Take It As It Comes

Interview with Christine Fonseca the Author of DIES IRAE

2012-02-16T05:00:00.000-08:00

In celebration of the release of my friend Christine Fonseca's novella DIES IRAE, a prequel to her REQUIEM series, I'm interviewing her :-). I read it this past week, and let me tell you, it is one heart-wrenching story that really calls on you to explore the definitions of good and evil, as well as how closely intertwined love and hate truly are. Now, on to angels, demons and the eternal battle between the two!

"Some sacrifices should never be made—even for love.

Mikayel lives by one rule—obey the orders of the angelic Council at all costs. That is, until he and his friends, Azza and Demi, are sent to Earth. Assigned as Watchers while they await their decision of which angelic order to serve, the three assume the bodies of teenagers and experience life as human.

The sensations are overwhelming as the angels experience a host of human emotions—rage, terror, love—and come ever closer to breaking one of the unbreakable rules—never fall in love.

But being human isn’t the only problem facing the three angels. Unbeknownst to the Council, demonic activity is on the rise, threatening to break a tenuous peace that has existed for a millennia; a peace Azza seems bent on destroying.

Caught in a struggle for power with unseen demonic forces and Azza, and fighting against his rising emotional attachment to Demi, Mikayel must now decide how much he is willing to sacrifice for his new found love—a decision that could reignite an ancient war and will threaten the only thing that matters to the angels, the survival of humanity."

How did the idea for DIES IRAE come to you?

DIES IRAE comes from a story in the novel LACRIMOSA and explains the history between two of the characters. When the decision was made to write a prequel novella, this was the perfect story to choose!

What is your drafting style like? Any methods you typically use?

Great question. Typically, I start with the basic premise and problem in the story. Then I stew. And stew. AND STEW. It is during this time that I usually find a song or songs that capture the emotional feel of the story. I listen to the music incessantly. And finally, after ideas have taken root in my subconscious, I loosely outline the major plot points using Blake Synder’s beat sheet. At this point I loosely outline the scenes/chapters. Then, when I am happy with a general structure, I write the “zero” draft. I am much better at editing than drafting, so I really try to word vomit out the draft as quickly as possible.

Why angels? Have you always had an interest in their mythology?

Tough question. The idea for the first story, LACRIMOSA, was always about angelic beings. I guess that is where is all started.

How long did it take you to write DIES IRAE?

Like I said, the basic premise of DIES IRAE was created more than a year ago. That said, I outlined DIES IRAE in a few hours, and drafted over a week or so. After editing, polishing and more editing, I would say it was about a month start to finish, and another couple of weeks after a few people read it. I don’t typically write that fast, but we were under the gun with this one – so yea….it was a fast process.

So this book is a prequel? Is the rest of the series out or are you still working on it? HA! It is definitely a work in process. LACRIMOSA is undergoing its final edits as I type this. There are then two shorts and two novels planned, all coming out over the next 12 to 15 months. I have outlined the short (MEA CULPA) and the second novel (LIBERA ME). Once edits on LACRIMOSA are finished, I will be madly writing in order to meet my deadlines.

I find that characters can teach writers about themselves and the world around them. What did Mikayel, Demi and Azza teach you?

I love this question too. I think the three of them really taught me about the complexity of good and evil, and the presence of both qualities within all of us. Nothing is black OR white, just many shades of gray – and sometimes what separates the shades is barely tangible. Most of all, the relationship between really pointed out how easily things can go from minorly confusing, to seriously a MESS. And how every decision, no matter what the motivation behind it, has consequences, many of which are unpredictable.

Why do you like to write for young adults?

First of all, I work with teens and LOVE this age bracket. Secondly, young adults are at a period in their lives where they really cannot distinguish things they way an adult does. There are in a period of self discovery. Everything is raw, intense, new, unknown. Since I enjoy writing about personal discovery and the inner journey we all take through our emotions, writing YA affords me a context to do this in a very authentic way.

Christine Fonseca is one busy lady and has many great books in the works, so keep an eyes out for LACRIMOSA, and in the meantime, pick up DIES IRAE through Amazon and Barnes and Noble. For more information, and to Google stalk Christine, you can peep her blog, Facebook, and Twitter.

An Homage to My Critter on Our 2-Year Critterversary

2012-02-15T08:24:00.001-08:00

About two years ago, I entered the online writing community. Perusing the blogs of both the published and unpublished. Trying to get a handle on the reins felt the same as when I moved, halfway through my freshman year in high school. Everyone had their groups formed and here I was the dorky new-comer once again. High-school-Kristen was lucky enough to make a good friend who stuck by her, glaring at anyone who gave her a hard time.

Luckily, it wasn't necessary for grown-up-high-school Kristen to have a protector, since the online writing community is very open and accepting, but nonetheless I still felt like an outsider. I looked up to some of the "junior" and "senior" level writers who already were on their way to agents and book deals. One of these writers, spoke of the importance of a really good critique partner. One who will always tell you the truth, no matter how much it hurts. I was reminded of my friend in high school, who was the first to tell me when I was in the wrong.

I needed a writer friend who cared enough about me, my writing and my success to be a cheerleader and an a@#kicker when needed.

I wondered how to go about finding a critique partner. A personals ad? A website? "Married, white, female aspiring YA horror writer seeks open-minded individual who isn't squeamish and is willing to pull late nighters talking her off the writerly ledge."

Call it fate or divine intervention, but during this time I stumbled across a blog that would change my life, little could I tell from it's unassuming appearance. Tiffany Neal, "mother of three drama loving girls," reading teacher extraordinaire... I spent a night basically Google stalking her. I laughed until I had tears in my eyes reading of her escapades with her daughters, and in her voice I found a kindred spirit as Anne of Green Gables would have referred to it. She was my Diana Barry. I had to have her.

So, how does an adult-high-school-student-aspiring-writer court a CP, you might ask? A circle-yes-or-no-will-you-be-my-CP-letter attached to an incredibly awkward email that said something like, "Um, I know this is weird, and I swear I'm sane, but I think we are literally meant for each other. Will you devote your book babies to me?" Admit it, I know how to dazzle the ladaaays...

Strangely enough, and a testament to just how twisted my partner in crime is, she said yes two years ago today.

Since Tiffany has entered my life, my writing has taken so many turns. First off, I suck at grammar. Don't let my looming B.A. fool you. She schooled me (and threatened to lock me in a closet wallpapered with Beiber pictures *gag* *shudder*) until I learned from my mistakes. She lovingly pointed out my absurdly annoying obsession with adverbs until she broke me.

She has supported my love of the glittering new story high, and then seconds later tugged on my feet to pull me to the ground, forcing me to finish one manuscript before moving on to the next. That's right. She has also broken my fictional promiscuity, and turned me into be a novel monogamist *with the occasional wandering eye* ;-). If you know me, you realize what a feat that was.

