Not posted in a while (I'm usually bad at that anyway), been knitting up gifts or recouping from. Got all but one item done for Thanksgiving. Though, not to say someone went without a gift -- they didn't. They just did not get 100% of it. :( I'll have to mail it in a week or so.
So, now, I've a wash cloth set (8 pieces) to make for Yule, three cat toys for the same day; a santa hat for Christmas, scarf and hat set, another soap pouch and something creepy for another friend (across the pond), and a handful of more cat toys, and two throws to sew. Not counting the afghan and maybe something for me -- might be nice to have a second item made myself, only made one in 3 years.
As for the writing . . . it is knit or write right now. If I pick up the pen, I'll not see the needles until June. Not that I don't want to write. I think of the story every day. I'm constantly trolling over the last chapter, trying to find my way through their turmoil (and boy, are they in it lol). Sometimes the the breakthrough causes more trouble than it is worth, especially for the writer. But, it is needed.
I've also picked up a pen pal. Trekking to the mailbox and finding a letter inside, so much better than hearing an email alert. A letter takes a person's time and thought. Email, not so much. And it is truly a lost art: letter writing. With the Gods' good graces, it may return.
Cheers to better days . . .
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
16 Nov. 2010
Finished the mitts last night, hauled arse and got one done in one eve. All I have to do now is block them and weave in the ends. Now, I've started the Hooded Scarf tonight. The needles are too short, by about 4-5 inches. So, should be 'fun' trying to work this until payday when I can get new needles. And so far, too tired from last night to get into it.
Not worked much on the novel lately. In the holiday crunch, I rarely do. Not that I don't want to, though. It's willing and so am I. Just have to hold on for the duration.
Today is also spouse and my anniversary: 3years, 5 months. Feels like just a week. I love them very much and could want no other -- EVER. They are truly the light of my life and make it worth while. I'm very lucky to have met them . . . and that they said 'yes.'
Back to the reality of life, so itching for the holidays to be over. Family bickering already about the dinner and days, they're not even here yet! All but one agree on a stress free, leisurely meal, semi-catered -- ok, Kroger cooked -- and the one is whining extra wet. I swear, this cannot be over soon enough!!! Seeing them only ever couple of years . . . WAY too often . . . ::pulls pout hair:::
Not worked much on the novel lately. In the holiday crunch, I rarely do. Not that I don't want to, though. It's willing and so am I. Just have to hold on for the duration.
Today is also spouse and my anniversary: 3years, 5 months. Feels like just a week. I love them very much and could want no other -- EVER. They are truly the light of my life and make it worth while. I'm very lucky to have met them . . . and that they said 'yes.'
Back to the reality of life, so itching for the holidays to be over. Family bickering already about the dinner and days, they're not even here yet! All but one agree on a stress free, leisurely meal, semi-catered -- ok, Kroger cooked -- and the one is whining extra wet. I swear, this cannot be over soon enough!!! Seeing them only ever couple of years . . . WAY too often . . . ::pulls pout hair:::
Thursday, November 11, 2010
11 Nov. 2010
Didn't get to the doc's today. Due to the holiday, the banks were closed, and being payday, haha, SOL were we. No banks, no cash; no cash, no treatment. Welcome to life. Least I can go in the am for that treatment. Going to two is better than missing them all.
As for the novel . . . boy, can I make things harder than they have to be. All I have to do is add in a phone call, another character to a minor meltdown (these parts were all originally in the story), and that will shadow an underlying concern that stirs throughout the story. Does not mandate an entire rewrite.
Didn't get must of anything done on the novel yesterday save for thinking it out when I could. Massive headaches bringing about nausea and the works, probably due to my neck working itself out or diet. Working on both this week. Going in tomorrow for another adjustment and therapy and getting back OFF of the junk food. Going to have enough of that when the holidays come around, don't need it right now.
