On how to write a murder

So, I finally did it. Today, I started the research for my very first book. I know, it doesn't sound like much, does it? For me, it's like a breath of freedom. I like ghostwriting, but if I don't start using my own creativity and talent I'm going to slowly wither and die.

Yes, it's melodramatic. I write for a living. Get over it.

What surprises me is how terrified I am to write this book. You, dear reader, will know what I'm talking about. This is the first time I'm going to take that step into the bold nknown on my own. There's no fictional name to hide behind, and if things crash and burn there's nowhere I can hide. It's all me!

So, even though you probably don't care, I'm going to tell you about it anyway. See, I love murder mysteries. I do. I love funny murder mysteries even better, which is probably a statement on my mental health I should really stop ignoring! The thing is, you get funny, or you get murder. That's it. I decided I was going to write a book I wanted to read, with all the dark humor and apathy you'd see surrounding a real murder today! And because I want to take the time to feel clever, I'm going to tell you how I did it.

First, I created a murder. A grisly, gruesome murder motivated by something much deeper than greed and stupidity (because really, if you're going to die anyway wouldn't you rather die in style?). Then I described my characters, right down to the lacy longerie my female detective is going to be sporting in at least one scene. Favorite book? Yep. Movie? Yep. Education? Yep. Got it all.

Now it's research time. Still working on that, because I want it to be good. I have to learn my criminal psych, my police procedure. Can't have my well intentioned detectives taking the wrong path, now can I? When that's done, I'm determined to write at least a page a day until it's finished. I have plenty of time for edits later, it's all about getting from point a to point z (and having a little fun with all the letters in between!).

Dear reader, if you're gearing up to write a book, I say....good on ya! Do it. Don't let fear hold you back. And let me know how it's going! Maybe we can share horror stories when the rejection letters come pouring in-because really, even well published ghostwriters like me have to get at least one on their first book. It's expected. I don't think I'll feel like I earned my dues without it!

Ziva's Gut Shot

I love this video. Have I mentioned Gibbs is a god?

My Baby Boy's Turning Four

Time flies far too fast. I never believed it when my parents told me that as soon as I became an adult the clock would start doing double time, but that's exactly what it's done for the past few years. I turn around and *poof*, it's gone. Unbelievable. My youngest just turned four, and I'm completely in awe of the fact that all of my children have taken a step toward independence. Of course, I just had to go turn on Blues Clues for him, so what do I know!

The Television Calls to Me...

So, with a long week in the works I'm finding it almost impossible to stay on track. Why? Because the television's calling my name. Odd for me, since I almost never actually watch tv, but there you have it. Between my newfound obsession with NCIS (Gibbs is amazing) and the fact that I just discovered Castle with Nathan Fillion (Mal, from Firefly) I've spent most of the last week vegging in front of the boob tube.

Yes, it's pathetic. Sue me.

So I have to ask everyone, what's your solution for the weeks when nothing sounds so good as curling up in front of a good movie? When you can't snap your mind back into gear to do the things you know you need to do? When the only thing you want to do is curl up inside someone else's world for a little while and pretend your own doesn't exist?

Seeing Clearly Now

It's funny how sometimes life just swallows us whole, until we find ourselves sitting in a corner of our mind looking out and wondering how we got there. Then something comes along that opens our eyes, and suddenly we're seeing clearly. Sometimes it's just a moment-a puff of air, a line of music. A lyric in a song. Other times it's a process. And sometimes the moments make the process, paving the way to the future and a new, brighter reality. In that brighter reality we can be anyone we want to be. We're a blank slate, a clear tablet. We're a story that's yet to be written. It's up to us to decide what words we're going to put on the page, and what images we're going to let shape our life.

Parent/Teacher Conferences

I hate parent/teacher conferences. I really do. There's nothing like looking your child's teacher in the eye and hearing about what your kids have been doing in school behind your back. You go through your day blissfully unaware that your kids are out there doing anything but what they're supposed to be doing while they're at school. Yikes.

Anyway, the plague has lifted around here. The kittens are tearing around the house, my kids are enjoying their first of two half days (the reason for the teacher conference-or maybe the conference was the reason for the half day, however you want to look at) and I'm working on getting work caught up before I take Chelsea to ballet. Just another day in paradise.

And just for the record? Owning cats is awesome! So glad the kids talked us into keeping these kittens. Of course, as I have on currently trying to eat the vacuum cleaner I don't know how much longer they'll be with us! Seriously though, we're really enjoying them-even Sir "I don't want cats" GrumpyPants!