After a cold snap late last week, it's been over freezing the past couple of days -- up to about 40 yesterday, which in most cities would have people griping about the cold but in Chicago appears to prompt the locals to break out bermuda shorts, BBQ grills and daiquiris, while everyone sings "Lime in the Coconut." I fear no weather evil, for I have my new puffer coat, and lo it is toasty, even if it does make me look like an enormous shmoo.

The first draft is ... still not done! But I am closing in on it. The section I wrote this morning actually loads me right into the big finale, and I am finally feeling that surge of energy that comes only right at the end. Good lord willing and the crick don't rise, I'll have a first draft on Wednesday, after which there will be much rejoicing and some baking of Christmas cookies. (The recipe involves white chocolate chips, pecans and dried cranberries. Anticipation is high.) Then there will be EXTENSIVE REWRITES, but I'll deal with that when I get to it.

As you may have seen, the CW is reshowing all the episodes of "The Vampire Diaries" during primetime this week. If your usual shows are now on hiatus, and you had any curiosity about this program, I strongly suggest putting your DVR in overdrive and catching up. This series was my biggest surprise of the year -- after three generically soapy episodes, they began developing an interesting storyline with twists and turns I haven't seen before. The characters are generally pretty strong, Ian Somerholder is having the most fun you can imagine as Damon, the women are interesting in their own right and, while obviously romantically interested in hot young vampires. have priorities beyond romance or high-school pettiness, and I'm really curious to see where they go next. Give it a chance! Even if you respond to nothing else, I can promise hot young vampire brothers who seem to need to change shirts multiple times a day, usually onscreen. Also, despite being a biped, Ian Somerholder turns out to be able to slither. It's uncanny.

Despite the mad first draft rush, I have managed to get my yuletide story to beta. Woohoo!

Happy birthday, rheanna27!

I'm going through my file cabinet full of fodder. One article I've kept since 1994 about how people with self-diagnosed caffeine addiction reacted when their coffee, cola or tea was taken away and replaced with a pill. Half got exactly the amount of caffeine they normally consumed. The others got a dummy pill.

"Of those getting the dummy pill, most were functionally impaired for a day and a half. One person who had a manufacturing job made costly errors. Another could not bring herself to go to work. Another spent the afternoon in a dark office with her head on her desk. One woman called off her child's birthday party. Most went to bed early."

For some reason, the thought of that woman with her head on the desk still makes me laugh. I totally understand.

You can read the whole thing here.

I know it's a Vietnamese nail salon, and English isn't their first language, but COME ON!

The nail salon I go to has decided to give out customer loyalty cards.

Here are some of the things written inside:

• Opening times: Monday - Sartuday
• Nail hancements are gauranteed for 5 days against only damages.
• For every 5 visits spending over £16, you will receive 30% treatment!

Really? This is just carelessness.

Lily (my cat): *jumps onto the table where my Nativity scene is displayed*
Me: Get down!
Lily: *bats at Baby Jesus until He falls off table*
Me: LILY!
Lily: *jumps off table and pounces on Baby Jesus*
Me: Leave Baby Jesus alone! You are going to Kitty Hell!!
Tara (on phone): Maybe she doesn't like spoilers!! She didn't know there was going to be a baby in the manager! She thought they were just partying in a barn!!

It's About Time...

...my kids had a Disney princess that looked like them.

Which may sound silly to those whose kids didn't have an Ariel (Brenda's favorite) or a Snow White or a Cinderella or a Belle or even a Pocahontas or a Jasmine or a Mulan or a Dora the Explorer, for crying out loud...come to think of it, they've come in damn near every other variety, haven't they?

Of COURSE I took them to the theater to watch it with them.
You didn't really have to ask, did you?

And I thought it was good.
I can't tell you how many Disney (and even Pixar!) films I skip 'till video.
Was my last one Mulan? Probably. I may have sat through Pocahontas, too.
But that's about it.

Okay, I'm still trying to get traction on not one, but two, new books. Starting is hard!

This past year, I taught a mystery writing class at my local bookstore. And I decided to go back and see what I told my students. Like "Set a goal for your character and keep raising the stakes." That seems doable.

I'm also going to go through all the fodder I've collected over the past 20 years - a whole filing cabinet drawer of articles. Something in there is bound to spark an idea.

(h/t docwebster)

This is ganked from this post by quadrivium, but it's apparently been making the rounds in email and on a few other blogs. Mostly good advice.

( Handbook 2010 )

( raw notes )

I started the day in pretty good shape emotionally, but probably significantly underslept. I was delighted to find that the most recent software upgrade on Dorsai had fixed flash video, finally.

