I have a new blog look! I promised myself that I wasn't going to change my blog look until March 1st but...that didn't happen. Haha. Oh well! After I made my header I couldn't wait to change my look. :)
However, I did want to tell you all about the cottage pictured in my header. I took the picture while on Block Island, a small island off the coast of Rhode Island, celebrating my 16th birthday. It was both a fabulous and exhausting birthday as we biked around the 17 mile island. I swear to this day, there are more uphill than downhill slopes on that quaint island! :D But isn't it the perfect cottage?situated just right?! the right size and everything! It's my idea of a seaside dream house. (I have different 'dream houses' for different locations.)
I feel a little guilty about not having a post for you today. I have been trying to post at least twice a week as it keeps good writing habits. But for the past few weeks I have been rather busy editing the book I mentioned at the end of last year so I didn't get a chance to put together a proper post. (Gosh, I hate editing! Ugh!) This being the case, I hope you will bear with this random post about a few things about my life at the moment.
- Editing my book. Not at all, even in the least bit, fun. I can manage editing 10-15 pages before my mind starts to go numb from the editing and I get caught up in just reading. Oops.
- I have gone to see Disney's "The Finest Hours" for the second time since its release. Went once on a date with my dad and a second time with my grandpa, a brother and a sister. It's really well done and yes, a review is coming in time. (I hope.)
- Having read Heidi's review for Mara: Daughter of the Nile, I couldn't resist taking the chance on the read. I have been in the worst reading rut and I was desperate! It turned out to be quite a fantastic book indeed. I was enthusiastically impressed so, thanks again, Heidi! I now have an author to investigate. (More to come on this subject in a later post as well.) (You see I have post ideas, but finding the time!!)
- Watched the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. I try to watch it every year because I LOVE dogs! It's much better than the dog show that plays on Thanksgiving because they have gone all 'look us up online for the other dog breeds'. :P
- Chatting with friends. My bosom friend is away at college and as I'm always up late, she knows she can call me at just about any hour of the night. It's always nice to hear the North and South theme coming from my phone because she has the best stories! :D I also have another friend who encourages the geeky side of me. For instance, a month ago we had a texting war to see who could continually quote the The Lord of the Rings. We volleyed back and forth for a good hour, maybe two, before her mind went blank...yes, I was a little proud. ;)
- Loving Josh Groban's music. Seriously!
What have you been up to?
Your truly,
Cordy
(I put a comment before, but I don't think it "took". I'm trying again - hopefully there won't be two identical comments showing up :P)
ReplyDeleteI love your new header! And the background! Just - awwww :)
You're editing a book? Neat! What's it about? (You don't have to tell me if you don't want to . . .)
So, lately I've been doing school, mostly. And I went to a Dinner with the Deans at the college I'm going to go to after I graduate high school. And that was fun. Though, we did have to wait forever to eat because we were sitting at table 22 :P
I've also been writing on a new story idea that I've had. I'm three chapters in, already. Do you want to hear more about it? (I love telling people about my book :D)
No twin comments. You're safe. :)
DeleteThanks!!
Sorry, my fingers are tied. I'm afraid I am especially tightlipped about my book writing. It drives my family bonkers...and sometimes I don't blame them. Thanks for asking but allowing me the option of silence! That's really nice. :)
Sorry. Waiting for food is the worst! :P Haha! How is your drawing class going?
Would you really tell me?! I would love to hear about your book!! Thanks for offering!! :D
~Cordy
Good :)
DeleteAh, that's perfectly all right!! I don't like to tell TOO many people about my writing, myself, because then I get afraid that, somehow, when they DO read it, it won't measure up to their expectations based on what-I-told-them-oh-so-long-ago. So I totally understand!!
My drawing class is going well, thank you!! The professor is a bit weird, but I just try to focus on the drawings, and that works pretty well :) Right now we're working on drawing a partly-in-shadow face from a photograph, using cross-hatching. (A bunch of little criss-crossing lines everywhere, not simply coloring in areas :D)
Yes, o'course I would tell you! That's why I asked if you'd like to hear :P Anyway, my story is about a mute orphan girl who is adopted by the court physician at the palace. Then of course, she meets the prince :P And he falls in love with her, which makes his mother RATHER ANGRY. But due to a weird circumstance in saving the girl's life, the prince gets cursed with a fatal illness, and the girl has to go on this harrowing journey in search of a legendary flower that may be able to save him :P
It's not really as melodramatic as it sounds - my characters are very down-to-earth and all round hilariously fun to write. I wuvs them so much :)
Annnnnnnnd there you go. What do you think? Feel free to ask questions!
