J.R. Johansson

Okay -- Shoot!

2012-05-30T06:15:00.000-06:00

I'm in a bit of a slump, and I spent 6 hours today outside in 95 degree weather with an entire elementary school full of children.

Yes, friends...it was those two words that make adults run screaming and the strongest men's blood run cold...

FIELD DAY

It was really fun, but exhausting. I'm totally and absolutely wiped out and have a wicked case of heat stroke.

On top of all this, I just finished a big edit on my WIP and my brain = fried. So, my bloggish friends, I'm turning to you. Take pity on me and help me figure out what kind of blogs you'd like to see. What questions do you have for me? Any deep burning topics you'd like me to discuss? Any specific questions about my journey/my process/what makes me write scary stuff? Etc?

I'd love to know what you guys have a hankering to discuss. Do tell! :)

P.S. Am I the only one that giggles when she reads the word 'hankering'? ;)

And I'm Kind of a Navy Seal

2012-05-28T06:02:00.000-06:00

Up until the last couple of years, I could barely swim at all. The doggy paddle was the max end of my aquatic skill level. I'd never taken much of an interest in swimming because I have asthma and doing a classic freestyle is out of the question. My lungs just don't have the capacity to maintain my breathing in that way--no, I know what you're thinking, it isn't simply because I'm ridiculously uncoordinated.

No, that's not it.

Really.

Anyway, so two years ago I decided to try swimming for exercise and see how that worked for me. I figured maybe I could make up a stroke I could do on my back or something.

Yes, I said "make up" because that is exactly how much I knew about swimming. The idea that someone else had already made up a stroke that could be done on your back...a back-stroke per se...never occurred to me.

While at the pool that day, I noticed someone doing a stroke on their side so I copied the motions and have been doing it ever since. I started out unable to do even a quarter mile at a time, now I easily do a mile every time I go.

And. I. Love. It.

So the other day, I decided to check out You Tube and see if they had any instructional videos on the side stroke--I thought it might be a good idea to see if I was doing it correctly. Imagine my surprise when I found out that the side-stroke, the stroke I've been doing for a year, is the official swim style of the Navy Seals.

Yep, that's what I do six days a week. Yes, I recognize that I might look more the part of the seal than the navy when I swim, but the point is...um...the point is--------that swimming with me could very well save your life.

At least that's what I got from it.

Yay for Gritty Dark Lovely Covers!

2012-05-23T10:29:00.001-06:00

We're into the last few days of school and my life is insane. So rather than trying to pull something cool and amazing together, I'm going to direct you to the Friday the Thirteeners blog where my coolio friend, Elsie Chapman is revealing her cover for DUALED.

It rocks. Go check it out and give Elsie some cover love. :)

Remembering Not to Suck

2012-05-18T05:53:00.000-06:00

Every time I dive into edits there is an adjustment to make. When I'm drafting, I turn off my inner editor and give myself permission to suck. When I dive into revisions and edits, I turn it back on and it responds a little something like this:

And there is much suckage throughout the land. So, I take a deep breath, remember it is like this with every book, the sun will come out tomorrow and all that. And do my very best not to look like this:

Or this:

Because we have to go through the Bog of Suckitude to get to the glowing Wheat Fields of Brilliance...or sometimes just as far as the lush Meadow of Mediocrity. Either way, we're better off than where we started, because really...who wants to live in the Bog?

Communication Skillz

2012-05-16T05:40:00.000-06:00

Last week, I posted about how my husband traded a gun for a truck.

No, I'm not kidding. See here.

If you couldn't tell from that post, Hubs and I are stellar communicators. I mean, we should teach classes. Don't believe me? Allow me to demonstrate.

After we got said truck, I had a conference. I went, mingled with cool people, had dinner with them and there was a general consensus that we'd go back to my house for more fun/hot-tubbing/visiting my Greek-god-kitten, Zeus.

