Jessica Ferguson

Author, Writing Coach, Speaker

IWSG DAY: Creative Outlets

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Today is IWSG day and our purpose is to share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak.  We’re a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds. IWSG was founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Co-hosts for the Feb. 6 posting are: Raimey Gallant, Natalie Aguirre, CV Grehan, and Michelle Wallace.

The IWSG February 6th question is:

Besides writing what other creative outlets do you have?

 Like most creatives I have a lot of half-finished projects—and way too many interests. I’ve dabbled in everything from jewelry making to quilting, from sketching and painting to photography. What I’m really good at is collecting but I’m not certain that’s a “creative outlet.”  

I collect post cards that have to do with writers and anything literary. If you live in a city where a famous writer lived, died, wrote a book, feel free to send me a post card of his/her house. If you want to add your own book cover post card to my collection, you’re welcome to do so.

 Jessica Ferguson, P.O. Box 4024, Lake Charles, LA 70606

 I collect depression glass too—but don’t send me any—mine takes up too much shelf space, and I don’t like dusting.

I’ve got a few really pretty rocks–here’s one a boss gave me when I worked for the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service.  Boss found it at Sam Rayburn Lake on one of his fishing trips. I’ve hung on to it for 45 years!  

I used to collect frogs. The one on the bottom right came from Colorado. My brother said it called my name and asked to live in Louisiana. Cute, huh? It’s been living here for two years. 

I have a difficult time passing up anything that looks unique, fun or interesting. I’ve been told I have eclectic taste; that’s a nice way of saying I love junk. When we had our house renovated a few years ago, the contractor even told us we have “good junk.”

 Decorative boxes often catch my eye and so do art journals. Can one ever have too many journals?

 Books and magazines are high on my list of collectibles. I have a really hard time passing them on. In fact, when a friend tells me she’s dropping books off at a used book sale or to Goodwill, nine times out of ten, I’ll take them off her hands.

I love genealogy and collect a lot of new relatives. Testing your DNA will certainly bring them out of the woodwork!  I save interesting obituaries too. The Houston Chronicle has some good ones; they’re a study in characterization and backstory.

 A not so complimentary name for me might be hoarder, but I reject that term. I haven’t started collecting cardboard and plastic bags yet. Well, now that I think about it . . .

 

What do you collect? Are you a minimalist or does your house overflow with fascinating clutter?

 

 

IWSG DAY: Questions, Questions, Questions

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Today is so exciting because it’s Insecure Writers Support Group day. IWSG was founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh  for the purpose of encouraging other writers—or anyone who’d like to learn the craft. Writers can ask questions and express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. We’re a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds. We invite you to follow other IWSG members here or by using the twitter hashtag #IWSG. You can also go to our Facebook page and Instagram. We’re awesome!

Co-hosts for the January 2 posting of the IWSG are Patricia Lynne, Lisa Buie-Collard, Kim Lajevardi, and Fundy Blue!

 Our January 2nd question is What are your favorite and least favorite questions people ask you about your writing?

The question I dislike the most but hear often is are you still writing? That’s a sure sign they haven’t Googled me, looked me up on Amazon and they certainly aren’t reading me. Yeah, yeah, I know I’m putting all the work on them. The way I see it (and like it) is if they do what they’re supposed to do (track me down) then I won’t have to do what I should be doing (promote myself and my books!) I really have a rough time promoting myself.

Questions I’d like to hear are:

Hey, I was thinking about you the other day and Googled your name. You’re really out there, girl! How did I miss all the excitement in your life? 😂 Now that would make me laugh out loud! I might even strut a little.

Or this question:

I can’t get your first book out of my mind. It was such a fun novel, I really loved all the Elvis trivia. Have you thought about writing a sequel?

Yes, a prequel and a sequel, but no, my Elvis days are over.

Answering questions about our work is part of the job–regardless of whether they’re good questions or bad questions. Promotion, advertising, doing interviews and blog hops is expected. Every contract I’ve signed has included a paragraph about promoting the project.

