My guy wasn't feeling well last night (pending root canal), so I abandoned my evening session on the computer, closed down the BatCave and spent the evening pampering and commiserating with him. A lover in pain is more important than blogging and editing any day (and, tough guy that he is, he went off to work this morning, still in pain.)
Eva Gale passed along this link in comments yesterday and it blew me away to see the art and the world-building involved. Definitely check it out when you have a chance, and thank you, Eva.
Last week, lightning struck the cable company's equipment nearby, and fried dozens of modems, computers, converters and televisions in our neighborhood. We lost our family room television set, computer modem and two of my towers (fortunately I had everything backed up while switching over to the new system, which is isolated from everything, or I'd be in very big trouble.) The power surge ran through the cable itself, which was hooked directly to everything it fried; our household current surge suppressors didn't stop it. I've voted for replacing the TV with a nice stereo system, which I would use more. You guys who live in storm- or lightning-prone areas, please make sure you're backing up your data regularly.
Via phone I talked with an agency-type publicist who cold-called me to solicit some business. He had a nice, deceitful pitch about what I need to do in order to be a successful author, none of which I actually do. When I asked him why writing was not on his success checklist he thought I was joking and chuckled. Anyway, it turns out that publishing doesn't care about me (say it isn't so!), I am cheating myself and cannot compete unless I "get behind my books." Which will cost me somewhere in the neighborhood of twenty large. I told him I'd rather stay in front of them and focus on the writing (which did not make him happy, so I do hope whoever gave him my private number got their kickback out of him up front.)
My daughter demanded that I read the Stephenie Meyers YA vampire books, and I have; all three of them. Decent stories, although I probably would have appreciated them more about thirty-four years ago. But at least now I can discuss the story with her, and she's thrilled because they're all she wants to talk about these days. Since her least favorite aspect of the books are the "sex parts" (and yeah, that's what she calls the endless dry kissing, hand-holding and hugging) I have suggested she not read my vampire books until she finishes post-graduate school.
What's up with you guys?
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The 3 year old got an Angelina Ballerina book on our joint birthday. So now I have two little girls running around dressing up like ballerinas. I shudder to think what will happen when they move up to Twilight. Capes and plastic fangs?
ReplyDeleteWriting not on the author success checklist? Somebody's been visualizing a new paradigm.
LOL, geeee I wonder where writing does fall on the list? Did it even make the list?
ReplyDeleteAs for us, we're starting to relax again, mom is home from the hospital again, and we're hoping she stays out for awhile this time.
As someone that has lost equip due to lightning strike (TV, VCR, sewing machine, phone, comp) we ended up having to have a new grounding rod put in, and having the house re-wired (it's nearly 75 so it was time I suppose). When we replaced things we were allowed to replace at cost (insurance can SOMETIMES be a good thing).
Mild depression today. Been working steadily on the Reader's Almanac project, but there's not enough time for the novel (while digging a sidewalk and tending to the potato crop).
ReplyDeleteWorse, a switch in me head flipped and there emerged a story concept I rather like. A lot.
I'll be fine; it's the prospect of going back to work after a long layoff, combine with physical weariness, but some days, scratching together salable work feels like digging out of a prison cell with a bent spoon.
Oh, forgot to add that the artwork of the tower is stunning! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThe crater city is simply amazing! I can't imagine how many hours have been spent on the artwork. I'm in awe.
ReplyDeleteAs for what I've been up to. Well, let's see. I got a new puppy. We went on vacation to Disney World. I'm almost finished with my novel. I'm officially done running kids to sporting events for at least two months.
Thanks for asking!
Amazing artwork... Very inspiring! It's got my writer-brain ticking so thanks for posting the link!
ReplyDeleteMe? Oh well, not much going on with me. I... um... might've just signed with a great agent. *big smile* Very excited to be taking this next step towards getting my books published. :)
I can't believe writing isn't at the top of the list.
ReplyDeleteMy oldest niece got me to read the Twilight books, but she is totally ok with the "sex parts". In fact, she has raided my romance/vampire books many times.
Sorry to hear about your guy. My guy has an appointment to get two of those done next month. :(
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to figure out why in the world a publicist would cold call you or anyone else for that matter. At the NINC conference in March of this year, one of the speakers said that a publicist can't do anything for an author who isn't already a big name...other than waste their money.
That's funny about the Twilight series. I need to read at least the first book before the movie comes out this year. Also, I may have something your daughter might like. Drop me an email when you can.
Wonderful art.
ReplyDeleteMixed feelings about finalizing Darkyn, but much better to choose a good ending place than devolve into boring writing and thus endure cranky fans. Does that mean thanks?
PC Cast writes a YA series with her daughter, hear good things about that series also.
What am I doing? Teens.
He can't make money out of someone just sitting there writing!
ReplyDeleteGah, one "Twilight" book was enough for me. Congrats on sticking the course!
from my end...deadlines. LOL. I didn't enjoy any but the first in that series.
ReplyDeleteNice cold call. I hate the phone for reasons just like that LOL.
I hope he feels better. Root canals are no fun, but he'll probably feel better almost immediately. Hope you have a great weekend as I'm shutting down the internet world for a weekend so I can get this stuff written.
Have a great weekend everyone!
That link is incredible! Now I want to read a story/novel based in that world. Wonder if there are any.
ReplyDeleteWow! If it isn't one thing, it's a dozen, huh?
ReplyDeleteDid you feel like washing the phone after that oily sales pitch? ;-)
As for what I'm doing - trying to set up a couple of interviews for and finish the current episode of my podcast aaaaand some writing. Well, that and avoiding smoke inhalation. The fires are to the north of us, but it's all blowing this way. :-(
Sorry about your guy and the root canal. I've had one and that was one too many.
