Did everyone have a good turkey day?
I did. The tot and I made pie (pumpkin and bourbon pecan.)
I managed to find my plot. I still have some research to do, but I think I know what the plot for book 2 of my Steampunk YA series is, which is good, because I think I’m supposed to turn in a proposal to my editor in the spring. I didn’t find it in the bottom of a pie, rather in the bottom of an omelet. A friend of mine met me for breakfast and she helped me plot the book.
Well, what she actually did is pull the plot out of me and make me focus. She’s good at that.
I will post the next blog in my “Being Supermom” series tomorrow. I’ve been teaching my very first online writing class, on, aptly enough, writing Steampunk. I loved my class, we had a great time, but it was a lot of work. Things are very busy with the holiday, the day job, the family, and all my writing projects. I think I need a vacation.
Have a great week. What things are you all working on?
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
Friday Fun: When Vampires Weren't Cool
This is the video author Maggie Shayne made to celebrate 18 years of her "Twilight Vampires" series. (The one for grownup girls). The best part...listen to the lyrics, she wrote them herself and is singing...
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving
I wish everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving.
If you're bored, we have a guest movie reviewer over at Steamed today.
I am going to look for a plot to book 2 in the bottom of a pie...
What are you going to do today?
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
On Being Supermom—Part Three: What’s Keeping you from your dreams, what will you let go of?
Now that you know what’s most important to you and what you want out of life, what’s stopping you from getting it?
For everyone it’s different.
One day, in late 2006 I said, “wow, I always thought I’d be published by now.”
Then, I thought, “wait. Why am I not published? Oh yeah, you have to actually sit down and write and entire book first.”
I had started many stories, but never finished anything.
So, I made it my goal for 2007 to put my butt in a chair, my hands on the keyboard, and write and entire book. After two false starts, I wrote four complete manuscripts that year.
Most of them lacked plots.
But, I did it, I wrote an entire manuscript, which is a huge first step.
What’s your first step?
Fear can hold us back.
It took me an entire year after I finished one particular MS to actually do anything with it (query it, put it in a contest, etc). I was afraid. But eventually, I bit the bullet and sent it off into the world.
The MS also was, um, lacking…but eventually I put it out, then learned enough to pull it back in and work on/submit something else.
Unfortunately not everything holding us back can be helped.
I spend a good three hours commuting back and forth to work every day. That’s three hours I could be writing, playing with the tot, or even doing laundry.
Unfortunately, right now, there isn’t anything I can do about it.
Not everyone is in a place to quit their job to follow their passion either—or want to.
In all honesty, I didn’t see a drastic increase in writing when I was unemployed. I saw a drastic increase in cleaning the house and using social media. Right now, I use my time better when I don’t have much of it, and I like my job, commute aside.
What holds you back?
Time is another thing that holds us back.
Our time is limited, and well, as much as we want to achieve our dream, I, at least, am not willing to sacrifice certain things for it – like my family.
But, there isn’t enough time to do everything.
My hubby refers to projects and time commitments as “socks in a drawer.” You can only fit so many socks in the drawer before it won’t close, and if you keep trying to close it stuffed full, it’ll break.
Sometimes you have to remove “socks” in order to make time.
It can be as simple as prioritizing.
In all honesty, keeping a spotless house isn’t that important to be. Granted, I don’t want a dirty house, but I’m not going to obsess.
In order to make time for the things that matter most, I’m willing to do a bulk of my household chores on weekends and I know that I’ll never win a “good housekeeping” award. I do clean things/wash clothes/etc. during the week when they need it, but again, I’m not obsessing.
But that’s my comfort level.
To someone else, a spotless house might be important—I know many people who can’t sit down to “work” in a messy room.
I watch very little TV.
I love to read, but I’d rather write, so my leisure reading has been cut back.
Maybe it’s cutting out time-suck friends who get you down more often than not, maybe it’s paring down social activities/obligations, maybe saying “no” to outside things more often (not your kiddos or hubby but all those other things that eat up our time), maybe it’s turning of the TV, or turning off your internet. I know several people who swear by Freedom, an internet blocking software.
What are you willing to let go of/cut back on to make more time to pursue what means most to you?
Next week we’ll get into creative time management.
For everyone it’s different.
One day, in late 2006 I said, “wow, I always thought I’d be published by now.”
