I like today's prompt so decided to go with it...

As far back as I can remember, I've had a thing for horses.  I remember reading Black Beauty and all the Black Stallion books over and over and over. If a book had a horse in it, I read it.

I finally managed to talk family into a pony after we moved to the country when I was 9. We had ponies for a couple years, we grew and they didn't so they were re-homed to smaller kids. 

There were a few years when I didn't have a horse but I eventually got one. He wasn't really mine so got sold (long, sad, story) and it wasn't until I settled after basic training that I purchased my own horse. He was a character and I love him still even though with life issues involved in moving so often in the military, I gave him to a family who had a teenage daughter who needed a horse of her own.  

Shortly after we married, my hubby reenlisted and used his bonus to buy me a 6-month-old Thoroughbred colt. His parents were actually real race horses on the Florida track. We we living in Florida at time and I intended to train and race him.  But, the military had other plans and shipped us to Guam for 2 years and I couldn't afford to have him "professionally" trained so he grew up with some friends while I was gone.

But back to childhood dreams.  My plan to was attend a famous "horse school" and learn everything about horses.  How to ride fancy, and not so fancy...all the care stuff, and of course training.  Things didn't work out and I ended up in the military.  And honestly, I don't regret the military decision. I wouldn't be who I am today.

After retiring, more life happened and I just never got another.  I've thought about it many times, but I look at the practical and know for me, right now, horses are just not in the big picture.

That said, one day, when I have a granddaughter...if she wants a horse...you can bet I'll be taking her horse shopping. 

Oh, I also wanted to be a criminal psychologist but then Manson went all Helter Skelter and I realized I'd have to work with beings like him and changed my plans.

Sorry this is so long but...one thing that remained constant throughout my childhood was telling stories. I didn't realize it could be done by "regular" people. I thought writers were special, elite persons.  But here I am, all these years later...writing and telling stories.

Confession time...I'm not one for serious organization. My desk is a prime example of that. Piles and piles of stuff but I know, for the most part, what is in each pile.  And I'm not one for a strict schedule either. I have a "sorta" routine but I'm flexible. I still get things done, and it works for me.

That said, these last two days, I've had no routine. I've not even had a schedule of any sorts. Hubby has been home from work so that means breakfast and lunch for him. Plus he tends to be a distraction. He left for work about 30 minutes ago so I'm in catch-up mode.

Thing is, I've got to get in a more scheduled day. I've got another major distraction coming soon and there must be routine and structure to the day.

Any structure/routine setting tips?  I love the "eat the frog first" analogy, though I don't always take that advice. Share your favorite ideas....please!

I'm not a grammar snob. In fact, you'll notice I tend to use a lot of ellipsis's when I don't really need them. I just like them...they work. And I'm okay with some folks not liking how I use them....  Notice the extra . since it's the end of a sentence. :-)  I also use emojis in blog posts, which is supposed to be a no-no. I use words like puter, cause, (without the ' showing I left off the be.) and sometimes, I forget or ignore the Oxford Comma, especially in blog posts.  I mean, blogs are less formal. I think blogs, for the most part, are a way for people to get to know each other. Sure, there are informative blogs out  there that need to be formal and proper, but this isn't one of them.

That said, using that when you should use who, bothers me.  And the book I'm editing now does that a lot.  I mean, almost all the time.

So, here's the rule. 

If you are speaking of a person or group of people - use who.
If you are speaking of a thing or animal - use that.

Simple. Easy. 

Unless...you are specifically treating a person with disdain, as a non-human, then you can use that.  For example, "Max is the jerk that married Jim's daughter."  Just be deliberate about it. 

What is your grammar peeve?   Share and be entered to win stuff. See contest post for more details.

​Here's a picture of Watson out in the snow. He really liked it and didn't want to come in.

Snow! That's right...cold, frozen, white bits of evil, falling from the sky.  That's what they say is going to happen in our area. Possibly 3 inches of the foul stuff. I'm hoping they are misinformed and we don't get any. In fact, I'm ready for summer and a trip to the beach.

Personally, I like snow. I like it to come, stay a day or two, then go away. And when we get snow here in our part of Texas, that's what it does. 

Here's the problem. Most people in our area have no clue how to handle snow and ice. Just the mention of winter weather sends most everyone to the store  for milk, bread, cereal, poptarts, water, and all sorts of "emergency" rations.  And, that leaves the store shelves bare for at least a week for those of us who don't make the mad rush.

And driving...oh my. I think the drivers become even more dangerous. Look, white stuff on the road, let's see how fast we can go.  It's like they turn crazy. It's already scary driving here but most Texas drivers have no business on the road with snow and ice.

What about you? Are you involved in winter?  Are you enjoying it? 

Oh...the snowman in the above picture was built by my kids about 7 years ago. And yep, in Texas, our snowmen wear cowboy hats. 

It's been one of those days...I took a nap after church instead of blogging so I'm just going to remind you about the contest.

​At the end of this month, I'll be giving away...

An autographed copy of one of my books...winner's choice.
A "Let There Be Light" Zox Imperial Band 
Chocolate...again, winner's choice.

To be entered, all you need to do is comment on  the blog during the month.  Each comment will get you one entry.

If you share, that will get you another entry.

Also, if you'll leave your email address for our quarterly (or less) newsletter, that will get you another entry. 

A random winner will be drawn on February 1st.  

