rain, sun, rain, sun, rain...temps 16, 12, 16, 12, 16...
Oh, well. Could be worse. I could still be writing the first draft of Bury Your Dead and Michael could still be in the septic tank.
Lupins are blooming! Honeysuckle is out, roses and peony in tight bud. Asperagus harvested! Dock in, yesterday.
Ooops, said Tony, kneeling on the wooden island while Michael and I stood on the part fixed to land. Tony was drifting further out into the pond and the attachment could just barely be seen disappearing to the bottom.
Oh my.
Michael and I did what we do best. We stood and watched. Tony did what he does best - he did something. Grabbed the ladder, as yet unattached to the dock, and slung it across to us. We grabbed it, and no more oops. Except that the attachement was now on the bottom of the pond. Tony though looked into his plastic bag of 'stuff' and found, miraculously, another attachment. And within minutes the dock was whole and Tony was restored to dry land.
Nothing to it.
Our home is called 'Common Ground' because that's what we believe in finding. However we're thinking of re-naming it 'Ooops'.
Had breakfast with Joan this morning. What bliss to be able to re-connect with friends. Called Cheryl but we couldn't organize a time this weekend so I'll call when we return from our trip. Heading to Montreal tomorrow, then on to Toronto for the reading at the Toronto Reference Library Tuesday night. The amazing Wendy Mesley will be reading an excerpt from The Murder Stone. Then she and I will slip away for dinner. If you'd like to come it's going to be huge fun. Books for sale too, and other authors like Gail Bowen and Linwood Barclay. It starts at 7pm and is in the Beeton Auditorium - Toronto Reference Library - 789 Yonge St. Love to see you there.
Then heading to Ottawa Wednesdya morning...have a CBC interview live at 4:40 in studio in Ottawa. Then Thursday is the Arthur Ellis awards - The Murder Stone is up for Best Novel. And Bloody Words starts Friday. Denise Mina is the International Guest of Honour. Barbara Fradkin the local and I'm the Canadian Guest of Honour. So amazingly humbling to be honoured at home like this. I'm so moved. And thrilled.
But - have to say - it's hard to leave home when everything's so beautiful. There have been years when we've headed out at this time for several weeks and I've been in tears knowing i'd miss the peony and first flush of roses and the lupins. Such agony to leave.
It still is, but this time I know we'll be home in just over a week.
And I'm so looking forward to the events and seeing good friends.
Just finished exercising for the day. Great news - my pants are loose - and the ones I wore last summer are also loose...or at least not tight! I do ten minutes a day on the ellipical. Shouldn't really be working as well as it is, but perhaps my body is in shock. But Susan gave me a great tip...she does an elliptical too...she suggested doing some minutes with just the legs...so that's what I do...about half the time flat out - just legs. Almost kills me. But it works.
I'm exceptionally lazy and impatient, so a quick intense burst suits my personality. And, apparently, my body. Then i can relax.
Michael's finished the proof pages for The Brutal Telling - wonderful man. I have a manuscript I'm reading with a view to endorsing...want to finish before the end of the day today.
2 loads of laundry in.
A light day.
Will blog from the road - give you updates. Be well...and speak soon.
Sunday, 31 May 2009
Thursday, 28 May 2009
Six letters I've been longing to write!!
Cloudy, showers, cool, temps 10
Yayayay!
At 4:05 this afternoon I wrote:
THE END
Oh, my God - an amazing, blessed, feeling. I sat back on the sofa, raised my arms, put my heard back and yelled, 'Yay!' Then I said a little prayer of thanks. Then I says "Yay!' again.
yippee.
Michael had been so amazing - looking after everything else for three months while I wrote like a fiend.
And - as though life could get any better - the septic tank is in (again!) and the city inspector says it's OK!!!!
Off to Knowlton tomorrow morning to celebrate with breakfast...containers of crap, and a new book. Perfect!
This is the first draft, still need to do revisions and editing and fine tuning and all that...but for me (and I suspect most writers) the first draft is the hardest.
tomorrow I need to update stuff for my agent and write a speech...but what don't I have to do???
oh yes - write a first draft!!!!
THE END
Yayayay!
