Showing posts with label writing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label writing. Show all posts
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Lazy Sunday

It's been quite the week. Today is a Lazy Sunday and I am reminded of how much I enjoy witchy shopping. I got some new candles and incense and I even got me a new pentagram which I am purifying as of right now.

If all goes as planned, I will be starting to write some stories soon. I am sort of psyched. I am still not sure if to write them here or what. I will opt in the "or what" category because I know myself far too much to be angry at me for not pulling through. One month left of school and I am already making plans.

1. I want to take a break from teaching.
2. I want to get back to the full feeling of writing.
3. I want to get purged from all evil (facebook)
4. I do want to get myself a new computer. This one is the school's computer. I still owe them a laptop (I am still not sure on how the hell I am gonna pay them that)

I will see Angie tomorrow. It's been almost a year.

:) Good vibrations. I want to start this blog with something I haven't done in a while.. I will start with the new 30 days of music challenge. I got this new list from a page...  So... I wanna start yes?

Favourite song with a colour in the title

Ice House -- "Electric Blue"

I find this song to be quite cool. Yeah, I know, I am retro. Who cares. I sure don't :P

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La Cara de la Luna

Ella me espera pacientemente del otro lado de la puerta cuando yo salgo de la ducha. Con andar silencioso camina por delante mio, echándose luego a todo su largo sobre la cama, ahora que es la dueña absoluta de mis almoadas y cojines. Yo me siento frente a mi espejo y echo mano de los pinceles y colores que han de dar forma y color a la cara de la luna. Ella sonrie. Me dice que por qué insisto en verme de otra forma, de ponerme potajes sobre la piel si de todas maneras sigo siendo morena. No hay, dice, forma de que tu cara cambie. Es la cara de la luna, y es hermosa

No puede ser hermosa, esta cara de luna cuando necesita el color para ocularle las arrugas, los pozos y los cráteres; el color para ocultarle los rayos de sol y las deformidades. Necesita el arcoiris y el negro para seducir al sol y a sus señores. Esta luna ha sido olvidada, al parecer, por los dioses del amor y la belleza, por las estrellas y su alrededores. Esta luna esta cansada de sentirse sola y si es necesario agregarle potajes a su rostro, entonces sea. Esta cara de luna necesita ser admirada y ser vislumbrada. Y algunas veces, diosa felina, tus bigotes no pueden comprender esto.
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Gas, Grass or Ass

Como todos los años, la fecha de la reunión se vino tan pronto y no habría poder humano que detuviera al espíritu de ver a las compañeras que formaron parte de una vida que ahora parece tan lejana y tan añorada. Si bien dijo mi padre, "cuando termines vas a querer volver" pero como toda lepa moquienta no le quise hacer caso y corrí -- ahora añoro los años de estudiante, sentir la presión de los exámenes, compartir las carcajadas de los compañeros, y deber libros en la biblioteca.

Pude haber ido con los borrachos que comparten la misma historia de bares, calles y poemas; pude haber ido con los borrachos con los que compartí locuras y aventuras; pude haber ido con los ex-borrachos que harían el maratón de Harry Potter, o pude haber ido con las borrachas con las que compartí la transición de preparatoria a universidad. La decisión, entonces, fue sencilla. Con los primeros era ir a sentirme inútil, a sentirme adorno y para eso mejor me quedo en mi casa. Con los segundos, como que el andar de los años me han obligado a ver que ya no tengo nada en común con ellos --- y de hecho, cuando dije que no tenía automóvil, nadie fue para decir "voy x ti"... así que ps como que no me querían ahí. Luego, con los del maratón aun cuando los quiero con el alma, aveces es mejor andar por otro lado para no hartarme. Así, mis amigas y yo nos reunimos como lo hacemos cada año.

