I cried while writing a scene. I cried pretty hard. I cried because I could relate to my character's heartache. Then I cried while writing a different scene, all within the same hour. I cried for things I have, and don't have, and wish I had. I cried for mistakes made in the past and for mistakes I hope not to make in the future. I cried, felt the tears, and reveled amid intense emotion. I cried while writing scenes, and hope that since I cried, someone else (my reader) will cry. If THEY cry, then I have succeeded!
Do you ever cry when reading a romance or fiction novel?
Do you ever cry while watching a movie?
Do you judge a book or movie to be good if it makes you cry or tugs at emotions?
Please Reply!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
Dormant Lies the Snow
Winter in New England
is never really over
it just lies dormant
ready to freeze your butt off
at any opportunity.
Like today, late in March,
with crocus of yellow
already popped up and open,
virgin snow blankets the petals
and many Yankees curse!
is never really over
it just lies dormant
ready to freeze your butt off
at any opportunity.
Like today, late in March,
with crocus of yellow
already popped up and open,
virgin snow blankets the petals
and many Yankees curse!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Sometimes We Forget to Live
We are all so busy living our lives...
One in Northwood - no one admits to,
One in Northwood - ever changing, ever growing,
One in Florida - warm but in pain,
One in Alton - with paramount responsibilities,
One in Northwood - at the helm of family and business,
One in Northwood - hardly ever seen yet always around,
One in Northwood - a confident mother, wife, and friend,
One in Nottingham - childless, but writing books that become babies,
One in Northwood - working hard, eager for love that is elusive,
One in Epsom - determined to provide for a devoted family.
We are all so busy living our lives...sometimes we forget to live...
Needing, wanting, dreaming...sometimes we take, but forget to give...
Stop, look, listen...time is slipping through a sieve...
Remember, reflect, admit...and someday maybe forgive...
One in Northwood - no one admits to,
One in Northwood - ever changing, ever growing,
One in Florida - warm but in pain,
One in Alton - with paramount responsibilities,
One in Northwood - at the helm of family and business,
One in Northwood - hardly ever seen yet always around,
One in Northwood - a confident mother, wife, and friend,
One in Nottingham - childless, but writing books that become babies,
One in Northwood - working hard, eager for love that is elusive,
One in Epsom - determined to provide for a devoted family.
We are all so busy living our lives...sometimes we forget to live...
Needing, wanting, dreaming...sometimes we take, but forget to give...
Stop, look, listen...time is slipping through a sieve...
Remember, reflect, admit...and someday maybe forgive...
Friday, March 21, 2008
Writer's Playground
Writing is like playing on a playground.
Many apparatus are available to express yourself. There is the promise of FUN, but the RISK of danger. With my novel in full SWING, I am TEETER-TOTTERING with emotions.
I SLIDE into one scene, PLAY with it, and then RUN headlong to its dramatic event, all the while looking around to see which TOY I will PLAY with next.
Writing is like playing on a playground...and the finale is when you JUMP OFF THE SWING and offer the reader a turn!
I hope readers have fun on my SWING!
Many apparatus are available to express yourself. There is the promise of FUN, but the RISK of danger. With my novel in full SWING, I am TEETER-TOTTERING with emotions.
I SLIDE into one scene, PLAY with it, and then RUN headlong to its dramatic event, all the while looking around to see which TOY I will PLAY with next.
Writing is like playing on a playground...and the finale is when you JUMP OFF THE SWING and offer the reader a turn!
I hope readers have fun on my SWING!
Monday, March 10, 2008
A Journey of Novel Writing
Yes, folks, you heard it hear first; Lisa (Allen) Kennard has embarked on her journey of writing a new novel. Folks, this is such exciting news that we cannot keep the secret. Our excitement is overflowing like hot chocolate poured into too small a mug. :)
As an inspiring new novelist Lisa has taken the plunge, after a sabbatical, delving deep into her imagination to create vivid characters inside a varied story line. Many twists and turns keep the reading fast and witty. Each character has his/her own hopes, trials, and journey.
