Why I Write Fiction

Our writers' group met last night. We do group critiques, up to three pages. No empty, feel-good, back patting here - just good, solid, rip-it-apart critiques. I usually come away with great information I can use to improve my work.

I write fiction. Mystery, suspense, sometimes a little sci fi.  Usually, I only write non-fiction when I do humor because, let's face it, sometimes you can't make this stuff up. But last night I took in a piece I had written about losing my mom. It was purely non-fiction, just as it happened, and it had been hard to write.

It was the first time I've ever felt defensive receiving critiques.  One person suggestive I change a location and I thought,"But that's where it happened." Another argued a reaction and I thought, "But that's how I felt." Someone suggested I inject a little humor and I thought, "My mother was dying. I don't remember laughing at all that month."  I even resented it when someone referred to the first person POV character as "she". That was me, damn it.

I know my reactions weren't exactly rational. The others were doing what they're supposed to do. They were critiquing the writing, not the events being written about. But for me, it was just too personal. I think I need to stick to fiction.

* * *

Last week, blog friend Maryann Miller presented me with this lovely award.

Thank you, Maryann, and I hope you'll forgive me but I'm going to play fast and loose with the rules on this.

First, I'm going to answer the questions you gave me: 

1. How long do you spend putting together a blog? - I'm a slow blogger. Even on a short post I've probably spend hours hunting for just the right a picture or joke to include.

 2. What other writing do you do? - Besides blogging? For years I only wrote book length fiction with the occasional short humor piece mixed in but I've started trying my hand at short fiction.  In fact, I've got an announcement coming on Monday.

3. Do you blog because you like to, or because you were told you have to by a publisher? - Honestly, some of each. I got started because I was told to. Most of the time I enjoy it but there are days when it feels like a time consuming chore.

 4. What is a story your family likes to tell about you? - Um, I really can't think of any. Maybe the stories they tell about me have to be told out of my hearing.

 5. When you visit another blog, do you promote it on social media?- Not often. I'm really not into the full social media thing. I don't even Tweet. Guess I'm going to have to get better at that.

Now I'm going to pass this award along to a few other bloggers but I'm awarding it N.S.A. No strings attached. No rules. No questions to answer. No pass-along requirements. I'm just going to let them know their blog provides a bright spot in my day.

If they want to post the award on their blog and mention my name, that would be great. If they want to pass it along, that's great, too. But neither are required. N.S.A - just enjoy.

So, here are the bloggers I'd like to share this N.S.A. award with (OMG, I ended that sentence with a preposition!):

DL Hammons
Linda Grimes
Liz Fichera
mooderino
Arlee Bird 
Carol Kilgore

Okay, I hope Maryann forgives me for changing the rules and I hope those I've passed this award along to enjoy receiving it.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Joke of the Day:

Little Johnny and his family were having Sunday dinner at his Grandmother's house. Everyone was seated around the table as the food was being served. When Johnny received his plate, he began eating.
"Johnny," said his mother, "please wait until we say grace."
"I don't have to," he replied.
"Of course, you do," his mother insisted. "We always say a prayer before eating at home."
"That's at our house," Johnny explained. "But this is Grandma's house and she knows how to cook."

The Liebster

Yesterday, I received a lovely comment on my blog from Murees Dupé at the Daily Drama of an Aspiring Writer telling me she presented me with the Liebster Award.  Thank you again, Murees.

But to be honest, when I saw all the rules involved with this award, I was a bit taken aback. Eleven questions to answer.  Eleven random facts to come up with. Eleven new questions to create. And eleven recipients, each with less than 200 followers, to select.

Actually, it was that last one that took the most time. I had to visit all the blogs I follow, checking the number of followers (which, by the way, not every blog displays) to determine which were eligible.  Was this really worth the trouble?

But then I realized the purpose of this award is to recognize and hopefully generate a little traffic for blogs that don't have a lot of followers. Well, that would be me, and a lot of other bloggers like me. So...into the breech and all that. 

Liebster Award Rules:

1. Thank the blogger who presented you with the Liebster Award, and link back to his or her blog.

2. Answer the 11 questions from the nominator; list 11 random facts about yourself, and create 11 questions for your nominees.

