Thursday Travels

I wandered beyond the river of death, forgetting the pain it was to be me and looking forward to the excitement it was to become "me" again.

Going back to Latin America (not physically, but article-wise), I found this short article: Liquid Mercury Discovered Beneath Teotihuacan Pyramid.

My first thought was "how many people got sick putting the mercury there?" That wasn't the point of the article, but knowing what we know about mercury now, I can't imagine how many people became sick interacting with the mercury.

Anyway, one of the cool theories behind why mercury may have been there is because "it may have symbolized the river of death." (That's an image/prompt for sure).

Also, my favorite take-away from this article is that they also found "metallic spheres dubbed "disco balls"." I guess they wanted to make sure the person had everything they needed to party in the afterlife. :)

Writing Wednesdays

While writing, even just side stories or prompts, about my characters in my WIP, there is one character who is fighting me every step of the way. He is not meant to be the MC's love interest, but that's what he is becoming.

I usually let my characters do what they want, so long as the story progresses and hits the points it needs to, but this is going against the larger picture. The character is a loveable guy, but he keeps inserting himself into situations where he comes off looking like an amazing guy and a fantastic match for my MC.

This will be an on-going battle, where I am either going to have to be conscious of what he says and does around the MC, or make sure to establish a platonic relationship between the two.

We'll see.

Tuesday Tech

Despite there being loads of things happening in the world - which is usually the case - I actually struggled with finding an article for today.

So, in honor of the people who will be graduating college this weekend and next I thought I would share Business Insider's story: 13 Qualities Google looks for in job candidates.

The best one of the attributes, based on the name given, is "Google wants Googleyness." The article goes into what exactly "Googleyness" is, a summation of a bunch of different qualities, and I love that they made up their own word.

One of the qualities I appreciate, as I believe not many companies do (from my experience), is "role-related knowledge." Role-related knowledge is that you have the background and the aptitude to do your job, even if it means you need to teach yourself a few things. A lot of the jobs I have interviewed for seem to expect you to come in knowing everything. But studies show, people don't stay in those jobs long. People like challenge, be it small or overwhelming. Yet, it almost seems companies expect you not only to have the qualifications, but be able to come in knowing how to do most, if not everything, listed in the job duties.

One key thing from this article is that Google wants people to have the willingness to learn. They want you to be smart enough to know that you don't know everything, you could be wrong, and have the willingness to learn (because it's ok to make mistakes!)

That's the short and sweet of it. Hope you all have a wonderful day.

Monday Musings

Last week I (finally) had the chance to finish Rebel Queen by Michelle Moran. So, here are some of my thoughts on it. I know there are plenty reviews on it, but I like to recommend books to people and my two cents are free. I'll try to avoid spoilers.

She is my favorite historical fiction author and I was thrilled when Rebel Queen came out - and it did not disappoint.

Ok, yes, I was disappointed it was on the shorter side, since I ate it up way to fast, but that's life.

I am unfortunately ignorant on most details of history, despite my love of it, so historical fictions are great reads for me because I'm never sure who is going to die and who's going to get married. This was continued for me in Rebel Queen, about the Rani Lakshmibai, told in the point of view of Sita, a guard in her personal all-women army.

If you have read her other books, Nefertiti, The Heretic Queen, Cleopatra's Daughter, and Madame Tussaud or The Second Empress, this book falls closer to the first four as it doesn't switch POVs. I usually like different POVs, but with Michelle Moran's writing and choice of characters, I usually want to stay with the main protagonist.

The difference is - which might be a spoiler, so be forewarned - it's told after the fact. Sita is actually retelling the events, so there are moments when her older, experienced voice reflects on things she didn't understand when she was younger. It was nice though, to see Sita's hindsight on the events of her life that got her where she is at the end.

In addition, I adore the introduction of words, like purdah, that people are generally not familiar with. If there was ever a question about a words meaning, there was a glossary in the back of the book, defining certain words. It needs to be said that while reading I could see the depth of knowledge and research that went into Rebel Queen was intimidating - and greatly appreciated. The world really came to life and I am happy to say I have an expanded view of what was going on during the Victorian Era in England.

