More Soul Searching

I had a lot of time yesterday despite the water balloon disaster all over my house. Damn neighborhood kids! It was raining so there was no playing outside, so one of them in a moment of brilliance, decided it would be fun to bring a bag of water balloons to drop them out the window.

Unbeknownst to me (I was upstairs deep in thought), the balloons ended up getting busted in the house. My kids were just as guilty (all but one - the precious little angel) and needless to say, I went sick. I did it on purpose just to scare them away and I hope it works for at least a few days. Sometimes I believe these kids are being raised by a pack of wolves - that I'm the only one who sees them as human, a cruel visual joke.

Why else do they trash my house like they do? I have to admit, when I do visit the other parents to pick up a kid, they rarely let me past the front door. I peer inside and know why. Their living space is a cluttered disaster.

I'll be traveling this holiday weekend. Hubby and I decided to get away to the mountains - of course the kids will be coming with us. Perhaps some fresh air, alone time and relaxation will help heal both our wounded souls. He even drove to South Carolina yesterday evening to get the good fireworks, so we don't have to forego the fireworks show that the Country Club does every year. If you've ever purchased fireworks in SC you know the fire power that is legal there. Joe Blow Citizen can buy the same stuff that the pros use. We might be missing a few fingers after all of this but hey, it is legal.

I did take some time yesterday to think about how my behavior led to this mess. The self-imposed isolation had alot to do with the problems at hand. I'm emerging from the shadows in baby steps. It is hard now that my guard is down and my heart is open to both trust and share. I believe it will do me well to stay close to home for awhile before venturing back to ball practice. MEOW!

BK

Brutally Honest Confession

Personal Baggage Unload - Read at your own risk . . .

I thought I was being strong - me and my "Teflon exterior". But what I refuse to acknowledge just ate away at me from the inside and kept me isolated to the point where being alone was the only happiness I had - and still have.

But then something happened to shake me from my isolation. I grew used to being ignored and forgotten, but when others were being treated much better than I was, my resentment reached a new level.

There was nothing concrete - gut feel mostly and some suspicious goings on. What was once concern evolved into distrust to the point where a simple comment led to an emotional and verbal explosion that lasted well into the evening. Everything I've held back over the past years spewed forth with the velocity of a freight train despite my attempts to hold back.

I'll admit I've built up layers - too many of them. Perhaps I overreacted and was accused of doing so, but I don't believe I did. If the issue at hand isn't occurring now, it soon would be and I trust that feeling wholeheartedly. I am not so gullible to accept that the behavior was as harmless as was insisted. Actions speak so much louder than any plea of innocence.

I let it all fester too long - to the point where I barely spoke other than when spoken to. I retreated to my books which for now is my comfort zone. Just me and the pages, my thoughts, and any emotion I felt was a result of some fantastic authors. I tucked all other feelings away where they couldn't hurt.

But it is all out there. I can't do anything else but wait and see.

So, there - all this time I considered myself a brooding artist, I was only isolating myself from potential pain. This is why I picked up the pen again to begin with. It wasn't because I missed writing - I did it to escape. My personal life was a wreck and writing came so easily for me - I need easy.

The layers are gone and I feel raw and exposed. The pressure is gone and there are no secrets. I'm sad and wonder if I'll ever be happy again. Worse, I fear that nothing will change. To make matters worse, one of the persons involved announced that they're trying to buy a house in my neighborhood. How fucking convenient.

On the writing front, I finished the edits for Wildchild Publishing and resubmitted a poem to River Walk Journal. Well, I'm off to finish Issue 91.

BK

I am a Writer

I am a writer and sometimes those who depend on me forget that. They forget that I have deadlines, writers block and times of deep thought where I don't hear a word they say. They forget I'm a loner and force me into conversation. They forget I'm more than just someone to carry all their stuff, do their laundry and fix their meals.

Angela, another writer, summed it up in her blog entry dated June 24th. I am judged by others, especially other mothers, who perhaps give just a bit too much of themselves to their family (in my opinion anyway). Here is my response to those who feel the need to judge:

1. No I'm not into Lancombe, Clinique, Mary Kay or any other pricey cosmetics - the stuff off of the Wal Mart shelf works just fine!

2. Who needs a manicure to get rid of my cuticles when I can chew them off myself free (okay I have to admit I do have a regular pedicure)!

