Shawndra Russell's Fiction Blog

Delight Three People Today AND Change a Life

2012-09-19T10:27:00.000-04:00

Make someone feel like THIS today!

Quick, think of three women in your life that you would love to delight today. Maybe your Mom, sister, aunt, girlfriend, friend, cousin, co-worker, fiance, mentor? Okay, now which of those are book lovers? Eureka! Now keep those three people in mind as you read on.

Since publishing my debut novel, Couple Friends, several of my friends and family members have made me giddy with joy when I found out that they gifted copies of my book to their friends and family. You would think that the $2.99 (well, $8.97 since they gifted three copies) they spent was like putting bricks of gold directly in my pockets the way this made me feel. I guess because it's a form of validation; they enjoyed the book so much and believe in me enough that they wanted to share it with others, and not just by word of mouth, but by actually putting their money where their mouths are. Their gifts say to the recipients, "Okay, seriously, you've GOT to read this book."

The cold, hard truth is that the first months immediately after publication make or break a title. It could be well-written, fun, thought-provoking, whatever, and it doesn't matter if not enough people hear about it and in turn purchase it. Read more about the importance of the crucial initial months in Jody Hedlund's post When You Should Stop Marketing a Book (hint: the moment you do, the moment your sales will cease).

And I lied. You won't be just delighting the three people you thought about by gifting them a copy of my book for a grand total of $8.97. You may also change my life. I don't mean to be dramatic about this, but the truth is, I have no idea what the future holds. I've given up a steady paycheck, health care, and retirement savings and bet everything on my writing career. This bold (some would argue stupid) decision has been the hardest of my life--straining relationships, our bank account, and my sanity. Yet, I wouldn't trade it for the world and no matter where this path leads (even if that path is to Thailand to live in a remote house for $5 a day--this is actually our backup plan when our lease is up in May!), I will never regret the decision I made to go after my calling and passion.

What have you had to give up to go after your dreams? What would you give up to pursue your calling and passion?

Don't forget, the $2.99 introductory price of Couple Friends ends Sunday, September 23 at midnight. And please leave a review on Amazon for any book you have ever loved. This is the #1 free, easy way to help make a book a success.

Kicking It Into High Gear!

2012-08-23T21:56:00.003-04:00

So finally have my novel ready for publication and my fiction website up and running, which means I can refocus on this site a little and clarify my focus. So, this blog will now be all about my "day job" aka freelance writing, social media management, and then of course anything fun and inspiring I run across that is career (or more specifically, dream-chasing) related.

Thanks for your patience during this crazy time. I look forward to getting back to connecting with all of you and catching up!

Come on over and see what my new site is all about at www.shawndrarussell.com. You can also share a crazy, funny, or scandalous couple friends story to be entered to win a copy of my debut novel, Couple Friends! That's the cover above--original artwork by Lowell Aromin.

My Writing Mentor, Nora Ephron

2012-06-27T00:00:00.000-04:00

I was rocked when early tonight I discovered my writing mentor above all others passed away. Nora Ephron wrote heartwarming, poignant, and honest words that translated into films, essays, plays, novels, and television shows that break us down but also lift us up.

I immediately went to find my favorite movie, When Harry Met Sally, and plan to watch it now to honor her in my own small, weird tribute as I nurse a beer and shed tears for a woman who touched me in so many ways.

On a day when I needed reminded about what truly matters, Nora once again came through albeit under unwelcome circumstances. Although I always hoped I would run into her in New York, I will have to instead dive into her words for solace and inspiration.

Thank you for living your life with passion, purpose, and most of all, humor. You will be sorely missed, and I wouldn't be a writer today without your words.

Carpe diem.

#15Habits Day 8 with Jeff Goins: The Difference Between Starting and Building

2012-06-14T23:01:00.000-04:00

This post made me do something I have been putting off for too long: contacting Bookbaby with my questions about their services. I have a nearly-ready novel that I want to self-publish, but I have no interest in formatting or distributing it. Plus, you can order print copies from them which is one of the gifts that some of my Kickstarter backers will receive. Sounds almost perfect (and worth the fees).

