tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84517681421160832392012-01-27T15:19:16.408-07:00This is a writer's journey as he strives for literary excellence.Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.comBlogger3991100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-71348170828444847612012-01-25T07:38:00.000-07:002012-01-25T07:38:24.807-07:00

I am severely late (by two days) on this post, and I'm incredibly sorry.  If it counts though, I'm working through an ugly cold and I could probably get a note from my mom. In any event, our own wonderful Kate has put forth the topic for this round: Post pictures, songs, movie clips, poems, or novel excerpts that make you feel. Feel what, you ask? Feel anything. Happy. Sad. Angry. Nostalgic.

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-85900417516019032532012-01-13T22:20:00.002-07:002012-01-13T22:20:52.187-07:00

It's Blog Chain time, and our own talented contributor Jon has posed the following: Imagine the home(s) where you grew up, and start drawing a floor plan. As you draw, memories will surface. Grab onto one of those memories and tell us a story. Here's my go at it: As I reach the driveway, I glance up at make-shift rim and wooden backboard.  I can't count how many times I've lost a game of

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-24925292711778008372012-01-11T20:58:00.002-07:002012-01-11T20:58:39.660-07:00

As I work through tightening up the characters in my WiP, I have stumbled on an unexpected twist.  My two main characters (Trevor and Mara) are a romantic couple waiting to happen.  And I'm not really sure how to get them there. See, when I first created Trevor I did not envision him falling for Mara.  I guess I was so focused on telling his part in the story that I didn't think about the

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-58518878197724355692012-01-10T11:13:00.001-07:002012-01-11T06:55:58.357-07:00

Yep, you read that title correctly.  Thanks to the awesome Beth Revis, I've finally decided to join the Twitter masses.  I had been holding off because I had been worried about how much time I might spend (not writing) on Twitter.  But today there is an event going on that I just don't want to miss. Beth is launching her second book (A Million Suns) today and I didn't want to miss out on all

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-5897695007904396742012-01-04T16:59:00.003-07:002012-01-04T17:00:13.102-07:00

   Happy New Year to everyone.Even though we're a few days into the new year, I decided to wait until now to put up my first post of the year.  I decided to change how the Muse looks just because I felt like switching to something new.  I also decided to make my post for the Insecure Writer's Support Group the one that starts this year off. I recently got the last critique from my critique

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-27489332908564006432011-12-23T07:55:00.001-07:002011-12-23T07:55:01.937-07:00

I can hear Travis groaning from here.  Yes, I am stretching this holiday out as far as I can.  As I've said before, I love this time of year and I'll make up a day (like Christmas Eve-Eve) if that allows me to revel in the holiday spirit. And though I haven't exactly been active on the blog (particularly in the latter half of this year), I'm going to be on hiatus until after New Years.  I've got

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-37223309043771664612011-12-22T07:32:00.001-07:002011-12-22T07:32:34.231-07:00

One of the best aspects of this season is the reminders I get all the time.  The reminders that I lead a blessed life.  For example, yesterday I was driving into work and came upon an accident scene.  A volkswagon bug was literally in flames with the firefighters fervently working to put it out.  Another car was pulled over down the way, the rear end crumpled.  My first thought was to pray that

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-70760189682843010932011-12-13T16:00:00.001-07:002011-12-13T16:42:34.286-07:00

Today I have the pleasure of interviewing the talented author Travis Erwin.  Travis recently published his hilariously enjoyable book The Feedstore Chronicles, and I can vouch for how awesome this book is.  The Feedstore Chronicles is a coming-of-age memoir, based on Travis' days working for (as he puts it) the most morally bankrupt man he's ever met.  While the book does involve topics of a

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-62973718469962275822011-12-11T09:18:00.001-07:002011-12-11T09:46:45.637-07:00

I'm a day late, but it's Blog Chain time. This round is brought to us by the talented Tere, who asks: What conditions do you need to get your writing done? Closed door, crowded coffee house? Computer or notebook? Can you just sit down to write, or do you need to wait for time to be right? For me, it isn't about peace and quiet as much as it's about focus. I have no problem listening to

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-76408335247809735532011-12-05T20:03:00.001-07:002011-12-05T20:47:53.152-07:00

Wow, where do I start? Between crazy work days, issues when I'm supposed to be off work, and a weekend filled with a fever of 102 degrees, I can safely say my life is way too crazy.  Oh, and did I mention our server room at work caught on fire on Sunday?  Just when you think things are at their worst, they actually do get worse. Of course on the good side, my fever is gone and it's the

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-43105444633529609902011-11-24T14:54:00.001-07:002011-11-24T14:54:05.568-07:00

Thanksgiving is always an interesting holiday for me.  On the one hand, I love being around family, carving the turkey, and just relaxing with everyone. I'm an oddity though, because most of the foods associated with traditional Thanksgiving are foods I'd rather not be eating.  For example, I'm not a huge turkey fan.  I'll eat it, but it's not my favorite.  I don't eat stuffing whatsoever.  And

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-70654085295828934972011-11-21T16:14:00.001-07:002011-11-21T16:55:02.011-07:00

