I Am NOT A 'Trad Wife'

 I'm having an issue with this article.

I happened upon it while waiting for the Spousal Unit to finish watching Superman so we could go grocery shopping.  Yeah, I know that sounds cliche, but just hear me out.

Here's my issue:  "Generally, a trad wife is someone who lives a family life with more traditional gender roles. They are usually stay-at-home moms who spend their days cooking, cleaning, and waiting to greet their partners like a 1950s pin-up housewife.  These women are largely evangelical Christians or Mormons who put God and the bible at the forefront of their decision to be subservient, or conservative women who herald their lifestyle as idyllic and tranquil."

It also goes on to say that people on a Certain Social Media outlet have seen their posts go viral for posting their 'perfect' Trad Wife image, you know, the June Cleaver-type of the 50s, where women supposedly cleaned their houses wearing dresses and pearls.  Used no birth control, and would faint at the word 'abortion'.

That's not me.

I grew up in a two-income household, and always 'assumed' my way of life would be the same.  Hubby and I would both work, and we would either go out to dinner, or I'd throw together a meal when I got home from work, or conveniently let the slow-cooker do all the work.

Didn't. Quite. Happen.

I married a man who worked 18 hours day, and when we ended up pregnant with Child #1, I was still looking for a job, and waitressing on the weekends.  I brought in maybe $200 each week, and wanted a job during M-F where I'd make upwards of $500 per week.  Which, back in 1991, was still 'big money' to me.

We did the math for daycare for the day when said child was 3 months old, and got a RUDE awakening.  To afford daycare for our precious child, it would take my entire paycheck and $20 of his.

So why the hell was I working?  We decided not to have strangers raising our child, and I became a Domestic Engineer, something I'd never intended to do.

I'll admit it; it took me 5 years to embrace the concept. I'd lost my identity; I was no longer Molly (insert real last name), social worker/DST/(insert whatever career choice at the time), but 'Kyle's Mom'...'Dan's Wife'.  Ugh.

We'd get together with neighbors, new acquaintances, and the minute someone asked 'what do you do?' and I'd answer 'stay-at-home mom', they'd get this LOOK on their face and suddenly leave to go find someone more 'interesting' to talk to.

Yes, it was humiliating. 

But then I went back to writing.  And by the time Child #2 arrived, I'd written 3 books.  By this time, hubby and I had decided I'd re-enter the workforce after Child #2 was in Kindergarten.  We bought a house in the country; I enjoyed being involved with the school and the community. 

Well, at least SOME of the community.  Our neighborhood women took issue with our ideas about parenting and pets, but I adapted.  For instance, I grew up in a neighborhood where dogs ran wild and were NOT penned up all day long.  These people had brought their city rules to the COUNTRY, and expected everyone to tie up their furbabies, or put them in kennels.  So we did, until part of the yard was fenced in.  My lab, however, learned she was able to jump the 4' fence and regularly went to visit a fellow lab across the street.  This was not objected to, as long as the others were still penned up. (We had a Norwegian Elkhound and a German Shepherd also).

After being involved with Little League Baseball, I quickly learned our neighborhood was NOT a representation of the community at large!

So by the time Child #2 was in school, a) we had access to the Internet; b) I discovered I enjoyed spending the hours between 9-2 writing; and c) I had ZERO desire to re-enter the workforce.  For one thing, it would mean at least an hour's commute one-way, and I'd have to drive down several hills in the wintertime.

I hate driving in snow and ice, but at least in town, the roads are plowed.  Out in the country?  Oh hell no! The first year we lived in our house, a snowstorm occurred while we were in town, and my car slid into the ditch twice, then reached halfway up the hill and threatened to slide back down. Fortunately, a neighbor was behind me and towed me up the hill.  Why would I want to take that chance twice a day? Nothankyouverymuch.....

Anyway,,,,LIFE happened, and in 2004, I gave birth to Child #3.  Financially, we were in a bad place, and my hubby's mother was in frail health, so we made the decision to move to our current town. I found someone to watch my 2 y/o and conducted a job search. Unfortunately, I was either Over-Qualified or Under-Qualified for everything I applied for, so decided to give it up and raise my toddler, shuttle my teenagers to and from school, and keep writing.  And it paid off; we had DSL internet by now, and I was able to finally connect with other writers.

SIDEBAR:  Through the years, I've also been approached by well-meaning others who have tried to get me involved in MLM schemes 'so you'll have something to do all day'.

You mean....BESIDES the Flylady cleaning schedule I followed, the 5+hours I spent writing, the evening TV shows I watched, besides the early morning news program (the TV was turned OFF (1999-2006 and 2008-12 from 9-4; I had to learn to write while Bob The Builder was on TV, ha ha!); the weekly grocery shopping; the daily cooking (we could only afford to eat out once or twice a week); and attending my teenager's scout meetings, football games, and any other extra-curricular activities I might have to take them to? 

Just writing that made me tired.....

This make shock you.  I'm actually Pro-Choice.  I believe in the Women's Right To Choose.  I CHOSE to have Child #3 (though I admit....the alternative DID cross my mind...).  I CHOSE to have Child #1, despite thinking we weren't quite ready.

Would I actually go through with it? Probably not.  I saw the videos in college, so I know what goes on. But that does NOT give me the right to frown on someone else's CHOICE.

"But it's murder....it's morally WRONG!"

I know.  Again, it's not MY body; it's HERS.

I'm also against the trans-movement, but I support my friends who go that route.  

I'm also a Conservative Christian who frowns on homosexuality. But I have close friends who lean that way.  Do I judge them? No. I love my friends, and even wrote a bi-curious book based on one of them. Why? Her story needed to be told, even though my parents were not happy I wrote it.

Social Media Is A Mental Health Crisis???? 1-2-2024

 Okay; I admit, this threw me for a loop when I saw it on the news this morning, but then I paused.

I have phases where I'm slightly addicted to my FB feed....or scrolling through Twitter, or even IG.  I get bored or have too many eye-rolling moments, I shut it down and go do something else.  But then again, I'm 58 years old.  If I'd been 40 years younger.....might have been a different story.

Teenagers (most of them) aren't emotionally equipped to handle rejection/bullying. Truth be told, I don't even like it.  Hell, 14 years ago when I joined social media, I made some blunders, stewed about it, got angry at people who dared criticize me, and even bent over backward to rectify the situation. It took me another 5 or so years to learn to keep my fingers quiet on certain hot button issues, even when I'd post them in the middle of the night!  I lost FB friends, received PMs about how dare I express MY OPINION on my own page (gasp....can you imagine what might have happened if I'd posted it on someone's WALL?  Yes, I'm being sarcastic.,...); and even beat myself up over it.

