Sad Times

My favorite grandpa (one of three, and the last one alive) passed away. The funeral is Monday--which is probably today, depending when you read this. Please send good thoughts to my family.

I'll return to blog about something writing related on Wednesday.

Hope all is well with you and yours.

I'm Back--Sort Of

I'm back from my vacation. We surprised the twins and took them to Disney World (and Sea World, which explains why I picked that last puzzle.) Now, I'm busy catching up on everything since life somehow continued on while I was away. Go figure.

Watch for a new post on Wednesday.

In the meantime, tell me what you've been up to since I've been gone.

Tell Me!

It’s sharing time.  Since I’ve had a spike in followers lately and expect to see more with the Crusaders stopping by, I thought this would be a nice time for us to get to know each other.  Please answer these six questions in the comment section and read what others have said as well.

1)      What genre(s) do you write?

2)      What genre(s) do you read?

3)      Where are you on your publishing journey? (published, agented, contest finalist, intermediate, beginner)

4)      Do you belong to a crit group or have a critique partner?  If not, are you searching for one? (Hey, maybe some of you can “hook up” through this.)

5)      What’s been the hardest part of your journey so far?

6)      What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned on your journey?

Thanks for sharing.  Nice to "meet" you.

Here are my answers:

1)      romantic suspense (and I might dabble in paranormal suspense, but so far those are just ideas)

2)      romance of most types, especially r/s and p/s; and a little bit of this and that—It’s the story that hooks me more than the genre.

3)      I’m a contest finalist.  I’ve never submitted to an agent or publisher because the perfectionist in me has yet to give me permission.  Plus, I’ve been really busy with my editing business.  You manuscript comes before mine.

4)      I have two super crit partners.

5)      I think every month I could come up with a different answer for this.  Right now, I’m struggling to balance everything: work, writing, kids, hubby, exercise, and life.  However, in the fall, the twins will be in school full time, so that’ll make life a lot easier.

6)      I’ve noticed too many writers send their stories in before they’ve learned enough about the craft.  There’s more to getting published than just telling a great story.  You need to understand HOW to tell that story.  From this, I’ve learned to take my time and not rush through my writing.    

Looking forward to learning more about you.

Mourning the Loss of a Super Author

Author Michael Van Rooy died of a heart attack yesterday.  He was only 42.  I knew Michael and can't believe he's gone.  He was on his book tour when this happened.  Sooo sad.  I'm still in shock.  He was my friend and will be missed.

Happy New Year!!!

I hope everyone had a fantastic holiday season.  I know many of you have goals for this year.  Hope you achieve them all.  I'm working on a blog post for today, so stay tuned.  :)

Helping Out a Friend

Here’s a post taken directly from Katrina Latham’s blog (with her permission). Her husband is growing a mustache to raise money to support prostate cancer research. Plus, Kat’s sponsoring a contest where you could win $25 toward some new books. Check out the details here: http://readericreatedhim.wordpress.com/


Go ahead, make my Movember

I can’t stand moustaches. They rarely look nice. They’re abrasive when you’re kissing. And they sometimes carry the remnants of the bearer’s lunch.

But even more than I hate moustaches, I hate the thought of any disease that could hurt my husband and possibly take him away from me.

So in the month of November, as my husband grows a moustache to raise money for prostate cancer research and education, I’ll do everything I can to support him. Even if it means kissing his hairy face.

Other than trying not to cringe when his rough upper lip rubs against mine, I’m supporting him by having a giveaway on the blog. If you donate to Tim’s fundraising efforts and leave a comment on this post to let me know about it, you’ll have a chance to win a free book.

I’ll choose one donor at the beginning of December, and I’ll buy you the book(s) of your choice up to £15 / $25 U.S. (not including shipping).

Here’s how it works:
1. Make a donation and leave a comment on Tim’s MoSpace page by December 1.

