Making Old Ideas New

Everyone has had that one pair of shoes that even though you have worn them a million times, and they are obviously falling apart, you still keep wearing them. They are comfy, and snug, and you don't want to find something else, since new shoes always hurt your feet until you get used to them.
That's kind of how I feel about writing. When I have a project that I know isn't working and I still keep trying to make it work. When do you abandon it? Do you work on something else and come back to it? Or, when you think you should write in a certain genre, but no one seems interested in what you have to say, but you. Do you try something else?
There are so many story ideas out there that are similar, but every one of them have something different in them. A different twist to the story, yet they are a lot alike. The mysterious pale guy who starts high school in the middle of the school year. The young guy/girl who finds out he/she has to suddenly save the world. Forbidden relationships. So, how do you write something and make it your own?
One genre always has the same story. Fairy tales. Now, who doesn't love a good fairy tale retelling? I love them! But, how do you make that same plot, and same story into something new?
Take a deep breath and just write. Use experiences from your own life to incorporate in your story. Make it interesting. Not everyone has the same story to tell, obviously from the fact that there are so many books in the world.
There are so many ideas out there, things writers haven't even thought of yet, and it's up to us to take off our worn shoes and start with some new ideas. Giving the characters their own unique voice, and letting it go from there. I for one, love a pair of new shoes, don't you?;)

New Book Idea and....Outlines?

The past few months I have had a horrible case of writer's block. Pregnancy hasn't helped, since I haven't felt good enough to even think about writing. Well, yesterday, while I was sitting home from church with my sick little girl, I had the strangest idea pop into my head. Now, I have quite a few books I was working on before my pregnancy, but this character has just been bothering me and talking to me all day yesterday and today. I finally sat down last night and wrote a little bit down so I wouldn't forget, and I must say, I love it! I love the character, and the idea of where I want the book to go. It's quite a different take on a character we have seen before, but I think people will love him! I told my sister about it, since she reads everything I write and tells me what she does and doesn't like, and she is super excited too!
Anyway, I'm not one for outlining, but does it help a lot? How do I get started? If anyone has any advice on outlining, let me know. I'm kind of a dork, since I usually just write by the seat of my pants!;) Maybe if I try outlining though, my story will be even better.
On another note, the past few YA novels I have read are starting to make me mad. I won't mention any titles, since I did like the books, but there is so much junk, and swearing in them, that I just want to read something worthwhile and clean. I'm not even one to get offended easily. Teenagers need clean books to read without all the garbage. I am so thankful there are so many aspiring writers and published writers, (Shannon Hale, Jessica Day George, Janette Rallison, etc.) that write clean books. Great job guys!:) I hope we can all break into the publishing world, and have some good books to publish someday!

Resolutions?

Ah, a new year. I hope this year is a good one!:) I have plenty of goals, like have my baby, (which I'm pretty sure will happen...10 more weeks!!) the usual lose weight, but not an actual amount. Everyone has that goal, and what better time to start losing after I have a baby?:) I have a ton of ideas planned for books this year, and I'm diving in head first with one idea. I want to write 2 books, and at least finish a final draft with one of them, so we will see how that goes.
I've enjoyed reading everyone's resolutions and posts the past few days. It's wonderful to know there are so many writer's in my position with kids and not a lot of time to write. I love knowing there is a way to accomplish my goals as long as I manage my time well. There are so many aspiring writers in the blogging community with so many wonderful ideas, that I'm excited to see what happens in your lives this year! Here's to big dreams in 2010!!:)

Ahem...

Remember how I said I was back and would be blogging more? *Cough cough* Obviously things did not go as planned... BUT, I am going to at least post once or twice a week from now on. Things have been crazy busy, but it's slowing down this week, only to get super busy starting next Thursday!
I've been debating to go to the Black Friday sales. I usually go every year. I'm not one of the 4:00 A.M. people, but go around 7 or 8. That is a reasonable time for me I think. This year money has been tight though, so I probably won't make it. I am so happy I was able to get my kids gifts for Christmas though. My hubby and I will just have each other, and that's okay with me. Every trial has a reason, and even though they suck, I am grateful for the learning experiences.:)
As for my writing, I have had an idea stewing in my head over the last few months. A few nights ago I wrote down my characters, and I love my book already. I'm only 3,000 words in, but that is a big deal for me, especially over the past few months. I'm starting to write little by little, since my kids take up a TON of my time. Next year I will do better, because even though I will have a new baby taking up my time, my oldest will be in Kindergarten and my little girl will be in Preschool, so I will have a little extra time to write. It's so hard being a mommy to small children and fitting in time to write! Especially when my cute hubby wants to watch a movie or just relax with me after work. It's hard to balance, but I'm doing my best. Don't we all?
Okay...enough rambling...
For some reason I'm craving a scone slathered in delicious honey butter right now. Just thought I'd throw that in there.;)

What's in a name?

My hubby and I have been trying to decide what to name our baby that is due in March. It's a big deal to name a child. (We will call the baby a "he", since I don't want to write baby every second. We aren't finding out what we are having, so the baby is going to be nameless until delivery day!:) Anyway, whatever name we choose,is the name he will go by his whole life, and I don't want to name him something he will hate or want to change. I want him/her to be proud of their name, and love it as much as I do.
This happens a lot when I think about names for characters as well. They are like my fictional children. Their names are imprinted in my head, along with a distinct personality, that may, someday, be loved by readers everywhere. I don't want a name that will easily be forgotten, but I don't want something too off the wall, that readers will not know how to pronounce, or will think it's too old fashioned. Whatever the reason, I want their names to have a sort of spark if you will.
I actually love naming my characters, but sometimes I pick a name and it just doesn't fit, so I end up having to change it half way through writing my book. That has only happened once though, thank goodness.
So, what do you do? Do you research the name you want to pick? The origin? What it means? Or do you just think of an awesome name and run with it? Have you ever figured out that a name didn't "fit" and had to change it?

New Queries

I've taken a break from writing for a few months, and a few weeks ago realized I've really missed it. Taking a break really stops the creative juices from flowing as much, and at first I had a hard time getting back into it. This pregnancy has honestly worn me out. I don't remember being so tired with my last 2 kids, but this time is horrible! I also have a hernia and the pain is constant, so I've been struggling with that as well. But, I'm ready to start writing again, and have a dozen ideas or so that I want to write about. I just can't tell the voices to go away. Even when I wasn't writing.
In query news, I am attempting to query a few agents at the moment. I'm nervous, excited, and subdued actually. I'm not getting my hopes up, and if I get rejected, that is fine. I just need to keep trying, and make my book better! I've finished two young adult novels now, and am starting on a few others, so I will keep you updated! It's good to be back!:)

WIP Wednesday

It's been a whole week since I last posted, and I promise I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. I haven't gotten much written lately, WIP and all. The reason being, I can't get off the couch without losing my breakfast, lunch, etc. I'm expecting baby #3, and I get horrid morning sickness. I'm trying some different things to sooth it, so hopefully I can start writing again. As for now, I'm trying to take care of my 2 little ones by letting them watch movies all day. I hate that, but it's the only thing that works right now. Hopefully I'll have more WIP news next week!