Best Books of 2011

     Well I'm here today for Road Trip Wednesday. I'm actually at my parents house so I'm attempting to do this post on my iPad and with my new teeny iPad keyboard that I got for Christmas and I'm psyched about but it's really small and some of the buttons are in the wrong spot so it's going to take some getting used to.
     Anyway, this weeks Road Trip Wednesday question is:
What were your top five best books of 2011?
     (Why are you making me choose? Please don't make me pick my favorites! I'm terrible at it!)
Okay, so nobody's making me. I want to do this post. Looking back on the books I've read this year, it was really hard to come up with my favorites. First off, I'm not going to count the beloved faves I reread this year like the Harry Potter series, Twilight saga or Persuasion. Because let's face it, that wouldn't be fair to the rest of the books. I loved a lot of the books I read, but not a lot of them really stood out to me as favorites. So I might break some rules as I go along.
    It was actually really easy to pick my first one. I already had my favorite book of the year all picked out. And since I'm breaking the rules, I'm going to put two books in my top spot because they're by the same author.

     #1. Anna and the French Kiss AND Lola and the Boy Next Door

     I LOVED these books. Even though it has been awhile since I've read either, I still think about them and I itch almost daily to reread them. Just yesterday I was thinking randomly about Cricket Bell. I do the same thing with Anna, Lola, and Etienne. These are characters that I love and that have obviously stayed with me.

#2. Juliet by Anne Fortier

     This is another book I'd like to reread. I loved the back and forth between now and the past, I loved the tie-in with Romeo and Juliet, and I loved the love story. It was EXACTLY my kind of book.

#3. Timeless by Alexandra Monir

     One of the reasons I loved this book was because it reminded me of my own Jessica books. They're not very similar, but I couldn't help but be drawn in my a character who falls in love with a guy from the past. I loved the history in this book and the MC's love of music. I really connected with this book and have been anxiously awaiting the sequel.

#4. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

     I read a TON of paranormal this year. Lots were good. For some reason, and I don't think I can pinpoint that reason, this book really stood out to me. Maybe it's because it's from a boy's POV. Maybe because his love interest is not that perfect, unattainable character. Maybe I just liked the magic powers. Definitely I liked the historical references and flashbacks. Whatever the reason, probably all of the above, this was my favorite paranormal of the year.
     Here's where I break the rules. There were a few books I read this year that really taught me something. They stuck with me. None of them were light or fun or entertaining really. I don't know if I'll reread them a lot if at all. But they were the kinds of books that I think EVERYONE should read because they must. Here they are.

#5. Speak and Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson, 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, and Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

So what are your top five books of the year? I wouldn't mind adding to my TBR pile.

Merry Christmas!

    

     Like everyone else, I'm signing off for... well I don't know how long. Maybe I'll post next week, maybe not. Most likely not since to Grandmother's house we will go. So I wish everyone a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah, a Happy Kwanzaa, a Happy Festivus... or whatever it is you celebrate. And my advice to one and all? Take a break from your writing/editing/revising/beta-ing and spend time with your family. And I'll try to take my own advice.
    

Book Buying

     This week's Road Trip Wednesday is a straight forward and easy question:

Where do you buy most of your books? No one is judging!

     First I look at Walmart. Their books are 30% off, but you can only get them when they first come out and there are only few to choose from. Superstore is the same way- 25% off, but little choice.

Ditto to Costco. They have great prices but you have to get the books right when they're there because it doesn't take long for them to disappear. When those places fail, or when I'm trying to buy a book that's older or less popular, I buy from Chapters/Indigo. I'm Canadian and that's our main Canadian bookseller.

    
     Speaking of books, I got hardly any chick lit recommendations yesterday. Anyone else have any to recommend for me?

