Thurs. Feb. 2, 2017: The Relief of Release from a Bad Situ

Thursday, February 2, 2017
Waxing Moon
Cloudy and cold
Imbolc

I sent off my letter of withdrawal from the ghost writing project. The author apologized, saying she hadn’t meant to insult me. What did she think the response would be to “imaginary research”? She also seemed to think that I would say all was forgiven and I’d work for her substandard rate that would work out as cents per hour, instead of a fair rate. That would be “no.” So we have officially parted ways. What a relief.

I discussed it with my one of my freelancers’ groups — professionals, not wannabes — and almost every single one of them has stopped working with individual authors for similar reasons: the arrogance and the reluctance to pay a fair rate. They want professional work for nothing. Why? This is a profession, not a hobby.

At this point, I have one long-term author client with whom I’m working to finish a project, and that’s it. Only accepting contracts to work with authors through publishers beyond that. Work that the publisher has contracted, and where I know I’ll get paid fairly and on time. Not worth the hell these unprofessional dilettantes put us through.

Worked on contest entries yesterday and made good progress. Re-read some work on a piece I’d put aside. It’s better than I remembered it.

The Constitutional Law class is a challenge, but a good one. I hope I can keep up! Things are so chaotic in the world, it’s hard to start at the beginning in order to learn the foundation, but it’s so, so important.

Today’s interview was moved to next week. I think I’ll get my hair cut, instead. It’s been months, and it needs it, especially since I’m out and about in the world interviewing and working. I hate getting my hair cut. I find it stressful to sit in the chair during the process. I never know if it’ll come out, and I’m not interested in confiding in the hair dresser.

I’m really tired of Congress selling this country down the river. Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State? Spare me.

Last night, I dreamed I was walking down a crowded street, and someone shoved a leash in my hand and walked away. And that’s how I got a dog named Molly. She was very sweet, a corgi mix. I do want a dog, although I can’t adopt one right now. I wonder what else the dream means? It was very clear.

The cats were both staring at me when I woke up, like they knew.

Hope to get some writing done before I head for the hair dresser, and then, when I get back from the library.

I hate the fact that there’s no collaborative office space available around here. They have it in Boston; they had it in New York; heck, they even had it in White Plains. I expected the Cape to be progressive, but I swear, I often think it’s stuck in 1956.

Today is Imbolc, so I’ve got a celebration and the first planting to do. In spite of the snow on the ground.

Wed. April 9, 2014: Head down, Working

Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Waxing Moon
Mars Retrograde
Saturn Retrograde
Rainy and cool

Worked flat out all day on client projects, stuff for the play, the quick-turnaround script, and contest entries. The next batch of books arrived from my editor and look good — I’m excited to dive into them. Finalized the details for tomorrow, which is a big day for me.

Had to stop by another client and withdraw from a job, because I couldn’t juggle everything, and I had to make the choice that was career-oriented. Fortunately, they were understanding and supportive.

Did some research for the articles due on May 1.

This morning, I received the edits on “Lake Justice”, which I’ll have to turn around in the next couple of days. It’s definitely do-able, but a challenge.

That’s all she wrote — I have to just keep my head down and get things done, because everything’s about to change — and all for the better.

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

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

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

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

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

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

That meant we went into last night with one rehearsal.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This should be an exciting spring!

Devon

Tues. Oct. 15, 2013: Stressed, but Writing

Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Waxing Moon
Sunny and cold

Yesterday was a very stressful day. I may have two new client; hopefully, they will make a decision soon. However, I’m not waiting. I’m pursuing other opportunities. If they wait too long, the slots will be full. I have bills to pay. Either you want to hire me, or you don’t. It’s not brain surgery. If you do, put down the deposit and we’ll get to work; if you don’t, don’t string me along with “someday-maybes”, because I have no time for you.

I got only a little bit of work done on the novella, and I’m not happy with it. Because I didn’t seed in the subplot — in fact, I didn’t think I needed one — it’s come back and bitten me in the butt. But I will push through the draft as though I seeded it in and finish it, and then, in the revision, smooth it all out.

