tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45387440004298002482012-01-27T15:20:46.836-08:00Wherein I endeavour to share writerly advice lightened with humour, pictures and a dollop of 1930s-1940s history.Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.comBlogger5931100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-22847792182500744742012-01-27T06:00:00.000-08:002012-01-27T06:00:20.125-08:00

More trivia for this week's Fun Friday. Will you use these facts? Did you already know some of these facts? Will these facts help you on Jeopardy? Or...maybe they're just fun. Whatever. It's Friday. If you are right handed, you will tend to chew your food on the right side of your mouth. If you are left handed, you will tend to chew your food on the left side of your mouth. To make half a kilo

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-63512932081656687722012-01-25T06:00:00.000-08:002012-01-25T06:00:20.118-08:00

You're busy editing... when suddenly... without warning... You find this...in your plot. But... Don't do this... Just take a breath and do this... If you do this... You may discover where you did this... OR... If you do this... You just may discover your this... is really more a this... or this... Of course... If it really is this... You're going to have to build a this... Or get

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-63720953226427681562012-01-23T06:00:00.000-08:002012-01-23T09:41:39.351-08:00

Sheep #1: Ahem. Sheep #2: It's us. Many Sheep: We're back. Writer: (groans) Of course you are. Sheep #1: Excuse me. Sheep #2: Did you just groan? Writer: No. Sheep #1: Don't lie to us. Sheep #2: It's hurtful. Sheep #1: And dishonest. Sheep #2: We might spit. Writer: You're not llamas. Sheep #1: You don't know that. We could be llamas. Sheep #2: In disguise. Sheep #3: You never know.

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-50073537453377316752012-01-20T06:00:00.000-08:002012-01-20T06:00:04.105-08:00

I've collected 12 odd and fun facts for today's post. Read. Wonder. Be amazed. Have a great weekend! 1. Virginia Woolf wrote all her books standing. 2. The symbol on the "pound" key (#) is called an octothorpe. 3. Nutmeg is extremely poisonous if injected intravenously. (Look, mystery writers! A new method!) 4. An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain. 5. Tigers have striped skin, not just

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-43462041087848052152012-01-18T06:00:00.000-08:002012-01-18T06:00:05.940-08:00

You've had a this... Do this! The next step looks like this... You'll need plenty of these before you're done... But for now, let's just start with one... Does he look out his window and see this? Or this? And what is he looking for when he looks out that window? Is it this? This? Or maybe this? AAAK! Does he have a habit of finding this? Or... Is he more interested in finding

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-29908878967867333922012-01-16T06:00:00.000-08:002012-01-16T06:00:11.296-08:00

Writer: The time has come. Characters: What does that mean? Writer: One of you has to go. Characters: GROUP SCREAM Writer: Oh, calm down. Look at it this way, I'm not killing you off, it'll just be as if you didn't exist. Supporting Character: How is that supposed to make us feel better? (looks around) It's me, isn't it? It's going to be me! Main Character: (looking for dirt under his fingernails

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-68962283029977931132012-01-13T13:32:00.000-08:002012-01-13T13:32:50.856-08:00

To quote Dr. Seuss: "From there to here, from here to there, funny things are everywhere." Have a wonderful weekend, everyone.

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-70997858529577544812012-01-11T06:00:00.000-08:002012-01-11T06:00:12.855-08:00

When you do this... You learn some days it feels like this... and some days it feels like this. Some days are like this... and some (let's be honest) are like this. But what makes writing this... is never knowing this.

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-45797215212819757442012-01-09T06:00:00.000-08:002012-01-10T10:01:23.266-08:00

10. Just one more game of solitaire. Just one. Oops, where did that hour go? 9. Notice you've used the word 'pretty' twice. Not in the same paragraph; the same sentence. 8. (If you write mysteries) Your sleuth is about to have his/her big 'aha' moment. This is when you realize there is no logical way they could have leapt to the solution. 7. Realize your fingers are cramping because they've been

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-77791181920076580362012-01-06T06:00:00.000-08:002012-01-06T06:00:00.366-08:00

I realize New Year's Eve was last week - but this is too great not to share. If you don't want to watch the whole thing, just experience the first two minutes which have fireworks exploding out of Big Ben as it chimes.

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-22810790313643122522012-01-04T06:00:00.000-08:002012-01-04T06:00:08.351-08:00

I like to think of any new this... like a this...  It could look like this... Or be the size of this... Or have the promise of these... But I have learned that even though I'm expecting that this... will reveal a this... It could also reveal a this... or even this. But therein lies the fun! Let's get cracking!

