It's Been a Long Time... Time for the Boss Lady Grind!

Family,

First and foremost, I have to say....I AM SO SORRY!!

I disappeared for an inexcusable amount of time and I thoroughly submit to this position!

If you are unfamiliar with this picture, this is the dogeza position, a Japanese custom of bowing that shows the most humblest of apologize. Yes that, my friends, is the level of my apology! But I think I do have some sort of excuse...

I am moving to New York City!

Yes, I am in the throes of a major life upheaval from the suburbs of Boston to the nitty-gritty city life of New York. I have always said drive forward, if you have a vision that will make you happy, that will make you appreciate your life even greater, you should drive forward. My moving to NYC is driving forward my legal career to an n-th degree. Because friends I have a vision. It's a vision that made me remember why I wanted to be a lawyer and it's fun again! And it has been a great experience finding it. I could go on and on about but this is not the place for it.

But because I have renewed my vigor for the legal aspect of my career doesn't mean that I have forgotten my passion for writing. Because it still remains my nightlife, my night career. The night air that I breathe! So while it has taken a slight back seat, it is not one to be taken lightly for long (Dangers of Two Timing...Myself ring any bells?). So I'm working to getting my Boss Lady Grind as I like to call it. 

What's the Boss Lady Grind? I'll put it to you like this. With anything you have or want in life, you have to learn to wear different hats. Hat for business, hat for creativity, hat for marketing, etc. It's the only true way you can be successful. If you don't have the skills, learn OR align yourself with someone you trust with your vision who does have the skills you need. That's the true way of getting where you want to go...in essence the true Boss Lady Grind. I have to be honest, I lost the ability for awhile because I was so focused on my writing - the Writing hat became a large sombero, escaping everything else. But now it's time to get back on my Boss Lady Grind - the hardcore determination that I like to fashion as a hot fedora (cuz they're sexy...on me at least).

So get ready for the transformation! K.T. 2.0! (witty banter shall follow!)

Quickie - I AM ALIVE!

Yes, it has been just about a month since I have update the blog. Family, crazy things have been happening and I am still reeling from them. AND they aren't done yet so please bear with me. Until then, enjoy the musical stylings of Calvin Harris and Ne-Yo....This song absolutely embalms my exact feelings! Let's Go!

A much meatier post will be coming soon enough!

When Your Dream Sends You Over the Proverbial Cliff

Family:

Have you ever had something sit, like literally sit on your heart, and you can't be divested from it? Not necessarily eating away at but just sitting there? Almost niggling away, reminding you of it?

I've been thinking about it hard. About my last conference with Muse 2012 (see When Your "Aha!" Becomes "Oh No" to "Hmm Ok"). Words are still ringing: I have an issue with the market - that it may not sell as well as I would like. That an agent or a publisher would be reluctant to pick it up and invest in it. And it is amazing that out of all the feedback one would get about how great your work is that the more disheartening one would stick the most.

It could be enough to send you back to hide with your dreams and bury them.

It could. As for me, I refuse to hide. I've worked too hard. So I jumping over the cliff!

The more I think about my novel The Balancer, the more I think it has to be printed. And I don't want to sound like a pretentious wanna be who can't take criticism. I can and very much welcome it. I always want to do better. But the same time, I believe that my work deserves a chance to get readers. It may not be profitable to others, but it is profitable to me.

Ergo, a new plan! Drum roll.....SELF-PUBLISHING!

Yes, I am entering into the world of self-publishing. Well more like supported self-publishing. I'll get into that in a minute. But yes my dreams are sending me over the proverbial cliff and I can't wait to see where I land. It is going to take a lot more work - a lot of self-promotion and investment into myself but I think I owe to myself to try. Some might say you haven't given it a chance. You haven't really tried to send out the work. Don't you think this is a bit premature?

Possibly.

However, I think I have something to prove to myself. I have to prove to myself that I can enter this world of publishing and novel-writing and still survive. What better way to prove it than self-imposed deadlines, nose to grindstone marketing and hard-working editing?  Perhaps this will garner attention from agents and publishers who may have been reluctant to take on my work. Besides, I think that if later on with my later novels (yes there will be others) get picked up by more traditional means, I will appreciate it all the more. :) The bottom line is don't allow nay-sayers to stop you from taking a dive that you are meant to take! Take a deep breath, run and jump!

So I have partnered with Abbott Press (really great and personable staff) and I will be working with them to design, copy-edit, polish and publish my novel. I'm so excited about I keep visiting page and asking myself, Wow I am really about to do this! In the meantime I am raising funds to cover everything. A downfall of self-publishing is the paid resources aren't there for you. But it is OK! We can still make this happen on a grand scale! Just you wait and see!

If you like to help me toward my cause, you can also donate. Check out the link. I'm already just bit over half of what I need! If you believe that I can produce great work or if you just believe in making your own dreams come  true, please do donate!

Fundraising Ideas

Friday's Music: Summa Summa SummaTime!

Hey family, I haven't done a Friday's music post so with the sun shining and the birds chirping, I thought it was a good time as any to restart the fab tradition of going nuts on a Friday.

Now, I could make this about inspiration. I could make this about pulling part the lyrics of song and getting to the insightful way the lyricist portrays love and conflict. (Enter brooding face of concentration)

HMMMM NO.

It's just not one of those days.

