TTT: Gif-ful Writerly (and Readerly) Resolutions For 2016

Image Source

Well, I haven't participated in The Broke and the Bookish TTT in awhile, and I'm feeling a bit foggy in the idea department, sooooo, you get my Top 10 New Year's Resolutions! Most of them are writing or book related, but I am prone to fits of incurable randomness.

If you'd like to participate, click here.


It's the 5th already, so I suppose I'm resigned to the fact that 2015 is over. Not that I was particularly attached to it, or anything, it just felt too darn fast. Still, there is a lot to look forward to in the coming year. Especially my book. But in the meantime, I do have some goals, resolutions, and things I'd like to accomplish. And what better way to keep myself accountable than to post them where other people can see?

Writerly/Readerly Resolutions for 2016

 

1. Promote My Debut Novel (Knight of the Blue Surcoat)!

I have been blabbing pretty endlessly about this, but it isn't going to stop. As soon as I get that date, I will be even louder. Prepare yourselves.

Are you?

2. Finish Drafting The Last Coffee Shop and Complete at least One Rewrite

I'm really, really close on this one. I've actually done some rewrites up to the halfway point as a stalling method. I don't know what it is about endings with me - if I know exactly how I'm going to end something, I seem to have a more difficult time reaching the end! How does that make any sense?

Does anyone ever look more dumbfounded than Dean?

 

3. Complete at least One Rewrite/Polish/Edit of One of My Other Novels

This might be the most out there resolution on this list. I am a notoriously slow editor.

Maybe if I walk away no one will remember I said this.

4. Review All My Arcs, Even If It's Just a Paragraph on Goodreads

I have an ARC problem. There's something about an unreleased book that makes me go all melty inside. And then I feel incredibly cool for having an exclusive. Even if no one reads my paragraphs that I pledge to write, I still plan on writing one for every single ARC. *rides off into sunset*

Fabulous Ferb

5. Be More Diligent About Teaching Myself Japanese (And maybe Korean)

Lifelong goal peoples. I forked over what little spending money I have in my budget for some books and cds and workbooks. I'm better at applying myself to something if I have made an investment. And it's also (kind-of) research - because I've had a novel idea stewing that is set in an alternate East Asian landscape. Secondly, traveling to Japan is on my top ten life goals. I'd like to at least understand a little of this complex, elegant, and beautiful language.

Kanji? Are you laughing at me?

 

6. Make an Actual Writing Schedule- And Follow It

Well, my previous attempts have been glorious failures.

I don't think I've actually tried hard enough.

 

7. Win NaNo

More glorious failures. I have hit the 50K word mark once. But that was before I started working all week! But I will not be thwarted by NaNo forever. Maybe this is my year . . .

NaNo, it's me or you.

 
 

8. Learn An Awesome Dance - Because Research

There is a lot of dancing background material in TLCS. I've watched tons of videos and listened to hundreds of dance-y songs to get the feel for things. And all it left me with is the desire to do at least one dance well. My enemies are my coordination and dreadful memory for moves.

I don't think I could learn this one in 50 years of practicing

 9. Read At Least 75 Books That I Have Never Read Before

Goodreads, I'm counting on you. Here's my profile link if you want to join in (and be reading friends). I easily exceeded my goal of 50 this year (nevermind that half of my book count was manga!). Ideally, I'll read one book I own, one for review, and one to expand my horizons. That seems like a good rule of thumb.

Me at every event I've ever been dragged to.

 

10. Put Up One Or More Blog Posts A Week

I definitely saw helpful results from my blogging this year. I got (a little) more confident about sharing my work. I made friends. I consciously tried to work at my writing, even on a casual level. And everyone's input has not only been helpful, it's actually set me back at my personal (or novel) writing with increased drive. In some cases, it's made me want to write my books even more than I already did, or given me a breakthrough. Writing teachers always told me that a little writing every day, of any kind, would help. *hangs head in shame* I'm glad I finally listened to their advice.

I think I can do this dance, at least.

 

 So what are your resolutions or goals for 2016 (writing or otherwise)? Do you feel prepared for the upcoming year?

