tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3958867553590700212024-03-13T16:31:13.488-07:00Through the Looking GlassMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12096764010151024050noreply@blogger.comBlogger118125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395886755359070021.post-66673548985477509562015-08-17T22:07:00.001-07:002015-08-17T22:46:52.015-07:00#PimpMyBio<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">I am participating in <a href="http://www.brenda-drake.com/2015/07/pitch-wars-2015-is-coming-are-you-ready/">Pitch Wars</a>, a writing contest hosted by the wonderful, <a href="http://www.brenda-drake.com/">Brenda Drake</a>. It was awesome to read the mentor bios (though I'll be honest my TBR list didn't need so many new additions, but, I've come to accept my book buying addiction and admit resistance is futile). Christopher Keelty started the <a href="http://christopherkeelty.com/pitchwars-2015-pimpmybio-contestant-blog-hop/">#PimpMyBio</a> blog hop and I decided to hop on the bandwagon!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm a twenty something Canadian who married an American and thinks teaching her cat to walk on a leash and perform tricks is a good idea. She gives the best high fives (in case you were wondering). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I believe every book changes those who read it, in some way. We can't help but internalize the hero/heroine's journey and by the time we reach The End, we are no longer quite the same. To me, people who read are the most empathic, insightful, and interesting people you can meet. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sneak peek at some of my beloved shelves:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The way music inspires stories, creates visuals, changes our perceptions, helps us recall memories, influences our emotions, and truly cuts into our souls amazes me. Needless to say, I'm obsessed and make way too many playlists. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's a really good thing my friends and family love my baking so much. If they didn't, I'd be in a world of trouble -- who could I share my creations with? It would be absolutely cruel to leave them there to mould. If other people didn't eat them I'd probably consistently make myself sick (that cursed sweet tooth though). My love started really young:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I'm not writing, I exercise my creative energies by painting things for other people (much to the chagrin of my husband). I'm terrible at drawing without a reference though, so I catch my inspirations and idea templates from artists far more skilled then I. Some of my more recent projects:</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And now for a laundry list of random facts: </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I studied abroad (in France).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I got a bartending license on a whim.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm a huge history and mythology nerd. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I competed provincially in slalom racing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I cried when my Hogwarts letter didn't come. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I used to figure skate (one year I played the leader of the munchkins).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I spent eleven summers training in archery, rifflery, rock climbing, and rappelling. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I used to vault (gymnastics on horseback. I also did normal gymnastics) and did some barrel racing.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To round this post off:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My, hopefully, future mentor should choose me because they loved something in my YA Fantasy, PYRE, and want to help me realize the story's full potential. I'd like any of you considering me to know that I embrace critique and strive to consistently better myself and my work. I'm a passionate leo willing to work my butt off and </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've got a sarcastic, quirky sense of humour.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you're interested about what inspired me to write my current novel, <a href="http://melissa-throughthelookingglass.blogspot.ca/2015/08/greetings-pitch-wars-hopefuls-and.html">check out this post</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thank you, to anyone who took the time to get to know me a little better. Mia, my baby girl, thinks you're awesome too! Take a high five before you leave. Don't worry, the first one's free. </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D395886755359070021%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-v3KZi4v9_Gk%2FVdKwcgCtEwI%2FAAAAAAAAAz4%2F1qncL5-Rlg8%2Fs320%2FMypaintings.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=PEGhs3Xsdykg&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 2012px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D395886755359070021%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-v3KZi4v9_Gk%2FVdKwcgCtEwI%2FAAAAAAAAAz4%2F1qncL5-Rlg8%2Fs320%2FMypaintings.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=PEGhs3Xsdykg&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 2012px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12096764010151024050noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395886755359070021.post-13684243462151022802015-08-13T13:14:00.003-07:002015-08-13T14:14:37.354-07:00Pitch Wars: Why I Wrote This Book<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">Greetings, Pitch Wars hopefuls and mentors
who decided to grace me with your presence! Generally, I leave the
vulnerability to my characters but when it was suggested I write about why I
wrote my Pitch Wars (future) submission, I knew I had to challenge myself. The
origin story of my book is rather dark but I tried not to get bogged down
in the gritty details. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">The tragedies in my life are
inconsequential even if they define everything I am. You see, </span>as a child, my developing psyche was too
impressionable, too scarred from the horrors.</div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">I couldn’t cope with reality. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">So, I built a new one. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">I traded my life for Wonderland, to slay
the dragon and ride a unicorn. I destroyed the Ring, danced with the Fair Folk,
and attended Hogwarts. Vanquishing all sorts of evils, both internal and
external, I got to play hero.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">Fiction, in all its world-shaping glory,
became a solid foundation I desperately needed. Fairy tales painted a vividly
coloured world, one full of tragedy transformed to wonder and possibility. Shrouded
in fantasy, I learned to accept the inexplicable and believe in dreams. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">After living a thousand lives, it’s
impossible to remain unchanged. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">I started seeing stories everywhere, mind
whirring with the limitless potential. My kingdom of books raised me to such a
vantage that, even the most mundane aspects of life (whether act, object, or
place), had a sense of magic. Every little thing felt like it had something to
say. A voice, just begging to be heard if only we’d ask the right questions, if
