Michelle Sodaro Blog
NaNo
Nov 01, 2018 by Michelle Denise Sodaro
NaNo
Filed under: Writer's thoughts — michelle sodaro @ 6:20 pm Edit ThisTags: 50000 words in 30 days, NaNo, nanowrimo
For the past six years, I have taken the month of November and hid out to participate in National Novel Writing Month or NaNoWriMo (or as I lovingly refer to it as “nano”).
The goal is simple: 50,000 words. 30 days. See…easy Read More
Favorites
Sep 21, 2018 by Michelle Denise Sodaro
Favorites
Filed under: Writer's thoughts — michelle sodaro @ 5:10 pm Edit ThisTags: author, books, favorites, projects
When I taught, students always wanted to know who my favorite student was, and I of course never let them know who and tried really hard to not actually have any favorites. (Well, I tried…)
At the book signings this summer, I was asked which book I had written was my favorite. Um…each of them? All of them? How could I even begin to say that. Each of them holds a separate place in my heart, each of them is special to me, and each of them is my favorite.
So, I thought I would look at why each of them is my favorite, over the course of the next few days. And I know that the more books that come out, the more favorites I will have. And all of them will be my favorites. And that doesn’t make any of them less my favorite.
Now, as an English teacher, I know what I am saying is not grammatically correct. Favorite is superlative, as in “there can be only one,” and for me to have multiples is not how I am “supposed” to express it…but maybe you haven’t heard… I am not an English teacher anymore…
Dear Teaching
Jul 26, 2018 by Michelle Denise Sodaro
This is an excerpt and then brief commentry about the upcoming Dear Teaching.
It happens every time...
Apr 02, 2018 by Michelle Denise Sodaro
So I just clicked send on my 10th novel last week, and as it has happened nine other times now...after my novel is done, I feel the tiniest bit lost. This novel has been my sole focus for a few months now (okay, when I say sole focus, it's not "entirely" true that I didn't work on any other project, but my MAIN project was this one). I used to not finish anything, which is why I have drafts all over the place and in various stages of "done."
In 2011 when I held Whatever you Make of It for the very first time, I knew that I needed to finish each of my projects and I needed to focus my poor...
In 2011 when I held Whatever you Make of It for the very first time, I knew that I needed to finish each of my projects and I needed to focus my poor...
Check this out at Amazon.com
Mar 18, 2018 by Michelle Denise Sodaro
3/18 and 3/19 the first book in the Lucky Charms series is free on Kindle.
First Down (Lucky Charms Book 1) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0714NR5JT/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_imLRAbRSWWGMG
First Down (Lucky Charms Book 1) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0714NR5JT/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_imLRAbRSWWGMG
Limbo...
Mar 12, 2018 by Michelle Denise Sodaro
So normally I hate limbo. I hate not knowing an answer or solution. I like to know what it going on so I know what I need to do to deal with things.
The ONE exception to this...and it is where I am right now.
I sent off my 10# novel to my wonderful reader. And now I am in the most blissful of limbos...She is reading it as she can...just as my life doesn't get to have a pause button to write, hers doesn't have one so she can read...but already my phone has received some texts about things...which I love.
The only time I can wait is when she's reading my novel. I know she will guide me to any plot...
The ONE exception to this...and it is where I am right now.
I sent off my 10# novel to my wonderful reader. And now I am in the most blissful of limbos...She is reading it as she can...just as my life doesn't get to have a pause button to write, hers doesn't have one so she can read...but already my phone has received some texts about things...which I love.
The only time I can wait is when she's reading my novel. I know she will guide me to any plot...
Pause Button
Feb 26, 2018 by Michelle Denise Sodaro
Okay, I know why I don't get one...and that if I had one, everyone should get to have one, and then where would we be...in some constant state of pause either from our own button or someone else's. Every horrible and not so horrible (though still mind-twisting) time travel novel and movie comes into mind and I know the end result would be horrible. Imagine you are in the middle of a conversation...or other activity...and they push pause. Um...hello?? I'll just see myself out, then.
I also know why I don't get one...with as little self control as I have with ice cream, I think we all know I would over use my pause button...didn't get enough sleep...PAUSE...didn't understand what someone...
I also know why I don't get one...with as little self control as I have with ice cream, I think we all know I would over use my pause button...didn't get enough sleep...PAUSE...didn't understand what someone...
Names...
Feb 19, 2018 by Michelle Denise Sodaro
So, I have never had tiny humans of my own, but I have had many many many fictional characters who I created (who all came into existence without any bodily fluids or screaming) and names are...well sometimes they are the hardest part of a novel. Just kidding, but it does come in close sometimes.
In Arianna's Honor, the prince changed his name four times. Four. Arianna started off by introducing herself. "Hello, dear author. I am Arianna Collins. This is my sword...and this is Prince Whatshisname who you are going to make me keep alive."
In my other books, Ali was always Ali, Sam was always Sam. Dillon for a while was something else for a while and her daughter, before announcing she...
