I can't believe today is the last day August. The month absolutely flew by. I'm kind of sad that summer is ending, but at the same time I'm looking forward to the cooler weather of fall. We had temperatures in the mid to high 90's nearly all week this week. I won't miss the heat and high humidity. Ask me about it in January or February when we have a ton of snow and temperatures below freezing and I might say otherwise.
Friday, August 31, 2018
Wednesday, August 29, 2018
What's Up Wednesday
This week...
My Current WIP (Work In Progress): I finished twenty-five pages of revisions/edits last week. I had hoped to get more than that done, but it's better than nothing.
Quote of the Week: "You have to fight through some bad days to earn the best days of your life." ~ Unknown
My cats' version of bunk beds.
My Current WIP (Work In Progress): I finished twenty-five pages of revisions/edits last week. I had hoped to get more than that done, but it's better than nothing.
Quote of the Week: "You have to fight through some bad days to earn the best days of your life." ~ Unknown
What I'm Reading: I should finish Built to Last by Julie Ann Walker tonight. I believe this is the last book in the Black Knights Inc. series.
Random Thoughts: Even though September is only a few days away, I'm starting to plan what holiday cards I'm going to make this year. I hope to get an earlier start this year so I'm not feeling so pressured when December gets here.
Random Photo of the Week:
Monday, August 27, 2018
Sleep, Where For Art Thou
In about another week or so, my current manuscript will be ready for my first readers to take a look at it and provide feedback, good, bad, and/or ugly. I've worked really hard on making sure characters are realistic, show growth throughout the story, and have strong goals and motivation. I've strengthened the conflict and tried to make the antagonist more well rounded. Of course, I've also made sure there aren't any spelling and punctuation errors.
Given the time and care I've taken on this manuscript, you'd think I'd be worry free as I get ready to hand it over to those first readers. Nope, for some reason I've been having problems sleeping the last few nights because my brain keeps going over various plot points and making me second guess myself that the manuscript is in fact ready.
This is what I've been feeling like lately:
Given the time and care I've taken on this manuscript, you'd think I'd be worry free as I get ready to hand it over to those first readers. Nope, for some reason I've been having problems sleeping the last few nights because my brain keeps going over various plot points and making me second guess myself that the manuscript is in fact ready.
This is what I've been feeling like lately:
Friday, August 24, 2018
This I know for sure...
I went to the library yesterday to drop off a few books that were due. Sitting on a cart of books ready to be shelved was a book that I couldn't resist borrowing. The cooler weather is coming and I'll start baking again...
Since I've yet to come across a homemade cookie that I haven't liked, how could I possibly have left the book behind? 😊
Since I've yet to come across a homemade cookie that I haven't liked, how could I possibly have left the book behind? 😊
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
What's Up Wednesday
This week...
My Current WIP (Work In Progress): I ended up working extra hours at the day job last week so I only managed to revise my synopis of Honor Bound. I also wrote my assignment for my monthly meeting with a few fellow writers.
Quote of the Week: "Courage overrides self-doubt, but does not end it." ~ Mason Cooley.
What I'm Reading: I'm starting Can't Let Go by Gena Showalter tonight. It's part of the Original Heartbreakers series.
Random Thoughts: This weekend is my great-nephew's second birthday party. It seems like just yesterday that he was born. Time certainly seems go by faster the older I get.
Random Photo of the Week:
This has been me the last couple of nights. 😕
My Current WIP (Work In Progress): I ended up working extra hours at the day job last week so I only managed to revise my synopis of Honor Bound. I also wrote my assignment for my monthly meeting with a few fellow writers.
Quote of the Week: "Courage overrides self-doubt, but does not end it." ~ Mason Cooley.
What I'm Reading: I'm starting Can't Let Go by Gena Showalter tonight. It's part of the Original Heartbreakers series.
Random Thoughts: This weekend is my great-nephew's second birthday party. It seems like just yesterday that he was born. Time certainly seems go by faster the older I get.
Random Photo of the Week:
Monday, August 20, 2018
A Rampant Imagination
Once a month I meet with three fellow writers for an hour or so. During the meeting, we read a short piece of no more than 4 pages from a writing prompt that's assigned at the end of the prior meeting.
The point of the writing prompt is to help spur our imaginations, keep us writing or if we haven't been writing, to help get us back on track. We discuss the pieces that are shared - what we liked, what worked, etc. One of the members of the group uses each month's prompt to further the current manuscript she's working on.
I have to admit I'm a bit jealous of her ability to take any random prompt and find a way to use it in her work in progress. I have yet to be able to do that. (I've only been part of the group since May.) Instead I end up with cute short stories or pieces that could maybe be developed into longer works. But I really fear that they will just end up in folder and never used.
