Oh yeah, it rains

Who says it never rains in California? It's washing down hard right now and I'm thinking it's a good day to cozy up with my work in progress. Better that than attempting to drive around too much. People around here act like there's ice on the ground every time it rains. If you're from CA, you know what I'm talking about :-)

Don't forget the "p" word

As a writer, I’m thinking about some things said on American Idol last night. But first, let me tell you, I never thought I’d spend my nights so riveted to a reality show. I’m a busy gal, ya know? But my girls got me—and my husband—into it last season, and what can I say? We’re entranced.

Anyway.

Last night we heard some very fine vocals, yeah, but a couple of the guys were entertainers! I mean, they owned the whole package. The looks, the moves, the ability to play to the audience. As Simon put it, they had “star” quality.

Got me thinking about the whole writing game, and especially, about something said to me at a conference. I’d brought a manuscript to the Mt. Hermon Writer’s Conference (an awesome place, by the way), and someone I highly respect critiqued it for me. Basically what she said is this: It’s clean. You’ve crossed every “t”, and dotted ever “i. But there’s no passion. Zip. This writer and editor, someone who barely knew me at the time, went on to say that she didn’t think I had passion for my own story!

She was right.

There’s something to be said for writing a clean manuscript. For taking the time to organize your thoughts, to double check for spelling errors, to get the facts straight. Frankly, though, those things are not enough if the story lacks passion. If I as the writer don’t love it, how can I expect my readers to care?

Back to American Idol, yes, there are a number of fine vocalists vying for the prize. Something tells me, though, that the winner will be the one who’s both skilled and passionate about what they do. Both sound like excellent goals for writers too, don't you think?

Make that a skinny mocha latte...

Wednesday, February 22, 2006

Got this from MOMRN2 and, I have to say, I was kinda surprised. I think of myself as more of a latte gal, but whatever. (The descrip. does sound kind of beach girlish, though.)

You Are a Plain Ole Cup of Joe

But don't think plain - instead think, uncomplicated You're a low maintenance kind of girl... who can hang with the guys Down to earth, easy going, and fun! Yup, that's you: the friend everyone invites. And your dependable too. Both for a laugh and a sympathetic ear.

What Kind of Coffee Are You?

If you play along, let me know how it all turns out...:-)

So much for anti-aging cream...

(If you didn't read my post from last friday, you might want to scroll on down.)

Had a few pics taken over the weekend, and then posted one on my website. My son, bless his teenage heart, said I looked "old." He meant that in the nicest way (I'm sure).

Anyone know how to increase the pixels? That's gotta be the problem--don't ya think?

Welcome to Paradise

My preteen daughter and I walked to a nearby coffeehouse and then headed west to the beach this morning. We sat together on a sandy wall, sipping coffee (hers was supposed to be decaf, but somehow the barista didn't remember...big sigh), noshing on a slice of marble cake (reduced fat variety, of course), and just talking. The sea stretched out before us like multicolored glass, and the soft lap of waves soothed away the stress of a long week. After a while, I asked my daughter if she was ready to head back home, and her answer? "No, I want to stay here and talk." Now I ask you, can it get any better than this?

Why my wallet is empty today

Just got an email from my publisher. They want a photo of me for next year's catalog. Oh my. Well. The thought sent me flying into the bathroom to rifle through my paltry makeup drawer. Ugh--not good. Did I mention that I went to the mall after that? Got myself loaded up on under-eye concealer, blush, lipstick, and even some thermal skin polisher (whatever that is). Everything I need to look as fresh and line-free as possible. Check it out:

Welcome aboard my maiden blog!

Check out this pic of the Ventura beach and harbor. Ain't it cool? My book's heroine, Bri Stone, lives over on the left, near the sand.

Just to let you know, I've been a writer for a long while, and a novelist for not so long. I've just recently turned in my completed manuscript to my publisher, Bethany House. Can anyone give me a ya-hoo!? From what I gather, though, there'll be much to do until this story is considered finished. (Reviews, rewrites, edits--oh my!)

If you're a writer and want to follow along on my journey as a new, soon-to-be published author, please do! I'll tell you what it feels like to get that first packet of edits and reviews, and we can cry, um, I mean, learn along together.

If you're a beach lover, stop by often too. I'll make sure to post pics, facts and trivia about our beloved sea. Sound good?

Oh, and remember. I'm new to this blog thing. Give some grace to the new girl!