FRIDAY STIR FRY: Where Is It?

 I thought this picture was funny. Here is this soldier searching for something in the distance and the bird seems to be trying to help him. 

What are they looking for? Perhaps the bird is just looking for fish to eat. The soldier is probably on the lookout for the enemy. Or, maybe not. 

On a more spiritual level, they could both be looking for a purpose to life. Or somebody to love. Or friendship. 

Maybe, like me, they are hoping to find inspiration. It's out there somewhere. 

Actually, I found inspiration this morning while having breakfast with some of my writing buddies. I am thinking of writing a cozy mystery for NaNo this year. I'm a big fan of Murder She Wrote so, I thought, why not. I was having a hard time figuring out what my setting should be and they helped me decide. 

I'm going to keep this inspiration to myself for now. But, stay tuned.                                                          

 

 

FRIDAY STIR FRY - In A Funk

https://morguefile.com

noun

1.    1.

NORTH AMERICAN

a state of depression.

"I sat absorbed in my own blue funk"

synonyms:

a (state of) depression, a bad mood, a low, the dumps, the doldrums, a blue funk "he was in a funk because his wife ran out on him"

Maybe I should re-name my Friday blog posts to "Always In A Funk". Seems to be the state of my life lately. It all started with the election. I know I shouldn't let it bother me so much, but REALLY??
What an absolute disaster.

And after that, I had a hard time writing for NaNo. I got behind in word count and gave up.

And, winter is coming. I HATE winter. (I know, I'm yelling a lot - can't help it).

And, I'm bored. With my knee pain, it is hard to do anything except go to work and come home. BORING.

I keep telling myself to do what I can. Write, scrapbook, read, catch up on Netflix. Thing is, when I sit down to do any of that, I end up staring into space and wishing I was somewhere doing something fun.

Yep, I'm definitely in a funk.

I know I'm not the only one. How do you get back on track when your motivation train derails??

FRIDAY STIR FRY - NaNo Time

Well, it's that time of year again. National Novel Writing Month is nearly here. And, of course, I've signed up. Why? Why? Why? (beats head against desk)

Anybody who reads this blog already knows what NaNoWriMo is. If not here is the link. 

http://nanowrimo.org/

I've failed miserably the last several years. But, so what? That is no reason not to try this year. Yep, I'm a gluten for punishment. And, I'm starting to panic. I have an idea for a story, but since I can't stand to outline, that's about all I have. From past experience, I know at some point, that initial idea will start to wither and die. Usually about 20,000 words in. That's the problem with being a pantser. If the next plot twist doesn't come, you're kind of stuck. 

I already have three unfinished NaNo novels. The one I've been trying to finally complete this year, is going nowhere. I've decided to put it out of my misery. Perhaps it will never get finished. Perhaps it's not meant to be. Maybe this new idea will blossom into a story I can finish and publish. Hope springs eternal and so does insanity. 

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Epic Fail

https://www.morguefile.com

Well, I gave up on NaNo - again.

I just couldn't keep up. I don't have the energy I had ten years ago when I first did NaNo. And, I don't think I have as many functioning brain cells as I did back then.

I tried getting up early to write before work. I managed that a few days, but my brain just wouldn't function that early. I tried writing at work, but then damn work would get in the way. I tried writing as soon as I got home from work, but again, my brain just wouldn't cooperate. After dealing with stupid people all day, my mind didn't want to deal with my stupid characters. And I found myself resenting having to write all weekend to catch up.

So, I quit.

But, on the bright side, I managed almost 20,000 words. Some of them are good, others are headed to the recycle bin. So, thanks NaNo for that.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - I'm With Stupid

https://www.morguefile.com

Okay, picture my doppelganger standing next to me and we each have that stupid tee shirt on pointing at each other. That would be me this month. Or like those mountain goats, I made a decision I probably shouldn't have.

Some of you may have noticed I didn't post last week. At least I hope you noticed. The reason - I jumped into the NaNo madness. Yep, I decided to try again to write 50,000 words in 30 days. Ugghhh. I wish somebody had stopped me.

Folks, it is hard. Especially when you are old, your arthritis acts up, work sucks and so does your novel. And you are also on a time limit to complete a hand quilted baby blanket.

The first week was okay. I managed to keep up on word count. But, day 10 I faltered. Didn't feel good. Had to take a pain pill and fell behind. I'm still behind even though I had Veteran's day off from work.

Week two of NaNo is notorious for tripping people up. The beginning excitement is gone and your novel has stagnated. And you wonder what the hell you were thinking. Just like I am now.

