnbsnpLQrzARUaPZyf3T1BDULMCvZmdKIujgp5FTyOKvw_9TYqsxm8_EqnpLVlsP2l80jowjNe69vAKeR-KQcZUJhPID-PHw5HM-94utJjDTgLdSa1HebxrI/s200/GNR2011_EliteMen.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">These guys<span style="font-size: xx-small;">:</span> probably stick to goals</span>.</td></tr>
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No, the question isn't rhetorical<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>, </i><span style="font-size: small;">and p</span></span>eople, I'm only kidding a little with this title. I'm having to expend extraordinary energy to keep from rolling my eyes at the idea of setting my writing goals for 2013. Call it my bad attitude or call it cynicism after a bust 2012, or maybe I'm just lazy. However, I know, and you probably have figured out, what this rolling-lurching sensation in my gut is really about, and that, my friends, is fear of failure. <br />
<br />
You see, the first step in coming up with some reasonable professional or personal goals is to take a good, hard look at where you're at right now. (At least) <span style="font-size: small;">o</span>ne of the links below, mentions reviewing goals and progress towards goals and adjusting accordingly. Eek. This is where I'm struggling a bit. I didn't make much progress last year. I submitted ONE story out of my goal of twenty-four. <i>One out of Twenty-four</i>, folks.<br />
<br />
And my novel, well, let me tell you a little story about that. I picked up the Beast Binder yesterday(that's what I've named this WIP, The Beast), and found the camera charger underneath it. <i>We've been looking for that charger since May.</i> The binder hasn't been moved (or dusted around - gods I'm a terrible housekeeper) since May!<br />
<br />
How am I supposed to set goals after such a poor showing? Yes, yes - it was a trying year. But, I've got to start looking at this as my day job, and you can't take nine months off from your day job due to bereavement and stress. Without making a punching bag out of myself, I have to find some way to keep working, even when life serves me a couple of backhanded zingers (or twenty) between the eyes. I think it's called being an adult.<br />
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Then, there is the point (waving its little hand from the back of the room and begging to be noticed), that even though I didn't make great progress, I still made <i>some</i> progress. Look at me being all the-glass-is-half-full, it must be the yoga training.<br />
<br />
Seriously though, I did submit one story, which is more than I've submitted since I was eighteen. And, I joined a writing class where we read out loud our stories every week, which has been a tremendous experience. Can't recommend enough the value of a writing group. I've written six new stories since September, and a couple of them received rave reviews from the readers. It is something. <br />
<br />
So, I'm going back through my blog roll and trying to find some inspiration for Goal Setting 2013: The Wrath of The Beast. Below you will find my list of must-read blogs for goal setting 2013.<br />
<br />
Anyone have some great articles or posts on writing goals? Link 'em up in the comments, please. <br />
<br />
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<a href="http://kriswrites.com/freelancers-survival-guide-table-of-contents/" target="_blank">Freelancer's Survival Guide:</a><br />
Kristine Katheryn Rusch's blog is a new one to me. Her "Freelancer's Survival Guide" has inspired and comforted me, and I can't recommend it enough, especially if you have left your day job to pursue writing (or whatever your passion) full-time. It is available on her blog, but you are going to want a copy of your own. I think that the tips in this guide can apply for writers, even if you haven't left that day job. There are some great sections that apply for goal setting (Goals and Dreams, Business Plan), but the guide also gives tips on how to meet your goals, too. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.deanwesleysmith.com/?p=8367" target="_blank">Taking stock and setting goals:</a><br />
This series of three posts (well the whole site is fantastic) from Dean Wesley Smith, has helped me to clarify where I should be spending my time as a beginner writer. Great summary of the world of writing/publishing in 2012, and smart, sensible tips for the beginner writer planning their 2013.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://jakonrath.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/konraths-resolutions-for-writers.html" target="_blank">Konrath's Resolutions for Writers:</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Inspirational, funny, no-nonsense and practical. The "2006" resolution list covers it all, but read through them all for inspiration. </span><span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.writing-world.com/basics/jud.shtml" target="_blank">Moira Allen's Setting Effective Writing Goals:</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Does just what it says on the tin. Step-by-step on how to set effective writing goals.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.writing-world.com/basics/jud.shtml" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white;">Goals are Worthless If..: </span></a><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Brian Jud's checklist is great for refining your goal list. </span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://charactertherapist.