Back in November, I went on a wonderful Women's Retreat with my church. At the end of the weekend, I decided it was time to try RCIA again, and formally 'reaffirm' my faith in Christ. I joined the class and am enjoying the studies.
In January, my rebellious nature took hold of me, and instead of announcing my intention 'to know God' (I've known Him for 40+years) or 'Be baptized' (I was baptized at 3 months old), I announced 'Reaffirmation of faith' when Fr Dave asked me what is it I wished. Just wanted to throw a little more diversity to the answers.
NOWHERE have I expressed a desire to 'become Catholic'. My intention is to formally join the Catholic Church as a strong Protestant, so I have a home church again (I've been 'purged' from Covenant's records, since I'm no longer a tithing member) and can take Communion. Is this too hypocritical?
One of the updates, about the infallibility of the Church, was extremely helpful in this decision. I took it to mean that while the Church has rules, I do not necessarily have to agree with them. As long as I don't publicly denounce anything, I'm good. And that's not my nature, so okay there.
But I've had to bite my tongue on a few discussions, especially this past Sunday, when we talked about prayers. I happen to be someone who offers up tiny prayers all day long, and find The Rosary boring. In fact, some of the prayers during the service have been 'just words to get through'. They have little or no meaning. And I had to bite my tongue when one of the leaders passed out 'special prayers' for different circumstances.
It just proves my point several years back, when I realized Catholics are soooo caught up in doing things 'right'. We even changed some of the words in prayers 'because we'd mis-quoted'. Who cares? It's the SPIRIT of the service that matters, not the exact words. Geez.
Hopefully my tongue won't be too sore by Easter.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Sunday, October 13, 2013
A Little Peeved Right Now.....
Woke up yesterday to find this in my inbox:
"It's sad to me that an author feels such a need to rip apart another
author. Writing a book and publishing it takes guts. As an author myself, I
will never be so publicly critical of another author's style. We each have
our own style. It's what makes reading books so interesting - the diversity.
Since I'm required by SCP to follow this group, I have watched these posts
float by before and bit my tongue. I've only once followed the link but get
enough of the jibes just in the blurb posted with the link in this group.
I've tried to say nothing but by saying nothing, am I not condoning authors
being deliberately mean to other authors? I simply couldn't stay quiet any
longer.
I've always been proud to be a SCP author but this has me shaking my head.
These posts are awful. All I ask is that we each consider how we treat
other authors. We are professionals and should act accordingly. Or at the
very least, treat others as we would want to be treated. It would feel
demoralizing to have someone rip apart my book like this series of posts
are doing. It just feels wrong.
Just my thoughts... had to let them out.'
Maybe it was just a blow to my pride, since all I ever saw on any of my posts on THIS BOOK (now trilogy) has been 'thank you for saving me from reading this...'
Just another example of how not everyone 'gets' my sense of humor.
I did write back, and think I handled it professionally:
"Thank you for your input:)
Yes, I 'ripped apart' the first book, practically page by page last year, since other authors were going much more 'in depth' with their criticisms, and other authors and readers were wondering what the fuss was all about. This is the only book I will EVER tear apart publicly, due to a) not wanting be known as 'that blogger who tears books to shreds' and b) I was asked for my opinion by several readers. A lot of people have thanked me for breaking the books down and letting them know how awful it is.
I won't post the segments on this loop again, since it offends you.
Cheers:)"
But still, this sort of grates on me. I'm not someone who routinely trashes books; in fact, my Recommended Reads and 4 and 5 star reviews are probably waaaaayyy too many. If I don't like a book, I say 'good story' on GR, or add it to my DNF list, or don't mention them again. If I wanted to do this to other authors, it would be sooo easy, but since there are at least three authors whose books are not in my favorite category, or I wonder what the hell inspired them to write that crap, and these authors I also interact with many times in a week, I keep my mouth shut. Because these authors might read my work someday and hate it, but I'd rather they kept their opinions to themselves, so that's why I adopt the 'if you can't say somethin' nice (about your friends/associates), then don't say nuthin' at all'.
I have no relationship to the author of THAT TRILOGY, so I'm free to rip her book apart, like so many others have before me. And I'm not even trashing every single page, like I did the 1st time. I'm only taking issue with plot or other issues which pull me out of the book. Everyone knows some of the words which drive me crazy, so I do multiple chapters in a short, sweet post.
And as previously stated, I won't post to that particular loop next week, when I promo the next segment.
