Thankful

I recently asked someone to read the first chapter of the novel I’m revising. I was a bit leery of doing so since he is such a fantastic writer, but I mustered my Cowardly Lion courage, and took the leap. His response which included, “Seriously, it’s so fabulous and fantastic and creepy and mysterious and momentumish–it’s really very exciting to read.” has refreshed my own enthusiasm for this project, and I’m beyond grateful. (Plus, I love “momentumish”)

That in turn got me to thinking about everyone in my writing life that I’m thankful for. This year I’ve been lucky enough to have some awesome critique partners, friends who never fail to cheer me on, an editor, who, while he hasn’t bought my work, has generously given invaluable feedback, and a partner who will read anything I put in front of him.

With their help/support/guidance I’ve been lucky enough to become a better writer this year, and I’m going to be sure to tell all of them just that.

What are YOU grateful for?

The sky is falling, or the bottom is falling out of the publishing world

So the news that Houghton Mifflin Harcourt has “temporarily stopped acquiring manuscripts” across its trade and reference divisions has thrown the publishing world into a tizzy.

http://www.publishersweekly.com/arti…?desc=topstory

Everyone knows the publishing industry (like pretty much every other industry) is taking a pounding, but I predict that soon people will be saying that “Now is the time that ebooks will come into their own.”

Gift wrapped crap

This year I’m trying to get my family to make up Amazon Wish Lists — thus insuring that we won’t give or get crap that no one wants. I’ve had mixed results, because…I dunno…because people actually want to be surprised by useless crap?

Yesterday Paperback Writer posted a list of the Top 10 Things she doesn’t want this year. http://pbackwriter.blogspot.com/

In that spirit, here’s my short list:

1) Cookbooks — Yes, I enjoy cooking, BUT here’s the thing. I don’t use cookbooks.

2) Kitchen gadgets/appliances — I’ve got limited space. I’ve asked for what I want.

3) Anything sold by As Seen On TV (or any other infomercials)

4) Jewelry — I’m sorry, it’s pretty and all, but I’m just not going to get around to wearing it.

5) Clothing with stripes, or polka dots, or plaid, or any pattern at all, thank you very much. Also, I really hate orange, yellow and green clothing.

6) Books (unless they’re the ones on my Wish List) I know that sounds strange, but I’m tired of people giving me books they think I “should” read. I’d be thrilled to receive a gift card to a bookstore though.

7) Linens. I have plenty of sheets, towels, tablecloths and napkins. Really.

So what about you? What tops your list of things you don’t want?

The Incredible Hulk made me smile

Finally watched The Incredible Hulk (the version with Edward Norton) and I have to say it wasn’t nearly as bad as the last movie. (Tho E.N. seemed to sleepwalk thru the entire film and William Hurt’s moustache freaked me out.)

Still, they did the “nod” thing to the original series, and they did it well. (I had SUCH a crush on Bill Bixby when the show originally aired — I was a little kid)

I’d post a spoiler alert, but really, who the hell cares what happened in the movie?

My favorite nods:

Bill Bixby in the Courtship of Eddie’s Father playing on the TV
Lou Ferrigno getting a cameo
Naming the college age journalist Jack McGee
They played a bit of the old theme song

Call the police!

So yesterday I’m standing on line at the supermarket, waiting to check out, and I watched the following exchange.

Little Boy (about 4): I want this candy bar!
Mom: You can’t have the candy bar. You’re getting the crackers.
LB: I want BOTH. (now to his credit he was only whining, not crying, not screaming)
Mom to the Cashier: If he doesn’t put that candy bar down, pls call the police.
Dumbfounded Cashier: What?
Mom: I mean it, if he doesn’t put it back right now, I want you to call the police and have them take him to jail.

The boy put back the candy bar.

As soon as they were gone, the cashier said to me, “That’s not in my job description.”

10 Hidden Gifts of Rejection Letters

There’s an excellent piece by guest blogger Debra Darvick up on WD. http://guidetoliteraryagents.com/blog/

Jobs I’d be too scared to try

Law enforcement

Military

Food Sample Workers

Seriously. I watched hordes of people who acted like they hadn’t eaten in months descend on the poor women in plastic caps and gloves giving out free samples of cheesecake at Costco today, and I was scared for their safety.

Keep in mind, this is Costco, which means that the cheesecake had been freshly defrosted. I’m just sayin’….

I’m not a gadget gal

but even I understand the appeal of Requall. http://www.reqall.com/

DH turned me on to it. Actually he had to nag me about it multiple times before I actually tried it.

It’s great for those times you have a BRILLIANT idea while driving, or walking, or dusting. It’s free and it’s the best voice recognition software I’ve used.

Curiosity and the Writer

Tess Gerritsen’s got a great post up at http://www.murderati.typepad.com/

Among other things she says, “If writers were cats, we’d all be dead.”

And now I’m addicted to the trumpet fanfare

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