only we really <i>looked</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">And so, a story teller was born. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">In my darkest hour and deepest depression, a small spark appeared. Tiny and hardly noticeable until it became a raging inferno
of voices and plot. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">It was impossible not to listen. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">Pyre, my YA Fantasy, became the funeral
rite my lost soul needed to move on. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">It yanked me, word by word, from the
blackest abyss. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">Why this manuscript? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">Because the voices in my head wouldn’t shut
up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">Because writing is my way of exorcising
demons.</span> </div>
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<span lang="EN-CA"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">Because the splendiferous terror and magic
I’ve always seen in nature demanded expression.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA">Sharing any more would become very spoiler-heavy
and reading a book is about the journey, finding your own truth in someone else’s
world and making it your own.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">Thank you for sparing a moment of your day to read. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-CA">I encourage you to check out Jennie's inspiration for her YA Fantasy, Protectors, <a href="http://gardenfulloflily.blogspot.ca/2015/08/inspiration.html">here</a>. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12096764010151024050noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395886755359070021.post-54635789496450264472011-05-16T05:00:00.000-07:002011-05-16T05:00:03.974-07:00You'll pay for that<div>To save money, Mom let Grandma cut her hair.A mistake was made on the bangs, and in the attempts to fix it, the problem only got worse. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Her bangs are now so short and shaggy that it looks like she has a severe mullet. I really can't express how awful it is. I love Mom way to much to take a picture. Seriously, it's so bad, Mom was considering calling in sick to work. (And she is not a vain person.) Grandma even told Mom she didn't want to see her for two weeks. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Lately, I've been struggling with too little time and too much to do. I was thinking of only half-heartedly editing my novel. What happened to Mom reminded me why that's a bad idea. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Taking shortcuts shows. If you try to save yourself money, time, or whatever else, you can end up costing yourself more. You could accidentally make your novel so bad, it can't be seen by the public. Even your family might back away. </div><div><br />
</div><div>So here's my advice. When you're trying to make your novel better, go to the <i>right </i>people. Don't let someone make changes if you feel they're unqualified. And, for heaven's sake, don't try to take the easy way. In the end, you'll only be adding more grief and stress. </div><div><br />
</div>(I missed Thursdays post last week because Blogger exploded. I took it as a sign from the Universe (that is why I didn't try to make up for it on Friday). So for all of you who suffered from the craziness, it was my fault. The Universe thought I needed to de-stress so it annihilated one of my obligations. Forgive me?)<div><br />
</div><div><b>Have you ever had a horrible haircut? Ever done something to save yourself money or time then later paid for it?</b></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12096764010151024050noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395886755359070021.post-92137111275692990532011-03-30T05:00:00.001-07:002011-03-30T05:00:06.508-07:00No sides for me thanks!I'm going to make an outrageous statement (you've been warned).<br />
<div><br />
</div><div><b>There should be no side characters in your novels</b>. </div><div><br />
</div><div>In real life, there's no such thing as a side character. Everyone is the main character of their own story. Everyone is interesting in their own way. Everyone has something to share, learn and grow from. Everyone has battles. No ones sole purpose is to help someone else's storyline. </div><div><br />
</div><div>It should be the same in books. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Characters should never do something based on plot reasons alone. They need their own motivations and reasons for doing everything. It doesn't matter that the reader knows it, it only matters if you do. They should have backstories and an arc, basically, they should be eligible for their very own companion novel.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Because people <i>will </i>notice if your characters are only tools, if they're only there for the MC. And it will make <i>all </i>your characterization seem flat.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Are your side characters fleshed out? Can you think of any examples where every character had their own story? </b></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12096764010151024050noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395886755359070021.post-49899191945288558762011-03-28T05:00:00.000-07:002011-03-28T05:00:17.012-07:00Double-SidedDouble-sided tape is the <i>best </i>invention ever. Seriously.<br />
<br />
And I think you should aspire to the awesomeness of double-sided tape. Here's how:<br />
<br />
1. You're story should be <i>smooth</i> with no creases and wrinkles. It should look and seem flawless. (Even if every writer out there knows it took a crapload of effort. It shouldn't look or feel that way.)<br />
<br />
2. You want your story to <i>stick</i> with people. You want them to feel it long after they've put it down.<br />
<br />
3. You shouldn't waste any words, sentences or scenes. Everything should be multi functional and serving <i>double duty</i> to create layers and impressions and inspire feelings.<br />
<br />
How do you achieve all these? With some natural talent, a desire to improve your craft, critique partners who will point out the flaws and a whole lot of revision.<br />
<br />
But, if you work hard enough, you can be as awesome as double sided tape!<br />
<br />
Good luck.<br />
<br />
<i>I apologize for the lameness of this post. School is currently frying my brains. I don't have enough cells left to create something brilliant.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<b>What do you want to be like? How was your weekend?</b>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12096764010151024050noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395886755359070021.post-17075717944806709972011-03-25T05:00:00.005-07:002011-03-25T05:00:16.381-07:00Zombies should be dead<div>I understand the interest and psychological associations with vampires (death and lust), werewolves (beast within), goblins (greed), etc, etc. The roots of most mythological creatures have some form in logic. And I appreciate that.</div><div><br />
</div><div>There's one that doesn't. Zombies. What the <i>hell </i>is the point?</div><div><br />
</div><div>They are mindless, rotting corpses, have no character and are obsessed with eating brains. Maybe they are rooted in our gluttony? Maybe people write zombie apocalypses as a way to illustrate how the destruction of mankind will be from us mindlessly turning on each other? Maybe people just want violence?</div><div><br />
