Well, the weirdest thing happened to me yesterday.
I logged onto my website email account, which I hardly use because it's ALL spam. There was one email in it. A real one. O.O So I read it. It was from a literary agent. Apparently her google alerts told her I wrote her name down. She read my blog about agents who didn't respond, and asked me to resubmit.
Shocked?
Yeah, so was I. She actually took the time to write me so I'd take her off my list! Wow. Okay, so I sent her the submission again.
She didn't like it so much.
But she did say "You've got skill, I'll give you that."
I've heard that so many times before. *sigh*
I took her name off, I'll add her to the rejection list. Ah well. It's still an interesting story, huh?
Anyone watch Fringe? Did you notice how Grams was in the episode this week? I wonder if they had a Pacey-Grams moment. Good episode too. Mmmm, brains.
LOST was fantastic tonight. It's very hard for me to talk to people about LOST because, well, most people are so lost, especially now with the time travel, that anything I say goes over their heads. I know why Desmond woke up with the new memory. As soon as John talked to Richard I "got" all those little pieces from Richard visiting John in HIS past. LOVE the whole Widmore thing. Fantastic.
What I really want to know is how the writers did it. All the pieces, time things, and questions...are all coming together so nicely, I have to wonder how much of it was planned WAY back, and how much of it was backtrack. Hmmm.
American Idol is doing well with their picks so far. I have a few favorites but I won't make any predictions until the 12.
No Mentalist or Criminal Minds this week. :-(
Want free romance books? http://harlequincelebrates.com/
Since I'm all over the internet, I figured I'd post all my links again. Friend me, I'll friend you!
http://twitter.com/jennnixon
http://jennafern.blogspot.com/
myspace.com/jennafern
http://www.facebook.com/people/Jenn-Nixon/576234133
http://jennafern.livejournal.com/
January 29, 2009
January 28, 2009
Snow Hump Day!
You know, I usually agree with Simon on AI about 95% of the time. Granted, he doesn't have much tact when talking to certain people. I think he likes to piss off the girls. And Kara really needs to go (and stop singing)...
Could you imagine if Literary Agents or Editors queried people like that? You've got two minutes to tell your story with four people staring at you! I was nervous enough talking one on one with an editor, four of them, I'd probably pass out. LOL I'm not good talking in front of people. Put a mic in my hand, ask me to sing, not a problem at all. How does that make sense? I don't know...
I'm gearing up to revise the Lucky series while I still have people reading the first book. I have to beef up the synopsis and figure out if I want to add a line about book two and three to my query. I'll probably do it both ways just so I have it handy.
I also need to go back to Tiva's books and write up a synopsis and new query letter. Fun.
I've submitted two stories for publication, something I've never done before. I'm interested in seeing what comes of that.
I've entered the beginning of Lucky #1 for an author critique. I sent the first page to Dear Author. I still have three agents and four editors reading. I'll be sending them status update letters on Saturday.
Staying positive isn't always easy, especially the way things are going these days in the publishing industry, but I refuse to be negative about my writing. After skimming through the romance subplot in Lucky's books, I've realized that I did a fantastic job working through Lucky and Kenji's relationship. It's not a typical romance by any stretch of the imagination. But it's real. Lucky has real issues with getting close to people. She has a real reason she doesn't want to fall in love. Kenji isn't the typical alpha male (though it comes out sometimes), he's almost like the chick in the relationship. He knows how to communicate, he just doesn't know how to get through to Lucky because she's completely anti-communication. :-)
Now, I just need to make sure all the little pieces of the main plot work. More Fun.
One of the short stories I wrote and submitted has an erotic twist to it. Sure, I've written naughty before, but never did anything with it. My naughty isn't like other erotica naughty stuff. I'm not big on body parts words. To me, that's more porn than erotic. When I think erotic, I think of sensual, not graphic. Don't get me wrong, I've read some erotica, even with body part words, and it worked, and it was good. That's just not how I like to write. However, the short story is about a cursed man enslaved to a demon. He's been in my head for a while and I didn't know what to do with him. I want him for a novel and writing the short story actually helped me come up with a few ideas.
Problem? It's going to be paranormal in nature.
Everyone is writing paranormal now.
I refuse to write about vampires, werewolves, shapeshifters...not because I don't enjoy those types of characters, it just seems like everyone is doing it. If I do start writing it now, by the time it's done and ready for submission, freaking Romantic Suspense will be the next trend...probably.
So, cursed man, demon chick, and human heroine chick. Not bad, probably been done a million times, but I'm sure the right plot will come to me and tie it all together.
Beyond that, I'm not sure what the hell to write now.
Superhero movies are still big and graphic novels are growing by leaps and bounds. Suspense and Thrillers will always be around but they're never really trendy. I don't write historicals. I can't do humor well enough to even try. Horror, eh, maybe...I am kinda twisted, but torture porn in the movies is already so last year, I don't see it doing so well in books. Publishers want steampunk still. I've seen it. Science Fiction and Fantasy will always have a special place in my heart. Many of my outrageous ideas have a Sci-Fi twist to it. I'm not too bad at fantasy either, just not normally what I like to write.
The only thing I can think of is to look toward anime.
Light Novels are making a huge impact in japan. I think I have a general idea what they are, but I haven't found any english sites that show them as a whole. Problem with Light Novels, I can't draw. Bleh! Nor do I have the time right now to find someone to draw for me.
Anime has no rules. Seriously. I've seen Sci-fi-Horror-Romance-Humor animes. I've seen Paranormal-Romance-Fantasy. They mix up genres more than any other medium out there. But trying to find (or predict) a trend among anime is just as hard.
Kids love their anime. At first, I was kinda ticked off when it blew up and became popular here. I always felt like it was my special secret...okay, along with a few thousand other fans, but it was mine. Then, slowly, everyone else started to love it. (I blame video games!) Now, you can't get away from it. There is SO much anime out there, I can't even keep track anymore.
When I'm searching for a new idea, I try not to watch too much TV or movies, or read any other books. Maybe I should do the opposite? Not sure. Taking pieces from various areas of the pop culture world might actually help me this time.
It takes so much time and energy to be original and even when you think you are 100% original, there's some else out there with an idea close to yours.
If everyone thinks outside the box, does that leave you with an empty box? Maybe I should think inside the box?
