Happy First Wednesday Again!
It’s the month of hearts and flowers, so you have to love it! Hope you have a lot of love and a lot of happiness for all of these 29 days–those remaining anyway.
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
Remember, the question is optional!
Has a single photo or work of art ever inspired a story? What was it and did you finish it?
Be sure to stop in and say hi to the co-hosts for the February 5
Lee Lowery, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Jennifer Hawes, Cathrina Constantine, and Tyrean Martinson!
I’d planned on skipping the question this month, but something called WEP popped up with a theme called The Cafe Terrace, and the badge just happened to have one of my favorite Van Gogh paintings. So guess what? I wrote a story and I’ll put it up for the next Write it. Edit it. Publish It. The story’s not long because the word limit is 1,000 words, but I finished it. So why do this? I have a lot going on–as do most writers–so why write a piece of flash fiction and publish it? First, it’s fun. Second, it’s a challenge to write to a theme. Third, if I’m going to continue to be a writer, I need for people to know me. This is another way for that to happen. And did mention it’s fun?
Donna McDine gave me a lot of space on her blog in January. She INTERVIEWED me and she REVIEWED Not Guilty. Hope you’ll stop in and visit her space. She’s a super author who never stints on supporting others who are trying to show off their books.
On the home front, I’m launching a house remodeling project, not because I want to, but because if I don’t, things like my deck and my roof won’t be my deck or my roof much longer. Long delayed maintenance is in order. Of course, while I’m at it I may as well upgrade just a few items.
Does that sound familiar to people who own houses?
I think the term domino effect might apply. Then there’s also that movie, The Money Pit, to remind me of what I might be in for. So with great dread and apprehension (are those the same?) I’ve hired an architect, lined up possible contractors, and ordered more checks from the bank.
Quote of the Month: “You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it.” Jack London
Jessica Haight says
Good luck with your house projects. They do tend to domino! I love the movie The Money Pit- but none of us want to live it. 🙂
off to check out your interview and review!
Kelly Steel says
Your interview was so good!
J.H. Moncrieff says
Good luck with the renos, Lee. For those of us with older homes, it’s always a scary undertaking. I’m not sure how old your home is, but mine was built in 1912. Every time something else is upgraded, I worry about what the workers will find.
Spring 2020 is the main bathroom. Fingers crossed!
That’s really cool that you were inspired to write some flash fiction. I look forward to reading it, and hope you’re doing well.
Damyanti says
Loved your interview on Donna’s blogs!
Christine Rains says
Our house is demanding some remodeling too. I’ve done a lot of painting last year, and hopefully we can get the driveway redone this year. Then the bathroom next year… and the deck and roof the next year… Ah, home ownership. 🙂 Hope you have a terrific week!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Once this remodeling or updating or whatever you call it starts, there’s no end. Good luck if you tackle your list. Back at you for having a great week…let’s make that a great month!
Thomas Anderson says
Hi, Cheryl-Lee!
I’m back from my hiatus and happy to see you, dear friend! I admire you for challenging yourself by rush releasing a short story based on V.G.’s painting The Cafe Terrace. Such exercises keep you sharp and help with other writing projects. I have seen The Money Pit and can relate to your situation. Over the past few months our house has undergone numerous repairs and upgrades. I hope yours go smoothly.
Enjoy the rest of your month, dear friend Cheryl-Lee!
Toi Thomas says
Thanks for stopping by my blog.
Perfect timing that the optional question and the WEP prompt came at just the right moment to inspire a story and this post.
Love the quote of the month.
Best of luck with your renovations.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I’m sure these “coincidences” are meant to lead us in certain directions. Thanks for the good wishes.
Diane Burton says
How cool that you took the Van Gogh image and wrote a piece of flash fiction. I look forward to reading it. Good luck with the home remodeling. When it’s finished, I’m sure it will be wonderful. Getting through the remodeling with be a test of patience. Hang in there and post pictures.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Good idea about picture, Diane. Thanks. I should have some before and after shots, so that’s on my list.
Carrie-Anne says
You have more patience than I do on the remodeling front! I don’t know if I’d be able to handle all those months and months of renovations, tearing things apart, and putting new things in place.
C. Lee McKenzie says
We’ll see about how patient I can be. I’m not sure I have more of that than you do,
Hilary Melton-Butcher says
Hi Lee – sure hope the ‘construction repairs’ work out and all goes well – a mess, but necessary at times – it’ll make life easier in the coming years. That Terrace Painting is typical Denise … I have yet to draft a story, but will do … so will enjoy reading yours. Good luck with everything – cheers Hilary
C. Lee McKenzie says
WEP is always fun to participate in. Even if I can contribute each time, I enjoy reading all of the submissions. Glad you’re hopping into the Feb. challenge!
