Cathy C.'s Hall of Fame

Finding Something Friday: An Advent Story in my Inbox (Courtesy of Cup of Comfort)

2009-12-04T16:44:00.003-05:00

One of my Facebook buddies sent me a message today about my story, "Advent in the Hall House" being in the Cup of Comfort Newsletter, which just happened to be in my Inbox today!

Technically, "Advent in the Hall House" can be found in A Cup of Comfort Book of Christmas Prayer, which you can find in your local bookstore or at the Cup of Comfort website. It's not just me who thinks this book might make a swell Christmas gift.

The Beneficent Mr. Hall said, "I'd buy it, even if I didn't have to!" And Sally the Crazy dog said, "Marf, too!" Now, you can't get a better endorsement that that, can you?

Go ahead and read my story by zipping over here. But don't be surprised if you're hankering to read the rest of the stories in a Cup of Comfort Book of Christmas Prayer. And have yourself some merry little Christmas Spirit.

Tooting My Horn Tuesday: These Boots Were Made for Platform Building

2009-12-01T12:14:00.003-05:00

Yep, those are Cathy C. Hall's boots. And when I wear those boots, I'm about 6 feet tall, towering over the less tall (is that more politically correct?) folk out there.

If you're a writer, and you want to get published, you're going to need a platform. You're going to need to write something scathingly brilliant, of course. But it's also wise to get to work, towering over all the would-be published writers, with a scathingly brilliant platform. But how, you ask?

First, read my article "Platform Building 101" that was published in the Institute of Children's Literature newsletter a few weeks back. Then, get yourself a pair of seriously platform-kicking shoes so that when you walk in a room, people look up and say, "Hey, who's that tall woman with the spinach stuck in her teeth?" It works for me.

Finding Something Friday on Alexa and Fairy Tales

2009-11-27T20:28:00.004-05:00

I somehow managed to roll myself into the office so I could share what I found on this Friday after Thanksgiving. I mean, besides the three extra pounds I found around my waist.

So, I opened my Inbox to find a lovely email from Enchanted Conversation where I'd sent a poem having to do with Sleeping Beauty. Which turned out to be a very good thing, what with Sleeping Beauty being the theme of their first issue, due to come out in January 2010. So whee! I can't wait to read this online magazine that celebrates all things Fairy Tales-ish.

Now, I know you're thinking hold on a pea-pickin' minute. Is this the same woman who wrote The Nano Lament (sung to the tune of I've been Working on the Railroad)? Well, as it happens, I can write delightful, not to mention, deeply moving poetry when the lyrical muse whacks me upside the head. But you shall just have to take my word for it until January, 2010 (when I shall give you a firm but kind push in the direction of Enchanted Conversation).

And since Enchanted Conversation is a new magazine, it will be trying to grow its readers. That reminded me of a nifty little tool I use to see how my blogs are growing, so to speak. It's called Alexa, and I'm totally enamored with this web traffic whatchamacallit. You can install the Alexa toolbar or you can install the statusbar. I use the statusbar so I can check my blog's ranking.

I'm not really all that sure what affects blog ranking. I know that the number of hits to a blog affects ranking, but I'm guessing there's more to it than that. Links back to your blog might help your ranking, or a variety of visitors vs. the same old, same old crowd of visitors may have something to do with it, too. All I do know is that I like to check those numbers to see how my blog's ranking goes up and down.

Kinda like my weight during the holidays. Which is not nearly as fun as you think.

Tooting My Horn Tuesday on TH Stuff

2009-11-24T10:22:00.002-05:00

The Nano Lament (Sung to the tune of "I've Been Working on the Railroad")

I've been working on the novel, all the livelong day.
I've been working on the novel, and I've got a lot to say.
Don't you see your shouting hubby? He's starving and he's mad!
Don't you see I've got to finish? Peanut butter's not that bad.

First TH: 30, 000 words on my novel-in-progress! Count 'em and weep, fellow writers. (Come to think of it, the Beneficent Mr. Hall is almost on the verge of tears himself. Perhaps for an entirely different reason. Perhaps it has something to do with my personal hygiene. Perhaps I've shared a little too much.)

