Mon. March 31, 2014: Inspiration and Directions

Monday, March 31, 2014
Waxing Moon
Saturn Retrograde
Mars Retrograde
Rainy and cold

Can’t believe this is the last day of March. I’ll have a wrap up on the GDR site later today.

Busy weekend. Worked flat out on Friday, with students, on a client project, on stuff for the NMLC, on contest entries, on a proposal that’s in negotiation that would be both exciting and lucrative, met with a client and that gig will start in two weeks, and then headed to the Marine Life Center about mid-afternoon.

Worked in the office there for a few hours, set up, and we had a good rehearsal. A cold one — the heat’s not working in the building — but a good one. I am going to have to cut a beat out of the play, though — it belongs in a different play.

Exhausted by the time I got home, and feeling like I was coming down with something. Woke up on Saturday feeling AWFUL, although it was a beautiful day out. I think the stress of the week caught up with me and started manifesting physically.

Deeply, deeply disappointed and hurt that I didn’t hear back on a long-term gig who promised me an answer last Thursday. I’m assuming I didn’t get it. I’m sure six months or a year from now, it will make sense and I’ll understand the WHY of it, and why I wound up somewhere else I was supposed to be, but it’s still bitter right now.

Had to run one errand, and also took Tessa out in her enclosure for awhile, because the weather was mild enough. Then, I bundled up and spent the rest of the weekend resting, and working on contest entries. Some were really good; others didn’t quite make the mark. Some of them were so poorly constructed that one couldn’t even get to the story through all the mess.

Finished an interesting book for my reviews editor. Will write that up and send it off today.

Had a big aha! moment on a story idea I’ve been playing with for years. It’s been probably over ten years since I first came up with this character, but I couldn’t quite find the way in. Now, I’ve found it. I’ve done a solid 1K on the piece this morning — even though it’s not either of the pieces I SHOULD be working on. It’s a difficult, emotional opening, but it’s what this piece wants and needs. It’s starting down in Florida, but the bulk of the book –and the series — will take place in New Bedford. Guess I’ll be spending some quality time there when the weather gets better.

So much on my plate today, I better get to it!

Devon

Fri. March 28: The Mid-Cape Cultural Council ROCKS!

Friday, March 28, 2014
Day Before Dark Moon
Mars Retrograde
Saturn Retrograde
Sunny and milder

Wednesday was intense, due to the storm, and yesterday was intense for other reasons. In fact, yesterday was so wild, I didn’t blog, and didn’t realize it until the end of the day; my apologies.

The blizzard was, truly, a blizzard here on the Cape, whereas Boston barely got a few flakes of snow. Unfortunately, there was a nine-alarm fire in Boston, driven by the winds, and two firefighters died, which is always heart-breaking.

I stayed tucked in, trying to get work done, reading the materials for the press kit I’ve been hired to do, going over contest entries, getting some writing done, starting the next book for my editor, and pitching for jobs.

By noon, when the blizzard warning was extended, I cancelled rehearsal. On Broadway, they always pulled us out in dangerous conditions. Less “the show must go on” than “we don’t want to refund tickets by cancelling the show”. I promised myself that when I was in a position to make decisions, I wouldn’t do to others what I resented so much done to me. So I walked my talk and cancelled rehearsal, trusting I had good actors with common sense who could do it.

That meant we went into last night with one rehearsal.

Yesterday, I had an early morning board meeting with the Marine Life Center, which was a little difficult.

Then, my new publisher needed materials turned around ASAP — there’d been some sort of communication breakdown, and the production people hadn’t realized the contracts were finalized, so cover art/author information was behind. I spent the rest of the morning turning around the materials for all four books, so both the most pressing and the ones for later this summer are done. We had good communication and got it all figured out, so it was all good. I like working with them, because we can figure things out and get it done. They communicate, and don’t make excuses, or dump blame/punish me when something happens. They let me know something’s up, and then we solve it in a positive way, which is the type of relationship I like.

