The More things Change II
What’s Jack up to? Jackster is being a sly one. Constantly sneaking off lately and getting into things that he’s not supposed to. Oh that Jack what am I going to do with you?Dancing with the Stars started last night and for me the only reasons to watch were Susan Lucci and Toni (un-break my heart) Braxton. That body of Toni’s is amazing after two babies. Man. Another reason to watch is to see Chef Rocco DiSpirito try and dance. Most of you know my hate/ hate relationship with him from Top chief. I want to see Karina give him a run for his money. Bruno actually brought up the word cattle prod when referring to him. Hmm…
I have a small rant today. You can read about my old rant on this subject in The More Things Change here. After perusing the big honking 798 page September Fall fashion issue of Vogue I noticed the slim editorial s
ection didn’t have not one black model. NOT 1. And after they waxed so poetic on the subject the month before. And sadly this month even in the way too many pages of advertising there were very few Black models or models of any diversity.Kudos to Harper’s Bazaar for their September Tyra cover, Michelle Obama inspired spread and and their Benneton inspired spread which looked back to the 8o’s to move forward. Refreshing. Now why don’t I subscribe to Bazaar. I really should.
best,KwanaJust Fine!
What’s Jack Up to? Right now Jack is whining at the basement door. Should I take that as a hint he’s is no longer interested in watching the Yankee game with the DS and wants to hang with me? Can I get a moments rest? No. Oh well. That’s life. BTW I’m way sad over the ending of Yankee stadium. Part of my childhood is now gone. Big tear.
At the end of last week with all the market turmoil, constant political crap and the Dear Teens sometimes making me want to pull my hair out I was feeling deep in a cynical rut. Which is honestly is not a far from my norm. Not to mention I didn’t totally agree with who got out Aufed on Project Runway and Top Model last week. UGH!
But after church on Sunday I walked out feeling just fine. Shoot, God didn’t promise a life without trials, right.So during my many errands I rolled down the windows popped MJB (Mary J Blige) in the cd player and hit the gas. Hard.
Do me a favor, try and not stress too much this week. It’s all going to be just fine. Do what you gotta do and Crank it up!
And Happy Birthday to Ma! What can I say? Much Love. K.
Best,
KwanaFab Interview! Phyllis Bourne Williams
What’s Jack up to? As I type this he’s sleeping sweetly after a rip roaring day. Ah, peace is so good.
We’ve got a treat today. An interview with Phyllis Bourne Williams, fab author of A M
oment On the Lips and fellow blog buddy.Hi, Phyllis thanks to much for being here at KwanaWrites I really appreciate you doing this interview today.
Thanks, Kwana! I’m a longtime stalker…uh, I mean reader of your blog. It’s a thrill for me to actually be your guest today.I’ll start with my traditional question. What lead you to become a writer is it something you always wanted to do or is this a career you backed into?
I can’t remember not loving romance novels. In college, I hid issues of Romantic Times in my textbooks and read while the professor lectured.
A journalism major, I went on to become a newspaper crime reporter. After a long day of covering the unbelievable things people do to hurt each other, I couldn’t wait to escape into a good romance.
Years of reading evolved into the urge to write my own.Please tell us the story of your overnight success?
Overnight success? I have to laugh at that. For me, it was more like years (and years and years). I spent a lot of time thinking, dreaming and talking about writing, but not much actual writing. Once I sat my butt down and wrote, my efforts were rewarded with several RWA chapter contest wins and two Golden Heart finals.
A Dorchester editor was the final round judge of one contest, and she requested my full manuscript. I didn’t win, but the editor bought my book.What’s you typical writing day like? Are you a plotter or a pantser and how do you work this non-traditional job into your life?
I’m easily distracted. I don’t think about laundry or cleaning – until I sit down to write.
So when I need to get some serious writing done I go to the library or Starbucks. There I accomplish in a few hours what would take days for me to get done at home.
I try to get out of the house early, so no matter what crops up later I’ve got my writing done. I’ve also learned to say no and not alter my schedule to wait around on repairmen or deliveries.
I was a die-hard pantster, but I’m waning. Nowadays, I write my synopsis first and use it as an outline.I loved A Moment On The Lips. How did this book come to life for you? Also it incorporates knitting which a love of mine, is it a passion of yours?
