tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20165175760502914562024-03-07T19:15:28.003-08:00My WritingdomChris Ortega Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04464579065630739505noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016517576050291456.post-49558718130214214812013-10-03T08:03:00.002-07:002013-10-03T08:03:48.872-07:00It's October. How are you prepping for NaNo?This year has gone by incredibly quickly and somewhat successfully for me. I have had poems published, I had a <a href="http://infectiveink.com/?p=1156" target="_blank">short story published</a> (and I got paid for it!), I have been writing articles for an <a href="http://www.beinglatino.us/" target="_blank">online news website</a> and a friend and I started <a href="http://geekcurious.com/" target="_blank">our own website</a>. And as the year is beginning to end, it is only getting busier for me.<br />
<br />
Next month I will participate in <a href="http://nanowrimo.org/" target="_blank">NaNoWriMo</a> for the 5th time. I have previously won each time and also finished editing two of the four novels I wrote during the month so I am looking forward to working on another novel this year.<br />
<br />
I know November is still a month away, but in-between my other writing projects, I try to do a little preparation for NaNo so I can start writing on November 1st and not battle writer's block.<br />
<br />
So for this post I thought I'd share some of the resources I use to prepare for NaNo in case any readers are interested in participating in NaNo or are looking for inspiration:<br />
<br />
1. A NaNo Handbook<br />
One place to start would be with the novel written by the founder of NaNoWriMo's. <i>No Plot? No Problem! </i>was written to help writers embarking on the NaNo journey. You can buy it on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/No-Plot-Problem-Low-Stress-High-Velocity/dp/0811845052/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1380778308&sr=8-1&keywords=no+plot+no+problem" target="_blank">Amazon</a> or check your local library.<br />
<br />
2. Looking to Adopt<br />
Once you have decided to participate in NaNo, there are plenty of helpful forums on the website including an <a href="http://nanowrimo.org/en/forums/adoption-society" target="_blank">Adoption Society forum</a> where other writers leave ideas that need homes. You can take one from there and if you're kind enough, leave one of your ideas that you've had but haven't gotten around to writing.<br />
<br />
3. Catch up on Current Events<br />
Reading newspapers or watching the news could help spark an idea.<br />
<br />
4. Play "What if...?"<br />
<br />
5. Talk to your friends.<br />
Sometimes even random conversations can lead to an idea that could lead to a novel.<br />
<br />
6. Visit writing webites<br />
Websites like <a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/" target="_blank">Writer's Digest</a> offer prompts (among other resources) and other websites are dedicated to only offering prompts like <a href="http://creativewritingprompts.com/" target="_blank">this one</a>.<br />
<br />
So now that you may (or may not) have an idea, what else can you do during October?<br />
<br />
Last year I found <a href="http://www.writing.com/main/view_item/item_id/1951946-October-Nano-Prep-2013-Calendar" target="_blank">this website</a> that offers a whole month's worth of preparation for NaNo. It specifies things you can do each day until NaNo begins.<br />
<br />
Until next time, happy writing!Chris Ortega Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04464579065630739505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016517576050291456.post-90103148571822155852013-06-23T11:16:00.003-07:002013-06-23T11:16:59.848-07:00Published and PaidI have been having a good writing year: I have written poems and stories and am currently editing a novella, my friend and I have started a <a href="http://geekcurious.com/about.html" target="_blank">website</a>, <a href="http://www.riverpoetsjournal.com/SpecialEditions-Anthologies.html" target="_blank">River Poets Journal</a> accepted one of my poems and now a story of mine has been bought.<br />
<br />
Yeah, you read that correctly. <a href="http://infectiveink.com/" target="_blank">Infective Ink</a> bought my short story "Lost and Found." I wrote it in response to a prompt of theirs. I'm even happier because so far it has four likes and two positive comments. Go check it out and let me know what you think.Chris Ortega Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04464579065630739505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016517576050291456.post-30271783071134602052013-06-15T07:40:00.004-07:002013-06-15T07:40:55.065-07:00The Writer's Workout<div class="MsoNormal">
As I am
getting older and the elders in my life are aging and having health problems, I've
been thinking about some of my unhealthy habits. Most of my hobbies cause me to
be sedentary. Playing certain video games, making jewelry and knitting aren't the
most active hobbies in the world. And then there is the writing—hunched over a
desk, writing on paper or sitting and staring at a computer screen—again, not
very active. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I also
like watching TV and movies and I came across a meme on Facebook a few weeks
ago which is an alternative to all the drinking games out there: <a href="http://imgur.com/a9lMt">the Harry Potter workout</a>. I can watch Harry
Potter movies and move around? How productive! What a good idea!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I
decided to draw up a similar workout for people like me: the writer’s workout.
