Thursday, December 8, 2011

Catchup and Cool Blogfest Envy

Shew! Catching up after being out of town is hard work! Especially at this time of year. But I'm back, and I'm making the rounds.

Where was I? Well, I tagged along with hubs on a work-trip to Scottsdale, Az., and I have to confess. Part of my motivation for going was superstition.

Superstition Mtns
You might remember this post (link) where I shared how I started writing my first book after returning from Scottsdale and visiting Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West.

Something about the story of him really getting into his life's work, his passion, and designing his most famous buildings when he was almost 60 gave me hope.

It's never too late to start.

And we talked about how he died at his drafting table still working, happily, at 90-something.

Taliesin West
Then I told you about my visit to the cool souvenir shop and the freak hailstorm-40-degree temperature drop that occurred while I was in the American-Indian artificats gallery.

I revisited that place, too, on the way to Sedona so hubs could see the Red Rock formations this time.

But what I'd never done before, and what was really fun, was climbing all over the Camelback Mountains that are located slap in the middle of Phoenix.

So that's what I did. In other news, have you noticed the cool blogfests going on lately?

Camelback Mtn.
My friend DL Hammons (link) is hosting "Write Club," which pits short passages from writers against each other. Everyone votes, and the winners move on to the next round in February. Check it out! (link)

Then my other friend Jen Daiker of Unedited fame (link) participated in the Heroine Challenge where she had to defend a fictional heroine against another writer's choice. Everyone votes based on their arguments. Very cool. (link)

I hosted a blogfest once with Dr. Kang (link) where we all told jokes. But now I'm wanting to do something literary.

Like everyone picking and defending their most satisfying reunion scene from a book. Or their favorite couple. Or best literary battle. (I threw that battle one in for my male followers. You all know I'm a romance junkie, so I'd be more interested in something along those lines.)
Cactus Santa hats

But I think it could be fun and educational. Like it would help me as a writer to see what's most appealing to readers.

So what do you think? What's a literary blogfest you'd like to participate in?

Now let me get back to digging. Christmas is coming, reader- and writer-friends! Have a great weekend; get some shopping done. Til Monday~ <3

29 comments:

DEZMOND said...

shopping? What are you buying me for Christmas? :)

Pat Hatt said...

My shopping was done a month ago, geez you're slow..haha...don't know what a lovey dovey blog fest would do for me..hahaha

DL Hammons said...

I might have an opportunity to go to a conference in Scottsdale, so now I'm looking forward to it.

And thanks for the WRiTE CLUB shout out! We are already getting a lot more votes this week!!

As far as blogfest goes, how about describing a literary mashup they'd most like to see? You know, like the heroine from one famous novel (GONE WITH THE WIND) interacting with the hero from another (CATCHER IN THE RYE), or SHERLOCK HOLMES matching wits with HANNIBAL LECTER. Just a thought.

Old Kitty said...

Looks like you had a fun time!! Yay!

Good luck with your blogfesting! I will as always be cheering you on from the wings! Yay! take care
x

Anonymous said...

I have a battle scene you should read. It's not what you'd expect a battle to be. Should I email that to you? It seems a bit long for a comment.

Carol Riggs said...

Sounds like you had a great time! How nice you got to get away. A literary blogfest? Maybe one to do with books, hahaha. ;o) Seriously?--I'm finding I don't have time for blogfests these days. I did enjoy the ones I've participated in, though. :)

Lisa Gail Green said...

I really miss Arizona. I used to live in Tucson and I loved it there. Sedona is gorgeous too. I'm glad you went and that you had a great time. :D

LTM said...

@Lisa--it's such a cool, interesting place. I always think the Saguaro cacti look like people doing stuff... so I guess it sparks my imagination. Now I want to get back to that YA scifi that's waiting on me~ :o) <3

Anonymous said...

So much happening!!!! ;)

Janet Johnson said...

Welcome Back!

Sounds like a great trip! But no sudden temperature changes this time? Hmmm . . . weird.

Unknown said...

I would love to go to a conference but I would need to find one nearby. However, I'm happy to participate in DL's blogfest challenge. Can't wait to see who wins.

Jemi Fraser said...

Very cool photos - I'd love to visit that area of the world one day :)

Laura Pauling said...

I think a lot of people would have the same couple for best couple. And that would be from Perfect Chemistry!

Unknown said...

Welcome back!

jerzey72 said...

yay for shopping ! followed

KM Nalle said...

OH! So many good ideas here. I like DL's idea - I'm not sure I can do better. Maybe I'd like to see my favorite heroine sent on a blind date with my favorite villain. hehehe.

Anonymous said...

So glad you had a fun trip!! And to think you were mere miles from me. :) Sorry about the cold weather!

I love the Superstition Mountains. I can see them from my house. My brother runs up and down Camelback Mountain. Every. Day. He doesn't live too far from there. That's a beautiful hike too.

Soo much to do; so little time. Safe travels!

LTM said...

@Laura--See? You're making my point for me. I guess some would say Akiva-Karou or Katniss-Peeta or Jessica-Lucius. We could have a face off! :D <3

@Jerz--yes. Shopping. And welcome! :o)

@Liz--I am so mad now that I didn't see you on our visit. I was with hubs and the schedule kept changing. Next time, I'm taking the reins. Feel better soon~ :o) <3

N. R. Williams said...

Cool trip. Those blogfest all sound like fun. I'm going to have to pass for now though due to health.
Nancy

walk2write said...

One of these days I'll be able to actually stop in Sedona instead of just driving on past it. Maybe for some CEUs. As for a blogfest, how about mixing up characters in some of Shakespeare's plays and changing the flavor of them? For example, Hamlet visits The Forest of Arden in As You Like It just before he goes home to Denmark and his dysfunctional family.

Tracy Jo said...

Welcome back! I am doing some digging over here too. Your trip sounds awesome and nice you got away with the hubs. I have been wanting to go to Sedona for sometime. I bet it was beautiful! Hope you are above ground soon. :-)

M Pax said...

Looks like a wonderful place. I've only ever changed planes in Arizona.

Someday I'll get there.

PK HREZO said...

I remember that blog post. That was a cool tale. And hey I like DL's suggestion for a blogfest... but maybe with couples... like the oddest paired romantic couple.. ex: Dracula and Miss Piggy or something like that. We could even give them lines and put them in a scene together. lol

Talli Roland said...

Lots of fun stuff happening!

I'm going on a blog break after Wednesday next week, so I'm trying to dial it down... slowly... going cold turkey might kill me! :)

LTM said...

@PK--LOL! You guys are so creative. I love that idea. It would be something like Carol's "finish the story" posts... :D I'm so going to get this one going. Maybe after Write Club ends. <3

Romance Reader said...

Looks like you had a wonderful time.

All the best!

Nas said...

Your trip sounds awesome. Someday, I'll get there as well!

DWei said...

Don't think I could ever attend a blogfest let alone host one myself.

Too busy with classes as usual.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Your trip sounds like it was awesome. I'd love to revisit that area of the world one day.

And Christmas is coming too fast! Yargh! ;)