Crispy Update
Posted: February 28, 2010 Filed under: cottage garden, Housekeeping, Joined at the Heart, Writers Write | Tags: Donald Maass Workshop, family, garden, RWA Golden Heart, writers, writing 4 Comments »- Coco will have strabismus surgery on March 17. At least, she has spring break to start the recovery. She’s nervous. So is mom. But we’ve been through it before, and I trust her doctor.
- I’m working through the Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook, using Scrivener in two screens–the answered workbook question on one side of the screen and the manuscript text on the other. It sounds like a lot of work, but it’s easier for me than shifting from pen and paper to keyboard. Everything’s right in front of me. Cherry said this morning, “All you ever do is write.” She wasn’t happy when she said it. Which should give you a clue about the amount of time I’m spending in my office.
- I saw parents of a former student at Lowe’s yesterday. He’s working on a PhD. in Theatre History. I can’t help but be proud.
- Press the green tab that reads, Schooled, at the top of the page to see a few images from my book. I’ll add more research when time allows.
- I worked in the garden yesterday. I’d love to post photos, but so far there’s nothing to see. It’s still winter. We have broccoli and chard. Not much else. Bacon’s working on hardscape–laying pavers today.
- Cherry starts TAKS testing this week with her writing exam.
- I finished judging the Golden Heart entries. From a writer’s perspective, it’s interesting to read other entries . I find a cliche and think, “Did I do that?” Then, I open my manuscript and change the thing that drives me crazy.
Francine Prose at the Katherine Anne Porter House
Posted: February 20, 2010 Filed under: Aha!, Writers Write | Tags: Francine Prose, Katherine Anne Porter, writers, writing Leave a comment »Last night, my friend Sonya and I drove to Kyle, Texas to hear Francine Prose read at the Katherine Anne Porter House. We had a great meal at the cafe across the street complete with Gunpowder tea. The reading was interesting, literary, and funny. Not so much on the Q and A–which was short. I was too intimidated to ask a question–although I have read How to Read Like a Writer and enjoyed the book.
I’ve never been to the Porter House before. It’s a national literary landmark. I used to teach The Jilting of Granny Weatherall when I taught English. If not for Sonya–she’s working on an MFA in Creative Writing–I would never have known about the event. Now that I do, I’ll be back.
Forty Percent
Posted: February 16, 2010 Filed under: Housekeeping, Joined at the Heart, Noxious Evils, Writers Write | Tags: family, writers, writing Leave a comment »I’ve been stuck. Call it blocked or whatever, I’ve been in what I’ve decided is 40% mode. I’m not quite a disaster, but not nearly pleased with myself. I hate to whine, but circumstance started it. The dishwasher crashed, then the television, then the master bath toliet–you get the drift. The money pit we’re living in is collapsing around us. As if that isn’t enough, Coco needs eye-surgery, and we’re going to do battle with our health insurance company over an out-of-network surgeon. Stress.
I quit doing anything, but the minimum. I’ve been writing. Not as much as I want to be writing, but I’ve been writing. I’ve done the laundry, and Bacon has become the de facto dishwasher, bribing the girls with new DVDs and promises of sugarplums. I’ve cooked and done the necessary mom stuff, but whatever is too difficult–okay–slightly difficult–has been on hold while I melt into obstinate rebellion.
Yesterday, I said, “Enough.” I cleared out the stack of freebee magazines, stockpiled for character collages. I rearranged furniture and cleaned my office. I came up with a new work schedule, planned the menu, and shopped for groceries. I got out the pedometer and walked 12,000 steps. Oh, and I cleaned out the flower beds. All in a day’s work.
Today, I gasped, “Not again?” Yes, again. It’s always harder to keep it up the second day. So, I’ve vowed to try for 50% today–baby steps–working my way to 100.
