Anne Faye

This is the situation. Life has given me some time on my hands. Not a lot, obviously, but more than I had the rest of the year. So, I could actually attempt to write a novel this summer. I was thinking doing National Novel Writing Month in June rather than November, realizing of course that NaNoWriMo actually took me over 2 months the last time so this would be a full summer project. I even have a kernel of an idea perking which is more than I had last week at this time. So, what is keeping me on the fence about doing this? I'm questioning the purpose. Last time, I just wanted to see if I could do it. I discovered I could. That motivation is gone. I had hoped my story would be successful. I know success is what you make of it and I am extremely thankful to those who read my story and enjoyed it, but in 6 months, I sold 11 copies. Yes, that is not a misprint. It is entirely possible that I wrote one of the least-read books in history. Writing the story still had value for me as a ...

As I hoped, I did get to watch Dear John Saturday night. It is always interesting to see how a book is adapted for the big screen. It is hard to have the same character development in a movie as in a book. The novel by Nicholas Sparks reveals a great deal more about what is going on in the main character's (John) head. Motivations are much clearer. Without that, some of the action in the movie seems a bit disjointed. Why did the characters act the way they did? It doesn't really make perfect sense  Overall, I feel that the movie was good. While not a classic, it was a good way to spend a couple of hours. They mostly stuck to the storyline in the book, with a few minor changes here and there. One definite change was the ending (which I will not reveal for anyone because I don't want to be a spoiler). I will say that I did like the ending better in the movie! Anyone who enjoys a Nicholas Sparks' story or a good romantic movie will enjoy this film.

I gave myself a treat the past couple days and read Dear John by one of my favorite writers, Nicholas Sparks. The movie is coming out on DVD this week and I am planning on watching it this weekend. I wanted to read the book first. Somehow, it just isn't the same to see the movie first. I like to imagine the story first. Anyway, it was a great story about a woman and a soldier who meet when he is on leave and then try to keep their relationship going. Really, Nicholas Sparks never disappoints me. I wish I were that talented a writer. I especially liked this passage: "He sounds interesting. I've always loved people who have this . . . passion for life." "It's a passion for coins, not life," I corrected her. "It's the same thing. Passion is passion. It's the excitement between the tedious spaces, and it doesn't matter where it's directed . . . the saddest people I've ever met in life are the ones who don't care deeply a...

I want to send a big Thank You out to Lisa Hendey of Catholic Mom for hosting "Through the Open Window" on her site. Every person who writes dreams of having someone read and enjoy her work. I have been very blessed to have this venue to share my story and I greatly appreciate all of you who took time out of your busy days to read it. Chapter 13

I hadn't realized that it had been so long since I had posted here. My off-line life has been rather busy lately! A friend of mine let me borrow her copy of God Never Blinks: 50 Lessons for Life's Little Detours (a great book, by the way!). I especially appreciated Lesson 18 "A Writer Is Someone Who Writes. If You Want to Be a Writer, Write." Regina Brett writes, "People are always asking me how to be a writer. I don't know, but here's how not to be one. Watch hours of mindless TV. Check your e-mail. Instant message your friends. Visit a chat room of writers. Answer the phone every time it rings. . . Agonize over whether to use colons or semicolons. . . Get your doctorate in creative writing first. Start therapy. Find the right writers' group. . . Strive for perfection. . . Talk about your ideas so much even you lose interest . . .Wait until your children stop teething, finish soccer season, and go off to college. Wait until you have two hours of...