“What we do is our character.”

I seem to have forgotten about this place it seems.  Little bit of an update,  Nano was successful again for me this year.  I am struggling to finish this novel with everything else I have going on.  I have started a part-time job shadow writing for a few websites.  It’s fun but not what I really am focused on doing.  I have a ton of new articles on Helium, so I will post those links too.  Be sure to read and get me those clicks! 

I am also going to make a renewed effort at getting my first Nano novel published.  But I seem to have hit a huge Catch-22.  Publishers won’t publish you without an agent.  And agents won’t take you without being published.  How in the world is anyone supposed to get anywhere?  So I have decided to look into ebook publishing and try that.  I’ll keep you all up to date on that and provide links to my book if it works out. 

New Helium Links

Reflections: People We Miss

Can Christians ever reclaim Christmas as Holy Day?

How different are Witches and Satanists?

How to survive a long distance relationship

How to successfully use a matchmaker

How low self-esteem affects a relationship

Moving on from a bad breakup

Writing an online dating profile

Whale Parasites

Humpback Whale Songs

Laws Protecting Whales

Is the Megalodon extinct?

What is cryptozoology?

The world’s most dangerous sharks

Personal life:  I am getting ready to go to England and spend two weeks with my amazing boyfriend.  I am so excited.  And I’ll be coming back with a new piece of jewelry (hint hint, wink wink)

Stef

 

And so it begins

Waxing Moon
Neptune Retrograde
All Souls’ Day

Thus we see the official first day of Nano come to an end.  I managed to stay up until midnight and wrote 650 stunningly awful words before I fell asleep at my laptop.  I also sent off my first nanomail to my nano-ites.  I think it went extraordinarily well actually, and I hope to be as good as mentor to them as the one I had last year.

I had a fairly good day for writing, except for losing power for half of it.  It rained horrendously all day.  Imagine buckets of water pouring from the sky and that’s about what my house looked like today.  We always lose power in weather like that as I live in a very old building.  I managed to bust out a total of 2,185 words for the day which is not as good as I hoped, but not nearly as bad as I feared.

My plot seems to be starting out nicely, although I was surprised at what came out in my writing first.  I never imagined the beginning of the story being this way, but I think I like it.  It introduces my main character, Gisele Porter, and gives us enough of her circumstances and background to intrigue, without giving anything away.  We also briefly meet the character that will turn everything around for Gisele.  I won’t say anything more right now, I don’t want to give too much of my plot away, but I was surprised by how well this first chapter turned out.  I just hope I can maintain this pace once I get back to work on Monday.  I remember last year being very frustrated that I could write like crazy all weekend then was struggling for words during the week because I was so tired.

Anyway, I had better run along to bed or I’ll be too tired to do anything tomorrow.  ~Stef

Happy Samhain!

Waxing Moon
Neptune Retrograde
Samhain/Halloween

Happy Samhain/Halloween to all!  This is a big day of the year for me, and I could not be more excited.  October 31st has to be my favorite day of the year.  As a pagan, its also the biggest holiday of the year.  I will be busy, busy, busy too.  I work today then I will go to ritual tonight, come home and watch a scary movie or two.  Then I will write my first message to my Nano-ites (that’s what I’m calling the new people I’m mentoring this year), and promptly at midnight start writing.

My novel prep did not go as well as I had hoped it would.  I had hoped that by today I would have character profiles and main plot points all planned out.  I have a total of…..drum roll please……one character profile.  Not the most impressive prep, but I’m sure I’ll manage.  I will try and finish up at least a few character profiles tonight and then get the plot down as I go along.  It will all work out in the end and I am very excited about this plot.

I also got sidetracked with a new story idea as well.  That is why I didn’t get a lot of nano work done, I’ve been busy writing that.  It’s a good one with the main character based heavily on my boyfriend, the infamous Steve.  Its going to be an amazing story and I am almost disappointed that I will have to put it on hold for a month.  Technically I shouldn’t have even started it until after Nano, but oh well.

