For the past week plus, I've been fighting a summer cold. No biggie, but my voice has taken a leave of absense for the duration. Actually, it came and went. Mostly went. And yes, I got all the wonderful jokes from my hubby and other men about the blessedness of being voiceless and could I give it to their wives/girlfriends/etc. Humpf.
The funny thing is, even when I do have a voice, I really don't talk that much. Or don't think I do. Maybe I do and don't know it. When my hubby's at work, I'm here with just the cat and, though she talks a lot, we don't really hold great conversations. When he's home, we're mostly doing our own things so don't talk that much. After thirty-five years, we pretty much know what the other wants to say.
But my voice is slowly coming back, so watch out world. I'm ba-a-a-a-ck. :)
**********
If you had to lose a sense, what would it be and why?
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Summertime....
What is it about a summer cold that has you feeling worse than one you catch in the winter? Is it because in the winter everyone has one and you're just one more of the crowd? Or because you don't feel like doing anything and this is the prime time of the year to be out doing things?
I've been fighting a nasty bug for about a week now. Coughing, sore throat, tired, hoarse, snuffly, the whole gamut. I don't feel like doing anything although I've got a ton of work to be done. I don't feel like going anywhere although I've got to go take care of things.
So I slog through my days, getting done what absolutely has to be done knowing that I'll pay for it when I'm better because I've left some things go.
But on the upside... I finished my novella this week! Almost 100 pages. It needs a lot of work, but the bare bones of the story is there. But I'm not going to work on it until my brain has decided to come home.
A little backstory... Last year, I was asked by a friend to go in with her and another writer in a contemporary paranormal anthology. When I jumped at the chance, I was then told I had two weeks to write the story. And thus was born "Who's Your Alpha", part of the "The Shape of Love" book from Draumr Publishing. I guess they liked it enough that we were asked to do a second one for this year. At least I had more than a two week notice!
And yet, it took me only two weeks to write this one also. :) All I'll tell you is that it is, once again, a contemporary paranormal - though it does not involve shapeshifters this time.
And now it's time for some hot honey/lemon tea and a good story. Got any suggestions?
**********
The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug. - Mark Twain.
I've been fighting a nasty bug for about a week now. Coughing, sore throat, tired, hoarse, snuffly, the whole gamut. I don't feel like doing anything although I've got a ton of work to be done. I don't feel like going anywhere although I've got to go take care of things.
So I slog through my days, getting done what absolutely has to be done knowing that I'll pay for it when I'm better because I've left some things go.
But on the upside... I finished my novella this week! Almost 100 pages. It needs a lot of work, but the bare bones of the story is there. But I'm not going to work on it until my brain has decided to come home.
A little backstory... Last year, I was asked by a friend to go in with her and another writer in a contemporary paranormal anthology. When I jumped at the chance, I was then told I had two weeks to write the story. And thus was born "Who's Your Alpha", part of the "The Shape of Love" book from Draumr Publishing. I guess they liked it enough that we were asked to do a second one for this year. At least I had more than a two week notice!
And yet, it took me only two weeks to write this one also. :) All I'll tell you is that it is, once again, a contemporary paranormal - though it does not involve shapeshifters this time.
And now it's time for some hot honey/lemon tea and a good story. Got any suggestions?
**********
The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug. - Mark Twain.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Challenges
I know I haven't been blogging much of late. Shall we just say "extenuating circumstances" and leave it at that?
One of those circumstances has been a challenge my writer friends and I extended to each other. For various reasons, it seemed we were all in a slump. Not much output and very little urge. So one of the others suggested a challenge. We put a small amount of money into a pot for $5.00 bookstore gift cards. Whoever produces the most in one week, wins the card for that week. We'd get a point for each page of new writing or five pages of editing. We could pick the best of five days out of any seven per week. And it has to be our own stuff.
It doesn't sound like much of a challenge, does it? But what you don't understand is that the five of us are rather competitive. So we were off and running.
And our output has been amazing. In the two weeks since we started, I've written 90 pages on a new story - and I'm nowhere near the top of the heap. Depending on the day, I get anywhere from five to (my personal best) twenty pages of new writing. Some of the others are doing up to 30 pages. And one did an edit of almost 400 pages. Our output has increased tremendously, as has our excitement.
We needed a challenge and we got one.
Speaking of challenges, last Friday, after our family dinner, we decided to play some Wii bowling. I assumed the players would be the adults - my husband, myself, our son and his wife. But our 4-year-old grandson complained that he wanted to play also so my husband bowed out. I was a little concerned about him using the remote, etc. even though they have one at their house. After all, he is only 4. I needn't have worried. What did surprise me was how good he was -- to the point that he almost beat me! Talk about an ego bruising.
But then I forget who his father is. This is a man for whom the electronics industry was created. And his son is no different.