2. Then leave a comment on this post using the same name you used on Tim’s MoSpace page so I can verify that you’ve made a donation. You don’t need to say how much you donated, just that you have donated.

3. On December 1, I’ll choose from the comments on this post, and I’ll email that person to ask them what book(s) they’d like. I’ll pay up to £15 / $25 U.S., so if you want two books that are £7.50 each, that’s absolutely fine.

4. The book has to be something I can buy online and have shipped to you using a website like Amazon or Book Depository.

Please note, since we’re in the UK the donations are calculated in pounds, not dollars. So you may want to check a currency conversion website (like xe.com/ucc) so you don’t accidentally pay more than you intended to.

Whether you do it for a man you love, or to bring a big smile to my chafed cheeks, all donations will be very much appreciated.

Find out more about Movember (a name which really only works if you use the British spelling of moustache instead of the American mustache)

Donations go to The Prostate Cancer Charity, the UK’s leading prostate cancer charity which conducts research and supports men and their families.

Did Ya Miss Me?

I’m baaaaack! How have you been? Anyone sell while I was away? I received third place in the romantic suspense category of the Ignite the Flame contest, the first contest I’ve ever entered. I’m pretty pumped about that, especially since there was only one point separating me from the winner. Not too shabby, eh?

Something else has happened during my blogging absence. A member of my crit group acquired an agent. In doing so, Roni Griffin aka Fiction Groupie has realized she’s too busy with revisions and will no longer have time to participate in our group. We’re sad to see her go, but under the circumstances, can only be happy for her. This means we have an opening in our group, which also means a contest is coming. Tell anyone you know who’s looking for a critique group. More details will be posted soon.

My blogging schedule will remain Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (starting September 13 because I'm traveling as of tomorrow). However, I’m going to change things up a little. Mondays will be writing related, Wednesdays will be a critique, and Fridays will continue to be Fun Friday. Plus, every once in a while I’ll throw in a little something about life. What kind of critique? Since I’m officially launching my online business as a manuscript editor and writing coach this month, I figured it would be fitting for me to crack out my whip…I mean, critique some of your work. Right now, I’m looking for volunteers who’d like feedback on their first 500 words. I’ll post the unedited version on my blog as well as the critiqued version, where others can comment on either. If you wish to be one of my Guinea pigs, I mean volunteers, then send me an email to: lynnette_labelle at hotmail dot com. Please put “Blog Critique” in the subject area so I know it’s not spam. To be more specific, you can send your first 500 words as an attachment or pasted in the email, but don't send DOCX. I haven't upgraded yet and won't be able to open it. Thanks.

Now, tell me what you’ve been up to.

Why eReaders Won't Replace Print Books

At first glance, an eReader has the appearance of a technological device that’ll some day replace all print forms of books. However, that may not be the case.

There will always be people who prefer the smell and feel of a print book, and who love entering book stores where they’re surrounded floor to ceiling with these precious gems. If eReaders replaced print books, there’d no longer be a need for book stores in the physical sense.

Some say eReaders are great because you can take them with you wherever you go. Funny. I’m able to do the same with print books. In fact, I do it all the time. And the print books actually weight less at 5.6 oz. (368 pages) or 7.8 oz. (512 pages). The eReaders are 7.76 oz. for Sony’s Reader Pocket Edition (its smallest eReader) and 10.2 oz. for Amazon’s Kindle for example. To debate the weight issue is a waste of time since there isn’t a big difference either way. Still, I wanted to point out that print books are lighter.

I’ve heard people say how wonderful it is to travel with an eReader because they can bring hundreds of books with them wherever they go. Okay, but when do you ever NEED that many books? When I travel—now, this may just be me—I bring two or three books and I never have a chance to finish reading them. Why would I need more books when traveling?

Another thing to consider is the amount of time spent on the computer. I stare at a computer screen for hours at a time. The last thing I want to do when I kick back and relax is read my book on a screen. My eyes are already fatigued enough and the print version is a nice break.

