Fri. July 29, 2016: Readjusting the Schedule

Friday, July 29, 2016
Waning Moon
Neptune Retrograde
Rainy and hot

Busy few days. I’m trying to adjust on the schedule of getting home from work after midnight, getting to bed by 2, and then writing all day until I have to go to the theatre again. And, you know, do basic survival stuff on the house.

I’ve been discussing a few things with my agent, and have to go back to do some work on the book that’s generated interest. I made it clear I’m not willing to get into a cycle of rewriting to every editor’s comments when there’s no contract in place. That way lies the way to madness.

I love working on INITIATE. It’s so unusual for me to hold the scope of an entire series as I write each section, but that’s the process on this one. I also am writing some scenes out of order, which is unusual for me, although it means more work writing the bridges when I put them all together.

August will be frantically busy, as usual, although no Mermaid Ball for me this year and no Writers Conference. I’ll be in shows!

And I’m looking for work beyond September 3.

Have a great weekend!

Monday is one of the most important days on my personal calendar. I’m looking forward to it.

Devon

Tues. July 26, 2016: Day Disorientation

Tuesday, July 26, 2016
Waning Moon
Neptune Retrograde
Sunny and hot

Busy day yesterday, but when are they not? Errands, Career Center stuff, and then writing. Also got information from my agent on where the manuscript is submitted and who asked for fulls. Fingers crossed.

Somehow, I fell asleep yesterday afternoon, and when I woke up, I thought it was Tuesday morning, not Monday evening! Made the coffee and everything. I was so disoriented! It was a weird feeling, but also kind of funny. Good thing I wasn’t late for a show!

Also found out that I was stabbed in the back by someone I’d helped when that individual was in distress. I’m sure it was months in the making. The ironic thing is that she did to me what someone else did to her. I don’t think that’s what they mean by “pay it forward”.

I was very hurt for a bit, but the reality and the perspective is that the situation and the people involved are not a part of my life any longer and it doesn’t really matter. The situation hurts and is still wrong, but in the bigger picture – yes, it was time that could have been spent more positively. But I learned things I can use moving forward.

I also trust the universe to put things back in balance more creatively than I ever could. I’d rather use my energy to move forward instead of wallowing in the hurt of the past.

Some errands early morning, then lots of writing, then a show. Getting home so late means I’m doing another writing session late at night, but waking up later in the morning.

The writing is going well. The story and characters keep surprising me, for the right reasons. When I’ve got these drafts down, I’m going to figure out good places to break up the story into separate books. I’m not going to have a 1400 page book. I’d rather break it down and let readers breathe at appropriate moments. But I love this story and these characters – their capacity for love astonishes me.

All good.

Devon

Mon. July 25, 2016: Writing and Theatre

Monday, July 25, 2016
Waning Moon
Neptune Retrograde
Sunny and hot

Busy times. Theatre work is going well, although I need to get used to the schedule.

My agent sent me the list of submissions for the book, and I’m working on the next round of material to send her. Updated the synopsis, but, later this week, I have to get back to the revisions of DEATH OF A CHOLERIC and see if that works for her.

Most of my life is revolving around drafting INITIATE, though. I am so in love with this series. Probably too in love with it, but I’ve written what I want to read, a story that resonates in my heart.

Too hot to do much or think much, except for the writing. It will be busy until early September. But I’m still searching for something more permanent.

Thurs. July 21, 2016: So Much To Do!

Thursday, July 21, 2016
Last Day of Full Moon
Neptune Retrograde
Sunny and warm

Who knew being unemployed/partially employed could be so busy?

Hey, anyone who does 8 shows/week.

The confidentiality agreement prevents me from talking about the theatre job, but all is good, and it’s only until September 3 anyway.

The writing is going well – I had some additional changes to make on the book, and my new agent is sending it out.

I’m deep at work on scripts, and, especially, INITIATE, which burns my soul lately. I love these characters so much, I can’t stand to be separated from them.

Three new stories/sets of characters are burning within, too. I hope they are for novellas, not novels, or I’m in trouble!

And, of course, dealing with the intricacies of trying to get the unemployment benefits I earned, but they don’t want to pay. Because, hey, all they want to do is have people jump through hoops and take jobs in anything to get them off the rolls, not actually help people find jobs to better their lives.

