I think that it is impossible not to instantly like a woman named Hank, don’t you? I mean, it’s an awesome name to go with an equally amazing writer and we are so pleased to bring her to the jungle today! Let’s give her a rousing welcome!
Strangeness in the Night
by Hank Phillipi Ryan
I had such a great idea for this blog. And I wrote it down.
Problem was, it was the middle of the night. And I didn’t really want to open my eyes. I always have a pad and pencil by my bed– in case I get the idea for the new Twilight or Harry Potter, I can write the brilliant thoughts down and read them in the morning.
Now there’s the critical element. “Read them in the morning.” Problem is, seriously, half the time I can’t read them.
For instance, I just found a little yellow sticky piece of paper on which is written: Freeps! And I’ve drawn a bunch of stars around it. Ah. I must have had a really good idea. I just don’t know what “freeps” means. Sigh.
I was at a conference recently–they all run together so I don’t know which one, and someone asked the speaker—Lee Child, it might have been. Or maybe not. But an audience member asked whether he wrote down his good ideas so he wouldn’t forget them.
Before whoever-it-was (Andrew Gross?) answered, everyone in the audience was nodding, anticipating the answer. Of course, we all write stuff down, you never know when the transcendent wonderful idea is going to come to you, and sheesh, if you forget it, wouldn’t that be terrible?
But he said: Nope. He never writes it down. “If I forget it,” he said, “how good of an idea was it in the first place? If I forget it, so will everyone else.” Which, I admit, made some sense. But I still scribble down my ideas. Just in case.
Anyway, the blog idea for today. So in the morning, I saw I had written: 13VO6. And then I had drawn some “this is important” stars on each side of it. No idea.
That was followed by wLAI. Which I recognized as “what.”
Then “hejpevd.”
Then “vo,” which I recognized as “to”.
Then “travduiy.”
I stared at it. I stared at it. I scoured my brain for what it could mean.
Suddenly: “13V06” morphed into BLOG. A HA. Something about the blog? Yes, my cozy chicks blog idea.
“Hejpevd.” Hedge funds? The economy? Ah. Hejpevd is “Happened.” So I’ve got “What happened…to….”
“Travduiy.” Ah. No idea. None none none.
Then I got it. Handwriting. “Travduiy” is Handwriting.
“What happened to handwriting.” My blog idea!
But now I’m wondering—maybe it’s more about ideas. Do you write down your good ideas in a notebook or on napkins or scraps of paper? Or do you just figure you’ll remember them? And if you don’t write them down—do you always remember? Do you rue what you’ve forgotten?
CONTEST! Commenters here in the jungle will be entered to win a copy of PRIME TIME! (Or if you’ve already read it, hurrya, Hank will send you the TIME book of your choice!) FIVE WINNERS!
Award-winning investigative reporter Hank Phillippi Ryan is currently on the air at Boston’s NBC affiliate, where she’s broken big stories for the past 22 years. Her stories have resulted in new laws, people sent to prison, homes removed from foreclosure, and millions of dollars in refunds and restitution for consumers.
Along with her 26 EMMYs, Hank’s won also won dozens of other journalism honors. She’s been a legislative aide in the United States Senate (working on the Freedom of Information Act) and at Rolling Stone Magazine (working with Hunter S. Thompson).
Her first mysteries, PRIME TIME (which won the prestigious Agatha Award for Best First Novel, was a double RITA nominee for Best First Book and Best Romantic Suspense Novel, and a Reviewers’ Choice Award Winner) and FACE TIME (Book Sense Notable Book), were best sellers. They were both re-issued this summer from MIRA Books. Suzanne Brockmann says: “I love this series!”
Hank’s brand new book is AIR TIME-—where veteran TV reporter Charlotte McNally goes undercover into the dangerously high-stakes and not-always-pretty world of high-fashion fakes. AIR TIME is already on several best-seller lists, and Sue Grafton says: “Sassy, fast-paced and appealing. This is first-class entertainment.” Hank says: “Have the airlines ever lost your luggage? Read AIR TIME—-and I promise you’ll never look at baggage claim the same way!”
Watch for DRIVE TIME from MIRA in February 2010.
