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Viewing Blog: Random Thoughts, Most Recent at Top

Results 76 - 100 of 168

These are the thoughts of an aspiring writer. I hope to take every day life with all of it's feelings and emotions and put them into words.

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76. Stand Out Query MG- Tonja Drecker

By: Cynthia Elomaa, on 12/5/2011
Blog: Random Thoughts (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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I'm happy to introduce another entry for Stand Out Synopsis/Query Monday. Today Tonja Drecker has submitted her query for her MG novel for review. I have posted the query I received as is below for you to read, after the original I have written my red lines and changes.

When thirteen-year-old Daniel sits down for breakfast, an obnoxious alien bounces out of the fridge and whisks him away to a distant planet. Daniel thought he was the most normal boy on Earth. But he was wrong.

BASIC INTELLIGENCE MODEL is a 51,000-word science fiction manuscript for children ages nine and up. This middle-grade novel is a standalone with series potential.

Although Daniel doesn’t want to believe it, he is an alien. He isn’t green. Antennas are not growing out of his head. He doesn’t even have any amazing super-powers. But the arrogant, alien Princess Tyra expects him to help her regain her throne from an evil lord. Daniel refuses and returns to his uncle’s farm, but Tyra isn’t about to let him go that easily. She follows him back to Earth, enrolls in his school, and promises not to leave until he has saved her world.

A couple years ago, I had the priviledge of receiving a request from you to review a full on another manuscript. Although you declined, I appreciated not only your valuable insights, but the fact that you took the time and effort to make them.

Okay now that you have read the original here are my red lines and changes. Once again this is only advice, what the author does with the advice and changes made are entirely up to them.

Red Lines

~~Although~~ Thirteen-year-old Daniel doesn’t want to believe he is an alien. He isn’t green. Antennas are not growing out of his head. He doesn’t even have any amazing super-powers. So when he sits down for breakfast and an obnoxious alien bounces out of the fridge and whisks him away to a distant planet, Daniel thinks this just couldn’t happen. ~~he was the most~~ ~~to a normal boy~~ ~~on Earth~~. He was wrong.

He is taken to a planet where the arrogant alien Princess Tyra expects him to help her regain her throne from an evil lord. Daniel refuses and returns to his uncle’s farm, but Tyra isn’t about to let him go that easily, she follows him back to Earth, enrolls in his school, and promises not to leave until he has saved her world.

BASIC INTELLIGENCE MODEL is a 51,000-word science fiction ~~manuscript~~ novel for children ages nine and up. This middle-grade novel is a standalone with series potential. (I’ve heard different people say different things

1 Comments on Stand Out Query MG- Tonja Drecker, last added: 12/6/2011

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77. Do You Have ADHD When It Comes To Writing To?

By: Cynthia Elomaa, on 12/1/2011
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I swear when it comes to writing I have ADHD. My usual routine starts with an idea, so I start writing. My first idea I loved, so I wrote to the end. Once I finished I did the usual. I edited, I wrote my synopsis and I queried. Guess what, it went no where. Not one agent like it. Oh well, it was after all my first.

After that heart breaking experience I wrote again. It didn't feel right, so I put it aside and started again. That one didn't feel right either, so I put that one aside, and started again. The third time I started to think something was wrong with me. The first time around I felt the magic, I fell in love with my characters. What was wrong with me. I knew a story was there, but none of the plots were defined enough, and I wasn't sure where I wanted to go.

Then I started Light Weight, (which I'm sure the title will change in time) and I fell in love. I loved my idea and my story was defined. I knew exactly where I wanted to go and how I wanted to get there. Looking back at my WIP that are sitting waiting for me to open them up again I realize what the problem is. I love the idea, but the idea isn't finished. The plot isn't defined and when the plot isn't defined, you don't have a story, you only have part of a story.

I've was deciding to put on hold my WIP again. I hate to say that, but for the good of my WIP and my writing I felt that was the best move. Until I sat down again and gave it another go. My plot is more defined. Don't get me wrong it's not totally there but much closer then it was. I really love this story, more then most. Part of my problem is I see this story as a series and I really don't know how to do that yet which is why the plot is all over the place. I still need to learn to pace myself for that long haul of an idea.

Part of me wants to pick up something I wrote years ago. It would be so much easier. It's written long hand, filling up a note book or two. But I still want to work on my current WIP at the same time. I don't believe in working on two at one time. I want to put all more focus and effort into one at a time.
Tell me how many WIP do you have lying around? Have you had a hard time feeling the love for your work? Tell me so I know I'm not alone in this ADHD world of writing. How many WIP do you work on at one time?

2 Comments on Do You Have ADHD When It Comes To Writing To?, last added: 12/1/2011

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78. Oh the Agony

By: Cynthia Elomaa, on 11/28/2011
Blog: Random Thoughts (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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It's that time again. No not Christmas time, although it is that time of year as well. No I'm talking about query time. That's right, my baby has flown the coup and landed in a few agents inbox. The suspense on how they are doing in the big world of publishing is trying.

I worry about my baby. Is it standing out against the others queries in the crowded inbox? Is it playing nice with the agents, letting them read and enjoy, letting them love the character's like I love them? Are the agents able to see what my baby is, what my baby can become? And how long do I wait until I give up and call on those other agents?

I know you have at one time or another felt the same way. I've tried to spend this time while I wait to see how my baby is doing by researching more agents, and working on my WIP. I also have been blogging.

What do you do to pass the time while waiting? Share with me, let me know I'm not alone, because I know you're out there wondering the same. :-)

8 Comments on Oh the Agony, last added: 11/30/2011

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Susanna Leonard Hill said, on 11/28/2011 5:48:00 AM

I think waiting is the hardest part. Of course, I am more than averagely impatient :) What I TRY to do (with varying degrees of success!) is get right to work on new projects and focus on them, so I feel productive and like even if the one that's out there doesn't get picked up, at least I'm working on something new that might. It's hard though. And I procrastinate by blogging :) Best of luck with your baby!

Stina Lindenblatt said, on 11/28/2011 6:05:00 AM

I'm going to start querying today. If I get around to it. Working on my SNI is more fun than researching agents and sending out the necessary stuff. :D

Heck, cleaning toilets is more fun. Hmmm. Come to think of it. That's also something I need to do today.