I resigned from the Board of the National Marine Life Center, which broke my heart, but was necessary. I can’t give them what they need right now, not without sending myself over the edge. They asked me to move to the Advisory Board, and I’ve agreed to that.

We went to the Glasgow Lowlands Scottish Festival in central MA last Saturday. It was so much fun! Everyone was delightful, and we had a wonderful time, in spite of the heat. I was able to help a young man with his kilt emergency, thanks to still carrying safety pins. Of course, help one guy with his kilt, and suddenly they all want a hand!  But it was all in good fun. Caber toss always cracks me up. I got some great ideas I can incorporate to stories, though. It was a delightful day.

It was hard to get back over the bridge, but we managed.

I get to see an old friend today – we were tight in NY, and I haven’t seen her for at least 10 years She’s down for a few days doing a reading, and I can’t wait to see her.

If I don’t get back on wordpress tomorrow, have a great weekend! I am, of course, in shows.

Devon

Fri. July 15, 2016: Writing, Eye-Rolling, and Upcoming Adventure

Friday, July 15, 2016
Waxing Moon
Neptune Retrograde
Sunny and hot!

Yesterday was kind of a mixed day. It was a relief from the suckage that was Wednesday, and I got in some good writing on INITIATE. I got some errands done.

At 1 PM, I went to the seminar that’s required of everyone who files for unemployment and is looking for work. It was a waste of time and an insult to my intelligence. I sure as heck wouldn’t hire any of the people in the room with me. I haven’t heard that much ignorant blather in one room in a long time.

But I got all the paperwork I need to keep current, and I’m going to do it. I learned one important thing about “salary range” boxes that I can use, but the rest – none of these people do what I do, and few of the sites had any relevance to me.

Came home and wrote more. Wasn’t in the mood to watch anything.

I’m writing today and running some errands. Tonight, I start the theatre job (under a confidentiality agreement, not much to say, sorry). Since it’s part time/seasonal, I have the blessings of the UA office to do it – even though it’s not considered a “real job” around here. I just have to fill out all the weekly paperwork honestly, which I will.

Tomorrow I have an adventure – I’ll share as soon as I am able! I’m looking forward to a good writing weekend – I just hope it won’t be too hot.

Sunday is my dark day at the theatre. This should be fun!

I love the way the characters are growing and maturing in INITIATE. I’m very pleased with this project. There are other things I need to do, too, and get out the door next week, but I’m passionate about this one.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Devon

Thurs. July 14, 2016: Had Enough of the B.S.

Thursday, July 14, 2016
Waxing Moon
Neptune Retrograde
Bastille Day
Sunny and hot

July 14 has always been a rather personal independence day for me, since about the mid-1980s. So I celebrate, in my own way.

Yesterday sucked.

After Tuesday, when, probably for the first time since I moved to the area, I felt my work was valued, on Wednesday, I had to deal with the small-minded, anti-artist attitude that is prevalent on Cape.

The morning was a total nightmare, especially at the “Career Center”, where we had to redo paperwork for the unemployment claim, and then they started telling me what websites I can and can’t search for work on. I’m sorry, but your website that holds jobs for dishwashers and landscapers is not going to have the work that I want and do. I will look for work WHERE I want, in the MY OWN FIELD.

Instead of being pleased that I found work – on my own – that starts tomorrow, even for a short period of weeks – I was berated for not finding a “real job.” Excuse me, theatre IS my real job, and has been my real career since I was 18 years old. Fuck off.

I am done accepting less than I am worth, and taking shit jobs because it fits someone else’s agenda.

I am also fed up with working my ass off, giving, giving, giving, and, instead of it being appreciated, always being asked for more.

Enough.

Buh-bye.

I’m burned out on several fronts, and I cannot and will not constantly put my writing and my own needs to one side because others want things from me. They’re not getting them. For months, now, I’ve sent out warnings and spoken up. A deaf ear has been turned, and demands ratcheted up.

Buh-bye.

On the positive front, I updated the pitch materials with the latest round of title and series changes and got them to my agent, so she can shop everything at the conference this week. I’m not announcing anything until we actually decide we’re keeping the titles! 😉

I managed to get home in the early afternoon with a blistering migraine, writing deadlines, and hating the world. Well, not the world, but “people” in general. I like individuals, even if I don’t always agree with them, get angry with them, but I don’t like “people.”

