Feywriter

A Love Story

noreply@blogger.com (Feywriter) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:18:00 +0000

Last week I had my ten year anniversary. Now I’m going to share our story.

J and I first met online, through a dating site. I had a free profile and so did he. When he saw my profile come up as a match, he paid for a membership just to contact me. We chatted online, sent emails, eventually graduated to phone calls. After about a month, he finally asked me out.

It wasn’t all roses from there though. We had to be persistent just to meet!

Attempt one: Date time came, he showed up on my doorstep, and I wasn't home. I had gone downtown with some friends for a volunteer project. I had planned to be back in time for the date, but was reliant on others for transportation. When I found out I wasn't going to be back in time, I called his home. But he had already left and didn't have a cellphone. He thought I stood him up! I felt so bad. When I finally got a hold of him and apologized, he allowed me to reschedule.

Second chance: My planning wasn't that great the second time either. I had spent the previous night at a friend's, and got back to the apartment I realized I'd left the keys on the dresser inside, and no one else was home! So my hour to prep and freshen up was instead an hour sitting outside the door writing in my journal. I'd at least showered, but hadn't brushed my teeth, and was wearing this oversized t-shirt and no make-up (which for me is actually standard, but it was a first date! I wanted to impress!). He smiled at me when he approached, and held out a hand to help me up. He admitted he was surprised to see a blonde. I had totally forgotten my picture on the site was from earlier that year when I had my hair dyed auburn.

Success: Thankfully, I think seeing me in my more natural form helped us both to relax. I wasn't putting on any fronts. He was seeing the real me, like it or not. And he must have liked, as our date was the longest first date in my dating history.

We went miniature golfing (tied score!), ate lunch at Sconecutters, then extended the date to go to a movie. We were in between showings, so bought tickets and went to browse the bookstore next door.

I listened to the music CDs, and fell in love with this Celtic sampler. I had left my purse in the car, so asked him to buy it for me. Later I was reminded the exact phrasing was closer to: "Do you want me to love you forever? Buy me this Celtic CD." So he bought my love for $2.

We watched The Others (very enjoyable), then *still* didn't want to go our separate ways. Next stop: Leatherby's, where we talked and laughed. We probably would have kept our date going even longer, but couldn't think of anywhere else to go so late.

Sad thing? After this long, amazing date, he didn't ask me out again. Figured I was too good to be true, and wouldn't want another date. I had to ask *him* out for our second date. And what an intimidating date that was. I asked him over for a game night at my family's home. I had siblings bringing dates, and asked him to be mine. Playing "I have never" may not be the best way to introduce an introvert to your family.

But that did open the door for him, and he followed through by asking me to the zoo for our third date. I didn't hesitate in saying yes. I had tried with previous guys to get them to take me to the zoo, but none had. I have many fond memories of Hogle Zoo, and always thought it would be a great place for a date.

That day we held hands for the first time, he tried making me snort my lemonade from laughter, and we had a great time. After the zoo, we went to the movies. I don't remember what we saw, but we waited on the couch in the hall waiting for that show. I kicked back, lay my head on his lap, and my feet on the couch arm. Closed my eyes while he ran his hands through my hair. And when it was time to go in, he leaned down and kissed me.

One month later, he asked me to marry him. Three months after that, and we were married.

So there you have it. The beginning of our romance. It’s been quite a journey.

Ten Years Today

noreply@blogger.com (Feywriter) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:32:00 +0000

On this day ten years ago, I married my sweetheart. Marriage has had its ups and downs, but we’re happy and together. Love you, sweetie!

Got lots to do still before we leave for our weekend get-a-way. So come back next week to read about how we met.

Looking back at 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Feywriter) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 20:00:00 +0000

My year started in upheaval. I had no sure footing, no idea where I'd be at the end of the year. I found it incredibly hard to come up with goals. I had three works in progress, so my only plan was to finish one of them.

I had plenty of time I could have used, but got too caught up in insecurities and distractions. Felt like I wasted my year away.

The surprise was getting Lifelines published. That was my writing highlight of the year.

My strengths are in grammar and world building. My weakness is not torturing my characters. The story gets too predictable, not unique or grabbing. I need to take my stories to the next level! I need to apply my poetic description to my prose, and use more story in my poetry.

