Sayonara 2020

It's almost over,  2020 that is.

It's the year that will live in infamy around the world as millions of lives have been disrupted, put on hold, or come to a heartbreaking end, by the coronavirus pandemic. In my lifetime, it's difficult to remember any event that has had such a far-reaching effect for such a long time.

I recall the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 when it appeared that much of the world was on the brink of nuclear annihilation. There have been other health scares but they didn't reach the proportion and magnitude of the ever-expanding COVID-19 outbreak that promises to be around for the foreseeable future.

Several economic meltdowns impacted many lives but didn't leave thousands dead or massive suffering in their wake. And there have been weather catastrophes, but they've been limited, for the most part, to specific parts of the world. Unless, of course, we view climate change as an Earth-altering phenomenon.

There's been political turmoil that has left people upset, angry, or sad, depending on one's views. Can the new year bring about civility and healing? Or will people wallow in their hate and divisiveness?  

I don't know what 2021 will bring in the coming months. COVID-19 vaccines are being dispersed throughout the world, but with 7 billion inhabitants, that may take a while. I should receive mine in February (I guess age has its privileges in some instances). It brings about a glimmer of hope that life will eventually return to some degree of normalcy.

The past year hasn't been a total wash for me. My wife and I have been relatively healthy (no COVID-19). I've been able to see my sons and their families. I had occasional visits with good friends (keeping a safe distance, of course). I've made a few instate day trips to help satisfy my photography habit. I completed one novel (to be published Feb. 1) and wrote the first draft of another. And I was able to complete some things on my wife's neverending honey-do list.

If things go as planned (do they ever?), my wife and I will travel to eastern Europe this spring, a trip that was postponed in 2020. And if the overall outlook gets even brighter (a hopeless optimist?), we may visit Portugal in the fall.  We're also looking at some domestic trips, perhaps to Washington, D.C., or the far western states. Only time will tell.

I'm also looking forward to extended time with family and friends. A few hugs and shared laughter will serve as a strong tonic to move on with our lives in 2021 and beyond. It'll be nice to return to favorite restaurants and movie theaters, to be among others, if still at a safe distance and probably with masks. I also miss music concerts and theatre productions which I hope will return in the new year. 

I'm ready to put 2020 behind me, much like I do other years, and move ahead on life's journey. How about you?

Until the next time . . .

Happy Holidays to All

 We're almost finished with this dreadful year and I simply want to wish everyone the best as 2021 is only a few days away.

While 2020 hasn't been the best of times for many, especially those stricken with COVID-19, I do hope many of you have tried to make the best of a dire situation. I also hope many folks turned their thoughts toward others and showed empathy in these trying times. We're in this together. 

For writers, the past year may have brought time for reflection. For myself, I was able to complete a novel and finish the first draft on another. I tried not to dwell too much on what was swirling around me (not always successful) but writing helped me stay focused for the most part.

Besides the pandemic, the past year has been one of turmoil throughout most of the world as we have dealt with political and social changes. I hope we can turn things around in the coming year to make things better for all. Needless to say, it's going to take a lot of work.

Again, happy holidays and best wishes for a healthy new year!

Until the next time . . .

 

Taking a Timeout for Time

Yesterday I remarked to my wife that it was only 6:45 p.m. and it felt that it should be much later. And then I added that it was Thursday but felt more like a Tuesday. 

And I finished by saying, "I wonder if the perception of time changes as one grows older?" She seemed to think so, waved me off, and returned to the book she was reading, while I went to my study to contemplate it some more, until I grew sleepy, and went to bed before 9. Let me add that switching back to Eastern Standard Time in November probably threw my body a little out of whack that won't recover until Daylight Savings Time returns in March.

This morning, it was still on my mind so I did what most reasonable baby boomers do, and did searches on Google and Bing. And, yo and behold, there seems to be a correlation between one's age and the passage of time.

Fortunately, I found an insightful blog by Jordan Gaines Lewis on the Scientific American website that delved into the very subject so I didn't have to waste much time. And being one who follows science, I was even more pleased with her research.

Some of her findings include:

• The "ratio theory" posits that people compare intervals of time by the amount of time they've lived. 
• Our biological clocks slow as we age, but real-time moves on.
• Older folks don't pay as much attention to time, so it can slip away without much notice.