She has spent countless hours on the phone and Skype, convincing me that I am indeed a writer, not an aspiring sidewalk chalk artist, and that I was just suffering through a rough patch.

I haven't told many people this, but right after Tiffany started working with me, an agent was interested in one of my stories. Tiffany spent two weeks of HELL working on preening this baby with me. It was me, her and 30STM. Do or die.

First the partial request had me calling Tiffany in a stupor, then the full had me screaming in her ear, and then months later, when it was rejected, I was in tears. But she was there to pick up the pieces and have unconditional faith in the characters and world I had created. At the same time, she helped me work through the agent's notes and nagged me until I licked my wounds and returned to the story. And that is why she is its godmother.

I'll never forget how vulnerable I was during that period of time, it reminds me of when I gave birth to my daughter and how the delivery room nurse was my lifeline. After my daughter was born, she helped put me back together again, and after the disappointment of that rejection, that is just what Tiffany was--a literary doula.

Most importantly, she makes me believe that if I work really hard, and stay positive I will be published at some point. The key is to keep an open mind and NEVER give up. She has inspired me to raise the bar non-stop, and push the hell out of my characters and feeble brain. And I love her for it.

The first year that we worked together, we also came up with an idea for a YA collab that we have worked on here and there since then, but the date to hammer it out is slated for this summer after my graduation and the end of her school year. She started out as a really good friend, we fell in love and are making a book baby. Yep. I went there.

Writing with her is just as natural as writing by myself, and actually more fun, because I don't have to talk to myself about the characters. I can't wait to embark on this new journey with her!

Outside of writing, she has been there for many important and tragic events in my life. Struggling through balancing school, illness and motherhood, she is my forever cheerleader. I know that no matter the situation, need, or time that I pick up that phone to call, she will be there wanting to help. In short, she started out as a CP, became a literary spouse and also the sister I never had.

I love you Tiffany. Happy Critterversary, thank you for taking a crazy schmuck like me on two years ago today. Thank you for making me a better writer, and a better person.

Debut Author Heather McCorkle's Dirty Little Secret...

2011-08-24T05:00:00.000-07:00

In celebration of the debut release of my friend Heather McCorkle's novel THE SECRET OF SPRUCE KNOLL, I have decided to ask Heather to reveal a dirty little secret about herself. But first, the awesomeness that is TSOSK:

Following the tragic death of her parents, Eren Donovan moves to Spruce Knoll to live with her aunt. Little does Eren know the entire town of Spruce Knoll is filled with “channelers”—a magical group of people who immigrated to the small Colorado town when they were driven out of their own lands.

Channelers are tied to the fate of the world. As the world slowly dies, so do they—and they alone have the power to stop the destruction of Earth. Now, Eren learns she not only lives among them, but she is one. When she meets local boy Aiden, his charm convinces her that being a channeler may not be all bad.

The todlette is sold on the fact that there's an Aiden involved in the story--because that's the name of her Pre-K boyfriend *facepalm* I on the other hand, am excited to get into the mythology. The idea of "Channelers" is intriguing! So, since this is the tour of secrets, it wouldn't be complete without one of Heather's to share with you all.

Me: Who is your secret idol?It's Jared Leto, isn't it? *waggles eyebrows*

Heather: *blank stare* *recovers* Well, since I'm an author I'll give you two answers for this one. The author who I absolutely idolized from the first novel of his that I wrote is Joel Rosenberg who wrote the Guardians Of The Flame series. I fell in love with fantasy when I read his first book, then I couldn't get enough.

My other secret idol that most people don't know about is Bruce Lee. I've always loved martial arts and I still remember seeing my very first Bruce Lee movie and being captivated. Bruce's book, The Tao Of Jeet Kune Do is one of my favorite books of all time. When I was a kid a poster of Bruce and many posters of his son Brandon hung in my bedroom. When Brandon Lee died in March of 1993 during a movie set accident it broke my heart. This picture is from my trip to visit Bruce and Brandon's graves.

Me: I remember when Brandon passed away. It was so tragic... I loved the Crow, and still do!

Heather: Another fan! Best. Movie. Ever.

Me: I knew I liked you ;-). Thank you for stopping by on your Tour of Secrets. Congrats on your release! I can't wait to get my hands on it!

Heather: *waves*

So, there you have it--an awesome author with amazing taste in actors, movies, and books. I would say that this bodes well for the fantabulous factor of her book, no? You can order yourself a copy from Barnes and Noble or Amazon.

Debut Author Denise Grover Swank Inspires My Bucket List

2011-07-25T21:51:00.001-07:00

More exciting news! My friend Denise Grover Swank's debut novel TWENTY-EIGHT AND A HALF WISHES was released on July 12th! Here's an excerpt:

Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes
A Rose Gardner Mystery

"It all started when I saw myself dead."

For Rose Gardner, working at the DMV on a Friday afternoon is bad even before she sees a vision of herself dead. She's had plenty of visions, usually boring ones like someone's toilet's overflowed, but she's never seen one of herself before. When her overbearing momma winds up murdered on her sofa instead, two things are certain: There isn't enough hydrogen peroxide in the state of Arkansas to get that stain out, and Rose is the prime suspect.

Rose realizes she's wasted twenty-four years of living and makes a list on the back of a Wal-Mart receipt: twenty-eight things she wants to accomplish before her vision comes true. She's well on her way with the help of her next door neighbor Joe, who has no trouble teaching Rose the rules of drinking, but won't help with number fifteen-- do more with a man. Joe's new to town, but it doesn't take a vision for Rose to realize he's got plenty secrets of his own.

Somebody thinks Rose has something they want and they'll do anything to get it. Her house is broken into, someone else she knows is murdered, and suddenly, dying a virgin in the Fenton County jail isn't her biggest worry after all.

So in honor of Denise, who blows my mind with her ability to be an amazing mother, as well as an incredible writer, here is my bucket list in the form of a Vlog... Blogger is not letting me embed it, but if you click here it will take you straight to the video.

Do you have a bucket list? Leave it in the comments! Also, you can order your copy of TWENTY-EIGHT AND A HALF WISHES by visiting Denise's website here. So what are you waiting for? Go buy it!!!

Another Giveaway!

2011-07-08T21:51:00.000-07:00

My dear friend Carol Valdez Miller is hosting yet another awesome giveaway on her blog! Arcs of "Forever" and "Hades." RUN and enter here

20 Random Facts About Debut Author Eisley Jacobs

2011-07-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

Since my good friend Eisley Jacob’s debut novel BORN TO BE A DRAGON is being released in 12 short days, I wanted to share how awesome she is with all of you by listing, “Twenty random facts that you may or may not have ever wanted to know about Eisley Jacobs.”

