Viva Las Vegas!

     I've been loving getting to know new bloggers and followers and reading all your blogs. The first campaigner challenge was harder than I thought it would be at first and then fun once I figured out what I was going to write about.
     Now- I'm taking a break. Not really, but I'm going to Vegas tomorrow- Vegas, Baby! (sorry, had to do it)- until next Wednesday and I don't know how much blogging I'll be doing. But I'll still try to find time to check out your blogs and make comments. Know why? Cuz I think you guys are awesome. There, I said it. Now I'm gonna go away.

Celebrate Black History Month

 

Road Trip Wednesday is a ‘Blog Carnival,’ where YA Highway's contributors post a weekly writing- or reading-related question and answer it on our own blogs. You can hop from destination to destination and get everybody's unique take on the topic.

 

This Week's Topic:

February is Black History Month and it's also the month of Valentine's Day. So let's show some writerly love by answering the following question: Who is your favorite African American author or fictional character?

     The first thing that came to mind was a character, or rather two characters. Most people have read Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak or Wintergirls. But have you picked up her historical YA novels Chains and Forge?
     I loved these books (and there's a third on the way). The main character in Chains is Isabel, a thirteen-year-old slave during the American Revolution. Here's the blurb from Anderson's website:

If an entire nation could seek its freedom, why not a girl?

As the Revolutionary War begins, thirteen-year-old Isabel wages her own fight… for freedom. Promised freedom upon the death of their owner, she and her sister, Ruth, in a cruel twist of fate become the property of a malicious New York City couple, the Locktons, who have no sympathy for the American Revolution and even less for Ruth and Isabel. When Isabel meets Curzon, a slave with ties to the Patriots, he encourages her to spy on her owners, who know details of British plans for invasion. She is reluctant at first, but when the unthinkable happens to Ruth, Isabel realizes her loyalty is available to the bidder who can provide her with freedom.

From acclaimed author Laurie Halse Anderson comes this compelling, impeccably researched novel that shows the lengths we can go to cast off chains, both physical and spiritual.

Forge is a sequel, but it follows Curzon's story. Here's the blurb:

In this compelling sequel to Chains, the perspective shifts from Isabel to Curzon and we learn what it takes for runaway slaves to forge their own paths in the midst of the chaos of the American Revolution.

In the desperate circumstances of the Valley Forge winter, Curzon the boy becomes Curzon the young man. In addition to the hardships of soldiering, he lives with the fear of being discovered as an escaped slave passing for free. Isabel is also at Valley Forge—against her will. She and Curzon have to sort out the tangled threads of their friendship while figuring out what stands between the two of them and true freedom.



     These books were both really good. Laurie Halse Anderson is an amazing writer and she makes reading historical easy and fascinating. If you haven't read these yet, you should.

Crap Writers Say

     *Disclaimer: I don't swear, so I'm using the word "crap".*
     It started with Crap My Dad Says. Then those videos of that guy dressed as a girl doing, Crap Girls Say. Then there was Crap Agents Say.
     What about Crap Writers Say?
     Since I've got no acting or video-ing skills, I'm going to write this all down. But someone should make a video.
     Have you said any of these before? (I know I have.)

What do you mean, show don't tell?

Is this showing?

I've got too many adverbs.

This book is awesome, I wish I could write like this.

This book sucks, mine is way better.

If he can get published then so can I.

I'll never get published.

She's my dream agent.

I've checked my email like twenty times today.

My query sucks.

My synopsis sucks.

What do you mean I can't do a prologue?

What genre is this?

Can I say paranormal urban fantasy with a romantic twist?

I got another rejection.

Why did I get rejected?

Is my word count too long?

I can't think of a title.

My title sucks.

I got a full request!

Please let the agent love me.

Why doesn't this agent love me?

I swear I'm not stalking this agent of twitter.

Hold on, I've just gotta check twitter.

Hold on, I've gotta check my email.

What's the difference between a critique partner and a beta reader?

I need a beta reader.

Will you be my beta reader?

I've gotta stop playing spider solitaire and write.

I've gotta stop watching tv and write.

I never have enough time to write.

I wrote like, two thousand words today!

I wrote like, one sentence, and that's it.

Do I have too many dialogue tags?

My character rocks.

My description here is lame.

Does this make sense?

Can you read this and tell me if it makes sense?

Should I have a comma here?

I'm tired of revising.

I need to revise again.

I'm so excited about my new WIP!

Campaigner Challenge

     It's here, the first Campaigner Challenge hosted by Rach at Rach Writes. Here's what we have to do:

Write a short story/flash fiction story in 200 words or less, excluding the title. It can be in any format, including a poem. Begin the story with the words, “Shadows crept across the wall”. These five words will be included in the word count.

