Wow! It has been forever and a day since I last posted. Since then, I've completed all but one of my exams (the last one is on Jan. 8), finished editing that dissertation (5 minutes ago), and edited an e-magazine for my university's English department, the theme of which was murder-mysteries. Some were really good--they made me forget to read with an eye toward correction for paragraphs at a time, always a good sign.
If I passed my exam last week and pass my exam in 2 weeks, I will then move on to writing my master's thesis next semester. I still need to arrange for a supervisor, but I will try to get organized next week and send an email to a likely person who was recommended to me.
In a fit of inspiration--I don't have bursts, they are definitely fits--I jotted down the first part of an entry for next year's Bulwer-Lytton contest. One day, I will be bad enough to win, and not just amuse myself. I swear on Grumpy's beard!
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Monday, November 03, 2008
Here is the blog I was telling you about: http://super_librarian.blogspot.com/ Hopefully that will get you there.
I totally love Wendy! Her post for 11-1 had me in coffee-snorting laughter. She's in my favorites but I'd love a link to her on our blog.
The librarian in you will love her. Read the 10-29 post.
I totally love Wendy! Her post for 11-1 had me in coffee-snorting laughter. She's in my favorites but I'd love a link to her on our blog.
The librarian in you will love her. Read the 10-29 post.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Here's an entertaining blog for the romance-readers among us:
Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
I especially like the logo that comes up at the top of the screen:
Come for the Dominican Bitches, Stay for the Man-Titty
Hee hee hee!
Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
I especially like the logo that comes up at the top of the screen:
Come for the Dominican Bitches, Stay for the Man-Titty
Hee hee hee!
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Hannah has a pretty stable list of what she wants to be when she grows up: a cook / restaurant / hotel owner, president of the US, a super-model, other normal over-the-top kid ideas about careers. Recently she's added author to her list.
On Friday, her PE teacher didn't show up. After the kids farted around for the first hour of PE, a different teacher turned up and said, hey, why don't you kids each come up with an idea for a story, and then swap ideas and write a story based on what you end up with. Well, Hannah was not very thrilled about having to write a horror story, especially since the idea came from a *boy*, the horror! So she told the boy to keep his idea and she would write up hers.
She came home Friday afternoon with most of a hand-written page: The Spy Pie. She's still not sure about the title. It's a story about a kid who becomes a spy--I don't know what pie has to do with it, and I don't think she does either, because her alternate title would use "pi", as in 22/7.
She spent quite a bit of time Friday afternoon and one day this weekend writing on her story. I think she has 2 chapters so far. She read some of it to John and me, and frankly, we were impressed. She did have a few flubs with prepositions--interference from German, I'm afraid--but she really has a feel for how a story should be put together.
After finishing chapter 2, she asked John if he would be her agent and help her publish her book when she finished. Of course! he answered. Not 10 minutes later, she came to me in the living room and asked if *I* would be her agent. Didn't you just ask Dad to be your agent, I ask. Well, in case he dies. Well, in that case, yes. She's always thinking about contingency plans.
I don't know if she will get around to finishing her opus, but her spate of work over the weekend kind of made me feel ashamed of my own lameness. Hannah can be totally lazy and lack-luster about things--like studying German grammar or Latin vocabulary--but when it comes to something that she personally enjoys--like blowing stuff up in science class or writing short stories--she works hard and learns quite a bit. She's kind of my hero, except when I am trying to get her to study German grammer, Latin vocabulary, etc.
On Friday, her PE teacher didn't show up. After the kids farted around for the first hour of PE, a different teacher turned up and said, hey, why don't you kids each come up with an idea for a story, and then swap ideas and write a story based on what you end up with. Well, Hannah was not very thrilled about having to write a horror story, especially since the idea came from a *boy*, the horror! So she told the boy to keep his idea and she would write up hers.
She came home Friday afternoon with most of a hand-written page: The Spy Pie. She's still not sure about the title. It's a story about a kid who becomes a spy--I don't know what pie has to do with it, and I don't think she does either, because her alternate title would use "pi", as in 22/7.
She spent quite a bit of time Friday afternoon and one day this weekend writing on her story. I think she has 2 chapters so far. She read some of it to John and me, and frankly, we were impressed. She did have a few flubs with prepositions--interference from German, I'm afraid--but she really has a feel for how a story should be put together.
After finishing chapter 2, she asked John if he would be her agent and help her publish her book when she finished. Of course! he answered. Not 10 minutes later, she came to me in the living room and asked if *I* would be her agent. Didn't you just ask Dad to be your agent, I ask. Well, in case he dies. Well, in that case, yes. She's always thinking about contingency plans.
I don't know if she will get around to finishing her opus, but her spate of work over the weekend kind of made me feel ashamed of my own lameness. Hannah can be totally lazy and lack-luster about things--like studying German grammar or Latin vocabulary--but when it comes to something that she personally enjoys--like blowing stuff up in science class or writing short stories--she works hard and learns quite a bit. She's kind of my hero, except when I am trying to get her to study German grammer, Latin vocabulary, etc.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Fuck me. I just realized that the humongous text I’m proofreading (561 pages for the main document) is spaced all weird. One page of the text—with the weird spacing and 13-point type—is 39 lines and equivalent to about one-and-a-half pages of normal double-spacing with 12-point type. So in reality, I’m proofreading 561 x 1.5 = 840.5 pages. Luckily, there are lots of tables and graphs and screenshots in one chapter, but still!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
I realized on Sunday that I have a double-shitload of stuff to do and zero organizational skills, so I needed to think of something fast or risk being buried in an avalanche of undone shit. Then it hit me: Hannah goes to school every day, and at school she has a fixed schedule. All I have to do is follow her school schedule. She has class in one-and-a-half-hour blocks, with 15- or 10-minute breaks in between. So this morning I sat down at 7:50 and started working on a *huge* proofreading job I’d barely started on (we’re talking 600+ pages). I worked when Hannah was in class, took breaks when she took breaks, and ate lunch when she ate lunch. At one point I looked up and was all, “Fluh?! How did it get to be 3 o’clock already?”
That’s when I called it a day, about 30 minutes before Hannah got out of school. But rather than lie in front of the tv and wait for John to throw cookies in my mouth, like I usually do, I gathered up the 2 big bags of clothes from the great fall closet purge and headed into town to drop them in the donation box and pick up a couple of books that were waiting for me at the university library. I got home at 5 and, surprisingly, didn’t feel completely brain-dead, so I am going to work some more (did I mention 600+ pages?) while John makes chili (only he doesn’t know yet that he’s going to make chili).
Pages covered so far today: 15 + 1 + 6 + 18 = 40 (oh dear, this is going to be a hard slog)
That’s when I called it a day, about 30 minutes before Hannah got out of school. But rather than lie in front of the tv and wait for John to throw cookies in my mouth, like I usually do, I gathered up the 2 big bags of clothes from the great fall closet purge and headed into town to drop them in the donation box and pick up a couple of books that were waiting for me at the university library. I got home at 5 and, surprisingly, didn’t feel completely brain-dead, so I am going to work some more (did I mention 600+ pages?) while John makes chili (only he doesn’t know yet that he’s going to make chili).
Pages covered so far today: 15 + 1 + 6 + 18 = 40 (oh dear, this is going to be a hard slog)
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
I’m glad to see that Kee had something to post while I was off on vacation. It will probably take me forever and a day just to label the 700+ photos we took, much less blog the trip. I haven’t even finished blogging the previous trip to Stockholm! School stuff and an editing gig are going to have to come first, though.
While waiting for one of several loads of laundry to finish up, I was perusing some of the blogs I have bookmarked—there are a *lot* of them, but I don’t read all of them regularly—and I came across a really excellent post by Alice over at Finslippy. She told about an art class where one half of the class was graded on the quantity of pots they produced, and the other half was graded on the quality of pots they produced. Surprisingly, the quantity half of the class made more improvement than the quality half, because they could make improvements on previous mistakes with the next pot, whereas the quality half got bogged down trying to make the perfect pot on the first try. Alice rightly, in my opinion, pointed out that this applies to all creative arts: you create something, and if it is not perfect on the first try, so what; you do it better next time. Anyhow, I thought it was something interesting and important enough to mention here.
While waiting for one of several loads of laundry to finish up, I was perusing some of the blogs I have bookmarked—there are a *lot* of them, but I don’t read all of them regularly—and I came across a really excellent post by Alice over at Finslippy. She told about an art class where one half of the class was graded on the quantity of pots they produced, and the other half was graded on the quality of pots they produced. Surprisingly, the quantity half of the class made more improvement than the quality half, because they could make improvements on previous mistakes with the next pot, whereas the quality half got bogged down trying to make the perfect pot on the first try. Alice rightly, in my opinion, pointed out that this applies to all creative arts: you create something, and if it is not perfect on the first try, so what; you do it better next time. Anyhow, I thought it was something interesting and important enough to mention here.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
And then all the planets aligned...
