Mon. June 30, 2014: Go Direct Already, Mercury!

Monday, June 30, 2014
Waxing Moon
Mercury Retrograde
Saturn Retrograde
Sunny, warm, humid

Busy weekend.

Friday just sucked every possible way. I don’t even want to get into details, but I was furious by the time I left work, and had to reassess some of my goals and how best to get there. Hate it when Mercury and Saturn are retrograde at the same time.

Came home, and Tessa was like, “Mom, calm down. Play with the turquoise mouse. It’ll all be fine.”

Read a bit, wrote a bit, worked on the last three script episodes, finalized my PR materials for Saturday.

Friday night, we had coyotes in the yard. Woke us up at 2 AM, right up at the house. It’s a strongly bonded mated pair, and I think they’ve got little ones close by. They’re absolutely gorgeous animals — but they’re coyotes, and very close to the house. Tessa wasn’t phased at all, but the twins hid under the blankets. They were establishing territory — we heard them circle their two-mile patch for several hours. I don’t want them hurt, but I also don’t want them to hurt any person or animal in the neighborhood. If anything, I’m most worried that a neighbor will do something stupid and then officials will come in and hurt the animals. I’m hoping we can peacefully co-exist, but let’s face it — humans are stupid and arrogant, and it’s almost always the habitat that suffers.

Exhausted on Saturday, from lack of sleep. Sent off the last script episodes (will be happy when the final check arrives). Sent off some emails, took care of some business.

Headed home for lunch and to pack up the materials in the car, then over to Osterville Library’s tent for the AuthorPalooza event. There were 27 of us there, hosted by Books by the Sea. The copies of TRACKING MEDUSA didn’t arrive in time, but I had HEX BREAKER, OLD-FASHIONED DETECTIVE WORK, and ASSUMPTION OF RIGHT in print copies, and the sell sheet for the three digital releases, and the sell sheet for the Topic Workbooks. We were a fun, lively group. I got to catch up with some people I hadn’t seen in a long time, and meet some interesting new ones, AND talk to some of authors about the possibility of doing a program at the library. My boss came from the library after work, my friend from NMLC came, and it was, all in all, a fun afternoon. We were on the grass, so every time I got tired, I could slide out of my shoes and put my bare feet on the grass and re-energize.

Stopped at the liquor store on the way home and found an affordable bottle of blue raspberry vodka. Toss in a squirt of lemon juice, and I have my blue lemonade. Yummy!

Watched AMERICAN HUSTLE on Saturday night, on DVD. I’d seen it in the theatres when it came out, and now wanted to see it again. Enjoyed it thoroughly. It reinforced my sense that Jeremy Renner’s work wasn’t given the praise it deserved (although he didn’t maintain the Jersey accent consistently, which I hadn’t noticed the first time I watched it, but noticed here). What an amazing cast. In the interviews, the director talks about inconsistencies in characters and how that interests them, but my sense was that they were true to their cores, and then layered the inconsistencies onto that core to get what they wanted and needed.

Yesterday, I was going to do many things, but decided to stay true to my commitment to Disconnected Sundays. I did, however, turn around my edits for “Elusive Prayers”, which I will send off to my editor.

I also read Lauren Owen’s debut novel, THE QUICK. It’s getting a lot of hype, and the initial printing was 100,000 copies, so her publisher is very confident. I read the whole thing yesterday. Yes, it’s a great, big, fat book, but it held my attention. I absolutely loved the first 100 pages — especially her phrasing. I liked and admired almost all of the rest, and was frustrated by the last chapter, although I saw what was supposed to be the final twist coming about 150 pages before it did. It’s a literary horror novel, and there are vampires involved. Anything more would give away too much. It’s very well done, much better than most, but I’m rather vampired out at the moment. It’s definitely a novel I would go back and re-read in a couple of years (especially if I manage to avoid most vampire novels in the interim, which I doubt I can do). It’s definitely up there, for me, with DRACULA (the original Bram Stoker one) and Elizabeth Kostova’s THE HISTORIAN (which I loved).

Read a cozy mystery where the protagonist’s best friends were so unlikeable I kept hoping one or both would be the murderer’s next victim. No such luck. Also, there was only one body drop, and the protagonist was never in any actual peril. Boooring. That author’s off my list. Not reading more of her books for myself, nor am I ordering any for the library, nor will I recommend them for the Cozy Mystery Book Group that we hope to start in the autumn.

