I started editing 'Blue' but the place we're staying at is not very comfortable for writing. I hope to find a suitable quiet space at our next destination.
In the meantime, I started a new book. Had a weird dream the other night, very detailed, and knew it was the next project. Don't have a name yet, but it's dark. It'll be an adult fantasy with some wild creatures in it.
I went to an exhibition by a sculptor on Saturday night. His creativity put me to shame. I have to go back to 'Blue' and give a bit more to the creatures who inhabit Kathleen's world. It's exciting.
This community in Wellington, NZ is utterly art-driven. Whether it's creatures or sculptures, or monuments or textile weaving or a countless thousand other things, it's just pure creativity. I feel like I've new blood running through me.
Hope to find another Internet cafe when I move on. We happen to be at the airport right now and I was so looking forward to a nice quiet place to chat with you... Maybe next time.
Life is quixotic.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Friday, November 23, 2012
Dreams - Be Prepared
Dearest readers, life can be so unexpectedly bizarre.
I am here in New Zealand, expecting to have fun with my Hobbit-minded friends, when, out of the blue, I am told of a person I must see to present my children's picture book to when we arrive in Wellington tomorrow. I am exceedingly excited. I hadn't expected to be doing any networking here.
Another oddity for this trip. Our host is in the midst of writing an autobiography. He asked me to read it, and I did. It was quite good. He's got to spend some time editing it, or getting an editor, but the story itself was riveting. One man's realisation that he must leave his birth home to flourish. When he took the step, with his beloved wife, his entire life changed for the good. He reached for stars and touched them. Very inspiring story.
In the midst of his sharing of what's he's written so far, he told me that his wife, when she was dying, decided to write her own story. He commissioned me to edit it for him. Paid. I was humbled and am honoured. He gave me the story on a 'stick.' I'll take it home and edit via email. The internet is such a boon.
Another gift from the internet. I have a part-time marketing job that provides my condo payment. I'm able to get onto the website, here in NZ, and do my work. Awesome!
One of my traveling companions is a science fiction writer. She asked if she could read a chapter of 'Blue.' I was excited. Even shook a little at the thought, for I respect her writing. She loved it! I wanted to do cartwheels. I'm hoping to send this book to the NZ guy noted above when I'm finished editing. Perhaps he'll be a network for 'Blue' also. Though I think the company he is with is more 'young' readers. We'll see.
So - I am reminding myself that I must dream and be prepared for stars to reach for.
Life is awesome.
I am here in New Zealand, expecting to have fun with my Hobbit-minded friends, when, out of the blue, I am told of a person I must see to present my children's picture book to when we arrive in Wellington tomorrow. I am exceedingly excited. I hadn't expected to be doing any networking here.
Another oddity for this trip. Our host is in the midst of writing an autobiography. He asked me to read it, and I did. It was quite good. He's got to spend some time editing it, or getting an editor, but the story itself was riveting. One man's realisation that he must leave his birth home to flourish. When he took the step, with his beloved wife, his entire life changed for the good. He reached for stars and touched them. Very inspiring story.
In the midst of his sharing of what's he's written so far, he told me that his wife, when she was dying, decided to write her own story. He commissioned me to edit it for him. Paid. I was humbled and am honoured. He gave me the story on a 'stick.' I'll take it home and edit via email. The internet is such a boon.
Another gift from the internet. I have a part-time marketing job that provides my condo payment. I'm able to get onto the website, here in NZ, and do my work. Awesome!
One of my traveling companions is a science fiction writer. She asked if she could read a chapter of 'Blue.' I was excited. Even shook a little at the thought, for I respect her writing. She loved it! I wanted to do cartwheels. I'm hoping to send this book to the NZ guy noted above when I'm finished editing. Perhaps he'll be a network for 'Blue' also. Though I think the company he is with is more 'young' readers. We'll see.
So - I am reminding myself that I must dream and be prepared for stars to reach for.
Life is awesome.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Alive and Well
Haven't touched the book since I got here - oh - I must go soon. They are breaking out another bottle of wine here.
