drizzle, misty, windy cool, temps plus 4
Typical early spring day. Still expecting some sort of snowfall - always get one in the spring - sometimes as late as May. traditionally we don't put out any annual flowers until after the May 24th long weekend (celebrating Queen Victoria in Canada) - because there's still a danger of frost before that! So, we're a long way off real spring yet.
But even the rain is welcome. So great to see the grass and the earth. And to smell the earth. Always the sweeter for having had the snow.
Ran around doing chores this afternoon. Met Nancy in Knowlton, then back to Sutton to pick up and mail some photographs. Did other mails here in Canada then scooted across the border to mail the things going to the states. Listened to music the whole way and thought about the book, and came up with ideas...some for the scene I just wrote...some for the next couple of scenes.
Lili de GRandpre, who reads the books for French mistakes called. She's finished book 5 - THE BRUTAL TELLING. So I need to pick it up at a shop in town which we use as a 'drop'.
cowansville day tomorrow - breakfast. Then back home and more writing. This book, set in Quebec City, is going well. Am in the middle third now and that always gets a little confusing...mostly to do with pacing. Not completely confident I'm unveiling clues at the right pace, and answering questions at the right pace or place, either. That's the sort of thing I only really can tell when the first draft is done.
Had a wonderful, starred, review in Publishers Weekly for the audio verison of A RULE AGAINST MURDER. The US version. It's read by Ralph Cosham and apparently he's fabulous. I can't listen because it doesn't match up to the voice in my head.
Take care, be well.
Monday, 30 March 2009
Sunday, 29 March 2009
Hermits
rainy, cool, temps 3
Dreary day, but nice to sit by the fire and write. That's all I want to do now. And when I'm not writing I just want to sit in front of the television and veg out. Become mindless.
Yesterday was gorgeous, so Trudy and I went for a nice long walk through the forest, before I remembered about the bears. And the bear stick I'd left at home.
So we left. But this is a great time to walk through the woods - before the leaves come out and it's impassable.
A lovely Australian woman, Kerrie, is holding a draw for the UK version of THE CRUELLEST MONTH. If you're interested you might go to her blog at:
www.paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com
hope that works!
Had the best dinner with Susan at the cottage last night. Chicken curry. Yum!!! And she gave us a brioche loaf made by a baker in the village - which we ate most of this morning for breakfast. it was disgusting for anyone watching. Happily it was only Trudy and the birds.
Golf on TV this afternoon and a few phone calls I need to make. Still feeling behind, but not quite so frantic. Just need to keep up a steady pace. As long as the writing is going well, and it is, then the day is pretty well made. The rest pales.
But it also makes the blogs really, really dull since all I can think of is the book, the characters, who now seem more real than real people, and the action. I have no interest in the outside world. Thank God Michael's at the same stage with his book. We're happily oblivious hermits together.
Dreary day, but nice to sit by the fire and write. That's all I want to do now. And when I'm not writing I just want to sit in front of the television and veg out. Become mindless.
Yesterday was gorgeous, so Trudy and I went for a nice long walk through the forest, before I remembered about the bears. And the bear stick I'd left at home.
So we left. But this is a great time to walk through the woods - before the leaves come out and it's impassable.
A lovely Australian woman, Kerrie, is holding a draw for the UK version of THE CRUELLEST MONTH. If you're interested you might go to her blog at:
www.paradise-mysteries.blogspot.com
hope that works!
Had the best dinner with Susan at the cottage last night. Chicken curry. Yum!!! And she gave us a brioche loaf made by a baker in the village - which we ate most of this morning for breakfast. it was disgusting for anyone watching. Happily it was only Trudy and the birds.
Golf on TV this afternoon and a few phone calls I need to make. Still feeling behind, but not quite so frantic. Just need to keep up a steady pace. As long as the writing is going well, and it is, then the day is pretty well made. The rest pales.