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/weekend-funnies-think-about-resolutions.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+charactertherapist+%28The+Character+Therapist%29&utm_content=Google+Reader" target="_blank">For when you're sick of blog posts on goal setting, a little comic relief from The Character Therapist.</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Topical and funny cat pictures for the writer....need I say more?</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09978176432357891953noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831033142275364940.post-79831197631235245572012-12-26T17:12:00.000+00:002013-05-30T16:19:05.717+01:00Everything but the writing<div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Posted by Jennifer Baylor at <a href="http://writingcocoon.blogspot.com/">The Writing Cocoon</a>. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Filed under "<span style="font-size: x-small;">The Mental Game</span>" </span></i></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas hangover = cranky writer and cranky cat</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></i></span>My husband returned to work, today, leaving me home, all alone with my new writing resolutions and one very cranky cat. I've caught up on my social media for the day, read some blogs I've neglected, washed some underwear and shooed cranky-puss off the keyboard about a dozen times. I even sent a short story off to a beta reader in order to prepare it for submission in January.<br />
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But, the one thing I haven't done: add one single, solitary syllable to my daily word count. Neither have I so much as cracked open the binder that holds The Beast (aka: WIP1). So, make that two things I haven't done today.<br />
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Instead, I've been searching Dr. Google for information on "weird muscle twitches." I'm pretty sure I've got some terrible disease or something. Then, I downloaded some self-pubbed books from Amazon, since my to-read pile isn't quite deep enough to drown in. Speaking of reading, I spent about an hour on Goodreads, 'cause it's a good place to get in touch with future readers. <br />
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Ha! Future readers. What good are future readers if you don't ever write anything for them to read?<br />
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I think I'm suffering from sort of post-Christmas hangover. I don't want to return to plain old, holiday-free winter. I guess I still have New Year's coming up, but that is not promising to be a fun holiday this year (no plans). It is dark and cold and rainy, and I just don't feel motivated to write anything. No, I'd rather pull a blanket over my head and drag the laptop underneath and play Angry Birds Star Wars. Dude! Have you seen it?<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Posted by Jennifer B. at <a href="http://writingcocoon.blogspot.com/">The Writing Cocoon</a>. </i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09978176432357891953noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831033142275364940.post-9301255072045851872012-12-21T10:08:00.000+00:002013-05-30T16:19:56.815+01:00Endings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Posted by Jennifer Baylor at <a href="http://writingcocoon.blogspot.com/">The Writing Cocoon</a>. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Filed under "<span style="font-size: x-small;">The Mental Game</span>" </span></i></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The End comes for us all - ask the ancient Greeks.</span></td></tr>
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I met with my therapist earlier this week. We were talking about feeling anxiety, and she mentioned that their was a general sense of unease in the world, and for some this was especially magnified as we approached the end of the Mayan calendar. What? I had no idea.<br />
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That should tell you the size of the rock I've been living under. I mean, I knew about the end of the Mayan calendar, vaguely recalled that somewhere I'd heard it mentioned some time ago and that there were some doomsday predictions around it, but I had no idea how much some people were seriously freaked out about it. When I got home after my appointment, I looked around on the Internet and found out that there is a more than a little hysteria around today's date. Apparently, as I write this, we have about 2 hours until the world ends. <br />
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Here I've been making plans for the New Year, trudging unknowingly through my daily life, with no notion that it was all for naught. Sounds about right, for me. I do tend to get trapped inside my head for long periods of time, then stumble out into the light, momentarily blind and ignorant to the world around me.<br />
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Which brings me to the title of the post: Endings. And, no, I'm not writing about story endings or novel endings. When you've had a rough go, and let's face it we all have crappy weeks, months or even years, how do you put an line under the bad period and move forward toward something new? That's what I've been thinking about these last few weeks.<br />
