National Write a Novel in Month Challenge

Well, I've committed to try this challenge again. Not the full challenge-- too much to do, but at least 500 words a day. That's nearly 15,000 words. that's a bunch. But, I've started out well. I've written 1,300 new words this evening. A short memoir of a scene in my childhood. I think I will see how many of these scenes I can produce this month. At one a day, that's almost novella length, or a short e-book I could self-publish? Maybe. I'll have to see.

Stay tuned!

Death, Taxes and Writing- Can't avoid 'em

And so I write. I've lost another friend today. That makes three this week. I know now why my mom got so depressed her last few winters. She lost many, many friends. I guess I'm beginning that cycle and I really don't like it one bit.

What did I do to cheer myself up? I completed my state sales tax report for my business sales in 2010. Hey, hows that for a cheery activity during an eight inch snowstorm? GRRR! Leave it to the state to complicate what should be a very straightforward exercise. But it's DONE! On Time!

But that process made me do a mental evaluation of my business, my writing and why I still do it, after fifteen years of banging my head on the wall, so to speak. Yes, I have several novels published. But my non-fiction work is easier to sell, and brings in more in the short term. So why write the long stuff? Evidently, that retorical question slipped out loud. Hubby glanced up, gave me his teacher-look over his glasses and said "Because you enjoy it."

I sighed, nodded and went back to my taxes. He knows me well and he's right. I do enjoy creating worlds and sharing the stories and characters that run uninhibited through my brain. He knows they wake me up at night, banging on the inside of my skull. They inisist I write them down, so I don't forget them and their story when I wake. That would still happen, even if I stopped writing tomorrow.

I guess I won't. I do like sleeping. So I'll keep writing. Emile, the hero in the third book of my Regency trilogy, has a very heavy cane and a very interesting story. He'd never let me rest.

Chat with the Children

Every writer needs a bit of inspiration from time to time. I'm no exception. I spent the afternoon with an amazing group of young writers Thursday afternoon. We talked about good beginnings, no sagging middles, and ending with feelings. All very important parts of any story. The inspiring part? These were kindergarteners at a local school. The oldest in the room was 5 1/2 years old.
Their teacher is a good friend. I took my current manuscript to show them how much work I have to do to research and edit and revise. The teacher reinforced and reminded them that they did all the same things. Then we broke up into small groups and I listened to several children's stories (phonetically written to be sure, but it was all theirs). Not only did they write the stories, they created covers, illustrations and the backpage with the feelings. They were so excited to write. They were anxious and eager to share with me. That's the feeling I take away. We a need to maintain that excitement, that eagerness to share with our readers. Leave it to the children to cut to the chase. They will remind you why you started writing in the first place. You have a story to share with others. Hugs,

New Year, New Ideas, New Book

Well, I've resolved to do better this year. My publisher is insisting all of his authors either have a website or a blog. Hmm. I can't even imagine fooling with a web site, so here we are. I have a blog. I will admit it's been pretty sketchy so far, thus the resolution to do better.

I'm going to broaden my horizons this year. Instead of focusing on e-books, I'm going to try to just write about the creative process of writing as I go through it.

Sloughing through the everyday business of writing; trying to put another word on the paper of an unfinished manuscript. Nursing a tiny spark of an idea into the flame of a new book to be written.

We'll see how it goes. Hang in there with me. It should be and interesting year.

Hugs!

Back to the writing Life

Well, this weekend I attended a top drawer writer's conference put on by Nebraska Writer's Guild. Yes, the sessions and work shops were great, and the facilities in Grand Island excellent, but the best part of the conference was the gathering in of the clan- this crazy bunch of writers who love what they do and are willing to share and encourage others who are driven to write as well.
That includes meeting new folks, members joining us for the first time, wide eyed, like sponges walking around, trying to absorb every word from those of us who have been "under the sea" a long time, sometimes face down in the writers pool.
It also includes renewing friendships, greeting others we haven't seen in years. Nothing beats face to face for really seeing how we're all faring in this rat race we call life.
I loved it. And now I must do it justice. I must write more. My characters were awakened this weekend. They will bang on the inside of my head until I let them out. Hmm. Conferences will do that.

Happy Easter

What a delightful, happy Easter. The weather is beautiful. We went for a long ride in the country and looked for signs of spring. They are everywhere. The fields are greening up, jonquils and daffodills are blooming and there are baby cows in the pasture! We must have counted half a dozen calves. They are so cute. These are still awkward, so they're not very old. Hopefully the freezing temps are over. The ice was gone from Summit lake, although we did see one stubborn snow bank. This is one of myfavorite times of the year. Life does renew, no matter what.

Sad Baby Dog News

It's been a hard week. My "baby" dog, Lady, has been diagnosed with canine leukemia. Doctors says it's just a matter of weeks until we lose her. She's still smiling and doesn't look sick, but she's refusing food, even ice cream and chocolate. We've had two different vets look at her and both confirm the initial diagnosis. They both say there's nothing to be done. Chemo in Brittanys causes liver cancer and secondary infections that are as bad or worse as the initial cancer.

So we're taking it a day at a time and loving her, for as long as we have her.

Hugs and tears,

Connie