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Cathy C. Hallhttps://cathychall.wordpress.com/I write, write, write. Then I rewrite, rewrite, rewrite. THEN I submit all those polished-up words out into the world and sell 'em. It's a plan that's worked pretty well.

What Not to Do Wednesday: Better Safe Than Sorry

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Do you read the comic strip Pearls Before Swine? Take a look at today’s first two panels…

Hahahahahaha! Oh, grasshopper, that’s pretty funny, huh? But writers should be careful when it comes to friends and loved ones. Recently, I wrote a funny essay about my mother and called her, all excited to share the news that the story would be published in an upcoming anthology.

Er, mom didn’t find the story half as funny as I did. I believe her words were, “You can send me the book, but I’m not showing it to anybody.” Well. That kinda took the bloom off the publishing rose. I’m not withdrawing the story, mind you. But people are funny. Especially when it comes to writing about them.


Oh, that Stephan Pastis makes me laugh. I’m sure he’d make Miss Marie, the Unsupportive Mom, laugh, too. (If I were to send her this post. Which I’m not. ‘Cause I’ve learned what not to do, grasshopper.)

Everyone’s Publishing Children’s Books but Me

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I’d like to say I have splendiferous news to share about a new market. That’s what I’d like to say, but I don’t have that kind of news today.

I did read a blurb about Helen Thomas, the ex-White House correspondent, who now has a children’s book published. Um, really? Helen Thomas???? Is there anyone out there in Celebrity (or even Semi-celebrity) Land who hasn’t published a children’s book?

At least, Helen is a former journalist. I’m sure she’s a fine writer. But a children’s writer? Hardened-reporter, take-no-prisoners, Helen Thomas writing an elementary-age mystery? That’s quite a change of pace, huh?

So, kudos to Helen for chasing down a new genre. I expect M. Phelps will be chasing the gold in the children’s market before he’s stateside again. And who knows how many athletes will be joining him, publishing their latest teen books.

I guess I’ll just keep plugging away, learning my craft, submitting manuscripts, bashing my head against the slush pile.

Or I could just become a celebrity.