I had the urge Tuesday night to re-read what I had done on a story I had started but hadn't touched in a while. The story--code name RELATION--and its characters had been swarming around my head after I posted. Mainly, I think, because I was seriously doubting if writing was something I wanted to pursue and I was also seriously doubting if RANSOM was ever going to get done.
Part of the problem is that I like my characters in RANSOM too much. I think that's part of my progression/perfection problem and why I'm not getting anywhere. I started RELATION on a whim of an idea and just typed away until I hit a brick wall. It took a relatively short amount of time for what I had complete, but it was also over TWO years since I touched it...AGH!
Alas, when I re-read it, I thought 'Not too bad.' It had some of the same mistakes I have been trying to eliminate in RANSOM, but it would be easy enough to fix. As I was in the middle of reading, I couldn't remember where I'd left the story-just that I knew I had hit the wall and didn't know what came next. To my surprise, the last line I had typed--which had nothing to do with the story--was 'This is a test.'
It floored me. That is EXACTLY the phrase I have been using in describing all the crap that has been going on in my life the last 8 months. It's felt like the decisions that have been put before me are a test of what I really want and where/what I need to be. So to see it on something I wrote two years ago is...yeah.
I go to bed with the story on my mind. At 3:44 the next morning I wake up with where the story is supposed to go next-I'm on the other side of the wall! I try to tell myself it'll still be in my head at a decent hour and to go back to sleep. Then I keep hearing 'This is a test.' So I get up and, bleary-eyed, go outline what I woke up with. Then the next day, I outline more. So now I'd say I had 8/10 of the story outlined and plotted. That's a first for me-knowing where the story is going before I write it.
It may not be a best-seller but it would make a nice category romance. And best of all, right now it would mean I actually get to write new stuff instead of editing old stuff. Every time I feel like quitting, I hear 'This is a test' and keep going.
I had the urge Tuesday night to re-read what I had done on a story I had started but hadn't touched in a while. The story--code name RELATION--and its characters had been swarming around my head after I posted. Mainly, I think, because I was seriously doubting if writing was something I wanted to pursue and I was also seriously doubting if RANSOM was ever going to get done.
Part of the problem is that I like my characters in RANSOM too much. I think that's part of my progression/perfection problem and why I'm not getting anywhere. I started RELATION on a whim of an idea and just typed away until I hit a brick wall. It took a relatively short amount of time for what I had complete, but it was also over TWO years since I touched it...AGH!
Alas, when I re-read it, I thought 'Not too bad.' It had some of the same mistakes I have been trying to eliminate in RANSOM, but it would be easy enough to fix. As I was in the middle of reading, I couldn't remember where I'd left the story-just that I knew I had hit the wall and didn't know what came next. To my surprise, the last line I had typed--which had nothing to do with the story--was 'This is a test.'
It floored me. That is EXACTLY the phrase I have been using in describing all the crap that has been going on in my life the last 8 months. It's felt like the decisions that have been put before me are a test of what I really want and where/what I need to be. So to see it on something I wrote two years ago is...yeah.
I go to bed with the story on my mind. At 3:44 the next morning I wake up with where the story is supposed to go next-I'm on the other side of the wall! I try to tell myself it'll still be in my head at a decent hour and to go back to sleep. Then I keep hearing 'This is a test.' So I get up and, bleary-eyed, go outline what I woke up with. Then the next day, I outline more. So now I'd say I had 8/10 of the story outlined and plotted. That's a first for me-knowing where the story is going before I write it.
It may not be a best-seller but it would make a nice category romance. And best of all, right now it would mean I actually get to write new stuff instead of editing old stuff. Every time I feel like quitting, I hear 'This is a test' and keep going.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
On the high school note...
I have had the thought lately that I am not the same girl I was back then. In some ways (no more baby fat, no more BIG hair), it's not so bad. In other ways, not so good. Aside from the fact I'm STILL dealing with unruly hormones (mine and my pre-pubescent kids), the drive/spark/ambition that kept me at the top of my class is gone.
I read an interesting blog over BookEnds about writers and the company they keep with other writers. (I'd link it if I knew how.) It basically talked about how the drive to succeed and compete will eventually lump good writers together. Then this support network pushes them farther and higher.
My mother has told me that in high school I competed with my dear Nee. I have always said to that, "I never FELT that I competed with her." For all the world to know...Nee was, and still is, on a much higher academic level than me. I never knowingly tried to compete with her, but, yes, it could account for some of my success back then (even though Nee was two years ahead of me).
Okay, so what's up now? I still have the amazing support of Nee (and a few other very friendly friends) who have contributed much to my efforts at being a published author. Is it the same as direct competition? Well, no. Do I have the benefit of constant feedback/praise? Yes. Do I have someone pushing me to do more? Yes, multiple someones.
So where's my drive? Why can't I finish the first novel?
Maybe it's because I am still the girl I was back in high school...I still have no idea what I want to be when I grow up...I am taking the safer road (the safer classes)...To be an accountant will be more stable than being a writer...If I don't try something risky, I can't fail at it.
The idea will still be safe in my dreams.
I have had the thought lately that I am not the same girl I was back then. In some ways (no more baby fat, no more BIG hair), it's not so bad. In other ways, not so good. Aside from the fact I'm STILL dealing with unruly hormones (mine and my pre-pubescent kids), the drive/spark/ambition that kept me at the top of my class is gone.
I read an interesting blog over BookEnds about writers and the company they keep with other writers. (I'd link it if I knew how.) It basically talked about how the drive to succeed and compete will eventually lump good writers together. Then this support network pushes them farther and higher.
My mother has told me that in high school I competed with my dear Nee. I have always said to that, "I never FELT that I competed with her." For all the world to know...Nee was, and still is, on a much higher academic level than me. I never knowingly tried to compete with her, but, yes, it could account for some of my success back then (even though Nee was two years ahead of me).
Okay, so what's up now? I still have the amazing support of Nee (and a few other very friendly friends) who have contributed much to my efforts at being a published author. Is it the same as direct competition? Well, no. Do I have the benefit of constant feedback/praise? Yes. Do I have someone pushing me to do more? Yes, multiple someones.
So where's my drive? Why can't I finish the first novel?
Maybe it's because I am still the girl I was back in high school...I still have no idea what I want to be when I grow up...I am taking the safer road (the safer classes)...To be an accountant will be more stable than being a writer...If I don't try something risky, I can't fail at it.
The idea will still be safe in my dreams.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
During my high school band geek phase--as opposed to my college band geek phase--I spent most of my sophmore year hanging around with 2 older section leaders. These paragons of leadership never, ever played the school fight song at football games. Never. Instead, they sang a little song they had made up to insult various band directors to the tune of the fight song:
Ed's retardo,
Fred's retardo,
Bud's retardo, too.
Every-body is retardo
--except Mr. Graham--
and so--are--you!
(Hint: The retardos probably weren't Ed, Fred, or Bud.)
I've had one of my stories floating around and around in my head recently, and last night I tried to translate the images in my brain into words on paper. Needless to say, I got one sentence down and quit in frustration. That's when the high school band song popped into my head, only with "Nee" in all the name spots. It was very frustrating, especially since I've had the writing itch for the last week, but nothing to show for it. (Not even a rash, ha ha.)
Otherwise, I have been working on editing for one of my profs. I need to finish up and get it sent out, because on Wednesday we are leaving for Stockholm! Woo! I doubt I'll get any writing done there, but it will be a nice change of pace.
Ed's retardo,
Fred's retardo,
Bud's retardo, too.
Every-body is retardo
--except Mr. Graham--
and so--are--you!
(Hint: The retardos probably weren't Ed, Fred, or Bud.)
I've had one of my stories floating around and around in my head recently, and last night I tried to translate the images in my brain into words on paper. Needless to say, I got one sentence down and quit in frustration. That's when the high school band song popped into my head, only with "Nee" in all the name spots. It was very frustrating, especially since I've had the writing itch for the last week, but nothing to show for it. (Not even a rash, ha ha.)
Otherwise, I have been working on editing for one of my profs. I need to finish up and get it sent out, because on Wednesday we are leaving for Stockholm! Woo! I doubt I'll get any writing done there, but it will be a nice change of pace.
Saturday, August 02, 2008
When I turned in my terribly, horribly overdue paper, I wasn't actually sure that I would get it back in time to complete my registration for my master's exams. My professor's assistant had sent me a note that the professor in question would not be grading papers after the 28th of July. The 28th came and went with no message, so I figured it was not meant to be.