Although I know *some* things about Bookbaby (and a few similar services), I have been putting off asking direct questions because I just want to get my book 100% ready then deal with that aspect of the process. But, this assignment made me "finish" something that has been nagging me for quite some time.

I feel better already. Thanks Jeff.

#15Habits Day 7 with Jeff Goins: Great Writers Start Ugly

2012-06-14T21:46:00.000-04:00

I couldn't agree with Jeff's suggestion of "starting ugly." When I used to teach high school English, my students would painfully try to eek out perfect words and sentences for the first draft because they just wanted to be done with it.

In turn, they absolutely hated the writing process and usually had to do 2-3 rewrites anyway based on my comments and suggestions (boy, did they used to seethe when I returned their "drafts" that they though were final copies!).

I have spoken with a lot of writers that do the same thing. Where in the world did so many of us get the idea that you can create a perfect first draft? Maybe because we fear failure and see an ugly first draft as a failed attempt?

I wrote about how "writing ugly" helps me have mega production days on Denice Hazlett's site.

What's your highest word count day to date? Pick out a weekend day or upcoming day off and see how many words you can put down when you let yourself write ugly. You'll be shocked--I know I was!

#15Habits Day 5 with Jeff Goins: How Great Writers Prepare for Big Projects

2012-06-14T19:18:00.000-04:00

I sort of did this assignment yesterday: shipped aka published or shared something publicly yesterday. So, I thought I would toss out my newest interest and see if y'all think it's something worth pursuing as my "ship:"

Live Event Correspondent

I have "live-tweeted" several events in the past including Geekend, Savannah Stopover, Writer's Digest conference, and Tedx Creative Coast (for a publication I already work for or for a client as an additional duty that month), but I have never put myself out there as a live event correspondent until I found This Just In, a website by one of the master live event correspondents, Andrea Cook.

Now I am working hard to get my name out there as someone for hire to cover an event. Part journalism, part social media, I love pulling out excellent quotes by presenters and sharing them with the world. I also like giving props to the speakers, interacting with other attendees even though I have no idea where they are sitting or who they are, and sharing relevant links, resources or websites mentioned so people don't have to search for them later.

I get immense pleasure out of doing these tasks, but I also don't want to spin my wheels trying to convince companies to hire me to cover their events.

What do you think? Worth pursuing or time suck? Will companies hire an outsider? As live coverage because more popular, will they just assign someone that already works for them to do this task so they don't have to pay someone else?

#15Habits Day 4 with Jeff Goins: Practice Doesn't Make Perfect

2012-06-14T16:00:00.000-04:00

Today Jeff told us to do something scary, in public. Well, I can't think of anything scarier than sharing my opening paragraphs of my first (and soon-to-be published) novel, Couple Friends, with a bunch of other writers who may just be my toughest critics :)

The first four notes of “Here Comes the Bride” doomed our friendship for good. As her maid of

honor, I had a front-row view of the terrible decision she was about to make, and I couldn’t see how our friendship would survive after today. I froze as they exchanged vows, unable to shake how contrived the whole day felt. My heart had never beaten so hard as when she asked me, just hours ago, to deliver the groom’s gift to her husbnd-to-be—a bottle of Southern Comfort, which he snatched from my hands before promptly turning his back to me.

The family and friends that gathered for the occasion had no idea of the doubts swirling around in my head, but I worried Jane and Bill could see into my soul as I silently prayed that despite my huge, suffocating concerns, they would have a long, happy life together. Scratch that. I should have screamed at the top of my lungs for Jane to run while she could after what happened last night.

