My Cavernous Mind, Free Campers and Full Closets

Wake Up: 5:20am
Writing Time: 5:35am - 6:16am
Push Ups: 70
Sit Ups 20
Pull Ups: 10


My mornings haven't been very productive lately. I think mostly because I haven't had a direct vision of what I want to accomplish when I sit down at the computer.

Getting up late doesn't help either. Another thing that doesn't help, is that I have a few stories running through my mind at the same time and no time to explore them. That's frustrating. No writers block here, more like writers stuffed closet.

There are two stories that are really nagging me for time. I have one called "Touch" which is a struggle of good and evil spiced up with a love story intertwined.

"Will Vinny save the world, or will he risk everything and save his one true love?"

What good story doesn't have a love element in it. Seriously, it's rare that you find a popular story or movie that doesn't have a love story intertwined in it somewhere. Can you name one. I dare you to try.

The other story that is nagging for my time is "The Vines of Wisteria." It's a short story I wrote for Jorgies class. The characters are strong, and are still alive up there in that cavernous place called my BRAIN!

That's a scary place to be, even for a seasoned veteran like myself.

Well anyway, I worked on my synopsis this morning for the pitch session next month at the writing conference. Still nervous about my stuff not being up to par. Especially if anyone requests my material. What if they do request something, then I send it and it isn't any good! I just blew my one chance.

Oh stop George! There's always next year, right. Well, here is what I have so far. Let me know what you think.

The Waking Hour Synopsis

Robert Clayton had it all, a loving wife, a healthy new born child, and a home that most of us only dream of. He had the quintessential American life. But what happens when one single decision takes it all away. Can Robert ever truly recover? Can this man forgive himself for what is now gone forever? Can he ever stop blaming himself, his mother and his brother, so that he can move on and love again?
Not until Grace Galvenston, a single mom on the run from the law stumbles into their lives. Grace, a woman who has never known true love, except for her six year old son, unknowingly works her way into their hearts.
After her son’s life is saved by Robert from a flooding riverbed, Robert’s family opens up their home to Grace so she can stay. In return, Grace unconsciously gets in their hearts, setting in motion the road to healing.

But what happens when Robert finds out that Grace is wanted for murder. Should he believe her, does he know her enough to trust this woman he has fallen in love with. Or should he believe his brother, a police officer who doesn't always have the best judge of character. And if Robert can get past that, will he be able to face the past in order to save Grace, risking everything all over again.

Will he be able to save it all this time, or will it all be lost again.

The Waking Hour is a story of love, forgiveness, and of starting over. It is a story that resonates through all of our hearts.

What do you think? Doe it sound any good?

Does it make you want to read it? Let me know, feel free to leave a comment.

Well it's off to pick up a junky camper today. (FREE, can't beat that) Yeah that's right, 32 feet of junkiness. Hole in the roof, no tail lights, broken window, a real dream home!

Yeah it's sort of like my hobby. Well, kind of. I'm getting this one so I can use some of the stuff for the kids tree house. Usually I get them to fix up and sell, but not this one. I'll post about my escapade tomorrow. I hope there isn't much to post and it all goes smoothly.

Well, those are the Thoughts of a George,

Until tomorrow,

Clouds, Inner Critics, and the Trash

Wake Up: 5:20

Push Ups: 70
Sit Ups: 20
Pull Ups: 10

Writing Time: 5:35 - 6:15



Not a very productive day. It was one of those mornings that never seemed to get going. I did a little editing, which was okay, but that was it. It was hard to quiet the critic this morning. Even though I put him in the trash, and shut the lid, I can still hear him in there.

Man, did you hear that. He said that my stuff will never get published. He's a pain in the ass!

Since I was in one of those funks this morning, I ended up looking over some previously written stuff in my writing folder. (looking for some reassurance that my inner critic knew nothing at all)

I came across some decent stuff, and it gave me a little hope, but it still didn't shut up my inner critic. He's still heckling me from that damn trash can. Jeez, shut up I tell you.

I did something yesterday I haven't done in a long time. I laid down in a field, closed my eyes and listened to the breeze blow all around me. It was so nice to hear mother nature whisper in my ear again. The gusts, the rustle of branches , the creaking trees as they bent and swayed with limber ease. That sound of the building wind as it moved over the hills and valleys.