It's a "Pull out the Lawn Chair and Pitcher of Sangria" type of day. Doesn't that just bring out the carefree days of Summer. I love summer, not just because it's my birthday (7/11!) but there is an element of carefreeness that allows you to open up, explore and have fun in everything you do. Maybe because we are so used to having summers off back in school. But I'd like to think that summer continues to have that endless possibility. The possibility of a summer fling, of having adventure or just finding something about yourself you never knew before.

So with that, with summer fast approaching I thought it was fitting to bring out what I think is one of the many summer anthem: Will Smith's Summertime. If you are able to have a glass outside, drink a cup for me (stuck in the office today!).

What song reminds you of summer? Start up a playlist that I will post every Friday for the summer!

When Your "Aha!" Becomes "Oh No" to "Hmm Ok"

Just this past weekend, I attended the Muse Boston Writing Conference and it was a great experience. I got to sit down with teachers, writers, agents, columnists, etc. The works to say the least. But...I should have known that congregating with such people would have worked my mind grapes to another level. So much that I have begun to question the novel that I had finished back in February.

DUN DUN DUN

So here's the story, family. This was my"Aha" moment. My novel falls within the young adult fiction genre. You guys know I've was picking at my brain back in November and then on to finish this piece. I mean you knew the joy that I had when I finished it. I am still in the editing process but it was coming (slowly) along. That same day I had an editor read the first pages of my piece and she was gushing at the idea and the voice and writing.

Hence me on Cloud 9 - I have a winner here. My "Aha" moment. I'm on the right track. This could be it!

Then I had lunch with a bunch of lovely ladies including Regina Brooks of Serendipity Literary Agency. It was great talking to Regina who I now absolutely love. Very down to earth and very easy to talk to. Founder of Serendipity, you were serendipity to me. But enough of that. So when I pitched this is Regina over lunch, who by the way represents lots of work in the YA genre: A senior high school girl must decide whether she will defy her destiny or take her place along a group of Grim Reapers as a foretold ender of the war between angels and demons, I was looking for another great encouragement. Another AHA moment to send me over the edge into bliss.


But what really happened was she looked at me and said (I'm paraphrasing) "You basically just described the entire YA fantasy general in the line. All agents who have basically seen that exact thing. The market is saturated with what you exactly pitched."

Oh No. Cloud disintegrates. Crash down to earth. Imagine the Wild E. Coyote falling down the ravine.

I want to write. But the real goal is to get published. To find an agent, get out there and sell my books. So as I was listening to her give me advice, in the back of my mind I am thinking, I think going to have to scrap my book. I wasn't even tearing up about it. Maybe I was numb or maybe I was surrounded by people who I had NO intention of showing my emotions to. But as I exited the lunch and headed out, I really started to think about it. Does it have to end here?

Hmm ok. We're going to keep going.

I am going to finish my piece, mainly because I think I owe it to my characters to finish the work that I started. But at the same time, I had have two other ideas that I have been playing around with. One within the YA genre and the other an adult novel. I just gotta keep going. Whenever life throws you a prospective change, don't run from it but embrace it. It's simply a turn in the road and you just need to adjust your focus. The goal at the end of the road hasn't changed. Your approach does.

So I going to be double-fisting, stretching myself even further out. I guess all of my joking piece about cheating on your piece (see The Dangers of Two-Timing...Myself or When It's Ok to "Two-Time" on Your Work) is coming to fruition. I guess I've become a clairvoyant!

Having an Arranged Marriage...with Your Work

Imagine this:

From a young age, you have always known that you were set to be with someone called "Dream Work." You knew that you wanted to be with Dream Work because you had been told that it was perfect for you. And so as you go through life, you continue to grow but begin to forget that you are betrothed to Dream Work. That you will marry Dream Work and be happy. However, life gets in the way, priorities changes and as you age and mature, you begin to think that Dream Work wouldn't work anymore. Sure it was something you had been told that you were perfect for it, but who really wants to be set for life before you could make a decision? You are a different person, you won't be dictated to!

However, fate will set in and there is a chance meeting - you actually meet Dream Work.
Even though Dream Work would completely complicate the life you have set up to the n-th degree, you take a chance and you learn that they were absolutely right. Dream Work is perfect for you. But to be with Dream Work, it takes work. LOTS of work. So much work that you wonder whether it is worth the aggravation, the blood, sweat and tears it would take the get to the pinnacle that Dream Work could take you. Because Dream Work excites you, ticks you off, brings to the brink and over and its... overwhelming.

But then you think of the pinnacle. You think of the happiest, the sheer joy that you would experience being with Dream Work. The ecstasy that Dream Work and you could achieve.  You realize that you want. And you want it desperately. You want to be able to say on your death bed that you did everything not to deny yourself from the experience Dream Work could have provided to you. 

Everyone has this - someone someday told you were perfect for a particular thing. You explored it at first but then let's say doubt came in. It was something that raise eyebrows or not particularly a "high paying job."  Or don't necessarily fit the image. Whatever it may be, you question. And you leave it as a childhood dream and think that you are so far removed from it.

I could tell you right now - you are not. 

Because if you had the chance to do the work that you have always wanted, you would do. And there is no reason to deny yourself. Because if you are perfect for it, you are perfect for it. No ands, ifs or buts about it! You were made to do it. To fight it would be fight an element of yourself. To remove a particular purpose. Everyone wants to find a purpose - a lifelong goal that you are meant to do. And it you have found it, shame on you for ignoring what God has set out for you. Because if anything, following Dream Work, taking that arranged marriage, could drastically change your life.

