Psst... Still there?

I'm still alive.

I keep having to say that. That's a little disturbing.

But really, having to make five posts a week on asidefromthenorm.com and working full time and trying to write... I totally forget I have this blog.

How goes it out there?

I'm Alive!

So much has happened!

I've been in contact with one Mr. Brett Dalton to work on the Pun Fund.

I got a job.

I forgot to write.

And... I'm single again.

Comments? Questions?

Epic Fail

It has been more than a month since I've written in this blog and guess what? Longer than that since I've written on my book. WHY????????

I don't know. So I bought a pallet cleanser.

Finish This Book by Keri Smith

It's actually really fun. And it's so silly it's a really good find.

Let's see if it gets me back to writing!

The Bottom

I am such a horrible blogger. At least recently I have been. But to let you all know, it hasn't been because I don't love you all or because I don't have things to write. 

I've been accepted into a study because I am indeed depressed to the point of suicide. 

I have not attempted it. Let me be clear. But the thought of "I shouldn't be alive" is very prominent.

Please, please, if you get to this point like me, seek help.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, the Lifeline is here to help: call 1–800–273–8255

If you are experiencing any other type of crisis, consider chatting confidentially with a volunteer trained in crisis intervention at www.imalive.org, or anonymously with a trained active listener from 7 Cups of Tea.

And, if you could use some inspiration and comfort in your dashboard, you should consider following the Lifeline on Tumblr.

Beloved Maya Angelou, Rest in Peace

"Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size 
But when I start to tell them,
They think I’m telling lies.
I say,
It’s in the reach of my arms,
The span of my hips, 
The stride of my step, 
The curl of my lips. 
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman, 
That’s me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please, 
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees. 
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees. 
I say,
It’s the fire in my eyes, 
And the flash of my teeth, 
The swing in my waist, 
And the joy in my feet. 
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

Men themselves have wondered 
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can’t touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them, 
They say they still can’t see. 
I say,
It’s in the arch of my back, 
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

Now you understand
Just why my head’s not bowed. 
I don’t shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud. 
When you see me passing,
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It’s in the click of my heels, 
The bend of my hair, 
the palm of my hand, 
The need for my care. 
’Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

”

—	Maya Angelo

A Soldier's Angel

I am a soldier's angel

In a war of words between worlds

About what is wrong

About what is righteous

I am a soldier's girl

It's 3:35 in the morning and I'm sitting down to type this with this song stuck in my head. Stevie Nicks wrote it after visiting veterans in a hospital. I hear it and I think not only of those battles our troops are thrown to but of the battles each of us play a part in. I'm a soldier in an army to keep peace among the abused, the neglected and the forgotten. 

I'm a soldier in their army

They are the soldiers of my heart

I try to make them smile again

Though it tears me apart

Their bravery leaves me spellbound

I try to be a small part

Of bringing them back again

They are the soldiers of my heart

Every damn day I see it. I close my eyes and I think back to all the people I've watched suffer. I think about the people I've pulled from the ashes. I remember the girl who was raped and ran to me for shelter. I remember the girl who's boyfriend thought she was a punching bag. I remember my own boyfriend throwing me down a hall when he was jealous for no reason. I remember seeing a child think that maggots in their home was something normal. I remember so much pain and suffering.

And I remember standing up to right those wrongs.

It's so much, though. It's so hard to be that rock. It's so hard to see all the pain and not want to do something and at the same time I think to myself: "Will there ever be an end to this battle?" It seems like I'm drawn to the suffering. If there are people in pain, if there are people who need protection or help, I find myself there.  

It's 3:42 in the morning and I'm still typing, a bit drunk from being tired. But I've never crawled into a bottle to hide. I've never taking drugs to numb the hurt. Because I'm a soldier.

I am a soldier myself

And no one walks away

From this battle

Only Human

Sorry for the lack of posting. I've been in the hospital. I'd like everyone to meet Tony! 

This beauty of a cyst had wrapped itself around my left ovary so tight that they not only had to remove the cyst, but take my ovary with it. It was the size of a softball. I kid you not.

So, why Tony? Thank my Tumblr friends:

meganegilmore:

Just got home. Had emergency surgery to remove my left ovary and the SOFTBALL SIZED CYST attached to it.

