mainly sunny, warm, temps 17
Another beautiful day. Tossed and turned last night...worried about the book. Finally fell asleep and woke up to the alarm just before 6am. Michael is wonderful. Before I was writing I was always the first up - getting breakfast for everyone, walking Trudy. But since writing...indeed in the past couple years - he's started getting up first and making breakfast and walking Trudy. In the summer this is lovely, but not as heroic as in the dead of winter. Nothing quite like walking Trudy in pitch black and minus 20. At 7am.
Still, summer or winter, I appreciate that little extra time in bed - and to get up when I smell the coffee! Bliss.
Was at work before 8am... afraid to read what I did yesterday and the day before. But was surprised and relieved to see how much I liked it...until about 2/3rds of the way through...then it got rough. So I cut and added and polished - and edited. Took away about 1500 words and added about 1000. And now I'm very relieved and very tired.
We drove in to Mtl - and took Michael to his dentist, who decided to do some adjustments on a lower tooth. Tomorrow Michael's going to the specialist about the old root canal. Breakfast with an old family friend...Mary. At Nick's, of course. Then writing. Then our accountant Frank for taxes....then...Blue Met panel.
Great news, though!! NAT Grant, who was organizing the event and was trapped in London flew out today! So she'll be there. Organizing... I'll be there moderating. And Barbara Fradkin and Anthony Bidulka will be there panalist-ing.
If you come, you need to know there's a free wine and cheese after, sponsored by the Crime Writers of Canada.
Hope you're well! Speak tomorrow, I hope.
Showing posts with label dentist. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dentist. Show all posts
Wednesday, 21 April 2010
Wednesday, 14 April 2010
Proof
beautiful sunny day, cool - temps 6
heavy frost on the ground this morning. temp minus 1 when we left for birthday breakfast with Cheryl. Such a fun time. She just turned 50...and I'm turning 52. Wonderful to have a friend going through exactly the same things, same issues, as I am. Feeling in many ways stronger, more confident - but also questioning alot of things in our lives. And in ourselves. And how to become better people. And still be true to who we are. When to bend and when to stand firm.
A life-long learning, at least for me.
so it's always wonderful to speak to Cheryl, who is funny, kind, thoughtful - and honest about how she's feeling.
Dropped by the guest cottage later in the afternoon - the new balcony is looking spectacular. Had to climb a ladder to get up. then walked out onto the dock and almost fell through. Gary...are you listening? (or even reading??) the dock needs replacing!!!
I'll tell you, this guest cottage - if anything can go wrong, it will. do you remember last autumn when suddenly the septic tank needed replacing and michael fell into it? Between Michael and Trudy it's no wonder guests prefer their own separate home.
Busy day. had a conference call about the US cover for Bury Your DEad. VERY exciting. Can hardly wait for you to see it.
And the Advance Readers Copies (ARCs) of Bury Your Dead will be ready soon! I'm going to give two away with the May newsletter and every subsequent newsletter until publication in September. Good luck.
Between calls and emails (trying to set-up Canadian tours as well and have just been invited to the International Festival of Authors in Toronto) I managed about 12-hundred words today.
And then Michael said he had a tooth ache. So we called the dentist in Montreal and tried to book in for today, but could only get tomorrow at 4:30. In Montreal. But I have a big interview with VITA magazine (the French equivalent of MORE Magazine) tomorrow at 2pm. here.
I wrote Annick, the lovely woman writing the article and asked if she could come earlier, and explained why. She very kindly wrote back to say she can make it another day. So we've re-scheduled for April 28th - just before we head to Washington for Malice domestic.
Finished the page proofs last night - and today I sent off an email with all the corrections. SO theilled to have that done. Always a huge job.
So - will write tomorrow morning, we'll hop in the car (Pat and Tony will come and sit Trudy) - and head to the Mtl apartment. We've decided since we'll be going to Burlington, VT for dinner Saturday to celebrate our friend Susan's birthday (and staying the night) we might as well stay in MTL and drive directly down on Saturday.
Logistics.
Didn't worry about the bear yesterday. By the way, that 'Someone's been sleeping in my bed...' line from yesterday's blog came from Gary who guffawed when I told him my fear that Smokey would get into the house, and come gunning for us.