Just when you think it's going to be another Monday, you get cheered up by something unexpected.  Thanks to Glynis Smy, I'm the recipient of: Glynis even went through the extra effort of making the badge more masculine for us guys.  How cool is that?  This was just the thing I needed to pick me up, pull me out of my sick and tired life.  Since I believe in passing on my good fortune, I'll

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-15480103267893453192011-11-18T13:18:00.001-07:002011-11-18T13:37:08.903-07:00

If anyone's been wondering where I've been over the last week, I'll clue you in.  Between a severe cold my son shared with me (thanks, ya punk) and an email disaster at work, I've been sick AND working 70+ hours over the past week.  In fact, last night was the first night I got more than 2 hours of sleep in about 3 days (I think.  Times and events are really hazy at this point).  As I look over

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-29935553980523762022011-11-12T17:23:00.001-07:002011-11-12T17:49:31.707-07:00

I'm severely late in posting this, but it's Blog Chain time and my awesome crit partner Michelle Hickman has asked this round's question: This is the month in creating writing goals and big accomplishments.  What is your greatest accomplishment - in writing, your life, or perhaps something incidental that that had a big effect on you? When I thought about this question, the first thing that

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-53855861352208148632011-11-08T16:39:00.001-07:002011-11-08T16:39:30.602-07:00

Just one good event can raise you above the  bad.

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-31282079613926625932011-11-07T20:34:00.000-07:002011-11-07T20:34:26.313-07:00

As I indicated in my last post, I'm still learning how hard writing can be.  And while I still consider myself a dedicated pantster (which is an oxymoron of sorts), I'm finding out how bass-ackwards I've done things in some respects.  Yep, in some ways my WiP is begging for a little structure. For example, I'm working through my WiP and I've realized (thanks to an awesome crit partner) how

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-8821948848971729742011-11-03T21:40:00.001-06:002011-11-03T21:40:23.161-06:00

If I've ever questioned how hard writing is, this latest phase of editing and improving my WiP has convinced me conclusively.  It cracks me up then, when I watch movies like Romancing The Stone. If you've never seen this movie from the mid-80's, it's not bad in a general sense.  There's one part however, that cracks me up now that I've become a writer.  Near the end of the movie, the main

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-46937485567445923852011-11-02T12:38:00.001-06:002011-11-02T12:53:24.171-06:00

I joined the Insecure Writers Support Group recently and today is our scheduled post.  Insecurity is something I'm facing big time lately, though I don't have a really good reason why.  It started as an indescribeable funk and spiraled down from there.  I've tried reading blogs by all my fav authors and aspiring authors, but although I love reading it all, I don't feel less insecure. Not too

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-62090786840579672942011-10-27T18:11:00.000-06:002011-10-27T18:11:49.879-06:00

This round of the blog chain is awesome because it's just the right topic at just the right time.  That ever-talented Matt has challenged us with this fun question: What is your all-time favorite monster? You can take this in any direction you'd like. For example: my most bad-ass monster would easily be a dragon, and it is my favorite in some ways, but you don't have to go with that kind of

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-46816985443118921982011-10-25T07:36:00.001-06:002011-10-25T07:36:48.407-06:00

I'm sure everyone is tired of this genre, but I need some assistance from all you well-read writers.  My son's 18th birthday is tomorrow and I would like to get him a book to read in addition to all the other non-literary stuff he wants. Since he is a huge fan of zombies and the grim reaper, I was hoping one of you would know a decent book (that isn't a comic book) involving this subject matter.

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-44891631642381765602011-10-24T19:11:00.001-06:002011-10-24T19:55:07.341-06:00

My loving wife and kids bought me a Galaxy Tab for Father's Day and I initially had thought it would make a convenient way to write in bed (as opposed to lugging my laptop up here).  I picked up a bluetooth keyboard, but unfortunately it didn't work out too well.  Because it had to transmit the data wirelessly between keyboard and device, there was a huge slowdown in performance.  Since I'm not

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-24299312261719188622011-10-20T21:32:00.000-06:002011-10-20T21:32:57.864-06:00

Despite my reservations at the latest Blog Chain post, I found I had a lot to think about.  One thing I've always tried to teach my sons is to not allow fear to paralyze them from doing anything.  And here I am being hypocritical about my own fear.  Specifically, my fear of putting my work out there (my real work, not the off-the-cuff stuff I toss up on this blog). After all the advice in the

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-24678672527014433352011-10-16T21:16:00.000-06:002011-10-16T21:16:31.451-06:00

It's time for another round of the Blog Chain, brought to you by the talented Sarah Bromley who asks: Do you work with critique partners? How did you find your crit pals and what influence have they had on your work? The fact that I'm posting this late in the evening should give some indication of just how hesitant I am to answer.  Honestly, I've really had to give this one some thought because I

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-826825370710048702011-10-12T16:08:00.000-06:002011-10-12T16:08:30.859-06:00

Yeah, my last post was a mistake.  Not two days after that, we had ANOTHER issue with email and I worked hard to get it resolved.  To say this has been a hellish couple of weeks is an understatement.  Last night I had to work until midnight writing a Root Cause Analysis document, knowing all the time that the true root cause is not one my management wants to admit to.  After all, it was truly

