Quick update first: Project August news coming soon. I’ve been …uh… re-directed by the close of the Surrey International Writers’ Conference writing contest last Friday. So much to do! But the Bella Bella fundraising event is coming together, and I’ll have more news soon.

Okay.

So, I have been meaning to do this for ages, and now is the time, I guess. I’ve just finished a book I really enjoyed, and you know that means it’s time to share here! George Martin has basically eaten my head since I decided to give the Song of Ice and Fire series a second try sometime last spring, but as the final books in that series mostly called for throwing against the wall and swearing [which I actually truly believe is George’s goal] I’ll skim over them for the moment. I’m happy to argue about ANY book in person, but in print, I’ve decided to just tell you of the ones I really enjoyed.

The first one I’m going to feature here is WHERE’D YOU GO, BERNADETTE? by Maria Semple. I’d heard a few things about this story here and there, and then I think I read a good review on boingboing, so I picked it up. My edition is published by Back Bay books, and is a trade paperback.

Great, engaging story, written from the pov of a 15 year-old trying to find her missing mother, who has vanished just prior to a planned trip to the South Pole. It’s [mostly] set in Seattle. The author got the vibe of the place just right, [I lived there for 3 years long, long ago…] and in fact peppers the story with in-jokes about the region and its people. Though you’d think Bee’s age would position this book as a YA choice, it’s not really, though I’m sure teens would enjoy it. The twisted satire of the story, the weird logic of Bernadette and her relationships will be best appreciated by more seasoned readers; at least that’s my take.

I so enjoyed this story. I loved the epistolery nature of the narrative, I liked the unconventional storytelling style, and I kept turning pages to see what would happen to this brainy, quirky family. I hope you read it and love it as much as I do! But if not, feel free to weigh in on the commentsf. I”d love to hear what you thought!

 

More soon…

 

~kc

 

Happy Labour Day!

Summer whizzed by so fast, but I can’t help loving the fall. And besides, WHAT a productive summer!

For those who may have missed it, I oversaw a little motivational effort for the past month that was dubbed #ProjectAugust. It was predicated to get me going on various writing projects I have on, but as soon as I blogged about it, it kind of took off. The initial incentive to get people interested was to bribe them with a book. [Hint: This ALWAYS works with writers…] But as things went on, it seemed right to take on a bigger incentive, one that would help someone else, too.

This is when raising books and funds for the Bella Bella library came into the mix. For every goal and mini-goal that our #ProjectAugust team achieved, we added another book to the pile to go towards the rebuilding of this library, recently devastated by fire.

With the arrival of September, #ProjectAugust is over, with many successes recorded. I’ve been in touch wiht the folks in Bella Bella and as soon as it’s ready, I will post a picture here of the package of books and donation money going off to this deserving group of people. And while it’s too late to get in on the #ProjectAugust incentives, it’s not too late to contribute to this effort! If you want to donate directly, the library has a secure on-line portal HERE. But if you have a brand new children’s book [and writers, I’d love one of your own titles to add to the mix!] I will take it to add to the collection. If you live nearby, I will come to collect, for sure. If you live at a distance, send me an email at the address below and we’ll figure out how to make it work.

I want everyone who’s interested in helping out to have the opportunity. So let me know if you want in, okay? And, as noted, I’ll post the photo here of the donation before it goes out.

Thanks for helping! I know the folks in Bella Bella are happy we are thinking of them.

 

 

More soon…

 

~kc

Maybe not every goal was met, but many, many successes were had this month. Augustus is blushing  to the roots of his hair with pride! [Okay, so his hair is blushing, too… my p/s skills are not the greatest.]

So…here are the successes I know about:

• Deniz B. finished a short story
• Shari G. finished her first draft
• Deb A has written 10,000 words and is closing in on the end of her draft
• Deb also got her daughter safely married off — no small feat in a crazy-busy month!
• kc got two rooms cleaned out AND made headway on my work-in-progress
• J. Colyer body-slammed her goal EARLY
• James M made huge strides toward his word count goal

• Kathleen L finished the story she was working on
• Tricia B nailed her first draft with a full day to spare!

