Saturday, May 02, 2009

Attitude Adjustment


Please allow me to introduce a fellow writer and friend. Nancy Haddock is one of those writers who is easy to like and very enjoyable to read. And make sure you post a comment, for she is giving away a copy of Last Vampire Standing. Take it away Nancy!


I live in St. Augustine, Florida, billed as the oldest continuously inhabited city in the United States, a town of European charm. The billing is true, yet that description doesn’t do justice to the deeper spirit of the historic downtown. It sure doesn’t describe the laid back energy of “the island” – specifically Anastasia Island, the beach community “extension” of St. Augustine.

I first clapped eyes on St. Augustine in 1989 when I accepted an invitation to an intimate writing conference. I’d only been in Florida once before that time, and had heard little of St. Augustine, but I’m a sucker for palm trees, and a new adventure beckoned.

The trip, quite simply, changed my life. As soon as I saw the downtown district, I felt like I’d been there in another time, another incarnation. I felt like I’d come home. Then I saw the beaches, and I tumbled all the way into love with the place. Oceanside, California had been my dream location to live (okay, apart from Tahiti), but I instantly knew that someday I had to live in St. Augustine.

Thirteen years and many repeat visits later, we relocated at last. It was torture to leave my “home” RWA chapter, all my dear friends, and my family living in Oklahoma and Texas, yet I knew in my soul it was the right decision. We downsized, so I spent almost a year overseeing repairs, furnishing, and decorating our new home. When I returned to writing in earnest, I knew something was off. After venting to hubby one day, he helped me figure out the problem.

My WIPs held the energy of the Dallas area. Of my experiences and perceptions, yes, my ruts. I was unconsciously hanging on to that energy in my writing, but I wasn’t that woman any longer. Hubby suggested that I embrace the energy of St. Augustine, of the town, of the beach, of my new life. Talk about a whap upside the head!

Less than an hour later, I’d brainstormed a mystery series idea – still unsold, but it feels solidly right. Then, wham, I realized the screenplay idea I’d played with would take place right down the beach. Next I misheard a peanut butter commercial that led to writing my light vampire series, a mix of mystery and romance, of historical and contemporary aspects set in – you guessed it – St. Augustine.

Better still, the ideas kept rolling in, and still are. Moving to a new location had shifted my energy, had opened me to ideas and characters I hadn’t imagined writing, had helped me truly free my voice. I flew high on my new attitude!

I’ll tell anyone who’ll stand still that relocating contributed to making my first sale, but there are a zillion ways to gain new perspectives without moving halfway across the country. And, of course, the first task is to recognize ruts.

Your rut might be clutter, as mine too often is. It might be rushing from work to home without thinking about anything but making dinner, or whatever you have to do next. A rut might be anything, but ruts almost always involve some aspect of looking without seeing. Acting without being. Being awake but not aware.

Whether you identify a specific rut or not, we can all use new perspectives, and here are a few exercises I recommend.

1. Take a vacation to either a favorite place that feeds your creative soul, or adventure to a new destination! Absorb the change of scenery, the people, the personality of the place.

2. Can’t afford a full-blown vacation? Take a mini-vacation – go somewhere within a few hours’ driving distance and experience what the location has to offer. What new things do you see, and how does that change your perspective?

3. Don’t have the time or wherewithal to travel at all? Drive to a part of town you’ve never seen. Take a different route to and from work – or the drug store or grocery or the children’s school. Allow yourself to notice neighborhoods, architecture, gardens. What kinds of people do you imagine live in the area?

4. If nothing else, change your perspective of your own home, yard, neighborhood. Take a walk and pay attention to the trees and flowers in bloom. Sit in a different chair at the dining table. Lay on the floor of any room to see it from a different perspective. Walk around your yard and see it from a new point of view. Be present in the moment and ask yourself this question: If I were to write about the people who live here, what would I know of them? What are their consistencies and inconsistencies? Does the place evoke a mood? Do their belongings whisper stories?

Sometimes a new attitude is about letting go of the blahs, or refusing to live in fear. Other times, it’s simply about perspective.


Make sure you post a comment. Nancy is giving away a copy of Last Vampire Standing. So post away!!!




* * *
Nancy Haddock’s debut book, La Vida Vampire, launched a new series from Berkley, and made her a national bestselling author. Her second book, Last Vampire Standing is slated for release on May 5, 2009 and is garnering high marks from reviewers.

