tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4687934525924191702024-02-20T17:18:31.435-08:00Beautiful Mess“Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don’t be afraid.” Frederick BuechnerChristina Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06463392738245127234noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468793452592419170.post-86630998029142474602012-07-27T23:01:00.002-07:002012-07-27T23:01:29.455-07:00New Blog AddressI took a break from finishing <i>Chasm</i> just long enough to integrate my blog into my <a href="http://www.christinagarner.com/">website</a>. As a result, I will no longer be updating this site. Instead, you can find me <a href="http://www.christinagarner.com/blog/">here</a>.<br />
I hope you do!Christina Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06463392738245127234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468793452592419170.post-80966899953050939552012-07-15T11:52:00.005-07:002012-07-15T11:54:10.551-07:00Chasm UpdateBook 2 of the Gateway Trilogy, Chasm is currently with Beta Readers!<br />
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I like to get the opinion of readers in between passes by my editor, as they are ultimately who decide whether my book is successful. (Both in sales, and more importantly, in conveying the themes I'm trying to express.) It's in the "polishing" stage, meaning the story line is set, but I'm working on transitions, readability, etc... Once that's done, it goes to the proofreader.<br />
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Just thought I'd keep you posted. The book launch party is August 11th, and the novel will be available via Amazon by September 1, 2012.<br />
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Can't wait to hear your thoughts!Christina Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06463392738245127234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468793452592419170.post-14459557064774335642012-06-28T15:32:00.002-07:002012-07-15T11:54:29.148-07:00ChasmThat's the name of Book 2 in the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gateway-The-Series-ebook/dp/B0051UBSLE" target="_blank">Gateway</a> Trilogy. :)<br />
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It will be available September 1st. I'm currently finishing it up and working on getting the book cover together. In the meantime, if you haven't yet read Gateway, it's FREE from now until 6/30!<br />
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<br />Christina Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06463392738245127234noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468793452592419170.post-27646619188284781342012-06-23T14:49:00.001-07:002012-06-23T14:49:11.688-07:00Checking In...I'm under the gun to get Book 2 finished for a September release, so I've been staying in touch mostly via Twitter, but I thought I'd give a quick shout to my blog readers.<br />
The book is coming along nicely and I think you all are really going to like it. The demons that escaped in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gateway-The-Series-ebook/dp/B0051UBSLE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=books&qid=1306698851&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Gateway</a> are wreaking havoc on Los Angeles, and Ember manages to get herself into even more trouble when she travels to other Gates. It should be a fun ride--can't wait to share it with you!<br />
<br />Christina Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06463392738245127234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468793452592419170.post-88851756272108978962012-01-12T22:51:00.000-08:002012-07-15T11:55:00.569-07:00Kat on AssignmentCheck out the newest post on the <a href="http://thegatewayseries.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Companion Blog</a> to The Gateway Series. Kat is on a solo assignment and isn't loving it.<br />
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<a href="http://thegatewayseries.wordpress.com/2012/01/08/kat-on-assignment-1/" target="_blank">Kat on Assignment Pt. 1</a><br />
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<br />Christina Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06463392738245127234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468793452592419170.post-88095520435962718842012-01-08T13:59:00.000-08:002012-01-23T09:28:29.058-08:002012, Week 1<span style="font-size: large;">Just thought I'd check in now that we've made it through the first week of the new year. I don't know about you guys, but I'm thriving! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I've set up an awesome little writing nook for myself which I love. I've started the process of purging things I don't need anymore--like my old desk. I realized that unlike when I used to do a lot of video editing for my short films, I simply don't like working at a desk. Whenever I go to a coffee shop to write, I'm always choosing a comfy armchair. So, out with the desk and in with a new armchair! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I've also started a new writing practice which seems to be working for me. </span><span style="font-size: large;">I have a serious information addiction. I used to wake up and check my email and Facebook before even getting out of bed! (And I know I'm not the only one...) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Now m</span><span style="font-size: large;">y alarm goes off at 7 am and I don't even look at my phone. Except to turn off the alarm, of course ;) I sit up in bed, still sleepy eyed, and bang out 500 words. They don't have to be 500 good words, in fact they are more of a brain drain than anything else, but I don't even make coffee until those words are done. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I've found this to be so helpful. One, it helps me get onto the page anything that's running around in my brian: stuff I need to do, something I dreamt about, etc. But after a couple hundred words, I start thinking about what I'm going to be writing that day. I used to do that before, but not until I sat down to write, "officially" for the day. I'm liking this way so much better because I find that I get excited for what's to come, so that instead of it being a chore to sit down and start writing, I'm eager to. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So, I get the 500 words done--some dross, some a helpful map of where my writing day is headed. Then I feed both of my addictions; caffeine (only one cup per day) and information. I spend 30 or so minutes catching up on email, </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheGatewaySeries?sk=wall" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">Facebook</a><span style="font-size: large;">, </span><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/GarnerChristina" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">Twitter</a><span style="font-size: large;">, and curating my </span><a href="http://www.scoop.it/t/creative-productivity" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">ScoopIt</a><span style="font-size: large;"> pages. If I'm hungry, I have some breakfast while I do it. </span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;">Then, I quit my email program, hide the web pages, and get to work. As of now, I'm writing 2000 words per day. I don't write them all in one sitting; I take one or two 15 minute breaks to check email, web surf, or just get up from my comfy armchair.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I know I could write more than 2k words per day, but unless I'm feeling really inspired, I'm usually stopping soon after hitting that goal. I have dealt with burnout in the past, and I'm experimenting with ways to eliminate it. I'm finding that instead of being exhausted at the end of my writing day, I feel only a little drained and can spring back into activity fairly easily. I spend the rest of the afternoon doing research, promoting </span><i style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gateway-The-Series-ebook/dp/B0051UBSLE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=books&qid=1306698851&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Gateway</a> </i><span style="font-size: large;">and reading blogs. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I take (almost) two days off per week. On those days I am still doing my 500 words in the morning, and I also work on my weekly blog post to the </span><a href="http://thegatewayseries.wordpress.com/" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">Companion Blog</a><span style="font-size: large;"> of </span><i style="font-size: x-large;">The Gateway Series</i><span style="font-size: large;">. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I am really liking this new way of working. It solves many problems at once: that I sometimes have a hard time sitting down to work, that I get distracted by email, etc., and that I tend to get burned out after a while. I'll need to do this consistently for a few more weeks to get a full view of how it impacts my actual writing, but for now, I'm actually looking forward to Monday when I start the process all over again!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What fresh, new things are you doing in this new year? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Christina Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06463392738245127234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468793452592419170.post-76617977518024245472012-01-02T12:04:00.000-08:002012-07-15T11:55:28.580-07:00Companion Blog to The Gateway Trilogy<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">As promised, here's the new blog for all things related to <i>Gateway</i>:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://thegatewayseries.wordpress.com/">Companion Blog to The Gateway Series</a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'll be posting weekly so check back regularly! On the blog now: Taren's filed notes from his time spend inside Windsor, including when he met Callie and Ember for the first time.</span><br />
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<br /></div>Christina Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06463392738245127234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468793452592419170.post-74377058086682283382011-12-18T16:18:00.000-08:002011-12-20T08:43:35.049-08:00New Developments in the Gateway SeriesOver a vegan breakfast burrito my friend, Erin helped me formulate a solution for what's been a source of frustration for me. The problem:<br />
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What direction this blog should take and how I can use it as an interactive experience for fans of <i>Gateway</i>?</div>
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The solution:</div>
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I stop trying to do that with this blog.</div>
