Don’t read this post if you already know me. This one’s for strangers. Seriously, why are you still here?

My friends at Trifecta want to know their writers. And they want their writers to know each other. Enter this meme.

Now, for those of you who have no idea what a meme is, please allow me to elaborate. Don’t feel bad. I had to look it up myself the first time I heard it. (Actually, it was like the eighth time. I just nodded and acted like I knew what the speaker was talking about the first seven times.) The word ‘meme’ has several meanings. The one we’re concerned with here as defined by the Urban Dictionary, is “in blogspeak, an idea that is spread from blog to blog.” Yes, I am fully aware of how much cooler I just became in all of your eyes.

So, this meme was created by Trifecta to serve as an ice breaker among the writers in these circles. Here’s how it works:

• Step one – I complete the form.
• Step two – I link it up to their site under Meet Your Fellow Trifectans.
• Step three – Other writers can click on it to see what makes me tick … which, let’s be honest, is mostly cheese, my kids and things that make me laugh out loud, whether they’re intended to or not.

I still can’t believe that they didn’t ask things like my astrological sign, my hat size or my favorite Brady Bunch character. Wouldn’t that be much more interesting for everyone? But they’re higher brow than myself. They want to know what inspires us all. I did the best I could, Trifecta. I don’t take myself too seriously … so why should anyone else?

1. What is your name (real or otherwise)? OldDogNewTits or ODNT in these circles but you can also just call me Michele, if you feel ridiculously stupid using that handle.
2. Describe your writing style in three words. Tongue-in-cheek. I’m not sure that’s actually three words, since it’s hyphenated. So, if I had to include two more, I’d love it if they were “honest” and “empathetic” but I would also accept “peanut-buttery” or “heart-healthy.”
3. How long have you been writing online? The ODNT blog went public in August 2011.
4. Which, if any, other writing challenges do you participate in? I recently submitted something to NPR and am always actively seeking other opportunities. Suggestions are welcome.
5. Describe one way in which you could improve your writing. Elongating my better projects.
6. What is the best writing advice you’ve ever been given? To do it as much as possible and put myself out there.
7. Who is your favorite author? I’ve recently become attached to an up and coming writer. By chance, we live under the same roof. She’s only 9 but she shows real promise. (And I couldn’t be prouder.)
8. How do you make time to write? By shirking all of my regular responsibilities.
9. Give us one word we should consider using as a prompt. Remember–it must have a third definition. Geez, I don’t know. Saccharine? Caustic? Saturate? Gamy? Ample? Edgy? Observe?
10. Direct us to one blog post of yours that we shouldn’t miss reading. Wow. Um … (rifling through mounds of disorganized paperwork frantically) … how about this one? It’s called ‘A Day Spent in your Bed isn’t Always a Bad Thing.” It’s more serious, which I typically am not.

I want to thank you all for coming out for the show tonight. Please remember to tip your waiters and waitresses on the way out. And drive safely.