Siempre cae en sábado. No importa qué mes sea, siempre es en sábado. Todas tenemos vidas separadas que nos llevan a que los sábados sean los únicos días posibles para poder vernos, tocarnos, asegurarnos de que estamos vivas y con bien para luego platicar las mismas historias de toda la vida, los mismos altibajos y de vez en cuanto pintamos con nuevos colores nuevas historias que nos hacen reflexionar a cada una. Ofelia acababa de llegar de Disney y nos mostró las fotos; Diana entra a quinto semestre de Contabilidad y yo no sé si decir que estoy bien o estoy mal porque aunque no parece que algo sucede, sucede  que mi cabeza dice todo lo contrario. Espero q el viaje a Vallarta haga efectos postivos.

Enre las muchas cosas que he decidido es que en el premio siqueiros quiero encontrar apoyos para una novela fantástica.y agregaría aqui eso de "novela gráfica", pero no se me facilita eso de dibujar y como que decirle a la sister me da algo de hueva x que ella dice que si pero no me dice cuando y como que si no termino la novela me va como palo de gallinero. Entonces quiero ingresar con ese pretexto, a ver si pega. En cuando al de publicaciones, necesito hacer otros cuentos para llegar a las páginas que piden como mínimo ---- y a ver si pega.

México va ganando uno a cero. No es que me guste el fut, pero se me hizo gacho dejar a mi apa ver el juego solo. Mi madre se fue y como iba molesta conmigo (ora quién sabe por qué) no me dijo a què hora pasara x ella. Así que iré cuando se acabe el partido. Y luego no tuve otra cosa que hacer mas que espaguetti .... mi creatividad no da para tanto. Supongo que mi madre se molesta porque hace planes pero luego no se los dice a nadie y espera a que todos estemos dispuestos a cooperar para que sus planes se realizen---- ayer, por ejemplo, el hecho de que mi hermana entendiera mejor que todos el que yo necesito tener un ratito libre fue asombroso -- sobretodo cuando todos se molestaron x que no me quede a llevarla a su casa. "Uffa! Trabajar toda la semana y todavia el fin de semana cargar con tu hermana y sus hijos, no esa no es vida!" y ella bien cool al respecto... no mi madre. Mi madre como que piensa que es mi obligacion ser la chofis de la familia. Ps el caso es q desde ayer no me habla. Ps ora si que pobrecita, pero ni modo de pedirle disculpas de algo que no entiendo por que....

No se por que se me vino a la cabeza la canción de Niña Muerte siendo que al que ejecutaron el fin de semana no fue Guadalupe Trigo sino a Facundo Cabral. Y cada que pienso en ese bato me acuerdo de una portada de disco con caratula morada y una foto del sujeto llena de barbas negras que se me afigura que ha de tener piojos en las barba y me da como que asquillo... luego me aucerdo que Facundo cantaba la de no soy de aqui ni soy de alla y de que realmente nadie s fan de facundo.... bueno, mas bien nadie ERA fan de facundo porque, como con Michael JAckson, ahora que se  murio. ora si todo el mundo es su cuate, todos son sus fans y todos cantan la de Mi Viejo y no soy de aqui ni soy de alla... pinche argentino. Se la mantenia diciendo que habia sufrido mucho... apuesto a que no tenía gusanos en la cabeza.....

Puta madre... espero que el q siga sea OScar Chavez... a menos de que se contente con la niña de Guatemala.
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La nueva presentacion

Hoy llego el dia en que este blog cambia de nombre, de formato, de adornitos, de todo... No se si seguir y decir que voy a empezar a escribir todo en español, porque dios sabe que nomas yo me se ese chisme y a veces me aburro de pensar en un idioma. Lo que si es que debo aprender a separar entre lo que ocurre en un quehacer cotidiano (que para eso tengo el otro blog) y el de la bruja en mi (que para eso tengo el otro blog tambien).