Did some work on the press kit. Got hired by a magazine out of Canada to write some gardening articles, so I’ll get to work on those — first deadline on May 1 — I like the editor, the pay’s decent.

Waiting to hear on a long-term job that told me I’d hear by yesterday, but haven’t. I don’t know whether to be hopeful or discouraged. Have another client meeting this morning, which would be in a totally different direction, but also fun. Had to move another meeting tentatively scheduled for this afternoon to next week.

Headed to the Cape Cod Museum of Art in Dennis for the Mid-Cape Cultural Council’s Grantee Reception. It was so much fun! The Council itself is an amazing group — energetic, committed to creating a community between the artists and the rest of the community. They communicate beautifully, and are very inclusive. They’re excited and energized by the work of the artists.

It was also exciting to see the work of other artists who received grants, and makes me want to support what they do even more.

Our little section went well — I was very proud of my actors. We got laughs where I hoped, and people were excited and energized by the mix of art and science. NMLC was represented by the Executive Director (who’s also a friend), and she was pleased, too.

Came home, cooked a late dinner, and prepped for today’s work.

Client meetings, work on the press kit, work with students, starting on the articles, and prepping for rehearsal. I’m also meeting with potential stage manager/understudies over the next few days. Fingers crossed.

This should be an exciting spring!

Devon

Wed. March 26, 2014: Blizzard

Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Waning Moon
Mars Retrograde
Saturn Retrograde
Blizzard

Yup, we’re hit with a blizzard. Can’t even see out of the windows, the snow’s been blown against them. Peeked out of the door — the accumulation’s not as high as predicted, but the wind and the sideways snow are making it dangerous right now.

However, it’s supposed to clear out quickly, so I’m hoping tonight’s rehearsal can stand.

Worked flat out yesterday, with students, did a review for my editor, pitched for jobs, worked on client projects. Revised the script again, and printed off the replacement pages on green paper. I’m doing the revisions television-script style, with each set of revisions printed on a different color, dated in the header.

I’m definitely glad I moved this morning’s meeting – no way could I have made it, even though it’s only a mile away!

Hunkering down, working on what I can, hoping for the best.

Stay safe and warm!

Devon

Tuesday, March 25, 2014: Decisions and Dithering

Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Waning Moon
Mars Retrograde
Saturn Retrograde
Sunny and cold

Supposedly, we’re getting hit with a blizzard tonight into tomorrow. The very thought of it makes me want to stay in bed.

Busy day yesterday. Wrote/rewrote the first chapter of the ferry girl novel yesterday and sent it off to my critique partner. Always scary. Went to work with students, but they hadn’t posted. Pitched for some jobs. Got the information on the film press kit job — it looks wonderful, and I’m so excited about working on it. Finished the next book for my editor, and have to write the review today. Worked on contest entries. Worked on a rewrite of a script. Moved an interview for a gig I’m excited about from tomorrow’s snowstorm to Friday morning. Nervous about whether or not things will be cleared up enough for tomorrow night’s rehearsal — we really need it before the presentation at the Grant Reception on Thursday.

Had to run errands in Falmouth and Sandwich, which took up most of the afternoon.

Dithering about whether or not to accept a job as a stopgap for the next few months at a lower rate, but would be steady money. I can already tell that the time/money ratio will be frustrating, but it would help pay off some bills. I have to make a decision today, even though I won’t hear about a couple of other things until later in the week. Saying yes means I’m making a decision out of fear, and that’s usually a bad thing. I have to dither for a few more hours, and then either suck it up and say yes, knowing it’s not a good choice, or say no and take yet another risk. I’m trying to figure out possible repercussions of each choice, and there are positives and negatives on both roads. I’m usually a decisive person, so when I dither, I get annoyed with myself.

I really want to spend time on the ferry girl novel and BALTHAZAAR today, but don’t know if I’ll get the chance. The rewrites on the script have to go out first.

