Dear Santa

This week's Road Trip Wednesday prompt:

What would be the ideal holiday present for your main character (or favorite character)?

Oooh, a good one. So what do my MC's want for Christmas? Well, I'll let them tell you. Or rather, I'll share with you their letters to Santa.

First off Jessica Jacobs from my YA time-travel novel Daze and Knights.

Dear Santa,

Um, this might be a lot to ask, and kinda tough to pull off, but I'd actually like to be with my boyfriend for Christmas. Well, I don't know if I can call Lord Alric my boyfriend. He probably doesn't even know what that word means, although I guess it's not hard to figure out. But saying lover seems a bit much for a teenage girl.

         

But seriously. I miss him. A lot. So maybe a time machine to take me back to Hampshire? And a new dress so I could look all hot. Ooh- and maybe a fancy dagger that I could give him as a present. That would be awesome, thanks.

And if that's just a bit much to ask... I could use a new iPod.

    

You're the best!

    

          Jessica

Next up is Ava's letter, my twenty-seven-year-old protag from Sway. Since Sway happens during the summer, this letter was written before the story takes place. (I don't want to give anything away by doing it after the story's over!)

Dear Santa,

It's been a long year and I'm glad it's almost over. Mostly, I'd like my family and friends to have what they wish for. Dad's favorite face cream. Chanel perfume for Aunt Rose. That new Hermes bag for Beth. For Mari- maybe a vacation or some kind of alone time with Charlie (so you might want to avoid giving him any video games this year). Mari's boys want Cars 2 on DVD but I've already bought that for them, so whatever else they've put on their list- you choose.

If anyone deserves something for Christmas, it's Lexi. She could use a break. Or a man. Someone she can rely on. If you could manage that, I won't ask for anything for myself.

Speaking of myself though... I know I've asked for the same thing the last seven years but I can't help but ask again. More than anything, I would really love to have Eric back in my life. I know- I already had it and I screwed it all up. But if you could possibly, just maybe, in some way manage it... That would be my dearest Christmas wish.

Sincerely,

Ava Elliot

  
      So what about your characters? What would they ask Santa for this Christmas?

CrushES of the Week and Teaser Tuesday

     Crush of the week? No stinking way this week! I've got crushES.
     First of all, I saw the movie New Years Eve last Saturday night. It was a great movie, but then I love me a chick flick and usually I'm not too picky about them. This one didn't disappoint. And hello? Josh Duhamel and Zac Efron.

Yes, hello.

And hell-oooo.

     And then... last night I watched the latest episode of Once Upon A Time. No spoilers but if you've already seen it, you'll understand why I picked this dude (Jamie Dornan) and why I had to mention him NOW.

     So I'm not going to wax poetic or anything. The pictures say it all. But maybe just one more HELLO!
     And, unrelated, I thought I'd join in on Teaser Tuesdays hosted by MizB over at Should Be Reading. Here's what you do:

Grab your current read

Open to a random page

Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

So here's mine.

I always want a tip, you undead creeps.

He fixed me with a scowl that could launch a thousand horror novels.

Supernaturally by Kiersten White, page 54

Music Rights (and an awesome giveaway)

  
    In Sway, I use the lyrics from two songs. I know I need to get permission to use the rights. My question is this- is it necessary to have the permission before you query? Or can you wait until after?
     I think I remember reading somewhere that agents like you to have that already set before you query. My thing with that is, what songwriter is going to give some nobody rights to their song? Know what I mean? I would think they'd be more willing to allow their song to appear in something that has a good chance of being published, instead of with someone who doesn't even have an agent.
     Any thoughts? Advice?
     I've thought about not including the lyrics at all so I won't even have to bother. But they are so important to the scenes they appear in. My MC reacts to the words quite strongly and without the actual lyrics, you wouldn't get the same sense of why she's upset.
     I'm not planning on querying Sway anytime soon. It still needs to go out to Betas and I need a few more edits of my own (on paper, out loud, etc). But I've been wondering about this rights question for awhile so I'd love it if anyone has any insight.
     Aaaaannnndddd... have you been over to YA Highway lately? Have you seen their winter giveaway? If not, go there. Now. You'll be amazed. Or, don't actually. Then I might have a better chance of winning! Haha.