3. Playdates - yeah right!

4. My white are so just as white as yours!

5. Yes I do only work part time and NO I don't have time to clean my house.

6. No I'm not getting a minivan. My pickup truck works just fine.

7. Do something special for my husband? Are you nuckin' futs? What's he done for me lately?

8. Workout? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

9. The reason I make your kids stay outside when you shoo them over to my house (unless they have to go to the bathroom) is because I DON"T LIKE THEM!

I've spent three days on the ballfield and I only hollered at the umpire during one game. It believe it was my personal best. I can handle the team I'm cheering for losing - that is not a problem and have been through many, many of those. There is a problem when the umpire tends to help out the opposing team with a string of bad calls. I'm not picking on the overall bad umpire who makes bad calls all around (that is usually a wash) - it is rather the umpire who has obviously chosen the team he wants to win and helps them out whenever he can.

Despite the excellent play by the opposing team and the assistance of the umpire, B3's softball team came back out of the Losers Bracket to win the NC State Fastpitch Championship yesterday. It was awesome to watch. The girls played their hearts out and held an extremely aggressive team to 4 - 0! Proud Parent Moment.

Now back to the writer part of me. I made a promise to myself to spend at least two hours per day writing. Even if I'm just staring at the blank screen, I'll sit there the whole time.

Projects to work on for this week:

1. Issues 91 and 92 of the serial
2. Strange Fruit edits
3. Simple Man Poem edits

We'll see how this works out.

BK

Experience Required . . . .

Office rant to the suits: If you must sign off on this damned scrap form for $500k then you might want to be at your EFFing desk sometime during the EFFing day!!!!!

Geez, some people. There are certain aspects of my day job where I must have approval to write hundreds of thousands of dollars off the books. It has to be done but somewhere along the line "the man" determined that I alone cannot make such a decision. FINE! Then make yourself available to approve this shit when it needs to be done before the end of the quarter!!!!

Okay, I'm done with that.

I've fallen into a rut of going through the motions. My writing is stalled, my brain is on autopilot and to be quite honest, I haven't been worth a crap lately. I blame in on summer vacation where I'm forced to play camp counselor.

So, I've set down some rules. Monday's is Carowinds day since there aren't many people at the park that day. Tuesday is now a writing day. Wednesday and Thursday will be spent at the community pool and Friday is another writing day.

I've laid down the law with the kids and their pesky little friends. They can come over, but if I even hear so much as a peep out of anyone then OUT THEY GO! My kids have the job of keeping their friends away from the snack cabinet and away from the soda stash. I bet I've spent over $200.00 on snacks that just amazingly disappear.

"Where did all the soda go?" I asked yesterday. "I bought at least 48 cans at the store on Sunday."

"Uh . . . I don't know," was the answer.

"Well, let me clue you in," I hissed. "They're all over the freakin' yard, open and half full."

Out comes the garbage bag and four little B's are trekking the yard picking up trash from days past.

Well, I'm off to get my life back.

BK

A Few Things . . .

Yesterday I managed 881 words of issue 90. It's not finished, but at least I wrote something. It was a beautiful day though - mid eighties, no humidity and a light breeze rustled the leaves. I sat in the sun room with the laptop and pounded the keys while the kids squirted each other with a water hose.

I told the kids a bit too early that we were going to Carowinds today. I've invited two of B2 teammates to join us. That's all - just two friends. That will total six kids (4 of them are mine).

It is a wonder how I now have more kids inviting themselves than I have room for in the CONVERSION VAN that will seat at least nine kids. Ugghhh! I know some neighborhood moms purchased season passes just so they can pawn their kids off on me. B1 has the duty of picking two of his friends to go with him and calling the rest to tell them there is no more room.

I had to drive B3 to softball practice yesterday. It normally isn't a bad trip but the coach decided it would be a good idea to take them to Winthop University in Rock Hill SC to work with the college coach down there. What??? These are 8 & 9 year old girls. So there I was in a gas-sucking Ford F-150 screaming down the interstate in rush hour traffic.

Actually it was beneficial for them as we have a huge tournament this weekend. There are 11 teams which is rare for 8 and under softball.

B2 also plays this weekend in the same tournament. Their team really needs a win! (And some more players so they don't keep having to ask B3 to sub as she is only 8 years old and some of these 10 and under pitchers are pretty fast.)

I've updated my submissions log since I have received some news.

I got a rejection in the mail from Epiphany for my poems. Sorry and thanks - WC was scribbled on my letter. Oh well.

The good news is Wildchild Publishing will be publishing an excerpt from my novel in an upcoming issue. I need to tweak a bit as the editor recommends. But it is wonderful news.