The gift-making has also been put on hold for the time being, but going to get at least half a set made today. I'm chomping at the bit to get to hubby's gift, too! Spent over a week planning it out and got the supplies. Can't wait to start!!! And can't wait to see his face when he gets it . . . he's going to be speechless. Or better be, Ha Ha Ha.
As for the novel . . . boy, can I make things harder than they have to be. All I have to do is add in a phone call, another character to a minor meltdown (these parts were all originally in the story), and that will shadow an underlying concern that stirs throughout the story. Does not mandate an entire rewrite.
Didn't get must of anything done on the novel yesterday save for thinking it out when I could. Massive headaches bringing about nausea and the works, probably due to my neck working itself out or diet. Working on both this week. Going in tomorrow for another adjustment and therapy and getting back OFF of the junk food. Going to have enough of that when the holidays come around, don't need it right now.
The gift-making has also been put on hold for the time being, but going to get at least half a set made today. I'm chomping at the bit to get to hubby's gift, too! Spent over a week planning it out and got the supplies. Can't wait to start!!! And can't wait to see his face when he gets it . . . he's going to be speechless. Or better be, Ha Ha Ha.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
10 Nov. 2010
I know I've not posted in a few days. Things have been a bit off kilter. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in trying to make something the best I can and all I come up with is that I've only made it worse. So much so that I have to step back and sift through lesser work to almost prove that I've not come up short (happens every few years give or take). And, so far, that's been my week.
Second guessing, tearing my hair out (luckily not literally -- yet), and just wondering if I've made a mistake and failed in everything that I do. Heh, it happens. Means I have to be mindful more than anything. And I'm trying.
Sifting here, there, working on all that I have. It's getting rather cramped in my days. Especially with new stories popping up and I've not yet finished the ones I've started. Currently is the lit. fiction/drama (life's almost made enough of that lately), and behind it are the horror, paranormal, and a true life project to be worked on, as well as a poetry book. Now, added to the pile are a sci-fi/fantasy and another drama, plus, a romance I've been dared to write . . . kind of can't forget that one. A dare is a challenge I can't turn down.
So, yeah, been busy and working through block after block, after ten foot thick wall. But still around, some how, some way, and kicking up the dust.
Second guessing, tearing my hair out (luckily not literally -- yet), and just wondering if I've made a mistake and failed in everything that I do. Heh, it happens. Means I have to be mindful more than anything. And I'm trying.
Sifting here, there, working on all that I have. It's getting rather cramped in my days. Especially with new stories popping up and I've not yet finished the ones I've started. Currently is the lit. fiction/drama (life's almost made enough of that lately), and behind it are the horror, paranormal, and a true life project to be worked on, as well as a poetry book. Now, added to the pile are a sci-fi/fantasy and another drama, plus, a romance I've been dared to write . . . kind of can't forget that one. A dare is a challenge I can't turn down.
So, yeah, been busy and working through block after block, after ten foot thick wall. But still around, some how, some way, and kicking up the dust.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
07 Nov. 2010
Had a great weekend with spouse. Not often we get to just kick back and relax without interruptions.
Also, recast the mitts Thursday night. Not been blazing through it, but still coming along, and have plenty of time to get them done. I reversed the colours and made the MC sapphire and the CC silver grey. Still coming out great. Hope they're enjoyed.
Last night, made major headway in my novel. Not lengthy, but made every word count. What's better than that? Also received a new review on it, and it came back high praise. So far, only one reader has not commended the work (can't fault someone for their own opinion), but their qualms were less than founded. And quite sad to see them trash my work with double talk, blatantly showing their own faults in the process. How odd that people do this . . . then throw their work into the pot as 'prime examples' of good writing.
