Wow, this year went by so incredibly fast. Looking back over the year, there have been so many things to be grateful for in my life and some, not so much. But that is life, right? It is a roller coaster. But it is never just good times or bad times. It is both at the same time. This chaos surrounds us daily; ups and downs, stressful times and relaxing times, times of sadness and times of great joy and laughter, making new friends and losing old friends, financial hardships and being rich with love for friends and family.
Everyday, we make choices. Some good and some bad. And with every situation, we choose how we will respond to situations we are faced with in our lives. So this next year, choose to live your best life.
Choose not to hold that grudge.
Choose not to judge a person by their mistakes.
Choose not to assume the worst.
Choose not to throw away a friend.
Choose not to allow the outside world determine your worth.
Choose not to give up on those who have offended you.
Choose not to be unforgiving, no one including you, is perfect!
Choose not to allow anger and pride control you.
I want to wish everyone a Bright and Happy New Year! May all your dreams come true!
Love Always,
Kris
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Sunday, December 19, 2010
6 days til Christmas!
I absolutely love this time of year....
The rain freshens the air, and the smell of fireplaces being used to warm the home. The crisp coolness on your face, and the thousands of twinkling lights that illuminate the evenings.
But most of all, I love spending the extra time with family, and the exchanging of gifts that give us the opportunity to tell people how much we care. It's never a matter of how much money is spent. Only that smile put on a loved ones face that says you brightened their day by remembering them.
This is also a time when we are reminded of our many blessings, and reminded to share our gifts of time and friendship with those who need our help.
SO count your blessings, and then do what you can to reach out to others. Call a friend you haven't spoken with in awhile, mail them a Christmas Card or friendly note, leave a plate of homemade cookies on a neighbors front porch. Just letting people know they are cared for is one of the most precious gifts you can give.
Love Always, and Merry Christmas!
Kris
The rain freshens the air, and the smell of fireplaces being used to warm the home. The crisp coolness on your face, and the thousands of twinkling lights that illuminate the evenings.
But most of all, I love spending the extra time with family, and the exchanging of gifts that give us the opportunity to tell people how much we care. It's never a matter of how much money is spent. Only that smile put on a loved ones face that says you brightened their day by remembering them.
This is also a time when we are reminded of our many blessings, and reminded to share our gifts of time and friendship with those who need our help.
SO count your blessings, and then do what you can to reach out to others. Call a friend you haven't spoken with in awhile, mail them a Christmas Card or friendly note, leave a plate of homemade cookies on a neighbors front porch. Just letting people know they are cared for is one of the most precious gifts you can give.
Love Always, and Merry Christmas!
Kris
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Book Review: Perilous by Tamara Hart Heiner
Perilous (WiDo Publishing, fall 2010)
Jaci Rivera has plans for her sophomore year: go to regionals with the track team, make the honor roll, and eat too much pizza with her best friends, Callie and Sara. Her biggest concern is Amanda, the pushy girl who moved in a few months ago.
What she doesn't plan for is catching a robber red-handed, or being kidnapped. The desperate thief drags her and her friends 2,000 miles across the Canadian border. They escape from his lair, only to find that he has spies and agents watching their path home, waiting to intercept them and take them back.
Then Jaci finds something out about her family. Something which irrevocably connects her to their kidnapper, and makes her question their chances of escape.
Perilous is the debut novel for Tamara Hart Heiner. For a debut novel, this isn't a bad start for Tamara. I enjoyed the tenacity of the characters and the determination they show throughout their journey home. I'm not sure I could have survived as long as they do in the book. I found myself continuing to read to see what was going to happen next. However, there were some plot holes and areas that didn't seem real or plausible, and maybe even a little out there or too coincedental for me. But don't let that stop you from checking out this story.The book is a decent read, and though the book just seems to end without explanation, the sequel will hopefully plug the holes and resolve things for the girls. You can't help but root for them!
I would give this book a grade of:
B+, waiting patiently for the sequel.
Please take a minute to check out Tamara's blog and websites. She is holding some pretty cool contests! Also, you can find her Book Trailer on YouTube!
Thanks Guys for listening,
Love Always,
Kris
Jaci Rivera has plans for her sophomore year: go to regionals with the track team, make the honor roll, and eat too much pizza with her best friends, Callie and Sara. Her biggest concern is Amanda, the pushy girl who moved in a few months ago.
What she doesn't plan for is catching a robber red-handed, or being kidnapped. The desperate thief drags her and her friends 2,000 miles across the Canadian border. They escape from his lair, only to find that he has spies and agents watching their path home, waiting to intercept them and take them back.
Then Jaci finds something out about her family. Something which irrevocably connects her to their kidnapper, and makes her question their chances of escape.
Perilous is the debut novel for Tamara Hart Heiner. For a debut novel, this isn't a bad start for Tamara. I enjoyed the tenacity of the characters and the determination they show throughout their journey home. I'm not sure I could have survived as long as they do in the book. I found myself continuing to read to see what was going to happen next. However, there were some plot holes and areas that didn't seem real or plausible, and maybe even a little out there or too coincedental for me. But don't let that stop you from checking out this story.The book is a decent read, and though the book just seems to end without explanation, the sequel will hopefully plug the holes and resolve things for the girls. You can't help but root for them!
I would give this book a grade of:
B+, waiting patiently for the sequel.
Please take a minute to check out Tamara's blog and websites. She is holding some pretty cool contests! Also, you can find her Book Trailer on YouTube!
Thanks Guys for listening,
Love Always,
Kris
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Getting back on track.
SO, I'm done with the Shakespeare class! Yay! But now my brain is mush. My plan is to try and sprint to the finish, but I only have 7 days left, one being Thanksgiving, and one being my son's B-day...so it is more like 5 days....I don't see 50,000 words in my future. BUT, I'm going to give it a try and just see how close I get...
I did not sign up for another class until January, so even though NANO ends Nov 30...I'm going to keep on going til the end of the year and see what I come up with.
I just joined a critique group which starts in January, and I need stuff for them to critique!
Anyways, I wanted to wish everyone and very Happy Thanksgiving, and remind everyone to reflect on what you are truly thankful for this holiday. Life is so short and can be gone in a blink of an eye. You never want to be left wondering if you ever told someone that you loved them. So Tell Them!
Let go of the grudges, the only person they hurt is you. Let go of the anger, and forgive. Tomorrow might be one day too late!
Love Always,
Kris
I did not sign up for another class until January, so even though NANO ends Nov 30...I'm going to keep on going til the end of the year and see what I come up with.
I just joined a critique group which starts in January, and I need stuff for them to critique!
Anyways, I wanted to wish everyone and very Happy Thanksgiving, and remind everyone to reflect on what you are truly thankful for this holiday. Life is so short and can be gone in a blink of an eye. You never want to be left wondering if you ever told someone that you loved them. So Tell Them!
Let go of the grudges, the only person they hurt is you. Let go of the anger, and forgive. Tomorrow might be one day too late!
Love Always,
Kris
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Nano update! I'm only at 3800 words, BUT I'm one week from finishing my Shakespeare class, and then it's nothing but WRITING! I'm going to have to sprint to the end if I'm going to make the 50,000 word mark.
Math Time....
3800 / 50000 = 7.6%
350 words per page (avg) = roughly 143 pages
I've written: 11 pages
11 / 143 = 7.6%
So, since it is about the same, I'm going to count pages. 143 pages seems ALOT less daunting than 50000 words...BUT I'm still behind...
It's OK, I will be able to do it! I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...
HELP! LOL
Math Time....
3800 / 50000 = 7.6%
350 words per page (avg) = roughly 143 pages
I've written: 11 pages
11 / 143 = 7.6%
So, since it is about the same, I'm going to count pages. 143 pages seems ALOT less daunting than 50000 words...BUT I'm still behind...
It's OK, I will be able to do it! I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...
HELP! LOL
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
NaNoWriMo has started!
OKay, so National Novel Writing Month has started and I took the plunged this year to write 50,000 words in one month. Nov 1 to 30th! Crazy I know, but I'm going to try. As of day 3 I'm at 1879! Yikes. I'm hoping to keep plugging along during the first half of the month while I'm finishing my Shakespeare Class. Too much reading and writing for class and it takes alot of time. But I'm done with the class as of Nov. 20th, and that will give me 10 days of literary abandon to fill in the words I'm short by that time. I think I can, I think I can , I hope I can! The power of positive thinking, right?
