Month: March 2013
My Weekly Update – Good Week
Highlights
I received my first paycheck as a writer this week. I ghost wrote a blog post for a beauty blog and that’s all that I am liberty to say about it. It pretty exciting to be a paid writer and I have another assignment due this week. Super proud of myself. I’m not going to strike it rich anytime soon, but it’s satisfying being able to earn money doing what you love.
How did you feel when you sold your first book, first, poem, first article?
Award
My new blog friend and book club host M.L. Swift gave me the The Leibster Award. Thanks so much M.L.
Blog Anniversary
I’m a little late with my anniversary plans. Since my actual anniversary was in February, I decided to celebrate the beginning of my second year of blogging by reaching out to some amazing writers to ponder and guest post on “Why do I blog?”. I received some insightful responses and can’t wait to share them with you. See the schedule below.
- March 12 – Tameri Etherton
- March 19 – Vikki Thompson
- March 22 – D.C. McMillen
- March 25 – Alex Cavanaugh
- March 27 – Misha Gericke
- March 28 – Mark Means
- March 29 – EM Castellan
Post to Ponder
What I Learned from the Editor: Round 1 by Jordanna East – Its great to understand your bad habits. May save time in your next project.
Writing Madly to a Deadline and then Not Submit by Jennifer M. Eaton – Do you have this type of integrity and respect for your work.
The First Time We Met: Memorable Characters and First Impressions by Felicia Scotzig – I can’t decide which character is my favorite.
Out of the Mouths of Babes by Jemi Fraser – How does your story stack up to the check list?
New Followers Mark Riddle Damyanti Writes Jason Alan Next Weeks Schedule Tuesday – Anniversary Guest Post – Tameri Etherton Wednesday – Trust in Me Blog Blitz Friday – Got Green Bloghop – get your irish stories ready. Sunday – My Weekly Update
Are you Ready to Exhale? Blog Tour
Congratulations to Jennifer Snyder on the release of her YA Contemporary Romance Exhale.
BLURB:
Inhaling in life is easy. It’s the exhaling—the letting go— that’s the hard part.
Katie Elliot has always known the Conner twins. For years she secretly pined after one, while playfully averting the advances of the other. Once upon a time, she was fine with that. Then came the moment when her twin of preference kissed her and changed everything.
As if realizing love can be complex—even when it’s reciprocated—isn’t hard enough, tragedy strikes, tearing Katie and the boy she’s always desired apart. Finding herself torn between love and guilt, Katie must learn when it’s acceptable to let go—when it’s finally okay to exhale.
GENRE: Young Adult Contemporary Romance
Jennifer Snyder lives in North Carolina were she spends most of her time writing young adult fiction, reading, and struggling to stay on top of housework. She is an instant coffee lover with an obsession for spiral bound notebooks and smooth writing pens. Jennifer lives with her husband and two children, who endure listening to songs that spur inspiration on repeat and tolerate her love for all paranormal, teenage-targeted TV shows.
GIVEAWAY:
One (1) print copy of Exhale. US ONLY.
One (1) Ebook copy of Exhale.
Connect with Jennifer Snyder
SQM – Silver Linings Playbook
It appears this movie is either loved or hated. And, those who hate it do so because it hits so close to home.
I though it was great. Honest and messy and raw and unexpected, with great dialogue. Bradley Cooper is greatness. DeNiro as always is greatness. Jennifer Lawrence on the cusp of greatness.
Yeah, I liked the movie.
Quotes of Note
Tiffany (Oscar Winner Jennifer Lawrence):
“Can we get through one fucking conversation without you reminding me that my goddamn husband’s dead?”
“You’re not a standup guy today, Pat!”
“I opened up to you, and you judged me.”
“I was a slut. There will always be a part of me that is dirty and sloppy, but I like that just like all the other parts of myself. I can forgive. Can you say the same for yourself, fucker? Can you forgive? Are you capable of that?”
“Yes, I’m Tommy’s crazy whore widow. Minus the whore think, for the most part.”
“I have a problem?” You say more inappropriate things than appropriate things.”
“I do this! Time after time after time. I do all this shit for other people and then I wake up and I’m empty. I have nothing.”
“You’re killing me!”
Pat (The Adorable Bradley Cooper):
“You have poor social skills. You have a problem.”
“The only way to beat me crazy was by doing something even crazier. Thank you. I love you. I knew it from the moment I saw you. I’m sorry it took me so long to catch up.”
“I’m not flirting with you.”
“I just see that you made an effort, and I’m gonna be better with my wife. I’m working on that. I wanna acknowledge her beauty. I never used to do that. I do now. Just practicing. How’d Tommy die?”
“I was trying to be romantic.”
“The world will break your heart ten ways to Sunday. That’s guaranteed. I can’t begin to explain that. Or the craziness inside myself and everyone else. But guess what? Sunday’s my favorite day again. I think of what everyone did for me, and I feel like a very lucky guy.”
Have you seen it? What did you think?
Related Post Silver Linings Playbook (2012) Review – Tim’s Film Review Movie Review: “Silver Linings Playbook” – SparklyPrettyBriiiightInsecure Writer’s Support Group
My blog schedule this week has been turned upside down. I can’t believe I almost forgot about IWSG.
As always, we have Alex J. Cavanaugh to thank for gathering like minded writers together to vent and support. This month, we also need to thank Misha Gericke and Joylene Nowell Butler. Even a Ninja Captain needs some help every once in awhile.
My goal this month with IWSG is to stave off some future insecurities. As I mentioned before, I’m attending a few writer’s conferences this year. The first one is March 22-25, the Tennessee Williams New Orleans Literary Festival. There is this great session about using the city of New Orleans as the setting in your novel. Since, my first novel is set in New Orleans, I can’t wait.
Here’s were I need help. I’ve been thinking about how to introduce myself. I was thinking something like, “Hi, my name is Sydney, I write romantic comedies are you a writer/agent/publisher/editor/reader/blogger?” Then depending on their answer, the conversation will continue accordingly?
I am joking. I want to leave an impression somewhere between “let’s give her a 100,000.00 advance today” and “Did you hear about that girl Sydney? Stay away from her.”
What is the best way to introduce yourself at these event?
Btw, check out my new business cards. Suggestions welcomed. I haven’t gone to print, yet.