I’m on drugs today so posts will be minimum here and on punmasterbrett. Love you all!!

texts-from-the-bus:

NAME

IT NEEDS A NAME

when you feel better. first you rest up and feel better and then we name your exorcised body parts there is an order to this

homemadepestoaioli:

Seriously, kitten, feel better. One of my best friends had an ovarian cyst removed, and she was trying to go to class the day after surgery. One of the only times my first aid has ever come in handy, because she passed the hell out right into my arms. Luckily, I’m a 5’2” beast and caught her.

But definitely paint or do something creative like that while you’re on the meds. It will be hilarious later.

And, just as a side note, SCAR VIA TONY is an anagram for ‘ovarian cyst’.

I think you should call him Tony. When you get mad, you can be like ‘DAMMIT, STARK.”

meganegilmore:

TONY IT IS!

texts-from-the-bus:

HI TONY

BYE TONY

homemadepestoaioli:

SCAR VIA TONY

The Life and Excision of Tony, an Ovarian Cyst

Coming this Summer from Iron Penguin

Book cover. We need a book cover.

meganegilmore:

My cyst gets more reblogs than my writing. *sigh* Story of my life.

homemadepestoaioli:

It’s all from the same people, though. Happy to a-cyst you.

i’m so sorry

texts-from-the-bus:

CEASE AND DE-CYST: BOOK TWO IN THE ONGOING TONY SAGA

meganegilmore:

Who’s making the book cover? Someone needs to get on this. I in-cyst.

homemadepestoaioli:

We need a-cyst-ance. This is ovary our level.

texts-from-the-bus:

I like how this darn thing keeps getting reblogged with the same three people over and over again. You might say it’s become rather in-cyst-uous. 

homemadepestoaioli:

CYSTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING TUMBLR AUNTIES

meganegilmore:

I love you guys so much. You’re never ovary the top.

Force It

Usually, when something doesn't come easily, you don't want to force it. Like that time with the electrical outlet. But sometimes, a little force can pop things right into place.

I think that needs to be my approach to writing. Have you noticed? My blog keeps missing days. It's sucking. That's happening to my book, too. I don't know if it's my depression or what but I just have lost the will to do... well... anything.

So I opened this up today and forced myself to at least write down my feelings. Maybe, just maybe, it'll be the kick I need to get my butt in gear.

Distractions are Distracting. Seriously.

It sounds simple. It sounds like something you should not have to explain. But I have to. Because OH. MY. GAH. I am obsessing with Tumblr and I can't get myself off to write. It's bad. 

I even try to justify it. "I'm following other writers to get tips and tricks." or "I little RP will break up the mental block." LIAR!!

It's SO hard! There are so many things out there that are taking me away from what I'm supposed to be doing. Hey, can you tell me how to not be distract... Oh look!

My Security Blanket... Fanfiction

My security blanket has to be fanfiction. Not reading it, writing it. I have to do it now and then because I want instant approval. And there is no bigger audience than that of fanfiction. It is also one of the most judgemental. These are canon characters you're messing with and the fan base already had a clear idea of what they want. So to receive approval from these readers means that I've listened, studied and related to the characters enough to make it believable.

So yeah, it's a writing exercise and it's good for me. But I don't do it for the practice. I'm an artist. This means that I crave approval. And this is how I get it.

The Good, the Bad, and the WTF?

When outlining a story, you start with the basics. You have your characters, their problem, and the solution. That's how it works. But what's in between is the fun stuff. You have good guys, bad guys, and then those questionable people. No one does this better than the Whedons. From Buffy the Vampire Slayer to Dollhouse to Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., you can expect one thing: You never know what to trust. This is what keeps such a devoted following. The eye candy helps, don't get me wrong. (Brett Dalton, if you're reading this, I swear I'm not trying to objectify you.)

You could easily write a story about a knight saving a princess and getting a happily ever after. But we've all heard that. What about the story where the princess is really a clone of a cyborg engineered zombie and the knight is a mutation of a lizard and really wants to bring the princess to his lair for his evil master?

Okay, that's a little crazy. But you get my point.