Sway in Pictures

     I don't usually do this. Mostly because I can't seem to find the right pics like everyone else can. I must be out-of-the-loop on some awesome picture website or something. Anyway, I thought it would be easier with Sway, since it takes place in LA and all. So here's some pics to go along with my most recent completed manuscript. Enjoy!

How Low Would You Go?

Road Trip Wednesday is a ‘Blog Carnival,’ where YA Highway's contributors post a weekly writing- or reading-related question and answer it on our own blogs. You can hop from destination to destination and get everybody's unique take on the topic.

This Week's Topic: How far would you go to get published?

     If you head over to YA Highway, you'll see a picture of a baseball field and these words at each base: First Base- Jumping on the trend train, Second Base- Switch to a well-selling genre, Third Base- Minor revisions requested to sign with an agent, and Home Run- Major revisions requested by editor.
     Which bases would you hit?
     So... funny enough, if it was my version of baseball/getting published, I would jump straight to third base, and then on to the home run. Revisions I'd do, no problem. Well, I say no problem right now... I suppose if it came down to making huge major changes, I might balk. And I mean HUGE MAJOR CHANGES. Example of HUGE MAJOR CHANGES? lnstead of Jessica in Daze going back to medieval times to learn how to swordfight and kick some butt and fall in love, Jessica goes back to medieval times, teaches the peasants the dance numbers from West Side Story, and then the aliens come and she gets body snatched. (If some of you think that would make a great book... you go write it!)
     The reason I'd jump straight to third base? I'm not into writing to trends. I mean, obviously. I'm writing YA time-travel and chick lit. Not exactly hot trends right now. Although I did write YA, I did it because it seemed right and natural for Jessica's story, not because YA is hot right now. I just don't think I could write something just because it's "selling" or "popular". I wouldn't have a story. When Vampires were the huge thing, and I love them, I still couldn't write my own vampire story. I never had one. And to force myself? Only crap would ensue from forcing.
     So basically? I'm willing to do revisions, lots of revisions because I know I'm not the best writer out there, the most experienced, and I've got lots to learn. I'm willing to put in the work I know it takes to get the best of me into my novels. But to change myself or the story completely just to make some bucks or see my name in print? I don't think so.
     What about you? How far would you go?

I'm Ba-ack!



 This is where I was on Friday- Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

This is what I came home to on Saturday (my backyard)

 

     You know what really sucks? Being on a warm, white, sandy beach with clear blue water one day... then stepping off an airplane to heaps of freezing cold snow the next.
     Seriously- major suckage.
     I had a great cruise. It was awesome. I snorkeled (for the first time) over a shipwreck and took a catamaran in St. Thomas. I zip-lined (another first) through the rain forest of San Juan, Puerto Rico. I rented a junker car and got to see parts of Grand Turk that the cruise lines DON'T want you to see, and I laid on the above-mentioned beach in Half Moon Cay, Bahamas.
     Aaaahhhhh, heaven.
     Now I'm back to minus weather, shoveling snow (well, I don't actually have to shovel, my hubbie snow-blows), wearing mittens and toques and scarves, and generally freezing my patootie off. Sigh. At least it's Christmas. It helps to ward off PVD: Post-Vacation Depression.
     I hope everyone has been doing great and not slacking off like I did this past week. Although I have to admit, it was nice to be computer-free for a week. I think I needed a tech break. Everyone should take one once in awhile.
     I can't wait to get back to reading all your blogs!

Cast List

     Well, my peeps... okay, I should never write that word again. I don't say it out loud so why I thought it would sound okay in print...
     Anyway, I'm off tomorrow on a CRUISE! Yay me! Eastern Caribbean, here I come! Alas, this means internet silence. Seriously, don't know how I'm gonna deal. But maybe it'll be good for me. Maybe.
     I thought, for my last post for over a week (eek!), that I'd share the cast list I came up with for my new MS Sway that I'm currently editing. I know, I know, it's a bit early to be picking actors right? WRONG! I love to do this. I think it's fun. So back off.
     Kidding. Sort of. Clearly, I'm in a weird, slightly hyper-active mood today. It probably has nothing to do with the fact that I haven't been on a plane since 2006, I've never been on a ship (a boat- yes, ship- no), and I'm just so darn control-freakish that I feel like my head is going to explode. And my stupid iPad has gone berserk- right before the trip (ARGH!).
     Anyway... again... (stop blabbing Melanie), here's my cast list along with some great pics. FYI-
I've got A TON of characters! Enjoy! And see you all in December!
     Oooh, one more thing. I've said this before, but a quick explanation. My character Eric Wentworth is inspired by this (oh-so-lovely) actor:

