tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78892062738209895522024-02-08T11:21:43.104-05:00Sincerely SarahSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16887572149507532952noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889206273820989552.post-87942547702405688392012-11-03T21:17:00.001-04:002012-11-03T21:17:02.740-04:00I need a Hero
<br />
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<span class="usercontent"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">“Whatever happened to chivalry? Does it only exist in
80's movies? I want John Cusack holding a boombox outside my window. I wanna
ride off on a lawnmower with Patrick Dempsey. I want Jake from Sixteen Candles
waiting outside the church for me. I want Judd Nelson thrusting his fist into
the air because he knows he got me. Just once I want my life to be like an 80's
movie, preferably one with a really awesome musical number for no apparent
reason. But no, no, John Hughes did not direct my life” –Easy A <o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<br />
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<span class="usercontent"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">So,
amazingly enough this sparked a bit of controversy amongst my friends on
Facebook. However, I think it still has merit in today’s society especially after
hearing about books such as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Twilight,
Fifty Shades of Grey, Hush, Hush, </i>and that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Beautiful Disasters. <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span class="usercontent"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">I
haven’t read any of the mentioned material above, nor plan to. I’m really not
into vampires or erotica, but what bothers me about these books are the
supposed “heroes”. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span class="usercontent"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">From
what I understand, they’re anything but. Edward rips out Bella’s car engine
because she wants to see her friend Jacob. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span class="usercontent"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Um...on
what planet is that okay? That’s psychotic not to mention expensive to replace
said car engine. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="usercontent"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">From
what I’ve seen in the movies, Bella’s dad is the only rational human-being in
all of Forks. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span class="usercontent"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">In
<em>Fifty Shades, </em>Christian controls Anastasia, hits
her, and is basically a jerk to her throughout the entire book. Not to mention
he says some pretty horrible things to her. If a guy ever told me he liked to
have sex with girls who looked like his mother, I would run away and probably
pull out my mace. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="usercontent"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">I
just want to know what happened to the good guys. What happened to the sweet, good
natured guys like Laurie from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Little
Women, </i>(who I have a serious crush on) or Teddy Cutting from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Luxe Series</i>? What happened to the
boys who made you smile like dear Rudy Steiner from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Book Thief? </i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span class="usercontent"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Girls
don’t need a strong, muscular “badass”. Well, at least I don’t. I think to make
a relationship work you need someone reliable; someone who will be for you no
matter. I also think it’s important to find someone who can make you smile, and
when you’re having a bad day, he can lift your spirits. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span class="usercontent"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">I
don’t think I’m asking much in that more YA guys be like that, or even in real
life. I think the sweet, good-natured “good guy” should just get a lot more
credit...and the girl. </span></span></div>
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<span class="usercontent"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p>Thoughts? </o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="usercontent"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
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<span class="usercontent"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p><img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="167" data-width="301" height="167" id="rg_hi" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSjyycyjJ3Z452lQC_VZFAEuOmp7pMvx6bClW8xiofZRuDmVgHH" style="height: 167px; width: 301px;" width="301" /> Jim Haplert, Champion of the Friend Zone</o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16887572149507532952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889206273820989552.post-2646350773352406602012-10-05T12:59:00.003-04:002012-10-05T12:59:58.053-04:00I'm still hereHey, ya'll. It's been awhile since I've posted on here so I thought I'd write one. <br />
<br />
I'm still breathing and plugging away at <em>Belle and the Beast</em> which has been re-named <em>Isabelle and the Beast</em>. <br />
<br />
Besides changing the main characters' names, I've made a few changes to my work, and am hoping it's all for the better. <br />
<br />
