Reading Material

Good morning all.  I'm a little late in posting today.  It's called sleeping in.  A weekend of non-stop activity tends to have that effect on me...specially when I take a Monday off.  Hurray!!

This week I thought it would be a little fun to share with all of you my favorite reads.  I couldn't possibly go on vacation and not take a book along.  That's just plain wrong.

When I first started writing, I purchased several books in different genres just to see where I fit the best.  Saturday, I grabbed one off  the shelf so I could sit and read it on the bus amid 35 or so people.  I'd never read this book before, but I cringe if I find something on my shelf that's unread.

Seductions: Tales of Erotic Persuasion.

See, at one time I thought the sex scenes in my books were so hot they belonged on the erotica shelf.  I have nothing against erotica, but it's not what I'd like to write.  I've smoothed things out a lot since then, and althought I've only  made it through half the book, I have to say it's rather tasteful.  Like all erotica it is definitely meant for one purpose, to get people hot and bothered.  That's okay, and I can most certainly find humor of reading it in a bus full of strangers.  In honor of naughty erotica, I couldn't resist sharing a story.

Funny Story Ahead:

That's right.  It's a hand.

This is actually a cute story, but I laughed for a good ten minutes.  Be it far from me to ignore a good opportunity for laughter.

To make time pass on a bus trip we play games.  Each person eventually wins a prize.  I'm friends with the guy who sets up the trips, and he couldn't resist running to the front of the bus and sharing this story with me and my hubby.

See, we played a game of fill in the blanks with baseball trivia, which I failed miserably.  He carried a large box filled with prizes around the bus.  Everyone picked something out.  When he made it to the back of the bus to an elderly couple, the sweet old lady dug into the box and pulled out the above plastic hand.  It was a keychain. 

After thoroughly inspecting it, she puts it back in the box and says, "No, I don't want it."

"Are you sure?" my friend asked.

Her husband nodded curtly and said, "I already have one of those handjob things at home."

....^-^.....  Sometimes you just gotta love people.

See ya all tomorrow.

Rambling on Progress.

I had an awesome time at the College World Series on Wednesday, which is weird because I don't care much for sports. I guess it makes all the difference in the world if you go see them live. The weather was perfect. We had great seats off home plate, ate pizza, funnel cake, waffle cone, and I had to fend off hubby as he tried to hold me down and keep me from doing the wave. This post is not about sports, honestly. Although, I will be going on a bus trip this weekend. The fact is that non-writing spouses are asked to give a lot for us. This is my way of paying him back, accompanying him on sports functions. So, here's where I'm getting at.

A few days ago we had a terrible storm here. The sirens went off. Sirens...when I moved here from Florida and those things went off I thought I was in a concentration camp. Ohh, tornado alert. Anyway, they went off, so I hurried up and let the dogs out. While they're out there doing their doodie, I'm gazing at the sky. It was strangely calm, no wind, no darkness. I never understood the term "the quiet before the storm" like I did that day. Birds started flying in a frenzy. I could almost hear them saying, "get inside, stupid humans." Naturally, they were speaking to the neighbors who were outside taking pictures, never mind the fact that I was recording the scene on my phone at the time. Then a huge cloud approached, came out of nowhere. The weather people always refer to them as ominous, bringing apparent doom. The wind immediately followed. By then I was harassing the dogs so they'd climb up the stairs. Little fingers were trickling down from all around the cloud. There was twirling in the middle. It reminded me of the mixing of a cauldron, a wicked brew. Hubby explained about the formation of tornadoes and asked what I would do. I told him we'd both be running down to the basement screaming like a couple of girls. This is not about the weather either, really.

While I was standing there with a tinge of fear in my heart, humbled by the awesome monstrosity, I thought about setting. Yes, me, the writer, thought about setting. What a spectacular setting. That got me to thinking that I needed to tweak some of the setting in my WIP. I've written the word setting one too many times. I went back in the office/dog room and played with world building. I want that when I introduce my readers to my world, they'll step onto the land and feel the velvet of the grass, and beneath that the magic that connects my characters to their planets.

This post is actually about my WIP but I seem to be rambling today. It's been a while since I posted an update.