In writing paranormal romantic mystery, Nancy drew on her long experience with things-that-go-bump, and on the historic wealth of St. Augustine, Florida. She writes full-time, and is a dedicated resident-tourist who never gets tired of exploring the sights of her new hometown.
Visit Nancy at http://www.nancyhaddock.com/ and participate in her Where’s Cesca contests on the Beach Party page.

72 comments:

Marcia Colette said...

Awesome blog! And yes, my mom and I are making plans to see you again either before or after the baby's born. Haven't quite decided yet. ;-)

Anyway, I completely understand what you mean about the moving and/or vacation part. For me, the best travel spot was Disney. For one, the excitement fed my creative soul like a never-ending ocean. Second, I was too pooped after visiting the parks to write. By not writing, I saved up all of that creative energy to burst like a dam when I returned home. Boy did it work too. If someone offered me a four-book deal right now, I'd be ready. :-D

Suzy said...

Nancy, I totally agree how getting out and moving can get you out of a rut and clear your mind, especially for a writer who can get so bogged down in minutae. Good advice! And great blog by the way!!
Suzy :-) pywacket@cogeco.ca

Nancy said...

Christie, my thanks to you and all the KILLER authors for inviting me to blog with you today! Your books rock me!

Nancy

Nancy said...

Hi Marcia!

Oooh, I'll be soooo excited to see you and your mom, again! And, hmmm, if I have a vote, I'm for after-baby so I get to see/ play with/ go a little bonkers with the LittleBit!

I love it that Disney was such a feast for your creativity - and that you're still brimming with the energy. It's fab that you know how to fill your well with certain travel spots!

Have a terrific weekend, Marcia, and thank you (and Baby) for stopping by!

Light,
Nancy

Nancy said...

Suzy, welcome and thank you for visiting!

Bogged in minutae - exactly! I hope you've discovered your best ways to move and recharge, and I hope you give that gift to yourself regularly.

Have a rut-free weekend!

Light,
Nancy

Lauren said...

Great blog topic Nancy. I especially agree with tip # 2. I routinely run into creative "ruts" where I don't know what to do with an idea, or get stuck in the middle of an otherwise great story. Changing my surroundings helps to clear my head and perhaps jog loose my creative Muse.

Since I usually write at my home computer, I might change my scenery in a small way, such as taking my laptop into the sunroom and looking over the natural beauty outside. Or I might take out a notebook (the old-fashioned, paper kind) and free write. Usually this works.

Refhater said...

Welcome to K.F.! I'd love to hear the peanut butter commercial story.

With everthing that's going on in the world and our lives today, a vacation (even if it's only imagined) is just what the Dr. ordered.

Edie Ramer said...

I can't wait for the WisRWA writers conference next month. I always come back energized after being with writer friends for a few days.

A friend bought an RV and will be driving around the U.S in it this summer. She plans on painting and taking photos, setting up a blog to post pictures on. That would be really stimulating to a creative soul.

Diana Cosby said...

Hi Nancy,
Loved your blog! I love your train of thought. Though, after 31 moves, my muse must be set for life, right? *G* The most mind-inspiring place I've lived, wow, tough to choose just one, was Spain. There was something about the centuries of history that really moved me, beyond that of the amazing architecture and people, but a sense of lives past. Okay, I agree, that probably sounded weird, but I think other writers or those creative will understand. :)
I agree, it's important to embrace all around you regardless of the distance. They're something intriguing if you'll just truly open your eyes. My sincere best to you on the release of Last Vampire Standing! *Hugs*

Diana
www.dianacosby.com

Kay Cassidy said...

Great blog, Nancy! And amen on taking a vacation to get a fresh perspective on writing (and on life!). I'm SO in need of one. In fact, I have a hankering for a trip to St. Augustine... ;-)

Nancy said...

Michelle, I love it that you have rut-buster exercises that work for you - including writing long hand. There's something about wirting the "old fashioned" way, that fires me up, too!

Thanks so much for stopping by, and do have a super weekend!

Light,
Nancy

Nancy said...

Hi Refhater! I love your imaginary vacation comment, and you're so right! I used to keep brochures and picutres about Tahiti and Greece and England and ... well, a few other of my dream spots. When life hit critical stess, I'd pull them out and mind trip.

Though I had to hid in the laundry room for quiet. The kids would find me in the bathroom, but avoided the laundry room lest they be put to work. :)

Have a fab weekend, and thank you for your welcom to KF and your time today!

Light,
Nancy

Nancy said...

Edie, have a wonderful, fill-the-well time at WisRWA!

I'm not sure I could hack an RV myself, but that "freedom of the road" is sure appealing. I hope your friend will share her insights and adventures with you!

