When my grandson, Tommy, was five, my daughter, Kristin, took him to buy school supplies for kindergarten. As they walked toward the store, he yelled out, “Look, Mom! They got all the A-holes out of Walmart!’ People walking to and from their cars cast disapproving glares her way. She stooped down and asked, “Tommy, what did you say?” “The A-holes. They got all the A-holes out of Walmart!” Embarrassed, Kristin explained, “We don’t talk that way, Tommy.” He looked confused. “Show me what you mean,” she said. Tommy pointed to the new Walmart sign. “See? All the A-holes, where the Read More
Tag: WIP
How Grocery Shopping Reveals Your Writing Style
I read an article years ago (pre-Google) about how your personality is evident depending on which stage of grocery shopping you prefer. I think it can also explain writing style. I’ll explain—to the best of my recollection. Making the list – The Visionary Is your favorite part of grocery shopping sitting down and making the list? Do you enjoy poking around in the pantry to see if you need to replace that jar of cinnamon? Do you check the refrigerator to see if you’re out of ketchup? (BTW throw out that old jar of salsa.) Then perhaps your favorite Read More
Five Weak Words That Suck the Life Out of My Writing
I am composing this post as I finish revisions of Buried Secrets, the sequel to The Cavanaugh House. During this process, I again realize the importance—no, the necessity—no, the obligation of authors to revise, revise, revise. I have spent the last week wordsmithing and tweaking my manuscript, creating a stronger, more interesting story. Here are some particularly pesky words for me: Apparently “well” is my favorite word. As my friend and editor pointed out, I used it 122 times in a 263-page draft. That’s at least once every other page. “Well, well, well,” I said to myself, “I have to Read More
Rebecca Engel Talks About Writing Books and Wrangling Characters
When I visit The Cavanaugh House on Amazon, I often see Secrets in Stone as a recommended read. I contacted the author, Rebecca Engle, and invited her to be my guest on Meyette’s Musings. I am thrilled that she accepted! Welcome, Rebecca! I am so excited to hear about your writing journey. How do you describe your writing process? Do you outline? Let the muse lead you? Or something else? My writing process is currently in a state of flux. I’ve always considered myself more of a panster than a plotter. When starting a new novel, I do know Read More
My WIP is RIP v.2
Two months ago I wrote about abandoning my WIP Buried Secrets, the sequel to The Cavanaugh House. While the decision wasn’t easy, with a little help from Elizabeth Gilbert and her latest book Big Magic, I was at peace when I packed up my manuscript, notes and critiques and put them on the top shelf of my office closet. Little did I know that as I was packing one book away I was unpacking new opportunities for two others. When a negative review is a good thing Why is it if we get ten compliments and one criticism, it’s Read More