School is also going well (knock on wood), but I have my midterms coming up. I'm really worried about my Europe-Under-Hitler's-Shadow class/exam, but hopefully I've studied enough and will get an A. <br />
<br />
Anyway, that's all for now. <br />
<br />
I hope everyone else has met with success in their writing-adventures. Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16887572149507532952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889206273820989552.post-34343521996612963112012-08-25T09:52:00.000-04:002012-08-25T09:52:03.064-04:00Rewrites Galore So I wrote a query letter to see if I had any major plot holes in <em>Belle and the Beast</em>.<br />
<br />
SURPRISE! I do! So now I have to change several things, and am currently editing/rewriting the entire manuscript. I've made some progress, but I still have A LONG way to go before I submit to publishers. <br />
<br />
Among the changes I've made is changing Belle's name to Isabelle and Jesse to Tristan. I also think I'm going to have one of Isabelle's cousins be nice and try to help out Isabelle in the end. Speaking of the end, I have to completely rework that. I've written the ending scene several times, and I still have some major work to do on the opening. <br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="image_thumbnail" height="91" id="thumbnail_photo_17234814235" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lyydtvWIyr1rn95k2o1_500.gif" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: pointer; position: relative;" width="150" /><br />
<br />
Yet I know I can somehow manage. <br />
<br />
So what's your advice on rewriting/editing/dealing with huge plot holes? How do you defeat those moments of despair? Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16887572149507532952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889206273820989552.post-30942026201734526982012-08-05T17:08:00.001-04:002012-08-11T10:25:26.035-04:00A Change in Me<br />
While I was at Disney World -- aka the Happiest Place on Earth -- I came
across this humorous blog on the controversial book, <em>50 Shades of Grey </em>(the
gifs are hilarious). <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/340987215"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/340987215</span></a><br />
<br /><br />
Now I know that Christian Grey and my Tristan Sinclair--aka the Beast--are
polar opposites, but this woman's comments on change got me thinking. <br />
<br /><br />
(A dangerous pass-time, I know)<br />
<br /><br /><br />
I agree with her statement that you cannot change a person. If you are
romantically involved with a "tragic soul" you cannot make him become
a Prince Charming by "giving him love." You should also not get
involved with someone who is emotionally, physically, or verbally abusive. You
cannot make these people "see the light." <br />
<br />
However, I do think people can change for the better, it just has to come
from within <em>them</em>. They have to see they were wrong, and <em>they </em>have
to go about making amends. That's why in <em>Belle and the Beast</em>, I did
the point of view of both main characters. Tristan is a complete jerk at the
beginning, but after meeting Belle, he is inspired to change. He realizes his
errors, and Belle doesn't go about trying to change him. Even at the end of the
story, Tristan still has a bit of a temper. He's nicer, but by no means
perfect. <br />
<br /><br />
I brought this point up in my "Draco Malfoy in Leather Pants"
post. It seems that there is a trend of having the bad—and slightly abusive—guy
become the love interest. You could argue that I fall into this category as
well, but I like to think the Beast is different. After he is transformed into
a monster--even in the original fairytale--he is kind to Belle.<br />
<br /><br />
So what are your thoughts? Can people change for the better? <br />
<br />
<o:p> <img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="183" data-width="275" height="183" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTCQAyKXiwkEFOaMQj7lkSBtJwG27u-xQxfg0wD-OpRKYKZY_DvDg" style="height: 183px; width: 275px;" width="275" /></o:p><br />
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<br /></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16887572149507532952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889206273820989552.post-40899800583310025762012-07-08T16:58:00.000-04:002012-07-10T17:36:13.996-04:00Marmees or lack thereofAs I submerge myself in YA fiction--and even in a lot of adult fiction as well--I can't help but notice there is a lack of parental focus. Either the parent has died, absent from the YA's life in some way, or is a complete jerk. I know not everyone is blessed with the same fabulous parents and sister I have, but it makes me sad to see such underdeveloped characters in YA, and like I said sometimes in even regular fiction. Even though I'm traveling the road of adulthood and live two hours away, (or I will again this fall) my parents still play a such role in my life. <br />
<br />
I get texts from my dad every week, and whenever I start to panic, I immediatly call my mom. Their advice is important to me along with their respect. While they don't govern me, their opinion still does matter. However, I'm noticing a lot of YA MCs just don't care about their parents. <br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="194" data-width="259" height="194" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRJnhuMpTkkGYv7vXbcwBce90EmkEsEy0Dpl6VtgrP9XSGTFiL_" style="height: 194px; width: 259px;" width="259" /> I've always loved the character Marmee in <em>Little Women</em>. While she is somewhat of a saintly figure, she is always giving the girls advice and helps guide them through their journeys. Sadly, I haven't seen a lot of characters like her in popular fiction aside from Mrs. Weasley in the Harry Potter series. She was also more spunky then Mrs. March, but I still loved her. <br />