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-38646644673814604242012-01-02T06:00:00.000-08:002012-01-02T06:00:10.176-08:00

Yes, I'm back. Please hold your applause. Although I haven't been posting this past week, I have cruised about the blogosphere and I send my endless admiration to those of you who continued posting through the holidays. This demonstrated discipline. Determination. These are qualities I sometimes lack. Well, maybe more than sometimes. I'm not usually a resolution-maker, but this year (or this

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-71148765772377433302011-12-26T06:00:00.000-08:002011-12-26T06:00:08.004-08:00

The title says it all, doesn't it? I love a good title. Wishing you all love, laughter and wonderful words to read and write for 2012. Hugs; Elspeth

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-65908947177125537962011-12-23T06:00:00.000-08:002011-12-23T06:00:20.250-08:00

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-87120528247724504182011-12-21T06:00:00.000-08:002011-12-21T06:00:19.024-08:00

This is what the world needs - more sloths!

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-91419942504363168412011-12-19T06:00:00.000-08:002011-12-19T06:00:09.321-08:00

Sometimes you need help to keep going on your current project. As a veteran swimmer in the sea of self-loathing, I offer you the following motivators to keep on writing: 10. You can have a cookie(s) when you finish for the day. 9. In the midst of the shambles you've already written which is mocking you from the page, there is one sentence you really like. Focus on it. 8. What would you be doing

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-65455906533021257302011-12-16T06:00:00.000-08:002011-12-16T06:00:14.941-08:00

Since many of us are awash in shopping, I'm rerunning this post from last year to remind us of the lighter side of this task. By the way, if you're done all your shopping and the presents are wrapped - stifle the urge to share this news with me. Thanks so much. First, a few shopping bags.... And now, some interesting shopping signs...Enjoy your Friday. Enjoy your weekend. See you Monday.

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-76689233338536590762011-12-14T06:00:00.000-08:002011-12-14T06:00:14.994-08:00

Our story begins in a... No.... in a ... No... in a... with our hero... No... our hero... No... our hero... searching for his... No.... his... No... his recipe for... So... He climbs on his...No... He climbs into his... No... He climbs onto his... to begin his journey... What will he discover? This? This? and who is this?

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-13399545161071466162011-12-12T06:00:00.000-08:002011-12-12T06:00:14.603-08:00

10. The coffee pot is empty. Lives will be lost. 9. I have to check my emails. Perhaps that mega agent has emailed me out of the blue. You never know. We've tweeted. That's the first step. 8. I have to visit my favourite blogs and leave comments. It's part of my pre-writing routine. Pre-writing. I'll write once I've done the pre-writing. It's a warm-up. Yeah. That sounds good. 7. Two words: No.

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-69603404425944613362011-12-09T06:00:00.000-08:002011-12-09T06:00:12.011-08:00

This was floating around Facebook a week or so ago. Enjoy - I certainly did.

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-44608774518764693382011-12-07T06:00:00.000-08:002011-12-07T06:00:06.386-08:00

You've come up with an idea... and you've chosen your characters... and you have a space to create... So.... Plug in that machine... and lay out your plot... Remember you'll need plenty of these to keep everything straight...(and yes, you might get a few pin pricks...) But soon you'll have a beginning... And a bit of a middle... And a bit of an end... Sure, there will be hiccups along the

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-71584886913983486432011-12-05T06:00:00.000-08:002011-12-05T06:00:00.806-08:00

10. Flex your fingers. They're about to get a workout. 9. Place your hands in the correct position on the keyboard in preparation for the words you are about to type at breathless speed. 8. Those words are going to come. Any minute now. 7. Take a sip of coffee. Everyone knows you can't write when you're thirsty. 6. Replace your fingers. 5. Watch the cursor blinking at you. Try not take it

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-65559362346359551792011-12-02T06:00:00.000-08:002011-12-02T06:00:08.021-08:00

As we decorate (or have decorated - or think about decorating - or dread thinking about decorating) our houses for the holiday season, take a gander at some of these unique houses I've found on the internet. I admit I'm intrigued. Spaceship House - Chattanooga, TN Boeing 726 House - Benoit, MississsippiThe plane cost $2,000.00, $4,000.00 to move, and $24,000.00 to renovate. The stairs open

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-38289384423542019952011-11-30T06:00:00.000-08:002011-11-30T06:00:02.859-08:00

I can appreciate the beauty of this... and the peacefulness of this... and the relaxation of this... and the romance of this... and the cuddliness of this... If that's all there is in your plot, it's going to be dull. So, remember to add a bit of this... or a flash of this... or even...this! and then your readers will appreciate this.

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-17130597368432652412011-11-28T06:00:00.000-08:002011-11-28T06:00:09.892-08:00

There's something thrilling about starting a first draft, isn't there? You've got a shiny new plot filled with shiny new characters. You start your computer, open a new document and... Wow. That is one empty page. Many writers will have just finished editing their last project and so the sight of that blank page can be rather unsettling. After all, you're used to seeing pages filled with

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-71989162406492001022011-11-25T06:00:00.000-08:002011-11-25T06:00:06.600-08:00

As many of us start to reluctantly begin to think about holiday shopping, I thought a few parking pictures would not come amiss this Friday. I've got a selection of parking signs to be aware of and a few pictures of (I would suggest) parking-don'ts. Have a great weekend - see you on Monday!