Be well - might not blog tomorrow, but will try to get back to you on Friday.
heavy frost on the ground this morning. temp minus 1 when we left for birthday breakfast with Cheryl. Such a fun time. She just turned 50...and I'm turning 52. Wonderful to have a friend going through exactly the same things, same issues, as I am. Feeling in many ways stronger, more confident - but also questioning alot of things in our lives. And in ourselves. And how to become better people. And still be true to who we are. When to bend and when to stand firm.
A life-long learning, at least for me.
so it's always wonderful to speak to Cheryl, who is funny, kind, thoughtful - and honest about how she's feeling.
Dropped by the guest cottage later in the afternoon - the new balcony is looking spectacular. Had to climb a ladder to get up. then walked out onto the dock and almost fell through. Gary...are you listening? (or even reading??) the dock needs replacing!!!
I'll tell you, this guest cottage - if anything can go wrong, it will. do you remember last autumn when suddenly the septic tank needed replacing and michael fell into it? Between Michael and Trudy it's no wonder guests prefer their own separate home.
Busy day. had a conference call about the US cover for Bury Your DEad. VERY exciting. Can hardly wait for you to see it.
And the Advance Readers Copies (ARCs) of Bury Your Dead will be ready soon! I'm going to give two away with the May newsletter and every subsequent newsletter until publication in September. Good luck.
Between calls and emails (trying to set-up Canadian tours as well and have just been invited to the International Festival of Authors in Toronto) I managed about 12-hundred words today.
And then Michael said he had a tooth ache. So we called the dentist in Montreal and tried to book in for today, but could only get tomorrow at 4:30. In Montreal. But I have a big interview with VITA magazine (the French equivalent of MORE Magazine) tomorrow at 2pm. here.
I wrote Annick, the lovely woman writing the article and asked if she could come earlier, and explained why. She very kindly wrote back to say she can make it another day. So we've re-scheduled for April 28th - just before we head to Washington for Malice domestic.
Finished the page proofs last night - and today I sent off an email with all the corrections. SO theilled to have that done. Always a huge job.
So - will write tomorrow morning, we'll hop in the car (Pat and Tony will come and sit Trudy) - and head to the Mtl apartment. We've decided since we'll be going to Burlington, VT for dinner Saturday to celebrate our friend Susan's birthday (and staying the night) we might as well stay in MTL and drive directly down on Saturday.
Logistics.
Didn't worry about the bear yesterday. By the way, that 'Someone's been sleeping in my bed...' line from yesterday's blog came from Gary who guffawed when I told him my fear that Smokey would get into the house, and come gunning for us.
Be well - might not blog tomorrow, but will try to get back to you on Friday.
Wednesday, 20 May 2009
Dr Blackanddecker
mainly sunny, growing warmer, temps 20
Today started early and cold. Very cold. And very early. Alarm sounded at 5:30 - I rolled over. Michael got up then I dragged myself out of bed, dressed etc - and was in the car before 6. Waving goodbye to Michael and Trudy.
I had a 9am dental appointment in Montreal. A 3 hour appointment.
As soon as I sat down he said to his assistant, 'Get the hammer ready, just in case.'
I started to laugh, thinking he was kidding. he wasn't. Now, there's a sentence you never want to hear from your dentist...or doctor, actually. or accountant.
Happily, the hammer wasn't necessary. Nor was the chain saw or jaws of life. and three hours later i left.
Normally three hour dentist appointment, that involved a 3 hour drive, isn't top of my fun list. But, I happen to adore my dentist and his assistant, and his receptionist and have been going there for about 90 years - since a 1/2 hour in the chair is about a year in normal time. But mostly this was terrific because I REALLY needed the quiet time to think.
Yesterday I worked on the book from 9:30 - as soon as we returned from breakfast (french toast and coffee) to 9 last night. I wrote about a thousand words then decided I needed to map out the remainder of the book. In doing that I realized I'd created a couple of huge structural problems. I was appalled. And felt a little stressed and sick.
How to solve the problems??
How fortunate, then, to have three hours in the car alone, with my music - and my thoughts. And sure enough, a few ideas came. Not sure if they're enough - but a start.
I actually vascillated between really, really wanting not to go, but to get down to writing - to actively solving the problem...throwing myself against the book, over and over, until it shifts.
But I know this was for the best. And now I can hardly wait to get at it, with this new plan. Part of it involved actually writing the final scene...then working backwards and forwards...and meeting someplace I hope.