Then, I thought, “wait. Why am I not published? Oh yeah, you have to actually sit down and write and entire book first.”
I had started many stories, but never finished anything.
So, I made it my goal for 2007 to put my butt in a chair, my hands on the keyboard, and write and entire book. After two false starts, I wrote four complete manuscripts that year.
Most of them lacked plots.
But, I did it, I wrote an entire manuscript, which is a huge first step.
What’s your first step?
Fear can hold us back.
It took me an entire year after I finished one particular MS to actually do anything with it (query it, put it in a contest, etc). I was afraid. But eventually, I bit the bullet and sent it off into the world.
The MS also was, um, lacking…but eventually I put it out, then learned enough to pull it back in and work on/submit something else.
Unfortunately not everything holding us back can be helped.
I spend a good three hours commuting back and forth to work every day. That’s three hours I could be writing, playing with the tot, or even doing laundry.
Unfortunately, right now, there isn’t anything I can do about it.
Not everyone is in a place to quit their job to follow their passion either—or want to.
In all honesty, I didn’t see a drastic increase in writing when I was unemployed. I saw a drastic increase in cleaning the house and using social media. Right now, I use my time better when I don’t have much of it, and I like my job, commute aside.
What holds you back?
Time is another thing that holds us back.
Our time is limited, and well, as much as we want to achieve our dream, I, at least, am not willing to sacrifice certain things for it – like my family.
But, there isn’t enough time to do everything.
My hubby refers to projects and time commitments as “socks in a drawer.” You can only fit so many socks in the drawer before it won’t close, and if you keep trying to close it stuffed full, it’ll break.
Sometimes you have to remove “socks” in order to make time.
It can be as simple as prioritizing.
In all honesty, keeping a spotless house isn’t that important to be. Granted, I don’t want a dirty house, but I’m not going to obsess.
In order to make time for the things that matter most, I’m willing to do a bulk of my household chores on weekends and I know that I’ll never win a “good housekeeping” award. I do clean things/wash clothes/etc. during the week when they need it, but again, I’m not obsessing.
But that’s my comfort level.
To someone else, a spotless house might be important—I know many people who can’t sit down to “work” in a messy room.
I watch very little TV.
I love to read, but I’d rather write, so my leisure reading has been cut back.
Maybe it’s cutting out time-suck friends who get you down more often than not, maybe it’s paring down social activities/obligations, maybe saying “no” to outside things more often (not your kiddos or hubby but all those other things that eat up our time), maybe it’s turning of the TV, or turning off your internet. I know several people who swear by Freedom, an internet blocking software.
What are you willing to let go of/cut back on to make more time to pursue what means most to you?
Next week we’ll get into creative time management.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Today at Steamed!
Today, I have a great post over at Steamed about Steampunk Technology and Gadgets.
I also squee about some books I got, too.
I also squee about some books I got, too.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Friday Fun: Celtic Legends
Because my little sis is epic awesomesauce.
Can you figure out which one she is?
Can you figure out which one she is?
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
On Being Supermom – Part II: What do you want out of life?
I’m not really “supermom”, though do I hope my tot thinks I’m a “super mom.”
I don’t have it all.
My life is terribly, horribly complicated.
But I’m happy.
Why?
Because I know what I want out of life. I know what’s realistic. I know what’s attainable with hard work. I am working hard to make those things a reality, all while keeping in perspective.
You can too.
It’s not impossible to work a day job, be a good wife and mom, and write (or craft or dance or whatever your passion is).
Is it hard work?
Youbetcha.
But it’s not impossible.
The first part is knowing what you want out of life. What things are important to you?
For me it was:
1) My hubby and family
2) Achieving my dreams of publishing a book
3) Keeping up with my career and professional goals
4) Making the championship level for Irish Dance
5) Getting my PhD
Keeping an immaculate house is nowhere on this list, because for me it’s not a priority, but it might be for you—and that’s okay. Being rich and famous isn’t on the list either. Sure, not having to worry about anything would be nice, but it’s not as important to me as my family. For me it’s a bonus, not a priority.
Your list should be prioritized, as well. If it came down to my job and my family – or even writing and my family, my family would come first. They are so important to me and they, especially the hubby, are so supportive of me and my dreams.
Part of achieving balance is also knowing that sometimes your list grows and changes – and that’s okay, too.
