Thursday, March 19, 2015

Writing




The most important part of your book is the writing. Your goal should be to write the best book you
can write.  If you are writing to make a million dollars after it's published by appearing on Oprah, or finalize a movie option, or get agents,  I'd say stop right now and find something else to do.

Writing is work. Sometimes it's enjoyable and many times it is painful and tedious. I never expected to make a lot of money on my book and the more blogs, tweets, and tumbles I read, most authors agree on that one. Often you want to scream when the right word or sentence won't come out. Persist or just move on. It will come in the next draft.

Everyone is different when it comes down to the actual writing.  Some believe in a certain number of hours per day whether morning, afternoon, or evening. Others do it whenever they can because of their schedule. I myself prefer to set 3-4 hours a day and try to stick to it. Nathan Bransford gives tips on writing on his blog and in his book, How to Write a Novel: 47 Rules for Writing a Stupendously Awesome Novel That You Will Love Forever!           


I tend to also be obsessive (good and bad trait) and become a hermit and anti-social. This too, I hear is not unusual. The answer to this is balance, but to be honest, I haven't been able to do that yet.  I think it's a good idea to force yourself to go for a walk, exercise, see a movie with friends.


Whatever you do, don't get to the point that you become like our friend Jack in The Shining.


The point of this post is that there are ways and tools out there to help keep you focus. Mary Jaksch, of Write To Done, also suggests some apps. No one else can actually write the book except you, but there are authors and friends out there who do give tips to help you stay writing. Read and heed. Experience is the best teacher.







Wednesday, March 18, 2015

The Process

I first got the idea for my book, The Gay Detective, when a friend
came over and said, "
Your drapes aren't puddling."
"What's puddling?" I asked.
Rather than explain, he went over to the right, picked up the panels,
and let them drop.
"That's puddling. You try it."
I went over to the left side, let the panels fall to the floor and said, 
"I puddled my drapes."

For some reason, this stuck with me. You know when you hear a song
and it stays in your 
mind.  Well, that's how the word puddle went.

I was looking for something to write and I talked about this with another
 friend.  The lightning  bolt struck. "Wouldn't it be fun to have a gay 
detective analyze a crime scene by design clues?

And that's how it all began.

Do your drapes puddle?  Go ahead, try it.

Sunday, March 15, 2015

Cell Block Tango


This is from Broadway Backwards, a charity production put on in New York to raise money for Broadway Cares 

(AIDS charity). This is an all male version of Cell Block Tango from Chicago.

Enjoy the show

Friday, March 13, 2015

Why Write?


There have been times in my life when I didn’t write.  Now I realize that was because I was too depressed, or so I told myself. What I didn’t realize I was depressed because I didn’t write. I believe that any creative person must express themselves or the anger at not doing so (whatever the reason) turns inward. 
It is better to take that rage, anger, disappointment and channel it into your writing, dance, acting, whatever it is. In other words, use your emotion and channel it into your art. When I acted, I found that was true. Oddly, or maybe not, when I was depressed and wrote, I felt better. There it is. What came first?The chicken or the egg? Finally it doesn’t matter. Channel it. It works.

Sunday, March 8, 2015

The Gay Detective, Book Cover


I'm posting the cover of my book by Laura Duffy, who I think is one of the best designers out there.
If any of you are interested, her website is located at laura duffy   Do you like it?



Sunday, March 1, 2015

Sleuthfest


Have been attending Sleuthfest in Deerfield, Fl., a convention for mystery writers with many workshops and panels with agents, publishers, and fellow authors. It has been very informative
and helpful.  Today is the last day and I'm sorry it's coming to a close. I look forward to coming again next year. Met a lot of great people.

Monday, February 23, 2015

The Gay Detective

I'm sorry I haven't posted in quite some time.  I've been busy writing a new book and am near the final wrap up.

It's been quite a journey and a difficult but exciting one.  The book hasn't been published yet and probably won't be out for another month or two but I will link this blog to my new one which will be all about the book.

As a teaser, it is a mystery which takes place in Chicago. There are two main characters, one gay and one straight and it is about their relationship which is much like The Odd Couple. It's a suspense/thriller with a few murders involved. Shhh.......that's enough.

Monday, January 19, 2015

Blast From The Past


A friend sent this to me and I found I really enjoyed it. At first, I thought it would be too long but much like those of us who remember, the time flew by. Great memories.

Thursday, January 1, 2015

Christmas 2014 & New Year 2015



Christmas Table
As I sat at the Christmas table decorated with pinecones and candles, three Shipperkees (often called Skips) yapped for attention. Nathan. my black pug, nestled in my lap, hoping not to be asked to play with the rowdy dogs jumping at the TV or barking at strange noises. 

