Nov 3, 2017 |
by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy
Frankly, My Dear . . . :Five Things Friday
Now that all I can for NOLA is wait for feedback, and given that it’s November, my project of the month is jump starting CENTRAL a la NaNoWriMo. Here it is day three and I’ve only 32 words written, but I think they’re pretty good words.
CENTRAL will be the second in my City Series. You know the drill. It’s really not a series because the characters and storyline are completely different. But using the location as a character is what remains the same. So, I’m affectionately calling it a series, and creating a subgenre I call location mystery. Will the world catch on? Eh. I dunno. But Stephenie Meyer created Renesme and the world thought that was a weird name. Still, she stuck to her guns. So I guess I will too. At least until I hear back from the editor and almost-agent. [Oh, side note: some peeps are asking if there will be a sequel to NOLA. I hadn’t thought about it . . . Until this week. We’ll see if the characters want to come back.]
So. Five Things you may or may not know about Central, the book, and the location:
- The opening line for my next novel. I’ve been around enough writers, and well, the mentor wrote a book called Firsts in Fiction, so I’d best get this right, right? Y’all ready for this?
“Serenity had a thing for cops. And the guys they arrested.”
I can’t say it will stay that way. But so far the pre-reader peeps are liking it. We’ll see.
- Central Park, located on Manhattan Island, is about 843 acres big (over 3.5 miles), and has been the location of over 350 films! The size is larger than some countries. And the movie total? Fuggedaboutit.
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Central Park, NYC
- The Park isn’t just a park. It’s home to the Central Park Zoo, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Tavern on the Green, many playgrounds and ball fields, as well as bridges, walkways, vendors. It’s a city unto itself!
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Central Park, NYC
- There are thousands of songs about New York City, and many of them include reference to Central Park. Two of my favorites are, of course, Sinatra’s “Theme from New York, New York” and Harry Connick, Jr’s “Autumn in New York.” While not exclusive to the Park, these songs embody a great connection to the Big Apple at the best time of year.
- CP was the first public, landscaped park in all the United States. Now that deserves some awards!
And there you have it! Five fun facts about Central, the book and the park!
What’s your favorite part of the park?
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
Oct 6, 2017 |
by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy
Y’all may have picked up on this month’s theme: Autumn. Go figure. But, for realz. What, I’m gonna blog about the Easter Bunny? Nah. Not for at least six weeks.
As soon as the calendar turns to October, I turn to Fall. Even in the SoCal desert with it’s almost-80-degree temperatures and you-call-that-a-yard?-dirt, there’s something quite lovely about it all. Scarves come out, Pumpkin Spice Lattes are everywhere. It’s as if the Pumpkin Grinch himself dusted everything with pumpkin seed glitter.
The Pumpkin Grinch
I could go on and on, but since this is just a five item post, let me share my top reasons for loving October:
- It’s at most eleven weeks away from Christmas. For me, the first of October kind of jump starts the holidays. I’ll be lacing the car stereo with my Harry Connick, Jr Christmas CDs this weekend. #truestory. And in a few weeks the family will start to get cryptic texts like “For ransom: Doo Dads. Send money now.” [Note to self: Coupons are awesome. Start clipping.] Pretty soon the decor will come out of storage, the evenings will get longer. It’s one of my favorite times of year.
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Holiday Doo Dads
- Baseball. Yup. That’s right. ‘Tis the season for my Yankees to bring it on home. And to watch Field of Dreams. And to eat Cracker Jacks. All these wonderful things are the zenith of my baseball watching experience. And I love it. Every. Single. Year. Does it matter that Jeter’s no longer on the team? Nah. We’re doing okay with Aaron Judge.
Frankly, My Dear . . . : If You Build It, They Will Come
- Pumpkin everything. I know, know. Y’all see it everywhere and are burnt out. This Girl say whaat?! How can you be burnt out of pumpkin? Pumpkin Spice Latte, pumpkin soup, pumpkin flavored Belvita crackers, pumpkin carving, pumpkin seeds. Did I mention Pumpkin Spice Latte?
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Hello, PSL
- Autumn TV/Movies. This time of year is a guarantee you’ll find me watching The West Wing, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, the aforementioned Field of Dreams, Something Wicked This Way Comes, Autumn in New York, The Godfather, and of course, Nightmare Before Christmas. I’m a sucker for all things autumn, New York, crispy leaves, and Disney. But I think all y’all already knew that, yes?
