OMG, Forgot This!

Here is a video interview I did last month promoting Hugo House: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=-NJgeObgcGM

New Hair Color, & New Published Story!

CHICKENS!!! I have SO much news--my hair has recently become sublime, yes (due to the combined efforts of Karie Koltz at Salon Ciba and Blane Hummer at Raven Salon), but more importantly my short story, "The Hereafter Party," will soon appear in Issue #9 of Sherlock Holmes Mystery Magazine (SHMM to those in-the-know). I DON'T KNOW when, exactly, the print/Kindle issue will be available, but February-ish is a good bet. So I'm messing about with my hair and getting stories published, is what I'm doing on the surface; but believe me when I say there's a good bit of angst going on behind the scenes. January is coming full-steam with its self-employment TAXES, which are like Voldemort for creative people, and I don't have any more short stories making the submission rounds. "Stuck" and "The Milquetoast of Paris" are great literary stories I'm trying to find a home for, then I have a couple others to finish and send out. BUT...Biloxi Suite Trapeze (novel) is my priority, followed by Do What You Want: A Barber's Journal, my memoir about doing hair in the 90's. What to do--finish the novel; the memoir; or the short stories?? Throw in a couple editing jobs and hairstyling shifts, and....you have my Christmas in a coconut shell.

I actually LOVE writing work, and HATE Christmas, but always, for 20 years now, imagine myself as a person in command of the holidays: tree, presents, time off. This phantom person I inhabit is pretty much Rob Lowe in the movie Wayne's World --suave, monied, and au courant.

I hope everyone has a lovely time these next two holiday weeks, regardless of religious affiliation. I won't be getting that big Rob Lowe tv, but that's okay. Just buy Issue # 9 of Sherlock Holmes Mystery Magazine!

Best Circus--and LIFE--Blog, EVER!

In doing a little circus research for the book tonight, I found the best blog EVER: http://www.laurawitwer.com/2011/08/25/suck-it-up-buttercup-circus-is-hard/
Here's a pasted sample:

Suck It Up, Buttercup! Circus Is Hard

15 Comments

The number one question I’m asked by new students? “What can I do to get better? I feel like it’s taking so long!” It’s a fair question, I mean, who doesn’t want to excel at what they’re pouring their hearts and pocketbooks into? But, for many, what they’re really asking is, “Why haven’t I picked this up in ten classes?” Um… because it’s difficult, Buttercup! Ask yourself: would you waltz into a ballet class, having no dance training, and expect to be turning triple pirouettes three weeks from Sunday? Of course not. Then why would you assume that you can do that in an aerial class?

Wise Saying From Laura #1 – You have to be willing to suck at first. A lot.

Perhaps it’s our culture’s growing appetite for Instant Results , or maybe spill-over from the Club Med “make a catch your first day” mentality (not knocking Club Med, it’s just a different animal altogether). Whatever it is, let me be very candid: if you want to get really good at something, whether it’s aerials or accounting, you have to work your ass off for a good long time. That girl with the beautiful lines? She’s been dancing since she was 4. That guy with the bone-crushing grip? He’s been rock climbing for the past 5 years. They’ve all put in the time, just not in my class.

Wise Saying From Laura #2 – Just show up.

I have yet to meet a student who was a truly hopeless case – just about anyone in reasonable health can become proficient in an aerial discipline. I’ve watched some students throw themselves into classes, train on their own, and fight for every victory they got on the silks. That kind of hard work inevitably pays off. I have one student who couldn’t even hold on her first class, and cried in fear the first time she did an ankle hang; she’s now performing beautiful pieces in showcases and making me proud. She showed up. She put in the time (several years, to be exact). She’s reaping what she’s sown. You will too, Grasshopper.

Wise Saying from Laura #3: It’s an awesome adventure, babe. Quit focusing so much on the destination.

Here, in a nutshell, is how to get better, and enjoy the journey.

• quit taking yourself so damned seriously, it ain’t the Peace Corps. A light heart and the ability to laugh at yourself will make training more enjoyable (for both of us). Frustration is a roadblock, laughter is a detour.
• be a student. Check your ego at the door, and be willing to be really, really bad at something. Think of it this way – you can only get better!
• just show up – to class, to workouts, to your training time. I strongly recommend at least one class and one practice session on your own each week. Regular workouts can be tailored to support your air time – Pilates, deep stretching, weight training (PULL-UPS), and more can make your class time more productive.
• don’t compare yourself with others (thank you, Miss Stephanie!!!)
• CELEBRATE EVERY VICTORY!!! Don’t sweep it under the rug, you worked hard for it!

It’s not Insta-Aerial, ya’ll! It took me over a year of training almost every day to get to a reasonably professional level on fabrics. You can do it. Here’s what I can promise you: show up, do the work, and you’ll see results. Now, suck it up and get to class! There’s work to be done and fun to be had! And no whining. Love and pull-ups, Laura
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Check this blog out, it is FANTASTIC, and this is just the proverbial tip of the iceberg with the helpful, life-changing hints it holds. I still don't know if I'm going to use chalk or rosin for this aerial rope scene in my book, but I'm sure a closer look at Laura Witwer's blog will answer that question as well.

Chickens--my book is almost done!!! Pant with me, it is very exciting!!
Talk soon,
--P