Re-reading Elizabeth Elo’s NORTH OF BOSTON, because she’s coming to talk at the library in July. It’s kind of a modern Boston Noir (very different from other types of noir).

The coyotes did a howl-by last night as they raced through the yard, but that was it.

I’ve got to mow today, send off some materials, and then run errands. Monday is errand day, after all.

Champagne Publishing and I have parted ways, as of today. The last few copies of ASSUMPTION OF RIGHT are the last copies (it’s officially out of print), and it’s no longer available online. You can get the print copies that remain through Books by the Sea in Osterville (as of later this week — I have to drop them off when the copies of TRACKING MEDUSA arrive). Cotuit Library also has a copy in circulation. The rights have reverted back to me. I wait thirty days, then I’m commissioning a new cover, changing the title, changing a few things in the text back to my original vision, and it will be re-released, both in digital and paperback formats. I will keep you up-to-date as things happen.

I will be so happy when Mercury goes direct tomorrow.

Have a great week!

Devon

Fri. June 27, 2014: Pulling Along

Friday, June 27, 2014
New Moon
Mercury Retrograde
Saturn Retrograde
Sunny and pleasant

Busy day yesterday, filled with techno-Mercury Retrograde glitches. I am looking forward to Tuesday, when it goes direct.

After work, dashed home, picked up the devilled eggs, went to the party. Had a good time. Came home, finished the sell sheet for the digital books for tomorrow, and then updated the Topic Workbook sheet.

This morning, up at 5 AM, finished revisions on three more episodes. Only three left.

I’m losing my voice, so I’m trying to rest it a bit — I’ll have to talk a lot tomorrow at the author signing.

I have a feeling today will be a busy day at the library. Tonight, I plan to watch AMERICAN HUSTLE, and also finish the final three episode revisions.

Sunday — I’m sleeping.

Devon

Thurs. June 26, 2014: Busy and Tired of Mercury Retrograde

Thursday, June 26, 2014
Mercury Retrograde
Saturn Retrograde
Dark Moon
Alternating between sun and rain

Can I just say I am totally over Mercury Retrograde and can’t wait until it goes direct next week?

And it’s not even lunch time and I was ready for a nap by 7:30 this morning?

Yesterday was busy, although it was good busy, punctuated by a minefield of technology problems. Learned how to add new books to the system in the morning, thanks to a colleague over at Cotuit Library. I feel much better about it all now.

Came back, added about a dozen books to the system before I could forget how to do it, set up for the meetings.

Another colleague came and talked to us about graphic novels. Banned Books Week this year focuses on graphic novels, and we want to do something fun in conjunction with it. He was a font of information and help.

Right after that was the Cape Cod Writers Center Executive Committee meeting, which then flowed into the CCWC Board Meeting.

I was too tired to read at Salon of Shorts, not to mention nearly being out of voice, so I went home, cooked dinner, and then revised three more episodes of the Big Script Project.

They went out this morning, in spite of a flurry of power and other tech problems. We’re having a busy, good, if somewhat techno-challenged day at the library.

I was up at 5:30, making deviled eggs for a party I’m going to tonight.

Fingers crossed.

Three more episodes to revise tonight when I’m home from the party, and a sell sheet to come up with.

Devon

PS Check out some of the new books we’ve added to the science fiction/fantasy/urban fantasy collection at the library here.

Wed. June 25, 2014: Deadline Pressure & Focus

Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Mercury Retrograde
Saturn Retrograde
Day Before Dark Moon
Sunny and pleasant

Busy day yesterday. Worked flat out, focusing on the revisions for the Big Script Project, and the galleys of “Severance”. Nipped over to Wheldon Library in the late morning to come up for air for a few minutes, connect to the internet, sort out a few things, and send off the finished products.

Then, it was back home and more writing. Also wrote about 750 words in longhand on something I hope is a novella, but I suspect may be longer. AND I figured out how I can tie one of the new ideas I outlined over the weekend to the world in which “Severance” is set.

Also discovered three new possible publishers for the Sophie Batchelder mystery series. I think I’ll re-read the first book and the proposal over the weekend, see if it needs any more tweaks, and then send it out next week, when Mercury goes direct.

I am so ready for Mercury to go direct!

