I'm working on the blog today and hopefully there will be three columns once I'm done.
I'll be back later to announce the winner for the newsletter sign up.
See ya soon,
Vicki
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
TGIF - Fun - Newsletter
Friday. The last day of the week for the day job. The one I thought would never get here this week has finally arrived. Woot!!
Remember to sign up for the newsletter on the sidebar. Tomorrow is the drawing for the 'secret prize'.
So, for all us whose brains are tired, or rambles are brewing, but not yet concocted, here's a Friday Fun Quiz. I took it twice, changed one answer and here's what both said:
What's Your Medieval Profession?
Yep, I'm a writer, but a world leader...hmmm...I'm liking that one. And really doesn't acting and world leading go hand in hand. :)
Okay, Now it's your turn. Take the quiz (twice if you're like me), come back and tell us what your medieval profession is.
WW's and PD's,
Vicki
Remember to sign up for the newsletter on the sidebar. Tomorrow is the drawing for the 'secret prize'.
So, for all us whose brains are tired, or rambles are brewing, but not yet concocted, here's a Friday Fun Quiz. I took it twice, changed one answer and here's what both said:
What's Your Medieval Profession?
You Are a Playwright |
 You are a highly literate wordsmith. You love both reading and writing. You are also a natural storyteller. You can turn a mediocre anecdote into a riveting tale. You find people and all aspects of life fascinating. No topic is off limits for you. In modern times, you would make a good filmmaker or novelist. |
You Are a Jester |
 You are a natural entertainer. You can get a laugh from the toughest of crowds. You make friends very easily. You tend to know a lot of popular, rich, and powerful people. You are also good at playing politics. You know how to get along with many factions without upsetting anyone. In modern times, you would make a good actor or world leader. |
Yep, I'm a writer, but a world leader...hmmm...I'm liking that one. And really doesn't acting and world leading go hand in hand. :)
Okay, Now it's your turn. Take the quiz (twice if you're like me), come back and tell us what your medieval profession is.
WW's and PD's,
Vicki
Thursday, February 26, 2009
The Rules of Writing…
My mind started wandering (big surprise) when I wrote a comment on GenReality (side note: if you haven’t gone there it’s a must for published and aspiring authors alike. Each day is a different author, from all genres about this business).
I realized, (like a baseball bat, hitting me over the head) that I write to the rules and not to the story. I’m so caught up in what I can and can’t do that the story starts to become stilted in my head and on paper.
I hear things like this in my head: you can't start two sentences with the same word, pick a better power word, you can't use an 'ing' word to start a sentence, it's an 'ly' word I can't use that, dear god they need to talk, when was the last time you said her/his name. By this time I've spent twenty minutes not writing because I'm worried about the next sentence.
When an idea comes out of nowhere I just write it down with no thought. But God help me if I plot a book - I start at square rule #1 and do not pass go.
Crap, what were the rules again...
I honestly can't remember the last time I wrote without rules. And probably haven’t since years ago when I didn't know any better, and only knew the “basic” do’s and don’ts. (by basic I mean: margins, double space...)
You hear all the time that agents and editors want a fresh new voice. And as V told someone (paraphrasing here) – I am fresh voice, you haven’t read my work. (I love that!!!!) It’s obvious they’re getting these fresh voices with the books that have come out from practical unknowns. So, I started thinking and wondering if these unknowns played by the rules.
Of course an idea has to be fresh, new, maybe even old hat with a new twist, I get that. Really I do. But did the writers themselves do what we, the students of the craft, believe are the rules?
Were the margins 1” all the way around and double spaced, was it written on a napkin or a pad of paper and submitted. Did they have a clue that vampires are passé? These books still made it to the best sellers list. But did they study the craft and follow the rules?
Since joining a writing group I hear over and over, you must know the rules to break the rules. Rules...we don't need no stinking rules. But I digress, as my stubborn side kicks in. Sure we need them, to an extent. But how can your creativity flourish if you can’t spread your wings and think outside of the rules (or box). How can anything be unique or fresh?
I honestly can’t tell you, because now that I know the rules, I don’t know how to write without them – which is another rambling all together.
Do all these rules (and honestly, I don’t know who came up with them), hamper your writing? Do you think if you could just write your story, it would be better?
Let me know, I’m open to debate and opinions – It keeps the mind fresh and open. ;-)
xoxo
LKap
I realized, (like a baseball bat, hitting me over the head) that I write to the rules and not to the story. I’m so caught up in what I can and can’t do that the story starts to become stilted in my head and on paper.
I hear things like this in my head: you can't start two sentences with the same word, pick a better power word, you can't use an 'ing' word to start a sentence, it's an 'ly' word I can't use that, dear god they need to talk, when was the last time you said her/his name. By this time I've spent twenty minutes not writing because I'm worried about the next sentence.
When an idea comes out of nowhere I just write it down with no thought. But God help me if I plot a book - I start at square rule #1 and do not pass go.
