Happy Mother's Day

To all the moms in the world,

I hope you have a remarkable Mother's Day!

Love Of Writing

I think Gloria Steinem best summed it up when she said, "Writing is the only thing I do that, when I do it, I don't feel like I should be doing something else".

How true that quote is. At least for me. When I sit down at the computer to write, it's like everything else in the world disappears from existence. Even though I am a multi-tasker and can write more than one thing at a time, along with watching TV, and reading a book or two all at the same time, there is just something about placing your fingers on the keyboard and tapping out your thoughts through the written word. 

I've been sitting here today, editing two books at once, and reflecting on what brought me to this point in my life. Or rather what gave me my love for books. It dawned on me that there was this teacher I had in the fifth grade who came to mind. Actually, two teachers influenced me that year. 

The first was what they called my homeroom teacher, who also taught our English class. We had the advantage of having different teachers for the various subjects even in elementary school. Anyway, during our English class one day, this teacher assigned us a writing project. We had to explain how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich to someone who had never made one before. Easy, right? Not even on your life. We wrote the papers in one day, then the next she brought in the ingredients and followed our directions to the letter. We laughed our selves into a stupor because some of the concoctions that were created via the instructions were horrible. There were only about three of us, if memory serves me right, who were close or right on target in describing the proper steps for making the sandwich. Luckily, I was among those three. It was a lesson that has stuck with me to this day. One that I try to instill in children when I encourage them to embrace their creative sides.

The second teacher, who I didn't actually have that year, but she was looking out for me all the same, gave me a Beverly Cleary book, Beezus and Ramona to read for a book report we had to do. While it's been way too many years to count since I've ready any of Cleary's titles, I can remember opening that first book of hers that I had ever read and being entranced by it. I didn't put it down until I was finished and couldn't wait to get my hands on the next one. Which started a trend for me. It opened up to me the worlds of Shakespeare, Hemingway, Dickens, Eyre, and many more.

As the years went on, I found a love of many different genres and tried to encourage my own child to read, which didn't always work, but you do what you can. Now, these days, I'm proactive in promoting reading and writing to today's youth. I look at it as trying to pass along a passion that I have thanks to two amazing teachers. One of whom I remain friends with today. She has encouraged me over the years to embrace my love of writing and do something with it. Which I have been over the past couple of years.

Through my love of books I have met some amazing friends over the past several years, via internet, and I must say, I am honored to call them "friends". These women and men who have a shared interest in books and writing have given amazing encouragement to myself and my co-author of a particular series we're working on at the current time. Which by the way, I met my co-author through a book group online and I thank God every day for connecting us together. This woman is an amazing writing partner and friend. I can't wait until we can share book one of our series with everyone. I myself think it's going to be a great read. 

So, to the two teachers in my past, thank you for the life lessons and introducing me to the publishing world.

To the teacher who remains in my life, thank you for giving me the first book that peeked my interest in reading, the ability to still be able to discuss books with you, being a true friend over all these years, and for always being there when I need an ear to listen. 

To my co-author, thank you for agreeing to take me on as a writing partner, for your constant ability to keep me grounded and centered, for always being there when I need you, and for being the best friend anyone could have. 

To the amazing people that I RP with, thank you for writing with me and putting up with some of my crazier ideas. I love each of you for different reasons and love writing with you every time we get the opportunity.

To the authors of the world, thank you for sharing your works with those of us who love to read and giving inspiration to future writers.

To all of my friends, thank you for being a sounding board when I need it, for giving me your honest opinions when I ask, and most of all for your friendship. 

To the ladies who agreed to review and edit the book I've written on my own, thank you for reading my work, your input, your honesty, and letting me vent out ideas with you.

Tactical Thursday

For all my friends who love a man in uniform, I'm sharing a man "half" in uniform because frankly in this case, half is way better than all the way. Although I think NO uniform might be mouthwateringly delicious on this specimen. 

Who else thinks a man in uniform or even in BDUs is just about the sexiest look around? 

Ah, the power of Google images. It's amazing what we can find, including inspiration for our writing techniques. I know there are images that just leap out at me and make the author inside purr with excitement as an idea pops into my brain.