Is it okay to be obsessed? Sometimes I wonder.
I’ve recently come to the conclusion that I am an obsessed person. Not with everything. God, I’d give anything to be obsessed with house cleaning, but nooo.
As a kid, I was obsessed with television shows. “The Partridge Family” comes to mind – I was a huge David Cassidy fan. Had to have every magazine his face was plastered on. Him and Bobby Sherman (yes, loved “Here Come the Brides”, too).
But TV and celebrities aside, ten years ago I was obsessed with owning a Toyota Celica. Read everything about it. I just had to have that car. Then I test drove it. That pretty much killed that obsession. Reality struck (I ended up buying a Nissan Altima instead – much more practical).
Besides with being obsessed with writing (and what writer isn’t?), now I’m obsessed with a bright yellow Nissan Xterra. I want one. And you know why? All because I wanted John (the character in my book) to have a bright yellow SUV. I nicknamed it “The Bumblebee” in my book and that’s what I call every yellow Xterra I see now.
I told my husband I need to test drive it so I can get rid of this obsession. But what if I love driving it? Then I’m doomed. I will have to get one. And I told my husband if I get published, I’m buying one.
There’s a problem, though. Nissan no longer makes them in yellow. 2008 was the last for that color. I’m heart broken. I want a yellow one.
So, am I strange? Or does everyone have an obsession every now and then?
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Simmering
I envy people who can think on their feet. My husband is one of those people and it always amazes me how fast he can react. Me – I come up with good “come-back” lines hours after I need them. When I’m asked “do you have any questions,” I say no, but realize hours later that I do.
I think the reason I’m like that is because I think my mind needs time to “simmer” information. And I proved it to myself just this morning.
Saturday I went to a useful workshop on writing. It was about creating motivation and personalities for your characters. There were writing exercises, but I wasn’t able to complete most of them. I need more than two minutes to think. But I tried. I had some ideas for Book 3, so I thought I would work on those characters. Not much was written by the time I left the workshop at 5:00pm.
But – lo and behold – when I woke up this morning, I thought of a conversation with him and my main character from Book 1 & 2. My mind “simmered” overnight, and wha-la – I discovered his motivation!
So, it’s nice to know I didn’t waste my money on that workshop. It had some useful information after all. I just wasn’t able to process it all until today!
I think the reason I’m like that is because I think my mind needs time to “simmer” information. And I proved it to myself just this morning.
Saturday I went to a useful workshop on writing. It was about creating motivation and personalities for your characters. There were writing exercises, but I wasn’t able to complete most of them. I need more than two minutes to think. But I tried. I had some ideas for Book 3, so I thought I would work on those characters. Not much was written by the time I left the workshop at 5:00pm.
But – lo and behold – when I woke up this morning, I thought of a conversation with him and my main character from Book 1 & 2. My mind “simmered” overnight, and wha-la – I discovered his motivation!
So, it’s nice to know I didn’t waste my money on that workshop. It had some useful information after all. I just wasn’t able to process it all until today!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
When Did It Happen?
The other day at work, just before lunch, my cell phone chirped that the battery was low. I plugged the phone for a charge and got ready to leave for lunch. I then looked at the phone, charging.
It felt strange to leave the phone behind and I wondered: When did that happen?
I was one of the last holdouts of our family to even own a cell phone. I didn’t need one. No one was that important that it couldn’t wait until I got home to talk to them. But I gave in. My husband liked to reach me “whenever” and I did realize that it was nice to be able to contact him when the moment struck.
But why did I feel uncomfortable NOT having my phone with me? It’s not like I use it all the time. I’m the member with the least amount of minutes per month. I’m the member who DOESN’T text. I won’t even answer the phone if I’m driving (holding the phone and shifting don’t mix!). And it wasn’t like I was driving all that far. If something happened, it would have been cold to walk back to work, but I wouldn’t have frozen.
I don’t like the feeling that I have to have that phone with me, but I think it’s too late now. My husband expects me to have it, so I carry it. If it makes him feel better, then I guess that’s good enough for me.
And by the way – I did survive going out to lunch without the phone. No one called anyway!
It felt strange to leave the phone behind and I wondered: When did that happen?
I was one of the last holdouts of our family to even own a cell phone. I didn’t need one. No one was that important that it couldn’t wait until I got home to talk to them. But I gave in. My husband liked to reach me “whenever” and I did realize that it was nice to be able to contact him when the moment struck.
