Category Archives: My blog
Are your characters likable?
Posted by doggonedmysteries
Plot twists, bodies, red herrings, murder scenes, cops, and bad guys aren’t all there is to a mystery. Your characters are the stars of the story. Therefore, the characters need to draw in the reader. They have to be likable or, at the very least, intriguing.
Editors didn’t like my first mystery. No, that’s not true; most of them liked the mystery. I have the lovely long rejection letters to prove it. However, they didn’t like my main character. She was too independent, too gritty. They couldn’t warm up to her. No matter that, her father and several loving but gristly ranch hands raised her. She was a person they didn’t understand. Their world wasn’t ready for that character.
However, my agent loved her. She worked hard to sell the book. Willing to continue to try to sell it, I think she felt let down when I pulled it to write something different.
Several years have passed, and maybe I should have her shop it around again. After all, since then the program Saving Grace became a hit. Grace is gritty, tough, and an independent character.
Could it be that editors would give the book a second look today? One never knows, but for now, I’m too busy with my works in progress to rewrite that one.
Posted in My blog, My books, Writer, Writing
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Home, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
Musing on my muse
Posted by doggonedmysteries
Her voice made me jump out of my reverie. “I’m back.”
Once my heart settled back into its normal rhythm, I grumped at her. “It’s about time. I’ve been struggling here.”
“Hey, don’t blame me. You’re the writer.” My muse flounced over to a nearby chair and sprawled into it.
“Yes, but you’re my muse. You’re supposed to be here to give me inspiration.”
“Inspiration, shminpiration I have my own needs.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You know.” She stretched out her left hand and checked out her fingernails.
“No, if you don’t tell me. I don’t know.”
“I need space. I need my privacy. I need love too.”
“A likely story.” I turned back to my computer.
She stood and tapped me on the shoulder. “I’m serious here. Why don’t you believe me?”
“Because you only disappear when I’ve written my characters into corners that’s why.”
“So don’t do it.”
With that exasperating bit of news, I shoved my chair away from the desk. “Pray tell, how is that possible?”
“Write literary fiction. Give up on the mysteries.”
I picked up my phone. “Is there someone I can call to have you replaced?”
“Now, is that nice? After all I’ve done for you.”
Posted in My blog, Writer, Writing
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, comedy, Craft of writing, Crafts, Dead, Disability, Dog humor, Doggoned, Dogs, Family, Fiction, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Muse, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
Beeps and buzzes that run our lives
Posted by doggonedmysteries
Today G mentioned that her new coffee pot started beeping and flashing a clean me light. Holy cow, talk about having a machine tell you what to do. At the time, we were waiting for my coffee pot to beep and let us know the pot was ready. Then our discussion went into other forms of beeps and buzzes that run our lives.
I complained that due to people having laundry rooms near their bedrooms manufacturers of dryers have done away with the loud buzzer that lets you know it has finished with the cycle. It’s now an anemic chime. I hate it. Why do I hate it? My dryer is in the basement. The old dryer had a loud buzzer that I could actually hear and respond to; taking my clothes out, before they became wrinkled.
I wish the manufacturer had asked me about the chime before they produced the new dryers. I would have told them to put an optional chime or buzzer switch on them.
Consequently, what beeps, buzzes, or chimes run our lives? Our list consisted of the coffee pot, the dryer, the microwave, alarm clocks, cell phones, and timers for everything. What beeps, buzzes, or chimes run your life?
Posted in Misc, My blog, Uncategorized
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Coffee, Craft of writing, Crafts, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
DH considers discontinuing Avonex
Posted by doggonedmysteries
DH has been on Avonex for many years, since way back when his now secondary progressive MS, was relapsing remitting. Lately he’s had a terrible time the day after his weekly injection. That first morning after he’s much weaker, can’t walk, or even sit up and in general, feels like crap. These are not the flu-like symptoms often connected with the use of Avonex. He had those in the early days of his Avonex use. These are different.
This worries me since Avonex can prevent further damage to the nerves. However, DH is determined. He has agreed to discuss this with his neurologist and I plan to be there when he does. I’ve done tons of research, hit all the MS sites I could find, and yet there is very little information on secondary progressive MS and what can happen if one discontinues the use of Avonex at this stage.
I plan to bring a list of questions, what ifs, what we might have to expect if he stops the drug. I also plan to ask about Fampridine, if the FDA approves it, when it will be available.
I would appreciate hearing from people who have secondary progressive MS and their reactions to the information and care they have available.
Posted in MS related, My blog
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, comedy, Craft of writing, Crafts, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Healthcare, Home, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
Cold weather dogs? No sirree.
Posted by doggonedmysteries
How fitting that I have dogs who don’t like the cold. Bull Terriers are not cold weather dogs. Believe me the days are very cold right now, colder than we’ve seen in many years. Neither Gavin nor Patty will tolerate a coat even on the coldest of days. They give that ‘she’s-crazy if she thinks I’m going to wear that’ look.
