Mmm, a good start to my day. My belly is full after a delectable breakfast burrito, made with one spinach and garlic tortilla, two scrambled eggs, pepperjack cheese and crispy strips of bacon. And now for dessert - any guesses? Yep, an iced mocha. Or two. Really, I should start advertising for them or something...
*ahem*
Ode to Sweet Mocha Goodness
Oh, Starbucks, how good you are to me,
Do you know what pleasure you bring?
The mere thought of you in the morning
makes my taste buds sing.
I seek you out at least once a day
You bring me simple happiness –
More than pure water, who needs it?
or anything with caffeinated fizz.
I find myself hunting dimes and pennies
just to purchase a bottle of you,
Sweet mocha frappuccino.
Without you what would I do?
Your low-fat concoction is bliss
your taste so divine,
When poured over ice, sipped through a straw
nothing is as fine.
You are a moment of peace
in a hectic day of mommyness.
You are mine and mine alone
and I treasure your goodness.
***
So I had no interest in reading it, even with all the hubbub. But then my friend bought the series, raved about them, and I borrowed book one.
I'm talking about this, Stephenie Meyer's Twilight. For those unfamiliar with the books, they follow the lives of some teenagers... a human girl, a vampire boy, and - I think later down the line - a love triangle presents itself with a werewolf. I know, right? Take the content mixed with the fact these are Young Adult in genre, I'd only been fascinated over Meyer's success. But I decided I'd see what all the fuss was about... I admit, I can't turn my internal editor off. Going by what I've been taught about the writing world today, I see a lot of glaring "no-nos": the overabundance of clunky, cringe-worthy adverbs like "something came to me belatedly," "he said significantly," "his expression was murderously angry," and some telling vs. showing. I'm not sure if it's author's style or the fact that she's written for teenagers, and maybe they understand such stuff better. Regardless of all this that makes me sigh, I haven't been sucked into a storyline like this in months, it's soooo good. I'm getting really caught up in what's happening. Can I avoid chores to read? Check. Can I toss the girls outside to play, and read while I keep half an eye on them from the deck? Done. Will I lose track of time as I soak in the tub, not realizing an hour-and-a-half has passed and my water has gotten as cold as the vampire's frigid hands? Yes. Yes I will. So this book is amazing. It's not up everyone's alley, I'm sure - I didn't think it was up mine. But if you're willing, I recommend it. Though maybe that's just the teenage girl who still lives inside me...***
And I sent my (requested) full manuscript to Avalon Books yesterday. They should have it by Wednesday or Thursday. And then I wait. No telling how long. I saw some info at AW, and others have waited from 4-12 months for their rejections from Avalon. Didn't see anything about purchases. *deep breath* But we shall see. And I'll keep you posted.
And I haven't updated on my agent search in a long while since I've not heard yay or nay from anyone in weeks. At this point in time, I'm okay with that.
Everyone have a great Tuesday, and best of luck with all your endeavors - written and otherwise.
22 comments:
"A moment of peace." A fitting coffee description if I ever saw one. Best wishes, Janna, on your full. That's so exciting! Fingers crossed and pennies in the well for a great response ...
I second the "Twilight" sentiments. The writing is OK, the characters are a little under-developed, the -ly words drive me nuts.....but the book is so goooooooood!!!!!!!!! I love it!! Do you remember "Dark Shadows"? The acting was terrible, but you couldn't help but love the show!!! I, personally, love Mrs. Meyers. I think as she writes more (this was only her first foray into writing) she will figure out what is best for her books. I definitely think she should stick with it though...especially for the the fans. Glad your enjoying it!!
Nice poem, Janna. I, too, love my coffee goodness. :D
Good luck with the submissions!
awesome post Janna, love the coffee poetry :) great post
mmm...breakfast burrito :)
I still haven't gotten into Twilight...if I could only forge on past the beginning I might, but the beginning was boring me to tears. Did it take you a while to get into it?
I have been very reluctant to read this book, but you are the second or third person I've heard say they liked it and they didn't think it was up their alley. So I may have to pick it up.
You brought up a good point, though: what's more important, the writing or the story? If the writing isn't good, does it distract you from the story, or if the story is compelling (and it sounds like this one is), can you forgive the writing?
