My Summer Vacation

This is my last post for the month of June. I plan to be back in early July, insha Allah.

During my summer vacation, I plan to:

1. Finish packing
2. Move to our new house in Lexington, Kentucky
3. Use the time before our internet is reconnected to write
4. Read one or two books from my personal library
5. Enjoy our large new backyard
6. Explore my new hometown with my kids
7. Make a few new friends

I hope you enjoy the rest of your June.

And keep on writing!

Writing Strengths and Weaknesses

We all have them. Some of us are better at description while others shine at writing dialogue. There are some who do both well, but not without a lot of practice.

We also have our preferred forms of writing. I've spoken with poets who write wonderful poetry and writers who produce fantastic short stories. I dabble in poetry and I'm learning the short story, but I'm not sure I'll ever excel in either.

My strength is the novel. This is becoming clearer to me as I struggle to write my 20,000 word play. I have two characters I like, and I know where the plot is going, but I'm having a hard time putting the words on the page. I plan to finish, but at some point in the future I hope to take my characters and my storyline from the play and turn it all into a novel.

Am I stuck in a rut? I'd rather think of myself as a specialist.

Islam and the American Experience

I have another book I would like to recommend. I'm only on page 64, and not likely to finish before I need to return it to the library, but I've read enough to be interested.

The book is American Islam: The Struggle for the Soul of a Religion. Written by Paul M. Barrett, a Wall Street Journal reporter, American Islam portrays the struggles and victories of individual Muslims. Barrett has included Muslims from many different walks of life, and different ethnicities. The book is well-written and sympathetic to the difficulties faced, particularly after 9/11.

I won't be able to finish this book. But it's not because of the quality. I'm very busy these days with packing and simply don't have much time to read. After I'm settled, I plan to check out American Islam from the local library, or maybe even buy it. And when I have time I am looking forward to reading Barrett's report to the last page.

My Frenzy

Today is June 4. Four days into Script Frenzy. I have a little over 1000 words and a plot which may or may not work.

But it is an experience. I wrote a play or two when I was in high school. Of course, that was over 30 years ago. At least I can say I've done it.

If I finish, that is. I like my characters--Sarah and Hani. Their chemistry is good. But I'm used to thinking like a novelist, not a playwright. I realize now what a huge difference that is.

I'll keep going until the bitter end, even if I don't get more than 10,000 words. It's an experience. I've met a couple people. And I can say I've done it.

Besides, my whole life is a bit frenzied these days.