I'm Moving!

After much thought (or something like darts on the wall), I have decided to begin blogging under my real name-Sherry Cahill. Therefore, I will be slowly but surely making the move. I have set the blog up and written my first post, but I will be sprucing it up a little at a time over the next few weeks.

It's all in the name of the future-is-now writing career. My plan is to actually give out, "drop," "lose," "toss" business cards at RWA National with my REAL name on them. A little crazy with a mix of luck, and I might get noticed.

So, I'm going to make sure my blog matches my business card. Fingers crossed something good comes out of it. New blog link- www.sherrycahill.blogspot.com
Happy Writing!

Good, Bad, and Ugly

Well, the good news--I got the scholarship for RWA National Conference! Squee! I am so very excited to be going to Orlando and attending workshops, meeting favorite authors, agents, and editors.

I had to ask my doctor to help me out, so she doubled up some of my radiation treatments on certain days, and as a result, I am very, very burned, but totally worth it!

The bad news--I did not final in the TARA, but I didn't really expect to (that's my story and I'm sticking to it). Just wanted the feedback, which was insightful.

The ugly--I can't get very far on my current WIP. I don't know what the problem is. It's a great idea, but I can't move it along. I keep at it, but I can only eek out about a page a day.

Oh, well! Happy writing!

Updates

I am working on my new WIP. I am about 1/7 (50 pages) of the way through. It will need lots of revising, but I'm going to keep at it.

I should get feedback about the Molly and the TARA by the end of this month. Still haven't heard from RWA concerning scholarship, but they sent an e-mail asking people to stop phoning and such. They would announce the scholarship recipients when they could. So, I'm not totally out of the running yet.

Happy Writing!

The Darkest Passion

I went right after the day job ended and picked up a copy of The Darkest Passion by Gena Showalter. I am already half-way through the book and having a very hard time putting it down. Mz. Showalter gets better and better with each book, and this one delivers irresistible characters and a fast paced plot that is full of steamy, hot, passionate romance. If you haven't yet, you must pick up one of her Lords of the Underworld books. But, buyer beware. Any one of them in your hands will have you hooked.

The Best Book Trailer...EVER!

LOVE IT! I think it got cut off again, so double click and it will take you to Youtube where you can watch it in full screen.

Total Fan Here

Well, as anyone who has read my blog knows, I am a HUGE (in amount, not size) fan of Gena Showalter. Not only do I respect her mad work ethic (which she insists is OCD), but who can resist the Alpha males and kick-butt heroines she creates in her books? Her next Lords of the Underworld book, The Darkest Passion is set to come out May 25th. I have been soooo patient (not really) waiting for this book. So, I am planning a covert op to my bookstore, the minute it opens on the 25th to pick up the book. Why does it have to be so secretive, you might ask? Sharkey (the hubby) gets ignored when I get a good book. Sooorry, but it is a definite must do. He'll just have to be happy when I get to the parts that make me give him more attention. He does appreciate that, at least.

Writer's Advice

Yes, I have read Stephen King's On Writing, so I greatly admire the way he gives advice. Here is a great video that explains the moment you know you can write a book.




Happy writing.

I'm Back!

I am back and feeling great! Not only am I feeling overwhelmingly positive because of my last chemo treatment Monday, but I have made a major breakthrough on my manuscript. I am so excited about the final product that will be produced (excuse the passive voice), and I hope to work diligently to get it finished this week.

I also entered the Molly (Heart of Denver Romance Contest) and am crossing my fingers that between the TARA and the Molly, I will get some good feedback and be able to move on from here.

I should find out in the next few days whether I received a scholarship to attend the RWA conference. More than likely, it's a no, but until I find out for sure, I'll keep hoping.

Life is good! Happy writing!

The Coolest Writer's Site

I love, love, love a new site I just came across thanks to a contest loop I'm on. This site is a writer's dream come true! It has so many descriptive phrases just ripe for the plucking to add so much to a manuscript.

I'm in love!

Here's where to go if you are interested:

http://thebookshelfmuse.blogspot.com/

Happy writing!

Happy Birthday!

Today is one of my babies' (she's 12) birthdays. I am so nostalgic. I can remember one of the first nights we had her home from the hospital, she was crying (she did a lot of that), and I was walking around our living room at 3:00 in the morning, in tears myself. Sobbing, I looked at her and told her, "I don't think I can be your mommy."