 

I might be able to learn this one. But I would only wear these clothes if you paid me.

 

Dragon's Loyalty Award (With Lots of Dragons)

2016 is looming and I am behind on basically everything but work. And though I didn't forget about a handful of tags and awards, I just had a lot of other things to do :)

But it is December, and my fellow dragon-loving blogger Sara Letourneau awarded me with this at the end of September (eep!), and I knew I wanted to do it right away. So, yes, December . . .

Anyhow, thanks again Sara! If you don't follow her blog, be sure to check it out here. She is also an author, and she features her writing process (and helpful tidbits for fellow authors) in her Chronicling the Craft series. Sara is full of awesome writing advice, but my favorite recurring posts are probably her new Character Evolution Files. She takes well known fictional icons such as Katniss or Bilbo and uses them to show how the authors have developed and evolved such lasting, resonant characters. And of course, there is a ton more to like about her blog, but you'll have to go check it out for yourself ;P

Here are the "official rules" for accepting the Dragon's Loyalty Award:

1. Announce your win with a post, and link to whomever presented your award.
2. Post 7 interesting things about yourself.
3. Present 15 7 awards to deserving bloggers. (I like symmetry - today)
4. Drop them a comment to tip them off after you’ve linked them in the post.
5. Display the award certificate on your website.

Since this is called the Dragon's Loyalty Award, I decided to incorporate as many dragons as possible into this post. And now it's time for interesting facts (which was hard - I feel like most everything about me is in other similar posts, or my "About Me" page!):

1. I have eleven siblings (yes, that makes me one of 12) - and I love every single one of them.

So, maybe they drive me bonkers at times, but I can't imagine life without my brothers and sisters (lots of sisters). Though sharing a bathroom was sometimes trying (boys take forEVer to do their hair on Sunday morning).

2. I have the same birthday as Jules Verne (though he was slightly older)

Okay, so Naruto isn't 20K leagues under the sea, but, whatever.

Though I didn't notice this until years later. Around the World in 80 Days is still one of my favorite novels.

3. I love to dance, but I'm not very good at it

The word "drake" is often used for a dragons in fantasy novels (when we're going OE "Draca"), though it more commonly refers to a "male duck"

From swing to the waltz to whatever craziness I come up with. But I don't make music videos of it for a reason. I'd love to take some classes someday!

4. The first dragon I ever read about was actually Ryūjin/Ryo-Wo, not Smaug

The underwater Dragon King of Japanese legends fascinated me as a (very) young child. I started reading fairy tales and myths from all over the world as soon as I could read. Smaug was the first dragon I ever read about in a novel. But thanks to my childhood myth-binges, I still tend to pattern the dragons in my novels after the ones in Chinese and Japanese lore.

5. I love dressing up, whether it's formal wear or costumes

Smaug feels pretty, oh so pretty . . .

6. I'm fascinated by mirrors and all of the lore surrounding them

This might have started when I watched a particular Lost in Space episode as a kid: as I recall, there was a guy trapped in a mirror, and his reflection was all that was left of him (because he'd been in there so long, he'd be dead in the real world). The Kabbalists (offshoot from traditional Judaism) believed that if you didn't cover a mirror after a person's death, you might catch a glimpse of the evil spirits drawn to the sadness of death (mirrors were the only way to see them). This is really interesting if you contrast it with the idea that vampires or other soulless beings wouldn't have a reflection. I could go on, but suffice it to say that mirrors often find their way into my novels.

7. I have always wanted to make a music video

Here's a Dragon, there's a Dragon, everywhere a Dragon Dragon

While I have no desire to be in it (see #3), I'm always getting epic ideas for music videos, and I wish I had the ability to make them. If I ever had a novel made into a movie, I would want to help make a music video for a song involved in the movie. That's all I ask.

So, there are my 7 facts, and now it's time for the nominees:

As always, don't feel obligated to do this :) But if you do decide to do it, please make sure that you link back so I can read your posts!

