I am looking back over what I accomplished last year and sometimes I feel a little down. I do not have a novel published. I have a few things in my home life that aren't exactly how I want them, though I have no complaints with my husband. He is so sweet and loving. I enjoy my job but it isn't my dream job. But as I went through everything I have accomplished I realized that even in my week to week work I got a lot more accomplished than I realized.
Chronological List of Flash Fiction
1. Fallen – 714 words – Science Fiction
2. Future of the Fallen – 1,229 words – Science Fiction
3. Roll Over – 915 words – Fiction
4. Waiting – 996 words – Fiction
5. A Necessary Evil – 433 words– Fiction
6. Cupid – 753 words – Fantasy
7. Valentine – 361 words – Fiction
8. Forbidden Resources – 975 – Science Fiction
9. Briar Patch – 995 words – Fantasy
10. Faces – 766 words – Fiction
11. Stone Cold – 654 words – Fiction
12. Ghosts – 507 words – Book
13. Trash – 972 words – Fantasy
14. Aftermath – 893 words –Fiction
15. Weight of the World – 787 words – Fantasy
16. Bear – 988 words – Fantasy
17. Onward – 296 words – Fiction
18. Forgotten Memories – 740 words – Science Fiction
19. Pretty – 968 words – Fiction
20. Fall of Civilization – 980 words – Science Fiction
21. Riding the Storm – 482 words – Fantasy
22. Thunder of Wonder – 260 words – Fiction
23. City Bound – 962 words – Fantasy
24. Reminiscence – 1,004 words – Fiction
25. Winning Ticket – 808 words – Fiction
26. Name Game – 830 words – Fiction
27. An Unopened Box – 943 words – Science Fiction
28. Angel of Death – 1,072 words – Fantasy
29. Storm Warning – 555 words – Fantasy
30. Karma – 1,009 words – Science Fiction
31. An App for That – 413 words – Fiction
32. After the Rainbow – 791 words – Fantasy
33. Prophecy – 1,032 words – Fantasy
34. Walk Alone – 95 words – Fiction
35. Death at a Funeral – 605 words – Fiction
36. Man of her Dreams – 974 words – Science Fiction
37. Escape Plan – 977 words – Science Fiction
38. Tears in the Darkness – 720 words – Fiction
39. Shivers – 998 words – Fantasy
40. Uncollected Souls – 1,020 words – Fantasy
41. Stairs – 945 words – Fiction
42. Haunted – 543 words – Fantasy
43. Playback – 1,020 words – Science Fiction
44. Birth – 3,434 words – Science Fiction
45. Every Other Thursday – 363 words – Science Fiction
46. A Hollywood Romance – 1,080 words – Fantasy
47. Story of my Life – 936 words – Book
48. Christmas Presents – 472 words – Fiction
49. Grandfather – 990 words – Fiction
50. Knowing – 811 words – Science Fiction
Flash Fiction Stats
Total number of words written: 38,638 (I took Birth out since it wasn't written as a weekly flash fiction)
Average story length: 788 words
Genres: Fiction (20), Fantasy (15), Science Fiction (13), Book (2)
Favorite Stories: Pretty, Winning Ticket, City Boud, Aftermath, After the Rainbow
Stories most likely to become something more (that aren't currently tied to a project): An Unopened Box, After the Rainbow
Average Title Length: 2 words
Published Stories
Run and Stand
Novels Finished
ReCON Currently 74,167 words
Death (NaNoWriMo) Currently 50,197 words
Goals for Next Year
Get 4 stories published
Submit novels to 2 places
Complete NaShoStoMo
Complete NaNoWriMo
Write a flash fiction story a week (At least 50)
Showing posts with label Resolution. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Resolution. Show all posts
28 December 2011
07 September 2011
Finding Joy in the Now
There was an article recently about the end of summer blues and how after the Labor Day holiday people become depressed because they realize they haven't fulfilled all of their plans for the summer. I am sure I have felt this a time or two, in all seasons. I always have more plans then times and it is sometimes difficult to take pleasure in what I have accomplished rather than feeling bad at what I didn't.
When I was in high school I had the opportunity to read my great grandmother's journal. (She is one of the reasons I later started keeping a daily journal.) One of her entries has really stuck with me. She had the opportunity to go to California and was really looking forward to the trip. But before she even went on her trip she realized something that I think all of us could do more to think about. We spend too much time thinking about the exciting events in the future and not in what is currently happening. She made a promise to live each day to the fullest and not to waste time wondering how happy the future will be because when the happy future comes, she will enjoy that as well.
That is how I try to look at life now, though I am not very good at always remembering to find joy in the day to day. As my grandmother always says "Don't just have a good week, make it a good week."
When I was in high school I had the opportunity to read my great grandmother's journal. (She is one of the reasons I later started keeping a daily journal.) One of her entries has really stuck with me. She had the opportunity to go to California and was really looking forward to the trip. But before she even went on her trip she realized something that I think all of us could do more to think about. We spend too much time thinking about the exciting events in the future and not in what is currently happening. She made a promise to live each day to the fullest and not to waste time wondering how happy the future will be because when the happy future comes, she will enjoy that as well.
