You know, life sometimes gets in the way of what we writers want to do. Such has been true in my life for a year. Family illness, a major move, and other life changes spun my writing and my mind into a feeling of paralysis. As I said in my previous blog post, that paralysis is coming to an end.
Saturday, January 10, I went to Wichita Falls, Texas for the monthly meeting of the Red River Romance Writers Group (RRRW). What a way to start a new year. Janet Brown spoke about setting up our DREAM for writing. Each suggestion she made had me nodding my head and taking rapid notes. RRRW is a small group with boundless potential and I am proud to become a member.
A friend, Pamela S. Thobodeaux, from my beloved writers group in Louisiana, the Bayou Writer's Group (BWG), has finally realized her dream of being able to stay home and work full time as an author. A very talented woman. She is now associated with Premium Promotional Services. If you need or want help with editing, marketing, or any other aspect of our writing world contact Pam through them at http://premiumpromotions.biz She can also be reached at pthib-7@centurytel.net or http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com
I rarely suggest a service such as this, but I am pleased that Pam is assisting me with the editing and completion of my novel "Rebecca's Journey."
So, writer friends, look up and visit the sites for some of the smaller groups. There is much to offer. Red River Romance Writers Group is offering four inexpensive on line workshops in 2010. Bayou Writers Group offers an annual conference in November. A great conference! Both groups offer unlimited education, camraderie, and sharing each month.
Spend a few moments searching such names as Jessica Ferguson, Judith Leger, Peggy Borel, Jan Newman, Janet Brown, Julie Mozingo, Sharon Sala, and others you'll find at Red River Romance Writers and the Bayou Writers Group.
Be a cheerleader for your own writing and that of others.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Friday, December 25, 2009
Characters--many dimensions
Writers know we must make our characters multi-dimensional with good, bad, and unusual traits. We must make them jump off the page and keep readers turning the page. Usually, though, characters bring to immediate mind humans. Sometimes animals.
I often use horses and dogs in my writings. They are characters just as real as their human counterparts.
This past Christmas week my son and his family have been visiting from Virginia. On the way here they were stuck/trapped in a blizzard for almost 24 hours. I worried. I paced. I cried. And, I kept the phone line alive. They made it safely home.
Last night I lay beside my beautiful two year old granddaughter and watched her sleep. Snow blew outside the window. My dream of a white Christmas was granted, but it was accompanied by worry as she would be leaving the next morning. Back in the snow. Not a blizzard this time, just snow requiring careful driving by her daddy.
Weather can be a viable character for writers. We make lightning flash, thunder roll, humidity melt, heat swelter, flood waters rise and recede, snow cause white-outs, and wind howl. Other weather related actions move our characters in and out of harm's way or into new regions. Weather is active or causes action. We mustn't negate its importance in our work.
My current work in progress takes place along the Oregon Trail in 1845. The emigrants faced challenges of many sorts along the way, but weather and nature became their greatest foes.
I first became actively aware of the importance of weather as a character attending my first meeting of the Red River Romance Writer's Group in Wichita Falls, Texas. Sharon Sala, multi-published romance author, served as the guest speaker that day. She taught much, but I particulary recall her mention of using weather as character.
That day led to Ms. Sala becoming one of my favorite authors. She uses weather, setting extremes and other natural gifts to enhance her novels.
So, writer family, don't forget weather in your writing. Use it for more than to establish setting. It is a powerful tool.
Happy writing to all.
I often use horses and dogs in my writings. They are characters just as real as their human counterparts.
This past Christmas week my son and his family have been visiting from Virginia. On the way here they were stuck/trapped in a blizzard for almost 24 hours. I worried. I paced. I cried. And, I kept the phone line alive. They made it safely home.
Last night I lay beside my beautiful two year old granddaughter and watched her sleep. Snow blew outside the window. My dream of a white Christmas was granted, but it was accompanied by worry as she would be leaving the next morning. Back in the snow. Not a blizzard this time, just snow requiring careful driving by her daddy.
Weather can be a viable character for writers. We make lightning flash, thunder roll, humidity melt, heat swelter, flood waters rise and recede, snow cause white-outs, and wind howl. Other weather related actions move our characters in and out of harm's way or into new regions. Weather is active or causes action. We mustn't negate its importance in our work.
My current work in progress takes place along the Oregon Trail in 1845. The emigrants faced challenges of many sorts along the way, but weather and nature became their greatest foes.
