A few years ago I wrote a small post on my admiration for the blues and their creative turns of phrases. But the storytelling that goes on in those songs always astounds me. The vivid descriptions with few words is something I hope to come close to some day in my own writing.
Here's Shemekia Copeland, an outstanding blues singer whom I've admired for years, performing Never Going Back to Memphis.
The full version of this song on her album is a little over seven minutes and well worth it.
My favorite lines-
There wasn't a thing that man couldn't sell ya.
Cops walked in
Dog pullin' on a chain
Lookin' for a woman ran in from the rain
They sat out front eating fried chicken
While I sat shivering in a shed out behind the kitchen.
And that final verse gives me goosebumps
The river is risin'
Sky's gettin' darker
My mind keeps playin'
some old Junior Parker
Three days waitin'
All alone by the tracks
Lyin' to myself that man's coming back
He said he'd come around unless he was dead
guess he took another woman or a bullet in the head
I'm never goin' back to Memphis.
I love to listen to the lyrics of a song. The Man usually disregards most of the lyrics and focuses in on the melody. What do you primarily tune in to when listening to music? Are there any songs right now that you're really into? I'd love to expand my repertoire. So lay them on me in the comments.
Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Quick Update
Hey guys! I know I don't talk a lot about writing on here, so some of you may have forgotten that I actually do write things other than ridiculous Muumuu quests.
So I entered a Twitter contest called #Pitchwars sponsored by @brendadrake. She's amazing, guys. Totally follow her on Twitter. She's amazingly supportive of the writing community and so, so generous.
Anywho, gushing aside, I was chosen to have a mentor to work on my pool hustler manuscript last night. When I found out, I was all like...
via GIPHY
My mentor's name is Natasha Raulerson, and she's awesome, y'all. You can find her on Twitter here @RaulersonWrites.
So I just wanted to share with you all, because you're such a fantastic writing community. Soon there will be more craziness around here on the blog, and tomorrow I'm revealing S. K. Anthony's cover for her upcoming release! So back to your regularly scheduled lives, Citizens!
So I entered a Twitter contest called #Pitchwars sponsored by @brendadrake. She's amazing, guys. Totally follow her on Twitter. She's amazingly supportive of the writing community and so, so generous.
Anywho, gushing aside, I was chosen to have a mentor to work on my pool hustler manuscript last night. When I found out, I was all like...
via GIPHY
My mentor's name is Natasha Raulerson, and she's awesome, y'all. You can find her on Twitter here @RaulersonWrites.
So I just wanted to share with you all, because you're such a fantastic writing community. Soon there will be more craziness around here on the blog, and tomorrow I'm revealing S. K. Anthony's cover for her upcoming release! So back to your regularly scheduled lives, Citizens!
Monday, August 3, 2015
A Vacation Re-Run
The Quinns are on vacation. So feel for me. I'm camping. At the beach. To some this sounds great. To me? Not so much. Anywho...I'm embarrassed to tell you how long ago this re-run is from. So just sit back and enjoy my country music song writer envy.
Country music song writers are great storytellers. As you may have read a few posts back, redneck seems to be rubbing off on me because I recently started listening to country music. But I have to say that I've gained a great deal of respect for them this year.
In the past I thought of country music as some kind of twisted joke. I was convinced the old saying was true. What do you get when you play a country song backwards? You get your car back, your wife back, your heart back, your old hound dog back, your house back, etc. I never for a second thought that I'd be appreciative of their skill in setting scenes and evoking emotion with only a few lines. Lines that rhyme to boot! As a writer this fascinates me. These authors create an evocative story that can be told in three minutes. For instance, here's one of my recent favorites penned and sung by Dierks Bentley--What Was I Thinking. Check out this beginning.
Becky was a beauty from south Alabama.
Her Daddy had a heart like a nine pound hammer.
I think he even did a little time in the slammer.
What was I thinkin'?
Those are the first four lines of his hit What Was I Thinkin'? The second line is awesome! Such description! Definite use of hook in my opinion.
Tim McGraw and The Warren Brothers wrote this next one. It's a fictionalized letter prepared by a soldier in case he dies in the line of duty. It's called If You're Reading This, and I can't listen to it because it makes me cry every time, but that doesn't mean I don't love it. Here's a section out of the middle.