I don't know.<br />
<br />
</div><div>But with zombie's, we're being cheated of the best part - a villain. </div><div><br />
</div><div>When a protagonist struggles against the threat, I'm sorry, but they look like <i>morons</i>. If you can't protect yourself against something that can't think...I don't know how you make it through the day. (I do understand it's about the numbers but that just isn't enough to satisfy me.)</div><div><br />
</div><div>Zombies are all <i>the same</i>. The associated plots aren't any better: Impossible odds (numbers and hard to kill), some weird sickness (that is never explained) started it all, it's the apocalypse, blah, blah, blah. They are interchangeable in the worst way.</div><div><br />
</div><div>They're supposed to be scary. But, they aren't. Empty bodies walking around, groaning and moaning doesn't inspire any sort of fear. What scares me the most? The fact that so many people like them. </div><div><br />
</div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Are you pro or anti zombie? </span></b></div><div><b><br />
</b></div><div><b>If you're into zombies please explain why, argue your point! I really do want to know why people like them.</b></div><div><b><br />
</b></div><div><b>If you hate them, tell me why (so I don't feel like the only person on the planet who does!)!</b></div><div><b><br />
</b></div><div><b>Is their any other mythological creature you hate/don't understand?</b></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12096764010151024050noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395886755359070021.post-69985229501304016132011-03-23T05:00:00.007-07:002011-03-23T05:00:00.815-07:00Don't settle, you deserve morePeople, I'm telling you, you need a critique group (or at least a critique partner). Seriously, if you don't have one, you need to go out and get one. Now.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>That being said, the first group you join may not be the right one for you. And if that's the case you need to consider cutting them lose. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Here's some things to keep in mind when deciding if a group is working for you:</div><div><br />
</div><div>1. Are they investing as much energy into your work as you're investing into theirs? </div><div><br />
</div><div>2. Do you share different writing strengths so that you can truly compliment and help each other?</div><div><br />
</div><div>3. Are your writing levels moderately the same?</div><div><br />
</div><div>4. Are you interested in their stories? (If you aren't, you are setting yourself up for a whole world of pain and agony.)</div><div><br />
</div><div>5. Is the group operating in a way that works for you? (However formal or informal you want that to be.)</div><div><br />
</div><div>6. Do you get along with the other members?</div><div><br />
</div><div>7. Are you happy? (This is, by far, the most important and all the other factors will play into this one.)</div><div><br />
</div><div>Having people you trust who can look at your work objectively is very important. But, don't settle for just anyone. Look for the group that is going to fit you and your story the best.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Do you have a critique group? How did you know it was the right one? </b><br />
<b>Have you had any bad experiences with Critique groups? </b></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12096764010151024050noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395886755359070021.post-70518677605261455542011-03-21T05:00:00.001-07:002011-03-21T05:00:03.039-07:00Act first, think later.Mia (my cat), my dog, Mom and I were all enjoying a nice walk. Another, off leash dog, came towards us. I put Mia on my shoulder. Unfortunately, her tail was hanging down and the, nameless, black dog sniffed it. <div><br />
</div><div>Mia freaked. Hissing, spitting, and twice her normal size from her fur standing on end, she leaped from my shoulder and hit the floor. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I tugged so hard on her leash she was airborne, flying back towards me. I grabbed her round the middle and she scrambled onto the back of my neck, all puffy and perturbed. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I laughed my (according to Mom) nervous If-This-Situation-Actually-Scared-Me-I-May-Burst-Into-Tears-Any-Second laugh. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Later, Mom described it as just seeing a giant Mia soaring through the air, hitting the ground and then flying again. The entire thing took seconds. Mom couldn't even sort out what was happening while it did. </div><div><br />
</div><div>But to me, the situation was very clear. Mia, my four pound ball of fluff, being on the ground with two 60+ pound dogs who want to play with her, while she's terrified, was an awful situation. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I didn't think. I just reacted. Thoughts and all that other stuff came later. </div><div><br />
</div><div>And that is something every writer should keep in mind when writing an action scene. Your characters aren't going to be thinking about what to do or how to do it. They are going to react. Immediately. They can think later when they, and everyone they care about, is safe. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Just something to keep in mind while you are writing or editing this week. </div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Do you react before you think? Are action scenes easy or hard for you? </b></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12096764010151024050noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395886755359070021.post-81323468773798540202011-03-18T05:00:00.000-07:002011-03-18T05:00:16.961-07:00Demotivational posters are the new motivation!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Uw3KQ0z1xKg/TX2dcx9imOI/AAAAAAAAAe4/iZE7OwYmyzk/s1600/game+over.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Uw3KQ0z1xKg/TX2dcx9imOI/AAAAAAAAAe4/iZE7OwYmyzk/s320/game+over.jpg" width="320" /></a>Sometimes, it's better not to look in the rear view mirror. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">You may not like what you see. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">However, this weekend, you should look at some of your old writing. Feel free to cringe and groan and laugh at what you thought was a brilliant metaphor. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">And then, see how far you've come. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Then, recognize this: you are only going to get better. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">It isn't even close to Game Over for you yet. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yxHIgBZqtQs/TX2dddeCIkI/AAAAAAAAAe8/WFmQromFbgo/s1600/hangovers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yxHIgBZqtQs/TX2dddeCIkI/AAAAAAAAAe8/WFmQromFbgo/s320/hangovers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sometimes, you just want to go out and have fun. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Allowing yourself to relax is important, but make sure you're getting everything you need to get done first. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Otherwise, you'll regret those hours of nothingness when you have to get back to work. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Besides, you'll enjoy the free time more if you've earned it. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Give yourself a couple of goals this weekend, complete them, and then, celebrate!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>How far have you come in your writing? What are your goals this weekend? </b></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12096764010151024050noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395886755359070021.post-42846398865574674042011-03-16T05:00:00.006-07:002011-03-16T05:00:14.046-07:00The results are in!!!Remember two weeks ago when I was freaking out about <a href="http://melissa-throughthelookingglass.blogspot.com/2011/03/fake-it-until-you-make-it.html">an interview</a> and wouldn't tell you what it was about?<br />
