Writing is Murder

Giveaway -

2012-01-08T23:12:00.002-05:00

If you are interested in book giveaways, check out this site: http://www.laurendestefano.com/blog/?p=329 - you can win a paperback copy of WITHER by Lauren DeStafano. Good Luck!

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T22:04:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year everyone!

A few of my favorite things from Flickr

2011-08-07T21:28:00.002-04:00

1. Project Spectrum, 2. stranded knit in progress, 3. Flute Player, 4. Storm, 5. Wolf's Lair, Hollywood, 6. Sun!, 7. Untitled, 8. Alice1-1, 9. /terminal velocity/, 10. Patchwork of colours, 11. Untitled, 12. Haunting prospect, 13. the new purl, 14. Pretty Pink Daisy Petals . . ., 15. _GER3697, 16. Myself, 17. IMG_7235, 18. Scone Maze, 19. 27/365, 20. Snowing from the trees, 21. bien au chaud, 22. perspective, 23. Elvis Lives, 24. Untitled, 25. Socks Bex, 26. Graveyard from top of the Bass, 27. peace and comfort, 28. Frosted Chocolate Malt Cupcakes, 29. The Rococo Shawl - Hand Knit Wool & Llama Shawl (in Teal), 30. The garden seat, 31. Woman sitting on bumper bar of a car at Warwick Farm racecourse, 32. Prairie dog, 33. Toni Frissell: Weeki Wachee spring, Florida, 1947, 34. guard, 35. Ghost outside the Window, 36. Stripey Wednesday Socks

Besides inspiration, I use my favorites on Flickr to bring a smile to my face when I really need one, when I need some happiness.

I went to the viewing tonight of a woman who was my first Sunday school teacher. I can remember putting my offering into a little plastic white church (a quarter at the time), saying a prayer, then having my lesson. Miss Reva (she was married, but was always called with the 'Miss' in front of her name) was an inspiration for the way to live. She was nice to everyone and did not have an unkind word to say about anyone. Heaven has indeed gained another angel. I know you're up there in Heaven Miss Reva, reunited with Lydia, another member of my church, who died this year.

No new flute...

2011-07-26T21:36:00.002-04:00

...but I did buy myself a piccolo. I did not meet my word count for the beta version of Camp NaNoWriMo although I will for sure try again in August.

But for what I did write and for some of the things I have been through the past couple of months I decided to buy myself the piccolo, since I do have a flute already, albeit one I've had since the 5th grade and has so many dings and scratches on it and the pads have probably dried up as well.

The one I bought is one to just play on and didn't cost a lot.

Hopefully playing this weekend....

Goal setting and treats

2011-07-10T00:14:00.004-04:00

I haven't been writing as much as I would have liked during Camp NaNoWriMo so I've decided to to give myself a treat to get the word quota up and over where it should be.

I played the flute and piccolo in high school and I would really a new flute. I have recently come across some old marching band music and would like to play again but my flute needs a bit of work so I'm thinking about buying a new one. A piccolo would be nice too - I would borrow one from the bandroom when I had to play so I never had my own.

So to reward myself for reaching the 50K for one month I will buy a new flute. For reaching the 50K for both months (100K total), I'll buy a flute and a piccolo. Now these won't be professional models. Just ones I can play at home for my own enjoyment.

I found an outline (4 pages!) for an idea I had written in November 2010 when I wasn't able to complete the regular NaNoWriMo and have been working from it. I had totally forgotten about writing it and came across it again while organizing all the materials I saved. (I save items to read as PDFs at a later date so I don't waste paper.)

Look what was waiting for me after work

2011-06-30T23:22:00.002-04:00

I don't know whether to enjoy it or save all the stuff inside - I so want to mail those postcards to myself. Maybe I'll buy a second one to actually use!

My goal is to participate July and August both and see about getting two more novels written. Well, started anyway - and the voices out of my head so there will be room for more.

Camp NaNoWriMo is now open!!!!

2011-06-29T19:29:00.003-04:00

What a wonderful surprise to check the NaNoWriMo page this evening and find that Camp is now open!!!!

Now I just have to decide what to write. I may have to haunt the the adoption threads to find a plot and some characters.

When you only have two hands....

2011-06-15T15:22:00.003-04:00

....and need both of them to eat with, you use whatever is handy to keep the pages of your book open. I had once seen someone use a knife the same way, but Red Lobster provides you with two forks, and since I didn't eat a salad this time, I put the extra fork to good use.

The book is Secret of the White Rose by Stefanie Pintoff. I pre-ordered from Amazon and I am now just getting around to it as I work my way down my TBR list.

Have you heard the news....

2011-05-15T14:54:00.003-04:00

...that Camp NaNoWriMo will be available this summer? This is for those of us who like NaNoWriMo so much we want more chances to participate.

Here's the link for more information: http://blog.lettersandlight.org/post/4930557210/going-to-camp-in-my-mind

Now...what to write?

2011-03-23T18:47:00.000-04:00

Being a pack rat has its advantages. While looking for a copy of resume, I came across this on an old computer of mine @ work. Enjoy.

mood dudes

2011-03-16T09:05:00.001-04:00

mood dudes, originally uploaded by mysterywriter40.

My sister knows me so well - this was a belated birthday present for me.

Happy Birthday Kait!!!

2011-03-02T01:00:00.000-05:00

You are one of those rare people who are as nice on the inside as you are beautiful on the outside. I wish you many more and can't wait to see you again (in Italy) next month!

Ridgelawn Memorial Park

2011-03-01T20:02:00.001-05:00

Ridgelawn, originally uploaded by mysterywriter40.

Where else would I be able to have a quiet lunch alone?

One great thing from today....a new pic of my favorite house in NYC!

2011-02-01T20:56:00.001-05:00

What have I been up to this year?

2011-01-22T21:26:00.004-05:00

I've been trying to keep myself occupied while all the snow has been on the ground. I have to admit I'm really tired of the white stuff now. Other areas have gotten much more than I have, but this is like the 3rd year for lots of snow in the winter months and it is taking a toll on me emotionally.

I remember when I would drive through bumper deep snow in my Jeep Wrangler (I miss that Jeep!) since I worked as a police dispatcher and HAD to be at work. Back then I was in my late 20s/early 30s and wasn't worried about the concept of dying young. Now, I am. I have a healthy balance of annual leave (vacation time) so I take it when it snows. I don't like leaving my co-workers to fill in for me, but I have 40 miles to drive (one way), and 90% of it is on a county two-lane road over hills. I can't just hop on the interstate or drive up one of the other main state roads that gets cleared first. If I did, I would go to work. So I'm hoping my friends at work don't begrudge me my time off. I rarely take sick time (I have 10 months+ worth saved) and usually don't take vacations unless something special comes up, like my anticipated trip to Italy in April to see my niece.

So anyway, the sewing machine is the one I bought so I could make quilts. I made one on my old machine, but it wasn't really made for quilting. So I got a new one and I've been sewing strips (see jelly rolls below) together for a postage stamp quilt-a-long I'm participating in. Mom gets it when I'm finished with it.

I also have been waiting for the book New York 1900 to come down in price so I could buy it. I'm still in the planning stages of my trilogy that I started during NaNoWriMo in 2009. I failed miserably this year writing the 2nd story, but that's OK. I went into without a clear idea of what was supposed to happen. Won't happen again. I hated to lose this year. So I have gone back to the planning stage for all three of them, to better get a sense of the overall plot and what needs to happen in each individual story.

So that's about it for now. Trying to get through all the snow without wrecking my car. Trying to keep myself from going crazy. And trying to get a little bit of writing done.

My first shipment of Field Notes

2011-01-03T20:23:00.001-05:00

My first shipment of Field Notes, originally uploaded by mysterywriter40.

I think this can only be termed love at first sight!

quilt washed and dried

2010-12-19T21:26:00.001-05:00

quilt washed and dried, originally uploaded by mysterywriter40.

I didn't finish my novel this year for NaNoWriMo, but I did complete my very first quilt for my niece Kait living in Italy with her MP husband.

NaNoWriMo treats

2010-12-01T19:47:00.001-05:00

NaNoWriMo treats, originally uploaded by mysterywriter40.

I decided to treat myself with an order from JetPens (along with some yarn and knitting supplies) even though I didn't complete my novel for NaNoWriMo.

No NaNoWriMo win this year

2010-11-28T21:26:00.002-05:00

I could not get the words to come out this month. I had a late start, then just couldn't seem to get started. I'm angry, but at myself. I let outside issues derail my writing and I'm refusing to let that happen ever again.

So starting December 1st, a new start to my writings. Everyday write. This is one habit I haven't not picked up yet. I let excuses keep me from doing what I love most to do.

So here's to NaNoWriMo 2011!

Some of my favs from Flickr - looking for NaNoWriMo 2010 inspiration

2010-10-04T20:21:00.003-04:00

1. 1949 Living Room in the Berkshires, 2. Shetland Silk, 3. Linen Tote, 4. here she is, 5. Last gathering of the deer in the forest, 6. A Sunday picnic, 7. DSC06169adj-rs Italian Gardens at the Vanderbilt Estate, 8. sleeping santa dogs, 9. Chocolate Brownie Cupcakes I, 10. The hexie side, 11. KOI 5218 Watercolor, 12. Don't blink, 13. bags, bags, bags., 14. Texture, 15. Dude looks like a lady, 16. Knotty Gloves, 17. Fifth Avenue New York 1898, 18. Endless, 19. Pincushion - Yellow Aqua, 20. The gang's all here and stuffed, 21. Untitled, 22. Ridenour Lake, 23. ::love::, 24. Hot Squirrel, 25. Morning, 26. Pencil Roll - Inside, 27. Bird on a Bike, 28. Tokyo Subway Map Mini Quilt, 29. union quilt top, 30. The Beehive - Amy's Block for Amy, 31. red and aqua stars quilt, 32. 1910s - Charles M. Schwab mansion on right, West End Ave & Riverside Drive, 73 to 74 Sts, 33. 1910-15 City Hall Post Office (1878-1938) bet Broadway & Park Row, architect A.B. Mullett, 34. 1910s - Charles M. Schwab mansion, West End Ave & Riverside Drive, 73 to 74 Sts, demolished 1948, 35. The garden seat, 36. French Daybed

Gearing up for NaNoWriMo

2010-09-25T22:23:00.002-04:00

I was able to paint the back of my TV room door with chalkboard paint this weekend in preparation for NaNoWriMo 2010. I plan to write my notes, daily word count goals and inspirational quotes to win again this year.

