Roadtrip with Monsters

Since I've Posted

Sun, 19 Aug 2007 22:22:39 GMT

It's been a long long time since I've posted and so much has changed in my life. I feel somewhat settled into the new routine, the new place, the job. . .it's not perfect, of course, because I don't have Orion with me 100% of the time. It's like having part of my soul ripped out, of course.

But, on the other hand, he's getting quality time with his poppa and seems to be a happy kid no matter what he's doing. He's so imaginative and can create an atmosphere of play out of cardboard boxes.

So, I'm in the new condo with a garage stuffed full of boxes of things I don't necessarily need but can't throw out. (A chafing dish, a large coffee carafe, books and books and books with no bookshelves) It's super quiet here, and I rarely see other tenants. Workers are here converting the next apartment building over into condos. I was lucky to get in here while I did as prices are going up with this next phase. I have a peek of Mt. Ranier from one of my windows, I have a cool spiral staircase leading to a large loft where Orion and I have our desks. I'm close to the Kent clinic where I sometimes work, closer to my mom and dad, sister and niece and cool stores.

Working full-time has been tough. The weeks feel extraordinarily long, and I've been covering vacations. So, I'm doing all sorts of different jobs at the different clinics. I enjoy the challenge yet it's exhausting. Two weeks ago, I was back-office dr assistant at Kent, this past week, dispensing optician at Auburn, this coming week, I will be the back-office assistant at Auburn. ("Pretester") doing the autorefractor, getting eye pressures, blood pressures, acuities, med history, contact lens trainings, etc.

Our house in Auburn is sold and now occupied by strangers. A weird and extremely sad feeling. I try to not think about it or many other things, so as to keep the water-works from happening.

The rainy summer we've been having is putting down my mood. Today, I'm staying in, being lazy. And it's Sunday already. time for another damned week of work. How did I survive full-time for all those years?

Patrick is in his townhouse and has a lot of work to do. I helped him move some shelves the other day. He's done a nice job with color selections. It's a long way out there, to drop Orion off in the morning before work and to pick him up after work. School is just around the corner, with Orion off to Kindergarten soon. I'm going to hate that day, I think.

There's so much more in my heart--things I won't write, because they don't belong here. I just know that people presume to know me and make judgments that aren't true. I'm faced with it every day, especially at work. Gossip mongers!

I hope all my friends in LJ land are doing well. I'm happy to be able to have the time or mood to even post a little bit. I haven't written or exercised in a long while. I realize I need to know get my life back in control, if I can. And here I sit today, doing nothing.

No Sweet Dreams

Mon, 11 Jun 2007 14:47:14 GMT

Okay, second draft of the novel finished with the blending of last chapter and epilogue all figured out. It seems to be okay, from what I could tell. I have a writer friend (and QUITE the writer! dear God!) offer to be a first reader. I will soon take her up on that, and I suppose I should contact that agent and touch base with him.

I'm moving on the 16th of June. Very soon. Lots of emotions go with that, and I won't dwell on them here. Bottom line: our house needs to sell. No offers so far.

Work hasn't yet officially told me I am getting full-time, but those behind-the-scenes tell me I've nothing to worry about. Nothing to worry about. O...kay.

As for sweet dreams. . .not by a long shot. I've had one of the most disturbing dreams I've had in a long time; I think I may have cried in my sleep. Since yesterday, I've had this nervous, unhappy feeling in my stomach. I suppose it led to the dream. I hope I can slip out from beneath its shadow today and feel happy. Reassured.

Kicked the ball around yesterday with my pal, Mike. Didn't get rained on, luckily, and I love the new soccer ball he bought. It sails! I'm missing soccer a lot.

Lots to do this week.

Quickly a nobody

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 17:52:56 GMT

I think I've figured out a way how to blend an almost throw-away chapter and my epilogue. I almost finished it this morning. We'll see if it holds up.
It will be nice to get this one out the door (I hope I can still send it) and jump into something new. The something new I started on before, with my Peri character, will have to be revamped to fit in with the different mood I'm sure to be coming to the computer with.

