tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84846986998225245002024-03-13T19:20:36.574-04:00Heather DoughertyWriting Out LoudHeather Doughertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06753809418516249464noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484698699822524500.post-23509843081103365052012-01-13T23:40:00.001-05:002012-01-13T23:40:09.421-05:00My best shot at a New Year resolutionToday was my daughters graduation from DARE, and after the ceremony, I ran into one of the ladies I used to be friendly (not friends with - but we hung out a bit for our kids school stuff) with when we first moved here - and I gave her a big hug. She hugged back and didn't seem phased by it - but my daughter and husband both were shocked I just hugged someone that was a little more than a friendly acquaintance back in the day - and haven't talked to in at least 3 years. <br />
<br />
I didn't think it it was a big deal, until I thought about it and it WAS kind of weird. The more I thought about it - I realized I'm really lonely and damn it, I needed a hug. <br />
<br />
I haven't made a single friend here. Which I keep saying is okay because we just moved here - but - it's been 6 years this coming summer. That's not JUST. Sigh. <br />
<br />
When we moved here, I suffered from a pretty serious bout of post-partum depression. My youngest was only 4 months old and in the throws of severe reflux. My life for a year and half revolved around surviving each day as she cried through them or used me a human pacifier to dull her pain. Once we moved on from that, it took a good year or so to learn how to live as a human again. I think I got stuck.<br />
<br />
I'm not whining - I think I'm more sharing my epiphany. It's hard
to make friends as an adult. I work from home, and don't have a lot of hobbies that throw me in with the public. And although I'm really
outgoing, I'm very shy. Does that even make sense? If you give me a shot, I'll talk your ear off, listen to you to no end and go to the ends of the earth for you, but, you have to reach out to me first. I'll wave at you but no way I'd have the nerve to come up and chat. That sometimes makes me seem bitchy. Standoffish. <br />
<br />
I think I'm a good friend, and my best friends (scattered across the country though they may be) are amazing - and most I met in junior high! I just would like someone nearby to go shop with every once in a while, or invite over to hang out - or put as an emergency contact for my kids at school.<br />
<br />
I'm working on this. I want to make friends. I'm going to try. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Heather Doughertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06753809418516249464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484698699822524500.post-28727556026750252422012-01-08T19:57:00.000-05:002012-01-13T23:41:21.516-05:00Reading right alongOh Kindle, how I love thee. My dad gave me a kindle as a thank you present and I can't believe how much I love it. I thought I'd miss actual books - but it turns out - it's not been much of a problem. It's been especially wonderful since my local library started lending to the Kindle. I bought a little waterproof cover and I can read on the beach or in the bath, and then my dad gave me a cover with a light built in and that's perfect for the late night reading. <br />
<br />
<br />
This is a little glimpse of what I've managed to read recently:<br />
<br />
Loved:<br />
The Dead-Tossed Waves and Dark and Hollow Places (Carrie Ryan)<br />
Anna and the French Kiss (Stephanie Perkins) <br />
Marcelo and the Real World (Francisco Stork)<br />
<br />
<br />
Liked:<br />
The Forest of Hands and Teeth (Carrie Ryan)<br />
Matched (Allie Condie)<br />
The Magicians (Lev Grossman)<br />
Dreamland (Sarah Dessen)<br />
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (Ransom Riggs)<br />
Beautiful Disaster (Jamie McGuire) (oh how I struggle with this one!) <br />
<br />
<br />
Next on the shelf:<br />
<br />
The Magician King (Lev Grossman)<br />
Angelfall (susan Ee)<br />
Crossed (Allie Condie)<br />
Blood on My Hands (Todd Strasser)<br />
Vida Nocturna (Mark Diehl)<br />
The Demon Trappers Daughter (Jana Oliver)<br />
<br />
So - what have you been reading? <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Heather Doughertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06753809418516249464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484698699822524500.post-5226052846368714342012-01-06T12:45:00.000-05:002012-01-06T12:45:28.500-05:00THAT voiceHere's the funny thing about writing. Sometimes you get too deep into your own head to find your way out to write about normal things. Like blog posts.<br />
<br />
I find it amazing that I haven't posted in almost a year. Yet, when I look through my blog drafts, I actually write a couple of blog posts a month. I can't bring myself to post them. I think that's why I had to stop querying. I wasn't ready for the all the other parts that come with writing. I enjoy writing, I write to feel sane, I write to get the characters out of my head that follow me around. I tell their stories. When I started querying and those first few R's started coming - a big, red, flashing sign went off for me. I knew I would get R's. EVERYONE get's R's. It wasn't even as if I took it personally. I knew that they were judging my book based on 3 small paragraphs - not even the body of my work. What it came down to for me, was the fact that every single R's echoed this nasty little voice that lives in my head telling me that my writing isn't ready, it's not good enough, it's not worth it. THAT voice. It was me and my problem, not the rejection. I had already set myself up to fail this journey. I wasn't ready.<br />
<br />
So, I've been taking some time. I took a break from writing, since I needed to get my own head on straight. I need to quiet THAT voice. Now that I have emerged on the other side with writing mojo back on my side, I re-evaluated my query process. I expected to find I had sent out dozens of queries. But no, 12. I sent out 12 queries to agents. 12!!! I received 6 rejections and 6 no-answers (which in my world are R's). I quit at 12. I shared this with some of my writing buddies lately and they laughed at me. Not because I have been rejected, but because 12 was the extent of my attempt. One friend has queried over 300 times, over three different books. Most of my other friends, (some pubbed even) said they queried a minimum of 50 for each book. <br />