What about those of us who bring novels to the beach? I certainly don’t have to worry about sand scratching my print book. Nor do I realistically have to concern myself with the possibility of theft. I like to read a little, take a dip in the water, and return to my book. With an eReader, I’d be afraid to leave it unattended. That’s not my idea of a great time at the beach.

I’m not saying eReaders aren’t great things or that they don’t have a place in this world. I just don’t believe they’ll completely replace print books. At least, I hope they don’t. I’m one of those people who loves the feel and smell of print books.

What do you think?

Those Single Days

Being single. Yes, I remember those days. Remember them well. Didn’t like them one bit. Well, except for the part about me being independent and not having to answer to anyone, but that’s another story.

Yesterday, I ran across an article called: “19 Things You Should Never Say to a Single Person” by Erin Meanley. Here’s the link. Oh. My. God. Did I ever relive my not-so-good single days reading this piece. Sheesh. It really is unbelievable the things people say without thinking.

Here are some of my favorites (and yes, people have said them to me):

-So, why are you single? Translation: What the heck’s wrong with you?

-You’re too picky. Would you rather me settle and be divorced in a year?

-You’ll find the right person for you. Yeah? When? And how many duds do I have to date before I find him?

-Wow! I wish I were single and in your shoes! Yeah, because being alone every night is fun.


What have you heard along those lines? Use any yourself?

I Do My Own Stunts

This weekend, we borrowed a Polaris Ranger Crew (a side-by-side ATV with the capability of seating six people). The twins were at the park with their class and my husband and I decided to surprise them. Of course, it wouldn’t have been much of a surprise without our dog, Parker, so we took him on the Ranger and went to the park.

After our little visit with the twins and their class, we left with Parker in the box (the rear of the Ranger). I kept looking back to make sure he was still there, even though he’d never fallen out in our old Ranger. I’m just a nervous Mom. Then, we took a turn a little too fast. At this point, I was confident Parker was staying put, but glanced back just to make sure. I was shocked to see my little white Bichon running in the middle of the road. Not wanting to slam on the brakes, my husband slowed. My mind was racing. A truck just turned onto the street and Parker was still wandering on the pavement.

Without thinking, I jumped out of the moving Ranger. I was stunned for a few seconds. I never expected my body to jolt like that. Guess I watch too many action movies, where nothing seems to faze them. Then, I realized my dog was still in danger. I ran into the street, causing the other vehicle to stop, grabbed Parker, and dashed back to the Ranger.

I have to admit, if someone had asked me how I’d have reacted to such a situation, I would never have guessed I’d jump out of a moving vehicle, but I did. Goes to show we can’t always predict our own behavior, never mind that of others.

Have you done anything crazy like this?

We're Five!!

I can’t believe it. My twins are five today. *sigh* Another major milestone to check off my list. The next one will come in September, when they start Kindergarten, but I can’t even think about that.

For now, I have to focus on their upcoming party. Princess and the Frog, of course. I was fortunate enough to find some princess and frog (not Princess and the Frog) wooden decorations for them to color. They’re so proud of their creations and can’t wait to display them for the party.

Unfortunately, our award-winning baker won’t be in town this weekend, so she can’t make our cake. As a result, I’m trying the only other bakery in town and am crossing my fingers. I already bought the little Princess Tiana doll and frogs to put on the cake (and later used as toys), so all the cake decorator has to do is create a swampy theme. Shouldn’t be hard, right? Well, for me it would be, but not her. In the meantime, I’m off to pick up cake mix and frosting-in-a-can. The girls want to bring cupcakes to preschool tomorrow to celebrate their birthday.

No writing for me today. What about you? What are your plans? Where are you in your WIP?

Build-a-Book Lately?