Don't get me wrong. I'm still writing every day, just not as many words as needed to make the goal. And I plan to continue writing every day. Because, I know if I stop, this story won't get finished and I want to finish it. No, I need to finish it, just to prove I can.

In the past I have managed to catch up over Thanksgiving weekend, so there is hope. Ever so slight hope, but hope none the less.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - To NaNo or Not To NaNo

I've got just one day left to make up my mind. Should I do this or not? This, of course, is National Novel Writing Month. If you've been living under a rock for the past 15 plus years, here is a link for more information. http://nanowrimo.org/

I signed up. I have an idea. How about a list of pros and cons.

PROS

It's a good way to get words on paper. Even if they're not very good words.

There is a sense of achievement when you get your daily word count.

I may never have a finished novel if it wasn't for this.

I enjoy participating with crazy people like me from all over the world.

What else have I got to do?

CONS

First, it's hard. Much harder than you can imagine. The brain refuses to cooperate after a while.

It's depressing and demoralizing when you fall behind in word count.

I really should finish my current WIP instead of starting another.

To achieve word count, I have to get up early and write. Use my lunch hour to write. And, write after a long day of work. That's stretching my lazy ass to it's limits.  

I have a baby quilt to finish.

Well, it looks like we have a tie. Anybody up for rock, paper, scissors, lizard, Spock? 

Stay tuned and you'll learn my decision next week.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Jano Time

http://morguefile.com

A local writing group I belong to does a thing called Jano. It's based on National Novel Writing Month, but we do it in January. Get it? Anyway, the idea came to pass because one of our members thought November was just too busy. And January has 31 days. It's small peas compared to Nano, but it is a very supportive and motivated bunch. It's not too late to join. Check it out here.
http://sleuthsink.blogspot.com/2014/12/almost-time-for-jano2015.html

I'm attempting AGAIN to finish Coming Home, my second book. I don't know why I keep trying to finish it. Well, never mind, I do know why. It's about a woman who comes back home to bury her mother after she dies in a nursing home. I had to place my mother in a nursing home. It was the most agonizing decision of my life. And for the two years she lived there, I hated myself. I questioned if I could have done more for her. Every time she would ask me to take her home. And every time, I left with tears in my eyes because I couldn't. I felt like that boat - adrift and lonely.

My mother died eight years ago and I still feel the pain of my decision. If I don't finish this story, I may never find peace. Here is an excerpt drawn directly from my experience. Maybe you will see why I have to finish this.

 

As they made their way down the hallway, the woman tried drawing Jennifer into small talk.  It fell mainly on deaf ears as Jennifer took in the all too familiar surroundings. She realized this would be the last time she would see the picture of Jesus with the art light illuminating him from above as if he just descended from his heavenly throne. Or, the fish tank with all the colorful inhabitants immune to the sickness and distress around them, the filter bubbling fresh air into their environment. A "Footsteps in The Sand” poem in a gilded frame hung above the fake mahogany table with a silk flower arrangement, the wheelchairs barely missing it as they paraded down the hall three times a day on their way to the dining room.

 Then there were the sounds, the crying and the moaning. The calls for help that the staff learned to tune out but Jennifer never did. The flushing of toilets and the loud radio and television sets all tuned to different stations creating a kaleidoscope of noise. The smell of defeat permeated the air creeping into every fiber of her body.                                                                

 

 

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Work vs Art

http://www.morguefile.com

So I had a bit of a melt-down at work this week. And let me tell you, it wasn't pretty. I think I scared some people. Which is saying something because I have a bad reputation at work. Word on the street is I don't like anybody and you better not bother me. Both are pretty much true. Well sort of. I don't have close friends at work. There are people I tolerate because I have to. And I don't like to be bothered by stupidity or anal, control freak people. I'll do my job, you do yours.  

For those that don't know, I work in a social welfare job. Once in a while it is rewarding. Like when you know you are throwing a life line to a really needy person. That can make all the paperwork and dumbness worth it. But, sometimes nothing can block the frustration that boils to the surface. 

The phone has become my nemeses. I HATE IT! I get about 30 calls a day which I can't possibly answer. So I have voice mail. I specify on my recording to please leave only one message. Do they? No. I understand their need for an answer to their stupid question, but sometimes I just can't deal with it. This week I had stupid voice mail after stupid voice mail. I came close to tears at one point. I juggle three different jobs and when none of them are going right, well you know. 

