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A novel notebook. Dead serious here. And I’m going to show you exactly what to buy. 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. Dividers. Lots of them.  You will thank me later.  These are the exact ones I own, but whatever works for you is perfect. 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 getRead More →

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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.  Read More →

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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).Read More →

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Material Girl Monday…on Tuesday?  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. Read More →

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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!Read More →

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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!)Read More →

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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.Read More →

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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!).Read More →

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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. Update 6.29.2011: Of course, I did finally get my Kindle.  Read me gushing about how awesome it truly is.Read More →

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Today’s Material Girl link won’t cost you a dime*. Enjoy it, that’s pretty rare. It’s called Lovely Charts (a hug for my friend Kris for thinking of me when she saw it). I tried it out, and it is lovely. It comes ready to build several different types of flow charts, including people. How’s that for connecting your characters? I happen to have drawn one of these before, using tables in Word–it’s not fun. Lovely Charts? Fun. *Update 6.29.2011: It’s no longer free.  Sorry! *Update 11.22.2016: Site is now defunct. Goodbye Lovely Charts.Read More →