Moira Keith

Takes a lot of time. I know some people think the writing life is easy. It’s not. Each author is different in their approach to writing. Some plot, some fly by the seat of their pants, some do a combination of both, and some do it completely ass backwards. I would love to say that I just fly by the seat of my pants and everything magically falls into place, but that would be a lie. (And I don’t know about you, but my mama always told me not to tell a lie.)

The truth is, I probably fall into the ass backwards category. Now as cute as my ass may be, it does me no good when it comes to plotting or writing my story. I have worked and reworked my plot into, what I hope, is finally a solid story line. It took a while. Scenes were plentiful but they were lacking something. The title no longer fits. My characters weren’t giving me anything. Then I started questioning myself about one little issue. That turned into the ‘What If’ game. (Have I told you how much I hate the ‘What If’ game? Well on most occasions, I do.) This time, the ‘What If’s’ actually helped.

I am now on my way to tying together the two halves of my characters blood line, which until now was a major plot hole and now I have a lot of confidence that I am on the right track. Now to just work in the little changes here and there and I can get back on track.

In case you haven’t noticed, authors tend to be a very critical bunch, especially in regards to their own work. It takes a lot to make us happy and I would venture to say it is fairly common that we re-work a story to death. Thankfully, with the support of crit partners and beta readers, the madness ends and we sub a story. Otherwise that ten year novel, might turn into the fifty year novel. Oh btw, this picture, is what my desk looks like on any given day. (And no the manuscript in the picture is my distraction when I get to frustrated with the one I am working on.) Slàinte!

Okay, not that I have heard that one, let alone any  of the other thousands of horrible pick up lines any time recently, but they are still funny to hear/read. So to start off this week with a smile, I thought it would be fun to revisit some of these little gems. Take a look at these little pearls-

1. Are your legs tired? ‘cause you been running through my mind ALL day long. (Overdone, yet still a classic)
2. Look at you with all those curves, and me with no brakes.
3. I’m new in town. Can you give me direction to your apartment?
4. I’m feeling a little off today. Would you like to turn me on?
5. You can forget about going to heaven because it’s a sin to look that good.
6. Baby you look so sweet you’re giving me a cavity.
7. Be unique and different, say yes.
8. I’m fighting the urge to make you the happiest woman on earth tonight.
9. Gee, that’s a nice set of legs, what time do they open?
10. Should I call you in the morning or nudge you?

I can just see the hero in a romance novel making off with the heroine’s heart and some hot and heavy entanglements after delivering one of these lines. Surely she would swoon after hearing number nine. What are some pick up lines you have heard, used, or written? Come on, play along….you know you want to.

Sláinte!

You know, I get a TON of spam comments here on my blog. 87 today alone! I get your standard Viagra spam, celebrity nude spam, pharmaceutical spam, the I’ve just learned English how is this sentence spam…. you name it I probably get it. Every once in a great while a line will jump out at me and make me think. Like this-

Most recent information about Paris Hilton’s boobs.

I shit you not… that was in the body of the comment in my spam folder. And how could one possibly waste one more second of their life without having the most recent information about Paris Hilton’s boobs? I mean seriously?! Because that poor girl isn’t getting enough attention, and Lord knows my life is better because of that spam message. Isn’t your life better? No? You didn’t get that spam?

Ah, no worries young grasshopper. Have faith in knowing that someday, you too can have your very own spam message that will keep you abreast of all that is going on in celebrity boobdom? Okay I so could not resist. Must be getting delerious… No do not spam me about sleeping aids! Stop the madness already! Will it ever end?! And yes, they still make Spam….just sayin’

Funny how story ideas will strike you at moments when you are immersed in fun activities such as people watching at a cafe prior to a show, or playing tourist in your own home town. I had an idea, not quite sure how to pull it off or where to work it in since I’ve rarely participated in the rich nightlife Las Vegas is known for. As y’all know if you read last Friday, I took my best friend to see Phantom Las Vegas. It was a total blast which lasted well past showtime and into the wee hours of Saturday morning where we finished off our evening here - 

Club Rain was a blast! God I hadn’t been dancing in ages and this venue definitely provided me with some ideas to pull off some ideas I had for my latest manuscript. Granted I am putting my own spin on it, but all it ever takes is that tiny seed to be planted and the right amount of water to make it grow. Well Row, thanks for taking me to the club and filling my head with great ideas for my dear Cheyenne, she is much obliged.  

Have you ever had ideas come while out on the town, doing something fun, no cares in the world other than living in the moment?  Do tell, I am always fascinated by where people find their inspiration.

a birthday and Christmas still to come. Boy is it a busy time of year or what? Usually this time of year is busy for most, however with the twins birthday falling a week before Christmas, and the traditional Christmas Eve festivities at the folks house, it is non-stop for us. Seems we barely get cleaned up from one family festivity before the next one arrives.

However, I actually look forward to this time of year. It is all about family gathering together, reliving memories of loved ones, or holidays past, and enjoying the company of friends. Oh and in my family, there never is a shortage of good tales to be spun, laughter to be had, or wine to drink. This year was no exception with the California relatives making the trek to Las Vegas for a fun filled weekend and turkey dinner.

My father got to enjoy his annual tradition of ribbing my cousin about her football team. She is a huge Cowboys fan. In true Joey fashion, she dished it back just as quickly to my father-a die hard Niners fan. I had the pleasure of holding my cousin’s little one, who is an absolute joy. As well as snuggling with my nephew who is only a few weeks younger than my cousins little one.  

