Sticks and stones

Go ahead, start calling me names.

I accept that posting "three hot guys"  as muse avatar(s) might be considered...greedy. Selecting them for no other reason than for their very hotness may even be deemed...shallow.

It's all good. I've heard it before and I accept your name calling. Sticks and stones and all that cliched jazz.

But truth be told, I've got a lot on tap this week. Two short stories to complete, final edits on the thriller to submit, pages for my crit partner, and yeah, a whole bunch of work for the new company I started with the awesome Judith Graves. (You think I'm busy? Check this superstar out...and then head on over to our company website to see how BRIDGE might be able to help you...)

With so much on the go, it seems logical - even brilliant - to stack the odds in my favour. Jensen Ackles  (Supernatural's Dean) was my very first muse avatar. Ian Somerhalder (Damon on the Vampire Diaries) practically set a record last year with the number of times he made the cut. And Paul Wesley (Stephan, also of Vampire Diaries) is fresh...at least on this blog. (And it should be noted that while I appreciate the aesthetics, there is truly only one vamp on VD that can bite me.) 

Still trying to figure out how I'm justifying three muse avatars? Let's examine the week's projects in priority:  final edits to my "first" thriller (Jensen), a return to my ongoing paranormal/adventure/romance (Ian) and plotting/character development/first few chapters of a plethora of new projects (Stephen).

Of course these three don't cover off for the groaning WIP pile of collaboration projects and various other creative pursuits...but to add a bunch more "hot guys" muse avatars might be considered... greedy ;-)

- Dawn

Honouring the muse

My muse and I have been at war the past few weeks.

It's been tough to find inspiration while trying to claw out from the belly of confusion and sadness. Though my blog posts had been sporadic at best, I was writing...even making progress on new projects while tackling lingering unfinished pieces.

But on May 21, 2011, my creative drive came to a screeching halt when I learned of the sudden passing of my beautiful cousin, Larissa.

As the oldest on both sides of the family, I am blessed to have unique relationships with each of my cousins - and my relationship with Larissa was no different.

In Edmonton, I am isolated from my family - other than my husband and stepdaughter, my next closest relatives are in Calgary. The distance isn't far - about two hours - and yet, we are as distant as I am to the family that lives in BC, Nova Scotia, Utah, Toronto, Nevada...

Larissa lived in Reno in a small apartment with her new puppy.

But for about 6 months two years ago, she lived with me and my husband. Larissa and my friendship has always been a bit of a roller coaster, but the ride seemed so much more intense for that brief time I had with her in Edmonton. She suffered emotional and physical pain that I simply didn't understand, and despite my deepest desire to be there for her, I failed in so many ways. Opportunities I can never get back.

In truth, I've always admired Larissa. Her song voice gave me chills. I remember so clearly one of our infamous arguments after I begged her for hours to please sing for me just one more time...She'd already been through the family song book twice, and covered every radio hit. She dreamed of being on American Idol. *I* dreamed of her being there, too.

Much like the rest of my talented family, Larissa could not only sing - she was also a stunning dancer, an amazing actress, and she could work magic with a make-up brush and a curling iron. After buying a very expensive flat iron at a West Edmonton Mall kiosk one day, Larissa's smile could have lit up the night sky. I can't count how many make-overs she's given me over the years.

Larissa was passionate, and intellectual, often surprising me with political debates and action plans for causes close to her heart.

She was also a voracious reader with very discerning tastes. She devoured every novel on my numerous book shelves, and often we stayed up late discussing the story's strengths and weaknesses. She even started writing herself...

And she read everything I wrote. Even the stuff I've shared with no one else.

On Friday, I was deleting old texts when my finger hovered over a message from April 28. I'd sent Larissa a script I'd finished working on, and in her excitement - and true belief in me - she read the document in one sitting and couldn't wait  to offer her praise. Her text gushed with pride, unconditional love and support.

I don't have the words to describe the hollowness of my heart, or how much I miss my cousin, and her beautiful voice. But I will cling to that text, and dig deep for the inspiration she so often offered.

I miss you Larissa, and love you so very much.

Thor. Need I say more?

You can thank my cousin, Brandon for this week's muse avatar.

He's a super hero fanatic (and recent college grad - congrats cuz!). He's a marathon runner, a great writer (if he'd ever finish his book) and his wife Rachel is one of the most awesome people I know.

I consider them both very trustworthy.

So when Brandon commented on last week's post with "You're gonna have to get Thor up here sometime," I immediately scoured the Internet for pictures of CHRIS HEMSWORTH, the lead in Paramount's newest 3-D superhero release.

Uh, thanks cuz.

My earliest memory of "Thor" is actually from Adventures in Babysitting.

Back then I thought he was pretty cute - but, um, looking at him now, he seems a little girly. *cough*

Chris Hemsworth, on the other hand, is not.

I accomplished very little writing this weekend. My cold/flu is lingering (after like, 3 months....bad immune system) and we tackled some pretty big projects around the yard. Like a garden.

But it's Monday and I refuse to let it get the best of me. I watched Fast and the Furious before bed - adrenaline courses through my body. Now, after checking out Thor, my creative engine is revved at full throttle, no NOS required.

Enjoy the week my bloggerly friends.

- Dawn

Another aMUSEing vampire

Whether you watch Vampire Diaries because you're a fan, or simply to snag some quality time with your daughter, there's no arguing, the show employs some serious eye candy.

My harmless infatuation crush on Ian Somerhalder (Damon) is evident in many of my muse avatar posts - I'm not sure whether Ian or Kiefer Sutherland has been given the role more, but both have had repeat appearances.