1. Eisley is not her real name. It’s a pen name cleverly disguised as a real name.

2. She has asked her husband on more than one occasion if she can change her name to Eisley. He says no. Party Pooper.

3. Eisley Jacobs means “to hold firmly onto…” Meaning, whatever her convictions, she holds firmly onto them and does her best to live every minute with love and integrity.

4. She loves dancing in the rain, but hates being wet.

5. Eisley is OCD about a lot of things, one of them being her house. When it’s messy, she flips. No really, ask her kids.

6. Eisley wears make-up three times a year. One of them was for her headshots on the website… the other two are up for debate.

7. She has a very tender heart and gets emotional at parts in a movie that she has seen twelve times. Even Disney movies.

8. Eisley wrote BORN TO BE A DRAGON while listening to Owl City (most of the time).

9. Eisley’s favorite bands of all times are: Red, Plumb, Skillet, Superchick, and The Almost. She can listen to these bands over and over and over. Then do it again.

10. Eisley loves coffee and is so generous that she has shared two cups of coffee with her laptop… and yet it still works.

11. She is a computer geek. She knows how to fix a laptop after it’s been drenched with coffee… twice.

12. She’s also a jack of all trades, master of none. And she doesn’t mind asking for directions or help. But you won’t catch her reading directions… often.

13. Eisley homeschools her three children. And loves it. And they don’t drive her crazy… on the most days.

14. Eisley knows American Sign Language. Well enough to carry on a conversation with her Deaf friends.

15. She has a size 11 foot.

16. She used to dream of being the first girl in the Major Leagues (baseball).

17. Her favorite color is blue.

18. Eisley doesn’t watch television if she can help it. She has too many stories to write.

19. She is very crafty and when she sees something she wants to do, she does it. Without reading directions. Usually it turns out okay.

20. Eisley is so excited about her upcoming release of BORN TO BE A DRAGON that she hasn’t slept in two days.

The 21st thing that you might not know about Eisley is that she inspires me. Not only is she an amazing friend, writer and a good mama, Eisley is a self-publishing guru who has made her dream come true—and yet she balances it all so well! I’m quite proud of her! Share in her success and pre-order a signed copy of BORN TO BE A DRAGON here.

I’ll even throw in a 22nd fact that could win you a brand spanking new NOOK! Eisley is so wicked cool that she is hosting a scavenger hunt that could win you the grand prize listed above. ;- ) Tomorrow’s question is, “What size are Eisley Jacob’s shoes?” Which is basically given to you in this post! So go follow Eisley's Blog if you don’t already and win that NOOK!

WILDEFIRE Arc Giveaway!

2011-06-30T13:27:00.000-07:00

I have been stupid busy with school, but I have a new idea in the works for my blog, so stay tuned to the ol' bat channel for more. In the meantime, there is an awesome contest going on *not that I am hosting it or anything*. I am merely the messenger
:-).

The wonderful Carolina Valdez Miller is giving away an arc of WILDEFIRE on her blog, go enter. This book sounds amazing!

Agent Celebration Mega Giveaway Contest Winner!!!

2011-04-04T07:37:00.001-07:00

Sorry I didn't post sooner but we had an incident involving toothpaste, hand lotion and my daughter's bedroom walls. *glares at todlette*

First of all, I want to thank each and every one of you for partaking in the festivities celebrating the fact that Carol is now working with her AGENT *eaakkk!* Vickie Motter. I know it meant a lot to Carol for everyone to cheer her on and partaaay with her.

As her friend, I want to thank you all for making her smile. The writing community never ceases to amaze me, how everyone bands together and supports each other while trying to get established. Once it happens, those people are still there offering support. You are all amazing. I can't imagine life without my writerly friends.

Alright, enough mushy stuff. Without further adieu...the winner is...................................................................

LEXIE :):):)

Please email your address to me at kristenyard AT Gmail (DOT) com so that I can get your copy of Personal Demons sent out.

Thanks again everyone! I have a two-week break between semesters at the end of April so I will be blogging a bit more regularly then. Taking four advanced-level courses with the todlette has been kind of rough (hence the halfway edible wall art...) but I look forward to blogging again, I miss it!

Have a great week!

Agent Celebration Mega Giveaway

2011-03-13T18:52:00.000-07:00

I love starting out a boring old Monday with FRACKTASTIC news! And a party.

My dear friend Carolina Valdez-Miller has landed an AGEEENNNNTTTTT. *Fudderwackens vigorously* Carol is now represented by Vickie Motter of Andrea Hurst Literary for her YA novel of awesomesauce, WHIMS OF A WISH.

For the few of you who are depraved enough not to know this wonderful woman, Carol is one of the most uplifting writer friends I have. There have been quite a few times where I was down about my writing and either she inspired me herself or one of her blog posts did. She makes me laugh, she is always positive and she is talented with a word or two. I couldn't be happier. It's amazing to watch your friends make it, when you know how hard they have been working. I had tears in my eyes when she told me.

Carol, I have no doubt that you will be on the New York Times Best Sellers list one day very soon, and I can't wait to buy a million copies of your book so that I can keep sending them to you to sign for me until you get fed up and move without telling me. *grins*

So, in the name of Carol's own personal Frabjous Day, we are having a huge party.

There are TONS of giveaways in Carol's honor. Carol is giving away 5 different prizes to 5 very lucky peeps. First, a first page critique from her agent Vickie Motter! Carol is also giving away a KINDLE (wait...shouldn't SHE be the one getting an awesome present?! That is just how sweet she is :). The third, fourth and fifth prizes are the following books: A signed copy of Escaping into the Open by Elizabeth Berg, a signed hardback of Shade by Jeri-Smith Ready and a signed hardback of Passing Strange by Daniel Waters.

I am giving away a signed copy of PERSONAL DEMONS by Lisa Desrochers.

The only requirements that I have, are that you are a follower of my blog as well as Carol's which you can find here, and that you leave a comment in the comment section of both of our blogs. In the comment posts, be sure to congratulate her! If you have a nice memory of sharing Carol's journey to publication, by all means share it :).

