Tess Hilmo

That Word

2012-01-23T21:02:00.000-07:00

I know I've lamented here before about "that" word. You know...the four letter word T-H-A-T.

It's insidious.

It's elusive.

It weakens your prose -- oh no!

So, once again, I spent the day going through my current WIP under the "find" option and removing 90% of the "that"'s.

She worried that he wouldn't come becomes She worried he wouldn't come

She knew that he would be late becomes She knew he would be late

See? Tighter...cleaner...better.

I don't even realize I'm using it like I do until I go back and spend an afternoon cleaning up the mess

Tell Me: Do you have an issue with THAT word too?

An Amazing Day

2012-01-20T18:44:00.001-07:00

I've said before how much I enjoy being invited into a bookclub to discuss LOVE. Really, what could be better than lovely readers graciously inviting you into their home and wanting to discuss something that is near and dear?

Nothing.

Well, that's what I thought until today....

When I attended a bookclub in my area and the lunch featured all the food in the novel!

For real!

There was Susanna's chicken soup with homemade noodles
hand pounded biscuits ... even w/ plum jam (from Mrs. Mahoney's plum tree)

and for fun..

frog eye salad.

Now, if you've not read the book, this makes no sense (and why don't you read it? :D)

But if you have, you can see how extra special this day was for me.

Super cool.

Question: have you ever cooked the food in books you've read? was it yummy?

If You Really Knew Me...

2012-01-16T17:11:00.001-07:00

I'm stealing this idea from my senior-in-high-school daughter's blog. Her revelations were remarkable. Mine are far less so. Still, If you really knew me....

If you really knew me, you'd know that I am terribly superstitious, but wish I was not.

If you really knew me, you'd know that my most creative moments come right after a stolen, mid-afternoon, contraband nap.

If you really knew me, you'd know that I eat way too much sugar and waste way too much time and have that awful restless leg syndrome, "RLS" they call it, which has robbed me of my favorite drink - diet coke (no caffeine allowed).

That I love being a mom.

That I'm bugged by people who are only open minded about things they find important.

If you really knew me, you'd know that I may seem unaffected, but have a deep river of emotions pulsing right below the surface.

If you really knew me, you'd know that I try.
I really do.
And that I understand how often I fall short.

If you really knew me, you'd know I am still figuring most things out.
And I'm okay with that.

Question: If you write your own "If you really knew me" post...will you please let me know? I'd love to learn more about you...

Sharing the Middle Grade Love

2012-01-12T08:35:00.002-07:00

Welcome to the world May B!

This beautifully written novel in free verse is now on the shelves your favorite book store or library. I really enjoyed this gem...the imagery, the poetic flow, the plight of a girl you can't help but adore. It is absolutely deserving of all the advance praise it is receiving. Plus, Caroline Starr Rose is one of the nicest people you'll ever know. Don't pass this one up!
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Do It Anyway

2011-12-26T15:36:00.002-07:00

People are often unreasonable, illogical, self centered;
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and true enemies;
Succeed anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you have anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway.

----Mother Teresa----

A Word about the Ending

2011-12-20T14:35:00.000-07:00

Sometimes people are afraid to tell me what parts of With a Name Like Love they wanted to be different. Really, I enjoy discussing the novel and never take offense to the opinion and thoughts of others. I find it fun!

Recently, I had someone tell me they were upset by the ending. They wanted the problem "fixed" more. They wanted Jimmy to want something different. They wanted the Love family to offer something (trying not to give it away here, but if you've read the novel you might know what I'm referencing)

I liked hearing this. I appreciated their insight. They made a good point.

The truth is, I considered that ending. I truly did. But, for me, it didn't fit Jimmy as a character.

Here's what I said to this reader -- sometimes people don't want to be fixed. they don't see anything wrong with their situation. Jimmy knows it is not perfect, but he loves what he has and he doesn't want anything different -- even if we as the reader think that would be better.

And, it is true with life. Sometimes, as much as we think people should want better or different or more...they just don't.

And who is to say which is right?

I think this is good to ponder on, especially at this time of year. what do you think?

I did something fun

2011-12-12T18:08:00.000-07:00

A hard part of sending a book out into the world is not knowing exactly where it is finding a home. I don't get reports from my publisher for a while and, even then, I think it will show general sales and not specific locations. Amazon's Author Central gives a sketchy outline but doesn't include library sales (a big part of LOVE's market).

So tonight I skipped making dinner and did a google library search for the novel.

I found 29 copies in the New York Public Library System
a feature at Richmond Heights Library
way up at the Toronto Public Library
it was even a staff pick at Kent District Library in Michigan !

I found it all over ... and, what's even more fun is seeing that it is checked out by patrons! The thought of someone in Michigan or Texas or Florida getting my book from their local library and reading it is something I can't even begin to put words to.

I'll be sleeping with a smile tonight :)

A Wonderful Conversation

2011-12-06T07:36:00.001-07:00

A great blog, 100 Scope Notes, has a conversation between two super talented picture book illustrators - both Caldecott winners. Erin Stead won for A Sick Day for Amos McGee and is relatively early in her career ... Jerry Pinkney is a picture book veteran with lots of amazing work under his belt.

Click here and read their conversation with each other...learning about their individual creative processes is really interesting!

The whole thing has me remembering some of my favorite picture books. The classics like Green Eggs and Ham, Bedtime for Frances and Good Night Moon ... but also some great lesser knowns that we love around here like The Night I Followed the Dog and It Could Always be Worse.

Tell me: What are some favorite picture books in your house?

Weird Eats

2011-11-25T20:19:00.001-07:00

We ran away from Thanksgiving this year and spent it in sunny, beautiful Orlando instead.

Ate gator.

They told me it would taste like chicken.

Um, no. Maybe a dark meat, grisly piece at best.

Still, I ate it and if you knew how unadventurous I was about meat you'd be impressed.

Tell me, what is the weirdest thing you've ever eaten?

Holy Cow!

2011-11-19T10:49:00.001-07:00

My 2k11 pal, Kiki Hamilton (who wrote the amazing book The Faerie Ring) sent me this picture from NCTE today...

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Holy Cow! Now here's the funny part... I am such a newbie, I have no idea what or where NCTE is! But it's nice to know my publisher is celebrating the novel.

someone asked what those stars were so, at the risk of sounding pompous, I'm sharing the rundown:

School Library Journal Best Book of 2011 list
School Library Journal starred review
Booklist starred review
Kirkus starred review

Hooray for Ollie and her family, making their way in this world.

Happy Thanksgiving all!

bellyaching

2011-11-17T09:49:00.001-07:00

First of all, is anyone else freaked out by the new blogger settings? I am a creature of habit and I hate it when I sign into a program I've used for years only to find everything about it has changed overnight.
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*sigh*
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and,
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I hate dental work. I've had serious problems lately with a certain tooth that is making my life miserable. I found out yesterday that this will go on for at least six more months (that's how long it'll take before the bone graft heals and they can try to fix it again.)
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okay, I'm finished for today. Don't tell my kids I complained in a public forum. I always get on them for bellyaching in the restaraunt or library or grocery store ... you know -- whining in public. I tell them it solves nothing and just makes them look bad.
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but sometiemes it just feels good to say it.
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so I did.
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anything you want to bellyache about today?

I'd Love to Come to Your Bookclub

2011-11-13T20:37:00.008-07:00

I have had the incredible priviledge of attending some bookclubs since the launch of LOVE and it has been so fun!
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In case you didn't know, and to celebrate this debut, I am offering free book club visits. I will come (if you are anywhere along the Wasatch front) or Skype (if you are not...don't be scared it is easy and free with only the requirement of a simple laptop)

I talk about the research and inspiration behind the novel, a little bit about my journey and answer some questions. I then politely scoot out, allowing members to discuss the novel more freely. I even provide (by mailing or bringing) some fun swag.

It is just one tiny effort to give this more quiet novel a push.

Please feel free to spread the word! If you'd like to contact me about it, I'm available at tess(at)tesshilmo(dot)com.

Believe!

2011-11-01T08:46:00.004-06:00

Over this past month since LOVE has launched I have been asked the question

what bit of advice would you offer to aspiring writers?

well, being how I still consider myself in that category (we are always aspiring, aren't we?) I'd say it is this one word:

believe

believe that you can actually write the book (or whatever it is your goal may be)

believe your voice is important and unique

believe you can listen to the critique and improve (and you must)

believe you can endure (nine years folks! nine years!)

believe people want to read your story

believe it matters

because it does matter. what you have to share with the world may not be for everyone, but it is important and it is worth working at.

yes, believe.

do you?

Get Your Halloween Jokes Here

2011-10-29T21:33:00.006-06:00

Am I the only one who likes to tell their kiddos corny Halloween jokes?

Or even to friends or co workers or random strangers waiting in post office lines (sorry lady, I thought it was funny)?

Well, in honor of All Hallows Eve, I'm sharing my most corny ones with you... leave yours in the comments (PG ONLY pretty please)

Why did dracula take cold medicine? because of his COFFIN!

Why didn't the skeleton go to the dance? because he didn't have any BODY to go with!

What kind of witch lives at the beach? A sandwitch!

What is a ghosts favorite breakfast? Scream of Wheat with fresh BOO berries!

What does a sea monster eat for lunch? fish and SHIPS.

hahaha...get it? fish and SHIPS?

okay, now it's your turn.....

Wrapped up in Stars

2011-10-22T17:28:00.004-06:00

I've been wrapped up in the constellations lately...

it has to do with my current writing project.

Stars and their stories.....greek mythology.....broad, deep skies and the hope they inspire...

the things they whisper.

Tell me, what have you been wrapped up in lately?

Win a Free Copy of With a Name Like Love

2011-10-21T11:01:00.006-06:00

There are three giveaways going on for With a Name Like Love across the bloggosphere

Click on these links and enter to win! Most have pretty good odds going on.

lisa is a bookworm: http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/

Im a reader not a writer: http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/2011/10/author-interview-book-giveaway-with.html

Random Thoughts with my pal Sharon Mayhew: http://skmayhew.blogspot.com/2011/10/with-name-like-lovegive-way.html

And guess what? Booklist just gave the novel a starred review! I swear I'm in complete shock. Happy, giddy, over the moon shock, but SHOCK!

Tell Me the Truth

2011-10-19T08:51:00.003-06:00

Ever have those moments when you're plugging along, feeling like you are holding it together and then BAM something happens that makes you ask:

Seriously? Does everyone do that?

A few days ago, my oldest (she's a senior) had her pals over. She asked what was for dinner and I told her I wasn't cooking that night. The conversation led to me learning her friends have mothers who cook a new meal every single night!