-- I spill over into a rant here, folks, so, please, bear with me, and excuse the frustrations --
I do not mind getting bad reviews, I take them with a steady balance and try to see both sides. To me, that is what they are there for. Not all have the same views. And I for one seek out variety in my daily life. So, fine, my work was not liked. Good, but when you tell me why, make it valid. Do not quote method books you've not taken to heart (sure you read it, but did ya understand it). Do not state both sides of the spectrum and make me wrong on both counts (if I told too much, in your opinion, fine, but then to rag me for not telling you enough -- of the same info -- in the same rant, give me a break!). And, do NOT trash me because you cannot feel, cannot comprehend, or see what it is BE human (for this current work). Humans feel, we have hopes, dreams, desires, goals, fears, and shame. And so should every one of the characters. A one dimensional character is nothing more than a paper cut out. There is no life there. Even action based fiction needs life in their characters (and readers will NOT suspend disbelief to find out motives 48 pages down the line -- if you're lucky, a publisher gives you 3). Even heroes doubt. It makes them real.
Everything that people are is in every moment, every thought, and every action. This is what I strive to see in my characters and my work. If YOU do not want it there, in yours, then fine, write it your way. It's the only way a writer should. But do NOT point every finger at everyone else but yourself and dish out excuses for things you yourself have done in your own pages. It's called accountability and a measure of professionalism. Do not trounce another for your own short comings. Yes, I have mine -- and I know them -- but I also have strengths and I know them, too. They are what I use, what I dig into to correct my faults.
I did not see that with you, in your 'critique' (and sure as hell not in your work -- and I've stated why, along with reasons and examples of where and how they apply). You only spat method book after method book, none of which fit the applications at which they were thrown, and only recanted how people do NOT feel through their moments, the things they do, the events that come about, or scream that there need not be reason at all.
Needless to say (though I will), I beg to differ.
Good luck to you in your writing career. You've given me a week of entertainment: to laugh, to question and to gag over. Maybe one day, just one, you'll see how much I was holding back to give you the floor and rise higher than we both are. I may not be the greatest writer in the world (I know I'm not), but I was NEVER as bad as you painted me to be. And I wonder, just maybe, you were also pointing at your own work, at the flaws you could not cover.
See you on the bookshelves.
Also, recast the mitts Thursday night. Not been blazing through it, but still coming along, and have plenty of time to get them done. I reversed the colours and made the MC sapphire and the CC silver grey. Still coming out great. Hope they're enjoyed.
Last night, made major headway in my novel. Not lengthy, but made every word count. What's better than that? Also received a new review on it, and it came back high praise. So far, only one reader has not commended the work (can't fault someone for their own opinion), but their qualms were less than founded. And quite sad to see them trash my work with double talk, blatantly showing their own faults in the process. How odd that people do this . . . then throw their work into the pot as 'prime examples' of good writing.
-- I spill over into a rant here, folks, so, please, bear with me, and excuse the frustrations --
I do not mind getting bad reviews, I take them with a steady balance and try to see both sides. To me, that is what they are there for. Not all have the same views. And I for one seek out variety in my daily life. So, fine, my work was not liked. Good, but when you tell me why, make it valid. Do not quote method books you've not taken to heart (sure you read it, but did ya understand it). Do not state both sides of the spectrum and make me wrong on both counts (if I told too much, in your opinion, fine, but then to rag me for not telling you enough -- of the same info -- in the same rant, give me a break!). And, do NOT trash me because you cannot feel, cannot comprehend, or see what it is BE human (for this current work). Humans feel, we have hopes, dreams, desires, goals, fears, and shame. And so should every one of the characters. A one dimensional character is nothing more than a paper cut out. There is no life there. Even action based fiction needs life in their characters (and readers will NOT suspend disbelief to find out motives 48 pages down the line -- if you're lucky, a publisher gives you 3). Even heroes doubt. It makes them real.
Everything that people are is in every moment, every thought, and every action. This is what I strive to see in my characters and my work. If YOU do not want it there, in yours, then fine, write it your way. It's the only way a writer should. But do NOT point every finger at everyone else but yourself and dish out excuses for things you yourself have done in your own pages. It's called accountability and a measure of professionalism. Do not trounce another for your own short comings. Yes, I have mine -- and I know them -- but I also have strengths and I know them, too. They are what I use, what I dig into to correct my faults.
