Saturday, April 30, 2011

This week

Hello friends,

Sorry I have been slightly absent of late. I joined in a 7000 words in a week challenge then got it in my mind I HAD to finish the current WIP Book 2 of the Guardian Trilogy before my vacation (I leave on Thursday). Well apparently I am an overachiever this week and managed to obsessively write until I finished it (over 22 thousand words later) last night -well technically this morning. So anyway that is one more first draft under my belt and whew am I tired. Today I am taking at step back. I have only be on Facebook like three times today (trust me that is a major cutback). I wanted to check in with all of you and say hello.

<3 Liz

30 Day Song Challenge Day 23- A song you want played at your wedding. Ain't that a Kick in the Head- Dean Martin.

30 Day Song Challenge Day 24- A song you want played at your funeral. So Long Farewell- The Sound of Music

Thursday, April 28, 2011

So I wasn't going to post today...

But I am still wired and online, so what the heck. The moment I have been promising you for a while now has finally come. My cover!

Woohoo!

Also 30 Day Song Challenge Day 21- A song you listen to when you are sad- Bridge Over Troubled Water- Simon and Garfunkel.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Tag Lines

Ok, I have seen the first draft of my cover. The fantastic writing group and friends have given me lots of good suggestions that I have passed along, so very soon I will post a cover for your opinion. Today, however, I am concerned with tag lines.

Do I want one? Do I need one?

I don't know. I have some tag line thoughts, but am not completely sold on needing one. Here is what I have come up with. I would love your feedback.

"You're never alone when something lurks in the dark."

"What lurks in the dark?"

"Watching from the shadows a darkness lurks."

"You're never alone."

I am not sold on any of these tag lines either. I need thoughts and opinions.

30 Day Song Challenge Day 21- A song you listen to when you are happy? Banana Pancakes Jack Johnson

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

How much can I write in a week?

Sorry I didn't post yesterday. My competative streak totally kicked in and occupied all of my free time. I have joined in with some of my lovely writer friends in a 7000 words in one week challenge. Well needless to say whenever the word challenge or competition is used my brain goes into win mode. Ahahaha I know it isn't that kind of competition yet I still feel the race to the finishline feeling so I wrote upwards of 5000 words yesterday. My new goal now is 26,000 words by May 5th. Those 26k should knock out the first draft of the Guardian Trilogy. The first books SECRETS will be published this fall and I would like the have the second ready to go for an early 2012 release followed by the third in the spring.

So that is what is going on with me. I believe I owe you two songs from my 30 Day Song Challenge.

Day 19- A song from your favorite album. I chose If You Have To Ask by the Red Hot Chili Peppers from my absolute favorite complete album BloodSugarSexMagik.


Day 20- A song you listen to when you are angry- I Hate Everyone by Get Set Go

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Time is not on my side

Happy Easter/spring/Sunday!

I hope to get some writing done today. I wrote about 2000 words yesterday, not what I hoped for but better than nothing. My goal is at least 5000 words today (I do not normally set word goals but I am going to give this a shot). I want to hit a good grove and start moving on Choices again. I have been getting a lot of positive feedback which is awesome and now is the time I need to start scheduling my time and sticking to it. Time management seems to be an issue for many authors, myself included. There is so much to do and so few hours in the day. What we need to do it decide what we want and go for it. I want to be full time in the writing/publishing industry. So I am going to make the necessary sacrifices in my life so that dream can become a reality. What do you want?

30 Day Song Challenge Day 18- A song you wish you heard on the radio- Percussion Gun by White Rabbits. This song is awesome and has so much energy, but I rarely ever get to hear it on the radio.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

A Quote, A Quote, My Kingdom For A Quote

First off, thank you all for checking out 4 Corners. I appreciate it so much, you're the best. *hugs*

Today I am going to share my top five favorite quotes if that's cool with you. (Honestly it doesn't matter if it isn't considering I am not consulting before I post the entry. If you wanted something else you should have said something sooner.)Anyway, without further adieu and in no order:

~ "Battle not with monsters, lest ye become a monster, and if you gaze into the abyss, the abyss gazes also into you." -Friedrich Neitzsche

~ "Every portrait that is painted with feeling is a portrait of the artist, not of the sitter."
-Oscar Wilde

~ "There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy." -Hamlet Act 1 William Shakespeare

~ "I feel the same way about disco as I do about herpes." -Hunter S. Thompson

~ "There was only one catch and that was Catch-22, which specified that a concern for one's own safety in the face of dangers that were real and immediate was the process of a rational mind. Orr was crazy and could be grounded. All he had to do was ask; and as soon as he did, he would no longer be crazy and would have to fly more missions. Orr would be crazy to fly more missions and sane if he didn't, but if he was sane, he had to fly them. If he flew them, he was crazy and didn't have to; but if he didn't want to, he was sane and had to. Yossarian was moved very deeply by the absolute simplicity of this clause of Catch-22 and let out a respectful whistle." -Catch 22 Joseph Heller


30 Day Song Challenge Day 17 A song you hear often on the radio.

Friday, April 22, 2011

It's heeeeerrrreeee

Hello friends!