Rupert Penry-Jones

     But, since he's in his early forties now and Eric is only twenty-seven, I chose this guy:

Eric Wentworth- played by Chris Evans

Ava Elliot- played by Alexis Bledel

Beth Elliot- played by Jessica Biel

Mari (Elliot) Musgrove- played by Michelle Trachtenberg

Charlie Musgrove- played by Erik Knudsen

Gage Johnson- played by Mark Salling

Lexi Smith- played by Emma Stone

Lacey Musgrove- played by Ashley Benson

Halle Musgrove- played by Hilary Duff

Luke Hayter- played by Tom Felton

Sam Benwick- played by Emile Hirsch

Giving Thanks (Even Though I Already Did)

     This week's Road Trip Wednesday Topic:

What writing or publishing-related thing(s) are you most thankful for?

    
     Since I'm Canadian, I celebrated Thanksgiving last month. But you should never stop being thankful for things right? And it doesn't hurt to express those thanks more than once a year.
    
     1. I'm thankful for AWESOME books. Persuasion, The Twilight Saga, Lola and the Boy Next Door... just to name a few. I realized lately, as much as I want to be one of those wonderful and talented authors, if I was them... well I'd have nothing to read!
     2. I'm thankful for beta readers/crit partners/brainstorming buddies... whatever you want to call them and whatever they are to you. Without those people, my books wouldn't make it very far. Speaking of which, anyone want to be a beta for me and read my Persuasion remake? Anyone? Bueller?
     3. Some people might be surprised about this one, but I'm thankful for books turned into movies. Seriously. Yes, sometimes they suck. Sometimes they're even better than the book (okay rarely). But mostly, when I love a book so much and don't want to leave the world, I'm happy to take part in extending my time in that world, and with those characters, in any way possible. Now. Who's going to make movies of Anna and Lola? Anyone? Bueller? Get on that someone. (Cuz I can't wait to see St. Clair and Cricket come to life on the big screen.)
     4. I'm thankful for the time I can find to write/edit/read. Sometimes it's hard to find that time. So when I get it... lucky me. I just need to learn to be a bit more appreciative and a little less cranky when that time gets interrupted.
     5. Mostly- I'm thankful for whatever talent I have to write. I'm not saying I'm the greatest writer out there (because of course I'm not). But I know I've got something. And I'm grateful for that. And I'm thankful that I've found something that makes me happy.
     What are you thankful for on this American Thanksgiving weekend?

On Vamps and Wolves

     I saw Breaking Dawn on Saturday night. It's nice that our theatre close by has the AVX theatre. Meaning, you can buy your tickets in advance and pick your seats. So a week before, we bought our tickets, picked prime seats, and then didn't have to get there early or wait in any lines on Saturday night. Meaning I could pretend I wasn't a screaming fangirl. Nice.

    Anyway... my verdict? Well, I liked it. A lot. I wasn't expecting much. Breaking Dawn is my least favorite of the books, although I do love Jacob's perspective. With a wedding, honeymoon, and pregnancy... well I knew the movie would probably be a bit slow, with very little action.
     I didn't find it slow at all. I guess because I know the characters, I know the story, and I was caught up in it. My brother-in-law (who just came to be with his wife) found it VERY slow. So I guess, if you're a fan you'll probably like it. If you're not... don't expect to be riveted.