Now I'm over it.

Yes, I like to be included in drama, as long as it's directed at someone else.  I'll find an interesting discussion and lurk, then come here and post my view.

But I digress.

The question should be, at what age should we allow our kids onto social media?  I allowed it at 14, but monitored my kids activities, until they joined SnapChat or some other obscure site.  I saw my oldest post some questionable content during his 1st year of college....I started to call him out, but then stopped myself. I didn't want him to block me, so any time I took issue with something he posted, I'd PM him quietly, just a 'are you sure you want to post that?' statement.  Sometimes he'd delete it; sometimes he'd keep it.  BUT HE NEVER BLOCKED ME.

To my knowledge, none of my kids have experienced bullying on social media.  But there are others out there who can't handle the pressure.  So yeah, I get why those in the media are calling it a Mental Health Crisis.

When the pandemic hit, a friend began broadcasting on YouTube, and soon he had a small group of loyal listeners who would pop in and comment. The show grew from an hour to 90 mins to 2 hours to nearly 3!  He'd do this three times a week, and we could keep in touch.

I don't have the gift of gab, so I will NOT be doing this.  I'm better in writing than on camera!

Yes, it drove my husband crazy,  It still does.  But it was a way to connect while social distancing.

So what's your opinion?

Saluki Con Recap

 Drove over in steady rain, and I'm VERY thankful this venue has a covered loading dock.  Sure, the hard part is putting everything on the dock, climbing the short stairs, then putting it all back in my wagon and navigating the antiquated elevator.  Thankfully, there was a cheerful volunteer who took me up and down, then showed me how to do it myself, since I had a 2nd trip.  Managed to park the car in a close parking space, then commenced setting up my table.

I was very close to my Con-Son, Todd, and right next to my friend and poet Jessica, and also right next to Katie and Matt, organizers of SI Con (who, very nicely are allowing me to pay the day I arrive, providing I have it by then!).

I also talked to the Burg Comics guy (blanking on name....Scott?) about Super Con during Superman Celebration, in case I don't get accepted to Artist Alley again, and he assured my I'd be welcome back, and to look for an email by the end of the month.

Saw Lonnie and Jessica Johnson, and was reacquainted with their daughter Tessa.  Lonnie even has a brand new Superman suit, and it looks great!

Chatted with the PA of another romance author, and was blown away by the fact her books were only $5. Tried to buy one, but kept missing her. I did leave my card at her table, and took one of hers. I'll have to reach out and see if we'll be at any upcoming events together.

Sales-wise, it was rather dismal. Sold one copy of Hotel Stories and another of the sample chapter one. Several were interested, but since the whole thing is due to release soon, they said they'd wait.  I also felt as if I was in another 'black hole'....people would talk to Jessica, bypass me and go either across the aisle to the keychains and dish towels or skip over me to visit Matt and Katie's booth.  Needless to say, I DID hand out a lot of cards, talk to everyone who asked about my books, and handed out a lot of the sneak peeks.

Began packing up at 4:15, since the Sean Astin speaking event was happening at 5:15, and I had to drive home. Got everything loaded into the car by 5, and kept trying to catch the other author, even going back upstairs after I had everything loaded in the car, but to no avail. I then plugged the Shyrock Auditorium into my GPS (was told it was north of where I was, with a gigantic red dome....not easy to miss, right?), and headed off.....but didn't find it. Not even a large arrangement of cars to tip me off I was in the correct place. I flagged down 2 girls and asked if they knew where it was, but they barely spoke English and said no.  So I proceeded to drive off......and got lost. Pulled over, punched in Arby's in Marion, and went on my merry, but grumpy way.

Ate dinner at Arby's in Marion, Il, then said a prayer for safety, and headed home.

From talking to other vendors, the main complaint was the rain and the fact the event was early in the year, and people were keeping a tight rein on their money, due to election and all the changes.  So hopefully in March, people will have their tax refunds and be in a spending mood again.

Writing Advice From Brian K Morris

 Today, I have a treat for you!  Several years ago, I met a fascinating man wearing a fez to conventions, and it turns out he and I have not only a lot in common, but several mutual friends!  I'd like to introduce you to my friend Brian K Morris, who recently posted a few interesting blogs to his Patreon page.  With his permission, I'd like to share his insights with you.  Take it away BKM!

Thanks Molly!  I'm Brian K Morris and I look good on paper:)

The Neil Gaiman post put me in the mind of how we often receive complaints about what we create.

Why aren't we writing in the genre THEY like? Why aren't we trying to be more commercial? Why aren't we doing a sequel to (fill in the blank)? Why aren't we writing more like someone else?

It can grind your gears, that's for sure.

But just keep in mind that I'm sure you're getting far MORE compliments than complaints. And for the scarcity of reviews you and I receive, that's probably STILL more people saying nice things about you on Amazon than complaining to your face.

Keep that in mind. Granted, if you get the SAME concern from more than, say, three people, it might be something to keep in mind the next time you set down to create (or stand while you type or draw, I'm not here to judge). Or even if ONE person gives you a gem that improves your craft, take it to heart.

But if it's someone who just wants to get a reaction from you, ignore them. The late Richard Nixon used to talk about a "Silent Majority" who thought everything was going just fine,but didn't feel a need to express how they felt about a situation.

Don't feed the trolls. Instead, keep listening to the people who approve of your work and what you're doing.

Follow your muse and don't stop creating. To paraphrase another Neil Gaiman quote, YOU are not someone else's b*tch.

I messaged him with my own advice, and he included it with the next blog post:

Thank you for the virtual kick in the pants, since I've not written ANYTHING (except blog posts) since.....May? April? June?  I know I've not written since my laptop screen shattered. 

Anyhoo, my top 3 pieces of writing advice:  

A) Don't get it RIGHT, get it WRITTEN 

B) Write the story you want to read; don't write 'to the market or what you THINK people want to read.  Write what's on your heart  

C) If you get stuck, it's perfectly okay to write (insert scene/dialogue/description).  You can always add it in later. 

D) All else fails, reach out to other writers.  Join a group on FB (there are many!) and ask for advice on structure, blurb writing, and finding an editor/publisher/cover artist.  We are here to help you  

E). Yes, you NEED a good editor to polish your story; a good formatter; and a shiny cover to sell the package.

Brian went on to add:

Good points all. I'd add...