A quick word about Thin Threads, which is a new book series based on stories about thin threads or life-changing moments. Many moons ago, I sent a story and forgot all about it. Until I received a recent email saying, Whee! You're a finalist! (I'm paraphrasing, but it was something along those lines.) Then, I received another email saying, Whee! Your story's been selected for a Thin Threads book or whatever we decide to do with it! (Second TH) So, check out their recent contest if you've got one of those thin thread moments.

Finally, when I looked back at the Tooting My Horn Tuesday posts, I realized I had more toots than last year (Um, you know what I mean, right?). And I'm darn thankful for the throngs (Third TH) of folks who put up with my tooting, and always have such nice things to say. (Okay, maybe throngs is stretching it. But I'm all about the THemes.)

Oh! And have a blessed and bountiful THanksgiving! (Gee, I sure hope the Beneficent Mr. Hall picks up a turkey for us or it's going to be a very peanutty holiday at the Hall house!)

Finding Something Friday : Soul-Making Literary Competition

2009-11-20T23:07:00.002-05:00

The annual Soul-Making Literary Competition is calling my name this Friday. And not a moment too soon. 'Cause entries need to be postmarked by November 30th!

There are 12 different categories for which you can send your own soulful entry, and you know what I really like about this contest? Previously published works are okay-dokay! So, shake off that scathingly brilliant piece you love, add the five buck entry fee, and send it to the fine folks all the way in San Francisco. Oh, and make sure you include enough postage.

A wing and a prayer might help, too.

Finding Something Friday: Words, Words, Words

2009-11-13T11:50:00.003-05:00

I found the funnest contest for you word lovers! (Um, is funnest a word? The red line thingie is not showing up under it, so I guess funnest is okay. But P.S. Thingie is not.)

The Georgia Review decided to honor Ambrose Bierce with a Devil's Dictionary for the 21st Century. Now, you may recognize old Ambrose as the guy who wrote that short story you had to read in high school ("An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge"). But he also penned The Devil's Dictionary, a dictionary of common terms with some rather uncommon, not to mention, satirical definitions. Take his definition for Dictionary: A malevolent literary device for cramping the growth of a language and making it hard and inelastic. This dictionary, however, is a most useful work.

Oh, that Ambrose was a hoot and a half. Until he took off for Mexico and disappeared. Still, I'm sure Ambrose regaled the local ruffians with his usual wit right up until the moment that they, well, made him disappear. But you want to know about the contest. Send in your new and satirical entries by December 1 (maximum length, 200 words) and if your word is chosen, you'll receive a lovely honorarium, or perhaps even the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place prize. You have to mail that submission, so start thinking and writing. Get all the details here.

If you read about the Abilene Writers Guild contest over at Finders & Keepers, then you can skip ahead because you already know that the contest has a category for children's writers. But if you write short stories, poetry, flash fiction, articles, or even novels, there's a category for you, too. And prizes! And an entry fee (but it's only 5 bucks, unless you're sending in your novel excerpt). You only have till November 30th, so go check out the details here and jump on that contest!

And finally, a quick update on that National Novel Writing Month. Yes, I signed up. That would explain the neat little badge I added to my blog (I'm not gonna lie. I'm a sucker for blog stuff like that. Not enough of a sucker to add the word count widget, though). And I've written a ton of words. They may not necessarily be good words, but they are words (and not words like thingie, either). Which reminds me of Ambrose Bierce's definition for novel: a short story padded.

Which brings me to the end of this rather wordy post. I'm sure you're wondering about that picture of the monks, working on the sand painting. It's simple, really. A picture's worth a thousand words. (Wonder if the nanowrimo folks will let me throw in a couple of pics?)

For the Veterans

2009-11-11T11:26:00.002-05:00

It's not enough, to just say thanks
to men and women in the ranks

who served so well, and gave their all,
and answered swiftly to the call.

It's not enough-mere words, a nod.
Unless you're sending prayers to God

for the veterans.

Finding Something Friday: Dark and Light Connections

2009-11-06T11:35:00.008-05:00

This week, a friend asked me about Linkedin. She wanted to know a little something something about this business network, and since I'm on LI, she thought I could answer her questions. Namely, what do I use it for?

Hmmmm. So, I had to think a minute. What DO I use it for? Well, connecting with other writers, and interesting folk. This week, I joined in a discussion about the noir genre, and met Mike, who edits the Noir Journal. Which I zipped over to check out, and found lots of fantabulous stuff about Noir.