Waiting for November 1 - NaNoWriMo

2010-08-30T21:28:00.008-04:00

Like a lot of other people out there I'm eagerly awaiting 2010's NaNoWriMo. I'm already thinking about what to write (sequel to last year's The Contessa or work on a new idea?) and trying to make sure I'll have plenty of time to write (pawning work off onto my co-workers, etc. Just kidding, I promise).

One thing I do not do is write at work. I've plotted and planned on my lunch break, but that's it. When I'm at work, I'm there to work.

The post office has been busy delivering research material to me - this Saturday I received a copy of:

After requesting it through ILL several years ago, I've been on the lookout for my own copy. One book in the trilogy I'm now writing based on last year's novel is set in and around Hollywood and Los Angeles in the 1930s, 1933 specifically. I can't wait to start reading.

Turning one story into three has been quite time-consuming. All those pesky time lines, for each major character (six total, two for each novel, plus numerous minor characters who show up in all three) has been a little daunting. I finally had to set the series aside and work on plotting another story. I'm headed to the Blue Ridge Parkway later this month so I thought I would work on a mystery (what else?) set on the parkway. Still trying to wrap my head around that plot and its characters, so I can do a little bit of research on the side while there.

Happy 4th of July!

2010-07-04T21:43:00.003-04:00

A big THANK YOU to the troops, wherever you are, especially Joe C. who is stationed in Italy and is married to my niece K!!!!

Here's is how I spent part of my day:

A big THANK YOU to the troops, wherever you are, especially Joe C. who is stationed in Italy and is married to my niece K!!!!

Here's is how I spent part of my day:

I'm back

2010-06-11T21:28:00.002-04:00

Indie, originally uploaded by mysterywriter40.

I've taken a much needed break from writing and used the past few weeks to make some decisions.

Do I want to write? Yes. It all boils down to that. No more excuses.

Tomorrow I will be participating in the New York Writers Coalition Write Your A** Off Write-a-thon. You can find more information here - the goal is to write 3K in one day. Anyone who has participated in NaNoWriMo should be able to complete this with time to spare. I have to attend a family reunion on Saturday, but tonight and tomorrow morning will be spent plotting a scene to write when I return.

So let the writing begin. Again.

The end - for now - thanks for stopping by

2010-03-29T20:26:00.011-04:00

I would like to thank all those who read the little bit of writing I put out here over the past several months.

My work is taking up much more of my time now so for right now so I am taking a break (and hopefully writing for Script Frenzy). See you when I get back.

Leslie

Script Frenzy

2010-03-17T20:51:00.001-04:00

Found on the Script Frenzy site. Awesome video. The madness starts April 1st!

From time travelers to ghosts

2010-02-27T21:23:00.003-05:00

I couldn't seem to work on my current WIP so I kept looking around on my hard drive until I found something totally different to work on. Ghosts are different from time travelers, aren't they? I did a little editing, and added about 200 words, but it still needs work, and direction.

The three figures stood near the rear gates of the cemetery, watching in silence as four men dug up one of the graves. The police car across the street had a uniformed officer watching from a distance. Grace hadn’t been here long and had yet to make any friends, but now with the disturbance of her final resting place she would have to start over again when she was re-interred or moved to a different cemetery.

Miranda glanced over she shoulder at the other two. Phillip was holding the young child’s hand as he leaned against him for support. Young Robbie had only been here for six months. A piano prodigy, he’d been hit by a vehicle while crossing the street. He was having trouble adapting because of his young age and the fact he knew no one buried here. Everyone he knew in his young life was still alive.

Phillip had been here the longest, since 1829. Before his death, he had been a butler in London and proud of his position. His sister had married an American and moved to Virginia. When he died, she’d had him brought over and buried near where she and her family were living. Miranda herself had arrived in 1933. She, too, had been murdered while on a cross country to promote her latest movie. Since she had no living relatives, the movie company executives had left her here. She had taken several months herself coming to terms with where she was and what she was. By then she had met Phillip and she thought he was the one who would pull the child through.

“Why do you think they’re digging her up?”

“I believe because of the reason behind her death. She said she had been murdered. Maybe the local authorities have new evidence to check her body for.” Phillip had been the first one to make contact with Grace and she hadn’t attempted to speak to any one else the short time she was here.

“Did she say who had killed her? Or why?” She would never admit to Phillip but she, too, liked watching the crime shows he did.

“No, she didn’t. I think she would have, in time. Maybe the police already know and they are gathering more evidence from her body.”

“I wish her well. No one wants to stay here longer than necessary. We’re stuck here since we died so long ago, but the others have a chance to go on. We need to find a way to help them.”

“Have you thought about contacting the caretaker again? She didn’t seem frightened the last time you tried. She kept asking who you were and where you were. I think you should try again. She can help us to help those who did not die a natural or accidental death.”

“I will when she visits again. She has helpers who aid her. She just happened to be working on a map of the graves when I saw her. She hasn’t been back since.”

“I’ll have others start watching for her. Surely one of us can communicate with her, since she seems so receptive.” The three of them turned away and headed back toward the mansion in the middle of the cemetery.

The caretaker lived inside on the upper floors while the main floor held the cemetery office and records of the individuals interred in the surrounding estate fields. Elizabeth Park Cemetery had been named for the daughter of the original owner. When she had died, her father didn’t want her buried across town. So he had her buried in a field out back, fenced in to keep people and animals out.

My Name is Lincoln

2010-02-13T23:36:00.004-05:00

I've never seen the movie The Island but I just downloaded this track from its soundtrack because I have been looking for this piece of music for 4 long years! Check out the piece below, especially the music at the mark 4:55 - that's the one I downloaded. Whew. I now know all the parts.

And more snow

2010-02-10T17:28:00.002-05:00

Snow snow and more snow

2010-02-09T14:34:00.008-05:00

This picture above was taken on Sunday.
This picture was taken this morning.

I'm really tired of all this snow. I know, I know that when spring finally gets here, followed by summer, all this stuff will help with tto grow, but enough is enough. I'm glad I have a healthy balance of AL (annual leave = vacation time) to use for days like this. What you can't see is the ice on top of the white stuff. So I called in at work today. Driving 40 miles in this stuff is something I don't like to do anymore.

One good thing about being stuck at home is I can work on my NaNo '09 story. I'm turning it into a trilogy to expand the story line of a character who finally came out and told me he wasn't the bad guy I was making him out to be and that he wanted his own happy ending. So there. Time to rewrite part of what I had written last November. But I can deal with that. I was having trouble editing anyway, since I wasn't actually finished with the story. So now I'm planning three (had planned on a sequel, but not continuing the current plot) separate stories, all following one major plot line, with three separate plots for the individual stories.

This series all started because earlier in 2009 I came up with some teenage time travelers. There was one character in there who was there to help the teens and her background appealed to me and she was the one who won the coveted spot for NaNoWriMo 2009 for me. So I wrote about Contessa and Oliver, intending to follow it with Nor (Eleanor) and Robert and Marcus was the "bad guy" - until he wouldn't shut up about needing to go back to Hollywood, CA and right a wrong that might change him for the better.

So last night I was stayed on Wikipedia printing out page after page of details about Hollywood, then and now. I have several books on old Hollywood, like I do on New York City, but I will have to dig them out. They are packed away in a box in another room in the house. I'm wanting to get my hands on "The Story of Hollywoodland" by Gregory Williams.

This book has some awesome photographs of the homes in Beachwood Canyon, the Hollywood sign, and a model replica of the home that was supposed to have been built atop Mt. Lee, above where the Hollywood sign stands now.

So here's for another snow day tomorrow.

Birthday Girl!

2010-01-25T00:04:00.000-05:00

Today is my 42nd birthday. 10:36 is the magical time when I entered this world on a cold January morning.

Can I let you in on a secret? I always get leery this time of year. My fear is that something will happen and I will get so close and not reach it. Birthdays are important to me. Not for the presents and the cake and the special dinners cooked by my mom, but for all the things I've experienced so far in my life and all the things I'm thankful for. I have so many, but I'll list a few today to show them how grateful I am to have them in my life.

To L, one of my best buddies, for being there when I've needed someone to listen to my ranting, to bounce ideas off of, and for sharing some of my travels these past few years.

To G, another of my best buddies, for being a super co-worker, a friend who encourages me to try new books and ideas and for being almost a total opposite of me in our previous lives and beliefs that we seem to mesh pretty well together.

To T, we've been friends since grade school and best buddies since high school. Thanks for coming to visit on Sunday and for sharing your love of the UT Lady Volunteers and Captain Kirk. Live long and prosper.

To my boss B, who tries her best to keep all her peeps happy and who has let me cry in her office on numerous occasions last summer when a co-worker and her inability to do her job had me ready to hand in my resignation. (NOTE: Said co-worker handed in HER resignation letter and the 29th is her last day in the office - I couldn't have asked for a better birthday present!)

To all the blogs I read out there and the people who write them, keep up the good writing. I get inspiration from each of you and use what I find to better myself and my own writings.

And finally, to my parents, who have been there for me for 42 years, who have supported and encouraged me through the ups and downs and still love me.

One last thanks for my friend Cliffy for yet another ROTFLMAO birthday card! It was great. But remember, yours is only a couple of weeks away and you will be the same age!!

Prairie dog

2010-01-24T16:47:00.001-05:00

Prairie dog, originally uploaded by Stu232.

