Fibs Revealed

Before I let the cat out of the bag regarding my tall-tales, let me first point you to a couple of contests going on right now you may be interested in.  The first is sponsored by Bethany and Suzette over at Shooting Stars in conjunction with Elana Johnson.  It’s the Fabulous Followers Giveaway and there are critiques and book prizes to be had.

The other is 100+ Blog Party hosted by The Girl With One Eye at A Squirel Amongst Lions.  She’s giving away a $20 Amazon gift card, so run…don’t walk.

Now, back to the business at hand.  It seems nobody guessed my one truth (big surprise), but it was interesting to see how many of you gravitated to the lie that you most wanted to be true.  There sure are a lot of romantics out there.  Here’s the straight scoop.

1.    I suffered a compound fracture in my left arm that necessitated 2 metal plates and 17 screws to put me back together.  As a result, I’m always setting off the alarm in airport security and I’m required to carry a note from my doctor explaining the situation.  False, but with some truth mixed in.  I did break my arm and do have the hardware in my arm, but it doesn’t set off the metal detector at the airport.

2.    I was driving a country road at night when a deer dashed in front of my car.  I hit and killed it, causing substantial damage to my itty-bitty Nissan.   Less than a minute after hitting the deer a pair of drag racing teenagers in their souped up cars came around the curve up ahead and nearly crashed into me.  I’m still convinced today that if I hadn’t hit the deer, I would have ended up in a head-on collision with those boys.  A complete fabrication.  I did hit a deer once, but there were no other cars around.

3.    Several years ago a friend of mine from work bet me $100 I couldn’t get in shape enough to finish a 5K charity run our company was taking part in.  I took the bet.  On the day of the race I ran the entire distance…except for the last ten feet.  I didn’t finish the race because I was so grateful to her for pushing me to get back in shape that I couldn’t take her money.  Another fib.  I did run a 5K on a challenge, but there was no bet involved.

4.    In high school, I used to have a problem with sleepwalking.  I also used to babysit for parents in our cul-de-sac.  Late one night when I was sitting for a family, I woke up standing outside on their front lawn.  When I tried to get back into the house, I found I was locked out.  When the parents showed up ten minutes later (lucky for me…cause it was cold out there), I told them I heard a noise and locked myself out when I went looking to see what it was.  TRUE!  If the parents hadn’t shown up when they did I was just about to knock on the kid’s window to let me in.  I made sure to never fall asleep again while babysitting.

5.    When we first moved to Arkansas, I lost my wedding band while we were boating.  I figured it ended up on the bottom of the lake.  Last year the family was boating again and my wife’s wedding ring came up missing.  We frantically tore apart the boat searching for it.  We found it wedged in a seat…right next to my wedding band.  Our rings had found one another.  Sorry ladies.  This was the sentimental favorite, but it’s a lie.  I did lose my ring in the lake, and my wife did lose her ring years later, but it was after the house flooded because of a busted water-hose.

6.    I have a severe peanut allergy and I almost died one day when I used a product intended to remove earwax that unbeknownst to me contained peanut oil.  Another complete fabrication, but interestingly enough there is peanut oil in some ear-wax removal products.

7.    I am 55 years old.  Close, but no cigar.  I’ll be 54 in December.

That was fun.  Thanks to everyone who gave it a shot.  I’ll be back later this week to prep everybody for the Drunk at First Sight Blogfest hosted by Jon Paul this Sunday.  I’ll be posting a scene that will serve as a bridge between my Love at First Sight entry and the coming one.

Tootles!

Awards Stampede!

I’ve been trampled!  It started off as just a few strays early in the week that suddenly morphed into this a mass of blogger recognition that flattened me like a bug under a shoe!  EIGHT awards from eleven different people in all!  I did my best to keep track of them, but one might have slipped away over the hill and I apologize to anyone who I possibly leave off.  I really, REALLY, like receiving these tributes, but when they come in bunches it can be overwhelming.  If I didn’t know any better I’d think that a secret blogger meeting was held without my knowledge and the grand poo-bah of bloggers decided to pull a cruel prank and proclaimed anyone with awards to hand out would send them my way.  Thankfully, things don’t operate like that around here.  Right?

Anyway, let’s get to it shall we?  Make yourself comfortable, this may take awhile.

First up is the most masculine award I received, which definitely earned the gifters beaucoup bonus points.  It’s the Creative Writing Award and this handsome looking plaque came from Julie @ Silver Lining and Nicole @ One Significant Moment at a Time.  For this award I’m supposed to post ten things that make me happy and unlike some other bloggers that will remain nameless *ahem*, I won’t be copying my responses from a previous award. 

