Am I Writing for You? Take the Test.

One of the things I haven't really thought about is WHO this blog is aimed at. Who are my targeted readers? I understand from recent articles that, unless I give this serious consideration, I'm a mere talking bobble head. Since bobble heads creep me out, I'm going to go against my creed not to label or pigeonhole people and come up with a v-e-r-y sketchy litmus test. Take it if you dare. If you enjoy reading my posts and don't really care whether or not you fall into the "right" category, skip to the end and I'll tell you what's next.

1. Do you like to laugh?

Okay. That's too wide a net. I don't tell dirty jokes, so maybe you like clean humor. I try not to laugh at other's expense, though once in a while when I read something in the news that's too ridiculous, Cynical Jackie rears her head. Let me revise the question.

1a. Are you a basically nice person who likes positive laughter (think Bob Hope or any comedian before 1960) but occasionally slips up and pokes fun at the ridiculous? (And then regrets her self-righteousness afterwards.)

Let's define basically nice. You have manners. You're not the one talking on the cell phone in the restaurant or the elevator. You feel bad for the sales clerk when she has a rude customer. You are capable of peeling paint with your acerbic tongue, but you keep in in check for the good of mankind.

2. Do you see the world as basically good? Or are you a confirmed cynic?

If you're a cynic, I've been there. It's not a fun place to be. I've decided that you get what you look for, and I've seen a lot of good in people since I started looking for it. Even the toads of life have something to offer. Bad is more exciting. That's why I don't watch the news. They stress bad, bad, bad. They could turn a child's birthday party into a special on diabetes. (And probably have.)

3. Are you offended by the term "girls" for grown women?

I think when a man or woman refers to a group of women as "girls", he or she is reaching back into their youthful days when girls and boys reveled in their differences. Boys had clubhouses to which girls were not invited (and no girl I know wanted to break that barrier and talk about buggers (sp?) and farts.) I'm ecstatic when a gentleman (or woman) sees my youthful side. Being called a girl makes me feel sweet. It reminds me that boys and girls are different, and I think the person who says it means it as a compliment. Even if it's clear they don't, that's how I take it.

4. Do you have common sense?

Here's a test. If the man next to you on the bus had an epileptic seizure and grabbed your arm, would you have compassion for him, see if he was alright and then have one heck of a story to share with your friends? Or would you bring charges against him for assault?  (True story. And the judge agreed with the assault charge.)

5. Do you consider housework a necessary act of kindness or enforced slavery?

My hubby's job is at work. Mine is the house. I can be creative about cooking and exercise my business skills over budgeting and shopping for the best price. Every deal I find is a victory. It's my pleasure to keep things nice, cook yummy and nutritious dinners, and make the house a home. I'm not good at all of it, and there are days when I get in the care and drive just to escape, but I consider myself lucky. I have a home. My hubby supports us. I'm free to write. Lucky, lucky, lucky.

While the cynics are saying "You're at home because you don't have skills," they are wrong. I carry a Property and Casualty Insurance License. At one time, I made more than my hubby. Then he generously took on the burden so I could stay home and write. We're much happier at our traditional roles.

(That doesn't mean I expect you to roll around in the dirty laundry, shrieking with ecstasy at the thought of doing another load. That would make you unbalanced.)

These are just a few of the basics I would expect from people who like my writing. How did you do? Great!

Now for what's coming up. I'm excited to have an interview ready for M.M. Gornell. She's the fabulous author of standalone mysteries. I have to write my review of her latest book and then I'll get the post up. Until then, I applaud you for being you, whether or not you agreed with me!