She also found that seniors may feel stressed about not having the time to accomplish tasks, thereby feeling it passes by too quickly.

An NPR program about time and aging, featuring neuroscientists David Eagleman and  Warren Meck, noted ". . . first memories are dense. The routines of later life are sketchy. The past really wasn't slower than the present, It just feels that way." It's those first memories that have more impact on our brains. When we experience them again and again, they don't have equal ramifications.

And New Scientist reported in 1996 a study by Peter Mangan, a psychologist at Clinch Valley College in Wise, Va., that that we perceive time differently at various stages of life. He theorized that the brain's internal clock runs more slowly in older folks, giving the impression that the pace of life is picking up.

As you may have noticed, I had some time on my hands this morning to produce this little piece about the passage of time. I hope you found it interesting, regardless of your age because time is important.  

I suggest that we all try to make the most of the present because we're not promised a future. 

Until the next time . . .

 

Title and Cover Reveal for New Novel

Now that NaNoWriMo is out of the way, it's on to the publication of the fourth novel in my John Ross Boomer Lit series. 

And today I reveal the title and cover of the book, which will be published by Wings ePress on Feb. 1. During the past year, I've written about the novel, from rewrites to edits to working with the cover artist. It seems like it will never end, but eventually, it does. 

The cover is like icing on a cake, the final stage in the creative process. If done right, it captures the essence of the novel and presents it in a way to attract readers, much like folks want to sink their teeth into a delicious piece of cake. 

So here it is!

Trisha Fitzgerald-Jung designed the cover; she also did the artwork on my previous novel, New Horizons. 

Pat Evans produced the cover for the first book in the series, Old Ways and New Days, and the late Richard Stroud produced the cover for the second book, Darkness Beyond the Light. I've been fortunate to work with such talented people at Wings.

Cover by Pat Evans

                                                        Cover by Richard Stroud

Make Room for Family will be available for preorder on Jan. 1 as a trade paperback and e-book.  I'll have information about that once I get a link (you might want to click the "Follow" button on the right margin). 

Until the next time . . . 

NaNoWriMo Update: Crossed the Finish Line

I've earned my third NaNoWriMo winner's badge!

This morning, on the final day of the 50,000-word writing challenge, I crossed the finish line with 50,177 words. Over the course of 30 days, and I cranked out a daily average of 1,730 words. 

As I expected, my output increased along the way. After 10 days, it was 1,358. My 20-day average was 1,587. And during the past 10 days, it was at a 1,844 clip.

Winner's Badge

I made it a point to write every single day. A few days my output was only 900 or so words, but they still count. I made up for that by writing more than 2,000 on other days. The important thing was to write each and every day. For me, if I don't write for a day or two, it makes it easier not to write the next day. And that piles up to no progress and probably giving up.

This is part of the first draft of my next novel in the John Ross Boomer Lit series. I'll continue writing every day until I'm satisfied with the story. After that, I'll go through the rewrite and editing process. It will probably end up in the 80k range.

I've had two previous NaNoWriMo efforts result in novels: The Bully List in 2012 and Old Ways and New Days in 2014.

The fourth novel in the boomer lit series will be published on Feb. 1, 2021. I hope this effort will be released in late 2021. We'll see.

I hope other NaNoWriMoers crossed the finish line with me!

Until the next time . . .

Penultimate NaNoWriMo Progress Report

We're two-thirds of the way through the annual National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, endurance race. Only 10 more writing days remain before the figurative finish line.

After 20 days, I'm sitting at 31,737 words, an average of 1,587 words a day. I should be averaging 1,667 so I'm a bit off the pace. I need to average 1,826 words from here on in to reach 50k.

I'm determined to reach the goal so that's not really a concern of mine. When I set my mind to do something, I generally do it. There could be some unforeseen things happen between now and Nov. 30, but I going on the assumption that I won't be struck by lightning, get struck by a train, or become debilitated by some illness or activity.

To be honest, there's not a whole lot going on in my life to distract me from writing. For the past week or so, I've written in the morning and the afternoon in an effort to increase my word count, and it's worked. 

