Archive for ‘just for fun’

July 11th, 2012

How NOT to Write a Book

by Holly Dodson

Step 1: Stare at a blank Word document for six hours.

Step 2: Decide it sucks and pour a rum and coke.

Step 3: Decide you can’t stand even the sight of the blank page any more, and instead of putting words on it, slam the laptop shut.

Step 4: Burn the laptop.

Step 5. Have more rum…coke optional.

Step 6: Send a nasty letter to all literary agents, thereby ruining any hope at a writing career.

Step 7: Where’s the rum?

Step 8: Call in favors for someone to bring more rum.

Step 9: Grab pen and paper and drunkenly stare at the blank page.

Step 10: Drink more rum.

Step 11: Decide you are Hemmingway.
 
Step 12: Sing the words as you write…a quote from someone else.

 Step 13: Realize all the rum is gone, and decide you are NOT Hemmingway, you are Captain Jack.
 
Step 14: Decide its a good idea to fake sword fight the cat.

Step 15: Wake up the next day wondering what the hell happened, and why a rash of literary agents have restraining orders against you.

Step 16: Decide maybe you would be better at photography.

Hahahaha.  Many thanks to my sister for indulging my sillyness and playing along while I made this list.  :)   Hope you find it as funny as we did.

Categoryfunny, just for fun, processes | CommentNo Comments »

February 15th, 2012

My New Toy

by Holly Dodson

So for the last three years  I’ve been writing on a teeny tiny 10.1 inch netbook (and that’s ridiculous).  THREE YEARS and three novels on the smallest keyboard known to man.

But not any more!  I have a new best friend:

Isn’t it just lovely?!  The keyboard is so nice to type on, it’s like my fingers are in hyper drive.  Full. Of. Awesome.  It’s fast, and shiny, and FAST.

If I were a better poet, I’d write it a love poem.  But I’ll save you that experience.  ;)

My revisions are going quite smoothly on the new toy.  I’m not sure if it’s the inspiration and ease of the new computer or just that things are clicking, but either way I am a HAPPY GIRL.  (Not to mention that I have some of the most awesome beta readers ever helping the revising along!)

Funny story.  (Not really, but I like to tell stories even if they aren’t funny, so humor me.)  In 2009 I wrote my first novel…well, the first whole novel I ever wrote.  And I thought, hey, I need a laptop so I can transcribe all of these notebooks (yes, a handwritten novel) into a word doc and figure out what to do next!  So I bought a netbook and told myself that if I kept at it, one day I’d buy myself a nice laptop.

It’s pretty obvious three years later that I’m keeping at it.  In fact, I’ll never give up the joy I’ve found in writing these silly books (that aren’t silly at all, it’s just a fun word).

You tell me, have you promised yourself anything like this?  Have you followed through on that promise?

Categoryabout me, just for fun, life, revisions, Tate's Hell, Uncategorized, Writing | Comment4 Comments »

February 8th, 2012

Again and Again

by Holly Dodson

I was just sitting here staring at my planner, which looks something like this:

Work stuff, work stuff, work stuff, and yes, more work stuff.  Revisions, revisions, revisions, revisions, revisions. BEACH.

 

This beach, actually.  For real.

 

There is a light at the end of the tunnel, folks.  ;)

So, yeah, as if all my revision and beta talk hasn’t been clue enough, I have officially taken the dive back into TATE’S HELL.  That sounds…horrible.  I dove into Hell?  Nah, it’s not that bad.  Though sometimes I do feel like beating my head against a wall.  I think we all reach that point at times.

I did a LOT of reading over the past few weeks while I waited for feedback and then allowed it to percolate, and I’m refreshed.  I’m ready to get my hands dirty again.

Plus, guys, I get to go to the beach this weekend which is going to be full of awesome.   The weather is lovely here in good ole’ Florida, and the ocean is calling my name.  Maybe I can take some pages with me to work on…I may just find the answer to all my troubles buried in the sugary sand.

I can’t wait.

 

 One of my new favorite quotes for revisions.

 

Have you guys got any fun and inspiring adventures planned for this weekend?

Categoryinspiration, just for fun, life, revisions, Uncategorized | Comment3 Comments »

September 12th, 2011

Amusing, but pointless

by Holly Dodson

Okay, so I was going to write this whole long thoughtful post this morning.  Then I was running late, and traffic was doing weird stuff, and Super Spawn decided he didn’t want to go to school.  Then I got to work (finally) and have been having computer issues all morning.

*Is not amused with this Monday*

Guess that’ll teach me to pre-schedule my posts from now on, huh?

Probably not.

Anyway, since it’s already late and I have really got to do some *cough* real work *cough*, let’s chalk this one up to experience, and I’ll leave you with a funny picture.  Hope your Monday is great!

Categoryjust for fun, random | CommentNo Comments »

August 11th, 2011

The Distracted Writer

by Holly Dodson

I don’t know about you guys, but this is generally what happens when I sit down to write:

Yes!  Finally time to write!  Okay, open the document.

Hmm, maybe I need a drink.  Coffee sounds good.

Now, to write!  Woo!

tap tap tap

Ooh, email.  Refresh.  Let me check my other email.  Oh, I may as well check Twitter while I’m here.

Right, writing.  Here we go!

tap tap ta…

I GOT AN EMAIL!

Okay, I’m really going to write now.  For real.

But maybe I need a snack.  Food will help me focus.

*munches* tap tap tap *munches* tap

Oh, I should check Query Tracker.  Look, someone is on IM I can talk to!

I swear, sometimes I think it’s a miracle I get any writing done.  ;)

Categoryjust for fun, Writing | CommentNo Comments »

March 22nd, 2011

Poll Time!

by Holly Dodson

Ha, I’m in the mood for a little fun.  And I’ve got much work to do, so easy is good.

I want your opinions once again, fellow blog buddies.  The last poll on my MS title was super successful, so I have come again to ask your thoughts.

Poll 1:


Poll 2:


I can’t wait to see your answers! :) Feel free to discuss in the comments…

Categoryjust for fun, polls, Writing | CommentNo Comments »