Ramblings of a Rising Author

RLGL

2009-04-06T20:00:00.003+02:00

I'm having a blast with Cynthea Liu's RLGL race. Red Lukas has made it to the 3rd page and I'm eagerly waiting for the next round's results.

Crumpled Paper is well represented and S’s picture book made it to the 4th page before being sent back to the start, while L’s CB has continued on to the 5th page. Wouldn’t it be cool if she won the whole race?

No idea what I’m talkin’ about? Check out
THIS and read up on the many contests and games Cynthea offers to help out new writers.

While you're there stop by and help out a worthy cause-- libraries.

Thanks Cynthea! You're a spot of light in this dark, rejection-riddled world of publishing.

SOLAR GADGETS

2009-03-30T17:26:00.005+02:00

First, let me start by expressing my dismay at the endless number of things that require batteries. From clocks, fire alarms and remotes to Nintendos, MP3 players and toys -- they're in everything. The need for electricity to run anything, even a light switch, was making me a little queasy. So I came up with a solution to lessen the damage we do to the planet.

A newly installed 55 w solar panel was my answer. It fills a battery in our laundry room and that battery recharges all of our gadgets. Unbelievably, it was a brainless installation - ready to go once the panel was mounted.

Now it may seem just a tad foolish to try and power up a house with sunshine when it's overcast or raining most days of the year in our locale, but we're giving it a test drive.

So far so good. The solar panel is churning out the free power even on a cloudy day. The rechargeable batteries have all been powered up and I'm feeling a little bit better about my legacy to the world.

It's all working so well it might just be time to invest in a second battery and see what else we can run off the sun.

Today batteries, tomorrow, straight into the grid!

Stories for Children Magazine

2009-03-03T16:55:00.002+01:00

I'm in again!

At Stories for Children Magazine you can read my non-fiction piece called Man-Made Stone.

Don't you just want to go and check out some old Roman ruins now?

Critique Groups

2009-02-27T15:16:00.003+01:00

I think I may have already mentioned my FABULOUS critique group, Crumpled Paper, but they are certainly worth another blog of praise.

Currently, I'm working on my synopsis for Red Lukas and, like everyone seems to say, it's not as easy as it seems. So, like anything I else I write, I posted it for evaluation by Crumpled Paper.

The crits are starting to roll in and I'm humbled. What a group of talented, devoted writers! I have renewed respect and admiration for them. They've ferreted out weak plot points, slashed the word count and exposed the true synopsis underneath.

And they made it look so easy!

Thanks guys!

Today's the Day

2009-02-19T14:11:00.006+01:00

Cynthea' book is coming out today!

The Great Call of China, by Cynthea Liu is out and it calls for a cyber party!

Cynthea helps out all of us struggling writers with her great website and offers tons of freetiques to boot. Everyone raise a glass to Cynthea today and don't forget to pick up a copy of her new book here

Nemo on Ice

2009-02-12T16:54:00.003+01:00

Love makes us do unimaginable things. Tomorrow night I will be taking two of my sons to Nemo on Ice. I have not been to an ice show since I was about, uh....let's see, 7. The only exciting thing I remember was the teacher losing one of the kids on the subway.

But for my boys, I will suffer through anything, even skating fish. That's love.

Hope they still want me to go when their taste turns to rock music.

Pirates

2009-01-17T08:40:00.008+01:00

A pirate - a person who robs or commits illegal violence at sea or on the shores of the sea.

In my mind, this indicates pirates are thieves. However, in recent media reports not only are pirates interviewed, but reporters seek quotes from their “spokesman” and refer to gang members as “colleagues.” Reading these reports enraged me. How could upstanding media outlets legitimize illegal actions with such word choice?

But before I jumped to any conclusions (I’m not as hip as I once was), maybe I needed to review my definitions of some of the words in question.

Colleague – an associate one works with

Well, I suppose that’s true. If you’re thieving as a group, then the people you consort with would indeed be your colleagues.

Work – an exertion or effort directed to produce or accomplish something; labor; toil

Yes, I would think that hijacking oil tankers would require effort. I’d even go so far as to say it would require labor. It’s no small feat to round up a crew and imprison them on their own ship.

