What I am doing during the lull

During this lull in teaching, I am taking online classes and organizing manuscripts of poetry and prose. 

I have enough poems to make a collection, but I think I will do a couple of chapbooks. They are less expensive to publish and cost the reader less than a collection.

Some of my favorite poems have not been published and I want them to be read. Most of my prose pieces, my memoir, personal essays, and short stories, have not been published. I am determined to publish them soon.

I am not as concerned with how they are published as I am with how well they are published. An editor says my short stories will appeal to readers who like to read clean stories, and in today's world, where will I find them?

I am not someone who would avoid using blue language in a fictional piece if they were the words of a character. We must stay true to the character's use of language, his upbringing, and his lifestyle and I have done that with some stories I have written. But I was brought up around people who did not curse or use obscenities around me. Even my husband toned down his rhetoric in my presence. I am not above using a little bad language when I get upset or angry, but I limit myself to damn (the verb, damn means to criticize or to condemn as bad), hell, or SOB. 

I am not overly religious or judgemental but I just prefer not to use the filthy, vulgar language I hear in movies and on TV today. I find it offensive and used more than necessary just for the shock effect. But I can turn it off and find something more to my liking. 

Lexie dressed in her halter and ready for the dog park

Meanwhile, between eating out with my sister, taking Lexie to the dog park, and sleeping a lot, I continue to work for Netwest, prepare my writing for publishing and go to doctor appointments. 

When I am back in Hayesville soon, I will be having a book signing at the charming new bookstore in Blairsville, GA. Book Bound Books will host Carroll Taylor and me on Friday afternoon, October 28, from 3:00 - 6:00 PM at the store on 35 Blue Ridge Street, Blairsville, GA 30512.

If you are in the area, please come by and see us. You will want to check out this terrific bookstore and see the books by Carroll and me. Carroll has a beautiful children's book and two great YA novels. I will have three of my books there.

Hope to see you then.