We dished about past Thanksgivings where I ended up with a mountain of unedible mashed potatoes on my plate, remembered my grandmother fondly as we watched the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and had more food than people. (Not an unusal feat in my parents house, however, you would think when cooking for 20+, maybe we would have run out…)

The day after Thanksgiving brought sickness to the household, but we soldiered on. My cousin, mother, and I sat down to continue on a tradition started by my grandmother…keeping my sister in the dark for this round because she has the first grandbaby to be bestowed with the next generation of “g-ma puppies”. I imagine we gave my grandmother a chuckle or two. Well, it is back to the sewing task, and birthday preperations. 

Oh, and the writing? Coming along, slowly but surely. Each word at the moment is a bit difficult as I try to work out those dreaded plot holes. 

with the sound of music. With songs they have sung, for a million years! 

So this is what progress feels like? Oh sweet elation may I never know a day without remembering this feeling. My fingers and mind have been working feverishly on Marked and it finally feels as though it is clicking. 

Surely every author goes through a time in their draft, where they wonder if an element is working, knowing that to cut the element would change the course and possibly the plot of the entire story. Then that magical moment comes and….. CLICK! Just like that the pieces begin to fit. That is where I am now. over 30k in and I can feel the excitement building within. Anticipating what will come next, because I admit, even as the author, I found a few surprises in there I had not planned. Hopefully, they add to the story. I am keeping this particular story somewhat coveted at the moment. Not sharing as readily as I have in the past. 

In fact, I think it was said by the great and powerful Stephen King (Yeah I know, we are not in OZ but could you imagine his take on it?), never let anyone see it until you type the last word. Well, I would surely have failed Mr. King’s course, seeing as I rely heavily on the feedback of a few prized opinions, to ensure my story is making sense or flowing as I had intended. Though for the most part, I admit, there is truly only one person who really can grasp the whole story concept and even she (though she has read a lot) does not know all of it. Thank god, she is struggling with her patience and sheer will to keep from showing up on my doorstep to demand a copy or to steal my laptop.  

So, as usual, if you do not hear from me, this is why… I am traveling to the Swiss Alps so I can sing with Julie Andrews! Slàinte!

My lack of posting here this past week is truly due to being in the zone with my work in progress. Well, that and the server decide to take bit of time out. So if you tried visiting last week and had difficulty viewing the pages, I apologize.

Back to my progress. I think I have added over 5k in the last week and going. Yes the muse has been in my corner and I am feeling better because of it. Or at least I was. The muse and I are having a bit of a disagreement at the moment. Don’t worry, I am sure we will be able to work out our differences and find that happy medium. (Or I will cave and give in to the muse. Hey, she is the muse, what do you expect me to do?)  

This is a short update today, because I really want to push myself past this scene, torture my characters a bit more, and move on to new territory with them. I will give you an update soon. Maybe I will reach 30k in the story by the end of the day. A girl has the right to dream.  Slàinte!

There are many people from creative walks of life who rely on inspiration to kick start them when the ideas slow. I am no different. Only my muse has a very twisted and sick sense of humor. Ok, she is sarcastic and full of  wit, but shares only when she wants to. 

Many writers have spoken of their muse over the ages. Some were only able to find their muse when besotted with drink. Others such as Stephen King, as rumor would have it, have garnered their inspiration from dreams. (Makes you wonder if Mr. King ever gets a peaceful night sleep.)

Now if my muse could be counted on to make her appearance upon drink or dream, then I would gladly consider pursuing those options. However, truth be told, she does not speak well to bribery. (Although having a fine Belgium chocolate on hand doesn’t hurt.) No the muse and I have our moments of sheer bliss, but more often than not, she toys with me. However, in her defense, there are occasions when it works. For example, As I sat writing last night, I penned this line:

“Now, you can get up willingly, or I can fetch a man to come roust you from the bed.”

Roust? Who uses roust in a story set in modern day? Obviously my muse was channeling a different century. Needless to say, the line worked. So, while at times I may wish to put my muse in a choke hold, or steal her Louboutin’s, I won’t. Well, wait about those Louboutin’s…

Well… hmmm. That is the question now isn’t it? How did I manage on my goals last week? I did my blog hopping. Felt really good about this because there are some very awesome blogs out there. One that I find quite intriguing as a writer-Tales from the Crit. The girls over there truly engage ones mind by sharing their insight and struggles in the writing world. In fact, I think I visited them a few times last week  

Finished my book read, my review on Lori Handeland’s Any Given Doomsday is up at The Girls on Books. If you are curious to know what I thought…pop on over and take a peek. 

My word count goal was not met, in fact I didn’t even come close. See above, it’s the only excuse I got. (Hey the book wasn’t going to read itself after all.) I did however, manage to add about another thousand to the count. So it’s a start. 

My biggest goal this week will be choosing the book for review this week and really going to strive for that 5k goal on the story. Keeping them short and sweet should make it attainable. That’s it. My update for the week. Not much, but there was a lot going on. Halloween and all…. Have a great week.

Ok, so maybe I do. Truth be told, without a plan laid out before me, it makes it awfully difficult on the accountability end. The real issue though, is not so much the setting goals and achieving them.. it’s the continuing to renew those goals. As they say, you can’t rest on your laurels. So what shall I achieve this week? 

1. Add 5k to Marked by next Monday. 

2. Read an upcoming book by Lori Handeland for review next week on TGOB. 

3. Actually commit to my personal challenge of blogging each day. 

4. Have fun with the writing process and take a deep breath. 

5. Do a little blog hopping to support my fellow writers and fellow book lovers out there. 

See not so tough after all. I am master of my realm. Who’d a thunk it? Until tomorrow, I bid you adieu.