There’s stuff to read on other sites today! Over on The Process Muse, we talk about the meanings/values of the clothes our characters wear. Ink-Dipped Advice’s newest post will go live later today.
I wrote 4 ½ pages on FALL FOREVER. The scene took a different turn than I expected, and this draft barely scratches the surface. I will have to dig deeper in the next draft. But that’s okay. It’s getting me where I need to go. I hope to hit the act break either today or tomorrow.
I saw a call for play submissions. I thought I had a play that would fit. I did a quick re-read, did a few tweaks, and submitted it. I saw a call for radio plays from Scotland; there were a few things I wasn’t sure about, so I shot off an email with the questions, so any submission I make fits what they need.
The longer I do this, the more I have a problem with using prompts during a piece I’m in the middle of writing. When I’m looking for new ideas, I LOVE prompts. They get me going in new directions, and make me see things differently. When I’m expected to do prompts within the framework of something I’m already writing, I find it harmful, especially in a first draft. Instead of enriching what I’m working on, it detracts.
Did the curbside pickup for the supplies I needed; I hope I can get going with some painting and other cleaning this week.
Started writing the next Legerdemain episode, which has a chase scene in it. It’s fun to write, but needs very specific choreography to achieve both the action and the comedy.
Turned around a script coverage in the afternoon, and worked on contest entries.
Yoga was fun, although it’s called “gentle yoga” and still kicks my ass. But it’s a nice group of people, and we have fun conversations at the top and bottom of class.
Home, started reading the next book for review.
Slept reasonably well, although I dreamed I worked a show, which meant I put in a full day before I woke up.
Up early, over to the laundromat. I was the only one there, thank goodness, and got the wash and dry done. While that was going, I revised four episodes of Legerdemain and did outline notes for REP.
My neighbor in the house next door’s kitchen window faces my office window. He has a large, cream-colored cat who likes to sit in the kitchen window, and Charlotte sits on the small table she commandeered when we moved in, and they stare at each other. It gives them something to do.
Plenty of writing and script coverage to do today, so I better get to it.
Episode 23 of Angel Hunt drops today. I hope you enjoy it!
Considering how rocky the start to yesterday was, it took a turn for the better.
Meditation was good yesterday (no surprise there).
We received our instructions from the Cultural Council yesterday morning for today, with directions and parking (as needed), COVID protocols, et al. They asked us to make ourselves available to members of the press, and the museum has invited us to stay past the reception and enjoy the exhibits (something I’d already planned, notebook in hand). It seems well-organized, and they are looking out for us, which is a relief.
Did my errands. Had to scrape snow and ice off the car, and wished I had worn gloves (it was supposed to be in the high forties today, but nope, not even 30 when I left mid-morning).
Edited next week’s Legerdemain episodes. Polished, uploaded, and scheduled them. They will drop when they’re supposed to, thank goodness. Did the episode log lines. Still have to do the episode graphics.
Turned around the script coverage I didn’t get done yesterday, and have two in the queue for Monday, so I’m ending this pay period all right and starting the next one strong. Which is good, with quarterly taxes coming up.
Polished and sent out the newsletter. Already started the document for June’s newsletter. It’s much easier to add things in as they happen and have it all ready to arrange and polish than try to remember what I did the past few months. I bumped one thing from this newsletter to the next newsletter, because it’s happening closer to the next one, and makes more sense.
Did the social media rounds to promote the two episodes of Legerdemain that went live yesterday, due to the glitch.
Got the UBL up on the Delectable Digital Delights page for the “Plot Bunnies” re-release. Over the next few days, I will add in the individual buy links, per each distributor. Made the promotion graphic. It releases on Tuesday, so I will do heavy promotion next week until the following Monday after Easter.
Let WordXWord know I’m interested in this year’s collaborative poem. It’s multi-lingual this year, but they decided to only use 30 poets this year, and I figure the regular crew should have first shot at the slots. Also, with 50 last year, the poets who didn’t show up and didn’t send a surrogate caused additional stress on the project as a whole on performance day, and there’s enough of that just in performance. If I get in, great; I’m hoping to work in more than one language. If I don’t, I hope I can attend the event, and at least support them.
Wound up designing and printing out three different business cards. Because, you know, can’t go to an event without business cards. I did the new Fearless Ink card, which I finally like. I did a new Devon Ellington card. I did a Pages on Stages card, which I don’t really like. It needs to be on an all-black background with text on white and glossy, not the black on what background with black text I did. I’ll do a redesign in the coming weeks and get it professionally printed. My inkjet can’t do it. But I printed off 10 of each (I can’t imagine I’ll need that many) which will at least get me through the reception. I have my eye on some Art Deco metal card cases. My previous leather case wore out.
Hunted down the monologue I wanted (“Leaving”) and printed it out in 16 pt. font so it’s easy to read under pressure. Because I have it, I won’t need it, but if I didn’t have it, I would. Call it my insurance policy.
Printed off my ticket and packed that, too.
Tried on the dresses. Chose the gray one, and I’m using enough shapewear so my torso won’t be able to move. Changed the nail polish color.
Spent too much time on Twitter because I’m going to enjoy it until I lock the account mid-month amid the latest chaos.
A friend sent me a stack of books: a Harrod’s cookbook, THE MAN WHO ATE EVERYTHING, A HISTORY OF FOOD IN 100 RECIPES, and MFK Fisher’s A STEW AND A STORY.
About to jump in the shower for the scrub and polish, and take time with the hair and makeup. Fortunately, with short hair, it won’t be a big production.
Emailed the garage where I got my inspection done to see if they can replace the windshield wiper next week. I’d hoped to do a storage run this weekend. Tomorrow it’s going to rain all day and then change over to snow into Sunday until past the time we’d need to leave, so that’s all up in the air. If the weather is nasty, I’m not going (can’t, with the bad blade). And I need to pull things out of the unit and dig around; I don’t want to do it if the ground is wet. So we’re playing the weekend by ear. It’s all weather dependent.
Tonight is the virtual kickoff reception for the Dramatists Guild. Tomorrow I start writing FALL FOREVER.
The latest on the garden is over on Gratitude and Growth. With some actual photos of what’s growing, not the usual stock photos.
Yesterday was a bit chaotic. The toilet tank went from leaking to acting like a geyser, which meant the whole small bathroom was a mess. Everything had to be dropped to clean it up before it caused a problem for the downstairs neighbors. And, since it was all wet anyway, why not throw in some soap and start the Big Spring Clean with the bathroom?
It took awhile to do a good deep clean, and I still have to scrub the tub and wipe down the top of the heater, but the rest of the room sparkles.
I mean, I had to do something while I waited for maintenance, right?
