L.K. Latham's Blog, page 12
May 11, 2022
Ode to My Lovely Candy Colored Schedule
Had a nice long talk with my beta reader the other day. He’d completed his read of The Death of Mme Louise. Once home, I looked at the lovely candy-colored schedule mapping out my year in writing, and all the pretty colors slithered off the page.
Did I cry? Hell, no! (Well, maybe a tear or two.)
Do I have a new lovely candy-colored schedule? Yes, I do! The value of a master plan - a.k.a. A lovely candy-colored schedule - surpasses the wee time to make it live.
Fact: A lovely candy-colored schedule is a living thing requiring a little tender care each day. (A bit more than a pet rock.)
After a few adjustments to my lovely candy-colored schedule, I am on track with this year's writing goals.
The critique of The Death of Mme Louise was spot on. When I sent it to my beta reader, I hoped, more than expected, he would tell me about a few wee holes to fill. Can’t express how grateful I am to have a good beta reader. Plans are in place now to not only fill the holes in the novella, but to expand it into a novel or perhaps a series of novels.
Until then, according to my new lovely candy-colored schedule, I am completing the Midnight Whispers series.
Midnight Goblins Dance (tentative title): In process for an August release.
Midnight Tides (tentative title): In research with narrative in process. This novel is little different from the previous books as it’s set Galveston, Texas - a few weeks before the 1900 Storm, but more on that later.
Today, I’m writing to remind you, as I had to remind myself, how important it is to allow yours your own candy-colored schedule to breathe. Relax, make changes, breathe, flow with what the world throws at you, and let your lovely candy-colored blend into even lovelier colors and be your guide - not your rule book.
Did I cry? Hell, no! (Well, maybe a tear or two.)
Do I have a new lovely candy-colored schedule? Yes, I do! The value of a master plan - a.k.a. A lovely candy-colored schedule - surpasses the wee time to make it live.
Fact: A lovely candy-colored schedule is a living thing requiring a little tender care each day. (A bit more than a pet rock.)
After a few adjustments to my lovely candy-colored schedule, I am on track with this year's writing goals.
The critique of The Death of Mme Louise was spot on. When I sent it to my beta reader, I hoped, more than expected, he would tell me about a few wee holes to fill. Can’t express how grateful I am to have a good beta reader. Plans are in place now to not only fill the holes in the novella, but to expand it into a novel or perhaps a series of novels.
Until then, according to my new lovely candy-colored schedule, I am completing the Midnight Whispers series.
Midnight Goblins Dance (tentative title): In process for an August release.
Midnight Tides (tentative title): In research with narrative in process. This novel is little different from the previous books as it’s set Galveston, Texas - a few weeks before the 1900 Storm, but more on that later.
Today, I’m writing to remind you, as I had to remind myself, how important it is to allow yours your own candy-colored schedule to breathe. Relax, make changes, breathe, flow with what the world throws at you, and let your lovely candy-colored blend into even lovelier colors and be your guide - not your rule book.
April 25, 2022
Making up for lost time
I intended to start today’s blog post by saying, “I’m making up for lost time,” but type it out, I’m struck by how it makes no sense.
First: How can time be lost?
• It’s not a thing to fall between cushions on the couch.
• It’ll never be found laying on the sidewalk or in the dryer next to the odd sock.
• It can’t be tossed into a box for someone to pull out when looking for it.
Second: How can I make up time?
• The time on my wrist computer/watch connects with the atomic clock in Greenwich, England. Entire nations are connected to the same clock.
• Only people disconnected from any source of internet access can create their own system of time. (And none of them are reading this blog.)
• We all agree, if only because we don’t object, to what time is. If I want to make-up time, every single person using this system of time must step backward and reset their clocks. Highly unlikely.
Now that I’ve wasted time explaining why the expression makes no sense, I should start today’s blog, but this is already too long.
Catch you next time!
First: How can time be lost?
• It’s not a thing to fall between cushions on the couch.
• It’ll never be found laying on the sidewalk or in the dryer next to the odd sock.
• It can’t be tossed into a box for someone to pull out when looking for it.
Second: How can I make up time?
• The time on my wrist computer/watch connects with the atomic clock in Greenwich, England. Entire nations are connected to the same clock.
• Only people disconnected from any source of internet access can create their own system of time. (And none of them are reading this blog.)
• We all agree, if only because we don’t object, to what time is. If I want to make-up time, every single person using this system of time must step backward and reset their clocks. Highly unlikely.
Now that I’ve wasted time explaining why the expression makes no sense, I should start today’s blog, but this is already too long.
Catch you next time!
April 11, 2022
Making up for lost time
I intended to start today’s blog post by saying, “I’m making up for lost time,” but type it out, I’m struck by how it makes no sense.