Outstanding Submissions:

2 Short Stories to Solander (10/4/2004 and 2/28/2005)
1 Short Story to Collective Stories (1/27/2005)
1 Article to Charlotte Parent (2/28/2005)
1 Poetry Column to Penwomanship (3/9/2005)
2 Poems to Copperfield Review (5/31/2005)
5 Poems to Wildchild Publishing (6/16/2005)
5 Poems to Word Riot (6/22/2005)

I really need to write some new stuff.

Tonight, I plan to finish issue 90 of the serial and move on to the last nine issues.

BK

Little Surprises

I believe my life is back to normal for awhile. My schedule is stable and B1 is home. Can I find time to write. Youbetcha! Is my muse with me. Yepper!

Could it be? Could there possibly be a new and revolutionary e-zine on the literary horizon? One who will soon led the pack on energy infusing and thought provoking pose as well as informative articles? Stay tuned folks, this "puppy" is about to be born!

This week I need to complete issues 90, 91 and 92 of the serial. I've got issue 90 pretty much drafted, although I must find a way to make a chicken thief interesting (oooh, I know . . . I'll throw in a gun!). Well that was easy.

BK

Happy Birthday Pure Grace

My blog is a year old today. On June 16, 2004 I leapt into the blogging world and never looked back. It has evolved over time - from a parchment style template to the burgundy shades and to the template you see today.

Looking back over past posts, I can't help but feel a sense of accomplishment.

On June 30, 2004 I wrote, "I am managing one of the best writing days I’ve had in a long time. I’ve finished a first draft of my Civil War short story – 3,998 words."

This became the basis of the serial and is now at 147,649 words and will become a Middle Grade 3 book series (I'm hoping anyway).

On July 16,2004 I wrote, "I registered my pen name as an internet domain and started work on my website."

Does anyone remember the undersea background or the puffy clouds? The website has evolved since it's inception and after a year, I'm finally happy with it!

On this day (7/16/04) I also wrote, "I HAVE heard something from one of my submissions. I got an email from the editor at Emerging Women Writers and my poem, Sanctuary, will be published in their July issue. I keep re-reading the note to make sure there is no mistake and I’m woozy from the adrenalin rush. I haven’t heard from any others, but I’m still hopeful and now, published."

My first poem published! Man what a rush that was.

On August 1, 2004 I wrote, "I received an offer today for a paid writing opportunity. Yes, paid."

It was the offer from KIC for the serial. Little did I know how this story would evolve but it has over the year and I am a little sad it is coming to an end.

My entire world changed on August 27, 2004 when I wrote, "Well, I’m officially unemployed. Eight weeks of severance. I should be depressed, anxious, and perhaps a little angry, but that’s not the nature of a writer. I’ll admit, some of my best poetry comes from those emotions and I hope I get of least one good poem out of the situation."

I never looked back and even though I toyed with another full-time job, it didn't last long.

On September 22, 2004 I wrote, "This sounds nice, doesn’t it? I clicked on Wildchild Publishing today and my jaw fell to the floor. A Soldier’s Story was awarded the Editors Choice Award. I’m so excited – today the Editors Choice Award, tomorrow the Pulitzer! Hey, it could happen."

I haven't won it since, but WCP has been good to me. In September I also created my PM Webpage and wrote my first press release.

October also saw a few more acceptances.

The New Year saw GDR's develop and change. I also had three book reviews published as well as a few more short stories and poems.

It's been a wild ride of highs, lows, rants and raves, but I must say I love the blogging world!

I did manage to tweak issue 89 to 2046 words. I sent issues 86,87,88 to the editor. I hope to draft issue 90 today. Only ten more issues to go!

BK

A New Release and Other Random Musings

Cover the Butter is my next book purchase. I've *known* the author, Carrie Kabak, for a number of years at various writing forums. Congrats Carrie and I can't wait to read it.

I eeked out issue 89 of the serial at 1967 words. It was slow and painful, but I worked and worked, and at last got the story I wanted. I even managed to incoporate maggot therapy!
Now on to issue 90.

I received a rejection for four of my poems from Failbetter. No matter though as I'll find another market for them.

Today I must draft issue 90. I'd like to get two more issues completed this week, but I'm not sure I'll get it.

I poetry muse is back. I've written my first poem in months. I submitted it and four others to Wildchild Publishing. Perhaps I'll hear back from them regarding my poetry this time. I haven't in the past though, so I'm not getting my hopes up.