Other stops along the Blog Party Crawl A.k. a. Free Stuff High Way :) are:

Heather's Odyssey:

Writer's Digest Guide to Query Letters or The Fire in Fiction by Donald Maas

From Critique Sisters Corner:

2011 Guide to Literary Agents or Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maas

J. Koyanagi:
Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg or How Not to Write a Novel by Howard Mittelmark and Sandra Newman or Give 'Em What They Want: The Right Way to Pitch Your Novel to Editors and Agents by Blythe Camenson and Marshall J. Cook

Simon Larter:
One of you lucky peeps will win all of this...
On Writing by Stephen King, Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury and Bird By Bird by Anne Lamott

LK Gardner-Griffie:
2 winners: 1 of you will win a signed copy of Misfit McCabe, while the other will win a canvas book bag

Sara McClung:
Sara will have 3 different winners! Winner 1 will get a signed copy of The Dark Divine. Winner 2 will get a signed copy of Raised by Wolves, and Winner 3 will get Write Great Fiction: Plot & Structure

Lola Sharp:

$25 Amazon gift card

Elizabeth Davis:

A $25 Amazon gift card

Tracey Neithercott:

A Hardcover of Across the Universe

Jon Arntson:

A $15 Barnes and Noble gift card

Denise Grover Swank

Angelfire by Allison Moulton, Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins, Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins, and Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins

Last, but certainly not least because she is awesome :) Christine Fonseca:
101 Success Secrets for Gifted Kids: The Ultimate Guide or A Partial Critique

So there you are, my friends! Carol's blog celebration of epic proportions will run up until April 1st at midnight. Check each individual blog of the contest that you are entering because there may be different guidelines and deadline dates, as well as entry forms.

My contest will close at midnight on April 1st, and the winner will be selected and notified on April 4th. Please include your email address in the comment you leave on my blog. Thanks and good luck. Annnnnddd... *Puts on party hat and tosses confetti* COMMENCE CELEBRATION CAROL ROCKS!!!!!

Happy World Read Aloud Day!

2011-03-09T05:30:00.000-08:00

LitWorld's Reading Decree

"Today is World Read Aloud Day.

We are uniting our voices in cities and communities across the globe.

We celebrate the power of stories and words to change worlds.

We join our voices for quality literacy education for every child worldwide.

Today 774 million people cannot read or write. They are denied the joy and light of reading every day.

Education is a human right and a means to attaining other human rights that we declare to be universal.

Literacy education improves the health of children and families, spurs economic growth and advances equality.

For many children worldwide, quality education is the difference between life and death, between hope and despair and being able to make the most of one's potential. This is our opportunity to give voice to the future.

By coming together and raising our voices on this day, we show the world's children that we support their lives: that they have the right to read, to write and to share their stories to change the world.

Today I pledge my passion for quality education and my support for the cause of literacy. I encourage everyone to take part in this day and this cause.

As a representative of my community, I will continue to advocate for the causes most important to us and I encourage all of you to join me in the fight for our children and all children's futures.

In observance of World Read Aloud Day, I invite you to take a moment to think about what you would miss most if you could not read or write.

It's time for all of us to join the global literacy movement. Through our voices we can be free and be part of words changing worlds."

*****

It might be hard to make it out, but this is my daughter after reading herself to sleep during nap time. In our house, books are a big part of life. I never say no to a book while at the store (and my kids know it and MILK it). I rarely skip reading a bedtime story. We love to read out loud, and to make up alternate endings to our favorite books (fan fiction anybody?) But, I have never stopped to appreciate the fact that I can read.

I can't imagine my life without it or my kid's lives without being able to curl up with a book, or write stories of their own. According to an article I read here there are, "774 million people around the globe who cannot read or write. Two-thirds of those people are women."

Scary.

So, since it's "World Read Aloud Day," I wanted to take a minute to thank my parents, teachers, and every person who has ever read to me, listened to me read or encouraged my writing, because a thought of an illiterate life almost brings me to tears. What would I miss most if I couldn't read? Everything--the ability to escape and connect with others through words.

What about you? Post in the comments what you would miss most, and as you read to yourself or your kids, or write today, take a minute to think of the millions who do not know how...

February 1st is Unofficial Post a Photo of Your Work Space Day

2011-02-01T08:19:00.000-08:00

I had no clue. How could I have almost missed something so fun and potentially embarrassing?!

Per usual Kristen style I found out about this last minute via one of my favorite Critters Jon, who posted his workspace here. Jon you rock and so does your writing area. The story he is working on right now is beyond awesome!

Here are a few pics of my work area, complete with air conditioner STILL in the window (even though it's like below zero here), book cover poster of my first manuscript that my best friend surprised me with (she's sooooo talented!), overly-stuffed booksehelves that could collapse on my husband and I in our sleep at any given moment and last but not least a-monkey-named-Hermione- jumping on the bed *can you believe the conditions I have to work under?!* Ha ha. She is actually quite handy, I run ideas by her all the time... She's also my excuse as to why the bed is never made *grins at todlette*

Now post your own hall of shame :)

2011-01-20T12:20:00.000-08:00

My Resolution for 2011...and the rest of my life really:

Relinquish control.

Yup.

You heard correctly this type-A-OCD-mama has made it her mission in life to learn how to roll with the punches instead of constantly sidestepping to avoid or deflect them. In 2010, (heck...ever since I started working on my bachelor's actually) I have stressed myself out to maintain my straight A's in school because I really want to get into a certain M.F.A. program that has stringent guidelines for acceptance. I have beat myself up thinking that although it's good for me to be in school, if I wasn't in school I could have even more playtime with the todlette, even though I am home with her and play with her as much as I possibly can. In the past year, I have also induced a horrible writer's block because I am putting myself on this makeshift time crunch for publication, which as I write this, sounds absolutely ridiculous. But I have. I told myself I wanted to be done with school and pubbed within the next three years. Apparently I think I am God or something.

So.

Dumb.

I have been fighting the greater powers in many aspects regarding to my career and personal life and it is like treading water infinitely. It's pointless, and impossible. Eventually you get tired and go under. I'm at that point. At the risk of sounding all emo-ish, I will say that I am lucky enough to be able to step out of the situation and look at things objectively. It's ok if I don't *CRINGE* maintain straight A's. B's are ok... I suppose if my dream school won't have me *GASP* *BITES LIP* *SUPPRESSES SOB* another school might take me.

As far as publication *EYES FILL WITH TEARS* If it's supposed to happen, it will. I will continue to study writing and literature, I will continue to hone my craft and learn but if that is my path it will happen. If not, there is a reason.

That is what I need to remember. Everything happens in its time and for a reason, even if we don't know why at the moment, someday we will. As far as some of the things in my personal life that I am struggling to relinquish control of I need to hand it over to the greater powers and understand that I am doing everything I can, and sometimes that's not enough. Sometimes there is nothing you can do to change a situation no matter how much it kills you, keeps you up at night or breaks your heart.

Sometimes you have to let go and let your life fall into place the way it is meant to in order for your soul to learn all the lessons that you are here to embark on. Otherwise you are running from the purpose of your existence. I have some thinking to do on many things in my life at the moment. I'm at a few crossroads and I would really kill for a cheshire cat to point me in the right direction... (or to have a tea party with Johnny Depp while I mull it over, but that's beside the point). Instead, tomorrow I am flying to TX to visit my critique partner/ bestie/ writing partner Tiffany (love her!). I am going to clear my head, work on our novel, drool over Jared, Shannon and Tomo...and then I am going to come home and reassess everything.