A) I read recently where a writer advised writing five pages, for instance, even when your muse takes the day off. You might be able to salvage two or three after editing. And if you dump it all out as trash, you are left no farther behind than you were previously, and you've gotten some practice in.

Besides, you can't edit or sell what you haven't written.

B) Amen! If you are fired up by your story, the reader will be too. They can tell when you're whoring and when you're fired up.

C) I find myself adding a little bit of embellishment as a placeholder during the first draft. Then with the second, I add some flourish (or take some out, depending).

D) When I get bummed out, I know I can contact my peeps in The Rising Tide for advice and encouragement. They have NO idea how often they've talked me off the ledge.

E) Sure, you can learn how to do any of this. But YOUR TIME is worth quite a lot and that alone should be reason enough to hire out some or all of your production work. And nothing says you have to spend a king's ransom on it.

My last comment brought some hilarity to the blog:

F) Rules were meant to be bent or broken. Case in point: You asked for 3 tips; I gave you 6!  Lol...I'm such a rebel ...

Why you little...! 

I know....I love you too!

Brian's Bio:

Brian K. Morris is an independent, full-time freelance writer/editor/publisher, award-winning author, Facebook-famous YouTuber, and former mortician's assistant. He lives in Central Indiana with his wife, no children, no pets, and too many comic books. His exploits and books can be found at www.RisingTide.pub (and be sure to sign up for his FREE monthly newsletter).

Brian can be found at the following social media sites:

Facebook (Rising Tide)

Facebook (personal page)

YouTube

I'd also like to include he and I will be at the following conventions/reader events in the coming months:

Cil-Con (Matton, Il) Crosstown Mall, Sept 9-10

Lexingston Legendary Readers (Lexington, KY) Embassy Suites at Lexington Green,  Oct 1st

Fez Con (Fowler, In) Fowler Public Library Oct 8th

Writer's Block Author Fair (Toledo, OH) Franklin Park Mall, Oct 22nd

Observations 2021

Sept 2021:

 I've spent the past 6 weeks spending 5/6 weekends at an event.  So far, the reviews are mixed.

InConJuncti6 on:  Sold 8, two less than 2019

-Attendance was down, due to people not sure about being out in public just yet.

-I'd taken my daughter and granddaughter with me, so spent too much $$.

-Went to dinner with friends the 1st night; very chummy, supportive, and happy to see each other.

Imaginarium:  Sold 6, two more than 2019

-Well attended; I spent more time at my table this year instead of doing too many panels (I did 2 Fri and 2 Sat) or taking too many pictures.

-This was my 5th?? time at this con; I previously only sold one or two books at this event.  So to sell 4 in 2019 and 6 this time tells me my presence is being recognized.

-Went to dinner with friends Fri and enjoyed everyone's company, then attended a room party and fatigue did me in.  Sat, went to the banquet with friends and even though I didn't win, everyone was supportive.

Heroes For Kids:  Sold 6 and donated one.  No sales in 2019.

-Well attended; people seemed happy to be out again.  I spent more time at my table and was encouraged when I sold a book to my 1st customer:)

-Went to dinner Fri after setting up; got to meet new people and the atmosphere was friendly.  Saturday night, met up for dinner and things were good.

Superman Celebration:  Sold 19!

-Very well attended, even though it rained at first.  I stuck to my table the 1st day and sold 4, then ventured out the 2nd day for lunch and to see the celebrities; sold 9.  3rd day, sold 6!

-Dinner Friday was joyeous, as was Saturday night.

Royal Readers:  Sold 5, same as 2019.

-Was told there were more VIPs than vendors, but it didn't seem like it.

-Got pissed off when my 1st customer 1st griped b/c I wasn't wearing my mask 'correctly' (I was hot from setting up, so I'd pulled it beneath my nose).  She revealed herself as a cancer patient; I immediately pulled it up and tried to talk to her, but she claimed she couldn't hear me (she never did move any closer) and left.  Okay....1) you're not gonna be infected THAT SOON if I pull my damn shield up and 2) Why the hell couldn't she move closer after I did??

-My lunch apparently disagreed with me, and had to spend a considerable amount of time in the bathroom.

-I helped take three car loads of stuff over to the mall, and after returning to the hotel, I joined the rest of the group in the bar.  1) No one offered to move so I could sit.  I finally sat down and asked about service, then went up to the bar.  Upon returning with my glass of wine, somebody finally moved over.  2) The bartender apparently misunderstood my order, for my pizza arrived in a box, and was smooshed by the time we got the box folded so it would fit at the table.  3) Conversation flowed around me; I only spoke up a few times.  Felt like an outsider.

-After packing everything up, I went back to the mall to go to the Pepper Palace, M/M store, and for dinner.  Decided to go to Wahlburgers....then discovered several authors had already eaten there and were on their way out!  Why was I not invited?  Oh yeah....I'm an outsider.

-There just didn't seem to be the foot traffic from 2019.....though I will admit, it was nice to not have people come up *just* to autograph a poster!

N ow I'm off to the State Fair, where in 2019, I sold 18 books in 2 days.  I'll be there 4 full and 2 half days this year; hoping to match or even double that number.

Aug 11-13:  Sold 11 and donated one

-1st half day, sold 2. Paid $6 for pizza slice for dinner

-1st full day, sold 5. Paid $6 for 1/2 lb Angus burger and $6 for Chocolate Vodka Red Velvet Bundt cake

-2nd full day, sold 4 and donated one. Paid $6 for Elephant ear for b'fast, then $14 for Pizza on a Stick, then another $14 for 2 deep-fried cookie dough/red velvet oreos and 2 single cookie dough.  Also paid $10 for ride on the 'Spirit Wheel'.

18-20: Sold 18 and donated one

-2nd half day, sold 4. Splurged on a lamburger for $14 and spent $12 on deep-fried cookie dough/red velvet oreo combo with 2 extra CD.  Also 'did' the fair during the morning, and enjoyed seeing everything and taking pictures.  Spent $3 on a bottle of water.

-3rd full day, sold 8 and donated one (copy of CG to my cousin Lynn).  Paid for my four $3 ride tickets, $6 for a red velvet funnel cake, and $12 for another deep-fried red velvet oreo/cookie dough combo with two extra CD.  Rode the High Swings (YOLO), the ferris wheel, and the double-decker merry-go-round twice (downstairs on an ostrich, upstairs on a white tiger).  Ate a late dinner at Applebee's for $16

-4th full day, sold 6.  Since the hubby put $$ into my account, bought apple butter, pumpkin butter, and gooseberry preserves, plus another t-shirt and a sweatshirt, honey, fudge, and the cake swirls. Spent $6 on an Angus burger, then another $12 on more red velvet oreos/cookie dough combo with 2 more CD.  Vendor threw in two more CD for 'customer loyalty'.

TOTAL EARNED:  $229, which paid for the 1st 2.5 days ($225)

The first three days, I was on the left side of the booth, and couldn't see behind me.  Plus, N kept calling me 'Makenzie'.  The 2nd three days, I was on the right side, and she clued into the 'Kenzie', and got the genres correct, but she drove me mildly crazy with her views on the mattress people ("Can you believe people are LAYING on them?  And they don't SANITIZE them after!"), and some of the customers who tried to use us as a library. Not to mention her pro-vax stance.  I'll admit; I went over to talk to the vax people and considered getting it....but then saw a hashtag on FB with the horror stories and reconsidered.

Over all, I enjoyed the fair.  I loved the fact I dragged my butt out of bed early enough to go 'do' it on the 18th, and I loved the fact I sold out of 5 titles.

SI Comic Con:  Sold 7 and swapped one

-Very well organized and attended!  I only ventured away from my table twice; once to find BKM and Amy, and the 2nd to get Bonus Child's birthday present:  Silver Ranger's picture and autograph.

-Afterward, we all went to dinner at the Peking Buffet, and took a group pic afterward.  Felt very included in everything:)

Non-Con 6:  Sept 25-26:  Sold 1

I'll admit it; I was sleep-deprived the 1st day and kept falling asleep.  I did get 2 pages written, and handed out a few cards.  N sold 5 to one customer.  

-Went to dinner at the China King Buffet and enjoyed good conversation and friendship, as well as good food!

Day #2, I was irritated to discover we'd showed up an hour early.  I could have slept in; we could have had b-fast at Cracker Barrel; I could have kept listening to the flashback program of 1978!  Then the drive home was hell....a stopped train, then cone zones/stop-n-go traffic on every damn highway.

First City Music Festival, Oct 1-3: 

Rain threatened, but I did well, selling at least 10 books.  Went to dinner with my son and his BFF, who promptly told K, "We need to find a pitch.  Your mom is AWESOME at bringing people over!"

Awww....thanks D!

Indy Comic Con, Oct 15-17:

I thoroughly enjoyed people-watching, and sold 18 books over the entire weekend, and even one while I was off at a photo opp!  What made my weekend though, wasn't meeting Chandler Riggs (Carl from Walking Dead) or The Evil Queen from Once Upon A Time (blanking on her name at the moment!), but meeting Armin Shimmerman at the Jumpmaster Press booth, who played Quark in DS9!!  Got a pic with him; bought his book, and got to talk to him.  He was amazing!

CCC, Oct 30th:

A cold day, but sold some books and had fun.  Bought a copy of Little Black Sambo!

ICGAHS, Nov 10-14:  

Two authors backed out, due to catching CV, or being afraid, so when the Friday and Sat morning slots were offered, I grabbed 'em, and it paid off.  Think I sold 45 books??  Paid for my booth and gas....and went home with presents for everyone, including 5 bottles of wine.  Did a taste-test comparison between Carousel's Tiger Red, French Lick's Red, and Buck Creek's red....and Tiger won!

Unfortutately, landed in the hospital the following Monday with pancreatitis, and had to have my gall bladder evicted from my body.

2021: A Look Back

 All in all, 2021 was a fairly good one, with the exception of politics, the economy, and the continued stupid mask and CV vaccine mandates.  Yes, the price of gas nearly doubled; food prices increased, and supplies were low, but I managed to see 199 books; managed to do 14 in-person events; made new friends; got to see good friends again; and published two books (Creative Generations in June and Mixed Bag antho in Oct).  Submitted Rex The Piddling Pup and it's slated for release next June.

I also worked fairly steadily and paid down my GSH bill.  As of this draft, I will have it paid off by the end of February, and will be able to apply those funds elsewhere.

The only aggravating thing was, I broke my arm in Feb and had to have my gall bladder out in November.  I'll still be making hospital payments...crap.

But I did get to finally hug and be with my mother, as well as take her out of the facility for appointments and lunch; my sister was able to come home for a week; and I got to see my Teen Idol, Shaun Cassidy, in concert AND have a private Zoom meeting with him!

So there it is in a nutshell; now to break it down month-by-month:

Jan:

Worked. We were short-staffed at work, due to CV infections, but it snowed, so we weren't too busy. I also wasn't happy when Team GLBTQ won the Amazing Race; I was hoping Team Beards would.

Feb:

Fell out of bed while up in Lafayette and broke my arm.  Fortunately, D was with me, and I tested positive for CV while in the ER, so he had to learn to text and use my phone while I was laid up for 24 hours.  Fortunately, the day after my surgery, my hazard pay arrived; the following week, my regular check arrived; two weeks later, my CV pay arrived, plus I was already back at work (see my 'Life As A One-Armed Lumber Queen' posts), so I never missed a paycheck!  God is good:)

March-April:

Spent these two months working with one arm in a sling and making monthly visits to the dr. Also seriously considered driving to Hannibal, Mo for Big River Comic Con, but couldn't get anyone to cover my shift.  Then I discovered Mgr T had gotten wind of my plans and had made fun of them.  So, I sucked it up and worked....and never said another word to anyone about future plans.  I also did a local craft show, but it was a bust, given we were competing with three other shows the same week.  All in all, it was good practice for the upcoming convention ciruit.

Also was able to go in to my mom's room and hug her for the 1st time in over a year.  I hurst into tears and just cried for about 5 minutes!!!  But you don't realize how much you miss human contact....and it was like losing both my parents last year.  Mom and I could TALK and SEE each other, but we weren't allowed to TOUCH!

Also discovered my mother had swallowed Dr. F's 'koolaid'....she keeps harping on the fact I'm unvaxxed.  I'm the lone holdout....W and Co's vaxxed, and so is Mom.  I'm sorry; I don't trust it. Also lost my voice for two weeks; called in the first week, then discovered I can still work w/o a voice; pantomine works just fine, ha ha!

May:

Lucked into a Home and Garden Show for only $20 in Elwood!  Sold 9 there; the readers were out in full force, since 'we've been stuck at home and need new reading material!'  Afterward, toured Arcadia and went past my old apartment building, where the new owner is trying to convert it back to a single-family dwelling.  I'd love to go up and see it, but the new owner wasn't around; spoke to the next-door neighbor.

Jeanna gave birth to Baby Isabelle Rose, born May 19th!!