Update on my arm...MRI shows a bigger fracture than they thought and it hasn't healed like they thought either. So I have an appt with the Orthopedic Surgeon on Nov 12 to find out what my options include. I'm not looking forward to it at all...Could be surgery, could be casted..not sure, but either way it sucks!
So I'm stealing a writing tip today from another writing buddy, Tristi Pinkston, because she is always full of wisdom.....
Just sit down and write something, already!
Yes Ma'am!
Love Always.
Kris
Update on my arm...MRI shows a bigger fracture than they thought and it hasn't healed like they thought either. So I have an appt with the Orthopedic Surgeon on Nov 12 to find out what my options include. I'm not looking forward to it at all...Could be surgery, could be casted..not sure, but either way it sucks!
So I'm stealing a writing tip today from another writing buddy, Tristi Pinkston, because she is always full of wisdom.....
Just sit down and write something, already!
Yes Ma'am!
Love Always.
Kris
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Rain!
Rain, Rain, Don't go away
Falling, Falling, keep coming down
Take, Oh Take, the sorrow and pain
Melt, Melt, carry it away.
I LOVE the rain. The sounds, the smells, the calming rhythm. It just seems to surround me and help cleanse away all the bad and energize with the new...
Now, it's time to open a window, turn on the light tunes, grab the hot cocoa, and read a book, all wrapped up in my favorite Superman throw! The Best Afternoon coming right up!
Love Always,
Kris
Falling, Falling, keep coming down
Take, Oh Take, the sorrow and pain
Melt, Melt, carry it away.
I LOVE the rain. The sounds, the smells, the calming rhythm. It just seems to surround me and help cleanse away all the bad and energize with the new...
Now, it's time to open a window, turn on the light tunes, grab the hot cocoa, and read a book, all wrapped up in my favorite Superman throw! The Best Afternoon coming right up!
Love Always,
Kris
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Collision Update!
Quick update. I was involved in a Head-On collsion on Jan 25th, which totalled my husband's Chevy 1500 Silverado. I injured my left elbow in the accident because I did what they call "Stiff Arm" the steering wheel to brace for impact..The night of the accident I was seen in the ER, and with my doctor 3 days later. Again with my doctor in March for the pain in the elbow. None of these times was an x-ray done and I was told each time, that it would take time to heal and do some exercises.
Anyways, for the last 9 months I have been dealing with pain and discomfort in the elbow. Granted, it is better than it was after the accident, but it just isn't getting better. I finally called and requested to be referred to a specialist and was x-rayed and attended Physical Therapy yesterday.
Today I found out that I had a tiny fracture in my left elbow from the head on collision. It only took 9 months! The Physical Therapist says that the joint has been and continues to be out of alignment. No wonder It never seemed to heal. Now, I have tendonitis and an appt for a MRI! When it rains it pours! But the sun always shines brightly after the rain, so I'm trying to think positive!
Pray for me!
Kris
Anyways, for the last 9 months I have been dealing with pain and discomfort in the elbow. Granted, it is better than it was after the accident, but it just isn't getting better. I finally called and requested to be referred to a specialist and was x-rayed and attended Physical Therapy yesterday.
Today I found out that I had a tiny fracture in my left elbow from the head on collision. It only took 9 months! The Physical Therapist says that the joint has been and continues to be out of alignment. No wonder It never seemed to heal. Now, I have tendonitis and an appt for a MRI! When it rains it pours! But the sun always shines brightly after the rain, so I'm trying to think positive!
Pray for me!
Kris
Monday, October 11, 2010
I hit 25 followers!
THANK YOU SO MUCH! And welcome to Jamie. I now have 25 official followers. YAY!
Come on people, I need more. Recommend me to your friends! PLEEASE!
So the last two weeks, I have been completely immersed in my Literature class. I'm taking class at National University, where they stick an entire semester class into FOUR WEEKS! Yeah, that's right.
I'm on Poetry overload right now. But I will say that where as before I was utterly terrified of poetry, I'm finding it not so scary. I've even found a few I like!
Here is one I liked, let me know what you think of it, and what you think it is about. (Without cheating and looking it up online!lol)
When You Are Old by William Butler Yeats
When you are old and grey and full of sleep,
And nodding by the fire, take down this book,
And slowly read, and dream of the soft look
Your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep;
How many loved your moments of glad grace,
And loved your beauty with love false or true,
But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you,
And loved the sorrows of your changing face;
And bending down beside the glowing bars,
Murmur, a little sadly, how Love fled
And paced upon the mountains overhead
And hid his face amid a crowd of stars.
What do you think?
Come on people, I need more. Recommend me to your friends! PLEEASE!
So the last two weeks, I have been completely immersed in my Literature class. I'm taking class at National University, where they stick an entire semester class into FOUR WEEKS! Yeah, that's right.
I'm on Poetry overload right now. But I will say that where as before I was utterly terrified of poetry, I'm finding it not so scary. I've even found a few I like!
Here is one I liked, let me know what you think of it, and what you think it is about. (Without cheating and looking it up online!lol)
When You Are Old by William Butler Yeats
When you are old and grey and full of sleep,
And nodding by the fire, take down this book,
And slowly read, and dream of the soft look
Your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep;
How many loved your moments of glad grace,
And loved your beauty with love false or true,
But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you,
And loved the sorrows of your changing face;
And bending down beside the glowing bars,
Murmur, a little sadly, how Love fled
And paced upon the mountains overhead
And hid his face amid a crowd of stars.
What do you think?
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
This week's song connection!
First, I bought "Mr. Monster" the sequel to Dan Well's debut novel, "I Am Not A Serial Killer" today and I'm SO excited to read it. If you haven't read the first one, you're missing out! Go buy it people!
How funny! This week's song connection is another song by Lifehouse! What? Are they stalking me for song lyrics or something?
"All In" by Lifehouse
All night, staring at the ceiling
counting the minutes I've been feeling
this way, so far away and so alone
But you know it's alright
I came to my senses
letting go of my defenses
There's no way I'm giving up this time.
Yea you know Im right here
I'm not losing you this time.
And I'm all in, nothing left to hide
I've fallen harder than a landslide
I spent a week away from you last night
And now, I'm calling out your name
Even if I lose the game
I'm all in, I'm all in tonight
Yea I'm all in, I'm all in for life.
There is no taking back what we've got
It's too strong we've had each other's back for too long
There's no breaking up this time.
And you know it's OK
I came to my senses
letting go of my defenses
There's no way I'm giving up this time.
And I'm all in, nothing left to hide
I've fallen harder than a landslide
I spent a week away from you last night
And now, I'm calling out your name
Even if I lose the game
I'm all in, I'm all in tonight
Yea I'm all in, I'm all in for life.
And now, I'm calling out your name
Even if I lose the game
I'm all in, I'm all in tonight
Yea I'm all in, I'm all in for life.
Chorus repeat...
This song really hits home with me, especially with the way the last month as gone for me. I'm turning over a new leaf, at least I'm trying to, and it started with me throwing everything I had out there and letting the chips fall where they may. Though, this isn't a game I'm gonna lose, I'm all in for life!
How funny! This week's song connection is another song by Lifehouse! What? Are they stalking me for song lyrics or something?
"All In" by Lifehouse
All night, staring at the ceiling
counting the minutes I've been feeling
this way, so far away and so alone
But you know it's alright
I came to my senses
letting go of my defenses
There's no way I'm giving up this time.
Yea you know Im right here
I'm not losing you this time.
And I'm all in, nothing left to hide
I've fallen harder than a landslide
I spent a week away from you last night
And now, I'm calling out your name
Even if I lose the game
I'm all in, I'm all in tonight
Yea I'm all in, I'm all in for life.
There is no taking back what we've got
It's too strong we've had each other's back for too long
There's no breaking up this time.
And you know it's OK
I came to my senses
letting go of my defenses
There's no way I'm giving up this time.
And I'm all in, nothing left to hide
I've fallen harder than a landslide
I spent a week away from you last night
And now, I'm calling out your name
Even if I lose the game
I'm all in, I'm all in tonight
Yea I'm all in, I'm all in for life.
And now, I'm calling out your name
Even if I lose the game
I'm all in, I'm all in tonight
Yea I'm all in, I'm all in for life.
Chorus repeat...
This song really hits home with me, especially with the way the last month as gone for me. I'm turning over a new leaf, at least I'm trying to, and it started with me throwing everything I had out there and letting the chips fall where they may. Though, this isn't a game I'm gonna lose, I'm all in for life!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Class has started!
