On this Thanksgiving Day, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the past year. Things started out strong with the old Downjotter, but, eventually, life intervened . My intentions were noble, but my writing schedule suffered from a bad case of reality. I am thankful for the few of you who continually check in looking for new content. I apologize for letting you down. Despite my failings, I truly do appreciate all of you who take time to visit.

While it is too early to talk about a New Year’s resolution, let’s call this a Thanksgiving Day resolution.  From this point on, I am going to do my best to post on something closer to a regular basis. If nothing else, I will at least try to share a snippet of the wisdom of those much higher on the literary food chain than myself. I will try to keep you updated on upcoming projects. (One has a deadline that is fast approaching and may involve a free download.)

When writing, the interference of life for a character is called a subplot. Wrap up your subplots by the story’s end, unless you are writing a series. If they aren’t, if they are nothing more than an interference to the main story, eliminate them. If the subplots do further the story, limit them. Just as soup can suffer if it contains too much salt or too many onions, so, too, will your story if it has too many subplots.

And speaking of life and subplots, it is almost time to go pick up my grandson; talk about subplots in life. At seven months old, he cares nothing about writing schedules, the interference of life, or subplots. His only concern is being loved and cared for (especially by his papaw.) In all honesty, I wouldn’t want it any other way. If your children are your subplot, be thankful; some subplots need the attention.

Now, go and enjoy the rest of the day. And remember, just because the calendar only lists one Thanksgiving Day officially, that doesn’t mean you can’t find something to be thankful for the other 364 days. It isn’t as hard as I tend to make it.

Happy Thanksgiving Day to you all. May your plate go empty before your belly becomes miserable.

Just thought I would jot down.

(Is that turkey I smell?)