Oh no!! I'll miss you dearly! I've thoroughly enjoyed your posts, even when I don't have time to leave a comment. :( But I understand about blogs getting in the way of writing and life. Mine can sometimes take over a bit too much... :) Good luck with your novel, and looking forward to when you come back! :)

I do hope you'll still be around the blogosphere, though. :)

Egad! What will I do without your witty posts to keep me entertained?!

I want to wish you luck with your novel and your job. If you need anything, now that I am an email away!

Thanks for all your encouragement and for blessing me with your presence...there is no need to thank me, although I appreciate it.

If you ever want to get together, you know how to find me.

Oh, sadness... :-( We'll miss you, but I understand. The important thing is to write, and to take care of the people you love. Are you leaving the blogosphere permanently, or will you still be blurking about?

Good luck with your novel!!! I look forward to seeing it in stores someday.

Best of luck.. I'll miss you, but totally understand.. It's a tough balance.

Nooo! How very sad!

I do understand. Blogging can suck up a lot of time. But I will miss your posts and your comments. Good luck with the novel -- and the job! -- and let me know when you're back!

Oh no! You were one of my most loyal readers and I love your blog!

I totally understand, though. You gotta get that novel written.

At least throw us a facebook status update every now and again (or an email) so we know how it's going.

Pual

Oh, I'll miss you! I'll keep you in my google reader in case you ever decide to post anything quick.

Totally understand! And it's great you have your priorities straight!

Get that novel written, and thank you for your friendship, support, and good cheer! Keep in touch, and holler when you have a question about that agent query or offer (or just to say hi)!.

Hi Susan,

Sorry to hear you're leaving -- but I understand completely! If I blogged regularly, I know I wouldn't get anything written at all!

Good luck with your novel -- I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for it. Please let us all know when it's finished and ready to go!

*Hugs*

Oh my goodness, Susan! I'm a little (OK, a lot!) verklempt! What am I going to do without your wonderful posts and lovely comments?!

I will definitely be keeping you in my blog reader as one of the blogs I follow ... just in case you decide to post an update here and there!

I completely understand, and wish you all the best of luck. And, I want to thank you for being one of my very first 'followers' after I started my blog this past year ... it means a lot to me that you 'believed' in me and my little blog.

Take care and do post updates every once in a while if you get a chance ... just so we know that all is going well with your family, job, and novel! You have become a dear blogging friend, and I wish you all the best!!!

OHHHHH! NOOOOO! but I understand (she says with a pout)

Count on me to be back to visit your side of blogland when you're ready to come back!

Much luck to you!

Christy

I'll miss you, but I totally understand. It's a delicate balance. Gotta keep those priorities straight, and you gotta write, girl! Best of luck in all you do! Send us a shout, when good things are about!

Perhaps I'll see you on the published side some day.

I wish you well and I'll miss reading your blog, but I understand. Can't wait to read your book!

AH! I will miss you terribly. I have loved your in depth interviews, and your positive attitude. But I understand entirely that family and work comes first--blogging is extra, and has every right to be culled first.

But we will all miss you! God bless, and good luck with your ms.!

I'll miss you too! I do hope you'll manage, somehow, to keep us updated on the progress of your novel.

Oh wow! I'll miss you, but I totally understand. This blogging is TIME-consuming and sometimes I feel conflicted about it. I'm sure if I were in your shoes I'd make the same decision. Dive into that novel, and we'll see you on the published side.

I totally understand where you're coming from, but I will miss you!

Blogging is a huge time suck.

I look forward to reading your book once you're published!

I'm sorry to hear it. I find my blog vital to my process, both creatively and for marketing purposes. I'm sorry you didn't feel the same way -- it made a lot of people's lives more enjoyable on a daily basis.

Best of luck.

Sorry to hear this, but understand the time constraints!! Please be sure to let us know when you come back to the blog world. Good luck to you!!! I'll miss reading your blog!

Oh Gottawrite Girl, I'll miss you very much. But you're doing the right thing. Focus on the writing, everything else will fall into place.

Thanks for the great blogging and also for the shout out. Good luck! :)

Will miss you!

Good luck to you. Let us know when the novel is out.

Aw, so sad to see you go but I understand completely. I regularly have the same debate with myself and know that blogging takes up more of my time than it should which is why I've cut back quite a lot. I'll really miss your posts, Susan but i hope we'll be able to stay in touch via Facebook!

Take care and all the very best of luck for everything!
xxx

We'll be waiting for you! Best of luck with the novel!!!!!!

You're doing the right thing. Writing is a lot of work and needs focus. Best of luck. I look forward to seeing it in bookstores someday.

I'm late to this, but good bye for now and GOOD LUCK with your novel. I know, blogs can be a time suck. Come back and let us know what you're up to every now and again!

Hope it goes well.

: ) Thanks, Justus... Me too!

I guess you didn't see my huge apology on your last post. Boo hoo hoo!

Hold please... re-reading, now, my friend (though I do recall something about an RSS feed.)

: )

Go for it. That's much more important. Good luck!

Paul

Paul, YES, dear lord ~ MUST get on track! It's the heart of why I blog, in the first place!

And Justus... ok... I gotcha! And, funny... it's just not changing anytime soon. I will continue posting from the front lines of CUBE-LAND!!!

Ps~ There is a RIDICULOUSLY funny version of "My Cubicle" set to that song "You're Beautiful" on U-tube. I LOVE it!

I know you can do it...we're behind you. Hammer it out girl!

: ) Thanks, Serena!!! I hope to see you there, too!!!! Alright for being LOCAL!!!

I'll keep you in my blog reader :)

: ) Thanks, PJ!!!

Good luck!! Your loyal readers will be here for you when things calm down. :0)

Go, go, go!!!

I understand. Good luck. My time is spent blogging instead of writing as much too.

Good luck with your big doings! We'll be here when you get back.

Ack! Keep writing! Let us know how it turns out...

Good luck! I'll keep you in my reader and will cheer you on!

No worries--in my world, blogging always comes last! Writing is first!

You go GWGirl!!! :-)

Write on -- and have fun :)

Go. We'll be here when you get back.

You go, Gottawrite! After all, you gotta write something besides blog posts.

:-)

Good luck!!!!! You go girl!

christy

The most important thing is to keep writing. Let us know how it went! Good luck!

You beaver away and good for you to know when to put blogging on the back burner! Hope it all goes well - good luck!

I wish you all the best.

This kind of time-management-twisting is a common blogging result I'd not anticipated.

Boy, I have to agree. Although I think I anticipated it a hair. Hope it's going great!

Man, do I know where you're coming from! Just finished my ten pages. Hang in there. They will shine. You can do it!!!!

Saw you on strugglign writer and wanted to say hi!

I'm glad you've turned it into such a positive!

: ) Oh, Devon. I kinda wish you could have talked to my boss for me... maybe there'd be a different outcome.

: )

Thank you...

Where did you find that funny picture?! I have some more positives. Everyone will be able to admire your new shoes/outfit when you wear one to work. Everyone will know when your hubby (or puppy) sends you flowers. You can share your puppy photos to anyone who walks by! And you will know everyone else's business! (okay, that is a pro and con!)

Ohh, I LIKE these... wonderful. Except for one thing. I've rolled over long ago with being fashionable, and wear my UGGs each and every day of the work week. No matter how well they match. Horrible. But, if I'm gonna rock the cube life, than I'm gonna be comfortable.

: )

Thanks, Kelly!

You can keep up on all the gossip. (Not that you can get away from it)

You can sing and entertain the troops.

You can more easily share your germs when sick.

and the opposite of all these also apply. Joy!

Ohh, I like that. I can more easily entertain the troups. That's right. More air reale state, if you will.

I sat in a cubicle and I would google support for my position that a cubicle is no way to live. Sorry, you're trying to be positive! It made me mental. I had a big clock, many photos, a fake plant, a variety of food stuffs, a footstool, a heater....and a darn quick finger for minimizing my surfing when someone was Lurking.

Hah!! Spinregina, VERY funny. That's certainly the downside. You are simply a cog on the altar for all to peer at. Like a monkey in the zoo.

: )

LOL! i luv your attitude and the picture! :0) Funny! I can't think of anything witty to add. Need more coffee. If I do, I'll come back and post. :0)

Christy, I've already had 16 inches of coffee this morning. What does that say about me? Even coffee can't thoroughly inspire this situation...

: )

I used to keep a candy jar on my cubicle desk and bring in flowers. I think at one stage I even had a plant. I had photos and cartoons and captions pinned into the ghastly grey walls of my little prison. How about burning an aromatherapy tea light? At one stage I even had cushions on the floor so that working at a desk didn't get too tedious. Me, a bad influence? Nevah!

I know you're trying to be positive, but I hated my cubicle where I used to work. It was right on my boss's way to his office, and he could stop and look over my shoulder to see what I was working on. Half the time I wasn't working... because I hated that job, and there wasn't much to do. Not my fault!

I wrote sometimes, and that looked like working. Ahem.

But the good things... I could talk with everybody pretty easily. I didn't have to worry about being hated for having an office and an actual door, and it was always fun to decorate the cube for the holidays.

I love how you describe it like a bathtub wall. Perfect description. Hehe.

Good luck on staying positive. You have my sympathies.

Nicky, cushions on the floor ~ how SHAMELESSLY and WONDERFULLY indulgent! Oh, you are bad!!!

And Lady Glamis, same deal - absolutely. Per your every detail. Well, I will thrive, it's my vow to myself and to ALL zoo-like cube workers around the globe!!!!

: )

He he he.

Amen to "I hear and smell everything". I like my cubicle position because I can tell when someone puts food out for all of us to eat.

Advantages of a cubicle: Nobody is hoping for you to retire so they can take you place. Nobody is asking you if they can take a nap in your office during lunch.

Well, that's all I can think of. :)

Paul, very good!!! Yes, no one's clamoring to share my space, that's for sure.

: )

Hope you are well!!!!!

Hmm... Dilbert cartoons are more relevant and funny for you now.

If the FBI comes for you, you can duck and scuttle amongst the cubicles, Matrix-style.

Or you could start a cubicle war!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekdumRCjchc

Miriam, Dilbert and I are now soul mates. Very sad, but very true.

; )

What a wonderfully positive way to look at it! :-) Hmmmm ... let's see, how about being able to pin things directly into the walls, without fear of retribution for destroying a 'real' wall! :-)

Perhaps this will turn into a Tom Sawyer situation. Where you're great attitude will convince everyone they need to be like you and live in a cubicle. Then, when the corner office, becomes vacant....you can scoot it!

You know, I liked working in a cube! It was kinda cool....made me feel as if I was a part of the office. Of course, that was a temp thing--not sure how I'd feel about forever.

My old company had a "cubicles for everyone" policy. So I never expected anything else.
And I loved throwing things around to neighbors :)

Kelly H-Y, yeah, never thought of that. Heckya! Apulstery means more freedom for me!!!

And Barrie, if THIS is the case and I could SERIOUSLY pull that off, than I need to do something much larger with my life!!! : ) Very funny!!!

Oh Beth, we could certainly have fun as cube-bors, but no... it's just no good in the long term. Ughola!!! But, hello and take care!

PJ, what a wise, wise Head Honcho your company had. A good, good person he was.

Fabulous!

Hey, I love the jungle ambiance of that picture. And a pastel cocoon? Any cocoon of mine will be pastel, for sure.

Love the pic and the post! :)

I worked in a cube a long time ago and liked it.. I think I was the only one.

Wow. Love how positive you are turning this situation into. And that picture totally rocks!

Everyone should have at least one cubicle job in their lives. I had one for about four and a half years. I was there just long enough to work my way up to a window location. Then I left.

It builds character and--I'm surprised no one I could see mentioned this--provides fodder for writing.

Way to be positive, Gottawrite Girl!

So is this the real picture of your cubicle or are you kidding me? I prefer your cubicle to my kitchen. It's cozy, don't you think?

Marcia, I love pastel, too. Favorite. Absolutely!

And Keri, WHAT??!!?? So crazy. I think you MIGHT Be the only one to like a cube!!!

: )

I want some of what you have!!!

Christina, it is a GOOD photo. Someone has my sense of humor out there... : ) Thanks for writing!

And AMD, it DOES build writing fodder - GREAT way to think about it! I suppose it IS a self-supporting right of passage for most.

: )

Rebecca, thanks... and Gutsy, NO, don't worry ~ that would be a bit TOO in your face! Mine is wuite pretty, with a light blue curtain across... : )

Hey, that looks familiar. I remember building forts like that with my kids. What fun that was.

I love the camo cube, but now I'm curious to see yours. A shower curtain? Really? That's awesome!!

A pastel cocoon sounds kind of nice...what a great idea to put a curtain up!

I would love to have some noise around my office...its too quite...hence the ipod

I haven't read your post yet because I want to say I'm sorry.

Somehow you got booted off my RSS feed list.

I was wondering why you weren't posting, so I finally came over to check it out.

Sorry!

I will read your post sometime. Ha ha.

Wow. I've never heard such a positive outlook about a cubicle before. That's impressive!

When I need an attitude adjustment, I'm coming to you.

: ) Thanks for stopping by, everyone, and now I gotta post a next writing goal to keep accountable to everyone!

He inspires and motivates people, and encourages them to take ACTION, rather than to sit passively and let the Corrupt run it all, which is one reason he's so effective.

Yes, I watched, thrilled to witness history and even happier not to be in the midst of all the crowds!

I am loving this. I am particularly proud of my country for actually caring about politics for once. Either way you feel about Obama, you're passionate and care--more than can be said about much of the last 12 or so years of politics. Especially considering this is the first presidential election I've been a part in which people not only care, they're also not entirely negative.

Devon, so funny!! ME too! I was grateful and happy as a clam, in my pj's, in my favorite overstuffed chair, with Ruby on my lap and coffee on the sidetable... absolutely lovely.

And Beth, hello! So true, on every front. SO MANY PEOPLE woke up this election. SO many cared. Suited and up showed up. There is something about him that sucessfully and elegantly calls people to action... inspires people... like America is already sitting on the resources of change ~ EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US!

And, that said, I'm not saying anything about which party I belong to... I a bit squirmy about that, as I don't want to offend. But D or R, WHICHEVER you are, there is something a'foot, for sure!!!!

"And I don't believe Obama is a miracle worker, but I do believe he has an unexplainable ability to incite people to action, which our country desperately needs right now... I think the magic is more so in the response of the people to Obama, rather than Obama himself... "

That's not only OK to say, but also very well said.

