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Sunday, December 11, 2011
Everyone Sing Along!
Have a happy, crappy First Draft—
It’s the most fun when you write.
You can bet my word count’s met
And I’ve set my Hero right.
Have a happy, crappy First Draft—
And when you get set to revise,
Say “Hell Yes” to your writer’s stress
And kiss every typo goodbye!
Oh, ho, the plot does blow,
Holes as wide as you can see,
But CPs help fix your book,
Kiss them once for me!
Have a happy, crappy First Draft,
And in case it wasn’t clear—
Oh my chappie, have a happy,
Crappy First Draft this year!
Okay, so what do you like best about finishing a First Draft? And how do you keep yourself motivated to the end? What's your favorite reward for meeting your daily word count: glass of wine, cup of cocoa, backrub? And what is your favorite Christmas Carol?
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60 comments:
I have no favorite Christmas carols. I hate them all equally. Okay, not hate...but I'm over them all. I can more easily list the ones I dislike then the ones I like.
Having my feet held over red hot coals...I will admit that just about any carol that the TransSiberian Orchestra does is good in my book. I do love a nice dramatic rendition of classic holiday music.
First drafts...what do I like most about finishing a first draft... Getting the story out of me always leaves me euphoric. That's my favorite part. Reward? I've never really thought about a particular reward. Right now, I'm editing older stories...when they are ready for submission I think I'll treat myself to something extra nice. Let me think about what that will be...
BTW, just read a sweet little pirate Christmas poem..airpirates, but it's good! Check it out... http://ageofsteam.wordpress.com/2011/12/12/a-steampunk-night-before-christmas-3/
I have no favorite Christmas carols. I hate them all equally.
Philistine!
'God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen' is my favourite .... especially when I'm merry. LOL
Finishing a first draft of a novel. Now that would be a Christmas present to savour!
*laughing insanely at the thought of actually finishing a first draft*
My reward when I can get something finished is to join RWA and my local chapter. Sounds dull, but exactly what I'd like best.
There is no way to pick a favorite Christmas carol - I love them all and each have their own sentimental reasons why I enjoy them.
A few that I can't help but be partial to are I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus because my dad actually played Santa in our small town and it made my mom giggle like a little smitten teenager to sing it, and Elvis' version of White Christmas because that was Dad's song. Yep, dad sang JUST like Elvis and this is one 32 year old who knows the words to every Elvis tune by heart!
I like EVERYTHING about finishing a first draft... except thinking about revising it. LOL!!
I'm with Chance though; getting the story out makes me euphoric. Giddy even. I jump around and giggle. And I wouldn't really call myself the giggly sort.
Favorite Christmas song? Grown-Up Christmas List. "No more lives torn apart, and wars would never start, and time would heal all hearts." It makes me teary in a good way. But I like all Christmas songs. At least this time of the year. By Christmas eve I'll be sick of them.
I love Christmas music from the grands' giggle-infested version of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" to all 78 songs on my Christmas playlist to the Christmas cantatas in which an assortment of friends are singing. "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" is my favorite traditional carol. I share Marnee's affection for "Grown Up Christmas List," and I love "Christmas Is All in the Heart" by Steven Curtis Chapman. The one I seem to be playing most often this year is Josh Groban's "Believe," a song from The Polar Expressthat's a great Christmas song for writers:
Believe in what your heart is saying.
Hear the melody that's playing.
There's no time to waste.
There so much to celebrate.
As for rewards, I try to make mine books. If I'm writing, I miss reading time, so using a book I'm longing to read is a great, calorie-free reward. Today's reward for finishing 2K is a reread of Pat Gaffney's Crooked Hearts, the soon-to-be-released e-version. If I meet my goal of having a full draft of the WIP by the end of February, I'll take a full day to read. Luxury!
I'm in a bah humbug mood today but this blog made me smile. So thanks for that!
I do like Christmas carols and have managed not to be overexposed to them this year. So far, at least. Maybe I should listen to them today to get back in the spirit. There's always this lull for me after the company party is over. Odd to spend 11 months planning something to have it over in less than 6 hours. *shrugs* But I'll bounce back. In a day or two.
I've finished 2 rough drafts and both times I think the feeling was disbelief. Like, "Did I really just write THE END?" I kind of hope that feeling never goes away. And I don't use rewards. I don't think. Just being able to say it's done after years of watching others finish one after another is reward enough for me.
2nd, I second the "Philistine" remarks of Q. There are too many great Christmas songs to hate them all. I'm more apt to dislike the carols without music--so your favorite band is a hit or miss with me. I like to hear the words; words are the cherry on the magic of music.
Oh, Holy Night is my favorite, but of course, it needs to be sung by someone who knows how. That Italian guy--I think he's blind--I think he sings it and he's AWESOME. Makes you weep with beauty every time.
