And the Story Goes...

I have hundreds of books on writing, how to write, what not to write, why I should write, and everyone can write. I belong to various writing groups to learn the craft and keep up with the changes in the publishing world. I bounce ideas off of fellow writers for feedback and to keep myself engaged in the process. So for years I have been working on learning everything I can on the topic.

Something happened this weekend that changed everything. I attended a seminar given by Michael Hauge, titled "Story Mastery Seminar with Michael Hauge" I do not mean for this post to read like an infomercial, but in one 8 hour presentation, I learned more than I have in all the years I have been writing, studying, networking, etc. He deftly demystified plot, the inner and outer journey of the hero, and story concept in such a way that I could not believe it had not made sense to me sooner.

If you ever get the chance to attend his seminar, go, it is well worth the money. Sure, I have attended other lectures that covered plot, GMC, and character ARC, but never in the straight forward, streamlined, logical manner as at this particular seminar.

I had purchased Mr. Hauge's Writing Screenplays That Sell prior to the seminar and it is by far the best writing reference book ever. The principles in this book easily apply to novelists. I know I will be recapturing a lot of shelf space in my house as I toss out the many books on craft that I no longer need. Onto my WIP.

And So it Blows - Not

Life As I Blow It: Tales Of Love, Life & Sex . . . Not Necessarily In That Order by Sarah Colonna
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Okay, so my reading tastes are all over the place, I blame that on cereal boxes being my introduction to the literary world as a kid.

I will usually pick up a light-hearted book to quiet my mind and this book did just that. I am a huge Chelsea Handler fan and therefore know of Sarah Colonna as a writer of Chelsea Lately. I enjoy her as a participant on the roundtable and like her humor, so I expected this book to display what I see on the show and it does.

It is a typical coming of age and to what she is doing now story. Nothing shocking but it was interesting following her journey from Arkansas to Los Angeles. Sarcasm runs rampant throughout the book so if you do not find sarcasm humorous, this book may not be for you. If you do embrace sarcasm then you will be nodding your head and smiling as you read to the end, wanting to know what she is doing this weekend so you can read about it and laugh while emptying a glass of wine.

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Unbelievable!

I am exhausted so this will be a short post. The handheld game pictured on the left is the reason for my exhaustion. For years I have bought this game as a gift every time someone I know moved into a new home. Apparently, it has been awhile since I have purchased one because I was unaware that this item has been discontinued.

Horrified, I began numerous Internet searches sure that I could find one. Oh yeah, I did. A new, never been used ranges from $145.00 to $225.00. Foolish me put money into the stock market instead of scapping these up and hoarding them until a Yahtzee addict needed a fix. Used models average $55.00. Upon learning this I gently examined the last two units in my house. There was a moment I considered putting at least one up on eBay but quickly banished the thought from my head. Sadness crept over me as I realized my beloved handheld Yahtzee games may be nearing their life expectancy and therefore extinction.

I can only hope that a retro version will be issued sometime within the next 20 years and that my two will last until then. Of course by that time, my vision will be so bad that I may not be able to see the screen but I will hoard them for the next black market opportunity.