Medicine and birthday cakes

I am amazed at this thing we call medicine. Woke up feeling totally crap, popped some Advil and voila! I was able to not only make it to the parent teacher conference, but speak intelligently. Success. Now it seems to be wearing off and I'm ready for a nap. At least I got the important stuff out of the way.

Thank you all for the get well wishes. You guys are the best! It never ceases to amaze me the outpouring of support and overall friendliness of our online community. Just in case I don't say it enough, thank you. You all rock!

In puppy news, I think he's doubled in size in only 2 weeks! Maybe that's an exaggeration, but not by much. I need to download the new pictures and then I'll let you all be the judge.

On the writing front, I plugged away at the ending a bit. Not the ultimate scene, but some set up. I must say the writing isn't fabulous, but I'm running with the notion that you can't edit a blank page. I must get it written.

On the contest front, you guys are rocking it! I'm a couple days behind on tabulating the entries, but with all your great comments, I know you're racking them up. (New visitors, see sidebar for details. Over there ------------>)

That's about it from my world. It's gearing up to be birthday cake season. Thing 2 has not yet decided what he wants his be. First he said R2-D2. Then Woody from Toy Story. I don't know which would be easier. Last year I made Super Spy from the Backyardigans (for all you parents of young Noggin watchers). Hey, there's an idea.

For your viewing pleasure, I give you...birthday cakes through the years.

My very first attempt at a character cake was Oscar the Grouch. Each balloon was a different flavor cake. One was egg and dairy free. That was the flat one.







Next came Dora. For some reason I used a Dora cake pan. Never again. Freehand is so much easier for me.






After Dora was the Strawberry cake and apple cupcakes. Thing 2 was all about fruit.

Next came Curious George with his wacky eye.

And then it was the year of Cars. First, Lightning McQueen, Chick Hicks and The King



Followed shortly by Mack the Truck







Then came Pablo as Super Spy

And finally, Toad.




Somewhere in there I also agreed to make SpongeBob for a friend's son.







And there you have it. Anissa's cakes through the years. I think I've improved over time. The discovery of homemade fondant made things easier. And just so you know, the cakes taste better than they look. I make them with a super light and fluffy whipped cream cake recipe. I use buttercream frosting for the character cakes, but given the choice, I like to frost with whipped cream. Like so: Oh man! Now I'm totally jonesing for cake. May have to whip up a batch of cupcakes. Tomorrow. When I'm well.

See you then!

It's Monday and I'm sick

I think I'm getting sick, which while it won't preclude me from blogging, might make my posts a wee bit nonsensical. We shall see. For now, I'm hanging tough and drinking tea.

I wanted to point you all to post Natalie Bahm had about endings. Her post really hit home for me. I am all about endings. I love, love, love a good ending. Doesn't have to be uber-happy, but like Natalie says, it does need to wrap things up--at least the majority of things.

I'm at the point in this rewrite/revision (some days I write, some days I revise. It all depends on my level of consciousness) where I need to write the end. It's climax time. Then the denouement. I'm pretty confident with the way I envision the story ending, I just have to write it. And that's the hard part. I want to get it right. I want it to shine. I want it to be the best part of the story, as it should be.

I have encountered this problem with every manuscript I've written. When it comes time to crank out the ending, I pause. And pause. And pause. It's almost like I have to really pump myself up to get it out. Maybe that's it. So far I haven't felt in the right emotional state of mind to get the scene out right. Thankfully, I have other parts of the manuscript to edit.

I can feel the time coming. One of these mornings I'll wake early. I'll let Puppy out to potty and then I'll write. The perfect ending will flow from fingers. I can't wait!

How about you? Do you struggle with endings? If not, what's your secret? I'm all ears.

Super Bowl Sunday, here we come!

In anticipation of the Super Bowl and all the hilarious new ads (I hope!) I give you...

Bud Light's Clothing Drive!!!



Enjoy it, people!

Edited to add: It seems whenever I post a video my layout makes the comment button invisible. Don't know why. So if you'd like to comment on the hilarity of the commercial, simply click through to the post using the title. Then again, as soon as I post this blogger will make a liar out of me. In which case, carry on.

On TV appearances (yes, we can dream)

I realized this morning that if I succeed in my quest to blog every day in February, it will exactly match the number of posts I made in all of 2009. Talk about slacking! Sheesh.