Thanks for the poem! I'm going to need something to read today while I'm avoiding folders!
Quantum, I *LOVE* God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen! Great pick! I don't even have to be "merry" with wine to enjoy it. :) It's a great caroling song, which was fun when I was younger. Now that we're all aware we can't sing worth a lick, we don't do caroling anymore. *LOL* It's shame caroling has gone out of style. I think it puts everyone in the mood for the season, and spreading joy and frivolity should never be put out of style.
Scapey, you WILL finish your first draft. Never fear. Just keep picking at it.
I'm not sure if I'd put off RWA and joining a local chapter, but only because I found them rather beneficial to completing the first draft. I mean, I guess there are those who belong and never finish anything (which was me after the first WIP), but having a writing group you meet with once a month, critique in person with, and have writing presentations to inspire your writing--that's worth every penny. And RWA sends out their magazine with great articles--which is basically the only reason I keep subscribed. *LOL* And there are the contest leads--those can be inspirational. Sending out to an occasional contest can be inspirational too.
I love the I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus story. That's so adorable!! And I also adore White Christmas, though no one can top Bing Crosby for that one for me. And I love watching the movies with Bing singing that song. I believe he first sang it in Holiday Inn (which was the precursor and somewhat less socially acceptable version of White Christmas, where it was also sung); and I believe it was also sung in the movie The Bells of St. Mary's. He might have worked it in a couple other places; it's his most famous song. *LOL*
But Elvis will always be king, I know. :)
Marn, I'd love to be around when you finished a draft just to see you be euphoric. *LOL* Do the kids get worried when you're too giddy? *LOL*
I think I've heard the Grown Up Christmas List--that would make me weepy to hear it. Actually the Christmas song that makes me bawl EVERY SINGLE TIME I HEAR IT is "Christmas Carol", as in "My name is Christmas Carol, I was born on Christmas Day, I don't know who my daddy is and mommy's gone away. All I want for Christmas is for someone to take me home. Does anybody here want a Christmas Carol of their own?" KILLS ME. Especially when the song gets a happy ending.
30 days of non-stop Christmas carols is pretty much enough for anybody. *LOL* Especially when Christmas is also loaded with some stinker songs that people INSIST on playing. *LOL* Repeatedly. I almost automatically turn off "Grandma Got Runover by a Reindeer" as soon as I hear the opening chord. It's gone. Noooo.
I've turned on the station hear playing Christmas tunes non-stop. When a favorite comes on, I will report back. Brain cells not returned to full functioning yet.
Janga, you've got great carol choices! I could probably listen to carols at your house. *LOL*
I have every bit of faith you'll complete by February and get to luxuriate in some all day reading in rejoice. Right now I'm gloaming Julie Anne Long. It took me so long to get into her, though now when I read her, I go, "WHY did it take me SO LONG?"--and I have you to thank for the What I Did For a Duke review. *sighs* This has nothing to do with your comment or the blog, only that I needed to thank you for setting me on her. Finally. After much persuasion. It was like a little Christmas gift to me.
Sometimes playing some carols can put you in the mood again. I like to play carols in the car and sing along, mainly because the windows are up and I'm alone, so I can't offend anyone. Singing always puts you in a good mood, I find. Or makes you weep--it's purges the emotions, let's say that. I always need some emotion purge or another, and singing alone helps.
I’ve finished 2 rough drafts and both times I think the feeling was disbelief. Like, “Did I really just write THE END?”
Yeah, this has been my experience when I've written The End to stories. "Is it really done? It's not REALLY done. Now it has to be revised." I can't enjoy it. *LOL* Yet you should because it's a VERY BIG DEAL. Oh, well, that's why we have to write a lot of books, so we can learn how to appreciate each step of the journey.
I have one! I love Baby It's Cold Outside. I have penguins who sing it to each other and pressing that little button always cheers me up. Except the girl penguin has a feather boa and I can't get Bumbles to stop trying to eat her. So for now, I have to lock her in the closet for her own protection. *sigh*
LOL! This was the Perfect carol fo meeeeee!
And no I didn't finish a manuscript. But, for me at least , I recieved something just as grand. I got a first. And not only a first, I got a first of the first first. Yes Q, "finishing a first draft of a novel. Now that would be a Christmas present to savour!"
But just as savour-ful? Getting to READ that first evvvver first draft from a first time writer ... and seeing the Potential. My daughter asked me to look over a friend's story (seventy pages worth ) All i'll say is yes theres a hole or two ... but from my readers view ? Darn if the boy doesn't have some real potential.
I love "Baby It's Cold Outside" (that is until a fellow CP said she hated the song because it sounded like date rape. But I choose to believe it's NOT--and that it was a song written in that charming era of flirting and innuendo rather than just shacking up with the first guy you meet at a bar...)