Devon

Mon. March 24, 2014: Gearing Up for a Stressful Week

Monday, March 24, 2014
Waning Moon
Mars Retrograde
Saturn Retrograde
Sunny and cold

We are on yet another blizzard watch for tomorrow into Wednesday. So not looking forward to another foot of snow.

Busy weekend. Rehearsal for the show Friday night; we got some good beat-to-beat work done. Worked on the script over the weekend.

Did some great research on the ferry girls for the novel, including watching a documentary, which gave me more of an idea of the packs, the flight checks, etc. I have to do some tweaks on the pages I’ve done so far, but it’s all very exciting.

Spent most of the weekend working on contest entries. There were some really good ones, and some mediocre ones. Also did some work on the next book my editor sent me for review. Dragging my feet on it, because they’re late paying me and not giving me an explanation, which is unlike them.

I start a gig with a new client this morning that I’m really looking forward to, and will work with a returning client who is a pleasure as well this week.

I moved a potential new client meeting that was supposed to happen the morning of the blizzard back to later in the week, and should hear back on another gig by the end of the week. I’m debating whether or not to do a trial piece for a different gig — the rate is so far below my regular rate, but it’s regular work. I don’t think the time/money/work ratio will work out; at the same time, I’m wondering if I need it as a stop gap for a few months. I don’t want to take a gig out of fear and then resent it.

Only two more weeks with my editing students. They’ve fallen behind, so I hope they catch up.

I’m behind on BALTHAZAAR, but I’ll just have to make it up in May and June. April is going to be all about the play and a couple of freelance gigs looming on the horizon, and fitting in the ferry girl novel when I can, because that’s about researching a bit, writing a bit, researching a bit, writing a bit, and so forth. I’d like to have a first draft done by the end of summer (abnormally long time for me), but am not sure if that will happen. I also have some script work to finish up in the next three months.

Onward.

Devon

Fri. March 21, 2014: Buckling Down

Friday, March 21, 2014
Waning Moon
Mars Retrograde
Saturn Retrograde
Sunny and cool

I was absolutely exhausted yesterday. However, I pitched for some jobs, worked on the script, worked on contest entries, had an interview with a new client, and set up an interview for today with another potential new client. I circulated information to fill the two tech positions, and hope to fill them in the next week or so.

Today, I will work with students, work on the script for tonight’s rehearsal, probably pitch a few more jobs, do the client interview, and, hopefully, get some of my own writing done.

One of my most reliable clients is late paying the last invoice, and is ignoring my questions about it, which is a little disconcerting.

This next week will be difficult — I’m waiting to hear back on a potential gig that I really, really want, and I’ll be so disappointed if they go with someone else. But it will also be a busy week because the Grant Awardee Reception is next week, and I have to prep my actors for it.

Time to buckle down and get things done.

Visit Adventures in Vineland to read about the latest adventure here.

Devon

Thurs. March 20: Spring Equinox! Spring? Calling Spring!

Thursday, March 20, 2014
Waning Moon
Mars Retrograde
Saturn Retrograde
Rainy and cold
Spring Equinox

Yesterday was a completely intense day, but a great one. Up and out the door early. Two fantastic meetings in the morning — I was just over the moon about both of them. Completely exciting possibilities, if one or both of them work out. And, both are completely supportive of the play.

Did some work in the afternoon — worked with students, got out an NDA to a potential new client, worked with another client, worked on contest entries. The next batch of books from my editor arrived, and they look good.

Prepped for rehearsal – got all the paperwork sorted out, did my homework for the evening’s rehearsal, etc. We still need to add a stage manager/understudy to the mix, and a front of house person.

The reading went well. Hopefully, as we dive into rehearsal, it will continue to get better. I see several points where I need to clean things up.

I had trouble getting to sleep last night, even though I was completely exhausted. Still tired this morning, but jumping into script changes, setting up rehearsal schedule, and all the rest. Possibly have a quick client meeting this afternoon.