Some of the people headed straight to my house, but I had to make a stop on the way. Being the excellent communicator I am, I called my husband to warn him of the incoming par-tay. Apparently my friends spend their weekends at Nascar, because they had already arrived. Our conversation went something like this:

Me: Hi, hun! I have some friends coming over. Please have pants on.

Him: Too late, they're already here.

Me: Oh...please tell me you had pants on.

Him: I did. I'm kind of mid-project.

Me: Okay, well give them the kitty and some licorice and I'll be right there.

Him: Done.

So, I rushed home, and when I arrived, there was a living room full of people chatting and my husband was in the garage...with the truck. Which was now being spray-painted in some sort of camouflage. Because he wants to blend in when driving through the woods on a dark night? Because it's never too early to prepare for the coming zombie/robot apocalypse? I don't know. I've learned not to question him.

Me: Why are you out here?! Couldn't you entertain them for a few minutes?

Him: Oh, you don't want me in there right now.

Me: Why not?

Him: *steps into the light* Look at me.

Me: *blinks at amazing amount of skin actually covered by paint* Why are you painting yourself to match the truck?

Him: *laughs* Seemed like a good idea at the time.

Me: *groans and heads inside* Well, I hope they're entertained.

Him: Hey, let me know if they're getting high from the fumes in there.

Me: Perfect.

As you can see, my husband and I have flawless communication, and a camo truck. Meet at my house when the apocalypse starts...also, we have licorice and a kitten. What else could we need?

Bartering

2012-05-11T06:37:00.000-06:00

My husband called me other day and this was our conversation:

Him: "I think I want a truck."
Me: "But, we just bought a car."
Him: "Okaaaay, what if we didn't have to pay for it."
Me: "Weeeelll, what kind of truck would we not have to pay for."
Him: "I don't know..."
Me: *crickets*
Him: "But you're saying that if I didn't have to pay for it, you'd be fine with me getting a truck?"
Me: "Does it involve jail time or prostitution?"
Him: *far too long of a pause* "I don't think so..."
Me: *shrugs* "Fair enough."

The next day, he brought home the crappiest old brown truck I've ever seen. I immediately dubbed it "Herpes" and told him I'd prefer he be sanitized before touching me or the children.

Me: "So, how did you get it?"
Him: "I traded for it."
Me: "Traded what?"
Him: "A gun."

Sidenote: I'm not a gun fan. And yes, I know this means I'll be the first to die in the coming Zombie Apocalypse...I'm okay with that.

Me: *jaw drops* "Seriously? Someone traded you a truck for a gun?"
Him: *Looking rather proud* "Yep."
Me: "So someone agreed to let you come to their house with a gun, and take away their truck? Isn't that called Grand Theft Auto?"
Him: "Not when you leave the gun behind."
Me: "Alrighty then."

So, this got me curious...what would you trade your hypothetical crappy old truck for? Have a great weekend!

Conference Notes: How To Pitch

2012-05-09T06:05:00.000-06:00

One of our classes at the conference last weekend was on Crafting a Killer Query & Pitch, but there was one section I had to cut because of time. It was on pitch delivery. So, I thought I'd post my notes on that section here and you guys can ask any questions you might have. :)

So, here we go:

Show Your Passion

Now is not the time to play it cool. Show how much you care about your work and your story. If they can see how much you feel it, they are twice as likely to feel it too.

Don’t Jump Ahead

While being excited is good, getting ahead of yourself is not. The point is to grab their interest, not to close the deal. Make them want to hear more, and you’ve succeeded.

Be Clear

Speak up. Look them in the eye. Use common language that everyone understands.

Be Concise

Your actual pitch should take between 30–60 seconds.
Be Prepared

You never know when someone is going to ask what your book is about. Write and memorize your pitch in advance so you can be ready.

Be Targeted

When possible, write a pitch geared for the agent/editor. Make sure to pull out and focus on the elements of the book that the audience will love and drive those points home.

