Super Tuesday

I'm back to the home office after a nice three-day weekend and celebrating baby niece's first birthday. It was a hit! We had a wonderful time. She is so grown up at one and is working so hard to imitate everything we do.





She is so curious and anything different gets her notice very quickly. Even if you leave a camera or Wii controller or tv remote within her reach, she zeroes in on it within seconds. It was fun to spend time with her and the family and we made Wii bowling champions out of a few more people!

Onto writing, my editor is still reviewing and I'm busy with other things:

researching possible agents to send the book to and working on my essay class and MFA class work. The power flickered last night so much after our arrival at home that we just shut the computers down and went to bed. I have already had a conference call and answered all my email and now am ready to start on my to do list for today, which is long, but everything I want to accomplish will get done this week.

My February list:

Move this blog to a more secure platform (got my host, picked my theme, just need to move)
Finish building and launch my corp writing site (www.realbrilliantcopy.com)
Hire my VA for data entry.
Editorial postcards need to go this week.
Update eZine.
Implement decisions on blogs for both biz sites.
Corp site eZine writing.
MFA class work catch up for February.
Essay class (write four essays and learn the process)
Daily study and reading schedule (my list of books is over 50 titles long)

We'll see how far I get on this. It's fun to set out plans and then see how I do at month's end.

Currently reading: The Situation and the Story (Vivian Gornick)
Currently listening to: Third Day

Happy February!

Well, LOST was freaking awesome. I am so happy to get a fix. It will wear off by the end of today, but I have the ep on TiVo so I can just rewatch.

But I am at risk of boring those readers who want me to talk about writing. Okay.

So, my essay class begins today. I'm about halfway through Art and Craft of Memoir, edited by William Zinser, which held a funny anecdote by memoirist Frank McCourt:

The first piece of literature in my life--if you go back to what you might call the intellectual or spiritual activities--was the Catholic catechism, the little green book that had the questions and answers that prepared us for first confession and first communion. The first question was "Who made the world?"

"God."

"Who is God?"

"God is the creator and sovereign lord of heaven and earth and of all things."

"Why did God make the world?"

That's where I got into trouble. I forgot the answer. So I said, "So we all have something to stand on." That was my first encounter with theology, and an unfortunate encounter it was.

Loved that one. Read it to hubby and he wanted me to find out what the "correct" answer was. :)

Zinsser edits a great book, which is also a quick read, and well worth the effort. I hope to finish today and then it's on to the next. :)

So, I am working on the first essay for my class and of course, it dredges up memories that are painful (centered around my faith, which probably doesn't surprise anyone) so it will take a bit to get it all out and to make it truthful. That is the biggest lesson for this first week: to be truthful.

How does one do that? How do you honestly filter your experiences and really face them with honesty and truth? The urge is to cover up and to make them pretty, so they don't hurt so much. I don't think that's a bad thing, though. It's how humans cope (read any psychoanalysis textbook to see how much we do to cope) and we've become really good at it.

I think that's the greatest challenge in memoir/essay writing. To record events that perhaps weren't our greatest moments, and that takes a lot of courage. I was working with a writing coach a few years ago and started some essays back then that I stopped abruptly. She was really disappointed, because she felt these essays were the truest thing I could write. So this is my brave moment.

Sending off that novel manuscript made me brave and I'm going to grab the chance to just go for it with these essays. If I can get them out, that's a huge victory in my eyes.

Next up to read: The Situation and the Story: The Art of Personal Narrative (Vivian Gornick)
Currently listening to: Gothica (Sarah Brightman)

LOST: Ignore This Post At Your Peril

Sorry to those of you who just don't care (wake up, people!) but today is the day of all days: the LOST premiere. We only get 8 eps, but we'll take 'em. Besides, I heard tell that these may be the best 8 eps of the entire show!

My questions are:

Who gets off the island?
Who does NOT get off the island?
And how does it all come down?

That to me is what is going to drive the last three seasons of this show. The conflict between various warring factions and how it all blows up and why that made Jack so desperate in last season's flash forward. Remember, he was hollering at Kate "We have to go back!" Why? What happened after he made the call to that freighter? We are gonna find out starting tonight. It's deliciously wonderful to have LOST back. I'm so pumped up.

I hope I can sit still while getting my hair cut today. My poor stylist.

In other news, my prep work for my essay class that begins tomorrow is going strong. I'm almost finished with my MFA work this week. I also finished a pile of books yesterday, which was good. I have another pile to start on. This is gonna be fun!

My teacher for my essay class is Andrea King Collier, renowned essayist (featured in O magazine) and soon to have her own book of essays published. I'm really glad I got into this class (her last one in 2008) and know it will help steer my writing for this year in a significant way.

My buddy, Allison, has her new novel's pre-order page up at Amazon. So exciting, AWS! In case you missed her first novel, look here.

I can't describe the euphoria of having an editor work on your book. It was a huge step for me and I'm so glad I did it. I feel stronger, more sure, and even freer than I've ever felt with my writing, probably because I trust Emily and know she'll tell it to me straight. It's a great foundation for 2008.

Currently reading: Inventing Truth: The Art and Craft of Memoir (William Zinser)
Currently listening to: August Rush Soundtrack

Political Meanderings

So Edwards and Guiliani are both out, prompting a lot of chatter as to who to vote for (a lot of people I know were really pumped for those two).

We're still 10 months away and I'm already troubled.

Anyhoo, yesterday was a great day. I read (mostly for my MFA class work) and am in love with a whole new batch of short story writers. Any class that makes you read this many short stories is a good one. I have more to do today, but the deadline for my marketing is coming up and I will have to deal with some of that too. I'm also getting hammered with day job schtuff. It is the busy season.

My CPA is working on payroll paperwork for 2007 Q4 and W2 for 2007. I can't remember if I filed that one form back in 2007 or not (it's not due until February) and I also can't find it, so I hopefully filed it. Yeesh.

If you are truly in the dark and your head is under a rock, tonight begins the LOST partying. The last episode of Season 3 replays tonight (the enhanced version) in preparation for tomorrow's big Season 4 launch. Even with a shorter season, people are excited! As am I.

Hopefully I get more animated as we head toward spring. This blog is just dull. Sorry, everyone.

Currently reading: Eclipse (Stephenie Meyer)
Currently listening to: One Republic

As the World Turns

No, not a soaps fan (at all), but man, do things move fast when you least expect them to.

Job changing in a massive way right before my eyes and it's all good. Very hard to hear on a conference call when hubby is rattling around in my office looking for envelope and a stamp, HOWEVER!

I worked it yesterday. Got caught up on several projects and fell into bed exhausted. I have to work to get caught up because I have got a three-day weekend planned. It's my baby niece's first birthday! I know! A whole year! And because her birthday is also the day of the Superbowl, which is a big deal for Todd this year (he's rooting for the Pats), we're going to stay through Monday. That way he and Dad can play golf or go to the shooting range or something manly and I'll just play with baby. A treat!

So the revision is off, the work is caught up, my house is clean (cleaned all weekend), and it's time to read.

So I'll sign off for today.

Currently reading: The Right to Write (Julia Cameron)
Currently listening to: the printer

The Raccoon and the Snow

Woke up to a winter wonderland today. My friend, J, got her wish, but school in her district won't be cancelled, just an hour late. Our district was cancelled, because in these hills, you just don't drive. Well, at least I don't. I am a menace on ice, thus school buses would also be dangerous.

Anyway, our resident coon (he's a biggun) just crept across the snow and up onto the fence and into our trees and hubby came running downstairs to point him out. We've seen him a few times now, but each time we do, he looks bigger and fatter than before. Now if he would only help us reduce the stray cat population around here, life would be really good.

Revision shipped, check was mailed, and so I partied this weekend. We had a Wii party Friday night, which went all night (friend crashed on the couch) and then last night, after J and I went to Ikea to pick up the niece's birthday present (!!!!!!), we played more Wii. It was a very nice weekend and I actually finished several books to boot and watched another disk of Jeeves and Wooster. Lovely.

This week is going to be less intense, but it's strategic planning for several other January/February items that are on my to-do list next. It should be interesting. One freelance project has completely blown up, so I just want to finish (funny how all the other projects I'm on for this client are smooth sailing, without even a slight hiccup; methinks it is the people on this project, not the project; and I mean me too--the people team just doesn't click well).

So for this week:

1. Prep for essay class.
2. MFA work for this week.
3. Marketing campaign for Q1 2008 begins (organize names in ACT)
4. Continue writing copy for new web site.
5. Seek out complimentary blogs for new blogging project.

And LOST is here on Thursday. I am so freaking excited!

Have a great snow day!

Currently listening to: August Rush soundtrack
Currently reading: Broken For You (Stephanie Kallos)

Done, done, done

I finished the revision. I want to revise again. This is the madness and why I'm hiring an editor. I can't get caught in this revision vortex again.

I ran a spellcheck, and then made it pretty and now it's printed and bundled and an UPS tag is sitting on it ready to go today. Whew. I was so happy to finish the first pass--for about five seconds--and then I started doodling.

Slap my hand!

So on to the next thing on my todo list, which is prepare for my February essay class, deal with this week's MFA schtuff, and get back to writing my new web site copy. Plus, it's gonna be a blog explosion around here as we move to a domain! Excitement. Or I blow up my domain host. Whichever comes first, I guess.

And it's time for a Friday Fiver! Everybody scream now.

1. Working on a monograph and trying to push IMAP email and HTTP email into POP for the day job. I need hubby! Might have to wait until he gets home.

2. Finishing two freelance projects, one completely done and another beginning.

3. Run to Nordstrom Rack for sis to find that "bag."

4. Get all that done, so I can read! I am going mad by only getting one page of Allegra Goodman each night. Plus, the new Seth Godin book is really good.

5. I think February is going to be wild, just hearing about the workload from the day job, and the writing I want to accomplish.

Extra item: LOST season 4 starts next week. If you haven't seen the sneak peeks (which are really good), go here.