3. Present the Liebster Award to 11 bloggers, who have blogs with 200 followers or less, whom you feel deserve to be noticed. Leave a comment on the blogs letting the owners know they have been chosen. (No tag backs.)

4. Upload the Liebster Award image to your blog.

Eleven Questions from Murees to me:

1. What is the worst job you ever had? - Stocker at K-Mart - my first job.
2. What is your favorite snack? - Ice cream or warm toast with peanut butter (it's a tie).
3. What is your favorite TV series? Currently, Castle.
4. Who would you like to meet? (Person could be dead or alive) Jesus Christ.
5. If you could be any animal, which would it be? Any one of my dogs - they're spoiled rotten.
6. What are you most grateful for? That my four grandkids are healthy and happy and all live near by.
7. What do you hate? Hate.
8. Do you include exercise into your daily routine? Not as much as I should.
9. Do you like animals? Yes. All kinds.
10. What is your favorite season? Autumn.
11. What is your favorite food? See number 2.

Eleven Random facts about myself:

1. I love food.
2. During the past decade I have lost, regained, and lost enough weight to build a whole other person. This fact relates directly to fact number one.
3. Every dog my husband and I have had came to us from a shelter or an unwanted litter, not counting the stray our eldest son foisted off on us. 
4. My hair started to turn gray when my eldest son was a teenager. I believe there is a direct connection there, as well.
5. I have lived on both U.S. coasts and played in both oceans.
6. I love searching tide pools for whatever the ocean has left behind.
7. I miss living near the ocean.
8. Every time I'm in Boston, I climb to the top of the Bunker Hill Monument. The first time I go to Boston and can't do this, I'll have to admit I'm old.
9. I may never visit Boston again.
10. Fact number nine is false. I will always return to Boston. It's the home of my beloved Red Sox.
11. October 2004 was one of the greatest times of my life. (Can you tell me why?)

Eleven Questions for my recipients to answer:

Okay, this should be easy.  But no one-word answers. Details or explanations required.

What is your favorite...

1. ...room in your house?
2. ...flavor of ice cream?
3. ...holiday?
4. ...vacation spot?
5. ...genre for reading?
6. ...breed of dog?
7. ...time of the day?
8. ...sports team (any sport)?
9. ...book from your childhood?
10. ...sleepwear?
11. ...year in your life so far (not counting this one)?

Here are my eleven choices for the Liebster Award:

Donna B. Nichol at My Write Spot 

Lesley Diehlat at Another Draught 

Kimber Leszczuk at Anxiety-SIS-Order (this is a blatant attempt to get Kimber blogging again)

Jan at begin...begin again 

CD Sutton at My Words and Me 

Mike Keyton at Record of a baffled spirit 

Edith Maxwell at Edith Maxwell - Mystery Author 

Mary Sutton at There's a Body in the Library 

Kaye George on Travels with Kaye (Kaye is on hiatus right now)

Thelma Z at Widowsphere - A Circle of Hope 

Linda Jackson at Writers Do Laundry, Too

I  have one request of my eleven award recipients. Even if you chose not to accept this award - meaning if you'd rather not do the questions, random facts, etc. - please take the time to visit at least a few of the other blogs listed here. We're all looking for readers and you might find a blog or two you really love.

Of course, the same goes for anyone else who comes by.  Take a minute and check out a blog or two you haven't visited before. You never know who you'll find.

Did you figure out the reason for my Random Fact number 11? 

Thought for the Day:

Kids in the back seat cause accidents. 

Accidents in the back seat cause kids.

Hey, I Received an Award.

Look what I've got.

My thanks to blog buddy Eve at Little Things for sharing this lovely award. If you don't follow Eve's blog, by all means, hop on over and check it out.  It's a fun blog with some very cool video clips.

Eve did explain that this award comes with the following rules:

 1. Display the 'Versatile Blogger Award' badge on your site.

  2. Announce your win with a post and a link to whomever presented you with the award.
  3. Present 15 awards to deserving bloggers.
4. Drop them a comment to let them know that you've presented them
with this very prestigious award.
     5. Post seven interesting things about yourself.

