Just two scenes left to write. Two scenes. I know exactly what's going to happen. So why is it taking so long to actually write all the words that are needed?
One theory is that I don't want the book to end. It's the third in a trilogy and I really like these characters. They've all been with me in one form or another for seventeen years. The original idea came out of a conversation with a male friend who thought he knew everything. Once the characters showed themselves they became as real to me as any imaginary friends. They're independent of my will. I know that sounds a little bit nuts but other writers feel the same way about their characters.
Another theory as to my delay in finishing these two scenes is the need to send them off in a really big way. I keep trying to improve on the grandiosity of the final scene. That's in conflict with the tone of the story. Yes, there's magic. Yes, they're changing the world and curing cancer. But their personalities would dwell on the moment rather than the larger picture. They are intimate scenes about two characters and how their interaction affects each other. Saving the world is the by-product.
Do you ever hold off finishing a story (reading or writing) because you're not quite ready to let the characters go off into the world without you?
Tuesday, May 05, 2015
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Musical inspiration
The current manuscript is tentatively Season of Renewal which doesn't have earth in it either. I originally called it Rootless Trees. I like that title as they both are floundering without connections other than the ones they make together in this new land. That is a very angry song by Damien Rice. It's come in handy a few times as I worked on various scenes.
There are multiple versions of this song. The most haunting is the one with Damien Rice and Lisa Hannigan. I won't post a link as I cannot find the official version that used to be on Damien's website. The angry version is much faster and full of power. Google them on youtube.
What I like most about this song is the varied nuances in each and every rendition. And I use them all in the story. Because sometimes being a rootless tree can free you up to find your heart's true home.
Titles - not as easy as one would suppose.
There are multiple versions of this song. The most haunting is the one with Damien Rice and Lisa Hannigan. I won't post a link as I cannot find the official version that used to be on Damien's website. The angry version is much faster and full of power. Google them on youtube.
What I like most about this song is the varied nuances in each and every rendition. And I use them all in the story. Because sometimes being a rootless tree can free you up to find your heart's true home.
Titles - not as easy as one would suppose.
Monday, March 30, 2015
Titles
I'm wrapping up the third book in a trilogy. The first was titled Heaven Coming Down, followed by Hell to Pay. The last one should have Earth in the title. It was called Rootless Trees because both hero and heroine are transplanted but the truth is the book is about regrowth after the forest fire sweeps through and razes everything to the ground. I like Earth's Renewal but it doesn't have the same rhythm of the other two titles.
I've spent a ridiculous amount of time looking at quotes and sayings about trees. This is one of my favourites -
What did the tree learn from the earth
to be able to talk with the sky?
- Pablo Neruda
It won't work for my title so I need your help. Do you have any suggestions?
I've spent a ridiculous amount of time looking at quotes and sayings about trees. This is one of my favourites -
What did the tree learn from the earth
to be able to talk with the sky?
- Pablo Neruda
It won't work for my title so I need your help. Do you have any suggestions?
Sunday, March 22, 2015
Welcome, Spring
Yikes, over a month since my last post. Things have been busy.
My nieces took part in a Bear Bear photo shoot. We had so much fun it was ridiculous. Then it was decided that Bear Bear had to be returned to the Lost and Found and could not be played with by us. His brief taste of fame was over. I am still compiling the stories. I'm looking into a way to illustrate them.
After five months of living beside each other, Amadala moved into Yoda's cage yesterday. I had nothing to do with it. They decided on their own that they were ready for cohabitation. It is a nice big dwelling and the cage door is open most of the time. Neither bird is afraid to peck the cat. He has the wounds to prove it. Regardless, they are not left unsupervised.
My plan to finish Bracken's story by the end of March was knocked off course by external forces. Now that I have a handle on those, back to writing. I'm pleased with how it's coming along.
One last thing - the end of winter does not mean it's short weather. Not yet. Soon.
My nieces took part in a Bear Bear photo shoot. We had so much fun it was ridiculous. Then it was decided that Bear Bear had to be returned to the Lost and Found and could not be played with by us. His brief taste of fame was over. I am still compiling the stories. I'm looking into a way to illustrate them.
After five months of living beside each other, Amadala moved into Yoda's cage yesterday. I had nothing to do with it. They decided on their own that they were ready for cohabitation. It is a nice big dwelling and the cage door is open most of the time. Neither bird is afraid to peck the cat. He has the wounds to prove it. Regardless, they are not left unsupervised.
My plan to finish Bracken's story by the end of March was knocked off course by external forces. Now that I have a handle on those, back to writing. I'm pleased with how it's coming along.
One last thing - the end of winter does not mean it's short weather. Not yet. Soon.
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Writing and knitting and bears, oh my
I've been busy with Bear Bear and nieces and editing and finishing projects. I should have photos and stories to share shortly. The only thing I've actually completed is the sweater I started knitting during the Winter Olympics a year ago. I had to stop because of the elbow injury. Now that's as good as it's going to get(considerably better than it was) I'm incorporating more of my activities back into my life.
I've also done a fair amount of shoveling. Not Boston marathons of shoveling but enough every day that my upper body is starting to look good. Mother Nature is a very effective trainer, and less expensive than a gym membership. I am one of the happy minority enjoying this winter.
What's new in your neck of the woods? (and why do we call it that?)
I've also done a fair amount of shoveling. Not Boston marathons of shoveling but enough every day that my upper body is starting to look good. Mother Nature is a very effective trainer, and less expensive than a gym membership. I am one of the happy minority enjoying this winter.
What's new in your neck of the woods? (and why do we call it that?)
Thursday, February 05, 2015
#How librarians spend their breaks
This is the short story I wrote when we found a little bear in the lost and found at work. It is the first in a series of adventure for the lost bear my coworker named.
We're promoting it every where in the hope that his family sees his photo and claims him.
Bear Bear was scared. His family was lost. This place was nice. Bright. Smelled like books.
He liked books. But his family wasn't here. The lady behind the counter picked him up from the couch and put him on the cabinet. He could see everyone who came into this sunny place. The lady talked to him. She was nice. She petted him and told him she would help him find his family.
But first he needed a bath.
Not a bath! A bath would ruin his stuffing. He didn't have much stuffing left. His family had loved it right out of him.
The nice lady said bears had to be clean to stay at the library.
He was at the library! His family loved the library. There were stories and games and movies and lots of fun things to do while he waited for them to come back.
Bear Bear decided a bath would be okay. He would have a bath and sit on the cabinet and wait. His family would come back and see him up there.
The library was a safe place to wait. Maybe he could read a good book while he waited.
Wednesday, February 04, 2015
Switching things up
They say if you're stuck writing one thing you should dive into something completely out of your comfort zone. I didn't write for almost two years. I futzed at stuff but nothing that moved stories forward. It was a bleak time.
Then I wrote a horror story and words flowed. The images that flickered behind my eyes were so powerful I had to record them. It was cathartic in a lot of ways. I'd been processing so much grief and rage that it was easy to understand not only the motivation but emotions of those characters.
When I was done that story I felt better about myself as both a writer and a human being. It's a good piece. It needs some tweaking and I'll get to that sooner rather than later.
The horror story made it possible for me to go back to writing romance. I not only believed in the power of love again,but that I had something interesting to say about it. The demons that had held me back from writing had been exorcised as part of writing the horror story.
Last week, someone left their little stuffed bear at work. So far I've written three stories about that little bear. More importantly, I've finished the rough draft of the novel-in-progress and am on track to finish the Hit by a Truck edits by the end of the month. I've been writing so much I've neglected the blog. Most of what I'm doing is the old pen and paper edits. I even took them to the doctor's office yesterday and worked away on the exam table. Why do they make you change into a thin cotton gown then wait 20 minutes for the doctor to appear? No problem, that was 20 minutes I put to good use.
What's the most interesting way you've heard of people switching gears for a project?
Then I wrote a horror story and words flowed. The images that flickered behind my eyes were so powerful I had to record them. It was cathartic in a lot of ways. I'd been processing so much grief and rage that it was easy to understand not only the motivation but emotions of those characters.
When I was done that story I felt better about myself as both a writer and a human being. It's a good piece. It needs some tweaking and I'll get to that sooner rather than later.
The horror story made it possible for me to go back to writing romance. I not only believed in the power of love again,but that I had something interesting to say about it. The demons that had held me back from writing had been exorcised as part of writing the horror story.
Last week, someone left their little stuffed bear at work. So far I've written three stories about that little bear. More importantly, I've finished the rough draft of the novel-in-progress and am on track to finish the Hit by a Truck edits by the end of the month. I've been writing so much I've neglected the blog. Most of what I'm doing is the old pen and paper edits. I even took them to the doctor's office yesterday and worked away on the exam table. Why do they make you change into a thin cotton gown then wait 20 minutes for the doctor to appear? No problem, that was 20 minutes I put to good use.
What's the most interesting way you've heard of people switching gears for a project?
Monday, January 12, 2015
Synchronicity
Hozier. Great music and wonderfully inspirational. I am on the penultimate scene of the first draft. I warm up with a bit of singing along, then dance around till the ideas starting flowing and away I go.
I've been reading a lot the last couple of weeks. We always gift each other with books for the holidays. For some reason this year mine were science based. Then yesterday we went to see Imitation Game about Alan Turing. It was heart-breaking, brilliant and incredible to realize how much the world has changed, how much it has not and how fortunate we are to recognize both facts.
My friends and I went out afterwards to discuss the movie and life. Again, a bit of science discussion that helped me realize that despite it being a subject in which I did not do well at school, my brain absorbs so much more than for which it's given credit. While describing something completely unrelated to the movie or my story, it hit me. The end of my book was right there in front of my face all this time.
I went to sleep with the ending in mind. I work up with it still there. When I came home from work today, Hozier and I made beautiful music together and I wrote.
Sometimes you need something unrelated to show you what you already know.
I hope this year is full of wonderful surprises, scientific or otherwise, for all of us.
I've been reading a lot the last couple of weeks. We always gift each other with books for the holidays. For some reason this year mine were science based. Then yesterday we went to see Imitation Game about Alan Turing. It was heart-breaking, brilliant and incredible to realize how much the world has changed, how much it has not and how fortunate we are to recognize both facts.
My friends and I went out afterwards to discuss the movie and life. Again, a bit of science discussion that helped me realize that despite it being a subject in which I did not do well at school, my brain absorbs so much more than for which it's given credit. While describing something completely unrelated to the movie or my story, it hit me. The end of my book was right there in front of my face all this time.
