THE ARTFUL CRITIQUE PARTNER
I will assume that there are two people in this partnership, though more may apply. One is the Author (A) and one is the crit partner (C).
When A sends a chapter to C, the document should have already been run through a spell/grammar check. (F-7 in Word). Word is imperfect. It will not catch all spelling and grammar mistakes, and sometimes it's just dead wrong. However, it is the first line of defense against unprofessional work. Use it.
Do not turn on Track Changes until I tell you to. Many publishers dislike the use of Track Changes, and this layered system of critiquing will cause Track Changes to go wild. Turn it off when I tell you to, as well. You'll be doing this a lot.
A full list of words to look for is available in a separate document upon request.
(This is what a macro does for you)
I will recommend the use of Edit/Replace with highlighting a lot. Here's how to use it:
1. Choose a Highlight Color. On my toolbar, the Highlight command looks like a pen with a colored line beneath it. When I click on the arrow beside that button, I get a choice of colors. Choose one.
2. To begin checking your ms, hit Cntrl-H. This puts you in the Edit/Replace window. Type in the word you wish to find.
Let's use the word "that" for an example. In the Find What box, type: that
3. In the Replace with box, type the same. Now it gets tricky. Using your mouse, highlight the "that" in the second box. Click on the More button. Click on the Format button. Click on the Highlight button. Check to make sure the lower box (Replace with) now has the word "highlight" beneath it. This is important.
4. Now, click Replace All. If you've done this correctly, all instances of the word "that" will now be highlighted.
5. Repeat with all words you wish to check for.
6. To remove a highlight that is not needed, click on the Highlight key arrow for the dropdown menu and choose "None." Now go to the incident you don't need highlight and use your mouse to erase.
Step One: Check for Content
The first thing any C should do is read through the chapter to get an overall "feel" for the work. I encourage the use of smiley faces, smart comments, and "kill that SOB!" comments. Let A know your gut reactions. Change your font color to red and let her know how you feel.
For true effectiveness, read the chapter aloud. This forces you, the reader, to slow down and read every word. Look for places where you stutter because of awkward phrasing, have to take a breath because the sentence is too long, and spelling errors the spell check did not catch. Note them in red font.
Step Two: Mechanics- keep your font red, and comment in the text.
1. Hooks- Look at the first paragraph. Were you immediately caught up in the action/emotions of the POV character? Look at the last paragraph. Were you intrigued and left wanting to go to the next chapter?
2. Senses- did A use the five senses (sight, hearing, smell, touch, taste) in a well-balanced manner to create a vivid picture?
3. Passive/Active- check for conjugation of "be" combined with a helping verb. (Examples: was willing, be herded.) You may use the Edit/Replace command to easily find the words: is, am, was, were, be. Then use the same Edit/Replace to find all words ending with -ing and -ed. I use yellow highlight for this. Anywhere you see yellow with yellow, you have a possible use of passive voice. Turn your font red, and type in (Passive?) when you are sure you've spotted an incident of passive voice. You are welcome to suggest an alternative phrasing, also in red font.
4. Adverbs- While adverbs can sometimes be the only answer, they are often over-used. Again, use Edit/Replace, changing the highlight to pale pink. Look for all instances of -ly. (Quietly, softly, exceptionally, entirely are some examples.) Look for the over-use of adverbs. Use the red font to suggest alternatives, especially in cases where A is "telling" instead of "showing."
5. "Wussy phrases"- Turn the highlight to light blue. Look for phrases like sometimes, sort of, kind of, almost, something. (Example: "She felt something when he kissed her. " Something? What? What did she feel? Shivers? Revulsion? Uncontrollable lust? Nausea?) Ask for clarification.
6. It and That- This is tricky. Use Edit/Replace and highlight in pink. (Example: "She felt that." What? A breeze? A cold hand?) Use red font when you see a need for more clarification or description and ask.
7. Lazy dialogue tags- Use the light green highlight and find all instances of commonly over-used and unemotional dialogue tags. (Examples: said, murmured, asked, answered.) Use red font to suggest a more emotive word like shouted, hissed, chortled, or demanded. Better still, suggest the tag be removed and a more emotive way used.
Wrong:
"Are you sure?" she asked.
Better:
"Are you sure?" she gasped.
Best:
She sucked in her breath, her eyes wide. "Are you sure?"
8. Now erase all highlighting. Control-A, highlight "none".
Step Three: POV
Go through the chapter again. Start with the first paragraph. Whose POV is it? Hero? Heroine? Other? If it is the hero, manually highlight in any color you choose. Continue through the scene until the POV changes. When you feel you are no longer in the original POV, change the highlight color code.
Example:
The pounding on the door forced her out of her bed. Since it was worse than the drumbeat in her skull, she vowed to murder whoever was beating on the wood like a jackhammer. She eased the door open an inch.
He lounged in the doorway, looking obscenely sexy for this hour of the morning. "You look like hell."
