Saturday, September 28, 2013

Forget the week, I just want to talk about today

Writing News:

I am thrilled to share an excerpt from my novel at WIPs! Although I'm not under contract for this book-to-be yet, I really believe in the story. Hopefully it will find its way to print soon. Huge thanks to Roland Goity who has offered my work such a fine stage. He also interviewed me about the project here: WIPs Conversation.

"After the Gazebo" (originally published in ARDOR) was highlighted at The Original Van Gogh's Ear Anthology. This story has grown legs and walked off. I love it.

I have a few stories forthcoming that are short and punchy, so I'll post soon. In the meantime, no other news but I am writing my butt off. Still no title for this next novel, but it's coming together little by little. I've decided to be a full-time writer even though I also work a 9-5 and a part-time job. I haven't done the math yet, but I'll let you know how that goes.

Personal News:

Horrible week, so I'll just focus on today. The glory of small things: I have post-Zumba pain. I know I'm a bit late to the Zumba craze, but it's really fun.

OSU is playing. Chris is painting in front of the TV. We're having a very relaxing, low-key weekend. I ran this morning, slowly. Chris and I ate at a Greek restaurant today, and I accidentally dropped my silverware. The fork fell out, bounced off the table and slid across the floor. Then I made a mess trying to get the cucumber sauce off my plate without getting it on anything. I was not kicked out, so that's a win.

Later, I walked a bit while talking to my Dad on the phone and watched a lady talk to squirrels for a good minute as I waited to cross the street. I said hello to her, but she didn't have any holler for me. I am not a squirrel.

Such is life. Enjoy the week, folks.

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Monsters


This week, a new publication launched: A cappella Zoo 11. I wrote a story about little monsters that save people's lives in unpleasant ways. The short story shares the tentative title of my novel, but it is not an excerpt. It is it's own world, to say the least. If you order ($6), I hope you enjoy.

Today, we plan to go to the Humane Society. Both my husband and I were secretly looking at the postings of dogs that need homes, and when we each realized the other was doing it too, we decided that we would at least look. We'll see what happens.

I wish you all a wonderful weekend. If you write, check out my updated site. I
am working toward making a very long list of writing prompts there, for my own reference, for writers, and for students. If you know of any great prompts, please let me know. I'll add your name to the prompt, if you'd like. I want favorites, friends' favorites, and the best ones found in writing books. I plan to add little by little until I have at least 100.

To a beautiful start to fall. Cheers (tips the Spicy V8)!

-Jen

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Purse or pocket

I finally bought a purse. I got it from Marshalls for ~$15, and I cringed a little when I handed over the money. I'm not a purse person, not in the least. I'm a big wallet, phone in pocket person. I find it annoying to travel with a bag wherever I go, and I don't like the shoulder sag. What if I want to run? What if I have a tendency to lose things (I do)?

These two questions are enough, usually, for me to go purse-free. But, lately, it seems everywhere I go requires some kind of paperwork, my phone, my wallet, and a lipstick. (I don't really need the lipstick, but I like to have it.) Women's business pants hug the leg, if they fit correctly and the woman is not underweight. And women are rarely allowed the luxury of deep pockets. The cards are stacked in the favor of the purse industry.

The reason I bring up my aversion, recent limitations and subsequent concession to carry a purse is that it has really thrown me off my game this week. I'm not exaggerating.

Monday: Purse knocked my key card off my shirt between the parking garage and the front door of the lobby of the building I work at. I immediately went back, watching the ground closely, but someone had picked it up. I eventually got my badge returned to me, but the day was a series of knocking on glass doors in my business attire, waving myself in, repeating which floor I work on, and finally borrowing a key card to get out of the garage.

Tuesday: Since I put my phone in my purse Monday and didn't call anyone Monday night, I realized when I woke up Tuesday morning and went to get my phone from the charger, it was still in my purse! Easily remedied (take charger to work) but pain nonetheless.

Wednesday: Forgot to put my wallet in my purse, so I couldn't get the desired sushi lunch. I went to Zumba for the first time and had a hell of a time situating my purse in the cubby so it didn't fall over.

Thursday is fine, so far, unless there's something I have yet to uncover.  

All this to say, I wrote this mid-week blog post to ask designers of business-casual petite women's wear, to kindly give us some decent pockets. Please.

Sunday, September 15, 2013

All lit news

Just a few things this week, some short story/publication news.

I have a brand NEW STORY HERE.

A (relatively) OLDER STORY, AFTER THE GAZEBO (ARDOR), received some keen attention this week, showing up in writing sites, such as this one (which is awesome): GREAT WRITERS STEAL and a brand new site, MINOTAUR'S SPOTLIGHT. As an aside, this story was written when my dog was diagnosed, and though the roles are flipped, it was motivated by my reaction to that reminder of mortality. It was a tough one to write, and I had no idea where it was going--it was one of those that just came, all out in an hour or so. (Of course it took months to refine, but that draft came out like a shot.) It's one of my less direct and more emotional pieces, and somehow it still worked, so I'm really happy that people seem to enjoy it.

Finally, I wanted to mentions some GREAT books out by folks I'm honored to know. DEAD LETTERS (poetry) by Joani Reese (which I haven't read yet, but ordered the other day and am excited to dig into) and THE MERRILL DIARIES (fiction) by Susan Tepper (just reviewed on LuLu and I loved it). Also, I got my hands on BOUND BY BLUE (fiction) by Meg Tuite early. The book will be out soon. So far, amazing. And the cover: beautiful. I keep it on my coffee table just so I can look at it all the time.

That's it for today. I'm regaining focus and momentum since being a little shaken and, well, just out of it over the last two weeks. That's the thing with emotions. They pass, or at least ease. Even the really good and unbearably bad ones. Things are looking up.

Have a beautiful week.




Chapbook release

"As our children walked in circles, their children shook their heads and made their way toward another life; new ghosts remained. And w...