tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47716491637906035652024-03-13T18:49:07.482-07:00Marie AndrewsMarie Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05483640008622878711noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771649163790603565.post-44698122194805488332012-05-01T09:09:00.000-07:002012-05-01T09:09:39.584-07:00Machina Mortis Steampunk Tales of Terror<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0po4O-ddDa61edP1BqHupsZ81iLulyVs7lGrRnv9lEzL_UUo58nMcTcfrBzdVnG5BCxK7c8iMmcb5KxpeKwUYySlaCfTilmQ0YFYmiClkuDMbAnSntL1bJdIWc1laMW10SU1WvHtmTQ/s1600/MachinaCoverUpdate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0po4O-ddDa61edP1BqHupsZ81iLulyVs7lGrRnv9lEzL_UUo58nMcTcfrBzdVnG5BCxK7c8iMmcb5KxpeKwUYySlaCfTilmQ0YFYmiClkuDMbAnSntL1bJdIWc1laMW10SU1WvHtmTQ/s400/MachinaCoverUpdate.jpg" /></a></div>
I'm thrilled to have my story "Clockwork Carousel" included in <b>Machina Mortis - Steampunk Tales of Terror</b>.<br><br>
<b>Stories included:</b><br><br>
<b>Last Flight of the Bismarck </b>by Scott M. Baker <br>
<b>Bedlam</b> by Salena Salena Moffat<br>
<b>Patterns</b> by Drew Dunlap <br>
<b>The Thumping in the Basement </b>by Tonia Brown <br>
<b>The Last of the Bad Few </b>by Nathan Robinson <br>
<b>Static</b> by Sam Gafford <br>
<b>Whitechapel Transfer</b> by Theresa Derwin <br>
<b>The Three Blind Men</b> by AJ Sikes <br>
<b>Nothing but a Dog: A Trio of Travelers Tale</b> by Travis Sivart <br>
<b>Clockwork Carousel</b> by Marie Andrews <br>
<b>Black Banshee</b> by Buck Weiss <br>
<b>Garretton Ghoul</b> by Christine Morgan<br><br><br>
Release date to be announced soon.<br><br>
MarieMarie Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05483640008622878711noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771649163790603565.post-61187173207701148742012-04-29T09:43:00.001-07:002012-04-29T09:43:49.076-07:00Updates and Machina Mortis News<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMxtbplJrpjhebSo76intXu-duj04xw2NfuGiK1qtUlWluj9IUZxupjz1obMA164WK98oqpWFmSGNxeD5J3SZVSp1L9KK0R0injd2FMYjaSc9mwkoQ_P7iK9D7g1ZE3pKIp20C9eLSQ/s1600/airballoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMxtbplJrpjhebSo76intXu-duj04xw2NfuGiK1qtUlWluj9IUZxupjz1obMA164WK98oqpWFmSGNxeD5J3SZVSp1L9KK0R0injd2FMYjaSc9mwkoQ_P7iK9D7g1ZE3pKIp20C9eLSQ/s320/airballoon.jpg" /></a></div>Morning everyone! Clear skies today - perfect to take out the air balloon!<br><br>
After a week of nothing less than chaotic, it's good to have the weekend here with sunshine and moments of relaxation. Hubby and I spent all day Saturday together. We enjoyed a glass of wine down by the riverfront, grilled steaks for dinner, and sipped apple spiced hooch in front of the firepit. A wonderful way to let go of the brain numbing week I'd had. <br><br>
All last week I was in test mode. I had a test Tuesday, two tests on Thursday (back to back), and a test on Friday. I don't think there should ever be more than one test in a week, you know - the sanity thing? I barely had time for anything except homework and studying. But no tests this week, so it should be a more balanced week for hitting my goals.<br><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwC-r_STGHFumV3oy4LXIaW0m5I4Aq8uOfLQtAsURUAPrmWfzP3NagajM1ORO6wz6HjzdfuHFtSAB7PirLLwF7XMCu6S9yRCg1TmkIoCIasZa4FAQfXeNfM58L5jorFScU3cQfqOIUw/s1600/row80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="160" width="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwC-r_STGHFumV3oy4LXIaW0m5I4Aq8uOfLQtAsURUAPrmWfzP3NagajM1ORO6wz6HjzdfuHFtSAB7PirLLwF7XMCu6S9yRCg1TmkIoCIasZa4FAQfXeNfM58L5jorFScU3cQfqOIUw/s320/row80.jpg" /></a></div><b>The goals I'd set for round two</b>:<br />
1) Polish my steampunk novel so it is ready to send to an agent. At this time the first 40 pages are deep-edited and polished. It's another ten pages from last week, and all I had time to do.<br />
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2) Complete rough draft of steampunk WIP#2. I managed 3500 words - so I'm happy.<br />
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3) Blog at least 3 times a week. This is a long term goal. I'm looking at around the second week of May to start this.<br />
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4) Exercise 3 - 4 times a week. Once again I worked out all 5 days :) <br />
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5) Submit steampunk short story. I didn't get a chance to check over format and final read through thanks to all the studying for tests. This is on the agenda to complete this week.<br />
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6) Read 30 minutes daily. Yes! I finished <b>North of Beautiful</b>, <b>Divergent</b>, <b>Blood Rights</b>, and I'm starting on <b>Retribution Falls</b> today. <br><br>
The novel edits are coming along and I'm continuing to write no less than 500 words a day. I'm okay with where I'm at because there wasn't much I could do about it last week. I plan to rev up that word count this week.
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I did receive some very good news! My steampunk horror story <i>Clockwork Carousel </i>will be included in the <b>Machina Mortis </b>anthology :) I'm super excited! Here's a peek at the awesome cover:<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvfACm2p7FynfWPf3L1gytFcoKtdRAcVOJiY_ELQVEOm9TQBTjcNDJTSl6rrMb6QcXSHNbDsuoXSZ65REOZAVcUjPlowbzNqR7iFAgXD1xQfIZu0vBRb_HHP8L3A70bFtR6aXy5Nd4g/s1600/MachinaCoverUpdate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvfACm2p7FynfWPf3L1gytFcoKtdRAcVOJiY_ELQVEOm9TQBTjcNDJTSl6rrMb6QcXSHNbDsuoXSZ65REOZAVcUjPlowbzNqR7iFAgXD1xQfIZu0vBRb_HHP8L3A70bFtR6aXy5Nd4g/s320/MachinaCoverUpdate.jpg" /></a></div>
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What do you think?
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I hope everyone else is doing well with their goals! I'll be stopping by other blogs this week to send cheers and cyber incentives :) <br />
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Need help to stay motivated? Crave encouragement? If so, join <a href="http://aroundofwordsin80days.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><b>ROW80</b></a>. All the info is at that link.<br />
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And to end my post I'm leaving you with some steampunkery goodness:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBewZ3d8U_beZmIHUSrMUEH7BuVZqPDvtghLRzjjmx_bOmGF5RIyLIM7RFQZyNSL6qG42eldy88Avqodu84CPFMmDYHqpjLVIi5NlZndRPU4GHZOq9io8d4yePuDqclUFRyRV9hEwd6w/s1600/Steampunk-iPhone-Station.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBewZ3d8U_beZmIHUSrMUEH7BuVZqPDvtghLRzjjmx_bOmGF5RIyLIM7RFQZyNSL6qG42eldy88Avqodu84CPFMmDYHqpjLVIi5NlZndRPU4GHZOq9io8d4yePuDqclUFRyRV9hEwd6w/s320/Steampunk-iPhone-Station.jpg" /></a></div>
Seriously cool iPhone station that functions as a night light, charging station and audio station. For more about this cool invention, click <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Steampunk-iPhone-Station/" target="_blank"><b>Here</b></a><br><br><br><br><br>
And from Dr. Grymm's Laboratories - nautilus goggles!<br><br>
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Dr. Grymm has a ton of fantastic inventions - be sure to stop by his <a href="http://www.drgrymmlaboratories.net/services.html" target="_blank"><b>Laboratory</b></a> to ooh and ahh!
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRomkl4IJpshoJny50cztRxi_xJbyavqrfxylGSC5d2EvRMoOg7VCkWit1We77Xs1p-PdJzn_tXPK-Yc-UhNjRlOA28Z7v7xyl2AC2MzaUuXqSAhkryM9yF4k5BC8_vhZXjcU-_mhb2g/s1600/nautilus+goggles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="201" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRomkl4IJpshoJny50cztRxi_xJbyavqrfxylGSC5d2EvRMoOg7VCkWit1We77Xs1p-PdJzn_tXPK-Yc-UhNjRlOA28Z7v7xyl2AC2MzaUuXqSAhkryM9yF4k5BC8_vhZXjcU-_mhb2g/s320/nautilus+goggles.jpg" /></a></div>
Thanks so much for stopping by!<br><br>
MarieMarie Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05483640008622878711noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771649163790603565.post-82657100510201254692012-04-22T00:51:00.079-07:002012-04-29T10:22:37.495-07:00Goal Updates for the Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMxtbplJrpjhebSo76intXu-duj04xw2NfuGiK1qtUlWluj9IUZxupjz1obMA164WK98oqpWFmSGNxeD5J3SZVSp1L9KK0R0injd2FMYjaSc9mwkoQ_P7iK9D7g1ZE3pKIp20C9eLSQ/s1600/airballoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMxtbplJrpjhebSo76intXu-duj04xw2NfuGiK1qtUlWluj9IUZxupjz1obMA164WK98oqpWFmSGNxeD5J3SZVSp1L9KK0R0injd2FMYjaSc9mwkoQ_P7iK9D7g1ZE3pKIp20C9eLSQ/s320/airballoon.jpg" /></a></div>Happy Sunday everyone! This past week has been nothing short of crazy and action-packed. Sunday evening the family and I went to see Lacuna Coil at the Aladdin Theater in Portland. They put on an amazing show, playing all of the fan favorites from their albums. I danced hard. As a result, it took me days to recover.<br />
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Tuesday I took my first mid-term test. I think I did well, but I won't know until Tuesday. Here's hoping.<br />
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Thursday was my son's birthday. He asked me to keep it low-key, and I did my best to comply. But I'm mom. You know? I'm so proud of him. The whole day I reflected on all the proud mama moments over the years. What can I say, I'm a bit of a sap ;) <br />
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This was also my first week of being healthy - finally. No flu, no cold, and no fuzzy head feeling. Good thing, too, because all of the assignments got harder and I have two tests coming up to study for. I'm really not a fan of tests. But I want to do well in all my classes, that is one of my many goals.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwC-r_STGHFumV3oy4LXIaW0m5I4Aq8uOfLQtAsURUAPrmWfzP3NagajM1ORO6wz6HjzdfuHFtSAB7PirLLwF7XMCu6S9yRCg1TmkIoCIasZa4FAQfXeNfM58L5jorFScU3cQfqOIUw/s1600/row80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="160" width="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwC-r_STGHFumV3oy4LXIaW0m5I4Aq8uOfLQtAsURUAPrmWfzP3NagajM1ORO6wz6HjzdfuHFtSAB7PirLLwF7XMCu6S9yRCg1TmkIoCIasZa4FAQfXeNfM58L5jorFScU3cQfqOIUw/s320/row80.jpg" /></a></div>And speaking of goals...<br />
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My goals for round two are:<br />
1) Polish my steampunk novel so it is ready to send to an agent. At this time the first 30 pages are deep-edited and polished. So, another ten pages from last week. It's a slow process, but works for me.<br />
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2) Complete rough draft of steampunk WIP#2. This is a longer term goal, but I did spend time working on this, finally. I managed about 3k.<br />
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3) Blog at least 3 times a week. This is another long term goal. I'm looking at around the second week of May to start this. I have two different themed days I'd like to make into regular weekly posts, in addition to the Sunday goal update. I might start with just the one before committing to both. <br />
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4) Exercise 3 - 4 times a week. This week, even with the concert where I definitely boogied for hours, I worked out all five days. I'm walking a lot, lifting weights, doing pilates and yoga. What has been working for me is putting on my workout clothes right when I get up. I put them on, go about my business for about an hour, and then I work out. The idea is that I'd feel pretty silly if I got the clothes on and then didn't workout. I mean come on, what would be the point? So this is going well, and I'm actually looking forward to doing the workouts. I think the warmer weather helps a little bit too. <br />
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5) Submit steampunk short story. I plan to submit it this week.<br />
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6) Read 30 minutes daily. Yes! Like my writing time each day, I'm a stickler to reading for no less than 30 minutes. I don't seem to have one full half hour to do this, so I break it up into reading with my breakfast and tea, between classes, and while dinner is doing its thing. I'm just finishing <b>North of Beautiful</b>, and then I'm starting <b>Divergent</b>, followed by <b>Clockwork Angel</b>.<br />
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My review of <b>Dead Iron</b> is now up at <a href="http://nevermetpress.com/clockwork-reviews-dead-iron-the-age-of-steam-by-devon-monk" target="_blank"><b>Clockwork Reviews</b></a>.<br />
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School is still a huge time suck, and next week I add a new evening class for 4 weeks, and in a couple weeks I add a morning class on Fridays. So actually, it will become an even bigger time suck. Still, I'm plugging along, staying on track with goals, and keeping a positive attitude. I'll have to take extra time for studying, but no matter what I'm getting in no less than 500 words a day on writing, and continuing on the edits. <br />
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I hope everyone else is doing well with their goals! I'll be stopping by other blogs this week to send cheers and cyber incentives :) <br />
<br />
Need help to stay motivated? Crave encouragement? If so, join <a href="http://aroundofwordsin80days.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><b>ROW80</b></a>. All the info is at that link.<br />
<br />
And to end my post I'm leaving you with some steampunkery goodness:<br />
