Let’s All Go to the… Story?

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I happen to enjoy movies, TV shows, plays, musicals–just about anything watchable.

But books….

A book can take me where no visual entertainment can, delving deep into a character’s pysche. Finding out what makes them tick, what they’re afraid of and what they truly desire… That’s what I want.

I have a confession, though. As a writer myself, I can’t help but read with a critical eye to how I’d improve on the story had I written it. That said, a truly good book, one in which I am captivated and engrossed, soon takes me beyond any kind of critiquing. I love that, love when I lose myself in a story. Visualizing the characters, feeling what they feel, and often wishing they knew what I knew so that they’d make more informed choices, finding out what happens next and next and next until the story ends–it doesn’t get better than that.

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All this talk about books has revved me up. I think I’ll go outside, find a shady tree, sit down and read.

Until Wednesday, and wishing you a book that carries you away,

Ann

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Motivational Monday: Heat Wave and Deadlines

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It’s hot! Here in Seattle, not many of us have air-conditioning. We usually don’t need it. But when we do… This is our 3rd or 4th day of temperature in the 90s, and the heat wave will continue through Thursday. People flock to coffee shops, malls and movie theaters to stay cool. We eat massive amounts of ice cream and popsicles, and drink gallons of ice water and cold drinks.

Thankfully, the nights are cooler. Put a fan in front of the open window, and a comfortable rest is guaranteed.

I am grateful to have slept well, especially over the past few days. On Friday, my editor asked that I cut 1,500 words from the book I turned in several weeks ago. The book ran long, and I’m lucky she didn’t want me to cut more! Still, paring down was a challenge. Not wanting to take away from the story in any way, I combed through the manuscript , carefully cutting phrases and words, and sometimes full sentences.

The end result? Not bad. I sent the shorter manuscript off today. Now I can focus on other things–just in time for the heat wave to break.

Stay cool and hydrated, and wishing you quick work of whatever challenges come your way,

Ann