A Great Writer Takes Initiative: Day 3 #15Habits with Jeff Goins

2012-06-13T15:46:00.000-04:00

Today Jeff urged us to do what I think of as "pure writing": writing in a stream of consciousness style where you do not stop to edit, criticize, or reread what you've written. You take an idea and run with it, letting it play out as it will.

Admittedly, this is much easier with a solid outline and for an idea/plot/characters that have been living in your head for at least a little while.

I haven't had a chance to do much pure writing lately and did not do it with this challenge either. I am in a period in my freelance career that I have a ton of new cool opportunities that are taking nearly all my time and brainpower. When I do have a little "free" time, I spend that editing my first novel one last time so I can self-publish very, very soon.

However, I 100% believe in adding in this pure writing time, and it is a habit that I did for two months to complete both of my novels. I fully intend to return to this habit when I get my first novel published in the coming weeks to start on book #3.

My only pause is that I like to reach for a word count instead of a number-of-hours-in-a-chair goal. In two hours, I've cranked out between 2,000-3,000 words. Two hours of painfully trying to create perfect sentence after perfect sentence won't get your very far. Churning out a VERY rough draft of 2,000+ words can get you a finished first draft in no time :)

Day 2 #15 Habits With Jeff Goins

2012-06-06T22:03:00.001-04:00

So we are supposed to marinate on the fact that we are a writer today. I marinate best when I write in stream of consciousness and just get out how I'm feeling. So, here goes.

Naturally, when I think about the fact that I am REALLY, TRULY an author, I think about the future. I have always been type A, sort of obsessive crazy driven. I have actually turned off more than one person because of my intensity (I secretly think that I just make lazy and disorganized people feel guilty, but that's there problem, not mine).

Anyway, I love goals. I love setting them attached to deadlines and meeting, preferably exceeding, them. I envision a day when I get to write novels most of the day, plus time left over to write fabulous magazine articles, blog posts and help other businesses thrive.

I currently have a schedule to write at least 4 books per year. Some people might look at my year-long calendar and think I'm a lunatic, and that's okay. Some of these books may just be shorter eguides about writing or life. Others may be super-fun women's fiction titles that I write in a two week burst like my soon-to-debut novel, Couple Friends (with lots of editing afterwards, of course).

These novels are on top of my ideally 120 billable client hours (I'm at 90 right now) and the "unpaid" stuff like writing blog posts, learning, marketing myself, and meetings upon meetings with new potential clients.

So far, I have 2 books finished for 2012 and have the other 2 outlined to an extent because a good outline is key to high production word count days in my opinion.

Anyway, when I marinate, I guess I think in terms of my to-do list. Sure, that may be a negative and in some ways hinder my creative process, but that's why I have things like this fabulous #15habits assignments to sort of disappear into, even if just for 15 minutes. Thanks Jeff!

Jeff Goins 15 Day Writing Challenge: Day 1

2012-06-05T09:39:00.000-04:00

I am a writer. Over the past few months, whenever I meet someone knew, I say, "I am a writer, plus I do social media for several clients" (social media is just short, succinct writing anyway). While stating what I do factually may not seem like a big deal, it is to me because people often don't understand exactly what it is I do--sometimes I don't even know how to label all the tasks I manage!

If you say, "I'm a doctor" or "I'm a college professor," you have instant credibility. It doesn't matter how good you actually are at your job, or how long you've been doing it, or even if you are happy. You have a respectable title. But stating "I am a writer" brings a lot more challenges. There isn't an instant association that people can make. Their thoughts may drift to, "Is she a starving artist? Does she sit around in her pjs all day? How long can she keep this up until she has to get a real job?" (or so I worry).

I know not everyone I meet has these thoughts, especially others in creative fields. But there is a stigma attached, and although I know I shouldn't care, this stigma helps motivate me to work hard, even if it's just to shut up my self-doubt and the perhaps false assumptions I have about other peoples' reactions to my career of choice.