Be Confident, Not Arrogant

They need new authors as much as new authors need them. If you don’t think of them as being above you, it will help you come across stronger.

Be Grateful

Thank them for their time, but don’t suck up or belittle yourself. You are both professionals, remember that.

~~~

So, what do you think? Was this helpful for you? Any questions?

Dude, So Much Awesome

2012-05-07T08:17:00.000-06:00

I presented two classes (Querying & Dialogue) at the Storymakers Conference this weekend, and honestly, I don't think I've ever had this much fun at a Conference. It was amazing.

Here is an example of just one meal. I'd name everyone, but it would probably blow your minds, and I wouldn't feel good about doing that. You probably recognize a few of them...but that many cool people at one table? I'm pretty sure we surpassed the ratio of coolness normally allowed in a single location...and it rocked.

I met so many fantastic people in one weekend! And I discovered something: agents in person are my new favorite group of people. Michelle Wolfson and Holly Root were utterly lovely and SO much fun!

Anyway, great books + great people + great classes = a fabulous weekend. I have the best job ever. I'm totally re-energized and ready to dig in to my edits and sequel.

What about you? Did you do anything fun this weekend?

Hooray for Conferences!

2012-05-02T07:49:00.000-06:00

No, this picture has nothing to do with conferences...I just think it's hilarious. :)

Don't judge.

Back on topic -- I'm really excited, and SUPER busy right now, getting ready for the LDStorymakers Conference this weekend. I'm teaching two classes (Query & Dialogue) with Kasie West & Natalie Whipple. I love those girls and it's going to be so fun spending that time together. On top of all this awesome, I get to see so many fun friends from the writing community that I just don't see except for at conferences.

Oh, yes. Much fun fantastic-ness shall be had.

Conferences are so great for many reasons, but I'll be honest. My main purpose for conferences is that they re-charge my writer battery. They make me remember why I love doing this and how much I need to keep doing it. It helps me remember the joy that this part of my life gives me.

And I always need that.

What about you? Have you ever been to a conference? What was your favorite part about it?

Differing Roads to Publication

2012-04-30T05:57:00.000-06:00

Some of you know this story, some know pieces, others know all. Some of you may not know any of it. So, I'll do a slightly abbreviated version of the whole trip--forgotten luggage, missed flights, trains going the wrong direction--the whole bit. Of course, names may be changed to protect the innocent.

From here on out, you can call me Gertrude.

Once upon a time, I went on submission. I'd seen a few friends do it. I knew what to expect. You go out, you wait an allotted amount of time, you either sell or you don't, life goes on. I was prepared. -- Wrong.

Mistake...no, that's harsh...let's call it:

Misunderstanding #1 - No one can ever prepare for being on submission. Everyone's journey is different. You just can't.

So, my book was out in the world. Now, I would sit back and wait for one of those two things (sell or not) to happen. Less than two weeks later, we had a U.S. offer.

Yay! Huzzah! *happy dance* and all that hoopla, right? Wrong.

Misunderstanding #2 - Getting an offer does not mean you are done.

It was an offer, and we were ecstatic!! But it wasn't a good fit. So, we kept looking. Two weeks later, we got an e-mail from a literary scout who had somehow gotten her hands on my book and LOVED it.

Hooray! I love when people love my book!! What's a literary scout, anyway? Probably not a very big deal, right? Wrong.

Misunderstanding #3 - A literary scout LOVING a book is HUGE. Massively, excitingly, deals & auctions in other countries huge. (For more info on this, click here.)

So, here I was, getting published in two foreign countries and not the U.S. yet. Everything had happened so fast. Okay, so this road was nothing like the other friends I've seen, but still...not too shabby. Then we got an offer from two major U.S. houses to do a revision with their fantastic editors. Hooray! So close! I can't get this close and have it not work out, right? ...Wrong.

