It's time for the February edition of The Insecure Writer's Support Group. Now that our favorite groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil has seen his shadow; declaring a longer wait for spring, we're sure to spend more time agonizing indoors about our insecurities. Thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh, and the rest of the IWSG, we won't have to go into hibernation.
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I usually eat the same breakfast, gravitate toward the same clothing, watch the same TV shows, and find the same things funny. This often spills over into my writing. I usually write about the same topics, and the same characters, though I try to throw in occasional newsworthy pieces with a twist.
The pivotal point in Groundhog Day began when Bill Murray's character decided to make the best of the situation, and made each day slightly better. He became more of a people person, and had the ultimate do-over. Fortunately, as writers we can accomplish this through the magic of editing.
Instead of just going through the motions, my character could decide to walk to work every morning, eat smaller portions, and celebrate by buying herself some new form-fitting clothes. Then her daughter could invite her quiet, and unassuming grandmother over to see her transformation. "Grandma, don't you think Mom looks pretty buff?"
Grandma looks all around the room in search of her daughter. When her granddaughter points at her mom beside her, the elder woman replies, "Is that your mother? I thought you were with Punxsutawney Phil's sister, Patti. I guess when you've seen one rodent, you've seen them all; though that is a nice shade of lipstick you're wearing. Honey, hand Grandma her purse. I'm sure I have a tweezers, or a weed wacker in there somewhere."
This still sounds vaguely familiar. Maybe I should just start small by eating breakfast for dinner, and watching Groundhog Day all over again.
I CAN NOT BELIEVE that I still haven't seen this movie. I need to make that one of my 2015 resolutions :)
ReplyDeleteThe most fascinating part of that movie was when he started committing suicide knowing he would wake up alive next morning, which made him think he was some kind of god. It's a tactic worth considering when Grandma is about to open her mouth.
ReplyDeleteCan totally relate to what you're saying. I'm a very do the same thing person too. I'm trying to change it up a bit in my personal life right now.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen the movie but sure enjoyed your post. Thanks for a good read.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen the movie but sure enjoyed your post. Thanks for a good read.
ReplyDeleteIt never occurred to me, but after reading your post, I realized that in winter, my days are pretty much a repeat of the day before. Worse is that I don't mind.
ReplyDeleteFunny movie. Good post, I enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteJuneta at Writer's Gambit
Funny movie. Good post, I enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteJuneta at Writer's Gambit
I love the movie Groundhog Day. We used to watch it every year. The main character did turn into a real human by the end. So many little things changed that when they all came together the ultimate change was big. Unfortunately, he could not save the life of the man he kept taking to the hospital. He could not change anyone else unless they wanted to change. Since they could not remember what happened every other day, it didn't matter.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking I'll find that movie and watch it all day. That might shake me loose from this stalemate I have with my current story. I'll get so bored with Bill, I'll have to write. Great idea.
ReplyDeleteI've never see Groundhog Day, although I see it on TV every year.
ReplyDeleteGroundhog Day is one of my all time favorites. I can relate to it because I get the feeling of deja-vu all the time. Too much repetition in life makes Randi a dull girl!
ReplyDeleteA lot of my days are on repeat too, but always writing new things, so that counts a new right?
ReplyDeletethat is a great movie, and you are so right - it's easy to live Groundhog Day every day. True with my writing - every male character's name is Nick - I've got to get out of my rut.
ReplyDeleteSo, it's smart to have a mix of shake it up and the familiar. Good post
Loved that movie.
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking - every year a bunch of people crowd around, drag that poor groundhog out of his home, and if it's a sunny day, we get stuck with six more weeks of winter. Why don't they leave him alone. He'd probably sleep through the day, not see anything, and we could have a early spring. Make sense?
We had breakfast for supper last night. Love it. We do that quite often.
ReplyDeleteHope you give it a go.
Keith - It's a very cute movie. I hope you see it soon.
ReplyDeleteGorilla - Ha, ha, ha! If only Grandma would fall for it!
Natalie - Since you've been through so much, you should just concentrate on what makes you happy. That's what you deserve more than anything, Natalie.
Yvonne - I think you would also enjoy Groundhog Day. Thanks Yvonne!
Arleen - I really don't mind either. In fact, I think hibernating is underrated!
Juneta - I haven't seen the movie in years, and I know I'll appreciate it even more now. Thanks Juneta!
