These last two weeks have sucked me dry. Fortunately, I have a little voice in my head that ensures I keep my sense of humor. A few of the more amusing offerings Adeline has come up with this week ....
(In response to "It's been a bad week?") Bah. Bah. Bah bah black sheep. (Actually, it was bah bah black shrrp because I was trying to type around a lounging kitty.)
(When looking up "pirates" on wikipedia for her blog, she saw this definition of piracy: "Modern definitions of piracy include the following acts: kidnapping of people for ransom [...]". Her response?) I really AM a pirate! YAY!
(And finally, tonight at the grocery store, I'm thinking about a conversation I could be having with my boss tomorrow. See, I kind of slammed my thumb in one of the filing cabinets yesterday. It doesn't hurt much anymore, but it's horribly bloody and open, and I've been keeping band-aids on it to keep germs out and to remind my clumsy self not to go banging that finger around the office. Anyway, I needed more band aids so I picked some up and let Adeline choose which ones. She finally (after much debate) decided on Care Bears. As I'm walking up to the cash register, I amuse myself by imagining that I'll explain to my - humorless - boss by saying, "You never know what kind of band aids you'll find around the house when you have a two year old niece." Adeline of course chimed in.) And a three year old voice who talks to you in your head. Can we tell him about that too? (Ack! NO!)
*grins* I think I'll make it through the work week now.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Didn't Mean To Leave You Hanging ....
I'm going to try to keep this short in an attempt to keep myself from babbling. The second thing that sparked revelations was a book titled See Jane Write. It's a guide to writing chick lit (which after reading the book I am convinced is not what I'm writing .... I still don't know what genre Adeline's .... THING ... is, but I'm pretty sure it's not straight forward chick lit).
On the whole, it was really fun but not exactly helpful. There were a lot of good suggestions .... for someone who is thinking about writing a book but hasn't taken the leap yet. Which is not the point I'm at. I would still recommend it though. And I did like it a lot (as evidenced by the five hour reading time) so I would definitely say it wasn't a complete wash.
But there were a couple things that I read that made me feel really good especially after the rather disappointing critique. (Ok, it wasn't that disappointing but I had harbored secret hopes that she would tell me, "There's nothing I can do for this! It's perfect." *snorts* Yeah ... I know. But you're talking to a lady who wants to be the queen of Newfoundland. When I go for delusions of grandeur, I don't just do some piddling gradeur; I go all the way.) The first thing that made me do a little wiggle in my chair was when I read a section about how to get your project finished. It suggested a 500 word count goal for every day. That led to a completion date about six months from the start. One of the authors brought up that she had a 3000 word count goal; that way, she could be finished in six weeks. The other asked if that had ever actually happened (since 3000 words is a BIG count). *grins* Author #1 admitted it hadn't. I'll share with y'all that I happened to say, "Try FOUR WEEKS. Oh yeah baby!" before I continued to read. (Although, to be completely fair, I didn't get 90,000 in 4 weeks which is what she would have had in 6 if she did 3000 a day. *blinks* Trust me, that sounds odd, but the math is solid.)
The second thing I liked .... When I got to the editing section, a lot of it was stuff that's second nature to me. Being an English major does have its uses! Who knew? *grins* Now, to be fair, I'm FAR from perfect. I've got notations to myself that are reminders to work on my choice of verbs. (Although, seriously, sometimes you just need to break from the flowery speech and have a good ol' fashioned "She was angry" type sentence no matter who simplistic and unimpressive it is!) And, even though I try to vary my word usage, the starts of my sentences, sentence length, dialogue tags, and other "stuff" (*grins*) like that, I got to the point where I didn't care so long as there were words appearing on the screen.
But ... the third thing ... .the thing I liked best of all .... was concerning revising after you finish. They proposed that you walk away from your manscript. Give yourself a break. *blinks then sighs* By the time I finished writing it, I was so blessed sick of the darned thing. I took a break over the holidays then got back to it for a bit, but to tell you the truth, any time I think about it, I cringe. Which is never good. So I'm walking away!
Oh, but that doesn't save you from me. Ohhhhhh no. Because as soon as I finished, Adeline disappeared into the mist then appeared at the edges tugging on a slim, pale wrist. Seems as how she's decided this is a perfect time for me to start Camilla's story. *grins* I knew almost from the beginning I would be writing Camilla and Scot's story next, but I never thought it would be this soon.
I sat down today and started a conversation with Camilla. I asked her about herself, because while I knew her fairly well, at least well enough to have her appear in the THING and be confident about her voice, I don't know the details. For example, I was surprised to learn she was raised by an uncle and auntish figure rather than her parents. Who knew? Anyway, the conversation was enlightening especially when I managed to gag Adeline so she wouldn't interrupt ... (*rolls eyes* ..... I asked Camilla what her favorite curse was ... just because ... and from the darkness comes the reply "Flying fu**ing feathers!" There was a long pause before I realized the tones were more Adeline's than Camilla. ..... that was about the time the gag came into play).