Christine Murray said, on 11/28/2011 6:58:00 AM

It's so hard to think of anything else when you're querying. I think this Tahereh Mafi post sums it up well http://www.stiryourtea.blogspot.com/search?q=signs+querying

Cassie Mae said, on 11/28/2011 8:59:00 AM

I jumped into the query pool this morning. Eep! I dove into my other wip, but I'm also critiquing a lot of other people's work because I still have my editing eyes on. Then there's about 18 books I have from the library I need to plow through before the 18th when they're due.

When I queried before, I would get away from the computer. I'd pick one day when I'd ask my hubby to take the laptop with him to work so I wasn't tempted to hit the refresh button on my email every ten seconds. It gave me the opportunity to read other things, and clean my house, which most of the time needs desperate attention.

Good luck! I'm right here with ya!

T. Drecker said, on 11/29/2011 12:02:00 AM

The first time I queried, I got on the computer at least ten times a day to check my e-mails. After two days of not hearing anything, I felt like I was going to burst! I'm not a patient person. So, now I tell myself that it will take at least 1 and 1/2 months (and believe it) and turn to another WIP or other hobbies and things I've been neglecting.
And start raiding the chocolate stash!

T. Drecker said, on 11/29/2011 12:03:00 AM

Oh yeah - I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you!!!!!!

B.E. Sanderson said, on 11/29/2011 4:31:00 AM

:hugs: It's tough putting your book out there in the world. Yay you for doing it. I think you're doing all you can do while you're querying - namely researching and working. Nothing you can do to stop the checking email thing. It's just part of the process. Hang in there.

Jolene Perry said, on 11/30/2011 10:34:00 AM

EVERYTHING in publishing is waiting.
EVEN when you have an agent, because they do the same thing with your MS that you did to get them.

When you sign a book deal, STILL waiting. PUblication dates to deal with, cover art to wait for. IT's all a WAY lot of waiting.

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79. It's Thanksgiving!

By: Cynthia Elomaa, on 11/24/2011
Blog: Random Thoughts (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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Hey everyone!

Since it's Thanksgiving this will be a very short post. I just wanted to wish you all a very happy turkey filled Thanksgiving.

And don't forget the cranberry sauce!

I'll be back on Monday

3 Comments on It's Thanksgiving!, last added: 11/25/2011

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80. Stand Out Synopsis/Query! YA Thriller by John Sankovich

By: Cynthia Elomaa, on 11/21/2011
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I'm happy to announce yet another entry for our Stand Out Synopsis/Query. This is great guys, keep them coming!

Today we have John Sankovich with his YA supernatural Thriller. I have to say after reading, I think he has something here. I have posted John's query as I received it, I am putting my red comments below this one so you and John can see the changes I made.

Please, please add your comments in the comments section of this post. I know if it were your post, you'd love to see what people have to say. Okay then, now for John's query:

Sixteen-year-old Rebecca Stevens has come to terms with the fact that people want her dead. That her brother is included in that group is a little harder to swallow.
Using her emerging gift of telekinesis to stop a mini-market robbery, Rebecca unknowingly starts a war between two factions. The Followers are an organization of people who use their varying paranormal powers to oppress anyone not like them. Trinity, a group of citizens, who recruited her brother, formed to combat The Followers, and imprison everyone with supernatural powers including Rebecca. Then her father goes missing, and Rebecca must find him before The Followers do, since they believe he is the only person to know where their long lost leader, The Collector, is. As conflict erupts in her small town, Rebecca needs to find people she can trust when everyone is trying to kill her.
After Rebecca learns about the mystery of The Collector’s disappearance, and her father’s connection to it, Rebecca gathers her own gifted allies, struggles to save her father, reunite with her brother, and stop The Followers. If she fails than everything she holds dear will be destroyed.
THE GIFTED is a 90,000 word young adult supernatural thriller. I have an English degree from San Francisco State University.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
John Sankovich

Now my changes:

Sixteen-year-old Rebecca Stevens has come to terms with the fact that people want her dead, that her brother is included in that group is a little harder to swallow.

Using her emerging gift of telekinesis to stop a mini-market robbery, Rebecca unknowingly starts a war between two factions. The Followers are an organization of people who use their ~~varying~~ paranormal powers to oppress anyone not like them. Trinity, a group of citizens, who recruited her brother, formed to combat The Followers, and imprison everyone with supernatural powers including Rebecca.

When Rebecca learns about ~~the mystery of~~ The Collector’s disappearance, and her father’s connection to it, she must find her father before the Followers do. Rebecca must find people she can trust to gather her own ~~gifted~~ allies, ~~struggles~~ to save her father and reunite with her brother. ~~With the Followers leader, The Collector missing, and Rebecca’s father the only one who knows where he is,~~ If she fails than everything she holds dear will be destroyed.

4 Comments on Stand Out Synopsis/Query! YA Thriller by John Sankovich, last added: 11/23/2011

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81. Picking the Brain of an Author

By: Cynthia Elomaa, on 11/17/2011
Blog: Random Thoughts (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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Have you ever wanted to pick the brain of an author you admire? I have, but for me it's not a new author, or even a recently dubbed famous author. I want to pick the brains of authors of the classics. Many of you know by now that in college I was a English Literature major, so I got a chance to read many of the classics.

There are two stories that have stayed with me, even all these years later. The stories are not even novels, but short stories by very well know authors. Many people don't read short stories today, or study them so I wonder how many people even heard of these stories. The stories are The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, and Young Goodman Brown by Nathaniel Hawthorne.

I love these stories. The Yellow Wallpaper is a story about a young mother and wife who is ill. Personally I feel the reason for her illness can be interpreted in many ways. It's a story which makes you think. There is so much between the lines of the written word which only Charlotte knows the real meaning of. It fascinates me. Please if you get the chance it is a must read.

As for Young Goodman Brown, oh the layers are endless, and the interpretation is intriguing. The story is about a man who takes a walk into the woods. I can't give to much more away without giving away the story, so I'll only say this, good vs evil. Have I peaked your interest? Go read, you'll be glad you did.