I think part of the problem could be my frustration with my current work in progress. I failed to finish it during NaNo and I'm having a hard time getting into it. Some people would say put it aside and start something else. I can't. I need to finish it. It gnaws at my stomach and brain. Write me, write me.

Work and art are not playing well together right now. Any suggestions? 

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Thanksgiving - sort of

Well, as you can see from the NaNo word count widget over there, I haven't made much progress on my story. Oh well. I've got five days off over Thanksgiving with nothing to do. Perhaps I can make some headway then. Pretty sure 50,000 is out of the question. I would be happy if I could just fill some gaping plot holes with plot bunnies. If you see any of those elusive things hopping around, send them my way please.

http://www.morguefile.com

Speaking of Thanksgiving, I've seen a lot of people on Facebook posting what they are thankful for. It's been interesting to read those. There's plenty of hate and discontent in the world so a little thankfulness is refreshing. I always have a hard time making my own list. It's not that I'm not thankful for stuff, it's just that sometimes it's hard to put into words. And that statement is coming from a writer. Weird. Kind of like a turkey in a graveyard weird.

To my readers here in America, Happy Thanksgiving. To the rest of the world, be kind to one another.

PS - My friend Tierney James will be hosting me on her blog this coming Monday the 24th. Be sure and stop by. It's a fun interview if I do say so myself.   

 http://www.ptierneyjames.blogspot.com

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Half Way Point

http://www.morguefile.com

Well it's the half way point for NaNo. And I need a compass. Not only am I way behind on word count, but I have no clue how to get to my destination. I know the book will have a Happily Ever After. I'm just having a hard time figuring out how to get my characters there. They fight and kind of make up then fight again. I want to drive them out in the middle of nowhere, drop them off and tell them by the time they get back to my novel, they damn better have a solution.  

                                                            

That's what I get for being a pantser instead of a plotter. I just can't bring myself to outline and plot. It is much more fun to fly by the seat of my pants and just go wherever the characters want to take me. Usually. Not so much when they aren't cooperating. You hear me Jennifer and Ron? I'm tired of your nonsense. Now put on your big girl and boy pants and get this story going. If you don't, you won't get to take off your pants and have some fun. Wink, wink.

Two more weeks to get this sucker figured out. Can we do it? I'll let you know next week. In the mean time, if you see my characters hitch hiking don't pick them up.  

FRIDAY STIR FRY - NaNo Thoughts and Other Stuff

I'm not gonna lie. It's been a rough week of NaNo. I was hoping to get way ahead last weekend. Didn't happen. Stayed barely above daily word count. And then yesterday, I hit a wall. Just couldn't do it. Couldn't get up early before work, couldn't write during lunch and last night only got maybe twenty words. Some would say that's something. I say it stinks. Ahh, the trials and tribulations of NaNo.

The bright side - I think I've added some good stuff to the novel I'm working on. And I have all weekend to write and we are off work Tuesday for Veteran's Day. Thank you veterans!

On a different note, I'm a little angry. Why you ask? Because we are going to get blasted with cold air next week. I think I've mentioned this before but in case you missed it -
I HATE WINTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I hate the cold, the sleet, the snow, the ice. Did I mention the cold?  Okay, I feel a little better now. Just a little.

If you are doing NaNo, let me know in the comments how it is going for you. And if you kept your sanity and are not doing it, comment about anything you like. I love hearing from you.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Missing For The Next 30 Days

Yep, it's almost here. November or as I like to call it Insaneber. Because anyone who thinks they can write a 50,000 word novel in 30 days has to be insane right?

Believe it or not it is possible but it takes a lot of energy, courage and caffeine. Here are a few tricks and treats I've learned over the last 6 years I've participated. (notice how I referenced Halloween there?) Happy Halloween/Samhain! Now to my tips.

• Absolutely no editing. This is the first rule of NaNo. Lock that editor in the basement. You have no time for his nonsense this month. 
• Do not use contractions. Don't is one word - do not is two. You can fix it later with find and replace. 
• Everyone has at least two, three or more names. And they repeat their names a lot. Not only does this up your word count but it helps your brain remember all your characters. Again, you can fix later. 
• Have a music play list. This not only sets the mood for your story, but, at least in my case, the words flow easier if there is music in the background. 
• Lots of caffeine and chocolate. Self explanatory. 
• Set a timer for 10, 15 or 30 minutes. Write non-stop until that sucker goes off. You'll be surprised how many words you will get.
• Finally - and this is very important. BACK UP YOUR NOVEL AT LEAST EVERY DAY. I can't tell you how many horror stories I've heard of people losing all their hard work. Don't be that person.

