Posts
In my story I have Blake and Elizabeth secretly meeting on Oakham MOunt to watch the sunrise. that came to me because I sit in this bedroom alcove looking out my window facing East and as an early riser, I watch the sunrise. And on one particular beautiful morning I added my sunrise to my story. Of course I live on a mountain (or a pretty damn big foothill --I do live at 3,000 feet) so I can imagine the two of them looking at the same sky that I do. I sometimes think I should describe the sky with more, well, color. My view is vivid when the rain is forecast for the day and blah when it is not. Of course blah days mean no rain and beautiful sunsets.
Red sky in morning, sailor take warning; red sky at night, sailor delight. This is really true and has a scientific basis. The barometric pressure causes the redness to appear. If a storm is approaching then the weather mass is pushing into the space causing the red sky. And of course, rain will come that day or the next depending upon the size of the storm. The bigger the storm the longer the morning sky is red. Now a blue morning means a dry day.
My lungs can tell you whether a storm is coming without the visual aid. they feel like they are in a vice and they hurt. But later they expand against my rib cage and become uncomfortable.
I think other people's arithritis hurts, backs ache, and other forms of warnings and it all deals with that stupid barametric pressure and temperature change.
today my lungs do not hurt and the sky is blue. It is a good day for anything.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Typing or Handwriting
I read a post once that the writer needed to write things down on paper. I tried it. I took a Pacific Northwest Cruise last year (and most decidedly my last group trip) and had some free time. I had brought a writing notebook and a few pens. I decided I would find some time to actually write down some stuff.
I did find the time and the smallest most private bars on the ship. I was able to nurse a few glasses of wine while I wrote down an outline of chapters that I was working on. Ok, I wrote it down and later I tried to read it. Impossible. I have the worlds most awful handwriting. I should have been a doctor. I cannot stand to push a pen across the page. Not to say everything was wasted. My entire scene of the old men vs. the young men was created. Just in my head. As I drank I visualized the men. I heard the arguments. I sipped my wine. the tension increased. I sipped some more. Good old Rawlings. He stepped in before I could drink myself into a stuper. Shame I did not have a computer. That is how I write.
I do not know why but I can sit down in front of my monitor and create. I cannot do so with pen and paper. NOthing I have written down ever is used. It is junk. but the typed word sings to me.
My workstation is really a dining room table that I just happen to have in my bedroom. Ok, I am wacky. I have alcove in my bedroom with a window. there is 86 inches of space across the alcover. When I moved here this is where I wanted to write. I found this 84 inch table. It was the right color and style and therefore fits well in the room. Here I sit in my bedroom at my table and type. Yesterday I needed to add a scene or two and so I sat down and typed. I finished 2600 words in just a couple of hours. But had I been out on my deck enjoying some marvelous weather with a pen and paper I guarantee everyone that not a single word would have come to pass.
I have had a love affair with my computer ever since the day we met. My fingers sing across the keyboard churning out its own special rhythm. Can you hear it? tap tap slide tap tap ok this is stupid.
While visiting my mom's this past winter I typed. (I am fortunate to have a mother that lives in sunny Florida and has a pool with her home). Never one to have just one computer (I have three at home) even visiting I had two. My brother set up a laptop for me and I brought my own tower and components. I set up a table in my bedroom there. Sometimes I wonder if I am in training for assisted living what with all this living in my bedroom.
Needless to say, I must have written 50,000 words or more during my winter stay. All in my bedroom. I shared the room with my mom. She would watch old movies and I would type. I fixed the coffee and was happy to bring it to her. She eats a banana every day. I would bring that too. We were happy--her with her old movies and me with the typewriter. There was one problem. I woke up early, she did not. I solved the problem by taking the laptop with its wireless connection and moved to the patio and pool area. This worked well until the sun rose. I suppose I could have just chosen a seat with my back to the sun but I am stupid sometimes. I, instead, draped a breach towel over my head and over the top of the laptop forming a perfect secluded tent. I could read the screen and so I typed away. My mom knows me so she was not shocked or surprised when she caught me outside in such a state. I have always done things a wee bit different. I suppose that is why I have chosen to write my story a wee bit different. A story about men during that era and from their pov.
so when you reach the chapters in London think of me sitting out on the lanai with a towel draped over my head typing away as the world woke up.
me, typing goodbye until tomorrow!
gayle
I did find the time and the smallest most private bars on the ship. I was able to nurse a few glasses of wine while I wrote down an outline of chapters that I was working on. Ok, I wrote it down and later I tried to read it. Impossible. I have the worlds most awful handwriting. I should have been a doctor. I cannot stand to push a pen across the page. Not to say everything was wasted. My entire scene of the old men vs. the young men was created. Just in my head. As I drank I visualized the men. I heard the arguments. I sipped my wine. the tension increased. I sipped some more. Good old Rawlings. He stepped in before I could drink myself into a stuper. Shame I did not have a computer. That is how I write.
I do not know why but I can sit down in front of my monitor and create. I cannot do so with pen and paper. NOthing I have written down ever is used. It is junk. but the typed word sings to me.
My workstation is really a dining room table that I just happen to have in my bedroom. Ok, I am wacky. I have alcove in my bedroom with a window. there is 86 inches of space across the alcover. When I moved here this is where I wanted to write. I found this 84 inch table. It was the right color and style and therefore fits well in the room. Here I sit in my bedroom at my table and type. Yesterday I needed to add a scene or two and so I sat down and typed. I finished 2600 words in just a couple of hours. But had I been out on my deck enjoying some marvelous weather with a pen and paper I guarantee everyone that not a single word would have come to pass.
I have had a love affair with my computer ever since the day we met. My fingers sing across the keyboard churning out its own special rhythm. Can you hear it? tap tap slide tap tap ok this is stupid.
While visiting my mom's this past winter I typed. (I am fortunate to have a mother that lives in sunny Florida and has a pool with her home). Never one to have just one computer (I have three at home) even visiting I had two. My brother set up a laptop for me and I brought my own tower and components. I set up a table in my bedroom there. Sometimes I wonder if I am in training for assisted living what with all this living in my bedroom.
Needless to say, I must have written 50,000 words or more during my winter stay. All in my bedroom. I shared the room with my mom. She would watch old movies and I would type. I fixed the coffee and was happy to bring it to her. She eats a banana every day. I would bring that too. We were happy--her with her old movies and me with the typewriter. There was one problem. I woke up early, she did not. I solved the problem by taking the laptop with its wireless connection and moved to the patio and pool area. This worked well until the sun rose. I suppose I could have just chosen a seat with my back to the sun but I am stupid sometimes. I, instead, draped a breach towel over my head and over the top of the laptop forming a perfect secluded tent. I could read the screen and so I typed away. My mom knows me so she was not shocked or surprised when she caught me outside in such a state. I have always done things a wee bit different. I suppose that is why I have chosen to write my story a wee bit different. A story about men during that era and from their pov.
so when you reach the chapters in London think of me sitting out on the lanai with a towel draped over my head typing away as the world woke up.
me, typing goodbye until tomorrow!
gayle
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Be careful what you wish for!
My readers wanted to know what Darcy was thinking. Chapter 26 reveals a lot! lol
Now off to the town for some wonderful sun. Brevard NC is the home of this wonderful Music Festival from the last week in June to the first week in August. Yoyoma? opened the festival - Keith Lockhart from Boston attended this music camp and has returned as our director. Yea! 6 weeks of everything.
http://www.brevardmusic.org/content/events
You cannot believe how much stuff goes on in this mountain community. I had no idea until I moved here.
Well, off to see the wizard, the wonderful wizard of oz. lol
gayle
Now off to the town for some wonderful sun. Brevard NC is the home of this wonderful Music Festival from the last week in June to the first week in August. Yoyoma? opened the festival - Keith Lockhart from Boston attended this music camp and has returned as our director. Yea! 6 weeks of everything.
http://www.brevardmusic.org/content/events
You cannot believe how much stuff goes on in this mountain community. I had no idea until I moved here.
Well, off to see the wizard, the wonderful wizard of oz. lol
gayle
Getting the readers' panties in a twist
I like to stir them up. But this time, for chapter 26, I will give them...Darcy! All his thoughts all the time. lol Well, the new scenes. I will write the chapter from his POV. where I used Rawlings a couple of times, this time we get to hear what is rattling around in his brain. We get to view how everyone acts around him from his pov. What does he think of Elizabeth, Rawlings, Kent, Caroline and...yes, even, Bingley! lol I did add a couple sentences of what he suspects there!
Chapter 27 is the ball so this chapter with the added scenes, sets it up a lot better.
Getting your readers panties in a twist. l love it. Sometimes I wonder how to get the young girls throngs in a twist and my mind goes blank. I suppose it is because I do not wish to create any sort of image of that! lol But that is symbol on modern day life. Young women do seem to need more than the regency romance opting often for the graphic display of, well, everything. Where have we gone too? Is this better? Is is equality? Should there be this kind of equalness? I do not know but we can never go back.
Now getting my panties in a twist is harder to do. Steph just sent back Chapter 24 and there is more red in it than there is in the color vat at Crayola. lol I am a weird person because I actually like getting the red marks. I look at each one carefully trying to understand so I can improve later. Well, there is a lot for me to understand. Good gosh, she can certainly find the better word choice and I wonder if I looked at sentence structure at all before I sent it to her.
Looks like my day is clearly mapped in front of me - I need to get into Darcy's head for Chapter 26 and into Steph's as I revise Chapter 24. I am so thankful to Steph because my chapters sent to Heather and DebraAnne are less embarrassing!
gayle
Chapter 27 is the ball so this chapter with the added scenes, sets it up a lot better.
Getting your readers panties in a twist. l love it. Sometimes I wonder how to get the young girls throngs in a twist and my mind goes blank. I suppose it is because I do not wish to create any sort of image of that! lol But that is symbol on modern day life. Young women do seem to need more than the regency romance opting often for the graphic display of, well, everything. Where have we gone too? Is this better? Is is equality? Should there be this kind of equalness? I do not know but we can never go back.
Now getting my panties in a twist is harder to do. Steph just sent back Chapter 24 and there is more red in it than there is in the color vat at Crayola. lol I am a weird person because I actually like getting the red marks. I look at each one carefully trying to understand so I can improve later. Well, there is a lot for me to understand. Good gosh, she can certainly find the better word choice and I wonder if I looked at sentence structure at all before I sent it to her.
Looks like my day is clearly mapped in front of me - I need to get into Darcy's head for Chapter 26 and into Steph's as I revise Chapter 24. I am so thankful to Steph because my chapters sent to Heather and DebraAnne are less embarrassing!
gayle
Friday, June 27, 2008
Chapter 25 done, must think romance
Now I need to add a little spice to 26. I must think romance. What good old romantic movie can I watch that will get me in the mood for some wonderfully delicious, humorous romance that can apply to all the parties. I could steal the scene from Secrets of Success with Michael J Fox when everyone was in house together that night and changing bedrooms. lol
I need romance for Blake and Elizabeth and Darcy and Rawlings and Lydia and Bingley and Jane. How can I create a little aw factor for them. Kent and Caroline can be the comic relief. I mean let us face it they will be together all afternoon and evening including the fireworks display and then there is the private stuff at NP with just the residents there. I should be able to think of something.
Need to get my mind spinning. Need to see the action in my head. Need to set up the ball....
I will be back tomorrow if i am done or not.
I need romance for Blake and Elizabeth and Darcy and Rawlings and Lydia and Bingley and Jane. How can I create a little aw factor for them. Kent and Caroline can be the comic relief. I mean let us face it they will be together all afternoon and evening including the fireworks display and then there is the private stuff at NP with just the residents there. I should be able to think of something.
