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Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Lovin' the Crazy
There's a whole lot of magic, and faith, involved in any creative endeavor, especially writing.
We show up with our tools, in this case, pen and paper, or keyboard and computer screen, along with the fervent desire to create something that doesn't yet exist. We chant the magic words, "What if?", and then we ponder and cogitate and dream, waiting for inspiration to slap us silly, convinced that brilliance is just around the corner.
Sometimes it's hard to hang on to that faith, though, because we don't really know HOW creativity works. When an idea bursts forth from deep within our brain cells, we act like cavewomen who have just seen fire for the first time. We are understandably afraid to believe that "whatever this is" will come back, that it wasn't just some sort of fluke. If only someone would give us the recipe, so we can reproduce that creative miracle whenever we need it.
What I love most about the creative process is this: it's a process. It's not called the creative schedule, or the creative checklist. It's a process, and we all have different ways of implementing it. It's about as personal as religion or politics or your favorite meatloaf recipe. Trying to force my process into a particular form would be the death knell of my creativity.
And yet. . .
I think we end up restricting our creative process all the time, without conscious intent. We conduct archaeological expeditions in the creative centers of our minds, eager to unearth fresh new ideas for our manuscripts. When our brain cooperates and coughs up all kinds of unusual nuggets, what do we do? Do we drop to our knees and thank every deity in existence for the beautiful gift of these wondrous ideas?
Yeah, not so much.
We barely give them a glance before we toss them into the trash pile, judging them as "too out there". Before an idea has had a chance to fully form, or to show its depths and nuances, we shoot it dead, declaring, "That'll never work. It's just too crazy."
It's like wishing on a star and then smashing the gift on the ground with a whiny, "I wanted something with more SPARKLES on it!" Or praying for a miracle, and then refusing it on arrival, since it wasn't preceded by blaring trumpets and hosannas from wing'd angels.
But let's go back to the idea that was instantly dismissed for being outlandish. This is the one you want to explore, because it's different, and fresh.
Maybe it hasn't worked before now because no one will even consider it. It's possible this particular whacky idea might be better than anything you ever imagined. Even if you don't ending up using it, it might have appeared on the scene simply to help you stretch your imagination, to prepare you for other ideas you might otherwise ignore.
So, when a notion looks like it's been wrapped in too many layers of crazy, deep fried in outrageous, and then topped off with a dollop of ridiculous. . .give the poor little nutjob a chance to explain itself. We all want recognition for what we do. Our craziest ideas are no different. If we don't give them an opportunity to speak their piece, they will continue to poke and nag, and the more we swat them away, the more persistent they will become--like a child ignored by its mom, chanting over and over, louder and louder, until it finally gets the attention it requested in the first place.
Maybe these kooky ideas won't lead to anything useful, but what if they do? Or maybe they're blocking the really brilliant idea, only you can't get to it until you've dealt with the seemingly zany stuff.
This is where faith comes in, requiring you to believe in something when it's not entirely clear how it functions. The creative process is mysterious, there's no doubt about that. Yet if you're willing to believe that ideas for books appear out of nowhere, then you have to consider the possibility that these oddball ideas were entrusted to you, for your benefit.
As crazy as that sounds.
So tell us all the crazy ideas that have led to the stories you've written. Or tell us how your creative process works, and how it delivers ideas to you. Or share your favorite meatloaf recipe. Nothing is too crazy for us today!
We show up with our tools, in this case, pen and paper, or keyboard and computer screen, along with the fervent desire to create something that doesn't yet exist. We chant the magic words, "What if?", and then we ponder and cogitate and dream, waiting for inspiration to slap us silly, convinced that brilliance is just around the corner.
Sometimes it's hard to hang on to that faith, though, because we don't really know HOW creativity works. When an idea bursts forth from deep within our brain cells, we act like cavewomen who have just seen fire for the first time. We are understandably afraid to believe that "whatever this is" will come back, that it wasn't just some sort of fluke. If only someone would give us the recipe, so we can reproduce that creative miracle whenever we need it.
What I love most about the creative process is this: it's a process. It's not called the creative schedule, or the creative checklist. It's a process, and we all have different ways of implementing it. It's about as personal as religion or politics or your favorite meatloaf recipe. Trying to force my process into a particular form would be the death knell of my creativity.
