I’m A Bad Reader

Tags

blog, books, reading, skimming, writing

Let me get my confession out of the way.

I, C.C., am a skimmer.

I admit to skimming blogs when I read sometimes.  Not always, mind you (and this never happens with books).  What I’ll actually do is look at the post title, look at the first few lines, and then glance at the word length.  If it’s 600 words or less (and an interesting topic), I read it straight through with no skimming. If it falls between 600-900 words, I have to gauge my interest in what’s been written and decide how much I want to read it.  If it’s longer than that, I’ll try skimming it to see what’s in it (good content, complete read). I have stopped reading part way through because my brain can’t seem to read and grasp longer pieces of content. If the post was long but good, I’ve commented that I read all of it and how much I enjoyed it. I’m evil, I know.

It doesn’t seem right to skim, does it?  You’ve put time and effort into your post and you want every word read from first to last.  I’ve written longer posts and I want it read, but I know the reality is that people have skimmed for the gist.  The computer screen is hard on the eyes and trying to read a lengthy post is difficult.

Now, this would be the perfect segue into how to write a post that keeps people interested, read: no skimming.  Mainly I’d do that to draw your mind away from the question of whether I’ve skimmed your post before (just don’t think about it, it’ll only drive you crazy).  Let me say this, your blog is your blog.  You write whatever you want.  People will read your stuff because they want to know you and hear what you have to say.  In other words, skip this next part because it doesn’t really matter.

Tips on post writing:

1. Catchy title: There are times when I have my title before I have my post.  I love catchy titles because that’s the first thing people see.  If the title makes me laugh, makes me curious, makes me confused, I’ll click on the post.

2. Great opening sentences/paragraph: Some people aim for that first line.  I think I do this subconsciously.  I know people have a trillion other things to do and reading my mid-morning ramblings isn’t always one of them.  If I can add a first line or paragraph that gets you, then at least you’ll read that much.  Maybe you’ll come back later

3. Watch your length: Unless I’m talking about something of the utmost importance, I keep my word length under 600.

4. Structure, structure, structure: Shorter paragraphs, bullet points, pictures.  All these things get your point across and make it easier for the reader to ingest your post.

I’m sure I could mention some other good points, but I’m going to stop.  Fount of Wisdom I am not and I think you’re smart enough to write intelligent posts that get people’s attention.

The only thing I can add in drawing people to your site is to read other people (not skim, I’m a bad influence there).  Visit their blogs, comment their stuff, get interested in what they’re saying, and let it spark your own creativity.  Cruise the tags and talk to similar minded people.  It creates great dialogue and you’ll connect with other cool people.

Link to other sites that you’ve found interesting: Check out this post by Mike_Reverb if you’re stuck on what to write.  Quite helpful.

Blogging is fun.  So, my last tip is keep your posts fun, people will eat that up.

Bloggers gotta blog!

(Word count: 609.  Props if you read to the end)

Who Ordered The Self-Doubt

Tags

self-doubt, thinking, weary, writing

I like to pretend that I’m a very confident person.  The ability to project an air of self-assurance goes a long way when you’re standing up in front of 30-40 college students to lecture for 45 minutes.  I gotta at least seem like I know what I’m doing.

Reality says I’m not confident at all.  Like every other person in existence, i worry about my words.  I write, attempt editing, and put my writing up on display then I stress that people won’t like me.  I worry that I’m not good enough.

I hate those words, “not good enough”.  I live for the comments that tell me that my efforts aren’t in vain.  To have someone say that they like my story content always makes me think that they like me. I’m aware that my identity isn’t tied to my writing so I shouldn’t take it personally if someone doesn’t like what I offer, but it’s hard not to think that way.

To be told my writing is great is such a high compliment.  I want to wrap it up and tuck the sweet words in my back pocket to keep forever.

As you are aware, I’m working on editing the story I just finished.  My friend is reading and helping me, and part of that editing is him offering some suggestions.  One thing that he keeps saying over and over is that he loved my writing.  Any issues he mentioned weren’t about the writing itself, but about ways to make the content richer for the reader.  He doesn’t read romance novels and he said he enjoyed reading my story. I’ve also had people moved almost to tears when they’ve read parts of things that I’ve posted or get excited when something happens with the character.  You would think hearing that would make me feel more confident, right?  They’re validating me, building me up.