I did not see that with you, in your 'critique' (and sure as hell not in your work -- and I've stated why, along with reasons and examples of where and how they apply). You only spat method book after method book, none of which fit the applications at which they were thrown, and only recanted how people do NOT feel through their moments, the things they do, the events that come about, or scream that there need not be reason at all.
Needless to say (though I will), I beg to differ.
Good luck to you in your writing career. You've given me a week of entertainment: to laugh, to question and to gag over. Maybe one day, just one, you'll see how much I was holding back to give you the floor and rise higher than we both are. I may not be the greatest writer in the world (I know I'm not), but I was NEVER as bad as you painted me to be. And I wonder, just maybe, you were also pointing at your own work, at the flaws you could not cover.
See you on the bookshelves.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
04 Nov. 2010
Not recast the gift yet, but have gotten a leaf made.
Been going over my work. The few pages I got down last night are worth keeping -- mostly. A little tweaking still called for. My MC came off odd rather than herself and is something I must remedy before moving forward. She seems more like a paper doll than flesh and bone. Drives me nuts when they fade like that.
Maybe I'm hitting another 'kill zone' (usually pages 99-125, where the story dies without warning) and gods I hope not. One is more than enough in a novel. Just for sanity! lol Or maybe, most likely, I just didn't hit her moment at the right angle.
Something I need to think about.
Will this morn before turning in for the day. Shortly, actually. My writing has improved, thanks in part to my beta. Without them, I'd've stayed one step further from decent craft. lol Not that I'm worthy of noticing yet. I'm not -- not by far!
But, their input had helped immensely. New points of view always do. I know some method books (yes, I read those, kind of an occupational hazard) say to forgo the betas and just trust what you do. Yeah, doesn't work like that. Not for me. I like hearing feedback and discussing things, events, style, ideas, over different works. And I like hearing that what I do, before it hits the publisher, catches a reader. But, most of all, you cannot be challenged to hone various aspects of this craft simply by dancing with shadow puppets. You need a partner for that. Shadows (most of them lol) don't push back. People do. lol And publishers kill, but anyway...
Dawn starts my two day break. And I still have work to do.
Been going over my work. The few pages I got down last night are worth keeping -- mostly. A little tweaking still called for. My MC came off odd rather than herself and is something I must remedy before moving forward. She seems more like a paper doll than flesh and bone. Drives me nuts when they fade like that.
Maybe I'm hitting another 'kill zone' (usually pages 99-125, where the story dies without warning) and gods I hope not. One is more than enough in a novel. Just for sanity! lol Or maybe, most likely, I just didn't hit her moment at the right angle.
Something I need to think about.
Will this morn before turning in for the day. Shortly, actually. My writing has improved, thanks in part to my beta. Without them, I'd've stayed one step further from decent craft. lol Not that I'm worthy of noticing yet. I'm not -- not by far!
But, their input had helped immensely. New points of view always do. I know some method books (yes, I read those, kind of an occupational hazard) say to forgo the betas and just trust what you do. Yeah, doesn't work like that. Not for me. I like hearing feedback and discussing things, events, style, ideas, over different works. And I like hearing that what I do, before it hits the publisher, catches a reader. But, most of all, you cannot be challenged to hone various aspects of this craft simply by dancing with shadow puppets. You need a partner for that. Shadows (most of them lol) don't push back. People do. lol And publishers kill, but anyway...
Dawn starts my two day break. And I still have work to do.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
03 Nov. 2010 Continued...
Well, frogged the Mitts will recast in a few. Made progress on my work, even noticed a bit of a style change from advice I'd gotten from my beta. I think it's working out for the better. Having shelved my pens a while back, seems I've lost a bit of craft under a few layers of dust. That's fine, for now, as I'm getting it back.