Yvonne - It's true how he couldn't accomplish everything he wanted to, but he still changed for the better. Great points, Yvonne!
Lee - You know, this just might work! Stranger things have happened. Rad plan, Lee!
Julie
I don't know if we can trust Phil any more....he tried to take a bite out of the mayors ear. Not sure what they predicts except maybe a tetanus shot for the mayor.
ReplyDeleteChrys - You should try to watch it next time it comes on. Other movies have tried similar concepts, but Groundhog Day is the best!
ReplyDeleteRandi - We all can relate to it, as we all experience those feelings at some point. I'm sure you're never dull, Randi!
Pat - I just saw that Alex said you wrote another book! Congrats Pat, and you're too busy to ever fall into a writing slump!
Joanne - Maybe you could write about a girl named Nic for a change! You always come up with fresh ideas, Joanne! I'm not worried about you!
LD - I completely agree! My kids were trained from an early age not to wake me from a sound sleep, and we should give that same respect to our groundhog friend! It's a win-win! Ha, ha!
Ivy - I also like breakfast for dinner, but no one else in my family does. Eggs are always good at any time of day.
Delores - I hope the mayor is okay, but in the groundhog's defense, I'm also not a good sport when I'm woken out of a sound sleep.
Julie
I hear that a lot from women. They like something but no one else in their family does. Sounds like gone are the days, eat it or go hungry, eh?
DeleteIvy - I still make eggs for dinner when they're having leftovers, or something else I'm not in the mood for.You don't ever have to worry about me going hungry!
DeleteJulie
Hahahaha. Great answer.
DeleteI was thinking about making an onion egg tart tomorrow because I got a bunch of onions for super cheap.
I think if every day we something completely different we would go wacko. We need familiarity to keep us grounded but still enjoy the fun things and the unexpected. Love that movie especially when he takes the rodent. I wonder why we humans are so bent on believing what a rodent sees or doesn't. It's in the news, all over media and we believe that this rodent can tell us about winter ending.
ReplyDeleteThat was funny!
ReplyDeleteI tend to take the same lunch every day. Makes it easy I guess.
Now, don't drive angry!
It was a funny movie. Thanks for the post. Editing is indeed a writer's chance for a do-over.
ReplyDeleteLOL! I loved Groundhog Day.
ReplyDeleteBreakfast for dinner is always a good way to change things up.
ReplyDeleteCold pizza makes for a good breakfast too.
My first recommendation, though, is - of course - chocolate as the main course.
Your writing is never dull, Julie. It's always packed with fun twists. Still, I recommend chocolate any time of day or night.
Groundhog Day is so popular with my guys, that I feel like I'm part of the movie...over and over and over. We love it.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! :-)
Birgit - I agree that we need to live by our own routines to help us appreciate special occasions more. Groundhog Day on February 2nd has been an honored tradition since 1887 in the U.S. and Canada. We need something to keep us busy until Valentine's Day!
ReplyDeleteAlex - I heard that it's good for your digestive tract to eat the same thing for breakfast and lunch every day. The Ninja always knows! I'll try not to drive like the angry groundhog! Thanks for hosting another great IWSG, Alex!
Kathy - Now if only I could polish up my editing skills! Thanks Kathy!
Carol - It was a very funny movie!
Robyn - I was the queen of cold pizza in college! Yes, my mom was very proud. Chocolate Pop Tarts were also a big hit for breakfast back in the day! I didn't date much back then. Your writing is always very entertaining too! Thanks Robyn!
Cherdo - I just read that Tom Hanks was the original choice for the lead, but I can't imagine anyone doing it better than Bill Murray! It is a fun family movie!
Julie
I actually do have dinner for breakfast each day. Don't ask ;)
ReplyDeleteMichael - Sounds like you're keeping some pretty late hours! I knew I liked you, Michael!
DeleteJulie
Good News: less than seven weeks until Spring.
ReplyDeleteBad News: more than six weeks left of Winter.
Sort of a "glass half full," "glass half empty" kind of thing.
Plus, it's frikkin' cold. But nearly as cold as where YOU are (I see the weather maps on TV).
I still haven't seen this.
ReplyDeleteHey, glad to see you back. :)
Al - It's supposed to warm up a bit tomorrow. I'm surprised you don't have any snarky groundhog comments, Al. You're a rather mellow fellow today. Hope you're feeling okay.
