Writing Influences

Posted on February 17, 2012 by Kimberly

Today, I’m going to share a few things that have influenced my decision to become a writer and what I write.

Three’s Company This is one of my favorite sitcoms and probably the main reason I write romantic comedy. I learned about using innuendo, how a misunderstanding could result in all kinds of craziness and to not be afraid to let my characters be silly or do silly things.

Music The rhythm and/or lyrics help me see the core of a wip or character. I have several story ideas that are the result of a song I heard. The idea for my first paranormal story came from a song by Brandy.

The Love Boat From this show, I learned that stories had a structure beyond beginning, middle and end. I noticed the show followed this pattern: Character Intro (0-15 min), Everything’s Good/Everyone’s Happy (16-30 min), Disagreement/Misunderstanding (31-45) and Make up/Everyone’s Happy Again (46-60).

Not Quite Fitting In. Growing up, I often felt like the odd girl out for a variety of reasons. I tried to deal with this feeling by trying to fit in more, but I’ve learned the best way to deal with it is to be true to myself. The majority of my heroines are odd gals out and sturggle with the challenges of being a round peg in a square peg world.

What’s something that’s influenced you as a writer?

To learn about my friends’ writing influences, check out the links below:

Alexia Reed
Kristen Koster
Danie Ford
Emma G. Delaney

I Mustache You Something

Posted on February 15, 2012 by Kimberly

I’m not sure what the deal is with mustaches, but I’ve been seeing them used in lots of fun and crafty ways.

1. DIY Photobooth Props by weddingtweet.com.sg.

Source: weddingtweets.com.sg via Kimberly on Pinterest

2. Mug-Staches by seecatecreate. She also has a template for mustaches in the post.

Source: seecatecreate.wordpress.com via Kimberly on Pinterest

3. Mustache and Lip Lollipops by blonde-designs

Source: blonde-designs.squarespace.com via Kimberly on Pinterest

4. DIY Mustache Rubber Stamp by thesweetestoccasion.com

Source: thesweetestoccasion.com via Kimberly on Pinterest

5. Mustache Template by missyfancypantsthebride

Source: missfancypantsthebride.blogspot.com via Kimberly on Pinterest

6. Mustache Straw Toppers from paper + craft. I made these yesterday as a last minute craft with my daughter’s second grade class, using construction paper. We also did lips.

7. Mustache on a Stick from lisawegle.com.

Source: lisawelge.com via Kimberly on Pinterest

8. I jumped on the mustache wagon and made some temporary mustaches using stickable felt. These are super easy, inexpensive, and lots of fun to make. And wear.

To make:
1) Print out a mustache template. (If you’ll be making lots of these, glue the printed page to thicker material to make it sturdier and easier to trace. I used an old file folder.)
2) Cut out the mustaches.
3) Trace a mustache onto the back of the felt (paper side up).
4) Cut out.
5) Peel off paper backing.
6) Adhere to lip.
7) Admire your mustache.

Genre Journey

Posted on February 10, 2012 by Kimberly

My genre journey began in women’s fiction. I wrote about women who were put upon and broken down but as the story progressed gained internal strength and self-confidence to take charge of their lives. Many of the stories were inspired by situations I’d read or learned about. I used them as a way to speak out against things I felt were unfair or wrong.

I enjoyed the stories and characters, but they were getting tiresome and depressing. I needed a change. So for my National Novel Writing Month project, I decided to try something lighter.

I only the seed of any idea– woman becomes obssessed with children’s show actor when November 1st rolled around. I packed up my internal editor and sent her on vacation. I wrote whatever came to mind. Didn’t second guess the words or myself. When the month ended, I’d won NaNo and discovered a new genre to write in.

Romantic Comedy.

I’m still writing romantic comedies. I hadn’t thought about writing in another genre until I read Kindred by Octavia Butler a couple of years ago. The story made me want to write a paranormal or fantasy story. And made me believe I could do it.

I started a paranormal story and have a few paranormal and urban fantasy ideas on my To Write list. I was thinking of working on another rom com after I finish my current wip, but now a couple paranormal wips are whispering my name.

What genre would you like to try writing?

To learn about my friends’ writing journeys, check out the links below:

Alexia Reed
Kristen Koster
Danie Ford
Emma G. Delaney

Valentine’s Day Craftiness

Posted on February 8, 2012 by Kimberly

Are you lucky? Scratch Off from bhg.com. This or a variation would make a neat promo item.

Source: bhg.com via Kimberly on Pinterest

Printable Valentine’s Day Candy Wrappers from nicepackageblog.com. Another idea that has promo possibilities.

Source: nicepackageblog.com via Kimberly on Pinterest

Friendship Bracelet Valentine Cards from dandee-designs.com.

Source: dandee-designs.com via Kimberly on Pinterest

Homemade Conversation Hearts from suzyssitcom.com. I’m trying this recipe out this weekend.

Source: suzyssitcom.com via Kimberly on Pinterest

WIP Love

Posted on February 3, 2012 by Kimberly

After falling out of love with my wip last year, I’m excited to be working on a new project. Excited about getting to know the main characters and figuring out how their relationship will develop. It’s so nice to have positive thoughts go through my mind when I think of my wip instead of going, Ugh!.

