A View From the Porch Kind of Writing Day

Both of these plants faded in mid August, but they’ve revived nicely.

 

Today was a porch kind of day.

It’s September, right? So the weather is a bit schizophrenic. The a/c has been running non-stop during the day, and when I made the decision to take the day off from working out, I put on leggings and a long-sleeved tee. Sometimes I feel like I’m being refrigerated with the a/c on. But when I headed outside to sit on the porch with my laptop, I realized it was humid and already in the mid seventies. Back inside I went to change into shorts.

There was lots to do today besides editing. I wrote a blurb for an exciting new historical novel, and got to correspond with my editor about a possible title change for One Last Secret (that would feel so strange, after writing the book with One Last Secret in mind–but it happens). And covers! We also have a final cover for my Small Town Trouble, my cozy cat detective book that comes out in January, but I can’t show it to you yet. I will just the minute I can. Another fun thing I did was brainstorm with a writer friend about her next mystery novel.

When I started writing 150 years ago, I never realized how collaborative writing could be. It’s always so helpful to brainstorm ideas with another writer, or even a friend who has read a lot and loves stories. Ideas always beget ideas. Never be afraid to share them, even if you worry that someone will laugh.

This weekend I’ll be editing and editing, except for the few hours I’ll be on a date with my sweetie, watching that scary clown movie. What are you up to this weekend?

Hummingbird treats.

 

The sedum is regularly covered in butterflies, but the hostas are dying back. Let’s pretend the hose is not a mess on the ground, okay?

 

As we were finishing Twin Peaks, I heard a distant meowing. This indoor missy–Nina– is always desperate to run outside. She must have slipped out when Husband came home. She bathed and went right to sleep. Such an adventure! You can check out Sylvie’s latest on my Instagram feed, right on this page. (If you’re on a mobile device, scroll down.)

 

 

8 thoughts on “A View From the Porch Kind of Writing Day”

  1. Priscilla says:

    Haha, we are having that hot-cold, shorts-sweater, sweat-goosebumps weather, too! I am too timid at this point to share writing ideas with others, but maybe that’s because I’m just a beginner. Surely I’ll get more confident with time. Your plants are GORGEOUS, and Nina looks so content all curled up there. Enjoy your scary movie!

    1. Laura Benedict says:

      Nina is a stinker! She’s like the dog that caught the proverbial car–she got what she wanted and was like, “Help! What do I do now?!” She is a beauty, though, and loves a cuddle.

      Here’s a hint, Priscilla. Every writer is a beginner every time they sit down with a blank page. I encourage you to find other emerging writers so you’ll see that you’re really not alone. And you’ll help others learn too!

      1. Priscilla says:

        Thank you for the encouragement.:-)

        1. skyecaitlin says:

          Priscilla, try writing a journal, and when you feel ‘safe,’ share your ideas with just one person. This will help lift your confidence and lessen your fear.

          1. Priscilla says:

            That’s a great idea, like the journals I kept waaaaaaay back in college. Thank you, skyecaitlin.

  2. skyecaitlin says:

    Laura, again, you are amazing with the camera, and you are so artistic with flowers and plants, as well. These are just some random thoughts in my mind: your first title was originally The Intruder?? I am looking forward to your cat cozy, and yes, the weather has been a journey where I live, as well. Gorgeous, clear, blues skies and chill last week, and it was unseasonable. Right now, we are getting the remnants of Irma ( only in the tropical air mass) very warm and very humid. I usually have luncheon plans and I hope you had a fruitful porch writing experience. And Twin Peaks, as in who killed Laura?

    1. Laura Benedict says:

      Yes! We watched it from beginning to end, finishing with the just-released season. This last was even stranger than the others but it has a quirky beauty to it that I liked.

      You are right, Skye. It was The Intruder for a long time. Each title I give a book, temporary or permanent, is meaningful. You’re getting a peek behind what can be a complicated publishing process!

      I hope you have a fun weekend, and Irma clears off, giving you a return sunny skies and cool breezes.

      1. skyecaitlin says:

        I didn’t know there had been a new release of Twin Peaks! I just checked, and it’s on Showtime, but I am not subscribed. That was a fabulous series, and yes, it was strange. A wonderful cast, however, Richard Beymer and Russ Tamblyn (West Side Story) and I thought Kyle Maclaclan was so nice looking!

        There are many old series trying to make a come-back this season.

        I hope you and your husband enjoy IT, and I hope this movie is nice and scary.

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