Photoshop Drawing. Copyright 2011 Totsymae
Last week, I re-connected with a gentleman from my writers’ group. I can’t even remember why I discontinued?but I wanna say the busyness of work kept me from attending the critiques. Maybe it was the cost of gas. Maybe I didn’t like what somebody said. Shit, I can’t even remember anymore. It could’ve well been a combination of all those things and more than likely, that’s the case. I never have one single reason for any decision I make. There has to be more than one to make me for or against something. I’d at least like to think I’m deliberate that way most times.
Anyhow. This gentleman is from the UK and he’s got all these crazy degrees and it just so happens he’s got himself a PhD in Linguistics Studies. Now, I don’t say that to brag or anything. It’s his degree, not mine. I say all that to tell you how intimidated I was in going to my first critique a few years ago and it so happened that after I got my act together, this guy was my biggest support and mentor for my writing. It tripped me out ’cause he was looking for voice and what you’ve been reading here is what I ended up with. Well, the excerpts will give you a much better feel for the direction of my writing. When I write general stuff here, I’m just cuttin’ a rug, okay?
Well, I’m resuming my meetings and hope?to continue until my novel is complete. I need that push and on reflection, saw how much progress I made with the help of the group. Shit. (Look of horror as I hear music of terror.) I hope I can afford the gas…Hmm…
Anyhow. This is also my way of getting out among folk who aspire to what I want in their own way. Last month, I joined Atlanta Writers’ Club and it’s full of rich talent and resources. And to be honest, there’s no one else I could?consult who?would understand that desire to write. I’m working on some illustrations now for a script writer and other than her, she’s my only connection to anyone creative. And then there’s you, of course but I need to physically congregate. Know what I mean?
Why am I telling you this? The hell if I know…Damn, I hate when I do that…I don’t have anything else to say to you, I guess. I suppose what you can take from it is that if you’re aspiring to anything, it’s important to stay connected to those who are willing to support your efforts.
So, you’ll get a little more or Beatrice from Apt 7B than usual. Since I took to the flu last week, I’m running a few sketches behind on my book but I shall have to do the overtime. Hang in there with me, folks. If you’ve taken to Beatrice already, you’ll find her a little more interesting as she makes more appearances.
Good Day.
I'm an artist who's writing,mothering, blogging and doing a few other things under the sun. I buy toilet paper 99.9% of every trip I make to the grocery store. I'm a people watcher, so I know you're here but drop me a line anyway.
I think you’re both fabulous and I’m glad you’re starting to feel better. I know what you mean about communing in person. There’s an immediacy that we just don’t have on line. Plus it’s easier to get across what you mean to say when you don’t have to worry about punctuation and spelling.
Thanks. Bea would gush all over herself to hear that.
Yep, I need some live interaction.
Totsy, I”m glad you are going back to the group thing. You are a marvelous writer and I think the feedback will be invaluable to you as you continue. That man probably likes you cause you are damned pretty too!
Thanks, Linda.
Would be nice to be in the mix and all again. I don’t think he likes me of that kinda nature. He’s a nice fella and a married one. I strongly value his perspective though.
Looking so forward to it. Glad you are feeling better, Tots. Can’t be going and being sick for all the holiday foolishness. xxx
Thank you. I’m glad to be feeling better too. Still seems a strain to talk for some reason. Getting there slowly but getting there still.
Have not been getting your notifications
I haven’t been blogging too much lately, Carl. I did hear of some funny business with my name not showing up but maybe that’ll change soon. I’m not sure what to do about it myself.
That never happens to me when I go shopping.
Did I mention shopping? Hmmm…
No, I mean in the video when the things start dancing on the shelf.
Keep it all coming!
And I Bea is getting dressed for you good folk.
You may not have had anything to say, but you said it well. I’d encourage you to pursue your writing.
Thanks. I feel a transition coming, as I’ve gotten a tad busy and bored with the blogging as it is now.
Feel better Totsy and good luck with the book. My writing is taking precedence over blogging too, but I don’t want to lose contact with my blogging buddies. I think people who get a rise from you in one way or the other are often the people you learn the most from and should stay in contact with. What do you learn from people just like you who think the same way as you? Being in Atlanta seems like the perfect location for great writing groups. I live in the darn woods practically. But it’s peaceful.
Feeling much better. Thanks.
What do I learn? Not a whole lot really. Just reminders really. But I’m mostly trying to put into practice what I already know. I can’t handle much else of anything new at the moment.
I’m glad you’re feeling better and ready to re-join. I look forward to reading your published novel, but in the meantime, I sure enjoy your rug-cuttin’.
Thank you. Bea shall cut a rug in my place. Although she thinks she’s classier than me.
I understand the need to commune with real live people now and again, to touch humans, to interact. Good for you! I love both you and Ms B so bring it on, both y’all.
Feel better too, don’t push yourself.
Bea is ready and armed with a lotta gossip and full of surprises. Get ready.
Totsy, Good luck with the novel. I know how hard it is to write a book, whether memoir or novel, so I applaud you for returning to yours. Glad you’re feeling better. Being sick sucks.
Thanks. It’s hard work indeed and I need all the help I can get. Thus, I am blogging less now and maybe that downtime of being ill knocked some sense into me.
Tots,
Xx
glad you reconnected w/ your writing group. Keep writing that novel, Girl!
Can’t wait to read your book, Totsy. I envy you your rich, authentic, cut-the-crap voice.
Totsymae,
Excellent! I find wish that I had some live folk to “commune” with for all the reasons you stated. Maybe, I’m a wee bit slow but the idea never occurred to me. Instead, I crab all the time about the lack of writers in my circle. It seems I need to find something else to gripe about. Happy writing!!