Saturday, April 05, 2008
Susan Speaks: Terribly Two
Whoa. I knew it was around here, but I didn't think I'd be so crass as to miss it.
But I did.
And you know what? The world didn't end. My blog didn't implode. My muse is busy trying to juggle the Sunday Scribblings prompt with the Writer's Island prompt with my own vision and the next work-in-progress... Not a bad job for a muse, really.
Have you figured it out yet?
My blog turned two yesterday. That's two years of Trevor, Mitchell, Eric, Daniel, Kerri, Val, and Pam. Two years of Chelle and Kermit Ladd. Roadie Poet, Walter, Deadly Metal Hatchet, and Springer.
And me. That's the amazing part. That you guys continue to be interested in me even though I'm as boring as they come. I have cats. I ride my bike and go to the gym. I'm raising two kids and trying to appreciate the Tour Manager instead of kill him. And I create fiction, which I think is way more interesting than I am.
In two years, this joint has grown. Not as much as I want it to, but that's coming. There's change on the horizon, gang. The winds are picking up; can you feel them?
Stay tuned. I have it on the best authority that there's good stuff about to happen in the third year of this Meet and Greet joint. You'll be glad you got here so early, I promise. This is the time to suck your friends in 'cause once things get rolling, there may be no looking back.
There will be links back, of course. There's too much good stuff, stuff I'm really freaking proud of, buried here on this blog. But there's also stuff -- like this post -- that'll be lost in the rush.
One thing that won't be lost but also won't be expressed nearly enough is my appreciation for you guys. Every time I check my stat counter and see more than two hits, I'm thankful. Every time you leave a comment, I'm thrilled -- even on days like last Thursday, when it was all I could do to keep up with them.
It just gets better from here. Thanks for riding along so far -- and I hope you're here for the long haul.
But I did.
And you know what? The world didn't end. My blog didn't implode. My muse is busy trying to juggle the Sunday Scribblings prompt with the Writer's Island prompt with my own vision and the next work-in-progress... Not a bad job for a muse, really.
Have you figured it out yet?
My blog turned two yesterday. That's two years of Trevor, Mitchell, Eric, Daniel, Kerri, Val, and Pam. Two years of Chelle and Kermit Ladd. Roadie Poet, Walter, Deadly Metal Hatchet, and Springer.
And me. That's the amazing part. That you guys continue to be interested in me even though I'm as boring as they come. I have cats. I ride my bike and go to the gym. I'm raising two kids and trying to appreciate the Tour Manager instead of kill him. And I create fiction, which I think is way more interesting than I am.
In two years, this joint has grown. Not as much as I want it to, but that's coming. There's change on the horizon, gang. The winds are picking up; can you feel them?
Stay tuned. I have it on the best authority that there's good stuff about to happen in the third year of this Meet and Greet joint. You'll be glad you got here so early, I promise. This is the time to suck your friends in 'cause once things get rolling, there may be no looking back.
There will be links back, of course. There's too much good stuff, stuff I'm really freaking proud of, buried here on this blog. But there's also stuff -- like this post -- that'll be lost in the rush.
One thing that won't be lost but also won't be expressed nearly enough is my appreciation for you guys. Every time I check my stat counter and see more than two hits, I'm thankful. Every time you leave a comment, I'm thrilled -- even on days like last Thursday, when it was all I could do to keep up with them.
It just gets better from here. Thanks for riding along so far -- and I hope you're here for the long haul.
Labels: blogging, Susan Speaks
Monday, January 28, 2008
The Liar's Diary Blog Day!
Today (Tuesday), over 300 bloggers, writers, and other luminaries are standing up for one of our own: Patry Francis. You can read a great post about it here. Or here. And 300 or more places, too.
The idea here, gang, is that Patry Francis is too sick with cancer to promote her book. So we're all pitching in to do it for her.
Like many of us, the road to publication hasn't come easy. And now to have to face cancer on top of it? C'mon. Give this woman a break already!
Go to that first link I posted and check out the names of the people involved in this. Look at this wonderful, amazing community of people -- not just writers and publishing people -- who are coming together for one woman.
One woman.
Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel said that it takes one person to start a revolution. And then another.
I'm not much of a follower; you groupies around here know that. But this time, I'm proud to jump on the bandwagon and help spread the word about Patry Francis. It's not just that she's got cancer and can't do the promotional stuff herself. It's that here's a writer who's written a book that sounds terrific. Here's a woman who has touched many people quite deeply.
Now's our chance to give back. To say thanks -- for the book, for the inspiration that is Patry, for the chance to come together and be part of this revolution.
Go on and pick up The Liar's Diary. Feel free to use my handy-dandy link right there; it'll take you to Powell's bookstore. While you're there, do another writer a good deed. Pick up a book by a new-to-you author. Need ideas? Check out that list of people participating in today's Blog Event for Patry. They're doing her a good turn. Why not do one for them to say thanks?
Here's the blurb for The Liar's Diary:
Answering the question of what is more powerful—family or friendship? this debut novel unforgettably shows how far one woman would go to protect either.