I mixed up the instances that call for exercise so whether you are actually
writing or procrastinating from writing, you will get some exercise in. I hope
you find it useful:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableLightListAccent3" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid #9BBB59 1.0pt; mso-border-themecolor: accent3; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1568;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="background: #9BBB59; border-bottom: none; border-left: solid #9BBB59 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: solid #9BBB59 1.0pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-border-left-themecolor: accent3; mso-border-top-themecolor: accent3; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: white; mso-bidi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-themecolor: background1;">If you: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #9BBB59; border-bottom: none; border-left: none; border-right: solid #9BBB59 1.0pt; border-top: solid #9BBB59 1.0pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent3; mso-border-right-themecolor: accent3; mso-border-top-themecolor: accent3; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: white; mso-bidi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-themecolor: background1;">Then you do:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-left: solid #9BBB59 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-left-themecolor: accent3; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Introduce a new character<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-right: solid #9BBB59 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-right-themecolor: accent3; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
10 jumping jacks<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-left: solid #9BBB59 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-left-themecolor: accent3; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Stop writing & check your email<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-right: solid #9BBB59 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-right-themecolor: accent3; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
10 pushups<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-left: solid #9BBB59 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-left-themecolor: accent3; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Stop writing & go on social media<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-right: solid #9BBB59 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-right-themecolor: accent3; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
15 pushups<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-left: solid #9BBB59 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-left-themecolor: accent3; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Start a new page<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-right: solid #9BBB59 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-right-themecolor: accent3; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
10 crunches<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-left: solid #9BBB59 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-left-themecolor: accent3; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Start a new chapter <o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-right: solid #9BBB59 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-right-themecolor: accent3; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
10 lunges<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-left: solid #9BBB59 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-left-themecolor: accent3; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Write a flashback<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-right: solid #9BBB59 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-right-themecolor: accent3; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
5 leg lifts<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-left: solid #9BBB59 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-left-themecolor: accent3; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Stop to question or edit or work<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-right: solid #9BBB59 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-right-themecolor: accent3; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
20 crunches<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-left: solid #9BBB59 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-left-themecolor: accent3; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Stop to get a drink<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Stop to get a snack<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Stop to take a break<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Write a long chunk of dialogue<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Write a joke <o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-right: solid #9BBB59 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-right-themecolor: accent3; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
10 mountain climbers<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
15 squats<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
10 burpees<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
10 side lunges<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
30 second jump rope<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-bottom: solid #9BBB59 1.0pt; border-left: solid #9BBB59 1.0pt; border-right: none; border-top: none; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent3; mso-border-left-themecolor: accent3; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid #9BBB59 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid #9BBB59 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent3; mso-border-right-themecolor: accent3; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Happy
