What? Another Meme?

'Tis true. I've been tagged by Janna over at Something She Wrote to do a music-themed meme, which is strangely difficult for me because I don't spend much time in the car, and that's really the only time I listen to music. When I lived in LA and spent my life in the car, I was very hip and knew all the new artists.  Now I listen to a NPR on a little clock radio while I get ready, and that's about it. When did I turn into my father? Huh. 

But first, I thought I would let you all know about a great book I've been reading. It's only been around since 1961, so I'm really  cutting edge on this one. Somehow, I've never read Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates even though it's a very writerly book to read. Or so says the introduction. My beta reader said that my book reminded him of it--many of the same themes and tone at least--so I though I should check it out. Wow, it's amazing so far. And um, just a little better than mine, I'd say. I just started it, but if you are into family angst, this is the book for you.

Ok, so the meme. Name seven songs you are into right now, or that influence you in some way. And why. I can't do seven, but this is my list:

Amy Winehouse--Rehab 

I know, I know, she's a little junkie. But I find her so watchable and I love her music and her voice. I hope she doesn't mess it up too bad with her crack pipe. Get it together, Amy!

Coldplay--Viva La Vida

I don't know why, but this song says with me. The lyrics are interesting, too.

Ramones--Anything by the Ramones. It all sounds like the same song anyway.

My rule in the car: no kid music. Yeah yeah, bad mom, I know, but my daughters are crazy for music and if I have to listen to it through their doors at home, I get to choose in the car. We can agree on the Ramones, the Rolling Stones, the Violent Femmes, The Cult, and my last entry:

Good Charlotte--The River

I'll admit to buying this CD for the car only because my youngest daughter's name is Charlotte. But I actually like it and my daughters do, too. This song takes me back to LA.

A-Z Meme

I've been meme tagged today by our dear Auria Cortes (aka Escritora) at www.auriacortes.com. So here goes:

A-Attached or Single? Attached. I've been married for 13 years this October. Good God. 13 years.
B-Best Friend? My husband, my mom, and my friend Jennifer.
C-Cake or Pie? Cake. Cupcakes from a bakery called Two Little Ren Hens, if I get a choice.
D-Day of Choice? A BlackBerry-free Saturday.
E-Essential Items? BlackBerry, laptop, my favorite boots
F-Favorite Color? Cobalt blue.
G-Gummy Bears or Worms? Bears. The worms look gross hanging out of my kids' mouths.
H-Hometown? Springfield, MO, although I was born in St. Louis.
I-Indulgence? pedicures
J-January or July? July. At the beach.
K-Kids? Two girls named Naomi and Charlotte
L-Life isn’t complete without…travel. I love to travel. To anywhere, really.
M-Marriage Date? October 21, 1995 in Los Angeles
N-Number of Siblings? None! Only brat.
O-Oranges or Apples? Oranges. Apples don't do it for me. Unless they are baked in cinnamon.
P-Phobias or Fears? Sharks. I'm terrified of them.
Q-Quote? "If you haven't got anything nice to say about anyone...come sit here by me."
R-Reason to Smile? My crazy daughters.
S-Superman or Wonder Woman? Easy. Wonder Woman.
T-Tag 5 people. Melanie http://melanieavila.blogspot.com/, Janna http://somethingshewrote.blogspot.com/, Ed http://edpahule.blogspot.com/, and Polenth http://polenth.blogspot.com/
V-Vegetables? kale
W-Worst Habit? Complaining, especially when it's hot outside.
X-Ray or Ultrasound? Um, what?
Y-Your Favorite Food? BBQ potato chips
Z-Zodiac Sign? Capricorn

POV Problems, or, Everyone Sounds Like Wendy

I recently attempted writing a piece in the 1st person/past POV of a 12 year old girl. I wasn’t sure I could pull it off, and, as it turns out, I didn’t. My beta reader remarked that she was like a 37 year old trapped in the body of a 12 year old. Which she was. Although she probably sounds a bit like I did at 12.

So yeah, most of my characters tend to be women between the ages of 25 and 45. None of them are me, but all of them are me-esque, at least when it comes to voice. (Not their actions! I promise!) My next short story that I’ve plotted out is about an oversexed, insecure man in his late 60s, so I hope he doesn’t sound like he’s had a strong dose of estrogen.

Do you have a certain type of character you rely on? Is it anything like you? Or do you easily crawl into someone else’s psyche?

Camp Mom

Where ya been, Wendy? Working hard on that novel? Not exactly. Why, I've been entertaining my daughters day and night, what else?

I did get some comments back on my WIP. LOTS of comments. But good ones, and I'm excited to read them. And get to work. Tonight. How's your WIP coming along?

Rawhide

We're headin' em up and movin' em out today with more suitcases than one could imagine. For the next couple of months, "Writes in the City" becomes "Writes at the Beach." Maybe I'll find some inspiration there. We do have internet access (thank God), so I'll be updating my blog. Plus, come mid-July, I'll be attending the Southampton Writer's Conference, and my plan is to update on all 10 days, so that I can bring all of you along with me. I'll need the emotional support.

Happy Father's Day to all the dads! I'm off to whip together a breakfast for my dear husband before we give him his gifts, then I'll see my own dad later today. Yes, I know it's a made up, Hallmark holiday. But still. I have some great dads in my life and they deserve some handmade cards and token gifts. What are your plans for Father's Day? Do you celebrate?

That's Right, I'm a Writing Weenie

I'm the kind of person who thrives on routine. I'm more productive, anyway. I probably made the ideal toddler, but as an adult, one has to be able to shake it up every now and again.

Conditions must be perfect for me to write. Quiet house, full stomach, green genmaicha tea at the ready on my right hand side (in my favorite mug, the one that's not too big nor too small.) So one could imagine how much writing I've been doing since my kids have been out of school. Zippo!

I admire people who can make it all work, and often I feel like a spoiled princess when I hear about people writing with seven kids running around and a house to clean, or working 50 hours per week at a stressful job and coming home to write late into the night. Maybe I could do it if I had to, but it's more likely that they are just made from a hardier stock. So are you one of those people who make me look like a wimp? What's your writing routine?

Something Else Before I'm Off

No matter what your political views are, and believe me, I don't care who you are voting for in November, this video should piss you off to no end. Chris Matthews is such a putz. And he has a turkey neck.

Off to See the Fifes & Drums

I'll be away from a computer for the next few days (I'm a little concerned about having withdrawals, but a blog-free detox might do me good.) I'm driving down to Williamsburg, VA to do some tourin' and some learnin' about American history with the husband and kiddos. The girls are ridiculously excited about the trip, primarily because of the Felicity series of American Girl doll books. ("Do you think she'll be there?" "Felicity would be long dead, honey." No, I didn't really say that.)

In the meantime, I recommend you pick up David Sedaris' new book When You are Engulfed in Flames. I'm in the middle of it now and it's kept me up late into the night, snickering.

Join Me for a Quick Brag, Won't You?

I’m feeling pretty good about myself today. I’ve completed my first novel-length piece and just sent it off for a critique. This is a big deal for me because a) I haven’t worked for money in over 8 years (although I’ve been busy doing lots of child-raising and fundraising for non-profits) and b) because I could have grown bored or stuck and quit writing at any time, and in very non-Wendy fashion, I didn’t.

I so rarely get a chance to just out-and-out brag about my own accomplishments, so dammit, I’m gonna do it today. Yay me.

Let us all be narcissistic today! Please share a brag about yourself