I cook four times a week, max. The other nights are left overs or going out or what we affectionately call "fix-your-owni" (it rhymes with macaroni).

Now, know this: my kiddos are a bit older. They CAN cook and are pretty good at it.

But the whole thing left me wondering....

How many times a week do you cook for your families?

Launch Party Pictorial

2011-10-13T18:10:00.012-06:00

Here I am with the American Fork Children's Chamber Choir and their director, M. Ryan Taylor. They sang some beautiful old Southern gospel music and also sang my original song, Lead Me On that inspired the novel. If you're interested...click on my trailer link on the side bar. It is the song in the background.

The Intergenerational Ukelele Band played a rousing rendition of Swing Low Sweet Chariot and even had the audience join in the song!

Me and my sweetie (who was dressed in a bow tie to run the old fashioned candy counter)...with my oldest in the background. We have no idea how she got so cute. She could have quite possibly been switched at birth :o

old fashioned candy counter in full swing - that's my sweetie and son busy handing out treats.

I smiled like this ALL day. Couldn't stop.

People came .... hooray! I had horrible dreams the week before that no one would show. What a relief!!!

We had a prize wheel that really made the event fun!

Here is my dear friend and her daughter who I shamelessly begged to run the prize table. They did a great job!

The Kings English, our local indie, came down as the bookseller.

It was a magnificent day and I am ever grateful for a community that reached out and shared it with me. Once in a lifetime experience!

More to Come

2011-10-10T07:35:00.005-06:00

I had such an amazing time at the launch for With a Name Like Love on Saturday ... as soon as I get the pictures (a great pal took them), I'll compile a post.

Thanks to all who came out to support the novel and to those of you out in blogger land who sent your good wishes and positive energy my way - it was a spectacular day!!!

Double Winner!

2011-10-02T20:24:00.006-06:00

This week has been AWESOME!

I was worried about fitting fun in with regular life stuff but you guys had some great suggestions. I signed personalized books to my kiddos, danced in the kitchen, giggled in the grocery line and celebrated in a million little ways.

that totally counts!

now...on to our winners.

I used random.org and counted down the comments (eliminating my comments and not counting any double comments) and the winners are:

Wendy Paine Miller (#4) won our blogging pal prize pack which includes a signed copy of With a Name Like Love, some Life is Good swag and a $50 Amazon gift card - congrats Wendy!

and

Janet Johnson (#19) won our librarian/teacher prize pack which includes a signed copy of With a Name Like Love, bookmarks as well as some other super debut middle grade novels: The Year We Were Famous by Carole Estby Dagg, Vanished by Sheela Chari and Sparrow Road by Sheila O'Connor!

If both you you ladies will please contact me at tess(at)tesshilmo(dot)com I can get those prize pack to you pronto.

HEY: The leaves are starting to turn, the sky is blue and there is a nip in the air ... fall is a beautiful time where I am. What is your fall like?

Super Mega Awesome Launch Week Giveaway!

2011-09-25T20:12:00.006-06:00

Someone pinch me because I feel like I'm dreaming....

can tomorrow really be launch day for With a Name Like Love?

Holy Moses! Nine years of conferences....three completed novels....four or five partially completed novels in addition to those three....two years since the contract was signed....

this journey is not for the impatient!

In celebration of the launch, I am having a super mega awesome giveaway!

What's up for grabs, you say?

Excellent question!

One prize for a blogging pal and one prize for a library or classroom (gifted in your name).

Important! Here is how it will work: I'll draw random names from the list of those who leave comments on this post. If you are pulled for the blogging pal prize - hooray! you get to keep the loot! If you are pulled for the library or classroom prize - I'll mail it to the library or classroom of your choice in your name. contest runs all week - prize winners will be drawn at random Saturday October 1st.

How fun is that?

Now for the prizes:

Blogging Pal Prize Pack: Signed copy of WITH A NAME LIKE LOVE, bookmarks, a Life is Good brand hat and stickers and a $50.00 Amazon book gift certificate to load up on some fun fall reads.

Library/Classroom Prize Pack: again, if you win this, I will mail it to your favorite teacher or librarian in your name (they're gonna love you for that!) It includes: a signed copy of WITH A NAME LIKE LOVE, bookmarks and three of my favorite middle grade debut books of the year to date: VANISHED by Sheela Chari, THE YEAR WE WERE FAMOUS by Carole Estby Dagg and SPARROW ROAD by Sheila O'Connor. All really wonderful reads and perfect for any classroom or library.

--sorry, the library/classroom pack will only be available in the United States due to shipping issues.

**I pondered asking for tweets or fb mentions for extra entries but sometimes that gets a little much so, if you feel like celebrating with me, please spread the fun news.

My heart is so tied to this dear novel and I sincerely want to give it a good push out there into the world. Every little bit of sharing the word helps!

Question: I've got kiddos homework, music lessons and a day job all taking up my Tuesday...what are some ideas for a quick and easy but still fun way to celebrate my launch day? I'm at a loss!
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Free Book and Yummy Soup!

2011-09-23T13:17:00.005-06:00

Hey all,

I'm featured over at the Pots and Pens blog today. They focus on writers who also love to cook and they have a super yummy chicken noodle soup recipe with homemade noodles featured.

PLUS a free, signed copy of With a Name Like Love that will go to one lucky commentor in a random drawing next week.

Quick! link over and look at those yummy noodles ... plus enter to win!

Why Do We Do This?!?!

2011-09-12T08:45:00.003-06:00

I am a seasoned pro at what I call moving the goal.

It goes like this...

set a goal

work hard, stumble, get up and try again, work harder

meet the goal!!!

think, "wait, but if I had THIS or THAT then it would be perfect...after all she has THIS and he has THAT".

See?

If we always move the goal then we are never able to relax and enjoy all of the good things we have accomplished. It's the easiest thing in the world to do and a sure way to be miserable (trust me, I know).

If only I could get published, then if only I could get a certain review then if only the bookstores clammored after it (instead of ignoring it completely) then if only... if only.... if only...

I was mired in that this morning when a pal reminded me that I was moving the goal.

thanks, pal.

Tell me I'm not alone in my insanity...

Sharing the Middle Grade Love

2011-09-09T07:34:00.003-06:00

Sometimes you need a book that will sweep you away and make you giggle.

I had that recently with fellow debut author, Anna Staniszewski's, MY VERY un-FAIRYTALE LIFE.

here is a snippit:

"You know all those stories that claim fairies cry sparkle tears and elves travel by rainbow? They're lies. All lies."

This little gem is quirky and clever and had me giggling all day.

and, sometimes, that is exactly what the doctor ordered.

Holy Cow!

2011-08-30T11:53:00.007-06:00

I went into my senior-in-high-school-daughter's room to drop off a bit of laundry and noticed a white sheet of paper taped up on her wall.

It said....

I believe:

that it will take me a long time to become the person I want to be

that I can keep going long after I think I can't

that I either control my attitude or it controls me

that money is a lousy way to keep score

that my background and circumstances may influence who I am but I am responsible for who I become

sixteen years old, people!!!

holy cow, my jaw is still hanging open. I wonder how different my teen years might have been if I really understood and embraced these concepts.

Tell me: are there any other "I believe that"'s you would add to the list? Which strikes you as most poignant?

Do You Remember?

2011-08-22T07:53:00.006-06:00

7th grade starts today

new school, new friends, new tennis shoes that he tried mightily to scuff up so they wouldn't look too new

"you wanna look like you care but not like you tried" he said

ahhh....

good luck little guy.

Tell me: Do you remember your first day of Junior High?

Am I bugging you?

2011-08-16T12:58:00.007-06:00

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Okay, I swear not to bug you all with blabbering on and on about my upcoming release...

but, when you work at something for NINE YEARS and then someone actually reads your little story and says, "hey, that's not so bad"

it is a super cool feeling.

and you kind of want to share that joy with like minded pals.

so... guess what?

With a Name Like Love is an American Booksellers Association (think Indiebound) New Voices pick for 2011!!

We have a little joke in our family....we say, "But enough about me....what do you think about me?"

I really hope I'm not being that person.

Ben and Jerry's all around....I'm having Heath Bar Crunch...what shall I scoop for you?

My Favorite Writer-ly Thing

2011-08-09T15:59:00.006-06:00

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Here she is....my thesaurus.

My mom gave her to me when I was fifteen years old. That was twenty*cough*years ago.

Isn't she pretty?

Guess what? My word.doc thesaurus gives me 19 options for the word "remember".

This pretty little book gives me 86!

It is the only piece of writing gear I am sentimental about...

well, that and the chair I wrote With A Name Like Love in.

It was a looooong, arduous process and at the end this is what was left of my chair:

seriously.

Question: what are you sentimental about?

What's Your Problem?

2011-07-19T22:03:00.004-06:00

Every main character needs two problems: one external and one internal

before you click off this post and say "duh!"

ask yourself ...

what is exactly the internal problem for your main character? Do you really know it? inside and out? does your main character know it (they may or may not)? how will that change over the course of your story?

I recently heard an interesting point that most writers THINK they know the internal problem of their main characters...but, in fact, struggle to voice it. Try it right now. Say it out loud...is it solid?

You see.... I tend to write very "together" characters. Sometimes too much so. That can be a problem.

On the flip side, a whiny, weak, overly impulsive character can also be a problem.

You may think that the "story" part of With A Name Like Love is the murder mystery. You may think it is about an itinerant preaching family.

Those are components, yes. But the spine of the story ... the main thrust ... is the internal problem of the main character, Ollie.

She wants a stable home. Can she ever convince her daddy to stay in one place? Or is that like asking a stream to sit and visit for a while...nature just won't allow it?

In my current WIP, I am struggling with this concept right now. I wrote the MC with a weak inner problem. I realize now that I have to go back, rethink it, beef it up.

Tell me: which comes easier for you - creating the inner problem or the outter struggle/issues of story? the internal journey of your character or the external world?
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Wiener! Wiener! and some fun news

2011-07-10T19:25:00.007-06:00

The winner of our July Countdown Give Away was determined by random.org

True Random Number Generator Min: 1 Max: 22 Result: 5

MG HIGGINS!

MG...email me at tess(at)tesshilmo(dot)com with your mailing address and I'll get the gifts flowing!

and some fun news..

Kirkus gave a starred review for With A Name Like Love!

Click here to see the full review or just get a summary off to the right in my sidebar.

Can I tell you .. I am so happy Ollie and her family are being well received by readers. It is a surreal and humbling and wonderful thing.

Free Stuff!

2011-07-03T20:53:00.007-06:00

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I can't believe I'm announcing the two month count down till the release of WITH A NAME LIKE LOVE.