However, I plan to have the hammer ready, just in case.
Had a lovely interview with the Ottawa Citizen yesterday. A man named James...felt more like a fun conversation...hope I didn't say anything too ridiculous...like claiming to have been nominated for an Anthony Award this year.
WAIT!
That actually happened!!! Had the official announcement yesterday morning! THE CRUELEST MONTH has been nominated for an Anthony in the US for Best Novel!!! This, I have to say, is hugely prestigous and exciting.
The other nominees are:
Best Novel
Trigger City by Sean Chercover [William Morrow]
The Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly [Little, Brown and Company]
Red Knife by William Kent Krueger [Atria]
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson [Knopf]
The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny [Minotaur]
Best First Novel
Pushing Up Daisies by Rosemary Harris [Minotaur]
Stalking Susan by Julie Kramer [Doubleday]
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson [Knopf]
Death of a Cozy Writer by G.M. Malliet [Midnight Ink]
Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith [Grand Central]
The awards will be given out at Bouchercon in mid-October in Indianapolis.
This is thrilling - especially given the company! Congratulations to all.
Between replying to congratulatory messages and interviews we were dealing with sewage - well, septic systems anyway. The universe has a way of balancing things out! Our friend Dwayne came by and he, Tony and Michael tried to decode the hole in the guest cottage lawn.
Seems that wasn't the actual septic tank (didn't smell-as a clue)- more likely part of the weeping field (great name, no? - we have a weeping field). But they dug til they found the tank and discover it was also caving in (it did smell). So now we have two holes (one of which smells). Not certain we're going in the right direction here. And we have a series of summer tenents arriving early June. Some of whom read this blog. So - if you're coming to the cottage I want you to know this:
Everything's F.I.N.E. And I say that sincerely. Now, a few new suggestions - you might want to cut back on fibre and fruits, and consider having a good old fashioned festival du fromage.
Oh, I hear Michael on the phone with Dwayne arranging for a backhoe. More holes.
Life.
Today started early and cold. Very cold. And very early. Alarm sounded at 5:30 - I rolled over. Michael got up then I dragged myself out of bed, dressed etc - and was in the car before 6. Waving goodbye to Michael and Trudy.
I had a 9am dental appointment in Montreal. A 3 hour appointment.
As soon as I sat down he said to his assistant, 'Get the hammer ready, just in case.'
I started to laugh, thinking he was kidding. he wasn't. Now, there's a sentence you never want to hear from your dentist...or doctor, actually. or accountant.
Happily, the hammer wasn't necessary. Nor was the chain saw or jaws of life. and three hours later i left.
Normally three hour dentist appointment, that involved a 3 hour drive, isn't top of my fun list. But, I happen to adore my dentist and his assistant, and his receptionist and have been going there for about 90 years - since a 1/2 hour in the chair is about a year in normal time. But mostly this was terrific because I REALLY needed the quiet time to think.
Yesterday I worked on the book from 9:30 - as soon as we returned from breakfast (french toast and coffee) to 9 last night. I wrote about a thousand words then decided I needed to map out the remainder of the book. In doing that I realized I'd created a couple of huge structural problems. I was appalled. And felt a little stressed and sick.
How to solve the problems??
How fortunate, then, to have three hours in the car alone, with my music - and my thoughts. And sure enough, a few ideas came. Not sure if they're enough - but a start.
I actually vascillated between really, really wanting not to go, but to get down to writing - to actively solving the problem...throwing myself against the book, over and over, until it shifts.
But I know this was for the best. And now I can hardly wait to get at it, with this new plan. Part of it involved actually writing the final scene...then working backwards and forwards...and meeting someplace I hope.
However, I plan to have the hammer ready, just in case.
Had a lovely interview with the Ottawa Citizen yesterday. A man named James...felt more like a fun conversation...hope I didn't say anything too ridiculous...like claiming to have been nominated for an Anthony Award this year.
WAIT!
That actually happened!!! Had the official announcement yesterday morning! THE CRUELEST MONTH has been nominated for an Anthony in the US for Best Novel!!! This, I have to say, is hugely prestigous and exciting.
