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Cassandra

Cassandra Gold


Last Updated: 10/23/2009

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Gender: Female
Status: Married
Age: 30
Sign: Aries

State: Missouri
Country: US
Signup Date: 10/27/2006

Blog Archive
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Sunday, October 18, 2009 

Current mood:  relieved
Category: Writing and Poetry
After months of horrible writer's block (otherwise known as the Worst.  Writer's Block.  Ever.)  I finally finished something!  Woohoo! 

*happy dances*

A story I'd been working on since this summer is finally finished, and it clocks in at just over 34k.  I don't know if it's any good (off to betas as we speak), but it's done.  Where will I send it?  Not sure yet. 

I was starting to get worried I'd never write anything again.  All my writer friends will probably be able to understand how much that thought freaked me out.  This is the longest I've gone without writing since more than three years ago, and it wasn't pleasant.  Right now I feel like a huge weight is off my shoulders.  

Now, off to bed.   
Saturday, August 22, 2009 

Current mood:  sleepy
Category: Writing and Poetry
I haven't been around here much due to my return to the evil day job, so I'm posting my latest MSA blog.  It's a topic I'm interested in, and I'd like to hear everyone's thoughts on the subject. 

No, this is not a post about *that*. Get your minds out of the gutter, people! :)

What I am interested in knowing is how long you like your books / stories to be.

Recently, I read a post somewhere complaining about how the author disliked short stories and novellas. The blogger in question wanted to read novels only, the longer the better, and anything else was too short.

As for me, I'm an equal opportunity reader. Depending on my mood, I'll read anything from short stories to epic novels. I often like to pick up anthologies, short stories, or novellas when I know I won't have a lot of uninterrupted time to read. I can get the satisfaction of finishing the novella or short story in one sitting, whereas I probably won't be able to do that with a novel.

Of course, I expect there to be plot and characterization in anything I read, no matter how short or long. The blogger who only liked novels did not believe it was possible for an author to develop a plot and characters in a short work. I disagree. I've seen it done many times.

Writing-wise, I've written mostly short stories and novellas. My one completed (short) novel is due out in October. I try to provide sufficient plot and characterization no matter how long or short the work, which often requires me to tighten up the writing and cut out the excess "fat."

What do you all think? Do you like short stories, novellas, and multi-author anthologies? Can good characterization and a fully realized plot exist in short works?

Thursday, July 23, 2009 

Current mood:  anxious
Category: Writing and Poetry
After my 50k writing binge last month, I guess I shouldn't be too surprised that I can't seem to write anything right now. 

I've been reading a lot and getting caught up after my vacation, but I haven't written a word in over a week.  Sigh. 

This weekend I'm going to write something if it kills me (metaphorically, I hope)
Wednesday, July 01, 2009 

Current mood:  jubilant
Category: Writing and Poetry
I had my doubts as to whether I'd reach goal #2, but I made it!  *happy dancing*

Today:  2,965

Total: 

50034 / 50000 words. 100% done!


WIP 2 is now up to 18,130.  Here's hoping I can finish it before the deadline.  WIP 1 is done, and I'm waiting on a beta reader before subbing.  This month has been fantastically productive, and I want to thank all the other writers who participated in the challenge. 

To everyone else who undertook the challenge with me, whether you made it to 25k or not, make sure to post your final word counts. 
Thursday, June 25, 2009 

Current mood:  accomplished
Category: Writing and Poetry
I had my best writing day of the month today (at least so far).

WIP 1 is nearing completion, waaaay longer than I expected but with more than two weeks to go until my deadline. I got nothing on WIP 2 today, but I'm happy with my progress anyway.

Today: 3269

Total:  42091
 

*****And now for the SHOUT OUT!  Challengers, don't forget to post your progress to date wherever you've been posting!  Only 6 days left to write!*****

Thursday, June 18, 2009 

Current mood:  crazy
Category: Writing and Poetry
It's that time again, challengers!  Post your word counts to wherever you're posting--your blog, myspace, or livejournal. 

Here are my word counts.

Today:  2183

Total:

30635 / 25000 words. 123% done!
Saturday, June 13, 2009 

Current mood:  busy
Category: Writing and Poetry
Today:  1414

Total: 

24314 / 25000 words. 97% done!

I felt like taking a break on the Saving Ciaran sequel today, so I started WIP #2, which is flowing really well but has absolutely no title as of yet.  Not even a working title!  I'm horrible at titles, so I guess that's not such a surprise.  

That one needs to be around 25k, so I'll work on that one exclusively once I finish WIP #1.  

Currently listening:
Funhouse
By Pink
Release date: 2008-10-28
Thursday, June 11, 2009 

Current mood:  sleepy
Category: Writing and Poetry

*****Shout-out time! All challengers, if you haven't updated, post your word counts! *****

My count...

Today: 2,313

Total:
 
21443 / 25000 words. 86% done!

The WIP stands at 32,021.  I'm almost finished with it, yay! 

Sunday, June 07, 2009 

Current mood:  cranky
Category: Writing and Poetry
Today's count:  1,035

Total: 13201 / 25000 words. 53% done!

I'm up to 23,779 on the WIP, which is awesome.  I'm hoping to finish it sometime next week, then I'll send it off to betas and let it rest a bit before subbing. 

Tomorrow's another day, and I'm hoping I'll feel more up to writing then.  All those awesome writing days in a row have left me spoiled, I think.  :(
Thursday, June 04, 2009 

Current mood:  accomplished
Category: Writing and Poetry
Okay, Challengers! It's day 3 of the writing challenge.

If you haven't posted a word count yet, now's your chance.

My total for today: 2,732

Overall: 7876 / 25000 words. 32% done!

I don't know if this is going to continue, but so far this is motivating the heck out of me, lol.