Sydney Aaliyah Michelle

JuNoWriMo Participant Interview James Eggebeen

Published on June 15, 2012June 29, 2012 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle1 Comment

It is the end of Week 2 of Junowrimo and I would like to introduce you to Junowrimo Winner James Eggebeen.

Tell me a little about what you are writing for Junowrimo.

I am writing the second book in my Fantasy Series. The first one Foundling Wizard is about a young Wizard whomeets a young Sorceress on his way to Amedon where he hopes to be trained. They find out that they are destined to work together to defeat the Evil Priests, who kill young Wizards, and take their power.

The second book is Wizards Education. Now they are on their way to Amedon when they get derailed by not only by the Priests, but a rogueWizard. The Wizard wants to keep them out of the hands of the Priests, but also wants to keep them away from Amedon, so he can take control of the Wizards Council. They have to face challenges that test their commitment to magic and to each other in order to survive.

The web site for this series of books is www.loritwizard.com.

Is this your first time doing this type of challenge?

Yes, this is my first time doing one of these. I thought it would be nice to meet a few other authors and stay motivated to keep writing.

How has it meet your expectations so far?

It’s far exceeded my expectations. I’ve made a bunch of new friends, and even re-connected with one of my old writing group partners from way back when. (waving hi to Eden Maee) I love doing the sprints. The excitement and mutual support is great. I never would have made the progress I did without the sprints, and oh yes, the competition (waving hi to Angi Black).

What was your writing schedule like this past week; time of day, # of words per day?

I usually get up at 3:00 to 4:00 AM. I drive for an hour to get to the office and then take some time to write before my work day starts. I have daily overseas calls, so I start pretty early, but I usually manage to get in an hour or two before work starts.

It takes me an hour or so to get home at night. This gives me time to think about what I want to write. Once I get home, I usually write for at least another hour or so. With the sprints, it was more like two.

This schedule lets me really think through the scenes I’m going to write, before I finally sit down. I review all of the action and dialogue in my head while I’m driving. Then it’s just sitting down and writing out what’s in my head already.

Did you do any planning for Junowrimo? If so what type of planning and how are your plans working out so far?

When I found out about this (two days before it started), I stopped writing and planned out a lot of the remainder of the novel. I was already 30,000 words into it, but I had not detailed out the whole thing. I knew that I would need some solid plot and scene design, so I went ahead and created all the scene templates before it started.

My scene template is a file where each scene lives (I am a big Scrivener fan; don’t get me started on that!).

Each scene template has the following form:

Title:

Point of View:

What changes in the scene?

What is the conflict?

Why will the reader continue reading?

I lay these out three scenes to a chapter and template twenty four chapters.

I thought I had enough material when we started, but I ran out of outline by the end of the first week. I had to take some time to outline more, and then I ran dry again. The last few days, I had an epiphany. We read linearly but don’t have to write that way, so I plotted out the ending and wrote some of that, now I have to go back and fill in the middle.

I think that’s going to work out real well. Now that I know where it all ends up, I can drive the plot there. Of course, there’s a lot more work in revision than writing. I just love that part. You get to go back and drop in all the foreshadowing and hide Easter eggs all over the place for the reader to discover later. It’s a lot of fun.

You are the first to complete the 50,000 word count for JuNoWriMo 2012. Any advice for those of us still in the trenches?

Don’t worry about the word count. The words will come. Think about what you want to write, imagine it all in your head, and then make it come alive. That’s the secret to getting a lot written.

JuNoWriMo is about setting up good habits in how you approach your work. Get into the habit of writing on a regular basis. Turn off the TV and shut down your web browser for a while each day, and before you know it you’ll have written more books than you would ever have believed possible.

Thank you James. Congratulations on completing the challenge!

For more information on James Eggebeen, visit his blog sites at www.jameseggebeen.com & www.loritwizard.com.

Should I be Worried about the Chinese Government

Published on June 15, 2012June 16, 2012 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle6 Comments

The Eye in the Logo Means they are Watching You!

It looks like I better be careful. They might be getting ready to shut me down. It is happening all over China. Rules took effect recently that create a censorship point system in order to curtail any offensive content on social media sites in China. Now, we are not talking about Facebook and Twitter. Both are banned in China. In addition, the government has and utilizes the power to shut down internet access, cell phone access and satellite TV access anytime it sees fit. For example, the government decided that the anniversary of the terrible earthquake that happened a few year ago, but be honored by not allowing English channels to broadcast for several days.

China provides it’s citizens their own social media networks. One of the most popular mini blog sites, which is similar to Twitter is Sina Weibo. And over 300 million users post and comment on Weibo every day.

Each Weibo user receives a user contract with a starting score of 80 points. For every bit of content posted your score can go up or down depending on the nature of your content. Over 100 points, you are golden. Drop below 60, you are in trouble. Loose all your points, no more access for you.

Who decideds who stays and goes? It has everything to do with the content.

