Back home in the country

Got in from the funeral last night…. it sounds strange to say it, but it really was wonderful. People from all different parts of Pop-Pop’s life turned out to honor his memory and that was a comfort to his family. A good life filled with love and service, and a good death. You can’t ask for much more than that.

Stef came back with us for a few days which means if she ever wakes up this morning, we’ll enjoy the last round of Christmas gift exchanging. Wake up, Steffie!!!!

Are you one of those women who hates looking at magazine covers because the models all seem inhumanely perfect and it feels like they are setting a standard that us normal chicks will never meet? It is all a lie. (Thanks, Stef, for the link.)

BH has gone to get the Creature With Fangs out of the Doggie Hotel. (We use Paws and Effect in Oswego, NY – we highly recommend them, if you need a place for your critter.) She has the fangs under control now… she needs a new name. I’ll work on that. I’m also working on my resolution. Will post that tomorrow.

105 Replies to “Back home in the country”

  1. wow that was very interesting to see. I took a graphic design course and learned about the process of eliminating excess waists and perfect skin features and some of those models don’t look as perfect without the retouch.lol. Thanks for the info. I’m showing it to my friends. I wonder what Paris Hilton looks like without her touch ups on magazines?That would be nice to see. Tyra Banks even said on her talk show that the magazines photos aren’t accurate.

  2. wow that was very interesting to see. I took a graphic design course and learned about the process of eliminating excess waists and perfect skin features and some of those models don’t look as perfect without the retouch.lol. Thanks for the info. I’m showing it to my friends. I wonder what Paris Hilton looks like without her touch ups on magazines?That would be nice to see. Tyra Banks even said on her talk show that the magazines photos aren’t accurate.

  3. wow that was very interesting to see. I took a graphic design course and learned about the process of eliminating excess waists and perfect skin features and some of those models don’t look as perfect without the retouch.lol. Thanks for the info. I’m showing it to my friends. I wonder what Paris Hilton looks like without her touch ups on magazines?That would be nice to see. Tyra Banks even said on her talk show that the magazines photos aren’t accurate.

  4. Teaching Speak

    Ms. Anderson, I wanted to share with you the joy that I have had this week returning from break and beginning to teach Speak for hte first time. My ninth graders are tremendously responsive to it and even today (at the end of the first quarter) one boy said “She should just tell everyone.” I asked him to consider why Melinda may not be telling everyone. And another replied, “because each day it is getting harder and harder.” I just find that these kids have so much personal experience that you really speak (pardon the horrible pun) to in this novel and I know you have heard it all before, but you have made a teacher excited to teach this week, and students excited to learn.

    I am putting together a sexual assault project to go with this because at our school there was an attempted abduction in our parking lot on Halloween. The man was a convicted rapist and had duct tape and shovel in his van. Thank God, she was able to fight him away. This novel comes at a great time for our district.

    Thank you.

  5. Teaching Speak

    Ms. Anderson, I wanted to share with you the joy that I have had this week returning from break and beginning to teach Speak for hte first time. My ninth graders are tremendously responsive to it and even today (at the end of the first quarter) one boy said “She should just tell everyone.” I asked him to consider why Melinda may not be telling everyone. And another replied, “because each day it is getting harder and harder.” I just find that these kids have so much personal experience that you really speak (pardon the horrible pun) to in this novel and I know you have heard it all before, but you have made a teacher excited to teach this week, and students excited to learn.

    I am putting together a sexual assault project to go with this because at our school there was an attempted abduction in our parking lot on Halloween. The man was a convicted rapist and had duct tape and shovel in his van. Thank God, she was able to fight him away. This novel comes at a great time for our district.

    Thank you.

  6. Teaching Speak

    Ms. Anderson, I wanted to share with you the joy that I have had this week returning from break and beginning to teach Speak for hte first time. My ninth graders are tremendously responsive to it and even today (at the end of the first quarter) one boy said “She should just tell everyone.” I asked him to consider why Melinda may not be telling everyone. And another replied, “because each day it is getting harder and harder.” I just find that these kids have so much personal experience that you really speak (pardon the horrible pun) to in this novel and I know you have heard it all before, but you have made a teacher excited to teach this week, and students excited to learn.