Part of me would like to do something completely different. I just need to make sure I jump into something immediately. I suppose those will be my goals with this new life just around the corner: to get back into writing and soccer. I've put both of those things I loved in the background while going through these hard times. I appreciate the notes from people who encourage me to keep going. I need that more than I need someone to say to take some time off! I've grown up with sports and a true competitive spirit. If I let myself slack, I could end up on the bench. I was never a bench-warmer. I just have to keep telling myself that.

God, I had one of the most awful nights of my life not long ago. Long story short: I lost my car keys in the river. Plunk. One second in my pocket, the next, out they come (shallow pockets) and into the water they go. I didn't have my phone, my purse, or any money whatsoever. You can't call a cell phone collect, I found, and I hardly had anybody's phone numbers memorized. You quickly become a nobody without your money or a phone and I certainly wasn't going to wave down passing cars for help. A single woman alone at night? Sure. Ended up calling "pop a lock" and paying $70 for them to open my car. I could finally get to my phone! I had a spare key that Patrick drove down to me. I was SO CLOSE to breaking my car window.

I'm never putting keys in my pocket again.
And I'm getting spare keys today, I think.

TBWA

Wed, 30 May 2007 14:57:12 GMT

Still having trouble blending the last chapter and epilogue together. A lot of staring at the text this morning with no progress. Didn't sleep well last night, either. Troubled. Bothered. Worried. Annoyed. All of that. Plus a stinging little sunburn on my back because I got too much of it yesterday. Trying to fit all of summer onto my back in one dosage.

Currently watering the front lawn while typing this with Orion gripping my left arm, trying to get my attention. He's in a happy mood this morning. Good.

We need to get our house sold. I think that will greatly ease our minds!

The Turmoil

Mon, 28 May 2007 14:57:21 GMT

It's been a long while since I've posted. I haven't been writing for various reasons, but this morning I was able to get up before Orion did and got some editing done. I'm on the very last chapter and my little epilogue. I've ditched my earlier last chapter and want to try to work a little scene from it into the epilogue, but I'm finding it not so easy to blend those pieces together.

Since Patrick has announced it on his journal, I suppose I can now freely mention what all my turmoil has been about for the last several months, and why stress was almost killing me, keeping me sick for months and months. Yes, Patrick and I are splitting up. Some people are simply shocked by this news; others are not surprised. The problem between us didn't just suddenly appear--it's been there a long long time. It just didn't materialize into something I had to reckon with until about 8 months ago. I'm the bad guy in this--the one asking for the divorce. I know Patrick has a ton of support from his friends, and I'm so grateful for that. As much or as little as people know about this, whatever opinions they may have of me or of our situation, I hope they realize how much I really care for Patrick and how it breaks my heart it has come to this.
Why else in fuck have I been continuously sick, week after week?
I've had some support from friends, too, yet I have likely lost some friends. I have one particular, steadfast friend who has really helped me through so much. I hope I can return the favor if it is ever needed.

I'll be likely moving into the condo I purchased about June 15th. I'll no longer be involved with Talebones and Fairwood Press stuff, but I plan to keep writing and perhaps still go to conventions now and then to see good friends. Maybe. It wouldn't surprise me if I dropped the whole writing thing. I love to write, of course, but Patrick was the one to encourage me to get out there and sell my stuff. Without his belief or encouragement behind me, I likely will just let my stuff sit in a drawer.

I can't believe my life has taken such a turn, that this is the path I'm now in the middle of. . .no turning back. As much as it hurts, it is necessary. I just hope we can remain cordial to one another, for Orion's sake. So far, we have.

Nothing Normal Yet

Wed, 16 May 2007 14:33:25 GMT

Only a fraction of time this morning to work. I've GOT to get back on schedule, here! There is just so much stuff going on that makes it so difficult to resume my normal routine.

But hey! I'm feeling better, I think. However when I was out and about the other day, I almost fainted. It was something that went beyond the light-headed feeling I'll get after standing abruptly. It was a huge wave of internal dizziness that grabbed me from the inside-out. Had to hug the wall, and the person with me had to walk me to a nearby chair so I could sit with my head between my knees. The feeling passed, didn't come back, but I think I was ready to go down.
Strange.