They couldn’t be more different, but they form a friendship that will alter both their fates. When Ali Mather blows into town, breaking all the rules and breaking hearts (despite the fact that she is pushing forty), she also makes a mark on an unlikely family. Almost against her will, Jeanne Cross feels drawn to this strangely vibrant woman, a fascination that begins to infect Jeanne’s “perfect” husband as well as their teenaged son.
At the heart of the friendship between Ali and Jeanne are deep-seated emotional needs, vulnerabilities they have each been recording in their diaries. Ali also senses another kind of vulnerability; she believes someone has been entering her house when she is not at home—and not with the usual intentions. What this burglar wants is nothing less than a piece of Ali’s soul.
When a murderer strikes and Jeanne’s son is arrested, we learn that the key to the crime lies in the diaries of two very different women . . . but only one of them is telling the truth. A chilling tour of troubled minds, The Liar’s Diary signals the launch of an immensely talented new novelist who knows just how to keep her readers guessing.
A huge thank you needs to go out to the fearless folk who've organized today's effort to raise awareness of Patry. I hate to think I'd ever be in a position where I couldn't promote Trevor fully, but it's nice to hope that you guys would help me out in such a way. You organizers have put a ton of time, energy, and effort into making today's event happen and while I wish I could list you all, I know myself and I'd forget someone important, or include the wrong people. Really. Go look at Susan's blog. Thank her and all the others involved. Thank them. One person CAN make a difference. One book sold may not cure cancer, but when those books add up, it can take an awful lot of stress away from someone who doesn't need any extra stress right now.
Beat this cancer motherfucker, Patry. We're all pulling for you.
The idea here, gang, is that Patry Francis is too sick with cancer to promote her book. So we're all pitching in to do it for her.
Like many of us, the road to publication hasn't come easy. And now to have to face cancer on top of it? C'mon. Give this woman a break already!
Go to that first link I posted and check out the names of the people involved in this. Look at this wonderful, amazing community of people -- not just writers and publishing people -- who are coming together for one woman.
One woman.
Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel said that it takes one person to start a revolution. And then another.
I'm not much of a follower; you groupies around here know that. But this time, I'm proud to jump on the bandwagon and help spread the word about Patry Francis. It's not just that she's got cancer and can't do the promotional stuff herself. It's that here's a writer who's written a book that sounds terrific. Here's a woman who has touched many people quite deeply.
Now's our chance to give back. To say thanks -- for the book, for the inspiration that is Patry, for the chance to come together and be part of this revolution.
Go on and pick up The Liar's Diary. Feel free to use my handy-dandy link right there; it'll take you to Powell's bookstore. While you're there, do another writer a good deed. Pick up a book by a new-to-you author. Need ideas? Check out that list of people participating in today's Blog Event for Patry. They're doing her a good turn. Why not do one for them to say thanks?
Here's the blurb for The Liar's Diary:
Answering the question of what is more powerful—family or friendship? this debut novel unforgettably shows how far one woman would go to protect either.
They couldn’t be more different, but they form a friendship that will alter both their fates. When Ali Mather blows into town, breaking all the rules and breaking hearts (despite the fact that she is pushing forty), she also makes a mark on an unlikely family. Almost against her will, Jeanne Cross feels drawn to this strangely vibrant woman, a fascination that begins to infect Jeanne’s “perfect” husband as well as their teenaged son.
At the heart of the friendship between Ali and Jeanne are deep-seated emotional needs, vulnerabilities they have each been recording in their diaries. Ali also senses another kind of vulnerability; she believes someone has been entering her house when she is not at home—and not with the usual intentions. What this burglar wants is nothing less than a piece of Ali’s soul.
When a murderer strikes and Jeanne’s son is arrested, we learn that the key to the crime lies in the diaries of two very different women . . . but only one of them is telling the truth. A chilling tour of troubled minds, The Liar’s Diary signals the launch of an immensely talented new novelist who knows just how to keep her readers guessing.
A huge thank you needs to go out to the fearless folk who've organized today's effort to raise awareness of Patry. I hate to think I'd ever be in a position where I couldn't promote Trevor fully, but it's nice to hope that you guys would help me out in such a way. You organizers have put a ton of time, energy, and effort into making today's event happen and while I wish I could list you all, I know myself and I'd forget someone important, or include the wrong people. Really. Go look at Susan's blog. Thank her and all the others involved. Thank them. One person CAN make a difference. One book sold may not cure cancer, but when those books add up, it can take an awful lot of stress away from someone who doesn't need any extra stress right now.
Beat this cancer motherfucker, Patry. We're all pulling for you.
Labels: blogging, books, Patry Francis
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Tagged: Blogging Star Award
My friends Red and Thomma Lyn both handed me the Blogging Star Award recently. Here's a picture; ain't it purty?
The Blogging Star Award was created by Barb at Skittles' Place. Of the Blogging Star Award, Barb says:
This award is for bloggers who shine their light throughout the Blogosphere. Some do it with humor, others with creativity, and others with their kind and thoughtful natures. We all know more than a few of them so why not give them some recognition?
Here's what to do if you receive this:
* Proudly display it on your blog along with a link to who gave it to you.
