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
Thursday, August 12, 2010
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.
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