Sonia Dogra says
You have your hands full! Good luck! That quote in the end…Look for inspiration…Well it adds to the list of things I must keep looking for but what a sane piece of advice for a writer!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Sometimes that elusive inspiration comes when I least expect and where I’d never expect it to lurk. Thanks so much for the visit today!
Elizabeth Seckman says
Good luck with your remodel!
I’ve written a few short stories and flash fiction pieces. Sometimes I can come up with ideas, sometimes not.
C. Lee McKenzie says
None of can be “on” all the time. In fact, I count myself lucky if I’m “on” at all!
Yolanda Renee says
I am so glad all the construction on our place is done, at least this year. Who knows what we’ll decide to add next year. It’s can be very frustrating. I learned not to believe a single word spoken by a salesman. And no one showed up on time, except for the cable guy. LOL
Good luck, and congratulations on getting your WEP story finished.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Waiting is the worst, isn’t it? I think writing and publishing has taught me some patience in that department, but not enough. Glad you survived.
Mark Noce says
My mom loves The Money Pit. I like when Tom Hanks gets stuck int he floor and thinks the Care Bears came to visit him 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
I think I’ll see that one again to help me keep my sense of humor!
Pat Hatt says
Renos lead to one thing and then another and then another. Money pit indeed, blah.
True. Flash fiction is fun indeed. Now if only work would leave me be to write it lol
C. Lee McKenzie says
I hear what you’re saying, Pat. There’s just so much time to do all that we need and want to do.
Carol Kilgore says
Totally relate to your house project(s). The gutter man is coming next week. A couple of weeks ago it was the landscaper. Neither were large jobs but jobs that need(ed) doing. They never end.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I hear that. I’ve upped my meditation and yoga to cope. Of course, the phone keeps ringing….
diedre says
Hi, Lee!
Repairs, ugh. Occasionally, the cascading effects of one little something overlooked or forgotten can be laughable in retrospect. For example, before she grew out of the “chewing” stage, our young dog had eaten rocks that wound up in a ‘pile’ on the grass the lawnmower hadn’t seen before running it over, which catapulted the rocks through the chewed-up remains of the lawnmower bag shattering two massive glass patio window panels while I mopped up water from a leak-turned-geyser under the kitchen sink.
Interesting that you asked for the return of “Guilty” when you thought you needed to tweak it. It’s all I can do to give up a manuscript for consideration, let alone ask for it back 😉 Go, you! I enjoyed the book 😉
C. Lee McKenzie says
That is quite a story about your pup and all that followed! If you wrote that into a story, the editor would say it wasn’t believable. 🙂
I wasn’t completely happy with Not Guilty the way I sent it out the first time. I’m lucky to have a flexible agent. Thanks for reading the book.
Beverly Stowe McClure says
A new story to read. Great. Looking forward to it.
And good luck with the house repairs. I keep putting mine off, hoping they’ll go away. Yeah, I live in a fantasy world.
C. Lee McKenzie says
You and I are on the same page. If the deck wasn’t a danger, I’d keep putting this off as well.
Olga Godim says
Home renovations – what fun! Interesting times are ahead of you. (You know it is a Chinese curse, right?)
I’m glad you wrote a story for WEP this month. I can’t wait to read it. That painting probably inspired a slew of great stories.
C. Lee McKenzie says
That picture was a perfect choice for February’s WEP! I kept thinking, “I don’t have time this month.” Then I couldn’t resist the fun.
Elephants Child says
Woo Hoo.
I am looking forward (big time) to reading your WEP piece.
Much as I love that painting I am struggling with the prompt.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Hope you find the story you need! The more stories that come in, the better.
Natalie Aguirre says
I just had my boyfriend make some repairs and paint my family room. I have some work for him in the kitchen this fall too. I’m trying to do a little bit at a time. They do make your house look better. But some of them aren’t fun, like roofs.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Bless that guy of yours. I’ll bet you cherish him and his help.
ChemistKen says
My wife watches so many of those home improvement shows, I can imagine how much fun it can be to renovate your house. Except for the money part, of course. But redoing one’s house sounds like fun. Good luck with the writing during the construction stages.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I’m sure this will influence what I’m working on. Life challenges always do.
