Bouncing...

I got two good reviews for my novella in the anthology that's coming out March 5 (Wicked Women Whondunit)! What with the sinus infection from hell and real-life stuff making me crazy-busy, it was very nice news to get, and I just wanted to share.

Loving the drabbles. Susan, yours really hit me. I need to do this topic, but I'm soooo stuffy and headachey.

Bounces off, trying not to sneeze...

That's great news, Amy!

I want to do a happier heart drabble before the week is out, but I'm waiting for inspiration to strike.

Good news!

I've been re-reading some of my writing and editing guides, trying to distill common things that I think are helpful. There's the usual "avoid adverbs" and the like.

I'm also reading a Terry Pratchett and having a lovely time, when the editor's eye twitches and glances over his technique. Adverbs! People say things sourly and snidely and firmly. And he does things like "said Nanny" instead of "Nanny said," something else one of my books got all twitchy and prohibitionary about.

Editor's Eye is baffled and suspecting it's one of those "If you're so-and-so you can get away it" things. Rebel's Eye is snickering like a mad thing.

Okay, thanks deb. I probably have a little more to say about it, anyway, mebbe I can add some punch. I think I want to end with the chorus though. Think it would still work if I kicked the opening chorus, added a verse? I gotta think about it.

The hearts drabbles are great! Especially erika's, because nobody expects artichokes!

What does it say about me that it was my first thought?

That you have a more peaceful life than others.

Uh, I'm thinking that's a continuum, but maybe in cardiac terms, for sure.

Hearts Matter

What did it matter? There was no point in doubt or regret. The minute he turned his back on her, there was no turning back. Like a marionette under someone else’s command he walked down the street towards the railway station. Only this time, he was dancing to a barely heard internal tune that was no longer hers. He could hear her crying, but her tears didn’t mean anything. They didn’t change the fact that her kisses and her tears may be warm, but her feelings were frozen. He would never be let inside, to the heart of her matter.

I like adverbs. I use them. I enjoy them. I use them sagaciously, I use them capriciously, and what's more, I use them effectively.

And the anti-adverb nazis can kiss every inch of my six published novels, seventh coming out this year, if they don't like my pretty pretty adverbs.

This is why I don't read the damned "how to" books - I trust my instincts more than I trust their advice. It's like parenting books: don't do this! do that! This is the Only Way!

Screw that. The occasional properly placed adverb never hurt anyone.