Darla Warrior

Traipsing through Mansions

2008-06-29T22:54:07Z

Today we (Kyle and McKeelan and I) drove to Miami to traipse around an old mansion. We had forgotten to tell our son (age 11) that we had changed our minds. Originally, we were going to a well airconditioned art museum. Sadly, he wore very hot, black pants! Ooops. Still he raved about the whole place--once he cooled off in the car.

In the 1920s Charles Deering (a Chicago Industrialist) built his Florida dream home. It stands on over 400 acres of very protected land, as it is home to a very unique species that can grow on coral. Too cool. I hope I reported that correctly. My science knowledge is rusty. I am usually interested in the ghosts of the past and the arhictecture.

My favorite room in the mansion: the ball room and the wine cellar. His wine cellar was one of the largest wine cellars in the United States, during Prohibition. There's even a secret bookshelf with a hidden sliding door protecting the cellar's identity. Sadly, Hurrican Andrew blew through and flooded the cellar demolishing the priceless original bottles of wine and liquour. If in South Florida, be sure to visit this historical gem.http://www.deeringestate.com/index.aspx

ART

2008-06-19T19:09:50Z

http://liblackartists.org/david_wilson.htm

Hi all. Visited a great art exhibit today at the African-American Heritage Research Library and Cultural Center in Fort Lauderdale. One artist in particular struck my fancy: David Wilson. Linked above. Although, I have never pasted a link, so I hope you can access the link and get a glimpse of this amazing work.

Naturally, the link can't begin to represent the actual paintings. Wow! I am not an art connoisseur, by any stretch of the imagination. But his work has a warm, yet biting quality.

At first one doesn't see the hidden creations, but upon further inspection one begins to delight in the hidden pictures that make up the whole picture. Alarming, funny, poigniant and earthy all at the same time. It's like a puzzle, in art, poured through color and culture. Kind of Maniac. Definately interesting and thought provoking. Now, I gotta figure out a way to buy one.

If you are unable to open the link above: google this: David G. Wilson Springfield Gardens New York. And click into his stuff. There are many artists to link into.

djwarrior @ 2008-06-15T18:34:00

2008-06-15T22:41:56Z

This is the newest member of my household. I can't believe I caved! Now, I am potty training a feline. I thought I was over the "potty" training stage.

Took a great walk on the beach last night about 10 PM. You just can't beat a late-night walk along the beach. We didn't see any crabs burrowing into their holes...strange. We didn't see any sea turtles crawling from the water to bury their eggs....bummer. Too many people out.

I don't know what it is about the beach that makes it such a great place to think.

OMG! It's been 4 Months!

2008-06-14T21:28:37Z

I haven't posted in four months. How do some people handle: jobs, kids, husband, household chores, family, friends and WRITING? I need to figure out how to balance everything and still be a good: mom, wife, writer, friend, teacher, and human being. HOLY CRAP....it's tough. I totally missed the last two months of "writer's group" meeting. So, I'm riddled with guilt.

It took me months and months to write a 3 page synopsis. Is that normal? It took me about a year to right the cottin-pickin' query. I think the "business" side of writing sucks!

Anyway. We gave our television away on Craig's list thinking that it would help us get back to our priorities. It's been three weeks and I kind of like it without the tube. My friends from other countries: France, Jamaica, and the like think that we spend too much time adoring our televisions in the country. NAH!

Went to the theater last night. Saw: The Happening by M.Night Shaylamaa.a.a..asomething or other. I love his movies, but hate trying to remember how to say his name...don't even remark about how to spell it. Interesting movie. Mark Wahlberg is differently directed in it. It's a movie that leaves you thinking.

I gotta go....lots of reading to catch up on.

Thinking two Things

2008-02-16T01:55:13Z

#1 Naked Pictures of me Plastered in Manhattan!

I haven't actually seen the show, I'm loving the concept of loving oneself---here goes: Naked:))))) Oprah did a great segment with Carson Daly about his new hit series: How to Look Good Naked. I'm thinking this is a great concept, show. And, I wanna be on it. Although, I can't imagine having a 3 story, nude photo of myself plastered in a nightmare (my own nightmare of course) not to mention having it plastered on a building in Manhattan....unless it's in Manhattan, Montana....if that place even exists. Sorry to those that live there.

#2 Sorrow and Crumbling

I'm also thinking of the sorrow that befalls a family when a loved one dies as a consequence of someone's anger and sadness--campus shootings foremost on my mind. And, I must include the family of the shooter in my sorrow. I can't fathom their grief, not only has their child died, but they must also face the hatred of the world. What a weight they must bear.

