Showing posts with label Jane by Design. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jane by Design. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Writers by Design

The past two weeks, I've taken a break from writing. It's good to take breaks, especially after a serious revision . . . at least for me. It helps me to tackle the upcoming project of writing or edits with greater motivation. Last Saturday, I started an edit of my WIP, BOUND, as per beta suggestions. It should be fun.
While I was taking my break, I not only went on vacation, read The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter, relaxed, etc., but I watched the full first season of the TV show Jane by Design. Yes, it sucked me in after 10 minutes; TV shows have the keen ability to do that to me. Ok, I'm so in love with this series that I've decided to redesign, re-envision myself through clothing. Yes, my pocketbook didn't like me for it. Sorry, bank account.

At any rate, I've taken some fashion tips from Jane to alter my outfits from that of a trendy librarian to a punky librarian. Uh... I have no idea if that makes sense at all. But, I'm liking the new me who splashes funky styles together to build a nice outfit.

This has to do with writing, too. Building a story is all about combining different elements (plot, characters, tension, setting, etc.). Some work and are beautiful, to die for. Others, not so much. Like in one episode of Jane by Design, Jane strings this rather ugly belt around her waist that definitely did not look good, and people told her, too. She quickly discarded it.

As writers, we compose a story and go back through it and have to get rid of certain parts, maybe even a full chapter(s) because it doesn't help the plot to progress. I've had to do that... my first book was about 100K when I finished the first draft. I remember one chapter that I loved so, so much. A critique partner suggested that it had to go. I dragged my feet, but eventually took the scene out. Now, the book is at 67K. Lots of deleting took place.

But with all the world-building, character development, and everything else that goes into writing a good story, it's all about designing it into something priceless, polished, gorgeous--like pulling together a fashionable ensemble of clothing.

Well, what are your thoughts on this sort of rambling post?

Writing. Jewels.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Wrapping It Up

So, I spent my vacation on the banks of the Columbia River. I enjoyed time with my brother's family, two parades, a super-duper-chocolatey-smothered funnel cake, a carnival, a craft fair, and a 5K race. And yes, oddly enough, I did enjoy the run. Oh, and I saw The Avengers too. Not that shabby for a weekend, eh?

Well, now I'm taking some recuperating time from the fun. And that's why this post has come a bit late on this fine Tuesday post-day. I slept in and didn't have a post scheduled. I very well could have prepared this last night, but I watched a couple too many episodes of Jane by Design on Netflix. While on my vacation someone told me about the show. Now.... yes.... I'm obsessed. And really want to go on a huge shopping spree to buy supercool clothes like Jane wears.

Could I pull it off is the question...

Anyway, here are some pics from my vacation. I promise, I'll get back to posting about writing from now on. But for now, enjoy some pics!


At the craft fair, I spotted a vendor doing henna. This is the ink drying.
 I wanted the Chinese character for love put on my ankle and asked for pretty flowers to sprout from it. So pretty!
 My hand today, it is fading a bit but should last for a while longer.
 Ok, this is how much I love dogs... I'm standing in the dog potty area. Gross, huh? But I had to get the pic cuz it was way too cool to pass up the chance. Haha
 Me holding my sleeping niece at the parade. She's sooo cute. Me on the other hand, not so cute. I just finished a 5K. Give me a break. :D
And I read quite a bit of The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter while trapped in a car for the 11 hour drive, twice. Could have finished more, but got caught up in watching movies with my nephews and niece. And taking little naps here and there.

Love you all!

Writing. Jewels.