Wisdom? From Me? And your Monday Fortune Cookie 12/23/13

Wisdom is on her way to you.

SNARKY RESPONSE: I hope she's a lot more reliable than her cousin, Lady Luck! Marlon Brando immortalized that lady's unreliability in Guys & Dolls!

Wisdom is on her way to you.

Personally, I think Wisdom has opted to take the Grand Tour on her way to me. I get an occasional postcard in the form of a momentary burst of brilliance or personal fortitude, but mostly it's all kinda "wish you were here" from Lady Wisdom.

But I have learned this piece of wisdom - courtesy is never out of style.
Saying "thank you" is a simple two-word gift that you can give to anyone and everyone who offers you assistance and/or support.

Thank you, everyone, who has supported me in my writing endeavors - RichWriters, Writers Endeavor, James River Writers, Virginia Romance Writers, and especially all of the Strumpets of Tea & Strumpets! 

And thank you to my husband and family for everything they do every day to make my life more complete. Without you and your love, NOTHING would be possible. Love & thanks!

Wine, Wineries, and Your Monday Fortune Cookie 8/25/13

A DRUNK MAN'S WORDS ARE A SOBER MAN'S THOUGHTS.

SNARKY RESPONSE: Guess it's a good thing a drunk is usually incoherent.

A drunk man's words are a sober man's thoughts. 

Don't know if it's the best way to open this week's fortune cookie, but anyone who follows me on facebook knows I was up in Northern Virginia Wine Country sampling the local wines this past weekend.

It's beautiful country up there in Northern Virginia. There was a race at Winchester on Saturday night, and we drove back along the back roads checking out all the lovely wineries.

We travelled along Routes 17 and 55 for the most part, up in the edge of the Middleburg Virginia AVA (American Viticultural Area). We'd never been up to that part of the state other than to pass through on our way to Canada, so it was a real delight to be able to get off the highway and just meander along winding roads and enjoy wines offered by a variety of wineries.

Delaplane Cellars was our first stop. It offered a lovely patio for enjoying a glass or bottle and cheese plate. The lady pouring our tasting was a delight particularly when Joe and she found out they knew a little dirt track up north. She'd worked there as a young girl, and he'd visited many times to see races.

Three Fox Vineyard has the most delightful outdoor setting with tables galore scattered all over the property. Even among the vines. Bocci balls and corn hole were available, and they had a tasting area set up outside under a big tent.

Aspen Dale Winery at the Barn did wine and food pairings with tasty tidbits of cheese and sausages. Quite different from the usual cup of crackers to "cleanse the palate." They wanted to help folks actually experience the way their wines tasted with food. The barn was lovely, and they had live music.

Chateau O'Brien had my favorite reds. Nice full bodied wines. The building is really different, kinda like two houses linked by a central enty. The dining area has a wonderful view.

Philip Carter Winery of Virginia was slammed with people on such a lovely day. And they're dog friendly.

Now, we're home and we're stocked up on quite a few wines. We'd like to go back in the fall. Maybe we can talk some friends to go along. It's a bit of a haul, but definitely worth it. I may be a little worse for wear right now, but what a way to go!

Memories, Good Times, and Your Monday Fortune Cookie 7/22/13

It takes more than a good memory to have good memories.

SNARKY RESPONSE: Too much wine doesn't help either. Then again, it might.

It takes more than a good memory to have good memories.

I've just shared two marvelous weekends with two wonderful writing groups at The Porches in Norwood, VA. As expected, we all dedicated ourselves to writing, editing, and revising our current Works In Progress. Sitting in our rooms or on the famous porches, we typed, scribbled, and pondered. Chapters were written, sections were chopped, and ideas were explored. The glorious quiet was filled with insect and birdsong, the tranquil scenery offered respite when screens grew fuzzy, plots twisted into knots, or ideas seemed to slow. The sense of a shared mission helped keep us all focused and creative. However, writers cannot live on ideas alone. Oh No! All that creativity deserves to be richly rewarded and there was no shortage of delectable rewards to be had.

When evening began it's gentle approach and shadows lengthened, we set aside our works and gathered for dinner and socializing. Not that there weren't brief breaks throughout the day, breakfast, lunch, snacks, but the key word is "brief." The end of the day signalled a shift from isolated creativity to mixing and mingling food, drink, and talk.

The Tea & Strumpets ladies, Sofie Couch and Elvy Howard delighted our tastebuds with Lasagna and Grilled Chicken & Shrimp, respectively.