I haven't read for my exams as much as I would have liked to, but I have been filling up my spare time with some proofreading for one of my profs in the English department. His feedback has been wonderful--he likes me! he really likes me!--and it has been a relatively satisfying job. And to top it off, when I mentioned that I might not be taking my exams in the fall after all--he is one of my examiners--he said that he would be willing to do me a favor and talk to the other professor about my late paper (they're friends, you know).
But what do you know? Today I got an email from the first prof that she's graded my paper! I got a C--not a surprise. So now I feel like I really need to buckle down. Today I worked at my student job and cleaned the kitchen like a crazy cleaning person--did you know we have a drawer under our stove? I didn't--so I am not up to much studying, but tomorrow I won't have anything else to do but help Hannah bake cookies and wash some laundry. And read, of course.
I haven't read for my exams as much as I would have liked to, but I have been filling up my spare time with some proofreading for one of my profs in the English department. His feedback has been wonderful--he likes me! he really likes me!--and it has been a relatively satisfying job. And to top it off, when I mentioned that I might not be taking my exams in the fall after all--he is one of my examiners--he said that he would be willing to do me a favor and talk to the other professor about my late paper (they're friends, you know).
But what do you know? Today I got an email from the first prof that she's graded my paper! I got a C--not a surprise. So now I feel like I really need to buckle down. Today I worked at my student job and cleaned the kitchen like a crazy cleaning person--did you know we have a drawer under our stove? I didn't--so I am not up to much studying, but tomorrow I won't have anything else to do but help Hannah bake cookies and wash some laundry. And read, of course.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
DONE!
I turned in my final paper on Friday, after writing seriously for 4 or 5 days. I ended up with a 19-page linguistics paper (23 pages with cover, contents page, and bibliography) in German. I call that quite an accomplishment.
I still have a master's thesis (80 pages), 4 oral exams (one half hour each), and 2 written exams (5 hours each) to finish before I am done with my degree, and I have a year in which to do them--or rather, 6 months for the thesis and 6 months for the exams. But I have learned from working on this paper--something I should have learned a long time ago--that to really learn something, I have to work on it a little every day. Otherwise you lose your forward momentum. So that is my goal, one I will try to keep tabs on here.
Right now I am still playing catch-up on household things, but I know I can't do everything at once, so I am trying to spread it out so I can read for my exams AND not live in filth AND not go crazy. I think I can do it.
Exam prep (Saturday): read one chapter of a textbook on child language acquisition.
I turned in my final paper on Friday, after writing seriously for 4 or 5 days. I ended up with a 19-page linguistics paper (23 pages with cover, contents page, and bibliography) in German. I call that quite an accomplishment.
I still have a master's thesis (80 pages), 4 oral exams (one half hour each), and 2 written exams (5 hours each) to finish before I am done with my degree, and I have a year in which to do them--or rather, 6 months for the thesis and 6 months for the exams. But I have learned from working on this paper--something I should have learned a long time ago--that to really learn something, I have to work on it a little every day. Otherwise you lose your forward momentum. So that is my goal, one I will try to keep tabs on here.
Right now I am still playing catch-up on household things, but I know I can't do everything at once, so I am trying to spread it out so I can read for my exams AND not live in filth AND not go crazy. I think I can do it.
Exam prep (Saturday): read one chapter of a textbook on child language acquisition.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Monday, July 07, 2008
Query letter update...Mailed 21 days ago...Rejection received 7/7/08
It was a plain jane form rejection with a name stamp, but it was dated 6/30. That meant it was a fairly fast turn around in her office. The most delay was probably due to the holiday mail service.
Oh well.
I did email a query 7/5. I'll keep you posted.
It was a plain jane form rejection with a name stamp, but it was dated 6/30. That meant it was a fairly fast turn around in her office. The most delay was probably due to the holiday mail service.
Oh well.
I did email a query 7/5. I'll keep you posted.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
My paper-writing has ground to a halt. First, I was in a frenzy of reading, making notes, making connections, and there was...something...I was just not quite connecting. It was on the tip of my brain, and I still can't seem to quite grasp it. Sort of like trying to see a floater* in your vision, but when you try to focus on it, it moves off to the side.
Then when I was going back over the article that is the impetus for my paper, it already seems to be including points I wanted to make myself. Shit--where did that come from? I have already read the article more than once!
Grumble, grumble, grumble...
* Yes, I have very bad eyes, and yes, I try to keep track of the floaters in case I suddenly get more of them. No one wants a detached retina.
Then when I was going back over the article that is the impetus for my paper, it already seems to be including points I wanted to make myself. Shit--where did that come from? I have already read the article more than once!
Grumble, grumble, grumble...
* Yes, I have very bad eyes, and yes, I try to keep track of the floaters in case I suddenly get more of them. No one wants a detached retina.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Query letter update...Mailed 14 days ago...No response yet
In re-reading my goods, I can tell you there is a marked difference in the stuff at the front and the stuff at the back. I had hoped that all of the over compulsive editing I did in the first few chapters was only my own need to tweak it. Apparently, if the back is any indication, it must have pretty much sucked when I first started.
The end is going to take more work that I thought. Aside from the few plot pieces I knew I needed to add, it just doesn't read smoothly. It's almost like I missed writing down half of what was in my head. So it feels very stark, with little emotion or depth. I NEED DEPTH! And I need it quick, cause I've been on a roll writing lately and these damn characters are in my head constantly, and if I call out the hero's name in my sleep, well I think I'll be headed to divorce court.
In re-reading my goods, I can tell you there is a marked difference in the stuff at the front and the stuff at the back. I had hoped that all of the over compulsive editing I did in the first few chapters was only my own need to tweak it. Apparently, if the back is any indication, it must have pretty much sucked when I first started.
The end is going to take more work that I thought. Aside from the few plot pieces I knew I needed to add, it just doesn't read smoothly. It's almost like I missed writing down half of what was in my head. So it feels very stark, with little emotion or depth. I NEED DEPTH! And I need it quick, cause I've been on a roll writing lately and these damn characters are in my head constantly, and if I call out the hero's name in my sleep, well I think I'll be headed to divorce court.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
There was a fascinating article in the NYTimes about the sworn virgins of Albania. Up until recently, women could vow never to have sex and presto-chango! They were men. This was only an option if the male head of the family died or was killed and there was no other male to take charge of the family. A female family member could make the switch, so to speak, and suddenly have the same status and respect as men. Nowadays, there is much more gender equality in Albania, and these family-heads are a dying breed.
I am often struck by how much weirder reality is than fiction.
I am often struck by how much weirder reality is than fiction.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
A NYTimes article on the role of the copy-editor. True, the newspaper copy-editor may be on the way out, but that is not the only variety of copy-editor in the world, so my career aspiration hasn't already died out.
Friday, June 20, 2008
There's this Chinese girl in my department (in both my departments, actually--she's on the same degree program I am and started at the same time), and we occasionally go out for coffee, like once a semester. I saw her in the intro meeting on the first day, and I had her pegged for a bumbler right away. Every time I talk to her, she is really down about school, and she is always behind on her work--even worse than me! She is just now finishing a paper that was due 2 years ago!
Today we had coffee again, and I realized something--I don't want to be like her! It suddenly hit me that I was on the long slide toward turning into her, and I was horrified. I went and worked like a demon possessed on my paper after that, and my stuff is sitting on the table right now so I can work on it some more after I sign off here.
Nothing else has worked to get me motivated to work. It looks like snobbery and fear are my prime motivators.
Today we had coffee again, and I realized something--I don't want to be like her! It suddenly hit me that I was on the long slide toward turning into her, and I was horrified. I went and worked like a demon possessed on my paper after that, and my stuff is sitting on the table right now so I can work on it some more after I sign off here.
Nothing else has worked to get me motivated to work. It looks like snobbery and fear are my prime motivators.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
I have been gone for a good reason. I have been working. On the book.
But I may be gone for a while longer because I may have gotten myself in a bind.
Okay, I have no problem admitting that I listen to the universe. In my world, it keeps me aware of things going on around me and makes me feel like I'm not so alone. Well, I haven't felt like doing a lot lately. To put it mildly, I have been depressed. Things have not been going well on a lot of fronts and I have lost all sense of someone watching over me. This is bad. Not even going to church has restored my feeling of being connected.
Well, it seems like rock bottom is where I needed to be to get serious about my book again. Nothing else has settled me the way writing has, so it's been the only thing I've been able to accomplish. Then, out of the blue, the universe decides to speak to me again. Was there any "I am sorry for not getting in touch lately?" Hell, no. Only a "Pssst, listen up. I've got something I need you to do." That something was to send in a query letter to a VERY big name agent. And that would be a good thing if the novel was complete and ready to send if she wants a full ms. It'll be my luck, or the universe's perverse joke, if she does actually ask for it (it could happen).