Or dear, Struggling, thank you. I am hesitant to offend ANYONE, as our first love is the VERY UN-POLITICAL issue of children's literature and the writing of... but I'm so glad you wrote. Something historic is happening here, I just can't deny...

: )

Take care, my friend, and talk soon!!!! Love...

Thank you for sharing! I did get to watch the inauguration, and it moved me more than any other one ever has.

I will be visiting DC in February. It will be the first time I've ever been East past Colorado. I'm so excited to see such a great place!

And I agree about your comments on Obama. He truly does move the people, and it is a great thing for all of us, no matter what political stand we take. This country needs some positive action.

Lady Glamis, we certainly do need some positive ACTION. From the bottom up... from the people to the power-holders. Everyone!

I really don't believe Government alone is strong / wise / ABLE to create all the neccessary change...

It's got to be a group effort. A country-wide shift from taking to giving.

I was, feeling very strongly for Obama, still surprised to find myself so excited and happy yesterday. I'm usually a cynic about all this, but there is something going on... :)

Becky, it's still in the air, even throughout this morning's commute! People happily clutching up papers, CHATTING on the metro (gasp!) instead of solemnly sludging... wow, is all I can say! SO interesting to observe!

I totally agree with what you say! I'd requote it here, but Strugglingwriter already did!

: ) Thanks, PJ!! Good to hear from you... what a happy topic this is ending up to be. I'm glad I posted, after all...

So many great points! I've been inspired by the response to this election. It's been heartening to see so many young people so excited about the political process. It sets a pattern for their life. No matter what your political opinions, you gotta admit that Obama has charisma, and he has the power to move people.

He sure does incite people to action. Which, no matter which party you support, is like a breath of fresh air. I can't remember the last president to inspire so many to go out and act...does anyone know?

Lotusgirl, yaye for ANY inspiration! It IS nice to see the youngsters motivated to action. It hasn't gone down in such a marked way in a LONG time... and it's true... MAJOR charisma ~ which is always present in really "unexplainably" effective leaders!!!

Tabitha, this is probably an overstatement... but the love-fest feeling present in our starchy city and the passion of the youth... it all reminds me of the fiery sixties!!!

How cool to be in DC for this big event. It must have been nuts in the entire area!
I agree that people haven't been this emotional and excited for a president in a long time. I wish him and our country well!

Me too, Kelly! Well said... I definitely wish both him and us a new beginning... or, rather, an upward swing!!!

I watched all day beginning at 5am and quitting sometime during the balls. I think I am celebrationed out.

I really love that Obama is inspiring...its been a long-time coming.

WOW, you are a trooper, Serena! You definitely schooled me with program-watching... Ah well. i HAVE been catching lots of snippets on Fox news, though, which I enjoy. I feel like I have seen enough of these to fill in the rest of the day....

I love how you described Obama's ability -- that was not disrespectful at all -- and it sums it up perfectly. Somehow he makes US want to do better for ourselves and that's really cool!

Solvang Sherrie, thanks for writing!! I will have to stop by your post-hub and share in your writings!!!

I absolutely can feel it. I love the way Obama makes it clear that he can't do it alone. That we all have to work together to help each other do what's best for our country as a whole.

I'm so thankful for him and the energy he inspires. The feeling of renewal is so needed right now.

Yes, me too. He seems MOST concerned with the greatest good. With really serving... it's wonderful!!!

I'm so impressed and inspired by our president! :) What an amazing inauguration.

And thanks for sharing. :)

Thanks, Keri... seems most everyone only has something positive to add... it's wonderful. And, I mean that no matter your party affiliation!!!!

: )

Talk soon.

Must've been exciting to be close to the center of it all...I grew up in that area, so seeing images of DC always makes me nostalgic.

Adrienne, that's wonderful to know... a fellow DC-rooted woman! Excellent! I do love our city, as grey and starchy as it can be...

: )

I think my addiction stems from that Poli-sci major I had....I can't help myself...living this close to the hub of government.

I sent you two awards. If you don't have time to respond, don't worry. I just thought you deserved them.

Serena, very funny...

And Gutsy, THANKS my friend!! I will CERTAINLY investigate, and MUCH appreciate your kind words...

: )

Yes!! And you stated it all so perfectly! Great post! :-)

As a Canadian, this was awesome to watch on the TV. I can only imagine what it iwas like to BE there!

Thanks, Kelly!!! And Angela, thanks for writing, too! My roomate biked down there at 4am... and says he'll remember it always...

I'm new to your blog. Found you through Gutsy's blog. :)

Just wanted to say, I really wish I would have been in D.C. on Tuesday, that must've been a beautiful moment, to feel the energy of the city, of the nation. Although, I'm happy I wasn't in the crowd, but maybe on a balcony near by :)

Even I watched it.

And no, I don't think he's a miracle worker, but I do think he's very, very smart and an excellent orator with tremendous charisma. That's a helluva combination. And I don't think he'll be afraid to take tough and unpopular decisions.

Thanks for finding me, Crimogenic, and wonderful to meet you!!!

And Nicky, too true... SUCH charisma. SUCH. Amazing...

I feel that way about my new submissions--its been over a year since I've felt as if I had something ready for submissions, and I am raring to go!

I hope you feel better. I usually get strep-throat at least once a year.

Being energized is a great felling!

Paul

I'm so glad you're feeling better! I think very little gets done well without enthusiasm. I LOVE seeing my kids enthusiastic about something they're doing. They put their whole selves into it and forget the world around them, and joy takes them over.

Goodness me - I am SO with you!

I have been sick for 3+ weeks now and I have fits and spurts of activity but I am positively desperate to get back to 'being' enthusiastic about all things 'writey'.

I hope you achieve what you want.

Fabulous quote! I feel that way about my latest WIP, and about the novel I'm revising. I'm itching to work on both of them, and am wishing I had two sets of hands so I could work on them both at once. :)

Glad you're feeling better!! Trying to get back into the swing of things is always hard. I'm still working on that after a whirlwind of a December. :) But I'm *determined* to do it! :)

Great quote - even when you know this is true, it's good to have a reminder every now and then. Thanks for the pick-me-up!
Hope you're feeling better.

That is a great quote!

I'm glad you're feeling better and ready to get back into action!

Christy

It's a great quote. Wherever you are, really be there!
And I'm glad you're on the mend!

Beth, that sounds like an ideal place to be... let those submissions rip! Wonderful!

Paul, thanks!!! It's an ugly thing, let me say. Never thought I'd be drinking steroids just to breathe... awesome!

Lotusgirl, it's true... kids seem to naturally live and do with their whole heart. It's fascinating to watch!!!

Kit Courtneney, thanks for the well wishes!!! And, you too!

Tabitha, I'm so happy to hear you feel that way about your WIP. What a good, satisfying feeling... you must be on the right path! So happy...

Adrienne, thanks : ) And I'm glad you liked the quote!!!

Christy and PJ, as always, many, many thanks... good blogging friends, you both are...

: )

Hey, sorry the post wasn't really up when you stopped by, you should come back and get the full reminiscence. LOL. We're doing well around here. I started getting the scratchy throat last week, but then kicked up the OJ intake, and it's gone away. You gotta love Vitamin C. Of course, it does no good with strep throat. The only thing that ever works for me there is a strong course of anti-biotics. Happy MLKJ. day!

Hey there ~ happy MLK day to you, too! And oh yeah about those antibiotics... I'm on two! AND. I will stop by again ~ I thought it was my computer and cleaned out my cache... Funny.

I love your enthusiasm - now let's just hope I get infected with it! ;-)

So sorry you're still feeling under the weather, Susan, hope you're feeling 110% really soon!

Aw, thanks, Nicky! And hope you have some more photo-adventures for me to live vicariously through!!!

: )

Hooray for not-being sick! I love that post-rest burst of energy, it makes me feel so productive and like I've achieved something.

(I usually use it to clean my house since that's what I hate doing the most.)

Awesome quote! Hope you are feeling 100% better soon!
I'm finally getting back into the swing of things after the holidays...

Hah! Very funny, Miriam, and Kelly, me too. Very true. Seems like the holidays lasted much longer than usual this year!!!

Hope you're feeling better! :)

I think books written with enthusiasm are the best books ever. :) Great quote. :)

Thanks, Keri, much appreciated... an author friend of mine said that each author needs to be MOST in love with their story, as ultimately, you are at the helm of your career... and you have to be confident in the story you're selling.

Ah, great post! Yes, enthusiasm is a must if I'm writing. Without, my manuscript remains incomplete and boring.

Glad you are feeling better. Can't have much enthusiasm when you feel icky!

Glad you're getting better. It's so hard being down and out, but you're right, sometimes we need the rest to recharge!

Detachment is not for me.

I've always believed that if you want to do something, do it with passion, or it's not worth doing.

Glad you're feeling better.

Was Emerson watching children when he said that. They do everything so full of verve. When do we lose that? And why?

Yes, I want to keep doing things with enthusiasm, trying at the same time not to get overwhelmed. Glad you're feeling energized again. Go to the gym. It's the best thing for discipline in every area of life, I think.

Thanks, Lady Glamis and Becky... recharging seems to be the order of the day, even though I'm restless as heck!!! O well... back to work after the inauguration tomorrow, too.

Devon, very well said, as always... and, I think you've never got to worry about lacking passion and conviction, which is something I greatly admire.

And Stacy, so true. It's like their natural way of being... effortless... and yes, something adults should strive to return to!

Gutsy, seems that way. If I'm taking good enough care of myself to get to the gym, it does seem to trickle out to other areas...

: )

Absolutely. Without enthusiasm, we drag. Enthusiasm powers us. I hope you're feeling 100% and rarin' to go.

welcome back. I hope you begin to feel better soon and get back to work! I wrote a solid stanza to a new poem this past week. I hope to finish the poem this week...whether it is all as solid as the first stanza, only time will tell.

What an awesome and inspirational quote!!!! Thanks for posting it. And, glad you're feeling better!!!

I've passed on an award to you. If you want to display it and take part, please do, but don't feel you have to as it can be a little time-consuming, depending how many you pass on!

Serena, you're on fire! And thanks, Courteney, Marcia, Kelly H-Y for your kind words and comments!!!

That photo is awesome. It perfectly captures my feelings right now!

Solvang Sherrie, then you are one blessed woman!!! : )

I DO love this photo, though... makes you just want to fearlessly LEAP!!!!

I hate it when movies do that to a good book. I haven't read the book, but I think I will now. The movie . . . I think I'll skip. I haven't heard much good about it from anybody.

Thanks for the heads up!

That stinks.

I guess it's too much to ask for a movie with Jen Aniston and Owen Wilson to have any depth.

Also, hollywood sucks.

OK, now I REALLY need to go get the book. Haven't done that yet! It sounds fantastic!

Such a bummer about the movie, though. My in-laws are coming into town for the weekend, so hubby and I can go out to dinner and a movie (for my upcoming bday, which isn't until next week), and I was going to choose that movie .... hmmmm ... got any other recommendations?! I want a movie that makes me laugh! :-)

No problemo, Christy, and thanks! Will you let me know your thoughts on the book, if you read?

Paul, yeah. True. Very true...

: )

Oh, Kelly ~ this movie is only midly amusing at times and, at the end, would make most normal movie-goers cry... might not be an uplifting event for the whole family, you know?

: )

Thanks, my friend and talk soon!

Oh, now I have to read the book. I wasn't going to because I was put off by all the movie/picture book/marketing hype that went with it. But I'm always down for funny and for animals.

Maybe not the movie though...

PS. Have you ever read "The Art of Racing in the Rain?" It's pretty good.

Isn't the book hilarious? It sure did bring back a lot of memories of our first dog. I didn't know whether to laugh or curse myself for not having written the story first.

Ohhh, Miriam, if that's your cup of tea, you'll LOVE the book ~ marketing onslaught aside!!! And no, I haven't, but I'll put it on my list!

Annell, I know... I thought the same thing ~ wow, any dog owner could write this, as it's THAT relate-able!!

Haven't seen the movie--a friend's review totally turned me off it, though I was tempted with the previews. I've been hesitant about the book--it seems well written, but I don't want a crying book right now...I might have to wait until summer for this one.

Hollywood ruins too many good books! I don't understand why they have to distill them so poorly. I get having to chop out a lot of stuff or else the movie would be 15 hours or more, but do they have to take away the essence of what made the book great--why they chose that book to make a movie from in the first place.

The book is always better than the movie! Being a dog lover, I would still love to see the movie (when it comes out on DVD...my dog died last month so I would be a puddle on the theater floor!).

Haven't seen the movie or read the book, but I will definitely put the book on my to-read list now!

All that laughter has to be good!

Thank you so much for sharing. :)

Oh, Beth, you GOTTA try the book! I cried JUST that once... but laughed like a hyena scores of times... just promise me, that if you need an uplift (minus that one scene) that you will dip into Marley's world!!!

And Lotusgirl, it's really true... I love your point, here... to bring a book's richness onto the screen would mean hours and hours worth... so true. The screen writers must peck out just a dot here and dot there of the plot, to keep to the two-hour movie frame. WHY? Thing is, there is that rare exception where it's tolerable enough, that I still enjoyed the movie -- the Lord of the Ring Trilogy is one example. And the Bourne movies, too... though they are only slivers of Ludlum's plots, they are still fun to watch!

Oh, Kelly, you're right... THAT would be too hard to bear right now. Well, maybe by the time it's on rental, you'd be in a better place to enjoy??? Thanks for stopping by!!!

Lady Glamis, YAYE for laughter. It's good medicine for the soul!!!

Thanks for the heads up. I was on the fence about the movie, and now I know I can skip it.

I much preferred the book too. Something was definitely missing from the movie, and I can't quite pin-point what. Perhaps I'm looking for the word FEELINGS. I know we all cried at the end, but the FEELINGS weren't as intense towards Marley, as they were in the book, until the end.

I have not read the book, and actually had no desire to see the movie. Not a Jennifer Aniston fan, and Owen Wilson's voice bothers me. But now I *want* to read the book, since you speak of it so highly. I think the movie flopped in box office sales, right?

Oh, Devon, you would HATE that movie!!! It's really, really glazed... like in a stale doughnut sort of way!!!

And Gutsy, SO true. The book had me reeling, but the movie was like lukewarm, flavorless tea. Ugh!!!

Angie, AWESOME! I checked out your blog today, saw that you've outlined your relationship with your agent and such. Can't wait to read it through... and thanks for sharing!!!

I haven't seen this one nor read the book, but I'm not really a fan of animal stories or jennifer anniston.