Nightly, the news shows us images of: schools crumbling, houses blasted apart by tornadoes, roofs collapsing under the weight of snow, rivers flooding, levees breaking, and bridges falling (think Minneapolis, August 2007), and I'm also thinking that the infrastructure crumbling is a metaphor for the rest of the country seemingly in state of CRUMBLE.

So, Dear Fellow Bloggers, I remind myself that for every bad, bad thing there are many, many, many good deeds. It's off to concentrating on the good...right? It's off to PRAYING. . . and helping to shed light on GOOD deeds with MY actions, MY writing and MY voice. I'm one of the lucky ones--because I get to work in a public school in America, and I know we (people that work with kids) make a difference each day by building relationships first.

Sorry about the downer blog:(
Off to a hot bath and a good book.

I'm A Grandma!

2008-02-13T23:51:31Z

I'm finally getting the opportunity to sit down and blog about the newest member of my clan: Aiden, weighing in at a bit over 5# 6oz. 19". Like the true adventurer I dream he will be, he jetted into our lives on February 6th @ 10:25 AM.

He's content and ready to carry on conversations with people--no kidding:)
Someday he will grow into his long feet and fingers.

When I think of Aiden
I want to write poetry and
record music, and splash
through shallow pools of
blue, red and orange.

I also see images
of his father
stranded
in a concrete river
attached to his big wheel,
smiling,
laughing,

and

I grin and drink
the goodness
of the memories,

I look forward
to another
round this time
starring
Aiden.

Remember when I was wondering about when to nudge an agent?

2008-01-29T23:23:55Z

Well, I heard from him....you know... my dream agent. I know he's just like I had imagined. Sitting in his chair, surrounded by stacks of unread manuscripts, steaming coffee in hand, and just waiting to open another world.

I heard from him on Friday night and he wants a 50 page partial. When I opened the email requesting the partial, read it and I nearly needed to call a paramedic.

I'm talkin' the request spun me into a total stall, a maelstrom, a tornadic state of EMO Nirvana.

To date, I going on record as stating that I experienced a brand new feeling after that request. I can't express the feelings exactly, but it felt like what I imagine astronauts feel when they go from that sliver of airspace (which holds we humans on the earth) and into that enormous space hovering above--the space that's connected to heaven. Astronauts must want to pee in their pants with giddiness, because I sure did. EXCUSE the hyperbole.

My neighbors heard the screaming. NO Hyperbole here. So, for the record, 1 month and a few days is NOT too long to wait. Patience is a virtue. Isn't writing a rollercoaster?

I'll keep you posted. And know, it's the ONLY thing on my mind.

January Conference!

2008-01-24T04:17:03Z

What an incredible whirlwind of learning, edification and sharing. The January SCBWI conference in Miami proved my best conference to date (it's the third under me belt....aaarhhh!).

Highlights and Light-Bulb Moments include:

Lisa Cheng's (McElderry Books) workshop on finding the "heart" of one's story taught me how to find the heart in a simple two step process. In addition, she gave us many examples of "first lines" that do NOT work.

Dorian Cirrone's critique of my first ten pages pushed me even higher toward my goals.

Adrian Foglin answered so many wonderful "taboo" questions, which we'd like to ask but do not ask because we think them too impolite.

Sid Fleishman, although hard to hear, quoted a friend of his by saying, "Nothing wasted but the paper." This comment was a real light bulb moment.

Molly O'Neill (Bowen Press) shared that editors want to read manuscripts with ground breaking ideas and that star above average kids in them.

Lee Bennett Hopkins (poet) opened his talk with a light-bulb comment that "real" life is only one kind of life. He also said that the new book, the next book is the only one that counts.

Daneil Moreton (Cartwheel) taught me what a novelty book is....I love those books, just didn't know they were called "novelty" books.

Nancy Werlin (author) taught me to write down everything that my reader suggests about my manuscript and most importantly not to judge the comments or suggestions. If two people suggest the same thing....look out...they're probably right. Her workshop on Tension blew me over.

Nadia Cornier (Firebrand Literary) kept me laughing and learning....now that's tough to do. I was so engaged in her "motivational" speech that I didn't take notes...and she says she's not a public speaker.

David Diaz (illustrator) asked members of the audience how they tapped into the muse--light-bulb exercise! To hear what others do inspired me to try new things.

I know that I didn't include all the speakers, for that I apologize. At times, I believe the temperature of the room kept me from functioning. I KNOW I should have brought my sweater, but I forget that thing. Somehow living in Florida does that to us Midwesterners.

Thanks to Linda and her crew for such a great, great time! AGAIN!!!! If I spelled your name wrong in this....sorry. It's 11:15 PM....and I can't spell when it's a decent time.