<br />
Dads are also another character--and important figure in their daughter's lives--who are often overlooked. Even the good ones--like Bella's dad in the <em>Twilight--</em>come across as "bad" because they are being over-protective. Frankly, I wouldn't want my daughter to marry a 100+ year old vampire or have his child which could fatally harm her, but I digress. <br />
<br />
I would like to see more strong relationships between MCs and their parents. The mom or dad don't have to be perfect, but just real. They can offer their advice, give their opinion, and even show general concern for their child without being "typical, jerk dad/mom." <br />
<br />
Why do you think we don't see alot of good parental figures in YA any more?Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16887572149507532952noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889206273820989552.post-81620105734359903862012-06-28T13:34:00.001-04:002012-06-28T13:34:41.372-04:00Draco Malfoy in Leather PantsSo I can't even remember how I came across this phrase, but apparently it refers to a bad boy gone good. Fangirls take a normally sadistic villian--like Mr. Malfoy--and twist him into a good guy. <br />
<br />
I don't read any fanfiction, but as most of you know, my story that I'm working on is a retelling of the classic, Beauty and the Beast. In that story, as you all know, there is a spoiled prince who gets what is coming to him and is turned into the monster. The only way he can be freed is to be loved by another.<br />
<br />
Draco Malfoy, as they saw in A Very Potter Musical, is a little shit. <br />
<br />
However, he's not the worst of the Harry Potter Villians. Personally, if I had a chance to take one out, it would be Umbridge, but I digress. I feel like at the end of the Harry Potter series that Draco has changed. He's seen the error of the ways and maybe even feels terrible for joining in with the Death Eaters. He was taught from an early age to hate and fear muggles and mudbloods and sadly had a crappy father that he looked up to. <br />
<br />
I see a lot of similarities between my Beast--another spoiled rich kid--and Draco. Both grow up in societies where racism is tolerated, even expected, yet they come out on the other side. However, can people really change? Food for thought. <br />
<br />
I'm a firm believer that people can change for the better, but it has to come from within. I was very careful in showing that Jesse/Beast changed on his own. He saw the error of his ways and what he needed to do to fix his situation. Perhaps Draco did as well. <br />
<br />
Anyways, I'm just afraid people will think I took this terrible guy and made him into Prince Charming. <br />
<br />
Harry Potter/Gone with the Wind reference for your viewing pleasure. <br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="201" data-width="251" height="201" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS0Jqm6m4IX-YyVbPpOb9UBF2CGiBG1MV1Axn5DNNyr47pdoJkm" style="height: 201px; width: 251px;" width="251" /><br />
<br />
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16887572149507532952noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889206273820989552.post-16978808468078512012-06-19T17:17:00.001-04:002012-06-19T17:18:31.476-04:00Where do I go from here?So I know I have to do tons and tons of editing on <em>Belle and the Beast</em> so that should keep me occupied for awhile. However, I also want to work on another story. I just don't know which one?<br />
<br />
I have an idea on a retelling of <em>The Little Mermaid </em>that's fully fleshed out. I just don't get excited about it like I was about <em>Belle and the Beast</em>. I've heard the time period I want to sell it in--Civil War/Victorian--isn't selling well which makes me really sad. (I would have thought that would be selling like hot cakes because it's the 150 anniversary). Anywho, I also have an idea on a retelling of the famous <em>Legend of Sleepy Hollow. </em>But it's just a faint sketch. <br />
<br />
*Sigh* I'm rather unsure of what to do next. I really wanted to take advantage of the week I have off in July and write at the beach.<br />
<br />
Any thoughts or helpful advice?Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16887572149507532952noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889206273820989552.post-72266391994230427462012-06-17T16:17:00.001-04:002012-06-17T16:17:28.099-04:00Up on AWOkay, so I posted the first scene up on AW under Young Adult SYW. Maybe someone will take a look at it. :D Happy writing to all.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16887572149507532952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889206273820989552.post-29652008409567265082012-06-16T15:42:00.001-04:002012-06-16T15:42:07.723-04:00Finished!So after three months and 5 days, I finished <em>Belle and the Beast</em>! <br />
<br />
I've finished other WIP before, but I think--and I hope--this one might be the one. <br />
<br />
I was listening to Far Longer Than Forever from the Swan Princess--maybe some of you will remember that movie--while I was typing up the final scene, and I couldn't help but smile. I feel rather accomplished and I hope this is only the beginning of better things to come. <br />
<br />
Maybe one day I will see my work up on Amazon or even in a Barnes and Noble store (if there are any left when this gets published.) I know I have a long road to go before I even consider an agent and have lots of editing to do, but I can tell this is going to be an exciting journey. <br />
<br />
Here's to dreaming. <br />
<br />
