Lori Sizemore

I just ordered some books for my daughter because she’s become hooked on Nora Roberts and somehow I’ve managed to keep one or two books of a trilogy and be short the rest.  So I rounded out about four trilogies for her and placed my order.

So you know, I’m a clicker.  I’m one of those people that will totally start out on a page about, say, rabbits and end up on a page about how to make a quilt out of old t-shirts.  That being said, I innocently clicked on the recommendations for me link.  And I saw this.

I thought.  You’re mocking me, Amazon.  You know I’m working on that damned synopsis / query letter stuff and you put this up right after I just made one of many purchases.  Screw you, Amazon.  No.  Really.  I mean it this time.  We’re so over.

And then I looked again.  It’s a free download.  Why?  Because the writer is awesome and wants to give back to the writing community.  I downloaded it.  Amazon and I agreed to never speak of this little misunderstanding again.  I’m still reading, but it looks pretty good.  So…. go download it!

A novel notebook. Dead serious here. And I’m going to show you exactly what to buy.

1. A big binder. This is the kind of thing I would buy. It’s cheap, but well-made. It’s huge and it’s got one of those little thingies for holding the paper down.

2. Dividers. Lots of them.  You will thank me later.  These look nice, but whatever works for you is perfect.

3. Top loading, economy pack, sheet protectors.  There are some things that you just don’t want to have to find again, make again, whatever–these will keep them safe, handleable (I realize that’s not a word), and easy to get to.

4. This shouldn’t need to be said, but I aim to be comprehensive.  Paper.  Writers need paper.

5. A hole punch.  If you print out your 400 page novel, you don’t want to stick all those pages in sheet protectors.  Hence–hole punch. (25 pages at a time.  That’s what I’m talkin’ about.)

And I think that should get you started.  You’ll figure out as you go if you need anything else.  Just remember this: write everything down.  And file it in your notebook.

Today’s pick was kind of a no-brainer since I recently got one of these.  First it started with the red spots on my leg when the fan blew the hot air out the side.  Then the laptop started shutting off from overheating.  Which, in theory, great feature.  I don’t want to do permanent damage to it.  But, it’s annoyingly helpful.

So, I picked up one of these.  Now, it’s much more comfortable on my lap (hadn’t realized how hot this thing was really getting) and my computer and data are safer.  Thumbs definitely up for this low-cost fix.

I’d love to have this book. (Makes a note to add to Amazon wishlist).  I’ve been reading the bitches for a couple of years now and I love them.  They’re funny “like damn and whoa,” they have awesome commenters, they call their readers the bitchery, and they’ve got something to say.  We shouldn’t be ashamed of loving our romances.  Hold those Fabio covers up proudly and proclaim to the world, “Yes, I am a smart bitch and I freaking love trashy novels!”

Found: A video made by assorted pubbed romance authors endorsing the greatness of their book (above).

Hey, get over it.  It’s not like Santa forgot Christmas or something.  ANYWAY, going on the all writers are readers theory (I totally just made that a tag), which I have invoked several times, I believe, I found these adorable custom name stamps while looking for book plates on etsy.  Also, one of them has the sample name “Blythe,” which called to me since my mom harassed gently attempted to persuade me to name one of my daughters that.  Maybe I’ll use it in a book.  But she’ll probably be a totally evil villainess.  Or the catty town slut.  Oh, yeah.  I’m liking that one.

That’s right.  For real, this time.  The sabbatical is over, my soul has been searched, I found myself just past that fork in the road, and I am here again!

Okay, so, Mondays = Material Girl.

Today’s offering, for you, my beloved writers and readers of writers:

OMFG File Tote–

The best part is that it’s reversible, so if you want to look all semi-professional, just flip it over.  And it’s all “ASAP” and everyone thinks, “Man, is she on her shit, or what?”

Enjoy!

A friend (an awesome friend who I love, fyi) bought this book, Revision & Self-Editing, for me after I featured it on Material Girl.

I was correct in my assessment that it would be helpful.  It is, in fact, extremely informative.  James Scott Bell covers all the elements of writing: character, POV, scenes, plot & structure, etc.  Each chapter offers valuable exercises and techniques.  I couldn’t recommend this book more.

(Thanks again, Jen!)

I’m editing right now, as well as participating in a crit group.  I’m thinking this book would help catch a lot of those mistakes.  It’s on my wishlist, anyway.

Cafepress gifts for writers! I can’t decide which is my favorite, but it’s a toss up between I’m a famous writer (which I’m so not!) and The Voices In My Head Tell Me What to Write (which is so true!).

I give up.  I can’t fight this feeling anymore.  I want a kindle!

You can pick out a book and buy it, for a lesser price, in minutes.  You can take it anywhere.  Imagine how easily this baby would fit in your purse.  If I had a kindle, I’d never go anywhere without it.  It’d be like my American Express.  I can’t imagine any reader not being in love with this baby.  And, since writers are readers first… it’s today’s Material Girl pick.