I’m working hard in the pool these days. I’m re-connecting with my body and along the way re-connecting with my mind.

I’m feeling more alert, more enthusiastic and more energized. Of course, I know that there’s a tremendous correlation between the body and the mind. But sometimes one has to ‘get out there’ and ‘do it’, instead of reading and thinking about one’s exercise plan. 

I’m surrounded by many folks older than me. And they’re an inspiration. They’re golfing, cycling, walking, hiking and playing tennis.  Life has not always treated them kindly. They’ve had surgeries and illnesses. They’ve suffered through losses.

But they get up in the morning and start anew.

For the next few months, my pathway to better brain fitness will be through re-awakening my body.

What about you?

Sometimes you just have to write. And today I did. And it felt good. After weeks of fussing, reading, thinking, Googling, pondering, charting etc.  I finally tackled my new novel. I thought I knew where it was going. I sort-of-do and sort-of-don’t. And I’m learning that’s okay.

All writers have some sort of process and after a number of years I’m beginning to understand mine. I have to allow myself the opportunity to just ‘get it down’. The editing, the chopping, the finessing comes later. After all, you can’t edit a blank page. I have to remember that writing can be fun. And it is. Sometimes. But most of all, it’s the most challenging enterprise I’ve embraced.

No one is making me write. I simply have to do it. So, keeping that it mind, I think I’ll revisit my work from this morning.

Ah yes! The land of red rock, wineries, native art, spectacular hotels, and of course, your choice of readings, tarot card, palm, psychic and crystal. As well you have the opportunity to receive a photo of your Aura, dip into your Past Life and communicate with your Animal Totems.

Fascinating Stuff.

Just outside of town, numerous vortexes can be found. According to seers, these dimensional portals are centered at particular power spots around the earth. The cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow, Aiea State Park on the island of Oahu, and Machu Picchu in Peru are other locations where special energies are located.

As I’m passing through, I’m not sure I’ll have the opportunity to explore these power spots but I remember the extraordinary sensations I experienced when I entered Machu Picchu. A sense of awe, a sense of peace and an absolute sense of astonishment! How did the people at that time create such  magnificent structures?

What have you experienced lately in nature that has taken your breath away?

I was pleased to take part in the Emerald City Writers’ Conference hosted by The Greater Seattle Romance Writers of America in Bellevue, Washington (Oct 9-11).

This year’s conference was extra special because it was their 20th anniversary and the various committees worked hard to ensure that 250 writers as well as agents and editors had a worthwhile experience. Congratulations to all those volunteered.

At the beginning of my trip I was wondering if lady-luck was traveling with me. About 4 years ago, on my first trip to Emerald City, I chose to go by float-plane. However, it was too foggy, the plane was delayed and I arrived five and a half hours late on the first day.

This time, the 7:00 a.m. ferry had a fire. I couldn’t believe it. I had switched to the ferry because I thought it would be more reliable. And certainly, most times they are on schedule and predictable.

 Thankfully, no one was hurt in the fire and we drove onto the 8:00 a.m. ferry which slid into the time slot. As we drove on, I knew we were escaping a chaotic travel weekend -a three day holiday, The Royal Victoria Marathon, Thanksgiving, etc Wow! 

A big thrill for me was meeting three YA authors – Heather Davis, Serena Robar and Donna Mishra and attending their workshop. They shared great tips and were very encouraging.

The highlight of the weekend was my Second Place Finish in the Emerald City Contest with my YA entry Almost Perfect. All YA entries were submitted in the Novel with Strong Romantic Elements Category. Entering in this category was nerve-wracking and I’m very pleased with the results.

Next year’s dates are Oct 1-3. If you’ve never had a chance to attend before, I don’t think you will be disappointed.

Thanks also to Sharron, Lee, Susan, Jackie and Bonnie for your support!

The weekend was filled with writing strategies. My head is crammed with new approaches and ideas.

Canadian author Claire Cross/Clare Delacroix, (she has written over forty romance novels) shared the following tip: I’m responsible for my own luck, by taking the initiative.

So, over the next few months I will embrace that tid-bit. I will be an active protagonist in my own career.

Over the past month I’ve been a part of two on-line critique groups. The purpose is to help writers polish their manuscripts before entering writing contests. This is a time-consuming activity but very enlightening.

What an eye-opener! As I study the submissions and follow the framework for judging, all of the essentials for good writing soar to the top of the list.

Point of view, goal, motivation, conflict and voice to name just a few. Especially voice. The reader can overlook many things but if the voice is engaging then I’m pulled along through the manuscript. And I want more. And I’m intrigued as to ‘how’ did they achieve that voice.

The topic of ‘voice’ piqued my curiosity and I headed to my bookshelf to see what I had on my reference shelf.  I found ‘Voice & Style’ by Johnny Payne (1995) -a Writer’s Digest Book. Payne contends that ‘voice’ is the key element in fiction. And he has lots to say. Looks like I’ve discovered my evening reading.