A very long twenty months ago, I got the call it had sold ... Sept 2011 seemed eons away (is that how you spell eons? eeons?)

But here we are...so close.

And to celebrate, I'm giving tons of cool free stuff to you .. my blogging co-horts.

Whats up for grabs this month?

An advance ordered copy of WITH A NAME LIKE LOVE

a $15 Amazon gift card to buy that book you've been dying to read

a Life is Good baseball cap some cool Life is Good stickers

and some bookmarks and candy that go along with the novel.

Maybe you're saying...cool, Tess - but how do I enter?

easy!

Just be a follower on this blog and leave a comment. I will choose a random winner next Sunday night and post it on Monday.

Question for you: What book might you get with your Amazon gift card should you win? What have you been itching to read (well, besides my novel ..hee hee)?

Your Intuitive Heart

2011-06-26T21:03:00.001-06:00

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I Knew It!!!

How many times have you said that to yourself? When your intuition was screaming at you, but you reasoned your way out of it? When you've given up on something too soon or not soon enough?

As writers, we are highly intuitive.

I want to challenge all of us to set aside some quiet time this week to clear our minds and listen.

Button the lips of that internal critic

Take note of your thoughts and then take action

If you are prompted to call a friend - do it. If you are prompted to spend more time here or there -- make it happen. If you are inspired in the direction of your writing - act upon that inspiration.

The more we act upon our intuitions, the stronger our intuitive hearts will become.

Tell me: How do you cultivate your intuition?????

all photos courtesy of flickr.com

Who Are You Really?

2011-06-19T21:58:00.006-06:00

Not to long ago I attended a local authors event and started chatting about names...

interestingly enough, a good number of people there were using names different from their given names.

It got me thinking... should I have used a pen name? no - I am too vain. I want my old friends to know that I finally did get that book published. Ten years later, but still!

Here are some fun pen and real names that might surprise you:

Agatha Christie (Mousetrap/Murder on the Orient Express) : Agatha Mary Clarissa Miller - she also wrote romance novels under the name Mary Westmacott

J.K. Rowling (do I even have to say Harry Potter here?): The "K" is made up....she has no middle name and it does not stand for anything

George Eliot (Silas Marner): Mary Ann Evans - yup, this novel was written by a woman who used a man's name to garner some respect back in the day.

George Orwell (Big Brother/1984): Eric Arthur Blair and on the acting side... Cary Grant: Archibald Leach

Rita Hayworth: Margarita Carmen Cansino

Tina Turner: Anna Mae Bullock and the kicker for me...

John Wayne: Marion Morrison - okay, this one you can't blame. Marion the gun slinger doesn't quite have the ring required to send the bad guys running.

Questions: Any others you know of? Do you have a pen name? Considered it? If you were to go with one - what would it be?

June's Winner Announced

2011-06-07T14:30:00.005-06:00

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed your 'life is good' comments on my last contest post.

Summer, good health, marriages, kiddos, pets...all things to celebrate. Each day is a gift. It is our choice how we use it.

so...as promised, I put all your names in a hat (including FB and twitterly pals) and this is what I drew...

Domey Malasarn! Email me at tess(at)tesshilmo(dot)com with your mailing address and I'll get your prize pack off in the mail. It includes a Life is Good brand cap, two Life is Good stickers, some candy, a $15 Amazon gift certificate and a pre ordered copy of With A Name Like Love (which will come after its release).

Life is so good...I get to attend my friend Elana Johnson's release for her novel POSSESSION tomorrow at our local indie - looking forward to that celebration. She has worked hard, is a great gal and I want to throw on a party had and jig in her honor (I hope there will be hats and jigging).

Another Winner and More Free Stuff!

2011-06-01T21:40:00.005-06:00

The winner of May's LIFE IS GOOD Campaign is ......

going to get a Life is Good brand baseball cap....

two cool Life is Good stickers...

a pre order of my upcoming novel, WITH A NAME LIKE LOVE....

fun novel swag like bookmarks and Sees candies.

Who? Who? Who?

Mary Aalgaard!

Congratulations, Mary. Please email me at tess (at) tesshilmo (dot) com with your mailing address and I'll get the prize pack in the mail right away.

Stop! Don't touch that mouse.... Another fab prize pack is up for grabs starting right now.

Just leave a comment on this post telling me why life is good for you...it can be anything at all. Extra entries for posting or tweeting about the campaign (let me know if you do) and extra entries for all my facebook pals as well.

I'll let this one run through Monday night and will announce June's winner on TUESDAY 6/7.

June's Prize Pack is even bigger! It includes: $15 Amazon gift card, Life is Good swag (cap, stickers) a pre order of WITH A NAME LIKE LOVE (Sept 27 release), bookmarks and candy!

Tell me...how IS life treating you?

Winner! Winner!

2011-05-31T21:06:00.003-06:00

The winner of my I Heart Indies Give Away of Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys is....

Superpaige!

I numbered the comments and used random.org to find the winner.

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: 6 Result: 1
Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Congrats...and, tune in Thursday for the announcement of my Life is Good winner for May and the kick off of June's campaign and give away.

Free stuff galore!

I Heart Indies -- Give Away!

2011-05-30T21:10:00.006-06:00

How much do we love our indie book stores? SO MUCH!

In fact, a bunch of blogs are celebrating indies today with cool give aways...books bought at our local indie stores! My amazingly supportive indie is THE KINGS ENGLISH..

why do I love them? They go to great lengths to support local authors. Have an event in Timbuktu? No sweat - they'll be there. Need just the perfect gift for that picky reader? Easy - their recommendation is spot on perfect.

So - in honor of them and their amazingness, I am giving away that fabulous book I reviewed in my last post (and that I just happen to buy at The Kinks English) -- Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys.

This is not a light read but it is beautifully written, compelling and important. When you finish the book, you will have learned so much. You will feel heartbroken and hopeful all at the same time. You will want to pass the book on to a dear friend (and I hope you do!)

How to enter? Just leave a comment telling me which indie you like or which one you've been dying to visit.

And if you want more fun, link over to Lisa and Laura's blog for more links and enter to win there as well. I'll draw a winner at random tomorrow evening and post the result for this specific book here.

Lots of love being shared!!

Inspired

2011-05-25T09:09:00.008-06:00

Art inspires art. I was reminded of this yesterday.

My sweetie and I attended the U2 360 concert and it was amazing! Yes, the music is great. Yes, the set and atmosphere were super charged. But what made it inspiring?

The humanity.

U2 uses their celebrity for good. Agree or disagree with their politics, you can't deny that they use every tool in their box to share their message.

We raised our hands for the refugees in Burma and heard clips from Gandhi and shouted in celebration for the 50th anniversary of Amnesty International.

It was moving.

And...it came on the heels of finishing this really spectacular debut novel...

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys. I can't tell you what an important read this is. It's poignant and heart breaking and inspiring...

it, too, is full of humanity.

Tell me, what inspires you?

My Problem Explained

2011-05-15T18:06:00.006-06:00

Jack Handy cracks me up. By chance, I have been struggling with a bank robbery plot element in my current work in progress. I've decided to drop it because I just can't figure out a way to make it believable (for a 12 and 13 year old set of characters).

Then I came across this bit of brilliance in The New Yorker..it is by Jack Handy (of SNL fame) and it pretty much summed up my novel issues. NOTE that the original is much longer and I shortened it for this post.

THE PLAN by Jack Handy

The plan isn’t foolproof. For it to work, certain things must happen:

—The door to the vault must have accidentally been left open by the cleaning woman.

—The guard must bend over to tie his shoes and somehow he gets all the shoelaces tied together. He can’t get them apart, so he takes out his gun and shoots all his bullets at the knot. But he misses. Then he just lies down on the floor and goes to sleep.

—Most of the customers in the bank must happen to be wearing Nixon masks, so when we come in wearing our Nixon masks it doesn’t alarm anyone.

—The monkeys must grab the bags of money and not just shriek and go running all over the place, like they did in the practice run.

—The security cameras must be the early, old-timey kind that don’t actually take pictures.

—If somebody runs out of the bank and yells, “Help! The bank is being robbed!,” he must be a neighborhood crazy person who people just laugh at.

—Any fingerprints we leave must be erased by the monkeys.

—When we exit the bank, there must be a parade going by, so our getaway car, which is decorated to look like a float, can blend right in.

—At the rendezvous point, there must be an empty parking space with a meter that takes hundred-dollar bills.

—The robbery is blamed on the monkeys. ♦

Question: Do you ever go this far in your writing -- trying mightily to make something work when, really, it just needs to go -- or am I the only one?

The Quitting Place

2011-05-08T16:40:00.006-06:00

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Every so often on our journey in life, we find ourselves in The Quitting Place.

Most think it to be a damp, dreary room...but it is not.

The Quitting Place has cushy carpets and sink in couches. There are trays of your favorite snacks and bubbly drinks. It's a perfect 72 degrees.

When you stand inside The Quitting Place and look out the large, plate glass windows, you see the path you were on. It's twisted and bumpy. It's long and cold and barren in spots. It is almost entirely uphill.

And in this moment, you have a choice.

You can sink into the couches of The Quitting Place and close your eyes ... or you can leave that comfort and get back on the path.

Guess which person will reach their destination?
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Easy Peasy Free Give Away!

2011-05-05T08:04:00.003-06:00

Pop over to the Class of 2k11 for a comment only free giveaway today only. We are giving away a copy of Amy Holders The Lipstick Laws that recently sold TV rights to the producers of The Office and Ugly Betty...NO JOKING!

Doesn't that make you curious about this book?

Life is Good: Awesome Give Away #1

2011-04-30T16:58:00.022-06:00

Life is good!

Only FIVE short months until With A Name Like Love is released! To celebrate, I am launching a Life is Good Campaign.

Celebrate how good life is and win cool prize packs each month that will include:

a Life is Good hat...this one says "when it rains, it shines" on the front and "life is good" on the back. It is adorable beyond belief. (I have a variety of hats...men/women and different styles. The winner will get to choose which one they get in their prize pack!)

two different Life is Good stickers to keep or share with friends...spread the good vibes!

Bookmarks! Candy! (sees suckers w/ hearts and frogs..both featured in the novel)

and last but not least....

An advance order for the book itself!! As you know, I didn't get many ARC's (though my thoughtful editor did send an extra for good ole mom) so I am giving away advance ordered copies...you'll have to wait for this portion of the prize pack but it'll come in September - guaranteed!

I know what you're saying....How do I enter??

There are four easy ways!

One Entry: be a follower of this blog and comment on this post sharing one way Life is Good for you

Second Entry: blog about something positive this month...highlight a mentor or spotlight a great book or post a picture of your adorable kitty cat.