    I am putting together a sexual assault project to go with this because at our school there was an attempted abduction in our parking lot on Halloween. The man was a convicted rapist and had duct tape and shovel in his van. Thank God, she was able to fight him away. This novel comes at a great time for our district.

    Thank you.

  7. Re: Teaching Speak

    Thanks so much for your kind words and your dedication to your students.

    I hope you take a look at MyStrength.org – I think this is a vital component to all sexual assault awareness projects.

  8. Re: Teaching Speak

    Thanks so much for your kind words and your dedication to your students.

    I hope you take a look at MyStrength.org – I think this is a vital component to all sexual assault awareness projects.

  9. Re: Teaching Speak

    Thanks so much for your kind words and your dedication to your students.

    I hope you take a look at MyStrength.org – I think this is a vital component to all sexual assault awareness projects.

  10. Pop Pop!

    I just wanted to say that I called my late grandfather Pop Pop too! (Do you know where that originated?)

    Also, that link was great. Of course we’re all aware that they do retouching on photographs, but it’s nice to know exactly how much they do (i.e. a LOT).

    This is random, but anytime I’m having a low body image day, I listen to the song “video” by india.arie, and it always makes me feel better.

    Girlpower!

  11. Pop Pop!

    I just wanted to say that I called my late grandfather Pop Pop too! (Do you know where that originated?)

    Also, that link was great. Of course we’re all aware that they do retouching on photographs, but it’s nice to know exactly how much they do (i.e. a LOT).

    This is random, but anytime I’m having a low body image day, I listen to the song “video” by india.arie, and it always makes me feel better.

    Girlpower!

  12. Pop Pop!

    I just wanted to say that I called my late grandfather Pop Pop too! (Do you know where that originated?)

    Also, that link was great. Of course we’re all aware that they do retouching on photographs, but it’s nice to know exactly how much they do (i.e. a LOT).

    This is random, but anytime I’m having a low body image day, I listen to the song “video” by india.arie, and it always makes me feel better.

    Girlpower!

  13. wow your books are really interseting. Thats good to hear from me beacause i hate reading. your books make me want to read. I just finshed the book speak and it left be speachless!! you really know how to write a book. i cant wait to start to read catalyst ( sorry if i selpt that wrong!) well i have to go now b/c i am doing a report on well you really and i came across this site and just HAD leave you a comment on your books!
    keep on writing!
    -Lauren

  14. wow your books are really interseting. Thats good to hear from me beacause i hate reading. your books make me want to read. I just finshed the book speak and it left be speachless!! you really know how to write a book. i cant wait to start to read catalyst ( sorry if i selpt that wrong!) well i have to go now b/c i am doing a report on well you really and i came across this site and just HAD leave you a comment on your books!
    keep on writing!
    -Lauren

  15. wow your books are really interseting. Thats good to hear from me beacause i hate reading. your books make me want to read. I just finshed the book speak and it left be speachless!! you really know how to write a book. i cant wait to start to read catalyst ( sorry if i selpt that wrong!) well i have to go now b/c i am doing a report on well you really and i came across this site and just HAD leave you a comment on your books!
    keep on writing!
    -Lauren

  16. Wow. It’s amazing to see just what kinds of things can be done with covers and such. I knew they did brush-up’s but you never realize just how much they do it until you see something like this.

    It just goes to show how much the media’s portrayal of beauty is just completely fake. That’s what it is. Fake! Fake! Fake! None of it is ever real and that’s sad.

    because once and awhile, maybe I’d like to see someone on the cover of a magazine who looks like my best friend next door.

    Unfortunately, that’s just not good enough for them.

    Sorry for the little mini-rant 🙂 Once I get going on something I can’t shut up!

  17. Wow. It’s amazing to see just what kinds of things can be done with covers and such. I knew they did brush-up’s but you never realize just how much they do it until you see something like this.

    It just goes to show how much the media’s portrayal of beauty is just completely fake. That’s what it is. Fake! Fake! Fake! None of it is ever real and that’s sad.

    because once and awhile, maybe I’d like to see someone on the cover of a magazine who looks like my best friend next door.

    Unfortunately, that’s just not good enough for them.

    Sorry for the little mini-rant 🙂 Once I get going on something I can’t shut up!

  18. Wow. It’s amazing to see just what kinds of things can be done with covers and such. I knew they did brush-up’s but you never realize just how much they do it until you see something like this.

