Thursday, December 15, 2011
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Book Review: Luminous
Writers read. A lot. It's simple a part of who we are.
I have found writers to be a little more critical of books than other readers. Perhaps it's because we wrangle the words; we know when an author is taking short cuts or left a plot hole a mile wide and covered it up with glitter and sparkles. We know when a writer is coasting on past success, grimace at typos that slipped beneath the radar of editors, proofreaders and a bigillion read-throughs. We know. Because we do it too.
The other side of the coin also holds true. I have sat before a plot twist, a gorgeously designed sentence, or the overall arc of a character's development in stunned appreciation. Okay, and also jealousy, but also admiration.
So when a writer, especially one I respect, raves about a book, I'm gonna pick it up.
Today I read HC Palmquist's review of Luminous by Dawn Metcalf and it was all I could do not to buy the book right then and there. But don't take my word for it, see for yourself.
HC loved this book so much, she's sharing it. Leave a comment on her blog for a chance to win Luminous and read it for yourself.
I have found writers to be a little more critical of books than other readers. Perhaps it's because we wrangle the words; we know when an author is taking short cuts or left a plot hole a mile wide and covered it up with glitter and sparkles. We know when a writer is coasting on past success, grimace at typos that slipped beneath the radar of editors, proofreaders and a bigillion read-throughs. We know. Because we do it too.
The other side of the coin also holds true. I have sat before a plot twist, a gorgeously designed sentence, or the overall arc of a character's development in stunned appreciation. Okay, and also jealousy, but also admiration.
So when a writer, especially one I respect, raves about a book, I'm gonna pick it up.
HC loved this book so much, she's sharing it. Leave a comment on her blog for a chance to win Luminous and read it for yourself.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Are You an Introvert?
I am. So when I found this (on twitter, thanks Jinxie Gervasio) it led me to this, which is actually the blogger's interpretation and reposting of a post about a book called The Introvert Advantage. Got that?
I read it and I thought. At last, someone gets it! Read this if you know, or are, an introvert.
Myth #1 – Introverts don’t like to talk
This is not true. Introverts just don’t talk unless they have something to say. They hate small talk. Get an introvert talking about something they are interested in, and they won’t shut up for days.
This is not true. Introverts just don’t talk unless they have something to say. They hate small talk. Get an introvert talking about something they are interested in, and they won’t shut up for days.
Myth #2 – Introverts are shy
Shyness has nothing to do with being an Introvert. Introverts are not necessarily afraid of people. What they need is a reason to interact. They don’t interact for the sake of interacting. If you want to talk to an Introvert, just start talking. Don’t worry about being polite.
Shyness has nothing to do with being an Introvert. Introverts are not necessarily afraid of people. What they need is a reason to interact. They don’t interact for the sake of interacting. If you want to talk to an Introvert, just start talking. Don’t worry about being polite.
Myth #3 – Introverts are rude
Introverts often don’t see a reason for beating around the bush with social pleasantries. They want everyone to just be real and honest. Unfortunately, this is not acceptable in most settings, so Introverts can feel a lot of pressure to fit in, which they find exhausting.
Introverts often don’t see a reason for beating around the bush with social pleasantries. They want everyone to just be real and honest. Unfortunately, this is not acceptable in most settings, so Introverts can feel a lot of pressure to fit in, which they find exhausting.
Myth #4 – Introverts don’t like people
On the contrary, Introverts intensely value the few friends they have. They can count their close friends on one hand. If you are lucky enough for an introvert to consider you a friend, you probably have a loyal ally for life. Once you have earned their respect as being a person of substance, you’re in.
On the contrary, Introverts intensely value the few friends they have. They can count their close friends on one hand. If you are lucky enough for an introvert to consider you a friend, you probably have a loyal ally for life. Once you have earned their respect as being a person of substance, you’re in.
Myth #5 – Introverts don’t like to go out in public
Nonsense. Introverts just don’t like to go out in public FOR AS LONG. They also like to avoid the complications that are involved in public activities. They take in data and experiences very quickly, and as a result, don’t need to be there for long to “get it.” They’re ready to go home, recharge, and process it all. In fact, recharging is absolutely crucial for Introverts.
Nonsense. Introverts just don’t like to go out in public FOR AS LONG. They also like to avoid the complications that are involved in public activities. They take in data and experiences very quickly, and as a result, don’t need to be there for long to “get it.” They’re ready to go home, recharge, and process it all. In fact, recharging is absolutely crucial for Introverts.