By all reports, Julie Leto was a sweet child once, somewhat shy, preferring to play quietly in her room making up stories. However, being raised with three brothers in a loud, primarily Italian household did have its influences and Julie discovered her inner tough girl. That’s probably why most of her heroines kick serious butt. Writing sassy heroines has worked out, as she’s sold over forty books to four publishers featuring strong, confident women. Julie lives in Florida with her daughter, a spoiled dachshund, a haughty lynx-point Siamese and a wide range of relatives all within driving distance.
Destiny
Dirty Little Secrets
Once Upon A Valentine
Through The Night
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Welcome! It’s so great to have you in the jungle!!!
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Hank, I write my ideas in a notebook WHEN I AM MID-BOOK. So it’s usually ideas about that book. Then I check off as I go along. So as I’m writing, I’ll constantly flip back 20 pages or so in the book because when I’ve finished all ideas on one page, I put a big check on the top so I know I don’t have to visit that page again! Thing is, this notebook starts after a Plotmonkey retreat and I write down all our ideas that we got on tape for my story. Then I add to it as I work.
BUT when I’m between books or the middle of the night any time, I am exactly like you. I either am too tired to roll over and write it down or I write down gibberish that goes diagonal down a page. I write over myself if it’s more than two lines. Sigh.
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Oh, yes, Carly–the famous writing over your own writing situation. I’m with ya, girl.
And I also keep a running list of notes while I’m writing–that, I’m pretty careful about. SO I’ll get to a certain point in the manuscript, and write in the notebook something like–”How would Franklin know about the dog?” or “It’s November, its cold!”
It’s actually very gratifying to go back over those lists and check them off. There’s something about it that’s so–organized. And it feels like real progress.
xox
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I don’t write, but I do plan things in my head- our new gazebo, redoing the bar in our lodge, a new deck. All of which are on menus attached with magnents to our fridge. Sometimes in the middle of the night I have these great ideas pop into my head and can just never get up to do anything about it. Probably because there are no bar napkins nearby at the time. Hopefully.
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OH, yes, planning ahead lists. Can’t live without ‘em! (Did you do the gazebo?)
xoox Hank
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Welcome Hank!
I write up my to-do list at work and at home. Keeps me on track most of the time. Of course. most of the time something will come up and I’ll have to adjust both, but I have written them down originally.
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And isn’t it fun to go back and see the old lists? And see how much you’ve accomplished?
That’s one of the fun parts of making lists, I think–going back to pat yourself on the back.
xoxo Hank
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Hi Hank Welcome to the Jungle. I’m a beginner writer I usually have Ideas when I’m driving so I’ve decided to put a pad and pen in my car. A few times I woke up with an idea but have never written it down So I’m thnking that since I don’t remeber it it isn’t the next hit idea. Though I wish that I’d get the big dream and wake up and write the next Twilight or Harry Potter. Having said that I will be happy to get one book finished and published.
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So? HOw are you doing on the book? You see the jungle girls here keep track of their word count–I do, too. It’s fun and a great way to see your progress.
good luck!
xcoc Hank
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Great post, Hank.
I do write things down. At work, driving, getting ready in the morning…I’m constantly jotting down notes. Why? Life is too hectic to remember every idea my brain comes up with. I want to remember even the smallest things that pertain to my WIP. Because even if it’s small it can turn into a WHAT IF.
There’s very few or perhaps no people out there that can devote 100% of their time to their passion. So notes are imperative because life has a way of getting in the way of our creative genius.
~~Elle
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SO have you ever had a genius idea? I have a little red moleskine notebook–and one day on the train, I had a really great idea for a first chapter. Boom. I wrote the whole thing down. It was such a treat, and l actually think it may turn into my next book. Just like that.
But at night? Pre-sleep? I couldn’t have written it all. The “writing it down while almost asleep” thing just doesn’t work for me. Uh, so far. But you never know…and isn’t that the killer?
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Welcome Hank! And thanks for the chuckle. My handwriting’s also terrible in the dark, so even though I have a pen and paper bedside, I tend not to use it. My muse is tolerant and doesn’t insist I follow her out of bed. :) Instead, I try to commit to memory whatever brilliant idea’s reached into the nether world of sleep to strike me. Like Lee (or Andrew?), if I don’t remember it in the morning, it wasn’t worth it anyway (and sometimes, even if I do remember it, its lost much of its brilliance).
