(copy of my Goodreads Blog post)
I can't tell you how long I stared at this button on my Author
Dashboard: "BLOG" -- Extolling the virtues of reaching a wide audience
(and there were already three, count em THREE! people waiting for me
create a Blog so they could follow). Geeez, People, lemmings much?
So, why did I stare at the fairly innocuous BLOG button for so long (probably four minutes, my eyes were starting to dry up)? Would you believe "fear of commitment"?
Holy Moly! If I create a blog, not only do I have to, like, post stuff, but people might start to expect regular posts or something. Gosh, maybe even as regularly as once a month or something. I haven't been that regular since I had my peri... well, let's not get into that. Suffice to say, I had to examine if I was dedicated enough to my Peeps (heeheehee, great word, that!) that I could realistically take time to regularly, at the minimum, weekly, sit down and babble.
Guess what? I actual like to spout off random stuff that catches my fancy. I think I'm not all that interesting, but I bet that I can talk about what's going on in the Red Rover - Team Red series (Books 1, yes plural) and the progress on Book 2. Red Zone. The opening line in book two is "Bonzai!" (Heh, you're curious now, aren't you?)
... And if there are already three people waiting to follow me over the metaphorical cliff of my imagination (see above reference to lemmings), then heck-- get in line, let's take a walk!
First, about me, I'm Tina- friends call me T, or Ms T. I'm not really all that special, I don't see dead people... well, unless I'm flipping through old family photos. I can't really hear my dog's thoughts, although, I DO understand what he's saying most of the time (other pet owners will get that!). I'm not spectacularly excellent at anything in particular, but I'm a passable artist, writer, scholar, and Aunt Extraordinaire.
Second, I love to write. And sometimes writing is about not how well you can write the next Great American Novel, using flawless grammar and snooty punctuation; sometimes, its just about making someone smile, or laugh out loud. Sometimes, its sharing a fun thought, or putting a great life experience on paper so others' can share a great moment that had an impact on you, the writer.
I've lived a rich and wonderful life, and I view my life through a warped lens of sarcasm, and self-reflection (trust me, its not always pretty, but often we catch sight of ourselves in a mirror and its important to stop and look at how the world sees you).
I have been enriched by having the comfort/security of being in love with totally awesome men in very healthy and wonderful relationships... enough said... but healthy relationship can give us a foundation for great stories about love, friendship, loss, trust, shared laughter, and so many other emotions.
I have been blessed to travel: I've lived or visited Germany (and the surrounding European countries), Australia, Canada, Mexico, and probably more than half the United States. Travel can add another layer of experience to stories, not so much by their inclusion in a particular story, but by giving a writer a perspective on where they are now. Think about how three stories about mountains would differ if told from the perspective of a desert dweller that has only seen them from a distance, a person that lives in the Appalachians (a moderate sized range of mountains when compared to the Rockies or Sierras), and a third person telling a story when all then have known is living atop a mountain in Tibet. Where we've been effects the way we tell the story of where we are now-- Geez, that would make a great metaphor or something *snicker*
As the first post, I'll chat briefly (or not, knowing me and my penchant for dragging things out) about Red Rover. There are two versions of the story. The original is adult themed. Why? Because that's what I read, and that's what I know. My own relationships have been flirty, humorous (I have been so lucky that my men had 'got' me- when I cracked a joke, they caught the reference- how cool is that?), my relationships have been passionate, loving, frustrating, straightforward, rocky in some places, and occasionally full of miscommunication and hurt feelings.
Red Rover is a reflection of the types of positive, and sometimes negative, ways that I have interacted with the people in my life. I am not blind (physically, anyway), but I loved the idea of a woman with a handicap, who acknowledged her short-comings, yet still didn't feel it made her less of a woman. I liked the idea of the talking dog, Red, because it was fun and lighthearted. Red Rover started out with a basic idea: A woman picks out a dog that later becomes a companion dog when she is blinded in an accident. That was it. I just wanted the challenge of writing, because its a creative outlet.
Holy Hens in a Handbasket! No one told me that the characters would develop personalities of their own. Its true, and totally screws up my perceptions about paranormal phenomenon-- I mean, how else can I explain that I'd be writing along (minding my own business), a fairly clear concept in my mind of where my story was going, and POW! The dog did something totally unexpected! I can not tell you how many times I re-read my chapters and was saying in my head, "I wrote this?" "Why in heaven's name, did I do this? It makes the plot all messed up." I got no sympathy from me.
There was a major plot in the original book that had Teresa ending up with a totally different guy than she ended up with. When I was writing chapter five, I fully expected a different ending, to the book and I was consciously (although, obviously, not) meaning to take the story in one firm direction. When Teresa had the fight in the car I had no idea I would end up so drained -- where did all this emotion come from? It was totally unexpected that Teresa would say such strong and heartfelt angry words. Geez, couldn't someone have warned me that I would lose pieces of myself when I wrote? Luckily, when I read the book, I find the pieces of myself again, and its a miraculous thing.
