I have a confession to make: I am a chronic self-doubter (is there a technical name for that?).
Now, most of the time it's an easy bug to squash: I simply tell my inner voice to shut up and let me continue on with my life. It's still there, sure, but I can drown it out with my music or the loud thoughts I have that pertain to my writing. Problem solved.
Then there's times like the last few weeks, where it's louder than everything else, and where I can barely function, let alone get a few solid blog posts out a week without it becoming completely debilitating. So here's what's up:
Lately, I've been scrambling for blog posts, and I'm pretty sure the reason is because I can find nothing to talk about that ya'll don't already know, or that could be of use to anybody who reads this. I feel like I have nothing to offer you, and the last thing I want is to make reading this blog a waste of time.
Why am I saying this? Not for pity or anything; it's simply the truth. There are far more experienced people out there who have far more useful blogs than my own, and I am totally okay with that. What I'm not okay with is the fact that I personally feel like I don't know enough about writing (indeed, I've been struggling with my own WIP for some time, now) to be able to give ya'll advice or to talk about writing.
And I want to know more.
What does this mean for The Wallflower?
For the next few weeks, simply expect fewer posts from me. I want to focus on the last few weeks of my spring semester at school, read like my life depends on it, and I want to try to make some headway in my writing without the stress of figuring out what's next on the blog. In the meantime, I'll be brainstorming like my life depends on it to figure out what's next for the blog and everything else.
I hope ya'll understand. Because, honestly, I feel like I'm flaking out. I don't like disappointing people, but I feel like I'm disappointing myself in not giving myself a break to figure out what I want in the next phase of that giant void called life. What do I have to offer ya'll right now? I have no clue.
But if ya'll will hang in there with me, I'm willing to figure it out.
I'm still going to be all over the Twitter-sphere, since I'm pretty much addicted (which means I'd love conversation). I'm still going to post a few book reviews (some I've had scheduled for blog tours, and others just to keep myself accountable to my TBR list while school winds down). If by some miracle I find something I really want to talk about in the world of writing, then I'll write something up.
I just don't think I'll be keeping to the four-day-a-week posting that I've had.
Until then, there's lots of other great blogs on writing that I encourage ya'll to check out: Writability, She's Novel, Better Novel Project, and Briana Mae Morgan. There's so many more out there, too.
I'll keep ya'll updated on my apparent identity crisis. Until then, I hope ya'll know that the last year of my blogging life has been an amazing one, and that I'm so amazingly grateful for all the great people I've met and who've encouraged and inspired me in ways they might not even know.
Showing posts with label miscellaneous. Show all posts
Showing posts with label miscellaneous. Show all posts
Monday, April 13, 2015
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
The Research Chronicles: March 2015
How it works: On the last day (or week; I'll be doing Wednesdays) of each month, you do a post about what you researched in that past month for your novel or other writing project, sharing links to articles, blog posts, videos and more. It’s also a way that you can gather all your information you researched, tell your readers why you researched it and in the process you are leaving this information open for your readers and other writers to use.
This blog hop/link-up, of sorts, is free for anyone to join in and not only have fun sharing what you researched (whether it be actual research of writing tips) but also connecting with other writers and assisting them in the areas of research!
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I fail at life because I really didn't do that much research this month (may the writing and college gods smite me, I guess). I've been doing so much rewriting and edits that I haven't come across many holes in my WIP that need to be researched to fill in properly.
So...I'm sorry.
However, I'm always running across great articles about writing in general. As a writer who enjoys writing from multiple points of views, this article from Writers Helping Writers gives some Tips When Writing Multiple POV Novels, and while some of them I knew and always kept in mind, I learned a few more tidbits that are useful to keep in mind.
Here's also a fun fact that relates to my WIP: tungsten carbide is two times stiffer than steel and is denser than steel and titanium.
Another fun fact (relating to my WIP): the Riodinidae butterfly (commonly known as Metalmarks) are really pretty, and the pigment in their wings reflects light the same way as metal does.
(Pro-tip: when researching, it's okay to click on a Wikipedia article first. Skim it, then use the links under the 'references' section to get more reputable sources to double-check the facts in the article).
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Like I said, I've completely failed in terms of researching this month. Hopefully next month I'll have some more stuff for you, but until then: remember that researching is actually really fun (but only when looking up things that relate to your WIP and not when you're trying to write a research paper for something school related. I mean, depending on the subject, that could be fun, too, I guess. But this is self-assigned, which automatically makes it better).
Tweet It:
What did blogger @Rae_Slater research this month for her writing? It involves tungsten carbide: (Click to Tweet)
The Research Chronicles: a new feature (hosted by @ABookishFangurl) to showcase your monthly research (Click to Tweet)
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Writerly Bad Habits
My cuticles are a mess. My thumbs, in particular, are a bit scarred from the bad habit that I have of picking at the skin with my other fingernails. It's the way I deal with anxiety, a purely unconscious habit that I always tell myself I'm going to stop, but I haven't yet.
But this post isn't about those kinds of bad habits. This post is about something even better (or worse?): Writerly Bad Habits.
Just like we all have different writing processes, writing strengths, and writing weaknesses, we also all have different writerly bad habits. These are things that we might be conscious about or not, but they always show up (most likely in the first drafts of novels, or else if it's more of a hitch in the process, it's something that might slow you down).
The worst part is: your concerned friends in the writing community (and your CPs) tell you that it's a bad idea (in case you run it by them, first), and then you reason with both yourself and them in an effort to not feel bad about doing it.
Case-in-point: my worst writerly bad habit happens during revisions and rewrites. I'll get about 10-20k (sometimes more) into a revision of a WIP, then decide that something isn't working and that it needs to be fixed right this second...and then I start over. From the beginning.
I've done it about three or four times this year, alone. On a single project. Ask Hannah Hunt. She knows. And she's perfect and deals with me so often it's not even funny.
So that's my writerly bad habit. I simply cannot keep writing to the end if I think that a detail (or many) are so wrong in the beginning that it's leading my entire novel astray. Which means I start over a lot (I'm pretty sure I have about eight different versions of the first 20 k of my WIP. And only three full drafts).
I also have another one, and it has to do with being a lazy plot-filler person. But the whole restarting thing is my biggest one.
You've probably guessed it, but here I go: what's your writerly bad habit?
Tweet It:
Admit it: you've got a #writerlybadhabit. Blogger @Rae_Slater shares hers, and invites you to do the same (Click to Tweet)
But this post isn't about those kinds of bad habits. This post is about something even better (or worse?): Writerly Bad Habits.
Just like we all have different writing processes, writing strengths, and writing weaknesses, we also all have different writerly bad habits. These are things that we might be conscious about or not, but they always show up (most likely in the first drafts of novels, or else if it's more of a hitch in the process, it's something that might slow you down).
The worst part is: your concerned friends in the writing community (and your CPs) tell you that it's a bad idea (in case you run it by them, first), and then you reason with both yourself and them in an effort to not feel bad about doing it.
Case-in-point: my worst writerly bad habit happens during revisions and rewrites. I'll get about 10-20k (sometimes more) into a revision of a WIP, then decide that something isn't working and that it needs to be fixed right this second...and then I start over. From the beginning.
I've done it about three or four times this year, alone. On a single project. Ask Hannah Hunt. She knows. And she's perfect and deals with me so often it's not even funny.
So that's my writerly bad habit. I simply cannot keep writing to the end if I think that a detail (or many) are so wrong in the beginning that it's leading my entire novel astray. Which means I start over a lot (I'm pretty sure I have about eight different versions of the first 20 k of my WIP. And only three full drafts).
I also have another one, and it has to do with being a lazy plot-filler person. But the whole restarting thing is my biggest one.
You've probably guessed it, but here I go: what's your writerly bad habit?
Tweet It:
Admit it: you've got a #writerlybadhabit. Blogger @Rae_Slater shares hers, and invites you to do the same (Click to Tweet)
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Why Some Doubt Is a Good Thing
That's right, I said it.
Because it's true.
But let me clarify something: while some doubt is good, too much doubt is bad. Confidence is also key, but over-confidence is dangerous.
Here's the thing: doubt allows you to question your novel on a personal level, which seems really counter-intuitive even to me (given that my biggest piece of advice when writers are writing or editing is that you typically need to distance yourself from it and look at what you've written critically).
That's important, too, don't get me wrong; like I said, distancing yourself from your novel is good when you're in the nitty-gritty editing phase, because it allows you to make difficult decisions about your manuscript.