These are the authors and their works I'd love to discuss with them. What about you? I'd love to hear which author you would love to pick the brains of and what work you would discuss with them. Tell me in the comments. I'd love to make another post with a list of novels/short stories for discussion.

3 Comments on Picking the Brain of an Author, last added: 11/20/2011

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82. Blessing in Disguise

By: Cynthia Elomaa, on 11/14/2011
Blog: Random Thoughts (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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I've been thinking of ways to generate more ways for people to submit their synopsis and queries for review on Stand Out Synopsis. So far the response has been slow, but dare I say steady? A few people have offered ideas, LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter and I've decided the ideas are not bad ones but I'm not so sure I want to get that involved with so many social networks so instead I have decided to created only a Facebook page. The only reason why I decided to go through Facebook is because I already have a Facebook account so it will be easier for me to check and update. I'm still trying to get the link on my blog, so bare with me as I get that straightened out. I want to help out other writers the same as so many have helped me out, but if there still is a slow trickling in of enteries I might have to cancel this segment.

Part of me says this is a good thing. It leaves me more time to concentrate on my writing, editing, blogging and family. I enjoy blogging, and networking but I don't want it to consume all my free time.

As of right now I have no more entries, I'm going to give Stand Out Synopsis a little more time, I know I'm just in the beginning stages, but the purpose of this site is for comments, and no one is commenting and to be honest that is my main concern. I will still post on Mondays and Thursdays, don't worry I'm not going anywhere.

5 Comments on Blessing in Disguise, last added: 11/16/2011

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83. I'm So Bummed

By: Cynthia Elomaa, on 11/10/2011
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I got the call around dinner time on the 1st of November. A friend of mine called with some very exciting news. She was going to paste it on Facebook, but there were a chosen few people who she wanted to make sure heard the news straight from her.

My friend had found out a few weeks ago that she is moving. (sad sigh). Her husband decided to take a job based in Virginia. (another sad sigh). Since I have moved to Rhode Island I have met some wonderful people. The friends I have made I have made because of my boys. I met this friend 10 years ago when I joined a mommies group through my hospital. My son was six months old at the time.

From the time I joined, four of us from the group have been inseparable. We had plays dates all week long and it was great. We went to each others house, the zoo, I swear I lived at Mystic Aquarium. As time went on and our kids started school we have seen less and less of each other. But we have Girls Night Out regularly, okay so some times we lapse and should have gotten together sooner, but the point is, we still make time for each other. The last time we went out we went for dinner in Newport and a Comedy Club. So much fun.

I'm so happy for her exciting new journey in life and I know that we will still talk to each other and hopefully visit each other, but knowing she is no longer right here in Rhode Island sucks.

So this post is goes out to the ones we love that are far away. You might be far away, but you are always close to our hearts!

7 Comments on I'm So Bummed, last added: 11/12/2011

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84. Stand Out Synopsis/Query

By: Cynthia Elomaa, on 11/7/2011
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Morning Everyone!

I'm happy to announce that Stand Out Synopsis has a query to review. I want to thank Christina Tetreault for letting us review her query. As always my red lines are included below.

Please help Christina out and add your advice, tips, and suggestions in the comments section. Remember we are here to help each other out. I'll always looking for submissions so if you have anything, send it in. How to submit can be found on the right hand side bar.

Callie's Reluctant Reunion is a 58,800 word completed manuscript targeted for Harlequin's Special Edition line. It is to be the first in a four book series. I like how you get straight to the point and let the agent/publisher know this book is the first in a series

Callie Taylor, is an elementary school teacher in Slatersville Massachusetts. (this sounds like the town is recovering not Callie. I’d make a new sentence) She is ~~still~~ recovering from the loss of her mother when a bombshell is dropped at her front door. All her life she believed that her father was dead, killed in a car accident, but nothing could be further from the truth. Before dying her mother confessed the truth to her closest friend. (Who’s closet friend? Callie’s or her mother’s) Callie's father is none other than billionaire and presidential candidate Warren Sherbrooke.

Callie had always considered her mom one of her best friends and is devastated when she learns her mother kept the truth from her. Until Callie can come to terms with her mother's betrayal, she doesn't even want to think about her father let alone meet him. Unfortunately, she is forced to deal with him much sooner than she plans when his stepson, Dylan Talbot shows up at her apartment. Though she refuses at first, Callie eventually agrees to a meeting with her father at his ~~secure~~ mansion in Newport Rhode Island.

Dylan Talbot is a gorgeous multimillionaire who although is devoted to his family has vowed to never fall in love a

3 Comments on Stand Out Synopsis/Query, last added: 11/9/2011

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85. You want to me what?

By: Cynthia Elomaa, on 11/3/2011
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I strongly doubt if that I am the only one who has been having trouble since school started getting their kids out of bed. Ever since Halloween when the kids were up late running around with their friends going house to house, and now knowing that Thanksgiving is around the corner, not to mention the anticipation of Christmas. Yes I know it is early, but even some stores are already pushing their advertisements. It is getting harder and harder to get the kids out of bed.

Personally I think it also has a lot to do with the fact that it is darker early in the morning and my kids have th light block curtians in their room. I've resorted to leaving one or two of the curtains open at night. They have five windows. (Old Colonial- makes spring cleaning so much fun-NOT.)

Anyway, I found this video a while ago and I thought I'd post it here for you enjoyment.

Doesn't it just make you smile to know every mom goes through the same thing? Yeah, I thought so.

5 Comments on You want to me what?, last added: 11/4/2011

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86. Torn

By: Cynthia Elomaa, on 11/1/2011
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Okay so Halloween is out of they way and everyone is getting back into the swing of things. As for myself, I've been very busy. Along with getting ready for Halloween this past weekend I've gotten a good 2 hours worth of writing on my WIP. Yeah! Yes that is big for me.

I have also been doing a lot of reading, not critiques, or ssynopsis for Stand Out Synopsis, (although I wish I was), no, I've been reading for me. I'm the type of person who HAS to have a book. As soon as I get close to the end of one I'm at the book store hunting down another. Funny thing is I write YA, but I haven't read a lot of YA books. I know, shame on me. A few weeks ago I decided to change that so the last time I picked a book I decided it had to be YA. Well I've found one and I loved it. The book is Fallen by Lauren Kate. I'm almost finished with it so I went to the book store Sunday to pick up the next book Passion in the series only I had to order it (Boohoo). So instead I pick up Red Riding Hood by Sarah Blakley-Cartwright (You know the one- It's a major motion picture now), I also picked up The Summer Garden by Paulina Simons. I have read The Bronze Horseman and Alex & Tatitina and have been waiting almost a year for this last book to hit the US.

