I imagine everyone is feeling pretty much as I feel - when is this going to end? We most likely will not return to the 'normal' that we were all used to but what kind of normal will it be? Or will we call it something other than normal? A new way of life, maybe?
My writing is still not where I want it to be although I have written a short story or two. That has given me a small feeling of success. I am reading but as usual, I'm scattered. I jump from book to book, short stories to a novel. I think that is just how life is right now; choppy, broken, in pieces.
Here in New Hampshire, the snow birds are back and driving through some of the popular tourist spots there doesn't seem to be any pandemic at all - I see very few people wearing masks and socializing like they have done every summer. But the news tells us a different story - the numbers are increasing again. For now, my husband and I are staying put and are staying away from the crowded areas. I actually believe the scientists and prefer to stay safe and healthy, I only wish others would take the advice of so many in the medical field and do what is best for all of us by wearing masks when around others.
I am getting my head back into writing, though, which is a good thing, always. I'm also staying up with my reading even though I'm jumping around a lot - I do eventually finish one book or another. There is only one way to get through this and that is by seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and realizing that this too shall pass. In the meantime, we are having small visits with friends, which I've really missed, since we can now be outdoors. There is something to be said for the summer months (I'm not a fan of the heat!)
Continue staying safe!
We did take a ride and check out the lupine growing in fields in NH in June. Getting out in nature is always good for my soul and helps me to stay more positive.
Check out my new author website and let me know what you think! www.DJGeribo.com
Writings & Musings
Save the Cat!
Rites of Passage
The next story genre is "Rites of Passage" - something we've all endured in our lifetimes. As Jessica Brody tells it: "Death. puberty, separation, midlife crisis, adolescence....roadblocks of life that stop us in our path and force us to reexamine who we are as human beings... are usually stories of pain, torment, disappointment, hard knocks, and agony."
If you plan to write a Rites of Passage novel, you should have the following story line: A Life Problem: For example, struggle with becoming an adult and dealing with mistakes of childhood. A Wrong Way to Attack the Problem: Trying a variety of solutions that all turn out wrong is a huge part of growing up and moving from one age of ignorance to an age of enlightenment and growth. Often just to avoid pain. An Acceptance of the Hard Truth: Usually realize it is the main character or hero of the story who must change, not life itself.
To find out more about the story genres, read "Save the Cat! Writes a Novel" by Jessica Brody.
How did we get half-way through the year? I always feel like I have so much time to write/edit/complete the next book. And the clock ticking just always throws me off kilter and takes over my life. And then I sit back and say, "What happened?"
I believe I've written about this before - and for me it is still very relevant. I have a problem with FOCUS. I have so many stories bouncing around in my head that I can't seem to put all my effort into one book or story. And because I have this problem with focus, time passes me by and I've accomplished nothing. I get overwhelmed and don't move forward with any of my writing. I am inspired by a variety of authors. But sometimes that just adds to my confusion, particularly when they introduce yet another author that I want to read.
I was meeting with a member of my writing group weekly. Then it went to monthly, and now we haven't met in a couple of months. It is difficult to stay committed when you don't have a lot of motivation. I think about writing ALL the time. I'm always bouncing ideas around in my head, wondering if the direction I am going with one novel is the right direction or if I should go in a different direction. Or maybe I should just scratch the entire project.
This is when my lack of self-confidence in my writing ability kicks in. And I know this is when I have to stay strong. I have to remember that regardless of this pandemic, time IS still passing us by and with it our lives. Thinking about our lives, remembering how just yesterday we were in our 30's or 40's, and who knows how much time we have left, usually gets me into a frame of mind where I pick one of my novels or stories I'm working on, sit down with it, and write. Thinking about death can be the best motivator!
Looking for a good read while staying in quarantine? My last book, a collection of short stories, is sure to please. I'm so proud of this collection and have received some amazing comments on it, also. "Seven Storied Houses" can be purchased from my publisher,BBD Publishing, or from my author website, DJ Geribo.com
"All good books are alike in that they are truer than if they had really happened and after you are finished reading one you will feel that all that happened to you and afterwards it all belongs to you: the good and the bad, the ecstasy, the remorse and sorrow, the people and the places and how the weather was. If you can get so that you can give that to people, then you are a writer."
—Ernest Hemingway
Story in 6
"Dressed to Impress"
A young man is getting ready for his first date ever. He puts on a clean shirt, clean jeans, checks his hair, and his breath. He believes he is good to go and drives to his date’s house. He knows he has to meet her parents and is a little shy, hoping he makes a good first impression. As he walks up to the girl’s front door, he thinks about witty things to say to her parents, sure that they will think he is funny and charming. The door opens and as the dad gives him the once over, he stops at the young man’s shoes, notices he is wearing his slippers, and comments, “I hope you aren’t planning on doing any running.”
Authistpreneur
author/artist/entrepreneur
Someone who is an author, an artist, and an entrepreneur. Any person who writes or has a published novel, who paints fine art/illustrations, and also has established businesses using the combination of artistic talents. - DJ Geribo
What I'm Reading
With summer on the horizon you would think I'd have time to read more books. But that just is not the case, not when you have a lawn to mow (I'm talking acres) and flowers to put in pots on the deck and the endless other outdoor chores that need to be done. And then my time is split in so many directions between updating my two (major) websites, working on two newsletters, writing, painting, shopping, laundry, cooking, etc. I'm so impressed that in May and June I read and finished the books below!
Self-Help - As usual, I found this book while reading a review from another author. This collection of short stories, by Lorrie Moore, sounded familiar. I was sure I had this book and maybe even a few others by the author. And I was right, I have three of her books, two collections of short stories and one novel. The stories were like nothing I had ever read before - there was a lot of free association with the characters' thoughts wandering and disconnected. Suicide, violence, sadness, and humor to offset the negative side of life came together in this very special collection. I look forward to reading the two other Lorrie Moore books on my bookshelf.
Corporate Conspiracy - It seems that as I've gotten older I've gotten more involved in learning about our world and in particular, politics. Or maybe that happened when you-know-who moved into the White House. But this book should be required reading for every American citizen starting with our high school students. If they want any kind of a decent future they need to learn about our world, and this includes our politics, that has been taken over by big corporations, the ones who actually run our government. You want change? Get big corporations out of the White House. Scary at times this book pissed me off like nothing I've ever read before. I gave it 5 stars on Amazon.
From Doon with Death - My first Ruth Rendell book, I haven't read many mysteries but I thought it was time I did since one of the books I'm working on is a bit of a mystery(with a side of paranormal, maybe?) What I do know about mysteries is that they need to keep you guessing throughout the book. And this one did. Just when Ms Rendell had you thinking it was this person who committed the murder, you are led in another direction and sure it is now this other person who committed the murder. This is her first book in the Inspector Wexford mystery series.