I went to sleep with the ending in mind. I work up with it still there. When I came home from work today, Hozier and I made beautiful music together and I wrote.
Sometimes you need something unrelated to show you what you already know.
I hope this year is full of wonderful surprises, scientific or otherwise, for all of us.
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Music!
This past year I discovered several new-to-me artists. I also used my standing desk more often than not.You put the two elements together and voila - happy writer. Or productive writer.But if one of those elements is missing, I struggle to put words on the page.
I let a lot of stuff get in my own way. My responsibilities and obligations are more than some people's and less than others. It was more a matter of putting it all first. Now my stuff is a priority as well. (You'll get the hang of it, Susan, I slowly am)
Music is a distraction for some but it motivates me. Right now, I'm listening to Hozier while typing at my standing desk. I'm further into the current scene than I have been in weeks. Partly because I remembered to just let the story out instead of worrying about how it all fits together. But also because I can lose myself in the music. It keeps one part of my brain busy while another part creates.
May you find the things in life that bring you pleasure. There's always something that will block that if you allow it but it's okay to put yourself and your needs first once in a while. Crank up the music and dance or turn it on low and let it mellow you out. Whatever suits your current mood and need.
Happy New Year, Friends!
I let a lot of stuff get in my own way. My responsibilities and obligations are more than some people's and less than others. It was more a matter of putting it all first. Now my stuff is a priority as well. (You'll get the hang of it, Susan, I slowly am)
Music is a distraction for some but it motivates me. Right now, I'm listening to Hozier while typing at my standing desk. I'm further into the current scene than I have been in weeks. Partly because I remembered to just let the story out instead of worrying about how it all fits together. But also because I can lose myself in the music. It keeps one part of my brain busy while another part creates.
May you find the things in life that bring you pleasure. There's always something that will block that if you allow it but it's okay to put yourself and your needs first once in a while. Crank up the music and dance or turn it on low and let it mellow you out. Whatever suits your current mood and need.
Happy New Year, Friends!
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Merry Christmas
I don't send cards, I wrap with gift bags and I find that I buy less and less stuff every year. I bake. A lot. And I share enough of it to feel like I'm not overindulging. It's good to have illusions this time of year.
My favourite gift - to give as well as receive - is the gift of presence. The nieces and nephew get to pick one day out of the year that is devoted to them and them alone. We eat what they want to eat, spend the time however they most wish to spend it. They don't have to share with their siblings or parents. The day is theirs and we build memories. It's difficult to wrap so I occasionally hand out gift certificates or make a little toy or item of clothing.
I had tea with a dear friend yesterday and neither one of us could remember the presents from our childhood, apart some big earth-shattering gifts, but we remember family, goofy moments and food.
Boy, do we ever remember food. Oranges, apples, Toblerone and those sticky ribbon candies. Shortbread, Hello Dollys, and fudge. Tortieres, stuffing, and turkey basted with scotch. Cooking disasters like gravy made with baking soda instead of corn starch, scorched potatoes, raw turkey because the oven died on Christmas Day (the only time we grilled a turkey on the BBQ) .
What's your favourite Christmas memory?
My favourite gift - to give as well as receive - is the gift of presence. The nieces and nephew get to pick one day out of the year that is devoted to them and them alone. We eat what they want to eat, spend the time however they most wish to spend it. They don't have to share with their siblings or parents. The day is theirs and we build memories. It's difficult to wrap so I occasionally hand out gift certificates or make a little toy or item of clothing.
I had tea with a dear friend yesterday and neither one of us could remember the presents from our childhood, apart some big earth-shattering gifts, but we remember family, goofy moments and food.
Boy, do we ever remember food. Oranges, apples, Toblerone and those sticky ribbon candies. Shortbread, Hello Dollys, and fudge. Tortieres, stuffing, and turkey basted with scotch. Cooking disasters like gravy made with baking soda instead of corn starch, scorched potatoes, raw turkey because the oven died on Christmas Day (the only time we grilled a turkey on the BBQ) .
What's your favourite Christmas memory?
Saturday, December 13, 2014
Surprise!
I'd love to say that I finished the rough draft of the wip but that would be a lie. It's close though.
I've just been overwhelmed with a restless feeling for the last five or six weeks. I've scrubbed my house, finished up lots of little projects, started some others and focused on purging stuff.
A lot of it was mental. Somewhere over the last few years my self-image had eroded. Chipped at by other people's needs, it lost all semblance of familiarity. My identity had been reduced to that of other people's context. I let go of the things important to me in order to do what desperately needed to be done for those I love. My time was spent on their stuff instead of my own. I saw myself in terms of other people instead of myself (except for when I was feeling sorry for myself)
About two weeks ago, I ran face first into my past and the life I thought I always wanted. It hurt. Holy smokes, the pain reverberated throughout my body. A giant Toblerone and smaller chocolate cake later, I took a good hard look at what I'd done to myself. I was fixated on what I didn't achieve instead of all that I have accomplished.
I like who I am now, at the life I've built for myself over the years. Yeah, there are some things that need tweaking and my self-image was terribly skewed.
As I've rebuilt it, I've been reminded how much I like my own company. Odd, that. I won't list all the things that are admirable or amazing about me. Some of you have been telling me those things for years and I've ignored you. Suffice it to say that I do like who I am and the choices I've made. Some of them were shaky but made for the right reasons and that's important.
Intent counts.
All the reflection and re-evaluating has made me a better writer. I looked at my characters, at my scenes and realized that they were all moving towards a goal they didn't really want but thought they should. That breakthrough is a game changer for this story and the reason I can say I'm close to the end of the rough draft.
Art and life are interconnected. You can have one without the other but it is so much better when you have both.
I've just been overwhelmed with a restless feeling for the last five or six weeks. I've scrubbed my house, finished up lots of little projects, started some others and focused on purging stuff.
A lot of it was mental. Somewhere over the last few years my self-image had eroded. Chipped at by other people's needs, it lost all semblance of familiarity. My identity had been reduced to that of other people's context. I let go of the things important to me in order to do what desperately needed to be done for those I love. My time was spent on their stuff instead of my own. I saw myself in terms of other people instead of myself (except for when I was feeling sorry for myself)
About two weeks ago, I ran face first into my past and the life I thought I always wanted. It hurt. Holy smokes, the pain reverberated throughout my body. A giant Toblerone and smaller chocolate cake later, I took a good hard look at what I'd done to myself. I was fixated on what I didn't achieve instead of all that I have accomplished.
I like who I am now, at the life I've built for myself over the years. Yeah, there are some things that need tweaking and my self-image was terribly skewed.
As I've rebuilt it, I've been reminded how much I like my own company. Odd, that. I won't list all the things that are admirable or amazing about me. Some of you have been telling me those things for years and I've ignored you. Suffice it to say that I do like who I am and the choices I've made. Some of them were shaky but made for the right reasons and that's important.
Intent counts.
All the reflection and re-evaluating has made me a better writer. I looked at my characters, at my scenes and realized that they were all moving towards a goal they didn't really want but thought they should. That breakthrough is a game changer for this story and the reason I can say I'm close to the end of the rough draft.
Art and life are interconnected. You can have one without the other but it is so much better when you have both.
Tuesday, November 04, 2014
Little things
Because there have been so many overwhelming things demanding my attention, I've focused on little things.
Emptying the sewing basket of items in need of mending
Reclaiming a cast iron pan
Replacing the clasp on my bracelet
And adding sentences one or three at a time to the wip.
How do you cope with large demands?
Emptying the sewing basket of items in need of mending
Reclaiming a cast iron pan
Replacing the clasp on my bracelet
And adding sentences one or three at a time to the wip.
How do you cope with large demands?
Thursday, October 23, 2014
come hither
I've been problem solving some serious RL issues. There wasn't anything left in my brain between that and work. Yesterday, I got some excellent solutions in place. And last night, my brain played with the penultimate scene in my story. I have some heavy commitments over the next two days but my notebook will be with me. The imagination beckons. What a relief!
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Dufferin Islands
I was sitting in the sun, waiting for a good friend and her wonderful husband to stroll through the Autumn leaves. This tiny flower was beneath my hand.
This was my view.
Breathe deep, my friends, the air is restorative.
This was my view.
Breathe deep, my friends, the air is restorative.
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
George
This is a piece of fleece I brought home from Rotmell Farm where Granny was born almost 150 years ago.
He got a bit felted in my luggage so I put him on top of Granny's cabinet filled with yarn. The pictures over him are from the Visitor Center in Dunkeld, just down the road from the farm.
He got a bit felted in my luggage so I put him on top of Granny's cabinet filled with yarn. The pictures over him are from the Visitor Center in Dunkeld, just down the road from the farm.
Monday, October 13, 2014
cutwork
I've enjoyed seeing things anew in my home. They're all there because I like them but I don't always see them.
This is one of the end tables. The photo is one of Jon Gustafsson's, the rock is from Iceland and the cloth reminds me of Grandma Fenton's lace work. It isn't hers but I do like it.
I'm a big fan of cutwork.
This is one of the end tables. The photo is one of Jon Gustafsson's, the rock is from Iceland and the cloth reminds me of Grandma Fenton's lace work. It isn't hers but I do like it.
I'm a big fan of cutwork.
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Whats the story?
My great-uncle (he really was great) made these two boxes. He used them in his workshop. The top one has hinges to hold pages down so they don't get caught when you close the drawers.
Yet, with all the care and precision that went into the chests, the handles are slapdash. That's not like him at all and I really want to hear that story.
Yet, with all the care and precision that went into the chests, the handles are slapdash. That's not like him at all and I really want to hear that story.
Saturday, October 11, 2014
sheep
This arrangement sits on my vanity. The rocks and thistle are from Dunfermline, the sheep is from Edinburgh. He was supposed to be a souvenir toy for Ky but I like him.
Look at that face
Look at that face
Friday, October 10, 2014
Horseman
I've had this guy sitting on my dresser for years. Sadly, his head won't stay on not matter what kind of glue I use. He really is the headless horseman. Ba dum bum.
Imagine my surprise when I went to Scotland, to the home where my great-grandmother was born, and saw a headed copy of my horseman. Freaked me out, but tickled me too.
More often than not he has one of my bracelets draped around his neck.
Imagine my surprise when I went to Scotland, to the home where my great-grandmother was born, and saw a headed copy of my horseman. Freaked me out, but tickled me too.
More often than not he has one of my bracelets draped around his neck.