Even a confirmed veggie-phobe like myself could find nothing to fault in Sofie's lasagna even if it did have spinach in it. No, honestly, I eat the occasional green, and the spinach in the lasagna added color and flavor. Elvy's grilled offerings added zest and the opportunity to eat with my fingers (my favorite utensil, when applicable).

Evening meals flowed into evening drinks. In perfect Tea & Strumpets form, Alexa Day brought a mixed case of wine to be sampled and enjoyed. Sadly, the Strumpets were unable to account for more than six or seven bottles, but it was not for lack of trying. Our efforts were accompanied by the most outrageous and captivating light shows provided by lightning bugs. Of course, discussion of the whys and wherefors of lightning bug displays dissolved into laughing lewdity and speculation. Being Strumpets, would you expect anything less?

The James River Writers dinner cooks, Mike & Shawna Christos and Leila Gaskins provided even more tummy tickling delights with Grilled Chicken and salad and Individual Pizzas with a myriad of fixin's to spread on home-made pizze crusts, respectively.

And to accompany it all were copious amounts of libations ranging from cold, clear artesian well water provided free by The Porches to a seemingly unending array of wine.

The James River Writers showed a comparable level of skill and enthusiasm in the arena of  alcoholic consumption plus nearly polishing off a bottle of whisky which I believe went by a delightful moniker of Larceny (or something - perhaps someone will correct me in the comments). Ah, proof positive that a good memory does not require total recall.

As you can tell, a fabulous time was had by all and we left with words written, ideas hatched, memories made, and connections more perfectly forged. I highly recommend The Porches Writers Retreat for anyone wishing to escape the daily distractions. You can attend solo or in a group, both will provide you results far beyond your expectations.

Beauty, Originality, and the Monday Fortune Cookie 6/24/13

Beauty is simply beauty, originality is magical.

SNARKY RESPONSE:  But originality seldom wins the crown in a Beauty Pageant.

Beauty is simply beauty, originality is magical.

(Don't mind me, as I attempt to wax philosophical.
It's one of THOSE fortunes.)

Beauty is as simple or as complex as the beholder deems it.

As simple as a blue sky on a spring day or as complex as a waterspout on the open sea. As simple as a smile offered freely or as complex as a judge's nod at the end of a performance. Beauty is said to be natural, but the popular beauties owe as much to artifice as to nature. Beauty more often falls within specified parameters, is sought through pursuit of a strict regimen, is recognized only when conforming to the stated expectations of the beholder, making Beauty beholden to others.

When Beauty is a purely personal definition, that's when it becomes magical.

Originality is all about personal definition. Originality chooses not to acknowledge the power of standards when seeking something true. It dares to be different, dares to be strange, dares to be ugly to find beauty. Beware, originality is a double-edge sword. One stroke can earn you accolades, another stroke could cut you off at the knees. Dancing along that razor's edge, you have to balance the need to be unique with the drive to be accepted by fostering  independence from the judgement of others. Sometimes, the call of conformity will make you shy away from that precipice, playing up your fear of falling, of failing. Originality pushes right up to the edge, peers over into the unknown and then chooses to use that moment to create something new. Step off. Step back. Step out.

The magic of Originality is the Beauty it creates within the creator.

So here's where I'm gonna leave it. Anybody want to add something of their own to the mix? Please feel free.

MONDAY FORTUNE COOKIE, 3/4/13

THE JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE REQUIRES MANY SHOES.

SNARKY REMARK: What?! Now, Fortune Cookie Guru, you're Jimmy Choo? Well, when life gives you a kicker, put on your steel-toed shoes and kick it right back!

The journey through life requires many shoes.

I've never been a big fan of shoes. I buy them. I wear them. I take them off as soon as I come in the door. That is NOT the result of my heritage, but the result of my feet's general unhappiness with being enclosed. But I think I get where the Fortune Cookie Guru is going with this.


We have to cover a lot of ground in this life and the terrain can be quite different from point to point.

Today's Fortune Cookie reminds me of the "wearing many hats" analogy, but perhaps a head covering is less indicative of effort expended, obstacles overcome, and preparedness completed than a properly chosen shoe. Ah! Spoken like a true fashionista (which I obviously am not), but I'm assured it's all about the accessories.

Consider:

Muddy shoes or boots might be required when dealing with periods of stormy weather or hard work.