The day has arrived, we officially have our doors open and I am officially making my internet video debut. Yikes! Check it out at 4 Corners Press . We will also have contest throughout the day. We are giving away gift cards, a necklace, a weekend promotional blitz, and hosting our first writing contest. The winner of the writing contest will have their submission published in our upcoming dream anthology! So please take the time to visit our site or our Facebook page . I look forward to hearing from all of you! 


30 Day Song Challenge Day 16 A song you used to love, but now hate.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Who hops besides for bunnies?

Writers!




What is your most referred to website for your writing?

Definitely Google. I google everything, even things I don't write about. Basically if I have any fleeting thought it goes into google.

How to join,

Copy and paste these rules to your blog (they’re a little different than mine and designed to help your blog)


The rules
1) Follow this blog.
2) Follow Elizabeth Sharp, the host of this hop
3) Follow the featured author of the week.
4) Go to Sharp words and copy the image code found there and paste it in your blog. Add your name to the link at the bottom of the post while you are there.
5) Copy and paste the rules in your blog, as well as this week’s question.
6) Answer the question
7) Follow, follow, follow. This is about networking, people, making connections with people in your community. So talk to us. We don't bite! This post serves as a perfect place for you to say hello!
8) If someone stops by, says hi and follows you, the polite thing to do is follow back.
9) Comment here and introduce yourself and you just might find a new follower or two.

What you see here is style

Well believe it or not my pretties, I received the stylish blogger award. I am not sure what I could have done to deserve such honors (maybe I am the only sucker left who participates in these things but alas here I am). Just kidding it was very sweet of A Wicked Stepmother to give this award and I will treasure it always but playing along. However, I will not be tagging others. If you read this and you want to play when congratulations consider yourself tagged!!
Now for the part I copy and paste.
 In order to accept this award
To accept the award, you have to do the following

1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you the award.
2. Share 7 things about yourself.
3. Award 10-15 blogs who you think deserve this award.
4. Contact these bloggers and let them know about the award.

7 Things about Moi~

a.) Tomorrow my publishing company 4 Corners Press officially opens its virtual doors.
b.) I did a vlog post for them
c.) I took multiple takes like 40 on each attempt and still it is awkward
d.) I love all of my partners in this venture, I am extremely lucky to know them.
e.) My book, DARK CORNERS, will be published in June. 
f.) I know I am abusing this award, but I am a winner with tiger blood and no one can stop me. Muahahahaha #winning
g.) While I have no doubt I would survive a zombie apocalypse I believe I would be the first to go in a horror movie. I always investigate strange voices despite the fact I have watched scary movies my entire life.

Paying it forward: *wink wink*

One more day!

‎30 day song Challenge Day 15 - A song that describes you Edit- Regina Spektor, well at least that was supposed to be my song. There was not video so the song now is A Head Full of Doubt and Road Full of Promise


Sorry I don't have a longer post today. Busy, busy. You will hear plenty from me tomorrow!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

This Post Is Brought To You By The Number 4...

That big news I have been hinting about, but not sharing with you. Well the time has come. Drum roll please....

I have partnered with seven other writers and together we are starting our own publishing company! *insert squeeing*
So here are the details-
Our name: 4 Corners Press
Our catch phrase- No Boundaries
Web site: http://www.4cornerspress.com/
Official launch date: 4/22/11

Stop by our site on Friday, sign the guestbook and see what we have to offer. We'll be providing many services to writers, eventually take on new authors (probably 6 months to a year from now), a blog, a vlog, and so many more cool things.

Friday will mark my first ever vlog so please stop by and support me in that because I am super nervous. The camera is not my friend. hahaha

I will be publishing all of my work including the short story collaboration you voted on through 4 Corners Press. I can't wait to hear from all of you.

