tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80966009327579086292012-03-03T20:30:07.437-06:00Writings, rantings, musings, truths and opinions of its author - JL Stratton. I'm a writer, serious, comical, satirical, and sarcastic. One might find a poem posted one day and an opinionated essay the next. Two things are promised: Honesty in the work (as amateur as it may be) and integrity of character without the slander of others (unless they deserve it).JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.comBlogger1431100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-63839367627871395992012-02-28T11:43:00.003-06:002012-02-28T11:50:01.053-06:00

I went to an advance screening of the new Disney movie, "John Carter of Mars" this weekend, so I thought I would post an advance review. See the movie trailer here: Overall, I give the movie a rating of seven on a scale of one to ten. The special effects in the movie were outstanding and the action was great, but I must say, the storyline became confusing at times. This movie begins with the

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-16122643892926706462012-02-23T09:27:00.001-06:002012-02-24T08:41:52.632-06:00

Over the past few weeks, I've spent my time finding ways to avoid stuffing my hindquarters into a chair and writing. I'm approaching the end of a first draft for a novel project. This always seems to happen when I'm approaching the end of a writing project. My last few chapters seem to take me forever to finish. From a psychological (did I spell that right?) perspective, I suppose my subconscious

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-7022936424934930462012-02-21T10:29:00.000-06:002012-02-21T10:29:37.748-06:00

Some time ago, I participated in a little exercise while attending a local writers group meeting. In this exercises, one must write about something for five minutes, and then read their works to the group. In this particular exercise, our unofficial group leader dug a toothpick out of her purse and threw it on the table. She said, "Write about that for five minutes." So, our subject was a

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-15812388463222286992012-02-09T10:00:00.002-06:002012-02-09T10:06:32.933-06:00

Well, not so much ‘Union.’ More like, ‘Me.’ I haven't posted in awhile so now I'm feeling the need. To give you an idea of my state, I’ll broadcast a play-by-play of what’s happening right now. I’m at work, sitting at my desk, pretending to work on something important, while a rude workmate stands beside my desk, clipping his fingernails. I look up at him with that expectant look in my eyes that

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-61976268581233566472012-01-27T14:27:00.000-06:002012-01-27T14:27:28.259-06:00

We almost died today ... and nobody even knows it. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating just a little, but we did narrowly missed being hammered by a bus-sized asteroid. Seriously. Today, at about 10:30 am, asteroid 2012 BX34 missed us by only 36,750 miles. That's so close, it actually flew between the Earth and the Moon! Although I cannot be sure, since the asteroid did not actually pass close enough

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-86760833087142251412012-01-18T16:02:00.001-06:002012-01-19T05:28:55.649-06:00

Just thought I would post my latest in a long series of rants about all the stray cats running through my neighborhood. Don't get me wrong, I normally like cats, but these particular cats seem to have chosen my front yard for their community gathering, shitting, territory marking, and fornicating place. This little dity came to me after my dog ran off chasing a cat the other day.  It was

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-11346054141156830792012-01-13T13:42:00.003-06:002012-01-13T13:46:12.527-06:00

"In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends." ~ Martin Luther King Jr.I would like to dedicate this special post to the memory of a visionary, and in celebration, not of his death, but his life. This Monday we all enjoy the holiday of Martin Luther King's birthday. Of course, his birthday actually fell on January 15th, but in order to allow as many

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-75308164869560408062012-01-10T10:34:00.005-06:002012-01-11T12:29:39.337-06:00

Catchy title, right? I do what I can. Many people say the media gave us our current President. It’s true. In fact, the media will probably give us our next President, whether it is the same person, or another; it will likely be someone the media (read major news channels) decides upon, and supports. The same thing can, and should, be applied in writing. Remember, you are the writer, and your

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-70733473911839435002012-01-08T07:43:00.000-06:002012-01-08T07:43:01.929-06:00

Yeah, I know I wrote earlier that I was going to be all up in your face this year on the blog. It's all part of the real me. But here's something else from the real me. I know not many people know it, and if I do say so myself, I hide it pretty well, but I do have a heart. Somewhere out there in the blogosphere, I heard a small peep. It wasn't much, but it was there. It was a cry really, of

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-79468643581178709762012-01-05T10:11:00.001-06:002012-01-05T14:18:10.129-06:00

Nature abhors a vacuum - Francois Rabelais I’m a little late on this post, being that the New Year came and went nearly a week ago. Truth be told, the realization that 2012, the much hoopla’d year in which everything is suppose to happen, from electing a new President to the end of the world as we know it, is now firmly seated in the present, brought about some reflection on my part. Now, more

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-24114719064965379712011-12-30T10:52:00.000-06:002011-12-30T10:52:09.177-06:00

I'm so pleased to announce that, for Christmas this year, my wife made me a writing office. I'm so excited that I just have to tell everyone about it here on my blog. This first picture shows the office from the entrance. Of course, the office was made from a bedroom in our house, left vacant by one of our, now grown-up kids. We repainted the walls, put up new curtains. My wife bought me a new

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-41244546284030137142011-12-20T12:53:00.000-06:002011-12-20T12:53:46.254-06:00

