Patty Cake Patty Cake....And Other Awesome Videos

Well, as I was heading off to bed... (Cough Cough) I happened to stumble across this. It is one of the most adorable videos ever! You must watch it (and pretend that the voices you hear are the cats :P)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3iFhLdWjqc

I hope you enjoy this, because I did!

This is another video I found of a pet humming bird!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvrcdQWzH-8

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! 2011 = Ultimate Wish!

Wow, can you believe it? Another whole year gone! It's said that time flies when you're having fun, but who has a whole year of non-stop hullabaloo? Every year is like a rollercoaster, and man do those things whizzzzzzzz!!!! But, this year is extremely special: Its "THE ULTIMATE WISH".

Every time the clock says 11:11, you are supposed to make a wish. Well, if it's 11:11am/pm on 11/11/11, how lucky is that wish?! "Do you really believe in wishes, Gemma?" Yes, I really do. Do I think that if you wish for a pony the next day you'll wake up with a rainbow pony in your backyard? No. But I do believe that if you want something with all you're heart, wishing only takes you so far. Wishing for something means you want it enough to fight for it. There is this great saying from "The Legend of The Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole" that says "...when you've flown as far as your wings can take you, you're half way there." I love that quote, it's brilliant.

"Alright Gemma, so you believe in wishes, what about magic? Do you believe in that?" 100%. But, what kind of magic are you talking about? If you’re asking me whether or not I believe in Fairies and Angels and Dragons and stuff, then to be honest, I really can’t say. I believe it’s possible, theoretically, and I do believe that they are based on facts, but I really do not know. Here’s what I do know:

1—Magic is everywhere, and it takes shape in a lot of different ways. Love is magical, the colours of the rainbow, how the seasons change, our very existence. To me that is magic.

2—There is a book called Fairy Kisses by Patrick Regan (it is my favourite children’s book) and there is a quote in it that says “believe in what you cannot see and maybe then you’ll see it.” I believe that too.

3—In the realms of our mind and imagination, anything is possible. In creations you cannot base anything on previous knowledge or facts for it is brand new, and the face that you your very self made something new is magical. How did you do that? How did your mind work like that? That to me is magical.

That’s what I believe. Do I believe that a gnome is going to jump through my window and tell me that I’m actually a descendant from a fairy line of royalty, no I really don’t. But I do believe in magic and wishes, and dreams and fantasies. And you know what? I bet there are a lot of people out there who think I’m crazy for it. And hey, sometimes I am. But being crazy and believing in magic is required for what I love to do. It works for me. The question is… Dose it work for you? J

So how did all this start? Just from talking about the year 2011? Well, it is a new decade, people are licenced to be a bit excited. So go out tonight, have a blast, countdown to midnight, write down your resolutions that you know probably aren't going to be accomplished unless you're truly determined, and look forward to that ultimate wish, because magic is everywhere.

Believe!

Happy New Year Everyone! *CRACK* (Cool! A party hat!......)

PS- Check when this was posted, it took planning.....known as scheduled timing ;)

When Nothing Goes Right.......Go Left!

Of course, now that it's time for the holidays I'm supposed to be writing more, BUT I CAN'T! My mind is currently like the Sahara desert, not a single drop of water (I write as I listen to "A Year Without Rain", wishing I had that dress). So, my brilliant plan? R-E-A-D!!!!!

Ok, you caught me. It's not exactly brilliant, but how else is a writer supposed to get ideas? Movies are helpful, true, but through books you can actually see how the weaving of words forms a bridge for the characters to cross. (Unfortunately for Rune and Ruby-my own characters-they are suspended on a bridge that has a gaping hole in the middle, unable to get to the greener grass on the other side. The troll is snickering.)

So, I figured it would help if I made a BOOK WISH LIST it may in fact help. So, here it is:

• Sapphique
• The Makeshift Miracle
• The Forest of Hands and Teeth
• White Cat
• Love, Death, and Songs (something like that, I'm being bad and not remembering)

So, I hope that over the holidays I will have lots of time to read, write, and relax! I wish you the very best holiday (singing: And a happy new year!) Though I'm sure I'll post before then.

Enjoy the snow, cuddle up by the fire, make a nice cup of hot chocolate (unless you are allergic to chocolate, then popcorn will do,) and grab a good book. If that doesn't work for you, then do something else. (Just like if reading doesn't work for me, I'm sure I'll find some more solid substances to build the bridge :P) I mean, after all, when nothing goes right.....GO LEFT!

Happy Holidays!

PS- Thanks for commenting! :D

The Much Anticipated Teaser of "Book One: Broken Glass"

Now that I've been in contact with a few people of importance in publishing, I've been asked quite a lot "What's you're book about?" and if you remember my previous entries, I'm supposed to tell them in under 30 seconds! (Gasp) So, I must admit to you dear readers, that I have not yet accomplished this task. I have, however, written a teaser on it.

So, here it is! The very first preview of my first novel: Broken Glass:

Stoic and goal driven, Rune seems the ideal son to the throne of Phethion, the world of shade run by none other than the Darkwings—evil creatures with sharp teeth, and pupil-less black eyes. Unlike most royals however, Rune lacks the sheer cunning mind that puts many of them at the top. Or rather, would it be that he has no interest in falling to such levels?

On the eve of Rune’s twelfth birthday, he finds his destiny set out before him… And his fate is far from anything a prince would expect: Blood, betrayal, and revenge. 

Six years later, Rune is now leader of the Dawnbringers, a society devoted to defeating the Darkwings and their notorious Ravenwood Court.