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is affecting most of us in various degrees, I haven't been out and about other than quick trips to the supermarket.  I won't be spending time with relatives and friends on Thanksgiving Day. I don't do Black Friday (will anybody this year?). 

So I'll be sitting here in front of my computer, focused on reaching (and surpassing)  50k words. And then I'll have the first draft to the fifth book in my John Ross Boomer Lit series. (Psst! The fourth book will be released on Feb. 1, 2021, by Wings ePress).

Good luck to others participating in NaNoWriMo. We can do it!

Until the next time . . .

NaNoWriMo Progress Report

We're 10 days into National Novel Writing Month and it hasn't been as smooth as I would have liked at this point.

I'm averaging 1,358 words a day; it should be 1,667 if I'm going to reach 50k by Nov. 30. I'm not concerned because I generally write in big bursts, sometimes 3,000-4,000 words a day. 

As mentioned in a previous post, I'm using a rough outline to keep me somewhat focused on the ultimate goal. I've veered off it a few times as the characters took over in places. That always happens as I delve deeper into a story.

This work-in-progress will be the fifth novel in my John Ross Boomer Lit series. The fourth book will be published on Feb. 1, 2021. The first three were Old Ways and New Days, Darkness Beyond the Light, and New Horizons (you can find them on Amazon, B&N, and other websites).  If all goes well, I hope the latest will be released in late 2021 by Wings ePress.

My biggest distraction thus far has been the election on Nov. 3. I found myself watching TV and reading news reports about the outcome of the presidential race in several states. I was relieved it finally ended five days later but it still lingers day-to-day with court threats and probably recounts. I hope it ends soon so we can get back to some degree of normalcy.

And then there is the increasing number of COVID-19 cases and deaths—in the U.S. and worldwide—and it almost becomes an overload when trying to write. At least there was some positive news this week about a possible vaccine.

At my age, I get more mentally exhausted at times. Writing is often an escape from reality, much like reading can be when getting lost in a good book. The key is finding a good balance in life. I try to do that by what I watch and read as well as daily exercise and other activities.

The happenings of the past few months, taking a lot of things into account, would make for an interesting novel. No doubt you've heard the expression, "life is stranger than fiction." Don't be surprised if some of the novels published in the coming months and years reflect these crazy times. I'm not sure if I would want them on my reading list because peace of mind isn't always 2020.

Until the next time . . .

 

Pre-NaNoWriMo Post

 National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, blasts off tomorrow for thousands of writers around the world. 

At the starting block

I'll be at my trusty keyboard bright and early in the morning, primed and ready to begin producing an average of 1,667 words a day to reach the goal of 50,000 by the end of the month. I'll have a steaming cup of coffee to kickstart my endeavor. I've accomplished the desired word count twice, both times producing nice first drafts that ended up as novels (both over 70k words after rewrites and edits). Those books were fruits of my labors. I'm sure others have similar testimonies. 

This attempt will result in the fourth book in the John Ross Boomer Lit series. If I sound positive, it's because I don't involve myself in activities that I don't plan to complete (a reason I never participated in marathons). By the way, the third novel in the series will be published on Feb. 1, 2021. More on that in the next week or so.

In the past two weeks, I've worked up a light outline to guide me through the project. It serves as more of a guidepost, getting me from the beginning to the end. There will be a few side trips along the journey, which are subplots as the characters have their say in the process.

I've also created a list of characters that include names, characteristics, backstories, and their relationship to the protagonist. 

I've been asked by readers if this will be the final book in the series. Only if it's the last book I ever write. My goal is to continue the series until I keel over. I hope that's not soon because I enjoy writing about John and Sally Ross and their escapades, be it from their home in Lexington, Ky., to Budapest, Hungary, to New York City. 

It's been interesting to watch them develop and grow in what I've often referred to as a coming-of-old-age series. 

I hope others will consider joining the NaNoWriMo challenge. Even if you don't finish, you'll have the makings of a short story or novella. 

Good luck with your writing!

Until the next time . . .

  

Return to NaNoWriMo

 I'll be returning to NaNoWriMo on Nov. 1, the official start of the international writing event. It also will mark the official beginning of my 11th novel.