No doubt, the Christmas season is upon us. We may not have snow, or even cold weather, down here in the Deep South, but what we do have more than makes up for those old yule icons of yor. Those Northerners must be thinking, "how does anyone know its Christmas time in the South if there's no snow, and it's 78 degrees?" One word: Cars. Yes, cars! Now we can all be assured Christmas is near when

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-33785924612010307752011-12-02T10:22:00.001-06:002011-12-19T09:49:30.457-06:00

Hey, don't laugh, maybe they ran out of 'G's. Besides they would not have had enough space to put the letter in there anyway. Just live with it. Shut up and eat your anus wrap. You know, it couldn't be any worse then when KFC tried to cash in during the 2008 elections by offering the "Hillary" special. It came in a special blue box and contained two small breasts, two big fat thighs, and a

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-53274509077986102922011-11-22T15:37:00.000-06:002011-11-22T15:37:50.357-06:00

I'm posting this early as I don't expect to be anywhere near a computer or keyboard on Thanksgiving day. That would require washing the grease off my fingers, and you know a won't have time for that. After all, I don't wanna be lickin' my fingers, and get the taste of soap in my mouth to spoil all the gastronomic goodness having a party in my belly. Yeah, that's right. I plan on eating at

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-58790788223896291082011-11-15T10:19:00.001-06:002011-11-22T10:43:02.692-06:00

When I was young, no more than thirteen or fourteen, I was lost in the Olympic Mountains. My father and I were hunting (probably for Elk) and he'd sent me up and over a ridge line in hopes of driving the animals down the other side of the mountain, where he was driving his truck along the old dirt roads. Problem was, at that age (I think I've mentioned this before) I actually thought I was

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-1163160987421192242011-11-11T07:29:00.000-06:002011-11-11T07:29:20.274-06:00

I know that I normally post about writing, or try to keep my posts light and whimsical, funny, and satirical on this blog, but today is special. I want to take this opportunity to thank those who served our country in a way that nobody else can. The majority of those who serve do not come from wealth, they are not paid like senators or congress persons. They do not have the opportunity to give

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-13373776843775433372011-11-07T15:47:00.000-06:002011-11-07T15:47:41.193-06:00

How does one become a writer? There are a multitude of books on the subject out there, and I've read many of them. I've read books on manuscript formatting, character development, plot, dialogue, marketing, and just about everything else related to writing and selling one's literary work. But, many will tell you that the best advice is often the simplest. And the best advice I've heard in some

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-40168906518306948252011-11-03T12:25:00.002-05:002011-11-03T14:32:56.540-05:00

I just attended a local writer’s group meeting last night, so I’m filled up with ideas and motivation. Of course, I’ll run out of that by tomorrow evening. For those of you who write, you know how hard it really is. After all, it takes a certain amount of talent to create a lie, then convince others it is the truth, at least until the end of the story. Writers often draw upon what they see,

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-87761537942113274592011-10-31T15:07:00.000-05:002011-10-31T15:07:07.510-05:00

Happy Halloween everyone. That being said, ever wonder why we wish others a 'happy' Halloween? Halloween, although nothing like we see today originated along with ancient religions and belief systems. Pagans celebrated Halloween as a day where the dead walked among the living. The concept of wearing scary costumes came from a need to scare away evil spirits, not other trick or treaters. I

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-14216956982710547672011-10-30T12:55:00.001-05:002011-10-31T09:34:10.654-05:00

Yes folks, it is with much regret that I inform you that I've left the last bastion of my childish ways behind. What does this mean, you ask? No, I'm not quitting my blog. That's one bastion of childishness I'll never leave behind. I mean, come on, a man has to have some form of childish release, right? Sadly, I've given up my gas-guzzling, overpowered, statement of male over-compensation truck

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-13418086888982392282011-10-23T21:13:00.000-05:002011-10-23T21:13:49.267-05:00

I know most of you must be thinking to yourself, "what the heck was that title all about?" But, I assure you, I"m going somewhere with this. My son recently returned from overseas and spent some time at home before going to his new duty assignment. Of course, no trip home would be complete without buying some new clothes. My son picked out a new shirt in about five minutes, and was done. I

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-84586825106228855932011-10-20T16:26:00.002-05:002011-10-21T10:21:34.089-05:00

It is not often I feel so strongly about something that I am willing to stick my neck out there. Especially, when I live in an area so highly populated with others having an ax to grind. For nearly the last month, we've all watched the coverage of the Occupy Wall Street protests on the news, on twitter, and all the social networking sites. Many people have taken sides on the issue, and it

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-41980909536947702882011-10-11T12:07:00.000-05:002011-10-11T12:07:00.432-05:00

My posts have been rather sketchy lately. Some of you may even be wondering, "What the heck is going on with this guy?" Truth is, I've had a slew of changes this year. Changes in health, relationships, work, and my own writing desires. Most of you know that I've written under a pen name for nearly the last year. Some of you may have been missing some of my other quirky writings in the areas of

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-69035132547737776272011-09-30T15:18:00.001-05:002011-09-30T16:52:19.016-05:00

Ladies and gentleman, I can now officially say I live in a state known for something other than religious fanaticism, racism, an unnatural love for college football (even though they lack a professional football team) and, of course, being the birthplace of the civil rights movement. Yes folks, I live in Alabama, the state now known as having the toughest immigration law in the nation. Now, I'm

