tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-132338152011-11-04T17:01:22.653-07:00Guannanoreply@blogger.comBlogger321100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13233815.post-1162284835501719052006-10-31T00:19:00.000-08:002006-10-31T00:53:55.530-08:00

My grandfather was born and raised in Norway. Many years ago, during a 6 month backpacking trip through Europe, I visited the house where he was born and many of my relatives who still live there. My father was quite envious as he had always wanted to visit the homeland. In October of 1989, he got his wish. He was in Germany for an international food convention (Dad was the president of a

Guannanoreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13233815.post-1158884297361261022006-09-21T16:48:00.000-07:002006-09-21T17:21:34.186-07:00

There are some true pitfalls in the world of publishing, including agents and publishers whose primary objective is to take you for everything you've got. AgentsThe latest agency to be exposed is Hill and Hill in the UK. Check out the Bewares and Background Checks forum on Absolute write for further information. If you're a client, I feel for you. It's a horrible feeling to have your time, effort

Guannanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13233815.post-1157980400482412662006-09-11T06:12:00.000-07:002006-09-11T06:15:09.846-07:00

I had my usual all night schedule 5 years ago. I was busy doing something on the computer, but at the time, I liked watching old COPS reruns on Fox in the early morning hours from 4:30am-5:30am. What can I say? I enjoy watching stupid people getting arrested. Anyway, I didn't want to interrupt what I was doing so I started recording COPS on my VCR. I didn't think there was a lot of time left on

Guannanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13233815.post-1155719352528538692006-08-16T02:07:00.000-07:002006-08-16T02:09:12.540-07:00

I sent a letter to the LA Times today, and in case they don't print it, here's what it said:I spent most of my life as a Republican. My parents were Republicans and in my mother's family, that tradition went back to Abraham Lincoln. Because of the overwhelming incompetence, avarice, and prevarication of the Bush administration, I'll never be able to vote Republican again.When George Bush first

Guannanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13233815.post-1148757161802370092006-05-27T11:55:00.000-07:002006-05-27T12:12:41.816-07:00

Just read a story from Yahoo about an invisibility cloak. Scientists now have a working theory on how to make one and have begun creating the man-made materials necessary to put the theory to the test. The material would bend light, making whatever the cloak/shield covered, invisible. This is darn cool stuff! A friend of mine, Elena, told me that her father (who is a well-known Russian

Guannanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13233815.post-1148754756477323442006-05-27T11:24:00.000-07:002006-05-27T11:35:37.006-07:00

My new favorite blog is Johnny A-List's blog. It is a parody of Americablog and is truly brilliant. I don't know who is behind it, but the writer is obviously a skilled comedy writer. Johnny A-List has hit so many things dead center, from personality quirks to 'Friday Orca blogging'; that one leaves the site wishing one had written every last word of it. That's how good it is. If you've ever read

Guannanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13233815.post-1148642737164180262006-05-26T03:36:00.000-07:002006-05-26T04:25:37.206-07:00

One of the things I have difficulties with when reading various blogs is that it appears to be okay to make disparaging comments about those on "the other side" that would never be acceptable when describing one's own side. Some of these insults are in the socially acceptable (read: the group that it disparages has no voice) put-downs, like weight. Calling someone 'fat' appears to be perfectly

Guannanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13233815.post-1148540553539645182006-05-24T23:45:00.000-07:002006-05-25T00:02:33.563-07:00

You know, I should be over this. I should be able to just forget that it happened and move on. But I have found myself clinging to the memory of the weekend and John's meltdown on Americablog. Perhaps it's because his mantra is now "Let it go", as if only he gets to decide what we think and write. I don't appear to be letting it go and I wonder if it's because he's telling me to. I don't like

Guannanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13233815.post-1148193980006393352006-05-20T23:27:00.000-07:002006-05-22T01:08:36.003-07:00

On Americablog, there's a huge fight over John Aravosis' use of "big girl" as an insult to politician Pat Roberts. Several women asked him politely to change the words and John dug his heels in, claiming the words as belonging to "gay venacular" as opposed to women. He doesn't appear to like admitting mistakes and would rather eliminate a large portion of his readership, instead. My posts were

Guannanoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13233815.post-1134730386625650332005-12-16T02:17:00.000-08:002005-12-16T03:04:15.410-08:00

Whenever I hear that inane argument about gay marriage somehow, magically devaluing straight marriage, it always gives me pause. I just don't understand it. Heck, I don't understand why anyone has a problem with gays at all. As a straight woman, why don't I react in outraged horror when I hear about the "gay agenda" or gay marriage, or when I find out a friend or colleague is gay? I just can't

Guannanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13233815.post-1127825561695343362005-09-27T05:37:00.000-07:002005-09-27T05:52:42.716-07:00

