GUTGAA Blogfest Meet and Greet

I'm taking part in some of the activities in the GUTGAA-Gearing up to Get an Agent Blogfest this month hosted by the lovely Deana Barnhart, and this week is the meet and greet! I look forward to meeting the other writers involved!

Getting to know me:

I'm quickly approaching the big 3-0, so that's exciting (not). I've always enjoyed being creative, whether with crafts, painting, music, photography ... and I started taking writing seriously around the time I graduated from college. I even brought paper to my graduation ceremony so I could work on my first novel (I mean, what else was I going to do all those hours they were calling off names?).
Born and raised in Texas, I still live here with Handy Hubby and our two boxers, Duke and Mylie.
And this is my blog, soon to celebrate it's third blogiversary!

-Where do you write?

Sometimes in my home office, sometimes on my laptop at the dining table, on the couch, in bed, at Starbucks. Sometimes in a notebook I keep stashed in my purse. 

-Quick. Go to your writing space, sit down and look to your left. What is the first thing you see?

Well, at my desk would be a row of Ball jars filled with pens, sharpies and highlighters. At the dining table I'm surrounded by research books, on the couch would be... the back of the couch since I sit on it sideways, in bed would be my nightstand, and at Starbucks, often Joy Preble will be to my left, churning out another awesome book. 

-Favorite time to write?

I'm probably most productive at night when it's dark and I don't feel like I'm missing something stuck behind a computer. 

-Drink of choice while writing?

I'm mostly a water drinker, but sometimes if I need a boost I'll reach for skim milk or apple juice. I'm probably the only writer that doesn't drink coffee, though I do love the way it smells when I write at Starbucks!

-When writing , do you listen to music or do you need complete silence?

I need music most of the time. I prefer movie scores (Danny Elfman, Alexandre Desplat and Hans Zimmer are some of the favs right now), but if I'm unfamiliar with the song lyrics I can listen to music with words (If I know it, I'll sing or type the words instead). Sometimes I listen to KPOP, because I REALLY don't know the words and never will. 

-What was your inspiration for your latest manuscript and where did you find it?

The MS I'm querying was inspired in part by my trip to Italy, and in part by my intense brainstorming session to try to set a story over there. 

-What's your most valuable writing tip?
If you don't have at least two really good critique partners, find some! Make sure they're honest and can balance the encouragement with actual constructive feedback. We're artists, we're needy. We need to be told how awesome we are, but we also need to know where to improve. Make sure your critique partners are helping you get better rather than holding you in place. Also, find a reader you trust--someone who doesn't write, just enjoys stories--because they can spot inconsistencies and plot holes your critique partners might not have found. Everyone looks for different things. I'm very very very blessed to have my critique parters and readers. They are made of awesome!  

Teenage Hearttrob Blogfest

So, I'm sort of the WORST blogging buddy in the WORLD by forgetting this SUPER awesome blogfest hosted by Sarah Ahiers, Vic Caswell and Emily White.

It's the Teenage Heartthrob Blogfest: a list of seven celebrities I crushed on as a youngster. Fun, no?! Before we begin, understand that I was an odd child with a wide array of interests. I watched a lot of old movies, so.... don't be surprised by some of these. 

Jonathan Taylor Thomas - Home Improvement

My friend had a poster of him on her wall back when the show was at it's height (we were young at the time, and JTT was actually older than we were, despite how much like a baby he looks in this picture), and it was then that I realized that famous boys were worthy of being adored. (I've heard a rumor he's gay now, and I'll admit, I've had a bad track record of crushing on famous guys only to find out later they don't even like women. #epicfail)

Leonardo DiCaprio - Romeo+Juliet, Titanic

Holy. Cow. I think my crush on Leo pretty much trumps any other crush I've ever had on anyone (besides my Husband before we started dating). EVER. There are no words. I was going to marry him. Period.

Christian Bale - Newsies

I'm sure this is the first thing most of us ever saw him in. He sings! He dances! I was even late hearing about it in HS, but wow. I was smitten.

Justin Timberlake - N*SYNC

I was right on the edge of being too old to get this crazy about a singing group (though Justin is two years older than me), but boy howdy did I listen to their first CD (the only good one they ever made, besides the Christmas one) over and over and over. Justin was my favorite favorite favorite. My BFF and I went to see them on one of their early early tours. It's still one of the best concerts I've ever been to.