Having interviewed authors for Southern Writers Magazine for almost seven years, I noticed how some authors have a knack (a personality) for answering questions and others come across dull as dirt. Maybe the dull ones are trying to come across as serious professionals. Then again, maybe they just have no personality or humor about them. Answering questions seems like an easy task but as an interviewer, I believe there’s an art to it. We all need to learn how to answer questions in a way that encourages the reader to find us interesting and want to know us better. We should put personality in our answers.

In 2019, I hope to write, sell and answer a lot of questions. How about you?

IWSG DAY: Five Special Things

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This post is part of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group blog hop. The first Wednesday of every month is Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. We Members talk about our fears, insecurities, dreams and failures and our inspirations. We encourage each other.

Co-hosts for the December 5 posting of the IWSG are J.H. Moncrieff, Tonja Drecker , Patsy Collins, and Chrys Fey!
The question for December is:
What are five objects we’d find in your writing space?
My writing space moves here and there—from my dining room to a coffee shop; from my office desk to the den sofa. But when I sit in my cluttered office five of my favorite items I’ll share with you are as follows:
1) A poster of Elvis on my closet door. My first book, The Groom Wore Blue Suede Shoes was inspired by my then-five-year-old daughter and her love for Elvis. The book came out in 1996. I’m too sentimental to remove the poster.
2) A post card of Stephen king is on my bulletin board. He’s sitting with his feet propped on his desk. Can anyone be more creative than SK? The post card reminds me how important it is to know our characters. SK is not only a great story teller but his characters are memorable.
3) I especially enjoy looking at a framed poster of the made-for-tv miniseries, Celebrity by Tommy Thompson. The best selling novel was about three former friends bound by a dark secret.
Thompson was born in Texas and covered the JFK assassination. He wrote for Life magazine and was the first writer to locate Lee Harvey Oswald’s home and wife. Hubby and I had the pleasure of meeting him at a Houston writers conference. He invited us to his hotel room with others who attended his session and regaled us with fascinating stories about his writing career.
4) My statue of John Wayne reminds me that some day I’d like to write a western.
5) You’ll always find copies of Woman’s World magazine on my desk. I read and study their weekly romance and mystery, hoping to figure out how to please the WW editors. So far, I’ve garnered nothing but rejection slips but that’s okay. Writing short 800 word romances—even if they’re rejected—teaches me to make every word count.
So those are a few treasures that inspire me and keep me writing.  Of course there are many more. I could just as easily name five friends who have encouraged or inspired me, or five books, or five reasons I hate WordPress … even five snacks I eat at my desk but we’ll save all of those for another time.

IWSG: Creativity Evolves

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It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! We post the first Wednesday of every month. Our purpose is to share and encourage. I hope my post does just that.

Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions often offer advice or insight through personal experience. This month the question is:

How has your creativity in life evolved since you began writing?

An interesting question. Sometimes I don’t think I’ve evolved at all and at other times, I’m amazed at what I’ve accomplished. Oh, certainly no best sellers—only one real novel (for Harlequin) with a scattering of poems, short stories, articles and novellas.

When I look back at my life I see the steps I took that got me to where I am today: Content and able to help/mentor others.

Here’s my path:

I began by reading the trade magazines. I checked them out at the library and read every word from cover to cover—even the classified ads. Today, we have wonderful writing blogs that educate and inform us.

I’m a firm believer in writing or trying to write a number of different things. How else do you learn what you’re good at or what you might truly love? Of course, you might be like me and love it all.

I’ve often said writing short is a lesson to learn well because it teaches us to make every word count. Even today I search magazines for opportunities to write fillers, jokes, and short, short personal stories. I love chasing the markets. It often pays off.

I never have passed up free magazines in restaurants and book stores. We come home from vacation with loads of paper. You never know when you might come across an opportunity.

I’m a big believer in networking. In junior college, my journalism teacher’s son was an editor for a cheerleading magazine. I sold him my very first article. Of course, he rewrote the whole thing but I got paid and that’s how I learned what editors do. At work, I learned that my boss had a brother who was editor of an inflight magazine. I was hired to do a few articles for him. And got paid. My title was “contributing editor’ and I thought I’d “arrived.”

