Monday Morning Post: Mash-up Edition

Now today, my happy Rancourtesans, I've put together a few fabulous writing-related blog links that I hope you'll enjoy as much as I did. There's some really good stuff here, and starting a Monday off with a little learning is bound to make the rest of the week go well. Besides, it's raining like crazy here in Seattle, so we may as well stay inside and do some reading...

First up, I tripped over this one in my Twitter stream this morning, and it resonated for me because I've been reading Save The Cat, Blake Snyder's book on screenwriting. Check out Meg McNulty's Writing Blog From Darcy to Dionysus and her post, A Plea for Character Development. It's a great reminder of what's REALLY important.

Then I found this post from the blog The Other Side of the Story with Janice Hardy. This is my fave writing blog, and last Friday's post was particularly good: The Best Advice On Plotting I've Ever Heard.

I recently joined a new Triberr tribe, and one of the members, Veronica Sicoe, blogs about writing at Vero/Building Character. Her post The Key Element of Powerful Fiction is something you can live by.

This post from Nikki McCormack's blog Dancing on the Treetops in the Forest of my Mind is interesting all by itself, but the comments it generated are just as good. It's a look at the whole ebook vs tree-book conundrum (& thanks, Ellen G - I think that's the first time I've ever seen the phrase tree-book). What's missing in ebooks, or, Pizza without black olives.

Finally (and somewhat shamelessly) I'm including a link to Laird Sapir's blog Shabby Chic Sarcasm. Her Sunday post, In The Coop, was kind of funny, if I do say so myself.

;)

Hope you enjoy all these posts, and that you each have a fabulous week.

Peace,

Liv

Photo credit: http://www.dreamstime.com/window-curtains-on-rainy-day-imagefree2261055

How To Woo A Vampire

And now for something a little different - and totally fabulous - please check out this post by writer/blogger/friend/all-around cool gal Laird Sapir. She's also a closet DJ, and she put together this post with a set list for music with which to attract the undead...

Thanks Laird!

Peace, 

Liv

These days, everyone seems to want a little Vampire love. Trouble is, unless you are a part-fairy psychic waitress or a Petrova Doppelganger, it can be hard to know just how to land your own piece of blood-sucking arm candy.

Well, I'm here to help, with a step-by-step guide to snagging a vamp - and you won't even have to make a trip to Fangtasia.

Step 1: Go on a cleansing diet. Whether you want to attract the attention of a modern preternatural hottie like Damon Salvatore or reel in an old-school hunk of cold-blooded love like Lestat or Bill Compton, best to steer clear of vervain, garlic, and laudanum.

Step 2: Treat yourself to a makeover. Since most Vamps were born before your great grandmother learned how to walk, attract them by adding some old-school style to your wardrobe. Looking for a second glance from Eric Northman? Try some Viking braids or a horned helmet. Be creative, but remember: avoid accessorizing with silver or wood.

Step 3: This is critical. Just as music is capable of taming the savage beast, it is also the perfect tool for luring a Vampire out of his lair. Find your town's equivalent of Merlotte's or Mystic Fall's town square, and break out your boombox. Yes, I said it, Boombox. If you don't have one, start prowling ebay. Vampires are not going to be wooed by your ipod. Trust me.

Step 4: Blast some Vampire-lovin' tunes. I've compiled a list of suggested songs to get you started.

Good Luck and Happy Hunting!

(Oh, and while you're listening to the tunes Laird chose, open a new screen and check out her blog, lairdsapir.com. It's a very cool place!)

Liv  ;)