Monday, February 28, 2011

Letter to your First Draft

This is a version of Writings on the wall. When I am frustrated with a scene, a chapter, a character, a part of the writing process I tend to write letters in my journal to get it out. I naturally do the same with celebrities, it's something I love to do! So today I decided to share one I wrote to my first draft.

First draft,

Take it easy, I'm not used to being in the driver seat (people say it's unsafe). So hear I sit with a good idea (trust me I can see those from a mile away). The problem is that I've written ten thousand words and my main character decides she doesn't want to fall in love with Paul (this will not end well).

Who said she got to decide? I'm the writer, I should get the final say. After all, she wants bad boy Blake and he's not right for her. She insists he's going to change (but we all know he won't). She has the audacity to stomp her feet and tells me to make him perfect in the end complete with his bad boy image (which we know is impossible)!

Her parents would never approve nor would I. Disaster has officially struck and it'd be nice if you'd quit dragging your feet and talk some since into Hannah. Since she doesn't like listening to the writer I'm leaving it to you to tell her to end up with Paul.

Don't talk to me until it's finished, Jen

Friday, February 25, 2011

Boring without a writer

Life would be boring without writers (or being a writer).

I was in bed last weekend attempting to catch a few extra minutes of shut eye when an idea came to me (that and my cat Ellie has this constant need for attention).

I thought about what it would be like to be in my husbands head for a day. After I said it I realized what I'd be giving up.

Yes, there would be silence, no headaches, no working out character problems. A blissful day off. But let's say my husband and I swapped. The number one thing he doesn't like, is the feeling of being overwhelmed (doesn't everyone?). I'm on constant overload, thinking about what social network site I need to check out so I don't lose touch. What to make (or not make) for dinner, the works.

However in my husbands brain I might be MORE overwhelmed. After all he's a numbers guys, always working out the facts, the budget.

I guess all of us are made to have our own brains. Built with our own strengths and weaknesses. Never meant to swap. So since my husband already loves and supports me that should be enough. After all, he wouldn't know what to do in this brain of mine.

So let's leave the brain swapping out of this and just remember that life is truly boring without a writer and I'm happy to be one.

What do you like most about being a writer?

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Truth Thursdays

Are we seriously here already? No, I'm not complaining, just pointing out the fact that once in the waiting game of the publishing world it messes with your mind. Days and dates are no longer something that you keep track of. Minutes, emails, and twitter is where it's at.

With that said maybe we should begin.

1. I'm addicted to book buying and author signings. I'm sure many writers or readers can say this. I'm just thankful my husband hasn't shaken it out of me yet. He hasn't even mentioned anything about it. In fact, we originally started with two bookshelves he insisted we get four (amazing right?).
2. I've become an appetizer connoisseur. Every time the hubby and I go out to dinner we choose a new appetizer (I'm not one to try new things so this is WAY out of my comfort zone) and so far it's paid off. Everyone has been delicious. What do I recommend the most? Sicilian Fire sticks from Carrinos!
3. I picked up a copy of Beastly by Alex Finn. It is delicious!!! However I must say that the trailer for the movie doesn't say anything to what I've been reading. The main character is very beastly in the book, in the movie it looks like he has some spirally tattoos. Cool, yes, beastly, not quite. Don't worry, that won't stop me from seeing the movie (it's the whole reason I picked the book up).
4. I made spritz cookies this past weekend! Oh my they were amazing. Guess making them only at Christmas doesn't apply to me (cuz I love breaking the rules).
5. I'm a half-asser when it comes to cooking. I have great ideas for cooking but frustrate easily causing my husband to take over. I'm not proud. I'm working on it (the steak burritos I thought up were amazing though!).

There you have it... five truths about me (as usual). Do they get boring (oh lord I hope not)?! Don't worry your answer won't change what I talk about, just the fact that you might visit less on Thursdays (though I hope you don't).

Dish...what.are.yours?

