Second edits

I just got back the second edit on my next book. Wow. Two books! I am so excited, I'm not sure what to do. I've got a really good editor - thank you, Jaynie! It's rather strange about these edits. I mean, I've worked as an editor for years for other publishers and as a freelancer. I've gotten good comments from bosses and clients. But I cannot edit my own stuff. Oh, it's probably better than most as far as grammar and spelling goes, but there still seemed to be a lot to clean up. I've heard this from other writers too. We can do the initial edits - clean the manuscript up enough so it's good to submit, but the final, niggling stuff - there's always something.

And that's okay. We can't expect to be perfect. It's not possible. Plus there are differences between houses. One publisher might require "old school" grammar with commas everywhere, while another might be from the newer school where they don't use so many. One might like scene dividers in the center, another to the left, another just a space. So no matter what we do, there will always be something to fix. But somehow fixing for publication isn't a problem.

Today's teaser: You're going to a Renaissance Faire. Do you go in costume? Or as a regular person? If in costume, what does it look like and what kind of character are you portraying? Royalty? Or serving class (a bar wench)? Be specific.

Books that last

Today is the (approximate) birthday of Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote de la Mancha. Written in the early 1600's (the first part came out in 1605, the second in 1614, approx.), it is a story that encompasses trials, hardships, romance, hope - all the aspects needed for a good story. Although not written as a play, like Shakespeare's works, Don Quixote was turned into a musical that also endures. "Man of la Mancha" has always been one of my favorite musicals, whether performed by children in a school play, or on a Broadway stage with all the bells and whistles.

There are many authors whose works have endured the centuries - Chaucer, Shakespeare, Machiavelli, Sophocles and the other Greek tragedists, Homer, Cicero, etc. Take a look at any classical literature site and you will find listings of many of them. In my younger days, I read many of their works. Maybe it is time to go back and re-read some of them. To discover why their works endure. Many of us who write today will not last past a year or two, let alone several centuries. Like most forms of entertainment, we do our job and are quickly forgotten. There is no lasting quality in our work. Even those that make the "Best Seller" lists or win prestigious awards are often forgotten when the next best or top one comes along. And yet, we continue to strive. To work at our craft. To strive to make that connection with the reader that will last beyond the next day.

My challenge to you today is to read and study a classic. Why do they endure? What makes them so powerful? If you have no idea where to go, start with your local public library. That's what they're there for. Go browsing and see what is out there for you to enjoy.

Wrestling Gorillas

I found a quote that is so right for me today: "It's a little like wrestling a gorilla. You don't quit when you're tired - you quit when the gorilla is tired." (Robert Strauss)

This hasn't been the greatest week for me. Oh, nothing bad - just one of those blah sort of weeks when you don't feel really bad, but you don't feel good. But there were editing deadlines to meet and obligations to take care of, so you keep on plodding through and get the job done. I've been listening to good music and working on projects that are a bit easier on the brain.

So today's blog is short and sweet. And so is today's teaser:
What do you do to keep going when all you want to do is curl up in a corner and let the world go by?

Perserverance

I received an e-mail yesterday asking me to answer some questions for an article a woman was writing on perserverance in writing. How did I keep going after all these years and all the rejections I received. While the questions were easy to answer, the thoughts they evoked were not easy to face. The arts and entertainment business have to be the most difficult in the world to do. Not because they are physically demanding - although they can be - but because nowhere else do you spend years learning your art, more years perfecting it, and even more selling it for very little return. While I cannot speak for artists or entertainers, I know the business of writing.

When asked how long I've been writing, my pat answer is "my whole life." And I have been. From before I could hold a pencil or spell a word, I was making up stories. Most of them resembled what I was reading at the time - probably something to do with horses - but they were my stories. Then life happened and I took time off to go to college, marry, have a family. But I kept jotting ideas down, kept learning, kept trying until finally I had the time to follow my dream.

