Achievements and Creativity

This week I’ve been thinking about achievements and what they mean in the grand scheme of my life. Pretty deep, huh? *g* What started me thinking was the act of clicking the send button on my manuscript, ‘Dangerous Exposure’, which has now arrived in the inbox of an editor on the other side of the world. Amongst all the angst of, ‘What if she really, really likes it?’, or ‘What if she really, really hates it, and tells me to take up knitting?’, I finally found peace. It’s out of my hands now.

Whether the editor likes my work or hates it, there’s nothing more I can say or do. And I’m okay with it. Because I did what I set out to do. I kept my butt in my office chair for months and months writing the first draft, and then months after that editing and polishing it. I finished a whole book, dammit, and that’s something that so many wanna-be writers never achieve because they give up. And then I pushed myself that last bit further—sending my words out into the world, quite possibly to be rejected and sent home again. But that’s also okay. Because I took that last step into the scary unknown, and tried.

My mum used to say to me, “Just do your best, that’s all anyone can ask of you.” Of course, I constantly ask more of myself. Like many people, I have a horrible little demanding voice inside that says ‘You’re best’s not good enough, you have to be perfect, and more than that—you have to get it right the first time!’ Nasty little imp, that inner voice of mine. About time I trapped her under my thumb and squished her.

I’m learning that art is not meant to be perfect, because it doesn’t spring from perfect people, it comes from within us, and we as humans are inherently flawed. This makes art and creativity, in whatever form we choose to express ourselves, so precious. We’re all different and what I judge not good enough, will touch someone else in ways that I would find amazing.

So I’m quietly confident that I have achieved something this past year. I may not be published, and I may not get published anytime soon, but I’m doing something I love to do. And I’m doing the best I can, Mum, so I hope you’re smiling proudly from heaven. 

Tracey

What I’m reading this week: Hot Zone – Catherine Mann. Loved this book, full of action and a emotionally wounded (but oh-so-hot) Pararescueman.

What I’m watching this week: Chocolat. Starring Johnny Depp and Juliette Binoche melt the screen with their chemistry.

This week’s favorite quote: “If you look for perfection, you'll never be content.” ― Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina.

Hot guy of the week: Johnny Depp. Johnny in Willie Wonka = *shudder*. Johnny in Chocolat? Mmmm, let me spoon him up…

Friday I-Wish-I-Were-There (Vancouver, Canada)

Welcome to my Friday I-Wish-I-Were-There Blog.

Today I’m heading north to the city of Vancouver. Although when we visited this area we were dogged by cold, wet weather (which was understandable since it was winter) I would still love to go back and spend more time here. The scenery, even when besieged by rain, was still incredibly beautiful.

Highlights:
Sea to Sky Highway. We drove along this highway and spent a night in the outdoorsy town of Squamish. This highway claims to be one of the most beautiful in the world and I don’t doubt that if the rain and mist had lifted higher, this would be true. The next day we continued on to Whistler, but only drove through the town (and on one memorable occasion got spectacularly lost and drove off road across a non-plowed mush of ice and slush into a cross-country ski-lesson – don’t ask!) as there was no parking and it was raining pretty steadily.

Shannon Falls. Just off the Sea to Sky Highway is a free to see waterfall. The falls were impressive (probably helped by all the rain we’ve been having) and cascaded down from a massive rocky cliff, falling into a rapidly moving river surrounded by tall fir trees and forest. Posing by the waterfall I noticed an old guy with an 'All-Blacks’ tee-shirt on (New Zealand’s national rugby team) and I said to him as he walked past, "Are you a fellow kiwi?". The man chuckled and replied in a Canadian accent, “No, I wear this to annoy all the Australian’s that live up in Whistler.” What a crack up. I loved this guy!

Views of Vancouver from Cypress Mountain. Just spectacular. Not so impressed with the Cypress mountain ski area as after going all the way up there, you couldn’t get anywhere near the snow without having to fork out big bucks and the waiting lines to tube on the slops were not worth the dollars involved for the scant amount of time you got.