Now, here we are close to 12 years later, and I'm still her mommy, and she's one of the best things in my life!

Today was also Hitler's birthday. And, although my daughter has a few furor-type characteristics now that she's a tween, she's a great kid who will do wonderful things in life. I love her so much! Happy Birthday, Baby!

I feel like my current manuscript is like my poor, crying daughter, fresh from birth. I look at the mess it is now and wonder how in the world I could be this ugly duckling's mama, and how we're going to turn it into a swan? I certainly hope it doesn't take me 12 years, right?

Hiiiilarious!

I love Meljean Brook, and think this fictional account of writing fiction is funny!
It got a little cut off, so you can find the original at (you guessed it) YouTube.

Read Through and Examiner

Well, I did a read through of my draft, and, although it is rough around the edges, it is actually a good book. I really like the characters and the situations I put them in. I was worried about much of what I wrote, thinking it was pure poop, but I like how it turned out.

I will be editing the book over the next couple weeks while taking an online writing class through Orange County Romance Writer's again. This one is about crafting Deep Story, and so far it has been helpful. I have also been using much of what my critique group has been saying about my story. My chapter 1 is quite different from what I originally wrote. Much tighter writing. I realize that I am probably more of a spaghetti writer. I pretty much throw everything on the page and see what sticks. Then, I have to beat the prose back to a subtler story.

On a different note, I published my first article to www.examiner.com. Unfortunately, I can't find it on their site. Yeah, that's a little strange. Anyway, I'll update on whether or not that will be going anywhere.

Happy writing!

Insomniacs Unite At Night

There was an amazing repeat of Iron Chef America on Food Network last night from 1:00 to 2:00 in the morning. I know this because I was wide awake. Insomnia is not something I've experienced since college, but for the last three nights, sleep has been minimal.

I know it is due to the chemotherapy drugs that are pumping through my system, but that doesn't make it go away any quicker. It will pass. I have to believe this.

On a positive note, a story where the hero and heroine are chefs has been swirling in my head for awhile, and last night gave me plenty time and motivation to brainstorm. I hope to begin it this week.

I am so very sorry to anyone else who suffers with insomnia on a regular basis. My aching, fuzzy head goes out to you.

Critiques

Okay, so now I get why some authors become reclusive and refuse to show their work to anyone. It is very nerve-wracking to share even a chapter of my draft. The whole time I wavered between just knowing those who chanced a glance would be wowed by my incredible, never-before-seen genius and realizing those who chanced a glance would more likely see so many ugly bumps, knots, and splotches that it has taken me literally a week to even look at one of the remarks made.

Silly me. It was painful, but necessary. I obviously do like my writing. After all, I wrote it, but I need a perspective that's unbiased, and I need to consider the view of a potential reader (other than me). Does that mean that I change everything the reader didn't like? No, but if I'm getting the same message from different readers, there is probably need for change.

So, thank you to those who were nice enough to take some time out of your own busy schedule and give me some insight into what I'm too close to see in my own work. I promise that anything said (in my head only, of course) about your judgement was said in the heat of the moment, and I didn't mean a word of it. I respect your opinion, and I like that I feel a part of a community of writers.

I might still turn into one of the reclusive kind of writers, but I think I'll give this a chance first.

Spring Has Sprung

I have done my duty (tee-hee, little giggle) and let my draft rest. I am now diving back in to do re-writes, revisions, and edits. It's a little tougher than I expected, but not nearly as hard as writing it the first time.

I also applied for an RWA conference scholarship. For anyone who doesn't know, I have been undergoing treatment for Stage II, B breast cancer that was diagnosed in Nov. 2009. I figure, if I don't get my butt in gear and do everything I always wanted to do, then what's a life crisis for, anyway?

I also submitted an article on Steampunk to Examiner.com. I hope they like it enough to ask for more, but I'm not obsessing over it or anything. So what if I've checked e-mail every couple hours in the same day? Does that say obsession?

I did hear from Skirt! about the article I submitted to them. It's not for them at this time. That's okay, I've been rejected before. Just another motivator to get my rear in gear.

Happy writing!

Celebration!

I have officially finished my first draft of my manuscript (waiting for the applause...still waiting). Okay, so maybe it was only a big deal to me, but I was excited as can be! So, here is my thank you speech:

Thank you to my husband for believing me when I said, "I'm writing my book," and eating sandwiches many a night instead of a cooked meal. Oh, and for not getting upset when I rejected a few of your ideas during our impromptu brainstorming session on the way to Cincinnati. Raquetball, really? Thanks for the good ideas.