Now, I don't write Noir, but I enjoy a good, dark, nobody wins read every once in awhile. And I like when folks kindly link to me in their publications. So, go read Journal 4 (www.noirjournal.typepad.com/noir-journal)and find something dark to read. And if you're on Linkedin, give me a shout and we'll make a connection.

And now for something completely different, and a bit lighter. And all about the dog connection. I'm not gonna lie. This video made my day.

What Not to Do Wednesday When Publishing a Book

2009-11-04T09:30:00.006-05:00

I'm excited to have a guest here today at the old Hall of Fame! And not just because it gives me a day off.

Claudine Wolk is the author of It Gets Easier! and Other Lies We Tell New Mothers, so you can see that she and I already share a similar world view. But she also had some deep thoughts to share about the "behind the scenes" stuff with her book. As you know, I'm always looking for insider writer info. And you are, too, right? Take it away, Claudine! (Presumably she's telling the truth here...Okay, I'm kidding. Claudine would never lie to fellow writers in the trenches, right? Right????)

"Publishing is a tricky field. There are a few ways around the land mines, though. Below are a few of the most important things NOT to do when trying to find a publisher.

Don't ever send a manuscript without doing your research on the publisher. Each publisher has a specific set of submission requirements. If you think that your Manuscript is so great that those requirements do not apply to you, think again! There is no bigger turnoff to a publisher than an author who can't follow their requirements. Failing to follow these requirements to the letter is an easy way for a publisher to weed you out as a potential author. Look at it from their side-How can you work for a publsiher when you can't follow the first instruction they ever give you?

Don't ever submit a manuscript to a publisher without knowing the meaning of the following five terms: Author Platform, Marketing Plan, Book Proposal, Hook, and Chapter Summary.

Don't ever go to a publisher without the answer to the question: Why are you the right person to write this book? The publisher wants to know why you uniquely are the right person to write this book. What do you bring to the table to sell this book? Do you have commitments for sales for this book in hand? Do you have a target market already in store for this book? Do you already have a vehicle to reach this target market? Do you have a special skill that lends credence to your book? Are you willing to speak, promote, and online market this book? Can you do the artwork for this book? Do you have a rich cousin who has promised to buy cases of this book? (In case you were wondering, I've just defined "Author Platform" for you!)

Don't ever go to a publisher without knowing your competition. You never want to be caught with your pants down in this area. You need to do the research. Make sure the title of your book is not taken. Make sure you know similar books in your genre and how yours is different. By the way, never diss another book; it's bad karma and it's unprofessional. Simply let the publisher know that you know that the book is out there and how your book is better and different.

If you are starting to think that finding a publisher is going to be tough, you are right. As my mother used to say, birthing the baby is the easy part, the raising of the kid is a challenge. So, too, with book publishing-writing the darn thing is indeed the easy part. Which leads me to my last "don't."

Don't ever give up. As monumental a task as publishing may seem, it is doable. Never give up on your message and the need to get that message out there. Consider all the work and potential rejection as part of the landscape of the journey and keep on going. You owe it to yourself and the audience who will benefit from your expertise. Go get 'um."

That, grasshopper, is about as good as it gets when it comes to publishing your book. Big thanks to Claudine Wolk for stopping here on her blog tour!

Claudine is a mother of three (Wow! So am I!) who writes columns and magazine and newspaper articles (Wow! So do I!) on the subject of new motherhood (Um, never mind). She's got a very spiffy website (help4newmoms.com) and a witty blog. And if you've got a new mom hanging about somewhere, you should get Claudine's book, It Gets Easier! And Other Lies We Tell New Mothers. Maybe even give the book to the new mom.

Or, you know, you could give the book to an old mom (Wow! Just like me!).

Tuesday Tip: So You Wanna Write A Series

2009-11-03T11:17:00.004-05:00

You don't have to start out writing a series to end up with a series.

That's the tip I got from Fiona Ingram, who's over at Finders & Keepers today, discussing her book, The Secret of the Sacred Scarab. Well, technically, she's discussing the writing of the book, and it's good stuff.

