Category: My Weekly Update

My Weekly Update – Camp, Compliments and Candy

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle10 Comments

Camp NaNoWriMo

Four days in and I have to say that it is a lot more challenging then the last writing challenge I did.  Being on goal is about the only good thing I can say about the experience so far.  But . . .

It is still early and I still love the story.  I was happy to get some great advice about POV last week from my blog friends.  My concerns about writing from the male point of view were reduced by an admission from AM Schultz.

amschultzcom says: We have had lots of fine interactions on the Twitter and on the blogs, so I am going to share a little secret with you, but you can’t tell anybody else:“But, my biggest concern is that I have never writing a story from a man’s POV. What if my big strong, sensitive guy starts sounding like a girl?”When nobody is around, and our machismo is not on public display, ALL men sound like girls. :-)

For the rest of you doing Camp NaNoWriMo, how was your first few days? 

Compliments

I received one of the best compliments the other day and all because I RT’ed a post.

I am not brining this up to brag (although it is official, I am awesome), but to bring attention to what doing so little can mean to other writers and bloggers.

I will continue to support the blogging community to make myself worthy of writing along side great bloggers such as Paul at All Groan Up.

Candy 

I was in the Green Grocery yesterday and they had restocked.  Let me back up a little and explain.  I live at a resort 45 minutes away from a decent grocery story.  But, there is a little convenience store on the resort campus, which stocks it shelves once every 6 months.

I was pleasantly surprised that yesterday was a restock day.  That means, writing snacks for the week; Sour Skittles, Soda Water & Cheese Crackers.

What is your favorite writing snack?  

New Followers
Sundavanjava
club fang
Keith Addison at Sleepless in New Castle
Jillian Heath at 72 Original in Mint Condition
Writer’s Block 55
Lily Ennis
Nicolette Reed
 
 
Next Weeks Schedule
Tuesday – Tattoo Tuesday
Wednesday – Sydney Aaliyah Quotes the Movies
Friday – The Dog Days of Summer Blogfest 
Sunday – My Weekly Update
 
 
 Special Shout Out to my big brother.  It was his birthday yesterday.  He put his life online years before I had the nerve to.  Thanks so much for the inspiration.  

My Weekly Update – Interview, Interesting and I’m Going to Camp

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle6 Comments
This is Interesting.

Interview

Last week, an interview that I conducted a couple of months ago was posted on My First Book.  It was a really great interview and I am happy it is out there because the interview is so me.  If that makes sense.  And, it surprised me just how different things where just 2 month ago.  Two months ago I had not finished my first draft of ‘I’m Coming Home’. Two months ago, I didn’t have an outline for another story and ready to tackle another challenge (Campnano starts in 3 days). And, 2 months ago, I didn’t really have a clue how writing would become so much a part of my life the way it has.  I enjoy conducting interviews because I can learn so much from other, but I had no idea in doing an interview, I would learn so much about myself.

Thanks so much Misha.

Interesting

A couple of items I found interesting this week:

In the last two week, I had two days with huge numbers on my site. I like to think it was because of my brilliant content, but part of it is what I am calling the ‘Stumble Upon Effect’.  I have a Stumble Upon tribe in Triberr and all we are required to do is Stumble each others post and I am happy to see that it has increased my site hits.  And, the most popular page viewed on those two days – Tattoo Tuesday.  If you want to gain some exposure, submit your tattoo stories.  I would love to feature you on Tattoo Tuesday.

Another Triberr related item of interest, my blog friend Fel at The Peasant Revolt shared her thoughts on SEO.  I admit I am clueless about why this is so important to grow your blog traffic and she clears it up a bit. She also shares a fun webinar by one of the Triberr creators Dino Dogan on the this topic.  Great stuff.

Another great post I came across was over at Pensuasion called A Modern Make-Over:  The Classics Retold. As someone who loves movies, old and new, I found it interesting her take on how well these modern make overs retold the classics we know and love.

I’m Going to Camp

That’s right people.  I am going to camp.  I have once again signed up for a 50,000 words in 31 days challenge and this time it is called CampNaNo.  I am basically testing out my theory that I brought up last month about whether my first writing experience in JuNoWriMo ruined me.  All things came together in June, which allowed me to write a good and complete first draft.  So, the real test is, can I do it again.