Oh yes, before I forget.  I did get my Nano novel from last year up on the Authonomy website.  That is the site form Harper Collins I was talking about last time.  I am excited about it, and hopefully this site can help me on the road to getting published.  At the very least I will get a lot of alternate opinions on my work and maybe be able to improve on it.  Anyway, here is the link:  http://www.authonomy.com/ViewBook.aspx?bookid=3086

So, stay safe tonight everyone, stay spooky and have a good time!  ~Stef

“Your universe is full, but in my world there is only you” by Bo Bice

Waning Moon
Neptune Retrograde

Once again it’s been much too long since I’ve posted here.  But, no more!  Its almost November…meaning its almost Nano time and I will try to post something everyday through the month.  I am mentoring some new participants this year, and that will be very fun.  I have 3 mentorees so far, I can probably take 1-2 more if they come along.  I have been working hard on getting all my tips and advice in order for them.  That is almost out of the way and on to novel prep we go.  I am planning to do character profiles tonight, and basic plot points tomorrow.  I thought of writing the sequel to last year’s Nano novel, but decided against it when I got an idea that I just couldn’t pass up.

I won’t reveal too much of the plot.  But basically it is about a despondent woman who finds herself in the sights of a completely maniacal stalker.  It should be very fun, I am excited to get started.  And in true Nano fashion, from the second I settled on an idea I’ve been coming up with 10-15 new ones daily.  I am writing them all down to examine later.

I am busy on the front of trying to get published as well, so my work on Helium has suffered greatly.  I am working on a query letter for a publisher that I plan on sending next week.  I also am putting my novel up on a site run by Harper Collins.  You can post your work, and other members read it and rank it.  The top 5 ranked submissions every month get sent to the Harper Collins editing desk for an opinion.  Its a pretty huge opportunity if anyone ever gets picked from that pool for publication.  I am working on getting “Schooling of a Monster” on the site, and I will post the link when I do.  Until then, I should get back to the desk job.  ~Stef

If I closed my eyes, would I see you?

Waxing Moon
Neptune Retrograde
Mercury Retrograde

And in typical Mercury retrograde fashion, I haven’t been here in awhile.  Communication, and thus writing, has been strained lately.  But I did an article that I’ll post the link to a bit later.  For now, I want to discuss Nano.  Yes, its that time of year again.  Its October, and that means that the preparations for the Nano journey need to start being made.  I have decided to do it again as I don’t think the constant coffee intake last year has dissolved enough of my liver.

First I must decided what to write though.  I thought I had it figured out.  I was going to write a fantasy novel about 2 medieval knights who are in love with the same woman, with my own twisted take on it of course.  Then I was going to write a sequel to last year’s Schooling of a Monster.  Then I was going to write a fictionalized true-life story about self-injury, based largely on my own experience.  Then I was going to do a crime novel.  These are all ideas of things I want to write in the future…I just have no idea which one to write this time.  I’ll ponder it and decide by Monday though.  Have character sketches and plot time lines I need to work on before November 1st.

How to choose a pet rat: http://www.helium.com/items/1192585-how-to-choose-a-pet-rat

Until next time, keep reading…and get me some traffic on those articles!!  ~Stef

If I rewrote this, it just might sound the same…

Waning Moon
Neptune Retrograde

Has it really been 16 days since I’ve been here last?  It doesn’t seem like it’s been that long, but I suppose it has.  It’s been a very long couple of weeks.  It was a few weeks where real life intruded on writing life.  Things still are not that great, but are good enough that I can get a bit done.  I have been thinking of stepping down as writer for the e-fed I write for lately.  Its a lot of work, and I’m fast running out of inspiration.  Not to mention with all the drama I have going on I’m just too exhausted to keep writing it for long.  And it seems like no one much cares anymore anyway, the fed has basically been abandoned.  The only reason I am still writing is because the fed is run by my boyfriend, Steve.  But I just can’t keep doing it, its too tiring and I’ve lost my enthusiasm for it. 

