9/27/2015 0 Comments 4am and I'm DistractedOK I am officially a writer.
I am supposed to be studying for a big exam that I have on Monday. My Professor would be so proud of me. I was on track working on the third case study; when all of the sudden... An idea of a book has popped into my head. Its a simple one and would support my work with battlefield vets. But Really! I don't need this right now. I have a quiet house and the isolation that I need. I'm supposed to be absorbing information but I'm as empty as the dry sponge on my kitchen sink. Why do these fantastic ideas arrive at the times when we are busy? One of my author friends posted a funny the other day: I'm an excellent plotter in the shower. I'm an excellent character developer in the car. But put me in front of the computer with nothing to do and nothing. So I have filed my idea away, hoping the inspiration will stay fresh where it's stored. Back to my studies...
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9/17/2015 0 Comments Falling in Love in a Small TownWalking hand in hand a boy and girl walk down Main. They are trying to stay busy and have no idea what they want to do. There are three hours till curfew and all they know is they want to spend every second together. Its Friday and the sidewalks are full of people rushing to pickup last minute purchases before the shops close or to meet their special someone at their favorite restaurant for dinner. But she only has eyes for him.
Her eyes shine in the moonlight as she looks up at him. She doesn't hear the hustle and bustle around them. She only hears his voice as he goes on and on about the school week. Not bored at all; she urges him to continue when he stops and apologizes for talking too much. He squeezes her hand as he drags her to the waterfront to look at the boats that he hopes to own one day. She catches a chill as the breeze blows off the water. Goose bumps rise on her skin and he stops to take off his sweatshirt, tossing it to her so she will not be cold. she breathes in his scent as she pulls it on over her light shirt. Her pumps click on the sidewalk as they walk along the water in no hurry to get anywhere. Fireflies dance in the air over the grassy lawn in the park. What a perfect night. A perfect night in any small town. August was amazing for my growth as a writer. I went to a writer's retreat at the beach very close to home. The seminars were mind-blowing and such a bargain. The women writers that I met were amazing. And of course the scenery was just perfect. It fit my personality and my needs. The Babes on the Beach Writer's Retreat was organized by Nikki Terpilowski of the Holloway Literary Agency. If any of you have priced classes in writing lately, you know how expensive they can be. This retreat was a bargain. There were seminars on Agents, Publishing Houses and their roles. We had a class on basic writing tips for novels and making your novel pop for the market place. Then we practiced what we learned. The Agents and Editors from Agencies and Publishing Houses sat down with us and read our projects. It was so awesome. By the end of the week, I had the opportunity to pitch my novel idea to Harlequin, Source and the Nancy Yost Literary Agency. Such an incredible opportunity. One of my favorite things about BOTB2015 was the amazing women writers that I met. I was a little nervous because of my introverted tendencies. But I must say, I felt comfortable from the moment I arrived. There were Women's Fiction and Romance writers. I soon found out that I fit into the first category. There were groups from all over the United States. These ladies were in different stages in their careers. Some were very successful and were there to teach us. Some were published and looking for information to get their next deal and some were writing their first project, just like me. We had time to visit and get to know each other. I met ladies that became friends by the end of the week. Now, I have a support group to push me when I feel frustrated. The beach was a relaxing setting for the week. Our meeting room was in a beach cottage on Emerald Isle, NC. Nikki organized seminars on yoga and reiki. The relaxation techniques helped with writer's block and stress and the time away from everyday life helped me write. During the retreat, I wrote in my free time. And yes there was free time in the packed schedule. The pool and beach were beautiful. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect setting. I didn't want to leave it was such a wonderful week. It was just what I needed to turbo charge this project. BOTB2016 promises to be even better and I hope you all will join me. If you hurry there is a bargain price that will end very soon. Sorry Guys, Ladies only. http://botbwr.com/ |
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November 2019
CategoriesAll Chasing Irma Family Life In The South Living In The South Photography Travel Writing All photos on the website are taken by Tammera Cooper and remain her property.
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