Cassie rubbed her aching head. "Thanks a lot. I vow never to drink tequila again."
She looked like temptation to him. He wanted to carry her back to bed and just hold her, but that wasn't the way to her heart. "I bring a peace offering." He hefted a styrofoam cup from her favorite coffee shop. POV change! Head-hopping alert.
"Leave me alone and let me die in peace." She slammed the door in his face and crawled back to bed.
Step Four: Conflict/Motivation
1. Is it clear why the characters are acting the way they are? Does this follow the previously established goals or is this a side trip into Never-Never Land? Does A give good, clear reasons for their behavior? Are they believable? Example: Hey! Why is she suddenly ready to jump his bones when she's a virgin?
2. Are the characters displaying flaws and virtues, or at least clear character traits? Are they interacting realistically? Example: Why is he acting like a certified jackass?
Step Five: Overall Comment
Give an overall comment at the bottom. Say something nice, if you must say something bad. Example: Loved the interaction between this supernatural being and the human. Made them both seem so realistic. Good job!
You'll note I did not use Track Changes. You may substitute every time I said, "change the font to red" and turn on and off Track Changes throughout, but turn it off every time you use the Edit/Replace/Highlight command. I did it the simplistic way this time. This is confusing enough.
As a final note, I suggest you discuss with your editor her personal "pet peeves" in the editing process. Some editors have a special dislike such as using conjunctions at the beginning of sentences, or passive voice. Find out what your editor's peeves are. Many editors will work with you to correct your personal bad habits. "Okay, in this book you had a problem with X. I want you to be more diligent about that habit in your next book."
Lena
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Sex Position of the Month-- Jockey
You can see it in action Here.
A variation of Rear Entry, the Jockey position is both hot and intimate. The receiver has their legs almost closed, with their partner's legs on the outside. This positions the penis or strap-on at an angle for better stimulation of the G-Spot or prostate gland.
The receiver's buttocks should be pushed up in the air, like a small hump. If entry is difficult, try placing a pillow under the receiver's pelvis. Also, while the giver is mounted on the receiver, the receiver can masturbate.
This position is great for anal intercourse as well.
A variation of Rear Entry, the Jockey position is both hot and intimate. The receiver has their legs almost closed, with their partner's legs on the outside. This positions the penis or strap-on at an angle for better stimulation of the G-Spot or prostate gland.
The receiver's buttocks should be pushed up in the air, like a small hump. If entry is difficult, try placing a pillow under the receiver's pelvis. Also, while the giver is mounted on the receiver, the receiver can masturbate.
This position is great for anal intercourse as well.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Joke: AARP
AARP
Answers from an AARP Forum
Q: Where can men over the age of 60 find younger, sexy women who are interested in them?
A: Try a bookstore under fiction.
Q: What can a man do while his wife is going through menopause?
A: Keep busy. If you're handy with tools, you can finish the basement. When you are done you will have a place to live.
Q: Someone has told me that menopause is mentioned in the Bible. Is that true? Where can it be found?
A: Yes. Matthew 14:92: 'And Mary rode Joseph's ass all the way to Egypt .'
Q: How can you increase the heart rate of your 60+ year old husband?
A: Tell him you're pregnant.
Q: How can you avoid that terrible curse of the elderly wrinkles?
A: Take off your glasses.
Q: Seriously! What can I do for these crow's feet and all those wrinkles on my face?
A: Go braless. It will usually pull them out.
Q: Why should 60+ year old people use valet parking?
A: Valets don't forget where they park your car.
Q: Is it common for 60+ year olds to have problems with short term memory storage?
A: Storing memory is not a problem, retrieving it is a problem.
Q: As people age, do they sleep more soundly?
A: Yes, but usually in the afternoon.
Q: Where should 60+ year olds look for eye glasses?
A: On their foreheads.
Q: What is the most common remark made by 60+ year olds when they enter antique stores?
A: 'Gosh, I remember these
Answers from an AARP Forum
Q: Where can men over the age of 60 find younger, sexy women who are interested in them?
A: Try a bookstore under fiction.
Q: What can a man do while his wife is going through menopause?
A: Keep busy. If you're handy with tools, you can finish the basement. When you are done you will have a place to live.
Q: Someone has told me that menopause is mentioned in the Bible. Is that true? Where can it be found?
A: Yes. Matthew 14:92: 'And Mary rode Joseph's ass all the way to Egypt .'
Q: How can you increase the heart rate of your 60+ year old husband?
A: Tell him you're pregnant.
Q: How can you avoid that terrible curse of the elderly wrinkles?
A: Take off your glasses.
Q: Seriously! What can I do for these crow's feet and all those wrinkles on my face?
A: Go braless. It will usually pull them out.
Q: Why should 60+ year old people use valet parking?
A: Valets don't forget where they park your car.
Q: Is it common for 60+ year olds to have problems with short term memory storage?