Need to get my mind spinning. Need to see the action in my head. Need to set up the ball....
I will be back tomorrow if i am done or not.
Putting my finger on it
This is not dirty Ok. This is about figuring out what is wrong and how do I put my finger on it. How do I see what it is that is causing the story to go blah! Or the character to act out of, well, character. Or the plot to be, as Amanda used to type, WAY OVER THE TOP. So how do I put my finger on it.
I can do housework. but I usually decide that is too much of a sacrifice. I can read other books but since I have been in the middle of my own story, I cannot concentrate on anything other than diagolgue tags, action beats, paragraph structure, sentence structure, and all things about writing. I compare my own writing to everyone else's which causes depression to set in. I become dissatisfied with my writing and lack of skills and training and wonder if I am just this great big fraud. So I definitely don't read my thriller spy or mystery stories (that are my favorites - Vince Flynn, good god, now I can't even come up with my favorite author's names, wait...Baldacci, scott turow, Nelsen DeMille, Connolley, and Brad Thor. Ok I peeked at my unread books on the bookshelf. I have nearly 50 of them.
Back to putting my finger on it. I am stuck on Chapters 25, 26, 27. Not completely stuck since the chapters have been written but something is not right. Hence, I need to put my finger on the problem. What is wrong with it? Why does it bother me now that I have reread it after a couple of months. Egad is this going to keep happening as I revisit my other remaining chapters?
Is it the plotline? No. I like my plot/storyline. These three chapters push the story forward. Is it the characters? no their characterizations are true.
OK, I had finished polishing chapter 25 and it was ready to go to my first beta. Except. I want to not have a cliffhanger here. So I need to take the beginning of Chapter 26 and add back into chapter 25. That leaves me with one problem. chapter 26 becomes way too short. Which is Ok on occasion to just go with the flow when it comes to length of a chapter, but chapter 26 is now BLAH. I don't even want to read it. So how do I fix this. Must I take from chapter 27? then what happens to that chapter? 25 through 28 are the climatic end to the first book (remember I decided to go with Book I and Book II for shits and giggles).
Scenes. I must delve into the scene structure of these chapters. And I may need to take one whole subplot (tiny one) out of the story. Then I need to add in another scene or two that actually has meaning.
So I will re-read my chapters with scene additions and deletions in mind and then do housework. It is that critical! I have plenty of housework that has piled up so I should be able to put my finger on the problem. And then come up with a solution!
I shall conquer this.
Ok my finger has found the problem:
ROMANCE. Must add the missing Romance from Chapter 26. there needs to be romance. Why did I not include it before? Duh.
Now on to finishing my housework. Damn. This is a bad sign. I find my answers while cleaning my house. Bah. Let us hope there are not many problems in the future.
I can do housework. but I usually decide that is too much of a sacrifice. I can read other books but since I have been in the middle of my own story, I cannot concentrate on anything other than diagolgue tags, action beats, paragraph structure, sentence structure, and all things about writing. I compare my own writing to everyone else's which causes depression to set in. I become dissatisfied with my writing and lack of skills and training and wonder if I am just this great big fraud. So I definitely don't read my thriller spy or mystery stories (that are my favorites - Vince Flynn, good god, now I can't even come up with my favorite author's names, wait...Baldacci, scott turow, Nelsen DeMille, Connolley, and Brad Thor. Ok I peeked at my unread books on the bookshelf. I have nearly 50 of them.
Back to putting my finger on it. I am stuck on Chapters 25, 26, 27. Not completely stuck since the chapters have been written but something is not right. Hence, I need to put my finger on the problem. What is wrong with it? Why does it bother me now that I have reread it after a couple of months. Egad is this going to keep happening as I revisit my other remaining chapters?
Is it the plotline? No. I like my plot/storyline. These three chapters push the story forward. Is it the characters? no their characterizations are true.
OK, I had finished polishing chapter 25 and it was ready to go to my first beta. Except. I want to not have a cliffhanger here. So I need to take the beginning of Chapter 26 and add back into chapter 25. That leaves me with one problem. chapter 26 becomes way too short. Which is Ok on occasion to just go with the flow when it comes to length of a chapter, but chapter 26 is now BLAH. I don't even want to read it. So how do I fix this. Must I take from chapter 27? then what happens to that chapter? 25 through 28 are the climatic end to the first book (remember I decided to go with Book I and Book II for shits and giggles).
Scenes. I must delve into the scene structure of these chapters. And I may need to take one whole subplot (tiny one) out of the story. Then I need to add in another scene or two that actually has meaning.
So I will re-read my chapters with scene additions and deletions in mind and then do housework. It is that critical! I have plenty of housework that has piled up so I should be able to put my finger on the problem. And then come up with a solution!
I shall conquer this.
Ok my finger has found the problem:
ROMANCE. Must add the missing Romance from Chapter 26. there needs to be romance. Why did I not include it before? Duh.
Now on to finishing my housework. Damn. This is a bad sign. I find my answers while cleaning my house. Bah. Let us hope there are not many problems in the future.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Clearing one's mind
Ok, how does a writer clear one's mind. Let's face it! A writer's mind is full of ... stuff. We have characters clawing and biting to get more time in the story, we have a plot line that is complex and causes one to worry excessively about all those lose ends and that continuity thing. Was he seated on the left a paragraph ago and I have now placed him mysteriously on the right? It will drive you .... to drink.
Clear my thoughts. Well, I have always imagined me on a sailboat in the middle of Severn River with a muscular young tanned boy smiling at me as he piloted the boat. the waves lap quietly and are the only sounds heard other than his and my breathing. I always think of this right before some doctor slips an epidural steroid shot in my back to relieve my ruptured disc. We are told to be relaxed and that was one of the relaxing moments of my life. I was 15 he was 16. He smelled good. I was wearing a two-piece bathing suit (2-pieces were new to America! ok I am old) my aunt made it for me because my mom refused to buy me one and well I was spending a couple weeks with her in Severna Park. So here I am with the man of my dreams alone on a boat and ...
nothing. not a damn thing. He did nothing but sail the damn boat. I looked at myself, I was a cute petite thing. Well, my boobies were not exciting but at least they filled the top. I had no tan (burn quickly) my hair was a mousy brown (thank god for hair dye) and I was not aggressive. I thought guys were suppose to make the move and I sat on that stupid boat and waited for him to ravish me. I was ready. I mean why bother with a two piece suit. I sat as seductively as a 15 year old virgin could. I leaned forward so he could see my cleavage. OK not much there but I had heard boys had great imaginations. I even put some of my own oil on my body stopping suddenly at my breasts. I sent a look of desire. Or so I thought. And then nothing. the jerk never moved. He even stopped talking. All he did was keep this plastered smile on his face. I never understood until one year later when a different guy at Severna Park took me out. The two boys had been best friends. This new boy was not the type to sit and smile (believe me!) but he did explain his friend had admitted he wanted to take me right there in the damn boat and he had to keep his hand on the stupid thing that steers the boat or he would have ripped that top right off of me.
So I was seductive. I was successful. But he was a good boy and well, I learned my first lesson in the power of woman and the strength of men. Ok, some types are strong. And the other boy, well, he would have not held back. It was then I realized I did not want this new boy. He was too eager and too well easy. I wanted my tanned muscled young man that held tight onto the stick thing piloting the boat. I wanted a gentleman.
So, my dear readers when you wonder that I do not really like Darcy, we will know why that is not true. I see my tanned muscled boy as Darcy and me in my seductive bathing suit as Elizabeth. and that is how I clear my mind of current thoughts.
Clear my thoughts. Well, I have always imagined me on a sailboat in the middle of Severn River with a muscular young tanned boy smiling at me as he piloted the boat. the waves lap quietly and are the only sounds heard other than his and my breathing. I always think of this right before some doctor slips an epidural steroid shot in my back to relieve my ruptured disc. We are told to be relaxed and that was one of the relaxing moments of my life. I was 15 he was 16. He smelled good. I was wearing a two-piece bathing suit (2-pieces were new to America! ok I am old) my aunt made it for me because my mom refused to buy me one and well I was spending a couple weeks with her in Severna Park. So here I am with the man of my dreams alone on a boat and ...
nothing. not a damn thing. He did nothing but sail the damn boat. I looked at myself, I was a cute petite thing. Well, my boobies were not exciting but at least they filled the top. I had no tan (burn quickly) my hair was a mousy brown (thank god for hair dye) and I was not aggressive. I thought guys were suppose to make the move and I sat on that stupid boat and waited for him to ravish me. I was ready. I mean why bother with a two piece suit. I sat as seductively as a 15 year old virgin could. I leaned forward so he could see my cleavage. OK not much there but I had heard boys had great imaginations. I even put some of my own oil on my body stopping suddenly at my breasts. I sent a look of desire. Or so I thought. And then nothing. the jerk never moved. He even stopped talking. All he did was keep this plastered smile on his face. I never understood until one year later when a different guy at Severna Park took me out. The two boys had been best friends. This new boy was not the type to sit and smile (believe me!) but he did explain his friend had admitted he wanted to take me right there in the damn boat and he had to keep his hand on the stupid thing that steers the boat or he would have ripped that top right off of me.
So I was seductive. I was successful. But he was a good boy and well, I learned my first lesson in the power of woman and the strength of men. Ok, some types are strong. And the other boy, well, he would have not held back. It was then I realized I did not want this new boy. He was too eager and too well easy. I wanted my tanned muscled young man that held tight onto the stick thing piloting the boat. I wanted a gentleman.
So, my dear readers when you wonder that I do not really like Darcy, we will know why that is not true. I see my tanned muscled boy as Darcy and me in my seductive bathing suit as Elizabeth. and that is how I clear my mind of current thoughts.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
The paranoia of posting
Good old Marian-Webster gives us the following definition of paranoia:
1 : a psychosis characterized by systematized delusions of persecution or grandeur usually without hallucinations
2 : a tendency on the part of an individual or group toward excessive or irrational suspiciousness and distrustfulness of others
My apologies to the medical profession (and to anyone suffering from this- I do not mean to offend) but today I want to to write about how this tendency can overtake even a sensible person like me when it comes to writing.
Delusions of grandeur - let us admit it. I suspect all of ff authors have that secret image of us on some book show talkng about our story. We are being touted as the next greatest writer of our time. Ok, maybe not that far but I suspect secretly we all see ourselves as successful even if we never publish even through a vanity publisher.
but sometimes definition number two hits an otherwise normal gal when her visions of grandeur are robbed from her. Yes, I am talking about my bit of paranoia happening when someone posts a story within 30 minutes after me. Courtesy rules ask you wait at least an hour. I try to give two if not three hours. Having your story appear on the main board does equate to a few extra clicks and numbers in your view count. So when someone overposts your chapter with theirs then your time in the sun is lost and so is your chance for getting a larger view count.
Ok, now the paranoia comes in when you begin to believe it is deliberate, that a whole slew of other authors have formed this secret society to bring you down. Why would they do that?
Well, the answer leads back to definition 1 - delusions of persecution or grandeur. How can I have grandeur if a secret society is going about to sabotage my postings. they met with text messages and personal messages. they have a pact bound with secret codes. they take turns so it will not look obvious.
OK so you see when my 16th post out of 19 was overposted you can guess my personal feelings about the situation. Why my visions of grandeur were being defeated!
So how can this normally calm cool headed person become nutsy? Believe me frustration can do much to a person. So when Anghaine (Elizabeth Hooten) whom I know has no clue about my paranoia posted in less than 30 minutes over mine, I sent her a message entitled "Is there a consipiracy?"