Checked with my Llewellyn editor. Why yes, we are now being paid early. Awesome. Deposited the check.
Did a quick library run to drop off and pick up books. Found a large, hardcover, spiral bound sketchbook in which to start the large nonfiction project. Came home and realized that I forgot one of the books due Friday, so I’ll do another library run today and just put it in the drop box. There are several other books with which I’m finished, and can return, too, even though they’re not due.
Sent off an email to a reporter to whom I’d promised answers to her questions about Twitter’s latest bad choice.
The maintenance guy came. The toilet tank issue was the need for a new flush valve. The one in there was so old they don’t even make it anymore. Plus another part of it was frayed, and the whole thing would have become a major problem within the week. But it was a simple fix and everything works well now.
Showed him the growing wet stain in the ceiling of my mother’s bedroom. It concerned him, and up he went to the attic (to which tenants do not have access), and found a big leak. So it’s the entire house that needs a new roof this spring, not just the bit over the porch. Guys have been hired, but the weather needs to stabilize before they can do it. In the meantime, he did what he could up there to mitigate it so the ceiling doesn’t come down.
I was absolutely exhausted by the time he left. I did the social media rounds, promoting Angel Hunt, Process Muse, Ink-Dipped Advice. Worked on the newsletter, which should go out later today. I’ve been adding to the document throughout the quarter, so it’s about polishing, adding the graphics, adding/checking links and the like.
But I was tired and on edge and couldn’t settle. Managed to get some work done on the Essay Camp assignments, but couldn’t even settle down to read (for either work or pleasure).
Watched two dudes over at the college folding tarps. It was obvious they didn’t do their own laundry and had never folded a sheet!
Didn’t sleep well. Woke up when the storm started, and checked to make sure everything was storm-ready. Couldn’t get back to sleep for ages. When I finally went back to sleep, I had a series of weird dreams where I bounced from dream to dream.
Did not want to get up this morning. Felt like I couldn’t face the day. Then, I realized it was sense memory stress. I reminded myself where I am now. Followed my breath. Reminded myself I am about to send out a joyful newsletter full of all the good stuff that’s going on, and I have a day ahead of me of doing work I love. That I live in the right place for me now, and tomorrow is the grant reception.
Which I cannot walk into beaten down by sense memory stress. I need to walk in with confidence.
Woke up to more snow. Not much, just enough to be annoying.
My ticket arrived yesterday, and I have the choices down between two dresses. I will try them both on today and see which feels right. I have the jewelry picked out (it’ll go with either dress). Once I know which dress, I’ll figure out the makeup.
On today’s agenda: meditation, uploading/scheduling next week’s Legerdemain episodes, doing their graphics and loglines, designing/printing the business card for tomorrow, printing out the monologue, trying on dresses and deciding on dress/make-up, doing the social media rounds to promote the two episodes of Legerdemain that go live today (because of Tuesday’s glitch), and turning around a script coverage. I have to do another quick drop off at the library, and one other errand, too.
I also have today’s Essay Camp assignments, and that’s probably as much writing as I’ll get done today. I got a little bit of writing done this morning. This Essay Camp has helped me clarify the skills and tools I need to pull off the big nonfiction project. The timing was great, and I’m so grateful to Summer Brennan for doing it (guess who’ll be acknowledged in the project credits, along with the Cultural Council)?
Decent weekend. Friday was a little all over the place. It wasn’t focused writing time, which was frustrating. Lots of admin work. Wrote and submitted a book review, and received the next two books to review. Wrote 2 ½ blog posts for Ink-Dipped Advice, working ahead. Poked around on Substack, honing my plan. Covered a script. Started another coverage.
The inspiring thing I did on Friday afternoon was to put on real people clothes and makeup and go to MASSMoCA for the Boiler House Poets reading. I met Joanne, the poet who invited me to the reading, and several of the others. Eight poets were on this year’s retreat, working together. The voices and experiences were all very different, but there was still a flow to the overall reading. It was exciting, and I’m so honored I was invited to it. I’m looking forward to next year’s reading already!
Home, made dinner, read in the evening, for fun. Read a new book in a series where I’ve read most of the series. This one was just too formulaic and similar to the others to be satisfying. I mean, I enjoyed it, it worked as relaxing brain candy for the night, but I didn’t love it, and some of the other books in the series I really loved.
Slept well Friday into Saturday, mostly because Charlotte stayed on the couch until nearly 5 AM. It was Tessa who jumped on the bed in the morning to wake me up – the first time she’s been on the bed since we moved here. Charlotte came in a little later and was horrified.
I drafted a short play in the morning, “My Side of the Bed” which was fun. I unpacked more boxes from the storage run, washed some pieces, and finished the last script coverage of the pay period. I made some notes on a couple of projects, where the ideas are flowing.
The tulip, daffodil, and hyacinth bulbs arrived. We’ll plant them in a week or two, and hope for the best in spring. So I guess the tussling with John Scheeper’s worked. Still not sure I’d deal with them again.
Forced myself to read the book I’d put aside from the author whose series I’d previously liked until she used “witch” as a slur in this one. I didn’t like it for more reasons than the slur. Overall, it was bland. On top of that, the protagonist, in the last few books, is regressing. I was drawn to the series because the protagonist was smart, resourceful, strong, and fun. She paired up with a romance-worthy guy, and the first few books post-marriage were fun. But in the last few, she gets weaker and weaker and more and more dependent on him and frantic/anxious, in a way that doesn’t make sense the way her character was established in the previous books. It’s like the editor encouraged the writer to make the character more “relatable” by giving her more anxiety when there’s nothing to worry about. I’ve lost respect for the character, and not just because of the witch slur. Instead of growing, she’s regressing, into a state of helplessness beyond where she was in the first book. So, I’m done with the series and the author. It’s not like losing me as a reader is going to make a dent in her sales. I am no longer her target audience.
Tried to start another book that came highly recommended, but it’s in present tense, and I’m not being paid to read it, so it’s going back to the library unread. I loathe novels written in present tense. I want to hurl them against the wall. It’s the author standing between me and the text screaming, “Look at me! I’m such a brilliant stylist!” when they’re not, instead of letting me experience the story. Again, I’m not the target audience. If a writer believes that’s the best voice in which to tell the story, they should absolutely do it. But I am not the audience for it.
I’m reading a few nonfiction books right now, which I enjoy. One I did not, too much religion and not enough about what it claimed the book was about, so that’s going back.
Started the next book in the Elantra series, and I’m enjoying that.
Alternated reading and unpacking in the afternoon.
Charlotte woke me up too early on Sunday morning. But I got up, fed everybody, and wrote two episodes of LEGERDEMAIN, about 3K all told. Updated the Style Sheet and the Series Bible. I bitch and moan to myself (and the cats) about updating the sheets after drafting every episode (for a novel, I’d wait until galleys to update the Series Bible). But it sure as heck saves me a lot of time and frustration as I move forward.
