To Clean or Not to Clean--What's a Writer to Do?

Alert: Yes, I know we must consider writing our work and give ourselves permission to do it. Still for the past days, I’ve struggled with that.

Now that it’s summer, I had great hope of accomplishing lots of writing. I can be home more, don’t have to get up and out at a certain time each day; I can get right to the keyboard and start on the story….

It’s not working out that way.

I’m the first to admit, I’m not very domesticated. I hate to clean, I hate to cook. But I like a clean house and decent food (although Lean Cuisine has some tasty stuff) and I can’t afford a maid.

OK, so knowing that about myself, I am totally surprised that, now I’m home consistently, I can find more things to do around the house than I ever thought possible. Good grief. I’ve even wanted to scrub floors (and actually did! Twice last week.)

Now when I sit down at the computer, visions keep popping into my mind of things that need doing around the house. Laundry—how does it pile up so fast? A load every morning—really? Dishes—that dishwasher gets fuller faster than ever. And where does all the dust come from?

I honestly don’t see how you all who have retired or who work from home do it. I realize that when we work outside the home, there is less time to do housework, so we relegate it to certain times of the week—usually the weekend.

It works then. Why doesn’t it work now? Now I feel guilty letting anything slide so I can write.

But even as I say that, I know it must be an excuse. Especially if a part of the story is giving me problems. So easy to pop up and say, “Better start a load of laundry” than to stay put and work it out. (Although I must admit, sometimes getting away from the keyboard seems to free-up my mind, and when I come back, the problem’s solved.)

So I guess I just have to impose a schedule for the rest of the summer—set specific time for housework and specific time to write. I’ll try.

Right now, though, I have to unload the dishwasher. Then I need to switch out the candles in the livingroom to something less heavy for the summer. After that, I really need to….

Does anyone else feel guilty for writing when housework is tapping its toe for attention?

Musical Inspiration

As an author I get asked quite often whether or not I write with complete silence or with background music. Sometimes it depends if I'm trying to get into the "mood" for a scene. Sometimes I need silence to just let the words flow.

However, music is a big part of my life. I love listening to instrumental music just to soothe my soul. Anything that has romantic undertones is great. Sometimes I love a good raunchy rock tune, and I always like a song that inspires me in some way or speaks to something I'm going through. I've provided links to some of my favorite songs at the moment so please listen, or just comment if you are familiar with the song.

One current fave is Katy Perry's Part of Me
"This is the part of me that you're never ever going to take away from me"
Throw your sticks and stones, throw your bombs and blows,
but you're not going to break my soul" 
POWERFUL! Love it!

Another fave, Kelly Clarkson's Stronger
"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger,
stand a little taller, doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone,
What doesn't kill you makes a fighter,
footsteps even lighter,
doesn't mean I'm over because you're gone"
Words every woman should remind themselves after a break up!

Nickelback's Lullaby is a great song for those who feel they are alone - a good reminder that we're not!

"I know the feeling of finding yourself stuck out on the ledge,
and there ain't no healing, from cutting yourself with the jagged edge,
I'm telling you that, it's never that bad,
take it from someone who's been where you're at,
laid out on the floor, and you're not sure
you can take this anymore
Just give it one more try..."

Let's kick it up a notch, shall we?
I refuse to be a Belieber, but I grudgingly admit that there is something I like about Justin Bieber's new song Boyfriend (sorry everyone, LOL)
"I'd like to be everything you want, Hey girl - let me talk to you.
If I was your boyfriend, I'd never let you go,
Keep you on my arm, girl, you'd never be alone"

So, perhaps this choice speaks to my hopeless romantic side (hopeless being the operative word) who does want to find that special someone who won't let me go ;)

Now that I've made you gag, how about I propose a break up song? This one of the best I've heard. In fact, I bought their entire album because I love their unique sound.

Gotye's Somebody I Used to Know
"But you didn't have to cut me off,
make out like it never happened and that we were nothing,
I don't even need your love but you treat me like a stranger
and that feels so rough"
Great duet!

Let's really kick it up a notch with some sexy!

Chuck Wick's Hold That Thought - I know this isn't a new release but I still love how sexy this video is and the romantic words in the song.
"Close your eyes, picture this,
lying in bed in the candlelight, 
we start to kiss
pulling your body in close to mine,
pictures us - that moment before we make love"
*sigh* *swoon* Oh yeah, baby - I'll hold that thought ;)

And the last song I'll torture you with is Jennifer Lopez featuring Pit Bull Dance Again
What a sexy dance tune and even though I'm not a huge Pit Bull fan, but when he whispers "Make love to me", I'm about ready to get naked and jump on the bed!

All right - I've given you a few of my faves. What are you listening to right now? Share your playlist with me and the other Angels.

www.kelliekamryn.com

Comparison Shopping!