But dreams have a way of fading away in the reality of day. I've been trying to sell my work for better than ten years and only just now found a buyer. So how did I keep going? For one thing, I cannot *not* write or do something creative. It is so much a part of who I am that I must follow my instincts to create.

But the most important reason I was able to keep going is my family and my writing friends. My husband supports me in whatever I do. He believes in me even when I don't believe in myself. My kids may not be around to offer their support, but they do it long distance and that means more to me than words can say. And my writing friends, who are going through the same anxieties I am, bolster my spirits as I do theirs.

So I, like many others, keep going; keep writing; keep striving while I wait for that phone call or e-mail that says "You're in." I know one thing is for certain - it is true in this business that you *might* never get published, but if you quit, it's certain you will never get published. I prefer to bank on *might*.

Today's tip: If you're having trouble with the blank screen in front of you, change your manner of writing. Get away from the computer and use a pen or pencil and paper. Use crayon. Use funny paper - or serious paper. Use paint and cardboard. The point is, get away from the routine and see if that helps the flow of words.

Release dates

I just got a release date for my book Akashan'te. February 22, 2007!!!! Wow. I am so excited! I wish it could have been Feb. 7th, but I am happy with the date. That's only five months away.

Why the seventh? Because that was my father's birthday and he was responsible for giving me my love of books and words. He wasn't a highly educated man, but he was very much into reading and literature. Before he passed, he self-published a small book of poetry that sold over 2000 copies. Dad was a farmer, a soldier, a janitor, a lay minister and a cop. He was a good man who had many trials and faced them all with strength and faith. He was my hero and I still miss him. So Dad, this one's for you. :)

Today's teaser: Write a scene where you are interviewing a character from a story and give it a different spin. For instance, you are talking with the Big Bad Wolf, but why does everyone call him big or bad? He's just trying to survive.

Book Reports

Do you remember having to do book reports for English class? I don't know - do they even do book reports any more? I did. Normally I am an avid reader. I love most any kind of story, but there is one writer who is an anathema for me. And today is his birthday. William Faulkner. Yes, one of those classic writers everyone is supposed to read and love. I'm sorry, but I cannot stand his writing. I hated it in high school and I don't like it any better now. Yes, I've tried over the years to read him, but can barely get past the first page. There are other authors whose works I have disliked but none so much as Faulkner. Maybe it's because the book report I wrote on him was the first time I ever got less than a passing grade in Lit class. The teacher did not appreciate that I found him boring; that he had run-on sentences that had no end. I'm sure I gave her plenty of reasons not to like him. Note for anyone in classes - never put down one of your teacher's favorite writers.

Over the years, I have found other authors I loved and I do not miss Faulkner at all. Okay, maybe my favorites are not found in the 'Classic Literature' section of the library, but they work for me. I do enjoy classic lit - Shakespeare was an early favorite, as well as Dumas, Dickens, Irving, Poe and others. But at this point in my life, when I sit down to read a book I want to be entertained. Science fiction and fantasy (especially ones with a little romance thrown in) are my favorites. Some mystery and even a little humor. Anne McCaffrey, Mercedes Lackey, Piers Anthony, David Eddings, Robert Jordan, AC Crispin - these are favorites. Climbing high on the list are Linnea Sinclair, Sandra Hill, Janelle Taylor. And there are many more whose books I will automatically buy just because of the author's name.

But never Faulkner. :)

Today's teaser: It's book report time. Is there an author you absolutely will NOT read? Why? And who are some of your favorites? Why?

Parties and crit partners

What a hoot yesteday was. Although only six were able to make it, we had a good time. We talked about life, death, food, writing. We critiqued each other's work and hopefully helped each other make our words stronger.

Are you a member of a writing group? They really can help you with your work. If you're not, take a look around and see if there's one in your area you can join. If there aren't any, check on-line for one. Even virtual critique partners are better than trying to go it alone. They bolster us when we're down, kick us in the pants when we're goofing off, and celebrate our successes with us. It may take you several tries to find one that works for you, but keep trying. A good one is worth the work.