<img alt="Never Stop Dreaming" class="PinImageImg" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/184084703488866425_9GCHI3bV_b.jpg" style="height: 263px;" />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16887572149507532952noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889206273820989552.post-25614007982390979012012-06-14T19:39:00.001-04:002012-06-15T11:53:01.086-04:00Almost There<img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="219" data-width="230" height="219" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTY6x25ipTBE_qCLpxwInCiljILCXFn2lywdrGutoBnvHz9dFh5Pg" style="height: 219px; width: 230px;" width="230" /><br />
<br />
(Yet another Disney reference, I know I'm a bit obsessed.)<br />
<br />
Anyway, I'm very close to completeing <em>Belle and the Beast</em>. I have to finish the ending and add in a couple more scenes, but for the most part I'm almost done! <br />
<br />
Which is great, but also sad. <br />
<br />
As <em>Beauty and the Beast </em>is one of my favorite stories, it will be sad to leave these characters. I mean I have a long way to go before I get this published and I'll have more time to work with them, but when they are out in the world, I shall miss them.<br />
<br />
I've been writing for a while, and I've never had this happen. I'm going to take it as I'm growing as a writer and am making my characters stronger. I hope it will be recieved well and am excited--but also nervous--about submitting my work to AW. I know I need to and the people on those boards are great, but also very honest. Which can be good, and then not so good. I know my opening scene needs work desperatly so it will be a couple of days before I post on there, but I'll let ya'll know when I do. <br />
<br />
I hope everyone else's summer is going well. There have been a few bumps in the road in mine, but for the most part I'm pulling through. However, I'm looking forward to school in the fall. <br />
<br />
Bye for now and happy writing everbody! <br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="168" data-width="300" height="168" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSGSQ-mTIUbA8klvNEsU_P2RTAUTBk_gvsgPDcRTY1S6xGQFdSX" style="height: 168px; width: 300px;" width="300" />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16887572149507532952noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889206273820989552.post-80662303699999186612012-05-20T12:12:00.002-04:002012-05-20T12:12:33.635-04:00Happily Ever Afters?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">So
I’m nearing the end of my WIP, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Belle and
the Beast. </i>I was pretty sure I had the ending worked out where the Beast
was transformed back into a man after being shot by an angry mob. He and Belle
were going to move to Philadelphia to work as abolitionists while the Beast’s
former slaves were set free.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Perhaps
it had a little bit of a Disney-type happily ever after, but I was nonetheless
pleased with it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<img alt="Pinned Image" id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://media-cache8.pinterest.com/upload/9640586672316583_yA8vvK0F_c.jpg" /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Then I went on my walk. As I was listening to the soundtrack to Disney's <em>Beauty and the Beast</em>, I was thinking again about my own ending to this "tale as old as time." It hit me that my ending might just be too perfect. All of the good-guys get to live happily ever after. The Beast is transformed, Belle gets to go back up North, and some slaves get a shot at freedom. What's not to love, right? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I am beginning to think that my ending is too perfect. It's too much like a children's cartoon, and the thought is scaring me. </div>
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I don't want to kill anyone off. </div>
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I love a lot of my characters and don't want them to die. I have Walter, Phoebe, and Mariah, a slave family who was once owned by the Beast. I don't want to break the family apart by killing off Walter or Phoebe as I can't bring myself to kill off a little girl. </div>
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Then I thought about killing off another slave, but I just can't bring myself to do it.</div>
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Alot of Young Adult Fiction seems to have Happily Ever Afters. The books that I've read that aren't a part of a trilogy usually have everyone living and fulfilling their dreams. </div>
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So what do you think I should do and what do you think of Happily Ever Afters? </div>
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<img height="333" id="il_fi" src="http://www.theyoungmommylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/happily-ever-after.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="500" /></div>
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</div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16887572149507532952noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889206273820989552.post-84566434995317057422012-05-02T14:46:00.002-04:002012-05-02T14:54:27.071-04:00Love Interests in YA and Beyond.So I've been hard at work on my retelling of the classic fairy-tale, <em>Beauty and the Beast. </em>So far so good and I'm REALLY REALLY hoping that this may be the one...to break the spell (okay sorry I just had to do that. I have to make at least one Disney reference) <br />