On another note, I haven’t had a lot of time to write for Helium lately.  Which has been disappointing, but I’m working on it now.  I wrote two articles that are very important to me this week, and are written from personal experience.  I was hesitant to write them at first, its not an experience I share with many, but ultimately I think it will be a good thing.  And with that said, I should get back to the day job.  Until next time, keep reading and take care.  ~Stef

Why people cut themselves: http://www.helium.com/items/1184504-why-people-cut-themselves

How to stop cutting yourself: http://www.helium.com/items/1183241-how-to-stop-cutting-yourself

If I had a license to kill, all of your would be in trouble

Waxing Moon
Pluto Retrograde
Jupiter Retrograde
Neptune Retrograde

That quote is one of my own.  I thought it added a nice ring to the day.  It has been a long week.  I prefer not going into details, but let’s just say my entire life went to hell and still has not fully come back.  And unfortunately all this drama and chaos has caused my writing to come to a screeching halt.  But hopefully things are settling down slightly now, they are by no means solved, but I can get back to doing something besides trying not to have a nervous breakdown. 

Oh, I did go to tour a winery this weekend.  That was enormous fun.  I am ashamed to admit that while I live a mere 10 miles from Napa, California, I have never been to a winery.  This one is called Castillo Di Amorosa.  Or in english, the Castle of Love.  It is modeled after a 14th-15th century castle.  It was truly amazing, I was stunned by the whole place.  They had a replica dungeon, complete with authentic implements of torture.  And you all know my slightly twisted side loved that.  I even got a fantastic story idea while touring the place.  They looked at me like I was insane when I demanded a napkin so I could write it down and not forget.  I don’t want to give away too much, but I think this will be my novel for Nano this year.

So, onto links.  Unfortunately I only have two to give you today.  They are the articles I wrote for the Marketplace that unfortunately didn’t get published.  But they are still on Helium, so all is well that ends well.  And I don’t want any comments on the first one, its embarassing just to post the link lol.

How dirty talk improved my relationship: http://www.helium.com/items/1150233-dirty-talk-improving-relationships

One-night stand etiquette: http://www.helium.com/items/1150326-one-night-stand-one-night-stand-advice

And for the record, the second is not exactly something I have experience with.  But I did have fun writing it anyway.  ~Stef

I’ve always tried to go a step past wherever people expected me to end up. ~Beverly Sills

Waning Moon
Pluto Retrograde
Jupiter Retrograde
Neptune Retrograde

I have been thinking, I am really liking this whole idea of titling every post with a quote.  Its entertaining to me, and god knows I have plenty of random quotes laying around.  This one is so true to my motto in life.  If someone expects me to do something, I try to do it better.  If someone expects me to succeed, I try to excel.  And as such, am the ultimate overachiever.  Which is probably why I am so tired all the time.  I go to work every day at the office, then go home and write all night…then get up the next day and do it all over again.  Such is life, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Let’s see, its been a very dull 24-48 hours compared to the past few weeks.  I have been spending more time than I should on Pogo, but everyone needs a bit of a break from working all the time.  Eventually the creative well runs dry and needs a refresh.   That was definitely the case in the last few days.  I could find zero creative power to write anything, so I took a break for a day or so.  I think it helped, I’m feeling much better and am back to being full of ideas. 

I talked to Stevie (the boyfriend) for a while yesterday, but not nearly as much as I usually do.  And I must say, I didn’t like it a bit.  I went to a meeting and he wandered off to bed before I got back.  That is one more reason why I dislike my office job so very much.  I am not used to not being able to say goodnight or that I love him before he goes to bed.  I did not like that, and I pouted for a considerable amount of time, but I am over it.  But during all this pouting, I did manage to write another article on Helium.  It’s another shark one.  I promise I will write something else soon, and not overload you with my science geek ways.

Eating Habits of the Mako Shark: http://www.helium.com/items/1156297-eating-habits-of-the-mako-shark

I am trying to think what else I have done in the last day or so, but I am drawing a blank.  Mostly I have sat around and and not gotten any sleep, and then sat around anymore and stared at the wall blankly.  Not the best way to spend time, but it works.  But, we are back on track, so I promise better stories next time…and as always, more articles and junk for you to read.  ~Stef

I tried to be good, but I got bored.