  The world of publishing is a world filled those (I won't call them people.) who only want to take advantage of writers. From editors, publishers, and marketing "experts" there is a scam for ever aspect of publishing. And not only new writers get taken in, not so novice ones do too.

The best place I know to find info on publishing scams is WriterBeware.  There is also a blog to go with them. And a Facebook page.

Spend time there before spending any money on the publishing process. Losing hard-earned money to a slimeball isn't fun.

You can also Google, it's a wonderful way to get info.

I know the drive to get published. It often makes us blind to the scams and not so nice things out there.  Take a deep breath, step back, and study things a bit. Don't get scammed.

​

,Do you have a plan? Or do you just wing it? 

I'm sure you have a general idea of the things you need to accomplish each day, but do you have a plan to get those things done? I mean, without a specific plan, even if it's just a to-do list, things sometimes don't get done that really need to be.

I have to admit, I'm not a big planner. I've been winging it for a long time. I get most things done though occasionally something will slip through the crack of my busy day. And I usually remember just about the time I fall asleep.  Big sigh here. :-)

That said, one thing I'm working on this year is to be more deliberate. To be more organized. I don't mind being organized, it's the "getting" organized I dislike. 

I'm looking at several action planners. Trying to find one that works for me or that I can tweak a bit. I'm a big tweaker. 

Here's some things my daily action planner will include.

Personal enrichment time - If I want to grow as a person, I need to continue to learn. Things like marketing, how to make the best use of social media, and of course, how to improve my writing.

Family time - I need to be deliberate and make time to spend with my family.

Fitness time - I sit at the computer most of the day so I need to be reminded to get up and move.

Me time - This is time to relax, maybe read some for fun or play a quick game on the puter. 

Spiritual time - We all need to do something for our "spirit"  and maybe I'll add in some meditation.

What would you add to the list? 

If you are into planners, check out Productive Flourishing. He has Action Planners, planners for blogging, and several others. Plus, they are free.

I'm not sure when or why this stacking of rocks became a thing, or even who thought it would be a great idea to stack rocks to begin with, but sometimes it's kinda cool.  And often the finished "stack" is a work of art.  

I've been doing some pondering and realized life if like a stack of rocks. Everyday we add another rock to our stack. Sometimes it tumbles down and we have to start over. Sometimes the time and place isn't right for that particular rock. Sometimes we need another rock for support.

The most important thing, I think, is to have a firm foundation. Without a firm foundation, our stack of rocks will fall. Sooner or later...it will fall.  And our life is like that too.  We need a firm foundation.  I'm not gonna get all preachy but think about what you are building your life on.  Is it solid and steady and truth?

Another thing needed in rock stacking and life is persistence. If we don't persist, then our rock stack will never get built. And our lives will stagnant. We won't be happy or fulfilled. 

I know it is hard to persist in the face of obstacles. But, as  Andy Andrews says in The Traveler's Gift, we must persist without exception. If we do, we will find a way over those obstacles and create a life that has meaning and joy.

So, today...think about the foundation you are stacking your rocks on. And persist...without exception. 

I LOVE writing books. Like seriously love them. I have so many books on all different aspects of writing that it isn't even funny.  Here's a couple of my favorites...

The Writer's Journey by Christopher Vogler.  This is the hero's journey and every writer needs to read this at least once...and study it. In fact, I need to read it again...just because it is so good.

The Story Grid by Shawn Coyne.  This is a recent favorite and a seriously good read. He also has a great podcast. I love how he breaks down several different novels so that we can see how they are put together and why they work.

Save the Cat by Blake Snyder. This is a book on screenwriting but many of the principles apply to novels. And besides, when your book is optioned for a movie, who can do a better job writing the screenplay than the author. :-)

Anything  by James Scott Bell.  I  highly recommend his Plot & Structure. I really like Just Write, too.  

How to Write the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass.  I love this and the workbook that goes with it.  I cyber-stalked Mr. Maass for a while, but don't tell him. I'd so love him as my agent.

Got any favorite writing books? Share in the comments and be entered to win a book, chocolate and Zox band.  Click here for more info.

Today has been one of those days. So much to do and seems like not enough time to do it. I've been on the go since about 8 this morning. So, here it is after 2 in the afternoon and no blog post. And with so much going on in my head about things I need to get done, no ideas for one either.

That said, distractions are annoying. From the distracted driver texting or doing their hair/makeup/eating...which could be serious, to the phone ringing while we try to work type distraction...which could cause us to misspell our name on a submission to a publisher...sigh. 

How do you deal with distractions? Do you have a quiet place to work or must you deal with TV, kids, pets, phone, etc? At one time, I had a home office. It was so nice. Sure, I still had distractions, but they weren't near like now. Now, my desk is in the corner of our living room so I see almost everything...and hear it. The dogs want in or out, the kids  or hubby needs something, it tends to get frustrating.

Which is one reason I love to work at night. Once the house is quiet, kids and hubby asleep, the critters sacked out on the couch, and no TV or phone calls.

When the kids were younger and we had no wifi, I'd take my laptop to my room and writer first thing in the morning. The rule was, no 500 words, no internet.  Sometimes I wish I could go back to the no-wifi days since internet is such a huge distraction. I mean, right now, I have 9 tabs open.

So, what is your biggest distraction? How do you combat it? When is your most productive time? 

** Remember, if you comment, you'll be entered to win some cool stuff.  Also, subscribing to my newsletter will get you another entry.  Drawing will be Feb. 1 so comment a lot for a better chance to win.