Looking at your writing on a personal level, however, presents you with the opportunity to trust your gut. If you're in the middle of a scene and get the feeling that this just doesn't feel right, that's the healthy dose of doubt I'm talking about: the ability to recognize when your writing takes a wrong turn, whether in terms of plot, character, pacing, or any other story element. Writing is something that ultimately comes from a less logical place than editing: when you're editing, you look at the logistics of your novel; when you're writing, you're trying to capture the right tone and feel while you try to make all of the pieces fit the right way.
So if you look back at your writing and have some doubts on a character's choice, a scene's setting, the direction your plot goes, it's completely healthy. Send it to a critique partner that you trust, and ask them what they think. Tell them about those doubts. They're healthy, and they ultimately mean that something's not translating the right way between your head and the page, which is something you should pay attention to as the author.
That being said, doubt becomes unhealthy when you go from questioning the craft, to insulting it. Don't put yourself down, and don't put your writing down.
So have some confidence in yourself, and have some confidence in your writing. Doubt it in all the right places, because it'll help you learn and grow. It's that simple.
Care to weigh in? When does doubt start to weigh you down too much, and how do you pull yourself out?
Tweet It:
Why is some doubt a good thing when writing? It allows you to question your novel on a personal level (Click to Tweet)
Have confidence in your writing, but remember to listen to your gut. Why @Rae_Slater says some doubt is a good thing (Click to Tweet)
Because it's true.
But let me clarify something: while some doubt is good, too much doubt is bad. Confidence is also key, but over-confidence is dangerous.
Here's the thing: doubt allows you to question your novel on a personal level, which seems really counter-intuitive even to me (given that my biggest piece of advice when writers are writing or editing is that you typically need to distance yourself from it and look at what you've written critically).
That's important, too, don't get me wrong; like I said, distancing yourself from your novel is good when you're in the nitty-gritty editing phase, because it allows you to make difficult decisions about your manuscript.
Looking at your writing on a personal level, however, presents you with the opportunity to trust your gut. If you're in the middle of a scene and get the feeling that this just doesn't feel right, that's the healthy dose of doubt I'm talking about: the ability to recognize when your writing takes a wrong turn, whether in terms of plot, character, pacing, or any other story element. Writing is something that ultimately comes from a less logical place than editing: when you're editing, you look at the logistics of your novel; when you're writing, you're trying to capture the right tone and feel while you try to make all of the pieces fit the right way.
So if you look back at your writing and have some doubts on a character's choice, a scene's setting, the direction your plot goes, it's completely healthy. Send it to a critique partner that you trust, and ask them what they think. Tell them about those doubts. They're healthy, and they ultimately mean that something's not translating the right way between your head and the page, which is something you should pay attention to as the author.
That being said, doubt becomes unhealthy when you go from questioning the craft, to insulting it. Don't put yourself down, and don't put your writing down.
So have some confidence in yourself, and have some confidence in your writing. Doubt it in all the right places, because it'll help you learn and grow. It's that simple.
Care to weigh in? When does doubt start to weigh you down too much, and how do you pull yourself out?
Tweet It:
Why is some doubt a good thing when writing? It allows you to question your novel on a personal level (Click to Tweet)
Have confidence in your writing, but remember to listen to your gut. Why @Rae_Slater says some doubt is a good thing (Click to Tweet)
Thursday, February 26, 2015
The Wallflower 1-Year Blogerversary: Meet Rae (Again)
In case ya'll didn't know, Tuesday, February 24 was my official 1-Year Blogging Anniversary! *shoots confetti* Yes, I did purposely not tell anyone. No, I don't have a reason. Yes, I am very excited because I've been doing this for a whole entire year.
To celebrate, I'm doing multiple things today:
Before all of that, though, I need to say: thank you. To everyone. Blogging's turned into a major part of my life, and I've met and connected with some amazing people because of it. I wouldn't be where I am, now - either blogging-wise or anywhere else - without the support and kindness of everyone I've met. So just know that I will always have a special place in my heart for all of you authors, readers, writers, and miscellaneous categories of awesome peoples.
And, as always, please feel free to introduce or re-introduce ya'll-selves in the comments, too! I love to meet new people, so don't be shy!
Re-Introductions:
I was totally going to do bullet points...then I realized nothing about my life belongs in a bulleted list. Therefore, ya'll get *gasp* paragraphs! And pictures!
Anyway, I'm Rae. I'm in my third year at New Mexico State University, studying to get my B.A. in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing, as well as a minor in History. I write YA, read YA, blog about writing and reading, tweet about practically everything (really, I'm a loon), occasionally hole up in my room like a hermit, drink a lot of coffee, stress out over school work, flail and fangirl over my favorite books (and grammar: semi-colons are totally the shizz-nit), and I watch a lot of movies.
I'm 20 years old. I'll be graduating college in December. After that? No clue besides more reading and writing. I've written three YA novels in my lifetime, and the most recent of those is currently in its third draft of revisions (which may or may not be a good thing because I kind of don't know what's happening).
I also love editing: editing is my future (well, if I have anything to say about it, at least). Not only does editing help me learn more about the craft of writing, but I genuinely love getting the opportunity to clean up a manuscript for a friend or colleague and help them make it shiny and new-looking. What does this mean for you? If you have something you'd like a new set of eyes on, just ask. I can't guarantee a yes, but it'll be painful for me to turn down a new opportunity.
Most of all? I love meeting new people. I love talking about writing with other writers, and reading with other readers, and I love talking about anything with anyone. I've been told I'm easy to get along with, and while I often question that statement I certainly try my best.
Hm...what else can I tell you about me? I have a tattoo and I certainly want more; I keep saying that I'll dye my hair but I doubt I'll ever do it. I don't like Nutella. I spend most of my money on books, which drives my roommate crazy (our apartment is kind of small). Cherries are delicious, as is coffee and most breads. Pop-up books are incredible things (I have a Sherlock Holmes one and an Edgar Allen Poe one; be jealous). I say "ya'll" a lot; is that interesting?
And...okay, I'm honestly out of breath. And I don't want to bore ya'll. Have questions for me? Shoot me a tweet, a question on tumblr, an email...like I said, I'll respond! Like I also said: I love chatting, so even if you ever just want to talk, I'm here for you.
I'm actually here for you in multiple places (besides the blog): Twitter * Tumblr * Facebook * Goodreads
Coming to The Wallflower (soon-ish):
To celebrate blogging for a whole stinking year, I'm going to *try* to add some fun monthly/maybe weekly things here on the blog, including:
Giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Tweet It:
Blogger @Rae_Slater's celebrating her bloggerversary! Meet Rae, and help her celebrate with a giveaway! (Click to Tweet)
To celebrate, I'm doing multiple things today:
- Introducing myself. It dawned on my that I met many of ya'll lovelies long after my initial introductory post; besides, a lot's changed in a year! So I've got some random facts about myself, should ya'll be curious about who, exactly, I am.
- There's some new features hopefully coming to the blog soon; I figured I'd give ya'll a small sneak-peek as to what I've been thinking about.
- Giveaway! Who doesn't love a nice giveaway?
Before all of that, though, I need to say: thank you. To everyone. Blogging's turned into a major part of my life, and I've met and connected with some amazing people because of it. I wouldn't be where I am, now - either blogging-wise or anywhere else - without the support and kindness of everyone I've met. So just know that I will always have a special place in my heart for all of you authors, readers, writers, and miscellaneous categories of awesome peoples.
And, as always, please feel free to introduce or re-introduce ya'll-selves in the comments, too! I love to meet new people, so don't be shy!
Re-Introductions:
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| This is me. Photo (c) Melissa Vigil |
Anyway, I'm Rae. I'm in my third year at New Mexico State University, studying to get my B.A. in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing, as well as a minor in History. I write YA, read YA, blog about writing and reading, tweet about practically everything (really, I'm a loon), occasionally hole up in my room like a hermit, drink a lot of coffee, stress out over school work, flail and fangirl over my favorite books (and grammar: semi-colons are totally the shizz-nit), and I watch a lot of movies.
I'm 20 years old. I'll be graduating college in December. After that? No clue besides more reading and writing. I've written three YA novels in my lifetime, and the most recent of those is currently in its third draft of revisions (which may or may not be a good thing because I kind of don't know what's happening).
Most of all? I love meeting new people. I love talking about writing with other writers, and reading with other readers, and I love talking about anything with anyone. I've been told I'm easy to get along with, and while I often question that statement I certainly try my best.