This is not her first romance novel experience. Lisa has been living the life of a writer since 1980. Her first (and only) formal training was graduating from The Institute of Children's Literature, which was a correspondence course she completed while serving the in United States Air Force. Since then she has studied Writer's Digest magazine and many reference books on the craft of writing. Lisa has six first draft novels 'curing' on the back burner. She is proud of two published non-fiction articles and song lyrics that were adopted by the Town of Nottingham, NH's Board of Selectmen as the Official Town Song. In addition, she has penned approximately 250 poems, plus other creative writing accomplishments.
"My mind is constantly open to new ideas for plot, character, dialogue, and introspection. Many times I find my best muse is music," Lisa informs. "My favorite author is Jane Austen. Her writing is classic. Adaptations of her work, made into Masterpiece Theatre productions, have long-held my attention. I model my storytelling after her. I'm determined to be published as a modern-day Jane. Nothing plain about it!"
It's working title: Portsmouth Made Them, is written in third-person, limited point-of-view. Lisa unfolds her tale of young love and the many challenges facing Priscilla and Pritchard in their quest for friendship and love. Having grown up as part-time neighbors in the countryside on Nottingham Square, the tale follows their lives that bring them to historical Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Will they stay together? Will life's demands throw a 'monkey-wrench' into their plans? To find out, you must plunge into their worlds; join them as their lives unfold.
Would you like a sneak peek?
If so, you must send a comment with your request.
Note: The writer reserves the right to screen requests to decide who is viable to read excerpts.
As an inspiring new novelist Lisa has taken the plunge, after a sabbatical, delving deep into her imagination to create vivid characters inside a varied story line. Many twists and turns keep the reading fast and witty. Each character has his/her own hopes, trials, and journey.
This is not her first romance novel experience. Lisa has been living the life of a writer since 1980. Her first (and only) formal training was graduating from The Institute of Children's Literature, which was a correspondence course she completed while serving the in United States Air Force. Since then she has studied Writer's Digest magazine and many reference books on the craft of writing. Lisa has six first draft novels 'curing' on the back burner. She is proud of two published non-fiction articles and song lyrics that were adopted by the Town of Nottingham, NH's Board of Selectmen as the Official Town Song. In addition, she has penned approximately 250 poems, plus other creative writing accomplishments.
"My mind is constantly open to new ideas for plot, character, dialogue, and introspection. Many times I find my best muse is music," Lisa informs. "My favorite author is Jane Austen. Her writing is classic. Adaptations of her work, made into Masterpiece Theatre productions, have long-held my attention. I model my storytelling after her. I'm determined to be published as a modern-day Jane. Nothing plain about it!"
It's working title: Portsmouth Made Them, is written in third-person, limited point-of-view. Lisa unfolds her tale of young love and the many challenges facing Priscilla and Pritchard in their quest for friendship and love. Having grown up as part-time neighbors in the countryside on Nottingham Square, the tale follows their lives that bring them to historical Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Will they stay together? Will life's demands throw a 'monkey-wrench' into their plans? To find out, you must plunge into their worlds; join them as their lives unfold.
Would you like a sneak peek?
If so, you must send a comment with your request.
Note: The writer reserves the right to screen requests to decide who is viable to read excerpts.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Eager to Revisit Geo-Caching
The other day, as I drove and my husband and niece rode, I asked my six-year-old niece if she would like to going geo-caching again this spring and summer. "What is geo-caching? I forgot," she replied. I reminded her it was "when we used a GPS machine and we hiked in the woods until we found the treasure! We put a treasure in, and then took a treasure out."
"Oh, yes, I liked that. That's where we got that little doll," she reminded me. My niece really does have a good memory...sometimes better than mine.
So, we will take the GPS handheld unit my sister gave us after Bud died (may he rest in peace), and use it this spring and summer to find some more caches.
Ray, our builder (when we added on a modular home on to our 'camp') introduced us to geo-caching. I'm sure he will be happy to hear we will pursue it again this year. Ray the builder is a great one to hide caches in tricky locations. I was proud to find one in Northwood Meadows he hid without much difficulty. I may be a natural at finding them....
Ray the builder brought Ray my husband to several locations that are easy to find, so we will take our niece to these easy ones first, to kind of break us back into the hunt and for instant gratification. You know, kids need instant gratification to keep their interest. I like it, too!
Do you GEO-CACHE?
If so, please feel free to share some of your caching experiences or GPS locations.
Please reply!