At 4:05 this afternoon I wrote:
THE END
Oh, my God - an amazing, blessed, feeling. I sat back on the sofa, raised my arms, put my heard back and yelled, 'Yay!' Then I said a little prayer of thanks. Then I says "Yay!' again.
yippee.
Michael had been so amazing - looking after everything else for three months while I wrote like a fiend.
And - as though life could get any better - the septic tank is in (again!) and the city inspector says it's OK!!!!
Off to Knowlton tomorrow morning to celebrate with breakfast...containers of crap, and a new book. Perfect!
This is the first draft, still need to do revisions and editing and fine tuning and all that...but for me (and I suspect most writers) the first draft is the hardest.
tomorrow I need to update stuff for my agent and write a speech...but what don't I have to do???
oh yes - write a first draft!!!!
THE END
Tuesday, 26 May 2009
crazy talk
sunny, chill, but warming up temp 10
Frost warning last night! Honestly, what is it with this spring? No snow in March but a frost warning when it's almost June. Lise was very wise not to put our annual or vegetables in yet!
Lovely day now, though. Warmer, and sunny.
Just exercised - not pretty. I think some people do all sorts of things and look adorable. Cry, eat, exercise. I just look like a maniac, a glutton and a slimy lunatic, in that order. Of course, if I didn't eat so much I wouldn't have to exercise so much, and that would look after two of the three. Though there would be a lot more crying.
Two more big scenes to write and the book should be finished. Well, the first draft anyway. Then going out and doing promotion etc in June...then back in July in time to do the first edit, or revision. This one, though, isn't feeling as though it needs too too much editing. Too many characters - some will have to go...but I know which ones...and some characters change names partway through, and some change physical appearance and sex. My first drafts - now there's a mystery.
Some promotion stuff just arrived from the US publishers...needs work...and we're reading the proofs for THE BRUTAL TELLING. One thing that has definitely surprised me about the writers life is how much of it doesn't actually involve writing. Indeed, in my life, the writing is the easiest part. And God help me if I ever get behind. I feel as though I just get my head to the surface and a bunch more work drops. So if I didn't keep up, I'd drown.
Or - maybe nothing would really happen. I have a sense this is all crucial, but maybe not. Not - that's crazy talk. (put that in in case one of the publishers is reading this.)
Off to hose down. Yes, my days are that attractive.
Frost warning last night! Honestly, what is it with this spring? No snow in March but a frost warning when it's almost June. Lise was very wise not to put our annual or vegetables in yet!
Lovely day now, though. Warmer, and sunny.
Just exercised - not pretty. I think some people do all sorts of things and look adorable. Cry, eat, exercise. I just look like a maniac, a glutton and a slimy lunatic, in that order. Of course, if I didn't eat so much I wouldn't have to exercise so much, and that would look after two of the three. Though there would be a lot more crying.
Two more big scenes to write and the book should be finished. Well, the first draft anyway. Then going out and doing promotion etc in June...then back in July in time to do the first edit, or revision. This one, though, isn't feeling as though it needs too too much editing. Too many characters - some will have to go...but I know which ones...and some characters change names partway through, and some change physical appearance and sex. My first drafts - now there's a mystery.
Some promotion stuff just arrived from the US publishers...needs work...and we're reading the proofs for THE BRUTAL TELLING. One thing that has definitely surprised me about the writers life is how much of it doesn't actually involve writing. Indeed, in my life, the writing is the easiest part. And God help me if I ever get behind. I feel as though I just get my head to the surface and a bunch more work drops. So if I didn't keep up, I'd drown.
Or - maybe nothing would really happen. I have a sense this is all crucial, but maybe not. Not - that's crazy talk. (put that in in case one of the publishers is reading this.)
Off to hose down. Yes, my days are that attractive.
Sunday, 24 May 2009
Focus
Mainly sunny, breezy, pleasant temps 20
Not too hot, not too cold. Very nice. But lit the fire this morning since it was a little cooler and some showers. Spent the day writing...can spot the end and am racing toward it...all I want to do is writem but need to stop since I get too tired and don't want to start making mistakes.
Love this stage - it's a real gift...the best part of the writing life. When it all makes sense...everything falling into place. The characters are doing what they need to do and I'm just their diarist.
Exciting.