I first became actively aware of the importance of weather as a character attending my first meeting of the Red River Romance Writer's Group in Wichita Falls, Texas. Sharon Sala, multi-published romance author, served as the guest speaker that day. She taught much, but I particulary recall her mention of using weather as character.
That day led to Ms. Sala becoming one of my favorite authors. She uses weather, setting extremes and other natural gifts to enhance her novels.
So, writer family, don't forget weather in your writing. Use it for more than to establish setting. It is a powerful tool.
Happy writing to all.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
I'm back and writing
It's easy to see that my last post was in July. Since that time things in my life have been turned upside down. In a nutshell, my writing has taken a definite backseat to helping care for my cousin who is terminally ill, his mother who has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, spending time with an out-of-town friend who had major surgery, and spending six weeks in Virginia when my second grandbaby was born on September 17.
For quite some time I felt as if my brain cells had lost all creative juices. I did do some dabbling and my mind did some wandering. I have written snippets, thoughts, lists, and other ideas here and there. Mostly in a journal. I found one thought that came to me in sleep on the back of a catalog. I don't recall writing it.
However, I did find time to submit a memoir to Patchwork Path: Wedding Bouquet in August. I received notification on December 14 that the memoir had been accepted for the anthology. Amazing, that simple e-mail infused me with energy, the desire to write, and a self-commitment to make the time to write.
I have been taking my laptop and scribblings to my cousin's house. Perhaps, for now, I should concentrate on short stories, memoirs, and short articles rather than my novel. I will finish my last assignment for Long Ridge Writer's Group this week. I had to take a leave from that course.
Bottom line--I am back. I am energized. I am writing each day.
For quite some time I felt as if my brain cells had lost all creative juices. I did do some dabbling and my mind did some wandering. I have written snippets, thoughts, lists, and other ideas here and there. Mostly in a journal. I found one thought that came to me in sleep on the back of a catalog. I don't recall writing it.
However, I did find time to submit a memoir to Patchwork Path: Wedding Bouquet in August. I received notification on December 14 that the memoir had been accepted for the anthology. Amazing, that simple e-mail infused me with energy, the desire to write, and a self-commitment to make the time to write.
I have been taking my laptop and scribblings to my cousin's house. Perhaps, for now, I should concentrate on short stories, memoirs, and short articles rather than my novel. I will finish my last assignment for Long Ridge Writer's Group this week. I had to take a leave from that course.
Bottom line--I am back. I am energized. I am writing each day.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
On updates, writing, and procrastination
Once again, I have procrastinated to the point of distraction and guilt . . . Every morning I think about updating my blog. Every morning I procrastinate and get busy with other things. Wish I had an answer to that particular "why" question.
This morning, I'm busily trying to pack a suitcase, finish laundry, clean house, and prepare to go to Wichita Falls, Texas for a week. My friend, Mary, is having surgery tomorrow. I will be helping her out as much as I am able. It will be good to get away, despite the reason.
We had a wonderful family reunion the weekend of the fourth of July. More than 60 people were present and there was more than enough food. We went out in the boats. Talked. Played with the kids and had great fireworks two nights in a row. I have to admit, seeing the reflection of the fireworks on the lake made them more beautiful.
Our trip to Virginia to see Rosalyn was great. Too short and so much fun. Hard to believe she is two. Bill has been out to sea quite a lot. He's serving on the USS Carl Vinson, a recently refitted aircraft carrier. Sierra is miserable. I think Bailey is going to be a big baby like her sister. I'll be flying out to Virginia on September 18th for a few weeks to help Sierra with Rosalyn and the new baby.
On writing . . . I'm finishing up my last assignment for the Long Ridge Novel Writer's Course. This one has to do with putting together a proposal package and learning about marketing. OUCH! My novel is moving along. I have the full outline and several chapters written and edited. Two chapters in long hand and my characters keep changing on me. Rebecca wants to be a bit more adventurous than I planned and she sure isn't taking this falling in love business well.
The wagon train is taking on a life of its own. Not just the characters, but the animals, supplies, and equipment. I recently heard Sharon Sala speak at a writer's group about the use of geography and weather as characters. I realized I was/am utilizing those things but never considered them to be characters. Just setting.
I have a rough draft finished of a memoir for "Patchwork Path" and two drafts about animals for "Grit." Considering working on re-tooling a couple of interviews and a holiday story. I want to write about my Daddy, but find that much too difficult.
I'm very much looking forward to the last week of July. Some friends from Louisiana are coming. We're going to stay at Ron's lake house. Our plans are to work on art journals, writing, and other creative pursuits. But, we'll probably spend a great deal of time just talking, playing Scrabble, and eating. I'm sure Ron's son, Greg, will take us out in his boat. It will be nice.
