That’s what they say: write what you know.
So, why is tonight the first time I’ve thought about writing a kids book with running in it? Went from brushing teeth to 725 words written in 25 minutes, or so. Excited to see how it reads tomorrow!
1 20 minutes before dinner, inspiration struck. We’ll see how it sounds tomorrow, in the clear light of day and when I’m not hungry. For now, donzo!
1 Week 3 of working for myself on becoming a published children’s book author.
Biggest realization: history proves that I show up for a traditional job every day, so I can show up for myself every day. Even if it is 80 degrees and sunny, like today, I still have work to do that will only get done if I show up at one of my “offices.” Here’s where I spent today:
This week’s commitments:
1. Complete the re-write of Bad, Bored Emma.
2. Outline Emma on the Farm
3. Complete researching publishers
The reward: a pedicure. Much needed after three days of walking around NYC last weekend.
2 Random observation: Black ice, black eyes and Black guys sound REALLY alike when said outloud. I’m wickedly tempted to call my mom in Idaho and ask her if she’s seen any black guys/ice just to see if she knows what I’m talking about.
Me: Hey, mom, heard you guys had some crazy cold weather. Seen any Black guys?
Mom: Yep, it was freezing but I managed to avoid all the black ice.
Me: Mom, don’t be scared of the Black guys. If they’re living in Idaho, they probably aren’t too thuggish.
Mom: (I’m imaging silence) … I’m going to give you two black eyes.
By the way, before anyone gets heated, I should mention, I’m Black and this is just a little Fun with Words!
Creative Cocooning: An experience marked by a notable shift from external socialization to inward retreat, where the desire to create becomes of primary importance.
Like a social butterfly, in reverse.
Getting in the rhythm of being a writer, which seems to involve a lot of not writing. Last week, my major accomplishments were:
- starting
- completing the final edit of BATTLE BERT, 1 of my 2 young reader/picture books
- starting a magazine article
This week’s goals are:
- craft BATTLE BERT query letter
- 1 post on each of my blogs - total of 3 (this counts as 1; sweet!)
- complete final edit of BAD, BORED EMMA, 2nd of books
- research grants
If I complete all 4 goals, I get to put $35 into my “cuteness kitty” (aka money toward a facial, massage or a pedicure).
1 swedishbits asked: Hi, I'm not sure how the comment system etc. works on tumblr yet, but I just wanted to point out sth about your post about the Swedish soap. The unpronouncable words are because of a typographical error, probably due to the ä and å. The words are supposed to be "färskt från havet", which is somewhat easier to pronounce. Gott nytt år!
Your edit to the Swedish Soap makes sense and proves that American marketing people should not be in charge of foreign-language copy! Thanks!
A typo is like porn; you know it when you see it. After 5 days, I no longer “exspect” this sad sign of the times to be corrected.
New Jersey retro
A friend told me his email almost arrived missing the letter P. Not the biggest deal - a small typo even for a Word Nerd like myself. Except the meaning of the sentence hinged on that P.
Without the p, the sentence was glowing praise from a pimp: Hoe your day was productive!
With the p, it was an encouraging note from a friend: Hope your day was productive!
Shout out to the letter P for keeping me hopeful, not hooking, for another day.