I hadn’t arrived so I quit my job and went back to college to major in English and Journalism. I was cut down to size by a frustrated journalism teacher, but I was encouraged to try my hand at a novel by an English professor. That encouragement rings in my ears today!

Part of evolving is knowing where we want to go, but not being afraid to take detours. And not being afraid to fail.

Because I needed other writers, I started a writer’s group. We met monthly, reading and critiquing each other’s work, and often caravanning to conferences. A good support group is priceless.

Back then, I didn’t believe in self-publishing and I preached against it to everyone. Today, self-publishing, indie-publishing, small presses—are there for us all. I still say don’t put all your “words” into one basket. Don’t write off traditional publishing because you can make more money doing it yourself. Spread your talent. Spielberg might amble through B&N and catch a glimpse of your traditionally pubbed book, pick it up and …. Stranger things have happened.

And don’t think you’re wasting your time by writing flash fiction for a contest or an article for FREE. It all counts. It all matters in your writing journey.

Don’t be afraid! I can do anything I put my mind to and you can too. I’ve spoken at conferences, judged contests, mentored new writers, interviewed best-selling authors, been editor of a national newsletter and president of two writers’ groups. These are things I never imagined I would do.

There has never been a better time to write and publish. I look back at all the times I felt discouraged and wanted to quit—did quit—and I can honestly say, DON’T. You lose ground. Writing and publishing changes daily. Hang in there, struggle through, and change with it. At some point, it will change to your advantage. I can promise you that!

How has my creativity in life evolved since I began writing?

 I’m glad you asked.

Last year I wrote a play and saw it performed on my church’s stage. I’ve never written a play.

I have arrived! 

 

IWSG Day: Making Time to Write

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Insecure Writers Support Group BadgeToday is IWSG Day. IWSG stand for Insecure Writers Support Group and was founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh.  The purpose of IWSG is to share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! You can follow other IWSG members here or on twitter using the hashtag #IWSG. We also have a Facebook page.

Today our question is How do you find the time to write in your busy day?

We all know the answer to that: we just do it, because we all find time to do what we really want to do. Okay, I know you’re all expecting a better answer than that, aren’t you?

Being retired, I guess it’s pretty easy for me to find time to write, so let me tell you about a guy I met a few weeks ago at the Killer Nashville Conference.IMG_8188

Robert Randisi (standing beside KN founder Clay Stafford and dressed in the I’m a Big Deal tee) writes something like 25 books a year. He’s written close to 700 books with 15 pseudonyms. He was born with the ability to write fast and works on two books at a time. Specifically, twenty pages of a western during the morning and 20 pages of a mystery at night. Sounds insane, doesn’t it? I can’t imagine. Well, yes, I can imagine and it sounds mentally painful. Oh, how I wish I could do it!

Randisi says he has a “natural speed” and if he slows down he can’t get anything done. He doesn’t call it a talent. He says he has an ability. He can write 10 pages in one hour.

Quoting from my notes, he says character comes first and he never writes from an outline. Don’t ask him where he gets his ideas:

“If you can’t open your eyes each morning and see an idea, you shouldn’t be writing.”

Randisi believes in writing his stories all the way through. No revision as he writes but overall, very little rewriting. Someone asked what he did if he realized he made a mistake while writing the story—did he go back and change it?

No, he doesn’t. He explained that if he sends his cowboy out of the boarding house without his gun, instead of rewriting the scene, his character says, “Dang, I forgot my gun,” and goes back to get it. It works for him and adds to his word count.

He’s often invited to participate in anthologies. He told us that once he finishes the short story, he’ll write it as a novel. No, he doesn’t change names, plot or anything … he just makes it a bigger story.

Robert Randisi co-founded Mystery Scene Magazine around 1985. (I’ve been a subscriber off and on for years. Check it out.) He also co-founded American Crime Writers League, founded The Private Eye Writers of American and created the Shamus Award which is awarded by the PWA for the best detective fiction genre novels and short stories of the year.