Fiona started out to write a simple book about two boys and their adventure in Egypt and ended up with a series. How does that happen? I could explain it, but Fiona does a much more eloquent job. So give her a visit, ask her a question or two. She's a lovely person (really, she's kinda gorgeous), and quite the interesting writer. Oh, and she self-published her book (and then got a contract from a traditional publisher...how'd that happen?)

Um, I should probably dash over to my other blog and ask Fiona myself! Follow me...cathychall.wordpress.com

Finding Something Friday on Saturday Writers and Shameless Promotion

2009-10-30T11:49:00.005-04:00

I found an email or two this week from friends who are members of the Saturday Writers, letting me know that their contest deadline has been extended.

It's a very good thing that friends send little reminders out to friends like me. Because I plumb forgot to post about that contest in the first place! But there's still time to get your first place in the 8th Annual Short Story Contest. Now you have till November 15th to get your open genre story into the hands of their fantabulous judges, and don't forget to send your $7.00 entry fee with that 2009 word story. Get complete details at Saturday Writers (saturdaywriters.org). Oh, and I wouldn't mind another little reminder so that I, you know, actually get that entry in the mail.

And now, since Halloween is nigh, I'm thinking you might be in the mood for a spooky tale. So, creep on over to Cathy-on-a-Stick for pumpkin shenanigans. Or you might want to read Mary Beth's Prophecy, if you forgot to read that frightening fable when I posted it in the Hall of Fame.

Isn't it funny how I never seem to forget the shameless promotion? Bwahahahaha!

Tuesday's This 'n That Other This

2009-10-27T15:11:00.003-04:00

I've been meaning to share This:

If you're not signed up for Writing-World's newsletter, then zip your cursor over to this wondrous writing site and fill in those blanks. The site and newsletter are seriously packed with great writer stuff, as well as funny writer stuff. And the editor might buy your writer stuff, if you have something to share.

And here's the other This:

I have no business hanging out at the Unpublished Guy. I have work to do. Very Important Work. But five minutes laughing at a Monty Python clip never hurt anyone, did it? (Well, unless you fall off your chair laughing. So, don't do that.) Thanks to my Writing-World newsletter for sharing this Brit wit!

Finding Something Friday on Cup of Comfort Competition and Connections

2009-10-23T11:03:00.003-04:00

So, let's say you have this GREAT story. A story that really happened, and maybe even changed your life. A story that grabs the heart strings and makes folks smile or gasp or take a hankie out. That's a story that could win the Cup of Comfort Reader's Choice Competition.

Finally, here's an opportunity for that GREAT story that didn't quite fit into any of the categories of Cup of Comfort books that were published (or to be published). Yes, there's an entry fee. But there's also some great prizes, including your story in the Cup of Comfort Reader's Choice Edition. And best of all, people vote. (Okay, I realize that editors are people, too. But editors can be the teensiest bit picky. Whereas reader people are just looking for a GREAT story.)

So, write that GREAT story, join the C of C community, and submit by January 15th. Read more details here to improve your chances. And when your story is chosen and people get to vote, let me know. Because I'm reader people, and I'd love to smile, gasp, or yes, grab a tissue or two and vote for your story.

Oh, and you can tell everyone about your GREAT story when you sign up with Networked Blogs. It's a Facebook application that allows you to network your blog all over the Facebook Kingdom. So, if you're already the social type, chatting up friends and family on FB, sign up your blog and get the message out. 'Cause you're writing GREAT stories every day. Might as well share the wealth!

Tooting My Horn Tuesday for The Holidays!

2009-10-20T21:19:00.003-04:00

I know what you're thinking. I haven't even carved the dang pumpkin and she's going on about the holidays!

Here's a thought. Just skip the dang pumpkin (Whee! No mushy pulp! No whining about how your pumpkin's not as good as the neighbor's pumpkin! No trips to the hospital to stitch up your finger!). Now, let's share a moment of peace and move on...

Because before you know it, the holidays will be coming around the corner. And I know the perfect way to get that peaceful feeling and keep it throughout the month. A Cup of Comfort Book of Christmas Prayer has just been released, and it's full of prayers and stories that will bring you closer to God during the holiday.

The first story in the book deals with Advent; in fact, it's called "Advent at Hall House."So you can start your holiday with a festive, fun rollick through my own humble abode, so to speak. All the folks you know and love will be there...Junior Halls, the Beneficent Mr. Hall, and even Sally the Crazy Dog.