Where's Beekie?
Taking a whiz.

I love the Skips. They are loyal, fun, and loving dogs. Once they calm down, they are crawling to be near me or on my lap, usually trying to separate Nathan from me. We've visited before and Nathan has stayed with my friends and their dogs. He blends in and soon becomes a member of the pack.

Another Christmas

So that this message gets published, I will only make a quick comment about New Year's. Had New Year's dinner, filets, and sides. Today going to dinner with friends.  Life's good.

My wish for all:  Have fun and stay healthy.



                                                                   



Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Fantasy Fest Key West 2014



Each year Key West puts on Fantasy Fest, a 10 day themed celebration, which culminates in a parade of colorful floats down Duval Street. This year's 36th theme was Anime Dreams and Adventures. I was honored to be part of the Minions who represented Marc House, a local non-profit organization that serves the needs of adults with developmental disabilities.

Jeff, a member of the team, put together a short film, to give you an idea of the event. The women on the float did the can-can while the guys marched and danced along side it. Our float's theme was Moulin Rouge. Enjoy it.

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours

 A great time of year to be thankful for everything we have. Share your blessings.


HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!



Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Happy Paczki or Happy Jelly Donut Day


Happy Ponchki Day,

I spelled it trying to get the English sounding word for Jelly Donuts.  


I'm originally from Detroit and I can remember  the many times I stood in Kowalski's line to pick up 2 or 3 dozen donuts. Once I brought them home, they disappeared within an hour. Today,  I will be searching for a bakery to locate some but if I can't, I will stop by Dunkin' Donuts and pretend. 

Friday, January 31, 2014

Cosmic Waiter.....

And where did January go?  Good question. To me, it was Christmas, then New Year's and I thought I was starting the year well, which is what I think every year, but once the month of January had gone by, I wondered, Is this going to be like the others?

Met someone, fell in love, had an unforgivable argument, split up, broke my heart. That was my first month.

Returned to my book, found editors, researched self-publication, e-books, and concept developers.
Agonized over covers and colors and titles.

My dog had surgery, was healing well, developed an infection, and was put on 4 antibiotics and is still recovering.

I continue to think positive, throwing my orders out to the cosmic waiter and waiting for the right one to come back.

It will happen. I just have to wait.

Maybe I have the wrong waiter.  Is that possible?


Thursday, December 26, 2013

Nate's Christmas


Merry Christmas to all from me, Nate the dog.


You can see what I had to wear for the holidays. Why do owners think dogs like to wear silly things? Do I look like a happy dog?  I was when I didn't have to wear those. But, I got some nice toys and great treats and lots of hugs and kisses from friends. It was a good time except for those antlers. 

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Wigilia (Christmas Eve dinner)


Normally I would be with my family and we would be greeting and hugging and then settling in with a drink and getting ready for dinner (Wigilia).  It was always a tradition in our family that a different family member would have it each year. It reminds me of Jewish Seder, and I'm sure these traditions mingled and each group celebrated it as Tradition.

Regardless, for all my Polish family and the rest of you who are also my family, I wish you: Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia!, which  translated means, Merry Christmas. 









Monday, December 23, 2013

Merry Christmas


This is the scene I've always thought of when I heard the Nativity.




A friend sent me the following email and I thought I'd share the story of The Nativity  as translated to the digital age.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Christmas holidays



I'm here in Florida and will be for Christmas. I miss the snow but not the cold that goes with it. I miss family and friends and the chaos that goes with it. In the meantime, I came across Bryan Russell's blog (see below). Take a look. 

Bryan Russell's http://alchemyofwriting.blogspot.com features Cloverton singing Cohen's Hallelujah. It's inspirational. Thanks Bryan.



Monday, December 16, 2013

Blitzing


 After my prostate surgery a few years ago, a strange thing happened. I had to drink a lot of water to leave the hospital, but I still couldn't go. I took a plane, then a train, and finally a bus. When I got home, it felt like Old Faithful erupted. 

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Forgive me........



Dear Readers,

Please forgive me. It has been over a month since I have posted.


Can you tell I was raised Catholic?

Reasons I haven't posted:

1. I'm a lousy so and so.

2. I don't have any respect for anything or anyone.

3. I've forgotten how.

4. I'm taking a graduate class in sexuality.

5. I must put my class into practice. 

6. I've been working impossible hours.

7. Default: I can't do it all, people, but I still love you.