And I'm Done

What’s Jack up to? Jack is doing well. He’s up and at ‘em and ready for a relaxing week after having a long and wild weekend with the family. At least I hope so. I know I'm ready for a fairly relaxing week so I hope Jack is on board with that.

Well, it’s November 30th the last day for NaNoWrimo 50,000 word challenge and I’m happy to report that I’ve completed it with 54,194 words. I went a little over since I started with a few words in this story. This was my first Nano and it was one of the hardest and most rewarding experiences of my writing life.

Speaking of hardest I had one crazy day on Friday in my post Thanksgiving stupor where I wrote 10,000 words. I would not recommend this for anyone. I think I was sleep writing at one point and had to get up and hop around the house a bit. Splash some water on my face.
In my head I was Rocky and had a little Burgess Meredith pushing me on. Making sure I wouldn’t give up and there were plenty of times I wanted to. At 20,000 and again at 27,000 and again at 35,000 words. But once I got close to 40 I knew there was no turning back.

A life saver, well, NaNo saver for me was Write or Die over at Dr. Wicked’s writing lab. It really forced me to write without thinking and let go of that inner critic. At one point when I was complaining about how hard it was to think up something else to write my son gave me a great reminder when he said, “You don’t write what you think Mom, you write what you feel.” Such wise words.

Now I know that this story will take about 20- 25,000 more words to finish and at least 10,000 of the hot mess I'm-so-tired words will be cut, but hey, I'll be crossing that bridge next month and maybe even next year. Yeah, probably into next year.

Well, that’s it for me and my NaNo journey. I want to thank all of you for your encouraging words. They meant so much and to my RWA/NYC NaNo crew a big thanks too. I’m so glad I joined you for the ride. Oh and all my NaNo tweeting buddies. You rock hard!

Now onto that layer of dust that had been sitting for the past month.

Best,
Kwana

The Day After

Happy Friday after Thanksgiving. I hope you had a wonderful day and got to spend time with those you love. The DH took the dear twins to the Macy's parade in the morning which was so much fun for them since they have not been since they were babies and it left me with time to get in a few NaNo words before heading for dinner at Nana's.

If you're reading this blog it must mean you're not out in the Black Friday shopping madness today. I sure thought about it. Real Hard. But these images will show why I'm not out today. If you are or did go out. I wish you best of luck with finding great bargains. Me, I'm still hanging with my NaNo writing. Only 4 days to make my deadline. Tick Tock.

Best,

Kwana

Giving Thanks

From Me and Jack and the whole Gang,

With Love,

Kwana

Feeling Parched

What's Jack up to? Jack is gearing up for a long holiday weekend filled with family and the dear twins. No more lounging about it's about to be wild up in here.

Me, I'm hoping to get my NaNo writing done in the midst of all the holiday running around. Don't ask me how. It's a mystery. Yikes.

The DD had been dying to show me this nutty YouTube video. Yes, these are the things that occupy the teen's minds nowadays. I have to say I saw it and thought how silly, but still funny and I also thought of one person. So this goes out to you, Kristen. It made me think of your post here.





Have a wonderful Thanksgiving tomorrow. Hug all those you love and be thankful for them.
I'm so thankful to all of you for stopping by and hanging with me. Smooches.

Best,
Kwana

P.S. What did you all think of the results of Dancing with the Stars? Did you watch? I was not surprised but also not happy.

Knitting Through

Howdy! How are you today?


Me. I'm chilling. Thanks for askin'. At least as I'm writing this I am. See I've picked up my knitting again which has been even more stalled than my NaNo writing. I've been working on the same sweater for what feels like forever (knit 1 purl 1, uh, rest) , but finally, I have started the last sleeve. Now there's an odd sentence. I said it like there was 3 or 4 sleeves. Yeah, I know there are only 2, but the first took way too long and the cap took too much thinking. Felt like long division. Ugh.


Alas, I see light at the end of the tunnel. I have started the last sleeve then it's the collar and a sew up. Yay. I'm moving now! This T-neck should be ready for the summer. Woot!


Have a good one.