 
I hope you join in, but if not please understand if you don't see or hear from me, I'm probably okay, just busy trying to wrestle a novel out of my brain. You can track my progress by coming by and checking the word count widget to the right.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Why NaNoWriMo?

Yep, I'm going to do this again. Just shoot me now.

You may be asking yourself why I put myself through this if I would prefer to be shot? The answer is complicated but, I'll do my best to explain with a list. Who doesn't like lists?

• This is how I finally wrote my first novel. Without NaNo, I might still be saying "I want to write a novel someday".
• They are such a supportive group and they provide some terrific pep talks from famous authors.
• The forums are both hilarious and supportive. I've actually connected with a few people on Facebook during the rest of the year. 
• It's free, although donations are greatly appreciated and I always donate $10.00. What a deal!
• It's a challenge and what is life without a few challenges along the way? Boring.
• I'm part of something bigger than myself. People from all over the world participate. 
• NaNo is a not for profit and they promote writing in schools with their Young Writer's Program.

There you have it. Reason's why I'll be a little dazed and confused this November. Just pat me on the shoulder and hand me some coffee and I promise not to kill you in my novel. Maybe.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - YEA!!!!!!!!

Today's the day I've been waiting for all my life. No I'm not getting married or getting my driver's license for the first time or taking my first drink at 21. I'm finally a published author. Wow.

I don't expect to make a lot of money. Publishing has changed so much in the last few years, that only the already established authors make big bucks. Us little guys, not so much. All I really want is for people to read my book and like it. That's it.

There are so many people I need to thank. Forgive me if I leave anybody out.

First and foremost, my son Zach. He believed in me and gave me encouragement every step of the way. Even when I was being a recluse at his house during Thanksgiving because I was behind on word count for NaNo.

My beta readers, Nancy Yeomans and Allison Merritt for steering me in the right direction.

Members of Ozarks Romance Authors critique group for their great advice.

Members of Sleuth's Ink who are the best cheerleaders anybody could have.

My editor Amanda Siemen and all the wonderful people at Breathless Press.

And all my friends, especially Rob Evans and Stacy Durst who gave me hugs and beer when I needed moral support.

I'm taking time to enjoy this moment, then back to work on my new novel. If you're in Springfield Saturday June 28th come by Trolley's on the square from 4 to 6 and celebrate with me.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Waiting

http://www.freeimages.com/photo/1320575

So, I'm not so patiently waiting on my second round of edits. I know my editor (love getting to say that) is busy, busy, busy and I'm not her only insecure author. It's the same thing my clients at work don't understand. I have tons of you people I have to coordinate and appease. Be Patient.

In the meantime I'm working on another novel. Actually, I've been working on it for a long time. The idea first appeared soon after my mother died in a nursing home. What if a young woman had to return home to bury her mother and ran smack dab into some old memories?

I've attempted several NaNo reincarnations going in all kinds of different directions. First my main character was going to try and locate her father. Dropped that idea. Then there was going to be some kind of investigation at the nursing home involving euthanasia. Decided against that. Then I was going to kill off a character. Struggled with that one. Now, I'm reconsidering the finding father angle. Anyway, it's a mess. I just need to sit my butt in the chair and write. It will work itself out. I hope. Because this story won't let me go.

I would love to know if you have a story that won't let you go.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - YEA!!!!

http://www.sxc.hu/photo/871147

Many of you already know my BIG NEWS. But, for those who don't . . . I signed a publishing contract for my book Beyond the Horizon!! Can you tell I'm excited? Breathless Press is my publisher. Check them out here  http://www.breathlesspress.com/

It's been a long journey. I wrote Beyond The Horizon during 2009 National Novel Writing Month. It seemed like a good way to get words on the page. I managed 50,000 words that month. Of course it wasn't complete and needed lots and lots of work. Instead of finishing it, I started three more books each of the following NaNoWriMo's.

Three years ago an agent and editor were invited to Ozarks Romance Authors conference and offering to take pitches. In order to take advantage of that opportunity, I needed a complete work. So I rolled up my sleeves and finished Beyond The Horizon. The editor I pitched to, asked me to send it to her. Wow! I thought I was on my way. Then the publishing house she worked for sold and she left and my manuscript landed back in my lap. So much for overnight success.

