My Blog

A writer’s wish list

Well, the shopping is done and presents are all wrapped, but I don’t think I’ll find any of these things under the tree. Here’s what’s on my writer’s wish list this year:

1. Time

I wish for more time every year, but haven’t found a way to get a 26-hour day or fit everything in. I think I need Hermione’s time turner. Could I get that in my stocking?

2. A shiny new Macbook

My name is Cindy and I’m a Mac. I love Macs. I love my Macbook, but it’s four years old and there are newer, shinier things out there. It still works just fine, though, so for now it’s staying. The Mac desktop is ancient and really needs to be replaced. Again, it’s still chugging along and I’m cheap and don’t want to replace it until it dies.

3. A black hole for all those pesky adverbs

Adverbs are seductive. They sneak up on you, so handy and easy to use. Then before you know it, you’ve got a whole page littered with them.

4. Ditto for those repeated words and phrases

When I was going through edits on ToH, I was embarrassed and appalled by how many times I repeated certain words and phrases. How could I not have noticed them? I hope I’m a bit more conscious of things like that now, but I know I still have some crutch words I always seem to fall back on.

5. More readers

If more people bought my book (say, thousands more), maybe I could quit my day job and write full time. That would also help out with #1 on the list.

6. Find out how book 2 in the series is going to end

Again, this goes along with #1 on the list. I need more time to write so I can finish the next book!

7. Publishers for the wonderful authors in my critique groups

I know a number of people who have written great books. They just need to find a publisher to snap them up.

8. Less social anxiety

Speaking in front of groups is one of my worst fears, but it’s something I have to do more of. I survived my first public reading and did pretty well, I thought. Hopefully there will be more to come in 2012.

9. Peter Jackson to direct the movie version of my book

He must be nearly finished with The Hobbit, right? I have the perfect new project for him!

10. Peace on earth and good will toward men. And women. And pigs. And frogs. And chickens…

Not writing related, but it’s a given.

So what’s on your writer wish list?

The Hobbit trailer is out

Okay, I have to get my LOTR geek on for a moment. I watched the trailer for The Hobbit last night and got chills. Just like the excitement I felt when I saw the trailer for Fellowship of the Ring. I think Peter Jackson has another winner. I loved the books and being a good little geek re-read them all before each movie came out so I could properly critique the film versions. Sure, there were pieces left out and a few adaptations made to fit the books to the screen, but overall I thought the movies were amazing. Middle Earth was brought to life in stunning fashion, down to the last detail, and the actors were quite good also. My only quibble so far with The Hobbit is that we have to wait until December 2012!

Check out the trailer and tell me what you think: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ZEOM13UyZ0A

Day 13 Christmas giveaway

It’s Day 13 of Avery Olive’s 13 Days of Christmas Giveaways! Stop by and check out my guest post on one of my favorite holiday stories, A Christmas Carol: http://averyolive.blogspot.com/2011/12/13-day-of-christmas-giveaways-day.html. Plus there is still a chance to win some great prizes, including a copy of Thief of Hope!

What are your favorite holiday books or movies? In addition to A Christmas Carol, I love all the old holiday specials, like Rudolph, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, The Year Without a Santa Claus, Claymation Christmas. I have them all on videotape and one of these years I’m afraid the videos will no longer work or our old VCR is going to go. So far so good, though!

A Star Wars Christmas memory

Check out my guest post on Mysti Parker’s blog about a favorite Christmas memory and another favorite topic–Star Wars: http://mystiparker.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-memory-with-author-cindy.html.

And while I’m on the subject of Star Wars and Christmas, writing the guest post reminded me of the Star Wars Christmas album, Christmas in the Stars, which came out in 1980. Fortunately it wasn’t as elusive as the ill-fated Star Wars holiday special, which I swear I did see on TV but only remember very little. Maybe it’s better that way. Those who know me know how fanatical I am about Star Wars. What can I say, it shaped my childhood!

So for a trip down memory lane, as I sit here listening to the record on my turntable (it still sounds pretty darn good), here’s the playlist:

Side 1:
Christmas in the Stars
Bells, Bells, Bells
The Odds Against Christmas
What Can You Get a Wookie for Christmas (When He Already Owns a Comb)
R2-D2 We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Side 2:
Sleigh Ride
Merry, Merry Christmas
A Christmas Sighting (‘Twas the Night Before Christmas)
The Meaning of Christmas

My favorites were “The Odds Against Christmas” and “R2-D2 We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”

Are you a Star Wars fan? Do you remember the holiday album?

It all brings back the wonder and magic of childhood. Let the holidays begin!

13 Days of Christmas Giveaway and Showcase

Come check out Avery Olive’s blog for 13 days of holiday fun! From December 8 to 20, she’ll be featuring authors, interviews, and guest blogs. Plus each day offers a great giveaway. And be sure to check out my guest post on Day 13, December 20.