And yet. . .
I think we end up restricting our creative process all the time, without conscious intent. We conduct archaeological expeditions in the creative centers of our minds, eager to unearth fresh new ideas for our manuscripts. When our brain cooperates and coughs up all kinds of unusual nuggets, what do we do? Do we drop to our knees and thank every deity in existence for the beautiful gift of these wondrous ideas?
Yeah, not so much.
We barely give them a glance before we toss them into the trash pile, judging them as "too out there". Before an idea has had a chance to fully form, or to show its depths and nuances, we shoot it dead, declaring, "That'll never work. It's just too crazy."
It's like wishing on a star and then smashing the gift on the ground with a whiny, "I wanted something with more SPARKLES on it!" Or praying for a miracle, and then refusing it on arrival, since it wasn't preceded by blaring trumpets and hosannas from wing'd angels.
But let's go back to the idea that was instantly dismissed for being outlandish. This is the one you want to explore, because it's different, and fresh.
Maybe it hasn't worked before now because no one will even consider it. It's possible this particular whacky idea might be better than anything you ever imagined. Even if you don't ending up using it, it might have appeared on the scene simply to help you stretch your imagination, to prepare you for other ideas you might otherwise ignore.
So, when a notion looks like it's been wrapped in too many layers of crazy, deep fried in outrageous, and then topped off with a dollop of ridiculous. . .give the poor little nutjob a chance to explain itself. We all want recognition for what we do. Our craziest ideas are no different. If we don't give them an opportunity to speak their piece, they will continue to poke and nag, and the more we swat them away, the more persistent they will become--like a child ignored by its mom, chanting over and over, louder and louder, until it finally gets the attention it requested in the first place.
Maybe these kooky ideas won't lead to anything useful, but what if they do? Or maybe they're blocking the really brilliant idea, only you can't get to it until you've dealt with the seemingly zany stuff.
This is where faith comes in, requiring you to believe in something when it's not entirely clear how it functions. The creative process is mysterious, there's no doubt about that. Yet if you're willing to believe that ideas for books appear out of nowhere, then you have to consider the possibility that these oddball ideas were entrusted to you, for your benefit.
As crazy as that sounds.
So tell us all the crazy ideas that have led to the stories you've written. Or tell us how your creative process works, and how it delivers ideas to you. Or share your favorite meatloaf recipe. Nothing is too crazy for us today!
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70 comments:
Lord luv a duck, Dead Reckonin'! I foller all me insane ideas! I don't toss 'em ta the trash heap, I elevate them ta the guest a' honor at the party!
Startin' a story wit' California bein' destroyed by an earthquake, lightin' the fuse that sets a sexual witch on a journey? Sure!
A renegade ribbon a' time wipes the earth nearly clean a' people, aging everythin' by centuries in minutes? Sure!
A human abducted by aliens to run a libray on another world? Ya bet!
Turning an albino kraken inta Cupid for a Tortuga where pirates wear ipods and good luck can be a curse? Oh, yeah!
A man born of a fox sets out ta seduce a couple? Sweet!
Steampunk invades Tortuga? HAHAHAHAHAHA!
I gots a million a' them.
Maybe it just takes some twisted faith to believe in the unusual and freaky ideas...
Though to me, the non-freaky would be the scary ones! ;-)
LOL, Chance -- I knew you would see this post a little differently than the rest of us. :) Which is a wonderful thing -- we have a lot to learn from you!
I love all those things you listed. So share your secrets -- how do they appear? How do you work them into a story?
So, when a notion looks like it’s been wrapped in too many layers of crazy, deep fried in outrageous, and then topped off with a dollop of ridiculous. . .give the poor little nutjob a chance to explain itself.
LMAO!!! Hilarious, Donna, and so, so true. I have no idea where the ideas come from, but it is hard to trust that process sometimes. I'll often have some idea that I instantly think is "too far." That it crosses some line in some way. And you're absolutely right -- when I go with it anyway, even though I'm a tad uncomfortable and thinking, "Gee, people are going to think there's really f'ed up stuff in my head", they always turn out to be the most powerful scenes.
