Stopping and Starting (or Starting and Restarting)

Note: I’m posting this one again now as a lead-in to the post that’s coming next week. I’ve also revised this post so it’s up to date. Hi Folks, This is a common problem for all writers. We all have to stop writing at various times for different reasons. The trick is to get started again. I’m not talking about stopping writing once an hour or so to move around a bit. I’m talking here about … Read more

The Journal, Monday, 1/23

Hey Folks, Topic: Conscious Mind Rising Well, I think I’ve been letting my conscious mind in a bit and didn’t even realize it. These past few days I’ve been saying I think the end of the book is near. From there it was a very short slide down the slippery slope from “wouldn’t it be cool if it ended like this?” to “yep, this is how it’s going to end.” In other words, I “decided” how … Read more

The Journal, Sunday, 1/22

Hey Folks, A slightly different format from now on. I realized I was splitting the day into two sections. So one is gone. When necessary, this section will now be introduction and/or a topic. Today, and Writing Rolled out right at 2 despite a late (for me) night, sacking out at around 8:40. By 2:30 I was writing on the novel. Anxious much? But I was in the house. So I transferred the slightly altered WIP … Read more

The Journal, Saturday, 1/21

Hey Folks, Back to writing this morning. Even though I still don’t know how the novel will end, I’m looking forward to finishing so I can start the next one. Rainy and drizzly overnight and this morning, with a little sleet tossed in for good measure, so I’ll be in the Hovel soon probably. For now I’m outside. Probably I’ll hang around the house until everyone’s awake. Topic: Challenges One reason I’m looking forward to this … Read more

The Journal, Friday, 1/20

Hey Folks, I enjoyed the pre-inauguration and the inauguration. I will enjoy watching the parade and what they show of the post-inauguration events. I wish I could be there. I watched as President Trump escorted his predessor to the helicopter, and then as he signed his first official documents and entered the inaugural luncheon. At the moment there are protestors smashing windows etc. and throwing rocks, bricks and bottles in attempts to block or shut down … Read more

The Fading of Jill Montgomery

Soon Jill Montgomery fell into an easy rhythm on the trail through City Park. Her arms and legs pumped, her shoulders and hips rolled. It seemed easier than ever before. She felt light as a feather, could barely feel her footfalls on the gravel path crunching beneath her. The furrows on her brow smoothed away, as if slipping from her forehead on beads of sweat. They trickled down her cheeks and off her jawline. Running every … Read more

The Journal, Thursday, 1/19

Hey Folks, First, my apologies. This is late. I realized about 7:30 I’d forgotten to post it. Dean Wesley Smith wrote a great summary of his recent insane challenge/adventure. Of course, you’ll find a link in “Of Interest” below. Damp air and frigid cold (made frigid by the dampness) outside here this morning. In dry cold my old hands begin to warm the instant I put them in my jacket pocket. In this stuff, not so … Read more

The Journal, Wednesday, 1/18

Hey Folks, I woke up in a bad mood today and with a bad attitude. Not only do I feel like I could chew wheels and spit nails, but I feel like that might be a worthwhile long-term occupation. However, I’ll get over it. Maybe. I’m not sure why all this is going on, but I’m certain it has something to do with age. Seems everything has something to do with age. The little girl wants … Read more

The Journal, Tuesday, 1/17

Hey Folks, First, my deep gratitude to Michaele for letting me know the Journal wasn’t in her inbox this morning. My apologies. I forgot to check the category box. (grin) It was a good post. If you’re interested, you can find it at http://harveystanbrough.com/daily-journal/6042/. The baby needed to be close this morning for some reason. Who knows what’s in a little cat’s mind? But that’s fine. The time we get to spend with loved ones is … Read more

Stigma Dis, Stigma Dat… Whatever

Note: This post was originally scheduled for October 2014. It didn’t post to MailChimp, so I’m posting it again now. I’ve revised the original post so it’s up to date. Hey Folks, Received yet another note today from a friend about the “stigma” of self-publishing. What a bunch of crap. There, I said it. Not only is it a bunch of crap that there’s a “stigma” in the first place, but it’s an even bigger, smellier … Read more