If you’re reading this
Half way around the world
I won’t be there to see the birth of our little girl
I hope she looks like you
I hope she fights like me
Stands up for the innocent and the weak
I’m laying down my gun
I’m hanging up my boots
Tell dad I don’t regret that I followed in his shoes
So lay me down
In that open field out on the edge of town
And know my soul
Is where my momma always prayed that it would go
And if you’re reading this
I’m already home
The emotion evoked is stellar. Something I feel that I don't go far enough with in my writing. I can't seem to open up enough, or be courageous enough, to pour my emotions into my writing, which inevitably, I believe, will hold it back.
Here's some great setting and character description from Redneck Yacht Club by Craig Morgan.
Bass-trackers, Bayliners and a party barge,
Strung together like a floating trailer park,
Anchored out and gettin' loud all summer long.
Side by side, there's five houseboat front porches,
Astroturf, lawn chairs and tiki torches.
Regular Joes rocking the boat, that's us:
The Redneck Yacht Club.
Bermuda's, flip-flops and a tank-top tan:
He popped his first top at ten a.m.: that's Bob,
He's our president.
I love the description of their president. Nineteen words, and he's captured. I can completely visualize him.
And as a romance writer, I have to put some sweet stuff in too. Here's the last verse of Little Moments by Brad Paisley.
When she's layin' on my shoulder on the sofa in the dark
And about the time she falls asleep so does my right arm
And I want so bad to move it 'cause it's tinglin' and it's numb
But she looks so much like an angel that I don't wanna wake her up
Yeah I live for little moments
When she steals my heart again and doesn't even know it
Yeah I live for little moments like that
So there's a few examples, all done with an economy of well-chosen words, perfectly strung together. Man, that's something as a writer I definitely am trying to aspire to.
No one who knew me in the past would ever believe that I'd become a country fan. It's got to be that redneck really is contagious. I refuse to believe anything else.
Country music song writers are great storytellers. As you may have read a few posts back, redneck seems to be rubbing off on me because I recently started listening to country music. But I have to say that I've gained a great deal of respect for them this year.
In the past I thought of country music as some kind of twisted joke. I was convinced the old saying was true. What do you get when you play a country song backwards? You get your car back, your wife back, your heart back, your old hound dog back, your house back, etc. I never for a second thought that I'd be appreciative of their skill in setting scenes and evoking emotion with only a few lines. Lines that rhyme to boot! As a writer this fascinates me. These authors create an evocative story that can be told in three minutes. For instance, here's one of my recent favorites penned and sung by Dierks Bentley--What Was I Thinking. Check out this beginning.
Becky was a beauty from south Alabama.
Her Daddy had a heart like a nine pound hammer.
I think he even did a little time in the slammer.
What was I thinkin'?
Those are the first four lines of his hit What Was I Thinkin'? The second line is awesome! Such description! Definite use of hook in my opinion.
Tim McGraw and The Warren Brothers wrote this next one. It's a fictionalized letter prepared by a soldier in case he dies in the line of duty. It's called If You're Reading This, and I can't listen to it because it makes me cry every time, but that doesn't mean I don't love it. Here's a section out of the middle.
If you’re reading this
Half way around the world
I won’t be there to see the birth of our little girl
I hope she looks like you
I hope she fights like me
Stands up for the innocent and the weak
I’m laying down my gun
I’m hanging up my boots
Tell dad I don’t regret that I followed in his shoes
So lay me down
In that open field out on the edge of town
And know my soul
Is where my momma always prayed that it would go
And if you’re reading this
I’m already home
The emotion evoked is stellar. Something I feel that I don't go far enough with in my writing. I can't seem to open up enough, or be courageous enough, to pour my emotions into my writing, which inevitably, I believe, will hold it back.
Here's some great setting and character description from Redneck Yacht Club by Craig Morgan.
Bass-trackers, Bayliners and a party barge,
Strung together like a floating trailer park,
Anchored out and gettin' loud all summer long.
Side by side, there's five houseboat front porches,
Astroturf, lawn chairs and tiki torches.
Regular Joes rocking the boat, that's us:
The Redneck Yacht Club.
Bermuda's, flip-flops and a tank-top tan:
He popped his first top at ten a.m.: that's Bob,
He's our president.
I love the description of their president. Nineteen words, and he's captured. I can completely visualize him.
And as a romance writer, I have to put some sweet stuff in too. Here's the last verse of Little Moments by Brad Paisley.