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<img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="163" data-width="309" height="163" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRwbeSrDBkfUrIe3MKm-DOxG2xEVr5MWRMPC2SiOethnLQyhsDc" style="height: 163px; width: 309px;" width="309" /><br />
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Anyways, I like the way I've written Belle and the Beast...for the most part. I worry about everything so naturally I'm worried that I've made the Beast too whinny and Belle too stubborn and set in her ways. The story is about people--and Beasts--changing which creates an entirely different problem all together.<br />
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As most of you are aware, the Beast has to become kinder and gentler in order to win Belle's affections. He was a jerk before and struggles with maintaining his temper. Also, I know a lot of readers don't like the fact that he keeps Belle prisoner in his castle, and I'm also trying to remedy this problem as well. I've made where Belle was given a choice to go, and the Beast stresses that she must come on her own. However, I digress<br />
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Back to the problem at hand. I'm liking the Beast for the most part, but there are a few flaws as in every human and animal. I've decided to make a list of all of the YA love interests and main characters that I like and reasons why to help me better form his own character.<br />
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Who are your favorite heroes and heroines YA/or anything?<br />
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First and foremost, I love Laurie in<em> Little Women. </em>He was funny, sweet, and seemed like a real person. He had some temper problems and Jo chides him on his drinking and gambling, but all in all, I could see myself with that kind of guy. The fact that he is played by Christian Bale in the 1998 film doesn't hurt either. :D<br />
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<img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="211" data-width="239" height="211" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQD1XoAMhjXMQU3w5QohDSwRfesEQgzQZKh0S28yhH10liqtRTDLw" style="height: 211px; width: 239px;" width="239" /><br />
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I also like Jo and Meg from the same novel. I can relate to both. I write like Jo and have her temper, but I can also be shy and I care so much about what people think of me like Meg.<br />
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I was also a fan of Teddy Cutting in the captivating<em> Luxe</em> series. Again, another sweet and reliable guy who I instantly fell in love with. He was always there for his gal even when she got knocked up by the stable boy and ran off to California. <br />
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Another man I swoon over is Jane Austen's Henry Tilney from <em>Northanger Abbey</em>. He put up with Catherine's delusional nonesense--even though she was kind of right about his dad--and knew ever so much about muslin. ;) He wasn't over the top or Mr. Suave, but just a down-to-earth fellow who could be entrusted with the purchase of a gown.<br />
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<img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="297" data-width="170" height="297" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT9d5j1ealFZQx5wOI-JuEjAlfZfhRLMPXV2jQwyDJabvZr9dz2ZA" style="height: 297px; width: 170px;" width="170" /> <br />
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<img height="278" id="il_fi" src="http://www.afterellen.com/sites/www.afterellen.com/files/images/030509Wishbone.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="360" /> (Apparently he was played by Wishbone in an episode of <em>Wishbone. </em>I need to see it...NOW!) <br />
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I can't think of any more right now and I'm DYING to get outside and enjoy this beautiful day, but let me know who your favorites are and why. <br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16887572149507532952noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889206273820989552.post-6032926189059536192012-04-09T21:37:00.001-04:002012-04-09T21:39:42.865-04:00Beauties, Beasts, and Prince CharmingsHello all, <br />
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Sorry I haven't posted here in awhile but this semester has been REALLY stressful. I'm finally giving myself some downtime to write a new entry. <br />
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I'm working on my story <em>Belle and the Beast. </em>This tale is set in New Orelans during the 1830s, just after the Nat Turner Rebellion in Virginia. The Beast, Jesse Sinclair, is a cruel master until one night when his slaves give a runaway some shelter. Little does he knew that she's really in an enchantress. <br />
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Belle, meanwhile, is an abolitionist fresh from Philadelphia to New Orleans. She finds the idea of slavery revolting, and when she is taken to see the Beast, her goal is to runaway, taking his slaves with him. However, love is a funny thing...<br />
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Anyways, that was a brief synopsis of my new story. <br />
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While writing this story, I've been questioning the whole "Prince Charming" aspect that we find so often in stories. <br />
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<img alt="" class="rg_hi" data-height="207" data-width="208" height="207" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRLxVyFMKYMpMUhJQoyOmQ58Kq0WobiMhjb297IAuFCuPJxqRr1dw" style="height: 207px; width: 208px;" width="208" /><br />