I recall the old Mel Gibson movie by that name. He was right in the movie so I must be right in the JAFF world of writers.
Last night I promptly apologized to Elizabeth. In a public chat room none the less. I went a little nuts and she admitted her story had suffered from the same problem. 10 minutes for her.
Well, the answer my friend is blowing in the wind, the answer is blowing in the wind. How many times can our posts stand alone? How many times can it be first? the answer my friend is blowing in the wind, the answer is blowing in the wind. Sorry that is the song that popped in my head.
Now that I am back on earth and have my feet firmly stuck in the mud I realize what has happened. I have spent my recent time on a chapter about secret clubs and I let it overtake my mind. Just as the characters in the story do.
Postings, comments, view counts. JAFF writers do not have book sales to bolster them, we have postings, comments, and view counts. And that is why we stress over them so much. that is why we anxiously await any response. That is why we keep tabs on the numbers of views (it is the only way to count lurkers). That is why we notice when a regular poster does not post. We see our worthiness dropping. We begin to feel our story is boring, the writing is horrid, and the characters are one dimensional.
When I started this story I told myself this story would not be as well received as others because it is not a romance. It is not all D&E. The first half of the story focuses on new characters and many people coming to the sites only want to read more about their favorite couple. I suspected I would lose readers and let us face it I have. My view counts have dropped from 850 (my first post) to last week's 400. That is more than half. (where is my math professor reader to help me out here? lol) My commenters have fallen as well.
But the glass is half full. I have a steady following and some of my posts are from lurkers and people that praise my story in elegant ways. I have a loyal following of regulars. and these are from women (and one occasional male poster) I admire and wish to emulate. In this diet crazed world a half full glass is just what the doctor ordered. And no one fills a glass with expensive scotch and that is how I feel about my fans. They are like my $75 bottle of Oban scotch.
Just think I reacted this way right after writing yesterday's blog that I was finished with obsessing about the view counts. I guess not. lol I cannot fool my fingers. they type just about anything they want I just sit there and read along with the rest of you.
I shall conquer this!
2 : a tendency on the part of an individual or group toward excessive or irrational suspiciousness and distrustfulness of others
My apologies to the medical profession (and to anyone suffering from this- I do not mean to offend) but today I want to to write about how this tendency can overtake even a sensible person like me when it comes to writing.
Delusions of grandeur - let us admit it. I suspect all of ff authors have that secret image of us on some book show talkng about our story. We are being touted as the next greatest writer of our time. Ok, maybe not that far but I suspect secretly we all see ourselves as successful even if we never publish even through a vanity publisher.
but sometimes definition number two hits an otherwise normal gal when her visions of grandeur are robbed from her. Yes, I am talking about my bit of paranoia happening when someone posts a story within 30 minutes after me. Courtesy rules ask you wait at least an hour. I try to give two if not three hours. Having your story appear on the main board does equate to a few extra clicks and numbers in your view count. So when someone overposts your chapter with theirs then your time in the sun is lost and so is your chance for getting a larger view count.
Ok, now the paranoia comes in when you begin to believe it is deliberate, that a whole slew of other authors have formed this secret society to bring you down. Why would they do that?
Well, the answer leads back to definition 1 - delusions of persecution or grandeur. How can I have grandeur if a secret society is going about to sabotage my postings. they met with text messages and personal messages. they have a pact bound with secret codes. they take turns so it will not look obvious.
OK so you see when my 16th post out of 19 was overposted you can guess my personal feelings about the situation. Why my visions of grandeur were being defeated!
So how can this normally calm cool headed person become nutsy? Believe me frustration can do much to a person. So when Anghaine (Elizabeth Hooten) whom I know has no clue about my paranoia posted in less than 30 minutes over mine, I sent her a message entitled "Is there a consipiracy?"
I recall the old Mel Gibson movie by that name. He was right in the movie so I must be right in the JAFF world of writers.
Last night I promptly apologized to Elizabeth. In a public chat room none the less. I went a little nuts and she admitted her story had suffered from the same problem. 10 minutes for her.
Well, the answer my friend is blowing in the wind, the answer is blowing in the wind. How many times can our posts stand alone? How many times can it be first? the answer my friend is blowing in the wind, the answer is blowing in the wind. Sorry that is the song that popped in my head.
Now that I am back on earth and have my feet firmly stuck in the mud I realize what has happened. I have spent my recent time on a chapter about secret clubs and I let it overtake my mind. Just as the characters in the story do.
Postings, comments, view counts. JAFF writers do not have book sales to bolster them, we have postings, comments, and view counts. And that is why we stress over them so much. that is why we anxiously await any response. That is why we keep tabs on the numbers of views (it is the only way to count lurkers). That is why we notice when a regular poster does not post. We see our worthiness dropping. We begin to feel our story is boring, the writing is horrid, and the characters are one dimensional.
When I started this story I told myself this story would not be as well received as others because it is not a romance. It is not all D&E. The first half of the story focuses on new characters and many people coming to the sites only want to read more about their favorite couple. I suspected I would lose readers and let us face it I have. My view counts have dropped from 850 (my first post) to last week's 400. That is more than half. (where is my math professor reader to help me out here? lol) My commenters have fallen as well.
But the glass is half full. I have a steady following and some of my posts are from lurkers and people that praise my story in elegant ways. I have a loyal following of regulars. and these are from women (and one occasional male poster) I admire and wish to emulate. In this diet crazed world a half full glass is just what the doctor ordered. And no one fills a glass with expensive scotch and that is how I feel about my fans. They are like my $75 bottle of Oban scotch.
Just think I reacted this way right after writing yesterday's blog that I was finished with obsessing about the view counts. I guess not. lol I cannot fool my fingers. they type just about anything they want I just sit there and read along with the rest of you.
I shall conquer this!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Why I do this
Frances asked me recently why I do this? Why do spend time away from RL for the research, writing, editing, posting, etc. Why? I promised her a full explanation but not until I finish the story. I wish to keep certain information private for now.
Now that I am posting the story I have discovered another reason to write--the readers who support and encourage me. I do not wish to let them down. I love to read all the comments (I never thought originally I would be so easily touched by them, but I am) and feel comforted when the regular posters still comment. I have discovered a world of wonderful women (and at least one man - Kent has posted 3 times!) that take the time to share their thoughts.
This morning I was planning on posting about clearing one's mind to push on with a chapter. I will save that for another day because this morning I read my latest comment at AHA. Lise wrote a beautiful comment explaining her lack of posts. Well, Lise, it is OK. Just knowing that you are reading the story and you find it worthwhile is enough. It is more than enough.
For a time, I obsessed over the number of comments and the view count. Not at first but as the chapters went up I found I anxiously awaited my readers...approval. I wanted to be thought of as a good writer. I admit I only thought of myself. Ok, so every now and then everyone thinks only of themselves. I am no different.
But now, it is not so important. I had a wonderful conversation over view counts and was reminded why I wanted to write this story in the first place. Once I placed that reason in the forefront the view counts and comments are certainly well appreciated but it is not the reason for my writing. This is not to say I do not still anxiously wait for comments and kind words of praise and encouragement and even the ones that show they are clearly upset with the direction of the story. I love my comments and find they do help me week to week keep up with my schedule. The combination of my purpose for writing and the wonderful experience with posting is all I need to continue. One day after the epilogue has been posted I will share my purpose.
well, off to prepare today's post. And egad, I must clean house and Heather understands why it helps my writing. Sadly, Steph did not heehaw over Chapter 23. Well, I still have two more beta's to go. I still find it funny. We will see what the readers think.
Today is Canasta Hand and Foot day. Ok, this is how it is in full retirement. Cards, alchohol, concerts, plays, shopping, eating out, eating at the club, get-togethers and volunteering. That is my life now. I can sleep as late as I want. there is water aeorbics (Except the pool is undergoing some kind of repair and won't be re-opened until Friday) and a wellness center (fancy phrase for gym); golf (which I hate), tennis (which I hate), hiking (which I hate) gardening (which I hate with a capital H), quilting (which yes you know) and a host of other activities which I ignore. I don't know why I moved here at all. Perhaps, the cool temperatures in the summer and the mild winters (but I am in Florida in the winter) is why.
Canasta hand and foot is a simple game. It does not tax the brains at all. I can even think about my stories while playing and never miss a play. So today I will post and run off to Canasta hand and foot and pray I will not be partnered with Carlton. Ok he wins alot and he is actually old (as opposed to me at 57) but he is slow as the latest version of Office booting up.
I hope everyone appreciates Caroline once they read chapter 21. I tried to give a reason for her actions. I do believe everyone is a product of genes and environment. It is the combination which makes us so unique. No two people can own those two objects. Not even twin sisters.
Speaking of sisters, I am like Georgiana. I, too, wished I had a sister. Only three brothers (and believe me none as wonderful as Darcy). I did not even have a daughter - two sons.
Well, I am off to add those tags to my chapter 20. and how do you make those accent marks in html? hmmmm.
Now that I am posting the story I have discovered another reason to write--the readers who support and encourage me. I do not wish to let them down. I love to read all the comments (I never thought originally I would be so easily touched by them, but I am) and feel comforted when the regular posters still comment. I have discovered a world of wonderful women (and at least one man - Kent has posted 3 times!) that take the time to share their thoughts.
This morning I was planning on posting about clearing one's mind to push on with a chapter. I will save that for another day because this morning I read my latest comment at AHA. Lise wrote a beautiful comment explaining her lack of posts. Well, Lise, it is OK. Just knowing that you are reading the story and you find it worthwhile is enough. It is more than enough.
For a time, I obsessed over the number of comments and the view count. Not at first but as the chapters went up I found I anxiously awaited my readers...approval. I wanted to be thought of as a good writer. I admit I only thought of myself. Ok, so every now and then everyone thinks only of themselves. I am no different.
But now, it is not so important. I had a wonderful conversation over view counts and was reminded why I wanted to write this story in the first place. Once I placed that reason in the forefront the view counts and comments are certainly well appreciated but it is not the reason for my writing. This is not to say I do not still anxiously wait for comments and kind words of praise and encouragement and even the ones that show they are clearly upset with the direction of the story. I love my comments and find they do help me week to week keep up with my schedule. The combination of my purpose for writing and the wonderful experience with posting is all I need to continue. One day after the epilogue has been posted I will share my purpose.
well, off to prepare today's post. And egad, I must clean house and Heather understands why it helps my writing. Sadly, Steph did not heehaw over Chapter 23. Well, I still have two more beta's to go. I still find it funny. We will see what the readers think.
Today is Canasta Hand and Foot day. Ok, this is how it is in full retirement. Cards, alchohol, concerts, plays, shopping, eating out, eating at the club, get-togethers and volunteering. That is my life now. I can sleep as late as I want. there is water aeorbics (Except the pool is undergoing some kind of repair and won't be re-opened until Friday) and a wellness center (fancy phrase for gym); golf (which I hate), tennis (which I hate), hiking (which I hate) gardening (which I hate with a capital H), quilting (which yes you know) and a host of other activities which I ignore. I don't know why I moved here at all. Perhaps, the cool temperatures in the summer and the mild winters (but I am in Florida in the winter) is why.
Canasta hand and foot is a simple game. It does not tax the brains at all. I can even think about my stories while playing and never miss a play. So today I will post and run off to Canasta hand and foot and pray I will not be partnered with Carlton. Ok he wins alot and he is actually old (as opposed to me at 57) but he is slow as the latest version of Office booting up.
I hope everyone appreciates Caroline once they read chapter 21. I tried to give a reason for her actions. I do believe everyone is a product of genes and environment. It is the combination which makes us so unique. No two people can own those two objects. Not even twin sisters.