Tonight, yeah, more working -- better than staring at walls -- and a few projects here and there. Might recast the mitts tonight or work on husband's scarf and hat set. I know the mitts are due first, but sometimes ya just need to relax.
Though, 120 leaves are not going to make themselves Ha Ha Ha. The Falling Leaves Afghan (middle pic) is not due until Christmas morn, but still, that's a lot of leaves. lol
My main concern is my writing right now. Been worried that I might not finish as I had hoped (by the end of the year). I tried setting a goal of Samhain, 31 October 2010, but obviously fell short on that. Am still only half way through the work and still 200 more pages to go.
I honestly do not know if I'll get this done. And I had such high hopes in the beginning.
It is a story worth telling -- at least to me.
Tonight, yeah, more working -- better than staring at walls -- and a few projects here and there. Might recast the mitts tonight or work on husband's scarf and hat set. I know the mitts are due first, but sometimes ya just need to relax.
Though, 120 leaves are not going to make themselves Ha Ha Ha. The Falling Leaves Afghan (middle pic) is not due until Christmas morn, but still, that's a lot of leaves. lol
My main concern is my writing right now. Been worried that I might not finish as I had hoped (by the end of the year). I tried setting a goal of Samhain, 31 October 2010, but obviously fell short on that. Am still only half way through the work and still 200 more pages to go.
I honestly do not know if I'll get this done. And I had such high hopes in the beginning.
It is a story worth telling -- at least to me.
03 Nov. 2010
Oy vey, was so pissed this eve, had to frog several rows of the Mitts because my M1Rs were wrong, and to boot they are a bit to snug, even for me. Almost constricting in their lack of give. May have to frog the entire work -- and add 4 sts to the patt for a larger size. Want the recipient to wear them, not regift them to someone they disagree with. Ha Ha Ha yeah, would suck.
Anyway, caught up on the reading, and loving it!!! My beta's got such a wonderful idea and way of telling it. Now, if only I could keep up... In all honesty, I've not been living up to what I can do. To say the least, I've come off as a rather staunch let down, in my opinion. Really need to get it gear and write like I did years ago.
This is a craft and very much use it or lose it. Obviously, I've excelled at the latter. Wow, that sucks... But, obligations of the day now fulfilled, time I got on it.
Who needs sleep anyway...
Note:
Was highly pissed over the lost rounds of the mitts I was ready to snap at any and all I talked to. Even to the point writing and reading were not going to happen... but, glad I did. Reading for my beta cheered me right up, what a trip! They know what they're doing...
Anyway, caught up on the reading, and loving it!!! My beta's got such a wonderful idea and way of telling it. Now, if only I could keep up... In all honesty, I've not been living up to what I can do. To say the least, I've come off as a rather staunch let down, in my opinion. Really need to get it gear and write like I did years ago.
This is a craft and very much use it or lose it. Obviously, I've excelled at the latter. Wow, that sucks... But, obligations of the day now fulfilled, time I got on it.
Who needs sleep anyway...
Note:
Was highly pissed over the lost rounds of the mitts I was ready to snap at any and all I talked to. Even to the point writing and reading were not going to happen... but, glad I did. Reading for my beta cheered me right up, what a trip! They know what they're doing...
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
02 Nov. 2010 Continued...
Doubt I'm gonna get much work done tonight, though I have slated a few uninterrupted hours for it. I have to catch up for my beta. If you're going to have one, you have to be one. Besides, they deserve the best of my attention if they are returning theirs. ;)
Having a beta is great, however brutal it may be at times. You each push each other and strive for better work off each others support. Onwards and upwards. Gotta take it all in stride -- publishers and editors will be so much worse. Betas are there to help you hone your work before they get to it. Best foot forward.
They are, also, a chance to share and have someone read your work. After all, it's what a writer wants. Someone to read it and enjoy the tale. This way, a writer can have both, a push and a reader.
With Criminal Minds on now, kinda hard to read (will be finishing the current chapter and the next two after the shows end. Time management: during my shows, few times a week only, I work on my WIPs and gifts for later this month. Once they end, it's beta time, or a few hours of writing then vise versa.