Title your post "Life is Good: My Kitty (or whatever)"

THEN link this post and ask others to share in the Life is Good Campaign....let's get the whole bloggosphere writing "life is good" posts :D (don't forget to come back and let me know you posted something so I can give you that extra entry).

Third Entry: Twitter! Talk about the campaign..about how life is good...about anything positive. (again, don't forget to tell me if you do this...it's all on your honor)

Fourth Entry: Join me on the With A Name Like Love Facebook page (I'm so sad and lonely over there)...click here and be my friend.

You have all month and, at the end of the month, I'll tally up the entries and put everyone into a random drawing.

I am so blessed by your friendship, support, advice, kindness....life is definitely good!

The first one of these awesome prize packs is up for grabs starting today so...tell me...how is life good for you?

How a Novel Cover is Made

2011-04-25T07:40:00.004-06:00

Ever wonder what goes into creating a novel cover?

I do all the time! Here is a sneak peek. It shows a speed version of Graphic Design Artist Lauren Panepito making the cover for author Gail Carriger BLAMELESS.

It is super interesting and really worth your two minutes. Notice how she has to remove the Eiffle Tower at the end when they realized it didn't exist at the time of the book!

The question I have is ... with the growth of e readers (which do not sport covers)...is this a disappearing art? What are your thoughts on that?

Stepping Aside

2011-04-17T22:02:00.003-06:00

My darling grandma passed this weekend. I'm going out of state to pay my respects....be back next week.

She was spunky and smart and had a FACEBOOK account of all things (at 88 years old) to keep up with the great grandkids....what a gal.

Here's a joke she told me fairly recently (she liked her jokes!)

Two airheads sitting on a park bench in Kansas.

One says to the other, "Which do you think is closer -- Florida or the moon?"

"Helllllooooo," says the second, "Can you SEE Florida?!"

I Loved This Book

2011-04-10T21:46:00.011-06:00

I bought this book a year or so ago and somehow it ended up on my library shelf without me actually reading it.

I corrected that this past week and all I can say is

wow

this is a beautiful story.

well written, heart wrenching, character driven... everything I love about literature.

Tell me...have you read this novel?

Can You Handle the Truth?

2011-04-05T07:37:00.006-06:00

A few years back, I had an opportunity to have a critique by a pretty experienced (and retired) editor. I was unrepresented, unsold and sure she was going to grab my manuscript and do a jig on the table whilst naming off a list of her friends in the industry she would be sending it to.

Instead, she looked at me thoughtfully and said, "I just don't know why anyone would care."

Meaning...there was nothing to compel her to read.

She noted the writing was nice...that the "rules" were being followed for story and character development. But it was still lacking something.

It hurt to hear but it was a pivotal moment in my writing life.

In that moment, I had a choice.

I could feel deflated and whine about what a mean critique it was and crawl under my bed and call all my writerly friends and eventually decide she didn't know what she was talking about

OR

I could listen to that little voice inside of me that said, "she is right". I could lean forward and ask her how to fix it, I could believe that she knew faaaarrr more than I ever would about what makes a book salable.

I chose to listen. I put aside my pride and stayed up all night revising (we were at a conference and I had a follow up meeting w/ her). I tore apart the first chapter. I did exactly what she suggested, while still being true to myself as a writer.

Here is what I'm saying: her honesty was an amazing gift.

She was not being unkind, she was trying to HELP me. It was a step I needed to take that would later prepare me for receiving edit requests from my agent and editor.

I would have missed an important lesson if I wouldn't have taken what she had to say to heart.

So...on this long and sometimes bumpy road to publication and hopeful more publication here is my question for all of us:

Can we handle the truth?

Festival of Colors!

2011-03-26T15:15:00.007-06:00

Today was the Hare Krishna Holi Festival of Colors...a celebration of spring! Here is part of our group "before". I'm in the black hat.

Here is a fantastic shot of "during"....you are looking at people throwing colored chalk in the air. There was music, food, dancing...ah, what a morning. That is my oldest daughter w/ the orange shirt and arm extended.

And here's a quick "after" shot

Happy, happy spring!!!!!

Three Things

2011-03-20T19:31:00.004-06:00

One: I took your good advice and stepped away from my WIP (work in progress) this past week. It helped. I now know what is bugging me. Don't have a clue on how to fix it yet...but at least I know what the problem is.

Two: I got both a Facebook page for my novel up and running as well as my author website. I go back and forth between being excited and feeling super dumb about having these things (do people even care?). I've linked them on my sidebar as well as w/in this post.

Three: a giggle for you!

How many mystery writers does it take to screw in a light bulb?

Two. One to screw it almost all the way in, and the other to give it a surprising twist at the end.

Stalled

2011-03-13T19:08:00.004-06:00

Imagine with me...

You are listening to a lovely piano concerto. You lean back in the comfy chair, close your eyes and relax into the smooth flow of music.

then the pianist hits the wrong key.

EEEK.

flow interrupted.

That's what happened to me this past week with my WIP. I was going along all fine and dandy but then something wasn't right.

It began as a nagging whisper at the back of my mind...

not right...not right...not right...

Of course, I ignored it. I was following my plot line...I was building scenes....what could be wrong?

not right... the voice grew louder.... could be better it whispered.

So I stopped writing.

Stalled.

It is a lousy feeling, but I'm glad that my inner voice is telling me to reassess and redirect my work.

I'm not sure exactly what is not working...or how I'm going to fix it...but I will listen to that inner voice and find the answers.

It means more work, more time, more ripping my hair out...

but I'll do what it takes.

*sigh* writing a novel is blasted hard work!

True Confessions

2011-03-09T21:51:00.000-07:00

Today I will share some of my deepest confessions.

I am white and nerdy. And a Wierd Al fan. And my neighbor married an Osmond (that's Donny in the clip).

Last night my oldest participated in a talent show of sorts and the teens did a rendition of this song. I had posted this clip long ago but had to pull it out in honor of my daughter -- who got her white and nerdy-ness from me.

Hope this clip makes you giggle - one WARNING: a teeny tiny part of this clip is PG13, just FYI.
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Laugh on!

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HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!
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Writing = Zero

2011-03-06T15:51:00.004-07:00

I can't say enough about Peurto Vallarta....beautiful people, beautiful city. Safe, inexpensive (this Marriott ocean front room was a steal at $150/night!), delicious food....wonderful stuff.

And what did I write? Nada.

Sometimes we have to live life first...you know? Take a break. Look around. Rest.

That's where I've been...how about you?

Things to Know

2011-02-23T08:35:00.004-07:00

There is a super meaty interview of Kirsten Cappy, literary publicist over at the Class of 2k11 this morning.

She talks about how bookstores choose which books to carry...about how cover art and other people influence a books sales...how to use social media depending on if you are writing commercial or literary, young adult or middle grade. No matter where you are in this writing journey....these are good things to think about.

Link over and check it out!

Cover Reveal!

2011-02-20T12:30:00.004-07:00

Things I love about this cover:

Ollie's expresson.......the lighting of the clouds and path....the gorgeous turquoise blue sky......the trailing papers (which are invite fliers for her daddy's revival).....how the front flier says "come one come all" big enough for the reader to see on the book (which I think is a cool invitation to open the book)...

I think the good people at Farrar Straus Giroux nailed the middle grade market for this historical piece.

Matt Mahurin is the artist....super talented with a huge range (check out his website - it is amazing stuff!)

What do you think?

An Honest Moment

2011-02-13T18:27:00.004-07:00

Me: (having a moment) I should be nothing but grateful for the upcoming release of With A Name Like Love, but part of me is terrified. Not everyone likes historical fiction, you know. Half the people will think it's totally lame.

Daughter: At least.

ah...so the truth goes...

Brian Jacques....Farewell to a Legend

2011-02-08T09:59:00.005-07:00

I saw this on Publishers Marketplace this morning....

Brian Jacques, author of the Redwall series--said to have sold 20 million copies worldwide--died over the weekend of a heart attack. He was 71. His US publisher Philomel says that the 22nd and final Redwall book, THE ROGUE CREW, is scheduled for publication in May 2011.

71 is too young. Brian Jacques is one of the authors that made my son an avid reader. I am grateful to him for that and I know his fans will miss him.

It is also a reminder to all of us to get writing! To push and work and learn and grow....

life is short.

Why Authors Can't Really be Book Reviewers

2011-02-06T18:32:00.005-07:00

I've had a thought musing in my mind over the past several months. I worried that I was the only one who felt this way. I even wondered if people would judge me for having this opinion. I kept it to myself.

Then I came across this discussion over at Stacia Kane's blog. WARNING: I keep this blog all things PG, but that post has a touch of language in it.

The discussion is about if you are published, soon to be published, wanting to be published ... should you review books?

See, I used to do that a little bit but realized the children's publishing community is a small world and I started wondering if giving reviews of other novels was a good idea.

I'd like to say that I absolutely love every book I pick up, but that is not honest or fair.

No one does or should.

But I think as authors (and I would propose aspiring authors as well) we need to think about how we present ourselves within our professional community.

If I adore a book, I'll feel free to shout it out. If I don't so much...I'll keep my lips sealed.

It is a professional courtesy....and maybe a little bit of hoping that other authors will extend that same courtesy to my work. Let the book review sites be honest. Let them review what they desire, say what they desire, rate things as they feel they should.

As writers, it is a line we should give serious consideration before crossing.

Question: what do you think about this? it's okay to disagree...let's have a discussion!

Character Tells V. Character Traits

2011-01-30T14:04:00.008-07:00

The more I learn, the less I know. But this past experience of working with an editor really taught me a few things.

One thing I've been musing on lately is the difference between character tells and character traits.

I like to use character tells. In the past, I thought it defined the character.

It does not.

It is one part of the equation, but without building those tells into traits we are writing uni-dimensional characters.

As you may know, a character tell is something they do.....clicking their tongue, straightening their tie, refusing to drive a car and walking everywhere

We should never give a character a tell without building it into a trait.

For example Clicking their tongue implies judgment....is this character judgmental?

straightening their tie incessantly implies vanity or insecurity.....does this character have other vain or insecure traits?

refusing to drive a car implies cowardice or past issues....do we support this in the character as a whole?

If we have a character who flips her hair but isn't at all vain then we may be missing an opportunity to create more depth.

We need to pay attention to which tells we choose to use....use them sparingly....and back them up with fleshed out traits.

For example...in my new WIP, I have an antagonist who is dangerous and very controlling. I have decided to give him a character tell of running his fingers through a cluster of keys that is always on his belt loop.

