Liebster Time Again!

So I was nominated for another Liebster award by narrativespark36 at the blog Narrative Spark.

I have already been nominated before and nominated ten other people (and actually I think a second person nominated me too but if I remember the post was accidentally deleted). Anyhow, as a result I usually just use this as a chance to thank the nominator and to answer the questions so my readers can learn a little bit more about me. I know, I’m lazy, sorry! (I also moved my Liebster sticker up on my blog so it’s easier to see).

And here are your ten questions to answer:

1. What social issue do you care about the most?

Wow, starting with the tough questions. I don’t even know where to start. I’m a feminist so I would say that women’s issues probably are one of my big priorities. But I also am just for trying to help with other social justice issues: helping to abolish slavery in other parts of the world, providing clean water to communities in poverty, continuing to allow everyone to have an education…etc. The most? Honestly I don’t think I could ever put one at the top of a list. It would just feel wrong.

2. What is a quote that has helped you through a tough time in your life?

I hesitate to include references to my religion on my blog, just because I don’t want people to feel discouraged in sharing their own thoughts and experiences with me. I want this blog to be an open place, hence why I always try to include discussion questions on posts. And sad to say I know some people hear the word Christian and go running. But honestly, the only quotes I can think of that have ever made me feel even slightly comforted are from the Bible. So I have to say: “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” Nahum 1:7

3. What was your favorite TV show as a kid?

My family has never had cable so I watched PBS. Wishbone was definitely one of the top.

4. What movie have you seen a thousand times but keep watching again?

Honestly, I don’t know that there’s anything I could watch that many times and not become sick of it. I’d say Up is probably the best I can think of right now. I adore that movie.

5. If you could be any food, what would you be and why?

Something people don’t really like to eat…like broccoli. So I wouldn’t get eaten.

6. What advice would you give a six-year-old?

Enjoy life while you can. Play hard, work hard, enjoy every moment and don’t spend all of your time looking either ahead or behind.

7. What is your favorite book from your childhood?

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis was my number one book for a long time.

8. Who is your favorite historical figure and why?

I’ve always thought Eleanor of Aquitaine was pretty impressive for her day. A bit manipulative and treacherous and all of those things too, but she is still someone I’ve always found fascinating in history.

9. What is the best advice you have received?

The best I can think of right now was just the people who told me to go with my gut on where to go to college. They were right. Pretty specific, but I can’t think of anything more general at the moment.

10. What inspired you to start your blog?

This began as a school assignment. I had to create a blog and write two posts a week. After the class ended, I kept going because I enjoyed it so much.

Thank you so much for the nomination! If any readers wants to answer these questions in my comments, please do so! It would be a great chance to get to know you better too. These were certainly some tough ones, that’s for sure.

Back in Circulation

Long time no see blogging world. I feel like at this point I’m like that library book that’s been lost for months and you’ve given up searching for. Hence my title.

I could try all I want to offer all the excuses I want about why I’ve been away so long. I could write on and on about how busy I was at the end of my school year, or how I was swamped trying to finish part of a novel for my senior capstone, or how I’ve been avidly searching for jobs or anything like that. But I don’t think those would be the truth, and I’m a person who does in many ways value honesty.

The truth is I’ve been depressed.

I have suffered from depression for a long time. The first I truly remember dealing with this problem was when I was fifteen years old, but it’s possible I’ve dealt with it even longer than that. I’ve never been a truly smiley cheerful person, as much as I want to be one, but I guess it’s always been a bit more than lacking that optimistic touch. It’s been something deeper and harder to change. And no, I’m not talking just general sadness. I’m talking can’t sleep or will sleep the whole day, always feel tired, can’t get through a week without breaking down, having no appetite or wanting to eat everything, dealing with negative thoughts etc. type depression (got to love the English language that makes the word depression have different connotations).