Had a breakthrough on one of the two screenplay ideas that’s been eating away at me. Figured out what the heroine’s throughline was, and suddenly it all opened up. Managed 19 pages last night.

So it wasn’t a totally wasted day.

Today will also be very stressful, but that’s the way it goes.

I am desperate for a vacation, and there’s no chance of taking any time off any time soon. I don’t need to go anywhere — I just need time off.

Devon

Tues. Oct. 23, 2012: Good Meetings & Busy Times

Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Waxing Moon
Neptune Retrograde
Uranus Retrograde
Sunny and cool

Morning meeting yesterday was at The Bay Pointe Club, and it was good. I like the facility — the space has a lot of natural light, it’s beautiful without being pretentious, it’s flexible, and the people running it listen and respond to what one says and help come up with ideas so it works for everybody. That’s the experience I’ve always had working with the Gideon Putnam in Saratoga, but has been the exception, rather than the norm in many other venues over the years, including here on the Cape. So, to find a venue where they both get it (in terms of an individual organization and what they do) and offer ideas that are better than what one thinks one needs to fix a concern — that, to me, is a good place to be. They’re also interested in participating in the community, rather than being separate from it, which gains them big points from me.

I’m glad that it looks like two organizations with whom I work like the venue as much as I do, and we’ll do events there.

Came back, did some follow-up, caught up on what came in while I was gone. Deadbeat client finally paid, so did that paperwork. That’s over and done, we parted civilly and I can take a deep breath and move on.

Three loads of laundry, cleaning the house for Costume Imp’s arrival, grocery shopping, checking to see if any notes came back from the agent re: the proposal that had to be turned around instantly. Didn’t hear, so I’m hoping that means the revision works. Spoke to my other editor, and I need to get on the ball with the book edits — I’m behind.

The owner came by with his wife to stake where the forsythias will move, and what else needs to be cut back and done. Flowering daphne will replace the forsythia in front of the garage — once it’s painted. Someday, the landscaper will deign to show up and it will actually get done! 😉

I’ve got a lot to finish up this morning, before heading to Providence to pick up Costume Imp from the Megabus. I’m going to have some long-ass days this week, but it will be worth it!

Iris is almost back to normal. We’re keeping close watch on her, and probably taking her in for a blood test soon. If she needs anti-seizure medication, I’d rather she had it sooner rather than later.

Devon

Thurs. Aug. 23, 2012: Good Busy

Thursday, August 23, 2012
Waxing Moon
Saturn DIRECT
Neptune Retrograde
Pluto Retrograde
Uranus Retrograde
Sunny and pleasant

Got some good work done yesterday. Also did my hair, and painted “mermaid toes” — since I don’t have a tail, I have glittery toes that match my shawl! 😉 And, in between waiting for coats of nail polish to dry, I got a lot of procedural research done that will help in the revisions of the trilogy.

Up early this morning, outside for a bit, almost finished stitching the shawl for Saturday’s ball (good light), then to yoga. Good class. Have banana bread in the oven for tonight’s meeting. Have a lot of freelance work to get cleared off my desk today, and some interview questions out. Confidential Job #1 sent me my next assignment, and I have to do a quick piece for NMLC next week, too. So, it’s busy in the right way!

The year-long novel class wraps up next week. It will be strange not to be with these people every day, as I have been since last September; at the same time, it’s time for all of us to spread our wings into our different directions. There’s a firm foundation for them, and they have the talent — the rest is up to them. My commitment in teaching is helping writers find techniques to support them to do the best work they can in their own voice, to take chances, to understand the business aspects, and, most importantly, to be independent. Independent motivation is one of the most important aspects of surviving and thriving in this business.

Of course, I’d like to take a three month nap at this point, but no such luck!

Back to the page!

Devon

Tues. July 31, 2012: It’s Cooling Off . . .and not Even August

Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Waxing Moon
Saturn Retrograde
Neptune Retrograde
Uranus Retrograde
Pluto Retrograde
Cloudy and cool

It’s gosh-darned chilly here at night and in the mornings!

Yesterday, I got some work done, but not enough (familiar refrain lately). I’m finishing up an article today, and knocking out a couple of blog posts. I had a chat with the client for whom I’m ghostwriting, and the client is thrilled with the work we’re doing, which is nice.