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Yes, Cate, that’s the other thing, exactly! If you can actually read it in the moring, it’s often something obvious like: Charlie has to go undercover. Well, duh.
xoox Hank
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I’m not a writer but I’m really bad about making notes on things and then I can’t figure out what in the world I left the note for. I will use whatever is handy, junk mail, grocery receipts just whatever I can get my hands on. It’s got to where I have to look at everything before I shred it to make sure I haven’t wrote an appointment or phone number on it.
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Oh, Linda, me, too! Everything has scribbles on it. ANd I’m a reporter, for goodness sakes, I have notebooks everwhere.
And then there’s the “where’s a pencil” problem. HAve you all encountered that? I can tell you right now–every pencil in my car is broken.
xoxo H
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I keep a little moleskin notebook with me all the time. But never write things down at night.
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Don’t you love those little notebooks?They are so cool and professional, somehow…
xoxo
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Oh you guys don’t get me started on paper! I love all things paper! I have gobs of notepads, notebooks, sticky notes, scrapbook papers, decorative papers, etc. and I work at an office/art supply store! Heaven!
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Hello Hank,
I’m a writer–not pubbed. I have 2 books I’ve written and completed. I make notes quite a bit, stickies, grocery lists, on backs of receipts, and then I got a Blackberry! Wow! What a difference. Even at night, I have no problem picking it up in the middle of the night and making a note. Of course, there have been quite a few times from those middle of the nighters where I have had the ALT button pressed and it’s all numbers or a mix of letters and numbers. LOL And still no brilliant, Calgon take me away from here forever ideas yet. I’m doing NanoWriMo this year, so hopefully my electronic “organization” will help with that!
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another good thing is to email yourself! that way you can never lose what you thought about!
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oh!! Excellent, Carly! I never thought of that–DUH. and it’s so obvious isn’t it. Thanks!!!!
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And sometimes..I call myself, and leave messages.
That works too..bizarrely!
xox Hank
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Have you ever tape recorded your ideas? I started to do that when I got ideas while in bed, but sometimes, I don’t really understand them. There are never any names, and it is usually something to deal with how a character reacted to something. I sort of gave up on that idea.
Carly, I really like the idea of emailing yourself. I might have to try that one.
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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Welcome to the Jungle, Hank! I write things down concerning the book I’m working on. When I finish up writing that day, I jot some notes in my trusty notebook. I also take the notebook with me when I go to bed in case I think of something before I go to sleep. I write in it as well while I’m waiting for my daughter at her skating lessons. Then each day as I’m writing I flip back through the pages and look at my notes.
Okay, now for some news! Drum Roll! I FINISHED MY BLAZE FOR BRENDA YESTERDAY!!
WOO HOO!!! 
I am so excited about this book. I really believe I hit pay dirt this time! 
Have a great Saturday everyone,
Cher
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Congrats on finishing the Blaze, Cher. Good luck and fingers crossed!
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Thanks, Carly.
And thank you and the other plotmonkeys for all of your support. 
Cher
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Hurray hurray hurray! Can you tell us all about it??
That’s so terrific! (now..let me make a note about buying it….)
xox Hank
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Oh, thank you, Hank.
I’m thrilled that a best selling author like you would be interested in my little Blaze. I don’t have a contract yet but I’ve been working with Brenda for quite a while in an effort to get one. I’m hoping this time is the charm. If I can just get my toe in the door it will be a dream come true.
My book is about a bad boy motorcycle builder and a professional organizer. I love the way it turned out and had a blast writing it. Let’s hope Brenda thinks so as well.
Now that it’s finished I need to print off a hard copy and get to work on editing and polishing. But that’s the fun part.
Cher
Thanks again for your interest.
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Huge Congratulations, Cher! My fingers are crossed for you! I look forward to seeing your name on the cover of a Blaze!
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Oh, thank you, Robin.
I look forward to seeing my name on a Blaze cover too!!:partygroup:
Thanks for the good luck wishes,
Cher
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Keep us posted! We’re crosing our fingers..which makes it really hard to type, I might add…
xoox
Hank
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LOL Thank you, Hank
Cher
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Ahem…”little” Blaze?
Look where you are, and remember where every single one of us started, okay!?! (And where some of us still are!)
