Jason Black, A Book Doctor

03.19.2010

Before Jason Black’s talk, I thought editors are people who correct your spelling and grammar errors and that’s all. But Jason explained that as a book doctor, he does:

  • Development Editing: find problem in story structure, character arcs. Probably the most crucial part of writing any story, I think.
  • Line Editing: improving your writing skill, make words flow smoothly and enhance how you express your vision.
  • Copy Editing

He also recommended that writers should do self-editing before going to someone like him. And I agree. If you sent in a copy that you have cleaned up to the best of your ability then after he corrected it, you will only see the problems you really didn’t notices or know how to fix.

Once I finished my last short story assignment, I’ll no longer have an instructor to guide me through. Jason, who says he is a number’s guy, will be good at analyzing my story in a logical fashion but I hope to also get a male’s point of view, since I want to write things that everyone can enjoy.

Tags: , ,
Category: I am learning... | Comments Off on Jason Black, A Book Doctor

Imagine There Is A Heaven

02.26.2010

Telescope, when given more power it’s an instant time machine. You witness the birth and death that have cycled since the moment our universe came to be.

Maybe there was a place like the Earth that was destroyed by its inhabitants. Maybe there was another place like the Earth where the people had gained the insight of truly being a part of the whole.

Their spirit had risen to a frequency that shifted them into another plane, where they can enjoy the luscious space without imposing on the environment. They vibrate in symphony with the rhythm of the vastness about them.

No one being has the need to take from others because there is not void in anyone’s soul. Everyone has the faith in oneself to contribute their uniqueness without letting the greed of feeling self-importance pollute one’s intention to give.

To the not yet well-evolved humans, it may seem as if that planet has lived through their golden era and now is only hanging on in the dim glow of the twilight. After all, we, are the kind that can only imagine there is a heaven.

This was a 10-min free write. Our instructor gave us three words one at the time as we write. These words are highlighted above.

Tags: , , ,
Category: I am writing... | Comments Off on Imagine There Is A Heaven

Hex in High Heels

02.26.2010

By Linda Wisdom

If you think all witches are ugly and green, you’d be wrong. Blair is sexy, powerful, and playful.

But what I love about Hex in High Heels is how Blair and her 12 witche friends are loyal to each other. Their friendships have lasted since the day they refused to tell on the other in 1313. Wow, that’s what I call BFF!

Hex in High Heels by Linda WisdomThe romance between Blair and Jake (a werewolf/dog) is strong not only because of their mutual physical attractions. Both are people with character, both trust and protect each other.

And the “magikal” creatures who live with Blair and her roommate are each interesting in its own ways. With everyone under one roof, it’s just a big family consist of eccentric members.

With the small town setting as the background, I’m very likely to become one of the tourists they welcome to their winter festival!

Linda has a way to make the imagined place and people real. Reading this book has inspired me as I write my first fantasy/romance short.

Tags: , , , ,
Category: I am reading... | Comments Off on Hex in High Heels

The Prince and the Nanny

02.07.2010

Before I opened this book, I thought all romance novel were created shallow. How ignorant of me.

The Prince and the Nanny by Cara ColterIn “The Prince and the Nanny“ (by Cara Colter,) Prue, the nanny, was working her way out of an unhealthy habit of filling the hole in her heart with things and men’s attentions while coping with the sudden need to earn a living after her father’s death.

She decided not to date for a year and used her Fatal Flaws List to stay on track. She was so serious about improving herself, she turned Prince Ryan’s job offer twice, just to be sure she wouldn’t have a chance to fall in love before the one year ends.

Prince Ryan though used to get what he wanted but was not an arrogant royal brat. He wanted someone who can bring happiness back to his motherless children. After Prue came to work in the castle, he discovered he also would be at his happiest when he is only a loving father to his children and a common man to Prue.

As the story grows, Prue matured and found her own truth. Prince Ryan granted himself the freedom to be himself and a prince at the same time. Both found love at exactly the right time, after they had found themselves.

Wow, I will never look at a romance novel the same way again. (Thanks to Deb, soon to be a full fledge romance writer, for the recommendation!)

Tags: , , , ,
Category: I am reading... | Comments Off on The Prince and the Nanny

My 1st Rejection

02.01.2010

Just got my first rejection e-mail from PseudoPod. The editor, Shawn Garrett, was kind enough to reply with useful tips.

  • Remember to use contractions in dialog: “I am” is not as natural as “I’m.”
  • People don’t usually use first name when they talk to their partners. “Thanks, Kevin.” should be “Thanks, Kev” or “Thanks, dear.”

Tags: , , ,
Category: I am learning... | 3 Comments »

Saved by The Super Librarian, Nancy Pearl

01.30.2010

For two months I have been stuck, not by a writer’s block, just that my pen keeps piping out boring junk. Just when I thought I have lost all hope, The Super Librarian, Nancy Pearl, came to my rescue.

At a library event, she introduced me to less “marketed” but well written books.

I am starting with “The Family Man” by Elinor Lipman. I picked up the book because Nancy said it was set in the 1940’s, I don’t know what that’s about but I can’t wait to get to it.

Also went with one of her recommendations for teens. “Going Bovine
” by Libba Bray. A 16-year-old boy, a mad cow disease victim, goes on a journey to find Dr. X for a cure. On the way, he and his friend gain a lawn ornament (formally a Norse god) as their companion. When I heard that I was sold!

Nancy Pearl, Librarian Action FigureNancy has a super power, the power to propel you into the infinite universe where space traveling is fascinating and safe. Her enthusiasm for good books reignited my desire to write. Thank you, Nancy Pearl, for saving my passion.

Trust me, she is super, why else would she have her own action figure?

Tags:
Category: I am learning... | Comments Off on Saved by The Super Librarian, Nancy Pearl

Better it be in the heaven

01.28.2010

Do you believe it?
When someone says you are good.
I don’t.
But I want to.

Think of it this way,
My personal earth mother said.
It’s not a judgment,
It’s a kindness.

Emotion surged,
The sign of enlightenment gained.

Forever now,
I will tide this kindness on a balloon,
Every time I receive praise.

Let it go where the angels and I know,
Rather it be in the heaven,
Than it becomes attached to me.

Tags:
Category: I am writing... | 4 Comments »

The Great Shift (with Hathors)

01.25.2010

The Great ShiftHathors are interdimensional, intergalactic beings that use sacred geometry and sound to assist us in gaining enlightenment. (Messages channeled by Tom Kenyon)

They said that in the future humans will develop clairsentient ability and empathic response, so it will be difficult to lie or they can tell when being lied to. Wouldn’t it be great to only have honest politicians serving the country?!

Once people became empathic, we will know how to distinguish our authentic emotional response and external turmoil. No more letting energy vampires drain us dry!

They suggest that we take time to connect to Earth by focusing our attention to our heart with the emotion of appreciating and gratitude. It will bring us to a higher frequency.

The Hathors advise us to recognize we are the co-creators of what happens around us. If you don’t believe it, just observe the difference between people who smiles all the time and the people who complains constantly. Who do you think will have more love around them?

Whether you believe the enlighten beings in The Great Shift are real or not, I think we can still benefit from these words. Humans have done many amazing things, it shouldn’t be a surprise to us that we have to power to design our destiny.

Tags: , , , ,
Category: I am reading... | Comments Off on The Great Shift (with Hathors)

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »