Monday, January 30, 2012
Music Challenge
I'm late to the game, but I couldn't pass this up because I love music and it sounds like awesome fun so I'm doing this!
Jani at Life Debateable issued a challenge last week ..... Blog about a song that reflects one of your main character's characteristics. I want to get to know your MC and what better way than to have some fun with it, right?
**I don't have a "set" title for my current WIP (I have it dwindled down to two.) It's a YA Urban Fantasy (as of now.) My MC's name is Kara. The song below describes her feelings after a break-up, which leaves her vulnerable, empty, broken. We've all been there.
Kara - Fool Of Me by Me’Shell Ndegeocello
Lyrics | Me’Shell Ndegeocello - Fool of Me lyrics
**The song below is for my finished YA Sci-fi, BREATHE FOR ME.
My MC's name is Hadley. She has supernatural powers and kicks some serious butt when it comes to martial arts, but has she met her match in the doctor that's extorting her?
Hadley- Skin and Bones by David J. Roch
Don't lose your soul as your eyes roll shut
Don't worry, it will be over
Hold on though, you're alone, I am there with you
That much at least I can promise
You know what's to come to not accept this
Don't lose your soul, you must fight for each breath
Don't go quietly
Don't cry out for God
Just breathe in and out
Don't cry out for God
Just breathe in and out
We are but lambs to the slaughter now
I have no fear of death itself
So don't try and save me and please, God, forsake me
I'll suffer alone, I just want to be left
My soul has flown and I am what is left
I am skin and bones
Friday, January 27, 2012
There's No Crying In Baseball
Tear jerkers. There are movies and books that, no matter how many times I watch and/or read them, I always end up in tears. Crying isn't a bad thing. I firmly believe it's good for the soul. A release of sorts that frees us and makes us feel whole again.
Here are a few movies and books that make the water works flow for me.
A League of Their Own (1992)
"There's no crying in baseball," Coach Jimmy Dugan says to Evelyn.
Well, sorry Coach, but I cry at this movie every single time.
Maybe it's the sisterly bond in the movie that's tattered and slowly put back together again near the end.
Or perhaps it's because I feel connected to it. I played catcher in softball from 6th grade - Senior year and loved every minute of it. And the girls were like family to me.
I don't know the exact reason for the tears.
I do know, I cry. And have uncontrollable sobbing when **SPOILER** Coach Dugan has to give one of his players the news that her husband was killed in war. It's a gut wrenching thing that tears me up every time.
Marley & Me (author: John Grogan)
Marley & Me (Movie: 2008)
I watched this movie and cried my eyes out. The dog brought such comical chaos to the family, but yet gave love and loyalty ten-fold. Animals are special like that. Susan, a dear friend of mine, recommended I read the book. So, I did because 1) Susan is one of the best advice givers out there and 2) I love to read.
I ended up feeling even stronger emotion when I read it than seeing it played on the screen.
The Notebook (novel: Nicholas Sparks)
The Notebook (movie: 2004)
I'm a sucker for Nicholas Sparks. He has a beautiful way of telling a love story, you feel like you're right there in his book. The tears shed here are bittersweet ... Noah loves Allie like no other and will go through whatever life throws at them to show her, but they go through hell to get there.
Steel Magnolias (1989)
Six women, a hair salon, gossip galore.
But it's the friendships - kindred spirits
that these women share that make the movie.
**SPOILER** One of them passes away.
The funeral scene crushed me -
the mother was in such pain for
her deceased daughter, I ended up
bawling my eyes out.
Are there any movies or books that cause you to cry or get choked up? Or do you prefer to steer clear of sappy films?
Here are a few movies and books that make the water works flow for me.
"There's no crying in baseball," Coach Jimmy Dugan says to Evelyn.
Well, sorry Coach, but I cry at this movie every single time.
Maybe it's the sisterly bond in the movie that's tattered and slowly put back together again near the end.
Or perhaps it's because I feel connected to it. I played catcher in softball from 6th grade - Senior year and loved every minute of it. And the girls were like family to me.
I don't know the exact reason for the tears.
I do know, I cry. And have uncontrollable sobbing when **SPOILER** Coach Dugan has to give one of his players the news that her husband was killed in war. It's a gut wrenching thing that tears me up every time.
Marley & Me (Movie: 2008)
I watched this movie and cried my eyes out. The dog brought such comical chaos to the family, but yet gave love and loyalty ten-fold. Animals are special like that. Susan, a dear friend of mine, recommended I read the book. So, I did because 1) Susan is one of the best advice givers out there and 2) I love to read.
I ended up feeling even stronger emotion when I read it than seeing it played on the screen.
The Notebook (movie: 2004)
I'm a sucker for Nicholas Sparks. He has a beautiful way of telling a love story, you feel like you're right there in his book. The tears shed here are bittersweet ... Noah loves Allie like no other and will go through whatever life throws at them to show her, but they go through hell to get there.
Steel Magnolias (1989)
Six women, a hair salon, gossip galore.
But it's the friendships - kindred spirits
that these women share that make the movie.
**SPOILER** One of them passes away.
The funeral scene crushed me -
the mother was in such pain for
her deceased daughter, I ended up
bawling my eyes out.
Are there any movies or books that cause you to cry or get choked up? Or do you prefer to steer clear of sappy films?
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Writing Fuel
When I write, I like to have snacks on hand. I refer to these foods as my "writing fuel." When I'm hungry, I end up shutting down, which is not good when I want to write. I have my writing comfort foods that help to give me energy while my brain plots, revises, etc.
Since I LOVE to eat, I have a long list of foods I could name, but I'll spare you and only list my top 5 that I like to eat while I write:
Chips & Salsa
I eat this almost everyday. For real. Even when I'm not writing.
It's that good to me.
Fruit or crackers dipped in cottage cheese
Okay, I could live on this stuff, too. Any fruit tastes good, but pineapples, IMO, are the best with cottage cheese.
Dark Chocolate
I love chocolate.
Period.
But dark chocolate is by far my first choice.
Animal Crackers
I've liked these ever since I was little.
There are different flavors,
which are all good.
Pizza
Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner. Snack.
I'll eat it whenever. A mushroom, tomato, & green pepper pizza
is my ultimate choice.
Anyone who knows me knows that I can tear through a pizza
like there's no tomorrow. :)
Do you have any favorite foods that fuel your writing? I'd love to know what they are. :)
Since I LOVE to eat, I have a long list of foods I could name, but I'll spare you and only list my top 5 that I like to eat while I write:
Chips & Salsa
I eat this almost everyday. For real. Even when I'm not writing.
It's that good to me.
Okay, I could live on this stuff, too. Any fruit tastes good, but pineapples, IMO, are the best with cottage cheese.
Dark Chocolate
I love chocolate.
Period.
But dark chocolate is by far my first choice.
I've liked these ever since I was little.
There are different flavors,
which are all good.
Pizza
Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner. Snack.
I'll eat it whenever. A mushroom, tomato, & green pepper pizza
is my ultimate choice.
Anyone who knows me knows that I can tear through a pizza
like there's no tomorrow. :)
Do you have any favorite foods that fuel your writing? I'd love to know what they are. :)
Monday, December 26, 2011
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and that you have many blessings in the new year ahead.
One of my critique partners encouraged me to share my flower talent on my blog so I chose this cute little doggie. He was a hot item at the flower shop this holiday season.
He's made of white carnations, and he sits inside a brown wicker basket. Christmas greens (cedar, pine, and noble fir) and red mini carns surround him. He even has on a tiny pair of reading glasses. 1800Flowers came up with the design. He's super cute and fun to make!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
8 creepy horror movies . . . watch them, if you dare . . .
With Halloween approaching, horror movies come to mind. Sure, I’ll watch a scary movie anytime of the year, but there are 8 that deserve to be recognized for their creep factor.
(I know this ghost isn't scary, but he's totally cute and helps break up the creepiness of the movies below.)
These aren’t necessarily my favorite horror films, but if you want a good scare, watch one of the movies from the list below.
Top 8 Creepy Movies
8. Poltergeist (1982) – a house with ghosts for guests… after this film, I threw out any toys that resembled clowns.
7. The Omen (1976) – Damien was one messed up kid. When movies start messing with stuff like this, it’s totally scary.
6. Salem’s Lot (1979) – Hardcore vampires. Nothing romantic or gorgeous about them in these film.
5. The Hills Have Eyes (2006) Never, I repeat, never take back roads or shortcuts when you’re not familiar with the territory. Hello? Can you say grotesque, sadistic monsters waiting around the corner-- or in this case-- in the hills?