I think he's plotting murder! MUHAHAHAHA

Whew!

2010-01-16T18:36:00.009-05:00

I've never been so thankful for a pair of weeks to come to an end as I did the past two. Work has been horrendous trying to get people admitted. I have to admit that I'm tired of all the sob stories. But enough of that.

I've printed out my novel from NaNoWriMo last year. I'm starting the editing phase, something I haven't really done before with any of my writings. I have no chapters and about a third of the way through I lost my focus and started to write scenes, most of them out of order, so I have a lot of fixing to do. But this will be a great experience for me. I've thought up more things I want to add since I finished.

So now I go to catch up on all the blogs I follow.

Was there ever any doubt?

2010-01-01T00:31:00.001-05:00

1/365, originally uploaded by mysterywriter.

The title for 2010's quote book is: The world needs your story.

This will, I hope, be the driving force behind my writing this year. New ideas? Editing older stories? I've got 365 days to find out.

Happy New Year!

chocolate croissants

2009-12-29T16:40:00.002-05:00

chocolate croissants, originally uploaded by mysterywriter.

I like to snack while I write. You can find the recipe here.

Reading Challenge 2010

2009-12-28T19:35:00.004-05:00

I'm game. Are you? Click here to find out more information.

It's that time of year....

2009-12-26T21:31:00.002-05:00

As 2009 draws to a close, it is time to pick a title for my quote book for next year. I don't have as many contenders as I did last year, but I'm not sure this is good or bad.

Last year's title was: So much yet to see.

Contenders for this year include:

1. Apparently I'm just getting started

2. To days to come

3. A clean napkin and an extra place at the table

4. The world needs your story

5. Front row seat to the greatest show on earth

The writer in me loves #5, but I'll be thinking about all of them this next week to see which one becomes my mantra for the new year.

I'm also going to post a list on the side on January 1 with a list of things to accomplish. Might be something little, might be something big. But I do enjoy crossing off items on a list.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T21:53:00.002-05:00

Nativity, originally uploaded by Mike Motoda.

Merry Christmas to each and everyone of you out there. Remember the Reason for the Season.

Glad to be back

2009-12-22T22:30:00.002-05:00

I have finally dug out from all the snow - approximately 8 inches received Friday night. And after 80 hours of being without power, I am back to blogland. One good thing - I was able to miss work Monday and Tuesday.

Frost in the air

2009-12-13T01:12:00.002-05:00

IMG_6412, originally uploaded by mysterywriter.

I had to take this picture to show the frost. It was 'cool' looking. LOL

riding sidesaddle

2009-12-10T22:09:00.001-05:00

12 07 08, originally uploaded by Ravenwood2009.

I'm thinking of turning this photograph into a short story over the weekend. I plan to change the names, but I do want to keep the fact that the woman only rides sidesaddle and always wears a bowler.

I'll post the story once I've finished it.

Wish me luck. :)

Research for a new idea

2009-12-02T20:35:00.002-05:00

I'm working on a new idea - mistaken identity murder(s). While I was googling for information, I was looking for something to make notes on and found a piece of paper where I had written "canon rebel eos xsi commercial" - to remind myself to look for the music used in this commercial. Well, tonight I found the name of it as well as the sheet music! Unbelievable luck!

The music is by Michael Montes.

So what does this have to do with my story? I think my character will be a piano teacher or a composer. Still working on it.

Life after NaNoWriMo 2009

2009-11-30T21:40:00.001-05:00

What I did while the power was out Wed. night, originally uploaded by mysterywriter.

I now find myself at a loss for things to do, now that the contest is over. I met the 50K goal three days early this year, so I've been catching up on my reading (for pleasure), sewing and knitting. I was able to make this wreath (no sew) Wednesday night when my power went out for 5 hours. Luckily, I was able to hook a generator to the stove/oven (gas) to finish baking the homemade bread. After the power came back on, I finished making napkins for the next day.

So what next for my writing projects? My NTSB investigator is calling me again. I may work on that one. But I might also start something new. I also need to plan for Script Frenzy in April 2010 and not be caught off guard like I was this year.

This says it all!

2009-11-27T22:19:00.003-05:00

A big thanks for my friends L, G and others who joined the crazy madness with me.!

The Contessa excerpt

2009-11-20T09:14:00.003-05:00

“Damn it. I thought I was going to close this case.”

“Sorry about that.”

“Don’t worry. It’s not like there are relatives waiting to find out what happened.” Leo closed the folder and dropped it back inside his desk drawer. “Damn it.”

“Leo, stop worrying. I can pop back and see what happened, if you like.”

“I thought you didn’t like to meddle in your own timeline?”

“I don’t want you angry over this. Plus, I want to find out what happened to Helen and how this could happen to her sister. I need to know. It seems I was too selfish to wait to make sure the two of them were safely on their way home before I ditched them. All I cared about was myself.” She wiped her hand over her eyes. “If there is anyone to blame, it’s me. I should have stayed there and stuck it out. Told my father and brother that I wasn’t going to be put in an institution, just because they were ashamed of me.”

“Don’t. It’s not your fault. Everyone has their own timeline to follow. Some end sooner than others. And some, like yours, are all over the place. If it was her time, there was nothing you could do to stop this.”

“Yes, I could have stopped it. I can do that.”

“Do what?” Leo looked puzzled. “I can manipulate time, change history, and with no bad aftereffects. I’m one of the few who can do that, which makes me kind of popular.”

“You mean people want to use you and your abilities to change history and alter timelines with no repercussions.”

“That’s about the gist of it.”

“Wow. I had no idea.” She could see the wheels turning in his head. She knew his wife had died a couple of years earlier. She was waiting for the inevitable. But no request came. “Don’t you want me to go back in time and keep your wife alive?”

“No.”

“Why not? I would do it for you.”

“I know you would. That’s why I’m not going to ask.”

“I’m confused.”

“I loved my wife. Make no mistake about that. After a rocky start, we got along really well, until the cancer took her away. But when I married her, I did so for one reason only.”

“What was it, if I may ask?”

“She looked like you.” He looked at her. “I inherited the painting, remember. And there, in life size glory, was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. Since I believed, at that time, you were long dead, or should have been, I found myself comparing every girl I dated to that painting and none of them lived up to the person I had built up in my head. So I put the painting in storage and started looking again. I finally met Leslie on a blind date. I was originally drawn to her because she reminded me of the painting. But I eventually fell in love with the woman behind the face. I can’t go through losing her again. So, I think you for your offer, but I will leave her in peace and my heart in pieces.”

25,070 at last count

2009-11-16T00:05:00.003-05:00

I didn't make it to Monday's word count (not yet, anyway), but I did meet and surpass what Sunday's was. I'm 65 words to the plus side. Now I have to keep it that way. That's a very pretty number to be at right now.

I wrote 1,551 words Friday evening (after a nap), 5,161 on Saturday, and 6,173 on Sunday.

nano playlist 2009

2009-11-15T20:04:00.001-05:00

nano playlist 2009, originally uploaded by mysterywriter.

The playlist is a great tool to have when you need to churn out the words. I started with 12,016 words and have now reached 23,167 and counting. I've got 4 hours to make it to at least 25,005, tonight's word count quota, but I hope to be well over that.

Now I'm off to listen, one more time. to these songs. I can tell I'm going to be sick of them before the month is over. But as long as they pull the words out, I'll keep listening.

14,256

2009-11-13T10:59:00.004-05:00

No, that's not my current word count. That is my writing goal this weekend.

I know, I know. We all lead busy lives and but mine has just sucked the energy and mojo out of me. I'm just glad I've made it to 12,016 for now.

My goal is to reach 26,672 by Sunday night, the total for Monday's word count to have by end of day. If I can get a day ahead and stay that way, maybe I can finish this thing this year. I want another win!

My very own therapist!

2009-11-13T09:24:00.001-05:00

11-13-09_0917, originally uploaded by mysterywriter.

I have one of the best co-workers around!

She's cleaning out her work area because she's retiring at the end of the year, but she came across this gift she had bought for me and forgotten about.

I'll take another picture once it has gotten bigger.

This is just too funny!

Thank You VETERANS

2009-11-11T10:03:00.003-05:00

A big shout out and THANK YOU to all the Veterans out there who have served or are still serving. I appreciate all that you. A special thanks to my dad, as well, who is a Korean War veteran.

The "ah hah" moment

2009-11-09T00:07:00.004-05:00

I have never been very good at math, despite the fact that my dad is a retired high school math teacher. He taught chemistry, physics, and geometry to name a few. Anyway, I could do the math, but didn't understand it that well. Not like I should have.

So I was taking a trigonometry class at college. During the summer. One of those 5 week classes. I had been doing OK in it, probably had a C average, but we were working on the equation for the slope of a line. I could barely remember this from high school so why I ever thought I could do it in college is beyond me, but there I was, taking the class. I was at work (police dispatcher at the time) while I was working on the homework. Not much in the way of radio traffic. It was a college PD so nothing hardly ever happened. Anyway, I was working on one problem, trying to find the slope of the line I had been given. I swear the light bulb over my head literally came on when I finally understood what I was doing. It was a moment I will treasure because it will never happen again in relation to math. I ended up with a B overall in the class, which made me and my dad happy.

However, it was happening on Sunday as I pounded out 4,763 words to get caught up in NaNoWriMo. I'm still behind, but that's OK. I'm not as behind as I was at the start of the weekend.

I was working on a scene and the light bulbs just kept going off. None of what I wrote had been planned, but apparently the behind the scenes thinking was starting to pay off. I was able to come up with four or five more scenes to steer the story into a new direction (nowhere near where I had originally intended it to go) and a boost to my lagging word count.

The 'ah-hah' moments can happen apart from a math class for me, for which I'm very thankful. I love this ability to create people and new ideas. My total now stands at 10,763 and I have every intention of making it to 15,001 by midnight Monday.

