This week a song keeps playing inside my head with all the political misfiring going on.  My parents loved this song, which actually was a lost-love tune sung by Eddie Arnold.  I guess it applies today, a lost love for the way the world should be.  As writers, our creativity is usually sensitive to outside events.  I try NOT to “focus” on outside events while writing, but I need to be informed also.

My intentions have been good, but I haven’t reached the page count that I’d originally planned for this month.  Yet.  I think during external stress, writers need to pull a few tools out and use.  I’ve listed a few that are in my arsenal.

1.  It’s okay to pause, and take a deep breath. Often if need be.  Only you know what your internal compass is telling you.

2. Take time to read. (I think writers read daily anyway, so this is as natural as breathing for most of us.)

3. Watch a movie.

4. Take a nap if you need it.

5. Spend time with a child/children.

6. Do something nice for someone.

7. Crank your Ipod up and dance!

8. Meditate.

9. Take a course.

10. Take care of you. 

I’d love to hear how you maintain your creativity.  We’re all in this together, and knowledge is what it’s all about.  And those of you contracted now, is it easier or harder to get into story these days?

I read an interesting article about a musician who read, The Last Lecture.  The novel by Randy Pausch inspired him on a new level.  One of his favorite quotes from Pausch was, “The number one goal of a teacher is to help students learn how to judge themselves.”  This musician went on to say that nothing is more crucial than self-criticism.  Basically in my case as a writer, learning craft, finding nuances, the ebb and flow of personal rhythms.  He went on to say that teachers won’t be with us forever.  The light must go on in a student’s head, and is much more important than emulating others.

I believe a good teacher guides gently, and stands back to allow growth.  I’ve had teachers in my life, and each one brought something new to the table.  A teacher to me is someone who comes into your life and leaves something behind.  You can know, maybe before they arrive, that something is about to happen.  It’s not always lovely things you discover, but something inside you becomes more from the encounter. If it’s a negative encounter, you’ve learned.  If it’s a positive encounter, you’ve learned.

In learning more about ourselves we can, I believe, give more to others.  Life really is a dance filled with dreams.  Of of my most precious teachers was my editor on my debut book.  She did all the lovely things you’re supposed to do, and I learned much.  She didn’t hand me anything, rather I found myself stretching.  I grew as a writer, and it’s a gift I cherish.

What teacher made an impact in your life?  I chose a postivie example, but there’s certainly others where much growth occurs as well. 

Most of you know my Magical partner, Edie Ramer.  Drum roll please… she recently finaled in the American Title V contest for her story, DEAD PEOPLE!  Voting won’t begin until January, but I wanted to officially cheer her on from my corner in cyberspace.  The winner will receive a publishing contract with Dorchester!

So, Edie, you go girl!  I’m cheering you to Victory, GF! 

Okay, every year hubby and I decide on a gift we might both enjoy for Christmas and we go for it.  One year, we updated our television for a wide-screen.  Nice item, and we totally enjoyed it.  This year, we were on the great Wii hunt.  Our grandchildren bring theirs on sleepover nights, and we have competitions.  Great fun!

For the last month, I’ve been surfing the net and checking the weekend ads.  I couldn’t believe how difficult this was going to be…or so I thought.  Now, Sundays are my special mornings around here.  I totally treat myself with coffee, and laptop in bed.  Wanna watch a movie, not a problem.  This last weekend I discovered this item was fast becoming a “hard to find item.”  I think it dawned on me after the dozen or so online checks.

So, I’m all cozied up, and spot a Best Buy ad for the little bugger in the local paper.  They’re in-store, but not available online.  Well, I looked around my bedroom…the cozy covers, the coffee, my laptop,  and look outside where it’s overcast.  I glance back to my bed.  Didn’t I have a stuffy nose, and wasn’t I going to pamper myself for a few hours?  A box of kleenex was clear evidence I wasn’t on the top of my game. Hey, isn’t that a jar of Vicks vapor rub?