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A very worthwhile interview with author Theresa Meyers found <a href="http://airshipambassador.wordpress.com/2012/04/15/interview-with-theresa-meyers-part-1/" target="_blank"><b>Here</b></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9rw-LlAvN1rWlcPbDwZL00dM2TZAswUmxtVTvnXYUsDYhsmaTkL1F4jyzzexKADrYDcmPtrGPdmOppkA0I_fHWooLE0HXNZYv1W0yJzDQolDXbImf56ViYPU4e7mSTV_6W3VNLJ07w/s1600/fractalclockwork" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9rw-LlAvN1rWlcPbDwZL00dM2TZAswUmxtVTvnXYUsDYhsmaTkL1F4jyzzexKADrYDcmPtrGPdmOppkA0I_fHWooLE0HXNZYv1W0yJzDQolDXbImf56ViYPU4e7mSTV_6W3VNLJ07w/s320/fractalclockwork" /></a></div>Fractal Clockwork Project by Brent Thome found <a href="http://fractalclockwork.blogspot.com/2012/04/bootstrap.html" target="_blank"><b>Here</b></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOFNw7eUxgKQ5FmvQKbty6zt-AaeQvhyphenhyphenW1CeJROlsX4KV5ix5ccd8BMx0JfZeyzUjbhw-Qjds5BCT4_WZ3AoWq7h_HeWpHRRozThr7njhy5nZyCsq49YW3kdMpKXiZwEKDsaYC8yOFEQ/s1600/Fantasy+Tech+all+by+diarment.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="256" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOFNw7eUxgKQ5FmvQKbty6zt-AaeQvhyphenhyphenW1CeJROlsX4KV5ix5ccd8BMx0JfZeyzUjbhw-Qjds5BCT4_WZ3AoWq7h_HeWpHRRozThr7njhy5nZyCsq49YW3kdMpKXiZwEKDsaYC8yOFEQ/s320/Fantasy+Tech+all+by+diarment.JPG" /></a></div>Steampunk Notebooks by Diarment. Check out more cool creations by Diarment <a href="
http://diarment-creations.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b>Here</b></a><br />
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Always a pleasure to have you stop by!<br />
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See you next week :)<br />
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<a href="http://marieandrewsauthor.com" target="_blank"><b>Marie Andrews</b></a>Marie Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05483640008622878711noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771649163790603565.post-30598767226100166922012-04-15T00:25:00.001-07:002012-04-21T12:18:34.516-07:00Staying Steady<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwC-r_STGHFumV3oy4LXIaW0m5I4Aq8uOfLQtAsURUAPrmWfzP3NagajM1ORO6wz6HjzdfuHFtSAB7PirLLwF7XMCu6S9yRCg1TmkIoCIasZa4FAQfXeNfM58L5jorFScU3cQfqOIUw/s1600/row80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="160" width="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwC-r_STGHFumV3oy4LXIaW0m5I4Aq8uOfLQtAsURUAPrmWfzP3NagajM1ORO6wz6HjzdfuHFtSAB7PirLLwF7XMCu6S9yRCg1TmkIoCIasZa4FAQfXeNfM58L5jorFScU3cQfqOIUw/s320/row80.jpg" /></a></div>Happy Sunday! Hope you've all been enjoying your weekend :) I've officially been a student at the college for two weeks. All ready I have a mid-term coming up, but that's because one class is five weeks long. So this weekend I've been studying to get ready. <br />
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I'm still adjusting to the change, and really missing those fifteen extra hours I had in my week. At the same time, I'm enjoying my classes and learning new subjects. <br />
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After careful consideration, I've decided to only post my weekly update on Sundays. It allows me more time to reflect on what I've done, and falls at the same time when I'm updating all of my other goal sheets and lists that I keep track of. I have my daily goals, weekly goals, monthly goals, and more. <br />
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And speaking of goals...<br />
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My goals for round two include:<br />
1) Polish my steampunk novel so it is ready to send to an agent. At this time the first 20 pages are deep-edited and polished.<br />
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2) Complete rough draft of steampunk WIP#2. This is a longer term goal, and I haven't been able to put attention to this. <br />
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3) Blog at least 3 times a week. Not this week, and again this is a long term goal - so I'm looking at around the first or second week of May to start this. I have two different themed days I'd like to make into regular weekly posts, in addition to the Sunday update. <br />
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4) Exercise 3 - 4 times a week. I'm walking a lot, lifting weights, doing pilates and yoga. <br />
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5) Submit steampunk short story. Well, I'm happy with the final draft but decided to wait. I haven't looked at it for the last few days and want to give myself another few days before I look it over again, in case I missed something. So, I expect to submit it in the next week and a half.<br />
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6) Read 30 minutes daily. Yes!<br />
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I'm also taking a workshop that is more intensive than I realized, but I'm learning so much. <br />
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Quick reminder - my review of <b>Dead Iron</b> will go live on April 19th at Clockwork Reviews. <br />
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I'm on track, staying busy, and still trying to figure out better time management with the school schedule added in. The weather is warming up and it definitely boosts my mood as well.<br />
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My son's birthday is on the 19th. He's going to be 19. I can't believe it.<br />
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How about you? Did you accomplish what you were looking to do this week? Need help to stay motivated? Crave encouragement? If so, join <a href="http://aroundofwordsin80days.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><b>ROW80</b></a>. All the info is at that link.<br />
<br />
And to end my post I'm leaving you with some steampunkery goodness:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikoxBME8lBlxKyqM_y1F3u5l4lw-KjIPYaxhzwi4SbrEB4cOHFBN5P_KX0ipStfsWZOZXSONwH-wBNWCKhBGoXqA2D6F-V6Pan4xeuBRgefSzyrVV45G22HlBm7u3PHoCqDWaeXIxLvA/s1600/buchwald-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikoxBME8lBlxKyqM_y1F3u5l4lw-KjIPYaxhzwi4SbrEB4cOHFBN5P_KX0ipStfsWZOZXSONwH-wBNWCKhBGoXqA2D6F-V6Pan4xeuBRgefSzyrVV45G22HlBm7u3PHoCqDWaeXIxLvA/s320/buchwald-01.jpg" /></a></div>By <a href="http://www.frankbuchwald.de/index_eng.html" target="_blank"><b>Frank Buchwald</b></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtH0KmTZMiPA6wb1yTciDJNPVAku0e_Cr7oIMp1RG1GstZcSGkHNgTDpgc4Pr3GHxDTNaykeQ72DEG2iz1rJ3loifkGqo9G4AgZf_OGGVCPtZAd7CUbmaNP6rQZ7ATRChit1GX0Fr5jQ/s1600/theclacker_tn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="196" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtH0KmTZMiPA6wb1yTciDJNPVAku0e_Cr7oIMp1RG1GstZcSGkHNgTDpgc4Pr3GHxDTNaykeQ72DEG2iz1rJ3loifkGqo9G4AgZf_OGGVCPtZAd7CUbmaNP6rQZ7ATRChit1GX0Fr5jQ/s320/theclacker_tn.jpg" /></a></div>By <a href="http://www.datamancer.net/" target="_blank"><b>Datamancer</b></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQfu_EEUCIEVg2n8JFlgLjXBwtkZwepy0l6lHxXWZ__JDpA9vydJu_f4CjpsMhPb4z3hx8PYCcaTF5GgB0900xen6iAn3OXrmlpkO3ailZRnNc53xhW5QtS_RuVQ9o-zhdaeZzwP6aA/s1600/K9steam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="199" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQfu_EEUCIEVg2n8JFlgLjXBwtkZwepy0l6lHxXWZ__JDpA9vydJu_f4CjpsMhPb4z3hx8PYCcaTF5GgB0900xen6iAn3OXrmlpkO3ailZRnNc53xhW5QtS_RuVQ9o-zhdaeZzwP6aA/s320/K9steam.jpg" /></a></div>By <a href="http://www.sydeiancreations.com/SCnew/" target="_blank"><b>James Richardson-Brown</b></a>Marie Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05483640008622878711noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771649163790603565.post-83030804718261952422012-04-08T00:51:00.010-07:002012-04-14T18:39:25.586-07:00My Week In Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwC-r_STGHFumV3oy4LXIaW0m5I4Aq8uOfLQtAsURUAPrmWfzP3NagajM1ORO6wz6HjzdfuHFtSAB7PirLLwF7XMCu6S9yRCg1TmkIoCIasZa4FAQfXeNfM58L5jorFScU3cQfqOIUw/s1600/row80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="160" width="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwC-r_STGHFumV3oy4LXIaW0m5I4Aq8uOfLQtAsURUAPrmWfzP3NagajM1ORO6wz6HjzdfuHFtSAB7PirLLwF7XMCu6S9yRCg1TmkIoCIasZa4FAQfXeNfM58L5jorFScU3cQfqOIUw/s320/row80.jpg" /></a></div>First week of school is over! I never expected to say those words again, but in order to get the day job I want (you know, the one before I'm a famous NYT Bestselling author), I need to get certified and increase my skills and knowledge. However, after five straight days of school, my poor brain is mush. Fifteen extra hours of my week went toward school. Fifteen hours! (silent scream) I hope to find a better time management system in the coming weeks. <br />
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My goals for round two include:<br />
1) Polish my steampunk novel so it is ready to send to an agent. <b>Survey says:</b> Yes - since Wednesday I've deep-edited the first 10 pages.<br />
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2) Complete rough draft of steampunk WIP#2. <b>Survey says:</b> Didn't get to touch this.<br />
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3) Blog at least 3 times a week. <b>Survey says:</b> I got in two, pushing for three in the next weeks.<br />
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4) Exercise 3 - 4 times a week. <b>Survey says:</b> All 5 days! And then some, because of all the extra walking and taking stairs at the college.<br />
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5) Submit steampunk short story. <b>Survey says:</b> I expect to sub one of my stories by Wednesday.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEMlhFkYz5TC4WKXGwmKnXRz700kqHgWRZnfhd9V9yWMv8s8n9yNee-iAVSY0OxwE0sAGD8-f7EZoo5qD_8s-BC6Ivi3p4ALl9tY92uMdEEmcnIFo92TkhPncpfktdQX6wnKnniOdsLw/s1600/hb_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="230" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEMlhFkYz5TC4WKXGwmKnXRz700kqHgWRZnfhd9V9yWMv8s8n9yNee-iAVSY0OxwE0sAGD8-f7EZoo5qD_8s-BC6Ivi3p4ALl9tY92uMdEEmcnIFo92TkhPncpfktdQX6wnKnniOdsLw/s320/hb_cover.jpg" /></a></div>6) Read 30 minutes daily. <b>Suvery says:</b> Yes. Right now all of my homework includes a lot of textbook reading. But I am reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Hunchback-Assignments-Arthur-Slade/dp/038573784X" target="_blank"><b>The Hunchback Assignments</b></a> by Arthur Slade. <br />
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On a side note: My review of <b>Dead Iron</b> will go live on April 19th at Clockwork Reviews. <br />
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I also have a lovely cold, thanks to my most generous classmates who were coughing all around me on my second day. It's not keeping me from goals or getting work done, but I am kind of cranky ;)<br />
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Still, I'm on track. <br />
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How about you? Did you accomplish what you were looking to do this week? Need help to stay motivated? Crave encouragement? If so, join <a href="http://aroundofwordsin80days.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><b>ROW80</b></a>. All the info is at that link.<br />
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And to end my post I'm leaving you with some steampunkery goodness:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjlaqIcdVhb61iwSxG_HAbtaOJvy7-E_WO7jcOUeIAwO6z8WmwLzGRkrU7xLzNuyHmBJ5FIshv9Og-5we2wiZNS9gEIkQgj83BjFW62nL6-wGJ5ByRf_GeaxAaOB_mCFESz87Dkv5qkg/s1600/darthvadertop_616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjlaqIcdVhb61iwSxG_HAbtaOJvy7-E_WO7jcOUeIAwO6z8WmwLzGRkrU7xLzNuyHmBJ5FIshv9Og-5we2wiZNS9gEIkQgj83BjFW62nL6-wGJ5ByRf_GeaxAaOB_mCFESz87Dkv5qkg/s320/darthvadertop_616.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.webpronews.com/darth-vader-junkyard-2012-02" target="_blank"><b>Steampunk Darth Vader</b></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyVN16QaZDQq1IJWVuAtVjeX2cMrimKR2qB4nonnQViupGM5E3F7KS1OdC1Jn5_e-BJdMUUvdsyyMCiQlHlvwt1hFjcrghNehBXUfBAf2KXDIHOI-N1JF3C2W3XCDLB3wN2ihx_gs_NQ/s1600/imac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyVN16QaZDQq1IJWVuAtVjeX2cMrimKR2qB4nonnQViupGM5E3F7KS1OdC1Jn5_e-BJdMUUvdsyyMCiQlHlvwt1hFjcrghNehBXUfBAf2KXDIHOI-N1JF3C2W3XCDLB3wN2ihx_gs_NQ/s320/imac.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://computers.communities.popularmechanics.com/_Steampunk-iMac-Mod/blog/5931535/12266.html" target="_blank"><b>Steampunk iMac Mod</b></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.marieandrewsauthor.com" target="_blank"><b>Marie Andrews</b></a>Marie Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05483640008622878711noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771649163790603565.post-49240962323090855012012-04-04T01:22:00.069-07:002012-04-07T11:53:21.286-07:00Goals and Punctuality<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwC-r_STGHFumV3oy4LXIaW0m5I4Aq8uOfLQtAsURUAPrmWfzP3NagajM1ORO6wz6HjzdfuHFtSAB7PirLLwF7XMCu6S9yRCg1TmkIoCIasZa4FAQfXeNfM58L5jorFScU3cQfqOIUw/s1600/row80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="160" width="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwC-r_STGHFumV3oy4LXIaW0m5I4Aq8uOfLQtAsURUAPrmWfzP3NagajM1ORO6wz6HjzdfuHFtSAB7PirLLwF7XMCu6S9yRCg1TmkIoCIasZa4FAQfXeNfM58L5jorFScU3cQfqOIUw/s320/row80.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I started classes at the community college on Monday. I'm going for a Medical Office Specialist certificate. While I was a bit nervous, I like challenges. Now, I'm considered a very punctual person. I have issues with lateness. I don't do tardy. I didn't do tardy in school. Until Monday. <br />
