tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28072769601057443792024-03-13T05:23:32.105-04:00Marnee BaileyMarnee Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01533816213473440342noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807276960105744379.post-8545386060925411722015-01-20T21:50:00.002-05:002015-01-20T21:50:39.269-05:00New Site!I'll be moving all of my happenings over to my new website (complete with my new pen name!) at <div>
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<a href="http://www.marneeblake.com/">www.marneeblake.com</a></div>
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Come and find me there! And stay tuned for any new happenings!</div>
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Best wishes! </div>
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XOXO</div>
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Marnee</div>
Marnee Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01533816213473440342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807276960105744379.post-71607625186385532982015-01-04T12:35:00.003-05:002015-01-04T12:35:53.450-05:00Happy New Year!I greet every new year with the same mixture of emotions.<br />
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It's sad because the holidays are over. I've spent the past week and a half with my husband and my boys. It's going to be sad to see them all trundle back to school/work tomorrow. And January is full of a lot of nothing. No festive holidays. I can't even think of fun ways to decorate my house and there are no reasons to eat delicious food. Well, no predetermined reasons to eat yummy food. For my part, I don't really need a reason. I *heart* food.<br />
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But though it's sad, I'm excited too. This month, with its expanse of nothing, is the perfect time to finish a WIP. I'd like to even write two books before the summer. I'm planning to get back into our routine and write my face off. That alone is exciting and I haven't been this enthused about my stories in a long time.<br />
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Also, I have a good feeling about this year. Last year was full of amazing career experiences. The Golden Heart and all the bells and whistles that came with it. The wonderful women I met and the Cinderella whirl of Nationals. I ended it by signing with my wonderful agent.<br />
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It'll be hard to top all that but, like I said, I feel good. Hopeful and exciting.<br />
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I hope that all of you are feeling equally energized and fierce at the beginning of this new year. Wishing you all the best!!<br />
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<b>What are you looking forward to most this year?</b><br />
<br />Marnee Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01533816213473440342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807276960105744379.post-63498279332833745822014-12-04T08:30:00.000-05:002014-12-15T13:33:00.322-05:00I Have An Agent!Happy December, everyone!<br />
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I know it's been a while since I've posted here, but much has been going on behind the scenes.<br />
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For starters, I'm happy to announce that my writing is now being represented by the incomparable Helen Breitwieser at <a href="http://www.cornerstoneliterary.com/">t</a>he <a href="http://www.cornerstoneliterary.com/">Cornerstone Literary Agency</a>!<br />
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Helen represents an amazing list of authors including my Fanlit friend <a href="http://www.tiffanyclare.com/">Tiffany Clare</a> and other awesome wordsmiths like <a href="http://www.tracyannewarren.com/">Tracy Anne Warren</a>, Rachel Lee, <a href="http://www.maiseyyates.com/">Maisey Yates</a>, <a href="http://www.katherinecenter.com/">Katherine Center</a>, and <a href="http://www.jackieashenden.com/">Jackie Ashenden</a>!<br />
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And now... me!<br />
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YAY! *Throws confetti* *Pops the champagne*<br />
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I am incredibly excited to be working with Helen. The first time we talked, I felt as if she really 'got' my writing and my voice. I am certain that my work is in very capable hands. She has many years of experience and already I can tell that her guidance in my career will be invaluable.<br />
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It's been a surreal couple of weeks and I had much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. So, all the virtual champagne and confetti and chocolate for everyone!<br />
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A special thank you to everyone who has been there for me these past years as I've continued on this wonderful journey. There are so many amazing people who've supported me, it's truly humbling and my heart is full. I'm the luckiest of ladies.<br />
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XOXO<br />
MarneeMarnee Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01533816213473440342noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807276960105744379.post-17664825248445200422014-07-17T22:18:00.002-04:002014-07-17T22:18:44.075-04:00Ode To My Golden Heart SistersIn less than a week, I fly to San Antonio to attend my first RWA National conference.<br />
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I can't even explain how excited I am.<br />
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It's funny, because going as a Golden Heart finalist is the fulfillment of a dream. But, the biggest surprise--the nicest one--to come out of the past few months is how much I've come to adore my GH sister class. I've met some of the coolest, smartest, most talented ladies and being among them is the best gift of this experience. They are truly inspiring and I'm so happy to know them.<br />
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As I've watched, some of them have gotten agents and signed deals. Some of them have gone out on submission. Some of them have decided to self-publish or started along their journey. Some are submitting to agents and editors. I'm so incredibly proud of all of them and have come to root for their successes as if I've known them for years instead of only a few short months.<br />
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So, as we creep up on our Nationals experience, I want to take this moment to shout out to my Golden Heart girls. You guys are awesome. I can't wait to spend next week with you, cheering you all on. I couldn't have asked for a nicer bunch of ladies to share this experience with.<br />