Today's tip: A homonym is two or more words that sound alike but are spelled differently and have different meanings. They are difficult for many people to distinguish and cannot be picked up by spell-check because there is nothing wrong with the spelling. It is the usage that many people err on. For instance: there/their/they're - all sound exactly alike.
There is a placement word (see the little word "here" in it?). "Put the box over there."
Their is a posessive pronoun - This is their house.
They're is a contraction for "They are" - They're going to see the show.
Solution? Have someone else read your work to pick out homonyms and other mis-used words.

writing retreat and cover art

Today is the day of my writer's party. Friends over for the afternoon to eat and write. I am so looking forward to this. We writer's tend to be a solitary lot, but every now and then, you just have to get together to party. We'll brain storm and speed write and work together and separately - but the afternoon will be about writing.

But the most exciting thrill for me was an e-mail I got last night with my cover art for Akashan'te attached. It is so beautiful. The artist took my notes and created something so beautiful - I can hardly believe it. I am so awe struck by his talent. I can't wait for the final production to become available. After all these years, all those rejections, I am finally going to be published.

Today's teaser: You are cooking dinner for an important guest. This is a person who can make or break you. Write a scene where everything that could go wrong, does. Who is the guest? Why does s/he have such power over you? Write the scene two ways - as both a tragedy and a comedy.

Thought for the day: "Set your goals high and don't stop till you get there." - Bo Jackson

Last Day of Summer

Today is the last full day of summer here in the northern hemisphere. The leaves are turning colors, the days are getting shorter and temperatures are getting colder. Except for the lack of daylight, I love this time of year. You're not wilting from the heat and humidity or shivering and shoveling snow. Yes, every season has its good points and bad, but there's just something about fall that I love. Maybe it's because my birthday is in the fall (and no, I'm not going to tell you when). Right now is a wonderful time. The hustle and bustle of the holiday season hasn't hit us yet and the whirlwind days of summer are over. It's a calm time. A time of reflection. A wonderful time of year.

What's your favorite time of year and why?

Thought for the day: To succeed, you need to find something to hold onto, someting to motivate you, something to inspire you. - Tony Dorsett

Organization

I'm having a party on Saturday - a mini-writer's retreat for my writing friends. I came to a realization the other day, except for family gatherings-which I've done a lot of-I've never held a party for other people. It's just not something I do. So I am in a frenzy right now. I know it will be good, but...their opinions matter to me. Why? I'm not sure. They are people I know, some for several years. My kids say I'm obsessively organized (doesn't everyone alphabetize their spices and have their library classified and catalogued?) and maybe that's the problem. I feel disorganized and not ready for this.

On the other hand, where my writing is concerned, I am very organized. Kind of. I've received the edits for my second book - Prime Time - and will be working through them this weekend. I'm also putting together a proposal package for two workshops I want to present at the RWA National convention next year. I'm working on a couple of other stories I want to finish and submit. And then there's the editing I do for another publisher that's currently on a back burner and several other projects I have in the works. Gee, sounds like I'm busy!

So today is my organization day. What about you? What about your life is disorganized or out of control? What needs to be done to fix it? You don't have to post your answers, but do write your list down somewhere. Writing out a job makes it more concrete and more manageable. If it's huge, break it down into smaller pieces, then pick one aspect - preferably a beginning one that you can build on - and set a date for that goal to be done.

Thought for the day: "Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goals." (Anon)

Writing Support

A friend of mine is having a difficult time with her writing and depresseion has set in. This is something I beleive all writers go through. You work hard at your craft. You create, write, re-write, edit, hone until your manuscript is the best it can be, then you market. Sometimes nothing happens for years. This is a business that calls for patience. Yes, there are those few lucky ones out there who whipped off a manuscript, sent it out and got it accepted immediately. Those are the exceptions to the rule. For every one of them, there are thousands of us out there trying to get a toe in the great publishing door.

