If you managed to swag this:
Or this:
Or this:
Or this:
Or this:
I. Hate. You.
Sincerely,
An Extremely Frustrated And Envious Book Reader.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
An Open Letter To All BEA Attendees
Dear BEA (Book Expo America) Attendees,
If you managed to swag this:
Or this:
Or this:
Or this:
Or this:
I. Hate. You.
Sincerely,
An Extremely Frustrated And Envious Book Reader.
If you managed to swag this:
Or this:
Or this:
Or this:
Or this:
I. Hate. You.
Sincerely,
An Extremely Frustrated And Envious Book Reader.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
How To Be Authentic
Sucks to say it, but most people like to compare--clothing, money, notches on the bedpost, you name it. Nothing is safe from the evil eye of scrutiny.
Then along comes someone, totally out of the blue, who flips the switch. Tongues are wagging. Eyebrows are raised. Opinions are voiced.
Why? 'Cause standing out is the new Hitler. *rolls eyes*
Authenticity--nice word, huh?
But... how do you find it?
Well, here's my honest answer: you don't. It's already found you.
Think about how you wake up in the morning, how you brush your teeth, how you comb your hair and kiss your loved ones/dogs/cats/random strangers you meet in dingy bars. Nobody else can do what you do, no matter what it is. So if you're struggling to find your 'voice', if you're too busy comparing yourself to others who've 'made it', I got a piece of advice for you: stop.
Right now.
And keep writing. Or kissing your loved ones/dogs/cats/random strangers you meet in dingy bars. 'Cause that's sort of fun, too...
Then along comes someone, totally out of the blue, who flips the switch. Tongues are wagging. Eyebrows are raised. Opinions are voiced.
Why? 'Cause standing out is the new Hitler. *rolls eyes*
Authenticity--nice word, huh?
But... how do you find it?
Well, here's my honest answer: you don't. It's already found you.
Think about how you wake up in the morning, how you brush your teeth, how you comb your hair and kiss your loved ones/dogs/cats/random strangers you meet in dingy bars. Nobody else can do what you do, no matter what it is. So if you're struggling to find your 'voice', if you're too busy comparing yourself to others who've 'made it', I got a piece of advice for you: stop.
Right now.
And keep writing. Or kissing your loved ones/dogs/cats/random strangers you meet in dingy bars. 'Cause that's sort of fun, too...
Monday, May 24, 2010
LOST. TV show? Nope. Just me.
Confession: I've never watched LOST.
*waits for gasps of shock to die out*
So I guess you could say that I'm lost when it comes to LOST. Am I ashamed? A little. What am I gonna do about it? No clue.
But I wanted to post something about LOST that had nothing to do with the show's finale. I wanted to proclaim my ignorance, wave it in the air for everyone to see, stalling my Draft #4 edits as much as possible.
Some of you saw how the show ended last night. Some of you hated it. Some of you loved it.
And I enjoy scratching my head while I read your reviews.
Why? Beats me. But I have a feeling it's because there's too much going on in my head at the moment. Too much thinking for my taste. And I like the blankness of not knowing about a TV show that's been on the air for a bazillion years. It feels... nice.
There you go, peeps: my review of last night's LOST finale is...
Well, I wouldn't know, would I? But here's my review of myself: I'm lost. And doubtful. And scared.
But I'm still writing this baby anyway :D
Happy writing to everyone!
*waits for gasps of shock to die out*
So I guess you could say that I'm lost when it comes to LOST. Am I ashamed? A little. What am I gonna do about it? No clue.
But I wanted to post something about LOST that had nothing to do with the show's finale. I wanted to proclaim my ignorance, wave it in the air for everyone to see, stalling my Draft #4 edits as much as possible.
Some of you saw how the show ended last night. Some of you hated it. Some of you loved it.
And I enjoy scratching my head while I read your reviews.
Why? Beats me. But I have a feeling it's because there's too much going on in my head at the moment. Too much thinking for my taste. And I like the blankness of not knowing about a TV show that's been on the air for a bazillion years. It feels... nice.
There you go, peeps: my review of last night's LOST finale is...
Well, I wouldn't know, would I? But here's my review of myself: I'm lost. And doubtful. And scared.
But I'm still writing this baby anyway :D
Happy writing to everyone!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Congrats, Elana!!!
