Time

Time seems to be a factor in blogging- at least for me.

My writing time is limited so last few days I've been working on fixing a story so I haven't had the time for blogging. I'm preoccupied with this story but we're at a stand still. I decided a day away from it would be a good thing.

Although I'm pretty good at multi-tasking, my limited time means I either have time for solitaire and story writing or solitaire and blogging, solitaire being the common denominator in both. Solitaire is a great time sucker/procrastinator. I am a pro procrastinator and love playing solitaire. I downloaded this free trial solitaire thing with all kinds of solitaire games. I'd like to play all the games before the free trial period ends. Don't want to buy the game cause then I'm doomed - neither the stories nor the blogging would get any action.

Now back to the story. I know what I want it to do but the story is saying, "No." Don't you just hate it when stories take over and what you wanted them to do doesn't happen? So it seems the story and I need a break from each other. We are testing our wills. We'll either reach a compromise or one of us will win.

We'll resume our battle tomorrow and see what happens, after a quick game of solitaire of course.

Boots

These boots are the kick-ass boots I've mentioned before. Aren't they hot!

Nancy Sinatra sang about boots. These boots were not made for walking long distances but they're fine for a short distance (unless you're used to wearing high heels). Can't drive in them so when I've worn when I go out- dinner, visiting friends or going to work, I either bring driving shoes or I make sure I have a chauffeur. Why did I buy them you ask? Cause they are hot and although I'm getting older, I'm not old yet...

I went on YouTube and looked up the song These Boots are Made for Walking. Did you know that Megadeath did a cover version of this song?

So what do these boots have to do with writing? Well lots. Any one of your characters can wear these boots on what ever adventure you send them on. Male characters dressed in drag for either business or pleasure or undercover work. Female characters dressed for a night out, every day wear or undercover work. If you write erotica, it goes without say. Even in a YA novel you can have a young girl try on her first heels and teeter, fall and break her ankle. Or better yet, buy them cause she thinks they're hot and her minister father has a fit and makes her return them. The possibilities are endless.

Writing groups

On Friday, a friend invited me to read my story to a group of writers that meet the last Friday of the month. (Don't know if the group has a name). Now I find reading my stories to a group of strangers incredibly nerve wracking. I gathered my courage, brought the story (Married Life, published in Canadian Voices) and read it. The fear was immense - would they like it? Would they find it funny? Could I read it without my voice quivering.

Now about this group, what a nice bunch of writers. We sat in a circle and everyone read something. Lots of poetry, some short stories and a novel excerpt. Some of the poetry was powerful, some of the stories funny, someone even brought her paintings and the poems she wrote to describe them. And most importantly, I got over myself and read my story. I successfully masked my quivering voice and projected my voice well. People laughed at the appropriate spots and the story was well received. Think I'll try and join them again next time.

Now last night my writing group met. Another great bunch of ladies. We're all very supportive of each other and encourage each other to send stuff out when it's ready. These meetings always leave me feeling good about my writing, and inspired to finish the damn stories and get them out there. Now I have no problem reading to the ladies. We've been meeting for a while and I'm quite comfortable reading stuff, no matter how bad, to them cause I know they'll find tactful ways of telling me the story sucked and how to make it better. Every writer should be as blessed to find critique group like mine. (We have a waiting list of people wanting to join).

So what's the point? The point is writing groups with the right people are great. We all want our stuff to be read or heard by someone other than family. So the first group I mentioned fills that niche. The second group help make those stories better and take them to the next level. I highly recommend them!