Thanks, Kwana!
The story didn’t truly come to life for me until after it sold. My editor encouraged me to delve deeper into my characters and the story. By the time I was done, Melody and Grant were my best friends. I hated to leave their world.
Yep, I knit. Keep in mind, I’m not a very good knitter, but I try hard.
I typically start a knitting project at the same time I start a writing project. I like watching my skeins of yarn transform into a garment as my words turn into a novel.
I just started working sweater. Here’s what it looks like now. (*See attached photo)
(Sidebar: Phyllis’ knitting ROCKS!!)The main Character, Melody is a real woman with real curves is writing real women important to you?
I wanted my heroine to wear a size 12, the average size of most American women.
I also wanted the hero to appreciate and adore her voluptuous shape. It was important she didn’t believe she had to lose weight to be loveable.What main piece of advice would you give to an aspiring writing?
BICHOK – Butt in Chair Hands on Keyboard. Simple advice that I don’t always follow myself, but it works!What’s up next for you, Phyllis?
I have a novella in Dorchester Publishing’s October 2008 Christmas anthology, The Ho
liday Inn, along with authors Farrah Rochon and Stefanie Worth.
In my story, “By New Year’s Day” I write about a couple whose thirty-year marriage is crumbling under the endless demands of their adult children.
The fed-up husband whisks his wife away to a remote ski lodge, to rekindle their passion and save their troubled relationship.Thanks so much for being with us today, Phyllis. Please check out Phyllis at her website and her fab blog http://phylliswilliams.com/ and http://www.fortyisthenew20.com/. You won’t be disappointed.
Best,
KwanaProject Mama’s Girl
What’s Jack up to? Jack is full of energy as I type this. Jumping and running trying to get someone to play with him and his toys. It’s Reality Night night Jack. So it will not be me, Hon.On America’s Next Top Model it’s the makeover episode and Tyra is stretching her acting chops? She’s doing this strange Glenda the Good Witch thing which I just can’t understand but whateves. Only Elina is afraid and cried her cold little heart out when she saw her red hair. Samantha cried, but was happy, but I have to say I love Sultan the makeup artist’s makeover with his short new do the best! The drama was low for a makeover show.
Then there was a Wal-Mart challenge where the girls went unscripted. The winner was little Hannah.
Back at the house Elina shared that she hates her mom. Ouch. I don’t even want to touch that. Living with my dear teens at the moment.
There was a swimsuit shoot and Mister J lets the girls fly solo. Most of the girls did well. Isis struggled with convincing the photographer with this one. Will she convince the judges? She did.
Going home this week was Brittney. I’m not sure I agree with this. I think she has more potential. Bad decision judges.
Now for Project Runway. It’s getting lean and mean with 2 designers gone last week. The show opens with Kenley still delusional.
And some women some out and the designer quickly insult them all and call them old ladies and pull horrid faces with sad music to match. Nice Bravo.
But the twist is they are not designing for them they’re designing for their daughters and giving them new looks.
Kenly is doing a 40’s or 50’s look for her girl
Korto is doing a wrap dress
Jerell has an awkward girl and has to be flirty and awkward too
Leanne has a teacher to design for with a push mom to boot.
Suede has a photographer who wants pants
Joe is doing a pants suit for his client to interview in.
Korto has taken Stella post as the new queen of Lea-tha. Fun. Back at the studio the designers are happy to spread out. Seems nobody is missing Blayne and Terri. So sad.Clients come in with the moms for a fitting. Joe’s client not happy with the fabric.
Leanne’s client complaining like crazy. Poor Leanne. And Suede needs to change and make some pants. Suede is not happy. But a new day dawns and everything changes. The clients are much happier without their mother and a lot more manageable. Fancy that.
Tim is walking though.
Problem with Suede’s pockets.
Joe’s looks is not graphic designer. Joe’s not concerned. Kiss of death.
Jerell. Is ok but must clean up. Tim likie.
Kenley won’t listen to Tim. What else is new?
Runway day! And Kenley is confident she will be in the top 3. Sure. We’ll be the judge of that.
Guest judge this week is Cynthia Rowley.Now for the show…Joe- no-no-no
Leanne-cute teacher
Jerell-really nice. But what was Jerell wearing on his head? A nest?