Hal, you're exactly right. It IS hard to trust the process when all the crazy floats to the top like that. But it does stretch us, and our writing. And probably teaches us to be more trusting. LOL
I'm glad to hear that when you go with it you end up with such powerful scenes. I have to keep reminding myself this is what will happen, because the EASY thing to do is to retreat. (I gotta start following my advice again. LOL)
I didn't realize I'd have the ship all to myself this morning.
*sneaks a platoon of new Hotties on board*
Hope at least one of them knows how to make coffee. :)
Donna, you crack me. I was just about to copy and paste the same quote Hal did, the one about the little nutjob. LOL!
I agree though, when I go out on a limb, it feels dangerous but that's usually when I write the best stuff.
Meatloaf recipe.... Hmmm....
1 lb ground beef
1 egg
squirt of ketchup
splash of worchestershire sauce
small onion chopped
packet of lipton soup mix (I like the savory herb and garlic one but I've used others.)
hard cheese like cheddar (like a quarter cup)
italian style breadcrumbs to take away the wetness
Mix with your hands (very helpful when trying to work out those pesky tough scenes). Plop in loaf pan. Mix ketchup and brown sugar and spread to cover top.
Back until done in center. (Like an hour?)
Hmm. I don't think my ideas are crazy. Much.
There's the "redeeming the devil" story, which I don't think was crazy--I think the devil regrets not being loved for who he is and for being separated from God. I think God is a lot more forgiving than not.
There's the "Adam and Eve get a divorce" story, which I only contemplated because I can't imagine being married to a guy who blamed me for getting us kicked out of the garden. How do you live with that guy after that? I'd ice pick him.
I have a "cowboy story featuring a cowboy who's never cowboyed"--City Slickers in 1893. With some Maverick aspects to make it funny. (But that requires some research, I think. I prefer my historicals more...believable.)
What can I say, Donna. I was called in for active duty. that’s right, the Mom Squad was rolled out for action. Five minute shower, cup-o-coffee-to-go and I was ready to do battle. That’s right, I was at the Orthodontics office at 7:15 this morning with my nervous , grumpy teen!
All I'm saying is, I want combat pay for dayz like this.
I don't make meatloaf. I mean, I have, but I end up trying to health it up with spinach, oats, etc--and it ends up tasting gross. Clearly you shouldn't mess with the saltines/breadcrumbs--white flour rules. Also, don't stick veggies (beyond the onion) into your meatloaf. This is why you serve meatloaf with green beans and mashed potatoes. You get your veggies there.
I never learn though. I'm happier just eating a hamburger or making meatballs and eating spaghetti. (Again, white flour rules.)
So, when a notion looks like it’s been wrapped in too many layers of crazy, deep fried in outrageous, and then topped off with a dollop of ridiculous. . .give the poor little nutjob a chance to explain itself.
HEyyyyy! Who yah calling Little? ? I'm not little... as compared to The Lollypop Kids or a bonsai tree.
Also, don’t stick veggies (beyond the onion) into your meatloaf.
Hah! I put veggies in my meatloaf and stone cut oats and lots of other interesting stuff (ie booze) ... I call the recipe 'Don't tell the Kids What’s In It" meatloaf.
Trust me.
Its IS Spectacular.
And I’d give you the recipe but there isn’t one. So you’ll have to come to my house & watch me work a disgusting pile of icky-bleeky looking crud into gourmet grub.
Marn, thanks for the meatloaf recipe -- now I've got to figure out if I have all of the ingredients! (I also love meatloaf sandwiches. Okay, now I've just made myself wicked hungry.)
As for the out-there ideas, I think we naturally veer away from them, opting for the "safer" things, because it's what we know. But our desire for something new and intriguing pushes us back to the different stuff -- we just have to get more comfortable there!
Wow, Donnaroo! How do they appear? I daydream, I dream, I watch television special effects and wonder how that might work if...
I think my very early exposure to all those cheesy scifi films, all the excellent writers of fantasy and such just stayed with me and didn't get stripped away by all the schooling. No idea why!
And maybe me invisible childhood friends encouraged it all to stay a part of who I am.
I'm a big 'what if' writer!
And I will be AWOL most of the day. Some stepping in and out. Heading north to the Mom's house!
Hellie, I love those story ideas! And I think some would characterize them as "out there", so kudos to you for not backing away from them. They're a great example of exploring something that is unusual, but incredibly intriguing.