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Lemme s'plain: </div>
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I'm a bit of non-linear thinker. I know a little bit about a lot of things and a lot about a few things. But the things I already know about, (say, being vegan) isn't really something I feel called to blog about, nor does it have anything to do with my writing career which happens to be my primary focus. But blogging about my writing process is only interesting to fellow writers, and quite frankly, there are plenty of others out there already doing a fine job of it. </div>
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When I ask myself what I really want to write about, the answer is: </div>
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I want to write about the world inhabited by the characters of <i>The Gateway Series</i>. I had always planned that the main story would be told in a trilogy, leaving open the possibility to write additional volumes focusing on Callie and/or Kat. Many of you have responded to those characters and have asked if you'll be reading more about them in the coming volumes. The answer is a definite yes, but why wait? </div>
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My initial intention was that their side novels would take place at the conclusion of <i>The Gateway Series</i>, or possibly running parallel (depending on how much of their stories make it to the final versions of the trilogy.) But when trying to make characters that come off the page as though living, breathing entities, authors write all sorts of backstories, creating histories that never appear in the novel but make the story so much richer overall. I figure, why not start a new blog dedicated solely to revealing things like: Callie's life before Windsor, Kat's first mission as a Guardian, and Taren's point of view of the first time he met Ember.</div>
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So.</div>
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I'll maintain this blog as sporadically as ever, and in the meantime, I'll be starting another blog dedicated solely to <i>The Gateway Series</i>. And that one, I promise I will update regularly.</div>
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I'll be announcing the new site soon, and look forward to peeling back the curtain and giving you a glimpse of the Gateway world through the eyes of some of your favorite characters. </div>
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<br /></div>Christina Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06463392738245127234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468793452592419170.post-39337703824124870482011-12-17T15:55:00.000-08:002011-12-17T15:55:11.973-08:00Scoop It!I just discovered this fantastic site: <a href="http://scoop.it/">Scoop.it</a>. I love having a place to gather content on specific topics and organize them in a beautiful layout. I thought I'd share the free service with you all and if you're interested in seeing what I'm busy scooping, my first topic is <a href="http://www.scoop.it/t/creative-productivity" target="_blank"> Creative Productivity</a>. Enjoy, and if you start your own topics, let me know!Christina Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06463392738245127234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468793452592419170.post-62224953253461731512011-12-16T06:04:00.000-08:002011-12-17T15:56:07.289-08:00Keep in Touch!Hey lovelies...<br />
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I've been neck deep working on a film and now that it's almost over, (Thank. God.) I'll be neck deep in revisions of the second novel in the The Gateway Series. Sadly, updating my blog has taken a back seat, but I still want to connect with you! Twitter seems the easiest way to do that, so feel free to say hello via: <b><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/GarnerChristina" target="_blank">@GarnerChristina</a></b>.Christina Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06463392738245127234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468793452592419170.post-25393293333989557952011-12-14T19:15:00.000-08:002012-07-15T11:55:43.419-07:00What to do when Everything SucksHell if I know. And I suppose it isn't <i>everything</i>. I mean, it's never everything, right? Because I'm still breathing.<br />
But I'm working on a movie that is sucking the soul right out of me with a few people I cannot wait to be away from. This will be the first wrap party I won't attend.<br />
Alas, it's only 10 more days. 10 more days and I can dive back into Book 2 of the Gateway Series. I was so close to finishing before I took on this project so I'm looking at a release in early February, which I am very excited about.<br />
On the plus side, this has been yet another opportunity for me to look at what I expect from people versus what they seem willing and/or able to give me with regards to loyalty and what I consider the basics of human decency.<br />
My mantra (besides, "Only X number of days left!") has been, "There is a place inside of me that this place cannot touch." I'm happy to report that it's true. Which, I suppose proves that not *everything* sucks. :)Christina Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06463392738245127234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468793452592419170.post-39200963153471046032011-10-04T14:08:00.000-07:002011-10-04T14:46:45.844-07:00Book BloggersOr, as I like to call them, my heroes.<br />
