Today I decided that I was going to go for a run.... on my treadmill. I had to get this treadmill last spring when we got our taxes. It has been getting lonely. As I was running, I realized there are many things that go through my head while I am running on my treadmill. It isn't nearly as peaceful as running outdoors when you are preoccupied with nature. It's actually a really mundane task and with music blasting in the background, I need to find something to preoccupy my thoughts otherwise I am going to quit. I have never been fond of running, but it is something I do because I find some sort of solace in it.
So here are my thoughts... in no particular order because like most of my thoughts, they are mostly random things that pop up in my head.
1. This has got to be better than my original plan... which was to run to the store and buy an entire pumpkin pie and eat the whole thing before anybody even knew I bought it. It is Thanksgiving week after all and I have been obsessing over pumpkin pie for nearly a week now. However, I also know that I will be making pies in a couple of days. Those I will share. So stop obsessing over the pumpkin pie and just run already. You will fulfill your craving soon enough. Oh yeah, and you should also go for a run Thanksgiving morning so you can eat until your miserable... because who doesn't love a holiday that celebrates all things you are grateful for while practicing gluttony.
2. How many steps do I have now.... really.... it hasn't even hit 5,000. I must have been running for at least 20 minutes already. Nope, its only been 2 minutes.
3. Why did I buy this treadmill. I hate running on treadmills!
4. If I run faster it will be done faster. Nevermind... I am not really running for miles I am running for time.
5. Wait! Did I actually state to myself how long I was going to run before I got on this treadmill.
6. I kind of feel like doing a kickboxing workout. Should I get off the treadmill and do that instead?
7. I remember that one time that I actively wrote in my blog. What happened to that? Do I have nothing to say or is it just that things I have to say I think no one would care about. Is my blog so dead that no one will even stop by and look at it cause they aren't used to something being posted? I miss writing.
8. I can't believe that I am finally done with school. I have my bachelor's degree for communication now, however I don't feel any different than I did before. Now I just have more time to take naps.
9. I should read a book. Like a trashy romance novel or some chick drama crap. A fast read because I don't want to have to worry about too much of a commitment.
10. Remember how you didn't entirely commit to Nanowrimo (National Novel Writing Month where you write 50,000 words in one month with complete abandon) and because you didn't commit but thought maybe you should you started but never really kept up with that? You suck! But not really cause not everybody has the ability to write a book. You should get back to that.
11. Why did I sign up for another half-marathon?
12. You should run faster... click click click.... too fast... click click click... turn it down a little. Too slow. Too fast. Too slow. Too fast. Too slow. Crap! Well, this is just really good interval training.
13. Christmas is just around the corner. I probably should start thinking about that!
14. This song would make a great song for karoake. I should make a personal karoake CD so I can practice because who wants to make a complete fool of themselves?
15. How many steps am I at so far? I should probably run until I hit 10,000 so I can be lazy for the rest of the day.
16. When am I ever going to make updating my Ipod play list a priority. Seriously, who runs to some of these songs?
17. Spiderman keeps staring at me. This is why I run outdoors usually.
18. I wonder how much of a hassle it will be to get a new card for my gym membership since I lost my key chain card. I want to go sit in the hot tub.
19. If I slide the couch over I bet I could fit a bookcase over there. Then I might be able to finally unpack all my books that are still sitting in boxes.
20. I bet once I get off the treadmill, all the really meaningful thoughts will disappear and when I sit down to write them out, it will end up being nothing more than just crap that no one cares to read.
Inside we are all a little mad... some just more than others. Life will sometimes just introduce us to the strangest, randomest thoughts! These are mine!
Showing posts with label writing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label writing. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Killing the Muse Inside
 |
| Thinking. Sometimes we think to much! |
We have all heard of the saying "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."
That is partially why I choose to remain quiet. I have things on my mind, but I can't say them. I need to keep my opinions to myself. These thoughts and ramblings are boiling over in my mind and causing some great anxiety. One of these days someone is going to ask the right question and everything that I have been holding back is going to come spilling out.
I am warning you - I am like a zit that is ready to pop!
So as I sit, I think. This is dangerous. And I started thinking about all those things that are killing my own personal muse. I am sure other writers out there might be able to relate. Or maybe I am in my own personal hell trying to keep my mouth shut.
School. School is killing me. Not just my muse, but me in general. I want to quit. I am not sure I can do it anymore. Yet, guilt is a sharper knife. If I breach the subject, I am told that the benefits far outweigh the pain I am currently going through. After all, when I am done, I will have my bachelor's degree. I will never again have to return to this hell hole of education again. I am smart enough. I can do it. If I keep saying it, I might actually believe it. The reality is I rather stab myself in the eye and twist it instead of reading these damn textbooks which only serve one purpose - to give me a nap after many nights of insomnia and nightmares. The same goes for the endless number of research papers I have to write that seems to pose no educational benefits other than seeing if you can properly write in APA format and find someone of experience to have said the words you want to say so you can quote them. School is the only place I can think of where you can't be smart enough to have your own thoughts. Cite everything and anything. Only subject matter experts can say something and not be questioned. I guess school is not for the opinionated and those who are educated by their experiences and not just on the words of those around us.
Work. This is a topic that I can't talk about. It's a digital footprint which leads directly back to me. If I say something offensive, this leads directly back to my job and my career. It makes me wonder if I can really say anything at all. I am judged, as an entire person. This person outside of work is not necessarily the same one that is at work. Maybe it is better to just know one and not both of these individuals. The work me is nothing like the me you might see here ready to lose her shit. As I was sitting at a meeting the other day, I realized that while I follow policy and rules, when they are brought up I like to question them. It is the devil's advocate in me. The reality is a business is a business. If they were a person with feelings, those feelings would interfere with the major thing that will make a business successful - money. It's nothing personal, but for me, I like to question why. If I were to question it, well, the consequences might not be very good.
Life. My therapist told me that if I ever felt my anxiety building up, to think of a place that I could go to in my head. That is supposed to calm me down and make me feel better. I have this place. I call it Serenity Beach. It doesn't work. Maybe it is because my brain wiring is all jacked up. I have a million thoughts going through my head all at once and so my peaceful place is being interwoven with my idiosyncrasies which make me who I am. They don't work nicely together. I have a million things floating around in my head right now... most of which I can't say out in polite society.
The reality is, these three factors are killing my muse. The funny thing is, I have never been so amped up to talk in my entire life. I just feel like I have a gag order on the line right now. Therefore... it is just best sometimes to stay silent and let the voices in my head do all the talking.
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Anonymous
It takes some real thick skin to be a writer.
My skin is not really that thick, so when I read something negative that directly impacts me, I want to go crawl in a corner and die. I try not to let it bother me. I even say it out loud, hoping it will even force me to believe it. Yet, all I am doing is lying to myself.
As I sit, these negative statements come to my mind and they make me wonder.
I wonder why?
Why did they target me?
It isn't as if I know these people. Or maybe I do. I couldn't really tell if I do if they hide behind the tag anonymous.
I have been thinking about this for the better part of a week when I came across a negative review for my book on Amazon. I took it with a grain of salt. They said it was depressing. I guess that is partially what happens when your intention is to make people cry. (And the only reason that was one of my goals was because I wanted people to feel the emotion.)
 |
| Does this look like a romance novel? It doesn't even come close. So if that is what you are looking for, look somewhere else! |
Yet the part that bugs me is actually the anonymous part.
Are you to afraid to stand behind your words?
Signing something as anonymous is the cowards way of leaving a review. In fact, if you can't verify who you are, you have no right to even leave a review. I finally got over it, convincing myself that this person is entitled to hide behind their computer screen, especially since a positive review had already trumped the negative one meaning it wasn't the first thing people saw.
Call it weird, but the major reason I was concerned about the bad review was because it was the first thing everyone else would see.
Well, today, my husband messaged me. He had finally finished my book. (While he had an idea what was going on, he never read the completed version.) He even said it made him cry and he left a glowing review. (To clarify, I didn't ask him to leave a review because I thought he would be unfair. After all, his wife wrote it so chances of a bad review were slim. But he left one anyway.)
When I went to read his review, I saw another negative review.
REALLY?
This one, while at least they didn't leave an anonymous review, was just as bad. It was a personal attack, calling me "special."
So, why is it that the majority of people who leave reviews are always so negative? Why are they trying to cut down an author who has obviously put themselves out there?
At this point, it doesn't matter. I reported their feedback as inappropriate. After all, the comment they left seemed more like a personal attack and that should not be tolerated.
I swear, as a writer, a person needs thick skin.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Are You A Bra? A Question of Support
The desperate and insecure writer in me is trying to climb out...
I can't help it though. I am a curious individual. I ask questions. I seek answers. I talk about everything. I can only assume this is the reason I enjoy writing.
It allows me to express myself. I can just blurt stuff out on paper that comes to mind. When I talk, I usually try to think before the words are formed. I hold back a lot.... not when I am writing.
So this leads me to where I am today... thinking about my book, Mother's Day. Thinking about how to get it into the hands of readers. Thinking how to convince people to spread the word. Wondering if it is good enough. There are people out there that have told me it is great. I didn't pay them to say it either.
I still question it though. Is it great because they know me... or did they really enjoy it. Did they get an emotional response? Are they telling their friends and family about the last book they read? Are they passing it on.
I am new to this whole promoting myself. What it has done has brought up massive amounts of questions. Questions about my supporters, questions about spreading the word, just questions in general.
Freelance artists struggle. No body knows who they are and they have to work insanely hard to get a buzz going. It is those supporters who create that buzz... and it is one thing that made me realize what kind of supporter I am.