I did some puttering and reading, and planning for a project I realized has to go live next week (just after the new moon). I meant to just create the opening for it and jot more notes, but I wrote the first four pieces. This will all make sense later this week, when I formally announce the project. Until I upload it and schedule it to post, I don’t know if I can promote it before it goes live, or if I have to wait. I hate vague-posting, and apologize. I’m also not talking about it on social media, because I hate it when people say they have good news, but can’t share it yet. STFU until you can.
Crankypants much? I better sing myself the Crankypants song until I laugh and get over it.
All told, I wrote a little over 5K on the new project and 3K on LEGERDEMAIN, so I wrote nearly 8K on Sunday. I haven’t done that in a long time, and I was tired and achy by the end of the day.
To my horror, when I was looking at the content calendar of scheduled upcoming posts, I realized that I have not uploaded/scheduled the episode ads for the final 11 episodes of LEGERDEMAIN’s first big arc. So that’s on the list for this week. I’m behind in the overall series marketing, and I have to update the Topic Workbook links before the new project drops next week, because I link back to the Topic Workbooks. I also have to create a newsletter blast so it’s ready to go when the new project goes live.
But the writing itself felt good, and that’s what’s important.
I joined #scriptchat on Sunday night, and it was fun. Sunday nights are usually bad for me to do stuff online, but I’d already blown the attempt at a day of disconnect, so why not do something fun?
Monday morning, I was irritated by the amount of email that piled up. I have a lot of admin to catch up on this week.
I wrote another episode of LEGERDEMAIN, which is a good thing. But I’m pretty sure this arc will run closet to 40 episodes than 30, as originally planned. But the structure of the arc has embedded in me as I write, which will make the revisions and edits easier.
I got an email for my editor with the suggestions for the article that will be in the 2024 Llewellyn almanac. She loves the piece, which makes me so happy, because it’s one of the riskiest and most personal pieces I’ve ever written, and I worried I screwed it up. Her suggestions, as always, are right on the mark. I’m so grateful to have her as my editor.
Payment came through from the last two weeks’ of script coverage, and I transferred that over to the bank.
I think I figured out a solution for the LEGERDEMAIN ads which won’t be too much of a PITA. On some platforms, it’s just about adjusting dates. On channels that don’t allow edits, it’s about adding in the correct episodes on the correct dates, and having more overlap between episodes. It will be a slog, but it’s fixable.
The hardest thing was to take a breath and not berate myself for the mistake. I’m human, I made a mistake. It wasn’t huge, it’s fixable, it didn’t hurt anyone. It was on my own work, not client work. Mistakes happen.
I updated the links on the Topic Workbooks on the Devon Ellington site, so those are all current. Since the workbooks are steady sellers, I need to stay on top of that. I still have to create, upload, and schedule the marketing campaign for that through December. And upload/schedule the ads for 30 TIPS FOR 30 DAYS during November and into the first week of December (October is done and dropping on time).
I did another piece for the project launching next week, because I was in its groove. I can start uploading/scheduling on Thursday, I think. I also created the announcement in MailerLite, which will either go out this week (preferable) or on the day of the launch, depending on when I can get a legitimate link.
I turned around one script coverage, and started a second. I realized I was behind where I hoped/needed to be, so I withdrew from an online event I was scheduled to attend.
However, while I was cooking dinner, I got an idea. The title came first (which is unusual for me). Originally, it was going to be a piece of flash fiction, a ghost story with humor and maybe a touch of horror. But as I percolated, I realized it make more sense as a play.
After dinner, instead of returning to script coverage, I sat down and wrote the first draft of “Paranormal Paraphrasing” which turned out to be a 10-minute play.
As I finished the draft, an email came in from my friend Paula, who’d come across some more play submission calls, and one of them looks like it will be a good fit.
I was so tired by the time I was finished that I was shaking. But I’m glad I rode that creative wave.
I didn’t sleep well; too many different ideas mashing, but not meshing, in my dreams.
Up early. One of the cats was hurling, but I haven’t stepped in it yet, which means I haven’t yet found it.
Got into a lively Twitter discussion about being baffled when people refuse to wear clothes more than once. For me, it’s not only a sustainability and an economic issue, but also, when I love a piece of clothing, I take good care of it and keep wearing it. I mend it. I clean it the way it needs to be cleaned. I honor it. Most of us on the thread felt the same way, thank goodness.
I also sew, and can build my own clothes. I realize not everyone can or wants to do that, but basic mending is a necessary life skill. It’s worth MAKING the time to learn.
Anyway, I actually have to leave the house today. I should have gone to the laundromat, but the weather is too yucky. I’ll go tomorrow. I do, however, have to return a stack of books, hit the grocery store, pick up my mother’s prescription, mail some bills, hit the liquor store.
I need to get some writing in before I leave, help a friend with her website, and then, later on, finish the coverage I started yesterday and turn around another one. There hasn’t been much in the queue this week, which concerns me.
Time to get out some more LOIs. I’ve been lax on it for the past few weeks.
Have a good one! The next episode of LEGERDEMAIN drops today.
This is the 49th anniversary of my father’s death.
Yesterday was a heavy reading day. I got some writing done in the morning, caught up on email, etc. Got out a script coverage. Participated in Remote Chat.
In the afternoon, I read the book for review, and two more scripts.
Which means today has to be a heavy writing day, with four script coverages and a review to write up, not to mention working on my short articles and next week’s class.
I’m jotting down ideas for upcoming posts on both the GDR site and Ink-Dipped Advice. Those blogs will start up again in the coming weeks. I don’t want to start everything all at once, because then it will be overwhelming. I’m going to stockpile material and then stagger the starts of the various blogs’ returns. I’d like to always be about a month ahead. That gets sticky for some of the GDR posts, because the nature of that blog is immediate and mutable, at least for the posts at the start, end, and mid-month. But the Monday “tools and resources” posts can be done ahead of time.
I’m working on the questions for 2022, which should be interesting, considering what we’ve all been through, and what we’re facing.
One of the things I’m doing now, in the morning, after my first writing of the day/yoga/meditation/shower, is to get dressed properly. When I cleaned out my clothes before the move (and donated oh, so much from my NYC life), I found a lot of cool, interesting pieces that both fit and are comfortable. So now, I’m wearing them.
There’s no reason I can’t be comfortable in my clothes as a remote worker and still look good/professional. Those are not mutually exclusive. I’ve never been someone who can work in pajamas. Pajamas mean sleep. I have enough sleep issues; working in pajamas would only complicate them. And I’d gotten into the habit of wearing the same few items over and over again. I have a whole closet and drawers full of great pieces which make me feel good. Why not wear them? I use the good china “just for us.” Why not the same with clothes?