I still worry though.  Am I a good writer? Am I just deluding myself into believing that what I’m offering is good enough when really it’s not?  That when all is said and done, I’m just a writer that will never be an author because I can’t really write? It tears me up a little because I’m just not sure.

This is my moment of extreme self-doubt.  I’ll not wallow in it, but I can’t help being aware that it’s there.

*Some of this might be induced by sleep deprivation.  I only managed 2 hours of sleep last night and my brain is not functioning at full capacity.

“That’s Not What I Meant”

Tags

communication, message, misunderstanding, writing

Ah, it’s 4 am. I’ve been awake for an hour unable to get back to sleep. Guess that means it’s time to blog insomnia style.

So what topic has been rolling around in my sleep deprived mind today? Well, one of my worst nightmares as a blogger and a writer. Something that has a tendency to bother me when someone reads my posts or critiques my work. The thing that keeps me up at night!! (Okay maybe not that extreme considering it takes little to nothing to give me insomnia) I’ve achieved sufficient dramatic build up so I’m gonna lay it on you now. Ready?

The thing that worries me as a writer is being misunderstood.

A lot of build up just to say that, I know, but a legitimate fear I have. I like to believe I’m not the only person who worries about this, but I’m self-centered so naturally I assume everyone feels the same way I do. Habit.

Seriously though, think about it. As writers we are judged on our content, the things we put on the page. Good characterization, adequate description, stellar opening lines, great plot, smooth conflict development and resolution, or a moving love story. We have to communicate all those things in 150 to 300 pages while keeping the reader engaged along the way. That takes serious talent and props in order to do it successfully. But what happens when the reader doesn’t read your brilliant story the way you meant it to be read? When you get a review or comment totally out of left field? You realize they didn’t get it at all.

Take these poorly thought out examples for instance.

What you wrote: This character loves blue daisies and is subtly trying to tell her husband to buy her daisies. A pivotal moment in their relationship is when he forgot that she loved the flower so much.

What the reader got: She’s a nag who chatters on incessantly about stupid things.

What you wrote: Rachel and Dan are star-crossed lovers who finally manage to meet after years apart. They’ve been saving themselves for this moment together.

What the reader got: Rachel shoulda ended up with Tommy. Dan’s a tool.

What you wrote: A post postulating on the importance of adequate teeth hygiene.

What the reader got: Has this blogger run out of better things to talk about?

Anyway, you get my point. Readers don’t always interpret things exactly how you wrote them. That’s the obvious peril of communicating with people; there’s a very real possibility you’ll be misunderstood. You hope that never messes with your readership or your book sales, but it can happen.

I want to be clearly understood every time I write something. It’s not always possible because we all see and take in the world differently. The hope is that whatever spin people put on my words still makes them like what I’ve said. Or like me in general (Not a cry for love, promise).

Really I just need to stop over analyzing it and write. You’re going to misunderstand me no matter what. No sense freaking myself out.

Clear as mud, right? My insomniac mind should rest easier now that I’ve said my piece. Okay, not likely.

Writers gotta write

I’ll Never Be Stephen King

Tags

writing, funny, seriously, awesomeness, literary history, singleness

The biggest reason is obvious: I’m not a man (and I’ll spit in your eye if you ever call me “sir”).

What sparked this blog post is the fact that Stephen King’s name is bandied about as a big name in writing. Every other blog I read is raving about his awesomeness (I’m not questioning the man’s awesomeness by the way. You don’t ever question someone’s awesomeness, it’s tacky). Either someone’s talking about his books, the movies based off his books, or his advice on writing; the man gets talked about a lot.  I’ll never been him though.  And it’s not just because I’m not a man.

I’ll not end up like him, J.K. Rowling, Anne Rice, or (and I know many people will debate this) Stephenie Meyer.  I won’t be any of those people. I may start, finish, and publish 25 books, but the odds that I’ll be a huge name that goes down in literary history are not in my favor.

I’m okay with that.

It’s similar to how okay I am with the fact that I am eternally single.  I’m comfortable with it, I can smile when someone asks me about it, and I don’t get angry that it may not change for me.  It’s a content feeling that I embrace.  Moving on from my side comment about my singleness . . .

What matters is I tried, right? Maybe millions of people the world over won’t read my book, but if I have a few people who decide to pick up my stuff and enjoy it? That’s a win.  If I can put my thoughts out and have them be received and cherished, I did something right.