I am a supporter of the freelance artists.
I am a bra - if you must.
Anytime I know a person who has accomplished a goal they can brag about, I get excited. I want to support them. I want to brag about them. I want to tell the world that I knew them way back when....
When I found out an old friend from high school made a movie, I couldn't wait for it to be released so I could see it. I immediately went to their Facebook page Misfit Heights and not only "Liked" the page, but also spammed my friends with it. It is a zombie puppet musical. How can it possibly get any better than that? Sure, it might not be everybody's thing. It is a small niche to say the least. But it was great and the fact is... I was supporting a fellow peer from High School.
If you want to know more - look to your left. I got him on the sidebar and I highly encourage you to check it out!
As a writer, I have also run into others as well who have jumped on the dream boat and accomplished a goal. One of my friends from Wisconsin, author C.L. Crowe, wrote the book Soul Finding. I have already
read it on my Kindle and I am anxiously awaiting the second book's release. I also plan on purchasing a hard copy of the book just so I can have her sign it the next time I see her. I won't even go into how mad I am at her for publishing her book first! I guess she won fair and square though, so I can't hold it over her head too much. She will just have to buy me lunch next time we get together since she has got a few months on me for the publishing gig.
Obviously because of what I do, I have run into many talented artists out there. Melanie from Scribbles and Smiles also just published the book "Make Happiness Happen!" It is a quick read packed full of inspiration. I was so excited to see it since her accomplish this goal since she was one of my biggest supporters and fans during National Novel Writing Month.
My friend Vicki over at Laugh Lines was recently featured in a book called the "Life Well Blogged," which I was lucky enough to receive a complimentary copy. What I have read so far has me rolling with laughter.
Then of course their is Cyndi over at Pictimilitude, who is going to take the world by storm with her works of art. One day I will have one of her pictures hanging on my wall.
As writers, there are several different forms of support. Marie Landry gave me the opportunity to have my first experience at being a Beta Reader for her book "Waiting For The Storm." I was really excited to read it and give her my personal thoughts. It was a definite read and it made me curious about the other books she has written as well. Upon completion of beta reading, I bought all her books. I love supporting other artists.
Naturally, I can't forget about Julie DeNeen, form Life According to Julie, who was the initial push into my blogging. Who has always been around to push others to write what they feel and expose themselves. She is honest and doesn't hold anything back and that is something to admire in today's world. She already wrote two books which I couldn't put down - "Wanted" and "Writing Through The Chaos." She has a million other things on her plate, including a blogging consultation business through Fabulous Blogging. She has been a big inspiration for almost every writer and blogger I have met in the digital world, and no one has a negative thing to say about her. Honestly, even on those days when I have been busy and it seems like I am not around, I still quietly stalk her just because the stuff she has to say is so refreshing.
Last, but definitely not least, (because she will beat me up otherwise!), I want to mention Terrye from The Adventures of a Misplaced Alaskan. I hear she is jumping on the band wagon to write a book as well. She won't tell me any more details about it, so I won't dwell about not being able to gossip. However, when it comes to support, she is someone you want on your side and she is a treasure to have in your life. Every time I was feeling down and wanted to call it quits, I would say something and she would tell me to shut it. It really made me feel better!
There are also some other key people who are responsible for some great products. Shelby McKee, owner and founder of Keysocks, has been one of my biggest supporters. I was one of the first writers to get the inside scoop on this product. These socks are perfect for any woman who like to wear their shoes, and their socks too. This was an ingenious idea and I talk about them like they were mine. Reality is, I just want to share the love.
Yoga Sandals are another product I stand by and want to mention. The philosophy behind this product is one I can stand behind and truly believe in. I love the concept of these shoes, since they help with foot and knee problems. I love the positive outlook this business portrays. And I also can't fail to mention one of their employees, my friend Liz, is also one of the people who helped me with the cover of my book. One thing is for sure though, I love spread the word about great quality products like this.
Who are your bras?
Overall, I learned there are people in your life who are like bras. They support you and pick you up. They go out of their way to tell you how proud they are of you, the will spend their last dime just to buy your latest piece of work. They don't do this because of it's quality, because it doesn't even matter what it is, but because they want the bragging rights. They want to show you off.
For instance, my mom has already bought 3 of my books. My Grandma has to buy another one because she refuses to share. My sister finished the book in less than 24 hours of receiving it, and I might also add that she was one of the very first to buy it. Now that is support.
After talking to one of the local bookstores, I started feeling the love of supporters everywhere. This man, who has never met me or seen me or even read my book, was excited about my accomplishment. This excitement stemmed from me being a local self-published author. He told me how to make connections - how some of these people will become the greatest supporters just because I am local. It got me excited.
It also got me thinking - who are your supporters? Do you know who they are? Do they brag about you, or do they stay silent? Are some of them a surprise?
I got curious... so I actually asked. And yes - I am taking names. In fact, I would love for them to share a picture of themselves with my book. Why? So I can do a contest and one lucky winner will get something from me and they will also get the opportunity to send my book to a person of their choice. But more on that later. Right now I just want to know who has supported me.
These supporters that create a buzz, and when you are a new artist, that is what you need. You need to create a buzz. So here is my chance to tell everybody who has supported me how much I appreciate you.
I can't help it though. I am a curious individual. I ask questions. I seek answers. I talk about everything. I can only assume this is the reason I enjoy writing.
It allows me to express myself. I can just blurt stuff out on paper that comes to mind. When I talk, I usually try to think before the words are formed. I hold back a lot.... not when I am writing.
So this leads me to where I am today... thinking about my book, Mother's Day. Thinking about how to get it into the hands of readers. Thinking how to convince people to spread the word. Wondering if it is good enough. There are people out there that have told me it is great. I didn't pay them to say it either.
I still question it though. Is it great because they know me... or did they really enjoy it. Did they get an emotional response? Are they telling their friends and family about the last book they read? Are they passing it on.
I am new to this whole promoting myself. What it has done has brought up massive amounts of questions. Questions about my supporters, questions about spreading the word, just questions in general.
Freelance artists struggle. No body knows who they are and they have to work insanely hard to get a buzz going. It is those supporters who create that buzz... and it is one thing that made me realize what kind of supporter I am.
I am a supporter of the freelance artists.
I am a bra - if you must.
Anytime I know a person who has accomplished a goal they can brag about, I get excited. I want to support them. I want to brag about them. I want to tell the world that I knew them way back when....
When I found out an old friend from high school made a movie, I couldn't wait for it to be released so I could see it. I immediately went to their Facebook page Misfit Heights and not only "Liked" the page, but also spammed my friends with it. It is a zombie puppet musical. How can it possibly get any better than that? Sure, it might not be everybody's thing. It is a small niche to say the least. But it was great and the fact is... I was supporting a fellow peer from High School.
If you want to know more - look to your left. I got him on the sidebar and I highly encourage you to check it out!
As a writer, I have also run into others as well who have jumped on the dream boat and accomplished a goal. One of my friends from Wisconsin, author C.L. Crowe, wrote the book Soul Finding. I have alreadyread it on my Kindle and I am anxiously awaiting the second book's release. I also plan on purchasing a hard copy of the book just so I can have her sign it the next time I see her. I won't even go into how mad I am at her for publishing her book first! I guess she won fair and square though, so I can't hold it over her head too much. She will just have to buy me lunch next time we get together since she has got a few months on me for the publishing gig.
Obviously because of what I do, I have run into many talented artists out there. Melanie from Scribbles and Smiles also just published the book "Make Happiness Happen!" It is a quick read packed full of inspiration. I was so excited to see it since her accomplish this goal since she was one of my biggest supporters and fans during National Novel Writing Month.
My friend Vicki over at Laugh Lines was recently featured in a book called the "Life Well Blogged," which I was lucky enough to receive a complimentary copy. What I have read so far has me rolling with laughter.
Then of course their is Cyndi over at Pictimilitude, who is going to take the world by storm with her works of art. One day I will have one of her pictures hanging on my wall.
As writers, there are several different forms of support. Marie Landry gave me the opportunity to have my first experience at being a Beta Reader for her book "Waiting For The Storm." I was really excited to read it and give her my personal thoughts. It was a definite read and it made me curious about the other books she has written as well. Upon completion of beta reading, I bought all her books. I love supporting other artists.
Naturally, I can't forget about Julie DeNeen, form Life According to Julie, who was the initial push into my blogging. Who has always been around to push others to write what they feel and expose themselves. She is honest and doesn't hold anything back and that is something to admire in today's world. She already wrote two books which I couldn't put down - "Wanted" and "Writing Through The Chaos." She has a million other things on her plate, including a blogging consultation business through Fabulous Blogging. She has been a big inspiration for almost every writer and blogger I have met in the digital world, and no one has a negative thing to say about her. Honestly, even on those days when I have been busy and it seems like I am not around, I still quietly stalk her just because the stuff she has to say is so refreshing.
Last, but definitely not least, (because she will beat me up otherwise!), I want to mention Terrye from The Adventures of a Misplaced Alaskan. I hear she is jumping on the band wagon to write a book as well. She won't tell me any more details about it, so I won't dwell about not being able to gossip. However, when it comes to support, she is someone you want on your side and she is a treasure to have in your life. Every time I was feeling down and wanted to call it quits, I would say something and she would tell me to shut it. It really made me feel better!
There are also some other key people who are responsible for some great products. Shelby McKee, owner and founder of Keysocks, has been one of my biggest supporters. I was one of the first writers to get the inside scoop on this product. These socks are perfect for any woman who like to wear their shoes, and their socks too. This was an ingenious idea and I talk about them like they were mine. Reality is, I just want to share the love.