Speaking of sisters, I am like Georgiana. I, too, wished I had a sister. Only three brothers (and believe me none as wonderful as Darcy). I did not even have a daughter - two sons.
Well, I am off to add those tags to my chapter 20. and how do you make those accent marks in html? hmmmm.
Monday, June 23, 2008
The smell of coffee in the morning
Yes, it is one of my favorite things. The smell of French Roast or Hazelnut coffee brewing in my coffee maker. Today it is French Roast.
So how do you take your coffee? I drink my black. No sugar, no cream, no syrups, no nothing. Just coffee.
Coffee has some magical powers for asthmatics and people with other lung diseases. If someone is suffering an attack and there is no rescue inhaler available, then give them a hot cup of coffee. Something in the aroma will open up their lungs. They do not even need to drink it just inhale. But me if you put a cup of wonderfully aromatic java in front of me, I will drink. I love the stuff.
What does coffee have to do with my writing journal. Well, i cannot write without it. Ok, not true. I need either coffee or wine. You can always tell when I have sat down at the computer with a glass or two of wine. Chapter 23. Ah, but you must wait. Coffee would not have resulted in that chapter. In fact, I believe I had a few glasses of single malt scotch! Now that will cause my mind to move into unusual thoughts. lol
perhaps my blog would be more humorous if I had a glass of wine instead of coffee. But I do think drink sets my mood for writing, and food, and the lack of sound. I write best when there is dead silence. Well, maybe the overhead fan but no tv, no radio, no cds, no you tube; just dead silence. Comes from my working days. I had to work in quiet. Except for voices. good gosh, when I was a contracting officer for the federal government, we worked in offices without walls. it was like a bull pen. Everyone talking on the phone, to contractors, to supervisors, to friends and acquaintances nonstop. From the time I arrived to the time I checked out, there was this steady din of voices. After awhile, the voices became my blanket in the cold cruel world. I do understand why they call the things comforters. I was comforted by the voices. Now they are just voices in my head! lol no, the only voice is mine talking to me. All the time. I used to tell my boys it was the only way to have an intelligent conversation. I even talked out loud. All us lunatics do that.
I miss the voices. Long before retired I was moved up to a policy analyst job. Believe me there is a reason the name starts with anal. I was happily moved to an instructional specialist and found my "home" for the last fifteen years of my career. It was quiet there. I was allowed to tap into my creativity when developing courses. I did use skits, mysteries, games, and other fun exercises. Before I took this job, I remember sitting through courses that bore me to tears. I kept asking the instructors, if my job is so exciting and fun why is this class so boring. Well, the rest of the story is saved for another day.
Today, I will take on chapter 25 (which is almost finished, anyway.) tomorrow, Chapter 26 (while posting the next chapter for my loyal readers). Chapter 27 will be done on Wednesday, and chapter 28 on Thursday. Ambitious, I know but these chapters are not in bad shape. I have to get ahead because Chapter 29 starts a whole new "book". Many writers seem to break up their story into books. Pamela Aiden did and my favorite In Loving Memory did. So why not me? Book one is chapters 1 through 28; book two 29 through 50. not an even split but the story does change at that point.
Well, on to Chapter 25.
till later
(thanks Frances and Melda for letting me know someone out there is reading my journal.)
anyone else wanting to share with me, either leave a comment at the blog or drop me an email:
gayle.messick At gmail.com (you know the drill)
But unlike posting the story, this blog is pure 100% vanity! So no comments are required. Just read what you will. But if there is ever a time you feel the need to tell me something, email or comment away.
gayle
So how do you take your coffee? I drink my black. No sugar, no cream, no syrups, no nothing. Just coffee.
Coffee has some magical powers for asthmatics and people with other lung diseases. If someone is suffering an attack and there is no rescue inhaler available, then give them a hot cup of coffee. Something in the aroma will open up their lungs. They do not even need to drink it just inhale. But me if you put a cup of wonderfully aromatic java in front of me, I will drink. I love the stuff.
What does coffee have to do with my writing journal. Well, i cannot write without it. Ok, not true. I need either coffee or wine. You can always tell when I have sat down at the computer with a glass or two of wine. Chapter 23. Ah, but you must wait. Coffee would not have resulted in that chapter. In fact, I believe I had a few glasses of single malt scotch! Now that will cause my mind to move into unusual thoughts. lol
perhaps my blog would be more humorous if I had a glass of wine instead of coffee. But I do think drink sets my mood for writing, and food, and the lack of sound. I write best when there is dead silence. Well, maybe the overhead fan but no tv, no radio, no cds, no you tube; just dead silence. Comes from my working days. I had to work in quiet. Except for voices. good gosh, when I was a contracting officer for the federal government, we worked in offices without walls. it was like a bull pen. Everyone talking on the phone, to contractors, to supervisors, to friends and acquaintances nonstop. From the time I arrived to the time I checked out, there was this steady din of voices. After awhile, the voices became my blanket in the cold cruel world. I do understand why they call the things comforters. I was comforted by the voices. Now they are just voices in my head! lol no, the only voice is mine talking to me. All the time. I used to tell my boys it was the only way to have an intelligent conversation. I even talked out loud. All us lunatics do that.
I miss the voices. Long before retired I was moved up to a policy analyst job. Believe me there is a reason the name starts with anal. I was happily moved to an instructional specialist and found my "home" for the last fifteen years of my career. It was quiet there. I was allowed to tap into my creativity when developing courses. I did use skits, mysteries, games, and other fun exercises. Before I took this job, I remember sitting through courses that bore me to tears. I kept asking the instructors, if my job is so exciting and fun why is this class so boring. Well, the rest of the story is saved for another day.
Today, I will take on chapter 25 (which is almost finished, anyway.) tomorrow, Chapter 26 (while posting the next chapter for my loyal readers). Chapter 27 will be done on Wednesday, and chapter 28 on Thursday. Ambitious, I know but these chapters are not in bad shape. I have to get ahead because Chapter 29 starts a whole new "book". Many writers seem to break up their story into books. Pamela Aiden did and my favorite In Loving Memory did. So why not me? Book one is chapters 1 through 28; book two 29 through 50. not an even split but the story does change at that point.
Well, on to Chapter 25.
till later
(thanks Frances and Melda for letting me know someone out there is reading my journal.)
anyone else wanting to share with me, either leave a comment at the blog or drop me an email:
gayle.messick At gmail.com (you know the drill)
But unlike posting the story, this blog is pure 100% vanity! So no comments are required. Just read what you will. But if there is ever a time you feel the need to tell me something, email or comment away.
gayle
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Short post today
I sent off Chapter 21 to Debra and am about to send off Chapter 24 to Steph. Yea - glad to see that one go forward. I like the chapter but I will wait to see what the beta's think! The style is a bit different in the first scene. I suppose it is because I am introducing Collins and Wickham and I just did not want to make them true characters in the story. Or at least main characters. But the Collins proposal does play a critical role in my story even more so than it did in P&P. And Wickham cannot be overlooked either. But well shall see how it goes.
Oh, today is a full day away from the 'puter! I am making a huge pan of baked spaghetti, friends are bringing the salad, wine, appetizer (i can't spell hors doevres), dessert. We will meet at Judy's house and play canasta, 11 points, etc. Judy has an awesome deck and the weather promises to be in the 70's so I will be busy elsewhere today.
but my mind will be on my stories. Yes, stories. more about that later.
I hope everyone has as wonderful day.
MOnday morning it is back to water aerobics. Every Monday, Wed., and Friday and then it is the Wellness center on Tues and Thursday. I have to add excercise to my daily routine - or else. I need to find some way to release all this carbon dioxide build up in my lungs. They think organized exercise will force me to Exhale! lol
well, happy Sunday.
gayle
Oh, today is a full day away from the 'puter! I am making a huge pan of baked spaghetti, friends are bringing the salad, wine, appetizer (i can't spell hors doevres), dessert. We will meet at Judy's house and play canasta, 11 points, etc. Judy has an awesome deck and the weather promises to be in the 70's so I will be busy elsewhere today.
but my mind will be on my stories. Yes, stories. more about that later.
I hope everyone has as wonderful day.
MOnday morning it is back to water aerobics. Every Monday, Wed., and Friday and then it is the Wellness center on Tues and Thursday. I have to add excercise to my daily routine - or else. I need to find some way to release all this carbon dioxide build up in my lungs. They think organized exercise will force me to Exhale! lol
well, happy Sunday.
gayle
Saturday, June 21, 2008
The Unmeasurable Value of Betas
One of the greatest gifts is the support and help given by betas for anyone's story. I know personally my story would not read as well without them whether it is the flow of the chapter, the sentence structure, the better chosen word or that comma that makes it all correct. Each beta that has helped me has provided such unique talents to the story.
Amanda (palabra) took me by the hand and hit me over the head (happily on my part I might add) to not tell everything. Write with a showing perspective. "show not tell" all the books say that is the preferred way. Wow. Not only is it easier for me to write that way, I like to read stories that follow that approach. The first 18 chapters of Expectations certainly had Amanda's hand and guidance in them. She has had to withdraw her help at this time due to her own life situations. I shall always appreciate the time this young wonderful writer took with a old fart of an pretender to present a story that the readers would want to read through. All my readers that like my writing style should send hugs and kisses to her.
Next, I wish to thank Karen A. We have become close correspondents. She is the only soul on the face of the earth to have read my whole story to the end. She is still wanting more in the epilogue and I might add to it. Well, see. I want to thank her for her support and encouragement as I anxiously sent my rough drafts her way. Poor thing, at times, she had to read a sentence with xxxxx as a word because I could not come up with the words (or finished my research) when I sent it to her. She once asked about the type of food poor Rawlings had to eat at the golf practice picnic. It was nothing more than a bunch of xxxxxxxx and stayed that way until the mood struck me to do some research. Of course, I did make a mistake in that and Heather F brought it to my attention. Well, Karen and I love all the men although it did not start out that way. In fact she really disliked Blake and then Kent and I see there are many readers that feel that way now. We will see if Karen's reactions do truly lead the way for now she does love all my men. And hey - she changes her mind all the time as to which one she loves the best. She has joined me in that regard. lol
Next is StephF (ruled by secrecy) another wonderfully gifted young lady. She can spot a modern term quick as lightning and sometimes I think i should send her the xxxxxx instead of words because she has a gift that grabs the perfect word all the time. She keeps me on track and even lets me know when I have too much of a talking head syndrome. I suspect she would like more introspection in the story but I have not the talent yet to delve into that aspect of writing. But for her I continue to explore it and will try to insert more of it as I go. I appreciate all that she does.
Heather F has provided me with guidance on sentence structure, all things British, and all things regency. She has helped my sentences have the right pacing and sound. She has helped me with my dialogue tags and action beats. I have a tendency to use too many ands and buts. She has shown me the better way to write. She is gentle in her guidance and lets me know when I have surprised even her! She laughs at my humor and tells me when a chapter is sad. She keeps me honest in the characterizations and acts as my readers representative when she questions parts of my writing. I could not find anyone else do a better job than she does when it comes to the overall guidance she provides. Everything is so much better after she offers her suggestions. It is so rare I do not accept them that I only need one hand to count the times I disagreed with her.
And now for DebraAnne. My gosh I had no idea what a verb tense was before Debra took me by the hand. Hopefully I have made great strides in my writing. And commas. Ok, I pretty much suck at knowing when to put a comma in and why. I put them in, Debra takes them out. I leave them out, she puts them in. I study her suggestions for hours trying to learn how to become better. Commas, semi-colons, dashes, etc. if it needs punctuation she is royalty. I am a riff-raff. Debra is the last to see my chapter before it is posted and occassionally I tinker with the final draft after she gives me the comments. So if you see a sentence that is not grammatically correct or punctuation does not seem to be anywhere it should, it is my fault. 100% my fault. I do try to keep it at a minimum for my readers sake.