My first Literature class at National University started today. For the next four weeks, I'll be studying fiction, poetry, and drama. I'm excited to get back into studying. I seem to be able to write more when I'm busy. When I have too much time, there is always so many other things to do, DARN YOU DEXTER!,,LOL
My other problem is that I have too many stories going on in my head. I have 5, count them, 5 different folders on my desktop. 5 different story lines to work on. I can't seem to decide which one is going to get my full attention yet.
So I need to make the decision to just pick the one with the loudest characters and write their story. Then I can move on to the next loudest. No wonder I can't sleep lately. Too many people screaming at me in my head!
Keep it real!
Kris
My other problem is that I have too many stories going on in my head. I have 5, count them, 5 different folders on my desktop. 5 different story lines to work on. I can't seem to decide which one is going to get my full attention yet.
So I need to make the decision to just pick the one with the loudest characters and write their story. Then I can move on to the next loudest. No wonder I can't sleep lately. Too many people screaming at me in my head!
Keep it real!
Kris
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Broken
I love how music can fully express emotion. Being a music lover, I often turn to music and song lyrics to help me through the rough times, and even the happy times as well. I'm also a writer that MUST have music going in the background. One of my favorite things to do when I need to wind down or do a mental download and reboot the internal hardrive is listen to music. Whether I'm taking a bath by candlelight or sitting on the couch in a dark living room, I will put on the ipod and listen to whatever playlist I've created for whatever mood I'm in at the time.
I love when I can find a song that becomes a "theme song" for the moment in time.
Today's song connection is one of my favorite songs by Lifehouse, "Broken"
The broken clock is a comfort
It helps me sleep tonight
Maybe it can't stop tomorrow
From stealing all my time
I am here still waiting
I still have my doubts
I am damaged at best
Like you've already figured out.
I'm falling apart
I'm barely breathing
With a broken heart
that's still beating
In the pain, there is healing
In your name, I find meaning
So, I'm holding on, I'm holding on, I'm holding on
I'm barely holding on to you.
The broken locks were a warning
You got inside my head
I tried my best to be guarded
I'm an open book instead
And I still see your reflection
Inside of my eyes
That are looking for purpose
There still looking for life
I'm falling apart
I'm barely breathing
With a broken heart
that's still beating
In the pain, is there healing
In your name, I find meaning
So, I'm holding on, I'm holding on, I'm holding on
I'm barely holding on to you.
I'm hanging on another day
Just to see what you will throw my way
I'm hanging on to the words you say
You said that I will, Will be OK
The broken lights on the freeway
Left me here alone
I may have lost my way now
Haven't forgotten my way home
I'm falling apart
I'm barely breathing
With a broken heart
that's still beating
In the pain, there is healing
In your name, I find meaning
So, I'm holding on, I'm holding on, I'm holding on
I'm barely holding on to you.
Though we all have days where we feel we are barely hanging on, and we are left all alone, it is those times when we have to remember HE is there to carry us. HE is permanent and will never let go!
I love when I can find a song that becomes a "theme song" for the moment in time.
Today's song connection is one of my favorite songs by Lifehouse, "Broken"
The broken clock is a comfort
It helps me sleep tonight
Maybe it can't stop tomorrow
From stealing all my time
I am here still waiting
I still have my doubts
I am damaged at best
Like you've already figured out.
I'm falling apart
I'm barely breathing
With a broken heart
that's still beating
In the pain, there is healing
In your name, I find meaning
So, I'm holding on, I'm holding on, I'm holding on
I'm barely holding on to you.
The broken locks were a warning
You got inside my head
I tried my best to be guarded
I'm an open book instead
And I still see your reflection
Inside of my eyes
That are looking for purpose
There still looking for life
I'm falling apart
I'm barely breathing
With a broken heart
that's still beating
In the pain, is there healing
In your name, I find meaning
So, I'm holding on, I'm holding on, I'm holding on
I'm barely holding on to you.
I'm hanging on another day
Just to see what you will throw my way
I'm hanging on to the words you say
You said that I will, Will be OK
The broken lights on the freeway
Left me here alone
I may have lost my way now
Haven't forgotten my way home
I'm falling apart
I'm barely breathing
With a broken heart
that's still beating
In the pain, there is healing
In your name, I find meaning
So, I'm holding on, I'm holding on, I'm holding on
I'm barely holding on to you.
Though we all have days where we feel we are barely hanging on, and we are left all alone, it is those times when we have to remember HE is there to carry us. HE is permanent and will never let go!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
I have exercised the demons! This house is...almost clear!
I've been a bit absent from my blog lately, and I apologize to my followers. Hopefully I haven't lost you guys to some other amazing blog out there in blogger land.
Over the last few weeks, I have been making room in my overstuffed brain! I took the long overdue opportunity to kick out some of the old skeletons taking up space and collecting dust in the back of my mind.
It is really surprising how much weight those soul-sucking leeches are and when you are finally able to put them out, you begin to feel like you can walk on air.
I'm beginning a new journey in self-discovery and finding out who I really am. I have broken the chains that have kept me from moving forward and left me stuck, spinning my wheels in place. I have shed the bonds that for so long have stopped me from discovering my potential, and reaching my goals and my dreams.
I still have a long road ahead of me. Those negative behaviors I learned will be hard to change, but I am confident that with the help of my loving and supportive friends and family, I will be able to conquer those deeply rooted demons of self-doubt and self-hatred and replaced them with positive thoughts and beliefs.
I've walked the road for too long thinking I was all alone with no one there to hold my hand. Living in my own personal hell in my own self-inflicted darkness, beaten down by the broken promises and negative influences I didn't see coming until I was caught in their clutches, thrown in to the deep dark corner. Now, I have finally mustered the courage to throw open the drapes and let in the cleansing light and burned the ties that were binding.
I am ready and willing to follow my path and find what I was put here to do. The difference this time is that I actually feel like I can do whatever I put my mind to, with hard work and determination, and of course with my Heavenly Father by my side.
Prayerfully Yours,
Kris
Over the last few weeks, I have been making room in my overstuffed brain! I took the long overdue opportunity to kick out some of the old skeletons taking up space and collecting dust in the back of my mind.
It is really surprising how much weight those soul-sucking leeches are and when you are finally able to put them out, you begin to feel like you can walk on air.
I'm beginning a new journey in self-discovery and finding out who I really am. I have broken the chains that have kept me from moving forward and left me stuck, spinning my wheels in place. I have shed the bonds that for so long have stopped me from discovering my potential, and reaching my goals and my dreams.
I still have a long road ahead of me. Those negative behaviors I learned will be hard to change, but I am confident that with the help of my loving and supportive friends and family, I will be able to conquer those deeply rooted demons of self-doubt and self-hatred and replaced them with positive thoughts and beliefs.
I've walked the road for too long thinking I was all alone with no one there to hold my hand. Living in my own personal hell in my own self-inflicted darkness, beaten down by the broken promises and negative influences I didn't see coming until I was caught in their clutches, thrown in to the deep dark corner. Now, I have finally mustered the courage to throw open the drapes and let in the cleansing light and burned the ties that were binding.
I am ready and willing to follow my path and find what I was put here to do. The difference this time is that I actually feel like I can do whatever I put my mind to, with hard work and determination, and of course with my Heavenly Father by my side.
Prayerfully Yours,
Kris
Saturday, September 4, 2010
WHOA! It's been awhile
Hello,
I'm so sorry I haven't been able to write lately. Life sometimes throws unexpected curve balls right at your head, knocking you to the ground. But I'm up, brushing the dirt of my jeans, and feeling like I can do anything. I haven't felt this "light" in awhile.....
SO.....since I haven't written anything since my last post, I don't have alot to update you on.
I'm hoping to get going again soon. The stories aren't going to finish themselves.. LOL
Well N-E-Wayz....I'll check back in later and update you on my Crazy Writing Thing....
Love Always,
Kris
I'm so sorry I haven't been able to write lately. Life sometimes throws unexpected curve balls right at your head, knocking you to the ground. But I'm up, brushing the dirt of my jeans, and feeling like I can do anything. I haven't felt this "light" in awhile.....
SO.....since I haven't written anything since my last post, I don't have alot to update you on.
I'm hoping to get going again soon. The stories aren't going to finish themselves.. LOL
Well N-E-Wayz....I'll check back in later and update you on my Crazy Writing Thing....
Love Always,
Kris
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Family Shout Out!