As you’ve figured out by now, Randisi doesn’t waste his time. Most of us do. No, he doesn’t have little feet padding through the house, and yes, he’s been accused of being a hack. From his own lips:

“I view the word hack as a good thing.”

We should take a few pointers from Robert Randisi. Focus. Write. Don’t mess around with editing as we go. By his own admission he’s not a wordsmith—he’s a storyteller. What are you? Ever thought about it?

I can find nothing wrong with the Randisi writing method. I picked up one of his books in his Rat Pack series and it yanked me in and kept me reading. The guy knows what he’s doing.

And he’s a good guy. Granted, he was perplexing at the conference. An enigma. We stared at him as if he might, at any point, laugh and say “Gotcha! No one can write 40 pages a day!” He never did.

He answered our questions over and over again—the same questions put to him in several different ways. We didn’t understand him. We still don’t.

Doesn’t matter though, because while we write and revise and think awhile and run to the kitchen for a snack, blog and tweet and post on Facebook (he does none of those things) he’s pounding the keys. And he doesn’t understand us, either.

When asked how he wants to be remembered, Randisi said: “As someone who told a good story and usually didhonky tonk the right thing for the right reason.”

Wow, Robert Randisi. He really is a big deal. I liked him a lot.

Take a look at his latest book, The Honkey Tonk Big Hoss Boogie.  Set in Nashville, it’s gotta be a good read.

 

 

IWSG Day: What Makes Writing Good?

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Insecure Writers Support Group BadgeToday is IWSG Day. IWSG stand for Insecure Writers Support Group and was founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh.  The purpose of IWSG is to share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! You can follow other IWSG members here or on twitter using the hashtag #IWSG. We also have a Facebook page.

Today’s IWSG question is: What was your very first piece of writing as an aspiring writer? Where is it now? Collecting dust or has it been published?

I loved writing in high school and like most teens, had a notebook full of poems, but I became serious during the days of Erica Jong’s Fear of Flying. I remember reading a review that labeled her book confessional. My writing became confessional too. Easier to exaggerate what I knew than to create characters and a plot I didn’t know.

I wrote a short story for Redbook’s annual fiction contest and received a wonderful, personal letter from the editor, but ultimately a rejection. Later, another letter came asking for another read, but once again it was rejected. At that point in my writing I didn’t understand that I should give each character motivation.

In a college independent studies class, I wrote a novel based loosely (very loosely) on my wild, impulsive life. I never tried to market it to a publisher. My character had motivation, but she didn’t have introspection, or maybe it’s called Deep POV these days.

Both the short story and the novel are packed away. This post makes me wonder if I should destroy them.

The first thing I published was a prayer in True Story magazine. It was called Prayer from a Divorced Woman and I was paid $25.00. No byline—just my initials. It didn’t matter. That was enough encouragement to last me a lifetime.

I’ve been writing for newspapers and magazines off and on for 40+ years. Fiction will always be my first love but it’s a challenge. There are rules I break that are totally unacceptable. Rules I know nothing about. Rules I plain don’t like. Crazy rules I don’t understand. There are So. Many. Rules.

I’ve answered the IWSG question, now answer one for me:

What makes good writing?

Some readers throw a book across the room if the author tells more than s/he shows. The word said is a thing of the past because attributions are interruptions and telling. Set the scene and POV at the beginning of each chapter because your reader might get lost. Learn how to write deep POV. If you don’t understand deep POV, here’s an excellent blog post explaining exactly what it is. Join me in my frustration.

Think about my question and the best of the best books you’ve read lately then tell me what makes writing good? Following the rules or following the heart rhythm of your story?

IWSG DAY: Writers’ Clubs and Compliments

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Insecure Writers Support Group Badge Today is IWSG Day because it’s the first Wednesday in July.  IWSG stands for Insecure Writers Support Group and was founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh.  You can follow other IWSG members here or on twitter using the hashtag #IWSG. We also have a Facebook page.  The purpose of IWSG is to share and encourage, but we’ve added a little zest to the mix. Now, IWSG members are going to answer a question in our post. Today’s question is:

What’s the best thing someone has ever said about your writing?