My friend went to a woman who uses a pendulum to help free creative blockages. Whether you believe in psychic or paranormal abilities or not, many of us turn to them when we are frustrated. In her case, she was assured that something would happen. It worked for two of her friends, so she believed. Her outcome has not yet happend. That doesn't mean it can't - just that it hasn't as yet. So we, her friends, are rallying around her, trying to improve her spirits. Just as she has done for us when we are in that same rocking boat.

If you can write - and write well, you have a gift and talent cannot be wasted. This is a fickle business we are in and sometimes all we can rely on is pendulums or eight balls or tarot decks or whatever. Sometimes all we have is each other.

And that is good too.

Today's thought: The funny thing about regret is that it's better to regret something you have done, than to regret something you haven't. - Gibby Hayes

What frustrates you most about the writing business? If you're a reader, what frustrates you most about the authors you read?

Play Doh Day

Would you believe this is National Play Doh Day? When's the last time you had fun playing with Play Doh? For me, it was last Wednesday when my grandson came over. We rolled and patted and pressed shapes and made balls and stars... He's only two so it didn't last long, but ah, the memories.

For today, your assignment is to take some time to play. Too often we get caught up in our everyday lives just trying to make ends meet or take care of obligations and we forget to play. Worries pull us down and we never seem to get back up. Break the cycle. Go for a walk - but skip. Whistle a happy tune. Make a paper airplane and fly it. Shoot rubber bands. Blow bubbles. Buy a can of Play Doh and let your imagination run wild.

Have some fun.

Second round edits

Well the first round of edits are done and it's on to the second round. I have to say this is kind of exciting - frustrating and stressful - but exciting. Most people think that once you write the book, you're done. After all, publishers are going to come running to your door. I'm sorry to burst your bubble, but that isn't the way it works - at least not for 99.99% of us. You write it, then you revise it, then you shop it around - sometimes for years - and IF a publisher finally picks it up, then you have editing, cover art, and marketing. The last takes a lot of time and money. A lot more than I ever thought. This is definitely a learning experience.

What I find funny is that I received a rejection last night from an agent on a query I sent several months ago. The book? Akashan'te. Yes, the one I sold. :) Their loss.

Thought for today: The beginning sells your book. The ending sells your next book. Check your beginnings and endings. Are they compelling? Do they draw the reader in and finish everything up in a neat bundle?

A day off

The first round of edits are done and sent off. Now I wait - but not idly. There is promotional material to think about, blogs to write, other stories percolating, and, oh, yes, other things like cleaning, laundry, groceries... life does go on.

But today is a day off. My darling hubby has the day off too. Don't know what we're going to do yet, but "Not working" is right up there on the top of the list.

Today's teaser: You've found a very special camera. As the ancients feared, when you snap a picture, you really do capture the soul of a person. You have the power to delete, thus ending that person's life - or upload and give them back their life. What do you do? How do you choose?

Ideas in the night

Why do incredible ideas always come after you've sent the manuscript in? I spent the past week working on edits of my book, Akashan'te. The editor wanted me to up the ante in tension. I thought I had - and I finished everything up and sent it off last night. Then, in the middle of the night, I woke up with and "AHA!" idea. It figures. So now I have to hope my editor hasn't finished everything up and that I can incorporate this idea so it sounds right and works with the rest of the story. What's the idea? Nope, can't tell you. You're going to have to wait until next year to read the book. :)

Today's teaser: The clock has struck midnight. You're a collector of fairy tale trinkets and the one trinket you covet is the glass slipper, so you wait in the dark. When Cinderella takes off, you swoop down and grab it before anyone is the wiser. Then the prince runs out. You can tell he's distraught. Where has his love gone? You hold the only clue to her identity. Do you harden your heart and allow avarice to lead you and disappear? Or help the course of true love along and let him have the slipper?

