Eva Pasco's Blog, page 9
March 6, 2024
Eva’s Byte #462 – Writing Quirks
Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!
A writer who literally takes years to add another book to my repertoire, I began composing my current WIP in 2021. Perhaps my writing quirk is that of being an obsessive compulsive perfectionist.
The end justifies the means.
A smattering of writing quirks that work/worked for best-selling authors:
Dan Brown swears by inversion therapy for helping him better concentrate on his writing.
Mark Twain, George Orwell, and Truman Capote wrote lying down.
Hemingway, Charles Dickens, Virginia Woolf, Lewis Carroll, and Philip Roth wrote standing up.
William Faulkner drank a lot of whiskey while writing.
In the capacity of a writer who sits at a computer while typing on a keyboard, I finished drafting chapter 52 (1372 words) of my Contemporary work in progress. I’ve begun the draft of chapter 53 (207 words thus far).
*May each of us stick to whatever works for accomplishing our creative endeavors.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
A writer who literally takes years to add another book to my repertoire, I began composing my current WIP in 2021. Perhaps my writing quirk is that of being an obsessive compulsive perfectionist.
The end justifies the means.
A smattering of writing quirks that work/worked for best-selling authors:
Dan Brown swears by inversion therapy for helping him better concentrate on his writing.
Mark Twain, George Orwell, and Truman Capote wrote lying down.
Hemingway, Charles Dickens, Virginia Woolf, Lewis Carroll, and Philip Roth wrote standing up.
William Faulkner drank a lot of whiskey while writing.
In the capacity of a writer who sits at a computer while typing on a keyboard, I finished drafting chapter 52 (1372 words) of my Contemporary work in progress. I’ve begun the draft of chapter 53 (207 words thus far).
*May each of us stick to whatever works for accomplishing our creative endeavors.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
February 28, 2024
Eva’s Byte #461 – March-ing On
Daylight saving time begins on Sunday, March 10, 2024 at 2 a.m., when clocks spring ahead one hour. Therefore, sunrise and sunset will occur one hour later, allowing for more light in the evening.
I can appreciate more natural light while driving later in the day. With ample time before darkness descends, I won’t have to feel pressured to beat the clock to get my late afternoon walk in.
An early riser, I’m already in tune to early reminders of Spring as February rounds the bend to an end. I’ve heard the cacophony of birds singing outside my office window.
I’ll be giving a listen for amphibious peepers in chorus out back in the wetlands my dining room window faces.
In the capacity of a writer, I’m marching to the tune of drafting chapter 52 (945 words thus far) along my Contemporary work in progress.
*May each of us reap the benefits of more daylight hours as the season of Spring approaches.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
I can appreciate more natural light while driving later in the day. With ample time before darkness descends, I won’t have to feel pressured to beat the clock to get my late afternoon walk in.
An early riser, I’m already in tune to early reminders of Spring as February rounds the bend to an end. I’ve heard the cacophony of birds singing outside my office window.
I’ll be giving a listen for amphibious peepers in chorus out back in the wetlands my dining room window faces.
In the capacity of a writer, I’m marching to the tune of drafting chapter 52 (945 words thus far) along my Contemporary work in progress.
*May each of us reap the benefits of more daylight hours as the season of Spring approaches.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
February 21, 2024
Eva’s Byte #460 – The Prodigal Sock
From my perspective, the benefits of having a laundry service outweigh the inconveniences of using the facilities available in my building. For starters, threshold pick-up and ready-to-put-away delivery—rain, sleet, or snow.
On a few and far between occasions, a sock has made the return trip without its missing sole-mate. I’ve reserved a corner of a bureau drawer for these four orphans in case a match made in heaven presents itself.
Last week, the unimaginable occurred. For whatever rhyme or reason: a prodigal blue sock returned home!
In the capacity of a writer, I’m winding through chapter 52 (478 words thus far) along my Contemporary work in progress, blurring the lines when pairing fact and fiction.
*May each of us find the way to a place where our soul feels at home.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
On a few and far between occasions, a sock has made the return trip without its missing sole-mate. I’ve reserved a corner of a bureau drawer for these four orphans in case a match made in heaven presents itself.
Last week, the unimaginable occurred. For whatever rhyme or reason: a prodigal blue sock returned home!