Finished chapter-by-chapter outline for first book of trilogy and it vanished into the ether somewhere. That’ll teach me to skip printing out a day’s work!

Making plans with the students who are coming in for the conference, getting my materials together, finishing up what I have to do for the auction on the civic activity I’ll be missing, cutting back the faded blooms on the hostas, cutting back other things that are already dying back early.

Tessa is obsessed with Twitter now, because new tweets make noise and pop up!

Costume Imp got home safely. I picked up a new shower curtain liner and some more DampRid for the basement (because mine is all used up).

I’ve got two books to critique this week, so I need to get going, and am distracted by a fascinating novel called THE DEATH INSTINCT by Jed Rubenfeld, set against a terrorist attack/bombing on Wall Street in 1920.

It’s cooler, so the cats are all Very Busy.

My yoga article is up here. Check it out.

There are still a few openings in the three month intensive Tarot for Writers. Well, I was going to promote it, but I can’t get the link on the Savvy site. Sigh.

Back to work — at least I have more energy today and feel there’s a chance of some genuine creativity!

Devon

Fri. July 27, 2012: Just a Social Butterfly

Friday, July 27, 2012
Waxing Moon
Saturn Retrograde
Neptune Retrograde
Pluto Retrograde
Uranus Retrograde
Mercury Retrograde
Cloudy and muggy

Put my head down and got work done yesterday, a big push, and sent things off on time. Draining, although the projects themselves were fun, but they’re out on time, and now, on one, I have to wait for a response, to make sure we’re going on the same/right direction.

Didn’t get a reading slot at the conference; at first I was upset, but, really, the world is not going to come to an end because I don’t get to read for 5 minutes at 10 PM on a Tuesday night. This takes ALL the pressure off me, and now I can just enjoy myself and play at the conference, which is exactly what I need to do right now.

I signed up with Coursera for a Sustainability class, a world history, a Greek & Roman Mythology (as mentioned yesterday) and an intro to Astronomy. I want to take the Cosmology class, but I don’t have the background — the professor was very clear he wants strong astronomy backgrounds in the class not “Astro 101 for Poets”, and one needs strong calculus skills, which I don’t have. So that’s out for me, disappointing, but that’s the way it goes. I’m not interested in calculus; I’m interested in why and how the comos form and un-form, but not the math that made it happen. I expect students coming into my classes to respect the prerequisites I set (not that most of them do), and I will give other teachers the same respect.

We had dinner with friends up the street last night, which was great fun. Barbecue, Appletinis, good company, good conversation. Today, I’m doing some work, I’ve got some errands, and then some friends of Costume Imp’s who are in for a few days will come visit.

And tonight, the Olympics start. Woo-hoo!

Devon

Fri. July 6, 2012: Hamster on a Treadmill (does this mean I’ll lose weight)?

Friday, July 6, 2012
Waning Moon
Saturn Retrograde
Pluto Retrograde
Neptune Retrograde
Sunny and warm

That’s what I feel like — running in place, not getting anywhere. One of many reasons I don’t run on a treadmill — I want to make progress when I work hard! Frustrating day yesterday. Didn’t get enough done. Worked on revisions, the ghostwriting project, got my article out, worked with students. Sent out the email blast for the organization with whom I’m working and, although the test emails were perfect, some people couldn’t open it. I can’t sit there and send out individual emails to people in 15 different formats. I re-created the email early this morning, tried again in both HTML and text-only formats, again, per the technical support instructions, and it damn well better have gone through. I used the site’s format, so it has nothing to do with being on Mac rather than PC. Of course, if the previous person who handled all this had had the courtesy to give me the correct information instead of just up and leaving, none of this would be a problem.

Read a mediocre mystery the other day, and I’m reading one that’s just plain bad right now. This is someone with over a dozen books to the author’s credit. But the writing is sloppy, the logistics are off, when the author switches from first person POV to third, the third person is all telling, not showing, and the heroine is a bit of a moron. Discouraging.