You can read more here, and even purchase a book, if you like. You're going to want to start reading A Cup of Comfort Book of Christmas Prayer before the frost is off the ...well, let's not get started on that again. (Happy Holidays!)

Finding Something Friday on Spinetinglers Contest

2009-10-16T15:22:00.002-04:00

There's just something about October that really gets my spooky senses tingling. It could be that whole Halloween thing. It could be that the Beneficent Mr. Hall takes to the couch during football season and turns into a kind of bubbling mass, indistinguishable from the cushions. Whatever.

The point is, my fingers are itching to write something creepy. And I found the perfect site to send my macabre masterpiece: Spinetinglers (Woooooooooo-ooooooo).

Each month, Spinetinglers sponsors a contest (no entry fee!) and chooses the top five stories (prize money!) and then showcases them on their website (publication credit!) They seem to be especially keen on guy writers (Four out of the last five winners were men. Although Tony could be a girl, I guess. Or an alien...).

Anyway, I know quite a few women writers who can scare the bejiminies out of me. With their stories, I mean. I'm sure their stories would scare you, too. So I really hope they submit a few to Spinetinglers and help us women represent. As I plan to do, as soon as I think up a hot mess of a horror story (Woooooooo-oooooo).

Relationships + Writing = WOW!

2009-10-13T10:05:00.000-04:00

I have this funny kind of writing relationship with my mother. I write about my mom...and she doesn't think it's funny.

Oh, lots of other people do. People like editors buy my funny essays and publish them in books or newspapers or magazines. But the one time I shared a humorous published story about mother dear, she wasn't very dear at all.

It started out well enough. She laughed a bit at the beginning of my mother-daughter tale. She thought it was funny when I poked fun at my foibles. But somewhere between the middle of the story and the point where I explained how I'd learned everything I (didn't) know from my mom, things turned a bit dicey.

So, if you ever come across anything I've written, and Mom's in the piece, I hope you'll laugh--and love my funny mom as much as I do. But don't mention it to her, huh? 'Cause when it comes to my writing about Mom and putting it out there for all the world to see...well, mum's the word.

What's my Mother-Daughter writing relationship have to do with anything today? So glad you asked! Today I'm participating in a mass blogging! WOW! Women on Writing has gathered a group of blogging buddies to write about family relationships. Why family relationships? We're celebrating the release of Therese Walsh's debut novel today. The Last Will Of Moira Leahy (Random House, October 13, 2009) is about a mysterious journey that helps a woman learn more about herself and her twin, whom she lost when they were teenagers. Visit the Muffin to read what Therese has to say about family relationships and view the list of all my blogging buddies. And make sure you visit Therese's website (www.theresewalsh.com) to find out more about the author.

Therese, by the way, is the co-founder of Writer Unboxed, a blog for writers about the craft and business of genre fiction. I've learned an awful lot about writing from Therese and her cohorts on that blog. I didn't learn the trick to writing about a mom, I guess. But I did learn that to get published, one must write and write and write some more. And then one day, your finely-written debut novel can be the subject of a mass book blogging! (Warmest congrats to Therese Walsh on The Last Will of Moira Leahy!)

I'm a Sucker for Neil Gaiman (Or How I Ended Up with a Twitter Account)

2009-10-12T16:54:00.003-04:00

Apparently I have the willpower of a gnat.

Come to think of it, gnats are pretty willful critters. I've had gnats annoy me for hours. So maybe gnat is not the best comparison for use in this instance. But in the sense that a gnat is a teeny-tiny little bit of a thing, that's exactly how much willpower I have.

'Cause when I saw that Neil Gaiman was going to start a story on Twitter (he's a fan of tweeting, don't you know), and that his fan/followers can continue the story with their own little 140 character tweets, well.

Eventually, after 1,000 tweets or so, somebody will bundle it all up and make it an audiobook, to be read by some dashing narrator. Then, I guess folks can buy it. But I'm not buying a book just because I'd be a co-author with Neil Gaiman himself.

Well. I'm not spending any more than 25 bucks on it. Thirty, tops.

Finding Something Friday on NaNoWriMo

2009-10-09T18:50:00.002-04:00

Now, I know many of you already know all about National Novel Writing Month. But I'm not really here today to explain all the ins and out of this exercise. You can find all that wonderful info at the splendiferous NaNoWriMo site.