Predictable is boring. Keep your reader/watcher guessing. That's the key to a truly good story.

The Angel of Demons

She tucked the knife into her boot and picked up the gun from nightstand. Beside her, his lifeless form didn't make a sound. His blank eyes stared up at the ceiling with dazed wonder. He hadn't seen it coming. They never do. They always see the dark brown hair and deep, soulful blue eyes and fall right into her trap. Briefly, she wondered who he was. The blue sheets were a sky littered with bloody clouds giving him a skyline that he soared upon as the sacrificed angel.

She stood, picking up the discarded denim skirt and shimmied it back on. She'd always put on her boots first for some reason. Perhaps it was because she was armed that way. Tying on her halter top, she gave one last look at her mark and grinned. That was an easy fifty grand.

*~*

"Laundry is clean," she reported. "Fold it and put it away by midnight into the drawer." She hung up and tossed the disposable cell into her purse. By midnight, her money would be at the bus station in a locked briefcase. It was the same routine, just a different drop each time.

How does one become the most highly trained assassin in North America? That was something she'd been asked several times. Is it in the blood? Is it the nurture versus nature? That was something the she'd asked herself many times. There really was no easy answer. She was raised in a typical American home and did average in high school. She'd even been the prom queen. So how, only five years later, did she end up making millions by killing people? How could she sleep at night and think nothing of the life she'd taken?

She was the dark angel. 

Facts of a Story

Fictional stories are often judged on factual things. Which is such a strange thing to think about. But fact checking is done so much.

Do people realize that this story... our story... we gave it life. We gave it reality. We wove it around in our minds until it became a real world to us. So to tell us that we're wrong, we're not feasible, we're not believable is to tell us our hearts cannot sing. 

I can't believe that. In all the universes in all the realms of all the wolds... my heart will sing.

Casting Your Canon

This is kind of a continuation of the last post. When I start a book, I usually have some actor or actress already in mind. Like Nicolas in this current book? I totally see him as Josh Hartnett. And Thomas? Oh, if I could only cast Neil Patrick Harris... *sigh* 

Anyway, I bring this up because it's yet another thing I wonder about. When my book is published, I have no idea what will happen. I really hope the one day it'll become a major blockbuster like the Hunger Games. 

But who would really get cast? Would I end up with the ones I always pictured? I hope yes, but I also hope no. Why? Because I'm wondering if there is one actor or actress who walks in and all of the sudden I gasp and realize this is it. This is the complete personification of my character.

Who do you cast in your headcanon? 

Film Vs Screen - The Showdown

When I hear that a book is going to be made into a movie, I'm not going to lie, I cringe. I know that Hollywood wants to make the most visually acceptable version and that they really want a wow factor but they butcher most of them. For that reason, I try to watch the movie first, then I read the book. That way it doesn't ruin the experience for me. Example?

This movie was sweet and mellow when I watched it. Cute little love story with a supernatural twist. So, I thought I'd check out what the book was like.

SO MUCH BETTER.

Books go into so much more character development and they let you take the time to get to feel for them. 

It makes me a little weary of if my book does hit the mainstream. What if I get a movie deal and they butcher it all to hell and back? Tell me what you think.

Silence

I really didn't know what to write today. I feel something deeply that's pulling at my soul. I know that this is my writing blog but I feel like this is all connected. Writers pull from within and when that's all in turmoil, if affects us differently. It affects all aspects of our life. 

It's the silence.

My mind is a constant swirl of color and sound. At night, it's sometimes hard to shut it down to sleep. It's constant. It's total. It's something I live with every day. 

Some days I long for silence. 

How to Survive a Relationship with a Writer

Saw this online and just had to post it.

Midnight Writer

Well, I've got a pen to keep from typin',
And I'm bound to keep on writin'.
And I've got one more little chapter,
But I'm not gonna sleep at all tonight,
Not gonna sleep 'cause I'm the Midnight Writer.

Ha! That's kinda cute right?

So, I laid down last night but there it was. My clipboard and pen. They were staring at my from my nightstand. So I picked it up, put on some music and went to town. It's amazing how when the quiet of the night and the soft comfort of the bed clear up anything that may have bothered you throughout your day. And when "Midnight Rider" came on my playlist, I couldn't stop thinking that little verse I wrote up there.