The odds are against me hitting it big, but it’s about touching people not about making millions.  If writing was about making millions and having movie deals, I doubt many people would do it.  The possibility for disappointment is too great, the frustration with writing and editing too overwhelming, and failure is too likely. It’s about reaching into your chest and squeezing your heart.

I will never be Stephen King, but I’ll always be C.C. Carothers.  Someone’s going to love that and me.  I already think that’s a great feeling.

*Alternate titles for this post included: Why My Life Would Make A Lousy SitCom and More Proof That I’m Not Going To Get Rich Writing.  I nixed those obviously.

Just Admit It

Tags

funny, silly, single, strangers, tongue in cheek, writing

You’re addicted.  Not to me, though I’m flattered if you are, but to blogging*.

Don’t hide behind your denial and pretend like you don’t know what I’m talking about.  As someone who’s extremely addicted to blogging, I know the signs first hand and you, my favorite internet friend, are exhibiting some of them now.  If we follow the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM for short), you must have 1 or more of the following symptoms with occurrence lasting from a few weeks or longer.

Signs that you’re addicted to blogging: 

1. In the course of a 24 hour period, you have thought up five to ten separate topics that you want to talk about in a post.
2. The second you manage to post something you check your email to see if someone liked or commented what you put up.
3. You check your stats page to see how many people have visited your site. If no one has shown up, you check it again a few minutes later. You repeat this pattern from the moment you wake up until you go to bed.
4. You wake up in the middle of the night to do one of the following: Blog about a dream, blog about something you wanted to talk about but forgot, check your stats, read what someone commented on your page, or go to the site of the person who just commented you.
5. The thought of going a day without posting bothers you.  I mean, you’re scrambling to put something up on your page before midnight because you can’t stand not posting everyday.
6. It makes you sad when no one visits your page that day (a post could follow that sadness) or when you didn’t get as many views as you were expecting.
7. You’re awake at 3am because you can’t sleep and your first thought is checking your blog or posting something new.

Now that we looked at the disorder, let’s look at the cure. So, what are the steps for recovery?  I don’t know.  I’m not really here to offer help, just point out a problem and tell you to deal with it.  ;)

The aim of this tongue-in-cheek post was myself. There are times where I know I need to take a step back from this.  It’s easy to get caught up in this* and forget how much time it takes up.  I’m crazy guilty of this.  While this is fun and I enjoy it, I allow this to become the ultimate time waster (I should be asleep by the way since I worked last night).  What difference would stepping away for a whole day make in the way I think about things?  Probably a lot.

I believe we fellow blog addicts need to band together and help each other get through.  There’s no way I’m the only one so just ‘fess up now.  The first step is always admitting you have a problem. Since I’ve identified the problem, it’s up to you to take those steps to recovery.

Repeat after me:

Hi, my name is ________ and I am a blog addict.

Blog addicts, unite!

*Or other equally as obsessive social media source.

(Seriously, I should not be allowed to post things when I’m tired.  That’s got to be another sign that I’m an addict. Smh)

Everyone’s A Critic

Tags

writing, critique, thick skin, advice

It seems like I am forever going on about criticism and having my work critiqued.  For my birthday this year, I’m asking for Thick Skin as per my post on things writers should ask for. July 30, take note.

I realized today that I don’t like critiquing other people’s work.  I figured out why as I was contemplating the topic.  It’s not that I’m not good at it; it’s more that I need exact rules on what I need to say when I give feedback on someone’s piece (okay, okay. I also don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings). In typical CC fashion, I perused the Interwebz for rules or guidelines that will help me critique.  I spotted this website that had some insightful information.  Copy + Paste = Helpfulness.

1. Don’t read other critiques of this story yet.

Doing so would likely bias your review. The author would much prefer your unbiased and fresh impression

2.  Write down your impressions as a reader.

Was the story captivating from the very first few paragraphs? Did you enjoy reading it? What type of person would this book appeal to? Do you think that the story or book has sales potential?

3.  Try to give feedback on what could be changed.

Remember, the purpose of writing a critique is twofold: (1) identify the weaknesses in the piece and (2) offer some constructive advice to the author that might lead to improvement in the story.  Bashing the author without providing something useful is really unprofessional

4. Give examples of improvements, if possible.

When you give an example of a better way to do what you pointed out, you make your point much clearer to the author. As they say, ‘an example is worth a thousand words’.