But why did I feel uncomfortable NOT having my phone with me? It’s not like I use it all the time. I’m the member with the least amount of minutes per month. I’m the member who DOESN’T text. I won’t even answer the phone if I’m driving (holding the phone and shifting don’t mix!). And it wasn’t like I was driving all that far. If something happened, it would have been cold to walk back to work, but I wouldn’t have frozen.
I don’t like the feeling that I have to have that phone with me, but I think it’s too late now. My husband expects me to have it, so I carry it. If it makes him feel better, then I guess that’s good enough for me.
And by the way – I did survive going out to lunch without the phone. No one called anyway!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
An Example of Life With My Hubby
I’m practicing my writing and thought I would try telling you a true story. Now, the comments in quotes are not verbatim (I’m not that great at remembering exact lines), but the gist is there.
In February of 2008 we took a vacation to Orlando. The “we” consisted of my husband, my son, our dear friend (whose time share we used), and me. Did the whole Disney thing, too; hitting every park. It’s not something I plan on doing again, unless my kids decide to actually date, get married, and give me grandchildren (but I’m not griping – really).
The worst part of the whole trip was the week we took it. That was the year OSU met LSU in the BCS Championship game. And lost.
That was also the week of LSU’s spring break. Yeah, in FEBRUARY! Apparently, they’re off the week before Mardi Gras and they all went to Orlando to get away. Needless to say, the days my husband wore his OSU shirts, he got quite a ribbing. It really was the worst week we could have chosen to go. Way too many people!
It wasn’t anything we could change, though, so we stuck to our schedule. We got lucky on the day we went to the Animal Kingdom Theme park: no rain (yes, it actually rains in Florida in the winter – go figure).
Deciding our feet would hurt too much in the afternoon, we took the walking part of the park in the morning (the walking part consisted of the zoo and jungle-type habitats). As we came across the gorilla habitat, there happened to be a gentleman discussing the gorillas and asked if anyone had questions. That’s when my husband spoke up.
“What do gorillas taste like?” he asked.
The gentleman stared at him and paused before answering. “I don’t know, I’ve never eaten one.”
“Well, if you did, what do you think it would be like? Chicken or beef? White meat or dark?”
“Well, I guess they would have dark meat, similar to beef, but I really don’t know.” He was clearly perplexed as to why my husband would want to know that.
And to tell you the truth, I don’t think my husband honestly cared what the answer was. He just likes to play these kinds of games. And this one was on.
He found several other employees in the zoo portion of the park and asked them the same question, claiming he couldn’t get an answer from the so-called “expert”. One employee thought chicken, another also thought beef. Still, no one knew for certain.
Finally finished with the walking part, we headed for the Dinosaur ride. As we stood in line, there was an employee standing at the entrance, probably making sure no short people were unaccompanied, when my husband decided to ask him.
The man’s answer surprised my husband. “Turtle,” he said.
“Turtle? Really?”
“That’s what I heard.”
“Hmm, I don’t know what turtle tastes like,” my husband said. I was afraid he was going to start asking people what turtle tasted like, but that never occurred (or it never occurred for him to ask, I don’t know which).
After lunch, as we were cleaning up our mess (yes, we’re good little visitors!), my husband spotted an employee, a young woman, standing in front of the monkey exhibit.
“I’ve been asking people all over this park and have yet to get a definite answer,” my husband said. “Do you think you can help me?”
She smiled and said, “I’ll try.”
“Do YOU know what gorilla tastes like?”
By this time, we were all cringing. We really were getting tired of the question by now. But the woman’s answer was the BEST!
“Oh, YOU’RE the one,” she said.
“I’m the one, what?” he asked.
“Everyone at lunch talked about this guy asking what gorilla tasted like. I didn’t know what they were talking about.” We all busted out laughing.
And you know what? That made my husband’s day! I think it was what he was hoping for all along. To be remembered! While the rest of us were glad he stopped asking that darn question!
In February of 2008 we took a vacation to Orlando. The “we” consisted of my husband, my son, our dear friend (whose time share we used), and me. Did the whole Disney thing, too; hitting every park. It’s not something I plan on doing again, unless my kids decide to actually date, get married, and give me grandchildren (but I’m not griping – really).
The worst part of the whole trip was the week we took it. That was the year OSU met LSU in the BCS Championship game. And lost.
