FRIDAY STIR FRY - My Muse Needs A Watch

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The end of CampNaNoWriMo is near and I can guarantee you I won't make my word count. Mostly because I've deleted more words than I've written. Which is a big no no.

But . . . in my defense, if I didn't fix this thing by re-arranging and removing words, it would languish in my computer until the end of days. And nobody wants that. I know you all are anxiously awaiting this book. Right?

Back to the real reason for this post. My muse really needs to pay attention to what time zone I'm in. When I'm struggling with my story, she tends to show up at 3:00 am. Really?? You know I have to get up in a few hours and go to work. If I turn on the light and write your idea down, I'll never get back to sleep. And nobody wants to deal with a sleep deprived Wanda.

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Sometimes I remember what she told me. Sometimes not. This time, I retained it. Maybe because it was a perfect twist and ending to this story I've been struggling to finish.

Many people say their muse hits them in the shower. That happens to me, also. Not nearly as annoying as 3 in the morning. I usually remember those ideas until I can dry off and get a pen and paper.

When does your muse hit you up side the head?

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Rain and Writing and Stuff

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Tired of rain, so I thought I'd post a picture of the sun to remind myself and others what it looks like. Enjoy.

Yep, it's been pretty soggy in these here parts. At my place, I keep my windows open, and all this moisture has made the inside of my whole house damp and yucky. Not as bad as some people around here. Homes have flooded, roads have washed away and there have been a bunch of water rescues. We need some 90 degree days. I mean for goodness sake, it is summer right? At least the calendar says so. Apparently Mother Nature is confused. Wish I could give some of this to people out west. I know they are suffering without rain. Heck when Tom Selleck is stealing water, it's bad.

On the writing front - not much news. I have written some, but of course, not nearly enough to meet my CampNaNo goal. I am starting to get a feel for the story again, so that's good. I plan on writing a bunch this weekend. (of course that's the plan every weekend but . . . )

Looking forward to Sleuths' Ink Mystery Writers  meeting this Saturday. We are having a Poison Tea Party (without the poison, I hope). We will have all kinds of tea and goodies. Perhaps some tea leaf readings. We are to wear fancy hats and write a poem for a contest. I have both and I'm breaking out a fancy purse. I used to collect Enid Collins purses so I dug one of them out. What do you think? 

Had a blast at last year's party. This group is so much fun. Maybe I'll have pictures next week. Until then I hope we all get the weather we want.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Sophomore Slump?

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I read an article the other day about having difficulty writing a second novel. In other words - sophomore slump. I've heard this term for the music industry after some one's first album is a big hit. Can they repeat the success on the second one? Or are they a one hit wonder?

Not that my first book is a huge success, but I am quite happy with it and I've received some wonderful reviews. I love the story and the characters. Maybe a little too much. I'm having a hard time loving my current work just as much. I think it's a good story but, I'm having difficulty getting anywhere with it. It just keeps churning around in circles, never coming to any conclusion. I've started and stopped it so many times, I feel like I'm on a carnival ride. Around and around I go until I either throw up or get off.

But, I don't want to get off. I want to finish this and put it out there. I want writing to be my career so I can retire from the day job. That won't happen if I'm a one hit wonder.

You may have noticed the Camp NaNo sign to the right. Yep, I'm trying again to use camp to finish this book. Will I succeed this time? You betcha! (power of positive thinking and all that jazz)

Any advice from all you writers and readers out there? Comments always appreciated.