ReplyDeleteFinally got my mom home from the hospital after a seven week stay wich included 16 days in ICU. Unfortunately even after 4 CT scans, 2 MRIs, 2 Ultrasounds, 3 EEGs and a lumbar puncture they never did diagnosis what sent her to the hospital in the first place.
On the book front I got a copy of Twilight Fall *yipee* from WalMart today. I didn't think it was supposed to release until July 1? Does it hurt your standing on the Best Seller List if we buy early?
I think my boys 14yo & 17yo would like your StarDoc books but I don't think I'm ready for them to read that much sex yet. LOL!
Charlene wrote: I shudder to think what will happen when they move up to Twilight. Capes and plastic fangs?
ReplyDeleteExpect a lot of locked-diary-writing and moping around the house, interspersed with the occasional omigod-Edward-is-so-cool rave. :)
Tammy wrote: As for us, we're starting to relax again, mom is home from the hospital again, and we're hoping she stays out for awhile this time.
ReplyDeleteThat is good news. I'll send good thoughts and prayers here way.
Anonymous wrote: I'll be fine; it's the prospect of going back to work after a long layoff, combine with physical weariness, but some days, scratching together salable work feels like digging out of a prison cell with a bent spoon.
ReplyDeleteI hear you. I've dragged my feet so much on pitch work that in four days I'll finish my final book under contract, which will make me (technically) unemployed for the first time in ten years.
Anonymous wrote: Oh, forgot to add that the artwork of the tower is stunning! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAgreed; I felt my batteries recharge just looking at it. But Eva gets all the credit for this one.
Krista wrote: As for what I've been up to. Well, let's see. I got a new puppy. We went on vacation to Disney World. I'm almost finished with my novel. I'm officially done running kids to sporting events for at least two months.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful pup! Congratulations on the new addition to the family. Plus you survived Disney, always an achievement. :) We've been out of school for a couple of weeks here, and I'm still enjoying *not* hustling the progeny out of bed in the morning.
Kazdreamer wrote: Oh well, not much going on with me. I... um... might've just signed with a great agent. *big smile* Very excited to be taking this next step towards getting my books published.
ReplyDeleteYeah, sure, that's small potatoes . . . . in the bizarro universe, maybe. Way to go!
Liza wrote: My oldest niece got me to read the Twilight books, but she is totally ok with the "sex parts". In fact, she has raided my romance/vampire books many times.
ReplyDeleteWe're still in the boys-are-icky stage here. Edward being the sole exception. :)
Jordan wrote: I'm trying to figure out why in the world a publicist would cold call you or anyone else for that matter.
ReplyDeleteHave no idea; if I were a publicist I'd never call me. ;) Last year I had a guy call me try to sell me animated billboard space in Times Square for Night Lost.
Buffysquirrel wrote: He can't make money out of someone just sitting there writing!
ReplyDeleteTragic, isn't it? This must be why publishing doesn't care about me -- I waste all my time writing.
Dawn wrote: Hope you have a great weekend as I'm shutting down the internet world for a weekend so I can get this stuff written.
ReplyDeleteBreak a keyboard, lady. :)
Wolf wrote: That link is incredible! Now I want to read a story/novel based in that world.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't mind living up there at the top, where all the mansions are. ;) Very cool concept.
Sparta5 wrote: As for what I'm doing - trying to set up a couple of interviews for and finish the current episode of my podcast aaaaand some writing. Well, that and avoiding smoke inhalation. The fires are to the north of us, but it's all blowing this way.
ReplyDeleteI did that last year, not fun. We'll send some good thoughts and prayers your way, too -- hang in.
Sherry wrote: Finally got my mom home from the hospital after a seven week stay wich included 16 days in ICU. Unfortunately even after 4 CT scans, 2 MRIs, 2 Ultrasounds, 3 EEGs and a lumbar puncture they never did diagnosis what sent her to the hospital in the first place.
ReplyDeleteAll those tests, poor thing, she must be glad to be home. I hope she stays on the mend, Sherry.
On the book front I got a copy of Twilight Fall *yipee* from WalMart today. I didn't think it was supposed to release until July 1? Does it hurt your standing on the Best Seller List if we buy early?
I appreciate you investing in TF. There are authors who are paranoid about buying before lay-down dates, but I'm not one of them (and to be honest, Wal-Mart no longer shares their book sales information with NY, so it doesn't factor in with my publisher, either.) I know Wal-Mart discounts the books they sell, so that's also a plus. I am *always* grateful for a sale no matter when it happens.
I think my boys 14yo & 17yo would like your StarDoc books but I don't think I'm ready for them to read that much sex yet. LOL!
;) I know what you mean. Another reason I read the Stephenie Meyers books is because I wanted to know just how explicit they were; my daughter is a very *young* 13 y.o. Fortunately they are pretty G-rated. I also pre-screened Meyer's The Host before I gave it to my daughter because it was touted as an adult novel (but turns out that it's also pretty squeaky-clean.)
Re. Bizarro world.
ReplyDeleteLOL! yeah... :)
Thanks for the good wishes. It's so exciting!!
I look at those pictures and my brain overflows in every direction. Thanks for sharing the link with everyone, I hope they are as inspired as I was. I think the artist is a greatly talented person.
ReplyDeleteMoving.
ReplyDeleteThat's about all I can think of right now, although The Book keeps making me take writing breaks. lol
My daughter LOVED the Twilight books. She and her friends have read them ragged. Kudos to Stephanie Meyers! If you can get teenage girls to devour books, those teenage girls grow into women who continue to devour books which is great for the rest of us writers. lol
Fwiw, another book my daughter and her posse' LOVED was Black Tattoo by Sam Enthoven. Maybe your daughter would like it, too.