My 2nd Guest blog at Reading as Writers: Where dose a writer get feedback on their work?

Where Dose a Writer Get Feedback on Their work?   I wrote this guest blog as a fairly new writer, and hope it helps others.  

I don’t think I shared the 1st one I did either: Re-Reading James Patterson’s CROSS COUNTRY. 

Reading As Writers is Durham’s own go-to for tips from fellow writers, written by members of Writer’s Community of Durham Region.  (WCDR) 

This awesome page is run by our own M-E Girard.  I’ve added a lot of links to this post, please click away.  I’d love if you got into the discussion threads on Reading As Writers.

Support your favourite bloggers by commenting on their posts

Parenting: Let’s Tell It Like It REALLY Is…

Night shift + kids = joy

A few years ago, a friend of mine was debating on having a second child.  She told me I was the only person to tell her what it was REALLY like to have more than one kid.

In no way am saying don’t have more than one child.  I was an only child, and it was pretty boring at times.  However, we chose to have two girls only twenty-one months apart.  They fight.  They tattle.  They scream.

Being a parent means cleaning up puke, poo, pee, and what-IS-this-on-the-floor.  It means NEVER sleeping well again.  When they are little, most wake in the night.  When they are older, we listen for them to come home on curfew, even when mine move out, I imagine I’ll always be listening for the phone to ring for a night-time emergency.

This is another friend’s 3rd child. By the time you reach #3, you know to grab the camera before the clean-up!

Babies cry, eat, poop and sleep.  Breastfeeding is a wonderful thing, but I also got mastitis with my youngest.  Plus she bit me.  Often.  We’ve dealt with tumbles down the steps, scrapped knees, a broken finger, a concussion, headaches, and countless temper-tantrums.

We’ve sat home most weekends, not willing to pay for a sitter to get a night out.  That, and we’re usually in bed by 10 p.m. anyways.  Instead, we Facebook or text our other parental friends on Saturday nights, all of us too tired after a play date during the day to go out.

She’s lucky she only has one child!

We’ve treated the kids to McDonald’s, while secretly enjoying the peace while the played in the Play place.   We’ve bribed our kids to finally go to bed on their own, and begged them to PLEASE just stay in their own bed all night tonight.  We’ve sighed in relief when they got old enough to go on sleep overs, and have wanted to run and hide when it was our turn to host them.

This was too good not to share!

We’ve taken our girls to the beach, the zoo, the science centre, Great Wolf Lodge and even Disney World.  We’ve had them in gymnastics, dance, skating, swimming, music and several other lessons.

We’ve been mortified at different times by our offspring, by an overly loud temper tantrum at the zoo, a bathroom accident at the mall, a biting incident when the little one was only a toddler.  Or my friend’s Facebook post about her son being sent home from school. (see right)

We’ve laughed, and cried.  We’ve wondered if we’re doing this right.  We’ve debated rewards and punishments.  We’ve talked to our other parent friends, and shared some of our kid’s most embarrassing moments on our Facebook or Twitter feeds.

Parenthood is much like a roller coaster.  It is NOT all sunshine and rainbows, but neither is life.  So long as our kids eventually move out and make something of themselves, I’d say we’ve done a pretty good job.

A special thanks to my friends who gave permission for the images on this blog.  I feel your pain, while I laugh at you.

Many thanks to my friend at http://www.Obliviongroup.com for the use of his drawings

The Teenage Life

She says her room is clean, because she can close the closet door. (yes there is also a cat in the closet)

Oh to be a teenager again.  Sunday afternoon naps, after sleeping until at least 11 a.m. Complaining daily about  getting up, having to do homework and being bored.

They live among piles of laundry, books, shoes and paper. Only they know if the piles of clothing on the floor are really clean or dirty. (This is why I make our teen do her own laundry)  They see nothing wrong with hoarding food and dishes in their rooms.

They have their own language.  I wrote a blog about Teen slang awhile back.  I could add many more words to the ever-growing list, but it’s hard to keep up.  Sometimes, I think they just make up words to confuse us un-cool adults.

My husband and I use our cell phones and wouldn’t even have a home phone if we didn’t have a teenager.

It still has a charge!

But who wants your teenager attached to your cell, yapping away to whoever she felt like calling for hours on end?  We’re not crazy enough to let her have a regular cell phone.  Hers is a pay as you go, and she has to pay for the card out of her allowances.  On the rare occasion we want to use the home phone though, good luck finding one of the three cordless handsets.  If you do nine times out of ten they’re dead, but close to their charging bases.

To punish a teen, simply take away their cell phone.  Or better yet, revoke their internet privileges.  The threat of taking away either of these usually works to get whatever they’re supposed to be doing done fast.

They don’t get the concepts of ‘needs’ vs ‘wants’ very well.  No, you do not ‘need’ new Osiris shoes.  You have more shoes than I do.  No, you also don’t ‘need’  that neon sweater.  You ‘want’ it, and that’s why you get an allowance.

