Six Saturday Secrets

1. I walked around three stores and the library today with the second toe on my left foot sticking through a hole in my sock. It felt weird.

2. Whenever I use a public restroom and there are people in there, I have to plug my ears to pee. Otherwise I think they're just listening to me and waiting for me to go.

3. I have a girl-crush on Taylor Swift.

4. When I was a teenager, more than anything in the world, I wanted to be a cop.

5. I ate most of Joey's Reeses Peanut Butter cups he got for Halloween. When he asked where they were, I told him daddy ate them.

6. I hate Star Wars because I can't follow it.

The Top 5 Benefits of Being Sick in the Face

1. I don't have to cook dinner or clean up because, ::cough, cough:: I'm sick (insert weak voice here).
2. I get to hang out in pjs all day long.
3. I get to watch bad tv or read all day because no one wants to be around me. (Except for my four year old who keeps trying to kiss me).
4. I can crawl in bed at 8:30 and read for hours under the guise that I'm resting.
5. My husband keeps asking if he can get me anything. (And I always try to come up with something.)

Do You Spank Your Kids?

I've had two different people ask me this in the past week, and I was curious what other parents did. Growing up my brother and I were spanked, quiet often as I remember (but I'm sure I deserved it). We got hit with anything from a hand, a wooden spoon, a switch (thin stick), and a ping-pong paddle. (By the way, it's never a good idea to put a hard cover book in your pants before getting hit by your mom's hand. That only results in her sending your dad in.)

Before I became a parent I never had a doubt that I would spank my kids. I figured I turned out reasonably okay, so what was the harm? But I changed my mind once we had kids. As a foster parent, we're not allowed to spank foster kids, so that settled that. But once we adopted our now four year old son and we could (legally) spank him if we wanted, I just couldn't do it.

I don't think I could bring myself to ever hurt him physically, no matter how angry he made me...especially when I'm angry. That feels worse, like I'd be taking it out on him. I look at him and he's so little and innocent (though not always so innocent!), and I just couldn't imagine hurting him like that.

I'm not saying it's wrong for others to spank. Obviously everyone has their own opinions on the subject. Like I said, I grew up getting spanked and turned out okay. It's just not for us. We've been using the 1-2-3 method and I've never gotten past number 1. The result would be time-out, but that hasn't happened in months. I think we're very lucky because our son is a really good boy and listens well. I don't know how much of that is his personality, and how much is our parenting, but that doesn't mean we'll be so lucky next kid.

How do you deal with punishment, or feel about spanking?

Do You Base Your Characters on Real People?

Most of the time I make my characters up out of thin air. But when I get stuck I like to think of people I know. What's even better is to mix and match odd quirks from different people and put them into one character.

Do you use real people when making characters?

How Green Are You?

I'd like to think I'm green. But I don't really think I am. I bought all the recycable bags for groceries, but leave them in the car (or at home, or wherever they are) every single time.

I try to keep the heat low in the winter, but I have a husband who likes to walk around the house in shorts then say he's freezing and crank the heat up.

I intend to take three minute showers, but once my four year old bursts in the bathroom then leaves the door open, I'm too cold to get out so I stay in a little longer.

Considering I clean houses, I can't really bike to work.

I would gladly eat less or no meat, if it weren't for the disappointed look in his eyes my husband gets whenever I suggest a no-meat meal.

I'm not good at all about recycling batteries or ink cartridges. I'm not even sure what to do with them.

I DO, however, drink lots of water from my aluminum Yankees water bottle.

So, maybe I'm a little green....like guacamole or algae.

Spotlight On...Author Eileen Loveman

Eileen Loveman is a freelance writer, author of four books, stand up comedian, radio show host, key note speaker and weekly columnist under her byline STORIES FROM THE LAKE. From her backyard of Lake Ontario, Eileen offers her unique perspective of life on the lake, sharing thoughts about family, raising children and anything else that floats her way.



1) What was the hardest part about writing this book? The easiest?

"Stories From The Lake" is a compilation of columns I've written over the years for the Democrat and Chronicle and smaller newspapers in Wayne County, so it was relatively easy to put the book together - but the hardest part was picking the columns to put in the book. I decided to put them in categories such as 'kids' 'family' 'spiritual' and 'funny'. Towards the end of the book I put them in order of holidays, starting with Halloween.



2) What do you consider the most challenging about writing a novel (or writing in general)?

I always have more than one book in my head, more than one story or poem - so its difficult to keep the characters from bumping into each other.
3) What do you do when you’re in the middle of a book and you’re sick of it? How do you keep from stopping to work on your new shiny idea?

I give in - I DO stop. Stephen King has walked away from several projects, only to pick them up later, dust them off, and make them better.
4) What are your current writing projects?

Plastic 7, Doolittle Chronicles, A Christmas Wreath, and The Purple Suitcase.