When she's layin' on my shoulder on the sofa in the dark
And about the time she falls asleep so does my right arm
And I want so bad to move it 'cause it's tinglin' and it's numb
But she looks so much like an angel that I don't wanna wake her up
Yeah I live for little moments
When she steals my heart again and doesn't even know it
Yeah I live for little moments like that
So there's a few examples, all done with an economy of well-chosen words, perfectly strung together. Man, that's something as a writer I definitely am trying to aspire to.
No one who knew me in the past would ever believe that I'd become a country fan. It's got to be that redneck really is contagious. I refuse to believe anything else.
Friday, May 15, 2015
Good-Bye B.B. King
As I sit in paradise, also know as writers' retreat, some sadness filtered in. I heard that B.B. King, the original Beale Street Blues Boy, has passed away at the age of 89. He was one of the last original blues men of the era. And a serious class act. He was a gentleman, a generous artist and an amazing musician.
I've seen him perform four times and each show was outstanding. He was polite, funny, generous and so, so talented. He will be missed by many. Back in 2011 I wrote a post about him, and I'd like to share it here.
B.B King Is A National Treasure
Chez Quinn started the year off right. Not only did The Man and I get to go on a date, but he took me to see B. B. King. It was an outstanding show.
We've seen B. B. King on two other occasions. The first time was a few days before 9/11 in Hershey, PA where he performed with Buddy Guy (who is AWESOME too) and John Hiatt. The second time was three and a half years ago when I was eight months pregnant. So technically, the youngest urchin has been to a B. B. King concert too. The sound table was obstructing our view of that one. But things turned out fantastic because we were moved to the third row where I could see every fret on Lucille.
The Man and I really wanted to see him again, since we knew he's getting up there in age. He announced at the concert that he is now 85 years old. And let me tell you, the man can still rock. The singing and guitar playing were brilliant. Plus he talks to the crowd quite a bit and is funny as hell.
His band has been with him for years. The "new guy" has only been with him for twenty years, so you know these are top notch musicians. They put on a great show too.
After his performance, Mr. King threw guitar picks to the crowd, posed for pictures from the stage and signed anything handed to him. For thirty minutes. The man is a class act. He's been an ambassador for the United states and has toured over ninety countries.
On the way home, talking about the show, I informed The Man that B. B. King was a national treasure. In Japan, people can become living national treasures when they are "keepers of intangible cultural properties." And I believe with all my heart that B. B. King is one of The United States' living national treasures.
So The Man and I started playing one of our favorite games. "Who/What Would Be On Your List?" And I figured I'd play this game with you. Who would be on your list of Living National Treasures of the United States of America?
I'd truly love to know!
I've seen him perform four times and each show was outstanding. He was polite, funny, generous and so, so talented. He will be missed by many. Back in 2011 I wrote a post about him, and I'd like to share it here.
B.B King Is A National Treasure
Chez Quinn started the year off right. Not only did The Man and I get to go on a date, but he took me to see B. B. King. It was an outstanding show.
We've seen B. B. King on two other occasions. The first time was a few days before 9/11 in Hershey, PA where he performed with Buddy Guy (who is AWESOME too) and John Hiatt. The second time was three and a half years ago when I was eight months pregnant. So technically, the youngest urchin has been to a B. B. King concert too. The sound table was obstructing our view of that one. But things turned out fantastic because we were moved to the third row where I could see every fret on Lucille.
The Man and I really wanted to see him again, since we knew he's getting up there in age. He announced at the concert that he is now 85 years old. And let me tell you, the man can still rock. The singing and guitar playing were brilliant. Plus he talks to the crowd quite a bit and is funny as hell.
His band has been with him for years. The "new guy" has only been with him for twenty years, so you know these are top notch musicians. They put on a great show too.
After his performance, Mr. King threw guitar picks to the crowd, posed for pictures from the stage and signed anything handed to him. For thirty minutes. The man is a class act. He's been an ambassador for the United states and has toured over ninety countries.
On the way home, talking about the show, I informed The Man that B. B. King was a national treasure. In Japan, people can become living national treasures when they are "keepers of intangible cultural properties." And I believe with all my heart that B. B. King is one of The United States' living national treasures.
So The Man and I started playing one of our favorite games. "Who/What Would Be On Your List?" And I figured I'd play this game with you. Who would be on your list of Living National Treasures of the United States of America?
I'd truly love to know!
Sunday, April 5, 2015
Happy Easter, Peep Style!
I hope all who celebrate have a peaceful and happy Easter.
Enjoy some Peep fun!