Of course, I go through ups and downs. Sometimes life feels bearable, and other days it’s hard. But this last semester has been particularly rough. Trying to deal with the world rapidly shifting beneath my feet while wondering what is possibly going to come next. Feeling discouraged in hopeless job searches, and dealing with having to move away from my friends to a different state. My whole life I’ve put a lot of my identity in being a good student. And now that’s gone. And sometimes I wonder what’s left if I don’t have that anymore.

Sometimes when I’m depressed my writing comes more easily than ever. I can feel utterly inspired to put my feelings and experiences down on the page, or escape into a little fantasy world for a bit. But at others, it becomes incredibly hard, especially in trying to write something like a blog. I want to maintain some level of positivity on here. And that can be hard when I’m not feeling all too happy about life.

I don’t expect other people to understand, but I thought my readers deserved a truthful explanation. I know I’ve had Twitter followers who have been asking after me, so hopefully this answers some of those questions. Too often I’ve felt like I have to hide what I’m dealing with, and I’m kind of sick of it. I think people deserve to know. So I’m back for a bit, but if I leave again you’ll probably know why. I have some good motivation this month since I’m doing July Writing Challenge. I’m hoping to really be active in continuing to write, both in fiction and on this blog to meet my daily word count goals.

I might be a graduated English major, but I still have valuable things I want to say about reading and writing and the English language. So, though I hate to make any promises, I hope to use this post as encouragement to keep checking on my postings. Because hopefully I’ll have some more up in the next few weeks.

One Hundred Down- Hundreds to Go

This, as you may, or may not believe it, is my hundredth blog post. Miraculous right? It just makes me think back to little sophomore me starting this out as a school assignment all those years ago (alright two, but seriously who’s counting?)

I suppose in this post I just wanted to reflect some on the never-ending nature of being a writer. It’s a fantastic life. But it’s tiring sometimes. Because it reminds me a lot of having a yard infested with mushrooms…or dandelions…the moment I get one part of the job done, ten more things pop up. As a nanny it seems even more like the joy of parenthood, cleaning and then having ten more things get dirty in the next hour.

Life is like that in some ways, circular in nature. But that doesn’t make it any less exhausting.

The day I finished my first novel I was overjoyed. There was such a level of excitement, unparalleled by most of my other achievements. I was unable to stop scanning through the pages, pausing and reading favorite parts a second or third time However, I soon realized it wasn’t even close to over.

After writing comes even harder processes like editing, revising, query letters, rejection letters, and finally maybe if you’re lucky…the beautiful nature of publication.

Three years down the road and I’m still not published. I still haven’t even begun typing up letters or working back through old pieces with much energy. I have four more completed works to add to my collection, but not one shred of evidence that I’ve truly accomplished anything, at least in the traditional writer sense.

I suppose the one thing that has given me comfort recently was reading about Jane Austen.

I’m not really a lover of Jane overall. She writes beautifully, yes, but I find myself often bored reading through monotonous dinners and lengthy dances. And while I recognize Austen’s irony and wit, I fail to get the same joy many young women do over the most esteemed Mr. Darcy. However, my one small piece of true infatuation with Austen is this: she wrote her books young and she didn’t publish them for many more years down the road, and not without ridiculous amounts of revision.

It can be hard as an author to get done with one task and then have to proceed to working on another. And while I’d set my sights on trying to edit and then move to query letter stages with my last novel, I have been swept up in a senior project of writing a novella over the course of the semester which has hindered my editing abilities. But that hasn’t made me lose hope.

Life is tricky. We do things only to have more work thrust in front of us. We regularly find that the job takes more than one step, and even when finished there’s another job finished. But that doesn’t mean we should give up. It simply means we push forward with more vigor, with more hopes of continuing to improve and learn and grow.

So as I finish the mark of this hundredth post and look forward towards the more to come, I look with joy rather than dread. For there is plenty more time to come, to write, to edit, to submit, to face rejection, and to carry on in the face of hard work.

For more on author’s publishing period see: http://www.shortlist.com/entertainment/books/what-age-did-well-known-authors-publish-their-most-famous-works

Goals Needed, Help!

