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Naming Grandma
I’m going to be a grandmother and probably sooner than later at this point since DIL is home on rest and quiet after yesterday’s checkup with the obstetrician. We’re sending all kinds of “stay put, kid!” energy to the little jumping bean because he needs just a couple more weeks in the oven. So, if you’ve got some good energy to spare, send it out to DIL, okay? Thanks! The naming thing has been on my mind. The writer in me objects to being called just plain “Grandma.” I know that’s probably bratty. Grandma is a perfectly acceptable moniker and there’s no reason why our little JB can’t call both…
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If a Tree Falls…
So, it’s Monday morning and I have a book launch meeting in an hour and half, but I’m trying to commit to one blog a week at the very least. Blogging everyday is hard. For one thing, time is often my enemy and for another, I’m just not sure my life and thoughts are quite fascinating enough to record on a daily basis. Actually, my life is quite ordinary and my thoughts…well, some of them don’t need to be immortalized on the Web. Also, it’s Monday…and in my heart, I’m still at the lake, even though we made the drive back home last night. We are deep into lake season…
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Summer’s Coming
I know this because our catalpa tree is flowering and that’s a sign that June is close. The tree is currently a riot of snowy blossoms and it sits right at the end of our driveway. I can hear the cars slowing out on the road; I’m sure they’re admiring our ancient catalpa. When we first built our house, a man stopped by one day and asked if he could check the tree for catalpa worms—apparently, they’re great for fishing. Who knew? Catalpas are indigenous to our state, so you see them around a lot. We don’t know how old ours is, but we think it’s pretty old because it’s…
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Mother’s Day at the Lake
It’s our third weekend at the lake and this morning, we enjoyed breakfast on the deck listening to the sounds that are so much a part of being at the lake–birds singing, the breeze rustling the trees, boats on the bay, maybe the occasional whoop from a fisherman who caught a big one. Pretty soon, golf carts will start to appear and neighbors will be by to say good morning and catch up on the week’s news. Not much going on here this weekend—the park really hasn’t started its summer dance of barefoot kids running up and down the road, boat motors buzzing, the splash of swimmers in the clear…
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Rethinking the Writer in Me
I’ve been rediscovering Nan, the writer, this week. Editing work has slowed some and I’ve been able to concentrate more on my own writing. Plus, last week, I had a wonderful critique/session with Lani Diane Rich from StoryWonk. She helped me see that I’d fallen into writing to a formula. I have really terrific stories to tell, but I’d been trying to write to the market rather than simply writing what’s in my heart. Also, Lani showed me how important it is to start in the present with the action, to show, don’t tell, and to avoid overwhelming my reader with too much back story. Confession? I’m an info dumper.…
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Be Slow, My Heart
It’s been five months since I went the to E.R. with a racing heart, which was diagnosed as AV Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia (we in the biz just call it AVNRT). Basically, my heart goes off into a funky fast rhythm for no apparent reason beyond I have a glitch in my electrical system. It had been doing this regularly since I turned 54, but the last time it happened, I couldn’t get it to stop on my own. Thus, the trip to the E.R., the diagnosis, and now I have a cardiologist. Jeez, does anything sound older than “I have an appointment with my cardiologist’? Well, last Friday, I had…
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Discovery
On Sunday, Husband and I were driving up to the lake and I was telling him about the event I’d attended the previous day. My chapter of Romance Writers of America sponsored a mini-conference with Bob Mayer, who presented his Write It Forward workshop. I still couldn’t find the words to describe all that I’d learned, but what came through loud and clear was how inspired I was by what Mayer had to say about writing and the process of writing. As I was sharing, Husband asked me about my process, how do I start a new book? All books begin with an idea, as Mayer told us. That’s “the…
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Guest Blogging
I’m guest blogging at Word Wranglers today. Come on by and talk to me about being bold.
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A Mini-Vacation
This weekend I didn’t work. I know, shock of all shocks, Nan left her little garret and went out into the world. Well, it was time, trust me. I’ve been working pretty much nonstop for almost a month, getting practically no writing done and keeping unholy hours. But, that is the life of a freelance editor. You work when the work is available, so I’m not whining, just stating the facts. It felt lovely to get away though and I’m indebted to my dear friend, C.L. for whisking me to Cincinnati, where we took in the Newport Levee, Main Strasse in Covington, St. Mary’s Basilica, the Newport Aquarium, and the…
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4 Stars!!
I got a 4-star review of Rule Number One from the reviewing site, TBR Pile. I’m so jacked up! The review was gracious and sweet, and I love it when anyone enjoys my book. Check it out at the TBR Pile website We’re even giving away a copy of the book to one lucky commenter! Drop by and comment for a chance to win.