Best,
Kwana

Sparkle Love

What's Jack up to? Jack is cool. He had a good Jack weekend. I'd say it wasn't Jacked up at all. Full of food, walks and lots of chilling out. He's a happy dog.

So like every other teenage girl and their sad mom the DD and I saw New Moon this weekend. We sent the poor DH to get tickets for us early, in another town no less, at an obscure theater in hopes that it wouldn’t be too crowded. It was. But all was good anyway after the 25 minute popcorn wait.

The DH went with us. The DS (dear son and other teen twin) wanted no parts of it. I guess he wanted to be able to go back to school and say to his friends he resisted the pull of Edward and Jacob. Little did he know a Twilight screening was the place to be for a tall 16 year old boy, he will live and learn.

I had loads of fun and thought this movie was of much better quality than the first. Maybe because I wasn’t smack up against so much vamp powder make-up all the time. Hey, the wolf pack can hang in the sun all they like.

I thought this was a sullen narcissistic teen girl's dream. Pout, whine, and I still have all the boys giving you attention. What is not there to make this box office gold? The formula was suddenly clear to me.

The best part of the whole night though was my DH’s reaction to all the squealing girls whenever Jacob would come on screen (and don’t let him not have a shirt on). I think I counted no less than 12 “Ohmygods” from the DD and at least the same amount of groaning “Oh H-E double LL’s” from the DH. A crack up.

Good times.

Best,
Kwana

Tainted

Feeling a little tainted today. Maybe it's the week or maybe it's the work in progress (it is a love story so that's good) either way I woke up nostalgic and singing this. Enjoy.



Soft Cell - Tainted Love
Uploaded by damned78. - See the latest featured music videos.


Oh and please check out my To Desire a Devil review on Booksquawk today!

Best,
Kwana

Wanna Snuggle?

Happy Friday! And I do hope it's happy.

I'm going for a new outlook today. Enough of the writerly doom and gloom. Obviously wheels are going to keep turning no matter what I say here and we'll just have to see how it all plays out. In the meantime I'm ever hopeful.

My NaNowrimo writing has suffered terribly this week. It's been a tough week life-wise. just plain nutty and the writing time has just flown by. Now I'm in panic mode. Oh well. I shall do my best to be where I will be. Wish me luck.

On a Friday up note I have a Snuggie!! Well, a Snuggie-esque from The Christmas Tree shops. Yesterday Nana and I did our annual Thanksgiving shopping and ran across some very cool Snuggie-esque garments that were called The Hug Throws for a great price in all sorts of colors and Nana could not resist buying them for the whole family. I have a cool lime green one! Love my Nana.

The only family member that didn't get one was Jack. I specifically warned Nana not to order Jack this. You know she wants to. Sorry he'll just have to cuddle next to me with mine. It's bad enough I'm looking a hot Snuggie-esuqe mess don't need to subject Jack to it too.



Best,
Kwana

Unsettled

What's Jack up to? Jack is doing good. Feeling a lot like his old self and getting back into trouble again. I've had to shoo him away from the trash one too many time lately so I'd say he's on the mend.


As for me I'm feeling unsettled. It's a word I tweeted yesterday about the uproar over folk's responses and RWA's response to Harlequin Horizons. Yes, I still see both sides of the argument but RWA taking away Harlequin's status does leave me just that, unsettled. Don't throw tomatoes please. I know the bylaws and the rules. I do get it both sides and the whole protection thing (ish).

But it also brings to my mind the many fine writers that write for Harlequin and how they must feel and the legitimacy of the RITA's if Harlequin writers are not included (hmm). I mean it is called Romance Writers of America, a pretty broad name, and am I correct in saying that Harlquin is the largest romance publisher?

Now I could go on and on bringing up how it would be nice for fine e-pubs to be included too and let's level the writing playing field but the whole thing is a slippery argument slope and I got Mammogram 40 or 50 confusion to be pissed about too today. So there is plenty of unsettled to go around don't cha think?

Much love and keep breathing y'all. Remember dialogue is good and I hope there is a solution to this soon where this off feeling stops and the love flows.