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I just want to say thank you to all of the amazing book bloggers who have not only taken the time to review <i>Gateway</i>, but were willing to give a self-published e-book a shot. All authors depend on reviews and word of mouth, but with indie authors that need is greatly magnified. Even were a reviewer to not care for my book I would appreciate their willingness to read it!<br />
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I believe in my novel and the series it kicks off, but knowing there are others out there who have enjoyed it is inspiring. Knowing they'll take the time to tell others is absolutely fabulous!<br />
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Thanks again!Christina Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06463392738245127234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468793452592419170.post-52294795414580591342011-10-03T20:06:00.000-07:002011-10-04T13:56:28.937-07:00I'm not Gonna Lie...It's been rough going this past week. I came back from Europe feeling invigorated and inspired, and then... I'm not sure what happened. Maybe it was just life that happened. I started feeling less than thrilled with what I was writing. Then I had a relationship rift I needed to heal. You know how draining that can be. The next day came the $1100 tax bill from incorrectly reporting my earnings in 2009.<br />
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I gave myself a couple of days to check out and recover, but it's been a few, and I haven't. I still feel blah and I still am not excited about where my story is going, even though logically, I think it's going in the right direction. I've just lost the juice, the passion to get the words down on paper and I'm afraid that I might not find it anytime soon.<br />
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And it's not just a passion for writing, I'm kind of feeling turned off by most things, which is a red alert for someone who suffers from depression. I'm doing my best to weather the storm and I hope it doesn't last too long.<br />
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<br />Christina Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06463392738245127234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468793452592419170.post-44255175731938385052011-09-27T09:01:00.000-07:002011-09-27T09:01:04.995-07:00Hello, World. Did you miss me?Hey all! I'm back from my "Take Mom to Europe/Research Books 2 and 3 of The Gateway Series" trip. Stay tuned for new posts and updates about the next book. For now, here's your first look at Book 2:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gm_1Kine4wqm2OXHl9PAUfhCFgVXJuzxbJ8elgQIpgGre2p1o4l8n5D1z1rIrfFBwarWMY7DQVJFSRVlisyv68xd2KkPsvcHIJWdE3bi6Zc1kq8LijZoPrl1Uq5DBHxfIE5PkI5MK9s/s1600/IMG_2808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gm_1Kine4wqm2OXHl9PAUfhCFgVXJuzxbJ8elgQIpgGre2p1o4l8n5D1z1rIrfFBwarWMY7DQVJFSRVlisyv68xd2KkPsvcHIJWdE3bi6Zc1kq8LijZoPrl1Uq5DBHxfIE5PkI5MK9s/s320/IMG_2808.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Christina Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06463392738245127234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468793452592419170.post-27631553044120640602011-08-31T21:21:00.000-07:002011-08-31T22:11:22.465-07:00Get and Stay Motivated!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I tend to vacillate between bursts of creativity and periods of sloth. My goal is to lessen the latter and increase the former. In that vein, here are a few tips to help you get going on whatever project is in front of you:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Find a Mantra</b></span><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">"We are what repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."</span></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Aristotle said that, and I think he's on to something. My first tip is to find or create a mantra or slogan that spurs you to action. My uncle, a veteran marathon runner well into his 70's had a mantra he used whenever a race got tough, "It's against my religion to walk downhill." The first race (only 12 miles, not a marathon, I confess) he and I did together, he shared that nugget of wisdom with me, and I use it to this day.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">What mantra might work for you? Here are a few ideas to get you thinking:</span><br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Time is precious; I use mine wisely.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Life is short; I do what I love!</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">If it supports my vision, I do it.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I take the next right step.</span></li>
</ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Focus on the Why</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Why is this goal important? What changes do you hope to see in your internal and external worlds because you've achieved it? What about it resonates with you and makes your heart beat a little faster?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Focusing on why we want to do something can help us stay on track</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> when the how seems a little murky. So, when the road gets a little bumpy, don't get derailed. Focus on why what you have to offer the world is needed, why it's going to be a success, and how you'll feel when it is. This shift can take just minutes and help propel us to the next right step.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Take Risks</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>"Well behaved women rarely make history." </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">~ Laurel Thatcher Ulrich</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I think we can go ahead and apply this to men, too. And by taking risks, I don't just mean regarding a specific project. A mentor of mine once told me that her New Year's resolution was to say, "yes," to whatever life offered her that year (good or bad). How she symbolized this level of surrender was to fall backwards out of a plane while skydiving. She didn't have a specific goal in mind other than saying yes, but imagine the energetic this set up in her psyche.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">How can you flex your risk-taking muscle? Learn something new! Is there a cooking or dance class you've been meaning to take, or an</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> instrument or language you've been wanting to learn? Reinforcing your willingness to step outside our comfort zone means when it's time to take a risk that really matters--on what might make your dream a reality--it will be easier to go for it. In the meantime, you'll be enjoying your new skill!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Find Inspiration</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">What inspires us tends to be personal, but I can tell you that what works for me is reading inspiring quotes, reading about people who have succeeded in the same field I'm in, and watching videos on </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://ted.com./">Ted.com.</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Here's on of my favorites, by Steve Jobs:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Be Accountable</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">When I wanted to get my first novel, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gateway-The-Series-ebook/dp/B0051UBSLE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=books&qid=1306698851&sr=8-1"><i>Gateway</i></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> up on Amazon, it was by planning a party where I promised to hand out copies of the novel that kept me going no matter what. And I mean no matter what. Not wanting to be humiliated is a big motivational tool for me, and as the deadline approached there was more than one sleepless night spent writing and editing. It was worth it though, and come party time, the novel was finished, and after a few weeks of formatting, it was up on Amazon.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Whether you commit to a large audience or just one person, make sure that person will hold your feet to the fire. If committing to a large goal--say finishing a novel--is too big, choose smaller, more manageable goals. If you want to lose weight, maybe you'll commit to keeping a food diary. If you're trying to finish a screenplay, maybe you commit to having an outline by a certain date. If you want to run a marathon, you might commit to signing up for a running group. Which brings me to the next tip:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Get Support</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">We are social creatures--even semi-loners like me. These days there is a community for pretty much everything under the sun. Want to meet new people with similar interests? Try </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://meetup.com/">Meetup.com</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">. Want to publish to Amazon? Try the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://kdp.amazon.com/self-publishing/signin">Kindle Boards</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">. Need to lose weight? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://dailyburn.com/">DailyBurn.com</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> has an active and supportive community. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Nothing is created in a vacuum, not even you</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">--so find some like-minded people to help support you as you make your vision a reality.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">These are just a few ideas to help you get and stay motivated. What works for you?</span><br />
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</i></h1>Christina Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06463392738245127234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468793452592419170.post-72098083299397571352011-08-29T15:31:00.000-07:002011-08-31T20:54:15.967-07:00On Scrapping Most of My First Draft<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I was talking with a good friend about how I wouldn't be using the majority of what I'd written for the first draft of Book 2 and she reminded me of a story about an artist (who's name escapes me) that would paint an entire tree, even if the final piece would only depict a few limbs. When asked why he would do all of that extra work he said that if he didn't paint the whole tree, how would he know where the branches belonged?