Writer's Corner Event: Tips From The Pros

As We Learn We Grow!

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, the smart writer always looks to improve their craft. The basic goal is the same. Write the best story that you possibly can. With that in mind, I gathered together tips from some of today's bestselling authors and writing gurus, plus suggestions for your virtual writing shelf. If you have a writing question for one of today's guests, don't be shy, post it in the comments section. Fan girl :squees: are also welcome. :)

Tip from author and writing guru Kat Duncan
How to Handle Details

Too Much Explanation
Sometimes in our rush to tell the story we forget that readers want to be entertained and that part of being entertained means that they might want to figure some things out for themselves. When readers are sharing a character's emotions, we should be particularly careful not to rob them of their pleasure by explaining too much.
Explanations rob events of their emotional impact.

What does this mean for authors? First, readers enjoy a bit of mystery. So, be careful how much detail you reveal about either what has happened, or what is about to happen. If one character becomes an ally of another character, don't rush to give a full explanation of why. Let the character tease it out of his new ally a little at a time. Second, don't show emotion and then explain the emotion afterward. This takes away some of the impact of the emotion. For example don't show Joe putting his fist through the wall and then have Joe's buddy Andy say, "You're mad at Jenna for standing you up, huh?" Instead maybe Andy could say, "I know why you're mad. Let's go shoot some hoops. You need to burn off some energy before you explode."

Readers will eagerly go outside with the character as they shoot those hoops, eager to find out the reason why Joe put his fist through the wall and hoping Andy will give them another clue. Even if that hoops scene lasts just a few paragraphs, it's deepening the reader's interest in the story and the characters. Draw it out, even a little bit. Third, you want your readers to keep thinking about mysteries and story questions throughout the story. So if you introduce a story mystery or question in chapter one, keep up the mystery, revealing little bits at a time, but skirting around the actual explanation until you're sure you've got the reader hooked.

Author of the writing craft book, Telling Grammar, Ms. Duncan's latest book is How To Handle Details. (FREE today! Head to Amazon and grab your copy now!)

The look and feel of your story world should include the kinds of details that can resonate with many different kinds of readers. With the information in this book you can learn more about those important details and how to use them to reflect your theme and message. Details are what this book is all about. When you are finished reading this book you will be able to immediately apply the strategies and techniques from this book in your writing. The examples and thorough explanations will guide you through eye-opening techniques that will build your toolbox of writer's skills whether you are prepublished or already on the cybershelves and bookshelves.
Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00IS56N8C

To learn more about Ms. Duncan and her books, or to learn how you can sign up for her writing workshops, please visit her website: http://www.katduncan.net/writeabout

Tip from prolific, bestselling author N.J. Walters
Write On but Grow a Thick Skin 

One of the best writing tips I can give to aspiring and published writers actually has nothing to do with the writing process itself. My advice? Grow a thick skin. Writing is not a profession for the faint of heart. It is a job filled with rejection. No matter what you write or how acclaimed your book is someone will hate it and, at some point in your career, they will be compelled to tell you. Then there is the constructive criticism, which you’ll get plenty of from beta readers and editors. You have to disregard the hate mail, no matter how deeply it cuts you, and listen to the constructive criticism from those you trust. It can be discouraging when the book you’ve worked on so hard and poured a ton of sweat and blood into gets rejected. It happens to all writers are one point or another, and you have to suck it up and move on. Be professional and remember that this is a business. Publishers want to make money. And so they should. When they make money the writer gets paid.

Don’t think it’s all hardship. You’ll get many rejections in your career, but the acceptances are pure gold. And for every bad review you get, you’ll have many more readers tell you how much they loved your work. My favorite reviews are the ones I get from readers telling me how much they enjoyed a book or love a character. I’ve been brought to tears many times over the years by readers who have told me my books have helped them through illness or some tragedy in their lives. Those emails are golden. 

Author of over seventy books and twelve different series, N.J.'s latest romance is Craig's Heart, book seven in her Legacy series.

Craig Lawton’s life is full. Filled with normal things like work as a video-game creator and financial investor, and not-so-normal things like two half-werewolf siblings and a vampire best friend. He’s accustomed to being the only human in the room…until he attempts to help a desperate, newly made vampire in the throes of her first transformation. 



