A State of Flux

A wee bit of advise. 

Never throw anything away -- writing-wise that is. 

At class tonight, we discussed how the publishing industry is constantly in a state of flux. Rules that governed the industry last year are overturned for new rules this year. 

Therefore, I repeat, never throw anything away. If a publisher will not accept your rhyming book today, give it a year, it might be its time. I think the same could be said of all books. 

I'm beginning to think that writing is like an addiction. It grabs hold of you and whispers, 'Write. Write.' If you don't continue 'smoking,' the addiction will gradually leave. You will find excuses for not writing. You will discover that there is a world out there with things to do. 

Now, as with any addiction, I find the question it poses: Do I want to withdraw? No! I don't. I know the highs I get when the Muse speaks to me. I know the joy of a scene taking shape and becoming magnificent. I love the 'feel' of a character under my thumb. 

Ah! The joys of writing. Worth every bit of agony. 

Life is insane.

Fear and Writing

I don't know why I get afraid to sit down and write. It's total madness. I love to write. I love the stories I'm in the midst of. And yet, I find I am forcing myself to sit down and write.

Instead of going on to the next chapter of 'Blue,' I'm editing previous chapters. Now that is important work for I'm offering these chapters up for critiquing. Yet... It feels like an excuse.

Time and again, I see that I can write. I know it. For the last chapter I was editing, I had to add some stuff. It took only moments to write what turned out to be about two hundred words. No sweat. No difficulty. No pain.

I have to remember this as I go to the next chapter. I have to let the Muse have her way and not think of where I'm going. I only know the ending. I don't know what's happening in between. The Muse does. And she tells me. If I listen.

Drat - back to that listening thing. 

Life is bizarre.

Amazing

I know I've said it before, but I'll say it again. I am amazed by the editing process. 

I sent off two chapters of 'Blue' that I swear were complete. But I had this niggling feeling. I hate niggling feelings. I remembered someone had commented on one of the tests that our hero/heroine must pass. Said I was showing and not telling. So I went back to that chapter, even though I'd already sent it out, and re-read it. Sure enough, I did show. So I thought on how I'd tell what happened. When I did that, and added some dialogue, the scene got so much better, more intense, more compatible with the rest of the story.

This goes back to the listening thing, too. As a writer, I've got to keep my eyes and ears open. There are so many ways to tell things. I must continue listening, paying attention, and using comments and such as a tool. The way they are supposed to be used.

Life is intriguing.

Class on Tuesday

I've got my writing class on Tuesday. I sent around my MS (chpts. 20 and 21) to the teacher and my fellow students. I've already re-edited these two chapters. I'm looking forward to the feedback because my hero/heroine thinks they are drifting towards 'total madness.' I'm hoping the class feels the sense of intrigue that I'm trying to convey. *fingers crossed*

I've got six MS's that I am committed to read. Three for Tuesday's class and three for the Skyline Writers Group. I will be presenting too. The group took to heart my frustration over non-entries and have started an alternate for each group for each month. That means that, even though I presented in January, the person up for February has already said she can't make the meeting, so that means I'll present again. Those chapters are complete and ready.

Sometimes it's a wee bit difficult -- keeping track of which group has which chapters, but it's worth the mess to get so many different viewpoints. Got to take them with a grain of salt, though.

Life is a labyrinth.

Villains

'Blue' has some villains who are easily discerned. They're wizards and they live in the north. (don't all the bad guys usually live or come from the north!!!)

I've also got a 'surprise' villain. A person who hides in the shadows, or seems to be a friend, or is kind to animals, and turns out to be the bad guy.I'm hoping I've hidden him/her (won't tell you) well enough. But not too well that it comes as a complete shock when my readers discover who it is. That would not be good!

I hate when you read a book and three pages into it, you know who the bad guy is. I like a little mystery in my coffee. 

I hope I've hidden my villain well. My critiquers haven't said they know who it is yet, so there's hope.

Life is a giggle.

Maurice Sendak

Stephen Colbert wants to foray into childrens' books. He said so many 'stars' are dong it, he thought he should get into it. So - he interviewed Maurice Sendak whom he considers one of the greats. I do to. I love the Little Bear illustrations Maurice did. 

