This week’s word is OMMATIDIUM.
It means one of the facets of an insect’s eye. Insects like dragonflies and moths have these and they can have many of them. Each sends a message to the insect’s brain and they work together for the vision of the creature, making images for it. They are hexagons and are longer than they are wide.
It’s a dilemma when you read a book by someone you like and want to do a review for but there was actually more you didn’t like in the story than you did. I’ve recently had this experience again and I did leave the review but it’s very short and incomplete since i didn’t want to hurt this person’s feelings. Now, don’t get me wrong, I know that not all books will appeal to every person and I also know that there are probably some of my stories that people don’t like but I still don’t want to say things that would cause someone angst about their work.
This book I read had a great story premise but I didn’t like the heroine. She was one of those that did some really dumb things and seemed weak. I have a real hang-up about heroines like that. I actually think it’s because I’m strong myself and have zero patience for reading about someone who isn’t.
One of the other issues with the story, I blame on the editor. One of the big reasons for editors is for them to find repetitive words and/or phrases that the writer uses. I always, always have what I call a crutch word in each of my stories (and they are usually different for each one). I try to catch them myself but sometimes I don’t. This book I just read had a crutch phrase and it was used 25 times in a story that was less than 200 pages long. It started to feel like I was being bopped in the head with it. I even at one time said out loud, “Okay, I get it.”
So, what do you do if asked to do a review and there’s not much to say?
Today’s word is SCENOGRAPHY. This word is the word for the painting and designing of theatrical scenery. Kind of an easy one today, isn’t it?
This week’s word comes to you directly from the new book I started writing last week. I’ve always loved it and I finally have a character it fits.
FLIBBERTIGIBBET means a frivolous, flighty or excessively talkative person.
It dates back to the 1400s so it’s up there as an old favorite, isn’t it? I like it. Say it three times fast and try not to giggle.
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=50147264n&tag=api
This lady’s dog was found while she was being interviewed. It’s a small thing but a message of hope for sure.
This word for today is something I put up with a lot as a kid when I shared a room with my sister because she had a horrific habit of this and still does. It’s called Bruxism.
Bruxism is the involuntary grinding of teeth, especially while asleep.
Believe me, this one can be super annoying when it’s done loudly each night. My sister now, as an adult, uses a mouthpiece but chews through one about every six months. Wow, that’s a lot of grinding.
The word itself comes from the Greek word brukhein meaning “gnashing of teeth.”
I’m a huge fan of Dame Agatha Christie. I read all her books when I was a kid and I got so good at mystery solving, I could figure them out pretty early. I would write down who I thought did it and what page I was on when I figured it out. I then gave the note to my sister so she would see that I wasn’t cheating. One of the earliest professional plays I saw was The Mouse Trap in the West End of London and I’ve kept the vow all these years that I won’t tell whodunit. That’s the actual longest play running and they ask the audience at the end not to tell whodunit so that people new to the play won’t know.
Anyway, all this to lead up to a favorite quote of mine from Ms. Christie. She said, “The best time to plan a book is while you’re doing the dishes.”
I think she’s absolutely right. It’s when we’re doing mundane tasks that the best ideas come. I know it’s true for me.
Sweet Cravings Publishing as well as their parent company Secret Cravings Publishing is having a 25% off sale this weekend that is site-wide. Pop over and grab some romance for mom or for yourself. Here’s the link.
Use the code Mothers25.
Here are some covers!
Today’s word is SYBARITE. It comes from the Greek which is a person from the ancient Greek colony of Sybaris and also comes from the Latin Sybanta which also means someone from that area.
A sybarite is someone devoted to luxuries and pleasures. It also, in our time, means someone who is sensual and loses themselves in sensuality.
I love this song- it’s so fun and reminds me of childhood and all the little stories I loved such as the Owl and the Pussycat, the one where the dish runs off with the spoon, the cute forest creatures of Beatrix Potter and of course, the Wind in the Willows. Enjoy a Song for the Children by Jimmy Buffett
Ramblings of a Writer 