New Goal

I am writing a book, starting today. I have three ideas for novels, and the one that is finished first will win (I hope). I have NO mentor, no one to talk to about how to go about this, and no freakin' idea how it will turn it out. I have a lot of hope, and that's it. I haven't even ever been to NYC. Random House told me to start at Writer's Digest to get an agent, so in a few months, when I am ready, I will start with that. I love writing and I want to do more of it. Period.

This random blog of mine will now be where I update my progress towards a permanent spot on the Barnes & Noble shelf. If I don't announce it, I won't stay on track...so here it goes!

Writing Retreat on the USS Badger

This pic of Mike shows the hilarity of my day--he entered the "Badger Idol" and sang a sweet ditty to his wonderful wife Suzie! That's right--there's an Amish family, front and center, waiting for BINGO to begin again. LOL!

Pics: 1. This is the view of the bow from the Captain's Room.
2. I was thinking, "Uh-Oh..these people don't realize who they just let in charge of their ship!"
3. I got over my fear real quick and LOVED IT!
4. Self-pic on the starboard side...
5. View of the front of the Badger and the pile of coal in WI used to fuel it. The Badger is the only coal-powered ship in use in the U.S.
6. Neat piece of artwork...

On Thursday, I had the pleasure of driving to Ludington to board the USS Badger, meeting all new people, and ferrying to Wisconsin and back that day. What a nice, relaxing day! I wrote several pieces (mostly poems, but a couple of short stories and a "start", FYI) and couldn't believe my luck on a perfect, balmy summer day to sit on deck and watch the waves sway by...here's the coolest thing--our director was the wife of the captain. She secretly ushered us into the helm of the boat, way up high so we could have an even more astonishing view and learn about the inner-workings of the ship. I was just giddy the whole time! At the end of the discussion, he let me drive the ship! For those of you who can imagine, you need to understand the power of being at the helm of a 410' ship carrying two hundred vehicles and up to 620 passengers! Equal to that were the breathtaking 360 degree views of majestic Lake Michigan. As I was steering, the MI lakeshore came back into view. It was simply stunning.

Second to the experience of being captain, I fully relished the small amount of time in Manitowoc, WI. We ate at the courthouse pub, then pretty much rushed back to the boat, but there are so many neat art shops and unique locations there. I can't wait to go back one day.