So now I'm in a dilemma. While I wait for Passion to come in from the book store, which book do I start?
Red Riding Hood by Sarah Blakley-Cartwright or The Summer Garden by Paulina Simons which is really long? Help me decide Which book would you pick up to read first? And have you read Fallen by Lauren Kate? What did you think?

5 Comments on Torn, last added: 11/2/2011

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87. Halloween is Monday

By: Cynthia Elomaa, on 10/31/2011
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Happy Halloween Everyone!

Happy Halloween Everyone! I'm trying something new this year. This year I'm not buying candy, no I'm not a grudge when it comes to Halloween. It's just that every year I get less and less kids coming to my house to collect it. My neighborhood has changed over the years; so much so that this year I'm taking my kids to a friends house to trick or trick.

Last year was a disaster. You see there are a lot of senior citizens in my neighborhood. So even though new young family have moved they are out trick or tricking as well so nobody is home to give out candy. My husband and I took turns every year walking with the kids so their was always someone home to give out candy. The younger family today (wow that made me sound old and I'm not) don't do that. They all go out as a family, wich is nice BUT: They leave theirs lights off and no candy on the stoop. Sucks for the neighbors kids!

So this year I'm taking my kids out of the neighborhood to a friends house a few blocks away where there are tons of kids and families. My kids are really looking forward to it and I am too. I get to socialize with my friends just like they do. For me, it's a win win situation. They get more candy and we both get to hang out with our friends.
So Have a Happy Halloween! And make sure to stay safe, travel in groups, and get lots of candy!

7 Comments on Halloween is Monday, last added: 11/1/2011

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88. It's All In the Genes

By: Cynthia Elomaa, on 10/27/2011
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This post was originally scheduled for Monday, but since I received an entry for Stand Out Synopsis I have decided to post it today.

It is very rare that I post anything personal about myself. I'm a private person and I see no need to involve my readers in my personal life, but once in a while, I feel a need to reach out and connect. By the time this post airs I'll be getting ready to go to my doctors for my six month annual visit to check my thyroid.

There are many women who have a thyroid condition. Notice I said condition not disease. I call it that because it is something we live with not die from, and trust me when I say I live with it every day. Thyroid problems run in family like they do in many families. My aunt has it (hyper) my mom's sister and my mom had it (hyper). I found out I have it as well last year it right after my sister found out she has it. Funny how we found out within weeks of each other and we are only a year apart. My sister has hyper as well, so how in the world did I get hypo? Sure, everyone else gets the one that makes you skinny, me, I get the one that makes you fat. Like I haven't been struggling with my weight ever since I can remember. Don't get me wrong, I am far from fat. At almost 5' tall and ranging between 109 and 110 I'm not complaining. I'm smaller now that I was in high school. In college I gained the freshman 15 and then some so I know what it is like to be overweight. I worked my ass off to get my weight down so I'll be damned if some thyroid problem is going to change that now! My point is thyroid conditions are not easy to deal with. As soon as you think things are working out- your medicine is working and your gain your energy back- Bam the medicine isn't working like it should and your numbers are through the roof again.

It amazed me when I found out how much of the body the thyroid controls:

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism (An underactive thyroid)
fatigue, exhaustion
feeling run down and sluggish
depression
difficulty concentrating, brain fog
unexplained or excessive weight gain
dry, coarse and/or itchy skin
dry, coarse and/or thinning hair
feeling cold, especially in the extremities
constipation
muscle cramps
increased menstrual flow
more frequent periods
infertility/miscarriage

Symptoms of Hyperthryodisim (An overactive thyroid)
nervousness
irritability
increased perspiration
thinning of your skin
fine brittle hair
muscular weakness especially involving the upper arms and thighs
shaky hands
panic disorder
insomnia
racing heart
more frequent bowel movements
weight loss despite a good appetite
lighter flow, less frequent menstrual periods
(thanks to about.com)

Notice even monthly cycles are on the list. I actually had to go off the pill because I couldn't stand the anxiety anymore. I'll swear I'll never go back on. I feel sane again. And the monthly cycles? Trust me when I say I feel like a teenager again. You remember pimples right? Yeah, not fun. :-(

Anyway, I had my blood tested for my visit to see how I'm doing and I found out my numbers are up again. Not a good thing. I got the call on a Friday but missed it so I had to wait until Monday to call back. So by now I have already spoken to my doctor, but I still have my

3 Comments on It's All In the Genes, last added: 10/28/2011

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89. Stand Out Synopsis: Just Justice MG

By: Cynthia Elomaa, on 10/24/2011
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I told you if I recieved an entry you would be the first to know. Well I am happy to report that I have received an entry for Stand Out Synopsis. I want to thank Tonja Drecker for submitting her synopsis for review. A side note: You will notice the synopsis is posted as a whole. The last 3 or 4 paragraphs are what I want to consentrate on though. Those are the paragraphs Tonja has asked for help on. I did this because the paragraphs are short and it gives us a better feel for the entire work.

If your synposis is on the shorter side, please (1 to 2 pages tops) I will post the entire sysnopsis. Please use reason when submitting.

I have read the synopsis and have entered my notes in red for you to see. Remember, please add you recommendations and advice for Tonja in the comments section of the post. And be nice, we are all here to help each other out. :-)

Title: Just Justice
Author: Tonja Drecker

Genre: Middle-Grade

Fifth-grade Tad Bradford’s older sister, Dorothy (a.k.a. Dorks), has turned into the world’s largest jerk. Thanks to her, and a knack for finding trouble, Tad is facing detention and hence being grounded from Saturday’s baseball game. When his attempts to fix the situation fail he looks for help from a website promising to solve all problems, www.JustJustice.mag. However, he is careful not to mention the ongoing war with Dorks—he wants to deal with her personally. ( I have no problem here. It sounds good to me)

Almost miraculously, a bee-sting sends his teacher to the hospital before she can make his detention official, saving his chance to go to the baseball game. It does not take long before new troubles pile up and are promptly referred to www.JustJustice.mag 4 Comments on Stand Out Synopsis: Just Justice MG, last added: 10/27/2011

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90. Use or Lose It!