Maurice did not have much good to say about childrens' books today. It's interesting. I would have loved to hear what he felt was the reason for the decline. Of course, Stephen was busy getting laughs. The interviews (there are 2 of them) are hysterical. Not 'G' rated. But funny.

http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/406796/january-24-2012/grim-colberty-tales-with-maurice-sendak-pt--1

http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/406902/january-25-2012/grim-colberty-tales-with-maurice-sendak-pt--2

Maurice said 'most books for children are really bad.' He loves Curious George and anything Dr. Seuss. 

I wonder where he felt the onus lies with this decline in good childrens' books. I know what I think.

Life is full of poles.

PS -- Maurice says he hates e-books. They cannot be the future.

Plots and Such

Mystery writer, Les Roberts, has said that there are really only about ten plots that authors can use. Everything else is a derivation. Here's his website. http://lesroberts.com/

You've seen what he means. The Romeo and Juliet type of story. The NCI type stories. The killer animals stories. 

I was watching the trailer for Albert Nobbs. It looks like it's going to be a good movie. Glenn Close received an Oscar nomination for it for Best Actress. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1602098/

I heard an announcer say this movie is like a 'Tootsie.' Nope. More like a Yentl. From what I can see. Definite drama. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086619/

I realized, as I watched the Albert Nobbs trailer, that the storyline is slightly parallel to my 'Blue.' Mine, of course, is a YA fantasy novel, but the idea of a girl masquerading as a boy to fulfill her destiny is one of those plots that Les illustrated.

So -- this being the year of the dragon. AND -- this being the year of the girl pretends she's a boy --- I think the Muse is telling me to get my arse off the chair and finish this book. It is timely. Of course, I know that. 

Life is quick.

Listening

I don't think I've been taught to listen. Wouldn't think a person would need to be taught to listen, but I am beginning to see (after all these years) that listening is important. I'm going to start working on that skill with my little one.

I edited eight more chapters of 'Blue' today. The last one I'll have to redo because I was so tired, I wasn't paying attention.

But to the listening part. My focus for this round of editing has been on the magic part. Well, awhile back one of my critiquers said he was confused about the characters. I did listen, but half-heartedly. 

However, as I was editing today, I noted what might have caused his confusion. I wanted to slap myself side of the head for not noticing. I'm glad he brought it up. He was right. The story still functioned without any change. BUT -- it's better with the changes. And isn't that what editing is for... making the story better and better. Like a diamond cutter. Or a sword forger. Or a parent.

That goes back to the listening aspect. I listened with only half an ear. Thankfully, the critiquers in this group give those being critiqued a hard copy. I keep those until I've finished with the editing. Sometimes, I keep them even longer. If there's a question sneaking behind my eyes, I keep it. This unease usually means my Muse is telling me to look again. She's always right. Darn her.

Life is listening.

Serious Pain Tonight

In the process of moving and I've discovered stress seems to make the pain flair horribly. So I'm off to bed in a moment.

Skyline is starting to plan for our annual conference. This year it will be on August 25th. Looking into venues and speakers. There's a lot of enthusiasm in the group. It's exciting.

My Writers Ink group is hoping to get together this week for a night of writing. I don't think I'll be able to make it, what with the move and all. 

I've been working on 'Blue' - thankfully! Editing, not writing. But it's been great. I've gotten through chapter nine. Hopefully, tomorrow, if I get some sleep tonight, I'll tackle the next ten chapters. *fingers crossed*

I will share this with you. I've been kind of despondent over the fact that I haven't reached my goal of sending out the giraffe story yet. I had hoped to send it out to another four publishers in November, but that time flew past I have been kicking myself ever since.

Then - it dawned upon me. I have sent it out. It was July, but I sent it out. So why am I kicking myself? Some people never finish their books, never mind sending them out. 

I'm taking this as a good thing. When I'm ready, I'll send it out again. And I'm finally getting some strength and gumption *g* back to do just that.

Life is pushing forward.