And, last of all, I have to say I'm missing Louisiana, my friends, my church, and my writer's group more than I ever imagined. However, it is nice to be "home" and near family.
This morning, I'm busily trying to pack a suitcase, finish laundry, clean house, and prepare to go to Wichita Falls, Texas for a week. My friend, Mary, is having surgery tomorrow. I will be helping her out as much as I am able. It will be good to get away, despite the reason.
We had a wonderful family reunion the weekend of the fourth of July. More than 60 people were present and there was more than enough food. We went out in the boats. Talked. Played with the kids and had great fireworks two nights in a row. I have to admit, seeing the reflection of the fireworks on the lake made them more beautiful.
Our trip to Virginia to see Rosalyn was great. Too short and so much fun. Hard to believe she is two. Bill has been out to sea quite a lot. He's serving on the USS Carl Vinson, a recently refitted aircraft carrier. Sierra is miserable. I think Bailey is going to be a big baby like her sister. I'll be flying out to Virginia on September 18th for a few weeks to help Sierra with Rosalyn and the new baby.
On writing . . . I'm finishing up my last assignment for the Long Ridge Novel Writer's Course. This one has to do with putting together a proposal package and learning about marketing. OUCH! My novel is moving along. I have the full outline and several chapters written and edited. Two chapters in long hand and my characters keep changing on me. Rebecca wants to be a bit more adventurous than I planned and she sure isn't taking this falling in love business well.
The wagon train is taking on a life of its own. Not just the characters, but the animals, supplies, and equipment. I recently heard Sharon Sala speak at a writer's group about the use of geography and weather as characters. I realized I was/am utilizing those things but never considered them to be characters. Just setting.
I have a rough draft finished of a memoir for "Patchwork Path" and two drafts about animals for "Grit." Considering working on re-tooling a couple of interviews and a holiday story. I want to write about my Daddy, but find that much too difficult.
I'm very much looking forward to the last week of July. Some friends from Louisiana are coming. We're going to stay at Ron's lake house. Our plans are to work on art journals, writing, and other creative pursuits. But, we'll probably spend a great deal of time just talking, playing Scrabble, and eating. I'm sure Ron's son, Greg, will take us out in his boat. It will be nice.
And, last of all, I have to say I'm missing Louisiana, my friends, my church, and my writer's group more than I ever imagined. However, it is nice to be "home" and near family.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Rosie the Riviter Died
Rosie the Riviter died on May 20, 2009 at the age of 90 years and 14 days.
At the time of her death she looked beautiful and no older than her early sixties. She had gorgeous thick black hair, alabaster skin, manicured nails, perfect make-up and a brilliant smile. She was classy, intelligent, and full of life. She loved gambling and went to the casino often. She was a winner in every way.
About two years ago my dear Aunt Hazel and I began talking about her younger days. She told me for the first time about her experiences during World War II. Her story included the hardships the American people endured for the good of the country, including rationing and doing without many things we wouldn't sacrifice these days. Her husband, Art, was called to duty. He was gone for three years.
The most interesting part of the conversation was about her time as a Rosie the Riviter at an aircraft facility in California. One of her co-workers was a shy young woman with dark hair named Norma Jean Baker. We would recognize her as Marilyn Monroe. Hazel said some journalists and photographers came to the factory one day. Their boss noticed that the young woman named Norma Jean was quite photogenic. Not long after that day Norma Jean was gone and her career beginning as a model named Marilyn began.
Aunt Hazel and I decided we would work together on a novel or memoir about her experiences. We talked and shared. She was a member of the Oklahoma and American Association of Rosie the Riviters. Her story was published in a newsletter.
I have my notes, some photos, and other things to work on some sort of story or memoir. She was going to be my reader and check my words for accuracy. But, I no longer have my Aunt Hazel. My own Rosie the Riviter.
I guess I thought she would live forever.
I will write her story one day. It's too soon at this time.
Rest in Peace, Aunt Hazel.
At the time of her death she looked beautiful and no older than her early sixties. She had gorgeous thick black hair, alabaster skin, manicured nails, perfect make-up and a brilliant smile. She was classy, intelligent, and full of life. She loved gambling and went to the casino often. She was a winner in every way.
About two years ago my dear Aunt Hazel and I began talking about her younger days. She told me for the first time about her experiences during World War II. Her story included the hardships the American people endured for the good of the country, including rationing and doing without many things we wouldn't sacrifice these days. Her husband, Art, was called to duty. He was gone for three years.