    It just goes to show how much the media’s portrayal of beauty is just completely fake. That’s what it is. Fake! Fake! Fake! None of it is ever real and that’s sad.

    because once and awhile, maybe I’d like to see someone on the cover of a magazine who looks like my best friend next door.

    Unfortunately, that’s just not good enough for them.

    Sorry for the little mini-rant 🙂 Once I get going on something I can’t shut up!

  19. Are you one of those women who hates looking at magazine covers because the models all seem inhumanely perfect and it feels like they are setting a standard that us normal chicks will never meet? It is all a lie. (Thanks, Stef, for the link.)

    THANK YOU!! I don’t even read magazines anymore for that very reason (well that, and the fact that most of the stuff inside is just drabble). It’s just ridiculous.

  20. Are you one of those women who hates looking at magazine covers because the models all seem inhumanely perfect and it feels like they are setting a standard that us normal chicks will never meet? It is all a lie. (Thanks, Stef, for the link.)

    THANK YOU!! I don’t even read magazines anymore for that very reason (well that, and the fact that most of the stuff inside is just drabble). It’s just ridiculous.

  21. Are you one of those women who hates looking at magazine covers because the models all seem inhumanely perfect and it feels like they are setting a standard that us normal chicks will never meet? It is all a lie. (Thanks, Stef, for the link.)

    THANK YOU!! I don’t even read magazines anymore for that very reason (well that, and the fact that most of the stuff inside is just drabble). It’s just ridiculous.

  22. Re: Teaching Speak

    I have guy friends who have come to me and told me that they’ve hit their girlfriends, or forced them to have sex when they didn’t want to and they are sorry and feel horribly guilty. It is so hard to know what to say to them. They are for the most part good guys, but things have gotten out of control, and that doesn’t excuse it; it’s just hard when you’ve experienced similiar things and can’t label them as a monster or an asshole, and are compelled to help them and keep loving them because they’re your friends. I sent them to counselors; they knew they needed it and checked up on the girlfriends. What else can you do?

    I’m glad there is a site like that. It’s encouraging.

  23. Re: Teaching Speak

    I have guy friends who have come to me and told me that they’ve hit their girlfriends, or forced them to have sex when they didn’t want to and they are sorry and feel horribly guilty. It is so hard to know what to say to them. They are for the most part good guys, but things have gotten out of control, and that doesn’t excuse it; it’s just hard when you’ve experienced similiar things and can’t label them as a monster or an asshole, and are compelled to help them and keep loving them because they’re your friends. I sent them to counselors; they knew they needed it and checked up on the girlfriends. What else can you do?

    I’m glad there is a site like that. It’s encouraging.

  24. Re: Teaching Speak

    I have guy friends who have come to me and told me that they’ve hit their girlfriends, or forced them to have sex when they didn’t want to and they are sorry and feel horribly guilty. It is so hard to know what to say to them. They are for the most part good guys, but things have gotten out of control, and that doesn’t excuse it; it’s just hard when you’ve experienced similiar things and can’t label them as a monster or an asshole, and are compelled to help them and keep loving them because they’re your friends. I sent them to counselors; they knew they needed it and checked up on the girlfriends. What else can you do?

    I’m glad there is a site like that. It’s encouraging.

  25. Re: Teaching Speak

    RAINN.org is also a great site. And if your school doesn’t already do a self-defense unit in Gym, you may want to encourage it.

  26. Re: Teaching Speak

    RAINN.org is also a great site. And if your school doesn’t already do a self-defense unit in Gym, you may want to encourage it.

  27. Re: Teaching Speak

    RAINN.org is also a great site. And if your school doesn’t already do a self-defense unit in Gym, you may want to encourage it.

  28. Welcome home.

    I hate the media. This spring I’m organizing a showing of “Killing Us Softly 3” with a panel to discuss it at my college.

  29. Welcome home.

    I hate the media. This spring I’m organizing a showing of “Killing Us Softly 3” with a panel to discuss it at my college.

  30. Welcome home.

    I hate the media. This spring I’m organizing a showing of “Killing Us Softly 3” with a panel to discuss it at my college.

