Digging for Treasure

If you head over to Jaye's Blahg you'll see her latest post has to with the expertise one gains in certain areas from doing research for writing.

After reading this I got to thinking more about research.

So here's a poll question for you -
What are your favorite sources to use when you do research?



Vocabulary Word of the Day:
VISCERAL - adj.- Perceived in or as if in the viscera (guts); profound; instinctive

Vocabulary Word of the Day

APLOMB - noun - Self-confident assurance

Clarity of Night Submission

My submission for the "Halo" short fiction competition has been posted over at Clarity of Night.
Click here to read my entry, "Weekend Getaway."

The writer's companion

It seems that as I come in contact with more writers, whatever their level of experience and/or expertise and/or success, there is a common thread, aside from the fact that we all love to write, that binds us.

Insecurity.

Sure, some seem more comfortable in their own voice than others, but there is something about submitting your work that is reminiscent of walking out on the beach in a terribly small bikini (or speedo, for the men). It's saying "this is what I've got. I hope you find something you like," even though the exposed is painfully aware of any imperfections, real or perceived.

The term "brainchild" is ever appropriate. Once you've created a piece, groomed it, loved it, it becomes something intimately yours. You send your child off to school to interact with the other children and their teachers. If your child does something wrong and someone politely lets you know, you appreciate it so that you may correct the wayward behavior. But if someone is critical or brutal to your child, instinct takes over and the desire to lash out, to defend, to protect is strong. The thing you love has been hurt, and therefore, so have you.

Why is it that in this field there seems to be such an overt presence of insecurity. Are we, as writers, really more fearful of rejection than people in other fields, or are we just more expressive about it because, hey, that's what we do?

My question is, do you think that the Stephen Kings and J.K. Rowlings still get nervous about submitting work, that nailbiting feeling one gets until someone gives some substantial validation? Or have their repeated and overwhelming successes given them a confidence that little people like me only dream of possessing?

What do you think? How do you feel about sharing your writing with the world?


And the vocabulary word of the day is:
CARP (not the fish) - verb - To find fault in a disagreeable manner; complain fretfully

Vocabulary Word of the Day

CONVIVIAL - adj. - Fond of feasting, drinking, and good company; sociable

Entry has been submitted!

Vocabulary Word of the Day

MAUDLIN - adj. - Effusively or tearfully sentimental

note - my submission for the Clarity of Night contest is complete and I'll be submitting it within the next few days. I want to sit on it a while just in case any changes become obvious to me.

Vocabulary Word of the Day

Since I'm not quite so prolific a writer as to have something to post daily, I do want to reward those who visit the blog regularly. I find that often in my reading I come across a word that I either don't know the meaning of or have only a vague idea of its meaning. I will post the meaning of these words, and others I may have questions about to strengthen both my writing and yours.

Lets begin, shall we?

Todays word is:
SYCOPHANT - noun - A servile self-seeker who seeks favor by flattering influential people

Clarity Of Night Flash Fiction Contest

My friend Jason at Clarity of Night is hosting another of his fabulous contests. The theme is "Halo," and entries are to be inspired by this picture. Check out his site to find out all the details of the contest. There are prizes! I will post my entry as soon as I have submitted it.

Welcome To The Hood

This is where my stories will live. Basking in anonimity I can let my writing thrive. May this be a place where friendships are made, lessons are learned and a craft is improved. I declare this site officially open for business.