Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Reviews to come

GothicLolitaWigs-Rhapsody in pink (Perhaps a video review as well.)

Pyramid collection -Ring

Fm-anime.com -Pandora Hearts cosplay review (This will be HUGE)

Monday, February 27, 2012

FanPlusFriend Review Pt.2

Part two, Cardigan and bloomers. Putting pictures on this site is super frustrating, so I split it into two parts.

Classical Lolita Victorian Puffy Sleeves Cardigan
Gothic Lolita: Basic Long Cotton Bloomers




The fabric is light and not tight with puffy sleeves that get tight on the wrists. The ends flare out with soft cotton lace that peeks out. The color is a light cream and the lace is a bit darker so it stands out more. It's tied in the front with a thick ribbon that is NOT shiny (Thank you F+F) and can be buttoned with fake pearls. There is lace on the bottom too.



The lace is soft and thick and is not itchy. It's sewn really nicely and goes all the way up to the wrist so you can't see the stitch line if you look up them. The fabric is soft, cotton I believe and is nice to the touch. The best part is it doesn't attract cat fur!!!
A closer look of the buttons. They are all even and nicely sewn, looks like they wont be falling off any time soon.


This is the only part I don't like. It's hard to see and explain but I'll try my best. There is a fabric that is separate from the main fabric. When I tried it on the first time the jacket sounded as if it were ripping but after a look over I realized it's just the odd fabric that was tearing. It made no damage towards the jacket. I believe the thin fabric that ripped is for when your sewing the item so you get a straight line but I could be wrong.

Okay, so I don't like this part either. But only because it looks out of place and you can see where they sewed it. They should have used a red string. This might be the only thing I change on this item.
Back. See how odd the ribbon looks?

Bloomers

Basic bloomers. Looks like a skirt but I swear they are bloomers. The fabric is not itchy and is thin, nice and airy. Just as they should be.

The lace is layered and looks pretty! If you didn't notice it's the same lace used on my JSK. I'm okay with it matching! Even though I'll be wearing these with my cosplay gown.Same lace. Double layered. Nice and soft, not cheap.They can be tied tighter which is good because they are a bit too big. I'm 5'2 so they have to be rolled up on the waist but I was expecting that.


Fluffy! Lots of lace, I love them!

Run down of items:

Communication - 5/5
We skyped them once, asking about the order because they hadn't updated the status. They replied, kindly and were very helpful.

Shipping - 5/5
VERY fast. Couldn't ask for anything better.

Product Quality - 4/5
The color and lace was different on the JSk but the fabric and everything else was perfect.

Size 5/5
Everything fits! And I have a very curvy body. Good job F+F.

Would I buy from F+F again?
Yes. I plan on it. The items came very quickly and I'm very pleased with what I got. I'll make sure to ask them about the dresses next time I buy from them though.

If you have any questions about any of the items I bought, please comment below. I'll answer them as quickly as I can.

FanPlusFriend Review- Pt. one

So I bought these items for my birthday present and to wear to a convention that's coming up. The dress I've been eying for years now and I finally got enough money to buy it for myself. So I went ahead and used the new years sale to my advantage and bought three items. A dress, jacket and much needed bloomers for my cosplay.

I'm REALLY bad at waiting for packages that I order online and to my horror it said I might have to wait 4-8 weeks to get my stuff. Luckily it only took three. Right on the third day they shipped it. I was really surprised they could ship it so quickly. It surprised me even more when it only took three days to get to me.

I got the package at 11:00 but wasn't awake to get it so I woke up to find my dad had placed it on my desk. I was so excited I took it into my room and looked everything over before trying everything on. I order size 95(42in/107cm) for the JSK, 90 (Bust:94-106cm/37-42in) for the jacket and 90(Waist:78-102cm/ 31-40in) for the bloomers. Everything was a size up, just in case. And everything fits very nicely, so I'm glad I did that with the sizes.

There are no loose threads, stains, pen marks or anything on the items I bought. There is a slight smell but it's not bad and is most likely from the factory. So it doesn't bother me. The fabric used on all the items is soft and nice and will be good for spring and summer.