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">This was comforting, because I know that even if I don't use much of what I've written, it all serves the overall story. I got a better understanding of some new characters, and found ways to increase tension in the plot. Ultimately, I'm changing things because I think it will make for a better novel, which makes the effort worth it.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">So, I'm busy with draft 2, even if half of it will really be a first draft. Wish me luck!</span>Christina Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06463392738245127234noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468793452592419170.post-24042857798222827202011-08-27T14:32:00.000-07:002011-08-31T20:53:42.089-07:00Things are Looking Up<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I feel better than I have in a while. I'm not gonna lie--it was touch and go for a little while a few weeks back. I had a change in medication and it threw me for a loop that lasted a couple of weeks. It was at the worst possible time, too, (is there ever a good time for extreme nausea and moderate depression?) because I'm working hard to make my deadline of having Book 2 of The Gateway Series out by November. It's the tightest deadline I've ever held myself to, so being sidelined for two weeks was the last thing I needed.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">What I want to focus on though, is even with feeling both mentally and physically awful, I did my best to stay centered. I kept my awareness--as best I could--on the fact that this would pass, and sooner or later I would feel ready to be part of the world. (There was a one week period where I didn't leave the house--when I felt up to eating, I ordered in.)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I think that shift in focus--from<i> it will always be this way</i> to <i>this too shall pass</i>--made for an easier re-entry back into the world when I was up for it. Although I was still plagued by the feelings of "I'm a loser" that often accompanies a bout of depression that seems based in nothing, I was able to hold those feelings somewhat at bay. And the truth was, there was a reason. A change in medication always precipitates side-effects of some kind. It's just hard to accept that sometimes when I'm in the throws of an episode.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">In keeping with my goal of progress not perfection, I'm taking this as a win. It was a rough couple of weeks, but I'm back, I'm writing 3-4k words a day and am preparing for a trip to Europe with my mother. (During which I will be researching Books 2 and 3 which take place almost exclusively in France and Italy.)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I'm not sure if anyone else is interested in the inner workings of my mind and/or my struggles with depression, but it is no secret that many creative types have suffered similarly, so I thought I would share it on the off chance it would resonate with some of you.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Here's to hoping I continue to feel great, and hoping all of you do, too!</span>Christina Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06463392738245127234noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468793452592419170.post-76914156954857855142011-08-25T10:00:00.000-07:002011-08-31T20:54:40.706-07:00Last Minute Travel<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I'm headed back to Europe! Books 2 and 3 of The Gateway Series partially take place in France and Italy and I'm planning to do some research while I'm there. I love my job :)</span>Christina Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06463392738245127234noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468793452592419170.post-58507452474954758932011-08-16T17:03:00.000-07:002011-08-31T20:59:00.051-07:0070% off on Gateway<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For two weeks, I'm putting <i>Gateway</i> (normally priced at $2.99) on sale for just $.99! Buy it at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gateway-The-Series-ebook/dp/B0051UBSLE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=books&qid=1306698851&sr=8-1">Amazon</a> and <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gateway-christina-garner/1103017781?ean=2940012926371&itm=8&usri=gateway">Barnes & Noble</a>.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gateway-The-Series-ebook/dp/B0051UBSLE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=books&qid=1306698851&sr=8-1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDqNklqcujMXuCqo1dcicI8VOsnz8UCnJ7xN-EggY-sNsn5Mg_bnNzM0zLY6OsZV_hiQM2se6SlRzDQGMMl4wr_vAB2-beDSdq09VebBkz9GdaHqiM86A5uxyZH1vwNG93UzYYqx5IF1k/s320/Gateway+Cover.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><br />
