I'm not a big fan of change. Basically, when things are good, I like them to stay that way. Change has a way of shuffling things around and making them different. I don't like different. I like my comfortable, 'the way it always is' way of life.
But I've noticed recently that there are some areas where change is a good thing.
I've been working out a lot lately. I get on my treadmill about five times a week and do some running. While I run I always listen to music. I tend to latch on to a favorite CD and listen to it constantly. The other day, for a change of pace, I put in a different CD. And I had a REALLY great workout. The change of music changed my workout...for the better. I had more energy. I ran longer. I was really in a groove.
It got me to thinking about my writing. Last summer I finally (yes, yes I know I'm WAY behind the times) invested in a lap top. I wanted to be able to get some writing done and not have the "it's too nice to sit inside at my computer today" attitude. That lap top has been great! I write all over the place now. Living room, kitchen, front porch, back porch, in bed, and even out in the garage on occassion (if my hubby's out there messing around with his car.) I've found that 'mixing it up' a little helps to lessen writers' block. A change of scenery keeps the words flowing (most of the time!).
As I've been fiddling with my WIP, lately I find myself skipping to different parts of the story. When an idea strikes, I simply go to that part and write. I don't worry about writing from page 1 to page 300. I write what I feel like writing. And the page count is rising. The story is being told.
And as for the weather here in the midwest, I am DEFINITELY ready for a change. I am done with cold and snow and ice and rain and wind. I am ready for spring.
Hmnn? Maybe those folks who say "variety is the spice of life" have something there. Maybe I should change my outlook and embrace change, instead of fearing it.
It seems to be working so far!
Until next time,
Happy Reading!
Debra
www.debrastjohnromance.com
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Spring in Paris by Margot Justes
Any time is a good time to go to Paris. Rain, shine, hot or cold, Paris never loses its charm. But spring is a glorious time to visit; in fact Charles Aznavour sang a song about Paris in May and because it’s almost spring and we’re going on a journey. Let your imagination soar, cross the Atlantic and voila-we’re there.
Picture yourself standing at the Place de la Concorde; looking straight ahead to the Arc de Triomphe standing guard, the Champs-Elysees beckon, walk up that grand tree lined shopping Mecca…but wait, rather than throw yourself into the jostling tourist crowds, there is gentler, quieter introduction to Paris. One, I promise won’t disappoint; more introspective, passionate and exquisite. Romance pure and simple, after all we’re in Paris.
Go to the Rodin Museum, walk, take a cab, the Metro, anyway you see fit, but get there.
Even before you enter the intimate museum, you can get a glimpse of the treasures within through the glass wall. Yes, a glass wall allows you to see the backs of the Burghers of Calais. Can you think of a better enticement?
Enter through the old doors and you’re in Rodin’s gardens, visiting his home. The Gates of Hell, the massive portals greet you coming in and going out; it is a portal as no other.
Inspired by Dante’s Inferno, they are magnificent. An endeavor that took almost four decades, bears an unforgettable semblance of chaos-Rodin was thought to believe that hell is not only a place for the dead but the living as well. The agony, will to survive, beauty, horror-it’s all there for you to see.
Wonder through the gardens, sit on the bench in front of the Thinker and strike a pose. He’s there in the elements right in the midst of the gardens. Stroll further and meet Balzac. Sit down in the outdoor café and sip a delicious cup of coffee, listen to the birds chirp and look around you-treasures abound. The Burghers of Calais await your visit, an incredible sculpture depicting men willing to sacrifice their lives to save their village. The heartbreaking sorrow reflected in their faces is simply astounding.
For me the urge to touch and savor a piece of sculpture is always there, whether it’s smooth and flowing or harsh and gnarly, doesn’t matter, I just feel the need to touch. But it wasn’t till I was introduced to Rodin’s work that I saw passion portrayed with such force-agony with such poignancy-hope and survival with such strength.
His work moves me beyond the norm…each sinew, rope, muscle is so well defined-his mastery of reaching the depth of emotion pulls me in and tugs.
We’re by no means done with Rodin, next week we’ll go inside his home.
Till next Time,
Margot Justes
A Hotel in Paris ISBN 978-1-59080-534-3
Art brought her to Paris, then a stranger’s death changes her life.
