Thursday, March 29, 2012

THE JINX OF THE MISSING COMMA

I finally finished it -- that mystery story I was writing. Yesterday I mailed it!! Woo Hoo.

But before I did...I rechecked it for the millionth time.

I don't know what it is, but every manuscript I think is complete and absolutely perfect has a little mistake in it. No matter how many times I read it. I call it The Jinx of the Missing Comma.

Well, it's a good thing I re-read that mystery story -- one more time before I put it in the envelope -- because I found not one, not two, but three (OMG) mistakes. One: Misspelled word ... Two: A period in the wrong place ... and Three: A comma in the wrong place. Arrgghh. This is such a humbling experience.

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Pop ... pop ... pop!!

Do you hear that?

My brain is popping over with more ideas. How cool is that!

Monday, March 26, 2012

WHOSE STORY IS IT ANYWAY?

I'm finished with the middle grade short story that I want to enter into a contest...almost.

I must have edited and revised it over 100 times. Ok, I lied -- at least 10.

Then I passed it by my brother (the one that eats dirt) and he gave me some good ideas.

Then I passed it by my critique group who loved it and gave me some good ideas.

Then I did my final revisions and passed it by my dirt eating brother again who completely rewrote it. I like some of his stuff, but he went overboard this time.

Why do I depend on his advise...well he's a high school English teacher and has his Ph.D. so he's gotta be smart -- right? But, hey would you trust a guy who eats dirt? Hmmm.

I have one more critique group to pass it by -- tomorrow -- so I have 24 hours to decide which words to use.

Whose story is it -- mine, critique group number one, my brother, or critique group number two?

The answer is simple really -- it's my story -- my idea -- and ultimately my decision.

BTW: It took me forever to find this page -- my web page took away the "favorites" button and I couldn't find the web address. Arrrgh.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

IT'S DONE -- ALMOST

It's done -- almost -- that mystery story I've been working on for a contest. I think I have four stories written. Each one gets a little better.

I sent two of them to my brother (the one that eats dirt...really...as a kid he would eat dog biscuits). He is quite the critic. I am hoping for some positive feedback, if not -- I'm sending it in anyway.

You know my theory -- if I don't send in my stuff it's already been rejected by ME!

Wish me luck.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

TIME ALONE

I'm in Tampa -- ALONE. I don't know my way around the city. I don't know anyone here.

I wondered how I would fair ALONE. For three whole days. With four -- count them -- four dauchsunds. (I'd put in a picture, but corraling them all is like trying to round up fleas. BTW: Tampa is the flea capital of the world, according to my vet -- ick.)

I am enjoying the quiet. My mind is at rest and I'm able to catch up on my reading and writing.

Still working on that mystery -- not enough twists yet, but ... I am hoping all this quiet will help me.

Oops...gotta take one of the dogs out. Hmmm...so much for being ALONE.

Oh, Chris -- after the walk I am going to wash the car! It's nice being in a house instead of a condo.

Friday, March 9, 2012

THE UPS AND DOWNS OF WRITING

Why is writing so ... so ... up and down.

One minute I am flooded with ideas and can't type fast enough -- UP!

And then days go by when I wonder why I even chose this profession -- DOWN!

Today I am giving my brain a day off. I need to prepare for a trip to Tampa. I will be there (alone) for three entire days and hope it is an UP moment.

I am enjoying writing a mystery story for a contest. What makes it so challenging is the word count. 900 words is all I can put into the story. It forces me to choose my words carefully. I need to fit in the twists with subtle verbiage.  Wish me luck!!

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Friday, March 2, 2012

BLOGGING BLUES

BEHIND BLOGGING.

BEEN BUSY.

BE  BACK -- BETTER.

BYE BEFORE BREAKFAST BURNS.