I’m pretty sure this photo is from the 1960s–not sure which fishing pier though. Of course, back then I think it was $3 to fish all day long on the piers and one didn’t need a fishing license to surf fish, but the times they are a changing–have changed and will continue to do so.

Change is good? Not so sure about that. One thing for sure, change means different and unless you want to continually live in the past you better get used to it. Choose your time, your music, your literature genre, and friends to accommodate your state of mind.

All this, the above, about change–is brought on by that damn cement snake we have stretching across the ICW. The one I see every day and every day I become a little more used to it–thinking of how I need to let go of our little swing bridge–let go of the past and accept, for better or worse, what will most certainly be part of our future.  And as I ready myself to let go, I hold on to the prize–the time that was golden and true (at least for me). I guess that is why I write books–to hold on to what I love, who I love and a time that I love.

QUOTE: “All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on.” Havelock Ellis

WRITING TIP: without being maudlin, be.

The ocean’s been sort of rough the last couple of weeks. I think it’s the most beautiful then–might not be the safest time to go swimming, rip tides and such, but sometimes it’s just a joy to watch those ever changing waves.

I’ve introduced a new character to the new book I’m working on,  SHARKSBREATH–his name is August Temple. (love the name) and he a “rough” sort of character, a conflicted, unpredictable person. But these are the people I find most fun, and most interesting to write–the conflicted. Most of us have had to struggle with what is right and what is wrong–what is good and what is bad. After all, we are all human. (I have my doubts about some) Still, experience has taught me that people who always know what is right and what is always good, are either hypocrites or liars (maybe a little naive) Like the ocean, all of us have a rougher side, even though we may try to keep it hidden.

QUOTE: “Writers must be fair and remember even bad guys (most of them anyway) see themselves as good-they are the heroes of their own lives. Giving them a fair chance as characters can create some interesting shades of gray–and shades of gray are also a part of life.” Stephen King

WRITING TIP: when writing a character, think of yourself. Certainly you have doubts, certainly you weigh the odds. It doesn’t matter why you do these things (there are a thousand reasons). To appear real, your character must be human.

WHEN WILL IT STOP!!!! How many days has it been since we saw a completely sunshiny day? I’m getting cabin fever. Oh no! Must not give in to the crazies!     Now, now, Carol–remember, rainy days are good writing weather.  Nice dreary weather makes for a good thriller, right? But days like this are also good for watching old Bugs Bunny cartoons. I particularly like the one with Elmer Fudd and Bugs– the take on Richard Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries–(kill the wabbit, kill the wabbit) so funny! Come to think of it I learned to appreciate classical music by watching Bugs Bunny. But I digress–ah, this dreary. woe-some weather–lovely weather for ducks–and then there’s Daffy–what a hoot! Duck season, Rabbit season–duck season, rabbit season. Oh man, it’s all so funny.      Hmm, Should I write or should I watch Looney Tunes?

QUOTES: “I don’t know why, but rain comes into my head the minute I think of my childhood.” Dhanush

WRITING TIP: Never take yourself too seriously.

Yes, the traffic has been horrible, and it’s been rainy and windy, but it beats a day anywhere else. This is the most excellent place to be–just a glimpse of the ocean and my heart warms. stuff on the tv becomes even less relevant. Geez, there are some crazy people in this world! But here at the beach it is a different world. Thank you God!

Moving right along with Shark’s Breath–new book. I won’t predict when it will be finished, though. Hope everyone is having a glorious summer–that your health is well, your family safe, and other good things happening for you.

QUOTE: “The sea is emotion incarnate. It loves, hates and weeps , It defies all attempts to capture it with words and rejects all shackles. No matter what you say about it, there is always that which you can’t.” Christopher Paolini

WRITING TIP: Not sure if I agree one hundred percent with Mr. Paolini–I think writers attempt to define that which the ocean evokes–even though it may take a whole book.

There is talk about another book–been vacillating between two different titles and two different book covers (usually, for me, the title and cover come first).  Alas, I have made a decision and have begun a new Topsail Island Mystery. Taking a chance this time, starting out a little differently. Hmm–taking chances—This one should be out in the spring, if not before–keep checking out this blog for further info.

QUOTE: “Most believers aren’t in imminent danger of ruining their lives. They’re facing a danger that’s far greater: wasting them.” D.H. Lawrence

WRITING TIP: Holding back when you are writing is a sin–remember, those rough edges can always be smoothed in subsequent drafts.

Six more days and she’ll make an appearance–the illusive Estelle.

But then, its so very difficult to tell

When this she bat from Hell

Will surface.

July 6, at The Quarter Moon,

book signing and first release

Toll the bell, toll the bell.

 .Back of the book

It is springtime on Topsail and the waters are murky. Someone is stirring those salty waters and rocking the boats of some Topsail Island inhabitants. When will it stop?

She takes you down, oh how she takes you down

Oh how she makes you want to scream

This momma from hell, 

This mermaid, Estelle.

She’s done boys and girls! THE MERMAID DID IT  is complete. This one was so much fun to write–got a little outside my box this time and oh how I like doing that. A few different twists and turns here, and a little history about the island hidden within the pages. July 6th at Quarter Moon will be the first book signing for my newbie–1 to 3, be there or be square. Thank you to my followers and readers, you make my heart feel good when you say nice things about my books–so glad I can entertain you.

QUOTE: ‘I begin with an idea and then it becomes something else.” PabloPicasso

WRITING TIP: Picasso is so right–so true. The line you begin with will more than likely never be the first line of your finished product.

Plum Duff–an English dessert–so I like to think of my short stories as fun stuff. The gal on the book is my sister back in the day–and this is our beach, Topsail, Surf City–or at least that is how we used to think of it–ours, because we loved it.

My sister is visiting me this week. My, how things have changed. Nevertheless, we will enjoy our beach, reminiscing and making new memories.

THE MERMAID DID IT is at the editor’s–and I have the cover ready. Stay tuned to this channel to see it–any day now.

QUOTE: “The sunrise, of course, does not care if we watch it or not. It will keep on being beautiful even if no one looks at it.” Gene Amole

WRITING TIP: I get ideas for stories everywhere. It is just a matter of not being afraid to write the idea down–not afraid of being judged or that it might be a complete mess. Face the fear you are most afraid of, writer–

Blue Fish, huge schools of them can be seen just off shore as they migrate north or south in the spring and fall. Those dark clouds in the water–those are schools of fish–menhaden, blues, mullet and several others can be caught from our shores. The bigger fish follow the smaller fish, ah, the circle of life–eat and be eaten.  Personally I’ve never enjoyed eating Blues. They are a fishy fish and a bloody one at that. They do however, make good bait and cat food.

Why the lesson? Well, I’ve finished THE MERMAID DID IT.  the book is at the editor’s, and so I’ve begun another story. Blue fish will figure in this one. It’s always fun to incorporate little known facts in books so my readers can learn something as they are being entertained.

QUOTE: “I only make movies to finance my fishing.” Lee Marvin

Writing Tip: In writing you are always “fishing” for the right words.