But the scariest part about stating my profession is that when people here "writer," many seem to expect that you can list books you've published or major magazines that you write for. It fails to impress them that you have rewritten someone's website, or have a blog, or even write for a local newspaper. And yes, I realize that what I do for a living doesn't need to impress anyone, but at the same time, I can't help but want respect.

I am a writer, and darn proud of it. But I want other people in my life to be proud of it too, and that motivates me to put fingers to keyboard every day.

The Power of One Dollar

2012-05-30T13:46:00.000-04:00

1 is the loneliest number...but many $1 can lead to great things!
Photo by FreeDigitalPhotos.net

So today as I woke up and saw the big fat "Only 35 hours left" on my Kickstarter page created to raise funds so I can self-publish my first novel, I started thinking about the power of $1. On it's own, a $1 isn't that impressive. Sure, you can buy a Taco Bell soft taco, or some candy, or a bottled water. But a bunch of $1s can actually fund dreams.

When I started my Kickstarter, I delusionally thought that a bunch of people would contribute $1, but actually only 3 people have given $1.

If we can make people believe in the power of $1, I KNOW that this Kickstarter can be a success. I think the people that were going to make a generous-sized donation (thank you wonderful backers!) already have, so maybe it's possible to now get everyone I know and everyone YOU know to donate just $1.

So today, if you can urge your networks to donate $1, just one little dollar, I truly think that this Kickstarter can reach it's target and my novel can be published.

$1 can do a lot or a little, and today, I'm hoping $1 can fund dreams.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/shawndrarussell/publishing-my-first-novel-couple-friends/posts

Writer Wednesdays: Embracing the Future via Jake Hodesh in Savannah Morning News

2012-05-23T11:36:00.000-04:00

Today an article by Jake Hodesh ran in Savannah Morning News regarding some residents resisting change. I absolutely love Savannah and love living here, aesthetically and in terms of the walkability, livability and things to do. However, this article highlights what is one of the biggest problems with Savannah: not embracing the future (or willingness to "decode the future," as was the theme of TedxCC).

Hodesh writes, "In the room on Friday, these ideas—activist public art projects, female-power entrepreneurship, environmentally-sensitive historical preservationist development—would have been praised as progress. Outside though, these issues have been criticized and led to public battles that have—and are—consuming precious resources."

Some people seem to define "embracing the future" as meaning "erasing the past" and that's just not true. Preserving Savannah's history and traditions is essential to its identity. But Hodesh's inspirational article shows that the past and future could live harmoniously in the present if we as a city could put aside our individual grievances and petty arguments. This means putting Savannah first when it comes to community and progressive issues, not ourselves and our own wants. We should all want to brand Savannah as a place that honors both the past and innovation, creativity and tradition, forward-thinking and learning from our mistakes. Hodesh' article is a call to action, urging Savannahians to ask ourselves "what's best for the city?" instead of "what's best for me?" before we complain too loudly or protest too much.

Savannah has made some great strides as the article points out; let's not slide backwards before we've even really begun to capitalize on the recent momentum. We can make Savannah a place that not only ranks high on a variety of tourism lists visit but also attracts new businesses, innovators and creatives to make Savannah their home indefinitely.

Writer Wednesdays: Andy Crouch: On Bars and Beer Gardens

2012-05-09T08:35:00.000-04:00

Meet me at the pub--we'll solve all the world's problems.
Photo by bk images

I recently received my issue #63 of BeerAdvocate, and on page 12 found this fabulous article by Andy Crouch, which has led me to put Great American Craft Beer and The Good Beer Guide to New England on my to-read list. (Full disclosure: I have my first BeerAdvocate article in this issue. YAY!).

In his article, Andy talks about the decrease in bars for the sake of bars and an increase in gastropubs and other similar establishments that make you feel bad about not ordering food or just stopping in to have a drink, perhaps--gasp!--alone (lush! bum! mooch!).

His musings made me think of The Tender Bar by J.R. Moehring. Sure, some of the people in this book were alcoholics, heavy gamblers, and screwed up. But good things happened in that bar--a sense of community, a bright spot for when you were troubled, and probably most of all, acceptance.