So I want to address some struggles I’ve had lately. I may try to detail them more vividly in a later blog, but for now I’ll just mention I’ve been having a very hard time nailing down any sort of novel idea and feel rather unfocused in terms of my writing direction. This is made all the more difficult by my decision to have a daily writing goal each and every day.

I’ve participated in October Writing diligently, writing 500 words daily and tweeting and logging my word counts without fail. I’ve even written by hand at times when I haven’t had a computer. And this month has showed excellent progress, and yet it hasn’t exactly taken me where I’d hoped.

I had hoped this might get me out of my little writing slump where I feel incapable of coming up with any new ideas or making any progress on current ones. I was wrong. I still have failed to truly rid myself of this troubling problem.

My participation has not faltered. I’ve written at least 500 words everyday. Sometimes it’s been blog posts (some of which have not been published). Sometimes it’s been poetry. Other days it’s been trying to get a bit of novel out one way or another. But I suppose blogging has been one of my bigger projects, and I’ve appreciated having the challenge to allow me to focus.

Nonetheless I still feel something’s missing in spite of my diligence this month. And that is concentration. I’d like to actually buckle down and finish a project. I’d like to stay focused on a goal and see it through. And I know myself well enough to know if I have readership I’ll focus better on something, which is part of the reason blogging has been more successful for me lately (thanks to my wonderful readers).

So, in light of wanting to concentrate more fully, I’d like to ask readers to vote on what they’d like to see more of in this blog. And with that in mind maybe I’ll have more of a goal to work towards.

For a novel excerpt example see here: Braving a New Frontier- First Page Review

For a poetry example see here: Perched upon the Window Sill- a poem

For a writing prompt example see here: One Little Change- a Writing Prompt

For a short story example (also a writing prompt) see here: Soaring- A Writing Prompt

For movie/book thoughts example see here: Easy Analysis: the Reasons Hawthorne Still Shows up in Hollywood

For writing advice see here: What’s in a Name?

For anything not listed in the poll feel free to comment or add your own.

Writer’s Block is the Worst

So…my readers are likely sitting in awe of the fact that I’m putting out my first post in months. I guess what’s really incredible is the fact that I promised several posts on my other blog that never happened. So…I’m trying to get back on here some and work on that.

I suppose what is kind of obvious about this is I’ve been dealing with writer’s block lately and it’s made it hard to get on and post, let alone do any real writing. So I’d like to put up a comic that I completely related to as a writer to apologize to all who were hoping for reading material. Pearls Before Swine is one of my favorite comic strips ever, and this particular one beautifully illustrates my easy procrastination methods every time I get on the computer. Hopefully this will be the start of a new plethora of blogging ideas but no guarantees. In the meantime, I love each and every one of my supporters and hope they’ll forgive me for this inspiration drought. Let’s just hope new ideas start sprouting soon.

Quotes to Inspire

I accidentally published something prematurely a few minutes ago because I was not paying attention. Apologies for withdrawing that! But here is a quote from Harry Potter to inspire you guys in the meantime, especially in regards to blogging!

“It is the quality of one’s convictions that determines success, not the number of followers” Remus Lupin from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Please feel free to comment some of your favorite book quotes. I always love to hear other favorites. And I apologize for the post I had to retract! I will try to write and publish that one sometime later this week.

Awards

     

I recently had the honor of being nominated for two awards by my readers. These awards are: the Liebster Award and the Versatile Blogger award. I am therefore going to answer any questions and pass on the honors to others. Below are my nominations.

Liebster Award

I was nominated for the Liebster by LeoNard several weeks ago and neglected to post about it. Now, I’ve decided to finally blog the results. The Liebster award is simply a nomination from fellow bloggers to point out good blogs. I was honored to receive it and even more excited to pass it on to a few talented bloggers.