And its probably for the better.

When It's Ok to "Two-Time" on Your Work

Several weeks ago, I wrote about the Dangers of Two-Timing Yourself. I had to laugh at myself because it was just so…ridiculous but true at the same time. I am going to take a different position, to play devil’s avocado (yes I know its advocate). This won't be a really meaty piece but something I am doing that I wanted to share with you. 

Picture this: have you ever seen those mothers who are just WAY in love with the children?
I mean a mother should be love their child unconditionally but there are some mothers who just smother their children. Who just don’t when to back up and see what kind of person their child will become. They constantly hover over them, seeing what they need, providing and capitulating to their every whim. And you know who those children grow into right? Fools like this:

Sometimes it is healthy to take a step back from your “baby,” to give your “child” a chance to breathe and get some new life into it. When you have been putting blood, sweat and tears into a work, you tend to get really attached. So attached that you are not able to see that problems that it has. Such as a particular plot line, or a character or I would hate to think this but an entire premise needs to be changed. So it is healthy to maybe start another piece. Take your mind off of it for awhile to give you a new prospective on things. I have take a back seat to my novel - a novel I love and cherish but I've lost some passion for. I know I have it - I just need time to realize it. And today it's starting to come back :). I'm remembering the characters I've created, the world I have sculpted and I am ready to tackle another draft of it. Trust me its amazing what you can come up with when you take a “break” and when you get back together…man the wonderful music you will make!

When Its Time to Get Away from Yourself

Ever been so in your head that just being there make you dizzy? You have so many things you need to do, you want to do that you end doing nothing because you don't know where to turn? Or when there are so many things happening in your life that you want to tear your hair out and hand it to the next person that comes up to you...in their face?

Yes, I was there. Which is why I have been MIA for the past three weeks. Fam, I had to get away from myself. You are probably asking how the hell do you get away from yourself?



You create a new you. Yes, create a different identity to became as you would create a character for a story. Let me give you some background and maybe you'll see what I'm talking about.

As you may or may not have realized, I am a lawyer with all the deadlines, blood, sweat, tears and whatever cliches that comes with it. Life can get pretty hectic. Especially if you have a vivid imagination and you have to be serious for a majority of the day (you should see me outside of work - its pretty hilarious). But it starts to bog you down and you start thinking, damn I need a vacation from everything, including the world that you have created for yourself. OR really the world that has been created around you, forming and manipulating what you do and say what it expected of you.

So I did. I took a vacation from my hometown, my job and this country and went to Europe. And I created a new identity each time I went to another country.

In the U.K, I was Lauren - a sassy, outgoing Brit who loves to talk to random people and dance the night away.

In France, I was Genevieve - a quiet, demure French girl who loves to sit out by bistros and watch people and educate them about French history.

In Italy, I was Bianca - an alluring, flirtatious girl who shamelessly flitted from Italian man to Italian man receiving favors for simply smiling at them.

Each new character, each new identity allowed me to be me - without really being me, if that makes sense. Lauren, Genevieve and Bianca are all parts of me. Parts of me that I "created" to give myself an outlet. Think of it this way: when you stretch, you stretch out particular parts of your body at a time. You don't necessarily stretch out everything at once. You have to take the time to do each part individually, give it the time it needs to warm up and get ready. To allow itself to free up. To reawaken it. 

In the world that was set around me, I didn't have a chance to warm up all the parts of me. I was getting cold and feeling pretty unused. I was like Mental-Muscles dystrophy. Writing helped immensely but even that started to become part of the routine - something I didn't want to happen. I didn't have the chance to express the crazy, quirky parts of me and it was killing me inside. When you start falling into a lackluster pattern and start feeling hopelessness, it can be crippling and somewhat dangerous for yourself and others around you. It is then time to take a break from you. 

Now I had the blessing and luxury of leaving the country to allow myself to create these new identity but you can do anywhere. Take time away from things that you know and leave the comfort zone. Isolate the parts of you that are there and really free them up. You would be surprised what you find out about yourself. For me, I feel a renewed sense of authorship. I can't wait to get back into my novel and a new fanfic in makings. I am just glad that I finally had the chance to relax, stretch me out and put myself back together. Most importantly, I owed it to my readers be the best I could be!

If you had to name different parts of you, what you would call them?

Fri's Music: Females In Charge, Betta Recognize!

So as you may or may not know, I love music (:gasp: enter sarcastic comment here). I use music to get an idea on how I would like a character to act in a certain situation. Lately I've been on ‘90s kick – mainly R&B. I was going through my iPhone and started playing all these I guess now considered “old school” hits and I realized that the ‘90s female artists made it a point to really talk about the stuff they were or weren’t going to deal with anymore. Sure we had Gloria Gayner’s “I Will Survive” (a pioneer in the “I don’t give crap anymore” movement) but I think, at least for me, that the ‘90s was a point where ladies got real.