Then we went to the Dickens Fair. I always used to enjoy it; this time it was far too noisy, crowded, and stressful. I ended the afternoon tired and vaguely unhappy. I think my former state of emotional unresponsiveness had some distinct advantages -- this will probably be my last Fair. Not Colleen's -- she had a blast, the more so because she could get around easily in the scooter.

The YD went early to her Sunday evening game night, and grabbed a burger at BK on the way. This gave me the opportunity to cook the two steaks that had been sitting in the fridge for a while -- butter, pepper, and a can of straw mushrooms from the cupboard.

After dinner, I finally located Animusic 2, so we watched that. Animusic 1 is still missing.

Ended the day with a headache, joint pain (ok, maybe I shouldn't sit cross-legged in the fan-back chair), and a lot of tension. It mostly all went away once we got into bed and had a good, long snuggle.

Interesting quote from the Wikipedia article on nonverbal communication: "Measurements of the ability to communicate nonverbally and the capacity to feel empathy have shown that the two abilities are independent of each other." Good to know.

On the whole not a particularly good day, but an instructive one.

What kind of day has it been:

06:52 Crap. I think I have a cold. #

16:27 feels quite mentally drained today for some reason. Counting the minutes till the workday ends. #

20:35 lost a little over 5 lbs in the last 2 weeks due to reducing carbs and light cardio workouts every other day. Slow and steady does it... #

Automatically stabbed through your living brain by LoudTwitter

We just drew names for our "Year-End Non-Denominational Gift-Giving Exchange" and I got Becky. JOY. I'm actually thinking of getting her something for her dogs (she runs the local chapter of the Boxer rescue and is currently fostering three dogs). I was actually hoping to get Laura so I could buy her a book about how to be a good manager. *ba da bum*

I love a beautiful book cover. If you do, too, look at these beauties chosen by Amazon. Or these selected by the bookstore, WORD. Or these chose by the bookstore, RiverRun Books. What’s your favorite?

Donna St. Cyr is the debut author of The Secrets of the Cheese Syndicate (Blooming Tree/CBAY Books, 2009). From the promotional copy:

Robert Montasio didn't think his day could get any worse until his sister drinks a bizarre soda that causes her to start shrinking. Robert's only hope is a mysterious organization known as the Secret Cheese Syndicate. Unfortunately, they can't help without a special cheese that has been lost for years.

Now, with a tiny little sister in his pocket, Robert has to travel the world to find the Mystic Cheese of Eliki and, perhaps, discover secrets from his family's past.

Could you describe both your pre-and-post contract revision process? What did you learn along the way? How did you feel at each stage? What advice do you have for other writers on the subject of revision?

Revision is my friend. I didn't think this at first, but I believe it now. I have been a teacher for over twenty years, and one of the things I watch students struggle with is the revision process. Mostly, they want to turn in the first draft and be done with it.

Even though I know better, I like to think my work is ready after the first pass. Mostly, I attribute this to laziness, a character flaw I'm trying to eliminate.

So, how about the revision process for "the cheese story" (my critique group's nickname for the novel)? I suppose the first revision came after I outlined the story. I developed the plot, created the characters, and outlined the chapters. As I wrote, the majority of that outline got tossed in the trash.

The second revision included what I call the "rewrite while you write" exercise. I have a habit of rewriting a paragraph several times while I'm trying to get the words down. I don't think this is the most productive form of revision, and it probably slows my writing down, but I do it anyway.

The third revision came through my critique group, usually two or three chapters at a time. My group is very supportive and we use the TOT – Take or Toss – method of critiquing. If the criticism rings true, take it and use it; if not, toss it out.

I can not stress enough how important my critique group was in developing the continuity of the story, fleshing out the characters, and giving me fresh ideas. In a way, this story belongs to them as much as it does to me. The fourth revision was a second complete run through by my critique group. Let's see, we're up to about two years by now.

The next revisions came post-contract. So, revision number five was the first revision request by my editor. Aside from plot and character points that she wanted cleared up, she wanted a longer book. So I added another 10,000 or so words, which meant developing all sorts of new adventures. At first, I didn't think I could do what she asked. I thought the story was finished, but she was right. The new characters I created have become some of my favorites.

Revision number six was the second go round with the editor. I was grateful she agreed with my rewrite, and this time there were only minor edits, mostly line-edit types of things and a few more continuity issues.

Finally came copy edits, which are not so much revisions as spell and grammar checks. I was amazed, however, after so many eyes had seen the story, how many typos still existed. The copy edits put the post-contract revisions at three and the total number of revisions at seven!

