Whirpool-of-Suggestions Question

As a novice writer, I could benefit from plenty of advice in the area of creative writing and novel planning in general. I'd like to tap my resource of friends (YOU) and ask:

Are there any seminars, conferences, classes or utilities that you believe I could benefit from, other than books about said topic?

What has helped you as a writer/author?

Keeping it Light

Just wanted to drop a light-hearted post here for everyone while I force myself to stop blogging until I return to work on 12-28-09. I may still stop by for comments, because comments are so addictive to me, but anyway enjoy the video and happy holidays to everyone out there. Keep writing and be safe!

A Forgotten Poem

I wrote this a while back when I was going through some pain over a lost relationship. I read it today and thought I'd share it. I know writing and poetry are two different worlds, but in my life they are both outlets for me. So, here ya go:

Shed the Pain

Graven images of ill-born memory,
blockade against my mind.

Forlorn thoughts of recent events,
break thru, trying to remind.

As people pass and days grow cold,
The feelings get in the way.

My heart it aches and hardens now,
My soul it darkens day by day.

Favored tales so full of hope,
They shed their false birthed life.

Forever reminding people like me,
reminding me of stress and strife.

One day I will walk away,
One day I'll be true.

And on that day, I'll not look back,
I'll shed my thoughts of you.

A Few Things

First of all, I wanted to say Merry Christmas from me (since I celebrate Christmas) and Happy Holidays to you (Since I have no idea what/if you celebrate).

Second of all, I received an award from Diana Paz, called "From Me to You." Thank you VERY much! I love comments and I'm honored to receive any awards or shout outs people send my way. According to the award stipulations, I'm supposed to share 7 facts about myself. So, here they are.


1. I am a type 1 diabetic. I was diagnosed at 8 years old and have been struggling with it my whole adult life.

2. I was born and raised LDS or Mormon, for 18 years, then left the church before I was supposed to go on a mission and eventually dedicated my life to Christ as a non-denominational Christian about 1 year later. You could call me a Born-Again Christian if you want to lable me lol.

3. I spent 3 weeks by myself on a personal vacation to Tokyo, Japan. I have loved Japan and everything about it since I was a young boy. I followed that passion and made my dream come true by saving money and going there.

4. I think baby animals are so much more adorable than baby humans.

5. When I was 15 years old, I went fishing and picked up some kind of poison from the water and ended up in the hospital for a month and a half. I was on death's door. Imagine me, 6ft tall and I weight 90lbs. Not fun!

6. I'm addicted to Dr. Pepper...(I know, I know. Bad diabetic)

7. I've been going to school at Glendale Community College off and on since I was 16 years old. Still don't have my degree since I've spaced out my classes so much.


Also, in order for an award to be considered special, I believe it should be given out lightly. I see some awards with suggestions on them to be passed to 15 other bloggers etc... In my opinion, it takes away from the award-aspect, if everyone gets it. SO, I'm awarding it to only 1 blogger. My award goes to one of my newest blogger friends, Stephanie Damore, that I had the pleasure of getting to know better yesterday through her chat party.

Official Kissing Day Blogfest

Ok, so as I perused my fellow bloggers' pages, I noticed that today is apparently Official Kissing Day Blogfest. All in all, I believe it points us, as writers, toward a topic of blogging which should involve something or all to do with kissing. So, here's my little blurb. I threw it together just so I could say I played along. Hopefully it doesn't disappoint, but honestly I'm not too sure about my romance writing skill.... Be gentle.

Here's a quote from a scene which I'll intentionally put into my prequel to Trueborn.

“Come closer,” ordered Brenna with her silky voice. Her words frolicked with authority and kindness alike.

Vallen stepped forward keeping his eyes to the ground. His senses screamed with intensity as he breathed in her scent. The aroma of costly perfumes wafted off her pale skin and found refuge in Vallen. His heart beat faster with each word she spoke.

“It is not permitted for me to be here my lady,” he countered.

Suddenly, Brenna’s soft fingertips guided Vallen’s chin upward. The two held each others’ gaze. Vallen tried to look away, but just couldn't bring his eyes to obedience.