Sheesh. If something offends you, skip over it! There's a lot of links I click on, see it's not to my liking, and move on.
Another 'gripe' I have is concerning FB posts. One of my friends posts blatent M/M posts; do I get angry about it? No; I scroll past. Another friend is totally pro-Life, while I'm pro-choice. I simply keep scrolling. I guess I'm more of a peacemaker than hard left or right. I've taken flak for my 'Marriage=1 man 1 woman' posts and my more conservative views. So why do my friends who are more liberal feel the need to take me to task? Do I challenge you on YOUR views? No.
Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Expression means you have your right to your opinions and I have a right to mine. It does NOT mean we have to cram our views down each other's throats in order to get along. We are free to agree to disagree.
Why fight about it? Is our friendship that fragile?
"It's sad to me that an author feels such a need to rip apart another
author. Writing a book and publishing it takes guts. As an author myself, I
will never be so publicly critical of another author's style. We each have
our own style. It's what makes reading books so interesting - the diversity.
Since I'm required by SCP to follow this group, I have watched these posts
float by before and bit my tongue. I've only once followed the link but get
enough of the jibes just in the blurb posted with the link in this group.
I've tried to say nothing but by saying nothing, am I not condoning authors
being deliberately mean to other authors? I simply couldn't stay quiet any
longer.
I've always been proud to be a SCP author but this has me shaking my head.
These posts are awful. All I ask is that we each consider how we treat
other authors. We are professionals and should act accordingly. Or at the
very least, treat others as we would want to be treated. It would feel
demoralizing to have someone rip apart my book like this series of posts
are doing. It just feels wrong.
Just my thoughts... had to let them out.'
Maybe it was just a blow to my pride, since all I ever saw on any of my posts on THIS BOOK (now trilogy) has been 'thank you for saving me from reading this...'
Just another example of how not everyone 'gets' my sense of humor.
I did write back, and think I handled it professionally:
"Thank you for your input:)
Yes, I 'ripped apart' the first book, practically page by page last year, since other authors were going much more 'in depth' with their criticisms, and other authors and readers were wondering what the fuss was all about. This is the only book I will EVER tear apart publicly, due to a) not wanting be known as 'that blogger who tears books to shreds' and b) I was asked for my opinion by several readers. A lot of people have thanked me for breaking the books down and letting them know how awful it is.
I won't post the segments on this loop again, since it offends you.
Cheers:)"
But still, this sort of grates on me. I'm not someone who routinely trashes books; in fact, my Recommended Reads and 4 and 5 star reviews are probably waaaaayyy too many. If I don't like a book, I say 'good story' on GR, or add it to my DNF list, or don't mention them again. If I wanted to do this to other authors, it would be sooo easy, but since there are at least three authors whose books are not in my favorite category, or I wonder what the hell inspired them to write that crap, and these authors I also interact with many times in a week, I keep my mouth shut. Because these authors might read my work someday and hate it, but I'd rather they kept their opinions to themselves, so that's why I adopt the 'if you can't say somethin' nice (about your friends/associates), then don't say nuthin' at all'.
I have no relationship to the author of THAT TRILOGY, so I'm free to rip her book apart, like so many others have before me. And I'm not even trashing every single page, like I did the 1st time. I'm only taking issue with plot or other issues which pull me out of the book. Everyone knows some of the words which drive me crazy, so I do multiple chapters in a short, sweet post.
And as previously stated, I won't post to that particular loop next week, when I promo the next segment.
Sheesh. If something offends you, skip over it! There's a lot of links I click on, see it's not to my liking, and move on.
Another 'gripe' I have is concerning FB posts. One of my friends posts blatent M/M posts; do I get angry about it? No; I scroll past. Another friend is totally pro-Life, while I'm pro-choice. I simply keep scrolling. I guess I'm more of a peacemaker than hard left or right. I've taken flak for my 'Marriage=1 man 1 woman' posts and my more conservative views. So why do my friends who are more liberal feel the need to take me to task? Do I challenge you on YOUR views? No.
Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Expression means you have your right to your opinions and I have a right to mine. It does NOT mean we have to cram our views down each other's throats in order to get along. We are free to agree to disagree.
Why fight about it? Is our friendship that fragile?
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
What You Pawn, I Will Redeem (posted May 2014)
A little boy stared at the giant plate glass window.
"Come along, Johnny."
"But-" He cast one more longing glance as his mother led him away.
Two days later, he again looked longingly at the items in the window.
"See something you like, young fellow?" A gentleman stood beside him.