First: How can time be lost?
• It’s not a thing to fall between cushions on the couch.
• It’ll never be found laying on the sidewalk or in the dryer next to the odd sock.
• It can’t be tossed into a box for someone to pull out when looking for it.
Second: How can I make up time?
• The time on my wrist computer/watch connects with the atomic clock in Greenwich, England. Entire nations are connected to the same clock.
• Only people disconnected from any source of internet access can create their own system of time. (And none of them are reading this blog.)
• We all agree, if only because we don’t object, to what time is. If I want to make-up time, every single person using this system of time must step backward and reset their clocks. Highly unlikely.
Now that I’ve wasted time explaining why the expression makes no sense, I can start today’s blog.
Quarter 2 of my business cycle started this week. For most folks, it started on 1 April, but I like starting new things on a Monday. (It looks nice and neat in my calendar.)
I met all my goals for Quarter 1, but only just. A sinus infection in April slowed me way down: It did not slow the progression of time. While I’m not back at full operational capacity, I’m determined to keep on my master schedule goals. No doubt goals will change as the year progresses.
On schedule:
• Midnight Goblins Dance - in the drafting stage.
• The Death of Mme Louise - on schedule for publication in May.
• Short stories still flowing. This month’s free short story - Memories of a Kiss.
• Marketing: My first BookFunnel newsletter campaign in process. Almost decided what new marketing challenge to do this quarter. Will keep you posted.
Disappointments? Yes, but they are part of life and give me something to push toward.
• I didn’t finish my 30 day water color challenge. I’ll pick up where I left off this week. My fingers are crossed, I’ll have something worth showing in a month.
• I didn’t finish my 30 day Core Workout Challenge. So close! 27 days in a row before my sinuses brought me down. I’ll make the next one.
Are you celebrating any wins from Quarter 1? Plotting the overthrow of any disappointments from Quarter 1?
First: How can time be lost?
• It’s not a thing to fall between cushions on the couch.
• It’ll never be found laying on the sidewalk or in the dryer next to the odd sock.
• It can’t be tossed into a box for someone to pull out when looking for it.
Second: How can I make up time?
• The time on my wrist computer/watch connects with the atomic clock in Greenwich, England. Entire nations are connected to the same clock.
• Only people disconnected from any source of internet access can create their own system of time. (And none of them are reading this blog.)
• We all agree, if only because we don’t object, to what time is. If I want to make-up time, every single person using this system of time must step backward and reset their clocks. Highly unlikely.
Now that I’ve wasted time explaining why the expression makes no sense, I can start today’s blog.
Quarter 2 of my business cycle started this week. For most folks, it started on 1 April, but I like starting new things on a Monday. (It looks nice and neat in my calendar.)
I met all my goals for Quarter 1, but only just. A sinus infection in April slowed me way down: It did not slow the progression of time. While I’m not back at full operational capacity, I’m determined to keep on my master schedule goals. No doubt goals will change as the year progresses.
On schedule:
• Midnight Goblins Dance - in the drafting stage.
• The Death of Mme Louise - on schedule for publication in May.
• Short stories still flowing. This month’s free short story - Memories of a Kiss.
• Marketing: My first BookFunnel newsletter campaign in process. Almost decided what new marketing challenge to do this quarter. Will keep you posted.
Disappointments? Yes, but they are part of life and give me something to push toward.
• I didn’t finish my 30 day water color challenge. I’ll pick up where I left off this week. My fingers are crossed, I’ll have something worth showing in a month.
• I didn’t finish my 30 day Core Workout Challenge. So close! 27 days in a row before my sinuses brought me down. I’ll make the next one.
Are you celebrating any wins from Quarter 1? Plotting the overthrow of any disappointments from Quarter 1?
January 17, 2022
Do you like reading free fiction?
If yes, you're in the right place. On the third Thursday of each month, subscribers to my newsletter receive a free short story each month in 2022 from me. I based some of these short stories on characters or cut scenes from the Midnight Whispers Series. Others are new characters in new worlds.
Jump over to my website and sign up for a free short story in 2022. First story goes on on 20 January.
https://lklatham.com
I’m excited I can offer these stories . And yes: email subscribers receive the stories at no cost. Although, I suppose you could consider one more email in your box each month a type of cost. I hope it’s not too great.
These are new, unpublished stories, and I’m eager to know how you like them.
Peace,
Jump over to my website and sign up for a free short story in 2022. First story goes on on 20 January.
https://lklatham.com
I’m excited I can offer these stories . And yes: email subscribers receive the stories at no cost. Although, I suppose you could consider one more email in your box each month a type of cost. I hope it’s not too great.
These are new, unpublished stories, and I’m eager to know how you like them.