4. The Amityville Horror (1979) – the ultimate in haunted houses. This movie freaked me out.
3.The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) This family had some serious anitsocial issues. Best to stay clear of them.
2. Paranormal Activity 2 (2010) – as if the 1st installment wasn’t bad enough (yes, I screamed at some parts), they came out with a part 2 that trumped the 1st movie in the creepy department.
1. Jeepers Creepers (2001) – Teens driving cross country encounter a creepy creature that drives an even creepier truck. This is the ultimate in scary movies. My description doesn’t do it justice so maybe you should watch it… with the lights on. *Muahahaha*
Okay, so now you know my choices for scary horror movies.
What are some of yours? They don't have to be your favorite, just something that you think is totally creepy and has you checking your doors and sleeping with the lights on.
(I know this ghost isn't scary, but he's totally cute and helps break up the creepiness of the movies below.)
These aren’t necessarily my favorite horror films, but if you want a good scare, watch one of the movies from the list below.
Top 8 Creepy Movies
8. Poltergeist (1982) – a house with ghosts for guests… after this film, I threw out any toys that resembled clowns.
7. The Omen (1976) – Damien was one messed up kid. When movies start messing with stuff like this, it’s totally scary.
6. Salem’s Lot (1979) – Hardcore vampires. Nothing romantic or gorgeous about them in these film.
5. The Hills Have Eyes (2006) Never, I repeat, never take back roads or shortcuts when you’re not familiar with the territory. Hello? Can you say grotesque, sadistic monsters waiting around the corner-- or in this case-- in the hills?
4. The Amityville Horror (1979) – the ultimate in haunted houses. This movie freaked me out.
3.The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) This family had some serious anitsocial issues. Best to stay clear of them.
2. Paranormal Activity 2 (2010) – as if the 1st installment wasn’t bad enough (yes, I screamed at some parts), they came out with a part 2 that trumped the 1st movie in the creepy department.
1. Jeepers Creepers (2001) – Teens driving cross country encounter a creepy creature that drives an even creepier truck. This is the ultimate in scary movies. My description doesn’t do it justice so maybe you should watch it… with the lights on. *Muahahaha*
Okay, so now you know my choices for scary horror movies.
What are some of yours? They don't have to be your favorite, just something that you think is totally creepy and has you checking your doors and sleeping with the lights on.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Pitch Contest with Victoria Marini
Chanelle Gray is hosting an agent judged contest!!!
Victoria Marini of Gelfman Schneider Literary Agents, Inc.
Click here for details:
http://chanellegray.blogspot.com/2011/07/pitch-contest-with-victoria-marini.html
Don't miss out on the wonderful opportunity!!!
Victoria Marini of Gelfman Schneider Literary Agents, Inc.
Click here for details:
http://chanellegray.blogspot.com/2011/07/pitch-contest-with-victoria-marini.html
Don't miss out on the wonderful opportunity!!!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Couple Chemistry
Connection is everything. When I’m reading a book or watching a movie, I want to be able to feel that spark between the two people in love. If their chemistry is off, I’ll shut down and lose interest. But if I can really feel the bond those couples share, they will be tattooed on my brain forever.
Couples with breathtaking chemistry ...
Westley & Buttercup (The Princess Bride)
Come on, it’s Westley & Princess Buttercup. ‘Nuff said.
What’s that? You want to know my other choices? ….As you wish….
Patch & Nora (Hush Hush)This couple’s chemistry is so hot, you seriously
need a fan on you when reading this book.
Noah & Allie (The Notebook)
Their love is what others should aspire to be like.
Edward & Bella (Twilight)
Yeah, I said it. Twilight. Their love for each other is delicious.
Tristran & Yvaine (Stardust)
Yeah, I said it. Twilight. Their love for each other is delicious.
Tristran & Yvaine (Stardust)Star-crossed lovers is an understatement. Love that is this magical should be illegal.
What do you think a couple needs to share in order to capture that chemistry? What are some of your favorite couples in books or movies that have a special connection?
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