There was more under work.

Work – employment, as in some form of industry, esp. as a means of earning one’s livelihood

Again, I guess these pirates are supporting their families with the ransoms and profits from their plunder.

I must now admit my error. My anger was misplaced. The media had not made a gargantuan error, altering the entire spin of the story by using the words “colleagues” and “spokesman,” but rather the small mistake of using the archaic word “pirate.”

Better to have begun with “industrialist.”

Industrialist – a person who owns or is involved in the management of an industrial enterprise.

Hmmm. Not quite right. Aha! I’ve got it.

Entrepreneur – a person who organizes and manages any enterprise, esp. a business, usually with considerable initiative and risk.

We don’t even have to send in the Navy to stop them. I’m sure a competing business will show up soon and keep them in their place, after all, pirating seems to be a profitable business these days.

Books Galore

2009-01-11T09:49:00.007+01:00

What a great month! I've started 5 great books with 5 different reading groups. The group reading, Despereaux, is the most excited. Nothing like a movie to stir up a little interest in picking up the book.

Speaking of tie-ins, I'm intrigued with, The 39 Clues, the new concept from Scholastic. It has an on-line videogame and so far, looks interesting. My boys have the first 2 books from the 10 book series and have started in on the videogame portion. Not sure if this will be the answer for the publishing world, but it's the right direction. My own boys are voracious readers and so need no convincing. I'm gonna mention it to some of my less confident ones at school and see how they like the idea.

If nothing else, love the way ancient institutions are thinking out of the box. Or should I say, out of the book.

Upon Reflection

2009-01-04T13:19:00.017+01:00

This past Christmas has been picture-perfect! From finding the seasonal tree ...

...being able to get it to the car...

...fit it into the livingroom...

and get it all festive...

to copious amounts of snowfall (for Berlin, of course!).

The thrill of the down!

The work of the up!

The very hard work of the up!

Couldn't have planned a better holiday!!

2009

2009-01-01T16:23:00.002+01:00

A new year normally brings fresh expectations. This year I've decided I'm going to take it as it comes - no resolutions, no formal plans, no goals to achieve.
Can't chalk up any failures with that.

Despite best laid plans, 2008 brought unexpected employment, and while one can't really complain about that, it did alter the routine of our household. It meant that some of my plans went unfinished and much of my energy was channeled away from my boys and my writing.

This year I resolve to do my best. No more and no less.

It should be a good year.

Weinachts Season

2008-12-07T11:46:00.004+01:00

What a busy time here in Germany. The Christmas markets are open, the Gluehwein is flowing (and flowing), the Sekt is chilled and the parties are nightly.

I have a little something extra to celebrate this year, an early gift from Stories For Children Magazine. A non-fiction story accepted for their March edition. Their site is very professional and I am happy to be a part of their community. Thanks SFCM!

A New Thought

2008-11-21T18:17:00.006+01:00

I had been working on a post when the news from another writer interrupted me. Mine was a "complaining" post. Having just spent two days at seminars revolving around communication with the common themes of bitterness, fear and anger, I found myself in a negative mindset.

However, reading about the breakthrough for a fellow writer has uplifted my spirit and re-inspired me.

It’s time to get back to work despite general surrounding chaos. It was a difficult week, a rejection on a PB that left me winded, as if I had been kicked in the gut--I was so sure this time it would be the one. Some difficult news on the teaching front, albeit not unexpected. And a houseful of sick kids.

No more excuses! It’s time to finish the MG and brainstorm some more PBs. It is difficult to embrace persistence when the timeline seems to be eternity, but it is the only way.

I hate regrets.

I Remember

2008-11-11T17:03:00.001+01:00

The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. No one has forgotten.

Some weeks it's better just to stay in bed. If only.

2008-11-08T16:10:00.004+01:00

We got through Halloween with some pretty fancy scheduling and juggling, but it left us weakened for the week after.

What could go wrong, did.
Funny how it all happens at once. Or not.
Almost everything is back on track.

It’s always minor stuff, but man, when it's a bombardment of annoyances hanging on you like a heavy fog, it gets you down.

Always glad to see the back of one of those periods.

Goodbye, last week.