Great post! Your poem is delightful. I was wondering if you could babysit my brood so I can try one of those frappacocoas. ;-) I am always opening the microwave to discover the cup of water that I was heating up for tea. Of course, by that time the water is cold.
Glad to see that the Twilight series was a hit with you. I haven't read it yet, and wasn't sure if I was in the state of mind for teen angst, but I may give it a try later. I usually read MG books (because that is what I write) and you are right, there are more adverbs and adjectives. But you can get away with it if the story and the characters are a joy to read.
I'm so very NOT a vampire person, but I've also heard the story is compelling. Maybe I'll pick it up.
I rarely read YA, but my favorite book this year is indeed a YA that I happened to pick up for my daughter and I read through it to see if it was appropriate for her. It's NOT (not at all!) but I was hooked and read the whole thing in one sitting. It was called The Absolutely True Story of a Part Time Indian by Sherman Alexie.
Throw a whole handful in, wouldja, Joanne? ;)
I think you've made a good point, Terra, and I'll be curious to see how she may grow or flourish as a writer through the series.
Jen and Josh - Thanks! I knew I'd win over the coffee fans. :)
Colby - Hmm. Yeah, it didn't pick up until a little way through. Can't pinpoint what it was, maybe when the admission as to Edward's lifestyle came out.
Melissa, that's been in the back of my mind the whole time, and it DOES make it hard to focus. I'm forever smacking my forehead, because I can't believe some of the things I read - it sounds so uppity and critical for me to say that, I know - but yet the story continues to speak louder than its mechanics.
"Frappacocoas." I love it. Why don't you sign Mr. Turk up for kidlet duty, I'll do the same here, and we'll meet up for some coffee. Like in Colorado? ;)
I know what you mean, Wendy. I'm not into vampires and all that either, but Meyer does it so naturally. There are a few moments when the word "vampire" or some connected term/pasttime/whatever jumps off the page, but overall it's almost as though she approaches it in such a delicate way it's believable.
So to tie over from your comment on my post.. there is another AW...for fantasy writers... Active Worlds. A big help in the world building arena.
And a comment on Twilight. LOVE IT! I know it's hard to get past all the "writing no-no's", but she's such a good storyteller that I learned to gloss right over those issues. And she's good a writing a character you can identify with in some way, all be it a small one for some people.
GL on your full!
Great poem. Fingers crossed on the book. And I want to read the Twilight series now, too. I was getting curious and then my niece was reading the second book while I was visiting. Soon, very soon.
Good to see ya, la. :) Thanks for the good wishes!
Melanie, do it. Then we'll have yet another thing to talk online about. ;)
Maybe you will be the one that hears back sooner!! Thanks for another enjoyable read:))
Keeping the writer's prayer cannon loaded for ya!
I absolutely adore the Twilight series. I've read all the books at least twice. My friend bought the first book for my birthday last year and I thought, "Yeah right. Teens and vampires. Not gonna read it."
For the first ten pages I read it for my friend. Then I couldn't stop. If you like romance at all, you will like these books.
And now my Twilight Tirade is now over. : )
Melody Platz
www.melodythehappywanderer.com
Terri and Angie, I so appreciate your thoughts and prayers. Thank you!
Melody - I finished the book about 30 minutes ago. And I so wish I'd grabbed New Moon from my friend (they're her books I'm borrowing) so I could have eased right into it. I know I'll be the same way your are: sad they're over, in the end. But then we'll have the movies, I guess! I'm so cheesy - I watched about a dozen YouTube Twilight trailers today. :)
Well I supposed I'm going to have to break down and read Twilight! But first, that breakfast burrito sounded awesome...
Rachel, I'll be making another one just like it in the morning. Come on over! ;)
sadly it would be a year long just to make sure ALL the votes where counted, dont want to exclude anyone :) KICK AWAY!!
I've heard so many things about the Twilight series, that I may be interested in reading it. The two areas of caution for me are that it's a YA book and also I think it's geared primarily towards teenage girls. I don't fit any of these three categories so I am not sure if I will end up reading it.
Congrats on getting Bliss Lake out to the publisher and here's to getting a quick reply of 'YES!'
Congrats on the request for full from the pub. Hope you hear a yes, soon!
I loved Twilight when it first came out. It seems like a long time since I've read it I don't remember details, but I remember being sucked in by the story. I'm less enthused by the other books in the series, but maybe the hype had something to do wit it.
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