Ever finished a book and wished it had never ended?
All the writers I know also happen to love reading books. And the great books we’ve read are our inspiration to write. You know the kind I mean: the ones that you close after the last page with a sigh because that’s the end of a visit spent totally immersed in a time and place. Read more
It’s almost exactly the middle of Summer. It’s a time I personally adore. I mean, I’m one of those people that loves the season I’m in when I’m in it. But there’s something about summer that makes me feel good.
And I have to point out that I’m a realist. Summer starts three weeks in to June and it ends three weeks in to September for me. I don’t make the rules I just live by them. I don’t cheat Spring out of her rightful holdings and I recognize her for what she is, transition from Winter to Summer. And as such, Spring is some of Read more
The summer months are full of extended family gatherings. This year we are celebrating many things: the arrival of our second grandbaby, the engagement of our niece, the departure of my hubby’s brother and wife (moving to Singapore for two years), and a bridal shower for my hubby’s cousin (even though we are not invited to the wedding). Where am I going with all this family information?
With family gatherings come rapid-fire questions about how my writing career is going. Typical questions are something like this:
These questions are often followed by examples of so-and-so publishing their 27th novel this month, and they write three books a year. So, why is my book, which I have been working on for what seems like 100 years, taking so long to write and publish? There is an instant sense of dread or shame. I should stop calling myself a writer and instead watch some movies on Prime or Netflix like everyone else.
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I recently read Cal Newport’s book, “Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World.” It was recommended to me by a friend when I complained about my inability to focus on finishing the first draft of my new novel. Even if I found time, I kept finding myself distracted. Instead, I would check my email, social media, wash dishes, play with my dogs, plant more gardens… oh, the list goes on! Does this sound familiar?
Newport recommends that if you want to be productive, you have to log out of all communication tools and any other potential distractions and work uninterrupted for at least 60 to 90 minutes and potentially up to 4 hours… and if possible, every day! He claims practicing “deep work” will rewire your brain and allow you to learn things faster, do quality work faster and most important for writers–finish that book!
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This blog is late.
Yup, late.
Last week I checked out. Took time off work. Left behind the chores and the weedy garden to travel away with cherished family to do… absolutely nothing… especially writing.
I’ve had some hard knocks recently; got a couple tough query rejections, received difficult to hear–yet needed–feedback from trusted critique partners that required a major rewrite (feedback delivered in a respectful and kind manner) and then I got decimated by a toxic beta-reader. I’m still not sure of their motives. This writer/editor/reader may know their craft and have valid and helpful critiques… but the manner with which they delivered their opinion shattered my confidence and stole my writing joy. Then… the imposter-syndrome-struggle-bus parked outside my front door. I’m still pondering the reflection.
So, I decided to take a vacation, from life and my writing. Read more
I’m starting a new novel. I’ve started it a few times, but the old novel kept calling me back for more edits. This new novel has lived in my subconscious for a while, maybe too long? Am I sure it’s where I went to spend the next few years? Are these characters the ones I want to spend time with?
I believe so. They’ve stuck with me and so have their story lines, shifting and evolving. At first, I thought it was the daughter’s story, but now I’m firmly entrenched that it’s the mother’s story. I am considering three viewpoints, but the mother keeps coming through so strong, I’m not sure there’s room for others. To be determined.
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What comes to mind when you read the words “Iconic Friendship” in the title above?
For me, I think of the people in my life who would do anything for me, no matter what I asked of them (even if I requested help to make a body disappear). They would not question me because they know I would never ask for assistance unless it was absolutely necessary.
If I had a sister, I’m one hundred percent positive she would be the one I would call. She would kill someone for me without hesitation and tell no one about it, and I would do the same for her. Unfortunately, I was only blessed with one sibling, and my brother would not break the law for me, no matter how I repaid him. Yeah, he’s one of those no-rule-breaking-kind-of-guys who thinks committing a crime is wrong (unless our mother asks him to do it, then he might consider it).
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In our veterinary hospital, we have been focusing on culture. Having been in practice for over twenty years, I will attest to the fact that the make up of a practice culture is deep rooted. It has to do with understanding our ‘why’, having a shared vision, an environment free from harassment and the safety net of respect. I’ve learned it also involves investing in communication. Of course, communicating with pet owners is paramount, but in my experience, one of the largest contributors to a positive practice culture is the communication among staff members.
We recently engaged in all team training called Communicate Naturally, where we learned about different communication styles or personality types. We had to complete a quiz, assigning words to describe our true selves and how we see and react to the world.
As we learned about four different colours, or communication/personality types and where we may be on this colour spectrum, I couldn’t help but wonder what colour my main character would be. Then I started to think about my favourite book & movie characters and what their colour might be. Read more