I blame my rampant imagination on the tangents my mind goes on when I hear the assigned prompt. Usually an idea will almost immediately pop into my head when I hear the prompt. I try to discount it or set it aside and think of other ideas or a way to work it into the story I'm working on. I do this up until a week before the meeting, but trying to force the prompt to fit into my current work in progress rarely works. Instead my mind continually goes back to that first idea. The words flow from my fingers once I stop fighting it and write about that first idea. Sometimes I even have a hard time stopping at the four page requirement.
So while I like the things I write from the prompts, I wish they were more useful than they are right now.
The point of the writing prompt is to help spur our imaginations, keep us writing or if we haven't been writing, to help get us back on track. We discuss the pieces that are shared - what we liked, what worked, etc. One of the members of the group uses each month's prompt to further the current manuscript she's working on.
I have to admit I'm a bit jealous of her ability to take any random prompt and find a way to use it in her work in progress. I have yet to be able to do that. (I've only been part of the group since May.) Instead I end up with cute short stories or pieces that could maybe be developed into longer works. But I really fear that they will just end up in folder and never used.
I blame my rampant imagination on the tangents my mind goes on when I hear the assigned prompt. Usually an idea will almost immediately pop into my head when I hear the prompt. I try to discount it or set it aside and think of other ideas or a way to work it into the story I'm working on. I do this up until a week before the meeting, but trying to force the prompt to fit into my current work in progress rarely works. Instead my mind continually goes back to that first idea. The words flow from my fingers once I stop fighting it and write about that first idea. Sometimes I even have a hard time stopping at the four page requirement.
So while I like the things I write from the prompts, I wish they were more useful than they are right now.
Friday, August 17, 2018
This I know for sure...
Even if I was able to do nothing but read all day every day, I will most likely never make it even halfway through my To Be Read (TBR) list. I keep finding new authors and books to add to the list. The avid reader in me jumps for joy every time I update my TBR list, but the practical person in me, keeps asking "Do you really think you're going to be able to read all these?"
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
What's Up Wednesday
This week...
My Current WIP (Work In Progress): Due to appointments after work last week, I got very little accomplished. I'm planning on getting a lot done this week to make up for last week.
Quote of the Week: "Nothing diminishes anxiety faster than action." ~ Walter Anderson
What I'm Reading: I started reading Totally His by Erin Nicholas on Monday night. It's not the first book in the series, but that doesn't seem to be a problem. I don't feel lost or like I'm missing something by not reading the earlier books in the series.
Random Thoughts: My great nephew's second birthday party is in a couple of weeks. I hate to admit that I'm old enough to have a great nephew. 😮
Random Photo of the Week:
We have a window as you go up the stairs. Somebody likes to sleep on the ledge so he look down on us humans.
My Current WIP (Work In Progress): Due to appointments after work last week, I got very little accomplished. I'm planning on getting a lot done this week to make up for last week.
Quote of the Week: "Nothing diminishes anxiety faster than action." ~ Walter Anderson
What I'm Reading: I started reading Totally His by Erin Nicholas on Monday night. It's not the first book in the series, but that doesn't seem to be a problem. I don't feel lost or like I'm missing something by not reading the earlier books in the series.
Random Thoughts: My great nephew's second birthday party is in a couple of weeks. I hate to admit that I'm old enough to have a great nephew. 😮
Random Photo of the Week:
We have a window as you go up the stairs. Somebody likes to sleep on the ledge so he look down on us humans.
Monday, August 13, 2018
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
I love the few weeks that lead up to the start of a new school year. Not because the kids go back to school. No, it's because I love school supplies. I feel like I should be whispering that, like it's a big secret.
Every year I buy composition notebooks, one subject notebooks, Post-It notes, and index cards among other things. I love perusing the sales ads from office supply stores and Target. Of course, I always have to check out the school supply aisles at Walmart.
I use most of these supplies for my writing. I've scaled back what I purchase considerably from a few years ago because I'll buy something thinking I'll use the item for this or that and end up not using it. If that's the case I usually just add it to the next year's stash.
Here's a picture of this year's supplies -
Every year I buy composition notebooks, one subject notebooks, Post-It notes, and index cards among other things. I love perusing the sales ads from office supply stores and Target. Of course, I always have to check out the school supply aisles at Walmart.
I use most of these supplies for my writing. I've scaled back what I purchase considerably from a few years ago because I'll buy something thinking I'll use the item for this or that and end up not using it. If that's the case I usually just add it to the next year's stash.
Here's a picture of this year's supplies -
Friday, August 10, 2018
This I know for sure...
One my nephews got married this past weekend. It was anything but a traditional wedding ceremony. There were only 12 guests present, counting myself and took place in a park in front of a tree that held special meaning to the happy couple. There were no bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls and the like. My nephew wore dress pants, a dress shirt, bow tie, and a vest while the bride wore a beautiful knee length dress.
The bride and groom greeted everyone as they arrived. When it was time for the actual ceremony, we all walked together to the tree and stood a few feet away from the bride and groom who then said their vows which were a combination of the traditional vows and some personal vows.