     Jacob was the best part for me (and I'm a Team Edward girl). Taylor Lautner did an awesome job. It was really evident how much Jacob has to grow up and mature in this movie. And they did the whole birth scene VERY well. It was gross, a little bit traumatizing, and Bella looked AWFUL. Seriously, so so bad. I enjoyed the movie enough that I'm miffed I have to wait another year to see part two.
     Anyway, of course I'm going to do my crush of the week. And I've got two. Like I said, I'm a Team Edward girl. In fact, in my first reading of the books, I never got Bella's thing for Jacob in Eclipse (that whole begging him to kiss her scene). Seeing the movies... well, I understood better. Maybe that's just because of Taylor Lautner! Haha. Actually, this re-reading, and watching all the movies again... I couldn't help but think as a human I'd rather be with a werewolf. Hot bods aside, the warmth is very appealing. And there's something about the idea of snuggling up with a big, furry dog. But the love story between Edward and Bella has always been what got me, what hooked me to the books.
     So right now, I'm on Team Both.

   

First-Chapter Phobia

    
     I think I've developed beginning-phobia. Or maybe I should call it first-chapter-phobia.
     With Daze and Knights, I wrote probably twenty different beginnings. And the funny thing is, I liked them ALL. Seriously. But I was on this quest to find the BEST one, a beginning that would blow people away. I don't think I achieved that goal, but I did finally settle on one.
     With Sway, I just jumped right in, ignoring any kind of beginning. I know that's what you're supposed to do, but by jump right in, I literally mean jump right in. There was no backstory or description WHATSOEVER. I know, I know, too much backstory is a BAAAD thing. But this had NONE.
     Probably mid-way through, I did come up with an idea- two paragraphs- for a start. I really like it, but it still wasn't enough. It wasn't until I'd written "The End" that I went back to the start and tried to connect those two paragraphs with my jump-right-in chapter. It was difficult. Hence- first-chapter-phobia. I did write it, but I'm not altogether happy with it. I feel like I forced it too much and when I force my writing, I'm never happy with what comes out.
     I guess I should remind myself that all those many beginnings for Daze came about during my many edits, NOT during the first draft. So hopefully edits will help me tighten the beginning I've got now or give me inspiration for something completely different, and completely amazing. Hopefully, I really haven't developed first-chapter-phobia. Because that freaks me out! I'll get a phobia of having the stupid phobia!
     How about you? Any writing phobias? (Is it just me, or is phobia a funny word or what?)

Dum-Da-Da-DAAAHHHHH!!!!!

   
    I'm done! I did it! I finished writing my third book! Ooo-aaa, ooo-aaa, woot, squee (and all those other weird internet sounds people like to make up and somehow become wildly popular).
     So it's no NaNo, but I did write it in three and a half months, which is a record for me. Not that I was trying to hurry, but I did have a goal to have it finished before I leave for my cruise next weekend. And I did! Yay!
     Anyway, I'm giving it one edit right now while separating it into chapters and then I'm going to put it away for a bit. Maybe send it to betas if I think it's ready. I've got some other editing to do and I'm already brainstorming what to write next.
     I'm totally psyched I did it. Writing the first draft is probably the funnest part of all, but there's nothing like that feeling of accomplishment when you've written that last word.
     Aaaahhhh.

Today, I'm The Teacher (Beware)

This week's Road Trip Wednesday:

In high school, teens are made to read the classics - Shakespeare, Hawthorne, Bronte, Dickens - but there are a lot of books out there never taught in schools. So if you had the power to change school curriculums, which books would you be sure high school students were required to read?

     First off- I could never be a teacher. I SUCK at teaching, anything. But that's besides the point. Let's pretend that I actually am a good teacher and I get to choose... cue the evil laugh- BWAHAHAH!

     So because I'm an AWESOME teacher and I LOVE my students, I'd make them read every Harry Potter book. Just because I'm nice like that. We'd watch the movies in class and discuss whether we liked Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans better than Cauldron Cakes and what animal we'd be if we could be an Animagus. Actually, screw it, let's make that a whole year's subject- like Harry Potter 101.

     If I had to teach more seriously... I'd choose books that make you think, that relate to teens and that teach them something about their world. Examples: Wintergirls, and Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver.

     And because I like history, I'd probably go for books like The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, and Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson.
     Funny- I picked all YA books.
     If you could pick the curriculum, what books would you make high school kids read?

