Saturday, July 21, 2007

The Good and Lazy Days of Summer!

Yesterday was my husband's birthday. The gift he wanted most was the arrival of Aerith Eden Owen, our first grandchild. Though our daughter looks ready to pop, L'il Socks didn't come. Poor Byron had to settle for music DVDs and a gift card from Home Depot.

The day brought good news for me though. My poem, "A Love Song from the Sea," which I read at the SUMMER CHILLS event at Willard Library a couple of weeks ago, has found a home in the upcoming anthology "POEtry: without apologies," edited by Stephen M. Wilson. Other poets whose works will appear are Joe Haldeman, Jane Yolen, Brian Aldiss, Michael Bishop, Bruce Boston, Marge Simon, Patrick O'Leary, Linda Addison, Elizabeth Hand, Michael A. Arnzen, Charlee Jacob, David Niall Wilson, Corine deWinter, Claire Cooney, and others. I'm humbled and thrilled. Though I have been writing poetry since I was 8 or 9, this is my first sale.

Finding homes for my writing is the best affirmation I know. It also provides the very best kick in the ass for writing more!

In fact, I'm going to write now...

Best
Judi

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Research means RE Search

On the sidebar, I've noted that PANDORA'S CLOSET, a new anthology coming from Daw next month, edited by Martin H. Greenberg and Jean Rabe, will contain a story of mine. "Revolution: Number 9" was a convergence (like most stories) of a number of ideas, though most particularly from two stories I read in the WALL STREET JOURNAL.

When Jean Rabe invited me to sublit a story, she asked for a tale that elaborated in some way about someTHING that could pop out or be dragged of a closet, Pandora's closet, no less.

Those familiar with Pandora and her box might recall how all manner of horrible things were released when she lifted the lid. In this new anthology, 19 writers allow her to render additional damage from a closet.

What came to my mind first was Johnny Cash's black shirt. I mulled the implications of where that story could go. That's when two different stories from the WSJ struck me. One involved the military use of Brain Ports (C) while the other considered how history had been rewritten by artists through placing spectacles on famous people who lived before glasses had come into use.

That's when John Lennon entered the mix.

And just how does all this gel? Heh heh. You'll have to read my story. PANDORA'S CLOSET will be available at all the online booksellers and through their brick 'n mortar stores, too, though you may have to ask them to order you a copy. (Please ask!)

At any rate, Rabe was kind enough to send me a link to an MSNBC story about Lennon's glasses. I invite you to take a look: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19796465/from/ET/.

PANDORA'S CLOSET will be released on August 7. You can't wait, right? Neither can I.

Best
Judi

Monday, July 16, 2007

"Ain't it funny how time slips away?"

Developing the discipline to blog is clearly something that has eluded me. Up to now.

"Hi, I'm Judi, and I've let being a disciplined writer slip."

Here's my excuse: I've been busy living life, or at least, trying desperately to keep up with everything.

My elder daughter is due to deliver my first grandchild any day now. She's officially due on July 27, but who knows. This very daughter was two weeks late herself and her younger sister was two months early. Maybe she'll be on time.

Said younger daughter just got her driver's license and a job at the mall.

The father of this pair (and my legal life partner) has just taken an early retirement from his reporter position at the local newspaper and is now doing freelance writing. He's also upped his guitar playing and performing appearances.

It's a busy place our house.

Here's another excuse: I'm working on something new.

Yes, yes, after struggling with my two novels (one in revision, one still being written) and my eclectic collection of short stories, I was hit with a totally new novel-length project. The fires are burning on that one, so...

Excuse #3: I've joined a local writers group and have been leading a writers' workshop at Willard Library.

Those who know me know I rarely take a backseat. (To those who don't know I served in several capacities with the Horror Writers Association: VP, Trustee, email newsletter editor, convention hostess, etc.) Anyway, the Midwest Writers' Guild of Evansville needed a treasurer, so...

The workshop at Willard will begin again in the fall. "Fall into Writing" will be the September/October offerings. On Monday, Sept. 10, we'll be exploring the writing process and developing plans. Then on Monday, October 15, the subject will be "More than you wanted to know about getting your words into print." We meet at 10 a.m. at the historic and very haunted library (21 First Avenue, Evansville, IN), but please do reserve a spot by calling the Willard (812-425-4309).

Those are my current excuses. I probably have more. In fact, I think there's now a website that offers excuses for writers, much like those quotes' pages. :-)

And how is your work coming along?

Best
Judi