Could you imagine if Literary Agents or Editors queried people like that? You've got two minutes to tell your story with four people staring at you! I was nervous enough talking one on one with an editor, four of them, I'd probably pass out. LOL I'm not good talking in front of people. Put a mic in my hand, ask me to sing, not a problem at all. How does that make sense? I don't know...
I'm gearing up to revise the Lucky series while I still have people reading the first book. I have to beef up the synopsis and figure out if I want to add a line about book two and three to my query. I'll probably do it both ways just so I have it handy.
I also need to go back to Tiva's books and write up a synopsis and new query letter. Fun.
I've submitted two stories for publication, something I've never done before. I'm interested in seeing what comes of that.
I've entered the beginning of Lucky #1 for an author critique. I sent the first page to Dear Author. I still have three agents and four editors reading. I'll be sending them status update letters on Saturday.
Staying positive isn't always easy, especially the way things are going these days in the publishing industry, but I refuse to be negative about my writing. After skimming through the romance subplot in Lucky's books, I've realized that I did a fantastic job working through Lucky and Kenji's relationship. It's not a typical romance by any stretch of the imagination. But it's real. Lucky has real issues with getting close to people. She has a real reason she doesn't want to fall in love. Kenji isn't the typical alpha male (though it comes out sometimes), he's almost like the chick in the relationship. He knows how to communicate, he just doesn't know how to get through to Lucky because she's completely anti-communication. :-)
Now, I just need to make sure all the little pieces of the main plot work. More Fun.
One of the short stories I wrote and submitted has an erotic twist to it. Sure, I've written naughty before, but never did anything with it. My naughty isn't like other erotica naughty stuff. I'm not big on body parts words. To me, that's more porn than erotic. When I think erotic, I think of sensual, not graphic. Don't get me wrong, I've read some erotica, even with body part words, and it worked, and it was good. That's just not how I like to write. However, the short story is about a cursed man enslaved to a demon. He's been in my head for a while and I didn't know what to do with him. I want him for a novel and writing the short story actually helped me come up with a few ideas.
Problem? It's going to be paranormal in nature.
Everyone is writing paranormal now.
I refuse to write about vampires, werewolves, shapeshifters...not because I don't enjoy those types of characters, it just seems like everyone is doing it. If I do start writing it now, by the time it's done and ready for submission, freaking Romantic Suspense will be the next trend...probably.
So, cursed man, demon chick, and human heroine chick. Not bad, probably been done a million times, but I'm sure the right plot will come to me and tie it all together.
Beyond that, I'm not sure what the hell to write now.
Superhero movies are still big and graphic novels are growing by leaps and bounds. Suspense and Thrillers will always be around but they're never really trendy. I don't write historicals. I can't do humor well enough to even try. Horror, eh, maybe...I am kinda twisted, but torture porn in the movies is already so last year, I don't see it doing so well in books. Publishers want steampunk still. I've seen it. Science Fiction and Fantasy will always have a special place in my heart. Many of my outrageous ideas have a Sci-Fi twist to it. I'm not too bad at fantasy either, just not normally what I like to write.
The only thing I can think of is to look toward anime.
Light Novels are making a huge impact in japan. I think I have a general idea what they are, but I haven't found any english sites that show them as a whole. Problem with Light Novels, I can't draw. Bleh! Nor do I have the time right now to find someone to draw for me.
Anime has no rules. Seriously. I've seen Sci-fi-Horror-Romance-Humor animes. I've seen Paranormal-Romance-Fantasy. They mix up genres more than any other medium out there. But trying to find (or predict) a trend among anime is just as hard.
Kids love their anime. At first, I was kinda ticked off when it blew up and became popular here. I always felt like it was my special secret...okay, along with a few thousand other fans, but it was mine. Then, slowly, everyone else started to love it. (I blame video games!) Now, you can't get away from it. There is SO much anime out there, I can't even keep track anymore.
When I'm searching for a new idea, I try not to watch too much TV or movies, or read any other books. Maybe I should do the opposite? Not sure. Taking pieces from various areas of the pop culture world might actually help me this time.
It takes so much time and energy to be original and even when you think you are 100% original, there's some else out there with an idea close to yours.
If everyone thinks outside the box, does that leave you with an empty box? Maybe I should think inside the box?
January 25, 2009
Frack Me!
Friday was a very bad day. Someone broke into my paypal account and order at $2100 Apple computer from ebay and wiped out my bank account. The seller was able to intercept the package and should have it back tomorrow, so I should get all my money back shortly. I hope. What a frakin nightmare. I couldn't do anything this week, pay bills, go grocery shopping, buy new sneakers...nothing. ugh!
Well, I turned a really bad start to the weekend into a productive one. I submitted two short stories to different publications this week. One I wrote last week, the other I've had for a while, but never did anything with it. I've got my fingers crossed. Maybe I need something real bad to happen before something good does.
My doggie hurt her foot on the ice yesterday. She kept me up ALL night. Poor thing, I need to take her to the vet...BUT I HAVE NO MONEY! *Sigh*
The week in TV was all right. 24 Good. BSG ok. Smallville, pretty good. Supernatural eh...they need to get back on track. Fringe was back on. Yay! Not a bad ep either. Gossip Girl was fantastic. I love Chuck. Even when he's moody.
I bought Stepsister's Scheme by Jim Hines. LOVE the cover. I haven't read it yet, but I plan on doing that soon.
One more week and I'll be contacting some agents/editors who've had my stuff since October. I'd love to wait until the "economy" is better, but I'm trying to get as many reads as I can and need to continue submitting soon.
I have a plan, just need a bit more time to get it moving.
Positive thoughts! Positive thoughts!
Hope your weekend was better than mine!
Well, I turned a really bad start to the weekend into a productive one. I submitted two short stories to different publications this week. One I wrote last week, the other I've had for a while, but never did anything with it. I've got my fingers crossed. Maybe I need something real bad to happen before something good does.
My doggie hurt her foot on the ice yesterday. She kept me up ALL night. Poor thing, I need to take her to the vet...BUT I HAVE NO MONEY! *Sigh*
The week in TV was all right. 24 Good. BSG ok. Smallville, pretty good. Supernatural eh...they need to get back on track. Fringe was back on. Yay! Not a bad ep either. Gossip Girl was fantastic. I love Chuck. Even when he's moody.
I bought Stepsister's Scheme by Jim Hines. LOVE the cover. I haven't read it yet, but I plan on doing that soon.