When you write these, do you still feel like you run with the unusual notions as they appear? Or do you second-guess yourself (like somebody I know. Me!)
*writes Julie a big-ass check for combat pay*
Just make sure you don't try to cash it before, um, 2052, okay? LOL
I'm hoping the orthodontist is a morning person. Yeesh. That's an early appt.!
I'm with Hellie on the meatloaf -- I don't necessarily want healthy stuff in it. LOL Which, of course, is why meatloaf is such a personal recipe for everyone!
My BFF makes meatloaf burgers for her son, because he doesn't seem to like meatloaf otherwise. It's actually a good variation.
Julie, I'd try your meatloaf, but I can't guarantee I'd ask for seconds. LOL
And Marn, I forgot to say I loved the part of your recipe about working out the pesky scenes. Maybe we ought to have MORE writing recipe combos!
Chance, enjoy your trek. I may be AWOL pretty soon too. A rare sunny day, and I don't want to waste it. :) Maybe the ship ought to dock somewhere and we can get some meatloaf sandwiches to go with our rum libations. . .
I agree that the brain picks up stuff from everything we encounter, and experience - I'm fascinated how it takes all those ingredients and creates a new recipe. :) And when it does, I've got to make sure I don't turn my nose up at it until I've taken at least one bite! LOL
Wow, do I get a prize for the longest run-on sentence of the day?
*I* want combat pay for this morning. And let me tell you, I deserve it for not setting these idiots on fire!
I've only tried meatloaf a couple times and it never fully cooks in the middle. I don't have a good recipe so I'm going to steel Marn's. Though no cheese. That's just wrong.
I don't get nutjob ideas. Unless you count the idea to buy a house. That's been a bit nuts. (Inspection today! Looking good!) I did get one that was a young woman being haunted by her recently dead grandfather who was a PI and wants her to solve his last case which would also solve his murder. That's extremely out there for me.
It's on the back burner and I haven't tossed it out, but it's pretty low on the list. And the only idea I've gotten that is anything like that one.
Now, thanks to Hellie, I want a meatball sub for lunch. Off to Subway...
Terri, try making the meatloaf into burgers -- that way you'll have a better chance of it being done in the middle. Oh, and generally, don't follow my advice about cooking. LOL (This time you can tho!)
I need a meatball sub now too. Dang.
Fingers crossed for the inspection.
And as for kooky ideas, I don't think of them being limited to the initial idea for the book -- they can crop up in a scene while you're writing. My first inclination is to brush it aside, since apparently I love the word "No". LOL
But then when I think about it, it's a fun twist, or unexpected, something like that. So I'm interested in that too. :)
I hadn't thought about it on a scene-by-scene basis. I find that occasionally something good will come out of nowhere, but more times than not, when I try to add a spontaneous crazy bit, it never works. Which means I need to learn the word no, since I always try and then flounder until I realize it needs to go. LOL!
Donna, this is the reason I think a brainstorming group can be so helpful. Operating under the rule that everybody throws any idea no matter how crazy, and the others offer ideas about how it might work or how tweaking it a bit could improve it, with no one allowed to shoot down ideas, can be both fun and profitable. I’m mostly a loner when it comes to my writing process. I don’t work with a CP, but I love brainstorming sessions for plot and characters. Maybe I just need the reassurance a group gives that my idea isn't too far out to be seen. :)
Julie, I’d try your meatloaf, but I can’t guarantee I’d ask for seconds. LOL
Donna, my father’s mother was an interesting woman. She had certain Old School ideas. And by Old School I mean realllllly old. Like from the 1400’s old school. She required that we, my sisters & I, read the classics, understand the nuances of politics, philosophy, religion, and know how to carry on an intelligent conversation. We were also expected to know how to iron, run a household with out the appearance of exerting any effort, and of course to cook like a professional. Several times a year some my Grandmother’s more interesting friends would gather to cook. Of course being a curious creature I would wander into the kitchen to see what mischief was afoot.
His name rolled of your tongue some thing like Mr. Tshrrrrrope-zee-sund. An elegant little man always dressed in elegant Armani suits. Like his father before him, he was a chef. A rather successful one too judging from the suit and the Rolex. When I’d wander into the kitchen he’d smile & say “Ahhh! I see that we have an assistant!”
