Sunday, April 15, 2007

TALK WITH THE ANIMALS

"You need a synopsis."
"Why?"
"You just need one."
"Do I hafta?"
"Yes. Are you listening to me?"
"La la la la la."

8 pm and a chilly 78 degrees (so soon we forget).
Like the seal we like to close our eyes to the obvious. Like when we have to take an active part in our writing career. We must make decisions that give us focus and lead us to the readers that will buy our books.
It is up to us.


"Is your book done?"
"Almost."
"Are you done with your edits?"
"Soon."
"Did you start your second novel?"
"I'm thinking about it."
Like a turtle. Close but no cigar. Don't be your own worst enemy.

Do you shirk from even starting your novel?
Not go in the water because you might get stung?


For me.
I want my accomplishments out there so everyone can see.
It may be leaving myself open to criticism.
Increasing my vulnerability.
But Yanno.
I think ya gotta live life.
As Jack London said.
"I'd rather be ashes than dust..."


Thanks to S.G.F. and Dr. Ian for the photos.
See ya on Maui in September!

PS
So what about Denver and Portland?

12 comments:

Gay said...

On an unrelated topic...

Just how much gin DID you buy for Miss Snark???

Take a look at the result. (HINT: It's at the end of the post).

--Gay

Kimber Li said...

Good morning, Pat! Beautiful pictures. Guess what? Alaska is finally melting! Woo-hoo!

Holly Kennedy said...

Oh, WHY can't you add photos in the
comments trail, huh?! I have this
WONDERFUL snapshot of a polar bear
with his head immersed in the water as he hangs his body over the side of a huge ice berg.

It would've been a great addition
for your morning line-up, Pat!

Aprilynne Pike said...

That jellyfish warning sign is hilarious!!!

I'm so glad you're back!:)

Maprilynne

Mindy Tarquini said...

Who are those women of mystery?

LadyBronco said...

DENVER!!

I vote for Denver!
And yes, I can bring lots of friends. :0)

Kimber Li said...

Oh, Holly and Pat, I've got a picture of a Polar Bear climbing the top of a nuclear submarine emerging from beneath the Arctic ice! How would that fit into this metaphor? Hmm?

Kanani said...

Today I had a small demise. My relationship with my six year old iBook came to an end when the hard drive crashed. Gone forever.

My data has been backed up on an idisk. Tommorrow I will see how faithfully I backed things up (well, I think). Fortunately, I also have things that are printed, things that are online... in short, not much was lost.

Ah, such is life.

I also wanted to inform everyone here that in July I will be starting a new blog called "the worst critique." The goal will be to use actual bad critiques that tend to savage rather than instruct or help a writer be stronger.

I've got some doozies saved up. Everything will be anonymous, anything turned into me will also be posted anonymously. We will also have experienced people give tips on how to critique, how to help someone become a better writer.

(I am so happy. I am writing to you from my new Mac Mini. It only took me 5 minutes to set up. I've pretty much given up on laptops for awhile).

ORION said...

Oh I like that!
Gristly Critiques.
I believe I have a few...

Mia King said...

Love your lucky cat! And thanks for leaving the lovely comment on amazon.com! I can't wait until I can do the same for you!

Lynne Griffin and Amy MacKinnon said...

Ouch, what a kick in the pants. Excellent.

Amy

Kanani said...

Yes, everyone save up the very worst critiques you've ever gotten (if you haven't shredded them).