Anyway, to the story itself, I always love Moran's choice in people who are telling the story. Sita is a magnificent character - strong, thoughtful, witty, and very human. Her horizon is expanded from her village beginnings to knowing the Rani and Raja. Sita is a relatable character and has a wonderful voice.

Here is a minor spoiler about the ending, if you know nothing about the mid-to-late 1800s in India and English involvement then it probably isn't, but it's a sad/tragic ending. I told someone it's bittersweet, but more on the bitter side. So, if you are looking for a happy ending, you may want to stay away from historical fictions.

The good news, though, was I wasn't wrecked over the ending, but it did put things into perspective.

Well, anyway, check out her books if you like historical fictions, Ancient Egypt, Reign of Terror France, or English East India Trading Company India time.

Friday Fun

I was going to look for another comic to post today, but I have another idea, more like a challenge. Ok, another prompt, but this one works for art as well.

Some background: In my eyes, I am a far better artist than writer - confidence I've gained from years of working on my art. Years ago, I found myself struggling to create my own characters. I was always drawing other people's characters, maybe in new clothes or different situations, but it was always someone else's characters.

So, I thought of a challenge - a challenge I have yet to truly accomplish in all its rules.

The challenge: Go to your iTunes (on shuffle), YouTube, Pandora, or turn on the radio. The first song (or to mix it up, the fifth song) you hear, take it and create something with it. Use it as inspiration for your character, or to create a character. The song can create a new scene for your character, it can define your character's attire or attitude.

This really expands into any medium used to express yourself. Sew an outfit, create a hairstyle, throw a new pot, paint a scene, write the actions. Use the song to stir your imagination and emotions and let it guide you to create something new.

Two of my characters in my first MS, actually five of them now that I think of it, grew from this challenge. Most of the characters in my first MS were just OCs (original characters) that I created so I could wholly own the rights to the art (you know, no permission needed for using someone else's creation). But as their designs grew, so did their demands to have a whole world to unite them.

Just another thing to think about if you are suffering from creativity block.

If you want a song, here is the one that reminded me of this and inspired this post (NOTE: I haven't watched the video, but it shouldn't be inappropriate): Rodney Atkins: If You're Going Through Hell (Keep on Going)

Thursday Travels

Through my usual reads, Business Insider, Entrepreneur, Archaeology, I came across this: Iron Age Owl Clasp Unearthed in Denmark.

It's a short article (with a picture!), but in the writing  mindset I was in when reading about this iron owl, I thought it would make an interesting prompt.

A while ago I mentioned I was doing writersedit.com "weekly" prompts to get into the practice of writing in my MC's voice. The prompt I was working on (#3 I think) mentioned your protagonist finding something strange in their pocket. So, reading this I thought "what if my MC received this as a gift?"

So, here is a writing prompt for people looking for something to write based on the article:

What if your character (a MC, the protagonist of your latest work, even favorite characters from TV shows, movies, books or video games) received this owl (or even found it)? Why did they receive it? Is it a reward for a long journey? Or is it a gift before the hero goes into battle? Explore your character's reaction to the gift, physical and emotional. Does it stir painful memories or excite them to action?

I'll be working on this as well. Maybe Wednesday I'll post it (seeing if I can finish everything else before then).

Writing Wednesday

Writing update time!

I decided yesterday that I enjoy writing in first person, maybe because it's easier, or that I just like to take on the character's personality when I'm writing.

This means that I am rewriting my MS in first person. Good thing I was short about 30,000 words. That's 30,000 words I don't need to rewrite.

It was a tough choice, since it goes against the whole reason this "prequel" series is in third while the "main" series is in first, but that's the breaks.

I don't think many people would have caught on to the convolutedness that is my brain anyway (sometimes I wonder why I like to make things complicated with deep, deep symbolism and connections).

Well, have a fantastic day all! I'm off to rework this MS.

Tuesday Tech

I found this article yesterday: Step 1 to Selling Your Book? Don't Pretend It's 'Free.'

I had mixed feelings about it. At first it read like "How to Cheat the System," with some good advice on how to promote your book.

Then, well, it still felt wrong to me. I had to read the article several times to find what was missing: the writing itself.

One thing this article didn't express, which I feel is essential in any business, it the quality of the work you are producing. Yes, you can produce garbage, and people may by garbage, but like so many of my business professors have said "garbage in, garbage out." Basically, you don't put forth your best effort going into the process, you can expect less than stellar results.