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Whether it's in fairy-tales where he's a suave prince or in an teen-angst book where he is a sparkling vampire. Basically, the idea of the perfect man. <br />
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I've even noticed some of this Price Charming-syndrom the <em>Hunger Games. </em>Peeta seems almost too good to be true. <br />
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Anyways, it's just made me hope that I haven't created a picture-perfect love interest, because, let's face it, no one is perfect. <br />
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I don't really have a point, but I'm thinking about bringing it back up in the AW fourms sometime soon. <br />
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However, do you think there are too many Prince Charmings in stories these days? <br />
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<img alt="" class="rg_hi" data-height="259" data-width="194" height="259" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQuP5QwU1WtYG69fJ5QGo7Vfhe2az0e_I1b7p43AwreKNfAsCdR4A" style="height: 259px; width: 194px;" width="194" /> "I was raised to be charming, not sincere" Cinderella's Prince from <em>Into the Woods. </em>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16887572149507532952noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889206273820989552.post-71511437060617146612012-03-03T14:11:00.000-05:002012-03-03T14:11:01.804-05:00On to Bigger and Better things...I hopeSo I think I've decided to trunk THE TORY'S DAUGHTER and YANKEE BELLE. I think the basic idea of both of these novels are good, but they just need to be enhanced more. <br />
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I think I might give YA another try with a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. <br />
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It's a little discouraging knowing that something I've worked so hard on for the past year will be pushed aside. I'm not deleting the document, or completely giving up in the story, but I think both need to be rewritten entirely if I ever want to be able to sell them. <br />
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Anyways, I hope I'm on to some better things and am looking forward to starting my next story. <br />
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In the spirit of Disney--the versions of the fairytales I grew up with--I leave these two quotes. <br />
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<img alt="" class="rg_hi" data-height="162" data-width="311" height="162" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcScqi-nFGN1qRJTWHFRWFHvgmIq8LeZkW3A4bB2g1TqP8mbPdzm" style="height: 162px; width: 311px;" width="311" /><br />
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<img alt="" class="rg_hi" data-height="195" data-width="160" height="195" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTNIng3kUxalsS000_vDc1IuFWqAxNUo29Eezfc3DIlTL4lgbZY" style="height: 195px; width: 160px;" width="160" /><br />
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Also, the semester is going surprisingly well. No roommate drama again!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16887572149507532952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889206273820989552.post-8311822651797471382012-01-21T19:52:00.000-05:002012-01-21T19:52:59.029-05:00Historical DorkinessI am a dork. While most of my college peers were out getting drunk and doing God only knows what else this Friday night, I was already in my PJs by 9 and engrossed in a book about the Irish in the 1800s. <br />
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I was researching for my story, but I'm not going to lie, I'm glad I have that excuse to learn such fasinating things. However, telling people I write might make me only seem like that much of a nerd.<br />
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Now it's not even 8 yet--and its a Saturday night--and I'm back in the PJs. <br />
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Please tell me I'm not a sad human being lol...I promise I really do have a life, just apparently not an exciting one. I guess I'll just have to leave that to the page. :)Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16887572149507532952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889206273820989552.post-36124517398493870592012-01-15T19:52:00.000-05:002012-01-15T19:52:34.782-05:00Feeling a Little HomesickI've only been in school one week, and already I miss home. <br />
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My parents came into town to celebrate my dad's birthday. We had fun going to two Civil War battle sites, dinner at Outback Steakhouse, and finished the night with some Dunkin Donuts. <br />
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I literally said good-bye to them an hour ago, and already I miss them terribly. <br />
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I don't have this really intense longing for home, but I'm already looking forward to summer. I'm just not that enthusastic about this semester. :(<br />
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I know this sounds stupid, but there are no cute/interesting/nice guys in any of my classes. I was kind of hoping I'd meet someone in my American History class, thinking we could bond over talks of the American Revolution or something. I know, I'm terribly sappy. <br />
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Anyways, my roommates and friends are all busy and I can't look at my geology book anymore. *Sigh* I just want to go home and be with my family.<br />
