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Did you miss national Peanut Butter Lover’s Day on March 1? Me too, although I’m a big fan and still enjoy my peanut butter and jelly squish sandwiches. You know the ones; they have been in your ski jacket since morning and are about ½ inch thick by the time you are hungry. Sigh. But good news! March 14 is National Potato Chip Day. Chips might be my nemesis, because I try to behave and only eat one bowl at a time, but if they’re in my house, they’re in my belly!
Did you also know that March 18 is National Supreme Sacrifice Day? Does that mean I can enjoy my potato chips on a second day in the same month?!! All silliness aside, I’m a fantasy writer and my characters, the Netahs are always on my mind (when I’m not hankering for potato chips). Now I’m wondering what would be the favorite snack food of a Netah who turns into an elk, or a fox, or even a bear. Got any ideas? #delights, #snacks, #animalfoods, #silliness, #Nationaldayof
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To paraphrase a favorite author, Neil Gaiman:
Writing is about spending all day doing something that is never perfect. This rings true to me as I work on yet another revision to my Netahs book 2 manuscript. I’ve had it read by a beta reader, a writing group, an editor, I’ve read it out loud to myself (which catches awkward phrases). There are always ways to clarify sentences, better word choices, and ways to enhance reader engagement through emotions. I am grateful to all those who have helped me hone this story. Believe it or not, it is very satisfying to polish and shine the words on the page. Mr. Gaiman’s sentiment encourages me to continue, and not beat myself up about perfection, although it doesn’t seem to apply to his work. Makes me wonder how many revisions he goes through.  There’s a skier saying: there’s no such thing as a bad snow day, only bad clothing choices. Most people know layers will keep you warm. However, there are different types for different sports. To ski you need insulating layers, then waterproof, windproof, sun protection and protection equipment like helmets. Having just returned from several runs on my favorite mountain, on a bluebird day with fresh snow, I couldn’t help thinking about my Netahs and their built-in fur coats. We humans are so fragile. I actually caught myself feeling jealous of Netahs!
Then I thought how ridiculous it would be to see an elk skiing down the mountain. Yes, I was that crazy lady laughing to herself as she skied past! Humans have our advantages. Racking your brain for something that is eco-friendly, entertaining, thought-provoking, or that simply shows someone how much you think they’re special? Gifts that come from the heart are my specialty. I make stuff, but I know I’m lucky to have the time and that time is at a premium for most people.
Therefore, as a writer and a reader, I also prefer books for gifts. They don’t add any micro plastic to the environment, and ebooks leave the trees alone, but paper books are easy to re-gift. If you don’t know anyone who reads the same kinds of books, libraries take donations and sell them to buy new books for their collections. I already mentioned the SCBWI Bookstop promotion going on for another week, until December 5, to jump start your gift list. Do you have a YA or a fantasy reader on your list? To save you some time, here’s a link to order my book, The Netahs, Into the Wilderness! I will write a special message inside the cover and autograph your book for free, and it’s on sale until December 9. Happy Holidays! |
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