ReplyDeleteSuperLux - It's really nice that you noticed I took last week off. There used to be a show on in the 60's about a talking horse named Mr. Ed. It had a great theme song, and my favorite line was, "People yakitty-yak a streak and waste your time of day,
but Mr. Ed will never speak unless he has something to say."
I kinda felt like Mr. Ed last week. I'm sure my family would be happy if I felt that way more often! Thanks SuperLux!
Julie
No, I'm fine. Lot going around the frozen place, that's all. Winter makes me blue.
DeleteMatches my eyes, at least.
One of the reasons it's tough writing a humor book this time of year.
DeleteAl - Well, I can always count on your blog to cheer me up! Maybe you should re-read one of your older stories to chase those blues away. Just thinking about a blue-eyed man, feeling blue, under a blue sky, perched on a toilet seat on the bottom of his driveway, while casually reading the paper, is enough to lift anyone's spirits; unless they happen to live next door! Take care, Al!
DeleteJulie
Yeah, me too. What you said.
ReplyDeleteI've thought about this repeated theme issue because I do it. Sometimes I'll do it because it's an idea that never fails to get a response. I try to put a new spin on the posts so they're not exactly the same, but the basic idea is the same.
Hmmm--kind of like these insecure writers posts. How many things can I be insecure about? Well, a lot, but still sometimes it's the same insecurity told a different way.
Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out
Forget Bill Murray. You are a funny lady!
ReplyDeleteLee - I don't think you have anything to worry about, Lee!. You still manage to come up with great stories on all of your blogs during A to Z, which is a challenge for most of us with only one blog. Of course, that's in addition to your hosting duties! You are the master of blogging, and we can all learn from you.
ReplyDeleteJJ - This means a lot coming from such a witty, and charming fellow! Thank you, JJ!
Julie
My favorite part of this is the quiet, unassuming grandmother. You are doing some editing there LOL. :D
ReplyDeleteLoved Groundhog Day, what a fun movie.
Hahaha! Thanks for the laugh today, Julie. My life could use a bit of editing to get me out of the ruts too. Hope you have a nice weekend! :-)
ReplyDeleteJulie - Haha! Great catch, Julie! Glad you liked the movie too! I'm sure your life is the POLAR opposite, since your latest book just came out! Best of luck, Julie!
ReplyDeleteDaisy - You're probably sad since your boys left. Well, the good news is you won't have to do as much cooking, but I know it's not the same. At least we can be in a virtual rut together. Have a nice weekend too, Daisy!
Julie
I watched that movie again this week - still fantastic after all these years. And hey, if we write about our characters being more interesting, that means WE don't have to be interesting, right? It just seems like a lot of work doing that to both. I'm content eating the same thing every day... even if my character is not.
ReplyDeleteB & B - This reminds me of a story my parents told me about a cousin who was a comedy writer for TV shows in the 60's and 70's. They visited him in LA, and couldn't wait to hear stories about working with Sonny & Cher, and other stars. They were very disappointed when he barely said a word. I'm pretty sure that both of you are as interesting as your alter egos, and are seldom at a loss for words!
DeleteJulie
That is one nasty grandma - LOL, thanks for the giggles, and the subtle reminder to get back to editing :)
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised how many people said they've never seen "Groundhog Day." That's such a good movie!
ReplyDeleteI think most of us have a sense of adventure, and are willing to try something new, but we also like the comfort of sameness, too. Like I have a favorite mug, favorite bowl, even a favorite spoon. A favorite cereal. A favorite husband.(HA!) We have our favorite spot to sit when we watch TV, a favorite side of the bed.
A fun post, designed to make us realize how easily we can fall into a rut.(And pull the covers over us and stay there awhile, if it's winter.)
Our groundhog (General Lee, of course) did NOT see his shadow.It was 68 degrees here yesterday. :)
Rhonda - The nastier the better! Good luck with your editing, Rhonda!
ReplyDeleteSusan - Same here! We're creatures of habit, but every once in awhile it's fun to try something new. Oh, and speaking of favorite places to sit, I have a chair with good back support that I seldom share. I never dreamed I'd turn into Archie Bunker! Thanks Susan!
Julie
ReplyDeleteBanned complain !! Complaining only causes life and mind become more severe. Enjoy the rhythm of the problems faced. No matter ga life, not a problem
not learn, so enjoy it :)
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