Thank you to my children for walking away (when it wasn't an emergency, of course) so that Mommy could write one more paragraph or finish this scene before jumping into action.

Thank you to my mother, who always encouraged me to write, write, write! And to my sisters, who brought all their essays, stories, and other school work to me for editing and revising (good practice).

Thank you to Candace Havens and her Fast Draft/Revision Hell online course. Without that course, I probably (possibly) would have finished my draft eventually, but the motivation to get it done quicker, made all the difference.

And thank you to my characters for finally straightening up, figuring things out, and coming together for your happily ever after.

Yay me!

So Close

I have officially written over 40,000 words on my manuscript. I have also revised the first 25 pages and submitted the first 4,000 words to the TARA writing contest (that's the Tampa Area Romance Writer's of America), but I really only hope to get some feedback. I'd love to have a critique partner, but right now, that's only my dear husband, whom I will from now on call Sharky in this blog (pet name when we were way, way younger). He does have great ideas, but he doesn't read romance nor, obviously, write romance.

Here's a little taste of what Cole Anderson, my hero in my current wip, looks like in my head. Hope you like.

Synopsis Trouble and Contest

Contest is at the bottom of the post and will end Saturday, March 27, 2010, no joke.


Okay, I am trying my little heart out to write a synopsis for my current wip. It is like pulling teeth or toenails or any other kind of horrendous torture. Having only written one other, I think I'm a tad inexperienced, and I have to finish it today, so I can tweak it tomorrow. I want to send it off to a contest (I think I just peed a little in my pants) and see if I can get a few critiques.

I also sent a personal essay to Skirt! Magazine yesterday, and I've only checked my e-mail about 50 times since then. No word so far, which I'm taking as a good thing because maybe their taking time to read it and think about it. Here's hoping!

I also entered a blog discussion about what Gena Showalter should name her next Lords of the Underworld novel about Strider, a warrior possessed by the demon of defeat. I gave several suggestions, my favorites of which are: The Darkest Submission, The Darkest Aim, and The Darkest Craving, but so far, no word on which of the over 200 posts will win an ARC (advanced reader's copy) of The Darkest Passion. (Oh, please pick me!)

Anyhoo, I am going to get back to my dreaded synopsis.

Oh, one other thing, would anybody be interested in an autographed copy of Once Upon A Knight, by Jackie Ivie. I'll be happy to put you in for a drawing, if you will follow this blog and follow me on Twitter or if you can help me out by giving me a good resource for writing a synopsis. Just leave a comment in this post once all is set up. My twitter is the same as my blog: kiera mcallister.

New Story

Thinking of writing a short story, and here is the hero as I picture him. Tell me what you think.

Blog-Stalking

Okay, it's not officially a term, but that's what I've been doing all day at one of the blogs of one of my favorite authors--the amazing Gena Showalter. I have followed her blog now for almost a year, but noticed she's blogged much longer than that, so I decided to read past posts.

Now, I'm not reading word for word (I mean, I'm a stalker, not insane), but I love that she included writing tips, book recommendations, lots of hot men, and her charismatic personality comes through very strongly. If you haven't read any of Mrs. Showalter's books, there are many, but for me the Atlantis Series is what drew me in. Now, she's mostly known for her Lords of the Underworld series, which is amazing and still building. Anyway, I will post a link here to her blog, just in case you want to do a little blog-stalking yourself.

Current wip is coming together, but of course it's getting hard to close the deal, as it were, because I now have a better idea of the motivations of the characters, and really need the story to re-route. No problem...just lots of rewriting (I'm sobbing right now).

www.genashowalter.blogspot.com

A Little Laugh

A little funny for you today. You might also check out a blog http://www.thesneeze.com/

I laughed out loud until my husband kept asking what was so funny. He also asked me why I was looking at half-naked men, but I assured him it was all in the name of writing research.

Writing Workshop with Mary Buckham

I just attended an especially helpful writing workshop today given by the Kentucky Romance Writers group. Mary Buckham, an author and presenter, gave a useful and informative workshop on sexual tension. Now, I had seen something similar before, but never explained in such detail. I would highly recommend this for writers, and I understand that she does online workshops as well. Her website is http://www.marybuckham.com/ and explains her current published works, including a non-fiction book titled Break into Fiction, which she co-authored with Dianna Love.

