Terry Odell's Blog, page 35
December 1, 2022
A Non-NaNoWriMo Report
It’s December already. My priority has been to reach ‘the end’ of the current manuscript before my January deadline. I was well into the writing before November, so I didn’t participate in NaNoWriMo. Looking at my word count spreadsheet, I wrote 40,947 words last month. I’m satisfied with that progress, and I felt no pressure to be an official “winner.”
For those of you who chose to participate, I hope you met your writing goals. Fifty-thousand words isn’t (in my opinion) ...
November 29, 2022
Bulwer-Lytton 2022
Somehow I missed the announcement of the winners of this year’s Bulwer-Lytton contest. Let me rectify that now.
If you’re unfamiliar with the contest, this from their website:
“Since 1982 the Bulwer Lytton Fiction Contest has challenged participants to write an atrocious opening sentence to the worst novel never written. The whimsical literary competition honors Sir Edward George Bulwer-Lytton, whose 1830 novel Paul Clifford begins with “It was a dark and stormy night.”
The c...
November 27, 2022
Post-Thanksgiving Updates
Post-Thanksgiving Updates
I hope everyone in the US had a great holiday weekend. We had a small (5 people, 1 dog) gathering up here on my mountain, but that didn’t lessen the enjoyment. As is our custom, the host prepares the turkey and everyone contributes something to the meal. I did 2 kinds of cranberry sauce as well—one with orange, the other with pineapple and ginger. Plus, since it’s “my” dressing recipe, I made that, too. My son brought roasted root vegetables and a pumpkin pie; my son-in...
November 23, 2022
Happy Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate. And even if you don’t, I hope you get a few smiles.
The post Happy Thanksgiving appeared first on Terry Odell.
Thanksgiving for Writers
When asked what they’re thankful for, most people lean toward the more lofty subjects. Creature comforts, family, health, etc.
Over at The Kill Zone today, I’m talking about the “little things” I’m thankful for as a writer.
Stop over and add yours. If you’re not a writer, add something to be thankful for as a reader.
The post Thanksgiving for Writers appeared first on Terry Odell.
November 20, 2022
Another Technology Rant
First – Hubster and I both tested negative! It took 2 weeks for me, a little longer for him. I never had serious—or even moderate—symptoms, so it was more a matter of staying home because it was the right thing to do than because I felt sick.
Anyway, after keyboard issues beyond the letters wearing off, I decide to splurge on a new one. It’s probably got more power than I need, but I hoped the design of the keys would mean a greater longevity. We’ll see in 3 months, which...
November 15, 2022
Writing Update.
It’s been cold. I’ve had the luxury of “alone time.” And, despite not having any outward symptoms, I tested positive again on Monday, so I’ve got yet another excuse to stay inside and write.
I did open the door to the UPS guy yesterday, and was surprised to see they apparently hired a new driver. This fellow would have been happy to come right inside.
I’m not doing NaNoWriMo, but looking at my November word count, I have laid down 23,679 words, which is close to the halfway point. In my six days...
November 10, 2022
Thanks To All Veterans
Today, take a moment to honor all who have served our country.
I’m honoring my father along with everyone else.
The post Thanks To All Veterans appeared first on Terry Odell.
November 9, 2022
Where’s the Body?
I’m plugging along with my current Mapleton Mystery, and as I looked at my progress (about 35K words), I realized something was missing. Or was it?
That’s my subject today over at The Kill Zone Blog. Hop over and share your opinion.
Now Available: Cruising Undercover
It’s supposed to be a simple assignment aboard a luxury yacht, but soon, he’s in over his head.
The post Where’s the Body? appeared first on Terry Odell.
November 6, 2022
Positivity
Not much happening on the blog today. That which the Hubster swore was a head cold—wasn’t. Yes, he tested positive for Covid. I didn’t. We attempted to distance ourselves, but given the contagion period is before you see symptoms, I figured it was only a matter of time before I tested positive as well. And it was. One day later.
I’ve been vaccinated and fully boosted, so I feel more like I’m coming down with a cold. Minor aches, and draggy. Pretty much the way I felt after my first (o...
