Month: June 2017

Deadlines

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“I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.” ~Douglas Adams

I am on a self-imposed deadline. I’ve set a goal for myself, and I am a very goal-driven person, especially when it comes to my writing. (Cleaning my house, losing weight, exercising–not so much.)

Back in January, something happened at my Day Job that got me to thinking “what if.” If you are a novelist, you know that wondering “what if” is a crucial part of your toolbox. Then I dreamed about the “what if.” I woke up, scratched out the opening scene to a story then dashed off to my RWA chapter meeting, where I read that scene during critique. I received a favorable response. And, as a joke, the working title became Dysto Girl.

I spent my annual January writing retreat working on Dysto Girl. I’ve since tossed quite a bit of what I wrote, because what I thought the story was going to be and what the story has turned out to be are two different things. I am obsessed by this story. By these characters and their situation. My critique group tells me their “Spidey sense is tingling.” And I dream about the story nearly every night. Not because I want to, but because I am a writer and sometimes this happens to me.

Oh, I was distracted in April when one of my publishers put a call out for a Summer Attraction short. I even brainstormed a great idea with my editor. But Dysto Girl sucked me back in.

I have given myself until the end of June to complete the first draft. Okay, maybe July 4th–Independence Day. But after that, I must start work on a three-book series I promised one of my publishers. And I’m excited about the series. I’ve been making notes. I already had the opening line and the basic premise  in mind when I was approached to do the series. I’m not under contract, but I promised, and to me, that’s as good as a contract.

Dysto Girl is not the book of my heart, but the book of my dreams. Literally.

Happy First Day of Summer!

Summer is my favorite season. I like being warm.

I also like songs about summer.

Here are some of my favorite summer songs, in no particular order:

  • “Summer in the City” (Lovin’ Spoonful)
  • “Boys of Summer” (Don Henley)
  • “Summertime” (Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong)
  • “Summertime Blues” (Eddie Cochran)
  • “In the Summertime” (Mungo Jerry)
  • “Under the Boardwalk” (The Drifters)
  • “Popsicle Man” (Jan & Dean)
  • “See You in September” (The Happenings)
  • “School’s Out” (Alice Cooper)
  • “California Gurls” (Katy Perry)

What are some of your favorite summer songs?

Bingo!

A couple members of my local RWA Chapter came up with an idea to prompt members into reading outside their comfort zones. Bingo! Each member was given a card with 25 categories, along with the rules and an explanation of each category. All books read (except for one) must be a new-to-you book. Books and authors can be used only once. The center square is “WRITTEN BY A CNYRW MEMBER.”

I love this so much.

Of course, I read like most people (whom I know) watch television.

So far, I’ve filled in two squares.

As I sit here at my desk, I’m looking at the titles of many favorite books, only one of which I can use for the game.  And I’m fascinated with books that could be used for multiple categories if that were allowed. Which it is not.

Example: Legend by Jude Deveraux

  • Published before 2000
  • Eat, Drink, & be Merry
  • Paranormal Romance
  • Reread a favorite
  • Dress for success
  • Time travel

Stretching it bit:

  • Stranded
  • Historical Romance
  • The Billionaire
  • Love Triangle

No wonder I love this book so much.

 

I’m In the Wrong Body

I am a short woman. And, like the famous teapot, I am also stout. I’m built like a fireplug. A keg.

I purchase most of my clothes on line or from catalogs, for a variety of reasons (but that’s another blog post). But many plus-size catalogs are meant for Amazon women, not teapots.

My sense of style is more suited to C3PO‘s body type than to that of R2D2, which I more closely resemble.

Every article of clothing I absolutely love and adore is designed for tall people. Capes. Fabulous hats. Clothes that drape.

And few things are proportioned using common sense: The cuffs on the sleeves of the rain coat I purchased are at knee level. Just because I’m big around doesn’t give me gorilla arms.

Most plus-sized clothing designed for short women resembles furniture upholstery. Yes, I love going to Day Job dressed like granny’s favorite overstuffed chair. It’s a wonder no one has sat on me.

But then, what should a tea pot wear except a tea cozy?