Thursday, October 09, 2014
Houses
I've kept this picture in my kitchen for years. I used to want to live here.
Now I want to live here
Wednesday, October 08, 2014
Kyanite
I walk by these three specimens repeatedly throughout the day. This stone is how my dog got his name. His legs reminded me of the black kyanite in the front. The blue is easier to find. The big piece was from a good friend. A Welcome Puppy gift. His grey had a hint of blue when he was young so it was appropriate.
Tuesday, October 07, 2014
Pretty blue
I walk past this weed every day. It lurks at the edge of the garden and brushes everyone on the sidewalk. I think it actually helped the tomatoes grow so I don't pull it. It's very pretty. Chickory?
Monday, October 06, 2014
Right in front of our eyes
The biggest note I have on the wip is DETAILS. All those little things involving the senses that flesh out a story and give insight to a character's emotional, physical, mental state are vital.
It occurred to me this morning that there are hundreds of details right at hand, part of my everyday life, that I ignore or take little notice of. Every day this week, I'm going to post a picture of something that I either walk by, sit beside, use every day that gets next to no thought from me. It's my way of remembering to include the details and small touches in the story.
This is the sleeve I put on my cup of tea every morning at work. I bought it in Whistler in 2010 a few weeks after the Winter Olympics left town. I likely paid a third of the peak season asking price. It's pretty and I love the swirls of ice from one activity to another.
It occurred to me this morning that there are hundreds of details right at hand, part of my everyday life, that I ignore or take little notice of. Every day this week, I'm going to post a picture of something that I either walk by, sit beside, use every day that gets next to no thought from me. It's my way of remembering to include the details and small touches in the story.
This is the sleeve I put on my cup of tea every morning at work. I bought it in Whistler in 2010 a few weeks after the Winter Olympics left town. I likely paid a third of the peak season asking price. It's pretty and I love the swirls of ice from one activity to another.
Wednesday, October 01, 2014
Change of pace
Two and a half weeks since I lasted posted. Hard to believe that much time has gone by. Nothing weird or exciting happened but nothing bad either so that's good.
I spent one long afternoon walking along the Niagara Parkway from Dufferin Islands to the Tesla statue by the Victoria restaurant (or whatever it is called these days). It was a week day so the tourists were minimal. The air was crisp and clear, little wind to blow the mist around and the bright sun to dry out the clothes. There were a few spots I stood where the rush of the river was so loud it drowned out all thoughts. That alone made the day perfect.
I sat under the tree right here, my favourite tree, and actually wrote for a while. There were lots of problems with the story but that day I remembered some key elements about my characters. I let the fresh air and scent of the water fill my soul while my brain absorbed everything around me. I made two pages of notes on the setting. Silly, really, because this story never goes near the falls but the connection to nature is very strong, elemental.
It is good to take yourself out of the routine, hie off to a change of scenery. While it might be familiar, you never know what you might find. I found peace, the germ of an idea, and wild yarrow growing at the edge of the falls.
I spent one long afternoon walking along the Niagara Parkway from Dufferin Islands to the Tesla statue by the Victoria restaurant (or whatever it is called these days). It was a week day so the tourists were minimal. The air was crisp and clear, little wind to blow the mist around and the bright sun to dry out the clothes. There were a few spots I stood where the rush of the river was so loud it drowned out all thoughts. That alone made the day perfect.
I sat under the tree right here, my favourite tree, and actually wrote for a while. There were lots of problems with the story but that day I remembered some key elements about my characters. I let the fresh air and scent of the water fill my soul while my brain absorbed everything around me. I made two pages of notes on the setting. Silly, really, because this story never goes near the falls but the connection to nature is very strong, elemental.
It is good to take yourself out of the routine, hie off to a change of scenery. While it might be familiar, you never know what you might find. I found peace, the germ of an idea, and wild yarrow growing at the edge of the falls.
Sunday, September 14, 2014
One GREAT thing
Another rough week. Ky ate grapes which are incredibly toxic to dogs. 48 ours on IV to flush his kidneys, lots of drugs and time spent running between the emergency vet clinic and his regular vet. Honestly, it's been a rough four weeks for pets around here. The great news is that he not only survived but seems fully recovered. He also got over his aversion to being crated. As he typically destroys every crate/cage he's entered, this is a very good thing. All of the human food has now been hung from the ceiling or cupboards like we're cacheing for bears.Whatever works.
I have a great reason for low word count this week. There wasn't a lot of sleep happening here until Friday.
Today, I printed off the document, settled on the couch with Ky under one hand and Eliot on the other. With the race on in the background I fleshed out two scenes, about eight pages. More importantly, I was able to see, and fix, the problem that's been staring me in the face for the last couple of weeks. Let's hope the solution lasts. As the distraction is gone, I imagine productivity will return.
I've had to cancel my vacation and next week's kayaking tour of the harbor but listening to Ky breathe, feeling his soft fur beneath my fingers, even smelling the clinic smell on him makes it all worth it. One look at the shaved forearms and I know how blessed I am to still have him in my life.
Grapes bad.
Emergency vet clinics very good.
End of story.
I have a great reason for low word count this week. There wasn't a lot of sleep happening here until Friday.
Today, I printed off the document, settled on the couch with Ky under one hand and Eliot on the other. With the race on in the background I fleshed out two scenes, about eight pages. More importantly, I was able to see, and fix, the problem that's been staring me in the face for the last couple of weeks. Let's hope the solution lasts. As the distraction is gone, I imagine productivity will return.
I've had to cancel my vacation and next week's kayaking tour of the harbor but listening to Ky breathe, feeling his soft fur beneath my fingers, even smelling the clinic smell on him makes it all worth it. One look at the shaved forearms and I know how blessed I am to still have him in my life.
Grapes bad.
Emergency vet clinics very good.
End of story.
Sunday, September 07, 2014
Sports writing
I'm not sure why I'm surprised to see my Twitter full of authors watching sports. My first year of college, we were required to cover the local hockey team for the cable station. First year students were cable runners. I argued that I knew more about the sport than the guy on camera two. He didn't know where the blue line was or why it was important. Aside from the fact that it's a giant line of blue painted right onto the ice, I was offended. It took months for me to convince anyone that my point was valid. I showed up, pulled cables and discussed team strategy in the pre-game meeting. Because I had paid that much attention to the game, I was pretty good at anticipating what certain players would do with the puck once they got it.
Eventually, I challenged the guy on camera two (who went on to be a brilliant cameraman in LA so it was only hockey that failed him) to a quiz about the game. I managed to convince the teacher that IF I was the winner, I could take over camera two. I won. Hands down. Then I set my sights on colour commentary. Part of it was the challenge, part of it was true interest. Of course, I ended up in the booth. Feedback to the station was remarkably positive. I say remarkable because my voice is not suited to on-air. There was no disputing my knowledge.
None of that would be necessary today. Women have come a long way when it comes to sports broadcasts. It was always ridiculous to assume gender had anything to do with knowledge in any field.
So why does it surprise me that so many romance authors love sports? Few of them write them. The bias still exists in publishing. But I've been tweeting back and forth with a NASCAR team during the races lately and my head is spinning with a story idea as a result.That tends to happen no matter what subject I'm interested in - stories are everywhere. It doesn't mean that I'll do anything with that idea. Although...I do have NASCAR story started in the older files on my computer.
How do you feel about sports in romance novels?
Eventually, I challenged the guy on camera two (who went on to be a brilliant cameraman in LA so it was only hockey that failed him) to a quiz about the game. I managed to convince the teacher that IF I was the winner, I could take over camera two. I won. Hands down. Then I set my sights on colour commentary. Part of it was the challenge, part of it was true interest. Of course, I ended up in the booth. Feedback to the station was remarkably positive. I say remarkable because my voice is not suited to on-air. There was no disputing my knowledge.
None of that would be necessary today. Women have come a long way when it comes to sports broadcasts. It was always ridiculous to assume gender had anything to do with knowledge in any field.
So why does it surprise me that so many romance authors love sports? Few of them write them. The bias still exists in publishing. But I've been tweeting back and forth with a NASCAR team during the races lately and my head is spinning with a story idea as a result.That tends to happen no matter what subject I'm interested in - stories are everywhere. It doesn't mean that I'll do anything with that idea. Although...I do have NASCAR story started in the older files on my computer.
How do you feel about sports in romance novels?
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| Cars going through inspection at Indy 2013 |
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Hiccups
I got stuck a lot longer than I expected. For every two words I threw on the page, I erased three. It was ridiculous. I knew it was temporary but something really hasn't worked the past couple of weeks. Some of it has been external, some of it has been medication but some of it was internal. Every night I lie in bed and think about my characters. I think about where they're going and how they're getting there. I'm not stuck in that regard.
Two things trigger writing for me. Music and water. Water in a glass to drink or water outside my window for me to stare at. Water clears my mind. Music fills it with other stuff so that I can focus on the scenes I need to write.
Today, I realized that my solution for the external story conflict was really good but possibly not the best one. The other thing is the isolation in which both characters live. It''s important in the beginning but as the story and characters progress they are getting out more, interacting more and the external conflict would be a lot stronger if they pulled on all their new connections to defeat the antagonist. They are not the only ones affected by it.
The good news is that writing happens - even when words don't reach the page every day.
In other news, I've been watching a live feed from Iceland. I tend to check it out to get a feel for the country but have been fascinated by the view of the volcano. Bardarbunga2 shows the magma and ash plumes.
Two things trigger writing for me. Music and water. Water in a glass to drink or water outside my window for me to stare at. Water clears my mind. Music fills it with other stuff so that I can focus on the scenes I need to write.
Today, I realized that my solution for the external story conflict was really good but possibly not the best one. The other thing is the isolation in which both characters live. It''s important in the beginning but as the story and characters progress they are getting out more, interacting more and the external conflict would be a lot stronger if they pulled on all their new connections to defeat the antagonist. They are not the only ones affected by it.
The good news is that writing happens - even when words don't reach the page every day.
In other news, I've been watching a live feed from Iceland. I tend to check it out to get a feel for the country but have been fascinated by the view of the volcano. Bardarbunga2 shows the magma and ash plumes.
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Creativity
It seems I'm always doing something creative. I'm not a big rule follower so that hampers my productivity at times. I write in layers. I sew by hand. I mesh patterns together to knit a sweater. I use multiple media when painting. I mess around with depth of field when out with my camera. I'm not sure any of that creativity would support me (hence the library job that I love) but for the most part they make me happy.
