I've been editing the same ms for a year now, or at least thinking about it most of the time. The ending wasn't right and damnit my characters weren't talking. Just this huge wall.
It's been, that checked, de-wased, whittled down to two povs and freed of saidisms. It was going all so well until near the end. Then WHAM! nothing. A couple of taunts which wouldn't work but more or less I just sat staring at the screen.
I've tried working on other stuff. You know sometimes that just the thing to loosen the cobwebs. I read, nothing stirs the muse like a good story, right? Nope.
And then inspiration struck.
The perfect ending. Oh wait, that means having to rewrite bits and bobs through out the entire book. Sigh. In as much I've finished with the bits and bobs. Weaving the new ending seamlessly into what's there has been a challenge, but the end seems near. YIP!
What are you stalled on? Post it and then make a link to the thread. You choose how private you'd like to keep it.
Perhaps being trampled by marsupials will loosen the brick and mortar of your wall. And bring you triumph.
rate
email
print
link to this page
Comments: 301
Where I am with Escape to Love
ooh, am I first?
Hi all. Just got done wiping out on my bike. Apparently no serious damage done, but some scrapes and probably a bruise or two.
On the workshop:
On the workshop: I'm still digesting what I've learned. I've got a lot of notes on writing and a lot of suggestions on the novel I workshopped (my nanowrite novel). The workshop itself was interesting. There are actually two workshops, one for novels and one for short stories. The short story one is taught by James Gunn, a science fiction grand master. He is 87 years old but sharp as a tack. Very insightful. I almost wish I had taken that one. The other workshop was for novel writing. It was taught by Kij Johnson. Kij is a tall Norwegian/American woman, with a hobby of rock-climbing and several well-regarded science fiction/fantasy novels published. She also knows her stuff.
We had science fiction movies playing in the lounge almost every night. I brought Amazon Women on the Moon, sort of a Kentucky Fried Movie of science fiction, Kill Bill 2, and two episodes of The Prisoner (1970s cult fiction). There was an Aliens marathon one night, which I popped in and out of. Flesh Gordon made a couple of appearance, though I missed both of them. There were a horde of others.
My roommate was a retired IT person for one of the phone companies. He now manages an Apple Store. That was a nice coincidence because I had recently picked up an IPod Touch and hadn't figured out how to get the full potential out of it. He helped me figure it out. I downloaded an episode each of Doctor Who, Torchwood, Burn Notice and Sanctuary. That really helped make the train ride back go quick. The IPod Touch is perfect for watching video.
I worked at staying in shape at the workshop, but I think I ended up gaining 2 to 4 pounds in the two weeks. We went out to eat as a group every night, which didn't help the dieting. At noon we went to the student union, which was a surprisingly nice buffet. I don't do well at dieting when there is a buffet involved. I bought a two-week pass to the fitness center, but only got over there twice. It was closed 3 days for July 4th. (Didn't find out about that until I had bought the pass). I didn't have a car and the fitness center was about a twenty minute walk each way, with a long hill on the way back. Had thunderstorms a couple of days during the time I wanted to go over and two other days it was in the high 90s and very humid. I wimped out on 40 minutes of walking in that with the sun beating down on me.
Oh well. I'm back on my bike-riding routine, so hopefully I can turn that around, assuming this little spill doesn't derail things . .
We were in a dorm, but other than three girls down on second floor we had all six floors of it to ourselves. There was no management presence in the dorm so we pretty much did what we wanted to. Everyone was 18 or over, so if we wanted to watch a movie we watched it. Officially no alcohol was allowed, and of course none was consumed.
Having the dorm to ourselves was really nice because if we needed to get away from the distraction we could go anywhere in six floors to find a quiet place to write. I also went to a vacant floor's lounge to do workouts on the days I couldn't get to the gym. They didn't have Wifi, but they did have wired Internet access in the rooms. As you may have noticed, I didn't have much time to use it.
Weirdly, Lawrence Kansas is hilly, and our dorm was on one of the highest hills in town. The view from the fifth floor where we stayed was spectacular, especially when thunderstorms came through.