Evie Pelowski is a woman alone. Left alone in a filthy alley to become a monster like the one that attacked her, unable to control the bloodlust surging through her veins. Now she’s done the unforgivable—turned her Good Samaritan into a monster just like her. They must face the future while coming to grips with their new realities. But despite a strong bond ignited by blood and forged in the heat of sexual desire, despite Craig’s unshakeable determination to teach her to trust, Evie knows nothing she loves ever stays. Especially when the vampire who made her wants her back—and he’ll kill anyone who gets in his way.

Samhain Publishing: http://store.samhainpublishing.com/craigs-heart-p-73188.html
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Craigs-Heart-Legacy-N-J-Walters-ebook/dp/B00FLZZJ1O/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1395668584&sr=1-1&keywords=N.J.+Walters
Barnes &Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/craigs-heart-nj-walters/1117054051?ean=9781619219946 

Learn more about N.J. Walters' books on her website at: http://njwalters.com/

 Tip from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author R.G. Alexander
         Stop, Look, and Listen

I hate rules. Usually when a writer gives specific technical advice the first thing I think is, “Damn, I’m doing it wrong!” But if I were going to pretend I knew what I was talking about for a minute and give you advice, beyond the “write what you love” and “don’t stop writing no matter what” truisms…it would be this: Stop, look and listen. People watch. And I don’t just mean their mannerisms or their dialect, I mean everything. Pay attention. Why do they move that way? What are they saying…now what are they really saying? Every story in our world is about people, even if it seems to be about a pet rock or a stuffed rabbit. Each character is a part of you, but each one shouldn’t be you. Collect the whole set. I think writers are  natural observers and empaths anyway…but practicing can't hurt. Oh and two more quick pieces of advice. Daydream at least once a day and don't pay too much attention to the rules of writing. Did I mention I hate rules?

Bestselling author of Dirty Delilah (Riding Desire Anthology Boxed Set), The Bone Daddy series, and Burn With Me (book one in the Fireborne series), R.G.'s upcoming releases include Make Me Burn (book two in her Fireborne series) coming out May 20, 2014, and Burn Me Down (book three in her Fireborne series) coming out October 2014.

 One wrong move and it all goes up in flames.

Aziza Jane Stewart is the last of the Fireborne, and so far it's been nothing but a curse, destroying her family and putting everyone she loves in danger. Now she's on a quest to find her brother's portion of the power that flows in her veins and track down the murdering Jiniyr who are a threat to her loved ones.  She and her Enforcer lover Brandon are officially "in a relationship", but she's still torn between two men who both set her on fire. Brandon's duties are driving a wedge between them, and her need to protect her Jinn guardian isn't helping. Exiled and stripped of his powers, Ram is focused on satisfying his darkest urges...and tempting her to come along for the ride.

When Aziza discovers Brandon has been keeping news of ritualistic murders from her and the evidence is pointing at Ram, all bets are off. It's time to find her own answers, embrace what's inside her and make her own rules, damn the consequences.
 
To pre-order Make Me Burn and Burn Me Down, please go to:

http://www.amazon.com/Burn-With-Fireborne-R-G-Alexander-ebook/dp/B00CQKFIGI/ref=pd_sim_kstore_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=0E8TD6P93WVC29N3JX3E
http://www.amazon.com/Make-Burn-Fireborne-R-G-Alexander-ebook/dp/B00IBDKQIE

Learn more about R.G.'s books on her website: http://rgalexander.com/
 

Tip from NY Times & USA Today bestselling New Adult author Monica Murphy
         Finish The Book!

The best advice I can give is…just finished the book. It doesn't matter if it's good or bad or short on word count or too long on word count, just finish the thing. Once you do that, the feeling that comes over you is the best thing. It might not be perfect but hey, you DID IT. You wrote a book! And you can always fix it. Once I actually finished a book (and trust me, it's a huge piece of crap that will never see the light of day), it gave me a real sense of accomplishment. I realized hey, maybe I can do this!

Author of One Week Girlfriend and Second Chance Boyfriend, Ms. Murphy's latest book is Four Years Later.