To tell the truth, it wasn't easy keeping my head up and pushing on. Thanks to my writer friends and their encouragement and belief in my abilities, I kept working on my craft and submitting my work. If you would like to become a part of these amazing group of people check them out. I couldn't ask for a better support system.

http://ozarks-romance-authors.com/      and     http://sleuthsink.blogspot.com/

Twelve heart wrenching rejections later, I've found my home. I'm looking forward to the next chapter (pun intended) as I work with my editor polishing my baby until she shines.

I'll keep you posted.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Blessings

http://www.sxc.hu/photo/249985

Since Thanksgiving was yesterday, I'm still in the thankful mood. I'm going to take advantage of it because sometimes, when life gets funky, it's hard for me to remember to count my blessings.

1. My son and daughter and grand children. Even though I don't get to see them often, they are present in my heart.
2. My job. Sure it drives me crazy and I really would rather not have to work, but I know there are a lot of people who would love to have a job.
3. My little house. Yes, it's in the ghetto and it's old and run down. But, I love it. Plus it's really cheap and my landlords are nice people.
4. My new car.
5. My friends. There aren't many, but the ones I have are true blue.
6. My relatively good health. My knees are bad, but other than that, I'm healthy.
7. My novel. Even though it hasn't found a home yet, I'm proud of it.
8. NaNo. I failed to reach the goal, but I got some words down. And without this wonderful program, I wouldn't have #7 to be thankful for.
9. Price Cutter grocery store online shopping. I hate going to the store and for a $5.00 fee, they will shop for me and all I have to do is go pick it up!
10. Beer.

I thought it would be hard to come up with ten things, but it was easy peasy. I hope you all had a happy and thankful Thanksgiving.

Now it's your turn. Tell me at least one thing you are thankful for.

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Random Thoughts

Well, believe it or not, I'm way behind on NaNo as you can see from my miserable word counter. Oh well.

Received another rejection this week for BTH. Up to ten now, I think. I've lost count and interest. I'm really tired of the whole process. Sending the query or whatever the heck they want and then waiting, waiting and waiting. Only to get turned down. Considering putting it on Kindle. If I could only have a week off work so I could do a cover and format it and all that good stuff. I don't think two days on the weekend will be enough. Plus I don't have a clue how to do a cover. There are peeps who have offered to help. We'll see.

Work is kicking my butt (which is my excuse for my pitiful word count). A person in our department is leaving and the three of us that are left are trying to divide her work up between us. My old brain is having to learn new stuff. But, MAYBE, if they don't need to hire somebody, we can get a raise when she leaves. Not sure I'm going to survive to see that.

On a brighter note, I'm loving my new car. Need to take a road trip soon.

Which brings me to my question of the week. Where do you like to go on a one day road trip?

http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1422898

FRIDAY STIR FRY - 50,000 or Bust

Yes, I'm still attempting to do NaNo. I'm behind in word count, but I'm trying not to stress over it. In fact I'm not paying any attention to where my count should be each day. That could be a mistake, but I'm trying it.

My story is not moving along very well, but I am flushing out some of my characters a little more, finding out what makes them tick, what their motivations are. Yes, there will be a lot of editing when this month is done. But, as I've said before I like the revision process.

http://www.sxc.hu/photo/976087

 

This is a three day weekend for me because of Veteran's Day. Thank you all veterans out there for your service by the way. Any way, I have no plans except for our Sleuths' Ink writers meeting Saturday. So, I'm planning to write, write, write. Who knows maybe I'll get caught up.

 

When is your best time of day to write? Are you a morning, night or weekend writer?

 

FRIDAY STIR FRY - Yep I'm Crazy

I'm in. And yes, son, I'm crazy. Every year my son asks me why I want to put myself through this. And honestly, I don't know. It's crazy. 50,000 words in one month. 1667 a day, every day. And, every year I find myself getting behind. I've spent many a Thanksgiving at my son's house typing away, trying to catch up on my word count, while everybody else visits. And although everyone gave me encouragement, I could tell there wasn't a single soul who understood my insanity.

What drives me into this mess? I wouldn't have a finished novel under my belt if it weren't for NaNo. And I wouldn't have three others started. That's why I do it. It's hard for me to get the writing muse to cooperate and generate new material. I'm much more interested in revisions. But, without that start of 50,000 words, I would have nothing to revise. So, I need NaNo. My plan this year is to finish one of those unfinished stories. Fifty thousand words should about do it.

I admit the last couple of years, I failed miserably. I'm going to blame it on laziness, my constant companion. These last few months, I've had some health set backs and maybe that's why I'm determined to succeed. I need something positive.

I've added a word count widget to my blog to help keep me accountable.

Who's with me!!!!