He estado pensando mucho en el anecdotario que quiero escribir. Ya tengo las recetas del libro y ahora nomas me falta sentarme apensar en que chingados poner. Tengo las anecdotas pero (a) no se si escribirlas con nombres y apellidos o (b) no se si escribirlas con pseudonimos pa no ofender a nadie, particularmente a los vivos que se ofenden cuando uno escribe mal su nombre. no me gustaria que por mi culpa se fuesen a la otra vida con el uy uy uy entre las piernas.

Ayer tuve un sueño extraño. Una vecina mia fue a mi casa toda madreada y mi abuela (Q.D.P.... aunque sinceramente lo dudo, pero bueno) estaba ahi sentada en el sillon de mi recamara. Yo y la gata - Mikuni - estabamos haciendonos las dormidas y escuchando la conversacion que iba mas o menos asi:

Vecina madreada: ya sabra uste a que vengo...
Abuela: ay criatura! pos si vienes toda madreada!
VM : pero sabe a que vengo?
A : No es necesario estar muerta pa saber que vienes a pedir algo que no nos conviene... pero andale, dile lo que quieres.
VM : nomas quiero que le diga a la gente quien fue. Ya sabe uste las amigas que uno se carga.
A: pero eso te pasa por pendeja, mi'ja...

En esto me despierto. Pregunte por la vecina y nadie la ha visto en un buen pero me dicen que sigue vivita y coleando... pero la junta de amiguitas con las que se carga son algo de preocuparse. Ahora ya no me sorprendera cuando lleguen un dia a decirme que la vecina se desaparecio.

Espero que no. Toco madera y carne de mula.....
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70 Soluciones para los errores comunes de un escritor

El libro del autor Bob Mayer, "70 solutions for a writer's common mistakes" es una buena lectura, particularmente cuando se es principiante en la practica de la escritura. Como un "servicio a la comunidad", me he propuesto traducir el texto y agregar ejercicios para aquellas personas que se interesen en mejorar sus tecnicas.

Error No. 1: No Comenzar a Escribir.



Por que esto es un error: si no comienzas, nunca terminaras. Completar cualquier proyecto literario, en particular las novelas, es un prospecto desalentador. Mucha gente se congela ante ello. Otros siguen esperando a que sea "el momento adecuado". Algunos esperan a que la chispa de la inspiracion aparezca. Aun los escritores experimentados encuentran que es mas facil hacer cualquier otra cosa que sentarse a escribir.

Mucha gente dice, "Yo siempre he querido escribir una novela o un libro de como hacer las cosas, o un libro de ficcion historica, o un articulo de revista". Estas personas se llaman wannabes (fanfarronas). No seas una de ellas.

¿La solucion? Comienza donde sea. Mientras que la primer pagina, la primera linea sigue siendo critica en cualquier texto, recuerda que siempre puedes cambiarlo una vez que has hecho la segunda revision. Asi que una vez que te hayas acomodado correctamente, elige el mejor punto de inicio posible en ese momento y solo hazlo. El tiempo correcto es aqui y ahora. Este minuto. El tiempo correcto puede ser cuando estes sentado en el aeropuerto esperando a que llegue tu vuelo, que es justo donde yo estoy escribiendo esto.

Tienes no solo la chispa de inspiracion, sino el combustible para sostender esa chispa. 
No puedes esperar mas para iniciar esto. 
Nadie mas hara que te pongas a escribir. 

Si estudiamos a todos esos escritores exitosos, encontraremos que muchos comenzaron a escribir en tiempos donde casualmente algo bastante desafortunado esta ocurriendo en sus vidas -- no cuando todas las estrellas se alinearon y las cosas eran perfectas. Este pudiera ser justamente el mejor tiempo para ponerse a escribir. Si estas esperando al tiempo perfecto, nunca llegara. Pongamoslo de otra manera: has comenzado a leer un libro acerca de errores al escribir. Si siempre has querido escribir pero nunca has escrito lo que quieres, has hecho el primer error y esto es facil de corregir. Abre un documento de Word en blanco; toma un papel en blanco y un lapiz (no todos somos perfectos); abrete una vena y empieza a sangrar en esa pagina.
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I Want to Publish My Book. Now What?