Lawrence is a college town, with a downtown full of good restaurants. Several people had cars, including one with a Prius. We carpooled and I tried to get in the Prius as much as possible. That thing is absolutely cool. I want one. Maybe when I sell Char. Gizmos, good gas mileage, and a nice ride. What more could a gadget freak/green life-style type want. I feel virtuous. I took public transportation out there and back, and rode a hybrid most of the time I was out there.
Lawrence has an interesting history. It was burned to the ground three times during the Civil War. Kansas was a free state with a lot of nearby slave states, and a lot of raiding going on. It had its own mini-civil war in the years leading up to the Civil War, and hatreds ran high. So in Lawrence the oldest buildings are just post-Civil War, but there is some nice architecture there. I really liked Lawrence. Seemed like my kind of town. I'm a sucker for college towns, and this one is enough bigger than the one I live in to offer quite a bit more. I think it would be an excellent place to live.
My writing group friend, Tanya Egan Gibson, has her book trailer (done by her husband, Josh) up for an award.
Any votes would be very appreciated if you like it. For those with books or WIPs, all the trailers are interesting.
It's at: The New Covey Trailer Awards . Thanks for considering it.
I think Judi is first cause posting to your own thread doesn't count!
I'm a little under the weather. I will just say "airplane food" and leave it at that. More later...
The fight in Kansas before the war is called Bleeding Kansas. It was during that period the term Jayhawk was applied to fighters on both sides. Eventually it stuck to the free staters. Lawrence was one of the main free state strongholds. It was during the Civil War that Quantrill and his men burned nearly all the houses and businesses to the ground and killed most any man they could find. It was that attack which is called the Lawrence Massacre.
I lean more towards liking Manhattan and the K State campus. Tends to be a little more cutting edge there and sits in the Flint Hills region. Fun region if you are into geology and paleontology. Limestone structures, salt domes, fossils galore and so on. Plus you can't help but get a kick of the surreal when you are driving down a highway and see a big sign warning about missle carriers. But those might all be gone by now.
Bookmark! Yes, a blatant one.
I'm working on bits and bobs Wendy. Nice to know someone else has to do the same. Nothing that I want to share at this point.
Must get my kitchen cleanned up and dinner started. Rainy days like this one are wonderful. I got some 'bits and bobs' done. Took a nap, which is wonderful on days like this. Sadly, the weather does nothing for motivation on cleanning. Must crack the whip.
One of the neatest times to visit the Flint Hills is when the burning of the grasslands is being done. Very spectacular at night. Can see slow burning fire lines for miles.
Need to find some other history or geology stuff to occupy the brain. Mom's leg infection returned. It broke open today. Beginning to get really concerned.
Hi wombats. Checking in from another day in New Hampshire. I've written a short post on the visit which can be found here: Writer's Notebook: Between the Woods and Water.
I'll read upthread when I get the chance. My wife just returned from a day at another lakeside locale, so we'll be fixing dinner on the grill.
And nobody else is allowed to pass away for the rest of the year. I sat down and thought through all the friends and family that have passed this year so far and stopped at 23.
Seriously, I have lots of stucks. Which one do y'all want to fix for me?
I'm watching my favorite show. "Daisy of Love" Why do I love this show? Oh yeah, it's like Rock of Love in reverse. One girl (who got 2nd place in Rock of Love) and a whole crew of rocker guys to chose from. Love it! This ain't no perfect manners reality dating show. They crack me up. bleep bleep bleep bleep, let the bird fly, picking fights, breaking guitars and throwing them in the pool, bleep bleep bleep
Okay, who is in the final two?
12 Pack and..... (I'm routing for Flex)
If you cut the crusts off the bread, you can call a ham sandwich gourmet then right?
She picked London. WTF!
Okay, seriously when this show comes out on DVD, I have to get the series and watch it front to back. These guys crack me up. It's also great inspiration for the "Rock Band" erotica. To see how guys act when in front of the woman they're trying to win vs. when it's just the guys hanging out together.
Oh, if you are a Dr Pepper addict and aren't playing the Camaro contest, I'd take the codes with many thanks.
