Blog Chain: The Good Stuff

Blog chain time again. This round was started by Michelle H. She wants us to:

Be positive! Name some of the positive aspects of your writing — be it a compliment from a mentor, friend or crit partner to anything special you learned concerning your writing skills.

This was way harder than it should've been. I could spend hours telling you the things I need to improve on, but to actually point out the positives is a whole other situation. Not that I think I'm a bad writer. If that were the case, I would've quit long ago.

Okay, I'll give this a try.

I've been told by several people that my dialogue is good and feels natural.  Also, after much research and experimenting I've started to feel like I have a handle on the concept of voice (not that I could explain it to anyone else) and I've had a few compliments on that.

Ummm....

I'm a very detail-oriented person (aka crazy perfectionist) so my writing is usually pretty clean when it comes to grammar and punctuation--even my rough drafts.

And I think that's enough about me. :)

What about all of you? What are some of the positive aspects of your writing? Don't be shy. ;)

Be sure to check out Christine's post from yesterday and Kat's post tomorrow.

Well, It's Official....

I am now the mother of a teenager. Does this somehow make me more qualified to write YA? Just looking for the upside. ;)

Happy birthday to my favorite son! You can stop growing up now.

Are You an Introvert?

A while back, I came across this really interesting article, 10 Myths About Introverts, by Carl at Carl King Creative.

It's kind of scary how accurately many of these myths describe me. At the same time, I feel a little less crazy after reading it. And I think this list would seem very familiar to most writers and other creative folks so I thought I'd share.

Here's a sample:

Myth #1 – Introverts don’t like to talk.

This is not true. Introverts just don’t talk unless they have something to say. They hate small talk. Get an introvert talking about something they are interested in, and they won’t shut up for days.

Full article here.

Cartoon credit: http://www.savagechickens.com/

Blog Chain: Motivation

Or the post in which I use the word love five million times. Or just six. :)

A couple of things first. I changed the blog layout again. I know it's only been a few months, but the cutesiness of the old one was slowly killing me and this one feels more science-fictiony. Actually, the night sky in the alien world in Embrol is purple, so this one is pretty close to perfect. Now, if I could just figure out how to slip a couple of alien moons in there.... ;)

Also, my rule-breaking opening (first 117 words) is up on Blackbird in my Window if you want to check it out. I'd love to hear what you think.

Now for the blog chain. This round was started by Laura. She asked:

What keeps you going (either trying to get an agent or to get published or finish that WIP that's kicking your butt) when you know the odds are stacked way against you?

Well, I do love a challenge. Or maybe I'm subconsciously punishing myself for something I don't remember doing? ;)

Seriously, though, I think a lot of it is just the hope that maybe if I keep at it, one day I might be able to make a little money doing something I love, which I can't say for any job I've had in the past. And I would love, love, love to see my book with a pretty cover sitting on the shelf at the bookstore. Actually, I think this might be the end result I'm looking forward to the most. So the whole ebooks-taking-over-the-world thing needs to hold off a while longer. You think it'll wait for me? ;)

What about you? What keeps you going knowing the odds are stacked way against you?

Be sure to check out Christine's post from yesterday and Kat's post tomorrow.

Very Cool Writing Contest!!

Rachel over at Blackbird in my Window is having a writing contest! Submit the first three pages of your manuscript for a chance to win the book of your choice. Plus, everyone who submits will receive feedback on their pages. How awesome is that? Be sure to check it out!