Five years ago, #4 was *so* important to me. Now, well, I still love to dance, the girlz in my class are my muses and cheerleaders. But I haven’t competed in over a year and I’m coming to terms with the fact that maybe I’ll never achieve that goal. But I’m not 19 anymore and I’ve tried my best. If #4 drops off the list completely in the near future, I’ll think be okay with that.
Your time isn’t infinite. As I became closer and closer to #2, my time for #4 dwindled. There is a direct collation between what you put in and what you put out whether it’s dance, writing, or anything else.
Also, your resources (probably) aren’t infinite either. So whereas one day I’d love to achieve #5, that’s not going to happen any time soon – but I am determined that it will one day and I keep that in the background.
So when you really look at it, my list comes down to:
1) My hubby and family
2) Achieving my dreams of publishing a book
3) Keeping up with my career and professional goals
Every day, I spend some time with my hubby and family – even if it’s just watching a TV show on the couch with the hubby after the tot goes to bed, going grocery shopping with the tot, or reading that bed time story even though I’m tired. Little things add up. I write, every day, though during the week, I’m lucky if I get an hour in, but I still write. Every week day, I go to work. I really love my job (though not the commute), though work is reserved for weekdays during business hours and I’m grateful to finally have a job where I can spend weekends and evenings with my family.
Try to something that makes you happy everyday –write for 30 min, spend some time in the garden, look at knitting patterns. It doesn’t need to be a lot of time – 30 min (or even 10) is fine. Really, 30 min is painless when you think about; it’s one less TV show, a little less time on twitter, etc. Remember, if mommy’s not happy, no one’s happy.
Also, make your list. What’s most important to you? What do you want out of life? What makes you happy?
If you have a hubby and family, make a little time for them every day, too (or your puppy or your SO, or starting your own business, or what/whoever is at the top of that list.) Again, this might mean something else has to go – but the trick is, not having it all, but what you want (and need), then figuring out how to make time for it. This can be *hard*, especially if you have a demanding job, but even just a few minutes can make all the difference. We’ll get into creative time management soon.
Next week we’ll look at what’s keeping you from being happy and what you’re willing to let go to make room for the important things in your life.
I don’t have it all.
My life is terribly, horribly complicated.
But I’m happy.
Why?
Because I know what I want out of life. I know what’s realistic. I know what’s attainable with hard work. I am working hard to make those things a reality, all while keeping in perspective.
You can too.
It’s not impossible to work a day job, be a good wife and mom, and write (or craft or dance or whatever your passion is).
Is it hard work?
Youbetcha.
But it’s not impossible.
The first part is knowing what you want out of life. What things are important to you?
For me it was:
1) My hubby and family
2) Achieving my dreams of publishing a book
3) Keeping up with my career and professional goals
4) Making the championship level for Irish Dance
5) Getting my PhD
Keeping an immaculate house is nowhere on this list, because for me it’s not a priority, but it might be for you—and that’s okay. Being rich and famous isn’t on the list either. Sure, not having to worry about anything would be nice, but it’s not as important to me as my family. For me it’s a bonus, not a priority.
Your list should be prioritized, as well. If it came down to my job and my family – or even writing and my family, my family would come first. They are so important to me and they, especially the hubby, are so supportive of me and my dreams.
Part of achieving balance is also knowing that sometimes your list grows and changes – and that’s okay, too.
Five years ago, #4 was *so* important to me. Now, well, I still love to dance, the girlz in my class are my muses and cheerleaders. But I haven’t competed in over a year and I’m coming to terms with the fact that maybe I’ll never achieve that goal. But I’m not 19 anymore and I’ve tried my best. If #4 drops off the list completely in the near future, I’ll think be okay with that.
Your time isn’t infinite. As I became closer and closer to #2, my time for #4 dwindled. There is a direct collation between what you put in and what you put out whether it’s dance, writing, or anything else.
Also, your resources (probably) aren’t infinite either. So whereas one day I’d love to achieve #5, that’s not going to happen any time soon – but I am determined that it will one day and I keep that in the background.