My yoga teacher is giving a class on the beach today, so I’m headed out there this morning, and then I have an event at the Art Museum, and THEN I have to buckle down and work this afternoon, working on a couple of articles,working on the ghostwriting, working with students, and polishing a short story So much for mowing! But I got the daylilies deadheaded yesterday. And I got in a good weight training session. I’ve been lax about the weigh training lately.

A pair of guests left yesterday, another group leaves this afternoon, and the last leave on Sunday. Costume Imp arrives in two weeks for ten days — that will be fun.

Next week will be insane — teaching four classes, meetings almost every day or night, article deadlines, writing, and some other personal paperwork that has to be finished. I hope to make a dent in it this weekend. Probably not taking my preferred Sunday off!

Oh! One of the bunnies just scooted across the lawn. Fortunately, the marigolds in the front are too close to the house to be part of his buffet — but he and his partner ate all of the ones in the back! Better the marigolds than the veggies, though.

Onward.

Devon

Learn how to create focused scenes with impact in the Scene Meat workshop, July 9-13. Learn how to create and maintain a series bible in a one-day seminar on July 14. Take both classes together and save $15!
And don’t forget — “Town Crier” is available, as a free download, on the Jain Lazarus site until July 9.

Mon. July 2, 2012: Starting July at a Quick Pace

Monday, July 2, 2012
Waxing Moon
Saturn Retrograde
Pluto Retrograde
Neptune Retrograde
Sunny and warm

Busy weekend. Spent most of Friday editing the PSA. I think we did very well with the limited time and resources we had, but I’m also thinking ahead to how we can do something a little slicker next year. Anyway, it was out on time, so hopefully WBZ will start running it between now and the ball in August.

Worked with students, put together the anthology agreement and the editing schedule for the book — the pieces in it are really good, and we’ll have something tangible of which we can all be proud.

Worked in the garden — the front and the terraced back areas are mowed. I’ll have to tackle the meadow this week. I’ll have more to say about the garden on Gratitude and Growth on Wednesday!

Finished the materials for Confidential Job #1, now I have to write it up. Started the ghostwriting project, worked on my articles, got out some interview requests for upcoming articles.

This week, I’ve got articles to write, the ghostwriting project to work on, and it’s my week to take care of Mother’s Park, up the street. I’m going this morning, and, probably, back on Friday. I’ve been invited to participate in a parade and go out on a boat for a press jaunt — I’ll have to see if I can make all the scheduling work out. The July newsletter has to go out either today or tomorrow, because there’s a gosh-darned lot going on in July, and I’ve got a couple of non-fiction ebooks to work on, and the proposal for the “Topic Workbooks”.

Edits on HEART SNATCHER are coming along. I came up with a new idea for one of the characters that I think will make a huge difference. I’m cutting a lot in this draft, but there’s always the possibility I’ll have to expand, if I go back into the direction of a larger socio-political canvas than just a typical paranormal procedural. After all, the tagline for the series is, “Who defines justice?”

Working on two short stories — the Billy Root-centric piece that has to be ready for the July 13 roast-n-toast (don’t worry, you’re all invited — check out what he’s got to say here), and a short story due on Friday. The latter, which has to be a stretch in a genre I haven’t yet worked in this year, is kind of like herding cats. I’ve worked on several ideas, but they either are too much story for the parameters, or they turn into something mystery or paranormal, along the lines of what I’ve been working in. After those two, I need to take another look at “The Possession of Nattie Fillmore” to get it up and out again, and write a paranormal short story under the Annabel Aidan name. While keeping up with the novel deadlines, and the freelance work. Juggling cats, that’s what it is!

Mahoney’s had a sale — got a cilantro plant, some more geraniums, and a black-eyed Susan I’m putting in the front. I’ve got to get some pages done now, and then go over to Mother’s Park, before I get started on the rest of my freelance day.

The weather’s beautiful, and I’m enjoying re-reading Susan Wittig Albert’s magnificent AN EXTRAORDINARY YEAR OF ORDINARY DAYS. What a beautiful book!

Devon

Learn how to create focused scenes with impact in the Scene Meat workshop, July 9-13. Learn how to create and maintain a series bible in a one-day seminar on July 14. Take both classes together and save $15!
And don’t forget — “Town Crier” is available, as a free download, on the Jain Lazarus site until July 9.