In Arianna's Honor, the prince changed his name four times. Four. Arianna started off by introducing herself. "Hello, dear author. I am Arianna Collins. This is my sword...and this is Prince Whatshisname who you are going to make me keep alive."
In my other books, Ali was always Ali, Sam was always Sam. Dillon for a while was something else for a while and her daughter, before announcing she...
DeJa Vu
Feb 06, 2018 by Michelle Denise Sodaro
So around this part of the last novel...and the one before that...and the one before that...etc. I get to a point where I hit a wall...sometimes I hit the wall at full speed and sometimes, like this time, I run into the wall in slow motion. It's always there...this wall, and it stops me every time.
Next month I will have my 10th book out. (Even hitting the wall, that is still my goal). 10. Double digits. Wow...that's pretty crazy. And this wall has happened every single time,(well, to be honest, even more than 10 times...I have 6 first drafts that are just sitting at the wall waiting for me to pick them up and finish them.) every time I get...
Next month I will have my 10th book out. (Even hitting the wall, that is still my goal). 10. Double digits. Wow...that's pretty crazy. And this wall has happened every single time,(well, to be honest, even more than 10 times...I have 6 first drafts that are just sitting at the wall waiting for me to pick them up and finish them.) every time I get...
Accountability
Feb 01, 2018 by Michelle Denise Sodaro
Every night, when I do my workout, I text a couple of my friends to tell them what I accomplished in that workout and they cheer me on as friends do. Also, those nights where my spirit is willing, but my knees say no, they show me grace and remind me to do the same. For the first time in my life, there have been times where my body was ready for the workout but my soul was exhausted...for which, given my hectic schedule, I need rest more than I can fight.
I am grateful for my friends who hold me accountable. They keep me motivated and I have started to see slight changes in how my clothing fits, which is...
I am grateful for my friends who hold me accountable. They keep me motivated and I have started to see slight changes in how my clothing fits, which is...
PPWC: Pikes Peak Writer's Conference
Jan 22, 2018 by Michelle Denise Sodaro
https://www.pikespeakwriters.com/ppwc/
Three years ago, I went to the Pikes Peak Writer's Conference for the first time (as opposed to the two years prior when I had registered and chickened out...after all, who was I to go to a writer's conference).
And then I went in April of 2016...and it was amazing, and as it turned out...I had every right to be at a writer's conference, because I am, and have been...a writer. And for 3 days, I wasn't a teacher...I wasn't a hyphen (a teacher-author)...I was just...amazingly, an author. I was among my people. MY PEOPLE. People who understand the highs and lows of this calling and who wouldn't choose any other path. (This is not in any way downplaying the role...
Three years ago, I went to the Pikes Peak Writer's Conference for the first time (as opposed to the two years prior when I had registered and chickened out...after all, who was I to go to a writer's conference).
And then I went in April of 2016...and it was amazing, and as it turned out...I had every right to be at a writer's conference, because I am, and have been...a writer. And for 3 days, I wasn't a teacher...I wasn't a hyphen (a teacher-author)...I was just...amazingly, an author. I was among my people. MY PEOPLE. People who understand the highs and lows of this calling and who wouldn't choose any other path. (This is not in any way downplaying the role...
Finally...they are all together
Jan 12, 2018 by Michelle Denise Sodaro
So, back in November, when I moved, I had a blog about how I felt better when all my stuff was in the same place. Well finally, all of my books are in the same place.
I started out with iUniverse and self-published Whatever you Make of It and Arianna's Honor there.
Then I went to BookBaby, where I self-published Arianna's Destiny, Broken Trust, Redeeming Trust, and First Down.
Then I learned about Createspace. After I got past the unproductive self-lashing for money wasted, I researched what it would take to bring all my babies home.
I edited the ridiculous amounts of grammatical errors in Whatever you Make of It.
I made Arianna's Honor the same size as all the other books (something which had bothered me every single time I...
I started out with iUniverse and self-published Whatever you Make of It and Arianna's Honor there.
Then I went to BookBaby, where I self-published Arianna's Destiny, Broken Trust, Redeeming Trust, and First Down.
Then I learned about Createspace. After I got past the unproductive self-lashing for money wasted, I researched what it would take to bring all my babies home.
I edited the ridiculous amounts of grammatical errors in Whatever you Make of It.
I made Arianna's Honor the same size as all the other books (something which had bothered me every single time I...
Online dating
Jan 09, 2018 by Michelle Denise Sodaro
So, in a made up statistic, I love being single about 93.7% of the time. I don't have to explain why I'm still "not done writing" (is there such a thing??) or why, "yes, I do need that package of pens, can't you see it says the word NEW on it?" I don't have to explain why school supply season is my favorite season. I love being single...most of the time. For that 6.3% of the time (look at me, doing math...) when I don't love being single, I think online dating is a good idea, because really, where do people even meet people anymore??
Things that bug me about online dating:
Profile pics which are too close up, taken in the...