Okay, I don't know where that's from either. This day is headed into the Mondays right off.
There are several versions and I think it's adorable. I don't know the movie but it's Red Skelton and an actress (I should look it up) but she's singing the "seducer" part and chasing him around the room and he's trying to get away. It's an adorable and hysterical scene.
Demi, you'll be the perfect person to offer advice and encouragement to this fledgling writer. He's in good hands!!
The actress is Betty Garrett and the movie is Neptune's Daughter (1949). Here's the link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bv8_zJ2TslE
This blog put a much needed smile on my face too, Hellie! I love singing along and trying to get the tune right when the words aren't what I'm used to.
No finish line for me either but I'm having fun plugging away. Choosing a favorite Christmas song would be like choosing a favorite child I don't think I could do it. LOL I love Christmas songs/carols - some remind me of great childhood memories, others remind me of people and some of the newer ones just put a smile on my face.
Some of my favorites: Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow (even when I was little I loved the implied romance in that song), The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole, We Need A Little Christmas (that song always reminds me of my mom), O Holy Night (reminds me of my dad), God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen by Barenaked Ladies and Sarah McLachlin, Christmas Canon by Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Traditions of Christmas by Manheim Streamroller (reminds me of one of my first Xmas Eve's with the DH). I guess that's what I LOVE about Christmas music - every song I listen to makes me feel happy for a different but good reason!!!!
Hellie, I'm so glad you're reading Julie Anne Long! What I Did for a Duke is still one of my top reads of 2011. It made some of the other lists too. I always like having my tastes affirmed. :) My review of JAL's December 27 release will be posted at Just Janga tomorrow. It's another winner.
I like the version of Baby, It's Cold Outside sung with Dean Martin - his voice is like warm hot chocolate on a cold winter night!
Okay, that's not the right link. Crap.
Found it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCfnOVmJ_So
Dean is a fav in my house, Irish. We're from the same town and he went to school with my grandmother. Watched Rio Bravo again last week. *sigh* He looks (and sounds) so good in that one.
That is so funny, Ter! I think my kids are the only ones who know Big Band and Swing music in their age group! We listen to Sinatra, Martin, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, etc., etc. They love it.
I'm also a big John Wayne fan and have been asking for a bunch of his movies over the years for Christmas presents. I got Rio Bravo last year. One of the things I love most about that movie is when Dean and Ricky sing!
I always like having my tastes affirmed.
Me too, Janga, me too. *LOL*
I have my name down to get the book as soon as possible. *LOL* Looking forward to it. Actually I'm looking forward to Olivia and Lyon--I'm so, so hoping for a good outcome for them!
I love my series books.
This blog put a much needed smile on my face too, Hellie! I love singing along and trying to get the tune right when the words aren’t what I’m used to.
Me too. *LOL* When I'm writing them, I count out syllables to make sure at least most of the time the syllables fit when you sing. I can't do the words where emphasis on the word is right--if it's a hard or soft syllable or something. I'm glad you guys are able to follow along for the most part. :)
You have a great Christmas carol list; and I love your reason. I think it fits. Each song makes you happy and for a different reason. Christmas is about memories and remembering people and feeling happy. Songs are the best way to connect to emotion, I think.
OMG! Do you guys know who Betty Garrett is? She played that sort of character ALL THE TIME in these movies! Hilarious!
She was in TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME and ON THE TOWN, and played this same stock character! I think the poor woman got typecast. *LOL*
Sorry to be the Scrooge. I used to like carols...but I got so that most are such earworms, I prefer the ones without the words! Manheim Steamroller is a fav, thanks for the reminder, Irish!
I also have this nice CD of carols done on a hammered dulcimer, I like that. And a holiday cd by Tingstad and Rumbel...who can make an ocarina serve as an instrument of sublime delight...
Is Chance's message even written in English?
And I'm the Philistine?
I watched the Skelton bit...man, he as such fun. And I love her dress!
ROFL!
Tinstad and Rumbel... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGOG17Zw9PY
And this is my fav carol. Okay, I found one. The Holly and the Ivy.
I know Hellie likes this one and I love this version. Carol of the Bells by The Calling.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXNyPcUYiw8
And that was good...here's the link...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfDhutV5QOg&feature=results_main&playnext=1&list=PL72DAF90891369509
I found Scape's new themesong... "He's a Scallywag"
Well, since every one is sharing... the first Christmas Eve my DH and I spent together was the year we got engaged. We went to Christmas Eve mass at the church we were going to get married at with the mass said by a priest who was a friend of the family (he ended up marrying us). After communion they turned off all of the lights in the church and left just the Christmas lights/candles burning and played this song. About a third of the way into the song the DH reached for my hand and when we looked at each other we both had tears in our eyes. Every time I hear this I get that funny feeling in the pit of my stomach and tears in my eyes. Every. Time. We asked to have it played at our wedding after communion.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qCvjkZ3QL8
That's an awesome rendition of Carols of the Bells. It's kind of like the Barenaked Ladies God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. Different but very cool!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGVNzgUxE-g
That's lovely, Irish.