Tomorrow, I'm going to track down the elusive Scot and see what he has to say for himself.
PS - I almost lost the last half of this post due to Blogger's *pauses to take a deep breath to keep from MASSACRING the silly thing ... exhales* stupidity. Hmm, since I thought instead of reacting, maybe I really am maturing. ACK! Quick! Run away! I've got to throw a temper tantrum to scare of adulthood.
On the whole, it was really fun but not exactly helpful. There were a lot of good suggestions .... for someone who is thinking about writing a book but hasn't taken the leap yet. Which is not the point I'm at. I would still recommend it though. And I did like it a lot (as evidenced by the five hour reading time) so I would definitely say it wasn't a complete wash.
But there were a couple things that I read that made me feel really good especially after the rather disappointing critique. (Ok, it wasn't that disappointing but I had harbored secret hopes that she would tell me, "There's nothing I can do for this! It's perfect." *snorts* Yeah ... I know. But you're talking to a lady who wants to be the queen of Newfoundland. When I go for delusions of grandeur, I don't just do some piddling gradeur; I go all the way.) The first thing that made me do a little wiggle in my chair was when I read a section about how to get your project finished. It suggested a 500 word count goal for every day. That led to a completion date about six months from the start. One of the authors brought up that she had a 3000 word count goal; that way, she could be finished in six weeks. The other asked if that had ever actually happened (since 3000 words is a BIG count). *grins* Author #1 admitted it hadn't. I'll share with y'all that I happened to say, "Try FOUR WEEKS. Oh yeah baby!" before I continued to read. (Although, to be completely fair, I didn't get 90,000 in 4 weeks which is what she would have had in 6 if she did 3000 a day. *blinks* Trust me, that sounds odd, but the math is solid.)
The second thing I liked .... When I got to the editing section, a lot of it was stuff that's second nature to me. Being an English major does have its uses! Who knew? *grins* Now, to be fair, I'm FAR from perfect. I've got notations to myself that are reminders to work on my choice of verbs. (Although, seriously, sometimes you just need to break from the flowery speech and have a good ol' fashioned "She was angry" type sentence no matter who simplistic and unimpressive it is!) And, even though I try to vary my word usage, the starts of my sentences, sentence length, dialogue tags, and other "stuff" (*grins*) like that, I got to the point where I didn't care so long as there were words appearing on the screen.
But ... the third thing ... .the thing I liked best of all .... was concerning revising after you finish. They proposed that you walk away from your manscript. Give yourself a break. *blinks then sighs* By the time I finished writing it, I was so blessed sick of the darned thing. I took a break over the holidays then got back to it for a bit, but to tell you the truth, any time I think about it, I cringe. Which is never good. So I'm walking away!
Oh, but that doesn't save you from me. Ohhhhhh no. Because as soon as I finished, Adeline disappeared into the mist then appeared at the edges tugging on a slim, pale wrist. Seems as how she's decided this is a perfect time for me to start Camilla's story. *grins* I knew almost from the beginning I would be writing Camilla and Scot's story next, but I never thought it would be this soon.
I sat down today and started a conversation with Camilla. I asked her about herself, because while I knew her fairly well, at least well enough to have her appear in the THING and be confident about her voice, I don't know the details. For example, I was surprised to learn she was raised by an uncle and auntish figure rather than her parents. Who knew? Anyway, the conversation was enlightening especially when I managed to gag Adeline so she wouldn't interrupt ... (*rolls eyes* ..... I asked Camilla what her favorite curse was ... just because ... and from the darkness comes the reply "Flying fu**ing feathers!" There was a long pause before I realized the tones were more Adeline's than Camilla. ..... that was about the time the gag came into play).
Tomorrow, I'm going to track down the elusive Scot and see what he has to say for himself.
PS - I almost lost the last half of this post due to Blogger's *pauses to take a deep breath to keep from MASSACRING the silly thing ... exhales* stupidity. Hmm, since I thought instead of reacting, maybe I really am maturing. ACK! Quick! Run away! I've got to throw a temper tantrum to scare of adulthood.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Knowing and Learning
Mon Dieu. My mind is buzzing. To start with, I recently got the first three chapters of my ... THING back. I'd given it to someone I know who has had some luck with getting her own stuff published. Reading her comments was enlightening to say the least. There wasn't anything horribly upsetting, and it's going to be helpful. I have to say I'm rather proud of myself for only saying, "What! Is she on crack!" once. *grins*
But there was one thing she pointed out that I had never even thought of or ever knew. It was a little bit of a reality check because that forced me to realize I know absolutely nothing about writing a book. Since I'm more than a touch arrogant, and I tend to be considered the knowledgeable one among my friends, that brought me back to Earth. *grins* Always a good thing.