Epic day, peeps. I'm sure you already know this, but the uber-awesome Elana Johnson HAS A BOOK DEAL!!!!!
Even though she has no idea who I am, I've read almost every article she's written for the Query Tracker website (girl has helped me more than she'll ever know...). Also, I'm a follower on her blog, which makes me just as uber-awesome as she is.
Okay... It doesn't... But whatever...
The point is that Elana's journey can teach every aspiring author sooo much:
Persevere, persevere, persevere!
Set small goals as well as big picture ones.
Learn when to quit on a story, then write a better one.
Read within and outside the genre you write.
Find crit partners who'll help you hone your craft, and return the favor.
And did I mention persevere? :D
On behalf of all us aspiring authors in the universe, congrats, Elana!!!!
Even though she has no idea who I am, I've read almost every article she's written for the Query Tracker website (girl has helped me more than she'll ever know...). Also, I'm a follower on her blog, which makes me just as uber-awesome as she is.
Okay... It doesn't... But whatever...
The point is that Elana's journey can teach every aspiring author sooo much:
Persevere, persevere, persevere!
Set small goals as well as big picture ones.
Learn when to quit on a story, then write a better one.
Read within and outside the genre you write.
Find crit partners who'll help you hone your craft, and return the favor.
And did I mention persevere? :D
On behalf of all us aspiring authors in the universe, congrats, Elana!!!!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
What I Found Out In Betaland
After wrapping up Draft #3 of my WIP, I sent it to my trusted beta readers. Both of them have read my first novel, which sucked all kinds of suckiness, and were more than willing to read this new book. I warned them of the differences between my first sucky baby and this next one: third person became first, fantasy became paranormal romance, boy MC became a girl, serious overwriting became slightly humorous brevity.
My betas were more than thrilled with the change (can I blame them???). I expected this mini celebration.
What I didn't expect were my findings after taking the Red Eye flight to Betaland yesterday.
Beta #1: "Hey! I just finished reading the first three chapters!"
Me: "Woot, woot! Whaddaya think?"
Beta #1: "I LOVE this story! It's funny, emotional, and I can relate to the MC a lot. In fact, she reminds me of YOU!"
Me: "Woot, wo- Wait... What?"
Beta #1: "She thinks like you, talks like you, and even hates the same things as you! That is soooo awesome!"
Me: "..."
Beta #1: "Gotta go now! I really wanna know what happens next!" *slams the door in my face*
Head hanging low, I headed over to beta #2's place...
Beta #2: "Wassup? I was just about to call ya"
Me: "Really? Why?"
Beta #2: "I just read the first ten chapters of your manuscript. In, like, less than two hours and stuff."
Me: *raises eyebrows* "Dude, you NEVER read that fast!"
Beta #2: "Sometimes I'm awesome like that"
Me: "So... Whaddaya think?"
Beta #2: "Love it. This chick's da bomb. And you know what?"
Me: *smiling from ear to ear* "What??"
Beta #2: "She totally reminds me of YOU"
Me: "..."
There you go, folks--I've written a clone.
Well, both betas assure me that the MC's waaaay more impulsive (and funnier...) than me, but the similarities are still there.
What say you? Is your MC a clone, a cooler version of you, or someone completely different?
My betas were more than thrilled with the change (can I blame them???). I expected this mini celebration.
What I didn't expect were my findings after taking the Red Eye flight to Betaland yesterday.
Beta #1: "Hey! I just finished reading the first three chapters!"
Me: "Woot, woot! Whaddaya think?"
Beta #1: "I LOVE this story! It's funny, emotional, and I can relate to the MC a lot. In fact, she reminds me of YOU!"
Me: "Woot, wo- Wait... What?"
Beta #1: "She thinks like you, talks like you, and even hates the same things as you! That is soooo awesome!"
Me: "..."
Beta #1: "Gotta go now! I really wanna know what happens next!" *slams the door in my face*
Head hanging low, I headed over to beta #2's place...
Beta #2: "Wassup? I was just about to call ya"
Me: "Really? Why?"
Beta #2: "I just read the first ten chapters of your manuscript. In, like, less than two hours and stuff."
Me: *raises eyebrows* "Dude, you NEVER read that fast!"