Errands to do today, as there was yesterday. Patrick has hid our digital camera--too well--and can't find it. I had to buy a disposable camera for some photos I want to take today.

Anyone who lives in our area want to buy a ping-pong table?

Orion is wanting HIS computer time now.

Moving Quickly

Tue, 08 May 2007 14:15:28 GMT

Finished editing Ch. 72 this morning. Just a few pages from the end! Not that I'm celebrating, because I have much more work to do since I managed to ADD to this novel, rather than cut.

Peeing blood this morning. Ouch. That's not fun. I think my immune system is shot and everything wants to get at me. I'm still coughing up gunk, mostly at home which makes me wonder if there's some irritant here, and a Benadryl yesterday seemed to help my sniffles, though it knocked me out cold.

Too much to do today, but I should probably get a doctor's appointment. Damn!
Have to help my poppa out today with his drivers license stuff, and his car's smog test, have to keep yanking stuff out and putting in the garage for the big garage sale on Saturday, have tons of other obligations, too.

At this point, "things" are moving so quickly and I feel like I want this merry-go-round to stop because it is dizzying me up too much. Simple things, like being sad about my strawberry garden, hit me, when bigger stuff just seems too surreal to grasp.

Beautiful day yesterday, though. Spent all day outside, weeding and working with the truck-load of bark delivered to our house. Sunburnt shoulders, but it was good to soak up that lovely sunshine.

Happy Tuesday.

Sat, 05 May 2007 17:00:52 GMT

I've failed to get back on track in my waking up at 5:30, or earlier, to get my writing done. Somehow, my body has reverted back to my night-owl tendencies, and I can't get to sleep at night. Or I awaken at 2:00 a.m. and can't get back to sleep! When the alarm sounds at 5:30, I ignore it. I've been sick too much this year to forsake sleep as I have been. So, I'm choosing sleep over art right now.

I did some editing this morning. Worked on a fairly climatic scene, and now my Makenna is trapped in a house on fire.

Have a lot on my agenda today, and the pancake breakfast is sitting heavy and happy in my tummy, making me want to just sit.

Beautiful day so far, this cinco de mayo.

Killing Characters

Wed, 02 May 2007 15:18:13 GMT

Working on chapter 71 this morning and closing in on the end. I kill a number of major characters here. At this point, one is down. Two to go. While writing the first draft, I didn't plan on killing character #2. But while in the scene, it felt so right, so I had to do it. I cried, too. Probably will again. This particular character represents something very major in my life--it's strange, but true. I wondered about the killing of that particular person the first time around, what it meant metaphorically. And now, I'll have to attend to it the second time around. It feels so physically tethered to my real life that I'm afraid to touch it. Sound strange?

Spent many hours weeding yesterday. (no, not drinking pina coladas and watching Miguel do it for me!) There is something cathartic about ripping out weeds, however. I needed to spend some aggression/anxiety I think.

I slept better last night, so I could get up and write this morning. I hope to keep up that trend.

Thanks to kenrand who offered to listen. It really helped.

Tonight, I register Orion in kindergarten! He's pretty proud about being five. Right now, he loves to use PAINT on the computer and can type in words (I help with spelling) and save his own work. The other day, when I was elsewhere in the house, he opened up a old drawing he called "Steps up to a window" so he could copy down the words himself to name a new drawing "Steps up to a window 2." He wrote in the title and saved this new drawing all by himself. After just watching me do it a few times.

Going to try to get out of the house today.

Tough Elements

Mon, 30 Apr 2007 14:45:25 GMT

After a nice night of chocolate, talking, dancing, and photo-ops on the jet ski with fellow LJ'ers, I promised myself to get back to posting here. My life has become a bit dizzied up by some tough elements, including being sick and not getting enough sleep. It's kept me away from writing, so I promise to get back on track.

So, I made myself get to bed early last night. Ten p.m. I stayed awake until well after eleven, thinking about STUFF. I took a Benadryl, hoping it would conk me out. Hoped for a lot of things, really, like sweet dreams. Nope.