Decided not to go to the 500, since Uncle B and Cousin W weren't coming.  Had DVR'd it....and Helio won his 4th.  Damn it.,...I wanted TK to win!  Did dress in my costume and sing at the worship service at Rendezvous, then went to work in my costume!

June:

Drove to Peoria, Il for Quad Con and did well!  We were also informed that if we were vaxxed at work, we didn't have to wear a mask....but it was also illegal to ask for proof.  So.....didn't wear my mask for a week or two!  HEAVEN!!

July:

Was scared the first week I was about to be fired, since I could NOT find anyone to cover my shift over 4th of July weekend.  So I called in....and was chewed out by our store manager.  What saved me when I returned was 1) I was the #1 cashier that week; 2) we  were busier on Monday, the day I was back, than we'd been all weekend; and 3) with the labor shortage, could they really afford to fire me?  I avoided S all month, ha ha....

InConJunction was good.  Spent way too much $$, since I'd taken S and A; A had a blast in the Motley Kids area, doing crafts for three days! S enjoyed walking around and her birthday dinner at Cracker Barrel.  Think I sold 8...but the crowd was down, and I did receive a nice email from a customer, telling me they plan to purchase the other books in The Chosen series:)  I'm only going to do this show every other year while employed, since it's technically a 'black out' date....meaning no one's allowed to request it off.

Imaginarium was also good....sold 6 and enjoyed seeing friends.

Heroes For Kids was also good; I sold 6, so yes, will be back again!

Superman Festival was AMAZING!  Sold 19 books!  Will definitely return next year!

Aug:

Went up to see Mom and took her and BC to Texas Roadhouse for their birthdays (B's was July 29th and Mom's Aug 1st), and got B to sit on the saddle!

Did well at the State Fair, selling a total of 29!  Drove to Mall of America and was disappointed I only sold 5; the ride I wanted to ride was closed; I DID enjoy a delicious meal at Wahlburgers, but felt left out and isolated from the other authors (see Observations post), and to cap it all off, discovered later I'd gotten a speeding ticket in Cedar Rapids, costing me $75.  I may give MOA one more year....

Loader Justin got pissy when he discovered I'd taken a picture of him picking up an H-cart of shingles with the forklift, and read me the riot act.  Little did he know he was NOT in the picture...

Sept:

Month began on a high note:  I managed to find someone to take my shift on Sunday Sept 5th so I could drive to Nashville, TN with friend Elaine, and go see Shaun Cassidy in concert.  Ate some delicious goat cheese-risotto balls and a flatbread pizza, and met Lisa K, who was thrilled we invited her to sit with us at dinner.  Her seat was better than ours, but oh well!  Got to also meet Patrick Cassidy:)

Issues arose over Loader Justin's attitude....since I'd gotten on his bad side, he refused to speak to me....which creates a problem, since the cashier and her loader NEED to communicate!  Fortunately, we didn't have to work together that much anymore.....and he began calling in.

I persuaded NR to attend Non Con with me....and it was a bust this year.

Was able to have an enjoyable visit with my sister....even when her stress level boiled over and we had to change dinner plans on her final night.

Oct:

Did three events:  1st City Music Fest (sold 10!); Comic Con (sold 18!); and the CCC (sold 8!). Kyle and Dalton began a jewelry business, so I loaned them my tables for the Watermelon Festival, where they did well, and shared the booths at the Music Fest and CCC.  Was complimented by D...."I've been watching your mom; we gotta find a pitch!"

Shake up at work:  Mgr T quit after being passed over for a promotion (ASM Scott had left, and they hired someone else).  Lumber's ASM, Misty, returned to the Admin office; then Jess W quit....and Gareth took over. Mel B was promoted to Paint Mgr.

Had to make the heartbreaking decision to put Abby the Pit Bull down.  She had become incontinent and could hardly walk, and was ready; the vet gave her the relaxing shot, and she gave Sara a kiss, closed her eyes, and passed away.

For Halloween, I was a 'Spider Pirate'....wore my pirate costume with the Spider headband:)

Nov:

Went off to the Indpls Christmas Gift and Hobby Show and picked up two morning shifts, due to people testing positive for CV.  Sold a whopping 46 books!!

Arrived home and promptly landed in the hospital with pancreatitis, and had my gall bladder out four days later.  Then had tire issues....they finally found a tiny finishing nail the size of a needle in my tire!

Kyle and Jeanna discovered they were expecting again!  Baby H due July 12th!

Dec:

Was supposed to go to Toledo, OH for an author fair, but due to the transportation issues (D's truck was acting up and turned out he needed both a starter AND a new battery), I bowed out.  Worked every weekend; went up to see Mom once; and got the stomach flu on Christmas Eve.  Spent Christmas on the couch in recovery mode.

Alex is the proud new staff member of a tiny kitten named Smokey aka 'Monster' aka 'Hooligan'.  She will attack Taco, Dexter, and even take on Jelly and Butterscotch!

Watched the  ball drop on NYE with D, and drank wine.

What Else Did I Accomplish?  

-Publish M/M Tales (working title) Creative Generations, released June 28th, 2021

-Find artist for kiddie book and start collaboration Check!  Sent it off to Pen It Publications!

-Save as much $$ as possible Sort of...used part of it to pay down my CC.

-Edit Defending Your Life story Sort of....still sitting on this one,

-Add words or even finish Heart Song, RiKar, Paranormal Preacher, Time Travel and publish something. Nope; too busy.

-Write 'Mixed Nuts' story Recycled YA murder mystery for it

-Survive this damn pandemic/political climate Check...

-Buy monthly promo items  Check; took 40-50 to Superman Festival, where they were snapped up.

    -10 red stylus ordered 1/3

    -10 blue stylus ordered 1/15

-Pay off St. V medical debt Check!  Thank you stimulus $$!!!; pay down GSH and hearing aids medical debt; pay down CC. GSH:  Will be paid off in Feb; still paying on others.

-Get eyes and teeth checked/fixed New lenses in glasses; not made teeth appt,

-Get carport roof fixed No

-Green house torn down  No

-Brown house sorted No

-Scrap hauled away No

-Shelf in Bdrm No

-Shelf in MB No

-House re-wired No

-Taco and Butterscotch to the vet No

-Mom's room organized Check!

-Mom's storage unit sorted Sort of....

-W's things sent to her Check!

-Attend the following Conventions/signings: (Most are already paid for) Check!