* Mention that it originated here at Skittles' Place so I can follow its journey.
* Pass it on to any blogger(s) you think should have it.
Well. Let's see. Who makes me all warm and fuzzy when I see them in my reader? Well... Rhian is the obvious choice 'cause she's been the ... oh, I can't say butt so maybe the willing victim of a Trevor prank is putting it a bit better. But Rhian's more rebellious than I am, and she tends to follow directions worse than I do.
Maybe Lisa. You can call her the Nekkid Man woman 'cause that's what her Thursday Thirteens are all about. And have you seen some of the wild things she digs up to share? Truly cool.
And definitely PJ at The Urban Recluse. She's handed me plenty of awards, and has definitely earned this one. I miss Sunday Sauce, though!
Don't forget Robin, the inspiration behind the ShapeShifter fan fiction that's been cropping up around the blogosphere. She's been on a total tear lately, writing really beautiful essays, each one better than the last.
So there you go. Some pretty darn deserving ladies, and not easy choices among all you guys. I don't know how I've managed to do it, except to say that like attracts like, and I'm damn proud to know (and read) all of you.
I'd also like to end this post by saying I'd drafted it a good two weeks ago and am just now having the proper time to post it so it gets noticed and its proper due. If any of you can please cancel the soap opera I'm currently starring in, I'd much appreciate it!
The Blogging Star Award was created by Barb at Skittles' Place. Of the Blogging Star Award, Barb says:
This award is for bloggers who shine their light throughout the Blogosphere. Some do it with humor, others with creativity, and others with their kind and thoughtful natures. We all know more than a few of them so why not give them some recognition?
Here's what to do if you receive this:
* Proudly display it on your blog along with a link to who gave it to you.
* Mention that it originated here at Skittles' Place so I can follow its journey.
* Pass it on to any blogger(s) you think should have it.
Well. Let's see. Who makes me all warm and fuzzy when I see them in my reader? Well... Rhian is the obvious choice 'cause she's been the ... oh, I can't say butt so maybe the willing victim of a Trevor prank is putting it a bit better. But Rhian's more rebellious than I am, and she tends to follow directions worse than I do.
Maybe Lisa. You can call her the Nekkid Man woman 'cause that's what her Thursday Thirteens are all about. And have you seen some of the wild things she digs up to share? Truly cool.
And definitely PJ at The Urban Recluse. She's handed me plenty of awards, and has definitely earned this one. I miss Sunday Sauce, though!
Don't forget Robin, the inspiration behind the ShapeShifter fan fiction that's been cropping up around the blogosphere. She's been on a total tear lately, writing really beautiful essays, each one better than the last.
So there you go. Some pretty darn deserving ladies, and not easy choices among all you guys. I don't know how I've managed to do it, except to say that like attracts like, and I'm damn proud to know (and read) all of you.
I'd also like to end this post by saying I'd drafted it a good two weeks ago and am just now having the proper time to post it so it gets noticed and its proper due. If any of you can please cancel the soap opera I'm currently starring in, I'd much appreciate it!
Friday, June 08, 2007
Susan Speaks: Yep, that time again
Hey, guys. It's my turn to be a Working Stiff. Go on over and please try to not laugh too hard...
Leave comments here or there; whatever makes you happier. (I do respond faster here, though)
And thanks for the virtual hugs and kind words. I may or may not talk about it later on, but I might have found a solution to at least one of the two problems that sprang up on Tuesday. We shall see if The Tour Manager and I can pull it off.
Leave comments here or there; whatever makes you happier. (I do respond faster here, though)
And thanks for the virtual hugs and kind words. I may or may not talk about it later on, but I might have found a solution to at least one of the two problems that sprang up on Tuesday. We shall see if The Tour Manager and I can pull it off.
Labels: blogging, Susan Speaks, Working Stiffs
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Susan's Inside Writing: Goodbye, Miss Snark
When I was twelve, my mom bought me copies of Anne McCaffrey's Dragonflight and Dragonquest at a flea market. They were stripped copies but this was twenty years ago; what did we know?
I may not have known the first thing about the book business back then -- hey, I was only twelve -- but I knew good characters, and it didn't take long before I'd fallen in love with F'lar and Lessa. They were as real to me as the friend who lived three houses down, who I'd get together with almost every day that same summer.
I wanted to be part of F'lar and Lessa's lives; they seemed so real, so easy to envision. I knew they were fiction, but oh, how I wished I could be fiction, too, and have a place in the Weyr with them. I wanted to live a dangerous, exciting life. I wanted to be among the group of heroes who made a difference.
Eventually, I grew up. Found other things to read. You know how it goes. But every now and then, I'd return to those Pern books, particularly when my life was in tumult. I remember staying up all night after I was married, looking for solace. The Tour Manager's ex-roommate had blamed me for his wife's insecurities, and he hadn't exactly been kind about it.
I read, and I read, looking for the way to cope with what felt like a neutron bomb that had gone off inside my life. I was looking for wisdom, for guidance, for escapism. I found it all.
A year and a half ago, or so, a friend pointed me to Miss Snark. I needed to read her, she said.