Which brings up my final betas--the posted comments. I learn much by what they say. I am able to see where my writing has confused them or even misled them unintentionally. I keep the plot close to my chest (as one poster said) but it is because I consider the storyline the journey. I want everyone to experience a wonderful trip; therefore, I keep what is right around the bend unknown.
So to everyone that offers suggestions or whatnot, thank you so much. I do really appreciate any kind word, suggestion, concern, or challenge. I will also try to follow your lead and become a beta (with KarenA) and a more frequent commenter to all those wonderful writers I have followed faithfully.
Gayle
Amanda (palabra) took me by the hand and hit me over the head (happily on my part I might add) to not tell everything. Write with a showing perspective. "show not tell" all the books say that is the preferred way. Wow. Not only is it easier for me to write that way, I like to read stories that follow that approach. The first 18 chapters of Expectations certainly had Amanda's hand and guidance in them. She has had to withdraw her help at this time due to her own life situations. I shall always appreciate the time this young wonderful writer took with a old fart of an pretender to present a story that the readers would want to read through. All my readers that like my writing style should send hugs and kisses to her.
Next, I wish to thank Karen A. We have become close correspondents. She is the only soul on the face of the earth to have read my whole story to the end. She is still wanting more in the epilogue and I might add to it. Well, see. I want to thank her for her support and encouragement as I anxiously sent my rough drafts her way. Poor thing, at times, she had to read a sentence with xxxxx as a word because I could not come up with the words (or finished my research) when I sent it to her. She once asked about the type of food poor Rawlings had to eat at the golf practice picnic. It was nothing more than a bunch of xxxxxxxx and stayed that way until the mood struck me to do some research. Of course, I did make a mistake in that and Heather F brought it to my attention. Well, Karen and I love all the men although it did not start out that way. In fact she really disliked Blake and then Kent and I see there are many readers that feel that way now. We will see if Karen's reactions do truly lead the way for now she does love all my men. And hey - she changes her mind all the time as to which one she loves the best. She has joined me in that regard. lol
Next is StephF (ruled by secrecy) another wonderfully gifted young lady. She can spot a modern term quick as lightning and sometimes I think i should send her the xxxxxx instead of words because she has a gift that grabs the perfect word all the time. She keeps me on track and even lets me know when I have too much of a talking head syndrome. I suspect she would like more introspection in the story but I have not the talent yet to delve into that aspect of writing. But for her I continue to explore it and will try to insert more of it as I go. I appreciate all that she does.
Heather F has provided me with guidance on sentence structure, all things British, and all things regency. She has helped my sentences have the right pacing and sound. She has helped me with my dialogue tags and action beats. I have a tendency to use too many ands and buts. She has shown me the better way to write. She is gentle in her guidance and lets me know when I have surprised even her! She laughs at my humor and tells me when a chapter is sad. She keeps me honest in the characterizations and acts as my readers representative when she questions parts of my writing. I could not find anyone else do a better job than she does when it comes to the overall guidance she provides. Everything is so much better after she offers her suggestions. It is so rare I do not accept them that I only need one hand to count the times I disagreed with her.
And now for DebraAnne. My gosh I had no idea what a verb tense was before Debra took me by the hand. Hopefully I have made great strides in my writing. And commas. Ok, I pretty much suck at knowing when to put a comma in and why. I put them in, Debra takes them out. I leave them out, she puts them in. I study her suggestions for hours trying to learn how to become better. Commas, semi-colons, dashes, etc. if it needs punctuation she is royalty. I am a riff-raff. Debra is the last to see my chapter before it is posted and occassionally I tinker with the final draft after she gives me the comments. So if you see a sentence that is not grammatically correct or punctuation does not seem to be anywhere it should, it is my fault. 100% my fault. I do try to keep it at a minimum for my readers sake.
Which brings up my final betas--the posted comments. I learn much by what they say. I am able to see where my writing has confused them or even misled them unintentionally. I keep the plot close to my chest (as one poster said) but it is because I consider the storyline the journey. I want everyone to experience a wonderful trip; therefore, I keep what is right around the bend unknown.
So to everyone that offers suggestions or whatnot, thank you so much. I do really appreciate any kind word, suggestion, concern, or challenge. I will also try to follow your lead and become a beta (with KarenA) and a more frequent commenter to all those wonderful writers I have followed faithfully.
Gayle
Thursday, June 19, 2008
chapter 24
It is finally at a point all i need to do is look at grammar, punctuation, and overused and repetitive words and phrases. I am finally happy with the chapter and now I am most seriously concerned about opening up chapter 25. The Harvest Feast begins with with that chapter.
Seems like there is this conversation going on about Kent. Well, perhaps I should let my readers wrangle with Kent and not provide any insight. It is truly interesting to read about their thoughts. What shall I do? mmmm.
Tomorrow is a full day. We head down to Greenville SC to make a booze run. (and I will fill up with gasoline while I am at it.) the best booze prices are at Total Wine and Spirits (in VA it is called Total Wine because all the hard stuff is sold by the VA government. ) Usually we make about 4 trips a year. My wine cabinets are empty. I need my wine! I have 30 slots that need filling. I will be left to guzzle scotch without my wine and that is way the heck to expensive.
Ok, we also head down to SC for the shops. Brevard is such a little town (and there are no good chain foodstores other than fast food) that stores such as Home Goods, Bed, Bath and Beyond, and Talbolt are non existent. We must leave the mountains and take the hour and 15 minute drive down. We are several single ladies of Connestee Falls that band together to do stuff and tomorrow is my day to drive- wahoo. gas prices are 30 cents cheaper! I have enough gas to get us there so I will fill up on the way home.
Sunday is the other day I probably will not post as it is definitely a full day- cooking for a group (baked spaghetti), cards, dinner, cards all with lots of wine! I hope I am sober enough to check the website but thank goodness I will not be posting again until Tuesday. I may not be able to read the words on the screen.
well, on to responding to my fans at AHA. Since it is Thursday, my best friend cooks for me tonight. Ever since we have lived in the same apartment complex (back in 1976) we have each cooked for each other one night a week. We also convinced our ex hubbies to take our sons on the same weekend. We would hit the bars and pick up, well, that is for another story......
NOw that 24 is nearly finished I will have time to finish chapter 20 (DebraAnne has sent her comments quickly!) I will be ready to post on Tuesday.
till day after tomorrow!
gayle
Seems like there is this conversation going on about Kent. Well, perhaps I should let my readers wrangle with Kent and not provide any insight. It is truly interesting to read about their thoughts. What shall I do? mmmm.
Tomorrow is a full day. We head down to Greenville SC to make a booze run. (and I will fill up with gasoline while I am at it.) the best booze prices are at Total Wine and Spirits (in VA it is called Total Wine because all the hard stuff is sold by the VA government. ) Usually we make about 4 trips a year. My wine cabinets are empty. I need my wine! I have 30 slots that need filling. I will be left to guzzle scotch without my wine and that is way the heck to expensive.
Ok, we also head down to SC for the shops. Brevard is such a little town (and there are no good chain foodstores other than fast food) that stores such as Home Goods, Bed, Bath and Beyond, and Talbolt are non existent. We must leave the mountains and take the hour and 15 minute drive down. We are several single ladies of Connestee Falls that band together to do stuff and tomorrow is my day to drive- wahoo. gas prices are 30 cents cheaper! I have enough gas to get us there so I will fill up on the way home.
Sunday is the other day I probably will not post as it is definitely a full day- cooking for a group (baked spaghetti), cards, dinner, cards all with lots of wine! I hope I am sober enough to check the website but thank goodness I will not be posting again until Tuesday. I may not be able to read the words on the screen.
well, on to responding to my fans at AHA. Since it is Thursday, my best friend cooks for me tonight. Ever since we have lived in the same apartment complex (back in 1976) we have each cooked for each other one night a week. We also convinced our ex hubbies to take our sons on the same weekend. We would hit the bars and pick up, well, that is for another story......
NOw that 24 is nearly finished I will have time to finish chapter 20 (DebraAnne has sent her comments quickly!) I will be ready to post on Tuesday.
till day after tomorrow!
gayle
the chapter I can't skip
Today is the day! no more excuses or distractions or anything. Today I will finish chapter 24. My son leaves (so I first must make him his favorite breakfast) and then no other activities are in my life.
It is pretty tough to do a chapter that features Collins, Wickham and that little glimpse of heaven. lol I know it is a clue! but the glimpse is in reference to Chapter 23. I am waiting anxiously to hear from Steph - she will be looking at 23 Saturday. I wonder if it is just me that finds it funny.
Today one reader posted a comment I found so interesting: The two jerks are in line for the horse. I thought about what she wrote. It was a thought that had not ever crossed my mind. But from her perspective at this time in the story I suppose she is correct. Both seem to be the worse of the five with Darcy the superhero that has not yet found his voice, Bingley the grinning hospitable host, and the wise cracking Rawlings. But is not the old saying, nice guys finish last. Is there something about winners that makes them different. Do they have that jerk gene and it is that gene that causes them to be sly and devious and well downright pushy or something? Well maybe it is the nice guys are not so hung up on winning. They just enjoy life regardless of its outcome. Bah! But thanks for the thought Alienor4. It was very interesting.
And my math professor reader! I have enjoyed her posts immensely. Especially the ones about the percentages for the winners. It made me feel so good to have anyone take my little story to heart like that. I shall always treasure her posts. So thanks Melda.
Frances L. now that is a gal that has really gotten into my story. she delves deeply too. Her mind is very sharp and it is obvious she is a studier of people. I am always afraid when she post she will have everything figured out and tip off eveyone! lol.
But then my posters this week, Kathy, Pamala, Susan, Sandra Leonie, Kayenne, Sadio, PatM, Susan (foxchild), Kristin, Amy, bfly, barbara s, Mischa, Lucy, Veronica, Gabrielle, Irina, SheilaW, Pumza, Lucie, Ayla, Laura S and my dear freind Meg all deserve a big hand. What they do when they post comments regularly cannot be explained by this amateurish writer.
I suppose I should thank them at the site because I doubt if they have found their way here! lol
I do appreciate all the comments and I hope readers realize that all the authors look forward to the posts of encouragement, support, questions, even arguments because it show the writer that her (his) story has made an emotional attachment to them. I know many lurk (which I have done in the past too). But, to the brave souls willing to write a word or two - Thanks so much.
Well no more excuses, chapter 24 awaits. Let me click on the word document.......now!
It is pretty tough to do a chapter that features Collins, Wickham and that little glimpse of heaven. lol I know it is a clue! but the glimpse is in reference to Chapter 23. I am waiting anxiously to hear from Steph - she will be looking at 23 Saturday. I wonder if it is just me that finds it funny.
Today one reader posted a comment I found so interesting: The two jerks are in line for the horse. I thought about what she wrote. It was a thought that had not ever crossed my mind. But from her perspective at this time in the story I suppose she is correct. Both seem to be the worse of the five with Darcy the superhero that has not yet found his voice, Bingley the grinning hospitable host, and the wise cracking Rawlings. But is not the old saying, nice guys finish last. Is there something about winners that makes them different. Do they have that jerk gene and it is that gene that causes them to be sly and devious and well downright pushy or something? Well maybe it is the nice guys are not so hung up on winning. They just enjoy life regardless of its outcome. Bah! But thanks for the thought Alienor4. It was very interesting.