      -Jan:  StoryCon at Benton Co. Public Library Not gonna happen this year

     -April:  Evansville Women's Conference (April 8th); Kentuckiana Book Fair, Dale Library 

    -May:  ComicCon (not paid for)

     -June:  Corning Irish Festival, PrideFest, Weekend with the Authors (Nashville, TN-Pd 1-14-21)
     -July:  InConJunction, Imaginarium, Heroes For Kids
     -Aug:  Watermelon Fest (not paid for), Royal Readers at Mall of America, State Fair
     -Sept:  Penned Con, Non-Con
     -Oct:  Art Walk, CCC (not paid for)
     -Nov:  ICGAHS, Rivet, Art Walk

Books Read:  79

            DNF:  9

Karaoke Songs Added:  46

What Makes A Successful Show?

 Got Brian K's newletter today and it posed the question, What makes a successful show? 

Profit/sales

Meeting new people/contacts

Hanging out with friends

Treated well by organizers?

Profit/Sales:

When I first began doing signings, a successful signing meant I sold at least 2-4 books.  After being picked up by the publisher and being in digital, success changed to IF I sold any on Amazon, but I wouldn't know for 3 months.  Therefore, success meant talking to a lot of people and handing out swag and cards, and networking.  In 2013, when my work was available in print again, success meant selling 4-5 books, and I could joke I could now pay for dinner.

In 2019, I branched out into conventions, and sales began to rise.  I was thrilled when sales meant a tank of gas was covered.  At times, I'd even paid for my table.

2020 just sucked, due to the lockdown.

2021 has blown all expectations out of the water.  Sales are not only covering booth fees, but for some venues, gas and even my lodging for one night.  I was particularly thrilled that at the Christmas show, I made all my booth fee back.  Of course, I promptly spent it on Christmas presents for my family!

Meeting New People/Contacts:

Back in 2010, desperate for extra income, I set up every week at our Farmer's Market, since the spouse was on medical leave, and we were living on unemployment. The local city leaders took note of my efforts, plus the fact friends had decided to open a used bookstore, and invited us to be the Grand Marshalls of the annual Christmas Parade (I found out later my friends only did it because I was so excited.), but we were also joined by two other established authors and three other new ones.  Needless to say, the city leaders' interest in us didn't last long, but it was meeting a certain author who began sharing writing conventions and book signing info with me.

One such contact led me to Columbus, In, where I met several other authors whom I was thrilled to talk to and pick their brains and friend them on FB.  A year later, one sent me an invitation to be a vendor at the Indpls Christmas Gift and Hobby Show, and I was able to afford one slot.  Only sold one book (I was still primarily in digital), but had such a great time, I made it a priority to do at least two slots the following year....then worked up to four.  Sales not only increased, but I was soon getting repeat customers, eager to see what was new, or what they had missed.  So up until 2020, I knew I was spending a lot of $$ on my booth fee and only making maybe only one day/slot or even half my fee back, but I didn't care.  I love being at that show; I love seeing 'what's new' by way of clothing items and meeting people.

Hanging Out With Friends:

Hands down, THIS is why I do some shows.  

Recently, a colleague asked me why I go to Louisville every year, because 1) the cost has gone up; 2) the hotel cost has increased; and 3) sales are not that good.  Quite frankly, it's seeing friends I only see at that convention.

A) It keeps improving.  The first time I did the Con, I think I only sold 1 book, but I sat on 3 panels and enjoyed myself.  The next year, it had moved to a new venue, and our table was in the very back, and we didn't get a lot of traffic, but still managed to sell some.  I was on 9 panels that time and realized it was too many.  I cut down on the 3rd year, but signed up for the special signing slot and sold more that way.  Last year, it moved to another venue, and offered a 'Creative Alley' instead of just the vendor room, and got a LOT more traffic in the hallway than I did the previous years, plus my sales doubled from 2019

B) The convention keeps getting better, and attracting more guests.  I don't know if the Con turns 10 this year or not, but at the rate of improvement.....why give up 'just because sales are low'?  I LIKE the people I'm with; I LIKE the comraderie; I LIKE the support I feel....yeah, I'm not giving up just yet.

Also in 2019, I met someone who encouraged me to attend Comic Conventions.  I never in my life thought a romance/fiction author would do well....but I have!  Yes, the first year I did a few events, the sales were mixed (ranging from 2 to 10 books sold), but friendship makes it all worth it.  We go to dinner, we cross-promote, and we share info.  

This past year, the show I sold the least at was a tiny show that was not very well attended, and I only sold one book.  But I was thrilled to note I'd sold 20 books at one convention (Superman) and 30 at the State Fair.  Was this due to readers being forced to take a year off from meeting authors, or just a fluke?  I guess I'll find out next year....

Organizational Treatment:

Here's where things get a little sticky.

I have been attending one particular Reader Event where the first time I did it, a friend was there, and we had a great time.  I returned this past year, but she didn't, and while I have a couple of acquaintances who were there, I was very disappointed they didn't invite me to dinner with them, even though we ate at the same restaurant.  I had taken my time packing up my table because of the long hike to my car, and having to make two trips, so imagine my shock as I was entering the establishment to see them exiting, greeting me by name, and telling me, "Have you ever eaten here before?  It's amazing; you're gonna love it!"

Even the night before, I'd bitten the bullet and stayed at the same hotel as everyone else, and when I went down for drinks and dinner, a) no one made room for me at the table until someone finally nudged another person to scoot over and b) my comments were acknowledged, but further conversation was not directed AT me, if this makes any sense.  I just felt excluded all around.  So why am I going back for a third time?

-My children's book will be out

-I LOVE the venue

-I want to ride a particular ride that was closed this year

-I would like to eat at the same restaurant as I did this year, because it was SO GOOD, and we don't have one in our area.  Is that a good enough reason?  Plus, maybe take a friend or even a child along....

Every other venue I've been to, the organizers/promoters do a fantastic job of labeling your booth space; they provide you with water and snacks and a 'swag bag'; sometimes they even have people to come around and offer to either watch your table or go get your food.

UPDATE:  Due to rising gas prices, I'll be skipping 2022 ($4-5/gallon)

Final Thoughts:

Yes, the craft fairs and Farmer's Market were a good place to start.  I met readers, and was thrilled to know people were enjoying my books.  It was a way to make contacts, and to branch out from my tiny community.  But as I said, sales were mixed.  I'd sell 2-4 and maybe make my booth space back.  The Cons and Reader Events are a little more expensive, but sales have been good, plus I get to hang out with good friends and meet new contacts.  One day, I'd like to be able to travel beyond the states I currently travel to (Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee), and meet more readers and authors.

