While driving across the state yesterday something in my peripheral vision caught my eye, and in the split second that I glanced at the sky it struck me that the swirl of clouds against the blue sky looked JUST like a marble I had when I was eight. Huh? The mind is such an interesting …
Melanie Hooyenga
The Curse of a Good Memory
I have a really good memory. Ridiculous, some might say. Unfair, others (men) may complain. Usually it’s a good thing. I love being able to recall odd facts about things that happened fifteen years ago, but sometimes all that information gets a little… cumbersome. I never really thought about it until yesterday morning, but every …
My Clumsiness Knows No Bounds
I think I’m the only person who can rip my toenail while walking across a level room with minimal obstacles. I was even wearing shoes! Let’s back up a moment. (Careful there!) My shoes slip a little and sometimes come off my heel when I’m walking, but this isn’t a new problem for me. I …
Hungry for Zombies
I was running errands Saturday (MAN did I score some good deals) when I decided to pop into Barnes & Noble to say hello to my friends’ books. Specifically, Hungry For Your Love, a zombie anthology that includes a short story by my friend Stacey. Living in west Michigan, I don’t always have the best …
Something You May Not Know About Me
Over dinner Tuesday night (before going to see David Baldacci!!) my mother laughed before saying, “I was on a conference call today with a woman who made me think of you. She talked for fifteen minutes without taking a breath!” Me? Talks a lot without breathing? That’s so not true. I’ve just mastered the art …
Me & David Baldacci
Last night my mom and I went to see David Baldacci, the #1 New York Times Bestselling thriller author. I’ve read a handful of his books and while I wasn’t sure what to expect, I was excited to listen to a successful author tell his story in person. And tell it he did. He’s funny, …
Ineffective Motivation
I’m not sure when I started doing this, but for the past year or so I’ve treated reading books as a reward. If I have a project hanging over my head that I really need to finish I won’t allow myself to start a new book until I’ve finished it. I love reading so in …
It’s Been Seven Months Since I’ve Seen a Machine Gun
Once again I’m struck by the absurdity that is my life. Never in a million years had I imagined that would be a sentence I’d state, let alone have it be true. I’ve been back in the US for seven months and while much of my life has returned to “normal”, there are still moments …
Sit. Heel. Aw Hell.
Monday night was Owen’s first official obedience class. *dramatic pause* Nah, he did really well. He made an effort to say hello to eeeeeeeeeeeeeveryone and most of them said hello back. I expected him to be noisy since he talks NON-STOP at home, but much like my friends who have rowdy kids and are shocked …
Yet Another Sign That I Truly Am a Writer
I suck. My book sucks. Why would anyone want to read this? I don’t even want to read this. Why did I ever think this was a good idea? I may as well quit now and save agents the hassle of ignoring my query. Ever had these thoughts? That’s been the constant monologue running through …