This is a difficult question for me to answer because I don’t usually share my writing. The compliments I do get come in the form of a review or from a contest judge. When friends read my books and stories, of course, they’ll compliment me. They’re my friends!

Maybe this sort of thing comes from being involved in a good, close writer’s group. You think?

Back in the 70s I wanted to be part of a writer’s group but my hometown didn’t have one. What did I do? Well, I started one, of course. The East Texas Writers Association is still going strong today. The group was fun back in my day. We didn’t have the Internet so we depended on The Writer, Writer’s Digest and Writer’s Market, as well as guest speakers to keep us informed. Also, other writer’s groups. Our members often piled in a car and headed straight down Interstate 20 to Shreveport—about an hour away to visit the Shreveport Writers Club. They judged our contests, critiqued us—encouraged us in every way.

Today, online groups are fantastic. With the Internet, we have instant encouragement with the click of a button—but there’s nothing like a face-to-face group—if it’s a good one.

Here are 6 things you should be getting from your face-to-face writer’s group:

  • Encouragement
  • Resources and Opportunities
  • Information relating to the ever-changing market
  • Access to critiques if you want/need them
  • Warnings about writing/agenting/publishing scams
  • Friendship and Fellowship

I went to our local writer’s group here in Lake Charles last Saturday. I learned four things:

  • That a new writer has moved to the area—a professional who writes for a couple of the top Christian publishers. I’m excited and hope we can get to know each other.
  • That we have some talented writers in the group but I don’t know if there’s a market for what they write. I wonder, with self-publishing booming, is that even a factor anymore?
  • That nothing stays the same: the logo, the newsletter title, the bylaws–there’s always someone eager for change. Even the members come and go!
  • That J.C. Penny’s was having a great shoe sale, and I hit it big time!

shoes1shoes2    shoes3

If you have a writer’s group in your town, are you a member? What do you learn from the meetings? Share some details, please.

Let’s Camp NaNoWrMo Together!

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Hey gang! Just popping in to let you all know I’m still alive. So far, my summer has been busy. I’ve revised my novella that’ll be a part of The Bucket List Dare Collection. I have to go through two more critiques/revisions before it’s truly ready but release date is in October.

I’ve finished my short story in the Legacy Letters project with some of my Oklahoma friends. It will release in September.

For both of these I have to come up with short blurbs or one-liners. Always challenging for me.

mother dayIn July, I’m going to a quilt show with my daughter who has developed an interest in quilting. Here’s a pic of the lap quilt she’s making for me. The backing is script. I can’t wait to get my hands on it. 🙂

On July 1st I’m going to camp. Yep, going to the same camp I attended last year with a group of mystery writers-Camp NaNoWrMo. I decided to go alone thisCamp year but looking around this huge cabin in the woods today… I got spooked! It’s way too big for one person. I don’t think I can stay there by myself.

Anyone interested in joining me? All you have to do is go to the camp site and create a profile, then send me your user name so I can invite you in. We’ll write and encourage each other. Share some secrets and eat S’mores! (I wish!)

If you aren’t familiar with Camp NaNoWrMo. It’s like the November NaNoWrMo but during July you can write anything. Just set your goal for the month (a project or a daily word count or editing) and do your thing. Unless I change my mind before July 1st, I’ll be tackling a nonfiction project.

Anyone game? Let me hear from you! I’d love for you to join me. Hope you’re having a great summer.

IWSG Day: 31 Days

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Insecure Writers Support Group BadgeToday is IWSG Day because it’s the first Wednesday in June.  IWSG stands for Insecure Writers Support Group and was founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh.  You can follow other IWSG members here or on twitter using the hashtag #IWSG. We also have a Facebook page.  The purpose of IWSG is to share and encourage so I hope you get something out of this mini-post.

The time here in Lake Charles, Louisiana is 12:40. Yes, after midnight. Once again I’m burning the midnight oil trying to meet a deadline—the IWSG deadline. My days run together … I thought it was Monday, not Tuesday.