Rune, though powerful and well known, often only says what is needed, keeping to himself, and longing for a better future. But things are about to take a turn. He suddenly finds himself as sworn protector to the princess—Ruby Bloodheart—a girl who hardly follows any orders, and is constantly putting herself in danger. Rune will not hesitate to protect her. But soon Rune will have to draw his sword no longer to defend but to kill. 

It is a time of war, and Ruby and Rune must learn to trust each other, even if their words are based on lies. For it seems as though Rune is determined to keep his past—and his future—forever secret.

Rune, tempted by the darkness within him, now sees another problem, making his decisions even harder: He is falling in love with Ruby. But, will love be their relief or their ruin?  Only time will tell, and they have little time left before their world shatters…just like broken glass…

  

© 2010 Gemma

Hope you enjoyed! It needs a bit of work, but it is the first teaser I've ever written!!! (Smile) So, tell me, would you read my book?

Have a great weekend everyone!

First Frost

Wow, can you believe it? First of December, and it already seems like we'll have a winter wonderland just in time for the holidays! Well, as exciting as this is, I have even better news!!!! I have just sent off my first few chapters to a professional editor! It's a bit nerve-racking to know that my baby is no longer in my hands, but I can't help but feel adventurous. :) Could it be that--just like the first frost--this could be the first step to success?

Fingers Crossed!

Have a great week, I'll post soon, promise!

Gemma's Word Gems Goes International

Wow, so I found out that there is this really cool feed that allows you to check your audience. Well, check this out, as I speak there are 17 people viewing my blog! (Gasp.) So, overall I have 1, 939 viewers in Canada, 26 in the US, 20 in Brazil, 7 in Russia, 6 in Greece, and 1 in the UK, Germany, and Pakistan! Here I was thinking that no body was checking in, and yet I have been viewed at least (taking out calculator....) 2001 times!

Wow, I should really post more often....anyhoo, it just goes to show that you should get yourself out there, 'cause you never know who's watching (reading) about you! Happy Monday!

PS- Enjoy the rain!

A Flood of Possibilities

So, yesterday I went to a workshop on "How to Get Published", which was hosted by Tinlids. I must admit, going in, I was nervous. I mean here were Publishers and Editors and Authors and (GASP) Agents!!!!! But, in the end it truly was helpful. I learned a lot of great things that I would have NEVER thought of.

So, in the event of yesterday, here is a small list of things to have in your story:

• In order to create a believable story you must have at LEAST one of four conflicts: Personal (Your value system), Interpersonal (a fight between two or more characters/people), Institutional / Society (Work or school or a club), and Enviromental (forest fire, attacked by bear, car crash).
• Your story must have a TWIST
• Know your voice and insure that it is not only an exciting story, but that the plot is CHARACTER DRIVEN
• Less is more (allows readers to form their own views)
• Is is essential to have a "Narrative Pull" (which takes the reader by the hand and compels you to turn page after page)
• Have a character under pressure
• And always keep your mind open! Don't stick to the outline.

Here is a list of things that relate to submitting and writing ability / talent:

• Stop hitting delete, save all your copies so that you can compare
• Target a publisher (Go to bookstores, websites, buy books with lists, and visit http://www.bookcentre.ca/ ) It is important though that you visit the publishers website and read their guidelines for submissions. There is no point in sending a Paranormal Romance to a Non-fiction publisher!!!! (By following the guidelines, you show you can work as a team and are professional)
• Send your manuscript by mail, and also send a copy to yourself for proof. DO NOT OPEN IT WHEN YOU GET IT!
• Publish as much as possible (Short stories, magazines, poems, whatever you can)
• Know what makes your work stand out and is unique
• READ A LOT
• Take different courses at Ryerson and UofT
• NEVER EVER EVER write "Dear Editor" or "Dear Art Director" or whatever. Your work automatically gets chucked. Send to a name (get involved and connect with people in the industry)
• Know what you are passionate about and DO IT!
• Read frequently because publishing trends change
• Make sure your manuscript FITS with the publisher
• Editors and Agents want CLEVER and WORD PLAY
• Remember you will get better
• If you are not passionate then the work will be soulless
• Find an editor and have it professionally evaluated

There is a lot more, but I think this is a great way to get started! Look it over and have fun! Have a great weekend! :)

Hello Again

Well, yes, I will admit, it's been too long! And for those of you who have kept checking in, wondering if there will EVER be another post, here it is! So, hello again to all you bloggers! Now, yes yes shame on me, I haven't updated this for over a few weeks, and to those of you who are wondering, no I haven't been busy writing! *SHOCK!*

You see, I've been procrastinating, which is something that all writers will find themselves doing at some point or another. It's not that you don't want to write, or that you can't write...it's really that you just can't be bothered. There comes a time when you ask yourself "What's the point? It probably won't be published anyway, so why are you wasting your time trying?". And everyone is licenced to doubt themselves once and a while, but never believe the doubt. If you can't fight for what you want most in the world, then who will?

"So, what's been happening in your time of shame, Gemma?"

Well, to be honest, a lot....but nothing of great importance. I'm sending out my first few chapters to an editor this weekend (YIKES!), and though it is scary, I just have to suck it up and be brave! This is the very first step to getting my book published. Secondly, I've signed up for a writing seminar on November 20th, which should offer some help, and third....I just missed out on a big opportunity.

"What opportunity?"

Well, the well known and award winning author (Arthur Slade) came to my school, handed out free books, gave a presentation on how he went about getting published, the secrets of great writing, and what not. Every class went to the presentation.....oh, wait, EXCEPT MINE!!!!!!! The one time I get to  find out the key to success, WHOOSH, there it goes!

Sigh, but no worries, I'm going to believe in myself and do my very best. And no matter how much I don't think this will work, I'm not going to care, I'm going to do it anyway. So Gemma's back!

Hello again blog.
Hello again computer.
Hello again writing.
Hello again.....