Just want to pay homage to my Rock Star brother ( in training)..I added a video bar ( as long as it works) that is linked to their youtube videos of performances. Their album is due in stores in 2 months....
I'm so excited and proud!
I hope you like them. If you wanna see more, and I know you do...Type in Body Electric the band in the youtube search.
My brother is the guitarist on the right hand side with the white guitar. Go Tony!
Daniel is the amazing front man and Tony's BFF...hehe
Robbie the increbile bassist
Derek is the incomparable drummer..
Check them out and let them know what you think at Body Electric the band on Facebook, Myspace or here on my blog.....
Love,
Kris
P.S. My favorite is She Wants Blood...
Since my blog is essentially about my writing journey, I will say this...
I did contributed 2 lines in the 2nd verse... :)
Shhh...Don't worry Daniel, I won't be suing for songwriting rights or anything....LOL
I'm so excited and proud!
I hope you like them. If you wanna see more, and I know you do...Type in Body Electric the band in the youtube search.
My brother is the guitarist on the right hand side with the white guitar. Go Tony!
Daniel is the amazing front man and Tony's BFF...hehe
Robbie the increbile bassist
Derek is the incomparable drummer..
Check them out and let them know what you think at Body Electric the band on Facebook, Myspace or here on my blog.....
Love,
Kris
P.S. My favorite is She Wants Blood...
Since my blog is essentially about my writing journey, I will say this...
I did contributed 2 lines in the 2nd verse... :)
Shhh...Don't worry Daniel, I won't be suing for songwriting rights or anything....LOL
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Day One - Conference!
Whew!, What alot of information to take in! As you see by my countdown, that isn't counting down anymore, the conference is here. Two more days of great stuff ahead.
The VLOGS with agents and editors was really great. They made it seem like, even though it is a tough business, if you have a great story to tell, it will find a home and it will be heard.
I'm getting some pretty good feedback from other attendees so far, but I'm excited that agents and editors are also lurking around the critque forums, so maybe I will get some good advice from a pro!
SO one thing I learned today....Believe in yourself...
OKay, so this is NOT a new concept, however it is a concept that never seems to stick to the wall.
Here are a few other tidbits...From "Give yourself permission" by editor Molly O'Niell
Simply this: Give yourself permission.
Being a writer is a solitary act of will—it can only happen in the first place if you actively choose to do it. Your writing depends entirely on you for existence. And your life as a writer depends on you, too. If you grow as a writer, it is your doing. If you remain static as a writer, it is your doing. You are boss and worker and teacher and student and coach and cheerleader all rolled up in one writerly self, in a sense. And you know yourself as a writer better than any outsider could. So ask yourself—what sort of permission do you need as a writer, in order to make yourself a better writer today than you were yesterday, and in order to help your stories become all you hope they will be? And then—give yourself that permission. Today. Now. Before you write another word, give yourself permission:
1. Permission to call yourself a writer.
2. Permission to collect sparks of inspiration from even the unlikeliest of encounters.
3. Permission to wander your way into telling stories completely unlike those you perhaps once thought you would write.
4. Permission to start writing something new—totally, gloriously new—even if the thought terrifies you. Especially if the thought terrifies you.
5. Permission to stray from your outline.
6. Permission to keep writing, even if it feels like you may never “get there.”
7. Permission to let a character become someone totally different than you originally expected him/her to be.
8. Permission to kill a character. (And to cry a little when you do so.)
9. Permission to hire a babysitter, or to blow off some homework, or to order dinner in, or whatever it takes, to give yourself a little more space in your life for writing.
10. Permission to write a scene or story that might make certain people who love you shocked and surprised.
11. Permission to fail, maybe more than once. (Because you can’t fail unless you’ve tried.)
12. Permission to feel things deeply as a writer—disappointment, grief, doubt, jealousy. But then to balance those negative emotions with more positive ones: ambition, determination, persistence, hope.
13. Permission to ignore all the conflicting pieces of advice, and simply to write the story within you that wants to be told.
14. Permission to step away from measuring yourself against other writers.
15. Permission to be inspired by EVERYTHING.
16. Permission to be uninspired…but to try to write through it anyway.
17. Permission to mess up. Possibly many times. Every day.
18. Permission to do what you need to protect yourself as a writer—to turn off the internet, or to stop reading blogs for awhile, or to avoid Twitter—and enable yourself to do that thing which writers must do—TO WRITE.
19. Permission to think of your characters as real people (and to perhaps actually like them better than some real-life people you know).
20. Permission to…Write On!
Obviously, most of these are geared for a writer, but most are general and can be used in many areas of our life. We have to start giving ourselves permission to do the things we want to do instead of letting our fears hold us back. Easier said than done, right?
Hope you find inspiration, too.
Kris
The VLOGS with agents and editors was really great. They made it seem like, even though it is a tough business, if you have a great story to tell, it will find a home and it will be heard.
I'm getting some pretty good feedback from other attendees so far, but I'm excited that agents and editors are also lurking around the critque forums, so maybe I will get some good advice from a pro!
SO one thing I learned today....Believe in yourself...
OKay, so this is NOT a new concept, however it is a concept that never seems to stick to the wall.
Here are a few other tidbits...From "Give yourself permission" by editor Molly O'Niell
Simply this: Give yourself permission.
Being a writer is a solitary act of will—it can only happen in the first place if you actively choose to do it. Your writing depends entirely on you for existence. And your life as a writer depends on you, too. If you grow as a writer, it is your doing. If you remain static as a writer, it is your doing. You are boss and worker and teacher and student and coach and cheerleader all rolled up in one writerly self, in a sense. And you know yourself as a writer better than any outsider could. So ask yourself—what sort of permission do you need as a writer, in order to make yourself a better writer today than you were yesterday, and in order to help your stories become all you hope they will be? And then—give yourself that permission. Today. Now. Before you write another word, give yourself permission:
1. Permission to call yourself a writer.
2. Permission to collect sparks of inspiration from even the unlikeliest of encounters.
3. Permission to wander your way into telling stories completely unlike those you perhaps once thought you would write.
4. Permission to start writing something new—totally, gloriously new—even if the thought terrifies you. Especially if the thought terrifies you.
5. Permission to stray from your outline.
6. Permission to keep writing, even if it feels like you may never “get there.”
7. Permission to let a character become someone totally different than you originally expected him/her to be.
8. Permission to kill a character. (And to cry a little when you do so.)
9. Permission to hire a babysitter, or to blow off some homework, or to order dinner in, or whatever it takes, to give yourself a little more space in your life for writing.
10. Permission to write a scene or story that might make certain people who love you shocked and surprised.
11. Permission to fail, maybe more than once. (Because you can’t fail unless you’ve tried.)
12. Permission to feel things deeply as a writer—disappointment, grief, doubt, jealousy. But then to balance those negative emotions with more positive ones: ambition, determination, persistence, hope.
13. Permission to ignore all the conflicting pieces of advice, and simply to write the story within you that wants to be told.
14. Permission to step away from measuring yourself against other writers.
15. Permission to be inspired by EVERYTHING.
16. Permission to be uninspired…but to try to write through it anyway.
17. Permission to mess up. Possibly many times. Every day.
18. Permission to do what you need to protect yourself as a writer—to turn off the internet, or to stop reading blogs for awhile, or to avoid Twitter—and enable yourself to do that thing which writers must do—TO WRITE.
19. Permission to think of your characters as real people (and to perhaps actually like them better than some real-life people you know).
20. Permission to…Write On!
Obviously, most of these are geared for a writer, but most are general and can be used in many areas of our life. We have to start giving ourselves permission to do the things we want to do instead of letting our fears hold us back. Easier said than done, right?
Hope you find inspiration, too.
Kris
Sunday, August 8, 2010
WriteOnCon is Here!
The WriteOnCon is an online writing conference for which the countdown is counting.
It starts on Tues, and I'm getting nervous.
I've been reading the forums and there are SO many great stories and aspiring authors involved, as well as lots of top industry pros and agents that will be doing classes, chats and critiques...
Here comes my little devil of Self-Doubt. I know that I'm a newbie and have lots to learn. That is the main reason I'm excited about the conference.
The nervousness is because as these, if any, pros and agents read through my posts, I am afraid I'm going to stand out like a sore thumb (forgive the cliche) as a no-talent amateur up against some of the others.
AAGGH!! Why do I keep doing this to myself? I hate it, I hate it, I hate it!
*Blows out a sigh* Okay, I'm done with the tantrum....
So, I'm going to spend the rest of my time revising and editing so I have my best work to put forward for the conference. End of the week, I will post some of my results....Keep your fingers crossed for me!
Love,
Kris
It starts on Tues, and I'm getting nervous.
I've been reading the forums and there are SO many great stories and aspiring authors involved, as well as lots of top industry pros and agents that will be doing classes, chats and critiques...
Here comes my little devil of Self-Doubt. I know that I'm a newbie and have lots to learn. That is the main reason I'm excited about the conference.
The nervousness is because as these, if any, pros and agents read through my posts, I am afraid I'm going to stand out like a sore thumb (forgive the cliche) as a no-talent amateur up against some of the others.
AAGGH!! Why do I keep doing this to myself? I hate it, I hate it, I hate it!
*Blows out a sigh* Okay, I'm done with the tantrum....
So, I'm going to spend the rest of my time revising and editing so I have my best work to put forward for the conference. End of the week, I will post some of my results....Keep your fingers crossed for me!
Love,
Kris
Monday, August 2, 2010
One More to GO!!!
I only have one more to go and I have 25 followers~ I'm so excited.
Now, I wonder how many of my followers actually read this blog? He he LOL.
Just kidding I know everyone of you sit by your desk daily, waiting for the next incredible post coming from this amazing blog! How's that for positive thinking, heh?
I'm just excited that people of taken any kind of interest in what I have to say. I need to embrace this blogging experience. I promise, I'm going to get back on track with the writing and writing posts. I'm so excited about the upcoming online writer's conference that I have been focusing mainly on my manuscript.
Well, I must cut this short today since the husband is staring at the refridgerator, door open, yelling, "What's for Dinner?" So I must switch into my wife / mother hat, and feed the men.....
Catch ya later,
Love,
Kris
Now, I wonder how many of my followers actually read this blog? He he LOL.
Just kidding I know everyone of you sit by your desk daily, waiting for the next incredible post coming from this amazing blog! How's that for positive thinking, heh?
I'm just excited that people of taken any kind of interest in what I have to say. I need to embrace this blogging experience. I promise, I'm going to get back on track with the writing and writing posts. I'm so excited about the upcoming online writer's conference that I have been focusing mainly on my manuscript.
Well, I must cut this short today since the husband is staring at the refridgerator, door open, yelling, "What's for Dinner?" So I must switch into my wife / mother hat, and feed the men.....
Catch ya later,
Love,
Kris
Thursday, July 29, 2010
I know I know...I'm a little behind....
SO I just finished reading Dan Wells' debut novel, "I Am Not a Serial Killer"
What a great read! I found myself staying up, and skipping writing time to finish this book. Very "cleaver" Ha Ha.....N-E-Wayz...just read the book.
Seriously though, I had heard that it was a great book, but hadn't had the opportunity to read it until now. I bought it at Borders - it was in the Mystery / Thiller section, not the young adult - and I truly couldn't put it down.
So for those of you who have already read this book, I know I know, what took me so long, right?
But if you haven't, you are missing out on a truly entertaining and clever story.
I can't wait for more, John Wayne Cleaver!.....
What a great read! I found myself staying up, and skipping writing time to finish this book. Very "cleaver" Ha Ha.....N-E-Wayz...just read the book.
Seriously though, I had heard that it was a great book, but hadn't had the opportunity to read it until now. I bought it at Borders - it was in the Mystery / Thiller section, not the young adult - and I truly couldn't put it down.
So for those of you who have already read this book, I know I know, what took me so long, right?
But if you haven't, you are missing out on a truly entertaining and clever story.
I can't wait for more, John Wayne Cleaver!.....
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
I'm almost there!
I can't believe it~
I am 3 short of having 25 followers! And when I started this blog I didn't think I would have any followers other than my mom, and I bet she hasn't read it yet! LOL
I'm getting a bit more comfortable with this blog thing. I have always been a journal writer, with the occasional chunk of time missing, and I was hesitant at first to write a blog. I see my journal as such an intimate and personal space for me, and blogging was pushing that line in my mind.
But as I have come to follow other blogs, I have come to realize that it is ok to let people see a little bit of who I am, and where I going.
I'm on this weird and crazy journey into the world of writing and storytelling and some of you who know me might not think it is that cool. But for me, it is fascinating and terrifying at the same time. I feel like I'm getting stronger with each passing week. I'm discovering something that makes me feel good about myself again, which is something I haven't had since I retired from coaching youth cheerleading.
So how about you? Have you found something in your life that makes you feel good about yourself?
Let us know!
Love Always,
Kris
I am 3 short of having 25 followers! And when I started this blog I didn't think I would have any followers other than my mom, and I bet she hasn't read it yet! LOL
I'm getting a bit more comfortable with this blog thing. I have always been a journal writer, with the occasional chunk of time missing, and I was hesitant at first to write a blog. I see my journal as such an intimate and personal space for me, and blogging was pushing that line in my mind.
But as I have come to follow other blogs, I have come to realize that it is ok to let people see a little bit of who I am, and where I going.
I'm on this weird and crazy journey into the world of writing and storytelling and some of you who know me might not think it is that cool. But for me, it is fascinating and terrifying at the same time. I feel like I'm getting stronger with each passing week. I'm discovering something that makes me feel good about myself again, which is something I haven't had since I retired from coaching youth cheerleading.
So how about you? Have you found something in your life that makes you feel good about yourself?
Let us know!
Love Always,
Kris
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Consorting with the Enemy!
In the authors group of which I am a member, I read about a writer who is dealing with a negative and very unsupportive family when it comes to her passion for writing.
I, fortunately, have never experienced this within my own family. My parents and extended family of siblings and various in-laws have been so supportive and excited about my yearning for following this dream of writing. But it has never been just one thing. I am the oldest of five children, 33 to 22, and no matter what avenue any one of us at any time has pursued from sports to music to writing, there is unconditional support from all of us.
Over the last 17 years, I have coached cheerleading at all stages from youth leagues to high school to all stars. I have had the incredible honor of being a small part of so many girls, and a few boys, lives. Many of them I still keep in contact with to this day, though they are parents themselves. One of the things I learned over the many years of coaching is that I'm one of the luckiest people in the world because of the family dynamic. Of course, we fight and argue just like every other family. However, at the end of the day, there is no question in my mind as to whether or not my family loves and supports me. No matter how many times I screw in this life, big or small or HUGE! They will always be there to pick me up again. Another thing I have learned is that my family and I seem to be the weird ones, in today's society. We are the anomialies.
Yes, I can say that I don't know from experience what this writer is going through with her family.
BUT, I can say that I DO know from experience about letting someone else tell you whether or not you are good, or beautiful or worthless or untalented or wasting your time because you could never accomplish that goal. I know what it is like to have someone making you feel like you are worthless, and not good at anything. I know what is it like to fall in love with someone who loves someone else, and what it feels like to internalize the pain and rejection and letting them dictate your self-worth.
I have dealt with this someone for years. I am unable to win them over. I am unable to shake them off. Where ever I go, she goes. It is like we are unseparable. Because we are! I am truly my own worst enemy.
It is my own words telling me I can't do it. It is my own eyes staring back at me telling me that I'm worthless. It feels like I'm two completely different people trying to live two different lives with the same body. Each one struggling for control. Most of the time, it is easy to keep her at bay. But it is at those weak moments where her negative doubts and feelings can create such havoc and destruction.
So, how do you fight the demons inside? How do you look them in the face and laugh?
How do you turn the negatives into positives?
I wish there was a magic potion I could bottle and sell. But there isn't. It is simply this.
Pray. Stay close to the Lord, and never let your praying knees get lazy.
I, fortunately, have never experienced this within my own family. My parents and extended family of siblings and various in-laws have been so supportive and excited about my yearning for following this dream of writing. But it has never been just one thing. I am the oldest of five children, 33 to 22, and no matter what avenue any one of us at any time has pursued from sports to music to writing, there is unconditional support from all of us.
Over the last 17 years, I have coached cheerleading at all stages from youth leagues to high school to all stars. I have had the incredible honor of being a small part of so many girls, and a few boys, lives. Many of them I still keep in contact with to this day, though they are parents themselves. One of the things I learned over the many years of coaching is that I'm one of the luckiest people in the world because of the family dynamic. Of course, we fight and argue just like every other family. However, at the end of the day, there is no question in my mind as to whether or not my family loves and supports me. No matter how many times I screw in this life, big or small or HUGE! They will always be there to pick me up again. Another thing I have learned is that my family and I seem to be the weird ones, in today's society. We are the anomialies.