A: Storing memory is not a problem, retrieving it is a problem.
Q: As people age, do they sleep more soundly?
A: Yes, but usually in the afternoon.
Q: Where should 60+ year olds look for eye glasses?
A: On their foreheads.
Q: What is the most common remark made by 60+ year olds when they enter antique stores?
A: 'Gosh, I remember these
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Why I Drive an Older Car-- Get Rich Slowly
This article came from Get Rich Slowly. I cannot urge folks enough to subscribe to this site.
http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog
Why I Drive a 13-Year-Old Car
Wednesday, 21st January 2009 (by J.D.) — 35 comments
This article is about Cars, Choices, Frugality
If you're new here, you may want to learn what this site is about. I encourage you to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!
This is a guest post from Joel Berry.
I recently had a talk with a friend about why I haven’t purchased a new car. He can’t understand why I still drive a 1995 Geo Prizm. I can afford to buy a new car, but I choose not to. The fact is, driving an older car saves me money!
To prove my point, I ran some numbers. I was surprised by how much money I’ve saved by driving this car for so long.
Used vs. newI bought my Geo Prizm in 1995 with 5,000 miles on it. It now has 140,000 miles on it and still runs fine. I paid off the car in 1999. It is now 2008. I haven’t had a car payment in nine years.
How much has this saved? Our payments for this car were $250 a month. Over nine years, I’ve gone 108 months without making a payment. At $250 a month, that’s a savings of $27,000.
Over the lifetime of the car, I’ve spent less than $2000 in repairs. Subtracting this from my savings still leaves me with $25,000 extra over buying a new car right after the Prizm was paid off.
Using past history as a guide, I can assume that my car will need more repair as time goes on. The most recent repair cost me $1,000. Let’s assume the worst and say I would spend $1,000 a year for every year that I keep the car from this point forward. Now, let’s compare that to the cost of buying a new car.
Assume that I could buy a newer car for about the same $250 payments I had on my Prizm. (I think that number is a little low, but let’s just assume.) That means my annual cost for a new car would be $3000. If we figure that I’ll spend $1000 a year repairing the Prizm, it still saves me $2000 a year over buying a new car. If I were able to keep the car for four more years, that would add $8000 to the $25,000 I’ve already saved.
I will have basically saved $33,000 by driving my old car for a total of 17 years.
Other savingsBut wait! That’s not all! I’ve also saved money in several other ways not accounted for in the numbers above. Some examples:
Cheaper insurance
No down payment
I’ve freed up money so that I didn’t have to take on as much debt for other expenses
I’ve also kept the Prizm long enough that the items I did have to replace early on for the car are now covered by a lifetime warranty. Any time my starter, alternator, struts, or brake pads wear out, I can get replacement parts for free from Autozone. I can fix the car for just the cost of labor, or fix them myself.
There are some drawbacks to having an older car. I once had to have the car towed, and then was without a vehicle for five days while it was being repaired. I also spent a few weekends doing work on the car myself in order to keep costs down. The car is starting to rust. And, of course, it no longer has that new car smell.
I didn’t include the cost of oil changes or tires in the numbers for repairs. I figured this was normal wear-and-tear that would have occurred no matter which car I drove.
My goal is to drive the Geo Prizm for another four years. I am going to put away $300 a month. (I’m putting away $300 instead of $250 because the price of cars has gone up since 1995.) I’m putting this money in an ING Direct account to use for car repairs and a down payment on another used car. If this works out, I should have $10,400 set aside for a down payment on my next car, and will have spent an additional $4000 in maintenance for my current car.
I realize this might not work for everybody. And who knows? My next car might not be as good as the Prizm has been. But numbers like these are why I have opted not to buy a new car yet. I have better things to do with my money than to keep up with the Joneses.
J.D.’s note: I think this is awesome. Though I complain incessantly about how much I want a new Mini Cooper, the fact is I’m following Joel’s plan, too. I’ll drive my Ford Focus into the ground. This story reminds me of Dave Ramsey’s Drive Free, Retire Rich. Photo by Jami Dwyer.
Lena's Note: I too drive an older vehicle. My little early 90's Suzuki Sidekick still runs like a champ and costs me very little in maintenance. I paid $265 a month when I bought it used and paid off the loan by 2002. I've saved over $19K by not replacing my little Sidekick. Should I have been putting that payment money in the bank instead of using it for other bills? Yes. Did I? No. Am I kicking myself? Yes. Can't be helped, now. So, being that I can't expect my car to last forever, it might behoove me to start sticking some money aside for the next downpayment. Somehow, I doubt I'll get such a deal again.
Lena
http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog
Why I Drive a 13-Year-Old Car
Wednesday, 21st January 2009 (by J.D.) — 35 comments
This article is about Cars, Choices, Frugality
If you're new here, you may want to learn what this site is about. I encourage you to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!