I think I'd pick the book over the movie any day.

I had no interest in seeing the movie. Still don't. But now I'm intrigued to read the book... Besides, I have a 10 month old demon puppy, and I need to remember to laugh!

Why is it that movies are never as good as books? Is it because we imagine it one way and then the movie does it another?

I agree. I hate it when a movie ruins the book for me. I haven't seen this one yet, but I have a feeling it will be like Polar Express. The book was amazing, the movie a disappointment.

I loved the movie, although never read the book. I am going to read the book to see what I was missing. From what you say, I can see how seeing the movie after reading the book would be a let down. I thought that Jenny was overwhelmed rather than going through post-partum. They probably just tried to make it fit into a movie and make it more friendly for children.

I am going to go get the book and start reading it directly. Sounds fantastic.

I love that graphic at the top of this post.

I'm not sure what I'd do. I'd try to tell everyone I knew how much they meant to me. Then I'd twitter about it :)

Paul

: ) Twittering in your final minutes, that's awesome! A very very effective way of quickly spreading the love... perfect, Paul!

I would just hold on tight to the ones I love.

Lotus Girl, very, very sweet. That about wraps it up!!!

Wow. I don't know.

I think, if I were alone, I'd try to write down everything I feel about everyone I'd be leaving behind, so they had something to remember me by. If I were with my husband or parents, then I'd focus everything on them.

There's nothing like a written-out I-love-you. So true... especially today, when letters seems almost old-fashioned!

Always, thanks, my friend!

That's such a sad, but inspiring quote. I'd surround myself with my family - my husband, daughters... all the people I love.

Sheri, I think it's absolutely, painfully and exquisitely beautiful, just like you say. A perfect way to frame the ultimate human tragedy...

: )

I'd take a picture of myself - with a big smile - and send it to everyone I knew saying that I was happy and content... even if I was kind of sad I was leaving them, just so they'd know I wasn't in any pain. Their last memory of me.

Thanks for leaving a comment on my blog. Now I've discovered you, I'll be back. Intelligent AND a cracking sense of humour! Exactly what a girl needs when the muse takes leave and hides for days on end!

Thanks, Kit, and me, too ~ I'll be back, just like Arnie said in Terminator.

That's a lovely idea. A photo capturing the moment, hopefully a happy one, for your many loves... perfect!

only minutes to live....hmm...I would jump out of a plane...skydive...something crazy I normally wouldn't do. The hubby would want to tag along...since he's the one always trying to get me to do crazy stuff

: ) You are a braver woman than I, oh my! Skydiving would CERTAINLY make the most of your time-left!

I would spend every last second with my children, making sure they knew how much I loved them, and that I wasn't leaving them alone by choice.

Captain Hook, thank you... I'm not a mother yet, but surely I'd feel the same!!! Thanks for stopping by...

I'd sing my guts out.

I'd say a prayer, turn on my favorite song, and group hug my family.

Suzanne and Kelly, these are both burstful responses... LOVE them!

If I had the warm Caribbean in front of me, I'd go for a swim and look at the tropical fish. That's assuming I've said "goodbye," and kissed my family.

Great question to ponder. The minutes to live rather than a month is what threw me off.

I do think I'd skip the ripping my clothes off part.
But I'd hug my family!

A tickle-fest with my kiddos and hubby sounds like a good way to go out.

Gutsy, PJ and Rebecca... all three... wonderful ways to go. Simple and loving...

: )

Thanks, guys!!!

I would kiss my husband long and hard. :) It would be the best kiss of my life!

And here I am at your blog... You said: If you smell your books and obsess over similes.If your soul settles in Barnes & Noble. If you're an oldtimer or aspiring author, like me, I'd like to be your friend.

I think we should be friends. I'm always smelling paper and bindings... and similes. Well, let's just say that I love them wayyyy too much. Like a bear loves honey. But I get stuck in it.

Hah!!! Lady Glamis, COOL! I'm really happy to meet you... we're birds of a feather, it seems!!! Let's keep in touch... and yaye for that long kiss. I'm with you on that one!

: )

Take care, and talk soon!

I love that picture! I think there is a little of that in all of us. When we get the courage to let it out, good things happen. By the way, what is twittering? I've heard that word twice today!

Hmmm ... only minutes, huh?! That's quick! I'd hug and kiss any family members in my general vicinity, call any family members not next to me, then quickly send an e-mail to everyone else I loved ... making sure they know how much I love them! Oh ... and I'd try not to obsess about any tasks and details I didn't have time to complete! :-)

If a doctor said, "you'll die soon," it's quite possible I wouldn't believe him or her.

If God told me, "you'll die soon," I'd say, "Thanks for letting me know. What should I do?"

Boring, eh?

Minutes is tough. Can't finish my novel in minutes. :)

I'd gather my husband and kids (though the kids are grown, so that'd be tough to do in minutes) and love them to pieces.

Which I guess goes to show we should be doing this before it's an emergency. :)

I'd spend it with my kids and my husband. An intense, timeless hug to last an eternity.

All wonderful responses, thanks, all! And Amy, wonderful to meet you...

too bad I have to be faced with moments to live before I would skydive!

Oh, UGH. I never outline. Can't stand it. For me, the most exciting part about writing is the ability to tell myself a story without knowing how it will end.

The first (horrible, hidden under the bed) manuscripts I wrote, I wrote with an outline. I outlined the entire thing. And then I got bored with the story (since I knew the ending) and quit writing it! I do much better when the writing is part of the adventure. The only problem is when I get stuck...but butt-in-chair usually fixes that (eventually!).

I wing it. I'm much too lazy to outline. It's sad but true. I actually plan to write an outline AFTER my first draft. Does that make sense?

Paul

Beth, that's exactly where I'm at! Bored because I'd designated every turn, down to the detail... part of me feels the magic is stifled, but the fearful part of my whispers, 'you better stay on this plott-able track, or else..."

So. You are a woman of writing-faith. I like this, and am just about to teeter over to your side of operatum...

: )

Paul, THAT makes sense to me. I seldom progress in any kind of sensible, orderly fashion. The life of the loose cannon suits me naturally... so, you go with your post-book outline. Whatever gets the book done!

Ohmigod, I have truly been in the closet about this because I thought EVERYBODY outlines, but Beth, I am exactly the same way. The most fun part of writing is telling the story and watching where it will end up. I was just struggling with this issue this morning, too. For academic pieces, I always outline, but for fiction, never. And if I do, I too get bored with where things are going. I have to go back and hammer out in the end, but it's so much more gratifying to me to write the first draft more or less by the seat of my pants.

Stacy, really good point about academic writing... I outline to a T for anything hypothesis related, which is what makes fiction writing seem to need an outline just as badly... you need that arc. That tention and resolution. So, I guess my question is, do you write with that in mind?

Anywho, many thanks for weighing in. This is truly one of my favorite topics to hash out!

I used to never outline. I also never finished a first draft :)

Then a friend suggested doing a basic outline - 1 or 2 sentences per chapter. Using that method, I completed my first ever first draft. Now I use it all the time and have 2 more completed first drafts under my belt.

Now if I can just find a way to make editing easier . . .

Captain Hook, sounds very good... you have a trusty system, there, which sounds like a perfect blend of both extremes. Two completed drafts? Bravo! And thanks for stopping by!

I do both at times. I'm a PB writer so I have a general idea of the conflict/main plot before I start and just roll from there.
Hope you have a productive 2009!

Kelly, thanks for your thoughts! And seriously, as a PB writer, it's true... there's simply no time to wander. Those tiny-Tim word counts are ruthless, and your pre-strategizing conflict is surely needed!!!

I've tried both, and I'm torn on which works better. Really torn. Even when I didn't have a strong outline in place, I still did have a general idea of where the novel was going.

PJ, thanks... Yes, I can't imagine not having a north-star type vision. But there seems so many degrees between the two extremes. And you can find the most famous of authors who wholeheartedly vouch for BOTH!!!

Well, thanks as always, and talk soon!

I do both. I wing it to get me started, and then I do a brief outline kind of like captain hooks to keep me focused and on track. It's always subject to change as inspirations strikes, but I find I need some sort of overall plan as I progress.

Lotusgirl... I'm thinking I like the happy middle-of-the-road solution, here... Thanks so much for weighing in, and write well, my friend!!!

Okay, are we on the same wavelength or what this week? I've decided to go with the random, for a while, anyway. My friend Terri Thayer, who commented about her method right before you, loaned me a book called The Writer's Little Helper by James V. Smith. Jr. He's got a bit on the ten scenes you do first--the biggies. I'm going to read this section, at least, and see what I can do with it. I worry about writing without even thinking about the bigger connections.

I will check out that book. And, I really like the idea of just loosely plotting out the arc, rather than maniacly, like scene by scene & word count by word count. It's too exhausting!!

: )

Thanks, Becky!

Outlines = pure agony :-)

I don't outline beyond a brief synopsis before I begin writing. Usually the beginning and end are clear to me, the middle a big mess.

But right now, I'm revising book #2 before sending it to my agent, and you've hit it spot on: "a big hot wandering mess!"

I outline. I do much better if I outline. I leave lots of room for changes. My outline is more skeletal than meaty. I have idea's of where I want it to go, but there's room for fudging.

christy

Wow and yaye for #2, Angie! I'd love to hear more about the process by which you work with your agent. Love hearing that stuff...

Well, congrats again, and hope to talk soon!

Skeletal but meaty, with room for fudging... that just made me laugh out loud. Sounds like a magical recipe... so, perhaps I should follow!!!

Thanks, Christy!!!!

I keep experimenting. With the book I just finished polishing, I spent a lot of time dreaming, and then just wrote out everything I was thinking, scene ideas, character summaries, bits of history. Then I made a scene list and chopped it up into beginning middle and end and got started. But I changed a lot along the way, took out a minor character for instance. And some scene ideas were vague. I wanted my character to catch a murderer, but even I didn't know who the murderer was until I was halfway through writing the book.

My problem is I get stuck and lack motivation. Having a blueprint of my book was helpful because if I lost momentum, I could point to the next scene and say "write that". Even if I didn't keep it, it still kept me writing.


It worked really well for me, I ended up with a very solid first draft. As Terry Brooks says, "It's not about outlining, it's about organization."

Huh.... organization... and, it's funny, Miriam, I get absolutely lost in the details of the outline and end up unmotivated. I'll have large bursts of dialogue / description just kinda billow from my brain, but will then stifle them back because they don't FIT.

Oy, what to do?

Well, thanks, as always... and talk soon!

I will do a post soon on how I work with my agent, and what revisions with him were like in the months leading up to my book's sale. I love reading about that stuff too!

Angie, we're here, waiting! It will be a fascinating read... yaye!!

I'm mapping right now but hoping for those amazing moments when my characters take hold of the story and do something I completely don't expect. Those moments are what makes it all worth it!

Suzanne, that's exactly what Jessica said -- that I'd be missing those moments... when they take off on their own, it seems. Really beautifully put ~ thank you so much!!!

Maybe you shouldn't stifle? I don't organize until I've written down absolutely everything that's swimming around in my brain. Even stuff I know might not fit. But that's just me, and like I said, I keep experimenting...

Good luck!

Love the picture!
I sort of wing it ... I take a bunch of ideas I've written down, and start organizing them into a story. The last time I remember doing an story outline was in high school ... maybe college. Yikes ... that's not good.

I am not a mapper. I have an idea of where I want to go, and I hit the road and see if I end up where I thought I would. It's an adventure!

If you want practice writing without a map, stop over at my blog on Friday for JOP madness.

Mostly wing it. The plot, that is. I don't wing character sketches or setting (I love my building floor plans, maps of neighborhoods, etc). I talk to myself about POV and the reasons for my choice. I try to have an initial conflict already set and a sense of where I'm going. But the first draft is total plot discovery. Which means, really, the first draft IS a big outline. So maybe we all outline in our own way?

Gottawrite girl: check out my blog today and pick up your award.

I combine the two. I have the general idea; write my way in a bit; stop to outline; then see where it takes me.

I trust my characters above all else. The outline should be a suggestion, not a prison.

You don't submit your original outline to agents and publishers anyone. You submit the polished outline version of the polished manuscript.

An outline is a roadmap. And if there's something interesting off a particular exit, you're better off taking it than passing it by and regretting it.

However, the more contracted writing I land, the more I at least need a basic outline, because I'm juggling multiple projects, and outlines help me keep it straight. I don't have the luxury of staring at the page wondering what I meant or where I wanted to go.

Miriam, I think you're right. Why waste any tidbit whatsoever?

Kelly H-Y, same thing... you don't waste or reject anything, by sticking to an outline no matter what. Seems flexibility is going to be my new North-Writing Star!! Thanks, Kelly!

Rebecca, heckyes, I'll be there! Friday it is... and thanks for letting me know!!

Serena ~ as I posted to your blog... thank you times one million. Always so kind... always so thoughtful. I really appreciate your mention, and am very glad we are blogging friends...

Devon, hello! You always swoop in with the wisest advice. I really am ready to try the more middle-of-the road writing, as you mention. Like you, I have so many projects that I really DON'T want to waste any time just staring. The moments I have for book-writing are too precious. But, I need to give more respect to the charatacters I've created, and LESS respect to my uncertainty, which is always barking no matter which decision I make. Thanks, Devon, and take care!!!

I wing it - I find outlining somehow disrupts the magical flow of the creative process. Once the first draft is done, then the hard work begins. But I think every writer has their own way of doing things, and every way is right.

: ) Thanks, Nicky... and Lordie, do I agree... the first draft is but the tip of the bloody iceberg!!!!

Hmm...I'm not sure. I usually have an idea of how the story will progress, but most of the planning is done in my head.

Also, the story likes to do strange things as I write it, and I don't mind. It's often fun.

Example!1!

Not long ago I was writing a conversation between the protagonist in my book and a friend of his. About the middle of the conversation, I stopped and thought, "his friend sounds a little bitter," then I thought, "wait, his friend is bitter!"

That realization sorta scared me. I hadn't told the character to envy the protagonist's life, but I could read it in his words. I intend to develop a subplot based on my findings.

I wonder where it will take me?

GottawriteGirl: I meant to answer this yesterday. I think that outlines work for some writers but not others.

I find that if I start outlining I get bored with the story and want to shove it aside and work on something else. When I write without a clear plan, it flows better and the characters carry me to where they need to go.

Some things I do use outlines for, but that is very rare.

At the writers' conferences I've attended, Most keynote fiction writers claim they don't outline, and let the characters write the story.

