Engine on

I'm sorry that I'm neglecting the blog lately. I figure there must be two, or maybe even three, readers out there who miss it. But it's time to write the next novel.

I find that it's difficult to start a novel. The goal is to get to the point where I know what to write and how to do it, but the climb to get there can be a trial. However, once it gets going -- and it has -- it rushes along, powered by its own innards. The plot and characters drive the story, not me. "Engine on" is the phrase that came to mind when things got going this time. It's like the book developed a life of its own. Once that happens, writing becomes a simple task. All I have to do is record what the characters say and do. It's their show, not mine.

And so I find myself busy. Have no fear. I will always return to this blog after a hiatus. I won't be like those guys who blog for a year or two and then leave for parts unknown. Besides, you know where I am and you can always contact me by commenting on any post here, even the old ones. I'll see it and unless you're a completely crazy wingnut, I'll respond.

In the meantime, you can always read Xmas Carol to get your dose of Keith. I promise it will be one of the most entertaining reads of your life. So get busy. Speaking of which...

My Xmas Carol blog

On my author's page at Amazon (which you get to by clicking on my name when you're on the Xmas Carol page), there's a link on the right that leads to my Xmas Carol blog.

I haven't posted much there but I invite Xmas Carol readers to visit and leave a comment or two. It needs a little livening-up. Thanks!

Translation widget

I added a translation widget to the blog. That's it at top left. So far I've only been able to add it to the web version of the blog, which is weird since Blogger said it could only be added to the mobile version. It did just the opposite. Anyway, if you're on the web version of this blog, now you can read it in many different languages. I played around with it and it was fun to see my posts in Bulgarian, French and Russian. They look so odd!

If you speak a language other than English as your primary language, give it a try. And let me know how it goes. I'm particularly intrigued by the idea that it will have to translate "popey guy" into other languages. I can just imagine what it'll do with that. Fun!

Speaking of the popey guy, this blog is way too focused on Roman Catholic nonsense lately. I'm going to try to ignore the evil church for a while, and write posts about other things. Sounds refreshing.

The iPhone sketcher's subway series

Molinsky sketch.

If you haven't visited the iPhone Sketchbook Drawings blog, give it a click. The blogger is Eric Molinsky and the site showcases his drawings of people he encounters in the NYC subway system.

He does the drawings with one finger on his iPhone, using Sketchbook Express, the same program my cousin Carmine used to draw the popey guy.

Molinsky's drawings are simple yet each one seems to capture a living person. The image on the left is one of his subway portraits. Doesn't she seem like a real person? You almost feel you know things about her, and this happens with all his sketches. What a talented guy.