Second Guessing

Can I do this? Have I ever truly finished anything that wasn't a fanfic? Short and sweet is easy. Especially when you have someone else's characters and setting to go off of. But this is one hundred percent my mind. I birthed these characters through my pen and paper. This makes them bare to the world.

I looked at a stream of books as I walked through a department store today. I didn't know half of the authors I saw. This was actually a good thing. It tells me that people are branching out and realizing you don't have to be a big name to be a good read. 

So why am I still second guessing every damn move I'm making with this book?

Because even if readers are indeed branching out, I may never be a mane on those racks.

Four Days

It's been four solid days since I've picked up the pen and paper for my book. I don't know why. I know that I have more to write. I know what I want to write. But motivation is really dead right now. I don't know why. 

I don't think this is really writer's block, per say. The ideas are here. I'm just looking at that pen and paper and sighing heavily. Why can't this part be easy?

100 Questions

Someone asked to know a little more about me. Here we go!

1. What is your name? Megan
2. How old are you? 21+
3. Are you sure? About what...
4. What is your earliest memory? Having a make believe tea party.
5. What is your favorite alcoholic drink? Hot buttered rum.
6. What is your favorite vegetable? I always make celery, carrots and onions with a lot of my dishes.
7. Do you remember your first day at school? No
8. What is the worst exam result you remember ever getting? B
9. How tall are you? 6'3"
10. Can you swim? Very well. My dad taught me in rivers rather than a pool.
11. Who is your favorite movie actress? Jennifer Lawrence or Ming-Na Wen
12. Who is your favorite movie actor? Brett Dalton or Nathan Fillion
13. Who is your favorite comedian? Robin Williams or Jeff Dunham
14. Who is your favorite politician? Er, I don't think I'll touch that one.
15. Who is your favorite historical figure? Oh wow, that's a toughy. I have so many. Uh, how about Ghandi?
16. Who is your favorite super-heroine? Ms. Marvel
17. Who is your favorite super-hero? Gambit
18. Can you name a female scientist other than Madame Curie? Jane Goodall
19. Who is your favorite mythological god or goddess? Athena
20. Who is your favorite woman of all time? I don't really have just one. It takes all of us to make a difference.
21. Do you agree with "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth"? In some instances, but not most.
22. Do you agree with "Life does not forgive weakness"? No
23. Do you agree with "It is the enemy who can truly teach us to practice the virtues of compassion and tolerance"? Yes
24. Do you agree with "The state can do what they want to do"? No
25. Do you agree with "If I had to choose between betraying my country and betraying my friend, I hope I should have the guts to betray my country"? I have never heard this before. And wow... that's a little dark. No.
26. Do you agree with "If the path be beautiful, let us not ask where it leads"? No
27. Do you agree with "Crime is a product of social excess"? No
28. Do you agree with "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"? Yes
29. Do you agree with "And mankind is naught but a single nation"? Yes
30. Do you agree with "Bulimia is soooo '87"? Ha! No.
31. What is the worst movie you have ever seen? I was really disappointed with "Scary Movie 2" and on. The first one was good.
32. What is the worst TV show you have ever seen? I was NOT a Seinfeld fan.
33. What is the worst book you have ever read? Nightlight, a parody of Twilight. 
34. What is the worst song you have ever heard? Every song has a purpose.
35. What is the worst sport you know of? I hear there's this one where they just kick each other in the shins till someone gives in.
36. Who is the worst movie "star" ever? Tom Green
37. Who is the worst comedian ever? Er, uh.
38. Who is the worst author ever? Nope. Not going there.
39. Who is the worst musical act ever? Uh, how about... Kesha.
40. Who is the worst sports "star" you have ever seen? I don't watch sports.
41. If you could go back in time to witness an historical event in person, what event would you want to see? Woodstock
42. If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go? Stonehenge.
43. If you could meet anyone in the world, who would you meet? Joss Whedon.
44. If you could become famous for one thing, what would that thing be? My writing
45. If you could buy anything regardless of cost, what would you buy? A castle. Fully furnished.