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-80289849012308743892011-11-23T06:00:00.000-08:002011-11-23T06:00:05.622-08:00

Hark! What's that I... It's an... QUICK!!! I've got to act like this... and find a... Oh dear.... I know... I'll look in the kitchen... Oh dear.... First, I'll just do this... and I'll quickly do this... and...just how long has it been since I've done this? And...why am I getting accusing looks from the... oh dear.... Which reminds me... Oh dear...I'd better go and do a

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-252474877628053502011-11-21T06:00:00.000-08:002011-11-21T06:00:11.184-08:00

Last week, I started a new feature here on It's a Mystery, Wee Writing Wisdoms. Of course, if you're going to have Wisdoms, then you have to be honest and have Whoops. Therefore, welcome to Wee Writing Whoops - wherein we can confess a writing mistake. Here's one of mine (and I've got a million at least) I once wrote the same scene three times. No, not three times trying to perfect the

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-29173584449342847142011-11-18T06:00:00.000-08:002011-11-18T06:00:01.358-08:00

Here's a clip I was sent of a wonderful ventriloquist at the Melbourne Comedy Festival. Enjoy the wee Scottish Granny!

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-15015818750655018792011-11-16T06:00:00.000-08:002011-11-16T06:00:07.878-08:00

When we do this... We need to spend a great deal of time doing this... We need to decide... Out of all of our these... Who is going to be our main character? Which way will our plot go? How much of this do we need? There are days we feel like this... And days we feel like this.... But... Always keep in mind.... There will be the day when you do this.

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-36288236074391456562011-11-14T09:06:00.000-08:002011-11-14T09:19:28.852-08:00

I'm trying out a new feature here at It's a Mystery - Wee Writing Wisdoms. It's a chance for each of us to leave a wee bit of writing wisdom for everyone else who cares to stop by.  I'm a firm believer that anything which makes any of us feel less isolated in what can be a very isolating path is a very good thing. So... What's my inaugural Wee Writing Wisdom? Hmmmm..... Don't Begin with

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-48498720314737752782011-11-11T06:00:00.000-08:002011-11-11T06:00:20.290-08:00

I write mysteries that take place before and during the second World War. I have spent countless hours learning about life back then and the many sacrifices that were made both by those in battle and those left at home. So today, which is Remembrance Day here in Canada, I'd like to share this clip with you. I actually used this iconic song back when I was directing theatre, as the opening for a

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-45533429027068942562011-11-09T06:00:00.000-08:002011-11-09T06:00:09.291-08:00

Sooner or later we all get to write our version of this... or (if you're like me) it's probably more like this... Sorry. That was shameless self-promotion of my highest-selling game.But, here's a link to the game if you're interested.Oops...Sorry again. BACK TO OUR POST.... Sooner or later we all get to write our version of this... Some stories end like this....or like this... maybe there

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-17713710229311187142011-11-07T09:31:00.000-08:002011-11-07T09:31:27.511-08:00

Every fiction writer knows dialogue is an important (some would say the most important) element in their storytelling. Here are a few pointers I've picked up from people far more clever than me. Look over your manuscript for places emotion is expressed outside of your dialogue. The odds are that those emotions are actually explanations of one type or another.  See how the dialogue reads

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-75434027666963509662011-11-04T06:00:00.000-07:002011-11-04T06:00:17.883-07:00

Time for trivia! Here are some interesting historical happenings on the first 7 days of November. There are, of course, many, many others. November 1: (1995) The first all-race local government elections took place in South Africa, marking the end of the apartheid system. November 2: (1947) The first and only flight of Howard Hughes' "Spruce Goose" flying boat occurred in Long Beach Harbor,

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-15917209332530744682011-11-03T06:00:00.002-07:002011-11-03T06:00:09.926-07:00

Thanks to all of you who took the time to leave a comment on my blog yesterday. But today... We're traveling back to 1930s Hollywood and a studio tour.

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-46784823088399719352011-11-02T06:00:00.000-07:002011-11-02T06:00:15.763-07:00

 I'm wondering if I should continue this... I'm trying to do this... What do you...