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

The What If Writer

What if people hate my blog.
What if no one likes me.
What if no on shows up to my author signing.
What if someone hates chocolate.
What if I never sell my book.
What if they tell me not to quit my day job.
What if they like me too much.
What if they reject me too many times.
What if I only sell 10 copies.
What if I sell a gazillion copies.
What if the editor doesn't like the edits I made.
What if they liked my book and then hated it.
What if I get a one star review.
What if I'm the next JK Rowling.

There are several what if's in life. Several in a writers life especially. However the emotion remains the same. The stress creeps up on you and your own mind becomes your worst enemy. At the end of the day can you do anything to change someone's mind? No (and don't go thinking you can give them a twinkie and make it better), so if you can't fix it, don't worry about it. Regardless if you're already successful or trying to make in the big bad writing world there will always be what's ifs. It's all in how you handle them.

Don't be a victim of the what ifs.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Tuesday Twist - makeover style!

Hello! Happy Tuesday!!!

I know you all love tuesday twist and this one just got a little more fun (if you don't wanna see the fun scroll down for the list)!!! I was able to go to the Lisa McMann signing at Blue Willow (and what a blast it was!!) she told us about her upcoming novel The Unwanteds (trust me - you'll want this series)! Follow her on twitter, she's a serious case of awesome!

So here is a pic of her and I hanging at Blue Willow (she is the ultimate author - sweet, funny, and fun)! So of course I'll be sharing a sentence of her newest novel (you just won't know which one it is until you look)!



I also decided to take some pics of my new loft writing/reading/tv place! I love it!!! Hope you do too! Below are a few pics!
1. Writing space! (You'll find notebooks, collage pieces, markers, the works!)

2. My library!!! (zebra style! I'm not as lucky as the rest of you with a thousand books, however with my collection starting last January - 2010 I think I'm doing okay!) 3. Even one of my cats love it (if you can see her! Ellie isn't one for hanging out on the second floor but she's made it her home!)

4. View from the TV room! (nothing like a multi-functional space)!

So now for the real business...

The Sentence
1. Daddy said, "Let mom go first."
2. I could feel everyone looking at me, but I was used to it.
3. When it is over, We breathe and ache like old oak, like peeling birch.

The Twist
1. Secret Revealed
2. Secret Revealed
3. Secret Revealed

I kid you not everyone of these books is sure to rock your socks off. Buy your copy immediately! Glad you stopped by, hope you enjoyed me showing off my space!

Monday, February 21, 2011

I'm jealous of myself

Hi! Happy Monday! Are you happy? Because I'm happy.

So now that we've settled everyone is happy I can't wait to share with you some super fun news that even your dogs will be jealous of.

The fabulous Carly Phillips stopped by Unedited for a visit. She's by far one of my favorite authors and when she said yes to answering some of my questions I squealed with joy. So sit back and relax because Carly is taking over!


1. How did you come up with your pen name?

I wanted something familiar and my husband's name is Phil - that explains Phillips - and the Carly came from the idea of using the hard "K" sound - so if someone said Carly it'd be close to Karen (at least in my mind, LOL). So Carly Phillips was born!

2. Now that your daughters are growing up how do they feel about your writing? Do their friends know your awesomeness?!

LOL. My awesomeness? Well thank you! But no. I'm just mom. Mom who writes love scenes. Mom who embarrasses them when one of their friends tells one of their teachers and they want to read a Carly Phillips book. :) It's funny. They're definitely proud in their own way ;)

3. How do you like to write stories (beginning to end, post-it's, while drinking too many latte's or wine)?

Beginning to end, revising as I go. Beginning is the hardest part for me - takes me as long to write first hundred pages as last three hundred. Lots and lots of revisions, especially in the beginning, a critique partner (author Janelle Denison) who reads and rereads and rereads until I'm satisfied or close to it! I always say my process is ugly but it works for me!