Read and wrote myself back to sanity during the afternoon and evening.

Still didn’t sleep well.

Had a good writing session this morning and got some mowing done. Have to run a few errors and then it’s over to the “Career Center” where I’m required by the state to sit in on a seminar which, I have no doubt, will be an utter waste of time. They were nice when I came in shattered the day I was laid off, but they don’t understand what I do, and they can’t be helpful. Yet I am forced to spend several days a week in there until I get permanent FULL TIME work.

My life does not fit into other people’s forms, and I am not willing to conform to accommodate them.

At least today has started out better! 😉

I intend for at least one more fruitful writing session before I have to go to the seminar, and then finish up some paperwork and write tonight.

Tomorrow I start the new job. Wish me luck!

Devon

Wed. July 11, 2016: The Difference With Feeling Valued

Wednesday, July 13, 2016
Waxing Moon
Neptune Retrograde
Sunny and hot

Wrote in the morning yesterday, and then realized that I had to throw it all out. It took me on a tangent in the book that is unsustainable.

Back-and-forth discussions with the agent on book title, series title, etc.

Got on the Plymouth-Brockton bus in the afternoon to head to Boston. The psychological distance is more than the physical distance, and the physical distance wouldn’t be so bad if the traffic wasn’t so awful. But the bus was good.

I wrote about 1K on the way in to Boston. Found my way to the venue, was there way too early, so hung out in the Boston Garden. Too many mosquitoes, so I found a Starbucks and wrote some more.

The ArtWeek Boston event at Liquid Art was spectacular. I met great people, and there is potential for lots of good projects, especially with one of the theatre companies. The drinks were expensive, and the only food they put out was a single dish of blue cheese cubes, cheddar cheese cubes, some sort of chutney, and a little cut up bread (for the entire group). That was disappointing – and by that, I mean I’m disappointed in the venue, not the organizers. If I’d been enticed by appetizers, I would have changed my schedule and stayed for dinner. And made plans to return. Being stingy at such an event gives me pause.

But I had a blast, other than that. Treated myself to a cab back to the station, made the bus back with one minute to spare. I was starving by the time I got back on Cape, and had a burger at 9 PM, which was not my best option. Paid for that one all night.

But it was the first time, probably since I moved to this area, where I felt as though my work was valued. I realized how much I missed it.

I was offered a theatre job for the next six weeks – part-time at first, full time for the last three. I accepted. It gives me some breathing room, and theatre is a familiar – and safe – environment for me. I start on Friday.

That means I have to finish the radio plays before Friday.

Had to go to the “Career Center” today – and have to go again, tomorrow. There was a problem with the claim, I had to redo paperwork, suddenly they’re telling me what sites I can and can’t search for jobs on? I don’t think so. Their so-called “Job Site” doesn’t carry what I do.

I don’t feel well, I’m frustrated, out of sorts, and have way too much to do. But, that’s the way it goes. I still have a lot for which to be grateful, and I have every intention of finding a great opportunity to slide into after this short-term theatre gig winds up in early September.

And not drop the ball on any of the books, either.

Onward.

Devon

Mon. July 11, 2016: Loving the New Horizons

Monday, July 11, 2016
Waxing Moon
Neptune Retrograde
Cloudy and cool

Busy times! But good ones.

I sent off the revised book per the agents request on Friday morning. By Sunday morning, she contacted me to tell me she loved it. Whew! When all the paperwork is done, I’ll be able to reveal more. I can share that there’s a new series title, a new book title, and I renamed all of the first six books in the series overview to reflect that.

Once I got the book sent out, I packed up my poor little Macbook and took it to iCape Solutions, where they actually HAD a solution I could afford and live with. MacGeorge is running much better now. Phew! I was so afraid I’d have to run to Staples and buy a cheap PC laptop until I could afford to replace MacGeorge. Love me the folks at iCape Solutions. They actually solve things!

Then, I turned my attention back to the radio plays and to INITIATE. And to a bunch of errands and other things that needed my attention. I’m not satisfied with the radio plays yet. I’m thrilled with the way INITIATE is shaping up. I’m so in love with these characters and the scope of this playground.

