Good Writing is Good Writing

I heart Aaron Sorkin. Don't worry, my husband is aware of my border-line obsession. Why do I adore Aaron Sorkin? Because I love his writing.

The Social Network. Charlie Wilson's War. The West Wing. A Few Good Men.  I could go on. If Aaron Sorkin wrote a screenplay based on the Birmingham, Alabama phone book, not only would I buy tickets for the film now, I would be absolutely confident it would be fantastic.

In analyzing the weaknesses in my writing, I've been trying to study the writers who hook me immediately.  I realized in doing this, my favorite writer isn't a novelist. It's Aaron Sorkin. His gift for characterization through dialogue is stunning.  It takes me pages, on my best day, to develop a character and give him/her a distinctive voice.  The more I break down scenes written by Aaron Sorkin, the more I'm in awe.  Drama. Humor. Humanity.  All come through in each line.  His characters are living, breathing, and multi-dimensional - all from the moment they utter their first word. Damn good writing. 

Good writing is good writing, whether it is a script, a novel, or a press release.  Write on Mr. Sorkin, and please make it fast.  I'm nearing the end of my quarterly West Wing marathon, and my Gilbert & Sullivan CD is almost worn out.

Chasing Rainbows

Weekends are a bit like rainbows; they look good from a distance but disappear when you get up close to them.  ~John Shirley


It is Saturday. I have a lot to do. I need to write at least 3,000 words on my WIP, do a final pass to catch any lurking type-os that have escaped me during the last thousand proofs of my completed manuscript, wash underwear, scoop cat litter, and begin working on two briefs for work.  


So what am I doing? I'll give you a hint. It isn't any of the things I just mentioned.  However, I can assure you, all is well on Facebook and Twitter, and I'm up to date on returning emails.


This is the weekend. A no excuses zone. Here I go. My molecules are starting to move. Lets hope I can remain in motion. Maybe I can catch that rainbow. 

Furry Friday Fun

E-Readers (Or, Why I Love My Nook Color)

Before December 25, 2010, I was a skeptic. I didn't get e-readers. I loved paper. I needed my books in hard form.

It has all changed.  I totally get e-readers now. It took a few pages of the first book I purchased for my Nook Color to get used to the screen, but now I don't want to go back.   The convenience, ease and accessibility of reading books in electronic format surpassed my expectations.  I love being able to change the font size (since I'm about half-blind), make notes on what I'm reading, and look up words that befuddle me (and there are plenty of those).  I still love books, but I'm a convert.

Like an obsessive shopper, I purchased several novels (the Fever series) I already owned in hard form so that they would be on my Nook if needed when I travel. I am looking forward to trips so I can take my Nook with me.

I would love to hear everyone's experiences with e-readers. 

RWA Nationals!

Whoo hoo!  I am registered for RWA Nationals!  This will be my first time attending, and I am unbelievably excited.  I needed something bright and shiny on my calendar as a reward.  Now I have it.  I. CANNOT. WAIT.

"Time is what we want most, but... what we use worst." -- William Penn

I would blame my several month hiatus from posting on this blog on a lack of time. I never have enough time.  I've become accepting of levels of incompleteness. And I hate it.

How do these perfect women around me balance children, a spouse, a clean home, meals, work, volunteer work, fixing their hair, applying makeup flawlessly, dressing like a super-model, exercise, and a partridge in a pear tree?  I feel like I've accomplished world peace when I walk out of my house with wet hair and my car keys.  Those women must have one of those time-turner things from the Harry Potter books. It is the only explanation that makes sense.

Time management. That is my new goal. For the month of February, I am going to track how and where I spend my time. Hopefully, I can capture those lost moments. As Benjamin Franklin said, "Lost time is never found again."  At the end of February, I'll let you know what I've lost or gained.