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-72479694533104971672011-10-07T15:47:00.000-06:002011-10-07T15:47:22.053-06:00

Two days after my last post, we had a hard drive fill up on one of our email servers.  Although it was preventable through the careful use of mailbox limits, appropriate mail server usage, and limits on attachment sizes, our wonderful executive management doesn't believe in such silly notions. Needless to say, after working 75 hours over the last two weeks, I can finally raise my head and say

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-54521101164495989952011-09-30T07:54:00.000-06:002011-09-30T07:54:27.096-06:00

Did that title catch your attention? In case you haven't heard, evidently Stephen King has been working on a sequel to The Shining. He's taking the little boy and telling the tale of where this guy is at age 40. And for some reason, he's decided the story includes vampire pirates who live together in a group called The Tribe, led by a woman named Rose The Hat. I'm not making this stuff up

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-60058630924847907482011-09-29T17:36:00.001-06:002011-10-02T18:19:22.470-06:00

We're back for another round of the blog chain and today's question is brought to you by the letter S...er...okay, by that ever-amazing Shaun Hutchinson, who asks: What are three books you would tell people that they need to keep reading even if they aren't immediately sucked in by the first page? This has been truly difficult for me to answer.  I mean I really agonized over coming up with an

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-86364403864898903782011-09-29T16:47:00.000-06:002011-09-29T16:47:56.890-06:00

No, you don't have to watch a bad Britney Spears video.  But in case you're wondering why I've been absent so long, it's because I did what ever respectable IT guy does to their own laptop - I hosed it up so good that it wouldn't boot up. I've been meaning to put Linux on my laptop for some time now since so many of the security tools I use in school rely on that operating system.  Unfortunately,

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-10388739424486105642011-09-21T20:11:00.000-06:002011-09-21T20:11:49.391-06:00

My oldest son is taking a creative writing class during his last year in high school and the teacher gave them an interesting assignment.  They were instructed to write a small snippet. a poem, or something similar that described who they are inside.  Sort of opening the window into their mind, letting their peers have a peek.  My son is more reclusive than most and he also has quite different

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-84431578551192733202011-09-09T12:37:00.002-06:002011-09-09T12:46:26.845-06:00

It's time for another edition of the Blog Chain.  Today's prompt is brought to us by the inspiring Christine, who has switched things up a bit.  Knowing how much we enjoy being creative (hopefully this is true of all writers), she asks that we write a snippet based on the following: Since we are all writer's, I thought it was about time for us to stretch our creative muscles and do a little

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-14956867675431576432011-09-01T17:48:00.000-06:002011-09-01T17:48:14.492-06:00

Since this is my Friday (it's a furlough day - thanks a lot, you idiots that couldn't balance the budget properly), I figure I might as well provide everyone with a laugh or two.  The following Weird Al Yankovic video should tickle just about everyone's funny bone - especially all of us that check email throughout the day, only to sigh at the mountain of spam that gets forwarded to us.  Anyway,

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-56258532431519994012011-08-31T18:55:00.000-06:002011-08-31T18:55:15.695-06:00

The contest for Davin Malasarn's book The Wild Grass is now concluded.  Before I announce the winners, I just want to thank everyone for stopping by.  And more importantly, I want to give a HUGE thanks to Davin for allowing all of us a glimpse into your world.  The two individuals who have won a copy of your book get a nice bonus! So without further ado, the winners are......(imagine a drum roll)

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-63323146577973910222011-08-28T11:21:00.000-06:002011-08-28T11:21:18.050-06:00

Yesterday I joined a memorial ride for the flight crews whose lives were taken on 9/11.  It was a 100 mile ride with no stops.  I rode through rain, over slick roads, surrounded by 150-200 bikers who have ridden all their lives.  In the end, we returned to the Colorado National Speedway where the day had begun, only to ride right on the track, do a few laps, and be part of the memorial ceremony.

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-12835115996496284622011-08-23T22:35:00.000-06:002011-08-23T22:35:44.869-06:00

Today I'm honored to present an in-depth interview with Davin Malasarn.  For those unfamiliar with Davin, he's one of the talented trio working diligently at The Literary Lab.  Davin recently self-published his book The Wild Grass and after reading it myself, I just had to learn more about this awesome writer.  I've always been a fan of Davin, but reading through his collection of short stories

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-85170629539535827232011-08-22T09:00:00.001-06:002011-08-22T09:01:18.765-06:00

If anyone caught how many times I had to re-edit and re-post the last entry, you'll know what I mean when I say I'm taking on too much these days.  It's just a symptom of the problem, which is that I'm overburdened.  On my plate currently is two jobs (IT Support and article writing/editing), a Masters degree program, trying to become a proficient writer, and of course being a decent husband and

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-55932210491459954132011-08-22T08:20:00.004-06:002011-08-23T15:11:33.475-06:00

The fact that today's blog chain entry is a day late is just one more sign that I'm taking on too much these days and need a break.  I'll have more on that in another post momentarily, but right now it's time to get back on the blog chain.  That's right, we're back and we have a number of new members.  If you're a longtime reader of our chain, you'll find something new in the contributions of

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-57169753247893543782011-08-18T16:10:00.002-06:002011-08-18T17:47:31.721-06:00