Email won't work on my computers...small problem. Nancy came this morning and is flumoxed...but will return tomorrow to wrestle it to the ground. If anyone can, she can. And Gary's coming over to the guest house to fix the verandah - one post seems to have spent the past 30 years resting on the septic tank - which apparently isn't a great idea. And now that the tank has been changed, we need to change that, before the verandah collapses.
Always something. But - it's amazing - when you have your health, when you have love, and the writing is going well - it's hard to have a bad day!
Need to write the June Newsletter - must fly. Speak to you soon...I hope tomorrow but with focussing on the book I find my mind isn't on the blog. First things first.
But will blog when I can!
Not too hot, not too cold. Very nice. But lit the fire this morning since it was a little cooler and some showers. Spent the day writing...can spot the end and am racing toward it...all I want to do is writem but need to stop since I get too tired and don't want to start making mistakes.
Love this stage - it's a real gift...the best part of the writing life. When it all makes sense...everything falling into place. The characters are doing what they need to do and I'm just their diarist.
Exciting.
Email won't work on my computers...small problem. Nancy came this morning and is flumoxed...but will return tomorrow to wrestle it to the ground. If anyone can, she can. And Gary's coming over to the guest house to fix the verandah - one post seems to have spent the past 30 years resting on the septic tank - which apparently isn't a great idea. And now that the tank has been changed, we need to change that, before the verandah collapses.
Always something. But - it's amazing - when you have your health, when you have love, and the writing is going well - it's hard to have a bad day!
Need to write the June Newsletter - must fly. Speak to you soon...I hope tomorrow but with focussing on the book I find my mind isn't on the blog. First things first.
But will blog when I can!
Friday, 22 May 2009
The Great Unwashed
mainly sunny, mild, temps 20
Well, the septic tank is in. But it had some company. While showing the tank to the Pompage BM people yesterday Michael fell into the septic tank. Well, not all the way in, but far enough. He called me to say, in a little boy voice, 'I had an accident.' which could mean anything from 'I've broken my neck' to 'My ice cream fell from the cone.' At no stage did I think it could possibly mean, 'I fell into the septic tank.' A weeping field, maybe. Who hasn't? But a barrel full of poop?
Home he came, off came the clothes. and shoes. Into the washing machine they went, into the shower he went. A cup of tea and date square later and he was feeling better.
Honestly, that is not the way you want to go. Imagine that. And imagine the headlines... Man killed by fall...crap sought for questioning.
And just when we thought we'd seen the last of the damned tank we got a call about an hour ago from the city inspector. We'd put it 1 metre from the house (where the old tank ((and briefly Michael)) had been) - instead of 1.5 metres from the house.
So now we need to dig another hole. Oh well. Frankly, I don't think you can have too many holes in a lawn, but Michael disagrees.
Last night - all night - the alarm kept beeping. Not outright wailing, thank God, but a persistent beeping that was enough to drive us from our room and into a guest room. Called the alarm people and while Michael was supervising the septic situation, having intimate knowledge now of the tank, I supervised the repair of the alarm system. Which mostly meant staying out of Benoit's way.
We've made reservations to go to New York at the end of June. That's be wonderful. Staying at the W, I think.
Before that we have a few events, including being the Canadian Guest of Honour at Bloody Words. Denise Mina - a wonderful Scottish crime writer, is the International Guest of Honour. Received the schedule of my events for that. a one-on-one interview and two panels...and I need to give a short speech at the banquet on Saturday June 6th. Need to write that.
Am hoping to finish the first draft of book 6 by June 1st - then write the speech, then head off for an event in Toronto, then the Ellis awards banquet, then Bloody Words - then back to Montreal in time for the apartment move mid-June. Then off to New York.
whenever I feel stressed - which is fairly often these days - I remember my new mantra...at least it isn't a tank of crap. At least it isn't a tank of crap. Repeat after me. At least...
Well, the septic tank is in. But it had some company. While showing the tank to the Pompage BM people yesterday Michael fell into the septic tank. Well, not all the way in, but far enough. He called me to say, in a little boy voice, 'I had an accident.' which could mean anything from 'I've broken my neck' to 'My ice cream fell from the cone.' At no stage did I think it could possibly mean, 'I fell into the septic tank.' A weeping field, maybe. Who hasn't? But a barrel full of poop?
