THE DAY
Life maintenance today: I had been set to get back to the book after finally getting through all the social obligations, but I was . . . really tired. And kind of morose, cranky, getting into my woe-is-me mode. So, early in the day, when I found myself daydreaming about food, I thought that it might be fun to do brunch. (And, who knows? Maybe I was in a bad mood because I’ve been dieting and I’m HUNGRY.)
So the husband and I did that: spontaneously went out, had brunch, ran into a friend, did some life maintenance shopping. Then, when we got back, I spent a few hours listening to lectures on cover design and then doing the assignment. Went to the gym; did my 90 minutes of aerobics. By this evening, I was thinking, shoot, I have that anthology proposal to get in, too . . . but then yakked with a daughter for about an hour and a half. And now the blog and then I’ll go start reading the anthology stuff.
But no work on the book, really. Or, rather, I know that the chapter I thought I needed to do. . . I don’t. This is what happens sometimes; what seems like a great idea at the time WAS a great idea . . . at that time. But sometimes it is good to step away and think if you REALLY need that in the book–or are you writing it because you’re explaining backstory to yourself?
Oh, and one other thing that’s really been eating at me this evening: I’ve got this writer-friend who’s really changed in the past few years, and not in a good way. Let’s just say that this person has a tough time not throwing in some zinger that essentially says that you’re an idiot. So it’s tough because this is a person I have respected. I know I’m not the only person to feel this way and that other people got out of their way not to have to deal with this person. This isn’t the first time this has happened to me either, but I’ve kind of let things slide out of respect and a sense of, okay, I guess I have a lot to learn and that’s okay. But now I’m thinking, okay, learn what I can, take the rest with a grain of salt, and move on. There are so many other ways to tell someone that you disagree or that maybe I’m missing something without being insulting or belittling or saying, in not so many words, that I’m an ignorant shit not worth the time.
Well, you know . . . who needs that? Who needs to pay for the privilege?
Right. That’s what I think, too.
WRITING OUT LOUD
GHOST IN THE MACHINE
Day 1: 4326. Day 11: 2500
Day 2: 2085 Day 12: 500
Day 3: 3011 Day 13: 1000
Day 4: 2652. Day 14: 3700
Day 5: 3210 Day 15: 5630
Day 6: 3450. Day 16: 0
Day 7: 0. Day 17: 130
Day 8: 2756 Day 18: 0
Day 9: 4580
Day 10: 2670
Blog Post: 600
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What I’m Watching:
Fargo, which has gotten better but is still way too much in love with stylistic idiosyncracies that the directors think are synonymous with actual storytelling. I also think the black lead is trying to channel a kinder, gentler Samuel L. Jackson, but sequences where the guy spouts “The Jabberwocky” are just tedious. I do wish the show would get over its own cuteness.
And, yes…some football. But nothing terrifically interesting. (Except–dang–thought the Giants would pull it out. OTOH, the Packers won–so that’s good.)
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What I’m Reading:
The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell (just started; like the girl’s voice in the first chapter, so we’ll see where this goes).
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What I’m Listening to:
Let Me In by John Aljvide Linquist.