This is a guest post from Joel Berry.
I recently had a talk with a friend about why I haven’t purchased a new car. He can’t understand why I still drive a 1995 Geo Prizm. I can afford to buy a new car, but I choose not to. The fact is, driving an older car saves me money!
To prove my point, I ran some numbers. I was surprised by how much money I’ve saved by driving this car for so long.
Used vs. newI bought my Geo Prizm in 1995 with 5,000 miles on it. It now has 140,000 miles on it and still runs fine. I paid off the car in 1999. It is now 2008. I haven’t had a car payment in nine years.
How much has this saved? Our payments for this car were $250 a month. Over nine years, I’ve gone 108 months without making a payment. At $250 a month, that’s a savings of $27,000.
Over the lifetime of the car, I’ve spent less than $2000 in repairs. Subtracting this from my savings still leaves me with $25,000 extra over buying a new car right after the Prizm was paid off.
Using past history as a guide, I can assume that my car will need more repair as time goes on. The most recent repair cost me $1,000. Let’s assume the worst and say I would spend $1,000 a year for every year that I keep the car from this point forward. Now, let’s compare that to the cost of buying a new car.
Assume that I could buy a newer car for about the same $250 payments I had on my Prizm. (I think that number is a little low, but let’s just assume.) That means my annual cost for a new car would be $3000. If we figure that I’ll spend $1000 a year repairing the Prizm, it still saves me $2000 a year over buying a new car. If I were able to keep the car for four more years, that would add $8000 to the $25,000 I’ve already saved.
I will have basically saved $33,000 by driving my old car for a total of 17 years.
Other savingsBut wait! That’s not all! I’ve also saved money in several other ways not accounted for in the numbers above. Some examples:
Cheaper insurance
No down payment
I’ve freed up money so that I didn’t have to take on as much debt for other expenses
I’ve also kept the Prizm long enough that the items I did have to replace early on for the car are now covered by a lifetime warranty. Any time my starter, alternator, struts, or brake pads wear out, I can get replacement parts for free from Autozone. I can fix the car for just the cost of labor, or fix them myself.
There are some drawbacks to having an older car. I once had to have the car towed, and then was without a vehicle for five days while it was being repaired. I also spent a few weekends doing work on the car myself in order to keep costs down. The car is starting to rust. And, of course, it no longer has that new car smell.
I didn’t include the cost of oil changes or tires in the numbers for repairs. I figured this was normal wear-and-tear that would have occurred no matter which car I drove.
My goal is to drive the Geo Prizm for another four years. I am going to put away $300 a month. (I’m putting away $300 instead of $250 because the price of cars has gone up since 1995.) I’m putting this money in an ING Direct account to use for car repairs and a down payment on another used car. If this works out, I should have $10,400 set aside for a down payment on my next car, and will have spent an additional $4000 in maintenance for my current car.
I realize this might not work for everybody. And who knows? My next car might not be as good as the Prizm has been. But numbers like these are why I have opted not to buy a new car yet. I have better things to do with my money than to keep up with the Joneses.
J.D.’s note: I think this is awesome. Though I complain incessantly about how much I want a new Mini Cooper, the fact is I’m following Joel’s plan, too. I’ll drive my Ford Focus into the ground. This story reminds me of Dave Ramsey’s Drive Free, Retire Rich. Photo by Jami Dwyer.
Lena's Note: I too drive an older vehicle. My little early 90's Suzuki Sidekick still runs like a champ and costs me very little in maintenance. I paid $265 a month when I bought it used and paid off the loan by 2002. I've saved over $19K by not replacing my little Sidekick. Should I have been putting that payment money in the bank instead of using it for other bills? Yes. Did I? No. Am I kicking myself? Yes. Can't be helped, now. So, being that I can't expect my car to last forever, it might behoove me to start sticking some money aside for the next downpayment. Somehow, I doubt I'll get such a deal again.
Lena
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
WIP Report-- Ruffled Feathers is Stalled
Occasionally, even an anal-retentive plotter like me gets stalled. It's my fault. I was seduced into writing the first chapter without having the plot fully mapped out like I normally do. These characters are so fun, they lure you into --dare I say it?-- writing by the seat of your pants. (sob) Yes, I've been seduced by the pantsers!! Oh, how the mighty have fallen.
But no more, I say! Today, I will shut down my MSWord, pull out my plot grid, and do what I should have done in the beginning. I will plot this puppy out and get some semblance of order. Can't have too much order, IMHO, even when --in theory-- writing with my ADHD eldest, Tuesday Richards, who is a pantser/plotter hybrid who couldn't keep her mind on one subject long enough to plot if her life depended on it right now. (Her DH is home this week, so she's getting all the testosterone injections she can stand, if you get my drift.)
More, because my fingers are itching to do it, I think I'll return to Coyote Non Grata and see if I can wrap that Hot Flash up and ship it off to my poor, infinitely patient editor before she flys out here to wring my neck.