  31. The link was really interesting. From a technical perspective, it was an eye-opener: all that Photoshopping must take forever. From a body-image perspective, i think people are being unfair to themselves to set the bar *that* high…i mean i know i don’t look as perfect as Brad Pitt, and it’s not really worth worrying about.

    Finished Speak for the 3rd time last night (i know: i read slow[ly]), and it was every bit as awesome as it was the first time thru. Wicked awesome.

  32. The link was really interesting. From a technical perspective, it was an eye-opener: all that Photoshopping must take forever. From a body-image perspective, i think people are being unfair to themselves to set the bar *that* high…i mean i know i don’t look as perfect as Brad Pitt, and it’s not really worth worrying about.

    Finished Speak for the 3rd time last night (i know: i read slow[ly]), and it was every bit as awesome as it was the first time thru. Wicked awesome.

  33. The link was really interesting. From a technical perspective, it was an eye-opener: all that Photoshopping must take forever. From a body-image perspective, i think people are being unfair to themselves to set the bar *that* high…i mean i know i don’t look as perfect as Brad Pitt, and it’s not really worth worrying about.

    Finished Speak for the 3rd time last night (i know: i read slow[ly]), and it was every bit as awesome as it was the first time thru. Wicked awesome.

  34. The funeral sounds sad, but good. (I’m not sure if that makes any sense) I’m sure he was a man who had a lot of friends/family who loved him. I’ve never been to a funeral before.

    Thanks for the link! That makes me feel so much better now .. I thought that stars were that gorgeous all the time. But I saw a page in a magazine that was titled “Stars without Makeup On”, and I could hardly recognize any of them.

    I like the dog name Riley … good luck making up one. 🙂

  35. The funeral sounds sad, but good. (I’m not sure if that makes any sense) I’m sure he was a man who had a lot of friends/family who loved him. I’ve never been to a funeral before.

    Thanks for the link! That makes me feel so much better now .. I thought that stars were that gorgeous all the time. But I saw a page in a magazine that was titled “Stars without Makeup On”, and I could hardly recognize any of them.

    I like the dog name Riley … good luck making up one. 🙂

  36. The funeral sounds sad, but good. (I’m not sure if that makes any sense) I’m sure he was a man who had a lot of friends/family who loved him. I’ve never been to a funeral before.

    Thanks for the link! That makes me feel so much better now .. I thought that stars were that gorgeous all the time. But I saw a page in a magazine that was titled “Stars without Makeup On”, and I could hardly recognize any of them.

    I like the dog name Riley … good luck making up one. 🙂

  37. Cures

    I don’t know exactly what to say here. I guess I’m just seeking some kind of cure. I know that there isn’t any way to forget trama such as molestation- and there aren’t really cures- but how do you really move forward?

    I’ve talked about it a lot- and I’ve tried to grow past this point in my life- but everytime I see him (everyday) I feel like it’s one of those cuts that you keep banging back open. I know that by the time I get over it- I’ll have a massive scar and I really want to figure out how to heal my bad experience without that happening.

    I was talking to a good friend about talking to him. (The boy who did this). She told me that it seemed like if I had something I needed to say, I should say it. But she also said that it was pointless to try to make him feel bad about what happened.. So what on earth should I say?
    Wouldn’t it sound so dramatic and stupid to say “What you did was wrong- or- What you did hurt me.”? How would I let him know that what he did changed everything- and maybe somehow leave a lasting impression- so he won’t do it again to someone else (which I’ve heard he already has).

    Apart from laying in the snow making snow angels, writing in diaries, and brainstorming, I’ve come up with nothing.

    Still stuck.

    Julia Johnston

  38. Cures

    I don’t know exactly what to say here. I guess I’m just seeking some kind of cure. I know that there isn’t any way to forget trama such as molestation- and there aren’t really cures- but how do you really move forward?

    I’ve talked about it a lot- and I’ve tried to grow past this point in my life- but everytime I see him (everyday) I feel like it’s one of those cuts that you keep banging back open. I know that by the time I get over it- I’ll have a massive scar and I really want to figure out how to heal my bad experience without that happening.

    I was talking to a good friend about talking to him. (The boy who did this). She told me that it seemed like if I had something I needed to say, I should say it. But she also said that it was pointless to try to make him feel bad about what happened.. So what on earth should I say?
    Wouldn’t it sound so dramatic and stupid to say “What you did was wrong- or- What you did hurt me.”? How would I let him know that what he did changed everything- and maybe somehow leave a lasting impression- so he won’t do it again to someone else (which I’ve heard he already has).