New Adult bestselling author Monica Murphy winds up her sensational series with this sexy story of two college kids with nothing in common but a bunch of baggage and a burning attraction.

Over. That about sums up everything in my life. Suspended from my college football team and forced to cut back my hours at The District bar because of my crappy grades, I can’t keep turning to my sister, Fable, and her pro-football playing husband, Drew, to bail me out. I just can’t seem to find my own way. Weed and sex are irresistible temptations—and it’s messed up that I secretly hand over money to our junkie mom. A tutor is the last thing I want right now—until I get a look at her.

Chelsea is not my type at all. She’s smart and totally shy. I’m pretty sure she’s even a virgin. But when she gives me the once over with those piercing blue eyes, I’m really over. But in a different way. I won’t deny her ass is killer, but it’s her brain and the way she seems to crave love—like no one’s ever given her any—that make me want her more than any girl I’ve ever met. But what would someone as seemingly together as her ever see in a screwed up guy like me?

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Four-Years-Later-Monica-Murphy/dp/0804176825
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/four-years-later-monica-murphy/1115435244?ean=9780804176828
BAM: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Four-Years-Later/Monica-Murphy/9780804176828?id=5754138202738

Learn more about Monica Murphy and her sensational books on her website: http://monicamurphyauthor.com

Tip from USA Today bestselling author Marie Hall
Don't Be Scared To Write A Series

So often I'm asked to give a tip to aspiring writers, what's the one thing I can do that will help my career to thrive and grow?

For years I struggled trying to figure out how to write a series book. I'd be able to write book 1 and then freeze up at book 2, 3, 4, and so on. I just couldn't seem to get over the hurdle of what to do next. Then I created the Kingdom Series and Her Mad Hatter was so popular I knew I had to focus and write book 2. You have no idea how scary that proposition was for me. In over 8 years of writing I'd never written a sequel to anything. But because of reader expectation I knew I wouldn't have a choice. So I buckled down and asked myself what will I do, how can I do this? For me it was all about the lists.

Or more specifically, a character worksheet. There are many different options available online. All you have to do is type in character worksheet and you'll get a plethora of sheets. From sort of detailed, to crazy detailed. Like, what kind of gum they like? What fruit is their favorite? It sounds so silly, but the truth is if you can come to understand your creations as if they were a real, living person you CAN write that sequel. For me I realized I had done something to make it almost ridiculously easy for myself, Kingdom is all about fairy tales. Especially the villains, so I had many different references to look at to gain a concept on 'who' they were. Once I realized I had their blueprints available, I was able to bang out book after book after book. I'm now getting ready to write book 9 on that series, and I have at least three other series with several books out. One of the things I can honestly say is that readers love series, so if you've ever considered it but aren't sure you can handle a sequel, or it's too scary, I promise it's not. 

Ms. Hall's latest book is Rumpel's Prize, part of the Alphas After Dark boxed set.

Imp, deceiver, villainous mastermind… Rumpelstiltskin’s been called all these names and more, and for the most part, they’re entirely true. But there is more to the brooding, blond haired Adonis than brokering deals for the devil. He’s hiding a terrible, hideous secret. One that threatens to fray the already delicate strands of his sanity and reason. A secret that he’s desperate to make right, to see whole again, and there is no one and nothing that will stand in his way of getting what he wants—no one except a slip of woman with hair like fire and skin like finest porcelain. Something about Shayera Caron calls to the beast inside him and makes him question his motives for the first time in his life.

Shayera Caron is the daughter of the infamous Gerard Caron, former lothario of Kingdom but now a reformed rake and settled husband and father. She can go nowhere in her tiny hamlet without seeing the sneers of women and hearing the murmurings of their disdain for the blood that runs through her veins. Shayera is desperate to get away from the gossiping hens, so when Rumpelstiltskin rides into town, she doesn’t think twice before going wherever he leads. Only thing is Shayera is not as innocent as she might seem, for she hides a secret too. One that will bring the most feared man in all of Kingdom to his knees…

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Alphas-After-Bundle-Alpha-Biker-ebook/dp/B00JA0E87C/ref=sr_1_15?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1396303000&sr=1-15&keywords=marie+hall