Okay ladies...I realize it's been awhile since I've shown you girls any flesh...not mine, of course, but masculine, male flesh...worthy of the Angels blog. As I was scouring the net looking for luscious hotties to post for y'all, I got to thinking...how do today's actors compare to the men of old. And I say MEN literally...because the actors I grew up watching (you know, the ones who are either dead or in their 60's, 70's or 80's?) they were REAL MEN. They fought in wars, were wounded in battles, loved hard and lived hard. Although we have lots of pretty boys these days...when you stop and think about it, who would you want defending you, Zac Efron or Robert Mitchum?

Zac Efron

Robert Mitchum

Do you think Bradley Cooper can stand the test of time against...say...Gary Cooper? Some of you out there probably don't even know who the hell I'm talking about since the latter died before most of you were born. So here's a luscious example of these hotties:

Bradley Cooper?



or

Gary Cooper?











Let's see, who else can I compare? There's Gerry Butler..admittedly, not a great hair day for him, but no need for computer help on THOSE abs!

up against Brando...yes...Marlon Brando...BEFORE he gained a person or two. To quote my daughter when she saw him in an old movie..."Oh...my..God! WHO the hell is that good looking hunk of meat?" I know, right!

I'll just throw a few more out there for eye candy or deep thoughts, whatever you're inclined to today. Just wanted to prove that there's always been men out there to inspire us to either behave ourselves, be just a little bad, or outright devilish! Enjoy!

Hugh Jackman (YUM!)

James Dean...also long deceased...

Elvis...has left the building!

A YOUNG William Holden. How about that for an erotic historical book cover?

Joe Manganiello (Alcide)

or

John Wayne







Who's blue eyes do it for you/




Paul Newman?

or



Brad Pitt?

Who turns you on...Steve McQueen or Lightening McQueen's Owen Wilson? Young or Old? Has been or has not?
Let me know who your faves are...Now and Then!

Until next time!

Lori

P.S. Just a few more...I couldn't help myself. :)

James Garner: My fave...wish I could find the pic I saw of him modeling swim trunks as a young'un. Talk about a body!

Ryan Gosling

Or the sons of Katie Elder's Tom Selleck and Sam "My Man" Elliot?
















































There's Gold in Them Thar Hills!

Hi everyone,
This post is going to be the first of a series about the Klondike Gold Rush which is the setting for my work-in-progress, ALASKAN HEAT.  I’ve found so many interesting facts about the era and the people that I thought it would make a great post. I hope you enjoy!

Yukon Territory 1897

The Klondike Gold Rush

The gold rush started in July, 1897 when two ships docked - one in San Francisco and one in Seattle - each carrying miners returning from the Yukon. The miners carried large amounts of gold and didn’t hesitate to proclaim great amounts of wealth was to be had in the Yukon. The press was alerted and papers carried the story to the masses – stories as ridiculous as gold nuggets lying just barely underground. * More on the reality in later posts.*
Soon, miners of all shapes and sizes – both male and female - called "stampeders", were on their way to the gold fields. Within six months, as many as 100,000 gold-seekers headed to the Yukon.
 Only approximately 30,000 completed the trip.

Most stampeders knew nothing about where they were going, so pamphlets were available to help them on their way. *Note: The United States was still in economic decline at this time, so the lure of money, much less a way to get-rich-quick made many leave or sell what little they had and head to Alaska. *

 Many of the pamphlets were pure fiction, some written by men who never even made the journey. But nevertheless, the pamphlets made outrageous claims of “easy” routes to the gold fields. Outfitters – both along the West coast and in Alaska - sprang up overnight that were more than happy to sell the stampeders whatever they needed to get started – most of the time at outrageous prices, especially the outfitters in Alaska. The supplies included food, clothing, tools and camping, mining and transportation equipment. Helping the outfitters in this regard were the Northwest Mounted Police who required all stampeders to have one year’s supply of goods before they allowed them across the border into Canada. *More about the different routes in later posts*  The supplies equaled roughly one ton of goods per person.

Here is a list of required supplies.

1898 Supplies
McDougall and Secord Klondike Outfit List (clothing & food):

2 suits heavy knit underwear 6 pairs wool socks 1 pairs heavy moccasins 2 pairs german stockings 2 heavy flannel overshirts 1 heavy woollen sweater 1 pair overalls 2 pairs 12-lb. blankets 1 waterproof blanket 1 dozen bandana handkerchiefs 1 stiff brim cowboy hat 1 pair hip rubber boots 1 pair prospectors' high land boots 1 mackinaw, coat, pants, shirt 1 pair heavy buck mitts, lined 1 pair unlined leather gloves 1 duck coat, pants, vest 6 towels 1 pocket matchbox, buttons, needles and thread comb, mirror, toothbrush etc. mosquito netting/1 dunnage bag 1 sleeping bag/medicine chest pack saddles, complete horses flat sleighs

