My Weekly Update – Page 9 – Sydney Aaliyah Michelle

New Award, New to Facebook, Again & New Followers

Published on June 24, 2012June 24, 2012 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle17 Comments

New Blog Award

I am once again honored and humbled by the generosity and support from the blogging community. I have been award the Beautiful Blogger award by the very interesting Lightningpen’s Blog. His witty blog posts intermittent with random rants make for a fun read, so please check him out.

In regards to this blog award responsiblities, I will now fulfill them to the best of my ability.

7 Deserving Blogs:

Jeremy Powell – The Hopeful Author – He is a writer on a journey and has a great attitude about the process. Plus he has his priorities in order; family first.
Falls Into Writing – Jenn is a Southern girl from North Carolina and has been thinking about writing a novel for years and now she is doing it. I can relate.
Confessions of a Popcorn Addict – JuNoWriMo peep and a true believer in prewriting, as I am.
The Phantom M-pire – Mark has great movie reviews and I love movies. But, he also has a few random post, that make you think. His latest; If I were in Charge
Wendy Lu – The Red Angel – She is a Chinese American who seems to have fifty different jobs (2 blogs, journalist, magazine editor, traveler and novelist) and I picture her doing all of them with the same smile on her face that she has on her profile photo.
EM Castellan – I meet during JuNoWriMo and had the privilege of interviewing her for my site. Her blog is full of fascinating post and she lives in an English castle, which is just cool.
Amanda Fanger – Another new discovery from JuNoWriMo, she has a smart and fun point of view on her writing process.

New to Facebook, Again

Well I did it. I set myself up on Facebook . . . again. I like Facebook. I really do. And with the sharing capabilities connected to everything you read online it makes it easy for others to see what you find interesting.

The reason I took a long break from Facebook in the past is because it got to consuming and to overwhelming. It is hard to keep up. I mean, one of my friend went on a trip to the Grand Canyon and posted a gazillion photos, I went to the Great Wall and felt obligated to share a gazillion and 1 photos. It took the fun out of the real life activities I was participating in because I had to make sure I had the best pics, stories and antidotes for my Facebook friends. It was exhausting.

But, I am back and will be smarter about it. If you would like to be my friend, go check me out. I am the Sydney Aaliyah in China. Head on over, but just don’t make me feel guilty for not posting 400 photos of my visit with my nephews.

Besides, I only took 350.

New Followers

Before I get to my new followers I would like to pose a questions to everyone: What would you rather have new followers or comments on blog post? Let’s discuss.

New followers, thank you, thank you, thank you!

Next Weeks Schedule

Monday – Junowrimo Participant Interview – A.M. Schultz

Tuesday – Movie Quotes

Wednesday – What Would You Do that if it Could Get you This – Cosmo Article Inspired Blog Post – can’t wait to share.

Friday – Junowrimo Participant Interview – Morgan Hyde

Sunday – My Weekly Update

*Continue to check out Sydney Aaliyah Writes for my daily JuNoWriMo updates. I hit 50,000 words last week and then some. I hope to have over 70,000 words by the end of June.

My Weekly Update – Junowrimo, Job and Just Freakin Cool

Published on June 17, 2012 by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle5 Comments

Junowrimo

Going into week three, I have a handle on JuNoWriMo. In fact, I am kicking junowrimo’s butt. And, I am pretty excited about it. I am over 40,000 words in 16 days. I have about 20,000 words to go before I finish my 1st draft of my 1st novel. That is my new goal for June.

It hasn’t been easy. Far from it, but what I am most please about it my preparation has paid off. Even when I though I would run out of story, taking a day to step back and review my outline revealed that the story wasn’t supposed to end where I originally thought. It just transformed the story even further and I love it even more.

Lessons learned, preparation is key, but being open to new ideas and adjusting you plan my reveal something better.

Favorite passage written last week was this toast that John makes in front of his best friend and Sydney’s brother about how they are going to maintain their relationship when Sydney goes back to China:

“7 days ago, I meet this girl and instantly knew that I had to get to know her. There was just something about her, that I am still trying to figure out.” Looking at Sydney, John continued. ” Now I don’t know whether it was God, the universe, karma, Budda or The Force, but something in this world has saw fit to bring us into each other lives and I think that force has earned our respect.” Sydney had no idea where John was going with this little speech or declaration, but she was all ears.

“I am not typically one to just let things happen and we all know Sydney has to know the answers to everything before the questions are even asked. But, baby you can’t research the outcome of this one. All we can do is trust that the force that brought us together will keep up together. Even when we are miles apart.” to Kevin and Dennis, “And, that the people who love us the most will remind us if we try and take control this love thing.”

“Cheers”

*Now this is unedited, but does it make sense? Let me know.

Job

There is one definition of the word job that says, “Anything a person is expected or obliged to do; a duty; a responsibility. That is how I have been think of my writing lately and I am happy to report that it has transformed not only my attitude, but the quality of my writing as well.

Now, no one wants to be obligated to do something, but if you think about it. There are obligations and responsibilities that we take on in our paying jobs every day. We do them because we want to get a pay check, we want to get a good review, we want to move up and be recognized for a job well done.

Well that is the same with my writing “job”. Although I don’t get a paycheck for it. I have an obligation and a responsibility to not waste this gift. I have a responsibility to myself to respect the time I have dedicated to this so far and to my blog readers and fellow writers who are so supportive and who have given me great advice.