4. How did you fall into Romance?

Head first. For years I couldn't understand why books I was reading had frustrating or unhappy endings and then one day I started to read paperbacks - I looked up authors that I read in hard cover (Catherine Coulter and LaVyrle Spencer) in paperback, discovered they started writing for Harlequin or another romance line ... and soon I found out there was an entire section of the bookstore devoted to happy endings and I was hooked! When I decided I wanted to try to write one, I bought how to books and read allI the romance books and authors I could! Not really a hardship!

5. Do you prefer reading from a Kindle (or other device) or the hardcover?

Kindle! And that answer shocks me because I never would have believed I was an eReader person! To give up a book ... wow. But I LOVE my Kindle!


6. What genre do you like to read the most?

Contemporary, definitely. Then for awhile contemps became too hard to find consistently so I started reading a select few paranormal authors and was shocked to discover I loved them! (Nalini Singh, Larissa Ione). I used to read historicals but not so much anymore. They don't hold my interest as much these days. Not sure why!

Have you ever read any of your novels once they've been printed?

No. I get one last read right before it goes to final print - after that whatever mistakes I'd find I couldn't change anyway, so I don't see any point in torturing myself!

Fun & Random Questions

1. Milk or dark chocolate - milk
2. Roses or chocolates - both
3. Describe your perfect date - a nice dinner alone, quiet with my husband. I'm not a very overly dramatic romantic type person!
4. Dating horror story - first date with my husband - I'd been to Florida and I burned my face badly, which cracked all over and I was sure I wasn't making a beautiful impression. It was very awkward and uncomfortable for me, LOL. Unbelievably he came back for more!
5. Favorite author - now that's a hard question when so many authors are my friends! ;)
6. Favorite character you wrote - I love so many - Definitely Coop and Lexie overall in Kiss Me If You Can; Definitely Emma in the Simply series ... hard to choose!

So stop by Carly's neck of the woods and check out some of her books, you WILL NOT be disappointed!

Friday, February 18, 2011

Hashtags and ABC's

Big things happening in the blog world.

Before I share the big things do stop by Jillian's place (The Teenage Bride) for Love Letter Friday where I showcase how my husband proposed to me (since so many of you asked)!

Okay now for more real important stuff:

Hashtags & the ABC’s of April.

Oh yes… I’m going to explain.

Hashtags – For fellow twitter fanatics they speak my language but for those who don’t it’s easy and should be used cautiously since they are potentially dangerous.

I like to tell people you’re not a true twitter peep if you don’t use them. It’s easy, all you do is type a # sign in front of your deepest darkest most ridiculous thoughts.

Watch:

#iusehashtagsonmondaynightswhilewatchingthebachelor
#blameitontheroeckersisters
#batshitcrazyistheonlycrazyiwannabe

See? You add crap behind crap. They can be shorter but I love mine long. So go ahead… use a hashtag in the comments, you know you want to.

Now lets discuss the ABC’s of April. The team of awesome that’s here to make April seriously rock your socks off… and to keep up with twitter (and my promise last week) I bring it to you hashtag style -

#KarenGowenJoinsTheForce
#StephenTrempCan'tHelpTheAwesome
#CandylandDemandsEpicness
#AlexCavanaughIsReadyfortheFireworks
#LeeIsRockingItLikeUsual
#TalliCan'tHelpButShine
#JeffreyBeeslerShowsEnthusiasm
#MeOfCourseRocksitOut

Here's how it rocks -

#aprilspectacular
#26daysexcludingsundays
#abcmondaytuesdaywednesday
#crazynottojoin
#hitthebannerontheside
#everybodysdoingit

Want to know the real scoop behind the A to Z Blogging Challenge hop over to my sidebar and hit the button. 200+ peeps already have, don’t you want to be a follower (duh, everyone does).

