Blog

I’ve revised the rest of chapter 10, and the first three scenes of chapter 11, right up to just Errol’s trial. Now I take a day off to teach my night class, and to percolate.

Errol’s trial has to be layered. I need to add 3 layers to what currently exists, so it will be a task.

Then, in the after math, I need to work in an attempted poisoning, and giving Stephan his mission for the next book. I’m thinking of saving Errol’s relationship complications for the next book, but I’m also trying to think of a way to save the scene that gives the book its name by using it in another context.

We are in the home stretch now. I have less than 70 pages to edit. Unfortunately they are the 70 pages that are the most difficult to rewrite.

I’ll see you all in a couple of days.

Catherine

Contract sent off to Cat’s Curious today, so that’s in hand.

Thinking about applying for an Endowed Faculty chair at my college to get some time to do some writing. This would be for next fall/spring.

Well into chapter 10. Had to stop in the middle of what I think will be a good new scene. I’ll post it if it pans out. It sets up mystery about what happened with the first generation I’d write about, and I think will pique reader interest.

Lots of writing time tonight.

Catherine

One more scene, and chapter 9 is in the bag. I added a new scene today that will require some sharpening, but I think it’s serviceable.

Other than writing today, I’ve been cooking terribly fattening chocolate oat bars , doing laundry, and getting ready for the Scottish holiday, Robert Burns birthday.

I should get back to writing. And another load of laundry.

Hoohah! I have the contract for Hulk Hercules: Professional Wrestler in hand.

This is going to be a cool project. The thrust of this book, which could ultimately turn into a series for Cats Curious Press if it does well, is a group of 3 kids who are into classical mythology, and who discover what the gods are doing in every day life. The first god they encounter is Hercules.

My job will be to teach my readers about the myths that the gods are associated with, translate those myths into a modern context, and write an engaging book with an interesting cast of characters that will carry from story to story.

It does sound like fun, doesn’t it? 😉

I plan to start working on it this summer, which looks to be about as soon as I can.

I think I need to go to Chicago to do some research…

Catherine

It’s like I have new eyes.

I worked through more of chapter 9, and there’s suddenly so much sharpening to be done that I just couldn’t see before. It makes me want to go back to the beginning and wield the editing scalpel.

But I won’t until I’m through the whole manuscript yet again, and then, when my kind readers are looking over the rewrite, I will turn those merciless new peepers onto it as well.

Needless to say, rewriting progress.

Catherine

I am full of fail about pixels, scaling, and size. Cropping, yeah.

So now, the picture is off to Manzabar, and we will see what he can do.

Should I work on Substance of Shadows now? Yes, yes, I should.

Catherine

On my website I’ve added pages for appearances and publications.

I’ve sent off a variety of requested materials to Drollerie.

Too pooped to work on Substance at this point, but I’ll get back to it tomorrow night. I’ve got 22 days left on the timeline to get it done. Doable!

We’re still working on getting a picture of me on the front page of Writer Tamago. It’s coming. I’d like to thank Mark for all his hard work.

Catherine

Right now, I’m working on catching up with Drollerie–sending out contracts, getting some information to them. I hope to finish that tonight.

Other than tiredly relapsing and resting and trying to catch up at work, there’s not much else to report.

What would be lovely tonight is to get the website things I want done, to get the Drollerie things in hand, and to write a bit. Given that I’m still not running at top speeds, that’s probably ambitious, but we do what we can.

I hope you are all well. Just thought I should let you know I’m not dead yet.

Tonight’s writing became an exercise in sharpening. I was reading chapter 8 for continuity and suddenly the clouds opened. The rays of sharper words showed through, and I tightened.

So, a productive two hours on Substance.

Received my author pack from Drollerie. Looks like I don’t have to register the copyright after all. 🙂 Well, it’s a short story, so we’re good. I have some reading to do!

Catherine

Too much sleep today and I’m awake now. How ironic!

Thought I would use the time to read the Drollerie contract, which looks fine to me. I am going to have to register my first copyright, so more to learn. 🙂

I also thought I’d get creatively organized and see what I have lined up. Let’s go!

Revise Substance and resubmit to Agent A: by February 15th
Revise Vince and Abby story for Apex and Abyss: by February 29th
Revise Mistoreth’s Eyesfor Strange Horizons: by March 15th
Crest of Stars Costumes: by March 30th

Finish comparative teaching English in Japan and US Paper: by April 18th
Write Feminism in The Master and Margarita Paper: Pending acceptance, by May 20th
Prepare multi-media reading for Wiscon: by May 20th
Write Neville Longbottom and the Heroic Journey: Pending acceptance, by June 15th
Prepare Costuming Panel: Pending acceptance, by June 15th
Beauxbatons Costume: by June 15th

Begin Hulk Hercules: Professional Wrestler: Pending signing of contract, by October

Continue to submit Substance to other agents: Ongoing
Website Tinkering and Repair: Ongoing
Working with editor on Sister Night, Sister Moon: Ongoing pending editor changes, suggestions, and communications.

Well, looks like I know kind of what’ll be going on through the end of March. My vision from April on is a little less definite, but these are pretty good predictions.

Thank goodness I only have one gall bladder they can take out! I really need my time, and I need to get crackin’!

Wish me luck. But remind me I can’t wear all these three creative hats at once.

Catherine