I didn’t know you could actually buy blog content, did you? On Constant Content you can buy that and much more–all written by authors that do a great job. I’ve joined in the group and am enjoying writing articles as a way to clear my head of what I usually labor over.
Halloween
It just ain’t the same. I mean tonight it will still be light when the tiny ghosts trek to my door. How can a ghost be spooky in daylight? And my witchy costume is so shabby from years of use that I rely on nightfall to conceal all of the patched pieces and cider stains. Sigh.
Well, no matter what, we are having Halloween. It is my absolutely favorite holiday. I don’t have to plan a family gathering, I don’t have to be sure to seat Uncle Pete away from Cousin Sadie, I don’t have to make a vegetarian side dish for Leah Ann who is sixteen and turning Zen on me. All I have to do is buy a few trinkets and candy and have fun. My kind of holiday.
Art
Two years ago I did something that I considered rather brave. I invested in a piece of art by an artist that I enjoyed and that felt enhanced my home. This week I was invited to attend a celebration of this artist who is now being widely appreciated. I was able to meet the man who created the art I appreciate and enjoy everyday in my home. It was special and invigorating as is his art.
More News
Just sold Time to Relax! My it does come in spurts, doesn’t it?
Some Success
So I won’t hang it up yet. I’d pretty much decided that if no one wanted to read what I wrote, there was little reason to glue my butt to the chair everyday and write stuff. Then just as I thought “that’s all folks” here comes “I am happy to inform you” instead of “I liked your story, but.”
In 2008 I’ll have two short stories out. Hmmm. Maybe I should get out the glue gun and put something on the page today.
Links, Crits, and Other Good Things
So, in my last entry I expounded on learning patience while slogging toward publication in the world of children’s books. Something I’d really like to add while the fiction writing muse is on vacation is that all of the slogging isn’t bad.
I’ve met some fantastic people who write excellent prose and who deserve recognition by agents and publishers. Their stories are engaging, their characters so real you relish the time you are able to share their joys, frustrations, defeats, and triumphs.
I’m privileged to be a member of two very fine critique groups. Each one is quite different in how it manages the critiques, but each offers the support and criticism vital for success in this very competitive field.
I love being able to link to one of my co-writer’s excellent online journals. The interviews she’s doing are so fun. Here’s one with D.L. Garfinkle. Read it and enjoy.
Some Success
I’ve had another article accepted (not sold) at Constant Content. This one, Time to Relax, my friend, Nancy, will chuckle over. Nancy, did you get through whole week of goal/intention setting?
I’ve also had a request for a rewrite/re-submission on one of my short stories. I did the rewrite this morning and submitted it with fingers crossed. This is such a sloooow uphill journey. If I’m not learning how to write better prose, I am learning patience, something my grandmother held out little hope that I would ever do.
Sept 23
Don’t panic. It’s not September yet; however, it will come . . . I hope. I’m attempting to be somewhat ahead. I’m actually considering planning something. An end of the summer party sounds appropriate. So, the end of summer is Sept 23, according to my calendar.
I’ve been made aware of the end of summer by the arrival of my Christmas address labels. Is that awful or what?
Panic will follow shortly–about October when my favorite holiday,Halloween,arrives. That’s when I enjoy pumpkins and the amber light you have no other time of the year.
Just checking in with myself–something that should be done occasionally.
August 13
Did anyone notice this is the middle of August besides me? I have this deadline hanging over my head that is beginning to loom quite large and the end of August is that deadline. How many days are there in August? 31. Well, that’s better than 30, and it is certainly a lot better than that terribly truncated month of February. Have to remember never to set an end of the month deadline in February.
Time to Write Something
What? You actually have sold something?
Yes.
And someone actually wants to publish what you wrote?
Yes. Modestly I must tell you I have two pieces that will see publication this year. This in addition to all those other things I told you about but which I don’t mention. Remember?
Oh, yes. I remember, but now what?
Well, I can tell people how great this is.
And?
I can tell them I have accomplished this thing I want to do.
And?
If you were not such an obnoxious muse, I might do better than I do.
Ha!