100 lbs. navy beans 150 lbs. bacon 400 lbs. flour 40 lbs. rolled oats 20 lbs. corn meal 10 lbs. rice 25 lbs. sugar 10 lbs. tea 20 lbs. coffee 10 lbs. baking powder 20 lbs. salt 1 lb. pepper 2 lbs. baking soda 1/2 lb. mustard 1/4 lb. vinegar 2 doz. condensed milk 20 lbs. evaporated potatoes 5 lbs. evaporated onions 6 tins/4 oz. extract beef 75 lbs. evaporated fruits 4 pkgs. yeast cakes 20 lbs. candles 1 pkg. tin matches 6 cakes borax 6 lbs. laundry soap 1/2 lb. ground ginger 25 lbs. hard tack 1 lb. citric acid 2 bottles Jamaica ginger

*This list found on Adventure Learning Foundation Site. http://www.questconnect.org/index.htm

Remember, all of this per person had to be hauled over a mountain range. That’s what we’ll talk about next time. J

Find out more about Jennifer

 Jakes and her books at 

www.jenniferjakes.com

Nature Inspired

One of my favorite things to do to help me relax or unwind is to enjoy the outdoors especially during the spring time.  The smell of budding flowers and spring rains bring about a sense of new beginnings but also a jump start into the creative writing world.

I find that taking a walk along a wooded area, stream, or within a quiet park often inspires me with a story.  My mind begins to wonder about the past life of a character I've been stewing over or even about the struggles my hero/heroine may be facing.  

It's amazing how stepping out for just a thirty minute walk or meditation in the sunlight can invigorate my creativity.  I'm not quite sure if it's the sun's rays or just the fresh air that awakens my subconscious.  Whatever it is, I believe it's definitely a simple; however, an effective way to rejuvenate a stalled story line or produce a new project. 

Even watching squirrels as they play can get my mind spinning about a fight scene between the hero and villain. The mating dance of birds also provide some stimulating love scene ideas for a story.  Yes, it's quite the show observing these detailed; yet, simple displays of nature within its own environment. 

So, does nature inspire your stories or stimulates your creative side?  Is there something else which gets your subconscious mind to take over with story ideas or plots?  I'd love to hear what's worked for you.  

Spring Fever

While this winter was milder than most, I still love watching a new spring appear. There's something about watching the grass turn green, the trees blossoming, the flowers blooming, the birds chirping, the frogs croaking, and the sun shining overhead. I love spring. I also love the thunderstorms that come with it. Not the violent, shake your house kind of storms, but the ones that are more bluster than harmful. The ones where the growl is worse than the bite. I love those type of storms with the full thunderclouds steadily moving eastward, the surprising cracks of thunder that make you jump and the kind of lighting that lights up the darkened sky. There's something about a good thunderstorm that makes you feel alive.

However, spring is also a time of new beginnings, not just for mother nature, but for us as well. Spring is a time to start new projects, explore new words, and conquer all of those things we have been putting off until tomorrow. So, I am hoping this spring that I can finally get my butt in gear and write more over the summer. I know, I say it all the time, but I think this year is going to be different (fingers crossed).

What is your favorite season? Do you get spring fever? What goals do you have for the upcoming summer?

What a Great Community

Monday, March 26, was like Oscar nomination day in the romance world. The Romance Writers of America announced the finalists in the RITA and Golden Heart contests. *Happy sigh* The excitement, the flurry, the tweets and Facebook statuses (stati?) blowing up with congratulations and heart-pounding messages. Even those of us who didn't have entries in these prestigious contests watched with obsessive anxiety, ready to congratulate or console our friends.

Speaking of...CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR VERY OWN ANGEL, CECILY!! She finaled in the Golden Heart, YA category.

What struck me as I watched my Twitter and Facebook feeds scroll at highway speeds was how supportive everyone was. While I should be used to it by now, it never stops amazing me. Perhaps because I've seen several writing communities become wastelands of trolling and mud-slinging. Or other writers (not romance) non-constructively rip an excerpt to shreds, because s/he "had studied the craft for years," despite never having published any of their work. I've also worked in offices with a lot of women, and within weeks, the atmosphere is replete with back-stabbing, gossip, and politics.

Not in the romance community. At least, not that I've ever seen, even at a national conference, where approximately 2000 women (and a handful of men) are in the same building for four days.

Instead, I've had readers offer to beta read my stories, for no other reason than they love to read. Published authors have offered to critique my work, with no expectation of anything in return. My first online forum was on the Eloisa James/Julia Quinn bulletin board, where I met some of the most amazing women, and Eloisa and Julia often answered questions themselves. Every day, there's a Twitter hashtag where you can go to get motivation to write in the form of a #1k1hr (1000 words in 1 hour) challenge. This one isn't all romance authors, but a lot of them are. Published and unpublished alike.

Some people question why Romanceland is like this, wondering if it's because we are all in a group sneered at by other genre writers. I'm not going to question it, though, and instead be thankful I belong to such a great group of people. They motivate, inspire, and encourage. I couldn't ask for anything more.

Where do you get your motivation? Do you belong to a group like this, outside of the romance community?