I’ve never seen either of the pups so quick to go out and come back in. Miss Patty, of the very thin coat, goes a few yards into the yard, does her business, and comes flying in the back door as if shot from cannon. Gavin walks only a few feet from the back steps, squats like a puppy and trots back in. He wants us to think that the cold is no big deal to him.
Miss Patty heads for DH’s lap or the settee, which is warmed by the radiator behind it. (Gavin hasn’t discovered that feature yet.) Gavin wants his chair or my lap, preferably the latter. I’ve resorted to turning the space heater on for a few hours at night in the kitchen since that’s the coldest room and is where Gavin’s crate is. Even though his crate is next to the radiator in there, he is noticeably quieter when the space heater is on. Therefore, I know he’s more comfortable.
Posted in Dog related, Misc, My blog, Weather related
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, comedy, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Dog humor, Doggoned, Dogs, Family, Fiction, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Pet humor, Pets, Rescue Dogs, Writer, Writing
What if people hibernated?
Posted by doggonedmysteries
I don’t know about you but it’s during cold weather like this when I often wish that we were creatures who hibernate. No shoveling snow, slip sliding on ice, or braving 40 mph winds to go to the store. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to crawl into a nice warm bed, pull the covers up, and sleep until spring? Then we’d wake up slim and ready for warm weather.
Yes, I think about these things.
I think about this when I’m snuggled deep under my covers. Warm and snug not wanting to get out of bed knowing that the wind I hear outside is as cold and fierce as it sounds. Knowing I have to go and face the cold as soon as one of the pups wants out, I want to pull the covers over my head and doze some more.
Isn’t it spring yet?
Posted in Misc, My blog, Weather related, Writer, Writing
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, comedy, Craft of writing, Crafts, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Snow, Writer, Writing
It is ccccooold!
Posted by doggonedmysteries
Grrr, It's freaking cold!
It’s cold weather like this that makes me wish for a home on a tropical island. The pups didn’t want to go out today unless they absolutely HAD to go. Yeah, it was THAT cold here. The next few days are supposed to be colder yet.
Oh, my dear Canadian friends please keep your arctic air to yourselves. I don’t want to share. The 9 degrees predicted for tomorrow is not my idea of nice weather. Hey, I’m no polar bear.
Spring cannot get here fast enough as far as I’m concerned. We’re supposed to get ten days of BRRRRRRRRRR. Please, Mother Nature, send that cold back to the frozen north, and let us have some nice 40 degree weather. I can live with 40 degrees for a few months.
Poor Miss Patty has a thin coat so she zips outside and back in as fast as her legs can carry her. Gavin’s coat is thicker, probably because he’s from Nova Scotia, and he’ll take his time. However, if I have him out, he will hurry because I tell him I’m freezing my buns off and there’s an extra cookie in it if he gets done faster. Yes, I sink to bribery.
Posted in My blog, Weather related, Writer, Writing
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, comedy, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Dogs, Family, Fiction, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Pets, Rescue Dogs, Snow, Writer, Writing
Muse versus little editor
Posted by doggonedmysteries
Today my muse sauntered in and sent me off on a flurry of writing. As my fingers flew over the keyboard I swore, I wasn’t going to look back until my train of thought derailed.
Out of nowhere, my little editor appeared and began to jump about on my shoulder screaming for attention. I do wish they’d arrive on different days or at least take separate vacations. Two chapters in and my train screeched to a halt.
“You know, this would be a great place to throw in a red herring.” My muse sat back in the chair behind me and stretched. “I’m sorry I left you in a lurch but I really needed a vacation. How about this for a what if scenario?”
“Oh, that’s good.” My fingers waltzed over the keys.
“What if your main character gets backed into a corner here?”
“I like that. It works.” The waltz became a boogie woogie.
“This looks like a great place to start a new chapter.”
“You’re right. It will perfect.” We were rocking now.
Something kicked me in the left ear. “Ow.” My little editor had announced his arrival.
“Reread that. Your grammar sucks there.”
“I can do that later, I’m on a roll here.” My typing slowed and I reread the paragraph he’d pointed out. “Crap.” My finger hovered over the delete key.
My muse bolted upright. “Don’t do it. Move on. I have more ideas.”
Too late. The train had stopped. I flipped off my little editor and asked, “Why don’t you go on vacation?”
Posted in My blog, Writer, Writing
Tags: Author, Beads, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, comedy, Craft of writing, Crafts, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
Ten resolutions
Posted by doggonedmysteries
With the New Year fast approaching, I thought I’d write down 10 New Year resolutions I intend to keep.