I had a meeting on Saturday afternoon that will either turn into something or it won’t. If it does, it will be six weeks of fun and work; if not, I move on to something else.

Sunday, I met a friend for coffee and we caught up. Plans that had been made in misery wound up as a celebration. It was fun.

I treated myself to some books. I bought Juliet Blackwell’s newest A TOXIC TROUSSEAU. I like her Lily Ivory mysteries. I managed to scrounge around and locate the last copy in the store!

Errands and paperwork today, an adventure in Boston tomorrow.

And so it goes!

Devon

Fri. July 8, 2016: Opening Vistas

Friday, July 8, 2016
Waxing Moon
Neptune Retrograde
Rainy and cooler

Busy few days. Almost all my focus has been on the book, but the revision is ready to send to my agent this morning. It feels good to get it out, along with the new series title and book title. Once that’s all cleared, I’ll let you know what all of those are! 😉

Having terrible computer issues — of course I am, when I’m unemployed and in no position to purchase a new one! But, seriously, this little Macbook has been a dream, running well since 2009. It has earned its keep.

Spent some time at the Career Center this week, sending out resumes. I have a meeting tomorrow afternoon on a short-term gig that might be fun, if the money’s right.

I was going to give up my slot at the ArtWeek Boston party at Liquid Art on Tuesday, since I’m no longer a presenting organization, but they encouraged me to come as an individual artist, and they want to pair me up with a presenter. So I’ll be thinking of several possible pitches over the weekend.

My former boss had not signed my severance check, which caused a lot of stress over this past week, but we connected yesterday, it’s signed and deposited, and has even cleared. So that’s one less thing to worry about.

I have to admit that I’m disappointed and a little hurt that I haven’t heard from any of my former co-workers. Someone suggested that they were afraid for their own jobs. Well, I have no time for cowards, even less time now than I did when I was younger. At least one of them was taken in by us when she was removed from her position at a different institution — now she’s a party to doing the same to someone who was kind to her. Points out that these were merely individuals with whom I shared space for several hours a day. I made an investment, both personally and professionally. They did not. But now I’m done. I owe them nothing.

A reaffirmation that this change is for the best.

A sense of freedom.

I also realized, when I spotted a particularly unpleasant individual with whom I had to deal with at that place (I spotted this person at a local store), that, hey, I’m no longer being paid to be polite to you. I no longer HAVE to be polite to you. Not that I would approach simply to be cruel, but if this person approaches me with the usual crap, I no longer have to be diplomatic.

I’ve been in touch with a group of college friends, with whom I did a lot of creative growth when I was just starting out. One of them’s started joking about “getting the band back together again”. I think we’re too far-flung for that, at this point, but we can encourage each other from wherever we are.

The violence all over the country and world is disheartening. The first step in stopping it is cutting off the profit. There are individuals and organizations making serious profits from this type of violence. That needs to be cut off. Then we can start working on the ignorance and stupidity that grows from the idiotic fear of “other” and “different”.

I have lots of errands to run today, so I better get going. Looking forward to next week: meetings, Boston, an adventure on the 16th, a friend coming in the following week.

I have to finish the two short radio plays this weekend, and get back to the play next week. I will probably have to tweak the synopsis for the current book over the weekend, too, but I want to make sure there are no more major changes before I have to write another synopsis! 😉

Also going to take MacGeorge to computer hospital to see if we can keep him limping along for a few more months!

Have a great weekend!

Devon

Wed. July 6, 2016: Revised Draft Done, Part I

Wednesday, July 6, 2016
Waxing Moon
Neptune Retrograde
Sunny and hot

Well, it was quite the weekend. Part of it was the shock of being fired. It was difficult not to succumb to all the negative sensations that are connected to that.

I immediately went to the “Career Center” and filed my paperwork. They told me to take the weekend off and regroup.

But I couldn’t just do nothing. I’m on deadline.

I did some terrific work on INITIATE, and then I dived into the revisions for CHARISMA KILLINGS, and got the new draft done. I need to polish and proofread, and smooth a few things out, but, if my old, rickety computer holds out, I can get it to my agent on Friday.