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I used to hate thinking about endings: the finality, the change of what was, and the uncertainty of something new beginning. After this year, I have a completely different perspective. I mean, besides it being a bit useless and all, to resist endings, I've actually been craving an ending for the last five months. It isn't that I think that a new year will begin and nothing bad will ever happen again, but it feels like it is time to transition out of this dark period I've been living through and move back to the land of the living (where people are freaking the frack out about Mayan calendars - seriously, how did I miss all this?).<br />
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So, a group of yogis on-line have been meditating with specific intentions in the days leading up to the winter solstice. This gave me an idea - I needed a ceremony. I like the ideas and imagery around the winter solstice, and what date could be more perfect for a little makeshift ceremony? It marks the time when the part of the world we live in returns to light. It is a shift in energy, a slow reawakening begun, a return to life - maybe it sounds a bit hokey to some of you, but our ancestors all over the globe have appreciated and marked the solstices going back a very long time. And, as a writer, symbols appeal to me - I appreciate their power.<br />
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The solstice will occur at 11:11am GMT, so I have a little more than an hour to prepare. It is a really simple little "ceremony" I've prepared. I've been meditating on these recent hardships, both my own and some of the more global, and thinking about how to accept what is, while letting go at the same time (not easy - I like control!). Now, I'm going to write down the grief, anger, disappointments and fears I've experienced this past year - all the things I've been thinking on this past week and a half - then simply burn the list just as the Earth's tilt is at its farthest from the Sun. It isn't magic. Nothing will be resolved or materially different. I just needed to find a way to mark what has happened and provide a place/space to jump off from in order to let go and get on with life. And get on with writing, there's going to be loads of writing!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09978176432357891953noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831033142275364940.post-50459320172339918682012-12-18T14:14:00.001+00:002013-05-30T16:21:06.989+01:00Back to the Beginning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Posted by Jennifer Baylor at <a href="http://writingcocoon.blogspot.com/">The Writing Cocoon</a>. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Filed under "<span style="font-size: x-small;">The Mental Game</span>" </span></i></span><br />
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I wrote a blog post, quite some time ago, entitled: “Writing Through Grief.” So, I don’t know what you would call the last year of my life, or how to define it in a blog post. Maybe the post’s title should be: “Hiding from Grief” or “Succumbing to Grief” or “Putting your whole life on hold?” “Major Suck-age” has a certain ring to it, too. <br />
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My last blog post was a year ago, today. I didn’t even realize it until I sat down and began to type. A whole year. Where did it go? What a different place I was in this time last year, writing a post about my “plan of attack” for 2012. I have to laugh - the best laid plans, eh? I can’t beat myself up over this past year of grief and despair and depression, though. Life has flayed me enough, even to satisfy my morbid tendency toward self-loathing. <br />
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It started back in January when a friend, who’s importance in my life I can scarcely begin to describe, fell ill and ended up in the hospital. Bad news turned to fear, which turned to waiting, and finally, the worst news of all: terminal cancer. The next month was a blur of anxiety and difficult decisions. Finally, thankfully, I pulled my head out and hopped on a plane. Thankfully because, as it turned out, I would be seeing my friend for the last time. She died the day I left. <br />
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I don’t even know how to describe the next few months. I’ve been mourning one person or another every year for the last five. I couldn’t be alone in my house but didn’t know how to be around people, I forgot all of my lofty plans and goals for writing, and I just tread water in a foggy haze of sadness and depression. <br />
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That was just the beginning of the year. I can’t even begin to describe to you the chaos, anxiety, fear, sadness and depression that followed in the latter half. Let’s face it, you don’t want to read the gory details, and I can’t stand the thought of recounting it all here. Maybe one day, but not today. It is all too recent and my new found peace of mind too fragile to risk. I’ll just say that there was more loss, plot-twists, illnesses and despair. <br />
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Maybe someone else would have done a better job at keeping the rest of their life together, but I admit that I let things fall apart. I let go. It was all I could do to get through the day-to-day, and I wasn’t very successful in that. Just as I thought my writing life was coming together in 2011, it all slipped through my fingers in 2012. <br />