Author Birthdays

This is the birthday of some big names in the field of writing - James Fenimore Cooper, Agatha Christie, Robert McCloskey, Robert Benchley, Tomie DePaola - and more. Are you familiar with them all? No? Then your teaser for today is to pick one - or more - and do some research on him or her. What did s/he write? (Okay, I know, at least one is more noted for his artistry than his writing, but his books endure.)

If you recognize all of them, a gold star for you. But you can still learn more. Pick up one a work by one of them and read it. (at least two of the authors works can be read completely in less than thirty minutes - give you a clue?) Yes, you can read it for entertainment, but also disect it. What makes their work popular or lasting?

Although I've read pieces by all the authors above, I have to admit my favorites from this group are Agatha Christie and Tomie DePaola. Agatha because she kept you guessing and kept the suspense building, yet she used regular - but memorable -people to solve her mysteries. Hercule with his huge mustache and penchant for bittersweet hot chocolate; Miss Marple with her knitting... Tomie gave us good stories and bright colors (got the clue?) we could share with our children and have fun with. So many good memories.

I have many more authors I count among my favorites - across the board in genres' although my tendancy is toward the science fiction/fantasy spectrum. Who are some of yours? Why?

Enjoy this day. May you have peace in your heart and good ideas at your fingertips.

Technology

Editing is a strange endeavor. You read through the work, cutting here, adding there. The work you thought was your very best is now awash in a sea of red ink (or blue depending on your program). Thank goodness for cut and paste and computers! To think that less than my lifetime ago, this would have all been done on paper and retyped multiple times on a manual typewriter. I love my computer.

But not my laptop since it crashed last night in the middle of working. Fortunately, I didn't lose too much but this has become all too common. Okay, so it's four years old and I've worked it hard... so I broke down and ordered a new one. I ended up going with my old standby, a Dell - only because I've used them multiple times in the past and always got good service from them. But I really waffled this time. I was tempted to go Apple, but the price was a little too steep. And there are other PC brands I also looked at - mostly Toshiba and HP. What it finally came down to was basically price and history.

I also have a Dana that I love - it's a great word processor that runs forever on rechargeable batteries and runs Palm technology software. It's light, sturdy, and very portable. I take it everywhere. But it's impractical for what I'm currently doing (deep edits with tracking and comments, etc.).

But I also still love just a regular old pen and paper. They really do go everywhere.

So what do you use to write? Are you deep in electronic mode? Or work it all out on paper first, absorbed in the sound and feel of pen (or pencil) on paper, then type away later? Or a little of both?

Brain Teaser - the future

I am deep in edit territory so my blog will be especially short today.

So...

Imagine you've found a magic mirror. It will show you one truth about the future. What do you ask to see?

Thought for the day: "A career in letters is not without its drawbacks-chief among them the unpleasant fact that one is frequently called upon to sit down and write." - Fran Lebowitz

More First edits

I received my first edits from Cerridwen Press yesterday and got to work. That big "whew" you heard around the world was me. When I first saw the numbered list, my heart sank...then I saw what most of the changes were. 95% (and yes, I did the math) were delete comma or hyphen issues. It's the other 5% that's going to take some work.

So why did I, an editor myself, have so many grammar issues? Two reasons. First, I simply can NOT edit my own stuff. Yes, I can get it done better than a lot of writers, but I do miss a lot. I see (or hear) what I *think* is there and not what is actually on the paper. Secondly, I'm from the old school in grammar. If there was a pause in reading, you put in a comma. If there was a prepositional phrase, you put in commas. If there was a conjunction like 'but', you put in a comma. But it seems that's not done anymore. That's okay. It's easy to take them out. It just looks strange to me. But I'll adapt. :)

Today's teaser: Write a short "How to" piece on something you know how to do well. Do you know how to pick out wine? Build a better mousetrap? Once you've written it, do some research and find a magazine or e-zine where you can market it.