Gene Kelly - Singing in the Rain, Summer Stock, Anchors Aweigh

I've been a fan of classic movies from an early age. Those leading men back then... omg. They don't make em like that anymore. And Gene Kelly... swoon swoon swoon. He sings, he dances, he's HOT. I think i was physically ill when I realized he grew old and died already.

Cary Grant - Any and every movie he ever made

I don't know what it is about this smooth talker, but I still pretty much melt when I watch him. Just look at that smirk. *dies* That is all. 

Micky Dolenz - The Monkees

I know I know I know. But I'm a classic movie and TV fav, remember? I couldn't help it. I know everyone else was in love with Davy Jones (my heart is still very much broken over his sudden death last week), but Micky was the actual talent in the bunch. His voice was unique and I thought he was hilarious and adorable. I've actually seen The Monkees (Micky, Davy and Peter anyway. Mike said PEACE out, Monkees) twice on one of their reunion tours, and I've seen Micky once solo... front row. He threw his sweaty towel at my mom and we almost died. Yes I know he's old now, shut up. It's MICKY.  

The ORIGINS Blogfest!

This blogfest is hosted by DL from Cruising Altitude 2.0, Katie Mills from Creepy Query Girl, Alex J. Cavanaugh and Matthew MacNish from The Quintessentially Questionable Query Experiment.

ORIGINS: When my writing dreams began


I was homeschooled from grades 4-6, and one day a week (or two days a week... or maybe once a month, I don't remember) my "homeschool group" would get together for classes and special activities, organized crafts, competitions, you name it. It was super fun. One of these events, a woman involved in the publishing industry (I don't remember if she was an author, editor or what) came to help us with creative writing. Whatever story I came up with impressed her because after class, she pulled my mom and me aside and gave us some info, encouraging me to consider pursuing writing as a career one day. I thought that was pretty awesome, but I was like, nine or ten and my dad was still working on me to hold my pencil the right way (I still don't... sorry). 


I had fun with assigned creative writing exercises all through school, but never thought much about writing on my own until a few weeks before college graduation in 2005 when this group of friends started pestering me... in my head. I didn't know who they were or what their names were, but they were trying to tell me their story, so I began to write it down. I got so obsessed with this story, I even brought a notebook with me to my graduation ceremony and kept on writing while they announced everyone's names. But over the next four years, I would work on it, forget about it, work on it, research the publishing industry, get scared and abandon it again, work on it. I finally finished it, got involved in my local Writers Guild and a critique group, started blogging in 2009 in effort to network and learn more about the industry, met some online buddies *waves*, realized my story was crap, shelved it, and began work on some of my other ideas.


My current WIP (which I just might finish within the next couple days! EEEEK!) is probably the project I've been the most excited about. I shared it with my mom and grandmother once I had the first two chapters written, and ever since then they've cheered me on and begged for more. Their encouragement (along with that of my critique girls and writing buddies) has really pushed me forward and helped me believe that anything is possible if I put in the work. 


Walt Disney believed that the difference between winning and losing was not quitting. Sounds good to me :)

Thanks for Playing! And Winner!

All in all, I'd say my first blogfest was a success! Almost half that signed up forgot about it, but I sort of expected that. I almost forgot myself! Scheduling something a few weeks out has its pros and cons :)

But to those of you who did participate, I loved reading your letters!! Most of them were encouraging and uplifting, which I think is a great idea. They will no doubt accurately mark this moment in your life for you to look back on one day, and hopefully we'll all be able to say, "Look how far I've come from that!"

I hosted this blogfest to celebrate YOU, my lovely 300 followers. And I've since gained 22 more! :::waves and throws confetti on all of you::: I know I shouldn't focus on my follower numbers, but I think it's a fun way to mark growth and it gives us an excuse to do fun things, right? :)

Now on to the giveaway! The winner (selected randomly) of a shiny new book is......

Maya @ Not on Shelf!

Congrats! I'll be emailing you shortly. 

I hope everyone has a fantastic and safe Memorial Day weekend! I'll be mostly unplugged in effort to spend time away from the internet so I can get some serious writing done. What about you? Any extended weekend plans??  

K*Rae, OUT! 

Letters to the Future Blogfest!

Today is the day! To celebrate my blog reaching 300 lovely followers and lurkers, I'm hosting my first blogfest, Letters to the Future! The idea is to write a letter to our future selves to look back on one day. If I can remember, I'd like to read mine again a year from now and see how things have changed. Then perhaps a Letters to the Future Blogfest Part II??? 

Here is my entry!

