The galleys for Photo, Snap, Shot arrived on my doorstep last week. I'm knee-deep in proofing, an activity I simultaneously love and hate.I love proofing because it gives me one more chance to polish my work. Midnight Ink is very good about allowing me to make changes. (I've worked with publishers before where there was a real fear that any substantive changes would mess up the pagination. But MI is great about this! And Connie, my editor, is a … [Read more...] about The Proof is in the Book
I Am Not My Hair…Or Am I?
One of the toughest tasks for any newcomer is replacing services. So after our move, I set about systematically replacing my beloved vet, cleaning person, and hairdresser. Ow. I'd like to think I'm not my hair. That I am me, and if my hair turns white (which it sort of did) or turd-murkle brown (which it definitely was), that my happy place won't disappear. But it did. Golly, did it ever. See, my first venture to a hairstylist gained me … [Read more...] about I Am Not My Hair…Or Am I?
Bits and Pieces for Friday
Here's a round-up of information, ideas, quotes and trends you'll want to explore:1. Trade Paperbacks Surge in Popularity http://tinyurl.com/dmr83kA mass market paperback is one of those smaller paperbacks like you buy in a drugstore. A trade paperback is larger, maybe 5 x 7 inches or 6 x 8, inches and it's almost a cross between a paperback book and a hardcover. Hardcovers are very pricey, except that many discount big box stores like Kmart and … [Read more...] about Bits and Pieces for Friday
Where Do You Get Your Ideas?
That's a question people often ask.Honestly, my ideas come from all over the place. Although I have to admit, my best resource is print media, particularly the newspapers that show up in my driveway every morning.Here's a sampling:1. Obits--I love reading them. I'm always sad that I've missed the pleasure of meeting so many fascinating people. That said, their obits both inspire and tickle me. Today, the Washington Post ran an obit for Jean … [Read more...] about Where Do You Get Your Ideas?
My Mother's Last Gift
Tonight or tomorrow the ornaments will come down. The tree will go out in the trash or in the back of our lot where the fox might use it for shelter. All the holiday trinkets will be wrapped in tissue paper. They'll go back into plastic boxes, to be carried down to the basement and stored for another year. I will linger over each ornament, but one in particular will be hard to put away. This small Bichon in a stocking (above) is a very, very … [Read more...] about My Mother's Last Gift
That Compulsion Known as Writing
I spent the holiday with my family in Disney World. I can't tell you if it's the happiest place on earth, but on December 26, it might have been one of the coldest. I did get to go through the Haunted House twice, so that made ME a happy camper. I wandered out of the spooky mansion, noticed this gypsy caravan, and took it for an omen. I choose to believe with all my heart that good times are ahead for me in my chosen profession.See, I've always … [Read more...] about That Compulsion Known as Writing