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| This is also me. In the awful lighting of my apartment. Which explains the face I'm making, right? Actually, I make that face a lot . . . |
Hm...what else can I tell you about me? I have a tattoo and I certainly want more; I keep saying that I'll dye my hair but I doubt I'll ever do it. I don't like Nutella. I spend most of my money on books, which drives my roommate crazy (our apartment is kind of small). Cherries are delicious, as is coffee and most breads. Pop-up books are incredible things (I have a Sherlock Holmes one and an Edgar Allen Poe one; be jealous). I say "ya'll" a lot; is that interesting?
And...okay, I'm honestly out of breath. And I don't want to bore ya'll. Have questions for me? Shoot me a tweet, a question on tumblr, an email...like I said, I'll respond! Like I also said: I love chatting, so even if you ever just want to talk, I'm here for you.
I'm actually here for you in multiple places (besides the blog): Twitter * Tumblr * Facebook * Goodreads
Coming to The Wallflower (soon-ish):
To celebrate blogging for a whole stinking year, I'm going to *try* to add some fun monthly/maybe weekly things here on the blog, including:
- Letters to Literary Heroes: in which I write letter to some of my favorite book characters ever.
- Things My Characters Learn (the Hard Way): a short little snippet about the ways in which the characters I write basically go through hell.
Giveaway:
Friday, February 20, 2015
Favorite Screen Characters Blog Hop
I've been tagged for another awesome blog hop that looks like a ton of fun, so read on to find out some of my favorite screen characters! Also be sure to check out the blog of the lovely lady who tagged me, Lisa Hope!
Instructions: For this quick, fun blog hop, you just name your 10 favorite characters from movies or TV, then tag 10 friends to do the same!
As ya'll can see, I have a distinct love for awesome/bad-ass heroines. They've always inspired me.
And for those lovely tags, I'm calling upon these fantastic ladies:
Instructions: For this quick, fun blog hop, you just name your 10 favorite characters from movies or TV, then tag 10 friends to do the same!
As ya'll can see, I have a distinct love for awesome/bad-ass heroines. They've always inspired me.
- Olivia Dunham (Anna Torv - Fringe)
- Peter Bishop (Joshua Jackson - Fringe)
- Lauren Cohan (Maggie Greene - The Walking Dead)
- Emma Stone (Wichita - Zombieland)
- Sarah Jones (Rebecca Madsen - Alcatraz)
- Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock Holmes - Sherlock)
- Michelle Rodriguez (Letty Oritz - The Fast and the Furious)
- Drew Roy (Hal Mason - Falling Skies)
- Sarah Carter (Margaret - Falling Skies)
- Anna Kendrick (Beca Mitchell - Pitch Perfect)
And for those lovely tags, I'm calling upon these fantastic ladies:
Briana Morgan - The Novelista
Kaitlin Hillerich - Ink and Quills
Nicole L'autore - Nicole L'autore
Rachel Day - Stained Glass Windows
Aimee Meester - To the Barricade!
Sophia - Ravens and Writing Desks
Adriana Gabrielle - The Librarian Files
Hannah Hunt - Read, Write, Sleep, Repeat
Kathleen Palm - Finding Faeries
Brianne Moore - A Curious Affliction
Friday, January 23, 2015
Sisterhood of the World Blogging Award
So, this actually isn't the first time I've been nominated for this tag, but (and I feel awful about it) I never had the time to respond and participate in it. So my two nominators are Anah (@AnahSpiers) from Turtles in My Soup and the lovely Rachel (@Queenie_Rachy) from Stained Glass Windows.
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Rules for the Tag:
- Thank the blogger who nominated you, and link back to their side.
- Post the Award Logo on your blog.
- Answer the ten questions they've sent you.
- Make up ten questions for your nominees to answer.
- Nominate
tenpeople (you're supposed to nominate ten, but I'm going to nominate about half that because, reasons).
And here goes, my questions (provided by Rachel), plus my hopefully somewhat-interesting answers:
1. When writing, do you keep a notebook nearby to write down anything that comes to mind?
Um...okay, so this first answer is complicated. If I have a notebook nearby (say I'm at work or in class), then yes, I use it. If I'm about to go to bed, or I'm out and about, I use the notepad on my phone.
2. Are you a morning or a night person?
Jeez, okay. Another sort-of complicated one (I'm sorry, okay? I'm weird). I'm more of a dark person? I used to call myself a night person, but recently I've changed my scheduling habits so instead of staying up late, I just get up early. So I'm more of a whenever-the-sun's-down kind of person.
3. Song you have stuck in your mind?
At any given moment there's about five that qualify for this. Most recently it's been Cell Block Tango from Chicago, since I saw the play last week. I also get Immortals, by Fall Out Boy stuck a lot. On a more normal basis (and here comes my nerdy side) it's been Unravel, by TK from Ling Tosite Sigure (the song is the opening theme for Tokyo Ghoul) and/or Kyoukai no Kanata, by Minori Chihara (opening theme for Beyond the Boundary).
4. What was the last book you read?
Easy question, yay! I actually just finished 10:04, by Ben Lerner. Still not sure what to make of it, but it was somewhat interesting in the way it was told.
5. What is the meaning of life?
To experience it.
6. Have you ever started crying when writing a scene?
Never. Actually, I'm a bit of a masochist in that I start smiling like an idiot when writing emotionally intense scenes (intense in both a good or a bad way).
7. Have you ever met an author face to face? If so, what was it like?
Technically, yes. I mean, my thesis adviser is the author of some books (I think she said four?), and one of the other professors in the English Dept. at my school is also an author (she's also the professor leading my Online Publishing class). It was very...normal, I suppose? I mean, I respect them a great deal, and I hope to get to actually read their books when I'm not busy trying to get school work done. Although, my reaction might be different if I met, say, Natalie D. Richards or Courtney Alameda or Marissa Meyer (three of my favorite authors) since I've basically fangirled over their books more than I'd like to admit.
8. Tea or coffee?
Both. Coffee in the morning, tea at night. The reason is that I've learned that I absolutely love peppermint tea and that coffee tastes really strange when I haven't just woken up. Still not sure why.
9. Your life is now the last movie/TV show you watched. What was that? And are you happy or worried?
Lord of the Rings (the whole trilogy). So...does this mean I get to be an elf and that I'll suddenly have a mastery of archery? If so, I'd be happy. Or if I became a wizard (witch? wizardess?).
10. You one day stumble upon a time machine. You can go to one period in time. And you can take someone from your current time with you. who would you take? Where would you go? Plot twist: you have to stay in that period forever, with that one person you took with you. Choose wisely.
Oooh, okay. Good question. The person would undeniably be my roommate, Melissa, because we simply wouldn't be able to function without each other (or so I assume. Melissa, speak now or forever hold your peace). The time period...the twenties. I understand that the Depression and WWII are just around the corner, but man all the jazz and booze and life was meant just to be lived in, no matter who you were.
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There you have it: me in ten questions. Aren't I a loon?
My Questions:
My nominees: Briana @ The Novelista, Hannah Hunt @ Write, Read,Sleep, Repeat, Taylor Lynn @ Paper Daydreams, Brianne Moore @ A Curious Affliction, Nicole Lautore @ Nicole Lautore and Aimee Meester @ To the Barricade!
1. When writing, do you keep a notebook nearby to write down anything that comes to mind?
Um...okay, so this first answer is complicated. If I have a notebook nearby (say I'm at work or in class), then yes, I use it. If I'm about to go to bed, or I'm out and about, I use the notepad on my phone.
2. Are you a morning or a night person?
Jeez, okay. Another sort-of complicated one (I'm sorry, okay? I'm weird). I'm more of a dark person? I used to call myself a night person, but recently I've changed my scheduling habits so instead of staying up late, I just get up early. So I'm more of a whenever-the-sun's-down kind of person.
3. Song you have stuck in your mind?
At any given moment there's about five that qualify for this. Most recently it's been Cell Block Tango from Chicago, since I saw the play last week. I also get Immortals, by Fall Out Boy stuck a lot. On a more normal basis (and here comes my nerdy side) it's been Unravel, by TK from Ling Tosite Sigure (the song is the opening theme for Tokyo Ghoul) and/or Kyoukai no Kanata, by Minori Chihara (opening theme for Beyond the Boundary).
4. What was the last book you read?
Easy question, yay! I actually just finished 10:04, by Ben Lerner. Still not sure what to make of it, but it was somewhat interesting in the way it was told.
5. What is the meaning of life?
To experience it.
6. Have you ever started crying when writing a scene?
Never. Actually, I'm a bit of a masochist in that I start smiling like an idiot when writing emotionally intense scenes (intense in both a good or a bad way).
