Friday, July 06, 2007
Susan Speaks/Booking Through Thursday: The Great American Novel
This week's Booking Through Thursday asks what we think of as the Great American Novel (or, if you're not American or thinking about American novels, to replace American with the country/region of your choice).
I'm sure that this wasn't the intended answer, but after yesterday's Thursday Thirteen, in which I saw a record number of hits here at the Meet and Greet, and in which I saw my name pop up over and over on your lists, I'm sort of feeling my oats and thinking that, in all our minds at least, Trevor's Song fits that bill.
Even though none of you have read it. Yet.
After all, you guys have awarded me with three Thinking Blogger awards (from Milan, Amy, and Robin) and now two Rockin' Wench Blogger awards (Rhian and Red). You come back day after day, week after week, to check in on the adventures of Trevor, the rest of the band, and the fringe characters like Pam and Chelle -- and the new Roadie Poet, who'll be back soon.
I'm honored. I'm flattered. I'm watching my dreams come true, and you guys are helping to fuel that.
I've got a few surprises related to all this, but you'll have to wait until later this weekend from them (Yes, I'm still recovering from the Fourth. YOU try sleeping in the middle of the Science Center's exhibits and tell me how well YOU fare).
Let me just say, for now, thank you. Keep on helping me spread the word and build up Trevor's fan base; the more of you there are on board with me, the better. You guys inspire me and motivate me.
And when it comes to writing a great novel, isn't all about inspiration and motivation?
I'm sure that this wasn't the intended answer, but after yesterday's Thursday Thirteen, in which I saw a record number of hits here at the Meet and Greet, and in which I saw my name pop up over and over on your lists, I'm sort of feeling my oats and thinking that, in all our minds at least, Trevor's Song fits that bill.
Even though none of you have read it. Yet.
After all, you guys have awarded me with three Thinking Blogger awards (from Milan, Amy, and Robin) and now two Rockin' Wench Blogger awards (Rhian and Red). You come back day after day, week after week, to check in on the adventures of Trevor, the rest of the band, and the fringe characters like Pam and Chelle -- and the new Roadie Poet, who'll be back soon.
I'm honored. I'm flattered. I'm watching my dreams come true, and you guys are helping to fuel that.
I've got a few surprises related to all this, but you'll have to wait until later this weekend from them (Yes, I'm still recovering from the Fourth. YOU try sleeping in the middle of the Science Center's exhibits and tell me how well YOU fare).
Let me just say, for now, thank you. Keep on helping me spread the word and build up Trevor's fan base; the more of you there are on board with me, the better. You guys inspire me and motivate me.
And when it comes to writing a great novel, isn't all about inspiration and motivation?
Labels: Booking Through Thursday, gratitude, Rockin' Wench Award, Susan Speaks, Thinking Blogger Award, Trevor's Song
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Tag! I'm it -- twice!
It seems I can't turn around and write some fiction without you guys tagging me for things. I'm flattered by this; it's a good feeling to be important. Just remember to bring your friends around for a visit or two -- whatever it takes until they get hooked.
So, first off, Andrew tagged me with a new (to me) one: the goals meme.
I can't say that I have between five and ten crazy goals or dreams I want to achieve in my lifetime. I only have one: to be a successfully published author of Trevor and his friends. (What? You thought I was done with these guys once Trevor's Song gets published?)
Therefore, let's turn things over to Trevor...
Five goals, Trevor Style
1. World Domination by ShapeShifter, of course. I mean, why else form a band? I didn't need those wankers to get girls.
2. Get Rusty permanently out of Mitchell's life. Not to mention mine. Not in that order, though.
3. To love back every woman who already loves me. Maybe I'll love her front, too. And sides; why stop when you're on a roll?
Rolling's fun, too.
4. To be called "Mr. Wolff" when I check in at some hoity-toity hotel, and not get eyed up 'cause they think I'll trash the place. Why does everyone expect me to do the cliched shit?
