Monthly Archives: September 2011

ACCEPTING THE CHALLENGE

I’ve decided I want to blog more. Rather than just thinking about doing it, I’m starting right now.  I will be posting on this blog once a day. I know it won’t be easy, but it might be fun, inspiring, … Continue reading

Posted in Blogs, Social Networking, Writing | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

CHANCE ENCOUNTERS

On Friday of last week and Monday of this one,  I substituted for a computer teacher at a nearby high school. One of the classes was basically a study hall for fourteen students who had either fallen behind in their classes … Continue reading

Posted in Music, Teaching | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

K.I.S.S.

Over the past two years I’ve been trying to simplify my life. Okay, I’ve been talking about that sort of simplification for a long time but after being downsized in 2009, I’ve had more incentive to actually follow through on … Continue reading

Posted in Home and Garden, The Upside of Downsizing, Writing | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

PAYING IT FORWARD

One of the greatest benefits to membership in a writing/critique group is the connection to talented and generous colleagues who are willing to share, not only their writing/critique skills, but their more practical business knowledge and experience. Trinity Writers’ Workshop … Continue reading

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UNDER THE LIGHT OF THE MIRROR BALL

Have I mentioned before that I’m a reality performance show junkie? Well I am. And last night I got a double fix with the debut of the 2011 Dancing With the Stars and the Sing Off. Thank God for the … Continue reading

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OH REALLY?

I wore my #9 Cowboys’ jersey when I went grocery shopping this morning–a tradition for game days–and tolerated the sneers and jokes from fans wearing Miles Austin, Dez Bryant, Felix Jones and Jason Witten shirts. This was before the Cowboys-49ers … Continue reading

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OH REALLY?

I wore my #9 Cowboys’ jersey when I went grocery shopping this morning–a tradition for game days–and tolerated the sneers and jokes from fans wearing Miles Austin, Dez Bryant, Felix Jones and Jason Witten shirts. This was before the Cowboys-49ers … Continue reading

Posted in Football, Music, Sports | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on OH REALLY?

IT’S A PUZZLEMENT

A good friend just thanked me for recommending some authors and books to her. This led to a conversation of how frustrating it is to find books that are worth the money and time we spend on them. She and … Continue reading

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IT’S A PUZZLEMENT

A good friend just thanked me for recommending some authors and books to her. This led to a conversation of how frustrating it is to find books that are worth the money and time we spend on them. She and … Continue reading

Posted in Books, Trinity Writers Workshop, Writers Groups, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on IT’S A PUZZLEMENT

IT’S A PUZZLEMENT

A good friend just thanked me for recommending some authors and books to her. This led to a conversation of how frustrating it is to find books that are worth the money and time we spend on them. She and … Continue reading

Posted in Books, Trinity Writers Workshop, Writers Groups, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on IT’S A PUZZLEMENT

AGAINST ALL ODDS

We’ve all heard stories of how many times a best-selling book was rejected before it finally found the right publisher, but the story of Mike Wells novella Wild Child tops most of them for me. As he explains in his blog The … Continue reading

Posted in Blogs, Books, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

AGAINST ALL ODDS

We’ve all heard stories of how many times a best-selling book was rejected before it finally found the right publisher, but the story of Mike Wells novella Wild Child tops most of them for me. As he explains in his blog The … Continue reading

Posted in Blogs, Books, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

AGAINST ALL ODDS

We’ve all heard stories of how many times a best-selling book was rejected before it finally found the right publisher, but the story of Mike Wells novella Wild Child tops most of them for me. As he explains in his blog The … Continue reading

Posted in Blogs, Books, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

LOVING ME SOME LADY A

Music is a constant thread in my life. Depending on the situation, tt entertains, consoles, inspires me and celebrates events in my life. I listen to my favorite artists  (see some of those listed under MP3 in my Collection) as I drive, … Continue reading