I'm struggling with layers of writing right now. Yes, I do put butt in the chair every day. I throw a lot of words on the page but I'm most effective when I step away from the story and work at something else. My brain often needs the distraction of other colours and textures in order to work through sticking points.
One good thing about feeling sub-par is that I've spent a lot of time reading and watching television. Storytelling is storytelling regardless of medium. The best way to become better at one's own craft is to study the best. I've recognized the emotional punch that facial expressions can convey. Those are easier to pull off in picture but the right words in a specific order can make me cry. I'm a big fan of great dialogue.
Right now, I'm stuck on "The first face this face saw." I'm up to date on Doctor Who thanks to a dress that needed to be finished for my niece's birthday party tomorrow. I hope she likes it. (it's scrunched for photography purposes)
What's your favourite dialogue?
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Imaginary friends
Eight years ago, two writers got together to write outside their genres. They wrote a blog every day for a year talking about creating a fictional world that gave equal weight to romance as well as adventure. He wrote military thrillers. She wrote romantic comedy. Their collaboration was fascinating. People followed their journey, commented on it all - even the accidental blank post. Great friendships were born in those odd little comment blocks.
It started benign enough. "Oh, my dad was in the armed forces too." Moved up to "I'll be at the conference the week the book drops" and culminated in "Want to all meet at a hotel before the book signing?" It's not that unusual. People meet through the Internet all the time. Blogs, forums, Facebook and Twitter all unite people over a common theme. Sometimes, despite the kid's fear of you meeting people who would harvest your kidneys, they meet in person.
It's not a good idea to tell the border guards that's where you met your friend. It's inconceivable to them that Americans and Canadians can be friends. I'm not lying when I say I met them at a writer's conference. But I knew them all well long before we met. Now they are some of my closest friends. In fact, those friendships weren't without precedence. I met Elen through Joann Ross' writing group on Yahoo. And that turned out beautifully.
All of these wonderful people have enriched my life immeasurably. In the beginning, we were relentlessly silly. Then real life encroached and we shared all that entailed. When one of us bought her first house, twenty of us flew west, drove north (or south) and threw a big housewarming party. We even hung a picture over the fireplace, identified trees in the yard, bought a grill and cleaned up after ourselves before we left. We've attended funerals, cheered grandbabies, told silly stories and awful jokes as we took turnings by the bedside of one who had fallen ill. When one of us didn't show up virtually long past the usual routine, one of us even called the police from her home in the South to check on the friend in California. And that's how we found out one of our family had been rushed by ambulance to hospital. We made sure she didn't go home to an empty house but ensured she had food for her and the critters throughout her convalescence.
But the group is more than doing nice things for each other. Like any family we have our differences. We have agreed to disagree on many things but I love the amount of respect we have for each other's opinions. One of our big gatherings was around the time of a presidential election. There were some generalizations about opposing candidates and their supporters. But then we realized we had a microcosm of that in the room and the generalizations fell away. No one switched allegiance but understanding the why of choices and decisions went a long way towards working together on issues. It never ceases to amaze me how much common ground there is between all that opposition.
When we first met, we ranged from a high school student to an octogenarian. Our social spectrum has always been broad. Children grew up, went to school in foreign lands, got married, had babies of their own. New people still find us. We're not exclusive though it takes a bit of time to understand some of the jokes and how most of us got our call signs (or whatever you call your Internet name). A lot of our shorthand dates back to the early days from the original site.
As a group, we've moved twice. The authors disbanded their collaboration, their website no longer exists. Then we lost the ability to comment on the new home. It's also no longer online. Somehow the spam monkeys still managed. We gave them a band and found our current home. It suits us well. We built it ourselves with rooms for all the private conversations, the ones about meeting places, passages and plans. We have a barn for the menagerie filled with critters that have become part of our folklore. We have everything you could need to decorate a blog or throw a party. We are silly, kind and supportive.
They know how much I appreciate each and every one of them. I know that it is mutual. People have wandered off over the years but most of them come back. We're just too entertaining to leave behind forever. Those who have left through no choice of their own wrench a little piece of me. They leave a hole in our family.
One of the beauty's of the Internet is that things are rarely lost in cyberspace. So they live on not just in our hearts and minds but also the comments. We are left with her smile, his silliness, her recipe, his poetry. And the knowledge that they touched someone far outside their usual circle of friends. We may not have all met in person but their friendship was far from imaginary. It was real, tangible and treasured.
I know that most of you reading this have imaginary friends, people you've met on the Internet. People who fill your life with wisdom, gladness, advice, criticism, challenges, support and celebration.
Today I raise my glass in a toast to the people who created the Internet and those of us who have filled it with life.
It started benign enough. "Oh, my dad was in the armed forces too." Moved up to "I'll be at the conference the week the book drops" and culminated in "Want to all meet at a hotel before the book signing?" It's not that unusual. People meet through the Internet all the time. Blogs, forums, Facebook and Twitter all unite people over a common theme. Sometimes, despite the kid's fear of you meeting people who would harvest your kidneys, they meet in person.
It's not a good idea to tell the border guards that's where you met your friend. It's inconceivable to them that Americans and Canadians can be friends. I'm not lying when I say I met them at a writer's conference. But I knew them all well long before we met. Now they are some of my closest friends. In fact, those friendships weren't without precedence. I met Elen through Joann Ross' writing group on Yahoo. And that turned out beautifully.
All of these wonderful people have enriched my life immeasurably. In the beginning, we were relentlessly silly. Then real life encroached and we shared all that entailed. When one of us bought her first house, twenty of us flew west, drove north (or south) and threw a big housewarming party. We even hung a picture over the fireplace, identified trees in the yard, bought a grill and cleaned up after ourselves before we left. We've attended funerals, cheered grandbabies, told silly stories and awful jokes as we took turnings by the bedside of one who had fallen ill. When one of us didn't show up virtually long past the usual routine, one of us even called the police from her home in the South to check on the friend in California. And that's how we found out one of our family had been rushed by ambulance to hospital. We made sure she didn't go home to an empty house but ensured she had food for her and the critters throughout her convalescence.
But the group is more than doing nice things for each other. Like any family we have our differences. We have agreed to disagree on many things but I love the amount of respect we have for each other's opinions. One of our big gatherings was around the time of a presidential election. There were some generalizations about opposing candidates and their supporters. But then we realized we had a microcosm of that in the room and the generalizations fell away. No one switched allegiance but understanding the why of choices and decisions went a long way towards working together on issues. It never ceases to amaze me how much common ground there is between all that opposition.
When we first met, we ranged from a high school student to an octogenarian. Our social spectrum has always been broad. Children grew up, went to school in foreign lands, got married, had babies of their own. New people still find us. We're not exclusive though it takes a bit of time to understand some of the jokes and how most of us got our call signs (or whatever you call your Internet name). A lot of our shorthand dates back to the early days from the original site.
As a group, we've moved twice. The authors disbanded their collaboration, their website no longer exists. Then we lost the ability to comment on the new home. It's also no longer online. Somehow the spam monkeys still managed. We gave them a band and found our current home. It suits us well. We built it ourselves with rooms for all the private conversations, the ones about meeting places, passages and plans. We have a barn for the menagerie filled with critters that have become part of our folklore. We have everything you could need to decorate a blog or throw a party. We are silly, kind and supportive.
They know how much I appreciate each and every one of them. I know that it is mutual. People have wandered off over the years but most of them come back. We're just too entertaining to leave behind forever. Those who have left through no choice of their own wrench a little piece of me. They leave a hole in our family.
One of the beauty's of the Internet is that things are rarely lost in cyberspace. So they live on not just in our hearts and minds but also the comments. We are left with her smile, his silliness, her recipe, his poetry. And the knowledge that they touched someone far outside their usual circle of friends. We may not have all met in person but their friendship was far from imaginary. It was real, tangible and treasured.
I know that most of you reading this have imaginary friends, people you've met on the Internet. People who fill your life with wisdom, gladness, advice, criticism, challenges, support and celebration.
Today I raise my glass in a toast to the people who created the Internet and those of us who have filled it with life.
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
The importance of good things
This past week has highlighted to me the value of taking stock of good things. It's not that they magically make the pain go away or alter the course of life. But they give me something else to focus on when the challenges feel like too much to bear.
Most of you know that I lost Milo on Thursday. It was a long day and I'm still not used to the silence when I enter my bedroom. He'd been living there for the past year as Eliot was keen to challenge him at every turn. He always greeted me with a quiet little meow. My niece came over and helped me rearrange the bedroom. It's weird. My room has looked like that for seven years. Milo just had his nineteenth birthday. We had a good run together. No matter how badly he wanted to eat Yoda he never did because he knew how much it would upset me. His body quivered with the effort of subduing his natural extent but he did it - for me. One minute he'd be purring and the next moment I would pull back a bloody stump because he'd had enough touching. He chewed his own nails rather than let me cut them. I've been cleaning out drawers and boxes looking for my favourite photo of him. He's sitting beside the pond watching the fish. He often sat out in the garden but only if I was there with him. He wasn't interested in roaming.
Milo was a stray who lived at the shelter for several months. I was in there one Saturday after hours counting money from a charity car wash I'd organized. My neighbour had killed my cat a couple weeks previously and the staff was determined to send someone home with me. I was resistant. I wasn't ready. But Milo had stopped eating and drinking, was curled up at the back of the cage just waiting for the Big Needle he was scheduled to receive on the Monday. When I went to meet him, he ran from the back of the cage and flung himself onto me. Both paws went around my neck. When I went back to get the dog, the two of them fell asleep side by side. All of my objections were pointless. We never looked back.
While the news has been full of sadness, there have been some great moments of people reaching out to each other sharing good memories, funny anecdotes and ensuring their friends are okay. The kids and I have shared our favourite movie clips, belted out the soundtrack from Guardians of the Galaxy and eaten too much popcorn for dinner.
I have no great words of wisdom, no insight or advice. I'm doing my best to focus on the good in my life. That's what works for me. That, and belly rubs with the dogs. If you don't have a dog, I will share my pup. He's wonderful. If you're allergic, find a warm body you adore and engage in full body hugs. It won't fix everything but it sure doesn't hurt.