The other nominees are:
Best Novel
Trigger City by Sean Chercover [William Morrow]
The Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly [Little, Brown and Company]
Red Knife by William Kent Krueger [Atria]
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson [Knopf]
The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny [Minotaur]
Best First Novel
Pushing Up Daisies by Rosemary Harris [Minotaur]
Stalking Susan by Julie Kramer [Doubleday]
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson [Knopf]
Death of a Cozy Writer by G.M. Malliet [Midnight Ink]
Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith [Grand Central]
The awards will be given out at Bouchercon in mid-October in Indianapolis.
This is thrilling - especially given the company! Congratulations to all.
Between replying to congratulatory messages and interviews we were dealing with sewage - well, septic systems anyway. The universe has a way of balancing things out! Our friend Dwayne came by and he, Tony and Michael tried to decode the hole in the guest cottage lawn.
Seems that wasn't the actual septic tank (didn't smell-as a clue)- more likely part of the weeping field (great name, no? - we have a weeping field). But they dug til they found the tank and discover it was also caving in (it did smell). So now we have two holes (one of which smells). Not certain we're going in the right direction here. And we have a series of summer tenents arriving early June. Some of whom read this blog. So - if you're coming to the cottage I want you to know this:
Everything's F.I.N.E. And I say that sincerely. Now, a few new suggestions - you might want to cut back on fibre and fruits, and consider having a good old fashioned festival du fromage.
Oh, I hear Michael on the phone with Dwayne arranging for a backhoe. More holes.
Life.
Wednesday, 22 October 2008
First snow
rain, sleet, yuck. temps 3
Michael called this morning to say Good Morning, and to report that there was a layer of snow at home. He took the puppies around the pond, tossing the tennis ball, which quickly disappeared. But he found a bright orange one, and they all had fun with that. Our Golden's adore the snow. His plan is to stay home, light a fire, and read.
I'm worried that he'd beginning to deeply appreciate the peace and quiet when I'm gone. Well, God knows, he deserves it!
While he was relaxing by the fire, watching the snow, stroking the dogs, I was at the dentist. Cleaning. I hate it. Not because it hurts, but because I'm always afraid they'll say, 'Tsk, tsk. They'll all have to come out.'
They've never said that - except in my head. And once again I appreciate that nothing I've ever feared has actually happened. Except in my head.
Had huge fun last night at the library in Pierrefonds. Terrific audience, which included some aspiring writers, and that's always fun. The librarian, Julie, is young and energetic and funny. A real pleasure.
Have an event tonight at the library in Pointe Claire...7pm...along with a number of other Montreal crime writers including NAT Grant, Robert Landoori and Michael Blair. Looking forward to that, if not to the drive. As I walked back from the dentist it started to sleet - mix of rain and snow. Fortunately not freezing rain. And I'm sure it will clear up by tonight.
Must go. Have to beg the superintendent of the building to allow me to leave the car in the outside lot for 10 days.
Am off to Muncie early tomorrow morning, but will try to blog when I arrive tomorrow afternoon. Am there for Magna Cum Murder.
Michael called this morning to say Good Morning, and to report that there was a layer of snow at home. He took the puppies around the pond, tossing the tennis ball, which quickly disappeared. But he found a bright orange one, and they all had fun with that. Our Golden's adore the snow. His plan is to stay home, light a fire, and read.
I'm worried that he'd beginning to deeply appreciate the peace and quiet when I'm gone. Well, God knows, he deserves it!
While he was relaxing by the fire, watching the snow, stroking the dogs, I was at the dentist. Cleaning. I hate it. Not because it hurts, but because I'm always afraid they'll say, 'Tsk, tsk. They'll all have to come out.'
They've never said that - except in my head. And once again I appreciate that nothing I've ever feared has actually happened. Except in my head.
Had huge fun last night at the library in Pierrefonds. Terrific audience, which included some aspiring writers, and that's always fun. The librarian, Julie, is young and energetic and funny. A real pleasure.
Have an event tonight at the library in Pointe Claire...7pm...along with a number of other Montreal crime writers including NAT Grant, Robert Landoori and Michael Blair. Looking forward to that, if not to the drive. As I walked back from the dentist it started to sleet - mix of rain and snow. Fortunately not freezing rain. And I'm sure it will clear up by tonight.
Must go. Have to beg the superintendent of the building to allow me to leave the car in the outside lot for 10 days.
Am off to Muncie early tomorrow morning, but will try to blog when I arrive tomorrow afternoon. Am there for Magna Cum Murder.
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