Ours tends to wear mis-matched socks, and lots of neon.  We don’t allow those nasty crotch-shorts and crop tops like some parents.  It frustrates me to no end trying to find appropriate clothing for her.  Shorts shouldn’t require a bikini wax.  I have the same problem shopping for myself, actually.  Retailers, I wish you’d listen!

Teenagers are addicted to their cell phones, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and so many new social websites it’s hard to keep up.  As a writer, I’m supposed to be all over social media, but so many new sites are popping up all the time.  If you ever need help fixing a Facebook or Twitter setting though, just ask a teen.  (yes, I’ve asked mine a few times to adjust my settings)

Life with a teenager, especially a girl I’m told is full of its ups and downs, but we wouldn’t change it for the world.  Honestly, I think we’re all a little jealous as all the cool things teens today get to have and do.  Lucky us, we have two more teenage girls to raise after this one goes out on her own.  I may have to go back to dying my hair then…

GUEST POST: 6 Revision Tips to (Hopefully) Impress an Agent

Reblogged from The Blabbermouth - Linda P. Epstein:

Client M-E Girard steps in with some words of wisdom...

Remember Linda’s recent blog post—the one in March about improving your craft? In it, she talked about submissions that make her go “I love the premise of this! I wish the writing was better…” Well, I spend a lot of time on learning my craft. As much time as I spend on the actual writing part of being a writer, I spend just as much time learning about what constitutes great writing.

Read more… 893 more words

Great tips from a fellow writing friend.

Why Are There Goldfish On My Floor?

Poor little guy never had a chance…

There are goldfish ground into my hardwood floors, something sticky on my kitchen floor.  My seven and five-year old’s rooms are a disaster, but were clean this morning.  I just removed a heap of blankets from my stairs.  My dishwasher is full of dirty dishes.

This is my dining room…I think.

There is glitter glue, stickers, and cut up bits of paper entirely covering my dining room table. There are just a few bits of food still sitting out; crust from an egg salad sandwich, a few carrots and celery sticks I’ll toss in the green bin when I get back to the clean-up.  Our three cats are just now staring to come out of hiding, cautiously.

Just a few hours ago, there was a large consumption of coffee and various foods.  Babies were passed around to cuddle.  Toddlers stuffed their cheeks with goldfish crackers.  School-aged kids were absorbed in crafts, dress up and making a fort in my youngest daughter’s bunk bed.

What happened here you may ask?  Am I a horrible housewife?  Did a bunch of rowdy children break in?  Well the answers are maybe and sort of!

Every month (give or take) I try to host a playdate for my girls.  Okay, I’ll confess.  It’s not so much for them as it is for me.  I don’t get to see my friends all that often, and being most my friends are other moms I long ago figured out the best way to catch up with friends is to distract the kids.  They think they are having a playdate with friends they haven’t seen in a while (and some they see often)  while really it’s mom gossip/catch up time.

The coffee is always plentiful, as is the chatter of the moms.  We check on our kids often, who are usually in the next room or playing upstairs in my daughter’s rooms.  We share stories about our parenting woes, and life troubles and accomplishments.  We marvel as how big the babies have grown, and complain about how fast our older kids are outgrowing their clothes.

Some of the Beans I bought a few seasons ago.

This playdate was a bit different, though.  This was actually a Peekaboo Beans Soirée, a combination playdate/children’s clothing sales party.  My friend, Nona has been selling this adorable line for about two years.

I love this well-made clothing with thumb holes for hoodies and jackets, and so do my girls.  The best part is that she brings samples right to my home, and the kids can show us moms what they like (or don’t) and try on pieces.  For more info, check out my friend’s Facebook page, and if you’re not local to Durham region, she can find you an agent who is.

I best get back to the clean-up, but I’m already looking forward to my next playdate, as my kids went to bed without complaint last night!

I’m also on Facebook, and Twitter if you’re in a following mood today.  I truly value all my readers and welcome comments!

Coffee makes the world go ’round

My Interview On Twitter

Yesterday, I was interviewed by Sezoni Whitfield on Twitter. If you are a writer, you can also get an interview via Twitter with her.  Contact her by clicking on her name above. I gained many, many followers as soon as I started promoting my interview, and she promoted both my blogs and upcoming novel.

If you missed out, here’s a transcript of most of the interview.  (edited for typos and length)

Sezoni Whitfield:  Good day, Mel! Could you share with us why you became a writer?

Mel E. Cober:  Good morning!  I’ve always wanted to be a writer, nothing else. (besides a mom) I’ve been writing since I COULD write, although I’ve only been back and seriously at it the last 2 years. Wrote my 1st novel in November.

Vanessa:  That was me… About 2 years ago… Have you got an editor? Or are you going it alone?

Mel E. Cober:  I’m attempting to do it alone, with help of some sharp-eyed friends for now

Sezoni Whitfield: Do you have a specific writing style?

Mel E. Cober:  Is being a pantser a style? I wrote my 1st novel during Nanowrimo without a looming deadline I tend to get distracted

Sezoni Whitfield: How did you come up with your title?