One more week and I'll be contacting some agents/editors who've had my stuff since October. I'd love to wait until the "economy" is better, but I'm trying to get as many reads as I can and need to continue submitting soon.
I have a plan, just need a bit more time to get it moving.
Positive thoughts! Positive thoughts!
Hope your weekend was better than mine!
January 21, 2009
Hump Day. No, not Hump me! Well, maybe...
Yesterday was a great day.
I watched President Obama's speech at my trainer's house during lunch. I've yet to check if he wrote it himself, but I'm sure he did. He's that kinda guy. Great speech too. Some lines really touched my heart. Well done.
I finished a short story! It sorta just came to me so I went with it. Has the makings of the premise for a novel. Could be interesting.
I'd post it, but it's naughty. lol I have to polish it up first, then I'm actually going to submit it. Whee!
American Idol is so fun to watch. No matter how bad a day you have, if you watch AI you can't help but laugh. I love how much the new chick fights with Simon. You won't win girl, give it up. Nothing rattles the Si-Man.
OMFG LOST is on tonight. And Lie to me. And Criminal Minds. What's a pop culture freak to do? Record two of them and watch one in someone elses room. Grr. Stinky, but I'll manage. I hope.
I haven't watched Fringe from last night. I may have time when I get home from the gym. Great show, I hope it sticks around for a while.
One of my friends just emailed me about a new book. Guess what its about? Female assassin. GRR! Granted this chick works for the mafia, so it's already different...but still! How the hell are writers supposed to come up with something new? It's all been done, damn it!
I've put Lucky away for a week or so. I'm doing my best to NOT read it over and over and over again. I know I need to read through whole series again, but I have to clean up # 3 first. Then the others. Fun!
On the suggestion of another friend, I won't be writing to the editors and agents who have my stuff until February. I tend to listen to my friends when they feel passionate about something. Maybe it'll help me be a little uh...luckier in the future. (sorry, bad pun)
I only watched the last hour of Biggest Loser last night. Very surprised they kept Joelle. She's got a 'tude.
I'm wearing clothes that fit me. I'm looking pretty cute....I think. Maybe I will find a nice guy this year after all!
I watched President Obama's speech at my trainer's house during lunch. I've yet to check if he wrote it himself, but I'm sure he did. He's that kinda guy. Great speech too. Some lines really touched my heart. Well done.
I finished a short story! It sorta just came to me so I went with it. Has the makings of the premise for a novel. Could be interesting.
I'd post it, but it's naughty. lol I have to polish it up first, then I'm actually going to submit it. Whee!
American Idol is so fun to watch. No matter how bad a day you have, if you watch AI you can't help but laugh. I love how much the new chick fights with Simon. You won't win girl, give it up. Nothing rattles the Si-Man.
OMFG LOST is on tonight. And Lie to me. And Criminal Minds. What's a pop culture freak to do? Record two of them and watch one in someone elses room. Grr. Stinky, but I'll manage. I hope.
I haven't watched Fringe from last night. I may have time when I get home from the gym. Great show, I hope it sticks around for a while.
One of my friends just emailed me about a new book. Guess what its about? Female assassin. GRR! Granted this chick works for the mafia, so it's already different...but still! How the hell are writers supposed to come up with something new? It's all been done, damn it!
I've put Lucky away for a week or so. I'm doing my best to NOT read it over and over and over again. I know I need to read through whole series again, but I have to clean up # 3 first. Then the others. Fun!
On the suggestion of another friend, I won't be writing to the editors and agents who have my stuff until February. I tend to listen to my friends when they feel passionate about something. Maybe it'll help me be a little uh...luckier in the future. (sorry, bad pun)
I only watched the last hour of Biggest Loser last night. Very surprised they kept Joelle. She's got a 'tude.
I'm wearing clothes that fit me. I'm looking pretty cute....I think. Maybe I will find a nice guy this year after all!
January 19, 2009
Losing friends, gaining new ones...
I went to a wake on Sunday for a friend of mine from way back in the day. I only recently got back in touch with her after about ten years and now, she's gone. I knew two of my other friends were going to be there, so I wanted to go and show my support. It was great to see them, and I hope we keep in touch this time. Her family was there too. I didn't think any of them would remember me, so I didn't approach, though, I probably should have.
My heart ached for her brother. Because I know, if I don't die before my brother, I'll be a basket case for a very, very long time. Even though I have "best friends" my brother will always be my first and truest best friend on this planet...
I'm constantly checking myspace and facebook for old friends I've lost touch with. There are still a few I haven't yet found, but I am determined even if they don't remember me at first. Every person that has entered my life, even if for fleeting moments, has impacted me on some level. I'm still trying to find some of my old high school teachers. Maybe one day.
I've made a lot of new friend just in the last year alone and already I can't imagine my life without them. Sadly, I know I will lose touch with some of them in the years to come, but with the internet, I'm hopeful to remain apart of their lives even if only sporadically.
I'm VERY excited about tomorrow. I'm pissed that it's not a national holiday or half day or something. I'll probably sneak out of work during lunch and head over to my trainers house to watch some of the ceremony, I hope that's enough to hold me over. :-)
Considering today is MLK Day, I think it's wonderfully fantastic that the inauguration is tomorrow. Very fitting. Maybe now the rest of the county and the rest of the world will truly start to look beyond the color of someone's skin and seek what is in people's hearts instead. I've been fortunate enough in my life that I haven't been surrounded by racist people. Yes, there are some bigots in my family, but they are older and set in their ways....as some would say. I call it ignorance. Plain and simple.
The world is constantly changing. While many people do not like change, it must happen. My theory about this is odd, yet to me, makes sense. When people stop changing, learning, growing, they start to die on the inside. They keep their ideals and beliefs so close to their chest that it burns a hole inside of them so deep they can't recover. If the weather stopped changing the planet would die, right? If we as the human race never changed, we'd still be in caves hunting with spears. If the universe never changed we might not even be here.
It's okay to be weary of change. Not all change is good. But if you keep an open mind and an open heart, more will come to you than not if you simply realize change will happen.
I'm ready for change. I'm ready for the struggles that come along with it.
I don't remember which speech it was, but I had a feeling, deep down inside that Obama was going to be our president. For once, I'm glad I was right.