What I'm finding today, and all this week, is a general excitement leading up to this November event. An excitement that's making me think Hey, Cathy C. Hall! You, too, can write a novel in a month! All you have to do is write about 1,000 words a day!

Um, 1000 words a day is a lot of words. A LOT. I'm not sure I can just wing 1000 words a day. So, my plan is to get an idea, make a general plot outline, think up a couple of amazing characters, and devise a heckuva great and satisfying ending. All before November 1st when National Novel Writing Month begins. Yep, come November 1st, I"ll be ready to go. 1,000 words a day here I come.

Unless I decide to do a picture book. That's 1000 words, too, right? Picture book, novel. Let's not make a big deal about the details.

Tooting My Horn Tuesday On WOW! Women Leaders

2009-10-06T11:57:00.006-04:00

You might remember me mentioning Maureen Anderson and her book, The Career Clinic: Eight Simple Rules for Finding Work You Love. I thought Maureen and her story would make for an inspiring feature for WOW! Women on Writing's issue about successful women. And you know what? So did they!

If you want to read more details, check it out here. I know it's hard right now to land a job, much less a job that will pay the bills, never mind whether you love that job. In fact, Maureen states that the folks calling into her radio show these days feel a little guilty about pursuing dream jobs. But that doesn't mean you can't help your dream along. I'm thinking mostly about writers, but I suppose it goes for anyone. If there's something you want, you have to do something to get it. If you want to be a writer, write. Even if it's just 20 minutes a day. Success is just as sweet, whether the road's long or short. (Although I'm not going to lie. Short would suit me better.)

And if you want to see how other successful women made it, then follow the leaders over at WOW!'s latest issue. Oh, and another thing. If you meet someone who has an interesting story, take notes. You never know where your next writing opportunity may come from!

Finding Something Friday: Did Someone Ask for Zombies?

2009-10-02T10:58:00.003-04:00

First off, I opened my Gwinnett Daily Post to find a veritable smorgasbord of zombie news. A review of the movie "Zombieland" got the living dead ball rolling, but then I found this neat story about a guy at Netherworld (a local horror spot that's so scary, the Beneficent Mr. Hall refuses to go. But then, he won't go down the street in the dark, either.) and how parts of this zombie-tastic movie were filmed there (No pun intended. Wait, I think I will intend that pun.)

I also read how the University of Florida had included a response plan for the zombie apocalypse on a disaster recovery site. Now that's what I call being prepared. Apparently, the powers that be failed to see the prudence of having a plan in case of an attack of the living impaired. The zombie plan has already been removed. All I can say is, heaven help Florida if the zombie apocalypse starts there.

If you have a great idea for a zombie story, you should check out the Library of the Living Dead Forum. By my last count, there were 8 anthologies with open submissions for all things zombie-tastic. I've got a great story in mind, about a zombie attack in a Southern state, that had a plan and foolishly threw it out. Heads rolled.

To Ban Books or Not To Ban (It's Not Really a Question)

2009-09-29T12:08:00.002-04:00

The last week in September is Banned Books Week, which does NOT mean that the American Library Association and a bunch of other illustrious organizations are jumping up and down, trying to get books banned.

It does mean we're all jumping and down for the freedom to read what we choose to read.

Now, I'll be the first to say that there are books out there that little bitty kids probably shouldn't read. And maybe some books that grown-up kids wished they'd never read. But deciding what to read (or not read) should be an individual's choice (or a choice discussed with a parent in the case of younger students). Because, frankly, there are some folks out there who have a very strange idea of what's improper reading material. Just take a look at this map of banned books to see what I mean.

I've read most of the books that have been banned somewhere, sometime. Honestly, my mother let me read all kinds of books when I was a kid. And I survived with my morals, values, and political views (such as they are) intact.

It's all about Freadom, whether you're a writer, a reader or both. No question about it.

Finding Something Friday on Meyers-Briggs and Blogs

2009-09-25T10:41:00.006-04:00

Have you ever taken the Meyers-Briggs personality test? The one where you find out if you're extroverted, or introverted, thinking or feeling, and such? Way back in the day, when I was (apparently) a different personality, I took the test. I came out ENTJ, which was affectionately called "The Field Commandant." Hmph.