Capilano Suspension Bridge park. The park was beautiful and had some stunningly tall Douglas firs that had tree-walk bridges slung between them which were fun – and an interesting perspective being so high up amongst the trees and looking down. The suspension bridge itself had a 150 metre span,  was 80 metres above the raging river below and swayed so much as you hit the centre of it, that it was a wonder I made it over twice – well, okay, I had to make it over twice as there was only one way to get back to the car! There was also a cliff walk, which was like a theatre catwalk (narrow planks and handrails) had to walking right over another huge drop to the river below – but luckily it didn’t sway at all, so I was quite happy looking at the wonderful views.

Maple Leaves. One of my favorite things in Canada is these huge leaves. I love these two photos of my daughter, Kate, taken four years apart. Isn’t she gorgeous?!

Unfortunately we didn’t get to do much else in Vancouver and will have to add it to our Bucket list for another time.

Tracey.

Some Wednesday Giggles.

Today I need a laugh. So here are a few things collated from the internet that always give me a giggle.

And I confess this last one is particularly apt – as I couldn’t think of a single thing to blog about today!

Smiling yet? I hope so! Have a great day.

Tracey


What I’m reading this week: Oxygen by Randy Ingermanson & John B. Olson. Randy’s coming to the RWNZ Conference in 8 days – can’t wait to attend his one day workshop!

What I’m watching this week: Grey’s Anatomy, season 8. McDreamy and McSteamy are back! Yay!

This week’s favorite quote: People have writer’s block not because they can’t write, but because they despair of writing eloquently. Anna Quindlen.

Hot guy of the week: Has to be McDreamy for me. Sorry McSteamy fans.

Friday I-Wish-I-Were-There (Singapore)

Welcome to my Friday I-Wish-I-Were-There Blog.

Today I’m off to Singapore—just the name conjures up images of exotic flowers, heat and tuk-tuks in my head.

Highlights:

The Botanical Gardens. The hothouses were absolutely incredible. Everything was green and lush, and with eye-popping colors. Fabulous—especially for someone like me who can’t even keep a pot plant alive.

Orchard Road Shopping. Mall after mall after mall. So many shops, but there were pushy sales assistants in a lot of them, trying to get you to buy, buy, buy. But bartering is fun – I was like, ‘Hah!’ when I bartered with an old Chinese lady and got a souvenir mug down from $6.50 to $5.90 – go me!

Thian Hock Keng Temple. The oldest temple in Singapore and very beautiful. 

Sentosa Island. We took the cable car which was really, really high above the water (not that I’m scared of heights or anything…) and on the island I was brave enough to hold a lovely, buttery yellow albino python. My husband thought the python was neither buttery or lovely, and nearly keeled over in terrified revulsion—I mean, he opted not to touch the snake as he was taking photos…

Raffles Hotel. I think it’s mandatory to visit the famous Raffles hotel, drink a Singapore Sling, and toss a few peanut shells onto the wooden floor...Luckily the Singapore Sling came with a tour we were doing as there was no way I was going to pay $18 for another. A Singapore Sling is comprised of gin, cherry brandy, pineapple juice, lime juice, Cointreau, Dom Benedictine, Grenadine, a dash of Angostura Bitters, and is garnished with a slice of fresh pineapple and a cherry—in case you want to save yourself eighteen bucks. I have to say Raffles did have an old-world elegance about it, a very tropical Bogart movie type thing.

Chinatown and Little India. Colorful and cheaply cheerful. Some things to make you go, ‘OMG, really?’ but a fascinating place regardless.

People. Singaporeans are very friendly and smile lovely white smiles at you, but many of them just have no idea what you're trying to ask, and when they do reply they talk with a strong accent and very, very fast! Needless to say, we got lost a couple of times following directions.