1.   British romantic-comedies.  Four Weddings and a Funeral, Nottinghill, and Love Actually are all in my top ten list.

2.   Mountains.  I love climbing up them, enjoying the view on top of them, and skiing down them.

3.   Electronics.  You name it, I probably own it.  I enjoy playing with my    toys.      

4.   Positive people.  Their energy is contagious, and besides, people who always see the negative are depressing.

5.   Friday afternoon at 4:30 (quitting time).  I love my job, but I love my weekends even more!

6.   Readers & critiquers pointing out parts in my novels they found especially entertaining, surprising, or moving.

7.   Marathon days.  Those solidary times when I’ll spend all day either watching movie after movie, listening to non-stop music, or just reading a book.

8.   Watching my family succeed.  Whether it’s my son scoring a goal at a soccer game, or watching my other son graduate from college, or my daughter getting into a competitive program at her university, or my wife developing a new business interest.  As they go, I go.

9.   This blogging community.  There is always somebody here to pick you up if you sag, or nudge you forward when you hesitate.  I have forged some great friendships here that I treasure.

10. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.  ‘nuff said.

I’m passing on the award to three bloggers whose responses I look forward to reading.  They are Lisa Marie @ Confessions of a Writing Mama, Anissa @ Anissa Off The Record, and Julie @ The Climb.  

Next up, a return to the frilly.  It’s the Stylish Blogger Award given with tongue firmly planted in cheek from Kimberly Franklin at Confessions: The Secret Life of a Writer.  The rules here dictate that I relate five fun things about me.

1.       I have no sense of smell.

2.       At the age of 7 I dove off our front porch headfirst onto a concrete sidewalk…just because.  That resulted in my first of a long line of stitches throughout the years.

3.       I can’t stand to wear clothes with holes in them, especially socks. 

4.       I don’t know how to type, but I can hunt & peck with the best of them.

5.       I’ve been to Mardi Gras…twice.  It really is as crazy and depraved as they say it is!

I’ll be passing this award onto three ladies who strike me as not only stylish, but whose inner-beauty is as equally as stunning.  Nicole @ One Significant Moment at a Time, Holly @ 504 Main, and Julie @ Silver Lining.

Here’s another recognition that’s gender-neutral, and it’s called the Superior Scribbler Award.  It was bestowed upon me by one of my “tingle” blog friends, the talented Kristin at Kristin Creative.  This award doesn’t require a pound of flesh, so all I have to do is pass it along to Tiffany @ Ranting and Raving For Your Viewing Pleasure, Thea @ Do I Really Want To Blog, and Portia Sisco.

The Quillfeather Award is rather unique.  I received this one from Jemi at Just Jemi and its conditions ask that I share the way I prefer my eggs.  If you catch me at Denny’s I’m partial to the Grand Slam with my eggs over-easy, but anywhere else I usually gravitate to a plain ole ham & cheese omelet.  How about you, Amy @ The Invisible Sister?  How do you like your eggs? 

I received the Creative Liar Writer Award from three different bloggers and I’m wondering if I should read something into that.  Many thanks, I think, to Kristi at Random Daily Thoughts, Natalie Bahm, and Matt over at Pensive Sarcasm.  I’ve seen many versions of this award (see, I’m not the only one bending the rules), but I’ll go with the standard six lies and one truth.  Let’s see how good you are at seeing through my BS.

1.     I suffered a compound fracture in my left arm that necessitated 2 metal plates and 17 screws to put me back together.  As a result, I’m always setting off the alarm in airport security and I’m required to carry a note from my doctor explaining the situation.

2.     I was driving a country road at night when a deer dashed in front of my car.  I hit and killed it, causing substantial damage to my itty-bitty Nissan.   Less than a minute after hitting the deer a pair of drag racing teenagers in their souped up cars came around the curve up ahead and nearly crashed into me.  I’m still convinced today that if I hadn’t hit the deer, I would have ended up in a head-on collision with those boys.

3.     Several years ago a friend of mine from work bet me $100 I couldn’t get in shape enough to finish a 5K charity run our company was taking part in.  I took the bet.  On the day of the race I ran the entire distance…except for the last ten feet.  I didn’t finish the race because I was so grateful to her for pushing me to get back in shape that I couldn’t take her money.