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I left for school on time and arrived with time to spare. I didn't expect to park in Texas. I pounded pavement loaded down with anything I might need, and then some. The college grew before my eyes. We're talking crazy big. It looked like a gigantic parking garage with a courtyard in the center. Oh, and there are a million halls. I had about two minutes to track down one of them. <br />
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It took longer than two minutes.<br />
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I finally found my class, six minutes after it started. I walked in late. And the one empty seat had a crappy computer monitor and a freakish keyboard. No one else had to type on a freakish keyboard. I hate being late. I'm never late. I spent the bulk of the class waiting for my pulse to regulate. I think I have homework? Not sure. Guess who's going to get to class super early next time? Yep - ME! <br />
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I felt like such a nerd. At least I know where ALL the halls are now. Oy. The next class went better, even though they changed the room number. <br />
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So despite a harried and chaotic start to schoool, I still ended up with a productive day. I worked in the morning, and then after I got home I worked until dinner. Tuesdays and Thursdays are night classes, so I'll have more time during the day. It's too soon to say how much homework I'll be assigned, but I'm confident I can work out a schedule where I fit everything in. At least I'd better! I have much to do.<br />
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I'm in charge this month and super pumped to accomplish my goals. I've worked out each morning, and then some thanks to parking in Texas. I'm done coming up with excuses for not working out. I feel better when I exercise. Even my post-it note says so. <br />
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I'm reading like a fool, which always makes me goofy happy :) Some great books I've read over the past couple of weeks are:<br />
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<b>We Are Not Alone - The Writer’s Guide to Social Media</b> by Kristen Lamb<br />
<b>Incarceron</b> by Catherine Fisher<br />
<b>The Alchemy of Stone</b> by Ekaterina Sedia<br />
<b>Dead Iron</b> by Devon Monk (review coming soon at Clockwork Reviews)<br />
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I'm polishing the sequel to <a href="http://nevermetpress.com/iron-butterfly-by-marie-andrews" target="_blank"><b>Iron Butterfly</b></a> so I can submit it. And I've started with the first 5 pages of deep-edits on my steampunk mystery novel. They're more intensive than regular edits. If you've ever taken a workshop by <a href="http://www.margielawson.com/" target="_blank"><b>Margie Lawson</b></a>, you know what I'm talking about. <br />
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To help with my blog goal, I've decided to embark on a weekly blog series. I have two ideas that I'm toying with, so once I know, you'll know. <br />
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How about you? How are your goals coming along? Are you diving right into the deep waters? If not, what's holding you back? <br />
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Maybe you need encouragement? For this round, I'm looking for people to poke, prod, and push me to make my goals if I even think about slacking off. I mean it. If I'm falling behind then I'm losing focus, and right now my focus is strong. So I will ask for some rough housing if need be! <br />
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If you're looking for motivation and encouragement, <a href="http://aroundofwordsin80days.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><b>ROW80</b></a> will deliver. <br />
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And as I tend to do, I'm leaving you with some steampunkery goodness:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRUPmh8n0RtmXBp8wJODNXOJvXyz32W9Why-dEC6_ZW1XC0AlW8C0GiomHcqTGsrwByIzrS1eKXt-WcAlS2kvxO3wCuMx_Wt-Hrc9wnWNW2rjK2Jm5MNsbiNbqEc9nfqej14LYgih0Qg/s1600/bjornhurrimain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRUPmh8n0RtmXBp8wJODNXOJvXyz32W9Why-dEC6_ZW1XC0AlW8C0GiomHcqTGsrwByIzrS1eKXt-WcAlS2kvxO3wCuMx_Wt-Hrc9wnWNW2rjK2Jm5MNsbiNbqEc9nfqej14LYgih0Qg/s320/bjornhurrimain.jpg" /></a></div>Very cool <a href="http://www.comicsalliance.com/2012/03/29/bjorn-hurri-steampunk-star-wars-art/
" target="_blank"><b>Steampunk Star Wars artwork</b></a> by Bjorn Hurri. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-yh4m9GTyyp0NlpMzzf674livrrdviBAcj6u-FaUeHzQ_dS1C_QOCldOpWy6gKqqUNW7CipAvaNg-RWNeGbiKqlEJw5ZeRSaHrLFEnzhQ-_q68rpDiqX6OSywYu-D5Ehjzpq9skioQ/s1600/Tweet-Printer-150x150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-yh4m9GTyyp0NlpMzzf674livrrdviBAcj6u-FaUeHzQ_dS1C_QOCldOpWy6gKqqUNW7CipAvaNg-RWNeGbiKqlEJw5ZeRSaHrLFEnzhQ-_q68rpDiqX6OSywYu-D5Ehjzpq9skioQ/s320/Tweet-Printer-150x150.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://www.geeky-gadgets.com/steampunk-twittertape-machine-prints-your-tweets-old-school-style-26-03-2012/" target="_blank"><b>Twittertape Machine</b></a> by Adam Vaughan <br />
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Thanks for stopping by! Now I'm off to cheer on the lot of you :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.marieandrewsauthor.com" target="_blank"><b>Marie Andrews</b></a>Marie Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05483640008622878711noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771649163790603565.post-34659901310490957672012-04-02T01:18:00.065-07:002012-04-07T11:54:00.093-07:00The Start of New Goals and School<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczRIalZvPgmn3ar1lkdegRIljnF5Al2uiXCN-jksx-aFOzdGM-bx3x0StSmEynJBnx5zhMgo0ea-qwHTiyvVKBcDi0-yRVoTei9hSAzvcK71TnuO1SD6ZwjD4tsdTJALyaSQc1oDoNA/s1600/aship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczRIalZvPgmn3ar1lkdegRIljnF5Al2uiXCN-jksx-aFOzdGM-bx3x0StSmEynJBnx5zhMgo0ea-qwHTiyvVKBcDi0-yRVoTei9hSAzvcK71TnuO1SD6ZwjD4tsdTJALyaSQc1oDoNA/s320/aship.jpg" /></a></div>Stormy skies may have the dirigible down today, but the weather can't put a damper on my attitude or motivation. <br />
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After a productive March - I'm looking forward to an active April. There will be no slacking here. If you see any slacking during my check-ins, I'd appreciate a swift kick in the keister. Really. I welcome it. I have goals to accomplish and very little down time. <br />
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Over the next 80 days I plan to:<br />
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1) Polish my steampunk novel so it is ready to send to an agent.<br />
2) Complete rough draft of steampunk WIP#2.<br />
3) Blog at least 3 times a week.<br />
4) Exercise 3 - 4 times a week.<br />
5) Submit a steampunk short story.<br />
6) Read at least 30 minutes daily (I've found that if I don't schedule in reading time, I won't make the time).<br />
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Beginning April 2nd, I'll be starting classes at the community college. I'm going for a Medical Office Specialist certificate. It will be a challenge for me to juggle my writing career, classes, homework, and house/personal stuff. But I'm not one to shy away from a challenge, so though a bit nervous to return to school, I'm also excited. <br />
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The BIG goal is to get my novel agent ready. The schooling is so I get hired on to a well-paying job with benefits, until I make enough money as a writer. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-M3O6e4De-teCLixF-ma1NieryMa2pvMzu-NCbh7dzIF0igRRkt8ovZbBGZ_atuzjP24xHDzGTgIzgBrJXy3WBrkkY7ZK-fpSBD9ULHV041_FbgR8T1FgDflupBNMtXURq7Tb8_9wVQ/s1600/row80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="160" width="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-M3O6e4De-teCLixF-ma1NieryMa2pvMzu-NCbh7dzIF0igRRkt8ovZbBGZ_atuzjP24xHDzGTgIzgBrJXy3WBrkkY7ZK-fpSBD9ULHV041_FbgR8T1FgDflupBNMtXURq7Tb8_9wVQ/s320/row80.jpg" /></a></div>This will be my third official ROW80. It took the third round for me to figure out a rhythm that worked best for me. I'm shaking things up with the schooling, but super focused on making my novel shine. I know that with the support of the ROW80 team, I'm not alone.<br />
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What is ROW80? Click <a href="http://aroundofwordsin80days.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><b>Here</b></a> to find out more. If you're looking for support and encouragement to hit your daily/weekly/monthly goals - then come hang out with us. All you need is a blog. Well, and a few goals since it is the nature of the twice weekly check-ins on Wednesdays and Sundays. <br />
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Personally, I've found great success with being held accountable. I also enjoy cheering others on. Support is important to success. There's no reason for an author to feel alone. So come join us, or follow along on Twitter #ROW80. <br />
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Let's make this round extra strong! We can do it together :) <br />
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<a href="http://www.marieandrewsauthor.com" target="_blank"><b>Marie Andrews</b></a>Marie Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05483640008622878711noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771649163790603565.post-4000778871756544232012-03-21T00:10:00.000-07:002012-03-21T00:10:55.631-07:00Farewell Round One - Onto the Next One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmiehm2_GFFD2jV8Tg08a1m3i5PC_YEUDBAztdtGiKxNVWdQg_Wwp1GlnjjElKsL6Mw6L9pkhU703uaq_JtXMSCSb-ePh0_Kschw9ekKesRwdB4ol-SHk9orT25qJfHdgqzH3iRl0Pgg/s1600/airballoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmiehm2_GFFD2jV8Tg08a1m3i5PC_YEUDBAztdtGiKxNVWdQg_Wwp1GlnjjElKsL6Mw6L9pkhU703uaq_JtXMSCSb-ePh0_Kschw9ekKesRwdB4ol-SHk9orT25qJfHdgqzH3iRl0Pgg/s320/airballoon.jpg" /></a></div>Farewell Round 1 - it has been an interesting ride. <br />
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Though the weather has been all over the place - storms, hail, thunder, lightning, hail, blinding sunshine, the course has been without the usual bumps. I leave Round 1 of ROW80 humbled and excited for the next round. I've done ROW80 a couple of times now and I waffled most weeks. <br />
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But I've always taken something away, a process or new shiny idea on how to better my time, strengthen my skills, improve my weaknesses, and also how to lick my wounds and get back on that iron horse. My dedication and resolve is too strong to allow setbacks to hinder me for long. As a lifelong student, it's okay if I don't get it right the first time - it's learning - I'm supposed to learn. And if I don't learn what isn't working, I can't fix it. <br />
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Anyhow, I always grieve a little at the end of something, but I've so many things to be grateful for so, maybe that will come later. <br />
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<b>Thank you </b>for all the wonderful support and budding friendships. Thank you for the kind words and encouragement. And thank you for reminding me that I'm not alone. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigu9104Q_4P_NSU1NmXxCFFVe-ZXoPuSq4tOPD0J5ecpMXTMl5Z-ByXodzE_Z2-kcaNvy877TU8MA-vNcOEOdD2VpuT1LLeC_SdrSd2N328k-SeWTNYX0dJ63H3-VB1saekkyaoPiHtA/s1600/row80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="160" width="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigu9104Q_4P_NSU1NmXxCFFVe-ZXoPuSq4tOPD0J5ecpMXTMl5Z-ByXodzE_Z2-kcaNvy877TU8MA-vNcOEOdD2VpuT1LLeC_SdrSd2N328k-SeWTNYX0dJ63H3-VB1saekkyaoPiHtA/s320/row80.jpg" /></a></div>So onto the final progress report:<br />
<br />
My goals this round:<br />
1)Edit 8 pages per day - I've managed to be consistent here :)<br />
2)Write for minimum of 30 minutes per day - Yes, even though it means starting many different stories. I need to get ideas out of my head and onto paper so I can keep focused on edits.<br />
3)Write 1 new blog article - I'd like to bump this up to more activity. Ah, a new challenge for Round 2!<br />
4)Stop by fellow author blogs - I've enjoyed this - I love to motivate others :) <br />
5)Exercise 20 minutes minimum each day - I could improve here, and expect I will once the gloomy mornings are gone. <br />
6)Get decent sleep - 4 to 5 hours is my prime sleeping amount. More than that and my brain takes longer to switch on. I find myself more alert and awake and creative with the shorter sleep. Less than 4 is unhealthy - not going there :)<br />
7)Read - Oh my goodness yes! I've read so many good books, and have a huge TBR pile going on in my office. I don't know why I stopped making time to read before, but now that it's a priority, I'm so happy - it really keeps me balanced. I'm starting <b>Incarceron</b> on Friday - so can't wait!!<br />
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I look forward to creating Round 2 goals and seeing how I do. I'll also look forward to seeing everyone again :) Go team #ROW80!<br />
