Monthly Archives: February 2013

Dear Writing

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I cannot believe how busy I was at work today that I had no time to write a single word down for any of my novels. I feel a sense of guilt; I abandoned my writing – even though it was for a day.

As a writer, I try extremely hard to never take days off. If I do, it is planned ahead of time. For me, writing a paragraph a day makes me content. However, I am extremely exhausted from my day job that I can’t barely concentrate on writing. I can’t think of what to write and the worse feeling is to force something that is just not there.

As much as I disapprove of days off, I am going to have to give myself a free pass. The last thing I want to do is write rubbish just for the sake of it. Hopefully, tomorrow will be an easier day, and I can take advantage of my break to dedicate to writing.

I keep my fingers crossed. :)

Working On Multiple Stories

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I’m sure you have heard of the expression “have ants in your pants” before. Well, I fit that description – I have ants in my pants.

Almost everyday something around me triggers the creative part of my brain. I immediately write down the idea, and I begin to develop the story in my head. Even if I’m working on other writing projects; I begin to work on the new concept as well. I find it exhilarating to work on as many projects as possible. I cannot see myself submitting my short story – for example – to the editor for polishing; and in the meantime, I’m sitting around waiting for feedback. To me, it’s not productive.  It almost feels as if I’m wasting time. Plus, I do not want a good idea to slip through my fingers because I am working on something else.

My husband asked me how is it that I do not get the characters, scenarios, ideas from the various stories confused. I just don’t. As insane as it may sound, I work better under pressure and when working on various projects. I know a couple of writers who work on multiple stories at a time. I guess each writer has their own method of work. As long as the writer has a functional system in place, that’s all that matters.

Just this weekend, I saw something that had me thinking: I hope that happens to me once in my lifetime. I believe it’s a good concept for another short story, and since chances are I will never experience the new concept, why not write about it.

It took me until early this morning to create an outline in my head as to how I believe the short story should play out. I’m thrilled. Whether I decide to publish it later on this year or not; at least I produced something I believe in.

As of right now, I am working on my first short story, my second novel, freelance writing, and two short stories, which includes the one concept from this weekend. I admit; I’m overwhelmed, but I rather be overwhelmed doing what I love as oppose to being overwhelmed doing something I despise.

Giving Up Is Not An Option

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Giving up is not an option – that is what my mom said to me over a week ago during an intense conversation we shared. As many of you are aware of, I was freelance writing for a particular organization, and I blogged a while back on how they changed their guidelines and how they deleted my article without notification. I was adamant about not writing for them ever again for lack of professionalism. Deleting an article before publication without notifying the writer is rude and unprofessional – at least in my eyes. Basically, the contributor, if they choose to do so, must continue writing articles until the editing department agrees with what has been written. If not, they will put your article through the “shredder” – something that was not noted under their new guidelines. It was never like this before. I do not have the time to write articles after articles, and then finding out at the end that my work is being tossed. Anyway, I expressed my feelings to my mom and she said the following:

“I understand where you are coming from and how you feel. I would be frustrated, too. However, this is the business world. Not many businessmen or businesswomen take the time to provide explanations for their actions. Once they do something; it’s out of sight, out of mind. You, your sister, me and others like us find it important to keep others abreast with our decisions, and we give them what we consider respect. In this particular case, the company is huge with a lot of contributors, and perhaps in their eyes, they are not obliged to give anyone any explanations. They are not sensitive to the needs of others. You are there to do a job, and if they disapprove, they’ll take the appropriate actions. It’s nothing personal; it’s all business. So, if I was you, I would not take this mishap to heart and continue writing articles for them. You may not have the time, but when you do find the time, submit an article. If they like it, great. If they don’t, then keep trying. Do not allow anything put a hold on what you truly like to do. If you enjoy freelance writing as much as writing books, you will find the time. Trust me.”

My mom is a wise woman. She knows me well, and she would hate to see me give up on something I do enjoy. I am giving freelance writing with this company a second chance – but this time I will not take anything personal. Like mom said, it’s all business.