Okay, and she picked Flex. Woo hoo!
I am always amazed at the knowledge you bring to us Mike. I love geology being a rockhound and would love to get to that area of the country when Bill retires. We're going to travel a bit, collecting rocks as we go. He has to watch me or I'll bring home tons of rock cause even though I know the differences between good rocks and leaverits, some of the leaverites are pretty and I get carried away with the pretty ones. At the beach I have a huge bag of leaverits and a tiny bag of agates but I can't help it. LOL
Dale I'm envious (in a good way) of your two week conference and I'm looking forward to your articles about what you gleaned. It sounds like you had tons o'fun and learned a lot too. Sorry about your digger on your bike!
I read your excerpt Wendy and loved it. I didn't know what kind of feedback you wanted.
Whew! Hopefully I'll be able to post this time and not have to wait 20 minutes before it shows up.
First of all, last thread (which I just finished reading): congrats to everyone and their accomplishments, and hugs and sympathy to those of you who lost friends or have gotten bad news.
Judi, I will buy your book in the second printing! I've been broke - this will be my treat and start the inevitable sell through of the second printing.
Pat, the judge is a twit and shouldn't be judging. That's not objective critique. I'm glad you shook it off, but please allow me to add my righteously indignant BITCH! in her direction.
Forging new paths? Not me. Still editing. Though I am on the final edits of my final manuscript, thank heavens. I'm de-wasing it at the moment. Or rather, I'm supposed to be dewasing it, but I just look at the sentences and think . . . of nothing. So the wases remain.
Helen Jenks gripped the steering wheel and squinted into the darkness beyond the beam of the Volkswagen's headlights. Nothing looked familiar. Was she almost home? The snow had stopped falling, but in these hills so far from town, the county didn't bother to plow. She didn't know if she was driving on the right road, or any road at all. There were no other cars, no tire tracks.
Where was everyone?
And that's just the first paragraph.
But some people are forging new paths. Lisa! Wonderful news! Congratulations.
Oh, and to answer the question, I've been stuck on my WIP for Ravenous for the last two months due to depression/exhaustion, but am forging ahead with the help of felines, support from fellow writers, and stubborness.
stubbornness. Neither look right.
Hmmm... I haven't done a Dana in a while. Perhaps it would cheer me up. And be a way of forging ahead.
And now to congratulate Pat B. and Sia on their very successful and active blogging and online events! I've missed some, but enjoy the posts/events I've been to, even if it's just to leave one comment.
I don't know how either of you get any writing done along with all the amazing promotion and networking you do.
http://www.members.shaw.ca/gf3/circle-the-cat.html
It's addictive.
I stop now and come back later when there are other WOmbats around. This is too lonely.
Dana, writing? What is that? I haven't done any writing since WoMoWriMo. Unless you include editing. In the past year I've edited three and a half manuscripts, copy edited three, and I still have a half to edit and another copyedit or two. I will be sooooo glad to get back to writing.
I was a little menace when we'd go to the family cabin in Colorado or down along the Republican River about 40 minutes south of here. Still am though we don't get to Estes anymore since the cabin was sold. But I do have my rock hammer yet with the towel taped around it because I'd get blisters hammering around for so long. Another fun place to go, don't know if it's still allowed, was the big limestone mining operation in eastern Nebraska. They used to let you roam the spoil piles looking for fossils. NE Nebraska can be quite a bit of fun if you know what ravines to go to find boulders left behind when the ice receded.
More wases:
The mid-morning pie-and-coffee rush was busier than usual. Everyone in town seemed to have put in an appearance, asking excited questions about the bank robber. Who was he? Where was he hiding? Was the bank going to be robbed? Was their money safe?
Pat, it's the questions that cause the wases. Rid the ??? and you'll rid the wases.
Everyone in town seemed to have put in an appearance, asking excited questions about the bank robber. They pondered his identity and speculated about his hiding place. Anxious the bank would be his next target, they worried about the safety of their money.
Good point, Jill. What I'm pondering is why it's so important to get rid of wases. I mean, was is a word, right? And we do ask was questions, right?
