Thanks to system crashes, the morning was slow and I was able to get my entry for the "Endings First" contest written. I think this will be much more powerful when combined with the full manuscript, but this is the only part I'm sure of now. If you want to check out the end of my upcoming novel, swing by "Invalid Item" . And yes, Zack does have a guest appearance in this. I couldn't resist putting my little buddy in there as a a glowing beacon of hope! Basically, it's about the ugly demon of depression and how it traps people.

I did a lot of planning in my mind for this over the weekend, so it really didn't take me long to type it up. Ditto with the website: I gave it a good deal of thought beforehand, so I was pretty sure of how I wanted to do it. It's pretty simplistic for now, but I do plan to go in there and spruce it up as inspiration hits. Check it out at http://www.sherrithewriter.weebly.com if you have a chance. I'm so glad they have those drag and drop features now to do the design. I'm definitely not a graphic artist, and the little bit of HTML code Rick dipped my toes in made my brain sizzle!

Also, I deleted "Into the Pit." That wasn't working out the way I hoped, so I let it go. I have it saved on my hard drive and back up drives, so I can always retrieve it if I want to give it another shot later. But for now, it just isn't what I thought and I don't see a point in continuing with a writing project that has no clear goal or objective. I want to free myself up to work on "Anywhere But Here." I am doing some research and considering how to approach this plot. I want it to be dark - not outward horror, but something that really gets in you and makes you think. Not an easy task, but one I look forward to taking on in the coming months.

Rick and I did go to the fair Saturday afternoon to see my cross stitch entry. At least it's displayed decently, which is good. I think Rick was disgusted that I didn't get a ribbon. I know my friend was. She was happy to win a ribbon, but she was shocked to see several with ribbons that weren't framed well. I know what she was talking about - that's part of what made Rick so mad. Some pieces that won prizes were wrinkled, and one wasn't even stretched out and lined up correctly. It was crooked and looked like it was about to fall out of the frame, and it got a second prize ribbon! All I can say is that no, I don't understand but at least I have my best work on display. What's done is done. It's time to move on and I have been moving forward with my writing these past few days.

At least something good came out of all this mess. It got me motivated and working on my writing again. I should have done this website a year ago, but better late than never. And now I've started on "Invalid Item"  and the ball is rolling on it. It might not seem like big stuff, but I'm happy. I'm still not sure where to go with the short stories, but no worries. I have good plans and I know that will come together when the time is right.

Ok all, I'm your NaNo cheerleader. My schedule is always way too busy to commit to participating in NaNo, but I'm here to observe the excitement. I'll be around offering encouragement and general cheerleading services. If you mention NaNo in your blog, I'm going to crash it. So you are forewarned ...

And finally in news that makes you go what?????????? Rick has been nominated for church council. Wow, who'd a thunk it. I don't know if he'll get elected but once you're name's been thrown in the ring, then it usually stays in their minds and you wind out being elected sooner or later. I'm just glad the folks there think I married a winner! Maybe he can eventually get in there and (*ahem*) get some things settled, eh? Ah, I grew up in that church and they know me too well. They remember me when I was sucking my thumb in the sanctuary, so that does not harken to a good, professional image - even 30 years later.

Here's hoping you have a good Monday. As good as Mondays get anyway, right?

Bye!