Crap, what were the rules again...
I honestly can't remember the last time I wrote without rules. And probably haven’t since years ago when I didn't know any better, and only knew the “basic” do’s and don’ts. (by basic I mean: margins, double space...)
You hear all the time that agents and editors want a fresh new voice. And as V told someone (paraphrasing here) – I am fresh voice, you haven’t read my work. (I love that!!!!) It’s obvious they’re getting these fresh voices with the books that have come out from practical unknowns. So, I started thinking and wondering if these unknowns played by the rules.
Of course an idea has to be fresh, new, maybe even old hat with a new twist, I get that. Really I do. But did the writers themselves do what we, the students of the craft, believe are the rules?
Were the margins 1” all the way around and double spaced, was it written on a napkin or a pad of paper and submitted. Did they have a clue that vampires are passé? These books still made it to the best sellers list. But did they study the craft and follow the rules?
Since joining a writing group I hear over and over, you must know the rules to break the rules. Rules...we don't need no stinking rules. But I digress, as my stubborn side kicks in. Sure we need them, to an extent. But how can your creativity flourish if you can’t spread your wings and think outside of the rules (or box). How can anything be unique or fresh?
I honestly can’t tell you, because now that I know the rules, I don’t know how to write without them – which is another rambling all together.
Do all these rules (and honestly, I don’t know who came up with them), hamper your writing? Do you think if you could just write your story, it would be better?
Let me know, I’m open to debate and opinions – It keeps the mind fresh and open. ;-)
xoxo
LKap
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Read All About It
Okay, so on the sidebar is a subscribe to VickiLaneNews. Sign up and you’ll be entered into a secret prize drawing on March 1st.
For those of you who have already signed up, you’re entered, so no worries. And thank you.
Then sometime in March (I’m working on it now) you’ll receive the first quarterly newsletter. LKap will have a ramble (or rant), news of upcoming contest, must check out blogs, and more. There’ll even be a contest for those on the newsletter list only. Come on, you know you don’t want to miss that. :)
So, in honor of the first ever VickiLaneNews, tell me what you’d like to see in a quarterly newsletter.
For those who leave a comment and join (or if you leave a comment and have already joined), you’ll be entered twice. :D I know, bribery.
WW’s and PD’s,
Vicki
For those of you who have already signed up, you’re entered, so no worries. And thank you.
Then sometime in March (I’m working on it now) you’ll receive the first quarterly newsletter. LKap will have a ramble (or rant), news of upcoming contest, must check out blogs, and more. There’ll even be a contest for those on the newsletter list only. Come on, you know you don’t want to miss that. :)
So, in honor of the first ever VickiLaneNews, tell me what you’d like to see in a quarterly newsletter.
For those who leave a comment and join (or if you leave a comment and have already joined), you’ll be entered twice. :D I know, bribery.
WW’s and PD’s,
Vicki
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
I Saw My Character at the Greek Festival...X-Posted
Science Guy and I went to a Greek Festival on Saturday and the oddest thing happened. Yes, he bought me some jewelry, but that’s not what’s odd about this.
We’d walked around the booths, sampled a bit of Greek food (very yummy), and had decided to sit outside and people watch for a bit. It was such a beautiful late afternoon, the atmosphere festive, and the area was full of children running around while parents called out to them in Greek. Little side note here: I thought that was totally cool, since I live in Florida to hear the language all around me.
Anyway, there we sat talking about…hmmm…not really sure what we were talking about, although I’m sure it was a great conversation. :) Usually is when we talk as Science Guy is quite shy around others but with me, we talk about all sorts of stuff.
Where was I? Oh yes, sitting outside watching people (sorry, a little rabbit trail there), when this guy comes near us to grabbed some empty chairs and mouths hello to me. I, of course, mouthed back hi. Then I watched him. Height, around 5’11’’. He was dressed in black pants, black boots, black shirt with a design on the back (seeing a theme here?), a black cape (no really, he had a short black cape), and a black beret.
He takes the chairs a short distance from where we were and sat them at table where his friend had sat their plates. Sitting down his left arm lifted in the air very dramatic like and he crossed his legs and laughed. As I continued watching him I felt like I knew him and knew him well. Which was crazy since I’d never met the man in my life.
That’s when it hit me. Yep, it's Tuesday, gotta click here to read the rest. Or you can click on the title.
So, go read the rest, leave your comment there and come back and tell us here what you think.
Writing Wishes and Plotting Dreams,
Vicki
We’d walked around the booths, sampled a bit of Greek food (very yummy), and had decided to sit outside and people watch for a bit. It was such a beautiful late afternoon, the atmosphere festive, and the area was full of children running around while parents called out to them in Greek. Little side note here: I thought that was totally cool, since I live in Florida to hear the language all around me.
Anyway, there we sat talking about…hmmm…not really sure what we were talking about, although I’m sure it was a great conversation. :) Usually is when we talk as Science Guy is quite shy around others but with me, we talk about all sorts of stuff.
