Spring Cleaning?

Photo by Juan Pablo Serrano Arenas from Pexels

Spring is definitely on the way, even if it is taking its sweet time. Soon, our thoughts will turn to spring cleaning (won't they?). Here are the top 5 things I want to clear out:

1. Putin, Trump, O'Connell, Gaetz, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Fox News, and a long list of politicians on both sides of the aisle. I think we've all had enough and need some fresh faces who aren't destructive.

2. Winter. I'm so done. Bring back sunshine and flowers, and not shivering my freckles off when I traipse through subzero temps and/or snow on my way to the Y to swim.

3. Use of the word "unprecedented." I may have mentioned this before, but after 3 years in the pandemic, nothing seems unprecedented anymore.

4. Clutter. I'm cleaning out books I don't want, papers I don't need, and clothes I won't wear. And old stuff in the medicine cabinet.

5. Any show or mention of the Duggars, the Kardashians, Snooki, OJ Simpson, Antonio Brown, Caitlyn Jenner, Melania, (Kan)Ye, and all the other media hogs. Let's clean out the TV listing also, there are a lot of shows that I'm so tired of because they've been overrated, overdone, redone, or bad from the start. We all have a bunch on our hit list, so you don't need me to list mine; and we probably agree on a good number of them.

Now, back to work. I'm cleaning out my email, making notes for my MFA final project, thinking about a new romance series for after graduation, and cleaning off my desk. 

Remember: 53 days until spring, 109 until I open my pool. 

Char

If Not Now, When?

 

My posting has been sporadic, but hey, pandemic, now it's summer, things are opening up again (at least for now), and I'm considering some life changes. I'm not going to say now because I'm only in the thinking stage, but no, I'm NOT going to:

Move.

Give up writing.

Enter a nunnery.

Divorce the hubs.

Join a biker gang.

Renounce all worldly possessions and live off the land.

Fly into space.

Sometimes, we need change; it wakes up the emotions, makes us feel vital, gives us a needed charge, or gets us out of a stale situation. Drop in and check up on me. 

In the meantime, do something for yourself, I'm sure you deserve it. 

Char 

Springing out in Spring

 

 Photo by Taryn Elliott from Pexels

When I was a kid, every spring my father would cite one of his favorite poems:

Spring is sprung, 

the grass is rizz,

I wonder where the flowers is.

Absolutely awful poetry, but Dad wasn't one for flowery prose. He was more of a non-fiction type and I think he gleefully recited this poem to irk my grandmother, who for many years, was the only person to have earned an almost perfect score on the New York State Regents English exam. (She was told that no one could get a perfect score, so they witheld a point just because.) You did NOT want to play Scrabble with this woman. Even as an author with a college degree in English (okay, yes, I graduated with Honors and also have a degree in Journalism), I refused that challenge. But reciting this terrible, grammatically incorrect, and almost grating bit of poetry every spring is a ritual. 

And now that that's done, it's time to do other spring things:

House: 

1. Clean and refresh my gardens

2. Wash house windows

3. Gather stuff for the garage/yard sale

4. Plant veggies and flowers

5. Think about and plan a vacation/family visit (now that we'll all be vaccinated. Safety first!)

And it probably annoys some people, but I have a list for my writing. (I love lists- I'm so much more productive):

1. Weed through my manuscripts. Some for total overhauling, some for putting back in the draw for another time, and some for sending out on submission.

2. Clear out my office. I'm getting rid of clutter- old draft copies of pubbed novels, like the Sirenz and Blonde OPS books. They're published and now out of print (but ebooks are still available!), and it's been a few years so I don't have to worry about someone falsely claiming that the work is theirs. Also, I move my plants outdoors for a bit of fresh air. Oh yes, and I get rid of books that no longer bring me joy.

3. Plan and make notes for the novel I write over summer. I like to write on my patio or poolside. (This is a different novel than the annual #NaNoWriMo project.)

4. Look at my calendar for book events, like the Collingswood Book Festival. As events and places start to open up, I'm anxious to get out and talk to PEOPLE again. I'm so done with virtual events (which while they sound like a nice idea, aren't really well attended and even after all the work you put in to make a good presentation, sales don't happen).  

5. Review what my writing focus is going to be: writing new novels, revising existing novels, or subbing out novels.

Spring, with the sunshine and warmth, flowers and greenery, gives me such energy. I feel a pressing need to bike for miles and hike new paths. Mostly, I want to Get Things Done. Summer, with its lazy and hazy days of high temps tends to make me a bit languid by noon. I want to swim in my pool, have friends over for a cool drink, and lounge by the firepit.

So, I'm going to ride the wave of energy for as long as it lasts, although with this pandemic, now that we're approaching 'normal' again, I don't want to be distracted by all the things I can do once more, like going to a restaurant with friends/family or a theater. 

Hoping spring brings you all kinds of good things, good people, good vibes, good energy, good intentions.