Polished shoes or high heels come out when you have a chance to strut your stuff, dress to impress, or party down.

The sandals slide on when life is moving easy and expectations are for casual comfort.

Roomy bedroom slippers snuggle around your feet for periods of a more private, indulgent, reclusive nature.

Tennis or aerobic shoes helped you when life required that you stay moving, keep on your toes, or get there fast!

Poet J.S. Lee - powerful poems and heels

Maybe the Fortune Cookie Guru is trying to remind us that we'll have to understand and accept that sometimes the shoes we wore yesterday won't be appropriate for today.

 That the life we lived before this moment is no more than a precursor for the life we will live tomorrow.

Yeah, that sounds preachy, but it's something I'm constantly working to accept. The only constant in life is change and the only option is to be accepting of that fact. As the Borg would say, "resistance is futile" and for this, they'd be right. 

We may not get to choose much in this life, but one thing we are assured of being able to choose is HOW we deal with what life throws at us.

For this period of life, I'd say I'm in the low-heeled slingback mode. A little elevation to give me a clearer field of view. Easy on and off for those moments when you absolutely MUST go barefoot.

What kind of shoes are you wearing at this stage of your life?

MONDAY FORTUNE COOKIE, 2/17/13

LITTLE RITUALS WILL HELP YOU ACHIEVE SUCCESS

SNARKY RESPONSE:  But human sacrifice is frowned upon. Yes, I know some people are just asking to be sacrificed, but you must rise above it. Deep breath. Let it go. Just let it go.

Little rituals will help you achieve success

Everyone has little rituals to ensure good luck. Spill some salt, throw a pinch over your shoulder. Beware of that much maligned black cat who might saunter across your path. Find a penny, pick it up, all day long you'll have good luck. The list goes on and on.

Athletes are notoriously superstitious. Pre-game rituals abound from lucky pieces of clothing to fortuitous meals to specific actions.

And writers can be just as superstitious. That new journal every New Year's Day. The special pen. The same space at the coffee shop. But I'm not here to discuss our personal good luck routines. I'm digging into the harder stuff. The actual work rituals that will get a writer ahead in this world.

First and foremost - write every day. Drilled into every writer's head by every teacher, workshop leader, critique group, writing manual. Set aside a time every day to write. The ritual of writing is required if you plan to achieve any level of success. You can't publish that fabulous idea sizzling on your brainpan unless you put it down on paper/screen.

Set ground rules about your writing time. Make sure that everyone in the household understands that you are unavailable when you are writing. I've heard quite a few full-time writers laughingly admit to telling their families that unless there is blood involved, they are not to be interrupted while they are writing. And you must refrain from jumping up to check on this, intervene in that--you're writing.

Stop before you reach the end of a scene/chapter. By leaving you and your characters hanging you can make the next day's jump start that much easier. It will also get you back in that chair because your brain is just dying to finish that piece.

Timed writing. It's so easy to fritter away that precious writing time, doodling, researching, clearing your desk, busy work. However, creating a little ritual of timed writing will help you focus on quality writing time. When you've got a deadline, a designated period, it's less likely that you'll dither off. Borrow that kitchen timer or use my favorite website - eg.gtimer.com - and commit to a short period of time - 30 or 45 minutes work best. Fifteen minutes is hardly enough time to work up a slight roil in the creative juices. You want a full head of steam and 30 or 45 minutes work best. BUT if all you have is fifteen minutes, then do it! Set the timer and start banging out the words until it buzzes, beeps, or shrieks.

Listening to music is a kind of ritual for some writers. The perfect playlist can help to pump up the creative muscles. Just be careful that you don't pick anything too distracting. Getting up to bust a few moves can break the creative flow unless you are one of those folks who moves to muse. In that case, shake it but don't break it.

Join a critique partner/group & participate. Writing is a solitary endeavor, but to hone your writing, nothing is more helpful than a good critique partner or group. Not only do you learn from them, but participation forces you to be accountable. The critique group ritual will dictate that you produce pages to submit, and those pages need to be quality pages.

Attend workshops/conferences/classes. Build on the foundation laid with your critique partner/group by attending writing workshops/conferences/classes. Not only for the craft of writing but also for the business of writing. The landscape of publishing is shifting like the coastline in a hurricane and you need to keep a weather eye on the horizon.

So, those are a few suggestions from me. Now, let me open it up to the floor. What are some of your writing rituals? What do you do to help you focus on the work? How do you lure your muse out of hiding?

MONDAY FORTUNE COOKIE, 2/11/13

NOTHING DARED, NOTHING GAINED

SNARKY RESPONSE: Exactly what I said about dessert the other day! But I ordered it anyway.

Nothing dared, nothing gained

This week's Fortune Cookie works surprisingly well for me. About time! And speaking of time...


Over at NPR, they're running a little writing contest called Three Minute Fiction.


Writers are asked to write and submit a short, and I mean short, piece of fiction that can be read on air in three minutes, roughly 600 words. Entries had to be submitted by midnight last night, February 10th.

They choose a theme for the entries and this year the story has to be in the form of a voice mail message.

The fearless leader of my science fiction and fantasy critique group, Bud Webster challenged us earlier this year to participate in the next contest. He wanted us to step outside of our current WIPs and comfort zones to meet a challenge and a deadline!

Short or Flash Fiction is mucho hard for me. I'm a novella gal. Though I have had two short stories published, it's not my medium. However, I agreed with Bud that we should stretch ourselves. So when I heard about this year's contest, I decided to do it.

There were so many different ways to approach the voice mail concept, but I settled on a basically tried and true one. With a little twist to make it more interesting.

It's the "I'm sorry. I don't really want to break up" call. The "I take it back" that may or may not be welcome words after the recipient of the break-up has been up all night attempting triage on a broken heart and dreams.

My twists were to (1) set a time-limit on the response, (2) show that the deadline is missed, and (3) hint at a darker problem at issue in this relationship or with this apologetic soul.

I set up my time limit with the "unnamed" caller being in the airport leaving for an unavoidable trip. He wants the recipient, Maria, to call him back before he leaves as a sign that she'll take him back.

However, in this day of cell phones and international coverage, why would such a deadline be necessary?

It wouldn't, UNLESS my person will be incommunicado or have to "go dark" for some reason. Heading into the depths of the Amazon or onto the frozen tundras of Antarctica  Or is it something more nefarious? Something involving "contracts," per se.

Well, that's where I went and that's what I sent. If it never makes it past the first round, I'll be posting it here later. Fingers crossed. 

MONDAY FORTUNE COOKIE, 2/4/13

FATE IS FULL OF IRONY. WHAT YOU DISH OUT WILL COME BACK FOR YOU.

SNARKY RESPONSE: Yeah, Fate's a tough broad and she doesn't forget a thing!

Fate is full of irony. What you dish out will come back for you.

Like they say, if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. In this day and age, everything is recordable and once shared with the www, it lives forever. No take backs. No do overs.

I can't remember a more powerful illustration than the one about the writer who publicly imploded over what they felt was a negative review. It was worse than watching a digital train wreck and knowing it was going to live forever in the www. And no, I'm not going to share the link here.

Today's fortune cookie is an invitation to be preachy and I don't like to be preachy if I can help it. So, I'm going to cut today's blog short of that slippery slope and hope you have a great week.

Please feel free to share your thoughts on today's fortune cookie.

MONDAY FORTUNE COOKIE, 1/28/13

GOOD TO BEGIN WELL, BETTER TO END WELL

SNARKY RESPONSE: Well, by all means, let's have dessert! Hear hear!

Sorry, appetizers, you may get a nod, but the Fortune Cookie Guru is standing strong for his brethren.

As an unknown wise man once said, "Life's uncertain. Eat dessert first!" 

Good to begin well, better to end well.

This reminds me of a piece of writing advice I received from my dear friend and author, Robert E. Bailey - the best comes last. I know we writers bewail and belabor that crucial first line, but after that piece of deathless prose has been nailed, what follows had better follow through on that promise.

The last word in a sentence, the last sentence in a paragraph, the last line in a chapter, the ending of the book - all need to have a punch to keep the reader hooked or, in the case of the ending, provide them with that "ah" moment.

Ending a sentence strong will keep the reader reading. The words you select for ending your sentence must be active, strong, and lead the reader to the next sentence. Writers can make the mistake of putting the focus of their sentences at the beginning, like boxing's "leading with your chin." You leave yourself open (ended) and the sentences fades. If you bury the focus of the paragraph in the middle, your reader will lose sight of it. If your chapter doesn't include that little hook to send the reader to the next page, they might close the book and not come back.

For example:

First draft: By moving the focus of the sentence to the end, you land that punch.
Better:  You land that punch by moving the focus of the sentence to the end.

