C’mon, Irene…

By Cam

Whoa. What a week! I’ve been a bad, bad blogger as of late, so here’s my latest happenings in a nutshell:

1. An earthquake on Tuesday (I’m in Maryland, y’all, and we DON’T get these things. So, you know. Good times.).
2. A hurricane today/tomorrow/soonish.
3. A maybe-hopefully-depending-on-Irene ’80s themed slumber party tomorrow with Sara McClungalicious and Cristin T-Sizzle.
4. Two secret projects I’m working on, one of which is so secret only BicycleDude really knows about it.
5. One thing I’m admittedly ignoring because it makes me too sad to think about for more than five minutes.
6. And 8 hours of collective sleep over the past two days.

I. May. Just. Explode.

Ahem. Sorry. This week has been full of so many awesome! terrifying! exhilirating! heartbreaking! scary! moments, I’m almost not sure I can handle another week like this one. (I’m looking at you, Universe.)

In other news, my daughter made me cupcakes. With strawberries inside. And chocolate chips. And yummy icing. Which she pre-licked. They are the best things this side of Hurricane Irene. And I promise I’ll stop with the clipped sentences. Sometime. Soonish. (<– sorry, had to do it!)

So, let me leave y’all with this little reminder before the weekend and all its threatening (hopefully not!) weather:

HUNGER GAMES SNEAK PREVIEW ON MTV’S VMAs SUNDAY. OH YEAH.

My Month in Pictures

By Cam

Um, hello?

*tiptoes*

*brushes off cobwebs*

So…how ya doin’?

Me? Yeah, not bad. You know, same old same old. I’ve been a little MIA.

Okaaaaaaaay.

I’ve been A LOT MIA.

But with good reason!

Here’s what I’ve been up to since the last time I checked in:

I went here

and drank lots of these

Then went to Annapolis to meet up with these AMAZING women for the weekend:

Ricki Schultz, Sara McClung, Cristin Terrill, and Lola Sharp (also pictured is our cray-cray server at PF Chang’s. Dude had some EARS too.)

and we did a lot of this

and I’ve been working on two projects which is making my mind do this

plus I need to get ready for this, which kicks off Tuesday and runs until Saturday (*dies*)

where I’ll be meeting up with more AMAZING writers and soaking in AMAZING workshops and itching to keep up with all the writing mojo that’s sure to accumulate when you’re surrounded by 2,000 writers who are all equally passionate about WORDS. It’ll be, yup—you guessed it—AMAZING.

So while I wrap my head around all the exciting things happening next week, you can catch me on Tumblr, where I’ve been posting pictures that remind me of my WIP.

Like this one (*sigh*)

Inspiration. It’s everywhere, peeps. EVERYWHERE. Now go forth and get you some!

Tell the Truth Tuesday

By Cam

You know Lisa and Laura Roecker, yes? If you don’t, you should. They have a book out and are two of the funniest people on Twitter and the blogosphere. Now, I have to confess — I’ve never actually had a conversation with them…mainly because they’re waaaaay funnier than I am and I’m sort of deathly afraid they would give me a blank stare if I randomly started Twitter-laughing with them at an inside joke I’m not inside of. BUT, today will be different because Lisa and Laura are encouraging their blog followers to take part in a feature they do every Tuesday (one of my faves!) called TELL THE TRUTH TUESDAY. The blog title should be obvious enough, but if not then seriously what’s wrong with you, then read my true confessions and you’ll get the hint.

Also? Don’t forget to check out their blog and witness the hilarity yourself.

1. I’m in my 3rd week of P90X and for the most part, I’m doing okay with the nutrition portion of the plan…but I confess that every night after dinner, I tell my daughter her cookie fell on the floor so I can secretly lick the frosting off and not feel bad about it.
2. I wait until my husband’s around before turning on my netbook and heaving the most dramatic sigh ever and complaining about pop-up “virus notifications” so he won’t be surprised when I get an iPad 2 next month (thank you Uncle Sam!).
3. Sometimes when Toddler Trouble talks, she doesn’t pronounce the first letter of her words. I ask her to say grass and fast more than I should. So sue me.
4. We’re going to Punta Cana for a long weekend next month and *gasp* I don’t think I’m going to bring any books because I plan on camping it at the pool bar the whole time.
5. While I was writing this post I got a long overdue email rejection from a query I sent out in October.

What about you? What do you want to unload on this lovely Tuesday?

In Which My Muscles Cry Mutiny

By Cam

So I got this crazy idea last week (as if that NEVER happens to me, right?) to make a more conscious effort of getting physically fit. You see, I’ve been feeling rather sluggish lately. And while it could be the weather or the late night writing sprints that are pushing my energy levels to the max, I realized it probably had more to do with diet and activity.