Misunderstanding #4 - No matter how much an editor loves your book. Occasionally, it is out of their control and they still can't buy it. (Selling foreign rights first has its perks for sure, but there are also drawbacks. But I'll save that for another post.)

I'm not going to lie. At this point, I was broken. I was convinced the Universe was conspiring against me getting my book published in a language I can actually read.

I possess a fairly thick skin, but the ups-and-downs were beating me to a pulp and I was waving the proverbial white flag. I e-mailed my agent and asked her if we could please just shelve it and maybe come back to it later. After all, if I was ready to give up, she should be, too. Right? ...Wrong.

Misunderstanding #5 - The best agent is the one who won't give up on you (or your books) when there is still hope, even if you beg them to.

The amazing Kathleen said we weren't there yet. She reminded me that all along, we'd had interest and we just hadn't found the right fit yet...and then, she found it.

Misunderstanding #6 - If you don't find the right fit immediately, it doesn't mean it isn't still out there...waiting.

Flux is seriously the perfect fit. They even have a Male Protagonist section on their website, for goodness sake! And even though we took a bit of a meandering route for INSOMNIA to end up there, I couldn't be happier.

I've been waiting for a while to announce, and I'm so happy I finally got to share my news. Thank you for all the support. You all rock. :)

Everyone's road is different, but we all want to end up in the same place. We all have different ups-and-downs, we all struggle and thrive at different times. And we all work our butts off for every inch we gain.

I don't wish I'd had less bumps. I'm happy for the strength and understanding I got from each bruise and even though it hurt like crazy...I know I'm a better writer because of it.

So, there you go. And yes, this is totally the abbreviated version. If you read this far, you totally deserve a cookie.

Cuteness Substitute

2012-04-27T06:30:00.000-06:00

I know I said I would post my road to publishing story today, but I'm going to do it Monday. Forgive me? I have to take my new baby kitten to the vet instead, plus, I think more people read blogs on Mondays.

So, first, I will show you said kitten, so you will understand importance of/cuteness involved in my task:

Zeus - God of the Sky...duh, can't you tell?

Second, I have a task for you...

Last night, I had a dream that all my writer friends were birds and I was shooting them at a house full of pigs.

What do you think this means? Most entertaining answer(judged by me, of course) wins a prize! :)

Have a great weekend!

I'm Getting Published in -- Wait For It -- The U.S.!!

2012-04-24T22:09:00.001-06:00

Yay!! I finally get to announce my good news I've been sitting on for awhile now. INSOMNIA will be published in this little country called *insert drumroll here*

The United States.

Dude...can I get a FINALLY and a few heck yeahs?!

And there is more good news! I'm getting published with Flux! Who I think is the perfect fit for this edgy, male-protagonist, YA thriller. For reals.

Here is my Publishers Marketplace announcement to prove I'm not making this shiz up:


		Children's: Young Adult		J.R. Johansson's INSOMNIA, about a teen boy who thought spending every night trapped in other people's dreams was bad, but discovers that losing control of his own body and mind is so much worse, to Brian Farrey at Flux, ina two-book deal, for publication in 2013, by Kathleen Rushall at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency (NA). Foreign: Taryn Fagerness Agency Film: Brandy Rivers at Gersh

And still there is more awesomeness...

I know what you're thinking: It's not possible.

I tell you: Yes, my bloggy friend. Yes, it is.

And then we eat cupcakes...

Oh wait, I forgot to tell you the more awesomeness! Here it is:

As of right now, my debut novel is scheduled to be published in Spring/Summer 2013 -- wait for it -- in ALL THREE COUNTRIES! Yep. In Italy, Germany, and the U.S. at the same time!

Whoa. Just reading that paragraph makes me dizzy, or it could be from me screaming and jumping up and down...Nah, I think it's the paragraph.

Does it get any better? I think not. May the glee and hyper-ness I am feeling be contagious! :) Seriously. I feel so blessed.

Check back on Friday if you're interested and, assuming I've calmed down a bit, I'll tell you about my road to publication and the ups and downs of doing it backwards. :) Huzzah!