From him I learned to “layer” taste. That if you create a “signature dish” then you will be welcome any where in the world … just so they can taste your creation. I also learned that a dish can be both simple and exquisitely complex in its simplicity. Its been decades but I still remember watching Mr. T show me how to make a dish that his father had created for his employer. It was a simple , yet exquisite crepe dish.
So I know that you are a little nervous about my cooking, Donna. But I think that you might kinda like it. After all? I was trained to cook by a man whose father had been the head chef to a king.
Terri, I generally say No first, so it gives me time to consider what it is I'm actually objecting to! And I don't think floundering is a bad thing -- it stretches the brain muscles, and gives you a chance to see things from a different direction. One of those, "mmm, I wouldn't have thought that, but you know, that's not bad" kinds of things.
So I started to say that I never make meat loaf, but I regularly make turkey burgers with Marn's same recipe (except with turkey). lol.
Janga, I'm totally a loner/no CP kind of gal. I like the idea of brainstorming, though, because I think it does spark ideas that might not be brought to the surface otherwise. I'm definitely advocating that "no one is allowed to shoot down ideas" approach for OURSELVES, when we're writing. LOL
I mean, maybe later, all the really bad ideas can be rounded up and tossed into the flames. LOL But they have to have a chance to show that they actually ARE bad ideas. . .at least for this WIP. LOL
So tell us all the crazy ideas that have led to the stories you’ve written. Or tell us how your creative process works, and how it delivers ideas to you.
Someone makes a comment or asks a question and ZZZZooooom! My mind takes off at warp speed.
See example of my mind warping above! LOL
Julie, I am not nervous about your cooking! Especially not after reading about your royal training. :) I was just saying I'm a bit finicky about meatloaf that has more "loaf" than "meat" in it. LOL
I am actually a VERY appreciative audience when it comes to other people's food (ask my BFF, and the chef I dated -- both of whom make wonderful food).
P.S. You have such great life stories -- I love hearing them. :)
I'm the opposite of Janga, though I love a good plotting session, I'm not big on the "everyone throw out crazy ideas no matter how crazy." I've been in that situation a few times and I find it bothers me. I don't feel I get anything out of it at all. But there are those who like it.
But I'm also the woman who would struggle to have fun on a playground. Mostly because I would never actually touch anything on the playground. I'm really no fun that way.
And my floundering is never good. I've been floundering for almost a week and I'm about to chop up my desk for kindling. Really not pretty.
And I wonder … Well, I think that the problem with writing creatively isn’t so much bad ideas … as it is bad execution of expanding those ideas into something palatable. Great. Now I’m gonna be talking cookish all day.
Ha, I have such odd life stories!
And I think some would characterize them as “out there”, so kudos to you for not backing away from them.
Yes, I know most people do think they're out there. I know I'm odd. *LOL*
I'm not sure I embrace other "odd" in my manuscripts. I think I try to take an odd idea and show it in an ordinary light, if that makes sense. Basically I have what I know to be rather "extraordinary" characters (so to speak)--I mean, I think most of us would classify Lucy and Adam and Eve to be extraordinary in a "celebrity" sort of way--but I give them ordinary problems. It's like opening a celebrity magazines and looking at pictures of celebrities doing normal things, dealing with normal problems. I'm always fascinated by this side of celebrities and am always buying those magazines. *LOL*
I remember being in a "brainstorming" session with a co-worker many years ago, and the poor guy wasn't the brightest person, although he WAS enthusiastic. He was doing more of a "brain squall" rather than "brain storm". LOL
I know I’m odd.
Gosh Hellion,you seem Normal to me. :)
Great blog BTW, Donna!
Hal, the turkey meatloaf is all yours. LOL Ground turkey is so CHEWY.
*seals mouth shut*
Thanks, Julie -- and my brain is just like yours -- warp speed over the craziest things. No wonder I'm always tired. LOL
Terri, I feel like I've been floundering a lot lately too, which may be why I'm thinking about letting the crazy ideas take over for a while. LOL (If you DO turn your desk into kindling, I could use it here -- it's getting too freakin' cold too soon.)
And when everyone throws out crazy ideas -- well, most of them are worth tossing away, but sometimes it makes you think of something that turns into something ELSE. . .you just never know.