Truth is, for about 120 hours a week, I live a very sedentary lifestyle (this estimate includes time spent at my day job, writing at home, and sleeping). And while I wish I could be more active during my writing time, I’ve learned it’s pretty hard to type on the computer while running, biking, swimming, lifting weights, or really doing anything that involves more than wiggling my fingers at the keyboard. It’s also very easy to fall prey to late-night Sour Patch Watermelons, chocolate, and coffee.

So to combat this downward spiral, I started a new workout program on Saturday: P90X. It’s a monster of a program which will require me to commit to not only the workout regimen, but also the nutrition plan. I’m doing the Lean version so my first workout was with the Core Synergistics DVD. Let me tell you, I about DIED with a move called SUPERMAN BANANA:

Don’t let this silly name fool you!

The SUPERMAN BANANA is in no way a superhero nor a potassium-rich treat. No, no, my friends. This move took down my name and slapped me senseless, all while reminding me to stay hydrated. I was beyond sore the next day. But no rest for the wicked! On Sunday I did the Cardio workout and, again, SUPERMAN BANANA laughed in my face, along with his friend WACKY JUMPING JACK.

Anyway, I can honestly say that today, my body HATES me.

BUT.

I already feel more alert (although it could be the Motrin), and my muscles (although screaming like a little girl) are thanking me for using them again.

Now, I’m not promoting P90X or getting money from them or anything like that (and as a disclaimer, if you’re ever going to take up a fitness program, you might want to check in with your doctor first), but this program got me thinking more about writing and how SIMILAR it is to any kind of extreme fitness regimen (for obvious reasons, I’m using P90X as an example):

P90X is a 90-day program. You’ll see results if you commit to the fitness AND the nutrition side of the program.

Writing is a commitment. This isn’t a secret. But you can’t just slap some words on the page and call it day. You have to commit to both the writing AND the revisions if you want to see a cohesive story form.

P90X relies on something called “Muscle Confusion,” where essentially it’s mixing up the workouts every day to the point where your muscles don’t have a chance to plateau.

Writing uses a different kind of “Muscle Confusion,” where essentially your brain needs to be open to the unplanned actions of your characters so they don’t seem static or one-dimensional.

P90X offers 12 different kinds of workouts ranging from Yoga to Shoulders/Chest to Cardio to Abs to Kenpo (kickboxing-like moves). It concentrates on all the major muscle groups as well as elements you wouldn’t necessarily consider in a sweat-producing regimen for a package that’s fun, full of surprises, and complete.

Writing has loads of steps — outlining, drafting, revising, revising, revising, querying, etc. You have to concentrate on the macro elements to your story (story arch, character development, plot threads, etc.) as well as the “smaller” details (active words, tight sentences, grammar, formatting, etc.) for a package that’s fun, full of surprises, and complete.

If you cheat in P90X, you’re not going to get the results you set out to accomplish.

If you cheat in writing (sloppy writing, sending out queries before you’ve finished the MSS, not revising enough, not writing at all!), you’re not going to get the results you set out to accomplish.

P90X produces a lot of sweat and tears. It’s important to eat right, stay hydrated, and BREATHE or your body will cry mutiny.

Writing produces a lot of sweat and tears. It’s important to eat right, stay hydrated, and BREATHE or your body will say ” Screw you, fancy Writer Pants!”

Bottom line is this: You don’t get by easy. If you don’t put in the hard work with your story, characters, research, craft, etc., how do you expect to see results? The simple answer is: You don’t.

I’ll keep y’all posted with my P90X progress. I’m really hoping that in addition to toning my body, I’ll be toning my mind and increasing my stamina and overall energy level. And my writer’s goal is to write a book (at least the first draft and one round of revisions) within this 90-day time line. Hopefully I’ll make it to then…? WISH ME LUCK!

I’m Stylish, dude!

By Cam

You GUYSSSSS! I got a blogger award! Do you know what this means???? It means 1) I am stylish (it says so right on the award, you know), and 2) I REALLY need to blog more often so I don’t go out of style.

Thank you so much to Chris Ledbetter at The Oracle and The Muse who crowned me with this blog-bling. As part of the award, I’m supposed to reveal seven things about myself and follow these rules:

1: Thank and link back to the person who awarded you this award.
2: Share seven things about yourself.
3: Award ten recently discovered great bloggers (except I only listed eight because my brain quit on me!)
4: Contact these bloggers and tell them about the award.

