Writing What Counts

So I know I said I would do my best to write every day this week and I really have. I may not have added any words to my manuscript yesterday but I did change some. I took the time to read over all that I had done over the last few weeks to see how well it flows since it is being added into an already complete book.

After reading it through, I have to say that I'm very happy with the results and I do believe that my readers will be too! I've put a lot of time and effort forth into this book, so much heart. I really love all of the past feedback that I've received from my readers and I'm putting it to good use.

I'm thinking that December will make for a great release of the revamped novel, The Blood Moon of Winter. Now I need to find better ways to promote it and get some attention coming in since I'm setting myself a goal of November 30th to finish Beyond the Known Horizon, Book 2 in the Land of Makayra series.

There is so much work ahead of me but I'm trucking along and trying to find time to read and keep my mind fresh as well. Of course, I've been working so much lately, it seems hard to find time for much of anything...



Finding Time to Write

Yesterday I had a hard time focusing on my writing so I pulled out an old trick, Write or Die : Dr Wicked's Writing Lab. I set my time for 30 minutes and, in between phone calls and people chatting me up, I was able to get another 600 words done. I know it doesn't seem like a lot but if you think about it, at a pace like that, it should only take about 3 months to write a full length novel. I'm only going for bits and pieces here so it works great!

Since I have a hard time finding an open computer in a quiet corner during lunch time, I broke down and bought the program, tossed it on my laptop and plan on sneaking away and hiding/writing on my lunch until the last bits of the revamp are complete.

I need the extra motivation right now to help me get the words on the page. Also, I figure by having the actual program instead of the online version, it will help to keep me away from the net in general while writing. It also helps that my netbook won't have internet access...

My plan is to try and update daily, my progress. I'll try but make no guarantees. (I know, kind of lame...) It is difficult to squeeze in blogging time between multiple jobs, writing and craziness all around. If I don't update the same day, I promise to do it the next though. Stick with me folks and I'll get you the promised revised novel, part two of the short story series AND book two!!

Don't give up on me yet...

Socks for Japan - Update (yes, another one...)

For those that have been following my blog for awhile now, you will know about Socks for Japan and the effort I put forth in collecting socks for donations. I ended up collecting hundreds of pairs, as well as kids futons and jackets. Shipping out those boxes made me so happy, knowing that the items would be going to such good use. I knew that the items had arrived because I tracked them but I had not heard from the organization in regards to the next steps in the process. I was beginning to think that I might not hear from them and just let it go. I wasn't so worried about hearing from them. I was just glad to know everything arrived, as it should. When I woke up this morning and found a nice little email in my inbox, it brought back all the happy memories that the initial collecting process had given me. So without further ado, here is the email...

Subject: Socks received!
Date: Tue Sep 20 00:32:31 MST 2011
From: Jason Kelly <jason@jasonkelly.com>
To: cc@courtneyconant.com


Dear Courtney-san,

We know this is late, but figured it's better late than never to tell you...

We received your package! It was months ago, so we already sorted your socks and will distribute them when we resume disaster-zone operations in the coming weeks. Watch our pages for photos and updates:http://socksforjapan.com
http://www.facebook.com/socksforjapan

and join our email list to stay informed as we hear back from survivors and others:http://socksforjapan.com/list

and eventually add your own correspondence from survivors, if you receive any:http://socksforjapan.com/lettersfromsurvivors

Thank you so much!

In solidarity for Japan,
Jason

So I would like to send a big THANK YOU to Jason for not only starting the whole process but for also getting back to me and letting me know that everything arrived safe and sound. I just hope that it all goes to good use.

The Carpet People by Terry Pratchett

The Carpet People by Terry Pratchett

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

It is sad to say, but this is the first Pratchett book that I didn't really enjoy. It was simple but a bit hard to follow. I still have no idea who or what was going on. There were a lot of different, random characters that showed up, yet they seemed to have no real purpose in the story other than as filler. They were there and then gone and I found I was losing track of the actual story.

Nothing was explained or even made much sense. It seemed as though none of the questions that the story posed were ever answered. The story concept was cute but it just seemed to be lacking (in my eyes anyway). What was it lacking, you might ask? Quite a lot. For the fact that he was only 17 when he wrote it, I did give a little. I'm just glad that this slowly lead to the creation of the Discworld series. Don't judge Pratchett's writing on this book alone. He is an amazing author and definitely worth checking out.

'The Lord of the Rings on a Rug'

The Carpet People was published in 1971, It had a lot of things wrong with it, mostly to do with being written by someone who was seventeen at the time.
And it sold a bit, and eventually it sold out. And that was it.
And then about seven years ago the Discworld books began to sell, and people would buy them and say, "Here, what's this book The Carpet People by The Same Author?' and the publishers got so fed up with telling people that there was no demand for it that they decided it was time for a new edition.
Which was read by Terry Pratchett, aged forty-three, who said: hang on. I wrote that in the days when I thought fantasy was all battles and kings. Now I'm inclined to think that the real concerns of fantasy ought to be about not having battles, and doing without kings. I'll just rewrite it here and there...
Well, you know how it is when you tweak a thread that's hanging loose...
So this is it. It's not exactly the book I wrote then. It's not exactly the book I'd write now. It's a joint effort but, heh heh, I don't have to give him half the royalties. He'd only waste them.
You asked for it. Here it is. Thanks.
Incidentally, the size of the city or Ware is approximately ->.

Terry Pratchett
15 September 1991

   

I'm with this girl here. We both are so happy that this his not where Pratchett ended is writing career! Now chant it with me!!

DISCWORLD

DISCWORLD

DISCWORLD

The Watchman of Ephraim by Gerard de Marigny

As the 10th anniversary draws near, all are reminded of 9/11 and the tragedy that occurred on that fateful day. It is important to remember all that happened that day and all that has happened since. To help with this, here is my latest review of a novel that is centered around that day and the time that followed...

The Watchman of Ephraim by Gerard de Marigny
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The concept of this novel drew me in right away. What American in their right mind wouldn't be interested in a book that touches so close to home and heart at a time like this? The author really hits home in this tale following de Niro with his personal loss, search for self, and need to do right.

There is much sadness in the book and it reminds the reader of what many went through that day and the loss they still feel to this day. The action and adventure in the novel draw the reader in, a real page turner.

The book does contain much in the way of religion and Christian values. I, being agnostic, was able to look past the religion and take in the story for what it was, a worthwhile read. I enjoyed the story and believe that most will. It will make you angry, sad, but most of all... it will make you flip to the next page to see what happens next!

de Marigny did an amazing job and I applaud him for his hard work and determination. Keep up the great writing and I look forward to more in the future.