This post is for all those people out there who don't know ANYTHING about the publishing industry.

This post is for people who write me and say:
  • I've been thinking of publishing a book. How do I do that?
  • I want to publish my book, but don't know whether to go the traditional route or self-publishing route. Which is better?
This post is for everyone unable to form a more specific question than:
How do I get my book published?

(For an audio complement to this post, please listen to this Q&A panel I did at a bookstore in September 2010.)


1. Identify Your Genre or Category
Novelists and memoirists follow a different path to publication than nonfiction authors.
  • NOVELS & MEMOIRS. You must have a finished and polished manuscript before you even think about how to get published.
  • MOST NONFICTION. You must write a book proposal (basically like a business plan for your book) that will convince a publisher to contract and pay you to write the book.
If you're writing a hybrid work (personal vignettes mixed with instruction, or a multi-genre work that includes essays, stories, and poetry), then you likely have an unmarketable book on your hands, and you should self-publish.

2. Understand the Technical Process

Getting published is a step-by-step process of:
  1. Researching the appropriate agents or publishers for your work. (Writer's Market is a good starting resource for all genres.)
  2. Reading submission guidelines of agents and publishers.
  3. Sending a query, proposal, or submission package.
The query letter is the time-honored tool for writers seeking publication. A query letter is a sales letter that attempts to persuade an editor or agent to request a full manuscript or proposal. (See my favorite how-to post on novel queries by Marcus Sakey. And see this post on the basics of book proposals if you're writing nonfiction.)

Important: Almost no agent or editor accepts full manuscripts on first contact. This is what "No unsolicited materials" means when you read submission guidelines.

However, almost every agent or publisher will accept a one-page query letter unless their guidelines state otherwise. (If they do not accept queries, that means they are a completely closed market, closed to new writers or submissions.)

Also important: Most major publishers will not accept unagented work.
This means many writers should query agents rather than publishers.

3. Seek an Agent If Needed
In today's market, probably 80 percent of books that the New York publishing houses acquire are sold to them by agents. Agents are experts in the publishing industry. They have inside contacts with specific editors and know better than writers what editor or publisher would be most likely to buy a particular work.

Perhaps most important, agents negotiate the best deal for you, ensure you are paid accurately and fairly, and run interference when necessary between you and the publisher.

Traditionally, agents get paid only when they sell your work, and receive a 15% commission on everything you get paid (your advance and royalties). It is best to avoid agents who charge fees, though standards are changing.

So … do you need an agent?
It depends on what you're selling. If you want to be published by one of the major Big Six houses (e.g., Penguin, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster …), probably.

If you're writing for a niche/specialized market, or have an academic/literary work, then you might not need one. Agents are motivated to take on clients based on the size of the advance they think they can get. If your project doesn't command a sizable advance (at least 5 figures), then you may not be worth an agent's time, and you'll have to sell the project on your own.

4. Can't I bypass this whole query/submission process? Isn't it all about knowing someone?
Sometimes connections or communities can help. See this post on the power of your network to help you get published.

5. Isn't traditional publishing dead? Shouldn't I self-publish?

Typically, writers who get frustrated by the endless process of submission and rejection often look to self-publishing for satisfaction. Why waste countless months or years trying to please this or that picky agent/editor when you can easily get your book available on Kindle (or as print-on-demand) at almost no cost to you?
Such options may afford you the ability to hold your book in your hands, but it will not get your book into stores or lead to many sales unless you're willing to put significant and persistent effort into marketing and promotion. Most self-published authors find that selling their book (or finding distribution) is just as hard—if not harder than—finding a publisher or agent.

To the credit of many who self-publish, independent authors can be fiercely passionate about their work and their process, and much happier and satisfied going it alone. But those who succeed and profit often devote years of their life, if not their entire lives, to marketing and promoting their work, and have a flair for entrepreneurship. In short: It's a ton of work, like starting a small business (if you do it right).
So, you can self-publish, but it all depends on your goals. Read more of my advice here:
Also be sure to check this post on your responsibility as an artist to put out good work. Just because you CAN self-publish doesn't mean you should.