<br />
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-yXBZbwr1w_I/TX2CvYnRpKI/AAAAAAAAAe0/kK1VdVWKCJc/s1600/paris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-yXBZbwr1w_I/TX2CvYnRpKI/AAAAAAAAAe0/kK1VdVWKCJc/s200/paris.jpg" width="192" /></a>It had something to do with:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The type of streets you just can't find in Canada.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-b-uyFlenolE/TX2CuTBKZvI/AAAAAAAAAek/LdLv8bsnLZI/s1600/amiens1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-b-uyFlenolE/TX2CuTBKZvI/AAAAAAAAAek/LdLv8bsnLZI/s200/amiens1.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: right;">A place called Amiens.......</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3WFzpRMftgk/TX2Cuu7WpJI/AAAAAAAAAeo/fsIfMBGwrJU/s1600/amiens2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3WFzpRMftgk/TX2Cuu7WpJI/AAAAAAAAAeo/fsIfMBGwrJU/s200/amiens2.jpg" width="134" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Which just so happens, has the largest Notre Dame cathedral.....</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fgPzllKy8vU/TX2Cu6XuyuI/AAAAAAAAAes/uspjvhYgqts/s1600/eiffel+tower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fgPzllKy8vU/TX2Cu6XuyuI/AAAAAAAAAes/uspjvhYgqts/s200/eiffel+tower.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: right;">....Amiens is also only an hour from the Eiffel Tower. </div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: right;">It's always been a dream of mine to go to Europe.</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: right;">And I'll be living and studying there, for a month this summer. </div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'll get to visit both Paris and London and do awesome things like climb the Eiffel Tower, go to the Tower of London (torture devices rock!), and stroll along Kensington gardens. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Yeah, life is good. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Again, thank you for all your support with the interview, it helped me get through it and now....<i>one of my dreams is coming true!</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Do you have any good news to share? Have you ever studied abroad? Been to Europe? Where are some places I should look at going (in France or England)? </b></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12096764010151024050noreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395886755359070021.post-80539084482933629502011-03-14T05:00:00.012-07:002011-03-14T05:00:00.446-07:00Kill doubt in five simple stepsI'm a doubter. <div><br />
</div><div>I have a giant Doubt Monster lurking behind me when it comes to the quality of my writing. (I would really appreciate it if two extremely hot brothers who deal with the Supernatural regularly would get on with killing it. I mean, it might as well be a demon.)</div><div><br />
</div><div>When it comes to other books, the Doubt Monster and I curl up on the couch <i>together</i>. I can only suspend my disbelief so far. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Here's some general rules to slay my Doubt Monster when I read your book. (This message is to unpublished and published writers alike. Also, while I say <i>my</i>, I'm positive this can be generalized to encompass most readers.)</div><div><br />
</div><div>1. If two characters are going to be madly in love, I need a bigger reason then she/he's hot. That isn't love, it's lust. And, I'm sorry, but lust isn't worth much more than a quick wham, bam, thank you ma'am!</div><div><br />
</div><div>2. If your character is going to go into a dangerous situation, they need a really good reason. Humans have something called a sense of self-preservation and if they're going to ignore their instincts, I want a <i>why</i>.</div><div><br />
</div><div>3. If there are paranormal or fantasy elements or you're creating a new world (dystopian, fantasy, sci-fi, even a tiny town) then you need a <i>solid</i> and logical foundation. Without a basic set of rules and standards, you have nothing to offer me but chaos and a world that makes no sense. </div><div><br />
</div><div>4. Never use characters for plot purposes alone. I don't care if you need Minor Character X in a bar to let slip Important Fact Y to your MC. If Minor Character X is only there to tell MC something, I will notice. And I will not be happy. Just like Main Characters, Minor Characters need to have their own purposes, motivations and goals - it doesn't matter if the reader knows them but it sure as heck matters if <i>you </i>do. </div><div><br />
</div><div>5. A plot twist is only a plot twist if it happens right in front of me. Meaning, that, once the twist is revealed, I should be able to look back at your story and see there was hints the whole time, they were just so subtle and well done that I didn't pick up on it. Blatant lying to create a plot twist isn't a good illusion, it's a cheap parlor trick and breaks the author/reader trust. </div><div><br />
</div><div><b>How do you feel when you encounter things on this list? Do you have anything to add? </b></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12096764010151024050noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395886755359070021.post-49974072972902501642011-03-11T05:00:00.000-08:002011-03-11T05:00:04.568-08:00If pictures say a thousand words....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's final project time now. My next month or so is going to be a study in sleep deprivation and working myself into a coma. But then I'm off. I can't decide whether I want time to speed up (so it can be over already) or slow down (so I can finish everything without killing myself - accidentally, of course). (Also, I probably won't be as good at getting to your blogs so I'm sorry and I still think your awesome but something has to give!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So today, all I've got for you is this: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A collage of ******** </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(AKA pictures that remind me of My-Top-Secret-Fantasy-World)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WN1Q2VLlIkM/TXnPVoPSIcI/AAAAAAAAAeg/BLDYqoYG1bM/s1600/background.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WN1Q2VLlIkM/TXnPVoPSIcI/AAAAAAAAAeg/BLDYqoYG1bM/s320/background.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Do you make collages or draw pictures? </b><br />
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Also, please let me live vicariously through you, <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What are your plans this weekend?</span></b>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12096764010151024050noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395886755359070021.post-73510568385278480242011-03-09T05:00:00.006-08:002011-03-09T05:00:04.327-08:00It's the little thingsWhen your having one of <i>those </i>days, the kind where you just don't know how you're going to make it through.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RFblvYxS4tQ/TXbi-5vfW2I/AAAAAAAAAeU/lPUhPdyzxNU/s1600/erica+and+melissa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RFblvYxS4tQ/TXbi-5vfW2I/AAAAAAAAAeU/lPUhPdyzxNU/s320/erica+and+melissa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Opening your messages to something like this, hits you just the right way. You can feel your stress evaporating because no matter how bad your day was going, someone gives a crap. They're there, even when they didn't know you needed them. And that's special.<br />
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I've had enough superficial and fair-weather friends to know that finding true, real friends is <i>rare</i>. Take in the odds of how big the world is and you could never find anyone whose going to stick with you no matter what. Who <i>understands </i>you and your dreams, who you can both laugh and be vulnerable with, who is unfailingly encouraging and supportive.<br />
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I owe blogger a lot because it made the world a small enough place for me to find a person like that.<br />
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This post is dedicated to <span id="goog_2050080356"></span><a href="http://ericaspickard.blogspot.com/">Erica Mitchell-Spickard</a><span id="goog_2050080357"></span> for being the kind of friend I've always needed. And the twin I always wanted. Applebee's won't know what hit em! I hope this post makes your day as much as you made mine on Monday.<br />
<br />
And seriously you guys, you need to check out <a href="http://ericaspickard.blogspot.com/">Erica's blog</a>. She's doing this awesome series on her writing journey and the things she's learned along the way. You'll find yourself relating, laughing and cringing, all at the same time. Plus, it's illustrated so there's fun pictures like this:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JjLKUNuk0uA/TXbpEZbvTFI/AAAAAAAAAeY/o2ILJ-1dzQI/s1600/adverb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JjLKUNuk0uA/TXbpEZbvTFI/AAAAAAAAAeY/o2ILJ-1dzQI/s200/adverb.png" width="200" /></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YMsm31-dulQ/TXbpEe3RnjI/AAAAAAAAAec/uRqLVpz6290/s1600/backspace.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YMsm31-dulQ/TXbpEe3RnjI/AAAAAAAAAec/uRqLVpz6290/s200/backspace.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>What has blogger done for you? </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i>If there's someone in your life whose awesome, and makes this journey easier and better, tell them. You never know, you could be turning a bad day into a good one. </i></b></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12096764010151024050noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395886755359070021.post-56734345484465657172011-03-07T05:00:00.001-08:002011-03-07T05:00:17.349-08:00It's all about the frameworkWhen I was younger, Mom bought a Tiger T-shirt. She loved the imagery on it so much, she framed it. <div><br />
</div><div>That sounds kind of silly, doesn't it? Framing a shirt. </div><div><br />
</div><div>But, people comment on how gorgeous the Tiger picture is. They choose it over the other pictures and paintings in our living room. I always laugh because I <i>know </i>it's a shirt. When I tell them, they never believe me. </div><div><br />
</div><div>If Mom had just worn the shirt, people would've probably thought it was nice, but they wouldn't be stunned by it. And, from this scenario, I've learned a valuable lesson. </div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Presentation matters.</b></div><div><br />
</div><div>What you show and don't show counts. Where you draw the readers attention counts. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Framing your story incorrectly can make an excellent idea boring just as framing a mediocre idea well can make it a huge success. </div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Do you struggle with framing your story?</b></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12096764010151024050noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395886755359070021.post-77121961796354312011-03-04T05:00:00.001-08:002011-03-04T05:00:12.333-08:00Imagination will be the death of me<i>I just want to thank everyone for all your encouragement on my last post. I was totally freaking out and yet again, you guys amaze me with how supportive and understanding you are. It wasn't as bad as I feared - my interviewers were very kind and the interview was much more like a conversation than an interview. And conversations...I'm good at those. I'll know the results by March 15th, and I'll obviously let you know (and reveal what this whole thing was about!). </i><br />
<br />
I honestly think I'd be bored all the time without my imagination. But sometimes, I wish it wasn't so hyperactive. Especially on nights like last night.<br />
<br />
Picture it:<br />
<br />
You're home alone, trying to write an essay. You're dog starts barking and growling like he's been possessed. It startles you so badly you knock your laptop to the floor. You tell your dog to cut it out but he's staring out the slightly open window, hackles raised.<br />
<br />
There's something out there. <i>It's just a cat or a squirrel</i>, you tell yourself. But your heart still beats too fast. Then there's a flash of light followed by the rolling boom of thunder. The lights in your living room flicker, briefly plunging you into darkness.<br />
<br />
You <i>know </i>what this all means. You've seen enough TV, read enough books. It means there's a demonic spirit or ghost and you're going to die......<br />
<br />
Every creak and shadow in my house had me gritting my teeth and picturing my own murder. Needless to say, I didn't get any sleep.<br />
<br />
I wouldn't trade my imagination for anything but boy, sometimes I wish I could turn it off.<br />
<br />
<b>Does your imagination ever get away from you? </b>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12096764010151024050noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395886755359070021.post-41311798827188373682011-03-02T05:00:00.016-08:002011-03-02T14:58:28.362-08:00Fake it until you make itI have a really important interview today. If all goes well, one of my dreams will come true.<br />
<br />
Talk about pressure.<br />
<br />
I'm pretty sure three people are interviewing me at the same time. Those odds are <i>imposing</i>. I'm already shrinking. My insides are ripping themselves into bloody tatters (yes, it feels as gross as it sounds).<br />
<br />
I've never liked interviews. (Who does?)My aversion is kind of weird though: I'm extroverted and social, I love being the center of attention and, at the risk of sounding narcissistic, I can talk about myself for hours. I think it may have something to do with the formality of it all. I'm not good in formal situations, they never fail to make me fidget.<br />
<br />
There's only one way I'm going to get through tomorrow. I'm going to have to fake it - plaster on my charming smile, laugh instead of puking, and project confidence. I have to make them want me as much as I want this.<br />
<br />
But, I figure, if I fake it with enough conviction maybe I won't be faking it at all.<br />