In the capacity of a writer, I’m winding through chapter 52 (478 words thus far) along my Contemporary work in progress, blurring the lines when pairing fact and fiction.
*May each of us find the way to a place where our soul feels at home.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
February 14, 2024
Eva’s Byte #459 – The Lost Day
Fictitious alcoholic writer, Don Birnam, portrayed by Ray Milland in the 1945 film, The Lost Weekend, lost a weekend bingeing on booze. Last week, I lost a day due to complications from a partially closed bridge, the ripple effect of which may ensure for up to two years after the fact of its closing.
The lost day materialized on account of scheduling a routine maintenance for my vehicle at the dealership 14.3 miles away from my residence. A typical 23-minute ride escalated to approximately an hour’s trek given the traffic circumstances. All things considered, not too bad.
Until—it was determined that an automotive part my vehicle needed was not in stock. Rather than have me wait an indeterminate amount of time in the lounge, the dealership provided a rental car.
This necessitated a trip back home, a later trip back to the dealership, and a return trip home with my own vehicle. The two latter trips were traffic-brutal with motorists converging on a major highway from every artery imaginable.
Too spent from traversing one end of the state to the other over the course of eight hours, I lost a day for reading and writing.
In the capacity of a writer, in the here and now, I’m traversing to the end of drafting chapter 51 (1287 words thus far) along my Contemporary work in progress.
*May each of us have the wherewithal to manage the precious gift of time to our liking.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
The lost day materialized on account of scheduling a routine maintenance for my vehicle at the dealership 14.3 miles away from my residence. A typical 23-minute ride escalated to approximately an hour’s trek given the traffic circumstances. All things considered, not too bad.
Until—it was determined that an automotive part my vehicle needed was not in stock. Rather than have me wait an indeterminate amount of time in the lounge, the dealership provided a rental car.
This necessitated a trip back home, a later trip back to the dealership, and a return trip home with my own vehicle. The two latter trips were traffic-brutal with motorists converging on a major highway from every artery imaginable.
Too spent from traversing one end of the state to the other over the course of eight hours, I lost a day for reading and writing.
In the capacity of a writer, in the here and now, I’m traversing to the end of drafting chapter 51 (1287 words thus far) along my Contemporary work in progress.
*May each of us have the wherewithal to manage the precious gift of time to our liking.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
February 7, 2024
Eva’s Byte #458 – The Long Way Around
Just as any life hack or shortcut increases productivity and efficiency in a minimal amount of time, so would driving along I-195, the east-west route from Providence to Cape Cod.
That’s before the Washington Bridge on the westbound side was shut down in December due to risk of collapsing. As a temporary measure, two bypass lanes borrowed from the eastbound side were put in place.
Nevertheless, traffic snarls abound. About the best times to beat the bridge traffic lie roughly between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Say what?
So, bearing that in mind, I’ve learned to avoid going with the flow. Bypassing I-195 altogether, I’m accessing points further north or south by taking the long way around. Scenic routes along main streets and secondary roads eventually lead me to 95 N or S without sitting behind the wheel going nowhere.
In the capacity of a writer who doesn’t take shortcuts for telling a story, I’ve finished drafting Chapter 50 (790 words). I’m wending my way through Chapter 51 (746 words thus far) along my Contemporary work in progress.
*May each of us continue to refine efficiency without compromising our creative output.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
That’s before the Washington Bridge on the westbound side was shut down in December due to risk of collapsing. As a temporary measure, two bypass lanes borrowed from the eastbound side were put in place.
Nevertheless, traffic snarls abound. About the best times to beat the bridge traffic lie roughly between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Say what?
So, bearing that in mind, I’ve learned to avoid going with the flow. Bypassing I-195 altogether, I’m accessing points further north or south by taking the long way around. Scenic routes along main streets and secondary roads eventually lead me to 95 N or S without sitting behind the wheel going nowhere.
In the capacity of a writer who doesn’t take shortcuts for telling a story, I’ve finished drafting Chapter 50 (790 words). I’m wending my way through Chapter 51 (746 words thus far) along my Contemporary work in progress.
