Yes I'm channeling Nike here.
By C. Michelle Jefferies
I know several writers in real life and through social media. I see several way to approach writing because of it. It's fascinating to see how people plot, structure, and pants their way through a story. Sometimes I even find a little something that I can use for myself from this interaction.
I noticed one thing that some authors do and it has me wondering at what is going on. This particular habit is the perfect procrastinator for someone who doesn't ever want to actually finish a story.
This is called the super planner.
There are writers who have one or several story ideas and while these story ideas might be great, they're never going to finish them. They have notebooks full of notes, binders full of details about characters. Idea after idea. While research and organization is good, it can also be a deal breaker if your entire time you should be writing is spent researching or filling out character data sheets.
My suggestion is this. Stop it. Stop obsessing about every little detail about your character. Stop obsessing about your setting. Stop researching the story. Just do it. Just put your BUTT in a chair and write the story. Don't let this bad habit stop you from finishing the story.
Want to be a published author eventually? Five words. Stop it. Just do it.
The path to wisdom is not always straight
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Holy Cow
By Keith N Fisher
As I’ve mentioned before, I have a WIP file on my computer. It contains work in progress manuscripts in different phases of development. I realized the other day that I’ve written more books then some authors did, during their whole career. Can you believe it? I’m a seasoned veteran.
Once, I was accused of being afraid of rejection. Otherwise I would’ve submitted all those WIP’s and got them published. I’ve been told I should self publish, and I’ve beaten the horse of being published, or not, several times. The truth is, I’ve been submitting and collecting rejections. I keep writing.
I realized another truth the other day. I’m not ready to grow up. On Facebook, I read that if you haven’t grown up by the time you’re fifty, you don’t have to. I’m fifty-something and I want to be a kid forever, like Peter Pan said:
I won't grow up. I don't want to go to school. Just to lear to be a parrot, and recite a silly rule.
If growing up means it would be beneath my dignity to climb a tree.
I'll never grow up, never grow up, never grow up. Not me.
I won't grow up. I don't want to wear a tie, and a serious expression in the middle of July.
If it means I must prepare to shoulder burdens with a worried air. I'll never grow up, never grow up, never grow up. Not me. So there!
Never gonna be a man. I won't!
I’d like to see somebody try and make me.
Anyone who wants to try, and make me turn into a man . . . catch me if you can.
I won't grow up. Not a penny will I pinch. I’ll never grow a mustache, or a fraction of an inch.
'Cause growing up is awfuller than all the awful things that ever were.
I'll never grow up, never grow up, never grow up, No sir.
Seriously, I wish I could be sixteen again and know what I know, now. I’d love to do certain things all over again and avoid the mistakes. I would take my knowledge of events and use it to my advantage. I would become the best friend of those who made history. I would apply my knowledge and do it before they did. Yes Dr. Brown, I would change history.
Steven King wrote a book about the possibilities. He called it 11-22-63. Read it if you can get past the language and innuendo. I hear that JJ Abrams might make it a movie.
Okay, what was the point of my ramble? I don’t know, but holy cow. I’ve written more books than many of the best sellers did in their lifetime. I still wonder where my ideas come from.
Good luck with your writing—see you next week.
As I’ve mentioned before, I have a WIP file on my computer. It contains work in progress manuscripts in different phases of development. I realized the other day that I’ve written more books then some authors did, during their whole career. Can you believe it? I’m a seasoned veteran.
Once, I was accused of being afraid of rejection. Otherwise I would’ve submitted all those WIP’s and got them published. I’ve been told I should self publish, and I’ve beaten the horse of being published, or not, several times. The truth is, I’ve been submitting and collecting rejections. I keep writing.
I realized another truth the other day. I’m not ready to grow up. On Facebook, I read that if you haven’t grown up by the time you’re fifty, you don’t have to. I’m fifty-something and I want to be a kid forever, like Peter Pan said:
I won't grow up. I don't want to go to school. Just to lear to be a parrot, and recite a silly rule.
If growing up means it would be beneath my dignity to climb a tree.
I'll never grow up, never grow up, never grow up. Not me.
I won't grow up. I don't want to wear a tie, and a serious expression in the middle of July.
If it means I must prepare to shoulder burdens with a worried air. I'll never grow up, never grow up, never grow up. Not me. So there!
Never gonna be a man. I won't!
I’d like to see somebody try and make me.
Anyone who wants to try, and make me turn into a man . . . catch me if you can.
I won't grow up. Not a penny will I pinch. I’ll never grow a mustache, or a fraction of an inch.
'Cause growing up is awfuller than all the awful things that ever were.
I'll never grow up, never grow up, never grow up, No sir.
Seriously, I wish I could be sixteen again and know what I know, now. I’d love to do certain things all over again and avoid the mistakes. I would take my knowledge of events and use it to my advantage. I would become the best friend of those who made history. I would apply my knowledge and do it before they did. Yes Dr. Brown, I would change history.
Steven King wrote a book about the possibilities. He called it 11-22-63. Read it if you can get past the language and innuendo. I hear that JJ Abrams might make it a movie.
Okay, what was the point of my ramble? I don’t know, but holy cow. I’ve written more books than many of the best sellers did in their lifetime. I still wonder where my ideas come from.
Good luck with your writing—see you next week.
Saturday, June 14, 2014
May I See Your ID, Please?
By Keith N Fisher
After one of my twenty-four hour, Fridays, I came home from work.
I told myself, "Self. It’s Saturday Morning, did you post a blog?"
I answered, No, Self, I’ve been so busy that—"
I interrupted my self and said, "You can’t lie to yourself, self. You had time to write."
It’s true. While eating lunch at my desk, I’ve been writing. I could’ve written a blog post then, but my story is going so well, and with research . . .
Okay, I’m sorry. Those who follow my meager blog posts will know, I’m working two eight-hour jobs. On Friday’s I go to work in the morning. Get off in the afternoon. Hopefully, sleep for three hours and work all night. It’s been killer, but I’ve been writing my historical novel when I can.
I started this book a few years ago, but it just wasn’t working after sixty thousand-words. So, I put it aside. Recently, I picked it up and knew what needed to be done. Now I’m excited; writing, plotting, and researching.
The book is set in 1850 and problems I never thought about before have surfaced. I keep tossing words in that didn’t exist in 1850. Or they hadn’t made it into our vocabulary yet. It’s hard enough to try and describe Fort Bridger from journal accounts but I tossed in the word "patsy" the other day, and realized it hadn’t been invented yet.
I knew about "okay". That word had been coined, but hadn’t found it’s way into popular speech yet. Other words are even more modern, and we, writers tend to insert them into our character’s mouths. I found myself asking my words for their ID, because if they aren’t old enough, my characters wouldn’t say them.
I’m also afraid of contractions. The truth is, people used them, but mostly not. I throw them in anyway. The new version of the movie, True Grit, is true to the book in that way, but the speech patterns were both refreshing, and drove me crazy, too. Still, I know lot of that is subjective, but I want people to enjoy this great story. Even those educated people, who know the difference.
I’m getting through it, but I get tired of asking my customers for ID to purchase beer. I never thought I’d have to ask my words.
Good luck with your writing—see you next week.
After one of my twenty-four hour, Fridays, I came home from work.
I told myself, "Self. It’s Saturday Morning, did you post a blog?"
I answered, No, Self, I’ve been so busy that—"
I interrupted my self and said, "You can’t lie to yourself, self. You had time to write."
It’s true. While eating lunch at my desk, I’ve been writing. I could’ve written a blog post then, but my story is going so well, and with research . . .
Okay, I’m sorry. Those who follow my meager blog posts will know, I’m working two eight-hour jobs. On Friday’s I go to work in the morning. Get off in the afternoon. Hopefully, sleep for three hours and work all night. It’s been killer, but I’ve been writing my historical novel when I can.
I started this book a few years ago, but it just wasn’t working after sixty thousand-words. So, I put it aside. Recently, I picked it up and knew what needed to be done. Now I’m excited; writing, plotting, and researching.
The book is set in 1850 and problems I never thought about before have surfaced. I keep tossing words in that didn’t exist in 1850. Or they hadn’t made it into our vocabulary yet. It’s hard enough to try and describe Fort Bridger from journal accounts but I tossed in the word "patsy" the other day, and realized it hadn’t been invented yet.
I knew about "okay". That word had been coined, but hadn’t found it’s way into popular speech yet. Other words are even more modern, and we, writers tend to insert them into our character’s mouths. I found myself asking my words for their ID, because if they aren’t old enough, my characters wouldn’t say them.
I’m also afraid of contractions. The truth is, people used them, but mostly not. I throw them in anyway. The new version of the movie, True Grit, is true to the book in that way, but the speech patterns were both refreshing, and drove me crazy, too. Still, I know lot of that is subjective, but I want people to enjoy this great story. Even those educated people, who know the difference.
I’m getting through it, but I get tired of asking my customers for ID to purchase beer. I never thought I’d have to ask my words.
Good luck with your writing—see you next week.
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Atrophy
By Keith N Fisher
I was recently, given a second chance in my life. I got my old job back. I worked there for fifteen years and was gone for almost ten. Now I’m relearning skills and acquiring ne ones. It’s a sedentary job, however, and I’ve been too tired to keep up with exercise.
At the same time, I’m still working two days a week, in the occupation I’ve worked at for four years. That is a very physical job, lifting, cleaning, and just rushing around for eight hours.
After two weeks of this, to my chagrin, I learned what happens when you discontinue activity. The word is Atrophy. My muscles are growing weaker and exhaustion sets in. I know I must continue walking and lifting daily or I won’t have the strength to continue in the other job.
With that in mind, here are my words of writing advice: Don’t let your writing muscles atrophy. Writing, for me, has been going well lately. I have a pile of editing and submitting to do, but I opened one of my older projects the other day and went to town, so to speak. The plot holes I’d created filled in nicely, and I think this will be a best seller.
The book is historical fiction, with a strong moral at the end. And it’s epic in scope with a journey across the American Continent in the mid-nineteenth century. When I work on that manuscript during my lunch hour, I don’t want to quit. That, feeling is why I became a writer in the first place.
I’m hooked on the endorphins of being in the zone, but I could just as easily put it aside until my life gets going again. When I do that, It’s harder to write. The in the zone times grow farther apart, and my writing muscles atrophy.
So, my words of wisdom for today; keep going. You can only improve. When things click, and your skills kick in, you won’t ever want to do anything but write. With traditional publishing getting harder and harder, those in the zone times might be your reward for the effort. Don’t let your muscles atrophy.
Good luck with your writing—see you next week.
I was recently, given a second chance in my life. I got my old job back. I worked there for fifteen years and was gone for almost ten. Now I’m relearning skills and acquiring ne ones. It’s a sedentary job, however, and I’ve been too tired to keep up with exercise.
At the same time, I’m still working two days a week, in the occupation I’ve worked at for four years. That is a very physical job, lifting, cleaning, and just rushing around for eight hours.
After two weeks of this, to my chagrin, I learned what happens when you discontinue activity. The word is Atrophy. My muscles are growing weaker and exhaustion sets in. I know I must continue walking and lifting daily or I won’t have the strength to continue in the other job.
With that in mind, here are my words of writing advice: Don’t let your writing muscles atrophy. Writing, for me, has been going well lately. I have a pile of editing and submitting to do, but I opened one of my older projects the other day and went to town, so to speak. The plot holes I’d created filled in nicely, and I think this will be a best seller.
The book is historical fiction, with a strong moral at the end. And it’s epic in scope with a journey across the American Continent in the mid-nineteenth century. When I work on that manuscript during my lunch hour, I don’t want to quit. That, feeling is why I became a writer in the first place.
I’m hooked on the endorphins of being in the zone, but I could just as easily put it aside until my life gets going again. When I do that, It’s harder to write. The in the zone times grow farther apart, and my writing muscles atrophy.
So, my words of wisdom for today; keep going. You can only improve. When things click, and your skills kick in, you won’t ever want to do anything but write. With traditional publishing getting harder and harder, those in the zone times might be your reward for the effort. Don’t let your muscles atrophy.
Good luck with your writing—see you next week.
Saturday, May 24, 2014
How to Make a Person
By Keith N Fisher
Beyond getting married and ahem, procreation, how do you create people? Of course I’m talking about the characters in your story. Have you ever been writing and suddenly, you run into a new character? When that happens to you, what do you do?
I’ve been lucky in my writing because characters always appear. Almost like a real person walking up to me, and shaking hands. They’re full-blown individuals and I have to learn all their little quirks as I write about them.
I’ve heard writers talk about their character bibles and how the tool helps them keep track of personalities. They consult their bible to determine whether a character would do something or not. I just let my characters surprise me with the things they do. Then I go back and rewrite.
Occasionally, minor characters try to take over the story. Then, I’m left with a decision. Do I keep them down as minor characters? Or change the story. Sometimes, I promise to write a sequel, although that doesn’t always get done.
Perhaps having it all planned will prevent rewrites, but in my opinion, letting characters develop themselves, makes them more interesting. I like to imagine a writer who determines his character will or won’t do something. Then, the character confronts them with a need to be different. You respond by saying, "Shutup, that’s not part of the outline.
Of course, most characters are selfish and haven’t seen the big picture. Following their way, might ruin the story. Don’t stifle your character until you see how their suggestions will play out. After all you created those people. How could they be wrong?
Good luck with your writing—see you next week.
Beyond getting married and ahem, procreation, how do you create people? Of course I’m talking about the characters in your story. Have you ever been writing and suddenly, you run into a new character? When that happens to you, what do you do?
I’ve been lucky in my writing because characters always appear. Almost like a real person walking up to me, and shaking hands. They’re full-blown individuals and I have to learn all their little quirks as I write about them.
I’ve heard writers talk about their character bibles and how the tool helps them keep track of personalities. They consult their bible to determine whether a character would do something or not. I just let my characters surprise me with the things they do. Then I go back and rewrite.
Occasionally, minor characters try to take over the story. Then, I’m left with a decision. Do I keep them down as minor characters? Or change the story. Sometimes, I promise to write a sequel, although that doesn’t always get done.
Perhaps having it all planned will prevent rewrites, but in my opinion, letting characters develop themselves, makes them more interesting. I like to imagine a writer who determines his character will or won’t do something. Then, the character confronts them with a need to be different. You respond by saying, "Shutup, that’s not part of the outline.
Of course, most characters are selfish and haven’t seen the big picture. Following their way, might ruin the story. Don’t stifle your character until you see how their suggestions will play out. After all you created those people. How could they be wrong?
Good luck with your writing—see you next week.
Sunday, May 18, 2014
What is your excuse?
I chatted for a few minutes with a young woman at the library yesterday. She was twenty and graduated from high school. Through the few minutes of conversation I learned that she has Aspergers, a type of autism. I also learned that she still lives at home and her greatest aspiration at the moment is to get a job and maybe move out.
The reason I bring this up is . . . the way she talked sounded as if instead of viewing her diagnosis as something to overcome and learn from, she was using it as a wall that prevented her from doing things.
Please don't take this the wrong way, I have two sons on the spectrum and I deal with special needs all the time. I guess the difference is that I tell my kids that they can do more, move beyond their diagnosis and do something amazing with their lives.
How often do we do this in our own lives? How often do we tell someone who is giving us a compliment, or observing something nice about us an excuse and brush it off. How often do we talk about something good we do but add a BUT, or something disqualifying? How often do I tell myself or say that I'm a good storyteller but my grammar stinks? I seem to remember doing this just last week.
What does it take for us to really believe in ourselves? To take a compliment? To speak positively about ourselves? How hard would it be to make a goal to spend just one hour in public, or on social media where we didn't make an excuse or self depreciate ourselves? If we survived that hour, could we do it for three? A day? A week? Maybe even a month?
Hi, My name is Michelle and I'm an author, I am a great storyteller.
The reason I bring this up is . . . the way she talked sounded as if instead of viewing her diagnosis as something to overcome and learn from, she was using it as a wall that prevented her from doing things.
Please don't take this the wrong way, I have two sons on the spectrum and I deal with special needs all the time. I guess the difference is that I tell my kids that they can do more, move beyond their diagnosis and do something amazing with their lives.
How often do we do this in our own lives? How often do we tell someone who is giving us a compliment, or observing something nice about us an excuse and brush it off. How often do we talk about something good we do but add a BUT, or something disqualifying? How often do I tell myself or say that I'm a good storyteller but my grammar stinks? I seem to remember doing this just last week.
What does it take for us to really believe in ourselves? To take a compliment? To speak positively about ourselves? How hard would it be to make a goal to spend just one hour in public, or on social media where we didn't make an excuse or self depreciate ourselves? If we survived that hour, could we do it for three? A day? A week? Maybe even a month?
Hi, My name is Michelle and I'm an author, I am a great storyteller.
Friday, May 16, 2014
With Freedom Comes Responsibility
By Keith N Fisher
I know what you’re thinking. Judging by the title, Keith is about to get on a political soapbox, right? No, I still think this blog is not the place for that. I’m going to write about something else.
Back in the early nineteen-sixties, and before, journalists kept a self imposed muzzle on what they reported. They all knew President Kennedy was a womanizer, but they chose not to write about it.
Authors wrote stuff that reflects the best of our society. There were exceptions, like Kurt Vonnegut, Sol Stein, JD Salinger, and others, but even in their societal exposé there was a certain purity of heart. Perhaps censorship made careful writers out of them, perhaps the muzzle carried over in all aspects of media, I don’t know, but they were innocent times. Maybe the naiveté made life better, but covering sins like abuse, prejudice, hatred, and persecution, only propagated them.
Do you suppose our society would be different if Woodward and Bernstein hadn’t exposed the Watergate cover-up? Do you think they could’ve written All the President’s Men without witting the graphic language?
There was a time when those words wouldn’t have been published in the national market. As a young idealist, I applauded Wood/Stein (as their editor called them). Like many in my generation, I hated being lied to. In my opinion, All the President’s Men, changed everything.
Today, we live in different times. Writers are quick to spread the word about scandal. Presidents no longer enjoy the privilege they once had. Journalists are now free to pursue and pester everyone, and it gets printed. Authors have freedoms they never had before. Subject matter is myriad. Between LGBT issues, teenage sex, and raw abuse, authors can insert those subjects into their plots. What they choose to add or not, is entirely up to them and their readers.
While watching The Love Boat reruns, I thought of this, the other day. Can you imagine if they made that television series today? Sex would be more open, not implied, gay and lesbian plots would be part of the normal fare. Our society in its raw form would be exposed.
But should we do that? As writers we must reflect life, or we won’t be believed. As LDS market writers, we must abstain. How does a writer decide? Are we selling our souls, (so to speak), if we write about those things? Can we look back on a career of writing sexual adventures and be proud. How much money would it take?
Good luck with these questions and your writing—see you next week.
I know what you’re thinking. Judging by the title, Keith is about to get on a political soapbox, right? No, I still think this blog is not the place for that. I’m going to write about something else.
Back in the early nineteen-sixties, and before, journalists kept a self imposed muzzle on what they reported. They all knew President Kennedy was a womanizer, but they chose not to write about it.
Authors wrote stuff that reflects the best of our society. There were exceptions, like Kurt Vonnegut, Sol Stein, JD Salinger, and others, but even in their societal exposé there was a certain purity of heart. Perhaps censorship made careful writers out of them, perhaps the muzzle carried over in all aspects of media, I don’t know, but they were innocent times. Maybe the naiveté made life better, but covering sins like abuse, prejudice, hatred, and persecution, only propagated them.
Do you suppose our society would be different if Woodward and Bernstein hadn’t exposed the Watergate cover-up? Do you think they could’ve written All the President’s Men without witting the graphic language?
There was a time when those words wouldn’t have been published in the national market. As a young idealist, I applauded Wood/Stein (as their editor called them). Like many in my generation, I hated being lied to. In my opinion, All the President’s Men, changed everything.
Today, we live in different times. Writers are quick to spread the word about scandal. Presidents no longer enjoy the privilege they once had. Journalists are now free to pursue and pester everyone, and it gets printed. Authors have freedoms they never had before. Subject matter is myriad. Between LGBT issues, teenage sex, and raw abuse, authors can insert those subjects into their plots. What they choose to add or not, is entirely up to them and their readers.
While watching The Love Boat reruns, I thought of this, the other day. Can you imagine if they made that television series today? Sex would be more open, not implied, gay and lesbian plots would be part of the normal fare. Our society in its raw form would be exposed.
But should we do that? As writers we must reflect life, or we won’t be believed. As LDS market writers, we must abstain. How does a writer decide? Are we selling our souls, (so to speak), if we write about those things? Can we look back on a career of writing sexual adventures and be proud. How much money would it take?
Good luck with these questions and your writing—see you next week.
Friday, May 09, 2014
The Romance of It
By Keith N Fisher
When I began to write, it was simply a way to relieve stress. I wrote two novels before I got serious. After getting a rejection that suggested I find a workshop or conference, I considered quitting. The editor obviously didn’t understand my work.
It took a few weeks, but I finally acquiesced. The manuscript wasn’t ready, neither was the writing. I went to the library and checked out writing books. I consulted the Internet, looking for workshops. Most importantly, I began the rewrite my novel.
I deleted some things, added so much more. In the meantime, I started another book, then another. Plot ideas occurred to me at some of the most inopportune times, Even whole books, from start to finish. Becoming a better writer wasn’t easy, considering my performance in high school English.
Finally, I found a conference and learned a lot. In one class, we were told, if we write, we are writers and I began to think of myself as a writer. Coming to grips with that presented a few problems. What have you published? What do you write? That’s a great hobby, what do you do for a living? The questions were myriad causing a little doubt. Still, I persevered. How could I not continue? I had characters waking me at night.
After a while, I noticed a sense of pride come over me. Writing was my day job, I was being paid for some things, but writing wasn’t paying the bills. Several books and multiple blog posts later, I started a critique group. We met once a week and I’ll always be grateful for their help.
It was about that time, I fell in love with the idea being a successful writer. I dreamed of the mountain retreats and beach houses I would purchase after becoming a best seller. I wasn’t fooling myself, however. I knew the LDS market would never bring that kind of money, but it was fun to dream about.
The romance of being a writer kept me going. Others have moved into the e-book and self-published markets, with great results, but I’ve held out. The validation that comes from a traditional publishing contract keeps me working.
Because of my love affair with being a writer, I’ve written many books. (Maybe somebody can self publish them after I’m dead). Maybe I’ll bring out several books a year and never have to write something new.
I’ve changed my direction, though. I’m writing national market, non-LDS. With the restrictions gone, my writing has gone in several directions. I might have to publish some of this stuff under a pseudonym, but it’s good stuff, none the less.
So I sit here deeply involved in my romance. I am a writer who probably should’ve started in the nineteen-seventies. Writing back then was a different, reclusive thing. I could’ve rested on my mountaintop retreat, knocking out book after book.
Good luck with your writing—see you next week.
When I began to write, it was simply a way to relieve stress. I wrote two novels before I got serious. After getting a rejection that suggested I find a workshop or conference, I considered quitting. The editor obviously didn’t understand my work.
It took a few weeks, but I finally acquiesced. The manuscript wasn’t ready, neither was the writing. I went to the library and checked out writing books. I consulted the Internet, looking for workshops. Most importantly, I began the rewrite my novel.
I deleted some things, added so much more. In the meantime, I started another book, then another. Plot ideas occurred to me at some of the most inopportune times, Even whole books, from start to finish. Becoming a better writer wasn’t easy, considering my performance in high school English.
Finally, I found a conference and learned a lot. In one class, we were told, if we write, we are writers and I began to think of myself as a writer. Coming to grips with that presented a few problems. What have you published? What do you write? That’s a great hobby, what do you do for a living? The questions were myriad causing a little doubt. Still, I persevered. How could I not continue? I had characters waking me at night.
After a while, I noticed a sense of pride come over me. Writing was my day job, I was being paid for some things, but writing wasn’t paying the bills. Several books and multiple blog posts later, I started a critique group. We met once a week and I’ll always be grateful for their help.
It was about that time, I fell in love with the idea being a successful writer. I dreamed of the mountain retreats and beach houses I would purchase after becoming a best seller. I wasn’t fooling myself, however. I knew the LDS market would never bring that kind of money, but it was fun to dream about.
The romance of being a writer kept me going. Others have moved into the e-book and self-published markets, with great results, but I’ve held out. The validation that comes from a traditional publishing contract keeps me working.
Because of my love affair with being a writer, I’ve written many books. (Maybe somebody can self publish them after I’m dead). Maybe I’ll bring out several books a year and never have to write something new.
I’ve changed my direction, though. I’m writing national market, non-LDS. With the restrictions gone, my writing has gone in several directions. I might have to publish some of this stuff under a pseudonym, but it’s good stuff, none the less.
So I sit here deeply involved in my romance. I am a writer who probably should’ve started in the nineteen-seventies. Writing back then was a different, reclusive thing. I could’ve rested on my mountaintop retreat, knocking out book after book.
Good luck with your writing—see you next week.
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Feeling Abandoned
By Keith N Fisher
Yes I know it's not Saturday, but the conference begins today, and I don't think the Thursday poster will be posting, so here it is:
Every year at this time, I’ve posted about the LDStorymakers Conference. I’ve begun with words similar to, I’m writing this from the conference, then I would go on to talk about an amazing thing I learned.
I’m beginning this post with, I’m not writing from the conference, this year. I’m writing from a place considerably farther south. Even if it had been held, like in previous years, in Utah County, I wouldn’t have been able to attend. Things, however, are looking up. Maybe I’ll make it next year.
I was reading posts on Facebook, about the conference, the other day and I felt a sense of loss. I will miss the networking and some of the presentations. I wonder if they will miss me. I lamented those feelings in a text to my friend, who also won’t be attending the conference and she helped me realize some things.
Without delving into those things, suffice it to say I will miss it.
I hope you find the classes and camaraderie all that you hoped for. Have fun and remember those of us who struggle with the written word. Have a good time, and I hope to see you next year.
Good luck with your writing—see you next week.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Perplexed, and a Question
By Keith N Fisher
You should know. In my youth, I spent a lot of time in Boy Scouts. I also spent a lot of time drinking beer in Boy Scouts. As a scout leader, I never drank beer, but I could’ve in my private time.
As some of you know, I work nights at a convenience store. The other night I had two customers. They bought two 30 packs of beer and I checked their ID. One of them wore a T-shirt that said something about the BSA (Boy Scouts). I made a snide remark about Boy Scouts and drinking beer. One of the guys chuckled and they both left.
A few moments later one of them (not the T-shirt wearer) came back and told me they didn’t appreciate my comment about Boy Scouts and drinking beer. I was perplexed. If it’d happened twenty years ago I would’ve argued, but I immediately apologized.
I apologized four times in fact. When the guy with the T-shirt came in, I said please accept my apology. The other guy just kept on beating a dead horse. Finally, they left.
Now, if this had been twenty years ago, I would’ve said look, I’ve apologized four times now leave it alone. I would’ve taken it to another level and I would’ve regretted doing that. As it was, I shook my head and went back to business.
Now, I ask you, What was so offensive about my comment? I don’t get it. As I said, I’m perplexed. Have we really come to a place where humanity can’t speak to each other for fear of offending? Being politically correct is one thing, and using correct pronouns is a personal thing, but was my comment offensive?
You should know. In my youth, I spent a lot of time in Boy Scouts. I also spent a lot of time drinking beer in Boy Scouts. As a scout leader, I never drank beer, but I could’ve in my private time.
As some of you know, I work nights at a convenience store. The other night I had two customers. They bought two 30 packs of beer and I checked their ID. One of them wore a T-shirt that said something about the BSA (Boy Scouts). I made a snide remark about Boy Scouts and drinking beer. One of the guys chuckled and they both left.
A few moments later one of them (not the T-shirt wearer) came back and told me they didn’t appreciate my comment about Boy Scouts and drinking beer. I was perplexed. If it’d happened twenty years ago I would’ve argued, but I immediately apologized.
I apologized four times in fact. When the guy with the T-shirt came in, I said please accept my apology. The other guy just kept on beating a dead horse. Finally, they left.
Now, if this had been twenty years ago, I would’ve said look, I’ve apologized four times now leave it alone. I would’ve taken it to another level and I would’ve regretted doing that. As it was, I shook my head and went back to business.
Now, I ask you, What was so offensive about my comment? I don’t get it. As I said, I’m perplexed. Have we really come to a place where humanity can’t speak to each other for fear of offending? Being politically correct is one thing, and using correct pronouns is a personal thing, but was my comment offensive?
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Yes, I’m Still, Alive
By Keith N Fisher
Although I’ve missed posting for too long, I assure you, I’m still here. While getting dressed the other day, I thought about the plot from a book I wrote, years ago. I suddenly realized I’d written something that could’ve happened.
Basically, a teenage girl sneaked out through her bedroom window. There were bushes and a lawn below. Later she tossed her luggage out the window and it landed in the driveway. Couldn’t happen in the same house.
Now I have to fix that in my rewrites. I’m sorry for not posting here. I think it might be time to move on, and turn it over to others. Maybe not—I’ll let you know.
Good luck with your writing—see you next week.
Although I’ve missed posting for too long, I assure you, I’m still here. While getting dressed the other day, I thought about the plot from a book I wrote, years ago. I suddenly realized I’d written something that could’ve happened.
Basically, a teenage girl sneaked out through her bedroom window. There were bushes and a lawn below. Later she tossed her luggage out the window and it landed in the driveway. Couldn’t happen in the same house.
Now I have to fix that in my rewrites. I’m sorry for not posting here. I think it might be time to move on, and turn it over to others. Maybe not—I’ll let you know.
Good luck with your writing—see you next week.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Another Day—Gone & A Pile of Grain
By Keith N Fisher
Another Saturday passed away without my posting on this blog. What’s up with Keith? You might ask—not much. I just haven’t been able to think of any object lessons you could use, that would help you to become a better writer.
I’ve been gathering my wits lately. Trying to get back into a rhythm. In a previous post, I talked about flaking out. I don’t want to go into the causes of that failure. Besides, you are not my therapist, and this is a blog about writing.
I got most of my cookbook edits back now, so I will be submitting it soon. It’s time to finish shopping The Hillside. Starcrossed is going in the e-mail. All my finished manuscripts are going out now, or in final stages of preparation. My National market book is in third draft and I love it.
The Trophy is going to critique and my partners love the story. I stare at the manuscript that predicted my daughter’s life, hoping to rewrite and submit, but it scares me. Still, I’m going to fix, and get it out there.
In trying to be productive, I’ve found many more things that needed doing. Discouragement will not be an issue. I’m moving forward.
Now, a little food for thought. How many of you, as writers, can’t find the switch to turn it off? Do little things or objects spark long scenarios in your mind? Do you speculate about the life story of every person you pass on the street? Are you usually right? Well, me neither, but I get it right more than half the time. If you saw the bag on the floor in my house, what would your mind make up about it? Would you think that a cat urinated on it, making it stink, but its leather, and I can’t just throw it away.
If you do these things, then chances are, you are a writer. Making up scenarios is an occupational hazard, or a blessing, depending on your perspective. I saw an example of this recently. My wife had to briefly go to work on Sunday, so I drove her there on our way to church. I wrote in the car, while I waited for her.
While driving into the parking lot, we passed a pile of brown stuff that I assumed was wheat. Further investigation confirmed my suspicions. How many of you would, (from a distance) recognize the wheat for what it was? Apparently, some wouldn’t. It depends on your experience.
The point, however, isn’t recognition, but your explanation. Because she is a custodian, my wife wondered who put it there and why? Basically, it was a mess she will have to clean up. In answer to her question, my mind provided several scenarios. The one I’m using is this, Since it was Saturday, and spring, somebody was doing the spring-cleaning. They found weevils in the wheat and poured it out on the pavement, hoping to save a portion of the grain. What they left behind wasn’t savable.
Simple and to the point, but the other stories were rich in imagination. It’s the other stories, to which I refer for this article. When your mind races toward different scenarios, embrace the phenomenon. Don’t try to turn it off. We writers have a name for it. We call it plotting.
Good luck with your writing—see you next week.
Sunday, March 09, 2014
It's that time again.
It's conference time! The time where writers run around preparing submissions, entering contests, packing suitcases and counting out change from the couch to buy books that will be signed by presenting authors and special guests.
For most of us, this is better than that mass of holidays that happens at the end of the year.
Okay maybe not all of us, but some of us I'm sure.
I had the privilege in February to attend both Superstars in beautiful Colorado Springs CO and LTUE in Provo UT. I can safely say my head is still partially numb from Superstars.
I won the KOBO scholarship for Superstars. I cant even begin to thank them or imagine the wealth of information I received on their dime. It was simply amazing. This conference isn't about writing. This conference is about how to conduct yourself as a professional writer. How to understand contracts, how to deal with editors and agents. How to manage your time and your appearance and image.
While I know how to write, this information was new and so needed. The networking opportunities are amazing and the atmosphere is energizing. This is a more expensive conference but if you have the writing pat of the business under control, and are ready for the next step this is worth your time and money.
While I was still recovering from Superstars and trying to put my house back together from being gone for four days, I was also preparing to present on some panels at LTUE. This conference was also an amazing experience on the other side (read author side, rather than student) of the writing realm. Again the connections, the atmosphere and networking is awesome.
This is the perfect conference for the beginning writer. Lots of classes and panels to choose from. Great price, lots of amenities around for meals and lodging and lots of authors and fellow writers to hang out with.
I will be at Write Here in Ephiram on March 29th, and Storymakers on April 25-26. I will be teaching classes at both of them. If you are going to either of these conferences please stop me in the hall and say hi. I will apologize in advance if I don't immediately recognize your name or face. As icon pictures are tiny, and I will be seeing numerous people just by nature of where I will be at and if I am heading to or preparing for a class. Still say hi. I love to connect with friends and fellow writers. I might even have chocolate somewhere on me.
For most of us, this is better than that mass of holidays that happens at the end of the year.
Okay maybe not all of us, but some of us I'm sure.
I had the privilege in February to attend both Superstars in beautiful Colorado Springs CO and LTUE in Provo UT. I can safely say my head is still partially numb from Superstars.
I won the KOBO scholarship for Superstars. I cant even begin to thank them or imagine the wealth of information I received on their dime. It was simply amazing. This conference isn't about writing. This conference is about how to conduct yourself as a professional writer. How to understand contracts, how to deal with editors and agents. How to manage your time and your appearance and image.
While I know how to write, this information was new and so needed. The networking opportunities are amazing and the atmosphere is energizing. This is a more expensive conference but if you have the writing pat of the business under control, and are ready for the next step this is worth your time and money.
While I was still recovering from Superstars and trying to put my house back together from being gone for four days, I was also preparing to present on some panels at LTUE. This conference was also an amazing experience on the other side (read author side, rather than student) of the writing realm. Again the connections, the atmosphere and networking is awesome.
This is the perfect conference for the beginning writer. Lots of classes and panels to choose from. Great price, lots of amenities around for meals and lodging and lots of authors and fellow writers to hang out with.
I will be at Write Here in Ephiram on March 29th, and Storymakers on April 25-26. I will be teaching classes at both of them. If you are going to either of these conferences please stop me in the hall and say hi. I will apologize in advance if I don't immediately recognize your name or face. As icon pictures are tiny, and I will be seeing numerous people just by nature of where I will be at and if I am heading to or preparing for a class. Still say hi. I love to connect with friends and fellow writers. I might even have chocolate somewhere on me.
Saturday, March 01, 2014
My Life, Writing—Writing my life
By Keith N Fisher
To my horror last week, I, once again, lived a chapter from a book I wrote. I first wrote about this experience back in October of 2012 in the blog post called, Be Careful What you Write—it Might be your Script.
I wrote,
Parts of that story came back and slapped me in the face, the other night. Not in a good, editorial way, but as I lived the plot. Many of us write from our experiences, but how many of us experience what we write?
Because of privacy issues, I won’t tell you the details. Suffice it to say I keep living the plots I wrote in a story fifteen years ago. It’s a coming of age story about a girl and her father and it’s haunting me.
The manuscript was rejected when I submitted it, and I’ve always planned to re-write to resubmit. To that end, I got into it about a year ago, but had to stop. I realized the similarities and I couldn’t bare to see my daughter go through all, that.
Fast forward to last week and the incident I lived through. To my chagrin, the déjà vu
was almost unbearable. I was proud, however, to find myself doing the things my character did.
I’m still a little afraid of the plot I wrote, but I realized the real life details could improve the story. Of course I’ve got to write the improved version, but I might wait until my daughter grows up.
I’ve been writing stories for so long, I guess it was bound to happen. I hope it doesn’t happen again. Has this ever happened to you?
Good luck with your writing—see you next week.
To my horror last week, I, once again, lived a chapter from a book I wrote. I first wrote about this experience back in October of 2012 in the blog post called, Be Careful What you Write—it Might be your Script.
I wrote,
Parts of that story came back and slapped me in the face, the other night. Not in a good, editorial way, but as I lived the plot. Many of us write from our experiences, but how many of us experience what we write?
Because of privacy issues, I won’t tell you the details. Suffice it to say I keep living the plots I wrote in a story fifteen years ago. It’s a coming of age story about a girl and her father and it’s haunting me.
The manuscript was rejected when I submitted it, and I’ve always planned to re-write to resubmit. To that end, I got into it about a year ago, but had to stop. I realized the similarities and I couldn’t bare to see my daughter go through all, that.
Fast forward to last week and the incident I lived through. To my chagrin, the déjà vu
was almost unbearable. I was proud, however, to find myself doing the things my character did.
I’m still a little afraid of the plot I wrote, but I realized the real life details could improve the story. Of course I’ve got to write the improved version, but I might wait until my daughter grows up.
I’ve been writing stories for so long, I guess it was bound to happen. I hope it doesn’t happen again. Has this ever happened to you?
Good luck with your writing—see you next week.
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Star Struck at LTUE
The symposium this year was better than ever. With the exception of a few things said in panels, the information was helpful and inspiring. I’ve been attending LTUE for years and I must say it’s getting better.
With that said, I want to talk about something I’ve seen before, but never in a conference in Utah. Several years ago, in an effort to become a better writer, I attended my first writer’s conference. One of the things I loved about it, was the human qualities exhibited by the major talent. Those who’d made a name for themselves, were just the same as me.
I experienced a sense of community that made me feel like a family member. I made friends who are national market superstars today. I walk down the hall at a conference, and they call me by name and ask how my writing is going.
The bottom line is they are human. They are normal people with some of the same problems we have. Some time ago, one of the superstars, a science fiction author, was the keynote speaker at an LDStorymakers conference. I didn’t know who he was because I don’t write science fiction, but he’d just signed a book contract that would net several figures.
That author was treated like any other author. I felt comfortable being around him. He makes a lot more than that now, and he was at LTUE this year. To say, I was shocked by the way he was treated this year, would be an understatement. The behavior didn’t come from by those who usually attend, but the people I’ve never seen before. The superstars are just people, writers who feel sad when they can’t spend time with each attendee.
I never realized how bad the problem was, until I tried to leave a conference room at the end of a presentation. The next panel would have some of the superstars in it and there was a solid mass of people trying to get in while many of us were trying to get out. It was like trying to continually fill an elevator. Eventually, the cable will snap, and it will fall to the first floor.
I waited for a second, asking to be let out before they rushed into the room. Finally, I realized those crazed fans were fighting for a place inside. The blank stares said it all. Being a large man, I was able to push my way through the crowd. Like moving through a heard of cattle, They moved aside. I was able to get to the next panel.
Please know, that although, I am jealous of my friend’s contracts, I have no axe to grind. I am reminded of when a famous entertainer moved into my LDS ward. In my neighborhood, there are many famous and successful people. They are people who I admire and look up to. I want to grow up and be like many of them. I saw many of those successful people grovel and kiss up to the entertainer.
I couldn’t believe it. I still can’t. They eventually got over it, but just like the aspiring writers I saw at LTUE, they were star struck. I hope my superstar friends find the peace and quiet they deserve. Now, that the conference is over.
Good luck with your writing—see you next week.
Saturday, February 08, 2014
Flaking Out and LTUE (Life The Universe & Everything)
By Keith N Fisher
Okay, I’m ready to admit I’m a procrastinator. I didn’t use to be. I used to plan ahead, thinking about up coming projects. I used to promote my writing career. What happened? I’m not sure. Middle age, maybe. Sudden life changes are a major factor, but I suspect a PTSD condition of sorts.
I planned to write an LTUE (Life The Universe and Everything) preview for today, but as you can see, I’m late posting. Webster’s second definition says this about flaking out. 2 slang: to be overcome especially by exhaustion. Yep, a condition of sorts.
I missed the early registration deadline for LTUE, but I evaluated my finances. I’m going to be there. I won’t be wearing any bells, but I needed the networking time. I made a comment on Author’s Incognito recently and somebody asked who I was. I’m the middle aged big guy with a beard that runs around acting like he’s a writer.
If you see me at LTUE, please say hello. Be advised, however, I shaved my beard. I assure you it’s me. I still feel naked, but some people say it makes me look younger.
I started this post talking about flaking out. Please be patient with me. I’m trying to rebuild a life. If it goes well, I should be back soon.
Good luck with your writing--see you next week.
Okay, I’m ready to admit I’m a procrastinator. I didn’t use to be. I used to plan ahead, thinking about up coming projects. I used to promote my writing career. What happened? I’m not sure. Middle age, maybe. Sudden life changes are a major factor, but I suspect a PTSD condition of sorts.
I planned to write an LTUE (Life The Universe and Everything) preview for today, but as you can see, I’m late posting. Webster’s second definition says this about flaking out. 2 slang: to be overcome especially by exhaustion. Yep, a condition of sorts.
I missed the early registration deadline for LTUE, but I evaluated my finances. I’m going to be there. I won’t be wearing any bells, but I needed the networking time. I made a comment on Author’s Incognito recently and somebody asked who I was. I’m the middle aged big guy with a beard that runs around acting like he’s a writer.
If you see me at LTUE, please say hello. Be advised, however, I shaved my beard. I assure you it’s me. I still feel naked, but some people say it makes me look younger.
I started this post talking about flaking out. Please be patient with me. I’m trying to rebuild a life. If it goes well, I should be back soon.
Good luck with your writing--see you next week.
Saturday, February 01, 2014
Conceptualizing
By Keith N Fisher
While writing the other day, I tripped over my story line. I fell into a place where I had to explain why the character came home early from her trip. My character isn’t pretty, like her sister. She’s not promiscuous, like her friend. She chose to get recognition by being smart.
She grabbed valedictorian honors at her graduation and received several academic scholarship offers.
I know, it’s too late to make this short, but basically, she goes on a trip to tour the universities and meets a famous astrophysicist at MIT, although I can’t specifically name the university in my story.
Because the scene in question isn’t really vital to the plot, spending a lot of time on research seemed counterproductive. Nevertheless, it is necessary for the story, so I did. The astrophysicist, a professor, is a fictitious person. The scene is at MIT although I won’t say that, because I hate making mistakes with facts. (Those mistakes can come back to haunt you.)
So, let’s go back to the story line, and my character. She manages to impress the professor by naming the formation in the center of the picture. It is the Horsehead Nebula. Since the dark nebula is part of the Orion Molecular Cloud Complex, most of his students miss the subject in the photo. When the professor points at the center of the picture and asks, "What is this?" They answer, "The Orion Nebula."
That’s a lot of research for one scene, don’t you think? Like I said, I hate getting the facts wrong, and to be truthful, I am conceptualizing a little.
The professor takes my character under his wing, and convinces her to attend his school. Having made that decision, she cuts her trip short and goes home to share the news. That’s when crap hits the fan.
I once overheard a conversation at a writer’s conference that gave me pause. It still does. The statement went, "I hate doing research, I love to just write what’s in my head." In answer to this I would say, even high fantasy writers need to research the possibilities. Have you ever observed a writer, who is in the zone? Have you seen them twist their hands, move their bodies, and make gestures? They’re trying to describe actions and they are doing research. Sometimes I use people as dummies to see if my visualization is physically possible.
See the picture I attached? Look at the beauty of the colors. I made it my desktop background. I learned a lot in my research. I learned the Horsehead Nebula was discovered at the very observatory where I drafted the scene. Coincidence? I discovered the horsehead by googleing nebulas and picking the first one I saw.
My character spends a few days at MIT. She never thinks about nebulas again. The professor is not in the rest of the story. Is it worth it? What do you think? In my life I’ve been a carpenter, milwright, typesetter, document preserver, and truck Driver. I studied to be an Architect, and even managed a bar. I also pumped gas, hauled hay, and designed houses. I schmoozed customers as an inside salesman for many years. As a writer, I use all these experiences in my fiction.
Our minds are like a super computer. We start adding data when we are born, and I believe that data goes with us into the next life. Which data we collect is up to us, but as writers, we have a whole lifetime of data to draw from. I might never write about nebulas again, but it’s nice to know I don’t need to conceptualize those facts next time.
Good luck with your writing—see you next week.
She grabbed valedictorian honors at her graduation and received several academic scholarship offers.
I know, it’s too late to make this short, but basically, she goes on a trip to tour the universities and meets a famous astrophysicist at MIT, although I can’t specifically name the university in my story.
Because the scene in question isn’t really vital to the plot, spending a lot of time on research seemed counterproductive. Nevertheless, it is necessary for the story, so I did. The astrophysicist, a professor, is a fictitious person. The scene is at MIT although I won’t say that, because I hate making mistakes with facts. (Those mistakes can come back to haunt you.)
So, let’s go back to the story line, and my character. She manages to impress the professor by naming the formation in the center of the picture. It is the Horsehead Nebula. Since the dark nebula is part of the Orion Molecular Cloud Complex, most of his students miss the subject in the photo. When the professor points at the center of the picture and asks, "What is this?" They answer, "The Orion Nebula."
That’s a lot of research for one scene, don’t you think? Like I said, I hate getting the facts wrong, and to be truthful, I am conceptualizing a little.
The professor takes my character under his wing, and convinces her to attend his school. Having made that decision, she cuts her trip short and goes home to share the news. That’s when crap hits the fan.
I once overheard a conversation at a writer’s conference that gave me pause. It still does. The statement went, "I hate doing research, I love to just write what’s in my head." In answer to this I would say, even high fantasy writers need to research the possibilities. Have you ever observed a writer, who is in the zone? Have you seen them twist their hands, move their bodies, and make gestures? They’re trying to describe actions and they are doing research. Sometimes I use people as dummies to see if my visualization is physically possible.
See the picture I attached? Look at the beauty of the colors. I made it my desktop background. I learned a lot in my research. I learned the Horsehead Nebula was discovered at the very observatory where I drafted the scene. Coincidence? I discovered the horsehead by googleing nebulas and picking the first one I saw.
My character spends a few days at MIT. She never thinks about nebulas again. The professor is not in the rest of the story. Is it worth it? What do you think? In my life I’ve been a carpenter, milwright, typesetter, document preserver, and truck Driver. I studied to be an Architect, and even managed a bar. I also pumped gas, hauled hay, and designed houses. I schmoozed customers as an inside salesman for many years. As a writer, I use all these experiences in my fiction.
Our minds are like a super computer. We start adding data when we are born, and I believe that data goes with us into the next life. Which data we collect is up to us, but as writers, we have a whole lifetime of data to draw from. I might never write about nebulas again, but it’s nice to know I don’t need to conceptualize those facts next time.
Good luck with your writing—see you next week.
Saturday, January 25, 2014
What Happens, When Nobody Listens
By Keith N Fisher
Since I got off work on Tuesday morning, I’ve been in bed. Funny how things creep up on you, taking time, health, and resolve. I’ve been running in so many directions lately that I’ve let a lot of things slide.
I haven’t posted here on my assigned day for almost four weeks and nobody asked why. A question bounced around one of my Facebook writing groups recently. Should a writer blog about writing exclusively? Should they talk about other stuff? I’ve been posting blogs here about writing for almost eight years, and with the coming anniversary of The LDStorymakers Conference, I’m having serious doubts about it.