10 Things Aspiring Authors Must Understand About the Publishing Industry
  1. Publishing is a business, just like Hollywood or Broadway. Publishers, editors, and agents support authors or projects that will make money and provide a good return on investment. It used to be that this return on investment could happen over a period of years or several books. Now, it needs to happen with one book and in less than one year.
  2. Professionalism and politeness go a long way toward covering up any amateur mistakes you might make along the way.
  3. Unless you live under a lucky star, you will get rejected again and again and again. The query and submission process takes enormous dedication and persistence. We're talking about years of work. Novelists and memoirists often face the biggest battle—there's enormous competition.
  4. Never call an agent or editor to query or ask questions (or just chat) if you are not a client or author. Never query by telephone—and I wouldn't do it even if the guidelines recommend it. You'll mess it up.
  5. Agents and editors do not want you (a non-client or author) to visit them at their offices. Do not plan a visit to New York and go knocking on doors, and don't ask an agent/editor for a lunch or coffee appointment if you don't have a relationship already. If you'd like to interact with an agent or editor, attend a writers conference.
  6. When working with a traditional publisher, you have to give up a lot of power and control. The publisher gets to decide the cover, the title, the design, the format, the price, etc. You have to go through rounds of revisions and will likely have to change things you don't want to change. But you must approach the process like a professional, not a creative artist.
  7. You must be an active marketer and promoter of your book. If you come to the table with media savvy or an established platform (audience or readership), you'll have an easier time getting that first deal.
  8. For nonfiction authors: Don't go looking for a publishing deal because you're looking for the authority or platform that a book can give you. Rather, you must already have the platform and authority, and thus be qualified to write a book. YOU bring the audience to the publisher, not the reverse.
  9. If you write fiction or memoir, the writing quality matters above all else. Read, practice, and polish. Repeat this cycle endlessly. It's not likely your first attempt will get published. It will likely be your second, third, or fourth attempt. Your writing gets better with practice and time. You mature and develop. If you write nonfiction, the marketability of your idea (and your platform) matter above all else. The quality of the writing may only need to be serviceable, depending on the category we're talking about. (Certainly there are higher demands for narrative nonfiction than prescriptive.)
  10. Think beyond the book. A lot of writers have dreams of publishing a book because it's a dream that's embedded in our DNA from an early age. We are trained to believe that authors have some higher authority or credibility, and that we've really "arrived" once we deliver that book into the world. But there are ways to be more successful, and spread a message to even more people, that have nothing to do with authoring a book. Make sure that your goals are best served by the book format. Increasingly, in our digital age, a book is a poor option (or the final format) for your message or service.
For all you beginners out there: What other questions or issues would you like to see me cover?
 SOURCE

http://blog.writersdigest.com/norules/CategoryView,category,BackToBasics.aspx
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Back to Basics: Why Am I Getting Rejected?

Rejection is often the No. 1 area of pain, concern, and obsession for writers. More often than not, writers want to know WHY they've been rejected. Here's the standard advice I most frequently offer.

Why are editors rejecting my work when family and friends love it so much?Your family and friends love you and see you in your work. An editor doesn't know you and is often more objective, especially when it comes to marketability. Publishing professionals have distance; you and your closest friends/family may not.