*May each of us continue to refine efficiency without compromising our creative output.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
January 31, 2024
Eva’s Byte #457 – Decals
Unlike stickers, whose applications are limited to flat, smooth surfaces, decals are prepared on special paper for transfer to another surface such as glass, porcelain, or metal.
Like the two license plate decals I was to receive along with my new car registration in the mail—discovered in hindsight after having inadvertently crumpled up the envelope and tossed those decals in the trash.
In a frenzy, a writer’s penchant for research yielded a junkie’s high upon finding a quick fix for my sticky situation:
Without having to suffer the consequences of waiting in line at a DMV, I discovered that any AAA office will also provide decals for free. Hence, my walk of shame yielded favorable results in a matter of minutes.
In the capacity of a writer inside the sanctity of my office, I finished drafting chapter 49 (1305 words) and have begun composing chapter 50 (297 words thus far) along my Contemporary work in progress.
*May each of us circumvent life’s pitfalls by reading the fine print.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
Like the two license plate decals I was to receive along with my new car registration in the mail—discovered in hindsight after having inadvertently crumpled up the envelope and tossed those decals in the trash.
In a frenzy, a writer’s penchant for research yielded a junkie’s high upon finding a quick fix for my sticky situation:
Without having to suffer the consequences of waiting in line at a DMV, I discovered that any AAA office will also provide decals for free. Hence, my walk of shame yielded favorable results in a matter of minutes.
In the capacity of a writer inside the sanctity of my office, I finished drafting chapter 49 (1305 words) and have begun composing chapter 50 (297 words thus far) along my Contemporary work in progress.
*May each of us circumvent life’s pitfalls by reading the fine print.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
January 24, 2024
Eva’s Byte #456 – The Road Toad
While I can’t imagine anyone relishing the task of removing snow from their vehicle after a winter storm, it goes without saying, most of us are up to the task. Not so bad when the snowfall is light and fluffy. When snow solidifies from a drop in temperature below freezing, or accumulates as heavy, rock-solid residue from a wintry mix, chiseling and scraping are in order.
Such was the case during the most recent snowstorm in my neck of the woods. With the coast clear on the following day, and my vehicle road-ready for traveling to my destination, what do I espy two cars ahead of me along two-lane, Rte. 114 South?
What I’m calling a road toad:
A vehicle operated by someone who didn’t remove the sheet of solid snow blanketing the entire rear window.
Since I have my own fair share of, “What was I thinking?” episodes, I’ll leave it at that.
In the capacity of a writer, I’m nearing the end of the trail for drafting chapter 49 (1160 words thus far) along my Contemporary work in progress.
*May each of us steer clear of obstacles strewn along our paths.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
Such was the case during the most recent snowstorm in my neck of the woods. With the coast clear on the following day, and my vehicle road-ready for traveling to my destination, what do I espy two cars ahead of me along two-lane, Rte. 114 South?
What I’m calling a road toad:
A vehicle operated by someone who didn’t remove the sheet of solid snow blanketing the entire rear window.
Since I have my own fair share of, “What was I thinking?” episodes, I’ll leave it at that.
In the capacity of a writer, I’m nearing the end of the trail for drafting chapter 49 (1160 words thus far) along my Contemporary work in progress.
*May each of us steer clear of obstacles strewn along our paths.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
January 17, 2024
Eva’s Byte #455- Catchy-as-Catchy Can
“Don’t judge a book by its cover.” (George Eliot)
What say ye?
What about pre-judging a book by its title? Admittedly, catchy titles slay me. A smattering of my favorites:
The Call of the Wild by Jack London (1903)
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck (1939)
Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger (1951)
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (1960)
Under the Yum Yum Tree by Marvin H. Albert (1963)
As I round the bend drafting my Contemporary work in progress, I’m sticking with the title I came up with prior to writing the prologue. It signifies the heart of my story. To the extent of my googling, there is no other book with this chosen title.
In the capacity of a writer, I’ve finished drafting chapter 48 (1885 words). I’ve begun composing chapter 49 (473 words thus far) toward the end of a journey which got off the ground in 2021.
*Regardless of the title we choose, may each of us respect our readers to discover what lurks between the lines of our written words.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page:http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
What say ye?