Home he came, off came the clothes. and shoes. Into the washing machine they went, into the shower he went. A cup of tea and date square later and he was feeling better.
Honestly, that is not the way you want to go. Imagine that. And imagine the headlines... Man killed by fall...crap sought for questioning.
And just when we thought we'd seen the last of the damned tank we got a call about an hour ago from the city inspector. We'd put it 1 metre from the house (where the old tank ((and briefly Michael)) had been) - instead of 1.5 metres from the house.
So now we need to dig another hole. Oh well. Frankly, I don't think you can have too many holes in a lawn, but Michael disagrees.
Last night - all night - the alarm kept beeping. Not outright wailing, thank God, but a persistent beeping that was enough to drive us from our room and into a guest room. Called the alarm people and while Michael was supervising the septic situation, having intimate knowledge now of the tank, I supervised the repair of the alarm system. Which mostly meant staying out of Benoit's way.
We've made reservations to go to New York at the end of June. That's be wonderful. Staying at the W, I think.
Before that we have a few events, including being the Canadian Guest of Honour at Bloody Words. Denise Mina - a wonderful Scottish crime writer, is the International Guest of Honour. Received the schedule of my events for that. a one-on-one interview and two panels...and I need to give a short speech at the banquet on Saturday June 6th. Need to write that.
Am hoping to finish the first draft of book 6 by June 1st - then write the speech, then head off for an event in Toronto, then the Ellis awards banquet, then Bloody Words - then back to Montreal in time for the apartment move mid-June. Then off to New York.
whenever I feel stressed - which is fairly often these days - I remember my new mantra...at least it isn't a tank of crap. At least it isn't a tank of crap. Repeat after me. At least...
Thursday, 21 May 2009
Beautiful Day
sunny, hot temps 25
Gorgeous, perfect Day. Wayne's out on the tractor, mowing the lawn...smells of fresh cut grass. As I walk around the pond, and near the house, I can smell the apple blossoms. Heaven. The fruit trees have exploded with colour. And the lilacs are close to blooming.
What a beautiful day.
Am halfway through the writing day, but paused to talk to Michael - and am on my way out to walk Trudy...Michael coming too. Makes such a nice break in the day.
The new Septic tank arrived at the guest cottage this morning. I haven't seen it, but Michael was there. He says it's enormous. We could live in it. Perhaps we could just leave it there on the lawn and convince guests its the outhouse. Just poop directly into it.
Maybe charge extra for the charm of it.
Enough, now, about our crap dramas. Except to say the old tank needs to be emptied later today before the new one goes in, so we called the people who do that. They're called Pompage BM...I'm not kidding.
Lovely day -
Am trying to find the soundtrack to a wonderful Canadian musical from the late 70's, early 80's called Billy Bishop Goes to War. I had it once, on tape, but lost it and now it appears out of 'print'. If anyone knows where I can find a copy, please let me know. Fantastic play/musical - set in WW1.
Must go - sunshine and puppy and husband waiting.
Writing going very well - phew.
Gorgeous, perfect Day. Wayne's out on the tractor, mowing the lawn...smells of fresh cut grass. As I walk around the pond, and near the house, I can smell the apple blossoms. Heaven. The fruit trees have exploded with colour. And the lilacs are close to blooming.
What a beautiful day.
Am halfway through the writing day, but paused to talk to Michael - and am on my way out to walk Trudy...Michael coming too. Makes such a nice break in the day.
The new Septic tank arrived at the guest cottage this morning. I haven't seen it, but Michael was there. He says it's enormous. We could live in it. Perhaps we could just leave it there on the lawn and convince guests its the outhouse. Just poop directly into it.
Maybe charge extra for the charm of it.
Enough, now, about our crap dramas. Except to say the old tank needs to be emptied later today before the new one goes in, so we called the people who do that. They're called Pompage BM...I'm not kidding.
Lovely day -
Am trying to find the soundtrack to a wonderful Canadian musical from the late 70's, early 80's called Billy Bishop Goes to War. I had it once, on tape, but lost it and now it appears out of 'print'. If anyone knows where I can find a copy, please let me know. Fantastic play/musical - set in WW1.
Must go - sunshine and puppy and husband waiting.
Writing going very well - phew.
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.
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