If I could get a do-over, I would spend less time stressing over the unknown and put more energy into my passions. I also need to spend less time revising works in progress, and more toward actually finishing them.

Still working out goals for this year. My projects still lie unfinished. I have my first book which is calling me to revise it again, but I worry that it still wouldn't have a strong enough hook for publication. My goal is to come up with goals by the end of the week.

Wrote this as a response to Anne’s post on Poetic Muselings.

Holiday Updates

noreply@blogger.com (Feywriter) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 16:00:00 +0000

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas, and has an amazing year to come.

My Christmas present to myself was a new computer. Friday my computer died and this time it wasn't worth replacing. So we bought a new one from Best Buy, upgraded it with the video card and power supply from my old one, and Voila! I have a new and improved machine. Still working on moving files over from the old drive.

Yesterday I posted over on Poetic Muselings. I shared the imagery exercise I use for discovering fun, unique description for whatever mode of art it inspires.

Time to start thinking up goals for the new year. How was your holiday?

Made it through 30 Days

noreply@blogger.com (Feywriter) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 04:35:00 +0000

Today is the last day of November’s NaBloPoMo. With this post I have successfully blogged every day this month! It’s not a pace I can keep up regularly, but it did inspire me to attend to my blog again. I will be sure to post something on a weekly basis. I hope you’ve enjoyed my diverse entries this month, and that you will stick around.

Some Musical Entertainment

noreply@blogger.com (Feywriter) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 21:05:00 +0000

I’d like to showcase two of my favorite theme songs with some fan renditions.

The best game music is Morrowind, particularly the memorable theme song. These extremely talented young ladies did a piano violin medley of the Morrowind and Skyrim themes.

Another epic theme is the opening to HBO’s Game of Thrones. Here is a violin rendition, all done by one man.

And we’ll end with some lighter entertainment. The Sith Who Stole Christmas.

Muselings Post on Gratitude

noreply@blogger.com (Feywriter) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 21:54:00 +0000

Today’s post is my contribution over at Poetic Muselings. I wrote on Bliss and Gratitude. Go check it out and leave a comment!

Thankful for my Husband

noreply@blogger.com (Feywriter) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 16:50:00 +0000

I am thankful for my husband. He understands my quirks. He has expanded my video game comfort zone by introducing me to games like Rock Band and Gears of War. Often he will buy me flowers or treats just because he loves me, and not only for special occasions. He supports my writing, is a helpful critiquer and also good to talk through story ideas with. For my birthday, not only did he buy me awesome boots, he got me Sims 3 Pets, and these lovely glass figurines of a hummingbird and a butterfly. Love you, Jeff! Thanks for all you do.

I so full

noreply@blogger.com (Feywriter) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 01:59:00 +0000

I am thankful for coupons.

Due to a late, and filling, lunch yesterday, we put off birthday dinner until tonight. We went to Sizzler (yummy and very filling). Thanks to one of the summer reading programs, B had a coupon for a free kid’s meal. We have coupons for free kid meals just about anywhere we want to eat now, between summer school, reading programs, and school.

Thank you Home Depot

noreply@blogger.com (Feywriter) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 23:04:00 +0000

I am thankful for early Black Friday deals. I don’t like the early hours and super business of Black Friday. I’m glad some stores begin their deals early, and that a lot of deals are also online. Wednesday we took advantage of Home Depot’s early deals to buy a new washer and dryer. Much needed!

Happy Thanksgiving!

noreply@blogger.com (Feywriter) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 01:07:00 +0000

I am thankful for family. I’m from a big family (nine kids) and it’s amazing how close we still are. As glad as I am for technology to make keeping in touch easier, it’s still great to get together for holidays like these. Got to see all but two of my siblings today. Love you all!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Community

noreply@blogger.com (Feywriter) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 18:01:00 +0000

I’m thankful for my neighbors. I may not know the ones living right next door, but there are a few women in the area that I’ve become close to. They keep an eye out for me in bad weather to offer me a ride home from the school. I also teach their little four year olds in Sunday school, which gives us another connection.