Re-read your writing and think about how your sentences are arranged. What is the point of the sentence and is it positioned to properly deliver a strong finish?

Now, does the pie come with ice cream?

MONDAY FORTUNE COOKIE, 10/8/12

You will maintain good health and enjoy life.

SNARKY RESPONSE: Really?

You will maintain good health and enjoy life.

I sure wish I'd drawn this one out of my fortunes collection before last Saturday. Why you ask? Last Saturday, I tripped and fell, resulting in bruising and general unhappiness all over my body. Luckily nothing was broken and I'm much better now.

However, this fortune does bring to mind a point. Writing is a sedentary career. We do all the heavy lifting in our minds and the only parts of our bodies that get a real work-out are our fingers. Okay, I should acknowledge that there are genres of writing that require physical involvement – outdoors writers, travel writers, sports writers, etc. – but most of us spend the majority of our time at a desk, seated, for hours on end. If that's won't contribute to a bit of spread and gradual flabbiness, nothing will.

So, what's a dedicated writer to do? Get up and move around regularly.

The First Wives Club

One of my favorite scenes in The First Wives Club was when the three "first wives" Diane Keaton, Bette Midler, and Goldie Hawn were brainstorming ways to get back at one of their husbands. Goldie Hawn was up on their office treadmill and said she got her best ideas there. True to her word, she came up with an excellent observation and Bette Midler exclaimed "She does get her best ideas on there." (or something to that effect)

It's an often cited piece of advice that when you're blocked, you get up and do something else. But don't let that be the only time you get up. Aside from going in search of the obligatory caffeine or treats to stimulate and/or lure the muse. Exercise! Take a walk. Get on a rebounder. Switch on the exercise channel and follow along. No one cares if you don't do all the exercises with the grace and aplomb of those way perky exercise divas. The point is that you're moving and the more you move the easier it will become.

Oh, you say, that's easy to say from way over there. So, what are you doing? Admittedly, I've not been doing much, but I am posting this as a formal Declaration of Intent.

I will begin to include more exercise in my routine beginning today. How about you? Are you game?

Together we WILL maintain good health and enjoy life!

MONDAY FORTUNE COOKIE, 9/17/12

Never judge a work of art by its defects

SNARKY RESPONSE: Yeah, everyone's a critic and you know what they say about opinions.

Never judge a work of art by its defects.

This fortune cookie made me think about critique groups.

Are you in a critique group or have a critique partner? In my humble opinion, writers can benefit greatly from a well-chosen critique group. I've been blessed to have discovered two wonderful groups. They've taught me a lot about my writing, but also they've taught me a lot about doing a good critique.

Being part of a critique group means that you offer and receive constructive criticism of each other's work. It's neither easy to hear nor easy to offer. However, if you're in a group, it's important that you take part and that you understand the key word is "constructive." To simply say that something doesn't work for you is not enough. You need to be able to explain why and hopefully offer a suggestion or two of what you feel would make it better. This is not to say that you will dictate how another person writes, you can only share what you feel would help. You are not there to write their story for them, simply to let them know if you see anything that needs work.

That's where our fortune cookie comes into play. Do not "judge" their work by any "defects" or mistakes, help them improve it. Offer suggestions for changes, give examples, and pose questions if something is unclear to you. Finally, and something that often gets lost in the mix, remember to comment upon what you liked, what you enjoyed, what you felt was done particularly well.

I would suggest you use the "Oreo cookie" method. I don't know precisely where I heard this used first, but I think it was at work. I've always understood it to mean to place a hard criticism between two compliments. I suppose if you're going to take the cookie analogy literally, you might be squeezing one compliment between two hard criticisms, but I prefer the first method when possible.

So remember, when offering critiques, read with a positive eye and critique with a positive tone. You wouldn't want your writing judged purely on its defects, would you?

MONDAY FORTUNE COOKIE 9/3/12

Find release from your cares; have a good time.

SNARKY RESPONSE: Yeah, eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow you may die.

Find release from your cares; have a good time.

Seemed like good advice for a Labor Day Weekend and the beginning of Fall! Even though, in my neck of the woods, it doesn't feel like Fall, Labor Day Weekend is when most of us bid adieu to the carefree days of summer. At the very least, I've already noticed the days are getting shorter.

I love Fall! The temperature will start on that gradual downward slide and we'll revel in open windows, nights cool enough to require sweaters, and the scent of smoke from burning leaves or fireplaces.