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/alphas-after-dark-vivian-arend/1119015621?ean=2940149311644

To learn more about Ms. Hall and her books, check out her website: http://www.mariehallwrites.com
and her blog: http://mariehallwrites.blogspot.com/

 Tip from bestselling author Clarice Wynter
Write What You Want To Read

The best writing advice I ever received was six simple words. Write what you want to read. This was the mantra that inspired me to start writing back when the kinds of books I enjoyed most were hard to find. It’s tempting to try to write for the market, and if you happen to like to write what’s hot at the moment, you’re lucky, but in the long-term I think writers are most successful and happiest when they stick to writing the books they’d be picking off the shelves as readers.

Ms. Wynter's latest book is part of the five-author Spring Fling Bundle released March 17th.

Spring Fling Bundle
Passionate rivalries, friends to lovers, scandal, redemption, second chances and a marriage in trouble.

Five hot romance authors steam up the pages of this collection with heat and sweet, a perfect combination of stories for you to fall in love with this spring.

 Wild for Mr. Wrong by Virna DePaul, 

Rough Ride by Keri Ford

, The Sweetest Seduction by Crista McHugh

, An Affair in April by Clarice Wynter

, and Between Then and Now by Zoe York
; .99¢  for a limited time only.


Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J1N2SQ6
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/spring-fling-clarice-wynter/1118922665?ean=2940149278220
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Virna_DePaul_Spring_Fling_5_Sweet_and_Sexy_Contemp?id=JOUYAwAAQBAJ
All Romance eBooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-springfling5sweetandsexycontemporaryromances-1457712-166.html
 
Learn  more about Ms. Wynter and her books at her website: http://www.claricewynter.com/

Tip from author and writing guru Jodi Henley
Eliminate The Sagging Middle

Saggy middles are a symptom of da-da-da pacing, or pacing that doesn’t escalate. The best way to fix a saggy middle is to escalate what’s happening in the story. Whether it’s an internal or external, it needs to get bigger (figuratively) and more important as the story races toward the climax.

An easy way to check for escalation is to ask if 1) Are story events getting harder to overcome (maybe the bridge washed out and the hero’s kid is on the other side with the villain)? 2) Are internals getting more difficult to overcome (worry that she won’t get there in time turns into outright fear and panic when she “knows” she won’t get there in time)?

Ms. Henley's most recent book is Practical Emotional Structure.

Fill Your Book with Spark, Depth and Emotion!
Has an agent or editor said you lack "spark"? Do people have a hard time connecting with your characters? Your people are isolated, disenfranchised, inwardly full of emotion, fabulously supportive and wounded--why don't people get that? If you have a hard time getting your showing words to mean something, can't create the complexity or depth you need in your story, and don't like black and white rules, turbocharge your story with Practical Emotional Structure. A simple, plain-English craft of writing guide designed to connect you with your readers using emotional theory and the power of the transformational character arc.

Amazon: www.amazon.com/Practical-Emotional-Structure-plain-English-transformational-ebook/dp/B00D0ZI7HU

Learn more about Ms. Henley, her books, and her editing services by visiting her blog: http://jodihenley.blogspot.com

Tip from bestselling author Catherine Spangler
Read, Read, Read, Write, Write, Write!

Hello! I’m delighted to share writing tips with everyone. Some of these sound repetitious, but I believe they’re tried and true. My first tip is to read. Read, read, read! Read a lot in the genre you’re writing, to see what’s selling, and to get the voice and nuances and language of that genre. Also read other genres, because good writing is good writing and you’ll automatically absorb it.

Secondly, write. Write, write, write! Don’t worry that it might be bad. The more you write, the more you’ll develop your natural voice. And you can always fix the writing, but you can’t fix a blank screen.

Third, understand that writing is a craft that must be learned. Join writers’ groups and attend meetings and conferences, to learn from other writers and industry professionals. If possible, join a good critique group to get constructive feedback on your writing. Finally, don’t give up! Whether or not you’re published, you ARE a writer. Believe in yourself!

Ms. Spangler's latest book is Shadower, book two in her Sentinel Series.