Goodness Pat, it's the attack of the wases. I'm sorry honey.
Me complusive? Obsessive? No way. So I pieced the baby's quilt today. The entire top is done. Yip! Tiger Prince's quilt So I just missed the braggin'? smile.
Thanks for reading it Wanda. I figured if I was going to ask everyone else to share, I should too. So how do you think we should do in Edith Tabor? Did she die in the house fire, or is she out in the hills?
I look at was as a lazy word. Is the sentence stronger, better without the was? Not always, but there are times it most certainly is.
I think most of those wases are fine. And I like the questioning. It gives it a feeling of urgency. I'd go with fewer "was" questions however.
It seemed the entire town made an appearance at the mid-morning pie-and-coffee rush, all asking excited questions about the bank robber between mouthfuls of today's special--cherry ala mode. Who was he? Did he have a hideout nearby or had he skipped town? Would he strike their bank next? And most importantly, did the FDIC insure their money in the case of theft? The net worth of local matresses increased substantially that afternoon.
It's in my voice now. Sorry about that.
I'll add my voice to those congratulating our Queen Wombat. Lisa, great news and we're so proud of you. And another first chapters novel -- re-written of course -- on the way to the publishers.
On the topic, I'm not stuck, just pushing ahead. My beta readers Beth and Jill gave me excellent feedback on what I needed to look at in my first novel and I'm just doing a last readthrough with very minor edits to ferret out minor glitches and see how it all hangs together from the reader's standpoint. Of course, here on vacation the editing is competing with swimming, kayaking, biking and attending concerts. Also, my youngest has no buddies in tow here the last couple of days, so I'm spending a lot of time hanging out with the young man. Still, no complaints.
I hope our wombat meet goes well; looking forward to the commentary.
Lovely Quilt Wendy.
Lisa, I was thinking about you during my walk tonight and decided you should treat yourself to that bike you had your eye on. A "congratulations to me" gift :-)
Heh - I'll definitely consider that, Jill! It sort of depends on some other life circumstances at the moment.
Well, I wanted to lose weight. Not like this though. Ugh. I need to stumble across the street for some coke, saltines and Gatorade...
Jamie, that's hilarious about the net worth of the mattresses increasing. And you're right -- rephrase the questions.
And Lisa, you're right, too. Was is a lazy word. Did I mention that I'm feeling very lazy right now?
The bike would be an awesome present for this occasion, Lisa, granted circumstances allow.
I completely understand your last statement Pat. Completely.
Thanks Sia. I'm thinking an on the floor play blanket.. this one is just the right size.
All this talk of needle work inspired me to sew a button on a pair of pants that have needed one for around seven months. yay. I hated every minute of it. I did not inherit my mother's sewing-love gene.
What a bright colorful quilt you've made! Baby is gonna love it! I like the idea of a play on the floor blanket. It's terrific. I haven't quilted in a while, in fact I haven't done any artsy crafty thing for ages and I miss it. By the weekend I'll have my craft supplies sorted and in the house, fingers crossed. Then I'll have a looksee at what I might want to get into.
Now, about Edith Tabor. I'll ponder and get back to you. I love plotting how to do in the bad guys, even if they're bad girl guys. heh
LOL Jill. I don't mind buttons, but hemming bugs me as does any large repair, especially three corner tears. Why is the favorite garment that gets those nasty rips??
Jamie, I liked the way you de-wassed the paragraphs. Pat, I liked the way it read before de-wassing but it did tighten it up to rephrase. I think I'm a was-er too. I fear that I have a lot of those kinds of words in my work. It's daunting to see them. sigh
Lisa, hope you get to feeling better soon. That kind of weight loss never is good. ;o(
Glad to see you Dana, doing a Dana. No one does it better.
Jeez, I just realized I've done a Dana. Unintentional I assure you. Had a few minutes between dinner dishes and some other chores and thought I'd pop in a say Hey. Then I guess, I got on a roll. I'm off to get those chores done.... I'll be back later for some entertainment, hope ya'all feel up to entertaining me.