Finally got my word count back on track, kinda sorta

2009-11-03T22:26:00.004-05:00

I've met the quota so far (5,085 - goal was 5,001 after three days) I'm feeling pretty good about it, but my story had kind of taken on a life of it's own. I was having issues today with it, and right now I have no idea where it is headed - trying to salvage all the work I put into it planning out things to happen, but I believe in the end it will all work out. I wanted to write basically in order the story will follow, but that might not be an option now.

But since I did meet my quota, I allowed myself to play with some new maps. Purchased especially for NaNoWriMo for "research purposes" I laid them out so I could see where one of the real life people I'm using for my story lived and walked and disappeared from.

Now it's on to more planning. You can see a photo of my maps here, of New York City. If only I had been writing this story for last year's NaNo, I could have found a few of these places. But maybe since I visited the Big Apple last December, images from that trip inspired this story!

3,008 and counting

2009-11-01T21:53:00.003-05:00

My word count is currently setting at 3,008. My goal is to hit 4,000 before I go to sleep. But here is a small part of a conversation I wrote this afternoon.

“I think so.” She smiled at him, putting an arm through his and leaning her head on his shoulder. “I never expected to see that painting again. Any of them.”

“How many are there?”

“Three, if you count the one my father originally commissioned.”

“The one in there has you partially clothed. What about the third one?”

“Naked.”

“Really?” He sounded quite interested in that particular bit of information.

“Get your mind out of the gutter. There is nothing wrong with a nude body. I was posed ‘artfully’ and I wasn’t completely naked. At least I don’t think I was. It’s been so long I don’t remember.”

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T22:41:00.004-04:00

Happy Halloween!

I'm eagerly awaiting midnight and the chance to start my NaNoWriMo novel for 2009. I've printed out a calendar for November, pulled out my thumb drive and put all my notes, etc onto it so I can take it with me, and I'm about to start getting my notes out for my opening scene, which takes place at a masked ball on Halloween.

I so can't wait until midnight. I debated all day whether or not to stay up late and get a good start, or use the extra hour for sleep. Stay up late won when I finally took a nap about 3:00 this afternoon.

Good luck out there to all the people participating in NaNoWriMo this year and lets make this one the best yet!

Toni Frissell: Weeki Wachee spring, Florida, 1947

2009-10-27T20:16:00.002-04:00

Toni Frissell: Weeki Wachee spring, Florida, 1947, originally uploaded by trialsanderrors.

My story for NaNoWriMo doesn't take place in 1947, nor is it set in Florida, but I found this photograph on Flickr in the Creative Commons and it was perfect for the cover.

The photograph is in the public domain and I have saved a copy as inspiration. I can't wait to start writing on Sunday. It can't come soon enough.

NaNoWriMo - almost here!

2009-10-25T19:58:00.007-04:00

One week from today and I will finally be able to unleash the creativity that has been building in my head about my NaNo story. The characters are at the gate, ready to go.

I'm currently working on getting my outline in order, mostly a scene of events I can use to write by. I will develop a more detailed outline/time line as I write, since I made some notes this afternoon before my nap about two possible spin off story involving the same set of characters.

My character in this one, Contessa, appeared earlier this year while I was writing about a teen age time traveler named Mac. So I became kinda curious about her and starting thinking more about her. I finally decided to write something that would involve her and her backstory, which would later show up in Mac stories.

While thinking about her backstory, I came across the true story of Dorothy Arnold, who disappeared in 1910 from New York City and was ever seen again. So the Contessa is kinda sorta based on this real life incident, but she doesn't look like this real person. I just liked the idea of someone disappearing so I've added that information to her story.

So I've been researching NYC in 1910, where places were, what life was like back then, and more specifically weather conditions on specific days, locations of post offices, cost of mailing postcards, fashions of upscale people and what public transportation was available at the time. I don't need much info right now. All I'm worried about during November is getting the story down on paper. Previous stories I've written did not have descriptions of clothing (unless needed for a particular scene) - I would worry about adding that kind of detail in during the editing process.

I have yet to edit the previous attempts at NaNoWriMo. All I cared about was getting the word count down on paper. But I believe I will take a break during December, since that will be a busy time at my workplace, and start working on an edit in January 2010.

Music for NaNoWriMo 2009

2009-10-14T19:30:00.006-04:00

So far only seven songs have been chosen for my playlist this year. I debated using previously purchased songs from iTunes, but I finally decided today to go with all new songs. Most of these are ones I hear on Sirius XM radio while I'm driving back and forth to work. Two hours (or longer) of "me" time to think about ideas and plot murders (of fictional characters, I promise!) - one reason I use up so many index cards - these notes and the bad drivers' license plate numbers.

So far my playlist includes:

1. My Heart Belongs to Me - Barbra Streisand

2. Knock You Down - Keri Hilson

3. Tell Your Story Walking - Sarah Mcleod

4. Me - Tamia (Soul Seekerz Remix)

5. Battlefield - Jordan Sparks

6. Never Say Never - The Fray

7. One Hand, One Heart - from the Broadway version of West Side Story

I'm sure I'll have more. Right now I've listened to them several times. But now no more until November 1st. I'm one of those people who listen to a song over and over and over again because the music and/or lyrics allows me to daydream about what I want to write. I envision my idea, like a movie, then write what I see. That's one reason I want new songs. Most songs, when I hear them, remind me of an idea I had or worked on. So I need new ones. At least that's what I tell myself. LOL

I'd like to get about 20 songs so I can time myself writing while listening to them.

Three weeks and counting....

2009-10-11T00:39:00.006-04:00

Three weeks from today will be the start of 2009's NaNoWriMo. I've been trying to distance myself from what I want to write because my brain has begun to throw more appealing ideas in my way and I'm wavering in what I plan to write.

I hope to write about a time traveler name Contessa. This is more of a title than a name. Her first name finally came to me, along with that of her time keeper and her best friend. So I at least have names to work with now.

If this one doesn't work out, I can always go back to murder and mayhem for my mystery novels. But this one is in my head and won't leave me alone, except when my brain is telling me some other good ideas to write about. I just write them down and tell them later. This year is for the Contessa.

handprint mac

2009-10-03T19:56:00.001-04:00

handprint mac, originally uploaded by mysterywriter.

Just wait until my coworkers are out of the office the next time! I went to a Halloween store today and found window/mirror clings of bloody handprints and blood splatter! I bought two sheets! I can't wait to use them. MUHAHAHAHA

They Never Came Back - NaNoWriMo

2009-10-01T16:13:00.001-04:00

IMG_6195, originally uploaded by mysterywriter.

Arrived today from Amazon. The woman is my story (I think) will be based on one in this book, Dorothy Arnold, who disappeared from NYC in 1910 and was never seen again. I can't wait to read it tonight.

I'm using Arnold's story as the basis for my NaNoWriMo story this year. I was on Wikipedia the other night looking for information on missing persons. I needed something to base a more detailed search on. As I have never been missing myself, I needed some help.

Imaginary People

2009-09-22T20:51:00.008-04:00

I was chatting online with a friend tonight about writing and the upcoming NaNoWriMo and told her about an image I had about a character - running from some people during the turn of the 20th century in NYC. She had the audacity to call me weird! LOL

I told her I was a writer - I'm supposed to see and talk to imaginary friends. Then she added all those imaginary friends she had as a kid are coming in handy when she writes. I loved it!

The image I had this evening driving home was of a woman running from someone. He was chasing her because she had bought something. Something she wasn't supposed to have. Right now that item is a newspaper. What's in the newspaper? Something wrapped in the sheets or something printed in that particular issue?

Picture is The Plaza from my trip last December to NYC.

A decapitated statue guards this grave

2009-09-18T14:41:00.001-04:00

guard, originally uploaded by wordnrrrd.

Here is another of my favorites from Flickr. I had plans to personally find this statue and take my own photographs, but I ran out of time (darn you, Biltmore Estate - LOL) the last time I was in Asheville this past summer.

This is another example of using a photograph to inspire a character or a story idea.

I knew something would have to go....

2009-09-17T21:16:00.007-04:00

...I dropped my programming class yesterday. I decided I didn't have enough time to commit to the class and I'm planning to write in NaNoWriMo again this year, so I don't need something else in the way. Besides, I think this is a class I will need to attend in person, not take online.

Speaking of writing, I was driving to work this morning, taking the route I usually take home (couple miles longer, few more minutes) and had an idea smack me up side the head for my story about an accident investigator. I've been looking for a spot in Maine that has twisty, curvy roads where I could put an accident scene, and have the road and the conditions have an impact on the accident itself. I've been checking online topographical maps looking for the perfect spot and not finding anything. But as I was driving, it suddenly dawned on me that I could create an accident scene along a stretch of road like this - using conflicting skid marks, etc to confuse the investigators. So that's my plan for the weekend - construct an accident scene. And work on my homework for my other class.

For those of you who like Quincy, M.E., Netflix now has all 8 seasons to watch online (or through Tivo, like I do). I'm finally able to watch the season 4 episode "A Night to Raise the Dead." I think this one is my favorite!

Ghost outside the Window

2009-09-16T22:01:00.001-04:00

Ghost outside the Window, originally uploaded by suphiro.

One of the many interesting photographs I've found on Flickr. I often look here for inspiration for ideas and stories.

Research for NaNoWriMo

2009-09-07T21:28:00.015-04:00

Since I work in higher education, I've decided to create a fictional college for my NaNoWriMo story this November. It will be a small liberal arts college, probably private. I've been doing a little research tonight on number of students, where the towns are located, etc. One college I looked at was Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, Va. I've stayed at the Stonewall Jackson Hotel near the American Shakespeare Center's Blackfriars Theater. If you like Shakespeare, this is the place to come. I loved it. Anyway, the college is near the hotel and theater, which are next door to each other. I could see one the buildings of the campus from my window during my trip.

