Taking on new challenges

WORD FOR THIS POST:

Paladin (n): 1.any one of the 12 legendary peers or knightly champions in attendance on Charlemagne.

2. any knightly or heroic champion.

3.any determined advocate or defender of a noble cause.

 

I'm a hard head sometimes and if I put my mind to something it's rare for me to give up. At some times that's a down fall, at other strength. Perhaps it's my Achilles heel. (ok, I just watched Troy. Some of you may get this;)

Last weekend I decided to take on formatting for print. I've followed Aaron Shepard's instructions from a book titled Perfect Pages I bought over a year ago. I must say I was ready to give up more than once, but I'm glad I didn't. After a full day of "playing" around with Word (and I'm the kind of person who doesn't even know which version of word she had) I did it. I formatted my novella for print.

 

It wasn't easy. The section separators had me going for a while by linking from one to the other, but I finally figured out. 

Now, only exporting to PDF and getting a cover ready (that I'm not ready to conquer - yet)

So for anyone who thinks formatting is difficult - It is - but if I did it, anyone can.

Have you accomplished something beyond what you thought you could? How did it feel?

I'm here and not here ;)

Today, I have the pleasure of answering a few questions on the A-Z  Blog. So, please scoot on over and visit me:) I'll be lurking around most of the day so if you have any other questions, don't hesitate.

On a side note, Two Halves is on sale at Amazon for $0.99 for the next couple of days. Feel free to spread the word.

I'll see you all on the A-Z Blog!

Cheers!

Fifty Shades of Grey

Being away on  vacation with no internet access has its advantages. Last week, we (myself and hubby) took the kids camping and had an awesome time. No computer, no internet, no media.

While camping I had an opportunity to catch up on my reading. Finished City of Lost Souls (book 5 in Cassandra Clare's series). Loved it as I knew I would and cannot wait for the next one.

Disclaimer: The following is not an official review and it's just my opinion. I do not review books, I write them;)

I also had a chance to read Fifty Shades of Grey to see what all the hype has been all about and yes, I see it. I can understand why women in particular are attracted to the book. There are many elements of Twilight and the characters are likable. The male lead is as fictional as you can get, nevertheless, women will fall for him even if you will never find a guy like that on earth (I'm sure his flaw will be washed away in one of the next two books. He will be magically cured by his creator E.L. James).

I didn't enjoy the style of writing, and I'm sure that's just me because it's very different from the way I write. BUT I did enjoy the story and focused more on that and the relationship between Christian and Ana and I'm curious to see what will happen next. The story line was well developed and clear. As a writer I can already predict some twists from the back story.

Do I honestly care whether the book was originally supposed to be fan fiction of another novel (Twilight). No, not really. Because to me reading books always boils down to enjoying the story and losing myself in the lives of the characters, which is exactly what this book did.

Yes, the sex is quite graphic (and I'm sure it will be in the next two novels), but honestly I don't know what people expect from an erotic romance (as there's been quite a bit of controversy regarding the sex). It's exactly what it says it is: an erotic romance.

On a different note, Two Halves is on sale this week only for $0.99.

Have you had a chance to read Fifty Shades? What are your thoughts?

Vacation

  

I'm away this week on vacation with no access to the internet. Next post will be on the 23rd.

Not many people know, but I love to garden and have both a flower garden and a vegetable garden. I took this photo last week.

I hope everyone has as bright of a week as this flower :)

Summer Plans and NY

WORD FOR THIS POST:

Vacation (n): 1. a period of suspension of work, study, or other activity, usually used for rest, recreation, or travel; recess or holiday: School children are on vacation now.

It's only July 9th and the kids have been off school for a week, but to me, it feels like summer is half done. I feel like I have every single week planned out with work and activities, which worries me a bit because I don't want the summer to fly by so fast.

This week I'm finishing some editing and formatting. The following week we're camping and the week after that is dedicated to more formatting, writing and cover design time.

What I'm really looking forward to is going to New York this summer. I've never been to NY and we're very excited. We're driving, which means a 10 hour ride of motion sickness for the kids. Yes, they'll need lots of Gravol, but we've driven to Florida last winter, so I'm sure New York should feel like a breeze.

Now, I have a question to anyone who lives in NY or has ever been there. What are the must, must sees? Yes, I can do research on the internet, but there is nothing better than personal experience. We have about 3-4 days there so your wise words of wisdom and suggestions are welcome:)

Happy 4th of July & IWSG

First off, Happy Independence Day to my neighbors in the south! Hope you have a great one!

As a Canadian, I feel blessed to live in a country where people enjoy freedom in many forms. Where people have a greater chance to feel human the way humans should feel: Free, safe and happy! I am grateful to those who fight for that freedom, risking their lives everyday. They are heroes!

WORD FOR THIS POST:


Focus (n): 1. a central point, as of attraction, attention, or activity: The need to prevent a nuclear war became the focus of all diplomatic efforts.

A big Thanks to Captain Ninja Alex J. Cavanaugh for hosting each first Wednesday of every month, the Insecure Writer's Support Group (IWSG), where writers post their doubts, concerns and insecurities without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Others offer assistance and guidance in the comments. This is what I call "the safe zone". (I just made that up)

For a full list of participants click here and hop on over to offer words of encouragement and/or assistance.

As you may notice today, my post is a little late. I wish I could come up with an excuse other than "Yes, I forgot." but I cannot. There's a reason for that:

I'm focused.

The past month I've spent concentrating on re-editing Marked and Two Halves. I'm almost done and can see the 'light at the end of the tunnel' (as cliche as it sounds), but I've been so focused, I can't remember the last time (in my life) it's happened. My work ethic has been beyond normal. 10-14 hour days (in between kids activities, and family obligations) at a computer. I don't go to sleep unless I physically cannot look at the screen anymore (I'm sure I'll need to visit an optometrist next month). I've forgotten about dinners (nicely saved by pizza), a couple of karate practices, and don't even try to talk to me when I'm at the computer. I won't hear you. But I will not stop until what I set out to do is finished.

Now, my insecurity this month is simple. In the back of my mind I'm afraid all the hard work will be in vain and I will not reach my goal which has always been to be a full time writer and support my family. It takes a long time to reach that goal (and I understand that). But, what if it doesn't happen? I would be crushed.

Do you experience that as a writer? What is your insecurity? Any excited plans for 4th of July?

Happy Canada Day!

Yesterday, Canada celebrated its 145th Birthday!

A young country in the history of mankind, but a very patriotic one. We enjoyed a 10 km bike ride, a nice fire in the backyard and fireworks. We happen to live in a subdivision where everyone seems to gather in the same parkette to light up the sky and we can see it all happen from our back yard.

The evening was peaceful and memorable as we were able to spend it with my brother in law (whom the kids love). He's in his late twenties and my kids adore their uncle:)

Now, just to back up to the bike ride, we had a great laugh at the expense of my 9 yr old. As we passed a clear stream the sun bounced off it's surface. The breeze ruffled the green shrubs and trees and my son said pointing at the stream: "Look! It's even better than HD!"

And that's how you know you have a child born in the 21st century.

4th of July is just around the corner. If you celebrated Canada Day, did you create any wonderful memories? Do you have any plans for the 4th of July?