But it also makes the blogs really, really dull since all I can think of is the book, the characters, who now seem more real than real people, and the action. I have no interest in the outside world. Thank God Michael's at the same stage with his book. We're happily oblivious hermits together.
Friday, 27 March 2009
CBC
foggy, rainy, mild temps plus 4
Very atmospheric. Love days like this. Everything outside smells musky and sweet. A real spring day. Snow almost gone...just sticking around where the plow created piles - now melted to strips.
CBC Radio and Television got word yesterday of specific cuts. Dreadful. Terrible for the people who work there, and work so hard. And terrible for Canada. The CBC is a gem, a treasure. It hasn't always done a great job, it's sometimes gone astray. Some management decisions were short-sighted, self-serving, ridiculous. Mostly when it's decided to compete with private broadcasters. In my view the CBC is uniquely placed to take chances, to do things that will get little audience but is vital to Canada - like bringing the regions to the attention of the whole.
But overall, the CBC is wonderful - and is often inspired. I think a number of 'institutions' distinguish Canada. Universal health care, the railway, and the CBC. Each built on a social-democratic philosophy...where the individual matters, and can be accomodated within a strong whole.
Sadly, each of those foundations, so strong in the 60's and 70's - has been worn away.
It was horrible to be in contact yesterday with my friends and former colleagues at CBC and hear their anguish. Canada needs a strong, fearless (sometimes flawed), public broadcaster, that has the courage of its convictions. And these people work so hard, for little money (you don't get rich by working for the public broadcaster), to bring Canadians their own stories. Private stations also do a terrific job, but their mandate is different...pretty much to appeal to as wide an audience as possible. The CBC's mandate is to reflect Canada to Canadians.
Enough. But I feel so strongly about this. I joined CBC in my early 20's - traveled across the country, living in differnt regions, because I believed in the philosophy. And wanted to know my country. And it breaks my heart to see people who have worked so hard, often thanklessly, treated so badly.
Anyway - Susan's coming this weekend. Staying in the cottage. Will be here for a bbq dinner. Really looking forward to seeing her! Off for breakfast and to do some chores.
Speak tomorrow.
Very atmospheric. Love days like this. Everything outside smells musky and sweet. A real spring day. Snow almost gone...just sticking around where the plow created piles - now melted to strips.
CBC Radio and Television got word yesterday of specific cuts. Dreadful. Terrible for the people who work there, and work so hard. And terrible for Canada. The CBC is a gem, a treasure. It hasn't always done a great job, it's sometimes gone astray. Some management decisions were short-sighted, self-serving, ridiculous. Mostly when it's decided to compete with private broadcasters. In my view the CBC is uniquely placed to take chances, to do things that will get little audience but is vital to Canada - like bringing the regions to the attention of the whole.
But overall, the CBC is wonderful - and is often inspired. I think a number of 'institutions' distinguish Canada. Universal health care, the railway, and the CBC. Each built on a social-democratic philosophy...where the individual matters, and can be accomodated within a strong whole.
Sadly, each of those foundations, so strong in the 60's and 70's - has been worn away.
It was horrible to be in contact yesterday with my friends and former colleagues at CBC and hear their anguish. Canada needs a strong, fearless (sometimes flawed), public broadcaster, that has the courage of its convictions. And these people work so hard, for little money (you don't get rich by working for the public broadcaster), to bring Canadians their own stories. Private stations also do a terrific job, but their mandate is different...pretty much to appeal to as wide an audience as possible. The CBC's mandate is to reflect Canada to Canadians.
Enough. But I feel so strongly about this. I joined CBC in my early 20's - traveled across the country, living in differnt regions, because I believed in the philosophy. And wanted to know my country. And it breaks my heart to see people who have worked so hard, often thanklessly, treated so badly.
Anyway - Susan's coming this weekend. Staying in the cottage. Will be here for a bbq dinner. Really looking forward to seeing her! Off for breakfast and to do some chores.
Speak tomorrow.