Take for instance, Salt n’ Peppa’s "Push It," or Xscape’s "Just Kickin’ It" or KP & Envyi’s "Shorty Swing My Way." All great songs, all songs were the girls let the fellas know who actually is in control. This attitude has bled into a culture where women aren’t simply swooning as the man has his way and rips off the bodice. Things have turn to where ladies are seducers – humbling a man far enough where he is begging on his knees. Their attitude and power has placed them into a position where they don’t have a problem wielding the strength they have. Don’cha love it, girls? J

In light of International Women’s Day (a day late but in the spirit), I want to give props to the songs that gave us gumption to go out and bag the man we wanted. Or to tell that guy go jump off the bridge to nowhere. Or some other snappy comeback. These are songs you heard that you want to jump up and belt it. Because it was exactly what you dying to say! And if you haven’t heard them before, jump on the “I don’t give a crap anymore” movement. There’s always room for more!

Enjoy!

1.      Destiny Child’s – No, No, No

2.      Mary J. Blige – Not Gon' Cry

3.      Mary J. Blige – No More Drama

4.      TLC – Creep

5.      En Vogue – Don’t Let Go

6.      Robin S. – Love for Love

The Dangers of Two-Timing....Myself

Imagine this scene:

I say softly, "Wow, you are so exciting! I would really like to spend some time with you, New Idea."

"Hey! What are you doing! We're not finished yet!" First Idea screams, stomping its foot.

I do a double take, realizing what it looks like. "No, wait! I can explain. I can handle both!"

"Look, its either me or New Idea. You can't have both!"

It is a danger I think all artistic people face – one day you’re working on a project when a new exciting idea comes along, with its new dips and turns and drama. Your mind starts cranking, making you want to start working on it immediately. The siren call of New Idea – its allure into a new unknown, a new spot of pleasure that only you can fully explore. A world that you have yet to discover and tell the world about.

But then there is First Idea that you fell in love with that you have been working months on tirelessly.
And you still may new avenues to go seek out, change up. But the problem is it’s not new anymore. You have been with it for so long, you think you need a break. Maybe sometime with New will rekindle what you have with First. Then you realize you sound like any other cheater in a relationship.

Can anyone say No-Good Two-Timer?? Yes!! And I’m SORRY! :sniff:

Fam, this not the first time I have found myself in this position. Before my current novel, I had…another. It’s a fantastic tale, mixing the tales of Persia and kindred spirits, reincarnation and soul-long quests that stay with you until it’s done. Great, great idea. And I started drafting it. But…the idea for the Balancer came along…and I put my Persia tale to side, saying “I’ll get back to this one later.” Have I yet...(hang my head in shame)...

 

I know, I’m AWFUL!

COMMITMENT – a word that ladies clamor for but I can’t seem to muster that for my own tales.  It is a struggle that I find myself lamenting to you now.  So, what is the lesson? Commitment is a word that anyone must hold dear if they ever want to finish anything worthwhile! If you want to complete anything in life, wait until the work is done first. Then you can move on the next one.

It seems really rudimentary for me to say that but a truth nonetheless. Imagine the fulfillment you’ll feel once you have completed your first project to then be able to say to the New Idea, “I can give you my full attention and finish you so good, there’ll be nothing left to start with.” (If that sound sexy, it was intentional)

OR…if you think you are that good, you can try and juggle two projects at once. Spending one hour with First, another hour with New. But you will tend to see that your attention will begin to wane and you will countdown the time until you can get to New before you altogether don’t even bother with First anymore.

Don’t be like me. Don’t forget First. Don’t become a habitual Two-Timer with your work. Stay with it until its end. I’m starting a new leaf today. What about you – what unfinished work do you have stored away? Don’t you think it’s calling to you?

Do You Choose the Smoothest Course?

I am an avid fan of Disney movies and enjoy bringing them to real life situations (see And It Starts....You Think You Know a Guy...) Today's focus is Pocahontas. You remember that particular scene where she is in her canoe and has to decide what path to take? "Should I choose the smoothest course, steady as the beating drum?" There are two choices: choose the steady path or choose this winding and rocky path.

And as the movie continues we know she chooses the rocky path to John Smith, finding love to John getting shot to being sent away. Ok, yeah we know. Epic but slightly tragic ending.

But what if she had chosen the steady path?
If she had chosen Kocuom? Kocuom may not have died the way he did. Pocahontas may have found peace in her marriage to Kocuom, had some babies and may have taken a different role in trying to bridge the gap between the English and her people.

I guess my point is would that have been so bad? Sure it would've been less excited, not as epic and it may not have made a good movie without the drama and tension. But I'm talking about someone's life. And in real life, drama doesn't always pay off.

In everything, we all crave some sort of excitement. We love the idea of movies and books because it allows us to escape to another reality that doesn't necessary disrupt the flow of our lives. You can enjoy the experience of someone running for their lives but don't necessarily want to experience it yourself.

For instance, I want the fast and furious rise to the top - the movie version of getting found,  published and gaining J.K. Rowling status (with the movies, theme parks, etc). But is that really real life? Is that really the experience I need? Is it really going to make me a better writer? It would be awesome and again a great story. But with anything fast and furious comes RIDICULOUS amounts of drama. Probably there'll be backstabbing in there, with some...oh I don't know, extortion or threats or....and knock on wood lost of life.

You must be like, really Kris? Hey, I'm just saying! With anything that seems too exciting comes with side effects.Could you handle it?

And even if you choose the smoothest course, it doesn't mean that your life is over. If you approach each experience with a different outlook each time, that in itself is a great adventure. Slight changes in habit can bring something new. The moment you believe that your life can't be exciting is when you have shut the door to any possibility of it.