Do I sometimes still need to change out of writing pants to put on “real people pants” to go out and run errands? Yes. But that’s getting to be more the exception than the rule. I always put on lipstick, even under the masks. For years, I’ve said I can be stark naked, but as long as I wear lipstick, I feel dressed. That’s still true. I’m also putting on a little bit more makeup, too, whether I plan to leave the house or not. I do it for me. After all, I have the monthly IPSY subscription – why not use it, instead of stockpiling? Not just when I have Zoom meetings, but because it makes me feel good.
I’d started wearing my rings again (for those of you who know me, I generally wear 8 rings, each with a specific story/meaning), I stopped wearing rings and most jewelry when I left the house during last year’s portion of the pandemic because of the decontamination protocols – I’d have to decontaminate all the jewelry every time I returned. Once the decontamination protocols eased, I’ve been wearing jewelry again out and about. But now, that numbers are going back up, and we’re talking about putting the protocols back in place, I’m not doing it as often.
I’m tired of having my life dictated by the tyranny of the stupid and the selfish. Anti-vaxxers should be banned from public spaces. Let THEM be the ones forced into isolation for the coming months. Stop punishing the people who’ve worked hard to do what’s right for themselves, their families, and their communities for the past eighteen months. I have no problem continuing to wear a mask until the vaccine is developed for kids, we can vaccinate kids, and we can get 97% or more of the population vaccinated. No problem. It’s a mask. It’s not a big deal. I DO have a problem with selfish idiots refusing to do their part and helping the virus mutate and kill more people. Those individuals need to be held accountable for the damage they inflict on others. And not allowed to cause any more damage.
Anyway, I’m joining the online meditation group this morning, and then it’s all about writing reviews and script coverage. If I can fit it in, I might participate in Freelance Chat at noon, but I’m not counting on it.
The days are getting shorter. When I first got up, just before 5, it was too dark to write out on the porch. I may get a battery-operated camp lantern out there (mine is, of course, in storage – will see about bringing it back when we do the storage run).
Our old Hoover vacuum is not working properly. It’s about 30 years old, so it’s definitely put in its time. I ordered a new Eureka vacuum from Chewy, and it should be here tomorrow. It says a lot that I am so excited by the thought of a new vacuum!
Yesterday was a fairly productive day. Started with the online meditation session from the Concord Library. Different leader this week, totally different experience. Still positive, but this leader talked a little too much and didn’t leave me enough room to just be in silence.
Got out an article pitch to an editor, and some LOIs. Did a bit of client work.
The bulk of the morning was spent finishing the revisions on JUST A DROP and submitting it. It’s off to the theatre, for consideration in the 9-month development process. It’s got a 50-50 chance – either they accept it or they don’t. But, if I didn’t submit, it would have a 0 chance. I’d rather submit and risk not getting in than not submit and not have a chance.
Freelance Chat was good. It’s helpful to share experience and resources with other freelancers.
I dug into cleaning stuff out in the afternoon, only not the way I planned. I pulled out a crate in my bedroom – that was, unfortunately, anchoring some things that came tumbling down. It was full of socks and accessories and things I’d stashed there back when we moved and never dealt with. I took everything out, washed it (the washer put holes in one of my favorite sweaters that I found, sadly – I HATE this washer. Don’t say “get a new one” – I’m a renter; it’s not up to me, although the people putting in the new furnace are also supposed to put in a new fridge and washer).
Anyway, most of the socks were orphan socks I have A LOT of orphan socks. I have a thing about socks. As a Pisces, it’s all about the feet. Pisces is the sign that is associated with feet. My feet need to be warm and dry or I am miserable. When I worked in production, I always had extra pairs of socks with me (and, on exterior film/television shoots, my supervisor would regularly send me back to the truck to put on fresh socks). When I was busy, in the 10-out of 12 tech weeks or 18-hour days on set, I wouldn’t have time to do laundry. So I’d just keep buying more packages of socks until I had a day off to do laundry. I’ve bought hundreds of pairs of socks over my production years.
We all know how dryers have Sock Goblins and socks vanish. So I have a lot of orphan socks.
It’s time to either find pairs or get rid of them.
I found a crate of orphan socks. I know I have a file box of them . . .somewhere. I didn’t find the file box, but I found a file box that contained two tote backs with socks, scarves, tee shirts and sweatshirts from shows and travels that I’d packed up in a hurry when we moved and never unpacked. And some other interesting bits and bobs I’d forgotten about.
I washed everything. I’m going to try some things on (let’s face it, the Tommy Hilfinger Size 8 Khaki pants are never going to fit me again and will have to go).The black velvet sheath dress from the 1960’s is fabulous, but again, I’m never going to fit into it again. I’ll sort what I’m keeping AND PUT IT AWAY, and make a pile for donation. When donation places open up again, I can drop them off.
I have a bag to stash orphan socks until I’ve cleaned everything out; then, anything that’s still an orphan will have to be dealt with.
I’d hoped to clear out four boxes from the basement. The boxes weren’t from the basement, but I cleared out four boxes, so now I have room for stuff and other stuff as it comes out of the basement and I decide on a spot for it.
Of course, today, I have to set to rights everything that went all topsy turvey in my room. It means cleaning out or repacking some other boxes that serve as a divider/counter space in my room (hard to explain).
It was a ton of fun finding a bunch of stuff I forgot I had and hadn’t seen in years. Shopping in my closet is always fun. Looking for something else in my closet, I also found some leggings that still fit and will be appropriate with tunic-length sweaters. I’m not comfortable wearing leggings with short tops. Plenty of people can pull it off, but if I don’t feel comfortable, It translates into carriage and body language and I’m miserable. But tunic-length sweaters that hit at least mid-thigh and boots? I’m there for that this winter (on the few occasions I actually have to leave the house).
And, let’s face it, I have every intention of looking professional on the Zoom business calls/meetings. I’m not someone who enjoys working in my pajamas. I have enough sleep issues. I wear pajamas to sleep.(And I found a great pair of blue fleece pajamas that will be cozy this winter). I wear other clothes during the day. They might be comfortable fabrics and generous cuts, especially to work at home – but they’re not pajamas.
The Knowledge Unicorns session was fun. There’s intense pressure to return to in-person ln learning, ESPECIALLY in areas with high rates of infection, which is just ridiculous to me. Most of them had a lot of essay work (essays due early next week, so yay, we’re working ahead and not leaving it to the last minute). So there was a lot of discussion about language and usage and shades of meaning and context.
