Reading that there would be no set topics for this year made my heart pitter patter at a disturbing rate. What? I have to come up with my own topics? propelled a torpedo through my mind. Whatever was I to do? Whining occurred. Protest--against a majority? Then I understood. I was supposed to exercise my mind, cogitate; not procrastinate. I didn’t like it, but I got it. Where is a Dalek to exterminate one when one needs one? Now you know I watch too much Dr. Who. It’s actually a fantastic show that encourages cogitation. Plot twists; terror; running; Daleks shrieking “Exterminate!” More plot twists, more running. Mysteries abound. My historicals have romance but they almost always have some mystery if not a lot of mystery. That is, I believe, because I read so many mysteries and I love solving puzzles. That is what a mystery is after all. One of the mysteries in my Honour series is just who is the French Master spy Donatien and when will de la Croix and the band of heroes recognize him in all of his disguises. No Dalek’s here but some very interesting plot twists. Some are absolutely necessary to the story. For example Jamey Vincouer was supposed to come home to wed his cousin Maddie and save her but he goes MIA in the was in Spain. Before he did he save Bellaport’s life. Bellaport knows the fix Maddie is in and decides to repay the debt. Now is this a plot twist or a plot point? Maybe someone can blog about the difference later this month. Do you use plot twists? How do you use them? Are we really happy coming up with our own topics? Even after this meandering post? Late last month I blogged about goals. Infections and IV meds interfered with my goal of a page a day. Rather pathetic goal and I have only managed five pages since the 22nd of January. BUT that’s five pages! More than I’ve written in a year. I’m hopeful one the IV meds are done I’ll be able to BITHOK with the best of you! Happy Valentines! Which reminds me to dig out my old Signet Regency Valentine books. In which of my Honour books did I use Valentine’s Day?
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Romance past sixty looks much different than romance at sixteen. In our early years, we swooned and went after the handsome jock or cute cheerleader. Or maybe it was a megawatt smile that drew us in. It took several dates in to begin learning about the prospective mate’s personality and character.
But, past sixty, six-pack abs have given way to abs that more closely resemble pony kegs. Smooth, tanned limbs are now marred by scars, age spots and cellulite. The luxurious hair has turned silver, where there’s any hair at all. Lithe, limber bodies that allowed for spontaneous outings like rock climbing and marathon bike rides now have to accommodate synthetic joints, pill regimens and medical devices. But the smile can still reach out. It was the smile and the articulate honesty of his profile that kept drawing me back to my beau’s profile on the dating site. Subsequent communication found him to be upbeat, funny and interesting. He was able to talk about his life and losses in an open and compassionate way, then segue into informed and intelligent conversation about current events and our many common interests. We got to know each other first by messaging, then email and phone. Our first call lasted about three hours, and when we finally met, I found him as compelling in person as in writing. A curious combination of chivalry and rogue, he continues to provoke my admiration and respect in the way he researches anything he wants to know about and provides steadfast support to his family members and friends. He supports me in pursuit of my writing and offers helpful insight as I work out plot twists. His business background allows him to give me sage advice on most aspects of my life. He opens doors for me, at least when I remember to wait for him to do so. We talk about our exes and deceased mates with candor and understanding. We don’t have a lot of time to spend together, because he’s retired and I’m still working. We don’t live in the same town. Business travel, writing groups, and time spent with family often separate us for weeks. But he has no problem accepting my absences. “That happens when you have extended families scattered all over like we do,” he said. “I’ll never be upset with you for spending time with your kids and grandkids.” Although he did give me a set of black pearls to let me know I was on the “black list” the first time I spent a week away with my kids. We are comfortable in each other’s kitchens and company. The other day, we chatted for an hour about our favorite childhood candies. Romance is still alive, even if you have to check the body periodically for a pulse. Perhaps it’s the need to have someone with whom you can be yourself in perfect trust that he won’t reject you for it. Perhaps it’s the excitement of getting to know someone that deeply (and yet it takes a lifetime to know him completely). Maybe it’s knowing someone has your back—and will rub lotion on it where you can’t reach. Maybe it’s the comfort of not having to explain yourself all the time. I can’t really describe it, but the romance exists. He may look a little rough-cut after all the pressures he’s been through, but time has turned this admitted lump of coal into a diamond of the finest quality. And there’s still that smile. Goals. We all have them. When I created my family's Christmas newsletter, I asked my family what their 2016 goals were. My husband wanted to take up wood carving. His father was quite the talented carver. My oldest daughter wished to learn how to tap dance! I'm happy to report that she has already participated in two classes. Her little sister takes them too. The boy wanted to play baseball. With his heart defects, we are just now getting use to our son playing rigorous sports. The season doesn't start until the summer, but we talked about spring training. For the time being, he and the older girl start archery lessons next month. It's a sport the husband and I took up years ago and just getting back into it. I have the sore arms to prove it. Little One's goal was to be a Minecraft Youtuber. Since her mom won't let her video herself while playing Minecraft, that goal will have to wait.