For me, I am accepting the fact that my novelist career may not be material for the next Quentin Tarantino film. But I'm finding joy and excitement in the smaller things. Would I be unhappy if my life became something like the movies? Ehh...If it did, there wouldn't be much I could do about it.

But if it didn't, I wouldn't be torn about it either.

I Wanna Go Up the Stairs!

Ever worked at something so hard, like sweat dripping down your face, teeth-gritting determined? And you keep pushing towards the finish line that when you finally do, it takes you by surprise? Even though it’s what you been what you’ve been working towards after so long?

My readers, as of Sunday February 19 at 9:45pm EST, I finished the first draft of my first novel. I crossed my (first) finish line.

EEEEEEKKKKK! (enter humongo grin here)

At first I didn’t know what exactly to feel. At first it was a definitely sigh of relief. Popped open a bottle of moscato and went to town! But as the elation passes, I began to think….Ok what is next?

And here is where I think many people begin to falter. Picture this: you are a toddler and you desperately want to climb to the top of the stairs. And that first step is so huge and you put so much time, effort and energy into getting up on the first step that when you do, you are elated beyond measure. You giggle, you clap your hands, you drool from excitement.

But then you look up and you see the other nine steps that you have to conquer. And it seems much higher than you remembered when you were at the bottom of the stairs! People say taking the first step is the hardest. I think continuing to keep going up the next several steps is even harder. Because it’s keeping the momentum, not letting the daunting task before you push back into stepping back down.

While I have finished the first massive step of completing my first draft comes the daunting task of going through the skeleton, putting meat and girth on, taking out the fat and keeping it lean. I would not be truthful if I said that I wasn’t sure of my abilities.

BUT….(there is always a but!)

I see my toy at the top of the stairs. It is my prized toy that I enjoy and love and desperately want. More than these inky stairs can keep me from it. And even though there are challenges on the way (losing my balance, getting distracted, seeing a so-so toy at the bottom I could have played with), I want my favorite toy.

I want my name on the New York Bestsellers List. It is mine for the taking. And take it I shall do!

In every adventure, we are all like a toddler, taking first steps to some unknown territory. And we are scared, elated, petrified, excited and downright crazy. But think about how you’ll feel when you look back to the many steps that you have taken! How you’ll gurgle with delight at your accomplishment and how you can’t wait to hear that shout of praise from Mommy or some big person  that says “wow, look at what you did!”

I for one can’t wait to see how far I can step up. One thing is for sure, my aim is the top of the stairs.

Friday Music: Someone Like You

"Someone Like You" is my favorite Adele song by far. Mainly because it really epitomizes what I was discussing on Monday. You can go through the worst break up of your life or the most crushing thing to your spirit AND still you can come through it with someone or something better. Here's my favorite part of the lyrics:


Nothing compares
No worries or cares
Regrets and mistakes
They are memories made.
Who would have known how bittersweet this would taste?

Never mind, I'll find someone like you
I wish nothing but the best for you
Don't forget me, I beg
I remember you said,
"Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead.

MOST of the time, it is much much much better than the last.

Isn't it funny how we think we know what we want and but when we get it, it's not at all what we expected? And when its gone, something we NEVER even thought of comes along and absolutely blows your mind?

Oh the drama of real life...its just as good as the drama we write about!

Anyway enjoy the song...play it in the background and think of a time where you thought you were down and out of the count, but through inner strength and help you were able to rise up from the ashes. Maybe its a story you could share that could help someone else. Or just write about it like I do :)

Also I'd be remiss if I didn't pay some tribute to Whitney Houston, a singer who made me want to sing since I was 7 years old. Eternally free from her shackles, may you rest in peace Whitney...

You Got Moves Like Adele, No Joke!

With the recent shock wave reverberating with the death of Whitney Houston (not ready to talk about it), it was a breath of fresh air to see Adele win a rocking 6 Grammys last night. Such a talent was able to really shine through, all because of a “rubbish” relationship that left her for dead. Not physically, but it rocked her enough that friends and family prodded her to pick up the pieces of her heart. 

In her adversity and pain, she put it all out on paper. Everything. Every emotion, every pit of anger, resentment, depression, and sadness. But the last song on her 21 album, Someone Like You, is my personal favorite because it is evidence of her realization that she can do better. That she is using her angst brought on by her ex-boyfriend for her benefit. To show him and the world – I am better than this. I am Adele, doggone it and I am so over you.

Don’t you think the ex-boyfriend is piss mad somewhere? :) Stupid wanker...(hehehe wanker..)

But I think it’s a lesson that we can all learn from. We all fall. We are human. To err is to be human. But it is in the face of adversity and how you deal with it that defines you. For Adele, to overcome her pain she wrote songs. It was her release. And it is possible that the pain wasn’t immediately gone. But it was process.  But the theme of the 21 album was I am better than this.

Trust me, family. I am not sitting from a lofty high chair looking down and just giving running commentary about things. I have enough scrapped knees, bruises and knocks to the head to show you how human I am. But this is me dealing with adversity.

For me, writing has been an immense release. When I was going through a particular hard struggle of trying to figure out I was doing with my life, writing became my anchor. My escapism and my coping mechanism. I write about characters that have great struggles and need to find their way. And what is great about it is that they eventually find what they are looking for!  And I thank God every day for giving me something that can show me that no matter what happens, things will get better!