Where was I? Oh yes, sitting outside watching people (sorry, a little rabbit trail there), when this guy comes near us to grabbed some empty chairs and mouths hello to me. I, of course, mouthed back hi. Then I watched him. Height, around 5’11’’. He was dressed in black pants, black boots, black shirt with a design on the back (seeing a theme here?), a black cape (no really, he had a short black cape), and a black beret.
He takes the chairs a short distance from where we were and sat them at table where his friend had sat their plates. Sitting down his left arm lifted in the air very dramatic like and he crossed his legs and laughed. As I continued watching him I felt like I knew him and knew him well. Which was crazy since I’d never met the man in my life.
That’s when it hit me. Yep, it's Tuesday, gotta click here to read the rest. Or you can click on the title.
So, go read the rest, leave your comment there and come back and tell us here what you think.
Writing Wishes and Plotting Dreams,
Vicki
Monday, February 23, 2009
Your Blog is Faulous Award - Thank You!!!
First, I have to say major thanks. This is a beautiful award and I’m so excited to receive it. Now, to spread the love as Brandy says.
I received the award from B Renae Reads. Her blog rocks. She is one of the most amazing readers I know. And trust me, if you’re wanting to know something about a book before you read it, check out her blog.
Okay, time for the rules: Write 5 things I am addicted to and then nominate 5 other blogs to pass this award on to!
5 Things I’m addicted to:
1. Books – So this first one is a given. But I really am addict to them and have been for as long as I can remember. I’ve always had a TBR pile
2. Music – Pretty much any type of genre will do. Depending on the scene I’m writing, the music in my headphones could be rock or opera or down home country
3. Acting – Although I don’t really get to do this anymore, but I used to all the time and I love the stage. Now, my characters get to act out their lives on the page
4. Shoes and purses – Had to get both of them in there. I love shoes, all kinds, from heels to flats to flip-flops. Hey each outfit needs its own style of shoes.
5. Jewelry – Really, can a girl every have too much? Fashion jewelry is truly my downfall.
Science Guy – Yep, I’m pretty much addicted to him. He’s my rock! I know, he sort of makes six on my list, but he’s important.
There’s more, but since it was tell five, I followed the rules. Check back on Thursday for LKap’s ramblings on rules. Heehee :)
Now, I’m picking five other blogs to bestow the award too.
1. Houston A.W. Knight - Hawk’s weekly post are thought provoking and fun. I find myself looking forward to Monday mornings to read her post.
2. Romance Bandits - The Romance Bandits are a group of amazing and talented writers. You never know what the daily post may be, but one thing I can guarantee is you’re always happy you went to the blog. Now, if I could just get the rooster. :)
3. Patricia’s Readin-n-Writin - Wow, this is the blog to go to if you want encouragement, and to meet via interviews and book reviews incredible authors.
4. Malicious Intently or MI - To say I’m in awe of this woman is an understatement. She is the wonderful parent of two awesome boys, one of them is autistic. She’s married to her hero. MI puts it on the line, she holds no punches about what she feels or why she feels that way. You know what you see is what you get, and really isn’t that the way it should be? She also is the project manager for a non-profit for Autisms and they do amazing things. How can a woman who is raising her own autistic son have time to help hundreds of other parents whose children have recently been diagnosed, or run a charity event which takes weeks or months to set up and yet her family is still her main goal. Yep, she is amazing.
5. Writers At Play - What can I say about this group of talented writers? You never know what they may blog about, could be a receipt, could be a first call, an interview with an author, editor, or agent, or could just be plain old silly fun in the life of…
Well, there you have it. I can only choose five and there’s so many more on my list. I hope you’ll visit their sites and let them know you found them through this blog. And if you’re on the list, it’s now your turn to select five blogs.
What about you? Who are some of your favorite blogs to visit and why?
Writing Wishes and Plotting Dreams,
Vicki
Friday, February 20, 2009
And the Winner is….
Hi it’s LKap, before we announce the winner…
I want to take a minute to thank Shayla Black/Shelley Bradley for stopping by and letting me do this giveaway for Tempt Me With Darkness. I know she’s been busy with a lot of things, and of course deadlines, to keep us readers happy. So a big THANK YOU – XOXOXO.
Without further ado **drum roll**
The Winner is: lastnerve
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
I want to take a minute to thank Shayla Black/Shelley Bradley for stopping by and letting me do this giveaway for Tempt Me With Darkness. I know she’s been busy with a lot of things, and of course deadlines, to keep us readers happy. So a big THANK YOU – XOXOXO.
Without further ado **drum roll**
The Winner is: lastnerve
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
Please send me your snail mail at LaurieKap at yahoo dot com
You have one week from today or another winner will be chosen
Thank you to everyone who commented and stopped by to say hi, to Shayla, V and myself. Don’t forget to pick up your own copy of Tempt Me With Darkness and live in the world of the Brethren (say hi to Ice for me) LOL :)
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