This article focuses on promoting your book, something absolutely essential in this day and age, but it fails to highlight that one key detail of actually having something to sell. It almost read like "you want to make some money, write a book, promote it, and then you can go on to your next idea."

I agree, building your audience is crucial, but passion is a MUST if you are going to do anything the "hard way." Writing a book, and having it published, is like starting your own business. I wrote my first MS as a way to challenge myself while I was looking for work. I found that I love writing and I'm willing to work at it to improve my craft.

This article does focus on entrepreneurial people who are writing books (by the sound of it), but again, write something good. Just like in business and query letters, you need to have what makes your book special compared to all the others out there.

Anyway, take my thoughts, and the article, for what they're worth. I do recommend reading the article - or at least skimming through it - for ideas on how to promote your work (writing or not) that are outside the usual Twitter and Facebook.

Monday Musings

Wow! April is going by fast!

Between work, editing, reading, and writing prompts, plus life in general, this year has gone by fast.

It's so strange how the concept of time changes as we age. I remember how an hour long TV show felt like forever and how school almost never ended.

Now, hour long TV shows are no where near long enough and, well, a work day still feels like it will never end.

It's interesting how perspective changes as we age. Yes, we have more experiences and knowledge when we are older, but at least for me, it feels like my perspective changed over night.

Just a random thought for the day since I'm still really busy. But tomorrow I found something for the writers and authors out there (just an article, so don't get too excited). Stay tuned!

Friday Fun

Ever since I can remember, I loved miniatures. My family enjoys telling stories of how I would walk around the house all day with Polly Pockets in my hand (well, more of a fist).

So, in honor of miniatures, dolls, and all things young and toys, here are some links to interesting craft sites with printables and tutorials:

myfroggystuff.blogspot.com - doll accessories and prints - yours for the making.

gabbidisney.tumblr.com - Monster High, Ever After High doll crafts. Plus some lovely drawings made by gabbidisney.

For something more advanced: wasting-gold-paper.blogspot.com - creating your own flocked animal with clay.

There are so many wonderful craft sites out there with amazing freebies and tutorials! You just have to know what you want.

Thursday Travels

It's been about a month since I started this blog and I haven't ever discussed any of the books I've read.

However, today I came across an article about an ancient civilization that was introduced to me in Amy Raby's Fire Seer. It was an interesting read, and if you like historical fictions that lean more toward the fiction, you should check it out. I believe the age group is Adult (for the people who want to know). (Edit: She notes that the evidence of the Harapans was a jumping off point for her book and not to regard it as historical. Still interesting though.)

I love learning about ancient civilizations, the older the better, so I was thrilled when I read the Fire Seer and learned of the Harapan. Now, I want to note here that I am in no way considered an expert on history or the Harapan, or any civilizations in the Indus Valley (or anywhere really), so some of what I'm about to say may be a little off the mark since I'm piecing together the little I've read about them (two articles and Raby's notes). I'm also not sure on the spelling since I've seen "Harapan", "Harrapan", and "Harappa", so I'm just going to pick one and stick with it.

The Harapan were contemporaries of the Ancient Egyptians, but less is known of them. The civilizations in the Indus Valley served as a trade route and gateway between the east and the west. They probably thrived from their resources of stones and metals, and from trade. Often civilizations that host traders tend to thrive becoming the most advanced and diverse of civilizations as they have the opportunity to be exposed to cultures and items from across the land.

At the end of the Fire Seer, Raby writes about the Harapan and what she knows of them. She notes that "The Harapans had the world's first flush toilets!", showing how advanced the civilization was in the second/third century B.C.

Because of the harsh climate of the desert, it's difficult for people to do excavations, but it sounds like progress is made every month or so. In addition, Raby notes that we haven't been able to translate the language the Harapan's used, so we are missing out on a lot about them. It's also unknown as to why many of the civilizations in the Indus Valley fell and were left uninhabited for almost 1,500 years.

Here's an Archaeology article about the Indus Valley Civilizations if you want to read more.

And here's a blog post about the fall of another ancienct civilization: Thursday Travels 3/19/15.

Writing Wednesday

Hooray for Wednesday!