Yoga Sandals are another product I stand by and want to mention. The philosophy behind this product is one I can stand behind and truly believe in. I love the concept of these shoes, since they help with foot and knee problems. I love the positive outlook this business portrays. And I also can't fail to mention one of their employees, my friend Liz, is also one of the people who helped me with the cover of my book. One thing is for sure though, I love spread the word about great quality products like this.
Who are your bras?
Overall, I learned there are people in your life who are like bras. They support you and pick you up. They go out of their way to tell you how proud they are of you, the will spend their last dime just to buy your latest piece of work. They don't do this because of it's quality, because it doesn't even matter what it is, but because they want the bragging rights. They want to show you off.
For instance, my mom has already bought 3 of my books. My Grandma has to buy another one because she refuses to share. My sister finished the book in less than 24 hours of receiving it, and I might also add that she was one of the very first to buy it. Now that is support.
After talking to one of the local bookstores, I started feeling the love of supporters everywhere. This man, who has never met me or seen me or even read my book, was excited about my accomplishment. This excitement stemmed from me being a local self-published author. He told me how to make connections - how some of these people will become the greatest supporters just because I am local. It got me excited.
It also got me thinking - who are your supporters? Do you know who they are? Do they brag about you, or do they stay silent? Are some of them a surprise?
I got curious... so I actually asked. And yes - I am taking names. In fact, I would love for them to share a picture of themselves with my book. Why? So I can do a contest and one lucky winner will get something from me and they will also get the opportunity to send my book to a person of their choice. But more on that later. Right now I just want to know who has supported me.
These supporters that create a buzz, and when you are a new artist, that is what you need. You need to create a buzz. So here is my chance to tell everybody who has supported me how much I appreciate you.
Thank you to all of those who have bought my book and shared it with your friends.
Thank you to all of those have created a buzz
about "Mother's Day!"
about "Mother's Day!"
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Finding my Brand
Writing a book was the easy part....
Never thought I would say that in my life. After what seemed like forever, I finally hit the "Approve" button and my book was out in the big, wide, evil, cruel world for review.
Ok - it was no longer for review. It was up for grabs for anybody who was curious enough to spend a few hours reading it and a few bucks buying it... but that also meant it was up for critique. People could love it - or they could hate it!
What would people say?
I was so nervous....
Sure, we all have people who will never fail to buy what ever you write regardless of how bad it is or how good it is. It is the strangers we have to be careful of. We need to wrap our hearts and our minds with a Teflon coating so we don't get burned.
And that was when I ran into a wall.....
I was so excited to have finally hit publish. I knew I wasn't going to become an instant millionaire... and probably maybe not even a best selling author... at least yet. What I wasn't aware of, was how hard it would be to actually get someone to buy my book.
A few short lonely books later, I was wondering where were the critiques? The people slamming me under the bus because they hated it. Where was the love? The people who told everybody about it until they were blue in the face.
I guess that means you have to sell some books.
Now don't get me wrong. This is not a pity party. I have already sold a handful of books and the people who have invested the time in it to read Mother's Day, can't seem to put it down. So it must be good. At least that is what I am getting from the feedback.
The problem is, I need to brand it. I need to make people want to buy the book. I need them to realize they can't live another day without purchasing my book. I need to find a way to convince them there is something in it for them.
Frankly, how the hell do I do that?
If you would like a copy of Mother's Day, the book I completed for Nanowrimo, click here for the paperback. If you would like the Kindle version, click here.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Hello...
I thought I would stop by and say hi.
I know, it has been a while. Sometimes I even wondered if anybody missed me. But I have a good excuse as to why I haven't been around. It's a darn good excuse.
I am sure it will be worth it in the end. Actually, I am not sure, I know it will be! After all, my book is published and available for anybody to read. Hope you take the chance to check it out by clicking here.
Naw... that will never happen. I have kids and summer is just around the corner.
Sadly, time will always be short because I like to stay busy. But now that I have cleared off a really big task, I will have more time for my family, my schoolwork, and my chores. I will be back to blogging and catching up with my fellow bloggers as well.
Ok - so who am I kidding. I am already working on my next book! This one is going to be about zombies. No worries though - I haven't put myself under a strict deadline yet!
I know, it has been a while. Sometimes I even wondered if anybody missed me. But I have a good excuse as to why I haven't been around. It's a darn good excuse.
I wrote a book!
Let me tell you, it was hard work. I spent hours staring at the computer editing until my eyes went blurry. There were days when I would wear the same clothes... just so the laundry didn't pile up. I don't remember the last logical conversation I had with my husband, my kids might be figments of my imagination, and soon it might no longer be an undiagnosed mad woman state, since I have nearly lost my mind!I am sure it will be worth it in the end. Actually, I am not sure, I know it will be! After all, my book is published and available for anybody to read. Hope you take the chance to check it out by clicking here.
So what's next?
That is the big question I have as well. I fear I might actually have too much time on my hands that I don't know what to do with myself.Naw... that will never happen. I have kids and summer is just around the corner.
Sadly, time will always be short because I like to stay busy. But now that I have cleared off a really big task, I will have more time for my family, my schoolwork, and my chores. I will be back to blogging and catching up with my fellow bloggers as well.
Ok - so who am I kidding. I am already working on my next book! This one is going to be about zombies. No worries though - I haven't put myself under a strict deadline yet!
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
My Phone Call With Google
Google and I have been fighting.
I have never fought like this with Google before, in fact, I would rather stay on good terms with them. After all, Google is kind of like the parent and I, as a blogger, am like the child. Whatever Google says goes and I am stuck with their decision.
So - you are probably wondering what went happened?
Well, at the end of March, I woke up to the nastygram saying there was invalid activity going on with my account.
WTF!!!!
I was nearly in shock. I thought I was going to cry. And then I remember, I don't really care because my writing is about my writing, not necessarily the money I make from my blog. So if you are wondering why I have been absent lately, it has nothing to do with my Google Adsense ban.
Anyway, I have tried to be nice and calm about the situation, appealing to the Google Gods. Only, it doesn't matter what I say or do, I just get a canned message back.
Do they think I am stupid??
If you message me back within 4 hours, I can pretty much guess you did nothing to evaluate my account.
This of course went on through the course of several different appeals. I know they say one shot is all you have, but I like to be annoying. So, what does it take for me to sit down and write them a letter every single day until I get some attention. Not a whole lot of time, in comparison of where I could waste it elsewhere. (Do you notice how much I update Facebook?)
Well, I got sick of remembering to write to them, and I got sick of trying to reword the facts so it sounds like I am coming up with new evidence. However, I don't have any new evidence. I don't know what might have caused them to see invalid activity.
This is what I do know though. At the beginning of March, I started to actively promote my blog. Suddenly, I was overwhelmed by the sheer amount of spam comments coming in. I turned on Captcha to deter the
spam. My traffic tanked. Right after I did that, Google took away my account.
Days later, I found out my writings have been being copied on other websites. So yeah - how happy does that make me? I can't make money off of my stuff, but other people can copy it and at least make money. Google frowns at duplicate content.
However, it doesn't matter how much I study the stats, I can't seem to find anything that jumps out as unusual.
And Google... well they are equivalent to a parent saying... "Because I said so."
They are a bully. That is really what it comes down to. If any of the small guys start making money, they quickly do an update to change those numbers. If people click on your ads, even though the ads are matched toward what they should be interested in, Google will call you out for fraud. Why - because God forbid if the advertisers have to actually pay for their advertising!
So as a small fish in a big ocean, I am the little guy, barely making pennies, and they choose me to lay down their wrath. So while I actually care very little about the money, I have this problem of wanting to know.
So right now, I am sitting on the phone, calling Google. I waited on hold for 30 minutes before accidentally hanging up the first time. The second time....
.... well, I have already been on hold for an hour and a half.
What can I say... I don't give up easily!
 |
| I have been working out. Google better watch out! I am ready for them! |
So - you are probably wondering what went happened?
Well, at the end of March, I woke up to the nastygram saying there was invalid activity going on with my account.
WTF!!!!
I was nearly in shock. I thought I was going to cry. And then I remember, I don't really care because my writing is about my writing, not necessarily the money I make from my blog. So if you are wondering why I have been absent lately, it has nothing to do with my Google Adsense ban.
Anyway, I have tried to be nice and calm about the situation, appealing to the Google Gods. Only, it doesn't matter what I say or do, I just get a canned message back.
Do they think I am stupid??
If you message me back within 4 hours, I can pretty much guess you did nothing to evaluate my account.
This of course went on through the course of several different appeals. I know they say one shot is all you have, but I like to be annoying. So, what does it take for me to sit down and write them a letter every single day until I get some attention. Not a whole lot of time, in comparison of where I could waste it elsewhere. (Do you notice how much I update Facebook?)
Well, I got sick of remembering to write to them, and I got sick of trying to reword the facts so it sounds like I am coming up with new evidence. However, I don't have any new evidence. I don't know what might have caused them to see invalid activity.
 |
| Good-bye spare change. I probably won't get to spend you anymore. |
spam. My traffic tanked. Right after I did that, Google took away my account.
Days later, I found out my writings have been being copied on other websites. So yeah - how happy does that make me? I can't make money off of my stuff, but other people can copy it and at least make money. Google frowns at duplicate content.
However, it doesn't matter how much I study the stats, I can't seem to find anything that jumps out as unusual.
And Google... well they are equivalent to a parent saying... "Because I said so."