1. Sarah @ Ink and Paper Tall Ship

2. Tracey Dyck

3. Bogdana at @ Bogdana the Booknerd

4. Jane @ Greenish Bookshelf

5. Áine @ Writing on a Vintage Typewriter

6. Skye @ Ink Castles

7. Bethany @ Forgotten Featherpen

I tried to tag people that I haven't/haven't in awhile. And I know you are all probably as busy as I am, so don't feel pressured! <3 RH

20 Things to Do INSTEAD of Working on Your Novel: A Complete Guide to Procrastination (and gifs, because, gifs)

Just in case you didn't know:

It is November 23.

I'm not ready to part from 2015, people.

Thanksgiving is on Thursday. And NaNoWriMo is over in one week. I have not yet reached the 30K mark.

I am finally sitting somewhere that is A. Not work, or B. Not a car, so I really have no excuse for not writing. But if you're like me, and you're looking for reasons to procrastinate, here are some tips from a Master* (Note: I have tried every single one of these, and they are guaranteed to work)

1. Write a Blog Post

You sit down, flex those writing fingers, turn on some music to set the mood, and . . . you can't remember what you were writing. It's all gone. Your plot, your characters, what are words? Before you panic, you can always stretch that writer's brain by writing a blog post. You'll end up with a page full of writing, and feel a sense of achievement. So maybe none of it was your novel, but you did something productive! Give yourself a pat on the back, writer.

2. Read a Book, or Three

It's American Thanksgiving this week - which might mean a day or two off from work! Time for food and family, or even writing . . . or you could just read one of those delightful shiny books that are already written for you! Imagine that?

3. Go to a Book Event

If you are feeling down about your book, I highly recommend going to watch another author talk about how wonderful it was to see their book in print. I had the (incredible) privilege of going to the final event of Marissa Meyer's Winter Tour** - and it was so much fun! Hearing her talk about her books and her characters made me want to write, and I really would have - if I hadn't had to drive home!

4. Go on a Roadtrip

Whether it's books on tape, or just a playlist of your favorite writing tracks, you can think about your book a lot if you have to spend several hours in the car. Or you could just listen to 4 straight hours of K-pop for no apparent reason.*** I did one of those things while I drove down to Tennessee on Sunday.

5. Go Outside and Enjoy the Bizarre November Sunshine****

 

There's nothing like a little fresh air to jumpstart that creative writer's brain. Go walk outside and talk over your plot problems with a bosom friend. You may not get anything on paper, but you'll feel refreshed.

6. Watch Death Note

Death Note was an anime I never watched, but heard a ton about. Mostly about how incredible it was. So, naturally, I ignored it. But when I was too tired to write, I started watching Death Note instead, entirely on a whim. From the fascinating moral quandaries, to the great plotting and pacing, it's one of the most interesting distractions I've ever come across. And it inspired some great discussions!

7. Work on Christmas Presents

I don't decorate for Christmas until after Thanksgiving - but since I like to make handmade Christmas presents, I usually start those a few months in advance. Or at least, I try to. But I take it a little more seriously by November. And just look at all those half-finished projects you could be doing!

8. Take a Nap

Snoopy has it right. Sometimes you just need to curl up and take a nap. Scientists and other knowledgeable people also recommend it. And who argues with Snoopy and science?

9. Go Grocery Shopping

After three weeks of NaNo-ing hard, that pantry and fridge are starting to look bare. And as much as you love instant ramen, it isn't the healthiest choice. An no one needs to subsist on tea alone.

10. Sort All Those Emails Sitting In Your Inbox

 

And consider unsubscribing to the 2.5 thousand newsletters that are trying to get you to buy things.

11. Cook a Gourmet Meal

Remember #9 had you at the store? Well, there were a lot of Thanksgiving sales, and now you have too many ingredients. Google is your friend: just type in what you have, and then make something awesome.

11. Wash the Dishes

Trust me, you'll feel better if you have a clean working environment. Even if you're not writing in the kitchen. Just because you can't see the pile of dishes, it doesn't mean they're not there.

12. Scroll Through Your Twitter Feed

#amwriting #NaNoWriMo #noamrlywritingsrsly #stahp . . .