Reading Rachel Aaron’s Eli Monpress series, which I thoroughly enjoy. The first book reminded me, in tone, of Robert Asparin’s first few M.Y.T.H. books, which I loved, and the second book went deeper in a good way. Looking forward to the third.

Working on the materials I’m taking to the Author Palooza event this weekend. I’ve got the copies of ASSUMPTION OF RIGHT, HEX BREAKER, and OLD-FASHIONED DETECTIVE WORK. Fingers crossed the print copies of TRACKING MEDUSA are arrive on time, but hey, it’s Mercury Retrograde, so I’m not counting on anything.

Busy day today at the library — training session, getting as much work as I can, and then meetings at 4 PM, 5 PM, 6 PM. I’m supposed to read at Cotuit Center of the Art’s Salon of Shorts tonight, too, but I wonder if I’ll have enough in the tank after three back-to-back meetings to do it. Then home, starting the food I’m bringing to tomorrow night’s party, and more revisions. And this, being the day before the Dark Moon, is my lowest energy day of the month. Tomorrow morning, when I get up, I have to finish prepping the devilled eggs while working on more revisions.

And here, I thought my schedule would slow down. Silly me!

But it’s all good busy, and I’m grateful.

Have a great day!

Devon

Tues. June 24, 2014: Offline to ReFuel

Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Waning Moon
Mercury Retrograde
Mars Retrograde
Saturn Retrograde
Sunny and pleasant

I’ve been offline for a few days, for a much-needed creative restoration.

Friday was busy — I had a full, but good day at the library, put in some book orders, etc. Came home and got some work done, but was tired.

Saturday, I was up early, wrote, and ran an errand on my way to the library — got some candles for the Solstice ceremony, and the woman who checked me out at RiteAid is a Reiki professional. Never know who you’re gonna meet, right?

Good day at the library — busy, but a nice, steady pace. I also sent off the final new episode on the Big Script Project, which means I’m buried in revisions all this week.

Came home, rested up a bit, prepared for the Solstice Ceremony. It was wonderful –first time I used oil lamps instead of quarter candles, and they worked very well. It was beautiful and powerful and wonderful.

Also re-read Shakespeare’s A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM — I’d love to do a live reading at the library next year for the Solstice, although I wonder if it would turn out to be a Magilla to organize.

Sunday, I stayed true to my Disconnect Policy — no internet, phone, etc. The only music was the music outside. I binge-read Ilona Andrews books, some of both the Kate Daniels novels and the Edge novels. FATE’S EDGE was my favorite. I outlined several pieces where the characters are gnawing at me. Hopefully, figuring stuff out will quiet them down until it’s their turn.

Monday, I really needed to be disconnected, too, so that’s what I did. As far as I knew, I had no commitments to meet that day, so I remained disconnected and worked. It’s hard to explain the work, because so much of it was internal. It was the quiet time, the figuring out time for writing. Some notes, but not actual scenes. It was internal, not external work, but so necessary in order to create. I went deep, deep down into the worlds of several projects and let the characters talk. If I had had any interruptions during that time, I would have lost the work — permanently.

I also got part of the meadow mowed and some plants repotted. Good to work the mind and the hands together.

When I resurfaced, in the evening, I found that a Mermaid Ball meeting had been scheduled. That was the first I’d heard about it — after the last one, which happened while I was so sick, no one ever let me know when the next one was. Even a year ago, I would have felt horribly guilty. I don’t. I needed to protect the work and work. If they needed me at the meeting, they should have let me know, right after the last one, when the next one was scheduled. If they want me there, it’s up to THEM to tell ME the schedule, not me to run around begging for information. If only the people at any given meeting are given the information, then that’s their choice, and it takes the pressure off of me. I’m already working three jobs under very tight deadlines. We sorted it out this morning, so no harm, no foul. Glad I didn’t waste my time in guilt!

The writing comes first. ALWAYS. Right now, I’m not only under tight deadlines for contracted work, with releases coming up and all the work that goes with that, but, after a period of creative fallowness, the creativity it kicking up again. And I will protect it and honor it at all costs. Because that is what writers do. It’s not about doing the work when it’s convenient — it’s about doing the work when it needs to get done.

And if those with whom I VOLUNTEER get annoyed that “my cute lil hobby” (because so few of them respect writing as WORK) inconveniences them, tough shit. This is my career, my work, my passion, and everything else works around the writing, not the other way around.