5. Respect.
Ahh, poor Trevor. Above and beyond all else, he only wants one thing in life. Just like me; it's our goals that are different, though.
Which brings me to meme #2. The way cool Amy Ruttan tagged me with my third Thinking Blogger Award. Wow! Three of them!
Here are the rules, for you newly tagged folk...
How participation works:
If, and only if, you get tagged, write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think. Link to this post so that people can easily find the exact origin of the meme.
Optional: Display the ‘Thinking Blogger Award’ with a link to the post that you wrote.
Okay, time to tag some new friends...
Ready?
This is loooooooooonnnnnnngggggg overdue, but it's time to tag a few of my book blog friends:
Karen
Breeni
and
Janelle
Have fun, guys!
Oh, and lest you think the kudos have stopped there, just a reminder again... go vote...
And because the voting's not closed yet...
And if you've missed it somehow, Just a reminder... go vote for me!
Yes, I'm totally going to torture you with this until the voting closes on May 22. So go vote, will ya? If you've already voted, why not register under another e-mail address? You'll get to vote again that way!
(So when do literary agents and publishers catch on to what you guys already know and give me THEIR awards in the form of contracts and advances against royalties?)
So, first off, Andrew tagged me with a new (to me) one: the goals meme.
I can't say that I have between five and ten crazy goals or dreams I want to achieve in my lifetime. I only have one: to be a successfully published author of Trevor and his friends. (What? You thought I was done with these guys once Trevor's Song gets published?)
Therefore, let's turn things over to Trevor...
Five goals, Trevor Style
1. World Domination by ShapeShifter, of course. I mean, why else form a band? I didn't need those wankers to get girls.
2. Get Rusty permanently out of Mitchell's life. Not to mention mine. Not in that order, though.
3. To love back every woman who already loves me. Maybe I'll love her front, too. And sides; why stop when you're on a roll?
Rolling's fun, too.
4. To be called "Mr. Wolff" when I check in at some hoity-toity hotel, and not get eyed up 'cause they think I'll trash the place. Why does everyone expect me to do the cliched shit?
5. Respect.
Ahh, poor Trevor. Above and beyond all else, he only wants one thing in life. Just like me; it's our goals that are different, though.
Which brings me to meme #2. The way cool Amy Ruttan tagged me with my third Thinking Blogger Award. Wow! Three of them!
Here are the rules, for you newly tagged folk...
How participation works:
If, and only if, you get tagged, write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think. Link to this post so that people can easily find the exact origin of the meme.
Optional: Display the ‘Thinking Blogger Award’ with a link to the post that you wrote.
Okay, time to tag some new friends...
Ready?
This is loooooooooonnnnnnngggggg overdue, but it's time to tag a few of my book blog friends:
Karen
Breeni
and
Janelle
Have fun, guys!
Oh, and lest you think the kudos have stopped there, just a reminder again... go vote...
And because the voting's not closed yet...
And if you've missed it somehow, Just a reminder... go vote for me!
Yes, I'm totally going to torture you with this until the voting closes on May 22. So go vote, will ya? If you've already voted, why not register under another e-mail address? You'll get to vote again that way!
(So when do literary agents and publishers catch on to what you guys already know and give me THEIR awards in the form of contracts and advances against royalties?)