HEROES/24/GOSSIP GIRL tonight! *Squee*
My heart ached for her brother. Because I know, if I don't die before my brother, I'll be a basket case for a very, very long time. Even though I have "best friends" my brother will always be my first and truest best friend on this planet...
I'm constantly checking myspace and facebook for old friends I've lost touch with. There are still a few I haven't yet found, but I am determined even if they don't remember me at first. Every person that has entered my life, even if for fleeting moments, has impacted me on some level. I'm still trying to find some of my old high school teachers. Maybe one day.
I've made a lot of new friend just in the last year alone and already I can't imagine my life without them. Sadly, I know I will lose touch with some of them in the years to come, but with the internet, I'm hopeful to remain apart of their lives even if only sporadically.
I'm VERY excited about tomorrow. I'm pissed that it's not a national holiday or half day or something. I'll probably sneak out of work during lunch and head over to my trainers house to watch some of the ceremony, I hope that's enough to hold me over. :-)
Considering today is MLK Day, I think it's wonderfully fantastic that the inauguration is tomorrow. Very fitting. Maybe now the rest of the county and the rest of the world will truly start to look beyond the color of someone's skin and seek what is in people's hearts instead. I've been fortunate enough in my life that I haven't been surrounded by racist people. Yes, there are some bigots in my family, but they are older and set in their ways....as some would say. I call it ignorance. Plain and simple.
The world is constantly changing. While many people do not like change, it must happen. My theory about this is odd, yet to me, makes sense. When people stop changing, learning, growing, they start to die on the inside. They keep their ideals and beliefs so close to their chest that it burns a hole inside of them so deep they can't recover. If the weather stopped changing the planet would die, right? If we as the human race never changed, we'd still be in caves hunting with spears. If the universe never changed we might not even be here.
It's okay to be weary of change. Not all change is good. But if you keep an open mind and an open heart, more will come to you than not if you simply realize change will happen.
I'm ready for change. I'm ready for the struggles that come along with it.
I don't remember which speech it was, but I had a feeling, deep down inside that Obama was going to be our president. For once, I'm glad I was right.
HEROES/24/GOSSIP GIRL tonight! *Squee*
January 16, 2009
OMFG!
It really hasn't been this cold in NJ since I was a kid. I think. It could be that I was just so fat it didn't matter before. LOL. Well, it's damn cold now. I'm SO glad I don't live in that apartment anymore...yesh!
BSG starts tonight! *Squee* Only 10 episodes left, dang that sucks. I probably won't watch the spin off show, don't have the time. Ah well...
Okay, CSI last night pissed me off. The episode was good. The end was kinda good. That kiss...was bad. BAD! BAD! I used to be one of those Sara-Gris shippers. I even wrote a couple of fanfictions about them. I dunno, that kiss just didn't feel right. It should have been softer, slower, tender, almost needy. Not sloppy and gross! UGH!
Supernatural was pointless except for the last ten minutes. God I love Dean. I love angsty tortured men, he's in my top ten faves these days. I think I'll have to do a post on that some time soon. *swoon*
Smallville, ok. Liked the time travelers. I always love time travel anything.
I sent Lucky's Charm to a myspace friend to beta read for me. I love hearing new opinions about Lucky. It can only make me better. Ex-roomie has Lucky #3. Only problem, I talked to him about the plot a lot, so he has more information in his head than he's read so far and it's a bit confusing. So, I told him to try and forget what I told him. LOL
I'm still trying to come up with my next idea. I know what it won't be. Horror, Steampunk, Vampires, Were-anything, Shapeshifters, morphers, or changlings.
I was thinking about topics I have a strong grasp on. I asked my brother to help me. He says "Songs, Movies, and TV Stuff." O.O I know more than that, don't I?
I know how payroll works. I know how to make nail polish, sorta. I know the Star Trek and Star Wars realms very well. I know anime. I know a nice fraction of history, religion, and cultures from around the world. I know football. I do know movies and music and tv. Everyone usually comes to me with a plot or actors and asks me what movie they were in. I know video games. I know books and writers. I know the internet.
None of that helps me.
One of my favorite topics ever is time travel. I like to think I have a nice grasp on the topic, even if it is fictional. I usually have to explain things to people. Like, last night on Smallville. Both kids were from the future. One kid found a baseball. The other kid said "They never found that in all your items." So the first kid asks Clark if he can have it, Clark said yes. I go "well duh, that's why they never found it." Doesn't make sense to everyone, but it does to me. Instantly.
I should be a time traveler.
Maybe I should revisit my Time Healers idea and make it for grown ups. Could work, but aren't there enough time travel stories out there already?
Ugh.
It'll come to me. I know it will....
Eventually.
Maybe.
BSG starts tonight! *Squee* Only 10 episodes left, dang that sucks. I probably won't watch the spin off show, don't have the time. Ah well...
Okay, CSI last night pissed me off. The episode was good. The end was kinda good. That kiss...was bad. BAD! BAD! I used to be one of those Sara-Gris shippers. I even wrote a couple of fanfictions about them. I dunno, that kiss just didn't feel right. It should have been softer, slower, tender, almost needy. Not sloppy and gross! UGH!
Supernatural was pointless except for the last ten minutes. God I love Dean. I love angsty tortured men, he's in my top ten faves these days. I think I'll have to do a post on that some time soon. *swoon*
Smallville, ok. Liked the time travelers. I always love time travel anything.
I sent Lucky's Charm to a myspace friend to beta read for me. I love hearing new opinions about Lucky. It can only make me better. Ex-roomie has Lucky #3. Only problem, I talked to him about the plot a lot, so he has more information in his head than he's read so far and it's a bit confusing. So, I told him to try and forget what I told him. LOL
I'm still trying to come up with my next idea. I know what it won't be. Horror, Steampunk, Vampires, Were-anything, Shapeshifters, morphers, or changlings.
I was thinking about topics I have a strong grasp on. I asked my brother to help me. He says "Songs, Movies, and TV Stuff." O.O I know more than that, don't I?
I know how payroll works. I know how to make nail polish, sorta. I know the Star Trek and Star Wars realms very well. I know anime. I know a nice fraction of history, religion, and cultures from around the world. I know football. I do know movies and music and tv. Everyone usually comes to me with a plot or actors and asks me what movie they were in. I know video games. I know books and writers. I know the internet.
None of that helps me.