Today's Thought: "Getting published is about sheer perserverance, as well as about talent and hard work." - Martha Johnson

First edits

It is really hard to concentrate when you feel like.... well, when you don't feel good at all. This weekend has been a trial for me as fever and achiness took over. I did manage to read a good book (Linnea Sinclair's that I talked about earlier) and watch a movie or two, but that was about it. Spent most of the time sleeping.

Today I got the first round of edits from my editor at Cerridwen Press so I have to get to work. I need to get my head together enough to actually do the editing. It doesn't sound like it, but I am excited about "Akashan'te" (my fantasy book) and am looking forward to this. Just wish I felt better so I could enjoy it more!

Today's writing teaser: You can have any celebrity act the part of your main character in the movie being made from the book. Who would you choose? Why? Would anything have to change for your character in order to be played by this person?

The flu

I have the flu. Yep, the whole nine yards of it - fever, achy, stuffy, etc. So not doing much right now. So... short blog.

Today's teaser: Finish this: "I'm afraid she's dead..."
Who is she? How did she die? Why does it matter to you?

Today's quote: "It's what you learn after you know it all that counts." John Wooden

Good books and bad

I read three books this week. Not so amazing, you say? It's not, except the first two were so boring, I wanted to throw them away. So why did I keep reading? Because I had to. I'm a reviewer for Wantzuponatime and these had been sent to me to write reviews on. No, I'm not going to tell you what they were here - check out my reviews. :) They are both mysteries - but I had the first one figured out by the middle of the book. The second took a little longer, but I still thought it was a boring read. The author seemed more intent on showing how many times the protagonist (main character) could get drunk or, at least, drink and the empty state of her cupboards and wardrobe than in building tension and mystery. Maybe they're okay books for the beach, but I didn't care for them.

The problem is, I know how hard it is to write a book - and get it published. I really hate writing reviews for books I don't like. I try to find something good in them all, but sometimes you just can't.

Now the third book, "An Accidental Goddess" by Linnea Sinclair is a book I picked up just for fun. And I'm glad I did! I read another of Ms. Sinclair's works for a review and liked it so thought I'd try this one. It's a definite keeper. Thank you, Linnea, for a great read. Please, if any of you get the chance, check out Linnea's books - they are incredible.

So what turns you off about a book? For me, it's several things. As a copyeditor, I get hung up on bad grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc. But I also need some meat. Build tension, back off, build it higher, back off, and build some more until we reach the top.

Today's tip: Don't tell me how a character feels, show me through their dialogue, action, etc. If they're angry, don't tell me they're yelling, show the other characters wincing at the strident tones or have the character throwing things. Something - anything to show what the emotion is. Don't just tell me.

Insomnia

Did you ever have one of those nights where sleep just would not come? Yes, I know there are all sorts of wonder drugs out there for an insomnia night - but they don't work for me. I've tried some and all they do is make me edgy - like my nerves are all on fire. So I toss and turn and stare at the clock... and sometimes even write. It's interesting the thoughts that go through your head in the wee hours of the morning. I've gotten some good stories from those random musings.

Thought for today: The hardest part of being a writer is not getting your commas in the right place, but getting your head in the right place." Ralph Keyes

Teaser: Finish this: "I will never forget her (or his) smile as I..."
(don't forget, smiles can be happy, sinister, tentative... have fun)

Writer's Block

When we run up against blocks, sometimes we struggle to write even a word. I've been like that a lot lately. I've got a story I've been working on - and it's just not going well. I like the story - the characters and setting and even the basic plot line - but the excitement isn't there. It's a straight single-plot with no subplots, no extraneous characters - just bare bones. So now that the basics are done, I've got to go back and do some serious rewriting and hope I can salvage it. I'd really hate to scrap the whole thing - but sometimes we writers have to be ruthless.

If you get seriously blocked, remember that all writing counts. Write a grocery list, a letter to your best friend - or worst enemy, a to-do list. Just let the words come. They may lead to something more.

What do you do with a story that's not working? Or when you're seriously blocked?