So needless to say, I have less than a week to pull together the pieces it's in now and at least get it done. I had just rationalized to myself (before reading your last post) that the most important part was to get all the plot structured in so I could complete a reasonable synopsis/outline (usually 2nd step if agent wants to see more). I think it's about the same thinking. It doesn't have to wow. I just need that big step done. Like yesterday. Then I wouldn't feel bad making the agent wait to tune it up.
We'll see. The universe has cleared the path for me and I have about a week to spend some serious time working on it. Rock bottom is not looking so bad.
But I may be gone for a while longer because I may have gotten myself in a bind.
Okay, I have no problem admitting that I listen to the universe. In my world, it keeps me aware of things going on around me and makes me feel like I'm not so alone. Well, I haven't felt like doing a lot lately. To put it mildly, I have been depressed. Things have not been going well on a lot of fronts and I have lost all sense of someone watching over me. This is bad. Not even going to church has restored my feeling of being connected.
Well, it seems like rock bottom is where I needed to be to get serious about my book again. Nothing else has settled me the way writing has, so it's been the only thing I've been able to accomplish. Then, out of the blue, the universe decides to speak to me again. Was there any "I am sorry for not getting in touch lately?" Hell, no. Only a "Pssst, listen up. I've got something I need you to do." That something was to send in a query letter to a VERY big name agent. And that would be a good thing if the novel was complete and ready to send if she wants a full ms. It'll be my luck, or the universe's perverse joke, if she does actually ask for it (it could happen).
So needless to say, I have less than a week to pull together the pieces it's in now and at least get it done. I had just rationalized to myself (before reading your last post) that the most important part was to get all the plot structured in so I could complete a reasonable synopsis/outline (usually 2nd step if agent wants to see more). I think it's about the same thinking. It doesn't have to wow. I just need that big step done. Like yesterday. Then I wouldn't feel bad making the agent wait to tune it up.
We'll see. The universe has cleared the path for me and I have about a week to spend some serious time working on it. Rock bottom is not looking so bad.
Yesterday I sat down and worked on my paper for most of the day. For all that effort, I have a pretty pitiful amount done, but today I am going to power on as soon as I get home.
I was telling John about my paper, and he had a very astute observation to make: My paper doesn't have to be the best paper in the world, it just has to be good enough--and finished.
I think that is one of my major stumbling blocks; I feel like my school work has to completely wow my instructors, but scholarship isn't about making amazing discoveries with every single work. It is more about adding incrementally to the total of the scholarship that has gone before you. In my case, I am writing a paper for a class, so the point is more to show that I can synthesize information into a coherent whole, not so much that I have something new of my own to say.
I wonder how I can turn the above into a mantra for when I start to backslide?
I was telling John about my paper, and he had a very astute observation to make: My paper doesn't have to be the best paper in the world, it just has to be good enough--and finished.
I think that is one of my major stumbling blocks; I feel like my school work has to completely wow my instructors, but scholarship isn't about making amazing discoveries with every single work. It is more about adding incrementally to the total of the scholarship that has gone before you. In my case, I am writing a paper for a class, so the point is more to show that I can synthesize information into a coherent whole, not so much that I have something new of my own to say.
I wonder how I can turn the above into a mantra for when I start to backslide?
Sunday, June 08, 2008
J.K. Rowling's commencement speech at Harvard University
It's very touching and thought-provoking, what she has to say.
It's very touching and thought-provoking, what she has to say.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
I once had an idea for a children’s book: an American child moves to Germany and learns her way around her new town and/or shows her visiting relatives around town. I was moderately pleased with the idea.
Then I saw in the library today that someone has done exactly that for the city of Stuttgart. It looks a bit like a visitor’s bureau guide for the 12-and-under set, complete with maps.
I had envisioned an artist’s rendition, maybe in watercolors, of some of the highlights of Heidelberg interspersed with pictures of the characters.
Just because someone else has done something similar to my original idea here doesn’t mean that there might not still be a market for it in America, but it is kind of disappointing on the one hand, that someone beat me to the punch, but exhilarating on the other, to know that the idea I had was a viable one.
Then I saw in the library today that someone has done exactly that for the city of Stuttgart. It looks a bit like a visitor’s bureau guide for the 12-and-under set, complete with maps.
I had envisioned an artist’s rendition, maybe in watercolors, of some of the highlights of Heidelberg interspersed with pictures of the characters.
Just because someone else has done something similar to my original idea here doesn’t mean that there might not still be a market for it in America, but it is kind of disappointing on the one hand, that someone beat me to the punch, but exhilarating on the other, to know that the idea I had was a viable one.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
My boss in the English Department is sort of on sabbatical this semester—she swapped places with a professor in New Mexico. Back in April, she was in town for a conference and arranged to have lunch with us lowly student employees. She told us a really outrageous story about the goings-on in her department-away-from-home (which I won’t go into here, but it was way out there). Then she wanted to hear about how we were all doing.
One of the other student employees, S, brought up the creative writing class she is taking. Apparently there is this core group of students who keep taking the class every semester and are very resistant to any suggestions for change. (Of course, the student who brought up the changes prefaced her statement with, “In America, we….” Dumb, dumb, dumb.) S is very disappointed in the class, because she was hoping that they would actually work on specific problems—say characterization, for instance—and would get and give honest feedback. But no, the old-timers want to churn out new stories every week and cash in on a warm fuzzy in class, not work on improving what they’ve already written.
And to add another layer of frustration with the class, there is a fellow student who only writes really icky porn. Badly written icky porn. She says she can tell that he is mostly trying to freak out his classmates. She is more freaked out by his lack of interpersonal skills and disregard for personal space.
What was really strange about her mentioning this guy was that I had just read some of his stuff not 30 minutes before our lunch. I was working in the English Department library, and I finished up with a little time to spare before lunch, so I was browsing the course materials on the hold shelf. Creative writing caught my eye, so I thought I’d see what was in that binder. There were a few stories in there, one a take on Snow White that I really liked and which induced me to keep reading. That’s when I found the ick-meister. As I told S and everyone at lunch, it seemed that he was trying to show off how many synonyms for “semen” he knew. At which my boss did a spit take and declared that she had missed me.
One of the other student employees, S, brought up the creative writing class she is taking. Apparently there is this core group of students who keep taking the class every semester and are very resistant to any suggestions for change. (Of course, the student who brought up the changes prefaced her statement with, “In America, we….” Dumb, dumb, dumb.) S is very disappointed in the class, because she was hoping that they would actually work on specific problems—say characterization, for instance—and would get and give honest feedback. But no, the old-timers want to churn out new stories every week and cash in on a warm fuzzy in class, not work on improving what they’ve already written.
And to add another layer of frustration with the class, there is a fellow student who only writes really icky porn. Badly written icky porn. She says she can tell that he is mostly trying to freak out his classmates. She is more freaked out by his lack of interpersonal skills and disregard for personal space.
What was really strange about her mentioning this guy was that I had just read some of his stuff not 30 minutes before our lunch. I was working in the English Department library, and I finished up with a little time to spare before lunch, so I was browsing the course materials on the hold shelf. Creative writing caught my eye, so I thought I’d see what was in that binder. There were a few stories in there, one a take on Snow White that I really liked and which induced me to keep reading. That’s when I found the ick-meister. As I told S and everyone at lunch, it seemed that he was trying to show off how many synonyms for “semen” he knew. At which my boss did a spit take and declared that she had missed me.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
I read a fascinating article in the New York Times earlier in the month about willpower, “Tighten Your Belt, Strengthen Your Mind,” in the context of changing spending habits in a worsening economy. Here are some excerpts:
This totally makes sense to me. I find that if I complete one task toward writing my paper—for example, reading an article—I can hardly bring myself to keep going and read a second article, or make notes, or work on my outline. After reading this, I realize that it is not really fair of me to kick myself for not powering through. On the other hand, I should be aware of this tendency to fag out and should take steps to train my willpower in this area.
“The brain has a limited capacity for self-regulation, so exerting willpower in one area often leads to backsliding in others. The good news, however, is that practice increases willpower capacity, so that in the long run, buying less now may improve our ability to achieve future goals.
…
“The brain’s store of willpower is depleted when people control their thoughts, feelings or impulses, or when they modify their behavior in pursuit of goals. Psychologist Roy Baumeister and others have found that people who successfully accomplish one task requiring self-control are less persistent on a second, seemingly unrelated task.
…
“Focusing on success is important because willpower can grow in the long term. Like a muscle, willpower seems to become stronger with use. The idea of exercising willpower is seen in military boot camp, where recruits are trained to overcome one challenge after another.”