<3 Liz

Thirty Day Song Challenge Day 14 A song no one would expect you to love.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Love Is What I Got

Since I had a grumpy post last week, I figure I owe you guys a positive post. *big smile*

Top five things I love about being a writer-
1. I can be anything I want to be. I always had a lot of interests in several different professions growing up. As a writer I can research the professions, speak with the people in the profession, and become that in my mind for a couple weeks as I create and build a character. It is no coincidence my very first character I ever wrote was an author. When I started writing that is what I wanted to be the very most and now each and every day I am feeling more and more comfortable in this new role.
2. It is perfectly normal for me to sit quietly and think about ways to hurt, maim, or kill people. It's all part of the job. Muh-hahahahaha  :-)
3. The community. Until very recently I felt very alone in all of this. I didn't really know what I wanted to do. I had books, but wasn't sure if I wanted to try to get an agent, submit to publishing companies, or what. But I was pretty certain I didn't want to self-publish. Hahaha then around December everything changed. Now I am well on the road to self-publishing, I have the most amazing and supportive writer's group and slowly but surely everything is coming together.
4. The opportunity to do something I love. Don't get me wrong I like my day job, but I love to write. So to get to do this on a larger (people could actually read it) scale is really exciting. I have no intentions of leaving my day job, but this is definitely an adventure into something I am passionate about.
5. Everyday is different. A couple months ago I was researching witches and writing spells, last night I was terrorizing a minister, and who knows what goodies tonight will bring.

So those are my reasons I love being a writer, what are yours?

30 Day Song Challenge Day 13- A song that is a guilty pleasure. Total Eclipse of the Heart- Bonnie Tyler. Honestly every time I hear it I want to dramatically sing along like Cate Blanchett in Bandits.

Monday, April 18, 2011

I Need Your Opinion

I am writing a short story for a collection of short stories to which I am contributing. My brain went into overdrive last night trying to think of possible ideas. So now I need help narrowing them down. I will give you the first paragraph of four stories and if you could tell me which one you think sounds like the most promising short story I would be eternally grateful. Keep in mind these are all completely, 100% unedited just like my blog. :-)

#1 Lightning split the sky, providing an instant of light that allowed the minister to see through the wall of rain that separated him from the man in a trench coat across the street. The man appeared to be watching him even though the only light that could penetrate the swirling fog and relentless rain was that of the occasional flash from the heavens. But even those were getting even fewer and further between as the storm moved past. The minister stood in his house with the lights off trying to watch the man across the street. He didn't appear to have an umbrella yet stood, rigid on the other side of the street as the storm raged on in the distance.

#2 It all started with an email conversation. Six people, who had very little in common besides for their mutual misfortune of attending the same small country high school in rural Missouri, made plans for a weekend getaway. Each one of them led their own life and followed their own path since graduation. Occasionally it was mentioned how lucky they were to still be friends after so many years fluttered past them. They knew that their friendship had been forged on countless nights of giggling, prank phone calls, confessions, triumphs, failures, joy, heartache, and a complete understanding and acceptance of one another. Luck never entered into the picture.


#3 What started as a bad hair day had just become the worst day of Maggie's life. She sat in her doctor's office lost inside her own mind as he rambled on about operations and getting a handle on this before it got any worse. Once the word "tumor" escaped his lips the good doctor lost his audience of one. She didn't immediately respond instead she sat in a daze waiting. Maggie didn't know what she was waiting for, perhaps she was waiting to wake up or perhaps she was waiting to fall over dead. It didn't really matter now. Now she had a tumor.

#4  It was a cold blustery day in a little town of no consequence to anyone including the people who live there. The wind howled outside of a small bar causing the walls to groan. The establishment had long since fallen off the beaten path and saw few patrons, especially on nights like this. The bartender stood behind the bar leaning against the back counter mindlessly polishing glasses with a dirty towel. His attention seemed to be divided between the low hum of the television and the two women sitting at the bar. The woman named Mona leaned in to speak to her companion as if they were sharing state secrets. Her companion Piper leaned away from her uncomfortable by the intrusion into her space. They were an odd pair. It was obvious that they did not know each other well. Neither lady said much to the other one, mostly they awkwardly sipped their Bacardi during infinitely long pauses in their conversation.

Thank you all in advance!

30 Day Song Challenge Day 12 A song from a band you hate.
I am going to catch a lot of grief about this one, but it is true I do not like them.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Feedback

SO I have gotten a lot of feedback about DARK CORNERS in the last couple days I thought I would share with you guys just because it makes me excited. First is the feedback I received from my editor.(It has all been slightly redacted since this is a mystery and all, I would hate to give anything away.)

