A to Z Theme

Monday is the first day of the A to Z Challenge!  This will be my first year participating and I'm very excited about it!  (Last year I was a creepy lurk.)  

I've decided to share with you guys a poem a day!  I think it will be a nice way to showcase some of my favorite poetry/poets with everyone!  Some posts will be the actual poem, some will be videos of the poet doing the reading and some might be an artistic representation of the words. 

I love, love, love the abstract representation of human emotion that poetry brings to the table.  It's such an incredible art form.  I hope you guys will stop by during the month of April to get your daily dose!  I luckily finished the list a few weeks ago, so I'm hoping that the month goes by rather smoothly. 

Are any of you guys participating in A to Z?  If you are-- what's your theme?  If you're not- you still have time to get signed up!  (And you totally should!) 

Informative Articles and B*tches in Bookshops

I like to read about "the craft" (no-- not the witch movie with my doppleganger, Neve Campbell, though that is a good movie)-- I'm talking about writing.  I compiled a list of a few of my favorite reads from the last couple weeks.  I hope you find them as interesting/informative as I did!

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-Chuck Sambuchino discusses the Top 10 Worst Types of Critique Partners

-The Word Cafe gives some advice on what to look for in a critique group

-Wendy Van Camp @ No Wasted Ink has compiled an *awesome* list of need-to-know Twitter #Hashtags for authors

-Jocelyn K. Glei compiled a list entitled "25 Insights on Becoming a Better Writer"

-Out of print writing compiled an extensive list of Manuscript submission opportunities

-5 Ways To be An Unsuccessful Indie Author by Rachel Thompson tells you about the major "don'ts"

-Jane Friedman @ Writer Unboxed discusses 5 Industry Trends Requiring Every Writers Attention

-January Magazine shares Ernest Hemingway's Seven Fiction Writing Tips

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And because this never gets old:

Read so hard libraries try to find me

Sunday Confessions!

It's been awhile since I've participated in one of Alyx@Every Day is a New Adventure's Sunday confession-- and I'm waiting for eggplant to brown, so I thought Why the hell not?

1. I've been writing a lot of poetry.  And by a lot-- I mean about a poem a day!  (I feel like I'm constantly revising or working on something new and it feels so good!)  I've said more times than I can count that I'm not a poet, but I'm starting to feel comfortable with my poetry and am actually embracing it.  Maybe I am a poet.  Not to mention, it's a great break from the cluster-fuck that is my fiction writing at times.  I'm about to be knee-deep in Camp NaNo, and the pacing of poetry is helpful with my writer's block.  I've actually comprised a list of great poetry for the A to Z challenge.  I'm excited to share them with everyone!

2.  I am addicted to Tumblr.  Do you guys "tumbl"?  I can post all of these strange photographs, and songs, and words, and and and!!!!  All in one spot and it's just there for me like a collage.  I'm in love.  My Tumblr page is definitely a companion during my creative process.

3.  I am in utter shock that Kate Winslet has signed on for the Divergent movie franchise... She's like... a real movie star.  And those books are like... I won't go there.  But, how cool is it that the Turk who died in Mary's bed is going to play Four/Tobias!?  (Those of you who watch Downton Abbey know what I'm talking about.)

4.  Speaking of Y.A.-- Cinder by Marissa Meyer : GET YOUR HANDS ON IT.  it is gold, you guys.  GOLD.  I can't wait to get my hands on the second novel in the Lunar Series!  It's nice to read a Y.A. that is not a LOVE story.  It's incredible.  You will love it.  LOVE IT.  Cyborgs.  And Sci-Fi. And people from the moon.  It's a great read!

5.  Garrett and I have had such a strong pull towards the town we live in, like we are meant to stay here awhile.  It's hard when you've got such wanderlust and then life keeps telling you that maybe it has other plans for you.  There are so many things here that are in the beginning stages of development-- the community is just full of possibilities!  I've never felt so connected in my entire life.  Garrett and I are constantly networking and meeting some of the most incredible people who are full of passion... Our life is truly in a new, powerful and, beautiful stage.  I'm feeling overwhelmed with positive emotions and love.  Moving here has been the best decision we've ever made.

Do you guys have anything to confess?  What about Camp NaNo?  Anyone participating?  What about the A to Z challenge- what's your topic?  Have you read Cinder?  And what do you think of the Divergent casting?  TELL ME!  Most importantly- ARE YOU ON TUMBLR?

FSF : Conquer

I sure do love Lillie McFerrin's Five Sentence Fiction!

What it’s all about: Five Sentence Fiction is about packing a powerful punch in a tiny fist. Each week I will post a one word inspiration, then anyone wishing to participate will write a five sentence story based on the prompt word. The word does not have to appear in your five sentences, just use it for direction.

This week: CONQUER
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"I can't do this," Joseph's fist wrapped tightly around the crystal hanging from his neck, "I'm not strong enough."  Steadying himself with his back against the wall, he pleaded with Amara, his weakness sending static electricity to every corner of the room.

"You're wrong, god dammit!" Amara's voice, deep and strong, echoed with each syllable.  "Crush the damn thing!  Crush it!"  she pushed the hammer into his free hand.

Joseph locked in on Amara's glaze and in one swift gesture, ripped the crystal from his neck and threw it on the floor, greedily crushing the crystal with each blow, the Queen's screams ringing in their ears, "Nooooo!"

Top Ten Movie Countdown

 

 I know- you are probably thinking, Another blogfest, Azia?   But, can you really blame me?  They are such fun and I love reading what other people have to say about similar topics!  Make sure you head on over to Alex J. Cavanaugh's blog and check out all of the entries!

All we have to do is list our Top Ten favorite movies. How easy/awesome is that?  Here we go!

Step Brothers:

It's too funny... stupid, yes.  But, hilarious.

It's Kind of a Funny Story:

This movie just makes you feel good when it's over.

Something Borrowed:

 When I need to watch a chick-flick-- this is my go-to film.  The story line is a little twisted, and I'm not the biggest fan of the novel... But, the casting is great and John Krasinksi is amazing!

District 9:

WHEN IS THE SEQUEL COMING OUT.  Seriously.  This story is GOLD.

What's Eating Gilbert Grape:

One of the best movies of ALL TIME.

Snatch:

No explanation needed.  This movie is genius.

Fight Club:

YOU ARE NOT YOUR FUCKING KHAKIS!!!!

Wild Target:

HILARIOUS.  Get your hands on this movie NOW.

The Royal Tenenbaums:

I could watch this movie a thousand times over and never get sick of it.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind:

My absolute favorite movie of all time EVER.

Bonus :Favorite Christmas Movie- The Family Stone

Okay, this was A LOT harder than I thought it would be!  I have some honorable mentions: Jerry Maguire (I know, Tom Cruise is such an annoying actor- but hot damn do I love that movie!), Legends of the Fall, Drive, Across the Universe, ALL of the Harry Potter movies (obviously), A Lot Like Love, Avatar... just a name a few.  Ha.

Have you seen any of the movies listed above?  What are some of your favorite movies?