Fluttering eyelashes, waving fingers.... ta ta
The read-through of Growing Up Single is going well. I should finish sometime over the next couple of days.
Wanda, I won't be part of the entertainment committee tonight. Time to get ready for tomorrow.
Dana, feels like all is right in the world when you pop in an do a Dana.
Lisa, airplane food is an oxymoron these days. Hope you feel better soon.
Nite, 'bats.
3
Sometimes, it takes a couple of hours of just sitting, nudging a word into existence within the twinkling of an eye, Wendy. A great outline is also a good idea to help refresh your memories, and your Character's motivations, ect. Often times moving to the next scene, or chapter, scatters the shadows upon the cave of our skull, and we're back writing once again, as if the answers were there all along.
Hey GANG!
Paul,
Thank You, Sir -
Um, guys? You're gonna wanna check this one out! http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977737483
and I'm uploading more pics but this internet connection is slow.
But seriously, check out the thread above.
Lisa- send the kittehs for provisions! Hope you feel better.
I've been struggling to write all evening. 500 measly words. I suppose it's progress, but I could have done better with a little concentration. I blame Vh1 for having such mind-numbingly addictive reality shows. I totally think this episode of "Brooke Knows Best" was staged. Some Italian guy paid her and her roommate $20,000 cash to party on his yacht. And she went, thinking she was going to actually party on his boat, not prostitute herself. Duh! What an idiot! And I thought I was naive. *pshhh She locked herself in the cabin, discovering a mirror on the ceiling above his bed and then jumped ship on some tiny island in the Bahamas. Yeah. Staged. This kinda thing doesn't happen in real life. Not even to celebrities. Brooke is Hulk Hogan's daughter, btw.
Beautiful ring,Bren! I love the picture of you and Sy. Um Judi? Where's the rest of the pictures? Sheesh. Had found your Cell # I would have called just to say hi to everyone. I know what you and Sy sound like but not Bren, Beth, and um, surprise guest.
and more Wombatogether pictures are here:
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977737501
Okay, now we're talking. Nice shot of Ken and Judy. Love Beth's shot--what a smile and oh you looks so pretty, Beth! So, we're y'all surprised to see Ken and Judy?
yes, that was a surprise! It was a night of surprises!
A night of WONDERFUL surprises. Major congrats to the happy couple! And how cool that Ken made it! He must be good at keeping secrets. :-)
Like I said. I would have loved to see your face when you spotted Ken and Judy.
I saw them walking in the restaurant, so I jumped up and hugged everyone. But, yeah, I was surprised! A great time was had by all.
But you know what? All Wombats need to stay at the same hotel b/c we could have kept talking but the travel thing was a necessity...
I'm uploading pics of the Smithsonian to my blog. Hopefully they'll all be up soon. This internet connection isn't the best.
Looking forward to seeing them, Judi. I'll admit, I was antsy until I saw the pictures. Thanks for sharing them. I've got a great big ole grin on my face.
A wonderful time. Yes, we could have talked all night, I'm sure. I wish you all could have been there. I'll say it again--we all need to meet and talk about writing.
I didn't bring my camera cable, so I can't post photos until I get home. A great bunch of folks.
working as fast as I can, Sia! Now if only the computer would work with me!
What a great meet and two very cool surprises. Congratulations Sy and Brenda!
Goodnight Neverland
Was only bothers me when it's used too much or when there aren't a lot of strong or active verbs. Was serves a purpose, but it can be overused. If used correctly, it's invisible.
So cool and congrats to the happy couple.
Brenda, I left you a private note on one of the photo threads. :)
Pics from our day at the Smithsonian:
http://judifennell.wordpress.com/2009/07/15/for-my-dad-and-hubs-and-mom-and-kids/
and now I'm calling it a night! (Oh, had someone recognize me on the elevator after the dinner because of the GH/Rita announcement "party" I throw on my blog each year. Yay!
Beth, I'll see you tomorrow; if not during the day (b/c I'll be locked up in meetings) then at the Literacy Signing.