They are a bully. That is really what it comes down to. If any of the small guys start making money, they quickly do an update to change those numbers. If people click on your ads, even though the ads are matched toward what they should be interested in, Google will call you out for fraud. Why - because God forbid if the advertisers have to actually pay for their advertising!
So as a small fish in a big ocean, I am the little guy, barely making pennies, and they choose me to lay down their wrath. So while I actually care very little about the money, I have this problem of wanting to know.
So right now, I am sitting on the phone, calling Google. I waited on hold for 30 minutes before accidentally hanging up the first time. The second time....
 |
| If I knew this was going to be such an exciting date, I might have gotten up and tried to look presentable. |
.... well, I have already been on hold for an hour and a half.
What can I say... I don't give up easily!
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Brain Drain: Online Education Does NOT Equal Easy
Many of you (ok - maybe only my imaginary friends) may have been wondering where I have been hiding lately.
Truth is, I haven't been hiding. I have been right in front of you this whole time. However, I have recently decided to go back to school to get my degree, and let me tell you, it is exhausting work.
As if I wasn't busy before. Now, not only do I still have all my wifely and motherly duties, and my nearly impossible deadline set to have my book Mother's Day to be published May 12, 2013. (Yes - I know - publishing a book called Mother's Day on Mother's Day. I couldn't resist!), I have added a "fast-paced, no hold backs" online course to my full plate.
I have often times heard many people describe online courses as easy. Being that this isn't the first time I have taken an online course, I already knew what I was getting into. But when you are actually doing it, you forget how much time is actually used up by the sheer amount of reading, researching, and writing you must do. In fact, online courses are actually harder because you need to be more accountable for your work, and even teaching yourself.
I know finishing my degree is the right thing to do. I only wish I would have started it sooner, so I didn't have to waste some of my valuable Veteran's Benefits that will expire before I get a chance to completely exhaust them. But in the end, I know finishing my schooling will be the right thing for me.
Getting back into the swing of things has been difficult. It is the first class I have taken in several years. I am not used to studying, I am not used to writing thesis statements, and I certainly not used to those exciting textbooks with 300 pages worth of material to memorize.
I have been falling behind in my blogging, I have been falling behind in my online networking, I have just fallen behind.
So, if you have been wondering where I've been lately, I am still around. But I have found between my book and schooling and family, most of my time has been sucked up. Not to mention, after all the mental tasks I have had to do lately, my brain is drained.
Even writing this blog post was difficult!
Just know, I will be back and I will be smarter. Ok - maybe just more sarcastic due to being tired. But hey - at least that means I've gotten something out of school.
Truth is, I haven't been hiding. I have been right in front of you this whole time. However, I have recently decided to go back to school to get my degree, and let me tell you, it is exhausting work.
As if I wasn't busy before. Now, not only do I still have all my wifely and motherly duties, and my nearly impossible deadline set to have my book Mother's Day to be published May 12, 2013. (Yes - I know - publishing a book called Mother's Day on Mother's Day. I couldn't resist!), I have added a "fast-paced, no hold backs" online course to my full plate.
I have often times heard many people describe online courses as easy. Being that this isn't the first time I have taken an online course, I already knew what I was getting into. But when you are actually doing it, you forget how much time is actually used up by the sheer amount of reading, researching, and writing you must do. In fact, online courses are actually harder because you need to be more accountable for your work, and even teaching yourself.I know finishing my degree is the right thing to do. I only wish I would have started it sooner, so I didn't have to waste some of my valuable Veteran's Benefits that will expire before I get a chance to completely exhaust them. But in the end, I know finishing my schooling will be the right thing for me.
Getting back into the swing of things has been difficult. It is the first class I have taken in several years. I am not used to studying, I am not used to writing thesis statements, and I certainly not used to those exciting textbooks with 300 pages worth of material to memorize.
 |
| When your brain seems drained, even those tasks that often seemed simple become difficult, like writing a blog post. |
So, if you have been wondering where I've been lately, I am still around. But I have found between my book and schooling and family, most of my time has been sucked up. Not to mention, after all the mental tasks I have had to do lately, my brain is drained.
Even writing this blog post was difficult!
Just know, I will be back and I will be smarter. Ok - maybe just more sarcastic due to being tired. But hey - at least that means I've gotten something out of school.
Friday, April 12, 2013
Words Mean Everything
As many of you may already know, I have been working hard (or hardly working) on my book that I have planned to release to people everywhere on May 12, 2013. On top of that, I have also returned to school... mainly because I want to make it sound like I am smart on my author page. (No one said it had to be a good reason!)
Needless to say, I realized I was coming up on crunch time. Between my book, my blog, and my school work, I knew I needed to get cracking.
So yesterday, I decided to open my book again to make edits from the suggestions of my beta readers. It is a tedious process. I feel like I am looking at a million computer screens and trying to condense them into one valid document.
Ok - it really isn't that bad. But I do have to keep looking from hard copy to laptop. Pain in the butt.
And it's a daunting task. It might even be more daunting then writing the damn book. After all, I didn't know how far I was going until I got there. Now, as I sit on page 35... I noticed there is still 378 pages left.
Once I got into the swing of things, it wasn't really all that bad. And the reality is, I only need to do 22 pages a day to be ready for the final read through on May 1st!
But meanwhile, it can't be all work and no play. That is when I started to realize how funny it is to look back at my work with a fresh pair of eyes. After all, when it comes to your own work sometimes it can be hard to pick out things that are just wrong.
In this case... I realized that my main character likes to run around commando, sans undies, freebuffing, going regimental.... although it wasn't really my intention.
The reality is, when you are writing, you need to describe everything. In this case, I would describe her as finishing up her shower and throwing on a pair of pants. Most people would assume she is wearing her undergarments, but I can't assume here. So, I have to read it like it is. She doesn't wear underwear.
I don't know about you... but I think my main character would be a lot more comfy in her undies!
Needless to say, I realized I was coming up on crunch time. Between my book, my blog, and my school work, I knew I needed to get cracking.
So yesterday, I decided to open my book again to make edits from the suggestions of my beta readers. It is a tedious process. I feel like I am looking at a million computer screens and trying to condense them into one valid document.
 |
| Working between a printed copy and a computer copy is enough to make anyone want to take a nap! |
Ok - it really isn't that bad. But I do have to keep looking from hard copy to laptop. Pain in the butt.
And it's a daunting task. It might even be more daunting then writing the damn book. After all, I didn't know how far I was going until I got there. Now, as I sit on page 35... I noticed there is still 378 pages left.
That number 413 keeps flashing at me.
But meanwhile, it can't be all work and no play. That is when I started to realize how funny it is to look back at my work with a fresh pair of eyes. After all, when it comes to your own work sometimes it can be hard to pick out things that are just wrong.
In this case... I realized that my main character likes to run around commando, sans undies, freebuffing, going regimental.... although it wasn't really my intention.
The reality is, when you are writing, you need to describe everything. In this case, I would describe her as finishing up her shower and throwing on a pair of pants. Most people would assume she is wearing her undergarments, but I can't assume here. So, I have to read it like it is. She doesn't wear underwear.
I don't know about you... but I think my main character would be a lot more comfy in her undies!
Friday, March 29, 2013
Elevator Music
You know the music. It plays in the background while you wait.
You wait and wait and wait until you get to the floor your looking for. The music is corny, sometimes jazzy, and usually not the type of music you would find yourself jamming to while in the car. Sometimes it plays the occasional pop song, but not to often.
So... I just wanted to let everybody know that due to family being around for the weekend, I will be kind of busy.
So for your enjoyment... Here is some Elevator Music for you to listen to while you wait for me to come back!!
Hope everybody has a great weekend!
You wait and wait and wait until you get to the floor your looking for. The music is corny, sometimes jazzy, and usually not the type of music you would find yourself jamming to while in the car. Sometimes it plays the occasional pop song, but not to often.
So... I just wanted to let everybody know that due to family being around for the weekend, I will be kind of busy.
So for your enjoyment... Here is some Elevator Music for you to listen to while you wait for me to come back!!
Hope everybody has a great weekend!
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Captcha - I am Not a Robot
Blogging is a lot of work!
As if it wasn't hard enough coming up with something to write each and every single time, then you have to add in Search Engine Optimization (so you can be found), and then you have to put in some pretty pictures (originals work best!) and then you have to actually write something worth reading.
If you weren't already exhausted, and if time is on your side, you should aslo try and make an appearance and comment on all the other wonderful and your favorite bloggers out there!
Yesterday I was pretty excited. I looked at my blogger stats and I have hit my highest views ever! I was particularly excited because I have had a lot of personal stuff going on lately so I have been focusing mostly on my blog posts and hoping that my lack of reading didn't effect my traffic too much. I wanted to know that people stopped by because they liked what I wrote, not because I commented on their post.
I was doing a happy dance. I was thinking.... "Wow - people like me!"
And then I realized my blogger stats just don't add up to my Google Analytics stats. Depression hits! And it wasn't just a couple numbers off, it was by 100s.
As I cried myself to sleep last night, rolling back and forth in the fetal position, I had to come to a very drastic and life altering decision. What was I going to do about this misleading type readings? Was I going to let the numbers rule my mood?
A lot of the difference in numbers is probably because of the overwhelming amount of spam I have been receiving on my blog lately. Not only has it been filling up my email inbox, but it is also looking weird to those who comment after a spam comment which made no sense!
Well, I didn't want to play that game anymore. I wanted to see more accurate results. So, I turned my Captcha back on. Therefore my true readers will show through and the spammers will not get a free backlink!
