On Schedules and Lists...

You may already know this about me, but I love lists.

Those posts that all seem to start the same and don't actually say much - you know...

9 Ways to...
10 New Tricks for...
Top 5...

They draw me in. Another list to read? Yes, please.

But the main list I use is a "to do" list. I've gone through countless pieces of paper in my endless loop of writing and crossing off.

I admit - I've written things down just to cross them off a second later. There's joy in that.

After nearly filling a notebook with nothing but "to do" lists, I realized I had a problem. Now, some people might have sworn off "to do" lists altogether. Not me.

I got a dry-erase board.

Every week or so I erase it all and start fresh. I divide it into two sections: "things I need to do now" and "things I need to do eventually." The next week, many of the "eventually" category will end up in the "now," but some will already be done...and the rest can wait.

(I also have a "want list"...things I would like but don't need. Those three items have been on it for months. I'm not sure what the point of that is.)

That should be enough to keep things straight (though it probably looks messy), but I'm scatterbrained. I need a calendar, too. On there, I write projects on their due dates. More things to cross off!

Is there anything quite like that feeling of accomplishment when a task is complete? I doubt it.

Do you have a "system" for getting things done on time?

Author Interview: Nikki Min Yeong Abramson

When not writing, I edit, format, create covers, and help other authors see their books in print with my publishing company, Rivershore Books. About a month ago, I had the opportunity to help Nikki Min Yeong Abramson with her first book, I Choose Hope.

Okay—let’s get the factual parts out of the way. What is the name of your book, what is it about, and where can people find it? I Choose Hope is an inspirational memoir and self-improvement book about finding hope through overcoming challenges. People can find it at the Rivershore website, my own websites (www.renewingyourhope.com and www.nikkiabramson.com), Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords. I am hopeful it will be in more places soon. 

As you can see by my header, thilly is its own word, and it means “sillier than silly”. With that in mind, what thilly thing do you do regularly? Have you done it today? (If not, why not?) Not sure what this means.... 

What word or words do you use too much? Not really a word, but I repeat myself often. Mostly it is stylistic, other times i just do it.

What is your writing fuel? Coffee, for sure, and good music or a DVD playing in the background.

If you could have a porcupine or a penguin for a pet, which would you choose? Hmm...not sure; probably a penguin.

Life is full of little celebrations (things to be grateful for). What are you celebrating today? I'm celebrating being alive. It may sound corny or weird, but as you will read in my book, I am grateful for living. Life is challenging. I was told I would die at a young age, and I am 27 now. I am celebrating another day in my life to make a difference in the lives of others. 

How much time do you spend writing each day? I go in spurts. I write everyday for 30 minutes to 4 hours for months to weeks not writing at all. 

Who is your favorite character (in your own writing)? Why? There are really a few characters in my book and I give credit to all those that are a part of my life, so I really don't have a favorite character. Maybe I would say God, as He has orchestrate this all! 

Who is your favorite character (in other books)? I read mostly nonfiction (never really enjoyed fiction), so there is not really a character involved. 

What is your biggest distraction, and how do you move past it? In my writing it was sitting a computer by myself and writing it all versus talking with others. I am a big talker and less a writer. I moved past it with a mission in mind and a focus. 

And finally, what is the most rewarding part about writing for you? The fact that my work can, will, and has inspired people. I have already heard people say that they cried through my book or have been impacted by it, and I am excited to hear other stories. If my story can impact others, my job is done! I am grateful.

Character Interview: Jeff Monroe

Name: Jeff Monroe

Age: 37

What book/s are you in? As Fairydust Settles

Where do you work? The Ellsworth Police Department

Where do you live? Ellsworth, WI

Favorite place to relax: In my basement, with friends.

How do you know David? I didn't know him until we arrested him.

What do you do when you're not at work? Watch TV, bet on sports (nothing serious), and read.

If you could redo one thing in your life, what would it be? I would step in earlier and stop Nathan Trenket. I may have saved Abigail's first baby.

Where would you most like to travel? I don't need travel to be happy.

What is one word that describes you? Relentless.

Jeff Monroe can be found in As Fairydust Settles.

28 Little Celebrations

1. Baby's laughter
2. Warm weather and the believe that it's coming
3. Birds
4. Puzzles
5. Apples and caramel
6. Feel-good movies
7. Antique books
8. History
9. Electricity
10. Head music (songs that get stuck in your head)
11. Instruments
12. Blankets
13. Crazy friends
14. Texts
15. Funny people
16. Finishing a book
17. Catching up on emails
18. Fresh, cold water
19. The smell of clean laundry
20. Knowing that you're doing your best
21. Working on penmanship
22. Finding the perfect present
23. Snow angels
24. Comfy chairs
25. Games
26. Finishing something, no matter how small it is
27. Trying something new
28. Staying content

Excerpt: Tomatoes Don't Judge

Tomatoes Don't Judge is my current "work in progress". This book was the result of NaNoWriMo 2012, and I consider it one of my more fun novels.

I may be placing a physical version of Rivershore Books inside the story...it's there in the current draft, at least. A bookstore/coffee shop mix is one of my goals for Rivershore, so I thought it would be fun to include that in the book.

He swung his bag over his arm as he kicked his skateboard into place under his feet. A few blocks later, he saw the large “Rivershore Books” above the front of the coffee shop. Reluctantly, he skidded to a halt and set the skateboard near the bike rack. 

Robbie let out a low breath before pushing open the door. I don’t even like coffee, he thought bitterly. And the smell makes it even worse. Why did I pick this place, anyway? Dad just said I needed a job. He didn’t say where. 

Robbie’s nose scrunched up as he anticipated the scents inside the store. He didn’t even say I needed a job; he just said I couldn’t have a car unless I paid for it myself. Do I really want a car this badly? 

He scratched his head and his eyebrows drew together, but he knew the answer even before he had asked the question: Yes. 

“You just gonna stand there like a freak, or are you actually going to help me today?” 

Robbie turned from the unopened door and glanced at the young woman. “Hey. I know you. Well, I know of you.” 

She rolled her eyes. “I don’t love the idea of you being here, twerp. Don’t make it worse.” 

“I’m not. I’ve just seen you around. What’s your name?” 

She pointed to her nametag: Kara. Without a word, she turned her back to him as she entered the coffee shop. “If you don’t get in here, I’ll tell Shannon you were late and she’ll fire you.”

Book Giveaway!

New author, Rachel Heffington, is hosting a giveaway on her blog! The prize is two autographed copies of her debut novel, Fly Away Home.

I haven't read this yet, but it comes highly recommended from readers I trust. Isn't it lovely?

Visit the giveaway here.

Scrapbooking Life

Happy Valentine's Day!

Thanks to DigiTee Designs!