Hello, new week.

Reliquaries - My Secret Collection

2008-11-02T16:18:00.007+01:00

A little secret -- I collect relics. It's a little unusual, but even as a kid I collected different things. Everyone else had a stamp collection and I collected and sorted sugar bags. Yes, those little paper envelopes you get in a diner.

Anyway, now I collect relics and the reliquaries they are presented in. Well, I don't actually take them home, they are tad more valuable than the sugar bags, but I do tick them off, categorize them and collect as many photos as possible.

On a recent trip, I was thrilled to add a few more to my collection. In Aix la Chapelle, a golden, jewel-encrusted reliquary held the beheading cloth of St. John the Baptist, the cloak of Mary, the swaddling clothes of baby Jesus and the loincloth of Jesus. These are pretty high up on the hit list. They fill out my collection of relics of Jesus which includes the Crown of Thorns, the crib, a drop of blood and piece of the True Cross.

At Amiens, a breathtaking High Gothic cathedral, I added the Head of St. John the Baptist, on the platter. Unfortunately, he didn't warrant a reliquary, but it meant a good close up of the relic.

IT IS AUTUMN!

2008-10-05T08:04:00.003+02:00

I love the fall! It's my favourite time of year. In Canada it's the time for country fairs, crisp breezes and in every direction, vivid bands of red, gold and orange. The endless shades of orange give me the most visual pleasure. I'm also partial to the glowing reds with a vibrance that you just can't find in a set of paints.

In Berlin, fall is often time for heavy rain. Actually, better described as solid rain. I also love the rain so this does not detract from my love of the season. However, this year we have been given an extra gift, the creeping colouring of the leaves.

My husband noticed it first. I convinced him that after 7 years he had forgotten how brilliant the Canadian fall really is. The odd redish tree amongst the sea of yellowish-brown is not unusual here, I said. It happens. Then I went for a drive.

My goodness! The reds, pinks and oranges are brushed down every street, they kiss the sides of apartments and fill the gardens. How unusual to find such a range and quantity of pigment here? It seems to be mainly oaks, which they say have been suffering from a destructive beetle. Perhaps, free of their parasite, they are once again able to shine. Perhaps, it is only serendipitous conditions encouraging the change.

I read once that the average person will consciously experience this natural art only 50 times in a lifetime. Attaching a finite number to the experience was sobering. I now appreciate each fall that passes and always point out the leaves to my children in hopes that they will exceed the magic 50 in their lifetime.

I hope Berliners appreciate this rare treat and add it to their lifetime count.

Working, Writing and Whining -- The Three W's - W is the new R

2008-09-13T10:15:00.005+02:00

Don't get me wrong, I like to work. I love working with kids. I feel right at home in a school. And thinking up a new way to teach the same stuff keeps me up at night, adrenalin flowing, synapses-a-cracklin'. I'm energized.

I do miss my writing. I miss getting lost for 3 or 4 hours in a story, playing with words and reading out loud to find just the right texture of prose slipping off the tongue.

I still write. I find time between classes to jot down new story ideas. I spend Saturday and Sunday mornings on the couch, laptop open, kids immersed in cartoons. It's productive. But it's different. It isn't all consuming.

Maybe this is just the change I need to find my way to publication.

Revising, revising, revising

2008-08-22T14:46:00.003+02:00

Sorry, got confused, not revising a picture book.

I'm feeling a teeny bit proud and whole lot scared. I'm within 3000 words of my 20,000 word goal. A goal I set for hashing out the chapters and plot of my first MG before I begin revising and polishing. Well, I should reach that goal by the end of the weekend and the revising can begin Monday. It coincides nicely with the first day back to school for the kids.
The question is, can I do it? Can I make it a page turning, intricately-woven mystery with characters everyone wants to follow? Gosh, I hope so. I’m sure going to try, but it scares the bejeebers out of me.

Boar Sighting!

2008-08-14T15:33:00.004+02:00

For my loyal readers (that's just me), I had to alert y'all. I had another boar sighting. This time just a mother and baby, in the middle of the day, crossing the street.

AT A GREEN LIGHT!

They waited. Even the animals follow the rules here.

