Wed. May 17, 2023: Arranging Word Pebbles

Reflecting Pool at the Clark Institute. Photo by Devon Ellington

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Day Before Dark Moon

Pluto Retrograde

Cloudy and chilly

Day before dark moon is always my lowest energy day of the month, but I need to buck up and get things done.

Today’s Process Muse post is about Managing Energy, which I’m trying to get better about. You can read it here.

Today’s serial episode is from Angel Hunt:

Episode 33: Forest Dreams

Where is this astral travel journey taking Lianna?

Angel Hunt Serial Link here.

Yesterday was just kind of an all-over-the-place mess. I’m having serious Sense Memory Stress that has little to do with my current reality. Yesterday, it was almost paralyzing. Yes, there are things I’m concerned about: the continued delay in receiving the grant money, the WGA strike, the looming debt ceiling crisis, trying to find a vet so I can update the cats’ shots and get them wellness exams, the need for new glasses, etc. But it doesn’t need the extreme stress response I had yesterday.

I figured out a few things on FALL FOREVER, and, once I get the big August rewrite done, I have a submission call to aim it at on September 1. I found another submission call with a July 1 deadline for a fun piece that I should be able to whip up and hone between now and then. I found another call and submitted a short play that fits, but I’m so close to the deadline that they might have found what they want. Last week, I had a great exchange with a company in the UK who does audio dramas, and I will submit to their next open call in June.

Drafted an episode of Legerdemain. Adapted two chapters of ANGEL HUNT into a total of 9 serial episodes. I hated to stop work on it; I was in a flow. If ANGEL HUNT continues to perform well and improves (which is always the hope, get more readers), there will be a second “season.” I’m hoping it will be between 30-50 episodes, and I’ve gotten it roughed out. I even have a working title. If that does well, there will be a third season, taking place in one of the more interesting astral locations from ANGEL HUNT, and I hope that will be around 60-90 episodes. But first, I need to finish adapting all of ANGEL HUNT, polishing, and uploading, so I know what I have. Then I can plan for the other two. Those will build on ANGEL HUNT, while still being different enough that they can be read as stand-alones.

I struggled with the poem that I’m reading Sunday, and considered giving up my slot so that someone with something that works could have it.

Had trouble focusing on client work. I’m fine with their deadlines, so I just cut myself a break, and started the 4^th draft of FALL FOREVER. I got most of the first act done before I had to leave for yoga. I made a lot of internal cuts to tighten scenes, rearranged some material, and changed the approach to one of the conflicts. All in all, it’s two pages tighter, even with the new material woven into it.

Went to yoga. It was great. We were all dragging, so we did yoga Nidra, instead of what was originally planned. During Savasana, I found the poem for Sunday.

I’d been using the wrong voice. I was using Tragic Poetess Voice when it needed to be Cynical Chick Lit Voice. Once I found the voice, the rest of it clicked into place. Just because it’s personal doesn’t mean it has to sound “precious.”

Came home, scribbled most of the poem, ate (I’d made crockpot chicken fajita). Went back to work on FALL FOREVER, and did a good portion of work on the second act. I stopped at the memorial scene, because I need to completely rip that apart and restructure it, and I have to come up with short anecdotes for them to share as their celebration of Lily that arise organically from their characters and unique perspectives. The scene from the third draft runs 6 pages; I certainly don’t want it to run anymore than that. Hopefully, it will be less.

Got the heads up that my word for July’s poem will arrive within the next seven days. How much do you want to bet it shows up on Sunday, when I’ll be spending most of the day with the poets at the Mount? But I’ll still get it done. I know what I want to write about, and I’ll find a way to weave in my starting word.

Up early and out the door to the laundromat. Revised 4 episodes of Legerdemain, and about 3 of REP. I worked on Sunday’s poem a little bit. I tweaked a few things to sharpen images and improve flow. I need a Big Finish – a couple of lines to wind it all up. I’m playing with and discarding images, not yet finding the right one. I’ll get there.

On today’s agenda: type up Sunday’s poem and figure out the ending so it sticks its landing. I’ll work it for precision and rhythm the next few days, and time it so I’m within my 3-minute slot limitation.