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-52731279065134690762011-09-27T14:45:00.001-05:002011-09-27T14:46:46.735-05:00

Daleville Dan sat in his favorite chair, eating popped corn When he heard something crack and became quite forlorn.A week or two later, in complete despair,he found himself sitting in a dental chair.And this is what happened … Daleville Dan sat and made himself as comfortable as he could, under the circumstances, in the dental chair. Soon the dentist stepped into the small office and proceeded

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-45135066975896326662011-09-23T14:46:00.004-05:002011-09-25T07:41:02.625-05:00

Yes, I'm back. I know I was at large for some time, but I was certain the zombie apocalypse was going to take place at the end of July. It's taken me this long to swallow my pride, return my shopping cart, and squeeze my trembling hand around a pen again. (Okay, so maybe it was more like, placing my fingers gingerly on the keyboard) The summer went well, but too quickly, and now I fear Fall is

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-65956316787333520072011-07-22T12:50:00.003-05:002011-07-22T16:36:37.529-05:00

I know what your thinking. "What do shopping carts (or buggies, if your from the South) have to do with the coming Zombie apocalypse?" Others might be thinking, "What Zombie apocalypse?" My answer to this is: "What? have you been living under a rock? Come on, we all know it's on the way." Okay. Enough of that. I don't want you to think I'm crazy. But, when the Zombie apocalypse does arrive,

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-87713779590788363482011-07-02T06:56:00.003-05:002011-07-03T05:56:40.625-05:00

Today I would like to highlight a new author on the scene. Laura Watts is the author of the wonderful book: Confessions of a Backpacker: My Adventure Down Under. Laura wrote a kind of travelling memoir of her time living and working in Australia. It's a good read, funny, poignant, and even heart wrenching at times. Here's a few questions Laura answered so we can all get to know her a little

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-76898055086162329392011-06-18T15:00:00.000-05:002011-06-18T15:00:49.575-05:00

I guess it has been some time since I last posted here, and for that I am sorry. As some of you know, I like to write (duh, it's listed on the blog title) and have been taking on some projects under my pen name. I gotta tell ya, it's hard to run two separate lives. In addition to my real life (this one) I maintain a twitter account, a facebook page, a profile on goodreads, and an email address

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-34116592728435387122011-05-24T19:26:00.001-05:002011-05-25T08:08:46.787-05:00

I find it amazing how some of the smartest people can exhibit almost no sense when it come to general knowledge. Maybe someone that becomes really book smart loses something in their education. I can certainly support that theory because I was feeling really smart when I graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a bachelor degree in science. But after later graduating with an MBA,

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-4285557613720678392011-05-22T07:10:00.001-05:002011-05-22T20:48:56.610-05:00

Me too. Well, it looks like we all made it through the rapture. Wait, isn't the idea of the rapture that you WANT to get swept up? The good thing is, Harold Camping is still here too, so we've got someone to blame. I don't know though, he looks to me like he could go any day now. Wait. Does this mean that we are all sinners? Have we all been left behind? I guess we'll never know. That is ...

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-80382030007714892852011-05-17T16:25:00.003-05:002011-05-17T16:42:42.731-05:00

Sorry. Haven't posted in awhile. Been very busy, and then sicker than a dog the last few days. Don't worry, I'll be back in gear soon. Speaking of being sicker than a dog, ever wonder where that term came from? I've done a little research, and as far as I can tell, the term dates back at least as far as the seventeenth century when dogs were not fed Purina puppy chow as today, but table scraps

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-3985712549633712082011-04-16T08:39:00.001-05:002011-04-17T20:37:28.734-05:00

Bet you thought this post was going to be about some kid's outdoor water toy. No, it's more about the fine art of helping the Grandson learn how to pee in a toilet. My little Grandson is just learning how to go in the toilet, and he does a pretty good job, except that he sometimes holds his little wee wee too hard (and with both hands) as he's going. This, of course, leads to a situation we in

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-24569499784447108652011-03-15T11:46:00.000-05:002011-03-15T11:46:18.892-05:00

Well, you know the rest. It seems Spring has Sprung! I'm certainly ready for some warmer weather. I'm still waiting for that last push of cold we always seem to get right before Summer hits (we don't really have a spring here) but the weeds, and bushes, and postapocalyptic wasteland of my back yard are not waiting around for the official announcement of Spring. Spent the last weekend cleaning

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-23150966570893437562011-03-09T12:35:00.001-06:002011-03-09T12:38:26.801-06:00

Well folks, I know that I am Yankee by birth, but since I will probably live in the South for the rest of my life, I must adapt. I do believe that I am making progress in the department of "Redneckification," and today for the first time, I saw some of that progress. As some of you may already know, this time of year is hurricane and tornado season in the South. Today, I was out and about taking

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-53828896697121235552011-03-02T12:20:00.001-06:002011-03-02T12:24:12.655-06:00

What's the difference between a rant and just plain bitching? I've studied this much (most because I get accused of the later while trying the former. I suppose it's all about attitude. My hero in the ranting department is Clark W. Griswold. Yes, I know he's a fictional character but I've yet to find anyone capable of ranting, or bitching like he does in the movie "Christmas Vacation" Clark

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-1945373332612906832011-02-25T18:48:00.001-06:002011-02-26T17:27:17.037-06:00