Labels: Amy Ruttan, Andrew, Blogger's Choice Award, blogging, Goals Meme, meme, Thinking Blogger Award
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Thursday Thirteen #25 -- Inspired to think
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I was debating this week about pulling out my soapbox and blathering about how important it is for us to be a community, whether online or in our neighborhoods or whatever. But actions speak louder than words, so here's the story: I gave my good friend zzz , and he turned around and gave it right back to me. At first, I was stunned and flabbergasted. But then Wylie asked me about characters on her blog and... well, I'd like to give to Wylie for that post.Thus... 1. Walter was born because Wylie asked if a rock star could be named Walter. How could I not rise to that challenge? 2. Walter is fifty. He's been rocking for over thirty years. 3. He's a guitar purist and innovator. Think Joe Satriani. All guitar, all the time. What can it do? What are the bounds of the instrument, and how can those boundaries be pushed? 4. Walter may have thinning grey hair, but what's left gets worn back in a ponytail that makes him look more like a hippie than a rocker. 5. Walter has pretty bad arthritis and a really good doctor who keeps his hands limber through advanced pharmaceutical use. 6. Walter has a companion, Lila, who's been with him for twenty years. 7. Walter's had a number of gold and platinum records over the years. He's played for as many as 20,000 during the peaks in his career -- and as few as ten during the dips. 8. Grizzled road veteran… that pretty much says it all, right? 9. I think you have to have a certain level of smarts, savvy, and luck to have this sort of career. 10. And good people around you. 11. Hopefully, Walter expands on your idea of a Rock Star. Does a rock star have to be someone who shines all the time, like Mitchell and Trevor? Can you be a star if you've never reached the pinnacle? 12. The outtake I'll post over the weekend may actually be the start to my exploring Walter and writing a novel about him. Be sure you stop back and tell me what you think. 13. So… Wylie and others… from what little you've seen so far, CAN a rock star be named Walter? Lest the Thinking Blogger award fun be over so fast, I'd also like to give it to Colleen Gleason. Read the outtake carefully once I post it and you'll see why. And if you've missed it somehow, Just a reminder... go vote for me! Back to Thinking Blogger stuff: Here are the rules, for you newly tagged folk... How participation works: If, and only if, you get tagged, write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think. Link to this post so that people can easily find the exact origin of the meme. Optional: Display the ‘Thinking Blogger Award’ with a link to the post that you wrote. |
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
Labels: Blogger's Choice Award, Colleen Gleason, Thinking Blogger Award, Walter, Wylie Kinson
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Susan Speaks: Thinking Blogger awards and a Carnival!
Mondays are the slowest day in the entertainment business. But don't tell that to Lil' Duck Duck, who's hosting a carnival of Family Life (#49, in fact!). Go check it out; you might recognize a familiar face and an outtake you may have missed.
Mondays aren't slow around here, though. Even though it's been a few days since this happened, I'm still in shock.
Robin, of Around the Island, was amazing enough to tag me with The Thinking Blogger Award. Not just for one post, but my entire body of work here on the blog. I am flattered and touched and pleased and thrilled -- and proud. Any writer loves to hear that you make people think, and when I got the e-mail from Robin telling me to check her blog, I was in a funk. The timing was absolutely perfect.
In keeping with the rules of the Thinking Blogger Award -- no one have a heart attack; I do occasionally follow the rules! -- I get to pass this award on to five other nice people. So here they are...
To She at the Screaming Pages for this post about her recent India adventures. Like many a traveller before her, India (and the Philippines) this time had a life-altering effect on her. And I'm not talking about the food poisoning, but what came when she got home: she took a deep breath and stepped off the edge of the world, quitting her job. That, woman, takes guts.
My good friend Milan always makes me think, especially when he does his Thursday Thirteen posts. Here's one that really illustrates how much effort he puts into them and how hard he stretches my brain. He may not post a 13 every week, but I'd sure argue that he's a valued member of the 13 community.
Of course I have to nominate Erica. The woman, the blog, the whole ball of wax. She juggles being a mom, a blogger, an aspiring writer, and a full-time employee. She's always up on the latest fads -- screening them for me, I joke with her -- and her enthusiasm shines on through even the rough spots. I'm proud to be her partner in the Debut a Debut contest, as well as the upcoming summer reading contest.
It may be really tacky of me, but I'd like to give the award back to Robin, for this post. If you'll read the comment trail, you'll see that my son has a friend whose behavior is similar to Robin's daughter's. This post gave me new insights into my son's friend and while I may not be in a position to help my son's friend, at least I have some insights that help me be a better guardian when he's here playing.