Last week, my husband and I took our twins to a Build-a-Bear Workshop, where the girls had a blast creating their own little furry friends. This morning, while I watched them play with their new toys, I revisited the event in my mind and realized the experience was a lot like novel writing. Take a look.

-Select the animal body = decide upon a story idea/theme
-Choose a sound unique to your animal = pick character traits to create distinctive personalities
-Stuff the animal with fluff = plot/outline, or imagine the main idea of the story
-Add a heart and love = write the first draft with heart, soul, and love
-Sew the animal together = edit/rewrite/edit some more
-Give the animal a fluff bath and grooming = polish and add finishing touches
-Pick out an outfit and dress the animal = pick agents/editors to query and submit novel
-Create a birth certificate for the animal = sign the book contract
-Place the animal in its little boxy house and take it home = the publisher releases the book to the public and readers buy it

Our Build-a-Bear experience was enjoyable and didn’t take long. Too bad novel writing wasn’t as quick. However, one thing to take away from this is that to never lose sight of your goal—you’ll get there—but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the adventure along the way. As soon as you make the experience all about publishing, your writing suffers because your heart’s not in it. Having your novel published is your goal, but before you can worry about that, focus on writing the best damn book you can. Then, the rest will work itself out.

Build-a-Book lately? Where are you in your journey? What’s been the hardest part so far? What’s your favorite piece of the novel writing process?

Woohoo!

I finally finished my proofreading/copyediting course and received 98%. Not bad, eh? Now, I have some grammar rules to review and practice tests to take, then I need to create a website and fill out any paperwork needed to start my own business. More details to come once I’m ready to “open shop”.

My family’s going on a trip, so you won’t see any new blog posts from me until next week. Happy Easter! Don’t eat too many Easter cream eggs.

Fun Friday: Sleep Talking Man

Since my normal puzzle site isn't loading properly this morning, I thought I'd share something else with you.  For those who haven't already seen the Sleep Talking Man on The Today Show, you've got to check out his blog.  The things this guys says in his sleep are too funny to pass up.

Here are a couple of quotes that appeared on The Today Show:

"Vampire penguins? Zombie guinea pigs? We're done for.... done for."

"Potato bags. I can't find my potato bags. I need them! [desperately] Who's got my potato bags?"

For more of Adam's nightly conversations, check out his blog here.

I sometimes talk in my sleep, when I'm really stressed.  A few times, I've acted things out like wrapping presents, using a cash register, or picking up imaginary clothes off the floor.  I've even slept walked, but have never gotten out of my room.  Thank goodness I keep the door closed. 

However, when my hubby talks in his sleep, he mumbles.  How frustrating is that?  If he's going to wake me up, he should have the decency of enunciating, right?

Do you talk in your sleep?  Does your spouse wake you with his nighttime chatter?

Little Romantics

The other day, when my twin daughters were begging to watch Sleeping Beauty AGAIN, something hit me. Aurora aka Sleeping Beauty is their favorite princess, but Cinderella’s mine. Why don’t they share this love for Cinderella? What makes Aurora so much better in their eyes?

“Aurora has Prince Phillip,” one answered.

“And she has a pink dress,” said the other.

Hey, they’re four, what do they know about a good story? Not to say Sleeping Beauty isn’t a great story, just that I prefer Cinderella. I love that she overcomes her terrible life with her evil step-family and transforms from a pauper to a princess. But that’s just me. However, there might be more to the twins’ choice than they’ve articulated. If you think about it, Prince Phillip has a bigger role in Sleeping Beauty than Prince Charming does in Cinderella. Maybe Disney’s depiction of a great hero is what sold the story of Sleeping Beauty to my girls. Maybe they’re little romantics after all.

*sigh* It starts young, doesn’t it?

Who’s your favorite princess and why?

Pet Peeves

Okay, I was going to post about something else, but that'll have to wait. Instead, I have to point you toward Janna Qualman's post. I laughed my butt off, but that might just be me. You see, she and I suffer from the same pet peeve: people spelling our names with only one n. Janna decided to set the record straight so people could learn how to spell her name correctly. I often tease people when I first get to know them that my name has two n's, but in reality, it drives me nuts. So, for the record, my name is spelled...