Wednesday, 25 March 2009
Perception
sunny, mild, temps plus 6
Stunning day. Took Trudy around the pond. Ice still on it, but last of snow melting, just hanging on in the shade. Ice at the slightly dangerous stage where you might fall through if you walk on it. Trying not to let the tennis ball bounce onto the ice and have Trudy go after it! She did a few days ago, and made it, but not so sure now. so we don't throw it in that area anymore.
Lots of writing today.
Had a nightmare last night. A Mummy was chasing me. Let me guess what that might mean...
The permissions have all been figured out - just one more cheque to write and need to get wording to the editors. Will do that this afternoon. Sending off Jpeg etc for an event at a Barnes and Noble in Annapolis in early May. If you live in the area love to see you there.
Feeling a little overwhelmed. Have realized if I don't keep on top of everything, everyday I can get so far behind. And just when I think I have done it all, another five requests come in. I bet that sounds familiar. The human condition these days. I need, sometimes, to stop and realize this is all good. Lots of details, but it means I'm involved in life, filling my days with things I'm passionate about. How great is that? And yet, some days, I can just see it as chores.
Life is perception - at least, mine is.
Hope your perception is sunny and warm and cheery. And optomistic.
Stunning day. Took Trudy around the pond. Ice still on it, but last of snow melting, just hanging on in the shade. Ice at the slightly dangerous stage where you might fall through if you walk on it. Trying not to let the tennis ball bounce onto the ice and have Trudy go after it! She did a few days ago, and made it, but not so sure now. so we don't throw it in that area anymore.
Lots of writing today.
Had a nightmare last night. A Mummy was chasing me. Let me guess what that might mean...
The permissions have all been figured out - just one more cheque to write and need to get wording to the editors. Will do that this afternoon. Sending off Jpeg etc for an event at a Barnes and Noble in Annapolis in early May. If you live in the area love to see you there.
Feeling a little overwhelmed. Have realized if I don't keep on top of everything, everyday I can get so far behind. And just when I think I have done it all, another five requests come in. I bet that sounds familiar. The human condition these days. I need, sometimes, to stop and realize this is all good. Lots of details, but it means I'm involved in life, filling my days with things I'm passionate about. How great is that? And yet, some days, I can just see it as chores.
Life is perception - at least, mine is.
Hope your perception is sunny and warm and cheery. And optomistic.
Tuesday, 24 March 2009
Mr Magoo
brilliant sunshine, normal high for this time of year - plus 3
Most of the snow from the mini-storm Sunday has gone. We're back home in sutton now - just arrived. Unpacking. Just received a fun email from agent, Teresa in UK to say book 3 - The Cruelest Month - got a fab review in Germany. In a publication called Focus, which is apparently huge in Germany. She sent me the link. Now, my German's a little rusty but I believe it says:
Louise Penny is the finest writer the world has ever seen and the only really criminal act is that she hasn't yet won the Pulitzer or Nobel Prize.
OK - that might not be an exact translation. And, by "exact" I mean "wild guess" and by "translation" I mean "fantasy". Though, as fantasy it is totally accurate. But according to the German publisher, the review is excellent and they're very happy. The book is called Der Grausame Monat in German, which, roughly translated means, 'Louise Penny is gorgeous'. And by "rough" I mean 'Not at all accurate" and we already know what "translated" means.
Picked up some baseball caps put out by the SPCA in Mtl, and sponsored by a cool Montreal boutique on Sherbrooke Street called Ben et Tournesol. We dropped by this morning. There we met Mr. Magoo. Mr. Magoo is a chihuahua rescued from a Quebec puppy mill. He's not only blind, but he has no eyes at all. He was rescued a few weeks ago by the SPCA and the owners of Ben and Tournesol, along with 80 other dogs. John, who runs the store, fosters rescued dogs (one at a time) in his store and when they're ready he helps find them a good home. The store is, as I say, a really fun boutique selling all sorts of fun, designer things...nothing to do with dogs or pets. Except the rescue puppy du jour...or du mois.