Yes, I can say that I don't know from experience what this writer is going through with her family.
BUT, I can say that I DO know from experience about letting someone else tell you whether or not you are good, or beautiful or worthless or untalented or wasting your time because you could never accomplish that goal. I know what it is like to have someone making you feel like you are worthless, and not good at anything. I know what is it like to fall in love with someone who loves someone else, and what it feels like to internalize the pain and rejection and letting them dictate your self-worth.
I have dealt with this someone for years. I am unable to win them over. I am unable to shake them off. Where ever I go, she goes. It is like we are unseparable. Because we are! I am truly my own worst enemy.
It is my own words telling me I can't do it. It is my own eyes staring back at me telling me that I'm worthless. It feels like I'm two completely different people trying to live two different lives with the same body. Each one struggling for control. Most of the time, it is easy to keep her at bay. But it is at those weak moments where her negative doubts and feelings can create such havoc and destruction.
So, how do you fight the demons inside? How do you look them in the face and laugh?
How do you turn the negatives into positives?
I wish there was a magic potion I could bottle and sell. But there isn't. It is simply this.
Pray. Stay close to the Lord, and never let your praying knees get lazy.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Didn't Do So Hot :(
Okay, well my goal month ended on July 11th at midnight, and I can say I didn't do as well I wanted.
Let's recap: GOALS
#1 - Daily writing goal of 30 mins a day, except Sundays
#2 - Weekly writing related post
#3 - Compose two more chapters in WIP MS. (Work In Progress, Manuscript)
Update -
#1 - Totally blew this one. I was lucky if I got in an hour each week.....I was able to get some plotting done.
#2 - I think I only made 2 of the 4 weeks on this one.
#3 - This one I think I may have almost completed. When I started plotting, the two chapters that I had originally have now been expanded to a prologue and 4 (unfinished) chapters.
So overall, though I didn't complete each goal entirely, I believe setting the goals actually did help me move forward in the last month. If I hadn't researched the "How to plot" weekly post, I wouldn't have made the progress I did on my MS, which did consist of re-writes and re-structuring of chapters. It wasn't daily writing, but it was writing that moved my story in the right direction.
So I'm going to focus on the success of this experiment and try it again. SAME GOALS! ONE MORE MONTH! Starting today...ending on August 13th at midnight. Which is a perfect ending, because it will give me the opportunity to update you on my progress and also a breakdown of the WriteOnCon Conference August 10-12th. I'm Excited!!!!
Wish me luck!
Love Always,
Kris
Let's recap: GOALS
#1 - Daily writing goal of 30 mins a day, except Sundays
#2 - Weekly writing related post
#3 - Compose two more chapters in WIP MS. (Work In Progress, Manuscript)
Update -
#1 - Totally blew this one. I was lucky if I got in an hour each week.....I was able to get some plotting done.
#2 - I think I only made 2 of the 4 weeks on this one.
#3 - This one I think I may have almost completed. When I started plotting, the two chapters that I had originally have now been expanded to a prologue and 4 (unfinished) chapters.
So overall, though I didn't complete each goal entirely, I believe setting the goals actually did help me move forward in the last month. If I hadn't researched the "How to plot" weekly post, I wouldn't have made the progress I did on my MS, which did consist of re-writes and re-structuring of chapters. It wasn't daily writing, but it was writing that moved my story in the right direction.
So I'm going to focus on the success of this experiment and try it again. SAME GOALS! ONE MORE MONTH! Starting today...ending on August 13th at midnight. Which is a perfect ending, because it will give me the opportunity to update you on my progress and also a breakdown of the WriteOnCon Conference August 10-12th. I'm Excited!!!!
Wish me luck!
Love Always,
Kris
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Holy Moly!
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it! ~Ferris Bueller
Boy, I've let 'life" get away with me and I've neglected my blog. Bad Bad Blogger..(Hand officially slapped)
My month long goal is coming to an end and I've been doing terrible so far on the daily goal, and I missed last weeks weekly post. I'm getting some writing in, but more plotting and outlining than actually writing.
My last post talked about The 7 point plot structure. This is helping me SO much. I'm really starting to see a road map of my story and it is helping me see where I need to fill. I'm hoping to have 3-4 chapters ready at least for the WriteOnCon Conference in August.
My struggle is making myself write and finding my confidence. I mean really write. Just go with the flow and not stop to edit. But I'm hopeful that I can do better.
I'm going to exit for now, since I haven't written my 30 minutes today...shame shame..
Talk to you guys later,
Love, Kris
Boy, I've let 'life" get away with me and I've neglected my blog. Bad Bad Blogger..(Hand officially slapped)
My month long goal is coming to an end and I've been doing terrible so far on the daily goal, and I missed last weeks weekly post. I'm getting some writing in, but more plotting and outlining than actually writing.
My last post talked about The 7 point plot structure. This is helping me SO much. I'm really starting to see a road map of my story and it is helping me see where I need to fill. I'm hoping to have 3-4 chapters ready at least for the WriteOnCon Conference in August.
My struggle is making myself write and finding my confidence. I mean really write. Just go with the flow and not stop to edit. But I'm hopeful that I can do better.
I'm going to exit for now, since I haven't written my 30 minutes today...shame shame..
Talk to you guys later,
Love, Kris
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Writing Tip
This week I have been struggling with writer's block. I have a great start to a couple of different stories, but I'm stuck on where to go with them. I have decided I need to outline / plot out my story so that I know where I need it to go in order to write the scenes to get the story to it's resolution.
I posted a help question on a group site, Authors Incognito, asking for ideas on how to outline / plot a novel, and the following advice led me to a great idea. One of the ladies told me that an author by the name, Dan Wells, author of "I'm Not a Serial Killer" had a presentation on story structure. I followed her link to a website that led me to a youtube video presentation. I watched all 5 videos and I think I have found my solution. I love the idea of the 7 point system for outlining.
1. Hook
2. Plot Turn 1
3. Pinch 1
4. Midpoint
5. Pinch 2
6. Plot Turn 2
7. Resolution.
I'm excited now because I have a skeleton to build from and I think this will allow me to really dive deep into getting my stories from my head to page.
If your interested, Dan Wells' presentation is very entertaining, insightful and educational in regards to writing.
Check out youtube : Type in the search box: Dan Wells on Story Structure, there are 5 parts. They are great!
Love Always,
Kris
I posted a help question on a group site, Authors Incognito, asking for ideas on how to outline / plot a novel, and the following advice led me to a great idea. One of the ladies told me that an author by the name, Dan Wells, author of "I'm Not a Serial Killer" had a presentation on story structure. I followed her link to a website that led me to a youtube video presentation. I watched all 5 videos and I think I have found my solution. I love the idea of the 7 point system for outlining.
1. Hook
2. Plot Turn 1
3. Pinch 1
4. Midpoint
5. Pinch 2
6. Plot Turn 2
7. Resolution.
I'm excited now because I have a skeleton to build from and I think this will allow me to really dive deep into getting my stories from my head to page.
If your interested, Dan Wells' presentation is very entertaining, insightful and educational in regards to writing.
Check out youtube : Type in the search box: Dan Wells on Story Structure, there are 5 parts. They are great!
Love Always,
Kris
I'm doing Terrible!
Just a quick post right now...
I'm having a real hard time with the Daily Goal. So many things have come up this week. I really think "someone" is trying to keep me from my goal. Once I find the little troll, I will squash him!
Just kidding, I'm going to try and catch up this weekend. I have to do some daily writing, and the weekly "writing post" today. So after my nephew's b-day party, I am going to try and work on my manuscript. I need to do some plotting....
Talk to you later,
Kris
I'm having a real hard time with the Daily Goal. So many things have come up this week. I really think "someone" is trying to keep me from my goal. Once I find the little troll, I will squash him!
Just kidding, I'm going to try and catch up this weekend. I have to do some daily writing, and the weekly "writing post" today. So after my nephew's b-day party, I am going to try and work on my manuscript. I need to do some plotting....
Talk to you later,
Kris
Friday, June 18, 2010
Update on Goals!