It's amazing how easily the breeze moves over the earth. I can only hope, that I too can move and WRITE so gracefully someday. It was so nice to hear it. So nice to reacquaint myself with an old friend. Oh I missed you, let's not wait so long again.

Then after catching up on old times, I watched the clouds with the kids. It was a perfect day. We picked shapes out, a Raccoon, and plenty of dragons. It was nice, but then they got bored and wanted me up to play on the playground.

Kids, they just don't realize the delight of doing nothing.

Well,
That the Thoughts of a George (and his stupid inner critic) for today,

Until tomorrow.

Sex, Writing and New Cars

Wake Up: 5:20am

Push Ups: 60
Sit Ups: 20
Pull Ups: 10

Writing Time: 5:40am - 6:16am


My writing morning turned out pretty good this morning. Although it wasn't as long as I would have liked. I got up late, of course because I went to bed late.

Big surprise there.

Although my writing time was limited, I was pleasantly surprised this morning. I was lost in rewriting and the next thing I know, Jorgie was up. I looked down at my desktop clock and it's already 6:16.

Are you wondering why 6:16. Well, Jorgie has her alarm set to 6:16am. She doesn't want it set for 6:15 or 6:17, it has to be 6:16? It does kind of have a rhyme to it.

Anyway, I didn't want to stop writing this morning, which is always a good sign. Sometimes I wonder if I will ever be done rewriting.

Yes, I will !

That was the super positive me by the way. I told the other George to keep it down and stay in check. I had some problems with that guy this weekend. You know the one, the one that says,

"I'll never get published."

Yeah, you know who I'm talking about. We all have that side. But I believe that hard work and diligence pays off in the end.

(boy I hope so)

I do know that you can't just work hard and stay in a cave forever, that doesn't work. But I think that what you produce needs to be the best you can do.

Michelle, my wonderful sister, wrote about marketing this weekend on her blog. I think marketing is important, but I don't think that product should be second in line. Not saying that is what Michelle said, I just want to express my opinion on the subject.

I think that product is most important, out of everything. Let's use a car for an example.

You could spend millions of dollars on an add campaign, get the word out there about your new wonderful car, but the reality is, if the car leaves you unsatisfied, you will tell everyone that the car SUCKS! Millions of dollars spent, and no one buys your car.

It's the same theory that Donald Maass uses in his book, Writing the Breakout Novel. If you don't have quality characters, quality plot line and a book that gives the reader a feeling of connection, you will not recommend that book, or buy another book from the author. It's that simple. We need to make a connection with our readers, and the way we do that is having a quality product.

It's like sex.

Oh my god, I mentioned sex. I'll probably get a whole bunch of hits on my blog today.

Anyway, if you're not satisfied after sex, you're probably not going to look forward to it next time. Right? Except with sex you don't have to pay for it.

Well, I guess some people do, although it is illegal!

With a book, we invest a lot more time than we do with sex. We invest a week or two with it. We sleep with it, we eat with it, and if it's really good, we ride to work with it. To do that, you have to want to read it. As a writer we are faced with so much competition out there. We have to compete with the Internet, movies, TV, friends, sex, so many things that people could be doing other than reading our books. We are in a fast paced society that doesn't value reading much anymore. So what are we to do?

Make sure your product is good. I mean really, really good. So good that your ready can't put it down.
How do we do this. Write, read and maybe a little praying to whatever god you pray to.

Well that's it for today. I have to bring Jorgie to school.

Those are the thought of a George,

Until tomorrow,

Dirty litter boxes, birthday cake and Writing?

Wake Up: 6:30am

Push Ups: 70
Sit Ups: 20
Pull Ups: 10


Writing Time: 7:00 - 8:00

Didn't get much writing done this morning. Worked a little on The Waking Hour Chapter 1. Also did a little research on the BEA writers conference next month. I'm a little nervous about the pitch slam. Not really worried about the pitch, I can handle talking in front of people and taking criticism, but more worried that my writing isn't ready yet?



I did print out Chapter 1 and let April read it. She did like the new version better. She said she liked both, but liked the new revision better because there was more connection with the characters.

That's good.


I am going try to work on my pitch for the book this weekend. That's one benefit of having a job that doesn't require much brain power. I can have my mind on other things, like my book pitch. Don't tell anyone! Especially Walmart.

I made the baseball cake yesterday and it came out ......alright. I wanted to do so much more with it, but she's only giving me $40. At the rate it took me, plus cost of materials, I made about $7.00 per hour. Definitely not paying the mortgage off with that. And people wonder why I don't go into cake decorating.