Happy weekend!

Light,
Nancy

Nancy said...

Diana, if moving was the sole muse emancipator, you'd be set for life! :)

I understand what you mean about connecting with the past of a place. I do that in St. Augustine - can't get enough of just walking around town and absorbing. Heck, I connect with the past just daydreaming about Greece and England. If you have any interest in history and / or write historicals (as you do), I think that connection to the past is a given.

Thanks for visiting, Diana, and happy weekend!

Light,
Nancy

Nancy said...

Kay, Kay, my darling Kay! Hie yourself to St. Augustine any time, girlfriend! You know I'll drag - er - escort you to all the sites. Including the beach! Have chairs, have umbrellas, have boogie board and surfboard. And a parking pass for downtown, too!

Meantime, see if you can slip in a hour or two at a park or somewhere else that feeds you. With all you having going and at the speed you move, I'm sure you can use a bit of down time.

Thanks for stopping by, Kay, and do enjoy your weekend!

Light,
Nancy

Rae Ann Parker said...

Nancy, I had a similar experience after relocating a year and a half ago. I called it the "Creativity Unleashed" period of my life. I certainly hope it leads to my first sale as well!

Christie Craig said...

Hi Nancy and Everyone.

It's so good to see everyone here at KF. I think we all need an attitude adjustment sometimes. I love going to beach. I call it refilling my bin. I get recharged.

Thanks so much for joining us today Nancy.

CC

Nancy said...

Rae Ann, I love that you call your experience Creativity Unleashed! Congratulations on your relocation and your creative freedom, and I have digits crossed for you selling soon and often!

Thank you for stopping by, and have an awesome weekend!

Light,
Nancy

Nancy said...

You love the beach ,too, Christie? Come see me!

And, Christie, thank YOU for the invitation to guest on KF, and for your lovely introduction!

Hmmm. Maybe I should get HGTV to build a dream home in St. Augustine, win it, and set up a writer's colony. The idea has merit! :)

Light,
Nancy

donnas said...

Great post. We used to stop in St Augustine every year on the way home from Orlando/Tampa. Its a wonderful place. I just started reading your La Vida Vampire and I love it, already cant wait to get the next.

bacchus76 at myself dot com

Christie Craig said...

Yup. Give me the sound of the ocean and some sand between my toes and I'm in heaven.

It recharges my batteries. And I'm due to have my batteries plugged in right now, too.

I'm finishing a manuscript and about to dive right into another one.

And hey...get that writer's colony going. I'll be there.

CC

Tori Lennox said...

Great post! I felt a similar energy when I lived in Arizona. The Superstition Mountains really called to me. I miss them a lot. Must find a way to get back to Arizona some day. :)

Your series sounds like great fun!

Beth Andrews said...

Hey there, Nancy! What a great blog. Congrats on the upcoming release of Last Vampire Standing. I can't wait to read it :-)

I love all of your tips. There have been a few times (when the kids were younger and not so busy *g*) where we would load up the car and just start driving. We got to visit a few towns I never would've known were there otherwise *g*

My mom would rather be home than anywhere else but she has said the one place she would love to visit again is St. Autustine :-)

Ellen said...

Hi Nancy!

Wow, St. Augustine is my favorite place in Florida. I lived in both Melbourne and Orlando for a while though. And well, pretty much every other place there is to live---moved a very good deal both as a kid and an adult.

I couldn't agree more with the idea of changing perspective through seeing a new place. I still love to travel and see new places, and even after all these years I still have new places I want to see and old places that I want to visit again simply because they make me feel good :)

Hope you're having a great weekend!

Anonymous said...

Great blog, Nancy! And mega congrats on your new series for Berkley. You've made St. Augstine sound like a real must-see!

Faye, who is off to buy a copy of your book!

Ann Whitaker said...

Oh my gosh, Nancy! I just realized I'm in a BIG rut. I follow basically the same routine every day, even to sitting in MY chair. What an insightful husband you have.

I have to ask. What did the peanut butter commercial really say, and what did you hear?

Terry S said...

Great blog! I especially like tips #3 and #4. Love rearranging furniture to create new refreshed looks in my home. I am always trying different routes to travel around town finding many beautiful as well as traffic avoiding shortcuts. It amazes me when people who have always lived in this town say they've never knew about a particular shortcut. My best remembered exploration was the discovery of a roadside marker. It was a quite grand perhaps 7 foot tall stone structure with very fancy embossed metal sign located on the side of a deserted two lane back road in the middle of nowhere. It said "Hysterical Landmark - Famous events have happened far and near, but not a damn thing happened here." (True story!)

tetewa said...

I read and enjoyed the first book, I've been looking forward to this one!

Nancy said...

Hi Donnas! I love it that you know St. Augustine, and when are you coming back? Seriously, I'll meet you downtown for coffee or something if you don't have time for a longer stay.

Thanks for your compliment on La Vida Vampire. I'm tickled that you're enjoying it! And thank you for coming by to visit here. I'll be expecting you in St. Aug soon! :)

Light,
Nancy

Nancy said...

Tori, I got the chills when you mentioned the Superstition Mountains! Can you get quiet and imagine yourself there? Do you find that can help you recharge? Until you can get back to your sacred spot, that is?

Let us know, okay?

Thank you for visiting, and have a beautiful weekend!

Light,
Nancy

Nancy said...

Beth, babe! How are you?

Okay, here's an idea. Bring your mom ot St. Augustine, and I'll show you around. I had great fun with Marcia and her mom when they came around Thanksgiving time a few years ago!

It's cool that you and fam used to pile in the car and do day trips. Is there anywhere that you'd go again? A place that intrigued you?

Thanks for your congrats on Last Vampire Standing. It sure was fun to write - Jo-Jo cracked me up.

Have a terrific weekend!

Light,
Nancy

Enchanted by Books said...

Hi Nancy!
It's so nice to see you here today at Killer Fiction! I went to Disney last summer for the first time and loved it. Whatever helps you write works for me! For some reason I can't write with a pen and paper. I write better on my computer when typing. Maybe because my mind works faster then I could write with a pen! I love your book covers and your books sound awesome. I'd love to win a copy of Last Vampire Standing.

Nancy said...

Ellen, you know St. Augustine, too? Way cool! Come back to visit when you can. My offer to show folks around, buy coffees, etc. is wide open!

I've had discussions about being connected to certain times in history, but it's equally fascinating to me how places resonate with us. How we connect into feel-good energy. I'm so glad you have places you've yet to see, and places you'd like to revisit. Very cool!

Thanks for taking your time to stop by, and enjoy spring this weekend!

Light,
Nancy

Nancy said...

Faye, hi! I guess I do sound like an ad for the local tourism department, but living here is such a high, it's hard not to gush.

Thanks for your congrats on my series, and I believe congrats are in order for YOU for your final in the Sheila contest wth Politically Incorrect. Awesome and mega congrats!! Hope you're celebrating this weekend!

Light,
Nancy

Nancy said...

Hmmm, Christie, seeing as I bang the St. Augustine drum loudly, maybe I could get funding for that writer's colony.

Well, the idea is in the Universe. We'll see.

BTW, gentle comment readers, if you haven't yet read the women of Killer Fiction, get yourselves to a book store and grab a handful. These ladies are incredible writers, and yes, I do read them all!

Light,
Nancy

catslady said...

I like your ideas and I'm going to give some of them a try :) I love paranormal romance and your book sounds like a fascinating read.

Nancy said...

Ann, my dear, if you're in a rut, try some of the suggestions, or create your own rut-busters. And let us know what happens!

Refhater asked about the commercial, too, and I flat forgot to answer. (Sorry!) Here goes.

The commercial depicted two little girls having a sleepover. The one girl was feeling homesick and the hostess suggested things to do. What I heard was something like, "... or we could play Crazy Eights, or we could watch this Princess Vampire video."

I knew right away that I'd misheard, but I started laughing and then (as sillines does), the idea fed on itself and got even funnier. Thus my "Princess Vampire" Cesca was conceived.

Jennifer of Jennifer's Random Musings told me what she thought was said, but now I can't remember. Princess Vampire is forever stuck in my memory now. :)

The real line was probably along the lines of Princess Empire. Which could springboard a fantasy story. Of course, Princess Umpire sparks a whole 'nother idea. Refhater, you want to run with that?

Enjoy the weekend!

Light,
Nancy

Nancy said...

Terry, I snorted so hard when I read about the Hysterical Marker, I think I shell shocked my sinuses. That's a classic!

It's fabulous that you liberally explore routes for the adventure of it! I also laughed about rearranging your furniture. I used to do that because I got tired of house cleaning in the same pattern.

Hubby objected a few times when he smacked into furniture he forgot was rearranged, but it is a super refreshing exercise! Good for you!

Light,
Nancy

Nancy said...

