Jodi the Author

To me, it’s really quite interesting to see how many writers choose to go somewhere, rather than the isolation of their home to write. I don’t think it’s because they have more ability to surf the internet. Personally I seek out the power and energy of other human beings.

Today I’m at a local coffeeshop. A mother working on her computer takes time to pick up and hold her child. She works one handed with her baby looking on. When I make time to compliment her, I findout that it’s her granddaughter. How wonderful to spend time with those we love. An older gentleman sits alone reading his book. I can vouch for the fact that that’s so much better than sitting, isolated at home. So much going on in our lives and the lives around us. It feels so good to soak up the ambiance around me.

That is the energy that fills me as I sit here working on this blog and my stories. With all the horrific things going on in the world, we need the positive energy of others. Even if we sit alone at a table, as I am now doing, we must always realize those around us.

I am grateful to the servers who so willingly share small pieces of my life.

Keep the coffee flowing.

Respectfully submitted,

Jodi

I’ve been concentrating on the query for my first book. The webinar that I signed up for is really amazing. Lots of good information. I’ve listened to it all the way through once and plan to do it a few more times.

It’s still not easy to get the story concept down into a few short paragraphs. Nonetheless, I’m going to polish a little more and take it one more time to my writers’ group on Sunday.

After that, I’ll get back to concentrating on “Misty’s Magical Shed”. I really enjoy this story. I’ve spent more time on this than any of my other stories. It’s really quite fun and inclusive. The characters are young, before the time when disillusionment kills their beliefs in themselves and the magic within. But the real thing about this story is learning how we all have that something that goes beyond the simple hierarchy of society. Finny, the main character, is just like any other introverted kid. Liam, on the other hand is so very outgoing and gregarious. Cyndre is a being unto herself. I’ve never met anyone quite like her. She brings an essence to a scene that solidifies what the two boys have to offer. Without her their efforts are doomed.

I only see bits and pieces of myself in my characters. The three main characters in “Misty” are very different in as many ways as possible from me than anyone I can think of. That’s one of the things that makes that story so very much fun. Well that and the fact I really get to use my imagination.

Other times, I continue to work on my Soft Science with elements of Romance story, “Not Too Late Forever”.

It’s interesting working back and forth between two stories that are so different. Life is fascinating, with never a dull moment.

Keep the coffee flowing.

Respectfully submitted,

Jodi

The nerdy girl in class with the broken glasses, that was me. Not good enough at sports to always be included, or more often chosen as a last resort, and usually too smart for her own good. It’s hard having a good memory. I’ve learned over the years to at least keep my mouth shut. Very few people recount a story the way it really happened. That’s not always a bad thing. Oh well, that’s not the true meaning of the title of this blog.

I participate in things, yet so many times, I find myself coming up short. Still, like Dora, I keep swimmin’ or at least writin’.

In 2006 I attended my first writers’ conference, the now defunct “Maui Writers Conference”. It was an awesome conference and I began to learn the craft of writing. That’s not to say that I hadn’t been writing all of my life before that, I had. I just really didn’t understand what I was doing, or at least I didn’t know that I did. One of many really great things about attending writers’ conferences is that you get to do workshops with men and women who really know and practice their craft. Another thing is talking writing with other writers. It’s a different language. What a great time I’ve had at each and every conference that I’ve attended.

Still I feel like a kid at a candy store, on the outside with my nose pressed to the window. So many other kids on the inside enjoying all the fruits of the their labors. They have the proof of their talent and ability. Oh, I’ve been told, by a best selling writer that I can write. It felt good and I share that comment with my friends. But as I’m want to say when something feels beyond my reach, that and $5.00 will get me a large latte at the local coffee shop.

Many times it’s so much easier to whine about my short comings and inabilities, even though my cats can drown me out. However it does not stop me from sitting in front of my computer, getting to know a new character or tackling a scene in one of my stories. Sometimes I spread myself very thing. With a forty hour a week day job, a second part-time job, community activities and writing, there’s seldom enough time in the days and weeks to fulfill my ambitions.

Oh well, I am very aware that things could be much worse. I’m not going to try to name them here. What I am going to do is read through and edit this installment of my thoughts. Then, after I post, I will go home and work on my writing.

Keep the coffee flowing.

Respectfully submitted,

Jodi

I have been letting my writing slide lately. With this Flu/Cough that ‘s going around, many times I just want to curl up on the couch. Now that I’m feeling much better, I need to start putting more effort back into my writing. I signed up for and need to follow through on Writers Digest University webinar, “How to Hook an Agent” by Katie Shea Boutillier. So far, what I’ve listened to is fascinating.

As I work through the webinar and rework my query, I will concentrate on getting something I can really work with. I have  been feeling a little negative about the prospect of ever getting published. Part of this may be the Flu, however a lot of it might just be the feedback, or lack there of, that I’ve received over the years. One of my goals this year is to just put time and effort into my writing. The thing that I need to concentrate on is what my writing has given to me. Over the years, in my day jobs, there is always someone else in control. That cannot be said about my writing. When I sit down at the computer, I feel an energy that fills me. The power of becoming a scribe for characters that grow in my imagination has always given me a sense of power and worth.

I’m not sure that I have a great talent for description, although some have told me that I do. There are still so many things that I need to prove to myself about my writing abilities.

Well, feeling better now, I intend on put the effort back into my writing. I have more than a few stories that need work and building. About five of these stories already have a world that makes a most definite bulge in the side of my head.

In my family I have always been the “weird one”. I guess I just need to keep working and building on that.

Time to get back to work on my writing.

Keep the coffee flowing.

Respectfully submitted,

Jodi

We’ve made it through the horrendous year of 2017. It’s really hard to understand many of the things that happened with our country.

I was called fragile and a snowflake, because I would not give in to condescending meanness. I enjoy a good discussion, and a person does not have to agree with me, however I, as does everyone, have a right to my opinion. This is not the first time I’ve dealt with this. It’s just been a while. Well, I guess if I stand up for myself, then I have proven something. I may come across as a bit fragile, but I guarantee you I am not. Actually the negative was a bit fun, because I proved to myself that I could hold my own with out reciprocating in kind.

This year could prove to be much more than ever anticipated. When negative is thrown into the mix and not returned in kind, it proves the strength of our position. More women are standing up and defending their rights. These movements will continue to grow. I sincerely hope that I will be in the midst of these incredible women, adding to what this country is truly about.

For those who would rather be mean and negative, get ready, we will no longer bow low. To those sincere and eager to grow this wonderful country of ours, even if I disagree with you, let’s talk and add to the conversation. I’m ready, are you?

Keep the coffee flowing.

Respectfully submitted,

Jodi