Inspired vs Assigned

I've heard many people say that inspiration is everything. It's what takes a ho-hum story and turns it into something great. Without inspiration, the written word is nothing.

But is that true?

I admit, I've felt very inspired with some of the things I've written, and not so much with others. And it has had very varied results on both ends. I've ended up with inspired stuff that looks down-right stupid after I haven't looked at it for a few weeks and I've written some things that were "assigned" that have turned into my favorite stories.

So can an author produce something wonderful without inspiration. Yes and no. I think it depends on the person and on the piece. I personally find it very easy to work on something that someone hands me and says "here, include this this and this" (or that I assign myself). While on the other hand, I feel that much of my "aha moment" stuff is less than spectacular--not to mention harder to write. I imagine it's different for each person.

And in the end, what really matters? That you're happy with what you're producing and you can find a market for it. Or, I suppose that may vary too. After all, what is success? I imagine our definitions are all at least slightly different.

A Natural History of the Pancake Badger

I like to read, quite a lot actually--Beneath Ceaseless Skies and Strange Horizons in particular--but this week I found a story in a different zine and I liked the story quite a bit. It is called A Natural History of the Pancake Badger and is published in The Town Drunk.

I can't really say much more about The Town Drunk since I haven't read any of their other stories, but if the others are like this one, I'll probably have to stop by more often. I thought it was funny, charming, and really intense (considering the reference to "pancake" and "badger"--though badgers are rather intense little animals).

I don't want to give away too much, but I liked the futuristic attributes of the story--though the humor and the weirdness are what really drew me in. Matthew Bey is a talented writer and I ended up finding this charming little story by wandering off to his blog from The Secret of Pogopolis which was published in Beneath Ceaseless Skies. It was also a good story though I admit I liked the pancake badger better. Who doesn't love pancakes and badgers--well not Mike Spiekle, but you'll have to read the story to find out more.

The Results of Beads

Aannd this is the result of the bead buying Give-a-Mouse-a-Cookie-esque extravaganza.

Hail

This is why there are no garden pictures. Somewhere out there in that yard, my brand new little plants took quite a beating. Tomorrow I get to see who makes it through the night.

Hold This Thought

Tomorrow is garden day. I'll be back then to tell you all about my plants and the atrocity I'm about to commit on some bushes.

If You Buy A Girl Some Beads...

She's probably going to come up with an idea of what to do with them, which will probably involve more beads, a pair of hair sticks and some beading line. At least that's what happens if you're me. So much for having some extra cash for garage saleing.

This isn't my picture, but they are the type of beads I got. If you'd like some check this out http://www.etsy.com/listing/36486322/blue-and-green-lampwork-glass-teardrop

Used Newness

Car acquired. Driving back on track. Woo!

Have at Thee, Writer's Block

I've been having hard time writing lately. So hard, in fact, that I've considered doing more housework just to avoid having to sit down and type. That's not exactly normal for me (though I do kind of like housework, especially if I can extend the definition out to the yard and mowing and weeding and taking care of my plants).

But today I made myself sit down and do some work, and I'm feeling fairly happy with what I hashed out, though it wasn't as much as I'd usually write. I think I may have a decent short story in the works, but honestly I'd just be glad if it went somewhere and didn't suck too much. I'm still not sure how to feel about getting back into editing my book. I know it needs work, but I think I'd much rather shove my fingers in my ears and do the "I'm not listening" dance.

Plants

The Landscape Photo Competition on Pioneer Woman (http://thepioneerwoman.com/) made me think of how much I like landscapes and plants and flowers and more plants. So have a picture of my patio garden from a couple years back when I still lived in the apartment. Makes me sad, but I don't even think I took a picture of all the pots I did last year. The white geranium and black viola pot will eventually be lost to history. You know, except for the little black violas growing out of my patio in the back.

Totally Totaled

My car just got crunched. Totally smashed. A black BMW shot out into the intersection as we were entering it (we had a green light) and there was just no way to miss it. I had enough time to see it coming and say "woah" before my face hit the airbag. Fortunately my parents had another car we could borrow for the time being as we figure out what the insurance company is going to do. I miss my little car.