Monthly Archives: January 2012

Tropic of Dentist

Posted on January 31, 2012 by PB Rippey

Sharing this delightful list after a harrowing dentist appointment for my son (and his parents), in which despite kiddie valium being administered, despite the unfortunately Hannibal-Lecter-like restraints and despite the nose mask pumping in “giggle stuff”, my son raged quite effectively at … Continue reading →

Posted in To Explain, Writer quotes, Writer's Angst, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Quote For The Weekend (Seminar Edition)

Posted on January 28, 2012 by PB Rippey

Some writers, critics, and other assorted literati sniff at plotting as a tool of craft. A synonym of plotting, in this mindset, is slumming, something decent people just don’t do.   —James Scott Bell Whose seminar I attended this morning in … Continue reading →

Posted in Children's Books, Fiction, Quotes, Writer quotes, Writing Tips | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Oak Ents

Posted on January 26, 2012 by PB Rippey

This was the morning: camellias and oak trees. And koi ponds, a small, very green lake with coots and mallards drifting, a Japanese garden with an unattended snack bar my son immediately took over, stepping behind the counter (which came … Continue reading →

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Speaking Of Poetry

Posted on January 23, 2012 by PB Rippey

Askew , a poetry journal, accepted a poem of mine for their May issue. It’s nice to have an acceptance so early in the year, providing me with impetus to keep submitting my work even when the day starts at … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry, Writing, Writing Progress | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Quote For The Weekend (Pulled Muscle Edition)

Posted on January 20, 2012 by PB Rippey

“Writers are notorious for using any reason to keep from working: over-researching, retyping, going to meetings, waxing the floors–anything.” —Gloria Steinem I opened the door to my son’s classroom and an invisible  claw grabbed the muscles in my right side and … Continue reading →

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I Told You So

Posted on January 16, 2012 by PB Rippey

We hit town late afternoon-ish and I immediately honor the request for the museum and its entertaining dinosaur footprints indented in cement, pgymy mammoth bones, taxidermied (the fraying sort) mountain animals and vultures, buttons igniting barn owl shrieks and snake … Continue reading →

Posted in Children's Books, Fiction, ocean related, Poetry, Santa Barbara, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Quote For The Weekend (Another Sunday Late Edition Blrrrrgh)

Posted on January 15, 2012 by PB Rippey

The blood jet is poetry/there is no stopping it. —Sylvia Plath I could stare at this photo for hours…

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Spring Spirit 2012

Posted on January 11, 2012 by PB Rippey

Recently writer Beth Hull turned me on to the Spring Spirit conference, an annual SCBWI California North/Central event held in Rocklin, CA. This year, I’m excited to say I will be attending. The lineup is top notch, including the YA Muses … Continue reading →

Posted in Children's Books, Me and Us, middle grade, Writing, YA Novels | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Time Spent

Posted on January 9, 2012 by PB Rippey

Roaming the house looking for my reading glasses when on top of head entire time: a good 15 minutes (additional minutes tacked on when distracted by each room’s white elephant: mound of clean yet hopelessly wrinkled laundry on guest room bed, … Continue reading →

Posted in Avoiding My Writing, Children's Books, Fiction, middle grade, Pets, To Explain, Writer's Angst, Writing, Writing Progress, WTF | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Quote For The Weekend (Sunday Late Edition–Oops)

Posted on January 8, 2012 by PB Rippey

Lifted directly from Spiritual Now Dot Com. The Dalai Lama’s 20 ways to get good karma (believe it or not). Compare to Gandhi’s top 10 fundamentals for changing the world. Live well, long and, of course, prosper as you wash dishes, mow the … Continue reading →

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Under The Never Sky

Posted on January 3, 2012 by PB Rippey

Finally, my Amazon pre-ordered copy of Veronica Rossi’s debut novel arrived. This afternoon I heard a thump on the front porch, opened the door and found the package (it was sealed at the time, of course). The UPS man placed … Continue reading →

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A Little Nap Reading

Posted on January 3, 2012 by PB Rippey

I’m terrible when it comes to reading (cue echoing god-voice): books on craft. I used to ride horses that shied when the wind picked up, theirs withers trembling, nostrils flaring noisily. Hold Donald Maass’ book up before me and I’ve … Continue reading →

Posted in Adult writing, Avoiding My Writing, Fiction, Steps In Promotion, Writer's Angst | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

When I Despair, I Remember

Posted on January 1, 2012 by PB Rippey

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi’s Top 10 Fundamentals For Changing The World Change Yourself You are in control Forgive and let go Without action you aren’t going anywhere Take care of this moment Everyone is human Persist See the good in people … Continue reading →

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