<br />
I don't know if I'm ready, I probably won't really know until the R's start piling in again. But I'm stronger. I quieted that voice, and I'm working on kicking it's ass and pushing it to the curb permanently. That part will take time. But the rest of me is in charge now. I'm writing again. I'm finishing my next novel, and then I'll go through the process to get it shiny and ready. Then I will try again. <br />
<br />
<br />Heather Doughertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06753809418516249464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484698699822524500.post-27361275643612343402011-03-30T15:58:00.000-04:002011-03-30T15:58:09.234-04:00Pole DancingSo, my oldest daughter just asked me if she could take Pole Dancing lessons. <br />
<br />
She's 10. <br />
<br />
Let's just say that my mouth couldn't have opened any wider if I was getting a cavity filled. <br />
<br />
After I collected myself, I asked her what the heck she was talking about (OMGHOWDOESSHEKNOWWHATTHATEVENIS????).<br />
<br />
Turns out she saw a Groupon coupon for 1/2 off Pole Dancing lessons when looking over my shoulder at my email. She thought it sounded great, because pole dancing is like the jig right? Like the dancing Polish people do?<br />
<br />
Let's just say it took me about ten minutes before I could breathe between fits of laughter.<br />
<br />
sigh...Heather Doughertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06753809418516249464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484698699822524500.post-51305974253603170852011-03-29T16:58:00.000-04:002011-03-29T16:58:07.756-04:00Writing for DummiesMy muse just up and went. Left. Gone. Hit the Road. <br />
<br />
I think we dun broke up. Surely she would have left a note right? Something?<br />
<br />
I'm not sure whether to submit a missing "persons" report or just wait it out. I know she'll come back. Right?<br />
<br />
I pick up my laptop and just look at the screen. It's kind of pathetic.<br />
<br />
I spend hours listening to the music we used to write to. Sometimes, I go back and torture myself and read what we wrote when we were still together. <br />
<br />
I'm so desperate I went down into the dark alleyways to get help. Writing prompts and spew writing (ya know, where you just write to write in hopes that at some point the words will work themselves into something worth reading?). I know, I know. Amateur. I just needed a fix. Something to get me through until she comes back.<br />
<br />
So far, no muse. She hasn't even called. <br />
<br />
I'm left questioning myself and my past. Was what we had even real at all? <br />
<br />
Told ya. Pathetic.Heather Doughertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06753809418516249464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484698699822524500.post-4598969830367003312011-03-02T13:54:00.001-05:002011-03-02T13:55:24.454-05:00Hello.<br />
<br />
I'll tell ya, this business of writing is funny. Not so much ha ha funny as strange funny, but ya get my point. Once I wrapped up Normal and started querying (and I'm doing a terrible job at that... I haven't even sent out 12 queries in 9 months. LAME!), I've been bitten by the Shiny New Idea bug (SNI) over and over and over. I have noted, fleshed out and even gotten 10-20K in on some of these ideas (I think I've had at least a dozen since October?), but none of them have really tempted me to write.<br />
<br />
Partly the problem is these inspirations come to me in a flash, a character or of a scene, but not the stuff of a full out novel. <br />
<br />
So, although the inspiration well was dry, I've been forcing myself to write. I've also been doing a lot of reading.<br />
<br />
Ghosties is close to my heart, but I'm torn because I have two roads in front of me, two separate paths I really like for it - but once I decide on one and start writing that way, I'm suddenly convinced the other path is THE path. I think I'm going to write both and see which one I end up loving. I admit it's also hard to write because I'm a giant scaredy-cat, and once I get into some of these scenes, they stay with me and freak me out. That's good though, right?<br />
<br />
Then, my hockey chick novel, which originally was 3 SNI's that combined into one, took a crazy turn and has finally captured my full attention. The characters are rounding themselves out and speaking to me, sometimes even shouting. Mac (the MC) had a huge secret she finally revealed to me, and now I have hope for her - and her story. There is a playlist, there is a cast... and it's moving along. I just hit 12K on it, and have very, very loosely outlined the rest of the novel - so there is somewhere to go.<br />
<br />
So, here I am finally settled into a manuscript. Enjoying writing it. Getting wordage in. <br />
<br />
Low and behold it hit me this morning after a crazy dream, a new SNI. An epic story - with an actual plot attached. The characters are so real to me that I instantly was able to search out actors that fit the physical descriptions. It's full of action and romance so I'm loving it. I wrote a four page outline (I'm still a pantser, I promise, but I had to get it out of my head and on paper while I had it!!) and then about 2K! <br />
<br />
So.... I crank up The Clash and force myself to decide... "Should I Stay or Should I Go?"Heather Doughertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06753809418516249464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484698699822524500.post-47290469726962712372010-12-20T21:14:00.000-05:002011-03-02T13:56:19.274-05:00Tis the Season........ for generic headings....<br />
<br />
Hahahahahaha haha ha ha.<br />
<br />
<br />
Did I mention that I love just about everything about this time of year? It's true. Busy stores, long lines, late nights, flour handprints on my jeans... love it all.<br />
<br />
I think however, like everything else I do - I may be gathering a few too many traditions. So far it's manageable, but if I keep picking up 1-2 new ones every year, in about 10 years we'll be spewing Christmas from Labor Day to Valentine's Day.<br />