Between now and New Year's Eve, my social calendar becomes filled chock-a-block with activities of all kinds. The James River Writers Conference, The Richmond Folk Festival, The Garlic Festival, various cultural festivals, and Oktoberfest are just a few of the delights on my crowded agenda. Of course, there are the Big Four—Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Eve, though I admit the last two are actually within the realm of Winter.

Then there is the annual strip-tease performed by the region's deciduous trees that will hopefully entertain us for weeks. The coy things will bedazzle us with their annual transformation from their current dusty green to vibrant golds, reds, and oranges. Despite the fact that walks outside will often be accompanied by the gentle shushing of fallen leaves, we'll hardly notice the emergence of bare limbs until they're suddenly standing against a cloudless sky, limbs thrust outwards as if to say "ta da," their rainbow garb having been flung to the wind to settle down around their roots.

And the light! The sunlight shifts from the brilliant white yellow of summer to the golden glow of autumn. The disappearance of humidity will brighten the days and at night, the stars will take on a sharper twinkle.

Yes, there may be a built-in sense of freedom in the lazy, hazy days of summer with vacations, abbreviated clothing and footwear, but I'm ready to begin the cooler, cozy days of fall. What about you? Are you ready for Fall or are you in mourning for Summer?

MONDAY FORTUNE COOKIE, 8/27/12

If your desires are not extravagant, they will be granted.

SNARKY RESPONSE: Okay, who's hedging their bets? So, if I don't get my desire, it'll be because it was too extravagant, eh? Fortune Cookie guru, you're leaving yourself a whopping big loophole there. And don't tell me that's the way the cookie crumbs.

If your desires are not extravagant, they will be granted.

Not only are you hedging your bets, Fortune Cookie Guru, but I think you're missing the point.

Desires, by their very nature, trend toward the extravagant. Needs are more modest, more fundamental – food, shelter, security. Nothing extravagant there.

But desires, desires are more often wrapped up in wish-fulfillment. And wishes are mostly all about big things, dreamy things, extraordinary things.

Keeping your desire small in order to have it granted is the waste of a good desire. Desires should be big, heart-pounding, pulse-racing, sweat on your brow big. In the case of desire, size matters.

If we limit our desires in hopes that fate will tip the scales in our favor, we always live in the shallow end of the life pool.

Don't do it! Dream big, desire extravagantly!

And if our efforts don't make the big leagues, at least we know we tried. We pushed ourselves. We took our shot and that is the point! The trick is that it's not the destination, but the journey that will make us more. (Okay, that's another fortune cookie saying, but it applies)

What say you?

MONDAY FORTUNE COOKIE 8/12/12

"You will be successful in everything."

SNARKY RESPONSE: Okay, first, Fortune Cookie Guru, you no longer "foretell" anything, instead offering only platitudes, and now you're pandering. Someone, pass me another cookie, at least I can get my sugar fix.

"You will be successful in everything."

No one believes that one, but I truly believe that you can be successful in anything you pursue with dedication and determination. Granted a measure of "realistic expectation" must be dumped into the mix, but you can't get there from here without hard work. This applies to all facets of your life, but here I'm talking about writing.

What is success anyway? Is it a measurable point in time or checkbook balance? To be successful, you have to determine first what it is, and then what is involved in getting there.

Does being a successful writer mean being on the New York Best-Seller List? Then, more than likely, you need to chart a course for one of the Big Publishers and build your platform to attract their attention. Very few folks get to the NYBSL without that kind of support.

Does being a successful writer mean being published, period? Then, determine what medium is best suited to your type of writing. Self-publishing doesn't carry the stigma it once did, but it doesn't serve the best interests of every writer. Small presses are carrying a lot of water now and could be just the team to take you over the goal line. ePublishing offers versatility and relevance in an electronic age, but is it your final destination or a stepping stone?

All of these venues are valid "end goals" and I encourage you to investigate them all as you plot your course.

For me, the goal is to see my story in print, be it on paper or electronic, and to be judged a good enough writer to be paid for it. Crass, yes, but think about it. If you've spent days/weeks/months/YEARS working on something, investing all that time and effort, you can't be blamed for expecting some recognition.  And what better recognition than to have someone exchange their hard-earned money for it. It's not crass, it's about a craftsman being recognized for his trade. And you, my dear writer, are a craftsman, be it prose or poetry, fiction or non, long or short.

