Thanksgiving is almost here, and while I’m getting excited to see my family but dreading cooking all that food, I will make time to READ.  Because that is, after all, one of my 10 Commandments for the Thanksgiving Holiday.  The rest are:

2. Thou shall not whine

3. Thou shall not obey any other cooks but me and shall lay at my feet compliments and hostess gifts

4. Discussions regarding politics, the national health debate especially, and anything to do with “crazy young people these days” are expressly forbidden

5. Commentary on how the cook chooses to roast, brine, grill, blacken or microwave the turkey are not allowed

6. Thou shall assist heartily in helping cook to clean up.  Tasks may or may not include mopping the floor, taking the dog out and letting the cat in, cleaning out the recyclables, massaging the cook’s feet (hot stone massage is optional), and keeping cook’s wine glass handy and filled at all times.

7. Thou shall promise to listen to cook’s three year old tell the story of Cinderella (again and without correcting her version) with rapt attention and appropriate nods. (more…)

It’s been a while since I last posted here, and that’s because I’ve been in writing mode.  Seriously writing.  And revising.  And writing.

So I thought I’d blog about how I write, and I’d love to hear comments from other writers about their own odd perks. 

Before I write anything, I fill out a character analysis sheet for each person I’ll be writing about — even the minor characters.  This involves creating details about the character that may never come into the story — their middle name or favorite book for example, but it also forces me to dissect each character’s essential details — what he wants most, her greatest fear.  I write down all sorts of information about them — their car, hair color, pets – if they have   any -, pet peeves – we all have those, hobbies, interests, favorite music . . . you get the point. 

Then I go to iTunes and download music that my main characters would listen to.  I usually put about 20 songs on, and this is all I listen to while I write.  It helps me to jump right back in night after night.

I always write at night.  This is my time, when the world quiet downs, and I can hear myself think.  (more…)