I've participated in National Novel Writing Month twice, both times resulting in young adult novels—Shooting Star and The Bully List. This time it will be for the fifth book in my John Ross Boomer Lit series.  I'm excited about getting started on the new novel. And as a former news reporter and sportswriter, I like working on deadlines.

There are several reasons I like NaNoWriMo:

• It keeps me focused for 30 days in reaching the goal of 50,000 words. That's a doable 1,600 words a day.
• I get energized leading up to the first day, my creative engines revving up for the event.
• As already noted, I feel I'm at my best when working on a deadline. 
• I'm basically a pantser so it fits my style of writing of letting the creative juices flow and going back later to clean up the scattered messes. 
• It's fun being part of a collective effort involving writers around the world. I like to be supportive of other writers, especially those who are developing their writing chops. 

While I'm a panster (letting the characters run wild wherever my subconscious plot and subplots take them), I will have a few notes jotted down to get me going in the right direction on the first day. And whatever I write will probably change, hopefully for the better, during rewrites.

One more thing. I've become somewhat of a procrastinator in my twilight years. You can't procrastinate in NaNoWriMo. You have to write each and every day. The organization also provides tips to prepare for the writing blitz.

For those who like challenges, I encourage you to sign up for NaNoWriMo. For more information, check out this FAQ.

Good luck!

Until the next time . . .

Writing Update

I've finished the edits on my manuscript and now it's time to move on to the galley proof to see if there's anything else that needs to be fixed before publication on Feb. 1. 

It's not a rewrite but feels like an abbreviated one. What I'll be looking for are typos, stretched-out words on a line, orphans and widows, misspellings, and anything else that appears out of kilter. 

So I'll be reading the 95k words again, possibly for the last time. I don't know about other authors, but after awhile I'm ready to move on. 

By the way, I have a title and cover for the novel, the fourth in the John Ross Boomer Lit series. I'll let you know after I finish this step.

And speaking of that, I plan to be involved in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) in November. I've participated on two previous occasions, both resulting in published novels. You might give it a shot; I find it invigorating to keep on pace to produce 50k words in 30 days.

Between going over the galley and NaNoWriMo, I'll do some research and notetaking to prepare for my next novel. I'm more of a pantser than a plotter but I do like to stay somewhat focused at the start of the writing process, then the characters take over.  

Until the next time . . .

Music Memories: Have Voices Will Travel

I'm sure many of you have listened to a song and thought the voice sounded awfully familiar. It probably doesn't happen often these days, except perhaps in animated movies and commercials, but it wasn't that uncommon 50-plus years ago, especially during the "Bubblegum" era of music.

Tony Burrows

The biggest voice was that of Englishman Tony Burrows, who had hits with Edison Lighthouse ("Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)"),  White Plains ("My Baby Loves Lovin'"), The Pipkins ("Gimme Dat Ding"), The First Class ("Beach Baby"), and Brotherhood of Man ("United We Stand").

Ron Dante

Another familiar voice was that of New Yorker Ron Dante (Carmine John Granito), the singer behind the Archies ("Sugar, Sugar") and the Cuff Links ("Tracy"). He also was a member of The Detergents ("Leader of the Laundromat"). "Sugar, Sugar," written by Jeff Barry and Andy Kim, topped the U.S. charts for four weeks in 1969, becoming the top single of the year.

Joey Levine

Last, but not least, was Joey Levine, a New Yorker behind groups such as The Third Rail ("Run Run Run"), The Ohio Express ("Yummy Yummy Yummy" and "Chewy Chewy"), the Kasenetz-Katz Singing Orchestra Circus ("Quick Joey Small"), and Reunion ("Life Is a Rock (But the Radio Rolled Me)").

Now there were singers who were part of separate groups, such as Johnny Maestro (John Mastrangelo) who fronted The Crests ("Sixteen Candles") and the Del-Satins in the 1950s, and The Brooklyn Bridge ("The Worst That Could Happen") in the late 1960s.

And most know about the renowned "Wrecking Crew," the studio musicians behind numerous hits. Among the alums were bassist Carol Kaye, drummer Hal Blaine, guitarist Glen Campbell, and keyboardist Leon Russell, performing on songs by The Righteous Brothers, Jan & Dean, The Beach Boys, The Association, The Grass Roots, The Monkees, Johnny Rivers, Simon & Garfunkel, and many others.

