Happy Friday everyone. Please be sure to visit the Scribes today. Julia Rachel Barrett (one of my favorite people) is my guest today! She’s sharing how she became a writer and the cover of her new ghost story In the Flesh.
Autumn is one of my favorite times of the year. Being a native New Englander, I love the change in seasons and watching the leaves turn to lovely shades of yellow, orange, and red. Granted, Fall has been more muted this year due to all the wild weather, but I’ve still been enjoying it.
This past weekend, my family attended a pumpkin carving party at a friend’s house. We had a blast! The kids, my hubby and friends carved awesome designs. We ate pizza, cupcakes, and cozied up on the couch watching The Nightmare Before Christmas.
We had the inevitable debate – is it a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie?
Halloween is that one last holiday before the crazy “holiday” season begins. Before the madness…
And then November arrives. For writers – November is NaNo WriMo. I participated in 2010. The book I wrote was Mystic Ink.
Little did I know last year that I was writing the first book I would sell. Ironically, because I sold the book and I have edits due, I don’t know if I can participate in NaNo this year. I’m still preparing, but I’m hesitant to commit.
Who’d a thunk it? (Besides Susannah Hardy – who knew from the start that I’d sell Mystic Ink!)
Life is pretty funny.
How has your life changed since Autumn 2010? Feel free to share, the good, the bad, the mundane.
And is “Nightmare” a Christmas movie or a Halloween flick?
Casey Wyatt 
My husband loves Nightmare before Christmas…. And i think it’s more of a Halloween flick personally. I started my first book last Autumn. So I guess, this is my one year anniversary of writing. 🙂
Congrats Joy! That is a great one year anniversary!
How has my life NOT changed might be easier. Last year at this time I was still querying, pitching and getting rejected. Now I’m a published author with a second book coming out in about six weeks. Life can change on a dime they say. Truer words have not been spoken:-)
So true PJ. I can’t believe ON THIN ICE will be out in six weeks. Wow!
I love Nightmare before Christmas, and I think it can work for either holiday. 😉 How’s life changed? Well, I’ve been working on revisions for an editor, which is pretty cool. But my father is no longer with us, which–isn’t. But that’s life, I guess, huh? I wish you all the best with Mystic Ink, Casey!
JD, I’m sorry to hear about your loss. And congrats on your edits. I will be in the same boat soon and I’m excited (scared) to see what my editor has in store for me. Best of look with your book too!
And you have a great blog – I urge everyone to check it out – http://harshadpassion.wordpress.com/
We watch NbC every year too and consider it a season launcher.– just like the christmas decorations aisle in CVS Once we’ve watched Nightmare, it’s time to start thinking about Christmas shopping
Hi Kate! Thanks for stopping by. I have to admit, I miss the days when you didn’t see Christmas stuff until around (or after Thanksgiving). Our local Macy’s (no lie!) put up their Christmas display the last week of September! That is way too early for me. I get burned out on Christmas by mid-November now.
IMO, it’s a movie for all seasons.
This year vs last? Largely better, except big Sam, a Maine Coon look-alike. left us over the summer. But this time last year? My first root canal was in a few days. I’d broken a molar while on vacation, but thought I’d only broken a filling.
Oh Ronda, you know I feel your pain over losing Sam! I hope this Fall has been better and doesn’t involve any dental procedures!
I’m not a fan of Nightmare Before Christmas, but I’d categorize it as a holiday movie – it’s sort of in-between!
Isn’t it interesting? I’m so glad you have a book contract!
Yes, I think Nightmare is suitable from October through December. I’m glad I have a contract too. I hope next year we all sell many books be it traditional or indie! Thanks for stopping by and for being our guest over at the Scribes. I’m looking forward to reading IN THE FLESH.
http://wp.me/p1wdXo-rd
I love Nightmare Before Christmas and I would definitely call it a Halloween movie. In fact, one of our family traditions is that we watch it together after the kids are done trick-or-treating.
And how has life changed since Aug 2010 – let’s see, I joined RWA, plus the YA & FF &P chapters and my local chapter. I’ve entered contests, finaled once and judged them. And I just started a new YA fantasy, which is a twist on a fairy tale. So, all good!
I admit, I’m a card toting member of the Jack Skellington club! I’m glad you joined RWA (and FF&P!). You know a year ago, I didn’t belong to my local RWA chapter either. And I had just started entertaining the idea of entering contests! I wish you best of luck on your YA fantasy. Please stop by and let me know how you are doing or visit the 7 Scribes and let us know!
http://secretsof7scribes.wordpress.com/
For me NBC is a Halloween movie. How has my life changed in the last year? Well, since connecting with Casey and joining RWA and CTRWA, I finally know what it is I’m supposed to be doing with my life. That’s huge! I’ve got a completed manuscript, and 3 more partials, and a ton of ideas for future work. I have never been happier working so hard doing work that doesn’t feel like work. That last sentence was a tongue-buster, but I have a feeling most of you know what I mean. Smashing Successes for everyone in 2012!
Hugs to you! I’m so happy we all connected. My life is so much more fullfilled with all of you in it! I can’t wait to read your next book. So don’t make me wait too long. You know how impatient I can be…
Last year at this time I was feverishly trying to finish my first MS to send to a request. So, my mind was on that and ONLY on that. Now I’m trying to balance much more, writing, networking, and family. It’s difficult but not so one-sided.
Also, I think I consider it more of a Halloween movie 🙂
Have a great week Casey!!!
Hi Savannah! I’m still catching up after the power outage. I hope you had a wonderful week too.