Quick Thursday

Quick thoughts:

A 6am diner breakfast with my dad is a nice way to start the day.

Sarah Dessen’s North Carolina Tar Heels basketball team is still dominating. Sadly. But my Hoyas don’t completely suck.

Yesterday’s run was long, slow, and lovely. And I woke up with a sore right knee. I checked the mileage and sure enough, I’ve put in 325 miles in this pair of running shoes. The last time I had knee trouble, it was when the previous pair of shoes got to 325. You are supposed to only have to get new shoes every 400 miles, but I think I have a snobby knee. (Think Princess and the Pea. Or Knee.) So it’s off to the store we go. Thank you, darling children, for the gift certificate at Christmas!

Along with working on my book and keeping various family plates spinning in the air, I am preparing for my workshops at Kindling Words next week. Are any of you going to be there? If you are, help me out: this is my first KW (I’ve been wanting to go for years). What is your favorite part of KW?

Writing note – I keep circling around the description of a character’s room, putting stuff in, taking stuff out, walking into it, walking out of it, etc. Why am I struggling with this? Because I am still trying to understand this (secondary) character. Hmmmmmm.

12 Replies to “Quick Thursday”

  1. If this character is still in school, what does he/she want to be when he/she grows up? Who are the role models? What hobbies snag this character’s attention? Is this a right brain or left brain person? Is this a video game- or a reality show- or a musical comedy- or a soap opera- or a sports freak- or a political junkie-type person? Are the window shades up or down? Does that help?

  2. hi laurie

    Dear Laurie, We met at Whispering Pines last year. You were my critique-er. I was working on a book about a teenager who’s half white/half black who’s meeting his mother for the first time and you said that it was okay to write in a guy’s voice (I’m female) and that it was okay to write in another race’s voice (I’m white). I was so thankful for that permission. You may not remember and it’s okay! This was the only way I could find you (please don’t think I am a stalker). I am writing because my first book is coming out this fall with Houghton Mifflin and they are going to start sending out mss copies for people to read for quotes for the back cover. I knew I would kick myself if I didn’t at least ask you if it might be all right to have them mail you a copy for a possible quote. If you never have time to read the book, no harm no foul. I just wanted to give you a try. Please let me know. My email address is jenmnails@gmail.com. Thank you for your time. Stay warm and have fun at Kindling Words. I wish I was going to be there. All the best, Jen Nails

  3. I’ll be at KW this year, but I’m afraid I can’t help you with what to expect, as it’s my first year, too. I have heard that it’s phenomenal and that the food is fantastic (don’t worry…there’s a treadmill, too!). I’m really looking forward to your workshop!

  4. KW BOUND

    I’m heading up to Vermont next week as well, K and Laurie. My heart is beginning to pound already. {}

    Definitely not my first KW but my first at the new shindigs. KW has left the Silver Bay “Y” behind for greener, more elegant pastures but I can only hope they spirit remains the same. But of course it will be.

    My favorite part: no pedestals raised; all voices are equal; no feeling of exclusivity or clique-ing.

    Oh yes, bring warm boots for those radiant walks in the cold and snow. The Saturday night bonfire has been known to bring out the finest vocals this side of the Metropolitan Opera House. Bring a wish. Toss it into the fire. Make dreams come true.

    Yup. That’s what I like best.
    These heart-of-winter moments of personal reflection and– an intense group spirit that reeks of fiery dedication to sharing words and books and dreams.

    Can’t wait. {}

    -Pamela

  5. I’m looking forward to seeing you at KW, Laurie. You’ll love the informal conversations with other writers and editors at meals and in various nooks and crannies all day and evening. A little-known fact about KW — there are a number of knitters there, so bring your latest project. The scenery is gorgeous, the rooms very comfortable and the food delicious. I bet your first KW won’t be your last!

    MJ

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