Currently reading: a whole pile of stuff, at the top is Allegra Goodman's Intuition
Currently listening to: Jordin Sparks (American Idol)

So I Thought It Was Friday

And freaked out, because I'm still revising. I'm on the final, final pages and gonna make it. Why is it that everything conspires against you just as you're "finishing" some project? It happened to me yesterday.

But moving on.

There is so much turmoil in publishing at the start of this year. Every issue I get of Publishers Weekly has some more big news to report (Tom Wolfe moved publishers, etc.). 2008 is going to be quite a year and I can't wait.

Most of what I revise just needs work, but yesterday I ran across some solid little gems (my own writing!) and I was pleased. I'm ruthless if it doesn't fit the story, but these fit and I thought they were comical, so they stayed in. I've cut about 7% of my first draft and Stephen King says 10% should be cut from a first draft, but more may come out after the editor takes a gander. We'll see.

Woke up to see hubby walking around listening to his iPod (Wall Street Journal) again, which is a welcome sight. After five months of working too hard to get the team in place, he finally gets to kick back and rest and work on special projects. I'm really happy for him and love hearing stories of how upper management clap their hands with glee when they hear he's handling special projects. It's nice to have so many people trust hubby, even when he bombarded with negative vibes from other, not so intelligent coworkers. Rock on, babe! I bought him an audiobook to listen to along with the new Greenspan audiobook.

Currently listening to: The phone ringing (London calling)
Currently reading: Meatball Sundae (Seth Godin)

It's All About Perspective

I hope today is the end of this revise. My brain can do nothing else but think about it. This blog has suffered, my communication skills have tanked, and I still am not quite done. Why is it that when you're to send your work to a pro you suddenly see everything that is horribly wrong? Yep, that's me.

I slept yesterday and then read (psychology and lit books for a Teaching Company class I'm taking) and today I feel much better. But my anxiety rears almost every hour! I have this little trick--Rescue Remedy potion and a Metallica DVD (it's Ben H's fault! but really, I owe Ben, I can't edit without it now!)--which delights Todd!

Today is it. It must be the end. I have too many things to think about and too much to do. 85 pages to go!

Wish me luck!

In other news: Drew Carey reruns are the best! We have them TiVo'd every night and love this show so much! It's a different tv world for sure. It's the type of show that makes you relax. And of course, I love Drew Carey!

Currently reading: the revision, revision books, book on literature, books on Freud (boy was he an egotistical maniac)
Currently listening to: Five O'Clock World (The Vogues) (from the Drew Carey show, of course!)

Revision Gains

I'm really not here. I just got up to check email and record a sick day with my boss. I feel out of it. Yes, January flu season is upon us. Blech.

But really quick, I worked so hard all weekend on my revisions and am so close to the finish line! I'll probably finish them later today after a good long nap. However, I am in bed all day long.

So not much to report today, but I'll be feeling back to it tomorrow.

Currently reading: gonna be the back of my eyelids in a minute
Currently listening to: Five O'Clock World (The Vogues)

Friday Fiver

1. Trying to decide whether or not to take an essay class from the esteemed Andrea King Collier in February. Would that be too much on my plate with this novel?

2. Finally getting access to the remote access for the day job: the right sufolders, etc. That was a hassle.

3. Revision is moving along, I'm dreaming about the book now, which is a good sign. This weekend is all revision, all the time.

4. Tonight is Cloverfield (new JJ Abrams movie) and I can't decide to go see it or not. I think not; I can't stand freakishly suspenseful movies in the theater.

5. Three day weekend, which is a surprise, because I wasn't planning on it until like Wednesday, but now I'm really excited.

Short and sweet today. Gotta get to my work.

Currently reading: Intuition (Allegra Goodman)
Currently listening to: Jordin Sparks

Thursday and I Need the Weekend . . .Now!

Yes, the blog changed a bit. I'm fussing with it, trying to decide what I like and what I don't. That's Maui (looking out from the Seven Sacred Pools) by the way. Everyone is in Hawaii right now (well not everyone, but plenty of people I know who keep emailing me to say hi; hello to you too) and I could use a dose of it myself.

Moving on.

I was sick yesterday, so not much progress other than LOST season 3 and day job work. The day job is all shot to bits right now because my old boss is leaving (my new boss doesn't want the job) and they keep including me in on all these management meetings (that start at 2 am my time) and I don't know why. Someone got hold of my name somehow and I'm the "solution" person, so I actually have spent time thinking about this stuff. I should not be! I'm the copyeditor. We've got marketing, content, ROW to worry about, but I am just trying to make sure the commas work and that all these niggly things are decided and made consistent. I am so small on the totem pole, but end up worrying about things that people are paid a lot o' money to worry about.

Watched some American Idol and now understand why I don't watch American Idol. Dreamed that Houdini's car got dropped on our house. Did Houdini even have a car? It was painted like an American flag. I gotta quit thinking so much.

Today is more of the same, but I sure feel better.

Currently reading: Dear Joan Didion
Currently listening to: Famous for Nothing (Dropkick Murphys)

Mid-week and I'm gonna make it!

Everything I've been waiting for in the mail showed up yesterday (except my Sephora order; I really need my makeup, people!) and that was a relief. I found out I get Monday off--sweet! And I'm to the 100-150 zone in the first pass revise. Double sweet!

This revising wears me out! Well that and I got up at 6:30 yesterday and was at work at 6:50 AM for a batch of two meetings yesterday that got canceled without anyone telling me. I slept in this morning (no meetings) and feel rejuvenated.

Ran to Costco because disk 2 of my LOST season 3 dvd set wouldn't play and poured over the book tables. I didn't buy any, because I have enough to keep me busy, but I need to get my hubby a copy of Greenspan's book on Audible for sure. Almost nabbed that, then put it back.

Shipped a bunch of client work back via UPS, and ran to the library to return Holly Black and Stephenie Meyer's books. I'm finishing Ken Follett and ready for book 2, and that might have been my downfall at Costco. Should have picked up his sequel. Darn.

Today is day job and massive focus because deadline is Friday, then I'll attack a quick batch for another client, start in on the World Bank copyedit I've got on deck for next week, and attempt to get another author to make up her mind about italics, which is driving me bonkers. And the revision continues. At this rate, the book goes January 22. I was going to send it yesterday, but Jen talked me out of that. Encouraged me to really give it some thought and attempt to clean it up as best I can. The editor I chose "knows" industry people. I'd rather not embarrass myself more than I need to. (I'm sure I'll be plenty embarrassed, mind you, but I can clean up the lazy writing--the ings, the lys, the roareds, laugheds, and crieds dialogue tags, and make sure the character's name is still Jim by the end of the book). You know, the edity stuff. I can do that.

What I'm hiring the editor for is to tell me in the broad scope of things how to introduce more conflict, how to make it flow smooth, how to not wear out the reader by page 5, that sort of thing. Basically, she'll be another brain with mine on the presentation. It's almost too good to be true. I'm so excited!

Had disturbing dreams last night, just remembered them. Time for breakfast.

Currently reading: The Year of Magical Thinking (Joan Didion)
Currently listening to: Jordin Sparks from American Idol (pretty good)

Tuesday and My Head Hurts

Fifty pages in to the revision and my head is throbbing. Might be me coming off of sugar and caffeine, might be the fact that I can't figure out how to fold a chunk of storyline in without ruining my continuity. Must keep thinking.

Quick booklist for Q1 (this is the fiction list)

The Reluctant Fundementalist (Mohsin Hamid)
The Year of Magical Thinking (Joan Didion)
Intuition (Allegra Goodman)
My Year of Meats (Ruth Ozeki)
Instances of the Number 3 (Salley Vickers)
Broken for You (Stephanie Kallos)

Thanks to DGG's eZine for a great list! (I've also bought up her nf list and will post that later this week.)

And for those who have their head stuck in the sand, PBS is showing 10 weeks of Jane Austen. Persuasion (not a BBC production) showed on Sunday, and next week is Northanger Abbey. See Masterpiece for more info. The Persuasion movie was not what I hoped for (they changed the movie from the Austen original text), but I still enjoyed it. It's better than the dreck on tv right now! It's still Jane Austen. Everyone is hopeful that the series improves.

Off to work and then later, the next 50 pages.

Currently reading: The Year of Magical Thinking (Joan Didion)
Currently listening to: One Republic

Monday Starts Off With a Bang

It was a nice weekend. Super busy, but really nice. I took a really long nap yesterday and feel rested and ready. The revised manuscript is so close! I will ship it off in the next few days.

We had a party for the Seahawks-Packers game and hooked up two of the tvs in order to watch the game and play the Wii. Everyone is sore! Then we packed up and hubby and I ran up to meet friends for dinner. It turned into a four-hour mastermind/brainstorming session on careers and entrepreneurship. It was great! My brain really needed that workout and I think everyone at the table walked away with good networking ideas on how to further careers and business plans. I encourage every entrepreneur to get into a mastermind group and toss around ideas--think outside the box. It pays off.

Today I head back to Bellevue to meet with Jen before she jets off to her vacation. I have several things to deal with workwise before I go, plus after I return tonight, I need to start in on this week's to-do list. Should be fun (and real).

The writing is going great. I had a super fun class Friday and worked on some exercises with the class that got me into the head of my narrator. Really helpful. We just used writing prompts and let our imaginations run wild. It worked for me!

Happy writing today!

Currently reading: The Year of Magical Thinking (Joan Didion)
Currently listening to: Daft Punk

Marvelous

Finally Friday. I worked fourteen hours yesterday, with a short break spent on the phone with my hosting service moving domains around.

I got a lot done.

But today is better. Style guide work, a monograph, and then some coding and cleaning for some freelance projects. My goal is to clear the deck this weekend to finish revisions on the novel so I can send it off next week.

I am finishing things on the to-do list quite nicely this week. Next week will have an even bigger one, but that's life.

Off to my 9:30 writing class!

Currently reading: Pillars of the Earth (Ken Follett)
Currently listening to: August's Rhapsody (August Rush soundtrack)

Yo, It's Still Raining

And snowing about 20 minutes away like crazy. (We're at 1,000 feet.)