I’m letting the memorial scene for FALL FOREVER percolate. Maybe I’ll write a couple of the anecdotes; maybe they need a few more days. I have another episode of Legerdemain to draft, and I’ll make the social media rounds to promote today’s episode of ANGEL HUNT and the day’s Process Muse post. I’d like to do some more work on AH, but not sure it will fit into this morning.

When the bookstore opens, I’ll head over and talk to them about the reading in autumn. Hopefully, the requested day will work for all of us. We’re supposed to get our residency contracts soon, which is exciting.

I didn’t get my contract back to Llewellyn yesterday, so I’ll do that today. I have some fun dates to work with, and the research will be great. For this almanac, I’m assigned 24 specific days, which I research and build the material around, and then a bonus piece that could fit in any day.

In the afternoon, I have to catch up on the client work I didn’t finish yesterday. I’m still fine on deadline, as long as I focus and get it done. I also have to read the next book for review.

That’s the plan. Let’s hope I can make it work! Have a good one, my friends!

Thurs. April 7, 2022: Websites and Politicians

image courtesy of 200degrees via pixabay.com

Thursday, April 7, 2022

Waxing Moon

Rainy and chilly

Things are growing, and there’s news over on Gratitude and Growth!

Yesterday was another of those days where I felt like I didn’t get anything done when, actually, I did quite a bit.

I wrote a bio and uploaded it to the “About” page for the scriptwriting website. The tone is more of a story than typical market-speak bio, but the scriptwriting is a storytelling format, so the tone fits the site and the work.

I also updated the Fearless Ink site, based on conversations last week in the Freelance Chat group. I hadn’t realized that I needed to update my location; I thought I’d fixed all of that last July when I updated the resumes and put the address changes in everywhere. But I hadn’t.

I took off the social media packages. I no longer want to run social media accounts for clients. I’ll supply copy, but I don’t want to do the graphics, the scheduling, the uploading, and the interactions. It’s not where I want to put my energy. I also added, per the chat last week, a list of some of the things I don’t do, for which I keep getting emails, and/or which clients keep trying to sneak into their scope creep. This is why a strong contract is so important.

I need to update my contract with COVID protocols, too. Since on-site meetings are being pushed again, I’m adding in a clause that I will only attend on-site meetings if all parties are vaccinated and masked. Frankly, I don’t need to be onsite for business clients. ALL of that can be done virtually. The only clients I’d need to go onsite for are museums and performance venues, and they’re all vaccinated and following masking protocols anyway. It’s only businesses who are lax. And those are not businesses with whom I want to interact. I’m also thinking of adding a liability clause – if I get infected, the business is responsible for paying for all COVID care. Since funding for testing, etc. is being dropped, I think that’s important. And, since I won’t book onsite meetings closer than typical quarantine times, it’ll be pretty easy to trace where I got infected, should I get infected.

They can avoid all of that by simply keeping everything remote.

Speaking of reduced funding, as soon as the Republicans blocked the additional funding for vaccines and research yesteray, I was contacted to move up my 4^th shot. I’d planned to get it at the end of the month, or early in May, because when I tried to book it at the same time I booked my mom’s shot, I was told it was too soon for me. But now, they want to do it as soon as possible. There was an opening on Sunday afternoon, so that’s when I’ll get it.

It also means I don’t have the luxury of prolonged side effects. The mechanic appointment that it took me over a month to get is on Tuesday morning, and I can’t change it. So I have a day and a half to recover It’s Pfizer, so here’s hoping. My mom only had slight fatigue for about a day. My 1^st Moderna shot took me down for 4 days; the 2^nd Moderna took me down for 6; the Pfizer booster took me down for 2 or 3. Let’s hope 1-1/2 works.

And, it means I have to finish my taxes on Saturday. I’ve figured out my quarterlies, so it’s just about filling out the slip and writing the check. But I have to do last year’s mess.

I don’t write a lot about the regular interactions I have with my elected officials, although it’s several times a week. Writing about every interaction would be like listing every time I brush my teeth, because it’s that steady. Generally, I try to keep on top of whatever votes are happening on local, state, and federal levels, and weigh in. They can’t represent me if they don’t know how I feel about something. I don’t expect them to vote my way every time, but I do expect them to listen. When I have a concern about something, I express it, AND offer potential solutions. The response to that is either pointing out the flaws in the argument, or asking for more information, because it sounds interesting. When it’s the latter, I work on a detailed proposal, including how to fund it, and send it off. After back-and-forth with various aides, some of it is actually incorporated into legislation, although that can take months or years of regular contract. But that’s how I do it. There’s quite a bit about which to be concerned right now, so I do spend quite a bit of time on political activism, but not in the way a lot of other people are doing it.

