Fixing Roadblocks and Tangents / Happenings In The Outhouse 27-Oct-2023

I have a problem.

I have a tendency to overanalyze and overthink my stories.

I have a short story that I'm working on that I keep hitting roadblock after roadblock.  I just can't seem to find my way around it.  Then, in a flash, after repeatedly going back through it, I thought of something to change it.

Sometimes all I need to do is stop, reread what I have so far, and then think of something different to throw in.

Tangents, on the other hand, are another problem of mine.  Especially with short stories.  When short stories are supposed to be tight and within a short window of time, I have to tendency to go off on side stories that mean nothing to the story are large.

I'm working on both problems.

Hopefully, these stories will be better in the future.

Adapt And Overcome / Happenings In The Outhouse 20-Oct-2023

Everyone meets challenges in life.  It's inevitable.  No one can escape it, despite their position in power, money, status.  If you think people who are filthy rich have it so easy, think again.  They have a host of troubles that others don't encounter.

No, money does not buy happiness.  If you think that's the case, then why are so many rich people getting divorces or committing suicide or . . . well, you get the picture.  Also, do a quick Google search on the unhappy lives of those who win the lottery.

When you meet a challenge, whether it's lack of money or a health issue or an obstacle at work, it's your mindset on how you adapt and overcome it that will set you apart from others.  If you don't have the money to buy the latest (fill in the blank), instead of bitching and complaining about it, ask yourself what you're willing to sacrifice in order to get it.

Or, if the said object is even worth it.

If you find yourself always broke, but can always gather up enough to buy Starbucks or cigarettes, then that's where your priorities lie.  If there is a position at work that you want and find yourself wondering why in the hell someone else got it instead of you, then maybe you need to work on something to make yourself better.

Your mindset is what can separate yourself from others.  There is something to say about having a positive mental attitude.  Just saying . . .

The Year Of Concerts--And It Ain't Over Yet / Happenings In The Outhouse 13-Oct-2023

For the past 12 months, my girlfriend Melissa and I have been to a slew of concerts.  Just this month alone, we saw Nickelback last week (with Josh Ross and Brantley Gilbert opening), Cole Swindell yesterday, and tomorrow is Luke Bryan.

Phew!

And next month is Shania Twain.

Going to these concerts have brought me back to my high school days when I dreamed of being a rock star.  Yes, yes, I was that kid.  I recall going to prom my sophomore year and being mesmerized by the live band that was on stage.  I wanted to see what they did and how they did it.  I wanted to watch how they entertained.

Even for movies, I wanted to know how things were done.  I wanted to be the entertainer.

The problem was, I was the shy kid.  I preferred to sit in the back of the class, keep my head down, and pray that the teacher didn't call on me.

As a writer, I can still entertain and that is how I view what I write: pure entertainment.

New Month, New Projects / Happenings In The Outhouse 06-Oct-2023

It is a new month, a new quarter.  The last three months of 2023.

I have at least three writing projects (short stories) that I am currently working on.  Five, if I include the projects that are due by the end of each month--these monthly ones are bonus submissions I earned because I contributed to a Kickstarter by an established science fiction/mystery/fantasy/etc. author that also does a lot of writing teaching.

Keeping this one short today as I just started this month's submission.  Sorry, no details.