I tried to make it look like Fen way Park. I probably should have used Fondant, but it would have been more expensive. Fondant is like an edible clay. It's not clay but you can form it like a clay.


I guess it's not that bad, it actually looks better in person than it does in the picture. I can be overcritical sometimes.


That's no big surprise. I'm overcritical about writing too. Sometimes I have to keep that in check. I am better than I used to be.


It's going to be so nice out today. I should call it quits so I can get myself outside and get something done. I really have to clean up the basement.

Sometimes I think about published authors, and their everyday lives. They have to do the same things we do. They have chores just as we do and sometimes.........(okay a lot of times).... we romance about being a real writer, being able to write all day. (as if that is a dream in itself) But in all reality, they're just like us.

They have chores too, kids, errands, grocery shopping, raking. They're human just like us.

Okay watch closely now, here's the positive spin on this.

If they can make it, we can too.

Despite the dirty litter boxes, and diapers.

Okay, that's the Thoughts Of A George for today.

Until Tuesday. Yeah it's back to work..........

Lions, Tigers And Bears.....Oh My ....dead battery?

So I woke up late this morning. Yeah it was about twenty minutes ago, (7:00am) so this will be my writing time for today.

April and I stayed up until 12:40am watching Twilight. More about that later or tomorrow.

So we went to the zoo yesterday.

We all had fun. There was the usual routine of getting ready. That frantic dash to gather everything we need for the day. The making of the lunches, the cooler and the ice packs. The game boy, books, extra clothes. Then the questions of batteries being charged, where someones shoes are, did you grab the camera. All that stuff, you know the routine.

We made it out of the house by 10:20, which wasn't all that bad, except we hadn't eaten a morsel yet. Our family without the proper sustenance is like a pack of hungry tigers hovering around a kill. You know like the ones you see on the nature channel that growl at each other if they get too close. So before it got to that, we stopped at Dunkin Donuts before heading on our way.

How come cake isn't accepted to eat at breakfast, but donuts are?

We arrived at the Stone Zoo around 11:30am. It was one of those mornings where the sun was playing hide and seek with us behind the clouds. Which was fine, when the sun came out it felt too warm. We saw the Wolves first.

I love watching the wolves. They are so elegant, and wild and the way they float across the ground when they walk is so mystical to me. I remember when I was a child I used to think I used to be a dog, or wolf in a past life. Funny the imagination we have as kids. I was sure of it.

Maybe I was? Funny because I have a couple of slightly pointed teeth, and I was sure, (when I was younger) that it was a sign that I was. I'm sure most of us homo sapiens all have slightly pointed teeth I guess, but as a child it was a secret I kept all to myself.

We went by the snow leopard, but she apparently was shy, hiding behind a log up on a cliff. We walked past the barnyard, (goats, sheep, zebu), walked through a winding trail where we saw a bald eagle, bears, a dancing skunk? Not sure why the skunk was dancing?

Take a look.

We took a lunch break, we were all starting to act like we should be an exhibit ourselves.

After that we went into the insect and reptile building. Pretty cool, especially those large hissing cockroaches. Did you know that there are 200 million insects per every human on the planet. Yeah seriously creepy. Considering the planets population is something like 6,775,212,350. Yeah that's right, holy crap! I got this number from here http://www.census.gov/main/www/popclock.html

A pop clock, seriously? So that's where all our taxes are going. What would we do without that!

Anyway, so we passed the lama, and a few other exhibits. Past the Cougar, which is one seriously big cat. Meow!

We came to the jaguar, which is such a mystical and graceful animal. This Jaguar is less than a year old. What a an amazing animal. We got to see her eat a mouse for lunch, but I realized we overstayed our time when Jorgie kept saying,

"Can we keep going."

So we kept moving, and went through the rest of the exhibits, took a few more pictures and then went to the playground. Kids love playgrounds. We spent about fifteen minutes in the rain. That's why no pictures. We already broke one camera last year during summer vacation because of rain, we didn't want to do that again.

By now it was pouring so we ran to the car (with camera safely packed in a plastic bag) and when approaching the car, I pressed the auto unlock on the remote. Nothing.

Uh Oh!

I opened the doors, went to start the car and the battery was dead.

Great! So we packed up the car, hopped in and contemplated what to do now in a seriously fogged up car.

