We’re only a little over a month into 2009, but already my best laid writing plans have been turned upside down. The day job has been extremely chaotic, demanding and stressful, so my writing has taken a backseat to all the tension and anxiety.

Despite all that, I’m determined to get my writing back on track. I’ve been floundering since returning from Mexico, and I finally realized that, on top of all the work stress, I’ve been moving away from the kind of writing that really calls to me.

I made that critical mistake all authors are warned not to make: I started thinking I should chase the market, or try to do what everyone else has been doing. In the meantime, I forgot what made writing so much fun for me in the first place. So a few days ago, I let my muse run free. I grabbed a notebook, went to a coffee shop and wrote. By the time I was done, I had characters I already cared about (even though I didn’t know much about them), and a scenario that really intrigued me.

So now I’m commited to developing this spark of an idea into a new book. It’s time I make writing a priority again–and the only way I’ll do that is by following my muse… wherever she may lead me.

Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen

rating: 5 of 5 stars
An excellent, approachable method for organizing everything in your life. Although Allen focuses mostly on getting things done in a corporate environment (which is helpful to me, too), a lot of his suggestions can easily be applied to every aspect of your life. (A)

View all my reviews.

I’m six days away from my annual vacation to Mexico, and I’m just now getting around to pulling last year’s pictures off the camera. *blush* Better late than never, right?

Here’s a quick peek into our experience at Secrets Excellence, a fabulous resort in the Mayan Riviera.

(Click on images for larger versions.)

Next year, I plan on listing a detailed breakdown of the books I read, once a month. Otherwise, it’s just too easy to forget to recommend spectacular books (and to steer you clear of others). In the meantime, though, here’s a quick list of my favorite reads of 2008.

I chose to narrow it down to one a month, for the sake of simplicity. In the order in which I’ve read them, here are my top 12 reads of 2009. And if you had any doubt my reading tastes are eclectic, well… yeah.

The Innocent Mage, by Karen Miller

I’m a sucker for a well-written fantasy tome, and Miller’s debut made my annual vacation in Mexico that much better. I tore through all 800 (or so) pages in a day and a half.

Betrayed, by Jamie Leigh Hansen

If you’re getting a little weary of the typical paranormal fare, run to your nearest bookstore and pick up BETRAYED. Jamie’s voice is dark and wonderfully evocative, and her characters are tormented beyond belief. Definitely my kind of paranormal!

The Passion Test, by Chris and Janet Attwood

This entire year has been, to some degree or another, about finding myself. I’m not sure I succeeded, but thanks to books like THE PASSION TEST, I survived the process (and the year) more-or-less unscathed.

The Death Artist, by Jonathan Santlofer

I love a good mystery! This one’s got blood and guts galore–and it’s probably more of a thriller than a mystery–but if that’s not your thing, try it anyway. The plot’s clever, the writing engrossing, and the characters fairly well defined. I couldn’t put it down.

Style Statement, by Carrie McCarthy and Danielle LaPorte

All right, this one’s a little off the beaten path, even for me. But I was looking at my wardrobe and thinking “blah” (again), so I picked up this book and to my surprise, found myself enjoying it immensely. I learned I was a sensual artist at heart, and should dress and decorate accordingly. Who knew?

Overcoming Procrastination, by Neil Fiore

Ah, procrastination. Definitely my favorite past time. Although I haven’t yet defeated all my bad habits, I’ve gotten a lot better at doing tasks I should be doing first and using fun tasks as rewards. It’s a daily battle, really, but progress is progress…

A Thousand Splendid Suns, by Khaled Hosseini

I had no intention of ever reading this book. And when my book club picked it, I stomped my feet and whined for a while before finally picking it up. But once I did, no one could pry it out of my hands. I cried, my heart broke repeatedly, and I absolutely couldn’t stop turning pages until the very end. Definitely a book that’s stayed with me, and will probably continue to haunt me for a long time.

Bound by Shadow, by Anna Windsor

I remember reading a book by Anna Windsor (then writing as Annie Windsor) years ago, from EC. It was my second ever erotic romance, and I adored it. So when I saw this one in the bookstore, I grabbed it on the spot. And I definitely wasn’t disappointed! Anna’s writing has matured, but her keen ability to tell a damn good story hasn’t changed a bit. I adored this book.

The Importance of Being Married, by Gemma Townley

Reading a great chick lit novel is such a guilty pleasure. When it’s done well, it’s like sinking your teeth in a giant chocolate truffle you know you probably shouldn’t be eating, but now that you have it, someone will have to pry it from your cold, dead hands before– *ahem* Right. The book. Excellent! Go read it. I need chocolate.

Word Work: Surviving and Thriving as a Writer, by Bruce Holland Rogers

There’s something so earnest about this wonderful collection of essays on writing. Dealing with a variety of topics ranging from neurotic fears to… well, more neurotic fears (and everything in between), this is the one book I read this year that I’d recommend to all authors, regardless of what genre they write in. It resonated with me far more than I’d expected it to.

Rejection, Romance and Royalties, by Laura Resnick

Another collection of essays from a published author, just as earnest and believable, but with a distinctly feminine edge. Also highly recommended to the writer focused on making a career out of writing for publication.