<br />
I've been writing, so that's wonderful, but I'm sort of stuck in a world of WIPS (works in progress). There aren't any that are calling my name at night and begging for attention, so I'm just plugging along waiting for one to scream to be written or a new SNI (shiny new idea) that will grab me.Heather Doughertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06753809418516249464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484698699822524500.post-83816839392041476502010-10-04T13:14:00.000-04:002010-10-04T13:14:41.789-04:00Banned Book WeekSo, the Banned Book Week party is over, the crepe paper is still clinging to the ceiling by a random piece of Scotch tape. The dishes are almost washed and the helium balloons are bouncing around the room at eye height now. <br />
<br />
Did we all have a fun Banned Book Week? I still can't believe some of the books that get banned - or challenged. I try and live in my little world bubble most of the time - here we have good food and can read anything we want to. <br />
<br />
Enough rambling and on to the good stuff... I have a winner for my little contest. I was so excited to have 10 comments!! ( Little things people... little things! ) Thanks for sharing your favorites with me - and commenting! I love you all!<br />
<br />
The winner of the contest is MELANIE! Congratulations!! Email me at hddougherty at att(dot)net with your shipping info and choice of book and I'll get it out to you by the end of the month!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NMPy-Ln8nYw/TKoK4I7uidI/AAAAAAAAAJI/FaKV9ww5zgs/s1600/random+number+generator.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NMPy-Ln8nYw/TKoK4I7uidI/AAAAAAAAAJI/FaKV9ww5zgs/s640/random+number+generator.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Thanks again for participating! Heather Doughertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06753809418516249464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484698699822524500.post-27143587434103130132010-09-24T13:00:00.000-04:002010-09-24T13:00:59.290-04:00Banned Book Week ContestAs you can see, I don't blog frequently or have a huge array of followers (but for those of you that do follow and read - I LOVE YOU!! SO MUCH! Hai!!) so this may in fact end up kind of silly. <br />
<br />
Look down there... I usually only have one amazing person commenting on any given blog post - so the fact that I'm doing a contest may end up being rather laughable. <br />
<br />
Laughable, silly... yes, indeed. <br />
<br />
I still can't stop myself. It's almost, nearly, just about <a href="http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/bannedbooksweek/index.cfm">Banned Book Week</a>. I can't stand for it. Well, I can stand for Banned Book Week - but not for Banned books. I've never understood this concept of censorship. If you feel something isn't appropriate for your child to read - then monitor it. Please don't try to dictate what my kids (or me!!) have access to. I was lucky that I grew up in a family that didn't really censor my books/music access. Sometimes there were clear lines drawn - especially for age appropriateness, but as I got older, my parents felt okay with letting me decide what I could handle reading/listening to. I hope to do the same with my kids. <br />
<br />
Some banned/challenged books have been favorites of mine. Others not so much. I'd still love for others to have a chance to read them...<br />
<br />
Most recently there has been quite an uproar over the challenge to Laurie Halse Anderson's book, Speak. <br />
<br />
<br />
I would love to attempt to give this topic some face time, but quite frankly - I feel it's been so eloquently handled by others that I will leave it to them, but I want to say that I SUPPORT SPEAK!<br />
<br />
<br />
Who I recommend reading on this subject (hope you don't mind me linking to ya - cuz you rock!): <br />
<a href="http://madwomanintheforest.com/this-guy-thinks-speak-is-pornography/">Laurie Halse Anderson </a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://writingfinally.blogspot.com/2010/09/speak-loudly-in-defense-of-laurie-halse.html">Myra McEntire</a><br />
<a href="http://veronicarothbooks.blogspot.com/2010/09/christian-take-on-banning-speak.html">Veronica Roth </a><br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/frequentlychallenged/21stcenturychallenged/2009/index.cfm">ALA has listed the top 10 most challenged books from the last year</a>. Read banned books!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
DIDN'T YOU SAY SOMETHING ABOUT A CONTEST? GET ON WITH IT WOMAN!!!<br />
<br />
Okay... So - here is my plan. Comment here with your favorite banned book and you are entered. Easy Peasy right? Considering you may be the only one commenting - your odds could be spectacular! ;) If you tweet this contest or blog about it or somehow in some other way mention it - you will get an extra entry into the contest if you note that in your comment. Also - please note in the comments if you are blogging about banned books this week or are having a BBW contest. <br />
<br />
So what do you get? Well, the winner - picked randomly from the comments (if there are more than one!) - will have their choice of one the following banned books sent to them. I should be able to ship internationally, so go ahead and enter!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NMPy-Ln8nYw/TJzVWprka0I/AAAAAAAAAIs/Efauq9-vsQ4/s1600/animal-dreams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NMPy-Ln8nYw/TJzVWprka0I/AAAAAAAAAIs/Efauq9-vsQ4/s200/animal-dreams.jpg" width="129" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NMPy-Ln8nYw/TJzVbzYKWFI/AAAAAAAAAI0/EFB8TfdW-DQ/s1600/speak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NMPy-Ln8nYw/TJzVbzYKWFI/AAAAAAAAAI0/EFB8TfdW-DQ/s200/speak.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NMPy-Ln8nYw/TJzVeEgO6SI/AAAAAAAAAI4/4zcEVfEcNUw/s1600/jamespeach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NMPy-Ln8nYw/TJzVeEgO6SI/AAAAAAAAAI4/4zcEVfEcNUw/s200/jamespeach.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NMPy-Ln8nYw/TJzVhIZpbjI/AAAAAAAAAI8/rwpU-B_TL7k/s1600/perks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NMPy-Ln8nYw/TJzVhIZpbjI/AAAAAAAAAI8/rwpU-B_TL7k/s200/perks.jpg" width="142" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NMPy-Ln8nYw/TJzVjZj7EJI/AAAAAAAAAJA/GXQS1y0JsKE/s1600/part-time-indian1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NMPy-Ln8nYw/TJzVjZj7EJI/AAAAAAAAAJA/GXQS1y0JsKE/s200/part-time-indian1.jpg" width="131" /></a></div><br />