"I'm thoroughly pulled into DARK CORNERS. I love Ella's biting sarcasm (though it's obvious she's all bluster and is really a softie) and I'm super curious about the (ugh, hideous) rat--it just occurred to me now that maybe it was XXXXXX--he was hanging around her house the next day (at the time I raised my eyebrows about whether it was XXXXXXX, but I'm hoping it's not him . . .:D). I love that there's the creepy paranormal stuff, but now (apparently) also a very "real" human threat. Anyway, as you can see, I'm totally hooked into the story--exactly what you want me to be at this stage!"

Next is from a friend of mine in real life who I gave the book to ages ago and she was just now able to read it.

"HOLY COW. I'm starting chapter 11 (yes I know, I needed to have read this AGES AGO) and have been blown away at how much this store has grabbed me. I'm like, dying to know what happens...and I will soon find out!
I.LOVE.THIS.BOOK. Can't wait to finish it. UGH. The suspense is killing me. Plus the fact that you wrote it kind of blows my mind. Not that I think you're incapable of doing such a thing...it's just so freaking awesome is all. :-)"

Obviously I am having a very good weekend. All smiles here.

Thirty Day Song Challenge 11 - A song from your favorite band. Ok well since my favorite band and my favorite album are one and the same and the album question is coming up I am going with my second favorite band.


And if any of you haven't heard about the murder trilogy with the Hot Fuss songs it is pretty cool. This is how it goes.
"Leave the Bourbon on the Shelf' is the FIRST part:
He drinks himself stupid after Jenny left him ("Shakin' like the Devil when she let me go...") because of his jealousy. He can't get over the fact that she's left him and is seeing someone else. "Jennifer, tell me where I stand/and who's that other boy holdin' your hand?"

- 'Midnight Show' is the SECOND part:
He kills Jenny by suffocating her and throwing her body into the sea. "I took my baby's breath beneath the chandelier of stars in atmosphere and watched her disappear into the midnight show" and "Crashing tide can't hide a guilty girl" (jealousy again).

- 'Jenny Was A Friend of Mine' is the THIRD part:
He's been caught and is defending himself by lying to the police. "There ain't no motive for this crime Jenny was a friend of mine." He tells the police he wouldn't kill her because she was his friend so he explains with: "She couldn't scream while I held I close/I swore I'd never let her go." but in live versions he sings "She kicked and screamed while I held her throat". "

Honestly it just makes the band that much more cool.

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Video Blogs

So I have been looking into this video blog business for that exciting news I can't tell you about. I just did my first attempt with my webcam and it is hard to talk in front of the camera. Normally my mind is swimming with ideas and thoughts I just can't wait to share with whoever is listening, but put a camera in front of me and all I want to do is hide and not look at it. Oh well perhaps I will get better with exposure. I just need to get used to the feeling of it staring at me with its creepy little light. Maybe if I name the webcam I will like it more. I think possibly Bill, Jack, or Darcy. Hmmm more decisions.

30 Day Song Challenge #10 Song you fall asleep to-

Friday, April 15, 2011

How the Bookish Snob Made My Whole Day

Why she dedicated a blog post to me about one of the most wonderful book vampires ever to grace the pages. Sorry Bones and Vlad but Damon is my first love.

http://thebookishsnob.blogspot.com/2011/03/be-still-my-heart-damon-2.html

Check out the post you will be sure to swoon. Unless you are not of the swooning variety and in that case, sorry you should have that checked out.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

All the world is a stage....

and today that stage is a blog hop so by all means play your part!






This week's question- Shakespeare asked what's in a name? But we all know better. So let's talk about names, specifically our blog's name. How did you come up with yours?

My blog name is Bat Country. I am an unabashed Hunter S. Thompson fan. He cracks me up like no other. Bat country is from the savagely insane and amazing Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. The exact quote I am taking it from is "What? No. We can't stop here. This is bat country." And that is life, only a fool would stop here in a convertible in the middle of bat country. We must press on because strange and glorious shenanigans await us.

I leave you with my top five Fear and Loathing quotes (I'll try to keep it clean):
1. There he goes. One of God's own prototypes. A high-powered mutant of some kind never even considered for mass production. Too weird to live, and too rare to die.

2. There was madness in any direction, at any hour. You could strike sparks anywhere. There was a fantastic universal sense that whatever we were doing was right, that we were winning.