The entire process took about four years. I don't know if my process was particularly slow, but it's taught me a great deal of patience.

Revision advice? Get a critique group. Don't be offended by the advice. Step away from the story for awhile before revising. Be patient, it's a multi-step process.

As a librarian-author, how do your two identities inform one another? What about being a librarian has been a blessing to your writing?

I love my job as a librarian. In many ways, my experience in the library is what prompted me to become an author. I've had writing aspirations since high school, but never acted on them. Life always seemed to get in the way. Going to work everyday and reading to children reignited that desire and gave me the courage to give it a try.

Being in the library has made it much easier to see what good fiction is out there. I have worked in school libraries, and because my programs have always been small, I was responsible for all purchases. What power! What responsibility!

Using a selection process and stretching my limited dollars to purchase what I considered to be the best fiction each year gave me the opportunity to read some fantastic books that I might have otherwise missed. Exposure to good writing is an important factor in developing your own writing style.

On the commercial side, dealing with publishers and book vendors every day helped me to see what types of things were making it to market. That's not to say that as a writer I should pay too much attention to market trends for specific stories, however, I could see first hand which types of books different publishers were promoting. During the submission process, it was helpful to walk over to my shelves and pull books from a specific publisher and check out its work.

After I began to write, I started sharing the writing process with my students. I began increasing their awareness of authors and their own stories. I started to look for every opportunity to promote author awareness and pumped up the number of author visits to our school. Nothing sparks their interest like a real, live author in front of them.

Librarian and author are naturally complementary careers. I have been blessed to work in both of these arenas and am grateful for the opportunities that each vocation has provided.

Cynsational Notes

The New Voices Series is a celebration of debut authors of 2009. First-timers may also be featured in more traditional author interviews over the course of the year.

I'm trying to show my daughters that all the material things they want don't really matter. Sure, they're going to get a few presents for Christmas, they always do. But I want them to understand that all the THINGS they buy or collect throughout their life are basically meaningless.

It's the things they'll take with them when they close their eyes for that last time that matter most. Those are the ones they should strive for and collect. Things like joy, love, laughter, kindness and generosity.

And I'm happy to say they all seem to understand this concept. I asked them the other day if they'd like to go snow tubing with the whole family. It'll cost about a hundred bucks, so that would mean less presents under the tree. They all unanimously said, 'Let's go Tubing!'. It's something they'll carry with them forever (and beyond).

I was talking with my middle daughter the other day about this kind of stuff. I asked her, 'Would YOU rather laugh, or would you rather make YOUR FRIENDS laugh?' Without a pause, she said 'make my friends laugh'. She's a great kid. I'm proud of all of them.

For many of us on the planet (especially me), it takes a long time to understand that making others happy - watching our kids smile and laugh - is all that we need. All that we want.

That's all I want for Christmas. A happy family willing to give that happiness away to others. And I think that's what I'm going to get. Again and again. And I bet all of you reading this will get the same thing.

Hope you're all having a wonderful Holiday Season so far.

This is making the email rounds, and I like it.

I haven't permanently abandoned live journal or Facebook, by the way. I feel like I have a very precarious balance on the mega wave that is Christmas and GAFILK. I'm trying not to fall off it and drown. Tonight is our second community band concert, and there is songbook to do, Moxie music to practice, presents still to wrap, cards to address, bread for the neighbors to be made, one last recording project for Jeff (Email Jeff, Mary!), emails to return in general (Email Seanan, Mary.), a final to create for music theory students, grading to be done, grades to turn in, a ten year old to make cookies with, etc.

And I know that others are surfing similar waves.

Hang ten, Sweeties!

( HANDBOOK 2010 )

There’s a chance that one of us *coughrhondacough* thought that the town name was a suggestion. Mandy and I signed for five hours at the truck stop, while one of us *coughrhondacough* brushed her teeth for hours. Well, at least she’ll be minty fresh in the van later.

I know this pic looks like Rhonda and I are abandoning Mandy again. But actually, Mandy and I are playing keep away. This one-eyed guy took a liking to Rhonda at hour FOUR of our signing and just wouldn’t leave her alone! I mean, look you guys- I know Rhonda’s cute, and her new tattoo is totally bangin’, but this is a professional tour! We’re not here to fall in love! (PLEASE COME BACK PAOLO – Love, Rhonda)

Anyway, it was obvious we had to do something to save Rhonda from this stiff. Since I swallowed all my jewelry in New York, I couldn’t defend her with violence. Mandy threw soap at the guy, but he just kept coming back! Finally, Mandy and I were forced to lob Rhonda gently into the air, back and forth between us until Willie got the idea and left.