 

HOORAY ALL!!!! Take a minute to just bask in the glory of accomplishment. If you listed a book you’d like to receive as your prize when we began a full month ago — I’ll be emailing you to get your deets. Way to go!

But who have I missed? Scott? Tyner? Lois? Jacquie P? Bonnie N? Katherine W?

There’s a bunch of you I haven’t heard from yet. If you didn’t quite get where you wanted to go, don’t fret. Every single participant made forward progress toward goals big or small. So share the joy!

Now here’s the important bit:

The idea of #ProjectAugust was to do find a fun way to motivate ourselves through the dog days of summer. But a very cool side-effect is the benefit to some others who can really use it. So, just to be clear, let me state this again:

EVERY goal met, big or small, weekly mini-goals included, means a donation to the Thistalalh Library in Bella Bella. This small BC town has been beset with hideous challenges lately, from losing their library to fire, to vandalism at the school. On behalf of #ProjectAugust, I’m sending a big box of books made up of a title for every goal achieved, PLUS a cash donation [$10 per mini-goal] to the library. The books will be my own titles plus a few others, and I’m hoping some of my writer buds will kick in a few titles for kids, too, so we can send a honking big box of word love to the folks up north. 

So please — let me know your successes big and small in the comments here, or over on twitter or Facebook so that we can finish #ProjectAugust in style! I’ll take a picture and upload it here when I’ve got the box ready to go.

Thank you for taking part — none of this could happen without your interest and HARD work. I feel so happy to have been a part of such an amazing crew. Well done!

 

More soon…

 

~kc

 

We’re almost here — last week before our final #ProjectAugust deadline.

How are you doing?

 

Augustus, as you can see, is cutting to the chase. He’s looking for success and he’s here to help YOU get there.

 

A reminder — there’s one more week for you to achieve your Project August goal. And if you do, well, it’ll be a win-Win-WIN situation.

 

Here’s how:

Win one — you win a book, if you picked one.

Win Two — by meeting your goal [and your mini-goals] you’ll be providing books [and book donations] to the library in Bella Bella, recently devastated by fire.

Win THREE — you get your project finished!!!

Now, you’ve got one week. Any project that’s important to you will serve — your latest manuscript, that room that needs repainting — anything! Just check in here or on twitter, share your goal, and …cut to the chase!

August 31st. Next Saturday. Will you finish YOUR #ProjectAugust?

 

 

More soon…

 

~kc

 

 

 

 

Today’s harvest.

Successes this year have been potatoes, spinach, basil, chives, carrots, cucumbers, green beans and peas. Tomatoes are just ripening now, and peppers are still brilliant green, but I hope they’ll start colour-morphing soon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’ve had a few strawberries and will get a few more. I’ve had a couple of tiny zucchini, but… why not more? My only pumpkin fruit fell off almost right away, and the corn, while forming cobs, looks like it’s going to be a total wash. Same with broccoli and cauli. 

I suspect lack of feeding may be to blame. I ran out of organic food a couple of weeks ago and have been too busy to get to the garden store for more.

How is YOUR garden growing? Send pix and I’ll post ’em here!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Okay, back to the busiest week of #ProjectAugust.

 

More soon…

 

 

 

~kc

Hey!

Happy third week of August!

Augie’s seen the light, here, thinking his month is almost over.

But there’s still lots of time left to get your outstanding projects done. I’m hearing from #ProjectAugust people on twitter, in email and even in person as to how things are going, and even when things get busy, it’s amazing how much everyone is getting done!

I want you to know that your mini-projects are making a difference in other lives, too. Your small successes are building a bigger parcel to send off to Bella Bella.

We’ve got books and cash going, based on how people are faring in their #ProjectAugust endeavours … a way to make your project succeed for both you and someone who’s in need.

In this case, the someone is the recently devastated library in Bella Bella, BC. At the end of #ProjectAugust, I’ll be sending in YOUR name, a donation to the library.

Let’s get going! What’s your goal for this week? Let me know in the comments or via twitter [@kcdyer] or Facebook what your mini-goal is for this week. You’ll have one more check in after this one to complete your #ProjectAugust for the month. And for every goal attained, we’ll send books from the Bella Bella library’s wishlist. 

