What to Read Next...

Okay all you readers out there: How do you decide which book to read when you are ready to dive into a new novel? If you are like me (and I suspect that you are, by the way), you probably have at least one shelf, pile, or list of “to read” books. And if you are like me, you probably have a hard time deciding which book to grab next.

I usually go for a book that is highly recommended first. Especially if the person recommending the novel gets wide-eyed and blathers something along the lines of “OMG, you have GOT to read this book immediately. It is the absolute best. I couldn’t put it down…” How does anyone turn away from that level of enthusiasm? How could a novel that comes with this kind of energy disappoint? Okay, there are a million ways that it could disappoint, but never mind that. Let's stay positive here.

If no one is drooling on the cover of a particular book, and I’m perusing solo, I will lean toward an award-winner. Writer me wants to know what makes a novel special enough to earn a bright and shiny cover sticker. As with recommended books, I am rarely disappointed by award winners. This probably makes me sheep-like (as in following the herd), but I’m fine with that.

Next, I’ll turn to reviews for guidance. Not necessarily “professional” reviews. I’d rather check out what people on Goodreads.com have to say about a novel that I’m considering picking up. The opinions of other writers, teachers, librarians, and avid readers often sway me.

So, how do you decide which book to pick up? Am I missing some tried and true method of finding the next great read? Do tell!

Puppy Love

Anyone who has read DOG GONE has probably figured out that I love dogs. At least I hope this is obvious.

Anyway, the other day, I was settled in my favorite bookstore café, working on a new novel, totally immersed in my writing. Until this beautiful black Labrador Retriever and her person came strolling down an aisle beside me. Like most labs, this girl was grinning with her tongue hanging out the side of her mouth, loving life. Adorable. The bright yellow doggie vest draped over her back announced that she was in training, which explained why she was allowed to be in the bookstore.

Like most Labradors that I know, the minute this dog caught me grinning like an idiot at her, she trotted toward me, tail wagging in overdrive. Guess who was no longer interested in her work in progress.

Thankfully, the very, very nice lady handler introduced Ms. Lovable Black Lab as Maggie, and gave me permission to pet Maggie. As it turns out, Maggie is part of a program called Puppies Behind Bars. She is being raised and trained by an inmate to be an explosive detection dog for law enforcement. Puppies Behind Bars also trains inmates to raise pups to become service dogs for the disabled, including veterans. On certain days, volunteers such as the very, very nice lady handler, take the dogs out into the world for extended training beyond what the inmates can do, given their incarceration. As I’m sure you can imagine, both the dogs and the inmates benefit from this program. Be still my heart.

If you love dogs, or just want to check out a really heart-warming website and organization, take a peek: www.puppiesbehindbars

Now, that's puppy love. : )

Dreamy Plots

I recently read about an author who said that his story arrived in a dream. Wow. Is it me, or is this amazing? This is not the first time that I’ve read or heard of a plot for a novel arriving, in total, via a dream. I suppose about the only thing that would stun me more is if a full-grown plot arrived on a writer’s doorstep, already typed and copyedited.

At this point I’d like to say, for the record, that I enjoy the process of spending months digging for a story, mining for the pieces to put together one at a time until they form a kind of chain that hopefully resembles a plot. Really, I do. Believe it or not, blood, sweat and tears works for me. If I didn’t love a hearty challenge, I wouldn’t write. Still, I can’t help wondering if I’m missing something.

Is there some sort of Santa-esque naughty-nice thing going on where the universe rewards certain writers who have been extra special, extra good? Or, is there something writers should do before sliding between the sheets to coax the Sandman into sprinkling the kind of magical sand that brings on spectacular plots in full? Shoot, I’d give that a go. Even if I didn’t wake up in love with the plot that came to me, it would probably beat the same ‘ol blah-blah-blah dreams every night. Don’t you agree?

Okay, tonight I’m going to leave a pad of paper and pen under my pillow. Or maybe my laptop. Hey, you never know.

What Did You Want to Be?

What did you want to be when you “grew up”? Or, what do you want to be? I love this question, either version. It says something about a person, don't you think? In fact, I sometimes ask my characters, as I’m getting to know them, what they want to be—in case you were wondering.

Anyway. . .

At a recent gathering, a few friends and yours-truly started talking about what we once wanted to be and how things turned out. Some talked about what they still want to be when they grow up (probably best not to ask too many questions about ages here). One good friend was determined to be a veterinarian. These days she isn’t practicing veterinary medicine, but she shares her life and home with two horses (one arthritic and in need of constant care), an irritable pony, two dogs, three cats who had once been homeless, a lizard and an elderly snake. Clearly my friend didn’t miss the veterinarian target by all that much.

Someone else aspired to be a psychologist when he was younger, but ended up a locksmith. Not much connection, right? Ah, but you should hear this guy’s stories about how some clients open up about their personal problems (issues that have nothing to do with locks or safes, by the way). Customers who sense a good listener with a big heart--a one-time psychologist wanna-be.

Another guy thought he’d be a chef. He sort of is, but not in the way that he’d planned. By day, he’s an accountant. By night (and by weekends), a chef for his family and friends. And he doesn’t just serve up simple pasta throw-togethers or frozen meal heat-ups, either. Oh no. This guy whips up serious, homemade dinners. The stuff my family only dreams about.

Is it the writer in me, or is all of this kind of fascinating?

Oh, and in case you're wondering: I wanted to be a jockey. I grew out of that career choice, though-- literally. Still, I'll always love horses and riding. Don't be surprised to find a horse or two in my stories. *wink*

Fainting Goats

It’s an overcast, rainy Monday in my part of the world. Which somehow makes fainting goats even more hilarious than usual. Or, maybe I’ve downed too many cold pills (as in enough to medicate the free world).

Anyway, here’s a clip that I find hilarious. To kick off your week. Oh, and a big “thank you” to my wacky nephews who enlightened me to the wonder of fainting goats. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cK7eUzbcyRo

P.S. Is it me, or should fainting goats be incorporated into a story somehow?

Perseverance

I’m willing to bet that most writers will tell you that writing and the pursuit of having a book or books published can sometimes be grueling. Blood, sweat, tears. . . the works. A friend of mine, for example, has been working very hard for double digit years honing her writing and storytelling skills, striving for publishing success—her dream. She’s been discouraged, she’s been beaten down, she’s been sucked under by doubts thicker than the worst kind of quicksand. Yesterday, though, she called me to share awesome news. A renowned and very famous, award-winning author came upon one of my friend’s manuscripts in a critique situation. The author deemed this manuscript to be stellar. Not only did the author praise my friend’s writing, plotting, and character development to a large audience, but the author offered to hand-deliver my friend’s manuscript to the author’s very own editor!

I can’t get this story out of my head. Not only am I beyond thrilled for this writer-friend who has never given up in the pursuit of her dream, a person who truly deserves this encouragement and praise, but because the author’s kindness and generosity blow me away.

This story reminds me of wonderful words from Confucius:

It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop.

Cheers to perseverance!

MLK

In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. day, a couple inspiring, thought provoking quotes. Enjoy.

“An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.”

Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

Martin Luther King, Jr.