　

I've read in countless blogs lately that we need to keep our characters real so that readers can relate. If a character is too fictitious, readers won't want to read. A way to keep them real is to place them in real life situations. I've just written the word real one too many times. This is what happens when I don't get enough sleep. 150 pages into the book, after using villain to emotionally drag Craven through the mud, I wanted him to play. I let him tinker with an everyday experience. I treated him to a nice breakfast with his parents. It was a fun chapter in which mom would be mom. I focused on the food, his interaction with his parents, parental advice. Craven is a king, a warrior. He has certain powers, and a little something extra. He's passionate, brave, at times faulty, but I wanted to show him in a different light. It was a great opportunity to reach into his heart and present his more tender side. I wanted to my readers to see him as I see him, to connect.

Needless to day, I had a great time writing it. The bad weather was quickly forgotten.

Everyone have a wonderful weekend!

　

Figuring Genre

I was taking my usual tour of the blogs yesterday when I stopped over at Scott Eagan's blog. I bug him from time to time because he's usually real informative, tells it like it is according to him, and doesn't have a problem with answering questions. He was blogging about mixing genres. This got me into thinking. When I first started writing it was purely a love connection. I didn't consider my target audience. All I knew without a doubt was that I liked what I was writing. The story pleased me. The characters were unique. If I enjoyed it then someone else would also. Then I happened upon a book signing. The authors were spouting information about genre this and genre that. Wait, I was supposed to worry about that?

　

Genre: A category of artistic composition, as in music or literature, characterized by similarities in form, style, or subject matter.  

The dictionary was not real helpful. Needless to say I have mistargeted my share of agents in the past. Scott once offered a nifty piece of advice. He said to go to libraries or book stores and spend some time reading books in the various genres to see where we fit the best. This was helpful, except there are so many books.

I've also heard it said that the setting for fantasy is usually in the past or in an imaginary world. They speak of knights and castles, dragons and demons, but there is really so much more to fantasy. My stories are set in another world altogether. I've always felt that I walked a fine line between fantasy and science fiction because they complement each other, but the fact is that there is no way that what I write is real or possibly explained by any branch of science.

Someone else mentioned that in order to choose a genre you need to hone in on what your conflict is in the story. Again, I was walking that thin line.

Then one day while I was tugging at my hair like a mad woman trying to find where exactly I fit in, I happened upon this way cool site.

Check out below.

http://www.bookcountry.com/books/Map/Default.aspx

When you visit this site, it lists the many genres. If you click on one, it will offer a brief description and show you books that fit into it. This was a Godsend. So I thought I'd share for anyone out there suffering from a common affliction with first time writers. Go ahead and play with it. It's fun.

Have a great day!

　

What in the World????

My Thoughts For Today.

I work in an environment that allows me contact with a vast amount of individuals. Now, I love people, but during the years I've noticed that there are a few things that seem to bug me, so I thought it would be kind of fun if I pointed these out to see if anyone else suffered from a similar dilemma.

　

Laila's Pet Peeves:

　

1. People who walk by me and pretend I'm not here. This usually falls under the category of young lawyers. Seriously? (A wise lady..aka my mother...once used a phrase that now comes to mind clearly. She said, "sometimes people will fart higher than their asses.") It's one of the funniest statements I have ever heard used to describe snobs. This is common curtesy. If you've walked by me, and it is the first time you have seen me today, there is a good chance we're not sleeping together. (My husband would tell me otherwise.) You should really say hi. A simple waive will do.

　

2. Nose Pickers. This should be self-explanatory. I once had a conversation with a gentleman who could not resist the urge to insert his dominant digit into his nasal cavity. He did this for half an hour. I finally couldn't take it any longer and said, "Must you pick your nose in front of me?" Do you know what he said? It was priceless. He pulls his finger out and says, "I have something in there." Well, no shit. I'm sure it's not your brain. (I did not say this, only thought it.) If you're standing there talking to me, please resist temptation. I know to some it's irresistible but really, visit the inside of your nose in private. If you absolutely must poke your fingers in there, use a tissue, if not, abort.

