Home
Forum Who's Heather Read It Get the News Win Things Minion Bling FAQs

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

The Dos And Don'ts They Don't Tell You About

How many writing blogs are there out there? Five million or so? And most of them cover the dos and don'ts of publishing...but they leave out all the really practical stuff. Well, never fear, my faithful minions. Auntie Heather has come to your aid once again. Here are the top five dos and don'ts that all those other writing-related blogs don't tell you about.

5) Don't wear white.
Word to the wise, minions...white stains like crazy. And with all the soothing chocolate you'll be devouring, you want something that will hide stains. Opt for black instead. Besides, as depressed as this process will make you, you'll come to have a great appreciation for the color of mourning.

4) Buy stock in Office Depot.
Or Staples or Office Max--if it's an office supply store, you're going to give them a lot of business, so why not benefit from it? As a side note, it never hurts to get to know the employees' names. After all, to a full time writer, these people are like coworkers...however, please refrain from copying your butt on their copiers. They hate that.

3) Opt for comfort.
I vote for yoga pants or jammie pants (Happy Bunny not necessary if you're not a fashion mogul such as I). The point is that when you're sobbing into your keyboard or glaring at your monitor, screaming, "I HATE THIS! AND I'LL NEVER BE A WRITER!! NEVER!!!", you want to be all sorts of cozy. (Trust me. This will happen.)

2) Headphones are your friend.
Your only friend, considering how much time you'll spend at your desk--but that's beside the point. The only way to block out noise is with more noise. So slap those babies on and block out the rest of the world.

and finally, 1) Surround yourself with inspiration.
I have many things on my desk that inspire me to write. But my favorite has to be my Vampire in a Box kit. Just in case this whole writer thing doesn't work out...I'll always have eternal night to look forward to.

Now, change into jammie pants, grab some chocolate, check your stock portfolio, slip on your headphones, and remember, if it doesn't work out...I've got extra room in my coffin.

4 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

And never, ever, EVER commit copyright violation with Auntie Heather's blog -- unless you are fond of lawsuits and spanking.

9:36 AM  
Blogger Heather Brewer said...

That's a good one too :)

Plus, I think we need to work in taking time out to care for yourself, with things like exercise and Vitamin P (which would be Pepsi, of course).

9:38 AM  
Blogger Ewoh Nairb said...

What about investing in a gel keyboard-wrist-rest? They are good for typing and for saving your forhead when you are pounding it on your desk... ok, so maybe that's only me.

Until I read this post, and followed the link, I had never heard of powells.com... and then I noticed another link on Miss Snark's blog leading to powells.com... think it is time I figured out what I've been missing. I'll be back shortly :)

10:40 AM  
Blogger Heather Brewer said...

Heeeeeyyy.....that sure would minimize the forehead bruises....

11:26 AM  

Post a Comment

<< Home

What People Are Saying About 'Eighth Grade Bites'

"A spooky mystery that's funny, gruesome, heartwarming, spellbinding, sad, joyous, surprising and topped off with a tasty blend of blood and chocolate. Yum. What more could you ask for?" ~D.J. MacHale, New York Times-bestselling author of PENDRAGON: JOURNAL OF AN ADVENTURE THROUGH TIME AND SPACE

"'Eighth grade Bites' had me on the edge of my seat. It's a great piece of fiction. It drops you right into the action, grabs you by the throat (pun intended), and won't let go. Vladimir Tod is a truly sympathetic character cursed with an existence not of his own doing, but doing his best to do the right thing. It's part 'Goosebumps' mixed with 'Harry Potter' and a dash – no, a heaping tablespoon – of Stephen King. If you're in eighth grade, or a vampire, or an eighth grade vampire, 'Eighth Grade Bites' is a definite must read!"~Butch Hartman, creator of Nickelodeon's THE FAIRLY ODD PARENTS and DANNY PHANTOM

"Eighth Grade Bites is a terrific vampire tale told with a sharp, middle-school grin. It definitely does not bite!" ~Christopher Moore, author of BLOODSUCKING FIENDS and A DIRTY JOB

"Eighth Grade Bites is a delightful novel filled with dark, biting humor that will appeal to everyone who ever felt they were different. A deft hand at depicting the angst of teen years, Heather Brewer does a wonderful job blending vampire legend with the modern day horror that strikes fear in the heart of so many: the eighth grade."~Katie MacAlister, New York Times-bestselling author of EVEN VAMPIRES GET THE BLUES

"Heather Brewer has invented the most endearing of vampires in Vlad, an eighth grader juggling the woes of adolescence with the decidedly unique difficulties of being a vampire. She perfectly captures the humor and angst of eighth grade, mixed with a nail-biting adventure. Utterly charming and irresistible!" ~Liza Conrad, author of HIGH SCHOOL BITES: THE LUCY CHRONICLES

"This book will fool you. Just when you think you've identified it as a story lit by the cheery glow of a slightly scary jack-o-lantern, it becomes something else -- a tale told by the flickering light of a dying campfire late at night. And the shadows are very dark indeed. A surprising mix of humor and horror." ~Douglas Rees, author of VAMPIRE HIGH

"Fresh and fast-paced, with just the right brew of chills and laughs. I’m looking forward to finding out what happens when Vlad hits Grade Nine." ~Nancy Baker, author of KISS OF THE VAMPIRE

"A fabulous book from a gifted storyteller! I never wanted it to end." ~Gena Showalter, author of OH MY GOTH