Dear Kristin of the future,

As you're writing this, it's Tuesday, May 24th, 2011. There's a lot of buzz about the end of the world and how it did NOT happen May 21st, as predicted by some crazy old man who apparently hasn't read the very clear verse in the Bible that says "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."- Matthew 24:36. Why he's bent on throwing a portion of the masses into hysteria, I don't know. Sad. 

But aside from that, you've been thinking about death lately, since your HS friend Dennis' dad passed away last week. You're reminded again how important it is to let your loved ones know how you feel, to have more of a positive attitude on a daily basis, and to take control of your health once and for all. 

You're current diet scheme involves Turbo Kickboxing class several times a week, with alternating days of the EFX machine, fueled by Netflix instant for the iPhone and your newfound love for Dr. Who, which you honestly only started watching because Castle is Disc Only. You're also mildly cranky because you're avoiding dairy and bread, eating mostly meats, veggies, and fruits. You're only down five pounds from your heaviest weight ever and you have twenty-five more to go, according to what you think you should be, however unrealistic it might actually be. So, did you stick with it and reach your goal?? YOU BETTER NOT HAVE LET ME DOWN. :::raises eyebrow--the only one we can raise individually::: 

On the writing front, on April 11, 2011 you started a new book that you're very excited about. You're currently on chapter nine and have written 15,962 words. You've probably noticed that I haven't mentioned the title... and that's because there isn't one. It's that Italy story about Pippa. I suppose YOU know what it's called... could you share please? I'm also hoping that it's the story that landed you a kick-butt agent and got you a three-book deal with the raddest publisher out there. What can I say except for, you're welcome. And I'm sorry it took me so long to finish it. ;)

Your ten year high school reunion is this year, and it's your job (along with the other two girls from your class) to figure out what to do about it. This has got you thinking a lot about how quickly time passes, and you've realized that nearly all your friends have children already, and you don't. But you still feel like you're getting used to being an adult with a husband, a house, your own photography business (which is SLOW GOING), and two dogs, so you'll think about it later. 

You just joined Twitter last week. It's insane, just like you. 

Well, that's pretty much you at this exact moment in time on this Tuesday in May. Oh, and your right foot is asleep. 

Can't wait to hear what you have to say!

Ciao!

Kristin of the present

Please visit the other participating blogs and show them some love!

1. Spunk on a Stick 2. Abby Minard 3. Kayeleen Hamblin 4. Jamie Burch 5. KM @ One Page At A Time 6. Bethany@ASPIRATIONS 7. The Las Vegas Writer 8. Kristi  9. Jennifer shirk 10. Jen @ Unedited 11. Heather 12. Lisa's Loves Books Of Course( Int) 13. Catherine Denton 14. Nicki J Markus 15. Jen Chandler 16. Maya @ Not on Shelf 17. Lena's Blog 18. Teralyn Rose Pilgrim 19. Laura (Daily Dodo) 20. Jennifer Hoffine 21. Nia Raie 22. Deana Barnhart 23. Amy Sonnichsen 24. Lisa@ Flash Fiction 25. Loralie 26. Gina C. 27. Lena Sledge's Blog..Books, Reviews & Interviews 28. Ellen Brickley

Don't Forget!

Just a friendly reminder that my first blogfest is this Wednesday!! There are 25 bloggers signed up to participate, and I can't wait to read all of your letters to your future selves!!

Some of the comments y'all have made are fantastic. These letters really will be like time capsules for us to look back on later.

If you'd like to join in the fun, click here to sign up!

My First Blogfest!! Letters to the Future!

To celebrate 300 followers, I'm hosting my very first blogfest!!

Recently, here on my blog, I apologized to my future published self for my lack of confidence and laziness in the present, seriously delaying my career as an author. Several of you thought that was a fun idea, so I decided to make it into a blogfest so we could all give it a try!   

The rules are simple: 

1) Sign up for the blogfest on the Mr. Linky widget below.

2) On Wednesday, May 25th, write a letter to your future self and post it on your blog. It doesn't have to be an apology like mine, it can be about anything! 

3) After signing up, comment on this post (leave your email address!) if you'd like to be entered in a giveaway for the book of your choice from The Book Depository (must be under $15 and TBD must ship to you for free)

4) Help me spread the word! It's a fun and easy blogfest that your followers might like to join too!

Thanks so much for following!! I can't wait to read all your letters!

The Bernard Pivot Blogfest

The Bernard Pivot Blogfest today is hosted by the lovely Nicole of One Significant Moment at a Time.  Here is the famous questionnaire created by Bernard Pivot, answered by yours truly.