Anybody who knows me knows how much Captcha irritates me. I hate it. As a human I barely understand what the heck they are writing in that irritating box just to prove I am not a robot. Sometimes it takes me several attempts to figure out the doctorlike handwriting. I sit there screaming at my computer screen...
So I hope this doesn't discourage you from leaving a comment. I promise, I will try to write something epic. Something powerful. You know - just so you feel the need to leave a comment because my words have moved you in ways you have never been moved before.
Or maybe I will just continue to be sarcastic and snarky and inspirational and witty and irritating and whiney... meh what do I know. My numbers don't seem to be showing me shit anyway!
As if it wasn't hard enough coming up with something to write each and every single time, then you have to add in Search Engine Optimization (so you can be found), and then you have to put in some pretty pictures (originals work best!) and then you have to actually write something worth reading.
If you weren't already exhausted, and if time is on your side, you should aslo try and make an appearance and comment on all the other wonderful and your favorite bloggers out there!
Yesterday I was pretty excited. I looked at my blogger stats and I have hit my highest views ever! I was particularly excited because I have had a lot of personal stuff going on lately so I have been focusing mostly on my blog posts and hoping that my lack of reading didn't effect my traffic too much. I wanted to know that people stopped by because they liked what I wrote, not because I commented on their post.
I was doing a happy dance. I was thinking.... "Wow - people like me!"
And then I realized my blogger stats just don't add up to my Google Analytics stats. Depression hits! And it wasn't just a couple numbers off, it was by 100s.
As I cried myself to sleep last night, rolling back and forth in the fetal position, I had to come to a very drastic and life altering decision. What was I going to do about this misleading type readings? Was I going to let the numbers rule my mood?
 |
| Admit it! As a blogger sometimes you are ruled by the numbers! |
A lot of the difference in numbers is probably because of the overwhelming amount of spam I have been receiving on my blog lately. Not only has it been filling up my email inbox, but it is also looking weird to those who comment after a spam comment which made no sense!
Well, I didn't want to play that game anymore. I wanted to see more accurate results. So, I turned my Captcha back on. Therefore my true readers will show through and the spammers will not get a free backlink!
Anybody who knows me knows how much Captcha irritates me. I hate it. As a human I barely understand what the heck they are writing in that irritating box just to prove I am not a robot. Sometimes it takes me several attempts to figure out the doctorlike handwriting. I sit there screaming at my computer screen...
I AM NOT A ROBOT!!And now, after the constant bitching about other people leaving their Captcha on, I have decided to put mine back on. Just temporarily. In the next month or so, I plan on buying my own domain. I am currently researching it. And then I will install a plug-in that will allow comments without all the hassle, but also without all the spam.
So I hope this doesn't discourage you from leaving a comment. I promise, I will try to write something epic. Something powerful. You know - just so you feel the need to leave a comment because my words have moved you in ways you have never been moved before.
Or maybe I will just continue to be sarcastic and snarky and inspirational and witty and irritating and whiney... meh what do I know. My numbers don't seem to be showing me shit anyway!
Friday, March 22, 2013
Blogging For Freedom
I wasn't going to post today. It wasn't because I didn't feel like it, it was because I had a lot of tasks that needed my attention.
Laundry needed to be finished and put away; I needed to run to the store (I actually mean it - since I don't have a car, my only option is to take the hike!); I needed to make dinner for a group of people tonight; I needed to make dessert (Ok - not need - that one was a want!); I needed to discuss ideas with my dad for their vacation to Southern California; I needed to pick the kids of from school; I did a couple haircuts; I needed to shower; I should have cleaned the kitchen; I should have cleaned the hamster cage; and there is probably a whole lot of should have's that I still didn't get too!
I don't consider blogging a "Should Have" or a "Need." Blogging is my freedom. It is one of the few ways I find I can sort the things out inside my crazy head. I do it because I want to, not because I need to.
Technically I could have skipped today. It wouldn't have mattered. I wonder if anybody would have noticed if I didn't show up to work. I usually don't blog on weekends unless I really have something on my mind. That is my break... and by the time Monday comes around, I am completely crazy from the lack of writing.
I blog purely for the joy of blogging. It is my mental release. Would it be nice if I could consider it a career?
Yes and No
Yes because that would mean I was making a good income and I could support my family off something I just love doing. Or maybe I could bring in enough to take these amazing adventures all over the world.
And No because once I start considering this blog a job, I am going to start stressing and suddenly it is going to be all work and no longer a hobby.
Besides, if you think about it, it is already a J.O.B.... if you consider that Just Over Broke!
I don't want to have to stress over my blog. I don't want to have to worry about who is coming and who is going. I am going to do this blog on my terms. That is just how I roll. Although I really appreciate those who keep coming back!
So if you like crazy, come along for the ride. And now... I must go, my husband is calling.
We are so busy around here!
Hope everyone has a great and amazing weekend!
 |
| The dreaded laundry room! |
I don't consider blogging a "Should Have" or a "Need." Blogging is my freedom. It is one of the few ways I find I can sort the things out inside my crazy head. I do it because I want to, not because I need to.
Technically I could have skipped today. It wouldn't have mattered. I wonder if anybody would have noticed if I didn't show up to work. I usually don't blog on weekends unless I really have something on my mind. That is my break... and by the time Monday comes around, I am completely crazy from the lack of writing.
I blog purely for the joy of blogging. It is my mental release. Would it be nice if I could consider it a career?
Yes and No
Yes because that would mean I was making a good income and I could support my family off something I just love doing. Or maybe I could bring in enough to take these amazing adventures all over the world.
 |
| Wouldn't you love to explore a cave during an epic adventure. |
Besides, if you think about it, it is already a J.O.B.... if you consider that Just Over Broke!
I don't want to have to stress over my blog. I don't want to have to worry about who is coming and who is going. I am going to do this blog on my terms. That is just how I roll. Although I really appreciate those who keep coming back!
So if you like crazy, come along for the ride. And now... I must go, my husband is calling.
We are so busy around here!
Hope everyone has a great and amazing weekend!
Friday, March 15, 2013
Writers Are Crazy
I know, I know... it is like calling the kettle black.
Oh the irony of the Undiagnosed Mad Woman to be claiming that writers are crazy. Just think about it for a minute.
***
Yesterday, I got a text message to save a few pennies on Redbox. So naturally, since I needed to go to Walmart to find some toasted marshmallows, it was the perfect scenario to pick up a movie while I was there.
We made it a Redbox night.
As I was browsing through the movies without my husband's assistance (my husband is the movie buff. He knows every actor and what they have played in even in their previous lives! I can identify Brad Pitt!), I decided to pick out a scary movie.
Surprisingly, this is a pretty hoping Redbox location and everyone must have gotten a coupon because there wasn't much of a selection - that I was interested in anyway. So, since my husband is always begging to watch these scary movies and I usually prefer romantic comedy, I finally decided to get a horror movie of his dreams.
Maybe that was a bad decision. I recognized the name of the movie... and I could have sworn my husband said he wanted to watch it. So, with delight, I handed him my Redbox copy of Sinister.
Ok, so some people probably think I am whining like a baby. It scared the CRAP out of me. Not to mention, I have never seen my husband so... disturbed by a movie. Yet, I wouldn't let him shut it off. I was already invested and now I wanted to know what happened.
So last night, after some anxiety meds were taken, we went to bed with the lights on. And this morning I woke up with one very strong thought...
I think it is a necessary state of mind really. You want to come up with an idea that captivates people; that throws them off the trail; that makes them feel something... anything... whether it is good or bad! I think every writer is a little crazy, just maybe they don't openly admit it. But they have a talent to take something and twist it to the point where you can't turn away.
So after the movie yesterday, I had to wonder, "How did this writer come up with this idea?" Was this something that stemmed from a childhood nightmare? Is this something stemmed for real life situations? I don't know. I don't think I am crazy and twisted enough to come up with something so twisted.
Then again... after reading 50 Shades of Grey I started wondering the same thing about the sanity of writers?
We are all crazy as writers... I guess it is just the level and plane of crazy we are willing to explore and expose!
 |
| For only a dollar, you can make every night a Redbox Night! |
Oh the irony of the Undiagnosed Mad Woman to be claiming that writers are crazy. Just think about it for a minute.
***
Yesterday, I got a text message to save a few pennies on Redbox. So naturally, since I needed to go to Walmart to find some toasted marshmallows, it was the perfect scenario to pick up a movie while I was there.
We made it a Redbox night.
As I was browsing through the movies without my husband's assistance (my husband is the movie buff. He knows every actor and what they have played in even in their previous lives! I can identify Brad Pitt!), I decided to pick out a scary movie.
 |
| Who is that guy?? Oh I know - That is Brad Pitt! |
Surprisingly, this is a pretty hoping Redbox location and everyone must have gotten a coupon because there wasn't much of a selection - that I was interested in anyway. So, since my husband is always begging to watch these scary movies and I usually prefer romantic comedy, I finally decided to get a horror movie of his dreams.
Maybe that was a bad decision. I recognized the name of the movie... and I could have sworn my husband said he wanted to watch it. So, with delight, I handed him my Redbox copy of Sinister.
Ok, so some people probably think I am whining like a baby. It scared the CRAP out of me. Not to mention, I have never seen my husband so... disturbed by a movie. Yet, I wouldn't let him shut it off. I was already invested and now I wanted to know what happened.
So last night, after some anxiety meds were taken, we went to bed with the lights on. And this morning I woke up with one very strong thought...