By: Cynthia Elomaa, on 10/20/2011
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It amazes me how true that one simple statement is. It can be targeted at so many things in life. Some things are like riding a bike. Some things well, they just don't come back, or at least not that easily.

For me it's math. I'm not talking adding and subtracting, it's that damn multiplition table that gets me every time. You see my son is working on this in school and most nights I'm the one who helps him with his homework. He does it, I correct it. Hello, not a good combination! It's the blind leading the blind here. Oh, don't get me wrong, I know the table, but my 9's table? Yeah, don't ask me for answers above six. I have printed out the table for reference, for both of us, and only use it in dire straights. My husband printed out another one for my younger son to learn, so in my house all three of us are learning our mulitplication table.

I can't remember the last time I actually needed it, so I haven't used it, and with calcultor's these days technically you don't need it. But you do, you really do!

School was hard me back then. I graduated, I suffered but prevailed. I even made it to college when so many people thought I might not. I graduated with an English Literature Degree. I prevailed, Damn it. I have my war scars- I won.

Now I have to fight all over again. Damn. On to round two! Why? For my boys, it's work that is worth the effort. It's worth it to me that they know, it might not be easy, but it feels pretty darn good when you get it.

I'm hoping when I get an agent the same will happen, they see me at night working on my books, they see the hours that go into it. Deep down I know they know nothing happens over night, and the reward is so much sweeter when you worked for it.

Tell me what you lost and had to learn all over again, I'll be hitting the flash cards.

7 Comments on Use or Lose It!, last added: 10/23/2011

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Miranda Hardy said, on 10/20/2011 3:45:00 AM

I should have paid better attention to history. I'm relearning everything, and I can't help my daughter out.

B.E. Sanderson said, on 10/20/2011 6:12:00 AM

Funny you mention the multiplication tables. After my accident, I lost a lot of memories and one of them was the multiplication tables. I could remember the teacher who taught them to me, I could even picture her doing it, but the tables themselves were gone. So, I had to relearn them all. I'm still not great at them, but then again, I never really was a math whiz.

Janet Johnson said, on 10/20/2011 11:16:00 AM

LOL! So many things I've forgotten over time. I actually love math, though. Call me strange. It runs in the family.

Science is what gets me. :)

Steph Schmidt said, on 10/20/2011 11:27:00 AM

I still see no reason to maintain my memory of the multiplication tables. If my bank statement is correct and the totals on my receipt are correct I regret none of my intentional replacement of math with other things (like the perfect recipe for cookies).

Shallee said, on 10/20/2011 8:42:00 PM

Way to go you! Math was always my Achilles heel too.

I, sadly, have lost a lot of my French skills. I took it all through high school and college, and haven't cracked a book or spoken much of it since. :( Maybe it's time to jump back into it again...

Katie Gates said, on 10/21/2011 12:21:00 AM

When I was in my 20s, I had a boyfriend who often referenced not knowing his 9-times table. I thought about buying a nice square table and painting the 9x formulas on its surface. Years later, I had a revelation, and I'll share it with you now. You only need to memorize HALF of the 9-times table because the second half is the first in reverse. As follows: 09, 18, 27, 36, 45. Then, reverse them: 54, 63, 72, 81, 90. Hey, have your son share that with his teacher! (I'm guessing it'll be news to her, and I'm also seeing some extra credit on the horizon...)

I love math because it has no grey areas. (I have too many grey areas, and they're not all in my hair.)

Josh Hoyt said, on 10/23/2011 11:39:00 AM

Math is definitely one of those things I have had to keep up with. I have also learned that it is more important to know where to find the answer as opposed to memorizing the answer. Especially in this day and age when the internet is at our fingertips all the time.

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91. It's the season for Reunions!

By: Cynthia Elomaa, on 10/17/2011
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I know I was going to leave Monday's open, but I felt like I haven't posted in a awhile and to be honest, I missed you guys! I have been extremely busy lately and I haven't gotten to many blogs, but I'm hoping to change that. If I haven't gotten to you I will. Now off to our normally scheduled post:

Yes, dare I say it. Not only is the holiday season fast approaching, but so are reunions. In fact we are actually in the thick of it right now. Most people have their high school reunions just before Halloween or right after Thanksgiving. My husband's was this past Saturday. Most spouses I'm told usually aren't very excited about reunions, and why should they? After all it's not there reunion. I was looking forward to it a little though. You see I met my husband in college, but since we have been together for over 15 years I have already meet many of this high school friends. My husband doesn't talk to many of them, but there are still many we do see, and coming from a small town, people are all ways connected.

It was fun to see people I haven't seen in years. It was fun hearing the old stories resurface, although most of the talk was about more current events. We dropped the kids off at my husbands parent's house then headed about twenty minutes away to the reunion. It poured. Funny because it was beautiful all day long. Anyway, it's got me to thinking about reunions you always see in the movies. Why is it that in the movies the renunion is always at the high school, and in real life it is always at some hotel, or bar, or restuarant? I'd love for my next reunion to be at my high school. With my luck it will be in Manhattan again at some bar/restuarant and I won't be able to hear any one again. Hello i haven't sseen you in twenty years, I'd like to talk to you not scream at you!

Anyway, we had tons of fun. It will be interesting how things turn out in the next ten years, or when ever who ever is in charged decides to hold it. But then again I know who is in charge, she was at our wedding, do maybe next time I just call her. Funny how things turn out.

What about you? Have you gone to your high school reunion yet? What are you looking forward too? tell me, I'll be looking at old photos!

6 Comments on It's the season for Reunions!, last added: 10/19/2011

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92. Thank You, Thank You!

By: Cynthia Elomaa, on 10/13/2011
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I received an award last week, sorry it took me so long to post about my good news. Things have been crazy in my little world lately. I have been trying to do edits on my ms and I have a new critique partner so I've been busy there as well. I' have been swamped with blog posting. I have so many people I follow it is getting really hard to get to everyone- if I haven't gotten to you it's not that I don't care, I'll get to your blog I promise. There are just so many hours in a day/week.

