FRIDAY STIR FRY - Progress

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Writing a book is like solving a crossword puzzle. The words have to fit or you spend all your time erasing wrong choices. That's not to say first drafts aren't a mess, but the more you can figure out the first time through, the less complicated re-writes are going to be.  

I've actually added a few words to my second book, Coming Home. Yeah! I'm not going to tell you how many, because it's pretty pathetic, but for me it is progress.

And I figured out a plot problem. How do I keep my heroine in town long enough for stuff to happen between her and the hero? In Beyond the Horizon, Katie's car broke down and she was forced to spend time with Josh. While car problems are a common occurrence in most people's world, I didn't want to use that again. I've been racking my brain trying to figure it out. And, of course, the answer came to me in the middle of the night. Luckily, I remembered it the next morning, which doesn't always happen.

Now, all I have to do is write it. But, that's really the hard part. Last night after working at my day job, I went to bed at 7:30. That's how tired I am. I am taking Monday off, so here's to hoping I will sit my butt in chair and write. 

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Nice People Work Here

This Friday, I want to dedicate my blog to all the wonderful people I've met in bars. I don't mean the occasional sloppy drunk, but the people who work in bars and restaurants. The ones who can put a smile on my face and a beer in my hand.  

 

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I've been divorced for seventeen years now and am still single. Instead of sitting at home by myself all the time, I seek out nice bars to hang out in a few times a week. I've called several different places 'home'. The first was Applebee's. I made friends with all the bartenders and most of the wait staff. One in particular – Johnnie – became more like a son to me. We could talk to each other about anything. I would give him advice and he would do the same for me. Unfortunately, he moved away and I moved on to another hangout.

That's the nice thing about bars. They are kind of like churches. One on every corner. You just have to find the right one for you.

The next place, I not only made friends with the staff, but also many of the regulars. We became family. I still hold several of them near and dear to my heart. But, alas, I left there when the new owners and I didn't see eye to eye about the treatment of the staff.

My current home is Bair's. It's a little sports bar and grill located on the edge of the largest college in town. Everybody has welcomed me with a smile, and once in a while a hug (which is nice). In fact, the bartender last night gave me the idea for this post. Mikaela is awesome. She knows who she is and she is confident in what she does. She has even helped me with housework, since my knees limit me. She calls me 'dad'. Don't ask.

Most of these hard working people I've met and made friends with are twenty somethings, going to college, and just getting started in life. They are interesting and fun. Or as my parents would say "They are the salt of the earth." Talking to them keeps me young. So, as long as I can climb up on a bar stool, I'll keep making friends.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Writing and Worry

Recently, a fellow writer friend asked me if I was okay because I hadn't been posting on this blog. Bless her heart. I told her I was tired and the political climate right now had me upset. Perhaps you are thinking what does that have to do with writing? Well, as long as I'm worried about my future – when can I retire, will Social Security be there, and what about health insurance – it is difficult to think of anything to write. Inspiration is hard to come by when you are mired in a cloud of doubt. I guess I really shouldn't worry. Trump will probably get us all blown up anyway.

I did sign up for April Camp NaNo. My intent is to finish the first draft of my second book. But first I needed to read through what I've written so far. I had to get back into the character's heads and remind myself of what I'd plotted out and decide where I need to go. I should finish reading it today. Here's to hoping I can put aside my worries long enough to return to my true passion – writing a story.   

And on a bright note, a co-worker read my book Beyond The Horizon and LOVED IT! Made me very happy.