If you want to give yourself an added challenge (optional), do one or more of these:

• end the story with the words: "everything faded." (also included in the word count)

• include the word "orange" in the story

• write in the same genre you normally write

• make your story 200 words exactly!

 I did it! And I can check off every one of those things- I ended with everything faded, I used orange, it's 200 words exactly, and it's in my genre! Go me, go me.
     So for my flash fiction, this is like an added scene to my MS Daze and Knights (this doesn't actually appear in the MS). Or it could be like a dream scene. Anyway, here it is...

Shadows crept across the wall. Flickering light from the torches looked like orange flames licking the stone walls. I bent down and patted my boot, checking for my dagger. Lord Purvis was still out there, still bent on revenge. I wouldn’t let him corner me again.

Rounding the corner, I came to a sudden stop. A figure was hiding in the shadows.

I took a slow step back. The figure shifted. Then lunged.

The dagger was in my hand in a flash, the engraved ‘A’ pressing against my palm. My arm swung forward, the dagger reaching for my attacker.

A gloved hand caught my wrist. A man loomed over me. I pounded on his chest with my free hand.

“Easy.” Lord Alric’s face appeared out of the shadows.

I sighed, the air loosening my body. I looked up at Lord Alric to see his lips twitching. I stiffened.

“Let me go.”

He raised his eyebrows but dropped my wrists from his grip.

My hands balled into fists. “You. Scared. The. Crap. Out. Of. Me.” I punctuated each word with a pound on his chest.

He smiled. “Allow me to apologize.”

He leaned forward. His lips joined with mine.

Everything faded.

Crush of the Week

     It's been a while since I've picked a Crush of the Week, but after seeing this movie, I just couldn't help it.

    
I mean, come on.

     There's not one, but two swoon-worthy males going on in this movie. What's funny is I went in thinking, Chris Pine is hot but I don't really go for the other guy. But the other guy- one Tom Hardy- totally grew on me to the point that I couldn't care less about Chris Pine and his baby blues. I just wanted more of Tom Hardy and those lush lips of his.

     Oh, and the movie was pretty good too. Seriously, it was so funny, we were still giggling over it afterward. I have one pet peeve- the end- but I won't share cuz I don't want to give anything away. It's not that the end was crappy, I just didn't agree. See it and you'll know what I'm talking about.

Tag Part 2

     Colin Smith over at Colin D Smith tagged me for the third time. Since I'm just a girl who cain't say no, I'm going to answer these questions too. Aren't you so happy you're getting to know me so well? I know are. Did you notice I threw in a song title there? Bonus points if you know what musical it's from.

1. Which fictional character would you love to invite over for dinner?

If I wasn't married, I could probably make a looong list of fictional hotties to have over. Edward, Jace, St. Clair, Will, Damen, Daniel, Capt. Wentworth, Mr. Darcy... you get the idea.
Since I am married, I'll go with Becky Bloomwood (Shopaholic series) cuz I think we'd have a great time.

2. Think of one person you aren’t able to see for whatever reason (distance, availability, etc.) you would love to meet up with. Who is this person? This can be a famous person, a relative, a literary agent–anyone, as long as they are alive.

I'd really like to meet Stephenie Meyer. I don't know what I'd say, but just to have a conversation with her would be cool.

3. Which “classic” novel do you think least deserves that title?

Yesterday, I proclaimed my disgust with Wuthering Heights. But I can tell you I'd rather read that than Lord of the Flies. Why why why do they make kids read that in school? It's AWFUL.

4. If you could be any historical figure, who would that be and why?

Hmm, that's a tough one. I would love to visit many historical time periods, but to be a certain person? I'll have to go with Jane Austen- again, it would be nice to see how she really lived and what it was really like for women during that time.

5. Where in the world would you most like to visit, and why?

Italy and Paris. I've been to France, a small town called Perigueux (sp?). But I'd love to see Paris and I'd love to go to Rome, Venice... anywhere in Italy. Someday.

6. If you were a crayon, what colo(u)r would you be, and why?

Red. I love red. It's fiery and bright and passionate- everything I wish I was.

7. Let’s pretend you have J. K. Rowling’s bank account. What’s for dinner tonight?

Um, everything? I read in a magazine lately that someone had this 50-course meal somewhere. Can I go for that? Actually, I'd probably just hop on a place and take that trip to Paris and eat somewhere there.

8. Coke or Pepsi?

Diet Pepsi. Or... I REALLY love Schwepps Raspberry Ginger Ale. If I'm gonna drink pop, that's my weapon of choice.