5) What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in your life?

My children are my crowning achievement - but I am happy I have written books that will be part of my legacy.

6) What is your favorite quality about yourself? Your least favorite?

My favorite? That I have a sense of humor. My least - I can be very sensitive, usually when I am very tired.
7) Favorite TV show?

Lost, even though its off the air. It was the best storyline ever.
8) Who is your favorite author and why?

I have two - is that ok? Stephen King, and not for the gore, but for his story telling ability. I consider "The Talisman" (co written with Peter Staub) to be his best work. My other is Richard Russo - he has such a wonderful way of describing everyday people and making them so real you can recognize them in everyone.
9) What’s the last book you read?

Russo's "Bridge of Sighs."

10) What is your favorite/most helpful book on writing?

"Writing Down the Bones" although I can't remember who wrote it.
(Natalie Goldberg)
11) Do you have a Facebook or web page for fans?
 
FB Fans of Eileen Loveman or www.eileenloveman.blogspot. com

My Top 5 Kitchen Disasters

1. Last week I started a pot holder on fire while trying to scramble an egg.
2. Three months ago I started the toaster cord on fire when it was on the stove, and I lit the pilot to boil water.
3. I only learned how to make Mac and Cheese in the past few years, since I have a four year old. I tried it once and added all the ingrediants at once and ruined it.
4. I gave myself food poisoning from undercooked chicken. Twice.
5. Last night I made over two dozen peanut butter chocolate chip cookies and burned every single one. Actually, only the bottoms were burned. The tops were still raw.

I could go on, but, hey, the title only says 5! Have any of your own kitchen disasters?

Fall Writing Prompt

What is your favorite fall memory? How old were you when it happened?

My favorite fall memory would have to be a recent one with my husband and son. Last fall we went to Letchworth State Park and took a ton of photos.  We'd drive a little, get out of the car and take pictures, then drive some more and do it again. We ran around, hiked and visited the gift shop. It was a perfect day!

I'm Either Psychic or I Have Special Powers. For Real.

I have this weird thing that happens to me all the time. And I've been paying close attention to it the last few years. I'll be talking to someone about something, and make an off-hand comment about how I'd like something (table, something for the house, etc.), and usually not too long after that, I end up getting it somehow.

Here are a few examples of this happening in the past week:

1. One of our cleaning customers went into great detail telling me about his microwave convection oven. To be honest, I'd never even heard of it. I had no idea the dozens of microwaves I clean every week also act as ovens. I told  him that it sounded cool and I wish we could get one since we're remodeling our kitchen. He even printed out a bunch of them for me to show me prices (which were too much for us!). Two days later while my husband was helping my brother move some stuff at his shop, my brother gave us a beautiful microwave convection oven. A stainless steel one. For free.

2.  Last night I saw a commercial for Moon Dough on TV and told my son and husband it looked cool,  and maybe Santa would bring some (for Joey, not me). Today while I was walking around Walmart looking for a kid's birthday present, a guy with a tie and name tag (he didn't work at Walmart) walks up to me and asks if I've heard of Moon Dough. I told him yes, and he hands me two free samples for Joey.

3. Then, still at Walmart, I was looking at Lego tshirts for a birthday gift. Joey was driving me crazy because he wanted one. I told him no, they were too much money and maybe he'd get one for Christmas. I walk away and go into a different section and an older lady employee comes up to me and says, "I don't know if you're interested for your son, but I just put out a bunch of Lego tshirts for $1.00." (I bought him a Lego Batman).

4. A few weeks ago I was walking around our house looking for a piece of furniture I could use as a nightstand next to my side of the bed. I kept wandering from the basement, to the playroom, up to the attic and back to the bedroom. I couldn't find anything, so I gave up and went outside. Just as I walked out the front door, a neighbor a few houses down from us was carrying a white nightstand to the curb. I couldn't beleive it. I made my husband go and get it and it's in great shape! I looks antique (though it was painted) and has a big door in front with lots of storage. It's next to my bed.

5. Probably the coolest thing ever was when we found this house. That's my favorite story:)

This weird stuff happens to me all the time.

Spotlight On...Author Jessica Brody (The Karma Club)

I first came across Jessica Brody on accident. I was Googling Blake Snyder's Save the Cat! book, looking for writers who have used it to write novels (it was written for screenplays). I was delighted to find Jessica's guest blog on the subject on Blake's web site. After reading her blog, I went straight to the library and checked out her first YA novel, The Karma Club. I read it within a few days and loved it! Tonight I just went and got The Fidelity Files, and look forward to the follow-up, Love Under Cover.



1) What was the hardest part about writing The Karma Club? The easiest?


Believe it or not, the hardest part of the story was actually coming up with the various revenge schemes that the girls do when they “take Karma into their own hands.” I thought it would be the easiest thing in the world but it was actually very challenging. I guess revenge is not really my strong suit.