Yesterday, the War of the Worlds birthday party was a lot of fun. Patrick took Orion out to McDonald's while I hung up the decorations I'd made of the Martian machines, etc. We kept the party small--just family--but he had his two boy cousins to run around with and a gorgeous day to be outside. He got a cool Star Wars At-At, a pogo stick, a bike, 2 light sabers, a dice game, shirts. . .a good haul for a 5 year old!

Editing PALMS this morning, currently on chapter 70. Today, a busy day planned for cleaning the house of birthday clutter, pulling weeds and not letting Orion see me cry when the need hits me.

Back to Routine

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 14:33:44 GMT

Hopefully I'm back to routine. I managed to have a decent night's sleep and got up at 5 a.m. for writing. Finally! I'm close to the end--on chapter 69 now--and will print out the paper copy when I'm finished. One more pass--hopefully a quick one--then I'll call that agent to see if he wants to see the rest of it.

Personal stuff still is very hard. That's all I'm a-gonna say.

Orion turns five on Sunday. We're having a War of the Worlds-themed party. I've been busing making martian machines and drawing things from the movie for decorations and making cake toppers. This movie is from the 50's: you won't find plates or b-day goodies in Walmart for it.

Orion cracked me up the other day. I overheard him talking to one of his toys.
"Martian machines are beautiful, and they are cute, but they will shoot you."

Back from the Long Break

Thu, 19 Apr 2007 13:56:42 GMT

I've had a long break from LJ and writing--not by choice. The day after Norwescon, I got sick. Really sick. Fever, chills and a severe sore throat I worried might be strep. It lasted for days, with my tonsils coated white (pretty ick) and I got a mild case of laryngitis again. Patrick was in Denver for a conference, and I tried--I really tried--to go to work on Thursday, but Orion was showing signs of being sick, too, having had some fever in the night and a wet cough. So we stayed home.
I think the virus came from a little boy we shared the hotel room with at Norwescon. Maybe. Who knows? But he was feverish and coughing.
So--by Friday I worked a few hours, with my voice failing. Rested over the weekend and my throat started feeling better, but guess what? It decided to move from my throat to my sinuses and lungs.
I know that my personal, emotional stress is keeping me down and letting these viruses kick my ass. I just recovered from pneumonia, now this?

This morning I worked on the editing--on ch 67 now--and it's moving along pretty quickly. I plan to print it all out. I should do this on my super-fast work computer. Make another pass that way because I think I'll be more successful with cutting when I work with it printed out.

Tonight, the doctor is treating the staff to a night of bowling. Bowling? Haven't been since I was 12 and the ball I had to use weighed 13 pounds. I have no idea if that's average or not but I could hardly manipulate the thing. I don't have good bowling memories. We'll see how tonight goes.

Gasp!

Tue, 03 Apr 2007 16:17:47 GMT

Well, I did get up to write but a big headache and being sleepy kept me from going to it. Gasp! A day missed of writing/editing! I'll try to sneak some in later.
Headache is gone. I think I was dehydrated as I feel so dry inside and out! Sometimes I forget to drink all day long. I've been drinking water, though, but I'm probably not getting enough.
Mission: drink water water water today!

Had a crazy dream about electronics going wacky, and it seems I dreamed about Patrick holding onto a fish while standing in the rain. ??

Oh, Norwescon critiques! Better get onto those. I'm moderating 3 panels in this convention, so I sent out some little questionnaire thingies to those people on the panels I had email addresses for. A panel about creepy dolls, one about characters: how to make them like real people, and another on writing groups. I'm also on another panel about rejections, but I'm not moderating. I hope I'm not, anyway!

Oh, Honna: get to work.

Debit Card Blues

Mon, 02 Apr 2007 15:21:21 GMT

Weird sleeping/non-sleeping last night with some disturbing dreams. Then, I woke up realizing that I didn't know where my debit card was. I bought coffee after soccer with Mike and may have left it at the coffee place. Damn! I called and learned I have to wait until one person shows up to see if I've left it there.
And my iPod is not getting out of the mode that says: Disk mode. Ok to disconnect. WTF?
So, some good progress on the chapters. On ch. 66 now, I think. I'm not having to change much really, in the way of structure. Just some cleaning up.

Yesterday was problematic, but I feel better today. Have some errands to do today and a planned visit later to see my folks since we missed my dad's 92nd b-day while at the retreat.