B4 is the baby and has no friends in the neighborhood. He's not having a very good summer. I knew there had to be some other boys his age nearby, so last evening he and I took a walk - and ran into his old friend from the pool from when they were babies. Whew, now he can have a friend over.

Not a real exciting blog today, but I can feel the blahs coming on.

BK

Maggie - My eleven year old baby

Coming Out of My Funk

Today I took stock of my goals, measured where I was and concluded that I suck! I haven't been worthy of the "writer" label that I desire and somethings got to change. The serial is stalled and I'm now only 5 issues ahead of my subscribers. The truly sorry part about it all is that I'm less than 25,000 words away from finishing the darn thing - that 10.2 days at 2000 words per day.

My goal for this week is ~2,000 words per day beginning today, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. 8,000 words and 4 issues ought to get me caught up. The serial evolved from a short story I wrote over a year ago, so luckily for me I can use some of the short story in a few of the last issues. This is nothing I haven't done before, I just need to get rid of my lost hopes, doubt and fear of failure. I know, just do it and quit whining.

My sister came down yesterday to pick up R2 and ended up taking B1 back with her. I'll have to drive up and get him Saturday. It was so nice to just sit and chat as it has been a long time since we've visited.

It's funny how when I look back at how we used to fight (she is 4 years older than I am) when we lived at home. Now we're closer than ever even though we live five hours apart and see each other only on holidays. We call often (when we're not running kids all over town) and I'm joining her and some of her friends for a trip to New York City in December. It's funny, even though we may not talk for weeks, we know that we're always there for each other. It's a relationship only sisters can have.

B2 and I cleaned out the sunroom from where the dog was in there after being diagnosed with arthritis a while back. We took out all the plastic and floor coverings, cleaned the furniture and put everything back in order. Ah, my new writing spot!

I've almost got the dog's winter coat brushed out of her. She'll go to the vet this week for a bath, toenail clipping and a flea dip.

But now, I have to go buy a new vacuum sweeper. I posted a pic of my dog.

BK

Where I write (and surf)

Angela (see Reflections blog link on the side) posed a question on our forum: What does our writing space look like. Well here's mine. There was once an entertainment center where my bookcase is. Ha! Like we need another TV room in this house.

My laptop is downstairs.


BK

My peace.

My Books

My Loverly Desk and Stuff

My Writing Space

A Little of Everything

Okay first off, how can I compete with the latest rights offering on PM? Gaw, it'll probably sell. Good luck Mr. S and thanks for your part in dumbing down America.

Perhaps I need to read this. And then again, I really don't need another book to tell me that the market is tough, I must write fresh and provocative prose, and be very, very lucky.

There's a new blog on the horizon. This one is hilarious.

I took the afternoon off and took the B's to the local amusement park. It was at least 90 degrees outside. B1 took off with his cousin who was visiting the same park on an end of school field trip, so I kept B2, B3 and B4 with me. We had a major breakthough as no one suggested the kiddie rides. Even though we didn't ride the truly horrific rides such as the Hurler, the White Knuckle, the Cranium Crusher, the Busted Rib or the Blood Rusher I wasn't on the Kiddie coaster nor did have to ride those horrid balloons (talk about hurl!).

I planned to dash with the three B's around 3:30 but there was no line at one of the roller coasters so they didn't have to get off - and wouldn't until I jumped on the platform and screamed of freeway traffic and softball practice. We were all hot, sweaty and exhausted and it was barely 4 pm. I did hit a bit of traffic but got home by 4:35 and in time for B3 to change her clothes and then race back across town to get her to practice. Hubby took ownership of B2 and B4 for the rest of the evening.

I dropped B3 off at the field and then raced back to fetch B1 and my nephew (I'll call him R2). Scooped them up and then drove two miles an hour in traffic back to B3's practice, all while thunderstorms loomed dark on the horizon.

No writing again. Damn this summer break. This week is a loss, so here's to next week. I have got to get my act together.

On a final note, I'd like to take a moment and commend all those wonderful parent chaperones who give of their time so the young ones can travel, learn and have some fun. Wow.

Have a great weekend.

BK

Could It Be??? Writer's Block

I sat down to write last night . . . and nothing. I just stared at the screen until the low battery prompt popped up (which usually happens after three hours). I don't know what's wrong with me.