Here follows the rules to the award:

• When you receive the award, you post 11 random facts about yourself and answer 11 questions from the person who nominated you.
• Pass the award onto 11 other blogs (make sure you tell them you nominated them) and ask them 11 questions.
• You are not allowed to nominate the blog who nominated you.
• You must post the blog symbol in your post/on your blog

So, with that settled, I launch into some random facts and some answers to my 11 questions (along with a set of my own questions and nominations).

11 Facts About Me

1. I have traveled to over 13 countries. Not a bad start to seeing the world. Travel is very important to me.

2. I have poor circulation so I sleep with socks on to keep my feet warm. Some people think that’s weird.

3. I have trouble recommending good books or listing a favorite because I love so many! Seriously, I love reading far too much and consume a pretty wide variety as well.

4. I have finished writing three novels but have yet to send them in for publishing. I need to do some serious editing first. I also started a goal to finish writing a book every year. So far I’m on track.

5. I don’t really like popular music and mostly listen to soundtrack or classical. I just prefer instrumental.

6. I am a definite nerd who loves all things Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings.

7. I play violin and piano.

8. I go through “fazes” where I get hooked on something of interest and can’t stop thinking of it/talking about it. It’s very annoying for people who live with me.  I’ve had ones with British Kings and Queens, Les Mis,or King Arthur legends.

9. I hate potatoes and I live in Idaho. Sad right!

10. I have juvenile arthritis and have been diagnosed for over two years.

11. I’m a chocoholic.

My answers to LeoNard’s questions:

1. When others find their way to your blog, what, if anything, would you most want to them to get out of their viewing experience?

My blog was set up as a school assignment originally, but has become a pass time for me. I would have to say I created it as a means of discussing literature, writing, marketing and the other aspects of being involved in the literary world. I hope my readers will find a blog that compels them to think more about these aspects of life and thereby have a better understanding of life in general. (high goals I know!) Honestly I think people can take whatever they want away from my blog. It’s what I do as a reader with other people’s work and I’m sure none of my readers will have exactly the same experience.

2. If you had one opportunity to meet up for food or drink with any major public figure from the last three decades (dead or alive), with whom and where would it be, and what would be served?

Ooh tough question. I’d probably go for Ellen Degeneres because she is hilarious and I love watching her show. We’d go to Paris for a chat at a café with some lovely pastries and coffee.

3. Gelato, yogurt, ice cream, or frozen treat?

I’m an ice cream person, though if I was traveling in Europe I would certainly pick gelato first. If I’m going to be somewhat unhealthy and consume a dessert, I tend to pick the extreme in terms of health. I figure all things in moderation, right?

4. What is your favorite quote? It could be from friends, family, books, movies, music, politics, philosophy, and popular culture, anywhere.

My favorite quote is from a French children’s book called Le Petit Prince, or The Little Prince in English. The quote is: On ne voit bien qu’avec le cœur, l’essentiel est invisible pour les yeux. Translated : One can only see well with the heart, the essential is invisible to the eyes.

5. What would you consider to be your favorite childhood book, song, or TV show?

The Chronicles of Narnia were the stories that first drew me into the world of reading. They have forever remained my favorites. Of them I would say The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe remains my first, because it is the book that Lewis first wrote that first inspired the marvelous series. I’m usually a “first book” lover.

6. Who are your favorite three artists of all-time? Any genre, any platform.

Artists? Well as I am unsure what type of artist this refers to I’ll pick a variety. Composer: Schubert. Painter: Renoir. Writer: Dickens. As you can see I’m in love with the older works, though I do find some joy in modern as well.

7. How would you finish this statement, “I don’t think anyone cares about _________ anymore.”

Contentment. Being happy and enjoying the moment. Too often the people around me (and myself included on occasion) are rushing around trying to get through life as fast as they can. The world is full of complaining and stress. I think sometimes we need to take a step back and look at things from a bigger perspective and realize that our lives really aren’t that bad (or at least mine isn’t…maybe yours is). It’s a valuable thing to be able to be at ease with the world around you.

8. Is there any one particular thing you wish you could do with or add to your blog, but cannot? What is it, and if not, do you think its perfect?