Success means something different to everyone, and I know some people will not agree with some points.  But you can't always measure it in dollars and cents.

2019 was an experiment; 2021 was a learning experience.  I'm hoping to revamp my table set-up for 2022, and that the upcoming children's book will do well.  I'm also hoping to finally get one of my unfinished wips written and published this year.  I've not put out a full-length novel of my own since last year, and I'm long overdue.

I also realize I'm getting older, and probably only have 15-20 years until health issues stop me.  Right now, the part-time job is paying for all my trips, and I'm trying to squirrel back as much as I can.  My goal for 2022 is to stay out of the hospital, so I can get out of my current medical debt!  Breaking my arm and having my gall bladder out this past year was NOT on the agenda, ha ha!  Thankfully, insurance has helped, as had the financial assistance payment plans. But 2022 also marks the year my youngest turns 18 and his SSI runs out.  We are about to lose $1200/year; his last payout is January.  And since it is normally used for the truck payment and medical bills.....you see where I'm going with it..  

But I have faith it will work out.  God has been very good to us the past two years, and it will continue.

Just keep the faith.

Second Chances is LIVE!

Arrived home last night (July 23rd) to finally discover this book was live:)

You are cordially invited to an Arbor University Reunion! The year is 2004; come see how the lives of five friends has changed. Who’s married? Who has kids?

After fifteen years, Keri Patterson finds herself back in Arbordale, In, and invites her friends down for a reunion. But there’s another reason for the invitation: She’s afraid to face her past.

Kyle Sampson discovers the college girl he met at the wrong time has achieved her goals and is now being awarded Outstanding Alumni. It’s the right time for him to see her, but will she want to see him? More importantly, will time have healed the wounds between them, or is there a second chance to recapture a lost love?

Available at Amazon.

Observations....

This has been a strange two weeks.  I knew my dad was having knee surgery on the 14th, so the entire family (sans older working kids) met in Terre Haute to celebrate my Teen's 14th birthday (March 1st).

3/11, Terre Haute
#1:  In hindsight, I should have switched places with my spouse, because we were in a cramped half booth/half table, and I was across from my dad, with my granddaughter at the end.  He was across the table from C, the family friend, who really doesn't care for him. 

#2:  After the stressful meal, in which Mom called me to the bathroom to express her displeasure with my spouse's attitude, I texted my BFF to meet me at McD's, so I could see her and get a sweet tea before continuing on north.  She wasn't able to, so I decided to go to her house and 'decompress'.  It was a good hour of catching up, then I headed north.

3/12-15, Lafayette:
(Mon):  Rather quiet. Dad took me out and showed me the route for where to drive Mrs. Sato on Thursday, and made a quick trip to the grocery store.  Mom and I fixed pork chops for dinner.

(Tues):  Mom's friend Remi and her friend Sue arrived for a visit, so I replaced the Valentine's Day decorations with the Easter ones, and vacuumed the floors.  Around 6:30, Remi, Sue, Mom, and I decided to go to Applebee's for dinner.  Dad declined the invitation, and we had a nice time.

(Wed):  Took Dad to hospital at 6am.  I picked up a pager from the front desk, then was able to hang out with him while they got his insulin level down.  They took him down at 8, and I went to the cafeteria for breakfast, and to find a quiet corner to read, since the waiting room was a little noisy.  They had said the procedure would take 3 hours, so I settled down.  90 minutes later, a nurse found me and told me the surgeon wanted to speak to me.  I checked the pager; it was silent.

Surgeon showed me before and after pics of Dad's aneurism, and said he'd spend the next hour or so in Recovery.  I opted to stay upstairs at that point.  An hour later, the volunteer told me Dad was alert and talking in Recovery, just waiting for a room.  Again I checked my pager.  Nada.  Another half hour went by before they told me where his room was.  I handed over my useless pager and remarked, 'Why did they give me this thing, if they weren't going to use it?'

Volunteer had no answers, but wished us well.

I found Dad's room and was told a) they were keeping him overnight and b) he would be unable to drive for a week.  No problem; that's why I was there.

(Thurs):  I drove Mrs. Sato to her Cardiac Rehab exercise and back home, then went to the hospital to spring Dad.  Got him settled, then packed my small suitcase and headed to my son's school, for a meeting about next year's DC field trip.  Afterward, I took myself to Buffalo Wild Wings (BW3) and indulged in my favorite Parm-Garlic boneless wings, french fries, and of course, basketball, since the NCAA tournament had begun.  After watching the 2nd half of two games, I drove to friend MB's house, nearly hitting a deer on the way.  I'd seen the 1st one, and stopped until it made up its mind to cross the road, but never saw the 2nd one as it passed within inches of my front bumper!  Made it safely to her house, then curled up on the bed and watched two more games before turning out the light.

3/16-17, Nashville, TN and Indianapolis:
(Fri):  MB and I left for Nashville around 8 or so, and arrived safely in Nashville, for the Weekend With The Authors.  1st person we saw at the Speed Dating was the always lovely Jean Joachim, then we spoke with several others, including Sarah Cass (whom I'd met back in Sept), Paige Tyler, and Elle James.  Went to lunch with Sandy and Shaun, Jean and Sarah, and ate off the buffet (making sure I could see the Purdue b-ball game, ha ha!).  Jean, Sarah, and I 'talked shop' until 3, and MB loved it, since she'd just completed her 1st story, and was soaking up all the knowledge she could:)  Attended the 'Readers Make The Wold Go Round' and Sci-Fi panels before saying goodbye to Sandy and Sarah, and heading back.

I was a little irked at MB on the way back.  She'd programmed her GPS for both trips, and the trip back took us a different way, esp when we were clearly close to I-64!  Why didn't she turn off Siri, follow 64-69 and back to her house, rather than follow Siri's (IMHO) BONEHEAD directions through winding country roads, when the interstate was RIGHT THERE?  To me, it made zero sense.  Especially after my near-miss with the deer just twenty-four hours before!

I'd already decided to forego driving back to Lafayette, and just buy a cheap green shirt at Walmart, then continue onto to Indy on Sat.