Well, that's the plan for this week anyway. (whimper) I need to brainstorm. I need more coffee. I need...CYNNARA!!! (Hope she's awake...)
But no more, I say! Today, I will shut down my MSWord, pull out my plot grid, and do what I should have done in the beginning. I will plot this puppy out and get some semblance of order. Can't have too much order, IMHO, even when --in theory-- writing with my ADHD eldest, Tuesday Richards, who is a pantser/plotter hybrid who couldn't keep her mind on one subject long enough to plot if her life depended on it right now. (Her DH is home this week, so she's getting all the testosterone injections she can stand, if you get my drift.)
More, because my fingers are itching to do it, I think I'll return to Coyote Non Grata and see if I can wrap that Hot Flash up and ship it off to my poor, infinitely patient editor before she flys out here to wring my neck.
Well, that's the plan for this week anyway. (whimper) I need to brainstorm. I need more coffee. I need...CYNNARA!!! (Hope she's awake...)
Monday, January 19, 2009
Sex Toy of the Month-- Between the Sheets
Baby, it's COLD outside! This is the time of year to snuggle up with the partner(s) of your choice and do the "green" thing by sharing body warmth and turning down the thermostat.
That is, until you end up sleeping in the wet spot. BRR! Those little spots of leftover body fluids can sure ruin the mood.
Unless you have Between the Sheets. This little gem should be in every woman's Magic Box Under the Bed. Heck, I keep mine proudly on a shelf above my bureau, ready for action. I wish it came in a travel size, but I'll make do.
This is more than a pleasantly-scented talcum spray to get rid of that icy little wet spot. Sure, a blast of Between the Sheets, a short wait, and you can brush away the remains. That's a superb primary use. But there's a lot more to this product than a mere after-sex clean-up spray.
Between the Sheets is loaded with pheremones, making it an excellent seduction scent. You want this to be the greatest night of his life and bring him to animalistic madness? Start by spraying your home and bed lightly with this spray. Yes, seduce him with scent and pheremones. You can even spray it on your body just before you leave for that romantic dinner and dancing. The talc will keep you cool and dry through all your exertions on the dance floor while the pheremones drive him wild with desire.
Now that's an all around workhorse product that makes my seductions a snap.
No, I don't work for Slumber Parties. I just like their products and their guarantees. You'll see me mention them often. I like shopping there.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
New Year Finances-- Assess the Situation Honestly
From Oprah:
http://www.oprah.com/slideshow/health/wellnessandprevention/pkgnewyear/slideshow1_ss_money_debt/2
Assess your money situation
To get rid of debt and get yourself on the road to repayment, Jean Chatzky, David Bach and Glinda Bridgforth all agree that it is crucial to know how much debt you're carrying and at what interest rates.
Pull out all your bills and write a list to determine how much debt you really have. Once you know your total debt, you can start paying it down!
It's very important to know your credit score. Once you start paying down your debt, your credit score will rise. A higher credit score means lower interest rates.You can get one free report each year from each of the three credit bureaus—so three total. The smart thing to do is to get one every four months, that way you can make sure (for free) that you haven't been a victim of ID theft.
To get a free report, go to the website set up by the Federal Trade Commission, http://www.annualcreditreport.com.
If you can't get a free report, buy one from one of the three credit-reporting agencies:
Equifax: 888-766-0008 or http://www.equifax.com
Experian: 888-397-3742 or http://www.experian.com
TransUnion: 800-680-7289 or http://www.transunion.com.
From Lena:
Knowledge is power! Unless you sit down and HONESTLY list every expense, you're only hurting yourself. Your credit report will give you an unflinchingly honest report of your credit. You need to know this to plan how you'll get out of debt. It's easier to use the "guess" of how much you owe, I know. No one wants to know how deeply they owe The Man. Look, and let your heart chill if it needs to. Use that impetus to propell you toward betterment of yourself and your situation. If you don't do it, who will?
Or are you seriously thinking you'll win the lottery?
Lena
http://www.oprah.com/slideshow/health/wellnessandprevention/pkgnewyear/slideshow1_ss_money_debt/2
Assess your money situation
To get rid of debt and get yourself on the road to repayment, Jean Chatzky, David Bach and Glinda Bridgforth all agree that it is crucial to know how much debt you're carrying and at what interest rates.
Pull out all your bills and write a list to determine how much debt you really have. Once you know your total debt, you can start paying it down!
It's very important to know your credit score. Once you start paying down your debt, your credit score will rise. A higher credit score means lower interest rates.You can get one free report each year from each of the three credit bureaus—so three total. The smart thing to do is to get one every four months, that way you can make sure (for free) that you haven't been a victim of ID theft.
To get a free report, go to the website set up by the Federal Trade Commission, http://www.annualcreditreport.com.
