Laura's Look

Currently on www.laurahware.com & a question:

2011-07-10T21:23:00.000-04:00

I'm posting about my current trip to Guyana, South America. Check it out!

To be honest, I'm not sure what to do with Laura's Look. I'm finding it hard enough to keep up with one blog, much less two. Any suggestions? Should this one go dark? Or is there a way to juggle two blogs? Let me know what you think!

Happy Thanksgiivng!!

2010-11-25T14:09:00.000-05:00

To all my readers, family, and friends, Happy Thanksgiving!

A change or two...

2010-06-03T20:45:00.002-04:00

I'm going to be using this blog more for personal fun stuff. My writing stuff is going to a new blog, found at http://www.laurahware.com/. I hope to see you there!

Why is it so hard to blog?

2010-04-17T15:30:00.000-04:00

I know I need to work on updating this blog more regularly. Am I the only one who has a problem remembering about this?

I want to keep up a blog, though I may switch addresses in the near future. What do you want to see on this blog? Anything you want to chat about? Drop me a comment!

Writing summary for January

2010-02-01T13:48:00.000-05:00

So, looking back over the month, in January I wrote 8,207 words. That's not a lot, but Januarys tend to be light on word count for me. I tend to catch up with the program as the year progresses.

A good portion of those words went into my wip (work in progress). I've been working on a couple of short stories that I will finish in February. One is for a workshop, and both will be done and hopefully in the mail by the end of the month.

I finished James Scott Bell's BREACH of PROMISE (which was a hard book to read emotionally but good nonetheless). My stuff to read stack is very high but I admit that Stephen King's UNDER THE DOME seems to be calling my name the loudest at the moment.

Have a bunch of short stories to turn around and some decisions to make on a couple of novels that I need to send out.

Looking forward to going to Oregon later this month for 2 workshops. Lots of old and new friends to spend time with and a great opportunity to listen to great writers. Good stuff.

So here's hoping for a lot of new words written and new books read to talk about on March 1st. Have a good one, everybody.

Back to normal (or whatever passes for normal around here...)

2010-01-18T22:37:00.000-05:00

Well, James is back at school, and things are settling down to a semi-normal schedule around here.

After dealing with medication issues and adjustments I'm finally getting back on an even keel. I managed to pull up my wip (work in progress) and add some words to it for the first time in a week or so. I'm about at my normal speed (647 words in 1/2 hour - 600 in a half hour is fairly normal for me) and it didn't feel as if I was having to drag the words from my brain to my fingers.

So, things are hopefully looking up when it comes to my writing and other things. Tomorrow I leave with Don to go to a medical conference in St. Petersburg. He'll sit in lectures, I'll walk on the beach and write in the hotel room. Yeah, rough week.

17 Movies I Can Watch Over and Over...

2010-01-09T21:32:00.000-05:00

I got this idea from a post by Dayton Ward, who got it from here on EW.com. After reading the choices others have made, I decided to submit my own.

These are not in any order, nor are they necessarily the greatest movies of all time. Just the ones I enjoy returning to time and again.

(I am leaving out the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Star Trek movies (though the latest one was surprisingly good), and the Star Wars movies. While I admit there are six of them out there, I insist that Han shot first, Special Edition or not).

So, grab some popcorn, and here we go:

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981): I'll admit I want to add Last Crusade as well, because it's THAT good. But Raiders was first, and it's still a lot of fun.
Freaky Friday (2003): Before Lindsey Lohan became a public train wreck, she did this film with Jamie Lee Curtis. I was amazed when I first saw it - I'd expected to be entertained, and I wound up being moved. I still choke up near the end.
Die Hard (1988): I agree with Dayton Ward and EW on this one. This is a fun movie to watch. From a writer's perspective, it's a lesson in storytelling. Bruce Willis and Alan Rickman stand out in a good cast.
A Few Good Men (1992): The courtroom confrontation between Jack Nickleson and Tom Cruise alone is worth the price of admission in this one. Whenever I spot it on TNT, I almost always have to stop what I'm doing to watch it. Even if you don't like Tom Cruise, you should check out this film.
Terminator 2: Judgement Day: I love time travel stories in general, and this one is amazing. The first one sets up the premise, but in my opinion this sequel surpasses the original and is far and away the best of the series.
Jurassic Park (1993): Breathtaking in its time, and a fun ride even today. The first look of the dinosaurs was jaw-dropping, and the thrills kept a'coming.
The Princess Diaries (2001) and The Princess Diaries 2 (2004): Something about these films is so charming and engaging I can watch them over and over again. They led me to Meg Cabot's excellent books (And if you ever get the chance you should listen to her talk about the whole book to movie thing, because it will have you laughing out loud).
Apollo 13 (1995): Even knowing how it turns out, you are caught up in the suspense of this well made film. Tom Hanks and company do an outstanding job of telling this tale.
It's a Wonderful Life (1946): The tale of a man who questions his life at a critical moment affirms the value of ordinary people who touch the life of others. We may never know how we affect those around us, and this film reminds us that we do.
Beauty and the Beast (1991): It was cheated in the Oscars (I don't care what anyone says, it should have won Best Picture that year). Visually gorgeous, its telling of the fairy tale is enchanting.
Chariots of Fire (1981): And we follow with one that Oscar got right. The story of two runners who participate in the 1924 Olympics is profound. Ben Cross and Ian Charleson portray their characters with depth and complexity. And the music is awesome.
The Prestige (2006): This is a movie you HAVE to watch more than once - the second time to catch all the clues you missed the first go round. Very different from the book, but excellent - you will be tossed curve ball after curve ball, and kept guessing right to the end.
1776 (1972): A delightful musical that takes a humorous look at the founding the the United States. Lots of funny lines, great singing, and while it takes some liberties from the facts it's so much fun you don't care.
Lilo and Stitch (2002): A funny tale of what a family is and full of laughter. Stitch is a riot. Elvis Presley fans will get a kick out of the music.
The Emperor's New Groove (2000): The story of a bratty ruler who gets turned into a llama and must rely on the peasant he's threatening to evict from his land. A hysterical buddy movie. And who doesn't love Kronk?
The Incredibles (2004): So what if there were superheroes and they got sued out of their jobs? This film answers this question with a lot of laughs and some funny takes on some of its components.
Miss Congeniality (2000): Sandra Bullock stars as a tough FBI gal who must go undercover as a beauty pageant contestant. William Shatner is hysterical as the pageant's MC and the rest of the cast is delightful as well.

Of course, you may not agree. What would you choose?

Writing in 2009 and looking to 2010

2010-01-09T19:53:00.000-05:00

As I look over my records for 2009 I find myself pleased with my results even though I fell short of my goals.

One thing to consider last year was that a number of major things occured on the personal front. My oldest son, John, graduated Magna Cum Laude from Freed Hardeman University and was married the following month. I've had issues with medication which led to problems at the end of 2009 I am just now recovering from. Don and I still care for his parents in our home, and we've had people moving in and out for various periods of time.

So, how'd I do in 2009?

My total word count (new fiction) for 2009 was 172, 810. While this fell short of the 200k I aimed for it was still more than the previous year.
I wrote 11 short stories, same as last year.
I finished one novel and started another one.
I did participate in Nanowrimo, but failed to hit 50,000 words.
I kept up with my weekly column in the Highlands County News Sun despite all the personal stuff. I consider that a victory.
I wrote at least 500 words/day for 147 days straight.

Would I have liked to have done more? Sure. Did I sell anything? Nope. Some of that's not in my control, but I could (and should) be sending out my manuscripts in a more timely fashion. A quote of Issac Asimov is appropriate here: "You must keep sending work out; you must never let a manuscript do nothing but eat its head off in a drawer."

So, what do I want to accomplish on the writing front in 2010? Here are my goals. Notice that selling something isn't a goal, because I can't MAKE anyone buy something. But these goals should increase my odds...