And my math professor reader! I have enjoyed her posts immensely. Especially the ones about the percentages for the winners. It made me feel so good to have anyone take my little story to heart like that. I shall always treasure her posts. So thanks Melda.
Frances L. now that is a gal that has really gotten into my story. she delves deeply too. Her mind is very sharp and it is obvious she is a studier of people. I am always afraid when she post she will have everything figured out and tip off eveyone! lol.
But then my posters this week, Kathy, Pamala, Susan, Sandra Leonie, Kayenne, Sadio, PatM, Susan (foxchild), Kristin, Amy, bfly, barbara s, Mischa, Lucy, Veronica, Gabrielle, Irina, SheilaW, Pumza, Lucie, Ayla, Laura S and my dear freind Meg all deserve a big hand. What they do when they post comments regularly cannot be explained by this amateurish writer.
I suppose I should thank them at the site because I doubt if they have found their way here! lol
I do appreciate all the comments and I hope readers realize that all the authors look forward to the posts of encouragement, support, questions, even arguments because it show the writer that her (his) story has made an emotional attachment to them. I know many lurk (which I have done in the past too). But, to the brave souls willing to write a word or two - Thanks so much.
Well no more excuses, chapter 24 awaits. Let me click on the word document.......now!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Meeting day
This is my meeting day. Third Wednesday of every month I meet. I am on the social committee at Connestee Falls, so I attended their monthly meeting at 11:00 am. (most of the time). I am VP of our little theater group, CATS, and we have our monthly meeting at 1:30 pm and finally I am secretary of the homeowners group and must attend their monthly meeting at 7:30. I love that they all chose the same day.
Now about chapter 24 . Well I finished the first paragraph. lol it is a start. Tomorrow I will finish the rest since Steph will need it soon. I re-read it and it is not as bad today as I thought. I guess it is just the Collins arrival that bothers me. I never liked that character.
The Harvest Feast follows as does the ball. Then..... no more hints.
I see I have piqued some interest in the Kent storyline with this last post. His story is revealed a little at a time. Mostly in London will we see him in action.
well, it is off to met. will continue later with any thoughts that pop into my head.
Now about chapter 24 . Well I finished the first paragraph. lol it is a start. Tomorrow I will finish the rest since Steph will need it soon. I re-read it and it is not as bad today as I thought. I guess it is just the Collins arrival that bothers me. I never liked that character.
The Harvest Feast follows as does the ball. Then..... no more hints.
I see I have piqued some interest in the Kent storyline with this last post. His story is revealed a little at a time. Mostly in London will we see him in action.
well, it is off to met. will continue later with any thoughts that pop into my head.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Early Posting and other matters
With a whopping two votes, I posted early! lol See what a little attention can do.
I am planning on changing my posting date in order for me to spend some time out of doors with my friends.
I may not be able to post next Tuesday but I will try.
gayle
~*~
This afternoon:
I have begun to make a stab at 24. Whew! or as Darcy says, Humph. Blake says Oh my and well RAwlings is just to busy drinking and Kent is too busy observing in the shadows to say anything. Bingley just grins.
well, my cousins have gotten wind of the story.
My aunt had ten kids. 8 girls and 2 boys. they youngest is 45 i think so you can imagine the oldest is on social security. But can the girls talk. once one finds out something they all do and of course they found out about this. the second born- Sandra - googled Cuffage (which by the way is their family name. Yep, I admit. I used their name. I had no idea it was a rare name and the story from DWG appeared. She had to email me immediately of course after talking it over with one of her sisters. I admitted the truth and for the next week there was a whirlwind of activity. Now they all know. But they have remained quiet so either they are busy with life or just not interested. Either way, I am happy. I did not want anyone in the family to know.
well, back to chapter 24. I do seem to be stalling, don't I?
~*~
Early this morning:
Well, there seems to be two ways at looking at view counts. One the poster knows how many readers are looking at the story (sort of- because it does not distinguish between original or returning reader.) The other "view" is that it is not so good to know the numbers in case the numbers are not so good. I know a play on words.
For me, I like knowing the numbers. but i was recently (last night) given an excellent defense for not obsessing on the count and I find myself having to agree with that.
Well, today I have to type up the minutes for our association's meeting and begin to polish chapter 24. What is it about that chapter? lol
And I need coffee.
till later
I am planning on changing my posting date in order for me to spend some time out of doors with my friends.
I may not be able to post next Tuesday but I will try.
gayle
~*~
This afternoon:
I have begun to make a stab at 24. Whew! or as Darcy says, Humph. Blake says Oh my and well RAwlings is just to busy drinking and Kent is too busy observing in the shadows to say anything. Bingley just grins.
well, my cousins have gotten wind of the story.
My aunt had ten kids. 8 girls and 2 boys. they youngest is 45 i think so you can imagine the oldest is on social security. But can the girls talk. once one finds out something they all do and of course they found out about this. the second born- Sandra - googled Cuffage (which by the way is their family name. Yep, I admit. I used their name. I had no idea it was a rare name and the story from DWG appeared. She had to email me immediately of course after talking it over with one of her sisters. I admitted the truth and for the next week there was a whirlwind of activity. Now they all know. But they have remained quiet so either they are busy with life or just not interested. Either way, I am happy. I did not want anyone in the family to know.
well, back to chapter 24. I do seem to be stalling, don't I?
~*~
Early this morning:
Well, there seems to be two ways at looking at view counts. One the poster knows how many readers are looking at the story (sort of- because it does not distinguish between original or returning reader.) The other "view" is that it is not so good to know the numbers in case the numbers are not so good. I know a play on words.
For me, I like knowing the numbers. but i was recently (last night) given an excellent defense for not obsessing on the count and I find myself having to agree with that.
Well, today I have to type up the minutes for our association's meeting and begin to polish chapter 24. What is it about that chapter? lol
And I need coffee.
till later
Monday, June 16, 2008
I'm back!
With my son here I have been busier than usual. Also he has a habit of taking my wireless keyboard away as I type. He is an annoying little devil at times!
Well, I posted Chapter 18 and readers found out I do not put you know who on a pedestal. In fact, the whole story is about his change from typical arrogant snob to a really great man. It is just that most readers cannot see that view yet.
There were several readers that did like the concept: Lord vs. Tradesman. Well, it is the symbol for the story.
Next up is the Netherfield Park phase where Jane and Elizabeth come. I have slightly changed the events. Mrs. Bennet comes with Jane and Elizabeth and they have that talk in the NP parlor where she starts out "What a sweet room you have here." I have created a different scene in that the five gentlemen are present and add to the conversation. Read carefully. As usual I have several different conversations going on at once. Different people are talking about and to others. Gosh, even DebraAnne has said it is a really, really good filler chapter. Although nothing I write is a true filler since every scene has something important for the reader to remember.
I must notify Lucy that the contents of the "letter" is finally revealed. I don't know if she is still reading it (since I have lost several hundred readers- from 800 to start down to 400 this week. Of course, I have a bet that if I am lucky I will still have 100 readers at the end. lol I do put Darcy thought the mill.
Jane will come the next chapter as will Elizabeth. Conversations do change somewhat because there are these 5 men.
Today I am working on Chapter 24 because I have now sent Chapter 23 off to the Steph. There is no excuse now.
well, till the next time.
Well, I posted Chapter 18 and readers found out I do not put you know who on a pedestal. In fact, the whole story is about his change from typical arrogant snob to a really great man. It is just that most readers cannot see that view yet.
There were several readers that did like the concept: Lord vs. Tradesman. Well, it is the symbol for the story.
Next up is the Netherfield Park phase where Jane and Elizabeth come. I have slightly changed the events. Mrs. Bennet comes with Jane and Elizabeth and they have that talk in the NP parlor where she starts out "What a sweet room you have here." I have created a different scene in that the five gentlemen are present and add to the conversation. Read carefully. As usual I have several different conversations going on at once. Different people are talking about and to others. Gosh, even DebraAnne has said it is a really, really good filler chapter. Although nothing I write is a true filler since every scene has something important for the reader to remember.
I must notify Lucy that the contents of the "letter" is finally revealed. I don't know if she is still reading it (since I have lost several hundred readers- from 800 to start down to 400 this week. Of course, I have a bet that if I am lucky I will still have 100 readers at the end. lol I do put Darcy thought the mill.
Jane will come the next chapter as will Elizabeth. Conversations do change somewhat because there are these 5 men.
Today I am working on Chapter 24 because I have now sent Chapter 23 off to the Steph. There is no excuse now.
well, till the next time.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Making headway
Chapter 21 has been sent to Heather and Chapter 22 to Steph. DebraAnn has 19 and 20. I have 23 just about ready to go and well, 24 needs work. I have to get so far ahead because I have several chapters that need a lot of finger grease (as opposed to elbow grease) to get it done. I do not know why I was so lazy with chapter 24. why it is the chapter Wickham and Collins come to town.
my son arrived and fixed my computers! yea! I now have three working computers and the internet is hooked up to all three. I do have a keyboard that is missing the letter n. I have no clue where the key disappeared to but there is a big deep hole instead of the comfortable plastic block. I had to use it this morning and you will never guess what i had to do- use the point of pen to hit the n. lol do you realize how many n's are in a paragraph. Yikes.
tomorrow morning maybe I will tackle 24.
well till tomorrow.
g
my son arrived and fixed my computers! yea! I now have three working computers and the internet is hooked up to all three. I do have a keyboard that is missing the letter n. I have no clue where the key disappeared to but there is a big deep hole instead of the comfortable plastic block. I had to use it this morning and you will never guess what i had to do- use the point of pen to hit the n. lol do you realize how many n's are in a paragraph. Yikes.
tomorrow morning maybe I will tackle 24.
well till tomorrow.
g
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Ok I skipped a day
Yesterday I skipped a post. So sue me. I had to actually spend some real life time doing,well, housework. This time next year I swear I will have a maid come once a week. Just need to sell my VA home (and kick my son out of it first).
Today that same son is coming for a visit. Hence, the house cleaning. Well one thing that happens when I am busy with mundane tasks, is my creative problem solving brain goes into second gear. I stopped cleaning and started typing and finished the scene for chapter 22. Of course it needs work but after attempting 6 times before this time I am satisfied with the flow.
I will send chapter 22 to steph, and find out when Debra will get chapter 18 back to me. I need to post this weekend so time is short. I will post and edit later if need be.
next up cleaning up chapter 24. that may take a week by itself. good thing I work ahead.
the only story i am following right now is Meg's. I cannot concentrate on two many stories.
i am mulling over (geesh seems like i have typed mulling over too often lately) a new story. I may draft an outline for Mischa to look over. She has reminded me that I suggested I would do a story using the unknown words appearing on the site from when AHA was broke. I kept them and will try to come up with a short story - maybe 8 chapters. It will be a modern story and DArcy owns a large company where one of the divisions is the ISP where AHA is hosted. Elizabeth is the owner of AHA (well, I will change the name to something else) and DArcy makes some remark about not worrying about some stupid woman's website. of course that is the key to the misunderstanding. chapter 1 the misunderstanding; chapter 2 the meeting; chapter 3 he stares; chapter 4; she hates him; chapter 5 he asks her out, she refuses; ;chapter 6 they go their own way for a while but neither one forgets the other; chapter 7 they met up at a internet trade show; chapter 8 they get together again. simple plot but in 25000 words or less it is doable. Of course I can inject wickham as a rival company; caroline as the head of a rival fan fiction site; and georgiana as darcy's sister that reads the sites. maybe 10 chapters. Of course there can be out and out warfare between the two rival fanfic sites. Each one challenging the other to do better.
well, off to wash clothes, clean bathrooms, bag up the trash and take to the dump (sorry, recycle center) and pick up some ice cream to go with my son's favorite cherry pie which is sitting on my counter.
till the next time!