If you can't get a free report, buy one from one of the three credit-reporting agencies:
Equifax: 888-766-0008 or http://www.equifax.com
Experian: 888-397-3742 or http://www.experian.com
TransUnion: 800-680-7289 or http://www.transunion.com.
From Lena:
Knowledge is power! Unless you sit down and HONESTLY list every expense, you're only hurting yourself. Your credit report will give you an unflinchingly honest report of your credit. You need to know this to plan how you'll get out of debt. It's easier to use the "guess" of how much you owe, I know. No one wants to know how deeply they owe The Man. Look, and let your heart chill if it needs to. Use that impetus to propell you toward betterment of yourself and your situation. If you don't do it, who will?
Or are you seriously thinking you'll win the lottery?
Lena
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Ruffled Feathers Begins
As I write this, Monday the 12th of January winds down to a blustery and cold finish. I've cooked and cleaned a bit, but most important to me, I wrote today.
It's been a long dry spell. For months now, nothing would come. I've a pile of titles and half-written plots, but no stories. Even a Hot Flash for Changeling Press sits languishing with no spark of life.
But today, I was determined to at least write something, even if it was only 500 words. Something. Anything! Four pages appeared before I knew it on the newest book in the Night Critters series I share with my daughter Tuesday Richards. Enrique, the brother of the hero of Faux Paws, will soon have his own story.
In a few minutes, I'll leave my little home office for some brain vacation time in front of the television. I'm satisfied. I have written.
Lena
It's been a long dry spell. For months now, nothing would come. I've a pile of titles and half-written plots, but no stories. Even a Hot Flash for Changeling Press sits languishing with no spark of life.
But today, I was determined to at least write something, even if it was only 500 words. Something. Anything! Four pages appeared before I knew it on the newest book in the Night Critters series I share with my daughter Tuesday Richards. Enrique, the brother of the hero of Faux Paws, will soon have his own story.
In a few minutes, I'll leave my little home office for some brain vacation time in front of the television. I'm satisfied. I have written.
Lena
Monday, January 12, 2009
Sexy New Year's Resolutions
A Very Happy New Year to You!
New Year's resolutions don't all have to be about giving up the things you enjoy. Instead, opt for a more positive approach and resolve to boost your love life over the coming months with the following resolutions:
1. I will kiss my partner every day. Couples who kiss regularly are more likely to stay together than those who have sex lots but don't kiss, according to research.
2. I won't compare my sex life to other people's. One of the easiest ways to feel bad about your relationship is by constantly worrying about what everyone else is up to. If you're happy and your partner's happy, forget everyone else and enjoy yourselves (they may not be levelling with you, anyway!).
3. I will try a new sex position at least once per month. Most couples only stick to three positions, then wonder why they get into a rut. I use and recommend this set of flash cards for inspiration: http://www.slumberparties.com/productdetail.cfm?ProductIDCode=1159
The more adventurous may wish for a more definitive guide: http://www.slumberparties.com/productdetail.cfm?ProductIDCode=53&CategoryID=7
4. I won't pressure my partner for sex when they're not in the mood. Everyone has different libidos and it's rare that you'll be in the mood when your partner is every single time. That's one of the joys of masturbation! And if it's affection you're after then cuddle up instead. If you have sex when you both want it, you'll have a much more enjoyable experience.
Ladies, when he's in the mood but you're not, may I recommend this little gem:
http://www.slumberparties.com/productdetail.cfm?ProductIDCode=193&CategoryID=1
However, I do caution you to use lube with it.
5. I will keep myself open to new ideas. It's easy to refuse automatically to do anything you haven't tried before but that knee-jerk reaction won't help your relationship. Unless you really hate the idea of trying a particular act, what's the harm in giving it a go for your partner's sake? You can always stop if you don't like it.
6. I won't just go through the motions.Sex has so many variations that you don't need to stick to the same foreplay routine every time, but it can be easy to just do what you know works. Mix it up with new outfits, fantasies and techniques to help keep your relationship on the boil.
Costumes and role-play can be so much fun! Start here: http://www.slumberparties.com/products.cfm?CategoryID=9 and don't forget to check out the panties down at the bottom.
7. I will take time to relax. Stress is one of the biggest libido-killers so making time for massage, yoga or simply a few breathing exercises will help you feel frisky.
8. I will tell my partner what I want. If you know someone well enough to have sex with them, you know them well enough to talk about it so don't be afraid to - gently - tell them what works for you and what leaves you cold. If you don't ask, how are they supposed to know?
9. I will compliment my partner at least five times so they feel loved. Psychologists say it takes five compliments to negate one criticism, no matter how kindly meant or said. So, to keep your partner's confidence riding high, say it like you mean it five times a day.
New Year's resolutions don't all have to be about giving up the things you enjoy. Instead, opt for a more positive approach and resolve to boost your love life over the coming months with the following resolutions:
1. I will kiss my partner every day. Couples who kiss regularly are more likely to stay together than those who have sex lots but don't kiss, according to research.
