Home » All Post

It's "That Time" Again & Awesome Flash Fiction Contest!

It's that time again. The time that comes around every four years. The time where huge distinctions are drawn and friendships and family ties are tested. The time when political ads rule the airwaves and bumper stickers declare our allegiances. The time when we look deeply at who we are and determine what values define us.

I believe this election provides the clearest choice in modern history. The candidates are distinctly different not only in their race, religion, and backgrounds, but - and this is far more important - in their vision for America.

I love politics, but I have to say, I'm a little disappointed this election cycle. Sarah "Moosehead" Palin was far more entertaining than Paul "Blue Eyes/Black Heart" Ryan (or as my fiance calls him. "Captain A-Hole.") Truth be told, I had so much fun during the last election. Of course, I can't take all the credit, after all, Sarah made it SO easy. (I'm a maverick! You betcha!)

This time, however, it's not nearly as funny. In fact, it's downright serious and some might argue, frightening. That's because this time we've got two candidates whose values, visions, ideals, beliefs, backgrounds, and ideas for the future couldn't be more distinct.

Here are a few of the basics: (Links included so you don't think I'm making this stuff up.)

Obama/Biden:

Romney/Ryan: 

Of course, this is just a brief overview, but the choice is chillingly clear. We will either have...
  • An America that believes in equality for all, or equality for some. 
  •  An America that is guided by personal religious beliefs, or by what is best for all Americans regardless of religious (or non-religious) beliefs. 
  •  An America where men are valued more than women, or one where women are equal to men. 
  •  An America where gays are denied the right to marry, or one where they are granted the same rights as straight people. 
  •  An America where women can choose what is best for themselves and their families, or one where the government makes those choices.
  •  An America where healthcare is withheld from millions of people, or offered to all. 
  •  An America where those on welfare are considered "bleeders," or simply people who need help when they fall.
And if the big issue for you is fiscal, then remember this: America has created more jobs and done better fiscally EVERY SINGLE TIME A DEMOCRAT HAS BEEN IN OFFICE. Trickle down economics doesn't work. Or, let me rephrase. Trickle down economics doesn't work for anyone who isn't fabulously wealthy. Although the GOP wants us all to believe the myth that the Republicans are better at all things fiscal, it's simply not true. And, assuming you're not a bigoted, right-wing zealot, I imagine you agree the GOP's conservative viewpoints on social issues are anything but inclusive, practical, or kind. Therefore, if they are not better fiscally OR socially, why on Earth would you vote for the backwards values of the GOP? 


In case you missed the conventions and haven't been following Mitt and Ann's story, here they are talking about how they struggled. Mitt actually had to sell some of his stocks when they were in college in order to pay the bills. (I know, hold back the tears.) I, for one, can't imagine how difficult that must have been. 

So, what are your thoughts on politics, my friends? I'd love to hear them. 

Also, I have a question for my fellow writers: Are you of the mind that you should keep your mouth shut on politics and religion because you may alienate readers, or do you feel life is short and nothing should hold you back from speaking your mind? 

(Obviously, you know how I feel, but please don't let that stop you from stating your point of view.)

Also, writers, don't miss this AWESOME FLASH FICTION CONTEST going on right now over at my friend Suzy's blog with an opportunity to have your query or first ten pages reviewed by agent Anne Bohner of Pen and Ink Literary or editor Vicki Lame of St. Martin's Press. But, hurry! The deadline is midnight EST on Saturday, September 15th.
You have read this article Obama / politics / Romney with the title . You can bookmark this page URL https://loriescorner.blogspot.com/2012/09/it-time-again-awesome-flash-fiction.html. Thanks!

The True Meaning of "Success"

The first inkling of an idea for my YA novel came to me nearly three years ago. Although, the title was all I had, those three, little words wouldn't leave me alone and, before long, a vague idea for a story began to blossom.

At the time, I was in conversation with a wonderful agent. She was entertained by my tweets, and loved two different novels of mine. She just didn't think either book was "the one." I told her I had another idea that was banging around in my brain, though it wasn't fully fleshed out. She asked about it, and I explained it as best I could. She loved the premise, and told me to let her know the minute I had the first draft complete.

The rest, as they say, is history. Or, is it?

I did sign with her, but things didn't work out. (She's awesome and I have nothing but good things to say about her.) Afterwards, I received an offer to publish my YA novel with a well known vanity press, but decided that wasn't the way to go. 

In the meantime, I wrote a women's fiction novel and sent it to Portland for a full edit by the brilliant editor and former agent, Gretchen Stelter. I planned to dig into it as soon as I got her notes back, but instead, my YA novel had, once again, taken hold of my brain. 