Beta #2: "Sometimes I'm awesome like that"
Me: "So... Whaddaya think?"
Beta #2: "Love it. This chick's da bomb. And you know what?"
Me: *smiling from ear to ear* "What??"
Beta #2: "She totally reminds me of YOU"
Me: "..."
There you go, folks--I've written a clone.
Well, both betas assure me that the MC's waaaay more impulsive (and funnier...) than me, but the similarities are still there.
What say you? Is your MC a clone, a cooler version of you, or someone completely different?
Monday, May 17, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Who Would You Follow?
The awesome people over at YA Highway have a blog road trip going on, and it's all about following. On Twitter, that is.
Their question: If literary characters had Twitter accounts, whose tweets would you follow?
I read this and thought: "WHOA! Stalker time!" (as opposed to Borat's 'sexy time!', which I often blurt out in front of complete strangers...).
Okay, peeps. Here's my list of literary characters I would stal-
I mean, I would follow on Twitter:
1) Stefan and Damon Salvatore from The Vampire Diaries series
Can you imagine what their tweets would be like?? Stefan brooding, Damon bitching. Hilarity ensues.
2)
Severus Snape from the Harry Potter series
I'm not too convinced that Snape would agree to Twitter, but if he did, I'd be glued to my computer. The man's not only a brilliant wizard, but his double agent experience would be fun to read about. Plus, he hates everything. Who doesn't love a character that gets pissed so easily?
3)
Katsa from Graceling.
Not only is she a kick-butt heroine and fiercely independent, but I see parts of myself in her. Not that I can beat people to a pulp or anything... I'd like to, though. That'd be nice.
Also, it would be cool to read about her life as Po's leading lady. *swoon*
4)
Grover Underwood from the Percy Jackson series (book version, though).
I say book version because Grover's much more introverted, awkward and funny as a literary character. The movie version was trying to be all suave and hip, which was funny, but my Grover is the sweet little satyr who plays Hilary Duff songs on his reed pipes. I bet his tweets would be all about eating soda cans and fearing death. Super.
5) And last but not least...
Sam Roth from Shiver
Love songs, poetry, the suckiness of winter, books--these are all things Sam would tweet about. And I have no problem reading about them :D
So what say you? Who would you stalk... I mean, follow... on Twitter?
Their question: If literary characters had Twitter accounts, whose tweets would you follow?
I read this and thought: "WHOA! Stalker time!" (as opposed to Borat's 'sexy time!', which I often blurt out in front of complete strangers...).
Okay, peeps. Here's my list of literary characters I would stal-
I mean, I would follow on Twitter:
1) Stefan and Damon Salvatore from The Vampire Diaries series
Can you imagine what their tweets would be like?? Stefan brooding, Damon bitching. Hilarity ensues.
2)
Severus Snape from the Harry Potter series
I'm not too convinced that Snape would agree to Twitter, but if he did, I'd be glued to my computer. The man's not only a brilliant wizard, but his double agent experience would be fun to read about. Plus, he hates everything. Who doesn't love a character that gets pissed so easily?
3)
Katsa from Graceling.
Not only is she a kick-butt heroine and fiercely independent, but I see parts of myself in her. Not that I can beat people to a pulp or anything... I'd like to, though. That'd be nice.
Also, it would be cool to read about her life as Po's leading lady. *swoon*
4)
Grover Underwood from the Percy Jackson series (book version, though).
I say book version because Grover's much more introverted, awkward and funny as a literary character. The movie version was trying to be all suave and hip, which was funny, but my Grover is the sweet little satyr who plays Hilary Duff songs on his reed pipes. I bet his tweets would be all about eating soda cans and fearing death. Super.
5) And last but not least...
Sam Roth from Shiver
Love songs, poetry, the suckiness of winter, books--these are all things Sam would tweet about. And I have no problem reading about them :D
So what say you? Who would you stalk... I mean, follow... on Twitter?
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
To Quote A Literary Agent...
This morning, literary agent Sarah LaPolla posted the following word on her Twitter page: gross.
Why?
Because.
I feel exactly the same way.
Why?
Because.
I feel exactly the same way.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Just Shut Up And Sing!
Yesterday, I discovered a pet peeve.