One of my favorite topics ever is time travel. I like to think I have a nice grasp on the topic, even if it is fictional. I usually have to explain things to people. Like, last night on Smallville. Both kids were from the future. One kid found a baseball. The other kid said "They never found that in all your items." So the first kid asks Clark if he can have it, Clark said yes. I go "well duh, that's why they never found it." Doesn't make sense to everyone, but it does to me. Instantly.
I should be a time traveler.
Maybe I should revisit my Time Healers idea and make it for grown ups. Could work, but aren't there enough time travel stories out there already?
Ugh.
It'll come to me. I know it will....
Eventually.
Maybe.
January 15, 2009
2008 in review...a little late, sorry.
I never got around to recapping 2008, so now that I have a moment, I figured I would.
2008 went pretty well all things considered.
I found a job I LOVE! The people are wonderful, the work is fun and not boring, and I'm not doing payroll.
I found a personal trainer. Love her too. http://www.onestepbody.com/ She's become a fantastic friend to me and with her help, I've lost at least another 60lbs this year.
I found a writers group to join. Finally, a group of people who can talk about books and writing as much as I do and NEVER get sick of it!
Everything I picked below happened in 2008 for me, said item may have been out earlier...I tend to procrastinate sometimes.
I didn't post all the reviews for all the books I read this year, but here are a few that stuck out.
Funniest Book: Hal Spacejock by Simon Haynes. http://jennafern.livejournal.com/145590.html
Best Book: The Kouga Ninja Scolls by Yamada Fūtaro http://jennafern.livejournal.com/148229.html
Best Book by Author I hadn't read before: Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly http://jennafern.livejournal.com/148872.html
Best Book by someone I actually know! Glory Days by Irene Peterson http://jennafern.livejournal.com/151083.html
I got the Wii last year. Love the Wii Fit, though I haven't been on it in a while. I need to get back!
Best Video game: Devil May Cry 4 and Rock Band 2
Inuyasha's manga ended this year. Kinda sad, but I'm glad I was able to keep up with it and read the ending. Good anime, good manga.
Best Anime: Basilisk and Death Note (subbed not dubbed damn it)
Most of my regular TV shows were very good last year, a few slackers, but not too bad.
Best new TV Shows: Gossip Girl (I only started watching last year), Fringe, Mentalist, Eleveth Hour, Sara Connor,
Pissed I lost these shows: Moonlight, New Amsterdam, Jericho
I saw a bunch of movies this year, I can't even begin to remember them all. Some of my favorites were Dark Knight, Wall-E, Meet Dave, Mamma Mia, Tropic Thunder.
Favorite new musicians: Katy Perry, Kings of Leon, Saving Abel, granted some of them may have been around earlier, but I didn't know them. Shinedown, Seether, and 10 Years came out with some great new stuff last year too.
Other moments that stick out:
My family and friends bought me an HDTV. FANTASTIC! One of the first memories of that was watching American Idol and seeing all the dust in the background.
The Bollywood routine on So You Think You Can Dance was awesome. I've been a fan of Bollywood for several years now. I haven't seen a ton of movies, but I've seen a few great ones. I love how Slumdog Millionaire is now bringing Bollywood to the USA. It's been here a while, people just didn't care.
David Cook winning American Idol. I said long before he won that he should win but thought DA would. Glad I was wrong. I'm also superglad I had caught up to the end of the show while watching it on the DVR because my recording stopped right after Ryan said David. LOL I remember the following day how many people were pissed off because their DVR cut off too.
American making history by electing Barack Obama. What a great day that was!
Joining NJRWA helped me to write a better synopsis, query, and novel in general. I've met so many wonderful people and had some great opportunities to showcase my work.
Things I hated:
Jonas Brothers - They make me cringe anytime I hear them.
Miley Cyrus - Her show is just a rip off of Jem...lol
Indiana Jones 4 - Tragic, I'm such a big fan.
Always being cold because I don't have as much insulation.
Manuscript rejections.
Moving, though the end result turned out to be much, much better.
I still can't believe how fast it went. I have high hopes for 2009. I'll be 35. I'll be healthy. I'll be...dare I say it, skinny-ish? Maybe I'll find a guy this year, wouldn't that be a hoot! Maybe I'll get an agent or book deal. Positive thoughts people!
I didn't actually make any New Years Resolutions because I'm doing everything I need to do anyway!
When I get home, I'll post my final Query count for 2008! TTFN
2008 went pretty well all things considered.
I found a job I LOVE! The people are wonderful, the work is fun and not boring, and I'm not doing payroll.
I found a personal trainer. Love her too. http://www.onestepbody.com/ She's become a fantastic friend to me and with her help, I've lost at least another 60lbs this year.
I found a writers group to join. Finally, a group of people who can talk about books and writing as much as I do and NEVER get sick of it!
Everything I picked below happened in 2008 for me, said item may have been out earlier...I tend to procrastinate sometimes.
I didn't post all the reviews for all the books I read this year, but here are a few that stuck out.
Funniest Book: Hal Spacejock by Simon Haynes. http://jennafern.livejournal.com/145590.html
Best Book: The Kouga Ninja Scolls by Yamada Fūtaro http://jennafern.livejournal.com/148229.html
Best Book by Author I hadn't read before: Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly http://jennafern.livejournal.com/148872.html
Best Book by someone I actually know! Glory Days by Irene Peterson http://jennafern.livejournal.com/151083.html
I got the Wii last year. Love the Wii Fit, though I haven't been on it in a while. I need to get back!
Best Video game: Devil May Cry 4 and Rock Band 2
Inuyasha's manga ended this year. Kinda sad, but I'm glad I was able to keep up with it and read the ending. Good anime, good manga.
Best Anime: Basilisk and Death Note (subbed not dubbed damn it)
Most of my regular TV shows were very good last year, a few slackers, but not too bad.
Best new TV Shows: Gossip Girl (I only started watching last year), Fringe, Mentalist, Eleveth Hour, Sara Connor,
Pissed I lost these shows: Moonlight, New Amsterdam, Jericho
I saw a bunch of movies this year, I can't even begin to remember them all. Some of my favorites were Dark Knight, Wall-E, Meet Dave, Mamma Mia, Tropic Thunder.
Favorite new musicians: Katy Perry, Kings of Leon, Saving Abel, granted some of them may have been around earlier, but I didn't know them. Shinedown, Seether, and 10 Years came out with some great new stuff last year too.