Now according to the rules of the 7 x 7 link award I have to post 7 posts in each category- Can I break the rules? This is making me do homework I really don't have time for, So instead I have decided to pick 7 blogs to post a link too which I believe are worthy of suck an award. Who am I kidding we are all worthy, we work hard at our blogs, or writing, our jobs, our lives, BUT I can only pick 7- sorry. :-(

So here are my seven

Sean at flish blog wash because I love the quirkiness of his posts. He always buts a smile on my face.

Susana Hill because she is a fabulous children's book author and has great helpful fun ways to help those of us still trying to make our way into the publishing world.

My friends at Pinch of Romance for my romantic side!

Rachel at blackbird in my window because she has such a cool site!

Creative Chatter because I love her honesty and dedication. Go girl!

Abby over at abbyfowler, just because I think she's great

Matthew over at The Quintessentially Questionable Query Experiment

So there are my seven, make sure you go visit there sites because if they weren't great they wouldn't be here!

2 Comments on Thank You, Thank You!, last added: 10/16/2011

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93. You know you are busy when.....

By: Cynthia Elomaa, on 10/6/2011
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You miss your own birthday! I have been reading tons of blogs lately about how people have reached mile stones on their blog. Who have reached 300 followers, and who has had an anniversary. I like to call it birthday- it's easier to spell. LOL

Any way, I have been so busy lately I had no idea my birthday has passed. With everything on my palate right now, I had no idea it passed. Oh, well. I'm still one, and is the important part. I still here, still writing, making friends, and being busy in this crazy world and connecting to so many fabulous people is how I got to be one years old in the first place. So I want to say thank you, and have a piece of cake on me.

4 Comments on You know you are busy when....., last added: 10/6/2011

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94. Stand Out Synopsis - Some Sad News

By: Cynthia Elomaa, on 10/3/2011
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Still no posts today for synopsis. Sorry guys. We were on a great roll there for two straight weeks, and I really enjoyed the ride. Problem is, the ride stops when the writers stop submitting, so due to time constraints I am leaving Mondays open. When I get a request for a critque I will post it, until then

Happy Monday!

2 Comments on Stand Out Synopsis - Some Sad News, last added: 10/6/2011

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95. Planning and Outlining

By: Cynthia Elomaa, on 9/29/2011
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I am not an out liner. The two novels I have written I wrote in the fly by night style. That is I started with sentence one and keep going from there. I would tweak, edit, reword, reorganize as I went along on my first. On my second I wrote the first sentence and go from there. Unlike the first though, I had more of an idea of where I wanted to go. When ever I stop writing for the night I would make notes at the end of the scene on what I wanted to happen next. I found it is so much easier to leave myself little cliff notes at the end. It helps to keep writers block at bay.

This time I have decided to write a whole outline for my book first. The reason why I actually did this was because I had an idea for another novel, but I wasn't finished with my WIP. I loved the idea and I didn't want to forget it. So I wrote down a quick three for four scene outline to get myself started and closed the file on the computer and let it sit. I haven't looked at it in months. I wanted to concentrate on LightWeight. I wanted all my energy focused on one project. I'm a big believer in finishing what I have started.

Now though, I can happily say I have finished LightWeight and have started the editing process. I'm going through all the red lines my critique partner had given me and I am enjoying reading my WIP and fine tuning it for agents. Since I need a break from editing I have decided to take out my outline and finish work on that a little. I figure by the time I have finished round one of edits on LightWeight, I'll be in a good place to start writing my WIP. Only I won't. I'll probably let it sit again, until I finish round two of edits, and word on another project I have started, a romantic comtemporary for a little while. THen I might go back to LightWeight for another go around. Then I'll glance at my outline again. The idea is to never get to a point where the story line gets old to me, I want to keep things fresh I'm trying this out, we will see how it goes.

I have no idea how long this new process will take, it doesn't matter, the fun is writing it. The fun is finding the idea and creating. Although I have to admit. I love to seeing the finished product. Even more I'd love to see my books sits in the hands of the reader.

2 Comments on Planning and Outlining, last added: 10/6/2011

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96. What I'm Up to these days

By: Cynthia Elomaa, on 9/25/2011
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Hey blogger world! I hope everyone has had a great weekend. I know today is Stand Out Synposis day, but I haven't gotten any entries this week so instead I thought I'd let you in on what I have been up too. (As soon as I get some more in, you'll be the first to know! So hurry up and get those synopsis in!):-)

The weather has been horrible here in Rhode Island. For September it has been hot and humid and gross. I don't even have an air conditioner anymore because we took them out thanks to Irene, and we figured what was the use of putting them back in when the summer was basically over. Stupid, Stupid.

Anyway, I know many of you have been wondering how I am doing with sewing my son's costume, so I thought I'd post a picture for you to see. Not a bad looking guy huh? He looks like he belongs on a cover of a book.

It's a renaissance shirt, anyway, notice the sword he is holding, that is why my son picked it; he wants the sword the model has in the picture. I didn't argue, because the shirt looked fairly easy to make, minus me remembering how to sew again. Besides, the model is pretty easy on the eyes. Hey, you have to refer to the picture once in a while to make sure your sewing looks right. Might as well have a nice picture to look at.

(And yes the cushion you see in the back round I sewed as well)

And here is my version, not exactly the same but, I'm not done yet. I have to finish the cuffs on the arms so it has the same banding as the the collar and hem the bottom. I think it will take me a total of 3 weekend days to finish. Not bad for someone who hasn't sewn in years.

As for writing I decided to put the editing on my WIP aside. I figured after all the great feed back I got on it this week, I need walk away for a while. Instead, I have opened up an older WIP and started editing and finishing that. (I squeezed that in, in the early morning hours this weekend). It's not YA, it's a romantic contemporary and I hope to finish it before spring at the rate I'm going.

So tell me, what have you been up to this weekend? Have you gotten any writing in like I have? Anything fun go on? Tell me curious minds want to know!

2 Comments on What I'm Up to these days, last added: 10/6/2011

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97. Only a Fraction

By: Cynthia Elomaa, on 9/23/2011
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Who am I you ask?

