The Things I Do to Avoid Writing by Susan Sands

Most days I sit down in front of my computer screen with the very best intentions of writing like the

wind. BUT, I get sidetracked. Do you? Like any other kind of work,  some days, I do almost anything besides what I should.

And I rationalize that it's necessary. I mean, a good social media presence is a vital part of the author's brand, right? So, there's the quick run through to see what's happening in the world. A lot, most days, let me tell you. And it's important to find something cute or funny (for me anyway) to post on my timeline on FB or IG first thing. Then, there's the never-intended quick stop that can turn into a hellish black hole of Twitter. I try to look away, truly I do. Don't even get me started on the dog and cat videos.

Sometimes I have a quick look to see what books my author friends are reading and recommending, what BookBub's got on sale, and who's released a new book. Y'all, this stuff is legit and it takes time.

By this time, I might need a snack or a bathroom break. I know you're nodding because you understand what I'm saying.

I do write a lot of words. Some days more than others. But it's a process and it takes me a while to gather my courage to open that Word file and get back into the story that's been calling to me in my sleep. By the time I finally do, I'm more than ready to tackle my plot hole, my next complicated scene, or whatever the day's writing holds. Do I take breaks? Yes. But I also hold myself accountable to a word count and deadlines.

Best to all my writer friends out there, and I'm in awe of those of you who can resist the rabbit holes of excessive research and other dastardly temptations to stray from your manuscript.

Happy Writing!

Susan

Susan Sands: Teen Girls. Need I Say More?

She is beautiful. She owns my whole heart. She used to think I was the most wonderful person on the planet and called me "Mommy."

Things have changed in my household since then. My daughter is sixteen. She is driving. She is dating a little. She doesn't think I'm nearly as smart or wonderful as she did when she was in diapers, or preschool, for that matter.  I'm the constant heavy. I'm wholly embarrassing to her in front of her friends. I question her choices, I warn her about everything from traffic safety to watching her cup at every possible social event. I'm infinitely less fun than I was when I planned her birthday parties at venues like Build-a-Bear and the pottery painting studio.

I love her to the moon and beyond. Oh, but I worry about her coming of age in this society where things are so much the same, and so very different than they were when I was her age. Boys are still highly motivated and will say anything to have sex with girls. That hasn't changed. Communicating that fact is still a challenge without taking all the excitement and thrill out of the first blush of young romance. Does it still exist for more than a date or two these days?

They text and snapchat rather than talk to one another now. Communication between the sexes seems to be dwindling. It's easier to hide behind devices rather than get to know someone's heart. Technology is etching away social skills and manners with its abbreviated form of conversation-making. The wall between people is building, one slow brick at a time because of it.

I wonder about this upcoming teen generation and the complexities of their lives. Life has always been complex, but this added component truly worries me, as it will affect these kids as nothing has before.

I teach my kids manners, respect, and to make good choices. They make mistakes, learn lessons and move forward with hope for the future. So far, so good. Tonight is her first homecoming dance and I'm having a day of excitement mixed with worry. What will happen at the party after the dance? Will the kids make good choices? Not just mine, but all of them. Some will, and some, not so much, I suppose.

I just received a text with an apology from her for leaving her things in a huge mess as she dashed out the door, my strong words ringing in her ears. It's a hard thing...apologizing, for both of us. Neither wants to admit we're wrong.

She's getting her nails done.  I'm heading out to pick up boutonnieres. There will be lots of pictures. Wish us both luck on this exciting and big "first."

I'll be the mom (one of many, most likely) waiting for the text saying she got there safely and that all is well.

Best to all the mommies and daddies! It's truly the hardest job I've ever loved!

Susan Sands
Author of AGAIN, ALABAMA
The Tule Publishing Group

Susan Sands grew up in a tiny town in North Louisiana and graduated with a degree in education from Northwestern State University.   She and her husband, Doug, an Alpharetta dentist, live in Johns Creek with their three nearly grown children. Her debut novel, AGAIN, ALABAMA is a Southern small-town coming home story filled with fun, nutty family, and lots of heart and humor. Grey and Cammie show us that it’s never too late for second chances and healing old wounds. 

"AGAIN, ALABAMA full of Southern charm and beauty pageants, coiffed hair and pecan pie competitions. The story keeps the reader turning pages.” ~Library Journal

Susan loves to connect with readers! She can be found at the following fun places:

snsands@gmail.com

Facebook Author Page:  https://www.facebook.com/susannsandsauthor

Twitter:  @SusanNoelSands

Blog:  Sweet Home Alpharetta at: http://susansands.com

Chocoholics Unite!

by Anna Campbell

It always surprises me what gets a strong reaction on social media.

Sometimes I'll post something I think people will find really interesting - and the punters kinda shrug their shoulders and go on with their business. Then I'll put up something that I think is either silly or dull or of interest basically only to me, and I get a really strong response with lots of people weighing in to share an opinion.

Oh, well, the world would be a dull place if it was always predictable, wouldn't it?

Just before Christmas, I posted a comment on my Facebook page about eating chocolate for breakfast and was it wrong. Now, I don't think this is a world-shaking issue (although I was feeling rather guilty for attacking the Ferrero Rochers at 7am!). Over 80 comments and a whole stack of people liking the comment.

I have no idea why people enjoyed talking about this - although I have to say I had fun confessing to my self-indulgence. By the way, just to let you know, EVERYBODY said there was absolutely nothing wrong with a bit of chocolate noshing at that hour, especially considering the time of year.

Perhaps it's the magic word 'chocolate'!

I know a lot of my writer friends fuel their creativity on chocolate. I'm not quite that bad but when I'm having a rotten time with the writing, I tend to raid the pantry for those little bits of luscious goodness. My next book A RAKE'S MIDNIGHT KISS was fueled by some lovely Toblerone that my critique partner Annie West sent to speed me on my way. There's definitely a blog in that.

All this got me thinking about preferences in chocolate. I have to say my current favorites are Toblerones and Ferrero Rochers although there's an Aussie company called Haigh's that makes the most beautiful high quality chocolate, well worth checking out if it's available near you.

I'm also partial to a KitKat. Do they have them in America? They're a wafer biscuit coated in chocolate (I like the wafer in the Ferrero Rochers too)and they're popular here and in the U.K. where I used to have one as a treat when I worked at Covent Garden Markets in London now and again.

Given how close we are to Valentine's Day, it's a great time to be talking about chocolates. I imagine tons of the stuff will be sold in the next week.

So Happy Valentine's Day! What's your favorite chocolate? Or can't you stand the stuff? Bleuch or nom, nom, nom?