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I made a few attempts at refocusing. There’s a draft blog post from back in May that I never published. I guess I knew deep down that I wasn’t ready. <br />
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It is strange to come back to this blog and my various writing accounts, everything seems frozen in time, which is fitting, really, as I’ve definitely glimpsed a hint of Miss Havisham in the mirror at times. Everything in my office has a film of dust, my writing posters and papers hang limply from their nails on my walls, and my white board still has a crazy plot diagram I can’t begin to make sense of now. <br />
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The one bright note in my writing world is that I joined a creative writing class back in September at my local college. I didn’t know what to expect, but it has been a wonderful experience. Having that weekly deadline for writing has helped me slip gently back into a routine. Reading my stories out loud and receiving feedback has been enlightening, reassuring, and motivating. After all, I don’t write just for myself, I want my stories to be read. <br />
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Then there is the fact that writing is such a solitary venture. I think that is the number one thing that has kept me away from keyboard, paper, and pen. Joining this course has been a way to ease back into writing by sharing my love of the craft with other like-minded people. Not only has it been wonderfully healing to read my own stories out loud to an audience of writers, but I didn't know how much I would enjoy reading and critiquing the stories of others. We’re just a bunch of writers talking about the thing we love. Glorious!<br />
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I imagine I’ve lost my readers over this past year, but I hope to look you all up and catch up, soon. Maybe you’re new here, and so you can pick up with me where I left off. In any case, I’m back. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09978176432357891953noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831033142275364940.post-28639813192174132362011-12-18T17:11:00.003+00:002013-05-30T16:03:28.608+01:00Speculative Fiction Links: News and Inspiration<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Posted by Jennifer Baylor at <a href="http://writingcocoon.blogspot.com/">The Writing Cocoon</a>. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Filed under "<span style="font-size: x-small;">T<span style="font-size: x-small;">he Sunday Paper: SFF Links</span></span>" </span></i></span><br />
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I've compiled a short list of links that I've found here and there. Mostly, the following are articles on things I find inspiring when trying to come up with story ideas or for world building, but there are articles and posts with reading lists and writing tips, too. I hope you enjoy them!<br />
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<u><b>Lists to Ponder:</b></u><br />
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<a href="http://www.npr.org/2011/12/15/143596229/fired-up-the-years-best-science-fiction-fantasy" target="_blank">NPR's list</a> of the best of 2011 in sci-fi & fantasy literature. Whilst I've been busily reading, I've not read a single book on this list, but they are all going on the reading list.<br />
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I've been contemplating my spaceship for a scifi novella idea. <a href="http://sciencefiction.com/2011/12/15/top-10-sci-fi-movie-spaceships/" target="_blank">Here's</a> a Top-Ten list of sci-fi spaceships from movies you may find fun and inspiring. <br />
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<u><b>The Future, It is here:</b></u><br />
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The student chemistry lab of the future may be <a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/CBSE-gets-ready-for-sci-fi-meet/articleshow/11149145.cms" target="_blank">on-line</a>. No more Bunsen Burners? I'm curious as to how the labs would be carried out. This gives me interesting thoughts for scifi stories. <br />
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Pills to improve your memory - they're a step closer to <a href="http://www.zmescience.com/research/increase-your-memory-with-a-pill/trackback/" target="_blank">reality</a>. <br />
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In other medical miracles with scifi writing possibilities: <a href="http://www.the33tv.com/about/station/newsteam/kdaf-cartilage-harvest-transplant-surgery-20111215,0,3315715.story" target="_blank">Grow your own cartilage, now available</a>.<br />
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<u><b>For The Writer:</b></u><br />
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Jane Friedman gives us the "12 Must-Read Articles From 2011," <a href="http://janefriedman.com/2011/12/16/12-must-read-articles-from-2011/" target="_blank">here</a>. Interesting stuff on writing, freelance writing, social media, and publishing. I'm working my way through the articles, but there seems to be a lot of good information for the interested writer.<br />
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This <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0226224988/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=slatmaga-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0226224988" target="_blank">book</a>, a sort-of science text book for the sci-fi fan, looks interesting. <a href="http://www.slate.com/blogs/future_tense/2011/12/15/time_travel_and_warp_drives_an_interview_with_allen_everett_and_thomas_roman_.html" target="_blank">Here's</a> an excerpt of an interview with the authors, for more insight into the book.<br />