Pubs have long been a place were people congregate to talk, meet new people, and drink good beer. Yet, even in my city of Savannah, Georgia, obscure laws impede on a good time at some restaurants, where rumor has it once upon a time a cranky old neighbor didn't want unsavory types spilling into the streets near her home, so she got a law passed that people could not order alcohol unless they ordered food as well (Even more scandalous is that she got the law passed because she had some dirt on a politician). And Savannah is one of the more liberal cities when it comes to alcohol, allowing open containers while walking!

But the most noteworthy issue that Crouch's article brings up for me is that in a time when we lean on digital social networks more than ever, isn't getting out and rubbing elbows with neighbors and fellow citizens a good thing? Don't bars cause good cheer more than trouble? Isn't friendship strengthened over a few laughs, epic conversations, and shared experiences worth fostering?

I sure as heck think so. Long live plain ol', no food, dive-y, conversation havens...er, bars.

Couple Friends Kickstarter is Launched!

2012-05-02T19:50:00.000-04:00

Cheers to you for helping make my dreams come true!

Sorry it's been a week since my last post, but I've only taken off two weeks total since starting this daily blog last January, so I'm going to cut myself a little slack when needed :)

And boy was it needed. *drumroll*

I LAUNCHED MY KICKSTARTER YESTERDAY! If you don't know what Kickstarter is, it's a crowdfunding site that allows people to help a creative launch a project--be it an album, gadget, website, or book, like mine! The catch? It's all-or-nothing. So, if you want to raise $4,000 (like me), but you only raise $3, 215, then you don't get any of that money and your backers don't pay.

Sad. I wonder what the closest number has been that someone DIDN'T reach their goal, but almost did?

Anyway, please check out my novel and the other cool projects going on. Projects can't go longer than 60 days, but most only go around 30; mine is 31 days long and ends May 31 at 11:59 p.m. *gulp*

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/shawndrarussell/publishing-my-first-novel-couple-friends

Even if you're strapped for cash, you can donate just $1 and become an awesome dream-granter, which will keep you in the loop about the goings-on with my novel, like guest blog posts, interviews, and voting on my ebook cover later this month.

Thank you for your support both on this blog and perhaps for my Kickstarter!

Writer Wednesdays: Jeff Goins "You Are a Writer"

2012-04-26T17:58:00.000-04:00

Photo from Donald McAllister

I had a fabulous lazy Sunday reading Jeff Goin's newest ebook, You Are a Writer (So Start Acting Like One). But my relaxed mood quickly shifted into holy-cow-I-am-so-inspired-I-want-to-start-working-on-my-next-book-NOW mode.

Goins tends to have that effect.

This page-turner is a call to action for anyone thinking about becoming a writer. You can't read it and NOT want to go write something worthy of publishing immediately.

But as a freelance writer for over a year, it is also a great read for non-newbies too because it's a reminder of all the joys, and challenges, of writing. Most notably, Goins emphasizes how important it is to put yourself out there over and over, again and again, to new audiences and old, constantly.

Reading this book came at the perfect time for me as I get ready to self-publish my first novel. The book is an ideal confidence boost that makes me feel like I can do anything, not because he writes like my personal cheerleader or promises the journey will be easy, but because he emphasizes that you have the power over your success and only the truly dedicated and passionate will persevere.

It's an empowering message, and puts the accountability for your career squarely on your shoulders, where it should be. No excuses, no more stalling. The cliche "Just Do It" rings so true when it comes to your writing career.

Goins has the wonderful ability to make his words stir your greatest writing desires, and his style makes it feel like he wrote the book especially just for you. Which he did, because as a successful writer that is farther along in his career than me, I see his book is a roadmap to reaching his level of success.

And I know I can do it, because "I am a Writer."

Thanks again, Jeff, for believing in your fellow writers and sharing your knowledge.