Other moments that stick out:
My family and friends bought me an HDTV. FANTASTIC! One of the first memories of that was watching American Idol and seeing all the dust in the background.
The Bollywood routine on So You Think You Can Dance was awesome. I've been a fan of Bollywood for several years now. I haven't seen a ton of movies, but I've seen a few great ones. I love how Slumdog Millionaire is now bringing Bollywood to the USA. It's been here a while, people just didn't care.
David Cook winning American Idol. I said long before he won that he should win but thought DA would. Glad I was wrong. I'm also superglad I had caught up to the end of the show while watching it on the DVR because my recording stopped right after Ryan said David. LOL I remember the following day how many people were pissed off because their DVR cut off too.
American making history by electing Barack Obama. What a great day that was!
Joining NJRWA helped me to write a better synopsis, query, and novel in general. I've met so many wonderful people and had some great opportunities to showcase my work.
Things I hated:
Jonas Brothers - They make me cringe anytime I hear them.
Miley Cyrus - Her show is just a rip off of Jem...lol
Indiana Jones 4 - Tragic, I'm such a big fan.
Always being cold because I don't have as much insulation.
Manuscript rejections.
Moving, though the end result turned out to be much, much better.
I still can't believe how fast it went. I have high hopes for 2009. I'll be 35. I'll be healthy. I'll be...dare I say it, skinny-ish? Maybe I'll find a guy this year, wouldn't that be a hoot! Maybe I'll get an agent or book deal. Positive thoughts people!
I didn't actually make any New Years Resolutions because I'm doing everything I need to do anyway!
When I get home, I'll post my final Query count for 2008! TTFN
January 14, 2009
Word Count, Big People, and Weird People.
Here's the break down of Lucky's books:
Lucky's Charm - 103,696 (might read through once more for minor editing)
Lucky's Break - 114,661 (Needs final edit)
Lucky # 3 - 107,469 (Need full and final edit, and a title)
Man, that's a lot of damn words.
I have three agents reading it now as well as four editors. Whew. I hope to hear from some of them soon.
Biggest Loser always helps me work out like a freak on Wednesdays. I was very touched by the episode last night. Seeing Bob Harper so freakin pissed off was...just, well wow. Poor guy never gets that mad. I loved when he said he was channeling Jillian. :-)
I should be in Onederland by the end of the month!!! I still can't believe how much weight I've lost. Sad, but inspiring at the same time, I guess. I've been thinking about writing an article laced with some humor.
American Idol on DVR is super, super fantastic. I watched the whole show in 45 mins. Whee! That chick from CT with the pink had. Scary. Like, oh mi god, scary. "I'll be back next year!" giggle giggle. *shudder* Okay, granted she was only 16 but...I swore I heard the Psycho theme song in the back of my head.
I liked the rocker chick, the other cute 16 year old girl, and the last guy, who happened to be vision impaired. Before we even heard him, my brother didn't think he'd make it. But I knew he would, especially when he began playing the piano. Creative types usually are good at more than one creative endeavor, I've found.
While I can understand people wanting to audition just to get on the show, I don't understand the people who think they're good when they're not. Don't they have family to tell them they suck? I'll admit, I wanted to audition for AI when it first came out, I was too old. After about the third season, I probably wouldn't have auditioned anyway, the kids were that good.
I'm a decent singer, but these days, I probably wouldn't make it to the final round. Hollywood, sure, as long as I picked the right song...
Anyway, I didn't get a chance to watch the Mentalist yet, that's tonight. It's a great show, I hope it stays around for a while. BSG starts this week too! *Squee*
Lucky's Charm - 103,696 (might read through once more for minor editing)
Lucky's Break - 114,661 (Needs final edit)
Lucky # 3 - 107,469 (Need full and final edit, and a title)
Man, that's a lot of damn words.
I have three agents reading it now as well as four editors. Whew. I hope to hear from some of them soon.
Biggest Loser always helps me work out like a freak on Wednesdays. I was very touched by the episode last night. Seeing Bob Harper so freakin pissed off was...just, well wow. Poor guy never gets that mad. I loved when he said he was channeling Jillian. :-)
I should be in Onederland by the end of the month!!! I still can't believe how much weight I've lost. Sad, but inspiring at the same time, I guess. I've been thinking about writing an article laced with some humor.
American Idol on DVR is super, super fantastic. I watched the whole show in 45 mins. Whee! That chick from CT with the pink had. Scary. Like, oh mi god, scary. "I'll be back next year!" giggle giggle. *shudder* Okay, granted she was only 16 but...I swore I heard the Psycho theme song in the back of my head.
I liked the rocker chick, the other cute 16 year old girl, and the last guy, who happened to be vision impaired. Before we even heard him, my brother didn't think he'd make it. But I knew he would, especially when he began playing the piano. Creative types usually are good at more than one creative endeavor, I've found.
While I can understand people wanting to audition just to get on the show, I don't understand the people who think they're good when they're not. Don't they have family to tell them they suck? I'll admit, I wanted to audition for AI when it first came out, I was too old. After about the third season, I probably wouldn't have auditioned anyway, the kids were that good.
I'm a decent singer, but these days, I probably wouldn't make it to the final round. Hollywood, sure, as long as I picked the right song...
Anyway, I didn't get a chance to watch the Mentalist yet, that's tonight. It's a great show, I hope it stays around for a while. BSG starts this week too! *Squee*
January 13, 2009
JACK IS BACK!!!!!!!!!! AND JENN IS DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Man, what a great bunch of episodes.
Tony, good? Bad? Not really sure yet even if he is working with pseudo-CTU.
Chloe Vs. Janis...I hope they do that more this season, fantastic.
JACK HAS A LEATHER STRAP ON HIS BAG THIS YEAR!!!!!!!!! He better keep it. He better kill someone with it.
*Swoon* I love it so far. Glad they're adding the subplot with the First Son into the main plot. Subplots haven't been good recently.
What a great start to the season! Jenn is happy.
Actually, Jenn is really freakin' happy because she finished Lucky #3 last night! Yes, that's right. I'M DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have to go back today and clean up some minor things, add a bit of detail and then edit the whole series again, but I'M DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's kinda sad, I'm going to miss having those characters in my head. I thought of a few ways to bring them back for another book down the road. Wouldn't that be great? I think so. It's a great story. I've taken lots of time and care to make these characters real. I believe that the Lucky trilogy is the best thing I've written yet. I hope someone else out there believes it too.