So here are Seven Things about Moi:

• My daily after-school snack in high school was a bowl of frozen strawberries and pickles (not together because Eww!)
• I once was a telemarketer for a cemetary
• I have a debilitating fear of sharks and snakes and won’t swim in water I can’t see the bottom of or go traipsing through bushes or wooded areas without a big stick on-hand
• I once went sky-diving and after watching the video, realized my cheeks flap more than any one human’s cheeks should
• When I was a kid, my living room used to be bare of furniture except for a 14-foot (in diameter) trampoline
• Ball pits at fast food restaurant playgrounds give me a severe case of the heebeejeebees
• I love scary movies but can only sit through them with my fingers plugged in my ears and my eyes clamped shut

Here are the Bloggers I am passing this Award on to:

• Ricki Schultz
• Monica B.W.
• Jess
• Bria Quinlan
• Kristine Asselin
• Krista V.
• Stina Lindenblatt
• Miranda Buchanan

So there you go. Spread the Stylish Blogger love and remember to check out these FAB writers!

October: A photo essay

By Cam

Last week I traveled here:

to do this:

(stirring apple butter, in case you didn’t know)

and eat a lot of this:

which meant I ended up doing very little of this:

but that’s okay because next month is this:

Where I hope to write this:

And come December, I’ll be ready to do this:

Can’t. Wait.

Anyone else planning on cashing out their writing mojo for NaNo next month?

Baltimore: More Than Just Steamed Crabs

By Cam

Let’s face it. Baltimore isn’t exactly known for its robust literary culture…but more for its Old Bay seasoning, blue crabs, Orioles, and this guy:

(Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens)

BUT.

There was once this guy. A real Baltimorian (or Baltimoron for those of you playing at home). He was kind of eclectic. Totally mysterious. Probably a little scary.

He was also brilliant.

A poet.

A storyteller.

A gothic legend.

I’m talking about this guy:

(It’s Poe, yo.)

Edgar Allan Poe is the heart of Baltimore’s literary history. We named our football team after him — I mean, COME ON. How cool is that? And there’s also a film being made with John Cusack as Ed! WIN!

So it’s only natural the rest of the world has finally noticed the literary potential of B-more/B-town/Bawlmor/Hon-ville. To celebrate, the town is hosting a three-day event, the Baltimore Book Festival, at the end of the month. The event will be held downtown on Sept. 24-26 and will feature panels with such notable YA authors like:

Holly Black

Diana Peterfreund

Justine Larbalestier

Scott Westerfeld

Carrie Ryan

Elizabeth Scott

Ingrid Law

Amy Brecount White

Oh…and some guy named:

M.T. Anderson

ARE YOU HYPERVENTILATING YET? CAUSE I AM!

I can’t wait for this event! And you bet I’ll be taking notes and reporting back here about all the juicy gems of wisdom I’m hoping to learn (like what’s better: Unicorns or Zombies?).

(And if the kidlit superstars mentioned above aren’t sure to make you salivate, then how about knowing this guy will also be there? Yowzers!)

It’s All About the Frosting, Dahling…Or Is It?

By Cam

On this hot day—and by hot, I really mean HOLY COW IF I DIDN’T HAVE A/C I’D BE STUFFING MYSELF INTO A FREEZER—I thought a nice, thoughtful topic would be:

BOOK COVERS

Let’s face it, we’ve all heard the old adage, “Don’t judge a book by it’s barcode.” I kid, I kid. You’re not supposed to get caught up on what’s on the outside because it might not be what you get in the inside, right? BUT, really. Who doesn’t judge a book by its cover? If covers weren’t important then we’d all be fine with grocery bag wrappings ala grade school textbook covers. Right?

Well. I have to say that despite those covers that have absolutely nothing to do with the story, there are some books that get it right. Covers that sing and flash neon arrows to their spot on the bookshelf because it’s just too pretty not to pick up.

So here are a few covers that have recently caught my eye. The ones that made my fingers itch to turn the book over and see what all the flashing arrows wanted me to read.

(NOTE: This list is all about the book covers and not necessarily the content inside. So retract your claws before you go ripping me about how such and such is a horrible writer or how what’s her name is duller than a door stop to read about for 500 pages. Glad we got that out of the way. <grin>)

Stolen by Lucy Christopher

(I love how this one evokes two emotions: sweet and sad. The butterfly provides a nice pop in color and conveys a kind of innocence…yet the black background and glass shattering/cobwebs touch on something darker. Plus with the additional ‘A letter to my captor’ under the already thought-provoking title, it makes you think this could be memoirish, giving it a sense of immediacy that really strikes a nerve.)