What about pre-judging a book by its title? Admittedly, catchy titles slay me. A smattering of my favorites:
The Call of the Wild by Jack London (1903)
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck (1939)
Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger (1951)
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (1960)
Under the Yum Yum Tree by Marvin H. Albert (1963)
As I round the bend drafting my Contemporary work in progress, I’m sticking with the title I came up with prior to writing the prologue. It signifies the heart of my story. To the extent of my googling, there is no other book with this chosen title.
In the capacity of a writer, I’ve finished drafting chapter 48 (1885 words). I’ve begun composing chapter 49 (473 words thus far) toward the end of a journey which got off the ground in 2021.
*Regardless of the title we choose, may each of us respect our readers to discover what lurks between the lines of our written words.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page:http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
January 10, 2024
Eva’s Byte #454 – The Rustic Lodge
Writers, where is your “write place” for you to set the stage?
The creative mind doesn’t need fancy digs to crank out words.
According to “8 Famous Authors and Their Writing Spots” (Oct. 23, 2017):
Agatha Christie purportedly sat in her Victorian bathtub, eating apples as the plotted away.
During the lean years when Stephen King couldn’t afford his own typewriter, he borrowed his wife’s and tapped away at the keys while wedged between the washing machine and dryer in the laundry room.
I set the stage in my spacious 21’ x 12’ office where there’s an eclectic mix of natural objects on display: seashells, beach glass, rocks, and bird feathers. Due to its accoutrements of plush moose (not mooses or meese) in lumberjack attire, a rustic bench, and two miniature pine trees—I’ve named my sanctuary “The Rustic Lodge”. It seemed like a “lodg-ical” thing to do.
In the capacity of a writer, I’m felling trees for staging the final scene of chapter 48 (1745 words thus far) along my Contemporary work in progress.
*May creativity thrive in a setting which inspires each of us to stage our imagination.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
The creative mind doesn’t need fancy digs to crank out words.
According to “8 Famous Authors and Their Writing Spots” (Oct. 23, 2017):
Agatha Christie purportedly sat in her Victorian bathtub, eating apples as the plotted away.
During the lean years when Stephen King couldn’t afford his own typewriter, he borrowed his wife’s and tapped away at the keys while wedged between the washing machine and dryer in the laundry room.
I set the stage in my spacious 21’ x 12’ office where there’s an eclectic mix of natural objects on display: seashells, beach glass, rocks, and bird feathers. Due to its accoutrements of plush moose (not mooses or meese) in lumberjack attire, a rustic bench, and two miniature pine trees—I’ve named my sanctuary “The Rustic Lodge”. It seemed like a “lodg-ical” thing to do.
In the capacity of a writer, I’m felling trees for staging the final scene of chapter 48 (1745 words thus far) along my Contemporary work in progress.
*May creativity thrive in a setting which inspires each of us to stage our imagination.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
January 3, 2024
Eva’s Byte #453 – Ringing out the Old
Metaphorically crossing over a threshold into any New Year, I tend to ring out the old during the previous year’s final week. In my mind, there’s nothing like starting a span of 365 days with as clean a slate possible.
There’s always a hanger-on or two pertaining to matters nipping at your heels and coming along for the ride. Like a trip to the dentist to take care of unfinished business. Still and all, it’s not Dustin Hoffman’s “Is it Safe?” scene in Marathon Man.
That mentioned, I’ve successfully rung out the old in my office, having purged detritus from desk drawers and storage units. I’ve also chucked passé business cards held in place under magnets on the fridge.
In the capacity of a writer, I’m about to cross over the threshold for finishing the draft of chapter 48 (1150 words thus far) along my Contemporary work in progress.
*May each of us put our best foot forward navigating new beginnings.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
There’s always a hanger-on or two pertaining to matters nipping at your heels and coming along for the ride. Like a trip to the dentist to take care of unfinished business. Still and all, it’s not Dustin Hoffman’s “Is it Safe?” scene in Marathon Man.
That mentioned, I’ve successfully rung out the old in my office, having purged detritus from desk drawers and storage units. I’ve also chucked passé business cards held in place under magnets on the fridge.
In the capacity of a writer, I’m about to cross over the threshold for finishing the draft of chapter 48 (1150 words thus far) along my Contemporary work in progress.
*May each of us put our best foot forward navigating new beginnings.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