NaNo? Or No NaNo? That Is The (Very Funny-Sounding) Question

     Good luck to all those NaNo-ers out there. I bow to you. I don't think I could ever write a book in a month. I've thought about it... but no. Maybe one year I'll try, but not this year.
     First of all, I'm so close to finishing my current WIP, it would be silly to start something new.
     Second of all, well I've got a CRAPLOAD of things to do. A cruise in two weeks, then I'm hosting my family's christmas weekend in December. My daughter turns eight next month and is getting baptized, and I have to write, plan, and play my church's Christmas program. Not to mention all the busy-ness that Christmas brings. Yeesh. I'll seriously be surprised if I don't go crazy in the next month.
     I'm almost done my WIP though... I want to say by tomorrow but I don't want to jinx it. So wish me luck, and good luck to you guys. I like reading your NaNo updates and I'm simply amazed at all you awesome writers out there. I love being a part of this whole writer community. Hopefully, I'll be able to give back someday.

Here's To The Heroes

     It's Remembrance Day here in Canada, a day to remember those who have fought, bled, suffered, lived and died to give us the freedoms we enjoy today. A day to honor those who are still fighting today. My brother was one of those- he returned from Afghanistan earlier this year.

     One thing we do here in Canada is wear a poppy to show our support. I wear one every year (and poke myself with it at least twenty times a day). The poppy comes from the poem "In Flanders Fields" written by John McCrae- a Canadian soldier who wrote the poem in Belgium in 1915. Since it's been a long time since I've read it myself, I thought I'd post it here.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

     Last week while at my parents house, my dad played me a song that brought tears to my eyes. It happens to be perfect for today. Take a couple of minutes and listen to it and just... Remember.
     Lest We Forget.

Here's To The Heroes, sung by the Ten Tenors

Awesome Songs and An Irish Crush

     I thought I'd lay off talking about music for awhile, but I just can't help myself. I've loved Christina Perri ever since Jar of Hearts on SYTYCD (love her). I'm also a Bruno Mars fan (love him). And if you couldn't tell by the Breaking Dawn widget at the side of my blog, I'm also a Twilight fan (love it all). So what happens when you combine the three?
     Pure magic in the form of two songs on the Breaking Dawn soundtrack that I just had to share if you haven't heard them yet.

A Thousand Years by Christina Perri

It Will Rain by Bruno Mars

     I have to do crush of the week since I won't be seeing much of this guy anymore. He just got booted from DWTS on Tuesday, or rather, his partner Nancy Grace was booted. Anyway, I love his dancing, he's such a cutie, and I go ga-ga over that accent (even the way he says "turd" instead of "third")! So this week's Crush of the Week: Tristan McManus. (Can he be my partner when I make it on the show one day?!)

I Am So Not Supergirl

     It's Road Trip Wednesday again! Here's this week's topic:

What are your writing and publishing superpowers (drafting? beta-reading? writing queries? plotting? character creation? etc.) -- and what's your kryptonite?
     Superpowers? Moi? I wish! Seriously, I can't think of anything. I know what comes easier to me and I know what's more difficult, so maybe I should just go with that. I find dialogue, emotions, and scenes between the love-interests the easiest and the funnest to write. They come naturally and quickly to me. But that doesn't mean they end up good so I couldn't really call that a superpower.
     As to the kryptonite... sheesh- everything?! Okay, descriptions for me are hard. I don't have the patience for them when I'm reading, nor do I have the patience to write them. I write them anyway because I know they're necessary. But when I read, it's the story, the characters, the actions that capture me, not what they're wearing or what the house looks like or how pretty the sky is. That's the kind of reader I am and that's the kind of writer I am. So descriptions are something I really have to slave over so they don't totally suck.
     I'd also have to say that writing the dreaded synopsis is like a trip to the guillotine. Mine for Daze and Knights totally sucks and I'm going to have to rewrite it before I do another round of queries in the new year.
     What about you? Do you have Superpowers? And if so- mind sharing?

Last Day

30 Day Song Challenge, Day 30: My Favorite Song This Time Last Year
    
     I've made it! The last day of the song challenge. While I had fun choosing the songs, watching the music videos, and listening to music I love, I'm glad it's over.
     So for my last day- my fave song last year- easy. Two Is Better Than One by Boys Like Girls. I've put this song on my blog before and I'll do it again. Because I love it. Martin Johnson and Taylor Swift's voices blend really nicely together, the words are simply but lovely, and the video is nice. But mostly, this song is my theme song for Daze and Knights. Every time I hear it I see a book montage go through my head and I love that. Enjoy. And I'll get back to writing posts tomorrow!

