This is just NUTS!

Okay, I'm dedicated to my craft and all, but this guy? This is just nuts. And has anyone ever heard of him? This video was shot in 1993 while he wrote his first novel, "Bombidiers." Ooookkkaaay. So, has anyone ever read it? I had to do a little research and found it was a black comedy about bond traders in San Francisco. Maybe he locked himself in a closet to protect himself from earthquakes.

Writing Group

I’ve decided to form a writing group close to home to gain opinions and advice about my work. I find it motivating to have input from others and to see and hear how others work. Now that I’ve decided to do that, I’ve looked into different ways of going about the endeavor.

A local writers association will post the new group on their website and I think I will find members pretty quickly. The trick will be to find people that have the same level of interest that I have. I figured, anyone who was willing to meet weekly must be pretty serious about their craft, so to start out with at least, I’ll ask for weekly meetings. I’ll also limit the writing to fiction, preferably novels of any genre, but short fiction will be acceptable. I figure that will mean only folks who have been writing for a while or at least trying to write for a while will respond. Also, it will mean I’ll have a goal each week or every other week.

I’m told that folks drop out pretty quickly. I figure, if we start out with ten or twelve, we’ll whittle it down to 8 or 6 which would mean we could really spend time and attention to those that are really working on their craft.

We could agree on a set of rules for critiquing, agree on times to meet and what to do if you don’t have work that needs input. We could also have sessions that talk about publishing, how to get an agent. Maybe have talks with agents or writers online or via speaker phone.

Then the question is where to meet. The clubhouse of my apartment building will allow us to meet there. It has a kitchen and large living room area and has recently been renovated. I would have to put down a $250.00 cleaning deposit that would only be used if we didn’t keep the place clean, so I don’t think that would be a problem.

I’m excited about this and look forward to the new endeavor for the new year!

I post this photo of an over dressed holiday room because I don't have a single Christmas decoration up in my apartment. Too much going on! The good news is, my offer on a townhouse was accepted. Sometime early in the new year, I'll be moving into my new home. The other good news is ... wait for it ... the book is DONE! I am sending it to the publisher today!! I can't wait to see what happens in 2009!