Funny thing is that every New Year's Day, I make a bunch of silly resolutions that I think are supposed to make me a happier and better person, and every year on about January 6th I abruptly turn back into the pumpkin that I was meant to be. So this year, I took the realism route and on New Year's Day I slept in, watched football with my buddies, left the house a disaster after the previous night's raging party, stuffed myself with chocolate chip pancakes, pizza, fudge and coconut cake, and limited my exercise to walking out to the patio to fetch pitchers of beer from the keg (from the previous night's raging party).
In our culture, we're all about changing ourselves…diet, exercise, makeovers, hair extensions, plastic surgery. What ever happened to accepting ourselves for who we are and learning to love the skin we're in? Change doesn't always equal happier, folks! Anyway, after spending the first two days of 2007 shunning resolutions and embracing my inner gluttonous sloth, I finally got back to my writing routine today and met Robin at Linnea's Café to hammer out more of my YA novel.
Since I like to discuss what I'm going to write before I write, Robin had the unfortunate obligation of sitting and nodding while I babbled on about the “heart” of my book, the themes and challenges, and what it all means. And since I'm on this kick of accepting myself for who I am, refusing to “change” and “better” myself, just because society says I should, I asked Robin if my main character really has to change at all. I believe that our main characters are really just extensions of our true selves, or who we'd like to be, so…why can't my MC love who she is and refuse to change as well?
Seriously. Think about it. We're taught that our characters have to grow and learn something meaningful. So, why can't my MC learn that the way she lives her life totally kicks ass, and those around her who want her to change are the ones who need some attitude adjusting? Just saying.
I guess I just want to give my MC the luxury of learning what it took me 30 years to figure out, which is that living life the way others want us to will never make us happy. Much to the chagrin of my family and friends, I'm always going to be a little bit attention deficit girl, running late, forgetting stuff, never having a conventional job, spending my days being distracted and spontaneous. And I'm cool with that. Because I'm an exceptionally happy person. Probably has a lot to do with all that sleeping in and scarfing chocolate chip pancakes. Mmmm…chocolate chip pancakes… Now, what was I saying??
New Year, OLD ME!
Eve
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Finding DiscoLand #4
“Seek and ye shall find…something TOTALLY different than what you were looking for.”
Such is the case for those who typed the following words into search engines and discovered us. The Disco Mermaids!
- how do mermaids go to the bathroom -
(it's not as complicated as it sounds...although one of us consistently forgets to put the seat down)
- I need to borrow your panties for five minutes -
(not that we're selfish, but first you need to explain why you only need them for five minutes)
- pomegranate benefits related to carpal tunnel -
(see, we also serve your medical needs...)
- Mayim Bialik overdose -
(...as well as celebrity gossip -- say it ain't so, Blossom)
- Robin smelled me -
(what?)
- pulled my tampon -
(again...what?)
- mermaids gone wild -
(this pic should not be viewed with children in the room -- notice how she combined two of our looks into one?)
- Johnny Tremain low level reading -
(you've gotta be kidding, right?)
Such is the case for those who typed the following words into search engines and discovered us. The Disco Mermaids!
- how do mermaids go to the bathroom -
(it's not as complicated as it sounds...although one of us consistently forgets to put the seat down)
- I need to borrow your panties for five minutes -
(not that we're selfish, but first you need to explain why you only need them for five minutes)
- pomegranate benefits related to carpal tunnel -
(see, we also serve your medical needs...)
- Mayim Bialik overdose -
(...as well as celebrity gossip -- say it ain't so, Blossom)
- Robin smelled me -
(what?)
- pulled my tampon -
(again...what?)
- mermaids gone wild -
(this pic should not be viewed with children in the room -- notice how she combined two of our looks into one?)
- Johnny Tremain low level reading -
(you've gotta be kidding, right?)
Saturday, December 30, 2006
JoanMarie Christmas -- Jay
This was an awesome Christmas. For the first time in months, I was able to relax and not think about approaching deadlines (sure, there is that second-book deadline, but that’s months away)...and I got to show off my very first book cover, too!
My wife and I went down to Los Angeles to gather with my side of the family for meals and gift giving (okay, and receiving). But before that, we went to see the largest nativity play in the world. It was amazing! Real camels. Real horses. Six angels (they weren’t real, but they soared above the audience). Beautiful singing. And the most brilliant, spectacular ending. Very moving.