"My momma told me not to talk to strangers." Johnny stepped to his right.
"Your mother is a wise woman. I'm rather partial to the violin in the corner."
Johnny hesitated a moment. "I like the train."
"Ah, the train. A very good choice. I used to have a train set like that. Shall we go inside and see how much it costs?"
"Twelve dollars. My sister told me. I can't have it because I've been bad."
"Bad? Why is that?"
Johnny hung his head. "I can't tell." He turned and walked away, shuffling his feet.
*********
The elderly gentleman stroked his small white beard and frowned. He entered the store and inquired about the cost of the train.
"Twelve dollars, but it's not for sale."
"Why is it in the window, if it's not for sale?"
"That kid you were talking to? He walked in while his sister was smoking. She pawned it in front of him, so he wouldn't tell their parents." The store owner's voice dropped as other customers entered. "I felt sorry for the kid, so I keep it where he can see it."
"I see. Can we speak in private?"
"Sure."
**************
A week later, Johnny ran to the store and stopped cold. My train! It's gone! Tears streamed down his face as he pushed open the heavy door.
"You promised! And it's gone. Why? I told you I'd be back. Why?" Johnny threw a fistful of dollar bills on the counter and crumpled to the floor.
He felt a soothing hand on his back. "Johnny, your train is safe."
Johnny sniffed. "S-safe? But where is it? I told you I'd be back for it, and it's gone."
"Sit up and dry your eyes." Johnny sat up, took the tissue and blew his nose. "Here's your money, son. I think if you go home, you'll find it in your toy box."
"But....how?"
"Just go home."
Johnny struggled to his feet and hugged the store owner. "Thanks mister, for taking care of my train."
He ran from the store and all the way home. Sure enough, there in his room was his beloved toy train, with a note.
"No little boy should be without his favorite toy. Enjoy! Signed, a friend."
"Come along, Johnny."
"But-" He cast one more longing glance as his mother led him away.
Two days later, he again looked longingly at the items in the window.
"See something you like, young fellow?" A gentleman stood beside him.
"My momma told me not to talk to strangers." Johnny stepped to his right.
"Your mother is a wise woman. I'm rather partial to the violin in the corner."
Johnny hesitated a moment. "I like the train."
"Ah, the train. A very good choice. I used to have a train set like that. Shall we go inside and see how much it costs?"
"Twelve dollars. My sister told me. I can't have it because I've been bad."
"Bad? Why is that?"
Johnny hung his head. "I can't tell." He turned and walked away, shuffling his feet.
*********
The elderly gentleman stroked his small white beard and frowned. He entered the store and inquired about the cost of the train.
"Twelve dollars, but it's not for sale."
"Why is it in the window, if it's not for sale?"
"That kid you were talking to? He walked in while his sister was smoking. She pawned it in front of him, so he wouldn't tell their parents." The store owner's voice dropped as other customers entered. "I felt sorry for the kid, so I keep it where he can see it."
"I see. Can we speak in private?"
"Sure."
**************
A week later, Johnny ran to the store and stopped cold. My train! It's gone! Tears streamed down his face as he pushed open the heavy door.
"You promised! And it's gone. Why? I told you I'd be back. Why?" Johnny threw a fistful of dollar bills on the counter and crumpled to the floor.
He felt a soothing hand on his back. "Johnny, your train is safe."
Johnny sniffed. "S-safe? But where is it? I told you I'd be back for it, and it's gone."
"Sit up and dry your eyes." Johnny sat up, took the tissue and blew his nose. "Here's your money, son. I think if you go home, you'll find it in your toy box."
"But....how?"
"Just go home."
Johnny struggled to his feet and hugged the store owner. "Thanks mister, for taking care of my train."
He ran from the store and all the way home. Sure enough, there in his room was his beloved toy train, with a note.
"No little boy should be without his favorite toy. Enjoy! Signed, a friend."
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Writing prompt: A hypocritical preacher
“Thank you for coming.”
Reverend Jim greeted his parishioners as they exited the building. “I’ll see you next week.” He ruffled the hair of an eight-year old
boy. “You sang well in the choir today
Tommy.”
“Thanth!” Tommy
beamed, spittle dripping from the gap in his front teeth.
“Let me guess; all he wants for Christmas is his two front
teeth?” Jim joked with Tommy’s mother as
her son jumped down the stairs and raced around the corner.
“Pretty much. Good
sermon today.”
“Thank you.” Jim
waved as the last of the congregation drove off in their cars. His shoulders slumped as he returned to his
pulpit. Excellent sermon indeed. Father,
please forgive me for what I’m about to do.