I haven't taken any pictures of me wearing the items but will do so tonight.

Order Date-
2/1/12
Ship Date-2/24/12
Date received-2/21/12

Items ordered:
Sweet Lolita Detachable Bowknots Dress/JSK

Classical Lolita Victorian Puffy Sleeves Cardigan

Gothic Lolita: Basic Long Cotton Bloomers


Prices (New years discount applied)
JSK-105.60
Cardigan-46.64
Bloomers-14.96
Shipping- 30.00 (Not bad for three items.)


Came neatly packed inside a well sized bag. It's a bit dirty but I'm not surprised.

Neatly packed!

My JSK! The pink is a lot lighter than it should have been but I'm pleased with it overall.




See? It's a darker pink. The lace on the bottom is also wrong.


The color is odd but it'll work. The pockets made me so happy because I HAVE to have chapstick with me at all times. I'm a bit addicted to it. So I was very happy that they were real pockets.

The lace is not what was shown and this made me very disappointed because the lace was very lovely as shown on their site. But it won't stop me from wearing the dress. I might buy some lace and add it on myself later. As you can see the dress is lined. It's very soft and nice.
This is what they showed. The lace is cream and pointed. Looks heavy and hangs out from the bottom. It does not do this is real life. Even with a monster petticoat underneath.

The lace is not pointed but round and plain. But is very soft and not rough or cheap. So I'm alright with it. No one will be able to see the lace but I suppose it's okay. I'm just glad it's lined.
The bodice is lined in pretty flower lace. I can also remove the ribbon on the front which makes me happy because it looks odd to me.
The front of the bodice

Close up of the top. Lined with soft lace, nothing is itchy. The bows are all removable and are made nicely, no cheap safety pins. Came with two large bows, two smaller bows.

The back. It has another corset with a heavier fabric string. And a belt.

Overall score on JSK- 4/5
*Color was different
* Lace was different

Continued in part two.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Reviews to come!

I just got an e-mail telling me my FanPlusFriend items has just arrived in San Francisco!!! I'm super excited and am hoping my package is on a airplane instead of by car, otherwise it could take up to a week to get to me.

I ordered three items, two for my birthday/ down time at Sakura-con and a pair of bloomers to wear under my cosplay gown. Since everything was on sale for the Chinese new year. I had been wanting the JSK I ordered for a long time now. I guess you could call it my dream dress.

I ordered....

JSK

Bloomers

Jacket


I got everything under 200 dollars so I was very pleased. I sold extra books and video games to get the money and am glad I did so. I'm really excited about seeing my products. I have heard F+F is a hit or miss site but all there items seem to be nicely made. So I'm not too worried. I'm more worried about the fit.

If everything is A-ok when I get the package I'll finally do my review on them as well as my review on my Gothic Lolita Wig. I'm planning on doing a video review but I'm very shy so we'll see if I get brave enough. I also need to get a free video editing program.

Reviews are just for fun and to help other people who want to buy from that site/s. So we'll see how everything goes.

I better get back to sewing my petticoat since I might be getting my dress tomorrow.



Friday, February 24, 2012

Query game

Sending out query letters like a boss (Pardon my French, I'm hyper) I sent out five yesterday and was going to send out more today but am tied up doing job apps. I only have a month to get a job before Sakura-con. I just learned two brand name lolita companies are coming so I know there will be tons of stuff I want to buy. I want to buy them with my own money. So I have to work hard on getting a job beforehand.

I'll be sending out a few more query letters in the next few days. I'm really working hard. I have so many things I want to do and before I can do anything I have to become published. It's a lot better now that I believe in my work 100%.

I already got one no, but as I have said, that's okay. That means the wrong agent has said no. That's a good thing. You want to be paired with an agent that is going to be fully involved with your project.

So work hard and write what you love. (not what is popular)

Thursday, February 23, 2012

I feel free

It's odd but I feel really free. Why? Because I'm not in the contest. For some reason I feel really good and positive. Being cut out gave me the push I needed to send out query letters (sent five) and really connect/back up my novel. I'm proud of my work and it's their lose. I'm really okay with not winning because either way I have to find an agent. I may not be able to tell them I won a contest but I still have a good book to give them.