Over Coffee guest is Lane Robins aka Lyn Benedict. Her Topic:
W Is For Writing And Structure
Her topic today is on howto keep control of a story, both in character arcs and plot lines. Especially with deadlines looming. I've seen all sorts of visuals and story building devices to keep everything straight. Her visual is an intriguing concept.
Actually, Lane says it's not a new concept but I like the way she lays it out and how to keep track of conflicts and plot.
She's a debut author with Pequin with Sins & Shadows. With the RWA comments are going to be slim so I'd appreciate any support you can give. :-)
I am so ready for bed. I have to say, I do not like Internet Explorer 8. Loading pictures now is a major thing where as it used to be a cinch. Cripes. I have to alternate between IE and Mozilla and it's a major PITA!
I love your thoughts bytes this week, John. :-D
G'night all.
Wow I go away for a few hours and look at what happens! The biggest surprises and the best surprises too. Terrific.
Now I need to get to bed too. Night all.
No wonder Ken's been so quiet lately. He's been plotting a surprise :-) Sounds like a great time was had by all.
Good morning. I think. I have a lot to do today and no desire to do it. Maybe caffiene will help.
Very fast pass through as I've much to do today. Congrats to Sy and Brenda and may you have every happiness. And Judi, all the photos were great. Beth really does have a smile that just lights up a room!
"was" is a perfectly acceptable word. It's difficult to to write about things that happened in the past without it. I give you this sentence to ponder and revise:
"Who was that masked man?" The reposnse must be in the form of a sentence of dialogue.
To the topic, I'm totally stuck on my WIP and the new one is just an opening prologue and paragraph I'm mulling over. Here's what I have so far:
Prologue
Father Krueger pulled his coat tighter about him, stuffed his missal in his pocket and turned away from the open grave. Dawn hovered on the horizon, the first streaks of light turning the frost to glitter among the trees, as if the stars had descended from the heavens to mourn the small woman.
"In nomine Patris..." In the name of the father, the one who had not lived to see his daughter shattered like a fragile lily beneath the boot heels of the revolution.
"...et Filii..." In the name of the son, the one who beat futilely on the gates of the palace, pleading for the return of his name.
"...et Spiritus Sancti..." And in the name of the Holy Spirit. Father Krueger glanced up into the brightening sky, and blew a soft breath into the frigid air. Yes, he felt them there as well, waiting to welcome her into their ranks at last. The spirits of her mother, her aunt, her lost, nameless family.
He hurried along the road, leaving the grave tenders to their task. Poor fraulein, to not even have a name upon the marker. One last task to complete, then he could turn to his prayers and tend to the living.
He entered his small cottage, grateful for the warmth of the fire his housekeeper had lit, and for the yeasty scent of new bread cooling on the table. He gathered his papers, sharpened his quill, and dipped it in the plain glass inkpot.
Dear Herr F:
Today, 28 November, 1837, the lady in the house at Hildburghausen went to join her family...
I'll be scarce for the next couple of days. Much to do and little time. I'll stop in when I can.
Morning Bats:
The Thought~Bytes Sia was referring to may be found at:
Thought~Byte No. 59
and
Thought~Byte No. 60
Enjoy the day.
That's a very compelling introduction, Pat. I love it!
And I finally finished that scene in Brian's Muse that's been giving me grief. One more scene to complete and that novel is done. Well, the first draft. I doubt I'll do much rewriting of it. I really wrote it for fun, but do feel compelled to finish these last couple scenes even if they are giving me grief. I think it will end up being 97,000 words. Almost 40,000 more than when I said I was "done" with it the first time. :-)
Okay, shower time, followed by prepare for trip time and then I have to go get my windshield installed. The fun never ends.
Later, 'bats.
Sherrie - someone stole your idea
Bacon Ice Cream
Off to have conference fun. Have a great day, 'bats.
Okay, for the record, I was not the person who said "was" is a weak word, unless I did it in my sleep.
Pat S., I can't think of a thing I'd change about that opening. It's great.
Wombatogether!!!! I am off to go look!
So much going on. Go to the Federal Building and then volleyball and the Wombat world is in a roar. Good times. Great photos Judi. I look forward to Beth's as well. I'm beginning to think the story of Wombats is becoming a novel itself. Fascinating social commentary with romance and intrigue. Who would have thought that "the annoying" ones would serve a purpose, but in a novel they are our foil.