The most interesting part of the conversation was about her time as a Rosie the Riviter at an aircraft facility in California. One of her co-workers was a shy young woman with dark hair named Norma Jean Baker. We would recognize her as Marilyn Monroe. Hazel said some journalists and photographers came to the factory one day. Their boss noticed that the young woman named Norma Jean was quite photogenic. Not long after that day Norma Jean was gone and her career beginning as a model named Marilyn began.
Aunt Hazel and I decided we would work together on a novel or memoir about her experiences. We talked and shared. She was a member of the Oklahoma and American Association of Rosie the Riviters. Her story was published in a newsletter.
I have my notes, some photos, and other things to work on some sort of story or memoir. She was going to be my reader and check my words for accuracy. But, I no longer have my Aunt Hazel. My own Rosie the Riviter.
I guess I thought she would live forever.
I will write her story one day. It's too soon at this time.
Rest in Peace, Aunt Hazel.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
I AM BACK!!!
Greetings--There is a scene in the movie "Independence Day" where actor Randy Quaid acting as a former jet fighter pilot, alien abductee, and current drunken crop duster takes an opportunity to fly a jet into the body of an alien space ship to save the U.S.A. I love it. In one fell swoop he faces death and screams to the aliens, "I'm baccccccck . . ."
I'm not facing death in an alien spaceship, but I am back from a writing hiatus that felt alien. For months my life has focused on the move to Oklahoma. Going back and forth to M.D. Anderson with cousin Ron. Looking at so many houses I just got frustrated. Finally, finding one and initiating the purchase process. Selling our house in Louisiana. Unpacking box after box after box. I think they multiplied like rabbits in the back of that truck. I'm still searching for some things.
I thought my writing would easily resume when I finally got the house together. It didn't.
But, I am proud to tell everyone that two things recently happened that caused my soul to soar and my mind to want to write again.
First, I visited a dear friend in nearby Wichita Falls. She has recently moved into a 1920's mansion. The architectural details, attention to detail, size, and grounds immediately had me grabbing paper and pen as I explored the large spaces. Over the years the house has been a personal home, an office, a restaurant, an event center, and a bar. Everywhere the eye is drawn there is imported marble. Walnut walls, ceilings, stained glass and staircases offer warm welcomes. The basement could easily have been the place of romance, murder, hauntings, and espionage. Hidden and trick spaces surprised me.
I have to write a book using this historic house as a setting. I HAVE to. But, first I have to finish "Rebecca's Journey," submit those stories waiting in folders, write up an interview, and look through the pages of one word or one sentence notes I've taken over the months.
The second thing that really, really inspired me was a gift in the mail. My dear friend, Mindy, from the Bayou Writer's Group (BWG) sent me a unique and embellished journal. Several friends of mine from BWG sent notes and words of encouragement in the journal. Amazing what a journal can do, isn't it?
I can't tell you how much I miss my BWG friends and the writing support they so freely give. I continue to look for a writer's group in this area. Think I found one in Wichita Falls and, maybe, one here in Durant. A web search turned up a group near Dallas, I may visit them occasionally.
Having a group to support and understand the mind and imaginings of a writer is important to our survival and success.
So, I am back and ready to post regularly. And, ready to write again.
Blessings to all.
I'm not facing death in an alien spaceship, but I am back from a writing hiatus that felt alien. For months my life has focused on the move to Oklahoma. Going back and forth to M.D. Anderson with cousin Ron. Looking at so many houses I just got frustrated. Finally, finding one and initiating the purchase process. Selling our house in Louisiana. Unpacking box after box after box. I think they multiplied like rabbits in the back of that truck. I'm still searching for some things.
I thought my writing would easily resume when I finally got the house together. It didn't.
But, I am proud to tell everyone that two things recently happened that caused my soul to soar and my mind to want to write again.
First, I visited a dear friend in nearby Wichita Falls. She has recently moved into a 1920's mansion. The architectural details, attention to detail, size, and grounds immediately had me grabbing paper and pen as I explored the large spaces. Over the years the house has been a personal home, an office, a restaurant, an event center, and a bar. Everywhere the eye is drawn there is imported marble. Walnut walls, ceilings, stained glass and staircases offer warm welcomes. The basement could easily have been the place of romance, murder, hauntings, and espionage. Hidden and trick spaces surprised me.
I have to write a book using this historic house as a setting. I HAVE to. But, first I have to finish "Rebecca's Journey," submit those stories waiting in folders, write up an interview, and look through the pages of one word or one sentence notes I've taken over the months.