I didn't carry my camera this time, as I was hefty too many notebooks and the like. Therefore check out momalisa and acoppage's photos.

Waiting. . . but how long?

2008-01-09T02:39:06Z

Okay, I sent the Equery to an agent with Hawkins Agency (New York) on the 19th of December. This agent normally responds with minutes (One time in less than 4 minutes), rarely more than 48 hours goes by without a response from the gentleman. So, does this mean that my equery got lost? Or, does it mean that he's contemplating? Should I send another? I mentioned this on Verla Kay. But wanted to know what you all thought.

Best,
D

After Holiday Blues

2008-01-07T15:58:10Z

Man, is anyone out there experiencing the Holiday Blues? I don't remember feeling this way in the past. Thankfully, according to the experts, the Holiday Blues usually diminishes when we get back into the normal routines we are use to. Thank God.

With that in mind, experts advise: getting good sleep, eating well, exercising, making lists. Hmmmmm, lists? I made the list already, so things should get underway for me within the week. I think my blues are directly related to "agent" submissions. YUCK! It would be so much easier just to go on to the next book and leave submitting to other writers. But, that would be too easy. Dad always said, "Nothin' in life worthwhile comes easy."

PS: the Kite photo is from a batch of fun we had last year. The kite you're seeing is as long as a semi truck. Looking at this photo always cheers me up. If you're experiencing the blues, I hope it does the same for you.

djwarrior @ 2008-01-01T18:00:00

2008-01-01T23:00:10Z

Hello everyone! Happy, happy new year, friends. Isn't it exciting, passing another year.

I am looking forward to 2008 because it is the year that I will see big results!

Things I am thankful for from 2007:

1) My health, my family, my friendships, my jobs--of course.
2) My 3rd novel, as I actually like this one.
3) My online and face-to-face groups.
4) Writing conferences and living in South Florida where it's easy to attend them.
5) Being alive!

Things I will accomplish in 2008:

1) Get my health, eating and body back into Pre-Teaching Shape.
2) Learn more Spanish, more French and more about technology (i.e., set up a website)
3) Trading one bad habit for one good habit, each quarter!
4) Signing on with an agent
5) Finish novel #4 and being a better teacher!

A Hero Begins another Journey

2007-12-28T21:40:34Z

We're heading for the keys to camp for a couple of days.
Aren't short vacations grand.

This week begins the work on the novel #4, which means I spend 24/7 thinking about the journey of my hero. What does he think? How does he act? Will he be in love? Will he get hurt? In a fellow bloggers journal she reminds me that there's always a beginning. This year ends, and we are rounding the corner to yet another beginning. This whole beginning thing about drives me crazy. And my house! OMG! It's out of control. You won't see any pictures of that, though.

So, today as it has been for the past 2 months, I merely contemplate the journey of a Hero, without putting any real ink on the paper
.
Maybe my hero lives in the keys....that's an interesting setting. Who tells the story? These details and tasks make me crazy. I know I am not the only writer that feels this way. Does this "beginning" feeling ever, ever go away?

Case in point: last night. I got one of those overwhelming panic feelings. I'm sitting on the couch trying not to think of my book and "Blamm" I think: What if the agent really likes novel #3, that means I have to produce something equally good! YIKES!!!!! Can I even do that?!"

Humans...we're so weird.

May your muse sit upon your shoulder and whisper juicy character traits, so you can develop characters that have depth, dreams and desires.

In the famous words of Mork, "Nano! Nano!"

2007-12-27T18:49:27Z

Well, fellow bloggers. My husband and son bought me an IPOD Nano for Christmas. OMG! I love this thing. Weird: it makes me feel younger. Now I know why the kids in my classes are always trying to get away with listening to this thing. This one little technological wonder makes this old lady feel 15 years younger.

I can store my favorite photos, download my favorite music and more! If you haven't bought one....I suggest you do so. If for no other reason than to feel younger and get in touch with the teenager that still lingers within.

We made it through the holidays. One blogger wrote about the angst. It's true we should not allow ourselves to feel angst. But we do! Why is that? I get the same feelings about the holidays that I get about having a dinner party....nerves galore! I envy those people that can host a party and not get all up in nerves about it. Who are you? And how do you do it?

All my best,
D

Epiphany

2007-12-24T20:21:56Z

I didn't know that there was such a thing as "Epiphany" with regards to Christmas. Thanks so much for the information, fellobloggers. I spelled that wrong on purpose because I can't spell worth a sh. . . . After reading a friend's blog today, I've decided that I need to be more honest. Now, don't get me wrong: I'm not going off the rude end, doing so would go against my "If you don't have anything nice to say then don't say anything" upbringing.