Check out my post in the Annabel Aidan persona on the Spring Equinox and Saturn Retrograde here.

Busy, but good busy.

Devon

Wed. March 19, 2014: New Actors, New Jobs

Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Waning Moon
Mars Retrograde
Saturn Retrograde
Sunny and cold

I finally understood the message Saturn sends me this go-round. Got it. Will adjust, when I’ve completed the commitment to which it pertains, and not get into that again.

Worked at the library in the morning, came home, got some other work together, worked at the Marine Life Center in the afternoon, auditioned and cast the role of Corinne, then had a Mermaid Ball meeting. I was totally cooked by the time I got home.

A little annoyed that Marvel ran what’s basically a half-hour commercial instead of the show they’re supposed to be producing.

Booked two small but fun freelance assignments — helping a previous client clean up his website, and doing a film press kit for a new client. Should be fun.

Two very exciting appointments this morning, then home to clean the house and prepare to go into rehearsal tonight.

Busy, busy!

Devon

Tues. March 18, 2014: Novels and Plays

Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Waning Moon
Mars Retrograde
Saturn Retrograde
Sunny and cold

Didn’t find out that Comcast fucked me again until late morning; headed over to the Centerville Library to work. Got a lot done, but not enough creatively.

Have two very cool appointments tomorrow morning, and am setting up auditions to replace Corinne.

Came home and had to do paperwork — cut into what I need to do creatively, but very necessary.

Printed off scripts, contracts, photo releases, mileage trackers, etc. — paperwork needed to go into rehearsal. I’ll be working at the Marine Life Center the latter part of the day, and staying through the Mermaid Ball meeting.

Wrote about 1K on the new opening chapter of the ferry girl novel. Wow, it was hard, but it was fun.

Devon

Mon. March 17, 2014: Stress Builds

Monday, March 17, 2014
Waning Moon
Mars Retrograde
Saturn Retrograde
Snowing

Comcast fucked me again. They blatantly refuse to follow the laws, and the lawmakers let them get away with it. Disgusting. No corporation should be allowed to bully citizens in the way that the telecommunication companies and banks do.

Busy weekend. Worked hard all day Friday. Pitched for jobs. Ran errands. Worked on contest entries. Finished the next book for my editor. The last FIVE have been excellent. Roasted a chicken for dinner and then made chicken soup. Saturday morning, I was up early and at the Middle School to check people in for Tomorrows Writers Today. Cast my Corinne for SEAL TIDES — she’s EXACTLY what I’m looking for. And then she pulled out this morning, so we’re back to auditions. Came home, finished the latest revision on the script, sent it out, worked with students. Sunday, I broke my rule and worked.

I also found a box of books I’ve been looking for since I moved here. Re-read Christina Baldwin’s ONE TO ONE, a terrific book on journal writing and ground-breaking when it came out, and am in the process of re-reading Natalie Goldberg’s THE LONG QUIET HIGHWAY, which I have more mixed feelings about this time around.

Also did some terrific research for my ferry girl book. Now I have so much information for the opening chapter, I’ll probably wind up overwriting it and have to cut back.

I did some correspondence this morning, and sent back some contracts. Working at the library for a bit, and then will work at home.

The play goes into rehearsal on Wednesday. Even if you’re far away, for only $10, you can be included in the program, and support us. Our Indiegogo campaign is here. I hope you’ll consider tossing us a few bucks. The more we can raise in the campaign, the more dollars from ticket sales benefit the patients.

Onward!

Fri. March 14, 2014: Stress and Work

Friday, March 14, 2014
Waxing Moon
Saturn Retrograde
Mars Retrograde
Sunny and cold

Hop over to Adventures in Vineland to read about one of my favorite bottles of wine thus far.

Yesterday, it snowed far more than predicted. I was glad I could work from home.