writing and exercising! </div>
Chris Ortega Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04464579065630739505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016517576050291456.post-38096498659442150392013-06-14T12:20:00.003-07:002013-06-14T12:20:35.113-07:00And More Projects A few posts ago, I said that I had many projects going on that were keeping me busy. Since then, I posted links to some of the articles I've written, a book review and a poem that was accepted to be published.<br />
<br />
My other projects are still keeping me busy. As a participant and winner of <a href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/" target="_blank">NaNoWriMo</a> (National Novel Writing Month), I can receive 5 printed copies of the novel I wrote for free. The catch: I have to have it edited by the end of this month. The offer expires on June 30th. So I have been busy, busy, busy trying to finish editing. I already know it's not going to be ready to be published, but the thought of having it printed is exciting.<br />
<br />
But that's not all I've been doing.<br />
<br />
A friend and I have created a website called <a href="http://www.geekcurious.com/about.html" target="_blank">Geek Curious</a> which is a site for all things geek including beginner guides and how to's for people who are not as geeky as we are. We just launched and have already posted two articles with many more to come. I hope you will take the time to check out the website.Chris Ortega Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04464579065630739505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016517576050291456.post-13175695306132430972013-06-10T17:06:00.002-07:002013-06-10T17:06:57.336-07:00I'm a Book Reviewer, TooI read a lot. I've always read a lot. So when I saw that Steampunk Chronicle was in need of writers, I jumped on the opportunity. They sent me a book, <i>Untimed, </i>and I wrote this review for them:<br />
<a href="http://www.steampunkchronicle.com/Media/Literature/tabid/154/Default.aspx">http://www.steampunkchronicle.com/Media/Literature/tabid/154/Default.aspx</a>Chris Ortega Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04464579065630739505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016517576050291456.post-12199820367525300422013-06-09T07:05:00.000-07:002013-06-09T07:05:48.479-07:00Tales from the Matriarchal ZoneThe special edition issue of the River Poets Journal is now available online. You can click on the link below to check out the journal and my poem. You can also order copies of the journal through their website.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.riverpoetsjournal.com/SpecialEditions-Anthologies.html">http://www.riverpoetsjournal.com/SpecialEditions-Anthologies.html</a><br />
<br />
<br />Chris Ortega Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04464579065630739505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016517576050291456.post-80469739497461828452013-06-07T04:43:00.005-07:002013-06-07T04:43:59.772-07:00I am going to be publishedSo my last post said that I have a lot of projects going on. I've still been writing for Being Latino. Most recently I wrote two articles about <a href="http://www.beinglatino.us/lifestyle/could-coffee-lower-rates-of-liver-disease/" target="_blank">coffee</a> and <a href="http://www.beinglatino.us/comunidad/the-cost-of-a-college-education-hinders-graduates-futures/" target="_blank">student debt</a>. Be sure to check them out.<br />
<br />
My friend and I have also started a website called <a href="http://geekcurious.com/" target="_blank">Geek Curious</a> so if you are a geek or want to learn about the geek culture, go check it out. We just started it and will officially launch next week. We are also on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GeekCurious" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and Twitter where you can follow us at @geekcurious.<br />
<br />
My last announcement is that a poem of mine will be published in the upcoming issue of <a href="http://www.riverpoetsjournal.com/" target="_blank">River Poets Journal</a>. The poem "Abuela's Food" will be published at the end of the month. I am very happy.<br />
<br />
That's all for now. Be sure to check back soon for more announcements.Chris Ortega Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04464579065630739505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016517576050291456.post-87729967449618888142013-05-10T07:55:00.002-07:002013-05-10T07:55:39.898-07:00Too Many Projects, Not Enough TimeSo I successfully completed April's PAD challenge. However, since I had other projects going on at the same time, I was unable to get any of the poems edited in time to submit to the contest after the challenge, but at least I now have 30 poems that I can edit and submit to other places in the future.<br />
<br />
Speaking of submitting, I have do have a few submissions out there and I'm awaiting responses. I do not know which is harder: prepping the pieces to make sure they're ready to be submitted or having to wait so long to hear back from the places.<br />
<br />
Luckily, I have several projects to keep me distracted in the meantime.<br />
<br />
Since April is over, I am back to editing the novel I started in last year's NaNo, which has to be finished by June 30th. I've also been writing for Being Latino. Here are links to the articles I've written:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.beinglatino.us/comunidad/hospitals-are-doing-what-la-migra-wont/">http://www.beinglatino.us/comunidad/hospitals-are-doing-what-la-migra-wont/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.beinglatino.us/comunidad/mattel-perpetuating-stereotypes-or-teaching-culture/">http://www.beinglatino.us/comunidad/mattel-perpetuating-stereotypes-or-teaching-culture/</a><br />
