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For an author, I don’t write much. According to one acquaintance, I should blog more. And I guess I should. Well, I know I should. If anyone expresses interest in me, I get googled. And according to FaceBook applications, it appears I’m rare. They said I was the only Leigh Royals. Which feels pretty good. But really? The only one? How many people did they ask/look through?

If I am the only one, which, sorry FB, but I think I’m not, that would be great. Neat! Heard of that author? Leigh Royals? The ONLY LR in the world? (the FB world, sure.) Yeah, she’s that awesome writer of historical romance? Can’t you tell how much she loves history by her words? She must have researched the revolutionary war for days! Hours! Can you imagine?

That would be nice.

You know another nice thing? My books can be (er…will be) found between Nora Roberts and Danielle Steele. (Roy is after Rob and before Ste….) I didn’t plan that but rather noticed it after I settle on my name. It’s good to be me….

So, what have YOU all been doing? Oh fans and friends of mine?

There’s a song in my head right now. “I wanna be like Harry Houdini…” I can’t remember the whole song or even the point. But it’s there. Thank you Squirrel Nut Zippers.

But it got me thinking. There have been a variety of marketing done with that phrase in mind. Remember “If I could be like Mike?”

Or, “Don’t be like…” Avoid the noid, stuff like that.

But who do I want to be like? At work, my coworkers like to tease and say I’m like our Director. (all in all not a bad thing, but they don’t mean it well.) Which bothers me, because I want them to see me for me.

I want to emulate goodness. I want to be like the kind of someone whom one would want to be like. How do you do that? Mom would say, “Just be yourself.”

Well, that’s silly. Who else could I be?

Is that my answer?

Can it just be, I want to be like…me?

I am tickled with that title. I’d like to think of myself as witty and clever. Truth is, my humor is less wry than corny. But I digress.

This weekend I had the privilege to drive a four hour trip to a beautiful destination. The beauty of which I enjoyed far less than I wanted. Time permitting, duty and all that. I only wish I had a decent camera to capture two particular images. One, the most amazing reflection of a sunset through stratus cloud cover over a marsh, and two, the cute Scotsman in a kilt at the resort where my conference was. (I kid you not, I asked for directions just to hear him talk!) Oh. Again. I digress.

The point: (teeehee, I’m blushing.) I didn’t know this area. Still don’t. So, my beloved husband, (with a lovely spanish accent of his own…see a theme here?) let me use his GPS. I am so grateful I had that. I certainly would have been lost.

First  of all, in Hilton Head Island, SC there is this notion of ‘nature preserve’ that while I find it’s an admirable and noble cause, it surely makes for more difficult habitation of humans. The buildings are uniform in color. Nature tones. Greys, browns. Meh. Ok. It’s alright. Then too, there are far less street lights than I would have imagined. I could not see 300 feet in front of me. I was turning into parking lots I thought were roads and not getting the turns I needed because I thought they were driveways. In the day time, much easier. With Ms. Garmin, fairly easier. But, she didn’t tell me to turn in until I was right on the spot. I’m sure there were annoyed motorists behind me. Unless, Like I, they were directionally challenged.

It is lovely to have these navigation tools. If I did, and boy, I did more than a handful of times, make a wrong turn, it would sing to me in that lovely stilted voice, “Re-cal-cul-at-ing.” What a relief to know that I could go any wrong way, and she would guide me back from that circle I inadvertently entered. Although, once or twice she gave me the longer version. (such as in Charleston. I could see that I only needed to go straight. She wanted me to make a right, a left then a right?)

Wouldn’t it be nice if there were such a tool to use when we write? As soon as I head hop something says, “Re-cal-cul-at-ing.” Or if I veer far from the plot that chime sounds to redirect me?

Well, there’s not. You just have to keep practicing and honing your craft. And it is a craft. (yes, I started a sentence with And. Shoot me.) So, read ‘maps’ for writing. They do exist. When you think you’ve made a wrong turn, refer to that map.

Good luck, and safe journey.

You ever want something so much that it’s all you think about? I feel that way about my writing and one other thing. I hesitate to mention it, but this thing has been so fully occupying that it’s almost had me forget about writing.

That, and I’m getting bored with my current project. So it goes to show that this past week has had my focus shifted. I feel a little multiple personality with it. This other creative outlet has nothing to do with writing except the fact that it could be a thing in a book. (ok. ok…I’ll tell you….it’s Capoeira. I.LOVE.IT)

But I digress. Do you find it hard to focus because of lack of focus? Ok. Stupid question. Let me put it this way…something consumes you, but then a new passion flames. What do you do? Leave one to cool while you tend the new one? My desire is never faltering for writing, nor for capoeira; it’s just stronger at times, depending on my life and what’s happening. When the writing seems to trickle, I become creative in other ways.