So, writing is my job and finally, I have a job a love.

Just Freakin Cool New Followers

*If I missed someone, sorry and thank you.

This Weeks Schedule

Monday – Junowrimo Participant Interview – James Eggebeen – He has already hit 50,000 words.

Tuesday – Movie Quotes

Wednesday – Writer Wednesday Blog Hop – the photo this week is so cool.

Friday – Junowrimo Participant Interview – EM Castellan

Sunday – My Weekly Update

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

This Week’s Schedule

Monday – My Interview with JuNoWriMo host and participant – Anna Howard

Tuesday – Movie Quotes

Wednesday – Writer Wednesday Blog Hop

Friday – General Blog Post

Sunday – My Weekly Update

*And be sure click the Sydney Aaliyah Writes page for daily updates on my JuNoWriMo progress.

My Weekly Update – Writing, Written & Writers

Published on May 27, 2012June 11, 2012 by Sydney Aaliyah MichelleLeave a comment

Writing

It is 5 days until the beginning of JuNoWriMo. For those of you living under a rock, JuNoWriMo is a month long writing challenge. I will be writing 50,000 words in 30 days. That is about 1,667 word per day.

If you are interested in seeing how I progress through this month long madness, I will document my progress after completing the daily writing goals. I foresee a lot of 11:55 pm updates in my near future. Check it out under the Sydney Aaliyah Writes Page on my site. My To Do List is up now. I have a busy few days coming up.

I also plan to keep my blog up to date, but JuNoWriMo is my first priority this month. Bear with me.

Written

I wrote a short scary story for Writer Wednesday Blog Hop and received an overwhelming amount of requests (6 people) for me to continue the story. I am not one to disappoint my fans, so check in on Wednesday and see what happen when Sarah (I decided to give her a name) pushes #2.

I would like to thank the following for their comments:

“Wonderful imagery.” – Cerece

“I want to know what happens next!” – Selena

“Great story, your main character was really relatable.” – Carrie Sorenson

You are all awesome. Thanks so much for the feedback.

Writers who Support Writers (New Followers)

Thank you to my new followers. I hope you are enjoying being inside my brain:

Blog Love

Check out the rest of the Blog Love list.

This Weeks Schedule

Monday – Wine Auction

Tuesday – Movie Quotes

Wednesday – Writer Wednesday Blog Hop

Friday – First day of JuNoWriMo

Sunday – My Weekly Update

My Weekly Update – A Story, An Attack & Accolades

Published on May 20, 2012 by Sydney Aaliyah MichelleLeave a comment

I hope everyone had a great week. I sure did.

A Story

I wrote a little 500 word story for the Writer Wednesday Blog Hop and received some great feedback. It just warmed my heart to have people I respect compliment my writing. Makes me believe I might be doing something right. Two comments I wanted to share with you all because they are still making me smile:

“A fictional character has just stolen my heart.” – by the greatness that is Tameri Etherton

“Good voice.” – by Randy Lindsay

Thanks to you both for making my week.

I have something a little scary planned for next week.

An Attack

Ok. Not really an attack, but I did get into a two comment debate with the movie reviewer at Love Your Movies. He has a really great blog on movies and the movie industry. I really love the way he describes a movie from a personal perspective.

Apparently he did not agree with my opinions in my post on The Greatness of Peter Berg and Battleship The Movie. My word choice of “innovative” to describe Peter Berg as a director particular struck a cord with him. A few other points were exchanged as well. You can read for yourself, but I did stop the debate with the “Ok, I get it. I just don’t agree. You have your opinions. That is why you have your own blog,” statement. Whether he is still following me or not, I am not sure.

But, it did get me thinking. First, what about my blog site with its flowers, love of movie quotes and all around praise and support of my fellow writing and blogging community garnered in anyone the need to debate my opinions. Especially about a movie. I am not auditioning to take over for Richard Roeper.

Second, what is appropriate when commenting on someones blog. I’m not saying I don’t like a good debate. I am a former lawyer and love to argue and can articulate and debate the merits from both sides with the best of them. But, there is also a time and place.

Finally, is there a point when you go to far. I could have come back with a scene by scene comparison of the differences between Friday Night Lights and Varsity Blue (I might still do that in a future post. Good idea.), but what purpose would it have served. Or, is it my duty to defend my point to the end of time. That isn’t really the point of why I do this.

What I have concluded is that I will welcome any and all criticism, comments and suggestions. I would prefer the criticism be about something I am trying to actually get better at, namely my writing.

I will answer any and all comments and try to stay as positive and polite as I can. After all, the tag line of my site is Happiness, Passion, Love & Faith.

Love and light to you all, dammit!

And Accolades

Thank you to my new followers. I am so happy that you have joined the scene:

Cinema Wolf – Great movie review by Colin Carman
Little Grey Box – Musing from an Australian living in London
Ink and Paper – writing advice from Kara Skinner
Horror Writer DKW – Author site for Dalton L. Fluker

-I also had a few new follower by email and some that don’t have websites. Thanks to you all as well.

Blog Love

See the full Blog Love list on Twitter!

The Weeks Schedule

Monday – Kreativ Blogger Award Duties and Tag Your It – this is a new one.

Tuesday – Movie Quotes

Wednesday – Writer Wednesday Blog Hop

Friday – Random Blog Post

Sunday – My Weekly Update