4.     In high school, I used to have a problem with sleepwalking.  I also used to babysit for parents in our cul-de-sac.  Late one night when I was sitting for a family, I woke up standing outside on their front lawn.  When I tried to get back into the house, I found I was locked out.  When the parents showed up ten minutes later (lucky for me…cause it was cold out there), I told them I heard a noise and locked myself out when I went looking to see what it was.

5.     When we first moved to Arkansas, I lost my wedding band while we were boating.  I figured it ended up on the bottom of the lake.  Last year the family was boating again and my wife’s wedding ring came up missing.  We frantically tore apart the boat searching for it.  We found it wedged in a seat…right next to my wedding band.  Our rings had found one another.

6.     I have a severe peanut allergy and I almost died one day when I used a product intended to remove earwax that unbeknownst to me contained peanut oil.

7.     I am 55 years old.

For this distinction I’m choosing The Girl With One Eye @ A Squirrel Amongst Lions, Summer @ and this time concentrate, and Kristin @ Kristin Creative.

Bethany @ Shooting Stars awarded me the Silver Lining Award, which I already possess, but she felt I deserved two. :)  That was so sweet.  I’m not going to pass this one along again, but I wanted to mention it here.

And finally (a cheer goes up from the crowd), there’s the Beautiful Blogger Award from Thea @ Do I Really Wanna Blog?  Here are the rules for this one (which of course I’ll be bending).  I have to thank the person who nominated me for this award, copy the award and place it on my blog, link to the person who nominated me for this award, share 7 interesting things about myself, and nominate 7 other beautiful bloggers (which I’m changing to 3).  Phew!  This is getting really hard…because I’m really not that interesting.

1.     I know how to juggle.

2.     I could care less how the furniture is arranged as long as I have a clear line of sight between the couch and TV.

3.     I can’t stand yard work!

4.     I’ve been afraid to write certain chapters in my books… because I didn’t think I’d be able to pull it off.

5.     If it wasn’t for my wife and family, I’d probably be a recluse like Howard Hughes…except without the money…and the peeing in jars thing.

6.     The first thing I ever wrote for anybody other than myself…was to impress a cheerleader.

7.     I have never made a choice just because it was the popular one.  If I see a crowd moving in one direction, I’ll always look the other way to see what they’re moving away from.

My selections for this award are Karen @ Eternal Moonshine of a Daydreaming Mind, Jade @ Chasing Empty Pavements, and Michele @t Southern City Mysteries.

*Breathing heavy*  This was a monster post and I appreciate those of you who made it all the way to this point.  If you haven’t already, please check out the blogs I linked here today.  They are all great reads!

Now go put some Visine in your eyes, I know I will.

Easy Beauty

We all read a lot of blogs.  I mean A LOT.  The content is so diverse, ranging from instructional, insightful, inspirational, comedic, and everything in between.  It’s rare when I don’t take something from what I read here and find a way to improve my writing, or my disposition.  I consider this community a bubbling spring of enthusiasm and I try to give back as much as I absorb.  I also develop some of my own blog post from snippets of ideas on other blogs.  It could be something as simple as an open-ended question or an unusual turn of a phrase, but I’ll mull it over and expand upon it here, adding my own unique flavor to it.  This is one of those times.

Today’s topic first originated from a blog I read almost a year ago (sorry, I can’t find the link).  It revolved around the author’s pending 39^th birthday and she was reflecting about the increased number of gray hairs on her head, the few extra pounds she was carrying, and the additional wrinkles staring back at her in the mirror.  The gist of her writing revolved around our society’s definition of beauty and what women today had to suffer through to try and at least stay in the ball park.  It was a fascinating read for sure, but it wasn’t actually the blog itself that stuck in my memory, but rather a comment left by a fellow reader.  In that remark the person wrote that he didn't really understand men (or women) who went for the "easy beauty".   EASY BEAUTY…what an interesting concept.        

Unconsciously the seed of what the commenter spoke about stayed with me, germinating until just recently when I read another blog post.  It was written by Thea, and in her blog she was lamenting about feeling Unpretty.  Her heartfelt post stirred something in me and evoked the memory of the prior blog and the unique phrase.  I left a brief comment for Thea, but still I couldn’t stop thinking about it.  

Thus here I am today, needing to say more.  We live in a society that places far too much emphasis on physical appearances.  It’s fruitless to deny its existence, or relevance, a pheromone in a visual form attracting the sexes to each other and rendering us powerless against its magnetism, like a moth drawn to a deadly flame.  But who created the measuring stick that we all, men and women both, are compelled to compare ourselves to?  A smile with perfectly aligned glistening white teeth, once only available to the wealthy and privileged, is now almost expected.  Bulging bust, trim waistlines, tropical tans, and acne-free complexions are the standards.