So when you really look at it, my list comes down to:
1) My hubby and family
2) Achieving my dreams of publishing a book
3) Keeping up with my career and professional goals
Every day, I spend some time with my hubby and family – even if it’s just watching a TV show on the couch with the hubby after the tot goes to bed, going grocery shopping with the tot, or reading that bed time story even though I’m tired. Little things add up. I write, every day, though during the week, I’m lucky if I get an hour in, but I still write. Every week day, I go to work. I really love my job (though not the commute), though work is reserved for weekdays during business hours and I’m grateful to finally have a job where I can spend weekends and evenings with my family.
Try to something that makes you happy everyday –write for 30 min, spend some time in the garden, look at knitting patterns. It doesn’t need to be a lot of time – 30 min (or even 10) is fine. Really, 30 min is painless when you think about; it’s one less TV show, a little less time on twitter, etc. Remember, if mommy’s not happy, no one’s happy.
Also, make your list. What’s most important to you? What do you want out of life? What makes you happy?
If you have a hubby and family, make a little time for them every day, too (or your puppy or your SO, or starting your own business, or what/whoever is at the top of that list.) Again, this might mean something else has to go – but the trick is, not having it all, but what you want (and need), then figuring out how to make time for it. This can be *hard*, especially if you have a demanding job, but even just a few minutes can make all the difference. We’ll get into creative time management soon.
Next week we’ll look at what’s keeping you from being happy and what you’re willing to let go to make room for the important things in your life.
Monday, November 15, 2010
It's "Book Monday" at Steamed!
It's "Book Monday" at Steamed! Today we're talking about The Hunchback Assignments by Arthur Slade.
Also, have you seen the post about the Steampunk Video Game yet?
Also, have you seen the post about the Steampunk Video Game yet?
Friday, November 12, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
On Being Supermom, Part I
This is the first in a series about being a writing, working, mom, and finding time to achieve your dreams while having a career and raising a family, without neglecting your hubby and living off take-out.
…I’m supermom and I’m here to save the world…
Growing up, you’re told that you can be anything, that you can have it all.
But what they don’t tell you is that no matter what you do, it’s a ton of work.
Having a career—work.
Having a marriage/relationship—work.
Kids—more work.
Doing what you love—work, especially in trying to squeeze it in around everything else.
But all that work you do (hopefully) pays off. It might not pay off in a tangible way. It might payoff in snuggles and walks while holding hands. It might pay off in personal satisfaction or never having to change another diaper.
It might payoff in making mommy happy.
The saying if mom’s not happy no one’s happy is very true.
I’ve looked at those articles about “secrets of a happy mom.” Usually the key is living a simple life.
That’s a load of baloney.
I live a horrifically complicated life.
Guess what? I’m a happy mom (usually :))
The secret is, I don’t have it *all*.
I have what I *want*. (Okay, I have what matters most to me. I have a job I love, a wonderful hubby and family, and am on my way to making my lifelong dream of publication a reality.)
Having what matters most to me makes it easier for me to put in all that hard work. It’s easier to find time when you *want* to do something and it’s important to you.
Of course, from time to time you still have to find time to do things you don’t want to do. Unfortunately, the toilet doesn’t clean itself.
Sometimes, you have to work, not for the sake of fulfillment, but for the sake of paying the bills (or do other things.) That’s when filling your life with what you want, helps. Then, when you’re doing something you don’t like, you can think of how doing so impacts what *is* important to you – or reward yourself for getting those tasks done.
I know what I want out of life. I know what I need out of life. I'm working to arrange my life to make those things happen, to fill my life with the people, things, and activities that make me a happy mom and to find time for all those things. I also know that sometimes what you wants changes, and that’s okay. Priorities change, and with it changes how you allocate your time.
Making time can be a big challenge.
Part of making time means knowing what you’re willing and able to let go of. For everyone it’s different. For me, it’s housework. Yes, I do housework, but I have come to terms with the fact that my house will never be immaculate like mine was growing up. I do what needs done, but I don’t obsess over the small things.
I wish I could get rid of my horrific time suck of a commute. But right now that’s not an option. So, I have to use the rest of my time as well as possible.
It also means you get creative with scheduling to find time for everything that you want and need to do – and not just work and your passions, but your family, or friends, or pets or whatever is important to you. Real balance means trying hard to not neglect one thing that you love one for another.
I write at lunch on my laptop. I’ll shut off the computer at a certain point after the tot goes to bed in order spend time with the hubby. I don’t always check email and the like in the evenings so I can spend time with the tot. I am learning to love my Crockpot and have the makings for a couple of easy, cheap, healthy dinners in the freezer. On the weekends we have both “sleep in fun day” and “chores day.”