If you've been living under a rock (or maybe just not reading any blogs lately), you may not know that WriteOnCon has been going on.  It's basically a writers convention on the 'Net.  And it's FREE!  Oh, and I hope they don't mind me putting their logo up on this post.  I had nothing to do with making it, but it's pretty cool. I've been following along where I can and reading what I can, but it

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-63129451331112364582011-08-10T20:27:00.001-06:002011-08-10T20:29:06.667-06:00

As you can see from the image, I'm currently making my way through Oscar Wilde's book The Picture Of Dorian Gray.  Interestingly enough, I'm reading it on my tablet in electronic form despite my previous inclinations to avoid e-readers.  It's not quite the same as holding the physical book for me, but it's good enough.  And downloading the book for free (legally even) isn't too bad either. As

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-25393434535978742572011-08-05T16:36:00.000-06:002011-08-05T16:36:28.696-06:00

Although this isn't the official video for the song, I like it.  The song is Tidal Wave by Owl City, and it's just one of those songs that hits a nerve with me (in a good way).  The last verse particularly echoes a lot of what I think goes through our minds as we writers struggle against doubt and fear. After yesterday's soapbox post, I thought it appropriate to put up something that hopefully

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-28486045992191045942011-08-04T21:14:00.000-06:002011-08-04T21:14:07.926-06:00

After commenting on two separate blogs, I realize that this issue is something that really bothers me.  What I'm referring to is when the race of a given character is altered in order to (I assume this is the purpose) show that all races are present at all echelons in society, no matter what time era is being depicted. Two recent examples of this are the upcoming comic book movies The Avengers

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-28091597851441933652011-08-03T21:48:00.001-06:002011-08-03T22:17:06.349-06:00

A fellow blogger had something to say that really resonated with me (thanks Windy).  She was talking about how plotting and planning isn't as fun for us pantsters because it's only through our slightly disorganized process that we get to discover the story.  I have to agree with this sentiment. My favorite moments are when my characters surprise me, doing something even I didn't anticipate. 

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-22559269288718437352011-07-28T16:27:00.000-06:002011-07-28T16:27:41.978-06:00

I don't know about you, but when I edit something I haven't touched for a while, I find instances where I obviously checked out my brain for a while and just let my fingers continue to type.  And the longer it's been since I touched a story, the more chance there is that I'll doubt whether I was really sane while I wrote it. Take my current endeavor for example.  I'm tightening up my manuscript

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-74477322910660901212011-07-27T21:12:00.001-06:002011-07-27T21:30:21.151-06:00

I read a review of the Captain America movie, and the person writing the review expressed how much she disliked it.  Since I thoroughly enjoyed the movie, I felt compelled to express my opinion in the comments.  I wasn't overly rude (at least I don't think so), but after re-reading what I had said, I almost felt a little bad about it. I'm fairly certain I didn't hurt any feelings, but nonetheless

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-12958293510517254062011-07-26T08:56:00.001-06:002011-07-26T08:56:13.698-06:00

Working towards goals is just as fun as achieving them!

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-28028909810993049002011-07-25T15:43:00.001-06:002011-07-26T09:23:36.703-06:00

This past weekend we went to see Captain America.  I won't spoil it for anyone other than to say that it was awesome and well worth seeing.  The funny thing though is that my wife found it boring. I think the problem is one of assumptions and expectations.  I am willing to bet my wife was expecting more action and grandiose special effects.  I don't think she expected a well developed and nicely

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-80432958415343732472011-07-21T08:53:00.002-06:002011-07-21T11:45:07.751-06:00

Yesterday I found out I am the lucky winner in Davin's contest promoting his book The Wild Grass and the prize is both awesome and terrifying.  The prize is a critique of a manuscript and a 10 page critique by Davin's cohorts, Michelle and Scott (assuming they are available and willing).  This trio is the driving force behind The Literary Lab and though I know they are all awesome, inspirational

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-83318272766544554852011-07-19T09:29:00.000-06:002011-07-19T09:29:53.158-06:00

New ideas from friends can really invigorate the revision process.

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-61691286155597818462011-07-15T22:32:00.001-06:002011-07-15T22:35:31.595-06:00

 Imagine Achilles as a child growing up.  The story we all know portrays him as an invincible warrior, but lets play what if.    There is no child I know of that doesn't trip and fall while running.  That chance of falling is doubled when running backwards.  So here is the awesome Achilles backpedaling, he trips over a rough stone (hitting his heel no less), and suddenly we have a huge crybaby

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-46343309157069635702011-07-12T11:39:00.000-06:002011-07-12T11:39:42.570-06:00

Wide handlebars that make actually riding your new motorcycle painful.