Emotionally, I’m up and down, but that’s normal. However, I feel good about the writing I’m doing, which always helps. I just need to get my other ducks in a row.

I have an extension on the play set in 16th century Italy, and the 10 minute radio plays will be done this coming weekend. I have a friend coming in to town later in the month, who is doing a reading at Cape Cod Theatre Project. The research material is coming in for the 14th century pirate play.

As long as I can stay out of my own way, and not wallow in feelings of rejection and humiliation, I’ll be fine! 😉

Today was a stop at the Career Center, to register for the session required per unemployment and send out some resumes.

Then, I have some errands to run (like getting in cat food) and it’s back to the page.

“Personal Revolution” was accepted into the Premium catalog, which is great. I hope people enjoy it!

I caught up on some other paperwork this morning, and off I go!

Gotta love INITIATE – I have this character, who was supposed to be a walk-on, more to drive the plot than anything else. Well, he’s decided to woo my female protagonist – and he’s a good choice for her. He’s giving the male protagonist some fits and raising the stakes – which is a good thing!

Gotta love it!
Hope you’re enjoying the summer! I have plenty of yard work to do, but it’s too hot to do much past 8 AM.

Devon

Fri. July 1, 2016: Mars Makes His Move & I’m Independent

Friday, July 1, 2016
Waning Moon
Neptune Retrograde
Sunny and warm

Walked in to the library yesterday morning to be told I was fired, the position was “eliminated”. I would have stayed for a few hours to compile contacts info for upcoming programs and finish dangling ends, but I had to turn in my key and leave without even turning on the computer or anything else. Buh-bye.

Had to take my mom on some medical errands, but then I went down to the “Career Center” in Hyannis to fill out the unemployment paperwork and do all the registering and stuff one does in this situation. They were absolutely lovely AND I can go down there and do my job searches on their computers and book time and all kinds of things. In fact, I have to show my face once a week, which is fine, because they’re so helpful. I haven’t had to fill out unemployment paperwork since 1991. It’s kind of different now. But if you have half a brain, it’s not rocket science. They also suggested that I not put so much pressure on myself now (the first three hours after I was fired), and at least give myself the holiday to decompress.

Of course, I’ll be writing for the entire holiday weekend to finish the book that’s due at the end of next week, but that’s another whole ball of wax.

It also shores up how people took advantage of us at the Place That Shall Not Be Named when they demanded we fill out applications for them, instead of going to the center and learning how to do it them-damn-selves.

But that’s no longer my problem, and neither is anything else over there.

I let the people with whom I’d been negotiating projects know I was gone and they’d have to deal with Them directly.

Did the grocery shopping (chop wood, carry water). Did a little bit of work on INITIATE, and finished the proofs of “Personal Revolution”.

Read Lilith St. Crow’s CLOUD WATCHER, which I enjoyed.

I have a massive migraine, but that’s the stress, and once it releases, I’ll be okay.

Didn’t feel up to doing much of anything last night and went to bed early. I promised myself I’d give yesterday over to mourning, and then get on with it. Too many deadlines to indulge in a pity party.

Lots of support from friends all over the place, and suggestions from colleagues in the business who are off-Cape. Also getting a lot of love & support from some actor pals, even though we are all far-flung all over the world on different projects right now. Because when you’re “one of us”, you circle the wagons when the civilians behave like . . .well, civilians.

Up early this morning. Yoga outside, and my first writing session of the day on the deck (on INITIATE).

“Personal Revolution” released this morning. You can find it on Smashwords here. It’s set during an Independence Day event at a New England historical site (a fictional one), so it’s relevant to the weekend, and I was damned if I was going to drop that ball, even though it was rough getting it done. But done it is, and I hope people enjoy it.

Headed back to the page for the CHARISMA revisions. I have a wide stretch of uninterrupted worktime, and I intend to make the most of it and meet my deadlines.

The summer flirt boys are back in town, so that’s always amusing, too. Not that I take any of it seriously, but it’s a fun distraction.

Have a wonderful holiday weekend! See you on the other side, when I’ll update where I am on the deadlines.

Happy 4th! Mars is kicking my ass, and “Independence Day” is a relevant meaning this year!  😉 It will all be good, it just sucks right now.

Devon