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<b>How do you get through uncomfortable situations? Have you ever done something you hated to make a dream of yours become a reality?</b>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12096764010151024050noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395886755359070021.post-85957941791813349252011-02-28T05:00:00.000-08:002011-02-28T05:00:07.536-08:00Book Wars 7<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">Before I dive into this weeks installment of Book Wars, I have a link you should check out. My awesome friend <a href="http://gardenfulloflily.blogspot.com/">Jennie Bailey</a> interviewed me for her Paws and Learn blog about my cat. If you want to know why I walk my cat, you should <a href="http://pawsandlearnhumane.blogspot.com/2011/02/wait-you-walk-your-cat.html">check it out</a>!</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">On to this week's installmen</span>t <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">of Book Wars - the entirely positive battle between books I read this week.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">(Click on the book titles to be redirected to their Goodreads page) </span></div><div><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-f2i6efWf5FQ/TWtzOFRkgRI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/tCB7EpPHREs/s1600/red+riding+hood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-f2i6efWf5FQ/TWtzOFRkgRI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/tCB7EpPHREs/s200/red+riding+hood.jpg" width="134" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9349915-red-riding-hood">Red Riding Hood</a> by Sarah Blakley-Cartwright</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">So this book is based on the screenplay for the movie coming out on March 11th. That being said, this book has no ending so it's hard to give you my overall opinion on it. (I did not know there was no ending when I bought it.) Apparently <a href="http://www.redridinghoodbook.com/">the final chapter of the book</a> (the one that ties everything together) isn't going to be released until March 14th (so people have time to see the movie). I guess they want the ending to be a surprise. But, without an ending, I feel I have nothing more to say about the book than: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">it provides some interesting background information on the village the characters live in that I'm sure the movie won't.</span></span></div><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>VS.</b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pQtJ7IPq1Bs/TWtzNv4LzoI/AAAAAAAAAeM/j_nTTMATvgg/s1600/bloodthirsty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pQtJ7IPq1Bs/TWtzNv4LzoI/AAAAAAAAAeM/j_nTTMATvgg/s200/bloodthirsty.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7670109-bloodthirsty">Bloodthirsty</a> by Flynn Meaney</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">My favorite thing about this book is the humor. The MC Finbar is an awkward, pale kid with a 'perfect' twin brother who wants nothing more than to get a girl but has had nothing but awful luck so far. He keeps up to date with pop culture and realizes he can use the vampire trend to his advantage. If you don't think a high school boy pretending to be a vampire is funny on it's own...well, there's lots of other humor in here too. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This Week's Winner:</span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Bloodthirsty</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> wins, hands down - and not just because it has an ending! This book is a believable portrayal of high school. It's relateable because pretty much everyone has done something crazy to get the attention of the opposite sex. At one point in our lives, we've all wanted to be someone else. This book is so funny because of its honesty. If you've ever been on the Vampire Book Bandwagon (and seriously, who hasn't been at one point or another?) I definitely recommend this book. </span></span></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12096764010151024050noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395886755359070021.post-91546240230170545172011-02-23T05:00:00.001-08:002011-02-23T05:00:06.832-08:00What's your stance?<div>I'd like to preface this post by asking your forgiveness. Please forgive me for the lack of creativity that is about to follow. I'm sick and actually curious to know how you'd answer.</div><div><br />
</div><div>What's your opinion on chapter introductions? </div><div><br />
</div><div>Do you like numbers? (For example, Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, etc)</div><div><br />
</div><div>Do you like chapter titles that tell you the main subject of the following text? (For example, Cassandra Clare's City Of Bones: 1 Pandemonium, 2 Secrets and Lies, 3 Shadowhunter, etc)</div><div><br />
</div><div>Do you like chapter titles that subtlety give you information but use humor to do so (and take out numbers all together)? (For example, Kiersten White's Paranormalcy: Oh, bite me; A population of nightmares; Not - Me And I)</div><div><br />
</div><div>Do you like chapter headings that reveal more about a character's interests? (For example, Carrie Jones'</div><div>Need (her MC is obsessed with phobias): Phobophobia: fear of phobias; Mnemophobia: fear of memories; Didaskaleinophobia: fear of going to school, etc)</div><div><br />
</div><div>Do you notice chapter titles at all or do you just read the story? </div><div><br />
</div><div>Have you noticed another way to introduce a chapter I haven't mentioned? </div><div><br />
</div><div>So, tell me, <b>What's your opinion?</b></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12096764010151024050noreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395886755359070021.post-88640623492145076802011-02-21T05:00:00.000-08:002011-02-21T05:00:16.769-08:00Book Wars 6It's finally time for another Book Wars - the entirely positive battle to win best book of the week!<br />
<br />
For more information on any of these books, press their name and you'll be redirected to their goodreads page.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XU_NLkeebj0/TWHlXylG8NI/AAAAAAAAAeI/IS8dY2OOO7Y/s1600/Practical+Magic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XU_NLkeebj0/TWHlXylG8NI/AAAAAAAAAeI/IS8dY2OOO7Y/s200/Practical+Magic.jpg" width="128" /></a><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22896.Practical_Magic">Practical Magic</a> by Alice Hoffman<br />
<br />
This book is written in a pretty unique way. It's like an epic fairytale in the Hans Christian Anderson or Grimm Brothers style except it's a longer story.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">VS.</span></div><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HV0hT3bk_uY/TWHlX226BtI/AAAAAAAAAeE/ZRNyAAh-Dbs/s1600/Oscar+Wao.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HV0hT3bk_uY/TWHlX226BtI/AAAAAAAAAeE/ZRNyAAh-Dbs/s200/Oscar+Wao.jpg" width="132" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/297673.The_Brief_Wondrous_Life_of_Oscar_Wao">The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao</a> by Junot Diaz<br />
<br />
This novel is all about how one generation living in a dictatorship affects all future generations. My favorite part was the historical footnotes spread throughout where I learned about Trujillo the dictator in the Dominican Republic from 1930-1961. I never realized the horrors that country faced, we never learned about it in school though this guy was arguably as horrible as Hitler. The only difference? He didn't leave a paper trail behind him - just a scarred country terrified into silence.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ul9VhIHRR2s/TWHlXv8TabI/AAAAAAAAAeA/5mWdkeFp2X0/s1600/i+am+not+a+serial+killer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ul9VhIHRR2s/TWHlXv8TabI/AAAAAAAAAeA/5mWdkeFp2X0/s200/i+am+not+a+serial+killer.jpg" width="133" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">VS.</span></div><br />
