Just me and my gnomies

Yes, it's true. I've ACTUALLY taken a photograph with some level of skill. And I managed to realize something along the way. A reeaalllly good photograph has the same job as a reeaalllly good story and the exact opposite of a reeaally good meal. The photograph and story need to leave you hungry for more. Inspired. The good meal? Nap.

Smell that?

Some great information on the stinky odds of publication and why you don't need to care....
http://www.underdown.org/publishing-odds.htm

Ummm...no.

As a mom, I'm reminded on a daily basis just how unfair life is. My cherub faced four-year-old is convinced the world would be a much better place if only popsicles were all or part of the four food groups. My seven-year-old daughter believes if I went to first grade with her each and every day, no one would really care or notice. And my tween son is certain he's old enough to backpack across one of the largest cities in America. It just isn't so. Yes, it seems as though injustices abound. Life is full of rules (shhhhh, don't tell them I said that). Writing is full of rules too. The good "I'm really-ready-to-be-published" kinda writing anyway. I recently found some specific no's to keep in mind regarding the very PB you may be passionately working on now....

1. too slight
2. too quiet
3. forced rhyme
4. off rhythm
5. too similar to something already on the market
6. forced/inauthentic dialogue
7. too diadactic
8. melodramatic
9. cliche
10. slow pacing
11. too niche in appeal

Now back to life's inequalities....

Momma Moment

With Mother's Day just around the bend, this is just a little something I wanted to share with all you mommas out there. Heck, even if you're not a momma, I hope you'll get a chuckle or two. Like most momma's out there, my son unknowingly provided a wealth of inspiration for me when he was younger (now as a tween, he just tries to steal my ideas and thinks I'm a complete moron - good times!). This story was no exception. As momma, mommy, mom, mother, mum, mamma, mama, mutter, or, my personal fav haha (Japanese), I take great pride and unending pleasure knowing there are bazillions out there trying to get a job done and have a little fun somewhere along the way. So whatever your monicker is, peace be with you (and save some for me too)....