Why? the keys will play into the story but, more importantly, they are the source of his power and control. By having him constantly touch the keys, it shows he may not really be in complete control...that he might be seeking validation in that moment. Or he might just be reminding himself of his powerful position.

Either way, the tell was given for a specific purpose.

and, just for fun..here is a snippit of this happening in my current work (it's a modern day western MG):

He tugged on the wide brim of his Stetson hat and then ran his fingers through a cluster of keys hanging from his side belt loop. They clink-clinked against each other like ice cubes in a glass.

Questions: what do you think of this concept? do you use tells? do you support them with entire character traits? once I was able to catch the vision of this, it really helped me...I got so excited I just had to share!

Where Ideas Come From

2011-01-23T20:55:00.006-07:00

Years ago I attended my very first SCBWI conference in Los Angeles. Like seven years ago.

anyway... Norman Juster was a presenter and he spoke (in part) on this concept:

"Ideas are not external to you."

So often we (okay, okay I) search the world around us, like a frantic lunatic, looking for the perfect idea. We ask people for them. We read papers for them. I personally have even been known to beg the heavens for the perfect idea that will make it all better and easy and wonderful.

But it doesn't have to be that hard.

Norman spoke about keeping a memory journal and jotting down bits and pieces of our own memories.

He reminded us that we have a wealth of ideas inside of us and, what I thought most important, we don't have to farm them out all at the beginning of a novel.

We can let them come bit by bit

natural to our story.

We can, in short, trust ourselves.

Tell Me: where do you get your ideas? are you ever amazed at what comes dancing out of your fingertips in a writing session? do you sometimes forget to trust yourself? please tell me I'm not alone in that regard....

Win an Editor Critique!

2011-01-19T14:06:00.004-07:00

Do you have a finished MG or YA manuscript?

Would you like to have that manuscript critiqued by a fabulous editor that worked for Harcourt for over a decade? And is a novelist herself?

For Free?!?!

Click over to deareditor.com for more details on this smashing giveaway.

Come on, who's entering with me?

Can You Read This?

2011-01-13T07:18:00.005-07:00

fi yuo cna raed tihs, yuo hvae a sgtrane mnid too

Cna yuo raed tihs? Olny 55 plepoe out of 100 can.

i cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Azanmig huh?

Also the reason I'm hoping I caught all/any type-o's in my formatted pages....hope my brain didn't skip over any!

What are First Pass Pages?

2011-01-09T14:04:00.008-07:00

This weekend I received my first pass pages on With A Name Like Love.

If you're like me, you may not have a clue what first pass pages are. Thanks to my discussions with members of both the Class of 2k11 and the Elevensies, I was able to know a bit about them before they came my way.

What are they?

Your formatted book! Up to this point, we've been working off a manuscript. You know, 8x11 regular typed pages.

Now I get to see how it will be formatted...what font they have chosen, how the chapters will be marked.

It's way cool!

It's also my last chance to make any changes and search out any errors. From here, it's almost to print...eek!

so I wanted to share some pics.

the title page above and also a chapter heading. I very much like the slightly modern touch to the script they've chosen on this historical piece. I think it gives the work a fresh look that I hope will appeal to readers.

Questions: have you heard of the term first pass pages...why do they call them that when really it is your LAST pass? Any ideas out there?

Mad Lib Friday

2011-01-07T07:37:00.003-07:00

Pop over to the Class of 2k11 for a fun mad lib game. All players (play along in the comments) are entered to win a $10 gift card to B&N/Amazon/Indiebound!

Free stuff and a game to boot!

Question: What are you planning for this weekend? We're trying a new restaurant that is getting great reviews in the city and then I'm gluing my hiney to the chair for some WIP progress. Wish me luck!

You Gotta Know this....Seriously!

2011-01-05T17:12:00.005-07:00

My friend and fellow Wad member Amy told me about a scary site that houses way too much personal info on us.

At first I thought she was joking....could there really be a site out there that has my income, google picture of my house (both aerial and face shots), children/spouse info, etc...??

So I looked it up.

Holy Cats, Batman...she wasn't joking.

It made me sick to think this info is out there...and that for only $2.95 someone could even get my credit report and more detailed info.

On the bright side, she also told me how to delete my profile from this lousy site and today, I'm sharing that with you all.

First, go to spokeo.com

put your name in the search bar (it's a painfully slow site but worth the time)
find your state, double click, find your specific name and address
double click on that (again, this may take some time to search but wait it out)

up comes your profile. At the top of the box you will see tabs...one is "property"..that's where they had pictures of my house. The income was way off (they had me as rich...woot!) but the spouse and my unlisted phone number, google map to my unlisted address was all there.

once your profile is up, copy the specific URL (that's in your top address bar)

then click on the tiny, gray "privacy" word on the page bottom.
follow the guidelines for removal...paste your specific URL in the designated box, leave an email and CATCHPA phrase then go to your email and follow up on the final deletion step.

It really does delete the info (though only from this specific site)

scary, scary stuff.

Check it out and report back...and spread the word....this is stuff NO ONE is entitled to. Seriously, what is our world coming to????

Get To It Already!

2011-01-02T13:41:00.003-07:00

Do not dwell on the past,
do not dream of the future,
concentrate the mind on the present moment.
---Buddha

I love this concept because it reminds us we only have today.

I'm the queen of, I'm gonna start a more strict writing/exercising/reading/work schedule....really I will.....soon, I swear....

But today is the day for me to get off my duff and DO IT.

Yes, today is the day.

right after my nap ;)

Happy New Year all. Tell me....what will you resolve this day?
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I am FREAKING out!

2010-12-13T13:06:00.003-07:00

I need to slow down, take a deep breath and stop jumping around the room...

why all the fuss?

link here to see!

Sept 27, 224 pages....

and they are keeping my title which I adore.

Freaking out, I tell you.....FREAKING OUT!

Something to Look Forward To

2010-11-30T08:38:00.006-07:00

There are some pretty special MG and YA novels to look forward to next year. Here is the trailer from the Class of 2k11 to whet your appetite.

On a personal note, seeing my name and little southern story in this trailer floors me.

After almost nine years, three completed novels, four abandoned partially completed novels, tears, laughter and many rejection slips torn into itty bitty tiny shreds my book is really coming.

Holy Cow.

Game, Prizes and a Question for You...

2010-11-19T08:58:00.007-07:00

Take a peek over at the Class of 2k11 blog today. We started our ongoing Friday feature called Mad Lib Friday....we post a quote, you Mad Lib it and then everyone who comments is entered in a drawing for a monthly prize (a book buying gift certificate, folks!)

Don't miss out on the fun!

Also...as a Middle Grade authorly person of more quiet books, I sometimes get discouraged at today's market and the insatiable appetite for all things NOT contemporary or historical.

Don't misunderstand, I love a good, action packed, paranormal, sci fi or fantasy read....

but is there still any place for regular stories like Because of Winn Dixie or Witch of Blackbird Pond or the like???

This question came to mind again this morning when I saw this announcement in Publishers Marketplace. KUDOS to the author...I am sincerely and honestly happy for her success. Truly, I am. But it does make me wonder where my sweet little stories that feature regular kids in everyday settings might fit into today's literary market....

PM announcement (names removed because it is not about this specific author or deal but more about my question of how and where the market stands on different genres):

Children's: Young Adult
four-book YA futuristic, fairy-tale inspired series, starting with CINDER, Cinderella is re-envisioned through teen heroine Cinder, part girl and part machine, who must piece together her mysterious past before she can fulfill her destiny and save the kingdom -- and the rest of planet Earth -- from an otherworldly enemy; as Cinder's quest continues through the series, she finds allies loosely based Little Red Riding Hood (SCARLET), Rapunzel (CRESS), and Snow White (WINTER) -- as they join forces to conquer evil and find their happily-ever-afters, to XXXof XXX, in a major deal, for high six-figures, at auction, by XXX at XXX.

It seems like a fun, action packed read. I mean a MC that is a half girl and half machine Cinderella? Wowza!

thoughts??

Making Memorable Characters

2010-11-14T22:04:00.005-07:00

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I attended our local SCBWI conference this weekend (actually had a chance to participate with my agent, Steven Chudney and agent mate, Kristen Landon on a panel which was a super, uber, amazingly awesome experience but I'm digressing here...)

I really learned some neat things and thought I'd share them with you, my friends.

Priscilla Burris - the talented SCBWI illustration coordinator -- was there and spoke about her craft.

But, something she said rang true to me as an aspiring novelist.

She asked us to remember our favorite picture books and asked, What made that picture book memorable?

Was it pippy longstockings braids?

The cat in the hat's top hat?

The way the Grinch tapped his foot constantly?

Those are all parts of the story, yes, but that is not why we connected to those characters.

No, it was the voice of the story

the ability to relate to the character...for good or bad... the way the characters made us think, laugh, or even want to punch them out.

It is the same with all writing.

Sometimes we feel the need to find a "character tell" that identifies the character. That is all well and good -- but we shouldn't think that is what DEFINES that character.

We shouldn't think people will RELATE to that character because they twirl their hair or snap their gum or tap their fingers. We need to dig deeper and create characters that make people feel things...hope things....understand things.

That is what will make our stories memorable.

Just a tiny order, right? ha!

Tell me: What was your favorite picture book growing up AND why do you think it has stayed with you all these years?
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A Seriously Massive Give Away

2010-11-10T15:40:00.005-07:00

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So I've been a little MIA lately due to my Class of 2k11 responsibilities

What is the Class of 2k11 you ask?

Excellent question.

We are a group of 19 debut YA and MG authors working together to party and give away stuff and celebrate reading over this next year.

I'm helping with the blog (wordpress...eek!) and it has been a learning curve. But, that's not the point I want to make here.

The point I want to make is that you can use this link to click over to the Class of 2k11 blog and sign up to enter a Massive Wicked Awesome Giveaway of 23 books!!

All the details are there...it's easy peasy.

What's new in your corner of the universe?
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Are You Kidding Me?

2010-10-27T07:32:00.002-06:00

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Dearest October,

Are you nuts?!

Is everything alright...er...all right?

2010-10-24T16:46:00.005-06:00

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My trip to New York was fantastic and I really enjoyed meeting my agent and editor. Both very talented, kind, welcoming people. Also a little on the shy side, hence the reason I don't have photos to post. It just didn't seem like the thing to do.

Anyway, I came home to copy edits on With A Name Like Love

and I learned a lot

mostly, I suck rocks at commas

but also the difference between alright and all right

for example... in my novel, I have one character saying "Let's go" and the other says "Alright"

but that's apparently all wrong.

Alright is fine for everyday stuff like emails, blogs, letters etc but all right is what most editors will require in our manuscripts.