Ah, some times I wonder. I, like many women in today's society wear many different hats. So I've decided I'm Wonder Woman, actually no I'm only kidding.

But seriously, we do; men and women alike wear many hats these days. For example most of us are parents, teachers, musicians, taxi drivers, maids, chefs, bakers, gardeners, the list goes on and on. How many different things do you do in a day? I bet it's more than that, don't worry, me too. Those things don't make us who we are though. There is so much more to us then that. So I have decided to finally share my ten things about me.

1) I'm a wife and a mother of two very active lovable boys.

2) I'm a dog lover. ( I kept my Buster even after I found out I was allergic and started allergy shots just so I could keep him. We miss you Buster!) Now I have another dog Rascal, because I'm a glutton for punishment.

3) I teach religious education class.

4) I love to sew, although I never have time anymore.

5) I love to cook, when I have the time.

6) I hate doing laundry.

7) I hate knives, I have a deep fear of them. They are dangerous, don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

8) I was on the PTA Board. I had to quit and miss it, but hey there are only so many hours in a day.

9) I hate swimming in ponds. Slimy Yuk!

10) I love fresh cut flowers.

But even this is only a fraction of who I am.

Your turn, tell me about you? What things do you love? Hate? What are your ten things?

4 Comments on Only a Fraction, last added: 10/6/2011

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98. Can You Hook a Teen?

By: Cynthia Elomaa, on 9/21/2011
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That's what we are striving for isn't it? Well, maybe not all of you guys, but a good handful anyway. Well this week we get the chance to find out if our writing can hook a teen's interest enough to want to read our masterpieces. Brenda Drake is hosting a contest. click over to see the rules and play along.

Rules: Post 250 words of your manuscript and on September 21st and 22nd. Then Post it in the comments on the 23rd of you blog. Doesn't sound hard and the prizes are pretty darn good. So, here is my first 250 words.

Lightweight (working title)

I never saw it coming. The impact sent lighting bolts of pain through my jaw. I saw stars as the tunnel vision blocked my sight. Then I felt my body smashed against the brick wall behind me. I needed to defend myself. I lifted my arms to block my face. I knew I couldn't stand much more. I thought about how I got here. It was stupid really, if you thought about it. All I did was try to do something right for once.

Flash back#

Jose was bothering this girl, Michelle who was sitting with Mary outside by the steps at lunch reading a book. I told him to leave her alone, she was minding her own business. I saw no need to cause trouble that day. I wasn't in the mood.

“You're not needed here Tony, get out of here. Can't you see I'm busy talking to Michelle?”

I saw Michelle hunch her shoulders trying to ignore Jose and go back to her book.

“She doesn't look like she wants to talk to you.” I got up and stood between them.

“Come on Michelle, put the book down and let's go for a walk.” Jose said reaching past me. Jose tried to take the book out of Michelle's hand.

“I'd rather not.” Michelle bravely looking up at Jose.

“That's enough Jose.” I was getting upset.

“Come on Michelle, let's go to the parking lot.” Jose pushed me out of the way, grabbed Michelle's arm and pulled her along.

“Get off of me.” Michelle stood up to him. I had never seen a girl sta

8 Comments on Can You Hook a Teen?, last added: 10/6/2011

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Stina Lindenblatt said, on 9/21/2011 4:34:00 PM

I just found out about this today. I'm too late to do the blogfest, but I think I might just enter the contest.

Good luck!

Claire Lachance said, on 9/21/2011 5:23:00 PM

That's a great excerpt. Thanks for sharing.

Janet Johnson said, on 9/21/2011 5:30:00 PM

Brings up a lot of questions. Great piece!

jennifermeaton said, on 9/21/2011 8:00:00 PM

Hello, Cynthia. I'm doing my rounds, critiquing as many other entries as I can before I pass out.

I like this. I'm into stories that start off with action, but a few things you need to be cautious of. This is what publishers consider a "false action beginning" It's similar to a prolog that starts off with action that's not really the start of the story to try to hook the reader in. Generally, I've heard it's frowned upon. Your first chapter is supposed to be a "promise" to the reader about how the rest of you novel is. Now, if all of your novel is like this, then this will probably fly. However, if you are just trying to make your beginning more interesting than maybe it actually is, you may want to consider starting somewhere else. (I had to do this myself--like ten times)

Anyway... general stuff.

Cut the word "flashback" unless you are going to do this throughout the novel. I think it's obvious what's happening.

"I felt my body" -- general tell words. Show us what she felt instead of telling us she felt it.

"I needed to defend myself" -- classic tell. Show us. What's going on? Why? If you just want to say it, make it an inner though instead.

"I knew I couldn't stand much more" Much more what? Is she being blown by a twister? Shot by a gun over and over? Beat up?

"I thought about how I got here," -- "if you thought about it". Two "thought abouts" too close together. I'd drop the "I thought about how I got here." It's too telly anyway.

The entire beginning of the flashback is a tell sequence. You are telling the reader what happened instead of showing them. Write it out if it is important, or cut it completely.

Punctuation: walk,” Jose said

I think you're missing a word here: I'd rather not.” Michelle bravely looking up at Jose. (Is it supposed to be "Michelle said?")
If so, comma after not. not," Michelle said, bravely looking up...

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Brenda Drake said, on 9/21/2011 9:31:00 PM

This has a great voice. The beginning grabbed me in and then I was pulled out of the action and into the flashback. I agree with Jennifer suggestions above. Show us the action, instead of telling us. You might want to streamline your sentences. Such as this one -> “You're not needed here Tony, get out of here. Can't you see I'm busy talking to Michelle?” --> would be better like this --> "Get out of here, Tony. Can't you see I'm busy talking to Michelle?"

The story is intriguing and I want to know if Tony is going to come through in the end or get his butt kicked. I love that he wants to help out Michelle, it shows his compassion, which is great character development. Wonderful and good luck with the contest! <3

Cynthia said, on 9/22/2011 5:15:00 AM

A quick note to say thank's for the advice. I'm editing it now, and trying to decide how to handle my first scene because I know I need to fix it. Thanks, for the idea of making it a prologue, it's a good one. The Flash Back# note is actually for me only, it's how I know where I am in the story as I write and edit. I should have taken that out. My bad.