It seriously makes me angry when I think about the damage this does (and revenue it generates).  I don't consider it vain or shallow to worry about how others see us. It's simply human nature. The problem is the beauty we desire others to see can’t be found in the mirror. It's in the eyes and hearts of those we come in contact with everyday. We all have a different set of lenses we see the world with and what might be pretty to you...could be unremarkable to me.  But there is one form of beauty that is universal.  And more importantly it’s a splendor that no amount of eye liner, blush, lipstick, highlights, nail polish, teeth whiteners, antioxidant face cream, body oil, styling gel, or perfume can enhance.  That’s our inner-beauty.

The person who can recognize inner beauty, sees so much more.  To me, that’s the true easy beauty because it is so much more natural and organic. Why spend so much energy focusing on cosmetics and an outer appearance that will eventually fade?  Partners drawn to one another by physical appearance alone, eventually, will not see each other.  Concentrate instead on the element of yourself that will resonate long past your prime, and even after you have gone.

How do you identify inner-beauty?  For me, it’s in the little things.  I was in a store the other day, standing in line waiting to check out, when I saw an elderly man by himself who was struggling to carry his grocery bags.  A young woman who was sitting in the coffee shop of the store also noticed the elderly man.  She sprung up from her chair, took the grocery bag from the grateful customer, and walked the man out to his car.  I honestly can’t remember what the woman looked like, but I remember her actions.  I had witnessed inner-beauty. 

Let’s not have a misunderstanding here, I appreciate looking at a beautiful girl as much as anyone.  But that doesn’t mean any woman’s self-worth should be determined by how pretty I think she is.  I believe that any woman with a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye...can never be considered anything but beautiful. A vibrant inner-being will always shine through. That doesn't mean they'll win any beauty contests...but in the end...why should they need to?

Stop #3 of the Kristi Chestnutt Blog Tour

Wednesday I promised you an interview and today I’m here to deliver on that promise. Kristi Chestnutt’s first novel, The Wolf Within, has just been released this week by Black Rose Writing and I’m totally psyched to have her be my first interrogation interview.

I first encountered Kristi a couple months ago while driving into work one morning. She was digging for scraps in a dumpster on the side of the road. Just kidding…LOL…that would make a great story though. Actually I met her by way of her blog. I was instantly drawn to her writing style, quick wit, heartfelt advice, and her font. She sports a pretty cute font. When the opportunity to host a stop on her blog tour presented itself, I jumped at the chance. Let’s get straight to it, shall we?

Me: Hey Kristi, have a seat and make yourself comfortable. Would you like a cup of coffee or some tea?

Kristi: Ummm…this is a virtual interview DL…I’m not actually there.

Me: Just go with it, okay?

Kristi: I guess. Sure.

Me: Kristi, you are absolutely glowing this morning. You must be excited about your recent book release?

Kristi: Both excited and terrified! Somehow it still doesn't seem "real".

Me: I bet not. Why don't you tell everybody a little bit about your writing method. Do you prefer to work in the AM or at night?

Kristi: Most definitely night...although quite often the night becomes AM, so in that case...both.

Me: Do you create your fictional world sitting at a desk, or with a laptop at a corner table in the local coffee house?

Kristi: I want to be the girl who writes at the local coffee house...all cool and mysterious like, but unfortunately, I'm the girl who sits in front of her home computer desk in the office, quietly typing away. I occasionally scribble into a notebook by the bedside if something comes to me and I'm too lazy to boot up the computer or if the idea is just beginning and needs more time to stew.

Me: I understand you're already working on another project. Is it in the same vein as The Wolf Within, or something completely different?

Kristi: It's totally different. In the past I have written mostly paranormal, science fiction type books and my new project is more literary fiction. I'm not sure what I think yet...it's too early. I do enjoy trying different things and different methods each time I write...seems to keep the ideas flowing and my interest captivated.

Me: Let’s switch gears a little. You've become quite a popular blogger in this community. From your perspective, how does blogging, or other social media for that matter, impact a writers creative growth?

Kristi: That is seriously an excellent question.