After seeing the enthusiasm of some of my talented writer friends who have recently self-published, I thought perhaps that was the way to go for my YA project. I'd received suggestions for a grueling, but brilliant revision from an agent I genuinely admire, so I knew before I self-published, I had more work to do. Nearing the end of the long yet inspiring revision, I decided to email the agent who'd made the suggestions in the first place to see if she'd want to take another look. 

"Of course, I would!" she said.

It occurred to me, then and there, that I should try the traditional route once more, and that's where I am right now; sending my YA novel back out into the world in much, much better shape.

One of the greatest challenges we writers face is deciding when our novel is "done" and ready to query. As any writer worth their weight knows, the novel is not done when you write, "The End." Far from it. In fact, that's when the real work begins. The problem is, we often think our novels are query-ready long before they are. 

Fortunately, if you're focused, passionate, and determined and don't give up on yourself or your work, your writing will improve. And, whether you choose the traditional publishing route or self-publishing (or both), working hard and honing your skills will indeed make you a better writer. 

And being a better writer, in my book, is the true meaning of success.
You have read this article with the title . You can bookmark this page URL https://loriescorner.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-true-meaning-of.html. Thanks!

A Night to Remember

The first kiss of engaged life.
Nothing special happened in Denver. Unless, of course, you count getting engaged in front of my whole family and thousands of strangers on the field at Coors Field seconds before the fireworks started "something special." ;-))))))))))))

(Video was taken moments after my honey popped the question.)
My family at the game before the event. I was clueless about what was about to happen.

The ring!



You have read this article Colorado Rockies / Denver / engagement with the title . You can bookmark this page URL https://loriescorner.blogspot.com/2012/07/a-night-to-remember.html. Thanks!

Denver Bound

Beautiful view of Denver taken from the East looking west.
Leaving for a week with the family in the fire-filled state of Colorado. Please keep positive thoughts alive for the fires to die down and for everyone to be safe.

And, best wishes to all for a happy, healthy, Fourth of July holiday!
This picture was taken yesterday, 6.27.12, near Colorado Springs, CO

Larimer Square in Downtown Denver - 4th of July Celebration
You have read this article Colorado / Fires / Fourth of July with the title . You can bookmark this page URL https://loriescorner.blogspot.com/2012/06/denver-bound.html. Thanks!

You're Ruining My Life!

When I called my mom tonight, instead of her usual cheerful greeting, she said, "You're ruining my life!"

Surprisingly, I'd never heard her say those words before, although I'd supplied numerous opportunities. Like when I was six and hid my best friend in my room after our parents said we couldn't have a sleepover. Within an hour, police lights lit up the streets like a Christmas tree. Or when I was seventeen and declined my mom's invitation to join her and my sisters on a sightseeing excursion while on a cross-country trip. Instead, I climbed into the back seat of a strange car filled with strange guys and rocked out to Led Zeppelin, which is where my mom found me when she returned. I could go on, but I imagine you get the picture.

"Really? I've ruined your life?" I asked, wishing I'd had a glass of wine or three before I'd called.

"Yes," she said, pausing for effect. "I can't put your book down. I absolutely love it and can't wait to see what's going to happen next. It's ruining my life because I'm exhausted and need to take a nap." The cause of my drama-queen-ness is revealed: It's hereditary! 

"I'm glad to hear this, especially since you hated the beginning." I knew hate was a strong word, but it was drama-queen delicious.

"You're right. I hated it. But, it got better after that." Okay, so maybe hate wasn't such a strong word after all. By the way, she's currently reading my latest women's fiction book-the one that took me a year to write and contains the most cathartic words I've ever penned. The story that made me cry a thousand tears, eat a million chocolate-filled calories, and wander five hundred miles from my home. Lord, I'm one, Lord I'm two, Lord I'm three, Lord I'm four, Lord I'm five hundred miles from my home...

"Glad you like it, Mom. And, sorry. I didn't mean to ruin your life. I hope you'll forgive me."

"I already have. You are such a gifted writer." Another pause. "I'm so proud of you."

Tears filled my eyes, which was dangerous given I was driving.

Fame, fortune, and literary recognition are all well and good. But, you know what? For me, hearing a comment like this from one of the people I love most in this world is the ultimate definition of success. 

What about you? What's your definition of success?
You have read this article with the title . You can bookmark this page URL https://loriescorner.blogspot.com/2012/06/you-ruining-my-life.html. Thanks!
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)