We thought about going to the main office and ask if someone could give us a jump, but we both came to the conclusion that they probably wouldn't due to liabilities or something. So we call AAA, yeah that swear word. wAit, wAit, wAit. Yeah and I was right. We waited for almost two hours, just to get a jump start.

You know what the funny part was? Just before the the goofy guy in his green fluorescent slicker came, the maintenance guy from the zoo pulls up and asks if we need anything. Very nice guy. We tell him that our battery died and we are waiting for triple AAA.

Well anyway, The maintenance guy says it's no bother and says he will go inside to get the jumper, but when he does, the A******, A******, A******, guy finally shows up.

So thank Mr. Maintenance guy from Stone Zoo, for being a kind and helpful human being. I know you will never read this, but thank you anyway.

So the AAA guy gives us a jump, and then tries to sell us a battery. Of course I say no. Thank you, but I don't care if I only have a few cold cranking amps, it's not cold out. Our battery died because we left the stinking cooler plugged in.

So that was our day. We drove home in traffic, almost got into a fender bender, April realized her imaginary air brakes in the passenger seat doesn't work......(we'll l have to get them checked at the garage. probably worn from overuse).



We ate at Friendly's, while singing like the commercial "I want to go to Friendly's" Just kidding about the singing, although Marcus did sing it a couple of times.

We got home around 8:00pm. It was fun. I didn't even get grumpy when waiting for that AAA guy.

Well that's it for today. Man, this took a lot longer than I expected.

Those are the Thoughts Of A George for today. Off to eat breakfast and then to make a cake. I'll show you how it comes out.

Until tomorrow, George

A mind in the midst of mayhem

Wake Up: 5:55am

Push Ups: 70
Sit Ups: 20
Pull Ups: 10


Writing Time: 6:15 - 7:00am



Okay, my writing time wasn't all that long this morning, or at least as long as I would like. It is partially because my mind seems to be disjointed and going in a few different directions today. But, overall, the time I spent rewriting Chapter 1 was good. I managed to finish it and will print it out when I finish writing this. I printed it out yesterday for April to read, then while it was sitting on the table, beckoning me to read it, I decided to take it up on its offer.

Ha..............

I read the first three lines and I wanted to cry, or rip it up, or just scribble them out. It was one of those situations where you think it's wonderful when it really isn't.

Oh well. I think I have all of that under control now. The beginning is no longer wordy and running on like a baseball player trying to steal all the bases. But we will see.

I have decided to try and make my blog titles different every day instead of just writing time...blah...blah....blah. I'm not quite sure how that will work out but we will see.

We are going to the zoo today. That will be fun. It better not rain. I am going to try and take some pictures and post them on here. Not sure how far I will get with that but I'll give it a shot...........

You get it? Shot, as in camera shot?

Right, that's why I am not a comedian.

Anyway, my mind is also thinking about making a birthday cake for Jorgie's friends birthday, which is on Friday. He likes Baseball, so I'm thinking about fewnay park, or maybe a baseball. Hmmmmmm.........The gears are turning.

I just wrote the title. It sounds right to me, what do you think?

Well, That's it for today.

A mind in the midst of mayhem? Although a good title, it's not just today, that's everyday. Welcome to the Thoughts Of A George.

See ya!

Writing Time April 21 2009

Wake Up: 5:40am

Push Ups: 70
Sit Ups: 20
Pull Ups: 10
Chin Ups: 5

Writing Time: 6:00am - 7:10am



A good writing day. I finished my rewrite of Chapter 1 of The Waking Hour. I think it came out great. The funny thing is, it is exactly the same length as the original. That's weird. Although, despite the same length it has a quicker feel to it. I'll have to print it out and ask what April thinks about it.

I actually got seven hours of sleep last night. WOW! I don't remember the last time I got that much sleep.

Jorgie is on vacation this week so she's still sleeping.

It's raining today, that takes care of doing anything outside. Last Friday night we lit the fire pit and roasted hot dogs over the coals. It was fun. Of course we made smores too.

I don't remember making smores when I was a kid. It was something new the first time I did it a few years ago. The benefits of having kids.

There is one memory that sticks out in my mind of when I was younger.

It was a summer evening, and me, Michelle my sister, and my dad were outside. We were all gathering things to cook in some pot to make some type of dessert. Some of the ingredients were a boot, rocks etc.... You get the idea. All the while, my mom was inside making something too. Something real of course.