Good luck, Cher!!
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Yes, ma’am.
And you’re right of course.
Cher
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Congratulations! That’s fantastic news, Cher!
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Thank you, PJ!!
Cher
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Congrats Cher! That is awesome.
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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Thank you, Paula
Cher
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Oh, Cher! Doing all sorts of happy dances, finger crossing, and praying for you! I hope this is the one! Good luck!
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Thanks, Silver. I need all the luck I can get.
Cher
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Cher,
How EXCITING!!!
Fingers crossed here too! It sounds like a winner!
<3 J
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Thank you, Jessica. I appreciate the kudos.
Cher
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WOOT! WOOHOO! A big huge congrats CHER! That is totally awesome! I am so excited for you!
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Thanks, Mickeytoo!
I really appreciate all the good luck wishes.
Cher
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HI :)
Sometimes I feel like I’ve been living in a hermitage cave.
I hadn’t heard of Hank Phillipi Ryan or her novels before.
Thanks to this great interview I know about her and them.
Now I desire her mystery novels. They sound intriguing!
So thank you to Plotmonkeys & Hank Phillipi Ryan.
All the best,
RKCharron
xoxo
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Thank you, RK! Come to my website and check the books out–there are also lots of fun photos.! (Nora Roberts at the Harlequin party! Lee Child looking very sinister. And lots pf people you know…)
xox Hank
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Hi Hank! Congrats on the release of AIR TIME. I’m looking forward to reading it. I have notes all over the house written on whatever was handy at the time. I also carry a small notebook in my purse and write ideas as soon as they come to me. It’s my only hope of remembering them! lol
It was lovely meeting you at RWA in DC and I’m looking forward to seeing you again at Moonlight & Magnolias next weekend. Will you be signing AIR TIME at the Book Fair?
~PJ
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Oh, wonderful! I’m really loking forward to the Moonlight and MAgnolias conference..I’ll be giving a seminar in How to Use TV Techniques to Write a Killer Romance! It all just hit me one day..how similar TV writing and novel writing can be–and I came up with a new way of thinking about it all that I’m eager to share.
And yes, then I wrote it down.
Oh, absolutely–I’ll be signing at the bookfair, PJ! Delighted to see you there.
( And we’re all thinking about our friends in Atlanta, hoiping they are okay after all the terrible flooding.)
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I’m off to a booksigning…any of you near Arlington Massachusetts? It’s Arlington Town Day–a beautiful fair on the town green where I’ll be signing PRIME TIME FACE TIME and AIR TIME. Come visit!
It’s a wonderful New England day–crisp and sunny and it’s going to be such fun! And it’s the first day for a turtleneck dress…fall is definitely here. Do you think it’s too early for—boots?
See you all in a few hours…don’t do too much swinging from the trees…and your comments are all being entered for the free books!
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I wish I could be there. I am on duty on the dorms and on other campus activities or I would come and see you. I was checking out your schedule, and I hope to be able to visit with you in November or something like that. I will check again.
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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Oh, terrific! See you soon…
xo
Hank
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If I wake up with an idea I just don’t go back to sleep
Often I just lie there spinning my tale for myself in my head- then later when I get up I write it down in point form so I can spin it out…
So lately I’ve been trying to drag out my penmanship skills even on my quick notes to me or lists for hubby just to try and regain some sense of pre-keyboard civilization. 
What I do that’s similar to your incomprehensible nightime notes is scrawl a list to myself- Am so used to working on the computer keyboard that my handwriting muscles have little discipline left so many letters just become lines- then I comd back and can’t make head nor tail of what I wrote… and I was AWAKE at the time!
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Yes..writing by hand just seems so slooooowww..and I fear I’ve lost my skills as well.
Sometimes after I sign a book–the perso will ask me: What does this say?
Scary.
xox Hank
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Hi, Hank,
I’m not a writer, but I’m a notorious note maker! I like to use sticky notes to remember things or write down things to refer to them. Better that than relying on my (increasingly) spotty memory these days!
I read about your books in “RT Book Reviews,” and they sound great! Congratulations!
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Oh, yes, sticky notes. Where would be be without them? Do you think the story about them being invented by mistake is true?
xo Hank
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Hi Hank!
So great to see you here in the jungle!
