The Pyrenees---Southern France

The Pyrenees---Southern France

Thursday, October 4, 2012

The Big O--For Everybody

        Last night was my twice-monthly writing critique night. It was held where it always is, but this time, instead of just light fare, we had dinner together.



          Our hostess--who will remain unnamed--welcomed us into the kitchen (she was putting on the finishing touches to the meal). Her first words were, "Who would like an o--asm?"

         (Her husband was out of town, and she had decided to walk on the other side of the street for a change the wild side. Of course, our hostess with the mostest is the epitome of selflessness. In this instance she only gave, she did not receive.)

       When we are all satiated (it had Creme de Cacao and Baileys, I think, along with other ingredients. I didn't pay very close attention when she was telling us what was in it. She had me at "O"...), we dined. 

         Following way too much food, we tackled the real work, the true reason why we were there--critique.

         Lynn shared her 91-word memoir submission. If you lost it or have not seen it, here is the low-down.  The deadline is October 15, and you can only send in one submission (online only).

        I shared my Bigfoot story, and got some invaluable suggestions. When I brought it to the group initially, they sent me off in a wonderful direction. I was now floundering a bit, was nearing the end, and again--they came to the rescue.

       Linda was missing last night (no O for her--at least not from Lynn) but we managed to limp along and snort and advise without her. The evening's big climax--an intestinal "concert" of sorts. All the rich pasta and the dessert items made a couple of our stomachs caterwaul like a cat and moo like a cow in pain and howl like a coyote. It was hilarious.

      (Polite people would have pretended it was not happening--they would have ignored it. But then, no one ever called us polite--at least when the five of us are together.)

       One bombshell was dropped last night. Or more accurately, several bombshells. I think all five of us are going to do NaNoWriMo this year.

      Okay there, I said it. I don't want to shout it out too loudly, because that might cause it to not happen. However, the other four of us have become inspired by Lynn. Over the past year, she's shared parts of the manuscript she wrote for NaNoWriMo 2012. We finally got tired of holding our breath and demanded she give us the entire story--we got weary of waiting for the next installment each month. Seeing an engaging novel unfold--one that was written in one month--gave the rest of us hope.

        So, it was a night filled with delectable food, delicious company, wonderful writing critique, and even a happy ending...

         Do you have a favorite beverage you depend on when you're writing? Or, do you fantasize about drinking a particular liquid as you write?

16 comments:

  1. I have been frequenting the wrong dinner parties apparently! I am always eager to have a big O!

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  2. You already know what my potion is.

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    1. I know. That cursed Bolthouse Farms Vanilla Chai Tea. God, is it heavenly...

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  3. Good luck with NaNoWriMo, and may there be many a Big O in your future.

    Diet Coke fuels my writing fever.

    As disjointed as my writing is, it may come as a surprise to some that I am totally above the influence. I became a born-again teetotaler (NOT in any religious sense) 23 years ago, after a particularly festive evening that involved driving to the city, making a stop near Chouteau and Tower Grove, allegedly attending a Cardinals game, and singing karaoke until closing time at a bowling alley on Lemay Ferry Road. The physical aftermath the next day was not pleasant. When my friend called around four to report that she had been sick as a dog, and asked, "Do you think it was something we ate?" I assured her that I did not.

    I pretty much fantasize all the time about drinking a special liquid. And it ain't a 44 oz. Diet Coke. Since making that decision to abstain, I have had no trouble remaining on the wagon. Much to the dismay of my well-meaning friends, who believe that wagons are made to be fallen from, and declare that I used to be way more fun. I can identify with Sandra Bullock in "28 Days." But without the court-ordered rehab.

    TMI, perhaps. But that's the way it goes. I have tamed my party animal, with no regrets. Those around me can party 'til the cows come home. It doesn't bother me, doesn't tempt me, and I revel in their good time.

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    1. Val--I had a teen phase like that. These days, I occasionally "hydrate" when at a winery or an evening such as last night. One. That's all it takes, because I'm obnoxious enough with nothing assisting me. I don't want to cross too far over the line...

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  4. I honestly wanted to drink a margarita while writing tonight, but when the temperature dropped, I opted for hot chocolate instead!

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    1. Mary--Have the best of both worlds: hot chocolate with something in it. The possibilites are endless...

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  5. Tea is my beverage of choice. Hot tea in the morning, iced tea most of the rest of the day, and for a treat chi tea.

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  6. Ahem... after a WWWP night, I click the link to your blog with an unsteady hand, and bated breath...just imagining what I'll read... but I must say, this was tame - in a very nice way ; ) I would like to state, however, that I was the only gal who enjoyed not one, but TWO, big Os last night...which is probably why I said I was going to try yet again to make it through NaNo... no, but really, I AM going to try. You gals are my inspiration!

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  7. Donna--I love chai tea, too. I wish I had gotten used to coffee, but it's too bitter stuff, in my opinion. (However, it smells heavenly...)

    Beth--That's right--you did have two O's on Wednesday. I guess I was still recovering from my one and only that night.

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  8. When one doesn't drink, what is one supposed to do with all that leftover Bunco concoctions? Getting you all a little tipsy might make my writing sound better? It had vodka, amaretto, creme de cocoa, and triple sec... and cream. I gave my husband one of those in a margarita glass - can you imagine? I called it a white margarita... maybe I should have called it a wiped-out margarita because that's what happened to him.

    Now as far as NaNoWriMo - hmmm, I'll only do it IF ALL the rest of you WWWPs do it.

    Okay... on to more blogs.

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    1. Lynn--It was most definitely delicious--as was the rest of the meal.

      I DO hope we all do it. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

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  9. I'm pretty much known for my black coffee, but that O was certainly a welcome treat. As for NaNo, you former winners are inspiring!

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    1. I've never developed a fondness for coffee unfortunately. But tea, I love...

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  10. Ok, i musta stumbled into chic lit here (men call them screaming O's)
    I woulda knocked, but the door was open.
    Sounds like a great nite, Sioux, but wish you hadn't used "mostness" in that sentence.
    My eyes aint what they used to be~they add letters at will.
    But that was cool too!
    (backs toward the door)

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