I'll take a short break soon, then go straight back to edit, so I won't miss them for too long. Then I'll probably be all depressed for a while. I guess it's sorta like letting your kids go off to college.
Having a crap load of other ideas in my head should make it easier to write the next novel, but I haven't started delving into those ideas full force yet. Finding the right one is the key.
I know in my writing, I'm one of those long arch story tellers. In my next adventure, I'm going to try and write a true stand alone but those characters will be within a world where I can use the secondary characters in future books. That should be fun!
My reading habits, mostly, are character driven. Jack Reacher, Harry Potter, John Rain, Lucas Davenport, Harry Bosch, Cherijo Torin, etc...I like reading about the same person, growing, changing, finding himself/herself in ever expanding situations, danger, excitement and the like. Until recently finding S.L Viehl, I haven't kept up with a reoccurring female lead since Nancy Drew. Not because there are not books out there, because there are, simply because I didn't find any I liked and wanted to continue reading their story. I've tried a few, but I've found many of them are paranormal in nature or vampire hunters. I'm very picky about my vampires. Don't mind paranormal, but many of the series writers in that genre have a plethora of characters instead of one main character. Yes, they all come back, but it's not THEIR story anymore.
If I get lucky with Lucky (ha!), I will definitely consider doing another series, but for now, I need to try something new. Challenge myself writing wise and see what I can do in other genres.
I've written the following to completion:
1. Star Wars Fanfiction about Obi-Wan and QuiGon Jinn (PS If you haven't seen the trailer for Liam's new movie, OMG it looks great. I'm so glad he's kicking ass again!) and a couple CSI and Inuyasha fanfictions.
2. Play Nice, a stand alone Romantic Suspense. (Eh, we won't talk about this)
3. Small Price, a stand alone Romantic Mystery/Suspense. (Better than Play Nice, but missing something)
4. Hidden Past, a stand alone Romantic Suspense that I tried to write specifically with Harlequin in mind. (It's not very good)
5. Two YA Science Fiction Mystery novels I wanted to turn into a series. (I really had high hopes, it's such a great concept, I MAY just use it for a regular novel in the future.)
6. Three Science Fiction/Fantasy novels, aka Tiva Boon. (I'm still in limbo with the economy, but keep your fingers crossed that it'll be in print this year)
7. Three Romantic Thriller/Suspense/Mystery novels aka Lucky. Seriously, I attended a work shop that explained the "difference" between the three sub-genres, and Lucky has all three concepts. Mystery-decoding/solving a past dilemma. Suspense-dealing with danger in the present. Thriller-doing something to save something or someone from an uncertain future.
Unfinished works include a Sci-Fi Romance (NaNo), YA Mystery, some naughty stuff (hehe), and probably a few other things that I'm blanking on at the moment.
I've written poetry, a few short stories, I've attempted a screenplay (didn't come out TOO horrible), and I've even written a mock play for one of my classes a few years ago...a new take on Cinderella (hillbilly style). Heh, I have it on my website if you dare to take a look. I've been writing my whole life in one form or another. I have diaries going back to age 13. I've never thrown away any hand written poems or little snippet of a story, or any of my story ideas. I still have those horrible X-Files and Homicide: Life on the Streets fanfictions I tried to do in the early 90's. I put myself in those stories because I wanted to be on the show. Of course, Mulder fell madly in love with me. :-)
Finding something new to write has never been an issue. Find the RIGHT new story to write will be the true test. I haven't decided what direction I'm going yet as far as genre, but I do know I need to try another stand alone. I wish I didn't have to, but I need to make sure I can write a good story, with a beginning, middle, and end, all in one book.
I could always make it open ended for future novels, but I don't think I can spend another two years writing an arch like that.
Of course, if I were smart, I write a steampunk...something, because it's a growing trend, but it's not what I like to write.
Maybe I should try a horror-steampunk-romantic-mystery next....
Nah.
:-)
Tony, good? Bad? Not really sure yet even if he is working with pseudo-CTU.
Chloe Vs. Janis...I hope they do that more this season, fantastic.
JACK HAS A LEATHER STRAP ON HIS BAG THIS YEAR!!!!!!!!! He better keep it. He better kill someone with it.
*Swoon* I love it so far. Glad they're adding the subplot with the First Son into the main plot. Subplots haven't been good recently.
What a great start to the season! Jenn is happy.
Actually, Jenn is really freakin' happy because she finished Lucky #3 last night! Yes, that's right. I'M DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have to go back today and clean up some minor things, add a bit of detail and then edit the whole series again, but I'M DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's kinda sad, I'm going to miss having those characters in my head. I thought of a few ways to bring them back for another book down the road. Wouldn't that be great? I think so. It's a great story. I've taken lots of time and care to make these characters real. I believe that the Lucky trilogy is the best thing I've written yet. I hope someone else out there believes it too.
I'll take a short break soon, then go straight back to edit, so I won't miss them for too long. Then I'll probably be all depressed for a while. I guess it's sorta like letting your kids go off to college.
Having a crap load of other ideas in my head should make it easier to write the next novel, but I haven't started delving into those ideas full force yet. Finding the right one is the key.
I know in my writing, I'm one of those long arch story tellers. In my next adventure, I'm going to try and write a true stand alone but those characters will be within a world where I can use the secondary characters in future books. That should be fun!
My reading habits, mostly, are character driven. Jack Reacher, Harry Potter, John Rain, Lucas Davenport, Harry Bosch, Cherijo Torin, etc...I like reading about the same person, growing, changing, finding himself/herself in ever expanding situations, danger, excitement and the like. Until recently finding S.L Viehl, I haven't kept up with a reoccurring female lead since Nancy Drew. Not because there are not books out there, because there are, simply because I didn't find any I liked and wanted to continue reading their story. I've tried a few, but I've found many of them are paranormal in nature or vampire hunters. I'm very picky about my vampires. Don't mind paranormal, but many of the series writers in that genre have a plethora of characters instead of one main character. Yes, they all come back, but it's not THEIR story anymore.
If I get lucky with Lucky (ha!), I will definitely consider doing another series, but for now, I need to try something new. Challenge myself writing wise and see what I can do in other genres.