**********
Writing is an exploration. You start from nothing and learn as you go. - E.L. Doctorow
One of those circumstances has been a challenge my writer friends and I extended to each other. For various reasons, it seemed we were all in a slump. Not much output and very little urge. So one of the others suggested a challenge. We put a small amount of money into a pot for $5.00 bookstore gift cards. Whoever produces the most in one week, wins the card for that week. We'd get a point for each page of new writing or five pages of editing. We could pick the best of five days out of any seven per week. And it has to be our own stuff.
It doesn't sound like much of a challenge, does it? But what you don't understand is that the five of us are rather competitive. So we were off and running.
And our output has been amazing. In the two weeks since we started, I've written 90 pages on a new story - and I'm nowhere near the top of the heap. Depending on the day, I get anywhere from five to (my personal best) twenty pages of new writing. Some of the others are doing up to 30 pages. And one did an edit of almost 400 pages. Our output has increased tremendously, as has our excitement.
We needed a challenge and we got one.
Speaking of challenges, last Friday, after our family dinner, we decided to play some Wii bowling. I assumed the players would be the adults - my husband, myself, our son and his wife. But our 4-year-old grandson complained that he wanted to play also so my husband bowed out. I was a little concerned about him using the remote, etc. even though they have one at their house. After all, he is only 4. I needn't have worried. What did surprise me was how good he was -- to the point that he almost beat me! Talk about an ego bruising.
But then I forget who his father is. This is a man for whom the electronics industry was created. And his son is no different.
**********
Writing is an exploration. You start from nothing and learn as you go. - E.L. Doctorow
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Games
I love board games. All kinds of games. (insert all sorts of registered trademark symbols coming up): Scrabble, Monopoly, Cranium, Aggravation, Trivial Pursuit - so many more. They are fun, challenging, aggravating, and a great source of entertainment. I really miss playing them.
So what's the problem? You kind of need more than one person to really play a board game. And I refuse to play them online. It's just not the same. When you're sitting there with the person, you get to laugh at them, with them, rub *it* in when you're winning... there's so much more to a game when you play it in person with others. But most of my family has moved away so the games sit there in the closet, waiting for the time when we can play them again. Yes, my husband could play with me - but we enjoy totally different types of games. I'm more into word or "brain" games. He's into games of strategy and domination (Risk, Go, etc.). We rarely agree on a game we can both enjoy.
I have a lot of fond memories of board games. For instance, I had these two aunts - Janet and Wilma - both of them barely five feet tall and almost as broad around. They were the quietest, most genteel ladies you'd ever want to know. That is, until they were playing a game. Then watch out! They were viscious! Rack-o and Aggravation were the games of choice and they gave no mercy. They played cutthroat games and played to win. But when they did, they didn't lord it over you. They went right back to being their quiet, gracious selves. At least until the next time they played! Oh, the laughing and screaming - such fond memories.
We used to play a lot of board games. I guess they've pretty much been overtaken by video games and game systems now. But oh, the fun we had with them.
Don't get me wrong. I absolutely love my Wii system and play with it almost every day. But I'd love to play a good old-fashioned board game again.
Vicky
So what's the problem? You kind of need more than one person to really play a board game. And I refuse to play them online. It's just not the same. When you're sitting there with the person, you get to laugh at them, with them, rub *it* in when you're winning... there's so much more to a game when you play it in person with others. But most of my family has moved away so the games sit there in the closet, waiting for the time when we can play them again. Yes, my husband could play with me - but we enjoy totally different types of games. I'm more into word or "brain" games. He's into games of strategy and domination (Risk, Go, etc.). We rarely agree on a game we can both enjoy.
I have a lot of fond memories of board games. For instance, I had these two aunts - Janet and Wilma - both of them barely five feet tall and almost as broad around. They were the quietest, most genteel ladies you'd ever want to know. That is, until they were playing a game. Then watch out! They were viscious! Rack-o and Aggravation were the games of choice and they gave no mercy. They played cutthroat games and played to win. But when they did, they didn't lord it over you. They went right back to being their quiet, gracious selves. At least until the next time they played! Oh, the laughing and screaming - such fond memories.
We used to play a lot of board games. I guess they've pretty much been overtaken by video games and game systems now. But oh, the fun we had with them.
Don't get me wrong. I absolutely love my Wii system and play with it almost every day. But I'd love to play a good old-fashioned board game again.
Vicky
Friday, July 04, 2008
Happy Independence Day!
Today is the 4th of July and here in the States, that means holiday, barbecues, fireworks, and parades.
Last evening, I went to the parade here in my small town. It was probably the first parade I'd been to just to watch in decades. Yes, you read that right - decades. As a youngster and teen, I marched in parades with various organizations and with my band. Along with other bands in the area, we were always going to bands. Though I only remember marching in one or two "summer" parades. And those were definite challenges. With heavy black wool uniforms under which you were often forced to wear other clothing due to the scratchy material, and overlaid by even heavier tunics, summer was definitely *not* the time to march. The couple of times we did, I remember the band masters handing out salt tablets and chaperones rushing to the aid of those who fell by the wayside. All this is to say I understand why many bands choose not to participate in summer parades.