2. I won't compare my sex life to other people's. One of the easiest ways to feel bad about your relationship is by constantly worrying about what everyone else is up to. If you're happy and your partner's happy, forget everyone else and enjoy yourselves (they may not be levelling with you, anyway!).
3. I will try a new sex position at least once per month. Most couples only stick to three positions, then wonder why they get into a rut. I use and recommend this set of flash cards for inspiration: http://www.slumberparties.com/productdetail.cfm?ProductIDCode=1159
The more adventurous may wish for a more definitive guide: http://www.slumberparties.com/productdetail.cfm?ProductIDCode=53&CategoryID=7
4. I won't pressure my partner for sex when they're not in the mood. Everyone has different libidos and it's rare that you'll be in the mood when your partner is every single time. That's one of the joys of masturbation! And if it's affection you're after then cuddle up instead. If you have sex when you both want it, you'll have a much more enjoyable experience.
Ladies, when he's in the mood but you're not, may I recommend this little gem:
http://www.slumberparties.com/productdetail.cfm?ProductIDCode=193&CategoryID=1
However, I do caution you to use lube with it.
5. I will keep myself open to new ideas. It's easy to refuse automatically to do anything you haven't tried before but that knee-jerk reaction won't help your relationship. Unless you really hate the idea of trying a particular act, what's the harm in giving it a go for your partner's sake? You can always stop if you don't like it.
6. I won't just go through the motions.Sex has so many variations that you don't need to stick to the same foreplay routine every time, but it can be easy to just do what you know works. Mix it up with new outfits, fantasies and techniques to help keep your relationship on the boil.
Costumes and role-play can be so much fun! Start here: http://www.slumberparties.com/products.cfm?CategoryID=9 and don't forget to check out the panties down at the bottom.
7. I will take time to relax. Stress is one of the biggest libido-killers so making time for massage, yoga or simply a few breathing exercises will help you feel frisky.
8. I will tell my partner what I want. If you know someone well enough to have sex with them, you know them well enough to talk about it so don't be afraid to - gently - tell them what works for you and what leaves you cold. If you don't ask, how are they supposed to know?
9. I will compliment my partner at least five times so they feel loved. Psychologists say it takes five compliments to negate one criticism, no matter how kindly meant or said. So, to keep your partner's confidence riding high, say it like you mean it five times a day.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Finalized Cover Art for Blue Rose
Turns out that draft in the previous post is so close, I can't tell if she did any post work at all. Consider it a done deal! I'm happy! How about you?
Lena
Lena
Friday, January 9, 2009
Release Coming! Blue Rose from Aspen Mountain Press
Note: The picture above is a draft. The artist has promised an official art set later.
This work's release may be delayed due to computer difficulties, however the publisher is working diligently on the problem and we may yet release on time. Stay tuned.
Title: Blue Rose
Author: Lena Austin
Author Website: http://www.lenaaustin.com/
Publisher: Aspen Mountain Press
Publisher Website: http://www.aspenmountainpress.com/
Coming January 16, 2009
Blurb:
The only one not lying is the demon…
Ever read Dante's Inferno? The old boy must have a new nickname-- Pinwheel-- for all the turning over in his grave he's doing. This time the tourists in Hell are a poisoned warrior princess and her two suitor princes, both of whom have secrets of their own. Their guide is not a gentle philosopher-poet, but a sassy demon with his own reasons for being their escort through all nine levels. They have to find the blue rose in the deepest part of Hell and make it into an antidote potion before the next full moon or the princess dies. Things have changed a little --okay, a lot-- since old Dante made his visit. Hell is timeless, existing in all times simultaneously. Along the way they'll meet the Furies, a little thief named Dodger, a few gods and goddesses, and step over Satan's chewing gum. They're getting quite an education. This is no morality tale.
Excerpt:
Zara watched from beneath her slit eyelids as Kennit rose from the table, rubbed his eyes, and knelt before her fireplace. Oh, would he? She hoped he’d build up the fire. With his slim back to her, she couldn’t see what he did until the fire roared to life. Three “chunks” echoed as he fed the hungry beast with large logs. Slowly, the temperature of the room climbed to an almost comfortable range, even though the sturdy bricks of her fireplace glowed with heat.
Kennit rose with a satisfied smile, and took off his velvet jacket and vest, leaving him clad only in a thin lawn shirt and his tailored velvet pants. He looked as sleek as the dark lions that ranged the mountains, predatory and deadly. His long lean body silhouetted against the bright firelight, and his glasses were not visible. Suddenly, he was even more attractive to her than that first meeting on the cliff. Now she knew his mind and his humor, and found more and more to like about this mysterious prince.
Her blood fired, as it had not in many a moon, adding to her odd fever where her brow was hot but her hands and feet frozen. Zara wanted to leap from the bed, tear the clothes from his body, and bear him down to the floor until her lust was satiated. Someone had been kind enough to remove her dress, leaving her clad in only a chemise, which would make the job easy.