Enjoy some Peep fun!
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
A Kick In The Ass I Need
I posted this video on the blog over six years ago, and it's just the kick in the ass I need.
Please know that I'm
Hoping all is well with you, Citizens.
Please know that I'm
Hoping all is well with you, Citizens.
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Happy New Year, Citizens!
Happy New Year, everyone! Sorry I haven't been around on the interwebs as much as usual. The culmination of a year's worth of meetings presided over by those iron-fisted, yet extremely rambly blue haired old ladies is finally coming to fruition tonight. Yes, the ginormous breeches are dropping.
I've been running around getting ready for the kids crafts I'll be running for the night and picking up last minute items for the committee. Because the big drop is tonight!
The Urchins are predictably and massively whipped up. I'm trying to channel all that excitement into thank you cards. Somehow there doesn't seem to be a good translation from UBER EXCITING FUN WAAAAAY PAST OUR NORMAL BEDTIME!!! to sit and with grateful heart, thank your Great Great Aunt Emily for the check she sent you. Go figure.
Anywho, I tweeted earlier this week while I was slaving away at Staples prepping one of the crafts for tonight, and I thought I'd share.
Pictured above are one-word resolutions and wishes for the new year. The writer in me really liked the idea of choosing one word to describe goals and wishes for the entire year. It cuts down the extraneous distractions that get me every time (ooh! Is that a chicken over there?) to a laser sharp idea.
It's not a replacement for definable goals, but more like a mantra or billboard reminder of what it is you truly want to accomplish.
So as we leave 2014 behind, what are some words you'd like to focus on in 2015?
Have a safe and wonderful New Year's Eve!! I'll be back in 2015 with the NYE drop recap and the 2014 year in review. Until then, Citizens!
I've been running around getting ready for the kids crafts I'll be running for the night and picking up last minute items for the committee. Because the big drop is tonight!
The Urchins are predictably and massively whipped up. I'm trying to channel all that excitement into thank you cards. Somehow there doesn't seem to be a good translation from UBER EXCITING FUN WAAAAAY PAST OUR NORMAL BEDTIME!!! to sit and with grateful heart, thank your Great Great Aunt Emily for the check she sent you. Go figure.
Anywho, I tweeted earlier this week while I was slaving away at Staples prepping one of the crafts for tonight, and I thought I'd share.
Write
Read
Create
It's not a replacement for definable goals, but more like a mantra or billboard reminder of what it is you truly want to accomplish.
So as we leave 2014 behind, what are some words you'd like to focus on in 2015?
Have a safe and wonderful New Year's Eve!! I'll be back in 2015 with the NYE drop recap and the 2014 year in review. Until then, Citizens!
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Merry Christmas, Everyone!
I hope you all enjoy your holiday. The Urchins are on the best behavior they can muster, which isn't much. The Man is still in present wrapping mode, and I'm desperately trying to get the cookies and food ready. I need something to get me through. I know just what will help. And it's not 80 proof.
It's ELVIS! (Rule #6 - When in doubt, turn on the Elvis.)
So to make your holiday even merrier, enjoy my favorite Elvis Christmas song.
Have a fantastic, fun-filled and peaceful Christmas.
See you soon for the Tongue In Cheek year in review.
Until next time, Citizens!
It's ELVIS! (Rule #6 - When in doubt, turn on the Elvis.)
So to make your holiday even merrier, enjoy my favorite Elvis Christmas song.
Have a fantastic, fun-filled and peaceful Christmas.
See you soon for the Tongue In Cheek year in review.
Until next time, Citizens!
Monday, May 26, 2014
Happy Memorial Day!
Happy Memorial Day, everyone. This is a day of remembrance for me. I have several veterans in my family. My father is a Vietnam veteran who was drafted during the Tet Offensive. He got two days leave in Hawaii to meet my brother who was born while he was in Vietnam.
My paternal grandfather was a WWII veteran who fought at the Battle of the Bulge.
And My maternal grandfather was a WWI veteran who lied about his age and signed up at the age of 16. He was sent to Siberia on a special mission with other American soldiers to guard the rail roads there.
Now-a-days the family and I send care packages to troops in combat zones through anysoldier.com. (I've written about this organization before.) We just got a beautiful letter from a female soldier. The Urchins and I created a girlie package to send to the female soldiers last month in the platoon we'd gotten an address for, and one of the recipients wrote back to say thanks. I never expect a thank you back since these soldiers are working twelve or more hours a day in a combat zone. They're a little busy with other more important things. Like staying alive. So it was a really nice surprise to get the letter.