Inside of me I feel like a door has been opened and all the bad things I've been keeping inside have flown out. I feel good. It's weird but I feel good. I'm happy and ready to do lots of hard work to become published.

I can do it.

I'm not giving up

Otherwise I would be a no body. What fun would that be? I didn't make it to the second round but this just means my pitch was off. So that's what I'll fix today! And when I'm happy with it I'm going to start sending out query letters. Because I will be published. I'm not taking no for an answer. Not anymore. I'm backing up my novel. I'm ready for this. Nothing will stop me. No doors, no walls, no person. I will not cry over spilled milk.

I'm taking this and changing it into something good. Something positive. I cannot stress just how important doing that is. If you mop around and cry, whine and complain you'll get no where but deeper into a hole and maybe you won't be able to gain the courage to climb out. Change it. Make it good. Take a day off or jump right into it. It'll be worth it in the long run. You can't become something great without failing. Why? It makes us stronger. So face forward, don't mind the past and move on. Get your dream going.

I believe you.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Tomorrow

Is the day! I just looked at the clock on my computer and realized today was the 22nd. There is no more waiting. I'll be getting up around seven and as I said before, hopefully I can download the list on my Kindle. If I make it I might stay up and if not, oh well.

My feelings are mixed. I can't say I'm nervous. It hasn't really hit me that it's tomorrow.

I'm keeping myself busy by writing and outlining. And of course working on that horrid synopsis. It helps a lot to keep my mind off the contest. I'm glad I chose to start on my synopsis last night so if I don't make it at least I have something to keep my mind off that fact and my mind set on the goal of hooking an agent. After all finding an agent is my main goal. I would love to win the contest but I'm very unlucky. So I can't say that I know I'll win or anything. I can't see into the future. So I have to wait and try my best at writing my synopsis while I wait.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Day two

My nerves are back! Oh goodness I am so on edge. Not many things can distract me from the contest. I don't even want to talk about it in case I jinx it. I am hoping like everyone else that I go on to the next round. And I would love to brag about my status to the family party on the 26th. I'm going to start on my synopsis tonight to pump me up about finding an agent. I hope this contest opens some doors for me.

I can't wait. I'm going to wake up early on the 23rd and hopefully my Kindle allows me to download the list. So I don't have to start up this beast of a computer. I can only hope tha tmy name will be listed.

Monday, February 20, 2012

Day three

Wow. Only three days. I would say I'm nervous but I'm so pissed off right now, it's kind of hard to feel anything else besides pure anger. So I'll leave it at that and sign out.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Day Five

Day five! That's one hand now! I can't wait. I'm so nervous but thrilled. Not only because of the contest but because Angelic Pretty is coming to SAKURA-CON!!!!! Super excited. For those who have no idea what I'm talking about, Angelic Pretty is a brand name store from Japan (one shop in the USA) It sells sweet lolita dresses, shoes,ect. Sweet Lolita is a style started in Japan. Also called a "street style" it's very popular because it's very elegant and modest.

But anyway, enough of my rambling.

I'm more nervous than excited now. I've been editing through my novel and have found a few mistakes. I've fixed them but have yet to update my contest entry. Not even sure if I can now. But oh well.

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Doubt

Since I'm feeling much, much better today and I've been looking at my Manuscript, I finally decided to go over doubt. Since any aspiring author will most likely encounter doubt while trying to get published. I've been reading my Children's writer's & illustrator's market book and am realizing most authors encounter the horrible feeling of doubting their work.

I've noticed I doubt my work right after I've edited and nit-picked through it. I wind up editing and editing then not read through my material for a few weeks. And when I look back through all my work, I realized why am I panicking? This is good. A lot better then what I had started out as. Why am I'm doubting myself? Putting myself in a runt so deep I'm too afraid to send out any query letters.

I also re-read my query letter and found myself even more interested in it than when I first wrote it.