Korto-ok- like jacket- don’t like the print
Suede-hottie pole dancer with funny jacket? No.
Kenley-ok but don’t like the print.
Ugh. Why is Kenly still laughing a people in the runway? She is so mean. Heidi, send her home for meanness. Ugh again.The winner is Jerell! Good for him again. His look will be in Elle I’m so glad Kenley didn’t win.
Now for the loser. This week it’s Joe. Proving once again that not listening to Tim really is the kiss of death.
Next week LL Cool J is on and Kenley is called on her attitude. I’ll be tuning in. Make her cry Nina!Best,KwanaBad Dog!
What’s Jack up to? That Jack, well he’s all clean, but he’s his usual devilish self. I’m calling him and he’s ignoring me so I go to investigate why and I see he’s under my bed busy munching on my freebie Weight Watcher fruit and nut bar that I got at my last meeting. Bummer, I was so looking forward to trying that too. I could have sworn I had it put up. Who knows how Jack got too it. Darn Jack!
Off to write. Novel idea eh? Sorry.Not much to talk about today. Oh, I know, anyone have thoughts on a Governor having a tanning bed in the mansion? Any real reason to need it besides that healthy orange glow? Lack of sunlight perhaps? Depression? Come on people help me out here. I’m trying
to make this alright and not always be so cynical, but she’s the gift that just keeps on giving. And we (ok, me) were laughing at Shayne Lamas for tanning on The Bachelor. Who knew she was just building up her resume. Probably getting ready for her up coming cabinet position. Hush up, Kwana! Ok.Best,KwanaBlink Already!
What’s Jack up to? Shhh. Stinky Jack is getting a B-A-T-H. T-O-D-A-Y. Let’s keep it quiet while I lure him to the tub.
I have to say I had a huge problem with so many parts of the Sarah Palin/ Charles (Charrr-lee) Gibson interview, but what got me the most was the not blinking thing. The fact that she didn’t blink in her decision to take the VP job irked me. Shoot, I take a half an hour deciding to buy boots on sale at the outlets and she didn’t pause to think about this job? Did this cause anyone else to pause?Well, leave it to The Daily Show to make me smile about it. Here we go…
Please everyone, blink a bit and VOTE wisely in November. You know which way I’m going. Obama baby!
Best,
KwanaMomapry
What Jack up to? He’s chilling this morning after a busy weekend filled with tons of exercise. For some reason he felt the need to walk me more than me walk him. It was all good though. I can sure use the exercise. Thanks Jack.
After the stressful week last week I felt the need for a little mom therapy so I took Saturday afternoon off for a little me time.
I had the pleasure of heading to the Rye library for a reading and book signing with Melissa Walker author of the teen Violet On The Runway series and my blog friend. She was speaking with spokesmodel Selena Breed about writing, modeling and the fashion industry.
It was such a great talk and the girls were on the edge of their seats listening to every word as Melissa read from her book. I was thrilled to finally meet Melissa in person. Holla Melissa!
Then to continue the mom-therapy I went to the nearest multiplex to see what was playing and lucked out with Tyler Perry’s latest The Family The Preys just starting. With it being the opening weekend the movie was packed so me and my overpriced box of Goobers had to sit in the second row but it was so worth it. In my opinion this is Tyler Perry’s best movie yet.
Starring Alfre Woodard and Kathy Bates I was blown away by this movie. There is no Medea, no slapstick, none of the usual lines that you can just plug in and anticipate coming up even before the actors deliver them. Tyler steps out and gets serious. Plus you ca
n’t go wrong with Sanaa Lathan and Robin Givens sparing.I tell you that Tyler really knows how to make me feel like a writer slug. He’s written and produced I don’t know how many plays and movies, is a millionaire I don’t know how many times over and guess what he just turned the ripe old age of 39 this weekend. Happy Birthday Tyler! Get to work, Kwana. You’ve got some catching up to do.
What’s on tap for your week? Me, I plan on making it a better week than the last one.
Best,
KwanaWhy I heart The Daily Show
What’s Jack up to? Right now he’s deep under my bed fast asleep and snoring as if he’s going to spend the night there. Sorry, Jack it’s off to your own bed. I can’t sleep with you tossing and turning under me.