Christina Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06463392738245127234noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468793452592419170.post-18197780063631960572011-07-14T22:22:00.000-07:002011-07-14T22:22:40.417-07:00Gateway Giveaway<div>Here's your chance to win a copy of <i>Gateway</i>. Enter here:</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://irresistiblereads.blogspot.com/2011/07/interview-giveaway-international-with.html?spref=tw">Irresistible Reads: Interview & Giveaway (International) with Christina Garner</a><div><br /></div><div>Go for the free book, stay for the interview ;)</div>Christina Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06463392738245127234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468793452592419170.post-18550853281676766682011-07-12T12:05:00.000-07:002011-08-31T20:55:35.754-07:00Outlining Versus Winging It Redux<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">So, in a recent post I discussed the differences between plotting out a novel in its entirety and going with the flow to see where the story takes you. At the time I was planning to try detailed outlining, thinking it might save me from the dreaded "shitty first draft" by replacing it with the "shitty first outline." My reasoning being it would be easier to fix an outline than a draft.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Well, after two weeks of frustration, I'm admitting defeat. I am not an outliner. I went around in circles on the same plot points. Which isn't to say the experiment was a total loss, in fact I have a rough outline for the next two novels of The Gateway Series, but I was simply unable to move beyond a certain point.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Yesterday I sat down for a long day of writing, and using the notes I'd made, banged out over 2500 words. What seems to work for me is to have a general plot sketch and then let the story evolve as I go. Before I write each scene I plot out what needs to happen in the scene and what the character motivations are, their goals, etc. So I'm essentially outlining, but I can only get so far ahead of myself. I'm reminded of this quote:</span><br />
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<span class="body" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">"It's like driving a car at night. You never see further than your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way." ~E.L. Doctorow</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Shitty first draft, here I come!</span>Christina Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06463392738245127234noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468793452592419170.post-58591269534356262042011-06-25T08:00:00.000-07:002011-06-26T21:32:46.915-07:00First 212 words of Gateway<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm participating in a contest sponsored by <a href="http://shelleywatters.blogspot.com/">Shelly Watters</a> and featuring literary agent, Victoria Marini. Without further ado, here are the opening 212 words of my YA Urban Fantasy novel, <i>Gateway</i>. Total word count for the novel is 59,000.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In the end, only the Voice remained.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>I told you it would be better this way…</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I was drifting, floating on something too silky to be water. It was warm, and it penetrated the deepest parts of me.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Voice was right. It was always right. Everything finally felt soft. My sharpest edges were being worn away, melting into oblivion. I felt like candle wax before it cooled; nothing to do but let the remaining drops of consciousness slide down— </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Pain. Where did that come from? How could I feel pain when I didn't have a body anymore?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My throat. It was my throat, being stabbed, or— </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Shh… let it go. Let all the pain go. Rest easy…</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For a moment I was comforted, the gentle motion of the not-quite water lulling me, pulling me back to safety.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But I was heaving. Huge, uncontrollable spasms. And then I was vomiting, although that word isn’t strong enough. I was erupting. The contents of my stomach spewed from my mouth, my nose. The wetness hit my chest, then my belly, and finally dribbled down my chin. My mouth tasted of charcoal. The warmth receded. The peace went with it. And I knew.</span></div>Christina Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06463392738245127234noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468793452592419170.post-68340974543355166072011-06-23T22:43:00.000-07:002011-06-27T12:47:38.653-07:00Formatting Woes<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16px;">So frustrated… Even after paying for formatting of my novel, <em style="margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gateway-The-Series-ebook/dp/B0051UBSLE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=books&qid=1306698851&sr=8-1" style="color: #444444; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: 0px;">Gateway</a></em>, I recently discovered that a handful of my italicized phrases didn’t end up italicized. This wouldn’t be so bad if it weren’t for the fact that my heroine hears a “Voice” and I used the italics to differentiate between her thoughts, and Its thoughts. I've fixed the problem, but the book has been on sale for a month, so scores of people got a version that I’m sure is confusing. Heartbreaking… Anyone who thinks self-publishing is easy, either hasn't done it or doesn’t care about putting out a quality product.</span>Christina Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06463392738245127234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468793452592419170.post-86736486071256400752011-06-21T21:28:00.000-07:002011-06-21T21:53:53.165-07:00Outlining Versus Winging ItIt's an age old debate among writers: Is it better to plot out the details of a novel before actually writing it, or start with a solid idea and maybe some character sketches and see where the story takes you?<br />
