February 21, 2012

Bookcycling

So instead of blogging about my writing and editing process (later, promise) I've been making belated Valentine's cards. I don't celebrate the day, generally, but I do like taking it as an opportunity to shower some appreciation and do some crafting.

So today I did something a little subversive: I ripped up a book to make cards out of the pictures in it. I know, I know: a writer ripping up a hardback? Unthinkable! Except there are so many old, neglected books out there looking for a last hurrah. If they could converse, they'd say "I'm still interesting and relevant. So get me out of this second-hand bookshop before I throw myself off of this high, high shelf!" ... or something. Most of them will languish on back shelves and in cardboard boxes, slowly rotting away. But some will be repurposed and enjoyed in a whole new way. I was given a book about cool ways to do this called Playing With Books, and I have to say I think it's awesome. Easy, too:

Find a $5 bargain filled with yellowing pages and silly illustrations. 
Whip out your dinosaur typewriter and one-finger punch out some witticisms.
Try not to asphyxiate on the spray mount.

And there you go! Instant classics.

February 14, 2012

Wise Words from the Dowager Countess

I'm in love with Downton Abbey. If I could raid the show's wardrobe I'd wear gowns every day, all day, including to work and the supermarket. But my very favorite thing about Downton? See below.

February 13, 2012

On Being "Done"

Hello, Blogosphere. I haven't posted for a little while because I've been in the Editing Cave. For the past week I've shunned friend seeing, job hunting and movie going to finalize my last round of edits for Torn (aka Novel#2). Blogging is not allowed in the Editing Cave: only chocolate, coffee, and Bon Iver. I'm pretty pleased to be able to say that, after two years of planning, writing and rewriting, I'm finally "done" with a story I love.*

In celebration, I'm hoping to do a few posts on my writing and editing process this week to share some of the things I've learned along the way. But first I want to leave you with a series of pictures that inspired me while I worked on Torn and helped me shape it.

Source: google.com via Kate on Pinterest




Source: google.com via Kate on Pinterest






Source: tumblr.com via Kate on Pinterest








Source: google.com via Kate on Pinterest


Source: google.com via Kate on Pinterest


*except for some expert final proofreads from Mom, who is better than any editor I know at picking up funky grammar errors.