So why worry?

It's natural. I want to show the world that I can do something amazing. That I can inspire and offer a place to hide for readers. And not even doubt can stop me from doing that. To get over doubt and anxiety here are some tips I use in order to sweep away all those nasty feelings.

1. Re-read on another device
This really helps you see your work in another way. By staring at the computer all day you can easily overlook mistakes. What I use is my Kindle Fire. Since it has the neat little option of e-mailing your doc files to the Kindle. It gives me a closer look at what I wrote and I easily can find mistakes. But if you don't have a Kindle there is always the easy method of printing off your work (chapter by chapter so there will be less ink wasted) and so you can write all over it. Or allow someone you trust to read it.

2. Clear your mind
Leave your MS alone for a few weeks. Focus on research agents or do something fun. This gives you a clear view of your work when you return to it.

3. Get inspired
Ever get so inspired you get all bouncy and can't sit still? I sure do. Reading your role model's novel, blog or stalking their website/ interviews can really help clear up that doubt! Most authors have doubted themselves and their work! It's natural. So go search up some interview by your favorite authors and relax.

4. Work on something new
Start on a new project. This can help get your mind off past mistakes and can help you get better at writing. Perhaps you should start a blog about your feelings or on your work. Like I did. It helps get out your thoughts that you can't tell others.

5. Start on your query/synopsis
This can help you stick close to your work without having to look at it. If your waiting a while in order to calm down or maybe to get a fresh look at your work, start on your query and synopsis. These are both needed for getting published so why not do them? It's like doing homework. You may not want to but it can help you get a good grade! Instead it will help you get published and hook an agent! So get to it.

6. Make a day out of it
Chose one day a week and make that your editing day. Where all you do is edit. Tune everyone out. Listen to music playlists. Inspire yourself so that your ready to face your work head on. Stock up on coffee or tea and relax. Writing can be one of the best ways to get your mind off of more serious topics.

7. Never give up

Because if you do how will you know you could have been great? Why give up if you haven't tried hard enough? Never give up. Sure your first novel may not be published. But that doesn't mean your second won't be. Think of the future. What will happen when you get that e-mail of an agent asking for your full MS. Joy, happiness, excitement, freedom. Just do it. Don't give up. If one door shuts, kick down another. Don't let go of your work. Back it up like you would to a friend. Don't parent it. Let it shine for it's self.

You can do anything you put your mind to. But only you can make your dreams come true.







http://www.amazon.com/2012-Childrens-Writers-Illustrators-Market/dp/1599632314/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1329625938&sr=8-3-fkmr0

Friday, February 17, 2012

Six days

I'm feeling very weak right now. I'm most likely low on Iron. I've been that way since I was young. So it's hard to focus right now. All I want to do is sleep. I'm going to try to start on my synopsis but I doubt I'll get very far with it today.

I feel right now is huge waiting period. I'm waiting for everything. Waiting for the 23rd, my FanPlusFriend items, my birthday, Sakura-con. So much waiting around. It's killing me. Making me have a hard time focusing on what I should be doing.

Finding agents. But like I said I'm not feeling well so I can't start my search today. Not when I'm having trouble writing this. My mind is all fuzzy and slow like time has froze. It's annoying. I stayed up late last night because the power went off and our house had already been having issues with electricity, so just to make sure everything was okay, my dad and I stayed up late sitting by the fireplace, enjoying the warmth.

I woke up very tired. My hamster found out how to escape from her cage today....more drama to deal with and now my lovely little Maggie cat will not stop yowling. I think I'm getting a headache. So this is all I'm going to write for now. I'm dreadfully out of it. Hopefully these new iron tablets help and I can pop out of it by tomorrow.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Nine days

You guys!!!! There are only nine days until the Amazon contest lists the lucky 2,000 novels that move forward. I passed this round last year, I can only hope I can pass this year. Of course there are less open spots. So I won't say "I'm going to win." Or "I'm going to make this round." Because I don't know yet.

I'll be doing a daily count down as the days go by. I know for a fact I'm waking up early on the 23rd.