    Apart from laying in the snow making snow angels, writing in diaries, and brainstorming, I’ve come up with nothing.

    Still stuck.

    Julia Johnston

  39. Cures

    I don’t know exactly what to say here. I guess I’m just seeking some kind of cure. I know that there isn’t any way to forget trama such as molestation- and there aren’t really cures- but how do you really move forward?

    I’ve talked about it a lot- and I’ve tried to grow past this point in my life- but everytime I see him (everyday) I feel like it’s one of those cuts that you keep banging back open. I know that by the time I get over it- I’ll have a massive scar and I really want to figure out how to heal my bad experience without that happening.

    I was talking to a good friend about talking to him. (The boy who did this). She told me that it seemed like if I had something I needed to say, I should say it. But she also said that it was pointless to try to make him feel bad about what happened.. So what on earth should I say?
    Wouldn’t it sound so dramatic and stupid to say “What you did was wrong- or- What you did hurt me.”? How would I let him know that what he did changed everything- and maybe somehow leave a lasting impression- so he won’t do it again to someone else (which I’ve heard he already has).

    Apart from laying in the snow making snow angels, writing in diaries, and brainstorming, I’ve come up with nothing.

    Still stuck.

    Julia Johnston

  40. Re: Cures

    There are no cures for trauma, but it does get easier… much, much, much easier. I promise. I get the sense that you’ve only been able to talk about this recently, but the attack itself happened a while ago. The “healing clock” starts ticking when you start to get help for the pain and confusion. It is still early days yet for you. I wish I had a magic wand, but I don’t. You are doing the right things. Keep talking about your feelings, keep your eyes forward, and work towards the life that you want to create for yourself.

    (I’m glad you liked the book, BTW.)

  41. Re: Cures

    There are no cures for trauma, but it does get easier… much, much, much easier. I promise. I get the sense that you’ve only been able to talk about this recently, but the attack itself happened a while ago. The “healing clock” starts ticking when you start to get help for the pain and confusion. It is still early days yet for you. I wish I had a magic wand, but I don’t. You are doing the right things. Keep talking about your feelings, keep your eyes forward, and work towards the life that you want to create for yourself.

    (I’m glad you liked the book, BTW.)

  42. Re: Cures

    There are no cures for trauma, but it does get easier… much, much, much easier. I promise. I get the sense that you’ve only been able to talk about this recently, but the attack itself happened a while ago. The “healing clock” starts ticking when you start to get help for the pain and confusion. It is still early days yet for you. I wish I had a magic wand, but I don’t. You are doing the right things. Keep talking about your feelings, keep your eyes forward, and work towards the life that you want to create for yourself.

    (I’m glad you liked the book, BTW.)

  43. Re: Cures

    It’s true that it didn’t happen recently. It’ll have been four months on the 16th.
    I can’t help but know the date… It was the day I was supposed to turn in my scholarship application (one I’d been working on for months).
    Sadly, I never did it- and missed the deadline.
    I desperately wish I had done it anyways.

    Thank you for your encouraging words. It’s nice to know someone out there cares. It is also very sweet of you to take the time to reply. Thank you again.

    Julia

  44. Re: Cures

    It’s true that it didn’t happen recently. It’ll have been four months on the 16th.
    I can’t help but know the date… It was the day I was supposed to turn in my scholarship application (one I’d been working on for months).
    Sadly, I never did it- and missed the deadline.
    I desperately wish I had done it anyways.

    Thank you for your encouraging words. It’s nice to know someone out there cares. It is also very sweet of you to take the time to reply. Thank you again.

    Julia

  45. Re: Cures

    It’s true that it didn’t happen recently. It’ll have been four months on the 16th.
    I can’t help but know the date… It was the day I was supposed to turn in my scholarship application (one I’d been working on for months).
    Sadly, I never did it- and missed the deadline.
    I desperately wish I had done it anyways.

    Thank you for your encouraging words. It’s nice to know someone out there cares. It is also very sweet of you to take the time to reply. Thank you again.

    Julia

  46. Re: Cures

    Thank you for your concern- I have recently taken the time to talk to several adults about this- and I’m doing a lot better every day. Thank’s.

