Group Blogging

A few days ago I was approached by some authors about participating in a group blog. My initial reaction was very similar to when I was finally asked to the Senior Ball—“Yay—someone wants me!” (Okay, so my date’s name was Ralph, and we never went out again after that night, but I have photographic evidence that it took place: http://tamranorton.com/about_tamra.html . Scan down. I’m the one in the homemade red dress that really was cute back in 1982.) But I digress…


The group blog situation is ideal for me. I suppose now is as good’a time as any to admit that, yes, I’m a group-type person—groupy—groupster. Let’s just say that I enjoy my association with others. And no wonder; I was raised the fifth of eight siblings (7 girls, 1 boy). My life began as a group experience and I’ve never known otherwise. Growing up, I never had my own bedroom, I shared clothes, make-up and every childhood illness requiring pink medicine or Vicks VapoRub—Mom’s cure-all.



Now, in a matter of one generation, I’m in the same situation. I still share a bedroom (although now my “roommate” is devastatingly handsome and has the tendency to snore while sleeping on his back. But if we ever start sharing clothes and make-up, the gig is up!) Oh, and in the Norton household (7 darlings, ages 5 to 21), we recently endured a week-long strep throat epidemic: 3 doctor visits, 1 penicillin shot, a lot of the pink stuff.



Some might ask, “Isn’t writing a solitary endeavor?” Actually, I wish I had more “solitary” to support this “endeavor.” Since we’re homeschoolers and enjoy “Family Home Life,” I snag every solitary moment I can to write. Aside from the midnight hours or hiding away in my bedroom (they always find me), my favorite solitary writing situation is the evening or Saturday afternoon escape to Whataburger where I’m freakishly productive considering the “oldies” soundtrack blaring in the background, and noisy patrons eating and staring at a lady typing with one hand while stuffing fries into her mouth with the other. Hey, if it works...



Regardless of where I write, I’m never alone; I have my characters to keep me company…which is another topic for another blog. It’s late now and time for bed. My guy's already snoring. But first, I have to put on some Vicks VapoRub—I have a cough.