Yep, with the weather getting warmer and Spring on the way, my thoughts have, once again, turned to those forlorn memories of camping in the Olympic mountains. And then I shutter, and realize how great life is now. I suppose I once enjoyed camping because it was all I knew. Sure, I trekked into Seattle once in awhile to rendezvous with a girlfriend or visit Seattle Center, but most of my earlier

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-82020542463554357442011-02-21T10:05:00.000-06:002011-02-21T10:05:57.845-06:00

First off, let me apologize for my recent absence in the blogosphere. We took a short vacation this weekend and went south of the border. No, we did not splurge, and eat dinner at our local Taco Bell, We drove to South Florida to attend the wedding of a relative. I must give proper thanks to my cousin for inviting us to this wonderful wedding. We had a great time celebrating the union of two

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-90830912593035265612011-02-13T06:46:00.000-06:002011-02-13T06:46:02.216-06:00

I've post the rest of the story "Prime Inhabitants" which is the first story I ever wrote (in full) back in the seventh grade, and, serves as the base for which all my other writing has come from. You might notice that all the female names in the story start with the letter "E" and the male names start with the letter "A." Not sure why I did that but I'm sure that, to my seventh-grade mind, the

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-45763364467632032122011-02-06T12:41:00.000-06:002011-02-06T12:41:05.755-06:00

Here it is, the very first thing I had ever written that was available for reading by the rest of the world! It was a science fiction piece that garnished me a mediocre grade. Yes, you will see that I was not very imaginative with the names, but the theme of the story was very Heinlein-like or Jules Verne-like. I guess they had more influence on me than I ever thought before. I'm posting this

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-69462421905428573822011-02-03T09:33:00.000-06:002011-02-03T09:33:26.340-06:00

Ouch, I'm feelin' the burn! It seems that there has been a slight increase in Federal Income Tax Withholding for 2011. Now, I try to stay out of the political arena, but when one takes money from me, I take notice. I read many articles explaining this inherent increase and found that our federal income tax system has apparently remained unchanged for the new year. But, on December 31st, the "

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-89200596638055881712011-01-31T11:17:00.000-06:002011-01-31T11:17:18.264-06:00

It seems, in our society, we've fallen under some kind of socio-ecomic reversal. I remember, as a young man, working in a couple of restaurants. I was seriously contemplating a career at McDonald's until I decided to leave town through military service. One of the things we were taught in this establishment was, "the customer is always right." I was taught to give service with a smile, and refer

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-31614082170357090612011-01-25T15:28:00.000-06:002011-01-25T15:28:52.480-06:00

Some of you may (or may not) know that I write some, uh, more adult, stories under a pen name. I just opened another blog dedicated to those stories. If you are interested or would like to follow me and my work under my pen name:  Ellison James, please go here. On this blog, I will post story excerpts, news of upcoming stories, character profiles and special secret deals not found anywhere else.

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-53441314328660725212011-01-20T12:47:00.000-06:002011-01-20T12:47:37.139-06:00

I was browsing around recently and found the above picture posted on Comedy Central's "Tosh.0" site. It's funny how homonyms get so many people in trouble. My only question is this:  If I find fifty dollars, will I have to use that money to get my car out of impound?  And yes, I agree that those living within the United States should use English as the language of choice when in public or doing

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-66603757619652989202011-01-18T22:42:00.001-06:002011-01-18T22:43:20.253-06:00

I know this comes at a strange time, but most of my greatest revelations are like that. I was looking over my blog today and couldn't help noticing my faded old picture of me at least two years ago (I've aged since then, believe me) wearing my brown sport jacket, looking rather dapper, If I do say so myself. I also began to realize that I must find a new picture to post. Problem is, I can't seem

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-89833173800215414242011-01-17T11:06:00.000-06:002011-01-17T11:06:34.918-06:00

I know I do not normally review or recommend books on my blog. I don't know why, I guess I'm just lazy. I recently had the opportunity to read a book from a new author. Now, this author is from the UK and her story, although fiction, highlights the inadequacies of the British justice system. Hmm, just like the American justice system-full of holes. Anyway this is such a gripping story, I just

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-61949983898798713442011-01-14T10:36:00.000-06:002011-01-14T10:36:56.514-06:00

The picture above represents something I'm working on today. I've got to take the information from this electrical schematic (by the way, this is one of fifteen pages for this particular subsystem) and try to break it down into something we can easily explain to our new flight students. A daunting task indeed. But you know, when you think about it. We, as writers, do the same thing for our

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-37629152031473399222011-01-11T12:34:00.000-06:002011-01-11T12:34:49.439-06:00

I live in the South and, although we have not been hit with the deep freeze and storms like the rest of the country, we've nonetheless, suffered through some dreary days lately. Oddly enough, these dark gray days bring back a flood of memories from my youth. I grew up in the Northwest, Bremerton, Washington to be exact. Our winters were often gray and dreary, often with a light rain. What made

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-21708048615165326472011-01-06T15:48:00.001-06:002011-01-06T15:50:20.763-06:00

During the holidays, a strange thing happened one day. We were all hanging out in the house in the middle of the day when a jeep Cherokee pulled into the drive and a young man got out. He was all decked out in hip hop garb with an unformed baseball cap all cocked sideways on his head and a hooded sweat jacket that was so large it barely covered his underpants spilling forth over top of his low