At first glance, I was put off. But then, I laughed. And finally, I was hooked.
It wasn't just the things I was learning from her. I mean, heck. I'd been around the publishing block once already. I'd had an agent. I knew that glitter and neon pink paper weren't such great ideas. I knew about twelve-point font and SASEs and to follow the damn directions.
Of course, there was plenty to learn. After all, I've only been around the block once. Maybe I didn't get the whole way around, since my wonderful agent didn't make me a sale.
What hooked me wasn't the content; it was the writing. Snark didn't just dish out her own advice, she took it and whoever created her did so pretty completely. She was her own person, a work of fiction who was as well-rounded and clearly drawn as any of the best fictional characters out there. She had a voice. She had inside jokes. She had a love for shoes and a disdain for cats. In some ways, I knew Miss Snark better than I knew my own best friends.
She wasn't real. I knew that even as I exchanged e-mails with her and tried not to get excited that someone who could afford Jimmy Choos would actually deign to speak to me. There was room in Snark's world for all of us, so long as we weren't total nitwits -- or could laugh at ourselves if we were. We took that risk by e-mailing her questions for the blog or submissions for her writing contests. We knew that, but we risked it anyway.
Part of the reason was that she was trustworthy. The one time when I had a situation on my hands that I truly didn't know how best to handle, she came to my rescue. Didn't even call for the cluegun, either, but then, I know I'm not a nitwit. Every now and then.
That's the part of Snark I'll miss the most. Yes, I'll miss the jokes and the occasional times when I'd scream with laughter or put my water glass down before clicking on her name in my feedburner. For me, the power of Miss Snark was knowing that I always had someone I could turn to when I needed it. The only expectation either of us could have was a thank you; there were no obligations of sending gifts or making sure you followed the proper etiquette. The only etiquette was to have a clue, and the longer you hung around, the bigger your clues got.
She's gone now, as pretty much the whole world knows. I have no idea what I'll do if I land a contract with an independent publisher and need a referral to an agent, just for the purpose of the contract. And my feed reader will probably never again threaten to explode with the 100-plus Crapometer entries.
In a way, it's like closing the cover on my bedraggled copy of The White Dragon, knowing it was a great ride and I'm a better person for having spent time here. The site remains in case I have to dig through the archives yet again. Just as the books sit on the same shelf with my stuffed bison and Animal the muppet.
I am one of those people who is always looking forward, toward the next adventure and the next person who'll touch my life. I pretend I don't look back, but I do. In those quiet times, when I can't sleep or am driving somewhere and the music lulls me into letting my guard down. I'll look back on it all with a bittersweet laugh.
Just as it was eventually time to leave my beloved Dragonriders on the shelf, now it's time to move through the publishing world without my tart-tongued guide. Always grateful for the interesting things I've found thus far, but always ready to check out -- if cautiously -- the next thing that comes along. Certainly, because of Miss Snark, I'll be the savvier for it.
To the men and/or women who created her, thanks. I hope I never find out who you really are. If I do, I'm afraid I might look at you the same way I look at Casey Kasem now that I know he voiced Shaggy on Scooby Doo.
Some things, I'm better off not knowing.
Let Miss Snark remain her perfectly imperfect fictional self.
I'm sure George Clooney will sleep better for it.
I may not have known the first thing about the book business back then -- hey, I was only twelve -- but I knew good characters, and it didn't take long before I'd fallen in love with F'lar and Lessa. They were as real to me as the friend who lived three houses down, who I'd get together with almost every day that same summer.
I wanted to be part of F'lar and Lessa's lives; they seemed so real, so easy to envision. I knew they were fiction, but oh, how I wished I could be fiction, too, and have a place in the Weyr with them. I wanted to live a dangerous, exciting life. I wanted to be among the group of heroes who made a difference.
Eventually, I grew up. Found other things to read. You know how it goes. But every now and then, I'd return to those Pern books, particularly when my life was in tumult. I remember staying up all night after I was married, looking for solace. The Tour Manager's ex-roommate had blamed me for his wife's insecurities, and he hadn't exactly been kind about it.
I read, and I read, looking for the way to cope with what felt like a neutron bomb that had gone off inside my life. I was looking for wisdom, for guidance, for escapism. I found it all.
A year and a half ago, or so, a friend pointed me to Miss Snark. I needed to read her, she said.
At first glance, I was put off. But then, I laughed. And finally, I was hooked.
It wasn't just the things I was learning from her. I mean, heck. I'd been around the publishing block once already. I'd had an agent. I knew that glitter and neon pink paper weren't such great ideas. I knew about twelve-point font and SASEs and to follow the damn directions.
Of course, there was plenty to learn. After all, I've only been around the block once. Maybe I didn't get the whole way around, since my wonderful agent didn't make me a sale.
What hooked me wasn't the content; it was the writing. Snark didn't just dish out her own advice, she took it and whoever created her did so pretty completely. She was her own person, a work of fiction who was as well-rounded and clearly drawn as any of the best fictional characters out there. She had a voice. She had inside jokes. She had a love for shoes and a disdain for cats. In some ways, I knew Miss Snark better than I knew my own best friends.