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7617119-i-am-not-a-serial-killer">I Am Not A Serial Killer</a> by Dan Wells<br />
The First book in the John Cleaver series<br />
<br />
The Main Character John's struggle with his own natural inclinations. Having a MC whose worst enemy is himself makes for truly interesting psychological elements. I was questioning my own inclinations right along with John.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>The Winner This Week</b></div><br />
Without a doubt, I pick I Am Not A Serial Killer by Dan Wells. The writing in this novel was clean, it painted vivid pictures in my mind (which wasn't always a great thing - some of it's gross!), and was just plain amazing. I found the MC relatable (which, unfortunately, makes me worry about the state of my mind since he is a sociopath). The details about famous serial killers was super interesting. I enjoyed the plot. Honestly, I don't really have anything negative to say. I highly recommend this book to everyone who enjoys the crime shows out there (CSI, Criminal Minds, Castle, etc).<br />
<br />
<b>What have you read recently? What are you reading right now? </b>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12096764010151024050noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395886755359070021.post-46784819203941602622011-02-18T06:00:00.005-08:002011-02-18T06:00:01.377-08:00We make our own dragons!<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I met a dragon* last night. Thing was scaly, with talons and spikes.</div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">You know what I was told to do when I was staring open mouthed and apprehensive? Touch it. Pick it up. </div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I was thinking: <i>Are you nuts</i>. Dragon has scales! Talons! Spikes! It's teeth could rip my finger off!</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I picked one up anyway. (After some convincing of course.)</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">And guess what? The scales weren't that rough. The talons curled around my finger (in a nice way). The spikes were all for show - they were rubber and bendy. The dragon didn't even have teeth!</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">It wasn't so bad. </div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">That's kind of like life too. Sometimes we're terrified just by looking at what's in front of us. Our fear paralyzes us. The worst thing? Sometimes our dreams seem so big and unreachable they may as well be fire-breathing dragons with claws as big as your head.</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">But if we just reach out and grab whatever's terrifying us (unless it's your boss or another person because no one wants sexual harassment charges!) we just might find out, it isn't as awful as we thought it would be. </div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b> Have you ever magnified your fear of something so much that you made it out to be way worse than it ever was? Have you faced any of your fears lately?</b></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">*More specifically, a Bearded Dragon. </div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Also this is my 100th post. I can't believe I've written a hundred of these things and people actually read them! Thanks for being here guys!</div></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12096764010151024050noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395886755359070021.post-54023450066173701842011-02-16T05:30:00.008-08:002011-03-02T15:01:01.956-08:00What kind of eggs are you?My brain feels like several different types of eggs: runny, scrambled <i>and </i>fried. (Midterm week is trying to kill me.)<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>It's really hard, when you put in so much effort and it doesn't seem to be getting you anywhere. No matter what you do, how hard you try, how little you sleep - it's never enough. It's hellish.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I know I'm not the only student out there dealing with too much homework, but sometimes, it really feels like it. Sometimes, when you're struggling you can't help but feel alone.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>All I really have to say today is this: </b></div><div><br />
</div><div>No matter what you are struggling with right now (issues at home/work/school, writing, editing, or querying), no matter how hard it is, how stressful, and no matter how much you feel like you aren't enough, you are going to get through this. It isn't the end it feels like.</div><div><br />
</div><div>You <i>are </i>enough. You always were and always will be. As long as you believe that's true (cause it is), you can do anything. </div><div><br />
</div><div>And, if today is one of the days when you can't muster up that belief, know this: <i>I still believe in you</i>.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>What kind of eggs are you right now(Scrambled, fried, runny, overeasy, hard-boiled, steamed or sunny side up)? </b></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12096764010151024050noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395886755359070021.post-27839082621756683532011-02-14T06:00:00.007-08:002011-03-02T07:47:07.286-08:00Just Kiss Already<a href="http://www.write-brained.com/">Christina Lee</a> and <a href="http://www.stinalindenblatt.com/">Stina</a> teamed up to bring us this blogfest. Check out the other entries <a href="http://www.write-brained.com/2011/01/just-kiss-already-blogfest.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
This excerpt is from my next story idea. I plan to write this book when school's out but here's a glimpse into my novel writing future (in less than 250 words):<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">The tip of Fay’s dagger presses against my throat. The heat of her wild magic makes my throat itch and burn but if I move, I know she’ll kill me. Morgana <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">could</i> bring me back from the dead but I know I won’t come back right. I’d be as mindless and empty as Mom after Morgana tried it on her. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I say, “I didn’t know you’d be here.” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“You’re at <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">my</i> house, Oliver.” Green sparks run up and down her black hair.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I take a mental photograph of the way her body curves, all coiled power and sin. I know my memory won’t do her justice but it’s all I have since she decided Morgana and I were evil.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“We don’t have to be enemies Fay. Morgana’s prepared to forgive you for betraying-” I shut up when Fay flips her dagger into her wrist holster and wraps her tiny fingers around my throat. It’s so nice to have her touching me again. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Fay’s grip tightens but then she drops her hands. Her breath tickles my neck, “I can’t kill you Ollie. I should but-”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“You still love me.” I whisper.