Looking Back

As part of one of my New Year's resolutions, I vowed to become more organized. I can hear my family laughing now. They already believe I am already far down that road - but about the "more" aspect. Okay, can I help it if I like things to be where they belong? Sigh.

Anyway, one of the things I am doing is going through all my files on my computer(s) and cleaning out some of the dust that has collected over the years. What I'm finding is an interesting look back at several years of correspondence, ideas filed for future use, recipes that I will probably never use, and tons of other stuff. I'm also finding articles I wrote over the years that involve the writing life. I'd like to share one of them with you now. This one was written in 2002.


Wasted Time

From the time I was old enough to hold a pencil, I knew I wanted to be a writer. I was always jotting down little stories and poems. Labeled as a slow reader, I garnered no encouragement from teachers, but rather from my father who would sit with me on his lap and do crossword puzzles or play word games with me. My dad taught me more about writing than anyone else. It was thanks to him that I learned to love reading and writing and once I did, there was no stopping me.

He also taught me another lesson: that no matter your age, if you have a dream, go for it. Dad published his first book of poetry when he was in his sixties. The thousand copies he had printed sold out in the first month. But, somewhere along the way, I let life get in the way of my dreams.

It has taken me more than thirty years to realize my dreams. At times, I feel as if I wasted all those years in not writing. If I had only started sooner, I’d have more books published, more articles written, more… you get the picture.

Yet, those years weren’t wasted. I raised a wonderful family and learned a lot along the way. Thanks to those years, I know how to keep four children from killing each other on a thousand mile trip. I can whip up an acceptable Halloween costume from odds-and-ends in the five minutes between being told they need it today and when the bus comes. I know how to weave cloth, use dyes that I gather from the yard or my cupboards and make that cloth into clothing that I am proud to wear. I can make soap and candles from scratch, build simple furniture, and erect a simple structure to survive. I can weave a basket and do needlepoint, knit, crochet and embroider. I can create a stained glass window and bake a passable soufflé, cook for two or two hundred. Am I an expert in these things? Not by a long shot. But I know the basics and where to find more information.

Over the years, I’ve held a variety of jobs including radio disc jockey, short-order cook, teacher, librarian, computer specialist, inventory specialist and secretary. I know people who can fly planes, are landscape artists, health professionals, people who work with nuclear reactors, college professors, cops, a naturalist and a judge. In my current job, I am able to gather nuances of characterizations from a wide cross-section of the population. Some day, the woman whose face makes you think she’s mad at the world may appear in one of my stories. What makes her so interesting is that, in spite of her look, you should see her with her husband of sixty-some years. They laugh and tease each other like a couple newly married and their joy spills over to others, unlike the woman who has everything going for her and yet manages to drain the joy from everyone as soon as she enters the room. I have gathered enough characters to fill several books.

While I may not have been writing during those years, I did not waste my time. The years were spent in gathering information and research. I have files full of story ideas and can write realistically about many subjects - things I wouldn’t have been able to do thirty years ago. Very few of us have the time that we would like to spend writing, but our time is not wasted. Use that time to gather information. Maybe the trials of getting your children to their various practices and meets can be used in a future story. Everything you do is fodder for the imagination. Store it, file it, remember it - and then use it.

Signings and Sales

I just returned from a book signing held at a small independent bookstore in my town. The author, Gregory Frost, has gotten a lot of good buzz on his two new books - "Shadowbridge" and "Lord Tophet". Though I'm not familiar with his work, I am a huge fan of fantasy and science fiction, so of course, I bought both of them.

While there, I spoke with the owner of the store and we discussed my own works and the possibility of a signing or putting my books there on their "local writer" shelf. I declined the honor. Why would I do such a thing? Reality.

I know the area where I live and know what sells well here and paranormal romance isn't it. Maybe when I have more books published, it will be a possibility, but not now. Not with only one in print and the others only available as ebooks.

So, in the meantime, I will promote my work online where my audience is and look forward to the day when I can sit in that honored spot and have strangers buy my book and ask for my autograph.

Ah, a girl can dream, can't she? :)

Have a great weekend everyone and may you have a wonderful coming week, no matter what holiday you celebrate.

A CONTEST!!!

The IWOFA (Infinite Worlds of Fantasy Authors) is having a contest starting tomorrow, December 15. There are lots of great prizes - books, downloads, gift certificates. Be sure to enter! You can find rules and information at:

http://www.iwofa.net/2008WinterHolidayContest.htm

Publishing Gnome

Several weeks ago, I received a visit from the Draumr Publishing Gnome. While I had anticipated his visit, I was also a little concerned. You see, I'd heard stories about him. That he was demanding, particular, and liked the ladies. I was afraid our quiet little town would be, well, too quiet for him. Especially after what happened the first day.