I was finally able to piece some time together and get some writing/editing done. While I was reading the opening of my latest MS, I realized, I hate my voice. Have you ever been recorded for a video and when someone plays it back, you cringe?

That's what reading the opening was like for me. The voice would work if this were a Middle Grade novel, and if I wasn't so dead set on the plot and events, I'd be happy with Middle Grade.

That being said, I don't really hate my voice, just that voice for the character.

So, just like my last MS, I bit the bullet and started rewriting the opening scene. (The pacing was too fast anyway, so it helps to rewrite it).

I seem to end up rewriting large portions of my novels for any variety of reasons. For my first novel (MS, not a published book, yet), I rewrote over half the book. And let me tell you, I'm better for it. The first half moves faster, lame scenes were deleted, and the dialogue is snappier. I learned a lot from completing the novel the first time, so I needed to apply what I learned to the beginning (and parts of the end).

What I'm getting at is sometimes scenes just need to be rewritten. Sometimes the entire MS needs an overhaul. It's ok, I know it's rough. Just save your first version, and then work on the second. You'll always have the first version to go back to if you want to.

(Sorry for the short posts, I'm swamped with work for the next few weeks).

Tuesday Tech

Rejoice authors, writers, and readers!

HarperCollins and Amazon have finally reached a deal. (Link goes out to Business Insider).

That means HarperCollins books will still be available on Amazon. Great news for readers who love their Kindle (or Kindle App in my case), and for writers/authors because any additional channel to reach readers is a good one, especially when they are big like Amazon.

I guess this could be good news for investors, but the financial people can talk about that.

Besides Barnes & Noble, and the occasional book from my local grocery store, I buy most of my books from Amazon. It is also one of the top places I learn about new books, besides the lovely agents and authors I follow over on Twitter.

I can't imagine how many amazing books might not reach people if this deal didn't go through. One of my good friends reads only on her Kindle (and books from the library), so imagine all the others who would miss out.

Yes, if I knew of a book I really wanted to read, I would go to other stores/libraries to get it, but I also wonder how many books I would pass on because I just don't have the time for other stores (so sad, but true).

Anyway, cheers! Anything that benefits writers and readers, the better.

Monday Musings

Are we sure it's Monday? Because last I checked, it was Friday.


I didn't get half the amount of stuff done that I was planning to, but such is life.

I'm starting a new creative project at work, and while I was enamored with my idea on Friday, working on it today has left me not so enthused.

That is when it's break time - or an excuse to read for a few minutes. I have been dying to read Michelle Moran's latest book, Rebel Queen, it's even on my desk, but I haven't been able to read more than a paragraph.

I know this sounds like a whiney post, but it actually isn't. I just wanted to say, whenever you get stuck on writing, a creative project, or any project really, you should take a step away from it and do something else.

Distancing yourself from your project will give you fresh eyes and even a new perspective. Whenever I get stuck with writing I will either read or draw. It might be a few days before I go back to writing, but by then, whatever problem I was having seems a lot smaller.

The other suggestion for when your stuck: eat something. Seriously. I become a defeatist when I'm hungry, and I know I can't be the only one.

Just don't over do it. :)

Friday Fun

In the spirit of exercising the mind and procrastination (not that I'm encouraging procrastination), I thought I would share two online games that seem to lean more towards enhancing the mind, or "enhancing" eyesight.

The first one I came across this morning called Kukukube. The goal of the game is to see just how perceptive your eyesight is in regards to color. Squares of the same color appear on the board, but one is a shade off from the others! You need to find the different square to move on to the next puzzle.

It starts off pretty easy, but then gets to the point you begin to question if the game is tricking you. I played it once, so far, and got a score of 33.

Click here to play Kukukube!

The other one is the 2048 game. The goal of the game is to get your numbered tiles to "2048". You start off with two squares, each with the number 2 on them. Using the arrow keys (or directional swiping on tablets and smartphones), you slide the squares into each other. Combining the two "2"s will get you one tile with a 4 on it.

To get to 2048 you need to continue combining the numbered squares. However, the only way the numbered squares can combine is with a square of the same number (16 can only combine with 16). Each move you make generates another square, usually with the number "2" or "4" on it.

Warning: It's pretty addicting. And you may learn to quickly double numbers up to 2048.

Play 2048 here!