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And time to leave you with a couple bits of steampunkery coolness:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtOjtYk4_5nvYtu9J-kH_TsvrUWhNHtjyPn6JNGk5Zg25IGs_bgL3Up-henaEXKaklRowgLIzVM7MB2vb3ja7YLnnyc5bbDbRmVArBGFvqDogVz1_q2RgPkYjp5a2N0uNiZ9Ie5-M7_Q/s1600/steamdesk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="213" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtOjtYk4_5nvYtu9J-kH_TsvrUWhNHtjyPn6JNGk5Zg25IGs_bgL3Up-henaEXKaklRowgLIzVM7MB2vb3ja7YLnnyc5bbDbRmVArBGFvqDogVz1_q2RgPkYjp5a2N0uNiZ9Ie5-M7_Q/s320/steamdesk.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Yes, I'd happily sit here to create! Check out this <a href="http://www.becausewecan.org/Resin_inlay_Swiveling_desk" target="_blank"><b>swiveling desk laboratory</b></a>. At the link you'll find many more pictures. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix2MnRN51fBaXTzOVMWLoMW1x2IhnmXze7tzNF6gGpATsAJ0NAuwM9I09NMXaa43mDMfSza-xIs_zzFLmr0vsfj-zU9F49FaFl1j7lcOLS6mamRQW8DAG_TEp980JAnKnEGTsE6MxLqQ/s1600/clockwork_thoughts_by_ariscene.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="293" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix2MnRN51fBaXTzOVMWLoMW1x2IhnmXze7tzNF6gGpATsAJ0NAuwM9I09NMXaa43mDMfSza-xIs_zzFLmr0vsfj-zU9F49FaFl1j7lcOLS6mamRQW8DAG_TEp980JAnKnEGTsE6MxLqQ/s320/clockwork_thoughts_by_ariscene.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Beautiful clockwork by <a href="http://ariscene.deviantart.com/" target="_blank"><b>Aris Kafantaris</b></a><br />
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I look forward to seeing everyone in Round 2!<br />
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To find out all about ROW80, please click <a href="http://aroundofwordsin80days.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><b>Here</b></a><br />
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Until next time,<br />
MarieMarie Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05483640008622878711noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771649163790603565.post-41077047116825760512012-03-17T23:44:00.001-07:002012-03-17T23:46:44.382-07:00Steady As She Goes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmiehm2_GFFD2jV8Tg08a1m3i5PC_YEUDBAztdtGiKxNVWdQg_Wwp1GlnjjElKsL6Mw6L9pkhU703uaq_JtXMSCSb-ePh0_Kschw9ekKesRwdB4ol-SHk9orT25qJfHdgqzH3iRl0Pgg/s1600/airballoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmiehm2_GFFD2jV8Tg08a1m3i5PC_YEUDBAztdtGiKxNVWdQg_Wwp1GlnjjElKsL6Mw6L9pkhU703uaq_JtXMSCSb-ePh0_Kschw9ekKesRwdB4ol-SHk9orT25qJfHdgqzH3iRl0Pgg/s320/airballoon.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Despite torrential downpours and lashing winds, the airballoon has kept on its steady course. Or rather, I have kept on a steady course. Finding an action plan that works hasn't been easy. It has taken me many tries, often leaving me discouraged and pulling out my hair. But I don't give up easy, and it has paid off.<br />
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While I'm sorry this ROW80 round is soon coming to an end, I welcome the next round where I plan to continue on this balanced direction I've found, while adding a tiny tweak here and there. I know myself, and I need to give myself challenges for both personal and professional growth. The hope is that I can accomplish this without disrupting the balance. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigu9104Q_4P_NSU1NmXxCFFVe-ZXoPuSq4tOPD0J5ecpMXTMl5Z-ByXodzE_Z2-kcaNvy877TU8MA-vNcOEOdD2VpuT1LLeC_SdrSd2N328k-SeWTNYX0dJ63H3-VB1saekkyaoPiHtA/s1600/row80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="160" width="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigu9104Q_4P_NSU1NmXxCFFVe-ZXoPuSq4tOPD0J5ecpMXTMl5Z-ByXodzE_Z2-kcaNvy877TU8MA-vNcOEOdD2VpuT1LLeC_SdrSd2N328k-SeWTNYX0dJ63H3-VB1saekkyaoPiHtA/s320/row80.jpg" /></a></div>So onto the ROW80 goal check-in:<br />
<br />
My goals for this check in were:<br />
1)Edit 8 pages per day - Yes<br />
2)Write for minimum of 30 minutes per day - Yes <br />
3)Write 1 new blog article - Done<br />
4)Stop by fellow author blogs - Done though not as many as I'd like <br />
5)Outline new story idea - done<br />
6)Exercise 20 minutes minimum each day - Got in 4 days <br />
7)Get decent sleep - 4 to 5 hours a night suits me fine<br />
8)Read - Finished <b>Wicked Lovely</b>, continuing to read the <b>Corsets and Clockwork Anthology</b>, and just got a lovely copy of <b>Incarceron</b>, which I hope to start soon. <br />
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Good steady progress. I'm happy. Wishing the ROW80 crew continued success on their endeavors - always rooting for you!<br />
<br />
And time to leave you with some steampunkery of coolness:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANDsz1BeUZGXZxlM6oTUxX1Bwj6QJq3RRO7bdwxVCl1BAcGz26046R9qhl5do4ilw-3Amf4xrK0RE0NaLnzPxpkegdzSHUgZiUHsTCutdC8zacrRI2Hvx2DwzS58UHJJF_7OKHOYJ9w/s1600/Andrew-chase-horse-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="201" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANDsz1BeUZGXZxlM6oTUxX1Bwj6QJq3RRO7bdwxVCl1BAcGz26046R9qhl5do4ilw-3Amf4xrK0RE0NaLnzPxpkegdzSHUgZiUHsTCutdC8zacrRI2Hvx2DwzS58UHJJF_7OKHOYJ9w/s320/Andrew-chase-horse-1.jpg" /></a></div>by Andrew Chase<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMZKdwq2h9iKQQ4u9lTfBAOdxlpbf0RaVQoiZGeXTeCKbe7R09reHVOv9v5_1DFCkp8Slm9hZCBTzVeZ8UPOYId9RuOljN1Kzjyy3mCwgTUU5M51PeCsNhX_SCO92Nwu6CS8gOpGIXg/s1600/rbutchersteamgun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="225" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMZKdwq2h9iKQQ4u9lTfBAOdxlpbf0RaVQoiZGeXTeCKbe7R09reHVOv9v5_1DFCkp8Slm9hZCBTzVeZ8UPOYId9RuOljN1Kzjyy3mCwgTUU5M51PeCsNhX_SCO92Nwu6CS8gOpGIXg/s320/rbutchersteamgun.jpg" /></a></div>by Ron Butcher<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHT8Wm7YbUHnm0Eoxn4mvR6tFVIy_Zbqy6ClzRMEAYXhS4OyikCMoF1JqfgU91TW39oBPjDkrheqlqfm1WXrYaRhgjZrhjSM31tMKRHMhy6knutaUdlPSzWJHmDIXnWNSsSXgOblvoXg/s1600/lantern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHT8Wm7YbUHnm0Eoxn4mvR6tFVIy_Zbqy6ClzRMEAYXhS4OyikCMoF1JqfgU91TW39oBPjDkrheqlqfm1WXrYaRhgjZrhjSM31tMKRHMhy6knutaUdlPSzWJHmDIXnWNSsSXgOblvoXg/s320/lantern.jpg" /></a></div>by Art Donovan<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMCVr_ioA6UJ6dbwlEVSvTJk110PV-ht3L4HzAgnIs9oeRgT4kykyV9wAVpu_sbkZ8o6sAnZoCjZ2AXlwZhmBCvnRPYYV5uCxYIUIUTNBhb2kgS-H3HBXLE6XCcnp-FvNfr5KDQI4RQ/s1600/spider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUMCVr_ioA6UJ6dbwlEVSvTJk110PV-ht3L4HzAgnIs9oeRgT4kykyV9wAVpu_sbkZ8o6sAnZoCjZ2AXlwZhmBCvnRPYYV5uCxYIUIUTNBhb2kgS-H3HBXLE6XCcnp-FvNfr5KDQI4RQ/s320/spider.jpg" /></a></div>by Christopher Conte<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1M6j_RUB3oLxc1yY6trizuDBOOThaF-tSutAUwVIdiSjxoA4Vnw7VBLwno_OyM5kga2aXYTFvOTuJ-JfughEDE_LlHdEnEQoSGYe3T157RIGQMAtaDM8fmvE9oz-ZakstK5HWA_C38w/s1600/slatt-monitor-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1M6j_RUB3oLxc1yY6trizuDBOOThaF-tSutAUwVIdiSjxoA4Vnw7VBLwno_OyM5kga2aXYTFvOTuJ-JfughEDE_LlHdEnEQoSGYe3T157RIGQMAtaDM8fmvE9oz-ZakstK5HWA_C38w/s320/slatt-monitor-1.jpg" /></a></div>by Jake von Slatt<br />
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As always, thank you for stopping by!<br />
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MarieMarie Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05483640008622878711noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771649163790603565.post-78959326868531511962012-03-13T23:41:00.000-07:002012-03-13T23:41:15.932-07:00Forecast - Fine With Chance of Extra Sunshine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmiehm2_GFFD2jV8Tg08a1m3i5PC_YEUDBAztdtGiKxNVWdQg_Wwp1GlnjjElKsL6Mw6L9pkhU703uaq_JtXMSCSb-ePh0_Kschw9ekKesRwdB4ol-SHk9orT25qJfHdgqzH3iRl0Pgg/s1600/airballoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmiehm2_GFFD2jV8Tg08a1m3i5PC_YEUDBAztdtGiKxNVWdQg_Wwp1GlnjjElKsL6Mw6L9pkhU703uaq_JtXMSCSb-ePh0_Kschw9ekKesRwdB4ol-SHk9orT25qJfHdgqzH3iRl0Pgg/s320/airballoon.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Back in the airballoon this week while the dirigible gets a good polish.<br />
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The forecast looks to be fine with some extra sunshine to boot. While I continue to edit and revise the novel, I've written out an outline for what I think will be an exciting YA steampunk book. I mean, you know, it's exciting to me. It's a big shiny present that I've just received and I'm itching to open it, play around with it, tear it apart, and make something out of it <br />
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Aside from feeling a bit off on Monday, due to the time change, it has continued to be smooth sailing in the goals department. Likely during the next ROW round, I will add a little something as a challenge to myself. It won't be anything major, but something to hopefully help keep me on my toes ;)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigu9104Q_4P_NSU1NmXxCFFVe-ZXoPuSq4tOPD0J5ecpMXTMl5Z-ByXodzE_Z2-kcaNvy877TU8MA-vNcOEOdD2VpuT1LLeC_SdrSd2N328k-SeWTNYX0dJ63H3-VB1saekkyaoPiHtA/s1600/row80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="160" width="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigu9104Q_4P_NSU1NmXxCFFVe-ZXoPuSq4tOPD0J5ecpMXTMl5Z-ByXodzE_Z2-kcaNvy877TU8MA-vNcOEOdD2VpuT1LLeC_SdrSd2N328k-SeWTNYX0dJ63H3-VB1saekkyaoPiHtA/s320/row80.jpg" /></a></div>And onto the ROW80 goal check-in:<br />
<br />
My goals for this check in were:<br />
1)Edit 8 pages per day - Yeppers<br />
2)Write for minimum of 30 minutes per day - Yes! <br />
3)Write 1 new blog article - Done<br />
4)Stop by fellow author blogs - Done <br />
5)Revise short story - done<br />
6)Exercise 20 minutes minimum each day - So far so good :) Though Monday morning I tried real hard to talk myself out of it. <br />
7)Get decent sleep - my 4 to 5 hours a night is working fine, though it tends to be 4 more than 5. I figure my body will let me know when it needs more.<br />
8)Read - Finished Changes, reading a YA called Wicked Lovely for fun, and just started the Corsets and Clockwork Anthology for review. <br />
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Good progress, hit my goals, and looking forward to bumping up my word count in the coming week. I hope the rest of the ROW80 crew is hitting their goals and finding personal success!<br />
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And time to leave you with some steampunkery of coolness:<br />
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Hubby and I make our own wine, usually a red though we made a fantastic Chardonnay one time. We enjoy a glass with dinner most nights. Now, you know those corks can be tricky...so check out <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/technology-blog/intricately-designed-steampunk-corkscrew-opens-wine-style-204419544.html
" target="_blank"><b>this video</b></a> of a super fantastic way to open a bottle - the steampunk way :) <br />
The mechanism in the video stands 65" tall, and is made of gears, fish hooks, bells, and drills, all painted in bronze. It can uncork a wine bottle and pour liquor into a glass, but before it does, you first you need to kick-start its gears by cranking its handle like there's no tomorrow. *digs out my Monopoly money and waves it in the air* I want one!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqwqAmc5h9hur3sSqtmRaYX1FW0yxk0sJI52Br9ctlvYWPA9uryiDjns5IKTecYJtnH0VQ03R1PNIwL69M9fluioMzyWMRxK7s6h-bkRKaAd-HKlbmzqflDStJHskNNKIK-UaLHzAnw/s1600/arclight.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqwqAmc5h9hur3sSqtmRaYX1FW0yxk0sJI52Br9ctlvYWPA9uryiDjns5IKTecYJtnH0VQ03R1PNIwL69M9fluioMzyWMRxK7s6h-bkRKaAd-HKlbmzqflDStJHskNNKIK-UaLHzAnw/s320/arclight.png" /></a></div>Awesome <a href="http://artdonovan.typepad.com/blog/2011/07/arc-light-steampunk-lamp.html
" target="_blank"><b>steampunk arc light</b></a> - LOVE IT!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKuzyNN9QpcxyI1cmbPq-91lgNkz9gSfaaVWTjBF_T6ksZmDDNJgRYqeJ5wzLmfnDUl9noS02JVT4yaxq5W2rV5MehhA_XGmWyPQPsvpCjOf4IMkWEvp9YfrWOKv4XSgpiM4NGeZg8uw/s1600/Steampunk-steampipe-light.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKuzyNN9QpcxyI1cmbPq-91lgNkz9gSfaaVWTjBF_T6ksZmDDNJgRYqeJ5wzLmfnDUl9noS02JVT4yaxq5W2rV5MehhA_XGmWyPQPsvpCjOf4IMkWEvp9YfrWOKv4XSgpiM4NGeZg8uw/s320/Steampunk-steampipe-light.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Steampunk-steampipe-light/" target="_blank"><b>Steampunk steampipe light</b></a> - these would look cool in the basement, or as hallway sconces! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0o8xpZxeRFwE9eotGgZA4EaECcR3dCk-DVOplbla2EYpXH28AqbLQrEXuBuBROZDXarhC3eI55HT6IVylCaKSoZaNgPfwCgtSIcgdwhLCkKgXSq5xMWZTlRC2hWTmem1UdxCl6VWVg/s1600/mechanical+arm+steampunk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="211" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0o8xpZxeRFwE9eotGgZA4EaECcR3dCk-DVOplbla2EYpXH28AqbLQrEXuBuBROZDXarhC3eI55HT6IVylCaKSoZaNgPfwCgtSIcgdwhLCkKgXSq5xMWZTlRC2hWTmem1UdxCl6VWVg/s320/mechanical+arm+steampunk.jpg" /></a></div>And from the awesome series Castle - the from episode 304 <br />
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Have I mentioned before how IMPRESSED I am by what people create! <br />
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Wishing you a wonderful week ahead! Mind the birds!! <br />