Lisa glad you made it home. Hope the tummy settles, ick. Maybe, tapas, wow, or brunch this weekend?
Dana, good to see you again.
Another fascinating chapter of history recapped Mike. Wow. I feel so uninformed. I agree with proposed moratorium. 23? Far too many.
I mentioned at the end of the last thread, but hazard a repeat, Doldrums is up and running. So click, I have to admit members since this a private group for feedback on your stuck WIPs. People who have joined feel free to post. I need to clean up something and then post. While in Germany and Sweden I don't know how often I will log on so if you are interested please join in the next week or admittance maybe delayed.
Sia I loved Sue's "W" strategy. And her office supply confession.
John I finally foud Tanya's trailer, it is #8 How to Buy a Love of Reading for the rest of you all. Very smart and I love the retro feel. I'll be perusing the rest of the field for best understanding of this new marketing medium.
It was me, Lisa.. and I said it could be weak, depending on usage.
Why is transferring email accounts almost as difficult as actual moving? Grumble
BTW for budget minded readers, Connie posted an article with links to four complete books to read FREE to one of my groups. I'm just finishing one now. Love free.
Jamie, you leave tomorrow on the first leg of your journey, right?
Wow, Pat. Very nice indeed. I like it a lot I could see easily picture the frost and cold morning. You put me there.
Viv, I liked Lane's W idea too, especially when she said it could make synopsis easier. need I say, I'm all in favor of that. :-)
I'm not quite ready to put up anything, Viv. I do have something I will soon. So, when are you going to Sweden?
Hi, Bats! Life has been crazy busy lately so I haven't been online much these past weeks.
Love the pics of the Wombat meet! I wish I was in DC this year, but it wasn't to be.
I'm doing a signing from 7-9Pm at the Olympia, WA Borders tonight. It's a bit of a consolation prize for not signing at the big literarcy signing at RWA National tonight. I bet Judi has a blast there. Anyway, if you know anyone in Olympia, send them my way.
Wombatogether, indeed. Darn novelists keep raising the stakes! Thanks for sharing these great photos. Perhaps Beth will add a few words for our edification.
Oh, yeah, you guys (and lady guys) have a conference to attend. Have fun and hope you make great connections. Time to head down to the beach to see about a kayak ride with my son.
Viv, hope to catch up with you and Lisa when I come out to LA-land in early September. I'm at the same location as last time, but maybe I can swing a car rental and get out of the city. Yes, the wombat story has definite novelistic overtones. Wonder why.
Just got back from Judi's blog. What fun! That girl has a knack for getting good photos, something that I need to learn. I'm still trying to master the "hold the camera out in front of you and take a picture of yourself and your friends" maneuver. My kids have it down pat, but I need help.
I haven't tried that yet Gina. My brother does it like a piece of cake and they actually turn out good. Sheesh.
Hope your Borders signing goes well!
I want to be in the water, James...sigh. A wading pool just isn't quite the same, lol! but I did get the Celtic sprite in there and she loved it!
Must go to town. thanks Viv and John for the comments on my blog. :-)
Yep, leave tomorrow.
Dropped my car off at the auto glass place and *gasp* walked home. Fifteen minute walk. No biggie. I had people pulling over and asking me if I needed a ride. I guess I look decrepit or something. :-) If they'd been guys, I might have though I looked good, but no, all women. I think it was the ginormous purse that made them think I needed a ride. *snork!
ginormous purse?
Oh Crap! getting off guys etc, major t storm overhead. freaking out me and the dogs.
I'm alive, Kris is traveling for work, and work is kicking my behind.
I'll be back later to do a real update.
Hope everyone's doing well.
Quickly weighing in on the 'was' issue. 'Was' and 'ly' words are not the devil. Yes, they can make for lazy writing, but sometimes they actually make the writing better. Judicious use of 'ly' words are NOT a bad thing and nothing pisses me off more than an editor or reader who arbitrarily deletes them.