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Go DREAMWEAVERS!<br />
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XOXO<br />
<br />Marnee Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01533816213473440342noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807276960105744379.post-60152105235767204412014-06-24T00:30:00.000-04:002014-06-24T00:30:02.145-04:00Cover Reveal!! Award Winning Author Amy Patrick's Channel 20Something!<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">
I have a special treat for you today! I'm part of my dear friend <a href="http://amypatrickbooks.com/">Amy Patrick</a>'s cover reveal! </div>
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So without further adieu! Here's the cover for Amy's up and coming release, <b>Channel 20Something</b>!</div>
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<b>I think it's so beautiful and I can't wait to read it!</b></div>
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Here's some more information about the book and its talented author!</div>
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<b>BOOK & AUTHOR INFO:</b></div>
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Channel 20Something by Amy Patrick<br />(20Something, #1)<br />Publication date: August 12th 2014<br />Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance</div>
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<br /><b>Synopsis:</b></div>
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22-year-old Heidi Haynes is almost one year into her “real life”. She has her first reporting job and her first apartment, but she’s yet to experience first love. Yes, she’s in a comfortable relationship with her college sweetheart, and according to her friends and family, he’s perfect for her. But for some reason she’s not as eager to talk about walking down the aisle as he is.<br /><br />And while Heidi’s doing what she wants to do, she’s not where she wants to be. She longs for big cities, big-market breaking news, and real independence from her way-too-close-by helicopter parents. Problem is, the last time she left the security of home for new places and new people, things didn’t go so well. Disastrously, in fact, and she came running back to a local college and a “safe” boyfriend.<br /><br />Well-traveled Californian Aric Serrano plans to stay in small-market-Southern-Hell just long enough to grab a cup of coffee and put together a kick-ass “escape tape”. He’ll serve his one-year contract, then he’s taking off for a higher rung on the TV sports ladder—alone—the way he likes it. But when he walks into the newsroom and meets Heidi, he may have finally found something and someone worth committing to.<br /><br />Heidi would be so much more comfortable if she could avoid her new co-worker—he’s just her type—the type she’s so careful to avoid. But that becomes impossible when she and Aric are forced to work together on the weekend news. Now there’s no denying the attraction between them, and she’ll have to decide between settling for the “good enough” life she already has or taking the risk of going for what she dreams of, an exciting career and a real love.</div>
<br /><b>Goodreads: </b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22430248-channel-20something" style="color: #0068cf; cursor: default; font-weight: inherit;" target="_blank">https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22430248-channel-20something</a></div>
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<br /><br /><br />AUTHOR BIO</div>
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Amy is a two-time Golden Heart finalist (2013 and 2014). She lives in Rhode Island with her husband and two sons and actually craves the heat and humidity of Mississippi, where she grew up. She's been a professional singer and news anchor and currently narrates audio books as well as working as a station host for a Boston TV station.</div>
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Author links: </div>
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<a href="http://www.amypatrickbooks.com/" style="color: #0068cf; cursor: default; font-weight: inherit;" target="_blank">http://www.amypatrickbooks.com/</a></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/amypatrickbooks" style="color: #0068cf; cursor: default; font-weight: inherit;" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/amypatrickbooks</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3247178.Amy_Patrick" style="color: #0068cf; cursor: default; font-weight: inherit;" target="_blank">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3247178.Amy_Patrick</a></div>
Marnee Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01533816213473440342noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807276960105744379.post-30326765261975698112014-06-16T00:00:00.000-04:002014-06-16T10:06:36.158-04:00USA Today HEA blog AND The Writing Process Blog Tour!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">First of all, I'm on the USA Today's HEA blog today!! Go over and say hi!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/happyeverafter/2014/06/15/recommended-reads-shewanda-pugh-ac-arthur/10551991/">http://www.usatoday.com/story/happyeverafter/2014/06/15/recommended-reads-shewanda-pugh-ac-arthur/10551991/</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m also a stop on The Writing Process Blog Tour! I was
tagged by one of my lovely Golden Heart</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.66666603088379px;">®</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> sisters, Jessica Ruddick.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Jessica writes YA, NA, and romantic fiction.
You can find her <a href="http://jessicaruddick.com/">here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So here I go!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What am I working on?<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Right now, I’m
working on a YA speculative story. I’m not ready to give much more than that
about it yet, but I’m really enjoying writing it. I’m also planning out the
story set right after my historical AFTER THE SCANDAL. I’ll write that next, I
believe.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">How does my work differ from others of its genre?<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">ALTERED, my Golden Heart finalist, is different because it’s a YA
from 3<sup>rd</sup> person POV. Also, it’s science fiction instead of straight
paranormal or fantasy. It’s set in our
world instead of an alternate one, even though it stretches the boundaries of
reality a little bit.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">My historical are
edgier than most of the fare out there. I’ve never written a ballroom scene.