Boy Bands and RyanDan (these two are linked, trust me)

     I just discovered something this weekend. Anyone fans of RyanDan? I first heard their song Tears of an Angel on someone else's blog (can't remember whose) and loved it. So I downloaded some of their songs cuz I wanted more. This weekend I was listening to them on my iPad, and sort of absently staring at the album cover that was on the screen. And I realized- these two dudes are familiar!
     Ever heard of B4-4? They were a Canadian boy band back when boy bands were huge. I still have their CD on my bookshelf. I particularly loved this song: Get Down (seriously, watch it, it's hilarious)

    

     I also liked Go Go and Endlessly. But anyway, RyanDan are the same guys!!! (minus the brunette) What I'd like to know, is how they went from cheesy boy band above (admittedly, I loved it) to this:

Like The Sun

     Or another comparison, if you don't want to watch the videos:

 B4-4

     RyanDan

     Craziness. Dudes have grown up, that's all I can say. Anyway, that has nothing to do with writing of course and neither does this, 30 Day Song Challenge, Day 29: A Song From My Childhood.
     Speaking of boy bands, the first band I ever liked all on my own (older sibs didn't like it first) was New Kids On The Block. I was in Grade Four so I think that qualifies as childhood.

Step By Step

Love Suckage

     30 Day Song Challenge, Day 28: A Song That Makes Me Feel Guilty
     Ummm, well... sheesh. This is a bit personal, don't you think? Can I plead the fifth. Maybe say we're experiencing technical difficulties and play some elevator music instead? No?
     Dang.
     Okay, I chose a song by one of my fave bands, Simple Plan. The song is called You Suck At Love. Now, if you know this song, or if you decide to listen to it right now, just know that I am NOT a "serial cheater". But I listen to this song and can't help but be reminded how much I suck at love. Seriously, I do. I love to write about it, but in real life... I'm not so great at it. Maybe that's why I do write it- to try and redeem myself a bit.

     ANYWAY...

WIP Ramblings and Rag-Time

     Ahhh, I'm so close- I can see the end in sight! I'm at 69,000 words on my WIP, I've got a few scenes left to write, and then I'm DONE! It makes me all antsy inside. And I get doubly antsy when I start to worry about all the things that could be wrong with it. But of course, you've gotta push that aside and just write. I tell myself that all the time. Wait till after, fix it later, etc.
     I made a comment to someone yesterday that sort of popped out but I realized as I was saying it (or texting it) that it was true. I said that I never worried so much about my characters when I wrote Daze and Knights. That makes me worry a little that I didn't put in enough effort into Daze. But as I was thinking about it, I realized a few things. One, Jessica- the MC in Daze- is a lot like me. Her thought processes, her actions, her likes and dislikes... a lot of me came out in her and so it was very natural to write her. The love interest, Alric, was also easy to write, mostly because I wanted an almost perfect guy and so all I had to do was imagine what my perfect guy would be like. The rest of the characters sort of just came together naturally.
     The thing with Sway, is that these are not my original characters. They aren't coming solely from my imagination. Instead, I'm copying them, or stealing them might be the better way to say it, from a classic novel. I'm reinventing them. Which, can I say, is HIGHLY stressful. I want to do them justice, I want them to keep a lot of the same characteristics as their original selves, but I need them to be modern and believable in our world.
     Yeah, that stresses me out. And that's not even mentioning the pressure I feel to do the entire classic novel justice. Agh- what was I thinking writing this? Ha, nevermind. I'm almost done, there's no point worrying about that now! And it's been a blast writing it, that's for sure.
     Anyway, enough of my ramblings. 30 Day Song Challenge, Day 27: A Song I Wish I Could Play
     Easy-peasy. I've always wanted to be able to play Maple Leaf Rag by Scott Joplin on the piano. I can play most of it, all but the last page. But I've never nailed that last page down. And I've never played it really well. I tend to lose control of my fingers and the right hand ends up going faster then the left. Ah well. Practice right? (Ohmygosh, I just listened to this and realized how much I suck at this song! I wish I could play it as well as this!)