Me: Why thank you, when I was growing up I always dreamed about --

Kristi: I had no idea when I started blogging that it would actually help my writing as much as it has. Just writing posts every day, in and of itself, is a major writing tool. It allows a writer to really help find their own voice, to see what others respond to, what they don't, and keeps the creativity flowing. More importantly, it's a community where people who share a hobby can come together and support one another. It was a blogger (Kristin Rae) who gave me the idea to join a critique group. Invaluable advice. I now have an online Krit Group (shout out!), an in-person crit group just beginning and friends I've made here and there that I can share work with. My next project will be amazing because of this new process. Getting feedback and helping others on their journey has just been the coolest.thing.ever.

Me: Great answer. What about the Internet in general? Do you feel today's writers have a leg up on their predecessors because of the global on-line community?

Kristi: I really, really do. There's so much information available online that helps a new writer navigate through the publishing and agenting waters. Agents and publishers freely give advice out there if you take the time to listen and really learn. I learn something new every day.

Me: Well, I know you have to run, but I want to thank you for stopping by and telling us a little more about yourself.

Kristi: You know, I don’t actually have to go yet.

Me: Oh…but…I don’t have any more questions.

Kristi: You could ask me about my book.

Me: Ahhh…yes. Right. Why don’t you tell us what the book is about?

Kristi: Gwyn, a quirky college student, bumps into Faden, a private investigator with a secret past, and life as she knows it will not just change, but end.

Faden can’t deny the powerful connection he and Gwyn have right from the start, a connection that pulls him towards her when he knows he should be staying away. As his investigation into the town’s most recent murders heats up, his resolve weakens and he gives in to Gwyn’s pull, knowing that getting close to someone again would mean sharing his secret: he is Immortal.

Little does he know that he will never get the chance to tell her himself. His past hunts him down, taking Gwyn prisoner and plunging them into a world they never knew existed. Together they will be thrown into the midst of battle, befriending the very serial killer Faden has been hunting. Forced to leave their homes behind and run from the authorities, we watch as Gwyn helps Faden become the leader that destiny and fate has called him to be.

Me: Ewwwwww. Can’t wait to get my hands on it. Where can I get a copy?

Kristi: It just released Thursday, February 25th, from my publisher's online bookstore, Black Rose Books, but will become available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Books-A-Million in a few weeks.

Me: Ummmmmm…are we done now?

Kristi: Yes DL, we’re finished.  Thank you so much for hosting me this morning.

So that’s it. I may have to re-think my foray into journalism, but I will definitely be snagging The Wolf Within soon! If you want to find out even more about Kristi you can check out her other blog tour interviews by my colleagues, Kimberly Franklin and Kristin Rae (which are so much better than mine).

Thanks again to Kristi, for allowing me to introduce you guys to her. :)

Hodge Podge

For those of you unaware, I’ve been in Chicago for the last several days on the beautiful campus of Northwestern University. The people I work for felt it necessary to cram more information between my ears, so I was sent there to attend a seminar. But even though I’m struggling to catch up from being away from my desk and it looks like somebody lobbed a paper hand grenade in my office, I’m compelled to write this post because I’ve been away too long and I wanted to say hi *waving*, but there’s also some pretty neat things on the horizon you need to know about.

First and foremost, I’m interviewing the wonderful Kristi Chestnutt right here Friday as she makes her away around the internet on her very own blog tour.  We'll be talking about the pending release of her first novel The Wolf Within. Pretty cool…right. Kristi is not only a talented writer (duh – she’s published) and a proficient blogger, but also a new found friend. I hope you’ll stop by to read about her exploits to publishdom (I just made that word up).

Secondly, Jon Paul over at Where Sky Meet Ground is hosting one of those infamous Blogfest's that I’m going to be participating in. It’s the “Drunk at First Sight” Blogfest and it involves writing a scene or short story about a love/relationship situation that also includes one or more of the following elements:

---St. Paddy's Day as important event or setting
---Use of Ireland or anything Irish as a setting or prop
---An alcohol related event (party, hangover, cocktails, AA meeting, etc.)

I’m really excited about it and plan on using another scene from my first novel (Slow Dancer). Check it out if you get a chance.

And finally I have another yet award to pass along (no, I haven’t forgotten about the other two). Julie at Silver Lining bestowed upon me the Creative Writer Award, which is one that actually looks a bit masculine. Julie is a wonderful writer that has quickly made it onto my “tingle” list, so I hope you check out her blog. There is some penance that comes with the award, which I will have to postpone for now, but I’m good for it. Really.

I guess that's it for now.  I feel better now that I've gotten my blog fix, but I'll feel even better if you gimme a shout back.  So I'm a comment whore...don't judge me. 

Don’t forget to stop back by Friday for my interview with Kristi.

Tootles.