Myth #6 – Introverts always want to be alone
Introverts are perfectly comfortable with their own thoughts. They think a lot. They daydream. They like to have problems to work on, puzzles to solve. But they can also get incredibly lonely if they don’t have anyone to share their discoveries with. They crave an authentic and sincere connection with ONE PERSON at a time.
Introverts are perfectly comfortable with their own thoughts. They think a lot. They daydream. They like to have problems to work on, puzzles to solve. But they can also get incredibly lonely if they don’t have anyone to share their discoveries with. They crave an authentic and sincere connection with ONE PERSON at a time.
Myth #7 – Introverts are weird
Introverts are often individualists. They don’t follow the crowd. They’d prefer to be valued for their novel ways of living. They think for themselves and because of that, they often challenge the norm. They don’t make most decisions based on what is popular or trendy.
Introverts are often individualists. They don’t follow the crowd. They’d prefer to be valued for their novel ways of living. They think for themselves and because of that, they often challenge the norm. They don’t make most decisions based on what is popular or trendy.
Myth #8 – Introverts are aloof nerds
Introverts are people who primarily look inward, paying close attention to their thoughts and emotions. It’s not that they are incapable of paying attention to what is going on around them, it’s just that their inner world is much more stimulating and rewarding to them.
Introverts are people who primarily look inward, paying close attention to their thoughts and emotions. It’s not that they are incapable of paying attention to what is going on around them, it’s just that their inner world is much more stimulating and rewarding to them.
Myth #9 – Introverts don’t know how to relax and have fun
Introverts typically relax at home or in nature, not in busy public places. Introverts are not thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies. If there is too much talking and noise going on, they shut down. Their brains are too sensitive to the neurotransmitter called Dopamine. Introverts and Extroverts have different dominant neuro-pathways. Just look it up.
Introverts typically relax at home or in nature, not in busy public places. Introverts are not thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies. If there is too much talking and noise going on, they shut down. Their brains are too sensitive to the neurotransmitter called Dopamine. Introverts and Extroverts have different dominant neuro-pathways. Just look it up.
Myth #10 – Introverts can fix themselves and become Extroverts
A world without Introverts would be a world with few scientists, musicians, artists, poets, filmmakers, doctors, mathematicians, writers, and philosophers. That being said, there are still plenty of techniques an Extrovert can learn in order to interact with Introverts. (Yes, I reversed these two terms on purpose to show you how biased our society is.) Introverts cannot “fix themselves” and deserve respect for their natural temperament and contributions to the human race. In fact, one study (Silverman, 1986) showed that the percentage of Introverts increases with IQ.
A world without Introverts would be a world with few scientists, musicians, artists, poets, filmmakers, doctors, mathematicians, writers, and philosophers. That being said, there are still plenty of techniques an Extrovert can learn in order to interact with Introverts. (Yes, I reversed these two terms on purpose to show you how biased our society is.) Introverts cannot “fix themselves” and deserve respect for their natural temperament and contributions to the human race. In fact, one study (Silverman, 1986) showed that the percentage of Introverts increases with IQ.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Dec 1st
The blog seems so quiet today, like a room after all the party guests have left. I thought for a moment about just leaving it that way, but I realized I had too much to say.
First of all I want to thank every single writer who participated in the Thanksgiving Buffet of Writers. Like any good buffet, there was a wide range of offerings, from a wider range of personalities. Some of you made me laugh, some made me cry and others made me think of how much I truly have to be thankful for. All of you shared a little of yourself with us and that is priceless.
Thank you.
Next, I think we should do this again next year--with a large prize basket at the end for a random commenter (multiple comments, multiple entries) What do you think?
Especially with so many things in flux right now, I am so thankful for my family, my husband, and children, but also my extended family. This awesome group of writers, many of which I've never seen, but who have touched my life in countless ways.
And now, it's December. Are any of you ready for Christmas? ; )
First of all I want to thank every single writer who participated in the Thanksgiving Buffet of Writers. Like any good buffet, there was a wide range of offerings, from a wider range of personalities. Some of you made me laugh, some made me cry and others made me think of how much I truly have to be thankful for. All of you shared a little of yourself with us and that is priceless.
Thank you.
Next, I think we should do this again next year--with a large prize basket at the end for a random commenter (multiple comments, multiple entries) What do you think?
Especially with so many things in flux right now, I am so thankful for my family, my husband, and children, but also my extended family. This awesome group of writers, many of which I've never seen, but who have touched my life in countless ways.
And now, it's December. Are any of you ready for Christmas? ; )
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