I am on track with finishing my outline, character and scene sketches.  The more I get into this story the excited I am to tell it.  You can follow my progress with daily update under the Sydney Aaliyah Writes tab at the top.  Wish me luck!

New Followers – thanks so much to my new followers, you guys and gals are awesome.

Karen from Charron’s Chatter
Julie from Word Flows
The Star Chasers
Susan Moffat from Writing Glimmers
Turkischland
Chris Stocking from Write to Perfect
Kelly from This is Helenora
Poetic Parfait
Carrie at dare I eat a peach?
Deena the Digital Diva from Digital eBook Building and Formatting

Next Weeks Schedule

Tuesday – Tattoo Tuesday
Wednesday – Insecure Writer’s Support Group & First day of Campnano
Friday – Blog Post – I am prepared this week
Sunday – My Weekly Update

My Weekly Update – Write Club, Workers, Watch Out

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle15 Comments

WRiTE CLUB

1st rule of WRiTE CLUB, you can talk about WRiTE CLUB, but just this once.  I have been in search of motivation to start writing some short stories and I came across this contest and had to participate.  Plus, Fight Club is one of my favorite movies and Tyler Durden is one of my all time favorite movie characters.  If you want to learn more about WRiTE CLUB and join the competition, click on the badge to the right.  Thanks  to our WRiTE Master DL Hammons for creating the opportunity for the WRiTE of the Century.  First WRiTE  is held on July 30th.  Bring it on.*

*Get it?  I am replacing the word Fight with the word WRiTE.  Pretty clever, huh?

“F–k off with your sofa units and strine green stripe patterns, I say never be complete, I say stop being perfect, I say let… lets evolve, let the chips fall where they may.”  Tyler Durden

Workers

I wanted to give a special shout out this week to some of the people who are putting in work for me.  Your simple click of a button has been so valuable to me and I want to say thank you.

First, a few of my diligent Tribemates – If you aren’t on Triberr, what are you waiting for?

@amitV_Tweets
@rudybarichello
@Danita_Minnis
@jordannaeast
@eteligence
@dbmcNicol
@shahw1
@blackcaesarX
@CiaraBallintyne
@SweetBananaInk
@ErikEmanuelli
@amberrisme
@nosleepintoon
@LynneinPborough
@laurazera
@jvonbargen
@jaustenwannabe
@write_me_happy
@mcmillendc
@sitebymack
@paulinebjones
@lilliemcferrin
@messagebubble
@mrsnazilli
@Raine_Thomas
@GaModernMom
@jdobypr
@sevwinters
@RuthFjacobs
@LVeraWrites
@tfpHumorBlog
 

 My Most Reliable RT’ers

@scotzig
@k_Einsel
@Twitpatedme
@amanda_fanger
@am_sch

 If you aren’t following these people, you are missing out.  I know there are many more and if I missed you, so sorry and thank you, too.

Watch Out

There are two book that you need to watch out for and pick up this week.

Flight of the Blue by A.E. Howard comes out on July 24th.  I had the honor of interviewing A.E. during JuNoWriMo and I am really looking forward to reading her new book.

How I Make A Living In Writing by Scott Morgan.  I really enjoy Scott’s blog Write-Hook.com and have read an excerpt from his new book and it is good.

New Followers

Jase at Resurrected Writer
CurnBlog – Movie site
Chris at Good News Teachings
Victoria at Made for Victory
Rachel at Rachel’s Ink
Angie Richmond
Live 4 Life 201
Jeannette SMejkal 
 

Next Week’s Schedule

Tuesday – Tattoo Tuesday
Wednesday – Sydney Quotes the Movies
Friday – Blog Post
Sunday – My Weekly Update

My Weekly Update – Awards Round Up

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle9 Comments


I have been tagged by my blog buddy A.M. Schultz.  I am stealing his little skull star guy in order for you to remember the man and the myth.  Besides, I think it is too cool. Click on the skull to visit his new site Head Spit.  The guys got talent.