He was lounging around my office, watching our routine and playing stare down with my cat, Pixel. When I mentioned I was going to get some rosemary, he perked up and declared he wouldn't mind getting some of Rosemary for himself. He was a bit put out when he discovered my rosemary was a plant.

He calmed down eventually and spent the rest of the day browsing my library and looking over my shoulder as I tried to write, even gave me some hints as to plot line. The next day was even more interesting as he accompanied me to a booksigning. Since it was also my birthday, he declared he'd behave - well, as much as possible for him.

He snoozed through the hour drive to get there and did some browsing while Misty and I got set up. Our signing took place at "One Good Woman" - a gourmet tea and coffee shop in Camp Hill, PA. The gnome did enjoy the pumpkin muffins, the variety of teas, and other goodies we had that day. And he even managed to behave himself for the most part - though I did catch him eyeing the younger clerk from time to time. We had to keep reminding him she had a boyfriend, but I know I heard him muttering something that sounded suspiciously like "boyfriend/smoyfriend".

He left that day with fellow Draumr writer, Misty Simon. I kind of miss the little guy. He was fun, even with his odd little "quirks".
Last I heard, he was on his way home to Draumr Publishing to visit with some of the other authors there. Drop around and see him sometime: http://www.draumrpublishing.com

Holiday Traditions

I know this is a blog aimed at the writing life, but all writers need sustenance on occasion, so for the next few days/weeks/whatever happens, I am going to devote this column to cookie recipes. I mean, it is that time of year when thoughts turn to baking and goodies and all sorts of decadent joys of eating. Unfortunately, due to dietary restrictions and the lack of little ones being underfoot anymore, I don't bake nearly as much as I used to. So I hope you enjoy. And if you have a recipe or two to share, please do. After all, that's what Christmas is all about - sharing the love.

Please note, all measurements and temperatures are in American. You'll need to convert for metric/centigrade.

First up - Grandma R's Crisp Lemon Sugar Cookies

Combine and beat thoroughly:
1/2 cup shortening, 1/2 tsp. salt, 2 1/2 tsp. grated lemon rind, 1/2 tsp. nutmeg, 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 unbeaten eggs

Sift together: 2 cups sifted all purpose flour, 1 tsp. baking powder, 1/2 tsp. baking soda

Add this to the first mixture and blend both together well.
Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and mix well.

Measure out level tablespoons of dough onto greased baking sheet. Flatten cookie slightly. Sprinkle with granulated sugar.

Bake at 375 for 10-12 minutes or until golden. (if the brown too quickly, lower temp to 350 or shorten time)

IWOFA Coming Attractions

Check out the IWOFA (Infinite Worlds of Fantasy Author's) page for an incredible look at what's out there in fantasy, paranormal and science fiction with a touch of romance.

And keep checking back here. Seventy-two of the IWOFA authors (myself included) will be holding a scavenger hunt from Dec. 15-31st with incredible prizes. More information to come as the time gets closer. :)

IWOFA web site

Journaling

Every morning, I get up, feed the cat, turn on the computer, and sit down with my notebook and write. Usually, I detail what I did the day before, and make notes on what I want to accomplish this day. It's a quiet time for me to reflect on things going on in my life, my feelings, issues I'm dealing with. All the little things that go into making a life. But sometimes, little pieces of other things creep in.

Like the other morning when I had this great idea for a new story and wrote out five pages of notes, snippets of dialogue, ideas for settings and scenes. Stuff I actually remembered from a vivid dream I had the night before and managed to get down before I forgot it. The story has been simmering since then. When I have time, I will go back to it, type the notes up and see what I can do with the story.

Journaling is like that for me. It's bits and pieces of my life. My thoughts. Events that affect me. It's a place for me to rant without fear of recriminations. I can be myself there. And it's a good thing. I've tried keeping a journal at other times, but it never really worked for me until recently. But I find the more I do it, the better it works for me.

I also find that using pen and paper instead of the computer works better for me. There's something much more intimate about the words flowing over the paper. Looking back over pages, my writing changes with my moods. Something you can't do on a computer.

If you've never tried keeping a journal, you might want to give it a chance. The medium doesn't matter, nor does the length or subject. Just sit down and write. And see what comes out.