Pen, Spoon & Dagger

How long does it take to discover if you're no good at something?  Three days into the 30-day NaNoWriMo challenge I discovered an interesting fact about myself:  I'm not cut out to be a speed writer.Twenty-two days have done nothing except substantiate that fact. This should come as no surprise to those who know me.  I'm your typical, garden variety Virgo:  shy. reliable, practical, intelligent and analytical.  Oh, and did I mention fussy, overcritical, perfectionist and a worrier?  These are not the traits of a successful NaNo marathon writer. I understand the principles of the NaNo. Obviously you have to get something down on the page -- anything -- before you can try and revise it into something polished and publishable. As a journalist I learned to just put a piece of paper in the typewriter (yes, I'm that old) and start typing.  Eventually the "good" stuff would start flowing and you could strike out the bad beginning.   But the wh...

If you're looking for something to do for dinner this Thursday night -- and you have $1,000 per person to spend -- you might consider attending the Daniel Fall Game Feast. The annual event benefits the Bocuse d'Or USA Foundation. If you're not a "foodie" this may not mean anything to you, but both Danial Boulud and the Bocuse d'Or are legendary in the culinary world. Think Arthur Conan Doyle (or Agatha Christie) and the Edgar Awards. This year's dinner is hosted by culinary master Boulud, as well as Ariane Daguin:  owner of  D’Artagnan gourmet foods and  founder of Les Nouvelles Mères Cuisinières , an international association of women chefs. If, like me, you're an enthusiastic foodie, but find yourself a little short of cash, you can still dream. The evening will begin at 6:30 pm with a Champagne Reception and succulent charcuterie buffet, where you’ll indulge in exotic game dishes like warm tourte of wild grouse and juniper. Then, at 7:30, ...

Crime Bake is over.  What can I say except I'm counting the days until next year's event - the 10th anniversary! It was great to meet up with old friends and meet new ones - lots of them, thanks to Hank Philippi Ryan's genius scavenger hunt. I'm experiencing my normal "withdrawal" symptoms: a renewed energy and determination to finish my manuscript, find an agent, and get published,  and a sadness that I won't see many friends until next fall. This year's theme -- " Written in Blood " -- paid homage to guest of honour Charlaine Harris.  Although Sookie Stackhouse did not appear in person, she was certainly there in spirit.  In fact, her alterego made an appearance at the costume event! And a screening of HBO's True Blood closed out Day 1 in a most fitting manner. A second day of learning to hone our writing craft skills was topped with the Red & Black Banquet and Vampire Ball.  Just let your imagination run wild and you won...