Learn from a Master, part 2

Yesterday I posted about the James Patterson writing class. I was curious, but it cost $90.00!!! That's really not a bad deal for a masters class, but still expensive. I had put the question out to the universe, "Should I do it?"

Guess what my husband replied--for all the world to see--on Facebook!

"Do it!"
(yes, the exclamation point was included)

So, today I will sign up for James Patterson Teaches Writing. I will post my review once I finish the series.

It's so nice to have someone else believe in your dreams with you. Thanks, hubby!

Learn from a Master

Master Class: James Patterson Teaches Writing

My friend posted this link for me today. It looks like a very interesting website and class, featuring videos and tips on outline, plot, characters, dialogue and more! If I had $90.00 just sitting around I would probably sign up.

Maybe I'll wait to hear what others have to say about it. Is it worth it? Or should I just keep looking for free tips from multiple authors online?

What makes James Patterson's tips better than other authors... aside from the fact that he's had tons of best sellers published?

When you think about it, $90.00 is a pretty good deal for a workshop, especially from such a popular author.

What do you think?

Sympathetic Cryer

I have laughed so many times over Psych's Burton Guster when he says, "You know I'm a sympathetic cryer, Shawn." But here I sit with the remnants of tears that have streamed down my face over yet another movie. I was fine until the end. I even knew the girl was dead and yet when the boyfriend started crying over her I was lost.

I'm glad to know I can feel these emotions. It tells me I'm not a sociopath.

That's a good thing.

Just Do It

Sometimes I feel like I have nothing to write about. How will I'll ever be able to turn out a daily column let alone an entire novel? Will my dreams ever come true? Am I doomed to keep giving up and setting things aside for years at a time? Is my goal impossible?

Not according to this video. Let this motivational speech be the fire under your butt.

You will jump off the couch... I mean desk chair... and shout. Yes! I will do it. I will make my dreams come true! TODAY!!!

Enjoy...

Nebraska

Just watched the movie Nebraska.

It inspired this haiku.

Grey skies full of clouds

Brown fields drying in the sun

Windblown dusty roads

The Search for Happiness

A movie review: Hector and the Search for Happiness

My daughter chose this film on Netflix tonight because she is a huge fan of Simon Pegg. He is most known for writing and starring in his own comedies. This was not one of them.

Pegg plays Hector, a psychiatrist who is not happy with his monotonous life. He sets off on an adventure to find the meaning of happiness. This movie has a beautiful message about what happiness really is.

One of my favorite scenes in the movie is where a cancer patient tells Hector he has a true talent, that "listening is loving". That line was very special to my daughter because she wants to be a therapist when she grows up. I told her she is going to make a lot of people feel loved. That made her very happy.

Go make someone happy today.

TAXES DONE

<-- This is what I look like after hitting the SUBMIT button on the Board of Equalization website.

"Heck, yeah!" I am doing my happy dance!

Oh, wait. I have to do this again next year. "Nooooo!"

Stop it! Stay in the moment. Be calm.

Back to the happy dance: "I'm done! I'm done! I'm-done-I'm-done-I'm done!"