When I started the first chapter of the original version of Red Rover, I needed a name for my protagonist. Teresa is the name of my childhood friend. I couldn't have loved her more if she was the child of my mother's loins. She and I didn't always agree, and at one point we drifted apart for personal reasons that won't be discussed. We touched each others' lives at a couple points in our adult lives; I wish it had been more. Teresa, as a child, battled Hodgkin's lymphoma, and as an adult breast cancer, and heart problems -- all related, I'm sure. Teresa eventually lost her fight with cancer, and there's a hole in the world where she used to be. I named my protagonist so that I could always have a little part of my friend sharing my adventures with me.
This brings me to the Special Edition of Red Rover. Quite frankly, the original version is very carnal and has explicit sexual content. I spoke with readers that told me their kids (kids being relative they could have been any age) were interested in the story of the talking dog; and, especially, I wanted to make a version of the book that Teresa's family to be able to share.
Enter the idea for a Special Edition. The original idea was to try for a YA (Young Adult) version of the book, because of the talking dog angle. I tried, really, I did- but we are back to the life experiences thing again. I don't have kids, so I have no clue how to relate (except as an Aunt.. spoil them, buy them presents, fill them with sugar, and send them back hyped up as payback to your siblings, right?). With a lot of help and input, within the next two or three weeks, there should be a modified New Adult version of the story. Protagonist ages are reduced from 30-40 year old ranges, to 21-26 year olds.
The original story had an underlying plot had to be modified and more background was added (I mean, how do you give young twenty-somethings a jobs and lifestyle that matched the lifestyle of the people 10+ years older?) And there was a lot of hacking to remove sexual undertones as well as the few swear words, and the more explicit scenes. My challenge? I wanted to retain the elements of the story that were most important to me: the relationships. I cut out the overt sex, but I still wanted to relay the playfulness and joy of being in a loving relationship. They had sex, I didn't talk about it too much, its the best I can do and still tell MY story.
I am pleased with the Special Edition version, but when I read it, I don't see the lost pieces of myself in it. I see it fondly as something I like and feel comfortable with, but my heart is in the original version- because it more closely resembles my real life friendships: Irreverent, and finding humor in mundane and inappropriate ways.
So, here I am, giving up more pieces of myself by writing my BLOG (it deserves capital letters, don't you think?), because I am fully confident I will find those shared pieces every time someone writes and shares a piece of their story too.
I pressed the little BLOG button, and here we are. I have become a Leader of Lemmings *giggle* and let's see what kind of adventures I can lead you to. You could do worse you know... I've survived 52 years and haven't fallen off a cliff. Yet.
So, why did I stare at the fairly innocuous BLOG button for so long (probably four minutes, my eyes were starting to dry up)? Would you believe "fear of commitment"?
Holy Moly! If I create a blog, not only do I have to, like, post stuff, but people might start to expect regular posts or something. Gosh, maybe even as regularly as once a month or something. I haven't been that regular since I had my peri... well, let's not get into that. Suffice to say, I had to examine if I was dedicated enough to my Peeps (heeheehee, great word, that!) that I could realistically take time to regularly, at the minimum, weekly, sit down and babble.
Guess what? I actual like to spout off random stuff that catches my fancy. I think I'm not all that interesting, but I bet that I can talk about what's going on in the Red Rover - Team Red series (Books 1, yes plural) and the progress on Book 2. Red Zone. The opening line in book two is "Bonzai!" (Heh, you're curious now, aren't you?)
... And if there are already three people waiting to follow me over the metaphorical cliff of my imagination (see above reference to lemmings), then heck-- get in line, let's take a walk!
First, about me, I'm Tina- friends call me T, or Ms T. I'm not really all that special, I don't see dead people... well, unless I'm flipping through old family photos. I can't really hear my dog's thoughts, although, I DO understand what he's saying most of the time (other pet owners will get that!). I'm not spectacularly excellent at anything in particular, but I'm a passable artist, writer, scholar, and Aunt Extraordinaire.
Second, I love to write. And sometimes writing is about not how well you can write the next Great American Novel, using flawless grammar and snooty punctuation; sometimes, its just about making someone smile, or laugh out loud. Sometimes, its sharing a fun thought, or putting a great life experience on paper so others' can share a great moment that had an impact on you, the writer.
I've lived a rich and wonderful life, and I view my life through a warped lens of sarcasm, and self-reflection (trust me, its not always pretty, but often we catch sight of ourselves in a mirror and its important to stop and look at how the world sees you).
I have been enriched by having the comfort/security of being in love with totally awesome men in very healthy and wonderful relationships... enough said... but healthy relationship can give us a foundation for great stories about love, friendship, loss, trust, shared laughter, and so many other emotions.
