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!

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!

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.

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

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.

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?

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?

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.

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.

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?

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!

Today's Music: Rock Out People!

I just wanted to throw this in here. I'll add something a bit more substantive later on today. Much is going on. But until then...I'll be shuffling!