Thurs. June 28, 2012: Challenging Day

Tessa and Violet enjoy the sun

Thursday, June 28, 2012
Waxing Moon
Saturn Retrograde
Neptune Retrograde
Pluto Retrograde
Cloudy and cool

Glad I got in two solid writing sessions in the morning, because the rest of the day was a challenge.

I got the front mowed yesterday, working on articles and sources, worked with students. Got yelled at by someone who asked me for a quote to write press releases — they wanted to pay me 1/10 of the rate. And NOT pay, but have me distribute the releases using my own contact list rather than theirs. So, basically, I’m working for close to free, but they’re not a non-profit or with a mission I’m particularly passionate about, yet I’m supposed to be grateful? I don’t think so. And don’t yell at me if you’ve asked me what my rate is, because you don’t like it. Also, my contact list is not part of the deal. I write the releases — the company distributes them, or they pay me an hourly rate to use THEIR list. You could have said, “I pay this for releases” and I wouldn’t have pitched in the first place. My response was, “A, don’t speak to me like that, it’s completely inappropriate and B, don’t hire me if I don’t fit into your budget. I’m not working for 1/10th of my normal rate, especially when you behave like this.” Buh-bye.

Did a cover letter for another client, and will pick it up when I go over to do the video shoot this afternoon. At least THAT client was happy! Got an offer from a client for more work next year, but am not sure the terms are going to work. If we can come to an agreement on that, I’ll do it; otherwise — it can’t cost me to work. I have to be able to pay my bills and make a profit, even if it’s a small one. The fact that what I do is “creative” doesn’t mean I don’t deserve to be fairly compensated.

The check on the other project still isn’t here. According to the contract, the schedule starts when the deposit check clears. Therefore, I am not working on the project yet, nor am I going to scramble to finish it in a shorter amount of time because the check is late.

Off to yoga this morning, then have to pick up a few things, scramble to get some work done, and maybe more mowing (if the weather holds), and then it’s a video shoot. At least I get to hang out with friends tonight after my shoot and meeting. I could use the break! 😉

Already got an article out this morning.

My thoughts and prayers are with those in Colorado, in such fire danger.

Have a great day!

Devon

Learn how to create focused scenes with impact in the Scene Meat workshop, July 9-13. Learn how to create and maintain a series bible in a one-day seminar on July 14. Take both classes together and save $15!

And don’t forget — “Town Crier” is available, as a free download, on the Jain Lazarus site until July 9.

Wed. June 27, 2012: Busy

Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Waxing Moon
Saturn Retrograde
Venus DIRECT
Pluto Retrograde
Neptune Retrograde
Sunny and pleasant

Wrote 3 PSA scripts, two press releases, outlined two articles, sent out interview requests, distributed a press release, pitched a series of articles, and worked on the ebook. Assisted in setting up a shoot for Thursday for one of the PSAs I wrote. Found out that the check that’s two weeks late probably hasn’t even been mailed yet. Frustrated with one organization — they have an exclusivity clause, so I don’t teach the same class for X months on either side of my commitment to them anywhere else. Totally understandable. Yet, they are booking instructors with classes similar to each other (and mine) very closely together — and there are even people using the titles that I originated. Without paying for the class, I don’t know how similar the material is to mine — I’m sure all our teaching styles are very different. And yes, all my materials and handouts are copyrighted. In the classes I’ve taken there, there’s not much writing involved. In the classes I teach, I demand that they write every day. But I’m not happy abut the whole situation. It’s not good for any of the teachers — it dilutes all of our classes. Offer one of each type of class per quarter, not a half a dozen of the same type of class. Saw somebody listed to teach a class on juggling writing and life — who couldn’t keep up in one of my classes and dropped out. The fact that someone who couldn’t successfully juggle is teaching a class on the topic just floors me. Not fulfilling one’s commitment does not equate with successfully juggling, in my eyes. But, that’s the way it goes. You gotta shrug and move on, or it’ll drive you crazy.

