Me? Lie? Not about my age...

I've been away from the online world for a bit so I took some time today to read and comment on some of my favourite blogs and I discovered some interesting things. First, I am the recipient of not one but two Bald Face Liar awards. I'm not quite sure what that says about me.

I would like to thank Deanna Schrayer atThe Other Side of Deanna, a fellow #fridayflash participant, and creator of some heart-rending, thought provoking reads. Thanks to Alan Davidson atConversations from Land's Edge as well for this "honour". When I began following Alan's very amusing blog I was surprised to find that he is not only a fellow islander, but we also do our writing at the same swimming pool. Check out both these blogs for some top notch entertainment.

The second thing I discovered, quite by accident, is that today is the four year anniversary of Brain Droppings. My humble little blog has evolved from random thoughts on nothing to a more regular blog with a focus on reading and writing. I have met many good people along the way who share these interests.

It's fitting, perhaps, that I have been gifted this Bald Faced Liar Creative Writer award. Telling fibs is as good a way as any to celebrate.

The rules attached to this award are as follows:

1. Thank the person who gave you this award.

2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog.

3. Link to the person who nominated you.

4. Tell up to six outrageous lies about yourself and at least one outrageous truth.

5. Nominate 7 3 creative writers who might have fun coming up with outrageous lies.

6. Post links to the 7 3 blogs you nominate.

7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know you nominated them.

As you can see I kept Alan's revision of the rules, cutting the number of recipients from seven to three. I would like to nominate:

- EllenO at MyMentalPicture because that girl can spin a yarn like nobody's business.

- Kathleen Gilbert at Writing with Broomsticks to see what witchery she will come up with.

- Absolutely*Kate proprietor of The Bijou. There's no doubt her outrageousness will spill into new realms.

I hope you are all up for the challenge.

Here are my outrageous lies and truths:

1. My past pets include mice, rats, black cats, snakes, bats and crows.

2. I started going to the blood bank so that I could better describe the texture and flow of blood.

3. I once fell into an occupied grave.

4. You must be careful where you walk when visiting the cabin - I have bodies buried nearby.

5. I once took off for Europe with nothing but the clothes on my back and $100 in loonies.

6. I got stuck on an ice pan that broke loose from the harbour and drifted out to sea.

7. I own a necklace made from human teeth.

Can you spot the truth?

Across a Crowded Room

His eyes, long lidded and fringed with soft lashes, glance in her direction and her pulse quickens.

Their friendly chatter blends with the conversations around them, mingles with the clink and clatter of a busy café.

She brings her cup to her lips, pretending to sip, drawing out her time with him.

He leans in and his hair, just a little too long, falls across his forehead.

She imagines that delicate sensation against her own skin.

Too soon he stands, elegant fingers working the buttons of his coat. He walks toward the door, pauses, and kisses his love goodbye.

She turns her focus into her cup, unable to watch.

His thoughts will soon be occupied with other things – his music, his work.

Hers would linger on the curve of his lips and the ache of not being the one.

Happy Birthday to the NOT!

Not from here, are you?

Well, it doesn't matter. At the NOT, everyone is welcome. Michael J. Solender's baby turns one today and the party has started.

In one year Michael has managed to create a virtual hangout for writing vagabonds, a place where even those on the outside can fit in just fine.

Michael's sense of humour is matched only by his generosity. Over the past twelve months, the NOT has featured some fabulous fiction by Michael and his multitude of guest writers, some links to great non-fiction writes, a Thanksgiving contest for charity, and a top notch interview of Michael, by Michael.

All this leaves little room for doubt - The NOT is the place to be.

Happy Birthday to the NOT. May it be the first of many.


PS: Michael, I made this cupcake for you. Sorry. :)

Absence Makes the Book Grow Longer

I've been neglecting my blog this past week, mainly because my focus has returned to my previously neglected Nano novel.

When I finished Nano my manuscript, and I use the expression loosely, was sitting at just over 52,000 words and still incomplete. I toyed with it a little once December came howling in, but soon after put it aside. My attention, it seems, grows short with the days.

Since then it has been in the back of my mind. I made a few notes, tinkered with dialogue - minor corrections and nothing more. Recently, I decided that it deserved a little more of my attention. I think it has something to do with the shame of hearing Lady Gaga's Bad Romance and having it remind me of my story line.

I am now somewhere around 59,000 words. Many of those darlings won't make the final cut, but right now my focus is on seeing it through to the end of a good first draft.

Before I return my nose to the grindstone, I would like to direct your attention to Something You Should Read. The latest link is from SkyCycler, a story called Escape Velocity. Delicately written with no words wasted. Definitely something you should read.

More to Read

The Something You Should Read link for this week is a piece that has stayed with me since the first read. River Bends by Erin Cole is beautifully written and honest. Erin tells me that it is a true story about her an her husband. It's a poignant piece that I am honoured to share.

Just click the pen and enjoy.
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Popular voting for the Editor Unleashed "Why I Write" contest begins today. Good luck to everyone invoved and thanks to Maria Schneider for running a great contest and a fantastic site for writers.