7. Have you ever met an author face to face? If so, what was it like?
Technically, yes. I mean, my thesis adviser is the author of some books (I think she said four?), and one of the other professors in the English Dept. at my school is also an author (she's also the professor leading my Online Publishing class). It was very...normal, I suppose? I mean, I respect them a great deal, and I hope to get to actually read their books when I'm not busy trying to get school work done. Although, my reaction might be different if I met, say, Natalie D. Richards or Courtney Alameda or Marissa Meyer (three of my favorite authors) since I've basically fangirled over their books more than I'd like to admit.
8. Tea or coffee?
Both. Coffee in the morning, tea at night. The reason is that I've learned that I absolutely love peppermint tea and that coffee tastes really strange when I haven't just woken up. Still not sure why.
9. Your life is now the last movie/TV show you watched. What was that? And are you happy or worried?
Lord of the Rings (the whole trilogy). So...does this mean I get to be an elf and that I'll suddenly have a mastery of archery? If so, I'd be happy. Or if I became a wizard (witch? wizardess?).
10. You one day stumble upon a time machine. You can go to one period in time. And you can take someone from your current time with you. who would you take? Where would you go? Plot twist: you have to stay in that period forever, with that one person you took with you. Choose wisely.
Oooh, okay. Good question. The person would undeniably be my roommate, Melissa, because we simply wouldn't be able to function without each other (or so I assume. Melissa, speak now or forever hold your peace). The time period...the twenties. I understand that the Depression and WWII are just around the corner, but man all the jazz and booze and life was meant just to be lived in, no matter who you were.
*
There you have it: me in ten questions. Aren't I a loon?
My Questions:
- Favorite genre to read or write?
- Favorite genre to watch in a TV show or movie?
- Favorite social media platform? Why?
- Winter, Summer, Spring, or Fall?
- Pancakes or French Toast?
- You can have any job in the world. What is it, and why? And, no, you can't say "writer" or "author" for this one.
- Captain America or Iron Man? Whoever you don't choose becomes your mortal enemy, so choose wisely.
- What's the best piece of advice you've ever gotten, and who gave it to you? What was the situation?
- What inspires you?
- It's the apocalypse. Would you rather be stuck fighting zombies for the rest of your life (probably ending by getting eaten or at least bit by said zombie), or be stuck in some kind of environmental disaster (intense heat, water shortage, flooding...)?
My nominees: Briana @ The Novelista, Hannah Hunt @ Write, Read,
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Interactions That Have an Impact
So yesterday I was at a loss about what to write about for today's post. Then @chris_mahan challenged me to write a blog post about him, and this was my response:
So @chris_mahan challenged me to write a blog post about him. #challengeaccepted
— Rae Oestreich (@Rae_Slater) January 22, 2015
Sadly, though, Chris' ego will take a slight hit: this post isn't going to be entirely about him. This post is, actually, about the fact that one of the most important things that I've learned since entering the Twitter writing community, is that making connections and forging new friendships with people-no matter how alike or different you are-is incredibly important.
Something that I feel like people (me included) forget when writing, is that it's not as much as a single-person profession that many like to believe. Sure, there might be one person writing it (and all of the editing and team-work that goes into book releases is a completely different story), but never forget that every interaction you have in the world impacts you and your writing.
Every. Single. Interaction.
Particularly when it comes to interaction with other writers. If you want to be published traditionally, read self-pubbed, and vice-versa. If you're a fiction writer, read nonfiction and poetry, as well (and every combination thereof). Read short stories if you normally write novels. Trade pieces of writing and let yourself be critiqued.
These are all ways to make yourself not merely a better writer (which yes, is important to a certain level), but also a more rounded one. Every person and writer you meet will have different struggles in their life. Listen and share your own (although, disclaimer: only if you're close enough to actually share stories like those). Read styles that differ from your own, and ultimately take away from every encounter the fact that you can always learn something.
Which brings me back to Chris: he and a handful of other Tweeps have become a kind of go-to community for me. I've read their work and processed their writing styles; I've chatted to some of them at length about their writing processes, as well: how they plan out their novels, develop characters, etc. While not every trick that they use will work for me (and vice-versa; always remember that your process will be slightly or even majorly different than someone else), it's always worth thinking about, and observing how it plays out in their works as a whole.
As my nonfiction professor says: steal everything. And figure out how to make it work for you, which will invite you to think in new ways. In my experience, the information you get from actively interacting with other people (and writers) can be the most valuable knowledge you ever get.
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Blogger @Rae_Slater says interacting with other writers not only makes you a better one, but a more rounded one. (Click to Tweet)
Thursday, January 15, 2015
School-Day Blues
Okay, maybe I'm being a little dramatic, but my spring semester starts...yeah, it starts today.
So, I figured I'd do two things: first, I'm trying to make today a happy occasion by saying LOOK AT MY NEW DESIGN, YA'LL! What d'you think? I wanted something a little bolder, and a little more colorful. I think the new design adds a little more comfort, but I'd love to hear any of ya'll's opinions on the new look for The Wallflower.
The second thing is: I'm going to tell ya'll what I'll be up to from today until May (hey, I rhymed!). So, here's the list of classes I'm taking here in the world of college, along with my current thoughts on them (written the day before I actually attend any of them for the first time):
So if I go a little mad, don't hold it against me. I'm legit taking five writing-intensive classes. The plus is that they're all involved in different genres, and I really hope that the nonfiction and poetry class expand my horizons a little bit. The negative in this is that, as per usual, school cuts my own personal writing time into about 5% of what it usually is. However, given how excited I am about my newest draft for THE HOLLOW MEN, I absolutely refuse to let that get in my way.
So what am I going to do to keep writing, even during school? Ava Jae wrote a blog post, How I Became a Morning Person, and while I initially thought, "Ava, you are a better woman than I will ever be," I started to think that maybe there was a way I could make this work for me. For the last two semesters, I've had to put my writing on hold as the semester got crazy and assignments started to pile up. After classes, at the end of the day, I was exhausted and would rather do nothing, or else that time was reserved for homework. So I wonder: if I wake up early and reserve 1-2 hours for just writing as soon as I'm up/have coffee, what might happen?
Which means that this semester truly is going to be an adventure for me, isn't it? Plus, a random fact: three of my textbooks are lost in USPS/delivery limbo.
*takes deep breath* Wish me luck, guys!
If ya'll are starting a new semester at school, what classes are ya'll taking? What are your thoughts on them? How do ya'll expect to juggle your classes, classwork, and/or jobs with your writing?
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Blogger @Rae_Slater's going on an adventure! Or back to school. And she's dishing out her thoughts on her new classes. (Click to Tweet)
It's happened. @Rae_Slater starts a new semester at college. Here's her class list + thoughts. Plus: new blog design! (Click to Tweet)
So, I figured I'd do two things: first, I'm trying to make today a happy occasion by saying LOOK AT MY NEW DESIGN, YA'LL! What d'you think? I wanted something a little bolder, and a little more colorful. I think the new design adds a little more comfort, but I'd love to hear any of ya'll's opinions on the new look for The Wallflower.
The second thing is: I'm going to tell ya'll what I'll be up to from today until May (hey, I rhymed!). So, here's the list of classes I'm taking here in the world of college, along with my current thoughts on them (written the day before I actually attend any of them for the first time):
- ENGL 356 - Form & Technique in Poetry: Sonnet - Ha! Me, poetry? It's never been my strength; in fact, it's always been my weakness. Now, if it were focusing on Free Form poetry, I could find it in me to be a little more excited. Truthfully, I'm only taking this class because it's required for my degree, so while I'm keeping my mind open, I think I should send out this PSA: I might go a little crazy.
- ENGL 413 - Advanced Creative Writing: Prose Workshop - Huzzah! I love workshops. And this one's advanced. Which makes me nervous, because everyone in there has the possibility of being advanced writers. *gulp* But I'm really excited for this one: it's a smaller class size than my last workshop, and there's so much opportunity to learn some new things about writing. Bring it on!
- ENGL 307 - Creative Writing: Creative Nonfiction - This is going to be a whole new world. Seriously. I've no clue what to expect, but I'm a bit excited for this class, too. I have no clue how I'll feel after actually starting this class, but it'll be an adventure, right?
- ENGL 430 - Online Publishing - Okay, if there's any class that I'm the most excited for, it's this one. This is the class where you learn all things publishing online, including publishing the English Department's online literary magazine. I WAS MADE FOR THIS CLASS, GUYS. So, obviously, I'm buzzing.
- HON 400 - Honor's Thesis - If ya'll follow me on Twitter, you've probably seen me talk about my senior thesis. This is it. I'm going to be retelling fairy tales (yay!) in the form of short stories, and adding my own sci-fi twists on them. I'm nervous, oh so freaking nervous, but I think it helps that my adviser for this project is also my professor for the Creative Nonfiction class. So hopefully this goes well?