The second thing that really, really inspired me was a gift in the mail. My dear friend, Mindy, from the Bayou Writer's Group (BWG) sent me a unique and embellished journal. Several friends of mine from BWG sent notes and words of encouragement in the journal. Amazing what a journal can do, isn't it?
I can't tell you how much I miss my BWG friends and the writing support they so freely give. I continue to look for a writer's group in this area. Think I found one in Wichita Falls and, maybe, one here in Durant. A web search turned up a group near Dallas, I may visit them occasionally.
Having a group to support and understand the mind and imaginings of a writer is important to our survival and success.
So, I am back and ready to post regularly. And, ready to write again.
Blessings to all.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
CANCER in our lives
Since returning to Oklahoma I've been involved with trips to M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston every three weeks. I come with my husband's cousin, Ronny, and his wife, Tammy. The appointments are reminiscent of being rounded up as a herd of cattle would be for branding. Yet, there is method to the madness. M.D Andereson is choreographed well. It is no wonder they have an international reputation.
Ron is in the midst of a recurrence of nasopharyngeal cancer. This time it is impeding into the bones of his skull. Ronny is only 54. He and Tammy have three children aging 21 to 13. Until this time around we've felt hopeful. This time there is less hope. Since yesterday (Monday) Ronny has had multiple vials of blood drawn, seen three physicians, been fitted for a radiation simulation mask, had a dose of chemo, an MRI and plenty of hurry up and wait time. Today he had more simulation for the radiation, which will begin on March 10, followed by another MRI. Tomorrow is another busy day. We're trying to get finished and get home before the devastating effects of his chemo hit.
Watching the chemo ravage his body is almost more than I can bear. I have taken care of many patients over the years and had no trouble doing what was necessary to help them get better. On the other hand, doing things which may be uncomfortable for someone I dearly love tears me in half. For the next week he will lie very near death.
I try to stay calm and informed for everyone. It is hard.
When we are at M.D. Anderson the hell of cancer is visible and much like the proverbial elephant in the room. For every person sitting in the myriad of waiting rooms there is at least one family member or friend with them. Fear is tangible, but so is hope and courage. The employees are kind, understanding, cheerful and very knowledgable.
Cancer affects everyone. It doesn't discriminate. I have seen very wealthy people, including an entourage escorting a Sheik. And, I have seen those who seem to be homeless. All are treated well as best I can tell. I know my beloved cousin is in one of the best possible places to be treated for cancer. Yet, I wonder. I pray and try my very best not to succumb to fear or worry.
On a final note, I want to remember my own mother's courageous battle with lung cancer. She died in 1997, but she was happy and in touch with God until she drew her last breath. Should I ever acquire cancer, I hope to face it with the kind of hope, optimism, and courage of my cousin and mother.
Ron is in the midst of a recurrence of nasopharyngeal cancer. This time it is impeding into the bones of his skull. Ronny is only 54. He and Tammy have three children aging 21 to 13. Until this time around we've felt hopeful. This time there is less hope. Since yesterday (Monday) Ronny has had multiple vials of blood drawn, seen three physicians, been fitted for a radiation simulation mask, had a dose of chemo, an MRI and plenty of hurry up and wait time. Today he had more simulation for the radiation, which will begin on March 10, followed by another MRI. Tomorrow is another busy day. We're trying to get finished and get home before the devastating effects of his chemo hit.
Watching the chemo ravage his body is almost more than I can bear. I have taken care of many patients over the years and had no trouble doing what was necessary to help them get better. On the other hand, doing things which may be uncomfortable for someone I dearly love tears me in half. For the next week he will lie very near death.
I try to stay calm and informed for everyone. It is hard.
When we are at M.D. Anderson the hell of cancer is visible and much like the proverbial elephant in the room. For every person sitting in the myriad of waiting rooms there is at least one family member or friend with them. Fear is tangible, but so is hope and courage. The employees are kind, understanding, cheerful and very knowledgable.
Cancer affects everyone. It doesn't discriminate. I have seen very wealthy people, including an entourage escorting a Sheik. And, I have seen those who seem to be homeless. All are treated well as best I can tell. I know my beloved cousin is in one of the best possible places to be treated for cancer. Yet, I wonder. I pray and try my very best not to succumb to fear or worry.
On a final note, I want to remember my own mother's courageous battle with lung cancer. She died in 1997, but she was happy and in touch with God until she drew her last breath. Should I ever acquire cancer, I hope to face it with the kind of hope, optimism, and courage of my cousin and mother.
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