A.R. Kennedy's Blog, page 10

Writing Wednesday

Titles – it looks so easy.

I’m currently on the 6th title for the sequel to ‘Gone…But Not Missed’.  The first book was easy – it only changed once – and it was a minor change – Gone But Not Missing to Gone But Not Missed.

The sequel has been a challenge, in more ways than just the title.  I’ve had formatting issues. I’m currently on my second editor.  More than once, I’ve lost chapters.  The whole book has been re-worked since my beta readers have read it.

Years ago, before I was a writer, I read an afterword by a famous author (I think it was Dean Koontz).  He was talking about his previous books and their “first” and preferred titles.  It was very funny but very pointed- he still wasn’t happy that the powers that be encouraged him to change the titles.  With self publishing, I don’t have these issues.  I just need to make sure the title captures the vibe of the book, is a bit catchy, and no other books have the title.

I’ll keep you posted…Once the publishing date is set, I’ll have the title.  I hope…

Tax Day

Two weeks ago as I drove home from a terrible Opening Day Mets loss, (they just needed ONE strike to win!), I thought to myself I need to find another hobby.  A hobby that didn’t take up a significant amount of my time, energy and money.  

As I pondered, I remembered my appointment with my accountant last year.  I told her I was writing a book and brought the receipts of expenses that would be deductible (the Writers’ Police Academy expenses, classes, research books, professional organization memberships, etc).  With no book published, she dismissed me and told me it was a hobby.  This year, she agreed my book was a business expense.

So far, writing is also taking up a sizable amount of my time, energy and money.  And also, like my love of the Mets, it’s often causing disappointment.  Maybe I need to find another ‘hobby’  :)

More likely, I’ll just keep chanting Tug McGraw’s rallying cry, ‘Ya Gotta Believe!’

Quote of the week

Last Monday – Opening Day at Citi Field, Home of the New York Mets.

“I can take the Mets draining my life force.  But my iPhone?  No, that’s just too much.”

-Disgruntled Mets fan  (I know, that’s an oxymoron.)

Countdown Thursday

For many baseball fans, visiting every MLB ballpark is on their bucket list.  I have accomplished this goal!

I visited Montreal last week to see the Mets play the Blue Jays in Olympic Stadium.  I never made it to Montreal while the Expos existed and thought it would be fun to catch a game there.  It was the 42nd Major League Baseball stadium I have visited.  And, without question, it was the worst I’ve visited.

As I wondered the corridors, I knew it would be at the bottom of the list.  Having a little free time on Saturday, I compiled a ranking of the MLB stadiums I’ve visited.  I think most will be surprised by the results.  

FYI – Shea Stadium is not included in the list.  To me, that is my favorite ballpark because I have so many great memories there.  I can not say the same for its replacement.

I took into account the stadium’s design, the food, surrounding area and the overall experience.  After compiling my favorites, it got harder to rank the stadiums.  I then switched strategy and started from the bottom.  The worst ten came easily.

Here’s my top 3 - 

#1 = Fenway Park.  It’s a classic.  

#2 = PNC Park, Pittsburgh Pirates.  I love the surrounding neighborhood, the proximity to the city, the beautiful view of the bridges, and PRIMANTI’s!!!  My favorite ballpark food.  (Interesting stat about me – I was a partial season ticket holder of the Pirates years ago!) 

#3 = Camden Yards.  Great sight lines, food and overall feel of the ballpark.

 

Writing Wednesday

I had a few lovely days off, marred by terrible Mets baseball.  Happy Opening Week of America’s pastime!

A key to writing is good research.  It’s why I go to the Writers’ Police Academy every year.  It’s why I own books on police procedure, forensics, and serial killers.  It’s why librarians look at me funny when I take out books on crime, gangs, and psychology.

A question from a blog post a few months ago was ‘What is the strangest thing you’ve ever done for research?’  I may have a new answer.  I hung out in a tattoo parlor for a couple hours learning about the art.  It started out poorly with the man yelling at me – telling me I was ‘annoying’ and ‘crazy’.  The tattoo artist, Rich, was kidding and was very nice.  He answered all my basic questions and I did my best not to hover as he worked.  His client, Nick, was also very kind and answered my questions.  I tried not to interrupt Rich too much.  I feared he’d make a mistake!  Overall, it was an enlightening experience.

You can see Rich’s wonderful work on Facebook – Green Apple Tattoo.  Tell him AR sent you :)  (Or just say the annoying crazy writer:)

 

Therapy Tuesday

Today was a big day.  I discharged my patient, Barbara, who I can say, without a doubt, is my biggest success story.

I met Barbara months ago.  I was only supposed to see her the once, covering for another physical therapist.

She was unable to stand.  She was scared to even try to stand with me because I’m a small woman.  With time, she grew confident that we could do it.  Every session had laughs.  Many sessions had her in tears, frustrated by the slow progress.  One session, when she finally walked without any help from me, I cried.

After months of hard work, she can now stand and walk in her home without anyone helping her.

It has been a great pleasure working with Barbara and I hope she only continues to gain strength and independence.

Monday Musings

Over the weekend, I made a little purchase and when I say ‘I did’ I mean my mother and when I say ‘little’, if my dad asks it was $100.  My mother went with me to the Baseball card show in White Plains to keep my spending in check, or so I thought.  The last time I went to this place, I purchased a large Mike Piazza photo, that he signed in front of me, & I had it framed.  My little pup H loved it.  Here she is posing with it.

 

H doesn’t feel the same about the new purchase – an even bigger tribute to Piazza.  It’s a painting of Piazza.  

It’s Amazin’

However, when H first saw it she barked and barked as if there was an intruder!  

Really, she should know Mike is a welcome guest in our home, anytime.

Les than a week to Opening Day!

 

Free for all Friday

TGIF!

I attended a meeting at work yesterday and was seated with 6 of my co-workers.  Three have read “Gone But Not Missed” and asked about the sequel.  A fourth bought the book (on her phone) on the spot!  I’m not sure what’s wrong with the other 2:)

Today is the last day of ‘Gone But Not Missed’ St Patty’s Day sale price of 99cents for the ebook.  

Have a great day!

Travel Thursday

Next week I fly to Montreal to see the Mets play exhibition games in Montreal against the Blue Jays. (Note to self, stop watching news coverage of the missing Malaysian flight).  I started thinking about what to pack and checked the weather.  SNOW is forecasted!  I think we all remember the ‘Sprinter Series’ of ’13 (Mets at Twins – dubbed the Spring-Winter series because of the cold and snow!).  It was a lot of fun – Minnesotans are really nice but a little crazy!  Why build an outside stadium in a place that cold!

At least Olympic Stadium is not outside.  I really have to plan my spring travel better:)  If only the Mets had been playing in the Australian Opening series, I’d be warm:) 

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!

In honor of the ‘green’ holiday, here’s a way you can save a little ‘green’.  ’Gone But Not Missed’ (ebook version) is on sale for 99cents this week.   My debut novel may also be featured on pixelofink.com as a deal of the day.

Wear your green!  Have a green beer or bagel!  Happy St Patty!