I certainly do not think wordpress is perfect, but I do like it somewhat better than other blog formats I’ve seen before. I think I am fairly satisfied with it so far and have yet to have any serious complaints.

9. Pick a battle, and then pick a side and take up for it in ten words or less: movie screen vs. theatre stage, coffee vs. tea, hip-hop vs. rap, eBook vs. paperback, or Maury vs. Jerry.

Ebook- saving the trees, saving space, allowing more publishing, helping readers.

10. What do you believe is the most rare of occurrences: true love, good customer service, quality restaurant dining, interesting book covers, or worthy radio music stations? Why?

I’m a romantic at heart who loves finding good book covers and listens mostly to the classical music station before she goes to delicious restaurants all around the world. I suppose I will have to go with the customer service in that case. It’s difficult to find people who really are helpful and can help you deal with your problem as needed. I am very thankful when I do find these circumstances, but it is not a common occurrence.

11. Sunrise or sunset?

Sunrise-the hope of a new day dawning and the realization that the world is continuing to spin, continuing to move in its orbit, and thereby allowing you to continue living and hoping and dreaming. Although not a morning person, watching a sun rise is one of my favorite things to do. I love rising at 5 in the summer and running to the nearest hill not too far away from my house. I climb to the top and there, peeking over the mountains, is the gorgeous sun. It makes me feel awake and alive and utterly small in a vast and gigantic world. I love every moment.

My Liebster Nominees

Boats Against the Current

NaphalYeshuaAlah

Blue in Tardis

Bryon’s Brain Writes

Letters From the Mezzanine

Dean Forty Three

Just Twenty Seconds

Gammagrammar

Penmenworld

According to Brie

This Ain’t Your Mama’s Book Club

Congratulations to you all! You’re all great bloggers and I am enjoying your posts tremendously. Please feel free to answer my questions and pass on the nominations to others.

Questions for Any Willing Nominees

1. What started you blogging?

2. Favorite season and why?

3. Give a book vs. movie description of your choice. What did you like or dislike?

4. Coffee or tea? Or neither?

5. You can have dinner with any literary character of your choosing. Who do you choose and why? (If you’re not a reader for some reason choose a movie character).

6. What’s your favorite childhood memory?

7. What is the issue you are the most passionate about?

8. You are stranded on a deserted island and can only bring three things, what do you bring?

9. Rain or sunshine?

10. What is one thing that you are the absolute worst at? (We brag too often on our blogs, so what’s something you can brag about doing poorly)

11. What is your greatest goal for your blog? What would make you most excited to see happen with it?

Versatile Blogger:

I was nominated for the Versatile Blogger award by Books, Tea & Me. I am also very grateful for this award.

Here are the rules:

1. Post the logo above.
2. Accept the nomination and link back to the blog that nominated you.
3. Share seven things about yourself.
4. Nominate blogs and inform them of the nomination.

More Facts

1. I am horrible at opening envelopes. I destroy them.

2. I have a beagle named Oliver. He always wants more food, just like his namesake, Oliver Twist.

3. I speak French. Oui, je parle francais!

4. I hate the following sounds: belching, cracking knuckles/joints, my horrible knees crackling noises, nails on a chalkboard, scratching skin.

5. I used to be a kid who read on the playground instead of playing with the other kids. Yep, that was me!

6. I think best out loud and often do prewriting by talking through a story idea.

7. I am extremely shy in person but can be a little more outgoing on a page.

Nominees for Versatile Blogger Award

E and P– a cute blog of friendship letters covering a variety of subjects.

Award-Winning Dreamer– a hopeful screenwriter who blogs about books, movies, writing and more.

Mon Scharee– an interesting collection of different blog posts. I love the writer’s variety.

Persephone Writes– A well-written blog with a wide range of posts on writing.

Forever on a Lilo– an English lit student’s thoughts on aspects of writing and reading.

Congratulations to you all and I hope you will all go out and nominate others! Thanks for sharing your amazing works.