I'd like to say goodbye to Anne Bancroft. I've read the pieces on her life and career this morning. Yes, I realized she starred in The Graduate (1967), but there was so much more. My personal favorites were The Turning Point (1977) with Shirley McLaine and Agnes of God (1985) with Jane Fonda. Her portrayal of Mother Superior was the best! I also enjoyed her performance in Great Expections (1998), even though I really didn't like the movie much. There was also a made for TV movie where she played another eccentric woman who ended up taking in her wayward grandchildren by her estranged and mentally ill daughter. I can't recall the title.

I googled Writers Block and was amazed by the plethora of information on the web. I perused a few sites but decided I'll get through it just like I do everything else - by my own will and determination.

I spent the morning visiting writers forums and sending emails to members that are MIA. Writing can be a very lonely venture.

Well enough here, I'm off to find a cure - or lay my happy-butt by the pool all afternoon!

BK

My M. A.

Remember when I had to dress up B2 as Maya Angelou for school. Well here she is. I got 110% on my project!


B2 as Maya Angelou

What Happened to the Weekend?

I lost it somewhere at the softball fields. Uhmmm. Anyhow, B2's team stunk up the field pretty bad. I've heard that us parents are to drop the girls off at the fields for practice Tuesday and leave them with the coaches. I also heard they are going to run. Oh, I don't think so. First of all, I haven't received the call as I think the coaches are fearful of the earful I'll give them as my daughter will NOT run because of some bad games.

First of all, I saw her make one error at shortstop in all five games. She hit good and I believe she only struck out once. How about working on some fundamentals? Better yet, let the "effing" coaches run since there was no aggressive base running AT ALL! I already found two other travel organizations ready to take B2 if I decide to move her. I'm not about causing trouble and plotting behind the coaches back. I'll voice my grievance (and already have) and take her elsewhere. They are all too aware of my methods after I moved B3 when I'd had enough.

B3's team came in 2nd in the tournament and she played very well. She hit good and only bobbled one ball as she played second base.

I didn't get to watch B3's championship game as I had to drive B1 over to his baseball banquet. I was really proud when the coach (who I believe is a pompous ass) gave him the Sportsmanship award. This organization is famous for "Daddyball" and B1 didn't get the playing time he deserved. He made the school baseball team for crying out loud! But B1 is okay with it, since he's dealt with it since we joined the association in fall of 2000. I'm very proud of my boy.

B4 spent the weekend playing with the other siblings at the fields. Being the thoughtful mom that I am, I packed three super-soakers and a bag of tennis balls. Even though I didn't see him or his posse for most of the games, I saw the aftermath of adults walking around with wet streaks on their clothes as a result of rampant super-soaker misfire. No one complained as it was about 90+ degrees both days.

So there was no writing.

I'd planned to get some writing done yesterday, but that didn't happen. I took the kids to Target to get their swim goggles. They never last two summers at my house. So, we made our purchase and went back to the truck. IT WOULDN'T START. Ughhhh!

I called MIL who graciously hastened her lunch to come and pick up the kids and take them home. It was only a hundred degrees outside. I had to stay until the tow truck came, about an hour and a half after AAA called them (thank goodness for that little gold card!). I towed it to the local garage that usually does my oil changes instead of the dealership.

Could it be the starter? The alternator? Nope, it was a bad connection to the battery and the bill was only $37.14. I think I've found my new mechanic.

I spent a few hours at the gocery store as there was absolutely NO food in the house. B1 has started his low-carb eating plan so the whole trip was making sure he had enough in the house. B2, B3, and B4 went with me and I was surprised at how often they flipped products over to the nutritional content label to look for carb content. B2 even found the no-carb jello that I'd passed over. But even if B1 knew the care, concern, and support that B2, B3, and B4 showed this afternoon, he wouldn't appreciate it. I even put all of B1 approved snacks on a shelf by themselves and told him they should last him a month. I was concerned about what he would eat for lunch (every night I fix his bacon and eggs for breakfast the next day) until I found some low carb tortillas. Voila! Now he can have a sandwich.

All the while, I was also doing laundry. For some demented and misguided reason, hubby thought it would be funny if he shot me in the butt with the pellet gun as I bent over to sort socks. He only pumped it once (or so he said) and fired. Let me tell you, I haven't cried from pain in a long time (and this from a woman who has lived through foot surgery, two laser laparoscopies, four cesarean sections and a major nose job) but I wailed like a toddler. Gaw, the pain.

"Did that hurt?" he asked.

I couldn't answer nor could I move fast enough to wrap my skinny fingers around his friggin' neck!