Let’s recap:

1. Tweeting is fun, if you aren’t doing it, do it now. (oh and follow me at @jenunedited)2. Knowing the alphabet makes you cool and allows you to be challenged (do it)
3. If you are tweeting and we’re not besties already make it happen (@jenunedited)4. If you don’t know your alphabet how are you reading this (join the challenge)
5. Hashtags were born to be used (be bad and give me your best hashtag @jenunedited)6. People want to know why Gwenyth Paltrow named her child Apple, find out on April 1st when I use the letter A (join the challenge)
I think my work is done here. The subliminal message has kicked in (I'm sure of it). Follow me twitter style and join the challenge. Oh and maybe enjoy your weekend.

Author note: If you don’t leave me a comment hashtag style you’re not near as cool as you think you are (just sayin)

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Truth Thursdays

Okay so I thought I'd eventually get bored with this segment but I keep coming back for more and so do you. Guess my honesty (or weirdness) is rubbing off on you... so let's do this.

1. I had WAY too much fun with my hashtag post (happens tomorrow, you don't want to miss it).
2. I find I'm good at subliminal messaging (seriously, check out tomorrows awesome, ahem, tomorrow).
3. DL Hammons 600 follower Clue Hunt has been the most fun I've had since High School (when talking about hunting for clues of course).
4. Pink hair is in, just ask Lisa & Laura (they're too awesome for words).
5. Agatha Christie's msn games can keep me occupied for hours (searching for clues it too entertaining).

Go on... you know you wanna share a secret.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Blogfest - Twitter Style


Bernard Pivot Blogfest day! Let's make it happen!! Nicole at One Significant Moment at a Time is a fabulous blogger celebrating her 500 followers!!!

So below the badge is the questions we're all being asked along with MY answers!! Don't forget to visit the other links and to check others out! I kept my answers simple!

I give you answers - twitter style (hashtags will be explained friday!)

1. What is your favorite word? #fantabulous (for now)
2.What is your least favorite word? #chagrin #thanksalotStephenieMeyer
3.What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally? #openfields #flowers #landscape
4.What turns you off? #negativity
5.What is your favorite curse word? #Damn #firstthingtocometomind
6.What sound or noise do you love? #laughter #childrenreading
7.What sound or noise do you hate? #knucklescracking
8.What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? #resortowner #barownerincarribean
9.What profession would you not like to do? #garbagewoman #mailman
10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? #welcome #thenhemusthugme

What? Are you judging me because my answers are short? That's how I like them... now tell me, what would you have said? Go ahead... give it to me twitter style!

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Romantically Challenged

Keeping up with the theme this week will be about love (among other things). So what better way than to continue with another author I recently met with a delicious read on her hands titled Romantically Challenged (along with some other fun titles).

Think your love life is rotten? Meet Julie Burns, an L.A. entertainment lawyer who after being dumped and disgraced by her ex-boyfriend is now re-entering dating hell. All because she wants to find that one elusive commodity: a decent guy…who steals her heart, of course.

When Julie becomes convinced that finding The One is “just a numbers game,” she sets out to increase her numbers by any means necessary. From chance meetings and blind dates to dating services and the wonderful world of the Internet, Julie Burns will try anything to meet her man. And in the process, she discovers a secret or two about the single life: Sometimes love sneaks up on you when you least expect it—and even the worst first impressions can lead to surprising results…

Thanks for chatting with us Beth Orsoff!

1. When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I bought my first “How to Write a Novel” book a month after I took the California Bar Exam. I was 26 years old. But I think I knew I wanted to be a writer long before then. I just didn’t have the self-confidence to try.

2. How did you choose which genre? Or did the genre choose you?

I think the genre chose me. I was taking a creative writing class at UCLA Extension and our final assignment was to write a story about a true experience. I wrote about a date I had gone on with a pilot who couldn’t land the small plane he had taken me out in because the airport was blanketed in fog and he wasn’t yet instrument-rated. When I read the story out loud it received a ton of laughter and I realized I’d found my writer’s “voice.” A fictionalized version of that story became a chapter in my first novel, “Romantically Challenged.”

3. How did you find the one (agent/publisher)?

I’m still not sure I’ve found The One in the publishing world. I found my first agent (and my second, and my third) through the torturous query process. My first agent submitted “Romantically Challenged” to a handful of publishers and Penguin/NAL bought it six weeks later. But that was after having written seven drafts of the book and being rejected by over fifty agents.