46. If you could change any one thing about your country, what would it be? Intolerance. 
47. If you could change any one thing about international politics, what would it be? Again, intolerance.
48. If you could become dictator of the world, would you? You better hope I wouldn't. There would be a tournament every 28 days that all men would compete it. And it would not be pretty.
49. If you could eat an entire cow at one sitting, would you? Er, maybe? But I really can't.
50. Have you ever illegally downloaded music/TV shows/movies from the net? Anyone who says they haven't it a LIAR.
51. Have you ever used illegal narcotics (yes, even pot counts if it was illegal at the time)? Nope. 
52. Have you ever gotten any points on your driving license? Nope.
53. Have you ever stolen anything from a shop? Yes.
54. Have you ever bought alcohol or cigarettes while underage? Alcohol, yes. I was over six feet by the time I was 17.
55. Have you ever bought alcohol or cigarettes for another person who was underage? Nope.
56. Have you ever tried to cheat the taxman/social security/other government agency? Actually, no. That surprises me.
57. Have you ever ridden on a train or bus without paying? Yes. But only because the driver let me.
58. Have you ever been arrested? Nope.
59. Have you ever been charged with a crime ... ? Nope. 
60. What's the furthest you've ever been from home? Drove to Canada on a whim.
61. Where have you visited that you would like to go back to? I miss Lincoln City.
62. Where would you like to visit that you haven't yet? I really want to visit Europe.
63. Where is your favorite place in the world? The ocean.
64. Where have you visited that you hope never to go to again? The state pen in Pendelton, OR.
65. Where would you definitely never go to? The desert. I hate the heat.
66. Where is your least favorite place in the world? A toxic waste dump? I don't know. I haven't really seen the world.
67. What is your favorite way to travel? By car. So I can pull over anytime I see something cool.
68. What is your least favorite way to travel? Plane. BORING.
69. What is the capital of Assyria?  A
70. What was the last movie you saw? Captain America: The Winter Soldier
71. Was it any good? Yes!
72. What was the last book you read? Ever After, by Kim Harrison
73. Was it any good? Yes!
74. What was the last song you listened to? Season of the Witch, Karen Elson version
75. Was it any good? Yes!
76. What was the last computer game you played? Candy Crush (bows head in shame)
77. Did you do well? No! I'm stuck.
78. What was the last meal you ate? Grilled ham and pastrami with swiss on rye.
79. Was it any good? Eh.
80. Do you believe in God/Goddess/Gods/Goddesses? Gods and Goddesses
81. Do you believe in horoscopes? They're fun but vague.
82. Do you believe in aliens? Yup
83. Do you agree with the theory of evolution? Yup
84. Do you believe in reincarnation? Yup
85. Do you agree with the idea of the UN? Mostly   
86. Do you believe in karma? Absolutely!
87. Do you agree with the theories of man-induced global warming? Uh, do you read the documentation? Science, people.
88. Do you believe in democracy above all other systems of government? Most, not all.
89. Do you agree with Freddie Mercury when he sings "Fat-bottomed girls you make the rockin' world go round"? He wrote that about me. Even though I wasn't born yet.
90. What is your favorite movie? Tossup. Juno, Kill Bill, and Zombieland.
91. What is your favorite book? Sati, by Christopher Pike
92. What is your favorite song? I don't have one. It always depends on my mood.
93. What is your favorite city? Portland, OR
94. What is your favorite sport? Billiards
95. What is your favorite place in the world? Wherever love is.
96. Are you glad these questions are almost over? Please
97. What are you going to do next? Hit up Tumblr.
98. Do you anticipate this activity being fun? Always.
99. Give us a quote to end on. "Once a king, always a king. But once a night is enough."

Create

I don't just write. I find inspiration to be a full spirit thing. When I get inspired, it's not just to put pen to paper. It's to learn, to create, to enjoy the things life gives us. 

I should have never been allowed to look at any form of DIY site. Really.

I now make my own soap (from scratch, Fight Club style minus the human fat,) my own candles, I knit, I make jewelry, I make duct tape items, I make scrabble tile pendants... and that's just the start.

It's a psychological thing for artistic people to want to create. I just usually see that focused on one thing. But for me, it's like, five bazillion things. Why is that? Am I alone in this line of thinking? Is it like ADD for artists? Tell me what you think.