And even though I am now in a pretty good period in my life, I still hold on my struggles and writing and appreciate it all the more. Because I hope one day that my writing, my stories will be an escape for someone else who just needs a break from their lives.

Whatever you chose to do or have, it is important to remember to it should uplift you, not destroy you. If your anchor has the potential to bring you to another devastating situation, it is not an anchor. You are still floating towards the proverbial black hole. Find something rooted within yourself that can allow you to stand when the garbage is being chucked at you. But you do have moves like Adele J. Everyone does.

Friday's Music: I'm Great, Wanna Fight About It?

In the spirit of my last blog entry about Haterade Drinkers (if you missed that, check it out here), I been playing some great "I'm Great, Wanna Fight About It?" music. You know, "Eye of the Tiger," "We Will Rock You," "I've Got the Power," and others. Just songs that remind you that you are fantastic, marvelous and just plain a fighter (or scrapper, you pick! If you want a good list you can check out this site. They got some good ones!).

But then one that I gets me so amped(!) is Nicki Minaj's "Moment 4 Life."

Her lyrics pretty much sums up what I'm feeling or least what I will be feeling once I get this novel and/or series published. Remember speak your goals into existence! Don't let anyone or anything including yourself bring you  down from what excites you the most. Sometimes we are our worst critic and you need to beef yourserlf up with good energy and people around you will lift you up. You have a glorious purpose in life - find it and own it. And if something makes you delirious happy, excited and all about ready to jump for joy, you don't need to ask yourself "What am I supposed to do?" You are already found it. 

The question you should be asking yourself is "Am I ready to go for it? No matter what the cost?"

And your answer of course will be a resounding YES! :) If you ever need a pep-talk or just something uplifting to get you out of your funk, email me at kjcristina711 at gmail dot com. Sometimes you need that - a cheerleader in your corner!

Ok, Ok. Enough of this - let's pump the jam up!

And some more for your viewing pleasure.... Eye of the Tiger! I always get ready to fight and throw some punches at any "anti-MEs!" (Blame Rocky for that one)

Until next time! Stay pumped!

Wed's Prompt: Take It to the Floor, Fool!

Here's something to get the ol' imagination running this morning!


After getting into an argument with another patron at a local bar, the person challenges you to a fight out back. Because you’ve never been in a fight before (and don’t want this to be your first time), you come up with a more creative way to settle your dispute.


First thought I had....break dance!

If you could do this, wouldn't you be able to say....And what, punk? Say something!


What would be your way to get out of a fight?

A Letter to my "Haterade Drinkers"

Have you ever had someone be so constantly negative in your life? They are what I like to call "Haterade Drinker."  What is Haterade? It's something that they are drinking that causes them to burp up unnecessary and destructive things.

I mean things could be going so well for you and you could be on top of the world, but a “Haterade Drinker” will come out of the blue and take the wind out of sails? It is especially difficult if you are close to the alleged "Haterade Drinker"  - you have enough curses to say to them that it would make a sailor blush. But out of respect, you don’t. You swallow your anger and you try to keep it moving.

WELL NO MORE. Everyone has ONE “Haterade Drinker” in their life. And it is time to take a stand and say what is on your mind. And it's time to stop wasting energy on them!

To all my fellow writers, authors, wordsmith, whatever…I am sure you have come across this at least at one point in your writing profession. And if you are like me where you have a day job but turn to writing, I’m sure you have had someone say something negative about you seeking something outside of your job.

I have thought of a solution for all of you! I have penned a nice little letter to those “Haterade Drinkers.” Feel free to use it as you like and adapt to your situation. Here we go. (ahem ahem)

Dear Haterade Drinker(s):

I hope this letter find you well. Because I am about to bring you down a notch. I may not know you personally. Or maybe I do. It is hard to tell nowadays with your unsavory comments. And it’s very clear that you know nothing about me. Your constant tearing down and lashing words to my desired profession is not needed or wanted. If you did know me, you would understand that this makes me happy. Even if I may groan and whine about it, it is a joy to me. Just as it appears to be a joy for you to have vicious and disgusting words of degradation drip out of your mouth like a slobbering mangy dog.

So here’s what we are going to do. I am tired of your mouth and since I can’t put a muzzle on you like I would like, we are going to meet in the middle. You are going to keep your low self-esteem comments that you clearly are projecting on me to yourself and I will a) not beat your face in (a clear and current frontrunner); b) not slap a restraining order on you; and c) continue to treat you like a human being that I can tolerate.

Now if we are friends, I value our friendship enough to write this letter to you. If I didn’t, I would have said the hell with you, would’ve have told you to kick rocks and said peace out. But again, the threats to wring your neck are not meant to be hurtful (emotionally) but it’s because I care. So again, let us meet in the middle and I promise I won’t create a character in my next book (yes, there will be another book) where they uncannily look like you and die a vicious death.

I hope I have brought enough thought nuggets for you to munch on. If you have any constructive things to say, I am all ears. But until then, SHUT IT DOWN. I have things to do!

All the best,

(your name)

I hope that this helps you in some way or another. Or if you just get a kick out of it, that’s great too! But let me know, especially to my fellow writers, do you have a “haterade drinker” in your midst? How do you deal with them?