So yesterday's writing turned into editing, but hey, I consider it progress. And now, after a full day of soccer and a birthday party (which I forgot and had to run to buy a gift 10 minutes before), I'm home and just want to nap. I wish. That is so not in the cards for me. Puppy needs to run.


OK, now I'm exhausted AND out of breath.


So I have a question for all you writers out there. (And you non-writers too. Pretend you became famous another way) Say it happens. You publish your novel to great success. Bestseller. Fame! Woot! Yay you! Which TV show would you want to appear on? Your choice.


Me? I'm all about Jimmy Kimmel. Yes I know Oprah would do more for the writing career. And really, would being on Kimmel sell even one more of my YA novels? Probably not. But seriously, I love Kimmel. There's just something about that man that does it for me. I would love to sit and have a little banter with him. He would totally rock my world. No contest. He's my choice. How about you? Who would you choose?

Friday, Friday. Also, Day 5

And so we arrive at Friday, day 5 in the blog every day in February challenge. But a challenge for me means contest for you. Don't forget to comment, and spread the word. Spend my money, people! Full details are in the sidebar over there -------->

I've been having a blast blogging and whirling my way through the blogosphere this week. Thanks for all your great comments. Yesterday's Sex in YA topic had very insightful comments, and I appreciate you each taking the time to weigh in.

Today I'm feeling the urge to write. Blogging and yard work do not get this WIP-pitty revised. Know what I mean?

I still have more questions to answer. Thank you! Please keep them coming. And I have a few topics up my sleeve as well. I want to talk about Voice next week. I write it with a capital V because it's so darn important.

In other exciting news, I won a signed copy of The Naughty List over at Lisa and Laura Write. Thank you, ladies! Can't wait to read it. If you don't know the Roecker sister, you have to check them out. Suzanne Young, too. Girlfriend can do the happy dance like nobody's business.

And before I forget, Kimberly Conway is giving away a vintage copy of Little Women, as well as a cool silver spoon ring. Click over to check it out.

And with that, I will say, "Happy Friday, Peeps!" I'm off to write.

Let's Talk About Sex, Baby...

Specifically sex in YA novels. Now there's a controversial topic. Right up there with dropping the F-bomb in books for teens. There will always be two sides. I get that. Part of me hovers between the two. The mommy in me wanting to protect children from a reality they'll be living in before they know it; the writer in me needing to tell the truth, to help even one person deal with the crappy stuff that goes on in teen lives. But we can't have it both ways.

Teens are smart. They call bull$*^# faster than you can say, "banned book." Their lives are tough, tougher then my life was at that age. They've had to grow up so fast. Who am I to discount that? To pretend they're not faced with horrific pressure?

I think the first thing we have to do as writers is respect our audience. This isn't just about sex. It's about all sorts of topics: sex, drugs, rape, abuse, suicide. There are books out there addressing it all, telling the truth, helping teens. Call them edgy, call them whatever you want, they exist. They're tackling the hard issues because someone has to. Yeah, a parent would be a good choice in the matter, but the truth is not all teens have involved parents. And not all teens are comfortable discussing these things with their parents. What's wrong with them getting help from a novel? As a writer, can you think of anything more rewarding than knowing you helped a teen through a tough time--through a hard decision? Knowledge is power, people.

Sometimes sex in YA works, and sometimes it's gratuitous and unnecessary. It all depends on the story. To throw a blanket decision over the entire issue is to pretend that all teens are the same. That they're all virgins waiting for that perfect person. Not reality. Not even close.

Honestly, I'm pretty damn surprised by the lack of "other" intimate acts in YA novels. Hello! It's not always the big deed that's going down. (pardon the pun) There are other pressures, other decisions that aren't even being discussed. Is that realistic? I don't think so.

Do I have sex in my current WIP? No. Would I put it in if the story called for it? Absolutely. My goal is to tell the truth. To tell a story in a way that rings true for the characters as well as the readers. Ultimately, that's the only way to earn the elusive teenager respect.

Anyone care to share their thoughts?

Thanks to Carolina Valdez Miller for the question.

Blog Every Day in February - Day 3

Look at those smiling new faces over there.

<------- Welcome!


I love it! I love meeting new people, and you can be sure I'll be around each of your blogs to say hello.