<br />
That's all for now. Next time I will hopefully have made more progress on my other projects so I can give updates on them. :)<br />
<br />Chris Ortega Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04464579065630739505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016517576050291456.post-14308419603458435252013-04-24T14:24:00.001-07:002013-04-24T14:31:20.928-07:00April has been a busy monthSo not only have I been participating in Robert Lee Brewer's <a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/poetic-asides" target="_blank">PAD Challenge</a> (which, by the way, I have kept up with so I have now drafted 24 poems!), but I have also been writing for <a href="http://www.beinglatino.us/" target="_blank">Being Latino</a>, an online news source. I've also signed up for what so far seems to be a pretty useful website for writers: <a href="https://duotrope.com/" target="_blank">Duotrope</a> which has helped me to find places to submit my writings to. I will keep you updated when I hear back as to whether or not my pieces have been accepted.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, here are the links to the articles I've written for Being Latino:<br />
<a href="http://www.beinglatino.us/comunidad/do-other-latinos-resent-puerto-ricans-or-think-they-cant-relate-to-their-struggles-for-being-american-citizens/" target="_blank">Do Other Latinos Resent Puerto Ricans for Being American Citizens?</a><br />
<a href="http://www.beinglatino.us/lifestyle/men-arent-emotion-readers/" target="_blank">Men Aren't Emotion Readers</a><br />
<br />
Enjoy! :)Chris Ortega Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04464579065630739505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016517576050291456.post-52456171998767017622013-04-02T16:42:00.001-07:002013-04-02T16:42:18.680-07:00National Poetry MonthSo it is April which means that once again I am participating in the <a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/poetic-asides" target="_blank">Poem a Day challenge</a>. So far I have successfully penned two first drafts of poems and both of them were new forms (well, to me they were new forms). I will posting here throughout the month about my progress in the challenge and other writing updates, but I said in an earlier post I will not be posting my poems daily like I did last year.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, here is a link to an article I wrote <a href="http://www.beinglatino.us/politics-2/ethnic-studies-and-un-american-students/" target="_blank">for Being Latino.</a> Enjoy! :)Chris Ortega Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04464579065630739505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016517576050291456.post-65016674335020119262013-03-22T14:17:00.001-07:002013-03-22T14:17:22.573-07:00Changes are coming<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">So once again it has been far too long since I have posted
anything here. I have been busy working though: currently I am editing two
novels, poems and working on new writings. I have also been readying things to
be submitted to magazines, journals and contests. I have read that some of the
places I plan on submitting to do not accept work that has been previously
posted on blogs. I will be deleting the poetry on this blog in the next week or
so. I am hoping to get a few things sent out before April during which I will
once again be participating in the <a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/whats-new/2013-april-pad-challenge-guidelines" target="_blank">April PAD Challenge</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">In the meantime,
I've written a couple brief reviews for two novels I currently finished
reading: <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/567049391" target="_blank">Believe</a> and <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/561716394" target="_blank">The Philanthropist's Dan$e</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
Chris Ortega Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04464579065630739505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016517576050291456.post-12132349773865580262013-01-13T12:07:00.000-08:002013-01-13T12:07:27.514-08:00I'm in the Top 25!First, I want to start by apologizing for neglecting this blog. There were circumstances happening in my life in November and December that made completing the two November contests difficult (but I did it!) and have been interfering with my writing life.<br />
That said, I am looking forward to a new year and one of the writing resolutions I made is to take better care of my blog.<br />
Now, for some good news: last year I participated in the April PAD challenge. I sent off my poems to Robert Lee Brewer and although I did not win, I was recognized! He picked one of my poems as one of the Top 25 from all the participants. For proof of this, check out <a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/whats-new/2012-april-pad-challenge-poetic-asides-poet-laureate-and-top-25-list" target="_blank">this blog post of his.</a> Yes, he spelled my first name wrong, but that's okay. I'm super happy anyway. :)Chris Ortega Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04464579065630739505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016517576050291456.post-65995036271472969122012-11-08T10:59:00.000-08:002012-11-08T10:59:05.891-08:00Poeming and Writing Along I am now 8 days into the two writing challenges I am doing this month. I am happy to announce that I have written 8 poems for the November PAD challenge. I am also glad to report that although I am behind on the suggested word count for NaNoWriMo, I am excited to continue to draft this new novel.<br />