Calling All Readers of Chick Lit

(I don't have this book but I thought it was funny)

     They say to read the genre you're writing, right? I remember reading that bit of advice when I'd just finished my first draft of Daze and Knights. Up until then, the only YA I'd read was Twilight and Harry Potter (if you can count the latter- I suppose it starts off as more middle grade). Maybe you could include Eragon and Narnia in that category as well. But that was it. So began a love affair with YA (I can't believe what I was missing! I don't think I ever read YA, not even as a teen!). YA will probably be my genre of choice for a long time.
     But. Now I've finished my first draft of Sway and I find myself in exactly the same position. I've hardly read any chick lit. Sophie Kinsella. I think that's it. Oh, and I read Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin and P.S. I Love You by Cecilia Ahern (although is the latter chick lit? Don't know.) I've got The Devil Wears Prada on my TBR pile. The only other books that may apply are Jane Austen-related. Like Austenland, Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict, etc.

     So. I need some recommendations. What's good? Who's good? What will I LOVE? Please help expand my already huge TBR pile (haha)!
     On to Teaser Tuesday. I'm only picking one sentence this week because it's a long one!

Despite the fact that he no longer dressed like the big dork he did then, despite the fact that he'd swapped the nerd wear for some much cooler clothes, despite the fact that he'd let his hair go all shaggy and loose to the point where it curved down into his face in that cool guy, slightly windswept, effortless way, despite the fact that every time I looked into his brilliant blue eyes I was totally reminded of the Zac Efron poster that used to hang on my old bedroom wall, it still didn't make it okay for him to laugh at me the way he did.

Shimmer, by Alyson Noel, page 10

The Next Door Boys

   
     Last night I finished reading The Next Door Boys by Jolene Perry. It was a great read and I have to recommend it to everyone. It's fun reading a book by someone I know. Okay, I don't actually know Jolene. But her blog was one of the first I followed over a year ago so I feel like I can claim that.
     The Next Door Boys is about Leigh- a girl recovering from cancer who just wants to live a normal life and be on her own. So she goes to BYU but still has to deal with her overprotective brother and the fact that her body isn't fully recovered. And she has to deal with all these boys liking her.
     I don't read a lot of LDS novels (even though I am LDS), but I found it fun to read about things I could personally relate to. Not the cancer of course, but going to BYU and the marriage craziness and just the little things that reminded me of my time there. Mostly I loved the love story and watching it unfold slowly. I loved how the characters were really rounded out. I found that while I didn't personally relate to Leigh in a lot of ways (the cancer, she sews, and *gasp* she doesn't like chick flicks), I still connected to her. Most of all, I loved Brian. But sheesh- what's not to love about the guy?
     Anyway, read it, especially if you're LDS and even if you're not because it's a great story. And then stop by Jolene Perry's blog if you don't already follow her. You won't regret it.

Matched

   
    I'm seriously busy today but I HAVE to take a moment and declare the AWESOMENESS that is MATCHED by Ally Condie. I'm not a Dystopian fan but there was something about this book and I couldn't put it down. Can't wait to read Crossed! Put it on the top of your TBR pile if you haven't read it yet.
     That's it! Have a great weekend and hopefully I won't get so stressed out that I can somehow enjoy mine too.

Random Thought Thursday

     It's been awhile since I've done Random Thought Thursday, but my brain is especially immersed in randomness today so...

1. I watched Battle: Los Angeles last night and was surprised that it didn't totally suck.

2. I'm still pretty cheesed off that Catching Fire has yet to come out in Paperback. What is the deal?

3. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer was a great book. Weird. But good.

4. Ditto to Supernaturally. Not weird, but a great sequel. I love Kiersten White's voice.

5. I have a big weekend coming up (tons of family in my not-so-big house) and I refuse to let myself become stressed about it. At least that's what I keep telling myself.

6. I'm getting excited for this new story idea that's flittering around in my brain. YA Fantasy- here I come!

7. It's A Wonderful Life makes me cry, Every. Single. Year.

8. I'm reading Matched by Ally Condie right now and LOVING it! (Even though I don't like Dystopian much.)

9. Michael Buble's new Christmas CD has gotta be my favorite one ever. Although I do love me the classics (Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Perry Como).

10. Two of my daughter's birthdays and Christmas all happen in the space of two and a half weeks. Sheesh. Busy, much?

     What about you? Any random thoughts to share?

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.