I'm going to use my hometown as the layout for my community and the location of the college. I already have a county map and a topographical map of the town. There is a high school which has about 1000 students, around the number of students in the schools I had on my list. The other schools I looked at were Sweet Briar College and Randolph Macon College. My college will be like these only in scale and how they are laid out geographically next to their respective towns. I'll create the background and curriculum later, but now I just want to get a feel for the number of students and how the geographical information may play a role in my novel.

As for the name of the college, I think I'll use a person's name, a fictitious name, as someone who either donated money to the school, went to school there, or had some other relationship with the school. At Sweet Briar College, the school was created in memory of the daughter of founder. I liked that idea, and may use a similar idea for mine. I have a first name chosen, but I need a last name that sounds important and wealthy.

Now on to the characters.

Happy Birthday to my DAD

2009-09-03T00:01:00.000-04:00

My dad turns 76 today. He's been retired from teaching for 20 years and doesn't look a day older! Sorta.

My dad has taught me a lot. Like how to drive a stick shift, shoot a gun (rifle, shotgun AND pistol), smack a squirrel up against a tree (that's another story) and a little bit about chemistry, calculus and computer programming. I know enough to be dangerous, remember.

So thank you, Daddy, for your love, encouragement, wisdom and a love of books.

I want to be just like you when I grow up.

2 months and counting until NaNoWriMo

2009-09-01T00:01:00.008-04:00

Two months until the start of NaNoWriMo.

I've decided to use my hometown as the layout for the town for my story. I'll change a few things around, but the town is the right size for what I need.

So now all I need is some characters, a crime (murder, most likely - I like those) and a few suspects. Throw in some humor, a little bit of romance, and hopefully I'll reach 50K by the end of the month.

NaNoWriMo - Are you ready?

2009-08-28T23:36:00.001-04:00

NaNoWriMo, originally uploaded by mysterywriter.

I know November is still two months away, but I'm getting prepared. I bought my third copy of No Plot? No Problem! along with the novel writing kit. I like to play with "extras" like this - I'm a geek that way.

I first found out about NaNoWriMo in 2007. My friend L and I were attending class in Knoxville, TN in the spring and we were hitting all the local bookstores while in town for the weekend. Our class was online, but actually met 4 times during the semester. I know it was a Borders where I bought my first copy of Chris Baty's life-changing book.

In May 2007 L and I had our own NaNoWriMo - We challenged each other to write 50K words that month. We also had a side bet - whoever had the least amount of words had the buy the other one dinner. I "won" and had to buy dinner. I tried that November to complete another novel, but I was only able to make it to 11K.
In November 2008, I was able to official "win" NaNoWriMo.

I'm looking forward to this year's writing experiences!

Scooby - R.I.P August 19, 2009

2009-08-19T19:21:00.001-04:00

Scooby, originally uploaded by mysterywriter.

The ultimate work space

2009-08-12T20:17:00.003-04:00

I just came across this article from Writers and Artists (UK) about the ultimate work space. Exactly what I need.

The photograph is of a set of blueprints I bought from Southern Living (no longer available) several years ago. It's a garage with an apartment overhead. I had planned to build this on my parents farm (still working on it) and move into it. But I think now I'll change the plans and turn it into a writing area. I can write upstairs and use the downstairs for my library to house all my research materials.

All I need is a couch for naps, a small dorm fridge for cold drinks and a microwave for the popcorn and I'm good to go.

Blue books

2009-08-10T00:15:00.001-04:00

Yes, those dreaded exam books from your college days. I recently picked up a few while I was in Knoxville at the UTK bookstore on campus. Those were green, but I have many of the blue ones as well.

Why do I buy them? For notes and outlining. If I'm researching a particular topic, I'll write the topic on the cover, along with the date, then makes notes inside of information I might need. I will also make detailed notes inside for future plot ideas. My most recent one is dated August 7th and is titled "bank robberies" where I've listed thoughts and ideas and possible story arcs. Their thin, wide ruled (even though I prefer college ruled paper) and I love them.

If you live near a college or university, go buy some now. If you don't, visit one on your next vacation or business trip. All if not most bookstores have maps to their location and usually have visitor parking nearby. If you can't find a way to get to one, check out their online presence or call and see if they would be willing to mail you some.

The new desk...

2009-08-08T15:20:00.002-04:00

....doesn't really look that big, but I think it will be perfect for what I need. I do most of my writing on the Macbook so I plan to use the iMac when I want to actually sit down at a desk and write.

Until I have one entire room dedicated to my writing, with custom cabinetry, this desk will be home for the iMac. Home for the TARDIS as well.

T.A.R.D.I.S.

2009-08-07T21:46:00.001-04:00

T.A.R.D.I.S., originally uploaded by mysterywriter.

They say patience is a virtue. Not sure whether or not I believe that, but my patience was finally rewarded today with the arrival of my very own TARDIS.

I ordered this thing on March 31 from the BBC America shop online and I was afraid I was never going to receive it. The delivery date kept being pushed back, and back, and back - you get the picture - but I kept the order, hoping that one day....

This TARDIS is a USB hub. I'll eventually hook it up to my iMac, but I just had to take a photo of it and share.

CUSTOMER DISSERVICE - I can't wait!

2009-08-05T19:30:00.000-04:00

I so want to buy this poster and hang in it my cubicle.

The month of August is what is known as "blackout" - no one takes vacation/annual leave and any sick leave must have a doctor's excuse to go with it. It's not as bad as it sounds. I'm used to not taking time off. Before I took a few days off in June and July I had over 40 days of leave time saved up.

Anyway, the problem with August is the graduate students who apparently wake up on X morning and decided to go to graduate school. I really don't want to hear all the whining about why official transcripts, test scores, reference letters and writing samples are needed for X program. A few of them have even asked why they can't be admitted without sending ANYTHING!! The closer we get to the August 24th start date of the semester, the worse it gets.

I'll keep you posted.

new month and new ideas

2009-08-01T20:19:00.011-04:00

I hate to be so disorganized. My friend Lisa over at AllAboutAlton is always quoting "Organization will set you free" to me whenever I can't find something. I was looking tonight for some unique character names. I came across a map of wrecks of the Outer Banks. I have a copy of this map somewhere in a box. Somewhere. Sigh.

Anyway, I found a partial image through Google and wrote down a few names and the dates of the shipwrecks.

1. Helen Benedict, 1914

2. Harriet N. Rogers, 1873

3. Isabella Parmenter, 1925

4. Annie Blackman, 1889

I had thought at one time to create characters with these (and other names from the map) and see if anyone would ever notice the connection. Guess I'll have to dig out my map and make note of a few more names.

My NaNoWriMo for July did not end like I wanted it to. All I will say is that my word quota did not reach 50,000. I'll try again.

I've started making notes for the NaNoWriMo for November 2009. I'll need to reread my novel from last year, since the character I'm using for this year's novel, Zero, was a major supporting character. He's a computer hacker, a loner, but will find himself involved in helping out others so he won't be able to hide behind his computer screens.

Until November gets here, I'll be working on character development for Zero. I don't want to do too much, since it seems that I write more when I don't plan ahead of time. Apparently the writing part of my brain likes the seat-of-the-pants approach.

I'm also going to work on some new ideas. I was reading a recent issue of Threads and came across a tip someone had submitted. The tip was about using two different colors of thread when you didn't have the correct color - by using a darker color and lighter color, they blend together, and as long as you're not too close, you won't be able to tell the difference. I marked the page with a sticky and made a note to put this on a clue list - a clue that would show the button had come off and been repaired that might later be used to solve a crime.

Biltmore Estate Asheville NC italian garden b&w

2009-07-30T22:19:00.001-04:00

italian garden black and white, originally uploaded by mysterywriter.

This is an older photograph (from 2007) but I decided to use it anyway.

I ended up not taking too many pictures during my recent visit to the Biltmore Estate. I was too excited about the Premium House Tour. And what an experience it was!! I've been on numerous Behind-the-Scenes and Rooftop tours but I was able to walk down into the Winter Garden, visit the den (behind the library - I'd already been in there twice, but I didn't say anything) and was able to actually do into another couple of rooms I had only been able to see by looking at them from the outside.

I'm so glad I did this new tour. I had some of my questions answered. I'll have to plan a new trip and more questions for the next time.

My little band of time travelers...

2009-07-18T19:03:00.003-04:00

...wants me to write about them again. They've been sitting quietly while I write about other things, but their patience is up with me.

I can hear Mac and Freddy, demanding to be let loose somewhere in history. But I've got to finish my NaNoWriMo for July first - which is going to be really hard.

I'm finally having to change the name of my character, Ginger. The name just isn't working out. So I've pulled out my copy of The Writer's Digest Character Naming Sourcebook (second edition - first edition is somewhere in a box) by Sherrilyn Kenyon. I suppose I could use any old baby name book, but I like this book. I can look by country for male and female names (listed separately) or use the reverse lookup in the back to look up a certain word - say "noble" and a list of names and page numbers will appear that use the definition of noble for each name.

There is also a list of top ten U.S. names by year, beginning with 1980 and ending with 2003. Should I decide to write a period novel, I can check the list of top ten names for 1908 to see that John and Mary were the top names for males and females, respectively.

Thankfully, MS Word has a piece that I can find and replace words - cause I'm gonna need it when I finally fine the right name for Ginger.

(The photo was taken in front of my house looking east.)

Premium House Tour at Biltmore Estate - Should I?

2009-07-15T20:49:00.003-04:00

I've just discovered a new specialty tour at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. I'm headed there next week. I've taken the rooftop and the behind-the-scenes tours many times - and learned something new each time - but this sounds like a great experience.

For $150 I get a personal tour guide for 2 hours. The areas seen in the previous tours I've been on are included, as well as the areas open to the public. Here is a link. I need to call in the morning and find out the details. I called tonight but the reservation was already closed.

If anyone has taken the tour, let me know how it went.