WRITERS ARE CRAZY!
 |
| Doesn't this picture say crazy writer? |
So after the movie yesterday, I had to wonder, "How did this writer come up with this idea?" Was this something that stemmed from a childhood nightmare? Is this something stemmed for real life situations? I don't know. I don't think I am crazy and twisted enough to come up with something so twisted.
Then again... after reading 50 Shades of Grey I started wondering the same thing about the sanity of writers?
We are all crazy as writers... I guess it is just the level and plane of crazy we are willing to explore and expose!
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Writing a Book: B is for Beta Readers
How many times have you heard someone say, "I want to write a book."
Probably a lot of times. It seems to be on everybody's bucket list whether they call themselves a writer or not. It just seems to be in our nature as humans to want to tell a story.
Yet, out of all those people who want to write a book, how many of them actually accomplish it?
It hasn't been released to the general public yet, but it will. In fact, I plan on releasing it on Mother's Day 2013 if all goes as planned. I am so excited yet so scared at the same time.
I first started writing this book 3 years ago. But it wasn't flowing. It wasn't even called Mother's Day like it is now. But I had the thought in my head and I was going to do it. But it wasn't going. I had almost 100 pages down and it still wasn't going anywhere.
You see, the main characters had a child and frankly, this was an imaginary life and I was sick of getting a babysitter for this fake child. It is hard enough to find one for your real kids. So I scraped the book and decided the kid had to go. After all, even though the kid wasn't real, I needed to be a responsible parent for my fake kid.
Yet it has always kind of been in the back of my mind. I have always wanted to pick it up and make it work. But I didn't know how to do it. And that is when a bunch of writers started talking about NaNoWriMo. I thought it was impossible. Finish a book in 30 days. I had already tried to write a book and I couldn't do it in 3 years. How could I finish one in a month.
And I finished. I was a NaNoWriMo winner coming in at roughly 81,000 words. Not only did I complete the task, I surpassed the task. And it isn't even the same book I was trying to write before. It took a whole new direction. It's better. And it is definitely something I am proud of.
When I was finished, it was a relief yet a disappointment. I didn't know what to do next. Sure, it needed to be edited but I was so involved with writing for the entire month, it was like the crash at the end of an accident. So I put it aside and let it sit for a bit.
I finally picked it back up. It was time to edit. Now one of the hardest tasks any writer can do is edit there own work. The story is inside them so sometimes it is as if they see words that are there but not really. It is nice to have a separate set of eyes to look at your work.
This is were Beta Readers come in. They are basically the second ones to view my book. And with their help, I hope to catch a few grammatical errors that I missed, timeline issues. or anything that just generally didn't come across right.
Let me tell you, it is nerve-wracking to wait it out. I handed out the book to someone else the first time on March 1st. They have until April 1st to get back to me.
This is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. It just goes to show, writers need to grow thicker skin. I feel so vulnerable.
It isn't like I haven't had my name in print before. I was a photojournalist for the Army. My name was in print every single week. It has also been in print in some magazines. I have also won a few Journalism awards as well. I know I can write. But this is an entirely different.
And I feel more vulnerable. Not to mention my Beta Readers have, for the most part, been pretty quiet. I have heard some feedback, but not a whole lot. It makes me wonder.
It is hard not to question. It is hard to wait. A big part of me doesn't want to know their thoughts until they finish. The other part of me wants to shake the information out of them.
I want reassurance. I want to know they enjoyed it. I want to know that it is good enough! I want their constructive criticism. I want to know that I invoked an emotional response from them. I want them to laugh and I want them to cry.
Yet in the end, I know this whole book is on my shoulders. It will be published. It is one of the advantages of going the self published route. It also allows me to not sacrifice my style. I don't have to change anything about my book unless it is a suggestion I feel comfortable with.
As is, I know I love my book. I think there are a few errors, but even if I were to hit publish on it right now, it wouldn't be anything I would be ashamed of. After all, writing a book is a hard feat. So many want to do it, and how many of them actually have?
Probably a lot of times. It seems to be on everybody's bucket list whether they call themselves a writer or not. It just seems to be in our nature as humans to want to tell a story.
Yet, out of all those people who want to write a book, how many of them actually accomplish it?
Well I have!
I first started writing this book 3 years ago. But it wasn't flowing. It wasn't even called Mother's Day like it is now. But I had the thought in my head and I was going to do it. But it wasn't going. I had almost 100 pages down and it still wasn't going anywhere.
You see, the main characters had a child and frankly, this was an imaginary life and I was sick of getting a babysitter for this fake child. It is hard enough to find one for your real kids. So I scraped the book and decided the kid had to go. After all, even though the kid wasn't real, I needed to be a responsible parent for my fake kid.
 |
| I already have three kids. The last thing I need to do is stress about finding a babysitter for a fake one! |
So I quit!
So with the idea in my head, I started over.
 |
| Not everybody that starts finishes. It is a difficult task. Yet I pushed through. I don't know if I could have done it without the push. |
When I was finished, it was a relief yet a disappointment. I didn't know what to do next. Sure, it needed to be edited but I was so involved with writing for the entire month, it was like the crash at the end of an accident. So I put it aside and let it sit for a bit.
I finally picked it back up. It was time to edit. Now one of the hardest tasks any writer can do is edit there own work. The story is inside them so sometimes it is as if they see words that are there but not really. It is nice to have a separate set of eyes to look at your work.
This is were Beta Readers come in. They are basically the second ones to view my book. And with their help, I hope to catch a few grammatical errors that I missed, timeline issues. or anything that just generally didn't come across right.
Let me tell you, it is nerve-wracking to wait it out. I handed out the book to someone else the first time on March 1st. They have until April 1st to get back to me.
This is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. It just goes to show, writers need to grow thicker skin. I feel so vulnerable.
It isn't like I haven't had my name in print before. I was a photojournalist for the Army. My name was in print every single week. It has also been in print in some magazines. I have also won a few Journalism awards as well. I know I can write. But this is an entirely different.
Writing a book is a BIG task.
- Did they start it yet?
- Are they liking it?
- Can they not get through it?
- Do I have so many errors they are struggling?
It is hard not to question. It is hard to wait. A big part of me doesn't want to know their thoughts until they finish. The other part of me wants to shake the information out of them.
I want reassurance. I want to know they enjoyed it. I want to know that it is good enough! I want their constructive criticism. I want to know that I invoked an emotional response from them. I want them to laugh and I want them to cry.
Yet in the end, I know this whole book is on my shoulders. It will be published. It is one of the advantages of going the self published route. It also allows me to not sacrifice my style. I don't have to change anything about my book unless it is a suggestion I feel comfortable with.
As is, I know I love my book. I think there are a few errors, but even if I were to hit publish on it right now, it wouldn't be anything I would be ashamed of. After all, writing a book is a hard feat. So many want to do it, and how many of them actually have?
Well, I did.
 |
| For writing inspiration, check out https://www.facebook.com/iwanttowriteabook |
Friday, March 8, 2013
Google Stalking
Since I am anxiously and not patiently waiting to hear feedback from my Beta Readers for Mother's Day, I realized I needed to do something to take my mind off the book. So, I decided to write another one.
I know, I know. Didn't I say I was going to start that awhile ago. Yep. And then I get distracted. I get distracted easily you know.
But it is all part of the creative process. You see, I have been thinking. Thinking a lot about the story and trying to come up with different scenarios that would work before I sat down and really started writing. After all, I waste enough time between Facebook, Twitter, and Blogging. I didn't want to waste time on a book that I couldn't fully flush out.
And then out of nowhere, I got another idea. It involves love, it involves death, it involves.... zombies!
Yes, I decided to take the trend of zombies and run with it. Think of a story and really flesh it out! (Pun intended!)
So needless to say, I have been doing some research. This manuscript doesn't have as much dialogue. I have good reason for that. This manuscript is also from a first person point of view. There is also a reason for that. But I need details. I need to find the inside story. I need to get inside this persons head and there house.
So I did the ultimate bad deed. I went further than I have ever gone before.
I knew the area I was referencing for the setting and I wanted to make sure I was being somewhat accurate, even if it is a fiction book. And I found a house. I found my character's house.
I feel in love with the look of it. There is only one problem.
I am a writer... not a architect. So until I figure out the floor plan of the inside... I am kind of stuck. Maybe I should have taken a different route. Find the floor plan and then describe the house.
But I absolutely love the house - Don't you? It just feels quaint and like home.
I think my character will like it too. Now hopefully she doesn't end up walking into an imaginary wall!
 |
| And I started thinking... don't worry I didn't injure myself to much! |
But it is all part of the creative process. You see, I have been thinking. Thinking a lot about the story and trying to come up with different scenarios that would work before I sat down and really started writing. After all, I waste enough time between Facebook, Twitter, and Blogging. I didn't want to waste time on a book that I couldn't fully flush out.
And then out of nowhere, I got another idea. It involves love, it involves death, it involves.... zombies!
Yes, I decided to take the trend of zombies and run with it. Think of a story and really flesh it out! (Pun intended!)
It could be worse... I could have went with sparkly vampires!
 |
| The real reason they don't go out in the sun. They sparkle! |
So needless to say, I have been doing some research. This manuscript doesn't have as much dialogue. I have good reason for that. This manuscript is also from a first person point of view. There is also a reason for that. But I need details. I need to find the inside story. I need to get inside this persons head and there house.
So I did the ultimate bad deed. I went further than I have ever gone before.
I Google stalked.
I feel in love with the look of it. There is only one problem.
I am a writer... not a architect. So until I figure out the floor plan of the inside... I am kind of stuck. Maybe I should have taken a different route. Find the floor plan and then describe the house.
 |
| Wouldn't you like to live here.? It seems so cozy! |
Oh well, hind sight is always 20/20.