Pumpkin Spice Latte, Pumpkin Bread and the Nightmare Before Christmas
- Cat Cuddles. Like I could leave my furfamily out of this. They’re the best part of this time of year. This year, in Lizzie’s absence, Little has already taken to sleeping on the pillow, and Iris is always by my side. Berry is always with me, and Sparkles has even warmed up to being in my general presence without argument.
Frankly, My Dear . . . Lizzie Cat
There are so many more things I love about October, but these are the best. My bonus reason is it’s my mom’s favorite time of year, too, and when she’s happy, I’m happy. [Hey, Mom. Let’s go Christmas shopping this weekend, okay?]
TWEET THIS: What are your favorite reasons for October? @RealMojo68 #fivethingsfriday
With an orange scarf and pumpkin latte,
Happy Autumn, y’all!
~Molly Jo
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
Jan 29, 2013 |
I love driving at Twilight. I’d forgotten that until I started working again. Driving home in the near-dark with Sinatra playing through the speakers is a nightly experience I consistently relish.
In the Winter rains, the fresh air and delicate winds bring a certain feel with them.
There’s something quite magical about the mix of neon and starlight, of headlights and stoplights reflecting off the hard pavement and sidewalks.
When I was otherwise unemployed, my driving was nearly confined to only the sandy desert roads less maintained by the City. Now I traverse Main Street each day. With Winter on its way out and Spring starting to show (at least trying to nudge an appearance now and then), the sky isn’t as dark as early.
Winter Sunset
Just a few minutes can make all the difference in the world. Soon I’ll be staying at work just a few moments longer to avoid blindly driving into the Western Sun. In a matter of weeks my Twilight excursions will be a memory for nearly another year.
It’s a bit ironic that my favorite music is “New York, New York” which I blast while driving between single story buildings surrounded by Joshua Trees and the occasional Coyote.
Someday I’ll get to New York. Until then, in the Twilight and even in the summer, Sinatra sings me home.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
You may also enjoy reading:
When I Get To New York
Writing Prompt: Songs
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Dec 7, 2011 |
A few days ago, I wrote 12 Wishes of Christmas, detailing my desires for the world. A friend challenged me to come with 12 wishes for myself, and to be quite honest, it’s a little hard to be that selfish.
But I’m gonna give it a try. So, my Fairy Godmother, are you reading? Here goes…
1. I wish I was completely healthy all the time: physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually.
2. I wish I was completely debt free, and would always remain so.
3. I wish I had a house in upstate New York with caretakers.
4. I wish I had a house in Italy with caretakers.
5. I wish I was happily married to George Clooney.
6. I wish I wrote a masterpiece, award-winning story that became a movie that George starred in.
7. I wish I had a horse farm and knew how to ride them.
8. I wish I was more successful at cooking so I could have my own cooking show.
9. I wish I had magical powers like reading minds and flying, but only when I want to use them.
10. I wish I was braver.
11. I wish I didn’t have to sleep, so I could spend more time writing and cooking and cleaning and having fun.
12. I wish I would Win the Lottery so I could follow through with that list and still be completely indulgent without feeling guilty.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Nov 5, 2011 |
[For the original article, click here.]
When Writer’s Digest Community offered this weekly prompt, there was no question I would combine my loves of holiday music, Harry Connick Jr, and NYC/Central Park. Take two of your favorite songs, and match up a line from the chorus of one with a line from the chorus of the other. Then, write a scene that starts with the first lyric, and ends with the second.
I hope the location came across clear enough; Central Park in autumn, when the leaves and snow intermingle. I am a romantic, obviously, and I have no problem sharing that.
The two songs I chose were “Autumn in New York” and “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve”. The latter is my all-time favorite holiday song. The former is a dream… so far.
Maybe someday I’ll get there – New York in Autumn. Or winter. Maybe for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Maybe not.
But that won’t stop me from dreaming of it; and striving for it.
This New Year’s Eve I’ll be working: writing my way to New York City, and every other place I’ve ever wanted to visit. I’ve got to start somewhere, somehow. I choose now to start.
What will you be doing New Year’s Eve?
