What’s Up Wednesday?

What I’m reading

I’ve had a cold this week, so I’ve been indulging in some comfort reading. This means Sue Ann Jaffarian’s Odelia Grey books—currently on #2, The Holy Pail. I love these books. I think I’ve mentioned before how well written they are, but they’re also funny and have what my dad would call “great heart.” The perfect thing to read anytime, but especially when you need a lift.

What I’m writing

Plodding away on the Swords and Sorcery story, but it’s hard to write when I have a head full of cotton. So I’ve been editing the latest Elm Books anthology, Death and a Cup of Tea—not only eight excellent stories, but eight authors who are all an absolute joy to work with, and, might I add, this is not always the case.

       What Inspires me

I’m loving the Nat Geo show The Incredible Dr. Pol. At the same time, it makes me wonder about the usefulness of what I’m doing. Some people are out there wrenching lives from death’s jaws, and I’m scribbling stories for them to read. But then again, someone has to write the stories =)

What else is going on

Saturday is going to be a big day. My Writing Short Fiction class is starting in the morning. This is an exercise in bravery for me. I don’t mind public speaking, but I have a hard time thinking anyone might believe I have anything worthwhile to say, and have to keep fighting the feeling that someone will raise their hand and point out what a huge, giant faker I am. Also, it’s a two-hour stretch of time, which is a lot.

That said, this will be the third time I’ve taught the class, and it’s gone pretty well each time. I especially love seeing students’ ideas spark before their eyes, and helping them to nurture that idea into the rough draft of a story. There are some amazing people out there with amazing ideas!

In the afternoon, I’m testing for the next strip on my belt. I’m a second degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and after this stripe I will be almost halfway to third degree. I’m pretty comfortable with the material, but my bo staff form still needs a little work.