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LOVING ME SOME LADY A

Music is a constant thread in my life. Depending on the situation, tt entertains, consoles, inspires me and celebrates events in my life. I listen to my favorite artists  (see some of those listed under MP3 in my Collection) as I drive, … Continue reading

Posted in Books, Entertainment, Music, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on LOVING ME SOME LADY A

LOVING ME SOME LADY A

Music is a constant thread in my life. Depending on the situation, tt entertains, consoles, inspires me and celebrates events in my life. I listen to my favorite artists  (see some of those listed under MP3 in my Collection) as I drive, … Continue reading

Posted in Books, Entertainment, Music, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on LOVING ME SOME LADY A

WHAT’S IN YOUR WALLET

Since I tend to write character-driven more than plot-driven novels, my first step in starting a new manuscript is to give my characters the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual depth that will make them believable and interesting to the reader. To do this, … Continue reading

Posted in Books, Writing, Writing Exercises, Writing Lessons | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on WHAT’S IN YOUR WALLET

WHAT’S IN YOUR WALLET

Since I tend to write character-driven more than plot-driven novels, my first step in starting a new manuscript is to give my characters the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual depth that will make them believable and interesting to the reader. To do this, … Continue reading

Posted in Books, Writing, Writing Exercises, Writing Lessons | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on WHAT’S IN YOUR WALLET

ADDING A LITTLE COLOR

This morning I wrote a scene in my latest novel, Whatever Goes Around, in which my protagonist, Claire Kincaid, is shopping at a garden center.  The setting is Dallas, Texas, the month is late February, and Claire is longing for the colors … Continue reading

Posted in Arts and Crafts, Books, Gardening, needlework, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

ADDING A LITTLE COLOR

This morning I wrote a scene in my latest novel, Whatever Goes Around, in which my protagonist, Claire Kincaid, is shopping at a garden center.  The setting is Dallas, Texas, the month is late February, and Claire is longing for the colors … Continue reading

Posted in Arts and Crafts, Books, Gardening, needlework, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

ADDING A LITTLE COLOR

This morning I wrote a scene in my latest novel, Whatever Goes Around, in which my protagonist, Claire Kincaid, is shopping at a garden center.  The setting is Dallas, Texas, the month is late February, and Claire is longing for the colors … Continue reading

Posted in Arts and Crafts, Books, Gardening, needlework, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

ADDING A LITTLE COLOR

This morning I wrote a scene in my latest novel, Whatever Goes Around, in which my protagonist, Claire Kincaid, is shopping at a garden center.  The setting is Dallas, Texas, the month is late February, and Claire is longing for the colors … Continue reading

Posted in Arts and Crafts, Books, Gardening, needlework, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

THRILLERS, HISTORICALS AND MEMOIRS OH MY!

One of the best things about my Saturdays is listening to all the talented writers read their works in progress at Trinity Writers Workshop. Among our members are novelists, short story writers, poets, songwriters, memoir writers and non-fiction writers. TWW … Continue reading

Posted in Trinity Writers Workshop, Writers Groups, Writing, Writing Seminars and Conferences | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

THRILLERS, HISTORICALS AND MEMOIRS OH MY!

One of the best things about my Saturdays is listening to all the talented writers read their works in progress at Trinity Writers Workshop. Among our members are novelists, short story writers, poets, songwriters, memoir writers and non-fiction writers. TWW … Continue reading

Posted in Trinity Writers Workshop, Writers Groups, Writing, Writing Seminars and Conferences | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

THRILLERS, HISTORICALS AND MEMOIRS OH MY!