　

3. Clicks. These are usually funded by highschool nitwits and backstabbers that never grew up. These individuals hang around in groups and scoff at the way you look, act, express yourself. There is a root need that urges them to act the way they do, something deeply embedded inside themselves that they dislike so much they feel the compulsion to take it out on you. When presented with such a person, I first attempt to apply my rule of giving someone a second chance. First impressions are not always the best. If they fail second chance, the best course of action is to wipe your feet and move on. These people will hurt you and infringe upon your character.

4. Holier than thou people. We've all met them. They live by a nifty religious code. As soon as you say or do something that jolts them out of their safe zone, they point fingers, label you, judge you, and dare to call it righteous. I have one thing to say about this. "Get over it." We are all different, wonderful, unique, and times have been changing for a while.

　

5. Finally, the prudes. Woe to you if you mention sex. They will squirm. Their lips will twist into something simbolizing the aftermath of a shot of tequilla with too much lime. They will then proceed to label you a pervert. And each time you open your mouth they will remind you that they've labeled you a pervert and share that information with others. Here's a bit of trivia. Our parents did not make us by whispering into each other's ears.

　

Why am I posting pet peeves? Well, maybe I just felt like doing a bit of rambling, or I thought I could brighten someone's day. In a nutshell: There's no reason to be rude to anyone. There's plenty of room for sympathy, kindness, and appreciation of each other. So if you fit into any of the above descriptions, be kind, rewind, and show us the best in you.

　

　

　

Questions.

I've been reading Writer's Market, and after Nancy's post on Stats I'm considering the concept of building a platform and social networking. That's something we're expected to do as writers to promote ourselves because things are so different now. It sounds like a lot of hard work. Now, I'm not squawking and definitely up for it, but I do have a few questions.

Everyone who is anyone is on Facebook, except me.

I've been encouraged, coaxed and begged, but the whole privacy issue holds me back. Once you post something on facebook, regardless of how well you block it, it can still be hacked. I do not kid you. I work with fraudulent cases. If they can't hack into your stuff they will leap onto your friend's facebook and explore your privacy there. Be careful what you post.

I'm a writer.

Once my books get published, people might want to know about me, so that tosses privacy out the window.

What about Twitter? I have a Twitter account I never use because I'm concerned that it's going to take too much time away from everything else.

Also, I'm not quite sure how to use it.

My questions are for those of you out there who have Facebook or Twitter. Do you like it? Do you use it often? What do you use it for?

I basically say what I have to say for the day on my blog because when wound up properly I can ramble on and on. Granted, only writers visit the blog, whereas something life Facebook could attract a myriad of individuals. I blog at work so that it doens't affect my writing or family life. I can read comments on my phone. It's great.

So...any words of advice from those more learned than I?

Sweets for the Sweet.

                               

Good morning everyone.

I had a post all ready for today, but I couldn't possibly ignore this wonderful award given to me by fellow blogger extraordinaire Bryce Daniels at the The Bryce Daniels Preservation Society  who continues to wow me with his prose and tickle me with his humor.  One day I might even discover his real name.  Thanks

Bryce.

I hope there are no rules that dictate that I have to complete this the same day it was received because I decided to have a little fun with it.  Let me start by saying that not only am I a visual person but I love angels.  Having said that, I'm going to attempt to put a face to a name.

For all of those who have never seen his face, this is Bryce.  

It was either this or...

                                              I decided the angel was much more cute.

Rules:

1. Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to them.  (See above.)

2. Include seven random tidbits about yourself.  (See below.)

3. Pass award on to 5 others and link to their blogs. (See further down.)

4. Let the people know you've given them the award. (Okay.)

Seven Tidbits About Me:  My goodness, what can I say about myself that I haven't already blabbed about on my blog?  Ahem, I'll try to keep this brief.

This is me...for today.

1. I was born in a communist country, which means I had to stand in line for food, clothing, and anything else I wanted.  It also means that I appreciate what it means to be an American.  I'm fluent in two languages, can understand what I'm reading in four, and can curse in all of them...not that I ever do that.

2. I'm a big fan of the Pink Panther and have the theme tune as my cellphone ringer.  For a short time I was addicted to episodes of Xena the Warrior Princess.  She still rocks.

3. I love dogs, cats, ferrets....all animals actually.  I once almost had a zoo inside a one-bedroom apartment.  That didn't bode well with  the landlord...specially since there were no pets allows.  Now I just have dogs.  (Caution: I have been known to run a fence line.)  I've also been swimming with dolphins.  It is quite the experience.