Oh, yes. I don’t know what I would do if didn’t have my post-it notes. I have them everywhere! My computer, office, refrigerator, bed, etc. Oh, even in my purse!
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Thanks for posting Hank!
I write down ideas as I’m planning and writing a manuscript. They’re all very book specific. Between books I don’t usually jot notes unless I think I have an idea to look into. Mostly I have to write and write in my journal to find the idea behind my next ms.
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OH, good idea. You’re so wise to keep a journal. I did, for years..hmm..wonder where those are… Maybe there are some plot ideas there! Thanks for the great idea!
xoox Hank
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I dont write stuff down but my DH just started to I talk yell & scream stuff in my sleep some time carry on conversations with him I dont remember any of it so I have asked him to keep track,
Not the best plan I have i am shocked at all the bleeping word I utter in sleep I never use them by day I guess I make up for it while sleeping.
The most favorite was telling him I was SNOW WHITE yes I am a princess just not sure SN would use the works I yell out or maybe she/I am just tell the witch where to go lol.
Have a good weekend.
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OH, that’s way too funny! And that could be a great clue–someone wakes up and yells something? And then they dont remember if it was a dream, or real?
Not sure about the Snow White element, however–hmmm… that sounds like a discussion for another day! (Although it must mean you are actually a princess.)
xoxo Hank
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I don’t write them down but I do plan things in my head! the only thing I write down is things I need to get when I go shopping. If I write them down it helps me to remember what I need!
Great give away!
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Well, when I make a shopping list it always seems I don’t need it anymore. You know?Once I write it down, I remember.
Or I make a little acronym for it: like, TOWN means: tomatoes, olives, water and milk. Then I think: okay, I’m going to TOWN. And I remember what I need.
My husband says–why don’t you just make a LIST?? Instead of having to make a word, then remember what each letter stands for?
Ah, I don’t know, It’s easier.
xoxo Hank
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And thanks for the “you rock!” YOu, too…xoxo
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I am not a writer, but I am big on planning… I will make mental notes and sometimes have lists wriiten out to reference…
Congrats on your series… sounds like it is very interesting… I will have to try it out!
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Thanks, Colleen! Hope you love the books..let me know, okay?
xo Hank
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^Yes, it’s a mystery. And it’s strange–at some point, you knew what you meant. And then, suddenly, you don’t. Hilarious. (I guess…)
xoo Hank
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Hi Hank–Love your series.
“Air Time” is on my TBR list. Thanks for the visit.
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OH, hurray. Nothing I love to hear more…thank you!
xo Hank
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Hi, Hank! I’m always scribbling down notes! In fact, just last night I reached over for pen and paper to jot down a bit of dialogue and thankfully I can read what I wrote this morning! I’m also notorious for writing things down while I’m driving. I know, very bad, but for some reason the car is the place where ideas hit. I have often skipped writing things down, saying to myself I’ll remember them. Sometimes I do and sometimes I don’t. Guess the good ideas are the ones I remember.
I’ll be at Moonlight and Magnolias too! (I’m a Maggie finalist.) Your workshop sounds great so I’ll be there! I look forward to meeting you!
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Oh, good luck with the Maggies! (But you’ve already had good luck, right? You’re a finalist!) Can’t wait to meet you…find me, okay?
xo
Hank
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Hi Hank! Thanks so much for being here today–we’re so excited to have you!!!
I wish I could say I was smart and organized enough to write things down, but I’m just not. It could be because my handwriting looks like illegible chicken-scratch no matter the time of day…I honestly can’t read my own writing and have to type everything!
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I know..I’ve taken notes for years as a reporter..writing as fast as I possibly can…and my handwriting is now literally illegible. Remember in school how we used to have to practice? And now, all gone.
And thank you, this is a wonderful blog!
xo Hank
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Hey Hank, it is great to see you hanging out in one of my favorite places in the blogosphere. The jungle is so much fun. How was your trip home? Did you have a wonderful time at the conference in your hometown? The blog you have is really funny. Now for your questions. I do write my ideas down, because if I don’t then what I intended to write is just going to be painful. It loses so much when I can’t remember everything that I wanted to write down. Or, I completely forget the idea I had. I have written numerous poems in the cloud of sleep, and surprisingly, I could figure out what I wrote. I mean, I seriously write entire poems that way, and when I don’t write them down, I forget the majority of them except for maybe the first line and one somewhere in the middle. Trying to fit it all together is sometimes a trial.