I was pretty tired by the end of it (kudos to parents and teachers doing this every day). But I’d signed up for an NYU-LA seminar about Creative Future: The Job You Save May Be Your Own. It was about piracy and how it destroys artists’ ability to earn a living, while being part of a larger, international criminal enterprise funding all kinds of awful things.
They pointed out that it’s not the multi-million dollar stars and the studios who take the hit – it’s the smaller projects that don’t get funded any more and the crews who are out of work when studios cut back to fewer projects to keep their profits high.
So these people who claim piracy is about freedom and they’re sticking it to “the man” aren’t. They’re hurting working artists and technicians who are barely making a living.
I think the panel is far too generous to the individuals doing these illegal downloads (even as they advocate for tougher laws and punishment). I think many of those pirating know EXACTLY who they’re hurting, and they want to. It’s the typical non-creative people resenting and hating artists for earning a living doing what they love, and determined to prevent that.
But then, I’ve turned into a cynic.
Anyway, I hadn’t heard about Creative Future before. The executive director is Ruth Vitale, a former film executive. They do advocacy and work with elected officials on legislation to protect copyright. You can visit their website for more information.
Dense fog this morning. The street looks ready for monsters.
Writing this morning, some client work, a run to the library for a curbside pickup, more cleaning stuff out in the afternoon, more writing, and working on the changes I need to make to SERENE AND DETERMINED, hopefully in time to get it in under the deadline for the O’Neill Center.
I’m hoping, against all odds, for a productive weekend.
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
Waxing Moon
Pluto Retrograde
Saturn Retrograde
Jupiter Retrograde
Neptune Retrograde
Stormy and humid
Hop on over to Ink-Dipped Advice,where I talk about deciding what you want and need from work.
Blood draw wasn’t too awful yesterday. The tech hit the vein the first time, even though it splattered everywhere and hurt. But it’s done.
Home, changed out of the clothes I wore to the very busy lab. Scrubbed down, but not full disinfectant protocols. Ate breakfast, then headed to Trader Joe’s. Very busy there, too many people in the store. Everyone was masked, but not enough distancing. Spent more than I meant to, but stocked up.
Home, full disinfectant protocols. Which means yes, I wore three sets of clothes before 10 AM.
Client work, email, social media, LOIs.
Nice lunch of lox and reading The New Yorker and feeling like I had some of my 90’s life back.
More client work in the afternoon, and then polished three old flash fiction pieces that I still really like. Submitted them to fresh markets. We’ll see.
The copies of the 2021 Witches’ Companion that has my earthing article in it arrived (it’s under the Cerridwen Iris Shea byline). It looks really good. I’m excited to read the whole almanac. I also have to immediately put it in my clip file.
The extra candles Yankee Candle sent as an apology also arrived. I appreciate the gesture, but it doesn’t solve the issue.
Haven’t heard back from Amazon. Guarantee they will charge me again. I rarely buy anything but eBooks from Amazon, but maybe I should disengage from buying on that platform completely.
The spices I ordered from Atlantic Spice Companyin Truro arrived – packets much bigger than expected. Their quality and price is unmatched. I’m sorry I didn’t get to go there in person – I love going to their store. But it’s not safe. No matter how carful they are in the store, the other customers aren’t. It’s not worth the risk.
The note cards from Peter Pauper Press also arrived. I have lots of card-and-letter writing in my future.
Cleaned out a box from the basement. I know, I know, it was only one. But it took more time than I expected. Tossed about 50%. Re-filed a bunch of the rest. Found some old manuscripts that I pulled out. I will decide if I need to toss or re=key into the computer or file any of them. I bet some of them are still on floppy disks. It was emotional to see that energetic woman, involved in getting shows over to Edinburgh, pitching to organizations in the US, having meetings with film producers, line producing a friend’s film, working off-Broadway and starting the transition to working on Broadway, communicating a mile a minute with ideas and plans and projects.
It made me tired! In a good way.
It also made me glad that I didn’t make a long-term commitment to any of the men with whom I was involved with at that time. They demanded that too much of my energy be diverted from my projects to fuel theirs, with little in return.
Have to go in to my client’s today and get a few things solved, and then I can do an email blast for her. The second ad didn’t play as well as the first one, which is disappointing, because it was a better ad, overall, I thought.
Remote Chat is this afternoon, which is always a pleasure.
Then, more writing, coursework, and at least one more box.
I need to get that clearing-out energy in motion!
We’re supposed to get storms and then more humidity again. I have the fans going, to try to get it cooler in here. We’ve been lucky. It hasn’t been too bad yet this summer.
A baby bunny ate his breakfast in the yard while I had my first cup of coffee on the deck. It was adorable!
Wednesday, June 15, 2016 Waxing Moon Mars Retrograde Neptune Retrograde Sunny and pleasant
Saturday seems like a long time ago. I spent most of the days between Saturday and today writing. Some of it was outlining, because what happens a couple of books down affects how situations and characters are set up in what I’m writing now. I was happy to be deep in the work, but it’s exhausting.
Monday morning, I had a Board meeting in Buzzards Bay, then found a couple of dresses for upcoming events. I’d reached the dress shop early, so I sat in the car and wrote until it was open.
Yesterday, I wrote a complex chapter – it’s a long chapter, it took all day. It wrung out my characters both physically and emotionally, but it sets the stage, especially for one character, for the rest of his life. I was wiped out by the end of the day, too. I think readers will love it – I hope so, anyway.
It was quite the weekend, apart from writing: Creator won the Belmont Stakes, the Pittsburgh Penguins won Lord Stanley’s Cup, and the Tony Awards were on. I got so emotional during the Tonys – this year, in particular, they showed how art can change the world for the better. Especially in wake of the horrific mass shooting in Orlando.
The only reason to purchase the type of weapon currently called “assault” is to kill a human being. You can’t hunt food with it. It is NOT for protection. It is a choice to commit pre-meditated murder, even if the target has not yet been chosen. There is no place for them in a civilized society. But any society that takes Donald Trump seriously isn’t civilized.
A situation I believed was resolved reared its ugly head again. Not only was the wound re-opened (metaphorically), I discovered it festered. It will need to be drained and cauterized. I thought I was at peace with the whole thing, but I’m not.
Not a good start to the week, which will be extremely busy, but I hope I can find blocks of time to descend into the writing and make progress. I’m exhausted, on many levels, and feel like I’m out of resources.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Waxing Moon
Uranus Retrograde
Neptune Retrograde
Jupiter Retrograde
Venus Retrograde
It’s supposed to be rainy and maybe even snow
Yep, scheduled to post again, because I intend to be back on the road and headed to the house before the sun comes up.