Here are a few tunes to bring back some memories:

Any notable singers I may have missed?

Until the next time . . .

Return to Facebook

I ended my self-imposed exile from Facebook on Sept. 15. I decided to take a sabbatical from the social-media site after it proclaimed one of my posts violated its guidelines (you'll have to go to my page to see what I shared on Aug. 15) and prompted a 30-day banishment (all I could do was be a spectator). It wasn't worth my time to be there.

What did I miss while being away from Facebook? From what I could gather, not much. A friend's spouse passed away as well as the parent of a friend, and a former AP colleague. I was invited to "like" several pages; some folks changed the names of their pages; I lost about 25 "likes" to my author page (feel free to "like" if you go there). I also missed the endless political babble. Not! 

What I was able to accomplish during the past 30 days? I finished my next novel (to be published Feb. 1) and completed my editor's edits (I'm currently working with the design artist for the cover). I read several books (about one a week), wrote several blog posts and book reviews (Amazon and Goodreads), celebrated a couple's 60th wedding anniversary, had my eyes examined, got my annual flu shot, took care of some yard work, accomplished a few honey-dos, and decluttered a little of my study (a neverending task). 

So what's in my Facebook future? I won't be there as much, freeing up precious time to be more productive in other areas of my limited life. You can always reach me through Messenger, Google Hangouts, or email. And if you want to show support for our beleaguered U.S. Postal Service, send me a letter. You can also call me on the phone (but I can't promise to answer). 

Until the next time . . .

Wear Your Mask and Speak Up!

I was at a hospital for an annual checkup and the receptionist appeared to be perturbed with me. I had a bit of trouble understanding what she was saying.

She was wearing a face mask and I was standing the recommended six feet from her. I was wearing a mask as well. I also wear something else: hearing aids.

According to the Center for Hearing and Communication, about 48 million Americans suffer from hearing loss. And about a third of people over 65 (of which I belong) have hearing loss. 

I often rely on reading a person's mouth when they are talking so I don't misunderstand what they're saying. That is negated when someone is wearing a mask. I can't read their lips. 

Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying people shouldn't wear the mouth-and-nose covering. I'm a strong advocate of masks and have written about it in the past. I get perturbed when I see people walking around bare-faced in enclosed public places, retail stores, or wherever.

All I'm suggesting is that people speak up when addressing each other. Sometimes the voice behind the mask comes out garbled or mumbled. Most of the time, I'll ask the person to repeat what they've said. Other times, I'll let it pass if it's just mindless chatter. 

I would imagine that even those without hearing problems might have difficulty picking up what others are saying when one is soft-spoken or mumbles a lot. Some folks are self-conscious about wearing hearing aids (I'm not) or try to hide their hearing problems, so please that into consideration as well when talking to others. Admittedly, I sometimes rely on my wife to be my second set of ears.

While I miss the facial expressions, especially the smiles, being covered by masks, it's also the clear sounds that are being muffled.

So speak up and let yourself be heard loud and clear. 

Until the next time . . .

 

Another Step Toward Publication

My absence from Facebook has been somewhat productive. I completed the first edits on my upcoming novel and returned the manuscript to my Wings ePress editor today, a week ahead of schedule. 

For those who are counting, this will be the fourth book in the John Ross Boomer Lit series. John and Sally Ross have returned from their travels to Budapest and New York, only to deal with travails back at their Kentucky home.

The edits and suggested changes weren't too painful other than a bruised ego that I let a few things slip through on the initial submission. And while I try to avoid repetitive words and phrases, some of those buggers raised their ugly heads as well.

Now the manuscript is back in my editor's able hands, and if she finds other problems, it'll bounce back to me to make wrong things right. And after that, if everything looks fine and dandy, it will go to a copyeditor to pick up any typos, misspellings, or grammatical errors. 

The final step will be the galley proof that I'll read for any problems such as computer glitches that create poor spacing, font changes, and whatever isn't right. 

I'll also be working with the cover artist to come up with the design that captures the essence of the book. 

And after that, I'll begin work on the fifth book in the series. Never a dull moment when I'm creating stories.

Such is the life of a writer.