Best,
Kwana

On The Horizon

Yesterday the romance publishing world (or at least my little tweet corner of it) went into a bit of a tailspin with the announcement of Harlequin going into the self-publishing business with the launch of Harlequin Horizons (see site here). There were arguments a plenty and plenty more over if this was a good decision for Harlequin and if self publishing is a respected option at all for writers (Check out Smart Bitches post and comments here). Interesting on both sides but the initial anger is upsetting to me.

Now I’m not going to give an opinion, ok I’ll give something (I can’t resist). I’d like to be traditionally published. It’s a dream of mine. I’d love to be published by a house like Harlequin or Avon or Berkley I could go on and on here and I’m not ready to give up on that dream (some dark days maybe) despite many years of work, numerous manuscripts and countless rejections.

But let's play What If for a moment here. What if you’ve been this close for so long and the playing field keeps getting smaller and smaller? Or what if what you write doesn’t fit into any box that said dream publisher is looking for? Or what if they already have your box ticked off? Maybe the slot is already filled for that African America romance or interracial romance or they don’t publish any of what you write. Then what? Do you keep submitting? Change what you write or take a chance on self publishing to get your work out there? Notice I’m not saying have fame or fortune here.

Now I know the argument of the good stories will someday get published and it’s just a matter of time. Or the one about the reason that most manuscripts get rejected is because they are not up to snuff and I do think that’s true for the most part. But I also think there are those few gems that may never get a chance because they don’t fit into any open box on that special given day when the stars align for subjective publishing dreams to come true.

Honestly, I don't know my final thoughts on this. It makes my dreamy writer head spin but all that said. Here is my question for you:

Do you have an opinion on self/vanity published fiction books? Have you read any lately?

Please all you non-writers speak up. I want to hear from you too.

Best,
Kwana

P.S. Update please go to Smart Bitches blog to read comment from Harlequin's Malle on the subject here. I do think there are many sides to a story and breathing through is key.

There Be A Party Going On

Not many blog words today. Gotta save em up so I thought I'd share this cool video that came at me on twitter from @GalleyCat . And you just wanted a paper.




Party on!

Best,
Kwana

Monday Music

What's Jack up to? The Jackster is doing well. His rash is getting better and his ears are too, though he's not enjoying taking his meds for both. I know he's on the mend because his appetite is back and a person can't make it near the kitchen and his treats without him fast on their heels. Go Jack.

I'm still busy with NaNo writing. The words are drip, drip, dripping through slowly and it's tough to find the time I'd like. At the end of the day I find myself wishing I had 3 or 4 more hours where I was feeling alert and creative to just sit write and be. But, um, no. Not gonna happen unless I say buh-bye to the few hours sleep I do get and if I did that who knows what hot messery I'd wake up too. Probably a page full of zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz's. Hmm would they count towards my word count? Probably not.
That said no long post from me today. Or any day for the rest of this month. Will you be back? While I'm in NaNo land please enjoy a little surprising Monday music from Michael Buble and the DD (so not her usual taste). Thanks DD.



Best,
Kwana

P.S. Have you check out Booksquawk yet? Why not? All the cool kids are doing it.

Reality Round Up

Happy Friday! So another week bites the dust. I hope you all had a good one. I've fallen behind with my writing so I'm really frustrated. Cut to me growling over here. I fear I'm not fit company for man or beast. Poor Jack and the rest of the family will just have to put up with me though. That or move.

Oh well.

I believe I haven't done any reality talk in such a long time. What are ya'll watching? Top Chef and the dueling brothers? Do we miss the Hot Mess Atl Housewives? Is anybody wearing SHE by Sheree. No? I didn't think so. Man that woman bugged me to no end.

Do you know who else bugs me? Russell on Survivor. What a good villain he is!

Also how sad to see hot mess Aaron go on DWTS. Big messy hugs to him. He and Mya are my only favorites. Sorry to all the Donny lovers but gags there. Ugh!