Packing the car with the clothes on Saturday morning was a pain in the patootie, but it all got packed, along with the leftover mirrors and a few other odds and ends, and we were on the road a little before 7, and arrived at the house a little before 11. Not a bad ride, not too much traffic. Unloaded, hung everything up in the respective closets — I’m so happy with my walk-in closet. I’ve got the clothes sorted so it makes sense to me — and not “all colors together” — that simply doesn’t work for me, all I see is blobs. I even have options for the big Thanksgiving dinner, depending on the weather. I’ll make some sachets when we’re up — cedar, rose, and maybe some jasmine flower or lavender — once we’re up there, and hang them from the poles. I actually have two closets in the room — a walk in and another, smaller closet. The closets in the storage area — four big ones — are housing the formal wear (the dresses I wore to opening nights and Tony Award shows, etc. and the rest of the various coats. The ones we use all the time are in the front closet (which is tiny) and the rest are up in the storage room. Eventually, I’ll make muslin bags for the formal wear, because they’ll get dry rot if they stay in the plastic garment bags, and they’ve already been in there far too long.
Imagine how delighted I was to find mail at the house — including a lovely housewarming card and Target gift card! Michelle, Lara, and Colin — thanks! It will go to good use, I promise!
Found the RIGHT leaf bags at Christmas Tree Shops, of all places. Looked for curtain fabric at Jo-Ann’s, but couldn’t find what I wanted. I think I need the furniture in, the slipcovers on, and the carpets down before I can make the fabric decision on the curtains that will best fit the rooms. The temporary ones up now do just fine for the moment. And the pre-made panels I’ve seen thus far just aren’t cutting it. Either the color is off by a few hues, or the texture’s not quite right. Fussy bitch, ain’t I? 😉 Re-stocked some stuff at Trader Joe’s. Bought a SERIOUS rake at Home Depot (look out, leaves) and looked at area rugs — some good possibilities for the writing room and the back bedroom. On to Stop & Shop and some more groceries, over to Verizon to pay the phone bill, Home Goods to look at slipcovers (which they don’t have at that one, for some reason)– but saw some other good rug possibilities, and Shaw’s to pick up the coffee and cookies I like from them. Bought the kidlets a new litter box for the downstairs bathroom — it fits the look of the bathroom and the space.
Cooked a great meal in my wonderful kitchen — pork chops smothered in mushroom gravy, mashed potatoes, and steamed spinach.
I meant to bring the assignment for Confidential Job #1 up and finish it on Saturday night, but somehow, it didn’t make it into the bag. I’ve asked my editor for an extension. I did some other reading in the living room, but went to bed pretty early. The Hounds of the Baskervilles (aka the dogs who live on the property behind mine) were at it again, baying at goodness knows what, AND that house has teenaged boys — not sure if it’s one teenaged boy and his best friend is over all the time, or if it’s brothers — they “just happen” to go out and toss a football or frisbee back and forth whenever I’m puttering around, although they haven’t said anything yet. I just sort of wave, smile, and say hi, but haven’t really introduced myself to anyone yet. The West Highland Terrier’s person across the street seems nice (she was out raking the other day), but then, she DOES have a Westie, so she’s likely a kindred spirit. The Westie’s bed is in the bay window, so he takes note of our comings and goings. The retired guy next door with the pristine lawn has ALL his leaves done, even the back yard. As intimidating as having The Perfect Lawn next door, I do admire his love for his yard, and hope to learn a lot from him.
Everyone in the neighborhood will get a holiday cookie platter, so they’ll know who I am soon enough. I think they’re perplexed at the odd hours and erratic schedule. They will all pass out when two massive moving trucks pull up in front of the house in a couple of weeks!
Too cold and late to rake when I got back (but at least I now have the right tools). Pretty much everyone on the street is out raking, so I guess I’ll have to go out and do some more this afternoon. The backyard will take me about a week!
I love “falling back” timewise, and enjoyed the extra hour of sleep. Up early anyway, yoga, meditation, baked cinnamon rolls for breakfast. We were on the road by 7, back in NY around 11. Traffic wasn’t bad until New Haven — from New Haven to NY, it was all the pokies who only drive on Sundays and think 40 mph is acceptable highway speed.
On the agenda for Sunday afternoon: repainting the damaged windowsills, taking down the curtains and the hardware, washing the curtains (except for the one going to the lab for testing), packing more boxes, and some suitcases. More clothes going up tomorrow (stuff from the drawers), along with more foodstuff, bathroom stuff, and miscellaneous other stuff I don’t want the movers handling.
Teresa, I told the cats what Ivy said. Iris figures, “Okay”, but Violet still is skeptical. I think they will be really happy once we’re up there. Moving Day will be a challenge — a very long day and then driving at night (I don’t have good night vision and hate driving at night) when I’m already exhausted, but once we’re there, and once the movers have come and gone the next day, all will be good.
I just have to keep it together for another nearly two weeks. Ten more days until the big M-Day.
I miss my daily writing sessions, though. It’s starting to pull at me again. I look forward to getting back into that routine.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Waning Moon
Uranus Retrograde
About to snow/cold
St. Nicholas Eve
Yes, we’re supposed to get snow today. Woo-hoo! That puts me in the holiday spirit, although I’m not going to go to storage and haul out my stuff and get it all wet. Not that there’s room for it anyway — I still don’t have the apartment completely sorted out, although I got a lot done yesterday and we’re getting there.
Had some ginger in the morning for the nausea and celery for the headache and felt human again. Had to run some errands — couldn’t find what I needed locally, so wound up at Target in White Plains — I’ve been to WP every day this week, it’s ridiculous. And here I’m trying to plan the errands so I’m not dashing all over creation! But Target had what I needed and more, so I got a lot done. Got done everything I needed at the bookstore — which is closing in January, which totally sucks. I mean, it wasn’t a great one, but still . . .
Realized I was running a fever, so I went home, rested up a bit, took whatever supplements I’m not allergic to that could pound out whatever’s trying to take me down,and got back to work. I got a lot done, sorting, purging, organzing. I’m trying to find a place for everything, and if I can’t, it either gets given away or goes to storage. The challenge is then keeping storage organized enough so I can get at things as I need them.
I’m purging a lot of clothes that either don’t fit properly and aren’t worth the alterations, or just don’t suit the way my style has evolved. I found two coats that were in storage for years and took them downstairs to the new cleaners that opened up — they are so nice! Lovely people. I considered buying a new dressy winter coat this year, but the one in storage is lovely — really well cut, full-length, navy blue — and my black pea coat, that I bought way back in college in Greenwich Village when I was caught in a snowstorm without a coat — will be fine once it’s cleaned and I put the silver buttons back on (I’d lent it to a show and took my good buttons off so they wouldn’t get lost). I also found an almost-finished dress in one of my favorite styles — very simple, tailored, slight flare below the knee. All it needs is the finishing on the hem, the neckline, and the armholes, and I can wear it in spring. It’s a lovely soft pattern in blues and grays and greens with just a hint of burgundy in it. I love shopping in my closet!