Speaking of the work — in addition to the outlining and working stuff out on upcoming work, the galleys for “Severance” are done, and I’m getting started on “Elusive Prayer” edits. I’ve got three revised episodes to send off this morning on the Big Script Project, will have two tomorrow, and have to have five by Thursday morning, then, with only the last five on Friday and Saturday. It’s a lot of work, but it needs to be done, and it will be good to get it done.

I’ve got a lot of other writing to get done in the coming weeks.

I checked out a Kindle from the library, and I’m getting familiar with it. I’m kind of liking it. I still love holding a book in my hands, and my eyes tire on the screen, but there are definite uses for Kindles. A place for all kinds of books and stories, right?

I’m still not 100% from the stomach virus, which is all kinds of annoying. At least I’ve confirmed it’s NOT a new allergy to crabmeat — had some over the weekend, and was fine. So I don’t know what triggered it, just wish I’d get back to 100% sooner rather than later. I’m in the third week of it now.

Hope everyone has a great week. I’ve got a busy one coming up, but let’s hope it’s another busy in the right way.

Oh, and I read a terrific book last night: WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE’S STAR WARS by Ian Doescher. If you like Shakespeare or STAR WARS, you’ll enjoy it; if you like both, you’ll LOVE it.

Stepped out on the deck this morning, and it smells like autumn. Considering that we just passed Midsummer, that concerns me.

Devon

Fri. June 20, 2014: Busy Week

Friday, June 20, 2014
Waning Moon
Mercury Retrograde
Mars Retrograde
Saturn Retrograde
Sunny and warm

Boy, will I be happy when Mercury goes direct again! Partially my fault, for not preparing ahead of time for the dates, and not moving certain things around.

Yesterday was busy, but with a lot of laughter. Short story group at the library — always fun and lively. The new monster printer arrived (I know, during Mercury Retrograde, not my call). We had to wrestle it out of the box into the room, and then somewhere where it would actually work. It is a thing of beauty, and once it’s all networked the way we want, it will be worth it. The new refrigerator also arrived. And preparations for Tango and the Millbilly Idol auditions. All good busy, just busy.

I also managed to get a lot of new books on the shelves, and I’m excited about them, and I booked a bookbinding workshop here at the library for November, and put out feelers on some other programs.

Home exhausted. Read outside on the deck for awhile; the book was the second in a trilogy, and, unfortunately, disappointing. Did a little bit of writing, but not enough, and some work on my galleys, which I HAVE to get back to the publisher ASAP, and then start work on the edits for “Elusive Prayers” and then finish the final episode of the Big Script Project and finish those revisions. But I ran out of brain last night.

Unfortunately, I woke up at 1:30, and didn’t get back to sleep until 4:30 this morning. I should have just gotten up and headed for the desk, but I didn’t.

Today promises to be a busy day at the library, too, but let’s hope it’s good busy.

Tomorrow is the Summer Solstice, and I’ve been running around doing preparations for that as well.

Never a dull moment, and that’s the way I like it. I’m grateful for all of it!

Devon

Thurs. June 19: Inspiration and Choice

Thursday, June 19, 2014
Waning Moon
Mercury Retrograde
Mars Retrograde
Saturn Retrograde
Cloudy and muggy

Yesterday was a busy, busy day. I was up by 5:30 and at my desk to work on script episodes, then headed over to the library an hour before my “start” time to get a few things done in peace and quiet before setting up for the author event.

We did the set up — we know how to feed people. Not only are we “the fun library”, we know how to feed people at events.

Our author this morning was Ron MacLean, who wrote HEADLONG. I absolutely love this book. It’s technically shelved as a “mystery”, but it’s so much more — it deals with the complex lives we have, trying to juggle and made decisions and walk our talk on a daily basis in a complicated world.

Ron is one of the best speakers I’ve heard in a long time — maybe ever. He’s funny, articulate, intelligent, and thoughtful. He gave me a lot to think about, both as a writer and as a human being. Since writing and reading are about exploring experience and viewpoints, it was the best type of take-away from an event — not just agreeing with what he said, but “oh, I didn’t think of it in those terms before. I need to spend some more time thinking about it now.”

On a personal level, it was hugely satisfying. On behalf of the Writers Center (as a board member, and with authorization from the Executive Director), I invited him to present at a WNO next season and at the 2015 Conference. Hopefully, that will all work out.