It’s when people complain, but aren’t willing to do anything to change it that I lose all patience.

I didn’t get any work done on any of the plays, or The Big Project, or CAST IRON MURDER. I did turn around two script coverages. I have one more script in the queue. I need three more this week, so let’s hope something comes up. I might read Saturday, too, and take off Monday instead.

I need to get out some more LOIs, too. I hated the design for the marketing postcard, so I trashed that and will start again. I need to do some promotion for content and copywriting, along with the scriptwriting.

Turned down a script gig yesterday where the pay was mediocre and the demand was to write “at least 1500 words a day.” I can and do write more than that a day, but scripts aren’t judged by word count, but by running time. So companies that talk about scripts in terms of word count are Big Red Flags. Next!

Early this morning, the neighbor across the street was taken away in an ambulance. I hope he’s okay; he’s a good guy. Hospitals are still on COVID protocols, so his partner couldn’t go along.

Meditation group this morning, then to the page, then some time at the Buddhist summit, then script coverage and other work. I need to make sure I work ahead, so that the beginning of next week, post-shot 4 is as stress-free as possible, even with the car repair.

Have a good one!

Fri. Feb. 5, 2016: Wintry Writing Weekend

Friday, February 05, 2016
Waning Moon
Rainy, expecting snow, falling temps

Yesterday was busy, but hard to focus.

I’d hoped it would snow overnight and we’d have a snow day today, but it’s rain that will change over at some point during the day.

Up early this morning. Got about 750 words done on LAUGHTER RETURNED, and I’m actually happy with some of them, which is good. One of the supporting characters, who I’d planned as a bit of a British dandy sponging off the main characters has turned out to be a tough Western American. He’s got an agenda, intelligence – and more to offer than the original concept of the character, which I think will work better in the overall scheme of the book.

Background reading on another project. Originally, I planned to set in the 1950s, but the early 1920s seems to support more of what I want out of the piece.

I’d left my flash drive with what I needed for CHOLERIC in the other computer – glad to find it safe, and I’ll be more careful today, so I have what I need to work at home this weekend.

Finishing up some material for Monday’s NMLC board meeting, and hoping to finalize the ArtsWeek Boston panel. February’s book groups got a nice mention in today’s paper, so that’s good. Always good to see the PR’s hit properly.

The bulk of the next four days will be about writing, although I’m attending a friend’s event tomorrow afternoon in Sandwich, have to go over the bridge for some errands on Sunday, and over again on Monday for the board meeting (weather permitting).

But, overall, I’m looking at a reasonably productive weekend. I also plan to dig back into contest entries. I had a week off reading for the contest, so now I’m ready to go back. I much prefer getting the entries in batches, rather than 100+ books landing on the doorstep all at once.

I’m sorting through some possible opportunities, to see what it makes sense to accept, and what will throw the schedule so far off-course (without enough recompense to make it worth while) that I should decline. I’ll have my lawyer look at the contract extension before I sign it for the Jain Lazarus Adventures, and I’m in the process of getting the paperwork for the rights to the pieces I have with Amber Quill, so those can go on to their next lives.

On an exciting note, I’ve been asked to be on a judging panel for a high school radio writing contest in New York State. That will be lots of fun.

I’m also going to start preparing my talk for the March Writers Night Out and the handouts this weekend.

This weekend will be the good kind of busy! 😉

Devon

Fri. June 12, 2015: Planning A Writing, Dancing Weekend

Friday, June 12, 2015
Waning Moon
Saturn Retrograde
Pluto Retrograde
Sunny and humid

The meeting yesterday morning went well. Issues were dealt with and progress made, always a good thing.

Stopped at home to pick up the food for the author event, went in to work. Got very little done, other than setting up for the book launch (and setting up tango, next door).

The book launch went well. It was a pleasant evening.

