Why ... oh ... why?

Do I find something every time I read over my FINISHED story? Well, "finished" is finished for me. I still have some comments from others which I'd like to work in, but I need to let it go for a little while longer. However, a few months ago I thought it sounded great. I got a lot of positive feedback from friends and CPs.

Then I was prepping it for a contest and ... I kept finding things. Maybe I'm just being hypercritical. I don't know. But I kept thinking that this didn't make sense. I didn't explain this part enough. People might get lost here because I didn't expand on this soon enough.

Aaaaaahhhhhh!!!!

So I spent most of this weekend reading and re-reading my story, especially the first few chapters, which are judged in the preliminary round, in hope that I covered all my bases. I pretty much drove myself, and my husband, insane. But it's out of here now. I mailed it yesterday if just to get it out of my obsessive little hands. I MUST move on. No more.

Did anyone see Heroes last night? I'm so amazed at how well they've meshed the story together. How everything is coming around full circle. I still want to know what Mrs. Petrelli's power is. Anyone have an idea? I love how the heroes are realizing their potential and how they cross the line sometimes in using their powers, though justify using it for the greater good. I'm really worried about Matt's character. Though he's a good guy at heart, having the power to control other's actions can easily corrupt the best of us. I'm still wondering if there's another monster this season. I read an interview with the writers and they said that even Sylar will be running from he/she. Matt's father is now essentially comatose, and he was the "Nightmare Man" in the beginning of the season but out of commission now. Adam is manipulative but other than regeneration, he doesn't seem that powerful. It could be Maya ... hmmm ... but she doesn't seem destined to be evil. It'll be interesting how all this plays out.

But what is the deal that network keeps saying that these are the last couple of shows? Are they just going on hiatus for the holidays? This better not be a season finale. I'm already ticked that some of these shows are pulling odd schedules like Lost starting in Feb. What's up with that?

Have a great Thanksgiving!

Also, check out Karmela's post about a writer's journey to being published. It's funny because it's true ... :P

And So It Goes

First and foremost, I want to give a shout out to two of my fellow friends and writers who have been picked up by publishers. Marcia Colette was contracted by Parker Publishing for her paranormal romance Unstable Environment, which is due out next April. You go, girl! And Alix Rickloff just cut a 2-book deal with Kensington publishing for her paranormal Regency romances. Whoo hoo!!!! I'm so excited for both of them. They've worked so hard and really deserve this amazing opportunity. Honestly, it couldn't have happened to two better people. Break a pen (or would that be keyboard?), ladies! I'll have more about their releases when the dates draw near.

I'm prepping Dark Earth this week to submit to the Golden Heart contest. Last year, I spoke with someone who had forgotten one minor detail in the document set up and was disqualified and lost her contest fee. Ugh! So I'm being really picky. I have a few minor things that a friend noted. I have some major things another friend noted, though I don't think I'll be able to fit all in before the deadline which is in two weeks.

On my latest, Project Albuquerque, it's slow but sure. I've been researching Aztec and Mayan histories and myths and trying to gather a clearer picture of where I'm taking it. But I'm making some progress (which is better than none). Now that the latest version of Billion Dollar Graphics is at the printer, I can finally get back to my own writing schedule. Yeah!

I saw Michael Hauge speak this past weekend with Karmela at an event sponsored by the WRW. Absolutely amazing! He spoke for nearly 8 hours and never a dull moment. He disseminated the story structure and broke out what makes a story successful. Major point: You need to establish an emotional tie between your audience and your protagonist IMMEDIATELY (within the first 10% of your story before you show any negative traits)! You need to apply at least 2 of these 5 techniques to do that:

1. Put your character in jeopardy such as a threat of loss (job, life, love, money)
2. Create sympathy by making hero part of horrible/depressing situation (we see them destitute or running for their lives)
3. Make the character likable, good-hearted, kind by showing other characters enjoying their company or them saving a life
4. Make the character funny
5. Make the character powerful/strong such as a person with superpowers or a small-town lawyer defeating an evil corporation.

If you watch nearly any successful movie, study the first 10 minutes and you will discover these techniques being used. I totally recommend his workshop and his books and DVDs. What I learned at his workshop was invaluable! Now to apply everything to my writing ...