Famous Advice

I've been to several Random House Publishing's author book signings at the local community college.  The authors I have met spoke before an audience and engaged in a question and answer segment prior to the book signings.  Last Saturday, I drove an hour and fifteen minutes to Boonsboro, Maryland to meet Nora Roberts at a book signing expecting a similar experience.   There was no classroom or auditorium for questions and answers.  I did meet Nora, purchased several books that were personally autographed, and had an opportunity to speak with her for about five minutes before I was politely asked to leave by her assistant (in an effort to allow the rest of her fans to spend some time with the world renowned author) .  What am I saying; get some information about the situation/venue beforehand - know what the circumstances are and plan accordingly.  The bottom line; Nora enlightened me on my writing path and gave me well received advice.

Seek from Others

I feel it is vital to do research and seek the guidance of others.  Sometimes shadowing another person or meeting them to discuss your endeavors or having them critique your work can give invaluable results.  I decided to venture out of the sanctity of my family and city into another's.  Today, I will seek the guidance of a couple of famous authors to learn from them and share my work.  I have much to learn and everything to gain from this experience.

Inspiration

For me creativity is something that comes in waves.  I cannot control it.  Perhaps it is driven by the moon or gravity.  I understand some writers will force themselves to sit at a computer/typewriter for periods of time. The thought is to treat writing as you would any other job and the writing will become more of a habit.  Guess what; writing is not like any other job I have ever had.  I need inspiration i.e. music inspires me, the quiet side porch at my house, or back patio.  However, I willingly admit a commitment to a time of day or a certain amount of time has been helpful.

Time of Remembrance

There are times when we must begin anew or re-visit a situation in order to remember.  I had somewhat forgotten how beautiful and magnificent the birds are on the island of Aruba.  Two wild, green parrots flew overhead and greeted us upon our arrival.  We've seen an emerald green hummingbird, a falcon with what had to be a six-foot wingspan, and the beautiful 'Oriole' looking birds aka Venezuelan Troupial, some yellow canaries, and sparrows just today.  My mate also reminded me of the wild pink flamingos we saw on another visit.   This is what I'm writing about - a glorious island and wonderful memories - well, kind of....

Returning to the Original Scene

It was five years ago when I first set foot on Aruba's soil.  The tradewinds are blowing harder than that first visit.  The temperature is just as hot.  The average annual temperature is eighty-five degrees.  The island has a lot more vacationers now as evidenced today in the customs area.  It was filled with frustrated American tourists as they waited an hour to present their US passports. A new hotel has been built. The pace of the island remains the same - slow aka 'island time'.  I smile to myself \in remembrance of the memories of that first family vacation to Aruba, watching the Fourth of July fireworks from the balcony of the five-thousand square foot house, and the joy that will last my family a lifetime.