3. Few people understand the psychology of dealing with a highway traffic cop. A normal speeder will panic and immediately pull over to the side. This is wrong. It arouses contempt in the cop heart. Make the bastard chase you. He will follow. But he won't know what to make of your blinker signal that says you are about to turn right. This is to let him know you're pulling off for a proper place to talk. It will take him a moment to realize that he's about to make a 180 degree turn at speed, but you will be ready for it. Brace for the g's, and fast heel-toe work.

4. You better take care of me, Lord. If you don't you're gonna have me on your hands.

5. [after pulling his car up onto the sidewalk] Is this not a reasonable place to park?


The rules
1) Follow this blog.
2) Follow Elizabeth Sharp, the originator of this hop
3) Follow the featured author of the week.
4) Go to Sharp words and copy the image code found there and paste it in your blog. Add your name to the link at the bottom of the post while you are there.
5) Copy and paste the rules in your blog, as well as this week’s question.
6) Answer the question
7) Follow, follow, follow. This is about networking, people, making connections with people in your community. So talk to us. We don't bite!
8) If someone stops by, says hi and follows you, the polite thing to do is follow back.
9) Comment here and introduce yourself and you just might find a new follower or two.

Next click this link bar to add yourself to the list.





30 Day Song Challenge Day 09- A song you can dance to- Are You Gonna Be My Girl- Jet

Drum Roll Please

I have been working on my publishing schedule and boy are the next two months busy busy busy. It looks like I will be able to publish DARK CORNERS on drum roll please...... June 10! Yay!!!


I should have the cover to show you guys this week and then I will work on my Goodreads author page as well as my Facebook author page. This is really happening and getting so close I can feel its breath on my neck. I am equal parts excited and terrified and it is exhilarating. I can't wait for everyone to be able to read my book. *hugs*


Also as I mentioned Monday I have some more new and exciting news coming up, but I am not at liberty to discuss it just yet. Let me just say it will involve some $10 gift certificate giveaways, lots of fun, and is brought to you, in part, by the number four.


Thirty Day Song Challenge Day 08 - A song that you know all the words to... Bad bad Leroy Brown- Jim Croce


Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner

I was honored today with The Versatile Blogger Award! Yay! Acclaimations and prestige already and at such a young age. ;-) The award was presented by Jennifer at my new very favorite blog (and it isn't just because she gave me an award) Serendipity's Library. Everyone should follow Jennifer's blog because it is always interesting and she shares my love for Mr. Darcy so you know she is good people.

And now it is my honor and duty to follow the rules of receiving this award

Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to them in your post

Tell us seven things about yourself

1. I talk to my dogs like they are people.
2. Whenever I listen to the radio I play the "What movie was this song in?" game whether or not the people with me are playing. :-)
3. I have taken a blood spatter class.
4. I am afraid of spiders, Jack Nicholson and clowns... in that order.
5. I never follow recipes
6. I would totally survive a zombie apocalypse.
7. My vacation is in T minus 3 weeks

Now I am to award 15 newly discovered bloggers (15!?!?!)….
 In order of most recently updated...
M.D. Christie
Elizabeth Sharp
Belinda
SE Gordon
Wolfe
Michelle Ferguson
Amy Thomas
C.G. Powell
Nichole Chase
Jenn Sommersby

Ok I wore out. I am only doing ten. Anyway stop by say hi to these people and maybe find a new favorite blog.

Thirty Day Song Challenge Day 07 - A song that reminds you of a certain event...

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

If you don't have anything nice to say...

come sit by me.

I’m in a mad mood today. These things happen. It is a day I shouldn’t be around other people because they are annoying me. I would rather be at home writing today, but I am terribly busy so there is no time for that. So I am here trying to play nice with others. In honor of that today’s blog is…


Things that annoy me.

Selfish people- I cannot stand people who are selfish. I am a very generous person with whatever I have, my time, and my energy. I simply do not have time for anyone who feels the need to drain my resources, but never reciprocates with their own helpfulness.

Whiners- If you feel the need to complain about everything while proclaiming you are not a complainer you are a whiner and that is almost harder to take than being selfish. No one wants you to drag them down. Grow up and get over it.

Self-importance- People who constantly plague me with requests to check out their blog and their website but never bother to check out mine. Guess what, you have made no effort to get to know me so I will return the favor.

That’s all I have for today, thanks for letting me vent. Between my bff Kim and my writers group today is turning out much better than I thought it would. Almost my vacation time and boy do I ever need it.