Okay, I've obviously got numbers 1 and 2 covered. But here's where I run into trouble. A good number of my blogging buddies have told me they would rather not receive blog awards.  Many have their posts planned and/or written well in advance and this leaves them with the choice of altering their plan or being rude and ignoring the award.  Of course, others - like me - think they're fun and enjoy getting them. Unfortunately, since I have the most awful memory, I'm never sure who does and who doesn't. 

So here's is my solution. If you visit this post and leave a comment (just a "hi" will do) then I present you with this award. Please accept it or not with my best wishes.

Well, that takes care of number 4, as well. (If you pick up your award from here, you certainly know about it.) So let's move on to number 5. Hmm.  Seven interesting things. Okay, here goes.

1. I was born on my dad's birthday.  He says I was the most expensive gift he ever received. 

2. Last summer I was part of a team of volunteers who rebuilt a couple's home that was severely damaged by a tornado. We had them home in time for Thanksgiving.

3. I have the world's most neurotic dog. She's a Jack Russell terrier we adopted from the county shelter last year. Although she's very affectionate and sweet natured, Sophie is afraid of light, dark, noise, sudden movement, coming in the front door, walking into the kitchen, her water dish, the toaster when it pops, sneezes (including her own), other dogs, cats, ...oh wait, how long is this post?

4. When I was a kid, I was convinced I was faster on the draw than my brother.  Until the picture proved me wrong.  (But I was still pretty fast.)

5. I once appeared in the same dance recital as my daughter-in-law, and two of my grandchildren.  In fact, that's the only time I ever appeared in a dance recital.

6. One skill I have never mastered is pinning on corsages.

7. I believe this is one of the most beautiful places in the world.  Fenway Park in Boston.  Go Red Sox!.

That's my seven. Hope they counted as interesting. Thanks again Eve.

The Versitile Blogger award wasn't the only thing I won this week. At the Indies 4 Hire Facebook Event I was the lucky winner of a "50 page edit or a novel formatted". There were lots of great discussions at this event and they're still available to read.  If you missed it, I highly recommend you go over and check it out. 

Thanks again, Gwen Gardner and Maria Zannini.

The other thing I won this week wasn't quite so lucky.  I won my bet with my doctor. The MRI that I mentioned on Wednesday confirmed a torn medial meniscus in my knee. Now I get to meet with an orthopedist to find out my options. Thanks to all who asked about it.

So, that wraps up the week. Got anything good planned for the weekend?

Thought for the Day: 

Always be yourself because the people that matter don't mind, and the ones who mind don't matter. 

Bits and Pieces

Well, it's the end of my first week back in the Blogosphere and it's been great to touch base with so many on-line friends.

Today's post  is a mixed bag.  A little of this and a little of that.

First - a question:  As a test, I made a deliberate error in my Wednesday blog.  In the title, I said I was introducing Sophy.  In the text, I spelled her name Sophie.  No one made a comment on the discrepancy.  Now I really want to know - were you just being polite or did you not notice?  Come on, be honest.

Second - a request:  You may have noticed I added the NetworkedBlogs widget to my left sidebar.  I tested it using my Facebook account, but it looks so pitiful sitting there with no little faces but my own (well, okay, mine and my beloved spouse).  Would someone, please, follow this blog using NetworkedBlogs, just so I have another face in that blank white space.  I'd really appreciate it.

Third - an award.  I mentioned on Monday that I received the

from fellow blogger Margo Kelly.  (Thanks, again, Margo.)  As with many blog awards, this comes with a couple of do's when the award is accepted.  I have to:

1. Share ten things about myself, and
2. Pass the award onto six other bloggers

So here goes -

1. I have four grandchildren, age 10, 11, 12, and 13.  No, they're not all siblings so you don't need to have sympathy pains for their mother.

2. I'm a lifelong Boston Red Sox fan.  This has prepared me for the heartbreak and disappointment that comes with being a writer.  This also means I believe in miracles.

3.  I love writing fiction - mystery, suspense, sci fi, and a little romance.  I also love writing humor but that's usually non-fiction.  Some stuff you just can't make up.