Surprises

My computer room looks like a tornado hit. As I've told you before, I like to print out my chapters as I write them and edit them via plain old paper and pen. That means there is a lot of paper lying about the floor, the three bookcases, the bed, and anywhere else I can find to chuck it. Always thinking I'll re-read it. 

I took seven years to write an epic tale. Ended up being over five hundred thousand words. Yes! More than one-half a million words. Insane. Do you have any idea how much paper is used in that? Besides that, after making corrections, I'd go back and edit again. *shudders*

This posting isn't about paper, however. This posting is about surprises.

I print out friends' stories too. I have been going through all the papers before pitching them and discovered a couple really great stories with good writing, plots, and characters.

Imagine my surprise, when trying to figure out who wrote them -- it was me. These stories that peaked my curiosity and favorable comments -- were all mine. 

On days when I'm wondering whether I really can write well, I must remember this.

Life is a surprise.

Arrrggghhhh 2

Yesterday I got my domain name. It surprised me that I needed some amount of courage to do this.

Today, I worked on making the site 'nice.' I, of course, chose a mountain theme. It looks great. I put in contact information and such. I also made a page for my books (when they are published). 

BUT - when I go to the internet to find the site, my website does not come up in the search. 

Interesting. 

I'm a wee bit tired from the time spent creating and editing, so I'm off to bed. However, I have a feeling I will lie there and wonder why.......

Life is a puzzle.

Creating Things

I'm slightly shaking at the moment. Took another step today towards creating my professional persona. I've already got my blog (thanks to all who read it).

I signed up for a website. It's free for a year and easy to use. I hope. I am at a public facility and therefore cannot continue the sign on process until I get to my own computer. But I do have the domain name. Whoo hoo! Next on the list is business cards. I think I'll be using Vistaprint.

It's interesting to take steps towards my professional life when, some days, I am not even sure I am a professional. These are the growing pains of becoming, I guess.

I have been telling folks I'm a writer for about the last two years. Maybe more. But definitely the last two years. I've believed it all along... until this. This reaching out into the Ethernet as Sharron Walsh. Feels odd. Feels scary. Feels exciting.

Good grief. I discovered many years ago that I am a closet adventurer. If I find someone who is ready for an adventure, that will push me over the edge and I'll do it. Couple examples: helicopters, kissing odd objects, trapeze, and a few others.

I went with friends to NZ a few years ago. Some of the sights we wanted to see were accessible only by helicopter. I'd never ever flown in a helicopter and my heart was in my throat. My friends were afraid yet game. So off we went and I now am hooked on helicopters. I've flown about ten times since. It is an awesome experience. If you get the chance, do it.

My eighty year old aunt went with my daughter and I to Ireland. My aunt insisted we climb up to the Blarney Stone and kiss the thing. The sight is not for the faint-hearted. We climbed stairs as old as Methuselah. When we got to the top, the floors were disintegrated. You could see all the way to the ground floor. We walked on the outer edge to get to 'the' stone. Once there. we had to lay on the walkway and lean backwards and kiss a stone about six inches from where you're laying. Some thin, lanky Irishman holds you. The one who was there that day looked like he would be blown away in a gentle windstorm! We did it. I shudder even now at the remembrance.

In Florida, we went to the Ringling Brothers circus. If you had the guts, you could 'try out' different jobs. I decided to try out the trapeze act. You get attached to a wire and then shown a few things and then -- out you go. Wow!It was incredible. I'd do it again.

So -- getting my own domain name seems so tame. It's not. It's a step forward in this journey I'm taking.

Life is a journey.

Welcome Back

I'm glad to see Congress is going to give more thought to the piracy bills. It was interesting being part of a worldwide strike.

I spent the day working on 'Blue.' I went back to the beginning chapters. Re-reading showed that I do have magic in those first chapters, so I didn't add anything there. I did add two sequences of 'climate change.' ROTFL - not Dan Quayle's climate change. One was seriously disturbing as I killed off a few kids. 

I like re-reading. I think it's extremely important in keeping me grounded. I reawaken to my characters as they begin their journey. It's pretty neat. And, IMHO, necessary.