I don't really remember what it was she made, but I think that's irrelevant. I think the reason this memory sticks out in my mind, is because my father was acting out of character. In a good way that is. He was being funny, goofy and we were all having fun together.

Do you remember that Michelle, and do you remember it the way I do?

I really don't have too many memories of being a child. Sometimes they pop in my head, but if I try and remember them, they prefer to stay hidden.

Well, That's the Thoughts Of A George for Today,

See you tomorrow.

Writing Time April 17 2009

Wake Up: 5:00am

Push ups: 70
Sit Ups: 20
Pull Ups: 10
Chin Ups: 5

Writing Time: 5:20am - 6:15am


Overall a good writing morning. I edited chapter 1 some more. A few lines away from finishing the rewrite, and happy about that. Not finished, finished, but finished the total revamp. It has become a lot more streamlined and am a lot happier the way it flows. I wanted it to be more tense and quicker and I think I have accomplished that.

At least I think anyway?

I took out a lot of stuff that probably wasn't needed. I think sometimes that's the hardest part. It's hard to convey feeling and emotion and make it so it isn't overly done. You have to make each word count and that's the tough part.

Well, the whole process is tough, but that's one of the tough parts. I don't have enough fingers to count all the tough parts.

I will let April read it to see see what she thinks.

I'm looking out the window and am excited that it is supposed to be nice out today. Really nice!

Yipeee!

Although, not so Yipeee! about heading back to real work tomorrow. Oh well, I have to pay the bills until those royalty checks come rolling in!

I suppose before that happens, I might have to be published. Maybe!

Well, that's the Thoughts Of A George for today,

Until Tuesday,
George

Writing Time April 16th 2009

Wake Up: 4:50am

Push Ups: 70
Sit Ups: 20
Pull Ups: 10
Chin Ups: 5


Writing Time: 5:15am - 6:15am



Today was a good writing day!

I worked on the total rewrite of Chapter 1 of The Waking Hour and it went pretty well. I found myself rereading some of it and I have a bad habit of editing the work when I reread. That's exactly why I prefer to print it and then read it when I feel it is ready. Otherwise I find my fingers traveling to the delete button. Not terrible to do but harder to just read it for what it is.

I found that I didn't want to come away from my writing today, and that's a good feeling.

I don't like those days when every excuse is a reason to get up and get away from the computer screen. Those days are frustrating. We all have them.

Anyway, here is an update of the rewrite of chapter 2. April read it and she liked it better than the original. After she read it she looked at me and said,

"Which one do you think I like better?"

She had a smile on her face, so I thought she liked the original better. I would have been mortified, because that would mean my reading meter was off. Anyway, she liked the rewrite better. Wow, what a relief. It still needs work, but I will get to it after the chapter 1 rewrite.

I gave up for now on the non fiction project. At least until after the writers conference. I have to get some good quality polished stuff just in case an agent says,

"Oh my god! That is exactly what we're looking for. Here." Agent passes me a contract. "Sign this now, because we won't have any problem getting you at least a one million dollar advance for this stuff."

Okay, I'll wake up now...............

I need it ready so when an agent says, "I love it! Send me some stuff as soon as you can." I will have it all ready.

Okay, I'll wake up again.............

Just in case an agent says send me some stuff and actually reads it. It will be representative of my ability.

Reality sucks!

Oh Well,

That's The Thoughts Of A George,

Until tomorrow,
George

Writing Time April 15th 2009

Wake Up: 4:40

Push Ups: 70
Sit Ups: 20
Pull Ups: 10
Chin Ups: 10

Writing Time: 5:05am - 6:13am



Over all, a good writing day. I started rewriting chapter 1 of the Waking Hour. It seems to be coming out much better. I had a problem with it and I wasn't sure what it was. I kept switching words around but it never really helped.

I wanted Chapter 1 to be quick and tense, but it felt weighed down and slow. So I decided that since it worked well with chapter 2, I would completely rewrite chapter 1 as well. Rewriting in the sense of starting from scratch and writing it all over again.

I think because I have a better image and view of the direction I want to go in, I can better write more concise and tighter words. I guess we will see. I wonder what the well know authors do?

I was going to make a comment on something Stephen King had said about writing and rewriting in his book On Writing but I don't remember exactly what it was. I'll have to find it again. I think basically it was that you have to cut your work to about a 1/3 of what it was. Sorry Mr. King if I have gotten that wrong. You can go ahead and contact me.