My New Favorite Author: Nicholas Sparks

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Almost every Nicholas Sparks book turned movie transform me into a complete mush. I am not afraid to admit it; I’m a hopeless romantic and cry over the tiniest things. Nicholas Sparks – author and screenwriter – is a brilliant writer. His writing is sensitive and heartfelt. Although many of his books ring similar, his writing manages to touch your heart so much so that you continue to discuss the movie or book hours or days later. I know I do.

A year after its release, I decided to watch…

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I waited so long to see the movie because I was afraid Nicholas was going to kill off a character or something to that nature. I was in no mood to cry today. Surprisingly, no one died and I didn’t shed tears. But, I did feel an emotional connection to the romantic film. I think every gal looking for their soul mate will LOVE to have a guy like Leo – a man who goes beyond his limits to make a relationship happen.

I sat on the edge of my seat throughout the entire movie with this question in mind - was Leo and Page separating for good after the accident leading to Page’s memory lose or would Leo fight for Page’s love at all cost? Hours later, I’m still in La La land. I told you I was a mush.

I’m so glad I found a new author to add to my favorite author list: Nicholas Sparks. He never seems to disappoint.

Remember Breakin’ and Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo?

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If you do, start following the one and only Shabba_Doo on Twitter today!

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Adolfo “Shabba-Doo” Quinones - Original 70s Soul Train Gang Member and Founding Member of The Original Lockers – is an award-winning choreographer, writer, producer, and photographer – a man of many talents. Shabba-Doo has worked with many artists such as Madonna and Lionel Richie. He is set to direct and choreograph three music videos for Sista Neish this March. How exciting is that?!

Shabba-Doo is also an Artist in Residence. Every Saturday at the Performance Arts Center in Los Angeles, he offers Dance & Performance Workshops such as:

• Locking – Original 70s style and advanced Lockin’ 5.0 Shabba-Doo
• Soul Dance Shabba-Doo
• Shway (waackin’) Shabba-Doo
• Shway Style (waackin’ choreography) Shabba-Doo
• All street-dance classes taught by a real street-dancer!

If you are a dancer and want to learn from the best, do not hesitate to call for pre-registrations, class schedules and rates at 818.779.0428.

In the words of David Winters: “ALL you Dancers or Want to be Dancers this is a GREAT opportunity !! Take advantage of it !! Learn from the ORIGINAL!!”

Shabba-Doo is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet. So, do not waste time and follow him on Twitter and on his official website: www.shabba-doo.com for up-to-date news on his acting, writing, directing and much more.

A Walk in the City

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When a writer struggles with an idea or suffers from writer’s block, walking away from the project for a few hours or perhaps a few days is best; walking away is a stress reliever. The same theory applies for any one of us feeling overwhelmed about the many things in our lives. Yesterday was one of those days; it was a day that a long walk in Manhattan was exactly what I needed.

The past few weeks have been chaotic – both emotionally and mentally. Trying to balance my writing, my family, my ill dog, and my job has stressed me out to the maximum. Unfortunately, remaining focused was not easy and certainly didn’t last long. When I begin to feel overpowered, I shut down. When I shut down, I need to be alone and avoid lengthy contact with others. I hear nothing or see nothing; therefore, I am not giving others 100% of my time. How can I when I have too much on my mind and very little time to figure things out. My solution to reduce the stress is either go to church after work and/or take a long walk in my favorite place – Manhattan.

Strolling the city yesterday made a huge difference in how I perceived the issues at hand. The chilled wind hitting my face brought life back to me; it brought a sense of clarity – as strange as it may sound. As I took in deep breaths, I worked things out in my head and prioritized. Nothing is ever easy. Nevertheless, I must work things out the best way possible. The walk aided me to come to terms that everything happens for a reason; God doesn’t give you anything you cannot handle; everything has a solution. It is just a matter of clearing the mind and tackle one issue at a time. Tackling them all at once – not only overwhelms a person – but it accomplishes nothing at all.

Even though I am not stress-free, I feel a tad relaxed and more confident that things will fall into place.