The pellet hit me in the back pocket of my Levi's with enough force to cause a flesh wound from impact. I believe if it would have it me anywhere else the pellet would have penetrated my skin. Yes, I am married to the BIGGEST HORSE'S ASS in North Carolina! Needless to say, he was very apologetic and I was very distant for the rest of the evening.

B2, B3, and B4 built a huge tent in B2's bedroom, so I tucked them in around nine and took my throbbing butt to bed.

I believe my last words to him were, "You'll pay!" Bwaaahaaaahaaaahaaaa!

BK

I stole this from Michelle Miles' blog. I don't usually do this but this is sooo me.

Your Expression Number is 11

You tend to be associated with idealistic concepts and spiritual issues.You have high potentials that are somewhat difficult to live up to.You have very strong intuition and you can be a bit psychic at times. Highly inspirational, you can lead merely by your own example.You have an inborn inner strength and awareness that helps you advise others.Although you have what it takes for a successful career, you belong outside the business world. Overly sensitive and temperamental, you tend to have a lot of nervous tension.You dream a lot, so much so that you may be more of a dreamer than a doer.Fantasy and reality tend to get intermingled for you, and that leads to impracticality.

What's" Your Expression Number?

Today was another non-writing day. I was up at 6:30 am and at the ballfield in Rock Hill by 10 am. Ughhh! I think I'm getting one of those nasty summer colds. My head is heavy, my chest is tight and I have a nagging cough.

I'm looking forward to the new moon. I hope my creativity will take over and I can write, write, write.

BK

Gheesh! Rain for the 3rd Straight Day

I am soooo sick of rain. Yes, I realize I live in a place prone to years of drought and brown grass by early July, but give me a freakin' break!

KIC has a new Fantasy serial: Mysteries of Nur by Mark Orr. Please take a moment to read this one. (Nur is supposed to have those two little dots over the u but . . . .)

There is a new blog I read: Good Vibrations. The phototgraphy and artwork by the Green-eyed lady is breathtaking. I'm also excited as I hear she is going to join the online writers group that I belong to. There is a permanent link to her blog on the side of mine.

I hope the new moon will get the creativity flowing again. Wait . . . I think it's starting already!

Have a great weekend everyone!

BK

Last Day of School for the B's

Today is the last day of school. All four had perfect attendance and three of them made A Honor Roll. It's been a pretty good year and I'm proud of all the B's.

I managed to eek out issue 88 of the serial.

Blood on an Appalachian Sunset Stats:99 issues total (167,000 words)
88 issues completed (145,603 words)
11 issues to go (21,397 words)
Issues written since "getting serious" on 4/20/2005: 13
Words written since "getting serious" on 4/20/2005: 23,849
Estimated Completion Date: Week of 6/19/2005

I emailed 6 issues to the editor. I'm only 8 issues ahead of my subscribers but I'll catch up. I plan to draft issue 89 tonight. It is raining so I believe today will be a great day to lie on the couch under a comfy blanket and watch LOTR. What do you think?

BK

I Am -- A GENIUS!

Office Rant: Before I get started, let me first say to the son-of-a-bitch who keeps taking the last bit of coffee and sneaking away without making more for the rest of us - I KNOW WHO YOU ARE AND AS GOD IS MY WITNESS, THE NEXT TIME I SEE YOU COMING WITH YOUR EMPTY CUP, I'LL POUR WHAT COFFEE IS LEFT IN THE "EFFING' POT DOWN THE DRAIN JUST SO YOU CAN'T HAVE IT!

Okay, so it wasn't a great writing day yesterday. In fact, other than a short blog entry there was no writing at all.

My mind wandered to Chapter 1 of Strange Fruit, my novel. I haven't worked on it at all since I started writing the serial, but a nagging voice inside my head (the one who seems to absorb all that information in those how-to-write books) keeps telling me that I must have the reader hooked in the first five pages. Well, to be honest, the first Chapter is very literary and if the reader is not a normal reader of literary fiction, I could lose them. Soooo, I came up with a brilliant idea. Cut 2/3 of Chapter 1 until I get to the action and then add the 2/3 back in a "flashback" scene later in the story.

I didn't win the auction. Although I'm sorry that Book 1 of the serial will not be read by Arthur Devine, I'm glad I'm not the one shelling out $1650.00 for the privilege. I'm also happy that the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation gets the money. Whew!

Today is dark and rainy, but at least I have no plans after work. Nothing like spending an evening with my characters.

BK