This totally makes sense to me. I find that if I complete one task toward writing my paper—for example, reading an article—I can hardly bring myself to keep going and read a second article, or make notes, or work on my outline. After reading this, I realize that it is not really fair of me to kick myself for not powering through. On the other hand, I should be aware of this tendency to fag out and should take steps to train my willpower in this area.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Friday, April 18, 2008
Janet Reid, literary agent, has some excellent advice on her blog about making mistakes. She makes a good point that the fear of making mistakes is actually more deadly than the mistakes themselves.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
I got this from WesTexGirl, and I am just not sure about the results. Dash, eh? Somehow I feel more like a semi-colon.
Dein Ergebnis:: Dash
You scored 23% Sociability and 52% Sophistication!
There's no denying that you have a certain flair. You don't mind being around others, especially your little brother, the hyphen, but you rarely emerge except when needed. You respond well to those who know how to treat you, but have only contempt for those who don't--you tend to embarass them every chance you get. Your only enemy is the colon--he will sometimes try to move in on your turf.
| Link: The Which Punctuation Mark Are You Test written by Gazda on OkCupid Kostenloses Online Dating, home of the Der Dating Typ Test View My Profile(Gazda) |
Monday, April 07, 2008
So I am sitting here beating my head against a works cited list I am wrestling into shape, and I look up to see that it is snowing. *here is where my mouth falls open* It's not sticking, of course, because it has been too warm since about January, but that's not stopping it from falling. There are quite a few big chunks of snow, too, as big as the end of my thumb. Now I'm glad we started our seeds in the sunroom instead of on the balcony. I just hope that Hannah is eating her lunch indoors today.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
I've made a decision.
I can't keep up with everything right now, so I'm going to stop sending my stuff for a while. I'll probably even stop checking the internet, too.
It won't be forever, but I just don't have enough time in the day to do it all and still have time to sleep. Since I've been fighting some kind of mongo headache for the last week and a half (it's not a migraine, sinus, or my blood pressure so it must be stress), I need as much rest as possible so I can function at an acceptable level.
Think of me while I'm exiled.
I can't keep up with everything right now, so I'm going to stop sending my stuff for a while. I'll probably even stop checking the internet, too.
It won't be forever, but I just don't have enough time in the day to do it all and still have time to sleep. Since I've been fighting some kind of mongo headache for the last week and a half (it's not a migraine, sinus, or my blood pressure so it must be stress), I need as much rest as possible so I can function at an acceptable level.
Think of me while I'm exiled.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
I was too tired to post Monday after I finished working. I am only working tonight until it's time to put the laundry in the dryer, but I thought I better check in.
It's been a crapfest around here lately but at least there's plenty of motivation to be a rich and famous writer. I may hold off doing any of my other web lurking until I get some more of what's in my head down on paper. So if you don't hear from me for a while, it's not because I'm goofing off.
Oh, and isn't there some kind of eclipse tonight? Isn't that like a sign of the wrath of the heavens, an indicator of a major disturbance of the universe, a precursor to a significant cosmic event? Like, oh, say, someone fixing to turn 36. Holy schmoe.
It's been a crapfest around here lately but at least there's plenty of motivation to be a rich and famous writer. I may hold off doing any of my other web lurking until I get some more of what's in my head down on paper. So if you don't hear from me for a while, it's not because I'm goofing off.
Oh, and isn't there some kind of eclipse tonight? Isn't that like a sign of the wrath of the heavens, an indicator of a major disturbance of the universe, a precursor to a significant cosmic event? Like, oh, say, someone fixing to turn 36. Holy schmoe.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
After hearing from my instructor that my paper was ready to pick up, I decided that the best way to prepare for bearding the beast in its den (or office, as the case may be) would be for me to reread the paper in question. It had been a whole semester since I had turned it in, and I wasn’t even completely sure anymore what was in there.
You have to understand—I HATE rereading my own writing. Just contemplating it fills me with a feeling of dread. I know I have to do it—eventually—but I’d rather have all my skin grated off with a rusty cheese grater.
And to add another layer of weird to the crazy cake, I swing between thinking it is going to be a steaming pile of crap and thinking it might be the best thing my instructor got that semester. (I know—see crazy, above.)
As I finally read back over it, I noticed some typos, a few misused words, a few places I could have done a better job of explaining and organizing, but all in all, it was o.k. And I was satisfied with that.
Forward to this morning, waiting for the line outside the instructor’s office to dwindle. I was able to get some reading in for my paper-in-progress and not freak out too much, at least not until I was the last one outside the door. This is the instructor who can eviscerate you with her direct manner and constructive criticism, without really intending to. But she didn’t say anything about my paper that I didn’t already know, and she gave me some useful feedback I can apply to my current paper and my future thesis. And she gave me a 2 (roughly a high B). So I am more than satisfied with my grade (I would have been happy with a 3), and highly relieved that it’s over.
One down, two to go.
You have to understand—I HATE rereading my own writing. Just contemplating it fills me with a feeling of dread. I know I have to do it—eventually—but I’d rather have all my skin grated off with a rusty cheese grater.
And to add another layer of weird to the crazy cake, I swing between thinking it is going to be a steaming pile of crap and thinking it might be the best thing my instructor got that semester. (I know—see crazy, above.)
As I finally read back over it, I noticed some typos, a few misused words, a few places I could have done a better job of explaining and organizing, but all in all, it was o.k. And I was satisfied with that.
Forward to this morning, waiting for the line outside the instructor’s office to dwindle. I was able to get some reading in for my paper-in-progress and not freak out too much, at least not until I was the last one outside the door. This is the instructor who can eviscerate you with her direct manner and constructive criticism, without really intending to. But she didn’t say anything about my paper that I didn’t already know, and she gave me some useful feedback I can apply to my current paper and my future thesis. And she gave me a 2 (roughly a high B). So I am more than satisfied with my grade (I would have been happy with a 3), and highly relieved that it’s over.
One down, two to go.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Kee sent me the following:
For Feb. 11
"I am so proud of me. I missed posting last Wed but that doesn't mean I didn't work. I've been going strong. In fact, I just had a monster session. 1300 NEW words AND I reused a scene that I thought I was going to have to scrap because it didn't make sense anymore. It just all kinda came together."
For Feb. 13
"I do have some new stuff tonight, but it's not fine tuned cause I just needed to 'block' the rest of what's been in my head. So it doesn't make sense to anybody but me right now. Maybe Monday it'll be ready."
So she is really getting the words onto paper.
Go, Kee!
For Feb. 11
"I am so proud of me. I missed posting last Wed but that doesn't mean I didn't work. I've been going strong. In fact, I just had a monster session. 1300 NEW words AND I reused a scene that I thought I was going to have to scrap because it didn't make sense anymore. It just all kinda came together."
For Feb. 13
"I do have some new stuff tonight, but it's not fine tuned cause I just needed to 'block' the rest of what's been in my head. So it doesn't make sense to anybody but me right now. Maybe Monday it'll be ready."
So she is really getting the words onto paper.
Go, Kee!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Kee has been super busy with her day job, so she hasn't had much time for getting on the Internet at home, mostly because she's been getting so much writing in! Yay, Kee! She is keeping me posted via email, and I'll try to pass on the updates here, in case anyone is following along at home.
I fell asleep while reading for my paper this afternoon. It may have been because I was sitting in a delicious bath of sunlight, or because I seem to be fighting off a cold, but I had to make it official and get in the bed for a nap. So progress on the paper is happening, but slowly.
And I just got an email that a previous paper has been read and I should come by my prof's office hour. Now I am pants-pissingly worried. Oh, well, too late for that now.
I fell asleep while reading for my paper this afternoon. It may have been because I was sitting in a delicious bath of sunlight, or because I seem to be fighting off a cold, but I had to make it official and get in the bed for a nap. So progress on the paper is happening, but slowly.
And I just got an email that a previous paper has been read and I should come by my prof's office hour. Now I am pants-pissingly worried. Oh, well, too late for that now.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
I'm sorry I've sort of "disappeared" from around here. I haven't really had much to say because 1) Kee was on a work/holiday hiatus, and 2) I wasn't writing anything myself, either. But now Kee is back, and I--well, I'm not writing, but I AM working.
I am sure that none of you have ever been late with a paper before *cough*, but the later it is, the more you feel like you have to have something really fantastic in hand before you can talk to your instructor about it, and the more pressure you feel to produce something extra super fabulous. (I am sure I read a much better description of this over at Bitch PhD, but I couldn’t find it today despite *cough* too much time spent reading her archives.) When you find yourself in this situation, the only way out of it is to sack up and go talk to your instructor, like I did last week.
Unfortunately, my discussion with her was completely the opposite of extra super fabulous. It was like I was channeling Ralphie at Santa’s workshop in the department store: Paper? What’s a paper?! I may have made a bit of an ass of myself, but what else is new. The look on her face when I was describing my totally un-do-able idea for a paper topic had the same effect as Santa’s elf trying to push Ralphie down the slide after he mumblingly agreed to a football: Ack! I take it back! Except my idea for a do-able topic—one I had a note about on my laptop--didn’t occur to me until I got to the bus stop. Since then, I’ve been going through the literature I already have on hand, trying to ferret out useful information.