This contest will run through the 2010 celebration of Banned Books Week, from September 25 through October 2. I will post the winner sometime the week of October 3.<br />
<br />
Thanks for supporting banned books (and me and this little blog thing!)Heather Doughertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06753809418516249464noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484698699822524500.post-40177549730717014262010-09-09T14:06:00.000-04:002010-09-09T14:06:13.535-04:00Out in the world...This has been a crazy month. As you can see, I haven't managed to be very successful at blogging regularly. I'm okay with that since I'm not putting extra pressure on myself.<br />
<br />
I've started the query process, but as I'm learning - I query like a blog. S-l-o-w-l-y! I seem to be on a one submission every other week time frame. This works out well for me because I'm really spending time researching the agents. I think I'm on the right track...<br />
<br />
As for writing - I have had SNIs invade my life the last couple of weeks. I won't complain - but it is definitely challenging to find enough time to do all the writing I'm inspired to do. I have a MG skeeery ghost book that has a word count of about a 7K with most of the book thought out (yes, I'm still a pantser - but this one came at me fully fleshed out), and then Tuesday I had a SNI hit me harder than any other - EVER. I wrote 10K words on Tuesday and then yesterday I actually sat down to make notes so that I wouldn't forget all the ideas screaming through me for it. I settled in to write another 2K - and hope to double that today. This SNI is a contemp YA - I love it. <br />
<br />
In other news - the kids are back to school - well - at least Big and Middle are... Little doesn't start until next week. I wish I could say that this means I'll have 3 mornings off a week - but I've chosen to work while she's at school. The stress that's removed by paying bills definitely outweighs the extra quiet time. Did I just say that? That seems rather grown-up of me. Must be a fluke. <br />
<br />
In my to be read pile: Mockingjay, The DUFF, Hush Hush, Silver Phoenix, You Wish... I don't remember the rest... I love books.<br />
<br />
I want to wish fellow AWer Emilia a Happy Blogiversary. Check her out - and don't miss her <a href="http://www.emilia-plater.com/2010/08/punkiversary-giveaway-of-life-changing.html">Punkiversary Giveaway of Life-Changing Proportions Contest</a>... last day to enter is today! It is so full of amazing things you'll be happy just looking at all the prizes. Don't forget to check out the <a href="http://www.emilia-plater.com/">rest of her blog</a>. She's funny - adorable and mega talented - plus - you'll get to say "Oh, I found her way back before she was this mega-famous author." Heather Doughertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06753809418516249464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484698699822524500.post-48210619251982464412010-09-09T10:30:00.001-04:002010-09-09T10:32:14.374-04:00Ode to an Iced Capp<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NMPy-Ln8nYw/TIjvcCQ_68I/AAAAAAAAAIY/Hj9HL50gz-s/s1600/icedcapp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NMPy-Ln8nYw/TIjvcCQ_68I/AAAAAAAAAIY/Hj9HL50gz-s/s320/icedcapp.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Many roads we’ve wandered,<br />
You and I<br />
When the wells of my sanity,<br />
Have all but run dry.<br />
Your popular cousin, Coffee,<br />
Is just not my thing,<br />
But with your milk and icee,<br />
You make my heart sing.<br />
When my nights grow too short,<br />
Because my worries are long,<br />
With you in my system,<br />
I can keep going on.<br />
Some might call this corny,<br />
Or even quite silly,<br />
But it’s just my way of<br />
Saying, I really, really,<br />
Really, really, really, really<br />
Really love you.Heather Doughertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06753809418516249464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484698699822524500.post-69769288740570591352010-08-11T14:39:00.000-04:002010-08-11T14:39:49.222-04:00oooh books!I am on a reading spree. My BFF (I may be 35 but I can still call her my BFF - she's been my friend since I was 13!) sent me a box full of books. Great books. Amazing books.<br />
<br />
I got her hooked on Hunger Games - so she bought me Catching Fire (yes it's finally close enough to Mockinjay's release that I can read it!), Linger (yay!!), Vampire Diaries and more Vampire Diaries, Darkfever, Hush Hush - oh there are more but I can't remember them all. <br />
<br />
This was one of the coolest gifts I've received in a long time. Can you give a better gift than a book that someone falls in love with? That escape, those characters - they are with us forever. <br />
<br />
Speaking of books - <a href="http://inwhichagirl.blogspot.com/">in which a girl reads</a> is having a HUGE contest - in fact it's called the <a href="http://inwhichagirl.blogspot.com/2010/08/very-humongous-blogoversary-contest.html">Very Humongous Blogoversary Contest</a>. Check it out. Definitely check it out! Fall in love - she has a very humongous group of terrific books to choose from if you are a winner. Heather Doughertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06753809418516249464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484698699822524500.post-22934727032300672222010-07-04T23:20:00.000-04:002010-07-04T23:20:38.191-04:00It's done! It's done! It's done!!The latest draft of NORMAL is complete. I'm sending the last section to my amazing betas. Once I get their responses back - and I have the last reserved betas do a full once over... it will be time to query agents! Can you believe it??<br />
<br />
It is an amazing feeling to have this draft under my belt. There were many large edits in this version and I really like where it's gone. <br />
<br />
No more excuses, no more procrastination. Hopefully within the next two to three weeks I will begin sending queries. <br />
<br />