9. Tea or Coffee?

Neither- chocolate milk. I think I answered this one already...

10. Think of your favo(u)rite band or song from the 1960s or 1970s. What/who is it?

Since I was born in the year 1980, I don't really listen to music from before. I did go through a Beatles phase when I was a teenager though.

11. When you get (or got) “the call” from an agent, who will be (or was) the first person you will tell (or you told)?

Ahhh, "the call". Did you check out Miss Cole's answers? She posted a GIF of Will Ferrell from Elf running around and around those spinny-doors (what the heck are those called?). That's probably what I'd do first. Then I'd call my husband. Then I'd keep it a secret until I was absolutely sure it's for sure, because I'm untrusting like that.

Tag, You're It!

     I've been tagged, twice! I think we all know what this means... questions, questions, and more questions. So here we go...
     From JEFritz at Still Writing... here are her questions.

1. What’s your favorite book genre?

YA YA YA. It can be historical, paranormal, contemporary, fantasy... it doesn't matter. I love YA.

2. Are there any beloved books that you don’t really enjoy?

Hate to admit it but... Wuthering Heights. Ugh. Just ugh. The only good thing about that book is the "I can't live without my life" line.

3. What was your favorite class in school?

History. Ancient, modern, you name it, I love it.

4. Do you write under a pseudonym or use your real name?

My real name. Cuz it's awesome. Okay kidding. I've never liked Melanie that much and considered going with M.M. Stanford but finally decided to be proud of what I've been given.

5. Do you prefer reading first person or third person?

It doesn't really matter to me. But I prefer writing first person.

6. An old question, but e-books or paper?

You know those people who pull out their gadgets and wave them around like they want everyone to see? Like, ooh look at my new iPhone, I'm so special... I'm not knocking those people, because that is how I am with books. I know nobody cares, but I always have a book with me and I actually like to pull it out and read in public places. Even though it shows my nerdtastic-ness, there I am thinking, ooh, look what I'm reading, I'm so special...  

7. You’re stranded on an island that has plenty of food and water, but no electricity or way to contact the outside world. But you have one object of your choice with you. What is it?

My iPod. I can't live without music.

8. Which do you like more, Facebook or Twitter?

Facebook, only because I'm not on Twitter. I've considered it but haven't made the plunge.

9. Coffee or tea?

Can I go with Chocolate Milk?

10. Pick one word to describe yourself with.

Daydreamer (but then, that should be pretty obvious)

11. If you had one wish, what would it be? (PS: no fair wishing for more wishes)

I have to go with this one... to be published!!!

And from Jess over at Write. Skate. Dream. ...

1. What's your favorite song?

Ahhh, I can't pick! Don't make me! Okay... I'll go with Your Guardian Angel by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. Check this song out, it is HAWESOME (that's hot and awesome, btw).

2. How old were you when you started writing?

Grade 2. If you want to know the story, check out my origins post from Monday (in which I overuse superhero analogies).

3. What's your favorite movie/book?

Book- easy peasy- all Harry Potter's. I could read those again and again and again. Oh wait, I have.

Movie- ??? I can't pick. I love period movies. I love chick flicks. I love movies about war. Pearl Harbor has always been a fave because it melds war and romance quite beautifully.

4. If you could be any animal in the world, what would you be? Why?

A leopard. I've always wanted to be a wild cat. They're both beautiful and dangerous.

5. If you were the main character of a book, what genre would it be?

YA. Because I'd really like to be sixteen again. Seriously. As long as I get to be cooler this time around. Haha.

6. What is the coolest thing you've ever done?

I've done weird things in my life and I've done stupid things, but cool? I can't think of One. Single. Thing. Sigh.

7. If you could be a character from any book, who would you be? Why?

I'd be Jessica from my own MS Daze and Knights. She's awesome and she gets to time-travel. Since I can't be her, I write her.
If picking my own character is cheating, I'd go with Hermione. I'm still holding out hope that I'm not a Muggle.

8. What genre do you write in?

Daze and Knights and it's mostly finished sequel are YA, time-travel. I've also written Sway, which is adult contemporary. Really, it's chick lit, but that genre is taboo now so...

9. What's your favorite thing to do, other than write?

Dance. Read. Watch movies.

10. If you could meet one historical figure, who would it be?

Jane Austen. I want to settle that whole debate on whether her books have deeper themes or not. (I think not.)

11. Is there anything else we should know about you?

This is my favorite picture (c'mon, I needed some sort of image in this post):

I'm going to tag the one-and-only Emily at Write About Nothing. She's my sister-in-law and the best critique partner a girl could ask for. Because this post took so long, I'm going to be lazy and not make up my own questions, so she can answer any of the above she wants.