So it was Mr Magoo's (their name for him)turn.
John and the store had the SPCA caps made up at their own expense and all the money from sales goes to the SPCA to fight puppy mills. So we bought 4. And will be giving out 2 in the April newsletter. Am also going to contact John to see how we might do something similar for the SPCA Monteregie down in my area...they're also fighting puppy mills, and are also always in desperate need of support.
So, if you haven't signed up for the newsletter yet, now's a good time. The baseball cap is terrific quality, with an SPCA logo on the back and large circle in the front with Puppy Mill written in it and a slash through the words. Very simple and effective.
Take care...it sure is nice to be home.
Most of the snow from the mini-storm Sunday has gone. We're back home in sutton now - just arrived. Unpacking. Just received a fun email from agent, Teresa in UK to say book 3 - The Cruelest Month - got a fab review in Germany. In a publication called Focus, which is apparently huge in Germany. She sent me the link. Now, my German's a little rusty but I believe it says:
Louise Penny is the finest writer the world has ever seen and the only really criminal act is that she hasn't yet won the Pulitzer or Nobel Prize.
OK - that might not be an exact translation. And, by "exact" I mean "wild guess" and by "translation" I mean "fantasy". Though, as fantasy it is totally accurate. But according to the German publisher, the review is excellent and they're very happy. The book is called Der Grausame Monat in German, which, roughly translated means, 'Louise Penny is gorgeous'. And by "rough" I mean 'Not at all accurate" and we already know what "translated" means.
Picked up some baseball caps put out by the SPCA in Mtl, and sponsored by a cool Montreal boutique on Sherbrooke Street called Ben et Tournesol. We dropped by this morning. There we met Mr. Magoo. Mr. Magoo is a chihuahua rescued from a Quebec puppy mill. He's not only blind, but he has no eyes at all. He was rescued a few weeks ago by the SPCA and the owners of Ben and Tournesol, along with 80 other dogs. John, who runs the store, fosters rescued dogs (one at a time) in his store and when they're ready he helps find them a good home. The store is, as I say, a really fun boutique selling all sorts of fun, designer things...nothing to do with dogs or pets. Except the rescue puppy du jour...or du mois.
So it was Mr Magoo's (their name for him)turn.
John and the store had the SPCA caps made up at their own expense and all the money from sales goes to the SPCA to fight puppy mills. So we bought 4. And will be giving out 2 in the April newsletter. Am also going to contact John to see how we might do something similar for the SPCA Monteregie down in my area...they're also fighting puppy mills, and are also always in desperate need of support.
So, if you haven't signed up for the newsletter yet, now's a good time. The baseball cap is terrific quality, with an SPCA logo on the back and large circle in the front with Puppy Mill written in it and a slash through the words. Very simple and effective.
Take care...it sure is nice to be home.
Sunday, 22 March 2009
Montreal
heavy snow, mild, temps minus 3
Wouldn't you know it? The day we're supposed to drive in to Montreal there's a mini-storm. However, it's possible it's only really snowing here, on our mountain top. We find that quite often. We'll be in the middle of a blizzard, get in the car and one mile away the bananas are on the trees. Sort of. But I bet by the time we're in Cowansville this will have disappeared.
Did lots of writing yesterday. Am in a difficult part of the book, making transitions...we'll see how it goes. for me it's important not to go back and edit, but to do some smoothing perhaps but mostly to keep moving forward and trust in the re-write stage, when the first draft is finished. So far that's worked. And I know that I can be a harsh and sometimes unfair critic. I think something's not working when in fact it is. And sometimes I need to finish the book to see how certain sections fit in.
But, it all means I'm not just in effect writing the same book over and over - but stretching. Want to give you the same feel, and many of the same characters and settings as previous books - but also need to 'change it up'. Hate to get 'cookie-cutter'.
Sad about Jade Goody. We followed her quite startling career...and now her death so young. But a great lesson, as she herself said, in the vital importance of getting Pap smears for cervical cancer.