But, most importantly it will be the beginning of an end. Moving away from my OCD-ish self to one who has relinquished control. Your life is like the car your are paying off... not fully yours. The bank is the true owner basically until you pay it off and the vehicle dies. Our time here is borrowed, and I'm not going to waste any more time trying to plan every last second.

“Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.”

-The Dali Lama

2011-01-11T05:25:00.000-08:00

Things That Go Through Your Mind While Scraping Nail Polish off of Every Surface in Your Toddler's Room at 12:30 in the Morning:

1. Thank you GOD for somehow keeping this from getting inside her mouth, on her rug or on her bedding.

2. Curse the inventor of nail polish.

3. We really need to buy more nail polish remover. *eyes empty bottle*

4. "Mood nail polish" is a total rip-off. Otherwise the todlette's hands would be "fear-pink," as opposed to the same shade of blue the polish was in the bottle.

5.The todlette looks like a smurf. A sneaky smurf who scaled Mount McSmurf (baby gate) to break into Gargamel (big sis)'s lair to steal a secret potion (polish).

6. Maybe the todlette will be a world-famous painter who dabbles in nail polish as a medium. Twenty years from now I might be laughing about this over a martini with some interviewer from Nylon magazine.

7. Man I'm tired, and I still have a ton of homework to do. *sigh*

8. *glares at grinning todlette* SO not funny. *eyes narrow even further as todlette crows with laughter*

9. MAN the hubs is good at scraping polish off of furniture.

10. You would think that the manufacturers of nail polish could do something about the nasty smell. *wobbles on feet for a minute from fumes* Like can't they Wonkify it and make it smell like whatever fruit the color represents? Great. Then the todlette would drink it. Never mind. *plugs nose and proceeds*

9. I really need to blog....

10. What can I blog about? I know! About THIS...

Confessions of a Reformed Pantser

2010-11-05T08:11:00.000-07:00

You might be asking yourself what exactly Ian Somerhalder has to do with plotting vs. pantsing a novel. My answer to that?

Not a darn thing, but I doubt I'll hear any complaints about posting his gorgeous face on my blog. ;)

On the flip side, his TV character Damon Salvatore has plenty to do with plotting vs. pantsing. Damon is the epitome of why it behooves a person to plan ahead. He has gotten himself out of many scrapes by being a step ahead of everyone in Mystic Falls...except for that pesky little Katherine.

Damon has also been an example of why pantsing can sometimes be a bad thing...like by not planning ahead that he might fall in love with Elena and then wind up in a basement full of vervain, or a burning basement, or a tomb...
Can we sense a pattern here? If you rely solely on pantsing your way through life you will probably end up in a basement...and if you're really lucky it'll be on fire, or poisonous.

Ok, so that's reaching a bit but I do have to say as much as I have loved being a pantser it has left me in the dark on more than one occasion--written into a corner that I can't get myself out of.

NaNoWriMo was symbolic of a new writerly beginning for me. I decided that over the past year or so that I have begun seriously writing again I haven't gotten anywhere. I assessed my methods (or should I say lack thereof) and came up with a brilliant realization,"Kristen, you know nothing and you must be doing something wrong."

At that moment, I made a decision to pretend that the month of November was a ginormous opposite day that never ends...well..until Nov. 30th.

My Rules for Writerly Bliss *snort*:

1. VERY LIMITED pantsing.

2. Construct a plot map with chapter descriptions.

3. Have detailed character descriptions (in the past I left this in my mind and never wrote it down).

4. Write in CHRONOLOGICAL order-no matter how much my characters whine, shriek, stomp their feet and bribe me to get that first kiss scene on paper before I'm at that point in the story.

5. Do NOT mention the A word (agent), the E word (Edit) or the P Word (Publish) all month *errrr except for in this blog post... *smiles widely at finding a loophole*)

6. Fall in love with writing again, stop putting myself up to unrealistic expectations for dreams that used to be fun and not so stomach-curdling intense for me to try to achieve.

So far, my born-again writing challenge is working nicely. I have been brainstorming with my dream team Tina, Melissa, and last but surely not least my temporary roomie Tiffany. Seriously, I have a better team than Katniss did. Tina and I have been IM-ing back and forth as our characters which is sooooo helpful (and quite humorous). She has also threatened me when the pantser within tries to show herself by jumping ahead in the story. All three of these lovely ladies have read what I've written and offered nothing but support, good feedback and some fabtacular ideas, I love my girls :).

I still consider myself a pantser on the inside, but it has been immensely helpful to have an outline of where the story is going for the most part. I still get to wing it with some of the details, but having a guide offers organized chaos when under the time crunch that is NaNoWriMo.

Will I ever go back to my pantsin' ways? In the brilliant words of the hottest Salvatore brother, "That's for me to know, and you to dot, dot, dot." ;)

Friday Flash: Black and Starless

2010-10-22T01:00:00.000-07:00

As you read this I am on my way to Salem, MA. A trip that I have waited to take my whole life. It's our first family vacation and also a chance for me to research. I have started rehabbing my first manuscript FLASHOVER which takes place in Salem. It is also my first attempt at Friday Flash, so I thought it would be appropriate to post an excerpt of one of the character's back stories.

Enjoy!

My Elisabeth…

Executed for witchcraft when her only offense was her love for me. We were of different worlds, it was of no matter in my opinion. My father forbad our union so we planned to run away together, but the town tracked us down like a pair of criminals.

I was the witch, Elisabeth had no clue.

It still wasn’t enough to save her.

They escorted my Bliss out to the gallows the day before I was to die. As if it wasn’t enough to be burned at the stake, they had to annihilate my soul first by parading her past my tiny cell. Somehow, she managed to break away and come to me. I reached my hands out and we brushed fingertips—the touch of her skin against mine enough to make the world stop for a split second.

Why can’t we just stay like this…

The question tortured me more than my captors ever could.

She sought my eyes, hers sorrow-ridden as she whispered, “Be brave meus carus. True love prevails.”

I leaned my forehead against the bars to get closer to her, inhaling her sweet scent while I still could—embedding it into my memory. Grief held my voice captive, and I struggled to rasp, “I shall never forgive myself Elisabeth.”

Her fingers slipped out of mine and my stomach sank as panic set in. I searched the guard’s faces, Henry Cooper and Matthew Livingston. Men I had known all of my life I grew up with their sons.

“Henry—please you know she is innocent-” my voice cut off, smothered by a sob.

At least he had the decency to avert his gaze. Matthew glared at me, hatred contorting his features as he growled, “Quiet ye devil!”

He shoved a club through the bars, striking a couple of my ribs with it. Bones cracked and Elisabeth screamed—it was so like her, being led to death yet more concerned with me. Wincing against the pain, I stood up just in time to watch as they dragged my heart out of my chest by leading her away.

“Nathaniel!” she shrieked.