 Eleven Things about Me:
1. I am moving to Shanghai next month.
2. I broke my iPhone yesterday by dropping it on a concrete floor.
3. I play golf.
4. I am unusually loyal to TaylorMade Adidas products.
5. I am obsessed with reality cooking show competitions; Top Chef, Master Chef, Chopped.
6. I can’t cook.
7. I am currently reading Foreign Identity by my new blog friend Becca J. Campbell. Just a few pages in, but Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory meets the movie Saw keeps popping into my head. It is really good.
8. I wonder why Apple doesn’t make printers. It is preventing me from having an all Apple workstation.
9. I currently have three types of currency in my wallet. Can you guess which ones? Hint: I don’t have any American dollars.
10. The title of my next novel is tentatively Ink: A Permanent Love Story. Corny?

Now on to 11 questions by  AM Schultz.  I have to admit, I am a little scared.  Here we go:

#1: Better Song: Happy Happy, Joy Joy or Peanut Butter Jelly Time?
Happy Happy, Joy Joy.  I have no clue what Peanut Butter Jelly Time is, but I will look it up.
#2: What song must you dance/sing to, even at the risk of looking like a ginormous dorkface?
In the fantasy version of myself, I sing and dance like Beyonce. Dance for You is my favorite song from her last album and whenever I hear it, I have to sign and dance.  It’s pretty hot. Let me know what you think.
#3: If you could take any historical figure to lunch, who would it be?
I have a fascination with female leaders, so I would probably pick Cleopatra. The historical accounts of her versus how she is portrayed in movies and T.V. shows is so different.  I would love to ask what what’s the real deal.
4: Where would you go?
 I would take her to Craft in New York. Tom Colicchio’s food is fit for a queen.
#5: What do you think they would order?
She would probably order the entire menu and take a small bite of each thing. She is a queen after all, she is allowed.
#6: What book do you wish you had written?
There aren’t any books I wish I could have written. I think that would be pretty arrogant of me to think I could write a book I love better than the writer.
#7: If you could be one character from literature, who would you be?
I took this quiz What Character from literature are you and it said I was Atticus Finch, which is just awesome. I love To Kill a Mockingbird
#8: Paper or plastic?
Paper
#9: Does the end justify the means?
It does, until it doesn’t.
#10: Least favorite celebrity?
Kim Kardasian – I just don’t get it.
#11: What is the maximum number of times someone should take a bath/shower per day (excluding those with medical conditions, etc)
At least once a day, unless you are really busy and don’t subject other to your funk, then you can get a way with once every two days.

Also, a shout out and thank you to Ella Medler for the One Lovely Blog Award she bestowed upon me last week and Megan Paasch; Rhymes with Smash! for the Inspiring Blog Award.  Last but not least, big thanks to Emma MC at Write Away for the Sunshine Award.  Please check out their blogs.

Badges are on my Blog Work Tab.  As far as the responsibilities, please forgive me, but I don’t think there is anything that you don’t know about me.  I need to go do more stuff so I have more to talk about.  But, I am very grateful for the love nonetheless.

New Followers – I am honored and blessed.

Tyler Wiechman – Fun blog and Marvel Comic tattoos
Year of Austere 
Khamnei Thang
Economiced by Dan Pedersen
Beauty, I Say!
Journey of Jordanna East
Poemage by Justin & Jin
Nevena Read
Jennifer James
 
Next Weeks Schedule
Monday – Hookers Blogfest
Tuesday – Tattoo Tuesday
Wednesday – Hangers Blogfest
Friday – Blog Post
Sunday – My Weekly Update

My Weekly Update – Tagged Twice, Tattoos and Tell Somebody

Published on by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle17 Comments

Tagged #1

Ug! I have been tagged. And, not a normal tag where I tell the world about me.  I can handle that. But, I have been tagged by Karen Einsel in the Next Best Thing Challenge, which means I have to bear my soul and reveal details of my novel. Oh, the horror.  It might be before I am ready, but perhaps Karen is telling me it is time.  So, here it goes.