There were moments when people thanked me for writing. It kept me searching for new material. It has been a good time.
As always, I hope you never lose faith in your ability to get published and touch hearts. When you suffer over sentences at 3am, I hope you’ll remember you’re not alone. Many others have been there before you, and many others will come after. We all must write. It’s what we do.
Good luck with your writing.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Earlier Every Year
By Keith N Fisher
Yes I know it's not Saturday. I missed last week so . . .
Three days after Christmas this year, my wife came home and told me the stores had Valentines and St Patrick’s Day stuff up already. We just finished one holiday and another one pops up. Do you feel overwhelmed? How is your pocketbook holing up?
Every year, we complain about stores selling Christmas stuff before Halloween. We chuckle about having our Christmas shopping completed in July. Each store has discount bins. We can purchase discounted items from a foregone holiday while shopping for the next one. We can even get Halloween candy on Independence Day.
I investigated one of those bins once, and found discounted stuff, marked down several times since the holiday. I noticed a common theme with all of it. Each item had no intrinsic value except on the Holiday it represented. There were things like Santa Claus hats, and plastic Jack-o-lantern pails for trick or treat.
When did we become a massive consumer society? Why do we need trappings for every holiday? When did we begin to purchase gifts for every occasion? I think a lot of it stems from Elementary school.
In school, we made construction paper valentines for our mother and she loved them. Soon, we were making valentines for every member of the class. Then came the sheets of Valentines cards, just tear at the perforations, there was one for everybody in your class. Just how many people can be your valentine anyway? Is it orthodox to give a valentine to someone who isn’t your heartthrob?
When did the gift giving lines begin to blur? As a kid, we never gave gifts at Easter. As a teenager, my girlfriend expected a gift from me. Our kids get baskets of candy eggs, and although it’s not a new thing, every girl must have a new Easter dress.
Other than the religious implications, what is St Patrick’s Day for? Would you drink green beer at any other time of the year? Would you drink green beer at all? With, Kiss me, I’m Irish buttons, Hats, armbands, and T-shirts. (Everybody needs to wear green). The merchants do well. What kind of kid would you be, if you didn’t buy a certified gift for Mother’s and Father’s Days? Why can’t we give them something they really need? How many best dad T-shirts, ties, and coffee mugs do our dads need?
I’m not trying to besmirch the holidays. I’m a big fan of celebrations, but the list goes on and on. On Memorial Day, what’s wrong with flowers from the backyard? Do you know how full the Dumpster gets in the cemetery? Some people buy those trappings once and re-use them year after year. I like to put potted tomato plants on my father’s, and grandfather’s grave. It’s more fitting to the kind of guys they were.
How many rockets and sparklers are sufficient to celebrate Independence Day, anyway? Don’t forget the patriotic bunting around the picnic table.
I could go on and on, but you get the point. Over time, our consumer society has established rituals and traditions for every special day on the calendar. Part of that heritage, requires a purchase of some kind. We must have everything from hotdogs in July, to turkey in November. With all that money floating around, it shouldn’t surprise us to see the merchants capitalize on every opportunity. After all, they need to make a living, too, and the competition is fierce.
Did you know I’m a writer of cookbooks and fiction? I thought I’d mention it to validate my blog post. Good luck with your writing—see you next week.
Three days after Christmas this year, my wife came home and told me the stores had Valentines and St Patrick’s Day stuff up already. We just finished one holiday and another one pops up. Do you feel overwhelmed? How is your pocketbook holing up?
Every year, we complain about stores selling Christmas stuff before Halloween. We chuckle about having our Christmas shopping completed in July. Each store has discount bins. We can purchase discounted items from a foregone holiday while shopping for the next one. We can even get Halloween candy on Independence Day.
I investigated one of those bins once, and found discounted stuff, marked down several times since the holiday. I noticed a common theme with all of it. Each item had no intrinsic value except on the Holiday it represented. There were things like Santa Claus hats, and plastic Jack-o-lantern pails for trick or treat.
When did we become a massive consumer society? Why do we need trappings for every holiday? When did we begin to purchase gifts for every occasion? I think a lot of it stems from Elementary school.
In school, we made construction paper valentines for our mother and she loved them. Soon, we were making valentines for every member of the class. Then came the sheets of Valentines cards, just tear at the perforations, there was one for everybody in your class. Just how many people can be your valentine anyway? Is it orthodox to give a valentine to someone who isn’t your heartthrob?
When did the gift giving lines begin to blur? As a kid, we never gave gifts at Easter. As a teenager, my girlfriend expected a gift from me. Our kids get baskets of candy eggs, and although it’s not a new thing, every girl must have a new Easter dress.
Other than the religious implications, what is St Patrick’s Day for? Would you drink green beer at any other time of the year? Would you drink green beer at all? With, Kiss me, I’m Irish buttons, Hats, armbands, and T-shirts. (Everybody needs to wear green). The merchants do well. What kind of kid would you be, if you didn’t buy a certified gift for Mother’s and Father’s Days? Why can’t we give them something they really need? How many best dad T-shirts, ties, and coffee mugs do our dads need?
I’m not trying to besmirch the holidays. I’m a big fan of celebrations, but the list goes on and on. On Memorial Day, what’s wrong with flowers from the backyard? Do you know how full the Dumpster gets in the cemetery? Some people buy those trappings once and re-use them year after year. I like to put potted tomato plants on my father’s, and grandfather’s grave. It’s more fitting to the kind of guys they were.
How many rockets and sparklers are sufficient to celebrate Independence Day, anyway? Don’t forget the patriotic bunting around the picnic table.
I could go on and on, but you get the point. Over time, our consumer society has established rituals and traditions for every special day on the calendar. Part of that heritage, requires a purchase of some kind. We must have everything from hotdogs in July, to turkey in November. With all that money floating around, it shouldn’t surprise us to see the merchants capitalize on every opportunity. After all, they need to make a living, too, and the competition is fierce.
Did you know I’m a writer of cookbooks and fiction? I thought I’d mention it to validate my blog post. Good luck with your writing—see you next week.
Monday, December 30, 2013
Pearls of Wisdom
Do you sit in classrooms, chapels, and lecture halls and spout sarcastic humor? It’s usually something smart allecky in regard to what is being taught? I do. Sometimes I can’t control myself.
I’m not trying to disrupt. Really I’m not. I take everything seriously, but sometimes being serious is too . . . well . . . serious. Levity is like sugar and we all know what a spoonful of sugar does.
Sometimes when my pearls of wisdom come out funny, I get a laugh from people next to me, sometimes not. Other times, it’s a dirty look. I wonder if people think I do it for the attention.
Every week here on the blog, I try to write something wise for you to read. Most times, my words hit the mark. They’re pearls of wisdom. Other times, not s
o much. Today, I have no wise cracks. I was late, so I’ll post later in the week.
I hope you’re enjoying the holidays. Hope your writing is going well. Good luck with it—see you next week.
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