4. We (my hubby, two sons, and I) moved to Ohio in the middle of the Blizzard of 78.  From Los Angeles. We didn't own a pair of boots, a winter coat, or a pair of gloves.

5. My biggest food weakness is ice cream.

6. I've spent my entire adult life on a diet, just coming off a diet, or getting ready to start a diet (see item 5).  I've lost enough weight over the years to build at least three clones.

7. I've been a disaster relief volunteer with the American Red Cross for a couple decades.  I've responded to tornadoes, hurricanes, ice storms, and floods.  I also worked the respite station at Ground Zero-World Trade Center after 9/11.

8. I have a terrible weakness for online jigsaw puzzles.  They're my favorite procrastination device when the writing isn't flowing.

9. I drive a 2001 Saab Convertable.  I love it.  The first car I ever owned (actually, shared with my brother) was a ragtop.  Now...warm day, top down, wind tossing my hair, and the oldies channel playing my favorite music...for just a moment, I feel 16 again. 

10. Last one - I really hope you'll leave me a comment.  It makes my day when I get comments.


Now - I'd like to pass this blog along to:

Jessica R. Patch
Stacy McKitrick's Ranting and Whatnot
Sarah Ahiers Writes
Angela Brown in a Pursuit of Publishness
Maryann Miller - It's Not All Gravy
Mary Curry - My Place by the Sea


Please join me on Monday when I'll be sharing some of the tips I learned at the Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop on blogging, branding, and social media.

Have a great weekend.


Groaner of the Day: (long post, short groaner)

Did you hear about the cross-eyed teacher who lost her job because she couldn't control her pupils?

I'm Back - And Guess Where I've Been.

Hi.  I'm back.  Anyone miss me?  (Please lie and say you did.  I need the ego boost.)

So, I'm gone for longer than I expected to be and the first thing I discover is Blogger has changed everything while I was gone and nothing is where it used to be.  Rats!  This is going to make getting back up to speed a little harder so if I'm not commenting on your blog right away, please forgive me.

This weekend I had the great pleasure of attending the Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop. 

As a lifelong Erma fan, just being part of her legacy was a real treat for me, but I also learned a lot and I'll try to share some of it here over the next few weeks.

So much has happened in the last couple months.  On the personal front there were some health issues and some family issues and some family health issues.  Plus, the biggest news - we added a new member to our family.  This news will get a post of its own in the very near future (hint: she has four legs and sheds a lot).

I also had a visit from blogger Margo Kelly who stopped by while I was gone and left me this very nice award.

Accepting this award does require some action on my part so I will do that in an upcoming post, as well.  Margo is in the middle of the A to Z blog challange and I'm looking forward to getting caught up with her posts.  Stop by Margo's blog and check it out.

Getting back to the Erma Bombeck workshop - I attended a couple sessions on blogging and social media.  I want to try out some of their suggestions so I'll be doing some experimenting with this blog and would appreciate your feedback.  Don't worry, I'll point out the changes so you don't have to hunt for them. I'm going to stay with my Monday-Wednesday-Friday schedule for now so please look for me then.

And since I know how much you've missed your regular "groaner" fix, here's your...

Groaner of the Day: The television game show was being recorded. The contestant was in the hot seat for the last big question.

The host turned to him, and read the question slowly and carefully. But the contestant didn't know the answer.

Fortunately, he had a backup plan (there was no way he was missing out on this million bucks!). He let out a peircing whistle, and from the back of the stage, four mounted knights-in-armour appeared, waving their lances threateningly at the show's host.

The host looked scared for a moment, and then a steely look came over him. He leapt into the air and karate kicked the first knight onto the floor. He picked up the lance from the stricken knight, and fought off the second, who also fell spawling on the floor. The second knight's horse shied, and bolted, colliding with the third knight in the process.

The game show host was just begining to enjoy himself now. He waved the spear he was still carrying at the fourth knight, looked back at the contestant, and said "Is that your final lancer?"

Color Me Grateful

Last month when discontinued my old blog and started this one, I was bemoaning the lost of all the Followers I left behind.  But I also left behind a few other things, including the blog awards I'd received there.  So my new blog has felt a little naked.