Hugs

noreply@blogger.com (Feywriter) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:24:00 +0000

I am thankful for hugs. One of my major love languages is physical touch. So hugs are the best thing in the world.

I am so grateful to have both a mom and dad who give plenty of hugs, both as I was growing up and now that I’m an adult.

I’m cherishing the fact that my son still gives me a hug and “love you” before going into school each morning. I know I won’t get that much longer.

Week of Gratitude

noreply@blogger.com (Feywriter) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:29:00 +0000

To celebrate Thanksgiving, I’m doing a week of gratitude on my blog. Now through Sunday my posts will focus on things I am thankful for. Feel free to join me!

I am thankful for Sparks.

Our kitty, Sparks, provides much entertainment. From his funky sleeping positions, to his snoring, to ambushes from beneath the edge of the couch or a blanket. Sparks got our attention at the shelter by swatting through the bars of his cage, hitting my husband when he walked by. He loves people, loves to play with my son, and is currently warming my lap. We didn’t name him, but his name is quite appropriate, as he rolls on the floor lots for attention, and rubs against everything, thus creating plenty of static electricity.

We love you, Sparks!

Quote on Creativity

noreply@blogger.com (Feywriter) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:23:00 +0000

“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.” ~Scott Adams

On Sharing

noreply@blogger.com (Feywriter) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 00:36:00 +0000

My husband’s computer has died. Motherboard problem, so we are declaring it dead dead. At least he was using Mozy to backup important files. Like those for school. And since he has more school work to do… and research for a laptop to replace his desktop, I haven’t been able to use my computer much today. Hopefully my computer lasts at least a few more months!

Feedback on Lifelines

noreply@blogger.com (Feywriter) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 21:25:00 +0000

Now that Lifelines has been out for a week, starting to get some feedback. We got our first Amazon review today!

I also got my packages early, both of which I expected to arrive on Monday. I got my business cards from VistaPrint, and my copies of Lifelines.

My husband stopped by mid-day to bring me flowers, so I sent him back to work with some business cards and a copy of the book. His coworkers had a potluck today, so he shared it then. Got some nice comments. One coworker actually wanted to take the book over the weekend and read it! Hubby said no. She needs to get her own copy. He was, however, able to whip out my business card with all the book info on it so she wouldn’t have to write it down.

People were very impressed by the cover, and even more so to find out one of our group members created the picture (kudos to Lin!).

If you read Lifelines, do consider leaving reviews on Amazon and/or GoodReads. The more feedback the merrier.

Thursday’s Tale: The Minotaur’s Staff

noreply@blogger.com (Feywriter) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 19:45:00 +0000

My local writers group, Writers of the West, is using our weekly meetings as write-ins for NaNoWriMo this month. As I am not participating in NaNo, I have been using the meetings for reading through last year’s NaNo story (still incomplete) to refresh myself on it and do some editing.

We have another meeting tonight, so the story is on my mind. And since it is a Thursday, what better time to have a Thursday’s Tale.

Without further ado, here is the opening page of The Minotaur Staff:

"Hey, Weed, I found something!"

Wesley "Weed" Larkin squinted toward Ahmed's location. Fair enough, the sun glinted off something shiny in all that sand. He pulled the rim of his fedora down, and adjusted the scarf over his mouth. This better be good. Wes stepped into the roped enclosure. As he approached Ahmed, his foot hit something harder than sand. "A structure?"

"Na'am." Yes. Ahmed pointed to the cleared spot at his feet.

Wes knelt and brushed the sand away with his hand. Metal, not stone, glinted from beneath. "This could be it. Our city of gold. Clark!" The Irishman rushed over, red hair too bright, glaring in the sun. "Get a sample of this metal. I'll need it analyzed before I can inform Danvers."

While Clark extracted some metallic flakes and transferred them to his lab tent, the rest of the team moved in to start digging. Wes wanted to know what was in that building. It could be a temple, a throne room, a nobleman's house. Hopefully with something valuable preserved inside.

He grabbed a shovel and dug in with the rest of the team. His robes were covered in sand by the time Clark hollered. Wes took off his face scarf and used it to wipe the dirty sweat from his brow as he walked back to the tents.