Tonight, its beta. Three chapters behind, I need to catch up. My writing, even if just two pages, will be good enough tonight.
My goal for my work is to finish the first whole draft by the end of the year. I still have time. Never an excuse to slow -- I still have to work for it and work hard -- it's just a shred of hope. lol and I'm still blocked... in the holiday crunch, it's 'grow balls or go home!'
Was something we said on a site I worked: grow balls or go home. And mine are solid gold!!
Having a beta is great, however brutal it may be at times. You each push each other and strive for better work off each others support. Onwards and upwards. Gotta take it all in stride -- publishers and editors will be so much worse. Betas are there to help you hone your work before they get to it. Best foot forward.
They are, also, a chance to share and have someone read your work. After all, it's what a writer wants. Someone to read it and enjoy the tale. This way, a writer can have both, a push and a reader.
With Criminal Minds on now, kinda hard to read (will be finishing the current chapter and the next two after the shows end. Time management: during my shows, few times a week only, I work on my WIPs and gifts for later this month. Once they end, it's beta time, or a few hours of writing then vise versa.
Tonight, its beta. Three chapters behind, I need to catch up. My writing, even if just two pages, will be good enough tonight.
My goal for my work is to finish the first whole draft by the end of the year. I still have time. Never an excuse to slow -- I still have to work for it and work hard -- it's just a shred of hope. lol and I'm still blocked... in the holiday crunch, it's 'grow balls or go home!'
Was something we said on a site I worked: grow balls or go home. And mine are solid gold!!
02 Nov. 2010
Work on the Mitts is still a bit slow, due to needles rather than knitter (this time haha), but coming along wonderfully...
so far, here's how it's going...
Not bad for a first DPN wip... Am rather happy with them as of late.
Also, pulled up an old and dearly missed station from Detroit... bitter sweet as always -- can never be too close to home it seems. In doing so, it has stirred the imagination and inspiration that has been on holiday these past few weeks.
too bad one cannot knit and type (efficiently) at the same time...
...two more rows, and I promise, I'll get back to work...
so far, here's how it's going...
Also, pulled up an old and dearly missed station from Detroit... bitter sweet as always -- can never be too close to home it seems. In doing so, it has stirred the imagination and inspiration that has been on holiday these past few weeks.
too bad one cannot knit and type (efficiently) at the same time...
...two more rows, and I promise, I'll get back to work...
Monday, November 1, 2010
01 Nov. 2010
Actually started the Pop Quiz Mitts a few days ago, but ended up frogging the thing due to learning curve... but third time's the charm and up and running now. Gonna have to make a set for myself later one, these things are coming out great!! Very Cool!
In addition to working on gifts for the coming season, I'm also trying to chip away at my current novel. Drama/Lit. Fiction, lol everything I never read. Despite that, however, I can see exactly why people write these. The internal thrust and perry of the MCs are such engaging, such a challenge to convey with depth. I could get used to this -- hopefully, publishers willing, I can.
Down side, I'm stuck, tangled in the work I can't seen to get straight. This keeps up, I may have to learn how to plaster a wall (holes the size of my head). Ha Ha Ha Yeah, it sucks that bad at times... almost enough to actually do it.
But I keep trying, keep pushing. It's all part of the job...
In addition to working on gifts for the coming season, I'm also trying to chip away at my current novel. Drama/Lit. Fiction, lol everything I never read. Despite that, however, I can see exactly why people write these. The internal thrust and perry of the MCs are such engaging, such a challenge to convey with depth. I could get used to this -- hopefully, publishers willing, I can.
Down side, I'm stuck, tangled in the work I can't seen to get straight. This keeps up, I may have to learn how to plaster a wall (holes the size of my head). Ha Ha Ha Yeah, it sucks that bad at times... almost enough to actually do it.
But I keep trying, keep pushing. It's all part of the job...
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