That is how I try to look at life now, though I am not very good at always remembering to find joy in the day to day. As my grandmother always says "Don't just have a good week, make it a good week."
20 July 2011
Cooking Addiction
Where my husband and I are currently living we have cable. In the four years of our marriage we have never had cable before. Most of the time we watch the criminal shows: NCIS, CSI, Criminal Minds, and what not. Lately we have really gotten into the cooking shows. We now watch five different shows, most of which are the competitor shows. We sit on the couch and drool and marvel as these people create masterpiece meals within the restrictions they are given. I mean come on. They have to pull these recipes out of their heads in minutes, sometimes even faster. I keep thinking that between my husband and myself, my husband would rock while I would fail spectacularly.
I always thought I was a good cook. That was until my husband started cooking. For a year my husband beat me home, it wasn't by much, but he decided that since he was home earlier, it was his job to get dinner on the table by the time I was home. (I feel like I wasted the first two and half years of our marriage. I was never that ambitious.) With his new interest in cooking, he not only cooks what he feels comfortable with but he has gone out of his way to learn how to cook more ethnic foods, like Thai. His interest in learning how to cook new foods encourages me to learn more as well. And by golly, I am going to learn how to properly decorate cakes one of these days.
I always thought I was a good cook. That was until my husband started cooking. For a year my husband beat me home, it wasn't by much, but he decided that since he was home earlier, it was his job to get dinner on the table by the time I was home. (I feel like I wasted the first two and half years of our marriage. I was never that ambitious.) With his new interest in cooking, he not only cooks what he feels comfortable with but he has gone out of his way to learn how to cook more ethnic foods, like Thai. His interest in learning how to cook new foods encourages me to learn more as well. And by golly, I am going to learn how to properly decorate cakes one of these days.
05 January 2011
New Year's Resolutions
One of my co-workers has a biweekly poll. This week's poll is about overdone New Year's Resolutions. I don't think a resolution can be overdone. I sometimes think it is sad that every year I have the same general idea, health and fitness, but I enjoy them. We need these resolutions to kick start us into doing something we should be doing all year round. For some people the goals actually stick and they no longer have to be resolutions. It's just life. But for those of us who need that reminder and motivation, I say bring it on there's nothing wrong with trying to improve yourself.
Last year I had some lofty goals, especially involving my writing. I am proud to say that although I don't have any novels published or anything of that sort, three of my short stories were picked up by a publisher this year and are in anthologies. That's definitely a good start and this year is only going to get better. That and the fact that I was able to update my website to better accommodate my flash fiction section makes me a happy person. Now let the wild rumpus start.
Last year I had some lofty goals, especially involving my writing. I am proud to say that although I don't have any novels published or anything of that sort, three of my short stories were picked up by a publisher this year and are in anthologies. That's definitely a good start and this year is only going to get better. That and the fact that I was able to update my website to better accommodate my flash fiction section makes me a happy person. Now let the wild rumpus start.
29 December 2010
Forgiveness from a Cat
My husband and I own a cat named Pooka. She has been with us for just over two years now and we are quite attached to her. She is beautiful with long gray hair but that also means lots of knots and snarls. We didn't brush her for two weeks and now poor Pooka is paying the price. Every night we try and get at least one knot out of her. She howls and tries to get away as we do it and when we finally get it out and let her go, she immediately hides under our bed where she knows we can't get her. The most interesting part of this whole ordeal is that if my husband takes her favorite string and dangles it by the edge of the bed she will immediately come and attack it. It doesn’t matter if it seems like we've ripped half of her hair out trying to brush her, as soon as she sees the string she starts playing. Last night after an especially bad brushing section, my husband used the string to convince her to come back up on the bed just a minute after she hid. I was able to pet her and she actually started purring. I wish I was more like that, willing to forgive and easy to please. I think life would be a lot smoother in the long run. Hopefully her fur won't ever get this bad again. This summer we are determined to take her for a haircut because having that much fur in the heat can't be pleasant.
Sorry I didn't post a flash fiction story this week. I actually had every intention to write a Christmas related one. My family was just too awesome to ignore. Just a heads up though, the website will be getting a redesign for the flash fiction area. That is one of my New Year resolutions anyway. Most of the design work is done; I'm just working on testing at this point. It is hard trying to come up with something that I won't have to drastically change in the future because of one thing or another.
Sorry I didn't post a flash fiction story this week. I actually had every intention to write a Christmas related one. My family was just too awesome to ignore. Just a heads up though, the website will be getting a redesign for the flash fiction area. That is one of my New Year resolutions anyway. Most of the design work is done; I'm just working on testing at this point. It is hard trying to come up with something that I won't have to drastically change in the future because of one thing or another.
13 October 2010
Sewing Project
So a couple of weeks ago I mentioned how I am no seamstress by any stretch of the imagination. This next year I hope to change that. My husband and I had the opportunity to attend a convention this weekend. As with all conventions, this one brings out the diehard fans and their costumes. (I have learned to accept the fact that even if the convention is geared for a different genre there will always be storm troopers and Dr. Who walking around.)
