Monday, December 23, 2019

The Writing Dream

Writing a novel is a popular subplot in this year’s holiday movies on television. Three movies playing this past week as I wrapped presents and baked holiday treats had main characters with dreams of writing a book.

Perhaps the dream of writing is more widespread than I imagined. I’m exposed to groups of writers and aspiring writers in my local and online writers organizations. I myself had not considered writing until 2 ½ years ago. Since then, I’ve completed and indie-published a mystery novel and a children’s picture book.

My writing dream goal for next year is to create a better book by studying the craft. I signed up for online classes in 2020 to improve my writing, revising, and editing skills.

Writing takes time and commitment, but it’s a rewarding hobby. I expect it’s even more rewarding to see your books lining bookstore and library shelves. Perhaps some year I might find out.

Happy holidays!

Sunday, December 1, 2019

Scene of the Crime

For twenty years, I’ve had a Thanksgiving weekend potluck and pickin’ party called the Bluegrass Turkey Jam. Cold, rainy weather like we’ve had this holiday weekend doesn’t deter musicians. The house was packed with pickers and the music was great!

Bluegrass jams can get pretty rowdy though. Last night for instance, a glass of wine got knocked out fighting with a banjo. The banjo won.

Banjo players (undeservedly) get a bad rap and frequently are the butt of jokes. At one bluegrass festival, a crime scene outline of a body and a banjo was painted on the ground in front of the stage.

I recently joked that the murder of a banjo player at a bluegrass festival wouldn’t work for a Detective McGregor mystery because no one would care enough to look for suspects… but I’m actually considering that plotline for a book.