Because my book is out in the U.S., I've been a wee bit obsessed with whether or not it's going to sell. I've written to the publicity dept. of the American publisher and offered my services. Haven't heard back on the latest letter. Apparently they have lots of contacts in San Francisco, but I have no way of getting up there unless they pay for me to do so. I have a feeling they won't. I check

Guannanoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13233815.post-1126176500969355642005-09-08T03:39:00.000-07:002005-09-08T03:48:20.983-07:00

Yes, Stalker Boy has returned. He probably only had a one month prescription and when it ran out, he want back to his familiar, crazy ways. He's got a new blog, naming me as one of the world's most evil people. To review: I never did a darned thing to this kid. The last time I interacted with him online was late Jan/early Feb 2005. He is almost certainly schizophrenic and therefore imagines

Guannanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13233815.post-1125726063361655552005-09-02T22:10:00.000-07:002005-09-02T22:41:03.366-07:00

I feel so helpless in light of the tragedy playing out in the south after the destructive forces of Hurricane Katrina. I'd love to give the Red Cross a huge check, but still haven't been paid by either publisher, so I'm living on very little funds. I'm going to donate 10% of all the money I have in the world, which isn't much. One of the boards I post on is matching donations, so at least my

Guannanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13233815.post-1124713260357556742005-08-22T04:27:00.000-07:002005-08-22T05:21:00.366-07:00

The second book is almost finished. I have about 3700 words left, and then I edit. I'm fairly certain I'll make the Sept. 1 deadline despite having been given a one week extension. The publisher changed the outline while I was in the middle of writing it, so I asked for the extension in case the changes threw off my schedule. I would prefer to hand it in on time. The sooner I hand it in, the

Guannanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13233815.post-1124179641991602252005-08-16T01:00:00.000-07:002005-08-16T01:07:22.003-07:00

Stalker Boy has given up. He has taken down the blogs and websites dedicated to hating and villifying me. He has returned to caring about his own life, instead of mine. My best guess as to what happened was that he finally got some medicine. I thank God that it's over. It was such a big source of stress, and I was constantly worried that he would show up at my door with harmful intent. I'm not

Guannanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13233815.post-1120570284115011222005-07-05T06:17:00.000-07:002005-07-05T06:31:24.126-07:00

Damn that little toad! He has really pissed me off now. About a week ago, I wandered onto one of the music sites and saw two members saying some nasty things about gays in the chat window. Stalker Boy was online as one of his aliases, so it was obvious they were doing it for his benefit. SB is gay, and likes to blame that for lots of the things wrong in his life. (i.e. the world is tormenting him

Guannanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13233815.post-1119947458850887332005-06-28T01:20:00.000-07:002005-06-28T01:30:58.860-07:00

I landed two of the book contracts, so now I have to write two books for two different publishers, and both have the exact same deadline. I've decided to write the shorter book first and then tackle the big one.No one has actually paid me yet, but I've signed one contract and sent it off. Still waiting to hear back on the second contract, because I asked for some changes. They always make me wait

Guannanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13233815.post-1117984697151662432005-06-05T08:15:00.000-07:002005-06-05T08:18:17.156-07:00

I wish I had some energy. I'm trying to switch my schedule from a night schedule to a day schedule and it's exhausting. Never get enough sleep. I'm also very worried about money. I've got a lot of book projects pending, but no one is handing me checks right now. I need someone to just say yes to something, so I can get some money and get to work. I'm just so tired.

Guannanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13233815.post-1117445029610984112005-05-30T02:18:00.000-07:002005-05-30T02:23:49.613-07:00

With the help of a talented author (who I roped into doing judging duties), we have a winner for the contest! Kate!Kate's entry is the first one you'll read under the contest heading. The judge thought is was a "great story" and was very sure of her pick, so Kate, you are the winner! I will be contacting you soon about your prize.Thank you to everyone who entered. I appreciate it most sincerely!

Guannanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13233815.post-1117361797942462762005-05-29T03:14:00.000-07:002005-05-29T03:16:37.946-07:00

The contest is now closed and I will announce the results very soon. I thank all of you who entered. I'll be in touch soon!

Guannanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13233815.post-1117264036343007142005-05-28T00:05:00.000-07:002005-05-28T00:07:16.346-07:00

I've decided to run a contest. The winner will receive either a book I wrote about dogs, or one about cats, or a CD of my original music -- winner's choice. All you have to do is write a true, humorous story about your cat or dog. It can be about a current pet, or one you've had in the past. Or one you've known at some point that isn't your pet. 250 word limit. Anyone can enter. Just hit the

Guannanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13233815.post-1117263873166167822005-05-28T00:03:00.000-07:002005-05-28T00:04:33.166-07:00

A new person joined one of the music sites recently, and from the start, 'she' bothered the heck out of me. I got a very disturbing vibe from 'her' notes. I've figured out why. Apparently, Stalker Boy has resurrected himself as a Mexican woman who lives on the back of a truck using a stolen laptop. Isn't that special? His horrible imitation of broken English is really a sight to see. His grasp of

Guannanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13233815.post-1117263816814842522005-05-28T00:02:00.001-07:002005-05-28T00:03:36.816-07:00

I've decided to put out a CD of my songs. At least, I think I've decided to do it. Making the little booklet is a lot of work, and I'll no doubt lose money on it because printing it takes a lot of ink, but I designed a cover I really like. And I did all the work of figuring out how to make the lyric booklet (much tougher than you'd imagine). I'll send one to Mom. And I'll put it in my store on M

Guannanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13233815.post-1117263750067567522005-05-28T00:02:00.000-07:002005-05-28T00:02:30.073-07:00

Stalker Boy has really been pushing lately. He's got a new blog against me (how many is it now? A dozen? Two dozen?) where, as usual, he's railing at the world about his being a victim. And as he always, his "proof" is not what is real, but what his twisted mind sees, using a logic known only to him. He followed me to a collector's forum a couple of weeks ago, and it fueled his hatred. I haven't

Guannanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13233815.post-1117263711789571882005-05-28T00:01:00.001-07:002005-05-28T00:01:51.803-07:00

How do you decide whether to illuminate something through description or through dialog? There is no one opinion on this, so I'm going to tell you my thinking on this subject. You may agree, you may disagree, both are fine. The point is to get you thinking about it , so you can make conscious choices. Either way, the goal should be to write it well. Write good description or dialogue that

Guannanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13233815.post-1117263685401134212005-05-28T00:01:00.000-07:002005-05-28T00:01:25.413-07:00

OBSTACLESEvery story should have conflict. Conflict is an obstacle that must be overcome. Whether the obstacles are found in another character, in nature, or internally, the fight to overcome these rocks in the path of the primary character's growth is what makes storytelling so exciting.This is why logic must play a key role in any piece of fiction. Overcoming obstacles is only interesting if

Guannanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13233815.post-1117263653685781092005-05-28T00:00:00.001-07:002005-05-28T00:00:53.693-07:00

Economic writing is not money talk, but economy in the sense that, to use a cliché: less is more. Economy, in any writing, is essential. Economy of words and of scenes. This isn't to say that stories can't be long. Some of the greatest pieces of literature the world has seen have been quite long. Yet those novels also used economy. It's about choices, you see. Choosing your scenes, and

Guannanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13233815.post-1117263627521258962005-05-28T00:00:00.000-07:002005-05-28T00:00:27.533-07:00

To me, one of the most important things you can do in any story is create interesting, memorable characters. This is where the true heart of a story is. What can be done to make original characters enhance your story, whether minor walk-ons or costars? One of the key things to remember is that it is more important to let the reader know what kind of person a character is, than his shoe size,

Guannanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13233815.post-1117263577598863082005-05-27T23:58:00.000-07:002005-05-27T23:59:37.603-07:00

WHAT'S WRONG WITH THIS STORY?It's often subliminal. You're reading a story and you get a vague sense that there's something choppy and abrupt about it. Or perhaps you find yourself reading sentences over and over again, trying to follow the logic through a maze of phrases. Or maybe you sense something almost childlike in the rhythm of the sentences. Chances are, the writer isn't paying

Guannanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13233815.post-1117263533249727872005-05-27T23:57:00.000-07:002005-05-27T23:58:53.250-07:00

I received the copies of my newest book from my publisher today. It turned out absolutely gorgeous. Beautiful watercolor illusrations and fabulous book design from my publisher. I'm so pleased with it.

Guannanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13233815.post-1117263416119955782005-05-27T23:56:00.000-07:002005-05-27T23:56:56.130-07:00

I've recently been faced with a difficult situation. An individual burst onto several online sites in rapid succession and immediately began to make trouble, start fights, and paint the forums with drama and fits of rage. Each site deals with this sort of individual differently. But there is usually a consenus reached by the moderators that the new poster's presence is not right for the site. I'm

Guannanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13233815.post-1117262709849642462005-05-27T23:42:00.000-07:002005-05-27T23:45:09.876-07:00

In May of 1991, I decided to get a kitten. I had a new apartment; I wasn't with Bob anymore; I got my own place and he got custody of the cat. A pet adoption service, Lifeline for Pets, was holding an adoption day at a local pet shop. I went early. As each new batch of kittens came in, I looked them over eagerly. I talked to them, held them, cuddled and waited for a sign. Nothing. Where

Guannanoreply@blogger.com0