I printed out the first nine chapters. And - of course - found two things that I had to change. Honestly, I was so sure I was ready to close those chapters and consider them finished. *pulls hair*

It's not a biggee. The changes are easy. Nothing plot-wise or character-wise. I'm going to have tomorrow off. I expect to spend more time with 'Blue.' I feel like I'm back on the right track again. 

Life is finding the right track!

Stop Censorship!! Stop the SOPA/PIPA bills!

I will NOT be posting a blog tomorrow in order to add my voice to the masses that are fighting to block the above bills -- bills that will allow censorship of blogs, archives, fanclubs, etc. on the internet. These bills are against free speech, privacy and prosperity.

Join the strike -- stop web censorship -- just one day. TOMORROW. Please do NOT view my website on Wednesday, 18 January 2012. 

Thank you.

Life is a free gift.

Drat!

Since I'm having my work critiqued by chapter, I copy and paste that chapter to a new word document. I attach the new document to my emails and send it off with the appropriate chapter number in the subject line.When I receive the critique back, I make changes on the original word document. Not the new one. Eventually, I erase the new one.

So today, as I'm going through the new document, readying it for the changes I'm making per the suggestions received at the retreat this week-end, I discover both documents don't match. What a pain! This has happened before and it drives me crazy.

I spent the evening going through both to see what is there and deciding which document is the better. There were only a few that definitely had to be changed, but it still took all night to do it. I know there's a tool to go through both documents, but I don't trust it.

Life is neck-stiffening.

Retreat

Wow! This one was wonderful. About 12 of us attending; nine staying the night, but very worthwhile.

I submitted 'Blue' chapters 19 through 21. It was very well received. The newest member of our group read it 'cold' and enjoyed it thoroughly. Said she had no problem understanding what was happening and what probably went on before. She's not a fantasy reader and the hook made her stop... Dragons, she thought, witches... hmmm. But she said she loved it. I sat there trying not to blush as the kudos kept coming from all the participants. Life is good.

Otherwise, I was in severe pain all day Saturday. Thankfully, the pain was almost nonexistent on Sunday so I was able to do a proper critique of two of our members. I know one of the reasons the pain was not there was because Lori Gray pushed me around all day in a wheelchair. I can't thank her enough for the meeting rooms were far from the entrance and the bedrooms.

I left the place with a feeling of such peace. It was needed. I didn't write at all. Well, I fooled around with the fluff piece, but mostly I just retreated and regrouped. 

My class starts Tuesday and I'm looking forward to that. The last class I presented I think was in August. I've since sent chapters to the teacher (my editor). So I'm going to send the class the next one that is due my editor and hope that the hook will remind them of what went before and if they have questions, they will be easy to answer. 

Life is pushing onward.

The Cost of Writing

Ink. It drives me mad. It's so expensive at the rate I use it that it's bordering on the ludicrous!

I am economical in my printing. When the ink runs out, I go to the library until I feel I've 'suffered' enough and then I go out and buy my refills. The library only charges .05 cents USD per page AND they magnanimously give ten pages free each day. 

ROTFL Ten pages is absolutely nothing for a writer. Don't you agree? 

I know I'm killing trees, and I do try to keep it to a minimum, but I do better with editing if I have those pieces of white paper in front of me. Editing is the real killer of trees!

I keep going to seminars and workshops but I try to make sure they are a good value. There are lots around my area, but I am learning to watch who the speakers are and if there are agents and publishers at them. These latter are, to me, the better value. 

One day, I'll save up and get to the SCBWI one in New York or the one in California. With the California one, I could squeeze in a trip to the family in Utah. That would be a bonus!

The class I'm starting on Tuesday is expensive, but the teacher is a multi-published author in my genre (well, the giraffe book), very personable, and the class size is very small. Besides that, it's nearby and I don't have to worry about travel expenses.

I've been considering applying for a grant. That's more time away from writing, but it would be worthwhile if I could score a grant and work on 'Blue' exclusively. And maybe attend a college writing class. The ones I've been to have always been pretty good.

Life is continuous learning.

Moving in the Real World

Finally know where I'm going. I've got a nice condo waiting for me. Move will be Feb. 1st. Lovely little place. I'll have more time to write and less time needed for cleaning.

