When I get home from a writer’s conference, I have a slump for a couple days. And I’ll tell you why: I always go with my hopes high and think, Yes! Some editor (or agent) is going to come up and say, “Cathy C. Hall, I simply MUST have your novel! And while I’m at it, let’s make it a three book deal!”

So far, that hasn’t happened. Thus, the slump. But after the slump, I go all Dreamgirls and start shouting, “Okay, people. I’m not going anywhere. I’m getting serious about writing these books now. Next time,” and here I shake my fist in the air, “next time, you’ll see. You-and you–and you, you’re gonna love me.” Er, my books.

Then I get busy. This time around, I had a lovely gift card from the Beneficent Mr. Hall that I whipped out and used to buy a couple books I’ve heard good things about, either at the conference, or from friends, or ’round the Internet.

1. Save the Cat by Blake Snyder…yes, it’s a screenwriting book, but it’s packed with interesting insights for the would-be novelist. Like  the hook and loglines and scenes. And I’m only on page 24.

2. The Plot Whisperer by Martha Alderson…although, as you may have noticed, I cut to the chase and purchased the workbook. I need exercises and examples to give me a push. But I suppose if I get to a point where I think I should’ve ordered the original book, too, I’ll hit up Mr. Hall for another gift card. St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner, right? (Look, I told Mr. Hall it’s a Savannah tradition, so I’d appreciate it if you’d just keep mum.)

3. The Emotion Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi…who knew emotions could be (sort of) quantified? I am loving this (Kindle) book. (heart pounding,  sharp intake of breath, eyes dilating)

Okay, that’s enough for now. I’ve got some reading to do, and honestly, I can’t think of anything funner I’d rather do on this Fun Friday. (Well, that agent/editor call might be more fun–d’oh. Now I’ve got to sing the song from Dreamgirls again.)