Clark's brow was creased, making his glasses slide down his nose. He pushed them up as he looked up from the computer. "Not gold."

Reach for the Light

noreply@blogger.com (Feywriter) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:51:00 +0000

As I’ve been focusing on blogging and marketing, I haven’t felt like I have energy left for writing. The first month of a new book release is the most important in getting the word out. But I am not a publicist or a marketing guru. I am a writer. I found something I wrote years ago, back when I was struggling with finishing my first book. I found inspiration in a song. I’m hoping it will inspire me again, to not forget who I am.

Song lyrics in orange, interspersed with my own thoughts at the time:

Reach for the light

Deep in the night the winds blow cold,
And in a heartbeat, the fear takes hold.

The fear can freeze me—
fear of failure, rejection, even success.

Deep in the storm, there's a place that's soft and still,
Where the road waits to be taken, if you only will.

The potential is in me,
all I have to do is find the iron will within.

The voices inside you can lead you so astray,
Believe in what you dream,
don't turn away, don't you turn away.

I must overcome the doubts that haunt me;
I’ve wanted this my entire life, I won’t give it up.

Reach for the light,
you might touch the sky.
Stand on a mountain top, and see yourself flying.
Reach for the light,
To capture a star,
Come out of the darkness and find out who you are.

I know who I am—I am a writer.
So many dream but don’t follow through.
I can never be published if I don’t finish writing the book.

Somewhere in time the truth shines through,
And the spirit knows what it has to do.

This is my purpose in life; without it, I am not complete.
Time will show my dedication. Time will bring success.

Somewhere in you there's a power with no name,
It can rise to meet the moment and burn like a flame.

My muse will lead me if I give it the chance;
I simply need to set her free.

And you can be stronger than any fear you know,
Hold onto what you see don't let it go, don't you let it go.

I’ve made it this far. I have it in me.
Nothing will stop me.

<refrain>

There's no turning back.
Your destiny is calling.
Listen to the thunder roar,
And let your heart break free.

Whether I chose this path, or it chose me, it is the path I’m meant to be on.
The thunder of my accomplishments shall roar, and my heart shall break free from fear.

Oooh, Reach for the light!

<refrain x2>

Yeah! Yes reach for the light.

If I don’t reach for the light, for my dreams, then the light may as well go out.

I will finish my book. I will get published. I will reach for the light.

** Music: James Horner. Lyrics: Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil. Singer: Steve Winwood

Seeming Randomness ending with a Climax

noreply@blogger.com (Feywriter) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 01:16:00 +0000

My brain is fried from all the marketing stuff at the moment, so relying once again upon that strange, very long survey.

5,000 Questions... My answers so far...

711. What is your favorite store that is open 24 hours?
WalMart. Convenience!

712. Do you find that sleep is just so much sleepier when you are supposed to be doing something else?
Absolutely. My body helping me to procrastinate. My brain retaliates though, as I tend to be thinking when I'm supposed to be sleeping.

713. Do you also find that the books you chose are so much more luscious when you have a stack of actual assignments that you Should be reading?
Indulgent reading for the win. Probably why I didn't do homework in high school. If it didn't get done during school hours, it tended to not get done.

714. If you have had the chance to compare the original 5000 Question Survey to this edited version, what is your opinion?

This is the only version I know. Taking me years to complete as it is!
715. What's the most creative answer you can think of for 'what is black and white and red all over'?
Your eyesight after I punch you for making one of those jokes! (Figuratively of course. I do not condone violence.)

716. Why do people slow down on the highway when they pass a cop car pulling someone else over?
People are innately curious. And a subconscious need to not be the ones caught speeding next.

717. Are they afraid that the cop will STOP pulling over whoever he is pulling over and pull them over instead?
Yup. Didn't I just say that?