13. Or If You're Not Into Twitter, There's Instagram

Looking at everyone's vacation photos, food snaps, or book hauls strategically placed to look incredible, might make you feel like writing about your own far off adventure?

14. Facebook? Tumblr?

Hey, you never know where an idea might come from.

15. Let's Not Forget Pinterest

Because sometimes, pinning pictures to my book themed boards ACTUALLY helps. As long as I don't get too distracted . . .

16. And Catching Up On Your Favorite Blogs is Always a Good Idea

Writer-bloggers usually have something very useful for you to read.

17. Work

I can't write at work. However, I am off of work today. But there's a lot of other kinds of work that I need to finish (reviews with a deadline, for example). I need to do these things. Really.

18. Play a Board Game

It's good for your brain. And it's something you can do with your relatives, if you're at a loss this week.

19. Research

This is a very useful thing to do, and it always makes you seem so studious and focused. So if you sit down to write, and nothing happens - you can always look up that rare strain of bacteria. Just don't blame me if after five hours of research, you're reading about someone's scheme to rehydrate deserts.

20. Write a Different Novel

Because words on the page are words on the page. Even if they aren't on the same page.

Need more ideas? Too bad - I'm going back to writing my novel, :)

How is your November going? If you're doing NaNo, how is your word count?

Footnotes:

*Not to brag, or anything, but I am really good at procrastinating.

**The book event was masquerade ball themed! It was worth missing two days of writing. And Marissa Meyer was fabulous to listen to :) (Author of The Lunar Chronicles)

***To be honest, I don't even know how we ended up with the K-pop. I've never really listened to it before. Okay, other than this Shinhwa song/video. But it's strangely mesmerizing.

****Bizarre for Michigan. Michigan November usually means pouring rain, and then loads of snow, or both. So I wanted to spend as much time outside as possible.

 

TTT: Top 10 Things I'd Ask a Book Genie For

The Broke and the Bookish

As usual, Top Ten Tuesday is hosted (and originated) by The Broke and the Bookish. If you'd like to participate in the link up, click here.

This week's theme is 10 things you would request from a Book Genie (imagine that?), and it was so hard that I just went with the first 10 things I thought of! (Gifs belong to respective copyright holders. They are being used for zero financial gain)

Top 10 Things I'd Ask A Book Genie For:

1. An Infinite Library 

TARDIS LIBRARY PLEASE SHOW OFF FOR ME!

 It should resemble the one in Beauty and the Beast, but be bigger on the inside (so basically, the TARDIS library, but prettified).

2. The ability to pick up a book and instantly be able to read it, whether it is in Greek, Swahili, or unidentified runic script.

Ahh, ancient mysteries are now revealed to me.

3. All my books (current and future) to be published and find readers who will like them :)

But what author doesn't want this?

4. A list of every book I ever read, and what I thought about it

Because, sadly, I don't remember. Goodreads wasn't around when I was a kid, and there are too many gaps in my memory!

5. For the next book in every series I like to show up unprompted at my door.

Wouldn't this be amazing? And I love getting mail.

6. A reading time loop - so that I could enter it, read as much as I wanted, and come out and no time had passed at all. (Can you tell I really want to play with space and time!)

This could be a dangerous power, my friends.

7. A portal to the Library of Alexandria (I'd be afraid of having it restored though, it might change history, and any Doctor Who fan knows the danger there . . .)

This was a daydream of mine ever since childhood. I always loved reading about it. *Sighs* my heart hurts.

8. A portal to all book worlds/locations in my backyard

 

This gif is mesmerizing. And this is certainly my best idea yet. I don't know if I'd ever come out again though! 

9. A portal system in all world libraries that allows you to travel based on your intentions

If you are using the portals to travel with ill intent, it doesn't work. But if you want to step into a library in Ukraine or Washington D.C. or Brazil, you can. This would be a wicked useful tool for research, you know.

10. Instant and endless tickets to meet/see all my favorite authors in exciting and/or international locations.

 The world isn't ready for this.