*drum roll*

L-Y-N-N-E-T-T-E

Blame it on my dad. My mom had originally spelled it with one n, but my dad insisted since it's Lynn + ette, it should be spelled that way.

What about you? Do you have a name that's hard to spell?  What's your pet peeve?

WOW

During the past couple of months, I’ve acquired some new readers. *waves* Welcome. Kick back and enjoy the conversations. Some of you may not realize this, but I run a free
writers’ support group called Writers on Writing. Our group is growing and open to anyone who’d like to join.

Writers on Writing is an exciting networking opportunity, but not a critique group (although, crits can be done off loop). WOW is all about supporting writers through their journey. We give cyber hugs when someone’s been rejected, celebrate the acquisition of an agent, and party with the sales or releases of new books. We also love to talk about writing. If one of us has a question about the craft, for example, someone will surely have the answer. We draw attention to great blogs, announce irresistible online writing classes, and point the way to some eye-catching articles about the craft or industry. If this sounds interesting, send me an e-mail to lynnette_labelle (at) hotmail (dot) com. Make sure you spell my name with two n’s or I won’t get your message. Please put “WOW” in the subject so I know it’s not spam. Then, I’ll send you an invitation and you can begin sharing your journey with us. Looking forward to seeing you on the other side.

For those of you who already have a support group, how has it helped you on your journey?

Dreaming of my Own Heavenly Reality

Someone who worked with my husband recently quit to move somewhere else, which has gotten me into the “what if” mode. What if we could up and leave? Where would we go? Neither one of us have been too far from home, so we’re limited with our knowledge of what’s really out there. However, you might have some information that could help us make the decision to stay or go.

What’s the criteria for my search? Well, there needs to be engineering jobs there because that’s what my hubby does for a living. We’d want to avoid any major weather areas with tornados, hurricanes, and earthquakes. We’d prefer to get out of the extreme cold, but don’t want to get into intense heat either. A place with a lot of lakes would be nice since we love the water, but getting into a bigger city is more important. Right now, we live in a very small town. A population of 50,000 near a big city or a larger city of 100,000 or more would be ideal.

Here are a couple of places I thought might be nice, but maybe you know more than me… Pennsylvania? Colorado? Do you know of any cities in these areas that fit my criteria? Do you have any other places elsewhere to suggest?

Most likely we won’t be moving anywhere since my husband suffers from the fear factor. Since he’s the breadwinner in the family at the moment (I’m a stay-at-home mom), a lot of stress is put on him to make sure he can provide for us. I understand that. But it would be sooooooo nice to move out of this teeny, tiny town. (I come from a city of 300,000 people, so a town of 3,000 is like a neighborhood to me, not a city.) Hey, a person can dream, right? So, give me a place to dream about.

Halloween Costumes

Is it me or have Halloween costumes gone up in price? Maybe I just never noticed before, but man! $20-$45 for a few hours? Yikes! Luckily, one of the twins wants to be Sleeping Beauty (Aurora), so I can "cheat" the system by purchasing a role-playing Aurora costume, which is better made and half the price. The other twin, however, is determined to be a kangaroo this year. I'm not sure where she got that idea. She just decided she didn't want to be a "person". She wants to be an animal and she REALLY likes kangaroos (as of a few days ago, apparently). Hopefully, we'll be able to find her a costume in the store, but if not, I've seen kangaroo costumes on the internet.

What are your kids going to be this year?

Amazing Woman

For those of you who follow agent Kristin Nelson, you may know what her assistant, Sarah, has done for someone else. Regardless of whether or not you're a writer, this is a story of an amazing woman with a huge heart. I'm not going to spoil it for you. Read the article here.

What did you think?