I’ve realized 2 things recently that have really helped me wrap my mind around this paper-thing:
1. I had to ask myself: “Why am I doing something I don’t like?” And then I remembered: I *do* like learning! Then why the hell am I acting like it is the worst thing I’ve ever been asked to do?
2. Writing this paper doesn’t mean I have to reinvent the wheel. As a matter of fact, it is a seminar paper, not a master’s thesis; it doesn’t even have to be original. I just have to come up with a question and use the available literature to find a reasonable answer.
With these 2 things squared away, I feel like I’ve made the proper mental adjustments that will let me make some progress.
Next goal: getting an outline of my (hopefully not sucky) new topic to my instructor by the end of next week. (Hannah is out of school this week, which is also the last week of the semester, so I am not going to push my luck by aiming for the end of this week.)
I am sure that none of you have ever been late with a paper before *cough*, but the later it is, the more you feel like you have to have something really fantastic in hand before you can talk to your instructor about it, and the more pressure you feel to produce something extra super fabulous. (I am sure I read a much better description of this over at Bitch PhD, but I couldn’t find it today despite *cough* too much time spent reading her archives.) When you find yourself in this situation, the only way out of it is to sack up and go talk to your instructor, like I did last week.
Unfortunately, my discussion with her was completely the opposite of extra super fabulous. It was like I was channeling Ralphie at Santa’s workshop in the department store: Paper? What’s a paper?! I may have made a bit of an ass of myself, but what else is new. The look on her face when I was describing my totally un-do-able idea for a paper topic had the same effect as Santa’s elf trying to push Ralphie down the slide after he mumblingly agreed to a football: Ack! I take it back! Except my idea for a do-able topic—one I had a note about on my laptop--didn’t occur to me until I got to the bus stop. Since then, I’ve been going through the literature I already have on hand, trying to ferret out useful information.
I’ve realized 2 things recently that have really helped me wrap my mind around this paper-thing:
1. I had to ask myself: “Why am I doing something I don’t like?” And then I remembered: I *do* like learning! Then why the hell am I acting like it is the worst thing I’ve ever been asked to do?
2. Writing this paper doesn’t mean I have to reinvent the wheel. As a matter of fact, it is a seminar paper, not a master’s thesis; it doesn’t even have to be original. I just have to come up with a question and use the available literature to find a reasonable answer.
With these 2 things squared away, I feel like I’ve made the proper mental adjustments that will let me make some progress.
Next goal: getting an outline of my (hopefully not sucky) new topic to my instructor by the end of next week. (Hannah is out of school this week, which is also the last week of the semester, so I am not going to push my luck by aiming for the end of this week.)
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Just a quick check in. Hubby has been hogging the computer lately so I thought I'd post something when I could.
I've been working on my goods and have even managed some new stuff while reviewing. I am almost back to the point where I left off in Dec. When I get to that point, I'll get back to sending my stuff. This afternoon may be a great time for me to get some more work done.
I saw the news where someone's coming to see me in March. I'm sooooooo excited!!!!
I've been working on my goods and have even managed some new stuff while reviewing. I am almost back to the point where I left off in Dec. When I get to that point, I'll get back to sending my stuff. This afternoon may be a great time for me to get some more work done.
I saw the news where someone's coming to see me in March. I'm sooooooo excited!!!!
Monday, January 28, 2008
The bug has bit my butt.
And I'm rockin' it for all it's worth.
Saturday was a bust around here for all of our plans. We had a sick kid so the b-ball game was a no-go and we were too "contaminated" to be around all the new babies in the family that were congregating before they left for a ski trip. (Yeah, even though we weren't invited, I'm not crying too hard on missing out on a trip with a three year old and two babies under 6 months.)
So with our germ-germy selves we did nada.
And it was such a grand day!! It seems like an open schedule was all that was needed to get motivated to get this book finished ASAP. I was having serious doubts (AGAIN) that I was wasting my time on crap, but NOT NO MO SISTAH!!! I got you guys the letter that I have been working on-so yeah for me for finishing it. And I have been spit polishing the manuscript from the beginning. And, you know what, it's not crap at all.
What's really got me excited is that I didn't have to spend tons of time re-reading it. It just flew by like reading an acutal book. Usually I would get bogged down in fixing things. Since it is going so good and my schedule at work is winding down, I came home early today to work some more. (I actually wanted to call in sick today so I could stay home but figured it would come back to bite me in the butt.)
So I'll update you tonight before I hit the hay to let you know my progress.
I AM a ROCKSTAR!!!
And I'm rockin' it for all it's worth.
Saturday was a bust around here for all of our plans. We had a sick kid so the b-ball game was a no-go and we were too "contaminated" to be around all the new babies in the family that were congregating before they left for a ski trip. (Yeah, even though we weren't invited, I'm not crying too hard on missing out on a trip with a three year old and two babies under 6 months.)
So with our germ-germy selves we did nada.
And it was such a grand day!! It seems like an open schedule was all that was needed to get motivated to get this book finished ASAP. I was having serious doubts (AGAIN) that I was wasting my time on crap, but NOT NO MO SISTAH!!! I got you guys the letter that I have been working on-so yeah for me for finishing it. And I have been spit polishing the manuscript from the beginning. And, you know what, it's not crap at all.
What's really got me excited is that I didn't have to spend tons of time re-reading it. It just flew by like reading an acutal book. Usually I would get bogged down in fixing things. Since it is going so good and my schedule at work is winding down, I came home early today to work some more. (I actually wanted to call in sick today so I could stay home but figured it would come back to bite me in the butt.)
So I'll update you tonight before I hit the hay to let you know my progress.
I AM a ROCKSTAR!!!
This is probably the best description I have ever read:
I am stunned by the announcement. To say that the news hits me like a football-sized chunk of uranium contained in a safe that has then been placed in an iron-framed grand piano and sent plummeting from the fifteenth floor window of the Institute of High Gravity Studies with a member of sixties hippie combo 'The Mamas and the Papas' tied to each leg (John Phillips having a large quantity of loose change in his pocket) followed by an antelope, a large bag of ball bearings and a parcel marked 'DANGER OF INJURY! Do Not Attempt to Lift This' would be an understatement.
Original post at Private Secret Diary.
I am stunned by the announcement. To say that the news hits me like a football-sized chunk of uranium contained in a safe that has then been placed in an iron-framed grand piano and sent plummeting from the fifteenth floor window of the Institute of High Gravity Studies with a member of sixties hippie combo 'The Mamas and the Papas' tied to each leg (John Phillips having a large quantity of loose change in his pocket) followed by an antelope, a large bag of ball bearings and a parcel marked 'DANGER OF INJURY! Do Not Attempt to Lift This' would be an understatement.
Original post at Private Secret Diary.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
As you'll see in the next post, I've started cleaning up the sidebar. It was getting quite cluttered and unwieldy, so it was time to move it somewhere else.
I've started moving the old links over to an archive post that will have a permanent link on the sidebar. I'll probably add a new links section to temporarily highlight additions to the list, but streamlined is the new code-word.
I hope someone besides me finds the links interesting and/or useful.
I've started moving the old links over to an archive post that will have a permanent link on the sidebar. I'll probably add a new links section to temporarily highlight additions to the list, but streamlined is the new code-word.
I hope someone besides me finds the links interesting and/or useful.
Links Useful to Writers
I've taken the rather unwieldly list of links from the sidebar and put them here with a little additional info about each one. Unfortunately, I am having trouble grouping these meaningfully, so I'm using the rather imprecise labels "Publishing Stuff", "Writing Stuff", "Romance Stuff", "Fantasy Stuff", "Linky Stuff".
Publishing Stuff
The Knight Agency Blog
The Knight Agency specializes in romance and women's fiction. This blog mainly covers new releases from the agency, not advice, but it's great for the authors they represent.
Miss Snark, the literary agent (archives)
Miss Snark, the anonymous literary agent, dished out advice (with a big side of snark) on the publishing business to clueless newbies. Her selfless and pitiless contribution will not soon be http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifforgotten.
(Kelly McCullough over at the Wyrdsmiths has indexed Miss Snark's blog, to make it easier to find what you are looking for.)