Capoeira is a way of life. Ask any capoeirista. It’s an amazing art that is more than the rigid Asian martial art in physicality and in regiment. There is such a spiritual and mental–thing about it that I can’t even describe. I found an apt description on another site, but for the life of me, I cannot find it right this minute.

I just feel like an evangelist who wants to spread the good news! I want EVERYONE to find capoeira and love it too. I wish it were closer to home. I love road trips, but to take this trip every week is such a chore, my dedication has to be from afar. And you can only do so much on your own. Part of the enjoyment, the play of capoeira is playing with others. Those are lessons not soon forgotten. I’ve gotten swept off of my feet literally, and it’s because my focus was not on the game at the time.

On a side note, my fellow capoeiristas recognize my dedication to my writing. Part of the ritual of this sport is receiving a nickname. Mine is Caneta, which means ballpoint pen. Hmph. Go figure. And I, of course, LOVE IT.

So, since I can’t play capoeira, and I can’t write anything worth spit, I’m writing about capoeira.

Axe.

Miscommunication happens. Life happens. Things almost never go according to plan. My boss has lists to make lists. I mean really. You can’t plan it that way. You’re setting yourself up for failure. But does that mean to live fast and loose?

No. Be flexible but know the direction you are going.
How does communication and planning have to do with each other and with writing? I’ll tell you. It’s all in theo give and take. If your communication or your style is rigid, it’s less a dialog than it is a monologue. Pick up on your cues from the other participants. Think about their perspective when you’re formulating your response. Ok. Simple enough, eh? So you have a plan then for conversation. Communique 101.

Now on to planning. Making a list, a plan; setting goals. All of this is a smart thing to do. *emphasis on SMART hint hint* But you know, some plans have to be bendable. Dont’ fall into a trap and make them all movable so much so that they don’t get accomplished. Otherwise, what’s the point in setting them as a goal? A small, simple, easy to reach list or a convoluted Long year (or 4 month plan) can all be appropriate based on your needs.
But don’t sweat the small stuff. Come on. We each are usually our own harshest critics. I know I am. I beat myself up often when I can’t meet a certain goal. Then I put it off, feeling down and poopy because ‘is the end game really worth this?’

Yes.
This is how I want to approach writing. I need to respect the give and take which comes with creating anything. Novels are far from the exception. So when life happens and my writing time doesn’t happen like I want it to, I do what? Adapt. Improvise. Overcome.
Da Spouse thinks the order should be Improvise. Adapt. Overcome. Same difference to me. Or is it.

A majority of my writing is Improvise. So when it doesn’t work, I adapt. And I am going to overcome. I have actually overcome much. And very very soon. (fast drafting next week.)

How do you IAD?

To clean. What. you thought it was dirty?
No, I hate, capital H-A-T-E cleaning. Funny thing is, I hate living in a messy environment much more.
so, today, I’m getting down and dirty: cleaning, scrubbing, disinfecting. Whew. It’s a lot. I’ve cleaned my hands to sit down here long enough to share with you my triumph. I have more to do yet. But I needed a quick break.
It got me to thinking that if I can accomplish this today, I deserve some relaxation. But I want to do more cleaning.

Yes. More.
As in editing. Clean up a manuscript that surely has 9 lives. My feline of a work in progress has been off and on for years. But I so want this story to be told that I keep slaving away to it. And just like I don’t like clutter, I don’t like that I have a messy manuscript. But it’s good. The story is good. I just have to let it shine. It needs to be polished and sparkling.

Too bad Pine-Sol doesn’t have a “Romance Novel Fresh” scent.

*sniffs* I do love the smell of a new book in the morning.

I was actually going to blog about how thrilled I am to be a part of the Launching a STAR contest this year. My entry was received today and I have two months to hear results. Yay me! I got it in just under the wire. Almost perfect planning.

I was not planning to send What a Bargain until the last minute. But it was closer to being ready than my historical, and it just ‘felt’ right. Something preternatural prompted that change. And it will be good. Come what may…

But when I came to my search engine and looked for a quick link to my site I faltered. Oh no. I erased the cookies. But why are my bookmarks gone? I clicked one folder after another to find the link which used to be RIGHT there. Where’d it go?

What’s this? A folder I don’t remember setting up that is clearly labeled blogs? Click.
Wow. All of the blogs on which I post. Right. There. Hm.
Either this is spectacular planning on my part (which is not likely…), a stroke of luck, or the smart computer figured out I need a blog folder.

It’s a mystery. But it got me here.
That cold bottom of belly drop feeling is not good. This was only a link. Have you “lost” or “misplaced” or “deleted” a whole chapter? scene? book? I have. That’s worse. And you MUST have good foresight in on that. I save to my computer, a thumb drive and my email. That way, if one method fails, I have backup.
Just like what doctors tell you if you are going to take antibiotics with your birth control. Ok. that was a bit much. But it’s true. You can never be too careful.
Really.
You can’t.

So. Now I’m off to solve a problem of the future by storing left overs in the fridge. Dinner tomorrow night, I have my eye on you….