Here are three reasons I’m loving my current project:

My heroine, Alexandria

I love that she’s rational and grounded (my last heroine was the opposite). I also like that she’s determined to make her dreams come true and prove everyone who told her she was a loser that they were wrong. It’s her I-know-I’m-more-than-what-others-see-me attitude that keeps her from losing hope and pushing forward in spite of the obstacles she faces.

My hero, Kenji

Figuring him out has been a bit of a challenge to figure him out. But it’s been fun seeing him go through several personality and appearance changes. I’m pretty certain his current incarnation is the final one. I like that family’s important to him and how he works to make sure he remains close to his parents and sister.

The story writing process

Normally, I write in order. Occasionally pausing to jot down the details for later scenes. This wip has me jumping around. I wrote the first chapter, started the second, then was “called” to write a scene that happens in the middle of the book. I’ve been ignoring the recent call to write a scene that happens toward the end, but I know this is futile. I’m just glad the desire to write is there.

What do you love about your wip?

To find out what my writing friends like about their current projects, check out the links below:

Alexia Reed
Kristen Koster
Danie Ford
Emma G. Delaney
Angeleque Ford

From To Do To Done

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Kimberly

This week my accountibility group is talking about setting and reaching goals. Before I joined the group, each January I’d make a long list of the things I wanted to accomplish that year. When Decemeber rolled around, only a few items, if any had been crossed off my list. I repeated this process for several years until I learned the proper way to set goals.

Here are my Top 5 tips for setting and achieiving goals:

1. Make sure your goals are S.M.A.R.T..

2. Break each SMART goal into steps or smaller goals.

3. Be accountable to yourself and to someone else. A good accountabiltiy partner will cheer you on, challenge you to keep moving forward and won’t let you make excuses.

4. Track your goals. There are several ways to do this. In a notebook or spreadsheet. Websites like Joe’s Goals. Programs like Evernote.

5. Review your goals at least once a week.

If you’re interested in learning more about goal setting, check out Brian Tracy and Getting Things Done by David Allen for info and tips.

To read some more goal setting tips, check out the links below:

Alexia Reed
Kristen Koster
Danie Ford
Emma G. Delaney
Angeleque Ford

Unexpected Finds

Posted on January 20, 2012 by Kimberly

This week my goals group was challenged to slow down a bit and pay attention to what’s going around us. I’m often going non-stop from 5:30 am until midnight, doing mom stuff, house stuff, writing stuff and lots of other stuff. As result, I sometimes forget to stop to smell the roses.

Slowing down to enjoy my journey is a large part of my goal to KISS it (Keep It Simple, Sugar) this year. I keep reminding myself, that dishes in the sink will be okay, while I spend some time enjoying the unseasonably warm weather. And the clothes in washer won’t mind if I finish the chapter I’m reading.

Here are 4 things that made my week memorable and interesting:

Corn Nuts

I bought some of these on Tuesday. In elementary school, my best friend, Sue and I used to buy Corn Nuts from the concession stand. We ate these and P’Nuttles almost every school day.

A Coyote Spotting

From advocacy.brittannica.com

Monday morning, we found a coyote in our front yard. By the time my husband got outside, it had squeezed through the fence and was heading for the woods. About an hour later, we heard gunshots and figured the coyote had been spotted by one of neighbors.

Soap

From tvseriesfinale.com

My brother and I used to watch this show when were kids. I’d forgotten how funny the show was. I’m looking forward to watching more episodes.

Hula Hooping

From health.com

It was late and I needed to do some sort of exercise after making some bad food choices earlier in the day. I pulled out my kids’ hula hoop and surprised myself by keeping the hoop going for 15 minutes straight. Next time, I’m shooting for 20 minutes.

To learn about my writing friends unexpected finds, check out the links below:

Kristen Koster
Alexia Reed
Danie Ford
Emma G. Delaney
Angeleque Ford

Yarn-Covered Earbuds

Posted on January 18, 2012 by Kimberly

While cruising around pinterest.com, I came across of a picture of yarn covered earbuds. I pinned it, checked out the website for a tutorial and then purchased the supplies when I was out running errands.

Source: pinterest.com via Kelsey on Pinterest

The tutorial can be found via apartmenttherapy.com and also at violetlebeaux.com.

I chose sock yarn for mine, but any type of yarn should work as long as it’s not too thick (unless you want a bulky look). Embriodery floss, crochet yarn and I’m thinking even string would work.

Here’s mine:

I worked on this on and off for a week and watched movies while I wrapped and pulled the yarn around my earbuds (8-10 hours in total). I probably would have been done sooner if I wasn’t watching movies with subtitles. I had to keep looking at the tv to make sure I didn’t miss anything.

I’m in the process of covering the earbuds for my mp3 player. This time I chose crochet yarn and a brighter color combo.

Bead Covered Earbuds

Source: craftandcreativity.com via Deb on Pinterest

The tutorial can be found at cutoutandkeep.net

Zip Up Earbuds

Source: laupre.com via Anna on Pinterest

The tutorial can be found at laupre.com

If you have any questions, I’m happy to answer them.

Thanks for stopping by.