Once Upon A Time: Are You Sucked In?

Have you ever watched an episode (yes, one episode) of a TV show and couldn't stop watching it. You think about it for days afterward. Then you start dreaming about it. That has happened to me with a few TV shows. IE: 24 and Stargate SG1. I'm a dork, I know. It's happened to me with many a book, too!

Anyway, my sister suggested me check out the new show Once Upon A Time. I ended up watching one episode and was trapped in the story (no pun intended--you'll understand that if you've seen the show).

Basically, the premise of it is fairytale characters like Snow White, Cinderella, Prince Charming, etc... have been banished into the real world. It all happened because of the Evil Queens rage against Snow White. She casts a wicked spell that sends all of the characters to a city called Storybrook, a place in the New England area. The catch is they don't remember who they were before, only the Evil Queen does.

Awesome, huh?

Possibly Once Upon A Time has me wrapped around its finger because I'm a writer and fancy stories. Or maybe because its a freaking awesome way to weave Grimm Tales into a sitcom. Pretty clever if you ask me.

This shows that stories can come from anywhere. You can very well use something already in existence to form a solid writing idea. Re-imagine it with your own twist. You never know, it may suck someone or many people into the thick of your story.

Have you ever re-imagined a well-known story or Grimm Tale for a book? What TV shows are inspiring to you? Do you have certain shows you watch every week? 

The shows I love are NCIS, NCIS:LA, The Closer, Unforgettable, & Rizzolli and Isles.

Writing. Jewels.

I’m Excited to Read Books: 2012 Edition

With 2012 here and kicking, I’m getting super excited for this year’s book releases.

Here's my list o' books I can't wait to read:

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

Endlessly by Kiersten White

Arise by Tara Hudson

City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

Third book in the Matched series by Ally Condie

And Bad Hair Day by Carrie Harris (no cover yet)

I'm salivating here. Can't wait to devour these books!

Which books being released this year are you dying to read?

Writing. Jewels.

Are You Backing Up?

I don’t mean are you backing up while driving? I mean are you backing up what you write?

A couple weeks ago, my thumb drive kicked the deathly can. Yep, there was no going back. It was gone, taking up the grave. I didn’t worry too much. All I’ve written is backed up in multiple locations. I’ve even printed out a hardcopy.

Phew! No worries here.

Yet, soon after I started writing my first book, I had a super scare. Something happened while I was writing it. I don’t remember what, but I thought I’d lost everything I’d written so far. I can still feel the lump that formed in my throat, and my heart stop beating for a brief moment. It was terrifying.

At that point, I knew I had to start backing up my words.

My fried thumb drive would have been worse if I didn’t have copies of my stories in other places. By golly, I would have died if I lost it all. I would have definitely cried non-stop for weeks. The waterworks would have swollen my eyes to puffy reddened slits.

I bring this all up to encourage you to save your writing in multiple computers, thumb drives, email them to yourself, or even Dropbox.

Have you ever had an I-lost-everything scare? How did you deal with it? Are you obsessed with saving your works in tons of places? What is your advice with backing up? 

Writing. Jewels.

Reflections and the New Year

With 2012 coming fast, I’ve been reflecting on all the things that have happened over the last year.

I kicked my writing butt in gear to get my first book ready to query. Of course, I went through a handful of critiques to hone it into what it is now. The journey was agonizing. Developing a thick skin from crits wasn’t an easy feet at all. Ugh! Crying was a common occurrence. But it helped me to become a better writer.

I learned how to write a query letter as well as the dreaded synopsis. Querying was a battle for me. The ups and downs were awful. There were nights I only wanted to crawl on the couch and vege out, stuffing my face with chocolate.

But it paid off in the end when I achieved my goal to have an agent by the end of 2011. A lofty aspiration, I know! But it miraculously happened. I feel blessed for it and lucky.

I’ve also gained more confidence in my writing skills. Just weeks ago, I wondered how the devil I got an agent. It dawned on me I need to trust that I can write a story worth reading. An agent thinks so and others believe in me, too. It’s time for me to accept that I’m good at this.

I don’t say this in a prideful or pompous way. I am my own worst critic. We all are! It sucks, huh? I only share this to encourage all of you to believe in yourself.

Anyway, 2011 has been a fine year. I have high hopes 2012 will be likewise.

I hope we can all hail in a great 2012! Let’s make this a fantastic year!

What are things about 2011 that have made it a good year for you? What do you want to happen during the coming year?   

Happy New Year!

Writing. Jewels.

Moving. Moving. Moving.

Today's post is going to be on a personal level. No, I'm not going to drag out all the skeletons in my closet, of which are not very many. . . No comment. I'm just going to tell you some great news! After a while of living with my parents, I've moved. Finally! 

I know you are all gasping at that, but hey in other cultures adults live with their parents for their entire lives. I would know cuz I got a degree in Anthropology. So don't give me any crap about it. Bahahaha! The good thing was while living with my parents I was able to pay off some debt that was nagging at me. So all in all it was a super good excuse to have some Mommy and Daddy time. 

Well, I knew it was time to get out of dodge and find my inner independent self again. I've lived away from home many times, though. Let me tell you, the first time I ever left the nest, I moved to England. If that's not a drastic change for a first-time-out-of-the-house-nineteen-year-old girl, what is?

Being in my new place (which is wicked nice) is liberating. I've put my life on hold for far too long and now its time to fly like a bird in a great new life and experiences. I'm going to encounter lots of new people including two room mates I've never met before. It's going to be great. And I'm happy about it! 

And what's even better is it is way closer to where I work. Great for a girl that has a hard time getting her butt out of bed in the morning. 

What new things are going on in your life? Have you had a time where you felt like you've put your life on hold? How did you break free from the chains? 

Well, I better get back to unpacking all my books. Sheesh, I'm glad I had some muscle help me move.

Writing. Jewels.

Aspiring or Author: That is the Question

When I started writing, I referred to myself as an aspiring writer. I do have to say it was quite the aspiration that I never, ever thought I would achieve. Basically, I had an idea for a book, and I started writing it. That was that. For reals, I didn’t think I’d ever get to where I’m at now. But inside, I wanted to have the chance to have lots of people read my book, now books. I desired to inspire others to read through my words as reading had done for me. It was and still is a humongous hope. 

The closer I get, the more I want to see my stories on the shelves at bookstores or listed on Goodreads.

It’s every authors dream, right? That’s just it: an AUTHORS dream.

Lately, I’ve been noticing a lot of people referring to themselves with the title “Aspiring Writer.” But folks, if you write, you ARE an author, no matter what stage you’re at. Don’t slight yourself! Right now, you can refer to yourself with the lovely and prestigious title of AUTHOR.

Have you referred to yourself as an aspiring author in the past? When did you start calling yourself an author? If you are still referring to yourself with the word aspiring, are you ready to step off the ledge and call yourself an author? What are your thoughts on this subject?

I know I’m being blunt, but it is a great reason to be frank, my AUTHOR friends.

Writing. Jewels.