Movie Mondays: J. Edgar Reaction

2012-04-23T05:08:00.000-04:00

Photo via Unknowncritics.com

I am a big fan of biographies/autobiographies/memoirs. I guess that's the journalist in me, and why I love doing interviews and learning about why people open a business or play in a band. I've also really gotten into historical fiction lately--anything like The Book Thief and Water for Elephants.

Anyway, I really enjoyed J. Edgar because I had no idea about his life and shaping of the FBI. But, I also liked the emotional analysis of this complicated, conflicted man played solidly by the always great Leonardo DiCaprio.

I felt most strongly for Armie Hammer's character, who was in love with J. Edgar and as a result was at Edgar's mercy professionally and personally. Edgar was portrayed somewhat like the repressed cowboy Heath Ledger played in Brokeback Mountain. The emotional turmoil and self-loathing seeped from DiCaprio and gave a thorough glimpse into Edgar's life.

It dragged at some points, and I definitely got angry at Edgar's treatment of Clyde Tolson for all those years, while denying him a real relationship. His bossiness, control freak-ness, and undercurrent of anger are palpable, and Tolson just puts up with it, even after having a debilitating stroke.

A touching learning experience that is the best example of how history can be told--sometimes best--by the analysis of one person's worldview.

SUPER Sharing Sundays: Best 8 Links of the Week!

2012-04-22T16:28:00.000-04:00

By the always-uplifting Shelli Johnson: Need an Attitude Adjustment? Try Gratitude.

The Freelancer's Soul-Saving Mind Hack by Walt Kania, creator of my new favorite blog, The Freelancery.

Paydirtapp.com. This freelance tool has increased my productivity, awareness, and confidence exponentially in just one week of use. LOVE!!!

Kickstarter.com. I am shocked everyone hasn't heard of this fabulous crowdfunding site for creatives. I've decided to support at least one Kickstarter a month. Funding dreams=very cool!

The April Kickstarter I supported: Poor Girl Eats Well. Check it out! I'm so excited to add this cookbook to our kitchen arsenal :)

KickStartup: Successful Funding with Kickstarter.com and (Re)making Art Space Tokyo by @craigmod. Inspirational story and beautiful book!

Internet Business Mastery clues us in to "What the Experts Don't Tell You About Social Media."

Thought this was hilarious on Twitter by @ThisIsRobThomas: "Hey, touchy people. Music is subjective. I think nugent is an ass clown. Many people think that of me. The world turns on. Let it go."

Soul Saturdays: One Small Step

2012-04-21T14:19:00.006-04:00

Photo by Bill Longshaw

In November 2011 on Thanksgiving Day, I hit the "publish" button for the first time on Yahoo (anyone can publish through www.contributor.yahoo.com). The thrill of that moment, and then seeing the article go live the next day, filled me with a sense of purpose and ecstatic joy, but I didn't fully realize what that moment meant at the time.

Now I do.

That one small step, which only took about two hours of my time, began a journey that I am still thrilled to be on and will be on until the day I die.

And I'm getting ready to hit an unbelievable, terrifying, and freakin' exciting milestone: publishing my first novel.

I'm launching a Kickstarter VERY soon, and it will fund the self-publishing expenses that are involved. It's scary as hell, but in that my-heart-is-fluttering-and-I-can't-stop-grinning way.

Thank you for being on this journey with me. I know how lucky I am to be doing work that I love, and it would be possible without you!

Eternally grateful,

Shawndra

P.S. What small step can YOU take today to put you on a path to reach your dreams? Share in the comments so we can support you!

Fiction Fridays: Novel Sneak Peek!

2012-04-20T16:25:00.003-04:00

Photo by: Photostock

So, I took some MAJOR steps today towards self-publishing my novel (getting quotes from editors, finding a self-publishing partner and ebook cover designer, and in general setting the groundwork to start my Kickstarter very, very soon!), so I thought it was high time I shared a tiny piece of my novel, Couple Friends, with you.