Hi Tetewa! Thank you for letting me know you enjoyed La Vida. I hope you'll have fun with Last Vampire Standing, too!

Happy weekend, and thans for coming by!

Light,
Nancy

Nancy said...

Hey, Rachael, I'm so glad you had fun at Disney. There is certainly enough to do there to please about anyone!

Paper, laptop, AlphaSmart, plain old keyboard, or a combo of methods/ machines, I agree that whatever helps you write is the right thing for you. Keep up the good work!

Thank you for your compliments on my covers. I'm awed by them myself, and most grateful to Berkley!

Good luck in the drawing, and have a super weekend!

Light,
Nancy

Nancy said...

Hi Catslady! Do try the exercises and let me know how they worked. The seeming small shifts can make a huge difference!

I do hope you'll enjoy my boks if you decide to try them. And I truly thank you for stopping by today. Have a stellar weekend!

Light,
Nancy

Anonymous said...

Hi Nancy -- The first comment I've ever left! Loved your blog and all the comments. Changing energy to match the new woman really hit home with me. Sometimes it takes a while for the brain to catch up to a change -- or an insightful husband to point it out! Interesting, too, how some places call to us. For me it's Taos, NM.

Thanks for all the insights! Val

Nancy said...

Hi Val! It's great to see you, and congrats on mastering the comment function!

You're so right that it can take a while to "get" that we've changed. Maybe bec. we're living it, and we're too close. There's also the time factor. A trauma smacks you with change. The day-to-day process, not so much. Plus there is the aspect of being distracted with everyday stuff.

Taos, NM. Another sacred place! That's far from your home, dear heart. Do you make it there often?

I'm so glad you could visit today, Val!

BTW, folks, Valerie is a former editor who is now a critiquer / writing coach, and she is awesome!

Light,
Nancy

Tawny said...

GREAT blog, Nancy. I think moving is one of the best things we can do to get out of ruts and stay out. Its just that getting going that's hard *g* Sometimes even a night away works wonders - I'm thinking a little jaunt down to Monterey is just what I need...

LuAnn said...

I love to take weekend trips. It can be one day or two, either way it's great to get away and enjoy some time to myself (with hubby, of course!).

housemouse88 said...

Hello Nancy,

Loved the post. I enjoy taking day trips but with the economy even day trips will be fewer and farther apart. Have a great day. Your series sounds interesting.

Cara Marsi said...

Nancy

What an inspiring blog. I'm so envious you found the place of your heart and you were able to relocate. I feel Arizona is my place, but I'm still trying to convince hubby it's his place too. Someday we'll get there. Until that time, I've got to get out of my rut and energize my life and my writing. You've helped me. Thanks. I love "La Vida Vampire." Can't wait to read "Last Vampire Standing."

Jennifer McGowan said...

Wonderful blog, Nancy! And I love the idea of a mini vacation or just a new locale to jostle your imagination. My current manuscript was already in process but took wing when I took in a Midnight Mass at a very unusual cathedral--the paintings and stained glass imagery were haunting and evocative, and gave my story an extra layer of shiver. :)

I'm always looking for ways to refill the well, so this blog was a much-needed reminder to open my eyes to the wonder around me!

Thank you!

Jenn

Nancy said...

Tawny, if you get to Monterey, have fun! I'm with you on nights out sometimes being as restorative as a full vacation. Plus, no packing! A huge advantage in my book!

I sure enjoyed your Muse class these last few weeks!

Have a fun weekend!

Light,
Nancy

Nancy said...

LAnn, I'm so glad to hear you use weekend trips to recharge! I'm sure it helps your hubby, too, and your relationship as a whole. You go, woman!

Thanks for stopping by, and have a lovely weekend!

Light,
Nancy

Nancy said...

Hi Housemouse! I know the economy can be a stopper for trips, but there's always a park, or just some quiet in your own backyard!

Thanks for visiting today, and hope you create some fun for yourself this weekend!

Light,
Nancy

Nancy said...

Hi Carolyn! I'll hope that Arizona is also the place that gives your hubby a high. I did have to consider that with my hubby, too. We explored the FL Atlantic coast from about mid-Florida north, and he agreed that At. Augustine was the place her felt best.

All the best in your rut-busting, and thank you for your compliments on my books. You are such a dear!

Light,
Nancy

Nancy said...

Jenn, how cool that doing one out-of-your-norm thing had such a huge impact on your WIP! Gave me the chills!

Is this the same ms. you finaled with in the Sheila? Yes or no, I wish you huge congratulations and all the best in the final round!