    Julia

  47. Re: Cures

    Thank you for your concern- I have recently taken the time to talk to several adults about this- and I’m doing a lot better every day. Thank’s.

    Julia

  48. Re: Cures

    Thank you for your concern- I have recently taken the time to talk to several adults about this- and I’m doing a lot better every day. Thank’s.

    Julia

  49. Speak & Writer’s Block

    I just read Speak and got so into it I finished it in one hour! The book was so realistic and I could feel Melinda’s character growing. Awesome writing! I also loved Fever 1793, which I read in the 5th grade. The best book I’d read at the time (my current fave is Speak)! Do you have any tips for writer’s block? I’m (trying) to be a writer, and my main character isn’t going much of anywhere right now. She’s telling me her story and I’m trying to tell it, but I’m so not sure how to! Please help! P.S. I’m so sorry about your Pop-Pop, my grandfather is dead too.

  50. Speak & Writer’s Block

    I just read Speak and got so into it I finished it in one hour! The book was so realistic and I could feel Melinda’s character growing. Awesome writing! I also loved Fever 1793, which I read in the 5th grade. The best book I’d read at the time (my current fave is Speak)! Do you have any tips for writer’s block? I’m (trying) to be a writer, and my main character isn’t going much of anywhere right now. She’s telling me her story and I’m trying to tell it, but I’m so not sure how to! Please help! P.S. I’m so sorry about your Pop-Pop, my grandfather is dead too.

  51. Speak & Writer’s Block

    I just read Speak and got so into it I finished it in one hour! The book was so realistic and I could feel Melinda’s character growing. Awesome writing! I also loved Fever 1793, which I read in the 5th grade. The best book I’d read at the time (my current fave is Speak)! Do you have any tips for writer’s block? I’m (trying) to be a writer, and my main character isn’t going much of anywhere right now. She’s telling me her story and I’m trying to tell it, but I’m so not sure how to! Please help! P.S. I’m so sorry about your Pop-Pop, my grandfather is dead too.

  52. hi

    i’m glad you made it home okay:-). sorry if i don’t comment much in these next few days. the musical’s going to be really busy. so i’m apologizing in advance if you don’t see my comments:-(. but anyway i hope everything’s going well for you and you are in my thoughts and prayers:-)! -ash 🙂

  53. hi

    i’m glad you made it home okay:-). sorry if i don’t comment much in these next few days. the musical’s going to be really busy. so i’m apologizing in advance if you don’t see my comments:-(. but anyway i hope everything’s going well for you and you are in my thoughts and prayers:-)! -ash 🙂

  54. hi

    i’m glad you made it home okay:-). sorry if i don’t comment much in these next few days. the musical’s going to be really busy. so i’m apologizing in advance if you don’t see my comments:-(. but anyway i hope everything’s going well for you and you are in my thoughts and prayers:-)! -ash 🙂

  55. Re: Speak & Writer’s Block

    LHA was asked the same question not that long ago, in this post, where she gives a lot of useful advice about writing and revising. Here is her answer:
    Writer’s block is caused by lack of preparation, perfection, and procrastination. If you don’t know what to write, maybe you haven’t thought about your characters enough, so do some free associating or interview your character. Nobody writes perfectly, ever, so give yourself permission to write badly and know that you will improve it when you edit. And don’t procrastinate with writing assignments because it is wicked hard to be creative when a loud clock is ticking in your ear.

    My grandfather died not too long ago; i feel for you

  56. Re: Speak & Writer’s Block

    LHA was asked the same question not that long ago, in this post, where she gives a lot of useful advice about writing and revising. Here is her answer:
    Writer’s block is caused by lack of preparation, perfection, and procrastination. If you don’t know what to write, maybe you haven’t thought about your characters enough, so do some free associating or interview your character. Nobody writes perfectly, ever, so give yourself permission to write badly and know that you will improve it when you edit. And don’t procrastinate with writing assignments because it is wicked hard to be creative when a loud clock is ticking in your ear.