One step at a time? Am I taking those steps? Seems like I've been walking in place lately. Today, I'm going to make some calls, figure some things out. Work on my last Norwescon manuscript.

Peace.

Only a Dream

Sun, 01 Apr 2007 14:23:39 GMT

Some luck with writing this morning before the household awakens. Caught a view of the moon, fat and orange, sitting at the western horizon, trying to be a sunset. Gorgeous!
I had trouble sleeping again. Was wide-awake at about 1:45 am and couldn't get back to sleep, even after drinking warm milk. Struggled to about 4:00am then I think I managed to sleep from that point on. I had a dream that tried to help me through the major thing I'm worrying about. My sister was explaining things to me to help me through my sorrow and I remember asking her, "Is this a dream? Or is this real?" I SO wanted to believe her explanations but upon waking, I realized it was only a dream. Such a let-down. Like when I dreamed I had Jimmy Page's phone number and that we were great friends only to wake up to realize it was a dream!

I'm going to meet with my friend, Mike, for kicking around the soccer ball. Need that exercise! Need to sweat out that built-up stress within me. Get my head clear.

There's a song I listen to that gets me teary-eyed upon the first few notes of the melody. "Ordinary World" by Duran Duran. Listened to that this morning on purpose. Having a good cry helps now and then.

Good-byes

Fri, 30 Mar 2007 13:56:55 GMT

I didn't post yesterday morning, but I did get up early to write, after about 4 hours of sleep. Just woke up super early and couldn't get back to sleep. Or--I should say I edited. Getting closer to the end of my second pass on the novel, and I'm disappointed in myself that it's not going faster than this. I just need to print out pages and go away for many many hours to submerge myself into that groove. I didn't really have time to write/edit at the retreat. Just one day, really. I did hope for more time for myself but when you run these things, and your partner has to take off, it just didn't work out that way. It's okay: the retreat was a blast.

Yesterday was a tough day. I worked for only a few hours and caught up on all the new stuff. One of our long-standing employees is leaving. Today is her last day. I really hate to see her go. She runs the lab and talk about character! Linda is so hard to describe; you need to be around her to believe it. She's my guru of ophthalmic lenses! I'll miss her. I made her a farewell comic. These comics (I've made them before) could get me fired if they fell in the wrong hands. Well, Linda's is a pretty mild version because I figured everyone would be reading it. Another one I did about 6 years ago was pretty bad.

So, the toughness about yesterday: the memorial for Marv Swenson, Patrick's father. I cried a lot and discovered I really didn't get to know my father-in-law. I appreciated his kindness, and liked that he and my folks got along well, and he was funny. But I never knew the other things about him that were revealed in testimony from friends and family. There was laughter, too, and tears. A chance to be around family before I had to dash off and get Orion from school. There was also some awkward moments for me--the details I won't explain--which made me feel like I needed to leave that place running.

As for writing this morning: I went to bed early last night and got up about 5. Some good progress on the chapters I worked on. I have this scene--fairly brutal--I'm still not sure about, but I'll leave it as is. I'll get a consensus later.

Time to shower and have a Friday of work then a good-bye party. Orion wanted to draw something for Linda, too, and made the comment: "I want to give make her this drawing before she dies." He's still learning about death and is tangling up the details of Marv's passing and Linda's good-bye.

Both of these good-byes are tough. Rest in peace, Marv and Linda: happy adventures!

Because I know I have a Weird Name

Wed, 28 Mar 2007 20:45:58 GMT

HowManyOfMe.com

There are
0
people with my name
in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

Wed, 28 Mar 2007 20:32:26 GMT

More editing work, and it's come to my non-surprise that I've managed to add like 30 pages to an already big novel. I will be more ruthless in cutting when I've got a hard copy in front of me, so I'll be printing this sucker out. I've only made copies for my writers group; now I'll make copies for me to work on and really hack up.

I have Norwescon critiques to do, also, and I've just discovered (because I've just looked) that I'm moderating 3 panels. I'm going to be a pretty busy girl at that convention, but it should be fun.