Wish me luck!

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Thoughts-pt.1

I have a lot flouting around in my head. Right now I'm so on edge I can't sit still. I'm trying to find things to do and stop thinking about the things I'm waiting for. Art is helping. But my lack of supplies is not. I'm looking forward to the contest.

But I'm realizing I am not standing behind my work 100%. I'm rethinking things, over-thinking everything and not giving it my all. If I want this project published and my name out there, I have to step it up. I will never get any where if I don't back up my project. I've read over and over not to baby it. Instead I've backed away from it. That's not good. I suppose I need to find a good middle ground.

Tomorrow I will be busy as it's one of three days that my hubby has off but as soon as Thursday comes around I am going to become a strict writing machine. I'll start out with finding and doing research on at least three agents. I'll track down their authors, see what they want and like and see if my project fits into that. Then after a search I'll re-read my query letter and see if I'm happy with it. Since it's been a while since I read it. If I find it's lacking I'll edit it. Then ship it out to those three agents.

After that I need to start on my synopsis. I have an agent I REALLY want to send a letter to, but since I want to be his client so badly (because he reps so many GREAT authors, all of whom I admire) I want to give him my best and make him want to read my MS. So I'll take my time on writing up this synopsis. Since I'm super connected with my characters and the plot I think I'll be okay with this. I just need to sit down, put on some music, tune out everyone and focus on what I'm writing.

I want to inspire. To be a role model for teens. I have to start small and slowly rise up. I CAN do it. I just need to have faith in myself and my work. I'm writing my newest project, a rewrite of an old novel and am noticing just how much I've evolved since I finished writing Promise Me. It's insane. I read the first version of PM and am shocked how poorly written it was! I'm so proud of myself even if I'm the only one who is.

I may not have an army behind me, but I truly believe I can do this. After all you are the only one who can make your dream come true. So get off your behind and work, work, work. Because only hard workers get far in life. I've learned that. I finally feel that if I put 100% into this I will get published. So if anyone reads this, please do your best as well. Never give up and keep doing what you love. Don't follow trends, write from your soul. Use your dreams and never, ever, ever, ever give up.

Otherwise your dream will never come true.

So let everything holding you back go,

Free to fly away.

And do your best.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Write, write, write

I'm REALLY feeling this new project of mine. When I first started writing Inso (Insomnium) it was about a boy who was searching for his missing mother as strange events happen and his nightmares come true. But now it's about a Victorian orphan who had been adopted into a doctor's family and is kept hidden from the public because of her odd beauty. Her nightmares keep her awake and as her sixteen birthday approaches her nightmares start taking over her reality and she finds everyone she thought she could trust are slowly turning against her, leaving her no choice but to start digging into her past and find her birth parents.

Sounds pretty normal, right?

No.

I'm not going to give away much more as of right now, because I don't like to ruin surprises and if it does get published I don't want readers finding this blog and reading up on the plot. So secrets will stay secret right now. But I will give out hints such as I just did.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

16 days

Until we hear who are the luck 2,000 who are going onto the next round.

57 days until Sakura-con! I'm super excited and it's keeping me going these days. It's super fun dressing up and waltzing around getting your pictures taken and meeting new people. I can't wait.

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Inspired

My bad mood has gone. I've been (finally) reading the Children Writer market book I bought back for X-mas and I'm really glad I bought it. I'm very inspired by some very wise voices and feel I'm going in the right diction. I really should believe in myself and my work more. If I give up so easily on my work, everyone else will to. That's not what I want. So I will stop.

I'm sending out new queries tonight and will update my list of yes/no/no reply list. Which I will make into it's own post.


Contest has closed

Now I must wait until the 23rd. It'll be hard since I am becoming depressed over certain issues in my household. And the fact I don't have much support. I've always found waiting very hard but I know I can do it. As long as I have faith in myself I can make it. Not much else to say. I'm growing bored by the second and I have nothing else to do but to write and hope I don't have a panic attack today.