That was also the week of LSU’s spring break. Yeah, in FEBRUARY! Apparently, they’re off the week before Mardi Gras and they all went to Orlando to get away. Needless to say, the days my husband wore his OSU shirts, he got quite a ribbing. It really was the worst week we could have chosen to go. Way too many people!
It wasn’t anything we could change, though, so we stuck to our schedule. We got lucky on the day we went to the Animal Kingdom Theme park: no rain (yes, it actually rains in Florida in the winter – go figure).
Deciding our feet would hurt too much in the afternoon, we took the walking part of the park in the morning (the walking part consisted of the zoo and jungle-type habitats). As we came across the gorilla habitat, there happened to be a gentleman discussing the gorillas and asked if anyone had questions. That’s when my husband spoke up.
“What do gorillas taste like?” he asked.
The gentleman stared at him and paused before answering. “I don’t know, I’ve never eaten one.”
“Well, if you did, what do you think it would be like? Chicken or beef? White meat or dark?”
“Well, I guess they would have dark meat, similar to beef, but I really don’t know.” He was clearly perplexed as to why my husband would want to know that.
And to tell you the truth, I don’t think my husband honestly cared what the answer was. He just likes to play these kinds of games. And this one was on.
He found several other employees in the zoo portion of the park and asked them the same question, claiming he couldn’t get an answer from the so-called “expert”. One employee thought chicken, another also thought beef. Still, no one knew for certain.
Finally finished with the walking part, we headed for the Dinosaur ride. As we stood in line, there was an employee standing at the entrance, probably making sure no short people were unaccompanied, when my husband decided to ask him.
The man’s answer surprised my husband. “Turtle,” he said.
“Turtle? Really?”
“That’s what I heard.”
“Hmm, I don’t know what turtle tastes like,” my husband said. I was afraid he was going to start asking people what turtle tasted like, but that never occurred (or it never occurred for him to ask, I don’t know which).
After lunch, as we were cleaning up our mess (yes, we’re good little visitors!), my husband spotted an employee, a young woman, standing in front of the monkey exhibit.
“I’ve been asking people all over this park and have yet to get a definite answer,” my husband said. “Do you think you can help me?”
She smiled and said, “I’ll try.”
“Do YOU know what gorilla tastes like?”
By this time, we were all cringing. We really were getting tired of the question by now. But the woman’s answer was the BEST!
“Oh, YOU’RE the one,” she said.
“I’m the one, what?” he asked.
“Everyone at lunch talked about this guy asking what gorilla tasted like. I didn’t know what they were talking about.” We all busted out laughing.
And you know what? That made my husband’s day! I think it was what he was hoping for all along. To be remembered! While the rest of us were glad he stopped asking that darn question!
Monday, January 11, 2010
A Good Weekend
It was a productive weekend, writing-wise. Everything else, well I did get the laundry done and the bills paid…
I think I finally got my query figured out. It feels that way anyway (I’m not obsessing about it anymore – that’s got to be a good sign). I’ll still wait a few days before I go posting it on this site (my obsession MAY change).
I’ve edited the first 25 pages (to death, maybe) of THE UNCOMMON ONE. It’s almost ready for the contest I entered. One more look from my daughter (to make sure I didn’t screw something up transition-wise) and it’s off. I’m kind of tired at looking at those pages and I’m ready to edit the rest of the book.
And this edit will be more difficult than the past. I got some great feedback from a cousin who pointed out some lagging areas (although she enjoyed the book as everyone I’ve had read it has – YEA).
So that’s what I did this weekend, writing-wise. It doesn’t sound like much, but you’d be surprised how much time I spent on that stupid query in the first place! I’ll be glad when I can put it off to the side and forget about it (until it comes time to use it).
I’m hoping by February to have the book ready so I can start sending out said query. That will be one SCARY day!
I think I finally got my query figured out. It feels that way anyway (I’m not obsessing about it anymore – that’s got to be a good sign). I’ll still wait a few days before I go posting it on this site (my obsession MAY change).
I’ve edited the first 25 pages (to death, maybe) of THE UNCOMMON ONE. It’s almost ready for the contest I entered. One more look from my daughter (to make sure I didn’t screw something up transition-wise) and it’s off. I’m kind of tired at looking at those pages and I’m ready to edit the rest of the book.
