Leno vs. Conan- Fight for the Title

This post has nothing to do with late night TV.
But it made you look, didn't it?

I've been thinking a lot lately about titles. Titles for blogs, books, etc.
Titles can pull us in or turn us off.

A good book title will make us think twice. The first time when we pick up the book. The second, when we are done reading and look at the title again.
We know what Jane Eyre is just from the title.
What is Dandelion Wine about? It can't be a whole book on how to make a drink out of a weed.
Who gets to make the wish in Just One Wish? And what wish is it?
How many stories surround the Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet? Are there really roads called Bitter and Sweet?
What compels someone to read The Forest of Hands and Teeth just from the title? Sounds eerie.

How likely are you to click on a blog post that is titled Titles or Leno vs. Conan- Fight for the Title?
I've started a new blog for book reviews. I think I'll be reviewing more this year and don't want my writing blog to be taken over. But the problem is, I'm not sure I like the title of my blog.
Right now, it's Sweeter-Then-Taffy Book Reviews. Is that too contrived? Should I make it short and sweet like Taffy's Reviews?
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated and seriously considered.
And if you would like me to review your book on my blog, give me a heads up!

I have three books in editing mode but the poor babies have had their names changed so many times they don't look at me when I call. Maybe, one day, they will tell me their name. Until then, I try and hang out with them everyday, correcting them and helping them along the path to betterment.

Cure Writers Block

I've gathered my notes from the last few writers conferences about writers block.
I thought I'd share them with you.

Got a case of writers block? Try two of these prescriptions and call your muse in the morning.

Let's start with possible causes of writers block:

Your bored with your story.

You don't like any of your characters.

You have too many ideas.

You don't have enough ideas.

You find yourself revising the same page or chapter over and over again.

Your too excited to sit down and write.

You spend too much time researching.

You're afraid you really and truly stink as a writer.

Here are a few cures to cure your writer's block:

Disconnect from the Internet. Too distracting.

Try writing long hand which means put pen to paper, literally.

Write most important chapter or scene first.

Set the time for 30 minutes and write, write, write.

Try writing everyday at the same time in the same place with the same music and snacks.

Reward yourself for a goal you've set. Maybe you want to write a certain number of words in a day or maybe spend two hours editing or spend the time developing a character. Whatever the goal, reward yourself.

Little House on the Bookshelf-Foto Friday

http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs20/f/2007/272/d/1/Little_House_on_the_Bookshelf_by_akasycophill.jpg

Back In The Saddle Again

Yes! I feel like I am actually making progress with some of my stories thanks to my niece who is helping me edit!

LOVE IT! LOVE HER! LOVE MY CATS (today only)!

(My throat is sore. That was a lot of shouting.)

Contests, Writing Contests, And Bonbons

Finding yourself with too much time on your hands lately?
Tired of soaps and bonbons?

Here are a few contests and writing contests to keep you busy:

Write a Book of Mormon Short Story! Doesn't that sound fun? This idea is fantastic, so turn off the soaps and head over to LDSPublisher!

Win an autographed copy of Melinda and the Wild West by Linda Weaver Clark at Suko's Notebook.

On Shooting Stars blog win a query letter critique, a 5 page critiques OR an autographed The Dark Divine by Bree Despain.

Anne Bradshaw is giving away a copy of Second Chances by Linda Chadwick.

Good luck everyone!
Now go eat a bonbon :)

Foto Friday

http://thedesigninspiration.com/articles/cool-photos-and-artworks-for-your-inspiration-8/

2010 Challenges-Chocolate Included

New Year's Resolutions are the rage right now.
It is January after all.
How many of you have made your lists? Anything new and exciting for 2010?
Do you have one big goal for the year or monthly goals?
I haven't made any goals.
I don't make goals in January. I like to make them in August, when the new school year starts.
I have goals every month, too, like editing a story a month or working a a query letter.
The list goes on.


Need some new ideas?
Here is a list of challenges you might want to join:

2010 100+ Reading Challenge (my reading list will be on my side bar)

2010 Young Adult Reading Challenge

Joyce Dipastena's New/Old Reading Challenge

Stephanie Plum Reading Challenge

Lisa Jackson Reading Challenge

Tristi's Challenges

Support Your Local Library Challenge

Good luck!
Have a fantastic 2010. May all your dreams and goals be realized.

Oh, yeah. I am NOT giving up sugar OR chocolate this year.
Or any year.
Thank you.