Hi ho, MMMLOGerinos!

Weather: Not a cloud in the sky. Warm. A perfect summer day.

Getting Experience
When I first started writing fiction, my critique partners suggested that I also begin entering writing contests. I followed their advice and found that I did very well. The various wins and finaling I was lucky enough to score created a sort of experience or track record that I, an unpublished fiction writer, could cite in query letters or in talking to agents and editors.

I still enter contests as a published writer. Entering contests at any stage of your writing career is a way to encourage yourself. An entry due date can serve as a deadline, always very motivating. The feedback, if allowed in the contest, can be illuminating about a particular kind of reader, at the very least, and how your writing is connecting with the reader. A word about the comments or opinions of the judges . . . beware of exuberant praise AND completely negative criticism. Neither is very useful to you.

Car Wash Revelations
Took Red Therapy through the car wash today, top up of course, and got wet. The SLK is a hardtop convertible that's usually very tight. Last time I had the car in for its big inspection, I asked them to adjust the roof. They did. Now it really leaks at the car wash, but not during rain storms, thank goodness. That would be a tragedy in Seattle. I've determined that the roof is leaking at the top of the gasket where the rear side window folds down in the stow position. I'm thinking there's no fix for that except a new gasket. And now that we're out of warranty--oh my, I don't relish the idea of paying Benz prices for that. Just had a thought--maybe if I leave the top up for awhile, the gasket will soften and the crease go away . . .

And yes, I do believe in Santa Claus.

Ciao, ciao, MMMMMMMMMMmelinda