Took Orion to the Supermall yesterday and he had a pretzel while I had an awesome BBQ burger. Man! Unfortunately that burger and this morning's waffle were still sitting in my gut when I went for a jog this afternoon. Oh, it will be nice to get my stamina back that was lost when I had that little touch of pneumonia. Oh well. Nicer weather always prompts me to get outside and moving much more.

Things are still unsettled and strange at the Swenson household. Post-retreat blahs and the sadness due to Patrick's father's death. I've been putting things away gradually (so much cooking oil, Jay!) where I have room.

I can't wait to see the pics from the retreat as they start coming in. Especially the group photo we'll want to send to Locus.

Back to work!

"That Looks Good"

Tue, 27 Mar 2007 16:23:43 GMT

A lot of work this morning on a tough chapter which will end the world within "the letter." Thank goodness! Makenna is in a bad place right now and this is where I once thought I was a bit brutal. I'll leave it be and see what my 1st readers think of it.

I napped yesterday, took Orion to the park, did laundry, cleaned, looked at boxes of snacks left over from the retreat and had to make myself stop snacking, dang it! I read posts of what people had to say about the retreat and am still tingling from happiness over that fun weekend. Patrick managed a nap, too, but did spend time again with family to discuss the details of his father's memorial service. A late night for him.

Orion is so into the classic version of "War of the Worlds." We watched most of it last night before bed. There's that scene when the couple are in the farmhouse and she's frying up some eggs. The professor says, "That looks good." Orion wants eggs in the morning, fried up just the same way, so he can say, "That looks good."

Oh, here's some retreat tidbits: Rob, you tango! How very cool. Alex, thanks for the darling umbrella for Orion! Aimee, I've got a picture of you and Lisa really getting mouthfuls of taco! And it's not your birthday! Ivan, thanks for helping snack up those chicken wings! Syne, I loved our conversations and that's a lovely sock you knitted! Lenore, your disappearance was a mystery that bugged me! Susan--I'm really sorry your cool runes presentation was interrupted. Siona--don't forget to send me your revised story. Val--weird is never boring!

More to follow. I wished I'd kept a journal like Louise did. Smart girl!
It's actually 9:22 a.m. and the boys are still sleeping. Wow. Perhaps I can sneak in just a little more coffee and a little more quiet time before I need to make those War of the Worlds eggs so Orion can say, "That looks good."

Wow. . .the retreat

Mon, 26 Mar 2007 17:53:17 GMT

We just returned from taking Barb and J.C. to the airport, so now all things retreat are pretty much over. It's sad, on many levels, that it's done, but it's always good to be home.
Losing Patrick's father, Marv, in the midst of the retreat was such a shock. I still feel numb by it, though sometimes it will hit me and I'll start crying again. I missed out on seeing Marv during Christmas because I was sick. Now I won't ever see him again. It's pretty hard to fathom, and I can see the shock of it all is still clinging to Patrick. Plus, he's exhausted.
It was very unfortunate he had to leave the retreat but he didn't give it a second thought because he knew he needed to be with family during this time. I'm so so happy he came back, though! I knew it would be the best thing for him: to be with family and with close friends, who are like family, and new friends. There was such a great energy among these writers, and such love and compassion for Patrick, that I knew his being with them would help toward healing his spirit.

And wow. . .the retreat. I couldn't begin to describe how great it was and have enough room for all the little details that added up to make it a splendid weekend, despite the sad loss of Patrick's father. I loved waking up early to open up the lounge for the early bird writers, before the sun was even up, and to have them come in to work, and STAY working for hours and hours with that big, beautiful lake just outside and getting closer, closer. I loved making new friends and reconnecting with people I haven't seen a long while. I'm so thrilled 5 friends from Calgary made such a lengthy trip to spend time with us, and it was wonderful to look around the room and realize we've got such wonderful support for Talebones and Fairwood Press in these considerate and thoughtful people. I'll give details later, when the head is less fuzzy and I've had more sleep!

And I give my heartfelt thanks to Barb and J.C. Hendee who were not only superb writer guests but a source of strength and comfort during some difficult moments. Thank you so much! (Ahh.. .Orion just said, "I miss Barb and J.C.") And of course, Jay Lake is ever-diverse with being wacky and entertaining and sweetly somber when he knew things were rough for us. Thanks for your help, Jay!