‘Til next time!

Friday's Music: Beautiful and Eternal Soundtrack!

So with any imaginative design or idea, you wonder what it would look like in real life. It's not any different with a novel. The real life would be a movie :). Trust me, I've had a full-on list of who I would list as my leading man and lady (that's for another day). BUT, with any movie, the soundtrack is crucial as well. Which brings me to today's music - I've picked two because I can't really decide which one I like better. I could save one for next week...but I'm impatient....So enjoy two!


1) Chris Brown's Beautiful People - I chose this because I see this in one of two ways. There is a particular scene that I have my leading man and lady go out into Boston's nightlife. For some reason I see this playing in the background during some dialogue. The second being at the end of the movie, where the story is coming to an end (or is it? MWHAHA) and it kinda fades out on this happy optimistic note.

2) William Joseph's Within - Now this pick is a little outside of what you would know (but if you do know it, 50 billion brownie points for you!). Your soundtrack has to be able to convey a mood. A emotion to going along with the drama and action that is being expounded. I picked this song because it conveys a sense of mischief but intrigue. Whimsical yet strong. It has a waltz-like tone to it but the percussion underneath it gives it a modern flair. I see this happening during a reactionary moment for my leading lady. Where she finally realizes something and just guns it! An awakening that is deep, scary and fulfilling at once.

Sorry, this post came out a bit longer than originally planned. But just as words can be a doorway to expression, music follows the same and familiar path. Listen to them and tell me what you think of my choices! Atypical? Strange?

What would your own personal soundtrack sound like?

Wed's Prompt: Hot in Herre, Taking Clothes Off!

You come across a pack of matches that sets off a series of uncanny events. Start your story with “My mother always told me not to play with fire.” 

End it with “And that’s how I ended up in the middle of nowhere—naked.”

Post your response (500 words or fewer) in the comments below.

(c) 2011 Writer's Digest 

UPDATE: Should "Christian Fiction" be labeled Christian

There was someone else out there, writing the exact same message I was. Only he did it in a much better and profound way. Read Mike Duran's response to the Rachelle Garnder post on labeling Christian fiction.

Novel Rocket: Why We Should NOT Label Christian Fiction: Anyone who thinks the debate about Christian Fiction -- what it is and what it should be -- is getting old, should check out literary agent ...

Book Warning Labels: Should "Christian Fiction" be Labeled as Christian?

I came across an interesting entry on another blog last week and it’s been kinda ringing in the back of my head. Rachelle Gardner (rachellegardner.com) posed this to her readers last week:

There has been a controversy brewing underground for awhile now, ever since publishers started promoting books by offering a limited-time free download. Many of the Christian publishers have done these promotions, but whenever Christian novels are promoted on Amazon as free downloads, many people download them without realizing they’re Christian. They start reading and when they realize it’s “Christian” they become enraged. They feel like they were hoodwinked somehow. And then they leave 1-star, angry reviews on Amazon. 

My initial reaction was ok, well they read something they didn’t like. They didn’t like the theme. Is it really necessary to drop the 1 star bomb on an author because they are non-Christian? Rachelle continues to say this:

I know a lot of Christians think it’s a real shame that people are responding this way. But I have to say, I’m not surprised. To understand what I mean, just imagine if the tables were turned. You are a Christian and you download a free book (or worse, pay good money for a book), which you then discover contains a storyline that strongly promotes the Muslim faith, clearly saying Islam is the one true faith and without it, you’re doomed. I imagine you’d be upset. You’d feel disrespected as a reader. You’d feel tricked into buying something that goes against what you believe; you may even worry that simply reading it was dangerous for you.

I still don’t necessarily agree with that. There have been times when I have picked up a book, started reading it and just didn’t like where it was going. I just put it away or gave it to someone else. I don’t think hoodwinked is a right word. Surprised maybe but no one put a gun to your head to buy the book. The whole point about reading a book is because you don’t know what it’s about. You want to see what the author has planned for you as the story progresses. You may or may not like it. That’s why the book market is so vast – it’s a process of elimination. And when you find one that really tickles your fancy, you're excited about it!

I guess I’m on my soapbox this morning because I have some Christian images and some Christian ideas/themes. But it’s not a blatant sermon saying that if you don’t believe in Christ, you are going to hell. It’s a different way to see angels and demons (and things in between) and how their eternal battles are felt in the real world. It’s (or is becoming) a bit more fantasy as I write/edit but a great journey is the main basis of the story. A story of a girl going in adulthood who needs to determine where her life is going; whether she is going to tap into a gift predestined to save the world.

I don’t want my potential readers be turned away from a story because some angry people who simply see the word heaven and decide that I’m preaching to them. I want to craft a story that appeals to everyone – Christian and non-Christians.

I’m interested in what you guys think. Do you agree with Rachelle – if there is a remote idea of a religion in a book, do you want to a warning before hand?

Friday's Music: Say Yes...to Love, Passion!

So in the spirit of the yes received and the R&B mood I've been in (I blame Chester Gregory for that...look him up - fantastic person and awesome person I met this past weekend), I wanted to play an oldie but a goodie. Y'all remember this song?

This song represent the sultry feeling I want my characters to feel - a palpable and undeniable feeling that you need to say yes to this person. The person who has caught your eye and raises your temperature. That makes your heart beat a bit faster. The anticipation of seeing them again. The adrenaline that rises at their nearness. The tingling sensation that flitters across your skin at a simple brush by their hands.....