Not doing so good. I did my weekly goal post with info on WriteOnCon, but my daily goal of 30 minutes a day is falling short. I did it on Monday, 30.47 mins. I can't even remember what my excuse was for Tuesday...oh wait, I do...after dinner was a full hour of Hell's Kitchen that caught me. Wednesday, it was So you think you can Dance....Thursday, my son was sent home from school with 102F temp, so I had to leave work early, and spent the evening and into the night pumping him full of water and Tylenol. He stayed home from school today, and he thought he was feeling better, so we went to my parent's home to hang out, and had dinner. He fell asleep on us again, and when I woke him to leave, he was feeling hot again. I just took his temperature and it is at 101.9F again. He is sleeping again now, so I might try and get in a few minutes tonight. But if not I have 2.5 hours of writing to makeup tomorrow since the goal was 30 minutes a day, except for Sundays. No Sundays will be tough for me since my weekends are when I have the most time to devote to my writing....
I told you I'm not good at making myself work until I'm at a deadline. But with your help and support, I really feel like I can overcome this terrible habit. I though about giving myself a dedicated writing time, like 9-10pm. That way, my son would be in bed (theoretically..hehe) and it will be quiet, and still give me enough rest before I have to wake for work at 630am. Or maybe 930 to 1030,,,I don't know. Maybe I will play with that for next weeks daily goals.
What are some of the ways you motivate yourself to finish a goal? I'd love to hear your ideas.
Love Always,
Kris
I told you I'm not good at making myself work until I'm at a deadline. But with your help and support, I really feel like I can overcome this terrible habit. I though about giving myself a dedicated writing time, like 9-10pm. That way, my son would be in bed (theoretically..hehe) and it will be quiet, and still give me enough rest before I have to wake for work at 630am. Or maybe 930 to 1030,,,I don't know. Maybe I will play with that for next weeks daily goals.
What are some of the ways you motivate yourself to finish a goal? I'd love to hear your ideas.
Love Always,
Kris
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Online Writing Conference
As you can see by the awesome countdown to your right, there is a free online writers conference coming up in August. It is for Kids literature, (Main Character under 18) and will have numerous agents, publishers, authors, aspiring authors meeting up for critiques and such. I'm so excited about this. I attended the Storymaker's Conference in April and loved it! So being able to attend another conference like forum, without leaving my home or spending any money sounds completely groovy to me! The conference is August 10-12, looks like it starts REALLY early. I'm thinking about taking advantage of my vacation time in order to attend fully, but we'll see as it gets closer.
So I have two months to get working on my young adult manuscript, so I have something to submit to the critique forums. I realize some of my followers are authors and maybe all ready involved in this WriteOnCon and incredibly busy, and I look forward to working with you guys at the conference. So, If any of my other followers are interested in being a reader for me prior to the conference to help me get ready, I'd love to have your opinions and another set of eyes. Just let me know, and I'll let you know what it entails. It would probably be closer to the end of July before I would be ready.
If anyone else is interested in attending the WriteOnCon, visit the website for more information at http://www.writeoncon.com/
So I have two months to get working on my young adult manuscript, so I have something to submit to the critique forums. I realize some of my followers are authors and maybe all ready involved in this WriteOnCon and incredibly busy, and I look forward to working with you guys at the conference. So, If any of my other followers are interested in being a reader for me prior to the conference to help me get ready, I'd love to have your opinions and another set of eyes. Just let me know, and I'll let you know what it entails. It would probably be closer to the end of July before I would be ready.
If anyone else is interested in attending the WriteOnCon, visit the website for more information at http://www.writeoncon.com/
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Goals!
Right along with my last post, I procrastinated until the last minute to make my list of short-term, attainable goals. Here I am with just under two hours to the deadline, and I'm finally putting together the list to post.
#1 - Daily Goal - Write for a least 30 minutes every night, except Sundays.
#2 - Weekly Goal - Post a message / update to the blog with at least one writing tip or observation related to writing each week.
#3 - Monthly Goal - Finish 2 more chapters on one of my manuscripts.
So I have one month to complete these goals. That is July 11, 2010 at midnight. I will keep a daily log of time spent writing. On July 12, 2010, I will post the results, good or bad.
I am going to need your help. Busy, working mom with many tasks that will take my attention away. Any encouragement, tips, ideas that you have will be immensely appreciated. Also, feel free to drop me a comment or email asking how I'm doing. I would love that!
On your mark, get set...........GO!
Kris :)
#1 - Daily Goal - Write for a least 30 minutes every night, except Sundays.
#2 - Weekly Goal - Post a message / update to the blog with at least one writing tip or observation related to writing each week.
#3 - Monthly Goal - Finish 2 more chapters on one of my manuscripts.
So I have one month to complete these goals. That is July 11, 2010 at midnight. I will keep a daily log of time spent writing. On July 12, 2010, I will post the results, good or bad.
I am going to need your help. Busy, working mom with many tasks that will take my attention away. Any encouragement, tips, ideas that you have will be immensely appreciated. Also, feel free to drop me a comment or email asking how I'm doing. I would love that!
On your mark, get set...........GO!
Kris :)
Monday, June 7, 2010
Finding the time to write
I find that I'm a HUGE procrastinator. I tend to wait until the last minute on projects. This, I believe, comes from many, many years of always being so overbooked with projects that I have to do a little triage. I attend to and finish the projects with the closer deadline. This is in many facets of my life. As a coach, wife, mother, student, laundress, etc. When something comes up that needs my attention and is more important or has a closer deadline than whatever project I'm working on, I am really good at pushing things off and juggling. Especially when it comes to putting family and friends ahead of myself.
This can be a great sign of a successful multi-tasker, or the crazy ramblings of a brain-fried procrastinator. Probably both.....but definitely My Nemesis. My Weakness. My Flaw.
So, I've come to the conclusion that I must set deadlines for myself. In fact, I must set these deadlines and have a way to hold myself accountable, or I will keep pushing it off. This week, I have a project that will take up some time as I have been asked to choreograph a cheer dance routine for a local JV team. But once it is taught, I have a clear calendar to make finishing my manuscript my top priority.
This is where you guys come in. I'm going to post my goals, and hope that you guys will help keep me accountable to them. I am still just getting my feet wet with taking my writing from hobby to career. But I know if I don't start taking it seriously, than how can I expect anyone else.
My first goal for this week: To make a list of specific, attainable, short-term goals and have it posted on my blog by Sunday.
There we go. Goal number #1, Deadline: Sunday at midnight. (Yes, I'm one of those night writers, who tend to stay up late and write when it is quieter)
I'm looking for great ideas to help me find the time to write. I'd love to hear what suggestions or ideas you might have. Let me know what you think.
Kris
This can be a great sign of a successful multi-tasker, or the crazy ramblings of a brain-fried procrastinator. Probably both.....but definitely My Nemesis. My Weakness. My Flaw.
So, I've come to the conclusion that I must set deadlines for myself. In fact, I must set these deadlines and have a way to hold myself accountable, or I will keep pushing it off. This week, I have a project that will take up some time as I have been asked to choreograph a cheer dance routine for a local JV team. But once it is taught, I have a clear calendar to make finishing my manuscript my top priority.
This is where you guys come in. I'm going to post my goals, and hope that you guys will help keep me accountable to them. I am still just getting my feet wet with taking my writing from hobby to career. But I know if I don't start taking it seriously, than how can I expect anyone else.
My first goal for this week: To make a list of specific, attainable, short-term goals and have it posted on my blog by Sunday.
There we go. Goal number #1, Deadline: Sunday at midnight. (Yes, I'm one of those night writers, who tend to stay up late and write when it is quieter)
I'm looking for great ideas to help me find the time to write. I'd love to hear what suggestions or ideas you might have. Let me know what you think.
Kris
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Starstruck!
My little brother Tony (Newlywed!) is an aspiring musician. His producer is a member of the 80's rock band Tesla! They have been working together for several years now, but a few years ago, Brian and his wife Monique, came over to my parents house for a BBQ and swim. I remember helping my mom in the kitchen, looking out the window, and watching everyone swim. I leaned over to my mom and said, "Do you realize there is a ROCK STAR in your pool?" It was so weird to be able to say that. I mean, really, he is just a man. But how cool, right?
I'm a huge fan of Anita Stansfield. In fact, discovering her writing/books is what lead me to believe that maybe I could write a book. I had these stories in my head, but at the time didn't think there was a market for romance without the explict..(you know "Bodice Rippers") I had no idea, at the time, there was such a thing as a LDS fiction market, and I didn't read much Young Adult (YA).
So after hunting down every book she had ever written, (literally, even out of print. I love me some EBAY) and devouring them, I became a HUGE FAN...She is my writing IDOL.