A Kossack's guide to book publishing
Part 1 - Why bad things happen to good books
Part 2 - Avoiding publishing scams
Part 3 - Literary conventions (with an emphasis on SF Conventions)
Part 4 - Book packagers
Part 5 - Submitting a manuscript
Part 6 - Publishing lists
Part 7 - Literary agents
Part 8 - Copyediting
Part 9 - Marketing and publicity
Part 10 - Outlining
Part 11 - Editing
Part 12 - Ideas
Part 13 - Contracts
Part 14 - How Writers Get Paid
Part 15 - Worldbuilding
Leigh Ronald Grossman, under the moniker Swordsmith, is a regular contributor over at Daily Kos, in additional to writing novels and teaching writing and literure. Here he tries to help break down the publishing (and to some extent writing) process into manageable chunks for the unitiated.
The Sobering Sage of Myrtle the Manuscript
Tappan King follows Myrtle the Manuscript along her labyrinthine trip through a publishing house. See what really happens to your baby when you send it out into the world!
Kit Whitfield: The Publisher-Dating Dictionary
A clever phrasebook based on Kit Whitfield’s personal experience as an editor: "Imagine that the editor or agent is a woman standing on her own in a bar. Your letter is a man approaching her with the aim of asking her for a date." She takes the kinds of language found in query letters and "translates" them into the more familiar language of dating.
Marg Gilks: How to Write a Synopsis
Basic information on writing your synopsis.
Dee-Ann Latona LeBlanc: Writing a Synopsis from the Ground Up
More information on writing different types of synopses.
Writing Stuff
Kit Whitfield: The Lexicon
Collected terms to describe some common issues in writing. Sections are titled “Points of Style”, “Scene-Setting”, “Structure”, “Handling Character”, “Series and Sequels”, “Influences”, “Critics and Feedback”, and “Living the Life”.
Debbie Notkin: Varied Ways of Looking at a Manuscript
She talks about various kinds of feedback writers look for, from critiquing to editing.
Short Stories: 10 Tips for Novice Creative Writers
Douglas Clegg’s Journal
“Three Selves, Writing Resistance, and PW”
Douglas Clegg writes about his writing process, and how it always includes a period of internal resistance before he is able to buckle down and put pen to paper.
Megan Lindholm: "How I Became A Famous Writer (A True Story"
Who knew cats could be so insightful?
Confusing Words
"Confusing Words is a collection of 3210 words that are troublesome to readers and writers. Words are grouped according to the way they are most often confused or misused."
Columbia Journalism Review: Language Corner
Resources for English usage.
Marion Zimmer Bradley Literary Works Trust
Various articles on writing, including "Advice to New Writers", "Grammar", "Translations from the Editorial", and "Why Did My Story Get Rejected?"
Romance Stuff
Romancing the Blog
“What if someone put together a group blog where readers, authors, and industry professionals with established blogs of their own came together to discuss topics relevant to today’s romance? And what if it was done out of love for the romance genre and not for the purpose of blatant promotion?”
Charlotte Dillon
"Charlotte Dillon's Resources for Romance Writers"
Maria Zannini: "Creating the Sizzle in Sex"
Jenna Peterson/Jess Michaels: The Passionate Pen
"Welcome to The Passionate Pen, a resource for Romance Writers who are pursuing their dream of publication."
Fantasy Stuff
David J. Parker: "The Fantasy Novelist's Exam"
"We think anybody considering writing a fantasy novel should be required to take this exam first. Answering "yes" to any one question results in failure and means that the prospective novel should be abandoned at once."
Wyrdsmiths
"A weblog for the Twin Cities area speculative fiction writers' group"
Charles Coleman Finlay: the prodigal blog
Elizabeth Bear: they must need bears
Holly Black, No Longer Dry Like a Martini
I've taken the rather unwieldly list of links from the sidebar and put them here with a little additional info about each one. Unfortunately, I am having trouble grouping these meaningfully, so I'm using the rather imprecise labels "Publishing Stuff", "Writing Stuff", "Romance Stuff", "Fantasy Stuff", "Linky Stuff".
Publishing Stuff
The Knight Agency Blog
The Knight Agency specializes in romance and women's fiction. This blog mainly covers new releases from the agency, not advice, but it's great for the authors they represent.
Miss Snark, the literary agent (archives)
Miss Snark, the anonymous literary agent, dished out advice (with a big side of snark) on the publishing business to clueless newbies. Her selfless and pitiless contribution will not soon be http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifforgotten.
(Kelly McCullough over at the Wyrdsmiths has indexed Miss Snark's blog, to make it easier to find what you are looking for.)
A Kossack's guide to book publishing
Part 1 - Why bad things happen to good books
Part 2 - Avoiding publishing scams
Part 3 - Literary conventions (with an emphasis on SF Conventions)
Part 4 - Book packagers
Part 5 - Submitting a manuscript
Part 6 - Publishing lists
Part 7 - Literary agents
Part 8 - Copyediting
Part 9 - Marketing and publicity
Part 10 - Outlining
Part 11 - Editing
Part 12 - Ideas
Part 13 - Contracts
Part 14 - How Writers Get Paid
Part 15 - Worldbuilding
Leigh Ronald Grossman, under the moniker Swordsmith, is a regular contributor over at Daily Kos, in additional to writing novels and teaching writing and literure. Here he tries to help break down the publishing (and to some extent writing) process into manageable chunks for the unitiated.
The Sobering Sage of Myrtle the Manuscript
Tappan King follows Myrtle the Manuscript along her labyrinthine trip through a publishing house. See what really happens to your baby when you send it out into the world!
Kit Whitfield: The Publisher-Dating Dictionary
A clever phrasebook based on Kit Whitfield’s personal experience as an editor: "Imagine that the editor or agent is a woman standing on her own in a bar. Your letter is a man approaching her with the aim of asking her for a date." She takes the kinds of language found in query letters and "translates" them into the more familiar language of dating.
Marg Gilks: How to Write a Synopsis
Basic information on writing your synopsis.
Dee-Ann Latona LeBlanc: Writing a Synopsis from the Ground Up
More information on writing different types of synopses.
Writing Stuff
Kit Whitfield: The Lexicon
Collected terms to describe some common issues in writing. Sections are titled “Points of Style”, “Scene-Setting”, “Structure”, “Handling Character”, “Series and Sequels”, “Influences”, “Critics and Feedback”, and “Living the Life”.
Debbie Notkin: Varied Ways of Looking at a Manuscript
She talks about various kinds of feedback writers look for, from critiquing to editing.
Short Stories: 10 Tips for Novice Creative Writers
Douglas Clegg’s Journal
“Three Selves, Writing Resistance, and PW”
Douglas Clegg writes about his writing process, and how it always includes a period of internal resistance before he is able to buckle down and put pen to paper.
Megan Lindholm: "How I Became A Famous Writer (A True Story"
Who knew cats could be so insightful?
Confusing Words
"Confusing Words is a collection of 3210 words that are troublesome to readers and writers. Words are grouped according to the way they are most often confused or misused."
Columbia Journalism Review: Language Corner
Resources for English usage.
Marion Zimmer Bradley Literary Works Trust
Various articles on writing, including "Advice to New Writers", "Grammar", "Translations from the Editorial", and "Why Did My Story Get Rejected?"
Romance Stuff
Romancing the Blog
“What if someone put together a group blog where readers, authors, and industry professionals with established blogs of their own came together to discuss topics relevant to today’s romance? And what if it was done out of love for the romance genre and not for the purpose of blatant promotion?”
Charlotte Dillon
"Charlotte Dillon's Resources for Romance Writers"
Maria Zannini: "Creating the Sizzle in Sex"
Jenna Peterson/Jess Michaels: The Passionate Pen
"Welcome to The Passionate Pen, a resource for Romance Writers who are pursuing their dream of publication."
Fantasy Stuff
David J. Parker: "The Fantasy Novelist's Exam"
"We think anybody considering writing a fantasy novel should be required to take this exam first. Answering "yes" to any one question results in failure and means that the prospective novel should be abandoned at once."
Wyrdsmiths
"A weblog for the Twin Cities area speculative fiction writers' group"
Charles Coleman Finlay: the prodigal blog
Elizabeth Bear: they must need bears
Holly Black, No Longer Dry Like a Martini
Saturday, January 05, 2008
I'm here. I'm here.
It occurred to me a couple of days ago that I would have felt better about neglecting my writing-and posting-over the holidays if I had just PLANNED not to write. Instead, I ignored the impending doom that the holidays have on my normal schedule and kept thinking I'd get back to it. Then I felt guilty about it and it kept swirling around in my brain and detracting from enjoying the holidays 100%. So it was a lose-lose all because I couldn't face up to the realities that it writing would have to be low on my priorities for a while.
Speaking of, I have made some plans for the new year. And since I have read your last few posts and have lurked over to westexgirl's goodies, I thought it would be appropriate to share. First, I should say I have been hooked on watching BBC's How Clean is Your House and You Are What You Eat. From the food show, I have found some ways to incorporate a more natural and organic way of heating into our lives. I already feel better-which will be great during the next few months.
