Sunday, December 16, 2007

Purr, purr...

(FYI... I turned thirty-six on Friday. No biggie, though I did feel a twinge of sadness to say goodbye to thirty-five, which was a pretty decent year, all things considered!)

Anywho... I received two unexpected "birthday gifts" last week from fellow writers Jason Evans and Hoodie: The opportunity to call myself a lioness!

Yippee! Meoooooow!

Here's the deal (as I understand it.) Seamus started a Shameless Lions Writing Circle and encouraged bloggers to "tag" other bloggers to receive the honor of "A Roar for Powerful Words".

As Seamus explains:

"How does it work?

Below are copies of the award that we can each distribute to those people who have blogs we love, can't live without, where we think the writing is good and powerful.

I thought interested members could kick things off by publishing the award on their own blog, naming five people they would like to give it to (members or non-members), and accompany the image with three things they believe are necessary to make writing good and powerful. The recipients then do the same, passing it on to five other people, and so on."

Suffice it to say that I feel quite surprised by this delightful gift!

Of course, the rules state that I have to name three things I believe make for good writing, so here goes:

#1. Objectivity - I heard recently that Ayn Rand (whose work I adore) wouldn't allow any edits of Atlas Shrugged, comparing her literary child to The Holy Bible. Though I do appreciate Rand's fiction and vision, I can't help but wonder how much better her work might have become if she didn't treat it like a "baby". I know that it's tough to step away from your words, but editors are in place for a reason. Without them, writing wouldn't be the same.

#2. Humor - There's a romanticized notion that every author broods in a garret, locked away from the rest of humanity. S/he is usually angry, cynical and humorless, determined to capture images and stories before being called upon by the Grim Reaper. For me, that kind of attitude wouldn't do. I like being able to laugh at myself. (And believe me, I do it every morning when I check out my growing fanny in the mirror. Ugh. Did I mention I'm a year older?)

#3. Persistence - Obviously, the best writers are damn persistent. They have to be. The competition is fiercer than ever, and if you don't keep throwing your hat in the ring, you'll be lost. I'm fortunate to have a sales background which helps me tremendously in this area; even though there are days that stink out loud, I keep coming back like a jonesin' junkie.

Okay... now the really fun part! Naming some other bloggers for the award!


My first nominee is...

Jennifer Chait, from Offbeat Homes, 7 Babes a Blogging, and Balance! She's such a friendly writer that you really feel like you're invited to share her life. I never get the sense that she's being anything other than herself; it's that kind of attitude that keeps me coming back!

My second nominee is...

Mary Whitsell, from ResidentAlien. Mary's posts are incredibly thoughtful and persuasive. She's obviously an introspective person and I adore her musings. (In fact, one of them was the inspiration for the contest that just wrapped up here at Recess for Writers!)

My third (and final) nominee is...

Beth, from The Perfect Neurotic. This gal has a wonderful sense of humor as well as the ability to generate tons of commentary. She's also just someone you want to know better.

Congratulations to the nominees! You're all PURRRRFECT!

Collect your awards at http://theshamelesslionswritingcircle.blogspot.com/2007/11/roar-for-powerful-words.html.

13 comments:

Jennifer said...

Yea me! And you. Congratulations on winning the award yourself. Not that I'm surprised. Not just anyone makes my stalking blogroll. Thanks so much; now I need to figure out if I can get this thing on a b5 blog?? Hmmm. And nominate some others, right?

Hey, also I've got some major work proposal stuff coming up so if I'm not around for a few weeks it's not because I hate your blog all of a sudden -- I'm just gonna be super busy. In any case, happy holidays to you and your family. Oh, and you don't look 36 at all. Us Sags never do. You are a Sag, right? Kay, I'm out thanks again :)

Jennifer said...

PS. Do I get to pick any color award!?

Beth said...

Wow, thanks so much! I finished up my post for this week, but am going to think hard for my 3 and pass this award on with my 3 tips. Yours were terrific and damn, I was nodding the whole time I read Objectivity. I've read Atlas Shrugged, it could've used some major editing, but that's just my opinion. Haha. Thanks again!

Mary Witzl said...

Well, this has made my morning! I've got a messed-up car, a leaky porch roof, an exploded computer and a stove that won't light -- but to heck with all of that: thanks to you, I've also got an award! I'll be thinking about my tips (eek -- me offering writing tips? How dare I do that given my many rejections?) and who to pass this on to.

36? I'm a whole lot older than 36 and remember it with wistful nostalgia, if that isn't redundant. Lots of good things happened to me when I was 36.

It has been ages since I've read Atlas Shrugged or The Fountainhead. Though I remember enjoying them, I also remember her writing striking me as arrogant. Part of me admires that sort of confidence; part of me (the part that will always be humble and mealy-mouthed) cannot understand it.

SzélsőFa said...

Congratulations to the Roar Award and to your birthday as well!

I liked your points as well.

Chris Eldin said...

Congratulations to YOU!!! I love your writing and sense of humor, and am so happy to see you recognized!!
:-)

Anonymous said...

Most deserved, Angelique. :)

I didn't know that about Ayn Rand. Wow, that's amazingly short sighted. I don't think any piece of writing can reach its full potential without the input of the other side of the equation--the readers.

Carolie said...

Congratulations (well deserved!) to Angelique and all three of her selectees!

The Quoibler said...

Jennifer:

I was sorry to hear that you closed "Balance", but I understand why. Blogs are kind of like relationships -- some of them only last a little while.

Hey -- guess what? I'm going to have a b5media blog! :) So we can cross-pollinate (or something like that).

Oh, and you DO get to pick your color. Just roll over to Seamus' site (the link's in my post.)

Me

The Quoibler said...

Beth:

I think you and I are of a similar mind when it comes to editing. It's rare that I give a flying fig what happens to my work, as long as it's still honest.

Oh, and Ayn Rand's tome... I do adore it, but perhaps other eyes could have added to it. We'll never know.

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Mary:

I don't think I've ever made anyone's morning before! (ha ha ha) You put a smile on my face, too!

Oh, I think Ms. Rand was uber-arrogant, but that's kind of what makes her writing so compelling, too.

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Szelsofa:

Thanks! I'm glad my points hit home with you!

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Church Lady:

You're such a sweetie. Now jump to my blog post on December 18th and write me somethin' special! I need a laugh.

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Jason:

Short sighted, indeed. I know Randian followers would disagree, but great writing should be able to stand up to criticism... and editing.

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Carolie:

Thanks so much! I'm still thinking about making those yummy fried pickle slices!

S. Kearney said...

Hey .... congratulations. Very well deserved. I'm glad the award whizzed far enough across the globe to reach you! :-) The lion looks purrrfect there on your blog too. :-)

The Quoibler said...

Shameless:

It's all thanks to you, o tamer of the lions!

Anonymous said...

No matter what others say, I think it is still interesting and useful maybe necessary to improve some minor things