There are even other versions of 2048. For the people who prefer images, some people have recreated the game to feature images of characters from games and TV shows.

I love games like these :)

Thursday Travels

I scheduled yesterday's post for yesterday, and it didn't post. Strange.

It's there now, but I'll have to figure out why it didn't post. (Late thought: maybe I didn't hit publish).

This isn't too much adventure and exploring, but it's historical. Anyway, here is something I found for the book/history lovers: Technology Recovers Marginalia from Medieval Manuscript (link goes out to Archaeology).

I had never heard the term "marginalia" before, so for those who haven't either it's writing in the margins.

They said there were doodles and notes taken in the margins of the oldest surviving medieval manuscript. The writings a doodles were later erased by a later owner of the book.

It's great to hear that they can read them as, like the article mentions, we can get an insight into what our ancestors thought of the text - or if they, like so many students in class, wrote other notes in the margins.

Pawn Stars had a book come into their shop that was from the library of Isaac Newton (I believe). There were notes in those margins as well (though they were said to not be in his handwriting).

I can tell you I have books from English classes full of class notes, my thoughts, and notes from friends sitting next to me. I was also fortunate to buy a used book for a History class and find the pages full of notes from a previous owner. The notes were so great that I looked like a genius during in-class discussions, despite not actually reading the book.

Even J.K.Rowling had two paperback books, about Quidditch and Mythical Beasts, where Ron and Harry wrote notes to each other. Those were a great read, even if it was just for the notes.

Normally, I cringe at writing in books - that's what notebooks are for - but in the case of the Marginalia in the Medieval Manuscript (sounds like a title for a crime novel or TV crime show episode), I am thrilled.

Wednesday Writing

Writer's Voice

I finished writing my second MS about two weeks ago and have since been working to edit it. Then I came across a huge problem (for me) that people mentioned about my first MS. Now, I see the problem is me.

It's my writing voice. I generally take a casual, hopefully accessible, voice when writing. Even college papers I preferred to write in a more casual voice because I believed anyone who can read should be able to grasp the concept I was proposing.

Even with my family, my voice tends to settle more on childish. It's something I've always been aware of. When I would talk to teachers or professionals, my voice would change without me thinking, to one that exuded professionalism (at least I hope).

So, what is the problem? The ideas, themes, plots, and characters I wrote are one age range and my voice is another. I want to do what works for the book, and my gut still says go with your plot and characters.

That means, the voice needs to change.

I can change the voice for character's dialogue, but the overall narration is the problem. I researched voice and tried to find a way to change it. What technical clues was I missing? What makes a voice sound young or old?

I then figured it was time to really get to know my main character. I wrote character descriptions for my primary characters, with what I, as a person, saw of their personalities.

Then, I went back and wrote the character personalities as if I was the MC, writing to friends or family about the characters she met. The voice was different - and I'm glad.

Something I'm going to be doing is the writing prompts found here: Writers Edit Weekly Writing Prompts.

I really want to be able to slip into my character's voice without much thought, and the only way to do that is practice.

Tuesday Tech

It's an Amazon kind of day. Yes, the website, though with these April showers, it could be the jungle area as well.

A while ago someone brought up covers of self-published ebooks on Amazon and how some aren't quite what people would expect.

Well, now Business Insider interviewed the blogger who posts some of the more interesting ones: Amazon Kindle eBook covers.

Before clicking the link, I do warn that some images may be disturbing and may not best be displayed on a full screen window at work or school. Business Insider put up ones that are PG-ish, but it's still a precautionary warning. (Just a heads up because I like to keep things relatively family friendly - depending on your family, I guess).


I did chuckle at the ones Business Insider chose to feature, but the people deserve kudos. They got their book out there. Sure, the ability to self-publish has spawned some less than stellar books (at least in the world of grammar), but there are some real gems out there. There are also some nightmares. (So Amazon does have a dark side).

Another type of written gem found on Amazon hides in the comments for some products. Now, a lot of wrtiers/authors recommend to NOT read the comments on their books. People, in general, tend to focus on the negative comments over taking everything as a whole. Especially when the negative comments are childish and unconstructive.

But, then there are those other comments, like the ones found here: Most hilarious Amazon reviews (2014).