A trip as a reward

2009-07-03T21:28:00.009-04:00

I just booked myself a weekend stay in Asheville, NC as a reward for writing at the end of the month. I've been here several times and joke with my friends that this is my second home. My reason for going is to see the new rooms that have opened up at the Biltmore Estate. I let my year round pass expire this past April so I'll have to renew it. How can I pass up unlimited daytime visits for a year?

I'm getting ready to settle down and write some tonight. I'm having a hard time meeting the word quota for the day, but I hope the Biltmore "carrot" will do the trip and get me writing. I'll go whether or not I meet the quota, but I'll be happier if I've reached it before I leave.

August also starts "blackout" in my office - no annual/vacation leave and sick time can be taken only if you have a doctor's excuse. So I need a treat before the madness starts.

I'll leave Friday after work and return late Sunday evening. The drive isn't too bad. I've got Sirius satellite radio to keep me busy and I may just throw in the Twilight audio book as well. All I need now is to plan what to wear and wait out the time.

I think I hear Ginger and Robert (hey - he finally has a name!) calling to me.

The start of my NaNoWriMo this July

2009-07-01T19:02:00.009-04:00

Ginger is my heroine's name. She's got red hair, wears glasses to read, loves to knit even though she isn't very good and is a library school dropout. Don't let the dropout word fool you. She's quite canny in her thinking.

She works as the secretary for the local PD and does research for a famous mystery writer who lives nearby. A new chief of police comes on board, a man hoping for a nice, quiet place for retirement (he's only 48) when a series of murders begins. He still needs a name, but what I plan to write tonight doesn't concern him......yet.

The new series of murders will be based on an older crime, a killer who has so far gotten away with his/her crime. But I believe the time has come for some revenge.

My goal is to write the 1613 words per day (31 days in July, remember) and get back on track to writing every day like I was at the beginning of the year.

The picture above shows my current project, the Ishbel scarf/shawl. I bought it on Ravelry. The yarn came all the way from Scotland courtesy of the people at Old Maiden Aunt. The color is Hebridean from their Homecoming collection. 50% sure alpaca and 50% merino. Wonderful stuff.

NaNoWriMo in July???

2009-06-21T21:30:00.005-04:00

I've decided to do my own version of NaNoWriMo next month. Why? Well, there area several reasons, which I'll list here in a few days.

Needless to say, I need to write. In 2007 my friend Lisa and I did our own in May and I was finally able to write my first novel. Said novel is now collecting dust, as is the one from last year's NaNoWriMo, but that's ok. I've written two novels!!!! So I'm going to try it again before work gets too hectic.

More details to follow later this week. I've taken the next two days off (sorry G that you have to do some of my work) to paint but I'm going to be making some serious notes on what to write come July 1st.

2009-06-07T22:37:00.002-04:00

I’m trying desperately to find something to work on besides my current knitting project. I kept coming back to my ‘body on the beach’ idea all weekend and made some great progress this weekend, finding a name for my mystery writer (Travis) and discovering how his mother (Miranda) came to be murdered when he was fifteen years old. I’ve even got three suspects now, not including Miranda’s husband. The twist is, bodies are showing up, dressed just like Miranda was in 1968; same exact outfit, down to the brand of clothing, shoes and jewelry. How creepy is that? Well, that was as far as I got. Time to shelve that notebook back on the shelf and work on something else. I’ve learned when nothing else is there to write about, its time to work on something different.

Earlier this afternoon I decided to work on Maggie and Gabe’s story. Maggie is a seamstress who has moved back home due to some unfortunate events in her career as a wedding gown designer. I’ve had this idea for well over ten years. My recent interest in sewing has had me digging out my notes and manuscript from before to see what I could do to it. Several hours later I’ve decided to combine the body on the beach story and Maggie and Gabe into one story. Maggie’s knowledge of fashion and designing will help in uncovering who killed Miranda over forty years ago. So there’s another one shelved back in the bookcase.

[I keep my ideas in one big notebook. Once I start working on an individual idea, I take it out and put it in its own notebook – a place where I know I can find it again – as my friend Lisa is always telling me – “Organization will set you free” – this is one area in my life where I do try to keep organized.]

So here I set, needing to write, and nothing to work on. Don’t get me wrong, it has been a productive day, for non-writing things. My clothes are washed and ready for the next week. I sewed a new pillowcase, stirred up some chocolate chip cookie dough (I keep it in the fridge for up to a week – I bake them as I eat them because there is nothing better than eating a warm, right out of the oven cookie) and attempted to make a skirt without using a pattern. I’ve learned a few things from the skirt, so I’ll be taking it apart and trying again, but I’m happy I had the idea to make one without using a pattern. Sometimes you have to learn to do things the hard way in order to be a better sewer later. Anyway, I got a lot done today but I still need to write.

So I am again on the lookout for something to write. I’ve set my clock a little earlier in the morning. I’m going to try and write before I go to work. Maybe I can get back into my grove I had at the beginning of the year.

Floundering

2009-05-21T22:13:00.005-04:00

I'm floundering. Work has been kinda chaotic since March and where I missed a few days while in Philly my writing exercises have deteriorated. I want to write so bad, but apparently I'm back to my old tricks of just going on to bed because I'm tired. And I am tired. No doubt about that. And a tired writer is not a very good writer.

Work is exhausting. When I get home, all the inspiration I've had during the day just disappears. I make notes of what I was thinking, but that's about it. Script Frenzy was a bust this year. I ended up with 20 pages, which is better than nothing. I guess.

I'm fighting a weekly battle with another office at my institution, trying to make sure that the credentials I receive are authentic. I feel like I'm adding to the weight on my boss T's shoulders, but I need her support and she's been great so far in giving it.

Today's incident has her now calling a meeting with the person in charge of the office I'm having trouble with and the associate VP of academic affairs. I apologized to T today for causing so much trouble but she wasn't worried. She did say however to not go back on what I've been doing - once I make an exception, then all this will have been for nothing.

I'm headed to Hagerstown, MD next weekend for a small trip. I'm hoping to regroup, find my focus again, and get back to writing. I need the writing to calm the chaos in my life right now. I may even need to murder a few people, fictionally speaking, of course.

(Yes, that's my dog Scooby telling me "No picture, please.")

Final days of ScriptFrenzy

2009-04-27T01:06:00.001-04:00

nanowrimo notes , originally uploaded by mysterywriter.

I'm up to 19 pages. Can I do it? I want the bragging rights to say I finished a script. I'll give it my best shot. I really want to wear that t-shirt I bought in public. LOL

I've been using a previously written story and converting it into the script format. I've found that my story has now made several changes and I've veered away from what I had written. I'm going with the flow so all I can do is hope the final outcome is something I can put to good use when I go back to working on the novel.

I will admit that writing a script is much harder than I thought. I'm making a terrible mess of mine, but that's OK. This is a learning experience for me, and if all I ever get out of it is better dialogue for my fiction writing, I'll take it. I write what the voices in my head (characters) tell me to.

Sorry for using an old photo. I needed one with paper on it so reused a previous NaNoWriMo picture.

the start of homemade jelly - and murder

2009-04-18T22:30:00.001-04:00

the start of homemade jelly, originally uploaded by mysterywriter.

The most mundane of chores can lead to great story ideas.

I was making homemade raspberry (black) jelly today with help from my mom - that's her hand in the photograph. You can see the steam coming off the hot juice. I was thinking that this stuff would probably take someone's skin off. I was thinking back to Christmas eve last year when the baked beans I was stirring popped onto my wrist. Hurt like hell, but nothing compared to getting splashed with this stuff.

Jelly making would make an interesting way to kill someone. Maybe the body could be so disfigured there wouldn't be a way to ID it. Hmmmm.

Script Frenzy update

2009-04-06T19:07:00.005-04:00

I told C over at Planet All-Star today that I had finally written one page of my script. Of course, he comes back with "Only 99 more to go."

Finding an idea has been tough. And writing a script is much harder than I thought. I'm used to describing the surroundings, what the characters are thinking, etc. No so in a script. I need dialogue and lots of it. Dialogue I can do - sometimes when I'm working on my writing exercises the dialogue is all I'm writing down. One reason I thought I could write the script. Oh well. I still have a few more days left in the month to catch up. I hope. LOL

My issues with writing my word quota has me thinking about murder a lot. I can't seem to find one idea to write on. My regular job is wearing me out and by the time I get home, I'm too tired to think clearly to write anything worth keeping. I sound like I'm whining and I am. C's wife G had to listen to me vent today, as did my sister L while we had lunch. The clothes I have on today will never be worn in the same combination again. Today was just filled bad karma. LOL

Tonight I'm going to work on my teenage time traveler story and see if I can get together a list of scenes to write about for my word quota then turn right around and redo the scene for the script. Maybe add another page or two to the script.

9709

2009-03-31T23:14:00.004-04:00

I needed 9,300 words for the month of March and I achieved that goal even though I missed three days of writing. I still feel sad that I missed those days, but my other days of surpassing the daily quota paid off and I didn't have to write any extra tonight to make up for those days.

My total word count to date is 23,204 words. That's almost half of what is needed for NaNoWriMo!

Next month I should add at least another 12,000 words. April will be 400 words per day. I'm also participating in the ScriptFrenzy contest, which should help me with the word quota as well.

Script Frenzy arrives in April!!

2009-03-31T08:38:00.002-04:00

I was chatting online with a friend of mine about 12:30 Sunday morning (3/19) when she told me that ScriptFrenzy, the script writing contest created by the people at NaNoWriMo was in April!!! I thought it was in July and that I had plenty of time to work on my story - plot, characters, etc. I was going to use my word count for that month (700 words/day) to write at least one 100 page script. But it's next month!!!!! What am I going to do??????

I'm going crazy trying to learn how to structure a script. I've read various books, websites, magazine articles and I have decided that I do not have the time to successfully plot out a screen play. Will that stop me from participating in ScriptFrenzy? NO WAY!

My plan is to just start writing different scenes. As long as I have 100 script pages by the end of the month, I'll be happy. Nothing in the rules says anything about the quality of the script. I know there if a format, but I'm such a loser I was totally unprepared for this year's contest.

I've also just returned from a conference in Philadelphia. My university uses Banner so the company that makes this database, SunGard, hosted their annual summit. First time for me to attend and I had a blast. I went with three co-workers, flying out on Saturday (3/21) and returning on Thursday (3/26) and since I had already been gone four days that week, I took Friday as a vacation day. Whew. So I had no chance to work on my script idea and structure.

I also didn't write for three days while I was gone. I started out great, handwriting my daily quota, since I didn't take my computer (my iPod Touch was used a lot though to surf the web) and one night I actually forgot to write. I was disappointed with myself. I ended up skipping the next night, my last night in Philly, and skipping Thursday night as well after I returned home. I finally told myself I needed a break. I wasn't writing to win a prize. I'm attempting to make writing a habit and I think I have done a good job of that. So I may take a few more breaks in the coming months.

So my plans are to participate in ScriptFrenzy, writing 100 pages of a terrible script, but that's OK. I'm happy to just be writing, and to feel the creativeness finally bubbling up and escaping. I've mentioned to a few friends that my stories were trapped by my laziness and if I ever popped that cork, I would have an unending flow of words pouring out and onto the paper.

I'm sure you're wondering about the photo I included. That is a picture of my sewing machine. I finally drug it out of it's case and bought the piece I needed to fix it (two of them actually.) I think April's word count will be about a seamstress/costumer who gets involved with a small town cop solving a cold case. I've had this particular idea for over 10 years. Actually, I don't think I've worked on it since I left my job as a police dispatcher in 1998.

I came across an article in a newspaper while on vacation about a woman who made wedding gowns. That got me started on a story about Maggie, a seamstress who previously worked in the costume department at a movie production company and who now had her own business creating custom clothing.

My creativity in writing has spilled over into other areas of my life, causing me to get back into sewing (currently making a pillowcase for the first time) and to start knitting. Those crafts will in turn inspire more writing, creating a beautiful circle of creativeness.

100 Things

2009-03-16T05:44:00.000-04:00

I finally made it to 100 posts! Almost like trying to write to a certain word count each night. I started this list in November 2008 and kept adding items as I would think of them. Some times I despaired of actually finding 100 things to say about myself. But I have prevailed.

1. I have red hair.

2. And green eyes.

3. I'm 5'4" tall. Well, 5'3 3/4". Same thing. LOL

4. I'm nearsighted and wear glasses.

5. I'm right handed.

6. But I fervently wish I was left handed.

7. I work in higher education.

8. I have a master's degree.

9. I drive a black VW Jetta.

10. With a manual transmission. Special order.

11. I learned to drive on a VW Beetle. Light blue. Manual transmission.

12. That my dad drove to school.

13. My dad is 6'4". I am 5'4. You would think I would be a little taller. Thanks, Mom.

14. I took my driving test in a car with a manual transmission.

15. I failed the test. Stalled on a hill. In the pouring rain.

16. State trooper told me I had guts to take the test in a car with a standard transmission.

17. Passed the next time. IN THE SAME CAR.

18. If I could do the math, I would be an architect.

19. Or a forensic scientist.

20. Or a musician.

21. My dad taught algebra, pre-calculas, geometry, chemistry, physics and computer programming in high school. I had all but physics. I know just enough to be dangerous.

22. I'm a beginning knitter.

23. I'm an experienced cross stitcher. 19 years experience.

24. I have two sisters and one brother.

25. Odd numbers are my favorite.

26. I love frogs.

27. I love practical jokes.

28. Blue is my favorite color.

29. I played the flute and piccolo in the school band.

30. I have been to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC at least once each month.

31. I have never been out of the country.

32. But I do have a passport. Everyone should. You never know when Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome (with blue eyes) will show up and ask you to leave with him.

33. My avatar is a somewhat accurate description of what I had on the day I created it. My hair looked worse that day, though.

34. I'm older than the cartoon character Scooby Doo.

35. I'm in love with Edward Cullen, AKA Robert Pattinson.

36. Hawaii 5-0 and I debuted in the same year.

37. Most of my pets growing up were "rescues" - not from the pound or rescue groups - they were dropped at my house because I live in the country. There's a serial killer for you - murdering people who drop pets because they don't want them any more.

38. I saw the Twilight movie 4 times in theaters.

39. I love cemeteries. Don't ask me why.

40. Age 40 was pretty sucky for me. I hope 41 is better.

41. I wish time travel were possible.

42. I have never broken a bone in my body.

43. I like to read mysteries.

44. I've met Alton Brown, host of Good Eats (Food Network).

45. I've also met William Shatner. Live long and prosper, Captain Kirk.

46. I've discovered that knitting is a much more expensive hobby than cross stitching ever was.

47. I love horses.

48. I'm fascinated by snakes, but also scared of them.

49. I can play the piano.

50. I want to make a quilt.

51. Smallville is my favorite TV show.

52. I love ghost stories.

53. If I can teach myself to write in a higher level programming language, I may embark on a 2nd master's degree in Information Systems. Maybe.

54. I've pre-ordered three different versions of the Twilight movie on DVD. And pre-ordered it from iTunes as well.

55. I own a Macbook and an iMac.

56. I plan to grow pumpkins this summer.

57. I spent 6 years working as a police dispatcher.

58. I joined eBay in 1998 to purchase a VCR that played and recorded the in the formats PAL and SECAM as well as NTSC.

59. Said VCR cost me $400.00. And is still working today.

60. I have a real copy of the Song of the South movie. PAL format (VHS).

61. I want to build my own house.

62. I now have a huge poster of Edward Cullen on the back of the door in my TV room.

63. I learned to cook so I could eat certain foods more than once or twice a year. Example: homemade crescent rolls. My mom would only make them for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I can now make them anytime, but I will admit they taste the best during the holidays with all that turkey and mashed potatoes.

64. My first dog was a German Shepherd named Sam. He died when I was 12.

65. My current dog's name is Scooby-Doo.

66. I've had my new car (black VW Jetta) for 15 months and already have over 27,000 miles on it.

67. My favorite board game is Monopoly.

68. My next favorite board game is Trivial Pursuit.

69. I also like Scrabble, Clue and Yahtzee.

70. My favorite ice cream is mint chocolate chip. Also has to be colored green too.

71. I've owned three VW Jetta's and a Jeep Wrangler.

72. I've been certified as a CPR instructor by the American Red Cross.

73. I've been certified as a CPR instructor by the American Heart Association.

74. I want to drive on Germany's Autobahn. Really.

75. My license place is personalized now. It's the name of my favorite TV show.

76. I won 2nd place at my junior high school in a DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) writing contest.

77. My boss B gave me the highest compliment the other day. She called me irreplaceable. I almost cried.

78. I want to work on a master's degree in Forensic Science.

79. I would like to visit Germany for a month.

80. I have over 6 thousands e-mails in my inbox alone, not counting the hundreds in various folders in Outlook.

81. I currently have six pairs of glasses with the same prescription. Yes, six. Three with black frames, one with silver, one with gold and an old, old pair of blue frames.

82. I've been making homemade napkins like crazy. I like the idea of doing my bit for the environment.

83. If I keep up my monthly writing exercises, I will have written over 250,000 words by the end of the year.

84. I would like to teach myself a foreign language or two.

85. I've also discovered that sewing is a much more expensive hobby than cross stitching ever was as well.

86. I plan to participate in ScriptFrenzy and NaNoWriMo this year.

87. Current songs on my iPod include: Runaway and Dream on Dreamer by Cascada, Convoy by C.W. McCall, Will you still love me by Chicago.

88. I once tracked down a television movie I had watched as a child on Saturday morning on the CBS Children's Film Festival. I could remember only that it appeared to be based on a fairy tale and had an owl with three silver acorns that were actually wishes. Tri orísky pro Popelku is the name of the movie. Better known as Three Wishes for Cinderella. The language was Czech with English subtitles. I finally found a VHS copy of it. For more info on the CBS Children's Film Festival click here.

89. I've learned that patience is a virtue. I've waited for HDNET to air the NCIS episodes from JAG. They're FINALLY airing on March 18th and I've set the Tivo to record them. I hope the power or cable doesn't go off.

90. I don't know whether to believe in ghosts, but I would love to meet one.

91. I actually enjoy playing solitaire. On the computer or with real cards, especially if they're my Scooby Doo deck.

92. I collect USGS (United States Geological Survey) topographical maps (7.5 min quadrangles) of places I've been. Or of places I would like to visit. The last one I bought was for Forks, WA of Twilight fame.

93. I like windows. My house will have lots of them.

94. I love strawberries, will eat a banana if I have to and I will suck the juice out of an orange but I won't eat the pulp. Ick.

95. I'm currently reading The Reader. I hope to get Revolutionary Road next.

96. I made myself my first pair of pajama pants over the weekend. I love them and look forward to making a few more.

97. My goal for Christmas 2009 is to make handmade gifts for my family and friends.

98. I love BBQ potato chips, popcorn with extra butter and crunchy Cheetos. But not all at the same time. ICK.

99. I plan to get a motorcycle endorsement on my driver's license next summer if not before.

100. I have red hair. Here's the proof. This is a school photograph of me from, I think, the first grade.

the return of the time traveler

2009-03-12T22:10:00.004-04:00

This month my goal is to write 300 words a day. Ok. I've been doing that but I can't seem to stick with one story. I started out good, writing a murder mystery one, but I soon strayed from it and begin writing other stuff. Which isn't to say that's a bad thing, but I ended up writing something different each night. So here I am, March 12th, and while I have the word count quota, I don't have anything else worth keeping.

Now I know you'll say that at least I was writing, practicing my craft, but I would at least like to have something I can come back to at a later date and edit into something that might one day be published.

So I've brought back Mac, my time traveling teenager and her story. I wrote about 20 single spaced pages about her and her friends Freddy and Tessa last month. I'm hoping they can get me out of the funk I've been in this month.