See, I thought all right would only be used when talking about a number...like he got the answers all right

I was wrong.

Isn't that interesting stuff?

So, tell me, which do you use? Alright or all right?
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Okay..not perfect, but still good

2010-10-10T20:06:00.005-06:00

* So I ran my series on making a book trailer and am thankful for all of you who peeked or commented

but, alas it seems no one followed the series and actually made their own or at least, no one reported back to me that they did

that's okay

the info is out there and that's a good thing

This week I'm off to New York City for my oldest daughters sweet 16.... it's three generations of girls all going to enjoy the theater and museums and buzz of that amazing place. I'll also get to meet my super talented editor, Margaret Ferguson at FSG and caring agent, Steven Chudney.

That's the stuff of dreams

You know, just two short years ago I was unagented, unsold and wondering if I would ever reach that elusive dream of publication.

It's a reminder to believe in our dreams and never

never

give up
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How To Make A Book Trailer...The Final Lesson

2010-09-26T18:18:00.006-06:00

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Alright...some are working along

others of you are taking notes for future reference

all of it is great.

Today we're going to put our music that we chose from a public domain site and our pictures from Morguefile (or personal pics) into a trailer!

Here's the nitty gritty details of how to do it:

1. go to onetruemedia.com (you already have the free account)

2. click the Create tab at the top

3. click the create button the site will lead you through the process...but just in case you need help:

4. upload pics (if you saved them on your desktop then it's super easy) NOTE: upload them in the order you need them starting with your first image in your script. after each upload, you'll be given two buttons: upload more or done. Just do until you can push 'done'

5. This will take you to the creation site. click "add text slide" tab at the top and start writing out your script between the pics. NOTE: always write the words preceding the image. For example, in my trailer, I say "A lost soul" and then have the image of an empty chair. If you put the image before the words, it's difficult to follow. ALSO: you can have two or three images for every one line of text. I did words, image, words, image... but you can fiddle and make it how you like.

6. Once all the text is in, you can click and drag the photos and text boxes into the right formation.

7. Then add your music. It's easy to do...on the create tab, just click on "add music" and pull it off your desktop (again, it's way easier if all your photos and music are on your desktop to begin with).

Ta-da! You're done!

Now here's were all you slackers will wish you did your homework :D :D :D ....

those who reply and tell me they completed a trailer, I will post a link next Monday to all of them and then GIVE AWAY PRIZES!!! So....there's still time to go back and join in. Or, just watch along for the fun.

HEY...what's going on in your world?
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How to Make a Book Trailer #3

2010-09-13T16:52:00.006-06:00

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You know what you want

You have your script written

You've signed up at morguefile.com, publicdomain4u.com, flickr.com and onetruemedia.com

Now you need to choose your pictures and music.

Here's what you do...

Look at your script and think of an image that would match each line. Is it a flower? A close up kiss? A looming building? A single flame?

Once you have those images noted, go onto morguefile.com (or flickr.com) and search away. (if you choose to use flickr.com be certain to search and use only their public domain pictures)

When that perfect photo has been found, simply download it to your desktop.

techie stuff: if you are unsure, here's a rundown on how you do it -

search pics in search box
once you find your pic, double click on it click the download button
if you have windows...
a message will come up saying 'open with HP media' or something similar
click okay
once it is downloaded you will be on a download screen right click on your picture code
click on 'open containing folder'
right click again...
choose 'send to'
choose desktop

NOTE: keep a good record of which image goes for which line...it will come in handy next week.

Now choose your music...go to publicdomain4u and search under category.

Download your music onto your desktop as well.

Whew! You did it!!

Next, put your feet up and eat some Ben and Jerry's...this week was by far the most time consuming but now you are primed and ready to compile all these lovely things into a glorious trailer next week.

Question: What kind of Ben and Jerry's did you choose? I'm a coffee heath bar crunch kind of gal :)
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How to Make a Book Trailer... #2

2010-09-05T20:31:00.009-06:00

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It is time for the next step in making your own novel/picture book trailer...you can totally handle this one.

First, bring your homework to the table.

How many frames do you want in your trailer? Remember your homework last week...figuring out that number.

Now, with that number, you are ready to write your script. One simple line for each photo frame.

Make it short...the viewer will only have a second or two to read and process the words.

Make it flow and,

Make it match your story. Be true to what your story is. Find the main thread of story and follow it.

Also, be thinking of images you would like to match to these lines. For example, in my trailer..I knew I wanted the line "a preacher's daughter" with something that might symbolize this like a single flower or piece of lace. Make a note of these images on your script.

The second part of your homework is to hit the following four websites

Sign up for the free membership on the ones required (as noted below) and just get a handle on what the site is. We won't actually be using the sites until next week... but it will be easier if you already know them a little bit.

The websites are:

onetruemedia.com - sign up for the free level of membership. this site is our actual composition site.

morguefile.com - sign up for the free level of membership. this site is an excellent and safe resource for public domain pictures

flickr.com - sign up for the free level of membership. this site also has good public domain pictures, but you need to be careful because not all pics on the site are public domain (in fact, most on this site are not). If you use this site in our next step, you will need to be sure to be using the public pics.

publicdomain4u.com - this is the music site we'll be using.. no sign up required, but you might want to fiddle around. Go to the homepage, scroll half way down to the list of music categories (ex: punk rock, new wave, classical, etc)..click on the category and listen to some music.

keep a list of your new passwords to these sites!

Okay..that's it. Do this and we are half way there....whoopee! Don't quit on me, guys. I'm really excited to see your trailers in a few short weeks.

Questions: Who's still out there? Who new is jumping in? Can you help spread the word? Authors pay real cash for these trailers and we're learning how to do them for FREE....even if you don't use this particular trailer much, the process of learning will come in use someday...I promise!

if you get stuck, feel free to email me at tesshilmo(at)comcast(dot)net
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How to Make a Book Trailer... # 1

2010-08-29T12:18:00.009-06:00

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I'm going to post four discussions...one each Monday over the next month. I hope you'll come along, do the homework and by the end of September you will have a fantastic and FREE book trailer to link on your blog. Even if you don't have a completed novel to work with yet, you can still participate and learn for when the time is right.

LESSON #1 : Know What You Want

There are all kinds of trailers out there. Super short...long and flowy....scary.....thought provoking....

The tone and length of your trailer should match the style of your novel or picture book.

Ask yourself: what kind of story is this? What length of trailer would work best?

Your assignment this week is to watch the following four trailers. They are all very different in tone, style and length.

Decide which appeals to you most and then count the number of frames in each trailer.

That number is what we will start with next Monday.

Here are your homework trailers to watch:

Randy Russell's trailer for his novel Dead Rules (Harper Teen 2011) is a great example of a short trailer (only 22 seconds)...it is also very atmospheric and haunting. Click HERE to see it.

Michelle Davidson Argyle (Lady Glamis)'s trailer for Cinders (August 2010) is a bit longer at 1:11 and she uses some of her own photography/novel cover in it. A very different feel from Randy's but quite suiting to this wonderful story, I think. Click HERE to see it.

Angie Smibert's Momento Nora (Marshall Cavendish 2011) trailer is even more different. It is quick at 41 seconds and uses a lot of group/people images. The music is more upbeat and really gives a different feel. click HERE to see it.

And last is my trailer for With A Name Like Love. It is very different from the three above and by far the longest at over 2 minutes. You can see it HERE.

Now give this some thought. What appeals to you most? About how long do you want your trailer to be? How many frames were in the trailer you most identified with? WRITE THAT NUMBER DOWN FOR NEXT MONDAY'S POST

Oh! And, spread the word! Invite friends to join us! At the end, I'll post links to all your completed trailers and we'll have a rockin' party to celebrate...prizes and all!

Whose jumping in?
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How NOT to get sued

2010-08-11T22:38:00.006-06:00

Okay, here's the skinny...

when I first composed my trailer for With A Name Like Love, I was pretty much an idiot.

you know, fresh and ignorant and thinking it didn't matter if I used pictures off of Flikr.com or other photo sites without paying royalties or securing permissions.

After all, it was just me on my little computer and I didn't even have an agent for the book, much less a publisher.

Not a good idea.

Don't worry...I didn't get in any trouble,

but I did get thinking maybe I should change it to public domain stuff.

So...I spent the entire day searching public photo sites and found that the best one by a huge margin is morguefile.com

They require you to register, but they have a much larger selection of public domain photos to choose from.

Free of cost.... free of worry .... free.

Gotta love that.

So, below is my revised trailer with new and completely kosher material.

Question: I'm thinking about maybe hosting a online workshop regarding building trailers for free...do you think there's any interest out there?

With A Name Like Love at OneTrueMedia.com

2010-08-11T22:37:00.003-06:00

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

The Real You

2010-08-08T19:15:00.005-06:00

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I love Gordon Ramsey...you know, from Hell's Kitchen, Kitchen Nightmares and now Master Chef.

not that I'm a cook or anything...I just like the way he lays it on the line.

Anyway, I was watching the most recent episode of Master Chef and there was a woman whose family was of Mexican heritage and she was cooking some fancy schmancy dish for Gordon.

He made her go home, get stuff from her cupboard and come back to cook him something authentic.

She made chile relleno and passed on to the next round.

The point? She wasn't being authentic. She was trying to impress...trying to do what she thought Gordon Ramsey wanted her to do.

But what made her a good cook was just being herself

trusting her instinct

nothing fancy...just good old Mexican cooking.

It's the same with writing, or whatever our passion and pursuit is.

We shouldn't write to the trends.

Shouldn't cater to what we think agents or editors want to read

We should just be authentic.

In the end, that is what will make our work shine.

Questions: Have you ever been tempted to sway your work toward the trends? Has it worked for you? How do you find that balance...or do you not worry about that? And, is anyone else out there a Gordon groupie?
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Woot! Woot!

2010-08-05T10:07:00.007-06:00

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I've been swallowed up by edits this summer (it's a good thing, I'm learning and growing as a writer, I think..but with growth comes some challenge, right?)

and feeling a bit lazy in between those rounds of work

I wouldn't blame any of you if you forgot who I was...I've been so absent

But I wanted to give a shout out to Shelley Moore Thomas who sold her MG novel to FSG in a swinging deal...congrats StoryQueen!

and also to the talented Michelle Argyle whose novella Cinders is almost here...you go Lady Glamis!

Is there other good news I've missed out on? Do share!
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There Really ARE Magical Creatures

2010-07-19T06:19:00.004-06:00

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Has anyone else out there spent hours pouring over Strunk and White's (grammar guide),

only to give up and drown your sorrows in a tub of Ben and Jerry's?

