First things first, on the first of the first!

1/1/11  One. Uno. Tahi.

This is the perfect time to set some goals! And for motivation? Throw in some Big Fat Whys! The trick is to make your goals doable, and your Whys inspiring…

Here’s one of mine:
Goal: I am going to write a new YA book (60,000ish words).
Why? I want to feel the joy of creation and completion. I want to see my words come to life on the page. I want to send it out to readers (and make their day / decade!) I want to express myself. I want to change the world. I want to take over the world!

Make the next 12 months count!

Cookie + Cake = :)

A cake designed to look like an Oreo??? 

http://www.partybluprintsblog.com/the-menu/cookie-cake/ 

Beautiful, inspiring, (and I think it's safe to say) delicious. Artists truly are everywhere - in kitchens and libraries, at easels and keyboards. It is an awesome time to be a creator - wherever you are! 

Everything is possible!

Thanksgiving

Here's an excuse to look around your world, and hunt out some happiness! Take some time over the next little while to send out as many good thoughts / energy / blessings / vibes as possible! Ooh, and eat some gravy! It makes you feel good, and it makes the world a happier place. Do it! Do it now!

Keep kicking ass!

Act II: The Guts

I’m heading into Act II of my latest project :)

As a reader, Act II is where things really amp up, and you find yourself totally absorbed in the story (think: up all night to finish the chapter). And as a writer? Act II is where you get to have fun!

Act II
The guts, the juicy meat, the middle – Act II kicks things up a notch (or twelve!) In the average YA fiction, it's around 100 pages.

In Act II, you start making life tricky for the character you set up in Act I. And by tricky? I mean, super-difficult (more conflict! More disasters! More adventure!) a series of obstacles getting bigger and bigger, until… Act II ends with a high stakes situation that forces Act III (the resolution) and the wrap up.

Okay, so that’s Act II, I’ll see you on the other side!

Keep kicking ass!

The Big Fat Why

Do you have a dream? A project? Kick it off with a big fat why! Because when you’re totally clear about why you want something, it gives you power and protection.

Power - to direct your focus, your energy, and your actions.
Protection - against criticism, fear, and doubt.

This is the first step I take on a writing project, it sets my head straight and keeps me motivated. But you can use it for anything! Start now - ask yourself: why do I want this [insert goal]? Write down your top five reasons. Figure out your big fat why – and make it positive! (You might want to leave school so you can “get away from your town”, but it’s way more exciting to leave school so you can “explore the world”!)

So, set your intention: know your big fat why. Get excited. Make a plan, set a goal, and get ready to make it so!

Keep kicking ass!

Everywhere you go...

Whether it’s positive thinking, or just plain old denial...
I so want this umbrella! I love it – take the weather with you :)

Sky Umbrella designed by Tibor Kalman.

Keep kicking ass!

Make yourself sick!

Cookies, sauces, wafers, nuts, cream, sprinkles... and those are just the accessories! It's Ice Cream Day 2010 - so make the most of it... and when you're too sick to eat any more, that's probably about right :)

Keep kicking ass!