So if I go a little mad, don't hold it against me. I'm legit taking five writing-intensive classes. The plus is that they're all involved in different genres, and I really hope that the nonfiction and poetry class expand my horizons a little bit. The negative in this is that, as per usual, school cuts my own personal writing time into about 5% of what it usually is. However, given how excited I am about my newest draft for THE HOLLOW MEN, I absolutely refuse to let that get in my way.
So what am I going to do to keep writing, even during school? Ava Jae wrote a blog post, How I Became a Morning Person, and while I initially thought, "Ava, you are a better woman than I will ever be," I started to think that maybe there was a way I could make this work for me. For the last two semesters, I've had to put my writing on hold as the semester got crazy and assignments started to pile up. After classes, at the end of the day, I was exhausted and would rather do nothing, or else that time was reserved for homework. So I wonder: if I wake up early and reserve 1-2 hours for just writing as soon as I'm up/have coffee, what might happen?
Which means that this semester truly is going to be an adventure for me, isn't it? Plus, a random fact: three of my textbooks are lost in USPS/delivery limbo.
*takes deep breath* Wish me luck, guys!
If ya'll are starting a new semester at school, what classes are ya'll taking? What are your thoughts on them? How do ya'll expect to juggle your classes, classwork, and/or jobs with your writing?
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Blogger @Rae_Slater's going on an adventure! Or back to school. And she's dishing out her thoughts on her new classes. (Click to Tweet)
It's happened. @Rae_Slater starts a new semester at college. Here's her class list + thoughts. Plus: new blog design! (Click to Tweet)
Thursday, January 1, 2015
2015 Writing Resolutions
Guys, I have amazing news for ya'll: we survived 2014! And to jump on the bandwagon, here's a few resolutions I have for 2015-
- Keep Reading. Really, one of my biggest regrets is how little I read my senior year of high school, freshman year of college, and most of my junior year. During my Spring 2014 semester (when, really, I didn't have much time, anyway), I began reading a lot more, which spouted this blog, and with that reading I think my writing-while still growing-has improved. Plus, there's so many great novels coming out-from new and established authors-that it would be a huge shame to miss out, don't you think?
- Keep Writing. Maybe this seems obvious, but I am consistently reminded of how easy it is to simply stop. Put down the pen, never open that document with the WIP on it again. It's frightfully simple, particularly when there's excuses like school to worry about, and when I succumb to my own fears and doubts so quickly on bad days. I'd love to make it through another draft of THE HOLLOW MEN (currently driving me mad); I'd love to start something new. I'm ecstatic to start my senior thesis (a creative project in which I'm rewriting fairy tales). Each and every one of those goals, however, starts with reminding myself that nothing will ever get written if I never write.
- Keep Interacting. If ya'll don't know already, I've technically been a member of Twitter since 2012, but I never actually used it until this past summer (2014). Since I began interacting with other readers and writers, I've met so many amazing people that have done nothing but inspire me to keep doing what I'm doing: anything is possible. One of my absolutely favorite things in this world is the opportunity that I have to meet new people, and I look forward to meeting many new people in the new year, and learning from them, as well.
Those are the most basic goals in the world, I know. But I plan to keep to them. If ya'll want a few specifics, here goes:
- Did ya'll know I've maintained a 4.0 GPA through five semesters at college? I graduate in December 2015, which means that by this time next year I'll be an official adult, and I'd love to have the bragging rights to keeping a 4.0 GPA through my entire college career.
- If I can get to a somewhat partially polished version of THE HOLLOW MEN, I'll be over the moon. If it's polished enough to make it to beta readers, then you'll never get me back on earth.
- I enjoy running on the treadmill. This might be a bit cliche, but if I can work out at least 5 days a week, I'm sure to be in the best shape of my life.
- Finally: the first niece I've ever had, a beautiful little girl named Ella Mae, was born to my oldest sister in September. Unfortunately, Ella and her parents live in New York while I'm here in New Mexico, and I've been unable to meet my niece in-person. I'd love to change this in 2015.
Well, what about you? What kinds of resolutions-writing and otherwise-do you have in 2015?
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@Rae_Slater shares her goals and resolutions for 2015, including writing, reading, and meeting new people. (Click to Tweet)
@Rae_Slater shares her reading, writing, + life resolutions for 2015, and asks: what are your goals for the new year? (Click to Tweet)
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Rae's Top Books of 2014
So, I realize that apparently a customary thing is to do ten books that were you favorite over the course of the year, but I only have nine. And I really do't want to find just a placeholder, because I feel like that would be lying to myself.
Therefore, ya'll get my EIGHT top books of 2014. And, yes, I realize that there's technically more, but I'm pushing entire series titles into one. So sue me.
The books that made this list did so for certain reasons: they either had an impact on me mentally/emotionally, or else they inspire me to continue and better in my writing. Without further ado, let's get this list started:
Why: Maggie Stiefvater has absolutely entranced me with her series. I'd always heard awesome buzz about THE RAVEN BOYS, and when I finally gave in I realized that I wasn't to be disappointed. The plots are intricate and carefully laid out, the writing is beautiful, and the characters are so real I feel like I could touch them.
Why: Fairy tales mixed with science fiction and futuristic chaos? Be still my beating heart, this is another set of books that went right up my alley with all of my favorite things. The narrative is beautiful, the plot fantastic, and the fact that I'm still waiting for WINTER to come out to finish the set is driving me bonkers. It's totally magical, and the characters are phenomenal.
Why: This companion to NOT A DROP TO DRINK uses the idea of the hero's quest to take Lucy and Lynn across the country. There's new lands, gruesome civilizations, and a great deal of characterization in terms of Lucy trying to figure out who she is and where she belongs in a world that's falling apart. McGinnis is also a wonderful story teller, and her words are enchanting.
*
Okay, folks. There's my list of the best books that I've read this year. My question to ya'll is: what were your favorites, and did any of them make my list?
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Blogger @Rae_Slater's top books of 2014 include titles by @courtalameda, @kseniaanske, and @natdrichards (Click to Tweet)
Therefore, ya'll get my EIGHT top books of 2014. And, yes, I realize that there's technically more, but I'm pushing entire series titles into one. So sue me.
The books that made this list did so for certain reasons: they either had an impact on me mentally/emotionally, or else they inspire me to continue and better in my writing. Without further ado, let's get this list started:
THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER
stephen chbosky
Why: I read this book way back in the beginning of this year, and while I can't actually name exactly what continues to draw me to it, it stuck with me. I even named my blog after it (ya'll were at least a little curious, right?). I guess it's the theme of being the person in the background, and dealing with all sorts of society things, and the one phrase, "We are infinite." It's perfection, and I just connected to it.
THE RAVEN CYCLE
maggie stiefvater
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SIX MONTHS LATER
natalie d. richards
Why: I love things that have to do with amnesia. I'm a sucker for it. I love trying to answer the question of how close our identity and our memories are. And the fact that Richards paired it with a well-thought-out and well-executed mystery was fabulous. I love mysteries.
IRKADURA
ksenia anske
Why: Yet another book that I'd heard a lot of positive buzz of before buying. IRKADURA is completely surreal, and it explores the darkest side of human nature in Soviet Russia. It's thought provoking, and simply a beautiful read.
HOUSEKEEPING
marilynne robinson
Why: I read this book in my Form + Technique: Fiction class during the Spring semester. It's an extremely easy and simple read, but it's another of those thought-provoking ones that's just stuck with me, mostly because of the way both sisters in the novel grow up to be so different. Basically, it's just interesting to see the different roads they take despite being raised under the same series of relatives. Excellent characters.
THE LUNAR CHRONICLES
marissa meyer
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SHUTTER
courtney alameda
Why: Hauntings,, ghosts, spirits, gore, and a clever narrator/protagonist to tell the tale? Yes, please. SHUTTER comes out in February, and there are no words for how excited I am for everyone to get to read this gem. It's perfect for the fans of horror done right: a plot with a time limit, and a series of characters that are both nutty and absolutely lovable at the same time. Plus, the writing's phenomenal.
IN A HANDFUL OF DUST
mindy mcginnis
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Writing, Reading, Blog Updates: Winter Break 2014
As of today, I have exactly four weeks of no college. Come, celebrate with me.
*celebrates*
In that four weeks, I've given myself a lot to do. I'm currently almost 10 k into the revision of my WIP, and I plan on making a lot of headway. Anyone care to wager how far I can get before school starts again in January?