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-74489687997739330582011-01-04T10:54:00.004-06:002011-01-04T11:03:38.901-06:00

We all like to make fun of blondes. It seems, blondes have been getting a bad rap throughout history. I have even fallen prey to those prejudicial thoughts about blondes, although I grew up, at least partially blonde for most of my life. I say partially blonde because my hair color has become darker over time. My driver's license still says blonde but my hair color is really brown now. I still

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-2304917486827385582011-01-02T09:23:00.002-06:002011-01-03T21:50:24.524-06:00

Just wanted to announce that Eclectic Flash literary journal now has their "Best of 2010" anthology available here: The Best of 2010 is available at cost. http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/eclectic-flash-the-best-of-2010/14419666 You can buy it at cost, and also get an extra 25% off of that if you use the coupon code: winter305 Eclectic Flash is a small print literary journal helping

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-73752265887711344002010-12-31T09:59:00.000-06:002010-12-31T09:59:54.440-06:00

Wow, it's been quite a year. I wanted to post something to commemorate the end of the year, and make it, you know, special. To hell with that. Let's just get on with it and plunge into a shiny brand new year. First, some reflection. This time last year, I had just recently arrived back from Iraq, was getting settled back into life in the world. This time two years ago, I had just buried my

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-77729210740564396822010-12-28T12:25:00.001-06:002010-12-28T19:23:58.690-06:00

I know, I kind of disappeared there for awhile. But now I'm back with my newest adventure. Let's just say this may, or may not, be true. So, to keep you guessing, I've decided to tell the story in the form of that old favorite Christmas song, "Grandma got run over by a reindeer." Just imagine the tune as you read the chorus and verse. Grandma got pulled over by the Po-Po Driving home from our

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-47395498646930846782010-12-13T12:07:00.000-06:002010-12-13T12:07:59.437-06:00

Here it is! The long awaited (well, maybe not) video book trailer for "Lovestruck Succubus" a parnormal erotic fantasy (romance, suspence, crime) just posted on youtube yesterday. Take a look, Tell me what you think.

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-69975628548341746342010-12-09T12:16:00.001-06:002010-12-09T20:50:57.927-06:00

History states that Tea was invented by accident in 2737 b.c. by the great emperor, Shen Nung. He was boiling water outside and some leaves dropped into his kettle. Before he could retrieve them from the boiling water, he saw the water changing color and smelled a sweet aroma. He drank it, and thus began the rise of the popularity of tea. I'm sure, in real life, tea was likely invented by some

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-75223342123187999222010-12-06T11:32:00.000-06:002010-12-06T11:32:49.844-06:00

I was flipping through the channels one night last week, and happened upon the latest in reality television programming -- Sister Wives. This show is all about the life inherent drama associated with three (or is it four) women, all living with one man. According to the man, it was not his idea to enter into this lifestyle but his wives's. On the surface, this might seem like a great gig for the

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-86716305720483474482010-12-01T12:07:00.000-06:002010-12-01T12:07:57.153-06:00

Matthew knew the day he would die. He knew the love that would be by his side when he died. He'd known since his twelfth birthday when he woke on that spring day, with an epiphany. There was no other way to explain it--he just woke up knowing. ... What if you knew the day you were going to die. What if you knew your time was limited and you knew how much time you had, exactly, to accomplish

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-74971048818492586002010-11-28T11:37:00.000-06:002010-11-28T11:37:14.809-06:00

I awoke this morning to a layer of frost covering my front lawn. "This is writing weather," I thought, and promptly sat down at the computer to write. Unfortunately, I chose the wrong computer--the one with the Internet connection. Before long I was surfing like crazy, checking out all the haps on facebook, twitter, email, my publishing site. Didn't get much writing done. I sometimes get

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-79660175670284682542010-11-26T12:59:00.001-06:002010-11-26T13:00:15.460-06:00

My new Novel "Lovestruck Succubus" has climbed all the way to number five on Smashwords.com bestseller (Novel) list and holding at number two in the genre novel listing. Please help my work climb to number one at smashwords before it is release at all major ebook outlets including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Ipad ibooks by downloading your FREE copy now in any format your computer or reader may

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-28481109982978342822010-11-24T20:40:00.000-06:002010-11-24T20:40:12.843-06:00

Daleville Dan awoke in the morn on that warm thanksgiving day His sheets were soaked, his brow was wet his 'lectric bill, he forgot to pay He went to the fridge in search of some viddles But the milk had turned to whey That's ok, said with a smile The turkey's defrosted, and I like my beer warm anyway After spending the day drinking warm beerand now holdin' the turkey over the fryerHe said, "

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-65407830610270633642010-11-24T09:49:00.000-06:002010-11-24T09:49:14.590-06:00

Since I've recently become an "indie" author-a decision I may later rejoice in, or regret-I've undergone a crash-course in social promotion and self-marketing. There are many opportunities for the indie author. Although, I believe that, first and foremost, one should concentrate on writing a quality story that is free of grammatical errors and plot holes. I must say this now, before I discuss

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-66147003995077625062010-11-22T05:00:00.002-06:002010-11-22T05:44:02.760-06:00