200,000 new fiction words for the year. I was close in 2009 - I think I can do it.
20 short stories for the year. Almost double my output from 2008 and 2009.
I'd like to beat my writing streak of 147 days.
Get everything out in the mail some way, some how. The goal is to get this done by the end of February. Once everything is out, turn things around within 48 hours.
Finish my current novel and complete a second novel.
Participate in Nano and succeed this year.
Keep up with this blog at least once a week.
Continue to improve the column. Also, put together a collection of past columns and try to sell it.

Those are my goals for 2010. Will I succeed? We'll see when we come to 2011!

Tap tap is this still on?

2010-01-09T18:59:00.002-05:00

Hey, yeah, it's me.

I know I haven't done much with the blog for months. I'd go into the reasons but they'd probably bore you to tears and who wants that?

I WILL tell you that I plan to revisit this blog, and post at least once a week on it. There will be news, quips, things that catch my fancy, etc. You're welcome to join into the conversation, such as it is.

I have a couple of things to share, and they will be the next two posts. After that, we'll see.

Any questions or topic suggestions? Let me know!

2010-01-09T13:42:00.001-05:00

Happy 27th anniversary to Don, my loving, patient, and amazing husband. I love you, sweetheart!

2010-01-08T15:16:00.001-05:00

"The road to hell is paved with adverbs."
- Stephen King

2010-01-08T15:15:00.001-05:00

A couple of Hershey's dark chocolate miniatures are very helpful to one's mood.

2010-01-08T13:58:00.001-05:00

Treating myself to watching Peter Jackson's "The Fellowship of the Ring." Might even get to "The Two Towers" today.

2010-01-06T11:59:00.001-05:00

At church building creating bulletin board and poster for upcoming Ladies' Day. Need coffee

2010-01-03T12:34:00.001-05:00

My column this week: thoughts about the attempted terrorist attack on Christmas day: http://ping.fm/W0KS4

2009-12-30T22:31:00.001-05:00

Rush Limbaugh rushed to hospital - even if you don't like his views, wish him the best: http://ping.fm/zAqhG

2009-12-28T14:30:00.001-05:00

The cake is a lie. (Let's see how many people get this).

2009-12-27T18:20:00.001-05:00

Neck spasms. Migraine. Bleah.

2009-12-27T10:19:00.001-05:00

My column this week: a warped look at 2009. NewsSun.com
http://ping.fm/3aTku

2009-12-26T16:47:00.001-05:00

Vegging out today...just need a mind and brain reboot...

2009-12-25T13:41:00.001-05:00

For the 1st time in years, Don is on call for Christmas. If you need a doctor today, thank him and his family for being available!

2009-12-25T12:49:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to everyone out there in Internet-land!

2009-12-22T22:13:00.001-05:00

Test from my phone....

2009-12-21T15:13:00.001-05:00

Doing research on publishers for 3 books I've finished. Lots of homework.

2009-12-20T08:59:00.001-05:00

My column is online - why I spent over 12 hours in a car last week: http://ping.fm/hH6BZ

2009-12-19T19:02:00.001-05:00

Taking a deep breath before unburying corner of my desk...oooh, bright shiny...

2009-12-19T15:10:00.001-05:00

Just saw Avatar. Excellent!

2009-12-18T17:03:00.001-05:00

Spending good part of day napping - yesterday more draining than I thought.

2009-12-17T11:49:00.001-05:00

Heading to Valdosta, GA to meet up with James and his buddy. James will then drive us back home (central FL). Long day.

2009-12-16T15:14:00.001-05:00

Just a question as I ponder my column for Sunday - what does Christmas mean to you?

2009-12-14T18:23:00.001-05:00

Very stressed. Need takeout, a hot fudge sundae, and a game that will let me blow stuff up!

2009-12-14T17:19:00.001-05:00

My appointment was 4:15. It's now 5:18. I understand why, but doesn't mean I like it.

2009-12-13T20:01:00.001-05:00

Dwarven boat captain stomped into my wip and belllowed, "I'm in this story, girl!" Not going to argue....

2009-12-13T16:01:00.001-05:00

Trying to tell hubby that a router upgrade isn't an industry scheme to get more $ from him. It's not, right?