“Please,” she began, “tell me more of yourself, but do not speak to me as you should; speak to me as you are free.”

“If I would be free to speak, then let me say what is in my heart?” Vallen waited for her to agree.

“Please do.”

Without hesitation Vallen stood from bended knee and pulled Brenna’s body toward his own. Their lips touched in an effortless attraction toward one another. With one hand, Vallen held the small of her back while his other hand embraced her upper neck. Their hearts sped as the world around them disappeared amidst the symphony of their passion.

-------------------------------Ok, I found the rules here---------------------------------

Here is what to do if you want to participate in the Official Kissing Day Blogfest:

1. Write a post telling about the Official Kissing Day Blogfest. This way more writer/bloggers will get the word and be able to participate on Monday, Dec. 21st.

2. Tweet about it, using the hash tag: #kissingdayblogfest (I don't know if this will help get the word out, but I thought it might be fun to try.)

3. On Monday, December 21st, post on your blog an excerpt from your current WIP, or write a new scene that spotlights a kiss or an "almost kiss".

4. If you are not a writer, or are uncomfortable sharing your work online, post your favorite kissing scene or almost-kissing scene from any book or movie.

**Please note that you do NOT have to do #1 or #2 to participate. I was trying to think of a way to get more writers to join in on the fun, but it is NOT mandatory! Just post your kissing scene on Monday for our reading pleasure!

The official Kissing Day Blogfest is hosted over at Making A Dream Become Reality. If you want to participate, hop on over and add the link to her page so we can all enjoy which kissing scene is your favorite!

Shocker

So my beautiful bride-to-be tells me that she's not a bookstore person.............................. 'breathe' I have to tell myself...............ok, all better.

My response: "I thought you liked books?"

Her reply: "My dad could totally get lost in a bookstore and be happy as a clam, but me, I could care less."

Talk about "Opposites Attract."

So, what about you guys out there? Do your significant others share the same passion for books that you do?

Remembering Elementary School

I had a memory come back to me that I hadn't recalled for years. I was thinking of a new novel idea and I was reminded of something that I did as a young guy in about 5th grade. My teacher, Mrs. really-hard-to-pronounce-German-name, gave us a spelling word assignment. She told us that we had to use about 10 different spelling words from our list and write a short story which included all of those words.

I don't remember what the words were, but I do remember how much of a wise ass I was and so I decided to use all my brain power to cheat through the assignment without getting in trouble. So, I ended up writing a story about a young man who was in class one day and given an assignment by his teacher much like my own. He was to include the following words. Then I put my spelling list words down. The story ended by stating that the young man didn't quite now how to use them, so he just didn't do the assignment.

When I turned it in, my teacher read it aloud and realized what I had done and smiled. She told me that I was supposed to use them in a story and I explained that I had. My story did in fact include every word she gave me and so I should get a passing grade. She thought it was funny and gave me a passing A, but then the next time she gave a similar assignment, you bet your sweet biscuits that she gave a disclaimer: No writing stories like the one that voidwalker did. (insert my real name for voidwalker).

Any of you have any funny writing stories from your childhood years that bring a smile to your face?

Are You Up For the Challenge?

I'd like to propose a challenge to my fellow writers. We all have words that we've come across which roll off the tongue about as well as a mudslide rolls off a mountain. Ugly words. Words which, if it were up to us would be removed from the language.

So, here's the challenge. Peruse your dictionary, find such a word and see if you can work it into your novel or work in progress'. The challenge though is not to just use the word, but to use it in such a way as to make it sound so good that the reader would desire to use that word in their own writing (if they write).

I'm interested to know what words you all would like to try to use and maybe if you work it in, you'd be willing to share how it was woven into your masterpieces! :)

Happy Writing.

P.S. Thanks everyone for the warm wishes on getting better. I'm still a little under the weather, but I see little rays of light in the near future.

Sick

Sorry for the missing posts. I've just gotten hit with a little bug of some kind. Possibly a flu or something. I will try to be back for posts by Thursday.

Bad Day

I don't think the phrase "Bad Day" is enough to express my frustration.

More to come when I pull myself down from Anger Mountain.