No?

Well, I have. More than once, actually.

I'm not horrible at grammar, but I'm no so great at it either.

Should that be a comma? semi colon? dash? Sometimes I just don't know.

But...never fear! I've learned that, if we as writers focus on our story, there are wonderful and magical creatures in our universe called

copy editors!

It's true! These little faeries exist! And they will wave their wand over (and by waving their wand over I mean marking up incessantly) your manuscript and make it all shiny and clean.

Questions: On a scale of one to ten...one being me and ten being Michelle at Slushbusters (a grammar queen), where do you fall? Have you ever felt frustrated or worried your lack of comma knowledge will keep you away from publication? Have you ever worked with a copy editor before? I'm interested to know your processes!

Just Ignore Me for a Minute

2010-07-14T10:24:00.001-06:00

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My blog is being screwy ... my trailer disappeared and, when I tried to reinstate it, it showed up in a post but is not downloading. I'm fiddling over here and things may pop up. Blasted Blogger!

"THAT" word

2010-07-06T08:44:00.008-06:00

* more from the land of editorainia today....

hey, I'm going through it, so why not drag a few friends, right?

This past week made me take some serious time with "that" word.

no...nothing naughty (I write squeaky clean middle grade, remember?)

I'm talking about the actual word that.

I overuse it and misuse it and abuse it terribly (or, so I am learning)

Let me give you some examples from my novel we're editing:

before:

they knew that curiosity would bring people out...

and

trying to sound friendly despite the wet heat that was streaming down her back of her neck

now take 'that' out for our after versions:

they knew curiosity would bring people out

and

trying to sound friendly despite the wet heat streaming down the back of her neck

better, right? I had no idea I was even doing this. In fact, if you asked me, I would swear I was not because the after lines seem so obvious.

You may not realize it either!

Consider taking your next writing session and use the "find" function on word. Type in "that" and then look at each one and ask if it can be removed to clean up the manuscript.

Question: Did you know THAT this can be a problem spot for writers? hehehe... I'm cracking myself up here. Lame humor, I know ... but it's all I got
:D

Now, This Was Just Me Being Lazy-Stupid

2010-06-24T10:22:00.006-06:00

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The editing lesson I want to share today shows an incredibly lazy part of my writerly self.

I'm banking on the hope that one or two of you are equally lazy and might be able to commiserate...erm, learn along with me ;)

Okay, so we've all heard of keeping character journals and time lines as we write, right?

Here are my previous thoughts on both:

boring!

I know my characters, I don't need to write down their hair color. that's lame.

boring!

I don't even know my characters until I write them...how can I lead w/ all that info?

snooz-a-palooz-a!

yep. that pretty much sums up the thoughts that I had every time I heard the phrase character bible/journal or time line.

Well...I was wrong.

We don't have to start w/ all the info...but, as we put it in our manuscript, we should jot it down on a notepad somewhere.

Why?

Because it is downright embarrassing when that ms sells and the editor says ...you note the father as 6'5" here and 6'3" later

or, the equally embarrassing... you have them upset to be leaving, but this is the day they were scheduled to leave. do you not realize it is day 3 of their stay?

duh.

now, this ms had been through many eyes before it got to this point. None of us caught those mistakes (and, there were more than the two, btw).

So...I'm rethinking the time line and character journals.

they don't have to be fancy. they don't have to be long.

but they do have to be.

less you look (and feel) like an idiot *cue picture of me*

Tell Me: what are your thoughts on actual, written out time lines and character journals?
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What do Edits Look Like, Anyway?

2010-06-20T12:54:00.005-06:00

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A few writing pals have asked me what my edits look like, or what they entail. Since I just got round two in the mail, I thought I'd share.

Now, I assume every editor works differently (much like every writer does) so I can only share my personal experience here.

First, there is the editorial letter. My first one was 3 pages long, this second is 2. Broad concepts and issues are discussed in the letter. One example is the time line that I made some errors on and she wants me to address.

Second are the notes on the manuscript itself. Words crossed out or questions jotted down. I always thought these would be in glaring red ink. You know, like blood. But, mine are just in pencil and not at all murderous :D

Third are these clever little post it notes that she affixes to the side with longer questions or explanations of her manuscript notation. They are like little coaching booklets.

Together, it looks like this:
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Not every page has this much notation on it. Several pages don't have any editorial notes at all.

Tune in later this week when I will share what some of her actual suggestions are and what I am learning through this process. Right now, I've got to get to work! You do too! What are you working on this week? A certain scene, or just a summer tan?
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Who Do You Love?

2010-06-14T19:17:00.007-06:00

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For my first Summer of Service activity, I'm going to take a suggestion from Davin over at The Literary Lab (don't you love that blog...deep thinkers, those three).

Davin once commented that he writes letters to people who have inspired or helped him in some way.

So, this week I'm going to sit down and write a letter....

Will you?

Maybe to an old teacher

or a family member you haven't spoken to in a while

or a friend who has fallen off your radar

or a co worker who has helped you

It's a simple act, really - but meaningful, I think.

Just a small note of appreciation...nothing big or too difficult.

I'll report back on Friday.

Questions: Have you ever done this? Have you ever recv'd a letter of appreciation from an or friend or someone you helped along the way? How was that experience? Will you think about joining me in this weeks challenge?
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Summer of Service Challenge

2010-06-11T23:54:00.008-06:00

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I have a new look over here, a new pic (that's a green tree frog I'm holding... frogs are a big part of my novel, With A Name Like Love)

and, a new bend this summer....

As you know, this has been primarily a writing related blog. I have, and continue to, meet amazing people who have taught, inspired and encouraged me along this sometimes bumpy but always amazing path to publication. You have been a blessing, truly.

But, this summer I want to take a teeny, tiny break from all things writing-related

and talk about my Summer of Service Challenge.

This summer, starting Monday, June 14, I will try to do and chronicle one act of service each week. Some weeks may be simple, small things, other weeks might be more thought out and scheduled events.

Why am I doing this?

Lately I've been struggling with what I am writing and blogging about. I have learned that, when I put myself aside and focus on others, quite often my life becomes more focused and balanced. My mom calls it 'losing yourself in the service of others'.

What do I hope to accomplish?

I hope to find some clarity by taking the pressure and focus off of my writing. I will still be writing and I will still be blogging, but I'm easing up a little bit in an effort to free the muse.

I sincerely hope to inspire you to join me. You may not choose to do an act of service every week, but maybe you will do one once in a while and report back here.

I also think we often don't know how we can serve or where we can serve. We are intimidated by the process and the fear of the unknown. I hope to shine a little light on the process (how do we reach out, anyway?) and encourage others to step outside of their comfort zone and join me.

So... Monday posts will be a motivation, maybe a plan and Friday posts will be a weekly report from me and hopefully (in the comments) from you, too!

Questions: Will you think about joining me even once in a while? Build up a little of that good karma and maybe free the muse in the process? Report back here and share our experiences?
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Sometimes You Have to Stick Your Neck Out

2010-06-07T20:53:00.003-06:00

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It's true.

"To Write" is an active verb. Thinking is not writing. Talking about writing doesn't count either. Blogging only marginally counts ;)

A while ago, I blogged about a conversation I had with a non writing friend. You can see it here if you missed it. It was hilarious and painful at the same time. When the conversation was happening, I thought to myself, "Tess, why do you have to tell everyone your dreams? Why can't you just play your cards a little bit closer to the vest?"

But, at some point, we have to step out of the shadows and onto the stage.

Dig deep for a bit of courage

Gather gumption

Stick our necks out

and claim our dreams

Who's with me?
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Anyway...

2010-05-16T09:21:00.008-06:00

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As you can tell from my last post, I'm cocooned in the editing process.

It's challenging and takes a serious amount of brain power, but I don't let myself forget for one second that I begged the universe for nine long years to be in this moment. It is a blessing.

So, today you'll have to suffer through another editorial related post.

It's a simple one... do you use "anyway" or "anyways" in your work?

anyway means anyhow or in any case

anyways is a colloquial expression and, while fine to use in conversation or on a chatty forum like our blogs, should probably not be used in our manuscripts.

This is different from the words toward and towards

with this duo, there is no specific right or wrong. Americans tend to use toward and our British neighbors often prefer towards. Whichever you choose to use in your work, just be consistent throughout.

Boring post today ... technical stuff, I know and I'm sorry. But, this is where my brain is right now.

Question: which do you use...anyway/anyways and toward/towards? have you ever thought about this before? are you doing something more exciting over there in your corner of the world? tell me, I'd love to know and do a little vicarious living :D
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Understanding Editorial Notes 101

2010-05-10T19:24:00.007-06:00

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So much of this journey has been trial and error for me. So, it should be no surprise that I didn't understand all of my editing notes. I wanted to share three editorial notes that took me a minute of thinking to understand.

Explanations:

#1: the little squiggle 'e' means 'delete'. If it is over a single word, delete that word. If it is over a set of parenthesis (as in this example), delete everything in the parenthesis.

#2: okay, this is the one that really had me stumped. I guess it depends on the handwriting of whoever is making the editorial note, but I originally read this note as "recy". I tried to think of every word "recy" might possibly stand for. Then, it struck me and I realized it is actually "Necy" with the apostrophre making it "nec'y". This notation is asking the writer to consider if the passage is actually necessary. It is not an request to delete, only a suggestion to consider deleting or reworking. You would find it in the side margin of a passage.

#3: this one should have been easy for me. I've seen it before, but had forgotten. A double (or sometimes triple) line under a letter is a reminder to capitalize that letter.

Now, for those of you who are in, or have been, to college recently, this is likely old hat. But, for someone like me who got her degree...erm...let's just say 'not so recently', it took some effort to understand.

Questions: did you know these three notations? are there any other unusual editorial notations you'd like to share?
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A Murderous Day

2010-05-06T19:59:00.005-06:00

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It was a sad day here at the Hilmo house.

I had to kill off my prologue for With A Name Like Love.

You see, I'm working through a round of edits and my very insightful editor suggested I look at that prologue and ask myself if it was really necessary.

I was preparing a brilliant argument for why it needed to stay.

and then I realized something.

She was right.

It was a string of pretty words (imho) but it wasn't absolutely necessary. The same information could be threaded through my first chapter.

So, I hummed taps and said a little prayer...thank you prologue. your first line was my first concept of this novel. you were the spark that led to the journey. and then I chopped it.

*sob*

In honor of the occasion, I'm going to post that prologue here on my blog. It is the last the world will see of it.

Ollie's daddy was born a preacher, no choice in the matter. Her granddaddy was a preacher man, as was his daddy before him all the way back to the time of Moses. The Good Lord ushered him into that long line of preachers and then his parents gave him the name, Everlasting Love. No. There was no choice in her daddy's life.

