Comments on: Trudy 9: Prying My Mind Open and 12000 words.

By: Sheri Hurricane Cherry Torte

Sheri Hurricane Cherry Torte — Tue, 04 Oct 2005 15:46:19 +0000

Nuclear weapons and Santa Claus all in one short story—now isn’t THAT a warm fuzzy! Now I see why Jenny is so adamant about keeping HER plot point (though the addition of a dachsund has some appeal to me also, I don’t think that this story is going to be long enough to develop another Marlene!) The nuclear weapon would be handy if Trudy was looking to destroy all the commercialism that Christmas seems to be about any more. What ever happened to the TRUE meaning of the holiday any way? Joy to the world, Peace on earth, yada yada yada. Hmmmm–does that nuclear weapon come in pink?

By: Bob

Bob — Wed, 28 Sep 2005 15:45:43 +0000

Ok- Jenny is right most of the time. As the cover issue today for Don’t Look Down has showed. The best course often comes in a direction not expected from the conflict of disagreement.
So I think the tactical nuclear weapon I have now suggested she put in her Christmas story will work quite well.

By: Brenda Bradshaw

Brenda Bradshaw — Wed, 28 Sep 2005 15:45:06 +0000

I agree with the feeling of it being important, then in the end, it probably is. I have no doubt you’ll figure it out and the result will be as smashing as always.

Bob, don’t yell. What’s worse than a frustrating woman? A frustrating woman that’s crying. Hmmph.

By: Jean

Jean — Wed, 28 Sep 2005 15:44:29 +0000

Regarding Diane’s suggestion for inserting a dachshund in the story, I have one I’d be willing to loan this week…I’d probably want him back, though, ’cause, despite my current frustration with him, he really is a sweetie.

By: Terrie Williams

Terrie Williams — Wed, 28 Sep 2005 15:43:56 +0000

It really doesn’t make any difference what kind of toy it is…the value of the toy is in the heart of the child receiving it.

What is Trudy’s motivation for hanging onto the point you’re sticking to? Turn it around, look at it backwards. Turn your shadow box at an angle and look again. Just because it’s making everything difficult is no excuse for leaving it. My god, no one would stay married if we all went that road!

If you’re up until 2:00 in the morning doing this, maybe you should walk away a little and de-stress. Paint a target on a tree and throw reject slips at it. Hard to do unless you tape them to rocks. Very satisfying when they go ‘thunk’, rip, shred (heh, heh).

By: Siberia

Siberia — Wed, 28 Sep 2005 15:43:20 +0000

Is there a 3rd option you haven’t considered???
BTW I absolutely love your characters…your women are REAL.
real neurosis, real sarcastic just laugh out loud funny.
Thank you for writing!!
i have specific scenes in every book that are my favorites!!!
so whatever you decide on this plot we will buy and read so don’t beat your head in the wall (so much) -formerly from NE columbus, OH

By: Diane

Diane — Wed, 28 Sep 2005 15:36:05 +0000

I’m a fan but most definitely not a writer so I have no clue about the process. All I can say is that I love your stuff and I’m sure that Trudy will be great, sooner or later.

Anyway, my only thought is put a dachshund into the story. I got hooked when I read Fast Women; Marlene was such great comic relief and was real enough to make everything else (plot, characters, etc.) seem “real.” I then read everything else of yours that I could get my hands on. Fabulous-modern Georgette Heyer!!!

By: Toni

Toni — Wed, 28 Sep 2005 15:35:40 +0000

LOL. Ruffling Bob’s feathers is a good thing occassionally. You must be on to something if it drives him crazy because surely the hero would also be driven crazy? You haven’t mentioned the hero much BTW!!

So glad I’m not the only writer suffering, just wish I could measure up in other ways

By: Mary

Mary — Wed, 28 Sep 2005 15:35:11 +0000

Jenny, you are right when you say that clinging to something when it seems to be wrong probably means that it’s important and should be kept. I’m not a writer, but I have had the same sort of thing happen to me when making a decision. The decision is wrong, everyone suggests changing it, I keep saying no, I know it’s wrong, but….
Sometimes, I do have to change the decision, but other times the gut instinct is the right way to go.

Try flipping a coin about whether or not to make the change. Heads, don’t change it. Tails, change it. Try it and see what your gut says about the result. Then go with your gut.

And we would all read your grocery list so don’t worry so much -)
Mary

By: CDMorgan

CDMorgan — Wed, 28 Sep 2005 15:34:38 +0000

I have really enjoyed “suffering” along with you. Very funny stuff at times…and situations any writer (struggling or not) identifies with.
thanks

By: M. Haller Yamada

M. Haller Yamada — Wed, 28 Sep 2005 15:34:15 +0000

My god! But the end product! You always make it look so effortless and carefree and cheerful! And they *just* *keep* *getting* *better*. Maybe you fulfill all those 60s sitcom artists — (cue faux accent) “a true artiste must suffair for her art.” Whatever you’re doing, you’ve certainly gotten results before, and I have no doubt you’ll get ‘em again. Love your books, and thanks for sharing the process in your blog!
M. Haller Yamada