I was a little disappointed at the low turnout, in spite of the publicity that had gone out about it. The people that were there were delightful, lively, and engaged, which made it interactive and fun, which was great. Trust in the adage that we were all where we were meant to be in the moment.

A few people came in and were surprised we were having an event. Now — it was clearly posted on flyers IN the library; there was a sign OUTSIDE the library; fliers went out two weeks ago to ALL the libraries in the CLAMS network; it went out to newspapers, blogs, events calendars, radio stations. It was in our monthly newsletter. It was on the landing page of the website. If you are a library patron and STILL don’t know about it — that’s CHOOSING not to pay attention to anything around you, and I can’t help you. I’m tired of people making excuses for remaining oblivious. If I remained oblivious when I worked backstage, I would have been taken out by a two-ton moving pylon in a set change twenty years ago. Or shot on a NYC subway platform. I realize that I’m somewhat hyper-aware at times — I couldn’t have lived on the Deuce in NYC otherwise — and it literally saved my life on more than one occasion.

After we cleaned up, I was happy to have several boxes of books to unpack. I’m so excited about the new titles I’ve ordered. I’m in the process of the administrative work to get them on the shelves and out to patrons as soon as possible. I hope the people who come in to the library and scour our shelves for “new” books and “new-to-them” authors are excited, too.

We had a communications glitch about something for today, but I think it’s all straightened out. Mercury Retrograde — we need to all have a little extra patience and compassion, which is often hard.

Came home, cooked dinner (I could keep food down! I was very excited). Sat on the deck as the sun set with Tessa, reading. Went to bed pretty early.

Up early this morning to get some writing done before heading back in to the library.
I’ve got the episode due for delivery today done, and I wanted to have the final episode done, too, but it needs a bit more work. So hopefully, I can polish it this morning and tomorrow morning, and send it off tomorrow, and then focus on revisions for all the episodes next week. And then, the Big Script Project is done.

Onward, and to the page.

Devon

Wed. June 18, 2014: Ron MacLean, Josh Radnor, Writing, Reading

Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Waning Moon
Mars Retrograde
Mercury Retrograde
Saturn Retrograde
Sunny and humid

Busy day yesterday. Wrote in the morning. Went to the library to check email, send email, send out my episode due, and go down the list of things that needed to get done online.

Came back. Baked banana mini-muffins and orange-cranberry mini-muffins. Wrote. Put together the dishes, the books, and all the rest I need for this morning’s program.

Sorted through some research books. Pulled what I need; will take the rest back.

Cooked dinner — slowly, slowly, I’m getting back on solid food again. I still feel awful most of the time, but at least I’m eating.

The NMLC press conference started to pay off — THE CAPE COD TIMES ran a nice article on the Marine Life Center, in both the print and online editions. Hopefully, that will get us some attention and some public support. With pictures of adorable Belmont, Barclay, and Rose, how could it not? They’re just precious. The three remaining Kemp’s Ridley turtles are also well enough to be released in Maryland this weekend.

I got my cover for ELUSIVE PRAYERS. It’s good, but it’s very different than I imagined, so I have to get used to it. Will do a cover reveal soon. I’m putting together a sell sheet for the event on the 28th, and in general.

Today, author Ron MacLean will be at the library, talking about his book HEADLONG. I loved the book — it’s a spectacular contemporary social justice thriller. If you get a chance to read it, do so.

In the meantime, I still need to write for at least an hour before I eat and haul my bags and bags of stuff to the library.

I have some ideas to market TRACKING MEDUSA — I need to get those sorted out, along with marketing for the digital shorts. The press release on the summer releases is here.

I have to get the galleys for “Severance” turned around tonight, and the first round of edits for “Elusive Prayers” is also on my desk.

I finished reading a terrific science fiction novel last night, too: FORTUNE’S PAWN, by Rachel Bach. Absolutely loved it. Original, fast-paced, terrific characters. I can’t wait to read the rest of her work, and what she writes under Rachel Aaron.

I watched happythankyoumoreplease, another film by Josh Radnor, last night and really liked it. He’s such a confident filmmaker, and I admire that.

Lots to do, but it’s good, happy stuff. Still haven’t finished mowing my lawn — maybe I can get a few rows done on the meadow when I come home tonight. Although, knowing me, all I’ll want to do is relax with a nice glass of wine!

Have a great day, people!