Most of you know that I lost Milo on Thursday. It was a long day and I'm still not used to the silence when I enter my bedroom. He'd been living there for the past year as Eliot was keen to challenge him at every turn. He always greeted me with a quiet little meow. My niece came over and helped me rearrange the bedroom. It's weird. My room has looked like that for seven years. Milo just had his nineteenth birthday. We had a good run together. No matter how badly he wanted to eat Yoda he never did because he knew how much it would upset me. His body quivered with the effort of subduing his natural extent but he did it - for me. One minute he'd be purring and the next moment I would pull back a bloody stump because he'd had enough touching. He chewed his own nails rather than let me cut them. I've been cleaning out drawers and boxes looking for my favourite photo of him. He's sitting beside the pond watching the fish. He often sat out in the garden but only if I was there with him. He wasn't interested in roaming.
Milo was a stray who lived at the shelter for several months. I was in there one Saturday after hours counting money from a charity car wash I'd organized. My neighbour had killed my cat a couple weeks previously and the staff was determined to send someone home with me. I was resistant. I wasn't ready. But Milo had stopped eating and drinking, was curled up at the back of the cage just waiting for the Big Needle he was scheduled to receive on the Monday. When I went to meet him, he ran from the back of the cage and flung himself onto me. Both paws went around my neck. When I went back to get the dog, the two of them fell asleep side by side. All of my objections were pointless. We never looked back.
While the news has been full of sadness, there have been some great moments of people reaching out to each other sharing good memories, funny anecdotes and ensuring their friends are okay. The kids and I have shared our favourite movie clips, belted out the soundtrack from Guardians of the Galaxy and eaten too much popcorn for dinner.
I have no great words of wisdom, no insight or advice. I'm doing my best to focus on the good in my life. That's what works for me. That, and belly rubs with the dogs. If you don't have a dog, I will share my pup. He's wonderful. If you're allergic, find a warm body you adore and engage in full body hugs. It won't fix everything but it sure doesn't hurt.
Wednesday, August 06, 2014
Interview with Brenda Harlen
Full disclosure - I've been friends with Brenda Harlen for a long time. Our friendship predates her writing success. She is one of my critique partners and a brilliant motivator. The woman's production and ability to focus is incredible. Whenever I flounder I picture her hunched over her laptop and get back to the process. We may root for opposing hockey teams but our friendship is definitely a good thing.
Whether you've been a fan of hers for years, or are just new to the wit and romance that Brenda writes, I hope you enjoy the following interview to promote her latest offering in the Engaging Garretts series.
Whether you've been a fan of hers for years, or are just new to the wit and romance that Brenda writes, I hope you enjoy the following interview to promote her latest offering in the Engaging Garretts series.
You've written thirty books for Harlequin. There have been a lot of changes over the years. What's had the most impact on your career?
I’m not even sure I can answer that question. The publishing industry has changed so much in the past ten years with more and bigger changes coming, including the recent acquisition of Harlequin by HarperCollins Publishers. However, I’ve been fortunate in that, despite all of the changes, I’ve been able to work with the same fabulous editor (Susan Litman) for each one of those thirty books, the first five under the “Silhouette Intimate Moments” imprint before I started writing for Special Edition.
I’m not even sure I can answer that question. The publishing industry has changed so much in the past ten years with more and bigger changes coming, including the recent acquisition of Harlequin by HarperCollins Publishers. However, I’ve been fortunate in that, despite all of the changes, I’ve been able to work with the same fabulous editor (Susan Litman) for each one of those thirty books, the first five under the “Silhouette Intimate Moments” imprint before I started writing for Special Edition.
How does writing continuity series like the Montana Mavericks affect writing your own series?
Sometimes participating in a continuity can pull me out of the flow of another story, because the deadlines for writing a continuity are much more inflexible. Also, there is regular communication between the authors and editors, particularly in the beginning when we’re trying to polish our story ideas and development of characters. On the other hand, it’s sometimes a nice break to focus on something completely different and outside the parameters of my own fictional world. Either way, I absolutely love participating in continuity series and “meeting” and working with other authors. This year, Montana Mavericks is celebrating “20 Years in the Saddle” and I’m thrilled to be part of it. (My book—THE MAVERICK’S THANKSGIVING BABY—is 5th in the series, coming in November.)
Sometimes participating in a continuity can pull me out of the flow of another story, because the deadlines for writing a continuity are much more inflexible. Also, there is regular communication between the authors and editors, particularly in the beginning when we’re trying to polish our story ideas and development of characters. On the other hand, it’s sometimes a nice break to focus on something completely different and outside the parameters of my own fictional world. Either way, I absolutely love participating in continuity series and “meeting” and working with other authors. This year, Montana Mavericks is celebrating “20 Years in the Saddle” and I’m thrilled to be part of it. (My book—THE MAVERICK’S THANKSGIVING BABY—is 5th in the series, coming in November.)
There was a really good interview with you at The Reading Frenzy recently about the witty dialogue you write. It's something you do well. Does it come naturally to you or is dialogue something you struggle with?
It’s always flattering to hear that something about my writing resonates with a reader/reviewer, and I guess I’m lucky that dialogue does come fairly naturally to me—the rest of the writing, not always so much J
It’s always flattering to hear that something about my writing resonates with a reader/reviewer, and I guess I’m lucky that dialogue does come fairly naturally to me—the rest of the writing, not always so much J
What's your typical writing day like? Do you have routines that need to be met in order to produce words?
I’m not sure any writing day is typical . . . however, my usual routine is morning coffee, checking email, Facebook, Twitter, more coffee, then settling down to write. Working from home can be distracting (and often non-writer friends and family don’t think of writing as work), but I’ve learned to treat it as a job and assign myself daily deadlines to ensure that I stay on track toward my real deadlines.
I’m not sure any writing day is typical . . . however, my usual routine is morning coffee, checking email, Facebook, Twitter, more coffee, then settling down to write. Working from home can be distracting (and often non-writer friends and family don’t think of writing as work), but I’ve learned to treat it as a job and assign myself daily deadlines to ensure that I stay on track toward my real deadlines.
You've created these wonderful little towns like Pinehurt, NY and Charisma, NC where the characters have formed real communities that interact and overlap. It's wonderful to see previous characters living out their happily ever afters. What prompted the move to NC?
The answer to this question is a little embarrassing, because the truth is that it was a lack of planning that prompted the move. When I wrote ONCE AND AGAIN, my very first Special Edition, I made up the fictional town of Pinehurst, New York. The next few books had some connected characters, so I stayed in Pinehurst. But by the time I wrote the first three “Those Engaging Garretts!” books, I found that I had to go back through all of the previous books set in Pinehurst to remember the location of the hardware store or the name of the street that a character lived on. For my own sanity, I needed to move on—and this time, I started with a town map.
The answer to this question is a little embarrassing, because the truth is that it was a lack of planning that prompted the move. When I wrote ONCE AND AGAIN, my very first Special Edition, I made up the fictional town of Pinehurst, New York. The next few books had some connected characters, so I stayed in Pinehurst. But by the time I wrote the first three “Those Engaging Garretts!” books, I found that I had to go back through all of the previous books set in Pinehurst to remember the location of the hardware store or the name of the street that a character lived on. For my own sanity, I needed to move on—and this time, I started with a town map.
In A WIFE FOR ONE YEAR, Daniel marries his best friend in order to access his trust fund to buy into a stock car racing team. Your Facebook followers know you're a big hockey fan, is the same true for motorsports? What kind of research did you do to prepare for Daniel's career as a car owner?
When I was a kid, my family used to go to Merrittville Speedway every Saturday night to watch my cousin race his stock car, but I was never a fan of professional racing. However, when I decided to set the new Garrett stories in North Carolina, I knew that stock car racing could not be ignored, so I decided to do some research. I started with books and websites, but a friend of mine (thank you, Keziah!) suggested that I should do primary research and, when we were in North Carolina recently, we visited the front office and shop of an actual NASCAR team. It was an amazing and informative experience—and a ton of fun. (Thank you, Becky, for the tour and the answers to so many questions!)
When I was a kid, my family used to go to Merrittville Speedway every Saturday night to watch my cousin race his stock car, but I was never a fan of professional racing. However, when I decided to set the new Garrett stories in North Carolina, I knew that stock car racing could not be ignored, so I decided to do some research. I started with books and websites, but a friend of mine (thank you, Keziah!) suggested that I should do primary research and, when we were in North Carolina recently, we visited the front office and shop of an actual NASCAR team. It was an amazing and informative experience—and a ton of fun. (Thank you, Becky, for the tour and the answers to so many questions!)
Is that a world we'll see again?
For sure! Now that my editors have approve an extension of the series, I can assure you that Josh Slater (Daniel Garrett’s partner in Garrett/Slater Racing) will have his own story with the stock car racing world as an integral part of the background.
Wife for One Year is available now at the bookseller of your choice. Or you can post a comment to win your own autographed copy
For sure! Now that my editors have approve an extension of the series, I can assure you that Josh Slater (Daniel Garrett’s partner in Garrett/Slater Racing) will have his own story with the stock car racing world as an integral part of the background.
Wife for One Year is available now at the bookseller of your choice. Or you can post a comment to win your own autographed copy
Sunday, August 03, 2014
Lots of good things
Milo is still around. Just when I think he's done, he perks up, starts eating and drinking again. He and Eliot have managed to tolerate each other. Ky doesn't care care as long as he gets his belly rubbed.
Writing has been a slog but I've stuck with it. I figured out how to trick my printer so it's all printed out. It's been easier to work with that way. The words are less pedestrian.
Creativity is flowing fast and free around the house. We scored a great deal on spray paint today. My car will look fantastic when it's done.
What's your week been like?
Writing has been a slog but I've stuck with it. I figured out how to trick my printer so it's all printed out. It's been easier to work with that way. The words are less pedestrian.
Creativity is flowing fast and free around the house. We scored a great deal on spray paint today. My car will look fantastic when it's done.
What's your week been like?
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Another weekend of house/dog sitting
I prowl the house when I'm writing. I always thought I was hungry and often snacked when doing so. Now that I'm paying more attention to my eating habits, I realize I'm ravenous for ideas. I'm looking for words, for scenes and emotions to move the plot along in a way that will entertain readers. Chocolate, chips and raspberries fresh from the garden don't help much, especially when one of the characters doesn't eat.
The other thing I've noticed is that the horror story came out of me in full scenes. Dialogue, setting, emotion, action and plot were all there from the first word to the last. Romance is disjointed. I write it in layers. No scene is complete and I hop all over the chronology of the story. I have no idea what that says about me but I'm making peace with the process.
This is another weekend where I'm holed up without Internet - or gasp, chocolate - so the word count is higher. I'm working in layers but the change in surroundings has helped me settle down to the task at hand.
Here's one of my writing spots today.