She wasn't real. I knew that even as I exchanged e-mails with her and tried not to get excited that someone who could afford Jimmy Choos would actually deign to speak to me. There was room in Snark's world for all of us, so long as we weren't total nitwits -- or could laugh at ourselves if we were. We took that risk by e-mailing her questions for the blog or submissions for her writing contests. We knew that, but we risked it anyway.
Part of the reason was that she was trustworthy. The one time when I had a situation on my hands that I truly didn't know how best to handle, she came to my rescue. Didn't even call for the cluegun, either, but then, I know I'm not a nitwit. Every now and then.
That's the part of Snark I'll miss the most. Yes, I'll miss the jokes and the occasional times when I'd scream with laughter or put my water glass down before clicking on her name in my feedburner. For me, the power of Miss Snark was knowing that I always had someone I could turn to when I needed it. The only expectation either of us could have was a thank you; there were no obligations of sending gifts or making sure you followed the proper etiquette. The only etiquette was to have a clue, and the longer you hung around, the bigger your clues got.
She's gone now, as pretty much the whole world knows. I have no idea what I'll do if I land a contract with an independent publisher and need a referral to an agent, just for the purpose of the contract. And my feed reader will probably never again threaten to explode with the 100-plus Crapometer entries.
In a way, it's like closing the cover on my bedraggled copy of The White Dragon, knowing it was a great ride and I'm a better person for having spent time here. The site remains in case I have to dig through the archives yet again. Just as the books sit on the same shelf with my stuffed bison and Animal the muppet.
I am one of those people who is always looking forward, toward the next adventure and the next person who'll touch my life. I pretend I don't look back, but I do. In those quiet times, when I can't sleep or am driving somewhere and the music lulls me into letting my guard down. I'll look back on it all with a bittersweet laugh.
Just as it was eventually time to leave my beloved Dragonriders on the shelf, now it's time to move through the publishing world without my tart-tongued guide. Always grateful for the interesting things I've found thus far, but always ready to check out -- if cautiously -- the next thing that comes along. Certainly, because of Miss Snark, I'll be the savvier for it.
To the men and/or women who created her, thanks. I hope I never find out who you really are. If I do, I'm afraid I might look at you the same way I look at Casey Kasem now that I know he voiced Shaggy on Scooby Doo.
Some things, I'm better off not knowing.
Let Miss Snark remain her perfectly imperfect fictional self.
I'm sure George Clooney will sleep better for it.
Labels: agent hunting, blogging, Inside Writing, Miss Snark
Friday, May 11, 2007
Susan Speaks: About Nothing
Come hang with me at Working Stiffs today. Or just leave your comments here. I'll keep an eye on both spots.
Labels: blogging, nothing, Working Stiffs
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
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Tagged: Blog Apocalypse
Whoa. Sophisticated Writer tagged me for probably the scariest meme that's ever been invented. Even worse, the meme originator, Urban Monk, is going to donate up to $500 to charity for each link back to him.
Here's the concept:
Bloggers: The blogosphere is coming to an end.
You have one last post. What is it going to be?
What is the final summary of your blog?
What is the one last gem that you want to leave with your readers?
I've been having a hard time with this one. Yeah, there needs to be a TON of thanks to all you guys for all your support, especially you guys with the pom-poms and strong belief that I'll find myself a major publisher who'll help get Trevor the attention he craves.
However, I don't like endings. And I'm the woman who created Trevor Wolff, a rebel sort. I'm also the woman who created Kerri Voss, the woman who manages to move across the country and find a way to finance an art school education. Add in Mitchell Voss, whose dedication to his dream had him working his rear off.
Put all that together and I think my final post would be something along the lines of a Trevorish, saucy wink and the words, "Meet you over at West of Mars."
Just because blogs are ending doesn't mean the fun has to. I'm not done yet.
(note: I'm not tagging anyone directly 'cause this is a scary concept and no one needs this kind of stress and panic. So I'm handing down the challenge to all of you: Are you tough enough to face this? If so, make sure you tell me so I can come visit.)
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!
Here's the concept:
Bloggers: The blogosphere is coming to an end.
You have one last post. What is it going to be?
What is the final summary of your blog?
What is the one last gem that you want to leave with your readers?
I've been having a hard time with this one. Yeah, there needs to be a TON of thanks to all you guys for all your support, especially you guys with the pom-poms and strong belief that I'll find myself a major publisher who'll help get Trevor the attention he craves.
However, I don't like endings. And I'm the woman who created Trevor Wolff, a rebel sort. I'm also the woman who created Kerri Voss, the woman who manages to move across the country and find a way to finance an art school education. Add in Mitchell Voss, whose dedication to his dream had him working his rear off.
Put all that together and I think my final post would be something along the lines of a Trevorish, saucy wink and the words, "Meet you over at West of Mars."
Just because blogs are ending doesn't mean the fun has to. I'm not done yet.
(note: I'm not tagging anyone directly 'cause this is a scary concept and no one needs this kind of stress and panic. So I'm handing down the challenge to all of you: Are you tough enough to face this? If so, make sure you tell me so I can come visit.)