I'm glad you understand some of my worry! :) And I'm honored to be considered one of the people you can share your story with. That's very cool for me. :)
DeleteYes, stay on target! Stay focused! :) I've always liked the look of cross-hatching. Though I know very little about art. What I have learned has been from looking at other peoples work. It's interesting how you make several lines that make one whole scene. Does that make sense? The best I can is color between the lines in a coloring book. :)
Hmm, the cogs in my brain are whirling as I read your summary over a few times. You don't have to worry about the melodrama of it. I have tried, just for fun, to write the summary or back cover texts for some my books, and it's so hard!! What to include to draw a reader in and yet what to exclude to leave mystery in the story?!?! You have taken on quite a challenge with your main character being mute. I remember I had a story that I attempted about a girl who was blind. It was very difficult to write. I wish you luck. :D :D I gather that your main character has a talent for healing, or is perhaps going to work as an apprentice for the physician? And well, there has to be romance involved. ;D But in all seriousness, I truly do believe that every good book has a sense of romance. 'Weird circumstance', well thanks for leaving THAT hanging there. :P I love 'hilariously fun' characters myself! I am intrigued Rosie. Keep at it!! :D Do you know what inspired you? What triggered the idea? You don't have to answer because I know that sometimes it just happens. :)
Yessssss :) I like to tell people about my stories if they are writers and good friends. And you're both! That way, I get good advice with minimal embarrassment!
DeleteCrosshatching looks really cool, I agree :) Though it's a bit tricky to get RIGHT. I agree about the lines! When I first started drawing classes, I couldn't really believe that just making lines would make a PICTURE. But it does :)
Oh GOODNESS!! You liked the summary :) It was really hard to figure out what to leave in and what to leave out when I was first writing my premise. A friend helped me out, and so what I told you is the results of that :P
I knooooow. It's going to be a challenge. But I took it on for two main reasons: one, because I wanted to add a twist to the "poor girl and the prince" stories, and, two, because I thought it would be fun. I am the sort of person who doesn't say a TON and rattle on in conversation. I tend to sit back and observe. And so, I actually communicate a lot with "silent means" other than talking. My family can tell a lot about what I'm thinking by my eyebrows, mouth, etc. (Though sometimes they get it wrong :P) And so I thought, why not try it? Oh, and thanks for the luck :) In all seriousness, I'm going to need it!
Yes, my main character has a natural talent for healing, which is what makes the doctor "adopt" her in the first place. He takes her on as his apprentice. I say "adopt" because she's technically too old to be adopted, but he treats her as his daughter anyway, though she becomes his apprentice.
Yes, well :) I'm rather an incurable romantic - love to pair up imaginary people. I just can't seem to stop doing that! Haha, the "weird circumstance" I can't totally explain, 'cause that would spoil the story, but I can tell you that it has to do with an evil witch who has it in for the girl. I won't tell you why though! :P
I'm so glad you're intrigued! Would you perhaps like to have me email you bits? It would be very helpful to have an extra pair of eyes on it! Of course, if you're too busy you don't have to :P And just so you know, I'm three chapters into it. So you wouldn't be getting a great hunk all at once! You just couldn't show anyone else . . . Not that you would, of course! :D
What inspired me? Well, I had learned about a writing contest to be held over at [goteenwriters.blogspot.com] and started brainstorming ideas. Contests always appeal to me, haha - may or may not have something to do with the fact that I grew up with seven other siblings :P And I got an idea with several fun characters, even found pictures of them. I grew quite attached to them. Buuuuuut, I soon found, to my chagrin, that the plot was IMPOSSIBLE. Since I loved the characters so much, though, I saved them, and came up with this current plot instead :) Just couldn't resist, y'know?
I'm sorry this is such a long comment! I'm probably blowing up your computer :P Maybe emailing you wouldn't be such a bad idea, at that! Tell me what you think :)
Thanks for the offer, Rosie.
DeleteAs your friend, I would love to help you as 'an extra pair of eyes' if you think I could help. :)
I'm fine with the long comment by the way, but if you want to leave a comment with your email address, I won't publish it, and I will contact you so we can finish this conversation in that format instead. :)
~Cordy
First...wow! I didn't know you took that picture! It's gorgeous! And yes, the cottage is adorable and delightfully situated. I think I could be happy living in a house like that, too! ;)
ReplyDelete"'A writer is a person for whom writing is more difficult than it is for other people.'" Haha! So true! And that picture is hilarious! All that crumpled paper. I do hope your room isn't in that state at this moment. ;) Heehee.
I'm excited to hear that you're working on editing your book! It does sound rather tedious, though. How far are you through the process? Do you have a lot to do yet?
What have I been doing? Hmm...well, yesterday I played about eight to nine games of pool with my brother. He beat me flat. I think I might have won two games. :/ I've also been reading David Copperfield (love that book!) and watching Get Smart (yes, still! We're kind of stuck on that TV show right now).
I liked this post very much. It's fun to hear about what you've been doing. Good luck with your editing, Cordy! :)
~Miss March
THANKS!! :D :D :D
DeleteHaha, not at the moment, but has it been previously...no comment! ;)
I'm afraid I do have loads of work left to do!! When I got sick I was thrown a little off schedule. I had hoped to have my first edit done by the end of Februrary. Ha ha, NOT! My rough first draft is just that, a ROUgh first draft. I'm probably only a quarter of the way through my first edit. Jeepers! I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...