Most of my action takes place in sketchy places and the stories are full of
suspense.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Why do I write what I do?<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I write suspense
because I love action and drama. I’m enjoying writing for younger folks because
I think so much happens and changes in those years. As to historicals, I love
the kinds of conflicts in the 19th century, the time period I write. That time was lush with social conflict and social conflict is a lot of fun to delve into.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></strong><strong><span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">How does your writing process work?<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I usually spend
about a month or so getting my thoughts around a story. Plot, GMC/character stuff, etc. I plan out a
storyboard. Then it usually takes me 2-3 months to write a rough draft. After
that, a month or more to revise. Longer sometimes, depending on the story. If real life interferes, well, these times become very fluid. As to times during the day when I write? Well, I have two little boys. I'm not really sure where I find time to write. :)<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Thanks for
stopping by! I’m going to tag two of my 2014
Golden Heart</span></strong><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.66666603088379px;">®</span><strong><span style="background: white; font-size: 12.0pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> sisters, Carrie Padgett and Lenora Bell!</span></strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHbCuYGGDzZYEa1ZgD6Xdz7NriMMwP1778-W4jUXGPpjA3eJteEPT_1UFC6y2xVZnM344k2UXCkS-SQ281yTSWovQgA1gkt9GbddjZpBZMo60KDQ4qGOSoMyuWN55o0TSfPqK6AG-SCnE/s1600/Padgett+flip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHbCuYGGDzZYEa1ZgD6Xdz7NriMMwP1778-W4jUXGPpjA3eJteEPT_1UFC6y2xVZnM344k2UXCkS-SQ281yTSWovQgA1gkt9GbddjZpBZMo60KDQ4qGOSoMyuWN55o0TSfPqK6AG-SCnE/s1600/Padgett+flip.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Carrie Padgett lives with her husband, a dog, and a cat in
the flattest middle part of California. The up side is she's only a couple of
hours from both beaches and mountains. She writes sweet contemporary stories
set in Yosemite's front yard. She is a 2014 Go</span><span style="background-color: white;">lden Heart</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia, times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.66666603088379px;">® </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">finalist in the Inspirational Romance category. Her blog can be found here: </span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://livevicarrieous.com/">http://livevicarrieous.com/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lenora Bell is Golden Heart</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia, times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.66666603088379px;">® Finalist in the Historical Romance category. Her blog can be found here: </span><span style="font-family: georgia, times, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18.66666603088379px;"><a href="http://lenorabell.blogspot.com/">http://lenorabell.blogspot.com/</a></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia, times, serif; font-size: x-small;">Make sure to visit them both next Monday, June 23!</span></span></div>
Marnee Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01533816213473440342noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807276960105744379.post-34966983766976701722014-06-11T17:41:00.000-04:002014-06-11T17:41:11.247-04:00SIX WEEKS!I fly to San Antonio for RWA Nationals in six weeks!<br />
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This is pretty much me right now.<br />
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Our 2014 Golden Heart yahoo loop has been full of dresses and pin talk and name talk and a few awesome call stories. We've decided to call ourselves the Dreamweavers and we're finalizing out pin design now. The more I learn about these amazing women, the more excited I am to meet them.<br />
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I have a dress I can wear for the ceremony but I've debated borrowing a different one from a friend. I'll make my final decision closer to the date. I like to have wardrobe options, you see. Don't we all?<br />
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But, most important, I'm finishing a new story and I'll be preparing to pitch it at Nationals along with my GH finaling manuscript.<br />
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These past couple of months have been a whirlwind of excitement. Being a finalist in this contest has been an amazing ride. There have been a lot of cool things going on and to keep myself grounded, I've been writing something new. I'm really excited about it and when I have more information, I'll post it here. Or rather, on my books tab above.<br />
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In the meantime, the summer is beginning. I have two little boys and I'm looking forward to the weeks ahead full of sunshine and fun with them.<br />
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<b>What are your plans for the summer, readers? Are you going to Nationals? If so, leave me a note so we can meet up!</b>Marnee Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01533816213473440342noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807276960105744379.post-66717944041487238052014-05-15T14:15:00.001-04:002014-05-15T14:22:25.405-04:00What To Do When You're NOT at RTThe RT Booklover's Convention is being held this week in New Orleans.<br />
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My Twitter feed and Facebook have been flooded with pictures of all my lovely writing friends partying it up, talking shop, and enjoying one of the spots on my "to travel to before I die" list.</div>
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I would love to say that I'm entirely too busy writing and doing writerly things to be stalking my Twitter and refreshing my Facebook. But it would be a lie. Seems I CAN find too many minutes to jealously read all those cool tweets/posts.</div>
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So, instead of getting caught up in my own envy, I thought I'd post a list of things to do while your friends are all at RT (or insert any other writing convention you aren't attending here).</div>
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1) Write. This one is so obvious it almost doesn't have to be here. But, well, it does. You can write, get ahead in the word count of all those folks who are away, having more fun than you, er, who are too busy to write right now. Practical and straightforward.</div>
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2) Blog. Sort of a subset of writing. But you could insert any promotional item here. Working on your website works too. Marketing is part of writing, after all. At least it is if you're a published writer or plan to be someday.</div>
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3) Read. Think of it as research. Think of it as a guilty pleasure. Either way, reading is good for your writing. And, as everyone's busy doing their thing at RT, no one's looking. Feel free to indulge.</div>
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<b>How about you? If you're at RT, feel free to gush about how much fun you're having. I won't judge you (much). If you're not, what are you doing to keep busy?</b></div>