My alarm clock is going off upstairs, but I woke up this morning with hubby, realized he had to sign a bunch of paperwork before he left, remembered to send some files to a client, and then got sucked into answering email from London. My first meeting is in 20 minutes.

I love how the brain works. It can hold such vast amounts of information that it's astounding. I have a notepad that I am writing down little tidbits of information on pertaining to the handover of oversight duties at my job. I handed them over last week to my boss and now we are trying to use Dumbledore's Pensieve to draw out every last shred of anything that got filed away and never got written down or verbalized. It's what happens when one (me) is not only a working copyeditor, but also trying to reign in the mutating style.

But once everything is drawn out into the Pensieve, my brain will be so much the clearer. I can't wait! :)

Tons of writing stuff last night. My left leg is so sore from bowling on that Wii that I could only watch Todd attempt to dismantle my score, but I did quick revise work so the pain was worth it (leg pain or score pain?).

Today is more day job stuff (a ton more) and then I can get back to the revising this afternoon.

Currently reading: Spellman Files (Lisa Lutz)
Curently listening to: Carrie Underwood

Ouch.

So the esteemed Jamie Ford (book is finally done, yes?) noted on yesterday's post that the Wii can make one sore.

Um, yes.

I am using muscles I didn't even know I owned. It does not raise my heart rate, however, blasted BMJ was right, thus any Wii play does not count in my daily physical fitness log. Bummer.

I make my hubby laugh when I bowl. My contortions and facial expressions humor him. I did however, bowl five strikes in a row to boost my score to PRO yesterday. That did not humor him. (I'm catching up to his score.)

Yes, I'm a writer. I procrastinate.

Okay, so back to today. Still running my novel manuscript through the quick micro-revision processes. I am tempted to hurry through and just send it and then I panic and worry that my manuscript will be so bad, the freelance editor will return it unopened. But as my esteemed writing buddy, Jen, wrote me in an email yesterday, "better that XXXX should tell you what sucks than that you send your manuscript off to agents who won't tell you -- they'll just pass."

So, I'm off to work again today. My brain is full of day job stuff, so I must deal with it first, but later, the writing work is ON!

Currently reading: Right to Write (Julia Cameron)
Currently listening to: Tattoo (Jordin Sparks)

And Tuesday

I'm here early. My 8 am meeting was cancelled. I'm uploading a bunch of documents to the company intranet too, so if I don't make sense today, I apologize.

We are go for launch. My editor is ready for my manuscript. I am almost done tweaking it. A quick micro-revision so that the editor can give me a good sturdy macro-edit so that I can go back and do more micro-edits. Wheeee. This is fun.

Ran to pick up my jeans (hemmed by the incredible Nordstrom tailoring department) last night and the mall was deserted. LOVED it. Great parking, walkways and stairways empty, store clerks looking desperate with two hours still to go before closing and sale signs beckoning from every window. I ignored all of it. Well, I started to go into the Apple store to oogle the iPhone, but since I have now made a pact (in public) that I won't buy the iPhone until they are 3G compatible and that won't happen until later this year, my conscience stopped me short. So no oogling, which only tempts me to whip out my debit card. My darn Blackberry phone still works (even though I drop it as much as possible, ya know, to hurry the process of dying.)

Plus, my budget for gadgets is nil after having to replace the tv. And spending several grand on a freelance editor this spring negates any needs for more gadgets. I'd rather have an editor. Hubby just pointed out that dropping the old phone is ungrateful. So true. I love my piece of crap phone. I DO. Hi, honey!

Anyway, Nordstrom was so quiet Todd could hear the music playing! A wonder. But we scooted out of there before I got sidetracked by a sale and now I have my 2008 jeans all ready to wear. I have to say I'm digging the skinny jeans with my ballet flats right now.

I am almost done with the revision book reading. Should be done today. My MFA work starts up again today as well. And the Wii bowling continues.

So much to do! Gotta dash.

Currently reading: Suite Francaise
Currently listening to: Cascada (What Hurts the Most)

Reading the Weekend Away (plus a Wii)

Okay, so we got one of those Wiis. I've been wanting one for a while (for the bowling) and then we couldn't find one anywhere because of Christmas, so I looked on Amazon, but then didn't buy it, and then yesterday hubby comes back home with one that he found at the old Wal-mart. Last one on the shelf! The sports Wii! With bowling.

So, I will say on this blog: I'm really good at Wii bowling. Don't ask our friends how good I am at REAL bowling though, because I don't think the real thing counts anymore, right? LOL

It is super fun and really easy. Kids love it, so I must be a kid at heart, because I love it more. We bowled until late last night.

We did have to replace our television too this weekend. I bought the plain jane 32-inch CRT at Best Buy and got ribbed by every single Best Buy sales clerk on the way out. Okay, enough already. I don't want to buy a frickin' plasma!

"But do you realize that in a year, this tv will be obsolete?"

"You don't say."

What happened to America? Since when does one have to buy all the bells and whistles too?

Grrrrr.

I can see the presidential debates in New Hampshire just fine on this dinosaur of a television (and it was two thousand dollars less than a plasma! so there!).

In writing news, (surprise, I did some of that before the new tv and the Wii arrived) I studied craft and made it through two more books this weekend. I also watched the Seahawks win. All in all, a very "reading spa" weekend. (no snow, our buddy got tix to the hawks game instead)

Currently reading: Suite Francaise (Irene Nemirovsky)
Currently listening to: Daft Punk (Alive 2007)

Friday Fiver

1. Oh the weather outside is frightful . . . and I have to go out in it today to run errands. Blech.

2. Found my Laurie Lewis book "What to Charge" in a box packed last summer in preparation for our now non-move. If you are a freelancer and struggle with charging enough or keeping track of how long it takes you to do things, this book is for you.

3. Am on the hunt for a new tv. Using Todd's little 20-inch is going to make me blind. I finished the LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy yesterday and the hobbits were totally smaller than I remember them.

4. We're going to play in the snow this weekend if everyone's schedule cooperates. Probably snow-tubing, then a nice warm meal at the Rock restaurant. I need to go make sure my ski pants still fit.

5. Constant Chatter exploded. I never went there anyway, but what a mess. So LJ is jam-packed and I can't find my real friends list anymore.

Happy Friday!

Currently reading: The Beautiful and the Damned (F. Scott Fitzgerald)
Currently listening to: Elgar

I Am So Excited and the January 2008 List

We are four weeks away from Season 4 of LOST, by far the best and greatest show on television (well, okay, House and Scrubs are good too and I do watch ER; hey I work in the medical publishing field and it's interesting to me) that will return to our lives for eight episodes. Short, but sweet. Oh so sweet.

Things are moving job-wise for both hubby and myself. Changes in responsibilities (in a direction that both of us are really excited about: project management for him and focus on craft and style of copyediting for me) in both jobs that neither of us really expected but are super grateful for. Just maybe I can spend less time thinking about my job when I'm not at work and more time thinking about my writing. Wouldn't that be nice!

Just five more sections in one of my revision books left (the pile is shrinking) and already I have just soaked up all I've learned about craft. Love it!

I just made a January 2008 goal list:

Revise novel for the editor I hired.
Move this blog to a more secure platform (my www.trishlawrence.com domain using WordPress).
Finish building and finally launch my corp writing site (www.realbrilliantcopy.com).
Utilize my virtual assistant (VA) for data entry (required for the corp site to become a success).
Get the next batch of editorial postcards out and the eZine updated.
Decide if I want to add blogs to both those sites.
Write the corp writing eZine.
Resume daily study schedule for CLEP and DANTES testing, which are coming up too quickly.
Write 1,000 words seven days a week. Spend 1-2 hours on weekdays on craft (double that on weekends if I can).

Decision:
I am not going to hire another editor to review that other novel until I have gotten the feedback from this initial novel review. Need to stay on course and that means focus on craft and prepare to make revisions. I am paying a lotta money for feedback, and must take advantage of it.

Truthfully, I think the January list is too much. But the guilt I will have for not doing it will slay me and it will get done but will slug into February/March for sure. However, for now I won't rename it the Q1 priority list solely for motivation purposes.

Little progress doing little tasks make this list doable. And this is my chance. The WGA is still on strike, I have no kids, and if I'm studying, hubby will study. And we both need to keep moving forward!

Currently reading: Twilight (Stephenie Meyer)
Currently listening to: iTunes store demos (got a 25-buck iTunes giftcard to spend; thanks D!)

Happy 2008!

And we're back to it. I admit to delighting in rolling up my sleeves this morning to get back to work, even though I didn't really want to get out of my warm bed.

And . . . there's a Christmas tree set in the middle of our culdesac with a sign that says "LOST! Can you help me find my home?"

Enjoyed a wonderful holiday watching movies and listening to music and reading really good books, but the icing on the cake was hosting my family (minus my bro who was visiting friends) for a few days. We watched a few movies (baby niece swayed to the music every time), read books, listened to more music, and ran out of drinking glasses and bath towels a few times, right?

The fun of NYE was having our television die, the Ratatouille dvd not want to play, and the baby niece refusing to take a nap and getting the giggles at about 11 pm. THAT was fun. Of course then she conked out, got woke up by the canons and fireworks and yelling neighbors and wouldn't go back to sleep until around 2 am, but all in all, she was pure fun. Wiki-puka-teo!

I wrapped up a batch for a client yesterday, but today is officially back to the to-do list. It's good. I get to wrap up everything in the first week of January and then chart out a schedule. I've got an editor lined up for a revision end of January/February and I'm very excited about that. I'm actually toying with the idea of having another editor do a revision review on another novel draft that's been sitting for a few years. Must think more on that.

And we're going off sugar and caffeine for ten weeks. I began siphoning myself off of it yesterday and today will be the true test (no one here to make sure I don't partake!). Wish us luck!

And with that, I'll bid you adieu for today.