Spent the day preparing to pack. It was arduous, but necessary. I really can't wait to have my life settled again. 

I did spend some time with 'Blue,' thinking about her/his character and I've finally got a nice pigeon-hole for my elevator pitch. Saw it at the SCBWI website. It's a tale for questioning youth. *g*

I'd love to go to the event in January in New York, but not feasible. It's alright. I start classes again on Tuesday with my editor. That will be great. Just what I need to continue the flame of passion that is flickering inside me.

Saturday is the writers' retreat. That will be great. I plan to work on 'Blue' and also a fluff piece.

Life is passion.

Friends

I happened to be at the venue where I used to attend a writers' group. Lovely bunch of ladies. However, they meet in the afternoon and I have the little one with me then. I've not been 'with' the group for over five months. I miss them. They're a very nice group of women and talented, too.

As I walked into the lobby, there two of them sat, waiting for their rides. They were delighted to see me as much as I was delighted to see them. The little one went off playing and we had a good half hour of chatting. It was such a pleasure being with them again. Two others from the group joined us. They want me back, bless their hearts. I told them, next September when the little one starts first grade. I do have to put family first.

A few days ago, I heard one of my most loved songs, 'Going Home.' A group I'd never heard of sang it. Brought tears to my eyes as it always does. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XGRrZfOhtk   I put the volume up way high.

As I listened, a story idea came to me. Oh! Such fun! I've written down the premise and the first few words and emailed it to myself. That way, I won't lose the thought, the concept. It is always such fun when the Muse attacks!

Speaking of which, I entered two of my 'fun' stories into a contest and won second place for both of them (in different categories). I've got another one I've been working on. I haven't posted the next chapter in awhile. I intend to do that tonight.

Life is a blessing. So are you!

Aaarrrggghhhhh

I'll repeat it if you can't read it. Aaarrrggghhhh!

I get so frustrated. I shouldn't 'cause it's not all about me but -- the folks in one of my writers' groups seem intent on NOT sending out their MSs... We are assigned a month to send them and I send mine two weeks before the meeting. Which is the protocol agreed upon by all. Ten days to two weeks - you send out your MS if it is your month to present.

This happens every month. I'm the only one in my group to send the MS in a timely fashion. One month, if you can believe it, a presenter sent hers out the night before. The night before.

And we are supposed to give it a thorough critique??? I don't think so.

I'm sorry. I really, really try not to whine or gripe or moan or be a total.... but this is discouraging. Because they don't send, it means there is only one MS to critique. It's mine this month, but then we don't learn. With critiquing, you get to learn things. That also means that a member who could substitute for them, is not allowed the opportunity.

*shakes it off*

I met with my editor tonight for a few minutes. Her dog and my granddaughter were with us so we didn't get to really chat, but it was great seeing her. I signed up for another one of her courses. It starts next Wednesday. I am so glad. I needed the time off, but I also need the support. I get it from this group. 

Life is good.

The Importance of Writing

Rock Center had a story about the author of the Percy Jackson series. My oldest granddaughter loves them. I didn't realize it, but the reporter said the books are near in sales to the Harry Potter books. I've not read any. I guess I'll borrow a couple from the library and take them with me to the retreat this week-end.

The important thing for me about the interview was why the author, Rick Riordan, wrote the books in the first place. It was for his son who has ADHD and dyslexia. That reminded me why I decided to write 'Blue.' Every now and then I seem to need a wake-up call to remind me of the importance of this book of mine. I didn't start out to write the great American novel (yeah sure), but to hopefully help kids who are struggling with their own image. To help them see that they are awesome, no matter what others say.

I think one of the things that disturbs me the most about the book so far - it doesn't seem to be communicating that issue as well as I would like it. I am afraid some of it is because I am afraid to look too deeply into the issue. Honestly, what kind of writer am I? Isn't the crux of good writing - being able to delve deep and find the wherewithal to tell this tale of hope?

I'm glad I saw the interview. I'm glad because it once again brought to the forefront the fact that I must finish this. It's important - for me - to look deep and long and find more of me - and for others to find themselves and rejoice in themselves.