Me? To find an agent for my Carrick manuscript and finish the WW2 YA I started late last year. I try my very best to write every "business" day aka when the kids or the husband aren't home. Some days are great, the words flow, and I end up with 1000 words. I struggle and stumble on other days and I'm happy with 200 words. Two hundred words are better than none! January, especially January 1, is the traditional time to set goals for the upcoming year. January 20th not so much. But, thankfully, goals can be set at any time. Whatever the day or time there is always nothing like the present. So here I am. There I was until a plethora of phone calls to be dealt with and my nap of course. It’s a new day so I’ll try again. My goal for this year is to write one, yes, 1, page a day. That is measly in the writing realm but if I can pull it off it will mean a book written. That is something I haven’t been able to accomplish the past couple of years. My medical saga continues with added complications. There may be a hospital stay in my near future but I’m hoping to do at home IV antibiotics. My challenges aren’t kids, work, or a busy schedule. They are low grade temps and the lethargy that brings and pain. Both corrode my determination. Every time I think I am ready to start writing a new crisis appears. So it’s time to write through the crisis. Even if the writing isn’t that good. As Rox used to day, “If you don’t have words on paper you can’t edit.” I’m going to imagine her cracking the whip--BICHOK So, if I meet the challenge of figuring out the new blog you’ll be seeing this well after my 6th date. Did our mother’s often say, “Better late than never?” By the way, has a list of topics been developed for 2016? Happy New Year! Nina and Kathy I enjoyed both of your posts--just haven't figured out how to make a comment yet. Will work on that. Z. Minor
Author of Historical Romantic & Contemporary Suspense Novels. BICHOK – Butt in chair hands on keyboard. This is my mantra for 2016. You see I learned early I can dream up, think up, and research facts for a good story. However, if I don’t put my butt in my chair and put my hands on the keyboard, I will not write a darn thing. I guess it’s like getting all the cleaning supplies to clean the house together in one place and then going out to lunch. Guess what the house doesn’t get clean and it is waiting for me when I get home. Actually staring me in the face almost laughing at me. You still have to clean – can’t get out of it. I think you get the picture. My stories do that to me. I dream about them, think about them, read about or watch a show on TV about the time period. The second I am BICHOK my mind settles into my story and away I go or I should say away my fingers go. Sometimes my mind and fingers don’t always work together. As a fairly new published author – my book came out last month. I find I am still developing my style of how I write. Up until now it has changed and I will not bore you with my previous methods. Because I have found each person needs to figure out what works for them because we are all different. But I will share with you my latest techniques. I write mostly in the afternoons after lunch – Monday through Friday. Mornings are saved for the mundane duties; housework, gardening (in the morning because it is much cooler in Kansas), and other projects I find I have an interest in. Sometimes my writing continues after dinner for a few hours. I always like to re-read what I have previously written. The next writing day I correct any mistakes or rewrite a scene before I start the next chapter or scene. When I am doing rewrites, I follow the same plan. Of course, there are times when I am in between stories. These times I will do research, read books or generally goof off until the story starts either talking to me or the characters do. I promised my dear husband help with many of our house projects. I will let you know how that works out as the year progresses??? I wish you all luck with your writing and remember to make goals. Without goals, it is like starting a trip cross country without a map. You will never get to the end. Appropriately for this time of year, I’m reflecting on 2015 and looking forward to what 2016 will offer. Personally 2015 included a new granddaughter, a deeper relationship with a beau I met the end of 2014 (who believed in my writing enough to buy me a tablet—not Big Chief—so I could write while we travel, just before my laptop died), amazing business and pleasure trips to Maryland, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Oregon and Colorado, plus a bucket list ride on the Durango-Silverton train. 2015 brought sorrow as well with the loss of my brother and others close to me, as well as a family loss.
Professionally, 2015 marked the publication of my third novel, What the River Knows, my first published by someone other than myself. I learned more than a graduate course from my editor during the polishing process. The process also taught me patience as submission to publication took almost two years. However, the end result was worth it. I worked on my website and platform, learned to tweet, and committed to monthly blogging on WARA. I did blow it in September, though, when the whole family gathered in Tennessee to meet new member Scarlett, and forgot my blog. So what’s in store for 2016? Personally, more travel to visit family and perhaps a cruise to Italy with the beau (who is that rarity—a man who listens), a major tourist destination trail project at work, house painting and other projects, and who knows what else. Professionally, more BICHOK. I’m organizing my office, getting ready to purchase a desktop computer and looking forward to my first royalty check from The Wild Rose Press. They have requested to see my first novel, More Than a Point of Honor, if I can cut 35,000 words from it. I’m 2/3 through it and determined to make it. Then I have to plot and write the sequel to River and finish my romance Love’s Crossroads. I need to be more regular with my blogging and work harder to promote. How about you? How did you do on your personal and professional goals for 2015? What do you want your 2016 to bring? Let’s share our goals and help each other meet them. BICHOK on! |
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