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-83851486684376691332011-11-01T06:00:00.000-07:002011-11-01T06:00:20.273-07:00

Today is the first day of NaNoWriMo - or National Novel Writing Month. Writers across the world are attempting to write 50,000 words in a month - which may not be an entire novel, but it's certainly a big bite of one. Last year, I was one of those writers. Here's what I learned: 10. Quality doesn't count. Quantity does. (that's what editing is for) 9. I wrote without an outline, which was a

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-48758075118970061932011-10-31T06:00:00.001-07:002011-10-31T06:00:21.407-07:00

It's Hallowe'en! Are you sitting comfortably? Then I'll begin... It's the day (and night) for scary stories... SO... I could talk about the battle of getting an agent... Or whether it's the right decision to self-publish... Or how to fix a price in the whole e-book world...and which e-reader is going to stay around and which will go the way of your old VCR... Or... We could look at fun

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-24342834489465140002011-10-28T06:00:00.000-07:002011-10-28T06:00:08.138-07:00

I wish I could claim authorship of this, but I can't. It was sent to me in an email back in September. Enjoy, everyone. Happy weekend to all and to all a good night. Let's face it - English is a crazy language. There is no egg in eggplant, nor ham in hamburger; neither apple nor pine in pineapple. English muffins weren't invented in England or French fries in France . Sweetmeats are candies

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-44795953670455367202011-10-27T06:00:00.000-07:002011-10-27T06:00:08.059-07:00

Here's a list of the #1 Fiction Bestsellers in the US during the 1930s. 1930 - Cimarron - Edna Ferber 1931 - The Good Earth - Pearl S. Buck 1932 - The Good Earth - Pearl S. Buck 1933 - Anthony Adverse - Hervey Allen 1934 - Anthony Adverse - Hervey Allen 1935 - Green Light - Lloyd C. Douglas 1936 - Gone with the Wind - Margaret Mitchell 1937 - Gone with the Wind - Margaret Mitchell 1938 - The

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-59301925306800372672011-10-26T06:00:00.000-07:002011-10-26T06:00:18.626-07:00

For today... I'm thinking of a this... as a this. We all have days like this... and days like this... and some days we catch one the size of this... and then there are the days when we catch one the size of this. I wish all of you many, many days of catching at least this... But remember... You'll need a really good this.

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-72600107603830001192011-10-25T06:00:00.000-07:002011-10-25T10:57:14.390-07:00

First,  5 Serious Things 5. There's a difference between taking a workshop you need and taking one you don't need, but you admire the presenter. I'm not saying the latter is a bad thing, just a different thing. 4. Take notes. You will get so overwhelmed with information that your brain stops processing. 3. Take advantage of the opportunity to meet other writers and to actually talk out loud

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-16085857703984369972011-10-24T09:11:00.000-07:002011-10-24T09:15:35.087-07:00

This is going to be quick... Let me say my time at the Surrey International Writers Conference was --- what shall I say --- FANTASTIC. The writer that went into that conference on Friday morning no longer exists. As the conference continued I found myself getting more and more focused; so much so that I noticed on Sunday I was no longer taking notes that read as general writing advice and was,

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-62268902872378139082011-10-04T09:11:00.000-07:002011-10-04T09:11:10.814-07:00

I'm drawing up this... and doing this... because I do my best work when it's this... FAREWELL FOR NOW!!!

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-74290733973648886712011-10-03T06:00:00.000-07:002011-10-03T06:00:08.523-07:00

I'm attending my first writers' conference in three weeks where I have an appointment with an agent. I'm asking for advice. What do I need? Business cards? And what do they say? I know I have to prepare a pitch, but what else to I need to do? I'm attending workshops for three days - does one take notes, or will I be an object of scorn? Needless to say, any and all advice is welcome.  Links to

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-74020280833704107162011-09-30T06:00:00.000-07:002011-09-30T06:00:00.258-07:00

Today, we're going back to the 1970s with a few commercials you may or may not remember. I admit to remembering all of them.

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-35378166721510401202011-09-29T06:00:00.000-07:002011-09-29T06:00:11.749-07:00

It wasn't all gloom and doom during the 1930s. Here's a quick video of goings-on high above the Picadilly traffic in London. Such scamps!

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-35814714326254639442011-09-28T06:00:00.000-07:002011-09-28T06:00:15.827-07:00

Some of us write about this... while some write about this... and if you're a mystery writer (like me) you write endless versions of this... But really, we're all writing about this... There are the days when you feel as if you're playing this... or this... and even the days you feel as if you're playing this... But we all need to play this... and make our characters play this... and

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-30631994364954558442011-09-27T06:00:00.000-07:002011-09-27T06:00:01.634-07:00

10. There is no dress code. 9. You're not eavesdropping; you're working. 8. Your rather eccentric computer history of websites can be explained as research.BONUS: Actually, anything can be explained as research - it just takes a bit of thought. 7. Your active imagination now has something to focus on. 6. Although you say you don't base your characters on anyone you know, you could. Revenge is

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-88406798118335749192011-09-26T07:44:00.000-07:002011-09-26T07:44:04.326-07:00

Most of us try to make a good first impression - we check our clothes for stains, ensure we're wearing matching shoes, maybe even practice a few phrases. Good first impressions pave the way to second impressions; and after that, the sky's the limit! Take a look at your current manuscript and see what first impression your main characters make. I always try to ensure: The reader may not

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-60789257104802203352011-09-23T06:00:00.000-07:002011-09-23T06:00:04.454-07:00

Some views of my little corner of the world in autumn. Take a moment. Breathe. See you Monday.

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-58078407654860838042011-09-22T06:00:00.000-07:002011-09-22T06:00:17.535-07:00

Here in the northern hemisphere, it's the first full day of fall. Let's look at hats from 1935. Back then, you'd have never left the house without one. Now, hat-sporters garner odd looks and are often judged as eccentrics. Times change. But, I still wear a hat from time to time. I like hats.<p><p>Your browser does not support iframes.</p></p>

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-61369542723155695652011-09-21T06:00:00.000-07:002011-09-21T06:00:03.115-07:00

Each of our new characters start off like this... But over time... We learn she has eyes like this... and he's proud of this... We know whether they're this... and if home is this... or this... or even this... We know their pet looks like this... although (secretly) they really want this... and, after a while... if we're very lucky... and work very hard... we may discover they have

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-44331886221774669722011-09-20T06:00:00.000-07:002011-09-20T06:00:00.127-07:00

Continuing on from last week's Tuesday post...10. I meant to write this scene three times. It's an important scene. 9. No one will notice that the location of the rooms in the house keep moving. 8. My main character isn't an insufferable prig. He's just wise. 7. These jokes are funny. I know, I wrote them. 6. (if you're writing a mystery) It doesn't matter that any of my first readers haven't

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-51085435149072963112011-09-19T06:00:00.000-07:002011-09-19T09:06:05.899-07:00

Everyone has good days and bad days. There are those days when you wake up energized and eager and then there are those days when you feel you're deserving of a yet-to-be-invented award because you didn't spend the entire time sprawled on your bed, moaning in a low, mournful register. Not everyone is agreeable all the time. Not everyone is disagreeable. People's moods change. It's easy to forget

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-61699949630702798002011-09-16T06:00:00.000-07:002011-09-16T06:00:19.089-07:00

Welcome to another edition of Fun Friday! You can't go wrong with funny bumper stickers. Or maybe you can, but what's life without a little risk? Have a great weekend, everyone. Nicely put... I'd avoid this car, if I were you... Points for honesty... Sad, but true... Oh dear... Good idea...but I forsee a few problems... However, you will note the sticker is right by the gas cap...

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-59803094925495426602011-09-15T06:00:00.000-07:002011-09-15T09:51:08.810-07:00

Last December, I wrote a Thirties Thursday post which sounded as if it was about the (then) up-coming Royal Wedding, but was really about this wedding which took place in November, 1934.  Please enjoy this rare newsreel of the event. THE ROYAL WEDDING (aka DUKE AND DUCHESS OF KENT'S WEDDING)<p><p>Your browser does not support iframes.</p></p>

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-37383558555471116912011-09-14T06:00:00.000-07:002011-09-14T06:00:08.890-07:00

As writers, we all start off with a pile of these.. Some like to start here... Some here... And some start here... There are days when your puzzle looks like this... Even though you know it should look like this...  But sooner or later, you're about to do this... And take a step back and look at the whole picture... which might look like this... or this... or maybe this....

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-44340306801907405442011-09-13T06:00:00.000-07:002011-09-15T09:51:27.192-07:00

10. The front door changing colour half way through the manuscript is obviously symbolic. 9. Strangely, the same symbolism seems to be at work with the colour of your protagonist's hair. 8. The three afternoons on one Wednesday explains why Wednesday seems so long. 7. The best friend that you thought was funny and wise actually comes across as snide and self-absorbed.    Some people are snide

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-52226896057905641032011-09-12T06:00:00.000-07:002011-09-15T09:51:38.119-07:00

I love my characters; all of 'em. Some are easier to deal with than others, but bless their cotton socks, I love them all. However... From time to time, each of us has to deal with that persnickety character who seems to stamp their foot and demand more time on the front burner instead of the back. It's that maiden aunt who you were sure was only needed for two scenes, three at most, who now

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-8809532957211280322011-09-09T06:00:00.000-07:002011-09-09T17:38:27.554-07:00

Welcome, gentle reader, to another edition of Fun Friday. Today I'm re-sharing (is that a word? Well, it is now) some of these great, but yet odd, translations. Have a great weekend, everyone.

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-87674697332560068102011-09-08T06:00:00.000-07:002011-09-08T06:00:11.885-07:00

This is a short promo for a DVD done by TimeReel TV. This is the world of my book. Even though I've long finished my research, I really want to buy this DVD.

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-10066741796101231562011-09-07T06:00:00.000-07:002011-09-07T06:00:25.430-07:00

So, you want to be a writer...and (let's be honest) you'd like to be the author of this... BUT BEFORE THAT CAN HAPPEN, YOU NEED TO FACE THE SCARIEST THING IN THE WORLD.... It's not this...Or this...It's not even this... It's this... But after a great deal of this...And a touch of this... You will end up with this...Which will become this...Or even this... You must trust, someday, you will end

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-2369947051941225322011-09-06T06:00:00.000-07:002011-09-06T06:00:04.171-07:00

It's the first day of school in Canada. To honour this auspicious day, here are my 10 lessons for writers. There are lessons about grammar and character arcs and plot development. These aren't those. 10. If you've blocked out a time for writing and you're writing well, the time will fly by in an instant. If you're not writing well, the time will drag on for eons. 9. Writing poorly is far easier

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-69755151077970718782011-09-05T09:06:00.000-07:002011-09-05T09:06:49.950-07:00

Actually, I'm not so much seizing as running about like a headless chicken. I shouldn't have used that simile; I like chickens. I'll be spending the day checking school supplies, running to the store after said checking, baking in preparation of school lunches and outlining two mystery games I want to send to my editor by the end of the week. So...no blog. Unless this counts. Be kind. Let it

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-58155291289925627152011-09-02T06:00:00.000-07:002011-09-02T06:00:08.313-07:00

Great movie sub-titles translations! I can't decide on a favourite. Can you? Have a great Labour Day long weekend. I am damn unsatisfied to be killed in this way. Fatty, you with your thick face have hurt my instep. Gun wounds again? Same old rules: no eyes, no groin. A normal person wouldn't steal pituitaries. Damn, I'll burn you into a BBQ chicken! Take my advice, or I'll spank you

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-70584162816147528832011-09-01T06:00:00.000-07:002011-09-01T09:53:33.327-07:00

72 years ago today, this was the headline. Image found at http://www.thisdayinquotes.com/2010_09_01_archive.html And on September 3.... http://www.thisdayinquotes.com/2010_09_01_archive.html

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-39988540134136302832011-08-31T06:00:00.000-07:002011-08-31T06:00:03.577-07:00

When we do this... We know it's not always going to be this... We know we should expect it to be more like this... BUT... What do you do when you encounter this? Take a this... and do this... That this... might not be telling you you've hit this... But it usually is a sign you're going this.. Maybe it's telling you your plot is doing this... or this... or maybe your main

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-68378651509473556722011-08-30T06:00:00.000-07:002011-08-30T06:00:06.607-07:00

10. Why do the snappiest snippets of dialogue always pop into my head as I'm dropping off to sleep? I've tried keeping the trusty pad of paper next to the bed. The dialogue dissolves as the first bit of ink sinks into the paper. 9. Why isn't my writing as polished on the page as it is in my head? Obviously, I have a leak between my brain and my fingers. Drastic measures may be necessary. 8. Why

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-12117260051488344652011-08-29T06:00:00.000-07:002011-08-29T06:00:06.345-07:00

I wrote murder mysteries for theatre companies for many years. I came up with a plot and characters and the actors would improvise the dialogue. Good fun for all, and I got a cheque. Score! Then I was commissioned to write a mystery play and panic struck. I would have to write the dialogue! I made my way through it and now, many years later, I find writing dialogue for my characters the least of

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-399821533428233142011-08-26T06:00:00.000-07:002011-08-26T06:00:16.150-07:00

Wise words from an unknown author. I am not this wise. I wish I was this wise. I also wish I had chocolate. Oh well. Happy Friday! If you get melted chocolate all over your hands, you're eating it too slowly. Chocolate covered raisins, cherries, orange slices and strawberries all count as fruit, so eat as many as you want. The problem: How to get two pounds of chocolate home from the store in

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-39846781030040016572011-08-25T06:00:00.001-07:002011-08-25T06:00:01.122-07:00

Take a few minutes and listen to the sounds of the '30s.  Dance if you wish - I did!

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-69270244158968566082011-08-24T06:00:00.000-07:002011-08-24T06:00:14.501-07:00

Many will tell you writing is all about this... or this... But I've been doing some this... And I suspect writing is more like this. Let me explain.... We don't want our characters to be as flat as this... We want them to have layers like this... or to pop up unexpectedly, like this... and we want our plots to be as twisty as this... with some moments as sour as this... and others

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-47840477782742207172011-08-23T06:00:00.000-07:002011-08-23T06:00:09.641-07:00

10. There can never be enough coffee. 9. Forgive the bad writing, just write. Bad can be fixed. 8. Set a daily goal. Remember that 500 words is a worthy achievement. 7. Food is good. Crumbs in your keyboard are bad. Constant vigilance is vital. 6. Read your dialogue out loud. Seriously. 5. See #10. Bathroom breaks will be necessary. 4. You don't need to know every step in your plot, but a

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-78175825454415383982011-08-22T06:00:00.000-07:002011-08-22T06:00:10.407-07:00

Sheep #1: It's time. Writer: No. Sheep #2: It's really time. Writer: Go away. Sheep #3: Actually it's way past time. Writer: Go far far away. Sheep #1: (blares trumpet) Time to get to work! Time to press that nose to the grindstone!  Writer: That would leave a mark. Sheep #2: We're not being literal. Writer: Oh. Sheep #2: We know you've been on vacation. But remember "Time and the hour run

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-88277153192654906682011-08-15T06:00:00.000-07:002011-08-15T06:00:06.645-07:00

I'm busy spending time with family, visiting wineries and (hopefully) finishing up two mystery games. See you in a week!

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-91376276335451274412011-08-12T06:00:00.000-07:002011-08-12T06:00:05.249-07:00

This video deserves reposting. The first time I saw it I literally laughed out loud. I'm sure you will too. Enjoy it, enjoy the day, enjoy your weekend. I'm unplugging next week to enjoy a little family time before I get swept up in fall activities. Daughter starting University, son entering Grade 12, youngest daughter going into Grade 9, and I'm going to my first writers' conference in October.

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-26415308073022916082011-08-11T06:00:00.000-07:002011-08-11T16:20:31.427-07:00

This post first ran on January 27th of this year. Here are some ads from the 1930s. Enjoy. I can't quite see this being printed now... Some things never change... I think I'll look for my happiness elsewhere... I'm not sure what I like more - the men's swimsuits, or the idea that they need to grease their hair before swimming... Ooh la la! Before you choke on the £225 price, let me

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-52981712133427751082011-08-10T06:00:00.000-07:002011-08-10T06:00:26.941-07:00

I can appreciate the beauty of this... and the peacefulness of this... and the relaxation of this... and the romance of this... and the cuddliness of this... But.. (in my humble opinion)... If that's all there is in your plot, it's going to be dull. So, remember to add a bit of this... or a flash of this... or even...this! and then your readers will appreciate this.

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-24701990003857234772011-08-09T06:00:00.000-07:002011-08-09T06:00:27.314-07:00

Before I make that first keystroke on any first draft, my heart afire with hope while my brain is screaming "Seriously? You're doing this again?", I get to know my characters. My logic is the better I know them, the better I can write them. Of course, there are always surprises along the way, but having some basic knowledge of each of them makes the journey a great deal smoother. Here are some

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-53079870611359358852011-08-08T06:00:00.000-07:002011-08-08T06:00:01.344-07:00

Every writer I've ever met (whether in life or online) has their own 'go-to' books when they look for answers to tricky situations. I have them as well, but I have learned to never underestimate the intelligence of a certain familiar feline.He's the grinning cat who appears and disappears at will. He can have different parts of his body stay visible and he is excellent at answering questions if

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-34213273425255642262011-08-05T06:00:00.000-07:002011-08-05T06:00:09.649-07:00

Out of the mouths (and pencils) of babes...

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-59621835321319454082011-08-04T06:00:00.000-07:002011-08-04T06:00:15.086-07:00

Spend some time at the pool, '30s style!

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-31008169251545867622011-08-03T06:00:00.000-07:002011-08-03T06:00:13.908-07:00

You're creating a new character...Of course you have to know if their eyes look like this...or this...Or if their hair looks like this...or this...Or if they need this...Or like to wear this...But think about this....Did their school look like this....or more like this?Do they have this?Are they this?Or did it end up more like this?Do they get around in this?This?Or this?Would they be happier

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-75760730602740396142011-08-02T06:00:00.000-07:002011-08-02T06:00:01.368-07:00

10. Why is it so much easier to write about writing than to actually write? I think every blogger must wonder this at some point.9. Why is my writing in my head so much better than the writing on the page? Annoying, but true. Usually.8. How does time seem to fly by when I'm writing well, but yet crawl when I'm struggling to write one decent sentence? Unfair, but true.7. Do I have too many

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-20731400434235065742011-08-01T06:00:00.000-07:002011-08-01T06:00:11.332-07:00

THE PLANGet up early.Write.Achieve stunningly large word count.Prepare nutritious and delicious meal for family.Spend evening planning tomorrow's writing.THE REALITYGet up at regular time.Stumble down stairs to discover pet has thrown up something brown and lumpy on the kitchen floor.Clean up brown and lumpy mass.Whilst going to throw cloth you used to clean up brown and lumpy mass into the

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-67510175318706016822011-07-29T06:00:00.000-07:002011-07-29T06:00:19.093-07:00

My first Fun Friday post, published on January 29, 2010.It's Friday! Rejoice! In honour of this special day, I'm starting a new tradition here at "It's a Mystery", Fun Friday. Jokes and funny stories about writing will be the order of the day. I hope you enjoy this first installment. The travel mug at the top of today's post makes me snigger. It reads "I'm writing a book. I've got the page

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-87714894575343227902011-07-28T06:00:00.000-07:002011-07-28T06:00:10.275-07:00

I'm very proud of this Thirties Thursday post. It first ran on January 13, 2011.Your earliest memories are of you and your mother being treated as the 'poor relations'.Although you ache to be traditionally pretty, you realize in high school you never will be.You marry at an early age to a tall, handsome pilot and move across the country to his base. You're thrilled to have your own home and start

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-39895447457310357792011-07-27T06:00:00.000-07:002011-07-27T06:00:10.451-07:00

This is one of my favourite picto-blogs of this year. It first ran on January 19, 2011.If you are (or want to be) this...You know all about this...and the sad truth of this...You know this...and this...and torture yourself thinking this...and smile secretly as you think this...But the most important thing isyou've learned the ultimate truth of this...and this.Okay. Break's over. All these mugs

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-83230733221622821132011-07-26T06:00:00.000-07:002011-07-26T06:00:12.588-07:00

And the summer reruns continue...This was one of my most popular posts - first published on February 22, 2011.10. The mug of coffee by your side seems to have cooled incredibly fast. You know you couldn't have spent that much time reading emails and checking in on Facebook.9. That idea that kept you up last night (and you were so sure you'd remember that you didn't take notes) has vanished

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-32314866955033987332011-07-25T06:00:00.000-07:002011-11-30T10:25:07.740-08:00

This post first ran on May 20, 2010. It's the summer. I'm rerunning! There was a blog post a short while ago warning writers "Don't Fill Your Plot Holes with Dragons". (if someone finds the link, let me know and I'll add it). The writer made excellent points about realistic and unrealistic ways to deal with plot holes. Just for fun, though, think of the advantages of using dragons. Your

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-63704739263689409902011-07-22T06:00:00.000-07:002011-07-22T06:00:02.138-07:00

Short, but sweet. And wise. But, being Irish meself, couldn't you guess I'd be saying something like that? Then again, I'm not the author of the wisdom, it being sent to me by way of an email.Have yourselves a grand weekend.Five Pearls of Irish WisdomMoney cannot buy happiness but somehow, it's more comfortable to cry in a Mercedes Benz than it is on a bicycle.Forgive your enemy but remember the

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-64215153331111961512011-07-21T06:00:00.000-07:002011-07-21T06:00:11.829-07:00

Take a few minutes and experience riding the Orient Express. If you've got more than a few minutes, watch the whole video - it's less than 10 minutes long.How I'd love to be a passenger! I'd go from Paris to Venice. Where would you go?

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-87259039843493389992011-07-20T06:00:00.000-07:002011-07-20T06:00:22.108-07:00

No one's life is constantly filled with this...or battling these...No one sees this every day.It's not always a this.Or a this.So why should that be our characters' lives?Consider letting your main character spend a few minutes somewhere like this...Before he rushes off to do this...Or maybe she gets a chance to enjoy this...Before slapping on these...I like to write plots where everything

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-25976289712289490162011-07-19T06:00:00.000-07:002011-07-19T06:00:15.926-07:00

10. You've been transcribing your handwritten draft and a glance at the computer screen tells you you've just typed 5 pages of gobbledegook since your hands were one key over the entire time.9. Your coffee is cold.8. You've given two characters the same name.7. A character is in two places at once. And no, he/she does not have magical powers.6. Thinking cold coffee is better than no coffee, you

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-24530246993979574462011-07-18T06:00:00.000-07:002011-07-18T06:00:11.951-07:00

Names. Who is that character? You know...the tall one with the big nose and says things that make you laugh out loud. What's his name? Okay...now is that the right name? Names. They'll get you every time.I name my characters first, then I flesh them out. I discovered years ago that if the name is wrong, nothing else falls into place no matter how hard I try. If the name is right, I can hear

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-46048023373420783792011-07-15T06:00:00.000-07:002011-07-15T06:00:26.174-07:00

This email was sent to me the other day. I laughed. I hope you do too. Happy weekending!Sure, the 'kids' have their codes of LOL and BFF and WTF...here's some for the older set.ATD - At the Doctor'sBFF - Best Friends FuneralBTW - Bring the WheelchairBYOT - Bring Your Own TeethFWIW - Forgot Where I WasFYI - Found Your InsulinGHA - Got Heartburn AgainIMHO - Is My Hearing-Aid On?LMDO - Laughing My

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-20283385223294808002011-07-14T06:00:00.000-07:002011-07-14T06:00:17.803-07:00

Let's go for a 1930s picnic! Here are a variety of baskets I've found scattered about the internet. All but one have links to where you can buy them, if you so fancy.Who's bringing the food?

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538744000429800248.post-83634417793417310812011-07-13T06:00:00.000-07:002011-07-13T06:00:02.168-07:00

Sometimes my writing feels as if it's wearing these...But many days, it feels more like it's mucking about in these...There are those comfy days when it's wearing these...or even these...And the wonderful days when it wears these...or these...Then there are the days when I slog along wearing these...and even some when it's wearing this...But I dream of the days when it will wear these...Or, more

Elspeth Antonellihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10330102545384369360noreply@blogger.com9