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!
Labels: Blogger's Choice Award, blogging, meme
Friday, March 09, 2007
Susan's Book Talk: Small Press Month
My dear friend Janelle, who will be more involved here as we do more major book contests, has proclaimed March to be Small Press Month.
Keep an eye on The Eclectic Closet to be exposed to some pretty cool stuff in the upcoming weeks.
And, as always, share any gems you come across!
Keep an eye on The Eclectic Closet to be exposed to some pretty cool stuff in the upcoming weeks.
And, as always, share any gems you come across!
Friday, February 02, 2007
Bodacious!
Be sure to visit Working Stiffs today -- and click on ALL the links (well, you can ignore the one that leads you here and the one to that lousy rock band. Just not the rest!).
In case you ever wondered how my little brain works, there it is, in all its glory.
Bodacious, I tell you!
(remember, ALL the links!)
More over the weekend with a Debut a Debut update.
In case you ever wondered how my little brain works, there it is, in all its glory.
Bodacious, I tell you!
(remember, ALL the links!)
More over the weekend with a Debut a Debut update.
Labels: blogging, Bodacious Sauce, cool stuff, Working Stiffs
Friday, January 26, 2007
It's a Hoot!
Go check out my latest post at Working Stiffs.
It's a hoot, I tell ya! It's a hoot!
(comments here and there both gracefully and gratefully accepted. Thanks to everyone for helping me create yet another successful Thursday Thirteen. And don't forget to Debut a Debut!)
It's a hoot, I tell ya! It's a hoot!
(comments here and there both gracefully and gratefully accepted. Thanks to everyone for helping me create yet another successful Thursday Thirteen. And don't forget to Debut a Debut!)
Labels: blogging, contest, Debut a Debut, Working Stiffs
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Susan Speaks: Anyone want to watch my eyeballs fall out of my head?
It's been an up-and-down week for me. I resigned from a committee that's supposed to bring authors to our local elementary school because they want to book a cartoonist who's not got a published book to his name (aren't authors, by definition, the people who write books?). I mis-read a friend's comment in yesterday's Working Stiffs post.
That's been rough. But the up part of the up-and-down week more than makes up for it. Believe me, my eyeballs fell out of my head and onto my touchpad when I saw this.
My friend Barb at Front Street Reviews sent me this link.
Yes, friends, groupies, lurkers, total strangers, and anyone else who's not brave enough to fall into the friend and groupie category, I've been nominated for a Preditors & Editors Readers' Poll award. The voting's been open since January first and closes in another two days, on the eve of the 15th, but if you haven't voted for little me yet, why not? Yeah, there are really big contenders in my category and yeah, we'd all rather see me in the Published in 2006 category, but do it anyway.
You know I appreciate it, especially after this rough week I've had.
Now, have my eyeballs, perchance, rolled past you? I'd... umm... sort of like them back.
I've got books to write and a world to finish creating for you guys.
And whoever nominated me... eternal thanks.
That's been rough. But the up part of the up-and-down week more than makes up for it. Believe me, my eyeballs fell out of my head and onto my touchpad when I saw this.
My friend Barb at Front Street Reviews sent me this link.
Yes, friends, groupies, lurkers, total strangers, and anyone else who's not brave enough to fall into the friend and groupie category, I've been nominated for a Preditors & Editors Readers' Poll award. The voting's been open since January first and closes in another two days, on the eve of the 15th, but if you haven't voted for little me yet, why not? Yeah, there are really big contenders in my category and yeah, we'd all rather see me in the Published in 2006 category, but do it anyway.
You know I appreciate it, especially after this rough week I've had.
Now, have my eyeballs, perchance, rolled past you? I'd... umm... sort of like them back.
I've got books to write and a world to finish creating for you guys.
And whoever nominated me... eternal thanks.
Labels: blogging, Susan Speaks
Friday, January 12, 2007
Susan's Book Talk: 2007 Reading Goals
Oh, just go on over to Working Stiffs and read all about it there. Why reprint when you can simply click?
Don't forget about the cool contest below -- only eight more days to enter. Be silly, be thoughtful, be whatever. But give my characters of Trevor, Mitchell, and Kerri some answers! I have lots of books to give away... will you win one?
Don't forget about the cool contest below -- only eight more days to enter. Be silly, be thoughtful, be whatever. But give my characters of Trevor, Mitchell, and Kerri some answers! I have lots of books to give away... will you win one?
Labels: blogging, books, contest, Working Stiffs
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
I got tagged!
That evil Scooper, with whom I haven't even exchanged links yet (hint!) tagged me for a meme. I'm honored -- and I'm going to obey. (usually, I look at who people are tagging and think, "Oh, you mean that other Susan. Why on earth would you mean ME?")
So... here we go:
Four Jobs That I've had
1. Record store employee
2. Stage crew
3. college radio DJ (and everything associated with being a department head)
4. freelance copy editor
(methinks I see a theme...)
Four Favorite Foods
1. Chocolate
2. lobster
3. brownies
4. chocolate chip cookies
(methinks I still see a theme in this meme...)