4. Do you come up with the fun & funky titles?

Yes. “Romantically Challenged” was originally titled “Confessions of a Serial Dater” but another book was coming out with that title so my publisher insisted I change it. I submitted a list of potential alternate titles and “Romantically Challenged” was the one my editor liked best. Now I can’t imagine the book with any other title.

I came up with “Honeymoon for One” early on in the writing of that book.

The original title for “How I Learned to Love the Walrus” was “The Summer of Green, Or How I Learned to Love the Walrus,” but when it came time for cover art I realized it was too long. Hence the shortened version.


Fun & Random Questions:

Favorite beverage: Diet Coke
What's your addiction: It’s a toss-up. I’m addicted to both pizza and ice cream, and I rarely eat one without feeling the need to consume the other.
Favorite book: There’s no way I could possibly choose one. Even if I limited it to just books in my genre, I couldn’t choose one. But two of my favorite chick lit books are Emily Griffin’s “Something Borrowed” and “Something Blue.”
Bear or Lion: Lion
Writing by the beach or mountains: Beach
Favorite time to write: Late afternoons because I’m a horrible procrastinator and that’s usually around the time I panic and realize the day is almost over and I’ve accomplished nothing so I kick into gear.

A girl after my own heart! Love chick lit and is addicted to pizza and ice cream?! What's not to love!!!

To find out more about Beth you can find her at her website, find her books on Amazon and B&N along with touching base with her on facebook! You won't regret meeting her!

Monday, February 14, 2011

Showing the Love

Announcement: If you are in Houston this Thursday be sure to stop by Blue Willow Bookshop for the fabulous Lisa McMann signing! She's too awesome to miss!!

Happy Valentines Day to everyone out there (believer or non-believer). Today is a big day, several blog fests going on! Though I didn't participate in the one I'm about to mention you'd be crazy not to visit, my besties Stina and Christina have an awesome blogfest called The Kiss Me Already Blogfest! Stop over and check it out! There WILL be kissing!!!

Let's get started at the one I joined in on!!!!

Stephanie over at The Writer's Cocoon is working The Show Me Love Blogfest! It's super cute and super fun! Make sure to check out the other entries!





1. What is the most romantic thing anyone has ever done for you?

The day my husband proposed. A poem on a sheet of paper, written (because he was too nervous). Of course I said yes. He's amazing!

2. What is your favorite love song?

I'm not much for music so whatever the movies play!! They normally have me swooning at the end!

Do you have a favorite romantic movie or book?

Movies: While You Were Sleeping, Sleepless in Seattle, and It Could Happen to You & Books: Anything written by Susan Elizabeth Phillips!

4. Do you have any romantic plans for Valentine's Day this year?

An evening to cuddle with my husband (unless he has a surprise)!

5. What's your favorite romantic treat? (candy, chocolate, edible body paint, etc...)

Strawberries, chocolate, and whip cream (honeymoon memories).

There you have it!!! I had a ton of fun and I can't wait to see other people's answers!! Too fun!!!

Friday, February 11, 2011

A little love!

For this fabulous friday I wanted to share another author that I've recently met that has a knack for romance during this certain time of year!!!

Happy Valentines Day (early)!!
A Snake in Paradise by Brenda Sedore

Thanks for stopping in Brenda!


Synopsis - Aja Rain flees to Italy for peace and quiet after an accident where she nearly castrates her ex-boyfriend. She becomes a media sensation when all she wants to do is move on with her life. Italy is full of hot Italian men, but Aja is afraid to trust her heart again. Pietro and Marco are impossible to resist. How can she choose between them?

Everything is thrown into turmoil when she realizes Stephen, the ex, has followed her across the ocean, determined to get his revenge. Aja thought she would be safe and protected with her new friends in Italy.

She couldn’t have been more wrong.