But the really big plans come from the cleaning show. With my way limited time coming up and the need to plan in me time (i.e. writing time) EVERY day, I knew I couldn't let my house pile up like it did last year. SO here's the plan, with a little background. I am pretty sure some of my procrastination about housework-it eventually gets done when someone calls to say they are coming over-has to do with the IDEA of housework. Like the IDEA that it takes a long time. That's usually what my kids moan when I tell them it's time to clean up. So with them I would set the timer on the stove for like 5 or 10 minutes and tell them they had to clean everything they could in that time. When the timer went off, they were done. It at least got some of it done and the whining stopped.
So my plan for 2008 is based on that. Every day of the week-I have some chore planned-Laundry-Mon & Wed, Picking up clutter in rooms-Tue & Thursday. Some days have two things. And I even planned my grocery shopping as one (because I hate to go-but now I have to go more regular for all the fresh food). The idea on planning the chores is that I know that day I have to do it-BUT it's ALL I HAVE to do. There is no guilt in not doing other things and there is no wondering when I'll get to those other things because they have their own day coming up. Also-nothing gets carried over-example:whatever laundry didn't get done on Monday has to wait until Wednesday. To me it's like the timer method. There's something about it in my head that says 'Just do it because it's only going to take a little bit of effort and then you're done for the day.'
It's only been a few days but it seems to be working so far. And our -even hubby and the boys- attitude about it is MUCH better. The list is up on the fridge and the boys helped make it. It's kinda got an order to it so they know they have to do each day's work. Like we can't do the floors if the clutter wasn't picked up the day before.
I know this was all more than you wanted to know about my life or my inner rationalizations, but I thought it might help you know you're not the only one who can think herself out of doing something.
When I was on a roll writing, some of my best stuff came out when I sat down and knew I ONLY had one hour to get something down to send to you. I usually got the least amount accomplished when I had all day. I had to remind myself that it didn't have to be an hour that resulted in perfect output as long as it was output. It was a very freeing feeling.
Kinda like letting the boys do more and more around the house. No, they won't make their beds or put their clothes in the drawers just like I would. But does it really matter in the long run. They will get better as they do it more.
And I will have more time to send stuff to you!!!
It occurred to me a couple of days ago that I would have felt better about neglecting my writing-and posting-over the holidays if I had just PLANNED not to write. Instead, I ignored the impending doom that the holidays have on my normal schedule and kept thinking I'd get back to it. Then I felt guilty about it and it kept swirling around in my brain and detracting from enjoying the holidays 100%. So it was a lose-lose all because I couldn't face up to the realities that it writing would have to be low on my priorities for a while.
Speaking of, I have made some plans for the new year. And since I have read your last few posts and have lurked over to westexgirl's goodies, I thought it would be appropriate to share. First, I should say I have been hooked on watching BBC's How Clean is Your House and You Are What You Eat. From the food show, I have found some ways to incorporate a more natural and organic way of heating into our lives. I already feel better-which will be great during the next few months.
But the really big plans come from the cleaning show. With my way limited time coming up and the need to plan in me time (i.e. writing time) EVERY day, I knew I couldn't let my house pile up like it did last year. SO here's the plan, with a little background. I am pretty sure some of my procrastination about housework-it eventually gets done when someone calls to say they are coming over-has to do with the IDEA of housework. Like the IDEA that it takes a long time. That's usually what my kids moan when I tell them it's time to clean up. So with them I would set the timer on the stove for like 5 or 10 minutes and tell them they had to clean everything they could in that time. When the timer went off, they were done. It at least got some of it done and the whining stopped.
So my plan for 2008 is based on that. Every day of the week-I have some chore planned-Laundry-Mon & Wed, Picking up clutter in rooms-Tue & Thursday. Some days have two things. And I even planned my grocery shopping as one (because I hate to go-but now I have to go more regular for all the fresh food). The idea on planning the chores is that I know that day I have to do it-BUT it's ALL I HAVE to do. There is no guilt in not doing other things and there is no wondering when I'll get to those other things because they have their own day coming up. Also-nothing gets carried over-example:whatever laundry didn't get done on Monday has to wait until Wednesday. To me it's like the timer method. There's something about it in my head that says 'Just do it because it's only going to take a little bit of effort and then you're done for the day.'
It's only been a few days but it seems to be working so far. And our -even hubby and the boys- attitude about it is MUCH better. The list is up on the fridge and the boys helped make it. It's kinda got an order to it so they know they have to do each day's work. Like we can't do the floors if the clutter wasn't picked up the day before.
I know this was all more than you wanted to know about my life or my inner rationalizations, but I thought it might help you know you're not the only one who can think herself out of doing something.
When I was on a roll writing, some of my best stuff came out when I sat down and knew I ONLY had one hour to get something down to send to you. I usually got the least amount accomplished when I had all day. I had to remind myself that it didn't have to be an hour that resulted in perfect output as long as it was output. It was a very freeing feeling.
Kinda like letting the boys do more and more around the house. No, they won't make their beds or put their clothes in the drawers just like I would. But does it really matter in the long run. They will get better as they do it more.
And I will have more time to send stuff to you!!!
Friday, January 04, 2008
I finished the proofreading (21 pages of double-spaced text and 1 page of works cited), and I would just like to say BLARGH! before I turn it in.
I am thinking of updating/streamlining the links, so let me know if there is anything you'd like me to add or toss, Kee, and I'll get to work on it.
I have't got much reading done on my paper, mostly because of the proofreading, but also because I didn't feel like it yesterday, but today I am feeling more alert and spry, so I'll give it another go.
A couple of stories have started stirring around in the back of my head, not enought to capture on paper, but just enough to remind me that they're there. I don't really have the time to deal with that right now, so I guess I'll just ignore them for the time being, but it makes me kind of sad to do that. On the other hand, trying to work on them will just distract me from the stuff I *need* to be doing, so back into the broom closet they go.
I am thinking of updating/streamlining the links, so let me know if there is anything you'd like me to add or toss, Kee, and I'll get to work on it.
I have't got much reading done on my paper, mostly because of the proofreading, but also because I didn't feel like it yesterday, but today I am feeling more alert and spry, so I'll give it another go.
A couple of stories have started stirring around in the back of my head, not enought to capture on paper, but just enough to remind me that they're there. I don't really have the time to deal with that right now, so I guess I'll just ignore them for the time being, but it makes me kind of sad to do that. On the other hand, trying to work on them will just distract me from the stuff I *need* to be doing, so back into the broom closet they go.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
I was hoping to have something from Kee by now *HINT HINT*, but I guess I will just have to be patient for another day or 2. But THEN I will be impatient, and I will start making snide remarks here and elsewhere... You have been warned, Kee. :-)
I have realized that I need to change the way I look at how I use my time. I have a nasty habit of looking at the clock and thinking, "Hmm, I have to leave in 3 hours, and that will just fly by, so what's the point of trying to do anything in such a short time."
That is bad.
I am a wife, mother, student, employee, and person, and my life is splintered into "small" chunks of time. I can't do much about that. But I *can* change the way I think about it. I need to look at my chunks of free time and say, "This is what I need to work on. I might not be able to finish the whole thing, but I bet I can do a lot."
I guess I could call this a resolution, but it is an ongoing problem that I have been thinking about for a while.
Yesterday I got up and read a chapter for my paper, proofread 7 pages of an article for a professor, and studied German. I know I could have gotten more reading or proofreading in, but another bad habit I need to deep-six is resting on my laurels when I accomplish anything. I lose my momentum and have to work myself back up to actually doing anything, and then I congratulate myself by doing nothing, and then it is a vicious cycle that prevents me from finishing anything.
So, baby steps, Nee. Step 1: finish this up and get back to proofreading.
Kee, send me something, even if it is only notes.
I have realized that I need to change the way I look at how I use my time. I have a nasty habit of looking at the clock and thinking, "Hmm, I have to leave in 3 hours, and that will just fly by, so what's the point of trying to do anything in such a short time."
That is bad.
I am a wife, mother, student, employee, and person, and my life is splintered into "small" chunks of time. I can't do much about that. But I *can* change the way I think about it. I need to look at my chunks of free time and say, "This is what I need to work on. I might not be able to finish the whole thing, but I bet I can do a lot."
I guess I could call this a resolution, but it is an ongoing problem that I have been thinking about for a while.
Yesterday I got up and read a chapter for my paper, proofread 7 pages of an article for a professor, and studied German. I know I could have gotten more reading or proofreading in, but another bad habit I need to deep-six is resting on my laurels when I accomplish anything. I lose my momentum and have to work myself back up to actually doing anything, and then I congratulate myself by doing nothing, and then it is a vicious cycle that prevents me from finishing anything.
So, baby steps, Nee. Step 1: finish this up and get back to proofreading.
Kee, send me something, even if it is only notes.
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