Yes. All you gotta do is say yes!

Love this song. Do you have a particular memory this song incites in you?

Wednesday's Prompt: Don't Touch Me There!

While out at a bar, your old high school sweetheart approaches you and gives you an unexpected kiss right on the lips. This causes you to have one intense reaction that will lead to a very memorable night—but not for good reasons.


(c) Writer's Digest 2012


I'd Love to see responses! Let me at'em!

7 YESes was the Name of Game; Free Giveaway too!

I've returned from the ever wonderful Writer's Digest Conference  2012. All fantastic thought but first what's the magic number?

You know why? I had 7 agents say that they are interested in seeing my work. Seven is absolutely my favorite number (the fact that I was born in the 7th month has no...ok it has some bearing on it. But not all!)

Ok, let me back up. Kris, how was the conference?

It was fabulous! Met some amazing authors like myself, trying to breaking into the business, writing as if it was the only thing keeping them sane in this crazy place called life. It was so refreshing to find others who thought books, fiction was one of the greatest gifts God could ever give us. Within hours of meeting each other, we were helping each other out, perfecting our pitchs to agents.

The speakers were fantastic - two absolutely favorites Donald Maass and Chris Baty (founder of NaNoWriMo). Maass knows exactly how to bring out the best of ideas out of you. After literally 20 minutes, I thought of a brand new hook and twist for my novel (working on furiously now). I have been told Maass is a big deal....well he kinda is. 

Baty was just a great speaker - no need for lofty, I know better attitude. Just in-your-face, I've been there, I am there, gun it type of attitude. I loved it and I can't wait to read his up and coming projects!

Ok back to the agents. Yes, 7 agents have expressed interest in reading my materials. I won't discuss who they are but I just giddy that my idea is sell-able. Now I just need to finish, edit, pass it to my review group, edit again, edit a third time and then possibly send it in by ...oh let's say first week of April? That sounds about right. 

If you have been keeping up with me, you must be thinking, um...NaNoWriMo kicked your butt. What makes you think you can do all that? WHY???

I  tell you why...because I am completely invigorated. Because I literally cannot stop daydreaming about my book. Because I have people on my ass looking for work if it is not delivered on time. I always seem to do better when people are expecting something from me. 

TWO THOUGHTS - 

1. If you ever have a chance to go to any writing conference (especially with Writer's Digest) do it!

2. Find people like you who will keep you focus and offer you help. Their help will be instrumental in your success. As much as we like to think we can do everything on our own, it makes it a much better experience with others beside you!

FREE GIVEAWAY

I mentioned that Donald Maass is absolutely a God-send to anyone trying to write. Well as an author of many books helping the wayward author, his absolute best is The Breakout Novelist. 

All four of his pivotal books in one. FIRST PERSON to leave a comment I will send them a copy free of charge.

Ok...back to work!! :)

xoxo

Today's Music: Bust it with B!

Just enjoy it. Love the intro!

What Makes a Book Hot?

I fell across an interesting blog this morning, rachellegardner.com (great information on getting an agent) and in her latest entry, she talked about what makes a book good, great or hot.

“With a hot project, the agent can immediately think of several editors who would like it. It doesn’t need much editing or reworking. The proposal is nicely done and doesn’t need to be rewritten. The author appears to have long-term potential. This project looks like a sure thing. It’s also likely that other agents are considering it.

Making good business decisions means we jump on hot projects. Other projects… those we like but they aren't hot… usually have to wait until we have more time to assess them, and more carefully weigh the likelihood of selling this project and how much time it might take.

A project that’s very good (or even great in some respect) may still present challenges. The genre might be tough to sell right now. The market might already be glutted with that particular kind of book. If it’s fiction, it might show incredible potential but still need a lot of work. The agent has to weigh whether they’re able to put that kind of work into an author, or whether they need to recommend they get their writing up a notch, then come back. If it’s non-fiction, the idea and the writing might be stellar, but the author might have a small or non-existent platform, meaning a lot more work to sell it, plus a bigger chance that it won’t sell at all.”

Now I would like to think that the 3 book series I am working on is a pretty good thing. But I know I am treading unknown waters. I have no idea what is really considered a sure or hot thing. I would like to think that my epic paranormal romance book will appeal to a wide audience, young adults and adults alike.

I would like to think that my main female character will resound with readers and they will understand her fear, trepidation and fascination with this new world she embarks on – a world that encompasses her destiny.

I would like to think that my main male character will curl readers' toes from his virile masculinity, his depth and his staunch protection of the main female character; that they will be fascinated that that even after death, the soul wages battle within itself constantly, keeping itself from falling into further darkness.

I would like to think that readers will like to see a new view of what really happens when you die, what are the truths to what others have guessed and how they will be able to make their own imaginative assessment.

I WOULD like to think that my writing will elicit all these things…But that just might be me. The test will be this Saturday at the Writer’s Digest Conference in New York. I’ll be able to pitch my work. I guess the worst thing to come out of this would be no one bites on my bait.

But then again, as they say, if you knock and no one answers….KICK THE DOOR DOWN…or something to that effect. I may have taken liberties with that last one.

Oh…if you were wondering how’s my progress…progress is progress J. Until til next time!