1. So how long have you been writing?
I have been writing for about 10 years.

2. What made you decide to write in this genre?

I started off writing literary fiction, then decided I was taking myself too seriously. Actually, I never thought I could write humour, but I came up with a killer idea and had to write it. It was after writing "Snake" that I realized I'd found my voice after floundering for a while. Now I'm working on my second book in the same genre, High Heeled Killers. It's another really good premise and I'm having a blast writing it. :)

3. How did you get published (epublished/self published/agented/publishing house)?

After researching the industry, I decided to go Indie. I never even tried to get my book published traditionally. I'm a bit of a rebel anyway and I don't like people being in control of me, so I published myself. My husband is also an author so we work well together. We edit each other's work and give general support. It works well for us.

Fun & Random Questions -
Favorite book: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Character you'd like to date: Mr. Darcy aka Colin Firth
Character you'd like to be: Aja Rain, she's tiny, but feisty
Best cover: You don't ask easy questions do you?! I'm going to say Charlotte's Web ;-) It's a nostalgia thing
Favorite dessert: Cheesecake!
Best writing time: Night
Beach or Mountains: Both! I'm a Gemini

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Truth Thursdays

Let's Dive Right in!

1. I may or may not listen to Selena Gomez on pandora. She has some great music. She works wonders for a character I'm writing. (judge on your own time).
2. Apparently when journaling I like to talk about what I ate for dinner (Time & Date stamped)
3. I want to eat at Carl's Jr. (one opened up by my house). I, however, find that if you are waiting 2 hours for a burger you're an idiot (especially with Wendy's and Whataburger wide open - no line). Jokes on the losers.
4. Velveeta shells & cheese make for an awesome lunch. I'm on a new kick... the cheesiness keeps me coming back for more.
5. Twitter hashtags are the devil (because I heart them so much). I'm one who uses them for random thoughts. They are the best. I should dedicate a post only using hashtags.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Just Friends With Benefits

Thanks to Goodreads I came across some great new authors! Meredith Schorr being one of them. Since she happens to be a chick lit author and it just so happens to be the month of February, I thought it perfect timing to show her off!!!









Her debut novel is Just Friends With Benefits! An ebook!

When a friend urges Stephanie Cohen not to put all her eggs in one bastard, the advice falls on deaf ears. Stephanie's college crush on Craig Hille has been awakened 13 years later as if soaked in a can of Red Bull and she is determined not to let the guy who got away once, get away twice. Stephanie, a 32-year-old paralegal from Washington, D.C., is a 70's and 80's television trivia buff who can recite the starting lineup of the New York Yankees and go beer for beer with the guys. And despite her failure to get married and pro-create prior to entering her thirties, she has so far managed to keep her overbearing mother from sticking her head in the oven. Just Friends with Benefits is the humorous story of Stephanie's pursuit of love, her adventures in friendship, and her journey to discover what really matters.

1. What made you start writing?

As a daydreamer with an overactive imagination I figured if was going to drum up stories, I might as well put them in writing! I realized my passion for writing when I began getting way too much pleasure from writing work-related emails to clients and I started writing children's stories. That didn't stick and so I began writing a personal/dating blog. I loved it, but became paranoid about putting my business out there and decided to switch to fiction.

2. Why chick lit?

"Just Friends With Benefits" started out more of a romance but my voice and writing style naturally lends itself to chick-lit. I couldn't help myself :) Chick-lit is my favorite escape when it comes to reading so it's no surprise it's also my favorite escape when it comes to writing.

3. Any new stories you have in the works?

Yes, I'm over 200 pages into the first draft of my second novel. Also chick-lit. It's about a late twenty-something woman who, after ending a 9 year relationship with her high school sweetheart, dives back into the dating pool and realizes it's not as easy as she thought it would be. The premise is what happens when the Type-A 'planner' realizes she cannot plan the actions/reactions of other people, specifically, men.

4. Are you looking for love with an agent this round or sticking with the epublishing?

I will definitely try to obtain an agent with my second novel, but wouldn't hesitate to continue with e-publishing. It's the wave of the future!