WHOO HOO!!Heather Doughertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06753809418516249464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484698699822524500.post-38055779593473564492010-06-23T10:30:00.000-04:002010-06-23T10:30:35.188-04:00Lazy, hazy daysI woke up this morning to the sound of my fan shutting off.<br />
<br />
Normally it doesn't sound like such a big deal, but in my world it means the power went out. No power, no computer... and no computer... well... let's just say I need a life.<br />
<br />
Cue crying.<br />
<br />
Well, the power is back on and I'm over it. What this lead me to though, was realizing I need mah 'puter! Yes I have my WIPs saved on an external hard drive, an online back-up server and I have emailed them to myself. The real problem is that I am no longer able to write by hand. I tried. I really, really tried this morning, but it didn't happen. It's not that I had writer's block, it's that I can't write nearly as fast as I can type and by the time I had a thought out on paper, I forgot where I was going with it. <br />
<br />
It sucked.<br />
<br />
So here I am perched back on my computer, electricity chasing through the wires and NOW I am blocked again. <br />
<br />
I love writing. Heather Doughertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06753809418516249464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484698699822524500.post-90745788893061558042010-06-18T10:52:00.000-04:002010-06-18T10:52:53.650-04:00Vacation, all I ever needed....So... I've been on a little writing vacation. <br />
<br />
Not the kind where I go somewhere fun and write - but eh kind where I just don't write at all.<br />
<br />
So really, the worst kind.<br />
<br />
With the end of the school year excitement, weddings, work trips, work, softball - my brain has been fried by the end of the day. Normally I write from 11p-2am. That hasn't been possible because most nights I'm asleep by 11pm. <br />
<br />
I will say that I miss writing, and my characters. Now that school is out (whoooo hoooo) I hope to be able to scrape out some writing time.<br />
<br />
Including maybe an occasional blog post or two. <br />
<br />
'cuz you miss me, right? Heather Doughertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06753809418516249464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484698699822524500.post-33908374109277068462010-05-28T19:26:00.000-04:002010-05-28T19:26:13.275-04:00Getting dirtyOh I wish the title of the post meant I'm going to be chatting about <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">smexy</span>, dirty things... but unfortunately it's not.<br />
<br />
So I just put my garden in the ground. So far three kinds of cucumbers, some zucchini, squash, five types of tomatoes, 2 types of peppers, some chives, some onions, some carrots, watermelon and some lettuce. I have a whole bunch more to go in but it's a good start.<br />
<br />
While I was sitting out in the sun digging in the dirt I have a lot of time to contemplate things and one of my favorite past times is to plot out books/scenes, etc. Today I realized that gardening and writing are very similar and I realized a little about my personality. That's some serious gardening right?<br />
<br />
I love the feeling of planting the garden, it's a lot of work to get the ground ready, but once it's time to start putting transplants or seeds in the ground, it's exciting. Each plant has serious potential and I don't see the garden for a bunch of piles of dirt with little spindly seedlings, but the potential of a gorgeous lush garden with loads of veggies for my family. <br />
<br />
The same can be said about my <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">SNIs</span> (Shiny New Ideas). I get an idea and it's a major high. Then as I mull it over in my head, thinking of plot points, characters, it starts to take shape (in case you can't tell - in planning terms I'm a <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">pantser</span> not a planner!). I start to write and I can see the finished project in all it's glory. <br />
<br />
Then the tough stuff. In writing a novel - the weeds are those tough middle spots that you have to push through when you temporarily lose your inspiration because the actual work that goes into your masterpiece takes over. Then there is editing. I clear the infiltrators of THAT, passive tense, excessive adjectives, excessive dialogue tags... just like I have to clear the garden of infiltrating weeds, pests and my kids. <br />
<br />
Eventually you end up with something. For me, last years garden was a bomb. We had 23 days of rain in the 30 days after we got the plants in the ground. This does not make for a bountiful harvest later. There have certainly been books that also met the same fate and sit in an unfinished state in my hard drive. Not even hard work can save those puppies.<br />
<br />
When everything comes together well, the completed manuscript is worth every ounce of time and energy you put into it. <br />
<br />
Did I mention I can't wait till my tomatoes ripen? Heather Doughertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06753809418516249464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484698699822524500.post-81199394879679543102010-05-28T13:54:00.000-04:002010-05-28T13:54:34.400-04:00Around, around, around the sun...I'm sitting in a room where Elmo's World is on the TV but there are no children. I'm too lazy to reach two feet in front of me to get the remote and change the channel.<br />
<br />
Don't judge me.<br />
<br />
My oldest daughter asked me what my favorite color was. I realized I no longer have easy answers for just about anything. It used to be yellow. Now my favorite color is the vibrant green of leaves with sun shining on them set against the clear deep blue hue of the sky with splashes of white from both white, puffy clouds and branches of white birch trees. <br />
<br />
I don't mean this in a poetic way, or even in a cleverly crafted purple prose (MUST SLASH ADJECTIVES!!) kind of way. It's just that I don't find any of those colors enough on their own. Put them together and TA-DA gorgeous. <br />
<br />
More questions that I don't have easy answers for - but should? What is your favorite song? What is your favorite move? book? TV show? kid?<br />