I've got this thing about hair and alcohol. Okay, not so much with the alcohol, although I have had just a few binge moments throughout my life. I was looking back through some old photos recently and found that I could track my development through the evolution of my hair length. It seems I've been alternating between somewhat long, and extremely short hair all my life. This first picture is of

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-26485003172059476992010-11-19T14:20:00.003-06:002010-11-24T10:33:11.839-06:00

Ok, time for the announcement. The project I've been working on most of this year is now available for your reading pleasure. You can find it here. Use code:  QD37X Yes, this is the story of the Demon Succubus ousted from her clan for attempting to keep men alive long enough to develop a relationship with them. Unfortunately, her needs always trump her desires and she soon finds herself in the

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-8611685674757089332010-11-17T10:59:00.002-06:002010-11-17T10:59:28.609-06:00

I know that many of you out there stay very busy with work and writing, or anything else that takes up most of the day. But, I implore you to consider taking on the additional task of occasionally critiquing or reviewing the work of others. I used to absolutely hate (read HATE) taking on the task of reading someone's work critically. But, after basically being forced to take on such work in order

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-89890504677729507822010-11-09T20:04:00.002-06:002010-11-10T05:35:18.660-06:00

OK, the few votes are in, and I'm guessin' that most of you preferred cover concept number three. Below, I've posted an updated version of the cover. So, tell me what you think. Does this capture your attention? If you saw this cover, would you be prompted to give the blurb a read - look inside? On the right, I've posted the same picture in a smaller version so you might see what it would

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-78127144605222195332010-11-08T05:00:00.001-06:002010-11-08T05:00:10.307-06:00

Presented for your opinion. Three slightly different cover concepts for my WIP nearing completion. Which of these would most grab your attention, number one, two, or three? 1. 2. 3. As you can see, the basic elements are the same. I want to have a woman's face superimposed into the Atlanta skyline. Specifically, the Four Season's Hotel depicted in all three concepts. Also, keep in mind that

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-18594621770301101542010-11-05T15:53:00.000-05:002010-11-05T15:53:27.718-05:00

You might notice a new little gadget down there on the lower right part of this blog. Yes folks, I've now connected this blog to network blogs on facebook. Problem is, I managed to get the widget stuck on my blog page, but now I'm thinking the only thing I've done is follow myself. Please hit the follow button on this if you want to follow me with facebook. I hope it works. Hopefully, I'll

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-89604238046559561852010-11-01T12:48:00.001-05:002010-11-01T15:08:34.310-05:00

This is just a friendly reminder for all of you American citizens out there that voting is, in fact, a privilege. Tomorrow marks another election cycle in our nation. One of the great things about living in America is our ability to control our own destiny by voting for those that can represent us as best as possible, and serve as a means to that end. So, I urge all of you to get out there

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-85233980371902518902010-10-26T14:42:00.000-05:002010-10-26T14:42:40.834-05:00

As some of you may know, October is breast cancer awareness month. Why, one might ask, did I wait until nearly the end of the month to post on this subject? I chose the third week of the month to celebrate breast cancer survival. A kind of "I made it to the end" theme. Please take the time to learn a little about breast cancer and how we can all work together in hopes of someday alleviating this

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-77796892848631578662010-10-25T09:50:00.000-05:002010-10-25T09:50:44.019-05:00

I just received word that the audio addition of a story I had published with Eclectic Flash literary Journal was posted today! The audio story posted is speculative flash fiction titled "The Sentient Soldier." It was narrated and produced by me. Click here for the audio story in mp3 format. The story may take a few seconds or so to buffer as the mp3 is five minutes long.

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-35749965273825791542010-10-25T09:04:00.000-05:002010-10-25T09:04:48.379-05:00

I just read this morning that the girl in Florida once famous for her uncontrollable hiccuping has been charged with first degree murder. This poor soul originally appeared on the RADAR a few years back about the girl who could not stop hiccuping (click for link to original story.) How does incessant hiccuping lead to murder? Well, after reading the related stories, one can understand that her

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-2825628744750028922010-10-21T08:35:00.006-05:002010-10-21T11:38:13.158-05:00

As many of you know from my previous posts, I've completed a project (well, the draft anyway) and am now editing and shopping for beta readers. The reasoning behind all the insecurity? This is a project far-removed from what I normally write. I will, as editing progresses, post excerpts of this work here before moving them to a permanent page in the tabs above. Meantime, a friend and fellow

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-65120869654634111802010-10-19T15:06:00.007-05:002010-10-19T19:57:01.509-05:00

... Dip me in the water. A great song that many enjoyed through the stylings of The Talking Heads as recorded by them in 1979. But did you know that this song was recorded in 1976 by the band Foghat? Better still, did you know that it was originally written and recorded by Al Green in 1974? Al Green. Now there was a great Artist. I have a tendency to just dive into certain things, full force.

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-30771572895422325042010-10-13T20:49:00.001-05:002010-10-13T20:52:59.602-05:00

I was going to post a personal story today of a time in my childhood when I did not listen to my parents and nearly drown in a river. Instead, I was moved by the news to post a short piece on the rescue of the thirty-three miners in Chile. A rescue that was originally supposed to happen by Christmas at the latest, and with little hope that all would survive, ended in great triumph and emotion.

