Monday, December 27, 2010

2010 Reflections

Another year is coming to a close. For the first time, I'm aware of all that's happened in my life and can take the time to reflect on them.

One of the biggest changes has been the loss of over 100 pounds. By the elimination of flour and sugar from my diet, my mind is clearer and more focused than I can remember. Thank God I found a 12-step program to help me make this change.

Now that my focus is sharper, I've been writing more proficiently. One book has been completed and submitted not only to one publisher, but two. The first publisher requested editing and I'm currently working on that. It's very exciting and envigorating. I've also been working on two of the eight or so books I've got on the back burner.

All in all this year has been a good year for me. I've made new friends and have reconnected with old friends. My attention is clearer and I'm more present with these relationships. Such changes are amazing in their clarity. I'm happier than I've been in years.

Now that I've got my writing going in the direction I want it to, I feel more driven than I have in years. My goal for 2011 is to keep the drive going on finishing my books, submitting them for publication and working to help strengthen the LCRW group's presense.

So my wish now is for everyone to enjoy a happy and healthy New Year!

Monday, December 13, 2010

Resources

What kind of resources are helpful to a fledgling author and how do you find them? I've stumbled upon some really great resources at the bookstore by accident. They are "Forensics, A Guide for Writers," and "Police Procedure and Investigation." My brother, the lawyer, almost salivated when he saw the title of the latter book and he works with corporate litigation.

Another book I've collected is "From First Draft, A Writer's Guide to Cohesive Story Building." I do have to admit I haven't used this book. It seemed too much work to me. Guess I'm learning there's more to writing than just putting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard.

I had two unexpected discoveries as I cleared out more clutter from my sunroom. The first was a book entitled, "RWA Online Presents 12 Steps to Publication." This book was a timely find as I needed to learn about writing a synopsis. There was a chapter on just that. The second discovery was a six-audio tape series, "Writing and Selling Your Novel, A Live Workshop with Jack M. Bickham." Imagine my dismay to find the first tape is missing from the set. Bummer.

So, armed with all these resources what do I do? Place them on my bookshelf until needed or start studying? Originally, I just put them away on the bookshelf. With the submission of a manuscript to publishers, I think I'd better make time to study some of these books along with time to continue writing.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Old Endings

I was reminded of Patti's recent "incoming Presidential" message and, as we left yesterday's wonderful event at Kathy Schafer's lovely home, I was reminded of her grace and enthusiasm for leading LCRW into a new decade.

With that in mind, I would like to thank you all for allowing me to serve as president for these past 4+ years. We certainly had our moments, some good, some less than. I learned a lot and hope some of you did also.

I wish all the very best as you travel your individual paths toward your dreams, whatever they may be.
Kat Doran

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Just call me Pinball Brain

Does the title have you guessing? I hope so. Let me elaborate here.

Lately with the stress of life as the mother of three young adults who don't drive, part-time restaurant hostess and now waitress for two evenings, I feel my life's control slipping away from me. One case in point? I missed my blogging obligation yesterday.

Between taking a short morning nap, working the lunch hour and the returning to waitress the evening shift, I didn't get much of my planned work completed. I didn't have enough time to make dinner - it doesn't help when I don't plan it ahead of time. The laundry still sits (it's only mine and I'm not running out). The powder room didn't get its weekly clean either.

I can say that I've got a manuscript ready for submission to a second publisher - the publisher I've dreamed of writing for most of my life. My first try at a synopsis turned out to be the back-of-the-book blurb. Now, after confering with my critique friends, I've got a decent synopsis, a query letter and the first few chapters ready to go. Of course, I couldn't get my husband to understand the need to keep working on it. He thinks that since I have the work in one place, I can sit on my hands and wait for a response before working on anything else. EEKKKK!!! Do they ever get it? I think mine's only going to get it when I can show a sale.

To top it off, today's list hasn't been completed either. Maybe that afternoon appointment wasn't necessary today. Then again, it was and I do feel better for having it. So, the list piles up. With a commitment tonight, when am I going to get things finished?

Do you think it would help if I got to bed at a reasonable hour and didn't have a need to take that morning nap? Probably. Will I be able to do it tonight? It doesn't look like it. Have to drive all the way out to Charlotte and pick up my van from rhe repair shop.

I think one of the events that have tipped the scales toward the feeling of my brain being a pinball in my skull was the near misses I've had with deer for the past three days. Every day I have encounter a deer running in the path of my car, my heart stops beating and my nerves stretch tighter and tighter. My body feels so strung out it's hard to fall asleep.

Someone suggested I try not to drive at night. I responded, "How will I get home from work?" Answer - "Husband?" My response? "Yeah, right."

So you get the drift. I hope this blog is entertaining as well as a warning to others not to let their lives get to this point. Why do I want to stop the pinball?? The holiday season is upon us, my favorite time of year, and I don't feel festive. I want the season to go away. So NOT me. Thanks for letting get this out of my system.