Justus, I like this. I don't know what I'm talking about, but for some reason, I feel if your characters are so 3-D that they up and DO unexpected things, and teach YOU how they really are, that's something marvelous and inspired.... : )

And Serena. Wow. That is EXACTLY what's going on with me... just too spiraled into this outline and now wanting to avoid it altogether b/c of overchewing it... precisely that... bottom line? I'm gonna drop the outline & launch out into the world... : ) Thanks!!!!

Gutsy, hi there! Really and truly, I don't know why, but I'm so surprised to hear how MANY writers are saying precisely that. I had no idea how many just write the inspiration out and tweak & structure later. I don't know WHAT I thought, actually, but I know I've been surprised. Now, I don't feel so odd for my outline "stifling" me... and that's a real comfort.

I write picture books, and don't think I could stand to outline. I work best in short bursts, so I always have too many projects going (which makes it tough to finish any)...

Adrienne, thanks for your thoughts! I'd think that many ongoing short projects would make for a continual re-fresh of energy and creativity? No getting stuck uninspired in your one, lone project...

glad I could be of help!

Totally wing it. I know where I am going because my stories are situational and started at the climax. I just move backwards and say to myself, 'how did all this start?'.

Hey, welcome back!! I don't know about media, but I finally read I'd Tell You I Love You, but Then I'd Have To Kill You by Ally Carter. It wasn't on my radar at all until I started blogging and blurking and stuff, but I liked it a lot.

Ok, Miriam, I am really glad you reminded me about her / these teen-spy novels. I had promised myself to read "Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy" next, because I'm smitten by ANYTHING spy, but then forgot in the fog of my new Marley-obsession.

: )

I do love the crack-like experience of the Twilight books. I really liked the first and third books.

I haven't read Marley and me, yet. I really think your next book after that should be Gods Behaving Badly. It was so fun!

I'll remember this, Serena... how can you NOT with a title like that? I just thought of the Smucker's jingle - "With a name like Smucker's, it HAS to be good!"

: )

Thanks, my friend!

How nice to have you back!

First I'd like to say that, honestly, I haven't been able to get through the first Twilight book. :( I wanted to like this book, and based on all the hype, I thought I would. But somehow I couldn't get past the million references to Edward's smoldering eyes, his piercing eyes, his blazing eyes, his smoldering eyes (again)...You get my point. Ugh. The main character wasn't really doing anything noteworthy so I sort of gave up.

I recently enjoyed Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson (author of "Speak" which I also own). Memorable characters and a pretty good young adult story line. I especially liked the male main character/point of view this time.

I'm also reading So Lyrical by Trish Cook, because this plot has a similar plot to my own young adult novel that I'm writing. Tell me--is writing a book extremely hard and time consuming for you too?? I've been working hard on mine, but the deadline keeps moving up as I struggle through chapters. I didn't know it would be this hard, but in the end I hope I've got something worth sharing.

Happy New Year!

Shelby, AMEN sister! It's the hardest piece of time-and-soul management I've ever endured. I had no idea. When I walk around the Earth, prose just pours and babbles. But when I sit at the computer, it's fear that honks the loudest.

But, JUST like you say, it's my most cherished and beloved project. A lifetime coming. And once that first draft is complete, I believe all my innards will rejoice with a sense of "finally!"

Thanks for writing, and it's good to BE back... and, yes... about those smouldering eyes. If I could just outlaw five or six words throughout the series, it might be a lot more palatable... : ) Just a thought.

And thanks for the book recommendations, too.

Take care, and talk soon!!!!

I'm about to start New Moon, myself. I've heard mixed reviews, so I don't have very high expectations.

You'll have to let us know how Marley & Me is!

Oh, I definitely will, Jill! I've already flipped through it and am thinking it won't be long before it's gobbled up completely. Oh well...

Happy holidays to you, and take care!

I've been trying to make myself read Inkdeath. It's a struggle--like real work or something. Ugh. You got to read I'd tell you I love you before cross my heart, ok? I'm sorry you weren't all that thrilled with the twilight 2 and 3. I really liked those. 4 left me a bit put out though.

I really think you'll like the Ally Carter books.

Thanks for stopping by my new digs.

Oh, tell me how Marley and Me is! I've been wanting to read it, but I'm terrified that the dog dies in the end, and since my dog is just like Marley (except black instead of golden), I don't think I could handle it!!

Dauntless by...Jack Campbell, maybe. A fine read so far. :)

I got the Absolute Sandman Volume 1 collection by Neil Gaiman. It's a massive deluxe edition. The thing weighs at least five pounds. Definitely going to be some good reading, though.

Paul

My son and I are reading Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix together. I've also started the Charlaine Harris book that the HBO series, True Blood, was based on. All good!

LOL, I agree about books 2 - 4 of the Twilight series, though I too bought the lot, though have yet to bring myself to read book 4.
And do tell me what Marley and Me is like, I've had it for ages but haven't read it in case there are too many sad bits!

I hope you have a wonderful, best-ever 2009, Susan, xxx

I'm re-intrigued by 'Marley and Me' too ... so that will probably be on the list. I've heard the movie is really good (even from someone who's read the book!) ... but with a sad ending ... hmmmmm. They didn't give away details ... but I can ONLY imagine! Wishing you a wonderfully happy 2009!!! Loved your description of your own little Ruby!

I"m glad your holiday has been great and that you're content "corraling" your puppy! :0) Puppies are great. messes and all. What a perfect book for you; Marley & Me. :0)

My latest read was The Platform 19 (title may not be fully correct) by Eva Ibbitson. I'm entranced my Eva's writing ability. I picture a cute pudgy English lady as the Narrator. I wanna pinch her cheeks! (The Narratore, not Eva, OK. so Eva is the Narrator, but . . ) It wasn't a gift. Just one I picked up at the library. I read it over Christmas and finished it this morining. So cute!

Happy New Year!

Lots of books around here. Probably the most fun was watching my oldest get excited about a books she's been asking for (a mg thriller) and seeing my youngest so engrossed in a book THE SECRET HISTORY OF GIANTS from her stocking that the presents just had to wait!!!

Oh ... and seeing a group of pre-teen and teenage girls last night (New Years Eve) all sprawled out on the sofa reading. This was 1:30 am...after ringing in the new year... after 45 minutes of blasting fireworks and waving sprinklers....after toasting with sparkling grape juice.

Ahh... I love BOOKS!

I read Marley and Me and loved it. When John Grogan's memoir came out, I couldn't stand it. It made me feel like, "Well once you write a great book, you can get away with a crappy book next time" I kept thinking, "There's a lot of telling and no showing here." I only read the first 3 chapters though. Maybe it gets better later.

I would love to say I'm enjoying all sorts of books, but lately, it's been all about manuscripts. Between critique groups and manny swaps, I haven't read a published piece of writing in a while. Not that I'm not enjoying the unpublished work. There's nothing like being able to witness a manuscript grow.

I'm reading Terry Pratchett's MAKING MONEY, which isn't technically a Christmas book, but one I got with my bookstore gift card!

It's scarily relevant --but then, all of Pratchett's social satires are.

I'm also reading John Cheever's journals -- I'll never be able to read his fiction in the same way again, unfortunately -- and Miranda Seymour's history of Henry James and the other writers in and around Rye, England around the turn of the twentieth century.

All good stuff.

Happy 2009! I loved E. Lockhart's THE DISREPUTABLE HISTORY OF F.E.B. It was one of the best books of the year! :)

Marley and Me looks good.. Enjoy!

Wow, many, many great recommendations!!! Thanks, all, and read on!!!

I love the deserted metro trains myself and peeping at people's christmas trees. My parents have the ceramic tree...maybe someday I will inherit it. :)

Have a great holiday.

I love the ceramic tree! It's so Norman Rockwell. Really, it makes my heart burst... oh, it's the little things...

Merry holidays, Serena!

I'll read this post later. Just saying Merry Christmas :)

Paul

: )

Thanks, Paul, and you, too!!!!

Merry Christmas, Susan!

You too, Jeanie! Write well, and see you soon, critique buddy!

I love your ceramic tree! My grandma had one like it too, but I don't know what happened to it. :)

I love christmas time, too, but mostly because I've got an excuse to bake lots of yummy stuff like cinnamon rolls, pumpkin pie, christmas cakes, christmas cookies, you name it. Today, my kids and I are going to decorate cookies for Santa. I'm probably as excited as they are! :)

Merry Christmas!!! I like spreading holiday cheer on other people's blogs. ;-)

Thanks! And have a happy holiday to you too!

Skipping through the blogosphere to wish you a very Merry Christmas and all the best for the festive season! xxx

I love the white lights everywhere. I love the music and singing. I love the bright sparkly children's eyes.

Merry Christmas!

Peeping at Christmas trees! Um, is this the place to admit that I kind of like window-peeping in general? I mean walking or riding past lighted windows at night and catching glimpses of the homelife inside?

My favorite Christmas thing is snow. Living in LA makes visiting the Green Mountains in Vermont and playing in the snow a special Christmassy treat!

FANTASTIC reasons to love Christmas! I love it too (in case you couldn't already tell from my posts this month! :-)) We have a very similar ceramic, brightly lit tree ... received it as a gift a few years ago, and my kids love it (I do too ... it's the perfect multi-colored light complement to all the white lights in the rest of the house!). Hope you had a wonderful Christmas!

OMG! We had a ceramic Christmas tree too! I would love to have one now, but where do you find them?? Merry Christmas (a bit belated...)!

Hi everyone! Wow, I'm back, but took a longer Xmas break than intended. : ) Thanks for stopping by, and now I gotta get another post up!!!

I agree! Let book sales be the popularity contest. Newbery awards should be continued and applauded!

Absolutely! Super point about book sales being their own, stand-alone measure. Thanks for weighing in, Kelly!

I can't decide whether you side with the Cranky Critics or Sane Supporters...

;)

I don't know.... I don't think the Newberys should be dumbed down, but perhaps there should be more of a balance in schools. I read a lot of Newberys as a kid, but they weren't (usually)the ones that made me fall in love with reading over and over again.

It might be difficult for kids whose only exposure to books are the Newberys--especially later ones--to see reading as something fun.

Justus, oh wow! That's certainly NOT good! But, as always, you made me laugh...

That said, I side with the SANE SUPPORTERS. Leave Newbery be! Forget this noise, and keep honoring these artful works just as we have since 1922.

Miriam, thanks so much for your thoughtful words... I feel like perhaps there needs to be another award established? One that targets DIFFERENT qualities?

I keep thinking... ONE award can't be all things to all readers!

But, seriously, THANKS for speaking your very wise mind, here!!!

: )

Take care, and talk soon!

Well said.

How can the Newberry deter kids from reading. Do kids even pay attention to the literary awards?

Leave Newberry be!

Paul

Very well put! I agree!

Christy

Yes! I knew what my Mom read to me - not that they were "award" books!!!

Hoorah, Paul!

And hoorah, Christy, too! I wonder if I should tally the responses... very interesting!

Some kids might be interested in award winning books, but most kids will read what they like or what their friends read.
Still, I don't think they'll get rid of Newberry awards. Too much history and legacy.
A new book award sounds like a good idea. Who want's to start it.

Diane, agreed... FAR "too much history and legacy."

I agree that young readers pay attention to literary awards (I did) and the Newbery awards should continue, but they will also read what they're friends are reading.

I love the idea of a fresh, new book award.

Hate to say it, but trends show that kids read more stuff on their computer screens than ever before. So why not have the Internet Newbery?
I know my sons spend way more time reading articles on-line than actual books, and believe me, I've tried and tried and tried, but as long as they read, I won't force them.
You probably heard on the news how teachers are approving a new type of reading video games in school that encourages the kids to read, so they can play the game. That seems to be the way to get many elementary school kids reading.

Bah-humbug, indeed ... what is up with that?! Your post summarized it perfectly ... leave them be! They're certainly not hurting anyone! Well said, Susan!

There's nothing like a nice, good debate!
That said, I've only read a handful of Newberys. But I see no reason to change them.

Shelby, we need a new award. Let's do it. : ) I wish...

And Gutsy, an internet award, interesting! To hear that teachers have given into the video game medium is also kinda sad, though whatever gets them to read...

Kelly H-Y, : ) I love your feistyness... that's how I get, too, debating anything literature while at my day job. Now, if I could only get this riled up about work!!!

PJ, me too. Bring it on!!! And, leave the Newbery be... thanks for weighing in!!!

*sputtering*

Just, what???

The books are too COMPLICATED for the kids?? The kids' LIVES are complicated. They can deal with complex characters and situations. My God.

Jill, so true. What kid today can relate to a fairy-tale life? It's just not reality. The fact that single-parenting is considered "alternative" and something apart from "the norm" is especially disturbing. It's as though these critics are crawling out the 1950's!!!

I like the Newbery, believe the award should continue, and also think there are already enough other awards. But I also think lots of kids shy away from Newbery winners. People treat them as "good for you" books, they tend to be short on plot, and tend to treat serious subjects, so they aren't every reader's cup of tea. I don't like when adults take the lazy approach to children's books by just shoving Newbery books at kids.

More whiners? Puhhhlease. The Newbery Award is one thing that doesn't need changing right about now.

Gottawrite Girl, I think you put it very nicely. The Newbery not only honors great work, but it gives us all something to aim for.

Marcia, thanks for weighing in. That's a unique opinion, so far, but I'm glad you voiced it!

And Suzanne, LOL. I'm withya, sister! Puhleese! It's true, Newbery's might not be for every reader, but they are not meant to be -- they are the TOP measure of genre. Unatainable by most. But, to me, the ideal for which to aim!!!

But I've already written my Newbery acceptance speech!

Joking aside, Newbery is something we all aspire to, aim for, a beacon of light shining and aspiring. We need Newbery!

I think it would be a travesty to eliminate the Newbery. I love practically all of the ones I've read. There is a great need to honor great writing. I don't believe for a minute that giving the Newbery discourages kids from reading. How in the world would it?

Kids don't really pay attention to that kind of thing. It's for the adults in my opinion, and those authors who write great books for children should get some recognition. There's precious little of it out there for them.

O boy, you've tagged me to be honest...so here is the honest truth.

I ALSO DID NOT MEET THAT WRITING GOAL!

Wow--That is very brave of you!

