#165 Stopped In Their Tracks

Editing book 2 now and things are coming along swimmingly.  Except for one thing.  I wrote some version of the following phrase 6 times in this book:  "They stopped in their tracks."  I do not say this phrase and do not know why I have been writing it.  Makes me feel like I am writing in the 19th century or something.  So, today I searched out all of these phrases and replaced them with something much cooler.  Like: "They froze."

I'd say that was a good day of writing!

#164 Random Appreciation Day - Steve Buscemi

I wanted to throw Steve Buscemi some random love today because he is one of the greatest actors of our generation.  He frequently appeared in The Coen Brother's early work, including one of his best characters in Fargo.  Can't leave out Reservoir Dogs and Desperado, which were iconic films from the 90s.  He has the range to pull off cameos that greatly enhance a single scene, as exemplified in Pulp Fiction and The Wedding Singer.  And he could hold his own in the big budget films that weren't accustomed to such talent on set.  And if all that isn't enough, he's also in Lonesome Dove.

So, cheers to Steve Buscemi.  Thanks for all you do!

#163 Running In The Rain

Every writer, and every person for that matter, experiences moments of emotional and inspirational fatigue.  In the world of a writer, this can stunt a particular project, even bring it to a complete halt.  The question for a full-time writer who wishes to remain a full-time writer is how can one deal with this fatigue?

This week I experienced inspirational fatigue because I am in the process of editing/revising a project that I hope to publish by June 1st, though my heart has actually moved on to writing a brand new project I'm excited about.  The tedious work needed to read, re-read and fix mistakes drove the inspiration from me almost as much as watching one of the reality shows that has somehow made it on TV.  The fatigue hit me so hard today that I closed my computer and decided on a whim to go for a run.  I haven't run in quite awhile, so I thought it might do me some physical, as well as emotional good.

After I got about 20 yards from my house, it started raining.  Another 200 yards and it started raining hard.  By the time I made it to the other side of the neighborhood it was pouring.  Running in the rain felt invigorating.  Reminded me how much fun it is to jump into the deepest part of a puddle, even if you know mom is gonna get pissed.

I returned home, showered, and then sat at my computer.  My run got my heart rate up.  The rain gave me fresh perspective.  And for the rest of the afternoon I was able to get good work done.  Sometimes when you feel the slightest of ruts beginning to obstruct your motivation, go for a run in the rain.