I am too blue.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Thoughts about the fifth

Tomorrow, well tonight at 11:59 P.M is when the contest closes. I'm super excited, my heart beats very fast whenever I start thinking about it. But I'm also nervous and shaky. I worked my ass off on rewriting my novel and I truly feel it is ready to be on book shelves. As I've said before this contest could open tons of doors into the literary world for me. But of course it'll also be very stressful in the months to come. I hate how the Quarterfinalists are announced the day before my 20th birthday. I do hope I make it that far and I get GOOD news on that day instead of bad. Cause boy would that suck.

Last night I finally started writing my latest novel, Insomnium. It's also a rewrite. I changed tons of things so it's basically a new novel. I also feel good about this novel even though I've only written 2,000 words right now. It's fresh, different. I hope everyone else will be interested in it too once it's ready. Which it is not...

I'm sitting at my desk listening to music and am wondering, is this it? Is this my time to shine finally? Will all my hard work finally get noticed and praised? I can only hope. I'm a dreamer. I like to think about everything that could happen and of course winning is one of those outcomes. If I did win, I'm not sure how I would react (most likely cry my ass off) or what I would do. I suppose I would tell my fiance first then my parents and then everyone else. Then sit down, take a few deep breaths, maybe go for a walk to calm down and blog about what I plan to do/what is going to happen, step by step.

As I write this I ponder who I would thank. Right now there is only one person in my life who enjoys my writing, who pushes me to do my best, who tells me to keep writing even if I don't catch an agent's eye. That person is the one who put the ring that sits on my finger. That person is my hope, my soul. Without him I'm not sure what I could. Where I would be. He's my sun and I'm his moon. Without each other we are both missing pieces too big to fill. Every book I write is for him (and of course the readers!) to thank him for all he's done for me. I may not be rich or have money to buy him thank you gifts. But I can do this small thing for him.

And maybe once I do get published he can open my novels and find his name written on the first page. What an awesome gift. I hope he thinks so too someday.

After the fifth we heard on the 23rd who are the lucky 2,000 who go on to the next round. I hope I'm one of those lucky souls. With my love supporting me through this, I couldn't ask for more. For now I can only sit here and wonder if my novel will make it. If it will inspire others.

Friday, February 3, 2012

Breakthrough novel contest- General Fiction=closed

Yes that is correct. The general fiction is now closed. Meaning they have 5,000 entries. Good to luck to all of those who had entered in that category. The YA section (my category) has yet to close meaning it will stay open until February 5th or until they reach 5,000 too. I'm hoping they don't reach 5,000. That would give me less to worry about.

I'm REALLY glad they cut it to only 10,000 novel entries, which means 5,000 for each. On the 23rd we find out about who's moving on, only 2,000 will go on. A lot less than last year. I'll feel very good about my work if I make it to the next round and am one of those 2,000.

I may not have an army behind me, supporting me, but at least I have the drive.

Good luck to those who had entered.

Time to go find some agents and start on my latest novel.

Almost

The contest closes it's door on the fifth. I've been feeling more and more distracted lately. I've been feeling as if I'm trapped inside a box with no doors and everyday is the same. It's almost suffocating. I don't know where I'm going or what is going to happen and it makes me manic. I'm needing support but I have nothing but four walls and window. I try and try and sometimes want nothing more than to give up.

But if I gave up on my dreams,

I would lose the chance to inspire.

And that would ruin me. I want to be like the amazing woman authors who had inspired me with their tales. I want to leave a mark on this world like they have. And if I gave up I would be allowing all those horrible people who told me I was nothing, to win. I won't EVER give up. Someone out there will accept my work and will kick down the walls and build me a door.

Keeping that in mind is hard. It's natural for humans to want to give up when things get hard. Luckily I do have things to look forward to. Like the big anime convention in Seattle. Or my dream lolita dress that I finally bought. I have to keep those things in mind and keep moving forward. I'm going to focus on finding agents right now and starting my next project, whether it's the huge rewrite of Insomnium or the second novel to Promise Me. I'm not sure which to choose. So I can't say anything about either as of now.

If someone really does read this....

Never give up.

-VictorianMess