At the recent Storymakers conference I attended in April, I had a HUGE starstruck moment. I sat in on her writing panel discussion, and then followed into her class session. She was so inspiring. Everything she said resonated within me. Without knowing it, she calmed most of the fears I had going into this Crazy Writing World. Anyways, after the class ended, I stood in line to have her sign a book of hers that I had brought from home. The five minutes I stood there felt like an eternity. I was so nervous. I kept telling myself to calm down. There was so much I wanted to say, but I didn't want to scare her either! I told myself not to do the typical, "I'm your biggest fan!" line. My palms were sweating, I was shaking. I even had to concentrate on not jumping up and down and crying! I know, crazy stalker fan, right? Well, I shook her hand, told her I enjoyed her class, and while she graciously agreed to sign my book, I said, "I'm your biggest fan. I've read all your books."
As soon as the words fell from my mouth, I was thinking, "You're such an Idiot. She's gonna think your NUTS!" But Anita thanked me, and said it meant alot to her that I enjoyed her books. For those brief couple of minutes, she treated me like I was her most important fan. I was so impressed by that!
AS soon as I walked away, I immediately sent a text to my sister and mother, "I just met Anita Stansfield!"
It was THE highlight of my trip to Utah. And though, to her, I was just another fan, just another one of the thousands of autographs she's given, I will never forget that moment.
I can't wait to attend next year's conference!
What about you? Have you ever had a "Starstruck" moment?
I'm a huge fan of Anita Stansfield. In fact, discovering her writing/books is what lead me to believe that maybe I could write a book. I had these stories in my head, but at the time didn't think there was a market for romance without the explict..(you know "Bodice Rippers") I had no idea, at the time, there was such a thing as a LDS fiction market, and I didn't read much Young Adult (YA).
So after hunting down every book she had ever written, (literally, even out of print. I love me some EBAY) and devouring them, I became a HUGE FAN...She is my writing IDOL.
At the recent Storymakers conference I attended in April, I had a HUGE starstruck moment. I sat in on her writing panel discussion, and then followed into her class session. She was so inspiring. Everything she said resonated within me. Without knowing it, she calmed most of the fears I had going into this Crazy Writing World. Anyways, after the class ended, I stood in line to have her sign a book of hers that I had brought from home. The five minutes I stood there felt like an eternity. I was so nervous. I kept telling myself to calm down. There was so much I wanted to say, but I didn't want to scare her either! I told myself not to do the typical, "I'm your biggest fan!" line. My palms were sweating, I was shaking. I even had to concentrate on not jumping up and down and crying! I know, crazy stalker fan, right? Well, I shook her hand, told her I enjoyed her class, and while she graciously agreed to sign my book, I said, "I'm your biggest fan. I've read all your books."
As soon as the words fell from my mouth, I was thinking, "You're such an Idiot. She's gonna think your NUTS!" But Anita thanked me, and said it meant alot to her that I enjoyed her books. For those brief couple of minutes, she treated me like I was her most important fan. I was so impressed by that!
AS soon as I walked away, I immediately sent a text to my sister and mother, "I just met Anita Stansfield!"
It was THE highlight of my trip to Utah. And though, to her, I was just another fan, just another one of the thousands of autographs she's given, I will never forget that moment.
I can't wait to attend next year's conference!
What about you? Have you ever had a "Starstruck" moment?
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Welcome Followers!!
Welcome Followers! I'm so excited to have followers! My plan is to post as often as I can, but at least weekly with writing tips, exercises, brainstorming ideas, and challenges, as well as personal daily comments about my own writing & life journey. I will try my hardest not to bore people, but I make no promises..... :)
I welcome advice and comments any time, especially from veteran bloggers.
I invite everyone to get involved in the discussions and challenges regardless of whether you are a writer or not. As writers, we are always looking for help brainstorming ideas and storylines.
I'm looking forward to getting to know you guys and hope that you enjoy following my journey.
Feel free to email me directly with any comments or questions if you want to as well.
Quick matter of business: Though I invite and encourage involvement and interaction with this blog and its followers, I do ask that we respect each other's opinions, and keep comments related to the topics. No vulgar or rude comments will be tolerated! Thanks!
OKay, enough of that....before closing,,,,I send out another WELCOME to my followers!
Kris
I welcome advice and comments any time, especially from veteran bloggers.
I invite everyone to get involved in the discussions and challenges regardless of whether you are a writer or not. As writers, we are always looking for help brainstorming ideas and storylines.
I'm looking forward to getting to know you guys and hope that you enjoy following my journey.
Feel free to email me directly with any comments or questions if you want to as well.
Quick matter of business: Though I invite and encourage involvement and interaction with this blog and its followers, I do ask that we respect each other's opinions, and keep comments related to the topics. No vulgar or rude comments will be tolerated! Thanks!
OKay, enough of that....before closing,,,,I send out another WELCOME to my followers!
Kris
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Im Exhausted!
Well my brother's wedding was absolutely incredible. What a wonderful day!
Our grandmother was able to make it to the sealing, and both Tony and Heather looked so in love and happy. Weather was Perfect!
The reception was amazing and ridiculously fun!
I cried watching my other brother, Brian, and Tony's best friend, Daniel, give their toasts...
We also are lucky to have family in town, some of which we hadn't seen for way too long (like close to 8 years) including my grandmother. What a blessing to have four generations all together in one place. Our family is truly blessed!
So I leave you tonight with a special CONGRATS to my baby brother Tony and his new wife Heather as they begin their life together as husband and wife.
Tony - You are on lucky man! Heather is a special woman.
Heather - Welcome to the Family, Officially! And
No exchanges, No refunds, No escape. You knew what you were getting into with this CRAZY family, and now there is no going back....YOU ARE ONE OF US FOREVER!!!! Muuhahahahah!!
Our grandmother was able to make it to the sealing, and both Tony and Heather looked so in love and happy. Weather was Perfect!
The reception was amazing and ridiculously fun!
I cried watching my other brother, Brian, and Tony's best friend, Daniel, give their toasts...
We also are lucky to have family in town, some of which we hadn't seen for way too long (like close to 8 years) including my grandmother. What a blessing to have four generations all together in one place. Our family is truly blessed!
So I leave you tonight with a special CONGRATS to my baby brother Tony and his new wife Heather as they begin their life together as husband and wife.
Tony - You are on lucky man! Heather is a special woman.
Heather - Welcome to the Family, Officially! And
No exchanges, No refunds, No escape. You knew what you were getting into with this CRAZY family, and now there is no going back....YOU ARE ONE OF US FOREVER!!!! Muuhahahahah!!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
An Exciting Day!
Tomorrow, Friday May 28, my little brother is getting married...YAHOO!
Congrats to him and his beautiful fiance, and Welcome to the Family!
I'm sure it will be a wonderfully spiritual day all around.
Kris
Congrats to him and his beautiful fiance, and Welcome to the Family!
I'm sure it will be a wonderfully spiritual day all around.
Kris
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Well I'm just starting out!
So, my name is Kristie, but most people just call me Kris.
This is my first blog so I'm hoping this goes well.
I am an aspiring author, but don't be fooled. I'm just starting out in
THIS CRAZY WRITING THING. I went to a writer's conference recently
and one of the ideas I took from the conference was start a blog.
Start a blog. So I'm starting a blog. And here goes!
I have no idea where this blog will go, and whether or not I'll
ever have any followers other than my family, (Love you guys!)
but I'm hoping that I can learn from others, and help pass knowledge
over to other new writers who are like me, and struggling to find
their footing in this crazy world of writing.
I'm going to look for things to post at least weekly, and if anyone
ever has an idea for a subject, I'd love to hear from you.
Thanks for listening....More to come....
Kris....
This is my first blog so I'm hoping this goes well.
I am an aspiring author, but don't be fooled. I'm just starting out in
THIS CRAZY WRITING THING. I went to a writer's conference recently
and one of the ideas I took from the conference was start a blog.
Start a blog. So I'm starting a blog. And here goes!
I have no idea where this blog will go, and whether or not I'll
ever have any followers other than my family, (Love you guys!)
but I'm hoping that I can learn from others, and help pass knowledge
over to other new writers who are like me, and struggling to find
their footing in this crazy world of writing.
I'm going to look for things to post at least weekly, and if anyone
ever has an idea for a subject, I'd love to hear from you.
Thanks for listening....More to come....
Kris....
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