Thank You, Smart People!

2012-04-23T09:04:00.000-06:00

I'm revisiting a post from three years ago this morning. The reason is, well, honestly...it's because this can't be said often enough. Enjoy!

I've made a discovery. Without warning, and clearly without knowledge, I've been surrounded by smart people. I don't know why they've chosen me--but I like it.

They are always there, to give advice, to help with decision making--it's like my own personal extra brain to help with my thinking process.

I ask them questions, and they answer. And their answers make sense. And the topics vary, everything from plot questions to how to fix up my deck. They know everything...

It's spooky.

My suggestion to all of you, find the smart people. Charm them into helping you. Or you could just do what I did--look like you seriously need help.

If you need it, they will come.

And also, thank you to my own personal smart people. You know who you are. ;) What smart people are you grateful for this Monday morning?

The Legend of Korra

2012-04-18T07:30:00.000-06:00

If you haven't heard of Avatar: The Last Airbender series, I pity you, and you should remedy this immediately. It's on Netflix.

Like now.

I can wait.

I'm going to assume you've seen it now and are thoroughly in love with the story-telling and characters. (You're welcome, by the way.)

All of this is leading up to something. No really, it is. Basically, I want to talk about how I'm SO excited about a new spin-off of this series. It's called Avatar: The Legend of Korra, and it's fantastic. It's Asian-Steampunk in an amazingly immersive world with truly dynamic characters.

I love it. Like, love-it-from-the-first-five-minutes-of-the-first-episode-when-the-toddler-version-of-Korra-explodes-into-the-room-bellowing-"I'm the Avatar! Deal with it!"-kind-of-love-it.

Just. Awesome.

Anyway, so...so...good. If you have kids, do them a favor...better yet, if you're a person who enjoys the awesome, do yourself a favor. Watch it!

Drumroll Please! (Giveaway Winners)

2012-04-16T06:49:00.000-06:00

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Good News Giveaway last week! It was so fun to read everyone's good news. :) There were 15 entries, so we have 3 winners. I used a randomizer to select the winners, so without further ado, the winners are:

Annie McMahon
Rachel from Rachel Writes Things
Corey Schwartz

Yay! Congratulations Ladies! Now just drop me an e-mail and let me know which prize you'd like. You can choose between a query critique, a first 5 pages critique, or a YA book from my secret stash.

This was really fun and your good news truly made my week. I hope to do this again soon!

Last Day to Enter!

2012-04-13T11:54:00.000-06:00

Today is Friday the Thirteenth. *cue spooky music* I love spooky things. And it's the last day to enter my Giveaway. So, go enter if you haven't. And if you have, then here are some cool Friday the Thirteenth links for you! :)

My awesome friend, Sara Raasch, wrote a cool post about possible origins of Friday the Thirteenth (via Ian McKellan) and how maybe we should get better at ignoring things.

And this cool group of authors is named after Friday the Thirteenth, so clearly, a visit there is necessary on this day. Plus, it's another cool giveaway!

Have a great weekend and I'll be back Monday to announce the winner!

An Ode to Kathleen Rushall, My Fantabulous Agent

2012-04-11T07:36:00.001-06:00

This month is my 1-year-anniversary with my agent, Kathleen Rushall. Isn't she so cute? After this much time with her, I can honestly say that I seriously lucked out. We've been through so much, and I can't imagine choosing anyone else to represent me and my work.

I was trying to think of someway to express how uber cool she is, and I decided on an ode. I'm not sure why. I think I was on cough medicine...and possibly high. But by then, I'd told a few people I would do it, and unfortunately for you, and Kathleen, I was committed. *le sigh*

A word of warning though...I'm an O.V. : Ode Virgin. In fact, I've avoided writing poems at all costs for my entire life, so this is huge for me. And I don't appear to be quite the 'natural' at it that I was hoping for... (Yes, there is a site called Rhyme Zone. No, I don't want to talk about it.).

Bear with me, and please be gentle. Without further ado,