Yes, the dogs were happy. They are so easy to please. Their prowling usually is food-related though. The only words they care about are ball, food, treats.
The other thing I've noticed is that the horror story came out of me in full scenes. Dialogue, setting, emotion, action and plot were all there from the first word to the last. Romance is disjointed. I write it in layers. No scene is complete and I hop all over the chronology of the story. I have no idea what that says about me but I'm making peace with the process.
This is another weekend where I'm holed up without Internet - or gasp, chocolate - so the word count is higher. I'm working in layers but the change in surroundings has helped me settle down to the task at hand.
Here's one of my writing spots today.
Yes, the dogs were happy. They are so easy to please. Their prowling usually is food-related though. The only words they care about are ball, food, treats.
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Mental wanderings
My daily writing goal has doubled in the last week. It's been easy enough to meet - once I stop whining and just sit down to do it.
That sums up my life well. Cleaning, cooking, shopping, exercise - stop whining and do it.Most the whining is internal, "I don't want to". That takes up a ridiculous amount of time and energy so I've been focusing on why I like to do things. For the most part, simply meeting my goal provides a great deal of satisfaction. That motivates me.
It turns out I've lost 30 pounds in the last five or six years. It still doesn't feel like it. A lot of my clothes are tight but it is gratifying to know that I'm headed in the right direction. I don't weigh myself. That often ends badly - with me dunking cookies in a vat of ice cream. Not really, but the visual is how I perceive it.
I'm downsizing stuff in the house. Letting stuff go mentally. And allowing myself to appreciate how much more valuable people are to me than things. I've made the effort every couple of days to interact with friends and family at least three times a week. It requires me to think past my own circle of bull.
I'd rather have a hippopotamus.
That sums up my life well. Cleaning, cooking, shopping, exercise - stop whining and do it.Most the whining is internal, "I don't want to". That takes up a ridiculous amount of time and energy so I've been focusing on why I like to do things. For the most part, simply meeting my goal provides a great deal of satisfaction. That motivates me.
It turns out I've lost 30 pounds in the last five or six years. It still doesn't feel like it. A lot of my clothes are tight but it is gratifying to know that I'm headed in the right direction. I don't weigh myself. That often ends badly - with me dunking cookies in a vat of ice cream. Not really, but the visual is how I perceive it.
I'm downsizing stuff in the house. Letting stuff go mentally. And allowing myself to appreciate how much more valuable people are to me than things. I've made the effort every couple of days to interact with friends and family at least three times a week. It requires me to think past my own circle of bull.
I'd rather have a hippopotamus.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Pets and writing, oh my
Over the weekend, I managed to write seven words shy of 5300 words. That was impressive. Then I didn't write again until today. As it was, I had to force myself to turn the computer back on. I'm glad I did, another 2180 words appeared. Like magic! Okay, not really but they were good words for the most part. I'm building something. That takes a lot of work.
It's not fair to blame the Supermoon but a lot of people I love and adore had a rough time of it the last few days. Lots of feeling unworthy. Lots of beating up on ourselves. And everywhere I looked people reminded each other of at least one good thing in their lives. Coincidentally someone sent me the results of a study in which people with pets were proven to be happier and healthier. I'm continually surprised that there's a whole world of human beings who doesn't know that as gospel. Sheesh, they need a cat. Or a llama. But not an elephant. They don't make great pets.
I read a great book by an author I really enjoy but she had the vet heroine heal an injured wild turtle. The turtle went back into the wildness of the heroine's front yard but showed up at her porch every night for fresh strawberries. I enjoyed their interaction - until the heroine brought the turtle inside and stuck him in an aquarium. Yes, she was definitely following the above philosophy of pets making one's life richer but turtles aren't domesticated. It pulled me right out.
What takes you out of a story?
It's not fair to blame the Supermoon but a lot of people I love and adore had a rough time of it the last few days. Lots of feeling unworthy. Lots of beating up on ourselves. And everywhere I looked people reminded each other of at least one good thing in their lives. Coincidentally someone sent me the results of a study in which people with pets were proven to be happier and healthier. I'm continually surprised that there's a whole world of human beings who doesn't know that as gospel. Sheesh, they need a cat. Or a llama. But not an elephant. They don't make great pets.
I read a great book by an author I really enjoy but she had the vet heroine heal an injured wild turtle. The turtle went back into the wildness of the heroine's front yard but showed up at her porch every night for fresh strawberries. I enjoyed their interaction - until the heroine brought the turtle inside and stuck him in an aquarium. Yes, she was definitely following the above philosophy of pets making one's life richer but turtles aren't domesticated. It pulled me right out.
What takes you out of a story?
Saturday, July 12, 2014
writing retreat
Ky and I are house/dog sitting. We were promised wifi but no one can remember the password. This means I will have to write to amuse myself. And maybe play in the yard with the dogs. It's a deep yard. The ball travels a good distance.
I couldn't find the kettle but a pot of boiling water did the job. I left the story abruptly the other day because I had to go to work. I usually leave a note about the scene's purpose. I didn't have time and I can't quite remember. But my characters are sitting on a lovely verandah and getting to know each other while they wait for me.
My co-worker, at the library!, was shocked that one person could write so many books. I think she was shelving James Patterson. Even when I said it was his job she was still surprised. What amazes me is that she doesn't read. It's a good world that has room for both of us.
I couldn't find the kettle but a pot of boiling water did the job. I left the story abruptly the other day because I had to go to work. I usually leave a note about the scene's purpose. I didn't have time and I can't quite remember. But my characters are sitting on a lovely verandah and getting to know each other while they wait for me.
My co-worker, at the library!, was shocked that one person could write so many books. I think she was shelving James Patterson. Even when I said it was his job she was still surprised. What amazes me is that she doesn't read. It's a good world that has room for both of us.
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Personal identity
I remember being eight years old and boring the ever-loving hell out of my parents by reading aloud my ongoing revisions on a short story. One of them begged me to wait until the final version before reading to them again.
I have written for as long as I can remember. I was always off-the-wall and out of synch with the rest of the world. I wrote in a Doctor Who universe decades before I watched a single program. I liked fantasy, mystical and the unexplained. My art work rarely used the colour wheel appropriately. The worlds of my imagination made utter sense to me.
I am continually amazed that my family is impressed/shocked/amazed that I'm writing. Except for the two years when I believed someone who said my writing was dull, I have written every day of my life. Every. single. day. Not because I'm dedicated or disciplined but because there are stories in my head and the only chance I have for rest is to write them down.While I do care that others are entertained, my primary focus has been to satisfy my own curiosity. I am consumed by it.
Why haven't we cured cancer when there are so many cures for lab rats? Why are some cultures shocked by certain behaviours but not others? What is society? Why do we tell stories? Why do we believe in religion, deity and science? How do emotions works? Why are some people wired one way but not another? Which wiring is right? Why did that lady have tribal art all over her face? Who was the soldier waiting for? If love is the answer, why does hate often win? Are the animals laughing at us?
There is a reason I consider my personal symbol a question mark. Answers lead to more questions but tell them to me well and I will be satisfied. That is a very good thing.
I have written for as long as I can remember. I was always off-the-wall and out of synch with the rest of the world. I wrote in a Doctor Who universe decades before I watched a single program. I liked fantasy, mystical and the unexplained. My art work rarely used the colour wheel appropriately. The worlds of my imagination made utter sense to me.
I am continually amazed that my family is impressed/shocked/amazed that I'm writing. Except for the two years when I believed someone who said my writing was dull, I have written every day of my life. Every. single. day. Not because I'm dedicated or disciplined but because there are stories in my head and the only chance I have for rest is to write them down.While I do care that others are entertained, my primary focus has been to satisfy my own curiosity. I am consumed by it.
Why haven't we cured cancer when there are so many cures for lab rats? Why are some cultures shocked by certain behaviours but not others? What is society? Why do we tell stories? Why do we believe in religion, deity and science? How do emotions works? Why are some people wired one way but not another? Which wiring is right? Why did that lady have tribal art all over her face? Who was the soldier waiting for? If love is the answer, why does hate often win? Are the animals laughing at us?
There is a reason I consider my personal symbol a question mark. Answers lead to more questions but tell them to me well and I will be satisfied. That is a very good thing.
Wednesday, July 09, 2014
Writing plan
I spent a ridiculous amount of time trying to figure out why the pond is leaking - again. I couldn't find the source so I ran some algae all over the waterline then filled the pond up. It's still holding seven hours later so touch wood that it continues to do so. That time using my brain in one way helped me use it creatively in another way later in the day.
Only 800 words written today BUT I figured out some very important plot stuff. One of the reasons it takes me so long to write is that I have very complicated plots with lots of science. I love science. I was never good at it in school because of all the math. My brain doesn't naturally mesh with math. Not because I'm a girl but because I'm dyslexic with numbers. The more numbers involved in anything the far more confused I become and the higher the probability that I will fail in that task.
Things are moving along. I'm figuring things out, letting the science lead me to some good conclusions. Once I'm done the rough draft of this, I'll begin implementing the career plan. I have a Plan A and a Plan B. It's taken months of conversations with experienced author friends to come up with these two plans. I'll let you know what they are when the time comes. We live in interesting times as far as the publishing industry goes. There are so many options. At times, I've been overwhelmed with the options.
Here's another spot from which I wrote while in North Carolina. It was almost the perfect height, similar to my standing desk at home.
Only 800 words written today BUT I figured out some very important plot stuff. One of the reasons it takes me so long to write is that I have very complicated plots with lots of science. I love science. I was never good at it in school because of all the math. My brain doesn't naturally mesh with math. Not because I'm a girl but because I'm dyslexic with numbers. The more numbers involved in anything the far more confused I become and the higher the probability that I will fail in that task.
Things are moving along. I'm figuring things out, letting the science lead me to some good conclusions. Once I'm done the rough draft of this, I'll begin implementing the career plan. I have a Plan A and a Plan B. It's taken months of conversations with experienced author friends to come up with these two plans. I'll let you know what they are when the time comes. We live in interesting times as far as the publishing industry goes. There are so many options. At times, I've been overwhelmed with the options.
Here's another spot from which I wrote while in North Carolina. It was almost the perfect height, similar to my standing desk at home.
Sunday, July 06, 2014
I've run out of good titles
It took all week to write 1200 words. I got lost in a few things like a cold, definitions and botany. One of my favourite bands actually helped me figure out everything but the cold. Rest and honey tea are taking care of that.
One good thing about a cough is the core workout you get. Hey, little things. They make all the difference.