Thirty Day Song Challenge Day 06 - A song that reminds you of somewhere.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Monday Roundup

Ack! This is a busy, busy week. I might have some exciting book news coming up, but I am not quite ready for the annoucement, but I am excited and it is centered around my fantastic writing group, so that's all I am saying right now. :-)

30 Day Song Challenge Day 05 - A song that reminds you of someone- Pearl Jam Last Kiss

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Working Oneders

Once upon a time there lived four super heroes unlike any other superheroes you may have met in your lifetime. They were not the most obvious of superheroes yet their hearts were in the right place and they tried really hard. If there were a superhero contest they wouldn’t even get the consolation prize or best personalities —they were often drunk and sometimes tools.
Nevertheless they had the important job of maintaining office peace. They battled such super villains as The Cougher Cougar, Old Desperately Seeking Attention Man, Captain Tool, Ms. Kitty Chihuahua, and Pie Hole. They used their “unique” gifts to save many days of corporate ruination. They called themselves the Working One-ders (like wonder not o-ned-er… hey I said they were tools).
The team was comprised of: Agent Kimmie able to sweat her way out of any tight situation, Darrrrrt who can spit further than any known human being in this great galaxy, Agent Funnel Boy who is not only the world’s foremost expert on nubs but he also has the super ability to talk to and make peace with fearsome squirrels, and finally there is Hammer-toed Liz her multiple jointed toes could pick a lock like nobody’s business and do a mean samba. Together they ruled the corporate world with an iron foot.
One day Ms. Kitty Chihuahua was up to her usual bolstering and foulness. She was holding a meeting hostage preventing real work from being finished. She captured Agent Kimmie in the elevator and tied her to the chair. Little did she know this was all part of the plan. Agent Kimmie was waiting until the other pieces were in play before she unleashed the power of sweat. Darrt was stationed across the street high on the building in his sniper position. Agent Funnel Boy was talking to the troop of squirrels on the ground in case there was an escape. As soon as Hammer-toed Liz picked the lock and distracted the room with her samba and multi jointed toes, Agent Kimmie escaped her bond through her special sweating technique and chased Ms. Kitty Chihuahua’s assistant, Mesmerizing Mole, out the door. Before Ms. Kitty could run Darrrt pelted her with machine gun like spit  leaving her too disgusted to move. Between Agent Kimmie’s sweat puddle traps and Agent Funnel Boy’s squirrels Mesmerizing Mole had no where to run.
Just another day at the office for these heroes.

-33-

#30 Day Song Challenge- A Song That Makes You Sad


Saturday, April 9, 2011

Best Couples in Books

 I was visiting Serendipty’s Library and she had a wonderful post about her top ten couples in books which set me thinking who are my top couples. So without further adieu…
“The Most Perfect Couple”- Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
What can I say about them that I haven’t already said to anyone who will listen to me? She is fiery, opinionated, and light years ahead of her time. He is handsome, rich, stubborn, prideful, and completely wonderful. Together they are perfect harmony and set unrealistic expectations for us single girls.

The Seems Wrong, But It Works Couple”- Emma Woodhouse and Mr. Knightly- Emma by Jane Austen
Okay, I know Mr. Knightly is a lot older than Emma and all of that, but hey it works. He is perfect for her. Mr. Knightly challenges Emma and doesn’t just follow her around like a love sick puppy. He makes her question her behavior and her opinions and Emma adds some much needed vibrancy and energy to Mr. Knightly’s life.They warm my cold heart.

“The Lucky To Be Together Couple”- Jane Erye and Mr. Rochester- Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Secretly still married, fires, handsome missionaries, crazy ass wife, bitchy gold digging neighbors, and don’t get me started on the whole employer/employee thing. Jane and Mr. Rochester had more than their fair share of hurdles which is probably why everyone roots for them. No one is ever team St. John Rivers.

“The Nicest Couple”- Little Dorrit and Arthur- Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens
These two characters may be the most moral, nice, sweet, kind, and horribly used characters in all of fiction. How can you not root for them when they are surrounded by people who do everything in their power to make their lives harder than they should be. If you have read or seen this miniseries I highly recommend it (and I am not on a whole a Dickens fan).

“The Couple Most Likely to Fog Your Glasses”- Cat and Bones- Night of the Huntress Series- Jeaniene Frost
So this is an obvious departure from my tried and true classic literature, but I have wide and varied tastes. Cat has a tendency towards being head strong and reacting before thinking and Bones has her back. Together they work, balancing each other and fighting incredible odds. And I have I mentioned they are steamy?!?!