Char

How Am I Supposed to Have a Happy Labor Day?

Happy Labor Day!

Or restful.

Or lazy.

Or fun.

Or whatever. 

I'm taking the day off. I have to deal with the end of summer. I'm not ready for fall and dying flowers, cold days, less sunlight, and closing my pool.

I need to sulk. 

Photo courtesy of Flora Westbrook, Pexels. 

Char

Something Writers MUST DO....

It's summer, but I'm still working on books and revisions. But it's the time for vacations, relaxing, doing fun things too.

So I'm chilling a bit. Working, but at a much slower pace and with frequent breaks to the pool and hammock. Writers need to step away at times to recharge not only their bodies, but their creativity. Constant creation, like constant running, working, or even writing, is draining. I need, and deserve, some time for recharging, refilling, and plain ignoring 'chores' for 'me' time.

I recommend you do the same. Summer, beautiful days, and easier schedules don't last forever...

Char

A Clean Slate...

I missed my Monday post because frankly, I was exhausted. I cleared out my attic and my basement. I needed to bask in the joy of EMPTY space....

This room was PACKED, stuffed up 5 feet with twin bedroom sets, tables, books, etc. Now just these two couches plus the foosball table so my son and his friends can chill. The other half of the basement has empty plastic bins which I'm going to use when I go through all my Christmas stuff, which will then be neatly stacked on shelves. Then my attic will be truly empty.

Why am I telling you this? Because the clutter was a constant nuisance. Repairmen had a hard time getting around to service the furnace, A/C, read the water/gas meters, etc. I couldn't focus on writing and revising because every time I went in the basement for supplies, or a vase, or whatever, I had to navigate the maze of STUFF.

There are times when distractions, even seemingly minor ones like too much stuff, make you realize you need to do something. Obviously if it bugs you, like the clutter bugged me, you can't ignore it. So that means do something about it.

I cleaned out. Then with the 4th and parties and BBQs, and cleaning up from them, I'm exhausted. This weekend I'll chill, enjoy the pool, read a book (!) and not even think about my writing. (Right now I'm thinking about a nap in the hammock....) But come Monday, when the boys and hubs are at work, it's right back to the laptop and the revisions.

Now it's time to clear the clutter of unfinished writing projects.... And that will be my summer.

Stay cool, stay focused, and stay in touch

Char

Summer Writing

I'm swamped with family things, getting ready for a huge yard sale to clear out the clutter, and I've got several writing projects that I want to get done this summer, so this post is going to be short and sweet- (not to mention that I've temporarily run out of ideas for posts.. something will come to mind by next week when everything calms down).

Here are my thoughts:

I'm crazy busy. I'm taking today off. Enjoy cute pic.

Photo courtesy of Pixels, Inc, Pixaby

Char

Happy Labor Day!

Because the Federal government declared this a holiday from labor, I am being a good citizen and observing the law.

I wish you all a day of rest (since tomorrow is the start of no-more-vacation/summer). If you have to work, I wish you a day of nice people, easy tasks, and tomorrow off! Sitting poolside,

Char

The Wonder of Little Things

I love the smell of the ocean; it brings back childhood memories of growing up close enough to smell a briny wind off the Long Island Sound. Studies have shown that smell evokes the strongest memories. I wish someone could bottle that scent for me.

This is a rock that was in a lava flow at one time; you can see the lava still stuck onto it. I was weeding my pool gardens and saw it. Maybe it's billions of years old- before the Christian era, before the start of civilization in the Middle East, maybe even before life...

This is lamb's ear. When you touch it, it feels as soft as (I guess) a lamb's ear. I wish you could run your fingertips over it, it would amaze and delight you.

Is there anything better than the crunchy, earthy taste of cucumbers grown in your garden? Maybe some companion tomatoes. Ah, the taste of summer...

There are few things that delight my ears more than my children's laughter. When I hear my son and his friend laughing and horsing around in the pool, I feel a joy that goes beyond a favorite song, even a Christmas carol.

Take time to get away from your desk, your job, your chores. your stress, and appreciate

the wonder of little things....

Char

Why I'm Not Doing NaNoWriMo This Year...

The great people who run the National Novel Writing Month campaign send me reminders about Camp NaNoWriMo, which occurs in July for getting a novel started, or a middle grade or picture book written. It's intended to be a smaller scale than November's 50,000 words in 1 month challenge.

I'm not doing any of it.

The wonderful NaNoWriMo people and I haven't had a war of words, I'm not giving up writing to raise alpacas, and I'm not crossing a sea in a dingy with my cat. I still believe in NaNoWriMo, as most of my completed novels were products of that insanity. The NaNo challenge works for me- work like a hellish crazy person and write the novel in 30 days (yes, even Thanksgiving Day) and have the rest of the year to polish and perfect it.

So what's up?