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-52264902736227276682010-10-11T08:27:00.000-05:002010-10-11T08:27:42.519-05:00

On this day we celebrate the great discovery of Christopher Columbus - America. So, of course, I feel I must post some obscure facts about the man, his family, and his discovery. First off, I know that by all the school books you've ever read, you were led to believe that Columbus' journey was a well planned venture of discovery by the British empire to find a new world. In reality, that didn't

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-38309217401013630132010-10-08T12:42:00.001-05:002010-10-09T09:38:27.078-05:00

I've seen much talk on the blogs lately of how one goes about writing a story. Some folks call themselves "Pantsters" because they start with a character or premise and just start writing. The concept here is that the character and situation will take on a life of their own and tell the story. On the other side are the "Plotters" or "Liners." These folks create their characters and then outline

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-80482826868881701502010-09-28T14:29:00.000-05:002010-09-28T14:29:17.887-05:00

Wow, I haven't done much with the blog lately. Truth is, I just finished the draft for a project and have moved into the editing phase. I used to love this part of writing, but the love is quickly fading. For some reason, I am still finding little grammatical, spelling, and syntax errors on the third go-round. And another thing. Isn't the word count supposed to go down as one edits? I've

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-79796366757831305242010-09-15T12:05:00.001-05:002010-09-17T15:36:31.629-05:00

If this post seems like outright self-promotion, that's because it is. The September issue of Eclectic Flash is out and containing two of my flash fiction stories. The stories to look for are: My Mind's Eye by J.L. Stratton, page 36 The Sentient Soldier by J.L. Stratton, page 70 Both stories are speculative fiction. My Mind's Eye is an epistolary piece. The Sentient Soldier is a science

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-67888083402336562762010-09-08T12:50:00.001-05:002010-09-08T15:33:36.700-05:00

I've heard many times that one person's trash is another's treasure. I do not know where the phrase originated but I now understand the meaning a little more. This weekend, I was with my wife running errands, which meant we had to spend time at the Dollar Tree. For those of you who do not live in the South, the Dollar Tree is a variety store that sells everything for one dollar. My wife loves

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-28008144617691344892010-09-03T14:45:00.001-05:002010-09-03T20:30:24.959-05:00

Percolate: Transitive and intransitive verb to make a liquid or gas pass through a filter or porous substance, or filter through in this way: Intransitive verb to pass slowly through something or spread throughout a place. • I let the idea percolate through my mind. I took the title of this post from the history of Headquarters company, Third Battalion, One-seventeenth Infantry. To summarize

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-79481393583420562682010-09-02T10:34:00.000-05:002010-09-02T10:34:03.787-05:00

As I near the end of the draft of my latest project, I find it increasingly difficult to actually finish. With only two scenes remaining, my writing has slowed to a snail's pace. Also, I find myself getting distracted because I am already developing plans for a sequel. I guess the characters of this project have finally gotten under my skin. Meantime, all other projects and responsibilities in

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-61716488590258249882010-08-25T21:28:00.004-05:002010-08-25T21:36:28.196-05:00

OK, So I am moving at a snail's pace on the last three scenes of my current project and need a break. I find a good joke to be the perfect pick-me-up. Here's one I heard recently. A young woman goes to confession.She kneals and says, "Forgive me father, for I have sinned.""Confess, and be forgiven," the priest says."Last night I picked up a strange man in a bar and took him home with me. I

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-4323061695094209072010-08-14T12:07:00.000-05:002010-08-14T12:07:22.704-05:00

OK, I know what you're thinking. I've really been doing a terrible job keeping up to date on my posting here. You would be right. I think at least other writers that frequent my blog can understand. I'm at that point where I'm nearing the end of a draft. That frantic last chapter where I struggle to ensure all my plot lines converge, all the wrongs righted (maybe not all, since I like a little

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-16753905898842604052010-08-09T15:33:00.002-05:002010-08-09T17:54:24.534-05:00

Have you ever read a story where you thought, Wow, I bet this minor character could have a story of their own, and then had to drudge through the rest of the story no longer interested in the main character? I know I've read a couple books like this. I was recently working on a story where I ran into some difficulty in how to move my main character forward. In reality, My main character was at

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-81085461672760146232010-08-04T14:56:00.001-05:002010-08-05T06:42:42.772-05:00

I was working on a writing project recently and discovered that I had created a huge gap in time between some of my scenes. Somehow I had gotten it into my head that I could somehow increase tension by allowing a full year to transpire without event. I quickly realized that my little gimmick was only bringing the immediacy, and therefore tension, down in my story. I do my best to steer clear of

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-10357511126050429112010-07-31T15:26:00.001-05:002010-08-01T08:02:12.496-05:00

I recently joined in a discussion about current works in progress. It was just a simple question from a blog asking about what everyone was currently working on. I posted a comment about one of my current projects. Although I hadn't finished the draft yet and should not have brought the idea out into public; foolish as I am, I went ahead and ignored that tickling in my brain and put it out there

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-22393662295297854802010-07-27T12:53:00.001-05:002010-08-04T14:36:17.998-05:00

I was watching a television program this last weekend and a commercial came on advertising some brand of razor. Ok, everything seemed normal so far. But, about half-way through the commercial, the camera shows a man in the shower using this super razor to shave his chest. I was taken aback and thought, Have we come to the place in history where this is considered normal? I asked my daughter about

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-91622376483660783392010-07-25T07:45:00.001-05:002010-07-25T08:06:30.399-05:00