5. Praise where praise is due.

Did you remember to add some positive comments on the piece, where the author did something you thought was very good?

“I feel I have a decent critical eye. But when I think I see a touchdown, I cheer. That’s feedback, too. Why should all the mistakes find their targets, but the successes meet with only silence–leaving the poor writer, who has poured out her/his heart, with nothing but: no, no, no, … As [critics], don’t we have a responsibility to not only point out what needs changing, as we see it, but also what worked and why, so the writer WON’T change it and will be encouraged to produce more of the same?” – J. R. Lankford (Jilla)

6. Never criticize the author personally. Focus your attention on the story as written

7. Critique as you would want to be critiqued.

Ask yourself before you post or mail a critique: Is this an example of the way I would like to be treated?

–

It gives some other tips on things like looking for plot holes and commenting on POV.  I liked the reminder to take it in as a reader first.  It’s easy to forget when you’re reading someone’s work to just be a reader.  How many times have you been reading something for pleasure, but you find yourself picking the novel apart?  I’m not that type of person and I almost feel like critiquing wants to turn me into that type of person.  Read for pleasure first and then think about the parts that may not work.

Something I’ve always been told when offering constructive criticism to others is to soften it.  That means a compliment before, criticism in the middle, and a compliment after.  That way the person you’re offering criticism to isn’t just hit in the face with all the things that did wrong. Nothing destroys a person more when they are taking the step to show their work then being critiqued and not hearing a single good thing.  Crushed!

Now here’s another topic to think about: The dreaded Inner Critic!

*Gasp*

I know, friend, I know.  No one hates your work more than you do, no one has worse things to say, no one can make you feel lower.  What advice do I have to combat them?

Unfortunately, I don’t have any stellar advice.  I just write (or edit) through her until she disappears.  If I have a piece of work that makes me want to cry (not in a good way) after I’m done writing, then I write something else until she shuts up.  She’s got a loud mouth and is never satisfied, but I don’t let her derail me.  I want to write and she can’t stop me.  So, I guess that’s my advice.

Keep writing until your inner critic shuts the heck up.  The craft of writing is hard enough without that internal voice nagging you.

Hey! Does anyone else have any tips for critiquing or silencing the inner critic? We’re all friends here, share away.

Emotional Writer

Tags

bad poetry, emotions, lack of sleep, motivation, random things, writer, writing

Can’t you just picture a writer hunched over their computer, notes scattered across his desk, and tears streaming down his face as he writes his scene? I’m probably the only one seeing that. Lack of sleep makes me delusional.

In typical insomniac fashion (can’t sleep, cruise WordPress), I was reading through posts under the writing tag when I stumbled on one by Limebirds. The post itself was talking about writing better when you’re sad or something to that effect. Of course this woke the sleepy little hamsters that wheel around in my brain and I got to thinking about my writing.

(I think about a lot of random things when I can’t sleep. This was the safest topic rolling around in my braIn. Be glad not everything I think makes it pass the thin filter in my mind. You’re welcome.)

I realized that I tend to be motivated to write by stronger emotions, but angst isn’t usually the one that prompts me to write stories. Actually, different emotions push me to write different things.

I’m feeling all angsty or angry because that guy I was talking to turned into a huge Douche (every single guy I’ve ever tried talking to)?? Time to write some bad poetry!!!

Feeling all hormonal like I’m going to jump the next hot guy who ambles, yes, ambles, by me?? Time to write a steamy (extra, extra steamy) short story! Or five. >;.>;

Feeling happy because … Um? Hm… Oh! Feeling happy because my puppy adores me unconditionally even though he’s dumb as a rock? Now I have a general desire to write whatever though usually it’s bad poetry. I try keeping more of that to myself. You’re welcome.

Mostly, though, I write because I can’t help it. My motivation is an overwhelming need to create even if what I’m creating is bad poetry (apparently, my poetry is on my mind). I guess I don’t consider the emotions because I write no matter how I feel. The end product will either be amazing or garbage whether I was in a great mood or not.

The need to write is greater than the emotions I’m feeling when I’m writing.

If I’m honest, I’d also say I’m not paying close enough attention to how I feel when I’m writing. I’m too busy trying to figure out if what I’m saying makes sense. Maybe if I stop writing when I’m suffering from insomnia, it would make sense. Wishful thinking.

Am I the only one oblivious to their emotional state when they write? Are you more motivated creatively when your emotions are intense?