This is for you Aaron.









best,
Kwana -falling into the NaNo insanity

Ear Worm

What's Jack up to? Poor Jackie boy. Well, Jack's feeling down and that's got me down. See he's gone and gotten himself an ear infection. So he's mopey and a bit whiny. I should have known something was up when he wasn't getting into his usual trouble. I did know there was a big problem when I package showed up on my door and there was no wild barking.

So it's the big ear drop fight for us. Wish me luck. Poos Jack had to understand it's for the best.

A dog really is in a way like having another child. This takes me back to my twin toddler days and dueling ear infections. Wow. And I thought those days were done. I guess never.

Best,

Kwana

In Honor

To those who serve and give so much.

Thanks is not enough.

Happy Veteran's Day and thoughts and prayers to all who have lost so much.

Best,

Kwana

photographs from the Fort Hood memorial

Restless

I'm feeling restless right now. My story is filling my head and interrupting my sleep, but the words are hard to come by. Hanging out on the ledge just out of my reach. And for NaNo you need words and lots of them. A bit of a problem there. I'm at that point in the story where the initial shot has been fired and now I've got to get into the flow and really find the story. Get crafty. Have conversations, make events happen and for a reason too. It puts the mind on pause (at least my mind).

So, I'm restless. But, hopefully not for long.

Brooding Woman by Picasso

How are you today? Did you get enough rest?

Best,

Kwana

Book Squawking

What's Jack up to? Jack had a calm and, I think for a dog, pleasant weekend this weekend. Knowing Jack he thought it was a bore. The weather was nice, so decent walks and the nights were cool, so good sleep. That plus food and treats what more could he want? With Jack-trouble.

Today I'm happy to introduce you to a new blog called Booksquawk. It's a writer's book review blog and I'm honored to be one of the contributors. The tagline for the blog is: really good book reviews by professional writers.

Now that for me is humbling. Really good? Hmm... I'm not so sure. Now I'm new to this review game, but, um, let's just see how it goes. Shall we?

And as for the professional writer part... I don't think I've been a professional since my fashionista days and I sometimes had to wear heels and even then it was kinda loosey goosey. But hey, I am writing and I do want it to be my profession so, well, I guess that counts. Hey, they called me. I don't know who did their background checks.

Either way the cool thing about Booksquawk is that all different genres will be represented since the contributing writers have such varied tastes (yeah, expect some romance from me, yay!).

So there is lots to look forward to and you may find a new favorite author.

Please stop by Booksquawk here and stop by often because new reviews are popping up all the time. Heck, if you're feeling fancy become a follower and get a big cyber type smooch from me! Thanks.

Oh and scroll down on Booksquawk to read my review of ACCORDING TO JANE by Marilyn Brant. Thanks again!

Best,

Kwana

And Writing

What's Jack up to? As I type this in the basement he's being such a loyal dog and has come downstairs to keep me company. Though I know it's much warmer upstairs. But he's laying by my side on the couch being a quiet sweetheart. Thanks Jack.

I'm up and writing and that is pretty much my plans for the weekend besides bowling badly and running around with the teen twins. The NaNoWrimo words are adding up which makes me happy. I'm not sure if they make all that much sense right now, but hey, they're adding up and that's the point. December is for revisions.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Best,

Kwana

Dance it Out

Happy Friday!
Thanks to author Liza Palmer for this smile of the day. When she posted this link on Twitter From Buzzfeed I just about spit my coffee across the room.

The story is someone noticed him outside their office window and filmed him over a 15-month period. Way to wait for the bus. Enjoy.



Best,
Kwana

Let's Hear it for New York!!

I'm all about the NYC today. Well every day for the this NYC girl

but particularly today when celebrating

The Yankees!!

Big Congrats on winning The Worlds 2009 World Series.

Best,

Kwana

Walking with Friends

Jack took a stroll yesterday with one of his oldest friends, Bentley!

Though they paid each other little attention each going their own way.

And Jack clearly was in no mood to be photographed. Ugh, paparazzi!

But he was happy to catch up with this friend and so was I.

Patricia of pve design. Why don't you pop over here and give her a Hi. I'm sure she'll have something inspiring to get you over this hump day.