What is your favorite word?

Currently: Rubbish (and Brilly, thanks to Beth Revis ;)

What is your least favorite word?

The F bomb--tacky tacky, especially out in public when people can hear you. Please.  Spare us.  You're not nearly as cool as you think you are. 
I also don't love when people use the names "God" and "Jesus" for curse words--how did that happen anyway? And why those religious names? Why doesn't anyone yell out Buddha or the guy who came up with scientology? 

What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?

Music, weather, books

What turns you off?

Ignorance

What is your favorite curse word?

Crap

What sound or noise do you love?

Laughter--deep from the gut

What sound or noise do you hate?

I try not to "hate" anything--it's a waste of emotion ;) . But some sounds I dislike are nails on a chalkboard, screaming children, and yappy dogs. 

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

I always thought it would be fun to run a restaurant/bakery.  I'd love to decorate cakes and cookies!
I also have this secret desire to be an archaeologist and dig up the past--especially in Pompeii, Italy. 

What profession would you not like to do?

Window washing on sky scrapers.

If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

Well done, good and faithful servant. Welcome home. 


Click HERE for the list of everyone else participating and check out their answers!

Blogfest Character Reveal!

Sorry for the delay! I had a photo shoot this morning. :)

This was too much fun!  Two of you got it EXACTLY right, like NAMED the person I picture in my head when I write Brighton.  

DL and KM both hit it out of the park naming Ian Somerhalder as my Brighton look-a-like!

The younger version, probably closer in age to Brighton, as he's a freshman in college:

And the version he will be one day.... 

Brighton is H-O-T

He's been to the dark side, and is trying, slowly but surely, to rise above his past.  Now a college freshman, he's a bit unkempt--scruffy faced, grown out hair, deep green eyes with a pattern of lighter diamonds in his irises (there's nothing paranormal about him--my friend seriously has green eyes with little diamond shapes in them... it's amazingly beautiful, so I passed the trait off to Brighton).  Some of you guessed that he was sarcastic--he uses this and humor to keep the focus off of what's really bothering him. An older version of his brother, Brady, he's of medium build, strong, but not the type to wear muscle shirts.

 

Blogfest! He looks like what?

So today is the long anticipated "Guess That Character" blogfest, hosted by Jen at Unedited.  I'm showing you a snippet from my newest WIP, Anemone (the flower, not the seaweed), and you try to figure out what my character looks like by the small descriptions and dialogue.  Tomorrow, check back for the big reveal, as I show you the picture of a celebrity I imagine he looks most like as I am writing him.  

In this snippet, we have three characters--Reagan (her POV), Brady, and Brighton. What does Brighton look like to you?

As I approached Brady’s side, the stranger’s eyes darted quickly my direction.  I stopped instantly as our eyes locked.  He wasn’t looking through me.  He was looking right at me.

            He looked back at Brady, eyebrows scrunched.  “Who’s the girl?”  He nodded my way, his hair again covering too much of his face. 

            Brady cleared his throat and his voice came out a little uneasy.  “What girl?”

            “Uh,” he smiled, “let’s start with the one standing right next to you.”  He glanced toward the side of the house.  “I don’t see Mom’s car, and I know Dad’s out of town….  Don’t tell me they went soft and actually let you have a girl in the house when they aren’t home?”

            Brady turned to look at me, his face mirroring my surprise.  “You can see her?”

            He sees me!  A flutter along my shoulders satisfied me like relief—a burden taken away.  It was much easier to believe in my own existence when more than one person acknowledged... my existence.     

            “Brady,” he said in a sour tone.  “I told you, I don’t do that stuff anymore.  Now are you going to introduce me or do we just get to stand here and stare at each other?  Either way, I’m fine with it.  She’s pretty hot.  Impressive, baby brother.”  He took a step forward, feet resting on the threshold. 

            Brady appeared to be tongue tied, but eventually stammered, “Her name’s Reagan.”

            “Well, Reagan, good to meet you.  I’m Brighton.”  He reached a hand out for me to shake, so I did the same.  But we didn’t touch.  His hand passed through me, the sensation of pouring sand again tingling through my fingers. 

Guess that Character Blogfest TOMORROW!

The lovely Jen at Unedited is hosting a fun blogfest tomorrow and Friday, so check back HERE for my entry, and I'll be checking YOUR BLOG for your entries!  Sounds fun, huh? :)