Currently reading: Twilight (Stephenie Meyer)
Currently listening: Oakenfold 2007 remix

Friday Fiver, Christmas style

1. And the work is done. Everyone is off from the day job over in London and I am going to kick back and enjoy this.

2. Need to go buy the foodstuffs for the holiday dinner. I also need to finish the baking.

3. The pile of books to read and the movies to watch has continued to grow. I must start tonight or I'll never finish.

4. I have so much to be thankful for this Christmas season. I am truly blessed.

5. Have a wonderful holiday season with you and yours. See you in 2008!

I may pop in on occasion to update my writing/reading/revision progress, but if I don't, keep on writing!

Currently reading: Valiant (Holly Black)
Currently listening to: In My Arms (Plumb)

A Whirling Dervish

Hubby is laughing at me on IM this morning as I try to describe what I think of both of our jobs right now. I thought we would have some cathartic quiet for the holidays, but instead, I think I'll just have to ignore it and come back on January 2 ready to go!

At least hubby's company provided a brand new Blackberry. Yeah!

In the latest news around here, I'm on my final to-do list before the office goes on hiatus and I'm so happy. Trying to schedule everything else for after January 2. It's working! I am so ready to sleep in past 8 and to stay up all night reading or watching movies if I want (I mean I can now, but it doesn't help me get my work done to do that right now).

Everyone's talking about their favorite things at Christmas and mine are (in no particular order)

1. The look of Christmas lights. I like to keep the house dark just as it's turning dusk and then sit entranced by the Christmas lights. It makes me feel all warm and cozy.

2. Finding the silliest stocking stuffers for hubby, like this year's change jar that reads out the total to you in a computer voice. Hahaha. "You now have a dollar thirty-five."

3. Rifling through the drawers and boxes of movies to pilfer the best ones and the annual ones (Santa Clause movies, Lord of the Rings trilogy, Narnia, Love Actually, White Christmas, Holiday Inn, It's A Wonderful Life, and countless others. Even Bill Moyers' The Power of Myth is on my pile this year. And cranking the Christmas tunes and reading Christmas books. Oh this is great.

4. Christmas baking and cooking. Something about a warm sweater and Christmas socks in the kitchen preparing holiday food. I love it. Reminds me of Gram's house.

5. The littered house after unwrapping presents. I love the crunch and clutter of wrapping paper and ribbons and presents stacked precariously on couch cushions. I love the mess of it all.

In the midst of the mess, I'm writing and reading (new Joyce Carol Oates journals are here!) and relaxing.

All's left is tomorrow's Friday Fiver and this blog closes down for the holidays (except for breaking news).

Currently reading: Valiant (Holly Black)
Currently listening to: Celine Dion Christmas

At the End of the Line. Period. Full Stop.

Someone wrote this to me today and I'm stealing it. I am definitely at the end of the line. Slept in this morning until 7:30 and feel rested, but I need to get the work done today so I can just walk away from the office and focus on other things.

Loved the Thomas Merton quote Susan Wise Bauer put on her blog about work. I needed that today.

Finally the library has Stephenie Meyer's Twilight waiting for me. I was hold number 300 or something of 350 people and it seems a copy has found its way to my regional library and it's for me! I can't wait. I've heard amazing things about this series (albeit the guy is a vampire) and I'm so curious.

The vampire thing must be a trend. I got the original I am Legend movie from the 1960s starring Vincent Price to watch, have the 1971 Charlton Heston remake coming next week, and ordered the 1998 reissue of Richard Matheson's book I am Legend for Todd for Christmas. Hey, the story was good and we are intrigued because you want to know more after you see Will Smith's version.

Just got off a webinar for work that was really interesting, but I am not an MD, so the writing/planning aspects still befuddle me. I sat there copyediting as the text appeared. Yes, I am a copyeditor! :)

Currently reading: Valiant (Holly Black) (must finish soon to make room for Twilight!)
Currently playing on the iPod: One Republic cd (new)

A Week Before Christmas

And my to-do lists are barely holding. I did really good yesterday and am well on my way to doing well today, but I'm losing faith.

I'm tired. Tired enough that my head feels as if it's not attached quite right and I get dizzy when I stand up too fast (so what's new). I'm just going through the motions now. After finishing the end of the year feed, jumping on my early conference call, making sure everyone was up to speed on the happenings from that conference call, and now looking forward to 2008, I just want to go back to bed.

But an email from my sister-in-law is gonna keep me moving this week. She's a single mom of three, works three jobs, and just finished her master's last weekend. She found out a few weeks ago that for another 10 grand and 10 more weeks, she could get another master's degree in a specialty that would guarantee her a better job at triple her current salary. And she could quit her dead-end jobs. And she starts January 7.

I got up thinking there was no way I was going to be able to slog through this week. I was losing sight of why exactly I was slogging through in the first place. What am I thinking? Becoming a novelist, getting a BA in English, a double MFA in fiction and narrative non-fiction? What?

It really doesn't require rocket science, just a few well-placed friends (and a sister-in-law) and I'm back to the races today, determined to resist Resistance and keep moving forward.

What in your life needs a kick in the butt? What do you need to get re-fired up about? What goals for 2008 are you determined to accomplish come hell or high water?

And another thing, when I realize how hard it is to stick to this path, I know I'm going the right way. Resistance comes head on when you are headed toward the right thing.

Keep moving forward!

Currently readin: Valiant (Holly Black)
Currently listening to: Killers new cd

Monday Goals

So, here's up updated list of goals to accomplish either before the end of the year or that are going on my official 2008 goals list.
This week:
1. Feed frenzy ends tomorrow. I have one more proof, plus a copyedit for the January mid-month feed. Feedback from client Excel update this week. Finish AMA review, and review new dosing guidelines from the pharmacists. Upload docs to Intranet this week.
2. Last of the freelance projects for this year headed out this week.
3. Novel revision ongoing (3 hours a day).
4. College exam studies have resumed. Week one of MFA complete.
5. 2008 business marketing plans progress (1 hour per day).
6. Medical and financial paperwork to HR by Friday.
Before year end:
1. Novel revision ongoing (3 hours a day).
2. Finish HB books, DL books; progress on SD and JB books.
3. Christmas prep for Christmas Eve and Christmas day. Christmas cookie decorating on Christmas Eve!
4. Prep for New Year's Eve bash.
5. College exam studies have resumed. Week one of MFA complete.
6. 2008 business marketing plans progress (1 hour per day).
2008:
1. Novel revision ongoing (3 hours a day).
2. College exam studies have resumed. Week one of MFA completed; eight weeks to catch up on. :)
3. 2008 business marketing plans progress (1 hour per day).

I'm working on an official business marketing plan for 2008 and 2009 as I'm not sure of my employment status as of June 2008. Probably will stay on, but it's up in the air and I need to make contingency plans. Will know more this week, I think.
Spent the weekend resting, reading, studying, and writing. Caught up with week one of the MFA, and this week it's onto weeks two and three. Shouldn't be hard, my workshop project (short story) is in rough form already in a notebook, so I'm looking forward to lengthening it out a bit.
Saw I Am Legend and was a bit disappointed. Have the original movies it was made off of coming via post this week, so we'll be able to compare/contrast. Will Smith did a great job, but meh on how the story translated to the screen this time.
Hubby bought me Harry Potter 5 so will get to watch that again during the holidays. I also have Lost season 3, and can't wait to dive in as prep for the new season starting in February. They even did a Lost season 4 preview at the movies! I cheered and embarrassed hubby and our friend who was with us.
Windy, blowy, cold up here. But we're snug and cozy. Gotta get to work now.
Currently reading: Valiant (Holly Black)
Currently listening to: New Angels & Airwaves cd

Before I Hop On A Conference Call

I thought I'd post real quick. It's Friday! I LOVE it. I'm finished with just about everything for this week too. A quick status report (in true Friday Fiver fashion)

1. Feeling really good about the day job and how much we've accomplished. The style issues are still hazy and we won't get them resolved until after the first of the year, but the feed has been going great and I've been neck-deep in monographs all week long. I love it, but it really wears me out. But we're good. Next week is the feedback update, but that should go smooth. And my call in a few minutes is a style discussion, but nothing huge has to be decided. Yeah!

2. Finishing up my MFA work. Decided to ready extra chapters (optional reading) and take notes SWB style (Susan Wise Bauer, for those who don't know). I've resumed my reading schedule using her Well-Educated Mind book. Yes, I'm still reading Don Quixote and Pilgrim's Progress! I'm slow! But her note-taking tips for studying work with everything else mind you. Nice to have friends in "well-educated" places. :)

3. Headed to Bellevue to meet with Jen today for our monthly writing chat. I was tired so I thought perhaps I wouldn't make it, but my hubby encouraged me to go. He likes that I come home bouncing off the walls I guess. :) Jen and I get along famously and we get each other all hepped up and inspired, and goodness knows, I need it after this week.

4. Hubby wants frosted and sugar cookies for Christmas baking. Must get on that. I've also got to plan my Christmas menu (roast, mashed potatoes probably). But what kind of pie? When both of us LOVE chocolate pie. Hm, tough call.

5. Freelance work load is still intense. I'm caught up, but more coming in all the time. Expanding my horizons takes a lot of work and it's fun, but I already talked about the freak out day I had this week, didn't I? :) Need to continue writing my new web site and work on my marketing plans.

Sheesh, and I'm supposed to rest this weekend. LOL

Currently reading: Valiant (Holly Black)
Currently listening to: Michael W. Smith Christmas (can't get enough!)

Feeling the Impending Holiday Break

Not that the impending holiday break will be a bad thing! I'm so ready for it! But I can feel it coming and so can my clients and that's when things go haywire. Everyone wants it RIGHT NOW and there are limits to how quickly things can be turned around. I'm doing my best but after almost three weeks of solid deadlines, I'm tired.

So I'm cranking my iPod dock and going for it (plug: I love my Bose! Rachel, you should totally buy it!) and things should be better for the weekend.

Yesterday was freak out day and I just about came undone. You know when you are tired and lots of different things start coming your way at once and you feel a bit disconnected? That was yesterday.

Today is much better.