“Reverend?” A sweet
female voice flowed over him. “Shall I
expect you in an hour?”
He nodded his head.
“Yes. One hour.”
Her heels clicked on the wooden floor. “I’ll be ready.”
Jim turned to watch her go, her floral dress swishing out
the side door and out through the main building. I
should fight it….but Lord, it’s been so long….and it felt so good the last
time….
He hung his robes in his office, then secured the building
and left for his house across the street.
He loosened his tie as he entered and greeted his silver Labrador . “You
need to go outside?” Jim strode to the
patio door and opened it, watching the dog bound outside to the fenced in
yard. He closed the door and went to his
bedroom, stripping off his dark suit. He
laid the suit across the bed; he’d send it to the cleaners in the morning. Right now, he had twenty minutes to get ready
and be across town.
He shrugged into a dark blue polo shirt and khaki
slacks. After making sure the dog had
plenty of water in his bowl, he opened the door to let him in.
“I’ve got to take off for a bit, boy. Behave yourself while I’m gone.” Be good
for the both of us, because God help me, I can’t deny this craving.
He grabbed his car keys and making sure his wallet was in
his pocket, exited the house and climbed into his car.
Again, the guilt assaulted him. You
don’t have to go. You can resist this.
No, I can’t.
Yes, you can.
One last time. Then I’ll stop, I promise.
You keep saying that.
Shut up.
Jim sighed and put the car in gear.
A few moments later, he parked beside a pristine, two story
brick house. He drummed his fingers on the
wheel in a nervous gesture, then silenced his conscience and got out of the
car. He walked up the brick walk, and
the door opened when he arrived on the front porch.
“Hi Jim, we’ve been waiting for you.” He walked inside and greeted the two scantily
clad women. “Shall we begin?”
He nodded and followed them up the stairs, excited by what
was about to unfold. They entered a
large bedroom and closed the door.
“On your knees, slave.”
A whip cracked.
Jim dropped to his knees and bowed his head, hands behind
his back.
“Ah, I see you’ve been practicing. Rise, and take off your clothes.”
He did as he was told, then dropped back to his knees.
“This is for that horrible sermon you preached.” Crack! A leather flogger struck his left
shoulder blade. “Did you not think I
would hear about it? ‘Woman shall be
subservient to man.’ And while they’re
eating it up, you’re here every week at our mercy.”
“I’m sorry Mistress.
I was feeling guilty.”
Crack! “I did NOT give you permission to speak. For that, you will be gagged until we are
done with you.” A ball gag was stuffed
in his mouth and fastened behind his head.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Is It Me?
For a while now, I've been a little disgruntled about our Tuesday night group. I liked it (back in the day, lol!) when we met between 5-7pm and actually TALKED writing, or passed around and discussed what we were working on, or helping with edits. But now it's evolved into simply a social hour. Some new members have joined in the last year, and the preferred meeting time has been 6-9. Seven of us are published now, and I'm thinking seriously about only showing up once a month now.
Which begs the question, is it me? Did I simply outgrow these people, now I have a regular publisher and editor, and don't need outside help anymore? Or is it simply the fact I don't care to hang around them anymore, that our personalities have simply grown apart?
I like getting out of the house once a week to write. But when talking overrules my writing, then I feel my time is wasted. But on the other hand, it's nice to get out and associate with adults once a week. Or, I can also do that at karaoke.
I need to write more. I didn't write a single word last week, other than my blog posts. And if I want to have a book out next year, I'd better get it written in the next four months. So maybe I simply need to return to the coffee shop, and forego the social hour and venue of the others?
Which begs the question, is it me? Did I simply outgrow these people, now I have a regular publisher and editor, and don't need outside help anymore? Or is it simply the fact I don't care to hang around them anymore, that our personalities have simply grown apart?
I like getting out of the house once a week to write. But when talking overrules my writing, then I feel my time is wasted. But on the other hand, it's nice to get out and associate with adults once a week. Or, I can also do that at karaoke.
I need to write more. I didn't write a single word last week, other than my blog posts. And if I want to have a book out next year, I'd better get it written in the next four months. So maybe I simply need to return to the coffee shop, and forego the social hour and venue of the others?
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Edit Rant
Edits arrived and I want to bitch-slap my editor. Why? There are sooooo many 'suggested changes' that I do NOT agree with! Kind of makes me want to thrust my last two books in her face and say 'See? THIS is how it's done!!!'
