My Weekly Update – We Have a Lot to Cover

It’s Super Bowl Sunday. One of my favorite days of the year.

I grew up with two older brothers. I attending a huge college football school (FSU) and my mother worked for an NFL player during his 16 year career. Needless to say, I am well versed in the game of football. The timeline of my life has always been categorized by In season and Off season.

Not a football fan? Here are 5 tips for you to still enjoy the game:

  1. So you sound smart, the game is between the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49’ers. We don’t like the 49’ers.
  2. Except for their tattoo covered quarterback Collin Kaepernick. He is cute as long as he keeps his mouth shut. A little to, I am a quarterback in the NFL and this is how I am supposed to answer questions, for me. But, look at those tattoos. And, if you want to sound even smarter, after a good play, say out loud, “Wow, and to think this is only his 11th start in the NFL.” IFWT_kaepernick_front
  3. Beyonce at half-time. Beyonce is always over the top. It is going to be a spectacle whether you are a fan of hers or not.
  4. The Super Bowl will be played in the Superdome in New Orleans. If you can’t be happy for how this city has bounced back, well, then you must be dead inside.
  5. The commercials. Wasted commercialism at its best. But, you might as well watch so you know what everyone is talking about at work the next day.

Enjoy the game and Go Ravens. What are your Super Bowl predictions?

So hot! And, I as a heterosexual women, I have no problem saying that.
So hot! And, as a heterosexual women, I have no problem saying that.
Related Stories: The Non-Sportsman’s Survival Guide to the Super Bowl by Anna Chaconas.

Post to Review

The Next Star Wars to be Directed by J.J. Abrams – my thought by Steve UmsteadI am pretty happy about this decision.
Four Techniques to Show Rather than Tell by Marcy Kennedy I learned a new one. Remove the ‘to’ phrases.
30 Lessons That I have Learnt From Writing by Michael J Holley You can’t go wrong with a great list. I need to work on #6.
How to Be a Writer Who Thinks Like a Publisher at Wise InkThis is great resource for writers.

the dojo

imaninjaremogirlbutton

That’s right. I’ve joined a Dojo. The talented Ali Cross has reworked the dojo to continue her mission to create support and camaraderie among writers. The dojo is split into three dojos for writers, revisers and queriers (is that a word). You can join one or all three. I am in the NiNoReMo where revising ninjas train.

Goals for February: Revise 150 pages this month. That is 37.5 pages per week.

Join me in the dojo and let’s have a productive February.

Related post: News from The Writer’s Dojo by The Peasants Revolt
New Followers
The Very Hungry
ML Chesley
Raewyn Hewitt
I wanted to thank all of you who press like on my post as well.
Next Week’s Schedule
Tuesday – Tattoo Tuesday: Amsterdam Tattoo Museum Update and Calling all Tattoo Clad Writers
Wednesday – Insecure Writer’s Support Group – Writing Group Fears
Friday – A Post Apocalyptic Drama for this Blog Tour
Sunday – My Weekly Update

My Weekly Update – Better Late Than Never

Twenty Seven days into 2013 and I now I am starting to understand.  Well, Better Late Than Never, right?

  1. I understand that my lackadaisical, laid back, ‘oh, I’ll get to it’ attitude about blogging is not for me.  I need a schedule. I am going back to announcing my schedule for the week – better late than never, right? 
  2. I understand that while I can’t spend all my time on social media and be a productive writer, I can’t ignore days of social media and expect to be on top of things.  Playing catch up all the time doesn’t work for me – better late than never, right? 
  3. I understood that I needed some time after my last job to relax and recharge.  But, 6 weeks out of work and I am bored and unproductive in every part of my life.  Far be it from me (What a great saying, I feel like my grandma) to use all this extra time to practice writing habitually, reading cognitively and editing effectively.  But, I am starting now – better late than never, right? 
  4. I am realizing that with so many opportunities out there for pitching/querying/submitting to agents/publishers on blogs/twitter/facebook/writer’s conferences. My three first drafts aren’t ever going to be ready, sitting on my desk unedited – better late than never, right?

Have you had any Better Late Than Never lessons learned this year?  

Awards

one-lovely-blog-award

Thanks so much to EM Castellan for the The Lovely Blog Award.

Also, a quick thanks and shot out to Karens Different Corners for awarding me the Liebster Award, although I am not sure I should except because I have more then 200 followers, I appreciate the recognition regardless. And, she is close to 200 herself, so follow her and prepare to gain knowledge and be entertained.