Please, maybe......let me know.

Well, anyway, I can only dream.

Well, that is The Thoughts Of A George for today.
Until tomorrow,
George

Writing Time April 14th 2009

Wake Up: 4:40am


Push Ups: 70
Sit Ups: 20
Pull Ups: 10
Chin Ups: 5

Writing Time: 5:05am - 6:10am

Overall, a good writing day this morning. I worked on The Waking Hour, which went pretty well. It's tough sometimes to look at the big picture of.....

Oh that was frustrating. I just spent twenty minutes writing my blog, then went to post it and I lost it all. It asked me to log in, and because it didn't have me logged in, it wasn't saving my posts automatically.

ALL GONE!

It only saved my first line. Right now I am taking a deep breathe, and telling myself that everything happens for a reason. Who the heck knows what reason that was. Maybe to cause me some damn stress. Oh well.

Anyway, overall a good writing day, besides my blog faux pas!!!!

Worked on rewriting The Waking Hour. Went pretty well and was in the writing spirit this morning.

Well,
I have to go get Jorgie ready for school,

Until tomorrow, Those Are The (frustrating) Thoughts Of A George

Writing Time April 10th 2009

Wake Up: 5:00

Push Ups: 70
Sit Ups: 20
Pull Ups: 10
Chin Ups: 5



Writing Time: 5:20am - 6:15am


Tired, tired, tired. Yeah that's right, I was tired this morning.

But thankfully, there is caffeine. I think when I get published and write my acknowledgments, I will have to thank my dear friend, Caffeine.

Anyway.

Not a bad writing day. I worked on The Waking hour and finally got the rewrite of Chapter 2 done. (well mostly, I don't think any of my writing is ever done) I will be printing it out shortly, but I think it sounds better than the first. I think it might be a lot more condensed, but not in the soup sense.

That's a gross analogy. You know how condensed soup looks when it comes out of the can. That blob of a mess that makes an awful sucking sound when you try and shake it into the pan. Then the mass of half liquid, half globule mass splats into the pot. And then when you add milk or water, it's still clumpy until you heat it up.

Okay so maybe it isn't condensed in that sense.

Streamlined!

Yeah, now that's a better word. Chapter 2 seems more streamlined than before. Maybe? Who knows, what do I know, I'm just a writer.

Well, that's it for today. It's back to the 5:00am-5:00pm work schedule tomorrow. Yippee!!!!!

Did you catch the hint of sarcasm in, Yippee!!!!?

That's the Thoughts of a George,

See you on Tuesday,
George

Writing Time April 9th 2009

Wake Up: 5:30

Push Ups: 70
Sit Ups: 20
Pull Ups: 10
Chin Ups: 5


Writing Time: 5:55am - 6:15am


Boy I blew it this morning. I hit my snooze way too many times. I guess I needed the sleep.

I woke up with my nose kind of stuffy this morning, so maybe my body is fighting off a cold or something. I'll use that excuse. Yeah that sounds good.

When I woke up, it was 64 degrees in here this morning. The pellet stove ran out of pellets last night, so I had to go down and get some from the basement and light it again.

Anyway, enough about my messed up morning. Obviously I didn't get that much writing done, and no I didn't work on Non-Fiction today. I just went straight to chapter 2 of The Waking Hour. Still working on it and I haven't yet printed it out yet.

I want to get it as good as I can, as I am going to a writers conference in May. The Waking Hour is the story I want to pitch at the agent pitch session. I want to get the first few chapters in decent shape, so if they ask me to send some material, I'll be able to send them some quality work.

You never know,

Until tomorrow,
Those are the Thoughts of a George

Writing Time April 8th 2009

Wake Up: 4:50am

Push Ups: 70
Sit Ups: 20
Pull Ups: 10
Chin Ups: 5


Writing Time: 5:15am - 6:15am



Overall a good writing morning. I worked a solid hour and I'm happy about that. Still would like to wake up earlier, but that also depends on what time I go to bed.

I worked on the rewriting of Chapter 2 in The Waking Hour. I finished it, now all I have to do is print it out and read them back to back. I'm curious if this total rewrite will work. If this works, I'll probably apply it to some of the other chapters as well. It's strange because some of my chapters really sound pretty good, and some..........not so good.

I wonder why?