I've written the following to completion:
1. Star Wars Fanfiction about Obi-Wan and QuiGon Jinn (PS If you haven't seen the trailer for Liam's new movie, OMG it looks great. I'm so glad he's kicking ass again!) and a couple CSI and Inuyasha fanfictions.
2. Play Nice, a stand alone Romantic Suspense. (Eh, we won't talk about this)
3. Small Price, a stand alone Romantic Mystery/Suspense. (Better than Play Nice, but missing something)
4. Hidden Past, a stand alone Romantic Suspense that I tried to write specifically with Harlequin in mind. (It's not very good)
5. Two YA Science Fiction Mystery novels I wanted to turn into a series. (I really had high hopes, it's such a great concept, I MAY just use it for a regular novel in the future.)
6. Three Science Fiction/Fantasy novels, aka Tiva Boon. (I'm still in limbo with the economy, but keep your fingers crossed that it'll be in print this year)
7. Three Romantic Thriller/Suspense/Mystery novels aka Lucky. Seriously, I attended a work shop that explained the "difference" between the three sub-genres, and Lucky has all three concepts. Mystery-decoding/solving a past dilemma. Suspense-dealing with danger in the present. Thriller-doing something to save something or someone from an uncertain future.
Unfinished works include a Sci-Fi Romance (NaNo), YA Mystery, some naughty stuff (hehe), and probably a few other things that I'm blanking on at the moment.
I've written poetry, a few short stories, I've attempted a screenplay (didn't come out TOO horrible), and I've even written a mock play for one of my classes a few years ago...a new take on Cinderella (hillbilly style). Heh, I have it on my website if you dare to take a look. I've been writing my whole life in one form or another. I have diaries going back to age 13. I've never thrown away any hand written poems or little snippet of a story, or any of my story ideas. I still have those horrible X-Files and Homicide: Life on the Streets fanfictions I tried to do in the early 90's. I put myself in those stories because I wanted to be on the show. Of course, Mulder fell madly in love with me. :-)
Finding something new to write has never been an issue. Find the RIGHT new story to write will be the true test. I haven't decided what direction I'm going yet as far as genre, but I do know I need to try another stand alone. I wish I didn't have to, but I need to make sure I can write a good story, with a beginning, middle, and end, all in one book.
I could always make it open ended for future novels, but I don't think I can spend another two years writing an arch like that.
Of course, if I were smart, I write a steampunk...something, because it's a growing trend, but it's not what I like to write.
Maybe I should try a horror-steampunk-romantic-mystery next....
Nah.
:-)
January 11, 2009
New New New!
Happy New Year!
Yeah, I know I’m late. I’m happy to say, I’ve been busy in a good way. Lot's to say, not much time to do it.
First, I'm happy to report that Lucky # 3 is almost done. Seriously, I’ve got maybe a chapter left to go.
I always seem to have two issues when I write, the middle of a book and the end. After much internal dialogue between writer Jenn and reader Jenn, I’ve come up with a theory.
When I reach the middle of the book, where all the little things have to start coming together—heading toward the climax, I get nervous. I constantly re-read things, going backwards to make sure piece match up, and I worry that certain things won’t make sense or fit right.
After the climax, I get sad because I don’t want to end the story. I know I’ll still have time with the characters since I have to go back and edit, but knowing I’ve finished their story and have no where else for them to go, leaves me gloomy.
HOWEVER, I’m really truly almost done. I need to finish this today. Before 24 comes on tonight. Sad, yes, but I’m as much a reader/writer as I am a TV/Movie watcher. It’s always a battle for my time, which is why I’m super glad I have DVR!
Within the next month or so, I should be hearing back from the final six editors and agents who are currently reading my work. I hope to have good news to report, so keep your fingers (and toes) crossed for me!
In other news, I’ve updated my website. I’ve added some excerpts of Tiva and Lucky’s novels, added some new links, and changed the main page a bit. If you’d like, check it out and let me know what you think: www.jennnixon.com
If you’d like to swap links or give me your banner, I’d be more than happy to post it for you if you’re not already there.
Lastly, I went to my first Liberty State Fiction Writers meeting this week. It was fantastic! The new group, started by some friends I know, is geared more towards general fiction than Romance like RWA and NJRWA. Since I still need all the help I can get, I’m glad to be a part of them, and hope to join a few more in the future.
So, if you’re in the NJ, PA, or NY area, please check them out, you won’t be disappointed: http://www.libertystatesfictionwriters.com/
I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season. I know I’ve been a bad blogger, but I’m still out here reading your blogs!
Yeah, I know I’m late. I’m happy to say, I’ve been busy in a good way. Lot's to say, not much time to do it.
First, I'm happy to report that Lucky # 3 is almost done. Seriously, I’ve got maybe a chapter left to go.
I always seem to have two issues when I write, the middle of a book and the end. After much internal dialogue between writer Jenn and reader Jenn, I’ve come up with a theory.
When I reach the middle of the book, where all the little things have to start coming together—heading toward the climax, I get nervous. I constantly re-read things, going backwards to make sure piece match up, and I worry that certain things won’t make sense or fit right.
After the climax, I get sad because I don’t want to end the story. I know I’ll still have time with the characters since I have to go back and edit, but knowing I’ve finished their story and have no where else for them to go, leaves me gloomy.
HOWEVER, I’m really truly almost done. I need to finish this today. Before 24 comes on tonight. Sad, yes, but I’m as much a reader/writer as I am a TV/Movie watcher. It’s always a battle for my time, which is why I’m super glad I have DVR!
Within the next month or so, I should be hearing back from the final six editors and agents who are currently reading my work. I hope to have good news to report, so keep your fingers (and toes) crossed for me!
In other news, I’ve updated my website. I’ve added some excerpts of Tiva and Lucky’s novels, added some new links, and changed the main page a bit. If you’d like, check it out and let me know what you think: www.jennnixon.com
If you’d like to swap links or give me your banner, I’d be more than happy to post it for you if you’re not already there.
Lastly, I went to my first Liberty State Fiction Writers meeting this week. It was fantastic! The new group, started by some friends I know, is geared more towards general fiction than Romance like RWA and NJRWA. Since I still need all the help I can get, I’m glad to be a part of them, and hope to join a few more in the future.
So, if you’re in the NJ, PA, or NY area, please check them out, you won’t be disappointed: http://www.libertystatesfictionwriters.com/
I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season. I know I’ve been a bad blogger, but I’m still out here reading your blogs!
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