Sunday, September 5, 2010

** Sunday Night Ponderings **

It's been a very restful weekend so far, and that's my favorite kind. The Ronald and I are not big on going out and partying. Our idea of a great time is staying home, watching TV, and/or reading, while we lounge in the family room! Today, we actually did go to Margaret Norton's book signing that I mentioned previously. It was nice to meet her in person and talk for awhile. I bought her book, of course, and can't wait to get into it. (I began to read the PDF file I received last month and it was really good, but I just can't sit and read A BOOK on a computer screen! I want to hold the book in my hands, turn the pages, smell the paper, lie in bed, etc.!)

Which brings me to my philosophical question of the day: How will book signings be handled in the future, when everything is an e-book?????

Speaking of books, have I mentioned that I've really been in THE ZONE lately, in regard to my writing?? I'd been told about THE ZONE by a few writer friends, but never quite "got it" until I "had it"! Wow! All I can say is, it's like having magical fingers, typing fabulous stories and dialogue, while the hours fly by!

Speaking of THE ZONE, I think I've discovered something else that "works" for me. When I'm here in my office, writing in my book, I light a new jar candle I recently bought at Hobby Lobby. It's Harvest Home, Autumn Collection, Cinnamon. I can't even see it, either, because it's behind me, but somehow I believe that candle is helping me. Hey, whatever works, right? 

And, finally....one more note about candles: Yankee Candle is having their Labor Day Sale, which I assume lasts through tomorrow. I stopped by the store at my local mall today, because I had a coupon I'd received in the mail a long time ago. It was save $10.00 on a purchase of $25.00 or more. Now, that's a good coupon! They had various jar candles and other items on sale, plus all the votives and tarts were on sale for $1.00 each. So, I kind of stocked up on those, too. I normally like tea-lights much better....not as much clean-up, but for the price, I decided it was worth it.

I love scented candles. I seem to write well while burning candles. Two wonderful reasons to buy them, especially when they're on sale, and/or I have a coupon!

"My candle burns at both ends; it will not last the night; but ah, my foes, and oh, my friends - it gives a lovely light!"  -- Edna St. Vincent Millay

26 comments:

  1. Becky---That is sometimes the hard thing...to find out what works for you as a writer. As you burn the midnight oil, working on your book, the candle burns as well!

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  2. My kind of relaxing is usually at home too, Becky. Glad to hear the writing is going well for you. :-)

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  3. Obviously the candle has become a writing ritual for you. I read a book (that I won from you!) that recommends lighting a candle and only using the candle for your writing time. Glad to see it's working for you!

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  4. I often burn candles when I write, too. And when I read as well.

    =)

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  5. Becky has her groove on! Happy Labor day. sandie

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  6. I can only tolerate certain candles as my allergies have gotten worse! Still glad it helps you and that you have your writing groove on!!

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  7. Wrote long a while ago, Becky, but think I deleted my own comments before they could be posted! So will just say that I agree with you that when reading--I want a book to hold, a page to turn.

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  8. I totally agree with you on the paper books - I have a button in my blog that I believe you'll like - stop by and grab it for yours: it is a pledge to read the printed word I've got from a great blog I follow (no, not from yours ;). And candles - another thing we have in common! it is totally my thing - I love the delicate aroma they spread (not like the overwhelming plug-ins kind) plus, they are so romantic! Have a great Labor Day!

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  9. Oh, Becky, I love candles, too. My faves are from Yankee and Village. Both lovely candle companies. Village's orange cinnamon fills my entire HOUSE with fragrance! Gorgeous. Susan

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  10. You got your candles! Glad they are helping :) Good to see you guys also and thank you for the compliment!

    Sara

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  11. I love candles also, but very seldom burn them since I have a cat roaming free in the house.

    I like a book better than reading off of a screen, plus I have so many books on my bookshelves waiting to be read. I just like the feel of the book in my hands.

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  12. We like to stay home, too, since our days are so hectic.

    I burn candles, too, but I especially like my blended incenses.

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  13. Love "The Ronald." Hee hee!!! And I wonder if aromatherapists know about the effect of cinnamon on writing ability?! Or is it any scent of candle? Think I see an experiment! Congrats on the writing and happy Labor Day!

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  14. Your weekends sound just like the ones I and the LSO enjoy. Night out on the town? Don't be daft!

    Yes. How will book signings be done in the future? Maybe we'll have pictures of authors instead, which in my case wouldn't be a pretty sight!

    I often use a Yankee Candle (Mandarin Cranberry). It HAS to be that one. I think it works because smell is the strongest of the senses when it comes to memory. So if your mind associates a smell with a happy memory (i.e. writing) then burning that scent should put in the writing zone. Hope that makes sense!

