Confessions of a Young Adult Author

Visionary thinking-Biosphere 2

November 20, 2009 – 11:01 am

Biosphere 2 is an engineering marvel created to better understand how natural environments create habitable conditions for human sustainability. It is located twenty minutes north of Tucson, Arizona.

Picture the largest greenhouse you can imagine.  It consists of 6,500 windows and 7,200.000 cubic feet of sealed glass. It is sealed from the earth below by a 500 ton welded stainless steel liner. I was in awe.

Two missions were created in the nineties. Small teams were locked inside the large structure to study the five natural biosystems and agricultural areas. This confined environment led to a number of complex situations.

In other words – the human drama rose to the surface. Members of the teams split into groups. Anger and distrust bubbled up. I suspect the situation was like an early version of the TV show ‘Survivor’. After all the millions of dollars poured into the experiment, the main issue ended up being ‘the people’.

People and their visions, people and their feelings, people and their ability to create or destroy relationships.

That’s why I’m drawn to writing fiction. I can take aspects of lives around me, books that I’ve read, movies I’ve seen and my day-to-day thoughts and stir them all together in one big stew.  It’s all part of the complex web of creating new characters.

Why do you like to write fiction?

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Visiting Sedona, Arizona

November 11, 2009 – 2:26 pm

Ah yes! The land of red rock, wineries, native art, spectacular hotels, and of course, your choice of readings, tarot card, palm, psychic and crystal. As well you have the opportunity to receive a photo of your Aura, dip into your Past Life and communicate with your Animal Totems.

Fascinating Stuff.

Just outside of town, numerous vortexes can be found. According to seers, these dimensional portals are centered at particular power spots around the earth. The cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow, Aiea State Park on the island of Oahu, and Machu Picchu in Peru are other locations where special energies are located.

As I’m passing through, I’m not sure I’ll have the opportunity to explore these power spots but I remember the extraordinary sensations I experienced when I entered Machu Picchu. A sense of awe, a sense of peace and an absolute sense of astonishment! How did the people at that time create such  magnificent structures?

What have you experienced lately in nature that has taken your breath away?

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Some days are Perfect

October 28, 2009 – 12:15 pm

Last weekend my Saturday unfolded in a very pleasing and harmonious way. A friend and I attended an Intuitive Arts Festival in Victoria, B.C.

The entire day was research for a new YA book. The various topics, booths and workshops ranged from Energy Healing, Chakra Clearing, Meditation, Reike, Laughter Yoga, Feldenkrais, Aromatherapy, Tarot and Magic and Ritual.

If the moment is right, and if the practioner has the time, I’m interested in asking  ‘Why did they become interested in their particular speciality?’ Their answers are revealing. Usually, an incident took place and they felt driven to search for information in a particular area.

Afterwards we had a great lunch and then finished the day by perusing the shelves of Munroe’s, a very fine book store.

As I drove home, I was filled with happiness. What a perfect day!

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Emerald City Writers’ Conference

October 13, 2009 – 10:40 am

I was pleased to take part in the Emerald City Writers’ Conference hosted by The Greater Seattle Romance Writers of America in Bellevue, Washington (Oct 9-11).

This year’s conference was extra special because it was their 20th anniversary and the various committees worked hard to ensure that 250 writers as well as agents and editors had a worthwhile experience. Congratulations to all those volunteered.

At the beginning of my trip I was wondering if lady-luck was traveling with me. About 4 years ago, on my first trip to Emerald City, I chose to go by float-plane. However, it was too foggy, the plane was delayed and I arrived five and a half hours late on the first day.

This time, the 7:00 a.m. ferry had a fire. I couldn’t believe it. I had switched to the ferry because I thought it would be more reliable. And certainly, most times they are on schedule and predictable.

 Thankfully, no one was hurt in the fire and we drove onto the 8:00 a.m. ferry which slid into the time slot. As we drove on, I knew we were escaping a chaotic travel weekend -a three day holiday, The Royal Victoria Marathon, Thanksgiving, etc Wow! 

A big thrill for me was meeting three YA authors – Heather Davis, Serena Robar and Donna Mishra and attending their workshop. They shared great tips and were very encouraging.

The highlight of the weekend was my Second Place Finish in the Emerald City Contest with my YA entry Almost Perfect. All YA entries were submitted in the Novel with Strong Romantic Elements Category. Entering in this category was nerve-wracking and I’m very pleased with the results.

Next year’s dates are Oct 1-3. If you’ve never had a chance to attend before, I don’t think you will be disappointed.

Thanks also to Sharron, Lee, Susan, Jackie and Bonnie for your support!

The weekend was filled with writing strategies. My head is crammed with new approaches and ideas.

Canadian author Claire Cross/Clare Delacroix, (she has written over forty romance novels) shared the following tip: I’m responsible for my own luck, by taking the initiative.

So, over the next few months I will embrace that tid-bit. I will be an active protagonist in my own career.

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Everybody has a story

October 8, 2009 – 10:50 am

I was pleased to represent my local chapter (Vancouver Island Chapter of the RWA) at the recent BC Women’s show on October 3rd at the George Pearkes Arena. Our participation this year was organized by Lee McKenzie -Harlequin American Author. Thanks Lee for all of your hard work.

This event was well attended, organized by women for women. The various booths promoted local businesses  with a buffet of choices ranging from scarves, clothing, chocolate, wine, massage, and make-up.