Today that same son is coming for a visit. Hence, the house cleaning. Well one thing that happens when I am busy with mundane tasks, is my creative problem solving brain goes into second gear. I stopped cleaning and started typing and finished the scene for chapter 22. Of course it needs work but after attempting 6 times before this time I am satisfied with the flow.
I will send chapter 22 to steph, and find out when Debra will get chapter 18 back to me. I need to post this weekend so time is short. I will post and edit later if need be.
next up cleaning up chapter 24. that may take a week by itself. good thing I work ahead.
the only story i am following right now is Meg's. I cannot concentrate on two many stories.
i am mulling over (geesh seems like i have typed mulling over too often lately) a new story. I may draft an outline for Mischa to look over. She has reminded me that I suggested I would do a story using the unknown words appearing on the site from when AHA was broke. I kept them and will try to come up with a short story - maybe 8 chapters. It will be a modern story and DArcy owns a large company where one of the divisions is the ISP where AHA is hosted. Elizabeth is the owner of AHA (well, I will change the name to something else) and DArcy makes some remark about not worrying about some stupid woman's website. of course that is the key to the misunderstanding. chapter 1 the misunderstanding; chapter 2 the meeting; chapter 3 he stares; chapter 4; she hates him; chapter 5 he asks her out, she refuses; ;chapter 6 they go their own way for a while but neither one forgets the other; chapter 7 they met up at a internet trade show; chapter 8 they get together again. simple plot but in 25000 words or less it is doable. Of course I can inject wickham as a rival company; caroline as the head of a rival fan fiction site; and georgiana as darcy's sister that reads the sites. maybe 10 chapters. Of course there can be out and out warfare between the two rival fanfic sites. Each one challenging the other to do better.
well, off to wash clothes, clean bathrooms, bag up the trash and take to the dump (sorry, recycle center) and pick up some ice cream to go with my son's favorite cherry pie which is sitting on my counter.
till the next time!
Monday, June 9, 2008
must fix
Today I must fix stuff. I must fix chapter 20 and add the scenes per Heather's wonderful suggestion. I have a draft so I am on my way to having it ready.
I must fix chapter 22. I am adding a one-pocket billiard game between blake and darcy where I use euphemisms where Lizzy is the pocket and they both must sink the balls there. Much veiled talk and threats during the game.
I must get my other computers working. I hate using this one in the great room. my gosh the wide screen tv is my monitor. I had to move my chair right in front of the tv. laugh laugh.
I also need to fix chapter 24. It needs work and lots of it.
I also need to fix my microwave. It has stopped working. The digital touch screen is broken.
I also need to fix my oven, well the damn door is locked and will not open - i do not know how that happened except I understand it locks when you select the self cleaning mode but I did not do that - I have only used the oven maybe 5 times in two years. I use a large toaster oven usually.
I need to fix my glasses. good gosh I have tape on both sides.
I need to fix screen on my back door. I have no clue at how to do that. I guess I will take it to Lowe's.
I need to fix dinner for my friend tonight and we decided on an old favorite dish- liver and onions. We used to make this dish on the weekends our sons would go off to their father's. they did not eat liver. we also had mashed potatoes and canned spinach. This was a long time ago. well, I will make this old comfort dish for us tonight. I do not think we have had this in 20 years. lol I also have to make it to the store to get the stuff. But it is my turn and I can make dinner on my stovetop.
I need to fix up the guest rooms because my son is coming wednesday. I need to fix his bed and staighten up the sitting room downstairs and fill up the wet bar with drinks and junk food. He is on vacation!
well, i have so much to fix I better get moving.
till the next time.
I must fix chapter 22. I am adding a one-pocket billiard game between blake and darcy where I use euphemisms where Lizzy is the pocket and they both must sink the balls there. Much veiled talk and threats during the game.
I must get my other computers working. I hate using this one in the great room. my gosh the wide screen tv is my monitor. I had to move my chair right in front of the tv. laugh laugh.
I also need to fix chapter 24. It needs work and lots of it.
I also need to fix my microwave. It has stopped working. The digital touch screen is broken.
I also need to fix my oven, well the damn door is locked and will not open - i do not know how that happened except I understand it locks when you select the self cleaning mode but I did not do that - I have only used the oven maybe 5 times in two years. I use a large toaster oven usually.
I need to fix my glasses. good gosh I have tape on both sides.
I need to fix screen on my back door. I have no clue at how to do that. I guess I will take it to Lowe's.
I need to fix dinner for my friend tonight and we decided on an old favorite dish- liver and onions. We used to make this dish on the weekends our sons would go off to their father's. they did not eat liver. we also had mashed potatoes and canned spinach. This was a long time ago. well, I will make this old comfort dish for us tonight. I do not think we have had this in 20 years. lol I also have to make it to the store to get the stuff. But it is my turn and I can make dinner on my stovetop.
I need to fix up the guest rooms because my son is coming wednesday. I need to fix his bed and staighten up the sitting room downstairs and fill up the wet bar with drinks and junk food. He is on vacation!
well, i have so much to fix I better get moving.
till the next time.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
My computer is down
Well one of them -- my favorite one too. I spent as much time as I could yesterday trying to get it back working and gave up. I had plans to be gone the day so I was unable to post at HG or DWG until much later that night when I returned. egad.
why is it other authors have no regard for me when every week someone posts their story on top of mine? I try to give others at least 4 hours. Well I guess some people have no class.
oh well, i am working from my tv monitor computer. my son will be here wednesday and he can fix the damn thing.
at least I keep all my chapters on a flash drive and backed up onto two other computers! Although sometimes I suspect I should just trash the story and start over. no. I like my story the way it is. the other readers can look elsewhere if all they want is DArcy and Elizabeth all the time.
well, received chapter 21 from Steph. I will fix my chapter and send off to Heather.
till later.
why is it other authors have no regard for me when every week someone posts their story on top of mine? I try to give others at least 4 hours. Well I guess some people have no class.
oh well, i am working from my tv monitor computer. my son will be here wednesday and he can fix the damn thing.
at least I keep all my chapters on a flash drive and backed up onto two other computers! Although sometimes I suspect I should just trash the story and start over. no. I like my story the way it is. the other readers can look elsewhere if all they want is DArcy and Elizabeth all the time.
well, received chapter 21 from Steph. I will fix my chapter and send off to Heather.
till later.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Egads!
Chapter 24 is a mess! It will take be days to clean it up. I know when I did my draft I did have a few chapters (or maybe more than a few) that was not in a good "showing" kind of way. Mostly telling. Frankly, sometimes I just got lazy-well no-I was typing my thoughts so fast I never stopped and fixed the chapter. Now I do.
The men all go into town (all but Rawlings - he and Hurst like staying in the library with a few good bottles and good stories about the cooks pastries). Well, Darcy sees you know who there and makes another misunderstood comment cementing the Meryton opinion of him. Blake does hope off to Longbourn and gets a gander at Lizzy's redesigned dresses. lol
that is all the hints for now. Have to go clean it up.
I am planning to post sometime today. Just not sure when. Saturdays are pretty much not my readers.
Oh and today I am off for asheville. shopping, lunch, and a movie I think. Or maybe dinner and not lunch.
till tomorrow or maybe later tonight.
gayle
The men all go into town (all but Rawlings - he and Hurst like staying in the library with a few good bottles and good stories about the cooks pastries). Well, Darcy sees you know who there and makes another misunderstood comment cementing the Meryton opinion of him. Blake does hope off to Longbourn and gets a gander at Lizzy's redesigned dresses. lol
that is all the hints for now. Have to go clean it up.
I am planning to post sometime today. Just not sure when. Saturdays are pretty much not my readers.
Oh and today I am off for asheville. shopping, lunch, and a movie I think. Or maybe dinner and not lunch.
till tomorrow or maybe later tonight.
gayle
Friday, June 6, 2008
Rewrites
Heather sent her comments back on chapter 20. I agree, I need to add a scene or two so that will be my assignment today.
AHA is down- cyber attack. I hope we are not involved in some vicious war between the jaff sites! lol I suspect it was just a regular virus not some intended take down over jealousy. just kidding about the war.
i also have to cut down a rug I purchased for my deck. my best friend owns and lives in the other side of the duplex at this mountain home community. we had them open our decks (why have to go out the front door and into another front door when all we have to door is step onto our decks. - efficient)
my cold is 85% gone which is good because my lungs take a huge hit when I catch colds, flus and i am always fearful of pnuemonia. now that will be the end of me if it happens. Damn copd is not nice sometimes.
well off to do my thing.
AHA is down- cyber attack. I hope we are not involved in some vicious war between the jaff sites! lol I suspect it was just a regular virus not some intended take down over jealousy. just kidding about the war.
i also have to cut down a rug I purchased for my deck. my best friend owns and lives in the other side of the duplex at this mountain home community. we had them open our decks (why have to go out the front door and into another front door when all we have to door is step onto our decks. - efficient)
my cold is 85% gone which is good because my lungs take a huge hit when I catch colds, flus and i am always fearful of pnuemonia. now that will be the end of me if it happens. Damn copd is not nice sometimes.
well off to do my thing.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Beta'ing
Today I reviewed and made suggestion on the beta story I am helping with. It is a modern and very steaming hot! The AHA readers may not like my story because of its lack of romance and sex well, this one will keep them coming back.
Other than that, no effort was spent on my story. I need the break.
Talked to my youngest son today. (Rawlings is patterned about him somewhat - well, he and his brother combined although Blake has alot of his brother's characteristics.) well, he is threatening to visit next week. lol he will come. it is getting hot in DC area and it is cooler here. School is out so he will come. Besides I cook for him and he can take a break from taking care of himself.
on to take a nap - my cold is dwindling down but the meds make me sleepy in the afternoon.
maybe though I will dream of my Colonel story. mmmmmm. a romance at that. maybe he and elizabeth. that aught to get the jafans panties in a twist. no, the rivalry has been done. I want to do something different. something that has never been done with the colonel before. and it would be a short story no more than 24 chapters. no more of these long ones.
or maybe I will just pour another scotch and watch old movies. steal some plot line from them.
till tomorrow.
Other than that, no effort was spent on my story. I need the break.
Talked to my youngest son today. (Rawlings is patterned about him somewhat - well, he and his brother combined although Blake has alot of his brother's characteristics.) well, he is threatening to visit next week. lol he will come. it is getting hot in DC area and it is cooler here. School is out so he will come. Besides I cook for him and he can take a break from taking care of himself.
on to take a nap - my cold is dwindling down but the meds make me sleepy in the afternoon.
maybe though I will dream of my Colonel story. mmmmmm. a romance at that. maybe he and elizabeth. that aught to get the jafans panties in a twist. no, the rivalry has been done. I want to do something different. something that has never been done with the colonel before. and it would be a short story no more than 24 chapters. no more of these long ones.
or maybe I will just pour another scotch and watch old movies. steal some plot line from them.
till tomorrow.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Draft is finished
Finally! I have finished the draft (after redoing the last 5 chapters) and epilogue. Now all that is left is editing, editing and more editing.
I think I will pour me a single malt scotch and celebrate.
Of course, soon I will start the entire revision of the story. I plan to start with Chapter 29. I learned alot about the process!
When I am done I may post at austenunderground.com!
Yeah!
Of course if I have 100 readers left at the end I will be shocked! shocked. lol
I think I will pour me a single malt scotch and celebrate.
Of course, soon I will start the entire revision of the story. I plan to start with Chapter 29. I learned alot about the process!
