Good morning friends and writers!
I've been trying to heal this annoying back. I'm grateful it's getting better, but it's taking longer than I would like. Harumph! There's so much to be done! My yard is a wreck after the remnants of Ike passed through last Monday (branches down all over), there are more tomatoes to pick and freeze, and plums, peaches, and pears that ought to be processed. Never mind the painting that never got finished on the front porch! But there's always next year, and I have to be grateful that this isn't permanent, that I will heal, and that I'm blessed beyond words.
There. I straightened myself out again.
Some good did come out of this misadventure, however. Because I was forced to lay on my back for about a week, I finished the edits on FIRESONG: AN UNHOLY GRAVE, and sent it to my publisher. (this is the fifth LeGarde mystery in the series). And I was able to start working on my new book again (lucky number thirteen), THE AVIARY. What fun that is! After slogging through edits for way too many months, I'm finally feeling FREE. Free to write. Free to plot. Free to invent new characters. It feels SO good.
I'm trying to write from a woman's POV. So far, my critique partners think I've managed to nail it. But we'll just have to wait and see. Maybe next week I'll post an excerpt and get your opinions? What do you think?
It's challenging to write out of your comfort zone.
Have you done that? Are you a poet who's attempted flash fiction? A novelist who's tried haiku recently? How did it feel? Was it fun? Or just awful?
I'd love to hear about your experiences here, if you've time.
I have a video shoot at the Wood Library in Canandaigua, NY this morning, just before my booksigning at Heron Hill Winery on Keuka Lake - so I must make this short today.
Warmest wishes to all, and remember - if you love to write - write like the wind!
Aaron
***
Aaron Paul Lazar writes to soothe his soul. The author of LeGarde Mysteries and Moore Mysteries savors the countryside in the Genesee Valley in upstate New York, where his characters embrace life, play with their dogs and grandkids, grow sumptuous gardens, and chase bad guys. Visit his websites at http://www.legardemysteries.com/ and http://www.mooremysteries.com/ and watch for the fourth book in the LeGarde series, MAZURKA, coming in fall 2008 from Twilight Times Books.
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Comments: 45
*looks around nervously*
Can't wait to read Firesong!!!
The photo of the water lily is exquisite!
I've never done a play before - but it should be fun. I hope.
you might
enjoy this excerpt from a story I did recently about ways a group of songwriters did this.
and yes, I do it too. usually find that a different way of looking at things, while it might feel awkward at first, gives new insights into the way I usually work, among other things.
And, always write out of my comfort zone. I always test myself, and make myself grow as a writer. It pays in the long run to have more than just one genre under your belt.
I love how you had a misfortune, and turned it into something positive.
It gives you perspective..
I for one, wish you well.
Katrina, back at ya. I can't WAIT to someday purchase a cookbook from you with your glorious mouth watering photos and recipes. You are my hero!
Jerry, I know so well what you mean. I dabble occasionally (very occasionally!) in haiku and poetry, but not enough to be good at it. It's still fun to try. We're all learning every day to improve our craft. It's a never ending business!
Tracy - I so know how you feel. That fear of being "outed" as a terrible writer seems to haunt us forever. LOL.
Sonia, if you want to read the pre-pub version of Firesong, let me know. I'd love to get your feedback. And thanks re. the photo. I took it while visiting my mom in Lakeville, Mass, back in August. I've always had a penchant for waterlilies - they remind me of camp. (i.e. Tremolo setting).
Flit! A play? How cool! I've never written either, but would love to learn. I'm hoping someday when they make the LeGarde series into movies, I'll be asked to do the screenplays. ;o) Then you can help me, since you'll be a pro!
Beth, how wonderful! Kudos on your NaNo romance and the screenplay. I'm jealous. I must get into that. NOW, if I could just stop writing these novels for a minute...
Jen, so true. There can be such great joy in sharing other students' work. I love being critique partners with a few superb writers. It's inspirational. (Patricia F, Marta Stephens, and SW Vaughn, to be precise.)
Jesse, I'll check out your link in a sec. I'm having trouble with that very aspect. My three new characters aren't as likeable as Gus LeGarde or Sam Moore. At least not yet. In the end, I hope to soften their edges and have them become at least memorable, if not loveable. ;o)
Bob, Tuck has good taste! He knows a good person/photographer/teacher/writer when he sees her!
Kerry, so lovely to see you here. I'll check out your link in a bit!
Thanks for stopping by, JustMe! Have a good one.
Okay, Angela. Here I am! Sorry about that. Wonderful that you continually push yourself. Way to go!! Keep up the good work. And remember, patience is a virtue! (LOL. My father always had to tell me that. He probably still would, if he were here. Well, I hear his voice saying it all the time, so in a way, he does still tell me that!)
At least until I had kids.
I'm learning.
Thanks for noticing me.
I feel so much better now.
Sigh.
Good article and thanks for sharing.
;-)
I still want the book, though.... signed, please ;-)
Very nice to feel free of the editing process. You are disciplined and I am impressed. Hope you back gets better...I know how that feels!
Beautiful water Lily.
I wrote once as a man--a poem called "Strawberry Kisses"
It felt GOOD.
I used to play spades online as a man, ah but that is another story....
Ha, TB, I'd love to hear about THAT! Isn't it fun to jump around once in a while? (in a safe venue?)
The back was hurt when I was helping my mother in law move heavy urns back onto her painted porch, so she wouldn't hurt her back!!!!! No kidding. Oh well, my foot slipped and it wrenched the muscles really badly. Thanks, Jeni. So nice to hear from you. ;o)