Reading a trilogy by another writer and the inconsistencies are driving me batty! Even if the writer didn’t catch all the logistical errors, where were the editors? Someone needs my Series Bible class! 😉

Revised three chapters of HEART SNATCHER. This is a quick revision for reshaping — I’ll go back in August and do another one in more detail. This revision makes it more of a paranormal mystery, a tighter-paced, tighter-focused read, and I have to decide if that’s what I want for the trilogy, or if I want to go back to the bigger canvas of social and political issues. It’ll be interesting to read the two drafts side-by-side and see which is the stronger book.

We had some cracking good thunderstorms here yesterday afternoon. The cats weren’t too happy, and some of the smaller plants needed to be rescued, but, overall, I love being inside with a good Cape Cod storm outside!

My computer was a little unhappy — making noise and getting hot — so I shut it down for the duration of the thunderstorm. Gotta keep the Macbook happy!

Poked around in Scrivener. Basically, it’s iPages on steroids with spiffier graphics. In other words, I don’t need it. And there’s no reason why material done in Scrivener can’t be posted in Standard Manuscript Format — you can set up the template to work in it. Yet again, more excuses without foundation from students (not in the year-long, though, they’ve all got the finish line in sight and are doing a great job at this point).

Meeting last night was good — lots done in an hour, just the way I like it. Came home and watched NEWSROOM again. Still loved it, although I caught a couple of continuity errors this time around and the music swelling under some of the speeches didn’t work for me. But I still can’t wait to see the next episode. And I don’t often say that about something on TV!

Up early this morning. Wrote a few pages in longhand on the magical realism piece (with Tessa on the deck) and then wrote a little over 2000 words on a contemporary piece. I like the contemporary — I find it both exciting and restful to work on. Am about to tackle three more chapters on HEART SNATCHER revisions, and then go back to the articles, pull some stuff together for tomorrow’s video shoot, and draft a cover letter for a client. Before looking around to see if there’s anything else worth pitching towards. I’m tempted to throw my hat in the ring for an editing job, but not sure I have the patience to work in the genre they need. Depends on the money — they meet my rate, I’ll give it a go. They try to lowball me and I refuse.

Back to the page!

Devon

Learn how to create focused scenes with impact in the Scene Meat workshop, July 9-13. Learn how to create and maintain a series bible in a one-day seminar on July 14. Take both classes together and save $15!

And don’t forget — “Town Crier” is available, as a free download, on the Jain Lazarus site until July 9.

Tues. June 26, 2012: Weary

View from Fort Hill

Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Waxing Moon
Saturn Retrograde
Venus Retrograde
Pluto Retrograde
Neptune Retrograde
Cloudy and cool

Yesterday wasn’t as productive as I would have liked. Everything took longer than I wanted, and I’m trying to get a jump on next week’s deadlines, because, with the holiday falling midweek, there’s no way I can talk with sources for the next articles. All the requests for quotes went out, and I’m finishing up this week’s article. So I’ve got to do it all this week. And the check that was promised two weeks ago for the other project, of course, still isn’t here, so I’m not starting it.

Working on the revisions, working on a couple of short stories, working on some short scripts for a client, and a couple of press releases. Trying to get some press out for the upcoming workshops. Updated the workshop page here on the blog, and, provided I can get into the page on my website, will update that, too. Worked on a short ebook that needs to be ready to go later this week. Feeling a bit discouraged.

Worked with students — happy to see the progress they’re making. Everyone is very tired — hey, we’ve been writing for 41 weeks. But the sooner they learn that it’s not just about writing for two weeks here and there, or a month, the more likely they are to succeed. Some of them are in very good shape to tackle a real career at this.

Had a good morning’s writing session on the deck. Tessa just loves our mornings outside. We took a walk around the garden (I was carrying her), and discovered that the lavender I planted last year is blooming. The Stella D’oro lilies are in full bloom,and the Tiger lilies are starting.

A lot on my plate today, including a meeting tonight. When I get home, I’ll watch an encore of NEWSROOM and remind myself why I’m in this business again.

Devon

Learn how to create focused scenes with impact in the Scene Meat workshop, July 9-13. Learn how to create and maintain a series bible in a one-day seminar on July 14. Take both classes together and save $15!