Waning Moon
Pluto Retrograde
Jupiter Retrograde
Neptune Retrograde

What a week!  It has seemed to be a flurry of writing, and rating on Helium.  I wrote 2 articles for their Marketplace.  This is where publishers make requests for certain pieces and allow submissions from the site’s writers.  Because the publishers haven’t made a decision on which articles to publish, I cannot provide links at this time.  If mine are chosen and published, I will do so.  And if they are not, they’ll be transferred to Helium and I can link you then as well.  I am also planning a few more articles for the Marketplace this week as well.  They are supposed to be a guide to the most interesting and haunted locations in San Diego, California and Charleston, South Carolina.  It should be interesting and I am working on my research for those now.

I finally managed to complete all the requirements for the Reward-a-Thon and have been writing up a storm for that.  I did 3 articles just under those categories today, and plan on doing more tomorrow.  I have a little over a month to get as many of those titles done as I can.  It will be a long month, but hopefully it will be rewarding in the end.  They promise rewards, so I will work like hell to get them.  I cannot wait to keep writing for the reward-a-thon, so many of the titles are right up my alley.  They have about 8 titles on sharks, which as many of you know I am a complete shark fanatic.  I can easily name a hundred topics that I can write on, if only I can find the time.

Also, if any of your know of somewhere that is looking for a part-time proofreader or copywriter, please let me know.  I could always use more opportunity to ply my trade, and this would be a great opportunity.  And a little extra spending cash can’t possibly hurt either.  The two stipulations I have for this are that i must be able to work from home, and it cannot take up more than about 20 hours a week.  Other than that, send me the info, I am always interested in new opportunities.  So, now for the shameless self-promotion that I seem to be getting so good at…my newest articles:

Physical Attributes of the Goblin Shark: http://www.helium.com/items/1155456-goblin-shark-appearance-of-goblin-shark-biology-of-the-goblin-shark

Eating habits of the Great White Shark: http://www.helium.com/items/1155844-great-white-shark-feeding-habits-great-white-shark-prey

Physical characteristics of the Hammerhead Shark: http://www.helium.com/items/1155844-great-white-shark-feeding-habits-great-white-shark-prey

And again, I will get you a link to those other two pieces as soon as I can.  I think you would like them, the topics are:  How dirty talking improved your relationship and the etiquette of a one night stand.  The first I have personal experience with, the second not so much.  But regardless, both articles were very fun and I am hoping that they get picked for publication.  Keep your fingers crossed for me, I will know by Friday.  ~Stef

Resisting temptation is fun, but giving in is better.

Waxing Moon
Pluto Retrograde
Jupiter Retrograde
Neptune Retrograde

Sweet, sweet victory!  I have finally accomplished the writing portion of the Helium Reward-A-Thon requirement.  I have that writing star.  Ironically enough I earned the star when I published a poem that I wrote for my boyfriend a few months ago.  I figured that I was proud enough of it to publish it and dedicate it to him that way.  I could not be more excited, I am still a bit below the requirement for rating but that will be solved in another day or two.  Then I need to start writing on those eligible topics like mad for the next month and a half to earn the bonuses.  I am very excited as I have never been eligible for something like this on the site before. 

I also have been working on my assignment for my class.  And once again this priority has put my novel editing on the back burner.  I’ve gotten a bit more editing done, but not much.  My assignment and the added distraction of Pogo (yes I am a long time Pogo addict) have been keeping the novel far away from my grasp.  But I am hoping to remedy that this weekend hopefully.  I really want to get it done before November when Nano starts up again.  And I know that I will probably procrastinate it until the middle of October, then freak out and edit like mad until November 1st.  It is my pattern and I am used to it by now.

Now, on to links.  I have written a few more articles in the last handful of days, and I’d love to have you read them and let me know what you think. 

Temperament of the Blacktip Shark: http://www.helium.com/items/1142182-temperament-of-the-blacktip-shark

Poem titled Invisibility: http://www.helium.com/items/1144652-invisible-poetry-pain-loss

Poem titled Words: http://www.helium.com/items/1146125-love-poetry-i-love-you (this is the one written for my boyfriend, love you babe)

Well, i think that’s about it for now.  I better wrap this up as I can’t justify procrastinating my day job much more today to write this.  ~Stef