I was tired by the end of it. Finished Donald Hall’s memoir when I got home.

Had weird dreams in the night about the person who was the inspiration for Justin Yates in the Gwen Finnegan mysteries. Makes sense, since I’m writing BALTHAZAAR.

Contract issues seem to be worked out for the extension for HEX BREAKER — fingers crossed. And Mercury is direct, so off it goes.

Looking forward to a straight eight hours at work, and then home. Hopefully, it will be nice enough to sit on the deck with a glass of wine.

Work tomorrow, then tango in Wellfleet. I hope to get some writing done in the morning. I’ll write most of the day on Sunday, and then go to Wellfleet for another tango session. Monday, my mom has a doctor’s appointment and I have errands, plus I need to do the cooking for the strategic planning session on Tuesday, and finish up my “homework”. Tuesday, I’ll be in strategic planning all afternoon, but I’ll write in the morning.

Next Wednesday, we are honored to have the fabulous Archer Mayor do a program at the library. I can’t wait! I love his series, and I’ve been eager to meet him for a long time.

I can’t believe we’re half way through June already, and that the solstice is next weekend! Too fast.

Need to mow the second part of the meadow this weekend — and soon the front will need attention again! Getting gas for the mower needs to be added to the list of errands.

Have a great weekend.

Devon

Thurs. June 4, 2015: Working on the Play

Thursday, June 04, 2015
Waning Moon
Pluto Retrograde
Saturn Retrograde
Mercury Retrograde
Sunny and cool

Yesterday was a pretty decent day. Masterpiece Book and Film watched the second part of NOSTROMO – the filmmaking reminded me, stylistically, of the 1960s, not the 1990s. But it’s interesting, and I look forward to seeing the final part next week.

I got some periodicals processed and some PR out.

I have to ask some questions on a contract – ran it past both agent and lawyer, and they agree with me. Of course, Mercury Retrograde is the worst time to negotiate contracts.

Got some work done on the historical play this morning. It’s humming along nicely. It feels good.

Today will be a long day, and then tango tonight. Tomorrow will be another long day.

Saturday is the Belmont Stakes. I want American Pharoh to take the Triple Crown. Frosted, to me, looks like his biggest threat. Fingers crossed. Will probably do an American Pharoh-Frosted exacta.

Onward.

Devon

Tues. April 22, 2014: Earth Day and Perspectives

Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Waning Moon
Mars Retrograde
Saturn Retrograde
Sunny and cool
Earth Day!

Happy Earth Day! Take some time to honor the our Big Blue Marble today, and find ways to care for and sustain our planet.

Worked flat out all day yesterday. I’m trying to wind up client projects, finalize the contract on the new project (because I am NOT working and delivering work without a contract and a deposit, so if they want to stick to the schedule discussed, they better stop dragging their heels and trying to backpedal on the agreed-upon terms), finish up the details for tomorrow’s opening of the show, prep next week’s workshop, etc. I wound up one of the contests — sending off the hard copies of the judging sheets, invoicing, packing up the entries to either keep or donate.

Had to run over to Falmouth to take care of something, and, on the way back, picked up most of the groceries I need to feed the actors between shows on Sunday (yes, I’m doing the cooking). Rehearsal with the understudy who will take over one of the roles in the show. It would have been a nice day for yard work, but there weren’t enough hours in the day.

Wrote two essays, one of which is up on A Biblio Paradise, as part of the new column “From the Stacks at Marstons Mills”, which will run on the fourth Tuesday of the month. As I’m learning the collection, I’m pulling and reading random titles that catch my eye and writing personal essays related to them. Researched the two articles on deadline. Worked on other client projects — one until nearly 11 PM — the graphics aren’t behaving; something in my program isn’t speaking to the jpg properly. It’s working with jpgs from other projects, just not these particular jpgs, so I’m not sure what the issue is.

Have a lot of work to do this morning on this front, before heading over to the Marine Life Center for our final dress/tech. Tomorrow, SEAL TIDES opens. Think comedy thoughts for us — faster, louder, funnier! 😉

Yesterday was an intense day all around the Boston area. Fortunately, the Marathon went smoothly, which I think is a huge step toward dealing with last year’s bombing. Joy and healing can begin to temper the pain and loss of the day.