Missing ISBN 978-1-59080-611 1
Heat of the Moment ISBN 978-1-59080-596-1
www.mjustes.com
available on amazon.com
Picture yourself standing at the Place de la Concorde; looking straight ahead to the Arc de Triomphe standing guard, the Champs-Elysees beckon, walk up that grand tree lined shopping Mecca…but wait, rather than throw yourself into the jostling tourist crowds, there is gentler, quieter introduction to Paris. One, I promise won’t disappoint; more introspective, passionate and exquisite. Romance pure and simple, after all we’re in Paris.
Go to the Rodin Museum, walk, take a cab, the Metro, anyway you see fit, but get there.
Even before you enter the intimate museum, you can get a glimpse of the treasures within through the glass wall. Yes, a glass wall allows you to see the backs of the Burghers of Calais. Can you think of a better enticement?
Enter through the old doors and you’re in Rodin’s gardens, visiting his home. The Gates of Hell, the massive portals greet you coming in and going out; it is a portal as no other.
Inspired by Dante’s Inferno, they are magnificent. An endeavor that took almost four decades, bears an unforgettable semblance of chaos-Rodin was thought to believe that hell is not only a place for the dead but the living as well. The agony, will to survive, beauty, horror-it’s all there for you to see.
Wonder through the gardens, sit on the bench in front of the Thinker and strike a pose. He’s there in the elements right in the midst of the gardens. Stroll further and meet Balzac. Sit down in the outdoor café and sip a delicious cup of coffee, listen to the birds chirp and look around you-treasures abound. The Burghers of Calais await your visit, an incredible sculpture depicting men willing to sacrifice their lives to save their village. The heartbreaking sorrow reflected in their faces is simply astounding.
For me the urge to touch and savor a piece of sculpture is always there, whether it’s smooth and flowing or harsh and gnarly, doesn’t matter, I just feel the need to touch. But it wasn’t till I was introduced to Rodin’s work that I saw passion portrayed with such force-agony with such poignancy-hope and survival with such strength.
His work moves me beyond the norm…each sinew, rope, muscle is so well defined-his mastery of reaching the depth of emotion pulls me in and tugs.
We’re by no means done with Rodin, next week we’ll go inside his home.
Till next Time,
Margot Justes
A Hotel in Paris ISBN 978-1-59080-534-3
Art brought her to Paris, then a stranger’s death changes her life.
Missing ISBN 978-1-59080-611 1
Heat of the Moment ISBN 978-1-59080-596-1
www.mjustes.com
available on amazon.com
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Dead Bodies Under the House by Tony Burton
Hey, I’m a crime fiction writer, but I don’t expect to have dead bodies under my house. However, it does sometimes happen. No, I not some ghoul, but I live out in the country, where field mice and gophers and woodchucks and possums and all sorts of critters wander around, so it's bound to happen more often with me. This time, it’s a rodent of some sort.
Well, in case you haven't had the olfactory experience, let me tell you—a decomposing rodent has a unique scent. I don't know why, I don't know how, but it does. Maybe it's just me. My wife is a health nut, and she read an article once about people who are called "supertasters". These are people who, by the grace of God, have more than their share of taste and olfactory sensitivity.
My wife says my sense of smell is uncanny. For example, one day she walked into the bedroom. She's standing 10 feet away from me. I looked up and sniffed. "Decided to have a banana before bed, honey?" I inquired. Her jaw dropped, and she stood there quizzing me for at least ten minutes on how I could smell bananas on her breath at ten paces.
Anyway, back to the dead rodent issue. Well, for about three or four days, a strange odor has been wafting into the house from somewhere. It's definitely dead rodent. The scent is strongest in our “library.” (That’s what we call the room where we keep most of our 3,500-plus books.) So, since we have a delightful, generous little dog named Buddy who loves to share his "finds" with us, I thought that perhaps he had stashed a dead rodent somewhere in there. Thus far this winter he has found two discarded deer legs from a hunter’s field-dressed kill, and a couple of rabbits. (No, he didn’t bring them into the house. Just the front yard. Chew toys.)
So, I move things around. Moved and replaced stacks of books. Shifted bookcases. Un-piled boxes. Nada. I've checked elsewhere, too. Behind the television, under the refrigerator and the armoire. Behind the sofa. No traces of rodent genetic material to be found. A CSI investigator, I'm not.