<br />
All of these things are difficult to answer for the same reason. It just depends. <br />
<br />
It depends on my mood, it depends on when I first heard it, it depends on what memories I have attached... it depends. See.<br />
<br />
The same can be said about my writing and editing.<br />
<br />
I need to just finish editing NORMAL and get betas final opinions on it (so far my betas have helped tremendously and I love, love, love them all!). Every time I sit down to edit NORMAL it changes. I know that's the point of editing, but I mean the focus, the voice, the feel and flow of things. It all depends on my mood, music I'm listening to, how tired I am... I think the more I edit the farther I get from the end. <br />
<br />
Oh and just in case you are wondering? There was no point to this post. Just lots of randomness. Heather Doughertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06753809418516249464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484698699822524500.post-56431940798935267402010-05-17T19:39:00.000-04:002010-05-17T19:39:54.199-04:00My heart... in paper....We had a semi-successful yard sale this weekend. I mention this only because two things happened as a direct result. The first - I once again realized why I dis-like holding yard sales. I sold my three year old leather, glider/recliner for $17. That's one.<br />
<br />
The second is infinitely more important. I found my box of books. THE box of books. <br />
<br />
Let's back up a bit. My father is the kind of man that loves books - he's the reason I'm such a voracious reader. He keeps his books forever. He has walls of books at his house. All organized according to author and almost all are in hardback. Lots of books. Most of which have only been read once by him or twice if I got my paws on 'em. This leads me to another fun fact about my dad. Do not borrow a book unless you will return it to him. Otherwise you will forever be in the book jail. I don't borrow books anymore unless I'm not leaving his house with it - and even then I point out when I leave exactly where I am leaving the book so that he knows I'm not shoving it in a suitcase to take home. <br />
<br />
This gene is also deeply embedded in me. I don't have the funds that he does to purchase books, but when I do, I have a habit of holding on to them. In my defense, I am a re-reader though, I can read a book 2-3 okay 4-5 times (or 20 something if it's Austen or a Bronte). <br />
<br />
Moving 7 times in 4 years broke me of this habit. I admit one of the hardest things for me to let go on our moves were my books. I imagine them in new happy homes, being read and enjoyed by a happy reader curled up on their couch and treated lovingly.<br />
<br />
Yes. I might need a life. <br />
<br />
That aside, there are some books I just couldn't part with. When we moved from Arizona to Maine I allowed myself one large Rubbermaid container of books. They went from moving truck to storage units to storage unit..etc... until finally I have another place where I shelf space for my precious. In fact - I have a great built in bookcase! <br />
<br />
To make this long story longer - emptying our storage shed I found the box. I opened it and went through it the same way I do the little storage boxes with my children's baby clothes and mementos. I've had some of these books longer than the kids!<br />
<br />
In the box were a few I'm okay with letting go now, but mostly, books I cherish remain. <br />
<br />
<b>What books would you have in your box?</b>Heather Doughertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06753809418516249464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484698699822524500.post-14456093463040900952010-05-16T17:40:00.000-04:002010-05-16T17:40:53.130-04:00Contests, Contests, Contests!Some fandangulous peeps are having contests on their blogs and I wanna share the love!<br />
<br />
Check out the marvy <a href="http://kathybradey.blogspot.com/">Kathy Bradey's blog</a>. She is having her first ever contest - and you can win an Amazon gift card! Kathy's manuscript - Ice Carousel is UH-mazing! <br />
<br />
The <a href="http://thegotya.blogspot.com/2010/05/romantic-times-booklovers-convention.html">GotYA blog</a> has another fun contest up for ya - this time from Annie after the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention! Check it out!Heather Doughertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06753809418516249464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484698699822524500.post-35839416437053323832010-05-15T20:40:00.000-04:002010-05-15T20:40:49.152-04:00Happy Birthday to ME!So... tomorrow is my birthday. <br />
<br />
Cue the singing. Oh look there is a beautiful cake. Balloons? Presents? Oh - you shouldn't have. <br />
<br />
I love my birthday. A LOT.<br />
<br />
I've had some wonderful birthdays - and some not so wonderful birthdays.<br />
<br />
I used to cry every time someone sang the Happy Birthday song. (I may or may not still do this.. SHUT UP!)<br />
<br />
These are birthdays I remember... in no particular order (I told you I like to make lists!):<br />
<br />
The one where my grandparents were there and I went to Show Biz Pizza<br />
<br />
The one where we played the game Telephone in the backyard.<br />
<br />
The one where the boy I liked gave me a kiss as my present.<br />
<br />
The one where I had a hot tub party and none of the girls would put on a bathing suit to get in - but me. And I got to hang out in the hot tub with 8 good looking guys - all by myself. The very next day one of those guys showed up on my doorstep and told me how amazing I was because I was okay enough to do it (even though I didn't look particularly great in one!)<br />
<br />
The one where I cried all day because someone broke my heart.<br />
<br />
The one where I was at prom and my birthday started at midnight.<br />
<br />
The one where I cried all night because my parents showed up late to my birthday party and everyone had to leave by the time they got finally arrived with the cake and pizza. <br />
<br />
The one where I just found out I was pregnant with my oldest daughter.<br />
<br />
The one where Jim Henson (one of my favorite people on Earth) died. The same birthday that one of my other favorite people brought me a dozen roses because every girl should get beautiful flowers on her birthday (Miss you tons Mrs. C!).<br />