Do you know any veterans? How do you spend your Memorial Day? Any interesting organizations you support?
Have a safe and awesome Memorial Day! Back to the craziness this blog is known for later this week!
My paternal grandfather was a WWII veteran who fought at the Battle of the Bulge.
And My maternal grandfather was a WWI veteran who lied about his age and signed up at the age of 16. He was sent to Siberia on a special mission with other American soldiers to guard the rail roads there.
Now-a-days the family and I send care packages to troops in combat zones through anysoldier.com. (I've written about this organization before.) We just got a beautiful letter from a female soldier. The Urchins and I created a girlie package to send to the female soldiers last month in the platoon we'd gotten an address for, and one of the recipients wrote back to say thanks. I never expect a thank you back since these soldiers are working twelve or more hours a day in a combat zone. They're a little busy with other more important things. Like staying alive. So it was a really nice surprise to get the letter.
Do you know any veterans? How do you spend your Memorial Day? Any interesting organizations you support?
Have a safe and awesome Memorial Day! Back to the craziness this blog is known for later this week!
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
AtoZ Happy Harryhausen Halloween or My Happy Place
Hey there, AtoZers! Nice to see some of you brave enough to venture back! For my theme I'm doing reruns because of the insanely busy schedule I have right now. I also have some type of flu bug running through my system at the moment, so I've been feeling guilty that I haven't gotten out to as many blogs as I'd like, but I'm majorly stressed out and sick, so...Sigh. Not enough time in a day.
Anywho, I couldn't decide on which rerun to post today, so it's a two-fer. The first was originally posted in 2012 and declares my sqeeing fangirl love for Ray Harryhausen movies. The second is from 2009--a post created out of self-preservation and gives you a glimpse of my Happy Place. Enjoy!
Harryhausen Halloween
I may have mentioned a time or two that I have a huge geek streak in me. (Right next to the evil one.) I adore the stop-motion work of Ray Harryhausen. Clash of the Titans was an all time favorite of my youth.
So for your Halloween delight, I found a tribute video on You Tube that showcases his fantastical creations. Here is a full list with pictures of all his creations from Harryhausen.com.
And here they are in their full stop motion glory. Enjoy and Happy Halloween!
My Happy Place
As I look around at the unicorns farting fruit scented air freshner, I take a bite of broccoli that tastes like chocolate and has zero calories. The elves and faeries have taken care of all my laundry. The gnomes found a cork to put in my incontinent dog, and the helpful little birdies are doing the cooking from now on.
Ahhhhh. Finally I can really concentrate on my solution to world peace. *Big sigh of contentment and fulfillment*
(DELIRIUM HAS SET IN! SEND HELP QUICK!!!)
Anywho, I couldn't decide on which rerun to post today, so it's a two-fer. The first was originally posted in 2012 and declares my sqeeing fangirl love for Ray Harryhausen movies. The second is from 2009--a post created out of self-preservation and gives you a glimpse of my Happy Place. Enjoy!
Harryhausen Halloween
I may have mentioned a time or two that I have a huge geek streak in me. (Right next to the evil one.) I adore the stop-motion work of Ray Harryhausen. Clash of the Titans was an all time favorite of my youth.
So for your Halloween delight, I found a tribute video on You Tube that showcases his fantastical creations. Here is a full list with pictures of all his creations from Harryhausen.com.
And here they are in their full stop motion glory. Enjoy and Happy Halloween!
My Happy Place
As I look around at the unicorns farting fruit scented air freshner, I take a bite of broccoli that tastes like chocolate and has zero calories. The elves and faeries have taken care of all my laundry. The gnomes found a cork to put in my incontinent dog, and the helpful little birdies are doing the cooking from now on.
Ahhhhh. Finally I can really concentrate on my solution to world peace. *Big sigh of contentment and fulfillment*
(DELIRIUM HAS SET IN! SEND HELP QUICK!!!)
Friday, March 28, 2014
Something Beautiful
to take you into your weekend. (Though the romance writer in me doesn't accept the ending. For me this is just the intro. Then I get to make up how they get together.) Enjoy!
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Rocketship Underwear- Reused.
Hi everybody. I'm running around like a maniac this week and with next week being the holiday I'll be in Mommy-Mode full time, so I may not be around much in the beautiful alternate reality of the internets. So I'm posting another re-run. This one from April of 2010. Time to get your rocketship underwear on!
