Heart
month. Only two words but so many meanings. For one, it
means the month when the Heart and Stroke Foundation does its major
fund-raising blitz. I'll be canvassing for them in my
neighbourhood this year. It's the first time I've done something
like this so I'm looking forward to a new experience. As Anne
Lamott says in her iconic Bird
by Bird, "fill the well" by doing something new. Maybe
canvassing will fill my well in addition to filling the coffers of
the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Heart month also means romance. The 14th
honours St. Valentine and speaks to lovers everywhere. This
is the month when newspapers and magazines publish their "most
romantic" lists,
whether it's for movies or vacations or poets.
My own chapter of Romance Writers of America celebrates
members' achievements with a Valentine brunch. Last year I
received our VIC-RWA's
VIVA award for volunteering.
We also honour new writers in our group by holding
an in-house contest. For the past number of years I've been
privileged to judge the entries. It is a lot of work, since
feedback is one of the main reasons members enter this contest.
As a judge I must detail what appeals in the work and what needs more
work, with specific suggestions. It's easy to recognize poor
writing and excellent writing, but it's harder to point out the
specific elements that make up that quality of writing. After
I've turned in my scores to the contest coordinator, I take a hard look
at my own WIP, trying to see it with a judge's eye. A very
informative and humbling experience, I assure you.
I'm also judging RITA
books this year. A whole box of books arrived on my doorstep
ten
days ago. It was like Christmas all over again.
Heart month. This February, take care of your heart --
physically, emotionally and
spiritually.