Monthly Archives: May 2011

Notes From Here

Posted on May 30, 2011 by PB Rippey

Beach as mental equalizer (despite persistent wind). Impossible to crack open a book or uncap a pen here (though not because of wind). The way the sand is riled, looks as though whole, transportable cities (twirling towers of particles) are whisking … Continue reading →

Posted in Avoiding My Writing, books, Fiction, Me and Us, ocean related, Santa Barbara, Writer's Angst, Writing, Writing Progress | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Brief Idyll

Posted on May 27, 2011 by PB Rippey

I am taking my little family, the dog, the new kitten, Mockingjay, sunblock and bathing suits and crawling into the photo on the left (yes, that strikingly cheerful Dufy masterpiece) for a weekend getaway involving serious beachtime, naps, organic salads and a baby … Continue reading →

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Gentle Jurassic Giant

Posted on May 21, 2011 by PB Rippey

Largest fish in the ocean Wonderful piece in the June Smithsonian about whale sharks. If, like me, you are an ocean fanatic (often more than just the armchair variety) and in the throes of revising your middle-grade novel that has everything … Continue reading →

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Contest Winner

Posted on May 21, 2011 by PB Rippey

In a previous post I mentioned the YA Muses were holding a very generous contest. Winners would have the first 15 pages of their WIP or NIPR (novel in perpetual revision) read by one of the Muses. The grand prize … Continue reading →

Posted in books, middle grade, Steps In Promotion, To Explain, Writer's Angst, Writing, Writing Progress | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Help

Posted on May 15, 2011 by PB Rippey

 Kathryn Stockett on her rejections and perseverance in More.  Memorable quotes: A year and a half later, I opened my 40th rejection: “There is no market for this kind of tiring writing.” That one finally made me cry. After rejection … Continue reading →

Posted in Adult writing, Book Club, books, Fiction, Writer's Angst, Writing | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

New Muse

Posted on May 12, 2011 by PB Rippey

A kitten after my own heart. We have a new muse around here since Mother’s Day. He was this writer’s huge, completely unexpected, big-deal surprise. I’d forgotten how much joy kittens bring, endless chuckles for both adults and a little boy excited to … Continue reading →

Posted in Avoiding My Writing, books, Me and Us, To Explain, Writing Progress | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Quote For Forever

Posted on May 8, 2011 by PB Rippey

“People always say that to be a good writer you have to read; that sounds like they’re collecting ideas and information. But what it ought to mean is that you have to be able to read what you write critically. … Continue reading →

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No Whining

Posted on May 6, 2011 by PB Rippey

No whining when it’s hard to write/revise because: 1. because a dog charged your cats at 6:00a.m. and in her haste to control her animal, the owner, lunging across your front yard and bashing into the wall below your kitchen … Continue reading →

Posted in Avoiding My Writing, dog, Fiction, Me and Us, middle grade, ocean related, To Explain, Writer's Angst, Writing, Writing Progress, WTF | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

YA Muses Contest

Posted on May 4, 2011 by PB Rippey

If, like me, you welcome critique on your WIP, which is actually a complete novel you can’t stop revising, then visit the YA Muses and participate in their contest. The prizes are very generous. I hope I win. Something. Thank … Continue reading →

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Finished

Posted on May 2, 2011 by PB Rippey

Perhaps it’s in bad form to compare this novel to the Twilight series, but I am struck by how much more horror-packed credible dystopia is than books with credible, contemporary vampires and their various friends and foes. Yes, I’m still … Continue reading →

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