    My grandfather died not too long ago; i feel for you

  57. Re: Speak & Writer’s Block

    LHA was asked the same question not that long ago, in this post, where she gives a lot of useful advice about writing and revising. Here is her answer:
    Writer’s block is caused by lack of preparation, perfection, and procrastination. If you don’t know what to write, maybe you haven’t thought about your characters enough, so do some free associating or interview your character. Nobody writes perfectly, ever, so give yourself permission to write badly and know that you will improve it when you edit. And don’t procrastinate with writing assignments because it is wicked hard to be creative when a loud clock is ticking in your ear.

    My grandfather died not too long ago; i feel for you

  58. Okay, this may be one of the most idiotic questions I’ve asked, but how big are the margins you use when typing up your stories? I use 0.6 margins and have only 19 pages (in Times New Roman 12-point font) and am approximately halfway through. Does this seem too short, or should I just tell the story as it emerges and leave it at that?

  59. Okay, this may be one of the most idiotic questions I’ve asked, but how big are the margins you use when typing up your stories? I use 0.6 margins and have only 19 pages (in Times New Roman 12-point font) and am approximately halfway through. Does this seem too short, or should I just tell the story as it emerges and leave it at that?

  60. Okay, this may be one of the most idiotic questions I’ve asked, but how big are the margins you use when typing up your stories? I use 0.6 margins and have only 19 pages (in Times New Roman 12-point font) and am approximately halfway through. Does this seem too short, or should I just tell the story as it emerges and leave it at that?

  61. Re: Speak & Writer’s Block

    Thanks for reporting this!!! I really appreciate it.
    Now I will go back to work and write something that is less than perfect.

  62. Re: Speak & Writer’s Block

    Thanks for reporting this!!! I really appreciate it.
    Now I will go back to work and write something that is less than perfect.

  63. Re: Speak & Writer’s Block

    Thanks for reporting this!!! I really appreciate it.
    Now I will go back to work and write something that is less than perfect.

  64. Do not worry about story length, unless it is for an assignment. Make sure your story has a beginning, middle, and end. If you are going to submit it for publication, then make sure it is double-spaced. Times New Roman 12-point font is what I use. I have no idea what my margins are – I use whatever the computer tells me to. Good luck!

  65. Do not worry about story length, unless it is for an assignment. Make sure your story has a beginning, middle, and end. If you are going to submit it for publication, then make sure it is double-spaced. Times New Roman 12-point font is what I use. I have no idea what my margins are – I use whatever the computer tells me to. Good luck!

  66. Do not worry about story length, unless it is for an assignment. Make sure your story has a beginning, middle, and end. If you are going to submit it for publication, then make sure it is double-spaced. Times New Roman 12-point font is what I use. I have no idea what my margins are – I use whatever the computer tells me to. Good luck!

  67. Re: Cures

    There is no quick fix. There are things that help, but unfortunately it always takes time to heal.

    One thing that may help: write him a good long letter, telling him exactly how you feel (you do not have to send it, just use it as a healing tool). Ugh, I spend too much time with therapists; I’m starting to sound like one.

    And I would bet he already knows he hurt you. If he’s done it again that just proves that he’s scum and it wasn’t your fault.

    Take care of yourself. It does get easier.

  68. Re: Cures

    There is no quick fix. There are things that help, but unfortunately it always takes time to heal.

    One thing that may help: write him a good long letter, telling him exactly how you feel (you do not have to send it, just use it as a healing tool). Ugh, I spend too much time with therapists; I’m starting to sound like one.

    And I would bet he already knows he hurt you. If he’s done it again that just proves that he’s scum and it wasn’t your fault.

    Take care of yourself. It does get easier.

  69. Re: Cures

    There is no quick fix. There are things that help, but unfortunately it always takes time to heal.

    One thing that may help: write him a good long letter, telling him exactly how you feel (you do not have to send it, just use it as a healing tool). Ugh, I spend too much time with therapists; I’m starting to sound like one.

    And I would bet he already knows he hurt you. If he’s done it again that just proves that he’s scum and it wasn’t your fault.

    Take care of yourself. It does get easier.

  70. Thank you

    I really appreciate you replying to my question. Even electronic communication with a well-known author about writing questions is awesome. Thanks again! Ambree

  71. Thank you

    I really appreciate you replying to my question. Even electronic communication with a well-known author about writing questions is awesome. Thanks again! Ambree

  72. Thank you

    I really appreciate you replying to my question. Even electronic communication with a well-known author about writing questions is awesome. Thanks again! Ambree

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