But, I like to plough ahead so I'll probably ignore the fact that I have a limited, and admittedly, classical training, and continue on my merry way.
For the eagle-eyed who noticed I said "first," let me assure you there is more to this tale .... but that's a story for tomorrow. I wouldn't want to overwhelm you with babbling after the long drought of me being buried under the sands of reality.
But there was one thing she pointed out that I had never even thought of or ever knew. It was a little bit of a reality check because that forced me to realize I know absolutely nothing about writing a book. Since I'm more than a touch arrogant, and I tend to be considered the knowledgeable one among my friends, that brought me back to Earth. *grins* Always a good thing.
But, I like to plough ahead so I'll probably ignore the fact that I have a limited, and admittedly, classical training, and continue on my merry way.
For the eagle-eyed who noticed I said "first," let me assure you there is more to this tale .... but that's a story for tomorrow. I wouldn't want to overwhelm you with babbling after the long drought of me being buried under the sands of reality.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Oh. My. Word.
WHAT WAS I THINKING?!?!
*takes several deep breaths*
I am now the (proud?) owner of a new 20 gallon fish tank.
This might not seem like a real reason for freaking out to most (normal) people, but I think we've already covered that I am special. I've had aquariums for about five years now. I started out with a very small betta tank (as I was a one woman betta rescue squad). Over time, I graduated up to a five gallon tank. But, as crazy as it might sound, about the most you can get in a five gallon tank is a betta, an algae eater, and a couple tetras. Partly because bettas are temperamental, and partly because five gallon really isn't very big in the fish world.
At the moment before I made this momentous step into serious fishiness, I had a betta and a dwarf fresh water puffer fish. They seemed to be getting along although the puffer (Oscar) spent most of his time hanging out by the filter (presumably where it was warmer). I got them the bigger tank so they could spread out some, do some exploring, have some room to hide from each other, and because I figured if I got a nice set up, I might invest in some fishy comforts that would let them have a better life.
So I am the proud mama to one potbellied molly, a dalmatian molly, a 'costamus (algae eater), and five (count 'em FIVE) neon tetras (as well as the puffer and the betta). So far, everyone BUT the puffer is playing nicely. *le sigh* Now my woes really begin.
This may be too much stress for my fragile little heart.
PS - Pictures to come when I actually get the gravel, the plants, and the hood that I couldn't buy tonight.
*takes several deep breaths*
I am now the (proud?) owner of a new 20 gallon fish tank.
This might not seem like a real reason for freaking out to most (normal) people, but I think we've already covered that I am special. I've had aquariums for about five years now. I started out with a very small betta tank (as I was a one woman betta rescue squad). Over time, I graduated up to a five gallon tank. But, as crazy as it might sound, about the most you can get in a five gallon tank is a betta, an algae eater, and a couple tetras. Partly because bettas are temperamental, and partly because five gallon really isn't very big in the fish world.
At the moment before I made this momentous step into serious fishiness, I had a betta and a dwarf fresh water puffer fish. They seemed to be getting along although the puffer (Oscar) spent most of his time hanging out by the filter (presumably where it was warmer). I got them the bigger tank so they could spread out some, do some exploring, have some room to hide from each other, and because I figured if I got a nice set up, I might invest in some fishy comforts that would let them have a better life.
So I am the proud mama to one potbellied molly, a dalmatian molly, a 'costamus (algae eater), and five (count 'em FIVE) neon tetras (as well as the puffer and the betta). So far, everyone BUT the puffer is playing nicely. *le sigh* Now my woes really begin.
This may be too much stress for my fragile little heart.
PS - Pictures to come when I actually get the gravel, the plants, and the hood that I couldn't buy tonight.
Monday, January 8, 2007
*loud groan*
A unfortunate event occurred today. My boss pulled into the parking lot just as I was leaving for the day. I had already clocked out, I had plans to meet a good friend for the evening (after she's abandoned me for TWO WEEKS), and I was not in the mood to deal with him.
So, when he came up to me and said, "Hey, did anything interesting happen today?", rather than giving him my standard and patient, "No", I replied, "A penguin ran through the office a bit ago." I accompanied it with a big old smile and a sashay as I meandered along to my car.
I blame it on the fact that I was technically off work, and Adeline was out and about.
Do you think he'll accept it if I plead "the voices in my head took over" in the morning?
Nah, neither do I. :)
So, when he came up to me and said, "Hey, did anything interesting happen today?", rather than giving him my standard and patient, "No", I replied, "A penguin ran through the office a bit ago." I accompanied it with a big old smile and a sashay as I meandered along to my car.
I blame it on the fact that I was technically off work, and Adeline was out and about.