Hellie -- that makes perfect sense to take the extraordinary characters and put them in ordinary situations. Because for THEM, those ARE extraordinary circumstances, and that's what makes it intriguing to the rest of us who live ordinary lives. :)
It's a fish-out-of-water situation that I find fascinating too. Although they're caviar, and I'm, well, fish sticks. LOL
Julie - I almost missed the one about bad execution. I agree. I wonder if maybe the bad execution comes from the writer not really believing in the odd idea, so it falls flat. Mmm. I will ponder that some more. Excellent point tho.
Yes, I love Fish Out of Water scenarios. It's why I love CEOs who have to live in the sticks and survive, or sometimes putting a country person in NYC and thriving. (Yeah, good luck.) But I think people prefer to do the country person in NYC, "civilizing the barbarian" and it's not as fresh to me.
I also love Odd Couple scenarios, and usually combining the two. *LOL*
I love those kinds of scenarios too -- it provides culture shock, as well as tension and conflict -- AND a chance to see how people adapt and grow when they're challenged by their surroundings.
Okay, I'm gonna go stalk the meatball sub. LOL Plus, I feel some crazy ideas coming on for my WIP -- you guys have inspired me! I'll be back in a bit.
We all have challenges with crazy ideas... I keep thinking of ideas that Woman's World might like and then just shrug... Can I write a simple, no insanity story about a couple meeting for the first time at a dog park?
I keep thinking about it and then turning away! LOL!
And time to hit the road!
Chance, I do much better with a couple meeting in a park or in a supermarket or on a beach or at a friend's wedding than I do coming up with ideas about beings with supernatural powers. This just goes to show that "crazy ideas," like many things is relative. :)
Ter, I 'd be leery of a brainstorming group with people I didn't really know, but with a group where the mutual trust level is high, it works for me. I think we've done variations of brainstorming on loops when somebody gets stuck for a title or has doubts about a character's choices.
That is the key, Janga. Who is in the group. I've done it with strangers or those who don't know my writing and it's never good. LOL!
"Maybe she's a lawyer!"
"But she's a school teacher."
"But she could be a lawyer."
"No, she's a school teacher."
This never ends well. And I'm with you on never getting ideas set in outer space or a time warp or involving any creature out of the imagination. Those ideas would never come to me.
Safe trip, Chance!
“Maybe she’s a lawyer!”
“But she’s a school teacher.”
“But she could be a lawyer.”
“No, she’s a school teacher.”
I received this sort of brainstorming when I was brainstorming Lucifer. I'd get comments like, "Can you make him a minion of the devil rather than the devil himself?" Which I realize was a very nice effort to save my story, still have redemption, and make it "marketable"--but was entirely missing my point. This is one of those cases where it doesn't pay to be literary when you're trying to be publishable.
Sorry, pirates -- I didn't mean to be gone this long! I was thwarted coming home. This one town I need to drive through had not one, but TWO, detour/roadblocks. LOL I had to drive completely all the way around, adding almost an hour to the drive. Sigh.
But I got a cheeseburger sub that makes me happy. LOL
Janga, you're so right about "crazy ideas" being relative. And I don't mean that everything has to be crazy like "outer space aliens" -- I just think we should consider something in our own particular milieu that is a little different than what we'd normally consider -- because it's going to have a fresh take on things.
Brainstorming definitely requires trust, as well as confidence in the "stormers" you're working with! It's not an opportunity for them to rewrite your story, although clearly people think that's the case, based on Terri and Hellie's examples. LOL
I think I figured out some things on this WIP -- it's like I got a big dose of Braino to clear away stuff that was clogging everything up! So I'm happy. :)
I guess this is as good a time as any to come out of the closet and reveal myself as Donna's occasionally referred to BFF and beta reader. You motley mates have NO IDEA what an AWESOME bloody chick she is and I consider myself lucky to be able to bask in her sunshine on those rare occasions I can pry her away from swabbing her decks.
I chose this opportunity to say hello because in MY house Sunday night is meatloaf night and God for-freakin'-FORBID if it isn't. My 13 yo son has unfortunately inherited his father's inability to yield to the forces of nature and if the school week doesn't start with meatloaf burgers, chicken rice or boiled potatoes and broccoli on a Sunday night, well, you might as well take your cutlass and jam it up your own butt and just end it all.......
