How to Deal with Jealousy

Does this sound familiar?

You're about to go to bed, but you decide to check your email one more time to see if the agent you queried has responded.

Nope.

It's okay, you rally your sprits, there's still hope. Just for kicks, you check out Twitter...and there it is.
Someone has just signed a three book deal *gasp* at auction.

Someone who isn't you.

You scroll down your Twitter feed a bit more, and wowzers, someone has been nominated for a book award in your genre.

Someone who isn't you.

And then—and this is the killer—someone announces a movie deal.

Someone who isn't...okay, I think you know where I'm going with this. You lean back from the computer and swallow your tears whispering, "Why not me?"

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But that's okay. Jealousy is normal. It means you're still hungry for your dream, and that you're willing to keep working at it because you think about it every day. Still, you don't want to crumble every time you read your Twitter feed, so...

How can you deal with jealousy?

First: Forgive yourself for wishing it was you making that announcement. Wishing is awesome! You're hopeful! You still have that burning desire...keep that shit lit, man.




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Second: Take a break from social media to concentrate on other awesome aspects of your world; like dancing in the kitchen, eating Lucky Charms for supper, and how your friends will always have your back and bring you chicken soup when you're sick.

Writing is part of your life, but it shouldn't be your ENTIRE life. 

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Third: Now that you've connected with the other things in your daily life that bring you happiness think about the news on Twitter that made you feel jealous; a major book deal, an award nomination, a movie adaptation.

These announcements should always be celebrated because the writer has probably worked their fingertips to the bone for years and had their heart broken a thousand times to make this happen. Plus, all of these accomplishments benefit the publishing industry.

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 DING! DING! DING! *light bulb moment* And um...dude, you're a writer so this is big important stuff. This means the publishing industry is ALIVE and well. (Just like yogurt) Holy heck, it's flourishing!


Fourth: After you've counted your blessings and realized that good news for one author is good news for ALL writers, get back on social media. Send a big congratulations to the people who are basking in their happy news. Everyone loves a big party and the writing community is outstanding at supporting one another. So remember...

Success by others in this industry doesn't diminish your chances, it increases them. 

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I hope this helps you on your own writing journey. Positive thoughts and high word counts, my friends.

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Top Ten Things Outlander and Downton Abbey Have In Common

While I wait to learn the fate of Edith's baby, if Mary gets married again, or if Daisy and Alfred fall in love for real in the next season of Downton Abbey, Outlander is providing a lovely distraction. Oh sure, there's more fighting and cursing in Gaelic, but the two period serials in fact have a lot in common.

Top Ten Things Outlander and Downton Abbey Have In Common


#1. Life in the past was TOUGH. Especially for a woman, even the rich ones didn't have a lot of choices. Here's my advice, if you ever come across a time machine, run the other way.

#2. Every village needs a castle.

#3. The kitchen staff know ALL of your business.

Mrs. Fitzgibbons
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Mrs. Patmore
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#4. Chamber pots are inevitable.

#5. Taking a stroll over sweeping landscape provides for good conversation.

Claire and Jaime
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Matthew and Mary
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#6. Sex can happen at the most inappropriate times.

#7. Horses come in very handy.

#8. Mud happens...a lot.

Claire and Jamie mud caked and outrunning the British
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Mary tends to the pigs
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#9. Nothing says celebration like a long table full of wine and food.

#10. The working farm boy is always sexier than the British gentleman.

Tom the Irish chauffeur
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Jamie MacHottie
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Bonus! Run out of dialogue or the plot stalls? Add a war.

I Am Currently...

Loving: Almond milk. Seriously. My cappuccino have never been so yummy. 

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Reading: CRESS by Marissa Meyer. The third book in this sci-fi series is turning out to be my favorite yet. And the best thing is that Marissa followed me on Wattpad! So now we be like besties and such. Next up is ALLIGATOR  by Lisa Moore. I love her writing style. I'm always underlining phrases!

Watching: Downton Abbey has completed another season and I'm currently going through withdrawal. However, starting up this weekend is the continuation of season three of Once Upon A Time. From the promo it looks like the wicked witch of the west is going to be the villain this time. And we'll probably get to see Emma and Hook play that flirting game which Neal keeps interrupting. Team Hook!



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Thinking about: BLACK FRIDAY, the sequel to NIGHT SHIFT. Wattpad readers have been so supportive that I couldn't leave them hanging. This book has been so fun to write. I promise big reveals, plot twists, and an ending that will make the readers hate and love me at the same time.

While waiting for edits on BUSGIRL BLUES, it's been a nice distraction to escape back to Willard's department store. I discovered that sharing my stories for free is quite liberating.  