4. I'm a wine connoisseur.  (That just means I'll drink anything red, but I know that for show I need to sniff it first.)  Hubby bought me a wine shirt with a picture of a spitoon.  It says, Do you spit or swallow.  (I'm not allowed to wear it in public.)  I also like coffee ice cream and brown cake with brown frosting.

5. I'm an obsessive hummer.  (I don't ever realize I'm doing it.)  It started when I was little.  It means I create my own background noise regardless of whether I'm sad of happy.

6. When I'm not working on my current WIP, I write poetry or sketch faces.  I've sketched several picture of the male protagonist in my novel.  I also have a thing for art and science museums and am a certified trekkie. (Live long and prosper.)  Sorry, had to throw that in there.

7. I've been living in Nebraska for ten years after meeting hubby on line and coercing him into marrying me.  Nah, he realized he couldn't live without it...at least that's what I tell him every day.  I think he believes me now.

I AM OPEN FOR QUESTIONS.

I'm passing on the Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award to: 


Let me start by saying that I am proud to share this space with all my fellow bloggers.  Bryce and Nancy were my first buds in the Blogosphere.  I think I picked them up from Rachelle Gardner's blog.  And I'm so happy I did.

So, allow me to present the next five.

1. Desert Rocks at  The Desert Rocks.  

                                                              
Desert Rocks was one of my first followers.  I have no clue what she looks like or what her name is, but, like me, she wouldn't mind kissing Clark Gable.  She believes in angels and has a cute wiener doggie.  She strikes me as a lady of distinction.  Her posts make me think of basic human kindness, good home cooking, and a warm hug.  Her writing clearly flows from the heart.  I thought the fairy angel suited her well.

2. Mike Koch at  Protect The Risen.    

Okay, I know what he really looks like, but I couldn't help myself.   I'm also sure he'll appreciate the picture.  I've been following Mike in silence for a while, and vice versa.  He has a way of weaving words together on a post that makes me think of art.  I'd be thrilled to read one of his novels.  I've recently discovered that he is open-minded, has a great sense of humor, a vivid imagination, and isn't afraid to play with words.

3.  Jessica Nelson at  Jessica Nelson.

Jessica just sold her first book.  It's due to be published in 2012.  Although she only posts on Wednesdays, everyone can benefit from this great writer's insight into the publishing world.  She also has nothing but goodness in her heart, always a kind word, and is as sweet as molasses.  I gave her the fairest angel.

4. T. B. McKenzie at  Magickless. 

Did you notice how the angel guys are hotter than the women.  What's up with that?  Good job!

Travis is an awesome fantasy writer who is in the process of getting published.  He is doing a terrific job of writing in detail everything he's had to do to ready his manuscript for publication.  He's a teacher, an artist, and a great writer.  I doubt he'll have any time to play, but I've given him this award to show others someone who has begun to live the dream, and what we're all eventually in store for.

5. Pam Asberry at Sometimes It's Cloudy, Sometimes It's Clear. 

 Pam loves beaded necklaces, making lists, remodelling her house.  She has a warm heart, is really family oriented and is one of the most caring individuals on this Earth.  (No wonder she writes romance.)  She was also my third follower, and I haven't heard from her in a while.  I'm sending her this award so she can share a little bit more about herself.

                                     There now.  The cards have been placed on the table.

                                                 I hope everyone has enjoyed this post as
                                                 much as I enjoyed writing it.

Something Different for a Friday.

For anyone who's read Heaven is for Real, I've posted the art gallery belonging to the little girl (child prodigy) who painted these amazing prints.  She and the boy who wrote the book swear up and down that her picture of Jesus is what he actually looks like.  I don't know how true it is, but her paintings are lovely.  (what can I say.  I'm a closet artist.)

http://www.artakiane.com/gallery

Also, for any of you who have been following the flood, I've posted some pictures.  An ocean in Omaha?

            This is the Ameristar Casino in Iowa.  I can see this from my building at work.

This is the inside of the building.

Hotel

Parking Lot

Pretty Impressive.

At one time Nebraska had an ocean running through it.

There are even sharks in the museum.

I'm glad I live in Bellevue.

Have a great weekend.