Loni Townsend says
Ah yes, home ownership can be quite the sink in finances. I’ve got so much stuff I need to fix with my house, including a leaky skylight and a faucet that won’t quite turn off. Hope you find a good team to fix up your place!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Finding the right person/people is huge. Hope I’ve made the right choice. Guess I’ll soon find out.
Patricia Josephine says
Good luck with the repairs.
Writing flash fiction is so much fun. It is a nice challenge.
C. Lee McKenzie says
It would be nice to see you there one of these days.
Jemi Fraser says
Oh, maintenance… such fun. Or not. I hope things go smoothly for you!
The WEP prompt was my first attempt at writing to a picture … and it’s going a little sideways. Okay, a lot sideways. But we’ll see 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
I’m sure you’ll find the story you want, Jemi. I look forward to seeing what you come up with.
Liz A. says
Good luck with your home reno. I heard so many horror stories about what could go wrong. Then we had our kitchen redone. And things went very smoothly. It was annoying while it was happening, but our contractor was great. I even wrote about the process on my blog while it was happening. There are things that could go badly, but it’s likely that it’ll be great and you’ll be pleased with the results.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks for the encouragement. My husband and I used to do all of the remodeling–actually, we built our home together. I was the Go-Fer. He was the contractor. This will be my first attempt at hiring work done. Fingers crossed. Glad to hear you had a great experience.
Anna says
I bet it will be beautiful once it’s done. Remind your contractors that containment is their friend. Unless they want to pay for professional cleaning afterwards. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
C. Lee McKenzie says
Love the term containment! I’ll keep that in mind.
Juneta Key says
Yikes, home projects. I remember when I owned a house the roof was a big one. Happy IWSG!
C. Lee McKenzie says
If the roof leaks, life is miserable. I do hear what you’re saying.
Lee Lowery says
You are now entering Contractor Hell. There will be an exciting number of “surprises” along the way, all of which are accompanied by the sound “cha-ching.” My advice, to help maintain some semblance of sanity, is to figure out how long the project will take and how it much it will cost, multiply those numbers times 3, and you will be somewhere in the ballpark of reality.
Love your Van Gogh inspiration! I’ve got his Skull of a Skeleton with Burning Cigarette over my fireplace.
C. Lee McKenzie says
You understand. Nothing costs what you think. Nothing takes the time that you think it will. As I prepare for these next few months, I’m relating to Skull of a Skeleton with Burning Cigarette.
Cathrina says
Oh, man! Talk about home improvements! We’ve been putting them off for so long, I’m afraid of what’s going to happen next. Good Luck!
C. Lee McKenzie says
This just had to be done. Like you, I’ve put it off until now.
Pat Garcia says
Hi,
They are finishing up my house tomorrow. To say that it took lots of patience is an understatement. However, I have had good people working on what needed to be done. They started in April of 2019. I will be happy to move my office back into its original location when they are finished.
All the best.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
C. Lee McKenzie says
That’s a long remodel, but I know how remodels go, so I understand.
Tamara Ann Narayan says
Good luck with the repairs. That does sound stressful.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I plan to lay in a supply of Pinot.
Jeff says
I don’t envy you with your home improvement work… That’s a constant battle, especially in this climate! This must be the year for Van Gogh. There was an interesting exhibit at the Columbia Museum of Art (South Carolina) that just closed titled “Van Gogh and his Inspirations” It only had a dozen or so Van Gogh’s, but was mostly about the artists that inspired him. I saw the exhibit in late November. Now there are two major exhibits coming up–one in Detroit and one in Toronto. If you like his art, maybe you could plan a trip around it!
http://www.thepulpitandthepen.com
C. Lee McKenzie says
That’s a great idea, Jeff. I do enjoy his art. Well, it often troubles me, but I guess that’s often the point of art–to stir up things inside others. Thanks for the Van Gogh exhibition information.
L. Diane Wolfe says
Good luck with the home repairs.
Every bit of writing out there helps spread author awareness.
I love February because it’s my birthday month. I was so close to being a Valentine’s baby.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Guess we’re both Aquarians! How about that?
Ellen Jacobson says
I laughed at the part about ordering more checks from the bank. Houses sure can be money pits. 🙁
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks for catching the humor. Of course, I expect someone who writes comedy to pick that up. 🙂
Julie Flanders says
I was inspired by that prompt too! I love Van Gogh’s work. See you for the WEP! 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
That’s great. I look forward to reading it, Julie.
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
Glad that painting inspired you.
Yes, that’s the thing about home projects. You think it’s one thing and it leads to a bunch of stuff that needs to be fixed.
C. Lee McKenzie says
It’s just another rabbit hole, right Alex?