But I was still disappointed. Oh, the parade was well attended. There was a huge crowd lining the streets of our little town. Everyone was in high spirits. But you can only watch so many fire trucks going by. There was one band - the town band - marching. A local events DJ had a lot of spirit and music - and were pretty darned entertaining - in my estimate, the best of the whole lineup. A couple of small ensembles tooted out tunes on the backs of trucks. Other than that, it was mostly fire trucks (a lot of fire trucks), and businesses advertising their wares while tossing out candies to the children - and the lineup of the pagent participants - lovely young ladies sitting on the back of decked out Corvettes, and more fire trucks.
From what I understand, it was an excellent parade. And I will admit, I had a nice time being there with extended family. But I miss the bands.
Maybe what I miss is the memory of the bands.
And we all know how faulty memories can be. :)
Happy 4th of July everyone.
Last evening, I went to the parade here in my small town. It was probably the first parade I'd been to just to watch in decades. Yes, you read that right - decades. As a youngster and teen, I marched in parades with various organizations and with my band. Along with other bands in the area, we were always going to bands. Though I only remember marching in one or two "summer" parades. And those were definite challenges. With heavy black wool uniforms under which you were often forced to wear other clothing due to the scratchy material, and overlaid by even heavier tunics, summer was definitely *not* the time to march. The couple of times we did, I remember the band masters handing out salt tablets and chaperones rushing to the aid of those who fell by the wayside. All this is to say I understand why many bands choose not to participate in summer parades.
But I was still disappointed. Oh, the parade was well attended. There was a huge crowd lining the streets of our little town. Everyone was in high spirits. But you can only watch so many fire trucks going by. There was one band - the town band - marching. A local events DJ had a lot of spirit and music - and were pretty darned entertaining - in my estimate, the best of the whole lineup. A couple of small ensembles tooted out tunes on the backs of trucks. Other than that, it was mostly fire trucks (a lot of fire trucks), and businesses advertising their wares while tossing out candies to the children - and the lineup of the pagent participants - lovely young ladies sitting on the back of decked out Corvettes, and more fire trucks.
From what I understand, it was an excellent parade. And I will admit, I had a nice time being there with extended family. But I miss the bands.
Maybe what I miss is the memory of the bands.
And we all know how faulty memories can be. :)
Happy 4th of July everyone.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Monday Meanderings
I read an interesting blurb the other day that brought home just how subjective this world of publishing is. According to the story, in 1975, a journalist named Chuck Ross, copied the first twenty pages of an award winning novel by Jerzy Kosinski and submitted it under his own name to multiple publishers, including the author's own house. All rejected the work. To follow this up, in 1982, Ross did some minor changes to the script from "Casablanca" and submitted it - it was again rejected by all.
While I find it sad that none (or very few) of these publishers or agents recognized what was at one time, award winning work, I find it more interesting that Ross can still get published. Just consider: you get a manuscript from Chuck Ross and it rings a bell in your overworked brain - Oh, this is the guy who changes a couple of things and submits someone else's work. I would have a big red "Rejected" stamp just for him.
But therein lies the strangeness of this business, for Mr. Ross is a rather successful journalist. Good for him! And good for the industry for allowing a laugh at their own expense. This business is difficult enough without having the occasional oddity to chuckle at.
Would I ever attempt such chicanery? Nope. Not me. And to those who contemplate it, please don't. There are enough legitimate manuscripts taking up the time of agents and editors without adding a hoax in there.
*********
In the area of "my life", we continue to recover from the wedding. I've still got several boxes I need to ship to daughter - wedding gifts received that need boxed up and sent. Plus had some medical issues this past week that took me out for a few days. But am slowly getting back into the swing of things. Managed to do 8 pages of new stuff on a new story last night. Most I've written in a couple of weeks. :)
While I find it sad that none (or very few) of these publishers or agents recognized what was at one time, award winning work, I find it more interesting that Ross can still get published. Just consider: you get a manuscript from Chuck Ross and it rings a bell in your overworked brain - Oh, this is the guy who changes a couple of things and submits someone else's work. I would have a big red "Rejected" stamp just for him.
But therein lies the strangeness of this business, for Mr. Ross is a rather successful journalist. Good for him! And good for the industry for allowing a laugh at their own expense. This business is difficult enough without having the occasional oddity to chuckle at.
Would I ever attempt such chicanery? Nope. Not me. And to those who contemplate it, please don't. There are enough legitimate manuscripts taking up the time of agents and editors without adding a hoax in there.
*********
In the area of "my life", we continue to recover from the wedding. I've still got several boxes I need to ship to daughter - wedding gifts received that need boxed up and sent. Plus had some medical issues this past week that took me out for a few days. But am slowly getting back into the swing of things. Managed to do 8 pages of new stuff on a new story last night. Most I've written in a couple of weeks. :)
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