Peace,
January 10, 2022
50 Books
Decided to go for 50 books this year. Sounds like a small amount at first, but when I look at how many I did last year, this looks like a reasonable number.
I'd love to read more, but there are only so many hours in the day. This year, however, one of my goals is to read more. So, I say I'm going for 50, but I would like to read more. Fingers crossed.
I'd love to read more, but there are only so many hours in the day. This year, however, one of my goals is to read more. So, I say I'm going for 50, but I would like to read more. Fingers crossed.
January 3, 2022
How many books to read?
That's what I'm thinking about today. I want to read more than I did in 2021. I want to read more because I love reading and don't feel I do enough of it.
How many?
How many?
How many?
So many decisions!
Working on my 2022 writing schedule this week. I suppose, this is the best time to think about how many books I'll read.
Any hints on setting reading goals? What works for you?
How many?
How many?
How many?
So many decisions!
Working on my 2022 writing schedule this week. I suppose, this is the best time to think about how many books I'll read.
Any hints on setting reading goals? What works for you?
December 20, 2021
Counting Down to the New Year
Holiday time again. I wish you a stress-free season full of happiness. If you can't have it all, pick up a book and ignore everyone. That's the best holiday season event.
October 20, 2021
Halloween All Year
It’s time for ghost stories and candy corn. I love both and I love them all year long. Since it’s now October, I can enjoy them with you.
Last year, as I walked the neighborhood, I grumbled at a few people with Christmas lights on their houses in the middle of the summer. And then I thought: What am I doing? If someone wants holiday decorations on their house all year around, why not?
Last Halloween, I left a few decorations scattered around the house. They make me smile every day when I sit down to write. This year, I will leave more scattered around the house.
I also love stories about ghosts, witches, vampires, and all the other creatures that lurk on Old Hallow’s Eve. I read about these folks all year.
What about you? What items do you keep out that others smirk at?
Last year, as I walked the neighborhood, I grumbled at a few people with Christmas lights on their houses in the middle of the summer. And then I thought: What am I doing? If someone wants holiday decorations on their house all year around, why not?
Last Halloween, I left a few decorations scattered around the house. They make me smile every day when I sit down to write. This year, I will leave more scattered around the house.
I also love stories about ghosts, witches, vampires, and all the other creatures that lurk on Old Hallow’s Eve. I read about these folks all year.
What about you? What items do you keep out that others smirk at?
October 11, 2021
Meet Luna
Today, I’d like to introduce you to another character from Midnight Bites, Luna. Luna is seventeen going on twenty-seven (despite her age, Midnight Bites is not a Young Adult novel) and she’s in her first year at the University of Texas. The novel takes place pre-COVID. Luna is ready to take on the world, just not the world she’s planned on taking on.
I love being in college! Just one more year, and Mamma says I can move into a dorm. Marcus says it’s stupid for me to live in a dorm when we already live so close to campus, but he’s such an old man. You’d never guess he’s only two years older than me if you met him.
My friend, Scarlett, thinks Marcus is hot, but I don’t see. Scarlett knows absolutely everybody. She took me to this bar the other night. Awesome! I met this guy, Thad, so handsome. He smart and plays sports and is mega popular. Scarlett says Thad like me, too. He thought I was a junior like him. Can’t wait to see him at the party next week. Now, I just figure out a way to get out of having to work that night.
Mamma opened this coffee shop/cafe. I hate working there. It’s so not fair! None of my friends have to work. Every night in class, someone sits next to me and says I smell like coffee. I hate smelling like coffee. I never even used to drink it. Now I drink it all the time.
And the carbs! OMG! Mamma partnered with this chef who bought half the cafe. He makes the absolute best croissants I’ve ever had. And he bakes all these other pastries that I can’t even pronounce. Well, I say Max bakes all these things, but it’s really Flo who does the work. She’s a trip. She loves baking: Why? I don’t know. She’s always covered with sweat and flour.
Anyway, I was saying going to tell you about the chef, Max. Weird guy. Hardly ever see him around, and when he is here, he sits in the back and that one table that’s always in the dark, and these people are always coming in to talk to him. Flo says he comes in super early and bakes, but she gets there at like o’dark-thirty. How much earlier can he get here? I think he’s a gangster. Mamma says that’s silly. I have to admit, CC, the red-headed woman who comes in to see him is pretty cool. Nothing like I would have expected for a gangsters girl-friend, but then she’s married or maybe living with this guy, who a little off, if you know what I mean.
All this I could handle, but the nightmares have come back. Even at the coffee shop, when it’s very quiet, and it’s very late, I look outside and I see those yellow eyes just watching me, just like they did when Tony disappeared- I mean, when he died. That’s when everything changed. I just wish the yellow eyes would go away, then I wouldn’t be afraid anymore.