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MarieMarie Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05483640008622878711noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771649163790603565.post-77904910921055856952012-03-10T22:24:00.001-08:002012-03-10T22:26:07.121-08:00Finding Serenity or Eye of the Storm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgwXwgXIxKubPeFcf7xic2kfDUIt1unz6hxnzhH-Pm41QGVh5CScMD7pPUwTUSHyiy9Ar967Ihg89OgXcDThJrfooUfwj2kIvjJb9N1rq2Kx6Hj9uc9H7pftGpwhJRyfITQkG7DYrE4Q/s1600/dirigible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="224" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgwXwgXIxKubPeFcf7xic2kfDUIt1unz6hxnzhH-Pm41QGVh5CScMD7pPUwTUSHyiy9Ar967Ihg89OgXcDThJrfooUfwj2kIvjJb9N1rq2Kx6Hj9uc9H7pftGpwhJRyfITQkG7DYrE4Q/s320/dirigible.jpg" /></a></div>Waving hello from the dirigible. Clear skies, but if I look through my brass telescope, I see what may be clouds forming in the distance. Things have been going well, I've stayed productive, I'm getting a lot accomplished. I even worked out 4 days last week - the most since early November before holiday hooplah blew all that high octane energy right out of me. <br />
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But things are going well. So I get skeptical. I have to wonder if I've found a great system that works for me, or is something looming that I can't yet see. I don't know. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPdciPwoofS-HovTe6T1-h9Oc1RiH3LfVveHiDmD_ceJYd86BGlP5oZpQHI3fgOdHvkblAehQb0YKhQo6SQBAzifLPc5kfKOzPm4Au3yNe05QqysI87eMV4VDpAC1mLstDp9GWZOlBIQ/s1600/row80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="160" width="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPdciPwoofS-HovTe6T1-h9Oc1RiH3LfVveHiDmD_ceJYd86BGlP5oZpQHI3fgOdHvkblAehQb0YKhQo6SQBAzifLPc5kfKOzPm4Au3yNe05QqysI87eMV4VDpAC1mLstDp9GWZOlBIQ/s320/row80.jpg" /></a></div><br />
GOAL UPDATE:<br />
My goals for this check in were:<br />
1)Edit 8 pages per day - Did 10 pages on Wednesday and Thursday. Less on Friday and today - difficult scene that I worked, reworked, reworked again - slowed me down - but the scene rocks now so I can't be too upset. I'm still ahead of what I'd hoped to accomplish.<br />
2)Write for minimum of 30 minutes per day - Yeppers! <br />
3)Write 1 new blog article - Done<br />
4)Stop by fellow author blogs - Done<br />
6)Exercise 20 minutes minimum each day - I worked out everyday except Tuesday.<br />
7)Read - finished Hostage by Robert Crais. Started and finished A Blue so Dark. And just started The Two Minute Rule by Robert Crais. So yes, I've been reading a lot! <br />
8)Get plenty of sleep - yes<br />
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Another goal-busting week. I'm happy. Did I mention that I'm skeptical?<br />
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Steampunkery of coolness to share:<br />
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Steampunk Aperture portal gun is epic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEBpiMpnRzHZJdFLtFfd6WPDO0jUI0THOyfLfS2reBqAT8EJrL5Ypmfsorvqb_pDu4KUSB0N_sgG3CQNo_5zqa0q91Vr9DW-hOUVDBDXB2CQDVauafEGeLQWVyk77-9RhNvAqUmlloQ/s1600/steampunkportalgun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="183" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEBpiMpnRzHZJdFLtFfd6WPDO0jUI0THOyfLfS2reBqAT8EJrL5Ypmfsorvqb_pDu4KUSB0N_sgG3CQNo_5zqa0q91Vr9DW-hOUVDBDXB2CQDVauafEGeLQWVyk77-9RhNvAqUmlloQ/s320/steampunkportalgun.jpg" /></a></div>To read more about its awesomeness, click <a href="http://www.tgdaily.com/games-and-entertainment-brief/61954-steampunk-aperture-portal-gun-is-epic" target="_blank"><b>Here</b></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfzLYSDtK0iXjM_7z7Pm2kvlKeZQ5LRVe-dluXmRGSRpB9NgrzUUe4k8MjlntwGJhCaAQYedFR6yq-XN43VV5ZSRslSdkIvXNbecNU8AyPgy3UVJuAFApWojHC-OAqU5Llc8FTJLLt7Q/s1600/jakevonslatt-switchplates-09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfzLYSDtK0iXjM_7z7Pm2kvlKeZQ5LRVe-dluXmRGSRpB9NgrzUUe4k8MjlntwGJhCaAQYedFR6yq-XN43VV5ZSRslSdkIvXNbecNU8AyPgy3UVJuAFApWojHC-OAqU5Llc8FTJLLt7Q/s320/jakevonslatt-switchplates-09.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://steampunkworkshop.com/steampunk-home-decor-light-switch-plates" target="_blank"><b>Steampunk Wall Switchplate</b></a> I could use one of these in my office. Love it! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXNhZXtSw44U1pJuISMAAb4DDNu5t7mFWOXsCgt851xCiXExfYrL5VSGFFnPD2Js4uiDfvoxnKrq-jZLUwgGlnd7KtUyvR8_pOVG1WTnmyleAVbyuzvT4xETnabdETLon4VYgcy6ywg/s1600/steampunkclock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXNhZXtSw44U1pJuISMAAb4DDNu5t7mFWOXsCgt851xCiXExfYrL5VSGFFnPD2Js4uiDfvoxnKrq-jZLUwgGlnd7KtUyvR8_pOVG1WTnmyleAVbyuzvT4xETnabdETLon4VYgcy6ywg/s320/steampunkclock.jpg" /></a></div><br />
And there never seems to be enough time, but I wouldn't mind checking the time once in awhile if I had an ultra cool wall clock like <a href="http://ericfreitas.com/blog/" target="_blank"><b>this one here</b></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW7AFARp-9qaC3m4GAcdcHLlwd93wCIjIB9HqcCZzLnXglnJn0vPOf-Qb88Y4newW7XNkdujAh8oqHxNv2VKINv7dNOFTO0kLO8kQtH4WXsoLc2LXLxJLcnjC7mSeJQei-f60MQtT9ug/s1600/deadiron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW7AFARp-9qaC3m4GAcdcHLlwd93wCIjIB9HqcCZzLnXglnJn0vPOf-Qb88Y4newW7XNkdujAh8oqHxNv2VKINv7dNOFTO0kLO8kQtH4WXsoLc2LXLxJLcnjC7mSeJQei-f60MQtT9ug/s320/deadiron.jpg" /></a></div>If you're looking for an exciting book to read that blends western and steampunk, this is it: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dead-Iron-Steam-Cedar-Hunt/dp/B006QS1G4E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1331412125&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><b>Dead Iron</b></a> by Devon Monk. Seriously. Read it. So good! Review coming soon.<br />
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Okay, I think that's it for me this week. Hope everyone's kicking some booty with their goals! <br />
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MarieMarie Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05483640008622878711noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771649163790603565.post-32293382724447414562012-03-06T23:00:00.000-08:002012-03-06T23:00:02.371-08:00Clear Skies Ahead<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUgFsIFIh0rT1f_jjxL4VtSTFVUkziCZrar3MdtpTFTwvbYW56J__FKCQWpHsd_bc9LZA808fp3JV9ZZgNyFXCeZIDoa0Dn0devLs2hShxktkPh9cAWOYBtInH655gjFOjbtGx3T7qg/s1600/dirigible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="224" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUgFsIFIh0rT1f_jjxL4VtSTFVUkziCZrar3MdtpTFTwvbYW56J__FKCQWpHsd_bc9LZA808fp3JV9ZZgNyFXCeZIDoa0Dn0devLs2hShxktkPh9cAWOYBtInH655gjFOjbtGx3T7qg/s320/dirigible.jpg" /></a></div>It's a beautiful day in this steampunk neighborhood - clear skies and a gentle breeze. <br />
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Though it has taken me many months and many tries, I've found my rhythm with my goals. I'm accomplishing what I need to each day, striking a balance, and not feeling rushed or behind. I hope it lasts! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-rZtqPRo54kapGqcyhvLlyjY3tancUVOlUXTCB2s1lY2NS8KBSEmJbfVELQFQXBEya3eKetupAxL-yAHc0_Am_L4uVmy6LXtQFto01wxR4QYSs5afM7-Doay0_JzqKJq35JKBwxcmpA/s1600/row80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="160" width="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-rZtqPRo54kapGqcyhvLlyjY3tancUVOlUXTCB2s1lY2NS8KBSEmJbfVELQFQXBEya3eKetupAxL-yAHc0_Am_L4uVmy6LXtQFto01wxR4QYSs5afM7-Doay0_JzqKJq35JKBwxcmpA/s320/row80.jpg" /></a></div><br />
My goals for this check in were:<br />
1)Edit 8 pages per day - I'm averaging about 10 to 15<br />
2)Write for minimum of 30 minutes per day - Yes! 4k since Sunday <br />
3)Write 1 new blog article - Done<br />
4)Stop by fellow author blogs - Done<br />
5)Edit rough draft of short story - Done<br />
6)Exercise 20 minutes minimum each day - I walked on Sunday. Did a workout on Monday morning. Did yoga Tuesday morning. Plan to workout every morning this week. I CAN do this! <br />
7)Read - finished Jim Butcher's book Changes and am halfway through Hostage by Robert Crais. I <i>love</i> the tension in his books. <br />
8)Get plenty of sleep - 4 hours each night since Sunday night - feels just right.<br />
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How did you do?<br />
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And it's time for some Steampunkery:<br />
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So exciting to see Emilie P. Bush's steampunk bedtime story <a href="http://www.wgal.com/r/30611333/detail.html" target="_blank"><b>Her Majesty's Explorer</b></a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvFL7Su-8hVjVh-ijKJPmWBshAgB-lWSZIB_ehwfJvELVsPkMfa_sxXLxtmAF-PpP28vBFPbebkD6UMBJ6oEaW4N9E-cmYes39OvEBas3ECPCPmtrrdXi_YTefyN6ONxyCR9_zU90bg/s1600/steambook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvFL7Su-8hVjVh-ijKJPmWBshAgB-lWSZIB_ehwfJvELVsPkMfa_sxXLxtmAF-PpP28vBFPbebkD6UMBJ6oEaW4N9E-cmYes39OvEBas3ECPCPmtrrdXi_YTefyN6ONxyCR9_zU90bg/s320/steambook.jpg" /></a></div>at number one on the Amazon new release list! I used to read to my son every night for years. I miss it. He'd have loved this :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKn21Nm2UQvu1HsF2wa1HtJItUZqGRat8u6fSDysYEuWwzK1JPbtXN6AHrYOsPnQu7nQU1BEv2AbvazV3Ag-Pmftewev3khMtOqVMA3aU2osdIxvS0KtyeyTIZ2kGbea1VGU-6Lote6Q/s1600/hugo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKn21Nm2UQvu1HsF2wa1HtJItUZqGRat8u6fSDysYEuWwzK1JPbtXN6AHrYOsPnQu7nQU1BEv2AbvazV3Ag-Pmftewev3khMtOqVMA3aU2osdIxvS0KtyeyTIZ2kGbea1VGU-6Lote6Q/s320/hugo.jpg" /></a></div>Watched the very steampunk related movie Hugo Sunday night. Aside from a few disjointed scenes, I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. I'm a sucker for clockwork gears, and there were plenty to be seen. Also great homage to the magic of old movie making. Well acted by the always wonderful Christopher Lee, Ben Kingsley, Sacha Baron Cohen, and Jude Law. But the young actors Asa Butterfield and Chloe Moretz stole the show. Highly recommended!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVmFHXV-g9RA-yBFqv_VT3LpysnxvbNnBuBJCozVQhsyT5jLtNQVQw62ROJRy3xqcSjjqe-21_0-KwD36uYntNWTtYhx6UMF75Vc3z6-TJwYly-WvjRwZwqSq0V2W98gxkvi-7ZhMBwQ/s1600/steamtarot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVmFHXV-g9RA-yBFqv_VT3LpysnxvbNnBuBJCozVQhsyT5jLtNQVQw62ROJRy3xqcSjjqe-21_0-KwD36uYntNWTtYhx6UMF75Vc3z6-TJwYly-WvjRwZwqSq0V2W98gxkvi-7ZhMBwQ/s320/steamtarot.jpg" /></a></div>I've been collecting tarot cards for years. I find them intriguing, each picture telling a story. So I was thrilled to learn about these upcoming steampunk tarot cards. You can read a little more about them <a href="http://steampunktarot.wordpress.com/2012/02/24/the-parts-are-arriving/" target="_blank"><b>Here</b></a><br />
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Hope everyone has a fantastic and productive week!<br />
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MarieMarie Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05483640008622878711noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771649163790603565.post-90406496592366816982012-03-03T23:18:00.000-08:002012-03-03T23:18:00.487-08:00Pleasantly Drifting and ROW80 Check-In<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-qmoD35Vs9A86rSrCZ2c45a-VfDtJp9N4m3Ot9y3-fJVtT8tU_Z1hu3ORtGulewSdqG0zzotBUbjHWbiT_OdHjsmcrS9js2SKnk_iV6hC5d1QcfFrzHRwGB09SnoiEM3ju8_uYyxvg/s1600/dirigible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="224" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-qmoD35Vs9A86rSrCZ2c45a-VfDtJp9N4m3Ot9y3-fJVtT8tU_Z1hu3ORtGulewSdqG0zzotBUbjHWbiT_OdHjsmcrS9js2SKnk_iV6hC5d1QcfFrzHRwGB09SnoiEM3ju8_uYyxvg/s320/dirigible.jpg" /></a></div>Ahoy from a borrowed dirigible! (the balloon is getting repaired)Since Wednesday I've been pleasantly drifting - meeting goals and staying productive. I'm not sure what has changed. Perhaps I've finally come up with the right goal plan. Something that is doable with a bit of challenge to keep up the motivation. I think also that I've embraced the idea of support. I tend to hole myself up and go all solitary - and I'm not sure that is healthy. Since joining forces with others, and really being open to the idea of support, it has given me a personal boost, and a creative boost.<br />
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So - the goals:<br />
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My goals for this check in were:<br />
1)Edit 8 pages per day - Yes!<br />
2)Write for minimum of 30 minutes per day - Yes! 5K since Wednesday (total is from two different stories)<br />
3)Write 1 new blog article - Done<br />
4)Stop by fellow author blogs - Done - though not nearly as many as I'd like.<br />
5)Start book review for Dead Iron - hope to this weekend<br />
6)Exercise 20 minutes minimum each day - I walked. Did 1 day of yoga - but I'm promising myself to do 4 days next week starting on Monday. I WILL do this! <br />
7)Read - currently reading Jim Butcher's book Changes<br />
8)Get plenty of sleep - Averaging about 4 hours a night - not great - but did get a full 8 hours last night, so I think I'm doing okay. Honestly I'm not someone who needs 8 hours every night. 5 is the right balance for me. <br />