I'm going to stop at four, not because I want to buck the rules but because now I'm going to start nominating all my friends who write book blogs -- karen!, Antheras, Cheesygiraffe, CheriePie, Breeni, Ace and Hoser. And on. And on. You've seen me mention them all here before, you've seen them in my comment trail and as entrants in my various contests. These guys are my friends above and beyond blogging, even though I've yet to meet any of them face-to-face. They inspire me to new heights of writing and other fun ideas, and they are quick to stop me from doing something dumb or pointless. As much as all of you readers inspire me, these guys are my front lines. Check them out; I don't doubt you'll be nominating them for Thinking Blogger Awards.
Here are the rules, for you newly tagged folk...
How participation works:
If, and only if, you get tagged, write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think. Link to this post so that people can easily find the exact origin of the meme.
Optional: Display the ‘Thinking Blogger Award’ with a link to the post that you wrote.
One last note... those of you who read me in a feed reader have noticed a bunch of posts lately. Most of them are old posts; I'm catching up on my labels and tags. Read, have fun, comment away. Just be sure to click through and check the posting dates!
Catch you guys in a bit...
Mondays aren't slow around here, though. Even though it's been a few days since this happened, I'm still in shock.
Robin, of Around the Island, was amazing enough to tag me with The Thinking Blogger Award
. Not just for one post, but my entire body of work here on the blog. I am flattered and touched and pleased and thrilled -- and proud. Any writer loves to hear that you make people think, and when I got the e-mail from Robin telling me to check her blog, I was in a funk. The timing was absolutely perfect. In keeping with the rules of the Thinking Blogger Award -- no one have a heart attack; I do occasionally follow the rules! -- I get to pass this award on to five other nice people. So here they are...
To She at the Screaming Pages for this post about her recent India adventures. Like many a traveller before her, India (and the Philippines) this time had a life-altering effect on her. And I'm not talking about the food poisoning, but what came when she got home: she took a deep breath and stepped off the edge of the world, quitting her job. That, woman, takes guts.
My good friend Milan always makes me think, especially when he does his Thursday Thirteen posts. Here's one that really illustrates how much effort he puts into them and how hard he stretches my brain. He may not post a 13 every week, but I'd sure argue that he's a valued member of the 13 community.
Of course I have to nominate Erica. The woman, the blog, the whole ball of wax. She juggles being a mom, a blogger, an aspiring writer, and a full-time employee. She's always up on the latest fads -- screening them for me, I joke with her -- and her enthusiasm shines on through even the rough spots. I'm proud to be her partner in the Debut a Debut contest, as well as the upcoming summer reading contest.
It may be really tacky of me, but I'd like to give the award back to Robin, for this post. If you'll read the comment trail, you'll see that my son has a friend whose behavior is similar to Robin's daughter's. This post gave me new insights into my son's friend and while I may not be in a position to help my son's friend, at least I have some insights that help me be a better guardian when he's here playing.
I'm going to stop at four, not because I want to buck the rules but because now I'm going to start nominating all my friends who write book blogs -- karen!, Antheras, Cheesygiraffe, CheriePie, Breeni, Ace and Hoser. And on. And on. You've seen me mention them all here before, you've seen them in my comment trail and as entrants in my various contests. These guys are my friends above and beyond blogging, even though I've yet to meet any of them face-to-face. They inspire me to new heights of writing and other fun ideas, and they are quick to stop me from doing something dumb or pointless. As much as all of you readers inspire me, these guys are my front lines. Check them out; I don't doubt you'll be nominating them for Thinking Blogger Awards.
Here are the rules, for you newly tagged folk...
How participation works:
If, and only if, you get tagged, write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think. Link to this post so that people can easily find the exact origin of the meme.
Optional: Display the ‘Thinking Blogger Award’ with a link to the post that you wrote.
One last note... those of you who read me in a feed reader have noticed a bunch of posts lately. Most of them are old posts; I'm catching up on my labels and tags. Read, have fun, comment away. Just be sure to click through and check the posting dates!
Catch you guys in a bit...
Labels: Carnival, Thinking Blogger Award