Injured in a bar fight and then stranded on a hellhole planet when her ship is stolen, smuggler Moriah Cameron finds herself at the mercy of arrogant Sabin Travers. Sabin resents about the disruption this defiant and ungrateful woman creates in his life. When she stumbles upon a secret that could affect hundreds of lives, he’s forced to take her captive.

Having a strong aversion to domineering men like Sabin, Moriah manages to steal his ship and escape. Her freedom is short lived when Sabin catches up with her.

As they battle wills and wits across the quadrant, Moriah is shocked by her growing attraction to Sabin. When she discovers Sabin is also a shadower, all bets are off. She eludes him once more and heads off to a dangerous but lucrative delivery. Things go wrong at the drop, and only Sabin’s major sacrifice can save her. But ultimately, it’s love, acceptance, and healing that save them both.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JAJOOWC 

Learn more about Ms. Spangler and her books at her website: http://catherinespangler.com/

Want more writing tips, tricks, and hints?
Check out these recommended books and get your writing game on!

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
Save The Cat: The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need by Blake Snyder
Self-Editing For Fiction Writers by Renni Browne
Zen In The Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury
GMC: Goal, Motivation, and Conflict: The Building Blocks of Good Fiction by Debra Dixon
Story Engineering: Character Development, Story Concept, and Scene Construction by Larry Brooks

Edits, Pork Rinds, AGT, Zombies, and Tarot

These days, it seems all I do are edits. But it makes sense in a way.

I'm in edits on two different projects: Naughty Little Secrets and Mr. Hawtness. Both are contemporaries and I think that's why the edits are kicking my ass. Before now, my only contemporary story was Compulsion, and I recall that story kicked my ass as well. My brain flows best when I'm knee deep in the woo-woo, I guess. lol. I'm hard-wired for paranormal.

Which is fine, except some ideas come to me full-blown in virtual color without a drop of the para in them. Knowing in advance my struggle with contemporaries, I usually shove the ideas in a binder and let them simmer until I can no longer ignore them. lol.

As a treat between rounds of edits, I'm writing a few scenes here and there on the sequel to my novella Shimmer, entitled Heart of Dixie. The other night while I'm flipping channels, I see an ad for a new show this fall, called Hart of Dixie, and I can only hope no shapeshifting aliens are involved. lol.

I'm on day three of my Countdown to Conference diet and having snack attacks. Usually the bad thing about snacking on a diet is I can't snack or I blow the diet and have to start from scratch again. But thanks to my critique partner and friend, author Cora Zane, on this diet, I can snack and be a good girl even while feeling like I'm cheating. My whole life I lived with the assumption that pork rinds were terribly bad for you and you were going off your diet in a big way if you ate them. So imagine my surprise when I learned that pork rinds are on the Atkin's diet and are a big fat O carbs! Wooyah!

Another happy discovery is that my favorite yummy spice mix tastes great sprinkled on them and I went through almost half a bag of pork rinds last night free of guilt. Now that is a great feeling! If you like chipotle, this stuff is amazing: http://chipotledryrub.weikelfoods.com/

My favorite TV variety show was on last night—America's Got Talent. I was really excited to see my top four all made it into the next round. If I have to pick it from this point on, I'd have to say it's going to come down to PopLyfe and Silhouettes. When I listen to PopLyfe, it's like they are already recording artists and are on the show promoting their next album, not competing for a spot in the finals—which they won. And Silhouettes never fail to fill me with this incredible surge of emotions. How often can you say that about a dance troupe? But that's just it. They're more than dance, they are also storytellers. It's going to be tough for me to choose which one to vote for as I love both acts. But it could come down to Team iLuminate and Silhouettes and that would be a difficult vote as well, because I also love the energy they bring to the stage.

The only one of my favorites that I don't see making it to the finals is Landau Eugene Murphy Jr., and that's only because I think more of the audience of voters are young people who will cast their votes for PopLyfe over Landau. Personally, I think Landau is already worthy of a Vegas show and could start his own new version of The Rat Pack. I know I'd pay to see him in Vegas.

Actually, each of the final four acts in this season's AGT are Vegas ready acts I'd pay to see. Who will win the ultimate prize? I don't know, but like millions, I'll be tuning in to see who is chosen the winner. Good luck to all four remaining contestants!