-I didn't really get to my writing goal, either.
-I can't afford the SCBWI Winter Con, either. :( But I'm going to be saving for next year! Let's make next year a goal together and we can meet up there (or room together and save some cash!). And don't worry about anyone thinking you're not committed--we ALL know how little $$ is in writing.
-I think everyone hates themselves at least at some point. I waited to put my picture online for a long time in part because I think I am too fat and didn't want everyone thinking poorly of me. My husband pointed out that everyone is most critical of themselves, which is true--
-Maybe it's good to never be a comfortable person. Not the being driven insane part, but at least it ensures that you won't be complacent. I fear complacency.
-This friend really likes you!
-I believe in miracles, too--and the fact that few see them that way.
-I wonder the same thing about my husband...although he has told me he wonders the same thing about me.
-If you become a white house reporter, let me know! I want to see you in action! I've always wanted to see a media event like that--just be a fly on the wall...

Again, thanks for sharing! These are very deep, honest answers.

Great list Susan!

I didn't get much done on my goals either. December is just too much for me. I can't get anything done it seems.

Good for you for getting out some of your honest fears and insecurities. It feels a little good, doesn't it?

And this friend does like you too! :0) ((((hugs))))

Christy

Haha, Serena... and Beth!!! I'm not alone... always a very comforting thing.

And, Beth, wow and thanks. So kind. I would love to set that goal with you next year, for SCBWI. It's important enough that I'd do anything, take any help. And you've NO idea to how much I relate to you... wow, again. And I, too, really fear complacency. That's an unusal word to use, but I think of it often, too. I'm so glad you wrote... : ) And now the secret's out ~ we're allotta like!!!!

Christy, my blogging hugger!!! To you, too!!! ((( )))

And it's true, AFTER the honesty feels wonderfully free. Too bad about the knuckle-dragging it takes to get there!!

You gals are being so honest. Um, I'm thinking I can only be that honest in the presence of my dog.
That said, it is totally, totally admirable.

Susan, don't hate yourself; this friend likes you; miracles do happen; you will be a white house reporter; at least you have goals!
And a whole-hearted yes on your comments on the shoe-throwing.

Beth, at least you have goals, also; you are not too fat; no one will ever think poorly of you.

You gals are awesome!

Hi there, PJ, and thanks for sharing with us! I wasn't sure if you'd want to comment in this way, so I didn't tag you, but am so glad you stopped by...

: )

Have a wonderful weekend, and talk soon!

I'll do the meme. Thanks for the tag. I'm sure your friends like you. Your blogger friends surely do. I can always count on you to leave a comment on my blog, and that's all I ask from a bloggy friend :)

Paul

Very true, Paul, my "bloggy friend!" Yeah, that kind of thing means a lot to me, too. : )

We like you! We really, really like you! :0)
I agree with you on the miracles through prayer, too!

Kelly, thanks for writing... I'm all squirmy now, as that seems to be the thing people remember after reading. Embarassing! Oy. Well, happy weekending, and talk soon!

"I worry my friends don't really like me."

I think I can speak for me of us when I say, don't worry.

Oh my God, Justus, I'm freaking!!! First, thank you. But second, I didn't want this to be the hang nail of the post! Danger Will Robinson, I'm scarlet over here!!

Oh, so, I guess here's some honesty.

I might not reach my writing goal for today.

Sometimes I'm afraid of how easy it would be for me to cross the line between light and dark, right and wrong.

I worry about writing a salable novel that lacks heart.

One more for good measure...hmm...I cheated and read 80 more pages than allowed. :O

I had to update some computers today, and writing wasn't a viable option.

Ahhh, thanks for sharing your dirty laundry, then!!! And, NO worries about lack of heart. There's just no way, I gotta believe ~ you love writing too much!

"And now the secret's out ~ we're allotta like!!!!"

--Just goes to show that great minds think alike! :)

: ) EXELLENT. Yes, and proud of it. : )

Okay, my honesty is that I did finish my goal. Aren't you proud of me. I've redone the first chapter. Mapped out the threads for taking it through the book and even started into redoing chapter 2 and I finally like what's happening with the beginning. Whew!

I think we all have those same fears and wonderments. As long as we keep working and doing what we can, I think we're good.

Lotusloq, you get the award today!!! Congrats on completing your goal... that's awesome. And yes, I agree, nothin' to do but keep trudging!!!

Susan, you are so sweet! Thank you so much! FYI, I did my blog & award passing over at my livejournal blog (beckylevine.livejournal.com)--I don't even know if you've "been there!"

Love the honestly list. Wouldn't it be lovely if all conferences were free?!

Good on you for being so openly honest - it's never that easy is it.
And don't worry, I didn't meet my writing goal either. Sigh.

I didn't finish the section, exactly. I did reach an end, but that was just b/c the scene ended sooner than I thought it would.

I still have more info to chuck into the story so I basically created a new to-be-written by where the latest scene ended.

And about your husband comment: I've always liked to say "The best marriages are the one where each partner thinks s/he got the better deal."

Reading a well-written "facts about me" always prompts me to respond:

1 The older I get, the less I tolerate dishonesty.
2 I can't make a goal on a soccer field.
3 Most conferences are a waste of time and money.
4 It's the facts that I can't post secretly fuel my most interesting writing (at least that's what I think).
5 I love me. I'm not always good to myself.
6 Having just turned 50, I'm trying to learn that uncertainty is just a part of life. During my first 50 years, fighting uncertainty brought insecurity and fear.
7 I know that my friends don't really like me (they love me).
8 I believe "miracles" are wrongly chalked up to divine intervention. I think the Lord's greatest gift is our power of choice - and the thought of divine intervention dilutes that concept for me. I do believe in miracles. But the reasons for their existence are yet another, unexplainable miracle.
9 My wife wonders why she "picked me."
10 I'm now obsessed with trying to be myself.

Thanks for your post.

I agree with you about that shoe throwing reporter. He may have thought he had good reason to throw his shoe, but it was not professional. How refreshing to hear President Bush confess that he had made mistakes. Good for him.

Some time ago my husband wondered if I could write a nice story about someone having a good day and everything going smooth. I told him that no one would read it because that's not real life. A story worth reading has to leave us with something to think about. Confict and inner struggles is what makes a good story.

Thanks for your honesty. Keep it up. You made me think. And that's a good thing.

Um... I didn't reach my writing goal for this week either. I was aiming to revise 3 chapters, and I only finished one.

I can't afford the SCBWI conference either, and it makes me sad to think about it. The national level conferences look like such fun. I wanted to go last year too but couldn't afford it then either.

Susan, I like you (and your blog) a lot and am thrilled that I get to meet you in person in a few weeks. Don't sweat it if you don't have any writing you want to share with the group by then. I didn't last time either. The main thing is to get together and be mutually supportive.

Girl, most of the time I read your interviews and want to be you! LOL So no worries, we ALL have insecurities and anyway, honesty is a beautiful thing. I didn't do the goal I set, either, but it's still on my To Do list for when I'm snowbound tomorrow!

Great post.

Nope. I didn't touch my writing goal either. Not even TOUCH, much less meet.

Can't afford most conferences either. And I just mean the state ones!

Totally with you on the miracles. And that some answers to prayer come in the form of BAD THINGS THAT DON'T HAPPEN, so we miss those too.

Wow.. I love honest posts.. You go!

Oh my, FREE conferences, Becky, why you gotta tease a girl!?! That would be wonderful ~ and I'll be over shortly to check yours out!!

Diane, thanks for your kind words... and I agree, it's always the struggle that intruiges for me too. That's what I relate to. Never any easy-street scenario!

Nicky, SIGH... maybe no writing goal, but I'm sure you DID take wonderful photos. And that's nothing to sneeze at.

I love it, Amy Jane!! That's a great way of putting it, and I've never heard that before ~ now, I'll have to ask my HUSBAND if he feels the same way!!! : )

Last Place Finisher, very nice to meet you! I love the name of your blog -- very funny. And WOW, I so relate to your #4. It's the stuff that too much that ABSOLUTEY fuels my need to write it out. SO true!!!

Jeanie, thanks... I can't wait to meet you, too. And I am really grateful to have a new critique group, no matter how I did each month. It's a safe, great place to grow, no matter if we miss a deadline or two!! I love our little Bethesda ~ the Washingtonian just had a small article posted in it about how it's a great place to be an aspiring or publised author ~ did you see it?

Shelby, that's funny... I think we're the majority (having not completed the goal!!!) and everyone seems accepting of it, so I'll follow their lead!! And snowbound DOES make for a well-attacked to-do list!

Marcia, I was JUST talking to my friend about what you've remarked about prayer... I've been praying about a particular relationship, seemingly without results, and my friend said, "imagine how much worse it would be WITHOUT your constant prayers?" Very well said.

Keri, cool. : ) Thanks, my friend. I hope you had a great weekend!!

Susan, you've convinced me to explore the site.

See ya!

Yeah, I'm checking out that site too. Thanks for suggesting it!

Paul

Cool, Justus, Sandy will be psyched!! There's a ton of info there... I usually eat my cubicle-job lunch while perusing!

Great, thanks Paul! And hey ~ I finally got my Christmas decorations up... Your pro-Xmas posts have inspired me!

Sounds like a fantastic site! Thanks for all the great info!

Sure thing, PJ! Though you have so much stellar information and wisdom, yourself!! : )

Take care, and talk soon!

great interview! I'll check out the site!

BTW, I've tagged you in the Scrap Honesty Meme. :0)

Christy

Christy, thanks, AND I'm intruiged! I'll be sure to check this out and complete my mission.

: )

I've looked at the site and found it interesting. I might even send in an entry for a contest. Just for fun.

Diane, hope you do! And thanks for stopping by!

Hi Everyone! Susan, thank you so much for the opportunity to talk about Cool Stuff!

Justus, strugglingwriter, PJ Hoover, C.R. Evers and Diane, I appreciate you wanting to check us out! The contest changes every month and there's never an entry fee.

I wish you all Happy Holidays and thank you again!

Thank YOU, Sandy! I'm sure we'll be haranging you well into the afternoon; you're a great sport for chatting!

Always like reading your interviews.
Thanks for an informative blog.

Thanks, AMD! Much appreciated... and I love your posted 22-word exercise, too!

Shall check out any writing contests. Thanks for the extra help for writers. We need it.

Hi GutsyWriter - thanks for checking out the contest! The challenges are fun, easy and great exercises if anything.

I was talking to my friend today about how the Internet has opened so many doors for writers. We both belonged to a writing group and when we hosted conferences, we had to do everything by phone and fax! Now with the Internet, we can connect and find support from all over the country and world via awesome blogs like Gottawrite Girl!

Susan, this has been so much fun!

I wish you all much success with your writing!

Thanks for the interview transcript, Susan. I'll have to check that site out. It sounds like there are a lot of helpful things there.

Wow, what a great site. I'm going to check it out. Thanks for posting about it.

Lotusloq and Stacy, muchas gracias!!! Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a wonderful weekend!!!

Thanks for the information. It's always great to learn about cool new resources!

Suzanne, thanks! Anything to progress. Seriously.

: )

Take care, and have a wonderful weekend.

Oh cool - must check out her site right now! Thanks for the heads up!

I plan to write one draft of one poem by the weekend. Is that a good one? LOL

Yes, wonderful! Thanks, Serena... Like Santa, I will be checking my list this Friday. Perfect!

With Christmas stuff and being sick, I'm setting my goal really low. I'm just hoping to revise one more chapter in my WIP. Small steps are better than none at all, right?

Christy

YES! They are GLORIOUS. Thanks, Christy, and let's get her done!!! Thanks for sharing your goal...

I am really excited to see us all launch into action, AND be accountable about it!!!

To get one time through what I'm revising. I'm about a third of the way in, and looking at major revisions!

I hope to revise three more chapters by Friday evening. The goal could be a bit of a stretch, or it could be a breeze. I haven't looked at the current draft in a while, so I won't know until I dig in.

PJ, you're on! So, you've got 2/3 more to go with revisions... sounds very clear to me!!! Thanks for participating!!! You are CERTAINLY an inspiration. And this means a lot.

Jeanie, you too, then. 3 more chapters, gogo gadget review!

Thanks, guys!!! This is awesome...

: )

I want to finish my next pink section at least. That would be one of the three remaining sections before the story is all written down.

(I still have old-version sections to update, but they're reasonable place-holders till I get the rest down.)

I'd like to pass page 150 of this revision while somehow surviving my child's inevitable birth.

I'm so excited about my new beginning chapter that I want to get it polished and the plan for weaving it's threads through the whole work done.

Thanks for the challenge!

I think my goal is to read my writing group member's chapter she sent me. It doesn't sound like much, but it would be a good thing to do.

Amy, very cool - I just popped over and had look at your process... thanks for sharing with us. I'm glad we'll both be focused!

Justus, alright page 150 ~ and THAT is a serious time-pressure of a goal. Being an overdue dad... it's certainly a great motivator to get your writing done!!! : )

Lotusloq ~ great goal! And I'm happy you're happy. It's a great feeling to be charged up about your next writing task!!!

Paul, I always think, to have a friend, be a friend. My friend Devon Ellington said that to me... I've never forgotten it ~ it's applicable to critiquing, blogging, everything!!!

I will pull my plot together a little more and finish the chapter I just started.

Gotcha, Marcia ~ so, you'll be finishing your chapter, and tightening your overall plot. You're on!!!

I plan to not only finish all my fellow writers' critiques that I owe them, but also to edit at least 25 pages of my own work.

Thanks for the kick in the butt I needed! I WILL send in one PB query, one magazine sub, and write a few poems!

Beth and Kelly, alrighty ~ you guys have alotta work to do. I love it!!!! : )

Thanks so much for committing with me... and talk very soon!!!

My goal is to finish the section of the translation I'm working on by Sunday (which would put me one week away from finishing the project!)

Uh, is editing 75 pages reasonable? If so, that's my goal to finish before Friday, so I can send my ms to my next round of betas.

I'll post two--what the heck.

I'm going to send out two queries for my MG mystery.

I'm going to START revising the first half of The Critiquer's Survival Guide.

I also HAVE to finish Xmas stuff, though, so we'll see. :)

I have to write a synopsis. I HATE writing synopses! (synopsi? synopsis-es?)

I HATE it. But I'll do it just for you and the Motivation Monster.

Yaye, Kyle, so glad you stopped by!!!

YES, Jill, that's quite a lot ~ excellent!

Becky, alrighty then ~ and, good to know! I wasn't aware that you ALSO had an MG ms... very cool.

Miriam, the Motivation Monster is pleased. : ) And thanks for making me laugh. I always say this, but being in a cubicle during the day... I REALLY appreciate any laughter. So much!