Let the angsty, bad poetry writing commence!!!

Are You Addicted To Me?

Tags

friends, funny, silliness, thinking, writing

Now, that sounds mighty arrogant of me, doesn’t it?

I had someone equate missing me to withdrawing from a drug. Ignoring that the title sounds real conceited, it was funny to me. I wasn’t joking in my last post when I said it baffles me that people miss me. There are moments were I feel unbelievably forgettable, like no part of my existence is memorable. That makes my friends’ (it was multiple people who said this to me) comments all the more intriguing.

Deep down inside, I want to know I’m missed. I want to know that people think about me when I’m not around and want to be with me. There’s something about that I find appealing. To know that I’ve occupied someone’s thoughts enough that they have to text me or call me because they haven’t seen me in a while. It doesn’t stroke my ego, but it makes me feel wanted. I almost feel dirty confessing to that.

You know, I think I know why it baffles me though. It’s amazing to know that people miss me and think about me because there are times where I’m not necessarily thinking about other people (okay, now I really sound arrogant). I’m not very people centered, my personality type is ISTJ so I’m all introverted and junk. My mind is focusing on other things and usually it takes a few days to a week before I’m cognizant of the fact that I haven’t seen someone in a while. Look at me wanting someone to long for me, but not returning the favor.

I want you to be addicted** to me. All eyes this direction.

Update on some of the things I said I’d get accomplished:

• This week has been difficult so I haven’t gotten to write many letters. I’m working on it, but my mind is just not cooperating. The plus is I’ve been journaling more.
• Haven’t started editing Allison’s story. Printed out, red pen and highlighter ready, but haven’t started. Having issues with that.
• I have three stories I need to have read asap. Once again, my mind isn’t cooperating so nothing is working.

So, in essence, I’ve accomplished a lot of nothing. I have written though! My other site is short story heaven and I’m enjoying that creative outlet immensely. Not a total lost cause, just not what I was hoping for at this point in the process.

My friend was offering his mini critique on my story. Editing with him is going to be fun, I can just feel it. Here’s hoping I don’t hate the story by the end.

Countdown to Spring Break: 9 days. I’ll have to work four days in a row and then I plan to veg until I’ve actually regrouped. Regrouping would be amazing right about now. So would a full night’s sleep, but you don’t see me getting that.

I can dream though, can’t I?

;

;

**Being addicted to C.C. carries the risk of being unable to leave her side, needing to hug her, hold her, and tell her that you love her. Extreme cases of C.C. addiction can lead to an inability to function without spending a few minutes in her presence. Withdrawal symptoms include shakes, tremors, dizziness, tears of sadness, and pouty lips. Take in at your own risk

“Don’t Write About Writing”

Tags

crazy, skimmer, wild ride, writing, writing about writing

Just write.

(You’re in for a wild ride on this post. If you’re a skimmer, skip to the bottom and look for the asterisk)*

That’s what I keep hearing at least, or maybe that’s what I keep thinking to myself. Either way my mind keeps telling me that I need to stop talking about writing and just write. My problem is I like to write my stories and post them to my site. The old grey matter does better when I’m posting it here for everyone to see allowing me to get feedback. I shouldn’t do that though because posting stories on your blog makes it hard to get said stories published later. Fick.

Except, I shouldn’t be writing, I should be editing. The problem with that is it’s not been long enough between last sentence and divorcing myself from my story to edit. Or was that referencing being critiqued? Wait . . . I’m getting confused.

This post is about writing, but not.

Oh, let me cover a little more territory real fast. Rational Absurdity nominated me for a Versatile Blogger Award. What a nice thing to do!

Oh, hey! Thanks for the Nom!

—-

Aside: I have no clue why people like me. I’m not fishing for compliments, I’m just making a statement. I don’t have a clue what it is about me that anyone could find even remotely interesting. When people tell me they miss me, I always wonder why. I also wonder why people clamor to spend time with me. I’m really not that interesting. I’m abrupt and snarky. Maybe it’s my cuteness that keeps them coming back?

Me on New Years Eve. My tummy pokes out

Nah. That’s not it. I don’t know what it is then.