I've had an inkling of my hatred for this particular thing, but it was only yesterday that I embraced it in full force.
What thing, you ask?
When singers interrupt their songs to TALK.
I don't mean when they do it in concerts--this is completely acceptable.
I mean when they do it on their albums, right in the middle of a great song. You know the sort: they belt out the notes, then do an acting segment pretending they're speaking to another person.
Example: Girl sings about a boy she met at a diner, then "calls him on the phone" to ask him out on a date (yes, that's a real song...).
My three-minute nirvana = kaput.
I know you're probably asking yourself why I've chosen this odd topic to rant about (and if you're not, just pretend for me!)
Simple: It reminded me of overwriting, of those long passages of description or dialogue that serve no purpose than to repeat what has already been said. Or to emphasize what can be said in a much more concise way.
Draft #3 has taught me a lot, peeps. It's taught me to just shut up and sing. To tell my story using the right words, not the prettiest ones. Those aren't always the ones who get the job done. Every writer struggles with telling their story in the best way possible, often going down wrong paths and picking themselves back up. Apparently, songwriters could use a tip or two from all of you. So please show them how it's done--crappy monologues need not apply.
Neither does excessive 'telling'. There should be a nationwide ban on the thing.
I'd like to thank Female Singer/Talker for inspiring me. Sucks that I can't listen to that song anymore...
P. S. Supernatural fans out there, click here for a dose of awesomeness!
I've had an inkling of my hatred for this particular thing, but it was only yesterday that I embraced it in full force.
What thing, you ask?
When singers interrupt their songs to TALK.
I don't mean when they do it in concerts--this is completely acceptable.
I mean when they do it on their albums, right in the middle of a great song. You know the sort: they belt out the notes, then do an acting segment pretending they're speaking to another person.
Example: Girl sings about a boy she met at a diner, then "calls him on the phone" to ask him out on a date (yes, that's a real song...).
My three-minute nirvana = kaput.
I know you're probably asking yourself why I've chosen this odd topic to rant about (and if you're not, just pretend for me!)
Simple: It reminded me of overwriting, of those long passages of description or dialogue that serve no purpose than to repeat what has already been said. Or to emphasize what can be said in a much more concise way.
Draft #3 has taught me a lot, peeps. It's taught me to just shut up and sing. To tell my story using the right words, not the prettiest ones. Those aren't always the ones who get the job done. Every writer struggles with telling their story in the best way possible, often going down wrong paths and picking themselves back up. Apparently, songwriters could use a tip or two from all of you. So please show them how it's done--crappy monologues need not apply.
Neither does excessive 'telling'. There should be a nationwide ban on the thing.
I'd like to thank Female Singer/Talker for inspiring me. Sucks that I can't listen to that song anymore...
P. S. Supernatural fans out there, click here for a dose of awesomeness!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Blogger Buddies Unite!
I'm celebrating today.
Why? Because:
1) Draft #3 is coming along at a surprisingly smooth pace (yay!)
2) GLEE is on tonight (double yay!)
3) I got an award! (yay ad infinitum!)
Here it is, folks:
Courtesy of Ms. Lady Badass Supreme, T. J. Carson! Thanks for sharing the Jensen love, girlie!
Now I must pass this bad boy on, so here are the best bloggers in the universe:
Lindsay
Lydia Kang
Laura Diamond
Stina Lindenblatt
Yamile
Jennifer Walkup
Crystal Cook
Carolyn V.
All these lovely ladies have shown me some serious blogging love, and I heart them more than words can express. It's been wonderful getting to know everyone! Thanks for your support!
And in honor of all my blogging friends out there, I present you with this gift:
Enjoy!!!
Why? Because:
1) Draft #3 is coming along at a surprisingly smooth pace (yay!)
2) GLEE is on tonight (double yay!)
3) I got an award! (yay ad infinitum!)
Here it is, folks:
Courtesy of Ms. Lady Badass Supreme, T. J. Carson! Thanks for sharing the Jensen love, girlie!
Now I must pass this bad boy on, so here are the best bloggers in the universe:
Lindsay
Lydia Kang
Laura Diamond
Stina Lindenblatt
Yamile
Jennifer Walkup
Crystal Cook
Carolyn V.
All these lovely ladies have shown me some serious blogging love, and I heart them more than words can express. It's been wonderful getting to know everyone! Thanks for your support!