Speaking of favorite television shows, I'm excited about the new season of The Walking Dead. The promo trailer shown at Comic-Con looked amazing! I can't wait to see what happens next! Hoping Sophia makes it okay. Whew. That show is tense! The season premiere is October 16th on AMC channel.

Last but not least, I wanted to give everyone a *heads-up* alert that Cora and I will be in Second Life this Saturday, Sept. 10th for two separate sessions of free to the public tarot readings! I sure hope you can join us!

Free readings by the ladies of the Midnight Moon Cafe

Join RL authors Cassandra Curtis and Cora Zane for a fun, free tarot reading! Ask the cards a question, reveal past lives, gain insights on present issues, or take a glimpse at your future! * Event is in voice and/or private chat as per querant's discretion. Hope to see you there!

*For entertainment purposes only.

Date: Saturday, September 10, 2011

Time: 11am- 1pm SLT
Location: The Midnight Moon Cafe, Awen
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Awen/196/225/22


Time: 9:00-10:00pm SLT
Location: The Midnight Moon Cafe, Witches Island
http://slurl.com/secondlife/witchfest/47/230/701

From the Writing Cave

Haven't posted on my blog for a while since I am still stuck in the writing cave working on edits. I basically gutted my wip, shifted a few salvageable chapters around, added new chapters, changed some of the backstory to better fit the plot and theme, and added just a small touch of snark (I promise it's not full blown snark, or I would have had to shoot myself), but it's just enough to make the work funnier and a miniscule amount edgier. I also reduced the 'facetime' of one character since he was hogging the story, and I added another love scene.

When this sucker is finally done, I am so going to break open a bottle of the bubbly and celebrate! Whew-wee! To anyone out there contemplating being an author, are you of sound mind and body? Seriously wish someone had asked me that seven years ago when I decided to resurrect my teenage dream of being a published author. It takes a certain amount of dedication mixed with insanity. Lucky for me I'm stubborn and eccentric enough to qualify for nuts. :p

This weekend is my critique writing partner's birthday and was glad to know her box o' fun arrived in time yesterday. Maybe one day I'll get to shock her and deliver the present in person. lol. That would be a hoot.

In my upcoming novella, Naughty Little Secrets, the heroine loses her red story binder and panics. In real life, my binder is black and just as naughty, except everyone knows what I'm up to when I'm nose deep scribbling in it, and tries taking a peek. ::smack:: ::smack:: lol

Once the ebook comes out, I have several fun events and contests planned, so stay tuned for more.

Until next time...

~Cass

Edits, edits, and more edits...

I recently had an aspiring author/reader email me to ask how often they should do edits before they call it a day. Sugar, you may have asked the wrong person, because a day without edits is like a day without coffee. Not happening. lol. If I'm not editing my next book, I'm editing my grocery list, or my Facebook page. I am always in some degree of edit mode.

When I'm in the throes of my latest project, I usually start mental editing after the first sentence is written. I have to continually smack my hand to keep typing instead of backspacing, or I'd never finish anything. All this editing doesn't mean my work is error-free, and that's the saddest part of being a writer. No matter how often you proof, your bff critique partner proofs, your beta readers proof, your editor proofs, you will still find something you should have changed after the damn thing goes to print...err...digital ebook. It's like a messed up quantum universal law—probably developed by someone named Murphy.

So whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner trying to get published, never fear, we all go through the same hell of editing. A good friend (who actually likes editing) suggested I try to keep focused and creatively visualize the end product—a finished book, and the book's release party. It's good advice and has helped me to see the road ahead and that there is light at the end of the proverbial tunnel.

Eeps, excuse me, looks like I better get back to my wip. My characters are getting antsy for their next scene to get edited. :-p

Until next time...

~ Cass

Running On Empty

Those of you who follow me on Facebook probably already know I've been 'running on empty' for a while. My mother, (who always prefers me to refer to her as mum), has been in and out of hospitals and nursing homes for months. She's now back in the hospital again. I want her well and healed this time, before they discharge her.