Mel E. Cober:  My blog was easy to name, I’m a tad obsessed with orange…all things orange. Even my wedding colour was orange

Mel E. Cober:  I’m attempting to do it alone, with help of some sharp-eyed friends for now.

I also have a 2nd humour blog, written by my cat http://furcoveredsofagroove.wordpress.com  Weird? Yes, but popular!

Sezoni Whitfield: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Mel E. Cober: Love never dies I think is the big message, no matter the obstacles. Don’t get me wrong though, its a suspense.

Patricia:  I know you need to write considering you do it all the time. What is this book about?  And when do I get to read it

Mel E. Cober: Box of Secrets is about a young woman who suddenly loses her husband, leaving her widowed with 2 small kids.  She finds out about all the secrets he’s been hiding & his psychotic mistress. Soon as the edits are done, I’ll let you be a beta reader

Sezoni Whitfield:   Would you say that writing is an escape for you?

Mel E. Cober:  Usually it is, an escape from everyday stresses. However, I find editing more tiresome.

Sezoni Whitfield:   If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

Mel E. Cober: Not really. I didn’t really write Box of Secrets, my characters just took over. Did things I never planned!

Sezoni Whitfield: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

Mel E. Cober:  The biggest thing I learned is that I’m NOT a plotter. Writing is best when you sit back and let your charactersTake over. This happened in Box of Secrets for sure. My main character evolved a lot.

Sezoni Whitfield:  What makes your writing style unique?

Mel E. Cober:  I’ve been asked this before. I’d like to think I write like ME, no one else. Each of us are unique. If I wrote just like James Patterson, I not only would be plagiarizing, but I wouldn’t be me. (BTW he’s my fav author)

Sezoni Whitfield:  Did you choose writing, or did it choose you?

Mel E. Cober:  It absolutely chose me. I tried to become a journalist, but my heart wasn’t in it. Fiction is my life.

Sezoni Whitfield:  Do you have any suggestions to help new authors become a better writer? If so, what are they?

Mel E. Cober:  Absolutely  join a writers group.  Writers Community of Durham Region has been invaluable to me. Take workshops, talk to other writers.  Also, social media is time consuming, but how else will ppl hear about you? That’s how I’m HERE.

Synopsis for Box of Secretes:  Amy Matthews suddenly find her life in turmoil when her husband is involved in a horrible car crash.  Trying to raise two young children on her own and cope with the death of her life partner, Amy is soon confronted with Josh’s secrets that won’t keep quiet.   The truth has a way of coming out, even when you don’t want it to…

Sezoni Whitfield:  Mel, this has been a great interview! Thank you so much for joining us today.

Mel E. Cober:  Thank-you for the wonderful opportunity, I’m willing to answer questions for anyone who missed out anytime.

Are we lazy, or just more efficient?

Pizza Pizza app- no need to talk to anyone!

Drive through restaurants have been around for years.   Now you can go to a drive through ATM or pharmacy.  Want a pizza?  Order it on-line, or better yet many have an app to place your order through.

Need new glasses or contacts?  With your prescription, you can simply order them on-line now, and have them delivered to your home.

Etsy- mostly handmade items, sent right to you.

Don’t like shopping?  Welcome to the world of E-bay, Etsy, and many, many retailers who now offer on-line shopping.  I like to shop from Old Navy, Chapters and Future Shop, to name a few.  Especially at Christmas.  Why fight the crowds at the mall when you can sit on your sofa and have your purchases delivered to your door?.

Speaking of deliverers, if you are expecting a package, you can usually track it via e-mail, internet or even a smart phone app.  I get a lot of our bills e-mailed to us now.  For one reason, there is no need to keep that much paper around, taking up space and wasting trees.  Also, we have a tiny, rural mailbox that I often forget to check.  E-mailed bills save me that hassle.

I get about 99% of my news from Twitter and a CNN App on my i phone.  I don’t have cable or satellite, so I use Netflix because video renal stores are dying fast.  I do read the local newspaper, but I’m more likely to click on an interesting news link on twitter or Facebook than I am to pick up a larger newspaper.

Want a new book?  Purchase and download whatever you’re in the mood for to you Kobo (or other e-reader)  Within minutes you can have a new book loaded and ready to read.

Ohhh how I love my Starbucks app!

Mmmmmm coffee….no need to carry change anymore.  Tim Hortons has a gift card type cashless pay system, Starbucks has an app I use all too often.  Just top up your account via PayPal or a credit card, place your order with the server and they will scan the bar code on your smart phone, deducting the funds from your account.  Pretty cool.  I imagine it’s only a matter of time before most restaurants and services have this scan-and go type service.

Many credit cards have tap and go already.  A chip reads your card, and voila, you’re on your way with your purchases.  Self-serve grocery check-outs are everywhere now.  Are they faster?  Depends on if the scanner works that day, or if my kid touches the scale and makes it look like I’m trying to steal a 50 lb sack of potatoes.

It’s hard to say whether this is “evolution” or pure laziness, that may be a matter of opinion.  It is certain though, that things are changing, and rapidly.  Do you use any of the things I mentioned to make YOUR life easier?  Or are you one to not be that into the new types of technology?