The easiest part of the story was the beginning—the storyline for setting up the Karma Club—which is ultimately the story of a very nasty break up. Apparently I have no trouble coming up with painful break up stories. Hmmm…

2) What do you consider the most challenging about writing a novel (or writing in general)?

The easiest part of every book I write is the beginning. I LOOOOVE set ups. I love setting up new worlds and characters and giving them all sorts of fun challenges and embarking them on great adventures. The hardest (and my least favorite part) is the middle (act 2 for all you screenwriters) when I actually have to deal with all these fun challenges and great adventures. I end up not only hating my characters and my story, I hate myself for setting up so many impossible storylines. Then by Act 3, all is forgiven and I’m back to loving everyone again.

3) What do you do when you’re in the middle of a book and you’re sick of it? How do you keep from stopping to work on your new shiny idea?

Ropes and handcuffs. To keep me from leaving my chair. No, but seriously, it’s VERY hard. You always get the BEST ideas for new books when you’re in the middle of the one you’re currently writing. It’s a cruel trick of nature.
When I was writing on spec, I was much less successful at keeping myself moving into greener pastures when the going got tough. But now that I’m on deadline and have someone to answer to (besides myself), it’s a lot harder to do. Especially when I’m under contract to finish at certain time. I think the idea of legal action is enough to keep anyone’s focus on track. Although, sometimes, you just need to get it out of your system. So if inspiration strikes for a new story, I’ll often spend a few hours outlining and brainstorming so I have it down and can satisfy the itch and then get back to work.

4) What are your current writing projects?

Right now I just finished my fifth book (third in the young adult genre) that’s called 52 REASONS TO HATE MY FATHER. I’m super excited about it (now that I’m no longer in act 2). My editor has it now and I’ll be revising and doing edits over the next few months. In the meantime, I’m outlining two new young adult series that I can’t really talk about yet. But I think (hope) they’re going to be awesome!

5) What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in your life?

Although I probably should say “selling my first novel” but I’ll actually skip that one, mark it off as “too cliché” and pick something else. Instead I’m going to go with finishing my second novel. Because honestly that was WAY harder.

Most writers write their first novels on spec. So really you have no idea what will happen to it. It may or may not be read, published, sold in bookstores, reviewed, whatever. So you have an inherent freedom in writing it. The second one (one that is already sold before it’s written) is a totally different experience. Now you KNOW it’ll be read, published, sold, reviewed, whatever. And it scares you to death. It was my first time working with a REAL deadline and it sucked. To be frank. I still have nightmares about that experience. I must have rewrote the beginning of that book 20 times. And I must have cried over it at least twice that amount. It was very trying. But I eventually got through it and I’m very proud of that. The book was called LOVE UNDER COVER. It was a sequel to my first adult novel, THE FIDELITY FILES. The reviewers seemed to like it so I guess I can say it was a success but I have no perspective whatsoever. I still cringe when I think about it!
The process, thankfully, has gotten much easier. Now, I only cry 2 or 3 times per manuscript.
6) What is your favorite quality about yourself? Your least favorite?

Woah. Tough one. I guess I would say my favorite quality is my sense of humor. I can always rely on it in sticky situations. And during blog interviews. My least favorite quality is my restlessness. I can never sit still. And it usually ends badly…with chewed off fingernails and disfigured pen caps.

7) Favorite TV show?
Ooh…hard! I have so many! Okay, I’ll narrow it down to three. But keep in mind, these are only the top three of the moment. Ask me again in two weeks and it might (and probably will) change:
     1) Dexter

     2) True Blood

     3) Modern Family


8) Who is your favorite author and why?

ANOTHER toughie! How can I name just one?

I’ll have to say Helen Fielding because Bridget Jones’s Diary is the reason I started writing.

9) What’s the last book you read?
A fabulous young adult title called HER AND ME AND YOU by Lauren Strasnick…who is a new friend of mine. It just released from Simon and Schuster this month. The book is chilling and wonderful. I finished it in practically one sitting. A very rare feat for someone as restless as me!

10) What is your favorite/most helpful book on writing?
Obviously, SAVE THE CAT! by Blake Snyder. I can’t shut up about how much it’s helped me in my career. If you don’t believe me, check out my website’s “For Writer’s” Page (www.jessicabrody.com/writers.html) and if you STILL don’t believe me, you can check out the guest blog I did for Blake Snyder’s website here: http://www.blakesnyder.com/2010/09/17/the-last-novel-writing-book-you’ll-ever-need/

11) Do you have a Facebook or web page for fans?
Definitely! I’ve got all that fun stuff.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jessica-Brody/24409326149
Twitter: www.twitter.com/jessicabrody
Website: http://www.jessicabrody.com/
And I update them all regularly (read: obsessively)