Well, I did get our Wii system, and it didn’t take hours like I thought.  Quick trip, back home again jiggidy jig.  Well, more like two hours, make that a slower jig.  So, I didn’t get the full flavor of a half-day in bed, but it was Christmas around here.  And yes, we did check it out whenever hubby got home, and bowl a game or two, or three.  We know what the kiddies will probably be getting us for Christmas, since we only have two games….  hint, hint, girls! 

Hmm, how many days till Sunday?

Hey all, tomorrow (Friday) is my blog day at  Magical.  Hope you join us gals there.  I’ll be ”chatting” about the thrill of finding that missing piece in a novel.  In my case, it’s a character that I’m happy to report has finally showed up!  Can we say, “Elvis has entered the building?”  Except in this case it’s a gal, but the excitement is the same.  It took me weeks to find her.

Also on the reading front, I’m reading the uncomparable Karin Tabke’s first historical, Master of Surrender. This story is amazing.  If you’re a Kathleen Woodiwiss fan, you won’t be disappointed.  Her second book in this series, Master of Torment, will be released soon.  The Blood Sword Legacy is sure to be a winner!  And the covers are stunning!  Way to go, Karin!  

That’s about it for now, I’m moving forward on my WIP, and reading a great book in the evenings after my pages are done.  Doesn’t get any better than that!

I’ve discovered that the connection between writer and reader is very precious.  My main focus as a writer has always been to write stories from the heart.  I’ve been priviledged since my debut book was released to have received heartfelt words through emails, cards, and phone calls.  I know when readers take the time to contact me, that my work touched them in a meaningful way.  Each one is like a strand of colored beads for me, and I appreciate them all.

I think a beautiful part of creativity is that it longs for a receiver, it’s to be shared.  Writing is music to the soul, and it has a rhythm and flow that the reader engages in.  Like music and art, books are a personal choice.  Time is very precious too.  We’re all balancing lives and careers, and reading time is to be savored. I have a stack of TBR books, and it’s one of those things that’s never completed like laundry and cleaning.   So, it makes those reader connections all the more precious.  Someone took the time to read my work.  The gift makes me work harder, and strive to make each story better than the last.  I want that expectation, it keeps me fresh and alert. 

Any stories you’d care to share about writer and reader?

I’m blogging at Magical today, so come on over and join us there! And now, to our regularly scheduled program…

My grandchildren recycle.  Three of them are military-based, and the families do that across the board.  It teaches children at a young age the importance of recycling.  My two grandchildren that live nearby save papers, plastic, and aluminum cans.  And most important, they’re excited about helping the planet.  When my girls were young, we took our aluminum cans for recycling.  I’m ashamed to say, since everyone flew the nest, hubby and I haven’t kept up with the family tradition.  We’ve thought of it, but never followed through. Oh, we’re on the ball when it comes to not littering, and using more earth friendly products.

Since the little ones are excited, it’s inspired us to join in.  I have three sacks in my hall closet for all the items they’re collecting.  I’ll be taking mine to their house each week, which will make them  happy.  And, I feel really good about doing it.  I drink megga water bottles, and we get the daily newspapers.  We empty plenty of aluminum cans throughout the week too.

So, for all the brilliant children out there that are conscious when we sometimes are not, I thank you!  There’s no doubt in my mind, it’s this special generation that will not only clean up the planet, but figure a way to keep it that way!  Bravo, kids!   I’m very proud of my amazing crew! 

Have you been prompted to help the planet by a child’s inspiration recently? Or maybe you’re doing it on your own.  In any case, thanks for all you do!

Writing has laws of perspective, of light and shade just as painting does, or music. If you are born knowing them, fine. If not, learn them. Then rearrange the rules to suit yourself.

