Monday, November 28, 2016

Book, Book, Book, Book, Book



I sometimes feel like my family, friends and pets aren’t getting enough attention. There are many times when I feel like I’m neglecting those I care about the most, or even worse, driving them nuts.

My husband and I used to have a dog named Buddy. He lived to chase or catch the tennis ball. There was nothing he enjoyed more than chasing that yellow toy, and he’d race after it until he dropped if we’d let him. Ball was the number one word on his Doggie List of Favorite Things. My husband used to say that if he could read Buddy’s mind, he’d hear, “Ball, ball, ball, ball, ball. Where’s my ball? When is my person going to throw the ball? I know I’m in my hunting stance, but I can’t help it. I’m patiently waiting. Ball, ball, ball, ball, ball.”

My husband once told me that I was just like Buddy, except if he could read my mind he’d hear, “Book, book, book, book, book.” He was right, too. I can’t help it. It’s like a disease of sorts; you can’t stop thinking about that next scene, or even the next book. Is anyone going to buy my new book? Will they like it? Will I handle the marketing and promotion the way I should? Will anyone show up for my events? Thankfully, my husband was a very patient man.

I used to be an avid reader, but I don’t have as much reading time as I used to. So I read books when I can, and in the meantime I read everything from the newspaper to blogs to cereal boxes.

As a writer I people-watch, looking at personalities and mannerisms, debating whether or not they can be used in a book, and wondering if my characters are believable. Everything makes me think of books and writing.

Then there’s my daughter. She has to listen to my ideas, whether she wants to or not. She listens when I write my blogs and tells me if something sounds, well, dumb. She listens to me talk about marketing and promotion. She checks out my website to be sure everything looks good. And, bless her heart, she tells everyone about her mother, the author. She even gives my books to friends as gifts. Thankfully, like my husband (God rest his soul), she’s a patient woman.

My relatives, in-laws and friends aren’t safe either. I share thoughts and ideas and tell them the latest tidbit about what’s been going on. Either they’re very good actors, or they actually listen. More patience.

This is almost laughable because I’m such an impatient woman.

So I frequently try to step back and think about what I’m saying and doing, for all the good it does. I’m a good listener though, even if my mind does wander from time to time. Advice is as far away as the telephone if anyone needs it. Oh, yes, I’ve got more advice I’m dying to impart than anyone could possibly need. Every once in a while someone actually listens to me. I try; my intentions are good.

Frankly, I’m astonished that none of these relatives and friends avoid me. I might be tempted if I were them. But I love each and every one of them, and I’d give them the stars if it was possible. However, I can’t, so I guess I’ll just have to muddle along as best I can, and remain thankful that the people in my life are so wonderful.

Oh, dear, it’s the holiday time of year. One of these days I’ll think up a good storyline dealing with Thanksgiving or Christmas. I have an idea, and… Nevermind. I’ll write it down somewhere for later use.

Until next time, I wish you a week filled with family and friends who understand you and who have lots of patience.

CLICK HERE to visit Marja McGraw’s website
CLICK HERE for a quick trip to Amazon.com

Looking for something to fill up those hours between work and Christmas shopping? (ha ha ha) You might give Having a Great Crime – Wish You Were Here – A Sandi Webster Mystery a try.

And don’t forget, books make great Christmas gifts.


16 comments:

  1. Marja, it's like you took the words right out of my mouth. My biggest problem is waking up in the middle of the night wondering about plot and not being able to go back to sleep, but being too tired/lazy to get out of bed to write down what I'm thinking so I'll remember it in the morning. I am writing a story right now for a young friend of mine and even that's keeping me up. Book, book, book, book, book indeed! Hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving.

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    1. It's hard to turn it off, isn't it, Amy? We eat, drink and sleep (or not) books. I hope you get a little more sleep. :) Thank you so much for stopping in!

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  2. I can relate, Marja. My best ideas come when I'm least expecting them, which is why I "try" to keep a pen and paper handy all the time.
    And, when it comes to talking about my books with people other than writers, I "try" to discipline myself. Years ago, I managed a sporting goods department. I loved my job and, according to my Dad, that's all I talked about. He made me aware that I had a problem and that's the first step. LOL

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    1. We all have something we can't stop talking about, Pat. Some things are all-consuming, but that's part of life. Try getting a little hand held recorder for those ideas. I've got one but I forget and leave it on my desk. LOL Thank you so much for stopping in!

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  3. Like Patricia and Amy, my ideas come out of nowhere and sometimes at the worst time--middle of the night as Amy said. But if I'm anywhere near my computer, I rush to it and jot my ideas down. I now have more ideas than I'll ever have time to write them although I try by writing short stories now instead of novels. Fun blog, Marja.

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    1. Thank you, Pat! I'm amazed that you can leap out of bed to type out your ideas. I just toss and turn for a while and hope my memory doesn't fail me. I enjoy short stories, and that's probably a good idea. Thank you so much for stopping in!

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  4. Yep. Even non-reading members of my family and friends hear me talk about books and writing. It's not exactly a disease but I suppose some people wish I'd find a cure or at least find other victims.

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    1. LOL I know just how you feel, John. Maybe I'm just not fast enough to see people turn and hurry away when they see me coming. Thank you so much for stopping in!

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  5. I'm beginning to think I've lost the ability to carry on a conversation at family gatherings that doesn't have to do with the latest book I'm writing. I can't tell you how many times I bit my tongue on Thanksgiving, and I managed to get through the day with only one reference to my next novel. I'm proud of myself for that, except now I wish I had said more. There doesn't seem to be a middle ground for me.

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    1. I'm laughing, Evelyn. I know just how you feel. It's difficult not to say something. Once in a while I wish someone would just ask about the books and get it over with so we don't have to keep biting our tongues. Thank you so much for stopping in!

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  6. Boy, can I relate to your post, especially the connection you made between Buddy and his tennis ball and you and your books. I can't read as much as I want to these days either and I hate that. I promise a few authors that I'll read their books here and there and I do, but I seldom get to return to other authors I used to read all of the time.

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    1. I have the same issue as you, Linda. I haven't read any of my favorite authors in quite some time. On the other hand, I've found authors whose work I really enjoy. I need to get back to reading more often, but I don't know how at this point in time. Oh well... We're having fun, right? Thank you so much for stopping in!

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  7. I'm always thinking about my current story or a blog post. I miss reading. I'm always reading something but it takes much longer than it did before I became a SERIOUS writer. But it's all fine, I'm grateful for the way things are.

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    1. Other than the loss of reading time, it's kind of fun, Maggie. I'm grateful, too. Thank you so much for stopping in!

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  8. Always enjoy your advice and never tire of listening to book ideas. Makes reading your published version more interesting. Just keep writing and this friend will be happy to say "Have you read Marja McGraw's latest book?" If they answer no I like to share a copy to get them started. Have made many new friends because of your books for which I say THANK YOU.

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    1. Ahhh, thank you, Jake! I appreciate you more than you know. Thank you so much for stopping in!

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