The number one rule when you're placing a trail camera in the woods is to remember that it is a small, dark colored box, and it's no fun returning to look for a small dark colored box in a forest. Remember to make a mental note of exactly where you put the camera.

Animals know that it's easier to walk a trail, just like humans, so look for a place that already has a lot of animal tracks. Also, put the camera facing North or South so you won't get the sunrise and sunset glare. As tempting as it is to put the camera at eye level, a few feet from the ground will probably work best. You're not looking for things that stand six feet tall.

If you set your trail camera on video, be aware that the batteries will drain fast. The time it will take you to look through those videos is longer too.

Expect to take a hundred photos for one good one, or more. That's a conservative estimate. It might be more fun to put the camera near a bird feeder at first so you can decide if it's worth it.

If you decide you enjoy the cameras, think of investing in several. With three cameras, and a space of three days between changing the card, you can have quite a few pictures with less time maintaining the cameras. Each time you buy a camera, buy two cards, so you can switch the cards as you walk through the woods or back yard. Then, when you're in the house, you can view them on the computer.

You can buy a viewer, but I've decided against it. And you can spend more, and have the pictures sent to your computer. But, the most important thing you'll need is patience.

Start simple. See if you like it and have enough nature to keep you interested. You might discover that you have a thriving community of animals that roam your yard after dark

EXCERPT:

‘It’s the two of us now, Emilie, for the rest of our lives.’ Marcus stood in front of her.

‘Us?’ She rubbed one side of her neck, then the other. Then her shoulders wavered. ‘Us? Just us?’ She turned away, but kept her gaze on him. ‘You make that sound like a rather seriously long period.’

He put both hands out to hold her steady. ‘I fear it will be. I hope it will be.’

‘Us and art.’

Marcus remained silent.

‘But you have no trouble with my painting?’

‘None whatsoever.’ He thrust away the unspoken concerns that flared inside him.

Her chest expanded as she inhaled. Tendrils of hair hung loose. ‘Marcus, you are the best husband I could ever aspire to. But, I wonder if you can be happy?’

He touched a kiss on her forehead. ‘I fear only one of us can be at a time.’

‘I’m not very good at taking turns,’ she said.

‘Neither am I.’

‘I’m not worried about it. You are the absolute most perfect husband for me, Marcus. I know that. So far, I have found marriage to be all I expected.’ Emilie wriggled as if trying to squirm out from her uncomfortable dress.

‘It would not take much for it to be all I expected.’

Photos © Liz Tyner
​

A new writer might ask:
Do I put too much violence in the story? Too much dialog? Not enough dialog?
Too much backstory?

The answer isn't the same for everyone.

You can simply try to write a second version changing whatever it is you're concerned about. Put the story aside for a while, and go back and review both versions. 

Get several friends to read a section of your writing, and listen to the comments objectively and watch for similar opinions. If several people notice a problem, then likely it's not just a matter of taste.

Be honest with yourself.

This raccoon didn't visit enough to be named, but I enjoyed seeing it on the few times it did drop by.