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I subscribed to <a href="http://dailysciencefiction.com/" target="_blank">Daily Science Fiction</a>, and I'm really enjoying the stories. Give it a try - a fresh sci-fi story delivered daily to your inbox.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09978176432357891953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831033142275364940.post-2933219035009685392011-12-15T11:15:00.002+00:002013-06-01T11:30:06.864+01:00Plan of Attack: 2012 Writing Plan<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Posted by Jennifer Baylor at <a href="http://writingcocoon.blogspot.com/">The Writing Cocoon</a>. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Filed under "<span style="font-size: x-small;">Write1Sub1</span>" </span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i> </i></span>I've been staring at a blank screen for some time, trying to write this post. The goals for 2012 are not the problem; I know exactly what I would like to accomplish. It is the plan itself that is holding me back. You see, in 2011 I had plenty of writing goals, but I accomplished much less than I had hoped for. Still, I wrote more in 2011 than I have in years, so that is progress. But, how do I make 2012 more productive?<br />
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Here are the main goals (and the goals specifically for this challenge):<br />
<ol>
<li>Finish WIP#1 <i>TLCS</i></li>
<li>Finish 1st Draft of WIP#2 <i>DR</i></li>
<li>Participate in W1/S1: 2 times per month</li>
</ol>
The plan:<br />
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<i><b>Create and Maintain a consistent writing routine. </b></i>Now, this has been a struggle for me this year. I started with a simple goal to sit at my writing desk once per day, then tried detailed daily schedules. But the detailed daily schedule was too much. Next I tried a more general weekly goal lists with no daily schedule.That worked a little better, but I'm still failing at consistency.<br />
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I'm going to experiment with starting my day a little earlier and with some guided meditation, followed by yoga practice. I'm not a morning person, and my logic is that the meditation and yoga will help me focus and wake up, basically get the blood flowing. Then, I want to get in <b>one hour of writing</b> before noon, then <b>two hours of writing</b> later in the afternoon.<br />
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Each week, I will make a list of the writing I want to accomplish. I'm not going to put in a word count goal just yet. I'm a fast writer; if I can just get into the routine of writing every day, the word count will come. The goal is to write 5 days per week, Monday through Friday. I'd like to add a sixth day, but I feel I need to work on building the habit, first.<br />
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<i><b>Practice writing skills daily.</b></i> My writing skills are rusty, and I've been reading whatever I can find on building up my store of writing tools. I've come across much useful material, but about a month ago I found the book I've been looking for: <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/How-Be-Writer-Building-Creative/dp/1582978050/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323946213&sr=1-2" target="_blank">How to Be a Writer: Building Your Creative Skills through Practice and Play</a></i> by Barbara Baig. I'm really enjoying the exercises, tools and tips. This will be my "manual" for building my daily "practice" sessions (writing that won't be included in my daily word count).<br />
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<i><b>Join a writing group and/or find a crit partner.</b></i> I've toyed with this idea, looked online for local writing groups, but I just haven't found one that inspired me to leave my solitary writing cave and give it a go. It is time to get out there and give them a try. There are two or three in my area. I think it is important that I start getting some of my writing "out there" and receive feedback. I'm just not sure about these local groups - if they will be a good fit for me. I think I'd prefer a crit partner, someone I could exchange writing with on a regular basis. We'll see.<br />
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In 2012, if I can create and maintain the above plan, regardless of exact word count produced, I will consider the year successful. However, I don't see any reason why I can't accomplish the specific writing goals if I stick to the plan.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Absolute Write Novel Writing Challenge Blog Chain: </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>For more information about the challenge, click <a href="http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=224871" target="_blank">here</a>.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>For more information about the blog chain, click <a href="http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=231691" target="_blank">here</a>. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Participants:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Izz: <a href="http://www.samuelmae.info/engineroom/2011/12/08/plan-of-attack/" target="_blank">Post up! Make with teh clickety!</a><br />