I’m putting together several bags of clothes I will then sort into stuff that gets donated and stuff that goes to a local consignment store. I’ve got some beautiful theatrical pieces like a beaded formal skirt (given as a Secret Santa gift that’s never fit me) which are nearly new, tried on but never worn, and someone could enjoy them.
I’ve sorted out a lot of my books and reconfigured the bookcases. So why do I STILL have piles of books on the floor with no place to put them? Unfortunately, a lot of them are in use in various projects.
Started work on Confidential Job #1, which seems like it’ll be really cool. Got some decorating ideas that I will start this weekend, and then, as I can bring stuff in from storage, I can add to it. I’m finding some great fabric as I’m going through packed stuff, and I’m sorting the fabric and the yarn and all the rest so I know where everything is, can complete any uncompleted projects, and actually get at everything.
The fever broke at some point in the night, so I’m feeling much better. I did an extra-challenging yoga session in the morning — swore somewhat during the process, but feel better now. I’ve got a bunch of errands to do before the snow starts, and then it’s back to trying to sort out the apartment.
I’ve got the menus for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day sorted,and I’m trying to figure out what to do for the Solstice.
I had a good writing session this morning; feels good after two days away from the page. I get cranky and more neurotic than usual if I skip a day or several days of writing. Everything is on track, writing wise, although I’m not spending as many hours at the page as usual. But, even if I can snatch a half hour here and there, I sit down and I focus and I DO IT. Every few words on the page is a few more than I had before, and it’ amazing what you can get done in 15 minutes if you don’t procrastinate and keep saying, “Oh, it’s only 15 minutes, what can I do?” You can write a bunch of words, that’s what you can do.
Tonight, we put out our shoes, in the Dutch (?) tradition, and St. Nicholas comes and fills them with treats (unless the cats get there first).
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Waning Moon
Uranus Retrograde
Cloudy and cold
Veterans’ Day
We had a few mild days of Indian-summer like weather, and now it’s back to being cold.
Ran around looking for a simple, black, mid-calf skirt. 5 stores, no luck. Either they’re micro minis (not happening), or pencil skirts (need one, but not in black) or disgustingly cheap ass material that doesn’t drape well. I have a feeling I’ll wind up making some skirts — not happy with colors, styles, patterns currently available. Did find a coat and some boots I might order. I have my big LL Bean coat for the winter, which is great for casual work/driving/set work – but I need a dressy coat. Also looking for my ultimate writing bag — know what I want, haven’t found it yet in my price range.
Went grocery shopping to pick up a few things to get us through the next few days until I leave for the site job and then DC. Have to go in the other direction to Trader Joe’s today to stock up on cat food.
Decent but not brilliant day on ‘Digging” and Blair Holland. Slow start to the Christmas story, but it’s getting there. I want to get a draft done before I leave for DC, so I can edit it and get it to the printer before Thanksgiving. Hoping I’ll have a more focused and productive writing day today.
Finished Louisa May Alcott’s journals. I’d forgotten how frustrated she often grew in Concord — the museum at Orchard House (which she called “Apple Slump”) idealizes the time spent there. Started re-reading Madelon Bedell’s terrific book THE ALCOTTS.
The newest A.S. Byatt novel, THE CHILDREN’S BOOK, arrived yesterday. Can’t wait to read it. Her novel POSSESSION remains one of my all-time favorites. I’ve got NEVER AFTER, with stories by Laurell K. Hamilton, Yasmine Galenorn, Marjorie M. Liu, and Sharon Shinn’s pieces in it for the trip to DC. I’m tempted to start it earlier, but it’s a paperback and the Byatt book is a hardcover, so the paperback is easier to maneuver while travelling.
My bags for the site job and DC are packed. I’ll have to add a few bits (like the computer and some files) to the writing bag for the site, and then switch it to the writing bag I’m taking to DC, but, for the most part, I’m set, so I can just focus on the writing and not have to worry about packing.
Mixed up a batch of spiced apple bread for breakfast. It smells good as it’s baking, and gives me inspiration as I write.
Remember the Veterans today, from all the wars, and salute them.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Waxing Moon
Pluto Retrograde
Jupiter Retrograde
Uranus Retrograde
Sunny and pleasant
I’m delighted to say that the session with Apple’s Super Tech yesterday went very well. She really knew her stuff, she understood the problems I tried to explain, even though I don’t have the technological language. Not only could she dig into the innards, figure out the problems, and talk me through the fixes, she could explain what went wrong, why it went wrong, and teach me trouble-shooting tips for the future. She also taught me how to utilize Time Machine more efficiently, and it’ s not the “all or nothing” transfer the way it was presented to me at the store. She taught me how to dig in there, find what I want, and get it out without setting off a chain reaction.
The computer’s running like new now (except with all my files intact). If it keeps up, I’ll be happy.
Of course, one of the biggest problems was caused by something that downloaded as part of the latest Word (as in Microsoft) update! Gee, now there’s a surprise! But we beat it into submission and it’s behaving.
What I’d like to know is why this couldn’t have been set up two weeks ago? Why did I have two weeks of hoop jumping after the multiple visits to the Genius Bar failed?
Stop&Shop called me with a list of excuses for the virus hijacking their site, trying to blame ME for getting a virus from their site, and, again, refusing any responsibility. Sorry, you’re responsible for keeping a secure site for your customers. And when there’s a complaint, at least pretend you’re going to try to do something about it. Don’t blame the customer.
Diane, you’re right about the Czech Republic not switching over until 2012 (thank you to my source — you know who you are). I mentioned it to the currency exchange, and, lo and behold, I can pick up my currency tomorrow.
I went to storage and rooted through paperwork yesterday. I found some of what I need. I also started sorting through my “misc.” boxes. Because I only had a few days to pack up 13 years of my life when I gave up the Manhattan apartment, there were times when I couldn’t sort as I packed, just stuffed things in boxes and marked them “Misc.” So now I’m going through those 4 or 5 dozen boxes and sorting them.
I found some really cool stuff, some of which will be great in the house. I found some stuff I could throw away. I found notes for some projects. I found some of the paperwork I needed. I found books — but still not those three books for which I’ve been looking for months! I found fabric and clothes and yarn, and sorted them. I found an excptionally ugly rose and black houndstooth print sweater. Really? I don’t think I ever wore it. It must have been given to me by someone who disliked me.