One of the most romantic things I ever saw on television was on Northern Exposure...when Shelly was feeling all lonely on Christmas Eve, missing midnight mass. She was one of the few Catholic in Cicely and Holling surprised her in the chapel...and sang Ave Maria...
this is a long set up...but well worth it... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsVSg5qHoNk
Love my song Chance!
Yer welcome, Scape!
Irish...gods, BareNakedLadies are good!
Wow, Chance. That was awesome. I only watch a few episodes of Northern Exposure. Looks like I missed a good one.
There's was a love story for the ages...and that was one of the most touching things he could do for her... Made my heart melt!
Actually...despite being utterly godless, I'm still fond of Christmas carols. I prefer classical songs like "O Holy Night," "Ave Maria," etc. and old standards like "White Christmas," to most contemporary holiday music. Probably because I was in choirs for many years and know all the words to pretty much every classic by heart.
I celebrate the first draft by ignoring it for a few weeks and then, writing a synopsis and revising. I'm a sick, sick puppy. I love revision.
I wasn't going to click Irish's first link because just reading the comment made me a bit misty. But I did and that is a beautiful song. Clicked on Scapey's themesong and had to cut it off as someone walked past my office. Dang it. But it looks cute. Haven't checked the others yet.
I've always loved Little Drummer Boy and Do You Hear What I Hear? Also, we did Hark The Herald Angels Sing in the Christmas pageant when I was in 1st grade. They dressed us all as angels with wings and halos and everything. So that one has a special place in my heart too.
For the modern ones, I like Alan Jackson's Let It Be Christmas.
Pat - I like revision too. Though it's slow going so I get a little frustrated, I still like having something to fix better than staring at a blank page.
And though it's not really a Christmas song, I like Auld Lang Syne for obvious reasons. (Or not so obvious. NYE is my birthday.)
Sigh... I LOVE new years - Total sucker for that feeling of a fresh start and hope for the future.
Scape - forgot to mention that my MIL was a huge Elvis fan and because of that so is my DH. When she died we inherited all of her Elvis stuff, including a few very interesting Elvis Christmas ornaments and decorations. So, my kids associate Elvis with grandma and it puts a smile on our faces whenever we hear him sing a Xmas song! They're definitely favorites in our house.
Yeah, um, got through the first chord The Holly and the Ivy and I wanted to break the guy's flute over my knee. There is only so much Renaissance music because I fling the CD out the car window.
But yes, The Calling is AWESOME. Had to listen to that one again.
P.Kirby, there is something Universal about O Holy Night. :)
And yes, you are a sick puppy. The first step is always admitting it. *LOL*
I like Terri's picks too. Love little drummer boy and do you hear what i hear...and Alan Jackson always writes the best songs. I loved his "Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning?" and "Remember When" and "Let It Be Christmas"--*sighs* That man is the best romantic, more so than Brad Paisley. Brad makes me laugh, but Alan makes me sigh.
Hellie - We are so different. ;-)
Like NIGHT and DAY, 2nd. *LOL* Like night and day. *LOL* (I'm night! I called it!)
As long as I don't have to be mornings, fine.
That's so sweet Irish! Believe it or not my dad had an Elvis plate collection - I'm still trying to figure out how/where to display those!
Great rendition, Hellion! Since I listen to Christmas carols 8-9 hours/day at work, I can't say I have any favorites left really. LOL I do like Burl Ives' Holly Jolly Christmas, and I like three peppy ones: Mariah Carey's All I Want for Christmas, Feliz Navidad by Jose Feliciano, and Elton John's Step into Christmas.
I also like O Holy Night, because it's such a showcase for singers with an awesome voice. :)
I love the euphoria of the first draft, and knowing that I can move on to another story. I've got so many sets of characters floating around in my head right now, and they're all demanding my time and attention. LOL
Hey Donna! Great to see you! I totally understand. (I consider it 2 different things to choose to sit at Starbuck's and be stuck listening, which is a choice; and working in retail, which isn't always a choice in this economy. So I feel worse for the retailers who have to listen to bad music all day long, not even at Christmas.) But I'm glad you were still able to come up with a handful of songs despite this handicap. Great picks! I do love Holly Jolly Christmas (Burl Ives version best!); and All I Want For Christmas Is You. (*sighs*) The others are great too though.
*LOL* I love your reasoning--so you can move on. *LOL* That is a good one. By the time we get to the end of a draft, we're so sick of these people it feels like we've been stuck on a desert island with them and finally released. You never want to see them again. Well, maybe much later...much, much later.
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