I had a strange dream over the weekend.  I don't really remember much other than I was speaking to someone -- a famous author, I think, but I can't remember clearly.  And he said, "It's all in the details."  This struck me and has stayed with me.  It's the rivulet of water running down the pane of glass as I look out, it's the new pair of shoes flung across the closet . . . that tells so much about the character or the story.  So many little details that if done right can say something about the person without overdoing and being too much.

I came home from our Writers Girls Group the other night thinking how cool it is to talk to these other writers and share experiences.  I realized that even though our experiences were all different, someone would share something and I'd immediately think of my own experiences and be able to relate and connect to that other person in some way even though our experiences might be vastly different -- they still linked in my mind and helped me relate to the other persons dilemma. 

I've been pondering this for the last few days along with the comment about details, trying to understand how I can better make those connections . . . build those important relationships and add meaningful details in my own characters. I should have seen the  little connections before more poignantly.  I have in my own life, but it hasn't clicked as vividly for me in my writing.  This whole idea that one person's experience connects to another's in a very small way (not like when you meet someone who is so similar to you that you have so much in common but more like being different but having a sliver of commonality that links you) was like someone opening the blinds and letting me see the rest of the world I've been missing.  This sounds stupid like I should have seen it before, and I think in some ways I have, but it's clearer.  I'm still trying to figure out the best way for me to show these connections and the building of these relationships in my writing.  I think this is where I'll still struggle.  But I'm so grateful that I see the bridge from real life to writing.  I'm not sure I've come up with the right answer, but I think awareness is the first step. I'm hoping this understanding will strengthen my characterization.
 
What about you?  What do you do to bring out those small connections and details that develop your characters and build relationships in your writing?

Kind of a pathetic month overall...
Read 1 book (ONE?) I can't remember a month when I've only read one book:
The Luxe by Anna Godbersen...after reading the prologue, I didn't think I was going to read this, but then I flipped to the middle of the book, read a page, and decided to do it. It was different. And when I reread the prologue at the end, I liked it. I'm planning to read Rumors (the sequel). If I enjoy that one, I'll move onto Envy (the last of the books in the series to have been released).

Critiques: 1 full manuscript -- yay! and 7 other critiques.

Word Count: I did write, but it was all done by hand in my trusty notebook that I carry with me to soccer games and such. As of yet, I've not had the chance to type it in and see how many words...but it's not going to be anything to celebrate! I've set a goal though and my manuscript will be finished by the middle of July when my critique group will be ready for it.

Weight: I didn't lose any weight this month...but nor did I gain any. If I can have one more month like this than I'll be ready to try and lose some more starting July. Whew!

Exercise & Journaling: About the same as normal. Hit and miss, nothing to write home about...but doing some consistently.

That's about it for me, folks. I'm hoping to hold steady until July. Girls camp will be over and we'll have established some kind of a summer routine. July, I've decided is to be MY month. I'm hoping for the best here. :)

Happy Monday -- Happy June!