Photo Opportunities

I got bored today. Tossed some stale bread into the backyard and waited.
Wasn’t long before our resident squirrel took notice. Though the treats looked tempting, the little guy was intimidated by my camera. Another less timid squirrel hopped over the fence, but was promptly chased off.
It wasn’t until the crows swooped in that the squirrel found his courage. Now or never, he decided. He darted out, grabbed the whole-wheat week old slice, and ran up the pine tree. A moment later, he defended his territory again.
Meanwhile, the crows have set up sentries in the treetops. Coming closer and closer, one determines I’m not much of a threat. He marches up and picks up on piece of bread and then another.
Squirrel, not to be outdone, dashes in for seconds. Crow returns, this time neatly picking up three pieces.
After providing me with immense entertainment and fantastic photo opportunities, I think my furry and feathered friends deserve more treats, no strings attached.

Peep Addiction

Losing weight is a lifestyle change. And I’m working on it.
My passion for Peeps is no secret. I’ve been known to buy two packages of the yummy- sugary-marshmallow-chicks at a time. One pack would be devoured on the three mile trip home, the other pack to be savored later. Oh, by the way, I don’t share.
So how am I fighting this addiction? I’m changing my lifestyle.
Already, I’m planning my garden. So now when I’m in the grocery store, I bypass the Peep aisle and head to the Seasonal section for my sweet reward.
Two weeks Peeps free, I now have a Plant tower, seed house, lawn ornaments,and seeds. These are things that will enrich my life, not make my butt bigger. When Easter is over and all the Peeps are gone, I’ll be growing!

Phoenix

Writing is a solitary act. Alone with your pen and paper or computer, you put your inner most thoughts, fears, and desires into a story. Most people just don’t ‘get’ it.
But other writers do. They know how difficult it is to transfer thoughts to paper. They know the nervous anxiety of sending off manuscripts. They know the thrill of acceptance and the crush of rejection. They ‘get’ it.
Coming out of your shell to join a group is a huge step for the serious writer. Networking will boost your confidence, hone your craft, and speed the path to publication.
The right group that is. . .
Having just left one group, I find myself in a loose network of critique partners and forward thinkers. No rules, no dues, just the common goal of creating fresh writing. Ideas are clicking, stories are gelling, and sights are set high.
Aptly named after the legendary Phoenix, our little group is on fire!

Dealing with Rejection

Nothing can put your ego into a downward tailspin faster than a rejection. So when I received a form, no less, rejection letter last week, I was crushed.
For a year, I’d poured my heart and soul into that novella. The story is good, so how do I get an editor to read it?
As fate would have it, Kim Wehner was hosting a Query Letter Workshop at the local Barnes & Noble.
Duh! I slapped my forehead. What a logical step for resubmitting.
Kim offered great tips, do’s & don’ts, and sincere encouragement. My next attempt, thanks to this incredible workshop, will be with a polished professional query letter. Wish me luck!
For more information on writing, check out Kim’s blog.
http://www.blog.klgore.com/

Meet the Critique Partners

I cannot begin to explain how vital critiquing is. Even more important is having the right critique partners.
I’ve been very lucky to have Dee Carey for a critique partner for the past two years. The Fox Lady is a natural editor and my biggest cheerleader. My writing has improved tremendously, my sales have been up, and I stay on task.
As a best-selling author, there’s not much I can offer Dee. Mostly, I serve as a sounding board, thrilled to be the first to hear the ‘fox tales.’
We’ve added another member to our critiques sessions, my daughter Konnie. Over the past six months, her vampire novel has gone from ‘Twilighty’ to incredible! I can say this proudly, not only as her mother but as a fellow writer.

The Time to Beat

Today, I did a 5k on the treadmill. My time (51:51) was horrible!
Granted, I wasn’t pushing. I may even be guilty of lollygagging. In my defense, Jeremiah Johnson was playing on the TV. A young Robert Redford can be quite a distraction. I found myself panting and I wasn’t even running.
Anyways . . .
I now have a baseline. Hopefully, each week I my stamina and speed will improve. My goal is to do the Pink Ribbon Run on Mother’s Day and the Medved 5k to Cure ALS on Father’s Day.
I have a lot of work ahead of me!

Spring is in the Air

You might find this hard to swallow with a high of 16 degrees and biting wind chill, but I found a real hint of spring in the air today. Skunk!
The smell of skunk was like sweet perfume. When these hibernating creatures decide to wake up and start nosing around, it can only mean that spring is right around the corner.
The little stinkers have concurred with Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction of an early spring.
I can’t wait!