Last week I was delighted to receive not one, but two, blog awards from fellow blogger Angela Brown.  Thank you so much, Angela.  You made my week. 

I discovered Angela's blog, in a Pursuit of Publishness, just recently and I really enjoy it.

Of course, most blog awards have rules attached for receiving and for passing along, so let me properly accept the following.

Rules: 

1. Thank and link to the person who nominates you - Okay, did that above.

2. Share seven random facts about you - Here they are:

I'm a die hard Red Sox fan although I left Boston at the ripe old age of four.

I chew gum when I write. The more intense the scene, the harder I chew. I've made hamburger out of the inside of my lower lip working my way through a good murder.

I love live theater. Broadway (when I'm in NYC) to local community theater and everything in between.

I'm not an obsessive grandmother or anything like that, but the license plates on my car say "Da Nana".

I am totally freaked out by spiders. All other kinds of creepy crawlies I'm okay with but not spiders. I think it comes from seeing The Incredible Shinking Man when I was a kid. If you know the movie, you'll remember the scene.

I was a first wave Red Cross disaster relief worker after Katrina. I had to set up a shielter for 100 evacuees in a community center with no showers, two single stall bathrooms, no working phones (landline or cell), and no supplies. We were about a county and a half beyond the end of the established suppy lines.

I have a black thumb. Houseplants have little chance for survival in my care. Silk flowers don't fare much better.

3. Pass this award to five new blogging friends - And here they are:

Nay at Cover to Cover and Everything in Between

Maryann Miller at It's Not All Gravy

Cate at Cate Masters

Larri at Seams Inspired

Isis at Isis Rushdan


 4. Contact and congratulate the awarded bloggers - Heading out to do that now.

1. Thank and link to the person who nominates you - Again, did that above. Hi Angela!   *waves*

2. Share seven random facts about you

I'm a tea drinker. Hot tea.  All day, all year round.  Never have developed a taste for coffee, although I will drink one of those frou frou mocha concoctions from Starbucks on occasion.  Odd side note: I love coffee flavor ice cream.
 
I have lived at different times within 15 minutes of both coasts.  I have to admit, I'll take the northeast over the southwest (my apologies to my friends in Southern California).
 
I did get as far in my writing career as being signed by an agent a couple decades ago.  Sadly, we were not a good fit and nothing ever came of it.
 
I have spent my entire adult life on a diet, just coming off a diet, or thinking I need to start a diet.  I have lost enough weight to create several clones. 
 
I can't ride rollar coasters.  Absolutely terrified. I don't do ferris wheels very well either.  But tilt-o-whirls or scramblers - anything that stays close to the ground - I love.
 
Surprisingly, considering that last fact, I love rock climbing.  Not very good at it, but love doing it.

I've been married 42 years. (Yes, to the same guy.)

3. Pass this Award along to 15 recently discovered blogs and let them know about it! - Well, I'm going to cheat on this one a little. Not all of these are recently discovered. Just blog friends I want to share this award with.  These are all blogs I enjoy and recommend.


Maria at Maria Zannini

Mason at Thoughts in Progress

Dru at notes from me

Sarah at Falen Formulates Fiction

Jemi at Just Jemi

Liz at Liz Fichera

Mary at Giggles and Guns

Diane at Spunk of a Stick

Stacy at Stacy's Rantings anad Whatnot

Shellie at Chapter Writer

Lee at Tossing It Out

Susan at Susan Says

Mooderino at Moody Writing

Lynnette at Chatterbox Chitchat

Mary at My Place by the Sea

Okay, there we go. Thanks again, Angela. It was fun receiving and passing along.

Note: I had this blog all done and ready to post when Blogger hiccupped and wiped out all my links. That's why I'm so late today.  Personally, I'd love you all to accept this award without feeling obligated to pass it along to quite so many if you don't have the time.

Now I have to race around to everyone's blog and let them know.


Groaner for the day: Two boll weevils grew up in South Carolina. One went to Hollywood and became a famous actor. The other stayed behind in the cotton fields and never amounted to much. The second one, naturally, became known as the lesser of two weevils.