<br />
The one where I got fired from a job and my boss brought me a dozen roses and a dozen daisies to apologize. <br />
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The one where I was 40 weeks pregnant with my middle daughter. <br />
<br />
The one where my work friends decorated my cubicle and gave me amazingly touching gifts.<br />
<br />
The one where I watched my daughters dance recital.<br />
<br />
The other one where I watched my daughters dance recital.<br />
<br />
The one at Chi Chis where I donned the giant sombrero and had yummy fried ice cream. <br />
<br />
The one where I had my birthday cake in a bathtub - with two little girls tubbing with me!<br />
<br />
The one where I was surprised when an amazing friend showed up with a cake, flowers and balloons for me. <br />
<br />
I've had many good birthdays. So many - I can't remember them all. I'm sure tomorrow will be another one!Heather Doughertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06753809418516249464noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484698699822524500.post-24342699793070319052010-05-11T22:44:00.001-04:002010-05-11T23:21:48.519-04:00"Sunny Days, everythings A-OK!"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NMPy-Ln8nYw/S-oTbhbH9aI/AAAAAAAAAH4/zIwFeIltBSI/s1600/sunshine_blog_award.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NMPy-Ln8nYw/S-oTbhbH9aI/AAAAAAAAAH4/zIwFeIltBSI/s320/sunshine_blog_award.png" /></a></div>Can you believe it??? The amazing <a href="http://lydiakang.blogspot.com/">Lydia Kang</a> gave me a blog award! And my favorite kind of award - involving sunny things and flowers. * I'm going to pass this along to my buddies at the <a href="http://www.thegotya.blogspot.com/">GotYA</a> blog - because it involves many of the women who inspire my writing - daily. Oh - and cuz I won an awesome contest on there. And they rock. * <a href="http://www.nicolethomas.net/">Nicole Thomas</a> who has been incredibly helpful with all things writing. * Bridget at <a href="http://bakeat350.blogspot.com/">Bake at 350</a> which always makes me smile! * I love the blog at <a href="http://www.notesfromthecookiejar.com/">Notes from the Cookie Jar</a> * Also <a href="http://verosjourney.blogspot.com/">Vero's blog</a> - because it's one of the coolest I've seen in a long time...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NMPy-Ln8nYw/S-ob3b4jFmI/AAAAAAAAAIA/dzESOGML6h4/s1600/Awesome%2BAward.JPG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NMPy-Ln8nYw/S-ob3b4jFmI/AAAAAAAAAIA/dzESOGML6h4/s320/Awesome%2BAward.JPG.jpg" /></a></div>I also received a blog award from <a href="http://nicoleducleroir.blogspot.com/">Nicole Ducleroir</a> - who has a gorgeous, fun, touching blog that you need to check out too! I'm going to pass this along to some of my other favorite blogs to read...<br />
*<a href="http://beccarogers.blogspot.com/">Becca Rogers blog</a> is terrific - she had beautiful teasers - and a daisy!! <br />
*<a href="http://www.houndrat.com/">Deb's blog</a> - besides the fact her graphics make me smile, her posts make me literally laugh out loud most of the time. <br />
*<a href="http://www.amandaplavich.com/">Amanda Plavich's blog</a> is adorable and beautiful - plus if you dig hard enough you get to her photography site which is as wonderful as her writing. <br />
* <a href="http://amybai.wordpress.com/">Amy Bai </a>- just read it - worth every second!<br />
*OK - I also want to throw two of my favorite writer's of all time on here... <a href="http://www.kingsolver.com/">Barbara Kingsolver</a> because her books saved me a long time ago and her site is full of her. And that is lovely. "The writing of fiction is a dance between truth and invention." <br />
*And then there is <a href="http://www.planetsark.com/">SARK</a>. Because I am a succulent, wild woman - and because her site is fun and informative and bright and colorful. Just like her. And a little bit like me. Heather Doughertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06753809418516249464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484698699822524500.post-38019861892262889592010-05-09T18:39:00.001-04:002010-05-11T23:26:46.013-04:00"You stole my heart but I love you anyway..."So, I'm learning I maybe a major fail at blogging. I want to be witty and fun, or serious and interesting or something. So much so that the words just don't come to me. So I'm going to cheat. I'm making a list. I love lists. Back in my old diaries I used to make lists upon lists... who I liked, who the cutest boy was, movies I wanted to see, presents for my birthday, favorite singers.... if I could categorize something and stuff it into a top 10/20/30... I would.<br />
<br />
It's May. I love May. It's the month I was born, it's when I found out I was pregnant with my oldest daughter, it's when I had my middle daughter, it's when I am celebrated as a mother. It's also a time where the weather turns warm and my toes dig in the sand at the beach for the first time every year, the leaves explode onto their branches, the smell of cut grass catches the air, the garden is planted... oh how I love May.<br />
<br />
So, honor of my list making and my love of May, I will present for you a list of things I love. I'm leaving off the obvious/most important (my husband, my children, my family, my friends) and trying to dig into some of the other things that thrill my soul.<br />
<br />
This is in no specific order...<br />
- kids giggling<br />
- citrus scented soap<br />
- teaberry ice cream<br />
- showers without short people (my children in particular) barging in the bathroom<br />
- old favorite songs on the radio<br />
- smell of salt in the air<br />
- the middle of an amazing book<br />
- fountain coke that is "just right"<br />
- dandelions clutched proudly in little fists<br />
- tequila<br />
- putting away winter coats/hats/gloves<br />
- fires in the hearth on a cold rainy day<br />
<br />
- homemade ice cream<br />
- adirondack chairsHeather Doughertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06753809418516249464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484698699822524500.post-37841677655163363082010-04-30T16:02:00.001-04:002010-04-30T16:07:41.980-04:00Lovin' my libraryI've had a couple of people ask how the reading has been going - and what I think about the books I mentioned earlier. I'm not much at writing book reviews but I love to chat about books...<br />