Do you think he'll accept it if I plead "the voices in my head took over" in the morning?
Nah, neither do I. :)
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
Too Many Hobbies!
Well, a joyous new year to one and all! I survived 2006 (sometimes just barely), and I'm proud to say I was gainfully employed for the majority of it. Now, for the coming year, I hope to find some other employment (either of the writing kind or, more likely and more helpful, with another company).
On that front (the writing that is), I have resumed edits for Adeline's as yet unnamed novel. I decided shortly after Camilla (my source of sanity and the beak-ed pokes to keep me hopping) went home for a month that I was going to take a break from the novel. Between not having anyone bugging me for edits, writing a novel in about a month, and running around in the holiday madness, I was so sick of the damned thing I just wanted to delete it!
Rather than doing that, I tucked it away and forgot it. I decided I would take two weeks off and then concentrate on it really hard the two weeks before Camilla got back. And, surprisingly, it seems to have worked! A few days ago, (two days before my self-imposed deadline) I found myself wanting to take it out and work out it. But I denied myself. *grins*
Today was my first day back at it, and I feel like I got a lot done. There's a really snazzy scene between the herione and hero. I'm liking their interaction SO much better this time around. He's no longer a quasi-creepy emotionally trigger happy weirdo, and she's more crazy and snappy than ever. Liking the characters never hurts when I'm trying to get things done.
But what does hurt are my "addictions". It seems like I never have enough time in the day to just indulge myself. Which is odd because I spend a good portion of my day indulging myself. *grins broadly* Anyway, I love reading. I can, and often have, spent all day curled up on a comfy seat devouring a book from start to finish. Breaks for meals are optional if it's a really good book.
The other addiction I have which can really eat away my time is video games. I've (semi) often talked on Adeline's journal about video games that I like playing. Well, Christmas was a great year for toys because I got four new ones to try out including the infamous Final Fantasy. I'll spare you the details, but I will add that Mom doesn't help. I walked downstairs to get a drink before I came upstairs to do some writing. She said, "Go put your clothes in the dryer (oh yay laundry night) then come kill something." I know that it's really code for "you were upstairs for two hours after dinner, and I haven't seen you since this morning; do something downstairs so I can talk to you some time before the day ends" but it still makes me laugh.
Now that I've gotten this all typed out, I'm not really sure what my point was. Did I ever have one? Will I make one up so that I can stop typing, go to bed, and sleep (and so y'all can stop reading and do the same and/or move on to something else)??
Nah. I think I'll just leave you hanging. After all, isn't that how you're supposed to end a chapter? (If the answer is no, don't tell me!) :)
On that front (the writing that is), I have resumed edits for Adeline's as yet unnamed novel. I decided shortly after Camilla (my source of sanity and the beak-ed pokes to keep me hopping) went home for a month that I was going to take a break from the novel. Between not having anyone bugging me for edits, writing a novel in about a month, and running around in the holiday madness, I was so sick of the damned thing I just wanted to delete it!
Rather than doing that, I tucked it away and forgot it. I decided I would take two weeks off and then concentrate on it really hard the two weeks before Camilla got back. And, surprisingly, it seems to have worked! A few days ago, (two days before my self-imposed deadline) I found myself wanting to take it out and work out it. But I denied myself. *grins*
Today was my first day back at it, and I feel like I got a lot done. There's a really snazzy scene between the herione and hero. I'm liking their interaction SO much better this time around. He's no longer a quasi-creepy emotionally trigger happy weirdo, and she's more crazy and snappy than ever. Liking the characters never hurts when I'm trying to get things done.
But what does hurt are my "addictions". It seems like I never have enough time in the day to just indulge myself. Which is odd because I spend a good portion of my day indulging myself. *grins broadly* Anyway, I love reading. I can, and often have, spent all day curled up on a comfy seat devouring a book from start to finish. Breaks for meals are optional if it's a really good book.
The other addiction I have which can really eat away my time is video games. I've (semi) often talked on Adeline's journal about video games that I like playing. Well, Christmas was a great year for toys because I got four new ones to try out including the infamous Final Fantasy. I'll spare you the details, but I will add that Mom doesn't help. I walked downstairs to get a drink before I came upstairs to do some writing. She said, "Go put your clothes in the dryer (oh yay laundry night) then come kill something." I know that it's really code for "you were upstairs for two hours after dinner, and I haven't seen you since this morning; do something downstairs so I can talk to you some time before the day ends" but it still makes me laugh.
Now that I've gotten this all typed out, I'm not really sure what my point was. Did I ever have one? Will I make one up so that I can stop typing, go to bed, and sleep (and so y'all can stop reading and do the same and/or move on to something else)??
Nah. I think I'll just leave you hanging. After all, isn't that how you're supposed to end a chapter? (If the answer is no, don't tell me!) :)
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