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-60409717884247212232011-07-11T13:38:00.000-06:002011-07-11T13:38:59.351-06:00

This should be interesting, and hopefully it doesn't come out as too untelligible.  I'm sitting at lunch and typing out this post using my Father's Day gift, a Tmobile Galaxy Tab.  For those who don't know, it's a 7" tablet with a bluetooth keyboard I bought for it.  It doesn't seem to aggravate my hand as much, probably because I'm one finger typing on this little keyboard.  It's not too rough

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-4998183571172914872011-07-08T16:02:00.000-06:002011-07-08T16:02:44.173-06:00

This is going to be a short post, but I wanted to put at least something up today.  Unfortunately, I'm still suffering from some pain in my right hand and forearm.   Typing is not comfortable at all, and working the mouse is really bothering me.  I plan on seeing the doc early next week because I really need to find out if this is just a strain or something more permanent.  I'm an IT guy (my day

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-29165741864023778582011-07-06T18:03:00.001-06:002011-07-08T15:56:58.923-06:00

Ha Ha!  I tricked you all, doing TWO blog posts today instead of my usual one.   Okay, truth be told, I was supposed to get this one up yesterday.  Unfortunately, a bad sunburn from my motorcycle ride on the 4th and re-injuring the ligaments near my elbows made typing an impossibility.  I'm mostly recovered though, so this is a catch-up blog chain post. The ever-awesome Michelle McLean has

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-81865689653863335222011-07-06T17:23:00.000-06:002011-07-06T17:23:06.450-06:00

I was actually on break when this question came out, but it is a fabulous question (and Christine has already peer-pressured me into it by answering also) so here goes.  The question was originally posed by that talented blog-chainer Kate, who asks: Curses, you've been cursed! You can write no longer. The story well has run dry, and you can't even remember how to type. Now what do you do? Where

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-69595868580009064432011-07-04T18:09:00.000-06:002011-07-04T18:09:18.625-06:00

Okay, I was gone from Da Muse a bit longer than I had planned.  The vacation was nice though, there were ups and downs, and everyone in the family had a great time.  I even got to hang out with Tigger (kind of ironic that I'm wearing a California shirt while visiting Florida, huh?).  Mickey Mouse may be cool, but Tigger is one of a kind (his song even says so). DisneyWorld is both good and bad.

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-27755171059022524992011-06-09T08:02:00.000-06:002011-06-09T08:02:33.380-06:00

The results are in and I'm assuming by the lack of entrants that everyone else already has a copy of Beth Revis' awesome book Across The Universe.  There were a few people who commented however, so they were lucky enough to be in the drawing.  Without further ado, the winner is: Davin Malasarn Congrats Davin.  Send me an email with the details so I can get this wonderful book out to you asap.  

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-24530904517767454632011-06-07T22:00:00.000-06:002011-06-07T22:00:30.551-06:00

Instead of a Ten Word Tuesday, it's time for another round on the blog chain.  Today's question comes from the incredibly talented Abby, who asks: There are SO many writing rules, but sometimes we have to break one or two, just to keep things interesting. Is there a writing rule you've broken on purpose? Why did you choose to break it? And if you want to post a snippet of your writing as an

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-69913586091524078992011-06-06T10:53:00.001-06:002011-06-06T10:54:31.586-06:00

My friend Shaun Hutchinson has launched an interesting discussion today, based on an article in the Wall Street Journal.  Before I launch into my take on the subject (or rather my offshoot discussion on the subject), I'll give you time to go check out the article itself as well as Shaun's post. Cue Jeopardy music Okay, everyone caught up now?  If you decided not to burden yourself with reading

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-26469842111373883572011-06-03T10:33:00.001-06:002011-06-03T10:36:41.303-06:00

If you haven't heard yet, Elana Johnson's book Possession will be coming out in just a few days (June 7th).  You can also pre-order the book now if you so desire.  And since I owe Elana way more than I can ever repay (whether she knows she has been a huge influence on my writing or not), I just had to make today's post about this book.  Besides, I know what an awesome writer (and mentor and just

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-62947759267345023712011-06-01T09:04:00.000-06:002011-06-01T09:04:06.907-06:00

One thing I've noticed is that I have a really bad habit of withdrawing from the world and just existing within my own tiny sphere at home.  It's not that I don't enjoy all of you or that I don't value the friends I have made through this writing journey;  I am just more reclusive than I am social, to my own detriment.  And I've had to make apologies to friends, with promises to try to overcome

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-38808386936800703362011-05-31T09:41:00.000-06:002011-05-31T09:41:20.822-06:00

Kids have "days until summer", Adults have "days until vacation".

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-43384043444318267432011-05-24T07:07:00.000-06:002011-05-24T07:07:22.754-06:00

Never too old for the Muppets.  Here they come again!

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-74137747296766208242011-05-23T19:51:00.001-06:002011-05-24T07:48:49.566-06:00

Normally I don't do this type of thing, but because I'm a veteran, I feel bound to share this with all of you.  When you get a chance, please go to this link and watch an important video.  There's nothing to buy, no expenditure on your part other than your time.  But for those of us who are Americans (or know the type of people showcased in this video), I think you'll agree that the few minutes

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-91749612416620887352011-05-23T08:50:00.000-06:002011-05-23T08:50:27.098-06:00

Success is an interesting thing.  We can have days, weeks, or even months of failure and feel completely useless and alone.  Then along comes a single instance of success, and we're catapulted to the highest heights.  If we're lucky, we can ride that wave for a long time too. I fully admit to being in a funk for a while now.  Part of it I do attribute to feeling a lack of success in lots of areas

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-69477022788685582972011-05-21T19:34:00.000-06:002011-05-21T19:34:53.916-06:00