718. It's daddy's birthday. What do you get him?
Chocolate and a book.

719. What's your 5,000 question survey nickname?
Look at the word [or phrase] next to the 2nd letter of your first name
A anything but
B bubalicious
C captivating
D deadly
E erotic
F funky
G greasy
H heaps of
I indie
J jelly
K kinetic
L lasher
M Mr. (or Mrs.)
N neglected
O ogre-like
P parading
Q quacking
R Rico
S stinky
T the one and only
U uber
V Velcro
W wishing for
X x-tra
Y yearning for
Z zoobalee
Now take the first letter of your last name.
A aardvarks
B baboo
C creme pie
D drag queen
E eggbert
F flex
G god
H hell
I Isabelle
J juice
K kisses
L lightning
M mannish boys
N nice
O octopi
P porcupines
Q q-bert
R rainbows
S suave
T tushy
U underwear
V valor
W weenie
X xtc
Y yohimbe
Z zipper

Put the two words together for your nickname.
“anything but juice”. (could be worse, but could certainly be better!) Can I pick my own? Funky Octopi.

720. You know that shaky feeling that you get when it's all coming to a climax, and everyone involved is breaking into the good kind of cold sweat, working as individuals and at the same time as a single force of energy, and it all meshes together, and for a brief moment, you're holding your breath and tingling all over, and after it's done you're on an explosive and dizzying high for the rest of the night?
What does that feeling come from?
creative endeavors ;)

My Expression Elsewhere

noreply@blogger.com (Feywriter) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 20:06:00 +0000

For today’s post, I direct you to Poetic Muselings. As a member of this talented poetry group, I’ll be posting regularly over there on alternating Mondays. Today I wrote about My Expression.

My Publisher talks Lifelines

noreply@blogger.com (Feywriter) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 03:14:00 +0000

Not tired of saying that: My Publisher.

Betty Dobson, of InkSpotter Publishing, blogged today of her experience acquiring Lifelines and working with the Poetic Muselings. It’s been great working with Betty.

So go check out Betty’s side of the story.

Social Networking

noreply@blogger.com (Feywriter) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 01:10:00 +0000

It seems that at one point or another I try most social networking avenues. I’ve tried MySpace. I’m currently on Facebook and Twitter. I have profiles on LibraryThing and Goodreads (though don’t use either much anymore). I now have blogs on Blogger, WordPress, and LiveJournal.

My new venture? Google+. If you have any experience with this one, or want to connect, speak up. It’s certainly not the most intuitive process. Don’t even know what questions to ask!

I have a business card!

noreply@blogger.com (Feywriter) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 23:47:00 +0000

Just ordered business cards from VistaPrint. Finally took advantage of one of their many specials. I also got an online business card.

Having a book out is a very good reason to get a business card. Met a bunch of new writers at my local writers meeting last night. The NaNoWriMo write-in brought in plenty of new faces. Also talked to another local writer and fellow poet and wished I had a card to share.

Returning to 5,000 Questions

noreply@blogger.com (Feywriter) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 21:44:00 +0000

Wasn’t sure what to write about today, so dug up the 5,000 Questions and found where I’d left off.

5,000 Questions... My answers so far...

701. What is your favorite mixed drink? Strawberry Daquiri

702. When answering these questions are you often pulled in different directions, as if committing to one answer eliminates the possibility for all others? no. If I feel more than one applies, I say so. :)

703. Chicken Masala, Pasta Primavera, Veal Cutlet Parmesan or Linguini with Clam Sauce? Pasta Primavera

704. If you were alone in your friend's house/room/apartment would you look in their drawers and notebooks? Ooh. Tough one to say without being in the situation. I think that would totally depend on the friend. I probably wouldn't poke into drawers, but would more likely peruse things more in the open.

705. What would you really like to do but you don't because you are afraid of getting caught? hitch-hiking. It appeals to my sense of adventure, and that itch to travel that I haven't been able to fulfill.

706. Of the following, which word best describes you:
responsible, spontaneous, tactful, uninhibited. tactful

707. Which band would you most likely check out?
The Smiths (indi-pop 80's-90's)
The Lords of Acid (acid/house/dance 90's)
Front 242 (80's-90's industrial/dance)
Not being familiar with any of those, based off the names and description, I'd go with Front 242.

708. How can one put an end to procrastination, as a bad habit? Hah! Wouldn't I like to know. Seriously. If you have an answer to this one, do share.

709. What feature would you want on your car that is not currently offered? Self-driving.

710. What kind of poetry speaks to you? lyrical, emotion. My favorite classic poets are Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson.