brilliant sunny day, temp 28
Gorgeous day! We had breakfast by the pool. One of those magical mornings. Then Michael sat outside and I went into the livingroom, fired up the laptop and got to work. Coming to the end....I think. Time to start revealing major things...but I find...well...I don't wanna. And you can't make me.
Oh, dear.
It's the oddest feeling. Wanting to hold onto the secrets as long as possible...maybe put them upside down at the end of the book. In pig latin.
Or, maybe I should just reveal them. Which, actually, I am. But it really was a struggle to let them out.
After writing for four hours Michael and I hopped in the bug (top down) and drove into Montreal. Michael's left eye was acting up, the one he'd had operated on a couple of years ago. We got into the eye doctor - and he said all was well. Yay!!! A false alarm, but so worth going in, for peace of mind. Was a time when Michael wouldn't tell me when something was wrong. But I tenderized him enough, over 17 years together, that he now tells me when he only thinks, maybe, something might be going wrong. Dr. Penny looks after the rest.
Sooo - hopped back into the car, drove across the Champlain bridge, which always feels great...and headed home.
With one pit-stop. Exit 55. Yippeee. Mcdonald's! We almost never go in - a few times a year, if that. And only when we're famished. Like today. Burgers, fries and a soft vanilla ice cream for the car.
Home by 5:30 - walked Trudy around the pond then Michael and I sat outside, sipped diet ginger and went over our agendas, trying to figure out our summer schedules. Have to say, that was fun...who is staying with us, when? Best not to double and triple book. Time for ourselves. Time for friends. Time to edit. (and maybe let out some secrets...)
Hope you had a great day too.
Showing posts with label writing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label writing. Show all posts
Monday, 6 June 2011
Sunday, 29 May 2011
Montreal
clearing skies, temps 20
Getting warmer - poured with rain briefly today - and now looking better.
Am in Montreal to get some quiet time to write. And need to do the newsletter too. Writing going well, I think. At that stage where things start to be revealed, and that's always thorny. When to expose things, in what order. How.
not totally sure I'm doing it right, but the best way to know is to keep writing and see if I get into trouble later. We'll see.
Not much to report. That's the purpose of coming into our small apartment. so that nothing else happens. No phones ring. No lunches or dinner with kind people. No conversations.
Just my own schedule. I eat when I want. Sleep when I want. Write almost all the time - but it somehow feels less stressful. I guess I'm not always worried about being interrupted. or have something else to do in the afternoon.
I feel the hot breath of time on my neck. As I mentioned, I need this book written before I leave on tour with A TRICK OF THE LIGHT. And I know I'll need at least three drafts. The first is the longest...the second can be difficult - often a lot of re-writing as I struggle to get the structure right. Then with the third I begin to work on the details, the fine points that are so fun. Ideally I like to have four or five drafts.
We'll see. I'd rather leave on tour with it not yet finished than send off a half-assed manuscript. But people look at how long I have before I have to hand it in, and it looks like a lot of time. Except that I know how much distance needs to be covered. It's like a chess game, in some ways, where you might be many moves from the end, but you already know if you're in trouble, or not.
So far, if I keep my head down and working I should be OK.
Happily, I, for the most part, like what I've done. But, honestly, I'll only really know when I start the second draft.
Nice weather ahead, apparently. that's wonderful!! Hope you're well.
Getting warmer - poured with rain briefly today - and now looking better.
Am in Montreal to get some quiet time to write. And need to do the newsletter too. Writing going well, I think. At that stage where things start to be revealed, and that's always thorny. When to expose things, in what order. How.
not totally sure I'm doing it right, but the best way to know is to keep writing and see if I get into trouble later. We'll see.
Not much to report. That's the purpose of coming into our small apartment. so that nothing else happens. No phones ring. No lunches or dinner with kind people. No conversations.
Just my own schedule. I eat when I want. Sleep when I want. Write almost all the time - but it somehow feels less stressful. I guess I'm not always worried about being interrupted. or have something else to do in the afternoon.
I feel the hot breath of time on my neck. As I mentioned, I need this book written before I leave on tour with A TRICK OF THE LIGHT. And I know I'll need at least three drafts. The first is the longest...the second can be difficult - often a lot of re-writing as I struggle to get the structure right. Then with the third I begin to work on the details, the fine points that are so fun. Ideally I like to have four or five drafts.
We'll see. I'd rather leave on tour with it not yet finished than send off a half-assed manuscript. But people look at how long I have before I have to hand it in, and it looks like a lot of time. Except that I know how much distance needs to be covered. It's like a chess game, in some ways, where you might be many moves from the end, but you already know if you're in trouble, or not.
So far, if I keep my head down and working I should be OK.
Happily, I, for the most part, like what I've done. But, honestly, I'll only really know when I start the second draft.
Nice weather ahead, apparently. that's wonderful!! Hope you're well.
Monday, 23 May 2011
A little bit more
mainly sunny, beautiful day - a cool breeze has just appeared. temps 26
But temperature going down. I think, while pleasant now, this cool breeze is bringing something with it. Still, it's been a gorgeous few days here. But, like so many, we awoke to the news, and terrible images, out of Joplin. So much destruction - so many dead and missing. The destruction, the force of it, is almost beyond belief.
Honestly, Michael and I both send out thoughts, and prayers. It sounds so empty, but it has meaning for us.
Back at home we had a lovely day yesterday. Sat outside with our morning cups of coffee - then into the living room. Lit a fire. Not that we needed it, but it's cheerful. then spent much of the day writing and speaking to friends and family. Sunday is like that.
Then off to the cottage for a bbq with Susan. She did these wonderful sausages from a farmer up the road - Breese. And made our favorite salad ever. Watermelon, flat leaf parsley, mint, spanish onions and feta. She also had corn bread muffins and did mushrooms and onions on the bbq. For dessert she'd prepared posset. A lemon cream confection. If we could eat heaven, it would taste like posset.
When susan comes to our place for dinner we just hope Trudy doesn't throw up on her. We consider it even.
Today was a wonderful day - with absolutely no agenda except to write. Awoke to lovely sun. had breakfast by the pool, then washed the bedding and hung it outside to dry. Lovely to see the white sheets flapping in the wind.
then went inside, lit the fire and spent nine hours writing, and editing, and re-writing.
Normally I try not to edit too much on a first draft. But this was another pivotal and delicate scene, and I just knew it wasn't right. And I was worried that if this was even slightly off, almost unnoticeable, the balance of the book would get further and further away from what I want to say.
The setting was right. The characters were right. the elements were right. But there was a better way of telling it all. That would be delicate and subtle and multi-dimensional while appearing to be straight forward.
It was very tempting to just leave it, and fix on the re-write. And that might have worked. Frankly, at this stage, I'm just desperate to finish. I'm running a step ahead of exhaustion. Not physical, but a sort of mental and creative tired. In the marrow. But I keep saying to myself to just keep going. Another step. And make it beautiful. Make it right. make it meaningful. And then another. And then another.
Don't flag, I tell myself. And never, ever give into the syndrome that dogged me much of my youth. Good enough. Or, as my brother Doug calls it, Cloud 8.
Close. Close enough.
But I know what lies down that road. Disappointment. In the outcome, but mostly in myself.
I really love this book. the setting, the themes. They mean something to me. It's not just words, and not just a story. And I worry that I'm not going to do it justice. But then I whisper to myself - just one step. And make it beautiful, Make it joyous. Make it meaningful.
Because this is an important element in my life. And at the end of it I don't want to look back on a whole lot of, Good Enough. And when I look at what happens to many, many people - like those in Joplin - I think, how dare I buckle under so light a weight. Whatever burden I'm carrying is of my own making. And easily borne.
I don't expect this book, or any, to be perfect. But I do expect that they will be filled with the best I can give. And then, perhaps, a little bit more.
Hope you're well, and able to bear whatever weight you've been given. I know that you so often lighten my load, make me smile and feel not at all alone. thank you. I hope it isn't a one-way street.
Be well, my friends.
But temperature going down. I think, while pleasant now, this cool breeze is bringing something with it. Still, it's been a gorgeous few days here. But, like so many, we awoke to the news, and terrible images, out of Joplin. So much destruction - so many dead and missing. The destruction, the force of it, is almost beyond belief.
Honestly, Michael and I both send out thoughts, and prayers. It sounds so empty, but it has meaning for us.
Back at home we had a lovely day yesterday. Sat outside with our morning cups of coffee - then into the living room. Lit a fire. Not that we needed it, but it's cheerful. then spent much of the day writing and speaking to friends and family. Sunday is like that.
Then off to the cottage for a bbq with Susan. She did these wonderful sausages from a farmer up the road - Breese. And made our favorite salad ever. Watermelon, flat leaf parsley, mint, spanish onions and feta. She also had corn bread muffins and did mushrooms and onions on the bbq. For dessert she'd prepared posset. A lemon cream confection. If we could eat heaven, it would taste like posset.
When susan comes to our place for dinner we just hope Trudy doesn't throw up on her. We consider it even.
Today was a wonderful day - with absolutely no agenda except to write. Awoke to lovely sun. had breakfast by the pool, then washed the bedding and hung it outside to dry. Lovely to see the white sheets flapping in the wind.
then went inside, lit the fire and spent nine hours writing, and editing, and re-writing.
Normally I try not to edit too much on a first draft. But this was another pivotal and delicate scene, and I just knew it wasn't right. And I was worried that if this was even slightly off, almost unnoticeable, the balance of the book would get further and further away from what I want to say.
The setting was right. The characters were right. the elements were right. But there was a better way of telling it all. That would be delicate and subtle and multi-dimensional while appearing to be straight forward.
It was very tempting to just leave it, and fix on the re-write. And that might have worked. Frankly, at this stage, I'm just desperate to finish. I'm running a step ahead of exhaustion. Not physical, but a sort of mental and creative tired. In the marrow. But I keep saying to myself to just keep going. Another step. And make it beautiful. Make it right. make it meaningful. And then another. And then another.
Don't flag, I tell myself. And never, ever give into the syndrome that dogged me much of my youth. Good enough. Or, as my brother Doug calls it, Cloud 8.
Close. Close enough.
But I know what lies down that road. Disappointment. In the outcome, but mostly in myself.
I really love this book. the setting, the themes. They mean something to me. It's not just words, and not just a story. And I worry that I'm not going to do it justice. But then I whisper to myself - just one step. And make it beautiful, Make it joyous. Make it meaningful.
Because this is an important element in my life. And at the end of it I don't want to look back on a whole lot of, Good Enough. And when I look at what happens to many, many people - like those in Joplin - I think, how dare I buckle under so light a weight. Whatever burden I'm carrying is of my own making. And easily borne.
I don't expect this book, or any, to be perfect. But I do expect that they will be filled with the best I can give. And then, perhaps, a little bit more.
Hope you're well, and able to bear whatever weight you've been given. I know that you so often lighten my load, make me smile and feel not at all alone. thank you. I hope it isn't a one-way street.
Be well, my friends.
Wednesday, 11 May 2011
Spring in Montreal
sunny, warm, temps 18
We're in Montreal for the day - came in to meet a reporter from Le Devoir, one of the big Quebec papers. Wrote this morning. I wanted to move on to a new chapter, but found myself editing the former one. It's a tricky chapter, lots of stuff, but I don;t it to read like there's a lot there. Want it to zoom along, so you get the info, the character development, the clues, the themes - without even realizing it.
But, we'll see tomorrow. And then move on.
Had fun with the reporter Catherine and the photographer, Anik. We sat on the terrasse on Greene Avenue, chatting and watching the world walk by. I have to say, this is a spectacular city, and so beautiful in spring. Walking over to the bistro, past all the open tulips, with the trees in new bloom, and a sweet scent in the air. so lucky neither Michael nor I have allergies!
It really was a beautiful day.
Except - poor Michael has a cold! Got all the way through fall and winter without one, but come spring and he gets it. It started coming on three days ago, but not bad. We both kept saying how lucky he was - especailly to escape the raw throat (always the worst part of a cold)...then last night, middle of the night, he woke up with a terrible sore throat.
A stretsil and neocitran later and he fell asleep. Today he sounds like an animated character. I thought he'd spend the day in bed, but after breakfast in bed he got up and got to work on his book.
Hope you're all OK. We're watching all the flooding - so stressful. Can't begin to imagine how horrible it would be, to see the water rising. Hope you're not caught up in it.
We're in Montreal for the day - came in to meet a reporter from Le Devoir, one of the big Quebec papers. Wrote this morning. I wanted to move on to a new chapter, but found myself editing the former one. It's a tricky chapter, lots of stuff, but I don;t it to read like there's a lot there. Want it to zoom along, so you get the info, the character development, the clues, the themes - without even realizing it.
But, we'll see tomorrow. And then move on.
Had fun with the reporter Catherine and the photographer, Anik. We sat on the terrasse on Greene Avenue, chatting and watching the world walk by. I have to say, this is a spectacular city, and so beautiful in spring. Walking over to the bistro, past all the open tulips, with the trees in new bloom, and a sweet scent in the air. so lucky neither Michael nor I have allergies!
It really was a beautiful day.
Except - poor Michael has a cold! Got all the way through fall and winter without one, but come spring and he gets it. It started coming on three days ago, but not bad. We both kept saying how lucky he was - especailly to escape the raw throat (always the worst part of a cold)...then last night, middle of the night, he woke up with a terrible sore throat.
A stretsil and neocitran later and he fell asleep. Today he sounds like an animated character. I thought he'd spend the day in bed, but after breakfast in bed he got up and got to work on his book.
Hope you're all OK. We're watching all the flooding - so stressful. Can't begin to imagine how horrible it would be, to see the water rising. Hope you're not caught up in it.
Saturday, 7 May 2011
Betty Crocker and Gary to the rescue
mainly sunny, mild, temps 17 - rain has finally stopped!!!
wonderful spring day. Brought in the first bunch of daffodils from the cutting garden. Tony put the dock in, and Michael saw fish this morning. All the trees in bloom. some of the lilac have tiny, mini stalks. Tulips about to open. A glorious time.
Last night, just as i turned off the television and was heading to bed, I heard a boom! From the basement. Now, we have a very old furnace and a couple of very old, and apparently leaking, oil tanks down there (which we're hoping in replace in a few weeks with a geo-thermal unit). My first thought was, 'Oh, merde - there goes the house.' Then I heard a loud hissing sound and I knew what it was.
A pipe had burst.
I called Michael and we raced downstairs. And sure enough, water was spraying everywhere. So much that we weren't sure where the actual leak was. the good news was that it wasn't inside one of the walls. So then we raced back upstairs and while Michael called Gary (poor guy - late on Friday night...that'll teach him to answer his phone!) I grabbed the flashlight. Trudy was pretty excited. I'm not sure she's ever seen Mom and Dad move so fast. We ran back down into the basement, Gary on the phone. And we found the burst pipe. It was right by the stone wall. And - how lucky was this - there was a shut-off valve right there. So with Gary talking us through it we squeezed between the oil tank and the wall - getting absolutely drenched - it was like having a powerful hose turned on us (fortunately cold water, not hot). Reached the valve. And turned.
The water miraculously stopped.
Spent the next few minutes thanking Gary and taking sodden pillows etc upstairs to dry.
But really - when you think that this could have happened a week ago, when we were in Washington. Now, Pat and Tony would have caught it, but they might have been out for the day. or it could have happened while Michael and I were asleep.
But it didn't. So now Gary's coming tomorrow to try to figure out what went wrong. Burst pipes aren't terribly unusual here - but they almost always happen in the middle of winter, after water freezes in the pipe. So - another mystery.
Speaking of which, I'm back to writing. yesterday I spent the day re-reading and editing, in an effort to get back into the groove. It's not so much the characters - I know and feel them. Nor is it the setting. It's picking up all the threads of the story, and the themes.
It is remarkably scary. And hard work. But then, whose job isn't? And who doesn't sometimes dread going to work?
I was determined not to spend anotehr day editing. it's so easy for me to hide in there - pretending it's writing, when it isn't. Instead, I knew I had to actually write. Even if what I wrote was terrible...it was crucial to get some original work down. And, I did. More than 1,000 words. So now I feel like I'm almost back into the swim. So glad I can stay home and finish the book. I hope to be finished by the beginning of june.
Baked a cake today. A friend is celebrating a birthday and I said I'd do the cake. And then, just as the words came out I remembered something it might have been useful to remember a few moments earlier. My friend owns a wonderful restaurant - and is a fabulous cook.
oh oh.
I've never met a cake mix I didn't use.
My only hope, faint as it is, is that she's such a fabulous and accomplished chef she's never actually tasted a cake made from a mix, and so might mistake Betty Crocker for Louise penny. Either that, or she'll be too polite to say anything.
Still, it was fun to intersperse writing with baking a chocolate cake. And the whole house now smells of wood smoke, cafe au lait and chocolate cake. Michael looks like he's become a crack head. Goofy smile on his face.
Off to do the icing (and by 'do' I mean open the can).
Thank you, Lee Ann, for a beautiful, beautiful post. I realize that sentence comes out of the blue, but I didn't want to just end without acknowledging what Lee Ann gave us - and her struggle to find the words. A struggle that inspired me today. if Lee Ann can write about Thomas and Bin laden, then surely I can find the courage to write fiction.
Thank you, Lee Ann.
wonderful spring day. Brought in the first bunch of daffodils from the cutting garden. Tony put the dock in, and Michael saw fish this morning. All the trees in bloom. some of the lilac have tiny, mini stalks. Tulips about to open. A glorious time.
Last night, just as i turned off the television and was heading to bed, I heard a boom! From the basement. Now, we have a very old furnace and a couple of very old, and apparently leaking, oil tanks down there (which we're hoping in replace in a few weeks with a geo-thermal unit). My first thought was, 'Oh, merde - there goes the house.' Then I heard a loud hissing sound and I knew what it was.
A pipe had burst.
I called Michael and we raced downstairs. And sure enough, water was spraying everywhere. So much that we weren't sure where the actual leak was. the good news was that it wasn't inside one of the walls. So then we raced back upstairs and while Michael called Gary (poor guy - late on Friday night...that'll teach him to answer his phone!) I grabbed the flashlight. Trudy was pretty excited. I'm not sure she's ever seen Mom and Dad move so fast. We ran back down into the basement, Gary on the phone. And we found the burst pipe. It was right by the stone wall. And - how lucky was this - there was a shut-off valve right there. So with Gary talking us through it we squeezed between the oil tank and the wall - getting absolutely drenched - it was like having a powerful hose turned on us (fortunately cold water, not hot). Reached the valve. And turned.
The water miraculously stopped.
Spent the next few minutes thanking Gary and taking sodden pillows etc upstairs to dry.
But really - when you think that this could have happened a week ago, when we were in Washington. Now, Pat and Tony would have caught it, but they might have been out for the day. or it could have happened while Michael and I were asleep.
But it didn't. So now Gary's coming tomorrow to try to figure out what went wrong. Burst pipes aren't terribly unusual here - but they almost always happen in the middle of winter, after water freezes in the pipe. So - another mystery.
Speaking of which, I'm back to writing. yesterday I spent the day re-reading and editing, in an effort to get back into the groove. It's not so much the characters - I know and feel them. Nor is it the setting. It's picking up all the threads of the story, and the themes.
It is remarkably scary. And hard work. But then, whose job isn't? And who doesn't sometimes dread going to work?
I was determined not to spend anotehr day editing. it's so easy for me to hide in there - pretending it's writing, when it isn't. Instead, I knew I had to actually write. Even if what I wrote was terrible...it was crucial to get some original work down. And, I did. More than 1,000 words. So now I feel like I'm almost back into the swim. So glad I can stay home and finish the book. I hope to be finished by the beginning of june.
Baked a cake today. A friend is celebrating a birthday and I said I'd do the cake. And then, just as the words came out I remembered something it might have been useful to remember a few moments earlier. My friend owns a wonderful restaurant - and is a fabulous cook.
oh oh.
I've never met a cake mix I didn't use.
My only hope, faint as it is, is that she's such a fabulous and accomplished chef she's never actually tasted a cake made from a mix, and so might mistake Betty Crocker for Louise penny. Either that, or she'll be too polite to say anything.
Still, it was fun to intersperse writing with baking a chocolate cake. And the whole house now smells of wood smoke, cafe au lait and chocolate cake. Michael looks like he's become a crack head. Goofy smile on his face.
Off to do the icing (and by 'do' I mean open the can).
Thank you, Lee Ann, for a beautiful, beautiful post. I realize that sentence comes out of the blue, but I didn't want to just end without acknowledging what Lee Ann gave us - and her struggle to find the words. A struggle that inspired me today. if Lee Ann can write about Thomas and Bin laden, then surely I can find the courage to write fiction.
Thank you, Lee Ann.
Sunday, 24 April 2011
Peepers
a little overcast now, cool, temps 4
Happy Easter, Happy Passover, Happy Spring.
Yesterday it pelted rain, but that meant all the snow is well and truly gone, until the next storm. But none in the forecast, for now.
One wonderful sign of spring that I often forget is the peepers. The early frogs in the ponds and marshlands. We have two ponds around our home, and quite a bit of wetlands. At dusk and dawn especially, you can hear them. In fact, driving along the country road you can tell when passing wetlands because there's a near deafening sounds of frogs.
We always worry when there's the inevitable cold snap or snow - and for a few days the peepers disappear - but then they come back. Like the earliest spring flowers. How in the world do the crocuses and bluebells survive a heavy layer of snow. But they do. The snow goes and the flowers are still in bloom. Ain't nature grand?
Doug left at 6 this morning. We stayed up, made breakfast and ate in front of the fireplace. While I got to work. Good day. Lots of re-organizing, and re-familiarizing myself with where I was at in the book. Getting back in to that world. I'm still worried this first draft is long...but they always are.
Especially when I set one in a different place, in this case, the monastery. I take a long time creating that world. Much longer than will ever appear in the final book. More for myself really. Then I can edit in the next draft.
I keep telling myself not to worry. And then I worry. More of a nag, really, than that sharp thrust of real concern.
Nice day. Very quiet. Great for concentrating.
Something else about peepers. We never see them. As we get close, they go quiet and disappear. I'm not sure I've ever seen one. Seen loads of frogs in the summer...but not these.
Take care of yourselves.
Happy Easter, Happy Passover, Happy Spring.
Yesterday it pelted rain, but that meant all the snow is well and truly gone, until the next storm. But none in the forecast, for now.
One wonderful sign of spring that I often forget is the peepers. The early frogs in the ponds and marshlands. We have two ponds around our home, and quite a bit of wetlands. At dusk and dawn especially, you can hear them. In fact, driving along the country road you can tell when passing wetlands because there's a near deafening sounds of frogs.
We always worry when there's the inevitable cold snap or snow - and for a few days the peepers disappear - but then they come back. Like the earliest spring flowers. How in the world do the crocuses and bluebells survive a heavy layer of snow. But they do. The snow goes and the flowers are still in bloom. Ain't nature grand?
Doug left at 6 this morning. We stayed up, made breakfast and ate in front of the fireplace. While I got to work. Good day. Lots of re-organizing, and re-familiarizing myself with where I was at in the book. Getting back in to that world. I'm still worried this first draft is long...but they always are.
Especially when I set one in a different place, in this case, the monastery. I take a long time creating that world. Much longer than will ever appear in the final book. More for myself really. Then I can edit in the next draft.
I keep telling myself not to worry. And then I worry. More of a nag, really, than that sharp thrust of real concern.
Nice day. Very quiet. Great for concentrating.
Something else about peepers. We never see them. As we get close, they go quiet and disappear. I'm not sure I've ever seen one. Seen loads of frogs in the summer...but not these.
Take care of yourselves.
Wednesday, 13 April 2011
Death, where is thy sting?
overcast, drizzle, temps 5
A typical April day here. But actually, perfect. It feels and smells like spring. Fall is often described as musky smelling, but I find spring more so. Fall I always find smells quite sweet, as all the leaves and pine needs warm in the sun. But in the spring they've all sort of fermented and turned to mud.
You can see why I don't write travel brochures for Quebec.
Ah, to be in Montreal now that April is here. Smells like fermented mud. I can just see the poster too. Actually, choosing to concentrate on the mud is a kindness for Quebec in spring.
We have had a very embarrassing infestation of fruit flies off and on since late summer, early autumn. Right by where we keep the small compost container in the kitchen. We put on our thinking caps and came to the conclusion the fruit flies might be from, just might, the small compost container. In the kitchen.
So we bought a new container. Still flies.
We put all the fruit in the fridge. Even more flies.
Got rid of all food on the counter, including oils and vinegars. Even more flies. It was as though they were being born out of thin air. A miracle, of sorts. Virgin births. In our kitchen.
thankfully, Tony showed us a trick to catch them. He put small yogurt containers around, put beer into each, covered them with saran, kept in place with an elastic band, and picked lots of holes in the top of the saran using a toothpick.
The fruit flies, while perhaps tiny miracles, weren't above a trip to the tavern. Each morning we'd find a huge number of flies in the beer. As WC Fields said, 'Drown in a vat of whiskey, eh? Death where is thy sting?'
But still, they kept coming. We'd finally had enough and called an exterminator, who came today. We left, took trudy, so that not more than the flies would get it. The joys of living in the country. Tony also reminded us to take down our bird feeder so the bear didn't get it this year.
We're surrounded. Clouds of fruit flies in the kitchen, bears outside.
Well, more fodder for the tourism campaign.
I'm so sorry to have disappointed those of you hoping we could meet in St Louis for Bouchercon. I genuinely am sorry. Especially those of you making the trip specially. I hope our paths will cross on another tour stop, though.
And thank you all, for your supportive comments....and your wonderful birthday wishes for Michael! he read them all and really appreciates every one of them!
Well, back to work. Wrote 3,000 words today....but now I've figured out my rhythm for this section of the book. I put a huge number of words on the page one day...then the next day or so I go back over them and shape them. Then move forward and do the same thing...so I progress in steps. Trying not to call it 'lurches'. It actually feels exactly right, for this section. Each stage, and indeed each book, seems to have its own needs and pace. And approach.
Off to do a CTV interview tomorrow afternoon, after my writing day. Then to Quebec Ctiy this weekend for the Salon du Livres. It's also our friend Susan's birthday, so I've asked if she'd like to come along. She didn't need much convincing, since QC is just about her favorite place too. So we'll have a gals weekend in Quebec! But I'll speak to you before then, and I'll try to blog from there.
A typical April day here. But actually, perfect. It feels and smells like spring. Fall is often described as musky smelling, but I find spring more so. Fall I always find smells quite sweet, as all the leaves and pine needs warm in the sun. But in the spring they've all sort of fermented and turned to mud.
You can see why I don't write travel brochures for Quebec.
Ah, to be in Montreal now that April is here. Smells like fermented mud. I can just see the poster too. Actually, choosing to concentrate on the mud is a kindness for Quebec in spring.
We have had a very embarrassing infestation of fruit flies off and on since late summer, early autumn. Right by where we keep the small compost container in the kitchen. We put on our thinking caps and came to the conclusion the fruit flies might be from, just might, the small compost container. In the kitchen.
So we bought a new container. Still flies.
We put all the fruit in the fridge. Even more flies.
Got rid of all food on the counter, including oils and vinegars. Even more flies. It was as though they were being born out of thin air. A miracle, of sorts. Virgin births. In our kitchen.
thankfully, Tony showed us a trick to catch them. He put small yogurt containers around, put beer into each, covered them with saran, kept in place with an elastic band, and picked lots of holes in the top of the saran using a toothpick.
The fruit flies, while perhaps tiny miracles, weren't above a trip to the tavern. Each morning we'd find a huge number of flies in the beer. As WC Fields said, 'Drown in a vat of whiskey, eh? Death where is thy sting?'
But still, they kept coming. We'd finally had enough and called an exterminator, who came today. We left, took trudy, so that not more than the flies would get it. The joys of living in the country. Tony also reminded us to take down our bird feeder so the bear didn't get it this year.
We're surrounded. Clouds of fruit flies in the kitchen, bears outside.
Well, more fodder for the tourism campaign.
I'm so sorry to have disappointed those of you hoping we could meet in St Louis for Bouchercon. I genuinely am sorry. Especially those of you making the trip specially. I hope our paths will cross on another tour stop, though.
And thank you all, for your supportive comments....and your wonderful birthday wishes for Michael! he read them all and really appreciates every one of them!
Well, back to work. Wrote 3,000 words today....but now I've figured out my rhythm for this section of the book. I put a huge number of words on the page one day...then the next day or so I go back over them and shape them. Then move forward and do the same thing...so I progress in steps. Trying not to call it 'lurches'. It actually feels exactly right, for this section. Each stage, and indeed each book, seems to have its own needs and pace. And approach.
Off to do a CTV interview tomorrow afternoon, after my writing day. Then to Quebec Ctiy this weekend for the Salon du Livres. It's also our friend Susan's birthday, so I've asked if she'd like to come along. She didn't need much convincing, since QC is just about her favorite place too. So we'll have a gals weekend in Quebec! But I'll speak to you before then, and I'll try to blog from there.
Friday, 25 March 2011
Terracotta Army
brilliant sunshine, cold, temps minus 6
Minus 6!!! And a wind. Ugh. Still, nice to see the sun.
Finally went out today - I realized I hadn't been outside since we arrived, Tuesday. So Michael and I went to Nick's on Greene Ave for breakfast (bacon and eggs and toast). Then home. He read his manuscript all morning, and I wrote. Took a little while to get into it. But once immersed it boomed along. I still fear I'm running in place - but I think that's just my stinking critic. And if I am, I'll fix it in the next draft. Have to keep reminding myself not to worry about those things at this time.
Just write. Whatever I want. Stay loose, leave my heart open for inspiration. Do not be fearful. All things I whisper to myself at this stage.
After we'd finished - about 1pm - Michael and I hopped in a cab and went to the Musee des beaux arts in Montreal to see the latest major show - China's Terracotta Army.
My God, it's magnificent!! All those warriors they found buried. Found them in 1974....and there are clearly many, many more to be excavated. Apparently it wasn't unusual for emperors to be buried with figurines...but those were all tiny. Miniature soldiers etc. This was the first time hundreds and hundreds of figures - larger than life - had been found.
It is breathtaking to actually see them. There were about 10 of them in the show - along with a couple of the terracotta horses and lots of other pieces found at the site. It was fascinating. And all from the very first emperor of China, so that itself was fascinating.
I, of course, finished in about a nano-second and was in the cafe. Actually, that's unfair...with art shows I often whiz through, but this was really more archeology and history - both of which I find riveting, so it took about three nano-seconds.
Michael, being Michael, stopped and read every bit of information available, including, I think, some of the exit signs and schematics of the Museum. And listened to the audio commentary. I honestly turned mine off after a while. I found the tone patronizing and the content oddly dull....for something so exciting. Happily they had a few films to watch, to really situate how extraordinary these terracotta warriors are.
Then back into a cab, to the corner of Greene and Ste Catherine - to pick up dry cleaning, mail a card, and get my hair done. Not on the street corner (though that would explain why I've never enjoyed the experience) but at a salon new to me. I just walked in - having had enough of my wild hair. Somehow (I think it was the very pretty receptionist) Michael ended up in the chair next to me, being shaved.
So now we're home, with our new do's.
Writing tomorrow morning, then back to Sutton. I wonder if I can talk Michael into another pizza tonight....
Minus 6!!! And a wind. Ugh. Still, nice to see the sun.
Finally went out today - I realized I hadn't been outside since we arrived, Tuesday. So Michael and I went to Nick's on Greene Ave for breakfast (bacon and eggs and toast). Then home. He read his manuscript all morning, and I wrote. Took a little while to get into it. But once immersed it boomed along. I still fear I'm running in place - but I think that's just my stinking critic. And if I am, I'll fix it in the next draft. Have to keep reminding myself not to worry about those things at this time.
Just write. Whatever I want. Stay loose, leave my heart open for inspiration. Do not be fearful. All things I whisper to myself at this stage.
After we'd finished - about 1pm - Michael and I hopped in a cab and went to the Musee des beaux arts in Montreal to see the latest major show - China's Terracotta Army.
My God, it's magnificent!! All those warriors they found buried. Found them in 1974....and there are clearly many, many more to be excavated. Apparently it wasn't unusual for emperors to be buried with figurines...but those were all tiny. Miniature soldiers etc. This was the first time hundreds and hundreds of figures - larger than life - had been found.
It is breathtaking to actually see them. There were about 10 of them in the show - along with a couple of the terracotta horses and lots of other pieces found at the site. It was fascinating. And all from the very first emperor of China, so that itself was fascinating.
I, of course, finished in about a nano-second and was in the cafe. Actually, that's unfair...with art shows I often whiz through, but this was really more archeology and history - both of which I find riveting, so it took about three nano-seconds.
Michael, being Michael, stopped and read every bit of information available, including, I think, some of the exit signs and schematics of the Museum. And listened to the audio commentary. I honestly turned mine off after a while. I found the tone patronizing and the content oddly dull....for something so exciting. Happily they had a few films to watch, to really situate how extraordinary these terracotta warriors are.
Then back into a cab, to the corner of Greene and Ste Catherine - to pick up dry cleaning, mail a card, and get my hair done. Not on the street corner (though that would explain why I've never enjoyed the experience) but at a salon new to me. I just walked in - having had enough of my wild hair. Somehow (I think it was the very pretty receptionist) Michael ended up in the chair next to me, being shaved.
So now we're home, with our new do's.
Writing tomorrow morning, then back to Sutton. I wonder if I can talk Michael into another pizza tonight....
Thursday, 17 March 2011
Perspective
sunny, mild, perhaps even warm, temps 11
Yes, 11. Above zero. Celcius. On St. Patrick's day. The traditional storm did not materialize. It feels and smells like spring. And you can see the buds in the garden, right beside snow. But, if you turn around in our garden you see...snow banks 6 feel high.
It all depends on perspective, and perception.
I've decided spring is here...though we're not breaking out the culottes just yet.
Our friend, the amazing Nancy, wrote to us today - about her springtime memories of Eastern Townships roads...
When my kids were young and I piled the three of them in the car (to pick up
their father after work on Fridays)we had to travel the Bromont road. There
were 5 cahoos all in a road and we all yelled "CAHOOOOO" for each one !!
They still do it and they're 30, 32, and 34 !!!!
Had a funny day writing. Tough spot in the manuscript. Have to balance the demands of character development and drama with believable and appropriate behavior. Of course, this is true throughout the book, but there are specific parts in each manuscript which are more challenging. A balancing act. And still needing to drive the plot forward.
Happily, once I get over my fear with a nice hot cross bun, the writing goes well. And I have to keep reminding myself that the point is not to get it right at this stage...an approximation will do. Will get closer in subsequent drafts.
Our great friend Joan is home after 7 weeks in hospital. They're still not sure what she had - but suspect it was in the meningitis family. Terribly worrisome. We could have all used Dr. House. But now she's home and we visited yesterday and she is amazingly well. She'll be celebrating her 79th birthday next Wednesday. And is as vibrant as ever.
My new drug of choice is (besides the comfort of old drugs like gummi bears and hot cross buns) DVD's of the old Mary Tyler Moore show. My god, they're still hilarious! Especially Lou Grant...but really, all of them. One of the shows from the 70's that has worn well, in my opinion.
an easy place to park a tired brain.
Of course, our focus continues to be on events around the world.
Friday, 4 March 2011
BYD takes UK - photographic proof
mainly sunny, chilly, temps minus 7
So now we're at 2,500 words...feels good. Going surprisingly well, except for that achingly horrible moment when I'd finished one scene - hit return. hit return. Put my hands over the keyboard - and waited. And waited.
Dear Lord - I suddenly realized I had no idea what happens next.
That isn't exactly true - I knew what the next scene was, I just wasn't sure how it should start. It was chilling. But off I went. And erased. And started again. And erased. Third time...no erasing. Phew. time to change the diapers.
My wonderful publisher/editor in London - Dan - sent these photos and others. One is from Stanstead airport (the one with the drinks and candy in the background) - the blurry one is from a WH Smith in London. Doesn't it look great?! blurry and all. Candy and all. To see Bury Your Dead in its own stand throughout Britain, right next to the London Times. Still makes me light-headed with delight.
How happy I am!
More writing... and who knows what tomorrow will bring.
Wednesday, 2 March 2011
In the beginning...
snow squalls, chilly, temps minus 5
Well, now the sun is almost out. A few minutes ago we couldn't see the pine tree just out the back window, for all the snow.
Started Book 8 today. Was expecting and planning to start yesterday - first of March - but then I remembered Deanna was coming to clean and we generally try to be out of her way. Besides, hard to concentrate when all I hear is a vacuum. So we arranged to do errands etc.
But then turns out Deanna's week is next week! D'oh. I hesitate to suggest this was my subconscious looking for one more day of vacation - but if there's one thing on earth lazier than my conscious, it's my sub-conscious.
But here we are! Just finished writing for the day. Always momentous - that first day. I had set a goal of 500 words. Ended up writing just over 900. Feels good. First go a little rough...but I read and re-read and smoothed. And now I like it. Will re-read it tomorrow before starting on the original writing for that day. I find it's important not to get caught up in editing, at least for me. I can smooth and polish and edit for days and weeks and months, ending up with the finest 1000 words you've ever read...but no closer to actually writing the book. For me, editing can be an escape - I can hide in it. Kidding myself I'm being useful, when all I'm doing is running on the spot.
Some people can do it. I can't. For me I need to just keep pressing forward. I read over the work I did the previous day, do some editing and polishing - mostly to get myself back into that world. Then I need to write original text. One small foot in front of the other.
Each book, I realize, has different needs. The previous book - which is at the publishers and will come out in the US and Canada in the fall - is called A TRICK OF THE LIGHT. With that I felt I needed to just get that first damned draft done. No matter what a dog's breakfast it was. And, heaven knows, it was a bit of a mess - that first draft. But that's what editing and second and third and fourth drafts are for. I'll never get it right at first.
But other books - like BURY YOUR DEAD for instance, and this book, I think - I have a better idea initially where I'm going and why - and the themes. And so I plan to write a little slower but a little surer. I suspect the book, and the drafts, will be finished about the same time - they always are - and sent to my agent. But with the '1,000 words a day or more' books the second drafts contain more substantial changes. The '500 words a day' books take longer, but perhaps need fewer changes in the re-writes.
But, honestly - all my first drafts are messes. And while I give myself permission to write only 500 words a day, I really am more of a sprinter. I dash forward....and then go back and clean up the mess. It seems to be in my nature.
So - check back with me in 2 months and we'll see where I am. I'll probably have forgotten all about this newfound insight and will just be bumbling along, at speed.
I find a first draft generally takes 3 months, depending upon how many interruptions I have in that time. All of which I've agreed to. Every year I promise myself to turn down everything in those 3 months, and every year I seem to end up with even more commitments. This year, while april and the beginning of May are quite full - at least March is almost empty. yay.
Michael and I have decided to investigate geo-thermal. We had arranged for someone from NextEnergy to come on Monday - before I'd started writing - to look at the house and give us an idea of what it would cost, what would be the advantages environmentally and economically - and what would be the disruptions. But there was a huge storm - freezing rain, snow, winds yuck! So we re-scheduled for this afternoon at 2. We'll get a few quotes then decide.
At the top, by the way, is a photo of Trudy I took from where I was writing. For three months, as I write, when I look to the right I see the fireplace, lit. If I look to the left I see Trudy with some stuffed toy in her mouth - waiting for me to do something important. Like play.
A small world, but a good one.
Hope you're well. Thanks for coming along as we start Book 8.
Sunday, 25 July 2010
Writing with Eclairs
sunny, cloudy, sunny. temps 26
We're in Montreal. Ahh. Really more or less fled here. Felt too many hands grasping at us. Nothing hurtful - all great and understandable - but it added up to just too much stress. So we ran away to the big city. God, does it feel great. And how lucky we are to have this small bolt-hole in this great city. We met friends last night, then headed in, arriving about 9pm. Phew. You all know what it's like...when you break free of stress. Wow.
It's amazing when the least stressful thing in my life is writing the book. If I could just concentrate on that - and had no other distractions - I'd be fine. But, such is life. And most of the distractions come from a successful career. But I think I need to get better at boundaries. Saying no.
Honestly, thank God for Lise and Michael - and Marjorie, the Facebook elf! And even so, I stagger sometimes. Cn you imagine what my life would be like if I actually had to live it myself?
Michael and I had breakfast at Nick's, then back to the apartment to write. I'd hoped to finish this third draft of the book, but didn't quite manage it. Had 45 pages to do, and only managed 20 in seven hours. One scene needed to be severely edited and re-organized, and that took a great deal of time...and most of the rest of the 20 pages needed work. Not huge, but sometimes the little things take the longest...trying to find just the right connection...the turn of phrase. Taking out something that's clunky, but needing to find something subtle and suitable.
Of course, gobbling pastries did eat into some of that time. The literary life.
Now I'm hoping to finish tomorrow. It is bliss writing here...no interruptions! If I finish tomorrow that means I can concentrate on the upcoming spca tea. It's coming together really well - thanks to a whole lot of work by a whole lot of volunteers.
We're in Montreal. Ahh. Really more or less fled here. Felt too many hands grasping at us. Nothing hurtful - all great and understandable - but it added up to just too much stress. So we ran away to the big city. God, does it feel great. And how lucky we are to have this small bolt-hole in this great city. We met friends last night, then headed in, arriving about 9pm. Phew. You all know what it's like...when you break free of stress. Wow.
It's amazing when the least stressful thing in my life is writing the book. If I could just concentrate on that - and had no other distractions - I'd be fine. But, such is life. And most of the distractions come from a successful career. But I think I need to get better at boundaries. Saying no.
Honestly, thank God for Lise and Michael - and Marjorie, the Facebook elf! And even so, I stagger sometimes. Cn you imagine what my life would be like if I actually had to live it myself?
Michael and I had breakfast at Nick's, then back to the apartment to write. I'd hoped to finish this third draft of the book, but didn't quite manage it. Had 45 pages to do, and only managed 20 in seven hours. One scene needed to be severely edited and re-organized, and that took a great deal of time...and most of the rest of the 20 pages needed work. Not huge, but sometimes the little things take the longest...trying to find just the right connection...the turn of phrase. Taking out something that's clunky, but needing to find something subtle and suitable.
Of course, gobbling pastries did eat into some of that time. The literary life.
Now I'm hoping to finish tomorrow. It is bliss writing here...no interruptions! If I finish tomorrow that means I can concentrate on the upcoming spca tea. It's coming together really well - thanks to a whole lot of work by a whole lot of volunteers.
Monday, 31 May 2010
Beetle
Mainly sunny, mild, temps 23
Lee Ann was, as you might remember, going to post about a very important Memorial Day event for her - the re-dedicating of their local library into a 'memorial' library - to commemorate the war dead, including her son Thomas, who died in Iraq.
the re-dedication was this weekend...and, she'd still going to write something soon, but it seems the weekend was sort of overwhelming with family and unexpected events (her too! - sound familiar?) that she hasn't been able to put pen to paper and give it the time and thought it deserves.
So I told her not to worry and to just send it when she's ready.
My day was beautifully quiet, except for the regular Monday avalanche of emails - even more as we head into the launch of Bury Your DEad and try to coordinate tour schedules. And we're booking into next year as well. Events always sound like a good idea when they're 12 months away.,..and then as they get closer I scratch my head and try to think why I ever thought that was a good idea. So, am trying to be more respectful of my writing schedule and not encroach too much into next winter and early spring.
However, it looks as though I have managed to book an event in Pittsburgh next April. Will keep you posted.
Writing/editing going well. More of a re-write than an edit, as I adjust scenes, and characters...and even names. My first drafts and final drafts are often unrecognizable as the same book.
Exciting news...as some of you know, I've been thinking of getting a new car. We sold both of ours in the winter, with the thought of simplifying. going, perhaps, with only one. N ow that seems not very workable. Being in the middle of the country, with touring, I can't just take our one car and leave Michael and Trudy marooned. Well, I could, but I probably couldn't come back.
but we hate the thought of two cars. Until we realized if we got one with low gas consumption and used it everyday it would make more environmental sense. At first I was thinking of a Smart Car...I just adore the design. But the more we thought about it the more restrictive it seemed. Wouldn't want to drive it in winter. Or on our highways.
But our friend and neighbor, Walter, has had a series of new beetle convertibles and swears by them. Indeed, my very first car was a VW Rabbit convertible. I adored it.
so, we got to thinking about that...and then I saw a powder blue one...VW beetle convertible. 2006. The only year they made powder blue, apparently. and we wanted a used one...for the country roads, seemed to make more sense.
We've looked and looked. Walter's looked for us. I've made phone calls, followed them up...but nothing.
Until today. Walter called to say the local VW dealership in Sherbrooke as one! So I called, made an appointment, and Michael, Walter and I will pop over at 7 tonight for a test drive! Yippeee...
Can't remember when I've been more excited about a car...except, perhaps, that very first one, thirty years ago. Wow.
I'll tell you all about it tomorrow.
Hope you're enjoying the long memorial day weekend. we've been so moved by the coverage, by the interviews. On all the wars and all the lost.
Lee Ann was, as you might remember, going to post about a very important Memorial Day event for her - the re-dedicating of their local library into a 'memorial' library - to commemorate the war dead, including her son Thomas, who died in Iraq.
the re-dedication was this weekend...and, she'd still going to write something soon, but it seems the weekend was sort of overwhelming with family and unexpected events (her too! - sound familiar?) that she hasn't been able to put pen to paper and give it the time and thought it deserves.
So I told her not to worry and to just send it when she's ready.
My day was beautifully quiet, except for the regular Monday avalanche of emails - even more as we head into the launch of Bury Your DEad and try to coordinate tour schedules. And we're booking into next year as well. Events always sound like a good idea when they're 12 months away.,..and then as they get closer I scratch my head and try to think why I ever thought that was a good idea. So, am trying to be more respectful of my writing schedule and not encroach too much into next winter and early spring.
However, it looks as though I have managed to book an event in Pittsburgh next April. Will keep you posted.
Writing/editing going well. More of a re-write than an edit, as I adjust scenes, and characters...and even names. My first drafts and final drafts are often unrecognizable as the same book.
Exciting news...as some of you know, I've been thinking of getting a new car. We sold both of ours in the winter, with the thought of simplifying. going, perhaps, with only one. N ow that seems not very workable. Being in the middle of the country, with touring, I can't just take our one car and leave Michael and Trudy marooned. Well, I could, but I probably couldn't come back.
but we hate the thought of two cars. Until we realized if we got one with low gas consumption and used it everyday it would make more environmental sense. At first I was thinking of a Smart Car...I just adore the design. But the more we thought about it the more restrictive it seemed. Wouldn't want to drive it in winter. Or on our highways.
But our friend and neighbor, Walter, has had a series of new beetle convertibles and swears by them. Indeed, my very first car was a VW Rabbit convertible. I adored it.
so, we got to thinking about that...and then I saw a powder blue one...VW beetle convertible. 2006. The only year they made powder blue, apparently. and we wanted a used one...for the country roads, seemed to make more sense.
We've looked and looked. Walter's looked for us. I've made phone calls, followed them up...but nothing.
Until today. Walter called to say the local VW dealership in Sherbrooke as one! So I called, made an appointment, and Michael, Walter and I will pop over at 7 tonight for a test drive! Yippeee...
Can't remember when I've been more excited about a car...except, perhaps, that very first one, thirty years ago. Wow.
I'll tell you all about it tomorrow.
Hope you're enjoying the long memorial day weekend. we've been so moved by the coverage, by the interviews. On all the wars and all the lost.
Thursday, 6 May 2010
The muddle in the middle
overcast, rain, hail, sun, rain, hail, sun - temps, who knows!
One of those unsettled, dramatic days that swung from beautiful sunny and warm to violent winds and hail. And, of course, it chose to pour just as we needed to be outside. Took Trudy for a walk - approached the pond and suddenly there was thunder and lightning. So Trudy and I skiddadled back home. Poor Michael was out back cutting daffodils for Nancy and George when the storm arrived. He scooted back inside too.
We've had dogs - Bonnie in particular - who were terrified of thunder storms. Trudy doesn't seem to care at all, which makes all our lives easier.
We set the alarm for 6, as I mentioned yesterday - got up and were writing by 8am...in front of the fire. Fun to see Michael getting back to his book with real vigor...as he does everything. And I think I might finish my first draft tomorrow. Nothing at all on the agenda tomorrow - except to write...yay!!!
When we were in Washington, at the Malice Domestic, I was chatting with some other writers and heard a phrase I'm not sure I'd heard before. But it sure is true. The Muddle in the Middle. Now, I never thought I was the only writer who got all kinda confused in the middle of writing my books - I'd heard lots of other writers describe exactly the same phenomenon. But I'd never actually heard that perfect description!
The Muddle in the Middle. As you see, I feel it should be capitalized.
Perfect. And, as a middle child, I can attest to the fact it's true for more than just a book.
At about noon we headed out (through the storm) to Knowlton. I had a bookclub meeting in Boerne, Texas, via Skype. but, having done skype from home we realized our internet is too slow to support it well...so we needed to find another way to do it. and we thought of Nancy, who has high speed and is a computer whiz. Unfortunately I'd raced back from the pond with Trudy so fast, and then we were late, so I jumped in the car and forgot I was still wearing my rubber boots. So the boots got to come with us to Nancy's, to the bookclub, to lunch later with Cotton. To Danny and Lucy's bookstore.
We're home now - organizing our trip to New York City in July...need to work ahead to fit events and interviews and meetings together. Pretty fun, I have to say. I haven't yet reached the stage where flying for parties, interivews, and meals and meetings around my books is 'old hat'. It still gives me a thrill to realize I'm talking about myself, and haven't simply made it up.
Looking forward to writing tomorrow...fingers crossed I finish. That would be good. Oh, over lunch, Cotton mentioned that there's snow in the forecast for Sunday!!
Speak to you tomorrow.
One of those unsettled, dramatic days that swung from beautiful sunny and warm to violent winds and hail. And, of course, it chose to pour just as we needed to be outside. Took Trudy for a walk - approached the pond and suddenly there was thunder and lightning. So Trudy and I skiddadled back home. Poor Michael was out back cutting daffodils for Nancy and George when the storm arrived. He scooted back inside too.
We've had dogs - Bonnie in particular - who were terrified of thunder storms. Trudy doesn't seem to care at all, which makes all our lives easier.
We set the alarm for 6, as I mentioned yesterday - got up and were writing by 8am...in front of the fire. Fun to see Michael getting back to his book with real vigor...as he does everything. And I think I might finish my first draft tomorrow. Nothing at all on the agenda tomorrow - except to write...yay!!!
When we were in Washington, at the Malice Domestic, I was chatting with some other writers and heard a phrase I'm not sure I'd heard before. But it sure is true. The Muddle in the Middle. Now, I never thought I was the only writer who got all kinda confused in the middle of writing my books - I'd heard lots of other writers describe exactly the same phenomenon. But I'd never actually heard that perfect description!
The Muddle in the Middle. As you see, I feel it should be capitalized.
Perfect. And, as a middle child, I can attest to the fact it's true for more than just a book.
At about noon we headed out (through the storm) to Knowlton. I had a bookclub meeting in Boerne, Texas, via Skype. but, having done skype from home we realized our internet is too slow to support it well...so we needed to find another way to do it. and we thought of Nancy, who has high speed and is a computer whiz. Unfortunately I'd raced back from the pond with Trudy so fast, and then we were late, so I jumped in the car and forgot I was still wearing my rubber boots. So the boots got to come with us to Nancy's, to the bookclub, to lunch later with Cotton. To Danny and Lucy's bookstore.
We're home now - organizing our trip to New York City in July...need to work ahead to fit events and interviews and meetings together. Pretty fun, I have to say. I haven't yet reached the stage where flying for parties, interivews, and meals and meetings around my books is 'old hat'. It still gives me a thrill to realize I'm talking about myself, and haven't simply made it up.
Looking forward to writing tomorrow...fingers crossed I finish. That would be good. Oh, over lunch, Cotton mentioned that there's snow in the forecast for Sunday!!
Speak to you tomorrow.
Wednesday, 21 April 2010
One tooth down
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.
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.
Wednesday, 7 April 2010
Gems and the other stuff
overcast, some cloud bursts, temps 15
Walked half an hour to breakfast over on Greene Ave with a friend - Nancy. As we had breakfast i noticed it was getting very, very dark outside. Then there was a murmur around the restaurant as everyone noticed. And then the heavens opened. Very dramatic. It had been a long time since I'd seen it that dark. It was like a total eclipse. Actually a little frightening.
But then the cloud burst passed and the sun came out. Walked back to the hotel listening to the ipod. Ali in the Jungle. Falling by Alicia Keys, Lux Eterana.
Then got down to writing. Actually took me a while to settle. As always I re-read what I'd done yesterday...and edited and smoothed. the mist-steps are much clearer the next day. Someone asked in a comment if I just sit the whole time or if I get up and walk around. I actually get up quite a bit. Wander. Pour a coffee or soft drink. Meander around.
Yesterday afternoon I put the ipod on the player in the room and pretended I was 'in concert'. used the small umbrella as a microphone. Very satisfying. The concert was a huge success.
Then I went back to writing.
Not too sure about what I wrote today. All these choices affect the structure. But I need to remember I can always go back and change it. This is just the first draft. No one else has read it.
I need to change the name of a character. I realize two fairly prominent characters have similar names. This is one of the many, many reasons no one should ever read one of my first drafts. They make no sense. Characters change names. Some disappear completely. Others appear. things are repeated often two or three times, until I decide in subsequent drafts where they are best left. It's a complete dog's breakfast. Actually, it's a lot like Trudy after she's rolled in skunk poop. Really, nothing much to redeem it.
Except that somewhere in there is something precious.
But the process is scary...I have to let go and acceot that along with the gems there will be smelly stuff. My major pre-occupation with this book is structure and pacing...and when things need to be revealed. But the fact is, that's always the issue. Right now all the characters have been introduced and established...and the job of narrowing, revealing, exposing has begun. But what and when is the issue.
Oh well. No job is easy. And I have to say, any job, no matter how difficult involves sitting in my pajamas and sipping diet coke and eating room service is pretty good.
And really, for the most part I've totally loved writing this book. There are scenes I (a little embarrassing to admit) love. In fact, I found myself crying as I wrote one. I think today's scenes were just complex. But I'm happy with them...just not sure they'll make the final cut.
Will write tomorrow morning - hope to get late check out. And then head off to Burlington, VT to pick the guys up. Sounds like they're having the best time! Went to Sardi's today for lunch. Went to the MoMA. Are shopping now on Fifth Ave. Tonight they're seeing a musical called 'Promise's, Promise's.'
Yesterday they went to dinner at the Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station and saw the comedy, God of Carnage. Yes, I know, but it's actually a comedy.
Home tomorrow. Then back to Montreal hotel Friday and Sat. There's a big hematology meeting in Montreal and Michael need to go. Some of the people he's writing about will be there. Quite a week for the big guy. And his birthday is Saturday!!
76. Just a kid.
Walked half an hour to breakfast over on Greene Ave with a friend - Nancy. As we had breakfast i noticed it was getting very, very dark outside. Then there was a murmur around the restaurant as everyone noticed. And then the heavens opened. Very dramatic. It had been a long time since I'd seen it that dark. It was like a total eclipse. Actually a little frightening.
But then the cloud burst passed and the sun came out. Walked back to the hotel listening to the ipod. Ali in the Jungle. Falling by Alicia Keys, Lux Eterana.
Then got down to writing. Actually took me a while to settle. As always I re-read what I'd done yesterday...and edited and smoothed. the mist-steps are much clearer the next day. Someone asked in a comment if I just sit the whole time or if I get up and walk around. I actually get up quite a bit. Wander. Pour a coffee or soft drink. Meander around.
Yesterday afternoon I put the ipod on the player in the room and pretended I was 'in concert'. used the small umbrella as a microphone. Very satisfying. The concert was a huge success.
Then I went back to writing.
Not too sure about what I wrote today. All these choices affect the structure. But I need to remember I can always go back and change it. This is just the first draft. No one else has read it.
I need to change the name of a character. I realize two fairly prominent characters have similar names. This is one of the many, many reasons no one should ever read one of my first drafts. They make no sense. Characters change names. Some disappear completely. Others appear. things are repeated often two or three times, until I decide in subsequent drafts where they are best left. It's a complete dog's breakfast. Actually, it's a lot like Trudy after she's rolled in skunk poop. Really, nothing much to redeem it.
Except that somewhere in there is something precious.
But the process is scary...I have to let go and acceot that along with the gems there will be smelly stuff. My major pre-occupation with this book is structure and pacing...and when things need to be revealed. But the fact is, that's always the issue. Right now all the characters have been introduced and established...and the job of narrowing, revealing, exposing has begun. But what and when is the issue.
Oh well. No job is easy. And I have to say, any job, no matter how difficult involves sitting in my pajamas and sipping diet coke and eating room service is pretty good.
And really, for the most part I've totally loved writing this book. There are scenes I (a little embarrassing to admit) love. In fact, I found myself crying as I wrote one. I think today's scenes were just complex. But I'm happy with them...just not sure they'll make the final cut.
Will write tomorrow morning - hope to get late check out. And then head off to Burlington, VT to pick the guys up. Sounds like they're having the best time! Went to Sardi's today for lunch. Went to the MoMA. Are shopping now on Fifth Ave. Tonight they're seeing a musical called 'Promise's, Promise's.'
Yesterday they went to dinner at the Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station and saw the comedy, God of Carnage. Yes, I know, but it's actually a comedy.
Home tomorrow. Then back to Montreal hotel Friday and Sat. There's a big hematology meeting in Montreal and Michael need to go. Some of the people he's writing about will be there. Quite a week for the big guy. And his birthday is Saturday!!
76. Just a kid.
Tuesday, 6 April 2010
clear skies
overcast, mild, temps 14
Just came back from doing some shopping. I got up early, ordered a huge pot of coffee and started writing. Was finished the 2,000 words before noon. After a second huge pot (this time decaf).
The writing's going very well. As I mentioned yesterday, these are some difficult, pivotal scenes - for the book and this mystery, but also for the characters. They need to work on lots of levels without appearing to. My first pass at scenes like these is often very heavy-handed. Bring out the sledge hammers! And the trawl. I don't actually worry...I just like to get something down...and then edit. So first thing I did this morning was go back over the stuff I did yesterday and lighten, lighten, shape, trim, adjust. Spend about 90 minutes and didn't add a word to the word-count, but did a whole lot of new writing, and taking out.
Then went on to the new stuff. And tomorrow i'll edit and lighten it. Always easier to work from something than nothing.
I realized, as I left the hotel to shop, that my step was also light. When the writing's going well the sun shines - when it isn't going well it goes from cloudy, to a cat 5 hurricane. As Michael will tell you. Being married to a writer must be the worst. Well, I guess a spouse murderer would be worse. Just.
How lovely it is to not have to think of anything, except writing. Ahhh.
Just came back from doing some shopping. I got up early, ordered a huge pot of coffee and started writing. Was finished the 2,000 words before noon. After a second huge pot (this time decaf).
The writing's going very well. As I mentioned yesterday, these are some difficult, pivotal scenes - for the book and this mystery, but also for the characters. They need to work on lots of levels without appearing to. My first pass at scenes like these is often very heavy-handed. Bring out the sledge hammers! And the trawl. I don't actually worry...I just like to get something down...and then edit. So first thing I did this morning was go back over the stuff I did yesterday and lighten, lighten, shape, trim, adjust. Spend about 90 minutes and didn't add a word to the word-count, but did a whole lot of new writing, and taking out.
Then went on to the new stuff. And tomorrow i'll edit and lighten it. Always easier to work from something than nothing.
I realized, as I left the hotel to shop, that my step was also light. When the writing's going well the sun shines - when it isn't going well it goes from cloudy, to a cat 5 hurricane. As Michael will tell you. Being married to a writer must be the worst. Well, I guess a spouse murderer would be worse. Just.
How lovely it is to not have to think of anything, except writing. Ahhh.
Sunday, 4 April 2010
Easter
overcast, mild, temps 16
It actually feels cold compared to yesterday...it reached 30 degrees in the shade. Amazing! Almost too hot. Spring flowers blooming all over the place. Very unusual, and unexpected at Easter.
Two geese on the pond. Nature going wild.
Went riding on Markus yesterday. Well...first Jana and I groomed him, then saddled. Then we took him to the upper pasture and she did the lunge line. Which means, for those of you like me who don't know much about horses, that Markus was on a long rope with Jana in the middle and he walked, trotted and cantered around her.
He's gorgeous! Very athletic. And, honestly? Way too much horse for me.
Jana got up on him and walked and trotted. Said he had a beautiful gait. But also powerful. Then I got onto him but was too much of a chicken to do anything other than walk. But it was exciting. Then we bathed him.
As I walked over I realized how difficult it is to write a book and have distractions - even something as apparently benign as dinner parties or lunches with friends. Each is not a tast or chore, none lasts long...but at least half the world of writing a novel comes in the quiet times...those hours when I'm not writing, but am thinking. That;s how problems are flagged, problems are solved. Scenes are sharped. Ideas come.
Though, michael and I were at a gathering last night and I'd been having difficulty with an ongoing thread and how to resolve it...and someone said something - just a line - at the meeting last night - and I realized that was it. As we were all leaving I told him what a very great gift he'd given me. He laughed...but I went back to it because I wanted him to know this wasn't trivial for me and I was sincere in my thanks...and that he'd greatly relieved my mind.
So - inspiration comes from all sorts of sources...but for me I just really need quiet. To write - but equally to contemplate.
How lovely to get it too, walking over to see Markus. Another way he's saving me.
Happy Easter.
It actually feels cold compared to yesterday...it reached 30 degrees in the shade. Amazing! Almost too hot. Spring flowers blooming all over the place. Very unusual, and unexpected at Easter.
Two geese on the pond. Nature going wild.
Went riding on Markus yesterday. Well...first Jana and I groomed him, then saddled. Then we took him to the upper pasture and she did the lunge line. Which means, for those of you like me who don't know much about horses, that Markus was on a long rope with Jana in the middle and he walked, trotted and cantered around her.
He's gorgeous! Very athletic. And, honestly? Way too much horse for me.
Jana got up on him and walked and trotted. Said he had a beautiful gait. But also powerful. Then I got onto him but was too much of a chicken to do anything other than walk. But it was exciting. Then we bathed him.
As I walked over I realized how difficult it is to write a book and have distractions - even something as apparently benign as dinner parties or lunches with friends. Each is not a tast or chore, none lasts long...but at least half the world of writing a novel comes in the quiet times...those hours when I'm not writing, but am thinking. That;s how problems are flagged, problems are solved. Scenes are sharped. Ideas come.
Though, michael and I were at a gathering last night and I'd been having difficulty with an ongoing thread and how to resolve it...and someone said something - just a line - at the meeting last night - and I realized that was it. As we were all leaving I told him what a very great gift he'd given me. He laughed...but I went back to it because I wanted him to know this wasn't trivial for me and I was sincere in my thanks...and that he'd greatly relieved my mind.
So - inspiration comes from all sorts of sources...but for me I just really need quiet. To write - but equally to contemplate.
How lovely to get it too, walking over to see Markus. Another way he's saving me.
Happy Easter.
Tuesday, 30 March 2010
Sutton
overcast, showers, temps 4
Just out of a wonderful bubble bath. It's the one of the things I miss when we're in our Montreal apartment. The bathroom is very small - compact I guess. Fab shower...but small bath. At least, small for me. And I'm so spoiled by our huge tub out here, which I practically live in. Actually, we should use it as a tax deduction since I do a great deal of thinking in it.
the biggest thing we miss is Trudy. But now we're back and she's with us...feels great. Doesn't smell great...but the skunk aroma is more a suggestion than a hammer.
We drove out to the country this morning after breakfast. Lise arrived and we discussed some work things...including these wonderful bookplates we've been working on and that she had made. I've signed a few hundreds and now Danny and Lucy have them. They're selling them, along with the cafe au lait mugs. If I knew how to put a photo on this, I would. In fact, I wish I could put the photo of Markus I have. Might try to figure it out.
But there will be a photo of him on the April newsletter. As well as a photo of the new bookplates, if you're interested. If you haven't subscribed to the newsletter you can through the home page of my website.
He's not on the refuge site because he isn't actually with him. He's come from Toronto. We got an email to say he's just left Toronto, will arrive at the refuge around midnight, have a few hours rest, then head down here...arrive early afternoon.
We're all very excited. To be honest, we sort of think of ourselves as fostering him, since it's possible there are better 'parents'. People who know how to ride and will give him all the training and exercise he deserves. Lise knows someone who might be interested...and Jana, our fabulous neighbour who'll be boarding him - knows someone who might want him too. We're finding out a little more. He was, as we heard, a racer. Actually born and raised in Kentucky. He actually sounds kind of amazing.
We're so excited about him...and I find myself getting quite anxious at the thought someone else might adopt him. Even though I know it might be for the best for him. As you've probably gathered, our lives are so packed already we barely keep our heads above the press of details and needs. But I find myself resistant to not keeping Markus.
But we'll see. Not worry about it now.
Wrote 2,000 words today. Wow, was it tempting to just say...oh, I'm tired...let's just take a day off. But fortunately I didn't listen! But I did fuel my determination with chips.
Someone mentioned that it is a long way down if you off a horse who is 16.3 hands high. And I believe that's quite true. Fortunately, after a lifetime eating gummy bears, I bounce.
I'll let you know what happens tomorrow. Very exciting.
Just out of a wonderful bubble bath. It's the one of the things I miss when we're in our Montreal apartment. The bathroom is very small - compact I guess. Fab shower...but small bath. At least, small for me. And I'm so spoiled by our huge tub out here, which I practically live in. Actually, we should use it as a tax deduction since I do a great deal of thinking in it.
the biggest thing we miss is Trudy. But now we're back and she's with us...feels great. Doesn't smell great...but the skunk aroma is more a suggestion than a hammer.
We drove out to the country this morning after breakfast. Lise arrived and we discussed some work things...including these wonderful bookplates we've been working on and that she had made. I've signed a few hundreds and now Danny and Lucy have them. They're selling them, along with the cafe au lait mugs. If I knew how to put a photo on this, I would. In fact, I wish I could put the photo of Markus I have. Might try to figure it out.
But there will be a photo of him on the April newsletter. As well as a photo of the new bookplates, if you're interested. If you haven't subscribed to the newsletter you can through the home page of my website.
He's not on the refuge site because he isn't actually with him. He's come from Toronto. We got an email to say he's just left Toronto, will arrive at the refuge around midnight, have a few hours rest, then head down here...arrive early afternoon.
We're all very excited. To be honest, we sort of think of ourselves as fostering him, since it's possible there are better 'parents'. People who know how to ride and will give him all the training and exercise he deserves. Lise knows someone who might be interested...and Jana, our fabulous neighbour who'll be boarding him - knows someone who might want him too. We're finding out a little more. He was, as we heard, a racer. Actually born and raised in Kentucky. He actually sounds kind of amazing.
We're so excited about him...and I find myself getting quite anxious at the thought someone else might adopt him. Even though I know it might be for the best for him. As you've probably gathered, our lives are so packed already we barely keep our heads above the press of details and needs. But I find myself resistant to not keeping Markus.
But we'll see. Not worry about it now.
Wrote 2,000 words today. Wow, was it tempting to just say...oh, I'm tired...let's just take a day off. But fortunately I didn't listen! But I did fuel my determination with chips.
Someone mentioned that it is a long way down if you off a horse who is 16.3 hands high. And I believe that's quite true. Fortunately, after a lifetime eating gummy bears, I bounce.
I'll let you know what happens tomorrow. Very exciting.
Thursday, 25 March 2010
Maudites Pacing
overcast, cool, temps plus 2
Difficult day writing....which is odd since it was a blissfully quiet day. Not appointments, not interruptions. But it occured to me last night, thinking about the structure and pace of the book, and where I am - that there was a problem. One important reference, and character, hadn't appeared yet. And I'm about a third, almost halfway through. This element could, I guessed, come in later, but it was probably better if it appeared earlier.
So I thought, and considered - not particularly worried since I knew something would occur to me. And it did. I realized there was a spot early on when I could slip in a paragraph or two. That's all it needs.
But this morning I needed to find that spot, and couldn't remember which chapter. Once I put it in, I realized a few others might naturally comment on this element a chapter or so later. So I had to hunt for that.
Once found, and inserted, I went to the new writing. Fortunately I enjoyed reading yesterday's pages - with some shaping - but as I wrote more I began to worry more. About pacing mostly. And whether the story is moving along as it should. My books, as you know, will never be thrillers. They have, intentionally, a more thoughtful pace...but they also speed up - then become more relaxed. Not sure if I'm describing this right. I never think of my books as slow moving...but there are different layers...and sometimes it zips along, a page turner. Other times are meant to be quieter, more thoughtful.
And clues need to be scattered in the right places at the right time so that they're natural, and almost inivisible.
Thank God for editing!
I feel a lot better about putting the stuff in that I did today - that was right. But there are just so many issues and elements and details at this stage in the book that it feels like tip toeing through a flower bed planted thick and budding. Don't want to squish anything by mistake.
It think it's just a particularly stressful part of the book...the middle third often is. It also feels like moving through fog. I think the point is to just keep going and hope it's forward.
But wrote 2,000 words then Michael and I went into Sutton to do some mailing, buy some drinking glasses for the city apartment and had a terrific late lunch. Then home.
Minotaur is mailing me the final page proofs for Bury Your Dead. Will need to read and see how the edits are. As well, my friend peter Black, of CBC in Quebec City was SO kind to read the manuscript to let me know if I went wrong with anything in the city. I did. Small things, thank God. Got the name of a micro-brewery beer wrong...Maudites Biere. And a few other things of that level - which is actually very important. And because he's a producer he also has an eye for typos...so he caught a few of those.
As well - my friend Lili sent back her copy of the manuscript for Bury Your DEad. her job was to read for French mistakes...of which there were a few, but those are being fixed.
It always amazes me the details involved in publishing a book. The huge amount of work people put in. And how much depends on the professionals, but also on friends.
Doing the book club tonight...writing tomorrow morning...then off to Montreal tomorrow around noon. This too is part of our desire to have more fun. We adore the Montreal apartment...and the city! So we pack up the laptops and head in. work in the morning and play in the afternoon.
Difficult day writing....which is odd since it was a blissfully quiet day. Not appointments, not interruptions. But it occured to me last night, thinking about the structure and pace of the book, and where I am - that there was a problem. One important reference, and character, hadn't appeared yet. And I'm about a third, almost halfway through. This element could, I guessed, come in later, but it was probably better if it appeared earlier.
So I thought, and considered - not particularly worried since I knew something would occur to me. And it did. I realized there was a spot early on when I could slip in a paragraph or two. That's all it needs.
But this morning I needed to find that spot, and couldn't remember which chapter. Once I put it in, I realized a few others might naturally comment on this element a chapter or so later. So I had to hunt for that.
Once found, and inserted, I went to the new writing. Fortunately I enjoyed reading yesterday's pages - with some shaping - but as I wrote more I began to worry more. About pacing mostly. And whether the story is moving along as it should. My books, as you know, will never be thrillers. They have, intentionally, a more thoughtful pace...but they also speed up - then become more relaxed. Not sure if I'm describing this right. I never think of my books as slow moving...but there are different layers...and sometimes it zips along, a page turner. Other times are meant to be quieter, more thoughtful.
And clues need to be scattered in the right places at the right time so that they're natural, and almost inivisible.
Thank God for editing!
I feel a lot better about putting the stuff in that I did today - that was right. But there are just so many issues and elements and details at this stage in the book that it feels like tip toeing through a flower bed planted thick and budding. Don't want to squish anything by mistake.
It think it's just a particularly stressful part of the book...the middle third often is. It also feels like moving through fog. I think the point is to just keep going and hope it's forward.
But wrote 2,000 words then Michael and I went into Sutton to do some mailing, buy some drinking glasses for the city apartment and had a terrific late lunch. Then home.
Minotaur is mailing me the final page proofs for Bury Your Dead. Will need to read and see how the edits are. As well, my friend peter Black, of CBC in Quebec City was SO kind to read the manuscript to let me know if I went wrong with anything in the city. I did. Small things, thank God. Got the name of a micro-brewery beer wrong...Maudites Biere. And a few other things of that level - which is actually very important. And because he's a producer he also has an eye for typos...so he caught a few of those.
As well - my friend Lili sent back her copy of the manuscript for Bury Your DEad. her job was to read for French mistakes...of which there were a few, but those are being fixed.
It always amazes me the details involved in publishing a book. The huge amount of work people put in. And how much depends on the professionals, but also on friends.
Doing the book club tonight...writing tomorrow morning...then off to Montreal tomorrow around noon. This too is part of our desire to have more fun. We adore the Montreal apartment...and the city! So we pack up the laptops and head in. work in the morning and play in the afternoon.
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