Devon

Tues. June 17, 2014: Writing and Raining

Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Waning Moon
Mercury Retrograde
Mars Retrograde
Saturn Retrograde
Cloudy and cool, about to rain

Worked at home yesterday morning. Headed to Centerville Library to do what I needed to do online, check email, send out my reviews, invoice, etc. Headed back home for some soup and anti-nausea medication, then drove over to the Marine Life Center to prep for the press conference.

One of the interns helped me put together packets. One of the newspapers made arrangements to come early, with a photographer and a reporter, and got the tour and the information. I rehearsed the two speakers, and set up the podium. The Board members who’d committed to come were there on time, and dressed appropriately (I’d sent out information on what would and would not read well on camera). We didn’t have a huge turnout, but each type of media — print, radio, television, and online — was represented. The conference ran smoothly, the hospital tour went well, one of the television stations did some extra interviews with personnel. All in all, I hope we got some mileage out of it. Fingers crossed.

I did some follow-up afterwards, and thank yous.

Came home, had a glass of wine on the deck, cooked dinner, and then did some organizational/research work. I’ve had a lot of books out of the libraries in the area over the past weeks, and I need to either finish using them, or return them and request them again. So that’s what I’m doing.

I just finished a really wonderful book by Rebecca Mead called MY LIFE IN MIDDLEMARCH. Read about it on A Biblio Paradise here.

Did some work on the scripts, but not enough; that’s on the agenda for this morning, since I have to deliver one today and one on Thursday. Next week, I have to deliver the final episode and the revisions.

I’m prepping for the Solstice Ceremony on Saturday, which should be fun. It’s my Saturday “on” at the library, but I’ll be done mid-afternoon, and the ceremony’s at night, so it’s all good.

Looking forward to a good writing day today. Trying to decide if I want to head to the Sandwich Library to do some work later this morning — it’s been a couple of months since I’ve been there. They’re the one Cape library that’s on a separate network than the rest of us. They’ve got a great collection, though. Episode #113 is ready to go out, and I’m excited about episodes 114 & 115.

I also have to mow the meadow, and bake for tomorrow’s program at my library.

I’ve got some ideas about marketing TRACKING MEDUSA that I have to get going on, too. The print edition will be out later this month, and I’d like to get it into some unusual places, especially places that are connected with the locations in the book.

Lots to do, and limited hours in the day, so I better get moving!

Devon

Mon. June 16, 2014: Press Conference and Busy Weekend

Monday, June 16, 2014
Waning Moon
Mercury Retrograde
Mars Retrograde
Saturn Retrograde
Sunny and pleasant

Busy weekend. Friday was a busy day at the library. I managed to get a good bit cleared off my desk, but it was still a bit chaotic. I have a feeling every day at the library has its own intense busy-ness. Most of it is good busy. Most of our patrons are delightful. However, you also have those who consider anyone who works at a library — or probably anywhere –as their own personal servants, and make inappropriate demands. Boundaries are important. As is killing off characters based on them in future fiction.

I also got in a delicious book order for the library — I’m very excited about it. And ordered some Milk Matrix formula for the seal pups at the NMLC.

Came home Friday night and collapsed. It was rainy and nasty. Managed to keep some food down for dinner. Watched the Daniel Radcliffe version of THE WOMAN IN BLACK — quite well done.

I also did a lot of organizing — sorting emails, catching up on receipts, rearranging the files on my laptop, cleaning things up. Necessary, because I have to be so focused and so aware of time constraints in the coming months, that everything has to be cleanly organized, so I don’t waste time trying to hunt stuff down.

Up early on Saturday; it was a lovely day. Spent a good portion of the morning on errands. Put flea and tick medicine on the cats, which wound up being Big Drama. Last year, it was never a big deal, but somehow, between the last application in October and this year’s first one, it’s become An Issue for them. They carry on like I’m trying to murder them or something.

In the afternoon, I headed over to the National Marine Life Center. I worked with the Executive Director on the statement for today’s press conference, and met the three new baby seals. They are so cute. And they know how to play their cuteness. There’s a reason nature makes baby animals adorable. Belmont was so funny — he was exhausted, and fell asleep on the shelf in his tank. His nose would touch the water and he’d jerk awake, and then he’d doze off again. Barclay does the “I’m so shy, but look at me” thing, and little, tiny Rose is a scrapper. She weighs less than Tessa. Considering that, if she survives and thrives, she could be up to 300 pounds when she’s full-grown, that’s pretty tiny for now.