As an update, I am slowly, but surely finishing my draft. It is about 70 pages from being finished, and I'm excited because I know how it's going to end, and I've been keeping notes on the changes I'll go back and make to make it better. So, I feel confident about finishing this one.

If you have any good news, feel free to post it here.

Inspired Through Scene!

Aw Yeah, uh-huh! I made it through that pivotal scene, and I'm happy with the result. Now past 30,000 words. My characters are finally really together, and now, I just have to mess that up one more time with the black moment (rubbing my hands together, evilly). That's okay because when they come back together, it will be worth it for their happily ever after.

I also have gotten much inspiration lately from some of my more...ahem...heat-up-the-night books. These are great for any not so hot love scenes. Turns up the fire quickly.

If you are a writer, or even if you've ever thought about writing, what places, people, or even resources seem to inspire you most?

Slow Progress

I thought I'd add a little Captain Awesome to any Chuck fans' day. Even if you don't watch Chuck, you can probably appreciate the...ahem...awesomeness.

Still working on my wip. I have to push today to try to make it through a pivotal scene, and I'm nervous I won't have the right words. I know, I know, I can go back and make it better, but I already have one scene that will have to be totally re-written. Anyway, at least I'm writing and close to the end. Keep on keeping on.

Updates

Not finished yet, but the word count is above 25,000, so I am making progress. It took me a little while to figure out why my characters ended up at a certain place, but then it hit me, and it was perfect to resolve one of the conflicts that would have easily been a dealbreaker for a relationship.

I think there will be around 18 chapters, and I have 11 completed. I'm excited to know where its going and how it will end. Now, to get the words just right. Easy peasy, right?

I'm also posting a picture of a hottie-alottie that I recently saw in Leap Year--the gorgeous Brit, Matthew Goode. I am totally going to use him for another story I'm working on.

Progress

Almost 18, 000 words and counting on my wip. I have been trying to complete the whole manuscript in 2 weeks by writing 20 pages a day, but I am definitely behind already. The weekend was a little harsh to write through.

I may have been slightly distracted by Pleasure of a Dark Prince, which was awesome! Not only did the book take my mind on a journey through different places and realities, but it also was romantic, and I was pulling for the couple from the moment they met.

I love the way Kresley Cole creates strong, sexy alpha males, who protect and fight for their women, but even better, she creates heroines that can love and kick butt fiercely as well.

I certainly hope to complete my wip by the end of the week. I will have to up the page output, but I'm motivated like never before to be able to type The End.

New Read!

Yes! Yes! Yes! (Shaking my booty around the room, hands in the air)

I happily have in my possession the new Kresley Cole addition to the Immortals After Dark series--Pleasure of a Dark Prince. I have literally been waiting somewhat patiently for months to read this book. I have read all her other books (many of them several times), and I was more than ready to delve back into this hot, hot world. If you've never read the series, you don't have to start with the first one (A Hunger Like No Other or technically, the short in the anthology Playing Easy to Get), but be forewarned, they are addictive, and you will never be the same.

On a personal note, I am taking Candace Haven's online writign course through Orange County Romance Writers--Fast Draft, and as a result, I am now over 11,000 words on my wip. What's more, I can't wait to get back to it to try to get 20 more pages today. It's a challenge, and I love a new challenge.

Happy writing and reading!

Rolling Along

Yep, that's right. I'm up to 7700 words, and the book is going well. Sure, I get a little unsure when my characters try to lead me down a different path from what I originally planned, but I feel good about it right now.

I do love these characters and this plot. I just have to stick with it through the tough parts when I don't know how to make it work. I have to trust that it will.

I can't wait for the new Kresley Cole installment in the Immortals After Dark series--Pleasure of a Dark Prince. I have been trying to be patient, but it is working about as well as a hole in the wall for a window. I can tolerate it, but I don't like it.

It's out this Tuesday (although it can be ordered online right now), and I have a gift card from my birthday that's getting a little to hot to hold onto.

New Writing Schedule

I have a new regiment for writing lately. I have to say that I know other writers utilize this tool because I read it on a well-known author's website--so it must work, right? It's simple. A timer set for 30 minutes, non-stop writing, evaluation at the end of the 30, then continue for another 30, if it's working. All in all, it's worked for a total of two days and about 2,500 words, 10 pages. I don't know if it would work for everyone, but, let's face it, I have a short attention span, so...what was I saying?

Pressing on with current WIP.