I have several novels that I wrote, revised, and then put aside to work on other projects with my agent and editors. Needing my attention are a time travel novel spanning human civilization, a re-imagining of a Gothic classic, a paranormal-medical mystery, and a middle grade World War II historical. Plus I'm doing another revision on my sci fi NaNo project of two years ago which my agent has gotten interest in if  I make some changes. Plus a middle grade animal-science story is going out to a publisher and my agent thinks it would garner more interest as a series so I have to outline several more books to show where the first book will lead.

I have enough on my plate, don't you think?

I won't mention that we're having work done on the house, there are summer camps to drive the son to, and book signings for me, I want at least a 5 day vacation, and relatives may be coming for a visit. You know how busy summer gets, and then before you know it, it's September and the whole school routine starts again.

So for the first time in several years, I'm skipping NaNoWriMo, but I'm taking the skills and the get-it-done determination I've learned and applying it to those other projects. (I'm even skipping yoga this morning to finish my read through before the contractor gets here to start work.)

Maybe you have a manuscript or two that need a lot of attention. Or you don't feel up to writing a new novel during the frantic holidays. Skip writing a new one and use the companionship and camaraderie of this community to help you freshen and fix up that old manuscript sitting in the drawer- the one you still love, but which needs a ton of loving attention. Instead of posting words written, you could post words revised.

Whatever your writing goals, use NaNoWriMo to help you achieve it. Stay plugged in and energized.

Good luck!

Char

It's Happened!

This!

The daffodils started opening in time for Easter Sunday!

The happy faces make me, well, ecstatic. It means winter is gone, spring is here, and it's a countdown to great weather, outdoor concerts, opening my pool, working in my garden and more daylight hours.

And here are the beginnings of my hyacinths!

Because spring and summer energize me, after I finish my blog, I will skip editing for a while to go outside and make some vitamin D, pick up sticks around the yard, exercise the kid and the cats, and let my spirits soar.

You can't write about life if you don't experience it.

Wishing you all spring happiness!

Char

A Matter of Perspective

Ahh, autumn. Nature's palette of fiery reds, yellows, oranges, pinks, and almost every color in between, create a storm of astounding color. The poking, prying fingers of chill winds seek to insert themselves under skirts, over cheeks, and into eyes. We snuggle into thick woolen sweaters, waterproof boots, and down laden jackets.

We seek comfort in hot chocolate, spiced coffees, and flavored brandies. Frost on our car inspires us to bake breads and pies, roast turkeys, mix up a batch of cookies.

We look forward to cuddling up with loved ones in front of a campfire or fireplace, beloved pet at our feet, feeling safe and warm and blessed.

Don't you have a cozy feeling? Aren't you feeling good?

I'm not.

My pool is closed.

There are blankets on my bed. The flannel jammies are under the pillow. Sweatshirt goes where I go. My hands and nose are cold. The cat has stopped shedding (okay, that's a good thing). My garden is dead.

Anyone who knows me, knows THIS is me:

But I can write about autumn and make you think I like it because I try to think from the perspective of people who love it.

Just because I write something doesn't mean that it's me. I can write about villains and bad things people do and that doesn't mean it's what I want to do. I'm just looking out from a different perspective.

Can you stand away enough from something to see the opposite perspective?

Char

That's A Wrap.

Anyone who really knows me knows that I am a summer gal. I live for my pool and 85+ degree days. Humidity doesn't bother me, and I could get by on 2 weeks of cold (1 for Christmas to feel in the holiday spirit, and one to spend the week skiing, playing in the snow.) That's it. Fall is... depressing. It's the end of my favorite season, end of vacations, end of long days and short warm nights.

I fight it as much as I can, but the day I wake up and have to wear pants because it's too cold for shorts (even if it gets warmer during the day) is the day I throw up my hands and give in to the darkness.

Like losing a pet, moving away, changing your life in some major way, autumn is a time I have to force myself to move forward, not give in to melancholy. Oh yes, there are thick soft sweaters, hot cocoa, burnished leaves, book snuggles by the fireplace.

But I hate the cold and the long dark.

It means jumping out of the shower as fast as I can, wearing socks because my feet are always numb, blowing on my fingers while I wait for the car to heat up. And stumbling around in the dark at 5 p.m.

Yes, this is all very depressing.

I can't live like that.

So what do I do?

I surround myself with beauty.  Here's my house: my kitchen table.

That's my dining room table.

The mantle over my corner fireplace.

A table in my living room.

I have more pumpkins and fall-sy things scattered around the house, but you get the idea. Vibrant color helps cheer me.

So if you have to move on from a rough spot- poor health, loss of a friend, change in lifestyle, rejection of a novel, etc., surround yourself with reminders of what makes you happy.

Char

Crazy Days of Summer...

are done.

On this rainy Labor Day holiday, I'm doing this:

When I'd rather be doing this:

Hope you're enjoying the last day before we get back into the yearly routine.

Because tomorrow it's back to working your a*$ off...

Char