“Enough witch!” Matthew smacked her across the face and she whimpered. Blood trailed from her nose dancing along her cheeks—as though she were crying tears of blood. I gripped the bars and shook them with everything I had in me, but to no avail. I wanted to rip his head off.

I murmured spell after spell but nothing changed. The bars heated up under my hands. I cursed drawing my raw palms away. Iron. The old man was smart enough to know it weakened a witch’s powers.

There was nothing that I could do.

I had no choice but to watch as they hauled away the only person I had ever loved. I held onto her fading silhouette until I could no longer see her shadow on the cold stone floor. Her screams were quickly silenced, yet in my mind they never stopped.

What Are You Trying To Say?

2010-10-18T06:01:00.001-07:00

I'm taking a really interesting class this semester, "Mythology and Modern Life." Right now we're studying the work of Joseph Campbell, a brilliant man who spent his life studying mythology throughout many different cultures. One of his biggest points is that in modern society we don't embrace mythology and our spirituality the way that early man did. Mythology is necessary in order for man to understand his role in life (as well as the afterlife)--his place in the universe.

Campbell said that many teens are in trouble with gangs and the law because they don't have proper mythology to guide them, and they don't have "coming of age" rituals to perform, so they make their own up. Such as stealing, or gang initiation rites. The teens that opt for drugs are looking for the level of escapism that truly being connected to the universe can give you.

As an aspiring YA author this saddened me. We are telling teens to act like adults, but we aren't equipping them with what they need in order to assimilate into society and become a full-fledged grown up. How messed up is that? Sure, they an get their driver's license and go to prom--but they don't have anything that holds a candle to the rituals of the past.

Campbell said that the role of the shaman, or storyteller falls onto the wrong people's shoulders today, because society encourages teens to look up to celebrities. So movies and TV are the main medium of modern day mythology. He also said that there are not many writers and scriptwriters who can fit the bill as far as true myth writers.

I started to think about the YA authors whose stories have really left me thinking. Ellen Hopkins is the first who came to mind. "Burned," and "Crank," were both devoured in a day each and I was changed after reading them. She touched on some topics that are controversial but she reached out to teens who are in difficult situations and told them that they are not alone. She guided them without being condescending. In my eyes she is a master of the modern day myth. She imparts wisdom with each story, teaches a lesson and removes the blinders that people may wear in regards to risky subject matter.

Suzanne Collins is another one. The Hunger Games trilogy did crazy things to me (such as depriving me of sleep for four days straight while I read it all). She touched on every subject known to man and made it relatable for teens. Love, war, hate, greed, power, life death, sacrifice, the hero's journey. She did it all. She taught so many lessons that my head was spinning by the end and she did so with characters that I wanted to keep with me forever.

I think that YA authors need to stay true to themselves and their writing, but that we should also keep the message of our story in mind. Yes, stories should be entertaining and at the end of the day it's the parent's responsibility what their child reads, but we should strive to share some of the experences that we have gained in our lifetime. For the most part, we are older than some of our readers, and we need to reach out a hand through our words, settings, characters and plots that can shed a light on the twisted path of adolescence. We have to show them that the crappy things about being a teen do get better, but we shouldn't sugar coat world issues.

If they are going to read, doesn't it make sense for them to be able to learn something that will help them find themselves? When I was a teen I didn't fit in anywhere and books were my escape. Judy Blume, Edgar Allan Poe, Steven King, R.L. Stine, John Steinbeck, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Lois Lowry and so many others were my teachers, my guides.

I'm not saying that we should censor ourselves, far from it actually. I do not believe that teens should be talked down to at all. They are far smarter than adults give them credit for, and they can sniff out BS a mile away. I think that we should tell them the truths of the world, speaking to them on an equal playing field--but in a way that gives them hope and a few options of paths to follow.

Make your words count. Our readers are the future of our world--don't leave them to find their way in the dark.

How NaNoWriMo and Reversed Psychology Got Kristen's Groove Back

2010-10-15T04:34:00.000-07:00

Before I go any further in this post, yes I'm fully aware that we still have 17 days until NaNo starts. But that only demonstrates the power that is NaNoWriMo.

This summer, I struggled with writing. I had all the free time in the world with school out, but I accomplished nada--except for coming up with a short story. I have thought about why, and I came to an epiphany. My pursuit of an agent and fervent hopes of getting published are slowly blackening my muse's soul.

That's why she left me this summer see this post. I was putting too much pressure on myself therefore sucking the fun out of my craft.

There. I admitted it. My name is Kristen and I'm a fun-sucker.

Without the ability to black out and lose myself in what I'm writing in the process, I've thrown my equilibrium off. Me minus writing equals a miserable person. I feel energetically constipated (ew I know it's gross, but forgive me. My metaphors have just recently begun to work again and that's all I could come up with).

But this is where my night in shining armor--NaNoWriMo comes in. My awesome writerly friend Amalia gave me that little nudge that I needed to sign up for the the first time.

At first I only looked at the obvious. I'm too busy with, school, kids, cleaning, pulling my hair out over my inability to write even one page per day. *Gasp* how could I write upwards of 1600 daily?!

But I sucked it up and created a NaNo home page. And then the unthinkable happened. I got all sortsa' excited as I found more and more of my writer friends (and lots of new ones too!). It was like a high school reunion with a bunch of people I actually CARED to see agin...errrr if I had ever met any of you other than Tiffany
in person.

Once I was all wrapped up in NaNo-Euphoria, something REALLY WEIRD happened.

I got an idea.

An idea I'm beyond excited to work on. Do you want to know how that came about?

I decided to use reversed psychology on myself during the month of November...

1. I am strictly writing CROSSED WIRES for fun.

2. I do not plan on doing anything with this book (as of yet...). At this point it's just a writing exercise.

3. I am not allowed to even character sketch (since I don't know how strict the rules are). I must let it all percolate for a couple of weeks so that by the time Nov 1st rolls around, I'm spewing everywhere. (Ok, EWWW again with the nasty metaphors, I promise by my next blog post that little issue will be worked out...)

4. The thought of an agent, or publication WILL NOT cross my mind ONCE during November.

5. I will not even let the "E" word (edit.... *gags*) haunt me whatsoever. November is for creation, and creation only.

The freedom of having no expectations for myself is beyond exhilarating. Now I'm left wondering why I haven't lowered the bar for myself sooner...

I've been having daily smack downs (Definition: When one writes with the amaz-ering Tina for at least a half an hour everyday, and sometimes the wonderful Melissa joins in. The rules? Must write for the allotted time or face the wrath of Tina. It's quite effective!).

During these smack downs I find awesome support in two of my favorite girls as I'm pulling my hair out yet again while editing my first MS. I highly suggest this if you're really stuck. Tina explained the psychology of it to me awhile back, basically if you are forced to write without thought in a smack down you will write SOMETHING.