After we finished work, we headed to Onset, to a place called Stonebridge, where we had Blue Lemonade Martinis (raspberry vodka, blue curacao, lemonade) on the deck overlooking the water. It was beautiful. Started pouring down buckets of rain while we were there, and we ducked back inside. Driving home wasn’t too fun in that mess, but it wasn’t even raining by the time I hit mid-Cape.

Re-watched THE AVENGERS again. I do like it better through multiple viewings. I still think that some of the fight scenes could have been trimmed, and, as a New Yorker who lived through 9/11, any movie that depicts an attack on New York is hard for me to watch.

Up early Sunday. It was just a gorgeous day. We did a dump run — household garbage, recycling, yard waste. Came back and got the front and the side yards mowed. Now, only the meadow suffers from Vacant Lot Syndrome.

Brought my work out on the deck and wrote outside most of the day. Worked on the script, but, mostly, wrote seventeen pages on a project that I don’t really know what it is. Which is weird to say, since I wrote a pretty detailed outline of it, and I know the feel, scope, etc. of it. But it’s different than what I usually do, and can’t be easily categorized. It is what it is, it demands attention, and I have to fit it in along with everything else that needs to be done. It feels right, and that’s pretty much all I can say about it. I’m diving deep into emotionally frought territory with these characters, and I really want to do it.

This morning, I have to polish and send off a review to one of my editors (he sent me my next batch of books to review, and they look really, really cool). I have to head to Centerville Library to work for a couple of hours (for me, not for them — if I go to the library where I work, I won’t get anything done–;)). Then back, quite bite to eat, and off to NMLC to set up for the press conference.

Press conferences are always crap shoots. We could have great turn out, we could have lousy turn out. There’s no way of knowing. And if someone does something stupid or nefarious between now and then, we’ll get bumped.

Fingers crossed.

I still feel like crap, but I have to keep going on.

Devon

Fri. June 13, 2014: Full Moon on Friday the Thirteenth during Mercury Retrograde

Friday, June 13, 2014
Full Moon
Mercury Retrograde
Mars Retrograde
Saturn Retrograde
Rainy and cold

A Full Moon on Mercury Retrograde on Friday the 13th. What could be better?

Actually, I usually love Friday the 13th. It’s a good luck day for me. The whole retrograde thing on a full moon just makes me cringe, though.

Busy day at work yesterday. Good busy, but busy. Managed to get a lot done, especially in the late afternoon, and prepped some more book orders. I’m also going to West Falmouth next Tuesday to take a look at a special collection that might get donated to our library. I’m very excited.

I’m also putting together a press conference that the NMLC is calling on Monday. We now have a third baby seal, named Rose (what a little sweetheart she is). With the facility closing in Maine, we are the only place taking in baby seals, and there are a lot of them stranding, especially in New Hampshire. The public needs to know what to do when they encounter a seal, and they need to know that we are here, and we need the public’s support to keep doing what we do. It’s going to be a lot of work to pull it off over the weekend, but well worth it. The information needs to get out to the public, and a press conference is the best way so to do.

Still feel awful and having trouble eating. I try eating something — mostly because I know I have to in order to function — and it either stays down or it doesn’t. Very discouraging.

I’m very excited that author Ron MacLean (he wrote HEADLONG, which I loved), is coming to speak at the library next Wednesday. Hopefully, we’ll get a decent turnout for him. I’ve been promoting it.

I’m cleaning up the Macbook in preparation for the new computer I’ll need to get once Mercury turns direct. I’ve got to get a new flashdrive to get the most updated versions of the novels, scripts, media kits, etc., loaded. Cape Mac is going to help me choose what I need and transfer everything over for me, but I still want to make sure everything’s backed up.

I actually have to run to the grocery store before I go to work today — there are a few things I need to stock up on. I seem to do well when I eat eggs, so I need more eggs, and I need more ginger tea. Really getting tired of this crap.

It will be a busy weekend, between prepping for the press conference, writing one set of script episode, catching up on edits for another, mowing the lawn, going to the dump, and working on BALTHAZAAR.

How much do you wanna bet the edits for “Elusive Prayers” arrive, too?

Have a great one.

Devon

Thurs. June 12, 2014: Wobbling Along

Thursday, June 12, 2014
Waxing Moon
Mercury Retrograde
Mars Retrograde
Saturn Retrograde
Cloudy and cool

Mercury Retrograde. Just what I don’t need right now, on top of everything else.