Post to Report On

Hey, Y’all: Dialect and Slang From the Write AngleAs someone from Texas, I have to practice not making all my characters sound like Texans.  What do y’all think about dialects and slang? 
Character Study by Left and Write – How much character development do you do before and during writing and editing? 
6 Things You Didn’t Know About Becoming and Published Author: a guest post by RaeBeth McGee-Buda on Amanda Fanger – #2 – Editing is Tough – I knew it. 
The First Draft Run Through Blues by Raewynn Hewitt – Makes me want to cry. 
Editing is Writing Too by Raewynn Hewitt – The push I needed to get off my butt and put my butt in the chair and edit. 
New Followers
Tim The Film Guy
William Stadler
Special thanks to my email followers as well.  
 

Next Week’s Schedule

Monday – Re-Introduce Myself Blog Hop
Wednesday – The Word Master Challenge
Friday – Imaginary Friend Blog Hop
Sunday – My Weekly Update

And, don’t forget to sign up for Blogging from A to Z Challenge on Wednesday, January 30, 2012.  Click the badge below for rules and Tips on Blogging from A to Z.

 

And, congratulation to Aldrea Alien for knowing her Bilbo/Gollum Riddles. Here are the answers:

1. Mountain.
2. Teeth.
3. Wind.
4. Sun in the sky shining upon daises on a hill.
5. Darkness.
6. Egg
7. A Fish.
8. A fish lay on a table. A man sat on a stool. And the cat got the bones.
9. Time!

My Weekly Update – Touched Me

imagesI watched The Word last night.  The movie was strange, but as  a writer, it was interesting and it touched me. It made me rethink what I was doing and why I was doing it. Some of the lines that made me think:

“I’m not who I thought I was and I’m terrified that I never will be.”
“Words ruin everything.”
“I wanted so badly for it to come from me.”
“I loved words more than the women who inspired me to write.”
“At some point you’ll have to choose between life and fiction.  The two are very close, but they never actually touch.  They’re 2 very, very different things.”

Have you seen it? Have you ever thought what if it doesn’t happen for you? Why do you write? 

Editing

I have on my list to edit my first novel. My issue, I can’t get started. Now I think I know why. I am too focused on what I hope it’s supposed to look like.  Really, I mean what if I waste all this time editing and the book still isn’t good enough.

Reading

As writers, we are supposed to read, and I love to read. Lately, reading has been an emotional freeway for me.  There are times when I read something so amazing, it inspires me. Then other times, I read something and am totally defeated.  No way will I ever be that good. I finished The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien and Gabriel’s Redemption by Steve Umstead.  Highly recommend them both.

You might be surprised about which one made me feel what?  Have a guess? 

Site Changes

I added a few new pages. Check them out and let me know what you think.

    • Sydney Reads – my reading list and reviews of the books I’ve read in 2013.
    • Sydney Watches – my list of movies seen in 2013
    • Sydney Edits – my goal is to record a daily edit journal under this tab.

This change was inspired by Angi Black’s post – The Break-up – Angi writers a letter to herself.  The letter starts – “Dear Old Me, I’m sorry darling. You have to go.” Good stuff, give it a read.

Post to Revisit

Passive vs. Active Voice – The Most Effective Tip I’ve Ever Read – Me, too.  My CP tells me to watch my passive all the time. These tips helped me identify my passive’s better.
New Look and Balancing Life – I am job hunting and have to much time on my hands, but when I do find a job these are good tips to finding the balance.
All Things in Moderation – Even Writing Advice – I am trying to focus the writing advice I am acquiring. If that makes sense.  That is why I am so excited with the Progressive Book Club.  It’s a book club were to discuss writing books.
New Followers
My Side of the Story
The Art of Storytelling by Leslie I. Benson
Debra’s Written Words
Lufira
Amicia Rai
 

Next Week’s Schedule

I’ve got two Blog Tour Post coming up created by The Masquerade Crew.

A Court Room Drama Blog Tour – The Homicide Chronicles by Ralph Shamas
A Post Apocalyptic Blog Tour – Since Tomorrow by Morgan Nyberg

100books

Here’s another blog challenge I’ve joined for 2013.  I hope it’s ok to join more then one.  Whatever motivates me, right?

How was your week?  Anything you’re looking forward to in the coming weeks? 