Is it not the perfect prep for the Marathon of such that is NaNoWriMo? Not only that, but we have some pretty darn interesting conversations before and after each smackdown on hotmail complaining about things such as wordcount, lack of chocolate cake, screaming toddlers who won't take their nap, and how at the heart of it all we can't live without writing. In short, it's my favorite time of the day :)

Since this post is getting a bit long-winded I will stop here. In summary I owe the return of my mojo to these awesome writers, and the institution that is NaNoWriMo. I'm so excited for this (yes I even ordered a shirt because I'm that big of a dork :). I would love to find all of you on there! My username is kristenyard and you can find me here. So sign up!

I'll leave you with one more thing, if you are looking for a great read or a good flick for the weekend grab, "The DUFF ," by Kody Keplinger. It's freaking FRAWESOME (btw thank you Elana for the best word ever...). I devoured it after Tiffany had been basically giving me death threats for weeks to read it. I CANNOT believe this debut author is only 18. She is unreal!!!

Last night I watched "Haunting of Winchester House" with the hubs who made fun of me relentlessly because it was the first ghost movie in forever that I was actually hiding behind the DVD case for a big chunk of (until the jerkface STOLE the DVD case from me so I would cower against him *snort*). I don't know if any of you are familiar with the true story of the Winchester house, the wife lost her husband and child. She was told by a medium that the angry spirits of all of the people who died because of Winchester guns were haunting and cursing her and the entire Winchester family. The psychic said that the only way to appease said spirits was to never stop adding onto the Winchester McMansion. It's very interesting.

REALLY creepy movie, but the end? It punches you in the stomach. I can't think of the last movie that did that to me. The hubs said it was low-budget but I love those movies...The plot is soooooo good!

Have a great weekend, I'll blog again on Monday (I'm blogging Mon. and Fri. every week once more).

A Letter to My Daughter

2010-10-11T05:49:00.000-07:00

Max,

Three years ago today I watched a marathon of "Saved by the Bell" in a dimly lit hospital room. No better way to kill time as I waited for the moment I'd been looking forward to pretty much my whole life--your arrival. My mind was going a mile a minute trying to work past raging hormones to figure out if I'd packed the kitty hat I wanted to put on you as soon as you were in my arms, if I bought the right sized diapers and if I remembered the boyish outfit I'd packed (you know, just in case mommy was wrong about something for the millionth time in her life). Looking back, I realize that all of these silly concerns were a mask placed over a bigger worry.

How could I possibly be good enough for you?

The responsibility involved hit me harder than any contraction. Would I be able to teach you to believe in yourself? Or to be a leader and not a follower? Could your father and I instill enough love into you that you wouldn't need to look for it in other places? You see, I realized that one little mistake could hurt you, and the thought of that... it was unthinkable. Daddy said I was being silly--that's the beauty of our relationship. He's the yin to my yang for sure, always reeling me in before I can worry too much. But that day, his words didn't soothe the way they normally did.

What should've been a long day, ended faster than I could believe at 5:21 P.M. You were born and we had a scare because you weren't breathing correctly. I remember wondering how my best moment could so quickly turn into my worst. I was screaming on the inside, but all that came out was a tiny voice as I asked what was wrong. I didn't get an answer as the doctor and nurses worked on you.

After what felt like an eternity, you screamed, quietly at first, but soon the walls were shaking (ok, not really, mommy is a writer, I elaborate). That was my first taste of what a little fighter you are. (The precursor of your terrible two's?...)

Within your first minutes of life you had already taught me my first mommy lesson. Don't worry about what's coming so much. Get through the here and now and be thankful for every moment because you just don't know. When they finally placed you in my arms, the hat, diapers and all my other silly worries were forgotten. Do you know what made me realize everything was going to be ok? Looking into your pretty eyes, I saw the trust there. From the moment I first spoke to you, I could read it in your baby blues, you believed in me. I knew that as long as I had you, and Daddy it would be okay.

I still face the worries that all moms have. How will you do in pre-k next year? Will you like school? Did I cover every outlet because lord knows if you have a metallic object of some sort that's the first thing you will try to do with it... Will we always stay close as you get older? Will I be able to protect you from the dangers of this world without sheltering you so much that you miss out on life? I don't have the answers. But what I do have is your little hand in mine, your bright smile and trusting eyes that have the power to vanquish the cloudiest day. I know that we will be ok. You will conquer the world and I will be right behind you cheering you on.

I'm so proud of you. You're everything I could have wanted in a daughter and then some. You're smart, funny, sweet and braver than I ever was. I miss the baby that you were, but I'm excited to kiss some of the second year good bye (such as your poop art phase, clay is a much better medium, I promise) and move forward. Thank you for everything you teach me on a daily basis.

Happy birthday Max, I hope three is your best year yet and that many more follow.

I love you more than you could possibly know.
~Mommy

Light a Match or Pants it

2010-10-08T19:37:00.000-07:00

I finally did it.

I blew the dust off of my first manuscript, started reading through it and committed to the scary prospect of a MAJOR rewrite. The decision to shelve FLASHOVER a year ago was a hard one. I felt like I was giving up on my characters--shipping my kids oversea or something when I put it down. It sucked, but I moved on. I wrote another manuscript and started at least 3 others that are uncompleted.

No matter what I did, the fact that I had this finished-yet-still-not-quite-finished manuscript gnawed at my soul. I have to give it another shot. I decided that research is beyond necessary, as well as an awesome motivator, so I'm taking a trip to the location of the story in the next couple of weeks. I've rearranged my playlist, begun to re-map the plot, and as of the other morning my characters are now waking me out of a dead sleep apparently eager to fill me in on how much they've grown in the past year. (I'm surprised they're still talking to me after I snubbed them ;)

They're ready for their second chance.

The question is am I?

I have to take a complete manuscript and salvage what I can, or just start over. The big question... is it even possible to start over with a story I have so much history with? Can I really walk away from everything I have and start over fresh? I have no clue as to what I'm doing or how it's going to end up but I suppose that's the fun of it all.

My question for all of you is how do you go about the rewrite process?

A. Light a match
B. Pants it--you can start over from scratch
C. Map like crazy and rip your hair out over all you're getting rid of

Letter to My Muse

2010-08-25T15:22:00.001-07:00

My dearest Thalia,

How was your summer vacation? Did you backpack through Prague like you were telling me you wanted to? I bet you danced your nights away with handsome European men, sipping sweet wine and nibbling at cheese and whatever else you could get your hands on. You know, I was quite worried about you, considering I didn't so much as receive a post card letting me know that you were still breathing. REALLY?! Would it have been so hard to send a tiny bit of inspiration my way?!