I'm sure you could beat me at pool. I have probably only played it twice in my life. :/ Haha, oh Get Smart. :) How many times have you read David Copperfield, and what part are you at? :D
Good! Thanks, Miss March!!
~Cordy
Hmm...I think this is the third time I've read it to myself. I also read it aloud once to a couple of my brothers...and my dad read it to us years ago...so overall, this will be my fifth time hearing the story. (Yeah, when I say I like that book I really mean it. Haha! ;))
DeleteWhat part am I at? Well, I just finished chapter 22. That's where David meets Miss Mowcher for the first time, and then returns to Peggotty's house to find Ham pacing outside while Little Emily and Peggotty are inside talking to Martha. Do you remember that part?
I do hope things go well with your editing. Stick with it!! :) By the way, will you be publishing your story after you're finish it?
~Miss March
Wow, that's impressive. While I have read a few Dickens I have only reread one of them...and it happens to be David Copperfield. :) Great choice for a read aloud. I approve! Okay, not that you really need my approval or anything. ;)
DeleteI do actually. Dicken's grasp of characters, combined with his love of a large 'cast' is matchless isn't it?! :D Have you thought anymore about reading Bleak House? (It's fine if you haven't!!)
THANKS!! That is the plan in the end. But I haven't reached that hurtle yet. :D
~Cordy
Oh my yes! I don't know how he did it! His characters are amazing, and there are SO many of them!! Makes me rather jealous sometimes. Haha! ;)
DeleteYou know, Olivia and I were just talking about Bleak House over at her blog. She was recommending that I read it, too. So, yes, I have been thinking about reading it and, in fact, I've added it to my reading list. (My reading list is getting rather long. ;))
Oh, that's exciting! Do you plan to self publish it, or try going through a real publisher first?
~Miss March
Oh, yes. I'm with Olivia. But now, I just hope you like it. Haha.
DeleteI think, I would prefer a real publisher. I have heard too many problems that can come with self publishing. But, when the time comes, (I love how I said 'when' instead of 'if'...positive thinking, that is the key!), I should do a little more homework on both methods in case I have to self publish. :D
~Cordy
I loved this post, Cordy! You took that picture? Oh my. What a sweet cottage! ( And how cool is it to have a picture you took as your blog header?:))
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your writing!:)
You read Mara! Yay! Isn't it great? It's so fascinating, and well-written. Mara is such a sly thing.;) And Sheftu, well, Sheftu is <3<3<3 ;)
How was The Finest Hours?
You have the North and South theme for your ringtone??!! #superawesome Now, if they only have a Pride and Prejudice '95 one...
Haha-I loved what you wrote about your LOTR quotation texting war with your friend. I actually just had a similar thing happen to me. Texting conversations are SUCH FUN.
~Rilla Blythe
:) Thanks.
DeleteIt is fantastic! McGraw, has such a captivating writing style. It just reads so well! Yes, Sheftu is Sheftu. :D Haha.
I thought it was an amazing combination of story and cast. It's really well done, at least, in my humble opinion. :) I can't wait to work on my post for it!
Haha, funny you should mention that, when my mom calls me, P&P '95 plays. :)
It was so much fun!!
Thanks for your comment, Rilla. You put a smile on my face!! :D
~Cordy
You took that photo?? It's BEAUTIFUL! When I first saw your header I thought it was a picture from a movie. It looks so period-drama-y and perfect. :) Seriously...I am very impressed. I love it!!!
ReplyDeleteAww, I'm sorry editing is hard. :/ I actually rather love editing but I hit a hard spot recently and would take forever laboring over a small paragraph!
You saw "The Finest Hours"!! I can't wait for your review! I was really intrigued by that film when I saw the trailer for it.
I read "Mara" too! I requested it immediately after reading Heidi's review. haha And I LOVED it. Goodness, it was amazing.
I completely understand and relate about the so-many-blog-post-ideas-but-not-enough-time. :/ I feel like I've been rather absent from the blogging world lately, but I hope to get back into it soon. :)
I enjoyed this small peek into your life! :D
ps. I have to say it again-your header is gorgeous. And so is the background!!
WOW! Thanks for the compliment! :D :D
DeleteI know what you mean. Why small paragraphs?! And large paragraphs! And while I'm here, every size in-between! Haha, just kidding!
Heehee, it will be a fun movie to talk about! But I will do my best to avoid spoilers so that you can read it. :D
AGREED! It was AMAzing.
I have missed you actually. :) I was wishing that you would blog more, so I'm looking forward to your triumphant return! Haha.
I loved your comment, Natalie!
~Cordy
Aww, you are so welcome! I meant every word of it! :D
DeleteHahaha, YES!
You did a good job. I enjoyed your review! :D
Awww, you are so sweet!! THANK YOU! That means a lot. I actually was working on a post right now...and then I decided to catch up on some comments. A few more and I'll go back to my post. ;) Again, thank you so much! It makes me so happy to hear that I'm missed!