Not much to rant about today, well tons really, but why? So I’ll just post this instead.
Why I heart The Daily Show…Best,
KwanaHow my garden grows
What’s Jack up to? Right now he’s ignoring me as I’m calling him and I’m sure he’s getting into something that he’s definitely not supposed to. I should be very afraid and I am.It’s finally Friday for a week that I thought would never end. Not that it’s the end. The weekend will be just and busy and filled with stress and the week. But onto better things. After my sad gardening post I wanted to post some good gardening news. We did actually see some fruits from our labors this year. I’m sure next year will be better. Lessons have been learned.Tomatoes on the vine
Peppers
Very Strange cucumber that I’m afraid to try
A nice ripe tomato
Have a wonderful weekend!Best,KwanaGuest Blogger- Roberta Isleib
Today we’ve got a treat on KwanaWrites, a guest blogger, Roberta Iselib who is here to share a few secrets with us. Take it away Roberta!
Six Secrets for Keeping Your Sanity While Chasing Your Dream (Writing, that is!)
Clinical psychologist Roberta Isleib has just seen her eighth novel published i
n seven years. ASKING FOR MURDER is the third book in the series featuring advice columnist/psychologist Rebecca Butterman. Roberta’s also wrapping up her year of service as president of National Sisters in Crime.In ASKING FOR MURDER (Berkley, 2008), Dr. Rebecca Butterman’s dear friend, a sandplay therapist, is found badly beaten and left for dead. Rebecca’s determined to help search for answers. With a would-be killer on the loose, she can only hope the clues are buried within easy reach. Think: best friends, crazy families, and the mysteries of sandplay therapy.
ROBERTA: Thanks for agreeing to host me on your blog Kwana! It’s hard to believe eight books have come out since SIX STROKES UNDER in 2002. I promised I’d try to pull together some of the things I’ve learned over this time and here they are, in no particular order.
MAKE A PLAN: As I begin a book, I look ahead to the due date and figure out how many pages I’ll need to write each week in order to hand it in on time. I build in time for trips and family and time for my writers group to read and critique, and then time for me to rewrite. Then I have a page goal for each week. I write until I’ve hit the goal, sometimes even getting a little ahead. If I have an unproductive day, it just means writing a little faster later in the week to keep up.
HAMMER IT OUT: Get it all down, even if it’s awful. You can always go back and fix things later. Anne Lamott called this “the shitty first draft”—she had it right!
SET YOUR SIGHTS HIGH: As a psychologist, I know the importance of having “big goals” for my subconscious to aim at. So I keep a copy of the NY Times bestseller list pasted up over my computer. Then I forget about it and work on the books word by word…
FIND A BALANCE: The business part of writing is hard–the part I have no control over. I can produce a fabulous book, but unless the publisher is really behind it and I have a bit of luck somewhere along the line, it’s unlikely to be a commercial success. That’s why I do as much as I can to promote, as long as it doesn’t interfere with my writing! I want to be able to say I gave it my all without killing myself in the process.
MANAGE YOUR PROCRASTINATION SOFT SPOTS: I’m still learning that I don’t have to answer every email the second it arrives! If I’m having trouble concentrating, best approach for me is to turn the email off and look at it as a reward for when I’ve reached my word count goal.
YOU’VE GOT TO HAVE FRIENDS: Writing can be such a lonely, discouraging business. I’ve gotten very involved with mystery organizations (Sisters in Crime and MWA, and joined Roman
ce Writers and Yahoo groups such as Fiction That Sells. The friends I’ve met there have saved my sanity and supported me endlessly along the way.TAKE YOUR TIME: Don’t rush off too soon to try to get your work published. This business is extremely competitive so it’s crucial to have your writing polished before sending it out. The Internet makes querying too easy—don’t press send until you’re sure the piece is the best it can be. I have lots of info on my website about agents and getting published and some of the scams writers fall for. Read it over when you’re ready. http://www.robertaisleib.com/
Wonderful advice! Thanks so much for guest blogging here today Roberta. Stop back anytime. Everyone check out Roberta and her amazing books. You won’t be disappointed.
Best,
KwanaP.S. Scroll down for “reality” rundown