Got through yesterday at work. It was challenging, because I get tired so quickly, and I couldn’t eat anything, so I had nothing to fuel myself. Busy but good morning. Went over to the CLAMS office in Hyannis for a workshop in the afternoon (my boss was already there all morning for a meeting). The afternoon’s workshop was more in her purview than in mine, but some of what I do contributes to the materials she needs, so now I understand what I have to put together.

Managed to eat and keep down three pieces of fruit, which I considered a huge victory.

Came back, finished out the day at the library. Came home and pretty much collapsed. Had nothing left in the tank. Ate some scrambled eggs and a little watermelon, which stayed down. Read a little at night, listened to music.

Went to bed early, trying some healing tricks.

Feel a little better this morning. Very weak, very tired. Did a final polish on the next script episode, and I’m happy with it. Also turned around the final rounds of edits on “Severance”. I am very lucky to have the editor I do.

I have a long day at work today. If I have the energy, I’ll go to a restorative yoga class tonight. If I can do it, I think it would be good for me. Right now, all I want to do is crawl back to bed.

But I’m going to try to eat something, and then head to work. The circulation director is doing an orientation workshop for new volunteers and anyone who wants a refresher. I promised to take notes and put together the librarian’s equivalent of running notes.

We’ve booked some more really cool authors. I’m excited about our programs!

I’m also hoping I’ll have enough energy, this weekend, to both attack and get some more revisions out of the way, and also get back to work on BALTHAZAAR TREASURE. I got another extension on the manuscript, thank goodness, but it still has to get done.

Devon

Wed. June 11, 2014: Backsliding Health & Joining the Dark Side

Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Waxing Moon
Mercury Retrograde
Mars Retrograde
Saturn Retrograde
Cloudy and humid

I am still sick. I’m not falling over all the time, but things are still not great in the old GI track. I’m pretty miserable. I need to eat, in order to heal and keep up my strength, but it’s awful when I do. Plus, now I have “the headache” that comes along with stomach issues, and is usually worse than the stomach issues in some ways, but I can’t take anything for it, because anything I take upsets my stomach even more. I had an absolutely miserable night last night, which means I’m not in great shape for today.

Yesterday, I finished both episodes due this week, and sent off the one due yesterday. I finalized a media kit I’ve been working on for a client for awhile, which has had its challenges, and I’ve gone as far as I can go with it, so we need to call it a day on that.

I went to Centerville Library to work for a couple of hours — since Comcast fucked me. Got everything done, and completely ran out of steam.

Soup for lunch, and in the afternoon, went over to the dark side and got a smart phone for myself and a cell phone for my mother. I HATE PHONES. I am not living at someone else’s convenience, and my writing CANNOT be interrupted by the phone. If the phone rings while I’m writing, it’s not an annoying interruption — I’ve lost the work. Period. It’s gone. I don’t get it back. The work is gone and my day is shot. From a single phone call. Therefore, it will still remain off most of the time, and is ONLY for family, friends, and emergencies.

Anyone who has legitimate business with me knows that I do not do business over the phone. If you want to do business with me, you email me or you send me something in writing via post. Anyone who calls for “business” therefore does not have legitimate business with me and can go fuck themselves. The few times I do agree to a SCHEDULED phone conversation (I do not accept unscheduled calls), I charge in fifteen minute increments, like a lawyer. 99.7% of all so-called “client” phone calls are a complete and utter waste of my time, and only consist of the client liking the sound of his own voice. Therefore, he can pay me for it.

I resent that I have been forced into this. Once I’m a few months in, I will see if this plan works, or if I need to change to something else. My mom’s phone is very much like her last phone, but with a different company than the previous ones. She feels more secure with a cell phone, and that’s important.

On the positive side, I watched one of the best movies I’ve seen in years last night. It’s called LIBERAL ARTS, by writer/director/star Josh Radnor. The acting and the writing were superb. It was funny, it was smart, it was surprising. There were times when it could have fallen into cliché and did not. I just loved it. One of the best things I’ve seen in years.

I’m going to attempt to go to work this morning, and see how far I get. I’ll stop at CVS to get some medication first. If this doesn’t clear up in the next day or so, I may have to call the doctor. And you know how much I hate going to the doctor.

One step at a time. That’s the best I can do. One step at a time.

Devon