And as requested...Puppy!

Can't you just read his mind? "What you lookin at?"

So it's day three in my quest to blog everyday in February. Contest is going strong. Details over there ------>




Welcome new friends and old, I am happy to have you here. :) See, happy!


Today's question(s) come from Julie over at A Day in the Wife who hit me with the following: I have so many topics - I want to know if other writers have everyone they know say "OMG, you need to be published!!!" and then you get rejection after rejection from the people who would actually publish you. I want to know if there is actually a market for funny mom writing anymore, or is it too saturated? I want to know how to get the Query Fairy to come to my house and rubber stamp the perfect venue for the pieces I've written on them...is that enough? Oh, and what IS the best party you've ever attended?

Let's tackle these, shall we? Reader participation is always greatly appreciated.


I have to say, most people don't tell me, "OMG, you need to be published!!!" I wish they did. LOL! Alas, I'm not nearly as funny as Julie. Seriously. She cracks the crap out of me with every post. Even her questions are funny, as you can surely see. You should check her out. She says the things we all (well, me at least) are thinking, but are too prude to say. She's funny as hell.


But back to the questions. Like yesterday's word of the day, Patience, today also has a theme. Persistence. I think there is a market for funny mom writing. I think there is a market for everything. Nothing is off limits. It's finding that market, finding that person who can launch your career, who believes in you as a writer. Finding that person? Freaking hard! But don't give up. Julie or any of you. Do. Not. Give. Up. You hear me? Or I will hunt you down! No quitters!


As for the Query Fairy. I think girlfriend left town. Seriously, skipped out. Partying with the Tooth Fairy or Tinkerbell or something. But not to fear! I have a solution. Me! I will be the Fairy. Whee! Anyone wanting a little query critique, feel free to email it to me. I'll post it and we'll discuss in comments (and I'll take it down afterward, if requested). Now realize I'm not agented. I'm not an expert in any way, but I have had pretty good success with the queries I've sent out. Unfortunately, the novels they represented weren't up to snuff, which is why I keep working. ;) The offer stands, if you're interested.


And finally, on to the best party I ever attended. Hmmm. I guess this is where I own up to being totally lame. Not a whole lot of parties happening in my world. The best, I would have to say, was the surprise 30th birthday party hubby threw for me. Super sweet!


And so we come to the end of day 3. Woot! Remember to toss those questions into your comments. Not only do they earn you extra entries, they're fun!

Blog Party Contest! Day 2

Can I just say that Puppy, little devil that he is in all his cuteness, appears to enjoy seeing me clean up his piddly widdlies. No sooner have I wiped up one puddle and he's back in the kitchen slurping from the water bowl. Stinker. (I'd post another picture, but Blogger's spazzing out on me.)

OK, quick contest recap. For the month of February I'll be posting every day. And if you comment (one entry per day), you get entered into the drawing for an Amazon gift card in the amount equalling the number of new followers that join during February (guaranteed to be at least $50). So spread the word!

Now to today's post, which is brought us by the letters C-H-R-I-S-T-I-N-E

Christine Danek asked: How do you deal with the topic of patience and writing?

Great question, Christine, and one I have quite a bit to speak about.

By now you've all heard that publishing is a slow business. Believe it. If you're simply writing for the joy of putting pen to paper, yay you! Patience is not a virtue you need. But (and it's a big butt), if you have dreams of publication, patience is about the only thing you do need. That and persistence.

First off, writing a novel is hard. Really hard. That's a lot of words. Patience plays a big part here. As much as the dream of publication is whispering sweet nothings in your ear, you must press on. You must finish the manuscript before you even consider testing those query waters. For reals, people. Finish that draft! Don't let the sharks get you!

But wait! What's that you say? You finished? Hooray! A beautiful 500-page first draft is in your hot little hands. Your mind is screaming, "Send! Send! Send!" And somewhere in the blogosphere I'm yelling back. "Nooooooo." Step away from the email. Hands off the agent list. It's not ready yet. You're not ready yet. Now you need patience more than ever. You need it to help you find all the problems within that honking draft. (Or, if you're a sparse writer, you need the patience to fill in the details). Revision, baby! Get to it.

