Don't Forget the Milk

"Hi. I am Another Aspiring Author," she wrote typing slowly. She stared off into space for several long minutes. "I have nothing to say except it is Monday, March 10, 2008." She clears her throat loudly. "Ahem. Milk, bread, macaroni and cheese, dishwashing liquid, 100-watt light bulbs, lemon heads, mint chocolate chip ice cream......."

You ever get the feeling your characters are doing nothing more than reading off a metaphoric grocery list of items you want them to say without any real action behind it? That's pretty much where I am now with my book. They walk, they talk, they nod, they shrug, etc but I'm not sure if it's just words or actual story progression. I'm writing through this feeling because who am I to quibble with progression of any sort? I had typed the sentence "I'm still only writing a handful of words at a time" but after re-reading it realized that's not the mindset I need to be in. Rather, I should say "I am still writing" period. Exclamation point! (Bonus points to anyone who recognizes the slight nod to The Golden Girls) I'm actually right on the verge of an upcoming scene that should be not only creepy but a turning point for my characters. I'm excited about it and can't wait to see how it turns out.

On a side note, I just remembered I also need toilet paper and Twizzlers.

Bear Suits? Oh, My

I like to check out blog patrol several times a week (not every day, I swear) to see who's reading my blog (besides my mom and Andrea) and how they come to find me. Seeing as this is a blog about writing or at least my lackthereof, you would think readers might stumble across me through Google or Yahoo using writerly type words such as plot, characterization, tension, worldbuilding, the next Nora Roberts, etc. Unfortunately the biggest draw I seem to have so far are "movies with bear suits" and "how much does a writer make". The latter I can see, though I certainly don't have the answer as I will literally write for chocolate and water as long as someone wants to read it. The bear suit though I suppose is my own fault as I had posted a review of a Nicholas Cage movie AKA Bear Man. The Wicker Man will still live on as the worst movie I have ever seen and that's saying a lot. I like bad movies...hell I love them but they have to be of a certain badness that is enjoyable to watch. A particular favorite is an 80's movie (I can't think of the title) they play on SciFi Channel every so often about alien slugs from outer space who crawl in your ears and eat your brain. It is delightfully bad and I would highly recommend it. Speaking of slugs eating your brain, what precisely is this post about and how does it relate to writing? Umm...I'll have to get back to you on that.

The Dog Ate My Homework?

I'll have to admit straight out I didn't write this weekend. I have no excuse since I doubt you'll buy the one above. But what's so strange is I'm not beating myself up about it like usual. I think it's because I finally have that feeling of hope settled firmly inside that tells me I can write. The desire is back after all this time. The want to write was always there but not the burning desire that gives me those ever elusive butterflies. Not that I'm allowing this to give me permission to loll about like a slug (do slugs loll?). I know discipline is a necessity for a writer who wants to succeed, be it in being published or at least in finishing a book. Right now, my goal is to finish my book.....that and to eat some chocolate. I need at least one goal I can finish before the day is through.