"Oh, yes, I liked that. That's where we got that little doll," she reminded me. My niece really does have a good memory...sometimes better than mine.
So, we will take the GPS handheld unit my sister gave us after Bud died (may he rest in peace), and use it this spring and summer to find some more caches.
Ray, our builder (when we added on a modular home on to our 'camp') introduced us to geo-caching. I'm sure he will be happy to hear we will pursue it again this year. Ray the builder is a great one to hide caches in tricky locations. I was proud to find one in Northwood Meadows he hid without much difficulty. I may be a natural at finding them....
Ray the builder brought Ray my husband to several locations that are easy to find, so we will take our niece to these easy ones first, to kind of break us back into the hunt and for instant gratification. You know, kids need instant gratification to keep their interest. I like it, too!
Do you GEO-CACHE?
If so, please feel free to share some of your caching experiences or GPS locations.
Please reply!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Pardon Me, But Maybe Complaining Will Help!
I try not to complain much. Complaining out loud often alienates people. Complaining to yourself is like mumbling. No one really hears you and they don't understand. The only one who likes to hear complaining, I am convinced, is my wonderful chiropractor, Dr. Paul Molloy. www.chiconcord.com
After all the corticosteroid shots I got in my lower back, and then the needles to 'burn the nerves' off, the procedures may have helped for a few weeks, but the pain in my back, is back!! This is most distressing. I've tried to think positive, as science has proven that having a positive outlook can aid in having positive health, but my increased discomfort has decreased my outlook.
Dr. Paul suggested I try a few alternative therapies. I am so hoping massage therapy and hot tub therapy will be of great value. My back and hips and top of my femur bones are killing me. Several years ago I let a massage therapist student give me a free massage, but I didn't feel any benefit from it. I was left feeling unaffected. But I will go see the professional that Dr. Paul personally sees, and see if I can get some comfort.
Also, hubby and I will share a hot tub therapy once a week ($6.00 each for 1/2 hour). Not only will we love the hot water sinking into our weary bones and hurt muscles, we can cuddle, too. We have often discussed that our next big purchase will be a hot tub. The older we get the more we are convinced we want one for the pure luxury of soaking in the heated water and relaxing mind, body, and soul. This water therapy will either convince us we do in fact need one, or that we don't. I am open to letting the therapy decide for us.
Sorry to complain so much! Do you have aches and pains, or mental anguish, and wish to use this post to complain?
If so, please do!!!
After all the corticosteroid shots I got in my lower back, and then the needles to 'burn the nerves' off, the procedures may have helped for a few weeks, but the pain in my back, is back!! This is most distressing. I've tried to think positive, as science has proven that having a positive outlook can aid in having positive health, but my increased discomfort has decreased my outlook.
Dr. Paul suggested I try a few alternative therapies. I am so hoping massage therapy and hot tub therapy will be of great value. My back and hips and top of my femur bones are killing me. Several years ago I let a massage therapist student give me a free massage, but I didn't feel any benefit from it. I was left feeling unaffected. But I will go see the professional that Dr. Paul personally sees, and see if I can get some comfort.
Also, hubby and I will share a hot tub therapy once a week ($6.00 each for 1/2 hour). Not only will we love the hot water sinking into our weary bones and hurt muscles, we can cuddle, too. We have often discussed that our next big purchase will be a hot tub. The older we get the more we are convinced we want one for the pure luxury of soaking in the heated water and relaxing mind, body, and soul. This water therapy will either convince us we do in fact need one, or that we don't. I am open to letting the therapy decide for us.
Sorry to complain so much! Do you have aches and pains, or mental anguish, and wish to use this post to complain?
If so, please do!!!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
The Monkey Wrench
Oh, let's say you had a situation and you did the pros and cons to make an unemotional decision as to what course of action you should take. You list your pros. You list your cons. You sugar-coat the cons so the sting doesn't seem quite so bad.
You come up with a decision...oftentimes justifying the outcome if it leans towards impractical. Such is my case...I made a decision, then someone threw in the proverbial 'monkey wrench!' Oh, well, I will 'pros and cons' again and find a way to brainwash myself into believing the cons aren't so bad. I really want my situation MY WAY...