Candor by Pam Bachorz

(This is a book I’m waiting to see break out. It’s told from a male POV so it’s nice to see the boy on front — um, eyecandy anyone? — plus the earphones and the cookie-cutter houses AND the orange color all tie into the book. Wouldn’t this catch your eye on a bookshelf?)

Some Girls Are by Courtney Summers

(As covers go, this one isn’t extraordinary with the half-image of a girl leaning against a locker. BUT the body language strikes a melancholy and almost rebellious note, while the red of the locker is majorly significant to the story.)

All Unquiet Things by Anna Jarzab

(I haven’t read this one…but it’s on my TBR. This cover is haunting and makes me want to know all about this girl. Is she dead? Or does she just look dead? Why? Why? Why?)

Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott

(I recommend this book to a lot of people. It’s a totally different tune than Scott’s other books, but this story stays with you long after you put it down. For me, the image does the same thing. The bow is whimsical and reminiscent of little girls and femininity. But the stark font and black background promise something more sinister and disturbing. And this works so well with what the book is actually about.)

Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson

(I <3 L.H.A. like nobody’s business. And I think she’s been pretty blessed with the cover gods, so it was tough choosing one for this post. I like this cover because it conveys all the elements of the book you’re going to get: teen, imperfect, crazy, full of obstacles. Plus, I like how the position of the title reminds me of a roller coaster car about to go on a fast course. The book is also told from a male POV and there’s nothing girly about this cover.)

Lessons from a Dead Girl by Jo Knowles

(I haven’t read this yet, but I want to open that door.  An image like this makes the reader wonder if we’re going to get something sad or scary on the other side, or a happy surprise. Either way, I’m sold.)

Torment by Lauren Kate

(This is the follow-up to Fallen–which I still haven’t read–but if I could draw the word torment, it’d be this. And I’m a sucker for images of backs.)

The Replacements by Brenna Yovanoff

(I’ve heard this upcoming debut by Yovanoff is supernatural and creepy. And I don’t know about you, but whenever I see sharp instruments of torture dangling above a baby carriage, I don’t think of vanilla pudding and Nilla wafers. Mmkay…maybe I’m always thinking of pudding and wafers. BUT I can guarantee I won’t be moving into this un-family-friendly neighborhood anytime soon!)

Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

(Graphic design heaven. Red. Black. White. Girls. And wolves. Plus it reminds you of those images from the 90s where you see an old woman one way and then a bunny rabbit the other. I loved those…even if my eyes went a little cross and wonky at times. But to me, this cover is eye-popping in a good way and totally genius!)

Patient Zero by Jonathan Maberry (ok, not a YA but tell me this cover wouldn’t catch your eye on the shelf!)

(Creepy. Creepy. Creepy. This cover sets the tone for suspense, horror, and copious amounts of cringing. I haven’t read this book, but the disturbing side of my brain would like to devour it in one sitting.)

So what do you think? Would you pick up any of these books in a bookstore? What covers make you go hmmmm? And for more analysis of book covers, check out Jacket Whys, Jacket Knack, Uncover,  Book Covers Anonymous, and The Book Designers.

Freaky Friday – Swima bombiviridis (Aka – Green Bomber Worms)

By Cam

Ah, Friday. The light at the end of the tunnel. The work week is almost over and the weekend is about to begin. Friday is also when people start letting their hair down, or in the case of the Swima bombiviridis, their appendages.

I didn’t really have a topic in mind for today’s blog, I was actually planning on just highlighting my weekend goals – which I still haven’t figured out. But then I saw this article, and I’ve got to admit…it gave me the heebeejeebees. Once I really started thinking about it though, I realized how cool it would be to be a Swima bombiviridis.

The article highlights a new species of underwater worms that, when attacked, shoot off their appendages. When they release a limb, the limb glows green and they’re called “Green Bombs”—which lets face it, would scare the s**t out of me. The worms range in size from three quarters of an inch to up to four inches and live up to 12,000 feet under the ocean. So, no worries about running into these things if creepy crawlies aren’t high on your list.

But seriously. How cool is that? Say a mugger tries to steal your purse—Wham! Take that appendage you crook! What if you get into a catfight and that other bimbo tries to scratch her claws all over you? Here—have an arm biatch! Not to mention the incredibly uber-cool factor that it glows once you shoot it off. Right now you can only attain that feature if you’re radioactive or took a quick dip in the Chesapeake Bay.

Hmm…me thinks that maybe another story idea will surface from this discovery.

This begs the question — what would you do with glowing green arms?

I’m Back!!!

By Cam

After 10 glorious days in Southwest Florida, I’m finally back home. Did you miss me?

I have a ton of stuff to unpack, a first birthday party to organize, and a lot of writing to catch up on, but I’ll be back in full-swing tomorrow. Promise!