alexshvarstman: <a href="http://www.alexshvartsman.com/" target="_blank">http://www.alexshvartsman.com</a><br />
Aggy B.: <a href="http://agcarpenter.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://agcarpenter.blogspot.com/</a><br />
mhaynes: <a href="http://michael-haynes.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://michael-haynes.blogspot.com/</a><br />
katsincommand: <a href="http://www.dmbonanno.com/" target="_blank">www.dmbonanno.com</a><br />
Opinionated Ant: <a href="http://worddabbler.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://worddabbler.blogspot.com/</a></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09978176432357891953noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831033142275364940.post-75659318688201564032011-11-21T13:55:00.001+00:002011-11-21T14:24:06.398+00:00NaNoWriMo - Day 21<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I wish I could say I'm wearing super Wrist Bands of Power, but, I'm not. I took a week off the computer - I had to. There was one day where I wrote nine-hundred words, but I couldn't sleep that night because of the resulting wrist pain. I couldn't even stand to use the keyboard long enough to check email, which gave me an unscheduled Internet holiday. There was actual heat rising from my wrists.<br />
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What did I do instead of writing last week? I've done completed some longhand writing. I've read a couple of books. There's even been some research accomplished.<br />
<br />But, the sad truth, for NaNoWriMo anyway, is that I'm very behind in word count. I'm not too down about it. Really. In fact, the time off of the computer, sat on the sofa with a notebook and pen, has given me some time to think through the project. I've been playing with mind-mapping in my notebook - which I think I like.<br />
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I've also been thinking about writing more short stories. Several times on this blog I've mentioned wanting to participate in a little something called Write 1/Submit 1, and I'm almost sorry I didn't concentrate more on that as a first challenge rather than a second novel. Which led me to thinking about making a novella out of this year's NaNoWriMo. There are a few contests that take novella length fiction, and I can always make it into a novel later. I know novellas aren't the most popular of formats in modern publishing, but modern publishing is changing every day it seems. A novella just seems like an easier beast to wrangle while working on my first novel and other short story projects. <br />
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We'll see.<br />
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I'm grappling with whether or not to attempt a NaNo comeback this year. Do I try to accomplish an obscene number of words in the next nine days? Will my wrists fall off? Are these wrist bands actually magical? Will I, won't I?<br />
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How about you guys? Anyone having a NaNo meltdown? I know some of you are probably already finished - you bastards (I kid, I kid!). I read somewhere that only 1 in 5 people "win" NaNo. Don't know if that is true, but if you're one of those people, then congrats. It's a great feeling, isn't it? What about the rest of you who are still typing for NaNoWriMo glory? Anyone planning some epic all-nighters?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09978176432357891953noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831033142275364940.post-87858615941454845582011-11-14T14:32:00.001+00:002013-05-30T16:23:48.435+01:00The Double Clawed Writer- A NaNoWriMo Update<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Posted by Jennifer Baylor at <a href="http://writingcocoon.blogspot.com/">The Writing Cocoon</a>. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Filed under "<span style="font-size: x-small;">The Mental Game</span>" </span></i></span><br />
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The last three days have been rough, and my body is following my mind in revolting against the challenge. It’s been a real test of my willpower to turn on the computer today. <br />
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First, my enthusiasm began to wane. Not my enthusiasm for my novel or the story - quite the opposite - but my enthusiasm for the NaNoWriMo challenge itself. I’m starting to get a feel for the story and the plot; ideas come to me faster than I can type, but I’m experiencing an inner rebellion about the time and word count constraints of NaNo. In short, I’m not feeling it. I don’t want to push through to the prescribed word count, paying no heed to the quality of the words, for the express purpose of arriving at the designated word count goal. I don’t want to prevent myself from going back to the first chapter and rewriting it because chapter four changed everything, simply because editing and rewriting are Na-<i>NO</i>'s.<br />
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Then, there are my hands. Despite my finding and using <a href="http://youtu.be/hUyMNyrOHJQ" target="_blank">these</a> very helpful stretches for my arms and wrists - I’ve been in a considerable amount of pain the last few days. Saturday I woke up and knew I couldn’t put hand to keyboard. I took some NSAID tablets, gave my forearms a massage and stayed off the computer all day long. It didn’t seem to make much of a difference. I couldn’t sleep Saturday night because my forearms and wrists ached so much that they kept me awake, tossing and turning. <br />