An Ode to Kathleen

Oh, the many things I've learned from Kathleen,

Over many moons and days in between.

She's taught me to strive, to be tenacious,

But at best, I struggle to reach even vivacious.

She's taught me we can always persevere,

Although sometimes that's hard to remember from here.

She's taught me it's always important to laugh,

Even when my heart is breaking in half.

She's taught me that breathing always matters,

With my hope in sight, or lying in tatters.

She helps me stay grounded while reaching for dreams,

And always contributes to my greatest schemes.

So, to her I dedicate my first ever ode.

And promise to continue down this long road.

Thank you for your work, your sweat, your tears.

I hope we'll be together for many more years.

You rock, Kathleen! Thank you for an incredible year!

Oh, and to anyone else, if you've read this far...I'm sorry, and thanks! And have you entered the giveaway yet? :)

Good News/Giveaway Monday!

2012-04-09T06:22:00.000-06:00

CONTEST IS OFFICIALLY CLOSED. THANKS FOR PARTICIPATING!

This month, I'm excited about a lot of things. One of which is my 1 year anniversary with my amazing agent, Kathleen Rushall. I'll be posting an Ode to Kathleen on Wednesday(because truthfully, the world needs more Odes), and as I said last week, I have exciting news brewing that I will hopefully be able to share soon, but in the meanwhile...

IT'S GIVEAWAY TIME!!!

This is how this will work. To enter you just need to comment on this post and tell me one good thing going on in your life. Sometimes it's hard to remember to focus on the positive, but I truly believe it makes all the difference, so let's revel in it.

HOW TO WIN:

For every 5 people that enter there will be 1 randomly drawn winner. That makes the odds 20%. UNLESS I gain 8 followers and get to 400 during this contest...which, in and of itself, calls for another celebration. So then, I will up the odds to 1 in every 4 will win. That is 25% odd of winning. Can I get a yay, math?

PRIZES:

Each winner will get to choose between a query critique, a first 5 pages of your manuscript critique, or a YA book from my secret stash (some will be available signed).

I'm so excited to hear all of your good news! This contest will be open from now until midnight EST on Friday night, 4/13/13. Because it's Friday the Thirteenth, and man...that's cool. Winners will be announced on Monday, 4/16/13

Have a great week!

Giveaway Deets

2012-04-06T09:28:00.003-06:00

So, on Monday I want to do something fun. We'll call it "Good News Monday"! All you have to do is be a follower and comment and you'll be entered. I'll give specific prize options on Monday, but I'm thinking there will be a couple of books and maybe a query/first few pages critique or two. Depending on how many people participate, I'll probably add more prizes. Sound fun? Yay!

Why? Because I love good news, and thinking about news, and talking about news, and sharing good news, and having good news thrust upon me...

That's why. ;-)

So have a great weekend and I'll see you Monday!

To Be Continued

2012-04-04T08:31:00.003-06:00

So, I have cool things happening around here...that I can't really chat about yet. Cruel, I know, right?! And I reached 4,000+ tweets this week on Twitter, which tells me I talk too much. All of this has led me to the conclusion that next week I must do a big giveaway! I'll post a few details on Friday and then have the Giveaway start on Monday. I haven't yet figured out what will be going on, so I must go brain storm now. One thing I will tell you though...people will win (yes, multiple people) and sweet bookly-stuff will be given away.

Are you ready? :-)

Walking Away

2012-04-02T08:05:00.000-06:00

As a writer, one thing we must learn to do, is move on from one project to another. Sometimes, it is liberating. Sometimes it is excruciating. Spending that much time on one set of characters, in one world, can be difficult to let go of.

We have to do this in every day life too. We must let go of places, hobbies, jobs, even occasionally people. Have you found ways to make it easier? How do you transition from one situation/project to another? Do you find change painful or exciting?

Happy Monday!

The Fire

2012-03-28T09:10:00.001-06:00

Sometime in the last two days, someone started a fire in my throat. I don't know how, I feel like I would've noticed it. Because... OUCH!!!

