Toss out that loaf of stale bread

until recently if anyone asked me how to handle writer's block, I'd have responded with my favorite acronym: BTSOOM.
At a recent writers' group meetings, other members had abeen pushing writing to different audiences or targets, shorter romances, less than 5,000 words. Impossible, was my continued response--until I tried it.

What a difference it has made to my entire frame of mind!
Unbeknownst to me I've had writer's block for years, since finishing Try Just Once More back in 2006 I'd started many stories, outlined several, researched sort of for a few, completed nothing.

Until I wrote 2 shorts [less than 1,000 words] for an e-zine. I didn't think I could do it and almost gave up a few times. I submitted in the end of July and early August. They responded, saying they might go on hiatus and pick things back up again in 2010 and offered me the option to submit elsewhere.

So I did!!
I took one of the ezine stories and expanded it to just a tad over 3,000 words. It was a struggle at first finding those last 500 words, but I did it and submitted it as a stand-alone story but part of a series titles based on the vanDyke poem I call Those Who Love.
The second was somewhat easier to write due to the amount of external conflict [take back the night march].
I am quite pleased with myself.
More than that, I am feeling better about myelf and my writing than i have in a very long time.

Peace

What Writing Exercise Are You Doing?

I really must get my act together and post to this blog more often.
Have any of you ever participated in writing exercises?
My writer's group has one coming up: Pick a movie and change the ending.
Obviously, not all movies apply: Saving Private Ryan, Gettysburg, Apollo 13, Last of the Mohegans; you get the drift.
problem is, I can't think of an ending I'd change.
Oh wait. There's the first James Bond movie with Daniel Craig. The heroine doesn't die at the hands of the bad guys, but James decks her for her duplicity, then walks off toward the nearest casino.

Mrs Doubtfire: Sally poisons mega-annoying Peter Pan-wannabe Robin Williams and takes off with Pierce Brosnan, and has hot sex till she can't walk comfortably.

Gone With The Wind: After Rhett says, Frankly, my dear . . . he shoots Scarlett.

The Big Easy: don't change a thing; it's perfection unlimited.

Now I believe we should expand this to TV programs:
NCIS--every episode should end with Dinozzo, bound hand and foot, with electrodes attached to his head and I get to throw the switch.

Law and Order SVU, bring Adam Beach back and get rid of the ever-sneering Mariska Hargitay.

HGTV's House Hunters: every time some rich bee-yotch says she won't buy some house worth the high six figures; she doesn't like the bathroom because it doesn't have his and her sinks. I like to see a homeless person [who hasna't bathed recently] to burst in the door and ask how she'd like living with bathroom facilities down the hall, shares it with 10 others, and BTW there's no lock on the door.

Nanny 911. I'd send each of those beastly kids to dog obedience school a[in place of the family pooch] and shoot the parents.

The Closer: I'd give Lt. Flynn a love interest: preferably a nurse, an ER or ICU nurse, whom he meets at an AA meeting. She looks like Edie Falco with the same "Do You Feel Lucky?" look in her eye. they then bang like bunnies.

that's all for today, folks
Kathy

What's on your nightstand?

No, not the personal items.
I mean the To Be Read pile.
At last year's RWA conference in San Francisco, I like many attendees, came away with a bunch of free books. One was the second in JR Ward's Brotherhood of the Dagger series. It only took me about 6 months to wade through the pile to get to it.
I will readily admit: I am not a fan of vampire stories. Correction: I wasn't never a fan of vampire stories.

boy, has she turned me around!!!!
The humor is fabulous. The humanity is refreshing. And the sex is great.
The internal conflict is individualized to each of the seven heroes and crafted so well it feels effortless. I'm sure it wasn't all that easy.

I now have hooked my daughter on them.
If you have a chance, pick one up but try to read them in order.
Peace.
Kathy

Maine RWA Retreat

Thank you, thank you, thank you, all MERWA members for hosting another fabulous retreat.
The workshops were well attended and quite interesting. The pitch sessions revealed there is some fascinating work going on out there. I hope everyone follows up and submits, submits, submits!!!

Jessica Andersen's workshops on World Building and Punching Up Your Writing were fun and educational. She even agreed to think about coming to Rochester to present the same workshops next year!!!
Wahoo!
Until next time,
Peace to all
Kathy

Happy Mother's Day

This weekend, my husband and I are getting away to his family's cottage on a small lake northwest of Syracuse. He loves the place and goes there often to fish, rest and relax.
This time we're taking one of our daughters, her two kids and the dog as her husband will be away for the weekend.
Our precious Meredith, who just turned 3, loves the cottage as much as her Papa does, though for perhaps different reasons. There is a long hallway leading to the bedroom wing, perfect for running endless marathons and trying out her new bowling set. A huge great room with hardwood floors is perfect for setting up her new four-car train set--and for running around. Her brother will be able to creep and crawl to his heart's content.
I have manuscripts to read and perhaps one of my own to start building the foundation by interviewing the lead characters.
I hope all who read this have a wonderful spot to celebrate mothers everywhere.
Peace,
Kathy

Getting back on the saddle

Well, I tried--going to an editor chat.
They wouldn't let me in.
Because I forgot to write the password down and keep it in a safe place.
This computer age stuff is for the birds!

As I have the next week off from diaper and training pants duty--thank the sweet baby Jesus and all the saints in heaven--I plan to spend the time sewing my fat chubby fingers off. Several babies are due in the extended family and I like to make diaper bags for the expectant parents. If I like them I make two--one more masculine for the dad and one in the mom's fav colors or prints. Before I send it off I like to stuff the bag with baby things like rattles and pacifiers [can never have enough of those puppies] and boppy covers.

When the diaper bags are completed I'm making a book bag for my niece, fixing a Curious George backpack I made for my darling Meredith, and various Dora the Explorer accoutrements for Mere's bedroom. I've stocked up on 50% off coupons from JoAnn fabrics which should help the cost.

And . . . months ago I promised my two favorite critique partners purple totes with coordinating pansy pockets and straps. It's spring, let's celebrate!!!

Peace

Conference Wrap Up

I can't believe almost 2 months has gone by since I last posted anything.
Something has to be done about that!!!
I have to go to an Editor Chat right now but I'll be back
Peace,
Kathy