I can’t believe the tour is almost over. We’re heading to Wilkes Barre, PA tomorrow, and then finish in San Jose, CA on Friday. I’m excited- this means a hot meal and clean socks- not necessarily in that order! But before my socks OR meal, I’m giving YOU a chance to win Rhonda’s brand new, not even debuted yet novel, STUPID CUPID. Just leave a comment here to enter! And stay tuned through the rest of the tour- because we’ve got another surprise for you!

Join Us on Our Van Tour!

Wednesday, December 16th- Giant Cow at Wilkes Barre, PA (Mandy Blogs)
Friday, December 18th – Winchester Mystery House, San Jose, CA (Rhonda Blogs)

Read Saundra Mitchell’s recap of day 1 HERE.
Read Mandy Hubbard’s recap of day 2 HERE.
Read Rhonda Stapleton’s recap of day 3 HERE.
Read Saundra Mitchell’s recap of day 4 HERE.
Read Mandy Hubbard’s recap of day 5 HERE.
Read Rhonda Stapleton’s recap of day 6 HERE.

Originally published at MSUFaL. You can comment here or there.

I start writing this entry at 4:20am, December 14, 2009. I just did a quick read through of my first ever submitted manuscript ONLY YOURS. The one that landed me my agent. I couldn’t believe the gamut of emotions that ran through me. Emotions like “Really? He liked this? Then I got to the meat of the story. My heart is still pounding. I can’t believe I wrote something like that. I have to be able to do that again, but even better. Cause this time I want to actually publish.

But the reason I cracked open the Word file in the first place was to see if I could remember the joy I got from writing back then. When I would rush home to write. When I’d stay up all night and write. When I’d write every free moment I had. Breaks/lunch at work. Notebooks. I wrote every chance I got. Now it’s like I try to avoid writing every chance I get. Where did that love go? That excitement and joy?

That’s not to say that I am not writing. I am. Just not at the feverish, passionate pace I used to write. And I want that passion back!

How do I get it back?

I realized that I’m not a prolific writer. I don’t churn out 43895893 stories a year like some amazing people. Characters marinate in my head for months and years before I even know what to do with them. Then I have eleventy billion false starts. Then it happens. The magic happens. So, I know I should be patient, and let things simmer. I guess I’m the Crock-Pot of writing. It takes a long time for things to heat up for me.

One thing that can hold me back is THE NAME. My main character has to have the PERFECT name, or I don’t want anything to do with her. Nothing fits. The story just won’t work unless I have the right name for her. I have a baby names application on my iPhone, that’s how bad it is. Minor characters–their names usually pop up early and stick around. Those are easy. But the main character’s name…I have a hard time choosing the right name.

Is it an excuse? Because really, all it boils down to is that I’m scared. I’m scared I’m going to work my butt off on a book only to have a billion editors say NOPE again. I’m scared it’s going to suck. I’m scared that I won’t even LIKE doing it, and that it’ll feel like work or torture. When I first started this journey in a serious manner years ago, I had a bunch of friends who were on equal ground with me. We were all unagented, then we all got agents together. They’ve ALL gone on to publish, some of them have loads of books out or coming out. And I’m still languishing. I’m scared that I’m going to try again, and I’ll fail again. But then, the real failure is not even trying, right?

So, for my current WIP, one I’ve been working (and when I say working, I mean simmering/marinating characters, false starts–oh, I’ve lost count of the number of false starts this one has had) on for about two years now, I think I finally have a name for the main character. I am not working out of the home currently, so if I can get off those dang Facebook games (curse you Zynga for making such cute little games), I can really get some headway made.

It’s time I stop talking about writing, and actually WRITE. For real! No more marinating. It’s time to cook.
(FOR REAL THIS TIME. GOD, AM I SOUNDING LIKE A BROKEN RECORD OR WHAT? GAH.)

‘Til next time.

(Originally posted at Ronni Writes.)

Well, it's only 4 AM, and I'm gonna go to bed soon.

But first, I thought I'd tell you why I'm up at 4 AM!

I've been baking cookies all day. I made full batches of four kinds.



And then I packed them for various ridiculous people.



And then I put them in packages with other presents, and packaged other presents for people who are not getting cookies.



And now I have a huge pile of presents that I have to take to the post office tomorrow.



How the hell am I going to carry them on my bike? That's at least three trips.

Stop making friends, swankivy. Stop it right now.