~Truman Capote~

I had Truman on my mind, maybe because I watched the movie, Capote, recently.  I remember reading his internationally famous novel, In Cold Blood, years ago.  What I didn’t know, is that writing it almost killed him.  He was so deeply involved in the process, and the story was so sensational that he lost himself.  He interviewed the witnesses, family, and friends of the victims.  The part, I believe, that drained him was visiting the killers and becoming involved in their story, and the intimate details of the killing.  A brilliant novel in the end, but the physical toll was a very high price.  He even witnessed their executions.  He was a novelist who decided to write a real-life crime in fiction form.  It was a brilliant idea all those years ago, and unlike anything I had every read before.  It took me there, pulled me in, and I saw and felt what took place.  It can be chilling, especially when it’s a murder story.

This writer was in deep, and I can’t imagine the feeling of desperation he felt when he realized he might not be able to shake the book after it was written.  What I’ve learned with my debut book is this, you can’t be afraid to go deep.  What we choose to write is an individual decision, but when you choose it’s all or nothing.  But, I also know there are certain genres I could never write.  You won’t see me penning a slasher book.  I don’t have an interest in it, and I don’t have the constitution for it.  I know my limits. 

One of Truman’s quotes says it all… “No one will know what In Cold Blood took out of me.  It scraped me right down to the marrow of my bones.  It nearly killed me.  I think, in a way, it did kill me.”

I must say here, Truman had some deep-seated emotional issues and was fragile.  Writing that particular book took him places he hadn’t expected, or wanted I imagine.  I’ve read writer interviews that have discussed this, and one author put it perfectly.  Basically it was about being aware of what you let inside of your head.  You’ll be with these characters for a long time.  I believe this wholeheartedly, and it’s not just in fiction we need to think of this.  In life as well.

Are there certain books you won’t write, cause you know it’d be too draining?   

If life is calling you, you must go toward it with the upmost passion and involvement, not with hesitation and calculation.

~Sadhguru~

Spring and summers are truly a time of renewal.  Not only does nature bloom and display its beauty, but people have a tendency to breathe deeply and dance with life.  And if we’re lucky, it continues throughout the year.

I recently read an article about a 100 plus-year-old man who has lived in a mental institution for most of his life.  Sadly, it was so long ago no one knows his exact history.  He spends his days painting on long sheets of paper.  They are scenes from his childhood they assume.  A nurse said he draws all day long, taking breaks only for eating, sleep, and a few activities.  They never said what his actual “mental” diagnosis was, and it doesn’t matter.  This passion he exhibits in the facility is calling to him regardless.

The terrific news is he will be having his first art exhibit this year.  Someone found this man and his work, and realized their value.  I love reading stories such as this.  When I envision him working with his colors and paper, the background fading as creativity takes over and spills onto the paper, I feel a warm glow.  He’s in the state of being, and that’s a forgotten place for some.  Too many look ahead, to the side, up and down, never inside.  The outside noise gets loud, and in some cases drowns life calling.

So for me, I love that life calls and more so that I’m able to hear.  As writers, we delve inside ourselves for our characters and write about what we see and hear.  The least we can do is do the same indepth process for ourselves.  And I love that we’re all able to embrace life fully. There’s no membership fees, no qualifications other than being human.  It’s my kinda club!   

Thoughts?

Well, vacation was a blast!  A week of fun in the Florida sun, and I’m back to life in TN again.  The good thing about vacations is the enthusiasm you bring home.  Away from my work for a week, and I’m inspired.

After a few days in FL, small scenes started popping up for my WIP.  Ideas for future stories slowly joined the mix.  I let them fall like gentle rain, absorbing them but not reacting.  I can still hear the ocean sounds as I type this.  The balcony of our condo drew me every morning, and night.  No wonder I buy ocean CD’s to inspire me whenever I write. 

So, I’ll keep you posted as I work on my new project.  I wrote a chapter before I left; just enough to draw me closer.  I look forward to stepping into my story, and experiencing the magic again.

So, what are y’all working on at this moment?