2009-12-13T08:32:00.001-05:00

My column is online - how Don and I spent last weekend: http://ping.fm/OGpBh

2009-12-13T00:03:00.001-05:00

Got you, daily wordcount! You thought you escaped my tapping fingers, but you're written and saved. So there!

2009-12-12T21:19:00.001-05:00

Ever have one of those days you didn't feel like doing much of anything?

2009-12-11T16:57:00.001-05:00

Hmm...I think I left my phone charger in Don's car by mistake.

2009-12-09T22:30:00.001-05:00

Argh...must get fingers on keys and start typing writing stuff...

2009-12-08T16:02:00.001-05:00

Local Fye store going out of business. Picked up Bones Season 4 DVDs for under $50. Sorry about closing, happy about deal.

2009-12-08T14:42:00.001-05:00

Traffic jam at the bank's drivethru...

2009-12-08T13:48:00.001-05:00

Lost season 5 now streaming on Netflix! *happy dance*

2009-12-08T12:52:00.001-05:00

Slept way longer than intended - price of travel. Knocked out first words of day, now taking a break before running errands.

2009-12-07T18:33:00.001-05:00

Hi Florida! We're back, did you miss us?

2009-12-07T15:33:00.001-05:00

Mrs. Fields' chewy chocolate fudge cookies - effective mood elevator.

2009-12-07T12:47:00.001-05:00

Note to self: Nashville airport does not have free. Wifi. Definitely need a mood elevator....

2009-12-07T10:25:00.001-05:00

On way to Nashville airport after great visit with kids.

2009-12-06T09:38:00.001-05:00

My column is online. Some thoughts on compassion:
http://ping.fm/KkBmB

2009-12-05T18:39:00.001-05:00

Fun day. Don and I played pool with James and his friend Laura for a bit. Now Don and I headed back to John and Amanda's.

2009-12-04T19:33:00.001-05:00

Attending the FHU Advisory Board Benefit Dinner with Don Gov. Mike Huckabee scheduled to speak later tonight.

2009-12-04T16:33:00.001-05:00

Mystified at why email suddenly won't send. College IT guys on phone were hysterical, though.

2009-12-04T12:58:00.001-05:00

1,449 words in 1.4 hours. Not bad.

2009-12-03T22:53:00.001-05:00

Watching Firefly with John and Amanda. James back at dorm. I'm happy after hugging all three.

2009-12-03T18:42:00.001-05:00

Just passed a great sign: "God sent you a text - read it."

2009-12-03T15:07:00.001-05:00

Good news: landed safely in Nashville. Bad news: it's 38 degrees here! Hope bag with jacket got here too.....

2009-12-03T12:53:00.001-05:00

Dear world: I am very tired and very cranky. You have been warned.

2009-12-03T11:54:00.001-05:00

Sitting on plane in Charlotte, waiting for a gate to clear out.....

2009-12-03T09:42:00.001-05:00

Ha! Even sleepy I operate the check-in kiosk faster than Don.

2009-12-03T07:03:00.001-05:00

On way to Tampa airport. Good thing Don is driving because I've had almost no sleep due to getting ready for trip.

2009-12-02T13:14:00.001-05:00

Trying to finish up stuff before leaving tomorrow to visit sons in TN. Pre-trip panic is engaged...

2009-11-29T16:54:00.001-05:00

Anyone know why ABC doesn't have the first 9 eps of season 5 lost available on their website?

2009-11-29T16:26:00.001-05:00

My column is online - all you wanted to know about turkey pardons but were afraid to ask: http://ping.fm/7IKT6

2009-11-29T16:18:00.001-05:00

Virus reduced brain to iguana level...trying to get enough power to noggin to at least TRY to write...

2009-11-29T11:10:00.001-05:00

I know Christians are called to share, but that didn't mean I wanted someone to give me a cold!

2009-11-26T14:20:00.003-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

2009-11-26T14:20:00.001-05:00

Crocheting & watching Season 4 "Lost" while waiting for turkey to cook.

2009-11-25T23:04:00.001-05:00

*Throws out net to capture scattered thoughts*

2009-11-25T16:33:00.001-05:00

Some days, you just don't feel like being a grownup...

2009-11-24T21:28:00.001-05:00

Zzzzzzz....