I love the comic strip Calvin and Hobbes. It was inspired; creative, with a combination of great illustrations and wonderful writing. I remember this one where Calvin is flexing his little arms in front of a mirror wearing just underwear and his "I'm going to take on the world and win" grin. And he says something like, there's nothing like rocket ship underwear to make you feel invincible.
I have my version of rocket ship underwear on today. It's my new Chef Wong's tee shirt. Chef Wong's is a great Chinese restaurant in the area. The family ate there one fall day, and they had these shirts hanging on the wall for sale. The Man's back was to them, but I kept pestering him to look at them. The exchange went a little something like this.
Me - Check out that tee shirt. It's so cool!
Him - I will in a minute.
Me - But it's awesome. You have to check it out.
Him - I will in a minute.
Me - Seriously. It's the coolest ever. You have to look at it.
Him - Can I eat some General Tso's first?
Me - I guess. But you're looking after two bites
So the Man, smart man that he is, got the impression that I fancied the shirt. He got one for me for Christmas. He used it to wrap two dvds. Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon and Hero, so it was a total Kung Fu Christmas theme going on with that part of the gift.
We pause here for Ava's benefit since she can't say Kung Fu without hearing this in her head:
Okay. Now back to our regularly scheduled post.
So I'm wearing the Chef Wong shirt today. It's short sleeved, so I had to wait for nice weather to put it on. And let me tell you I put it on. Along with the whole rocket ship underwear attitude. Not even finding dog crap in my living room- that the offending dog stepped in and subsequently tracked around- could dampen my spirits. Now that is one magic tee shirt.
So I do have a bit of a tee shirt obsession. I'm currently waiting for just the right moment to bust out the Will Farrell "More Cow Bell" shirt for the season.
That's a tricky one. You have to know when the right unveiling time is for the warm weather. You don't want to do it too early and have to cover it with a sweatshirt. You run into dangerous territory if you try to contain that much awesomeness. Nuclear meltdown type stuff.
So, do you have any healthy obsessions? Any talismans that act like rocket ship underwear? Lay it on me!
I love the comic strip Calvin and Hobbes. It was inspired; creative, with a combination of great illustrations and wonderful writing. I remember this one where Calvin is flexing his little arms in front of a mirror wearing just underwear and his "I'm going to take on the world and win" grin. And he says something like, there's nothing like rocket ship underwear to make you feel invincible.
I have my version of rocket ship underwear on today. It's my new Chef Wong's tee shirt. Chef Wong's is a great Chinese restaurant in the area. The family ate there one fall day, and they had these shirts hanging on the wall for sale. The Man's back was to them, but I kept pestering him to look at them. The exchange went a little something like this.
Me - Check out that tee shirt. It's so cool!
Him - I will in a minute.
Me - But it's awesome. You have to check it out.
Him - I will in a minute.
Me - Seriously. It's the coolest ever. You have to look at it.
Him - Can I eat some General Tso's first?
Me - I guess. But you're looking after two bites
So the Man, smart man that he is, got the impression that I fancied the shirt. He got one for me for Christmas. He used it to wrap two dvds. Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon and Hero, so it was a total Kung Fu Christmas theme going on with that part of the gift.
We pause here for Ava's benefit since she can't say Kung Fu without hearing this in her head:
Okay. Now back to our regularly scheduled post.
So I'm wearing the Chef Wong shirt today. It's short sleeved, so I had to wait for nice weather to put it on. And let me tell you I put it on. Along with the whole rocket ship underwear attitude. Not even finding dog crap in my living room- that the offending dog stepped in and subsequently tracked around- could dampen my spirits. Now that is one magic tee shirt.
So I do have a bit of a tee shirt obsession. I'm currently waiting for just the right moment to bust out the Will Farrell "More Cow Bell" shirt for the season.
That's a tricky one. You have to know when the right unveiling time is for the warm weather. You don't want to do it too early and have to cover it with a sweatshirt. You run into dangerous territory if you try to contain that much awesomeness. Nuclear meltdown type stuff.
So, do you have any healthy obsessions? Any talismans that act like rocket ship underwear? Lay it on me!
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Where Have I Been?!?!
I'll tell you. New Jersey.
Where am I going?
Crazy.