Now you've done it. You polished, you shined, you sent it around the world for critique. Your baby manuscript is all grown up and ready to venture into the big, bad world. Patience, grasshopper. It's time for research. Now you must scour the internet for information on agents who like what you write. You hunt down interviews with agents whose personalities seem compatible. You pseudo-stalk until you have an idea of who might be a good fit. You make a list. And then, with trembling fingers, you send off your (also critiqued) query letter. And guess what you do next.

You wait. And wait. And wait. Meanwhile, you write another novel.

Patience.

It's not something that comes easily to me. I'm a hurry-up-and-get-on-with-it kind of gal. But the quest for publication has taught me there's no hurrying this writing thing. But that's okay because you love it. Right? You have to love it. I'm not kidding. Your love of writing needs to be stronger than your desire to be published. A million times stronger. You have to do it for the love.

Ultimately, patience is key. It takes time to develop your craft. It takes time to write the novel you are meant to write. It all takes time. And patience.

Thanks for the great question, Christine. I look forward to reading the comments (and tallying up your entries to the contest). The accountant in me is drooling at the sight of the Excel spreadsheet I've prepared.

Let's get this party started!

Here it is! February 1st. Let's start the party. Thank you to all who commented yesterday and offered up your topic suggestions. Keep them coming! I need all the topics I can get. And remember, there's a bonus entry for each topic suggestion. :)

(New visitors, see contest info on the sidebar.) Contest runs the entire month of February! So party with me.

For today's post I thought I'd take a trip down blog memory lane. Back when I first conceived of Anissa Off the Record, I used to start each post with a little blurby thing. Like so:

For the record: I tell people, "Stop by anytime."

Off the record: People who really know me understand that this means, "Give me 2 hours advance notice." Because truth be told, that's about the only time housework gets done.

Now on to your fabulous questions...

Melissa asked: What is your writing schedule like?

I chuckled a little at this one. Not at Melissa, but at myself. I'd love to tell you I'm this uber-Mama who lives and dies by a schedule. Truth is, I'm a big ole mess. Seriously. This revising has kicked my butt so hard I've lost any semblance of a schedule. In the beginning of my writings, I used to get up early and draft for an hour or so. I'd crank out my 1,000 words and be content. No more. I seem to need more sleep as I age. Go figure. So these days I squeeze in editing whenever I can. 30 minutes of Olivia (that silly little pig on Nick Jr.) is a wonderful thing. Plus, I've started to work before bed. Sleepy brain isn't ideal, but I've found I can revise through it. New words? Not a chance, but right now I'm all about revision. Still. Endless revision.

Great question, Melissa. Thanks! Now I'll make it easy for you to comment by asking my own question. How do you find time to write? What tricks have you learned to squeeze it into your tight schedules?

There you have it, folks. Welcome to the party! And remember, every comment gets you an entry into the contest. Details to the right. ----->

It's a Blog Party!!!

OK, friends of the blog, it's time for a party!

I'm declaring a February Blog Party here at Anissa Off the Record. And what kind of party would it be without a contest? Hmmm?

Here's the dealio:

For the month of February, I will post every day. You hear that? EVERY day. We're kicking my blogging butt back into gear!

And now for the contest details...

The Prize:

The prize will be an online Amazon gift card with a minimum value of $50. But here's the fun part, the value of the card can go up and up and up. As of today, the follower count is 76. For every NEW follower to the blog in the month of February, I will add $1 to the prize pot. (Though I will guarantee the prize to be $50 even if we don't get 50 new followers.)

How to Enter:

Every comment will earn an entry to the contest (one per day). If you're a follower, let me know in your first comment and that will earn you an extra 5 entries. New followers will get 5 entries as well. So if you comment every day, you'll earn 28 entries plus 5 if you follow. But wait! There's more. If, in your daily comment, you ask a question or suggest a blog topic, I'll give you an extra entry. (Hey, I'll be blogging every day. I need all the help I can get.)

I'm not requiring you to post the contest anywhere, BUT, if you do and it brings new followers to the blog, the prize gets bigger. Bigger! Better!

If, during the month we hit 100 followers, I'll add a second prize. If we hit 200, a third prize. And so on.

Sound fun? I think so. Now it's up to you guys to see how much money I'll be spending at the end of the month. Spread the word! I love to see new faces around the blog. :)

That said, I'll be seeing you all tomorrow. Hooray!