What a cute little monster ... oh, and scaaarrrry too! :-) My goal ... to keep up with my blogging, and to finish a short story I'm working on ... that has a before-Christmas deadline - aacckk! :-)

I'm going to start revising my novel. If I wrote as well as I procrastinate, I'd be done already.

Kelly H-Y ~ great goal... and I'm glad you like my little monster. He's very cute.

Suzanne, me too. Oh my, I'd have a whole SHELF of books. I relate, and will be very happy to hear about your revisions this Friday!

I'm going to write six more children's poems for a book I'm working on. And hopefully I can get my hubby to do the silly illustrations.

Consistency. And pushing through the hard times. Carve out that two hours a night and do nothing but work on your writing. Miss a night and it's no problem. But don't miss two!
There is always a light at the end of the path, right? :)

Thank you, PJ. You always have kind and wise things to say. It's precisely that - consistency - that I'm not taking enough action on.

Also, I think it's fear. Of judging what I write. Or failing altogether.

But, again, thank you... and I hope you are very well.

I have to admit that December has been my least productive month writing-wise. My writing is taking a holiday, too! I have gotten a little done, but I am realistic to know I will not produce much...
Maybe even pick 2-3 nights a week during this busy month to plug along, even write it on your calendar! Good luck!!

I find I have to stop worrying about whether my writing is good. If I really have a hard time, I'll start writing longhand in notebooks because there is no self-editing.

Consistency is a huge problem for me too, so know you're not alone.

Kelly, I like that idea. I DO think I could commit to 2 days this week. Non blogging days. I think it'd be best to start SMALL, and gather some success... : )

Miriam, thanks... the whole self-criticism thing can be downright tiring... and it DOES help to know that, even though my love is real, I'm not alone in struggling to keep writing consistently.

Perseverance, discipline - but also accepting the rhythms of life and going with the flow. Sometimes one can write, other times writing has to wait. Just retain the dream and desire - it all comes together ultimately. The worst is to stress about it - just jams everything up.

Nicky, I am jammed. So true...

Why is such a reasonable middle-of-road solution as you suggest always hard to settle into?

Whoever knows...

Enjoy your weekend, Nicky!

After doing NaNo last month I told myself I would take December off. Naturally I do write for my blog, but no novels or stories this month.

I think Kelly has the right idea. A note on the calender could be just the 'write' motivation.

Stay up late. Very very late. Wait until the day is over, everything is done, and then write. That's my only chance really. Because I'm not about to wake up early.

Paul

I tend to do what Paul suggests. Consistency is the hardest thing for me. I also have that fear of failing. If I get it done and then send it out and nobody likes it then I've failed. As long as I'm still working on it, I have not failed. Sometime we just have to bite the bullet.

There's always something I could do besides work on my novel. Too often, I find that something.

Because of the temptation to grow lazy, I set writing goals and reward myself for hard work. Maybe I say I'll revise at least 10 pages per day. If I do 20, then take it easy the next day, no problem. I don't have to take it easy, but having the option is nice.

Also, I've recently been reading one book per revision. I'm about 25% through Cry Wolf and 25% through my revision. If I want to read more, I have to revise more; If I want to revise more, I have to read more. It helps keep me sharp and balanced.

If I'm sending out queries and working a bit on book two, I drop the reading restriction. Maybe I'll read three books in a row, while typing 500-1000 words each day on book two and waiting for responses to my queries. As long as I'm working and learning, things are great.

I'm all for consistency, but I give myself some breathing room when I need it.

CJ, I am down for trying anything. So, many thanks.

And Paul, I'm with you. I cannot (willnot?) get up early... but late is possible. My hubbie passes out watching golf, and I can laptop my way to completion... true... : ) Thanks, again!

Lotusloq, it's got to be like you say, I think - where we can derive satisfaction and motivation both from just the process. Focus on the journey-type thinking, rather than the destination, I suppose... very wise.... : )

Justus. Really good point, here. I didn't even factor reading time. It's like breathing. Regardless, that's alotta time spent to be sure about... I think I might restrict my reading to only my metro trips, and try to shift after work and late-night to WRITING only.

So glad you popped over here.

: )

Seriously!

I just want to say I totally hear you! This month has NOT been productive. I need to get back in the swing of things.

Hi Susan, just read your latest entry and wanted to leave you a message of encouragement.
I was just finishing up an interview with a YA group and the last question was about 'my best advice to other writers'. I wrote this and I hope it's helpful to you:

Keep reading – nourish your soul with great books! A writer’s voice can get grow silent if it’s not constantly being fed.

It's true. If the words aren't coming, step back from your story for a little bit. Pick up a good book and immerse yourself in the storyline. Then come back to your manuscript re-energized and re-inspired.
Hope that helps!
DK

Jill. Me too. So bad. Maybe we can keep cheering each other on... It's too depressing to think of stalling any longer. Must. Keep. Going!!!

And Deborah, helllo!!! So happy you're here!!! So happy. And yes, this is very helpful - I've just started book 4 of the Twilight saga. It's completely engrossing. And, congrats on the YA interview!!! I'd love to read it - if you stop by again, let us know where you've been!

It's a hard. hard road..I hope to make it someday.

Hi, I don't know you, just happened on your blog today. My only advice is don't be so hard on yourself. It's okay, you know, to let life get in the way for a bit. Sometimes you come back better.

If you find that it's impossible (and by that I mean impossible, and it's not just laziness) to write or do anything with your writing, do something else that you love. Something like the oppostie of writing. Are you artistic? Do some different creating. A runner? Run a little harder. A wonderful cook? Do more cooking.

Sometimes I think we push ourselves so hard and so long we use up all that good energy. Let it go, and it will come back to you. Better.

Good luck. I liked your blog, I will come back and see how it all turns out.

P.S. Sometimes all you need is a couple of really good sleeps.

Leon, nice to meet you... And, well said... Lol in my cube.

Spinregina, so glad to meet you! Your daughter is beautiful ~ and thanks for the kind words. Sleep. Yes, that would be good. My new puppy is definitely working against me, here. We've been up every two hours to keep her from making a mess in her crate, and some mornings I feel like I didn't sleep at all. And, I relate. I've actually been going back to the gym, and LIKING it. I've not been in many, many months. And I'm loving that post-run "flushed out" feeling. It's mentally relaxing in a weird way.

Well, thanks, Leon and Spinregina, for writing! And hope to keep in touch.

Susan,
You want to know how to write a novel without compromising? So do I. I'm not sure it can be done without sacrificing other things that take up your time. I don't think I'm physically capable of sacrificing sleep time, and if I tried staying up late or getting up early to write, the end product would probably be crap.

I need more than just writing time, I need dream time to generate the characters and plan out the story. In order to gain that time I've cut back on social engagements (alienating a few of my more extroverted friends in the process), limited my work hours as far as my budget can tolerate, and depended more heavily on extended family support than many adults are comfortable with. Do I feel a sense of loss? Heck yes. But it's not as bad as that feeling I used to get slogging through the day in my cubicle wondering what if...

Ahhh, Jeanie. I so hear you. I wish I could walk away from this cube and write with abandon. And you've also taken some other measures that I think I CAN handle. Paring down social engagements, amply planning. The outlining process really DOES maximize things for me, though I know others write differently...

How do I novel without compromising elsewhere?

I don't.

With three kids, a house to maintain, sick cat and new dog (forget a whole church and musical life outside the house), there is going to be compromise.

///

I've always felt we humans do what it is we really want to do (until the consequences from previous choices gang up on us), but I worked into a place that allowed me to find a (semi-) working hierarchy, and mostly (though I try not to let it make me flaky) I "live in the moment" and write when I feel like it.

For a full-time writer this would be half-muled and undisciplined, but for a full life it's a convenient regulating valve. And as long as the rest of my life is being fed (like I described in that first link) my writing inevitably cycles into action. For my life-season, this is working so far.

Breathe. This is the hardest time of the year to keep things consistent and moving forward. You will come out of it. The best thing you can do for your writing right now is to try and sit with it, for a few minutes at a time, every day or two. That may mean just NOT picking up a book with your afternoon cup of tea, but closing your eyes and thinking about your characters. Or keeping a notepad next to your bed and jotting down three things you want to write about before you turn off the light. Just keep it with you, and it'll be there waiting in 2009, when you have the time and energy to dig back in.

Funny that we posted about basically the same thing on the same day!

I have been writing a bit, though my novels have suffered. I've turned to working on a picture book, probably because it feels less demanding. I miss my novel, though, and am planning on taking advantage of my free time this weekend to work on one of them.

Writing without missing out on the other...Do you love sleep? Sorry got to miss some. Do you love to party? Sorry got to soiree less. Shop? Save your money. Eat? Go on a diet.

I think you get the point...While I shun the publication process; it must be recognized that it is a correct path for some.

I write because it is how I define myself. If you want balance, and I say this humbly, with no ill will...become an accountant.

Do I spend hours and hours a day putting the words to paper? Not usually, but I do get somewhat compulsive when writing a longer piece...the story must be told, then the editing can begin. Ergo at different times you have to be obsessed with telling the story and not be concerned with the other...whatever that word defines.

Just my personal way...but good luck and fortune in yours.

(((hugs))) I think we all go through these feelings. Just know that you're doing all the right things and you're on the right path. The writing journey is about stepping stones, and I bet if you look over the past year, you'll be able to list several stepping stones w/ networking, articles among other things. Just look how hot your blog is girl!!!!

Some days, months and weeks are harder to fit in our writing, but just go with the flow. Keep plugging along. I KNOW you've got what it takes to keep going!

Christy

Lots of good encouragment here in the comments already. I'll add a couple of other things I find helpful:

Write something everyday, even if it's just a few sentences.

Set a goal--or better yet, some smaller goals toward the big one. Tell them to someone who'll check in with you from time to time (and who'll also sense when not to.)

What a ton of comments you got, and I read them all. I thank you for that as I also feel guilty about my lack of writing. What kills me though, is that I seem to spend more and more time blogging, even though I say I'll only do it at night and early morning, and write during the day. With the holidays, and 3 kids, I feel like I'm pushing the revision to the side, and focusing on the blogging. Also write reviews for a UK travel website and want to publish on Divine Caroline etc. Today I attended a Christmas get together with bunch of new writers, half published and half aspiring to get published, and talked to one memoir writer, who really motivated me after hearing my premise. She's been a memoir teacher at a college in S. California, and she helped me feel inspired about my revision work.

Susan! Don't be so hard on yourself. From an outsider's perspective, you are doing great ... and are quite the productive individual! Instead of thinking of it as compromising one thing for the other ... just try to look at it as balancing ... sometimes one is going to get a bit more focus than the other, but those other things will get their turn too! Now ... I'm off to follow my own advice! :-)

Amy Jane, thank you. I love your comment. It's so balanced, and so respectful of your very full life. I have such an overbrimming life, too, with people I treasure and an ongoing committment to my spiritual practice... and there just needs to be some relaxing on my part. But also consistent progress. It's a tricky balance... but again, many thanks.

Becky, thanks for your words. Breathing is a good thing. Hard for my neurotic self, but my daily goal. I really do want to strike a balance between calmness and consistent progress...

Rebecca, that's really funny. I get the same way ~ I miss my novel. I take it as a good sign, as many authors I've heard say, that YOU must foremost be in love with your story... as YOU will need to be the ultimate mover of it, if/once it's published. Ok, one bonus for us, I officially declare!!!

Walking Man, I am with you. Totally. I write because I must, like you. It's my avenue and always will be. That's also why I know this paniced feeling isn't too neccessary. I've been writing forever, do so every day by different means, and will always, cause I gotta. It's comforting, actually... : ) Thanks for weighing in, and very nice to meet you!

Christy, thanks for your kindness!!! And you're really right ~ I have progress to appreciate. I really do. I guess my spurts of paniced impatience and fear are really un-helpful. : ) And hugs to you, too.

AMD. I am all about it. Smaller goals, which will inspire even more. I hear ya. And do know that small but consistent seems to take me farther ~ THANKS!!! : )

Gutsy, I really relate. I LOVE blogging. I love the writing. The "flushing" and, most of all, the community and friendships... it's a time-eater, though, for sure... your get together sounds awesome, though, and hope to hear more about it!

Kelly H-Y, hi!! And, I hope this weekend was GREAT for your own advice... I'll pop over in a bit and hope to hear more. Thanks, Kelly, and talk soon!

Definitely consistency.

Oh, there's compromising. Tons. Sometimes missed fun times. But, in the end, it's worth it. :)

Hugs..

I think that everyone has those days when writing is hard. The muses have abandonded us and left us with all the mopey and depressing demigods to keep us company. Don't worry - work through it and your dream of a novel will come true. :)

Get control of December. When I decided I wasn't willing to give up writing for that month just so I could drive myself into a tizzy over Christmas, I also began to enjoy the holidays more, not just writing. For me, letting go of the cookie-baking was liberating and made more difference than any other single change I made. And I send fewer than 10 Christmas cards. Identify your least favorite Christmas prep and ask yourself what would happen if you radically changed it or didn't do it.

I hadn't heard of bookswim. That sounds interesting. I personally like bookmooch. It takes longer, but it is free :)

Free? What? Paul, three cheers to you, I had no idea!!! Thanks for this... I must re-investigate my options.

All great stuff, Susan! You're everywhere!

Susan,

You should get paid for this. I've looked up at least two authors on Facebook (and elsewhere) because of your blog posts.

By the way, I once linked people to your site three times in one post. I did call you "rabid," but that's a tale for another time...

Always way kind, PJ, thank you. : )

HAH! You wouldn't be the first to call me rabid... God, THANKS for the laugh while in cube-land. You have NO idea how much that's appreciated. Oh, lordie, write well, my friend!!! Love that Facebook!!!!

I like that bookswim idea. It's amazing what some people come up with. Thanks for the heads up.

Sure thing, CJ! And I think you and I have two of the cutest puppies on the planet...

Thanks for the tip about Bookswim.

Congrats to the Persistent Pen for her win!

My goodness, you've been busy!!! Great post, filled with information! Thanks for the heads-up on Bookswim!

Serena, Jay will be happy to see your congrats : ) And, always, thanks for the kind words...

And Kelly H-Y, there's definitely something about the Holidays. Deadlines and family and money-worries, oh my! Be well, my friend!

A big congrats to Persistent Pen! I really hope you enjoy my book!
Best wishes to all,
DK

Great interview with Kimball, I love seeing how the stories begin and flesh out. Bookswim sounds interesting, I have heard about it, will have to check it out more thoroughly!