Singapore really was a fascinating city to explore, with many different cultures and customs, and a vibrant energy purely its own.

Tracey

Of Vampires and Pirates...

This week I attended an author talk with Charlaine Harris, author of the Sookie Stackhouse/vampire books – or more commonly known as ‘The True Blood books’, since the TV show of same name became hugely popular. While I’ve never watched an episode of True Blood, I have read a couple of Charlaine’s books in another series and the first Sookie Stackhouse novel (the rest are in my massive to-be-read pile). And anyway, how often does a NYT best-selling author come to little old Wellington, New Zealand? So me and two of my writer friends jumped at the opportunity to hear her talk.

Charlaine was a most entertaining and approachable speaker, and at the risk of sounding trite, she had a gorgeous Southern accent that I could’ve listened to for hours. I had a private wager with myself how long it would take a member of the audience to ask that all-time favorite author question, “So where do you get your ideas?” It didn’t take long. But instead of clawing at her cheeks or rolling her eyes, Charlaine answered most graciously. And more eloquently than what my reply would’ve been: “Er. I dunno.”

The funniest part of the talk for me, and be aware I have a dark sense of humor, was when a member of the audience asked Charlaine a question about her latest book, ‘Deadlocked’ and in the process, dropped in a massive plot spoiler. There was an ominous rumble through the audience, followed by howls of outrage. Classic doh! Moment. Whoops! Fortunately I have the memory of a goldfish, and approximately ten more Sookie books to read before I hit ‘Deadlocked’, so I wasn’t overly perturbed by the woman’s lack of foresight.

After Charlaine’s talk there was a book signing opportunity and the queue that goes with a NYT best-selling author. My writer friends and I were discussing romance books, and a young lady in front of us kept interrupting our conversation—which was fine, writers are on the whole voracious readers and love discussing books. She was also interested to hear we were all members of the Romance Writers of New Zealand and were working on our own books. However, the temperature of our little chat got suddenly frosty when she mentioned how she frequently downloaded big name author’s ‘free’ e-books (on some sites which I won’t repeat) when she couldn’t afford to buy them. One of my friends sharply pointed out, “That’s piracy and you’re ripping off authors.” I stood open-mouthed in outrage (and wishing my brain worked faster so I could’ve come up with that gem first).

I’m a reader, and also a writer, but even knowing firsthand the years of blood, sweat and the often little monetary remuneration that go into producing a book, (especially a first book) not being a writer is a weak excuse for ignorance. Anyone with enough brain cells to read a 90,000 word novel can comprehend that it took effort to create. Effort that deserves respect and payment for the privilege of reading that work. And just because the author is earning big bucks as a NYT bestseller, that author still has to keep her butt in the chair working for hours and hours to produce the goods. It’s one thing to snag a freebie read off a writer’s official website or take advantage of an advertising ploy of a free read on Amazon, it’s totally different to patronize an obvious pirate site.

So people who pirate, don’t say how you LOVE this author and ADORE that author, show your loyalty by paying them for the hours of pleasure they provide.

Hopping down from my soapbox now! Have a great week. :0)

Tracey.

What I’m reading this week: Cutting Loose – Susan Anderson. First time I’ve encountered a redheaded hero since Diana Gabaldon’s Jamie Fraser…!

What I’m watching this week: Rambo. A young Sylvester Stallone? Mmmm, tasty.

This week’s favorite quote: “There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.” – Ernest Hemmingway.

Hot guy of the week: Joe Magliano from True Blood.

Friday I-Wish-I-Were-There (Chicago)

Welcome to my Friday I-Wish-I-Were-There Blog.

Today I going back to one of the most vibrant and high-octane cities I’ve visited in the States: Chicago.

Highlights:
Sears Tower. Okay, it’s called the Willis Tower now, but we still thought of it as the Sears Tower. The views from the top were amazing and we were totally brave enough to step on the clear platforms that jutted out from the side of the building. It was a looong way down, but as I said, we’re brave.