And in honor of all my blogging friends out there, I present you with this gift:
Enjoy!!!
Monday, May 3, 2010
Paranormal Soup For The Soul
I've been lurking around the blogosphere for quite some time (instead of doing homework and WIP rewrites...), and found something worth sharing. If you're a YA paranormal romance writer or reader, this one's for you, peeps.
The amazing Kimberley Little posted this on her LiveJournal blog. It's a list she made from a workshop YA author Bree Despain (The Dark Divine) gave at LDStorymakers. Basically, it highlights the elements a successful YA paranormal novel must have. *runs to check manuscript for elements*
Check it out and tell me what you think. Do you agree/disagree with Miss Despain? Have you incorporated her tips into your novel? Or are you being naughty and shunning them???
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Tagged Part Deux
Folks, I've been tagged again, this time by the super awesome Lindsay (did I mention she's super awesome?).
The rules: Answer five questions, five times each. Then tag five other super awesome blogging friends.
Easy, peasy.
Question 1: Where were you five years ago?
1) In Puerto Rico
2) Majoring in Psychology
3) Discovering my love for YA books
4) Falling head over heels for some unknown guy named Jensen Ackles ;)
5) Thinking that life would be simpler if I had a boyfriend. Ha.
Question 2: Where would you like to be five years from now?
1) In Jensen Ackles's arms
2) Living anywhere that's warm and snow-less
3) Still writing about things that don't exist in real life
4) Publishing said unreal things
5) Motivating other Hispanic writers to think outside the box and borders
Question 3: What is (was) your to-do list today?
1) Manuscript rewrites (done!)
2) Feed my diva dog (done!)
3) Watch a recorded episode of Bones (done!)
4) Watch a recorded episode of Fringe (not done)
5) Continue reading WICKED LOVELY by Melissa Marr (done!)
Question 4: What five snacks do you enjoy?
1) Ice cream
2) Anything with chocolate
3) Potato chips
4) Peanuts
5) Jell-O's Cheesecake Pudding
*Yes, I know. I will die before I'm thirty
Question 5: What five things would you do if you were a billionaire?
1) Give half my fortune to my family
2) Adopt five dogs from animal shelters (always wanted five...)
3) Adopt a baby from somewhere around the world (always wanted one...)
4) Write for a living
5) Travel all over the world and bring Jensen Ackles back with me ;)
And here are the other five super awesome blogging friends I'm tagging:
Yamile
T. J. Carson
Tracy
Old Kitty
Nicole Ducleroir
Your turn, ladies! Have fun!
The rules: Answer five questions, five times each. Then tag five other super awesome blogging friends.
Easy, peasy.
Question 1: Where were you five years ago?
1) In Puerto Rico
2) Majoring in Psychology
3) Discovering my love for YA books
4) Falling head over heels for some unknown guy named Jensen Ackles ;)
5) Thinking that life would be simpler if I had a boyfriend. Ha.
Question 2: Where would you like to be five years from now?
1) In Jensen Ackles's arms
2) Living anywhere that's warm and snow-less
3) Still writing about things that don't exist in real life
4) Publishing said unreal things
5) Motivating other Hispanic writers to think outside the box and borders
Question 3: What is (was) your to-do list today?
1) Manuscript rewrites (done!)
2) Feed my diva dog (done!)
3) Watch a recorded episode of Bones (done!)
4) Watch a recorded episode of Fringe (not done)
5) Continue reading WICKED LOVELY by Melissa Marr (done!)
Question 4: What five snacks do you enjoy?
1) Ice cream
2) Anything with chocolate
3) Potato chips
4) Peanuts
5) Jell-O's Cheesecake Pudding
*Yes, I know. I will die before I'm thirty
Question 5: What five things would you do if you were a billionaire?
1) Give half my fortune to my family
2) Adopt five dogs from animal shelters (always wanted five...)
3) Adopt a baby from somewhere around the world (always wanted one...)
4) Write for a living
5) Travel all over the world and bring Jensen Ackles back with me ;)
And here are the other five super awesome blogging friends I'm tagging:
Yamile
T. J. Carson
Tracy
Old Kitty
Nicole Ducleroir
Your turn, ladies! Have fun!
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