Censorship Central

I image a room like this with a 1,00o computer terminals and shifts working all day and night to rid the internet of objectionable content. It probably feels like a sales call center. These men and women probably have quotas and get bonuses for banning people from Weibo. Ban a user, ring a bell and you get a little extra in your check that week.

This article got me thinking. If I was a Weibo user, how would my current blog content fair. According to the article, my post must avoid the following:

Offensive Content: Serving McDonald Big Macs at a Appreciation Party. That offended me.

Content that spread rumors: Is it a rumor, if it is true? I am sorry, but Crazy stuff happens in China.

Content that called for a protest: I thought is was my duty to protest against people taking off their clothes at a public resort pool. Especially if that person is my employee. There were children present.

Content that promotes cults or supersitions: Chinaism, is not a cult, it is a way of life.

And finally, content that impunges the Chinese honor: Well hell, that is my whole blog.

I have written a lot of post on China. And as you can see, I have violated a few of these rules myself. But, since I have an app that makes my computer looks like it is in California and I don’t believe those crime shows that show the cops can pinpoint a persons location from their IP address, I think I am safe for now.

My questions to you is, do you stand behind your blog content? What if you were threaten to either remove objectionable content or be shut down completely? Would you risk death to defend your blog material? (I know, a bit extreme. The worst I might fair is deportation or a Chinese prison)

Btw, I have had the most technical difficulties in writing this post then any other. They might be on to me already.

Source: NY Times Article – China Cracks Down on it’s Cagey Web Critics

I Hope It’s Worth the Wait

Published on June 13, 2012 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle17 Comments

2792689962_5f2c4a740e — Manners Pen Chameleon Birthday Thermometer

“I hope it’s worth the wait.” Emilynn said to John before he boarded the plane. “It will be. Trust me.” John gave her a kiss. It was a ‘I am going out for milk’ kiss, not a ‘I will be in Africa for 6 months’ kiss. This was all new for us.

When he first told her about his plan, she was supportive. She had to be. It was the first time he had actually had the courage to do what he wanted.

Emilynn and John had grown up together. They were elementary school sweethearts. As long as she had know John, he had always been concerned with what others thought.

His friends used to tease him because he was the first one to get serious about a girl. So, he would down play their relationship in front of them. But, Emilynn knew the truth. John loved her since the second grade.

His mother thought he was to young to be so serious about a girl, so their plan to get married after high school were postponed. “What was the hurry anyway, right?” John said. “We will be together forever.”

His dad wanted him be able to take care of himself before taking on a wife, so he enlisted in the army and the wedding was put off again.

It pained Emilynn to watch John change his own thoughts and beliefs much like a chameleon changed his colors to blend in with his environment. John just wanted to please everyone. He didn’t want to stand out. He didn’t want the people he cared most about to be disappointed in him.

That was why this news was such a shock to everyone. When he told his mom she went and got a thermometer to make sure he wasn’t sick.

The pressure from his family and friends and probably a little from Emilynn had been building up for a while. The pressure finally forced John to take some time to decide what he really wanted for himself. Why that had to happen all the way in Africa, Emilynn wasn’t quite sure. But, it was what John needed to do.

John had told Emilynn on her birthday. He was so excited. Emilynn couldn’t help but be happy for him.

He had given her a pen. “What is this for?” Emilynn asked.

“Write me.” He said. He thought he was being clever. They both loved the movie Say Anything, but John never did quite get the significance of why Diane gave Lloyd the pen.

She couldn’t fault him, though. It would have been bad manners on her part. He was trying. And, she knew he needed this. So, she was going to be supportive and wait. Wait for him to come back as the man she knew he wanted to be and not the man that everyone expected him to be.

Emilynn had been waiting all her life for John. She was banking on the real him being worth the wait.

JuNoWriMo Participant Interview A.E. Howard

Published on June 11, 2012June 29, 2012 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle7 Comments

Every week I will interview a fellow JuNoWriMo participant to get their take on the challenge while in the trenches.

Week One, I choose one of our talent Host – A. E. Howard (Anna)

Tell me a little about what you are writing for JuNoWriMo.

I’m writing the second book in a young adult fantasy series. The first one, called Flight of Blue is nearly finished and coming out in July. For a synopsis and excerpt of Flight of Blue you can visit my site: http://aehowardwrites.com/books.

This new book is called The Guardians.

Kai Williams has discovered all the Guardians including his parents have been lured inside time bubbles where minutes tick by so slowly, they don’t realize they are trapped. While trying to find a way to free them, Kai is stalked by a mysterious figure called the Dream Walker who attacks Kai while he’s sleeping and is bent on getting an object–a small skeleton key–away from him. Keeping the Dream Walker at bay, Kai goes to his friends for help. Together they find pieces that lead them on a quest for the secret cabinet of the ancient sorceress Belladonna and the powerful object she hid away before her disappearance, an object that will break the time bubbles and release the Guardians. Pursued by Name Monsters who have teamed up to fight them, will Kai and his friends be able to outwit the forces arrayed against them and free the Guardians? And will Kai be victorious in the war being waged for his mind while he dreams?