To me, this wedding seemed much more about starting their life together as a family and less about all the pomp and circumstance that goes along with a wedding. It seemed much more heartfelt and less of a production or about how "perfect" the day had to be.
And it was that lack of traditional wedding rituals, and more about the two of them that made the wedding and day perfect.
The bride and groom greeted everyone as they arrived. When it was time for the actual ceremony, we all walked together to the tree and stood a few feet away from the bride and groom who then said their vows which were a combination of the traditional vows and some personal vows.
To me, this wedding seemed much more about starting their life together as a family and less about all the pomp and circumstance that goes along with a wedding. It seemed much more heartfelt and less of a production or about how "perfect" the day had to be.
And it was that lack of traditional wedding rituals, and more about the two of them that made the wedding and day perfect.
Wednesday, August 8, 2018
What's Up Wednesday
This week...
My Current WIP (Work In Progress): I have finished the next 100 pages of revisions/edits for Honor Bound. I have the last one hundred pages or so to do and then this manuscript will be ready for beta reading.
Quote of the Week: “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” ~ Unknown
What I'm Reading: I started Rainy Day Friends by Jill Shalvis on Monday. I'm really enjoying it.
Random Thoughts: I love when I find a book that is so engrossing that I hate to have to put it down for any reason. At the same time, I hate reading a book like that when my free time when I can read is limited because despite what else I have to do, all I really want to do is read the book.
Random Photo of the Week:
The baby shower card I made for the baby shower I went to this weekend. The card is sitting on top of the envelope. (I don't want you to think the background is crooked. 😊)
My Current WIP (Work In Progress): I have finished the next 100 pages of revisions/edits for Honor Bound. I have the last one hundred pages or so to do and then this manuscript will be ready for beta reading.
Quote of the Week: “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” ~ Unknown
What I'm Reading: I started Rainy Day Friends by Jill Shalvis on Monday. I'm really enjoying it.
Random Thoughts: I love when I find a book that is so engrossing that I hate to have to put it down for any reason. At the same time, I hate reading a book like that when my free time when I can read is limited because despite what else I have to do, all I really want to do is read the book.
Random Photo of the Week:
The baby shower card I made for the baby shower I went to this weekend. The card is sitting on top of the envelope. (I don't want you to think the background is crooked. 😊)
Friday, August 3, 2018
This I know for sure...
As a person who hates the winter season, I can't believe I'm eagerly waiting for fall to begin. This summer has been unbearably hot and humid. We've had a record number of days in the 90's and August, usually the hottest month in my area, has just started. We've also had an unusually high number of days with oppressive humidity bring the temperature over 100 degrees.
Another reason I'm looking forward to the cooler weather is that I have a number of new bread recipes I'd like to try. I love baking bread, but not when the temperature is 80 degrees or higher. I have to admit I'm also looking forward to having some of our favorite comfort meals that we usually only have during the colder months, probably because they require using the oven. We try not to use the oven at all during the summer months because it heats up the house even more than it already is from the weather.
Another reason I'm looking forward to the cooler weather is that I have a number of new bread recipes I'd like to try. I love baking bread, but not when the temperature is 80 degrees or higher. I have to admit I'm also looking forward to having some of our favorite comfort meals that we usually only have during the colder months, probably because they require using the oven. We try not to use the oven at all during the summer months because it heats up the house even more than it already is from the weather.
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
What's Up Wednesday
This week...
My Current WIP (Work In Progress): I should have the next 100 pages of revisions/edits done by the end of this week.
Quote of the Week: "Tomorrow is now." ~ Eleanor Roosevelt
What I'm Reading: I'll be starting Hot Pursuit by Julie Ann Walker tonight. I've read the first 10 books in the series by borrowing them from the library, but for some reason My local library doesn't have a copy of this book so I purchased it.my local library doesn't have a copy of this book so I purchased it. I was looking forward to reading the main male character's story, but now I'm a bit worried I won't like it due to some things that happened in the last book. I hate when I buy a book and end up not liking it or even worse, not finishing it.
Random Thoughts: One of my nephews is getting married this weekend. One of my nieces or nephews has gotten married every year for the last three years. I'm starting to feel old.
Random Photo of the Week:
Mrs. Green's close up
My Current WIP (Work In Progress): I should have the next 100 pages of revisions/edits done by the end of this week.
Quote of the Week: "Tomorrow is now." ~ Eleanor Roosevelt
What I'm Reading: I'll be starting Hot Pursuit by Julie Ann Walker tonight. I've read the first 10 books in the series by borrowing them from the library, but for some reason My local library doesn't have a copy of this book so I purchased it.my local library doesn't have a copy of this book so I purchased it. I was looking forward to reading the main male character's story, but now I'm a bit worried I won't like it due to some things that happened in the last book. I hate when I buy a book and end up not liking it or even worse, not finishing it.
Random Thoughts: One of my nephews is getting married this weekend. One of my nieces or nephews has gotten married every year for the last three years. I'm starting to feel old.
Random Photo of the Week:
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