I posted the picture today of my husband (he's a hottie) and myself, because it's one of the only pictures taken of me in the past 12 years that I kind of like--trust me when I write that I do not allow pictures of myself to be taken. Big confession: I tell people that it's against my beliefs....I tell them that photos steal parts of people's souls....total BS.

There was a time, long ago....that I didn't struggle with weight. HIGH SCHOOL! But I sure began to battle obesity after I graduated from high school school: compliments of my very athletic childhood turning into the life of a sedentary troll. During college: I turned the battle back on obesity and won back 110 pounds. Well, I kept that off for a couple of years, and then I allowed the sedentary troll to return and now I am back where I said I would never be again......this is me still confessing....and it's not easy.

So, a felloblogger's post has prompted me to step out of my comfort zone and show a recent picture of myself. People in my life will know that this is a major step in the "getting honest" in 2008 personal movement. Isn't the first step in anything admitting that one has an issue.

Another friend of mine wonders why Americans have such problems with food. She believes we have hangups because we do not know how to respect and admire food. How to have healthy relationships with food. Boy is she right. So, how does one begin to fix a faulty food relationship? Can the same concepts of fixing a human relationship be applied to food?

Food for thought in 2008.

Well, fellobloggers may your holiday be filled with tender moments of peace and good cheer. And may 2008 bring you honest, healthy relationships with people and food.

Feliz Navidad

Darla Warrior
Confessions of a Somewhat Honest Nature

On the 13th Day of Christmas

2007-12-22T00:11:49Z

Okay. . .stay with me on this one.

I'm thinking of that old song The Twelve Days of Christmas something or other. When is the first day of Christmas, anyway? In my 43 years, I have never given this any thought. If the first day of Christmas is the 25th of December, that makes the 12th day....January 5th? Is that right?

OMG! It's weird to all of a sudden, without warning, find oneself thinking about something of this nature. Anyway, if you have an answer to this dilemma, will ya fill me in? Por Favor.

The photo is of my nephew, last Christmas. He's smart....that gene courtesy of me....most certainly. Although, his father, my brother, has a Phd in Bio-Chemistry, which is way beyond me.

This week is not a good time to query agents. I had forgotten that it was the week before Christmas (DUH!), and then when I remembered....I realized I how futile it might have been to submit.

Sleeping Friends

2007-12-21T01:14:35Z

Here's a sweet photo that makes me want to snuggle myself. Don't these two look like perfect buddies? They remind me that we all must throw aside our differences, not just at this time of the year, but everyday. If dogs and cats can share a small napping place, then we can share our roads, our shopping lines, our skies and our lives with one another. Take time each day to welcome a person into your spirit with a simple smile.

Characters come in all Shapes and with Quirky Behaviors

2007-12-19T22:47:39Z

The above photo of a special friend, Coconut, was taken by her owner and my new friend--a gorgeous blonde from France (the woman not the cat) Although, the cat is almost as gorgeous.

I don't usually like cats, but Coconut is special. She has a personality more human than most humans. One day, dear bloggers, Coconut will debut in a Warrior novel because of all the quirky things she does.

For example: This cat has an odd penchant for laundry, hiding in drawers, hiding under things, drinking from a running tap, and insisting on accompanying other women to the bathroom. Naturally, Coconut has not figured out how to use the toilet--yet! She merely sits on the edge of the sink and waits patiently for the other to finish business.

Another quirky Coconut trait: when my friend does a load of laundry, Coconut hops in and rests within the folds of warmth and aromas. She then hops out smelling of Tide and Bounty Dryer sheets--maybe she was a laundry lady in a previous life?

When Coconut wants to get someone's attention she yells. If the yelling doesn't get the desired response, Coconut begins to flick things off from the table or whatever she is on.

She got the name Coconut because she just appeared at her entrance to my friend's apartment in Cayman. Of course, my friend wasn't allowed to have pets. Thankfully, she broke the rule and kept Coconut. Who could resist that cuteness.

So, as if from the sky, with no warning, Coconut dropped into my friend's life. That was 2003 and they have traveled many miles together, landing here South Florida and blessing me with their friendship.

Animals make great characters too. So, next time you are plotting that outline and deciding on those characters, remember the animals in your lives.

There's snow out there! Just not here

2007-12-19T00:19:45Z

Dear Fellow Bloggers: I have posted a picture of my favorite Iguana, TED. I posted TED today in the hopes that he will bring me some small reminder of why I love Florida, as I am missing snow! Now, keep in mind: I am not missing the bone chilling, teeth bumping cold; I missing the toe-oozing mud and ugliness that comes with the melting of the snow.