The lives lost in the ferry accident in South Korea is tragic. Those poor parents. There are so many events that actually have meaning in the larger fabric that it’s harder to tolerate the petty crap so prevalent.

Hopefully, today will be a day that’s both productive and joyful.

Devon

“Lake Justice” releasing from Amber Quill Press soon!

Tues. March 4, 2014: Good Clients are Gems; Bad Get Tossed Off

Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Waxing Moon
Jupiter Retrograde
Mars Retrograde
Saturn Retrograde
Sunny and cold

I know I worked yesterday, all day, but wound up feeling unsatisfied anyway.

Shoveled the snow — only a couple of inches, light and fluffy, not bad at all. Working my way through the contest materials. The first batch was innovative and well-edited. This next group of books, not so much. But this category is very competitive, so it’s good that I can weed some of them out early on.

Finished the next book my editor sent for review. Difficult material, beautifully done, but writing the review will be a challenge.

Interview questions out for an article, and my delightful subject already sent them back. This individual is truly lovely to work with, and I feel lucky that I landed the assignment.

Contract arrived for a gig starting mid-April (short one, until mid-May). Signed, and will pop in the mail today. Should be fun.

Worked on the play, did some plotting for BALTHAZAAR. Sent out some pitches. Dealt with some wearying demands from wanna-bes. I don’t jump through hoops — this is what I do, here are my credentials, here are my rates, these are the terms, this is the contract. Either you want to be a client, or you don’t. I’m not turning around a 100K edit in 24 hours for $20. Not happening. Even if you paid market rate (which is about 100 times that), I couldn’t turn around a 100K line edit in 24 hours and do a good job. If you don’t work with contracts or “believe in” deposits, we are not a good fit. Buh-bye. Sending me nasty, ranting emails demanding that I change my business to suit you isn’t going to work. Sometimes there’s room to negotiate, on certain projects with the right circumstances. But I charge professional fees and provide professional services. If that doesn’t fit with your “business model”, go hire a content-mill-level person and you’ll get content-mill-level service. Don’t tell me I “have to” work for less than my fees at an unreasonable turnaround time, because you “chose” me and I should feel “privileged”. That’s not how professional business relationships work.

If we’re a good fit, we will both feel the time/money/service ratio is fair, and we will feel “privileged” to work WITH EACH OTHER.

Lots of writing to get done today, so I better get to work.

Devon

Mon. Jan. 20, 2014: Opportunities — Some Grabbed, Some Not

Monday, January 20, 2014
Waning Moon
Jupiter Retrograde
Sunny and cold
Martin Luther King Day

Busy weekend. Friday, I dug in and did a lot of work for my new editing client, prepped for my new article gig (we’re trying each other out on a paid assignment), finished the revisions on the second teleplay, worked with students, and roughed out a couple of press releases. I also did some work on the novella, falling in love with it again.

A potential new client who’d been at me about a big “emergency” project that I HAD to start immediately has been dragging his feet about a deposit and a contract. I stood firm in refusing to do the work until both were in place, in spite of the continuous whine of “but it’s an emergency!” If it’s so important, put the deposit in my Paypal account, sign the contract, scan it, email it back, and I’ll get started. But I am NOT doing the work for someone I know nothing about and have no reason to trust without all that in place. Back and forth all day. Finally, I told them to talk to someone else; I have too much on my plate right now to play this game. I told you repeatedly what needed to happen for the work to get done within the time frame you claim to need it; if you’re not willing to do that, I am not the person for the assignment.

I have no doubt they were hoping to get me to do the work, and then find a reason not to pay me. I didn’t just fall of the turnip truck. Professionals work with deposits and contracts, and professional clients understand and respect that. Buh-bye.

Disorganization on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part. Especially when you haven’t shown any inclination to pay me to fix the emergency.

There’s a new post up on Gratitude and Growth about the too-early planting I’m doing, which I hope won’t come back around and bite me in the butt.

I read two very well-written books over the weekend, DELIA’S SHADOW by Jaime Lee Moyer, and THE BONES OF PARIS by Laurie R. King.

Saturday, I was out of words. I was tired and unable to really focus. I did some work in the morning, but then gave myself the rest of the day off. I did things like grocery shop. I managed to do some research for the Eliot-Stowe-Bronte project.