Additionally, I would add that any goal you set for yourself (1) is not set in stone--you can change it at any point, it's YOUR goal after all; and (2) is a moving target in that the outside influences on attainment should be factored and adjusted accordingly. Regularly review your goals, check your target for validity, and then be flexible enough to adjust as required.

Finally, "they" say, "Success is a journey, not a destination." (I can't find a definitive citation, but it's bandied about regularly) While it may sound to the snarky like a cop-out, it's a valid point. Even if we don't attain that grand goal, the fact that we continually strive to attain it makes us different from those who don't even try.

That, my dears, is worth celebrating as much as the rest!

So, how do you measure success?

MONDAY FORTUNE COOKIE 7/23/12

"One must dare to be himself, however frightening or strange that self may prove to be."

SNARKY RESPONSE: Hmm, do the names Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde ring any bells?

"One must dare to be himself,
however frightening or strange that self may prove to be."

I'm participating in the James River Writers Book Club, an informal book club for the months running up to the annual James River Writers Conference in October 20-21, 2012. We're reading books written by the featured speakers for the conference and our first book was The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown.

One caveat – I am a genre reader through and through so this book was definitely outside of my usual aisles. That lack of familiarity with this writer's genre may create a level of naiveté to my review, but here's what I thought. And bear with me, I'll explain why I chose a book review for this Fortune Cookie.

Cover of The Weird Sisters
by Eleanor Brown

In The Weird Sisters, Eleanor Brown explores the lives of three sisters. Daughters of a professor of Shakespeare, they are named for three of the Bard's heroines and being three, the analogy of the Weird Sisters was a natural. However, the three women are facing personal crises when they are then brought together in a family crisis. How they deal with all these pressures on their lives and each other makes for a truly interesting read.

In a semi-spoiler, I'd have to say my impression of the story makes it tie in with today's Fortune Cookie. I feel that each sister is forced to face the reality of who she truly is instead of the "she" built on expectations or camouflage. As the Bard said "to thine own self be true" and I feel that The Weird Sisters is about the characters' discovery of who that "true self" is and how to accept it.

Oh, and as another "spoiler," the book is written in Omniscient First Person Plural (We not I), a format I was not familiar with and one that took some SERIOUS getting used to. I must say that about one-quarter to one-third through it became less annoying as I just fell into the story. I've heard some folks continued to be annoyed by it to the end, so be warned. Just don't let that put you off on it.

If you read literary fiction, I would recommend this book.  If you've read it, I'd love to hear your impressions.

MONDAY FORTUNE COOKIE 7/16/12

"All matters of the heart can be resolved with wine and candlelight."

SNARKY RESPONSE: Unless we're talking heart surgery. In which case, wine and candlelight are NOT helpful at all. Oh, and if the matter involves a betrayal of one kind or another, a considerable amount of groveling will be required.

"All matters of the heart can be resolved with wine and candlelight."

As a romance writer, this fortune was very apropos of my genre. This mindset, and setting, works perfectly in the development of a romantic entanglement. Yes, the setting is a bit clichéd, but no matter how clichéd it appears, it is effective. What heart doesn't go pitter pat at the sight of a candlelit table set for two? (Okay, I admit that there are occasions where that pitter-patter is a full-on arrhythmia of phobic anxiety, but that's another story!).

Consider the way candlelight draws you in, creating an intimacy no electric light can completely duplicate. Perhaps it harkens to the earliest days and the security and magic of the fire. And because candlelight works best in a darkened room, yet more is added to the intimacy factor. The darkness unconsciously encloses the two at table in a spatial cocoon. Flickering candlelight softens the edges, disguises minor imperfections, and encourages quiet in voice and demeanor. Within that magical circle of light, guarded from the darkness beyond, the two hearts can focus, one to the other. And where there is a connection there is hope.

Do you feel "all matters" can be resolved in this manner or do you feel that it's another fallacy the Fortune Cookie Seer is circulating as truth? 

MONDAY FORTUNE COOKIE 7/9/12

Don't stop dreaming, otherwise sleep will get awfully boring.

SNARKY RESPONSE: Actually, I think this one carries its own snark. Starting out all affirmation-like and then twisting back on you like that? And to show how synchronistic this post is to other areas of my life, check out my Facebook Author page (Denise Golinowski/Author) and the pic I shared on Sunday, July 8^th. Has to make you smile.