But, it's during this time of year that we, not-so-native Floridians, begin to lament the white curtains falling gently in the good night.

Enough lamenting. I must remember the warm beach, the green palms, the ever-present sunshine (for sure) and the veritable fun-filled days.

As for TED, he climbs trees and wanders around the yard. Considering his enormous size, I allow him full run.

Cultural Arts

2007-12-17T17:31:47Z

Have you taken time recently to pamper the artistic side, or are you just working out your artistic brain with writing? If you are neglecting the other arts you must take time, even if it's once every blue moon, to feed this part of the artist in you--as I did this weekend.

For my anniversary, my husband surprised me with tickets to a local theatrical production. Something, we have always loved doing. But, something we've neglected since our arrival to South Florida (2 years ago!).

What a great treat for my artistic side! I tell ya, I didn't realize how much I had missed this. Therefore, my advice, dear writers: do not neglect that part of your personality. It's easy to forget that our bodies crave certain things: live theatre, walks outdoors, music, dance and the like. So, so important.

Remember: Supporting the arts means supporting the artist within.

Look, MOM!

2007-12-15T19:36:04Z

I figured out how to post a picture, just like my friends!
Holy Buckets! Lookout fellow bloggers, I am on a virtual-photo-show-off train.
This photo taken in Montana the summer of 2007. I miss Montana.

djwarrior @ 2007-12-14T23:07:00

2007-12-15T04:09:41Z

Hi old friends. Thanks for the nice replies. Yes, it feels good to be back. I've missed reading about your progress and being in contact with other writers. I'm thinking about twists and turns in life. I certainly have my share. I took a leave of absence from my teaching job this past summer, so that I could try teaching at a newly established charter school. Well, the teachers that advised me to take an official leave, rather than quit outright....really....really saved me! As I resigned from my job, 2 weeks ago. And today was my last day. I see the photos of snow on some of your pages and am thinking of the Florida Keys....my posted photo was taken by me in the keys last winter.

Dropping Off The Face of the Earth

2007-12-12T03:02:02Z

Ho, Ho, Ho! It's been so long since my last entry, that I forgot how to get on! But, I've been busy writing--the only good excuse. I am on the very cusp of finding an agent.

I watched The Secret: I see my overly-engaged agent. She/He is sitting near a pile of stacked manuscripts (so tall they cast a shadow on his mahogany desk) a stack comparable to JK Rawlings's Harry Potter stack. My agent has just uncovered my novel and is rolling his chair across the hardwood floor of his corner office so he can read it by the light bouncing off the bright snow, as he lives in the northeast.

He notices (notice how he turned into a he) my address as Florida. He thinks, "Yes, a Florida writer. . .sun. I could visit Florida, no problem o, see Disney, take in a play, schmooze with the South Beachers, all the more reason to publish this writer."

He snuggles close to the rays of warm sunshine falling through his 13th story window and begins a journey on the most awesome bus ride of his adult life......feels good to be BACK.

Doors like old people

2007-04-24T22:30:45Z

Jo Knowles' post really opened my mind today...no pun intended. I was reminded of the old doors from an old Craftsman Victorian home, which my husband and I renovated.

The doors, from 1910, were bent from the drastic-Minnesota changes in temperture, so they hung kitty-whampus. Their skin--all alligator like--reminded me of old people. It's like the doors were stuck too....stuck in an old home rather than an old folks' home.

We kept the doors and rubbed a truck load of thinner on them to rid them of their alligator skin.

We kept the kitty-whampus look.

Finding time for me

2007-04-19T22:17:06Z

Why is it so tough to get started with the whole task of working out? It feels good--once it's a routine. It's amazing for me! It's a no-brainer. I'm a relatively smart gal...what's my problem? I know that all I have to do is "DO IT!" Yet, I talk myself into snuggling up in my comforter. I hit the snooze...for the 8th time, and I remind myself of all the fears..."it's too dark, you're alone...blah..blah...blah...Well, there's always tomorrow. Here's to those people that make it happen! PS: I can't read my friends' posts because my font it totally messed up on my monitor....HELP?

Spring Break almost over.....sigh...

2007-04-07T09:07:00Z

yes, my rest is coming to a close. So, I'm trying to stay up late, and squeeze all of my favorite things into the last two or three days. I'm listening to a commerical about the greatest 150 hits from the 1950s.....some great music. Florida's weather has been awesome lately and I am so thankful not to have the snow I see in some of my online friend's posts.....whew.....we love our sunshine and warmth.