—-

Back on task

Here are the rules:

1. In a post on your blog, nominate 7 fellow bloggers for The Versatile Blogger Award.
2. In the same post, add the Versatile Blogger Award.
3. In the same post, thank the blogger who nominated you in a post with a link back to their blog.
4. In the same post, share 7 completely random pieces of information about yourself.
5. In the same post, include this set of rules.
6. Inform each nominated blogger of their nomination by posting a comment on each of their blogs.

My picks

• Suggestivetongue: Very knowledgable about sexual education topics.
• Moths To A Flame: Best dating stories. Ever. Period. Laugh out loud funny.
• Madison Woods: Hosts some outstanding prompts and an all-around cool lady
• Nick Rolynd: Great story-teller
• 1 Story A Week : also a spectacular teller of stories.
• Feisty Red Head : I love the homey, sweet feeling I get when I read her posts.
• You (or anyone reading this. It’s hard to “Pick” people because you think about all the people you’re leaving out. I like a lot of different people.)

Random crap you (probably) didn’t (want to) know about me. We’ll keep it short and sweet.

1. I used to cross stitch and draw
2. I have a 4 tattoos
3. I’ll turn 30 in 2 years and plan on going on vacation for 2 weeks. I freaked out when I turned 20 so I don’t anticipate this will go well for me.
4. I will friend my students on Facebook, but not on Twitter. Ever.
5. I really like guys with muscles.
6. I don’t watch much prime time TV. I like travel channel a lot because I love to travel
7. I’m going to Japan in July for my birthday.

Pre picture of the tattoo on my left side. Hurt like no one's business

Boo ya!

*For those who skipped to the bottom.

Reader’s Digest version of this post is: I’m procrastinating. I have to teach tomorrow and I feel (mostly) ready. Also, I want to write, but editing is what I need to do. Lastly, I need to quit writing about writing before I scare off all my readers. Lastly (wait, didn’t I already say lastly?), I printed off my most recent story, but something I read said you should wait like six weeks before you edit. Plus, I haven’t heard back from enough people who I sent my rough draft to.

So, for those who read all this (and to those who skimmed to the bottom or just looked at the pictures), you were brave for making it this far. I would have abandoned ship at the first paragraph. Points for perseverance. Have a cookie!

Sorry, I took a bite first. You can have the rest though!

It’s The Same Feeling!

Tags

thinking, life, writing, teaching, excitement, puppies

I have to lecture on Wednesday.  The topic in question is respiratory infections/diseases in pediatric patients. I’m prepping (at the last-minute, per usual) for class and two things hit me at once.

1. I love to teach
2. It makes me think of how I feel about writing

Without boring you, I was looking over the material and get really really excited about being able to teach.  These kids don’t have a clue about diseases and how to manage the diseases and I get to tell them how to take care of people.  I get to impart wisdom, knowledge, and life experience to them and in doing that I get to help make them nurses.  I was practically tingling with excitement thinking about standing up there and engaging them in conversation so that they learn what they didn’t know before.  My efforts to condense everything in a 25 slide Powerpoint will have the effect of increasing their knowledge base.  That makes me so excited I may start wiggling.  Okay, probably not, but you get it.

Which leads to my second thought. My excitement about teaching reminded me about the excitement I feel when I write.  I’m creating, researching, and learning so that I can drop my “knowledge” into the life of someone who didn’t know anything before.  I mean, the not knowing in question might encompass something as simple as forgiving themselves, recovering from abuse, or getting over the past.  Either way, I’m doing something I love and giving it to someone else.  I’m investing.  I’m giving of my time, my knowledge, myself to make someone better.  That’s exciting!

I appreciate the excitement I feel about teaching for all those times that I don’t feel excitement.  It’s for when teaching sucks the life out of me because the students act like they don’t care or I’m not getting my point across clearly enough.  I keep trying, working, refining until it makes sense and everyone “gets it”.  This is a feeling I want to wrap up and keep in a box to carry me through all those times when teaching sucks a lot.

It reminds me why I teach and why I write.  I want to give of myself and replicate myself in someone else’s life.  I can’t live on, but my words and my impact on my students can.  That is eternal and so exciting I’m wanting to wiggle again.  It kind of makes me feel like a puppy.

(I couldn’t decide what kind of puppy I’d be.  That’s a greyhound puppy.  I’m a tall girl so I went with the pup destined to have long legs.)

I think we have to remember why we do what we do.  Which begs the question, what helps you keep going?  What makes you excited about writing?  Converse among yourselves for a moment then get back to me with you answers (see that professorly thing I did there?)