I won't have time to fix for this contest, but if anyone is interested in my round two edit for this scene, I'd love to get your feed back! Thanks!

Nicole Settle said, on 9/22/2011 7:28:00 AM

I really liked the beginning paragraph. I was totally hooked but then the flashback pulled by away from that a little. I think there could be more action there.

Kate Larkindale said, on 9/22/2011 1:27:00 PM

I liked the action in the first section a lot, but some of the wording felt a little cliched (lightning bolts of pain, seeing stars). Try to find your own unique way to describe things rather than relying on other peoples' words.

In the flashback, the tension and reaction seems overly dramatic for the situation. But maybe that's just because we don't know the characters enough to know if there is any real threat.

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99. Worst Movie Ever Blog Fest

By: Cynthia Elomaa, on 9/20/2011
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Okay so I'm a day late, but at least I got the post up, right? And everyone got a chance to critique Christie's synopsis right- so we are all good. Okay on to my Worst Movies Ever:

Alex J. Cavanaugh is hosting a Worst Movie Ever Blog Fest and I have signed up to join in the fun. At first I really thought this was going to be hard. I try very hard not to see bad movies, I mean movies cost a lot of money these days. It's a small fortune to pay for a night or afternoon out with my husband and boys, especially when they want to watch it in 3D. I mean two dollars extra for kids and four dollars extra for adults, and there are less then a hand full of scenes in the movie with 3d parts in it? I mean really? Nobody is that rich.

Anyway back to my point, after thinking about it and researching movies that I have forgotten about I realized that I have seen a lot a crappy movies. So with out further ado, here is my worst movie list.

1- Gnome and Juliet
2- The matrix Reloaded
3- Se7en
4- The Princess Bride
5- Police Academy - all of them it doesn't matter
6- Weekend at Bernie's
7- Stop or My Mom will Shoot
8- Speed II
9- Robo Cop
10- Dumb and Dumber

I can't wait to see what you have as your worst 10 movies ever!

6 Comments on Worst Movie Ever Blog Fest, last added: 10/6/2011

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100. Stand Out Synopsis: Contemporary MG

By: Cynthia Elomaa, on 9/19/2011
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Today's synopsis comes from Christie Wright Wild. Her story is a middle grade contemporary, and after reading the 3 paragraphs she sent in, I think it's going to be a winner.  Now you know the rules, read the entry and post your comments to help Christie out in the comments section.  You know where mine will be.

Title: GLEEK
Genre: Contemporary MG

Fifth grader, Art Schaeffer, nicknamed Gleek because he can "snake-spit" further than anyone in the school, loves to eat, but nobody can tell by looking at him because he's as picky and as skinny as his pet snakes. Although Gleek is the treasurer of the Math and Science Club, he cringes at the prospect of having to enter the upcoming Science Fair because he doesn't like to read, hates writing, and abhors spelling, all of which are necessary to create a winning entry.

Meet Cody Boggs aka Matso, the smartest math whiz in the school and a bit of a bully. He loves to eat and everybody can tell by looking at him because he'll eat anything. When Matso enters the fair with a strange food experiment, Gleek becomes suspicious and discovers Matso breaking lots of rules. 

Gleek wants to report Matso anonymously, but doesn't know how to submit an article to the school paper, much less how to write one. The closer Gleek gets to finding out Matso's secrets causes him to fear for his safety. Will Gleek find out a way to expose Matso before the judges of the Science Fair award the prizes? And will he do so with his limbs still intact?

See below my red lines.

Title: GLEEK
Genre: Contemporary MG

Fifth grader, Art Schaeffer, nicknamed Gleek because he can "snake-spit" further than anyone in the school. He loves to eat, but nobody can tell by looking at him because he's as picky and as skinny as his pet snakes. Although Gleek is the treasurer of the Math and Science Club, he cringes at the prospect of having to enter the upcoming Science Fair because he doesn't like to read, hates writing, and abhors spelling, all of which are necessary to create a winning entry.
(what is snake spit, and what does it have to do with the word Gleek? I also changed sentence 2 and 3, but that is only my opinion.)

Meet Cody Boggs aka Matso, the smartest math whiz in the school and a bit of a bully. He loves to eat and everybody can tell by looking at him because he'll eat anything. When Matso enters the fair with a strange food experiment, Gleek becomes suspicious and discovers Matso breaking lots of rules.
(Why is he suspicious? How does he find out he is breaking rules?) These are good questions, it means you've intrigued me.

Gleek wants to report Matso anonymously, but doesn't know how to submit an article to the school paper, much less how to write one.(Who does he report it too?) The closer Gleek gets to finding out Matso's secrets causes him to fear for his safety. Will Gleek find out a way to expose Matso before the judges (can you tell us who the judges are?)of the Science Fair award the prizes? And will he do so with his limbs still intact?

Christie Wright Wild
WEBSITE: http://www.christiewrightwild.com
BLOG: h

4 Comments on Stand Out Synopsis: Contemporary MG, last added: 10/6/2011
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Cynthia said, on 9/19/2011 4:30:00 AM
just a quick check in, my Worst Movie Ever blog post will be up tomorrow. I promised Christie I'd post her synopsis today. So check back again tomorrow!
Christie Wright Wild said, on 9/19/2011 1:06:00 PM
Thanks, Cynthia!
T. Drecker said, on 9/20/2011 12:20:00 AM
Sounds like a great story! I can't imagine that it won't strike some interest. I saw two sentences in the last paragraph that aren't quite right.
1)The closer Gleek gets to finding out Matso's secrets causes him to fear for his safety.
(maybe: The closer Gleek gets to discovering Matso's secrets, the more he has to fear for his own safety.)
2)Will Gleek find out a way to expose Matso before the judges
(I'd personally drop the 'out' in find out.)
Also- I'm missing a little more information about what Gleek's fearing. I think 'his safety' is a little bit to vague. Will he just get punched in the nose or is there more at stake?
But the query really grabs my interest! Good luck!
Brooke Rousseau said, on 9/21/2011 8:09:00 AM
I loved this! I agree with Cynthia about snake-spit - I didn't get that reference either. Otherwise, really nice work!
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