Reach Out

Never forget that we are learning creatures. We are capable of ever expanding. And this goes for writing, too. Reach out to other writers, even the ones that you think are unreachable. The squeaky wheel gets oiled. I know this because I tweet up a storm to celebs that I admire, asking advice and everything else and I actually get responses.

This also works in turn. If a new writer comes to you, open up. We're all here for each other and even if you think you know it all, the student can always teach the teacher. 

On the Fly

Let's see... How about a short fic to cleanse the pallet? I blame watching Agents of SHIELD for this. Chloe Bennett is a wonderful actress.

Four thirty. Chloe looked at her watch yet again and paced. Joe was almost an hour late and if the transaction was going to take place, it had to be soon. Her brown eyes focused on the small crate in the corner labeled "DANGER." That was an understatement. Danger was too subtle of a word. It should have read "NOT SUITABLE TO EXIST."

Chloe jumped slightly as the door opened. Joe stumbled in, holding a blood splotched rag to his head. "Go," he groaned. "Just go. Out the back."

She wanted to question him, but she knew better. She simply held onto her hat and grabbed her jacket as she scurried out the back door. The people they were dealing with didn't take kindly to things going off the page. Even as she slipped into her Prius, Chloe wondered if Joe was going to make it out of this alive.

Her hand shook as she shoved the car into gear and floored the pedal. Why had she listened to him? She glanced at the passenger seat and slammed on the brakes. There, on the clean microfiber, sat two manilla envelopes. One labeled "Chloe" and the other labeled "GX76R."

"Damnit," she hissed as she pulled out again. She didn't stop the car until she got to San Diego. She parked at the ocean and cut the engine, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath as she willed her heart to stop racing. Once she was able to get that handled, she reached over and grabbed the envelope with her name on it, opening it with tender care. Inside was close to twenty thousand dollars and a note.

Dearest Chloe,

I know I said that this would be easy. But I was full of crap. Waldo wasn't happy, as we thought, but instead of just taking the new deal, he decided to take my life. I'm going to stall that as long as I can to give you time to wipe any trace of your involvement.

I will always trust you, Chloe. I will always look out for you.

Goodbye.

Joe.

His signature smeared as a teardrop fell on it. No one would know she was involved. No one would know she had the plans. No one would know she had the microfilm. 

And Joe's death would not be in vain.

Dear Boston

Writing is a retreat for me. It's a chance to take a break into a world I can control. But today, I'm not escaping. That hiding place is good for most days but today, we need to come out. We need to remember what really happened and we need to send our love out to Boston on this one year anniversary.

Boston Strong.

Code Blue on Chapter Thirty, Crash Cart!

While there may not be many places that come without distractions, one unusual space is the ER. 

What? Can't hear you? Did you just do a WTF?

I don't blame you. I wouldn't think of an ER as a place to write, either. And if you're the patient, it's not. But I happen to have needed the ER today for a family member and when you have to wait TWO HOURS for test results, you don't really have anything else to do. So, I finished a whole chapter of writing.

I'm not saying to push your loved ones down a staircase to get this time. More or less, what I'm trying to say is that there are twenty-four usable hours in every day and how we choose to use them is what makes us great.

What is a surprisingly unique place you write in?

To Fic or Non-Fic

I've been pondering writing some non-fiction. My life has had some strange twists and turns. I was quite a good girl, yes, but the people I associated with? Amazing. I learned so much from so many life experiences.

What are some of the life experiences that formed your life?

Tips From Tumblr

I admit it. I'm a Tumblr addict. Mostly for my fandoms but there are some inspirational things for writers on there, too. And some creepy stuff. Check out what I found today: If you dare...

Happy Friday everyone!!!

Dream a Little Dream

We gather inspiration for our stories from a great many things but I've found that the things I use most are my dreams. This tells me two things: one, I have really vivid and cohesive dreams and two, I'm seriously messed up. I mean it.

Like last night? I had a dream that I was helping Agent Coulson and Emma Swan keep Henry hidden in a children's theme park about trains.

Where the hell did that come from?

What dreams do you remember and how do they inspire you?