Best,

Kwana

P.S. I'm still rolling along with The NaNowrimo challenge. The words are addling up nicely. Yesterday was a bit of a bust with the being election day and the kids out of school, but I hope to put it in a higher gear today. I think I can hear you all cheering me on from your homes. Thanks.

Smart Women Reading

What's Jack up to? The Jackster is chilling still recuperating after a busy Halloween weekend. Spending much of his time under the bed or lazing about in the couch. For Halloween he just about barked himself out with the ringing doorbell. My favorite was him trying to push through the glass door and my little neighbor girl dressed as a very annoyed nun holding it shut with one hand and looking at him with reproach and he bounced up and down just tuckering his self out.

Last night I did my monthly escape to Lady Jane's Salon. New York's only romance reading series and once again had a fine time.

This month the featured guests were:

New York Times and USA today Bestselling Author Caridad Pineiro.

Caridad read from her newest book Sins of the Flesh. A sexy paranormal suspense novel that at times can hit a little to close to home. You can check out Caridad here.

Also reading was Joanne Rendell who did a mock play of sorts with excerpts from her book Crossing Washington Square with the help of a hilariously funny cast of helpers.

It's the story of two strong willed university professors and the tensions between them. Check out Joanne, her musings and her first release here.

Lastly, helping to MC the night was Elizabeth Kerri Mahon of the Scandalous Women blog who was celebrating her birthday while dressed as Marie Antoinette who shares the same birthday! Happy Birthday again Elizabeth. You looked wonderful. You can check out Elizabeth's scandalous blog here.

Best,

Kwana

P.S.

Please remember to vote today. Thanks.

Nana not NaNo

Good Monday to you and wishing you a good week ahead.

Thanks so much for all the well wishes on my Nano challenge. Speaking of Nano, today I’m talking about Nana, my Nana. All my regular readers know her very well. She’s a regular here on the blog and Jack’s best girl well everyone’s really. Sweet as pie and can bake a heck of a pie. Smarter than anyone I know she also has the secret mouth of a sailor and can bring a hardened biker to his knees with lash of her quick tongue so stay on her good side. She’s also been a caregiver for many years since I was first born until she retired taking care of many children mostly for single mothers in Harlem. Lots of time for little pay, just doing what she could to help them get on their feet, have a job and take care of their children.

Well Nana got a fright on Halloween. I picked up the phone to give her a shout and say hi see if she was all ready for her trick or treaters. She was out of breath when she picked up the phone and I could tell she was upset.


Me:What‘s wrong?
Nana: I’m just back from my pharmacy and something has got to give baby.
Me: What happened?
Nana: Well you know I have to take 6 pills a day since I’ve had these stints put in.
Sidebar: such a scary time for our family when Nana was ill over a year ago and we’re so grateful for her continued improving health.
Me: Yep
Nana: I can’t take how these costs keep going up. My income is fixed you know. My one pill that was $38.00 last month has jumped to over $90.00 this month and there is no alternative medicine. I have to take it. I can see why these little old people skip pills or meals. Anymore of this and no one will have to worry about me needing meds. I’ll end up with a heart attack.
Me: Oh Nana don’t say that.
Nana: It’s true. I get so mad over all this heath care bull@#*$. People putting a price on lives. Without the little help from my family that I get I’d be dead now. This is just awful. Something had to give. They have to pass a bill and stop messing around. It’s always the little people that suffer.


Well, that’s it people there was much more said, but I won’t go into it. I was pissed and so was she so the rating on the blog would have to go up. So this is all I have to say is that. Tomorrow is Election Day. Please go out and vote and remember to be good stewards over all.

Please.



Best,
Kwana

You Nanu-I NaNo

Today starts NaNoWriMo or National Novel Writing Month where you are challenged to write 50,000 words in 1 month and for the first time I'm in. Eek!! Time to buckle down with some serious kamikaze writing.



Wish me luck coming out on the other side sane and alive.

If you are feeling up to the challenge you can sign yourself up here or if you are already in be my buddy my name is kwanawrites.

Nanu-Nanu or NaNo-NaNo!


Best,
Kwana