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Marnee Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01533816213473440342noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807276960105744379.post-83665082648948970542014-04-25T11:14:00.001-04:002014-04-25T11:17:55.066-04:00At The Beginning... AgainAltered is out there on the catwalk, strutting its stuff. It's time for me to start a new project!!<br />
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At the start of something new, I always have mixed emotions. I'm equal parts this...<br />
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And this ....<br />
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It's a really exciting time. I get to plot out something new, play with new scenarios. I can pluck the depths of characters and play what-if. Most important to me right now, I can write new words instead of revising previously written words! *happy sigh* Oh, I know revising is vital. But revisions require a different kind of creativity. A soul-sucking, exhausting, trying... er, I mean, wonderfully productive and necessary part of the creative process.<br />
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I'm deep in the research phase and my storyboard is deliciously empty. *rubs hands together* Here's hoping the next days see me typing like a madwoman and not doing a lot of this...<br />
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<b>Sorry for the image-laden post. I was feeling visual today. So tell me... how do you feel at the beginning of a project? What are you working on right now?</b><br />
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<br />Marnee Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01533816213473440342noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807276960105744379.post-26791362626694416922014-04-05T23:46:00.000-04:002014-04-05T23:49:18.603-04:00Pretty New Headshot!Part of being a Golden Heart Finalist is having a head shot taken. Some girls are lucky enough to already have a picture that makes them look author-y and they didn't have to stress this item on their to-do list.<br />
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I wasn't so lucky.<br />
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The day after I finaled (yes, the day after. Not that day. I was busy swimming in the pixie dust that day, folks, I'm not gonna lie) I started stressing about what the heck I was going to do for a head shot. I thought about just taking a selfie or having the hubs do it. I considered and even talked to a lovely friend about taking some photos. But, I turned to my sister-in-law who directed me to the lovely <a href="http://www.mmiphotography.org/">Mindy Ingersoll</a>. <br />
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If you look over there.... >>>>> <br />
you will see my beautiful new author-y headshot. <br />
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Please. Did you look? No? Well, take this moment now. It's there >>>><br />
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You saw it? Good. Because I love it.<br />
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Mindy did a great job. Made me feel super relaxed. I love all the pics she took but the one on the right<br />
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Over there, in case you didn't look yet.<br />
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Is my favorite.<br />
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Thanks again, Mindy! And if you're in the Philly, Delaware, South Jersey area and you need a photog, check her out. <br />
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Ever had to have your professional picture taken? How'd it go?Marnee Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01533816213473440342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807276960105744379.post-62227686480172878712014-03-26T15:33:00.003-04:002014-03-26T15:37:13.704-04:00I'm a Golden Heart Finalist!*throws confetti*<br />
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My book, ALTERED, is a Golden Heart Finalist in the Young Adult Romance category!! I couldn't be more excited. Read below for the list of finalists:</div>
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<a href="http://www.rwa.org/p/bl/et/blogid=20&blogaid=713">RWA Blog - RITA and Golden Heart Nominees</a></div>
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I got my call this morning at a little after 10 AM. I think Julie Kenner might think I'm crazy because all I could say was, "Oh my God. Oh my God." <br />
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I've been floating all day and now I get to plan a trip to San Antonio. SQUEE!!!</div>
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Congratulations to all my fellow finalists and to all the finalists in the RITA awards. To see my name on this post with all those talented writers, well, it's really humbling.</div>
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I can't wait to meet the other finalists and to celebrate it up at Nationals this year!</div>
Marnee Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01533816213473440342noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807276960105744379.post-63584362823365964842013-10-01T00:00:00.000-04:002013-10-01T00:00:05.478-04:00Shop Talk Tuesday: When One Door Closes....<div>
It's been a few weeks since I posted. Sorry about that. But I've been over on my group blog, <a href="http://www.romancewritersrevenge.com/">Romance Writer's Revenge</a> a lot more, for our final huzzah.</div>
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Over the summer, my blog mates and I decided to dock the ship permanently. September was our last month of blogging and our finale was yesterday. <div>
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It has been an amazing run.</div>
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When we started the blog in 2007, we didn't know what we were doing. Back then, I blogged every Thursday. Our topics ran the gamut and we rambled on, trailing off on tangents, really getting a feel for ourselves and the other writers/readers that joined in the discussion. I learned a whole lot about myself as an author because of the women on that blog. And I made some amazing friends.</div>
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I'm going to miss being there, checking for posts every day. Hearing each of the pirates' takes on the world.</div>
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For your part, you can still find each of the pirates at various spots on the web. On my side bar, you'll find the links to each of their homepages. I'll try to stay here and keep you entertained. </div>
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So, from me, a virtual shout out and a huge smooshy hug to all the pirates. I love you girls. I wouldn't be who I am--as a writer or a person--if it hadn't been for you folks pushing me these past six years. XOXO </div>
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Marnee Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01533816213473440342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807276960105744379.post-7205319428195479722013-09-03T00:00:00.000-04:002013-09-03T00:00:06.898-04:00Shop Talk Tuesday: Motivation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I’ll admit: sometimes I procrastinate. Like now.