I'm also going to be reading: I've got a whole stack of books (both physical books and books on my Nook) hat I plan to get read/reviewed. And if I can get a few reviews lined up in case I get behind in reading during the Spring semester, that would be awesome, too. I'm also open to new titles: got a book to recommend to me? Let me know!
Now, a combination of reading and writing: next semester, I'm going to be working on my senior honors thesis. It's going to be a series of short stories that follow classic fairy tales, only with a slightly different setting than the classics gave them. So not only am I going to start planning all of those out (and I'm so stoked to be sharing that experience with ya'll), but I'm going to be researching, as well. It just so happens that my researching is going to center around reading and studying the fairy tales I plan to retell, as well as reading re-tellings. That's right, I'll be reading Marissa Meyers' THE LUNAR CHRONICLES for a second time, and taking a look at other re-tellings like Gregory Maguire's CONFESSIONS OF AN UGLY STEPSISTER and MIRROR, MIRROR.
As for the blog: I'm giving myself a project that's going to take a long time, which means I'll be finding one entire day to get it done. The project: I'm going to attempt adding a directory to this thing. That way ya'll can find past posts easily based on its subject: plot, characters, setting, etc. So. Yay?
Another blog project: I might (maybe) change the design soon. If ya'll have any opinions, or know any designers or good tutorials, please let me know. But the change is also kind of a big "if," since the current design has somewhat grown on me. Then again, I love changing things every now and again.
Well, that's the update. Now I need to learn how to be a normal human being again.
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Curious about what @Rae_Slater will be up to during her winter break? Check out her reading, writing, & blogging plans. (Click to Tweet)
*celebrates*
In that four weeks, I've given myself a lot to do. I'm currently almost 10 k into the revision of my WIP, and I plan on making a lot of headway. Anyone care to wager how far I can get before school starts again in January?
I'm also going to be reading: I've got a whole stack of books (both physical books and books on my Nook) hat I plan to get read/reviewed. And if I can get a few reviews lined up in case I get behind in reading during the Spring semester, that would be awesome, too. I'm also open to new titles: got a book to recommend to me? Let me know!
Now, a combination of reading and writing: next semester, I'm going to be working on my senior honors thesis. It's going to be a series of short stories that follow classic fairy tales, only with a slightly different setting than the classics gave them. So not only am I going to start planning all of those out (and I'm so stoked to be sharing that experience with ya'll), but I'm going to be researching, as well. It just so happens that my researching is going to center around reading and studying the fairy tales I plan to retell, as well as reading re-tellings. That's right, I'll be reading Marissa Meyers' THE LUNAR CHRONICLES for a second time, and taking a look at other re-tellings like Gregory Maguire's CONFESSIONS OF AN UGLY STEPSISTER and MIRROR, MIRROR.
As for the blog: I'm giving myself a project that's going to take a long time, which means I'll be finding one entire day to get it done. The project: I'm going to attempt adding a directory to this thing. That way ya'll can find past posts easily based on its subject: plot, characters, setting, etc. So. Yay?
Another blog project: I might (maybe) change the design soon. If ya'll have any opinions, or know any designers or good tutorials, please let me know. But the change is also kind of a big "if," since the current design has somewhat grown on me. Then again, I love changing things every now and again.
Well, that's the update. Now I need to learn how to be a normal human being again.
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Curious about what @Rae_Slater will be up to during her winter break? Check out her reading, writing, & blogging plans. (Click to Tweet)
Thursday, December 4, 2014
"The One" Who Loves Your Work: They Really Do Exist
You've heard it said: "Not everyone is going to love your work." You've also heard it said that you need to find the one person who loves it, who really sees a bright future for it. And you've heard that, for some people, it just won't hit par and they're going to pass.
But no big deal, because you just need to find the right person.
I am here to tell you that this is all pretty much true. At least on a small level.
Talk to any published or soon-to-be published author: most likely they'll have gone through a number of queries until they found the right person to represent them. And while I haven't yet hit this stage, I have been in a Fiction Workshop all semester, and it's kind of (almost) the same thing on a smaller level.
The reason is simple: the entire class read a short story; the entire class got together to talk about it. Some people absolutely loved it, and some people thought it could use a lot of work.
Now, I realize that none of us are really in a position to actually get anything publishing-worthy at our stage, but I've noticed that the majority of us have some pretty interesting insight. And, the fact is, there's always one or two people who are in love with the same aspect of a short story that most of the others think isn't doing much.
Those one or two people are who you want to look for. Heck, those are the exact kind of people that you are looking for if you're querying. Odds are you're going to get (or have gotten) a number of rejections, because it just wasn't the right fit. This is okay: you want to find the agent or publisher that fits.
And if I haven't beat the dead horse* enough, join a workshop class (or think about workshop classes/groups that you've been in in the past) and you'll probably see where I'm coming from.
Don't give up; there's plenty of fish in the sea, but you're looking for a shark who won't eat you.
*No horses were harmed in the making of this blog post.
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There's plenty of fish in the sea, but you need a shark. @Rae_Slater explains: not everyone is going to love your work (Click to Tweet)
Workshops are the perfect example to prove how not everyone will love your work, but someone will via @Rae_Slater (Click to Tweet)
But no big deal, because you just need to find the right person.
I am here to tell you that this is all pretty much true. At least on a small level.
Talk to any published or soon-to-be published author: most likely they'll have gone through a number of queries until they found the right person to represent them. And while I haven't yet hit this stage, I have been in a Fiction Workshop all semester, and it's kind of (almost) the same thing on a smaller level.
The reason is simple: the entire class read a short story; the entire class got together to talk about it. Some people absolutely loved it, and some people thought it could use a lot of work.
Now, I realize that none of us are really in a position to actually get anything publishing-worthy at our stage, but I've noticed that the majority of us have some pretty interesting insight. And, the fact is, there's always one or two people who are in love with the same aspect of a short story that most of the others think isn't doing much.
Those one or two people are who you want to look for. Heck, those are the exact kind of people that you are looking for if you're querying. Odds are you're going to get (or have gotten) a number of rejections, because it just wasn't the right fit. This is okay: you want to find the agent or publisher that fits.
And if I haven't beat the dead horse* enough, join a workshop class (or think about workshop classes/groups that you've been in in the past) and you'll probably see where I'm coming from.
Don't give up; there's plenty of fish in the sea, but you're looking for a shark who won't eat you.
*No horses were harmed in the making of this blog post.
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There's plenty of fish in the sea, but you need a shark. @Rae_Slater explains: not everyone is going to love your work (Click to Tweet)
Workshops are the perfect example to prove how not everyone will love your work, but someone will via @Rae_Slater (Click to Tweet)
Thursday, November 27, 2014
A 2014 Thanksgiving
Quick post today, because not only am I eager to officially kick-start my Thanksgiving, I'm sure ya'll are, too (if ya'll haven't already).
I just wanted to give all of ya'll a quick thank you: to my readers, to my friends (old and new), and most of all to every other writer and author out there who continues to inspire me to keep writing and following my dreams. It's because of ya'll that so many great things have happened to me this past year, and so many opportunities have led to me being extremely hopeful about my future for once in my life.
Ya'll are incredible. Truly.
Now, if you're American and you're reading this: go eat lots of good food. Even if you're not: still go eat good food because good food is fantastic.
Hppy Thanksgiving, everyone!
I just wanted to give all of ya'll a quick thank you: to my readers, to my friends (old and new), and most of all to every other writer and author out there who continues to inspire me to keep writing and following my dreams. It's because of ya'll that so many great things have happened to me this past year, and so many opportunities have led to me being extremely hopeful about my future for once in my life.
Ya'll are incredible. Truly.
Now, if you're American and you're reading this: go eat lots of good food. Even if you're not: still go eat good food because good food is fantastic.
Hppy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Thursday, November 20, 2014
The Work Never Stops
Don't take that phrase lightly, because it is absolutely true.
As I write this, I have one class and four hours of work standing between me and disappearing from college for a week. I'm celebrating Thanksgiving with my family at home (as usual, and I honestly wouldn't have it any other way), but guess what's coming with me?
That's right, you probably guessed it. I'm in college, which means I'm bringing homework with me. I've got a monster amount of final projects to start and attempt to finish (or at least make some semblance of progress).
But instead of talking about that, let's look at this as if I weren't in college.
I'd still go home. I'd still bring with me lots of work to do. Because I'd have my writing, I'd have my blogging. I'd have books to read. And while that all might not sound like work, I'm not qualifying "work" as things that are occasionally a pain in the rear end to do.
I'm talking: you will always have something to do that's important to you. Particularly if you're in the blogging/writing business in some form or another. There's another post to write, another book to review, another hundred words that needs to be written.