Yesterday I saw a pre-screening of the new movie "Cats and Dogs - Revenge of Kitty Galore." We took my two and a half year old Grandson. He seemed to enjoy the movie but I think some of the humor went over his head. The movie was, of course, the sequel to the first "Cats and Dogs"  that had the motto "Cats rule, Dogs drool." Tinkles (from the first movie) made an appearance in the sequel. He was

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-1386765517521973802010-07-20T06:21:00.001-05:002010-07-20T09:15:58.349-05:00

As of last night when I was on my way to a writer's group meeting, I still had not heard any news about my submissions. But, when I arrived home, I had notification that not one, but both of my submissions were accepted for publication! So, for those of you that are interested, look for my two first published works (beside some poetry and a very naughty story) to appear in the September issue of

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-35505941905869324152010-07-19T14:48:00.000-05:002010-07-19T14:48:49.657-05:00

As some of you have seen through my previous posts, I've recently submitted one of my stories to a couple markets. Now, I am patiently waiting for today's posting on one a market to see if my work was accepted. My chances are low as I am not sure the work I've submitted is a good fit for the type of stories they normally post. We'll see. If I can find success with some short work, I will

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-11411601672267441292010-07-14T11:08:00.009-05:002010-07-15T05:58:38.408-05:00

Mary had a little dragon Its teeth were sharp and white The dragon followed everywhere It was quite a sight So, Mary one day went to work Her dragon close in tow The boss said, like an insolent jerk “That dragon’s gotta go” With Mary this did not sit well In fact, it pissed her off So, she said to her little dragon, “sit” And took its collar off Its collar gone, up it came And pounced upon

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-53217982375628061702010-07-12T13:07:00.003-05:002010-07-12T20:04:09.171-05:00

OK, I know I've ranted on Dora the Explorer before but I must go at it again. Since the last time, I've surpassed the ten thousand hour mark in forced watching of the program. This weekend as I sat with my Grandson, watching the bossy little girl do her thing, I started thinking of great cast-offs to the show. For instance, what if the producers of the show were to mix Dora with that old

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-19505028789687529412010-07-09T16:15:00.001-05:002010-07-14T20:02:46.397-05:00

This week I attended a local writer's group meeting. I was given the opportunity to read a small portion of one of my works in progress. By read, I mean read out loud. Things sound different when one reads them out loud. One thing I noticed while I was reading my own work was an issue with dialogue and the use of dialogue tags. Of course, this led to some research and this is what I found: KEEP

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-41806271866430398342010-07-06T13:15:00.000-05:002010-07-06T13:15:46.608-05:00

This post is just to let ya'll know that I am still alive. Just been keeping very busy, trying to finish a project. More posts to follow ... post-haste.

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-81063637579855271842010-06-30T12:27:00.006-05:002010-07-01T13:15:07.053-05:00

Wow, the pinnacle of weirdness. I've finally reached it. I just finished reading a story titled "Pornucopia" by Piers Anthony. I'm a decent PA fan and like to read his stories that are more on the science fiction edge. Let me see if I can give a brief synopsis without exceeding the limits of decency. In this story, a man is on the beach, sometime in the future, when he is approached (in

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-49782171248154379872010-06-24T11:06:00.006-05:002010-06-25T07:57:06.638-05:00

Aah, rejection. Such bittersweet sorrow. Yes folks, I've made my first actual submission for paid publication ever. And now, I can say I've gotten my very first rejection. I am encouraged because I was able to achieve rejection in the form of a personal letter on my first try. My submission was for a speculative fiction piece. At only 739 words, it is considered flash fiction. Of course, I

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-19503707087833023632010-06-21T15:39:00.000-05:002010-06-21T15:39:23.194-05:00

Sorry for the scarce posts folks. I received a Nook e-reader for Father's Day and am happily engrosed in e-book reading nirvana now. All I can say is: so far, I love it. I know this is an extremely short post, but I've got reading to get back to!

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-4791050478306816872010-06-18T05:00:00.001-05:002010-06-18T05:00:02.038-05:00

Forensic archeologists recently discovered copper cables buried ten feet below the surface of the ground in upstate New York. They stated that the discovery led them to assume that New York had a complete, if not functional, telephonic communication system more than a hundred years ago. Daleville Dan folded his local newspaper and read on to the story, continued on page two. The story continued

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-25937000959299873962010-06-16T05:00:00.003-05:002010-06-16T08:56:54.856-05:00

I went to a movie theater this weekend to see the movie "Killers" with Ashton Kutcher and Katherine Heigl. The movie was decent, cute, and full of great action and special effects. But, I'm not really posting a review here. I think it will turn out more like a rant. What disturbed me about the movie, or theater, or whatever, was that I was made to sit through commercials (for underarm deodorant

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8096600932757908629.post-4011178201039042982010-06-14T05:00:00.002-05:002010-06-15T11:42:32.557-05:00

Sometimes I talk to myself. But, don't we all? I remember a time long ago when I was much younger. I was at a nightclub in Williamsburg, Virginia. The nightclub was located in, or rather, under a hotel. Willamsburg has a college so, of course, the club was frequented by the local college students. I was not a college student. I was already in the military and doing some special operations

JL Strattonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10194767305292360214noreply@blogger.com4