The security guard at the hospital yesterday was wearing an orange Netherlands tee-shirt. He's Italian but says his neighbours and in-laws are Dutch so now that his team is out of the World Cup he is orange. Then the pharmacy was showing the game so that security guard brought me up to speed on what I'd missed. You know, humour goes a long way to helping people through less than pleasant experiences. Granted, I wasn't in distress to begin with, but they did make my day a lot more pleasant.
One good thing about a cough is the core workout you get. Hey, little things. They make all the difference.
The security guard at the hospital yesterday was wearing an orange Netherlands tee-shirt. He's Italian but says his neighbours and in-laws are Dutch so now that his team is out of the World Cup he is orange. Then the pharmacy was showing the game so that security guard brought me up to speed on what I'd missed. You know, humour goes a long way to helping people through less than pleasant experiences. Granted, I wasn't in distress to begin with, but they did make my day a lot more pleasant.
Friday, July 04, 2014
Hidden blessings
One good thing about someone using all of my store brand vapor rub was that I was forced to make my own. I mixed some coconut oil with camphor rub. That stuff usually burns my skin. The coconut oil prevented that.
Summer colds suck but it was a light work week. I've watched lots of sports and finished the back of the sweater I started during the Winter Olympics.
I've had a lot of quiet time this year. I guess I've needed it.
Summer colds suck but it was a light work week. I've watched lots of sports and finished the back of the sweater I started during the Winter Olympics.
I've had a lot of quiet time this year. I guess I've needed it.
Tuesday, July 01, 2014
Diversity
I am incredibly grateful to live in this wonderful country that celebrates diversity in all forms.
I am more grateful to have a Thundershirt and Rescue Remedy to help Ky through the fireworks others shoot off in celebration of the national birthday (or Tuesday, cause really some people don't need a reason)
I'm grateful for honey harvested by the bees at a winery. It's kept my throat coated, and tasted delicious. I picture all the happy bees dancing their way up and down the vines. Sometimes I suspect they're intoxicated, their wiggle dance is so much more erratic than usual.
I have a great imagination. That holds me in good stead most of the time.
Last night I dreamt about what it was like for Indigenous People to celebrate the anniversary of the end of their true way of life. It was an interesting perspective and I need to talk to my friends who would know so much more about it than I do.
Diversity is for everyone. We need to figure out how to hold true to that philosophy without overriding anyone else's beliefs.
Vineyard honey, anyone?
I am more grateful to have a Thundershirt and Rescue Remedy to help Ky through the fireworks others shoot off in celebration of the national birthday (or Tuesday, cause really some people don't need a reason)
I'm grateful for honey harvested by the bees at a winery. It's kept my throat coated, and tasted delicious. I picture all the happy bees dancing their way up and down the vines. Sometimes I suspect they're intoxicated, their wiggle dance is so much more erratic than usual.
I have a great imagination. That holds me in good stead most of the time.
Last night I dreamt about what it was like for Indigenous People to celebrate the anniversary of the end of their true way of life. It was an interesting perspective and I need to talk to my friends who would know so much more about it than I do.
Diversity is for everyone. We need to figure out how to hold true to that philosophy without overriding anyone else's beliefs.
Vineyard honey, anyone?
Saturday, June 28, 2014
little things
I just can't seem to catch up on my sleep. Fortunately, I wasn't needed anywhere today. I noodled around with some research. I went off on a tangent that led to a dead end. It was actually a good thing as I know have a much better sense of my characters' character ;)
I came home to several bars of Icelandic chocolate. That was a pleasant and completely unexpected surprise. Of course, that's what surprise means.
A nice low-key day today leaves me in good stead for a really busy day tomorrow. I'm sure it will be interesting.
I came home to several bars of Icelandic chocolate. That was a pleasant and completely unexpected surprise. Of course, that's what surprise means.
A nice low-key day today leaves me in good stead for a really busy day tomorrow. I'm sure it will be interesting.
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Exhausted
One good thing about such a long day is I am tired and will sleep well as a result. That's is all. Today, that is enough
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Lots of good things
1,679 words were good today. It took a significant portion of the day to amass them but most of them are worth keeping. I put out a few personal fires while writing today so those words are even more precious.
It is possible to think of at least one good thing a day. It's easier in summer when the mulberry, strawberry and gooseberry all bear fruit. It's easier when the rain barrel is full, the weeds are under control and the pond fish are self-sustaining.
I'm working on walking or using the elliptical every day. I have a plan for when I run out of Doctor Who episodes. I've indulged in too much chocolate since I came home from last week's writing retreat slash vacation.
I'm appreciating every moment I have with Milo. He is too thin to bear, and eating little, but seems content to spend time with me. He has been my little panther for too many years to count. I've made the effort to enjoy him now rather than obsess about how much longer we have.
There are a great many deep thoughts running the maze of my brain. Most of them are good. I'm contemplating which open doors to walk through now that one has closed. I am blessed to have options. I am blessed to have people I love and who love me. I am blessed.
It is possible to think of at least one good thing a day. It's easier in summer when the mulberry, strawberry and gooseberry all bear fruit. It's easier when the rain barrel is full, the weeds are under control and the pond fish are self-sustaining.
I'm working on walking or using the elliptical every day. I have a plan for when I run out of Doctor Who episodes. I've indulged in too much chocolate since I came home from last week's writing retreat slash vacation.
I'm appreciating every moment I have with Milo. He is too thin to bear, and eating little, but seems content to spend time with me. He has been my little panther for too many years to count. I've made the effort to enjoy him now rather than obsess about how much longer we have.
There are a great many deep thoughts running the maze of my brain. Most of them are good. I'm contemplating which open doors to walk through now that one has closed. I am blessed to have options. I am blessed to have people I love and who love me. I am blessed.
Monday, June 23, 2014
Natural good things
Today's 1, 228 words were hard won. It not only took a long time to get back into the writing groove now that I'm home from North Carolina (even the smells are different) but the laptop was acting up after its little dive off the buffet yesterday. However, it seems fine now. Phew.
Another good thing was the last walk we had yesterday. There was a very tall tree laden with yellow flowers on the last corner. Because we had lost our companions, we stopped beside it. I heard this hum and looked up. The tree was dancing beneath the weight of thousands of bees. We moved under the drip line and closed our eyes to listen more closely. The hum rose and dipped in waves like a song. I wish I'd had my camera so that I could have recorded it. Far better than a good thing, it was and experience.
Another good thing was the last walk we had yesterday. There was a very tall tree laden with yellow flowers on the last corner. Because we had lost our companions, we stopped beside it. I heard this hum and looked up. The tree was dancing beneath the weight of thousands of bees. We moved under the drip line and closed our eyes to listen more closely. The hum rose and dipped in waves like a song. I wish I'd had my camera so that I could have recorded it. Far better than a good thing, it was and experience.
Friday, June 20, 2014
Fantastic
We hit the motherlode for research today. The people we met were helpful in unexpected and generous ways. Our entire day was spent driving across state to visit a NASCAR race garage. Then we spent two and half hours soaking up information, taking photos and learning so much.
I promised to keep the photos I took private so here's one from the Botanical Gardens.
I have no idea what it is other than beautiful.
We got home to more people, very short delightful grandchildren. They just filled the evening with joy, awe, games, stretches and a unique vision of everything with which they came in contact.
Great day. It's going to be hard to go home and back into the normal routine. But I have a great foundation for this story, even if I did only write 599 words today.
I promised to keep the photos I took private so here's one from the Botanical Gardens.
We got home to more people, very short delightful grandchildren. They just filled the evening with joy, awe, games, stretches and a unique vision of everything with which they came in contact.
Great day. It's going to be hard to go home and back into the normal routine. But I have a great foundation for this story, even if I did only write 599 words today.
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Photos to come
We spent most of the hot humid day indoors writing. I had a lot of research to do. If I don't understand how the science is going to work then I can't do it justice. I've been writing around the lack of knowledge but today was the day I had to do something about it.
I'm not sure why all that information: research, medical studies, chemistry and botany made sense but today is the day if finally gelled. And it gelled beautifully. I have come up with a fictional cure for cancer that actually makes sense. I had to create a strain of fern that doesn't actually exist - but that's the beauty of imagination.
Then my hero ran off to meet some characters I didn't know existed until he went to the North Carolina Botanical Gardens. I was there the last time I visited North Carolina but couldn't remember which trees grew near the ferns. So we went on a field trip.
Only a bunch of writers and their generous, accommodating hostess would venture out in 102 degree heat to walk through a garden. I took hundreds of photos. It will be some time before I make it back there and wanted to be sure to capture as much of the terrain as possible. I haven't even looked at them. We went out for dinner at the Carolina Club. That's the first time in years that a young man has given me flowers, let alone a red rose, over dinner. It was a nice gesture.
Another lovely day with great people, good conversation and productive writing. Today's final word count was 2,012. Not too shabby, all things considered.
I'm not sure why all that information: research, medical studies, chemistry and botany made sense but today is the day if finally gelled. And it gelled beautifully. I have come up with a fictional cure for cancer that actually makes sense. I had to create a strain of fern that doesn't actually exist - but that's the beauty of imagination.
Then my hero ran off to meet some characters I didn't know existed until he went to the North Carolina Botanical Gardens. I was there the last time I visited North Carolina but couldn't remember which trees grew near the ferns. So we went on a field trip.
Only a bunch of writers and their generous, accommodating hostess would venture out in 102 degree heat to walk through a garden. I took hundreds of photos. It will be some time before I make it back there and wanted to be sure to capture as much of the terrain as possible. I haven't even looked at them. We went out for dinner at the Carolina Club. That's the first time in years that a young man has given me flowers, let alone a red rose, over dinner. It was a nice gesture.
Another lovely day with great people, good conversation and productive writing. Today's final word count was 2,012. Not too shabby, all things considered.
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Daily word count
2,356 words today. My critique partner(cp) counts her productivity by pages. That's just under nine and a half pages for me. Not too shabby considering how much time I spent avoiding the one scene. Nymphs are tricky to write. They don't live by a code that is necessarily understandable by human standards but heck, I wrote a sympathetic demon. I'm up to the task. I did a lot of research.
It was 98 degrees outside today but I was writing in the basement (it was the most private space in the house). I froze. I actually had to take a small walk around outside in order to equalize my body temperature. It was a good day.
I wrote for a bit this morning in my notebook then hopped out of bed when my other cp knocked on my door to go for a walk. 7am and the air was already oppressive but we enjoyed ourselves. We got to pet a golden retriever and its hound companion. Great start to the day even if it wasn't Ky.