Please send me your feedback and let me know what you think about both my new fiction-focused website at www.shawndrarussell.com, and the little piece of my novel! Does it make you want to read more? Are you interested in Kieran's story? Hit me with your feedback; I can take it!

Novel Sneak Peak: Couple Friends!

Tune Thursdays: Steve Everett, North Carolina's "Tom Petty"

2012-04-19T19:14:00.000-04:00

"Being compared to Tom Petty is pretty powerful stuff, but Steve Everett takes the compliment in stride and just focuses on making fan-worthy music."

To read the rest of the article, please visit: Steve Everett, North Carolina's "Tom Petty"

Writer Wednesdays: Amy Flurry, Author of Recipe for Press

2012-04-18T18:07:00.000-04:00

Photo by Salvatore Vuono

Today I had the pleasure of listening to Amy Flurry, editor, freelance writer, and all-around "in-the-publishing-know" person give a presentation as part of #SCADstyle. She presented talking points from her book, Recipe for Press (which is now on my to-read list on Goodreads!), and how any of us can be our own publicist--especially in the beginning when money is tight. I can relate :)

Even though she is a stylist and in the fashion/design world, and the room was filled with people that create products over services like I do, I still found what she said very valuable. I am going to implement some of her tips into my future magazine pitches, and I will definitely be keeping up with her blog as she sends tips and friendly reminders such as NATIONALLY MAGAZINES WORK AT LEAST SIX MONTHS IN ADVANCE, like in this blog post: BOO! Pitching October Issues Yet?

Little nudges like these are exactly what I need to stay on track. I know how important it is to think ahead, but so many of ideas are more relevant for the season I'm currently in, so I need to file those ideas away for the appropriate time--time for a new worksheet in my "Pitches" Excel document! It always amazes me that these editors and editors have to think that far ahead. It has to get frustrating, but of course there really isn't any other way I suppose...unless everything moves to digital mags, which I'm guessing would mean a shorter turnaround, like ebooks compared to print publishing?

I will definitely post a full review after I read the book, but I wanted to put her Recipe for Press blog on your radar as I've already found it, and Flurry's advice and insight, very helpful.

Let me know what you think after you visit her blog!

Travel Tuesdays: My Article Featuring Savannah As This Month's BeerAdvocate Destination for a Beercation

2012-04-17T07:31:00.000-04:00

Photo by Ahmet Guhler

Sneak peek at my BeerAdvocate article, published in this month's issue #63, that features Savannah as the beercation Destination of the month:

"Savannah has grown into quite the beer destination in recent years, with bars large and small recognizing the demand for a stellar craft beer menu to thrive here. This unique, European-influenced city is heavy on charm and good times, even permitting open containers in the two square miles of the Historic District. Stroll the cobblestone streets, notable squares, and, of course, visit the quirky bars that dot downtown without having to be beer-less between stops. Talk about a beer drinkers’ bliss."

To read the rest of the article, you can buy a single issue of the subscription-only magazine here for only $2.99: http://beeradvocate.com/community/threads/beeradvocate-magazine-63-trouble-brewing-monks-kettle-metropolitan-lazy-magnolia-bluejacket.8854/

15 Savannah establishments are featured, plus shout-outs to our Savannah Craft Brew Fest, a few noteworthy nuggets about Savannah's history with alcohol, and a fitting quote from Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil to top it off.

Let me know what you think. Cheers!

Movie Mondays: The Girl With the Dragoon Tattoo

2012-04-16T19:19:00.002-04:00

Photo by Createdoxfoto

I was somewhat leery of watching The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo because I tried to read Stieg Larsson's and had to stop around page 33 because it was boring me to tears (I've heard after page 40 it gets really good?). So I was thrilled that this movie not only kept my attention throughout, but I was completely flabbergasted by the events an honestly didn't know who the bad guy was that they were chasing.