Fun & Random Questions:
Favorite book: I loved "Something Borrowed" by Emily Giffin. But "The Lovely Bones" by Alice Sebold really touched my heart.
Favorite Pizza Joint: Nanuet Restaurant in Nanuet, New York. AWESOME.
Writing spot: Starbucks
Faster at writing or editing: editing
Ocean or Snow: ocean!
Way to get rid of writers block: Just get in front of the computer and start typing. The toughest challenge for me is making the time to write; once I'm there, the words begin to flow.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Confused Characters

Your character loves sushi, friday night movies with friends, hates being along, loves dressing up, televison and dancing.

The role she walked into is in need of other character requirements: Likes solitude, knows karate, hates dressing up, and doesn't own a TV.

Sometimes characters show up at the wrong party. Not to mention they think they fit in the role when they're a Barbie but you're in need of a tomboy.

These are moments when it's best to know how to develop a character and save them for a later role. Here are some great ways to develop your characters...

1. Keep a notebook close. Write down the sushi loving princess, one day she'll come in handy.
2. Make sure your character has a name that fits their personality. Mandi may be okay for the sushi loving princess but it won't be for the tomboy.
3. Sometimes first impressions can be wrong. Take your character and put her in the setting you had created. She may just end up being the crime fighter you'd originally intended. If that happens to be the case then you have a crime fighting beauty on your hands and chances are it's a one of a kind character.

Always remember characters can often make the story so it's important to make sure you get them right. And always, I mean always, have fun with them!

What's your favorite part when creating a character?

Monday, February 7, 2011

Waiting makes you crazy

Waiting makes you do crazy things.

(Author note: for those of you unaware of my waiting game this is the dealio - I sent my manuscript to a publisher. 4 weeks waiting time. Mass panic. Mixed emotions. Whole lot a want. Whole lot a waiting.)

Like I said, waiting makes you crazy.


  1. I have been reinventing myself - Sim's style. In Sim's world I'm already published (seriously, I'm like JK Rowling already)
  2. I watch movies (bad ones) - I saw The Roommate which only reminded me of my main character. Only positive, my main character isn't killer crazy, she's fun crazy (1 point Team Jen)
  3. I have avoided baths - They lead to WAY too much thinking (both positive and negative - negative, definitely wins)
  4. I've been cooking (I know) - I made tilapia in a bag and it didn't suck (actually it was flipping fantastic).
  5. I also have time for laundry, cleaning, and other household chores (seriously it's insane, I should stop).
  6. I am teaching myself something new. Sign language. I knew the basics but I wanna know more.
  7. I dance, sing, and eat - Jersey Shore style. T-Shirt time officially happens in our home.

So that's what I've been up too. What about you?

Friday, February 4, 2011

Why We Rock

Bloggers.

They're everywhere.

Each one of them is awesome (including me).

They blog about their feelings.

Their hopes.

Their dreams.

Their fears.

We all stand behind one another. We are a group of people who would do anything for one another. Even for those across the pond.

So to my newly found friends out there. I heart you. For those who are super new to this blog I want to share a few of my favorite peeps (and reasons why) so you can stop by and see the awesome.

Random Reasons to Love My Followers:

Best twitter button: Lisa Galek at Read.Write.Repeat
Most Daring Profile Picture: Candyland (Boobs to avoid face - Brilliant)
Fun Tag Line: Talli Roland (I drink coffee. I write. Then I have wine. She's genius)
Creative Follower Search: DL Hammons (Followers from all 50 states... onto Countries. Dedicated, this one.)
Awesome photo love and overall blog: Jessie Harrell at The Daily Harrell (makes you wanna travel!)
Best Blogfest Idea: Arlee Bird at Tossing it Out for his brilliant blogging challenge (A-Z Blogging Challenge - We're doing it again- sign up now!)
Friday Shout-Outs: Stina over at Seeing Creative (See the awesome posts for the week at Stina's on Fridays! You won't regret it)
Something vs. Something: Janet Johnson (she rocks! Her games are freaking fantastic! Stop by for her post in lieu of president's day! President vs. President)
Fun Zone: Colene Murphy (always something to get me laughing)
Mad Lib Awesome: Elena Solodow (watch the creativity over at Elena's)
Photography Extraordinaire: Kristin Rae (beautiful photos!)
Love Letter Friday: Jillian over at Teenage Bride has the best Friday segment!
Critiques: Shannon's place for awesome critiques!