In writing/reading/revising news, I'm almost done with my work on my short story MFA for the first week. This is my exploratory MFA, but I can get credit for it later if I keep all my papers and written work. It's fun, it's free (except for the books), and I'm learning a lot of great stuff.

Plus a book I copyedited last week is a prereq lit class textbook and is really good. I got it in PDF, so I'm looking forward to working with that too and then using it in my portfolio.

Gotta run!

Now reading: Valiant (Holly Black)
Now playing: Taking Chances (Celine Dion)

Wednesday Gratefulness

Trying really hard to be grateful after yesterday's series of snafus (ten extra copies of the business annual report by accident at UPS store, dentist appointment, wrong item in an Christmas present order, it goes on and on) and had to come home and turn on a Christmas movie.

Today, I am so booked that I still need some gratefulness props. Anyone care to share?

What are you grateful for this holiday season?

Me, I've got a long holiday vacation coming up starting December 21 and into January, I've got heat (some people are out of power in very cold weather) and I don't have to travel this year for the holidays (a big grateful sigh with this one).

If you want to post your gratefulness lists, feel free.

In writing/revising/reading news, not much. I ran around yesterday to do end-of-2007 errands for my biz (thus the gratefulness thread through this post) and came home and fell asleep on the couch watching House.

Today I'm determined to make it through my pile of to-do tasks and leave time to write/revise/read, at least moreso than last night.

Currently reading: Valiant (Holly Black)
Currently listening: It's a Wonderful Christmas (Michael W. Smith)

Tuesday's Brighter

So I stayed home yesterday and I feel better today. Tired, but what's new. I can feel my Christmas vacation coming up soon and I'm already ready for it.

Hubby and I watched White Christmas last night. It was on television, but they cut all the good stuff out, so we turned that off and restarted it on DVD. As I rummaged through our DVD collection drawers, I found a whole pile of movies I want to watch over Christmas break. I can't wait.

In writing/reading/revising news, slow but steady progress. I mapped out my study schedule for school, and organized my reading piles (2008 is the year of the built-in bookshelf system! for sure!).

A new toy appeared for my office last week: Fly Pentop Computer and it's pretty fun. I'm using it to brainstorm, but intend to use it out at the library or in a bookstore. I'll keep you posted on how this writer brain is able to utilize it. (It's on sale at Leapfrog.com for those who want to try it out with me.)

Currently reading: Valiant (Holly Black)
Currently playing: Narnia soundtrack

A Bit Somber, Probably Because I Have A Cold

Hard news this weekend. A friend's IVF failed and another friend's 4-yo-old fell out of a tree (20 feet) and broke both her wrists in two places. I am affected by news like that in such a personal way. I had to fight to get into a party mood on Saturday and so had to go to the gym, rant a bit (while hubby kindly listened) and then I felt better. But prayers and thoughts go to both these friends on opposite sides of the country. I'm so sorry.

The neighborhood party lasted 9 hours. I have no idea how in the world we go that long, but when you start at 4 pm and have 10 houses to visit, it just goes that long. Delish food (crab cakes, eggnog, and brown bears aka hot chocolate and rum) and fun conversation and the finale of white elephant gifts being fought over by people who remembered none of it the next day.

This week is much quieter around the office. All the deadlines are met, a few impending ones are still a week away and I have a cold. Thus, I will curl up with my AMA style book on the couch with a blanket and go nowhere today. It is too cold out anyway.

In writing news, I'm going through revision books and really picking up some great tips. I'm writing in my character notebooks and my structure and theme notebooks and I am reading a lot.

In studying news, I'm back to the grindstone. I just realized that if I want to finish my school by the time I'm 40, I'd better hurry up. So studying for tests today, which I plan to take in 2008.

But all that aside, my to-do list is made for today and off I go!

Currently reading: Tithe (Holly Black)
Currently listening to: Boys choir Christmas music

Circling Like a Vulture

Okay, I'm cleaning.

For those who don't know me, since I've been married I have this really crazy habit of avoidance. When I'm stressed and don't want to deal, I clean.

Last night at 12:15 am, I was up scrubbing the bathroom sinks.

I am circling this novel revision and starting to lose control. It's a simple correction that's needed: hire an editor. I just can't help but hold to a very stupid idea that (duh) because I'm an editor, I can self-edit successfully.

Perhaps I will someday. But now, this is the same paralyzing spot I've been in twice before (I recognize the panic) and that I'm up late cleaning clinches it.

I sent an email off to an editor this morning asking for help.

I am now sitting here waiting to feel different, putting on my Tiger Woods anti-resistance mindset, and making faces into my computer monitor.

I'm even more scared, hyper scared, but still completely freaked. This is going pro, as our own Steven Pressfield talks about in War of Art. Not that I mean I'm better or up a level, but my outlook must be: I am a pro.

A pro can take criticism, can fail and still try again, and won't ever give up.

So there's my "outing": I am a pro. I have contacted an editor. I have confessed my freakout to my writing buddy. I am not going to sit in this same pothole again.

In honor of this occasion, I am playing (very loudly) the song by the All-American Rejects (see below).

Now reading: Squashed (Joan Bauer)
Now playing: Move Along (All-American Rejects)

Whew

Finished up all my workload yesterday and treated myself to Cahier notebooks from Borders. I also found them for an incredible price at Moleskines Good Prices and I ordered some from them as well.

In revision last night I started work (along with my work on characterization) on my novel's structure. I have a structure notebook and it's just really interesting to look so closely at elements of a novel and to really squeeze and mold them to fit. Writing is more about what you do off the page than what what ends up on the page, in both thinking and writing.

I got a scolding from my writing buddy about picking up two more book ideas to start writing as I revise. So I am reneging on yesterday's post (yeah, it's my blog; I can do that). I am only revising one book. I am not writing any other books. I am jotting in notebooks.

Is everybody happy? (my Swedish great-grandfather Ernest used to ask that all the time)

For today, it's tons of AMA study (a strategy worked out this morning because of style guides that weren't quite ready to update), and later, I'm reading, writing, and revising!

Happy writing day!

Currently reading: Mystic River (Dennis Lehane)
Currently playing: YouTube video of Journey's new lead singer

Victoria Magazine rebirths.

It's back. Remember the beautiful Hearst-published VICTORIA magazine? The one that folded in 2004 (for reasons still unknown) created by Nancy Lindemeyer, who wowed us for a decade with her visionary pictures and stories and called the romantic in every one of us to dream a little more.

As a writer, this magazine kept me writing with its interviews and excerpts of Joanna Trollope, Madeleine L'Engle, Susan Minot, and Nora Ephron. The pictures of shops, homes, museums, gardens, and everything else answered the call I had to have a beautiful home, to enjoy my home, and to live, to really live in my home.

I have a very solid collection of back issues stored here that start in the 1980s (I inherited my grandmother's collection when she passed on) and I added to it month after month. I've considered selling them, but I can't. Todd's late grandmother gave me her issues too (during one of my last visits to her grandma cottage in California). Between my collection and my mom's collection, I think we have every issue.

The first re-issue came out October 30 of this year and I thought I subscribed via the web site, but I guess not (no one ever billed me nor did I receive the first issue in October), so I am hunting it down online and in bookstores this week. Anyone seen it anywhere? Please leave a message!

Writing, reading, revising began last evening in earnest. My revision of Let Them Eat Cake begins with a serious look at Max Perkins' stout, but even-handed edits for F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby (the greatest American novel in history, I believe).

There's also a MG/YA series that I'm starting to play with because of the recent huge sale by another YA author of a similar series. The market is HOT! I have a three-book series titled and semi-plotted, so I'm going to work on that.

Plus, a new epic novel idea is forming in my head that is very similar to The Great Gatsby (that era, story turned inside out) about a poor, naive girl falling for a selfish, myopic rich boy. It's an age-old story, but I have a few twists planned.

The first hint from my revision book is what F. Scott Fitzgerald did. Character notebooks (first half: character history, second half: character voice) and the Moleskin Cahier Notebook is the perfect tool for this. Slim, lined books that let you apply labels to the front cover and are slim enough to handle one character in each. I'm off to Borders to buy all they have!

So some major progress last night. I was particularly intrigued by the fact that F. Scott Fitzgerald developed the novel as a result of an earlier short story that summarized the events that happened before the novel. That is such good fiction! It's not so much what happens in the present, but what's going on under the surface and how the characters react to what happened already off-stage, but which is still firmly imbedded in their conscious thought. Fabulous stuff!

Happy writing!

Currently reading: Squashed (Joan Bauer)
Currently listening to: Sawdust (The Killers)

Tuesday Post Storm

So Interstate 5 southbound flooded, Lincoln City, Oregon received 125 mph winds, and I hid indoors until it was over.

Whew. No power outages, no trees down. We coasted through this one just fine. (I'm very relieved; I hate windstorms.)

In work news, I am catching up, I think. I have been working on the style docs this week, trying to inhale vast amounts of the American Medical Association style guide during the day. Last night I finished several freelance projects that were just hanging around. Today is the dentist, but I can haul the AMA with me there.

Coming up to free time after work again to read and revise and write! I can't wait.

Happy third anniversary to my sister and brother-in-law. Happy ten month birthday plus one day to my niece, who is too cute.

Happy writing!

Now reading: Backwater (Joan Bauer)
Now playing: New Angels & Airwaves album

Monday Rec

Okay, so who played all weekend with this new web site that tracks all your money for you?

Yup, me.

It's free, it's endorsed by a NYT writer, and it is really cool:
Mint: Refreshing Money Management.

See if it refreshes you!

In writing/revision/reading news, I'm not moving much. I'm working really hard to wrap up freelance projects, keep up with work style changes and editing, and keep this house clean, and decorate for Christmas. (all done successfully)

The writing/revision/reading is just really slow. I got through one of my 26 books last week and sat up last night to read part of a revision book before succumbing to Cheesecake Factory-induced sleep.

The Christmas tree is up though, a small four-foot fake in a pretty urn from Home Depot brought to me by hubby, decorated in silver, white, and antique brown patina ornaments, the Christmas gifts are all bought and wrapped and delivered or under the tree, and the Christmas music is cranked.