Sunday was better. Got the changes into the teleplay, worked on the novella a bit, did some more work for the editing client. A company I’d pitched to about a month ago contacted me in a frenzy, wanting 10 press releases by this morning. TEN. Of course they balked at the rate, the deposit, and the rush fee. Sweetie, if you need TEN press releases by Monday, why are you waiting to contact someone on Sunday and then expect the releases to cost no more that $15 each? Without deposit or rush fee? Oh, right, you must be used to working with content-mill-level writers. Sorry, not me. You want my time and level of experience, you pay my rates.

Roasted a chicken for dinner, then cooked down the bones to make soup. Yum! Labor-intensive, but yum!

I’ve got the article to prep, work to do for my editing client, work with students, press releases (for a regular client and on some of my own upcoming events) to draft. I signed some exciting contracts this morning and am sending them back — will be able to make an official announcement soon!

Had to turn down a theatre opportunity because it conflicts with the new play, the NECRWA conference, and the two projects whose contracts I signed this morning. Maybe some other year I’ll be under consideration again and can go for it.

Two screenplay ideas are swirling in my head (loglines already done; they’re for the packet going out March 4), and I’ve got a LOT to get done today, along with picking up a few things before tomorrow’s snowstorm hits — we’re supposed to get eight inches.

To the page!

Devon

Wednesday, January 8, 2014: Yes on the Offers

Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Waxing Moon
Jupiter Retrograde
Sunny and cold

Worked with students, did some admin, pitched for jobs, finished the next book I have to review, and had yet more trouble with Comcast believing that both federal and state telecommunications laws don’t apply to them. A trying day.

However, on the positive side, I’ve been offered two contracts by a publishing company — it’s a company I’ve wanted to join for awhile, and they LOVE my work, and they agreed to the two small changes I asked for on the contract. Once everything is signed, sealed, and delivered, I will make the formal announcement. But they’ve already assigned me an editor and release dates for both projects.

A grant and two prose contracts — nice way to start the new year!

It also means the second book in the four-book cycle needs to go back into the writing rotation — I need to get it to them soon.

I’ve got a lot of writing to get done today, to make up for the writing I didn’t get done yesterday, and then I have a Board meeting tonight.

I’m excited!

Devon

Wed. Oct. 2: Meetings and Friends

Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Day before dark moon
Sunny and pleasant

I worked hard yesterday, but feel like I didn’t get a lot done. I was waiting to hear back on some contract questions. While not all the factions that needed to weigh in got back to me (which is ridiculous, especially since some of them had 48 hours in which to do so), the WGA stepped out and went above and beyond. I’ve always admired them, and it’s even better to know that they have my back, no matter what.

I feel like I’m spinning my wheels, and I hate that. I like to get things done, get definites in place, and then move forward on them.

I got one of the grants polished and hand-delivered it. The organization was pleased with it, so fingers crossed their awards committee will like it, too.

Mowed the terraced back, did some cleaning up in the yard. Time to put the yard to bed for winter.

Today, I’ve got a meeting in Providence about which I’m very excited, and then I pick up a friend at Megabus, who is visiting from the UK. We used to do the conference circuit together.

Can’t wait!

Devon

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Thursday, July 29, 2010
Waning Moon
Pluto Retrograde
Uranus Retrograde
Neptune Retrograde
Jupiter Retrograde
Hot, humid, rainy

It’s so humid that it feels like I’m trying to breathe underwater. Ick.

Drove to Stamford to use a gift card at the bookstore. That was fun. There was also a lovely farmer’s market in the lot beside the bookstore’s. Got some absolutely wonderful produce, still sun-kissed from the gardens. Which contributed to a delightful lunch with a friend.

Called the acupuncturist recommended to me by the woman in my pottery class. She picked up the phone herself; my acquaintance had talked to her about me, so she was expecting my call. We discussed Elsa for awhile, and she actually has an opening this morning, so, off we go.

Elsa thought we were going immediately, and tried to get into the carrier as soon as I was off the phone!