<br />
I wanted to explain why I haven't posted any poetry lately because I know when I did the NaPoWriMo in April I posted nearly all my poems. For this month's challenge, though, I am trying something different. A couple months ago I had an idea for a chapbook of poetry and I started working on it, but did not have enough poems to make a chapbook. So my extra challenge to myself is to take every prompt that Robert Lee Brewer posts on <a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/poetic-asides" target="_blank">his website</a> and to write a poem that not only is based on the prompt but also goes along with the theme of my chapbook. So far I've been able to do that with 7 of the 8 prompts. I just couldn't help myself and had to write a <i>Game of Thrones </i>related poem. :)<br />
<br />
I should get back to noveling. I will be sure to keep you updated throughout the month.Chris Ortega Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04464579065630739505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016517576050291456.post-70792792326129126892012-10-18T06:49:00.000-07:002012-10-18T06:49:35.738-07:00Preparing for November As I mentioned in my last posting, November is a busy writing month for me. In case anyone reading this is interested in participating in either NaNoWriMo or the PAD challenge (or both), I thought I'd share my pre-November "routines."<br />
<br />
I don't actually much of a routine for the PAD challenge; it's very similar to what I did for NaPoWriMo (see earlier blog about that), but I do go through my booklet of poem forms to make sure it's up to date with any new forms that Robert Lee Brewer has posted on <a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/poetic-asides" target="_blank">his website.</a><br />
<br />
But I do have more of a routine for NaNo:<br />
1) I usually come up with an idea for my novel around the summer. After I finish editing my novel from the previous NaNo, I begin to write down any small thought for a story on index cards and file them away. During June or July I pick one that I feel the most urgency to write and begin to do any research required for the novel (setting, technology, etc.).<br />
2) In September, I take a break. I focus on other things like poetry or another story that needs to be edited or any of my other hobbies. This way I'm not over-thinking the upcoming novel and I can let my subconscious play around with the story.<br />
3) October is preparation month. Yesterday was the first annual NaNoPrep Day and you can see what other writers do on Twitter by looking for #nanoprep. I usually begin cleaning up my office, outlining the story, writing character sketches and setting up my music playlist to write to. There are many resources online to help you with any of these. For example, this year I've been using <a href="http://www.writing.com/main/portfolio/item_id/1894906-October-NaNoWri-Prep-2012" target="_blank">this resource.</a><br />
<br />
This is just what I've done for the past couple novels and it's worked so far. My first NaNo I didn't prepare at all and I still won. I think it's just a matter of finding what works best for you.Chris Ortega Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04464579065630739505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016517576050291456.post-16583736457008782492012-10-12T06:47:00.001-07:002012-10-12T06:47:21.706-07:00November is coming<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
November is coming which means that I am busy preparing for
it. For the past few years I’ve competed in two writing competitions in
November: <a href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/">NaNoWriMo</a> and <a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/poetic-asides">November PAD
Challenge</a>. Why do I do both? Well, NaNo is for novel writing and the PAD
challenge is for poeming. And I guess I like to keep myself so busy that I’m on
the verge of losing my grip on things. Both have proven to be very helpful for
me in the past. The last two novels I wrote for NaNo are being edited and one
is very close to being ready to be e-published. I have not sent out any poems
yet (I am seriously considering hiring an assistant to help with submissions),
but when I finally do I have many to send out. <o:p></o:p></div>
Chris Ortega Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04464579065630739505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016517576050291456.post-76507163258718469902012-09-19T07:07:00.001-07:002012-09-19T07:07:06.043-07:00Long Time No Write<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have to apologize to any followers of this blog for not keeping up with it like I had planned. Besides being busy editing my last two novels, life has been keeping me very busy with lots of ups and downs. On the bright side, I'm sure all the events that have kept me away from blogging will eventually turn into writing material. </span>Chris Ortega Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04464579065630739505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016517576050291456.post-26899675671816215872012-05-09T14:52:00.001-07:002012-05-09T14:52:10.511-07:00On Deadline<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the bonuses of NaPoWriMo is that each year it works
like a palette cleanse for me. I get to take a month away from my other
projects while still flexing my writing muscles. Now that NaPoWriMo is over and
my poems have been submitted to the contest, I can go back to editing the novel