Writing Excitement

2008-08-10T13:58:00.003+02:00

I love a new idea. I love a new story. I love how a fresh idea builds in my head. It pokes and pulls in my mind until I actually get a physical rush as the story lines and plot come together. Sometimes, the idea never quite manifests itself on paper--never quite comes together in PB form. Those stories I have to drop, bury, so I can get on with other ones. Then I tried something new. I started to write down a new idea in chapter form—and it’s pouring out of me.

Tentatively entitled, ‘Lukas of the Lake’ it’s an environmental mystery of a fantastical nature. I’m so excited that I have no trouble sticking to my 1000 words a day and often surpass them.

It’s nice to wake up every morning with an adrenalin rush and bang out a chapter. I know I’m in for months of revising. And I’m sure I’ll hate every word as I wrestle with my critique group’s advice, but at the moment, I’m cruising on the natural high of a story coming together.

Easy-Bake Dreams

2008-08-06T14:01:00.007+02:00

We're deep enough into summer holidays that it's necessary to add some distractions to the day. We've already seen the TWO children's movies at the theatre, paddled in the backyard pool (spicing things up periodically with a variety of sprinklers) and hiked through all the nearby parks, woods and hills. Did I forget the blueberry picking? Despite this schedule, there are still a few more weeks of relaxation left.

Time for some ingenuity. The Easy-Bake oven is a surefire winner. With 3 boys, I own the Queasy-Bake oven, complete with spooky light-up skull face. It's green, not pink, as it should be. Instead of fluffy tea cakes with creamy icing, we make moldy, oldy cake and crunchy bone cookies.
I used to have one; avocado green range. Mine never worked. Not knowing much about electronics at the time, I never noticed it was a 2-bulb jobby. One was out. It didn't matter. I ate half-cooked, sloppy cakes and thought I was the belle of the party.

The dream remains the same. Half-cooked, fingerprinted, runny cakes are devoured with pride. Self-baked and gourmet decorated. Great summer fun! Heck, the cleaning-up fills half a day at least!

OBAMA, OBAMA, OBAMA!

2008-07-25T09:00:00.009+02:00

It was a beautiful night! The cloudless sky a rare treat, the crowds jubliant and the beer tents busy. To Americans back home the party air in the Tiergarten surrounding Obama's speech may have seemed disrespectful or perhaps, shallow.
But beer is the norm here, even at a pre-school gathering (although, just the parents are served). And Germans know how to keep a crowd in order. The police are calm, the rules implicit and the weapons at the ready. The crowd was there to hear Obama.
The stage was set, but would Obama mesmorize? Obama in Berlin
I'm not a political analysist or even a journalist. But in the words of my 8-year-old, "I liked to listen to him even though he used some big words."
That is Obama's charm. His voice is soothing, his words intelligent, at times fiery, but his posture and tone never arrogant or combative.
He is a politician people will listen to. They may not agree with him, they may not like him, but they will listen. This is the most we can ask for in a world leader and certainly much better than we have now.

HAPPY CANADA DAY!!

2008-07-01T11:44:00.007+02:00

We'll be celebrating with a BBQ and Canadian Beaver cupcakes. Why are we all proud Canadians? United, not only by beer and mosquitoes, but an attitude....Canadian Living Magazine.

Germany's in the finals

2008-06-26T19:34:00.003+02:00

I have a house full of happy/miserable boys. Miserable because they stayed up well past their bedtime. And happy because Germany will go on to the finals.

I'm all for Germany winning. I'm all for the boys watching soccer. I'm not as convinced my boys should watch the final game on Sunday night. Can I put up with the aftermath of bickering, sniping and tears once again?

Oh, come on, Mom. It's almost summer. Hmmmm.

Okay. One more night.

Picture Books

2008-06-21T09:13:00.005+02:00

I'm not sure I get them.

I thought I did. I've been receiving personals, invitations to send more and I had been feeling increasingly confident that I understood the format. Then a critique came in. Full of questions. I thought we weren't to describe things. I thought things should be left for the illustrator. I must have thought wrong. Now I don't know. I think I'm back to square one.

Maybe, like everyone else, I need to think about longer works.

Maybe, it's time to move on.