Thanks Deborah. I am sure I will enjoy it. I love YA and feel very honored to have won it.

Thanks guys.

Oops. That was me. ^ Someone used my 'puter. *makes mad face*

Deborah, so glad you came over and visited again, AND that we've got a WINNER!!

Kelly, : ) thanks and always so nice to hear from you!!!

Colyr, nice to meet you ~ wonderful!

And Persistent Pen, so glad we've emailed and that you're the big winner. : )

Go YA!

Hi Susan, Love your post and the interview of Michael in LUCY--thank you! BTW, Bookgeeks is giving away a free copy of Dear Everybody -- details here:

http://www.bookgeeks.co.uk/free-books/

Thanks for your great blog, Susan!

Wow, Tita, that's wonderful! More good news for Michael. Though I JUST can't imagine better news than hearing of Stephen King's praise. : )

Whoo, lots of links to follow and lots to dip into.

The bookswim idea sounds really cool!

Nicky, it's awesome. Cheaper than buying those first-run harbacks, which makes it completely worth it!

Oh wow! Great article/interview! Awesome!!! :0)

Christy

Thanks, Christy! I'm glad you like it.

Thanks for all the links. Definitely checking out Bookswim.

You packed a ton of info., in this posting. Thanks for that. I also need to take a closer look at Lucy. Sounds like there are opportunities for writing. Didn't really see a travel stories section though. Lots of interviews.

Becky, : ) always, thanks!!!

And Gutsy, ABSOLUTELY! Contact Sara Moreno, Assistant Content Editor ~ she's wonderful. Very fun, friendly, and quick to respond. Tell her I sent you!!! And please, let me know how everything pans out! The editors are extremely open to all new ideas, so please, pitch those travelogs!

Great interview! Sounds like an interesting book!

I'll have to look her up on Facebook!

Hey there, Christy! And please do. I swear, beyond SCBWI, Facebook is the best place to meet our people!

I LOVED Mackenzie, Lost and Found and highly recommend it.

Kerbel doesn't shy away from the biases, imperfections and shortcomings of her characters. Mackenzie is real, conflicted and a bit naive at the beginning of the story, but her character always exhibits emotional truth. Mackenzie's journey of self-discovery is really powerful set against the backdrop of Israel and her star-crossed relationship.

Well done, Deborah!

That's amazing that the friend's descriptions were so accurate that even after going there barely a word in the manuscript had to be changed--wow!

Hi Christy! And Susan, thanks for the awesome interview! I'm so happy to be here with you all today! And yes, I'm amazed by all the authors (especially YA) I've met on Facebook. It's like an industry party over there!

Great interview! I've added Mackenzie, Lost and Found to my buy-from-amazon-when-I-have-an-excuse list :-) As soon as I need to buy a birthday gift, I'll order the book for myself - free shipping and all that :-)

May I ask what inspired your Evil Eye story? I was in Turkey to visit family a couple of months ago and saw lots of them myself :-)

Where should I search on Facebook? Under a group or by name?

Hi Krysten and Helene! Thanks for joining the party!
And thanks for a great question Deniz.
The inspiration for my Evil Eye manuscript...well, some of my best friends are Greek, Moroccan, Russian, and Israeli -- all cultures who believe strongly in the Evil Eye (among many others). For me, it's a common thing to see their red bracelets, eye jewelery, and wall charms -- all used to ward off the 'Eye'. I'm always amazed when people (usually from non-Mediterranean countries) have never heard of this superstition. I gave my niece an Eye bracelet for her 16th birthday and she had no idea what it was!
Ping -- light bulb moment!
A YA story about a girl who becomes cursed by the Evil Eye (somethng she knows nothing about) was born. You can read the first chapter of it on my website: www.deborahkerbel.com
And I'd love you to visit my facebook page! Here's the link:http://www.new.facebook.com/pages/Deborah-Kerbel/25125323437#/pages/Deborah-Kerbel/25125323437

I love interviews :) And you get some of the best ones!

Helene, hello! So glad to hear from you! I wrote to you via Facebook in the wee hours of the morning, after taking my puppy out. We're on an every-two hour schedule, and I am TIRED!

Krysten, thanks for stopping by!!! I know. And, what a loyal and THOROUGH friend Deborah has!!

Deniz, glad you're here! Deborah's Facebook is a "fan" page... I'm glad she gave you the link. Maybe you can cut and paste? There's also a link embedded in the post!

: ) Hi there, my blogging friend! You're always there with a kind word, Beth, thank you!

Wow, sounds like another great YA book. I didn't read much YA when I was younger, but now I find that they are everywhere and far more interesting.

She is lucky to have such a great friend in her life to share her memories which helped with the book. That's easy research! :)

Great Interview, by the way!

Thanks Deborah!
I'm looking you up on Facebook right now.
This may sound silly, but I can't seem to find the chapter excerpt on your website - I only see the synopsis.
I'm really looking forward to the Evil Eye story; any chance you need a beta reader? *grin*

Serena, I feel so lucky our genre is gaining popularity. And I'm glad you're enjoying it, too!!!

And Deniz, what a great new friend you are! Offering to be a beta reader... awesome!!!!

Awesome interview! How wonderful to collaborate with her friend to write this novel! My question to the author is: Did it bring you closer as friends?

Hi Everyone!
Wow, what great questions!
Deniz, thanks for joining my fan page -- glad you found it! And nice to see a Montrealer here (my mother-in-law is from Montreal and we visit your fab city regularly).
You can find the excerpt of the Evil Eye manuscript on my Books page under "Works in Progress". Here's the link:
http://www.deborahkerbel.com/bye-bye-evil-eye.shtml
And yes, I'll definitely keep you in mind when it's ready to be read. Writers ALWAYS need fresh eyes!
Serena and Kelly -- thanks for stopping by. Yes, my friend who helped with this story is a gem! Her name is Simone and I can honestly say this book wouldn't be here if it weren't for her! (If you're reading this -- Hi Sim)
Yes, of course it brought us closer because she opened up a whole chapter of her life to me that I had never known about before.
By the way, she's also a great photographer -- the photo on the back of the book was taken by her!

Yippee! I love YA :-)
Love the excerpt - such a strong voice!
I'm worried about my own MS now (synopsis on my facebook profile); it's definitely got more 3rd person pov and a lot more description. But do kids these days prefer fast-paced deep pov stuff?
"I’m going to lie on the beach and flirt with cute Greek guys for three whole weeks. Woo-hoo!"
LOL :-)

thanks Susan for hosting this interview!

Great interview! So cool that the book idea came from a friend saying, "Use my life!" as your starting point!

Well, have fun in Greece, Deniz!

Kelly, interesting question... I'm so happy to hear that it DID bring them closer. But, it's true, something about being responsible for someone in print ~ it's quite an undertaking and responsibility. Thanks for your question!

And Kelly H-Y, many thanks... : )

Hi Deniz,
Glad you liked the excerpt of my Evil Eye manuscript. This is a fun one to write -- lots of good material!

As far as 1st person vs. 3rd person, I've used both but ultimately prefer 1st person because I think it really helps me get into the heads of my characters better. But it's really such a personal choice for every writer.

And hi to Kelly H-Y, thanks for your comment!

Congratulations on your success Deborah! Great interview GWG! Makes me very inspired to see others succeed in our craft.

Love your blog GWG!

Great interview and great story! I love hearing the different paths to publication!

Great interview! Here's my question:
If your book, Mackenzie, Lost and Found, was turned into a movie, which actors would you like to see in the leading parts?

sara

Hi Persistent Pen and PJ -- thanks for your comments!
And to 'What a Girl Reads'...that's a great question! My book club always ends with that question about our current book pick -- but I never thought about the answer for my own characters! Thanks for the nudge!
Let's see...this is hard...
Okay, how about:
Evan Rachel Wood for Mackenzie
Emma Watson for Marla
Shia LeBoeuf for Nasir
and Russell Crowe for Professor Hill

I added her on Facebook, and she mentioned a party here. *brings apple juice*

Persistent Pen, so glad you liked the interview and the blog! And I'm also so grateful Deborah's been able to comment along with us.

PJ, me too. Always. It's my favorite thing to read!!!

What a Girl Reads, very nice to meet you! That's a very fun question and, Deborah, I love your answers! Evan Rachel Wood is awesome. I wish she did Twilight, in fact!! And love Russell Crowe, too.

Justus, very cool. I mentioned this on my Facebook fan page, too. Hopefully, it got the word out a little more!!

: )

Cheers to Deborah!

Great interview Susan and Deborah!

Deborah, you mention that you changed agents: many people seem to think that they are stuck with the agent they have, how did you find parting company with your agent, was it a tough thing to do or did it end up being amicable? Any insights to offer those wanting to part with an agent (I'm not one since I don't yet have an agent, but I think it's an interesting topic.)

Thanks, Suzanne, for your kind wish.

And thanks (and welcome back again!) Nicky!!! I'll check in with Deborah to see whether she can pop by again to answer your question... talk soon my hopefully-healed friend!

Hi Suzanne, thanks for your good wishes!

And thanks Nicky, for a great question!

At first, the idea of parting ways with my agent was terrifying. There is a professional courtesy among agents not to sign a writer who is already represented by another agent. In other words, in order to switch agents, a writer has to be willing to float free for a while.

But, we all know when a situation is no longer working for us. And after getting support from a few other writers who had switched agents, I decided to go for it.

One friend of mine counselled me to 'believe in myself and my work and to think of my long-term career -- not just my next book'.
It was great advice. So I took a deep breath and ended it.

I have to say for the record, that my previous agent was a lovely lady -- but professionally we had come to the end. And so I don't think she was surprised by my email (yes, I ended it by email).
It was all very civil...I wrote something like "after careful consideration, I've decided to terminate my contract with your agency." And she wrote me a nice note, wishing me well in the future. That was that. 30 days later, I was free to move on.

I think sometimes, we have to do things that scare us in order to grow and move forward in life.

Hope this was helpful. Thanks again for the great question!

Deborah, I'm just finishing up a book set in New Zealand, and did the same as you, wrote the book and then traveled to the country. I had the same experience as you, the research I did helped me create a world that was very similar to the one I actually saw, but the trip sort of added depth to that world, for lack of a better description. It became more organic for me. What effect did the trip to Israel have on your story?

Great interview. The questions were great. Especially the one about any regrets. Thanks for your honesty.

Just dropping in to thank Susan again for a fantastic interview and a fabulous 'Cyber Book Party'! It was so much fun reading all your great comments and questions!

I just noticed that there are two more -- Diane, thanks for your kind words.

And Stacy, that's a fabulous question. I think travelling to Israel gave me a feel for the people and the vibe of the culture that no travel book or description could ever have done. It definitely helped add a layer of depth to the finished story.
Best of luck with your book set in New Zealand. What a great place to research!

Deborah, Very cool. I often wonder how the visiting of a place translates into the written word for someone other than myself. It's neat - and reassuring - to hear you've had a similar experience.

Deborah, thanks for a great answer. It sounds like you handled it really well, and yes, I do believe that your friend was right, it does come down to believing in oneself, one's work and one's long term career goals.

Wishing you loads of success!

Stacy, I feel the same way. Whenever someone is bare bones honest, no matter what is revealed, I respect them and relate to them even more...

And Nicky, what a topic. I'm going to post about this today... but my own long term goals are killing me... I really need a kick in the pants to re-prioritize. Ugh.

DEBORAH ~ THANK YOU for joining us!! I love having discussions like this... it's my favortite part of blogging. The like-minded friends. The roiling comment-trading. It's been wonderful. And I'm so glad we've met.

: )

Susan

I absolutely agree--those books are like crack for readers. They really are just addictive! (I can feel my resolve to not read New Moon crumbling--no! I must hold steady!)

Unfortunately, I've not read many stay-up-late books lately. Argh. I hope to get some good suggestions with these comments, though!

I'm not sure because I attempt to read books without being sucked into their stories. Learning is primary; pleasure is secondary.

Very cool. I love that feeling of not being able to put down a book.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman was probably the last one I had that experience with.

Paul

Beth, certainly so... what's your plan, to wait for the next movie? Just curious. Love hearing about how others read. : )

Justus, gotcha. And, that's true. I'm sucking down these books ~ and it occured to me recently to read more slowly, taking better notice of dialogue patterns and such. Thanks for your thought!

Paul, thanks for the recommendation ~ I remember you asked about Neil around the time of the LOC Book Fair. I've heard about him many times since. I will definitely get one of his books and we'll compare notes!!

I'm glad you liked the book so much. I haven't yet read them, and I'll probably skip the movie, although I might read the books.

Yasmine Galenorn's Sisters of the Moon books always keep me up -- once I start them, I have to sit and read them straight through.

Sisters of the Moon. Nice. I love the title, even! Thanks for the favorite, Devon, I'll be sure to investigate! And, hope you're feeling better!

I have to admit, it was a very Twilighty Thanksgiving for me as well. Although I "only" listened to the first book audio on my way to and from a speaking engagement. I'd like to know what happens next, but reading these books really is like being on a sugar high for me, and I find that I need to step away and let the rush die down before I read another. Otherwise, that second book isn't as satisfying as the first. Either way you read, I wholeheartedly agree. Meyer did a great job in creating a must read.

I felt the same about her books. Definitely the addictive, must-know-what-happens-next kind of books. I really liked her other book "The Host" as well. I didn't think I would since it's about aliens, but I really liked it (almost better than the last Twilight book).

I am going to wait for the next movie. I just have a feeling about what will happen next, and if it happens, I know I'd start to hate the whole series, so I think I'll "test run" it with the movie...if the movie hooks me despite my reservations, I'll invest in the book.

I started reading Twilight over the weekend, too. And I wrote the same thing on my blog; that I'm hooked. The writing style doesn't blow me away, and Bella does an awful lot of thinking, but otherwise I'm interested in these characters. I see them falling in love and I want to know how Bella will cope with romance in the arms of a vampire.

I can't wait to start the Twilight series! I don't read before bed specifically because then I'd stay up too late reading!

Yeah, it's that compelling factor which goes above all other things. That's what I want to be able to do!

"crack for readers"
Yeah, that pretty much sums it up. :) I had to stay up reading them, too, though Breaking Dawn hasn't grabbed me the way the others did. I've been picking it up and putting it back down since the day it was released.

Let's see, the last book to kill my sleep schedule was The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. It's definitely a sitting-on-the-edge-of-your-seat kind of book. :)

Stacy, agreed. New Moon was slower than Twilight. I think it's because Jacob is so much less an intriguing character than Edward!