I really don’t think the new medication is helping her much. So, we’ll see what happens here. At the very least, this practitioner can make her more comfortable, even if there’s not much more we can do for her. And quality of life is more important than length. Of course I want Elsa around for a long, long time, but I also don’t want to torture her. When she’s ready to go, she will let me know. She’s made it pretty darned clear she’s not ready yet — she actually was the dominant cat yesterday, for the first time since we lost Felicia several years ago, bossing the twins around.

Read the second book in that series I’ve been reading. It was much tighter, better plotted, better written. If it wrapped up the story, the first book would have been unnecessary, and it could have all been the second book and been just fine. I read the first chapter of the third book, and it’s not grabbing me. So, we’ll see. If I come across it next time I’m in the bookstore, I might pick it up But I’m in no rush.

I also got Yasmine Galenorn’s newest release, NIGHT MYST, the first book of her new series, and I’m reading that and enjoying it very much.

It’s raining and gross outside. Not the kind of weather I want to haul Elsa around in, especially since the directions don’t really make sense to me, but we’ll see. Somehow, it will all work out. And, if it helps Elsa, it’s worth it.

Good first writing session this morning, about 1200 words. Will try to get a little more done before I have to pack up Elsa and go.

Considered applying for an editing job yesterday, but I don’t want to put that much energy into someone else’s work right now. The business writing and articles are fine, because it’s mine, even if I’m doing it to attract customers to someone else’s work. But working on someone else’s creative work — other than reading the piece for my friend — just not in that headspace right now, and why set myself up for a job I won’t enjoy at this point?

Would like to do some more adaptation on the plays so that I can work on query letters and start pitching them in August.

Well, I’ve been assigned an editor for my new book and sent the paperwork for marketing and cover art — but I’ve not signed the contract, so I’m not yet making any announcements. Guess we’re going forward, though, on what I hope will prove to be an exciting new venture. It also means I have to get started on the next book for them – and re-read this manuscript so that I can come up with blurbs, teasers, etc. I want to get that all turned around in the next few days. And it means the photo shoot needs to happen sooner rather than later.

Today is the 38th anniversary of my father’s death.

Devon

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Waxing Moon
Pluto Retrograde
Neptune Retrograde
Uranus Retrograde
Jupiter Retrograde
Sunny and hot

Sent out a big batch of queries yesterday on a project. Sent a diplomatic email that will hopefully further contract negotiations in a positive way. It took me four days to word it properly, but, hopefully, it will do some good and we all get what we want. Got a swift response — I think each of us think the other side blinked, but as long as we both get what we want, who cares? We’ll see what the contract says if and when it arrives. I think I’m overly wary because of previous experiences with other digital publishers, where things seemed to be on the up-and-up at first,and then weren’t. I have to remember to keep each experience separate, and learn from each, but not tar a company with another’s brush. Sometimes it’s hard to keep that distance.

Took care of Elsa — she was up and down all day.

Had a massive migraine, mostly due to the idiot workmen using unnecessary power tools outside my window.

Finished the book I was reading on the bus — I only had about five pages. It’s an anthology called WINTER MOON with three lovely pieces in it by Mercedes Lackey, Tanith Lee, and CE Murphy.

Worked in open studio. I think the pathetic wheel pot never survived the kiln, and a few things on the mask broke/fell off, but I learned from the doing and I can learn from the letting go. It will just make me strive for improvement next time I get to try and make something. It was very crowded, and we were all trying to honor each other’s space, but it wasn’t always easy. It was definitely not the helpful, friendly atmosphere that usually prevails in the place. Probably some special hours should have been set aside just for the beginning class people to work, rather than making them open. But then, maybe I was the only beginner who missed the last class. I picked up the tiny pot and the bottle vase — it’s quite the monstrosity. They look very different than I expect, but kind of cool. At some point, yes, I will post photos.

I need to pick up some props at a thrift shop and do a photo shoot in the very near future to create the icon for a pseudonym that may launch soon.

Finished taking notes on the mystery for the deconstruction seminars. Now, I have to sort everything out into lectures.

I’m spending a good portion of the day today at a friend’s, doing laundry and writing. Also have grocery shopping and have to re-stock the cat food. They’re getting fussy again.

I’m on the second day of a massive migraine, so everything is more difficult than it needs to be.

Elsa’s new medication is helping her a little bit, but, so far, it’s nowhere near the “miracle drug” it’s supposed to be. I need to call those holistic practitioners a few towns over and see if I can get an appointment for her next week.