Kennit’s eyes lingered on her body, where the chemise did nothing to hide her hardened nipples. “I take it you’re awake?”
There was no sense in denying the truth. Zara sat up from the pile of pillows. Swallowing her insane lust, she attempted normal conversation. “Yes, and I have been since you found the poison used upon me. I have one moon cycle?”
Disappointment shuttered his eyes for a brief flicker, and Zara realized he’d recognized her lust for what it was. He had been hopeful, yet he remained politely respectful of her choices in such matters. Kennit brought her the tome, and put it upon her lap.
Zara squinted to read the blurry writing. “Where Azi chews is where the antidote lies, but the Lord of Lies demands his price. With the turning of the moon from blood to bone, the victim joins the damned unknown.” She looked up at Kennit’s serious face. “I don’t understand.”
“I do. Azi is the snake that embodies falsehood. This refers to Satan, who is also the Lord of Lies. I don’t know what Azi chews upon, but I think we’ll find out. The turning of the moon from blood to bone is easy. Turning from dark to light, or from dark to full.” He sighed and reached for a goblet. “You have until the next full moon before you join the damned in Hell.” He held out the goblet. “Fire whiskey? I thought you might need it.”
Zara snatched the goblet and slugged down the brew usually known only to the roughest mercenaries in her father’s army. She coughed and wheezed when the whiskey reached back up her throat to remind her head it was an intoxicant, but welcomed the spin it provided. Perhaps it would restart her heart. She handed back the empty vessel. “So when do we leave?”
“We?” Kennit raised one elegantly winged eyebrow. “I think not, Zara. You’re fevered and you shiver when the room is not hot enough to bake bread on the table. You’re in no condition to journey to Hell.”
Her hand took a fistful of his shirt and twisted until his face was inches from hers. “Then Hell would be warm enough, would it not?” Zara jerked again, bringing his lips to hers. She demanded, and he gave grudgingly, each of them fighting a different war.
He fought to maintain propriety, and even perhaps his dignity. Were it not for the lust in his kiss, and the way his tongue sought her mouth eagerly, Zara might have thought him to be the innocent virgin she should have been. One groan, and he lost the battle he didn’t want to win.
Pushed back on the pillows, Zara squeaked in surprise and let go of his shirt. His mouth crushed hers, and her left hand tangled in his right as if he would hold her down. Hah! As if she would fight him to prevent what she so desperately wanted her cunt ached and clenched.
Kennit gentled his kiss, but did not release her hand. Finally, he relinquished her lips but not her hand. “You’re insane with fever, Zara. We should not.”
Zara wanted with all her heart to reach up, fist her right hand in his hair, and force him to her desire, but here was a man who was honorable and actually considered the consequences. She had to admire that strength of will. Most men would tumble her without a thought. “I’m tired of being at someone’s will and whim, Kennit. Decisions were made in my name and without my consent, including someone attempting to end my life. No more, I say. Tonight and henceforth, I fight my own battles for my life and future. I choose you to celebrate my freedom. Won’t you join me?”
His eyes darkened with thought, and turned inward. The silence lengthened. Zara could hear the frogs croaking in the moat while he pondered what she’d said. Finally, he nodded. “How could I refuse such a gracious invitation to aid in a worthy cause? I will celebrate with you tonight. Tomorrow, we shall consider how we’ll journey into Hell.”
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Get Rich Slowly-- Commitment or Cost, Your Choice
I've posted about the Get Rich Slowly blog before, but this idea is too priceless not to share. You can read about it here: http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/01/08/commitment-contracts-and-stickkcom/
I'm a firm believer in goal-setting, but I realize that sometimes you need an incentive to give you that extra push of motivation. How about a wager where you lose money if you don't make your goals? OUCH, right?
You set the goal and the wager. It's a bet with yourself. You say who you pay, whether it's a charity or person. Me, I'd make the check going to my worst enemy or something I despise, like the Moral Majority. Yeah, really make it hurt.
There's no requirement to wager money, ever. However, if you're going to set a goal and mean it, shouldn't you punish yourself for failing?
Oh, and BTW, in case you didn't guess, I'm out of the hospital and recovering from surgery.
Lena
I'm a firm believer in goal-setting, but I realize that sometimes you need an incentive to give you that extra push of motivation. How about a wager where you lose money if you don't make your goals? OUCH, right?
You set the goal and the wager. It's a bet with yourself. You say who you pay, whether it's a charity or person. Me, I'd make the check going to my worst enemy or something I despise, like the Moral Majority. Yeah, really make it hurt.
There's no requirement to wager money, ever. However, if you're going to set a goal and mean it, shouldn't you punish yourself for failing?
Oh, and BTW, in case you didn't guess, I'm out of the hospital and recovering from surgery.
Lena
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)