What is the title of your book/WIP?
  I’m Coming Home

Where did the idea of the book come from?
  I am an American who lives in China and every year when I come back home it never fails, I meet a guy and as soon as I tell him I live in China, he is like, that’s cool and then moves on.  I can’t blame them, really.  China is far away.  So, I was fascinated about this idea if just one time a guy thought of it as an interesting challenge.  How is it possible to develop a relationship with someone who lives so far away?  Also, I love New Orleans and it is great place to start a romance.

What genre would your book fall under?
  I have gone back and forth about this for months.  I think I have narrowed it down to International Rom/Com Chick Lit.

What characters would you choose to play the characters in the movie adaptation of your book?
  The inspiration for my male character is Bryan Greenberg, so he could play him in the movie.  As far as my main character, maybe Thandie Newton or Zooey Deschanel.   A mix of beauty and quirky funny.

What is the one sentence synopsis of your book?
  First of all, I hate this question.  But, here goes:  
An expat living in China meets a guy on a business trip to America and falls in love over Mexican Food in the French Quarter, but will her demanding boss and her own sense of independence threatens what could potentially be her ticket out of her mundane boring life catering to the demands of others and ignoring her own happiness. 
I still hate this questions.

Is your book published or represented? 
  Not, yet and no.

How long did it take you to write your book?  30 days – I wrote it during JuNoWriMo

What other books in your genre would you compare you book to?  I love the quirkiness of the MC in Sophie Kinsella Shopaholic Books.  My MC has some issues with self esteem and sticking up for herself and you want to tell her to get a freakin back bone already, but you like her, too.

Which author’s inspired you to write this book?  Everything I read inspires me.  Plus, places I have lived and visited, people I have met, music I listen to and tattoos (my characters alway have tattoos).  I find inspiration everywhere.  Like Karen, Stephen King is my favorite writer who makes it impossible for you not to get sucked into the world he creates and that is what I want my writing to do.

Tell us anything else that might pique our interest in your book.  Part of the book takes place in Hong Kong and China where I get to pull in a few antidotes about life in China that you could never understand unless you have actually been there. I try my best to take you there.

Tagged #2

I was also tagged by EM Castellan  in the Lucky 7 Meme.  You ladies are really wanting me to put it all out there.  Ok.  Page 77, line 7, 7 lines from I’m Coming Home (You should be hearing the P. Diddy song playing softly in the background).

“Well, in the last hour that I have know him.  He seems ok.”
“Is that it?” Sydney asked. “Ok. The two of you talked about computers for an hour and all you can say is ok.”
“What do you want me to say?” Kevin said. “He is handsome and has good teeth and he smells good, too. What?”
” I am just . . .  I don’t know.” Sydney said.
“Listen, Sydney.” Kevin said. “You have a problem.” 

Ok people, that is it. No more.  I am done. The book is going in the filing cabinet until September.

**The tag rules also include tagging other authors, so my new followers below, consider yourself tagged.  

Tattoos

Starting on Tuesday, I am going to bring to you a new feature; Tattoo Tuesday.  It is my goal to bring this beautiful and often misunderstood art form to my readers.  I will share information on artist, the art, the process, tattoos in pop culture and my own tattoo stories.  I would love to share some of my readers tattoo photos and stories, as well.  If you want to reveal your body art to the world, sent me an email with the artwork and the story.  If you have an image that inspired the artwork as well, sent that, too.  You can reach me at sydliyah at hotmail dot com.

I am am not an expert.  I am just a tattoo’ed girl.  So, if you have any questions that I know I am not qualified to answer, I won’t, but I will find someone who is and will.

Tell Somebody

When I discover great advice on writing, I have to tell somebody.  I have two that I want to share this week:

Nightmares and Realities: Showing vs. Telling by Sevastian Winters – I finally understand the show vs. tell concept.

Dialogic – Part 1:  He said, She said by A.M. Schultz – Great information on writing dialogue.  And, he assured me there will be a part 2.  Right, AM?

New Followers

 Weekly Schedule

Tuesday – Tattoo Tuesday 
Wednesday – Movie Quotes – full blog post version
Friday – Blog Post 
Sunday – My Weekly Update