One role is cast in the play; I’m waiting to hear back on another; and I’m setting auditions up for the third. We have to dive in to rehearsals next week.

Saturn is kicking my ass right now. I am listening, believe me!

Reworked the NMLC Media Kit yesterday and sent it off for the next round of feedback.

Finished another really good book for my editor. Will do the review today. Worked on contest entries. Worked with students (they frustrated the hell out of me yesterday, but we all have those days).

Started the next round of revisions on the play. Hope to have them finished by tonight.

Got a lovely note from a UK book packager who liked my proposal. He doesn’t need additional writers at the moment, but promised to keep me in the mix for future projects. It was a really lovely letter, with specific information that’s helpful to me on several levels, and we hope we’ll be able to meet at one of the upcoming conferences. These are the kinds of people with whom one hopes to do business. Plus, I really like what they do.

Tomorrow, I’m helping out with the Tomorrows Writers Today at the middle school, and, hopefully, finalizing casting, and getting a few other things out of the way.

Stressful stuff going on. But, somehow, I’ll get through it.

Onward.

Devon

Thurs. March 13: Working on the Play

Thursday, March 13, 2014
Waxing Moon
Mars Retrograde
Saturn Retrograde
Snowing

Yup, it’s snowing again. Not much, just enough to mess it up for people in the morning. Last night, there was a bad rain storm with high winds.

Took care of some correspondence before heading to the library in the morning. Worked in the library, in spite of a group of horrible women sitting around yapping at the top of their lungs. It’s a LIBRARY people; some of us are here to work. In addition, if you’re going to disturb people who are trying to work, at least be INTERESTING. Selfish, entitled bitches are boring.

But I got a bunch of work done, then headed off to Craigville Mexican and Pizza to meet a friend for lunch. We had fun, figured out a bunch of stuff for the play. I went back to the library to do some work, and then headed home before the storm started.

The play is partially cast. I’m waiting for an answer back from someone else, and I’m looking at prospects for the final role. Fingers crossed I can take care of that in the next couple of days, because we need to get into rehearsal next week to be ready for the Grantee Reception.

Hey, if you’re not close enough come see the play, you can still be a part of it and donate to the Indiegogo campaign — at the very least, you’re thanked in the program and will get a signed copy of the program!

Info here.

Worked on contest entries, worked with students. Read the next book from my editor and will do the review today. Pitched some jobs — have an interview later this morning for one position.

The interview I turned in last week will be highlighted in next week’s issue — I’m pleased that they’re pleased.

Lots to do today, including a round of revisions on the media kit and another revision on the play. Plus digging in to both Balthazaar and research for the ferry girl novel.

Devon

Wed. March 12, 2014: Back To Work

Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Waxing Moon
Mars Retrograde
Saturn Retrograde
Cloudy and cold

Yesterday was a pretty good birthday. Quiet, but fun.

I walked to the library in the morning, because it was such a beautiful day. Just under two miles, not bad at all. Worked flat out for a few hours online (had prepped everything earlier), then walked back home and gave myself the rest of the day off. More script packets out.

Spent a lovely afternoon on the deck for a bit (Tessa was thrilled), and in my sunny room, doing yoga, meditating, and reading THE ANNOTATED EMERSON.

Nice celebratory dinner, complete with champagne, good wishes from friends, and a quiet evening. Pretty terrific.

Go see what’s new over on the garden journal.

Today, I’m off to the library in the morning, then a lunch meeting, then back to the library. We’re supposed to have a bad storm today, so I might not get online at all tomorrow; or, if I do, it will be late in the day.

Got the next batch of books to review from my editor — they look really good! And I agreed to help out on Saturday morning for Tomorrow’s Writers Today at the middle school. So, it’s all good.

Devon

PS Working at the library — why is it so frigging NOISY?!!! It’s a LIBRARY, PEOPLE — HAVE SOME RESPECT FOR THOSE OF US WHO ARE WORKING!!!!