I think my character will like it too. Now hopefully she doesn't end up walking into an imaginary wall!
Monday, March 4, 2013
Music Monday: Zombie Apocalypse
I am obsessed with zombies.
I am not really sure where this clearly unhealthy obsession came from, but it has rapidly gotten worse over the course of the last couple of years. Maybe I have been infected by the Z-virus. Maybe this is how the apocalypse starts!
Last week, my husband and I were perusing around the DVD selection at Walmart. We were looking for a very specific zombie movie and Redbox didn't have it available unless I wanted to go for an hour long drive. Needless to say, I wasn't heartbroken to buy the DVD and add it to my collection of zombie movies. Except we couldn't find it.
Since we were already there, we continued to look. And that is when we found it.
The concept was pure genius. At least in my mind. Even though I have never heard of it before, I couldn't wait to watch it. Even if it was the worst thing I have ever set my eyes on, I knew it would be worth the entire 98 minutes of wasting my life away.
After all... how often do you see a storyline about a writer who writes zombie novellas, but is having a bout of writer's block. I can relate. And they sing. Best way to describe it...
I am so on board!
This movie is called The Dead Inside. And while I was originally interested in it just because I thought it was going to be a "so bad, it is good" type of movie, I was pleasantly surprised. This is writing at a pure genius level.
The storyline was intense and had the perfect twists. This is the first movie in a long time, that I couldn't figure out the ending. And as soon as it finished, not only did we watch all of the special features, but we wanted to watch it again. Upon start, it seemed like it was going to be mostly comedy. But it wasn't. It twisted and took a serious turn. Needless to say, it was probably one of the best movies I have seen in a long time.
Being that it is a musical doesn't hurt anything either. Not only am I obsessed with zombies, but I am obsessed with musicals as well. So a zombie musical is my idea of heaven!
What got me the most though was the brilliant writing. They took a story and twisted it in a way that has never been done. As a writer, I know how hard it is to come up with a unique idea, so this is something I can really appreciate. But don't take my advice, go check the movie out for yourself.
As for me, it has become the inspiration for my Music Monday Post, featuring the love song "Zombie Apocalypse".
I am not really sure where this clearly unhealthy obsession came from, but it has rapidly gotten worse over the course of the last couple of years. Maybe I have been infected by the Z-virus. Maybe this is how the apocalypse starts!Last week, my husband and I were perusing around the DVD selection at Walmart. We were looking for a very specific zombie movie and Redbox didn't have it available unless I wanted to go for an hour long drive. Needless to say, I wasn't heartbroken to buy the DVD and add it to my collection of zombie movies. Except we couldn't find it.
Since we were already there, we continued to look. And that is when we found it.
The concept was pure genius. At least in my mind. Even though I have never heard of it before, I couldn't wait to watch it. Even if it was the worst thing I have ever set my eyes on, I knew it would be worth the entire 98 minutes of wasting my life away.
After all... how often do you see a storyline about a writer who writes zombie novellas, but is having a bout of writer's block. I can relate. And they sing. Best way to describe it...
Musical Horror Movie!!
This movie is called The Dead Inside. And while I was originally interested in it just because I thought it was going to be a "so bad, it is good" type of movie, I was pleasantly surprised. This is writing at a pure genius level.
The storyline was intense and had the perfect twists. This is the first movie in a long time, that I couldn't figure out the ending. And as soon as it finished, not only did we watch all of the special features, but we wanted to watch it again. Upon start, it seemed like it was going to be mostly comedy. But it wasn't. It twisted and took a serious turn. Needless to say, it was probably one of the best movies I have seen in a long time.
Being that it is a musical doesn't hurt anything either. Not only am I obsessed with zombies, but I am obsessed with musicals as well. So a zombie musical is my idea of heaven!
What got me the most though was the brilliant writing. They took a story and twisted it in a way that has never been done. As a writer, I know how hard it is to come up with a unique idea, so this is something I can really appreciate. But don't take my advice, go check the movie out for yourself.
As for me, it has become the inspiration for my Music Monday Post, featuring the love song "Zombie Apocalypse".
Friday, March 1, 2013
Short Month - Big Things
February was a big month for me. Things just started falling in place. Needless to say, I am excited.
The first thing that happened this month is I finally got paid out by Swagbucks. If you aren't aware of Swagbucks, you can check it out here, but mainly it is a program that pays you for various activities that you can cash in for prizes. I cashed mine in today for 100 Big Ones.
I won't lie... it took me awhile. However, I didn't put a lot of effort into it either. I used the search bar, did the daily poll, did the No Obligation Special Offers (NOSO), and occasionally watched a video. Stuff I probably would have done anyway. And look - I earned money from it. It wasn't instantaneous, but then again, I didn't attempt to do anything bigger to earn more faster either.
On top of that, I also finally hit the payout for Google Adsense. If I didn't say it took forever, I would be lying. That's another 100 bucks right there. What can I say, it has been a profitable month.
I believe my blog is what really pushed it over the top. I can look at trends and frankly, the money I was pulling in from Hubpages, very little of it went to actual Google Adsense because I was using the Hubpages ad program.
When I first signed up for Adsense, the pennies came in slowly. I almost gave up thinking I would never see payout. But, it finally happened. It was worth the wait, even though hopefully the next payout will come much faster.
February was also a month for awards. This month I received not just one, not even two... but 3 Liebster Awards. I don't know if I should be excited about this or cry. Mainly because this is an award for those beginning bloggers who have less than 200 Followers.
Either way, it is a great honor to bestowed upon. The rules of the award are:
Well, this month - I am breaking the rules. I am not doing any of it. Except of course thanking the people who nominated me.
Thank You Jennifer from JenJen's Soapbox of Parodies - I am truly humbled that you thought of me.
Thank you Terrye from The Adventures of a Misplaced Alaskan - I will pay you that $5 next month.
Thank You Susan from Everything Susan - It is an honor to be on this path with such great writers.
The only thing I ask, if you know a fellow blogger that you really think deserves a shout out, give it to them. Show them how much you enjoy their writing style. After all, those words of encouragement are what makes writing all worth while and it might be the thing they needed to hear to go on one more day!
But with all those great things happening this month - there is one thing that beats out all of them.
This is the first month, my book has been in the hands of someone else!
Last night, before I headed to bed, I emailed out 4 versions of my manuscript to my Beta Readers. This is the very next step before publishing.
I never dreamed how much of a nerve-wracking feeling this was going to be. Sure, I have had people read my stuff before, but for some reason this is different. I am much closer to this story than any other short article I have ever written before. I am much more sensitive about this, wondering what people's reactions will be.
Will they like it?
I don't know. But what I do know is this book has consumed thousands of hours, plenty of tears, and at least 100 cups of coffee. I also know that I have talked to people about my characters in depth like they were real people. It was as if these characters really existed in my mind. And now, I feel like I am exposing them to the outside world for the first time.
It is scary but I know in the end it will be worth it.
So as we sit, I am anxiously awaiting to hear something... anything... from my Beta Readers. A snippet, even if it is something small like ... "Wow - you sucked me in right away. In fact, people started to call for a search party because I was missing on Facebook for too long!"
Yet, even though I am anxious, I know it doesn't matter how fast they get back to me. The book will be published on Mother's Day 2013, even if it were to be done tomorrow.
But I am on my way. It won't be long before I will be able to say, "I published a book!"
I won't lie... it took me awhile. However, I didn't put a lot of effort into it either. I used the search bar, did the daily poll, did the No Obligation Special Offers (NOSO), and occasionally watched a video. Stuff I probably would have done anyway. And look - I earned money from it. It wasn't instantaneous, but then again, I didn't attempt to do anything bigger to earn more faster either.
On top of that, I also finally hit the payout for Google Adsense. If I didn't say it took forever, I would be lying. That's another 100 bucks right there. What can I say, it has been a profitable month.
I believe my blog is what really pushed it over the top. I can look at trends and frankly, the money I was pulling in from Hubpages, very little of it went to actual Google Adsense because I was using the Hubpages ad program.
When I first signed up for Adsense, the pennies came in slowly. I almost gave up thinking I would never see payout. But, it finally happened. It was worth the wait, even though hopefully the next payout will come much faster.
February was also a month for awards. This month I received not just one, not even two... but 3 Liebster Awards. I don't know if I should be excited about this or cry. Mainly because this is an award for those beginning bloggers who have less than 200 Followers.
Either way, it is a great honor to bestowed upon. The rules of the award are:- List 11 random facts about yourself
- Answer questions the previous blogger tagged you with
- Nominate another 11 bloggers deserving of this award
- And thank the bloggers who gave you the award.
Well, this month - I am breaking the rules. I am not doing any of it. Except of course thanking the people who nominated me.
Thank You Jennifer from JenJen's Soapbox of Parodies - I am truly humbled that you thought of me.
Thank you Terrye from The Adventures of a Misplaced Alaskan - I will pay you that $5 next month.
Thank You Susan from Everything Susan - It is an honor to be on this path with such great writers.
The only thing I ask, if you know a fellow blogger that you really think deserves a shout out, give it to them. Show them how much you enjoy their writing style. After all, those words of encouragement are what makes writing all worth while and it might be the thing they needed to hear to go on one more day!
But with all those great things happening this month - there is one thing that beats out all of them.
This is the first month, my book has been in the hands of someone else!
 |
| Playing around with book cover ideas... |
I never dreamed how much of a nerve-wracking feeling this was going to be. Sure, I have had people read my stuff before, but for some reason this is different. I am much closer to this story than any other short article I have ever written before. I am much more sensitive about this, wondering what people's reactions will be.