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">She bites her lip and my resistance crumbles. If she finds the courage to finish me, so be it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I kiss her. And she’s kissing me back, as untamed and feverish as ever. I’m unsure how much my heart can swell before it bursts. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Fay should know she’s never needed daggers or magic to kill me.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Let me know what you think! How was your weekend? Any plans this week? </b>(It's midterm week for me...excuse me while I go off and <i>die</i>! Except, not really, because that's way too melodramatic.)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>Also, Happy Valentines Day! </b></span></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12096764010151024050noreply@blogger.com58tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395886755359070021.post-91133387445269045962011-02-11T05:00:00.001-08:002011-02-11T05:00:22.851-08:00How are you leaving them?Your first line needs to be <i>everything</i>. You know that. But did you know that your last line is, essentially the yang to the first line's ying?<br />
<br />
The last thing any reader is going to see of your book, is going to be the last line. It has to satisfy them because there's nothing else after that. It needs to be memorable, special and definitely not cheesy. It needs to match the everything of your first sentence. It needs to balance out.<br />
<br />
I mean, if a book were a sandwich, you wouldn't put one slice of baked-from-scratch-bread on top (the first line), mouthwatering-pick-your-favorite-fillings in the middle (your story) and dry-left-out-on-the-counter-too-long-store-bought-bread on the bottom. It just doesn't make sense.<br />
<br />
When I'm browsing books in the store I always look at covers first (Yeah, I know that's shallow), then I skim the first lines but, because there's so much pressure on them, usually these are good. Finally, I read the last line. And, honestly, a lot of them suck, or are cheesy, or are interchangeable (they could end <i>any </i>story). That definitely makes me question what's in the middle. It makes me doubt the writer and if someone hasn't promised me the book is worth my time I will <i>never </i>read that book.<br />
<br />
It all really comes down to this, I think your last line says more about what kind of writer you are then your first.<br />
<br />
Maybe that's just my opinion but, when you look at your manuscript, at the journey your readers will go through, I want you to look at your last line. Was the journey worth it?<br />
<br />
The real question is this: how do you want to leave your readers?<br />
<br />
<b>Thoughts on the last line? Do you ever read a last line before you start? Are you proud of your last line? Any other thing in writing books that is so important but you think get's overlooked?</b>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12096764010151024050noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395886755359070021.post-68016853313084035012011-02-09T05:00:00.002-08:002011-02-09T07:34:31.852-08:00Books that tell a story<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">What happens when you are delirious from sleep deprivation, spend five hours dissecting the fall of the Byzantine Empire then try and think of an easy blog post? You think: why don't I take a picture of some of the books in my to be read pile. But what happens is, you end up making a short story based only on book titles. At least, that's what happened to me. (Also, do not try to stack 24 books on top of each other. It's a bad idea)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2xGr9ymCP8k/TVIZfbbPw6I/AAAAAAAAAd8/dwYl8Fp1Hp4/s1600/bookstory+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2xGr9ymCP8k/TVIZfbbPw6I/AAAAAAAAAd8/dwYl8Fp1Hp4/s320/bookstory+005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Vixen</b>, <b>The Child Thief</b>, cast a <b>Shadowspell</b> on <b>the univited</b> while her partner <b>The Necromancer </b>(the one on <b>The Demon King's Hate List</b>) applied <b>The Grimm Legacy</b> to the <b>Guardian</b>s <b>of the gate</b> just because <b>Thirteen Days To Midnight</b>, <b>Mr. Monster </b>had said "<b>I Am Not A Serial Killer</b>." <b>The Exiled Queen</b>, living in <b>Dust City</b>, heard <b>Newes From The Dead</b> about <b>Red Riding Hood</b>. Red riding hood encouraged <b>The Alchemyst</b>, <b>The Magician </b>and <b>The Pathfinder</b> to use <b>Hex Hall</b> to find the <b>Prophecy Of The Sisters</b> in order to stop the <b>Bloodthirsty Revolution </b>started by the monsters of <b>The Reformed Vampire Support Group</b>.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>How do you relax after a long day? Do you frequently start a simple task and then turn it into something complicated....by accident?</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
Also, I'd like to thank <a href="http://www.write-brained.com/">Christina Lee</a> for doing a post several months ago where she turned her book titles into a poem. It was the inspiration for this one!</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12096764010151024050noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-395886755359070021.post-9772409336167678632011-02-04T04:51:00.000-08:002011-02-04T04:51:06.780-08:00It's only clever if it worksI love Mom dearly, really I do. She's an amazing woman and I wouldn't be who I am today without her ceaseless support. That being said, I suggest you avoid being like her.*<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>See, Mom was cooking chicken and realized she was doing way too much for two people. What does she do? She takes the excess and puts it in the dog's bowl. Then buries the chicken under a mountain of kibble. "Can't give it to him too easily. He should work for the good stuff." She said. </div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2xGr9ymCP8k/TUvJMwZFiFI/AAAAAAAAAd4/T5pH7xdEEbE/s1600/Obstacles%2521+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2xGr9ymCP8k/TUvJMwZFiFI/AAAAAAAAAd4/T5pH7xdEEbE/s200/Obstacles%2521+010.JPG" width="150" /></a>My dog stared at the bowl. Sniffed it a few times. Then stared at Mom like, <i>what - why'd you do that</i>? Eventually, he shoved all the kibble aside - knocking it all over the floor in the process - and ate the chicken. And, oddly enough, he never finished his dinner - I know because when Mom went to feed him tonight she noticed the bowl was still mostly full. </div><div><br />
</div><div>The moral of the story is this: you aren't being clever when you hide the good stuff (basically the juicy, meaty bits) in your book under a bunch of dry stuff. You're just forcing the reader to search for it. They won't be happy and once they get what they're looking for, they'll leave your book half-finished. There'll also be a mess left behind (and this will probably be your reputation because why would they trust you again?!).</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Any clever tricks authors have tried to pull on you lately? Any awesome plans for the weekend (seriously, tell me, all I've got to look forward to is piles of homework!)?</b></div><div><b><br />
</b></div><div>*When I say don't be like Mom, I really only mean in this case. You'd probably love her if you met her. She rocks! (Love you Mom.)</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12096764010151024050noreply@blogger.com33