Having watched two episodes of Vampire Diaries AND Lost Boys (featuring the vamped-out and super hot Kiefer Sutherland) this weekend, I'm shocking even myself by giving the role to another "bad-ass"vamp.

Joseph Morgan - aka, the awesome and uber sexy Klaus on Vampire Diaries.


Looks aside, I love the way Klaus' character is developing on the show. He's an "original" vampire, meaning he has a crap load of power. Yummy. But he's also a charmer, a seducer, and a freaking good actor. And he has his eyes firmly on the prize.

Which makes him the perfect avatar muse for this week.

Deadlines looming, so much to do, yadda yadda yadda. It's the same old song and dance and I'm sure you're bored of reading about it. Hell, I'm bored of writing about it.

So I'm going to focus instead on the prize. Celebrate accomplishment. Meet deadlines. Etcetera...

And maybe steal a couple of glances at Klaus.

- Dawn

Bringing back the Muse

It's been forever since I've posted a muse avatar. Some of you haven't forgiven me - and I have a feeling this picture of Kiefer Sutherland / Jack Bauer won't win back your love, either.

I know, he's kind of an acquired taste.

But it's my blog and I'll upload him if I want to, upload him if I want to...

Whoops. Sorry about that. I've got about 25 songs wormed into my brain after a marathon script writing session with the awesome Judith Graves.

Despite the lack of muse avatar, I have been writing. Lots, actually. With more than 10 projects on the go - yes, 10 - there's always something for me to do. And, yes mom, I do know, that taking on too many projects often lends itself to failure.

Unless you have Kiefer Sutherland in your back pocket - which I do.

As Jack Bauer, Kiefer is bad ass. He doesn't take crap - from anyone. He's focussed. Annoyed by stupid, petty people, and infamous for pissing people off in his wake. But at the end of the 24-hour day, stuff gets done. Jack has redeemed himself as a hero, he gets the girl (just before she dies / turns psycho), and he's restored faith in The People. Go Jack!

This week, my friends, I'm in need of a hero like Jack.

The script in all is awesome glory may be done, but it's just one project completed on deadline (ahead of deadline, actually...huh...) and the bigger one - the thriller - remains half done.

Unacceptable.

If Jack were here right now, we'd be in b he'd be yelling at me to get my ass in gear.

So here goes. The return of Muse Avatar Monday - and Jack. Now go forth and inspire some bad ass writing...

Happy Monday. I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter weekend.

- Dawn

Living with Crash & Mars - the movie (and the end)

Last week I took my adventure story Living with Crash and Mars to Edmonton Public Library writer-in-residence Marty Chan for a short critique. I was wearing my Genius Mode cap, certain the celebrity author would praise my efforts.

Apparently my characters were nothing more than cardboard cut-outs.

My plot was flat.

And my dialogue - emotionless.

Harsh words for an aspiring writer.

I spent a few days wallowing in self pity. But on Friday, after I'd returned Crash and Mars to the 102.3 Now Radio studios, and I'd gobbled up the final spoonful of Rolo ice cream, I had an epiphany. Living with Crash and Mars wasn't a short story.

It should be a movie.

So, this weekend, handsome hubby and I shot the trailer - I know, go big or go home, right? It was absolutely worth the fighting gentle disagreements. In fact, I think even Marty Chan will agree, Living with Crash and Mars is destined to be a blockbuster.



What do you think?

- Dawn

A special thanks to the many Alberta authors / storytellers / poets / illustrators who participated in this event, but for also dedicating their lives to the promotion of literacy through a love of reading and writing. I am so lucky to be surrounded by their greatness every day.

PS - A huge thank-you also to all of the people who called or e-mailed the Young Alberta Book Society over the past two weeks to volunteer for programs, to donate in support of youth literacy, or to register for the upcoming summer youth writing camps.

PPS - I promise, MUSE AVATAR MONDAY will return next week.

Saying good-bye

My house feels a little empty this morning.

It took Mars and I almost three hours to pack up the clothing and shoes she'd amassed in the 11 days I spent with her and her 102.3 Now Radio morning show co-host, Crash. Three suitcases - and a stack of signed books by local celebrity authors - later, I dropped the duo off at the station. They kind of looked sad, standing outside the door, waiting to be let in like lost puppies.

Crash may have even shed a tear.

And why wouldn't he? Clearly the two had the best time of their lives.

We've shared some great memories. Like, my first book launch. Crash and Mars stood hung out with me and Simone Demers-Collins (Alberta Canola Producers Commission) while we waited for the crowd of kids...

And then stood in line for me and illustrator James Grasdal to sign their book. (Luckily the young writer they butted in front of in line isn't planning to sue!)

We toured the city...

And toured the city....

And, um, toured the city...

We also stood at every billboard or sat at every bus station branded with the 102.3 Now Radio logo...

                            

And, er, solicited a lot of kisses... (That's actually another time Crash cried...who knew he had a fear of snakes?!)

But the fun's over now. *sigh* 

And with Crash and Mars back where they belong, I guess it's time to get back to work on all of those writing deadlines I've let fall behind.

Oh, and selecting a new muse.

Someone less skinny. (Sorry, Crash.)

And bare chested.

- Dawn

PS - Are you a young writer in junior high? Why not enter the Martyn Godfrey Young Writers' Award for a chance to win a copy of Fields of Home, and FREE admission to WordsWorth, the summer camp for youth who believe in the power of words. The first 100 entries will also receive a Martyn Godfrey novel. Get the full details here.

PPS - Want a leg up on the competition? Check out Chase Duffy's blog.