Day 58: Moving On...

Thanks so much to everyone who gave me suggestions yesterday! I really appreciate it. You all know what I'm going through and it is such a wonderful thing that we are all able to communicate and help each other. I did take a break from looking at my WIP. I ended up having to take my kiddos to the doctor. I cooked dinner for the fam. And this morning I've made a decision: I'm going to leave that scene alone, I'll write it another day. I'm going to move on to some scenes that I'm really excited to write. Namely, a kissing scene *grin*. I'm also going to start editing and revising. I started rereading this first draft yesterday and realized it needs sssssooooo much work. But, that's what first drafts are for, right?

Here's another question. Do ya'll have any tricks that you do when you start editing? Certain words or sentence forms you look for? I know some of the classic tips like "get rid of all your -ly words". Do you guys follow those tips?

Day 57: Writer's Block Is A Bitch!

Grumble, grumble, grumble...

What the hell is going on here? The words have disappeared. They've flown away. They've packed their bags and left for Bermuda. "Don't forget to take a left at Albuquerque!" I yell and wave bye-bye.

I'm half way through my novel and I can't think of how to start this next scene. And things were going so well. *shakes head in shame* What do I do now? I can't even think of a way to just push through it. ARG!

Why is this scene so hard to write? Does that mean I shouldn't even write it? Oh no, I'm starting to doubt myself. My ability, my plot, my characters. Oh crap, oh crap, oh crap. I'm spiraling down.

How do I get past this? Any suggestions, all you beautiful, wonderful, supportive people?

Day 54: Intimidating Scenes...

I didn't get anything written yesterday, but that doesn't mean I wasn't working. See, the next scene is supposed to be a spectacular fight scene. And I mean, it HAS to be amazing! That's my problem. I can't stop thinking about how awesome it is supposed to be. It has become this intimidating scene that I can't seem to start.

I need ways to get pumped up to write this. I need good music or movies. I need inspiration!

What do ya'll do to get into the fight scene mode? If fight scenes are easy for you, what scenes are the intimidating ones?

Day 53: But I Don't Want To Be Trendy!!!

I read an article the other day about what might be trending and it just so happens that I am, apparently, smack dab in the middle of writing a "trendy" novel.

So what does this mean for me? Does it mean that even when I finish and polish it, the agency will automatically reject it. Apparently, this trend has just begun. That has to be the case since I have yet to see any books on the shelfs dealing with this idea. Does this mean I'm already too late? Even though I had no idea that this was a "trendy" topic, will my novel be labeled as "just trying to jump on the bandwagon"?

I still have at least 2 months of work ahead of me. AT LEAST. Will my idea be old news by then?

I love my book! I love my characters! I love my idea! I don't want to see it trashed because the agency is tired of seeing stuff with a similar topic.

I'm hoping that by the time I'm done with it, the "trend" won't have burned out. I'm hoping someone will see what's so special about my writing and my story. All I know is that I'm NOT giving up! If I have to self-publish I'll do it! Don't push me, man!!!

But I really want an agent... And that book deal... And that box of hard back books... I swear it's enough to make a girl cry.

Day 51: Huh? Who Knew?

Who knew that Bravo reality TV could help cure writer's block. I was watching Tabatha's Salon Takeover last night and she said something that really struck home. It was something like, "You can't get better if no one tells you what you're doing wrong." Plus, she's always so driven and disciplined. I think I've got the driven part but the disciplined part I'm still working on.

From now on, when I begin to flounder I'll just picture Tabatha standing over my shoulder.

Day 50: I'm a Goof, I Know...

If you are checking out my blog today because of Brenda Drake's awesome contest, I'm sorry but I was an idiot and didn't realize at the time that I entered that it was for finished manuscripts only. Yes, I'm lame, sorry.

But since you were nice enough to check out my blog, I'll post my first line anyway. Just don't consider it an entry for the contest, since I'm only a little over half way finished with my book.

Genre: YA Fantasy
Title: Dreamweaver (working title)

 The bodies floating in the water looked serene as she peered down at them, but Penny knew they were dead.

Day 47: Ahhhh, the Weekend is Here!

Thank goodness the weekend is here! Being a stay-at-home Mom, I have some trouble getting words down during the week. I try, I really do, but there's always something else to get done. Did you know kids can be needy? I know, I was shocked, too!

The weekend is when I get most of my writing done. I get to foist the kids onto the DH or which ever Grandparent needs kiddo time. I tend to lock myself in my office and frantically type, type, type.

So in honor of those munchkins we all love so much, here's a little example of one of those things that tend to distract me during the week. As parents, we have to keep an eye on what our kids are watching. I freakin' love this!