The trains. We enjoyed our 45 minute ride from the hotel to the centre of Chicago. Riding on the public transport in any city is fun— t’s a chance to see what the ‘real world’ looks like.

The EL. Or ‘Elevated Train’—yeah, we felt cool saying, “Let’s go catch the EL”, like we weren’t’ obvious tourists or anything… We still enjoyed the ride, and the views of downtown Chicago.

Navy Pier. Navy pier had some great market type shops, and on a glorious Saturday afternoon (when we visited) it was packed with tourists and families enjoying the sunshine. The ferris wheel gave us some incredible views of the city waterfront, but man, having to have the obligatory family photo (to tempt you to buy mega-expensive portraits later) before you get on, is a pain in the butt. So to exact pacifist revenge, I took a shot of the camera girl. Hah!

Chicago Hotdogs. Mmmmm. Nuff said.

The Bean. A really cool sculpture! One of many in Chicago. Had to get our photo with American Gothic statues in Michigan Avenue.

The people. We found the locals friendly and helpful. When we looked lost stepping off a train, a lovely elderly lady approached us and gave us directions. Then at a MTA station when we couldn’t contact our hotel for the free shuttle, a young lady let us use her cellphone to ring them. People are the best part of travelling!

Getting Hitched. Guess it's a great place for weddings too - we saw heaps of gorgeous brides and grooms!

Unfortunately we only had one full day in this amazing city. Next time we’ll stay longer!

Tracey

Why Olympian Athletes are HOT!

Go New Zealand, go! 
While I am not a sports-fan—and heavy on the not—it’s hard not to love the Olympics.


Aside from all the national pride, competitive spirit and yadda, yadda, yadda, there are some seriously hot men in tight, lycra clothing parading around doing manly, sporty things like throwing stuff, hitting stuff, and swimming through stuff. And did I mention the super-clingy lycra garments? And not only do we get to see some of our own fine looking men compete, but the Olympics allow us to ogle fine looking men from over 200 countries. 200 different nationalities of healthy, hot male bodies to peruse! It’s like Christmas on your TV screens, but with lycra and six packs and rippling biceps and—okay. Now I need one of those electrode restoring energy drinks.


So why are Olympic athletes so appealing? Aside from the obvious attraction (see previous rant about hot bodies), for me it’s their single-minded determination to be the best. These guys are totally focused on the Gold. They train and sweat and train and suffer for their shot of even making the Olympic team. They are 100% dedicated to their chosen sport. I admire that kind of passion. And it’s as sexy as hell.


While I’ve never read a romance book with a hero who’s training for the Olympics, I imagine it’d be a hard sell, because let’s face it—these athletes are deadly serious about Going for Gold, and I want the heroine to be smack in the middle of the hero’s focus. I want the two of them hot and bothered with each other, not him hot and bothered as he sprints around the track for the umpteenth time at 5am in the morning, or sets off on another rowing session leaving him not enough energy to even utter the word ‘sex’ let alone participate in a wild frolic on the kitchen counter.

So I’ll have to be content with my imagination and the footage of all those manly men in lycra strutting across my big screen TV. Oh. And one last request to the Olympic organizers…Please go back to the ancient tradition of having male Olympic athletes compete au-natural. You’ll find a lot more non-sports-fans like me tuning in...


Tracey


What I’m reading this week: The Sweetest Thing – Jill Shalvis. The hero of which has a few gold medals from his sailing days. Hot stuff!


What I’m watching this week: The 2012 Olympics! Go Kiwis!


This week’s favorite quote: "You miss 100 percent of all the shots you never take." --Wayne Gretzky, former Olympic hockey player.


Hot guy of the week: Darryl Fitzgerald, part of New Zealand’s Olympic Canoe/Kayak team and wow. Doesn’t he look goooood in black?