Have to redouble my efforts to study in the afternoons. It has been sketchy unlike the writing. But then the writing gets prime time, first thing in the morning. An hour in the morning seems easy enough and has become habitual now for almost six months.

I realize that once I begin work on the novel the morning hour will turn into two or three hours. From what I am learning, once the outline and the research are completed the writing goes pretty fast. And for me, rewrites have always gone quickly.

Three people who read their work at PINAWOR Saturday morning were not writing as well as I have been. That makes me feel good, like maybe I am not at the beginning of my study and have made some progress.

In the afternoons I will concentrate on DESCRIPTION and begin to introduce much more of that into my stories, not so much as to overload the sense but enough so the reader won't have to wonder what the strongbox in the story looks like.
JH

Went back to my writers group Saturday after a two week hiatus. Several people said I was missed, two asked why I wasn't reading, and one continued to solicit me for a part in his upcoming play. I almost went to rehearsal on Sunday until I thought it through and realized that I had no desire to be in the play and my upcoming obligations will weigh heavy enough on my time without committing to rehearsals. That plus the fact I have no desire to act, and that would only take away from time I could spend writing or learning about writing. The only reason for accepting the role would be to please the playwright and I am certainly not going to the writers group to please people. I go because it has motivated me to write daily. If the playwright snubs me because I don't want to act, well that's his problem.
Keep writing.
JH

Today I made the decision to make a daily habit of studying the art of writing in the afternoon. The morning writing habit has worked well for me, however, I am painfully aware that I am lacking the necessary skills and knowledge to complete a novel at this time. There are 100 days left in the year and perhaps my daily studies will teach me the skills I need.

I am hoping to make the same resolution in 2014 that I made with unwarranted optimism in 2013.
JH

Damn terrorists!

I submitted Lieutenant Pedro Leon to Saw Palm, a literary magazine looking for stories about Florida and Group Lottery to Tin House and One Story.

Meanwhile I read, write, and try to dissect stories in hopes that once I glimpse their inner workings I will be able to emulate them and write a complete novel.
JH

Going to see The Butler this afternoon on my AZ brother's recommendation. Four bucks. How do they stay open?

My dentist (quite a guitar player) is in a group putting on a tribute to Frank Sinatra tonight. It's a free show in the park. If the weather holds I'll probably go.

Skipping PINAWOR tomorrow. People keep asking me why I'm not reading. I don't have anything ready, and I won't read what I've rewritten and I won't read a 1st draft. I am working on a story called Exchange. Maybe I'll have something to read in a week or two.
JH

September already. Like most I don't dislike the winter, here in Florida it's great.

I've submitted Group Lottery to Glimmer Train and One Story this month. Will also send to Tin Hut.

I realize it's only the 4th and just after 9am, but the library writing contest said they would notify the winners by email in early September. I expected to hear from them yesterday.

I don't think I'm cut out for this waiting.
JH