2009-11-24T12:37:00.001-05:00

Dear Internet: I'm not trying to ignore you. Really. I'm just terribly behind in my work.

2009-11-24T12:16:00.001-05:00

What's worse than needing sleep meds? Needing them and not taking them. Anyone got any spare caffiene?

2009-11-22T15:31:00.001-05:00

My column this week - a friend's email gave me some funny musings - http://ping.fm/Tn3gM

2009-11-22T13:07:00.001-05:00

Nap calling loudly and insistently

2009-11-19T14:33:00.001-05:00

One fun thing about busy week: while Dad-in-law is in respite care Mom-in-law says we need to check out eating places in county. Fun stuff.

2009-11-18T21:18:00.001-05:00

Feel like taking a break and doing something fun...

2009-11-18T15:22:00.001-05:00

Just saw the video snippets they have of the Fox TV website for Bones - can't wait for this ep!
http://ping.fm/X95hi

2009-11-18T15:01:00.001-05:00

At eye doctor with mom-in-law - they have wireless internet access! Stuff to do while they examine Mom!

2009-11-18T12:00:00.001-05:00

In the past couple of days writing has taken a back seat to family needs. Sometimes life is like that.

2009-11-16T13:44:00.001-05:00

Getting ready 2 accompany father-in-law 2 nursing home where he'll b for 5 days of respite care. Why'd I think I'd get work done b4 then?

2009-11-16T13:06:00.001-05:00

Woot! "Casablanca" is on Netflix instant viewing!

2009-11-15T17:00:00.001-05:00

One of Don's uncles is paying a surprise visit. He'll have to take the house as it is at the moment.

2009-11-15T13:13:00.001-05:00

My column is online - gym class memories to ponder...http://ping.fm/je1T5

2009-11-14T22:26:00.001-05:00

Almost 2k words done today. Nano project at nearly 13k - not that I'm behind or anything like that...

2009-11-12T18:00:00.001-05:00

Worried about the world ending in 2012? This website might make you feel better (Thanks J. Steven York for pointing me to this): http://ping.fm/7QyDf

2009-11-12T14:27:00.001-05:00

Maybe it's the dreary weather but I want to curl up next to a fire with a good book and a mocha latte.

2009-11-11T23:39:00.001-05:00

FINALLY got column written. Now, bed or goofing around?

2009-11-11T15:45:00.001-05:00

I hate it when I sit down to write something and my brain freezes up.

2009-11-11T14:41:00.001-05:00

Thank you to the men and women in uniform who served and/or continue to serve their country. We owe you.

2009-11-09T20:02:00.001-05:00

If you're doing Nanowrimo this year, so am I! My handle is bookwormlady and I'm already behind in my words!

2009-11-02T16:50:00.001-05:00

Getting hair done first time in AGES. Feels good.

2009-10-31T19:48:00.001-04:00

Hey everyone - remember to set your clocks back 1 hour before going to bed tonight!

2009-10-30T16:59:00.001-04:00

Just read on Twitter that "Mythbusters" is reairing their "Balloon child" myth on Wednesday at 10 pm. That didn't take long...

2009-10-30T16:27:00.001-04:00

Playing Scrabble on Facebook with James...after outpatient procedure this morning, hoping brain still works...

2009-10-27T16:51:00.001-04:00

Got hold of Left 4 Dead 2 demo. Going home to check it out. Why are y'all looking at me funny?

2009-10-24T11:24:00.001-04:00

Doing a bad imitation of an awake person at the moment...

2009-10-23T21:41:00.001-04:00

*Looks at large number of unfinished short stories on laptop with dismay* Bad writer! No cookie!

2009-10-21T22:18:00.001-04:00

Ugh. Migraine. Column done, time for soothing bath and bed.

2009-10-21T16:51:00.001-04:00

Working on getting manuscripts out. Also have a column to write...

2009-10-20T19:38:00.001-04:00

Going out for a late dinner with Don.

2009-10-19T14:07:00.001-04:00

Running errands and the like. When I get home, fiction writing & planning Ladies Bible Class lesson waiting.