Currently, it’s Monday night and I’m writing this blog. But I’m writing it
because I SHOULD be working on the scene I’m almost done with but I just don’t
wanna. The scene is hard. It’s required more research than I’ve done during the
rest of the book combined. (Magnetoencephalography. Go ahead and look it up. I’ll wait
here….. See? Zzzzzzzzzzz)<o:p></o:p></span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">I have exactly no motivation to read another
thing about the electrophysiology of the brain. Or the different lobe
functions. Or whatever else. I find parts of it fascinating, don’t get me
wrong, but when they start talking about all the research that’s been done on the brain, all the different scientists, limitations of the work, etc. well… my eyes glaze over and MY brain shuts down. <o:p></o:p></span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">So, I hit the internet. Pinterest, you saucy
wench, I’m looking at you. Oh, another recipe for a cream cheese dip? Don’t
mind if I do. Then I scan my FB timeline and I start chatting on Twitter.<o:p></o:p></span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Let’s face it: if we want to escape from a
task, there are no shortage of places to get lost here. </span><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 13.05pt;">In fact, writing this blog is productive, in
comparison. At least this is work related.</span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Where am I going with this? Oh right.
Motivation. What keeps me going back for more? Because this sort of stuff is
hard. I’ve written other stories that have required research. Sometimes it was awesome. I’d fall down the rabbit hole willingly.
Other times, not so much. The night I spent trying to figure out how long it
would take to get from point A in England to point B, on horseback, for
example. Ugh. I had to know, but I would
have preferred to pass over that and get back to the story. Right now I
need to know how the brain functions. At least with passable authority. That
has required a bit of research. Into science. For this English major. <o:p></o:p></span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">I know. Ouch.<o:p></o:p></span></h4>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">But, the story requires it so I need to do
it. I will remind myself that it serves a greater purpose: making my story into
the best end result I can manage. Then I will focus on that and it will get me going again. <o:p></o:p></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A great end result. That's the goal. Sometimes I need a reminder. And some weeks I need more reminders than usual. Like weeks that require neurology lessons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>So, tell me… what motivates you?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Marnee Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01533816213473440342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807276960105744379.post-28775993854459434862013-08-27T07:41:00.000-04:002013-08-27T07:51:00.085-04:00Shop Talk Tuesday: Writing the QueryLet's talk about query writing.<br />
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If you didn't notice--or look yet--I updated my Books tab above with a blurb about my latest project. Go check it out, I'll wait here.<br />
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*pipes in Jeopardy theme music*<br />
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I admit: I really dislike writing these things. I actually don't know anyone who loves to write them. Some writers like them more than others (ahem, I'm talking about you, <a href="http://www.terriosburn.com/">Terri Osburn</a>). But no one <u>loves </u>this part.<br />
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I think part of my problem is that I'm not really good at marketing, myself or my books. I'm getting better, but it's hard. Selling something is a completely different skill set than creating something. These couple of paragraphs have to hook the reader. They need to take the inciting actions in the book and turn them into something that will make someone say, "I need to read this NOW!" You only get a few sentences. Actually, some would argue you only get one sentence. If the first sentence is boring, some people will stop reading. Probably many people.<br />
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No pressure, right?<br />
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I have learned a couple of things, though. The query doesn't have to tell the whole story. It just has to give enough to be provocative.<br />
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It needs to say what starts the action and then hint at how they start to resolve it. This is good news. It means all you have to do is condense about 1/3 or 1/2 of your book into a few sentences. That's much easier than condensing the entire book into a few sentences.<br />
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*eye roll*<br />
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I think it's also beneficial to get your voice in there. A taste of what the reader can expect.<br />
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<b>What have you learned about blurb/query writing? Any pointers are helpful!</b><br />
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<br />Marnee Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01533816213473440342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807276960105744379.post-60791170277922898332013-08-23T18:06:00.000-04:002013-08-23T18:06:11.928-04:00Blurb is up!I didn't get to post anything else this week but I'll be back on Tuesday to talk shop.<br />
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In the mean time, feel free to click on the Books tab above and read the blurb for my newest story!<br />
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<br />Marnee Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01533816213473440342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807276960105744379.post-26434453373684546082013-08-20T00:00:00.000-04:002013-08-20T07:44:57.349-04:00Shop Talk Tuesday: Revisions, Oh My<div class="MsoNormal">
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Yay! But Ugh. Because now begins the hard part: revising. Yes, I think revisions are harder than finishing the book. </div>
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I’ve let it sit as long as I can stand and it’s time to start diving back
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Some people love revisions. I like it when I’m in the middle
of it. Maybe it’s my inner Virgo. Setting things right, setting order to chaos.