Know what I'm talking about??? If you have experienced 'mid-life crisis' I've no doubt you have an inkling. Even younger people must sometimes choose between actions/decisions that are responsible or risky. I just think with age comes the more life-satisfying situations that can mean the difference between work and play.
Would you like to share your pros and cons process and how you justify making sometimes impractical decisions...
Please Reply!
You come up with a decision...oftentimes justifying the outcome if it leans towards impractical. Such is my case...I made a decision, then someone threw in the proverbial 'monkey wrench!' Oh, well, I will 'pros and cons' again and find a way to brainwash myself into believing the cons aren't so bad. I really want my situation MY WAY...
Know what I'm talking about??? If you have experienced 'mid-life crisis' I've no doubt you have an inkling. Even younger people must sometimes choose between actions/decisions that are responsible or risky. I just think with age comes the more life-satisfying situations that can mean the difference between work and play.
Would you like to share your pros and cons process and how you justify making sometimes impractical decisions...
Please Reply!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Backstory
A lot of time, effort, daydreaming, planning, creativity, and (if you're blessed) talent, go into writing a story. One doesn't just 'bang it out' and be done with it. When the first word is written so begins the writing and editing process. This journey can take months, years, or a lifetime...
When beginning a novel the author must first decide where to begin the story. Should you begin with your character's childhoods, which are truly the beginning? Or just pick up the story as something crucial is happening in their current lives?
I do not hold myself to rigid rules. First, I take my 'clay-of-an-idea' and think about my characters for weeks or months. I get an idea of how I might like to see the story end, and then chart my character's courses on their roller coaster rides with attainable prizes at the end. Sometimes my characters take over the story and I must abandon MY ideas and go with theirs. As one rejection slip from Harlequin warned me "Don't be so predicable!"
Then I must contemplate what tactic will be most effective in showing my reader who my characters are? What is important to my characters? What tone do I want to set at the get-go?
When delving into a new project, I start with action or dialog that is of paramount importance to forming my character's personalities. Is he/she pushy, formal, smart or ignorant. How does he/she interact with others who play major roles in the story? Will showing events from childhood aid the reader, prompting them to immediately care about my characters? Or should I interject backstory as the story progresses? Sometimes backstory seems fake and plopped on the page causing it to sound forced, and hence slow the pace.
I follow my own rule: If I feel the backstory is significant and makes a good scene with compelling dialog, it is better to show firsthand how this event will eventually shape and mold my character's current and future lives.
Backstory has it's place in my novels, but my backstory is usually just minute details. I dish out the good stuff first-hand!
How about you: how much backstory do you like? Are you a writer who wishes to share your thoughts on the writing process? (Please do!)
Are you a reader of good quality books? What genre do you prefer? Who are your favorite authors?
Please Reply!
When beginning a novel the author must first decide where to begin the story. Should you begin with your character's childhoods, which are truly the beginning? Or just pick up the story as something crucial is happening in their current lives?
I do not hold myself to rigid rules. First, I take my 'clay-of-an-idea' and think about my characters for weeks or months. I get an idea of how I might like to see the story end, and then chart my character's courses on their roller coaster rides with attainable prizes at the end. Sometimes my characters take over the story and I must abandon MY ideas and go with theirs. As one rejection slip from Harlequin warned me "Don't be so predicable!"
Then I must contemplate what tactic will be most effective in showing my reader who my characters are? What is important to my characters? What tone do I want to set at the get-go?
When delving into a new project, I start with action or dialog that is of paramount importance to forming my character's personalities. Is he/she pushy, formal, smart or ignorant. How does he/she interact with others who play major roles in the story? Will showing events from childhood aid the reader, prompting them to immediately care about my characters? Or should I interject backstory as the story progresses? Sometimes backstory seems fake and plopped on the page causing it to sound forced, and hence slow the pace.
I follow my own rule: If I feel the backstory is significant and makes a good scene with compelling dialog, it is better to show firsthand how this event will eventually shape and mold my character's current and future lives.
Backstory has it's place in my novels, but my backstory is usually just minute details. I dish out the good stuff first-hand!
How about you: how much backstory do you like? Are you a writer who wishes to share your thoughts on the writing process? (Please do!)
Are you a reader of good quality books? What genre do you prefer? Who are your favorite authors?
Please Reply!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
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