-There are so many brand names crucial to my early 80's time period, it literally made me sick to take them out and use their description. IE: Nike and Keds shoes; Izod the alligator; Cheryl Tiegs, Calvin Klein, Jordache, and Chic jeans...the list goes on. And I never realized how many times I used Mountain Dew! Wendy's. McDonalds. Pizza Hut. Olive Garden. Chi-Chi's.
-My dates in itallics. Yes, I jump around in time. Get over it. Have you never read any 'epic sagas'? Not everything has to be a minute-by-minute/day-by-day explanation!!!
-My prologue flashback. This is NOT meant to be an 'in the moment' scene! It's a FLASHBACK, written in Omniscent POV, like a glimpse into her private memories.
This is what happens when you don't have the same editor. This particular one whipped #4 into shape, and now she's trying to edit #7. Why do I need to regurgitate a scene that has already been described in books #5 and 6? There's just enough description for the reader to know; it does not need to be retold!
I'm easy to work with, seriously. And this is only the 2nd time in my 4 year publishing history that I've clashed with an editor. I don't know if she's messing with my voice or trying to tell it her way, but it's driving me crazy. And I need to get these finished so I don't have to mess with it while on vacation! Bad enough I'll be on a review tour that week....ugh! My family's going to hate me every morning.....
I just want T or A back for the rest of this book!!!
-There are so many brand names crucial to my early 80's time period, it literally made me sick to take them out and use their description. IE: Nike and Keds shoes; Izod the alligator; Cheryl Tiegs, Calvin Klein, Jordache, and Chic jeans...the list goes on. And I never realized how many times I used Mountain Dew! Wendy's. McDonalds. Pizza Hut. Olive Garden. Chi-Chi's.
-My dates in itallics. Yes, I jump around in time. Get over it. Have you never read any 'epic sagas'? Not everything has to be a minute-by-minute/day-by-day explanation!!!
-My prologue flashback. This is NOT meant to be an 'in the moment' scene! It's a FLASHBACK, written in Omniscent POV, like a glimpse into her private memories.
This is what happens when you don't have the same editor. This particular one whipped #4 into shape, and now she's trying to edit #7. Why do I need to regurgitate a scene that has already been described in books #5 and 6? There's just enough description for the reader to know; it does not need to be retold!
I'm easy to work with, seriously. And this is only the 2nd time in my 4 year publishing history that I've clashed with an editor. I don't know if she's messing with my voice or trying to tell it her way, but it's driving me crazy. And I need to get these finished so I don't have to mess with it while on vacation! Bad enough I'll be on a review tour that week....ugh! My family's going to hate me every morning.....
I just want T or A back for the rest of this book!!!
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Weird Dream
What did I eat/drink before I went to bed?
I was fine until I got up at 5:30 to put my dog outside. I went back to bed (when will I learn??) and tried to squeeze in another hour of sleep.
Imagine my surprise when I finally dragged myself out of bed at 7:15, puzzled and slightly icked out by the dream I'd had.
I'd woken up in bed beside Ozzy Osborn, and he'd been a complete gentleman during the night. We dressed, and a guy who looked like Penn (from Penn and Teller fame) greeted me and the three of us drove to a dilapidated beach house. We looked through it, discovered the owner either comatose or dead; it was never really explained. And then Penn alluded to mine and Ozzy's engagement.
I laughed. "But he's not divorced from Sharon yet! We can't be engaged!"
That's when I woke up, shuddering at 1) dreaming I'd slept with Ozzy; 2) 'Penn' thought we were engaged; and 3) what the hell were we doing, walking around this guy's house?
I was fine until I got up at 5:30 to put my dog outside. I went back to bed (when will I learn??) and tried to squeeze in another hour of sleep.
Imagine my surprise when I finally dragged myself out of bed at 7:15, puzzled and slightly icked out by the dream I'd had.
I'd woken up in bed beside Ozzy Osborn, and he'd been a complete gentleman during the night. We dressed, and a guy who looked like Penn (from Penn and Teller fame) greeted me and the three of us drove to a dilapidated beach house. We looked through it, discovered the owner either comatose or dead; it was never really explained. And then Penn alluded to mine and Ozzy's engagement.
I laughed. "But he's not divorced from Sharon yet! We can't be engaged!"
That's when I woke up, shuddering at 1) dreaming I'd slept with Ozzy; 2) 'Penn' thought we were engaged; and 3) what the hell were we doing, walking around this guy's house?
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)