(Sat):  Got up at 6, and was on the way to Walmart by 6:30.  Found a cute Pug Crawlin' black and green tee in the men's section, plus green top hat earrings, and hopped on I-69 north.  Got off at Martinsville to cruise past our old church, and followed 37 to 144, where I crossed over to 67, which ultimately turns into Kentucky Ave, and would take me downtown.  Arrived at the hotel around 9:30, but the event wasn't ready yet.  Hung out with Cindy Barton, a reader I've met at several events, and her friend Denise, who recognized the Kenzie Michaels name.  Yay, I've met another Kenzie fan:)  Anyway, the room finally opened up an hour later, and I made it halfway around the room before lunch was announced.  Cindy, Denise, and I sat at the self-proclaimed 'Fun Table', and whatever spicy/dijon mustard was on my sandwich soon had my mouth on fire.  After lunch, I picked up where I'd left off, then went around with my camera and 'autograph' notebook.  Got to meet Jayne Rylon, whom I've heard about for years!

Minor Observations:
1)  Paranormal Romance and Motorcycle Club (MC) are 'hot' this year.
2)  A lot of Indie authors are writing in that horrible, 1st person, present tense POV.  WHY?
3)  One author needed formatting help.  His book had no page numbers; no headers/footers; the margins were wide; it just looked unprofessional (says the author who injected no headers/footers or page numbers until last year....*whistles*).
4)  This one blows my mind.  One author's books were formatted ALL to LEFT side!  WTH?  When I questioned her about it, she said her publisher did it, then corrected it.  I would not have let my author display/sell such a horrible book.  I told her I was interested in her story, but was not going to buy the print book until the formatting was corrected, and wished her well in future ventures.

Left around 3:30 and drove back to Lafayette.

3/17-present, Lafayette:
(Sat):  Arrived at Mom's, and ate filet mignons while watching the 2nd round games with Mom.

(Sun):  Watched the church's live stream, then spent a lazy day watching basketball.  Mom ordered Chinese; family friend CC picked it up and joined us for dinner.

(Mon):  Took Mom to Young At Heart, then to get her blood drawn.  Came home, picked up Dad and took him for his blood draw, then went to the grocery store.  Ate leftover Chinese for dinner.

(Tues):  Dad went with me to drive Mrs, Sato to her reading lesson (we went to the church for an hour to read), then to her exercises.  Came home, picked up Mom, and drove her to her Wound Care appointment (Nurse practitioner was a former student of Mom's, and we didn't know if he was intimidated by her, or if he'd neglected to take his afternoon ADHD meds....seriously, the guy repeated himself several times and seemed overly eager to be helpful!), then had lunch at Subway (chicken teriyaki sandwich and broccoli-cheese soup, yum!), before taking her to get her hair cut.  Made mine for April 10th.

(Today):  The plan is to take Dad to the bank, then to CC's to pick up a lasagna, then to Small Group Bible Study.  Mom apparently had a rough night, and needs to stay home and sleep.  So we're apparently having lasagna tonight.  I will watch Survivor and Criminal Minds, then catch up on my 70's sitcoms online.

Dad will be cleared to drive tomorrow, but he's not supposed to lift more than 10 pounds for a month, which means no taking out the trash or carrying in groceries.  Looks as if I'm elected to stay until April 11th.

My Dream Office

You've seen the Beast's library, right?  I'd love to set up my desk, computer,printer, etc, in the center of this space, and have all my books displayed, including space for all future books.

If that's a little too grand, then go back to last week's post  and check out the first picture.  I'd also love to have a door where I can post a sign, 'Do Not Disturb Unless Fire, Broken Bones, or Life Threatening Issue.'

Yes, I dearly miss the days when I'd send the kids off to school, pour myself a cup of coffee, then disappear into my office until lunch time.

Unlike other moms, I look forward to the empty nest.  I guess I'm truly a loner at heart, though I do enjoy getting together with friends and sharing a meal, watching a movie, or singing karaoke!

"Office Space"

I'd love to tell you my office looks like this:

You may even imagine my office looks like this:

From 2007-2011, this was my actual office space.  Notice the 3.5 floppies and CDs lined up on the 2nd shelf?  Yup...still got 'em.....

I wrote most of my work on this one.

But since receiving my laptop Feb 2011, THIS is my current office space, where I wrote Kenzie's Sci-Fi series, and did all the edits from July 2011-present:)

Notice the room at the back?  That's our utility room, where cookies, popcorn, and the microwave are housed.  The past month, it's pretty common to hear the words, "Can you move..." just when I've settled down to write!  Why not move?  If I sit to the right, I run the risk of kids looking over my shoulder.  If I sit at the other end of the table, I'd be blocking the back door.  Yes, my kitchen is that small.

Table is pushed against the wall, so when dinner is ready, we pull it out and people have to walk through the hallway in order to get around to this space.

Now you know why I'm house hunting!

July reading schedule will be posted either this weekend or Monday:)

"Who Wants To Write A Book?" Vs "All Right Class, I Want You To Write A Story..."

Year:  1974

Where:  Molly's 2nd Grade Classroom

Our teacher either divided us into groups or we chose the project; I'm not exactly for sure, but somehow, I ended up in the Book Writing group (go figure, huh?)  I'd like to say our group brainstormed and wrote the brilliant All-American Novel and we were all published at the tender age of 8, but that didn't happen.

Here's what did.

"Okay...what sort of story would you like to write?"

*crickets chirping*

"Can we write about cowboys/superheroes/good guys chasing after bad guys?"  (From one of the boys.)

"Sure.  How shall we start?"

"Once upon a time..."  (giggles)

"That's a very good way to start."  Teacher writes that down.

Ideas get thrown at him; some make it.  Halfway through, we have a hero embarking on some sort of epic journey, and I'm already mad because one of the boys keeps trying to work the word 'respect' into every sentence.  Having discovered the word 'embarrassed', but not knowing exactly how it's used, Molly raises her hand when the hero needs an action.

"Can he be embarrassed?"

"What for?"  Teacher explains the meaning and Molly realizes it will NOT fit in the context.  She goes back to listening to the others.

I don't know whatever happened to that story, or if it even was ever finished!  One of the other groups made a Star Trek movie; I remember watching it and wondering why one of the girls from our group was in the movie!

Fast-Forward to 1976:

Molly's 5th Grade Classroom

Our student teacher announces he wants us to write a story.  He's going to put on a record and we're to write whatever pops into our head.  I panic, until I hear the music.  It has sort of an outer-space feel to it.  Since I'd seen the movie Logan's Run with my dad, and hadn't fully understood it, I decide to write my version.  In fact, I even titled it 'Logan's Run', but ended up describing a futuristic society, and having no concept of the fact the people were not 'ascending', but were actually dying!

I still have that story somewhere....I think....

Later that year, I would go on to write my 1st Tall Tale, my first fairy tale, and other short stories.  I learned I was better at writing down stories than trying to talk through them!

What about you?  Do you remember the first time you wrote something creative?