And this edit will be more difficult than the past. I got some great feedback from a cousin who pointed out some lagging areas (although she enjoyed the book as everyone I’ve had read it has – YEA).
So that’s what I did this weekend, writing-wise. It doesn’t sound like much, but you’d be surprised how much time I spent on that stupid query in the first place! I’ll be glad when I can put it off to the side and forget about it (until it comes time to use it).
I’m hoping by February to have the book ready so I can start sending out said query. That will be one SCARY day!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Update
I haven't been posting because I've been busy. Busy at work (for a change), but also busy writing! Yea!
I went to my first writer's group meeting on Tuesday and got some great feedback on the first few pages of my book. So, that meant re-writing (I realized I actually WASN'T starting my book at the right place). I have a deadline of Jan 23 to get the first 25 pages really awesome, since I went and entered a contest. I'm glad I was able to get that feedback - it was badly needed.
So, I've been editing THE UNCOMMON ONE, fixing up the query for it, and what do I go and do? Write a short story! I mentioned last time about playing around with John's past, and the next thing I know, it's screaming to be written. So on Monday, after work & dinner, I sat down and wrote a complete short story at 3500 words. Once I've had a few friends look at it, I may end up posting it on my website (which is really sort of a work in process) and link to it from here, just in case any of you are interested in reading it.
We have a major snow storm headed our way. I'm kind of hoping they send us home early. I want to write some more. Wish I didn't need the paycheck.
I went to my first writer's group meeting on Tuesday and got some great feedback on the first few pages of my book. So, that meant re-writing (I realized I actually WASN'T starting my book at the right place). I have a deadline of Jan 23 to get the first 25 pages really awesome, since I went and entered a contest. I'm glad I was able to get that feedback - it was badly needed.
So, I've been editing THE UNCOMMON ONE, fixing up the query for it, and what do I go and do? Write a short story! I mentioned last time about playing around with John's past, and the next thing I know, it's screaming to be written. So on Monday, after work & dinner, I sat down and wrote a complete short story at 3500 words. Once I've had a few friends look at it, I may end up posting it on my website (which is really sort of a work in process) and link to it from here, just in case any of you are interested in reading it.
We have a major snow storm headed our way. I'm kind of hoping they send us home early. I want to write some more. Wish I didn't need the paycheck.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Football and Writing
OSU Won the Rose Bowl. Steelers out of the playoffs.
Not a perfect weekend, but at least the Rams will have first pick in the draft (ha ha).
Writing is going well. Or maybe I should say that the editing is going well. Practice is making perfect (or close to it – I hope!). I’m able to recognize my “telling” parts much more easily and sometimes I think the telling should stay, while other times I see the need to expand and show.
And I’ve been having fun with that. I know my characters so much better now that editing them is easier. Showing is easier. It also tells me that when I start a new book with new characters, I need to write a bio or back story of the main characters. Not to use in the book necessarily, but to help me understand the characters better. I could probably write them like short stories. That might be fun. In fact, I’m playing around with writing a short story about John and how he was turned into a vampire. It would certainly be something I could share with my writing group. I’ll have to give it a try.
I’m also able to recognize those parts in my book that need to go. I almost jumped for joy when I realized I needed to chop out nearly five pages because the scene wasn’t going anywhere. Where did that come from? I don’t know, but I’m glad it came. I’m seeing my book in a whole new light, now. YEA!
Not a perfect weekend, but at least the Rams will have first pick in the draft (ha ha).
Writing is going well. Or maybe I should say that the editing is going well. Practice is making perfect (or close to it – I hope!). I’m able to recognize my “telling” parts much more easily and sometimes I think the telling should stay, while other times I see the need to expand and show.
And I’ve been having fun with that. I know my characters so much better now that editing them is easier. Showing is easier. It also tells me that when I start a new book with new characters, I need to write a bio or back story of the main characters. Not to use in the book necessarily, but to help me understand the characters better. I could probably write them like short stories. That might be fun. In fact, I’m playing around with writing a short story about John and how he was turned into a vampire. It would certainly be something I could share with my writing group. I’ll have to give it a try.
I’m also able to recognize those parts in my book that need to go. I almost jumped for joy when I realized I needed to chop out nearly five pages because the scene wasn’t going anywhere. Where did that come from? I don’t know, but I’m glad it came. I’m seeing my book in a whole new light, now. YEA!
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