- When Dear Hubby is having a bad day I will try harder to make things more comfortable for him
- I will tell my loved ones ‘I love you’ often
- I will remember to seize the joy in life
- I will forget resentments, anger, and hard feelings and release them to the winds
- I will walk more
- I will take time to smell the roses even though they make me sneeze
- When the neighbors get on my last nerve, I will find something constructive to do rather than b**ch about it.
- I will eat more veggies and fruit
- I will speak my mind
- I will take time for me and write more
What are your New Year’s resolutions?
Posted in Holidays, Misc, My blog, Writer, Writing
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, Craft of writing, Crafts, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Holidays, Home, Life, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, New Year's Resolutions, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
A soggy trip
Posted by doggonedmysteries
It is still raining and our yard is soggy. After my last trip out there with Gavin so am I. I do mean trip. Gavin was wandering along the fence line and I walked back toward the shed. The wind we had last night knocked a small branch or two off the magnolia, I didn’t see the one that sent me flying until after I’d landed splat in the deepest puddle out there.
Gavin is always ready to play and when he saw me hit the ground, he thought PLAY TIME! Sixty five pounds of wet dog landed on me. I started laughing, I was laughing so hard I couldn’t get up. Well, let’s say that the laughing and the extra sixty five pounds didn’t help my efforts. Never laugh at or with a Bull Terrier, it makes them sillier.
By the time we made it back inside, I was soaked, muddy, and cold. Gavin was muddy, wet, and full of himself. Furthermore, he had the nerve to beg for a cookie.
I was about to remove my muddy coat when Patty rang the bells—she wanted her turn out. She had a quick trip.
My coat and jeans went into the washer. After a hot shower and a cup of Bengal Spice tea, I was feeling warmer.
Posted in Dog related, Misc, My blog, Writer, Writing
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, comedy, Craft of writing, Crafts, Dead, Disability, Dog humor, Doggoned, Dogs, Family, Fiction, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Pet humor, Pets, Rescue Dogs, Writer, Writing
Hit and passed the 50,000 mark!
Posted by doggonedmysteries
I get to go out to dinner! To everyone who helped, thank you! A special thank you to Delaney for that 50,000th hit. I’ll think of all of you when we are sitting in a restaurant for the first time in a long time. You all twisted Dear Hubby’s arm by helping me to win the bet.
Usually, if I don’t want to cook, he’ll order delivery food. I mean that’s wonderful and I love him dearly for it but it also means I still have to do dishes afterwards. At that rate, I might as well cook too. For once, I just want to go out for dinner. Let someone else cook our meal and clean up afterwards. Let me relax and lounge over a cup of coffee without thinking about doing the dishes.
I’m a cheap date. To make me happy it doesn’t have to be fancy, expensive, or even come with drinks, though dessert is a necessary given. What’s dinner out without a dessert too? I’d be completely happy with one of several local diners that serve exceptional meals at a nominal price. Four of which have the most wonderful cheesecakes.
I’ll leave it up to him.
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, comedy, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Food, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
Puppies and kittens for Christmas—not a good idea
Posted by doggonedmysteries
There’s nothing more stressful to a young animal than to arrive in a new home smack dab in the middle of the holiday confusion and excitement. For quite a few years, I managed a small pet store. We specialized in purebred kittens. Around Christmas, the owner would push the sale of them and offered to stay late on Christmas Eve so they could be picked up then. I protested his zeal the first year I worked there and managed to get him to change his policy a bit. We still sold the kittens but the new policy saved the babies from the stress of the holidays.
I talked my boss into holding the Christmas gift kittens until after Christmas. So what if they stayed with us a couple days longer? Instead of taking the new pet home for the holidays, our customers would present their gifts to the intended people in a different way. Some would buy all the needed supplies, wrap them, and put them under the tree with a note that the kitten would be theirs after the holidays. Others would give the intended giftee a picture of their new pet to be along with a collar, or toy, or bag of food. Most of our customers thought this a great idea when I explained how stressful arriving in a new home is on a normal day and was so much more so during the holidays. In fact, they took great pleasure in buying twice as many things for the new pet to put under the tree for the giftee than they would normally buy.
I managed to schedule pick up dates so we weren’t jammed with people on the same day too. All of this saved the kittens the stress of being in a new home when stress and activity levels are off the scale. They would enter their new homes when things were calm and they had time to acclimate to their new families.
I know several dog breeders who have done this for many years. Many of them refuse to allow a pet to leave their premises until after Christmas. Reputable breeders will gladly hold the pups (or kittens) until after the holidays.
If you plan to give someone a pet for the holidays, spare the animal the stress, present the person with the pet’s supplies or a picture, and a note that their new companion is waiting for them.
Posted in Dog related, Holidays, My blog, Writer, Writing
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, comedy, Craft of writing, Crafts, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Dogs, Family, Fiction, gifts, Holidays, Home, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Pets, Rescue Dogs, Writer, Writing
Doggonedmysteries 