Will they like it?
I don't know. But what I do know is this book has consumed thousands of hours, plenty of tears, and at least 100 cups of coffee. I also know that I have talked to people about my characters in depth like they were real people. It was as if these characters really existed in my mind. And now, I feel like I am exposing them to the outside world for the first time.
It is scary but I know in the end it will be worth it.
So as we sit, I am anxiously awaiting to hear something... anything... from my Beta Readers. A snippet, even if it is something small like ... "Wow - you sucked me in right away. In fact, people started to call for a search party because I was missing on Facebook for too long!"
Yet, even though I am anxious, I know it doesn't matter how fast they get back to me. The book will be published on Mother's Day 2013, even if it were to be done tomorrow.
But I am on my way. It won't be long before I will be able to say, "I published a book!"
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Writing and Editing Can Really Make You Crazy
I have been pretty busy lately.
I don't remember feeling this busy since I was participating in NaNoWriMo and I attempted to write an entire novel in one month. Was it hard? Yes! But it was so worth it.
My book is done.... well, at least the thought process anyway. The story is down. The editing phase has just begun.
It isn't that I don't like editing. I can edit other people's stuff without a problem. I can pick out typos and missing words like the page isn't in black and white. I wrote for a newspaper. We had to find the typos and fix them before it went to print.
However, when it is your work... it is so much harder.
I am close to this story. The story is inside me. I know all the characters right down to the color they painted their toenails (even if that was a detail I didn't reveal!).
However, what important details have I left out? I question the timing. I question some of the characters actions? Does it make sense? Would a person act this way in real life?
Now I have caught a few errors... some that are obvious and a few that are easily missed.
The fact that I keep mixing up coach and couch makes me laugh.
How I mixed up the characters names at random times gives me a headache.
But mostly, this is just exhausting work!
And then I wonder... will I ever think it is good enough? Is this author cold feet setting in?
It isn't that I don't want people to read it, but it scares the crap out of me. What if people don't like it? What if there are spots that are too graphic (you know - the steamy sex scenes that I really wasn't comfortable writing but was necessary for the book!) What if the timing doesn't make sense? What if people don't like my characters?
Either way, I am pushing through. I have a goal. I want to have the book Mother's Day out to beta readers by March 1st. I have another 10 chapters to edit and about a week to do it in.
I don't remember feeling this busy since I was participating in NaNoWriMo and I attempted to write an entire novel in one month. Was it hard? Yes! But it was so worth it.
My book is done.... well, at least the thought process anyway. The story is down. The editing phase has just begun.
|
| The editing phase is making me crazy!!! |
However, when it is your work... it is so much harder.
I am close to this story. The story is inside me. I know all the characters right down to the color they painted their toenails (even if that was a detail I didn't reveal!).
However, what important details have I left out? I question the timing. I question some of the characters actions? Does it make sense? Would a person act this way in real life?
Now I have caught a few errors... some that are obvious and a few that are easily missed.
The fact that I keep mixing up coach and couch makes me laugh.
How I mixed up the characters names at random times gives me a headache.
But mostly, this is just exhausting work!
And then I wonder... will I ever think it is good enough? Is this author cold feet setting in?
It isn't that I don't want people to read it, but it scares the crap out of me. What if people don't like it? What if there are spots that are too graphic (you know - the steamy sex scenes that I really wasn't comfortable writing but was necessary for the book!) What if the timing doesn't make sense? What if people don't like my characters?
Either way, I am pushing through. I have a goal. I want to have the book Mother's Day out to beta readers by March 1st. I have another 10 chapters to edit and about a week to do it in.
If I made it through NaNoWriMo I should be able to make it through this!
Friday, February 15, 2013
Sometimes You Just Don't Feel Like it....
People think of blogging as a hobby. I love writing, but let me tell you, it is a lot of hard work. Sometimes I write words and I wonder... does anybody even hear me? Is there any point to really writing this?
Sure... I can check my stats. I can see how many "hits" I get a day. But what does that really mean? Do they stick around long enough for it to make a difference? Do they even read what I have poured out into the digital world? Or is the view nothing more than a click and a opps because that really wasn't what they were looking for?
And then there is being a good community member. It is a vital part of blogging. But what happens if one day or one week I just can't be that community member? Suddenly I see my views plummet. Then it gets me wondering. Do people just come by here to return the favor.... an "I scratch your back, you scratch mine" kind of scenario. Do they read me just because I read them or do they read my stuff because they like the way I write?
It is a complete mind-fuck!
Thursday, February 14, 2013
How to Make A Zombie Fall In Love With You
If you are the everyday, average and normal person, you probably wouldn't be asking this question.
However, you are not. I know this because you have gotten here by some means. That can only tell me a few things...either you are here because you like me and you will read anything I write... or you are not the normal, everyday average person... you are a zombie enthusiast.
It is ok to be a zombie enthusiast. I am one too and I know several others who are the same way. Believe me, you are not alone.
However, zombies are not made of the same material us humans are made out of. After all, they are the undead. Therefore, when it comes to getting zombies to fall in love with you, you are going to have to change your pick-up techniques.
So, if you would like your weekend date to be that of the undead, I am here to help you. With these few tips, you will have that Undead Wedding before you know it!
2. Fat is the new Skinny!
After you have followed these short and simple steps, you should have no problems snagging the zombie of your dreams. And who knows, before you can even start the honeymoon, you might be rotting along side them groaning in a language only they can truly understand.
However, you are not. I know this because you have gotten here by some means. That can only tell me a few things...either you are here because you like me and you will read anything I write... or you are not the normal, everyday average person... you are a zombie enthusiast.
It is ok to be a zombie enthusiast. I am one too and I know several others who are the same way. Believe me, you are not alone.
However, zombies are not made of the same material us humans are made out of. After all, they are the undead. Therefore, when it comes to getting zombies to fall in love with you, you are going to have to change your pick-up techniques.
So, if you would like your weekend date to be that of the undead, I am here to help you. With these few tips, you will have that Undead Wedding before you know it!
 |
| There is no reason to let the relationship die after you say "I Do"... particularly if it was already dead in the dating phase! |
1. You got to have brains!
That is right. If you want a zombie to fall in love with you, you need to have brains. Any zombie enthusiast knows that is what a real zombie craves. So no more going out and acting like you don't know anything. If you want a zombie to fall in love with you, you are going to need to prove it.
You can start by saying something smart... like "E equals MC squared!" I bet that will get them swooning!
2. Fat is the new Skinny!
Do you think zombies are interested in skeletons? Wrong. Why would they be? They are hungry for human flesh. Therefore, the best way to attract a zombie is to actually have some meat on your bones! The more you have the better because it will keep them with you for a much longer time.... while they keep munching and munching and munching....
And on a positive note, you no longer have to worry about that workout. Most zombies don't move that fast. So if you are in shape, chances are good you will leave them in your trail of dust.
Now how are you supposed to attract a zombie if they can't even keep you in their sights?
3. Feed them a Romantic Dinner!
Zombies have an appetite for flesh, but I bet what you didn't realize is that there favorite thing to eat is the brain. The reason is because it makes them feel just a touch more alive then they do when they are walking around rotting like every other corpse. So if you want to treat your zombie honey right, and ensure that they will fall in love with you, you need to feed them a romantic dinner of your ex-significant other's brains. Chances are likely your former lover will have some good memories of you stored in their brain providing a delectable menu for the undead lover.
And on a positive note, if your relationship is failing anyway, now you won't have to worry about a nasty break up or divorce papers. You can just feed them to your new love and move on with your life!
 |
| Set the scene for romance. Granted, they probably aren't interested in the wine. But that just means there is more for you! |
4. Speak to them in Terms the can understand
There is nothing more frustrating than trying to get your point across and having it misunderstood. Communication is the key. So, if you really want to impress your zombie lover, you need to start conversing with them in a way that can't be misinterpreted.
So get with the program and give it your best grunt and groan and growl. You zombie will appreciate the effort you have made!
 |
| Communication doesn't need to be hard. Impress your zombie with your grunts and groans. |
5. Get a Gift That Will Keep Your Undead by Your Side
Nothing is worse than finding the love of your life and finding them suddenly dead... and I am not talking normal undead... I am talking really dead. Every zombie enthusiast knows that to kill a zombie, you need to kill the brain. But would you really want to see the brains of the person you loved splattered all over the wall? Didn't think so. To protect your Zombie in Shining Armor - get them a helmet and protect that brain. They will be groaning thank you until the end of your days!
 |
| Can you imagine the romance ahead of you, knowing you can dance the night away with your undead lover! |
After you have followed these short and simple steps, you should have no problems snagging the zombie of your dreams. And who knows, before you can even start the honeymoon, you might be rotting along side them groaning in a language only they can truly understand.
No one ever said loving a zombie was smart... but with a few sacrifices, you can have a life you have only dreamed of.
Note: No bath salts were sniffed in the process of writing this article. Alternately, zombies don't really exist in this world, at least that we know of. Any reference to persons real or fake is purely coincidental. If zombies really did exist, I promise no zombies would have been hurt in the making of this article. After all, this post is about love. What sick person would try to hurt the person they love? And most importantly, if you haven't learned anything important from this yet, make sure you wait at least 30 minutes after you eat before swimming, brush your teeth everyday, and tell your parents you love them.
And if you liked this, feel free to share on Facebook, Twitter or Google+... I would really appreciate it and so will all those other zombie enthusiasts out there! :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)