Again, another warning that some of the comments may be inappropriate. However, I did really enjoy the Horse Mask comments. I worked at a costume store where we sold that Horse Mask and I can say, it sold out, fast.

Anyway, these are just some of the fun finds on Amazon. The company seems to be doing a lot lately, from these "press-to-order-product" buttons to making same day delivery available in some locations.

These are crazy times. If we aren't careful, it may just be Amazon that takes over the world. An, unfortunately for the adventurous spirit in me, it's not the rain forest.

Monday Musings

I missed my Friday post. I am sad over this. I had started planning a post that was going to have two recipes in it, one for cookie dough truffles I found, and a fruity lemonade (pink in color).

Well, that was last week, and this is the first full week of April 2015 (in case you wanted facts).

I hope everyone had an enjoyable weekend. There was much chocolate to be had and plenty of pictures of bunnies and chicks to change any sour mood to warm and fuzzy.

I have always lacked the ability to recall full definitions of words. I can use them properly in a sentence (most of the time), but often there is nuance that I miss.

Anyway, I saw some people I follow on Twitter talk about how they don't understand how people could ever be bored when there is so much that they can do/need to do.

People can clean, read, write, draw, do other housework/(or work work), exercise, play with pets/family, etc.

But here comes my problem. Whenever I'm bored, I can list all the stuff I could do, but none of it interests me. I would say "I'm bored", and my parents would list such things as I mentioned, but none of the tasks sounded remotely interesting. I even shouted, in my sleep, "I'm bored!" (which I rarely talk in my sleep, so it must have been a serious matter for me).

According to merriam-Webster, boredom is: (n) the state of being weary and restless through lack of interest.

So, boredom doesn't sound like the lack of things to do, like many people seem to insist, but a state of mind or being where we lose interest in things. Suggesting things for the bored person is helpful, it has helped me once or twice, but it might do better to suggest a change of thinking for the person to get them to see the dull tasks as interesting.

Thursday Travels

The world seems to be filled with a lot of dark stories recently, but there has to be good out there, right?

I wish it was a requirement for news stations, and media in general, to post about inspirational topics or talk on acts of good will. Why do we need to restore our faith in humanity in small bursts? Why can't we be reminded on a daily basis that there are good people in the world?

I found 25 photos that will restore your faith in humanity (goes out to MSN).

I don't care about the place, time, age, gender, religion, political leaning, or anything. I just want to see people, or animals, doing good for others. It does the heart good to see something that doesn't make it feel bitter or cold.

(I had to stop halfway through the photos in fear a coworker would ask me why I was crying.)

These were great photos. There was one I had a hard time reading (or two actually). But, beneath the photo it explains the gist of the image.

I want to laugh at the first picture. The woman's reaction is fantastic, and expected, but the face of the lady behind her makes the picture a whole other kind of fun. I really hope she got the job.

Anyway, if a Scientist wants to beam the internet into space, then I hope more of the good (and funny) comes through.

Writing Wednesday

Well, I was trying to think of something April Foolsy for today, but I got distracted by the Google Maps April Fools Day "celebration." maps.google.com

If you search an address, you can turn the streets into paths for a game of Pac-Man. I played a few games and was reminded why I don't play Pac-Man that much.

So, a topic that came up during one of the many Twitter parties I was participating in asked if you plot your writing or if you make it up as you go along.

My first MS was at least a year of planning in my head. Like I mentioned before, I didn't know what I wanted the story to be. A comic? A script (not really)? So, I would just figure out the events in my head. Then, I outlined the story multiple times. I had a general outline, with just the major plot points. Then I outlined from one point to another (to help with pacing and to make sure the words I used were actually progressing toward something).

My second MS, which I finished drafting last week, was less planned. And it shows. Round 1 of editing is going to be killer. Not only is my word count short (not something I worry about because I know a few scenes that weren't written yet), but it is out of order. I'm going to have to rearrange everything and make sure references to events occur at the appropriate time.

I started planning another book, using post-its of many, many colors, mapping plot points, character introductions, reveals, and everything else imaginable. I like to have a plan when I'm writing, but I also like the characters to dictate what really happens (I mean, it's their story, right?)

I have notebooks full of scribbles, ideas, facts, and everything imaginable for the stories I'm working. I call my progress "organized chaos." :)