Trying to gear myself up to feel creative and motivated today. Perhaps another cup of coffee will help.

Devon

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Saturday, July 17, 2010
Waxing Moon
Pluto Retrograde
Jupiter Retrograde
Uranus Retrograde
Sunny, hot, humid

It is so humid in here that when I walk across the livingroom carpet, I squish moisture out of it. Disgusting. Thank goodness there’s an air conditioner in the bedroom.

Got out a stack of correspondence, headed to the post office. Ran into a neighbor and caught up. Just walking six blocks in the heat nearly killed me. Could have run into another neighbor who is supposedly heading the tenants’ organization, but he’s been so useless and uncommunicative for so long, that I chose to avoid him rather than get into it with him. I don’t want excuses — I want follow-through and some cojones.

I’m re-reading some books that I’ve recommended to someone who’s taking a private course of study with me, so that we can discuss them. It’s been five or six years since I read them, so I figured I needed to refresh my memory.

A few short stories are swirling around my head, and I hope to get them down in the next few days, if I don’t pass out from heat exhaustion. I keep hearing or reading something, and the short story wheels start to whir. Character voices are coming through loud and clear, and I want to get them down before they float away. Muses don’t come when you call — they come when it’s time to write. If you ignore them, they leave you and don’t necessarily come back (they hate disrespect). And on the days they don’t feel like showing up, you have to lean on craft and the notes you took when they were around.

It was too humid to go into the studio and work yesterday — nothing would have dried enough to write up and put on the greenware shelf for firing. So I’m making another attempt to go today. This is really my last shot. Also, the large wheel-throwing class met yesterday before open studio, and, from what I’ve heard, most of the class continues to work through studio hours, so it would have been crowded.

One thing I love about the place is that everyone is nice, and everyone helps everyone.

If I can get in there, I want to work on a couple of pinch pots and do something on the slab.

I picked up the keys to my friend’s place yesterday afternoon, so that I can bake over there tomorrow. I have to pick up a few things at the store when I’m done at the studio in order to do that, and I’ll bring some writing along to work on while the stuff’s actually in the oven and then cooling.

Elsa’s hanging in there. Her medicine still isn’t here (and no one has an answer for me on that — hmm, let’s see, how about sending me another shipment, then?) and still no word from the vet.

Haven’t heard back yet re: the contract negotiations. Hopefully, there will be someone else at the company with whom I can talk in the coming week.

Lori, always happy to brainstorm with you. Always have time.

Brandy, hmm, online writing classes for teens. Try checking with www.savvyauthors.com — email them via the “contact us” feature if you don’t see anything offered and suggest it — I bet they’d bring in someone to teach. Their yearly fee is reasonable, and once you’re a member, some classes are free or at least have even more of a discount. Even if you’re not a member, the fees are reasonable. National Novel Writing Month, in November, has a section for teens, complete with mentors. www.nanowrimo.org. That’s completely free, although they always need donations, so if you donate $10 or $20 bucks or buy a mug or a tee shirt, it helps. Have you checked the Y? I’ve taught at a lot of Y’s, and the prices are usually reasonable, and I also teach at Continuing Ed programs of both high schools, colleges, and community colleges, which often have classes for teens. Let me also ask on the Muse Online loop — I bet someone there would know. I don’t think Muse, where I teach every October, has teen-focused classes, although I’ve had teens in my workshops along with adults. Again, the Muse conference is free — but you have to sign up by August. You could talk to Lea, who runs it, and ask what would be appropriate for your daughter to sit in on. It’s a wonderful week, and it might give her a taste of lots of different things so she can decide in which direction to proceed next.
http://www.freewebs.com/themuseonlinewritersconference/registration.htm is the link, and Lea’s email is at the bottom. We’ll find something good!

I’m trying to figure out what to make as Christmas/Yule/Holiday gifts this year. My mom hoped I could make little pots for everyone, but I just won’t be that good that fast. So I’m exploring other options. I need to get started in August and make things in August and September, because October through December will be wild months.

Okay, must shower, I’m way too sticky for this hour of the morning, and then it’s back to the page for a few hours, before heading back to the studio.

Have a great weekend. Stay cool and hydrated!

Devon