But, when I’m staring it in the face, it sorta makes me feel like this guy:<br />
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(If you didn’t go watch the video, you really should. It’s a
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Anyway. Revisions. They’re daunting. Like an angry ram in your face.</div>
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The only way I can even attempt them is to go at it with a
clear plan. (I’m a Virgo, remember?) I
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So, I’m in it now. Starting to read and look for big picture
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Ugh.</div>
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<b>How do you go about revising? Do you have a plan of attack?
How about that ram? Sorry, but I laughed hysterically. There’s probably something wrong with me.</b></div>
Marnee Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01533816213473440342noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807276960105744379.post-65226635661392919522013-08-17T10:31:00.001-04:002013-08-17T10:31:35.533-04:00Long Time No See!Hello dear readers!<br />
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I have been a horrendous slacker when it's come to this blog. <br />
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Part of it is that I blog with a great group of girls at the <a href="http://www.romancewritersrevenge.com/">Romance Writer's Revenge</a> so I usually say my most interesting stuff over there. (Fine, sometimes even my not-so interesting stuff too.) Part of it is that I have little people underfoot a lot, especially in the summertime. My DSs are 6 and 3. They keep me away from the computer and on my toes. Recently, most of my computer face time has been reserved for writing.<br />
<br />But come September, things are going to change up. (I hope!) My sons will both be in school, full time for the older, just a couple days a week for the younger. I should have more time.<br />
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I'm making a resolution to be here more often. To give myself some incentive, I'm going to set up a little bit of a blog schedule. It's not a rule, just a suggestion. :)<br />
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Tuesdays will be Shop Talk Tuesdays, when I talk about my progress, what I'm working on, what's holding me up. Things related to writing craft and business. These posts will be my most regular posts. I'd like to post on Tuesday every week.<br />
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On Thursdays, I'll use to post things unrelated to writing. Maybe recipes. Maybe holiday related. Who knows?<br />
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Fridays I'll reserve for book releases, promotion of books, or for book recommendations. <br />
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I'm also going to try to update my book information more often. For example, I finished the first draft of GLORY, the YA/NA I've been working on. I'll have a blurb together as soon as I can.<br />
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This is the plan, folks. Let's see how it works out!<br />
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<b>Do you blog? If so, how often? If not, why? If you do, leave a link below so I can connect with you!</b>Marnee Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01533816213473440342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807276960105744379.post-75536344806605034122013-04-07T22:33:00.004-04:002013-04-07T22:33:52.617-04:00Is It a Break or a Break-Up?Again, I've been away a while. I'm sorry. But I'm back! With a new header and everything. And a new story! But more on that in a minute.... <br />
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If you've watched Friends, my title will make sense to you. If you haven't, you'll miss the context.<br />
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This is a post about whether a story that's hit a brick wall is done for good or done for now.<br />
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I spent the winter working on a Victorian historical romance. I've written a couple historical romances, but my previous stories have been Regency-set. This story required a bit more modern thinking, so I moved it forward to give my heroine a credible career.<br />
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I finished a draft. At least I got to the black moment. I couldn't go further than the black moment. I told myself I'd figure it out in the next draft.<br />
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I revised. I pondered. I changed some characterization and refined some plot twists. I added a conflict. <br />
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I thought I had it, I'll be honest. <br />
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But, again, I got to the black moment and well, it just didn't feel that black. <br />
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Then I stalled out.<br />
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So it sat for a month. I opened the file. I stared at it. I refined here, adjusted there, to no avail.<br />
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I think the problem is lack of conflict in the second half. For the life of me I can't figure out what the real conflict of that part is. <br />
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After much soul searching, I've decided to set it aside for now. I'm not sure if it's a break or a break-up yet. I needed to write something else. Maybe I'll find that spark, that thing that I was missing in the story and I'll come back, revitalized. Then again, maybe I won't. For now, I refuse to let it bog me down.<br />
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I've started working on something else. It's a Upper YA/New Adult story. I'll give more details in a bit, when I have a decent blurb together. Right now, I'm just writing. <br />
<br />Hope you all are well!<br />
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So tell me.... <b>Have you ever set a story aside for a while and come back? Or have you ever abandoned one completely, that close to the end? Why?</b> Marnee Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01533816213473440342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807276960105744379.post-33737353183246029922012-09-09T14:50:00.002-04:002012-09-09T14:50:22.857-04:00Long Time No Write... or, I've Neglected You and I'm SorryHello, readers.<br />
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I'm sorry. I know I've been slacking here on my blog. I humbly apologize.<br />
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It was a crazy summer. I have two little guys (5 and 2) and I spent the summer chasing them around and breaking up disputes between them. It was fun, exhausting, frustrating, and priceless, all at the same time.<br />