It’s a work in progress that constantly evolves and changes. But there’s a method to my madness and it what enables me to be a happy mom, even among that chaos.
Are you a “happy mom?” What makes/would make you a “happy mom?”
…I’m supermom and I’m here to save the world…
Growing up, you’re told that you can be anything, that you can have it all.
But what they don’t tell you is that no matter what you do, it’s a ton of work.
Having a career—work.
Having a marriage/relationship—work.
Kids—more work.
Doing what you love—work, especially in trying to squeeze it in around everything else.
But all that work you do (hopefully) pays off. It might not pay off in a tangible way. It might payoff in snuggles and walks while holding hands. It might pay off in personal satisfaction or never having to change another diaper.
It might payoff in making mommy happy.
The saying if mom’s not happy no one’s happy is very true.
I’ve looked at those articles about “secrets of a happy mom.” Usually the key is living a simple life.
That’s a load of baloney.
I live a horrifically complicated life.
Guess what? I’m a happy mom (usually :))
The secret is, I don’t have it *all*.
I have what I *want*. (Okay, I have what matters most to me. I have a job I love, a wonderful hubby and family, and am on my way to making my lifelong dream of publication a reality.)
Having what matters most to me makes it easier for me to put in all that hard work. It’s easier to find time when you *want* to do something and it’s important to you.
Of course, from time to time you still have to find time to do things you don’t want to do. Unfortunately, the toilet doesn’t clean itself.
Sometimes, you have to work, not for the sake of fulfillment, but for the sake of paying the bills (or do other things.) That’s when filling your life with what you want, helps. Then, when you’re doing something you don’t like, you can think of how doing so impacts what *is* important to you – or reward yourself for getting those tasks done.
I know what I want out of life. I know what I need out of life. I'm working to arrange my life to make those things happen, to fill my life with the people, things, and activities that make me a happy mom and to find time for all those things. I also know that sometimes what you wants changes, and that’s okay. Priorities change, and with it changes how you allocate your time.
Making time can be a big challenge.
Part of making time means knowing what you’re willing and able to let go of. For everyone it’s different. For me, it’s housework. Yes, I do housework, but I have come to terms with the fact that my house will never be immaculate like mine was growing up. I do what needs done, but I don’t obsess over the small things.
I wish I could get rid of my horrific time suck of a commute. But right now that’s not an option. So, I have to use the rest of my time as well as possible.
It also means you get creative with scheduling to find time for everything that you want and need to do – and not just work and your passions, but your family, or friends, or pets or whatever is important to you. Real balance means trying hard to not neglect one thing that you love one for another.
I write at lunch on my laptop. I’ll shut off the computer at a certain point after the tot goes to bed in order spend time with the hubby. I don’t always check email and the like in the evenings so I can spend time with the tot. I am learning to love my Crockpot and have the makings for a couple of easy, cheap, healthy dinners in the freezer. On the weekends we have both “sleep in fun day” and “chores day.”
It’s a work in progress that constantly evolves and changes. But there’s a method to my madness and it what enables me to be a happy mom, even among that chaos.
Are you a “happy mom?” What makes/would make you a “happy mom?”
Monday, November 8, 2010
New at Steamed!
Today I'm over at Steamed! with step-by-steps on how to make a raygun.
Also, on Thursday we had Middle Grade author J.S. Lewis blogging about Harry Potter and introducing a new generation to Steampunk.
Also, on Thursday we had Middle Grade author J.S. Lewis blogging about Harry Potter and introducing a new generation to Steampunk.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
Suzi's Busy Steampunk Day
Today is a busy Steampunk day for me. (Anyone writing Steampunk for NaNo?)
I'm over at Candace's book blog explaining Steampunk.
I'm also blogging on the elements of a Steampunk novel at Castles and Guns.
Finally, at Steamed, I'm reviewing "Steampunk Reloaded" and giving away and ARC.
Come say hello so I'm not lonely.
I'm over at Candace's book blog explaining Steampunk.
I'm also blogging on the elements of a Steampunk novel at Castles and Guns.
Finally, at Steamed, I'm reviewing "Steampunk Reloaded" and giving away and ARC.
Come say hello so I'm not lonely.
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