Focus!

Eep! Missed a post yesterday!

So, yeah. Hmm. I haven't really written lately. It isn't writer's block, per say. I feel like the pen isn't fitting in my hand right. Like it's not time. Does that make sense?

They say writers themselves are dramatic. This is true. I just have to remember to keep that drama down to a minimum. 

See all this rambling in my brain? That would be why I can't write right now. I'm not focused. I'm scattered.

Anyone have ideas how to pull it back in?

Me Time!

It's my birthday!!!

The Good and the Bad

In writing, I take different writing styles in wherever I can. I read books, poems, and articles. And there is so much good work out there. So many worlds coming forth from the minds of brilliant people.

Then there are some things I read going "Really? And you're a bestseller?"

There is a certain bestselling series that I read where, by the fourth book, I swore that it was just some really bad fanfiction. So why did I keep reading? Two reasons. One, my niece was reading the series and loved it. I wanted to be able to talk to her about it. But two, you have to take the good with the bad and read what you don't like about it. Take notes. Don't repeat those mistakes.

So, it may be "bad" in your eyes, but it's a lesson. No two people write alike. No two readers are exactly the same. Take in what you like. Write for YOU.

Thought of the Day

I don't have anything really unique to blog today. I'm taking the day to rest and kind of reset. Any why? My brain hurts. So I will leave you with a thought of the day:

Throwback Thursday

Another couple of scanned pages for the reading. I think this was... 2003?

Grindstone

I woke up at 3am, reached over for the clipboard on my nightstand and wrote an additional five pages out. I think now that I'm reaching the actual end of the book, it's coming a bit faster.

And it's freaking me out. 

This is happening.

Don't freak out. Don't freak out. Don't freak out. Don't freak out. 

It's times like this that you have to "put your nose to the grindstone." I'm tossing in a little here and there that I know I missed, getting more chapters knocked out and also just finding that rhythm.

Looking over my publishing contract I noticed something. Cover art. So, this is a little bit of a test. If you are in fact reading this, you probably are, or know, an artist. Based on the previous summary of the book, do you think you have an idea for cover art? Enter yours today to see if you get to be the cover!

Inspire to Be Inspired

Ha! Cryptic title time!

So yeah, anyway. I wasn't sure what to blog about today. I spent most of today trying to stay away from any possible April Fools Pranks. (Capitalized that for a reason, people.) I think the best one was the one I did here on my Tumblr. For those of you who don't get it... *sigh* We can't be friends anymore.

But seriously, let's at least talk something about writing. 

I haven't really talked about what my new book is about. Yes, it does have vampires. No, they are not moody teens. No, they do not sparkle. No, they're not in some strange incest thing. They are, however, in trouble. This is the summary I sent to the publisher with my sample chapters:

"Mara and Nicholas have been together for years... decades... even a century. They are vampires. But now, not only is their relationship at jeopardy, but the entire structure of the vampire government as a plot of takeover threatens not only vampires, but the entire supernatural population."

It's possibly going to be a series. I want to show that vampires are just a portion of the supernatural world. Or this may be a stand alone. I have no idea yet. I'm inspiring to be inspired.

Questions? Comments? Concerns? Rolos? Wheat thins?

Paper Journal Entry

The Facepalm

I have a love/hate relationship with editors. They do help me catch a lot of errors that happen when you just fly away at the keyboard. For instance when you type they're, their or there incorrectly. But they also catch things that I kind of should be smarter about.

When these edits come across my e-mail. I actually facepalm. Not just think it, I do it. I think I'm trying to knock out the duh that seems to be lodged in my brain.

So this post today, I'd like comments. In writing, or in life, what are some of your facepalm moments?

The Fear of the Pen

I know that I've spoken a bit about how I'm a little afraid of how my book will be received. There are days when that fear can really stop your hand from picking up that pen.

But that's what makes writers... writers. It's okay to be a little afraid because you're putting out your feeling. Even if it's fiction, it's been inspired by something close to you and that is what makes it great. 

So I'm going to pick up that pen again today. And I encourage you to do the same.

Throwback Thursday

I used to think it was so cool to have about five or six pen names. This is from a notebook I had. Looks like I was... about...15?