Anticipating: Launching BUSGIRL BLUES into the world this fall! In the next few months I'll be finishing final edits and finally getting a peek at the cover. *pinches self*

Until I hold the actual book in my hands, I'll keep believing this is an elaborate practical joke.

Wishing: For an early spring with lots of sunshine. My goodness, it's been a long winter.

Making me happy: Everyone I care about is healthy and happy. Never underestimate the power of a comfortable, ordinary life. 

How about you?

I Am Currently...

I stole this idea from Kathryn Rose, who stole it from everyone else. Why not?

photo credit, coffeevancouver.ca

Loving: Egg nog in my cappuccino. Milk seems so ordinary now.

Reading: CINDER by Marissa Meyer. What an amazing and unique take on this classic fairytale! Plus, I love a gusty heroine who doesn't mind getting dirty! Next up for my book club is GONE GIRL by Gillian Flynn.

Watching: I'm a sucker for Downton Abbey and Once Upon A Time.

My kids and I also tune in faithfully to OVER THE RAINBOW, a reality talent show to find out which young Canadian girl will play Dorothy in the new Wizard of OZ musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber. And because it's Canadian none of the judges say anything too harsh. No Simon Cowell's in this crowd ;)

Thinking about: My sister, who is facing some health issues right now. Lucky enough to live close by to help her, even if that means just taking her out to try on lipsticks.

Anticipating: Getting back to WIP that is on the back burning due to major revisions on NIGHT SHIFT.

Wishing: For a white Christmas.

Making me happy: Eating cookie dough with my kids...and having egg nog in my cappuccino in front of the fire.

How about you?

Top Six Best Things About Being On Crutches

I broke my foot a few weeks ago—nothing exciting, I missed a step, came down on the side of my foot and snapped the fifth metatarsal. It hasn't been too painful, but being dependant on crutches to get around has notably changed certain things.

Besides getting A LOT of writing done, there are some other unseen and pleasant advantages to hobbling around.



Me and my new best friends, Righty and Lefty. It's important to make sure your toe nail polish matches the color of your cast.



Top Six Best Things About Being On Crutches

1. People find me 62% more interesting, especially strangers and little kids.

2. In regards to the airport, I no longer have to wait with the able bodied schmucks. It's front of the line for me!

3. Everyone I come across suddenly turns into Carson from Downton Abbey, eager to wait on me by offering me drinks and a lap blanket.

Mr. Carson.
photo credit, townhallblog.com

4. I can't help but build up my upper body strength. This not only increases my chances of landing that deodorant commercial, but finally I stand a chance at the arm wrestling competition coming up at the Fall Fair.

5. People congratulate me for completing mundane tasks, making me feel like a frickin' genius. "Wow, you handled those stairs so well. You're really good with those crutches."

6. Each time someone asks how I hurt myself, is an opportunity to make up a fantastic story thereby increasing my 'genius potential' (see #4). So far I've taken down a purse snatcher, tumbled out of a sweet trick in the skate park, been the victim of sabotage from a jealous competitor during auditions for Dancing With The Stars, and of course the classic, 'banana peel on the sidewalk'.

Hopefully, I'll be hobbling around soon without Righty and Lefty, but until that day I guess I'll keep enjoying the perks.


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Top Five Things Downton Abbey Has Taught Me About Writing

I have recently joined the ranks of millions of viewers captivated with the personal lives of both the aristocrats and the staff at the majestic manor.

And why do we love it so? One word—conflict. Well, yes, and maybe the jewelry, and dresses, and how everyone talks fancy. But, as a writer, I wanted to examine how Julian Fellowes managed to create a huge cast of characters that we embraced so quickly. Psst, I'm only just starting Season Two...no spoilers please! 

Here are the top five things Downton Abbey has taught me about writing.



1. Every character should be either rich, good looking, or in a position of authority.



Mr. Carson, Head Butler
photo credit, townhallblogspot.com



2. The main love interests should despise each other at first, then secretly hide their affection. It also helps if they're never single at the same time.



Mathew and Mary
photo credit, greenbeanqueenteen.com



3. Create a sympathetic character who continuously battles hardships and bad luck, then finally gets what he wants most—only to have that taken away by an unforeseeable complication.



Mr. Bates and Anna
photo credit, austenprose.com



4. One character should be able to say whatever witty insult they please, without suffering any consequences.



Dowager Duchess aka the awesome Maggie Smith
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5. The villain should have a sidekick who is just as deceptive, yet has a concealed capacity for compassion and may not always go along with the plan—especially if they're feeling unappreciated by the villain.



Thomas and Miss O'Brien
photo credit, guardian.co.uk



And here's the bonus...When in doubt, add a dinner scene.



Norman Rockwell...almost
photo credit, lindaraxa.blogspot.com



Who's your favorite character on Downton?