On Christmas Eve we went to Disneyland, which turned out to be the best time to go because the lines were extremely short. 15 minutes for Space Mountain?!?!? My favorite moment came when we spotted an actor playing Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean. My wife is a Johnny Depp freak, so I wanted to get a picture of her with the look-a-like. At first, she didn’t want to waste valuable ride-time standing in line (the guy was taking a long time with each person). But he was doing an amazing impersonation and we couldn’t stop watching him. Of course, when it was our turn…and even though it wasn’t really Johnny…my wife started blushing. After chatting with him and posing for the camera, JoanMarie said, “That was so fun!” At that, I rolled my eyes. It’s not like it was a Scarlett Johansson look-a-like or anything.
With time for one or two more rides, we hopped on Astro Blasters, a new ride we’d never heard of. Basically, it’s a Buzz Lightyear shooting gallery. The car moves through different rooms and you shoot as many targets as possible, competing with the person sitting next to you. When the ride was over, my wife and I were close to tied (I was up just a tad) so we went on one more time. Did I mention JoanMarie is extremely competitive and I don’t have a competitive bone in my body? As you can tell from the photo taken during the ride, she definitely got the hang of things the second time around.
So what was my favorite gift? A baseball cap from my parents with the logo of my new publisher.
- Jay
My wife and I went down to Los Angeles to gather with my side of the family for meals and gift giving (okay, and receiving). But before that, we went to see the largest nativity play in the world. It was amazing! Real camels. Real horses. Six angels (they weren’t real, but they soared above the audience). Beautiful singing. And the most brilliant, spectacular ending. Very moving.
On Christmas Eve we went to Disneyland, which turned out to be the best time to go because the lines were extremely short. 15 minutes for Space Mountain?!?!? My favorite moment came when we spotted an actor playing Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean. My wife is a Johnny Depp freak, so I wanted to get a picture of her with the look-a-like. At first, she didn’t want to waste valuable ride-time standing in line (the guy was taking a long time with each person). But he was doing an amazing impersonation and we couldn’t stop watching him. Of course, when it was our turn…and even though it wasn’t really Johnny…my wife started blushing. After chatting with him and posing for the camera, JoanMarie said, “That was so fun!” At that, I rolled my eyes. It’s not like it was a Scarlett Johansson look-a-like or anything.
With time for one or two more rides, we hopped on Astro Blasters, a new ride we’d never heard of. Basically, it’s a Buzz Lightyear shooting gallery. The car moves through different rooms and you shoot as many targets as possible, competing with the person sitting next to you. When the ride was over, my wife and I were close to tied (I was up just a tad) so we went on one more time. Did I mention JoanMarie is extremely competitive and I don’t have a competitive bone in my body? As you can tell from the photo taken during the ride, she definitely got the hang of things the second time around.
So what was my favorite gift? A baseball cap from my parents with the logo of my new publisher.- Jay
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Holiday Greetings with a Twist -- Robin
I’ve decided to take Eve’s lead and enlist the help of one of my own relatives to write my blog post this week. Thankfully, he accepted the challenge. I now give to you my holiday letter…written by my 4-year old son. (Okay, maybe he didn’t “actually” write the blog post, but he does have a good sense of humor and can probably spell better than me. Plus he’s cute, so there.)
Greetings Everyone!
It’s me, Luke! I hope this letter finds you happy, healthy, knee deep in chocolate and surrounded by puppies and hot dogs.
We had a really fun Christmas this year. I got a red dinosaur, a green dinosaur, a dinosaur puzzle, a robot T-rex, and some socks. What’d you get? Mommy got a nice new coat (even though it’s weird that she won’t stop wearing it, even on top of her pajamas) and some new slippers (even though I announced what they were right before she opened the box). She also got a beautiful mermaid ornament and when she opened it she and Daddy kept giggling and saying stuff about it looking anatomically correct and I’m not sure what that means—I’m only four years old for heavens sake—but I think it means she can exchange it if she has a receipt. Right?
Daddy got a hat and some socks and he kept talking about resentments and utter disappointment. Again, I think he’s okay with a gift receipt.
For our family gift, we all went to Mexico! I spent all my waking hours in the pool and Mommy kept complaining about not having any time to write. I think it had to do with all those pink drinks and her excessive napping, if you ask me. (But don’t tell her I said that! She’s been getting a little defensive about her writing lately, so you have to handle her carefully. What usually works is a big, toothy grin then some kissies and huggies and generally saying any word with a ‘ie’ on the end. She thinks that’s adorable. So it’s all good.)
Anyways, it was a big year in our house. Daddy bought an old classic Mercedes and now he sticks fried wontons in the engine to make it run. Smells good, even though I think he should switch to French fries. Maybe put some ketchup in the exhaust.
This year Mommy got something called “an agent” but I think they have medicine for that. And if it tastes like cherries…well, all the better.