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Here's a pic of them, at the beach.<br />
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Trust me, this moment of sweetness is deceptive. The entire summer did not look like this.<br />
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But, the end of the summer heralded in the crystallization of my current story and suddenly, with the eldest in kindergarten, I've been able to carve out a little more time to write.<br />
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I'm adding a little widget on the side for the word count of my newest story, SINCE THEIR AFFAIR. I'll have a description added to my books page soon, I promise.<br />
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<b>So, how was your summer? As busy as mine? Full of fun trips or relaxing vacations?</b> Hope you are all well.Marnee Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01533816213473440342noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807276960105744379.post-84976315380529356782012-06-12T08:53:00.005-04:002012-08-22T16:15:08.852-04:00Following the Bliss<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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I mentioned a couple posts down that I was starting a new story. </div>
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Well, I fibbed.</div>
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Okay, actually I didn't fib. I did start a new story. But I haven't stuck with it.</div>
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There are lots of reasons but I'm not going to bore you. Mostly because they aren't all positive and I prefer to stay in the light when I can. The bottom line is that I didn't feel like writing that right now. So I'm going to focus instead on the future and what I <b>do </b>want to write next.</div>
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This path we walk as writers (I'm assuming most of you are writers so I'll use the collective here) is a murky one. There is no prescribed route. There is no checklist to accomplish our goals, no "if I follow this flowchart I will reach my destination." There isn't a one-size-fits-all destination to reach. Publishing takes so many shapes, one writer's "success" might not even be on another's roadmap. </div>
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Like any journey with no clear destination, we can only use our hearts as our compass.</div>
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I'm not so bohemian as to forget that publishing is a business. Because it is. Books are commodities that are bought and sold. And when money is involved, the heart can become lost. When something becomes commercial, it is assigned a value. As an unpublished author of three completed manuscripts, I've been tempted at times to disregard my unpublished efforts as lacking value. To the publishing industry, these efforts DO lack value. No one has made money from them. </div>
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But to me, they are invaluable. They're the stepping stones on my journey. I've started every story I've finished as an exercise in following my bliss. I've been struck by inspiration and I've followed it to its conclusion. Each time, I've learned more about myself and I've grown in my craft. So, though these stories may never earn me any money, they are treasures to me.</div>
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After all, you can not assign a value to an experience. It becomes part of what makes us intrinsically different from everyone else and our differences are what make us priceless.</div>
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So, once again, I'm following an inspiration. As I set out, I have no idea what I'll learn. It's exciting and scary and exhilarating. But, isn't that the gift and the joy of this phase of the journey?</div>
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<br />Marnee Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01533816213473440342noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807276960105744379.post-67942142954256885282012-05-13T09:39:00.000-04:002012-08-22T16:17:05.784-04:00Six Sentence SundayI don't usually do Six Sentence Sunday, but I thought today was a good day. It's Mother's Day and the DH is entertaining the little dudes. So, here are the first six sentences of my story.<br />
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Happy Mother's Day to all of you mothers out there! I hope you have a great day, full of people you love.<br />
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Haywood could explain the joy that washed over her—no, through her—when the
music took her. Her parents didn’t exist. Neither did the looming marriage
to the man she didn’t like. Standing in the little salon behind the Grey Swan
Public House, nothing else existed, only the breath in her lungs and the song
in her bones. And it was heaven.</span></div>
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Marnee Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01533816213473440342noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807276960105744379.post-85412921014554463562012-04-04T15:48:00.000-04:002012-08-22T16:17:50.890-04:00A bit of perspective...Just a pause in your regularly scheduled programming for a bit of perspective. I've been frustrated, during editing, and I'm pushing and pushing and trying to shape this story into what I want it to be. And, in times of great frustration, I remember this:<br />
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<i> Nobody tells this to people who are beginners, I wish someone told me. All of us who do creative work, we get into it because we have good taste. But there is this gap. For the first couple years you make stuff, it’s just not that good. It’s trying to be good, it has potential, but it’s not. But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still killer. And your taste is why your work disappoints you. A lot of people never get past this phase, they quit. Most people I know who do interesting, creative work went through years of this. We know our work doesn’t have this special thing that we want it to have. We all go through this. And if you are just starting out or you are still in this phase, you gotta know its normal and the most important thing you can do is do a lot of work. Put yourself on a deadline so that every week you will finish one story. It is only by going through a volume of work that you will close that gap, and your work will be as good as your ambitions. And I took longer to figure out how to do this than anyone I’ve ever met. It’s gonna take awhile. It’s normal to take awhile. You’ve just gotta fight your way through. — Ira Glass </i><br />