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Sunday I got out the wrist braces and took another day off from the keyboard. I took the computer-free time to do some mind-mapping, brainstorming and note-taking on my story…all with pen and my new notebook dedicated to this novel. I worked on editing my printed WiP1 manuscript. Writing with a pen didn’t feel bad at all…making me ponder the madness of writing out longhand some of my story. <br />
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Today, I’m braving the keyboard again. I’ve set a timer to go off every half hour for a stretching and walking break. These braces make typing difficult, but they do alleviate the strain and even the discomfort. Out went the horrible iMac mouse and in I plugged the bamboo tablet. The pen feels more natural in my hand, no pain. <br />
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I don’t know how this NaNoWriMo challenge will end this November. I don’t doubt that I’ll finish my draft, but I’m not sure of the time frame of 30 days. I’ll keep forging (I typed "foraging" at first, but that seems to fit, too) ahead. On the upside, some great ideas are coming to me, and the plot is developing. I’m getting the hang of fleshing out the scenes and connecting them to form my story. It isn’t something I can easily describe, other than to say that things are starting to click. I have hope for my WiP1, and I think WiP2 will turn out to be a pretty good first draft, at least, better than WiP1's first draft. Plot holes be damned, full speed ahead! Or, full turtle speed ahead. <br />
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How goes it for everyone else? Anyone doing the AW Novel Challenge along with NaNo? Anyone else feeling the heat rising off of their inflamed wrists and tendons?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09978176432357891953noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831033142275364940.post-14758018673815993412011-11-09T10:59:00.000+00:002011-11-09T10:59:38.243+00:00From the trenches: NaNoWriMo Day 9<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Posted by Jennifer B at <a href="http://writingcocoon.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Writing Cocoon</a>.</i></span><br />
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Pssst!</div>
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<br />You, hey you! *<i>Peeks head up and looks from side-to-side</i>*<br /> </div>
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*<i>Whispering</i>* I’ve been down here, keeping out of sight. When you are waist deep in plot bunnies, you really got to keep your head down. I mean…those things have teeth. I’m going to have to keep this short and sweet, can’t be caught out in the open when the novel is running amok, characters and ideas swarming, threatening to overwhelm our position, here.<br /> </div>
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I’m current on word count, but I'm not on track to finish the 70k word goal I set for myself. Not really worried about that now…just got to get out of this alive. I’m waffling between POVs, character names, and struggling with a desire to drop everything and go get some research ammunition. Plus, I’m leaving the beginning and entering the middle - the story world. <br /> </div>
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Holy shit. I had no idea what a mess this part of the battlefield was going to be. I’m taking advantage of this short cease fire on the storyline to go back and write out a synopsis of my novel…just feels like the thing to do to help me plot out the next few scenes. The middle is a vast wasteland, filled with mines. Got to be a bit more careful with mapping out a path if I’m going to get through in one coherent piece. <br /> </div>
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As for the WiP1, well, she’s been blown apart in the rewrite, and it’s a mess. I mean, guts and parts strewn all over the place. I’ve got no idea how to put this humpty dumpty back together again, so I’m also rewriting the synopsis of that novel. The only option after that is to wade in and start shooting plot bunnies, ask questions later. We’ll all get through this if we keep our heads down and fingers on the keyboard, well, at least the MC will. Don’t know about some of her friends…</div>
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*<i>Rockets whistle through the air</i>* Shit! Looks like another idea just hit me. I’m going to go lock it down, see if I can gather up some of these stray thoughts and use ‘em for ammo to get out of the middle of WiP 2. <br /> </div>
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*<i>Still whispering, grabs helmet and rifle</i>* And, yes, I’m getting a little stir-crazy over here. It’s been really dark, and I haven't talked to a living human today, and I’m still wearing my pj’s and my bathrobe. Damn the <a href="http://writingcocoon.blogspot.com/2011/11/jennifers-rules-for-surviving-nano.html" target="_blank">Rules</a>, full speed ahead!<br /><br /><b><i>For some tips on blowing your synopsis out of the water, check out the awesome arsenal available over <a href="http://blog.janicehardy.com/2009/04/sum-of-parts.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></b></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09978176432357891953noreply@blogger.com3