Make your #ProjectAugust benefit both you and the library — send your mini-goal today!

 

More soon…

 

~kc 

 

This check-in was supposed to happen last night, but since I was at Kallie George & Luke Spence Byrd’s #ProjectAugust event [getting married!], I know you’ll forgive a late check in.

So. Here we are. How’s it going, anyway? I’ve heard from a few people who actually finished this week’s challenge a bit early — good on ya all! My week’s been full of meetings and goings-on, so I’m struggling a little with my early goals. Not doing too badly, but not surging ahead like some!

Here’s the most important part — if you did make your goal for this week, PLEASE let me know, by tweet or comment or email, ’cause I’m adding books to the box I’ll be sending to Bella Bella in YOUR name if you succeeded. I like the idea of meeting our own goals also having a direct benefit to someone else!

And in that spirit, here’s the mini-goal for this week…set your #ProjectAugust goal for the week, write it down and send it to me by tweet or email or comment below, and for every goal met, I will add $10 cash to the library-building fund in Bella Bella. And further to that, if you bring in a friend to join #ProjectAugust, I’ll add $10 for them, too. Spread the word on this, will ya? I’d like to help these people out — they lost ALL their books!

The beauty of #ProjectAugust is that you can join in any time…pick a project and join us in motivating each other to get it done. By the end of the month, I know I’m going to hear about a tonne of completed manuscripts, cleaned-out rooms and renovations all wrapped up and finished. Each milestone will be marked with a book to YOU, plus a growing collection of books and donations for the recently burned Bella Bella library…everybody wins!

Now it’s check-in time, so sing out…! How are YOU doing with #ProjectAugust? Did you make your goal for this week? What’s your new goal for next week? How many books can we add to the Bella Bella box?

For those who want to join in now, please do! Details are HERE — it’s easy and fun, and you’ll be glad you did! 

 

More soon…

 

 

~kc

Whoah.

This is THE month to get stuff done.

Two of my dear friends… Lee Edward Fodi and Kallie George are both marrying their respective True Loves this month. Been a long time since I’ve had a two-wedding month, but I am excited to see them both setting off on this new chapter in their lives. Also? Both have them have Excellent Taste in Spouses, I have to say, so the whole thing is feeling very merry.

Speaking of new chapters, #ProjectAugust is in full swing! Thanks to all who have thrown their respective projects into the ring — hopefully this will help you find the motivation to get ‘er done!

If you haven’t joined #ProjectAugust yet…why not? Rules are simple; email me or sign up in the comments below with the following info:

Your name/nom de plume:

Your project goal:

Your email [so we can connect afterwards regarding any prizes you may have won]:

Your chosen title [’cause if you meet your goal, you win a book of your choice!]:

Easy, right?

Remember, it doesn’t have to be a writing project. You might be cleaning out a store room or reorganizing the family photos — whatever big project you’ve been meaning to tackle will qualify.

So grab your friends, and get them to sign up, too! Who doesn’t want to win a book?

Here’s who’s in so far:

Deniz B has THREE #ProjectAugust events lined up: submit a novella, edit a short story and start typing a draft of her latest novel ms. Go Deniz!

Shari G wants to complete the first draft of her middle grade verse novel. A worthy entry!

Deb A wants to finish ATM, her work-in-progress. This in spite of the fact she has to put together her daughter’s wedding, move AND do a Beta read. That’s what I like to see…Ambition! [Deb, you need to email me your desired read — we all need incentive, my friend!]

James Mc wants to make 20,000 words into his YA superhero novel. That’s 5000 words a week, James — go for it!

Bonnie N has a big list. She wants to write a 2-hour speech, outline and organize her lecture topics for eight weeks and two workshops, AND organize and complete her Indigogo campaign to launch her new book. Whew! A busy month for Bonnie!

Tyner G has joined but…I can’t find where you wrote down your goal. Can you email me again, Ty? You [of all people] need to stand up and be counted this year!

Lois P wants to get HER YA verse novel to the end of its second draft. [Man — TWO verse novels in the works here. How cool is THAT?]