I receive lots of form rejections that have little or no feedback on my work. What might be wrong?Reasons for rejection can be incredibly subjective (indefinable issues of taste), but you might consider the following possibilities:
  • Something similar was recently published, or it's a category that's overpublished. You're not the only person with your idea, so your work may be rejected simply because someone else beat you to it. (This can often be the case with trendy nonfiction topics.)
  • The timing is wrong. Editors change. Publishers cut back their lists. The market changes. Sometimes you need luck on your side.
  • In the case of nonfiction: You don't have adequate credentials, or you don't have an attractive marketing platform.
  • Your query letter, or the presentation of your materials, is not professional and/or does not meet submission guidelines.
  • You are querying inappropriate publishers, agents, or editors.
How many rejection slips do you consider the cut-off point—where I should give up completely?
If you put years of time and effort into a project, don't abandon it too quickly. Look at the rejection slips for patterns or a direction about what's not working. Rejections can be lessons to improve your writing. Ultimately, though, some manuscripts have to be put in the drawer because there is no market, or there isn't any good way to revise the work successfully. Most authors don't sell their first manuscript, but their second or third (or fourth!).

May I submit the same manuscript more than once to an editor or agent who has rejected it?
Once you've been rejected on a manuscript (NOT a query—but a partial or full), you've more or less killed your chances with that particular person on that particular project—unless the editor or agent says they are welcome to receiving a revision. If there's no invitation to resubmit, then it's not likely that sending a revision is going to result in a different outcome. This is why it's critical to submit your manuscript only when you are absolutely confident it is the best you can make it.

Interpreting rejection phrases
  • "Doesn't fit our needs." This is the all-purpose rejection phrase that could really mean anything. It could relate to issues of professionalism, writing quality, or marketability. Don't try to figure out what it means—it's just a stock phrase that gets used again and again by everyone in the publishing industry.
  • "Doesn't have sufficient market appeal." This means exactly what it says. Perhaps the market for your work is too small, indistinct, or weird. Or maybe your work lacks punch—it's not different enough, unique enough, or special enough for people to take notice.
  • "Just couldn't get excited about it." If someone makes this comment about your fiction, it usually reflects a weak story, a weak protagonist, or little/no compelling conflict. Your story hasn't successfully and emotionally engaged the editor/agent.
  • "The writing doesn't stand out." This probably means your writing lacks style, sophistication, voice—or your story is boring, unoriginal, or uninspired.
  • "Not fresh enough." For fiction writers, perhaps your plot line is too cliche, your characters are too common, or your story is not compelling enough for publication.
Any other questions or perspectives?

Source
http://blog.writersdigest.com/norules/2010/09/27/BackToBasicsWhyAmIGettingRejected.aspx
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No Laptop, back to Basics

Since my laptop has been stolen, I have returned to the basic routine of writing on a notebook. It has not been easy, since the ideas seem to be flowing faster than I can write them down. The problem then comes when I sit down in front of a screen and plan to write everything down. I somehow find a way to get distracted and don't do it. Tonight, for example, I was to write down the latest on a story I am working on for a contest and what am I doing? Writing a blog entry that probably no one will read -- EVER. It makes me feel silly and laugh at myself. It does.

Part of my problem with this is also accountable to my facebook addiction. I cannot take a computer with internet because I want to be on facebook, and when there is no internet access I find it hard to concentrate while I know there could be access and hence stuff is happening on facebook I am not aware of. It's like crack. I am addicted to internet crack.

The story I am working on is nearly finished --- in paper. Typed, is a completely different story...
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I (HEART) MY B DAY


TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Yes, yes, you are allowed to sing Happy B Day to yourself.

September 1st is obviously a big deal in my world, mostly because I was born. And, let's face it, there would be no me without...me.

For this reason, I have given my students the day off. No class with miss Rainy, 'xcept for the 8 o clock class because they were already here and to not give them class would be just plain mean...

They are taking the writing class... and hating every step of the way. How come as writers we want people to enjoy writing as much as we do? I guess is the same strange mechanism that drives people to continue making movies starring Nicholas Cage...

I have found a new enjoyable way to enjoy INTERNET that does not involve porn: iheartradio.com... 3600+ radio stations with no commercials that play GOOD music. Right now me and David are listening to the Classic Rock station and thus far, Memphis ROCK 103 gets FIVE STARS!!!!