Life is rejoicing.

http://www.rickriordan.com/home.aspx

Will To Go Forward

Had a great meeting with my WA (writers' anonymous) group. They are such a hoot. We ladies sit around and chat about everything possible. The funny thing is, we know we are all listening for story ideas in the midst of the rambling. Our leader, Cheryl, is awesome. I've been with the group for three years now and she never fails to amaze me with her caring and sharing. She brings articles, she supports us, she keeps us on track (a difficult thing to do as we are a fun-loving group), and she gives us Christmas presents! We've decided to meet twice a month. You can tell the group is successful by that kind of response.

We talked about e-books. Since the articles on that fantasy author came out, everyone is excited about the prospect. I think that author's quip about not having to worry about how she looks and such was a great selling point for some people. One of the 'girls' said she knew a man who refused to have his books published by any way other than e-books. He loves the control he has. He knows he could make more money, but what he does sells and he's having fun. 

We also discussed Writer's Digest. The quality seems to be getting better and better. The latest issue had two articles that we all enjoyed. One was 'inkwell' which told of an author's attempt (successful) in getting her book published without an agent. The article gave some good steps to follow. Another article was a humorous one. It was something about what NOT to do as an author. It provided a lot of laughs.

Life is a blessing. 

PS - this blog entry really touched me.  http://wordswimmer.blogspot.com/2011/01/insights-into-criticism.html

Quandry

Or what to do with a character.

No matter how well I think I know a character, there are always surprises. This time, it's not the character who's surprising me, but myself. 

I wrote that a couple critiquers (my editor being one of them) suggested that the hero/heroine use more magic. I agreed and fully intended, once I finished the tale, to go back and add some stuff.

Easier said than done. Now that I know magic is to have a greater part in this story, and it's only logical really, I can't seem to add it as I'm going forward. I have this horrid impression that the Muse wants me to go back NOW and work on it.

This, of course, means that I have to spend some time with my character and find out how magic impacts her/his life. I know how it's done. That's an easy issue. But the day to day nitty gritty of this being as breathing for the character. It has to be. It's something new for her/him. That gives me the opportunity to grow with my character, which is a challenge and fun!

Thankfully, I've got the upcoming retreat. I intend to spend it working on the character, sitting around the fire daydreaming about how she/he is saddled with a gift. Is it a gift? After that, what impact does the magic have on him/her? What kind of subtle changes take place with that amount of power. Lots to think about. 

Life is mind-boggling.

Baggage

Spent a good portion of the day doing some edits. If you remember, I've committed to rereading my critiques from the one group I belong to. It's very interesting. After the 'buzz' wears off, I can look at these without any baggage.

I do find myself shaking my head, though. Too many times I get comments about something that is definitely 'there' but was either breezed over or ignored by the critiquer. At first, I'd see a bit of red... but I've finally matured enough (yeah, sure) to realize that if the critique is mentioned more than once, then I've not done my job. The piece needs to be expanded for my readers. Sometimes - I do that. Sometimes - I don't.

My critiquers are all well past forty years old. My audience is going to be twelve to sixteen year olds. I really give the kids more credit than I give their elders. Kids tend to catch things right away. They're eager to read between the lines. They're quick in thought. I think that's why I like writing YA. I know my audience is having a ball reading. They read beyond what I've written and like to have their imagination not spooned fed. 

I think.

Life is a bowl of cherries.

Blogs and Such

Found a neat blog from Leigh Covington's blog (http://leigh-covington.blogspot.com/).

Susannah Leonard Hill (http://susannahill.blogspot.com/2012/01/would-you-read-it-wednesday-21st-pitch.html) promotes a vote for a pitch every Wednesday. It's pretty good.

I polished mine for 'Sorrysorrysorry' and have sent it off. The promise is for a critique of the pitch. I'm hoping it will help as I still intend to send out the MS this month. *crosses fingers*

There are so many neat blogs out there. I hope you give them a whirl. Also, please spend time on yourself and join a critique group, or go to a seminar, or a convention. I have learned so much from others. Thanks to those who share.

Life is sharing.

PS - wrote some more on 'Blue' - hooray hooray!

