Quirks

You know what they are: Art Quirk, American Major League Baseball player. Billy Quirk, American silent film actor. Daniel Quick, American professional wrestler---WAIT, WAIT, WAIT. That's not the kind of Quirks I'm talking about, although I have no doubt they lead interesting lives.

I'm talking about quirks: odd mannerisms, peculiarities, something that makes you, YOU. Quirks let you know who you're dealing with, throwing out clues as to their character and demeanor. Or it may cause you to wonder about them even more. You either Love 'em or hate 'em. The quirks, not the people. Unless the quirk is really annoying and then yeah, Hasta la vista, friend.

For writers, quirks are what make people interesting. It's what separates one character from one another. They give you clues as to the perpetrators. Give bullies a purpose in life. They're...quirks.

What are some of your favorite character quirks? Who writes quirkiness really well?

Patience

According to Dictionary.com:

pa·tience

 [pey-shuhns]

noun

1.

the quality of being patient, as the bearing of provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain, withoutcomplaint, loss of temper, irritation, or the like.

2.

an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay: to havepatience with a slow learner.

3.

quiet, steady perseverance; even-tempered care; diligence: to work with patience.

4.

( Cards chiefly British  ) solitaire (  def 1 ) .

5.

Also called patience dock. a European dock, Rumex patientia,  of the buckwheat family, whose leavesare often used as a vegetable.

I did not know some of these definitions.  A card game? Really? *googles up the game* I guess I've always had a more "life-experience" kind of definition. It goes like this: 

According to Karen; aka, Mom, Wife, Writer:

Patience is: a virtue, HARD, not always quiet (especially when the mama bear claws come out). It's a VERB, it takes works. It's actively controlling your emotions and actions. It is not passive. Yes, it is kindness, friendship, and showing love for others.  But it's watching those friends get published, happily, while you...still try. 

It's repeating yourself for the third time to the child who's not listening, because they're not doing it out of spite--the TV's just too loud.  Patience is turning down the TV without yelling at them.  It's something that we seem to expect of others, but want to be forgiven of for our lack thereof. "What, I lack patience? Come say that to my face."  lol  Sorry...couldn't help myself.

Patience is a part of life's great struggle, the part that says, "Don't just do what's right. Do it with the right attitude. You'll be a much better person for it. And bring others with you."

What do writers seem to be the most impatient about? Are we more impatient with ourselves? Or with others?

Opposing Fans

You want to love them. Honestly you do. They bought your book, movie, or ticket to the baseball game. But they can also be our very worst critics. As though buying stock in our lives gives them a right to berate us. Sure, they may have some valid points to make, but I've sadly seen some be down right rude. It worries me.

Um...authors have feelings, too, you guys. Just because you may not like our work, can you be, um...a little kind? Please?

Poor Kim Kardashian lost a few fan over some automated tweets, mistimed amidst the unfolding tragedy at the Boston Marathon. Yes, we need to be careful about our online presence, but it's true that even our best won't always be enough for some people.

Take this heckler at the ball game for example.  He's got a few opinions that he feels entitled to share.  And so does Tony Gwynn, Jr.  Ohhhhhhh, yes.  :)

Reviews and hecklers are difficult things to experience. They've been known to make or break someone's day. I'm on Facebook, I know what I'm talking about.  Even the toughest skin is still skin. It's going to affect us in some way or another.  Most fans are ecstatic, exuberant, waiting in line all night to be one of the first. :) Some are...not so enthusiastic.

I've seen some really wonderful things lately about writers thanking authors, writing letters of gratitude to those who have made a difference in the reader's life.  It's called #ThankAWriter Project headed up by Nathan Bransford and Maggie Mason. You can find out more about it here and how to join the crusade. :) I'm going to do that this week.  They deserve it.

Our thanks shouldn't be just merely buying their book, watching their movie, yelling at players who are just doing their job. When a waiter gives you good service don't you give him a tip? And not the advice kind of tip. I know, some people seem to be full of that. I'm talking about an extra thank you for a job well done.

Do you ever thank authors for the books they've written?  Which books have changed your life the most?

Nook, Kindle, Kobo...SPOCK

Reading apps sometimes feels like Rock, Paper, Scissors to me.

Thankfully I have a spock--I mean, iPad.  For those who don't subscribe to Apple products I hope you'll indulge me for just a minute. :)

I am sooo grateful for my iPad. Why?  The reasons are too numerous and it actually fought for a position on the letter "I" day, but Ben Wolverton's needs won out.  Sorry, Apple....

But honestly, it makes my head spin a little to see all the different reading options and hear people complain about how they want this book or this book available in this version or this version because their device doesn't support the others. I get it. I do. Nook is Barnes and Noble, Kindle is Amazon, Kobo is....*excuse me while I go look it up.*  Uh....looks like it's an independent looking to make its place in the market.  I have no idea how it's doing, but the fact it's still around says something I guess.  :)
And yes, I'm aware that the computer can handle them all, but people aren't tied to their computers these days. They're on the move. They want their books to-go! I'll take a Jane Austen with a side of Sarah M. Eden if you please. Thanks!

I love my iPad because it handles them all.  It's the Spock of rock, paper, scissors. Yes, it's a little more pricey than a Nook or Kindle but it also handles ALL my various email accounts...in one spot. And I can watch videos. And I can chat with people. And Skype. And, and, and...yeah, the list goes on.

Of course I can see why each major book supplier is going to offer and tout their own reading media, but in doing so they run the risk of excluding others. I hear the complaints so I know the problem exists.  As a reader I'm lucky enough not to have to worry about it...yet. But as an aspiring writer my works will need to conform. The reader will have needs. Will I be able to meet them?

What is your opinion on the different reading devices? Too many options? Not enough? 

Looming Monsters

They’re everywhere: books, deadlines, year-end taxes, poised to make your life miserable. Unless they kill you first.

In writing, there are many monsters you face, holding you back from your goals and killing your dreams. They can have six heads, wings and breathe fire and death. Or they can be small enemies covered in blue: we’ll call them Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr. They’re ever present, ever threatening, to steal my your time and make you doubt yourselves. You got an agent and a book deal and movie rights? Excuse me while I go back to bed.

But wait! Monsters aren’t inherently evil, it’s just how people have treated them. It’s not their fault that we forgot our armor, or that someone came along before us and soundly abused them: infusing their walls with mean, nasty thoughts. And yet with the proper strength we can use the monsters for good.  Get them on our side.

Yes, I prefer to take care of my monsters. Nice words, a pat on the back, never overextending my stay, lest they blow fire on me. (I’m sort of flammable.) Sometimes you approach the monster and find other heroes, sharing the same quest and willing to team up. Those are the ones who will have your back, save your life, help you identify the monster and better prepare yourself.

You see, the first few moments that a hero meets the monster isn’t when the attack begins. Nope. You two (or more, if you open multiple browsers like me) are too busy sizing each other up, getting the low-down, and formulating a plan of attack. The outcome? It depends on how strong you are. Can you wish someone well who just fulfilled your dream? I dare you to. Today. J

Because a true hero will formulate their plan before the monster appears. They prepare, have a goal, and then carry it out. It’s a good thing too, because some monsters are well-prepared. They know right where to hit, making or breaking your day dream.

So what are your "favorite" monsters and how do you tackle them? What’s your strategy for teaming up with others?