Random #31 - Is This A Resolution?

I think I am going to start recording quotes and passages from books.  I see other readers doing this all the time.  I used to when I was in school, but that was because I was studying the book and needed these quotes, topics, themes, etc., for whatever project or essay I was working on.  I think school made recording quotes seem like work to me, instead of allowing myself to be immersed in the story.  That's not to say I've never written down a quote since school, but it seems to be from only one book a year.  Sometimes passages do jump out at me, but I don't get up to write it down, I just smile, maybe think about it a bit, then keep reading.

Does this count as a resolution?  I don't know.  It's just coincidental that I'm thinking about this close to the new year.  I feel like if I resolve to do it, then it's destined to fail.

Last Week #15 - My Latest Queries

I queried 5 (five!) agencies about my non-fiction project the last week before Christmas.  That's five opportunities for someone to say YES (and five for someone to say NO).  I read all their websites and didn't see anything about simultaneous submissions, so I hope that this is okay.  Except for one, I addressed the letters to specific agents.  I stared at the letters for a long time, hoping that they are good enough.  I guess all writers must feel this at some point, hoping that the words that they've put on a page (or screen) are good enough to entice an agent to represent them. 

I feel good that it's done.  I feel like I can let this manuscript sit and wait and I don't have to worry about it for a while.  I feel like I can focus on my fictional works now instead. 

Random #30 - Merry Xmas

Part of me always gets a little sad during the holidays because I don't get much writing (or reading done).  I get loads of other stuff done, though.  My gift shopping was done ages ago.  I've bought groceries for the different holiday dinners I will be hosting and attending.  I've cleaned.  I've baked cookies.  So, I've definitely been busy.  It's just the time of year, right?

I am excited for all the dinners and parties.  I'll be spending time with friends and family.  I'm excited to see those I don't see very often.  There will be hors d'oeuvres, chocolate and shots.  There will be laughter, twinkling lights, and music.  There will be hugs and kisses, and children running under foot.  The family time is going to be a blast!

I hope everyone out there (whether they celebrate a holiday at this time of year or not), has a wonderful week, filled with laughter and love.

Random #29 - Considering Social Media

I'm thinking about social media. Specifically, the social media I don't use. Instagram, Google+, and Facebook.  It seems like everyone has them.  Which do you like?  Which would I like?  I have Twitter and Pinterest already.  I enjoy using them.  I try to keep them updated and interesting too, though I'm not always successful.  I have a Goodreads account too, but that doesn't really count, does it?  I feel like I would like Instagram, but I don't know if I can keep it up as much as I do my Twitter. I'm also weary of posting my life in pictures on the Internet. I feel like Facebook and Google+ would only be useful if I actually had something published (whether self or traditional.)  Thoughts?  What do other people think of the social media out there? 

I don't think I would do any of the video type social media, YouTube, Vine.  That's a little too "out there" for me.  I'd feel exposed, anxious, then slightly crazy.  Who knows though?  I could change my mind one day.

Last Week #14 - Uninspired

Last week was my last writer's group meeting until 2015.  I'm not sure about what I wrote, but it's always nice getting together and writing from interesting, random prompts.

Have I worked on my actual novel?  Not really.  It seems like every night there's something going on.  I've tried getting up in the morning to work on stuff, but my children keep waking up before me.  Not good.  December always seems to throw everything off.  I am trying to sneak in a paragraph or two everyday, but progress is at a crawl.

Also, my computer is on the fritz again.  So, I have to use my Hubby's when I get the opportunity. 

Let's just say, except for Tuesday, it has been an uninspired week.  I'm looking forward to the week coming though.  I have hope for myself.

Quote #45 - Philip Pullman

“After nourishment, shelter and companionship, stories are the thing we need most in the world.”
― Philip Pullman

Random #28 - The Mail

I didn't get an important letter in the mail.  It was sent in the summer.  I just found out about it today.  Why did no one check after I didn't respond after a couple months?  I'm stressed out now.  Unhappy.  Also, on hold trying to fix this new mess.  The day had been going so well up until now.