This week, I'm plotting out the Christmas baking schedule and getting my Christmas vacation time in to my boss.

So last week's list (see here) is the same, except for 1, 5, and 10 are now:

1. Feeding frenzy two weeks (December 18) starts today and new style guides and updates must be posted to intranet ASAP. Finish the quick-find guide to AMA and insert into style guide by end of the year. Feedback from client Excel updates by the 15th.

5. Prep for Christmas parties (Dec 8, Dec 24 & 25) by baking a to-be-determined list of goodies.

10. Finish the medical/life/disability insurance paperwork (now that my medical records are finally complete) and send to HR.

Number 10 should actually be number one, but I'll just get to it this week for sure.

Currently Reading: Backwater (Joan Bauer
Currently Playing: The Promise (Michael W. Smith)

Friday Fiver

1. I have been wiped out this week. Seriously, just wiped out. Musta been the 51,425 words I wrote in 9 days, the long weekend with family, and then home to meet multiple very tight deadlines (still ongoing). I crashed yesterday afternoon after helping a client with a very late edit. I feel somewhat normal today.

2. I have to pick up a Christmas tree this next week. Not live, but not a huge fake one either. Anyone seen those that are already in a pot or urn, for decorative purposes? That's what I want. Mom says Walmart, so I guess I have to go IN that store now.

3. Picked up a pile of books from the library and started in. Wish I could do just read (what I want) for a solid month.

4. Hubby's Christmas present arrived and it's very solid (a new black, steel, and glass office desk) so we barely got it upstairs. He's thrilled. I am figuring out my new digicam (Canon Powershot).

5. As November closes, I am so thankful for all that was accomplished this month. Amazing! I am not ready to rest quite yet. Really, after yesterday's rest, I'm ready to go again.

Onward!

Currently reading: Thwonk (Joan Bauer)
Currently playing: The Promise (Michael W. Smith)

Holiday Overload

So, how to avoid holiday overload? I am bowing out of gift exchanges this year. In the past I've done at least four or five with various groups of friends; this year, I'm out of all but the local neighbor white elephant exchange.

It is so easy to get carried away with celebrations and things and events and very good reasons, but I am aiming for a bit more quiet contemplation this year. I have enough.

I have a lot.

I think it's my writing buddy's novel project that has put me in this mood. She's writing about Rwanda and I started poking around on Google as a result.

Running water, basic hygiene, more than one set of clothes--all these are things we take for granted, but the rest of the world may not even have the luxury to have.

I'm not preaching, I'm just downsizing. I'm donating food, clothes, books, and household items to charity. I don't need another five gift exchange items to fill up an empty cupboard.

I'll be enjoying all the fuss and fuddle of the season, trying to make a small difference in the few lives I touch in empathy, by listening, but spending time.

Can't wait!

Currently reading: Tithe (Holly Black)
Currently playing: You Know I'm No Good (Amy Winehouse)

Feeling A Bit Under the Weather

Yeah, I've got the sniffles today. It's cold now (snow expected in the mountains and maybe for us later on this week) and it was bound to happen.

In writing news, I'm reading revision books like crazy. Susan Bell, Noah Lukeman, Renni Browne, and on it goes. Have an entire pile to get through in the next 10 days or so and then the revision schedule will get all filled in and I'll really be into it. I'm trying not to fiddle with the revising quite yet, not until I know how I want to do it. I tend to fiddle and fiddle and ruin perfectly good drafts.

Gearing up to read Dennis Lehane and Ken Follet books and am not sure about this. They are both gritty, hard-boiled thrillers (well, maybe not Follet, but I've still read about the violence in his reviews). I'm so not a fan of violence, but the writing in these men's works is worth it I hear.

It's like reading the last quarter of Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat, Pray, Love. It ran out of steam for me, but I didn't care; her writing was just so poetic and smooth. Sometimes the writing seduces you into reading what you just knew you would not ever attempt.

It sure surprises me! Wish me luck!

Playing on the iPod: Testify to Love (Avalon)

Winding Down Nanowrimo

For those who are still writing (and I know many of you are) on Nanowrimo this year, a few great ideas that I used this year.

1. Write a straight draft with minimal description and for details you're not sure of, just put TK (to come).

2. Don't reread what you just wrote. Just keep moving forward. Don't print the pages, don't scan back on the computer screen; just go forward.

3. Give yourself an hour or two of time and crank the music that puts you in the mood.

4. Let some things go. Work, dishes, laundry, social commitments, just let 'em go for this week. You'll be back to normal next week.

5. When you're not writing, pamper yourself, and let your mind wander. This fills up your imagination for the next writing appointment.

Go for it! Just four days left and you can do it!

Playing on the iPod: Christmas music (assorted)

Nanowrimo is Over; Next Goals Up

It's hard to finish a draft. Harder still when you have to have all your Christmas gifts wrapped to hand-deliver by Thanksgiving day.

But it's finished. Was supposed to have spent T-day weekend reading and working on a revision schedule, but spent the weekend eating and playing with my niece and helping my folks move to their new home. Total chaos with baby toys and boxes of books and lots of jokes with the siblings and a sick brother (who got better) and meeting his new girlfriend (very fun) and everything else, but we had a great time and my folks' new home is beautiful.

Onto this week/month:

1. Feeding frenzy week with end of the month feed to get to the client for the day job.
2. A list of freelance projects to finish up in the evenings.
3. Novel revision schedule to plan and begin
4. Reading has slowed and must get back to it. Have a pile of books to claim at the library.
5. Prep for Christmas parties (Dec 8, Dec 24 & 25), get a tree up and decorate, and finish Christmas shopping for hubby.
6. Get back to college exams study schedule and review the month of Latin study that I already forgot.
7. Plot new novel(s) using Scrivener.
8. Interview and hire an editorial consultant.
9. 2008 business marketing plans to chart.
10. Prepare the Northwest Center charity boxes for pickup on Friday.

Playing on the iPod: Michael W. Smith Christmas cd (new 2007 one)

Nanowrimo Last Day

As I type this (after a great writing day yesterday that pushed my word count over 63,000 words), I am running a spell check on my entire draft.

Yep, that's right. I'm done with my book and with my Nanwrimo 50,000-word challenge! I wrote past 70,000 words and I'm 90% happy with it (yes, I'm a perfectionist, so sue me).

I did it!

I feel great. I even went to Amazon this morning to buy myself some books to read as a reward for a job well done and then found them all at the King Co library instead (20 holds so far). So when I get back from T-day, not only will I be reading my heart out, I will be starting the next phase of this book project: revision.

Stay tuned for more once I gorge myself on holiday food and spend time with family and friends.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Nanowrimo Home Stretch

Wrote another 6,000 words Monday and am now past 58,000 words. I only have 12,000 words left in this draft (I can go over if I want) because of the length constraints of this genre.

However, Stephen King is famous for his second draft rule of thumb: second draft = first draft - 10%. Thus, going over won't be the end of the world.

So we'll see.

Feeling good. Got a brainstorm yesterday for another YA title or two, so working with that. I have two very good fiction editors to interview for an editorial consultation in December/January. I'm preparing for a first quarter submission to my new very targeted agent list. And then hopefully after a few more revisions (or not), my new future agent will get my YA out on submission.

At least that's the plan, but best laid plans of mice and men . . .

Have a great day!

Nano Third Week

So I'm trying to finish up early, before Thanksgiving. I'm on the final stretch, last 18,000 words. Yes, you read that right. I wrote almost 35,000 words last week.

(yes, I'm tired)

It's not perfect (as Anne Lamott would say, definitely a shitty first draft), but the bones are on paper and the plot works. The description and characterization need some work, as does the dialogue, but I think the story really works. I used Blake Snyder's Save the Cat (screenplay book) for my plotting. He is amazing. Try it, you'll like it.

I couldn't sleep last night after finishing my word count for the day, so I sat up and plotted out the next three 6,000-word sections. Each of those sections encompasses three different storyboard cards (Bad Guys Close In, All Is Lost, Dark Night, etc.) and I know what will happen to finish the book, I just don't know what my final image will be. And that's okay. I've got the opening image, a great midpoint, break into 2 and break into 3, so we're set, but I'm excited to see what my final closing image (which is the synthesis of the opening image and midpoint image) will be.

It's been a great week. Not only did I finish my regular work with greater skill and speed, I've also been feeling so good after writing. It really does jumpstart a whole new part of the brain.

Wish me luck. I'm off to attack my next 6,000-word section today.

Playing on the iPod: Taking Chances (Celine Dion)

Writing By Inspiration

Lots of folks whining lately about not being inspired. I gave up the hope of inspiration a long time ago.

It was this quote from Somerset Maugham (along with a healthy dose of Steven Pressfield's War of Art, from whence the quote is taken; who says whence these days? Sigh.)

Someone once asked Somerset Maugham if he wrote on a schedule or only when struck by inspiration. "I write only when inspiration strikes," he replied. "Fortunately it strikes every morning at nine o'clock sharp."

This week, my "inspiration" showed up at the same hour.

Yup, I'm on a roll. I've hit the sweet spot in my first draft progress, where it works. Either that or I've decided to go pro and not look back. Something kicked in last weekend and I've definitely crossed over to the other side.

Maugham reckoned another, deeper truth: that by performing the mundane physical act of sitting down and starting to work, he set in motion a mysterious but infallible sequence of events that would produce inspiration, as surely as if the goddess had synchronized her watch with his.
He knew if he built it, she would come.

Most people will point out that I've never written and published a novel. Sure, that's true (not counting the 10 kids books because they shouldn't really), but I had to start somewhere.

It is now. I've gone pro. I'm doing for gold in this novel game.

Anyone care to join me?

Playing on the iPod: Sleeping Sun (Night Wish)

Writing Gives You Wings

Yup, writing is going along smoothly. After grinding through 900-word days, and -900 word days, I'm finally into the power zone of 6,000-word days and 5,000-word days. I love this!