I almost forgot. The novel will be published Feb. 1, 2021. More about that later.

Until the next time . . . 

Movies for Boomers: The Last Movie Star

While surfing the many cable channels I chanced upon "The Last Movie Star" on The Movie Channel. It was one of Burt Reynolds's last films. And it was memorable. 

Reynolds was a mega-star during his heyday in Hollywood, gaining exposure in TV's "Gunsmoke" in the 1960s, the "Smokey and the Bandit" series in the '70s and '80s, "Boogie Nights" in the '90s and many more in a resume that includes 185 acting credits. He was the box-office king from 1978-82.

But back to "The Last Movie Star." Reynolds stars as Vic Edwards, an aging actor who is persuaded by his friend Sonny, played by Chevy Chase, to go to Nashville to receive a lifetime achievement award from the local film festival. He discovers it's a low-budget operation that's run by dedicated movie lovers.

It turns into a journey of self-discovery as Edwards comes to terms with his past glory and present situation. He takes a side trip to Knoxville, where he reflects on pre-movie days while seeing his childhood home, walking across the football field at Neyland Stadium where he was a star at the University of Tennessee, and seeking to find an old girlfriend at a nursing home.

The Adam Rifkin-directed movie (originally titled "Dog Years") was released in February 2018, six months before Reynolds's death at 82. It's a touching film on several levels, from Edwards's coming to terms with his life to the film festival's organizers who withstand his initial verbal abuse.

Another reason I enjoyed the film is that it was an honest depiction of aging. Reynolds wasn't dressed up to look like a hunky octogenarian. He used a cane, his bushy eyebrows weren't trimmed, and he took numerous meds. It was to Reynolds's credit that he played the role "as is."

The film features flashbacks to "Smokey and the Bandit" and "Deliverance," so there's bound to be some who see a parallel between lead character and Reynolds. 

Besides Chase, the movie features a strong supporting cast including Ariel Winter, Clark Duke, Al-Jaleel Knox, Ellar Coltrane, and Kathleen Nolan (remember her from "The Real McCoys?")

Click here to see a trailer from the movie.

Until the next time . . .

Pushing Pause on Facebook

I'm currently on the third day of a 30-day break from Facebook. 

I needed a hiatus from the time-consuming social website and all the real and faux drama it entails—from politics, pandemic, news, and opinions. And practically everything else under the sun.

I can't say that I've missed it that much. It's similar to when I quit smoking 42 years ago; a withdrawal that gets easier by the day. 

I'm able to read items that appear on Facebook but without being bombarded by the noise of uninformed opinions, demeaning comments, and mean-spirited attacks that often accompany the posts.

So what am I doing with my time? Here are a few things:

• More time reading books
• Watching a few movies
• Research my next novel
• Decluttering the house (the more I toss, the more I uncover)
• Minimal yard work (it was almost non-existent except for mowing the lawn)

I also may begin edits from my publisher on my next novel (John Ross Boomer Lit Series), which is scheduled to be released next February.

My life wasn't consumed by the social-media behemoth. At least I don't think so; you be the judge. I generally logged on in the morning for an hour or so to read notifications from friends and scroll the latest posts, and then again for about an hour in the evening. 

As an author, I use Facebook to post articles and memes pertaining to reading, writing, and other literary interests as well as updates on my writing endeavors. I also belong to several writing/author groups so I'd check on what others were doing.

I don't want to give the impression that I've withdrawn from everything. I still tweet, save articles on Pinterest, read blogs on Tumblr and Medium, and opinions and advice on Quora. I also subscribe to several blogs from fellow authors.

My time on Facebook is suspended until Sept. 15. I'm not sure what will happen after that, but my guess is that I'll spend a lot less time there in what is becoming a virtual wasteland. 

I'll provide an update when it's over and done. I also plan to post more here about various and sundry things in my free time so follow if interested (hint, hint).

Please share your thoughts on how Facebook, or other social media platforms, affect your life.

A thought from comedian/author/actor Jim Carrey:

“Solitude is dangerous. It’s very addictive. It becomes a habit after you realize how peaceful and calm it is. It’s like you don’t want to deal with people anymore because they drain your energy.”

Until the next time . . .

