Big News? Maybe.

Wow. So I was just told something that (to me) is really big news.

But I'm not going to write a post about it until I confirm it with my own eyes.

The Revision Process Demonstrated

For all you teachers of writing and writers of writing (and would-be writers of writing): here's a great LiveJournal post that talks about the revision process. Take heart! When it comes to writing, it's evident we're all in the same boat! :)

http://kmessner.livejournal.com/126769.html

Privileged to Be

So, I've said it before during the last week, and I'll say it again:

What took me so long to pick up Percy Jackson??

Rick Riordan is one of my new favorite authors. Usually for me, having a favorite author means that person has, in one way or another, inspired me to write. That person has used their talent and it has moved me, and it totally motivates me to do the same for other people. My favorite authors make me excited to get back to my writing.

Neil Gaiman's dark, bizarre, impossible-yet-realistic tales; Sally Gardner's backstory and ability to completely sweep me into her worlds; Markus Zusak's Death narrator's grip on my heart and mind; Lawrence Hill's ability to make me angry, sad, and hopeful at the same time; Dr. Seuss's (yes, Dr. Seuss!) breaking of all possible rules, and now Rick Riordan's brilliant blend of intensity and humor have all inspired and challenged me.

I'm not worthy... *bow* *bow* *bow* ...to be counted among your numbers.

But I'm privileged enough to be.

I hope you all have the experience of reading books that move you, speak to you, and inspire you.

Just a Little Rant

Is it just me, or do you expect something to improve when you get it updated?

I just downloaded the updated Twitter/Tweetdeck thingamabob thing and now I can't get my Facebook feed thru there anymore. Looks like a dumb update to me.

And when I went and updated my Google search dohickey jobby thing, weird messages kept popping up and the features were limited and kept cutting out on me.

And when I updated Skype, my regular computer functions wouldn't work properly anymore!

Not to mention all the times they've updated Yahoo and Facebook - total, annoying confusion.

Updating is so overrated.

Except, of course, when you're talking about hair.

But, even there, my hairdresser went and updated her career and left the salon - without updating her address book with my phone number! (Sandy, if you're out there, PLEASE call me!)

So, yeah. Down with updating. If it ain't broke, don't wreck it.

Many Thanks

I just wanted to send out another big THANK YOU! to everyone.

Over the last while, I have opened many emails, blog/FB/Goodreads/twitter messages, and hand-written notes that are full of support, encouragement, and congratulations. And each one of those notes has made me smile and think to myself how lucky I am to have so many people in my life - people from all over and in so many different capacities.

Thanks so much for your heartfelt words. And thanks to those of you who have taken the time out of your busy lives to read Smudge. I am truly grateful.

*hugs and high-fives*
Claudia

Book Launch

It's Saturday. Finally a chance to take a breather and post some pics of Smudge's launch. It was a great night full of fun and prizes.

A "lucky" winner!

Winner of Gemma's Key necklace.

Winner of Tessa's Thesaurus! (lucky girl!)

Grampa's sketchbook and twencil prize.

And who wouldn't want to win Griselda's feather boa??

Thanks for helping me celebrate Smudge!

If only t-shirts could sing like Bono

Oh yeah, *nodding* I get a t-shirt.

So, as many of you know, my book launch is tomorrow night. As many of you also know, I have tickets to see U2 tomorrow night.

Yeah.

So my husband went downtown this afternoon to see if he could scalp them. And he took my middle son with him.

Was really hoping they wouldn't get arrested. Especially the middle son. He's too young to have a permanent record.

Anyway, as it turns out newbie scalpers have some pretty stiff competition when it comes down to wheelin' and dealin' on the pavement, so he wasn't able to sell the tickets on the street. But word has it he was able to sell them on Facebook.

And, lucky him and middle son, they were able to get general admission tickets at the door for tonight's show.

So, like I was saying: Oh yeah, *nodding* I get a t-shirt.