Thought for the day: "Practice does not make you perfect, as nobody is perfect. But it will make you better. If you thought you were perfect, you would no longer practice." Adrian Parrish

Being Organized

Some of the writing I see is really imaginative! Good for you. As writers, we all need to stretch ourselves. I hope my little notes are helping you. For today, this is back to school month. As a writer, what do you really need in the way of supplies? For some of us, a paper and pen or pencil is enough - at least until we're ready to submit, then a word processor of some sort (whether an ancient manual typewriter or the latest computer) is a necessity. If possible, take a trip to your nearest office supply store and indulge yourself - within budgetary means. A new pen - one that lights up at night so you can jot down those middle of the night inspirations? A pad of fancy paper that makes you feel good when you scribble your thoughts? And organizer for keeping track of submissions? Pick one and enjoy. As for the stuff that is outside your budget, make a list and figure out what you need to do to obtain them.

So, what is the one thing you as a writer cannot do without? For me, it's a good pen with an easy flow tip. I love fountain pens, but they aren't practical - a good gel pen works just as well. And college-lined notebook paper. Give me a good pen and a spiral bound notebook and I'm good to go.

Thought for today: One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation. - Arthur Ashe

Sports Quotes and Writing

I am not a huge sports fan - I'll glance at football if my husband has it on and will watch the Tour de France or gymnastics - basically indvidual sports - but only if there's absolutely nothing else to watch and I'm desperate. But I have noticed that many quotes by sports figures work well for writers. For instance: "The only discipline that lasts is self-discipline." - Bum Phillips, NFL Coach.

Teaser for today: The ice caps have melted. Welcome to "Water World". So, what would your life be like on a water planet? What would your house look like? A boat? Or a bubble under water? Be inventive. Be creative. Be imaginative. Be a writer. :)

Writer's as thieves

Did you know writer's are thieves? We steal bits of conversations, personalities, physical looks - anything to make our characters more realistic. The next time you're stuck in a line or a waiting room, don't look at it as wasted time. Take out your notebook and start stealing (that's a figurative term, folks!) - write down interesting features, dress, grooming, stance, mannerisms, speech - whatever catches your eye or ear. Use these notes to round out your characters. Look around you - what did you find interesting to use today?

Quote for the day: "I can't write without a reader. It's precisely like a kiss - you can't do it alone." John Cheever

Writing is Hard Work

If you wait for your muse to do the work, she may never show up. Better to adopt the "bicfok" attitude: butt in chair, fingers on keyboard.

Writing is a wonderful enterprise, but it can also be horrendously difficult. We sit there and stare at the blank screen or blank page, knowing we have to get the work done, and yet... Sometimes if you just start writing nonsense, ideas will come to you. Or get a writing buddy to kick you when you need it most.

Which, unfortunately, is most of the time.

Special Days

Good morning all! At least I hope it is where you are. Right now, we are experiencing high winds - after heavy rains all night, complements of Ernesto. I've got a writer's meeting to go to this morning - that's fifty miles I don't look forward to. Thank goodness hubby is driving! He can handle bad weather and heavy holiday traffic better than I can.

Your teaser for today: Believe it or not, this is National Beheading Day. Talk about your strange commemorative days! So do a little research. Why would anyone name a day after such a horrible practice? What is the history behind this day. Stretch your research muscles and see what you can find out.

Thought for the day: "One ought, every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and, if it were possible, to speak a few reasonable words." Goethe

Brain Teaser - Tarzan

Thank you all for the comments. Les, your solution to the teaser cracked me up! What a wonderful, evocative idea!

For today, another teaser - you can post or not post, but write at least a paragraph on the following: Today, Sept. 1, is the birthday of Edgar Rice Burroughs, the creator of Tarzan. Your character is meeting the King of the Jungle as he gets off the boat in England for the first time. What is his/her impression of the Apeman? What does s/he say to him? Is Lady Jane with him?