And I get up really early to do it, thus getting the writing done before the work and then getting the work done, so I can read and relax to ready myself for the writing again.

What a concept.

It's nice to be on track finally and making progress through this draft.

Forget Red Bull, just try writing today. And then go to the gym for cardio.

Project Runway debuts TONIGHT! Best tv in the world says I.

Playing on the iPod: Seal's new album

In Honor of the Brave

Thank you all so much for your sacrifice and service. Today is your day.

Friday Fiver

1. I'm so glad it's Friday.

2. The writing has been kicking my rear around all week. This is HAAAAAARD work, folks.

3. The rain is here and will stay here for a long time. Boo.

4. Hubby took all the Halloween candy to work. This is reality and it hurts.

5. WGA strike continues and this video is worth viewing to find out why:



Playing on the iPod: Narnia Soundtrack (Harry Gregson-Williams)

Nano.

Yes, the blogging has gone quiet because of Nano. I'm using all my writing powers on my novel draft.

If anyone wants info on the WGA strike, here's the web site where you can get updates:

WGA strike update

And happy writing!

Playing on the iPod: Just for Now (Imogen Heap)

Anti-Resistance Thursday

Brought to you today by way too much sugar from yesterday's festivities.

Resistance is fear. But Resistance is too cunning to show itself naked in this form. Why? Because if Resistance lets us see clearly that our own fear is preventing us from doing our work, we may feel shame at this. And shame may drive us to act in the face of fear.

Resistance doesn't want us to do this. So it brings in rationalization. Rationalization is Resistance's spin doctor. It's Resistance's way of hiding the Big Stick behind its back. Instead of showing us our fear (which might shame us and impel us to do our work), Resistance presents us with a series of plausible, rational justifications for why we shouldn't do our work.

Get ready, get set, go NanoWrimo!

Thus why this is short. I'm writing.

Now playing on the iPod: Teardrop (Massive Attack)

Happy Halloween!

This day is going to be so much fun! We're both working from home today, and eating candy. I'm working hard with job stuff because we have a huge deadline on Friday. Plus, I'm writing! Today is the final day of my first novel writing contest and tomorrow starts Nano! So nothing much in my schedule will change.

I also need to run to the store and pick up some fresh dinner rolls because I figure that tonight is the night we also need a huge roast/potatoes dinner. So we invited a buddy of ours over to help eat it.

Just a quick thought from my writing today. I got going on a scene yesterday that involves the main character and her coworker eating an entire cake during their work shift. The scene was supposed to be a light-hearted look at their friendship and a turning point to the affect of their fathers' friendship on their lives (their fathers knew each other since childhood).

I had an idea of what I wanted to say and how I was going to say it when suddenly the entire scene changed. I often hear writers say their characters take control and do their own thing, but what really happens is that the story opens up to the writer in a new way and it's totally obvious that the character has to go there. A flexible writer trashes her original plans and follows the story opening. This can be done when the story is planned well and has good structure.

Often times, however, I have to control my whim to follow a story as it opens up in order to make sure it's really the right way. It's a delicate process and one that I'm enjoying learning very much.

Have a great day with your family and friends!

Playing on the iPod: Thriller (Michael Jackson) (yes, I'm a child of the 80s and this is the quintessential Halloween song)

Gadget Girl Tuesday

I'm a bit late updating this blog today because I babysat for my neighbors overnight and we got to telling knock-knock jokes over breakfast. :) I love kids telling jokes. Cracks me up!

In today's Gadget Girl update, I thought everyone would like to get a great refresher for Microsoft Outlook: Erik Sherman's Blog.

Two other items of note are that if you don't use QUICKSILVER on a Mac or Easy Reach finder (formerly Enfish) on your PC, you are missing out. These programs index everything on your computers for easy retrieval. QUICKSILVER has changed my life. And it's free! (Yet another reason to just buy the Mac.)

I am going to keep this post short as I am off to finish up several projects for my job and later, to write, write, write!

Playing on the iPod: In My Arms (Plumb)

Monday Fiction Book Rec

So, while browsing at the bookstore last week, I remembered I had a reading list from some author buddies of mine and on the list and on the table in front of me was Irene Nemirosky's Suite Francaise, a literary novel telling the events of Nazi-occupied France in 1940 and 1941. However, this novel was written by a woman who actually lived there during those years and who later died in Auschwitz. This novel, handwritten in a notebook, was in the possession of her daughter for over 50 years before being published to great acclaim in France in 2004.

According to Wikipedia,

"Némirovsky's surviving notes sketch a general outline of a story arc that was intended to include the two existing novellas, as well as three more to take place later during the war and at its end. She wrote that the rest of the work was "in limbo, and what limbo! It's really in the lap of the gods since it depends on what happens."

In a January 2006 interview with the BBC, her daughter, Denise, said, "For me, the greatest joy is knowing that the book is being read. It is an extraordinary feeling to have brought my mother back to life. It shows that the Nazis did not truly succeed in killing her. It is not vengeance, but it is a victory."

I have only just begun Suite Francaise, but I'm excited to read the book and I plan to pick up the other novel by Nemirovsky that was recently translated and published earlier this year, Fire in the Blood.

I'll let you know what I think.

Playing on the iPod: City (Sara Bareilles)

Friday Fiver Halloween Style

1. Some ruckus-raising high schoolers smashed all our pumpkins last night and then rang the doorbell as if there was an emergency. Some lady walking her dog with a cell phone called the cops, but they couldn't find them. They ruined our neighbors' pumpkins up the street too. Boo!

2. Whoooooooooo. Writing going full blast. I am going to have to take a break from it this morning to finish a book editing project or two. Back to it over the weekend!

3. Hilarious new advanced reader copy from Virgin USA of a book on public libraries. Can't wait to read it. (creepy organ music)

4. Scrubs is back! (scream) I am so happy. This show is one of my favorites and I don't understand why it's not a bigger hit. Watch it; you'll be glad you did.

5. Sending good vibes to K today as she heads in for yet another batch of chemo. We love you, K. GO WSU and keep the faith.

Playing on the iPod: Valkyrie Missile (Angels & Airwaves)

Anti-Resistance Thursday

Oh boy, am I getting it. Not in the usual manner either. And then the little miracles always appear and I am pretty insistent on seeing those whenever I can. This morning we had a few and so I'm inspired to face Resistance head-on today.

The writing is moving along at a steady pace; my to-do list is getting done and I'm lining up the rest of this year for freelance and down-time (lists of books to read by year's end, etc.) and it feels good to be home and getting settled. Of course, the bits of Resistance that continue to show up are signs that I'm heading the right direction and I'm relieved that they are blocking my path. I need to overcome them today to keep going. Here we go!

Here's a bit of Steven Pressfield to get us all fired up.

Sometimes we balk at embarking on an enterprise because we're afraid of being alone. We feel uncomfortable with the tribe around us; it makes us nervous going off into the woods on our own.

Here's the trick: We're never alone. As soon as we step outside the campfire glow, our Muse lights on our shoulder like a butterfly. The act of courage calls forth infallibly that deeper part of ourselves that supports and sustains us.

Playing on the iPod: Move Along (All-American Rejects)

Writing Inspiration Wednesday

Some tips on writing dialogue from Monica Wood:

When writing dialogue, eliminate hellos and good-byes. Salutations usually gum up the works without adding a shred of character development or forward motion.
Dialogue from inexperienced writers often reads like this:

"Hello."
"Mitzi, is that you?"
"Yes, it's me."
"What do you want."
"Well, it's about Fluffy."

And so forth, paralyzing the story's momentum. When the phone rings, skip to the point:

Igor picked up the phone. It was Mitzi, bent on delivering the latest installment of Fluffy's confinement.
"She's doing that weird drooly thing again," she said. "I need you to pick up some of her special food."

Similarly, when it's time to hang up, ditch the farewells and disconnect:

"There's nothing wrong with that suptid lizard that a healthy dose of neglect won't cure," Igor said.
"Are you going to start on her? Don't you even think about starting on her."
They went on like this for another ten minutes, until Igor hung up, hauled on his coat, and headed to the pet store.

Good ideas, right? Helps me today as I write, write, write. Am knee-deep in my first draft.

Playing on the iPod: Bad Day (Daniel Powter)

Monday/Tuesday Mash

Yes, I'm a day behind (but not a dollar short, or behind on my writing, so I'm good).

Life has now slowed down for the traveling two of us. We're tired after a month of being in transit and so glad to be home and gearing up for a fun holiday season! We're with family in Oregon for T-day, but we're home for Christmas! First time in this house and first time in four years! It's going to be great. I finally can get a tree if I want to and I can bake and store up piles of movies and stay at home in my comfy fleece and Ugg boots and eat dark chocolate and Christmas cookies!

I'm adding a Good Reads feature to my blog. We'll see how it looks. It gives my readers a chance to see what I've got on my reading list. And I will definitely link to any reviews that are worthwhile for your enjoyment.

My thoughts are with SoCal as the fires rage. Stay safe, friends!

Playing on the iPod: Enigma Variations (Elgar)

Friday Fiver

1. And it's Friday! I'm so glad. What a drive down south through the wind and rain. All the Seattle floating bridges had nice cresting waves, but I don't think it was too bad. Visibility coming down through Salem was really poor, but I'm here.

2. Writing is moving along, I'm really making progress and enjoying it so much! I will be done with my 35k by October 31. I can't wait. Lots of inspiration this week in the big book sales for several writing colleagues. Go, J and A!

3. Reading piles of writing and history books. Just finished a very disturbing look at the foundations of the Nazi Party and its occult leanings. Very disturbing. Also finishing Cahill's book on the Middle Ages. Next up is a book on WWII events in North Africa and Steven Pressfield's Gates of Fire (didn't get through it before London; will recheck it out and finish in November) and the sequel.

4. Perplexed by the massacre in Pakistan surrounding Bhutto's return. Encouraged by Bush's encouragement and award to the Dalai Lama this past week.