Four Movies I can Watch Over and Over
1. Slapshot
2. This is Spinal Tap
3. Heavy Metal (one day, I'll figure out what the hell is happening)
4. Monty Python and the Holy Grail
(nope, no theme this time. Anyone know how long it took me to think of four movies, let alone four I like???? HUH????)
Four Favorite TV shows
(I had to change the title because the way it WAS worded reminded me of ... oh, nevermind. Someone I don't particularly like)
1. Dog the Bounty Hunter
2. Metalocalypse
3. The Amazing Race
4. Farscape (you never said it had to still be running!)
Four Places I've travelled
1. Mars
2. Moon
Oh, wait. You mean like overnight and stuff. Well.
1. San Francisco
2. Yellowstone
3. San Rafael
4. San Jose
(yep. Theme. I did that on purpose 'cause they were cool trips)
Four Websites I go to daily
1. My own blog
2. My stat counter page
3. Rashenbo's joint
4. Karen!'s joint
Four people I'm now torturing uhh... tagging
1. Rashenbo
2. Karen!
3. ls
4. Janet
Now, let's see if any of them will behave...
See you later for this week's Thursday Thirteen...
So... here we go:
Four Jobs That I've had
1. Record store employee
2. Stage crew
3. college radio DJ (and everything associated with being a department head)
4. freelance copy editor
(methinks I see a theme...)
Four Favorite Foods
1. Chocolate
2. lobster
3. brownies
4. chocolate chip cookies
(methinks I still see a theme in this meme...)
Four Movies I can Watch Over and Over
1. Slapshot
2. This is Spinal Tap
3. Heavy Metal (one day, I'll figure out what the hell is happening)
4. Monty Python and the Holy Grail
(nope, no theme this time. Anyone know how long it took me to think of four movies, let alone four I like???? HUH????)
Four Favorite TV shows
(I had to change the title because the way it WAS worded reminded me of ... oh, nevermind. Someone I don't particularly like)
1. Dog the Bounty Hunter
2. Metalocalypse
3. The Amazing Race
4. Farscape (you never said it had to still be running!)
Four Places I've travelled
1. Mars
2. Moon
Oh, wait. You mean like overnight and stuff. Well.
1. San Francisco
2. Yellowstone
3. San Rafael
4. San Jose
(yep. Theme. I did that on purpose 'cause they were cool trips)
Four Websites I go to daily
1. My own blog
2. My stat counter page
3. Rashenbo's joint
4. Karen!'s joint
Four people I'm now torturing uhh... tagging
1. Rashenbo
2. Karen!
3. ls
4. Janet
Now, let's see if any of them will behave...
See you later for this week's Thursday Thirteen...
Labels: blogging, cool stuff, meme
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Susan Speaks: Lead-in to Hanukkah Thursday Thirteen
To help you feel more comfortable with some of what's going on around here, today I'm introducing a new series where I get to talk to you about the background of the fiction you're either about to read, or should have already enjoyed. Consider it a look inside an author's mind.
Today, I need to set you up for this week's Thursday Thirteen.
Thursday Thirteen #8, the Hanukkah Edition, brings together Kerri Voss, Amy London, and Chelle LaFleur. The one thing these women have in common is, of course, the fictional band ShapeShifter. Most specifically, ShapeShifter's singer and rhythm guitarist, Mitchell Voss.
Kerri is Mitchell's wife. Amy is Mitchell's older sister. And Chelle is Mitchell's friend. While Kerri and Amy see each other often, both living in the fictional city of Riverview, Chelle's the outsider here. Still, these are the three women you guys know the best, although there are others floating around, who you'll meet later on.
Together, these three women have a synergy about them that I'm sure you'll enjoy. That's why I sat them down and asked them to talk about the holiday of Hanukkah. Given that these three women all have a certain similar sensibility, the results are probably not what you'd expect from one of the usual Thursday Thirteens that we do here at West of Mars. Or a Thursday Thirteen you might see elsewhere.
See you for this week's Thursday Thirteen.
Today, I need to set you up for this week's Thursday Thirteen.
Thursday Thirteen #8, the Hanukkah Edition, brings together Kerri Voss, Amy London, and Chelle LaFleur. The one thing these women have in common is, of course, the fictional band ShapeShifter. Most specifically, ShapeShifter's singer and rhythm guitarist, Mitchell Voss.
Kerri is Mitchell's wife. Amy is Mitchell's older sister. And Chelle is Mitchell's friend. While Kerri and Amy see each other often, both living in the fictional city of Riverview, Chelle's the outsider here. Still, these are the three women you guys know the best, although there are others floating around, who you'll meet later on.
Together, these three women have a synergy about them that I'm sure you'll enjoy. That's why I sat them down and asked them to talk about the holiday of Hanukkah. Given that these three women all have a certain similar sensibility, the results are probably not what you'd expect from one of the usual Thursday Thirteens that we do here at West of Mars. Or a Thursday Thirteen you might see elsewhere.
See you for this week's Thursday Thirteen.
Labels: blogging, Thursday Thirteen
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Working Stiffly, Again
Yep, it's that time of the month again, folks. As Green Hair Week ends, I'm morphing into a Working Stiff.