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And for some steampunkery:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3MEdYGAqCKYH7Op_OpzkaFeaym9UAeJObBh4-uUvACmrIYZ_sp6330mCeg6nHrnVMmm8wM4gymPRBGc2zZKkhvuntuFaAWQ8zZszyTo6UicZuFuo5HHjok2bflhV3hJ49UsEhccdcw/s1600/the-amazing-steampunk-art-of-almacan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="100" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3MEdYGAqCKYH7Op_OpzkaFeaym9UAeJObBh4-uUvACmrIYZ_sp6330mCeg6nHrnVMmm8wM4gymPRBGc2zZKkhvuntuFaAWQ8zZszyTo6UicZuFuo5HHjok2bflhV3hJ49UsEhccdcw/s320/the-amazing-steampunk-art-of-almacan.jpg" /></a></div>Steampunk digital artwork that blows me from Kazuhiko Nakamura, aka Almacan: you have to take a look <a href="http://newevolutiondesigns.com/the-amazing-steampunk-art-of-almacan" target="_blank"><b>Here</b></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZi7jOh-__A51hGfeh9-QcUZOLOAh8fxH48yZlSebuOteWL6-EOgsCsrGatM6AxfuKKsm3BJ1INuSs5z76fqpSuw50WG0i8tGsF2BLKTnnb6rt6USZNKxHgx2PtJsZFapVJ5E2p3tseQ/s1600/sonicRifle062608_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZi7jOh-__A51hGfeh9-QcUZOLOAh8fxH48yZlSebuOteWL6-EOgsCsrGatM6AxfuKKsm3BJ1INuSs5z76fqpSuw50WG0i8tGsF2BLKTnnb6rt6USZNKxHgx2PtJsZFapVJ5E2p3tseQ/s320/sonicRifle062608_2.jpg" /></a></div>A nifty steampunk sonic rifle - gorgeous - found <a href="http://gadgets.boingboing.net/2008/06/27/steampunk-sonic-rifl.html" target="_blank"><b>Here</b></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkN_hywnbPjx7s0hp4JAI6Lb5qfkJJQR43uGPQU7fUkGAjm_Q0BirDexgwNpD36W6ROi7Cn8cRRr5LzPCR44EVypCJ-8fx7OLbA9sLaXWeFD04ZVi82GQCh7jgaEXzPgxe00FDnaLK_A/s1600/steampunkbugcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkN_hywnbPjx7s0hp4JAI6Lb5qfkJJQR43uGPQU7fUkGAjm_Q0BirDexgwNpD36W6ROi7Cn8cRRr5LzPCR44EVypCJ-8fx7OLbA9sLaXWeFD04ZVi82GQCh7jgaEXzPgxe00FDnaLK_A/s320/steampunkbugcake.jpg" /></a></div>A super cool steampunk bug cake. I don't know why but cakes are cool. It takes a lot of time and work and creativity.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dK94qK2Dar5IZJmPG_W7YJNTkc3E_PylnswoysYLXKeVQ1_rUfnM7XFboBlNE3zY6Jylp2454mlj1NnYMjAkZfFnLh7WWZIq95wUUYiscBTySuKE77rPA2Nw4dAx-Ly1WOdRVyacJA/s1600/aleapothecary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="168" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dK94qK2Dar5IZJmPG_W7YJNTkc3E_PylnswoysYLXKeVQ1_rUfnM7XFboBlNE3zY6Jylp2454mlj1NnYMjAkZfFnLh7WWZIq95wUUYiscBTySuKE77rPA2Nw4dAx-Ly1WOdRVyacJA/s320/aleapothecary.jpg" /></a></div>This I'm super excited about (though I don't drink beer) - mainly because it's only about a 4 hour drive from me: <a href="http://www.wweek.com/portland/blog-28306-a_steampunk_brewery_in_oregon.html" target="_blank"><b>The Ale Apothecary</b></a>. Come this June, it will be a steampunk brewery. So despite the fact that I don't drink beer, I'm definitely going to pop in there to check it out.<br />
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Wishing everyone a great week of creativity and productivity!<br />
<br />
MarieMarie Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05483640008622878711noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771649163790603565.post-46231208794940194792012-02-29T07:47:00.001-08:002012-02-29T07:47:40.849-08:00March Madness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28EmGaYsLTLFf1HN7J2PNYLQjHyiYEL5Xty3QgdcuJH7nsGUS2wSg4YCIA1DIZTUW_-XnpeMAJAS7cZrJh_ERD-8ae0vzD3PGcC9bRZylakOiJVMgU0cp0U7UB4xDWQp0qAMZH90_7g/s1600/MarchMadness-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="250" width="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28EmGaYsLTLFf1HN7J2PNYLQjHyiYEL5Xty3QgdcuJH7nsGUS2wSg4YCIA1DIZTUW_-XnpeMAJAS7cZrJh_ERD-8ae0vzD3PGcC9bRZylakOiJVMgU0cp0U7UB4xDWQp0qAMZH90_7g/s320/MarchMadness-1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I find I work better with a swift kick in the butt every now and then. While I think I'm good at motivating myself, and I try to stay organized and keep lists and write down daily goals, I need that accountability motivation, too.<br />
<br />
And my dear friend <a href=http://yascribe.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b>Angelina Hansen</b></a> is always so pumped about #wipmadness.<br />
<br />
So, I realize now is a good time to seek out that extra motivation. <br />
<br />
<br />
My goals:<br />
<br />
Wake up and write!<br />
Continue edits on my steampunk novel<br />
Write 1 blog article per week<br />
Get caught up on my TBR pile<br />
Write a review<br />
Submit a short story<br />
<br />
I'm looking forward to this extra boost!<br />
<br />
To learn more about March Madness, visit Denise Jaden's blog <a href="http://denisejaden.blogspot.com/2012/02/march-madness-writing-reading-and.html" target="_blank"><b>Here</b></a><br />
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MarieMarie Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05483640008622878711noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771649163790603565.post-91711727917896946782012-02-29T06:33:00.001-08:002012-02-29T06:35:03.412-08:00Whirlwind Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQjPh9KAcjglcnDsmTS_EPi6KmsJC-a-SAJJzJILbzV-cJ8qT1fLbP5DdYvQZgfPMNlqvGdTUJUK5XcpE-HIIv81XoCW8dTnYnqfBCqSldXlc_bStzsCV3PD9U3NkiydjVvSHxbxWWpw/s1600/airballoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQjPh9KAcjglcnDsmTS_EPi6KmsJC-a-SAJJzJILbzV-cJ8qT1fLbP5DdYvQZgfPMNlqvGdTUJUK5XcpE-HIIv81XoCW8dTnYnqfBCqSldXlc_bStzsCV3PD9U3NkiydjVvSHxbxWWpw/s320/airballoon.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Happy Wednesday friends! Waving to you from my sweet ride ;)<br />
<br />
It has been another solid week of productivity and goal-busting goodness. So far I'm doing well with keeping balance, unless you count housework - which I don't. If you do, well...I could do better in that area. But if I have to choose between dusting and writing - writing will always win :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuyCn5sz7KLLV7j3MHbJGVcyQx05zXE2Ld4Rq-tmREK5t2ZV3YQ35pPJELqnh3VwwmLtA-8AzvJPbaQYGLkhMMjkgYrTLbbNexZnAY96lVBVcWfk6K5ZoCy5jocAAsQKyw1IpICoaJVQ/s1600/row80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="160" width="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuyCn5sz7KLLV7j3MHbJGVcyQx05zXE2Ld4Rq-tmREK5t2ZV3YQ35pPJELqnh3VwwmLtA-8AzvJPbaQYGLkhMMjkgYrTLbbNexZnAY96lVBVcWfk6K5ZoCy5jocAAsQKyw1IpICoaJVQ/s320/row80.jpg" /></a></div>My goals for this check in were:<br />
1)Edit 8 pages per day - Yes! Edited 10 pages<br />
2)Write for minimum of 30 minutes per day - Yes! 6K since Sunday<br />
3)Write 1 new blog article - Done<br />
4)Stop by fellow author blogs - did and you all rock!<br />
5)Edit book review for The Falling Machine - Done<br />
6)Exercise 20 minutes minimum each day - I did a 20 minute workout today (thanks Gene) lol. And will be doing some yoga this morning. Walking tomorrow.<br />
7)Read Dead Iron - Finished - LOVED IT! Will write a review soon - looking forward to sequel.<br />
8)Get plenty of sleep - Did better except for Sunday night<br />
<br />
I'm also staying busy with a couple side projects. <br />
<br />
For Thursday and Friday I'll need to be okay with doing less as I have some appointments and things to do that will interfere with the goals - though I may make them up over the weekend, we'll see. <br />
<br />
Here's hoping my ROW80 friends are basking in some goal-busting glory as well!<br />
<br />
Now to leave you with some fantastical steampunk awesomeness:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://130renders.wordpress.com/2012/02/21/002-cupula-voadora-steampunk-c3d-cena/" target="_blank"><b>Great artwork here</b></a><br />
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<br />
Creative Steampunk cakes: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmYCwELdb6MHmEjTmpxpE2Dj_RtNDpu4Y78i2GxewiZMtSHWCs2LS4gPlpm3-ssCIEvrB1vV1Eu1QC3URZdugkIQ4ku9gQLSXxm5Z0o2oBBcwmEi6O5zdN7CJrmkkw-hQehULiR9LXg/s1600/steampunkcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmYCwELdb6MHmEjTmpxpE2Dj_RtNDpu4Y78i2GxewiZMtSHWCs2LS4gPlpm3-ssCIEvrB1vV1Eu1QC3URZdugkIQ4ku9gQLSXxm5Z0o2oBBcwmEi6O5zdN7CJrmkkw-hQehULiR9LXg/s320/steampunkcake.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORuQBve3C_ng1I6vtE8vS19TGcIPOq9VuYX8KGMdn0I3DHykB9vYhfd4SiAQNGqmvZTf7naJ-D18DjEbuyHMqnJoyNvy-DQkF2p1LYGQptINTwHRgoKVKKgzzur_fAd1gtMHF_AEWcQ/s1600/steampunkcake2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="166" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORuQBve3C_ng1I6vtE8vS19TGcIPOq9VuYX8KGMdn0I3DHykB9vYhfd4SiAQNGqmvZTf7naJ-D18DjEbuyHMqnJoyNvy-DQkF2p1LYGQptINTwHRgoKVKKgzzur_fAd1gtMHF_AEWcQ/s320/steampunkcake2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Adr5YAk4kcvZwxmoOEZjzHUljlriPFXvarWbqTP2udQf6HQe5hM89zKCyA4Dkn1wozL771klD_Z57TLv0RemX3L7E9sBQKgOz_Net43XQ0Bd1gpw-QHYK9FgCgPEYDBmkSRH_CE3bA/s1600/steampunkcake3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Adr5YAk4kcvZwxmoOEZjzHUljlriPFXvarWbqTP2udQf6HQe5hM89zKCyA4Dkn1wozL771klD_Z57TLv0RemX3L7E9sBQKgOz_Net43XQ0Bd1gpw-QHYK9FgCgPEYDBmkSRH_CE3bA/s320/steampunkcake3.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgku1efEj0vW_qOvWaHw_7egc6ZC4Hw16_alTRSVmPTJsU_l118iaNfLQksacyqWzB1Z3hbQEygaaK0sjIIhKAxXc0AeVmhOtwzBvmZ8nYDWJt-fBh_dOxJVmKbr8C6XLSFvD8GYynE0g/s1600/model+airship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgku1efEj0vW_qOvWaHw_7egc6ZC4Hw16_alTRSVmPTJsU_l118iaNfLQksacyqWzB1Z3hbQEygaaK0sjIIhKAxXc0AeVmhOtwzBvmZ8nYDWJt-fBh_dOxJVmKbr8C6XLSFvD8GYynE0g/s320/model+airship.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
And I just might need to take this awesome <a href="http://www.the3dstudio.com/product_details.aspx?id_product=593335" target="_blank"><b>steampunk model airship</b></a> out for a spin! <br />
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I hope everyone is having a great week!<br />
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MarieMarie Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05483640008622878711noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771649163790603565.post-76366342289643412992012-02-26T07:25:00.001-08:002012-02-26T07:27:07.486-08:00Sunday Update - Still Soaring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-aKzf2W4MZGutWLx69oO8q9p9Zb4K4-T9eWnjabkQRTfdxUDPYE40cSMsiuubibUjiyVGVqjT_6NGABBCiMSOUXx8vaSmqzd4VFO89ffpfV4medlDl2v1sMZfL38SR0QjFDsY9GHZw/s1600/airballoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-aKzf2W4MZGutWLx69oO8q9p9Zb4K4-T9eWnjabkQRTfdxUDPYE40cSMsiuubibUjiyVGVqjT_6NGABBCiMSOUXx8vaSmqzd4VFO89ffpfV4medlDl2v1sMZfL38SR0QjFDsY9GHZw/s320/airballoon.jpg" /></a></div>Since Wednesday I'm still soaring(yep, that's me in the steam airballoon) and accomplishing my goals, or at least most of them. That darn exercise thing. I sit down long enough and the feeling goes away. Well, that and it has been gray, gloomy, and cold - not high motivators. I need to make this a priority. <br />
<br />
My goals for the week were:<br />
1)Edit 8 pages per day - Yes! Edited 18 pages<br />
2)Write for minimum of 30 minutes per day - Yes! 5K since Wednesday<br />
3)Write 1 new blog articles - I slacked on this one due to the above 2 :)<br />
4)Stop by fellow author blogs - did and will visit more over the next days<br />
5)Edit book review for The Falling Machine - doing that today<br />
6)Exercise 20 minutes minimum each day - moving on - nothing to see here<br />
7)Read Dead Iron - halfway through - hard to put down!<br />
8)Get plenty of sleep - well, I slept a little<br />
<br />
Along with that I organized story folders, filled out character and setting worksheets, outlined a new story, and did writing craft related things. <br />
<br />
On a side note, I'm impatient for Hunger Games to release. I keep watching the trailers and getting pumped for it :)<br />
<br />
And some cool steampunk related goodies to leave you with:<br />
<br />
<a href=:http://whysoawesome.deviantart.com/art/Steampunk-Spider-Man-284281186" target="_blank"><b>Steampunk Spiderman</b></a> - very creative take on Spiderman with a steampunk bent.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkkx_dflvVjt2Upm2f952xpLGAfeMtyu92K7qtPvYnSAxUFhUWSiW13AATPXr0RdRcJXn1lY3QR0yVMZg5IW-fxqNG6lCTRo4cQJpQXNSvTHrpLqqW3YM1RV2MnkLgmIvLWe94KcLOUw/s1600/steampunk-sniper-rifle-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="222" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkkx_dflvVjt2Upm2f952xpLGAfeMtyu92K7qtPvYnSAxUFhUWSiW13AATPXr0RdRcJXn1lY3QR0yVMZg5IW-fxqNG6lCTRo4cQJpQXNSvTHrpLqqW3YM1RV2MnkLgmIvLWe94KcLOUw/s320/steampunk-sniper-rifle-1.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://www.obviouswinner.com/obvwin/2012/2/21/this-custom-nerf-steampunk-sniper-rifle-is-outrageously-cool.html" target="_blank"><b>Nerf Steampunk Sniper</b></a> - So freaking cool! I want one!<br />
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<a href="http://www.odditycentral.com/pics/artist-turns-creepy-crawlers-into-steampunk-works-of-art.html" target="_blank"><b>Steampunk Creepy Crawlers</b></a> - These are all fantastic, but I love the scorpion one best - it's snazzy :)<br />
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Gotta love creative folks. <br />
<br />
How was your week?<br />
<br />
If you'd like to know more about a great support system called ROW80 - be sure to click <a href="http://aroundofwordsin80days.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><b>Here</b></a><br />
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See you next week!<br />
MarieMarie Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05483640008622878711noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771649163790603565.post-27495775248724319362012-02-22T07:21:00.001-08:002012-02-22T07:24:10.221-08:00Soaring High and Goal Updates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJLzmcShaMbGxCGJKfFGtTQnqdfbxO2f_emlwTIoUr0Yp2Zbdfmt0TPfZ6bXrYHSUiNmHe768Qn4I-17ITU2oqtRGN-_9Nupenfr773yHIA89lxHOfNc28yiRnv0A-ox7PN7P80laTA/s1600/soarhigh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="261" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJLzmcShaMbGxCGJKfFGtTQnqdfbxO2f_emlwTIoUr0Yp2Zbdfmt0TPfZ6bXrYHSUiNmHe768Qn4I-17ITU2oqtRGN-_9Nupenfr773yHIA89lxHOfNc28yiRnv0A-ox7PN7P80laTA/s320/soarhigh.jpg" /></a></div>Since Sunday I've been staying busy and productive, even though I haven't felt great. It's not a cold, or at least hasn't turned into anything, it's just this underlying sort of blahness. Maybe it's weather related. After a nice weekend, the rain is back in full force. Very gray. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Moving on to the goal updates for ROW80<br />