But more than just the plot, I enjoyed Daniel Craig's performance where he showed a little more humanity instead of just the tough badass that he usually plays (he was still a badass, but a slightly defeated, more vulnerable one and an intellectual journalist that relies on brains more than brawn).

Yet the scene-stealer was most definitely Rooney Mara, who plays the title character Lisbeth by walking the line between bravery and stupidity, vulnerability and strength, sadness and hopefulness. She is a fascinating character that has been destroyed by the government and is used by her employers, trustee, and even Craig's character, who appears to be the only person she actually trusts in her life.

The ending was the perfect cliffhanger, with Craig shattering Lisbeth's faith in others once again after she'd finally opened herself up to someone. She's a therapist's dream (or nightmare, perhaps) with so many layers, walls built up, reservations about any and everyone--for good reason.

She's the product of what any of us could have gone through, and there is something so admirable about her strength and fearlessness in many ways despite all the hardships she's encountered.

I'm honestly not sure if I want to read the second or third books because I enjoyed this movie so much without having read the first book.

Have any of you read the series? What did you like/dislike? What do you recommend I do: read or just watch?

SUPER Sharing Sundays: Best 8 Links of the Week!

2012-04-15T18:31:00.000-04:00

A good reality check about social media's powers and problems by Jacqui MacKenzie for Internet Business Mastery.

Very intrigued by this service (and it's so cheap!). Has anyone used it yet? Theauthorsally.com "How to Self-Publish."

5 Ways to Help Authors Without Spending a Dime by Michael K. Rose (I hope people are this helpful to me when my books launch this summer!).

And while we're at it, check out 5 More Ways to Help Authors Without Spending a Dime too!

8 Twitter Powerhouses You Must Follow (they communicate with the little guy!). On a related note, when do you move from little guy to medium guy to big guy on Twitter?

Why I Murdered My Successful Blog by Sean Platt of the Digital Writer (this guy is seriously amazing!).

An Essential Reminder: John Cleese on Creativity via CommuniCATE's Cate Russell-Cole. GREAT, inspirational video.

What I Learned On My Writer's Vacation by Aine Greaney (Hint: stop feeling guilty for taking time off--you'll be MORE productive when you get back to work!)

Soul Saturdays: Do Things that Scare You

2012-04-14T05:08:00.000-04:00

I ran in my first mudrun this weekend (that's me in the picture above), and ever since my good friend asked me to join her team of Crossfit enthusiasts three weeks ago, I worried.

Worried I would be the weakest link.

Worried I would let them down.

Worried I would get hurt.

Honestly, these concerns aren't like me, at least when it comes to athletic things. I have played sports my whole life, and I love to do new things. But for some reason, this mudrun had me worried. Maybe partly because I know my health insurance isn't the greatest (hello, life of a freelancer). But mostly, I just didn't want to look stupid.

When the race began and we trudged into the first obstacle--a mudpit that was about 2.5 feet deep--a smile spread across my face. It was SO much more fun than just regular "running" races (I competed in my first (and only) half marathon last year at Disney's Princess Run), and a new silly grin creeped onto my face every time we encountered a new obstacle.

I was hooked.

If I would have given into my fears and backed out, I would have never known that I absolutely love mudruns, and I intend to do many, many more in my future. In fact, I'm doing my second one June 16 (http://www.fleetfeetsavannah.com/jcb). If you're in Savannah, you should join!

I also learned that I need to believe in myself and my preparation (in all things, not just exercise!). I run 3-5 times per week, but I thought that I was lacking in the strength department and would have trouble with some of the upper body obstacles. I should have had faith that I was strong enough (physically and mentally!), and the huge sense of accomplishment I felt as we crossed the finish line was blissful.

We have to do the things that scare us sometimes, be it taking a leap of faith in order to pursue your dream career, start a new relationship, attend a networking event, or trying anything new, like a mudrun :)

What "new" thing will you tackle this month?