For some reason, a line from the movie, CLUE, keeps running through my mind:

Mrs. White: "It-it- the f-it-flam-flames. Flames, on the side of my face, breathing-breathl- heaving breaths. Heaving breaths - heathing..."

So, yeah...that's what I'm doing. What are you up to this week?

The Hunger Games Movie Review

2012-03-26T07:39:00.000-06:00

I'll start with the movie summary. I'm sure most of you've read the book, but just in case you haven't:

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen volunteers in her younger sister's place to enter the games, and is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy when she's pitted against highly-trained Tributes who have prepared for these Games their entire lives. If she's ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

Let me say up front, that I did not see this movie under optimum conditions. There was a ridiculously loud vibrating noise coming from the other side of the wall behind the movie screen. After twenty minutes of straining to hear, several people in the theater went to complain, they told us what it was. There was a jackhammer being used outside...yes, a jackhammer. Seriously.

So I watched the movie I've been so excited to see under these circumstances...

And it was still epic.

The cast was incredible. When I saw the first scene with Liam Hemsworth (Gale) I leaned over and whispered to my sister, "Peeta better be incredible." And he was. Josh Hutcherson (Peeta) comes to life as soon as he's picked as tribute. His personality fits the character like a glove. He won me over before they even reached the Capital. Woody Harrelson (Haymitch) stumbled perfectly through his role and Lenny Kravitz (Cinna)'s performance was poignant and beautiful.

Even with all these stellar actors, they all paled in comparison to Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss. She was everything I pictured in my head. Her facial expressions conveyed so much emotion, it was like seeing her thoughts. Loved her. Just incredible.

This is the first time in memory that a movie based on a book I loved inspired the same strength of feelings as the book itself. It is easily the best movie I've seen in a long time, and a strong candidate for my list of all-time favorites.

See it. That is all.

So Freakin' Excited!

2012-03-23T07:04:00.000-06:00

I'm going to see The Hunger Games Movie today. I've been excited about this since I saw the first trailer last year. I am so pumped that I pretty much can't think about anything else...so...

I decided to take a poll:

~ How many of you have seen it already?
~ How many plan to see it this first weekend?
~ If so, did you love it so much you wanted to take it home with you? Why or why not?
~ If you're not seeing it this weekend, why not? Have you sworn off cool things? Didn't like the book? *gasp* Have better plans? Do tell.

Have a fantastic weekend everyone!

Being Scared - Part 5

2012-03-21T07:54:00.000-06:00

Thanks to everyone who left insomnia suggestions on Monday. I'm doing much better now. A couple of things you mentioned helped. You guys are geniuses! :)

Many of my author friends have been struggling lately. With so many things to do, sometimes it is hard to prioritize and easy to feel overwhelmed.

It started me thinking, if there is one thing that every writer has to learn to do, it's multitask. We have to be many-handed, multiple hat-wearing wizards. We must learn to write, edit, revise, plot, outline, tweet, blog, e-mail, phone, etc. etc...sometimes all at the same time. It's also nice to occasionally have lives outside of our writing careers, not always an attainable goal...but nice.

Here is something important to remember. It isn't possible to do it all, at least not all the time. No matter how hard you try, you can't. It doesn't make you a bad person or a failure, it makes you human and to be honest...robots don't tell good stories.

Don't believe me? Ask Siri to tell you an original bedtime story.

Focus on the things that matter to your goals, do those, and work on the other stuff when you have time in between.

And one more thing, cut yourself some slack. We do hard and scary things all the time. Missing one blog post every once in a while isn't worth dragging yourself over the coals. Give yourself a break here and there, getting to your goals will be much more rewarding if you don't burn yourself out on the way.