<br />
My goals for the week are:<br />
1)Edit 8 pages per day - so far so good :)<br />
2)Write for minimum of 30 minutes per day - so far I'm at 7k<br />
3)Write 1 new blog articles - hoping tomorrow I'll get to this <br />
4)Stop by fellow author blogs - did and will visit more over the next days<br />
5)Edit book review for The Falling Machine - DONE <br />
6)Exercise 20 minutes minimum each day - I worked out Monday, but haven't felt very good so I didn't make this a priority. Hopeful for tomorrow<br />
7)Read Dead Iron - Was able to devour 3 chapters - I want more!<br />
8)Get plenty of sleep - I did okay here the past couple nights<br />
<br />
I also outlined a story concept, tweaked a short story, and organized my office, which was in sad shape. So - all things are going well. Yay progress :)<br />
<br />
And I'm going to leave you with a couple cool steampunk related things:<br />
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Check out this insanely amazing USB typewriter for tablets<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1IHyNN-jzhSkfDCzm8bLuSaa-Zzs4Y5NfxazLqkDln1puGUshcdQQo9DvrlbMa7KksQJMNYMxh6LmO2TBcR-5g2U7w41VfPkV-gExoifKXyXmP5BAeo29JOLfTr7ABUZdiCzqhjxDg/s1600/steamtypewriter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="211" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1IHyNN-jzhSkfDCzm8bLuSaa-Zzs4Y5NfxazLqkDln1puGUshcdQQo9DvrlbMa7KksQJMNYMxh6LmO2TBcR-5g2U7w41VfPkV-gExoifKXyXmP5BAeo29JOLfTr7ABUZdiCzqhjxDg/s320/steamtypewriter.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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To read the article about it, click <a href="http://www.pcworld.com/article/250324/let_old_meet_new_with_a_usb_typewriter_for_tablets.html" target="_blank"><b>Here</b></a><br />
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And then hello - I wish I lived in the area because I'd totally go to this: <br />
'Musical Machines and Living Dolls' puts 150 'automata' on display at the <a href="http://www.northjersey.com/arts_entertainment/139788863_Generations_later___living_dolls__still_amaze.html" target="_blank"><b>Morris Museum</b></a>. Some of the incredible items you'll see there includes moving figurines, music boxes, barrel organs, calliopes and mechanical pianos. <br />
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Did I mention that I'd love to go? Where's a dirigible when you need one?!<br />
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Okay, that's all for now, and I'll see you back here Sunday!<br />
<br />
Wishing all my friends and followers a productive week. I'll be cheering you on!<br />
<br />
MarieMarie Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05483640008622878711noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771649163790603565.post-87623977615418526822012-02-19T08:04:00.000-08:002012-02-19T08:04:02.500-08:00Balancing the Checklist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXREpZ57QDWxQKNykqp0dt9VT3htnjrZ7AgqhuEGVbsEkem3pGLYa6YCffj4b4zAlVkiE_LfaDYbCjdNUIJJ6CIukj8XK8w-LCbXlUZJxSHrxmdkoIROloMoPr7JhbELiwNbR7GQyvA/s1600/checklistfun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="293" width="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXREpZ57QDWxQKNykqp0dt9VT3htnjrZ7AgqhuEGVbsEkem3pGLYa6YCffj4b4zAlVkiE_LfaDYbCjdNUIJJ6CIukj8XK8w-LCbXlUZJxSHrxmdkoIROloMoPr7JhbELiwNbR7GQyvA/s320/checklistfun.jpg" /></a></div>Good morning! I'm working hard this week to find that important balance between work and play. I really wanted to escape into a book, but I had too many things to do. <br />
<br />
It seems that after a few days of healthy goal-busting, I fall into the unhealthy dark side where I do too much, and then try to take on more. I suppose the positive side is that I recognize it before it gets out of hand, but the negative side is that I should already know this. *shakes head* <br />
<br />
I don't know why it's so hard to do, but I need to schedule in some fun time. <br />
<br />
And exercise fell off the schedule entirely.<br />
<br />
And sleep? Forget about it. <br />
<br />
I need to get back on track with the healthy goals I set early on. <br />
<br />
I am a list addict, and I get little pings of excitement each time I check off an item. My office is littered with lists. Grocery lists, housework lists, books to be read list, books I read list, books I want to read lists, things I want to research list, my WIP list, personal goals lists, writer lists, and well...honestly there are many more lists. I probably write about 1k a week in lists. But that doesn't really count toward my goals. :) <br />
<br />
My goals for the week were:<br />
1)Edit 8 pages per day - DONE and went way over that amount :)<br />
2)Write for minimum of 30 minutes per day - DONE and totalled 12k<br />
3)Write 2 new blog articles - DONE but they need tweaking <br />
4)Stop by fellow author blogs - DONE - 3 per day<br />
5)Work on book review for The Falling Machine - DONE - needs editing<br />
6)Exercise 20 minutes minimum each day - BOO - not a lick of exercise<br />
7)Read Dead Iron - BOO - and I wanted to so much :/<br />
8)Get plenty of sleep - BOO again - too much going on in my head<br />
<br />
So - I accomplished all the writerly things, but didn't manage to add in fun or healthy activities. I'll need to work harder next week. Actually, I need to manage both my checklist and my checkbook better this week. I have books I want to buy! :) Which means I need to find time to read. Oh the vicious cycle!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60Isogh3u7YIaPTCdb-S2843DstGgs3pJqTr_-J1CE0UIc-XGDh2kNEDvOfABZcpVlOZHizqNvDQazCQxb5Bf8UbghNZuoYQGN6r2vKgi7_X3Hi7HawuopDtmtZ64OZBbnHRG8LpRPA/s1600/steamcar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60Isogh3u7YIaPTCdb-S2843DstGgs3pJqTr_-J1CE0UIc-XGDh2kNEDvOfABZcpVlOZHizqNvDQazCQxb5Bf8UbghNZuoYQGN6r2vKgi7_X3Hi7HawuopDtmtZ64OZBbnHRG8LpRPA/s320/steamcar.jpg" /></a></div>And I want to leave you with this super cool steampunk model car powered by a 19th century air engine, because it's seriously cool and looks like fun. To read the full article on it, click <a href="http://jalopnik.com/5884962/this-steampunk-model-car-is-powered-by-a-beautiful-19th-century-air-engine" target="_blank"><b>Here</b></a><br />
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Hope you had a great week!<br />
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~MarieMarie Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05483640008622878711noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771649163790603565.post-81977940712208121322012-02-15T07:38:00.000-08:002012-02-15T07:38:05.169-08:00Mixed Bag Wednesday and Progress Report<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6QgfcLCePAxxiyMpzaZKCgtMe_U4CfyMdTRGD71Sz5F2sXTA7cNM2wP8RaC4xPUwpSSK0kOR90-KFK2mIHb7seVr6sGnz5lNrTq8GzbSxSUMJfgydetD9kKlTBMvkL3HebWVWFY2kKQ/s1600/productive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6QgfcLCePAxxiyMpzaZKCgtMe_U4CfyMdTRGD71Sz5F2sXTA7cNM2wP8RaC4xPUwpSSK0kOR90-KFK2mIHb7seVr6sGnz5lNrTq8GzbSxSUMJfgydetD9kKlTBMvkL3HebWVWFY2kKQ/s320/productive.jpg" /></a></div>Happy Wednesday!<br />
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This week's productivity has me ahead of schedule :) <br />
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Writing, edits, reading, and reviews are all moving along smoothly. I've written 5k, edited 20 pages, and am devouring books :) All good! Coming soon are my reviews for The Falling Machine and Dead Iron - both highly recommended!<br />
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In Steampunk News:<br />
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Apparently the upcoming Rush album <i>Clockwork Angels </i>is being made into a steampunk novel by author Kevin J Anderson. To read more about this project, click <a href="http://www.tgdaily.com/games-and-entertainment-features/61432-rush-album-is-now-a-steampunk-novel" target="_blank"><b>Here</b></a> - Should be very interesting!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUak8IriqRsG1aspmXHkg2Vd1954PcC7uUMnZNPn3S83ks6-4I1Lk1zokQxmwYsF79XjOBArnGiXdxr3uw_wKTuiuk1RCDZhk97y-VN09-rur7_Do4hj21VErezht_yZrrVnjpAOEROQ/s1600/priest+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="160" width="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUak8IriqRsG1aspmXHkg2Vd1954PcC7uUMnZNPn3S83ks6-4I1Lk1zokQxmwYsF79XjOBArnGiXdxr3uw_wKTuiuk1RCDZhk97y-VN09-rur7_Do4hj21VErezht_yZrrVnjpAOEROQ/s320/priest+cover.jpg" /></a></div>The family and I watched <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Priest-Rated-Version-Paul-Bettany/dp/B002ZG98N2/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1329319459&sr=1-1" target="_blank"><b>Priest</b></a> the other night, interesting movie that I feel they could've done more with. Good fun. Cool gadgets and weapons. I've always enjoyed Paul Bettany - though my favorite with him is A Knight's Tale :)<br />
<br />
And check this Mechanical Valentine out: <a href="http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/business/press-releases/article/Mechanical-Valentine-Inspired-by-Lost-Treasure-3311453.php" arget="_blank"><b>Mechanical Valentine</b></a> - how cool is that?<br />
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And finally, for my in-depth review of <b>Phoenix Rising</b>, stop by the Clockwork Reviews page at Nevermet Press found <a href="http://nevermetpress.com/phoenix-rising-a-ministry-of-peculiar-occurrences-review-by-marie-andrews" target="_blank"><b>Here</b></a><br />
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Hope your week is going well!<br />
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<a href="http://www.marieandrewsauthor.com" target="_blank"><b>Marie</b></a>Marie Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05483640008622878711noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771649163790603565.post-18387744065972153742012-02-10T03:00:00.000-08:002012-02-10T03:00:04.086-08:00A Little of This, A Little of ThatIt has been a busy steampunk week around here. <br />
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I've just finished the delightful <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=society+of+steam" target="_blank"><b>The Falling Machine</b></a> by Andrew Mayer and have already went nuts over chapter one of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dead-Iron-Steam-Cedar-Hunt/dp/B006QS1G4E/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328839075&sr=1-1" target="_blank"><b>Dead Iron</b></a> by Devon Monk. I'll be posting both reviews soon. If you'd like to check out my review for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Rising-Ministry-Peculiar-Occurrences/dp/0062049763/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328839590&sr=1-1" target="_blank"><b>Phoenix Rising - A Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences Novel</b></a> - please stop by the <a href="http://nevermetpress.com/phoenix-rising-a-ministry-of-peculiar-occurrences-review-by-marie-andrews" target="_blank"><b>Clockwork Reviews Page</b></a>. <br />
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While doing some research for a short story, I stumbled across this very cool, very sleek contraption - a miniature tattoo machine. To read more about it, you can follow to the article <a href="http://www.gaycitynews.com/articles/2012/02/08/arts/doc4f20778652d91654076645.txt" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzRqQUfTBg0Bo2CDhyObFZJCNCe9Ba3vtjQJLnCGwDE72yC7TL5sYvoFaL14jbspdYMLE_QLPWQUJrXNAKm7VDUVapxxIsG-IPvulpbiooHd8k-4xV8W8DNmOpgVUEaHYlb2NgFne_qw/s1600/tattoo+machine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzRqQUfTBg0Bo2CDhyObFZJCNCe9Ba3vtjQJLnCGwDE72yC7TL5sYvoFaL14jbspdYMLE_QLPWQUJrXNAKm7VDUVapxxIsG-IPvulpbiooHd8k-4xV8W8DNmOpgVUEaHYlb2NgFne_qw/s320/tattoo+machine.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Love it!<br />
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All this week I've been busily working on edits, rewrites, and new projects - definitely no shortage of creativity going on here. But I'm keeping it all balanced, I promise. There have been some recent call-outs for stories that have caught my fancy. But I'm working to finish up my sequel to Iron Butterfly first.<br />
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Speaking of which, <a href="http://nevermetpress.com/stories-in-the-ether-issue-3-available-now" target="_blank"><b>Stories in the Ether #3</b></a> is now available. J. Lonnee's freaking fabulous cover to my story <b>Iron Butterfly </b>graces the front. He brought the biggest scene in my little story to life. Included in this sweet edition are some fantastic stories from talented authors I admire.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGZdmlHRspZQSIiMrXm-1YgMGIaOSSlyzzTglO0Q5fW5Kb3uT0eX_2-TIaybD7i_7ygALt8wfdyWQhyphenhyphenmowHMtjpFCh_F2_vtYb2utYSiYtGHlhpl0ZT608RWTLffzWzwPFWUoYRFjUA/s1600/Charles-Darwin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGZdmlHRspZQSIiMrXm-1YgMGIaOSSlyzzTglO0Q5fW5Kb3uT0eX_2-TIaybD7i_7ygALt8wfdyWQhyphenhyphenmowHMtjpFCh_F2_vtYb2utYSiYtGHlhpl0ZT608RWTLffzWzwPFWUoYRFjUA/s320/Charles-Darwin.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieqGdyE79DZBSg8Dc65oiy1iAOPHgMPlPGkBo5v1TJ-fNrDCKMGcvzbB78EoDaO5Ft_S1YPqOwuIpnrExNJVIl74JFWWNRXGkjeNDAh6iZeoZ8qwtq_tcXOETvYYt716vvvwaBmTS6VQ/s1600/jules_verne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieqGdyE79DZBSg8Dc65oiy1iAOPHgMPlPGkBo5v1TJ-fNrDCKMGcvzbB78EoDaO5Ft_S1YPqOwuIpnrExNJVIl74JFWWNRXGkjeNDAh6iZeoZ8qwtq_tcXOETvYYt716vvvwaBmTS6VQ/s320/jules_verne.jpg" /></a></div><br />