I wonder if it is because of my frame of mind when writing it, or if it is because a lack of connection with my character.

Hmmm? I wonder.

Well, I get my hour of writing "Touch" today. I look forward to that time. It's not really writing time, but I still get to work on it. Ever since I read this book, The Writers Little Helper. It has changed the way that I approach the first draft. It has helped me see a lot of good things about writing, and is an invaluable source in the planning stages of any writing. It explains to organize your outline into ten easy scenes which are essential to the flow of the story. I love this book and find myself referencing back to it several times. After reading it, it has changed the way I start all of my stories. Very, very, helpful.

I think the first draft of any story is the best. I get to invent a whole new world filled with characters, emotions, events and in a way, I get to play God. I think creation has a lot more power than we think. When I create things, I use a part of my brain that simply amazes me.

Where do we pull our ideas from, and what is this imagination thing? How did I develop mine, and how can I be sure my kids have an imagination?

Well, that's it for today.

Until tomorrow,
Those are the Thoughts of a George

Writing Time April 7th 2009

Wake Up: 5:10

Push Ups: 70
Sit Ups: 20
Pull Ups: 10
Chin Ups: 5


Writing Time: 5:30am - 6:15am


Well, I woke up later than I wanted to. Wow, big surprise, huh.

I did have a good writing day despite the small amount of time. I didn't want to stop, and that's usually a pretty good sign. I'm rewriting chapter 2 of The Waking Hour, and it seems to be going well. It's hard to tell, and have to wait on the final verdict until I read them one after the other. I''ll give them both to April, and let her read them too.

I want to try to squeeze in some extra writing time too, but it's so hard. Everything demands your time, especially when I'm taking care of Marcus (almost 4yrs old), doing dishes, putting unwanted stuff n eBay, making DVDs for the PTO, fixing up a camper and the list never ends. (Oh god I'm a wreck!)

But I guess if it was easy, the whole 80% of Americans would write their book, and flood the market with even more slush. Well probably not.

It's not just time that goes into writing a book. It takes determination, skill, positive attitude and will power. And we have to do all of that for free, and then (maybe) get paid. Why in the hell do so many people want to write a book?

Well, a lot of that has to do with the romanticized vision people have of being a writer. If a lot of people really knew what goes into writing a book, they would run away, really, really fast.

But we can let them have their fantasies, because that is what separates the real writers from the imposter's. The ones that know the work involved, the ones that write because they have to, the ones that write to fight depression, anxiety, frustration.

Oh wait a minute, doesn't writing a novel cause depression, anxiety, and frustration!

Oh well, what a delicate balance it all hangs in.

Well, that's all my thoughts for today. Off to doing dishes and seeing what Marcus is yelling for me about.

Maybe I'll get to bed early tonight.

Yeah right, probably not. It seems that 5 - 6 hours of sleep is my norm.

I seem to operate fine I guess.

Until tomorrow,

George

Writing Time April 3rd 2009

Wake Up: 5:05am

Push Ups: 70
Sit Ups: 20
Pull Ups: 10
Chin Ups: 5


Writing Time: 5:20am - 6:10am


Well, I can tell it was my Non Fiction day today. Evidence being, me hitting the snooze a few too many times this morning, and not getting up until 5:05. It would probably help if I could get to bed before 11:30pm.

I mean, seriously!

On a positive note, I did get some writing time in, even though I didn't produce all that much today, it's at least a step in the right direction. A step to being finished.

Non Fiction is hard for me. It requires more structure than fiction. Not that fiction doesn't have structure, but with fiction you can let the story take you to some distant land.

That doesn't happen with non fiction. When writing, you have to keep your feet grounded and convey to the reader the information without tripping over your tongue, while still trying to keep it entertaining and witty. It's tougher for me that's for sure.

I can remember that I couldn't tell the difference between Non Fiction and Fiction when I was a kid, actually, even though I am embarrassed to admit it, when I was out of high school too. I can remember stating that I was going to be a writer, despite the fact that I couldn't tell anyone the difference between the two. I didn't read much back then, but I do now. It's very important and sometimes I feel that when you read, it's like learning through osmosis. You absorb the information and style, and tricks of the trade without knowing it. Michelle and I were talking about that last night, how important it is to read, and to write every day.

You know what's amazing. Take a look at these statistics:

80 percent of the United States population wants to write a book!