This morning I heart a funny bit on KALQ about the drunken adventures of Al Gore... I tells you, if I find it around I shall post and share the laughs.

^_______________^
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The Writer's Cafe


I have joined a new website called The Writer's Cafe in an effort to portray some of my writing in English and get some insight about if I am doing it right or wrong. So far the reviews have been good. I guess that I got fed-up with Fanfiction.net and Fictionpress.net and I just wanted to breathe a little. I will be posting the Russian Blue story again in this new network... but I have to edit it first because DAMN!

It's been a while since I've written any fanfiction and I remember that I used to love it. I still do. Maybe it;s the fact that I've been too wrapped in my own crap that I cannot take the time to write. I should. If I want to be taken seriously as a writer I should start with myself, right?

Just wished that the muse that inspires would drop by without me having to drink vodka to make her come... you know?

I found a poem that I just ADORE...

Falling Asleep in Class
by Kenn Nesbitt

I fell asleep in class today,
as I was awfully bored.
I laid my head upon my desk
and closed my eyes and snored.

I woke to find a piece of paper
sticking to my face.
I'd slobbered on my textbooks,
and my hair was a disgrace.

My clothes were badly rumpled,
and my eyes were glazed and red.
My binder left a three-ring
indentation in my head.

I slept through class, and probably
I would have slept some more,
except my students woke me
as they headed out the door.


Hilarius!

Pumas won... and to say that is to say that means that my father is EXTREMELY happy. The PUMAS from the Universidad Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM) are his favorite soccer team since he was once a student at such university. Yesterday was pandemonium at ye Hernandez chateu as my dad put on his pumas shirt and hat and sat to watch the championship. He almost had a heartache and I think he even cried... So, PUMAS are the 2009 champions.

I was happy. Deep down inside I was rooting for the PUMAS as well -- just because Pachuca beat the INDIOS... and what better way to get back at the team who beat your team than to cheer for the team who you are rooting for?

Hum?



The spirit... the feel... Soccer!

Now, a new dawn awaits me and my dad -- as Football season is almost here. We are looking forward to seeing our favorite teams in action.

Go Pack!
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Oh how the Writing has Fallen!

There is such a lack of interest in teachers TEACHING students how to WRITE... It shows... really, it does.
Today we had our second TOEFL writing class. My students were very excited because for the first time in over a month they had this sense of security that came from the idea that writing was the easiest task the TOEFL had to offer. Well, 10 minutes into the class, I could tell by the deer-in-headlight-look faces they were giving me that they had no clue whatsoever on what they had gotten themselves into.

FIRST TASK --- Topic Sentences.

They had to write a topic sentence about three general topics. (1) About their hometown. (2) About any place they would like to travel. (3) Anything they wanted.

We had already covered the part where it says that a topic sentence is the general idea of what your paragraph is going to be about. That it had to be clear and general, but not too general. I give them 10 minutes to finish the task. At the end of ten minutes, some had done the joyful sentence of:

"My city is big"


and, of course, who can deny those who...

"The city in Juarez is a city that is big, and pretty, and it has mountains, and rivers, and it rains a lot, and it has a lot of people.


After going around the tables with the "No", "Too general", "Too big," and "Are you kidding me? Seriously? Are you?!", I said, let's try again. This time, the topic was:

"A neighbor is someone who lives next door to you. What do you think are the qualities of a good neighbor?"


And this time, I said, you have ten minutes to do TWO topic sentences.

There was ye old classic:

"Neighbors are bad in my house"


and who can forget...

"I don't have neighbors, teacher."


And, of course, hats down to...

"My neibors taik drugs."


I look at them as they are looking back at me with almost-but-not-quite-tears of frustration running down their glossy, perky eyes. I reviewed the structure of the topic sentence once more. We did the exercise once more. I left them one more topic to see what they can come up with. Quite frankly, I'm expecting some sort of monster to come out of the page and bite me.


(sigh!)

Let's look at cute onigiri now, shall we?




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