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I've definitely done the "no outline" approach. When I completed the first draft of my novel, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gateway-The-Series-ebook/dp/B0051UBSLE/ref=as_li_wdgt_fl_ex?&camp=212361&creative=383961&linkCode=waf&tag=chrgarsblo-20">Gateway</a></i>, I was participating in <a href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/">NaNoWriMo</a>, which is the absolute definition of winging it. I plotted as I went, going with the flow and getting those words down. At the end of it, I certainly felt accomplished--I'd finished draft one of my first novel! I also had a feeling that half of what I'd written was a steaming pile of crap. And it was. Which doesn't mean I'm not profoundly grateful for my NaNoWriMo experience. Half of it might have been crap, but the other half varied from meh to pretty good. The core of the story remained the same in subsequent rewrites, though several plot points changed and became stronger.<br />
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I came to realize that I had the same issue with writing my novel that I had with writing screenplays. My characters and dialogue were good, but my plotting, specifically in the middle of my book, needed vast improvement. The beginning and the end were strong, but the middle portion fell flat. There was a raising of stakes, but not enough.<br />
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In draft 2 I made lateral moves, changing plot elements, but not necessarily strengthening them. Between the 2nd and 3rd drafts I read some books that really enlightened me. One was <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Plot-Structure-Techniques-Exercises-Crafting/dp/158297294X/ref=as_li_wdgt_fl_ex?&camp=212361&creative=383961&linkCode=waf&tag=chrgarsblo-20">Plot and Structure</a></i>. Another was <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Self-Editing-Fiction-Writers-Second-Yourself/dp/0060545690/ref=as_li_wdgt_fl_ex?&camp=212361&creative=383961&linkCode=waf&tag=chrgarsblo-20"><i>Self-Editing for Fiction Writers.</i> </a>The first was very helpful. The second was demoralizing, but also helpful. What a blessing and a curse to see all the cliche, amateur mistakes I'd made! Having written multiple screenplays, even having been paid for one, I didn't consider myself an amateur, but I sure had made some of the mistakes of one. Having an editor read the 2nd draft and give me excellent notes was also invaluable. Needless to say, draft 3 was much stronger.<br />
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So, what does this have to do with outlining?<br />
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Well, last year I picked up another book: <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/First-Draft-Days-Karen-Wiesner/dp/1582972966/ref=as_li_wdgt_fl_ex?&camp=212361&creative=383961&linkCode=waf&tag=chrgarsblo-20">First Draft in 30 Days</a>.</i> Unlike the NanoWriMo method, (which, again, I take no issue with) this book advises outlining, and I find myself being won over. Here's why: My main issue is with plotting. I did some major re-writes during drafts 2 and 3 that I think I could have saved myself with a very detailed outline. In essence, this outline replaces the first draft. It will be 30+ pages by the time I've finished, with every scene mapped out, including objectives, character points of view, etc... Just today I came up with two plot points I'd like to incorporate that I think will strengthen the novel and propel the story to book 3. Had I simply started writing, I'd have to go back and alter all of the scenes which pertained to said plot point changes. (Dialogue, actions, reactions) Now I just need to change a few sentences of an outline.<br />
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All this isn't to say that outlining is better than not outlining. I think it depends on what genre you are writing and what you know your writing strengths and weaknesses to be. If you aren't sure yet, just go with whatever feels right for you, and then re-evaluate once you've read the results. I'm very glad I did the freeform NaNoWriMo way. I don't think I'd have finished my novel without that quick first draft. I haven't ruled out doing NanoWriMo again this year, in fact. For book 2 in The Gateway Series, however, I'm trying the detailed outline method. Once I've done it both ways I can make an informed decision on what works best for me.<br />
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How about you? Do you like outlining, winging it, or a combination of both?Christina Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06463392738245127234noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-468793452592419170.post-80129678333012808722011-06-21T20:23:00.000-07:002011-06-21T20:23:04.356-07:00TumblrWhile I'm immersed in writing book 2 of The Gateway Series (no title as of yet!) I find myself with less time to blog. I'll continue to post essays and share info that I find helpful to indie authors, but in case I start slacking, I've set up a <a href="http://betweenwaking.tumblr.com/">Tumblr account</a>. Tumblr seems perfect for short, to the point messages--kind of a cross between Blogger and Twitter. Please come by and say hi!Christina Garnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06463392738245127234noreply@blogger.com0