It's totally awesome. Why is it awesome? Because that is everything in life I love to do, no matter how many times writing, reading, editing, etc. makes me want to bash my head into a wall. It's basically my favorite thing to do (the work, not the bashing my head into a wall).
I just really wish that's all I had to do next week. Let's drop back into reality: I've still got school (until December 13th. Then I'm free for a month until the spring semester starts in January).
So what's my point: you will always have work to do. Just try and make it the kind of work that you enjoy. We don't always get a choice, but when we do: take it and run far, far away.
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Why @Rae_Slater says the work never stops, and why she doesn't want it to (Click to Tweet)
As I write this, I have one class and four hours of work standing between me and disappearing from college for a week. I'm celebrating Thanksgiving with my family at home (as usual, and I honestly wouldn't have it any other way), but guess what's coming with me?
That's right, you probably guessed it. I'm in college, which means I'm bringing homework with me. I've got a monster amount of final projects to start and attempt to finish (or at least make some semblance of progress).
But instead of talking about that, let's look at this as if I weren't in college.
I'd still go home. I'd still bring with me lots of work to do. Because I'd have my writing, I'd have my blogging. I'd have books to read. And while that all might not sound like work, I'm not qualifying "work" as things that are occasionally a pain in the rear end to do.
I'm talking: you will always have something to do that's important to you. Particularly if you're in the blogging/writing business in some form or another. There's another post to write, another book to review, another hundred words that needs to be written.
It's totally awesome. Why is it awesome? Because that is everything in life I love to do, no matter how many times writing, reading, editing, etc. makes me want to bash my head into a wall. It's basically my favorite thing to do (the work, not the bashing my head into a wall).
I just really wish that's all I had to do next week. Let's drop back into reality: I've still got school (until December 13th. Then I'm free for a month until the spring semester starts in January).
So what's my point: you will always have work to do. Just try and make it the kind of work that you enjoy. We don't always get a choice, but when we do: take it and run far, far away.
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Why @Rae_Slater says the work never stops, and why she doesn't want it to (Click to Tweet)
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Rae's 20th Birthday Bash
I think I'll make this post short: in exactly one week, I turn 20 years old. And it is the season of giving, and Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, and one of my favorite things to do for my birthday is to give things to people.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Therefore: I'm holding a giveaway, because who doesn't love free book money?
Weird, non-bookish people, that's who.
Weird, non-bookish people, that's who.
Since I'm turning 20 years old, I'm giving one person a Barnes and Noble Gift Card worth $20 (US only). You'll have exactly one week to enter, and the winner will be chosen at random. Just fill out the Rafflecopter below!
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Dreams and Nightmares of the Stupidly Optimistic
So a certain someone told me last week that they wanted to hear about my nightmares and crazy fantasies of freedom and wealth. I'm actually not lying, either:
In case ya'll can't tell, Chris is awesome. Just one of the few of the awesome people I've met and interacted with since joining the Twittersphere. But this post isn't about Twitter. I decided to take Chris up on his offer and spill my guts.
Are ya'll ready for this?
Dreams:
First, I wanted to be a detective. When I was little, I got my "real" start in being a bookworm by reading the Nancy Drew novels, and to this day I have the entire collection on my bookshelf. Nancy was such a strong, smart, and fashionable heroine that I fell in love and wanted to do everything she did.
Then I wanted to be a zoologist because, well, zoologists get to work in zoos and be around animals all the time. Which I thought was awesome.
Then I wanted to become a forensic anthropologist because I loved the show Bones and thought, "I want to do that!"
Each and every one of those things had the same thing in common (although, for the second one, I can't remember where the spark came from): what I wanted to become had a base in fictional worlds. So, eventually, I thought: why not take my dreams, and shove them into a world that I create on my own?
Therefore, I started writing, and I found my niche. I love the fact that I can be whatever I want just by diving into the minds of my characters. They can be the detective, the animal lover, the investigator of dead bodies. And they can do so much more.
So my dreams and my "crazy fantasies" involve me, sitting in a cozy studio apartment somewhere in New England, and tapping away at my laptop. There will also be a mischievous cat named Mako trying to knock my coffee over. It's that kind of life that makes me happy, and even if I don't make millions, if I can somehow pull off making enough to get my somewhat comfortably, then I'll be happy.
Nightmares:
Okay, so a recurring nightmare I've had since The Dark Night movie came out: the Joker is coming to kill me. To this day, that's the most terrible and frightening literal nightmare that I've ever had (go ahead and laugh, you know you want to).
As for my real nightmares, I think it's something that a lot of people share: what if I don't make it? I'm one of those stupidly optimistic people who thinks, "Eventually, it'll happen," and I like to think that I have the drive, commitment, and motivation to get me at least somewhere close. Even worse, though, is the fact that so many in my family, and so many of my friends, have the kind of confidence I try to exude, only they have it in so much excess that it scares me. If I don't make it, I can deal with it after a few weeks of dark depression and a whole heck of a lot of chocolate and apple pie, but my biggest nightmare and fear has been letting down those people who've supported me for six years, now. I've always hated failure, mainly because there were other people who I think had more faith in me than I had, and it makes me feel terrible to not succeed in the way they think I should.
I mean, I'm a people pleaser. I want to make others happy, and I want them to be proud of me. So sue me.
And...those are my thoughts. And I think I've either stated the obvious, or stated too much, but there's my thoughts for today.
What are your dreams and nightmares?
Tweet It:
@Rae_Slater accepted @chris_mahan's challenge and spilled her dreams and nightmares; they all have to do with writing (Click to Tweet)
@chris_mahan asked @Rae_Slater what her dreams and nightmares are, so she spilled and asks: what're yours? (Click to Tweet)
@Rae_Slater @brianawrites @BrettMichaelOrr Book reviews? Bah, I want to know about your nightmares and crazy fantasies of freedom and wealth
— Christopher Mahan (@chris_mahan) November 8, 2014
Are ya'll ready for this?
Dreams:
First, I wanted to be a detective. When I was little, I got my "real" start in being a bookworm by reading the Nancy Drew novels, and to this day I have the entire collection on my bookshelf. Nancy was such a strong, smart, and fashionable heroine that I fell in love and wanted to do everything she did.
Then I wanted to be a zoologist because, well, zoologists get to work in zoos and be around animals all the time. Which I thought was awesome.
Then I wanted to become a forensic anthropologist because I loved the show Bones and thought, "I want to do that!"
Each and every one of those things had the same thing in common (although, for the second one, I can't remember where the spark came from): what I wanted to become had a base in fictional worlds. So, eventually, I thought: why not take my dreams, and shove them into a world that I create on my own?
Therefore, I started writing, and I found my niche. I love the fact that I can be whatever I want just by diving into the minds of my characters. They can be the detective, the animal lover, the investigator of dead bodies. And they can do so much more.
So my dreams and my "crazy fantasies" involve me, sitting in a cozy studio apartment somewhere in New England, and tapping away at my laptop. There will also be a mischievous cat named Mako trying to knock my coffee over. It's that kind of life that makes me happy, and even if I don't make millions, if I can somehow pull off making enough to get my somewhat comfortably, then I'll be happy.
Nightmares:
Okay, so a recurring nightmare I've had since The Dark Night movie came out: the Joker is coming to kill me. To this day, that's the most terrible and frightening literal nightmare that I've ever had (go ahead and laugh, you know you want to).
As for my real nightmares, I think it's something that a lot of people share: what if I don't make it? I'm one of those stupidly optimistic people who thinks, "Eventually, it'll happen," and I like to think that I have the drive, commitment, and motivation to get me at least somewhere close. Even worse, though, is the fact that so many in my family, and so many of my friends, have the kind of confidence I try to exude, only they have it in so much excess that it scares me. If I don't make it, I can deal with it after a few weeks of dark depression and a whole heck of a lot of chocolate and apple pie, but my biggest nightmare and fear has been letting down those people who've supported me for six years, now. I've always hated failure, mainly because there were other people who I think had more faith in me than I had, and it makes me feel terrible to not succeed in the way they think I should.
I mean, I'm a people pleaser. I want to make others happy, and I want them to be proud of me. So sue me.
And...those are my thoughts. And I think I've either stated the obvious, or stated too much, but there's my thoughts for today.
What are your dreams and nightmares?
Tweet It:
@Rae_Slater accepted @chris_mahan's challenge and spilled her dreams and nightmares; they all have to do with writing (Click to Tweet)
@chris_mahan asked @Rae_Slater what her dreams and nightmares are, so she spilled and asks: what're yours? (Click to Tweet)
Thursday, November 6, 2014
The Proposal
No, I'm not getting married. Let's just get all of that ironed out, okay?