I am so excited that you are swinging with us today.
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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Hey Paula! Yes, going home to Indianapolis was amazing..lots of friends from high school came to my signings..and that was so funny. Very nostalgic. That was a long time ago–and some things change, some things don’t.
High school seems like such a big deal at the time, doesn’t it?
xo Hank
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Hi, Hank!
Welcome to the Jungle! Writers, this lady gives an amazing seminar! I attended her “The Scoop-Everything You Need To Know About Writing, Hank Learned On TV” class. I probably learned more from it than any other presentation I attended! She’s a classy lady and a heckava writer! Love her TIME books!
Okay, commercial over. Well, almost over. Hank,
I carry a notebook and have a journal beside my bed. When an idea hits, I’m usually driving, about to fall asleep, or in the middle of something. Sometimes, a scene will hit and I know I have to capture the words right then because more often than not, the scene has not a whit to do with anything I’m currently writing. Sometimes those scenes get incorporated into other WIPs, sometimes they languish in my notebook. I guess that’s the difference between an idea and a good idea!
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Hi all–
I’m off to a wedding! Back later tonight…you all have fun and I’ll come chat when we get home. And I’ll check in tomorrow, too!
Silver–you’re amazing. And I want to chat with all of you…more to come–but I’m about to be late!!
xxo oHank
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Have fun at the wedding!
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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I need to write things down, my short term memory can be quite poor sometimes. All those free notepads from realtors and charities we get come in handy.
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Yup, I love those, too..
xo H
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Welcome to the Jungle Hank!
I’m a night-time scribbler too; but I find out most of the time I can’t read a darn thing I have written down. I not sure if it’s an idea I want to write about or something I wanted to put on my grocery list?? It drive me crazy! 
I’m so glad you can decipher your midnight madness. Again, welcome and I’m glad your here. 
your work!
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Oh, thanks, Lisa! YOu never know when one of the notes might come in handy..for the grocery or your next novel, right?
xo Hank
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I was wondering if the series was continuing… great news!!! just finished the 1st book and on to the 2nd keep ‘em coming
Donna
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Yes, DRIVE TIME wil be out in February 2010..very exciting! Suzanne Brockmann gave me a wonderful blurb for the cover–she says” I love this series!”
I hope I get invited back to the Jungle to chat about it…
Thank you so much for the kind words!
xo Hank
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Most of the time I tend to grab whatever piece of paper I can find to write things down on. I used to have an index sized ring notepack to write things down in, but darn’d if I know where that went.
A lot of the time when I do find my notes later, I haven’t the foggiest idea what I wrote it down for.
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Elizabeth..yup, I’m with ya! But when you find the notebook, it’ll have lots of interesting stuff..
xo H
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Good afternoon!
Hank,
I am a note fanatic. I scribble on anything, anywhere if I have an idea. Most of the time in my notebooks during class…which is frustrating later on when I’m trying to study for something and there are all these character and plot development ideas on the page. I’ve been trying to carry a separate notebook for such a purpose, but I usually forget it. I used to have a problem writing things down at night because I would do it so frequently and wake up to gibberish in the morning. Now I grab my cell phone next to my bed and type whatever I want to remember into the notepad.
<3 J
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Really? YOu can see the little keys at night? Verrrrrry impressive! And very high-tech!
xo H
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Hi Hank. Great blog it made me lol! As a would be writer I should write thoughts down, but I don’t. Mainly because of my ineptitude! The notebook I have in my handbag is always in the wrong bag on the day. The notebook that I leave by the bedside table is inevitably left in the living room (sigh). However if a thought for a book plot comes to me at night I normally ruminate about it during the night. I put it down to being a light sleeper – so if it is a good one then I will have normally remembered it the next morning. Take care. Caroline x (p.s. would you mind if I !borrow” your name for one of my heroine’s? – I love it!)
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Caroline: really? I’d adore that! Let me know. (And you should know it’s really Harriet. But don’t tell.)
Coincidentally, one of the main characters in PRIME TIME is named Caroline. SO we’re even!