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  15. Hi Becky,
    I love your quote and how you tied it in to your post.
    Donna V.
    http://donnasbookpub.blogspot.com

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  16. Hi, I've been reading your blog and appreciate all the great information you share.

    I love candles. I think I'll take your advice and light one when I write.

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  17. Becky, I am so excited for you that you are in the groove and that you are getting so much writing done.

    I think it is cool that you and The Ronald are going to book signings ... probably taking notes on what to do and what to do different when your time comes?

    I love the candle idea; using as many senses as possible while working seems like a great idea anyway.

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  18. I too like the feel of a book in my hands, the smell and texture of the pages. I don't think the paper novel will cease to be, at least I hope it doesn't.

    Being in the zone is great, isn't it? Your description is perfect. Wishing you all the best, Becky :)

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  19. I have been wondering about book signings lately, myself. I wonder if touch-screen e-readers will allow for the author's scrawl?? Or whether paper autograph books will make a return to popularity...

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  20. I can almost smell the candle - how inspiring and delightful!
    Blessings,
    Karen :)

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  21. Hi Sioux ~ Thanks for stopping by!

    Hi Daisy ~ Thank you. I hope you had a great weekend!

    Hey Janel ~ That is so cool about you reading that exact idea in the book you won from me! I swear, I had not ever seen that before. I'd read about having a "starting song" and only playing that when I wanted to write. I tried several of those, and none worked! The candle is a much better idea, I think! :D

    Hi Sue ~ Another similarity!

    Hi Chatty ~ How funny! Yeah, I'm pretty groovy sometimes! :D

    Hi Linda ~ Oh, I'm sorry to hear that certain candles bother your allergies. That's really not fair! Hope you had a great weekend!

    Hi Bookie ~ Yep, let's keep those REAL books alive, as long as we can!

    Hi OJ ~ Thank you SO much for the pledge to read the printed word button! As you can see I "grabbed" it right away! And yes, I love the things we have in common, even though our ages are quite different!

    Hi Susan ~ Thank you for telling me about Village candles. I looked them up and they are very reasonably priced! I'll definitely order the orange cinnamon, because I know I'll love it!

    Hi Sara ~ Thanks! I'm glad the candles are helping, too! You are welcome for the compliment! :)

    Hi Gramma Ann ~ I, too, have so many books that still have not been read! What is it about them, that we are so drawn to purchase them, surround ourselves with them, and before we read them...we buy more?! :D (Oh, too bad about the kitties!)

    Hi Nessa ~ Thanks! Another writer with things in common! We're all a bunch of interesting people, aren't we?! I just love our camaraderie!

    Hi Tammy ~ Yes, I'm sure different aromas would effect different people, and maybe even the genre they're writing!

    HI Ellie ~ A photo of you would NOT be a bad thing! Silly girl! And yes what you said makes perfect sense! I also love most citrus(y) odors, so I'm sure I'd love the mandarin cranberry!

    Hi Donna! Thanks!

    Hi Myrna ~ Thank you SO much for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment. I'm so happy that you enjoy reading my blog. And please let me know if the candle works for you!!

    Hi Kathy ~ Thanks for all your sweet comments.Yeah, every now and then I drag The Ronald along with me! :D

    Hi Sam ~ I'm glad you like "real" books, as well! It doesn't surprise me, either, becasue although you are young in age, you are wise in years. (is that how the saying goes?!) I think you know what I mean! :) And thanks, yes, I'm in the zone!

    Hi Rachel ~ Wow! I hadn't thought of autograph books in years!! THAT may be the way it will work, in the future! Weird...

    Hi Karen ~ Thank you! Speaking of the future..as in my comment to Rachel, maybe soon we'll have "Aromarama Blogs"!! :D

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  22. Love scented candles myself, those look pretty :)
    Glad you're in the zone, hope you can stay there a long time!

    Hugs!

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  23. Hey Becky - Glad you found your zone! I LOVE it when that happens! I'm also a candle lover -- apple cinnamon is my fave, and Yankee Candle Sugar Cookie smells yummy, too. I've not used the candle to inspire my writing, but I'm willing to give it a go. I'll let you know how it turns out.

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  24. H'mmm. Maybe I better get some of those lovely scented candles!

    Pat
    www.critteralley.blogspot.com

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  25. Yeah, I'm with K9, better give that a try.

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  26. Hi Estrella ~ Thanks so much! I hope I can stay in the zone, too....like...until my book is finished! :)

    Hi Lisa ~ How did I know you'd also like scented candles?? Yes, let me know if that works for you!

    Hi K9 & Lynn ~ Yes, who knows? Could be the bestest thing you ever did for your writing self!

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