Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Awake

NBC's Awake - Two Dreams. One Reality. In the aftermath of a fatal car accident, Detective Michael Britten struggles with dueling realities in parallel worlds.

To be honest, I'm not much of a television watcher, but from time to time I find a series that grabs my attention. My life is very unscheduled, so it takes something extreme to cause me to watch something regularly.

Over the years, there has been Charmed, Medium, and Ghost Whisper.

With others, I tend to catch shows years after they were hits. Hey, it saves the heartbreak of watching your favorite shows cancelled.

Among the few, here's some I've found worth sitting on the couch for. Friends, Two and a Half Men, Prison Break, Weeds, Law & Order and CSI. I've also been catching up on Grimm.

There's no telling how many good shows I've missed out on because my nose was stuck in a book.

Now here is Awake. Will it keep me glued? It's too early to say, but after four episodes, I think I'll stay awhile.

You can catch up on this series with ON Demand, and they are available online: http://www.nbc.com/awake/

So, what are you watching?


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Monday, March 26, 2012

Interview at Morgen Bailey's Writing Blog

Stop by Morgen Bailey's for a glimpse into my writing world.

While you are visiting, check out the many sections available, from author interviews to flash fiction. Also learn more about Morgen and her fiction.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Monday!

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Refueling Your Imagination

The imagination has many names: subconscious, higher self, inner voice, muse, or even Daisy or Daniel. Throughout history, artists have pulled from this source to create wonderful and sometimes not so wonderful works of art. But what happens when the well of source runs dry?

As writers, we use this source to create story after story. The emptying of the well may be the main cause for what some call 'writer's block.' Input is an important part of being a writer and it shouldn't be overlooked. If it is, you may find yourself dry on ideas and faced with a towering wall before you.

While reading is a great form of fuel for the imagination, it is not the only available energy. To name a few alternatives: photos, paintings, movies, television, music, history. Each of these can provide you with inspiration for your next project.

Are you refueling?

Enter to win a free copy of My Memories Scrapbook Software

Monday, March 19, 2012

My Memories Suite Scrapbook Software - Review, Giveaway, Discount

UPDATE: This contest has ended. Winner of Software - Sia.
The Discount code at the bottom remains active, so feel free to get your $10 discount.

My Memories asked me to review their software, My Memories Suite - a digital scrapbook program.

Here are three pages I produced with the software.
At first, I wondered what my readers may find in a scrapbook program, other than the obvious. My mind came up with a list of wonderful ideas: a character scrapbook, a story scrapbook, bookmarks featuring story characters, and for tarot - a scrapbook containing favorite cards or even personal trait cards.

Okay, well, some of you may just want to use it for creating a family scrapbook.

It took me a little while to get used to the program. The only thing that gave me some trouble was finding the free kits after downloading. Once you understand their terms, it becomes much easier.

For example, I downloaded a Quick Page from their selection and found it under Embellishments. Fairly simple, once you know where to look. You can also use your own clip art and images to create wonderful scrapbook pages.

I've attached a great video at the end of this post. If you have time, watch it and you'll discover how easy the program is to use, some ideas of what you can do, and how quick you can create your own scrapbook.


One lucky follower has the chance to win a free copy of this software.

Absolutely free!

What you need to do: Go to My Memories, find your favorite page pack or layout, and comment here about your choice. Simple, right? Don't forget to include your email address for contacting purposes. If you'd rather not comment, feel free to send an email with the information requested, Subject: My Memories Giveaway, to chergreen@chergreen.com.

Deadline for entries: Saturday, April 7th, Midnight

Don't want to wait? Use this code: STMMMS44620 , and get $10 off the program now.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Has Your Muse Deserted You?

Are you finding yourself tapped out on ideas? Do you stare at a blank screen with no words in sight? Has your muse deserted you?

Muses are like children. They like playtime, and for the most part that is all the time. Even work is considered playtime for most. But, if you keep the child from enjoying the task or even joining in, eventually you'll find him/her sitting alone or bored to tears.

Have you ever had a child beg to do the dinner dishes? Help you in the yard? How often do you see one riding with his parents on a lawnmower? To adults these are all chores, but not so with our children.

Your muse is very similar. She/He wants to help you write your story, but sometimes you don't show up. You squash the idea before it fully forms. You don't listen when he/she is trying to speak to you. You tune him out completely and try to go it alone.

Finally, your muse gets bored and goes off to play by herself.

It is important to understand how your muse talks to you to fully appreciate his input. An image pops in your mind, a dream takes you on a joy ride, dialogue seems to come from nowhere, a character takes over - leading you away of your outline, or a voice whispers a solution.

You thought you were responsible for all those wonderful things? Get real, no wonder your muse left. Give credit where credit is due, and you may see your muse again. You may entice her back with gifts, sweets, or conversation.

Good luck!

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Courage

cour·age - noun - 1. the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery. 2. Obsolete . the heart as the source of emotion.

Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow. ~Mary Anne Radmacher

Courage is being afraid but going on anyhow. ~Dan Rather

Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.~Winston Churchill

Embrace courage with each step of your journey and you shall find yourself closer to life. ~Cher Green

Sometimes it's hard to overcome fear and take the next step. What choice do we have?

If you find yourself stalled, perhaps fear blocks your way. Discover your fear and conquer it.

As writers, each word, each sentence, and each new book can represent fears, but it only takes a few keystrokes or pencil marks to push past it. Step on fear and squash it before it becomes too large. Have courage.

Hope everyone is having a creative day!
 
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