When I walked into Bump ‘N Grind* today I was greeted with a sea salt chocolate chip cookie with a candle in it, and excerpts from Happy Birthday. Someone told them, and it wasn’t me**

*for those of you who have been paying close attention, or any, this is my writing spot, and they make the best coffee in the world.

**Though I’m not above doing so if it gets me a free cookie.

The atmosphere at my favorite coffee spot was perfect today. It was quieter than usual, because it’s Good Friday. The music was nice and playing at a reasonable volume. Warm spring air wafted through the open doors. Then someone set a burrito on fire.

If you read my blog in its early days* you will remember that I shamelessly dissed writers conferences. I was wrong. End of story.

*I know you didn’t. Humor me.

 

will be by a very nice young editor. How do I know he’s nice? Tonight he sat around with the mere mortal writers and played a Harry Potter quiz game, which he won, and not because we let him. How do I know he’s young?* Well, duh.

*For the record, this means ‘under 40.’

So yesterday’s epiphany was courtesy of one of my critique partners, who suggested I  put my protagonist/amateur sleuth in danger to create more tension in the story.* Of course, she’s right, and of course this creates several thousand continuity issues. Sigh

*I’m considering the possibility that she finds the character annoying and would like to bump her off.

The quiet car is a great place to nap on your way to NYC…unless the person behind you is snoring.

For the record, actors and musicians give the absolutely best most creative presents: personalized calendars, original poetry, song parodies, and lavish compliments. I think I will always throw an annual cast party, even if I’m not acting and directing anymore.

Laura Capasso is an excellent beta reader.* If I were a publisher I’d hire her. If I had lots of money I’d pay her. If I get published I’ll acknowledge her. When her novel is published I will write copious tweets, blog posts and Facebook posts.

*No, you can’t have her contact information. I just had to give Laura her props.

Is lecturing me in the deep recesses of my brain. Today’s lecture is about posture.*

*Yesterday’s was about fingernails.

I love revising! YES, I LOVE IT! But a dark part of my soul wonders if it’s because it allows me to put off querying a lot longer.*

*Smallest club in the world: Authors Who Love To Query