But, when I leave the house for a while and then return, I can still sense that presence—haunting me, laughing at me, thumbing its pointed, whiskered nose at me from the Great Rodent Beyond. So, I've made up my mind. I know what I must do.
Tomorrow I plan to don my "nasty work" coveralls and slither under the house, into the crawl space. There, I hope I can find and easily dispose of the little beggar. Unless, of course, he has snitched on Big Jimmy the Rat, and is wearing small, mouse-sized cement overshoes. Then, I might have to just look the other way.
Tony Burton
http://www.honeylocustpress.com/serendipity/
Well, in case you haven't had the olfactory experience, let me tell you—a decomposing rodent has a unique scent. I don't know why, I don't know how, but it does. Maybe it's just me. My wife is a health nut, and she read an article once about people who are called "supertasters". These are people who, by the grace of God, have more than their share of taste and olfactory sensitivity.
My wife says my sense of smell is uncanny. For example, one day she walked into the bedroom. She's standing 10 feet away from me. I looked up and sniffed. "Decided to have a banana before bed, honey?" I inquired. Her jaw dropped, and she stood there quizzing me for at least ten minutes on how I could smell bananas on her breath at ten paces.
Anyway, back to the dead rodent issue. Well, for about three or four days, a strange odor has been wafting into the house from somewhere. It's definitely dead rodent. The scent is strongest in our “library.” (That’s what we call the room where we keep most of our 3,500-plus books.) So, since we have a delightful, generous little dog named Buddy who loves to share his "finds" with us, I thought that perhaps he had stashed a dead rodent somewhere in there. Thus far this winter he has found two discarded deer legs from a hunter’s field-dressed kill, and a couple of rabbits. (No, he didn’t bring them into the house. Just the front yard. Chew toys.)
So, I move things around. Moved and replaced stacks of books. Shifted bookcases. Un-piled boxes. Nada. I've checked elsewhere, too. Behind the television, under the refrigerator and the armoire. Behind the sofa. No traces of rodent genetic material to be found. A CSI investigator, I'm not.
But, when I leave the house for a while and then return, I can still sense that presence—haunting me, laughing at me, thumbing its pointed, whiskered nose at me from the Great Rodent Beyond. So, I've made up my mind. I know what I must do.
Tomorrow I plan to don my "nasty work" coveralls and slither under the house, into the crawl space. There, I hope I can find and easily dispose of the little beggar. Unless, of course, he has snitched on Big Jimmy the Rat, and is wearing small, mouse-sized cement overshoes. Then, I might have to just look the other way.
Tony Burton
http://www.honeylocustpress.com/serendipity/
Saying NO, Because You've Already Said Yes To Something Better! by DL Larson
Each of us decide at one time or another what we want to do in life, and we take the steps to hack out our existence with our primary goal before us. If you've chosen to be a writer, then you've started down a path riddled with commitment.
Time and energy are needed to fulfill such a goal. Often that means saying no to something else important. It's time to break the myth that we can be everything to everyone. It's time to take the busy out of our day. It's time to refocus on the goal set to become a writer. If we don't make writing a priority, no one else will either.
During this Lenten season, my church is viewing a set of films made by Rob Bell, a minister and all-around energetic man with a passion, a purpose to spread thought provoking ideas to wake folks up, mostly to put God back in ones life. His concepts reach every age level and leave the viewers with the idea, "why didn't I think of that before?" He offered the best example, let me share it with you.
The human man, Jesus Christ, had a goal and he didn't stray from that goal. He had to reach Jerusalem. He had a date with the Almighty, to meet death head-on, and then to open the road to salvation for mankind. Whether you are Christian or not, one has to admire his determination. He stopped at many towns on his journey, he performed miracles, healed the sick, and fed thousands. Folks wanted him to stay, but he said no. Even Christ knew he could not be everything to everyone! He kept his eye on his main purpose. He took the needed steps to reach his goal.
Once we realize we don't have to be all things, life gets a little easier, we don't have to say yes to every idea, every project that crosses our path. We can be selective, we need to be selective. Our time is precious and our energy limited. Saying no to the PTA, or to the next fundraiser will not destroy your life. Quite the opposite will happen. Being involved is wonderful, I know, but taking on a project you are not committed to becomes a burden, and by saying no, that burden might become someone else's goal.