I want to use Mac's story for the short story contest sponsored by The Writer I mentioned in an earlier post. I think this will be what I need to actually write something, edit it, then send it off for a review. I hope I can do it.

Happy Birthday to my MOM

2009-03-11T20:54:00.003-04:00

My mommy is 69 years old today.

Thanks for your love and wisdom and encouragement and cooking lessons.

I want to be just like you when I grow up.

two dead bodies in less than 1000 words

2009-03-02T22:14:00.005-05:00

I'm pitiful. I've written less than 1000 words so far (970 to be exact) and I've already murdered two people. Haven't decided how they died or why, but one body has washed up on the beach and another was found in his home, I think. LOL

I'm writing a new story and just going with the flow. I have six new characters and no idea what to do with them. I've got a doctor (GP), a veterinarian, a maid (dead body #1), a cop, the cop's father (dead body #2), a housekeeper and someone else I can't remember right now. Too many to keep track of already. I guess I need to drag out the character list I use with NaNoWriMo and start writing them down.

I finally made my cookies tonight. I was mixing them up yesterday evening and found out that I had no brown sugar! Well, no brown sugar that was usable. All of if was hard as a rock. So I had to buy new stuff today. It's all in the fridge now, waiting for me to come home tomorrow. I cant' wait.

Happy Birthday Gabriella Moonlight!!!

2009-02-28T20:04:00.001-05:00

First off, you gotta change your age on your blog to 41, like I did!!! MUHAHAHAHA

G (she's behind the All Who Wander Are Not Lost blog) and I have been friends for a few years. She worked in an adjoining office, which is where I met her a couple of years ago. Then she changed jobs and moved upstairs. But now she's back downstairs in the best department on campus!!!

She's been a super quick study and has picked up the knowledge needed in a few short months to do a very demanding and mentally exhausting job. She's also working on finishing her master's degree in Humanities. She inspires me everyday to be a better person. I hear her talking on the phone with students and I realize how 'cold' I've become in answering questions from students. I rarely get a call now I haven't heard before so the job has become a little mundane. It's been refreshing to see the job through a new person's eyes that makes me appreciate the job I have.

She sits in the cube beside mine, in what you would call a "corner" office - we're all in a cubical farm and she has one of the corners. I used to have this space, but I wanted a smaller one so I have her mine after she was hired. She brings humor to the office and is a willing participant when I get in one of my moods to pull a practical joke.

Luckily for me, she is taking Monday off to celebrate her birthday. An entire day, home alone. How wonderful is that??? It's great. For me. MUHAHAHAHA

Yes, practical joker that I am, something will happen to her cubicle while she is out of the office. Fair warning G! Be prepared for a surprise when you return on Tuesday. I'll post an update when she returns.

8,357

2009-02-28T19:11:00.005-05:00

I again met my goal of writing at least 200 words each day during the month of February.

My highest word count day was Wednesday, February 4th. I had 1,203 words that day. That was the snow day I took and I wanted to write at least 1,200 words that day.

My lowest word count day was another Wednesday, this time February 18th. I managed to pull out 201 words. And the words for that day are in no relation to anything else I wrote this month. I just wrote miscellaneous descriptions of some knitting I wanted to do.

my list for the weekend

2009-02-26T20:13:00.005-05:00

I'm working on a list of things to do for the weekend. I have a lot to accomplish and a short amount of time.

1. Write my last 200 words for the day. I'll post my February total on Sunday.

2. Make some homemade chocolate chip cookies. I follow the recipe on the Nestle bag of chocolate chips but I also add more chips. I then keep the dough in the fridge and bake cookies whenever I want them. Hot cookies, straight out of the oven, anytime I want. LOL

3. Decide on the story idea for my March daily writings. February has been about teenage time travelers visiting the RMS Titanic before she sinks. One of them runs away and tries to save someone who died during the sinking, which is a no-no.

4. I may have to kill a couple of people in the March writings. I've only killed one person since November and NaNoWriMo. I hate to say this, but I miss that part. I like writing about crimes and how they are solved. The kids on the Titanic have a dead body there now. Guess I need to wind that up and move on to a few more bodies. MUHAHAHA

5. Sew some more napkins. I'm going through a crafty phase right now. My sewing machine is now fixed so I'm going crazy buying fat quarters (usually an 18"x22" piece of material) and turning them into napkins. Trying to be more environmentally friendly. The picture is of my newest purchases. Two of each will be added to my collection.

I just had to share.....

2009-02-22T02:22:00.004-05:00

...this photo of my very first napkin!!! Yes, I'm a geek. I'm so excited to finally be able to sew. I tried years earlier, much like my writing, and never got very far. I have the determination now to start a project and finish it. This napkin will be the first of many, following in the steps of the writing exercises I'm working on now. Practice makes perfect, or at least makes the writing a habit, which I believe is what I've needed all along.

How does this pertain to writing really? I've inspired myself to dig out a story idea I was working on about 15 years ago. I'd seen an article in a newspaper about a woman who made wedding gowns by hand. My character was going to be exactly like this woman. She would be one of those old fashioned seamstresses we hear about. She can make anything, from wedding gowns to suits to napkins and table runners and Halloween costumes. But there's something in her past that haunts her. A murder? A jilted lover? Who knows. But now that I'm inspired to work on the story again, I'll soon know the answers.

Happy Birthday Lisa!!!!!

2009-02-16T07:30:00.002-05:00

Special birthday wishes are going out to one of my BFFs - Lisa (aka miseenplace) today. You're getting closer to me everyday year. LOL

Lisa runs the All About Alton blog, about Alton Brown. She claims to be his #1 fan, and I totally believe her.

Lisa and I met during the Fall 2002 in a Humanities class called "Historical Studies" where we both work. At the time Lisa wasn't working at my school (yet) but we became friends in the class we will forever call "the class from hell."

Fast forward a couple of years. I see Lisa when she comes in for class sometimes. We chat, exchange pleasantries. Then she is hired to work in the library of the school I work for. How great was that???

I talked her into applying to the University of Tennessee's Information Science (Library Science) program and we both were accepted, taking classes via the Internet since neither of us could leave our jobs beginning in the Fall 2006, when our friendship took off. She finally completed the program last August, earning her 2nd master's degree. (I dropped out due to death and illness in my family.)

I got her hooked on the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC and we made several trips. She introduced me to Alton Brown and his show Good Eats on the Food Network. We've both joked that we could be sisters, with the amount of stuff we have in common. When we went to orientation for the UTK program, I talked until I was hoarse, finding all the things we both liked (cross stitching, photography, architecture, research, etc) and had great fun on the trip.

So, in order to show her my appreciation for our friendship, I found something out about her favorite TV chef. I found a magazine today, premiere issue. I've included a photo of it here at the bottom of the post. I've also purchased you a life time subscription to it.

Here you go: Happy Birthday Lisa!!!!

HERE YOU GO:

MUHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

So much for my little reward dinner

2009-02-10T18:53:00.007-05:00

I left work early to give myself a reward tonight. I'd finally gotten caught up with everything in the office and decided to eat at a little diner in my hometown on the way home. Well, lets just say I should have stayed at work.

The meal wasn't that bad. I had a ham and bacon club sandwich on toasted bread. Plain. Yes, you heard me right. I am not a veggie person. I do not eat lettuce, tomato or mayo on my sandwiches. I like them plain. No problems there. Even the fries were half way decent this time. Usually they haven't been cooked long enough, but tonight's were better.

What I didn't like was how the ordering process went. I don't blame the waitress at all. I don't think she saw me come in, nor the guy about five minutes after me. I came in, sat down and opened up my book. I'd received Lethal Legacy by Linda Fairstein today from Amazon and I so wanted to get into this one. Fairstein is one of the few writers I buy in hardback. I immediately started reading. Everyone knows to come in and sit down, the waitress will get to you.

I'd been reading for a few minutes when this guy comes in and sits down at another table adjacent from me. A few more minutes and the waitress comes over to the area where we are. And you know what??? She goes to his table first!!! WTF??? That wouldn't have been so bad (not her fault she didn't know who came in first), but he goes ahead and orders!!! He didn't even look over to ask if I had been waited on. He just immediately orders!!

So she takes his drink order then leaves to bring it back. Then she comes to my table to get my drink order. She leaved and brings it back. Then she takes his meal order, then mine. His food is also brought to the table first. GRRRR. I was kinda ticked off. But who to be mad at the most, the waitress for not knowing better, or the guy who should have had the decency to ask if I had been waited on already, since I didn't have a drink on my table or a menu or anything.

Now some of you may be thinking, why didn't I speak up? And why did I get mad when I didn't speak up in the first place? I'm just not that type of person. One, I don't want to embarrass anyone in public, so I usually keep my mouth shut and just stew in silence. If someone cuts in line, I just think about ways to kill them painfully in the pages of my stories. That usually helps alot. I did write down what I wanted to say in a post while I was sitting there waiting on my drink. Couldn't help myself. LOL.

The tip I left was ok (20%) since the food was good this time, but I'm the type of person who gives great tips, if the service warrants it. Most waitresses there either work there full time or are going to school so I'm happy to give extra. The girl who usually waits on me usually gets a nice BIG tip. Where was she tonight?????

So how does this relate to writing? Well, right now I don't know. I'm sure the experience and scene will work its way into my writings some day.

February 4, 2009 snow day

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It doesn't look like a lot of snow, but it is to someone who has to drive 40 miles to get to work.

It wasn't an official snow day, but I took a vacation day anyway. After driving home the night before, I wasn't going back out on the roads again until they were clear.

The snowman idea was a bust. The snow was not the right kind to make one. So my dog will have to suffer. LOL

I did, however, write 1,203 words that day. I think I took a nap, too. It was just a great day to be home and not have to worry about driving.

I also want to send out birthday wishes to my friend Cliff. Hope you had a great one. And now we're the same age again. MUHAHAHA

Flickr

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This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.