“The Couple That Should End Up Together”- Jolie and Rand- The Jolie Wilkins Series by HP Mallory
I know there are several team Sinjin people out there, but this is my blog and I am team Rand. Rand and Jolie might have some issues getting to the same page and Sinjin might be a delicious temptation, but at the end of the day these two crazy kids belong together. I see happiness in their future.

“The Wittiest Couple”- Ernest and Gwendolyn- The Importance of Being Ernest by Oscar Wilde
Like I could have a list that doesn’t include Oscar Wilde. All that stands in the way of these two would be lovers is the little matter of a name. Quick witted, fast dialogue and hilarious pairing keeps this as one of my very favorites.

“The Funniest Couple”- Bridget Jones and Mark Darcy- Bridget Jones Diary by Helen Fielding
He likes her just the way she is and we like her because she is a moron, just like the rest of us. Bridget is a terrific heroine because she is real. Stupid things happen to her, she says the wrong things at the most horrible times, and she thinks she is a lot more together than she actually is. Hello, welcome to my world. Also how could I not love them when he is named after Mr. Darcy? Seriously…

“The Not A Couple But I Wouldn’t Mind Them Being A Couple” Harry Dresden and Karrin Murphy- Dresden Files by Jim Butcher
I am an unabashed Dresden Files fan. I love the whole series, I love Harry Dresden and I love every supporting character. Anytime anyone dies it is heart breaking because Jim Butcher does such an amazing job building all the characters into some real with flaws and insecurities. Murphy is Dresden’s partner in crime more often than not and they already have the adorable banter. All they need now is to move on to that next step, but if they don’t then so be it. I am still a fan.

“The Non-Couple Couple”- Merry and Pippen- Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
So they aren’t a couple, but they are the two cutest besties to ever walk the face of Middle Earth. Their journey is one of my favorites in the book. It made me cry from happiness when they were finally reunited with Aragon and the others. Their childlike innocence and insistence on second breakfast warms my heart.


Day 3 of 30 Day Song Challenge "A song that makes you happy"

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Fearless Follow Friday Fun



Writer Follow Friday Blog Hop!

This week's featured author is Nicole Chase check her out!

Inspired by the spectacular melt down of Jacqueline Howett on Big Al’s Book Blog, how do you deal with a bad review?

I honestly haven't had any reviews yet (only critiques), but I imagine I will deal with it the same way I deal with anything I find unpleasant, ignore it until it goes away. Flying off the handle is ALWAYS a bad idea. Hell, we can't win them all and at least someone is talking about your book even if they don't like it so that alone should make you happy. Am I wrong? I think Ms. Howett would have done best not to say anything at all and just walk away. In  my opinion the reviewer was doing her a favor by even reviewing her work.
I will let you know how I respond definitively after my first bad review. Eek!


How do you join in the fun? So glad you asked. It’s really quite simple.


Copy and paste these rules to your blog (they’re a little different than mine and designed to help your blog)
The rules
1) Follow this blog.
2) Follow Elizabeth Sharp, the originator of this hop
3) Follow the featured author of the week Nichole.
4) Go to Sharp words and copy the image code found there and paste it in your blog. Add your name to the link at the bottom of the post while you are there.
5) Copy and paste the rules in your blog, as well as this week’s question.
6) Answer the question
7) Follow, follow, follow. This is about networking, people, making connections with people in your community. So talk to us. We don't bite!
8) If someone stops by, says hi and follows you, the polite thing to do is follow back.
9) Comment here and introduce yourself and you just might find a new follower or two.

Join in the fun, I swear it's a good time!





Day 2 Song Challenge.Song I do not like Wonderland- John Mayer. His name will never again be spoken  here. 

Unleashing My Muse and Day 1 30 Day Song Challenge.

I am still working on the first draft of the GUARDIAN TRILOGY book two. With this series music has been a big part in getting me into the minds of my characters. While writing the first book I listened to Samson by Regina Spektor until just the first couple notes of it make me think of Olivia and Holden. With book two the song that is launching me back into their world is Jar of Hearts by Christina Perri. The emotion in her voice and words pull me in and brings my characters to life. Last night I was preparing my lunch for today and it dawned on me what the "theme" song for book three will be, Gravity by Sarah Bareilles.

Also I have started the 30 Day song challenge on Facebook so I figured I would carry it over to the blog as well.
Day 1- Favorite Song
Kiss With a Fist- Florence and the Machine

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Dream State

This is not a post I plan on sharing the link with my various social networks so if you are reading it thank you for coming back on your own. I am not sharing this post because more than likely I will turn it into a book or perhaps it will be a piece of a future book, I can't really say because I simply do not know.