E-books

After posting yesterday about a brief chat with friends about e-books, another friend sent me this link.  The article is about a woman who is now worth millions. Her first attempts were put out as e-books and she garnered over a million in sales. A book company noticed. One of her books is signed for movie rights. I think the lesson might be - try anything. Keep writing and believing in yourself and put your stuff out there. No matter what.

I'm also wondering whether this is the way e-books is going. It seemed such an upstart. But if enough of us read.....

Life is amazing.

PS - I'm writing again. Gonna close now and write some more. Whoo hoo!

http://www.usatoday.com/life/books/news/story/2012-01-03/amanda-hocking-self-published-author/52345642/1

Thank You

I'm sorry to put up two posts in one day....

But I had to thank you. I don't know why you're reading my blog. The stats are frightening, in a way. Forty-five hits in one day. The hits have been growing fast and furious and I don't know why.

I am honored that you take the time to read this little thing. I hope it gives you some hope. I hope it makes you smile. I'm glad you're here.

Life is sharing.

Energized

Spent the last hour or so on Skype with friends from Ireland. My gosh, just seeing them and hearing their voices gave me such a jolt. Like one of the caffeine drinks. Red Bull or some such. I even want to write. Good grief.

We spoke long of friendship and fidelity and the holiday season. But then we got down to brass tacks, so to speak. We spoke of writing and ebooks and ipads and such. We spoke also of blogs and I enthused about how much fun I have and how grateful I am that I've got this blog.

They are thinking about doing the ebook thing. I harbor similar thoughts on dark days. In fact, once I have a 'real' book in my hands, stitched (or glued) and bound, then I'll consider ebooks. Or if 2020 comes and I'm still not 'published.'

Right now, it's not a publisher's fault. It's mine. 'Sorrysorrysorry' is done. I should be sending it out. I should have sent it out two months ago.

It is the work of sending that is holding me down. I think. I sometimes find I lie to myself. I think it's the work. Though I am not unfamiliar with work. I've worked since I was twelve. First job was at a medical answering service across the street from my house. When the owners would go out in the evenings, they'd ask me to watch the system. It was fun. There was a box and you had to put cords into the hole that corresponded to the rings. I never got a true emergency call, thank goodness. But it was an adventure for a twelve-year old.

The problem with sending my MS out is this. I've got to find my list of publishers, I've got to find the name of a contact at each publisher. This is the hard part. After that, I've got to personalize my cover letter and send it out.

My friends say I need a PA. What are they saying? What on earth is wrong with me? I have spent my career being a PA. Shees! You'd think I'd be able to PA myself, wouldn't you? 

*heavy sigh*

I am going to my list now. I'll let you know what happens. Oh oh. I've got to look at 'Blue' to see what chapters to send out for critique. It's that time of the month again. 

Dawdling. Procrastinating. Switching chores. *sigh*

Life is peculiar

Picture Her Face

I'm going to a writers' retreat this coming week-end. I really shudder about things like this for I'm not comfortable with spending an entire week-end with my own thoughts. *g*

Yet, I am glad I signed up, for I know I need to kick-start my writing. I don't care if I am in pain, blast it all, I want to write.

I was reading something tonight about an expectant mother picturing the child in her womb. I don't think I ever did that. I just expected my children to be gorgeous. *g* But for a writer, I think it most helpful.

I don't have the gift of drawing but I have found I can draw. Enough to suffice. I intend to spend the week-end drawing Kathleen. And Kaspar. And perhaps Sir Giddly. Though I really do have a good image of that wondrous dragon. He is so over-the-top glorious!

I'm considering changing Kathleen's name, too. Now, I went to a lot of trouble 'finding' her name. It felt good and right. But now, I'm not so sure. I'm thinking of Marina. Some say the name is from the god of war, Mars. That seems quite appropriate for my little heroine. Some say it's 'from the sea.' Which also could work. But I think I'll imagine Mars standing behind her. Oh - that's a neat image.

That would mean Bryan would have to be changed, too. I can do that. We'll see.

Happy New Year - sorry to have not said so at the beginning. It will be. I promise!

Life is imagination.