Today, I’m going to write about a quote I read recently because it got me to thinking. Of course, I’m always interested in learning new things.
Now I want to go and look at my WIP and see how many times I have used the word very in the book. I don’t think I’m a real big offender, but who knows. I’m mainly interested to see if any sentences sound better without it.
The meaning of the word “very” in the dictionary days: very is an adverb, used in front of adjectives and adverbs to emphasize their meaning. Hmmm....
How many of you use the word very in your writing?
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Then it is off for mug shots again, her fingers wrapped around my upper arm. Finally, back in the slammer, the metals doors clang shut. A couple of other prisoners lie on their sides asleep in their cells. Only a girl with long, dark hair sees me approach. She sits on the metal bench with a wide-eyed stare.
“What are you in for?” she whispers as soon as the deputy disappears down the hallway.
For those new to this, the rules are simple:
1) pick a project – a current Work in Progress, contracted work or even something readers can buy if you’re published
2) pick six sentences
3) post ‘em on Sunday
See? Easy. Want to play? See the site for information on how to do just that: http://sixsunday.com
If you have a Twitter account, you can add the hashtag #sixsunday to your tweets when you tweet a link to your Six Sentence Sunday post. If you’re a writer (regardless of published/unpublished status) come join us!
Of course, I had to go and enter the mystery I’m working on. I’ve entered something since the thing started in 2008. I never expect to win, but like to advance a couple rounds. Mostly, I enter because it is a great learning experience. The writers who enter it are a great group of people, so its fun participating in the contest and interacting with them as the months go by and we cheer each other on. The contest doesn’t end until June.
Anyway, that is what I’ve been up to the last few weeks, trying to finish my book and do enough polishing to enter. Of course, I still have to do more.
Another good reason to enter is that it forces you to write something new every year. The NaNoWriMo is good for that, if you didn’t do anything to get ready before Nov, like me this year.
Happy writing to all.
Ellie stands on the deserted street corner waiting for the bus. Finally, she sits on her battered brown suitcase and watches the fog roll in around the dim streetlamps. It’s a chilly night; she shivers in her thin shawl as she peers down the street, the buckle of the strap holding her case together stabbing her in the buttocks. Someday I’ll be able to afford a new one goes through her mind, as she moved over.
Wisps of hot air escape through the grates in the street that badly needs a new coat of paving; dark cracks run over it like spider webs. Ellie is glad to be leaving this place; soon it will be a distant memory, the constant chill, the fog, the rain.
For those new to this, the rules are simple:
1) pick a project – a current Work in Progress, contracted work or even something readers can buy if you’re published
2) pick six sentences
3) post ‘em on Sunday
See? Easy. Want to play? See the site for information on how to do just that: http://sixsunday.com
If you have a Twitter account, you can add the hashtag #sixsunday to your tweets when you tweet a link to your Six Sentence Sunday post. If you’re a writer (regardless of published/unpublished status) come join us!
This One is for all You Cat Lovers out There.
I haven’t read a book this delightful in a long time. It hooked me after the first couple of pages. Of course, I’m a cat person, big time, so I guess that’s expected. The story unfolds through the eyes of the Dalai Lama’s cat, a Himalayan kitten he rescues at a street market. This cat he names HHC (his Holiness’s Cat).
The Dalai Lama meets with lots of people, some of them famous, which at first we try to figure out who they are since there is only a hint here and there. The cat is privy to all these private meetings where His Holiness hands out advice and enlightenment. It is a delight to see the cat trying to figure out how she can apply all this information to her “cat” life. She thinks about her own issues, which happen to be much the same as the people who are coming to see the Dalai Lama.
There is advice all the way through this book on how to live a happy life. Intermingled throughout are bits and pieces of this sentiment, as well as Buddhism principles, but as seen in the eyes of the cat’s daily life and are easy to understand and relate to, regardless if you are a cat lover or not. All along the way the cat, HHC, has some revelations as well, as to how she can live her life in a better way, such as enjoying her new cat friend instead of sulking around hiding for three days, just because she's in a strange place.
This author knows well how cats behave, capturing it perfectly, so I am willing to bet he has had some experience of his own with the precious felines, as well as with Buddhists principles.
Those of you who have never had a cat may think this is a stretch of the imagination and that no animal really thinks about human issues. However, it is feasible and written well, and as a cat owner, I can tell you the little rascals know more than you give them credit for concerning life.
This is not a “preachy” book either, so it wouldn’t be offensive to anyone regardless of religious preference, or lack thereof. The underlying theme is mindfulness and forgiveness, which we can all benefit from and put into play in our daily lives.
I hardily recommend this book by David Michie.
Here is the link to the book on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Dalai-Lamas-Cat-David-Michie/dp/1401940587/
“Turn around,” he orders. The cold metal snaps shut on my wrists. The sheriff has arrested me a few times before, and even though no killer in his or her right mind would hang around the scene of the crime, he must still think it’s worth it to bring me in for questioning.
The trip to the police station is quiet, subdued. I really wonder what Robert was into, whom it was with, and how I will get out of this. The police station is quickly becoming my second home.
For those new to this, the rules are simple:
1) pick a project – a current Work in Progress, contracted work or even something readers can buy if you’re published
2) pick six sentences
3) post ‘em on Sunday
See? Easy. Want to play? See the site for information on how to do just that: http://sixsunday.com
If you have a Twitter account, you can add the hashtag #sixsunday to your tweets when you tweet a link to your Six Sentence Sunday post. If you’re a writer (regardless of published/unpublished status) come join us!
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I haven’t had time to write up a post for today. I’m too busy working on my book. So for now I will just send everyone my best wishes. I hope you all had a safe holiday and that all your dreams for 2013 come true. Maybe we will all be lucky enough to be able to write to our hearts content in the coming months.
I’m so far behind on reading some posts I want to read, but will be catching up soon I hope.
Blessings all.
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