I have been blessed to travel: I've lived or visited Germany (and the surrounding European countries), Australia, Canada, Mexico, and probably more than half the United States. Travel can add another layer of experience to stories, not so much by their inclusion in a particular story, but by giving a writer a perspective on where they are now. Think about how three stories about mountains would differ if told from the perspective of a desert dweller that has only seen them from a distance, a person that lives in the Appalachians (a moderate sized range of mountains when compared to the Rockies or Sierras), and a third person telling a story when all then have known is living atop a mountain in Tibet. Where we've been effects the way we tell the story of where we are now-- Geez, that would make a great metaphor or something *snicker*
As the first post, I'll chat briefly (or not, knowing me and my penchant for dragging things out) about Red Rover. There are two versions of the story. The original is adult themed. Why? Because that's what I read, and that's what I know. My own relationships have been flirty, humorous (I have been so lucky that my men had 'got' me- when I cracked a joke, they caught the reference- how cool is that?), my relationships have been passionate, loving, frustrating, straightforward, rocky in some places, and occasionally full of miscommunication and hurt feelings.
Red Rover is a reflection of the types of positive, and sometimes negative, ways that I have interacted with the people in my life. I am not blind (physically, anyway), but I loved the idea of a woman with a handicap, who acknowledged her short-comings, yet still didn't feel it made her less of a woman. I liked the idea of the talking dog, Red, because it was fun and lighthearted. Red Rover started out with a basic idea: A woman picks out a dog that later becomes a companion dog when she is blinded in an accident. That was it. I just wanted the challenge of writing, because its a creative outlet.
Holy Hens in a Handbasket! No one told me that the characters would develop personalities of their own. Its true, and totally screws up my perceptions about paranormal phenomenon-- I mean, how else can I explain that I'd be writing along (minding my own business), a fairly clear concept in my mind of where my story was going, and POW! The dog did something totally unexpected! I can not tell you how many times I re-read my chapters and was saying in my head, "I wrote this?" "Why in heaven's name, did I do this? It makes the plot all messed up." I got no sympathy from me.
There was a major plot in the original book that had Teresa ending up with a totally different guy than she ended up with. When I was writing chapter five, I fully expected a different ending, to the book and I was consciously (although, obviously, not) meaning to take the story in one firm direction. When Teresa had the fight in the car I had no idea I would end up so drained -- where did all this emotion come from? It was totally unexpected that Teresa would say such strong and heartfelt angry words. Geez, couldn't someone have warned me that I would lose pieces of myself when I wrote? Luckily, when I read the book, I find the pieces of myself again, and its a miraculous thing.
When I started the first chapter of the original version of Red Rover, I needed a name for my protagonist. Teresa is the name of my childhood friend. I couldn't have loved her more if she was the child of my mother's loins. She and I didn't always agree, and at one point we drifted apart for personal reasons that won't be discussed. We touched each others' lives at a couple points in our adult lives; I wish it had been more. Teresa, as a child, battled Hodgkin's lymphoma, and as an adult breast cancer, and heart problems -- all related, I'm sure. Teresa eventually lost her fight with cancer, and there's a hole in the world where she used to be. I named my protagonist so that I could always have a little part of my friend sharing my adventures with me.
This brings me to the Special Edition of Red Rover. Quite frankly, the original version is very carnal and has explicit sexual content. I spoke with readers that told me their kids (kids being relative they could have been any age) were interested in the story of the talking dog; and, especially, I wanted to make a version of the book that Teresa's family to be able to share.
Enter the idea for a Special Edition. The original idea was to try for a YA (Young Adult) version of the book, because of the talking dog angle. I tried, really, I did- but we are back to the life experiences thing again. I don't have kids, so I have no clue how to relate (except as an Aunt.. spoil them, buy them presents, fill them with sugar, and send them back hyped up as payback to your siblings, right?). With a lot of help and input, within the next two or three weeks, there should be a modified New Adult version of the story. Protagonist ages are reduced from 30-40 year old ranges, to 21-26 year olds.
The original story had an underlying plot had to be modified and more background was added (I mean, how do you give young twenty-somethings a jobs and lifestyle that matched the lifestyle of the people 10+ years older?) And there was a lot of hacking to remove sexual undertones as well as the few swear words, and the more explicit scenes. My challenge? I wanted to retain the elements of the story that were most important to me: the relationships. I cut out the overt sex, but I still wanted to relay the playfulness and joy of being in a loving relationship. They had sex, I didn't talk about it too much, its the best I can do and still tell MY story.
I am pleased with the Special Edition version, but when I read it, I don't see the lost pieces of myself in it. I see it fondly as something I like and feel comfortable with, but my heart is in the original version- because it more closely resembles my real life friendships: Irreverent, and finding humor in mundane and inappropriate ways.
So, here I am, giving up more pieces of myself by writing my BLOG (it deserves capital letters, don't you think?), because I am fully confident I will find those shared pieces every time someone writes and shares a piece of their story too.
I pressed the little BLOG button, and here we are. I have become a Leader of Lemmings *giggle* and let's see what kind of adventures I can lead you to. You could do worse you know... I've survived 52 years and haven't fallen off a cliff. Yet.
Good reads: Books by T Hammond http://www.goodreads.com/author/list/6981922.T_Hammond