So there is a bit of the awesome on the blog! Happy following!!!

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Truth Thursdays

Shout-out: Ellie is celebrating 200 followers! She has a super fun and easy way to enter!! Go (after you read this post).

Another edition of Truth Thursdays, one of my favorite days of the week! I can find out so many interesting things about others, but only if I dish a few of my own. So here we go!

1. I bought US Weekly this week purely based on the fact that Sandra Bullock was on the front (lie. I also saw the Housewives of Beverly Hills and couldn't tell myself no).
2. After I finish a manuscript I always write a small dedication and acknowledgements that I'd like to see on the book. I fear that one day I'll forget everyone I want to thank (that, and it's part of the dreaming process).
3. The last book I wrote (In the Mind of a Celebrity Stalker) has me talking like my character. I've become a journal junkie and I like to keep up with celebrities (typical Jules).
4. I went and saw a movie by myself this weekend. I hadn't done that in at least three years. I'm going more often from now on. I saw Tangled (I'm a wimp, can't see anything too scary in the theaters). It was cute. I enjoyed it.
5. This week I deemed Sunday, Harry Potter day. I had a little marathon. It was fun. You should try it.

So what are your truths? You like doing dinner and a movie alone?

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Valentine's Day Comes Early!

Hello my happy little bloggers!

Today is a reason to be smiling! Why, you ask?

Giveaway!!! LOVE IS IN THE AIR!

CSN Stores is at it again! They are an amazing site that has everything from cookbooks for the mom's and swing sets for the kids! This is your place for one stop shopping! I have bought quite a few things from them an always leave away with some great items!

That being said they're giving one lucky winner a $45 gift certificate to over 200+ online stores! Unfortunately this works best if you are in the US so for those who aren't you'll have to wait for other upcoming giveaways from me personally!

So in lieu of Valentines day CSN stores does have a section that hs 50 gifts for under $50 and they are AMAZING!

Heart shaped waffle makers to fun holiday seat covers. Some will leave you giggling and others you'll want to buy for a loved one!! Be sure to stop on over and check them out!!

HOW TO WIN: Simple. Comment (tell me something sweet) and get your comment in before the end of the day and I'll be picking a winner on Friday!

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Tuesday Twist

Hello to all my new followers! I consider you all my friends and glad you've decided to join us on this journey called blogging!

Before we get to the fun romance stories I have to let you know about a special blog contest going on!! Lindsay over at Tiptoe Kisses (so cute right?) is hosting the Read, Write, Love contest! It's super, super easy to join! Hop on over, contest ends Thursday! Tell her I sent you!!

This is a favorite of mine (along with many others). I've decided to dedicate this post to Romance since this month is Valentine's day.

The game is simple. I give you three first sentences and you decide if you'd buy it based on that one line. Sort of 'judging a book by it's cover'. So without further ado here are this weeks choices.

Sentences
1. As a rule, Ginny Blackstone tired to go unnoticed - something that was more or less impossible with thirty pounds (she'd weighed it) of purple-and-green backpack hanging from her back.
2. It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single girl of high standing at Longbourn Academy must be in want of a prom date.
3. When it came to love, my mother's advice was that there were WARNING SIGNS.

Secrets Revealed
1. Fun Pick No. 1
2. Fun Pick No. 2
3. Fun Pick No. 3

Any sound like something you'd wanna read!? This round for me I think they all sound fantastic and I read them all right in a row!