I washed it and placed it on a rack, set in the bathtub (only place there’s room) to dry. Violet is complaining. I’m not sure if she thinks the sweater is as ugly as I do, or if it offends her sense of order to have a sweater in the bathtub.
I brought home some of the clothes, washed them, and am sorting them into what to keep and what to give away. I found a gorgeous, vintage black velvet dress. I wore it to a Broadway opening and never wore it again. Unfortunately, I was underweight when I wore it, and I’ll never get into it again. The dedicated workouts have changed the shape of my body — for the better, but especially in the upper body, it just doesn’t fit.
So I took it over to my neighbor, who’s got a petite build, told her the story behind the dress, and asked if she or her daughter could use it. She was thrilled. Her high school reunion is coming up next month, she lost her job, and wasn’t sure what to wear. She’s got gorgeous shoes to go with it — now she’s all set! I’m so thrilled the dress has a good home and can be enjoyed.
I also found a pair of kick-ass green silk pumps with gold bedazzling that I bought for a performance piece in which I actually appeared. I got them for $6 at the Goodwill. They are brand new, designer, and GORGEOUS. They’re going back on the active shoe rack. There’s also a matching green suede evening bag.
I love shopping in my storage unit!
I ran around to three different Staples trying to find the right flashcard for my camera and none of them have it. Because I need to look at it, and because I’m using a rewards certificate that will also include some other stuff I need to see before I buy, I have to get everything in-store rather than order online. Besides, I should be able to walk into a store and get something as simple as the correct flashcard and the correct pen refill.
A friend contacted me yesterday and asked a favor. He likes my research/investigative doggedness and asked me to track down some info for him tonight, so I’ll do it. I’ll have to use some ingenuity and maybe even diplomacy (oh, horrors) to get it. It’ll be a challenge.
I’m off on an adventure today, and have to schedule it so that I’m back in time to do the favor for my friend.
Tried a new recipe for apple muffins this morning. It’s not as good as my favorite one — too dry, and, even with additional cinnamon, nutmeg, and mace added, still didn’t have enough flavor. Sigh. I mean, it was okay. But it wasn’t GREAT. And I wanted great.
Decent morning’s work on AMENDS. Finished the scene before the scene with the Alzheimer’s afflicted character, that sets up the cliffhanger in this chapter.
Off I go.
Devon
AMENDS — first draft: 19,312 words out of est. 75,000
25.74%
Violet does not like ugly sweaters in the bathtub. Perhaps if she sits on the desk, someone will do something about it!
GWEN FINNEGAN MYSTERIES
Archaeologist Dr. Gwen Finnegan is on the hunt for her lover’s killer. Shy historical researcher Justin Yates jumps at the chance to join her on a real adventure through Europe as they try to unspool fact from fiction in a multi-generational obsession with a statue of the goddess Medusa.
Buy links here.
When plans for their next expedition fall through, Gwen and Justin accept teaching jobs at different local universities. Adjusting to their day-to-day relationship, they are embroiled in two different, disturbing, paranormal situations that have more than one unusual crossing point. Can they work together to find the answers? Or are new temptations too much to resist? For whom are they willing to put their lives on the line? Available on multiple digital channels here.NAUTICAL NAMASTE MYSTERIESSAVASANA AT SEA
Yoga instructor Sophie Batchelder jumps at the chance to teach on a cruise ship when she loses her job and her boyfriend dumps her. But when her boss is murdered, Sophie must figure out who the real killer is -- before he turns her into a corpse, too. A Not-Quite-Cozy Mystery.
Buy Links here.COVENTINA CIRCLE ROMANTIC SUSPENSEPLAYING THE ANGLES
Witchcraft, politics, and theatre collide as Morag D’Anneville and Secret Service agent Simon Keane fight to protect the Vice President of the United States -- or is it Morag who needs Simon’s protection more than the VP?
Buy links here.THE SPIRIT REPOSITORY
Bonnie Chencko knows books change lives. She’s attracted to Rufus Van Dijk, the mysterious man who owns the bookshop in his ancestors’ building. A building filled with family ghosts, who are mysteriously disappearing. It’s up to Bonnie and her burgeoning Craft powers to rescue the spirits before their souls are lost forever. Buy Links here. RELICS & REQUIEM
Amanda Breck’s complicated life gets more convoluted when she finds the body of Lena Morgan in Central Park, identical to Amanda’s dream. Detective Phineas Regan is one case away from retirement; the last thing he needs is a murder case tinged by the occult. The seeds of their attraction were planted months ago. But can they work together to stop a wily, vicious killer, or will the murderer destroy them both?
Buy link here.
Full Circle: An Ars Concordia Anthology. Edited by Colin Galbraith. My story is “Pauvre Bob”, set at Arlington Race Track in Illinois is included in this wonderful collection of short stories and poetry. You can download it free here.
Archaeologist Dr. Gwen Finnegan is on the hunt for her lover’s killer. Shy historical researcher Justin Yates jumps at the chance to join her on a real adventure through Europe as they try to unspool fact from fiction in a multi-generational obsession with a statue of the goddess Medusa.
Buy links 
When plans for their next expedition fall through, Gwen and Justin accept teaching jobs at different local universities. Adjusting to their day-to-day relationship, they are embroiled in two different, disturbing, paranormal situations that have more than one unusual crossing point. Can they work together to find the answers? Or are new temptations too much to resist? For whom are they willing to put their lives on the line? Available on multiple digital channels 
SAVASANA AT SEA
Yoga instructor Sophie Batchelder jumps at the chance to teach on a cruise ship when she loses her job and her boyfriend dumps her. But when her boss is murdered, Sophie must figure out who the real killer is -- before he turns her into a corpse, too. A Not-Quite-Cozy Mystery.
Buy Links 
PLAYING THE ANGLES
Witchcraft, politics, and theatre collide as Morag D’Anneville and Secret Service agent Simon Keane fight to protect the Vice President of the United States -- or is it Morag who needs Simon’s protection more than the VP?
Buy links 
THE SPIRIT REPOSITORY
Bonnie Chencko knows books change lives. She’s attracted to Rufus Van Dijk, the mysterious man who owns the bookshop in his ancestors’ building. A building filled with family ghosts, who are mysteriously disappearing. It’s up to Bonnie and her burgeoning Craft powers to rescue the spirits before their souls are lost forever. Buy Links 
RELICS & REQUIEM
Amanda Breck’s complicated life gets more convoluted when she finds the body of Lena Morgan in Central Park, identical to Amanda’s dream. Detective Phineas Regan is one case away from retirement; the last thing he needs is a murder case tinged by the occult. The seeds of their attraction were planted months ago. But can they work together to stop a wily, vicious killer, or will the murderer destroy them both?
Buy link 
Ink In My Coffee 