Staying focused is simple with a little practice. Put your priority first. That's it. That's where your energy lives and thrives. If you go there first, it's amazing how much you can accomplish. Sharing your commitment and priority with your family frees you up. My kids learned to appreciate my writing time. And now all these years later, each of my grown children have shared with me how proud they are that I took the time to do what I wanted to do. They learned from my example. There was no guilt for staying on task to meet my goal. They understood the commitment I had made.
It's okay to say no, because you have said yes to something better. It's your time, your energy, your choice! Dare to be selective. You might discover life is much more enjoyable, and so is your writing time!
Til next time ~
DL Larson
Time and energy are needed to fulfill such a goal. Often that means saying no to something else important. It's time to break the myth that we can be everything to everyone. It's time to take the busy out of our day. It's time to refocus on the goal set to become a writer. If we don't make writing a priority, no one else will either.
During this Lenten season, my church is viewing a set of films made by Rob Bell, a minister and all-around energetic man with a passion, a purpose to spread thought provoking ideas to wake folks up, mostly to put God back in ones life. His concepts reach every age level and leave the viewers with the idea, "why didn't I think of that before?" He offered the best example, let me share it with you.
The human man, Jesus Christ, had a goal and he didn't stray from that goal. He had to reach Jerusalem. He had a date with the Almighty, to meet death head-on, and then to open the road to salvation for mankind. Whether you are Christian or not, one has to admire his determination. He stopped at many towns on his journey, he performed miracles, healed the sick, and fed thousands. Folks wanted him to stay, but he said no. Even Christ knew he could not be everything to everyone! He kept his eye on his main purpose. He took the needed steps to reach his goal.
Once we realize we don't have to be all things, life gets a little easier, we don't have to say yes to every idea, every project that crosses our path. We can be selective, we need to be selective. Our time is precious and our energy limited. Saying no to the PTA, or to the next fundraiser will not destroy your life. Quite the opposite will happen. Being involved is wonderful, I know, but taking on a project you are not committed to becomes a burden, and by saying no, that burden might become someone else's goal.
Staying focused is simple with a little practice. Put your priority first. That's it. That's where your energy lives and thrives. If you go there first, it's amazing how much you can accomplish. Sharing your commitment and priority with your family frees you up. My kids learned to appreciate my writing time. And now all these years later, each of my grown children have shared with me how proud they are that I took the time to do what I wanted to do. They learned from my example. There was no guilt for staying on task to meet my goal. They understood the commitment I had made.
It's okay to say no, because you have said yes to something better. It's your time, your energy, your choice! Dare to be selective. You might discover life is much more enjoyable, and so is your writing time!
Til next time ~
DL Larson
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Ear Worms by Morgan Mandel
Ear Worms - Sounds kind of icky, doesn't it?
I heard about them while listening to the Dr. Dean Edell Show on WLS 890AM Talk Radio on Sunday morning. They're not as bad as they sound.
Ear worms are those songs that keep running through your head, sometimes at night while you're trying to sleep or even during the day. Usually the first song I hear in the morning when I'm half asleep is the one that stays in my mind. I end up humming it the rest of the day. Someone said the way to stop an ear worm is to deliberately change the words or pattern of the song. I don't know if it works, since I haven't tried it yet.
So now you know about ear worms. What about books you've read that stay in your mind long afterwards? Book worms are the people reading the books, so we can't call them that. Maybe we could call them eye or mind worms.
Is there one that you can't you forget? It doesn't have to be a classic. It could be non-fiction, a thriller, mystery, romance, you name it. Please share.
I heard about them while listening to the Dr. Dean Edell Show on WLS 890AM Talk Radio on Sunday morning. They're not as bad as they sound.
Ear worms are those songs that keep running through your head, sometimes at night while you're trying to sleep or even during the day. Usually the first song I hear in the morning when I'm half asleep is the one that stays in my mind. I end up humming it the rest of the day. Someone said the way to stop an ear worm is to deliberately change the words or pattern of the song. I don't know if it works, since I haven't tried it yet.
So now you know about ear worms. What about books you've read that stay in your mind long afterwards? Book worms are the people reading the books, so we can't call them that. Maybe we could call them eye or mind worms.
Is there one that you can't you forget? It doesn't have to be a classic. It could be non-fiction, a thriller, mystery, romance, you name it. Please share.