Our booth enabled women to stop by and rave about their favourite authors and sometimes reveal their secret desire to write. Moms were with daughters, daughters with friends, teens with teens and sometimes a family grouping. There was very positive energy in the room and alot of smiling faces.

This was a major outing for some elderly ladies and they were enjoying the warm, safe, upbeat environment as well as the opportunity for free gifts.

My day concluded with a tarot reading by Andrea. She was presenting a three card spread – ten minutes for ten dollars and she attracted a large crowd with a waiting list.  Very worthwhile.

For those volunteers who took part – how did the day unfold for you?

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On the other side of the fence

September 29, 2009 – 11:40 am

Over the past month I’ve been a part of two on-line critique groups. The purpose is to help writers polish their manuscripts before entering writing contests. This is a time-consuming activity but very enlightening.

What an eye-opener! As I study the submissions and follow the framework for judging, all of the essentials for good writing soar to the top of the list.

Point of view, goal, motivation, conflict and voice to name just a few. Especially voice. The reader can overlook many things but if the voice is engaging then I’m pulled along through the manuscript. And I want more. And I’m intrigued as to ‘how’ did they achieve that voice.

The topic of ‘voice’ piqued my curiosity and I headed to my bookshelf to see what I had on my reference shelf.  I found ‘Voice & Style’ by Johnny Payne (1995) -a Writer’s Digest Book. Payne contends that ‘voice’ is the key element in fiction. And he has lots to say. Looks like I’ve discovered my evening reading.

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Filling the Well

September 23, 2009 – 11:57 am

I’m researching a new book and allowing myself free rein to dip into the brilliant minds of other authors.

This week I finished ‘Evermore’ by Alyson Noel, the first book in her YA series - ‘The Immortals’. I’m also embracing Harlan Coben’s ‘Promise Me’, and an old classic ‘On Writing Well’ by William Zinsser.

When I’m actively writing I have to stay ‘in my zone’ and most of the time don’t have the luxury of reading other books. But I’m surging ahead into becoming an active reader for the next month.

What do you do when you need to energize and refresh your brain?

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I’m a Finalist!

September 8, 2009 – 11:05 am

Wow! I entered the Emerald City Opener Contest hosted by the Greater Seattle Chapter of the RWA in June/09 with my YA manuscript ALMOST PERFECT.

And then the summer unfolded and I was occupied with reading and researching for my next book.

On the day when the contest organizers said they would phone finalists, I walked around with my cell phone in my pocket. No call.

The next evening after watching a movie at the local university and then visiting a friend, I went on-line and checked my email around midnight.

Oh yes! ALMOST PERFECT is a final round entry in the Novel with Strong Romantic Elements category of the Emerald City Opener Contest.

I’m thrilled. As a bonus – I’m signed up to attend the conference with some writing colleagues. Total fun!

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Hitting ‘Send’

September 1, 2009 – 10:35 am

Oh yes! This past weekend, I finished my final edits on my second YA manuscript ‘Almost Perfect’ and sent it out into the world. It’s been a long journey. On Sunday morning, I hesitated and wondered if I had done ‘all that I could do’. Probably not. I’m sure I could continue to polish, hone and refine and perhaps my novel would be whittled down until it was a poem. And years would pass.

Those were my musings.  I thought about areas that still needed work, and fussed with them. I thought about my heroine Steph and fussed with her. And finally, I realized – the time had come. It was the moment to let this novel sail away.

Then of course, I was left with the strangest feeling. This manuscript was a part of my head. A part of my life. I felt uneasy, nervous and disconnected. 

I went to a party that evening. ”I finished a novel,” I said to a guest. 

 ”How lovely,” she replied. “What was it called?”

  “Almost Perfect.” 

 ”I’ve never heard of it.”

 ”It’s not published yet.”

“Oh! I thought you meant you finished ‘reading a book’. That’s amazing. Well, congratulations!” she said.

We lifted our wine glasses. “I’ve always wanted to write a book,” she said,”but I never  had the time.”

It was my turn to smile. I’m proud of myself. I made the time.

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Goal Setting

August 18, 2009 – 8:35 am

My friend Margaret set a goal and achieved it. Let me back-track. In Feb, 2008 at the height of her career as an elementary school principal, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Instead of staff meetings, surgery soared to the top of her day-planner.

Her journey unfolded with the tedious and debilitating months of chemotherapy followed by radiation. During this period of time, her family and friends joined her in her battle. Wave after wave of friends carried her along in their love, consoling her during her low moments and cheering her on during her periods of recovery.

When she was well enough, she proceeded to check items off her ‘To Do’ list. She bought a red convertible, learned to race a dragon boat, traveled and rejoiced with friends. She put ‘herself’ on her list. But she wanted to do more. She had her eyes on a bigger challenge.

On Saturday, August 15,  Margaret (Team MM) and her mini-team of daughter Danielle, son Ryan and step-daughter Alanna walked 35 K (22 miles) in The Weekend to End Breast Cancer in Vancouver, B.C. When I talked to her after the race, she was nursing blisters on her feet but enjoying her accomplishment. She had achieved her goal!

Margaret raised $4,845.00 for the cause. But that is not the most important thing. She chose her goal, researched, practised and most of all believed in herself. Congratulations Margaret! This is your Hallelujah moment! Cherish the memories.

What about you? Have you conquered a goal lately?

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