I love being in college! Just one more year, and Mamma says I can move into a dorm. Marcus says it’s stupid for me to live in a dorm when we already live so close to campus, but he’s such an old man. You’d never guess he’s only two years older than me if you met him.
My friend, Scarlett, thinks Marcus is hot, but I don’t see. Scarlett knows absolutely everybody. She took me to this bar the other night. Awesome! I met this guy, Thad, so handsome. He smart and plays sports and is mega popular. Scarlett says Thad like me, too. He thought I was a junior like him. Can’t wait to see him at the party next week. Now, I just figure out a way to get out of having to work that night.
Mamma opened this coffee shop/cafe. I hate working there. It’s so not fair! None of my friends have to work. Every night in class, someone sits next to me and says I smell like coffee. I hate smelling like coffee. I never even used to drink it. Now I drink it all the time.
And the carbs! OMG! Mamma partnered with this chef who bought half the cafe. He makes the absolute best croissants I’ve ever had. And he bakes all these other pastries that I can’t even pronounce. Well, I say Max bakes all these things, but it’s really Flo who does the work. She’s a trip. She loves baking: Why? I don’t know. She’s always covered with sweat and flour.
Anyway, I was saying going to tell you about the chef, Max. Weird guy. Hardly ever see him around, and when he is here, he sits in the back and that one table that’s always in the dark, and these people are always coming in to talk to him. Flo says he comes in super early and bakes, but she gets there at like o’dark-thirty. How much earlier can he get here? I think he’s a gangster. Mamma says that’s silly. I have to admit, CC, the red-headed woman who comes in to see him is pretty cool. Nothing like I would have expected for a gangsters girl-friend, but then she’s married or maybe living with this guy, who a little off, if you know what I mean.
All this I could handle, but the nightmares have come back. Even at the coffee shop, when it’s very quiet, and it’s very late, I look outside and I see those yellow eyes just watching me, just like they did when Tony disappeared- I mean, when he died. That’s when everything changed. I just wish the yellow eyes would go away, then I wouldn’t be afraid anymore.
October 4, 2021
Take time for that PSL
I make a point of reading a few blogs every day. They keep me connected to the world outside of my little COVID hibernation and Zoom tired writers' meetings. Interestingly, many bloggers are writing about writer’s block and blog burnout. Makes me think September is creative block month. Is it the time of year? Are Fall allergies hitting everyone so hard, like me, that writing is too much a chore to do? Or is it something else?
No doubt, Fall has something to do with it, but not the allergies. Fall, for most of the Western Hemisphere, shines in its ability to morph the most common scenery into a snug blanket of warm colors waving in cool sunshine. I envy those who witness this. Here in Texas, Fall slides in undetected from the living room window. One day green fills the view as sun blasts through the glass to burn faces. The next day, a sneeze, a couch, a sniffle, and half the trees are bare of leaves and the sun shines through a mild, dry breeze, whispering with mild temperatures and cool morning walks. Those of us not sneezing, coughing, and sniffling too much are out walking in the mornings. Some of us sat outside for an hour too long yesterday chatting with friends and woke with even more sneezing, coughing, and sniffling.
What does this have to do with writer’s block and blog blues? EVERYTHING! Enjoy Fall. Wrap yourself in its colors and flavors. (Yes, I love pumpkin spice!) If you can’t bring yourself to put words on that blank page. Give yourself a break. Breath in the season. Tomorrow, that blank page will still be there, but you’ll also have a smile on your face, and the words will flow.
And if they don’t? You have my permission to withhold that Pumpkin Spice Latte until the words come.
No doubt, Fall has something to do with it, but not the allergies. Fall, for most of the Western Hemisphere, shines in its ability to morph the most common scenery into a snug blanket of warm colors waving in cool sunshine. I envy those who witness this. Here in Texas, Fall slides in undetected from the living room window. One day green fills the view as sun blasts through the glass to burn faces. The next day, a sneeze, a couch, a sniffle, and half the trees are bare of leaves and the sun shines through a mild, dry breeze, whispering with mild temperatures and cool morning walks. Those of us not sneezing, coughing, and sniffling too much are out walking in the mornings. Some of us sat outside for an hour too long yesterday chatting with friends and woke with even more sneezing, coughing, and sniffling.
What does this have to do with writer’s block and blog blues? EVERYTHING! Enjoy Fall. Wrap yourself in its colors and flavors. (Yes, I love pumpkin spice!) If you can’t bring yourself to put words on that blank page. Give yourself a break. Breath in the season. Tomorrow, that blank page will still be there, but you’ll also have a smile on your face, and the words will flow.
And if they don’t? You have my permission to withhold that Pumpkin Spice Latte until the words come.