We're off to the city - taking the car in for a tune up. Taking Michael in for a tune-up. Eyes and Urologist. Just routine. And to sign the lease on our new apartment. such fun. Busy day tomorrow, but good to do.
Be well.
Wouldn't you know it? The day we're supposed to drive in to Montreal there's a mini-storm. However, it's possible it's only really snowing here, on our mountain top. We find that quite often. We'll be in the middle of a blizzard, get in the car and one mile away the bananas are on the trees. Sort of. But I bet by the time we're in Cowansville this will have disappeared.
Did lots of writing yesterday. Am in a difficult part of the book, making transitions...we'll see how it goes. for me it's important not to go back and edit, but to do some smoothing perhaps but mostly to keep moving forward and trust in the re-write stage, when the first draft is finished. So far that's worked. And I know that I can be a harsh and sometimes unfair critic. I think something's not working when in fact it is. And sometimes I need to finish the book to see how certain sections fit in.
But, it all means I'm not just in effect writing the same book over and over - but stretching. Want to give you the same feel, and many of the same characters and settings as previous books - but also need to 'change it up'. Hate to get 'cookie-cutter'.
Sad about Jade Goody. We followed her quite startling career...and now her death so young. But a great lesson, as she herself said, in the vital importance of getting Pap smears for cervical cancer.
We're off to the city - taking the car in for a tune up. Taking Michael in for a tune-up. Eyes and Urologist. Just routine. And to sign the lease on our new apartment. such fun. Busy day tomorrow, but good to do.
Be well.
Friday, 20 March 2009
Happy Spring
sunny, chilly, temps about freezing
Had a wonderful dinner last night with Linda, Bal and Bethany. Thank God they're great cooks...their dinner at our place a few days earlier was mediocre...except Michael's amazing barbequed steaks.
Happy Spring and Equinox by the way.
Wrote a lot today...such a gift to have a day just to ourselves. But writing a section I think stinks...so that's not so good. Still, with luck, by this time next year it won't stink. Everything's a process.
Am downloading Fiddler on the Roof - to exercise to. Haven't heard it in years. This listening to iPod while exercising is brilliant!
Off to make lunch for The Big Guy - who is also writing. Then down into the basement, which is pretty much our General Store, to see if we have enough left over times to do the kitchen in the new rental. Don't need much, the room's the size of my desk. We've signed a 2 year lease and since home's important to us we've discovered it's worthwhile to do some things that make the apartment feel like home. Otherwise I feel I'm just perching, or visiting.
So, we'll paint, put up crown molding and might, as I say, do some tiling in kitchen.
Had a fun meeting with Lise yesterday. doing some scheming, which I'll tell you about in a few weeks.
Hope you're enjoying yourself today. And are at peace and content.
Had a wonderful dinner last night with Linda, Bal and Bethany. Thank God they're great cooks...their dinner at our place a few days earlier was mediocre...except Michael's amazing barbequed steaks.
Happy Spring and Equinox by the way.
Wrote a lot today...such a gift to have a day just to ourselves. But writing a section I think stinks...so that's not so good. Still, with luck, by this time next year it won't stink. Everything's a process.
Am downloading Fiddler on the Roof - to exercise to. Haven't heard it in years. This listening to iPod while exercising is brilliant!
Off to make lunch for The Big Guy - who is also writing. Then down into the basement, which is pretty much our General Store, to see if we have enough left over times to do the kitchen in the new rental. Don't need much, the room's the size of my desk. We've signed a 2 year lease and since home's important to us we've discovered it's worthwhile to do some things that make the apartment feel like home. Otherwise I feel I'm just perching, or visiting.
So, we'll paint, put up crown molding and might, as I say, do some tiling in kitchen.
Had a fun meeting with Lise yesterday. doing some scheming, which I'll tell you about in a few weeks.
Hope you're enjoying yourself today. And are at peace and content.
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