Don't stop dreaming, otherwise sleep will get awfully boring.

Dreaming is an integral part of the sleep experience, even if you don't remember them. Often you may wish you didn't because the sleeping mind is very different from the waking mind.

This brings to mind…dream journals. How do you like that segue?

Show of hands, who has a dream journal? Okay, you really didn't have to raise your hand. I can't see you. However, I'm betting a lot of folks have begun one. Beginning Writers are often advised to keep a notebook and pen by the bed for capturing those sudden flashes of inspiration. What a handy suggestion. How often have you had a brilliant idea just as you were drifting into or out of sleep and promised yourself you'd remember it later only to have it completely evaporate? No, don't raise your hands.

Stack of Shame

Now, be completely honest—how many of you actually kept that dream journal for more than a few weeks? You know—you go out and buy a really nice notebook, something appropriate for containing such creative concepts. Yeah, and a nice pen, something that feels nice in your hand and puts a nice solid line on a page. Then, it's all "wake right up and jot down a note or two" for a few weeks. Then, you dwindle down to a few mornings a week and then maybe once a week until your pen rolls off the nightstand and the notebook disappears under your current "to be read" stack. And I know we ALL have one of those! So, eventually, you have a collection of pretty notebooks with about a dozen pages of scribbles in each one.

And, let's face it, they are scribbles, right? I mean, you're supposed to put pen to paper as soon as you wake up. Come on! You just woke up! Who has perfect penmanship right out of a dead sleep? You can barely open your eyes and that annoying snooze button just won't take its morning beating in silence. And it's hard to form a coherent sentence, much less succinctly describe that Dali-esque landscape with the green cows and knitting mice. Besides, all those drooping trees and melting wax mountains are really disturbing when you commit them to paper. What did you eat before you went to bed last night?

No, seriously, I am in awe of the folks who keep a regular journal, no matter the frequency or intent. To be that diligent and consistent is to be admired. Just someone kick me if I ever mention wanting to start one myself. Kick me and point out that stack of notebooks collecting dust beside my nightstand.

MONDAY FORTUNE COOKIE 7/2/12

"From now on your kindness will lead you to success."

SNARKY RESPONSE: And "the road to hell is paved with good intentions." Yeah, that little comment will likely get me struck by lightning.

Or, "no good deed goes unpunished." Ouch! Okay, I'll stop!

From now on your kindness will lead you to success.

So, seriously, the fortune cookie sage has handed me an old adage and attached a carrot. The Golden Rule is a universal maxim to which most of us aspire. However, when the act is not spontaneous, but must be actively chosen, there is that tiny bit of self that wonders why, what's in it for me? And here is where the fortune cookie sage dangles that carrot—because kindness will lead me to success. Tiny bit of self is hereby appeased.

However, I must ask, is kindness with an ulterior motive truly kindness? This is perhaps were the fortune cookie sage shows his true "sageness" because he does not explain what act(s) of kindness or what kind of success. Not knowing means you cannot be selective in your kindness but must be kind in all possible instances. And in the end, I believe, kindness is its own reward in that momentary (or longer) sense of warmth and connectedness which is what we all crave, is it not?

Makes ya' kinda go hmmm, doesn't it?

MONDAY FORTUNE COOKIE 6/25/12

"A good time to finish up old tasks."

SNARKY RESPONSE: Really? That's a "fortune?" I really have to say that I've been a bit disappointed in the fortune cookie sages. You know, something about that windfall just around the corner or that perfect someone headed your way. Ah well. Maybe next week.

A good time to finish up old tasks.

Though I can see where you could take this as a call to arms. Who doesn't have old tasks that need finishing? And why wouldn't Now be a good time to do that?

However, you know what? I'm going to take the contrarian point of view and ask WHY? Sometimes we start something and discover that it was the wrong thing, but because we've invested time, money, and/or effort, we don't think we can just let it go. We've been taught to believe that you must always finish what you start. So we tuck it up on a shelf, push it to the back of the closet, or wear a path in the carpet going around it. Instead, what we should do is acknowledge that it's not ever going to be completed and let it go. Give it away, take it apart, trash it. Rather than burn time and energy feeling guilty about that project you never intend to finish, just admit you won't and move on.

Think how liberating it would be to give all those little guilt monsters the big "heave-ho!" How much better would you feel if you looked in that closet and didn't have to face that moldering 'one day' project? Besides, you can probably use the space for that 'today' project!

Who's with me?