The thing is, she's weak, frail, and plumb tired—and anybody would be after almost three months of this shit. But at her age (in her 80's), tired and weak—well, it takes on a new meaning.  The problem is once they discharge her from the hospital, the drs. always discharge her to a rehab/nursing home for physical therapy and/or occupational therapy.

So, after vomiting for eight straight days, is it any wonder she doesn't feel like doing any exercise? Hell, she could barely walk before she fell back in August and got sick. And when I say walk, I mean with an assist walker. Her main way to get around used to be her motorized scooter. Yet now she is expected to walk like a 40 year old in good health, lift weights and pulleys and fuck knows what else.

Yes, I know she needs to build her strength, but can't we get her well first? I am so tired of all these places explaining to me that she has to help herself and move. Well, no fucking duh. But it's hard when you are *going both ways*, to put it delicately,  80+ years old, running a low grade temp off and on, and couldn't walk for beans before all this started.

My analogy of never playing the piano, but suddenly after really working with them in therapy, I can—just sailed over their heads I think.

The nursing home/rehab place before this last one complained of the same thing. She wouldn't cooperate and hold her head up. In the meanwhile, she ran a fever and was sick, wouldn't eat her meals, and didn't cooperate in therapy. Hmm...then they finally got a brainstorm and the nursing home dr. finally sent her to the hospital, where her real doctors could see her, and immediately said, "OMG—this woman has an inflamed and diseased gallbladder! We gotta remove it STAT! Why didn't they send her to the hospital sooner?"  Yeah, why the fuck didn't they?

After a week and a half at the hospital, they released her once more to a nursing home/rehab...to get stronger. Instead, she got sicker and weaker and the entire cycle started again, with her sick and *uncooperative* in therapy. They even mentioned it being partially behavioral. Over a week passed this last time before the exact same nursing home dr. (but at a different nursing home) finally figured something else might be wrong and sent her back to the hospital (different hospital too).

I stayed with her in ER for nine hours the other day and come to find out, she was running a low-grade temp and that after a CT scan, her diverticulitis had majorly flared up. OMG.

Today, the hospital nurses are talking to her about discharging her once more to a nursing home/rehab center for additional care—to strengthen her.

Now, I am not dissing the nursing care staff at any of these rehab/home places. I know they do the best they can with limited resources, but damn, this is getting old, ya know.  I want to break the pattern for mum and see her really improve. I can't stand watching this horrible decline.

And I gotta say if I were her, I'd be damn depressed too and not want to lift my head.

Oh—I gotta love the threat they all use on the family. "If she won't participate, we'll have to discharge her."

Okay, discharge her to where? Her home? Hmm, if she gets well, you'll discharge her home, and if she doesn't cooperate you'll discharge her home...see any difference? I say cut her the fuck loose and I'll give her the care she needs. Geezeus.

Of course, the problem there is that I am battling my own numerous health issues and my writing would have to go on a back burner indefinitely.  I'd miss my writing since that is my only real outlet for creativity, and it takes away some of the chronic pain I'm in, putting my mind in a better, healthier place. Hmm... I could share some of that natural pain-reducer (writing) and do what my mum has always wanted—write her memoirs. I bet that would get her mind off her own pain. I doubt it would ever get published, especially in this economy when the only real non-fiction sellers are autobiographies of the rich and famous—neither which can be said of my mum. Infamous possibly. At least in certain circles. :P

Ah well... I'm heading up to the hospital today to check on her. ::fingers crossed:: she is hopefully feeling better.

Until next time...
~ Cass

Daze Go By

 I am in the writing cave, feverishly working on a story that should've been finished weeks ago, but between mum in and out of hospital and other personal problems, time simply slipped away and now I am hustling my backside to recoup lost time—wah! Also kinda worried. My next youngest sister is undergoing surgery today and I am fretting about her. I keep looking at the clock and wondering when my brother-in-law or nephew will call me and tell me she's in the recovery room and okay.

Yes, my focus is divided. But deadlines are deadlines and I hate missing one, so I'd better get my mind back on my characters and stop looking at the clock. But before I go, could you help me? I need to refocus and that means I need someone to crack the whip.

Ahh, much better. lol. Thanks. :D