Usually, when we think of “celebrations,” we think of birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. We contemplate how to make such occasions special, and we may commemorate the event with a special dinner, gift, or outing. When I received the call offering me literary representation a few weeks ago, it was cause indeed to celebrate! (I spoke a little about that actual phone call in …
If It Quacks Like a Duck, It Might Be a Moose
Generally, when I’m writing, I try to remember the ol’ rule of thumb, “If it quacks like a duck, it must be a duck!” Meaning, there are some things that are givens–things that we know are true. Like for instance, the sun will rise tomorrow. It won’t snow (at least where I’m at) in July. Gas will never be two dollars a …
Going the Distance
It seems that today it’s quite fashionable to “do whatever feels good” and “live for the moment.” Wouldn’t be a pleasant change of pace if people were to do what is right, and instead of living for the moment, how about “seizing” the moment? (Big difference in semantics there.) In a society where we have defined “it’s all about me,” …
Three Coins In a Fountain
Okay, admit it. How many times have you walked by a water fountain and tossed a few coins in making a wish or two along the way? Do we really think (hope) those wishes are going to come true, or is it purely out of habit that we dig for those pennies? I’ll be honest, it’s some of both for me. In …
Making A Scene
Often, when I’m constructing scenes to use for my novels, I write about the “familiar.” For instance, the series I’m currently working on takes place in the hills and hollows of the beautiful Ozarks. Many of the characters who live there are native Ozarkians, while still others may be “transplants.” The primary backdrop for my first book (and the rest in …
Let Freedom Ring
Pollyanna or not, there are certain things that bother me. Here are a few: those that don’t remove their hats and caps in church, unnecessary rudeness to people, lack of common courtesies, and remaining seated during our National Anthem. Would you believe, I’ve been at ballgames before where folks actually stayed glued to their seats gobbling their hot dogs and …
Victory
I was thinking about the day I finally received an offer of literary representation. It was truly a “mountaintop” moment! (See past post “Mountaintops.”) My hands were shaking, my knees were knocking, and I thought I was literally going to faint! Said agent and I had connected in pleasant email exchanges prior, and we’d agreed upon a specific date and time to chat by …
A Distant Hope
I think when I initially began writing, I might have thrown in the towel if I hadn’t had hope that, one day, I would realize my dream of being published. ( I spoke about this in my March 30th post.) Hope paints the horizon a little brighter; the future seems a little less intimidating. For me, since my ultimate hope …
Fact, Fiction, and Fairy Tales
As I write, I often try to immerse myself in my story, concentrating on time, place, characterization, and dramatic elements. I introduce conflict early and end chapters with quandaries and a desire to know more. Secondary characters are sprinkled throughout the story, but never in such a way to detract from the main folks–the hero/heroine. I bring in enough facts to …
Calm, Cool, and Collected
As I navigate the fascinating waters of the fiction writing world, I am reminded that some days will be more productive than others. Some days, other things might have to take precedence over writing. Things like: family illness, emergencies, maintaining a home. There’s also the less imperative demands: grocery shopping and meal prep (I haven’t mastered the art of nose twitching yet), laundry …