We had grilled salmon, baked potatoes and a salad for dinner. I am being spoiled here in North Carolina.
It was 98 degrees outside today but I was writing in the basement (it was the most private space in the house). I froze. I actually had to take a small walk around outside in order to equalize my body temperature. It was a good day.
I wrote for a bit this morning in my notebook then hopped out of bed when my other cp knocked on my door to go for a walk. 7am and the air was already oppressive but we enjoyed ourselves. We got to pet a golden retriever and its hound companion. Great start to the day even if it wasn't Ky.
We had grilled salmon, baked potatoes and a salad for dinner. I am being spoiled here in North Carolina.
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Writing progress
2,000 words and 1,122 today. I'm pleased. Not only am I getting some words on the page but I'm falling in love with these characters.
We've had lots of fun, too. Shopping, good meals, taste-testing gin and wine (not together!) and great conversations. It was 97degrees here with which this sheltered Canadian struggled.
This was my view yesterday
And this was today's
We've had lots of fun, too. Shopping, good meals, taste-testing gin and wine (not together!) and great conversations. It was 97degrees here with which this sheltered Canadian struggled.
This was my view yesterday
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Good things
I found all my notes for the NC story including the conflict - and its resolution. Then I wrote close to 1,000 words before dinner.
Dinner was a group effort with amazing women, one husband grilled squash and two types of steak. We ate the food, drank the wine and enjoyed the human company. I may have edited a friend's email for awkward sentence structure.
Father's Day with my dad and I in separate countries was weird but he k.ows I love him no matter the geography. He's never cared much about Hallmark Holidays. Still, it's nice to be told you're appreciated. He really is.
Dinner was a group effort with amazing women, one husband grilled squash and two types of steak. We ate the food, drank the wine and enjoyed the human company. I may have edited a friend's email for awkward sentence structure.
Father's Day with my dad and I in separate countries was weird but he k.ows I love him no matter the geography. He's never cared much about Hallmark Holidays. Still, it's nice to be told you're appreciated. He really is.
Friday, June 13, 2014
Outdoor goodness
Full moon on Friday the 13th. It is beautiful. The rain stopped and the clouds cleared in time to see the gorgeous astronomical event.
My wild rosebush is in full bloom filling the night air with its fragrance. Instead of snapping photos, I just tipped my head back and drank it all in.
My wild rosebush is in full bloom filling the night air with its fragrance. Instead of snapping photos, I just tipped my head back and drank it all in.
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Ripple effect
Politics and controversy aside, I love Fifa World Cup. Not only do I like sports, particularly soccer, I like the crazy fans who make Canadians appear disinterested in hockey. Soccer is incredibly colourful in many ways.
The Opening Ceremony today made me smile. So many aspects of Brazilian culture and heritage on display alongside its incredible nature. From the first distinctive drumbeat to the last, Yoda was dancing on his perch, literally shaking his tail feathers. It's the same reaction he has to the animated feature, Rio. I thought it was all the birds, his people, but now I suspect it's Brazil. His joy is contagious.
Then the entire stadium sang the Brazilian national anthem and I was moved to tears.
Pride is a good thing. Joy even better. Though neither were mine today I basked in the emotions of others and was better for it.
The Opening Ceremony today made me smile. So many aspects of Brazilian culture and heritage on display alongside its incredible nature. From the first distinctive drumbeat to the last, Yoda was dancing on his perch, literally shaking his tail feathers. It's the same reaction he has to the animated feature, Rio. I thought it was all the birds, his people, but now I suspect it's Brazil. His joy is contagious.
Then the entire stadium sang the Brazilian national anthem and I was moved to tears.
Pride is a good thing. Joy even better. Though neither were mine today I basked in the emotions of others and was better for it.
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Sparkly good things
This is my friend's jewelry page. She does beautiful work that makes both of us happy. She loves making it and I love looking at it, touching it and trying it on.
These are the earrings that came in the mail today.
I won them at Nancy Herkness' Launch party for her latest book. Aren't they pretty? Nancy's books always make me smile.
These are the earrings that came in the mail today.
I won them at Nancy Herkness' Launch party for her latest book. Aren't they pretty? Nancy's books always make me smile.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Productive
I've been blog absent for the last few days. Not because there weren't good things happening but more because I couldn't think of them at the end of the day when so much less than appreciated stuff occurred.
Today though was much better. Ky's vet appointment not only cost less than I had budgeted but more importantly the vet suggested we hold off surgery until the Fall. The lumps are growing quickly but they're most likely benign. We can leave them so that Ky can enjoy the summer. He does like to swim down at the lake. So we're going to do that.
My mom is doing better now that she's in the hospital and getting IV antibiotics. It's much less of a worry.
On the writing front, I finished the edits on Casey's story. Wheee. I also looked at a ridiculous number of photos from five years ago. The more things change the more they stay the same.
I rewrote a scene for the horror story. There was a good suggestion to flip that scene around so I did while I picked up milk and bananas. It will be even better once I put it onto paper.
AND - I found the outline for the North Carolina nymph romance. What a relief. I'll have no excuse when I'm at the writers retreat next week. Every day will be filled with good things. I'll be surrounded by amazing women (and a husband or two) who write, support writers, read books. I anticipate a significant amount of laughter to go with the profound thoughts, brilliant stories and wine.
Tonight it will storm so I don't have to water the garden. I'm charging all the electronic devices now so we're good to unplug everything. It's nice to have fairly reliable weather forecasts.
Now if only I could stop stress eating. At least the cookies and squares are gone.
Today though was much better. Ky's vet appointment not only cost less than I had budgeted but more importantly the vet suggested we hold off surgery until the Fall. The lumps are growing quickly but they're most likely benign. We can leave them so that Ky can enjoy the summer. He does like to swim down at the lake. So we're going to do that.
My mom is doing better now that she's in the hospital and getting IV antibiotics. It's much less of a worry.
On the writing front, I finished the edits on Casey's story. Wheee. I also looked at a ridiculous number of photos from five years ago. The more things change the more they stay the same.
I rewrote a scene for the horror story. There was a good suggestion to flip that scene around so I did while I picked up milk and bananas. It will be even better once I put it onto paper.
AND - I found the outline for the North Carolina nymph romance. What a relief. I'll have no excuse when I'm at the writers retreat next week. Every day will be filled with good things. I'll be surrounded by amazing women (and a husband or two) who write, support writers, read books. I anticipate a significant amount of laughter to go with the profound thoughts, brilliant stories and wine.
Tonight it will storm so I don't have to water the garden. I'm charging all the electronic devices now so we're good to unplug everything. It's nice to have fairly reliable weather forecasts.
Now if only I could stop stress eating. At least the cookies and squares are gone.
Saturday, June 07, 2014
I am Canadian
Can't talk. Watching hockey. I don't care who wins. This is fast-paced end-to-end hockey at its finest.
Friday, June 06, 2014
Reading
I've been so tired the last couple of days that after work all I did was read. I didn't write, I didn't cook. I did a spot of cleaning, a load of laundry and binged on Doctor Who. I made the transition from Ten (goodbye David Tennant) to Eleven (hello Matt Smith). I also caught up on Brenda Harlen's back list. We're critique partners and working four books ahead of the one that just came out this month. I forget what happens, yet she sucks me right back in to the stories and in love with the characters. That's good writing.
E
Wednesday, June 04, 2014
Romance
Today was one of those days. I did manage to spend most of the day with writing buddies. That can never be a bad thing. It not only makes me a better writer but a better person as well.
A quick stop at Chapters Indigo was a treat. All of the sales associates were enthusiastic about books, romance in particular. That's a refreshing change. I've never understood the bad rap that genre gets. Far more people fall in love than commit murder.
Then I came home and watched a sweet movie About Time. It had just the right tone to counter balance the disappointment of part of my day.
A quick stop at Chapters Indigo was a treat. All of the sales associates were enthusiastic about books, romance in particular. That's a refreshing change. I've never understood the bad rap that genre gets. Far more people fall in love than commit murder.
Then I came home and watched a sweet movie About Time. It had just the right tone to counter balance the disappointment of part of my day.
Tuesday, June 03, 2014
Pleasant day
Today was great. I finished the penultimate draft of the horror story and sent it off.
The shower was caulked, the leak sealed.
I made plans for our writers meeting tomorrow - and some brownies.
I won earrings at a book launch. The place I belong is the last in Nancy Herkness's Whisper Horse trilogy. Not only does she have the most beautiful covers but her characters are engaging.
Hope your day was pleasantly filled with good things.
The shower was caulked, the leak sealed.
I made plans for our writers meeting tomorrow - and some brownies.
I won earrings at a book launch. The place I belong is the last in Nancy Herkness's Whisper Horse trilogy. Not only does she have the most beautiful covers but her characters are engaging.
Hope your day was pleasantly filled with good things.
Monday, June 02, 2014
Gardens, writing and dogs - oh my
It was so hot and humid outside today. The wind is strong so I've got all the windows open. Eliot has lain on all of the windowsills. Ky and I played ball while the rain barrel filled the watering cans. We have 7 tomatoes coming! The gooseberry bush is laden with berries, the strawberries and raspberries are covered in blossoms. And for the first time in seven years, the peony is going to bloom.
I have one last run through to do on the horror story in the morning before I send it off to be critiqued by a horror writer. Then I must resize all of Casey's photos so I can format his story while I'm in North Carolina in two weeks. After that, back to writing romance I go. I'm a happier person when I write Happily Ever After. I suspect the lack of romance, hope and the belief in the goodness of humanity are wearing on the global psyche.
Either that or everyone needs to toss a ball for their dog. Such joy is contagious.
I have one last run through to do on the horror story in the morning before I send it off to be critiqued by a horror writer. Then I must resize all of Casey's photos so I can format his story while I'm in North Carolina in two weeks. After that, back to writing romance I go. I'm a happier person when I write Happily Ever After. I suspect the lack of romance, hope and the belief in the goodness of humanity are wearing on the global psyche.
Either that or everyone needs to toss a ball for their dog. Such joy is contagious.
Sunday, June 01, 2014
change of plans
Two yards of mulch were spread in the garden and play areas. I don't feel the least bit guilty about popcorn at the movie this afternoon. Because Mom wasn't feeling well, we skipped the book festival. That freed me up to meet my friend early.
X-Men. Worth it. That is all.
X-Men. Worth it. That is all.
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