Monday, March 2, 2009
YA Web Tour
Today starts the YA Web Tour!
It's simple!
It's fun!
You can enter to win books!
Start the tour at http://www.kmendoza.com/. Kim will give you instructions on how to enter at her site. She'll tell you where to go tomorrow to continue the tour. My day on the web tour is Wednesday, March 4th, so jump on the tour for a chance to win free books!!
I'll be giving away a signed copy of Ordinary Me and a t-shirt!
Join in the fun and see what YA has to offer!
See you there--
June
http://www.junesproat.com/
It's simple!
It's fun!
You can enter to win books!
Start the tour at http://www.kmendoza.com/. Kim will give you instructions on how to enter at her site. She'll tell you where to go tomorrow to continue the tour. My day on the web tour is Wednesday, March 4th, so jump on the tour for a chance to win free books!!
I'll be giving away a signed copy of Ordinary Me and a t-shirt!
Join in the fun and see what YA has to offer!
See you there--
June
http://www.junesproat.com/
Sunday, March 1, 2009
WHAT’S THE HOOK? by Austin S. Camacho
Not all holidays were invented by Hallmark. You should seek them out to promote your work.
Hi. I’m Austin Camacho, an infrequent guest here (my own fault) but when I do appear I’m invited to discuss one of my areas of concentration: mystery writing and marketing. Today I have an excuse to talk both.
When you have a new book about to hit the shelves writing the news release is easy. The news is that you have a new book. But after your book’s been out a while it’s a bit harder to scrape up interest. You need news to attach your book to, to make it feel fresh and relevant to the happenings of the day.
If no REAL news is happening that’s related to your book, you can always hook onto a holiday. There are tons of the out there, and several will fit your book. I like the listing at http://www.brownielocks.com/march.html because it’s light and fun. There I learned that March is, among other things, Irish American Heritage Month, Ethics Awareness Month, Women’s History Month and Poison Prevention Awareness Month.
If your detective is female, it should be relatively easy to set up a reading and the news release almost writes itself. If the victim in your book is poisoned, you may have to work a little harder. “March is National Poison Prevention Awareness Month and Jane Doe knows all about poison, having used it to kill off the victim in her latest novel...” But you should still be able to set up a presentation in which you share some of that research you just couldn’t work into the book.
I walked into an opportunity when the manager of a store I signed at mentioned that March is Mystery Month at Borders. I quickly proposed a presentation on the popularity of crime fiction, even as I was wondering “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
So if your book’s been out a while, find a holiday news hook for a fresh news release and a timely reading or signing event. And if you happen to be a mystery author, wander into your nearest Borders, let them know you know their secret, and offer your services.
Until next time -
Austin S. Camacho
http://www.ascamacho.com/
Hi. I’m Austin Camacho, an infrequent guest here (my own fault) but when I do appear I’m invited to discuss one of my areas of concentration: mystery writing and marketing. Today I have an excuse to talk both.
When you have a new book about to hit the shelves writing the news release is easy. The news is that you have a new book. But after your book’s been out a while it’s a bit harder to scrape up interest. You need news to attach your book to, to make it feel fresh and relevant to the happenings of the day.
If no REAL news is happening that’s related to your book, you can always hook onto a holiday. There are tons of the out there, and several will fit your book. I like the listing at http://www.brownielocks.com/march.html because it’s light and fun. There I learned that March is, among other things, Irish American Heritage Month, Ethics Awareness Month, Women’s History Month and Poison Prevention Awareness Month.
If your detective is female, it should be relatively easy to set up a reading and the news release almost writes itself. If the victim in your book is poisoned, you may have to work a little harder. “March is National Poison Prevention Awareness Month and Jane Doe knows all about poison, having used it to kill off the victim in her latest novel...” But you should still be able to set up a presentation in which you share some of that research you just couldn’t work into the book.
I walked into an opportunity when the manager of a store I signed at mentioned that March is Mystery Month at Borders. I quickly proposed a presentation on the popularity of crime fiction, even as I was wondering “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
So if your book’s been out a while, find a holiday news hook for a fresh news release and a timely reading or signing event. And if you happen to be a mystery author, wander into your nearest Borders, let them know you know their secret, and offer your services.
Until next time -
Austin S. Camacho
http://www.ascamacho.com/
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