 

 

One Step Toward Publication

My manuscript is in the hands of my editor and now I have a publication date: Feb. 1, 2021. It will be the fourth novel in the John Ross Boomer Lit series.  

I submitted the 95,000-word novel to her three times. Usually, one time is enough. The reason is I found two words used too often. She's busy with other manuscripts so perhaps it'll save her some time when she gets to mine.

One word was found on a routine Find search I do after completing a work in progress for specific words. I neglected to do it for a particular word. I don't know why the word skipped my brain. My bad. 

The second time came after I learned my original title had been used by a fellow Wings ePress author in 2019. I ran another Find on some keywords and discovered another word used excessively and needlessly in some places. 

By the way, after two days of wracking my aging boomer brain, I came up with a new title. I'll disclose it in the near future when there's a cover. 

Now there might be a few other words that fall into that category. My editor has a keen eye and will let me know. And when I receive her edited copy, I may run across some more during the editing. 

Until the next time . . .

Quick Trips on TV: A Taste of Travel

Many of us are going stir crazy during this pandemic, especially those who love to travel to faraway places. I had a trip to Eastern Europe postponed until next spring, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it won't happen again in 2021. 

A program I discovered a month or so ago while walking on my treadmill (my healthy way to travel nowadays) was A Taste of Travel. It's an Australian production from 2016, with 13 episodes featuring four guides and is available on Amazon Prime.

The shows are quick hits, lasting about 20 minutes and taking viewers to four different destinations for five minutes or so. The episodes touch on landmarks, hidden treasures, travel tips, and food in places such as South Africa, Greece, France, England, Canada, China, Fiji, India, Vietnam, Thailand, and the United States. 

The photography is generally very good but I would caution that if you close your eyes for five seconds or more, you might miss something; it moves along that quickly.

Guides Carolyne, Lynton, Scott, Alana, and Savannah love to travel as evidenced by their enthusiastic and friendly presentations. They often bring along local guides to add more detail to their trips. Furthermore, you can sense they're having fun and that makes it even more enjoyable as it becomes a vicarious trip for the viewer.

So if you're looking for a travel show to watch, whether to take you to different places, whet your appetite for certain destinations, or simply to go along for the ride, you might want to give A Taste of Travel a view. 

Until the next time . . . 

 

Manuscript Finally Finished

The manuscript I have been working on for more than a year is now in the capable hands of my editor. For the next few weeks, I will take a break from the editing and rewriting that has dominated my life.

The manuscript, the fourth book in the John Ross Boomer Lit Series, is 95k words. Over the course of a year, and 10 rewrites, it doubled in size. By the way, this is my 10th novel and 14th book. I may have to go out and celebrate when it's published and the pandemic is over. 

My goal was to finish by July 31. I did submit the manuscript on that date, but I must confess, that after sleeping on it, I resubmitted it this morning with a couple additions that tied together loose ends. I promised my editor she wouldn't be hearing from me with any changes, edits, and whatevers. The next move will be hers, when she returns it with edits, suggested edits, and whatnots. 

I was hoping this novel would see the light of day by the end of this year, but that's doubtful. It's my fault for dragging my butt for a few months. I'll keep you posted when I hear something from the publisher. 

Be sure and check out the August releases from Wings ePress including a new novel, Divine Rebel, from friend Tom Wallace as well as Thomas Fenske's Penumbra, and Peggy P. Parsons's Apitcote. 

The title of my new novel? I'll let you know once I sign a contract. 

Until the next time . . .

Light at the End of the Tunnel?

I've completed eight rewrites of my manuscript, the fourth book in the John Ross Boomer Lit series.

While it has grown to more than 90k words, adding more than 12k, this rewrite took less than two weeks. For some unexplained reason, I got a burst of energy and creativity. That's an encouraging sign for someone my age.  

I'll begin work on the ninth, and hopefully, the last rewrite in the morning. My goal is to finish by July 31. If everything falls into place, I should do that with days to spare. (I hope I haven't jinxed myself.)

I've taken copious notes to guide me through this process and address problems that need to be fixed before submitting the manuscript to my editor. For the most part, it has been to tighten the narrative and focus of the story.