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Welcome Hank to the jungle! Thanks for creating a great blog. I try to remember my ideas but of course I forget. So now I write them down in detail with the dates of the ideas. So I will be able to say oh yeah now I remember. I write my ideas on post its, journals, envelopes from the mail, napkins, or even a box.
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Good luck with that! Soon you’ll need a little envelope to keep them all in, then a box for the envelope, then a drawer for the box…
xoox H
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Welcome Hank, I loved your post. Craked me up
As for me, with four kids, reminders are necessary. I ‘stick’ to sitcky notes. If I had a whole page to write down what I am thinking at the moment, I would fill it up and forget that I should be sleeping or…uhmm…cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping. The kids would never forgive me for forgetting dinner!
So I have to restrict myself to limited space. And besides, every time I tried using a notepad or notebook, my kids would grab it to show me they could write like mommy too.
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Talina..so cute! But you’re teaching the kids to be organized, right? So it’s all good.
xoo
H
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Hi Hank!
It’s Michele here!
I am not a writer but I do aspire to write a book one day. As for taking notes, I am a jotter. My trusty notebook is to my left, (I am lefty) and ready for those important notes I need to write. Since I am an avid reader, writing down something that sounds nifty, or need to look up something up on the internet to research, is second nature to me.
I bet you are constantly on the alert for the next good story and are scribbling down notes while you are on the go! Or is it your Blackberry or laptop that you constantly have with you? I know everyone is different as to what they like to use and some devices are so much easier to use.
One thing I love are those sticky notes as I mentioned above. I can’t live without them! -smack my forehead!- No, not with a sticky note but I just remembered something I need to do tomorrow!
Take care, Hank! It was lovely having you here! Have a great Sunday!
Michele R.
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Yup, I’m always taking notes…I think it’s a good habit. But you know ,after I take the notes, I hardly ever look at them again. I think there’s something about writing things down that plants them more indelibly in your brain.
And I’m a lefty, too!
xo Hank
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I used to write down ideas EVERYWHERE! But it got confusing, and half the time I would read what I wrote and be like “Um, what in the world was I thinking?” So now I have a pretty flower notebook everything gets written down in. And I try to only write little notes for the story I’m currently working on. Because if I write big scenes for the future of the story, even if I think its brilliant, the scene is bound to change once I get to the point of useing it. But sometimes I just can’t help myself
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Yes, I know the feeling! And you never know when it might be the one wonderful perfect thing…
xo Hank
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Sure, looking good. Count me in.
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You’re counted! Thanks for visiting!
xox Hank
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Not a writer but I do take and make notes on many things.
I have notebooks, note pads on my desk, by my chair in the living room, in my night stand and on my kitchen cupboard.
I even write on the calendar. I’ve been know to jump out of bed and write something down so as not to forget.
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Well- Robyn L, afterwards, are you glad you write it down? My opinion? The act of writing it, taking a note, assessing, caring–is a real joy.
xoox H
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You were able to translate! My husband and I have running gags with our handwriting on notes. We are awake when we write them so, we don’t have your excuse.
Husband calling from grocery store: What is sorg?
Me: Sorg? Where are you?
Husband: I’m getting the food on your list and you wrote ‘sorg’.
Me: I don’t know. What are we missing at home? What other food looks like ‘sorg’?
Husband: I don’t know. I can’t cook.
A few days later, when I went to make myself lunch, I figured it out. Soup.
B looks like 13 and can make entering a password very difficult. The list of weirdness goes on. Using e-mail is much more effective. :-)
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Ah…That Brunette..yes, indeed…That’s exactly what I mean! But think how much it brings the two of you togeher, right?
Hilarious!
xoxo Hank
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I write my ideas on whatever scrap of paper is within reach at the time. I keep a small notebook in my purse and a spiral in my “writing bag “I take with me everywhere. The bag contains my current wip, writing books and various writing mags. I have not gotten organized enough to put the scraps into a folder or filing cabinet for later use. Today i wrote down a plot idea for a short story on the back of an envelope on my desk. And yes my desk is a mess.
Lexi Flint
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Hi Hank~
I do not know how I missed this interview the first time around, but I am glad that I caught it. I love the covers on your books and I am looking forward to reading them.
I am not a writer, but I do write things down. I do know that in the past if I do not write things down…then I do not remember them later on.