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The Latest Rives’ism
Posted in The Kitchen Sink on Sat, March 13, 2010
My dad’s from Texas, I’ve spent a good bit of time out there, I’d like to think part of me is from there and I am one of those folks who believes The Alamo is hallowed ground. A few months ago, I returned from a research trip out there where I bought a coffee mug at the Texas Ranger Museum in Waco, TX. It’s now my favorite mug. It says ‘Texas Rangers’ on one side and on the other is a rather famous quote from Davy Crockett. The quote is drawn from a speech Crockett made in his re-election campaign for Congress. He lost and was killed year later at the Alamo. Around my house, Davy Crockett is held up on a pedastal, as is any man who died at the Alamo. One problem: on more than one occasion guys like Travis, Bowie, Houston and Crockett said things I might not want my first grader reading—or repeating. Yet. To be honest, I didn’t know Rives was paying attention to the fine print on the side of my coffee mug.
You see where this is going?
Bluffed and Poofed
Posted in The Kitchen Sink on Thu, March 11, 2010
Rives (7) has his own way of communicating how he feels. If he’s eaten too much, he’ll put his hand on his stomach and say, “I’m bluffed.” Translation: stuffed. If he’s tired, then he says he’s “Poofed.” Trans: pooped, or tired.
Last night he was looking a little run down. I said, “How you feeling?”
He said, “I’m bloofed.”
I looked at Christy. “What’s that mean?”
‘It means he’s bluffed and poofed but too tired and full to say both.”
;-)
And yes, this will definitely find its way into a book. It’s too good.
More Rules For Writers…
Posted in The Kitchen Sink on Thu, March 11, 2010
A friend sent this to me. An article from the UK. More rules for writers. Some are quite good. Some I can do without. Some I’d like to add to my own. Especially, Leonard. It’s difficult to argue with him. He can pace a story like nobody’s business. As can King. Oddly enough, their rules sound a lot alike. Enjoy.
The Truth Is…
Posted in The Kitchen Sink on Fri, March 05, 2010
I forgot my kids at school yesterday. Completely. At 3:40 p.m., almost an hour after they were released, the school tracked me down here in my office, (I wear headphones to drown out the noise). The lady said, “Ummm…Mr. Martin, we have your sons in the office.”
I jumped up. Oh Crap! Son of a…
Actually,I think I thought something else but you get the picture. “I’ll be right there.” Christy was off doing some stuff with her sister on a much-needed break. She’d left me with strict instructions. Even texted me a little after noon to remind me. This one was ALL me.
Monster Trucks
Posted in The Kitchen Sink on Tue, March 02, 2010
Saturday, I took the boys to the Monster Truck show here in Jax. One of the cooler things I’ve ever witnessed. Sort of like NASCAR on some serious steroids. We actually witnessed history. Saw this happen. The first time in Monster truck competition it’s ever been done. The place went berzerk!
What I listen to when I’m working…
Posted in The Kitchen Sink on Mon, March 01, 2010
...changes frequently. I listen to alot of different music when I’m working. My playlists are varied and eclectic. I’m pretty big on acoustic stuff. For a year or so, I’ve been listening to these guys. They put out something new called ’The Outsiders.’ Good stuff.
The Funniest Thing I’ve Ever Heard…
Posted in The Kitchen Sink on Mon, February 22, 2010
The other night, we were all getting into the car. Coming back after dinner. Evidently, dinner had…affected the kids. The boys were kidding around, racing to the car, first one in, claiming the backseat, etc.. John T. (10) elbowed his way in front of Rives (7). John T. climbed in and made Rives climb over him. When Rives did climb in, John T. then tickled him or poked him in the ribs or something. Rives brushed his hand aside, waved his finger like a windshield wiper in front of his face and said, “Don’t mess with me or I’ll gas you so bad your grandchildren will stink.”
One of My Favorite Things…
Posted in The Kitchen Sink on Thu, February 18, 2010
With all due respect to the large chains—for whom I am grateful --there’s just something really cool about an independent bookstore. Like the people that own them, each has a personality. And nobody, and I mean nobody, handsells like an Indy. Last week, I spoke at one of Georgia’s finest. The Book Shelf in Thomasville, Georgia. Check here for pics and a story, and maybe even a tease.
Random Rules For Writers
Posted in The Kitchen Sink on Tue, December 15, 2009
I’ve been asked to speak at a few schools lately. The topic has centered on writing and my process. With that in mind, I’ve written my “Random Rules for Writers.” You may or may not find them helpful but I’ll post them here for you to look at. Comments welcome.
“The Mountain Between Us”
Posted in The Kitchen Sink on Wed, December 09, 2009
A link to my next book. Due out June 1st, 2010. ;-)