This is just a quick celebratory note, but I had a tough test today and I passed!  Woohoo! For those who don't know, I'm going for my Masters degree in Information Security and Assurance from WGU.  Today I had to pass a certification exam, which makes me a Certified Hacking Forensics Investigator (CHFI).  I've  been studying my butt off for this thing, so it's such a relief to pass.  Next

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-29418027880687098652011-05-20T12:48:00.001-06:002011-05-20T12:54:19.635-06:00

I just realized I was supposed to do this on Wednesday.  Doh! Anyway, the contest I'm talking about is for those who commented on Christine Fonseca's guest post.  So many of you missed out on this one.  There weren't that many that stopped by (which is probably an indicator of my falling popularity LOL), so those of you who did had a great chance to win.  Without further ado, the winner of

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-50846388078399580312011-05-20T09:45:00.001-06:002011-05-20T09:47:23.730-06:00

This was supposed to be post yesterday, but given the question posed by my awesome CP Michelle Hickman, there was no way I could write anything useful.  The image below was me yesterday: Unfortunately, I was very angry (thanks to my day job) and focusing on anything positive was out of the question.  So I avoided studying, drank a beer, and spent the evening lost in a video game.  I don't know

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-40776048390183016902011-05-17T14:06:00.000-06:002011-05-17T14:06:33.060-06:00

It's time for another round on the blog chain  and I'm freakin' late!  Dangit!  I hate when that happens.  I was supposed to have this post up yesterday, but...wait a minute...ignore the time/date stamp on this post and imagine it is yesterday.  Your eyes are deceiving you.  It is actually the 16th.  Yes, that's true.  I have perfected time travel. The ever-awesome Laura has thrown out this

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-87268513204188329422011-05-13T11:44:00.000-06:002011-05-13T11:44:33.800-06:00

Today, I have a special guest at Da Muse!  It's none other than the awesome and talented Christine Fonseca, whose new book 101 Success Secrets for Gifted Kids is racing out of the gate with a bang.  Without further ado, take it away Christine. Thanks, Eric, for hosting my last stop on the tour. Eric asked me to talk about the things I’ve learned on this little journey into nonfiction publishing

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-80364916493796544922011-05-10T11:13:00.000-06:002011-05-10T11:13:31.469-06:00

Support from friends is like laughing until your sides hurt.

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-7937715802921802072011-05-09T14:23:00.001-06:002011-05-09T14:26:20.735-06:00

It's funny that this song is before my time, but it evokes such strong emotions in me.  For one thing, I absolutely love groups that can sing in harmonies.  There's just something about multiple voices singing their part (clearly no less), and yet together they make up an incredible tapestry of sound. So it's been a week since my last post and although I didn't survive the A to Z challenge, I

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-29425716236852859702011-05-03T11:45:00.001-06:002011-05-03T11:45:50.395-06:00

It's blog chain time again and this round's question is brought to us by the awesome Margie (and the letter D, the number 4, and the letter K).  She asks: How do you get in the mindset of your genre? Do you research people or facts? Do you just reach into the recesses of your mind for events that would make a good story? Something else?” My preferred genre is suspense or horror, so that puts me

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-32137210186482438902011-04-28T10:10:00.000-06:002011-04-28T10:10:24.910-06:00

Yikes, time just seems to escape away from me these days.  I look up and five days have passed by without me realizing it.  Time is an important concept for a writer though.  In our personal lives, we never seem to have enough of it (at least I don't).  The hours and days fly by as we scurry about with our busy activities, whether it's family things or just our own interests.  Every once in a

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-64087336512056641132011-04-23T22:31:00.000-06:002011-04-23T22:31:32.907-06:00

My family is the most important thing to me, and a great part of that is because I have such awesome sons.  For those who have daughters, I feel for you.  I couldn't imagine how much more stressful my life would be if I had a daughter.  I'd have to keep a loaded shotgun in the closet, I'd have to put bars on her windows so she couldn't sneak out or invite interlopers in, and I'd have to monitor

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-2884477279991808942011-04-22T21:43:00.000-06:002011-04-22T21:43:42.987-06:00

When it comes to the R post, I knew there would be only one topic I could choose - that of my wife Renee.  My wife is after all, the reason I am able to do all the things that I do.  She is one of the strongest women I know, and she has had to overcome many obstacles in her life. Not too long after she was born, Renee's biological father left her mother.  Luckily her mother met a decent guy who

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-70338543609570617922011-04-22T21:01:00.000-06:002011-04-22T21:01:12.219-06:00

Over the years, one thing I've really come to enjoy is the moments of peace and quiet.  I really like things calm, and for writing there's nothing better than a lack of noise so that my mind can focus.  Not absolute silence, but a mostly quiet atmosphere.  I'm not a fan of loud noise in most situations actually. Take the movies, for example.  One thing I hate these days is going to the movies

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-71195969003143276152011-04-22T14:29:00.000-06:002011-04-22T14:29:24.034-06:00

I sat up this morning And realized I was late Three days had passed me by I'd made me Followers wait I could hear the cracklin' Of torches lit a'fire The pitchforks were a clangin' As the people called me a liar "You said you'd post the A to Z" I heard them shout at me. "Here we sat these past three days Wonderin' where ye be!" My fingers were a twitchin' As my mind began to race I couldn't

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-15462719191577496152011-04-19T11:10:00.000-06:002011-04-19T11:10:44.797-06:00

Today is noteworthy because not only am I another day older, I'm also another year older.  Forty of 'em, to be precise.  Yep, I just passed the big Four-O-M-G line.  I don't really consider myself old, but it's a great way to deflect things.  Like when you can't remember that one detail your boss wants.  "I'm old dude, what do you expect?"  Okay, it doesn't really work that well but it sounds

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-3239568389822573972011-04-18T20:45:00.000-06:002011-04-18T20:45:37.756-06:00

If there's one thing that is the bane of my writerly existence, it's names.  Whether it's coming up with a name for my main character or figuring out the title of a given WIP, I usually sit there staring at a blank page for hours with no ideas.  And names are actually really important.  Think about it.  If Frodo had been called Brutus instead, wouldn't it have changed things a bit in the reader's

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-48540066694611619532011-04-17T09:13:00.000-06:002011-04-17T09:13:54.647-06:00

First let me extend a thank you to everyone who entered the contest.  It blows my mind to think that 200+ people are possibly stopping by this little blog on any given day.   Yikes, maybe I better not think about that.  I don't always work well under pressure. After tallying up all the points and doing the Random picker thingy, the winner is... (Boy, the anticipation must be building, huh?) (

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-75193778663159592982011-04-16T22:16:00.000-06:002011-04-16T22:16:21.812-06:00

I haven't checked, but this may be the topic a lot of people are choosing for N.  For me, it's a good choice because when I did attempt NaNo(short for National Novel Writing Month, aka NaNoWriMo) in 2009, it really invigorated me with a need to write.  I hadn't been doing this writing thing very long and NaNo was a great trial by fire. I ended up not being able to finish NaNo (or to be more

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-29561078266861973312011-04-16T21:59:00.000-06:002011-04-16T21:59:14.146-06:00

There I was 19 years ago, saying those two words that would bind me to the most wonderful woman in the world.  And only one month into our marriage, I got deployed on training for a month.  To say it was a hard way to start things off would be an understatement.  My wife and I have made many mistakes over the years too.  We tried to impress each other's parents during our first Christmas.  Yeah,

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-53075997118011929952011-04-15T22:01:00.000-06:002011-04-15T22:01:57.974-06:00

Many years ago, I went through Basic Training in the Army at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri (or as we more affectionately called it "Ft. Lost-In-The-Woods").  Okay, so it's a stretch for an L post, but I've got some fond memories of the place, even if it was rough at times. If you've never been in the military, you may not understand how I can look back so fondly on a time when I was basically

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-39124301038057246822011-04-13T19:31:00.000-06:002011-04-13T19:31:05.332-06:00

It is immediately obvious what belongs in my K post - Kids.  First of all, my kids are the most important thing in my life (aside from my wife, of course.  Love you hon).  But this post has to be about kids because I think kids are awesome.  Kids are what we all should be all the time.  They are curious, they have questions, they believe in Santa, and they love to play.  Kids are founts of

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-60916511764579358832011-04-13T09:02:00.000-06:002011-04-13T09:02:52.079-06:00

Okay, I skipped yesterday so today is my moment to catch up.  Since we're now on J, the first word to pop into my head was Jinx.  This is one of my favorite words because it's so odd and yet fun to say.  The definition of Jinx is: 1.  A person or thing thought to bring bad luck. 2.  A condition or period of bad luck that appears to have been caused by a person or thing. It's a funny thing that

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-79708517824391482452011-04-11T21:57:00.000-06:002011-04-11T21:57:43.602-06:00

Today's A To Z is something I talk about from time to time with co-workers.  It's the concept of Ignorance.  See, in my day job I see a great deal of Ignorance.  I'm an IT guy, and by the very nature of my job, I've had to learn a lot.  Understand that I'm not bashing my customers, nor is Ignorance a foul term.  In my mind, Ignorance is merely the lack of knowledge.  Ignorance is really just not

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-90120705386652829352011-04-10T16:32:00.001-06:002011-04-10T16:34:36.744-06:00

Woohoo, another edition of the blog chain where I get to start things off.  As I've said many times, I'm a steadfast pantster.  I don't truly organize my writing, and I don't plot (except for maybe a vague idea of things in my head).   So from this background comes the question: When was the last time you just sat down and started writing, with nothing but a whisper of an idea to guide you?  Did

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-10464638960230174812011-04-10T15:51:00.000-06:002011-04-10T15:51:58.859-06:00

This'll be a short post, mostly because I have a blog chain post coming up right after it.  As I struggled to find a topic for the letter H, for some reason my mind just stuck on Heat.  What can I say about Heat?  Well, for starters, it's something I consider absolutely essential in my life.  You see, although age is starting to put a few more pounds on my lanky frame, I'm still a fairly skinny

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-17849163761627469552011-04-08T21:14:00.000-06:002011-04-08T21:14:41.645-06:00

No, I am not saying goodbye to the challenge, nor am I saying goodbye to all of you.  I want to talk about goodbyes.  This subject (depending on the context) can be a painful one.  In our personal lives, saying goodbye is more often than not a bitter and uncomfortable situation.  It is rare that two people who care about each other part without bad feelings or hurt.  Sometimes however, it's

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-27545648667681144812011-04-06T21:47:00.000-06:002011-04-06T21:47:40.005-06:00

I was pondering what to post about today and it popped into my brain.  F should ALWAYS stand for Fun!  And what do I find fun?  Why, watching one of the most awesome shows ever - The IT Crowd.  If you are not familiar with this show, let me explain.  The IT Crowd was a hilarious British television series that unfortunately only ran for four seasons.  The show is about two IT guys (Roy and Moss)

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-48504441610578719612011-04-05T21:50:00.000-06:002011-04-05T21:50:55.443-06:00

Yeah, even the best of us can struggle with this one.  That's right, today I'm talking about those infamous words: The End Since we're on E, it just seems right to talk about it.  I don't know about you, but writing the ending is something struggle with.  Part of it has to do with the fact that I'm a pantster by nature.  You know, the whole lack of organization thing, the "I'm not sure where

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-40133911246279483732011-04-04T22:02:00.000-06:002011-04-04T22:02:10.502-06:00

If you haven't put in an entry for my 200 Followers contest, get yourself over to yesterday's post and do so.  I can't imagine anyone who couldn't use a reason to go buy more books. For today's A To Z though, we're going to talk about Demands.  This is a subject close to my heart, because it's something I struggle with constantly.  What I'm talking about are demands on my time.  If you're

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-68386505668037322392011-04-03T16:39:00.001-06:002011-04-04T21:53:56.329-06:00

We're into day three of the challenge and the letter is C.  I didn't even have to think twice about this one though, because there are two great things going on.  First off, Christine Fonseca is putting out another great book called 101 Success Secrets For Gifted Kids.  I am honored to say I am a friend of hers, and as such I figure my C post can be used to help her celebrate and launch this

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-12166755242620262892011-04-02T21:20:00.000-06:002011-04-02T21:20:32.854-06:00

As the song goes, something tells me I'm into something good.  This A To Z Challenge is just that.  I don't know about the rest of you, but I've been having fun deciding what to post about and today is no exception. Today I'd like to talk to you about my B word, namely Beginnings.  Now, I'm not necessarily talking about just the start of a story (although that applies).  I'm just talking about

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-67597286201469532602011-04-01T19:59:00.000-06:002011-04-01T19:59:22.143-06:00

All over the blogosphere, people are beginning the A To Z challenge.  Since I'm also one of those participants, I figured I better get my post up.  Which brings me to the first letter, A. And what does this post have to do with the letter A?  The word Almost. For starters, I almost forgot to get things started.  Today has been such an awesome day, with me spending all kinds of time with the

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-16019507577711031262011-03-30T16:47:00.001-06:002011-03-30T16:49:35.269-06:00

When I woke up 'dis mornin' And clambered outta bed The question posed by that crafty Cole Knocked me in da head! She talked about the Internet And how the love was gone In the battle for attention Her sewin' hobby won Michelle then jumped on stage And did a country dance Swingin' her pencil to and fro She thrust it like a lance What ya do fer hobbies? These women yelled at me What ya do to

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-41873063611619174542011-03-29T17:11:00.000-06:002011-03-29T17:11:36.340-06:00

I was going to just put up my usual Ten Word Tuesday and I realized something. I'm 'bout out of words of wisdom that can fit in a Ten Word jar. Ten Word Tuesday is me being lazy lately, especially since my posts have been infrequent at best. Most of all I realized I have scheduled some writing and blogging time, so I better dang well use it.  So hi all.  Didja miss me?  I've got a few things

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-67574397741811408402011-03-23T21:21:00.000-06:002011-03-23T21:21:29.524-06:00

In an interesting twist of events, I've hooked up with a Graduation Specialist Mentor at my school (Western Governors University, for those who don't know - Woohoo WGU).  Graduation Specialist Mentors are there to help us students keep pushing ahead on our classes and succeed each semester.   This guy is great because he's working with me on improving my other skills.  What I mean by that are

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-83290730472107039042011-03-19T17:32:00.000-06:002011-03-19T17:32:29.642-06:00

Okay, so I'm being a bit caustic with my choice of videos (compared to everyone else), but it actually is appropriate...sometimes. The topic our own illustrious Kat has chosen is the following: How do you feel about love scenes? As a reader, are you put off by the gratuitous? As a writer, do you shy away from spelling out the down-and-dirty? Or do you write until your computer lights a

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-69224934022862612102011-03-15T08:48:00.000-06:002011-03-15T08:48:54.068-06:00

Time in the bottle leaves no room for Jack Daniels!

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451768142116083239.post-31029848264828724692011-03-08T19:45:00.000-07:002011-03-08T19:45:15.987-07:00

It's time to jump on the blog train...er, chain.  And the super-talented Sarah's got quite a challenging question for us this time around: What has been the most unexpected part of your writing journey up to this point? What has happened that you could never have expected? Has it been a help or a hindrance? I say this question is challenging because I'm at a different point in the writing journey

Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07823808700523297184noreply@blogger.com12