And of course this week sees the birthdays of Charles Darwin(Feb. 12) and Jules Verne(Feb 8)! Two great men who have left us with wondrous things to read, think about, and continue to be inspired by. Happy Birthday Gentlemen!<br />
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Because I dabble in other genres, I have a short horror story out that is under a different name, Nancy Jackson, titled <b>Frost Giants</b>, published by a great Indie press called <a href="http://www.underthemoon.org/frostgiant.html" target="_blank"><b>Under the Moon</b></a>. If you're interested, I'd love for you to give it a read.<br />
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I see that it's time for tea, so I'll wrap this post up for now.<br />
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Thanks so much for stopping by!<br />
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<a href="http://www.marieandrewsauthor.com" target="_blank"><b>Marie</b></a>Marie Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05483640008622878711noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771649163790603565.post-87880994029536940872012-02-08T07:02:00.000-08:002012-02-08T07:02:24.581-08:00Personal Drive - SUV vs Prius<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBkbGtrRiLd2r2CLjRu9e4C3Qx6QqFPm0sK0BKTpTUBik6NbJBHTfGAKGPVtRxv5OY6O9R-CJimxE8R4mHfw7afztOzIBOJrFg61CBazmWKTFLoHqPUnlKMUN-B9nwqIp83zEs3hXwsA/s1600/Garfield-drives-a-car.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="210" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBkbGtrRiLd2r2CLjRu9e4C3Qx6QqFPm0sK0BKTpTUBik6NbJBHTfGAKGPVtRxv5OY6O9R-CJimxE8R4mHfw7afztOzIBOJrFg61CBazmWKTFLoHqPUnlKMUN-B9nwqIp83zEs3hXwsA/s320/Garfield-drives-a-car.gif" /></a></div><br />
The drive to success can be powerful. It can propel one to run on a dangerous amount of fuel. I liken it a bit to an SUV. A big, mighty gas guzzler than can intimidate and bust through all types of obstacles. It's an ambitious vehicle, allowing you to hit that euphoric high as you pass through one destination after another at lightning speed, and make you feel like the king of the road.<br />
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There is another kind of drive, a calmer steady drive, where the end result of that desired success isn't any less - but the motivation is healthier. I liken it a bit to a Prius. The drive is less demanding, less rushed, and allows you time to appreciate your traveled path.<br />
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I've always been an ambitious person and waffle between the drive in an SUV and the drive in a Prius. There truly is a thrill to driving in the fast lane. Still, the Prius is more my style. When I slow down and take care of my engine, I run better. By going at a sensible speed, I'm able to arrive at my destinations refreshed. <br />
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But on the occasions when I do get caught up and decide to take that SUV out for a joyride, I remind myself that there is a price to that fuel guzzler, and ask myself is it one that I want to pay. <br />
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And speaking of cars, here's a sleek steampunk car that I wouldn't mind taking out for a spin!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZffX5nizU_bbZIuA0lHzsFYkbTbUEV669XU_jXl4J8baUuhipDpu4o266Zida78MMeUV5-vFdRtzwDIDNqCg6VQfXfbnvvpv8RcMuowvUtRX75Qx076NJEyjtBf2pbD6hi_eNMfkyQ/s1600/steampunkamaro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="133" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZffX5nizU_bbZIuA0lHzsFYkbTbUEV669XU_jXl4J8baUuhipDpu4o266Zida78MMeUV5-vFdRtzwDIDNqCg6VQfXfbnvvpv8RcMuowvUtRX75Qx076NJEyjtBf2pbD6hi_eNMfkyQ/s320/steampunkamaro.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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And onto my brief week in review:<br />
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Since Sunday I've been coasting along on cruise control. I've edited, written, read, visited fellow ROW80ers, met my daily goals, and taken care of myself by eating well and exercising. It's been a calm ride, one where I'm able to stop and celebrate my accomplishments. I hope your week has been a good balance of productivity and personal growth. To the ROW80 crew - I'll see you on Sunday!<br />
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<a href="http://www.marieandrewsauthor.com" target="_blank"><b>Marie Andrews</b></a>Marie Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05483640008622878711noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771649163790603565.post-27644900908501539172012-02-05T11:27:00.000-08:002012-02-05T11:27:36.992-08:00ROW80 Check In - Seasons and Writing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicH4sfCtBPS8U7GE06MsoG1t5NL_Z6PoUW3WZbxrJVA4BqzK1-RO1pCjaTZakQOrVQ7ghtI2roKuykrTKFcx3_spk1V5riZuh4QjABlonMgRydKJKOimutds-t9jdky_hyphenhyphen328mtiBD9w/s1600/seasonswriting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicH4sfCtBPS8U7GE06MsoG1t5NL_Z6PoUW3WZbxrJVA4BqzK1-RO1pCjaTZakQOrVQ7ghtI2roKuykrTKFcx3_spk1V5riZuh4QjABlonMgRydKJKOimutds-t9jdky_hyphenhyphen328mtiBD9w/s320/seasonswriting.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Good morning! It's sunny and gorgeous - not the typical weather here for the first week of February, but I'm not about to complain. I know it won't last, so I'll enjoy it for now, and temper the urge to hurry winter along with bright yellow daffodils and lush greenery around the house. <br />
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Though I had longed to visit the local nursery yesterday, I realized that I was getting ahead of myself. The trees are still bare. Not much is in bloom. Instead I enjoyed a relaxing stroll around the neighborhood, holding my hubby's hand, making plans for our garden and yard. Spring is around the corner, but it's not now. And that's okay. <br />
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The natural turn of seasons is important. <br />
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It's easy to get caught up in the moment and wish to skip or bypass areas in our lives that we don't enjoy. I'm not a winter person, but I can make the most of winter with some creativity. I find what works for me - cooking hearty soups and stews, baking scrumptious goodies, losing myself in a good book or three, and slowing down to enjoy quality family time. We need our seasons. We need them to run their course. From sleep to food to nature, it's a process. It's a balance.<br />
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Like the desire to rush the seasons, I can get ahead of myself in the quest to finish a book or project. What happens is the balance of the book is off. Characters aren't fully developed. My voice is uneven. The ending is rushed. Dialogue is stilted. I even find myself trying to rush edits. And the end result is a book out of balance. It doesn't work. I may not like it, but I can't move forward until I accept that the book needs more time. <br />
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Like the seasons, we need to let the story run its course. We need to slow down to learn and enjoy the process of writing. Sometimes that means digging deeper, doing more research, not looking ahead but focus on what's in front of us. The book will get finished, maybe not right now. So I find what works and allow the story the time it needs.<br />
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I didn't hit all of my goals for the week, but what I did accomplish added value to my work. It added value to me as a writer. I found a way that works for me. I'm embracing the creative process and tempering the urge to rush. <br />
<br />
What's your writing process when you've got a deadline looming and you know your story isn't ready?<br />
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<a href="http://www.marieandrewsauthor.com" target="_blank><b>Marie</b></a>Marie Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05483640008622878711noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771649163790603565.post-33360376880889359162012-02-01T08:10:00.000-08:002012-02-01T08:10:00.974-08:00ROWing Through WednesdayHappy 1st of February! Not only did last month fly by, I can't believe that I spaced my Sunday ROW check-in. I quite literally spent the entire day drinking tea and reading. I never do that, but it was a total pamper day. I'd like another day like that soon!<br />
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In many ways I feel January was more of a testing the waters month. A time to get myself back in gear and back to healthier habits. Very much a time of learning and a time of being good to myself. Much as I wanted to jump right in, I found more success by easing into everything. <br />
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So I look at February as a time where I can push myself a little more. I need to tweak some goals, and at the same time, create some challenges. <br />
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This week has been productive, successful, and on track with my current goals. My story Iron Butterfly will be in the digital emagazine from Nevermet Press as well as in the print anthology. I'm working on the sequel to Iron Butterfly, along with a couple other short stories. And of course continuing my work on the novel. No shortage of things to do. Fingers are crossed that my steampunk horror short will be accepted.<br />
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Also this week I'll be stopping by fellow ROWers blogs, to encourage and support. Whatever your goals are this week, I hope you stay good to yourself, and don't forget to schedule some fun too!<br />
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MarieMarie Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05483640008622878711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771649163790603565.post-51134290071820715622012-01-25T15:47:00.000-08:002012-01-25T15:47:50.613-08:00ROW Check-In and Progress ReportHappy Wednesday everyone! Happy Check-In day to all ROW80'rs - I hope your week has been positive so far :)<br />
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I'm psyched to share that I've been writing up a storm. It feels good to have a positive progress report to share. While novel edits are slow-going, I'm not letting it get me down. I'm working on two short stories and a novella. <br />
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I'm also almost finished reading The Falling Machine: Society of Steam by Andrew Mayer. I'm enjoying it very much! I'll be writing up a review for it soon. To read more about it, click <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Falling-Machine-Society-Steam-Book/dp/1616143754/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1327535102&sr=1-2-fkmr0" target="_blank"><b>Here</b></a>. Have you read it? What did you think? I'm looking forward to reading the next in his series.<br />
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I've also been staying productive, working out, eating healthy, and making sure to unplug once in awhile. <br />
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I look forward to stopping by other blogs to see everyone's progress.<br />
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Thank you so much for all the wonderful support you have given me the past couple of weeks! <br />
<br />
MarieMarie Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05483640008622878711noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4771649163790603565.post-78037612477003552052012-01-22T16:06:00.000-08:002012-01-22T16:06:31.437-08:00Sunday Progress Report*Waving to all my fellow ROW80'ers* <br />
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Since Wednesday I've just about completed edits of a steampunk short story that I plan to submit soon. I've also been busy commenting on fellow ROW80 participants' blogs. And well...unfortunately the edits of the novel are slow-going. I'm finding a challenge in wishing I could remember how I'd worded things from the first set of edits that are no more. I have a feeling that once I get beyond that, the edits will flow smoother. But until then, I don't know how well they will go. I have the best of intentions when I open the file and start to edit, but within minutes the frustration begins. <br />
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Fortunately I have many backup systems in place so the complex of losing everything again isn't there. But what I wouldn't give for those edits to magically appear. <br />
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All I can really do is look forward. Somedays that sounds easier than others. <br />
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I am also enjoying work on the sequel to my short story Iron Butterfly. It gives me comfort when I'm grumbling about the edits. :)<br />
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So in short - I've kept busy and accomplished most of what I wanted. <br />
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The rest will work itself out, though not as quickly as I'm comfortable with.<br />
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I'll be sure to stop by and comment this week.<br />
<br />
MarieMarie Andrewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05483640008622878711noreply@blogger.com2