I’ve been wondering what everyone has done since the A to Z Challenge? I’ve been writing and traveling. Ready to stay home for awhile.

My coaching client is still a participant in the Kindle Scout Publishing competition. She has eight days left if you’d like to take a look at the first few chapters of The Wrong and nominate it for a contract. I’m thrilled that she finished her book and submitted to the Amazon Kindle Scout Publishing Program. Believe it or not, that takes a lot of courage. I don’t know that I The Wrongwould have the courage to do it with any one of my novels. She put herself out there. Here’s the link if you want to offer encouragement by voting. It’s simple as pie but after you nominate, you’ll have to sign in to Amazon with your password.

Thirty-one days have passed since our A to Z Challenge. That’s enough time to write a novella, several articles, plot and outline a book or take an online class. No, I haven’t accomplished all those things …

My novella is ready for revision but I’m dragging my feet for some reason. It’s been critiqued by one person—two more coming up. I’ve written two articles. Both will come out in July. I’ve done a lot of … thinking, wishing, hoping and planning. Does that count for anything?

How have you spent the last 31 days? Did you waste them or make a little headway toward that goal or dream?

No judgment or condemnation here if you’ve been resting on your laurels; I’ve been known to do that too. And if you’re walking around looking dazed and confused, well, I know you’re plotting a great idea in your head. Right?

So sound-off, gang: What have you been doing these 31 days? Share!

 

A to Z Reflections

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A-to-Z Reflection [2016]I missed the deadline for the A to Z Reflections but I’ll reflect anyway.

For me, the A to Z Challenge this year was better than ever. More challenging in some ways. More fun in others. I blogged about my passions: writing, coaching, and inspiring others.

I didn’t plan—I never do. And I still wrote each post the night before—sometimes as late as 10:00 pm. I’m a slow thinker, fairly uncertain until I actually start writing, so each April I purposely work under pressure, trying to teach myself to think and write fast, the way old time reporters did back in the day. One of my favorite movies is Teacher’s Pet with Clark Gable and Doris Day. Check it out. And remember Lou Grant?

I did one thing different this year. I shared on FB and Twitter. Mine and other people’s posts. Amazing how that adds another level of excitement to the challenge. And adds FB friends and followers.

In addition to daily blogging the challenge I was also writing a 20,000 word novella that will come out in a collection with three other writers, and coaching a writer who was trying to finish her novel. I’d love for you to read her story: Why It Took Seven Years To Write This Novel. I’m thrilled to say she accomplished her goal. Not only did she finish her book, but she submitted to Amazon’s Kindle Scout program and was accepted. For the past three days she’s danced around in Hot and Trendy and for an hour or two was #1. That alone tells you I had an exceptional client to coach: very capable, talented, and focused. Her writing is excellent.

My adrenalin surged during the month of April. Those three activities—writing, coaching and blogging—kept me organized and focused. I think that’s what we need to remember; we have to remember. The key to success is focus. Everyone who completes the A to Z Challenge each year knows and understands all about focus. We have to keep our eyes on our goal.

Now that A to Z has ended, I’ll concentrate on spreading the word about my client’s book. I can’t help but feel her success is mine too. 🙂 I invite you to read the the wrong first few chapters of  The Wrong by Heather K. Duff . If you enjoy it, consider nominating her for the Kindle Scout contract. You’ll get her novel free if she wins. If she doesn’t, it will have been a wonderful learning experience just to watch how things play out, one you might want to try yourself. Heather hopes to post about her experience too, so consider signing up to follow her blog.

All of you who popped in to read my posts during A to Z and left comments made me feel valued. I loved talking writing with you and reading your own posts too. I appreciate every comment and the dialogue we shared. I wish we could get together for coffee and chat in person. There’s nothing I like better than a three-hour coffee. Maybe someday. 🙂

In the meantime, what do you have planned for the summer? Where will your focus be? On a novel, novella or a book of poetry? Or maybe you’re taking the summer off to play with your kids?  Whatever your plans, be safe and have fun. Enjoy your focus.