For those who are unfamiliar with the series, it's about the trials and tribulations of a baby boomer after he retires from a long career as a newspaperman. While he dreams of an idyllic life with his wife, Sally, it's anything but that as he deals with various and sundry problems—at home, in the neighborhood, and abroad.

So it's back to the work in progress.

Until the next time . . .

Seven Rewrites and Nearing the End

I met a self-imposed deadline for completing the seventh rewrite of my work in progress by June 30. 

But what I learned, in the end, is that I've got another rewrite or two before I can send the manuscript to my editor. I'm not sure if this is the agony of writing, making the necessary changes to improve the story, but it's the only way of getting things done.

As with the previous rewrites, I've added scenes and deleted scenes, added dialogue and deleted dialogue, tightened the narrative . . . well, you get the idea, just about everything.

I added about 5k words to the manuscript, and now it totals more than 78k. The first draft was only about 48k, so it's grown quite a bit over the past 11 months.

If all works out to plans (and it seldom does), I hope to finish the manuscript by the end of July. I see one more rewrite 

and then a fast read before I send this fourth installment of the "John  Ross Boomer Lit" series on the way to my publisher. 

I'll confess that it's never taken me this long to write a draft and get it ready for publication. It's usually about a six-month endeavor.

But because of the pandemic, and other things going on in my life, I found that I got more distracted than usual. I don't know if it's an age thing, or simply me, but my concentration levels aren't what they used to be. I guess it's a combination of the two since I'm certainly not getting any younger.

Furthermore, and most importantly, I wasn't pleased with where the story was going and had to make a few major changes. I hope it's smooth sailing the rest of the way (more wishful thinking on my part).

Until the next time

Slow Progress on Manuscript

I've completed six rewrites to my original manuscript, the fourth book in the John Ross Boomer Lit series.

As with the other rewrites, it took longer than expected because, well, there was so much to edit and rewrite. I made progress, but there's still a ways to go before I'm ready to submit it to my Wings ePress editor. 

I did a line edit on paper on the latest rewrite. There were quite a few red marks on the manuscript. I'm amazed at how I see things on paper that escape me on the computer screen. That's why I print the manuscript so I can put different "eyes" on the words.

My next course of action is to review my notes and make sure there is continuity from the previous books. The storyline and time elements have to flow. I've also reintroduced characters so I have to make sure names and descriptions are true to the series.

As with any rewrite, I deleted some scenes and dialogues. I'll be expanding some parts in the seventh rewrite.  At this point, there are nearly 74k words; that should grow past 80k.

So that's where I'm at on this manuscript. Lots accomplished but more to do before it's ready to be published. I hope to reveal more in the coming weeks, perhaps the title and publishing date.

Until the next time . . . 

  

Show Some Respect and Keep Your Distance

I've been out several times during the pandemic, going to the pharmacy, supermarket, hardware store, or a restaurant's drive-thru or curbside service. 

I always wear a mask. And I try to maintain a safe distance from others when I'm inside a store. Even in my neighborhood, when I take my dogs for a short walk, I keep a respectful space from others that I encounter.

One thing I've noticed in stores is that most people wear a mask and try to maintain the six-foot safe distance from others. But there are a few out who are defiant of these simple measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

I've read and seen on TV and social media that these poor souls feel that it's an infringement of their freedom. Does that freedom include the right to spread germs and endanger the lives of others? 

That's utterly stupid. And, in my opinion, they look stupid in businesses and other public places by not wearing a mask. They stand out like clueless clowns.

When I encounter those ingrates in stores, I don't say a word because I sense they will become unhinged and begin to cry about these "unjust" these safety measures on their shallow lives. They spew enough bombastic rhetoric as it is without compounding it with spraying COVID-19 into the air.  

But I do try to make eye contact, if possible, and go in a different direction. I avoid them, pardon the expression, like the plague. If they're trying to make a statement about their right to spread a silent disease, then I'm doing the same by steering clear of them. And I hope they notice. 

It's a matter of respect. Those who refuse to wear a mask don't respect or care about the well-being of others.  And I refuse to show the unmasked blockheads any respect.

For those who need a refresher on how to protect yourself and others during the pandemic, check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidelines by clicking here.

In the meantime, stay healthy and safe.

Until the next time . . .