Yes, I was at the NJRW's conference over the weekend. It was fantastic. I highly recommend it to all writers. There were workshops on craft, the business, legal aspects, etc. I met some wonderful writers. Refilled the creativity and enthusiasm well. Just . . . awesomeness.
And I pitched A Shot At Forever. Which yielded two partial requests from Sourcebooks and Harlequin.
So that's where I've been. I went and had a blast, then returned home and put the nose to thegrinder monkey grindstone and have been working on my submission packets ever since. (polishing up my query letter, working on my business plan, you know, the usual.)
On a different note, Ashley Nixon, super nice person extraordinaire, bestowed me with the Sunshine award. And I've been meaning to blog about it ever since.
Here are the questions:
Fave color: Today it's yellow.
Fave animal: otters
Fave number: 14
Fave non-alcoholic drink: diet Pepsi with Wild Cherry
Fave alcoholic drink: A mango mojito or a Dogfish Head Festina Peche
Facebook or Twitter: Just joined Twitter ( @AvaQuinnWrites ), but haven't gotten around to joining Facebook.
Passions: Writing & Education
Prefer giving or getting presents? Giving.
Fave city? Can't think of a city, but my favorite town is Bar Harbor, ME
Fave TV Shows: Castle, Big Bang Theory and Longmire.
I'm going to officially award this to another writer blogger I'd love for you to get to know-
Delynn Royer
So there's a little peek inside. What would your answers be? Did you do anything special this past weekend?
Where am I going?
Crazy.
Yes, I was at the NJRW's conference over the weekend. It was fantastic. I highly recommend it to all writers. There were workshops on craft, the business, legal aspects, etc. I met some wonderful writers. Refilled the creativity and enthusiasm well. Just . . . awesomeness.
And I pitched A Shot At Forever. Which yielded two partial requests from Sourcebooks and Harlequin.
So that's where I've been. I went and had a blast, then returned home and put the nose to the
On a different note, Ashley Nixon, super nice person extraordinaire, bestowed me with the Sunshine award. And I've been meaning to blog about it ever since.
Fave color: Today it's yellow.
Fave animal: otters
Fave number: 14
Fave non-alcoholic drink: diet Pepsi with Wild Cherry
Fave alcoholic drink: A mango mojito or a Dogfish Head Festina Peche
Facebook or Twitter: Just joined Twitter ( @AvaQuinnWrites ), but haven't gotten around to joining Facebook.
Passions: Writing & Education
Prefer giving or getting presents? Giving.
Fave city? Can't think of a city, but my favorite town is Bar Harbor, ME
Fave TV Shows: Castle, Big Bang Theory and Longmire.
I'm going to officially award this to another writer blogger I'd love for you to get to know-
Delynn Royer
So there's a little peek inside. What would your answers be? Did you do anything special this past weekend?
Saturday, August 3, 2013
I'm A Geek Girl Too!
And I'm raising a pair of them.
I really enjoyed this video, but my favorite sign is at 2:45. I want to make it into a billboard and post it all over town.
Enjoy!
I really enjoyed this video, but my favorite sign is at 2:45. I want to make it into a billboard and post it all over town.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Girl Rising - Watch it!
I just got back from a powerful film. Girl Rising.
I wasn't surprised by the information presented in it. These issues are important to me and I've familiarized myself with them for years. But the film brought them home in a very powerful and personal way.
They will be playing the film on CNN on June 16th at 9pm EST. I highly recommend it.
What was the most powerful thing you've seen or read that inspired you recently?
I wasn't surprised by the information presented in it. These issues are important to me and I've familiarized myself with them for years. But the film brought them home in a very powerful and personal way.
They will be playing the film on CNN on June 16th at 9pm EST. I highly recommend it.
What was the most powerful thing you've seen or read that inspired you recently?
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Thursday, April 25, 2013
And Now For Something Astounding
This is a clip of the Nicholas brothers from Stormy Weather. Fred Astaire said it was the best piece of dancing ever captured on film. Who's going to argue with Fred? Not me. The part where they jumped over each other on the stairs was done in one take. Get ready for your jaw to drop.
You're welcome.
(The man they slap hands with in the beginning is Cab Calloway.)
You're welcome.
(The man they slap hands with in the beginning is Cab Calloway.)
Friday, January 25, 2013
Those Blues Storytellers
A few years ago I wrote a small post on my admiration for the blues and their creative turns of phrases. But the storytelling that goes on in those songs always astounds me. The vivid descriptions with few words is something I hope to come close to some day in my own writing.