<br />
So - <b>Wintergirls</b> - Laurie Halse Anderson, this was crazy good. It was hard to read at times because you are entwined in the MCs head that you feel as out of control as she does (which is the point - and is done VERY well). The pacing is super fast and toward the end I HAD to finish it because I needed to not only find out what happened, but also to get out of her head! Great read.<br />
<br />
<b>Wicked Lovely</b> - Melissa Marr, also very good. I liked that the fairies in this book were not the little happy, twirly fairies of our youth but dark, dirty and at times cruel. Main character Aislinn is tough, brave and saves her own day. I can't wait to read Ink Exchange ... which is waiting at the library for me!<br />
<br />
<b>Graceling</b> - Kristen Cashore, I ran through this book. If you want to read a book about a hard-core tough chick - this is that book. Katsa is a fun character, because she has tremendous growth throughout, but still retains the core of her person at the end. The concept behind the book is fun - and the world that Cashore creates is beautiful and fascinating. <br />
<br />
<b>Wish You Were Dead</b> - Todd Strasser, This was another dark book, and I flew through it - anxious to find out how it ended. I was expecting something a little more humorous (I don't know - maybe the title should have clued me in??) - dark - but funny. It wasn't that - but a captivating suspense thriller instead. <br />
<br />
My favorite of this group which I admit I may be a bit biased about since the author is a fellow AWer - was <b>Handcuffs</b> by Bethany Griffin. I expected this to be some kind of hostage situation type of book (I'm apparently not very good at guessing these things!!) but found an intriguing glimpse into the main characters life. I love the main character Parker - and adore her he-who-shall-not-be-named- love interest. The story lightly touches base on many relevant topics without feeling like she's skimming over them - or preaching. This was another race to the end to find out what happens type of book. I admit I'm a little sad it ended. <br />
<br />
Up next: I'm almost done with Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen, and have hush, hush by Becca Fitzpatrick, City of Bones by Cassandra Clare and Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins in queue. Oooooooooh and I won Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl from a contest on the terrific new OPWFT website - called <a href="http://www.thegotya.blogspot.com/">GotYA</a>. Check it out if you get a chance!Heather Doughertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06753809418516249464noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484698699822524500.post-81517955321927225902010-04-08T11:21:00.000-04:002010-04-08T11:21:20.543-04:00Write on...<b>There's nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and open a vein. ~Walter Wellesley "Red" Smith<i></i></b><br />
<br />
The urge to write just up and went. Away. I have no idea where it went, but wherever, it is far away from me. <br />
<br />
<b>You must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you. ~Ray Bradbury<i></i></b><br />
<br />
I'm pretty sure that Bradbury is on to something. I paused for just a moment, turned my back and reality sure enough did grab me and fill my soul with.. well...reality.<br />
<br />
<b>Writing is easy: All you do is sit staring at a blank sheet of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead. ~Gene Fowler<i></i></b><br />
<br />
I love to write. Sometimes though there is such muck to wade through to reach anything of interest that nothing flows on the paper. <br />
<br />
<b>If I'm trying to sleep, the ideas won't stop. If I'm trying to write, there appears a barren nothingness. ~Carrie Latet<i></i></b><br />
<br />
It's been a month since the urge last struck me. <br />
<br />
Today I feel a small twinge. It's there. It's thinking about coming out. A couple of nights without sleep always help that along. <br />
<br />
I will set myself up with all the necessities... caffeine (Tim Horton's Iced Capp)... food (a veggie wrap sounds tasty... music (cues NORMAL playlist on itunes)... turn off internet...Heather Doughertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06753809418516249464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8484698699822524500.post-44301954198740581882010-03-23T13:11:00.002-04:002010-04-30T13:48:38.077-04:00It's Tuesday! No Teaser!I'm knee deep in revisions. I have been getting responses from my beta readers and so far so good. I love their honesty and comments, so far I'm in agreement with the suggestions and that is always a good thing - even if they are some tough recommendations. I love editing after getting comments from a beta. It feels good to be polishing - catching things that I missed earlier and making my MS as clean and shiny as it can be. It also brings me one step closer to querying. <br />
<br />
I did something crazy. <br />
<br />
I let my best friend read my MS. I find this isn't always a good idea because it can be awkward if they don't love it, and criticism stings differently coming from a friend than it does from an impartial beta reader. Good news - she stayed up until 1am to finish reading it! We talked about it all day yesterday and it was so much fun to chat about the characters and issues I'm having. I'm pretty sure I won't be writing her review of it on any agent queries, "My mom and my best friend really think it's cool..." but it's good to have someone to bore on end with questions.<br />
<br />
I have another good friend who has been reading along with me from the beginning and her initial help is the only reason Normal is where it is now. She held my hand through those self-conscious, overly dramatic writer moments. <br />
<br />
My point here... through this journey I'm growing braver with each step. I'm sharing my dreams with others and accepting their help. I think this makes all the difference.Heather Doughertyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06753809418516249464noreply@blogger.com2