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Thank you, Mr. Glass. I'm trying to remember that.Marnee Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01533816213473440342noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807276960105744379.post-87793085772903293002012-02-05T10:10:00.003-05:002012-08-22T16:18:13.867-04:00Time Travel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm sure, if you read my blog regularly, that you're wondering what happened to me this past month. January was a vicious whirlwind of sickness and revising. As I've been busy Lysoling my house (is that a verb? it should be....), I've also managed to make it halfway through my 2nd round of revisions. <br />
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But, as I'm rearranging and updating, I've debated putting a flashback right into the center of my story. I've seen flashbacks as prologues and I've seen them used throughout. I think the amount of success of flashback varies based on story and skill of the storyteller--a topic for another post--but I don't know how I feel about having just one. My gut tells me that it's probably an unnecessary info dump. <br />
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My reasoning for even considering it? My characters had a falling out when they were young, a fight. Things were said and left unsaid and then they had a ten year separation. I've debated whether I need to give that argument or not. <br />
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What do you think, readers? <b>Do you think giving a past argument, if it's important to the characters' shared history, is necessary? Or do you get annoyed when authors go back in the past when you just want to read the present and future? Thoughts?</b>Marnee Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01533816213473440342noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807276960105744379.post-37690296648465155362011-12-31T10:30:00.001-05:002012-08-22T16:18:35.799-04:00Firecracker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's New Years Eve. <br />
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My plans for the evening aren't exciting. We were supposed to get together with another children-laden family but my oldest son is under the weather. So we're hanging in at home, watching the ball drop and eating unhealthy food.<br />
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It's been a hectic week so this actually sounds like bliss to me.<br />
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*****<br />
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I don't do resolutions but I think it's natural to reflect this time of year, to revisit what happened--good or bad. <br />
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Writer-wise, it was a pretty good year. I had a baby in 2010 and didn't finish a book that year. But this year I finished a book. It's always a good year when I finish a book. <br />
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I have big plans for next year, though. I want to finish revisions on this book and write another. In fact, I'd like to write two books this coming year. I'd settle for just another one, but I'd like two.<br />
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I'd like to final in another contest. I would love it to be the Golden Heart but I'll take another final anywhere. A final in any form rocks.<br />
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My biggest goal? A contract, of course. But I'd be happy to sign with an agent.<br />
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Going into this year, I'm feeling energized, like a firecracker. I'm more focused than I've been in a few years, in a more positive frame of mind. The last couple years have been full of the exhaustion of baby-making and the initial intense child-rearing that comes with an infant. But my youngest is out of the super-dependent baby phase so I should be able to stretch my wings a bit this year. I hope to reach out a little more, meet more writers, get involved. Maybe join a local chapter. Maybe go to a conference or two. Being with other romance writers fills the cracks, I think. And romance writers are some of the coolest people I've ever met.<br />
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My first line of business, though, is to finish these revisions and get to querying. <br />
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I got this. <br />
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How about you? What awesomeness happened to you last year? What awesomeness are you aiming to accomplish this year?</b><br />
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Happy New Year to you all! I hope you all get everything you need.Marnee Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01533816213473440342noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2807276960105744379.post-72693254473981531792011-11-29T16:38:00.000-05:002012-08-22T16:18:59.239-04:00Fare Thee Well, Golden Heart Entry!Au Revoir, GH entry! Godspeed!<br />
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I just mailed my six partials, six synopsis, and full manuscript to RWA this morning. Granted, the shipping for it to get there in the next two days was astronomical. But boy was it a good feeling to have it out of here.<br />
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I like entering a contest now and again. Not often, but once a year or so, just to keep it interesting. The competition, the excitement and anxiety of it. The deadlines and how it breaks up the monotone of sloughing through a manuscript. It can be fun.<br />
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So, I'm keeping my fingers crossed. If nothing else, I wrote a synopsis and polished my first fifty pages. That's an accomplishment in and of itself.<br />
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Now, on to the rest of the MS. I've decided to break the book into four acts and do each one separately. So, I'm working on my second act now. My goal? To be finished with the first round of revisions by mid January and get it out for some readers. It might be until end of January, though, with the holidays.<br />
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Speaking of the holidays.... I'm on a mission to try new Christmas cookies this year. My hubby's family likes chocolate chip (who doesn't?) and snickerdoodles, so I make those every year. <a href="http://www.terriosburn.com/terri_osburn/blog_index.html">Terri Osburn</a> suggested sugar cookies for my boys to decorate so I'll probably do that too, just to make a mess. I do fudge, as well. I make a pumpkin log filled with cream cheese filling. (Yum-o!). <b>But do you have any suggestions? Links to your favorite cookies? Please share!</b> <br />
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Happy Holidays, if I don't get back here before then! And may the new year bring you everything you need.<br />
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XOXOMarnee Baileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01533816213473440342noreply@blogger.com9