So when I saw the meatloaf references I just had to chime in. And yes, I can make meatloaf burgers in my sleep - the little I get - and yes, I FINALLY figured out that if I make a metric fluckton once a month I can pop those puppies out on demand.
Thank you all for so much entertainment and motivation. Even though I am not a writer, nor a pirate, I do like to strap on an eyepatch, fluff my shirt ruffles and take a stab at a page or two before my pegleg starts to itch, the parrot needs to be fed and I realize that I will NEVER be a "real" writer like my galpal Donna.
I will be thinking of you all on your National Holiday Sunday! Books Ho!
Gee, I wish I had a BFF living close to me like Bren...
Just takin' a short break afore hitting the road again...
Janga, I love it. And it is all relative! I fight with the idea of what others consider a 'normal' story! And brainstorming? I'd be the one throwing out... Maybe she's an alien lawyer!
OMG! Bren is right! Sunday be National Talk Like A Pirate Day!
Hal? I gots a georgous pirate hunk picture I'll send ya. He's dressed, but he's still gee-or-jus!
*blushes* Thanks, Bren -- good thing I'm so broke or people will thank I paid for those kind words. LOL
Chance, even though Bren and I live close by, we talk most of the time on the phone. LOL Or we email. Modern times. :)
Can't wait to see the pirate hunk picture on Sunday. (I've already started "researching" for when I'm doing the October Hotties. Whew. Talk about WORK. LOL)
I’d be the one throwing out… Maybe she’s an alien lawyer!
Ohhh My Golly!
*Julie's eyes get as big as her-errrr never mind*
Donna was a lawyeryType. I wonder? What kinda lawyeryType talks about meatloaf ? ...
Lawyers can't talk about meatloaf? LOL That sounds like one of those crazy laws that should have been taken off the books years ago!
But let’s go back to the idea that was instantly dismissed for being outlandish. This is the one you want to explore, because it’s different, and fresh.... And FUN! You forgot fun, you alien lawyer school teacher writer!
I Blame it on The MeatloaF!
I forgot about the fun too!
and I knew better.
Sigh.
my brain is like a slab of meatloaf ...
I've never, ever heard a Lawyer talk about Meatloaf. I have heard them talk about ...
I’ll meet-you-in-court.
Meet-my-client’s-demands.
Your balls-are-meat.
But
Meatloaf?
Nope.
Gotta be an alien!
Then again OhMyyyGooosssssh maybe I‘m the Alien … cuz what kind of a person teases a Lawyer?!
So tell us all the crazy ideas that have led to the stories you’ve written.
Well … talking about Meatloaf gave me this wild idea for a lil tale of Whose the Alien! I’m just
"Lovin’ the Crazy"
"Yah, I’m just-uuuuh!"
*splash* Julie goes over-board … again.
"Oh come on? IS that any way to treat A Guest to your planet?"
And Congratulations to the woman who can fool everyone!
Hi Bren! Welcome to the ship! :)
You motley mates have NO IDEA what an AWESOME bloody chick she is and I consider myself lucky to be able to bask in her sunshine on those rare occasions I can pry her away from swabbing her decks.
Not that I'm argumentative or anything, but I beg to differ. Of course we know how bloody awesome Donna is. It's why we press-ganged her into sailing with us. We thought she'd make us look cooler--and we were right.
I realize that I will NEVER be a “real” writer like my galpal Donna.
And this makes me laugh. This was Bo'sun about three years ago, and now she's finished her first WIP this May. So never say never.
And the meatloaf cracks me up. My dad is into routine too. We used to have fried chicken every Sunday; then it got to be New England dinner (pot roast, carrots, potatoes); and sometimes this is alternated with beans and ham. Granted that is more varied than meatloaf EVERY Sunday, but when you know you'll to the house and get either pot roast OR beans, it's not exactly Emeril's kitchen.
I agree with Hellie! Never say never!
And meatloaf? YUM!
I missed saying hello to Bren!
Hello, Bren. Welcome aboard, though I'm guessing you've been a stowaway for a while. LOL! And I have to tell you that "swabbing her decks" is the best euphemism I've heard in a long time. ;)
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