When Daddy’s not running out the door to “pick up some more oil” and Mommy’s not running out the door to “finish her next chapter” we usually spend good quality family time together at home. We like to sit back, relax, and discuss the spiritual/political hidden messages embedded in the dialogue of our favorite Sponge Bob episodes. But doesn’t everyone?
Happy holidays! I hope your next year is full of dinosaurs and anatomically correct mermaids and gift receipts.
Love,
Luke
(who is only four years old, for heavens sake, and in no way endorses this letter)
Greetings Everyone!
It’s me, Luke! I hope this letter finds you happy, healthy, knee deep in chocolate and surrounded by puppies and hot dogs.
We had a really fun Christmas this year. I got a red dinosaur, a green dinosaur, a dinosaur puzzle, a robot T-rex, and some socks. What’d you get? Mommy got a nice new coat (even though it’s weird that she won’t stop wearing it, even on top of her pajamas) and some new slippers (even though I announced what they were right before she opened the box). She also got a beautiful mermaid ornament and when she opened it she and Daddy kept giggling and saying stuff about it looking anatomically correct and I’m not sure what that means—I’m only four years old for heavens sake—but I think it means she can exchange it if she has a receipt. Right?
Daddy got a hat and some socks and he kept talking about resentments and utter disappointment. Again, I think he’s okay with a gift receipt.
For our family gift, we all went to Mexico! I spent all my waking hours in the pool and Mommy kept complaining about not having any time to write. I think it had to do with all those pink drinks and her excessive napping, if you ask me. (But don’t tell her I said that! She’s been getting a little defensive about her writing lately, so you have to handle her carefully. What usually works is a big, toothy grin then some kissies and huggies and generally saying any word with a ‘ie’ on the end. She thinks that’s adorable. So it’s all good.)
Anyways, it was a big year in our house. Daddy bought an old classic Mercedes and now he sticks fried wontons in the engine to make it run. Smells good, even though I think he should switch to French fries. Maybe put some ketchup in the exhaust.
This year Mommy got something called “an agent” but I think they have medicine for that. And if it tastes like cherries…well, all the better.
When Daddy’s not running out the door to “pick up some more oil” and Mommy’s not running out the door to “finish her next chapter” we usually spend good quality family time together at home. We like to sit back, relax, and discuss the spiritual/political hidden messages embedded in the dialogue of our favorite Sponge Bob episodes. But doesn’t everyone?
Happy holidays! I hope your next year is full of dinosaurs and anatomically correct mermaids and gift receipts.
Love,
Luke
(who is only four years old, for heavens sake, and in no way endorses this letter)
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Season's Greetings From Evie
For a holiday treat (and because I'm still in a lazy, post-Christmas, food-induced coma) I've enlisted the help of my wonderful and very favorite sister, who is also a die-hard fan of our blog. So I'm turning tonight's blog posting duties over to my best (and only) sister, AMY! (WARNING: My family tends to be a little sarcastic...don't be shocked if she takes this time to publicly make fun of me and my seemingly easy (slacker) lifestyle.)
O.k., I'm a little nervous, but here goes - Since Eve's always way too busy to send holiday cards/letters, here's my idea of what her 2006 letter should say:
Hi ________(insert your name here) !
2006 was a very exciting year! Here are some highlights:
We rang in the New Year by banging pots and pans, then yelling at the neighborhood kids for setting off fireworks past our bed-time. The next morning, instead of enjoying football and jotting down our resolutions, we had to sweep the street to get rid of the detritus the hooligans left behind Anyway, it was an auspicious beginning to 2006.
In February, after several years of dedicated work, our two dogs won awards in their obedience classes! Marley was voted "Most Likely to Bust Into a Neighbor's House and Steal Food Without Getting Caught", while Brandy captured a new award they titled, "I Failed To Learn Anything In Obedience Class, But I'm So Freaking Cute That No One Cares." We were so proud and sure that this was a sign of things to come, we got her an agent, and we're hoping that Purina commercial comes through real soon.
Speaking of agents, I got one, too! She is the best thing to happen to my writing career since Jay, Robin and I started this blog. Seriously, I love her and she is so supportive of my work, I know great things are coming in 2007.
Aside from amassing awards and agents, I spent 2006 much the same way as 2005, 2004, and 2003... I sleep until the crack 'o noon, get up and caffeinate (at least eight shots of espresso), check my e-mails and wipe the kitchen counter, all while still in my jammies. Sometimes I go out of the house to run errands or meet Jay and/or Robin for lunch, but never before 3:00 p.m. I've kept up on all the best reality shows (Bo Bice got robbed, I tell you!), and have not missed a People magazine in months.