Annell, I LOVE aliens and will be reading The Host for sure!!! Love aliens...

So, Beth, what would you hate to see happen? I wanna know very badly!!!!! The one alternative I couldn't stand was if Bella ended up mortal or with Jacob. Ugh. Just the thought of it!

Absolutely, Shelby. That's the hooker for me, too. Bella and Edward. I love peering in on their relationship. I could spy on them all day! And that's SOMETHING extremely well done!!!!

Kelly, very funny. You have more self discipline than I do!!! : )

And PJ, me too. That's it. I'd love for readers to appreciate my writing, but to enthrall them in this "crack"-like way that Beth described... I'd be SO happy with that!!!

Tabitha, I've heard MANY people talk about that book, and it's bothering me that I still have to plow through the rest of this series. Though, if or when Bella turns into a vampire, I think I could venture a break to read something different... this book will be a top priority. : )

Dang, I really need to read the Twilight books... I was actually waiting until after November because I knew that Twilight and National Novel Writing Month were grossly incompatible.

The last books I read to shred my sleep were the Farsala trilogy by Hilari Bell. By the second book, she'd hooked me so badly that I stayed up all night to find out what happened next. (The first book is awesome too, but I'd read it when it first came out so the tension was lessened.)

Here are the individual titles...

Fall of a Nation
Rise of a Hero
Forging the Sword

I'm sort of like Justus-- I usually don't "let" a book suck me in like that.

It is a little counter-productive, I admit; kind of like trying to protect yourself from falling in love. But it's one of the few places I feel like I have mastery over my impulses ;o) so I usually am way too cerebral about how much and when I read (but I guess I was that way about love, too...)

Even the last book that kept me up longer than my husband was calculated: I knew how long the first half had taken (something over an hour-and-a-half) so I made the judgment the story was worth that much time to finish in one sitting.

It was a book I'd read before, even, with loads of stuff in it my "educated," writer self knows doesn't belong in a published book, but it was still an engaging story.

Fire Hunter by Jim Kjelgaard. (My comments/review of the book are here and wow. It has been a long time since a book kept me up.)

I think I found you at EA. I'm not here spouting totally randomly...

Well, I have to admit that, while I enjoyed Twilight, I haven't picked up the others. Right now, I'm going through a re-read binge of Dana Stabenow's Kate Shugak mysteries and joining the rest of the household with reading Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden series. Also spending a lot of time curled up (safe and COOL!) with Michael Palin's Sahara.

I'm completely a binge reader. Junkie all over! When I finish one I'm immediately looking for my next fix. I don't understand how someone can read a story (at least a good story) and not get sucked into it.

Any book I pick up is likely to disrupt my sleep. The most recent culprits are the Peaches series by Jodi Lynn Anderson, Chalice by Robin McKinley, and several Meg Cabot books--the Mediator series among others.

That's how I was last weekend. I was all curled up with UGLIES while my family was gathered around the TV playing Kingdom for Keflings. Aw, well. That's what holidays are for!

"The Shack" ... couldn't put it down over the Thanksgiving holiday (thank goodness I wasn't the host!! :-)) because I needed to know what would happen next ... if everything was going to be OK. Unfortunately, it was such a tough topic to read about (little girl ... abducted ... then worst nightmare happening), it even disrupted my sleep when I wasn't reading it. I guess that's the sign of a gripping book!

Great suggestion, Miriam, thanks so much! And, very funny... NaNo and Twilight being incompatible. WOW, if I were Stephenie Meyer, that would be an ultimate compliment!!!

Amy Jane, wow! You've got true discipline!! : ) There's just so much monotony, what with the daily grind. I totally agree with you ~ it's like falling wildly in love and REALLY appreciating it. I don't notice how much I plod along kinda automatically until something like a frenzy-good books snaps me to! So glad you stopped by... I'll be sure to check out your blog, as well!

Becky, very funny... a re-read binge. I love it... and many, many thanks for your titles! I will be extremely busy with such good suggestions.

Lotusloq, I think we are very similar. : ) Hotheaded, frenzied readers. : )

Jill, hello! So glad you stopped by... I've been peering at the Uglies series for some time now. I always end up picking one of them up while hanging in Barnes. Do you like it? Even just the titles and book covers get me. I must know more!!!

Kelly H-Y, The Shack sounds perfect. Dark, perhaps a bit stomach-turning. Hmmm. Maybe you and I should try a Babysitter's Club every once in a while, just to insert some sugar and sun!! : )

parasite positive by scott westerfield has me gripped at the moment

Haven't tried reading them yet. I will put it in my Amazon list now. Sounds like how I felt about The Dark Tower books. Literary crack!

Nicky, halloo and thanks for your thoughts ~ I hope you are well!

And Persistent Pen, wonderful to meet you! God, how I love Stephen King. Another spellbinding story teller. Funny, I've read so many of his short story collections and novels, but never the Dark Tower series. If I could only win the lottery... it would allow me to read and buy books with abandon. Not to mention help people... but, oh, the fun we could have! Hmm... maybe I will post about what exactly I would do with so much money ~ something about purchasing everyone we blog with all the books in their reading pipeline. Please stop by again!

I loved the Twilight series! The movie was okay; the book was much better!

--Anna
Diary of an Eccentric

If you haven't read the Uglies series yet you're in for some good reads. That's definitely one to keep you out of bed. I read those a long time ago and couldn't get enough. It's not at all what I expected. In fact, it was way better than what I expected. Pick them up when you've got time to devote. There's 4 of them now if'n you didn't know.

At first, I found some of the vocab a bit strange like calling the kids "littlies" but then I found out that Westerfeld is from Australia and that is what they call kids there. So, uhh, then I felt culturally diverse. Sort of. haha!

I had the same issue with the twilight series. I couldn't put it down. But the last book to shred my sleep was Black Flies by Shannon Burke and Pemberley by the Sea by Abigail Reynolds. I just couldn't put those two books down!

You are so right about those books. Addictive.

The book I currently can't put down is BURNED by Ellen Hopkins. Like Stephenie Meyer, Hopkins has that crazy talent that sucks you in and won't let you out!

"It is a little counter-productive, I admit; kind of like trying to protect yourself from falling in love."

Yes, and it doesn't always work for me. Occasionally I find myself reading on auto: flipping pages faster than I "should" and zoning out of planet Earth.

So I'm probably the only one who hasn't read Twilight, but here are some thoughts from discussing it with a neighbor who has read them. She said she loved the first book and found the last one very disturbing. She also said if she had a 17-year-old daughter, she'd definitely have a talk with her regarding the message it sends to young girls today.

I have not read these books yet. I really really need to!!!!

The last book to keep me up was The Hunger Games. Loved it!

Christy

Suzanne, Hopkins sounds JUST like an author I'd appreciate, too. I love to be sucked in. Love it! Create your magical alter-world, and count me in. Thanks for dropping by!!

Anna, thanks for stoping by ~ and, my thoughts exactly!

Justus... "zoning out planet Earth..." isn't that the point of reading? : ) I so understand. I really DEPEND on that fact, especially while riding the metro. Ugh.

Christy, I've heard so much about that book, it's crazy. Yet another vote... I'm curious if for no other reason than SO many friends recommend it!

Gutsy, that's interesting about the last book being disturbing. I'm almost there and we'll have to compare notes... well, the great news is, she sounds like a responsible and mature 17 year old!! : )

Yes being healthy is always number one. Ruby is so cute. Can't wai to hear about her more as she grows.
Happy Thanksgiving!

You too, Gutsy! Have a wonderful holiday... my brussel sprouts are almost done. Just wanted to check in! : )

Welcome to Arizona! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Annell, is the "hot valley" you write of in Arizona? If so, you're very lucky. It's so beautiful here, like another planet!

I hope you and your family had a wonderful day together! You'll have to tell me more about raising a puppy some time...

: )

Oh, Ruby is sooo cute!

All wonderful things to be thankful for; family, friends, health. On days like this I also think about how lucky we are to have our freedom in this country of ours! I'm very thankful for that.

As an aside; my article for the December issue of Lucy Magazine got dropped, after initially being accepted. I gotta admit I'm a little bummed, maybe even a little embarrased. :( Wish I had more of a niche to write about.

Anyway, I don't want to end on a sour note--Happy Holidays! I'm off to shop. Hopefully I'll work off some of those calories I consumed yesterday...

Serious cuteness! I wish I could have a dog, but I'm just allergic enough that a dog would mean having to vacuum the whole house daily. I can't have that cutting into my writing and drawing time.

I'm thankful for all my new writing friends. I hope you had a great holiday.

I say you call her and ask for an interview! Your mom has the right idea :)

Shelby, I'm really sorry to hear that. What about this, though... since you've written it, why not shop it around elsewhere? At least the article is already created. Perhaps you could even submit it somewhere and be paid! Well, we must keep trudging! : ) Talk soon... and thanks for stopping by.

Jeanie. Serious cuteness. I will sprinkle in a few virtual updates, so you don't need to worry about getting a puppy yourself! Thanks so much for the nice Holiday wishes, too.

Oh, PJ, don't get my head started. Just the idea of that is enough to get me all riled up! I wish you could have been there. It was really funny. I wonder if she's listed...

: )

Saw you over at YA Fresh and had come say hello to another fellow Phoenician. BTW, saw Twilight (haven't read the books)and actually liked it. Looking forward to seeing the other ones.

Wow, cute dog. I better not show the picture to my wife.

Ruby is sooooooooo cute! I have family in Scottsdale, love visiting Arizona! Enjoy the warm weather, I'm cold in the midwest!
There is so much to be thankful for, mostly family!

You are correct about that "hot valley". I love it here, even in the hot hot summers! Ruby is beautiful, by the way. So sweet.

Celise, very nice to meet you, and love YA Fresh, too!

Justus, very funny... what is it with women and cute, snuggly things? Cannot resist.

Kelly, that is very nice to know. I love it here. It's truly, truly beautiful ~ I am wishing a warm and in-the-near-future return trip!

Annell, Arizona's hot summers are apparently legendary. At least, per my very Irish and skim-milk-skinned dad. : )

~gush~ is that not the cutest little puppy I've ever seen!!!!

Hope your T-day was a great one!

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving, Susan! Loved your gratitude list!

Ruby is so CUTE!!!! Hope your Thanksgiving was a very happy one!

You have a neat blog. Sounds like you had a very great Thanksgiving. I feel the same way about the things on your list. I think the holidays can make us all cranky but we love each other. :) Good food makes for good naps after too.

That puppy is so cute!!!!

Great list. :)

Christy, : ) Thanks... and, yes, I had a great time with my family. Hope you did, too!

Thanks, Nicky, my genius photo-writer friend! I do wish I could show you the Arizona version of your darling dotted birds...

Kelly H-Y and Marcia, many thanks! I hope you were stuffed and lazily happily over the weekend, too... so glad to hear from you both!

'Forest,' your comment just made me laugh. It's true. Crankyness and gratitude CAN go hand in hand, ESPECIALLY over the holidays! So glad you found me, and would love to know more about your artwork!

That Ruby is a-dor-a-ble!

I'm thankful for my family and friends most of all and their health and safety. I'm so grateful for all that we have and the opportunity to write.

I'm also thankful that I'm finding online friends to discuss the things I love with.

Well, okay, best I say nothing for now, not until you've finished reading the book - then we can discuss the characters, the writing etc!

I read somewhere the other day that Meyer has now made more than Rowling...???!

What?!?! Nicky, how crazy! Oh my, this makes me proud... : )

I'm with Vanilla...But I'll actually not say much until you've read New Moon. Twilight is one kind of experience, and New Moon is another. I'm really curious to see your reactions! :)

Tabitha, I've heard just a bit about that... New Moon is told from Jacob's pov? And that it's radically different in pace from the first... My friend swears that the third book tops all.

My Twilight reading begins today, during my five-hour flight to Arizona!

Thanks, Tabitha, and talk soon!

I just saw the movie last night and am going to post about it.

I found the movie to be VERY in line with the book and an accurate representation. Overall, I thought for the book and the movie, well done...

I haven't read the books yet, but plan to soon then watch the DVD in the spring! (I also want to read the books that the True Blood HBO series is based on!)

Susan (sorry for the length),
I don't know if you've been following my postings on this series. But I've shared my views on them as I've read them, if you want to read along... I am on the third book now, Eclipse - I will not give away details or spoil anything for you here(there are spoilers on my blog tho, but they are forewarned and you need to highlight them in order to read them), but I just want to say... "characters rich and full of details divine..." mmmmm.... well, I'll let you decide. I've had my problems with the books. First, just keep in mind when reading them, they are NOT based on a hero's journey paradigm, more of a fairytale paradigm. And always remember they are geared for hormonal teenage girls. So, you'll enjoy the romance, I think... But, personally, I find the lack of a hero's journey hard to swallow at times... No spoiler here, just preparation for your mindset.

Second, New Moon is still told in Bella's perspective. On her web SM says how she originally wrote the whole series from Edward's POV, but tried, just for fun, how we writers often do... to switch the POV to Bella's and it made all the difference for her. I did also hear tho, don't know if it's true, that another series will re-tell the stories from Edward's POV. But I think that is just rumor and wishful thinking on dreamy-eyed teenager girls...

Her next series - The Host - is already on bookshelves, but no one is talking about it yet - still too wrapped up in Twilight. I wonder if it will be overshadowed completely. Someone didn't time the release of her books too well, in my opinion, or the movies...

New Moon has already begun production, btw. The actors have gone from making 2 million a movie to 10 million a movie and now includes royalties. Their original contracts did not!!!! Suckers! (pardon the play on words…)

Stephenie Meyer HAS NOT YET made more then JK, but maybe the mix up is that Twilight grossed more in the box office than the first Harry Potter. But I seriously doubt that considering The Sorcerer’s Stone grossed $976,475,550 WORLD WIDE on premier day!!!! I think it was over 90 mill in the US during it’s first weekend. When last I heard, SM was over 70 million the first day...

Vexed about SM not getting top billing in the middle of all this hype while screenwriters and directors and actors do??? ME TOO! It drives me bananas!!!!

Beth, thanks for your thoughts!

And Kelly, same here. I love that show, and cannot wait to read the series!

Sheri, thanks so much for your response! Seriously, Stephenie is barely mentioned. It angers me each time I try and prove myself wrong... and your warning of a lack of a hero's journey is a point well taken. I was hoping to get a real sense of Edward's history and har-won perspective.

I will definitely go back and read the non-spoiler parts of your entries! (and return again for the rest after I finish!!)