Here's Shemekia Copeland, an outstanding blues singer whom I've admired for years, performing Never Going Back to Memphis.
The full version of this song on her album is a little over seven minutes and well worth it.
My favorite lines-
There wasn't a thing that man couldn't sell ya.
Cops walked in
Dog pullin' on a chain
Lookin' for a woman ran in from the rain
They sat out front eating fried chicken
While I sat shivering in a shed out behind the kitchen.
And that final verse gives me goosebumps
The river is risin'
Sky's gettin' darker
My mind keeps playin'
some old Junior Parker
Three days waitin'
All alone by the tracks
Lyin' to myself that man's coming back
He said he'd come around unless he was dead
guess he took another woman or a bullet in the head
I'm never goin' back to Memphis.
I love to listen to the lyrics of a song. The Man usually disregards most of the lyrics and focuses in on the melody. What do you primarily tune in to when listening to music? Are there any songs right now that you're really into? I'd love to expand my repertoire. So lay them on me in the comments.
Here's Shemekia Copeland, an outstanding blues singer whom I've admired for years, performing Never Going Back to Memphis.
The full version of this song on her album is a little over seven minutes and well worth it.
My favorite lines-
There wasn't a thing that man couldn't sell ya.
Cops walked in
Dog pullin' on a chain
Lookin' for a woman ran in from the rain
They sat out front eating fried chicken
While I sat shivering in a shed out behind the kitchen.
And that final verse gives me goosebumps
The river is risin'
Sky's gettin' darker
My mind keeps playin'
some old Junior Parker
Three days waitin'
All alone by the tracks
Lyin' to myself that man's coming back
He said he'd come around unless he was dead
guess he took another woman or a bullet in the head
I'm never goin' back to Memphis.
I love to listen to the lyrics of a song. The Man usually disregards most of the lyrics and focuses in on the melody. What do you primarily tune in to when listening to music? Are there any songs right now that you're really into? I'd love to expand my repertoire. So lay them on me in the comments.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Dancing Inspiration
I've been having a better 2013. Thanks for asking. My writing has been progressing, and I've been writing much more consistently this month.
But I've also become much busier. I need to take my mother's advice when someone asks me to volunteer for one more thing. She told me, "No, is a complete sentence." No further explanation or expounding necessary.
So here's what extra I'm doing in 2013. I'm the president of my local chapter of RWA. (Which has really taken up a good chunk of my time with some new projects/problems dropped in my lap.) I'm coordinating my daughters' school off site environmental field day. Including the development of curriculum related activities/outdoor lessons that are aligned to the state Science and Environmental standards. Which I will then teach volunteers how to implement. Provided I can round up said volunteers. And I volunteer in both my daughter's classrooms at least once a week.
This isn't including all the taxiing of the urchins to their Brownie meetings/activities, dance classes and public library activities.
I think I'm going to have to disappoint the blue haired old lady contingency and bow out of the New Years Eve committee for this year.
So I was looking for some inspiration and came across this.
Which reminded me of this video by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros.
Which had me remembering this happy skippy little ditty by them that I love.
Which lifted my spirits and made me want to get up and dance on my own.
So life is good. Busy, but good. Hope 2013 is treating you right!
Got much going on right now? Something making you get up and dance? Do share!
But I've also become much busier. I need to take my mother's advice when someone asks me to volunteer for one more thing. She told me, "No, is a complete sentence." No further explanation or expounding necessary.
So here's what extra I'm doing in 2013. I'm the president of my local chapter of RWA. (Which has really taken up a good chunk of my time with some new projects/problems dropped in my lap.) I'm coordinating my daughters' school off site environmental field day. Including the development of curriculum related activities/outdoor lessons that are aligned to the state Science and Environmental standards. Which I will then teach volunteers how to implement. Provided I can round up said volunteers. And I volunteer in both my daughter's classrooms at least once a week.
This isn't including all the taxiing of the urchins to their Brownie meetings/activities, dance classes and public library activities.
I think I'm going to have to disappoint the blue haired old lady contingency and bow out of the New Years Eve committee for this year.
So I was looking for some inspiration and came across this.
Which reminded me of this video by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros.
Which had me remembering this happy skippy little ditty by them that I love.
Which lifted my spirits and made me want to get up and dance on my own.
So life is good. Busy, but good. Hope 2013 is treating you right!
Got much going on right now? Something making you get up and dance? Do share!
Saturday, December 1, 2012
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