Much more later, of course, when I've had a chance for some more sleep.

Word count

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 14:45:35 GMT

Spent most of this morning getting the word count and correct page numbers for each chapter. A fellow writer asked me how many pages I had, what my word count was. I have no idea and I'm afraid to find out, since it seems all that editing has added--like--30 pages! I need Ken Rand's "The 10% Solution" very soon!

Busy busy yesterday and will be busy busy today. The retreat is one day closer!

I hope everyone who is coming arrives safe and sound and ready to write and have fun!

Chapter 56, only a little

Mon, 19 Mar 2007 16:39:48 GMT

Very little writing this morning as I wasted too much time doing an anti-virus update that took forever! I managed to get through ch. 56, though, toning down some of the scenes.

Yesterday's meeting went well. I have a tendency to hold onto my "secrets" for too long as the group is getting impatient, wanting answers. I know why/how that happens. In the first draft, I'm writing without knowing the answers myself, as I come into them organically. When I tend to the 2nd draft, I sprinkle the clues/answers about here and there, probably not knowing how much to season without giving too much away too soon. I can see where and how to fix a lot of this.

I loved housesitting. It was like spending time away at a little villa, although it was a little noisy from the people walking around overhead (I was warned about them), and a toilet would flush somewhere and it would seem it came from just the next room. I didn't sleep well. Would wake up wondering, where am I? And I'd have the feeling someone was walking around in the condo.

Today I've got a list of things to do. The retreat is just DAYS away and I'm SO looking forward to hanging out with writers AND having someone available for daycare. What a treat!

Paper Jam

Sat, 17 Mar 2007 16:52:20 GMT

No writing this morning, other than typing up my critique notes for tomorrow's meeting. Had a massive paper jam that I can't undo, so I'm sweating having my stuff printed out for the meeting. Will have to borrow Patrick's antique printer, I guess.
We're sure having tech problems over here. Patrick's laptop is now down, I just heard. So that's two laptops down right before the retreat. Damn! If we don't have them up and running, I guess I need to invest in some pencils and paper. Wow, that will be costly!

Today will be a day of house stuff. Already did some cleaning this early morning and hope to get outside for yard work. Going to house-sit tonight at a friend's ultra-cute condo in Renton. I'll try hard not to dip into her stash of good wine.

Orion seems to be feeling better and I hope this is the last of the sickness to sweep through the Swenson household. Enough, already.

The Next Chapters

Fri, 16 Mar 2007 14:06:37 GMT

I worked this morning on the next chapters I'm going to give to my group for our meeting on Sunday. I'm disconcerted to see that I've added about 20 pages somewhere from the first draft. Remember? I've only been adding, not subtracting, when I wanted to cut my word count. Damn!

Orion had to come home from school yesterday. Poor guy. Fever, coughing, sniffling, etc. I think I'll keep him home today as he had another bad night of coughing. He's not a very nice person when he's sick. Is that a guy thing? My mom told me I was always polite. Orion becomes possessed.

Off to shower, then off to work.

Just a few days until the retreat! yippee!

Progress

Wed, 14 Mar 2007 15:11:31 GMT

Much better progress on CH. 55 today since I got past that 1st person narrative within "the letter." I'm hoping it will read okay since a lot of life is revealed in this section.

No trip to North Bend yesterday as Orion was pretty sick all day. Lightly feverish and moving from the bed to the couch. He said he wanted to stay home rather than do the car trip. Orion loves to go places, so I knew I'd better keep him in bed.
So today may be the day for that trip.
Since he slept most of the day, he was wide-awake at 9:30 and was fidgety all night. I let him sleep with me and he must have nudged me with his legs about 30 times, saying "Sorry" each and every time. Something about kids make them want to have their legs up on you while they're sleeping.

I didn't sleep too well and when my 5:00 am alarm sounded, he was awake. But luckily, he stayed in bed instead of insisting on coming to where I worked.

Went for a run yesterday.
Made marshmallow treats. Read a manuscript for the writers workshop at Norwescon. Mailed out letters to the writers coming to the retreat. Back to work! While Orion still sleeps.