When I am done I may post at austenunderground.com!
Yeah!
Of course if I have 100 readers left at the end I will be shocked! shocked. lol
Have a good time!
My stupid cold is still hanging in there so i cannot join the ladies for a Play and Dinner. The play is in Flat Rock (the theater with the best shows and actors). We have so many theater groups here:
Asheville, Hendersonville, Brevard, ours, and a few I have not found yet. Hendersonville has a symphony orchestra too. So unusual for such a small town area.
Well, I did feel better last nigt, hence the little drabble I wrote. Just wanted to write a scene with D&E because there as there are so few of them in my story so far. Some will come and especially at Rosings, but at Netherfield as well.
I think my readers have given up on my story. Here is the quote:
Will you not make a few thoughtful comments on how Darcy's mind is working? It would definitely give me another reason to read the story. You see , you are dealing with Darcy's fan lot here.
Well, it is true. I have spent most of my time revealing the new men. How else can they compete with Darcy. Everyone knows him, sort of. I doubt anyone realized that before Elizabeth comes to Netherfield Park, Darcy only had one line of dialog with her. One line. Not much romance there. And she did not reveal his feelings either.
Well, I have taken pity on the fans and added a breakfast scene at NP with just E and D. Although it is not romantic, because let us face it, Darcy is not at that point yet, nor Elizabeth.
Also I did warn everyone that my story is not a romance! Did they not believe me? yikes.
My little drabble was written while my fever was spiking for the afternoon/early evening. I guess that is why is was sensual. I was hot and shivering at the same time. I wanted them to feel that way too.
Today, I have someone's chapter 50 to read (not mine). I will finish it with my morning coffee and then, since I am missing the play, I will stay in my jamies and work on my chapter 50 and epilogue. all these images keep flowing in my head. I have several different scenes that would work, I just have to figure out the best ones.
Oh and I have Karen's chapter 15 too to beta.
I finished posting my replies to the commentors. I have been told not to thank my posters at DWG so I will hold back. I will also not contribute another $ to them. I am stuck with the slowest archiver of the bunch. My cousins found out about the story and they tried to get all the chapters but that site is truly awful for new people. I will also never post another story there. If I write one that is.
Ok, enough of that.
but the story about my cousins is a funny one.
I had an aunt with 10 children - 8 girls, 2 boys. When I chose names for the story I made the mistake of using Cuffage. Yep, that is their name. Little did I know it is an extremely rare name. So when the 2nd in line cuffage googled her last name, Expectations appeared from the DWG site. She noticed the email address and wondered if it was me. I use a second email address for anything published on the web. I never mess with my primary account.
She had trouble finding all the chapters (she found this after I had posted 10 chapters) that is how I know it is difficult sometimes for new people, but DWG admins do not care. You must learn their way. Oh well, to make a long story short she emailed me and I admitted it was true. We corresponded for a bit, she sent all her sisters the news, and now dead silence. I guess she has moved on to the next hot topic the cuffages all follow. I did not want anyone in my family to know until I was ready, but disguise of any sort- lol.
enough for today.
need my coffee.
Asheville, Hendersonville, Brevard, ours, and a few I have not found yet. Hendersonville has a symphony orchestra too. So unusual for such a small town area.
Well, I did feel better last nigt, hence the little drabble I wrote. Just wanted to write a scene with D&E because there as there are so few of them in my story so far. Some will come and especially at Rosings, but at Netherfield as well.
I think my readers have given up on my story. Here is the quote:
Will you not make a few thoughtful comments on how Darcy's mind is working? It would definitely give me another reason to read the story. You see , you are dealing with Darcy's fan lot here.
Well, it is true. I have spent most of my time revealing the new men. How else can they compete with Darcy. Everyone knows him, sort of. I doubt anyone realized that before Elizabeth comes to Netherfield Park, Darcy only had one line of dialog with her. One line. Not much romance there. And she did not reveal his feelings either.
Well, I have taken pity on the fans and added a breakfast scene at NP with just E and D. Although it is not romantic, because let us face it, Darcy is not at that point yet, nor Elizabeth.
Also I did warn everyone that my story is not a romance! Did they not believe me? yikes.
My little drabble was written while my fever was spiking for the afternoon/early evening. I guess that is why is was sensual. I was hot and shivering at the same time. I wanted them to feel that way too.
Today, I have someone's chapter 50 to read (not mine). I will finish it with my morning coffee and then, since I am missing the play, I will stay in my jamies and work on my chapter 50 and epilogue. all these images keep flowing in my head. I have several different scenes that would work, I just have to figure out the best ones.
Oh and I have Karen's chapter 15 too to beta.
I finished posting my replies to the commentors. I have been told not to thank my posters at DWG so I will hold back. I will also not contribute another $ to them. I am stuck with the slowest archiver of the bunch. My cousins found out about the story and they tried to get all the chapters but that site is truly awful for new people. I will also never post another story there. If I write one that is.
Ok, enough of that.
but the story about my cousins is a funny one.
I had an aunt with 10 children - 8 girls, 2 boys. When I chose names for the story I made the mistake of using Cuffage. Yep, that is their name. Little did I know it is an extremely rare name. So when the 2nd in line cuffage googled her last name, Expectations appeared from the DWG site. She noticed the email address and wondered if it was me. I use a second email address for anything published on the web. I never mess with my primary account.
She had trouble finding all the chapters (she found this after I had posted 10 chapters) that is how I know it is difficult sometimes for new people, but DWG admins do not care. You must learn their way. Oh well, to make a long story short she emailed me and I admitted it was true. We corresponded for a bit, she sent all her sisters the news, and now dead silence. I guess she has moved on to the next hot topic the cuffages all follow. I did not want anyone in my family to know until I was ready, but disguise of any sort- lol.
enough for today.
need my coffee.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Another day of writing
Today my cold is better. I have begun to tackle Chapter 17. I thought I had finished it and hand not. my goodness, I have three betas' comments to go through. One paragraph at a time.
Later today, I will try to work on Chapter 50. Never know what may happen to me.
Which reminds me. Should not all the authors posting have a backup plan in case something awful happens to them? I know my time is limited and I have been thinking about this quite a bit lately. As soon as I finish Chapter 50 and the epilogue I will write my "in case I die" stuff. I plan to give permission for my beta's to polish the chapters and post it if they so desire. I will be dead, I won't care nor will I know what happens.
Must be the cold bringing on such morbid thoughts.
I see Lydia has a gotten a job. (Lydia, a member of AHA not THE LYDIA- she would never work). Better her than me.
I was a mystery shopper for a day. I applied to be one and tried it out. my scanner does not work on my printer so I was unable to "invoice" for my services rendered. nice thing about being retired -- you can quit any job even after the first day.
I am revising Expectations in my head for the final version (which will be made into a book for my kids and family, friends). I doubt my sons will read it but, hey, who knows. I won't know, I will be dead. I plan to give it too them with the reading of the will. Perhaps I will prepare a quiz and they must pass the test by reading the book and answering vague questions before they get my homes and money. Maybe I will do just that! lol see I am being morbid today.
well, back to fixing Chapter 17. Caroline comes to Netherfield and helps out with the game - ah the game. For anyone finding this post, the game is Golf. lol But shhhhh! do not spoil the fun.
gayle
Later today, I will try to work on Chapter 50. Never know what may happen to me.
Which reminds me. Should not all the authors posting have a backup plan in case something awful happens to them? I know my time is limited and I have been thinking about this quite a bit lately. As soon as I finish Chapter 50 and the epilogue I will write my "in case I die" stuff. I plan to give permission for my beta's to polish the chapters and post it if they so desire. I will be dead, I won't care nor will I know what happens.
Must be the cold bringing on such morbid thoughts.
I see Lydia has a gotten a job. (Lydia, a member of AHA not THE LYDIA- she would never work). Better her than me.
I was a mystery shopper for a day. I applied to be one and tried it out. my scanner does not work on my printer so I was unable to "invoice" for my services rendered. nice thing about being retired -- you can quit any job even after the first day.
I am revising Expectations in my head for the final version (which will be made into a book for my kids and family, friends). I doubt my sons will read it but, hey, who knows. I won't know, I will be dead. I plan to give it too them with the reading of the will. Perhaps I will prepare a quiz and they must pass the test by reading the book and answering vague questions before they get my homes and money. Maybe I will do just that! lol see I am being morbid today.
well, back to fixing Chapter 17. Caroline comes to Netherfield and helps out with the game - ah the game. For anyone finding this post, the game is Golf. lol But shhhhh! do not spoil the fun.
gayle
Monday, June 2, 2008
Expectations
Hi,
Thought I would just add more stuff to the sphere in which I live.
I will be talking about my process in posting my Jane Austen Fan Fiction entitled "Expectations" or however you properly show titles. I do have to look that up because in Chapter 20 when Elizabeth is having dinner at Netherfield Park, Blake and Darcy discuss Wordsworth and Cowper. A book name is mentioned so before I post that chapter I will need to check it out.
I find it still interesting to write and post a story. I doubt I will ever do another one though. this is too much like hard work and I am retired now.
I have made a few internet buddies-- beta's and regular commentors.
It seems HG is awfully quiet these days. No one hardly posts there anymore.
I noticed DWG has the donation button request on top of the page. While I contributed before I doubt I will contribute again until they make some changes -- namely show the number of views for the story. It would help the authors not get concerned over the lack of posts if they knew the number of people viewing their chapters. I do not believe it is that hard except it may put a strain on the processor. But again, until there are changes I will not contribute.
I joined yet another JA webstie - Austen Underground. Is it possible to have too many sites? I am beginning to think so. I do not understand why the spin offs but then I usually stay clear of "office politics."
I was the stage manager on a play our little theater group put together - or should I say a variety show since we had 5 one-act plays, 3 soloists and 1 comedian and 1 commercial (which was the funniest skit of all).
Unfortunately I picked up a cold, chills and fever. Still feeling down today. my meds are wearing off so I must go take more.
Tomorrow, I will work on Chapter 22 (finishing the draft) or maybe I will write the final chapter and epilogue.
night for now.
gaylelynnm
Thought I would just add more stuff to the sphere in which I live.
I will be talking about my process in posting my Jane Austen Fan Fiction entitled "Expectations" or however you properly show titles. I do have to look that up because in Chapter 20 when Elizabeth is having dinner at Netherfield Park, Blake and Darcy discuss Wordsworth and Cowper. A book name is mentioned so before I post that chapter I will need to check it out.
I find it still interesting to write and post a story. I doubt I will ever do another one though. this is too much like hard work and I am retired now.
I have made a few internet buddies-- beta's and regular commentors.
It seems HG is awfully quiet these days. No one hardly posts there anymore.
I noticed DWG has the donation button request on top of the page. While I contributed before I doubt I will contribute again until they make some changes -- namely show the number of views for the story. It would help the authors not get concerned over the lack of posts if they knew the number of people viewing their chapters. I do not believe it is that hard except it may put a strain on the processor. But again, until there are changes I will not contribute.
I joined yet another JA webstie - Austen Underground. Is it possible to have too many sites? I am beginning to think so. I do not understand why the spin offs but then I usually stay clear of "office politics."
I was the stage manager on a play our little theater group put together - or should I say a variety show since we had 5 one-act plays, 3 soloists and 1 comedian and 1 commercial (which was the funniest skit of all).
Unfortunately I picked up a cold, chills and fever. Still feeling down today. my meds are wearing off so I must go take more.
Tomorrow, I will work on Chapter 22 (finishing the draft) or maybe I will write the final chapter and epilogue.
night for now.
gaylelynnm
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