Vicious Vixen, by Shiloh Walker

Alas, the only true erotic romance in the bunch. (And trust me, that says a lot more about how little erotic romance I read than about the quality of erotic romance out there – okay?) It’s dark, edgy, violent, gritty… and absolutely brilliant.

There you have it. My top 12 reads of 2008. Do you have a favorite book you read this year? One that stands out above all others? Let me know — I’d love to read it in 2009.

Image via WikipediaI never read anything without a pen and paper by my side. And since I just finished devouring the February 2009 issue of Writer’s Digest, I thought I’d share the quotes I jotted down as I read.

Each one of these apply, in some way, to where I am at this point in my writing career. Although the magazine now sits in the recycling bin, these quotes will continue to live on–in loopy, colorful script–in my journal:

“My advice for beginning writers is to pee in dangerous places, always. Then give your characters that feeling of imminent danger.”

- George Singleton

“The first draft of anything is shit.”

- Earnest Hemmingway

“After I’ve got a chapter or two roughed out, I go from my handwritten pages to my PC, where I edit and rewrite as I go, adding new text and omitting what–I can now clearly see–doesn’t work.”

- Elizabeth Sims

“I have a very long pre-writing process where I’m jotting down ideas in a notebook, and ripping out relevant newspaper articles–a long fact-finding mission… It’s like a heightened awareness. I’m now attuned to everything on this particular topic.”

- Megan McCafferty

“Once you’ve found a strong central desire within your hero, your plot decisions boil down to forcing him into the danger of his own feelings. All else becomes secondary.”

- Steve Almond

“Remember that you’re an artist, not a deal maker. Interestingly, the work I’ve done for money hasn’t been great, but what I’ve written for love was most successful.”

- Susan Shapiro

From my personal journal:

It’s been a long time since I’ve indulged in journaling. And truth be told, it’s been a strange year. I’ve felt out of sorts; out of touch with myself.

I’d like to blame the strangeness on the move to Austin (and subsequent move back), but I was feeling disenchanted with various things long before that. If anything, the move provided me with a great excuse to explain why my writing had stalled, why my motivation waned, why things that once used to give me butterflies no longer did.

I still can’t say things are back to normal. For the most part, I’m no longer sure what normal is. But I’m happy–if somewhat confused about my goals and general direction. At the moment, I don’t think I can ask for more than that.

Photo by Windy Angels 

I’m on a rapidly approaching deadline, so of course, I should have spent the evening writing. Instead, I spent the last four hours playing around with Photoshop.

I had a bunch of photographs that needed some touching up. Wanna see? The country where each picture was taken is below the image.

Mexico

Mexico

Romania

Romania

Mexico

Mexico

Mexico

• Share this:
• Email
• Facebook

What sign do you look like?

Sunday, December 7th, 2008	Say Something »
Filed under Uncategorized

I’m a sucker for a fun quiz. Most are mildly entertaining, yet I’ve found very few to be as accurate as this one. I’m born under a Cancer sign, but I certainly didn’t expect it to guess that from my physical appearance.

Try it. You might be surprised, too!

You Look Like a Cancer

It’s likely you have a bit of a baby face. People think you’re younger than you are. You have prominent cheeks and a very expressive jaw. You usually have a big smile.Your feet and hands tend to be a bit small compared to the rest of you. Not that the rest of you is all that big. You’re probably a bit shorter than average.Like most Cancer people, you are probably incredibly compassionate and kind. You have a big heart. You are also shrewd, intuitive, and wise. No one’s going to take advantage of you.

What Sign Do You Look Like?

• Share this:
• Email
• Facebook

Your Dose of Pretty For the Day

Thursday, December 4th, 2008	2 People Said
Filed under Uncategorized

*sigh* Yep. Pretty. Very, very pretty.

James Franco was recently interviewed by BlackBook Magazine, who were kind enough to share this picture for our viewing pleasure. Yum.

• Share this:
• Email
• Facebook

Just when you thought things couldn't get any weirder…

Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008	9 People Said
Filed under Uncategorized

I was surfing the ‘net aimlessly, looking for gift ideas, when I (accidentally — I swear!) stumbled upon this:

Natural Harvest – A Collection of Semen-Based Recipes
Semen is not only nutritious, but it also has a wonderful texture and amazing cooking properties. Like fine wine and cheeses, the taste of semen is complex and dynamic. Semen is inexpensive to produce and is commonly available in many, if not most, homes and restaurants. Despite all of these positive qualities, semen remains neglected as a food. This book hopes to change that. Once you overcome any initial hesitation, you will be surprised to learn how wonderful semen is in the kitchen. Semen is an exciting ingredient that can give every dish you make an interesting twist. If you are a passionate cook and are not afraid to experiment with new ingredients – you will love this cook book!

I consider myself a “passionate cook who’s not afraid to experiment with new ingredients,” but really… semen?! In food?! On purpose?!

The mind boggles.

Uhh… in the spirit of sharing and all, I suppose I should provide a link:

http://www.lulu.com/content/4956212

Just don’t say I didn’t warn you.

• Share this:
• Email
• Facebook

• Page 9 of 11
• <
• 1
• ...
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8
• 9
• 10
• 11
• >