Read it, let me know what you think, and stop back here often. More fun awaits!
Read it, let me know what you think, and stop back here often. More fun awaits!
Labels: blogging, cool stuff, Working Stiffs
Friday, December 01, 2006
Thanks!
Just wanted to say a public thanks to you guys, steady readers, first-time visitors, and groupies. My stat counter was in heaven yesterday thanks to you -- I had more than double my record number of hits.
Two more days to the start of Green Hair Week. Can you stand it?
Since it's hard, let me ask you this:
If YOUR hair could be any color (complete, highlights, splotches, whatever), what color would you go for?
Two more days to the start of Green Hair Week. Can you stand it?
Since it's hard, let me ask you this:
If YOUR hair could be any color (complete, highlights, splotches, whatever), what color would you go for?
Labels: blogging, Green Hair Week, Thursday Thirteen
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Susan's a Working Stiff!
Yes, folks, it's that time again. A glimpse into Susan, herself. Myself. Whoever. Whatever.
Enjoy, and don't forget to stop back to visit the Stiffs on a daily basis; they are one heck of a neat group of people.
While you're looking around, please check out the fact that I'm now a Blogging Chick -- see my sidebar for the details. I'm pretty psyched about this, but then, I love new places to explore.
(and if you haven't discovered Trevor's latest favorite thing, be sure to scroll down to the entry before this one! It's a MUST NOT MISS.)
Enjoy, and don't forget to stop back to visit the Stiffs on a daily basis; they are one heck of a neat group of people.
While you're looking around, please check out the fact that I'm now a Blogging Chick -- see my sidebar for the details. I'm pretty psyched about this, but then, I love new places to explore.
(and if you haven't discovered Trevor's latest favorite thing, be sure to scroll down to the entry before this one! It's a MUST NOT MISS.)
Labels: blogging, cool stuff, Working Stiffs
Sunday, October 15, 2006
The first of many
Check out Working Stiffs today for a bit of a personal blog about me...
And while you're there, bookmark it and come back often. This is quite the interesting collection of people!
And while you're there, bookmark it and come back often. This is quite the interesting collection of people!
Labels: blogging, Working Stiffs
Sunday, October 08, 2006
The End of the Week
Whew. What a week, properly accompanied by an inordinate amount of running around, chaos, heartbreak, and hopes.
Before we close out Buy a Friend a Book Week, let me say the following things...
1. I had a blast reading all of your entries and the things you had to say about music. I hope you'll invite your friends over here to hang with us and get to know my fictional crew. Not just because it'll sell more books when Trevor's Song comes out, but because I do this -- write books, blog, create fiction non-stop -- so that I can share it with people. While I dream of a huge publishing deal, I think I'd be happy with anything that would allow me to share my world with you.
2. I've made friends with some of the other BAFAB contest hosts. Be sure to check them out; I'll leave the links up at the bottom of this page for a bit. Tell them you proudly come from West of Mars.
3. Even though my friend Penina never sent an official entry, she's done so much for me over the years, in so many ways, that I picked up a second copy of This Monster Lives just for her. So while she's not an official winner and I can't tell you how I will never forget her story of trying really hard not to yell the now-defunct and perhaps forgotten refrain of "Die, Die, Die" during Metallica's Creeping Death during her VERY observant Passover seder, I bought her a book, anyway.
And when you get down to it, that's the spirit of BAFAB week.
We'll do it again in a few months. In the meantime, stay tuned. I have planned a fun fall outtake from the newly introduced Chelle LaFleur for your reading pleasure. Once I get back from the post office, expect to see it...
Once again, thanks for making my first BAFAB contest so successful. You guys are important around here.
Remember that, now.
Before we close out Buy a Friend a Book Week, let me say the following things...
1. I had a blast reading all of your entries and the things you had to say about music. I hope you'll invite your friends over here to hang with us and get to know my fictional crew. Not just because it'll sell more books when Trevor's Song comes out, but because I do this -- write books, blog, create fiction non-stop -- so that I can share it with people. While I dream of a huge publishing deal, I think I'd be happy with anything that would allow me to share my world with you.
2. I've made friends with some of the other BAFAB contest hosts. Be sure to check them out; I'll leave the links up at the bottom of this page for a bit. Tell them you proudly come from West of Mars.
3. Even though my friend Penina never sent an official entry, she's done so much for me over the years, in so many ways, that I picked up a second copy of This Monster Lives just for her. So while she's not an official winner and I can't tell you how I will never forget her story of trying really hard not to yell the now-defunct and perhaps forgotten refrain of "Die, Die, Die" during Metallica's Creeping Death during her VERY observant Passover seder, I bought her a book, anyway.
And when you get down to it, that's the spirit of BAFAB week.
We'll do it again in a few months. In the meantime, stay tuned. I have planned a fun fall outtake from the newly introduced Chelle LaFleur for your reading pleasure. Once I get back from the post office, expect to see it...
Once again, thanks for making my first BAFAB contest so successful. You guys are important around here.
Remember that, now.
Labels: blogging, books, Buy a Friend a Book Week