Plan on writing tomorrow - but New Zealand is heaven. Glorious people - glorious country.
Showing my book to someone this week-end past.
xxoooo
Plan on writing tomorrow - but New Zealand is heaven. Glorious people - glorious country.
Showing my book to someone this week-end past.
xxoooo
Saturday, November 17, 2012
# 23 Twists And Turns
I was watching one of my favorite shows the other night on the Science Channel. It was a series called Firefly. The twist that the show had was that the prevailing language for the 'verse was Chinese. And most times, when the crew of the spaceship swore, it was in Chinese. The computer's voice in this series gave instructions in both English and Chinese. I loved that twist. The whole series is a tongue-in-cheek, cowboys-in-space thing, but it's fun.
When I had 'Blue' critiqued by someone, they said it had the elements of a Cinderella story. I personally did not see this. The important thing, though, was that the critiquer thought it neat that the 'wicked witch' turned out to be an acerbic ally. He very much liked the twist.
I was explaining some of book two of 'Blue' to my editor. There was what she considered a twist in it, too. I didn't see it, but again, I was delighted that the Muse was keeping me 'honest' and twisting me around.
Now that I'm in the midst of what I hope is my final edit, I will look for twists. If I don't find enough, I'll have to make some up. *g*
The latest edition of the SCBWI newsletter is awesome. There's a couple great articles. If you are anywhere near being a childrens' book writer (or YA or MG), join this group. The magazine is worth the fee.
On another note, my little one was telling me that I have to write so kids can understand. A friend had visited and shared her story with her. My little one didn't understand my friend's story at all. So she told me I've got to make what I write clear enough that its age appropriate and understandable. She said kids her age might not understand. Five and six year-old's or three and four year-old's might not understand. She said this was important. I do not doubt, though she says she is an artist first, that she will be writing her own books soon. She's already telling stories. I love her creativity and enthusiasm.
FYI - I haven't been able to blog lately because I'm preparing for an adventure. I'm going to be gone for about a month, traveling. I hope to find a computer now and again. If I do, I'll post. If I don't, I'm not going to worry about it. Adventures are worth a lot. I'm off to New Zealand for the premiere of The Hobbit. Going with friends and meeting internet friends that I've corresponded with these past ten + years.
Life is an adventure.
"It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out of your door," he used to say. "You step into the Road, and if you don't keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to." JRR Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring. Chapter Three..
When I had 'Blue' critiqued by someone, they said it had the elements of a Cinderella story. I personally did not see this. The important thing, though, was that the critiquer thought it neat that the 'wicked witch' turned out to be an acerbic ally. He very much liked the twist.
I was explaining some of book two of 'Blue' to my editor. There was what she considered a twist in it, too. I didn't see it, but again, I was delighted that the Muse was keeping me 'honest' and twisting me around.
Now that I'm in the midst of what I hope is my final edit, I will look for twists. If I don't find enough, I'll have to make some up. *g*
The latest edition of the SCBWI newsletter is awesome. There's a couple great articles. If you are anywhere near being a childrens' book writer (or YA or MG), join this group. The magazine is worth the fee.
On another note, my little one was telling me that I have to write so kids can understand. A friend had visited and shared her story with her. My little one didn't understand my friend's story at all. So she told me I've got to make what I write clear enough that its age appropriate and understandable. She said kids her age might not understand. Five and six year-old's or three and four year-old's might not understand. She said this was important. I do not doubt, though she says she is an artist first, that she will be writing her own books soon. She's already telling stories. I love her creativity and enthusiasm.
FYI - I haven't been able to blog lately because I'm preparing for an adventure. I'm going to be gone for about a month, traveling. I hope to find a computer now and again. If I do, I'll post. If I don't, I'm not going to worry about it. Adventures are worth a lot. I'm off to New Zealand for the premiere of The Hobbit. Going with friends and meeting internet friends that I've corresponded with these past ten + years.
Life is an adventure.
"It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out of your door," he used to say. "You step into the Road, and if you don't keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to." JRR Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring. Chapter Three..
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