That's beside the point now. You've returned home relaxed and tanned with a carefree smile still plastered on your perfect lips. Do you want to hear about my summer? Well it was spent painfully trying to pry ideas out of my tired mind. You see, you've left me with nothing for over two months now. I learned how to Vlog *snort*, discovered that Tiffany can eat a disgusting amount of goldfish crackers in one sitting and developed an affinity for making playlists for stories that I just couldn't seem to write without you.

I guess I can forgive you given the fact that you woke me up very early a couple mornings ago with the present you brought me back from your little vacation... a new idea. Perhaps we need a break from each other every once in awhile... but if you EVER think of pulling an Edward on me again for more than a week, WARN ME at the very least. *whispers* Or take me with you. Otherwise I will cut off your access to thesixtyone.com FOR-EEEVVV-AAAARRRR.

*Glares* I mean it you deranged little water nymph.

Glad to have you back.
Love
Me

PS: BTW I SO heart your fishnets....

On a serious note, what do you do when your Muse leaves you hanging?

My First Short Story Contest Entry

2010-08-10T06:13:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! this summer has been crazy! I swear it flies by faster every year! So I entered my very first short story contest and I need your help! I have to have at least 15 votes and 30 comments on my entry to even be eligible for the contest. Would you mind taking a look at it? Thank you!

http://www.shortstorybook.net/2010/08/10/water-angel-short-contest-story/

The Epic Krisiffany Kick-Off

2010-07-26T06:31:00.000-07:00

Tiffany and I have begun a new epic journey. We are co-authoring a YA novel together so we've decided to start up a blog that documents the co-authoring process as we stumble and find our way.

But wait... there's more.

We made a Vlog. And we have a contest. An epic one. Watch us make fools of ourselves in our first Vlog ever and then enter the contest over at our new co-authoring blog, http://www.shadeandsunshine.blogspot.com/

Barry Lyga Rocks!!!

2010-07-06T04:43:00.000-07:00

Carolina at Carol's Prints, Sara McClung at Babbling Flow, and Alexandra Shostak at The Publication Follies of Alexandra Shostak are hosting an awesome contest, an homage to a wonderful author who I'm so glad to have finally read, Barry Lyga. Thank you ladies for hosting this contest and if you aren't all following their blogs... what is WRONG with you?! Just kidding, but seriously. Follow them. Do it now.

I'm supposed to write a letter to Mr.Lyga... so here goes. Hopefully I won't make a complete idiot of myself by going all fangirl... ;)

Dear Mr. Lyga,

My critique partner Tiffany Neal recommended that I read one of your books a few months back. I did put you in my TBR pile, I swear but life interfered. Another friend Carolina Valdez Miller also suggested I read one of your books. If I'm told something by more than one person I generally start to listen, so this weekend I picked up "Hero Type."

It was so good that I purposely found a seat underneath a street lamp so that I could keep reading it while I was at the fireworks with my husband and daughter. Exhibit # 1:

I loved Kevin's voice as he dealt with going from zero to hero, being thrust into the public eye against his will. I was constantly snort-laughing and people stared at me like I was crazy (but that's ok, because after it got dark out and the fireworks started they ignored me). I also liked how real the characters were. They sounded like a bunch of kids I knew in high school. Kevin wasn't this drop dead gorgeous main character who had special "powers", he was just a typical guy trying to get through an extraordinary time in his life.

One of my favorite lines was, "You'd have to cut through ten miles of bad jungle overgrowth before getting within pissing distance of "looking OK" for me, but he's not pulling my leg. He seems sincere, a sure indicator of some horrible variety of brain damage. Poor kid. So young."

That was one of those lines where I just burst into hysterics and the people around me moved their blankets away a bit and slowly herded their children in the opposite direction. I'm looking forward to reading more of your books, it's always so exciting to find a new author and I haven't read anything this funny in quite some time. So, thank you for rocking Mr. Lyga, and keep those books coming!

Sincerely,

Kristen Yard

Bickering Blogfest

2010-06-29T20:49:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to thank everyone participating in the Bickering Blogfest :) Don't forget to check out all the other entries HERE they are guaranteed to be served up with a side of awesomesauce!

My entry for the Bickering Blogfest is from my MS The Little Death. In this scene Sari is extremely worried about Luke, who never showed up to school. She's trying to question her best friend Marta about his whereabouts but Marta's boyfriend Ethan keeps adding his two cents much to Sari's dismay. Ethan is like the annoying brother that Sari never had...or wanted.

Ethan is one of those anomalies who eats crap, smokes on and off, drinks, never exercises, yet he’ll live to be 110, dying in his sleep.

Seriously. I couldn’t make this stuff up if I wanted to.

That’s one of the things that aggravates me the most about him and genetics in general. I see so much suffering. Too many people strive to take care of themselves, but still die young anyway. Then there’s this fool who lopes through life without a purpose and he’ll outlive everyone I know. Well, I guess that’s a matter of debate since I’ve never been able to see my own numbers.

Ethan doesn’t let up on me, of course. “So my birthday’s coming up Sars.”
I roll my eyes at him. Ever since the outbreaks first started that’s been his pet name for me no matter how many times I threaten to end him over it.

“Congragi-friggin-lations,” I mutter, distracted as I look around the cafeteria, hoping that maybe Luke is in line and I somehow missed him.

“Touch-y!” Ethan teases, “You know, I was thinking instead of buying me something, maybe you could make me a batch of your brownies. I hear they’re awesome.”

Everyone at the table roars, including Marta until she sees the look on my face. “Oh honey, it’s not a big deal. I’m sure you’re not the first one to start the school on fire.” That sends her and Ethan into a fit of laughter once more. When I don’t join in, her smile is replaced with a brow furrowed in concern. “What is it?”

“Was Luke in algebra?”

She shakes her head and my heart begins to pound.

“What’s his number? I want to call him.”

Ethan cracks up again. “Way to be Sars, you put out with no contact info, I couldn’t be prouder.”

Heat rushes my cheeks and everyone at the table snickers. Marta sends her boyfriend a homicidal glare as she fumbles through her contact list, texting me the information.

Her eyes search me, “Maybe he has a cold. I wouldn’t worry sweetie…”

I take a deep breath. Um… easy for you to say!

“Or, maybe he just already got what he wanted from you yesterday and now he’s avoiding you,” Ethan cracks himself up. I chuck my uneaten apple at his head, missing my target. The apple smashes against the wall. I grab my bag and stalk away.

“What the hell?!” he yells. I hear a loud thud from behind as Marta finishes the job for me.

Her aim has always been better than mine.

Attn: Bickering Blogfesters

2010-06-28T09:35:00.001-07:00

It was brought to my attention that there is another Blogfest that is set to take place on the 30th. Let me know in the comments if you would prefer that we keep it on the 30th or if you would want to move it back a week or so.

Looking forward to reading all of your smackdown scenes! ;)