So, I spent of time there tonight. In and out. Not even seen. So, that’s a plus I guess. (Since the patient had improved.)

But we’ve all had our share of that interminable wait. Right?

So, I thought I’d come up with thirteen things to do while waiting in an ER waiting room.

1)Count the fellow waiting patients who are wearing slippers/bedroom clothes. Really. The lady across from me tonight must have been feeling bad or felt that her attire would at least give off the impression she was not well. A satin-lite pajama top. Non matching sweats and blue fuzzy slippers. I prefer the pink fuzzies, personally. At home.

2)Play at the kids table. You know, the one with the metallic sand inside and the magnets on the bottom. It’s fun for about five minutes. That, and my knees/hips couldn’t take the kiddie chair much longer.

3) Watch the weather channel or whatever news station they leave it on and memorize the loops being played.

Now if you do get to be seen before you get to number 4, then you can resume the wait in the examining room. A minute fraction of the time spent is actually face time with staff. Compounded by the fact that each new face asks for the same story. Come on, no communication or reading of the chart?

4) You could count the spatters of, I hope that’s JUST blood, on the privacy curtain.

5)Imagine shapes out of the flecks in the linoleum. Ooh. I see Lincoln’s face.

6)Elevate the bed straight from the floor and when someone comes in pretend to be in a panic and say, “Help! Get me down!”

7) Wear the gown backwards and complain/remark about how cool the air conditing is.

Make a rubber rooster out of a glove.

9) Use the otoscope to look up your nose. Wow. That’s different.

10) Build a ‘log cabin’ with the tongue depressors and see if there is anything to use as ‘little people’ for your new town.

11) Count the tiles in the ceiling.

12)Count the tiles on the floor, again.

13) Play a one sided staring contest with the nurse at the desk ignoring you while she eats. Wow. That’s a big mouth.

Do you have any fun waiting games to add?

There  has been much to say on both sides regarding the inclusion or recognition of epubbed, or also known as, digitally published authors. I am working on two submissions right now. One for Samhain and one for The Wild Rose Press. I am unagented. Agents don’t do digital (yet) I do want to make it to print. (part of the allure of TWRP, some do go to print.) But either way, I would like equal representation.

I’m new to these rules and learning the ins and outs of the industry. I, for one, do not understand the rule on advances. It seems that the merits of the work should be what allows it entry for the contest. The nature of electronic publishing and the sheer volume it presents, making it inexpensive to buy, to use, prevents the advance. But if total sales were a value, it wuold surely go to show. I know of a survey asking in which pay range you fit. http://surveys.polldaddy.com/s/904EFBDB8B8B97FD/ Please do excuse my lack of finesse, or of eloquence.

What I so sollemnly want and desire is to share my work. Being paid for it would certainly be nice, but actually, my sole motivation is to share my love of writing with others. I want to have people enjoy something that I provided. What an even greater delight if my peers also recognized my love in my work. (through a contest, of course.)

I AM for change. Only because I can see what is occurring to my friends and fellow authors. Writing is more than just something for fun. I do it because, I have to.

And hopefully, one day, that will included contracts.

write about writing? Ok. So, I’ll write on any minutia and encourage all to read the light extemporanea. Ok. Can I enthrall you as well as Franklin? As in Ben Franklin. In 1776 the character Ben Franklin has a line in song:

“Mr. Adams, but Mr. Adams, The things I write are only light extemporanea. I won’t put politics on paper, it’s a mania. So I refuse to use the pen in Pennsylvannia.”

As far as musicals go, this is one of my favorites. And that line stands out to me as brilliant lyric. Do you see how his emphatic denial of a task just rolls so easily? (By the way, he was avoiding writing the Declaration of Independence.) Oh, and Jefferson’s denial was just as good. “Once again you have kept me from my lovely bride. Oh, Mr. Adams you are driving me to Homicide.”

How pleasant life would be as a musical. (well, for some.)

In truth, I have often conteplated bursting into song and dance in the line at Wal-Mart. Wouldn’t that be fun? Have three or four different lines of song going on at the same time, yet sounding good together.

Lyric #1 in queue one. “Please ring me up, and hurry, have to avoid the crowds, the flurry, Gotta get home to my baby, yesiree, Pleeeeeeease.”

Lyric #2 queue 2. “I only come here for my cats. See all the cat food, think of that. The human contact here is scarey. Rather be among the felines and fleeeeas.”

Lyric # 3, etc. “Can you talk to me, cashier, I’ve thought about you for more than a year, Can you see the crush I have for you dear, notice me, hear my pleeeeeeas.”

Lyric 4   “Gonna make a great plate tonight, gonna eat some veggies alright, cooking up the dish and doin it right, mashed potatoes, applesauce, carrots and peeeeeas.”

Just an example. Would you be in my life musical. (Cuz if I envision it, I don’t have to write. But I should.)