Oh, Deer!

Now, I'm not above admitting that I can be (from time to time) grammatically challenged. Truth is, I've fallen a long way from grace since my high school and college days. In fact, I think it can add flavor to writing styles too- I mean, who uses perfect English in conversation, eh? But there comes a point where I must, MUST draw a line in the sand.



Make sure you check out this site for
 really funny photos for when you're
really ticked off.



That line, my friends, is mispronouncing the word 'ask.'

Ask? You question. Yes, ask.

Somewhere along the way, a good portion of the population of these great United States has decided 'ask' is actually pronounced, 'axe'. Sometimes I've even heard it 'axskes'.

People, really? You say this word and I conjure up images of you 'axing' someone. Let me assure you, they cannot answer any questions after you hack away at them with a sharp tool meant for splitting wood. It ain't gonna happen.

Oh, and by the way- it can go either way with Axe. I just prefer three-letter words!

Check out The Grammarist online to alleviate much of your grammar-related head scratching!

And we're off!!!!!

Okay all you writers, dreamers, and wannabees- It's officially day UNO of National Novel Writers Month- aka- NanoWriMo! Yay!

And... here it is verging on sunset where I am and I have yet to write word ONE. Of course I have about ten different scenarios running around in my big old noggin too. Should I go mystery? Or maybe young adult? Or what about a romance? There was even an idea that walked a little on the naughty side (wink wink). What to do, what to do!

Well, if it's like Nano's past... I will
A) panic and pour a glass of wine
B) panic a little more
C) have another glass of wine, panic a little more...
D) decide to finish the bottle and then writing, as by now I've decided I've nothing to lose and to just get on with it!

So, good luck to thee, yon authors- I have full faith that we will all panic a little, keep the wine and chocolate industry in the black, and most importantly- finish our 50k.

I will post next week what my word count is- any for any of you out there who'd like to be a NaNo buddy- you can find me as Kat37.

NaNo! NaNo! NaNo!

It's almost here! One of my favorite (non-holiday or food related) times of the year! National Novel Writing Month- the birthplace of Tansy Taylor, and some other less successful stories. So what are you writing for NaNo this year? Don't worry, we still have 27 days, 11 hours and some change before we have to write that first word. If you're like me though, you may already be making lists, writing ideas on receipts, napkin scraps or the odd piece of toilet paper (you work with what you've got) to find the perfect NaNo idea.

This year I'm struggling. I'm deep into Tansy 2 and wondering if I should be sparing the time from my WIP to go off on a NaNo lark. But, then I think, what am I saying? Of COURSE I'll do NaNo. I've been such a major procrastinator lately that even though my schedule is packed to the hilt with work, book reviews, school activities and the evil WIP, I will make the time. If you've never done NaNo, you may not understand this intense need to challenge yourself to this insane creative call to write fifty THOUSAND words in thirty days, but let me say- it's sort of like an annual addiction.  It's the chance to lose yourself in writing; to be able to say no when people pester you to do things you normally feel guilty about saying no to; and to come out on the other end of November with something that could quite conceviably become your next great book.

One of my favorite things about NaNo (for those of us who are pale hermit-like writers who rarely leave home) is the opportunity to get out and meet other writers in our area. Wrimos are a varied group- in my own area I've met people who only write during NaNoWriMo and others who are veteran daily scribes. There are teenagers, retirees, techies,homemakers, men, women, pansters and planners. People obsessed with other worlds, mythical creatures, historical romances, tradgedy, true crime, and so much more come to meet and simply write (and maybe enjoy some tasty pasteries and java).

And, did I mention the perks? NaNoWriMo has a TON of great deals for those of us persistant enough to get our 50K in. (One of my favorites is the 50% off for Scrivener that I'll be able to use once my free Windows beta version is over and the real deal is for sale). There are several writing software offers out there this year- a great chance to try out a different format style, if you dare to try something different.

Bottom line, NaNoWriMo is a great (and safe) way to create a new story with a fun deadline looming over your head. Beleive me, once you start you'll keep on until you cross that finish line!

Check out this year's site so far and find your region! http://www.nanowrimo.org/

Happy writing!!

A Very Sad Day Indeed....

Well, it's official... I am not all great and powerful and the world does NOT beckon to my every whim. Okay, in my head it still works that way, but in the real world- hell no! My baby is in the hospital. Yup, hardrive going down- had to take her in to see if they can bring her back from the 'mostly dead'. Where is Miracle Max when you need him? Oy, so, today's lesson is- new computer does not instantly = better computer. In April- after I'd completed my book and my husband had gotten a bonus- he took me out and bought me a bright shiny new laptop. We poured over which to buy, and in the end, settled on almost the exact same model that he'd bought me six years prior. I'd never had a problem with my laptop, and in fact, except for a small 'cold' that took her out of commission for a week or so, she had been the ultimate computer best friend. (As a matter of fact, I'm writing on her as we, er, speak.)

So, now for the 'Yes, Virginia, Kathy is not the brightest' moment. Can we say, backup your work? Everybody, repeat after me - 'Even though you have a NEW computer and you've NEVER had a computer issue before- BACK UP YOUR WORK!'

Yes, as the Geek Squad leader (who maintains five external hard drives at his home for all of his precious electronic 'stuff') told me- you MUST backup. So, moral of the story- don't think that NEW is BETTER- because sometimes, it just ain't the truth! Now, everyone say a little prayer for Tansy's recovery- because, even though most of it's in my head- it just won't be the same if I don't get it back in one piece.

Terrible Awnry No Good Rotten Words...

Writing is hard.

Don't get me wrong- I love it. Without writing, there would be less of 'me'. It is an escape, a daydream of sorts, and I love getting lost in my stories. But the act of writing those stories down- in a mainly coherent mannor- is taxing. It takes effort to get all of the nuances and details absolutely correct. Actually, for me it is an insane amount of effort when my perspective on characters can change suddenly and sometimes deliberately.

Take Tansy's mom, June. In my first book, she is introduced as somewhat of a free spirit or hippie. Tansy needed a way to connect with Callie, and they found a commonality in their mothers. Now, Tansy is back in her home town, and low and behold, her mom is not a hippie. In fact, she is more of the June Cleaver type. So, how to marry this stubborn character with what I'd already planned for her, is the task at hand. Fortunately, this is fiction, and I have the liberty to make crazy things happen. Unfortunately, it is not in my own nature to just change people. So, you can imagine, I'm busy creating a whole backstory as to why Tansy's mom was once a hippie and now has morphed into a conservative June Cleaver, polyester pants, pearls and all.

To all you writers out there- keep up the hard work, and don't let these stubborn characters get you down!