The costumes this year were amazing. I mean these costumes are something that could be used in a movie if the actor accidentally destroyed the professionally made clothing. So, I’m feeling motivated beyond belief (which is good since remember the whole stretch of the imagination comment earlier). I already have our costumes planned out and I probably won’t even have to break the bank to purchase the required fabric. Plus if I start now I can plan the sales better and not be (as) stressed when the con rolls around next year. No staying up until two in the morning trying to hem the mile long dress in time for the event in the evening.
Then again, in two months I may be writing that I am way in over my head and that we are going to be doing something completely different that doesn’t require even looking at the sewing machine. I hope not.
The costumes this year were amazing. I mean these costumes are something that could be used in a movie if the actor accidentally destroyed the professionally made clothing. So, I’m feeling motivated beyond belief (which is good since remember the whole stretch of the imagination comment earlier). I already have our costumes planned out and I probably won’t even have to break the bank to purchase the required fabric. Plus if I start now I can plan the sales better and not be (as) stressed when the con rolls around next year. No staying up until two in the morning trying to hem the mile long dress in time for the event in the evening.
Then again, in two months I may be writing that I am way in over my head and that we are going to be doing something completely different that doesn’t require even looking at the sewing machine. I hope not.
26 May 2010
Appreciating History
First off, the reason why I'm posting late is because we're traveling. 4:30 in the morning is not my best thinking time. Yesterday was rather full with none writing activities, including an awesome Austrian restaurant. So now that I finally have a couple of minutes of free time, I'll sit down and write this but will have to post it when I have an internet access. So complicated.
My older brother really enjoys history (and is good at it). When we were younger I would sometimes come in to the living room and see him watching the old Battlefield documentaries. Hours upon hours of a distinguished voice explaining what the little red and blue arrows were doing on a obscure map. Not something I was interested in at all, except perhaps as a sleep aide.
Once he wrangled my into watching the end of the movie Gettysburg. I must admit watching the reenactment of Joshua Chamberlain ordering his men to “fix bayonets” and charge down the hill was pretty neat. But I didn't GET it. Not really.
I ask forgiveness from my history teachers and brother for my somewhat lax attitude on the subject. History is fascinating.
This last week we had the opportunity to visit Gettysburg. Standing in the trees, listening to our tour guide explain the situation was something completely different. I learned that Chamberlain's grand deeds were only a tiny fraction of the amazing and horrific events that took place over the three days of fighting. From the battle of Culp's hill to Devil's Den and the Slaughter Pen, to Picket's charge; I understand. I wish everyone the opportunity to stand on the fields and see a beautiful place that holds such importance to our nation's survival.
I may say I understand but I know I really don't. I can't even begin to imagine what these brave men, both Union and Confederate, had to go through for what they believed in. There is no way a sheltered person like me can ever truly understand but I can appreciate and respect the sacrifices.
My older brother really enjoys history (and is good at it). When we were younger I would sometimes come in to the living room and see him watching the old Battlefield documentaries. Hours upon hours of a distinguished voice explaining what the little red and blue arrows were doing on a obscure map. Not something I was interested in at all, except perhaps as a sleep aide.
Once he wrangled my into watching the end of the movie Gettysburg. I must admit watching the reenactment of Joshua Chamberlain ordering his men to “fix bayonets” and charge down the hill was pretty neat. But I didn't GET it. Not really.
I ask forgiveness from my history teachers and brother for my somewhat lax attitude on the subject. History is fascinating.
This last week we had the opportunity to visit Gettysburg. Standing in the trees, listening to our tour guide explain the situation was something completely different. I learned that Chamberlain's grand deeds were only a tiny fraction of the amazing and horrific events that took place over the three days of fighting. From the battle of Culp's hill to Devil's Den and the Slaughter Pen, to Picket's charge; I understand. I wish everyone the opportunity to stand on the fields and see a beautiful place that holds such importance to our nation's survival.
I may say I understand but I know I really don't. I can't even begin to imagine what these brave men, both Union and Confederate, had to go through for what they believed in. There is no way a sheltered person like me can ever truly understand but I can appreciate and respect the sacrifices.
06 January 2010
New Year's Resolutions
A new year means new opportunities. When I was in school I always went by the school calendar and didn’t focus as much on the yearly calendar. Now that I don’t have a summer break I have realized the “coolness” of January 1. There have been times throughout my life when I had depression and didn’t think there was any enjoyment to my life. What a mistake that was. I don’t really like to read my journal entries from back then because I was so dull. Okay my journal entries are probably still dull but at least I am trying to enjoy my life more. With the beginning of the new year comes new plans and new dreams. I already have activities planned out for as late as Oct that I am working towards. It has never been a good idea to live in the future but it isn’t a bad thing to work towards it.
I know that I may fall short of some of my lofty goals but, by golly, I am going to do what I can to make them happen and I know that I won’t regret it. Fear isn’t going to stop me this year.
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