that I wrote during this past <a href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/">NaNoWriMo</a>. Since I won last year, I have until
June 30<sup>th</sup> to get the novel edited so I can receive five free
paperback copies of it. Besides posting a weekly poem on this blog, I will also
include updates on my novels, so stay tuned! </div>Chris Ortega Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04464579065630739505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016517576050291456.post-54522192253404655552012-05-07T12:43:00.001-07:002012-05-07T12:43:21.983-07:00Life After NaPoWriMoNaPoWriMo has ended and I've emailed in five of the poems that I wrote to a contest, but I won't find out the results until August. So what's next for this blog? Robert Lee Brewer's blog <a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/poetic-asides">Poetic Asides</a> posts up poetry prompts every Wednesday, which I will write and post here either Wednesday or Thursday, so stay tuned for more poetry and other information on my writings.<br />
<br />
Here is my poem from last week's prompt:<br />
<br />
A Vacuum Quatern<br />
<br />
You are the worst kind of vacuum.<br />
Vacuums are supposed to inhale<br />
the dirt, clean up the crumbs of the<br />
messes others make in our lives.<br />
<br />
But this is not the case with you--<br />
you are the worst kind of vacuum,<br />
sucking up only the good things,<br />
pulling any positive thought<br />
<br />
or smile out of me, taking it<br />
all for yourself, leaving me none.<br />
You are the worst kind of vacuum,<br />
draining my happiness, sucking<br />
<br />
up all my energy, leaving<br />
me drained after being with you;<br />
you're almost like a vampire.<br />
You are the worst kind of vacuum.Chris Ortega Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04464579065630739505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016517576050291456.post-22470447078084656892012-04-18T05:57:00.003-07:002012-04-18T05:57:55.959-07:00NaPoWriMo InterruptedTo my followers:<br />
No, I did not forget about my blog or NaPoWriMo. I had a very full weekend working a freelance writing gig and it made me fall behind on my poeming. However, I am trying to catch up and promise to post some new poems soon.Chris Ortega Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04464579065630739505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016517576050291456.post-46902317147135508342012-03-30T14:07:00.001-07:002012-03-30T14:07:27.666-07:00NaPoWriMo is near!April 1st marks the start of NaPoWriMo (National Poetry Writing Month). This will be my second NaPoWriMo. How does one prepare for such a challenge? In answer, I've written a piece of prose:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>How to Successfully
Take on NaPoWriMo<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What you need:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>a passion for penning poetry</li>
<li>an adequate amount of focus</li>
<li>a handful of writing instruments (while one will suffice, it
is better to be prepared if one pen is lost or runs out of ink)</li>
<li>a daily writing time allotment</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Preparation:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<br />-Before beginning, you may want to make a list of a few items that cannot be avoided in April (bills, taxes, etc.) and take care of these early on so as not to let them interfere with your poeming time<br />-You may also want to warn your friends and family about the task you are about to tackle so that<br />
1) you will have people you feel accountable to;<br />
2) they will understand any future neglect<br />-Pick a source for your daily prompts ahead of time; some suggestions include:<br /> -<a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/poetic-asides">http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/poetic-asides</a><br /> -<a href="http://www.napowrimo.net/">http://www.napowrimo.net/</a><br /> -a book<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The writing:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ol>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Come April 1, write a poem a day. Even if it is
only a rough draft, you can always edit it later.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Stay focused and keep trying.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Remember: it is always easier to edit something
than nothing. </span></li>
</ol>
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
Good luck to all! </span><br /><div style="text-indent: -24px;">
<br /></div>
<br />Chris Ortega Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04464579065630739505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016517576050291456.post-69424997304522115192012-03-28T17:02:00.000-07:002012-03-28T17:02:26.264-07:00Welcome<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Welcome to my writingdom, a blog that will be (almost) all about my writing. I write almost everything: poetry, short stories, short short stories, creative nonfiction and novels. I am currently editing my second novel and polishing up my first before e-publishing it. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've been wanting to start a blog for some time, but always had some excuse or another for not doing so. In a few days it will be April and I will be participating in NaPoWriMo (National Poetry Writing Month) for the second year in row, so I thought this would be a good time to finally start my blog. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope that you will enjoy reading this as much as I hope to enjoy writing it. </span>Chris Ortega Phillipshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04464579065630739505noreply@blogger.com0