My Weekly Update – Books and Movies

“Better to have a little experience and a lot of imagination than vice versa.”The Daily Writer

The Hobbit

hobbitpostersI try not to see the movie until I have read the book. So, I spent the week reading the book and then I saw the movie. I wish someone had told me I didn’t need to read the whole thing, the movie covers only 1/3 of the book.  It was a good read. The movie, on the other hand, didn’t really start until Gollum made an appearance. It was all visually beautiful, but it didn’t move until two hours in.

I was pleased to discover that my favorite part of the book was also my favorite scene in the movie; The riddle contest between Bilbo Baggins and Gollum in the Troll Kingdom.  Both book and movie version were laugh out loud funny.  Come back later this week and read my SQM post on The Hobbit.

I also saw Skyfalls.  I went to the movies with my parents and then at dinner learned their first date was a James Bond movie.  How romantic.  My mom informed me that my dad had taken 2 other girls to see the movie, as well.  But, she married him anyway.

What movies have you seen lately?  Did you see The Hobbit?  What did you think? 

Post to Review

Fess Up Friday:  I Like Wearing Old Lady Shoes by Cynthia at Read is the New Black – Have you found your niche when it comes to writing?
What Writing Step Are You Afraid Of?  by Jami Gold – I am afraid of Writing Query Letters, but I think my reasons are off base, how about you?
17 Signs You’re Actually, gasp, an ADULT by Paul Angone at All Groan Up – I am living #3 right now. But, I haven’t seen it in 5 years.
Appreciating Art by Tasha Seegmiller – Have you ever taken a scene from your favorite piece of art and wrote a scene? I wrote a scene that took place in Van Gogh’s Iris in a Field. It turned out pretty good. Give it a try.
New Followers
Vanessa Wester Writer
Young Hungry and Restless
Shannon Thompson
M.L. Swift
Ciucela . . . 
John Lucas Hargis
 

Next Weeks Highlights

mlswift.blogspot.comJanuary 16th is the first meeting of the Progressive Book Club.  An online book club hosted by M.L. Swift.  Click on the badge for more information.

 

 

sylmion.blogspot.comMy First Book: Announces The Word Master Challenge.  Every month, Misha will present a theme.  This month’s Theme:

HOW NOT TO WRITE A NOVEL BEGINNING.

In less than 300 words, I want to see your idea of the WORST beginning you can possibly write. The funnier and more creative you are, the better. To make it easier for me, you have the WHOLE of January to enter, but you must please enter the SPECIFIC entry link into the linky list below. For information, click on the badge.

Both events will occur every month and you can join anytime.

My Weekly Update – New Stuff

New Memories

My favorite thing about the holiday season is creating new memories with my family. I haven’t had the chance to do that for a couple of years, so this year was extra special.  I met some of the new additions to the extended family. I reconnected with some old friends and bonded with my nephews over, japenese anime, Jake the Pirate and Angry Bird Star Wars Edition Board Game.

Coolest Game Ever and no electricity or batteries needed.
Coolest Game Ever and no electricity or batteries needed.

I hope you had a great holiday full of new beginnings.

Awards

Blog of the Year Award 3 star jpeg

Thanks to Amanda for another star.  I appreciate it so much.  I know we are done with 2012, but it’s nice to still be recognized.

New Post to Praise

The 5 Big Pop Culture Moments I Can’t Wait for in 2013 by Andrew at SparklyPretty Briiiight. Thought you might want to see what to look forward to in 2013.  Personally, I can’t wait to see Pink in concert.  

12 Tips for Recovering from Writing Burnout by Jami Gold.  Jami provided some great tips in order to get back to productive writing.  

Words and Phrases that Must be Banned by C.T. Westing. Well C.T., spoiler alert, passion is trending this year in my life.  YOLO.  😉

Regrets, Resolutions and Revolutions by A.M. Schultz.  A.M. hasn’t posted much lately, but when he does, he has something to say. Most importantly, he has no regrets. 

New Followers
Charles Henry Editing Blog
W.J. Rodriguez: writer-at-large
Christopher Profeta
CJ Blue
Simone Marrise
Too Full to Write
Finazzo380
Susan at Women Making Strides – love that title. 
Dream 1 Dancer

Next Week’s Schedule

909406_83318260-2-1-300x213The Peasant’s Revolt Flashback Blog Hop begins today. There is still time to sign up. Click on the link below to sign up and come back on Friday for my Flashback Post. Congrat’s again to the 1 year anniversary of www.scotzig.com.


fall in love

Fall in love with The Sullivans Blog Tour beginnings today.  They are still looking for host, if you want to participate, click on the badge for more information.