Things that bug me about online dating:
Profile pics which are too close up, taken in the...
Keep it short...
Jan 08, 2018 by Michelle Denise Sodaro
One of my resolutions this year was to continually break out of my comfort zone...I want to do this in as many ways as I can as an author and a person.
Short stories has always been an elusive thing for me. I admire people who can do it well. Mine always never get off the ground or turn into a larger project.
Ourwritingtherapy.com has a list of 52 short story prompts. So I am trying it.
Last week's short story tied directly into Dear Teaching...but this week, I am going to definitely try to get this to be a stand alone short story. I hope.
Wish me luck. I'm going in.
Short stories has always been an elusive thing for me. I admire people who can do it well. Mine always never get off the ground or turn into a larger project.
Ourwritingtherapy.com has a list of 52 short story prompts. So I am trying it.
Last week's short story tied directly into Dear Teaching...but this week, I am going to definitely try to get this to be a stand alone short story. I hope.
Wish me luck. I'm going in.
Happy New Year!!
Jan 01, 2018 by Michelle Denise Sodaro
There is something magical about a new year. New fresh calendars, new journals, new goals. Like we get a fresh start, a clean slate, a tabula rasa.
This year I am going to get 4 books out. Last year the goal was 4, but the before, during, and after of a move had me changing plans to maintain some semblance of sanity.
I also plan to conquer my trepidations about making audio books and have my novels having that third format to join the paperback and kindle formats.
I plan to read, review, and promote more of my author friends.
I plan to let go of all crushes I held on to...fresh slate. Distraction free.
I plan to have more fun...as soon as I...
This year I am going to get 4 books out. Last year the goal was 4, but the before, during, and after of a move had me changing plans to maintain some semblance of sanity.
I also plan to conquer my trepidations about making audio books and have my novels having that third format to join the paperback and kindle formats.
I plan to read, review, and promote more of my author friends.
I plan to let go of all crushes I held on to...fresh slate. Distraction free.
I plan to have more fun...as soon as I...
J, O, Q, U, V, X, Y, Z
Dec 26, 2017 by Michelle Denise Sodaro
Definitely one of my more unique blog titles...but I was looking through my projects (organizing and making notes), and I realized that the 8 letters listed above are the only ones I don't have a title for...And there is enough OCD left in me (I really have tried to get rid of most of my obsessives, but sometimes my control issues make this impossible...a little joke) for it to bother me that I don't have all of the letters of the alphabet represented by a novel or non-fiction project.
I don't know if this remedy-able. I also don't know if that is a word...but I am going to claim poetic license and use it anyway. Some of those letters are easier...
I don't know if this remedy-able. I also don't know if that is a word...but I am going to claim poetic license and use it anyway. Some of those letters are easier...
Unpacking for the New Year
Dec 22, 2017 by Michelle Denise Sodaro
Okay, yes, I moved at the beginning of November, and maybe I should be unpacked by now...and I am, well, mostly...except where I am not. And those boxes I haven't been able to unpack are more metaphorical than literal (In all honesty, I have about 3 actual boxes from the move which are odds and ends and haven't found a place yet in my new home...but they fit nicely in the closet).
The boxes I am unpacking are my memories, my struggles, my fears, my setbacks, my illusions, my heartbreak, my mistakes, my disappointments in myself and others, my crushes, my questions, my negative energy, my negative self-esteem..basically everything which has been holding me back from being all I can be....
The boxes I am unpacking are my memories, my struggles, my fears, my setbacks, my illusions, my heartbreak, my mistakes, my disappointments in myself and others, my crushes, my questions, my negative energy, my negative self-esteem..basically everything which has been holding me back from being all I can be....
Buy One Get One
Dec 01, 2017 by Michelle Denise Sodaro
For the month of December, I am selling my books as Buy one Get One. If you are interested, please send me a message. Books are $15 for the first one and the second one is free
Day 26 of Gratitude: Hugs
Nov 26, 2017 by Michelle Denise Sodaro
I know what some of you are thinking...has she been kidnapped?? She has personal space issues and tends to freeze awkwardly when people come in for a hug...and that is true...but I'm working on it.
The truth is I love hugs...not from everyone I meet, but from people who I enjoy the company of...people who don't send off creepy vibes...you know...non-sociopathic people.
In the last few weeks, I have seen a few people who I haven't seen in years...and without hesitation, I hugged them...and it reminded me how much I am grateful for hugs.
So next time you see me...if you are not a creepy vibe sender...feel free to hug me...but not so tightly that I can't escape if I need to....baby steps,...
The truth is I love hugs...not from everyone I meet, but from people who I enjoy the company of...people who don't send off creepy vibes...you know...non-sociopathic people.
In the last few weeks, I have seen a few people who I haven't seen in years...and without hesitation, I hugged them...and it reminded me how much I am grateful for hugs.
So next time you see me...if you are not a creepy vibe sender...feel free to hug me...but not so tightly that I can't escape if I need to....baby steps,...