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What helps you get through hard times like this?Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16887572149507532952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889206273820989552.post-66651946990830767912012-01-01T13:44:00.000-05:002012-01-01T13:44:25.577-05:00The Historical Fiction MarketI have finished writing <em>The Tory's Daughter </em>and making numerous revisions on it while I'm ankle-deep in writing <em>Yankee Belle</em>. <br />
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I've had a few people say--well, mainly one--that the historical fiction market isn't really selling well. I wrote a thread about it on Aboslute Writer Water Cooler, but was a little confused by some of the responses.<br />
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Is historical fiction not selling well? Everytime I go into a bookstore, there seems to be a new historical fiction book with the words <em>New York Times Bestseller </em>printed on top of the cover. So naturally, I'm a little unsure of what to believe. It seems to be selling well, but now people are saying that it's not. <br />
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Can anyone tell me what's going on? Also, is anyone else writing in a genre that might not necessarily be "hot?" <br />
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Thanks.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16887572149507532952noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889206273820989552.post-16284143729456872032011-12-27T12:15:00.001-05:002011-12-27T12:15:59.117-05:00Wishes for a Happy New YearHello all! I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas. I know Santa was very kind to me this year as I have recieved the movie The Conspirator, The Victoria and Albert Museum book <em>Seventeenth and Eighteenth Century Fashion in Detail</em> (It's what I like to all an eye-gasm...everything is sooooo pretty!), and an iPad. <br />
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I always hate the first few days after Christmas. I really want to curl up and watch <em>A Christmas Carol, </em>or listen to my music while sitting near the fire. Alas, however, this joyous season is soon coming to a close. <br />
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Still, I'm hopeful for the New Year and have gotten a good leg-up on my new story. :) <br />
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Happy New Year everyone and I hope you all recieve an agent and a contract...I know that's what I'm hoping for.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16887572149507532952noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889206273820989552.post-60656345161220144312011-12-19T13:54:00.001-05:002011-12-19T13:57:38.737-05:00A Christmas Wish<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Well, it won’t be long before Christmas is upon us. It’s currently 52ish degrees here in Tennessee, so I find it especially hard to believe that soon it will be Christmas morn. In a few days, I will be going up to my grandparents’ house to open gifts from my cousins—there are 20 of us—and possibly Midnight Mass with my folks. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">This Christmas season has gone by so fast. It feels like yesterday I was helping my roommate prepare for our Halloween party, and now it’s less than a week to Christmas! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I remember when I was younger the 25<sup>th</sup> of December seemed to take forever to arrive. My mom put up this special calendar for December where each day you put a toy in Santa’s bag. I used to count the days, waiting eagerly for the night of the 24<sup>th</sup>. On that day I would go up to my grandparents’, opening toys that I had been craving for what seemed like an eternity. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">As the adults would play Dirty Santa, my cousins and I would play with our new gifts. Even after a full day of excitement, when I arrived home that night, I wasn’t the least bit tired. I can distinctly recall lying in my bed at midnight, my faithful Pooh Bear beside me, listening for the magical sound of Santa’s sleigh. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<img alt="" class="rg_hi" data-height="194" data-width="259" height="194" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTwngMNbqjQyEYEG0_kEUfwpDu_x5cTJUgCw9WPn9RvkwBhtTLs" style="height: 194px; width: 259px;" width="259" /></span> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Of course, I never heard it. I discovered when I was about 7 or 8 that my beloved Santa Clause did not exist. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">At first I was horrified when my mom broke the news to me, and I accused her of lying to me and tricking me. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I have since gotten over it, and my mother and I have patched things up. ;) </span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Christmas has changed a lot for me since I was a little girl. Now after my grandparents, I go to sleep on Christmas Eve. Instead of getting beautiful dolls or cuddly stuffed animals, I receive iTunes or Starbucks gift cards, a Kindle, and maybe a couple of movies. More importantly, however, I do not receive a gift from Santa. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Over the years, I have gotten wonderful gifts from my family over the years. A kindle as previously mentioned and a nice TV. My mother and father always make sure that I have a good Christmas and receive wonderful presents, to that which I am very thankful. However, I still can’t help but feel as though the magic of the season has slowly died. I still love Christmas, but not in the same way. I no longer wait anxiously to hear the bells from Santa’s sleigh, make a mile-long list, or look at the Christmas Eve sky hoping to see the blinking red light from Rudolph’s nose. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I believe now if I were to receive anything this Christmas, I would want to go back to the age where I still believed in Santa. I want just one more Christmas where I still believed in the magic that comes with this most wonderful season. I want to wake up once more giddy with excitement, seeing that Santa had indeed come. I would like to again have the innocence of a child. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Now to quote one of my favorite Christmas books, “</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">At one time, most of my friends could hear the bell, but as years passed, it fell silent for all of them. Even Sarah found one Christmas that she could no longer hear its sweet sound. Though I've grown old, the bell still rings for me, as it does for all who truly believe.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">So Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.</span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><img alt="" class="rg_hi" data-height="194" data-width="259" height="194" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTxnzS6a46bEJcIcBaIEVio1u26HvnBeK_tvdM2Lmc3fmloSPYl" style="height: 194px; width: 259px;" width="259" /></span></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16887572149507532952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889206273820989552.post-92154673360528543952011-11-23T11:35:00.001-05:002011-11-23T11:36:41.019-05:00Happy Holidays!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm sitting here at my Aunt's house in New England listening to family laughing and visiting together. It makes me just apperciate the holidays and this time of year even more. I can smell the pumpkin pies baking in the oven, and soon the house will be packed with relatives and numerous dogs. I can't wait and feel very, VERY blessed. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This year I'm thankful for the following:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. My awesome family who are there for me no matter what. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. My great friends who always know how to make me laugh and smile.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. My roommates who are NOT crazy, mean, and actually have lives. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. My health and the health of all of those I love.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. The fact that it is so close to Christmas and soon everyone will be reunited. </span><br />
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<img alt="" class="rg_hi" data-height="193" data-width="261" height="193" id="rg_hi" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT6kYs_M_JPwvehpLHb77qQ8Lti9lYnOyZvTKRJrUyZXLW2d_fn" style="height: 193px; width: 261px;" width="261" />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16887572149507532952noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889206273820989552.post-18609376473935674382011-11-19T11:21:00.002-05:002011-11-19T11:43:21.490-05:00Back in the Saddle Again<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><img alt="" aria-busy="true" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" class="spotlight" height="266" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/314537_10150340843626249_653756248_8500617_1010892953_n.jpg" width="266" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Well, I’m climbing back into the saddle both with this blog and my writing. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I have decided to start over with my blog, hoping to make it more about my adventures in college and my writing of course. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In September (I think) I finished my Revolutionary War story entitled <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Tory’s Daughter</i>. I have received lots of advice on it, and am in the process of getting it revised by beta readers and the good folks of Absolute Writer Water Cooler. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Now, I am starting to write my Civil War Story entitled <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Yankee Belle</i>. However, I’m having some trouble.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">When I wrote the opening scene of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Tory’s Daughter</i>, everything flowed so naturally. I believe I wrote around 2,000 words in one sitting. It was perfect—well not perfect, but everything seemed to just come together so nicely. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Yet, I am having trouble with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Yankee Belle. </i>I only wrote up to 600 words when I first started out. I took a break, and then wrote an additional 300. I think it works well, but I am afraid I’m having trouble getting back into the writing game. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I woke up this morning hoping that maybe I was just a little rusty, but I have only managed to crank out 119 words. I know what I want to say and what happens next, I just don’t know how to say it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Does anyone else have this problem? </span></div>I surely hope it isn't long term.<br />
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Sincerely,<br />
SarahSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16887572149507532952noreply@blogger.com3