Ollie was just lucky she was born a girl. Of course, she still carried the family name of Love, but her mama shed a little mercy on her and her sisters when it came to giving out the first names. She was just plain old Olivene. Ollie for short. Her sisters were Martha, Gwen, Camille and Ellen. No preacher boys born into that family. At least not yet...

good bye, prologue. may you rest in peace
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Blogger Beware

2010-05-04T16:50:00.005-06:00

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You know those interesting Japanese comments we get on our blogs from time to time?

Well, a while back, Sarah at Slushbusters (I adore those gals) was so great to inform me that they could possibly link to horrible sites displaying inappropriate pictures of children (I don't want to say the p*rn word because I don't want my site to come up in any searches related to that word).

I took it as good advice and deleted them without looking at them (no need to bring that filth into my world).

So, yesterday, another one of those comments landed on my blog. I went to delete it and, when the cursor crossed over it, a window popped up showing the site origin.

Guess what? Sarah was right! It was clearly a terrible, filthy site.

So -- I want to put the word out and encourage all of you to spread the warning.

We are so often intrigued by new and different cultures and I shudder to think how many people have or might click on that comment to research the comment-or.

If you don't want to post on this topic, would you at least leave a comment on any blog thread that you see those links/comments? Let the blogger know of the issue?

And, always use the 'delete forever' option so the comment and link are taken off.

Our world is full of so much goodness, but situations like these just make me sad.

Question: Were you aware of this? Is there anyway to block these comments (you know, like you can filter out your e mail)? AND PLEASE don't use the p*rn word in any comment ... again, trying to keep this blog record clean.
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A Nasty Case of the Shoulds

2010-04-28T13:56:00.006-06:00

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There is a fantastic post over at The Elevnsies today.

It is an interview with author KL Going -- you know, the Printz award winner and author of great novels like, Fat Kid Rules the World and St. Iggy and The Liberation of Gabriel King....

something she said struck me

it was in answer to the question, "What advice would you give aspiring writers?"

she responded:

My best writing advice is something I've learned from life experience. It's one of those truths that I often forget and have to relearn over and over again. But here it is: Life is more important than writing. Living my life, to the fullest, experiencing the world, traveling, tasting, seeing new things, loving my family and friends, learning interesting skills...this is where success lies, not in being published. The beautiful twist is that these are also the very things that will infuse my writing with heart.

Don't you agree?

Life if more important that writing. Living life is what fuels the realism in our work.

So often we get a nasty case of the shoulds

I should have blogged today instead of visiting with my neighbor

I should have written 2,000 words today instead of planting the garden

I should be published

I should be ...blah, blah, blah

No. We should first live life. Experience relationships. See new and interesting things. Consider differences in cultures and belief systems.

It is what fills our creative wells, so to speak. It is what makes us artists.

So - what will you do this week? Me? I'm pushing my fingers into the soil and planting my garden. I'm hoping to laugh with friends and see the exact flow of colors that lead through a spring sunset. I'm hoping to live a little.
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Me? A Cheapskate?

2010-04-21T14:31:00.010-06:00

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I can be cheap about certain things. I don't like spending money on something unless I consider it a worthwhile investment.

In comes the issue of a website.

To be honest, I think they are too static.

I prefer the interaction of a blog setting.

Before you shake that finger at me, I should say that I do understand the need for an author to have a go to place for contact/calendar/basic information ... but I really am not sure that it warrants the cost of hiring someone to do it.

I mean, will having a website bring me $500-$1,500 (the cost to have a nice one set up) in future book sales?

I doubt it.

Do you have any idea of what a new authors royalties are?

not huge. I'd have to sell a heckuva lot of books to break even.

SO -- I found a solution that works for me. I went to intuit.com and signed up for their basic account of $5 a month. They have prefab'd templets (lots of them) to choose from. Other sites, like go daddy also provide similar services.

The whole process took me about two hours.

And....did I mention the $5/month? I did? so, you see my point.

I don't have my own domain name. I'm fine with that. I may purchase that at some point but, if someone Googles me, my blog will come up and I have linked the blog to the website and visa versa so it's all good.

It's not fancy but I think it works for where I am on this path. Maybe when the big bucks come rolling in (laughing here) I'll change it up.

So .. if you're interested in what $5/month gets you click here or look on my left side bar. Browse around, read my lame attempts at humor, see my family.

Question: What is your take on websites?
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My Friendship Room

2010-04-18T17:36:00.009-06:00

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Do you ever have a thought that the universe keeps dropping in your lap?

you know, like, "learn this, learn this learn this NOW"??

I've had that over the last week and wanted to share. It's a good one.

First event: in my current novel, one of the themes is that the family is not in competition with each other (even though the MC starts out thinking they sort of are). The mom says, "There are no sides, Jade. It is just you and me and him all trying to live our lives and get along." I've been thinking about that part recently.

Second event: I read That Amy Saia's blog post featured here. She said it well. At some point, we need to realize that there is room enough for all of our successes and give up the jealousy or small feelings. As she says, we can all have our cake and frosting (frosting...yummmmm....)

Third event: Sitting in church today, the lyrics from the song by Ron Harris, In This Very Room, were featured.

They are (in part)

And, in this very room, there is quite enough love for all of us
And, in this very room, there is quite enough joy for all of us
And there is quite enough hope, and quite enough power
To chase away any gloom....
For Jesus, Lord Jesus, is in this very room.

One, Two, Three....

Yes, Universe! I get it!

There is room. For me, for you, and even for that friend who got the seven figure book deal. It's a good thing. It means the publishing world is still in business. That new authors are getting picked up. I can share in that joy and it does not take one iota of my joy away. In fact, it increases it.

I want to stand in this room...let's call it the room of friendship, of acceptance, of support... and feel the love,joy, hope and power.

And I want to share that with you.
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This Really Helped Me

2010-04-14T21:07:00.008-06:00

Let's consider a practical point today

namely, recording and documenting your research.

Silly Tess (maybe you're saying) I don't have or need any research for my particular story.

Really?

Consider this ... I recently received a request from my editor asking me to address both the teardrop trailer I reference in my novel as well as the home school laws for that particular state at that particular time.

Luckily, I had the teardrop information and I was able to point out that the span of the novel happens over summer break but offered to further research the home school laws if necessary.

Do you know how great it was to pop into my file and pull out all the link information on those teardrop trailers?

I was so very grateful for advice I had been given early on to keep your research!!!

Even if you are just researching when the new Diet Coke was released or what year the Ipod nano hit the shelves (if your character is using one, know what was hot for that year)

Now, I'm not suggesting DOING additional research .. but, we all know that we sometimes pop over and Google an issue we are writing about.

What I'm saying is that we should bookmark that link and put it in a file.

Then - when our novels get snapped up and we are going through the editorial revisions and we get an e mail saying something like, "Did they even have Ipod Nano's in 2006?"

It will take us two seconds to pop into that file and pull out that information.

We look professional and they have what they need to move on. win - win!

One more thought: if you are writing anything historical (which some say is 1980 or earlier, amazingly enough) you should include a basic bibliography if ever you get a full manuscript request. I was given that advice, followed it, and I think it helped me look like I knew what I was doing. Publishers can be leery about historical works because there is an element of liability or worry of being incorrect. Doing our homework and presenting that as part of our package removes that potential roadblock.

Questions: Do you ever Google or research items or issues for your work? Do you keep that information? How do you preserve it? If not, will you consider making this change in your work habits? Or, do you think it unnecessary? It's okay to dissent! Let's talk about it.
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What Do You Think About This?

2010-04-11T19:57:00.007-06:00

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I wasn't planning this post

but, I'm back from a week of hiking in beautiful Zion Canyon

feet up on the table

perusing the newspaper

when I saw the Parade. Who here got their Parade issue 'What People Earn' in Sunday's edition?

This was inspiring and depressing all at the same time. Yeah, I know. I'm weird like that.

Stephanie Meyer: 50 million
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Ellen DeGeneres: 35 million
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Johnny Depp: 25 million
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Jay Leno: 32 million
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James Cameron: 50 million

seriously? Stephanie Meyer made more that Ellen DeGeneres? And Johnny Depp? And Jay Leno? She made as much as James Cameron .... of Avatar fame?!?

Wow. that's all I can say. wow.

what did you say? you want to know how much I made last year?

erm.. enough to buy Stephanie lunch. If we went somewhere simple like Olive Garden or the cute little Thai place down the street. And, if I could use my 'Happenings' two for one coupon.

Do you think she'd go with me? Maybe share some trade secrets?

I'd let her get refills on her drink and maybe offer to split a dessert....
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Trying Something New

2010-04-05T12:05:00.008-06:00

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I finished my WIP!

and, the timing is perfect because we are headed out for spring break this week and I am expecting a round of edits upon my return (or sometime around then) on With A Name Like Love (fall 2011).

You know, my Love novel was written from the heart. I had heard the advice, "Write what you want to read" and really feel that novel was written from a place inside my soul where few people have bothered to look.

This new novel was written for fun. It is a middle grade adventure story with a secret society, a brother and sister duo, a spider loving antagonist and a tv addicted mother. It is a romp and a ride (or at least, I hope it is)

I thought I would be less attached to it, but no way!

I'm surprised how we can continue to try and enjoy different things as artists/writers/even just as people.

so - it is in the hands of trusted (and hopefully brutally honest!) readers.

I am off on a hiking spree with my family for the week.

and I'm wondering....

have you ever been surprised in this way? trying something completely new and different and finding that it can still represent you as a person?
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Gratitude, A Report and A Giggle

2010-03-31T21:35:00.006-06:00

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Gratitude: a sincere thanks to all who helped encourage me yesterday. I felt so buoyed up by your words and positive direction.

A Report: I'm a chicken by nature, but was given courage by your good advice to address this matter, so I mustered some strength and had that gentle discussion with my friend last night. It was uncomfortable and a little painful, but I couched my words in love and, in the end, it turned out better than expected. Thank you all for the good advice. We can stand up for our work/selves and still be kind. It was a good lesson for me.

A giggle: Man, I need to lighten things up around here! So, this is a cartoon my daughter drew and the caption is an old writers joke. It's good for a giggle :D

Caption: We're still pretty far apart. I'm at six figures and they're refusing to read the manuscript.

Happy Thursday, all!

Advice, please?

2010-03-30T16:46:00.009-06:00

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Have you ever

had a friend

openly copy something you feel is part of your personal expression/work/art?

How did you handle that?

I'm not trying to be negative here, but positive advice would be appreciated.
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