Sandy Ward Bell's Blog

Don’t you hate it when a man explains Man-Splanning. It reminds me that we still have work to do. Women can be just as bad. At a meeting the other day, we were discussing medicines and a new lady in the group was contributing some solid, interesting facts, and then another women turns to her and asks, “Are you a nurse?” She replied, “No, I’m a doctor.” Maybe we should get our ducks in a row before hounding the men.

Cleaning my house is an awful job. I don’t hire anyone because I’m certain I will have to trail behind them wiping down what they miss. I wish I could sit back and not care. I try to make the chore fun with music or books on tape, but kneeling before a toilet to rid it of its grossness will never be fun. Glad to see companies trying to make it easier on us by inventing time saving devices. Maybe, someday, they will invent the blink nose twitch – you know, the talent of Samantha Stevens from Bewitched and Jeannie from I Dream of Jeannie. When that hits the market, I’m the first one in line.

Jane Austen is a gem. I have been a fan for over twenty-five years. With the release of my new novel, I began to dig deep to find out why I love her work so much. It’s simple really. Her creations are timeless. Even though old English can seem thick, Austen makes reading her sentences so enjoyable you don’t even notice the multitude of semicolons and words like hallooing and boatswain. She knew what women wanted and she topped it with delicious humor. What makes it even more amazing is two hundred years later women still want to indulge in realistic romance, intrigue, and crazy relatives. Like I sad, she is a gem who is priceless.

When September comes, my head fills with lists of chores. When the yellow busses start trolling my neighborhood, I know it is time to organize my house decorations. When the leaves change color, I crave roasted turkey and stuffing. When September arrives it is all down hill to the new year, so hold on to your hats my friends.

It arches at just the right moment.
It's red borders part with no effort.
I'm filled with joy, passion, and excitement.
I am not alone.

I love a good scene with fun dialogue. The movie "While You Were Sleeping" has a delightful dinner table discussion. Everyone is having a conversation with themselves. It is cute, humorous, and moves the story along. I hope to bring that bravado to my next novel. Bravado is probably the wrong word - oh well!

With joy and optimism, the Holidays come to call. I clear my throat and breath in the cool air. It is time for peace, love, and kindness. I allow their warmth to fill my heart. God bless everyone!

When my mind goes numb and my attitude is grouchy as if I eliminated chocolate from my diet, I come to the realization that I haven't written any fiction in a few days. My need to spin a tale with made-up people with extraordinary characteristics is actually a physical longing like food and sleep. It is an addiction in a way. I must make some fiction or I will get the shakes.

I read Kim by Kipling like a good little girl. I don't get it. Yes, I saw the magic in some of his sentences. The characters were well developed and interesting. So ... it is one of those award winning must reads. Why did I have to read it. Please - someone explain it to me. I wont put Kipling on the "These books lost me" shelf next to Joyce and and Pynchon. I wont put him next to the "Hate" books like The Old Man and the Sea and Almost Moon. I'm not sure where to put him. I liked it - I think. Help me if you can.

(sandywardbell.com)

I want to be one of those characters in a book that has a Southern setting. I'm in the middle of reading "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" and I desperately want to slowly walk around the house while spewing interesting aphorisms and drinking sweet tea with some kind of interesting physical tic.
Which characters get your blood pumping?
(For more visit sandywardbell.com.)