Light,
Nancy

Nancy said...

LuAnn, sorry for glitching your name. Typing too fast, proofing without full attention. My bad!

If I goofed on any other responses, mea culpa.

Now, if you haven't been outside today, and your able to go out (no nasty weather), head out for just a few minutes and experience being there!

Light,
Nancy

Rashda Khan said...

Hi Nancy,

I just finished La Vida Vampire and loved the humor in it. THough, I wish we'd seen more of Triton. He sounds mega-interesting!

Good luck with you second book!

Nancy said...

Hi RK!

I'm so glad you enjoyed La Vida Vampire - and the humor. You'll see more of Triton on Last Vampire Standing, and more still in the third book. :)

Have a great weekend, and thank you for stopping by today!

Light,
Nancy

CrystalGB said...

Hi Nancy. Great post. Good to see you here. I would love to read Last Vampire Standing.

Tori Lennox said...

I have some photos of the Superstitions around here somewhere. Must find them...

Brandy said...

I can see how moving may help creativity! Everything is new and exciting. Thank you for sharing the story behind the Cesca books! I loved the first book and can't wait to read the second.

Unknown said...

Last Vampire Standing sounds good!

Anonymous said...

Nancy, I really enjoyed La Vida, and am looking forward to book number two. Interesting to know how your move and the aftermath helped propel the story forward.
Sabine

Eden Glenn said...

Loved the blog. I agree. I've just moved to a dream place in the country, yet less than 3 miles from town. We are able to have the horses in our back yard. I sit in the family room writing and glance out the window to see my guys munching their hay.

The positive energy here has helped me find and resolve issues in my WIP that has helped me become very happy with it.

Caffey said...

Hi Nancy! So been looking forward to this book!!! Loved reading this post! I'd love to go on a vacation, I haven't since our 5th anniversary and it was just a trip two hours away! and next month's our 26th anniversary so I'm due for a REAL VACATION, lol.

I'm about 3 hours from my family and the only one away (the rest live in the same area) so its lonely for me since I don't get to visit. But over time I've gotten used to it and love the comfort of my own little family and keeping in touch through the internet!

Nancy said...

Crystal, thank you for stopping by! If you decide to read Last Vampire Standing (if you don't win the drawing :)), I do hope you'll enjoy the book!

Tori, hope you find your photos!

Happy Sunday!

Light,
Nancy

Nancy said...

Brandy, I'm so glad you liked La Vida Vampire, and the story behind Cesca. Thank you for your compliments!

Amy, thank you for stopping by! It's lovely to meet you!

Sabine, my thanks for your kind words about my work! It's always a treat to see you!

Have a delightful Sunday!

Light,
Nancy

Nancy said...

Eden, congratulations on living in your dream place!

I'm happy that you're in your sacred spot, and it's great that you've found that inspiration to resolve your WIP issues! Way to go!!

Light,
Nancy

Nancy said...

Caffey, sounds like you DO need a vacation ... and a visit home. Connecting with the people imporatant to us is every bit as much of an inspiration as where we live!

I hope you'll enjoy the new book, and I wish you a terrific trip when you get to take it! Meantime, happy spring!

Light,
Nancy

Refhater said...

"Of course, Princess Umpire sparks a whole 'nother idea. Refhater, you want to run with that?"

LOL, I could think of a couple ref/sports officials that fit that "princess" bill.

Nancy said...

Refhater, I've see a few umps who fit the Prince of Bad Call Darkness, too!

Happy Sunday!

Nancy said...

Many thanks again to Christie and the killer authors of Killer Fiction. I highly recommend each of the books these ladies write - they are terrific!

Visitors, thank YOU for coming out to play with me! I appreciate your support - and your insights - and wish you the best in the drawing.

May you consistently renew your perceptions, and always bring joy to your lives!

Light,
Nancy

Autumn Jordon said...

Nancy,

Great blog. St. Augustine is charming. I remember visiting the down area as a child. One day, I'd like to revisit.

You are so dead-on about creativity robbing ruts. Every single time DH & I go away for a week I come back with oodles of pages written. Love it. I'm going to try some of your ideas today, here at home, to get the brain cell dancing. Have a great Sunday.

Autumn
www.autumnjordon.com
2009 Golden Heart Finalist

Nancy said...

Autumn! If you come back this way, let me know! I won't impose on your pages time, but we can visit for sure!

I'm so glad you find going away fires you up, and I hope you'll find some mini-boosters within the suggestions! Every bit helps, right?

Happy rest of the weekend!

Light,
Nancy