5. Enjoying the little things in life today; an Internet connection, a good book, cashmere socks(!), and the chance to give grace, even to those who don't impress me much.

Playing on the Ipod: Love Song (Sara Bareilles)

Rainy Thursday.

Just dashing through in between writing madly and dodging rain drops and blustery clouds overhead. Puget Sound is getting it today. I'm headed down to the family for a few days to a wedding reception and to laugh and hang out.

First wedding anniversary spent apart! Yes, hubby was traveling this time. We have been married four years. I can't believe how time flies when you're having fun. :)

Must be off. Have a great day and stay dry!

Playing on the iPod: I Wonder (Kanye West)

Busy writing.

Hello, I don't have much to say today (to make up for yesterday or today's lack of blog posts) because I'm writing up a storm. The October 31 deadline is looming (I'm in the NST Novel Challenge) and then the next day starts Nanowrimo and I've decided to not stop at the end of October (because there is no way I'm going to finish by then). So 35k must be done by October 31 and all 70k done by end of Nanowrimo. I know, I know, that's not the way Nanowrimo works, but this year is how it works for me.

Missing hubby terribly, but he just sent pictures of the managers group squinting into the Arizona sunshine, so he's doing good. When I'm not writing, I'm cleaning out the pantries, closets, fridge, drawers, etc. Sorting is so good for the writing life and I swear this house feels lighter.

Playing on the iPod: Wunderkind (Alanis Morissette)

Non-Fiction Rec for Monday

I know, I'm supposed to be recommending fiction. I'm coming right back to that next week, but I need to recap my London visit for a bit.

While in Oxford at Blackwell's bookshop, I picked up a British paperback, The Inklings, which chronicles the writing group C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien and others utilized during their most prolific years. Tolkien used this group as a sounding board for his Lord of the Rings trilogy and C.S. Lewis wrote his science fiction and Narnia books while in this group (Lewis wrote many, many things, including a large volume of the Oxford History of English Literature series for Oxford University Press on English Literature in the Sixteenth Century; I have a first edition copy of this book in my library). After reading The Inklings, I now have a much better understanding of why Lewis and Tolkien were able to write such epic stories. They read so widely, and both preferred the Icelandic mythology to the modern poets (T.S. Eliot was not a favorite at first, but gradually grew on the group as acceptable) and both Tolkien and Lewis actually petitioned the board successfully to change the Oxford literature curriculum from a wide sweep of old/middle/modern literature to old and middle literature, stopping at 1830, thereby omitting the moderns, which was used for many years.

The book is a conglomeration of diaries (mostly from Warnie who wrote one faithfully; Lewis disdained the use of such trifles), which recorded happenings around the most prolific members' writing and publishing endeavors. An editor at Oxford University Press, marooned in Oxford from London during the war, Charles Williams, is the other prolific member, although J.R.R. Tolkien's son, Christopher, was a latter member, which in my opinion is truly appropos.

The book is a quick and fascinating read and worth the trouble to get if you're a diehard Lewis/Tolkien fan and desire to know more. Of course, as I just returned from visiting Lewis' home, I appreciated the filling in of the broad stories I have heard growing up about Lewis' life. I learned many new things.

Playing on the iPod: Littlest Things (Lily Allen)

Friday Fiver.

I've been so busy this week that my blogging has suffered. So a super-duper double-large dose of the top five for this Friday!

1. The writing is moving right along. This weekend I intend to reacquaint myself with my novel game plan and get back on the horse. I admit that journaling and scrawling notes from my intense reading schedule (need to update what I'm reading currently; don't pass out!) is my neutral zone. To actually create a story is my addiction, but my energy levels wane, and with the jet lag from last weekend (see number 2), I definitely went to neutral. I intend to get back to first gear this weekend and then keep accelerating from there. Reading a nifty writing process book I picked up in Oxford still and that is helping me immensely.

2. The jet lag sapped my creativity. I was affected more coming home than going to London. It was the adrenaline, I know. I zonked out in early afternoon and then was awake all night. Finally, hubby kept me out late playing pool late last weekend and that seemed to switch me over to the right circadian rhythm. I finally feel myself today and I intend to use the next six days to catch up on all my work, read, and just enjoy being home. Because I'm headed out for another four days next week. Whew.

3. I was inspired in London to buy for style and beauty. I bought beautiful things in London and here at home this week at stores that surprised me. I've decided to buy because I love it. And to quit taking myself so seriously. And to quit trying to make life perfect. How anal is that?

4. Cancer has returned for several dear friends and so I'd ask blog readers to please support cancer charities and fundraisers (wear that yellow livestrong bracelet!) to find a cure.

5. Trader Joe's is my new favorite grocery store. Metropolitan Market has long been my favorite, but Trader Joe's is so close and the organic milk and eggs are so good. I have long bought regular buttermilk. Have you tasted organic buttermilk ranch dressing? Oh wow. They have salty treats, sugary treats, incredible two-buck Chuck wines, everything. I am sorry to say I've only gone there occasionally. It is my new favorite place!

Happy weekend all. Keep writing.

Playing on the iPod: My Moon My Man (Feist)

Writing Inspiration Wednesday

On the road traveling with hubby on his business trip, thus this post is late.

From Monica Wood's The Pocket Muse:

Cleverness is not wisdom.--Euripides
Listen to your elders. There comes a point in every draft when you have to examine a turn of phrase--maybe your favorite one, the one that occasioned the entire piece. Be honest: Does the smarty-pants phrasing illuminate something at the heart of the work, or are yolu just being a show-off, a smart aleck, a writer's writer? Be careful with these beloved phrases--sometimes we can't tell the difference between cleverness and wisdom.

I like that. A great reminder as I scribble away this week, making very slow progress on my WIP, but filling my notebooks as fast as I can scrawl. Who knows if it is good, but it feels great to let it out.

Playing on the iPod: Love Song (Sara Bareilles)

Gadget Girl Tuesday

If you're into Internet marketing, you know the name John Reese. His Reese Report is worth gold and his Traffic Secrets course, well, I think it has launched most of the successful businesses on the web.

His new venture is Blogrush and while I've had mixed results and am still tweaking it, I thought it was worth mentioning here just FYI, in case people reading wanted to check it out.

Basically, it's a gathering of blog posts that are related to your blog's topic, updated with a widget (similar to my news widget to the right, below) and so far there have been complaints of crappy content, but if I know John Reese, he does not send out a beta project and then just let it sit. His team will tweak it until it works. So, just to let you know.

The Latest on BlogRush

In other news, headed out with hubby on his business trip this week, but will continue to post from my laptop. He's off to another trip next week too, but I can't join him. Bollox!

I assume it will be my chance to catch up on the first three seasons of the Office, clean out my closet for winter, and write and read into the wee hours!

Playing on the iPod: 1,2,3,4 (Feist)

Monday Catch-Up

Home from London. Missing London.

Started reading a British paperback version of Possession by A.S. Byatt on the flight home. Fantastic. If you've not ever read this book, go get it now. It's on every reading list I've seen out there. Antonia Byatt wrote the poetry throughout the book too, which blows my mind.

We bought books at Blackwells bookstores in Oxford and only had a few minutes to pick up what we could before we had to be up in Risinghurst to visit C.S. Lewis' home. Pictures from that and elsewhere on our trip coming soon.

Everything went smoothly while I was gone. Everyone survived and I feel a bit like I'm off to the races already with hubby traveling the next two weeks (I am going with him), so I'll be blogging in fits most likely.

Writing update later this week!

Playing on the iPod: Here We Go Again (Kanye West)

Writing Inspiration Wednesday

Today is my last post for the next 10 days as I'll be in London, baby!

Today's writing inspiration tidbit is again from Monica Wood's The Pocket Muse.

The Bible is a magical repository for story ideas. Every story is a metaphor with limitless possibilities for retelling.
Place Lot's wife at a school board meeting in Kansas.
Tempt Adam with a Corvette rather than an apple.
Turn Job into a bus driver and give him a test that even God couldn't dream up.

Great ideas, right? I'll say. I'm writing on the plane both ways and will update you when I return. I'm looking forward to letting my imagination soar as I visit the sites in London and day trip to Oxford. We will be visiting Magdalen College and the Kilns, C.S. Lewis' home.

Playing on the Ipod: Narnia soundtrack (Harry Gregson-Williams)

Gadget Girl Tuesday

If you haven't heard about GrandCentral or have and are curious, Merlin from 43Folders discusses the app and has some really nifty screen shots to show how he uses this service.

GrandCentral by Merlin Mann

I'm on a waiting list for a Seattle number, and hitting up every contact I can find to get an invite any earlier.

In writing news, still slow, but steady. In travel news, we're at T2 days and 5.5 hours until departure to London. The packing is now at final stage and I think I'm taking an even smaller suitcase than I originally thought. This should be fun.

Playing on the iPod: The Glory (Kanye West)

Fiction Pick Monday

Okay, so I'm still in the midst of this one, but Ann Packer's new novel is pretty darn good. If you've read her first book, Dive From Clausen's Pier, you'll remember her finely nuanced prose and incredible character development. I don't think you'll be disappointed with her new novel, Songs Without Words, but I'm not done yet.

Met up with Jen yesterday at Starbucks at the Lodge in Bellevue and made out like a bandit at the J. Crew sale. I'm going to be Devil Wears Prada for Halloween, but since Prada is a more than I want to pay for a costume, I'll actually be Devil Wears J. Crew. Sound good? We've got three Halloween parties to go to in one weekend! Good grief.

Spent Saturday out with a friend on his boat on Lake Tapps. Absolutely gorgeous and so relaxing. The boys did a few spins on the water, trying to knock each other off the inner tube by driving as fast as they dared. I lounged in the sun and laughed at hubby who is like a little kid out on the water. It was great. We ate dinner at The Rock and then crashed.

This week is finalizing everything for our London trip and trying to do as much as I can at work as it is the end of month feed frenzy. I hope to see my coworkers next week for the first time! Should be great fun.

Still writing, slow and sure.

Playing on the iPod: Back to Black (Amy Winehouse)