I don't know many of you well so I will start this with I have very vivid and often memorable dreams. I don't believe in dream interpretation but I do think it is fun to see what things mean, however I am firmly in the camp of random neuron firings. I haven't googled any interpretations for this one though I might before the end of the day because this is the first dream I had that I wasn't in. Weird.

The problem with this dream is it  was in the middle of the night and woke me up. My first thought was this would make an excellent book I have to remember, but I didn’t want to get up to write it down. So the rest of the night I didn’t sleep well because I could feel it slipping away. However this is what I remember in this one either I was not in it or I was a little kid. It is hard to say.

There was this murder though I can no longer remember who was killed and this really cool apartment. I remember mostly about the little kid. She is playing in her room on her bed and hears something, I think she thought she was alone. So she goes into the bathroom to check where the noise came from and a window is open the shower curtain billowing out, a small doll clutched in her hand. She is rigid with fear, but starts to back into her bedroom and the door opens. This old man comes in and she is scared but knows he is the police commissioner. Then her mom is there and a bunch of cops milling around. Keanu Reeves is one of them (can't say I am disappointed about that!). He is sent with the little girl to go on a walk. The little girl points out you can see into the apartment and for some reason this makes him know who the killer is (again something I understood right when I woke up). They go back inside and he is trying to get the mom out too, but the commissioner catches them and pulls a gun. The little kid runs out into another room filled with cops trying to get help but none of them will help they are all involved. She goes into the kitchen finds a younger uniform cop and tell him. He doesn’t seem to be with them but there is only one of him he will get killed. He starts going to help and she is standing in the kitchen unsure what to do. I woke up thinking she needs to run out and alert all of her neighbors if she gets a big enough group there they can’t kill them all.

That's all. Have you had any memorable dreams?

Monday, April 4, 2011

Is Three Company or a Crowd?

I am finally taking a much needed break from editing. Dark Corners is 100% with my editor right now and I will sit back and await her expertise. During my break I can do fun things like finish up my first draft of the second book in the Guardian Trilogy– Choices. Yay!

I am so happy to be back writing. It is like a mental weight has been lifted and my brain is once again free to create. Writing relaxes me from the inside out, it is better than any massage I have ever had. Love it so, so much. Choices is being told by three separate narrators… my first three way ;-). I think I'm ready. I imagine it will cause some issues somewhere in the process, but in the end I feel this is the best way to tell their story so I am going for it.

So today’s question is how many narrators are too many? At what point do you as a reader say wait, who is talking now?

Photo by Kim

Friday, April 1, 2011

Book Blog Follow Friday.

 
To join in the fun click on the picture and read the rules!


Q. What is the book that you really don't want to admit to loving??


Mine is Carolina Moon by Nora Roberts. Up until very recently I was a no romance in any sort of way reader, but this book totally pulled me in, I love it dearly though I would never read it in public and will deny it if you were to bring it up!

If Little Bunny Foo Foo was a Writer

He would hop!








Writer Follow Friday Blog Hop!

This week's featured author is yours truly. *takes a bow*

Some people like to do it in the office. Others prefer it in bed. Some people like it on the dining room table. Get your mind out of the gutter, I'm asking where you like to write!

“I can write anywhere. Sometimes it feels like my mind is constantly writing even if my hands aren’t. I plot scenes as I exercise, hanging out with friends, watching tv, in the shower, it doesn’t matter. Writing is always going on in my head. As for the room in my house I either write in my office or the family room. My favorite place that I have ever written was on the deck of a boat with the wind in my hair and the sun kissing my skin.”


How do you join in the fun? So glad you asked. It’s really quite simple.


Copy and paste these rules to your blog (they’re a little different than mine and designed to help your blog)
The rules
1) Follow this blog.
2) Follow Elizabeth Sharp, the originator of this hop
3) Follow the featured author of the week.
4) Go to Sharp words and copy the image code found there and paste it in your blog. Add your name to the link at the bottom of the post while you are there.
5) Copy and paste the rules in your blog, as well as this week’s question.
6) Answer the question
7) Follow, follow, follow. This is about networking, people, making connections with people in your community. So talk to us. We don't bite!
8) If someone stops by, says hi and follows you, the polite thing to do is follow back.
9) Comment here and introduce yourself and you just might find a new follower or two.

Join in the fun, I swear it's a good time!
 
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