How can that be when:

1/3 of high school graduates never read another book for the rest of their lives. (Holy Crap!)
42 percent of college graduates never read another book after college. (Seriously!)
80 percent of U.S. families did not buy or read a book last year. (Who's going to buy my book!)
70 percent of U.S. adults have not been in a bookstore in the last five years. (No wonder why we can't get published!)
57 percent of new books are not read to completion. (Ouch!)

All statistics found here at: http://www.humorwriters.org/startlingstats.html


How crazy is that!!!!!

I couldn't imagine not reading, and besides you can't write a book if you don't read them. That's just a fact. I was going to say it was an obvious fact, but apparently it isn't. 80 percent. WOW!

Well I guess that's it for today. Back to real work tomorrow, so you won't hear from me until Tuesday morning. Unless I get a fit of inspiration after working twelve hours. Very doubtful.

Later,
George

Writing Time April 2nd 2009

Wake up: 4:55

Push Ups: 70
Sit Ups: 20
Chin Ups: 10
Pull Ups: 5


Writing Time: 5:15am - 6:05am


Not a bad writing day. I got up later than I wanted to again this morning. But I guess that's what happens when you stay up until 11:30pm to watch another movie.

Seven Pounds - Good movie, but sad ending. I like happy endings

Worked on some of my Non-Fiction project this morning. Ugh.... I like fiction better, but I have to keep moving forward.

I am trying to set aside a little more structure for my writing routine. I'm trying to work on fiction projects on Tuesday and Wednesday, and Non Fiction on Thursday and Friday mornings.

Guess what I look forward to more!

But I have to try my non fiction idea. If I don't try it, I will never know.

I did work on another project yesterday. Every week on Tuesday I have been taking an hour, while Marcus in is his music and tumbling class, to outline a new story I'm working on. I sit in the car, listen to my music (very essential) and outline "Touch" (working title).

I am very excited about this story. It is more of a science fiction thriller I guess you could say. Not science fiction as space ships and aliens, but more along the line of Heroes type. No it isn't a Heroes clone like "Push". No I didn't see push but I want to.

I'll give a quick Synopsis.

The book is about the forces of good and evil and the struggle of one man, Vinny, who has fallen unwillingly into the role of saving mankind. He is more concerned about saving a woman he has only known for a week and has fallen deeply in love with. Nicky, his love, has disappeared by the hands of Nefarious.
Nefarious (Lucifer) has other plans for the human race. Battling against a limited amount of time to find Nicky's deepest fear in order to save her, Vinny must decide who is more important. The world, or the one woman he loves. But does he risk it all for a woman he doesn't really know, and how does he find her deepest fears when he has only known her for such a short amount of time.
Will Vinny save the human race from being enslaved into sin, or will he save the one woman he loves?


I am pretty psyched about this story. My quick sample of my current play list for this one is:

Peter Gabriel - Us album
All American Rejects
Mat Kearney
Linkin Park
Train
Blues Traveler

That's just a few.

So I am pretty excited about that story.

Well that's it for today.
Oh, the coffee maker trick didn't work on April. But Jorgie did pretend she was sick when April woke up. She was kind of fooled, but I think more because she was half asleep.

Until tomorrow,
George

Writing Time April 1st 2009

Wake Up: 4:50am

Push Ups: 70
Sit Ups: 20
Chin Ups: 10
Pull Ups: 5

Writing Time: 5:15am - 6:10am

Overall a good writing day. I tried the rewriting of a chapter like I was saying yesterday, chapter 2 to be exact. I'm not done with it yet, but it seems to flow pretty well. Of course I won't really be able to tell until I read them one after the other. It's funny how different writing sounds when you print it on the page and read it, versus reading it on the computer. I wonder why that is?

Does anyone else feel that way? Maybe just me?

I got up a little later than I would have liked this morning, but that's what happens when you stay up until 11:30pm and watch a movie.

It was Rendition, which was a pretty good movie.

But anyways, not a bad writing day all together. It's funny how good I feel after a productive writing day.

When Jorgie got up this morning, I fooled her by saying that she had a delay for school. I didn't let it hang too long, so I told her it was a six hour delay. I'm not sure if that clicked or not.

Then I said "April Fools!"

I unplugged the coffee maker on my wife. When April gets up and turns it on, I'll tell her that it's broken. It's a stretch, but she will be half asleep. I guess we'll see.

Not sure how to get Marcus, although he might not even understand April Fools.

Well, until tomorrow.

George