One of the best things about my Saturdays is listening to all the talented writers read their works in progress at Trinity Writers Workshop. Among our members are novelists, short story writers, poets, songwriters, memoir writers and non-fiction writers. TWW … Continue reading

Posted in Trinity Writers Workshop, Writers Groups, Writing, Writing Seminars and Conferences | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

WHY TO HAIKU

One of the many reasons I love my Kindle is the treasure trove of new books and authors I find in the bargain bin at the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles Ebook Stores. There, to generate interest in their projects, many newly … Continue reading

Posted in Books, Writing, Writing Exercises, Writing Lessons | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on WHY TO HAIKU

WHY TO HAIKU

One of the many reasons I love my Kindle is the treasure trove of new books and authors I find in the bargain bin at the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles Ebook Stores. There, to generate interest in their projects, many newly … Continue reading

Posted in Books, Writing, Writing Exercises, Writing Lessons | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on WHY TO HAIKU

WHY TO HAIKU

One of the many reasons I love my Kindle is the treasure trove of new books and authors I find in the bargain bin at the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles Ebook Stores. There, to generate interest in their projects, many newly … Continue reading

Posted in Books, Writing, Writing Exercises, Writing Lessons | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on WHY TO HAIKU

CHANGING SEASONS

Today I substituted in a freshman English class at a local high school. This meant I left home at a little before 7:00 am. The air was crisp and cool, some of the leaves on the trees were turning and, as … Continue reading

Posted in Football, Music, Pets, Seasons, Teaching | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

CHANGING SEASONS

Today I substituted in a freshman English class at a local high school. This meant I left home at a little before 7:00 am. The air was crisp and cool, some of the leaves on the trees were turning and, as … Continue reading

Posted in Football, Music, Pets, Seasons, Teaching | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

MARKETING YOUR WRITING

I’ve mentioned the Trinity Writers Workshop before when I talked about the importance of writers’ read/critique groups. This fall, TWW is sponsoring a writing seminar on how to market your writing. TRINITY WRITERS’ WORKSHOP FALL 2011 SEMINAR MARKETING YOUR WRITING … Continue reading

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WHEN YOU THINK TAYLOR SWIFT I HOPE YOU THINK OF KATE

When I’m in the early stages of writing a novel, I collect pictures of people that fit the image I have of my characters. For Kate O’Donnell in Thicker Than Water, it was difficult to find that role model. I … Continue reading

Posted in Books, Music, Writing, Writing Exercises, Writing Lessons | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

PRIMING THE PUMP

After a lazy weekend dog-sitting two of my favorite canines, my return home reminded me of all the things that didn’t get done in my absence. Like watering my starving plants and giving expected attention to my cats, Matt and … Continue reading

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SUNDAY MUSINGS

Sundays are usually quiet days for me. I always have some new materials, assignments and questions to post to the online composition/communications class I teach. After that, the cats and I usually go outside and do some gardening. Working with my … Continue reading

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SUNDAY MUSINGS

Sundays are usually quiet days for me. I always have some new materials, assignments and questions to post to the online composition/communications class I teach. After that, the cats and I usually go outside and do some gardening. Working with my … Continue reading

Posted in Home and Garden, Pets, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on SUNDAY MUSINGS

WRITERS’ READING AND CRITIQUE GROUPS

Writing is such a solitary endeavor.  Those of us who practice that art (craft?) always yearn for a safe, supportive, constructive group which provides the opportunity to meet with other creatives, read our work in progress and receive positive, constructive … Continue reading

Posted in Musical Performers, Musicians, Trinity Writers Workshop, Writers, Writers Groups, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on WRITERS’ READING AND CRITIQUE GROUPS

GETTING READY FOR FALL

After a couple months of mostly triple digit temperatures. I am definitely ready for fall. I know it will be a while before the leaves begin to turn . .. But soon the new fall line-up of TV shows will start. … Continue reading

Posted in Arts and Crafts, Favorite TV Shows, Football, Home and Garden, needlework, Reality Talent Shows, Seasons, Sports, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on GETTING READY FOR FALL

REQUIEM

When I was a child I was fascinated by the stars. I remember asking my grandfather what those sparkling lights in the sky were. His explanation had little to do with science–as a four-year-old, I wasn’t ready for astronomy lessons. … Continue reading

Posted in Family and Friends, Life in the Village, Pets | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments