Samhain Publishing Ltd. Weblog

The Power of Words

Recently, I found an article on the internet about Peter Mark Roget. I’m embarrassed to say I knew nothing of the man other than he wrote Roget’s Thesaurus. It seems his entire family was plagued with mental illnesses, from simple depression to possible schizophrenia and paranoia. An uncle slit his own throat while Roget struggled to take the razor away.

WRITING - HOBBY OR CAREER -- And Birthdays

Recently I received an e-mail from a friend telling me how sorry she was that I’d broken my ankle and couldn’t work this summer. She ended her e-mail with “at least you have your “hobby” to keep you occupied.”

HOBBY? I’ve never looked at my writing career as a hobby and it shocked me that others did. The dictionary definition of a hobby – an activity engaged in for pleasure and relaxation during spare time.

GOOD OR BAD?

I’ve always written one book at time. Now I think I’ve created a monster…well actually six monsters. I have three stories in progress. I write a chapter for my Reno gambling/serial killer book, and then a scene for my hero and heroine on the lam from both the bad guys and the FBI.

If I spend too long on my Reno story, the librarian, who writes erotica on the side, whines, “It’s my turn.”

Not to be outdone, the horror author who wants the erotica writing librarian to live in a haunted house with him says, “Hey! What about me. You haven’t paid any attention to me in over a week.”

Sometimes they get so obnoxious I demand they leave me alone.

“Who are you talking to, honey?” my husband asks from the other room.

“Myself,” I quickly answer. No sense letting him know I’m crazier than he already suspects.

I’m locked into these three books. Although this method delays completion of a manuscript, on the brighter side I’ll have three novels ready at approximately the same time. Once they’re complete, I’m hoping to go back to my old ways—one story at a time.

I’d love to hear from others who do this dance.

HAPPY READING AND HAPPY WRITING

Pam Champagne
www.pamchampagne.net

WRITING BLUES

The weight of winter means more to me than the four feet of snow on my roof. I’m not writing, and I’ve decided to blame it on winter sitting on my shoulders. Simple writer’s block? I’m not sure. The ideas, scenes and characters churn in my head twenty-four/seven.

Unfortunately, every time I sit at the computer, I discover numerous other projects needing my immediate attention. Writing a blog I promised someone. Critiquing someone’s chapter. By the way, this excuse works time and time again. Oh! I can’t put off one more day updating my website. Have to check all the groups’ digests to see what I’ve been missing.

When I finally settle down, I open one of five WIP’s. Before I know it, three hours have passed. I’ve edited the first chapter…for the fifth time. What’s wrong with me? I know where the story’s going. Why isn’t it getting there?

I feel guilty blaming winter. It’s my favorite season. It’s always been my most productive time of year.

Is there such a thing as a writer’s shrink? I might need one.

This quote says it all:

“I have spent my days stringing and unstringing my instrument while the song I came to sing remains unsung.” Rabindranath Tagore 1913

Ideas, anyone? Suggestions? Empathy? At this point, I’m grasping at straws.

Pam Champagne
WHERE PASSION AND DANGER COLLIDE
Samhain Publishing
Bed of Lies 2008 EPPIE FINALIST
The Enchanted Inn
Wild Rose Press
Dead Heat – In Print
Bridge of Hope -Available Now
pamchampagnenews-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
www.pamchampagne.net

A DAY FOR GIVING THANKS

Thanksgiving happens to be my favorite holiday. A day where friends and families get together with no presents to contend with. Just pure and simple enjoyment. I can look back on many Christmases that weren’t happy occasions, but never a Thanksgiving.

Curious I did a bit of research and found myself enthralled with the wealth of information available.

Did you know…