I also traveled a ton this year. Pre-liquid-bomb-scare, I never worried about what I packed. I could fly anywhere in the country with my favorite lip gloss and perfume on hand. Now, however, apparently Comptoir Sud Pacifique- Vanilla-Apricot perfume and Dior Super Shine lip gloss are serious threats to airline security. Traveling is so stressful, I tell you! (Especially without shiny lips!)
To cap off the year, we flew to Florida to visit my very favorite (only) sister and her (loud and obnoxious) family for Christmas. She was the most gracious hostess (even though she ran out of coffee) and made our stay as wonderful as if we were staying at five-star hotel (in some no-longer-existent Soviet country). It was a busy and exhilarating (exhausting) week. (My family wouldn't let me sleep in and forced me to exercise.) I can't wait for all the fun family trips we have planned for 2007! (Serenity, NOW!!)
Love, Eve
(Okay, so Amy has a point. And though I'd like to say she was making fun of me, I can't deny that it's almost all true (except for the last paragraph of course), and that's pretty much how my holiday letter would go. Here's to me getting a life in 2007! Woo-Hoo!!)
O.k., I'm a little nervous, but here goes - Since Eve's always way too busy to send holiday cards/letters, here's my idea of what her 2006 letter should say:
Hi ________(insert your name here) !
2006 was a very exciting year! Here are some highlights:
We rang in the New Year by banging pots and pans, then yelling at the neighborhood kids for setting off fireworks past our bed-time. The next morning, instead of enjoying football and jotting down our resolutions, we had to sweep the street to get rid of the detritus the hooligans left behind Anyway, it was an auspicious beginning to 2006.
In February, after several years of dedicated work, our two dogs won awards in their obedience classes! Marley was voted "Most Likely to Bust Into a Neighbor's House and Steal Food Without Getting Caught", while Brandy captured a new award they titled, "I Failed To Learn Anything In Obedience Class, But I'm So Freaking Cute That No One Cares." We were so proud and sure that this was a sign of things to come, we got her an agent, and we're hoping that Purina commercial comes through real soon.
Speaking of agents, I got one, too! She is the best thing to happen to my writing career since Jay, Robin and I started this blog. Seriously, I love her and she is so supportive of my work, I know great things are coming in 2007.
Aside from amassing awards and agents, I spent 2006 much the same way as 2005, 2004, and 2003... I sleep until the crack 'o noon, get up and caffeinate (at least eight shots of espresso), check my e-mails and wipe the kitchen counter, all while still in my jammies. Sometimes I go out of the house to run errands or meet Jay and/or Robin for lunch, but never before 3:00 p.m. I've kept up on all the best reality shows (Bo Bice got robbed, I tell you!), and have not missed a People magazine in months.
I also traveled a ton this year. Pre-liquid-bomb-scare, I never worried about what I packed. I could fly anywhere in the country with my favorite lip gloss and perfume on hand. Now, however, apparently Comptoir Sud Pacifique- Vanilla-Apricot perfume and Dior Super Shine lip gloss are serious threats to airline security. Traveling is so stressful, I tell you! (Especially without shiny lips!)
To cap off the year, we flew to Florida to visit my very favorite (only) sister and her (loud and obnoxious) family for Christmas. She was the most gracious hostess (even though she ran out of coffee) and made our stay as wonderful as if we were staying at five-star hotel (in some no-longer-existent Soviet country). It was a busy and exhilarating (exhausting) week. (My family wouldn't let me sleep in and forced me to exercise.) I can't wait for all the fun family trips we have planned for 2007! (Serenity, NOW!!)
Love, Eve
(Okay, so Amy has a point. And though I'd like to say she was making fun of me, I can't deny that it's almost all true (except for the last paragraph of course), and that's pretty much how my holiday letter would go. Here's to me getting a life in 2007! Woo-Hoo!!)
Monday, December 25, 2006
Away in a Mailbox
(This is a repost of the conclusion of a 13-part series that jumpstarted our blog one year ago.)
THE TWELVE FORM REJECTIONS
(inspired by The Twelve Days of Christmas)
In my twelfth form rejection, the letter said to me:
Dear Author/Illustrator,
regarding (CAPS & BOLDFACE TITLE),
thanks for your submission,
we're so glad you thought of our house,
we're proud of ev'ry book we publish,
see Writer's Market for our guidelines,
due to the number of submissions,
we can't give personal suggestions,
though we strive for quick responses,
after careful consideration,
good luck in the future,
but this story doesn't fit our current needs.
So I cried for just a minute, and then
(surging with ambition)
tucked a self-addressed-stamped-envelope
into my next submission.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
from your
Disco Mermaids
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