Katherine W wants to complete the first 50,000 words of her steampunk alternate history first draft. Woo HOO!

Tricia B wants to complete the first draft of her novel. Send me your other deets by email, okay Tricia?

And Kathleen L? Your reno counts, too! Send me your other details by email and we’ll put you on the list!

And as for me, I’ve already got what I wanted for #ProjectAugust — company while I work to complete the first draft of my latest novel. But there is LOTS of room for more, so join in if you haven’t yet.

‘Cause… here’s something new!

I’m going to add a few small incentives as the month goes on, and here comes number one. I’m pretty excited about this one, ’cause it’s about helping other people. Here’s how it’s gonna work…

Check-in #2 will be next Saturday night, August 10th. I want you to set a small goal — a mini-goal within your project. Make it tough enough you’re going to have to work for it, but something that will leave you satisfied if it gets done. Okay? Now email me the goal, or note it in the comments below.

If you make the goal by the time we check in next Saturday night, I’m going to donate a book in your name HERE, to the Thistalah Memorial Library in Bella Bella. This library burned to the ground on July 12th, and they are trying to rebuild. You can learn more about it HERE. I’ve already set aside a bunch of brand-new books for them, and hope to make it an even bigger package with your participation. 

So, come on — what are you waiting for? If you haven’t signed up for #ProjectAugust yet, now’s the time to do it. You can win books for yourself and help re-stock a library that is truly in need. And not only that — you can complete a project you’ve been meaning to finish.

Win…win…WIN!

Email or hit me in the comments asap with your mini-goal. And keep posting your successes to me on twitter @kcdyer. I RT every one! Let’s make this happen together!

 

More soon…

 

~kc

Hey…here we are!

Have you got a plan for your #ProjectAugust, yet? No? Well, why not?

If you’d like to join in, here’s how it works. I’m going to take the month of August, as noted in the last blog post, and get my current work-in-progress [a novel] finished. But to take part, you don’t have to write a book — any project will do.

Just pick a project, set a weekly goal and go for it. We’ll do a weekly check-in here, and a more frequent check-in on twitter [@kcdyer, if you haven’t found me there and want to…].

At the end of the month, we’ll celebrate with Augustus, here. How will we do that? With books, of course!

If you make your goals, and can demonstrate the evidence…[excerpt? pix?] we’ll celebrate together. Augie here has a loaded Chapters card dedicated to the project, so if you succeed in your #Project August endeavour, he’ll send you a new book to enjoy.

Let’s get to it!

Sign up in the comments below by including the following information:

• Name [or nom de plume]:
• #ProjectAugust project description including final goal:
• Title of book you’d like Augustus to bestow upon you, as the laurel wreath of your success:
• Email where I can reach you to get prize-sending deets…if you qualify!

If you’d rather not put your details in the comments, you can email them straight to me at author.kc.dyer@gmail.com

Put #ProjectAugust in the subject line, so I can find it.

Ready?

Set?

#Project August is now underway!

 

 

More soon…

 

~kc

It’s been a beautiful summer so far — the best weather for July that I can remember, at least. I’ve been busy with lots of stuff since my return from the UK. Writing in dribs and drabs and other fun projects [see previous Culture Ninja post!], but I’m ready to enter the Big Project vortex once more.

You may recall that last year, I was in a certain word-count race with a certain determined mountie/writer, whom I mistakenly threatened with this:

thus ensuring my resounding contest loss.

Which essentially resulted in this:

 

Well, that’s not gonna happen this year.

[I did like the poem/back-handed homage that I wrote him, even though I had to read it in a Big Bird suit…]

Anyway, as I did last year, I have a new book that needs finishing, and it’s going to be my #ProjectAugust.

I’d like to invite you to join me. Pick any project that needs finishing, and check in here at the blog or over on my twitter account [@kcdyer] to let me know how it’s going!

I think we need a worthy prize for #ProjectAugust participants, don’t you? Let me think about it…I’ll find something good, and let you know in the next post.

So there you go. Pick your best #ProjectAugust subject, and let’s get it done together! As always,

 

More soon…

 

~kc