Is this your first time doing this type of challenge?

No, I’ve done NaNoWriMo the last two years.

What did you learn from the last challenge that is helping you with Junowrimo?

I learned that you have to write every day. Even if you don’t make word count, you just have to keep writing even when it feels like you’re writing drivel and pulling teeth to do it. Re-reading prose from these competitions I’ve realized two things: 1) it’s probably not as bad as you thought it was when you wrote it. And 2) even if it is, no one’s going to see it, and you can start re-writing it after the month is over. I think you often have to write a lot of bad prose to get to the good stuff.

What was your writing schedule like this past week; time of day, # of words per day?

I’ve been writing between 9pm and 12am (or so!). I have a 13-month-old son and he goes to bed at 9. It’s hard to get much writing done when he’s awake. I did take Sunday off because it was my wedding anniversary 😉 I’ve been aiming for 3k the nights I sprint lead (Tues, Thurs, Sat), and 500-1k on the days I’m not leading. It keeps my averages up, and lets me finish editing Flight of Blue on the off days.

Did you do any planning for Junowrimo?

I don’t plan. I create worlds and characters, and then I have some sort of starting scene in my head, and sometimes an ending one as well. I start with what I’ve got, and as I follow the character through the scene, I find out more of what happens. On Tues night, just before I crossed the 8k mark, Kai had a confrontation with the Dream Walker and suddenly started to put together some pieces of what he needed to do next. And I got to find out where the story was going. Now I have the major scenes lightly sketched, and I can’t wait to find out what happens next.

What is your word count as of June 7th?

9806

After one week, it looks like Anna is off to a great start. Good luck with the rest of the challenge, Anna!

For more information about A.E. Howard, visit her blog and follow her on Twitter.
Blog – http://aehowardwrites.com

Twitter – http://twitter.com/aehowardwrites

Make sure to pick up Flight of Blue, coming out in July.

My Weekly Update – Just Write!

Published on June 10, 2012June 11, 2012 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle3 Comments

JuNoWriMo

It was really all about writing last week. I have been debating whether to release any excerpts from my WIP from Junowrimo. But, it just isn’t ready yet. Or, to be honest, I am not ready,yet. However, to avoid being labeled a big tease, I will give you a little insight into my first novel.

Tentative Title: I’m Coming Home

Main Character’s Loves and Hates:

Sydney Smith (I know, I really need to change her name. This isn’t an autobiography. May change it to Emilynn) – More on her description later.

Loves: writing, traveling, tattoos, mexican food and days where no one telling her what to do or asking her to do stuff for them.

Hates: Negative people and people who make statements about people that sound like a compliment, but are actual an insult. Ex: When Sydney ask her boss, Linda what she thinks for the new guy she meets, Linda said, “John is really friendly, he flirts with everyone.”

John Alexander Osha, IV – think of Bryan Greenberg’s character in Prime mixed with Jude Law charm (without the English accent)

Loves: computers, playing golf, watching basketball, hip hop and cute girls with tattoos

Hates: Girls who don’t realize how amazing they are and people who have an over exaggerated sense of themselves.

Linda Ryder – Picture a mix of Chris Everett Lloyd’s athleticism on Kim Zolciak from Real House Wives of Atlanta body. Fake hair included.

Loves: expensive stuff, young men, and being famous

Hates: Buying things on sale, procratination in others (has no issue doing it herself), and people who don’t give her credit.

Trina Watson – Picture your best friend who always tells you the truth.

Loves: her cousin, telling the truth and alcohol which she can’t have because she is 5 months pregnant.

Hates: Sydney’s boss, Linda

Alex James Ryder – good looking guy who doesn’t think he is (don’t you hate those types). A voice of reason; clean cut golf pro type. Addias golf shirt and pants by day. T-shirts and cargo shorts by night.

Likes: teaching golf, playing golf, talking about golf, watching golf, his friends and the F – word

Hates: people who are dishonest and people who take life too seriously

Setting: New Orleans, Louisiana – specifically at a golf course and in several locations in the French Quarter

Genre: I have no idea. I do know it is not science fiction or horror. Two people fall in love in the midsts of some funny situations and someone doesn’t want them to be together. You tell me?

Ok, that is all that I am authorized to reveal at this time. Maybe more next week.

Writer Wednesday Blog Hop

I decided to base a short story on my novel for Writer Wednesday Blog Hop that I may or may not incorporate into the story. I received some great comments in regards to that story that I want to share.

Nicole had this to say – “Great post!!! And God I could relate. To the feeling she had about wanting to feel special to the early morning walk. I loved it!!

Anna said, “Your story gives me such a good feeling, almost like something beautiful is about to happen. And of course, something does… I think I would love to read your novel if this is just an excerpt from it:)”

*I told Anna, she gets the first copy.

Check out Carrie and Anna‘s take on the same photo prompt.

Thanks so much for the great feed back.

New Followers

I wanted to say thank you to my new followers as well. Go check out their sites, there is some great stuff out there in the blogesphere – the first time I have used that word.

Chrissy50