When I took the test (online) today, I came out ISFJ or ESFJ, depending on which test I want to believe. Either way, I've changed personalities. I suppose that's what thirty years of living with the Beneficent Mr. Hall will do to you. I've completely lost my bossing around skills. (Um, not even I believe that.)

Most writers tend to be introverted, I think. And probably most fiction writers will score higher on the sensing, feeling side of the test. We have to have that imagination factor in order to write spiffy stories. Blog writing, on the other hand is completely different. Maybe that's why my blog scored a different personality than me. (I don't want to get into a whole Frankenstein thing here, but it kinda weirds me out that I created this blog that's gone and developed its own personality.)

Try it yourself with this Meyers Brigg personality test for your blog. Turns out Cathy C.'s Hall of Fame is an ESFP, known as The Performers. We're fun and entertaining blogs. Maybe I'm not particularly fun or entertaining, but wheee! My blog is!

Of course, I had to check Cathy on a Stick's blog. That blog came out ESTP, The Doers. They're the active and playful types in the blog world. Now, that's just scary accurate, isn't it?

Many thanks to Shrinking Violet Promotions, which I found this week, for providing me with this info on the Typealyzer. If you're looking for a fascinating blog for the shy types, (or any types, really) Shrinking Violets is packed with promotional stuff for writing types .

Now, fly, fly my blog buddies, and find out what type blog you have! And maybe you could share your blog's personality with the rest of us. (I'm keeping an eye on the old Hall of Fame. It's already got a personality. Next, it'll go get a mind of it's own. Talk about scary!)

All for National Punctuation Day Stand Up and Cheer!

2009-09-24T10:46:00.007-04:00

Gimme a C, gimme an O, gimme an M-M-A. Gooooooo, Comma!

Or apostrophe, colon, semicolon, dash, and ellipsis. It's National Punctuation Day and I'm as pleased as a pack of punctuating people can be!

See, misuse of punctuation is one of those little pet peeves I have. I don't go on and on about those who missed the punctuation pontoon boat, so to speak. I mean, Lord knows, I've misplaced a comma or two in my time. But when I see an apostrophe used incorrectly, I squirm a bit and want to fix the erring mark. And the rampant misuse of the semicolon? Don't even get me started.

I've never met Jeff Rubin (the former newspaperman who instigated the holiday), but I'll bet he's a fine fellow. Anyone who celebrates the semicolon, and promotes the proper use of all punctuation, is worth cheering for!

(We'll discuss ending sentences with prepositions another day.)

Tuesday Tip: Just So You Know, I'm Taking Notes

2009-09-22T17:46:00.003-04:00

You may recall me mentioning here on the Hall of Fame that I attended an Elton John/ Billy Joel concert.

Here's where I wrote about that little adventure again, in an oh-so-humorous way. I mention this so you'll know that, from time to time, I write about the adventures from my oh-so-personal life. That's what writers do. All the time.

So, if you were to, say, get lost three different times going to the same place (like a Junior Hall did recently), you might show up in a witty column. Or you might show up in a short story as the character affectionately called "Wrong Way."

Just thought I'd tip you off, in case you read something someday and think, "Wait a minute. That could be me, except that I don't have a big, old wart on my nose."

It's probably not you. But it could be you. Especially if you do have a big, old wart on your nose.

Finding Something Friday on Confusing Words

2009-09-18T11:25:00.003-04:00

Once in awhile (okay, every day), I spend some time (okay, hours) exploring (okay, pooting around) on the wide world of the web (okay, mostly Facebook).

Anyway, I find interesting things. Then I bookmark them. Then I completely forget that I've bookmarked them. So, it behooves me to occasionally take a little time and check my bookmarks. It's like opening a Bookmarks Box of Chocolates. I never know what I'm going to get!

Today I found Confusing Words. This is a handy little tool for those of us who may have trouble with certain words. Words like the perennially confusing lay, lie. And let's not forget those favorites, affect vs. effect. You don't have to look up a whole bunch of grammar rules. You can go to this site and find the definition of said confusing words, as well as sentences using said confusing words. And bam! That confusing cloud hanging over your head suddenly disappears.

Assuming it's a word thing. I wonder if there's something in my Bookmarks called Confusing Life Stuff (okay, you know what I mean).