Recovery is limping along. The GI tract and I have had many discussions in the last couple of weeks. I’ve agreed to no cold pizza for breakfast, and it has agreed not to torture me with day-long sessions in the bathroom as a reward. I think we’re slowly getting on the same page.
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Stamina is at an all-time low. This is to be expected — after all, it’s only been two weeks since The Great Ordeal. In that time, I’ve received the bulk of the bills from said ordeal, and I’m just giggling on the inside. The amount of these bills is RIDICULOUS. If I had that kind of money, logically I could afford health insurance, correct? I have no idea how I’m going to handle an amount that equates to the purchase of a very nice home. For someone who has worked since the age of twelve and raised three children on her own, paying her own way the best she could, this is a bitter pill to swallow. I have about as much chance of paying off this debt as I do of pulling full-sized monkeys out of my ass.
The health care system in this country is seriously effed up. It’s an embarrassment, a tragedy, and a farce. I honestly can’t think of this issue without blowing a gasket. I think of our elected officials enjoying health care provided for them; I think of the same people on vacation while 60 more Americans die every day due to no coverage and countless others financially ruined; I think of the profit margin enjoyed by pharmaceutical and health insurance companies and it’s hard to stop the blood from boiling.
Which really is not healthy.
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I’ve managed 600 words in the last two weeks on the WIP. This is quite a slowdown, and I need to get back in the swing. I will make my goal or die trying; at least it will be more cost effective to bury my ass than another stint in the hospital.
I have to wonder if I’m procrastinating because I’m scared I’ve lost the buzz. And I’m also wondering if I can get it back.
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Speaking of wondering, check out this fascinating discussion of self-publishing vs traditional publishing. Much food for thought, here. My first instinct is to try to go the traditional route, and if comments from my beta readers are any indication, I have a shot. The final verdict will wait until the book is actually finished and out to a list of First Readers. (If you’re interested in being on the list, leave a comment. The more First Readers, the better. Goal date is September 30, and I will post then what I expect from First Readers and firm up the list.)
I’ve said it before, and I’ll most likely say it again. The options in the publishing field are ever-changing, and I want to make the best decision possible for me and the work. So, I’ll keep reading and researching and ruminating. There’s no sense (for me) to make a final decision before the work is even completed.
2/3 of the way there. I’m excited about that, and contemplating posting a first chapter here as a teaser. Much to ponder.
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Okay, well, I guess I can give you a hint. It’s an urban fantasy about a hotel on the edge of Zombietown run by a Gorgon and a demi-goddess.
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NO, that’s all you get right now. Stop whining. Heh.
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In trying to construct a fiction writing career, I have picked as many brains as I can find. Some professional, some not. What I’ve come up with is this: I have five beta readers for as-I-write. Two know me very well, two do not. One is my daughter, with whom I kick around ideas and who has helped me out of a few sticky wickets. I am hesitant to add any more (although I did add one fellow writer whom I’ve known for a few years) because I really want impressions when the work is viewed as a whole. For me, this seems like the best approach.
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I’ve also bookmarked a list of ten agents who handle spec-fic, and have perused many a blog regarding query letters. There’s also the dreaded synopsis to think about, but again, that is back-burner stuff until I complete the manuscript, but it’s getting close and I want to be prepared.
The game plan is to finish this book and send it out to First Readers before the edit. Once comments are returned, it will probably marinate for a couple of months while I start on Book Two. I’m thinking of riding the Madness That Is NaNoWriMo this year, an exercise I have not attempted since 2004 when I tackled it with a pile of yellow legal pads and a pen. Epic Fail; I crapped out at 25k, but I sure learned a lot.
Around the first of the year (if I can wait that long; I might not be able to restrain myself) I will re-write/edit Book One, and hopefully the second book will be well along. Form my query letter and synopsis, and start sending that ho out to strut. Rinse and repeat.
Again, the Universe laughs hysterically at plans, so I’ll just ride the wave the best I can.
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Other, personal things remain way up in the air. My beloved Muffin (my first and only grandchild to date) took suddenly ill this weekend and had to be hospitalized. That certainly derailed me. Unfortunately, my daughter and Muffin live five hours from me, and I haven’t been released to drive yet, so a visit is not possible at this time. I have come to determine one of us must move — this distance, while not that of an ocean between us but still damned inconvenient, is killing me. One of us has GOT to move.
The job situation is very bleak; the medical debt is strangling; bouncing back from The Great Ordeal is not as quick as I want or need; family drama of a Most Unpleasant Sort is never-ending; I have decreed this is the Summer of Suckage for the second year in a row. Still, I am one stubborn wench and I am not quitting. Fuck that.
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With that in mind, I’m going to try to finish Chapter 16. Wish me luck.
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Endnote: Next week, I hope to present to you a most fascinating look at a sonneteer with her very own podcast for Fabulous Fiction Friday. And, I might have some other surprises up my sleeve, time and stamina permitting. Also, my interview and review with Susan Helene Gottfried will appear in the September issue of Skive Magazine. W00T! Links when they become live.
(Alex, put the voodoo doll away. I mean it. *wink*)
Carry on, people. Thanks for stopping by. Don’t forget to drop your name in the hat as a First Reader, if so inclined. Much appreciated.
5 Comments to “Hodge-Podge”
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Surely the hallmark of any writer (myself, and anyone I’ve spoken to, anyway) is that you ALWAYS think you’ve lost the buzz. It seems to come with the territory. You finish a piece, and then you’re convinced you can never do it again! And you don’t get the buzz back until those fingers are back on the keyboard and banging out some rubbish while you warm up. Keep going!
Fran´s last blog ..Advice for those bored of enjoying life
even if you have misplaced the buzz, you’ll find it again. the words won’t let you ignore them for long.
btw, your novel blurb sounds fantastic. but then i’d expect nothing less.
x
You know, that’s exactly right, Fran. I feel that way after I finish every story. I guess I’m a little worried because this is the first long piece I’ve sustained, but once I finish it and have it under my belt maybe I’ll feel better about it. Thanks.
Thank you, D. I needed to hear that.
You’re right, of course.
I hope the novel lives up to the blurb.
If you haven’t already, please consider me as one of your firsts.
You know what faith I have in you, you WILL prevail. The buzz will return. There’s just such a cacophony of activity around you right now, most of which is justifiably taking your focus and attention, that your work is/will fall into place when it’s supposed to.
Although you would never ask, please know that I’m here to do whatever I can to help…in ANY area. Talk to me.
~J
My hand is up as a First reader please!
Melinda | WAHM Biz Builder´s last blog ..New Month = New Goals