If ya'll have managed to catch my Tweets at certain points this week, you might have noticed I've been losing my mind trying to write a thesis proposal.
In case ya'll need a catch-up: I'm in my fifth semester in college, and I'm pretty much set to graduate in December 2015. This means that in the next two semesters, I need to get my thesis done, and it's kind of recommended (and I was going to beg and plead otherwise) to do your senior thesis the semester before you graduate, meaning I need to get mine done in the Spring. Which is next semester.
Yay me?
So far it's been an adventure. I had one advisor, and then found out that he can't really do anything to help me with my idea. So I was recommended to someone else, who is fantastic and wound up being a (hopefully) perfect fit for me. Next step; write the proposal for my project, get it approved, and then I can officially be signed up for the "course" that designates that yes, I really am writing my thesis.
Last night, I finally got the rough draft of my proposal finished. *cheers*
This morning, I also woke up early to register for classes and I'm pretty happy with my schedule. But, honestly, next semester it's going to be my thesis that freaks me out. I'll let ya'll know the subject of it once it's approved (I really don't want to jinx myself), but I can tell you: it's going to be freaking awesome.
Hopefully I'm also done running around like a chicken with its head cut off, since now I'm just editing that dang proposal, and then it's off to get approve (like I said: with luck).
And for all of ya'll doing NaNo: I hope it's going well!
If ya'll have managed to catch my Tweets at certain points this week, you might have noticed I've been losing my mind trying to write a thesis proposal.
In case ya'll need a catch-up: I'm in my fifth semester in college, and I'm pretty much set to graduate in December 2015. This means that in the next two semesters, I need to get my thesis done, and it's kind of recommended (and I was going to beg and plead otherwise) to do your senior thesis the semester before you graduate, meaning I need to get mine done in the Spring. Which is next semester.
Yay me?
So far it's been an adventure. I had one advisor, and then found out that he can't really do anything to help me with my idea. So I was recommended to someone else, who is fantastic and wound up being a (hopefully) perfect fit for me. Next step; write the proposal for my project, get it approved, and then I can officially be signed up for the "course" that designates that yes, I really am writing my thesis.
Last night, I finally got the rough draft of my proposal finished. *cheers*
This morning, I also woke up early to register for classes and I'm pretty happy with my schedule. But, honestly, next semester it's going to be my thesis that freaks me out. I'll let ya'll know the subject of it once it's approved (I really don't want to jinx myself), but I can tell you: it's going to be freaking awesome.
Hopefully I'm also done running around like a chicken with its head cut off, since now I'm just editing that dang proposal, and then it's off to get approve (like I said: with luck).
And for all of ya'll doing NaNo: I hope it's going well!
Thursday, October 30, 2014
To Those Who Have NaNo'd Before Me
I know a lot of ya'll are beginning to freak out because NaNoWriMo starts on Saturday, and I wish I could offer ya'll some kind words, but here's the only thing I can really say without lying to ya'll:
Writing 50,000 words in a month is hard.
I can tell you, however, that I've done it before. Last year, I told myself I wasn't going to participate in NaNo because I simply didn't have time (because NaNo comes right at the end of the semester when I usually have a million papers to write). So after that, I told myself that I'd just start writing a new idea on November 1 and see how far I get.
And then I accidentally wrote the entire 74 k word first draft of THE HOLLOW MEN. So that was fun.
What's I'm trying to say, though: ya'll are amazing for containing the determination and motivation that it'll take to write 50,000 words in a month, amidst everything else happening in your hectic lives. Some of ya'll will beat NaNo, some of ya'll won't, but everyone will have a document with many, many words that they can look back on and say: "That's right, I did that. I at least tried."
Which makes ya'll better people than I will ever be.
So to all those who have NaNo'd before me, and to everyone who will NaNo now, I just want to say good luck. I'll be cheering for ya'll all month!
And my question: what're ya'll going to be working on this month?
Tweet It:
It's almost time for NaNo! A message to everyone participating from blogger @Rae_Slater (Click to Tweet)
Writing 50,000 words in a month is hard.
I can tell you, however, that I've done it before. Last year, I told myself I wasn't going to participate in NaNo because I simply didn't have time (because NaNo comes right at the end of the semester when I usually have a million papers to write). So after that, I told myself that I'd just start writing a new idea on November 1 and see how far I get.
And then I accidentally wrote the entire 74 k word first draft of THE HOLLOW MEN. So that was fun.
What's I'm trying to say, though: ya'll are amazing for containing the determination and motivation that it'll take to write 50,000 words in a month, amidst everything else happening in your hectic lives. Some of ya'll will beat NaNo, some of ya'll won't, but everyone will have a document with many, many words that they can look back on and say: "That's right, I did that. I at least tried."
Which makes ya'll better people than I will ever be.
So to all those who have NaNo'd before me, and to everyone who will NaNo now, I just want to say good luck. I'll be cheering for ya'll all month!
And my question: what're ya'll going to be working on this month?
Tweet It:
It's almost time for NaNo! A message to everyone participating from blogger @Rae_Slater (Click to Tweet)
Thursday, October 23, 2014
College Relevancy
Yesterday, I learned how to identify a gerund from an infinitive from a participial. It took me five total hours and I'm blaming my current state of exhaustion on the fact that diagramming sentences with verbals in them is hard.
But, I mean, there is a plus side.
Yesterday I read this article from Dear English Major: an interview with Nicole Wayland. In it, she mentions taking certain elective classes that will kind of plump up your resume, and when I read that part I immediately thought of my ENGL 451/551 class, Practicum in American Grammar.
Fun Fact: every time I tell someone that I'm taking a class on grammar, their face kind of screws up like there's a bad smell and I get the inevitable question: "Why?"
My answer's the same every time: "Um...it's fun!"
Backtrack to my first paragraph. Yes, it's hard. Yes, it gives me headaches. Yes, it takes me five-six hours just to work through a single chapter and all of the exercises. But, now, I get to explore the inner workings of a sentence. Now, whenever I work on my MS, I mentally deconstruct every sentence I write and I can put a name to all of the little pieces I get out of it.
I love editing; ya'll have probably heard that too many times to count, but it's true. I also feel like this class is helping me with my skills: for example, we just finished a chapter on identifying active and passive voice, and practicing turning active into passive and vice versa. It's useful.
And if it's useful, it gets me the college credits I need, and it'll help me out with a possible future career that I've already learned has stolen my heart? Well, get out of the way everyone who says English degrees and grammar is useless. Rae's coming through.
If you're still in college like me, or even high school, just remember to take classes that are both relevant to your degree and useful for whatever future career you've chosen. It makes homework feel a little less like work, and a little more like...home?
(Okay, too cheesy?)
Tweet It:
Gerunds, elective classes, and the sea of career choices. What they all have in common for @Rae_Slater (Click to Tweet)
In college? Why not choose courses and activities that cater to what you love? (Click to Tweet)
But, I mean, there is a plus side.
Yesterday I read this article from Dear English Major: an interview with Nicole Wayland. In it, she mentions taking certain elective classes that will kind of plump up your resume, and when I read that part I immediately thought of my ENGL 451/551 class, Practicum in American Grammar.
Fun Fact: every time I tell someone that I'm taking a class on grammar, their face kind of screws up like there's a bad smell and I get the inevitable question: "Why?"
My answer's the same every time: "Um...it's fun!"
Backtrack to my first paragraph. Yes, it's hard. Yes, it gives me headaches. Yes, it takes me five-six hours just to work through a single chapter and all of the exercises. But, now, I get to explore the inner workings of a sentence. Now, whenever I work on my MS, I mentally deconstruct every sentence I write and I can put a name to all of the little pieces I get out of it.
I love editing; ya'll have probably heard that too many times to count, but it's true. I also feel like this class is helping me with my skills: for example, we just finished a chapter on identifying active and passive voice, and practicing turning active into passive and vice versa. It's useful.
And if it's useful, it gets me the college credits I need, and it'll help me out with a possible future career that I've already learned has stolen my heart? Well, get out of the way everyone who says English degrees and grammar is useless. Rae's coming through.
If you're still in college like me, or even high school, just remember to take classes that are both relevant to your degree and useful for whatever future career you've chosen. It makes homework feel a little less like work, and a little more like...home?
(Okay, too cheesy?)
Tweet It:
Gerunds, elective classes, and the sea of career choices. What they all have in common for @Rae_Slater (Click to Tweet)
In college? Why not choose courses and activities that cater to what you love? (Click to Tweet)
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