tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35447343310167535852024-02-19T00:33:17.883-05:00Romancing HistoryStrong Men. Strong Women. Forever Love.Gwynlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13131507614528809505noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3544734331016753585.post-48289935984457980102011-04-21T07:15:00.003-04:002011-04-21T07:20:45.069-04:00Look, Ma! A real website!I'm so excited! I have a new website and, of course, it came complete with blogging capabilities. Which means I'll be closing this blog within the next few weeks.<br />
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I have moved all the links I had here over to the new site. Please stop by and take a look. I admit, it's a little sparse right now, but I love it. It's just so different from anything else I've seen, and so very ME (which is what comes of having a critique partner who knows you so well she can almost read your mind!)<br />
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My CP and I spent most of yesterday putting it together so, while there's been little time to accumulate content, I'm sure that won't be a problem for long.<br />
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I hope you'll stop by, take a look, and leave a comment at www.gwynlynmackenzie.com (I tried to put in a link, but for some reason, Blogger ignores my attempts although they show in the draft.)<br />
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To make copy and paste easier, here it is with the http:<br />
http://www.gwynlynmackenzie.comGwynlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13131507614528809505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3544734331016753585.post-58614230331229456802011-04-17T17:09:00.004-04:002011-04-18T16:22:49.632-04:00Between the Devil and the Deep Blue SeaI hate being caught between choices. Sometimes you're going to stumble no matter which direction you choose.<br />
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Nasty truth, but true nonetheless.<br />
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I long to attend RWA's National Conference. I've attended before, and there is nothing quite like the energy one absorbs when surrounded by like-minded individuals. Also, GH finalists are often sought out by editors and agents. A nice change of affairs, I assure you.<br />
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Circumstances, however, may preclude making use of that pastel pink finalist's ribbon.<br />
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(Which leads me to ask, don't you think a finalist's ribbon should be a less insipid color? I mean, really. Baby-girl pink? We aren't writing nursery rhymes. Wouldn't a vivid, vibrant color that speaks of dashing heroes and intrepid heroines, shouts the joy of accomplishment be more appropriate?<br />
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Random survey concluded. Back to the blog.)<br />
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Those circumstances include the anticipated birth of our first grandson less than a week before conference. If our daughter didn't live 1200 miles away, that would be a no-brainer. But she does.<br />
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I could fly down, but I would go alone. My beloved would never weather the trip. Twenty minutes in the car has him huffing "cleansing breaths" to control the pain. Two or more hours stuffed into an airplane seat would be tanamount to torture.<br />
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Even so, he'd suffer through it (with the help of pain meds)for her, but our dear daughter has made it clear she would prefer to bring the child to us; she confessed she'd rather we didn't see the home they're currently renting. (If that's not enough to set a mother's inner alarms buzzing, I don't know what is!) Of course, that homecoming could happen anywhere between six weeks and six months after the birth--if we're lucky.<br />
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She is so adamant, however, she encouraged me to go to conference. Now, that might not seem like much to you, but this is the child who has resented my writing and the time it commands from the moment I decided, once she,the youngest, entered Middle School, the children were sufficiently independent to permit pursuing my own deferred goals.<br />
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The 180 only makes the Mom reflex jerk harder.<br />
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Then there is the cost. NYC is <i>extremely </i>expensive. The good news is I needn't fly to get there. The bad news is, well, NYC is <i>extremely </i>expensive. I know I'm not alone debating the wisdom of incurring additional debt in this economic climate with the future uncertain and no guarantee of professional advancement.<br />
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The choice seems clear enough, doesn't it?<br />
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It is---until you consider the networking, the contacts, the personal recommendations and face-to-face interactions that could be the catalyst that sells the books languishing on your hard-drive and improve your financial outlook. <br />
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So here I am, caught between the devil and the deep blue sea, a brick wall and a hard place, the irresistible force and the immoveable object. (Did I miss any?)<br />
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I've been a finalist twice before and didn't capitalize on the distinction because of my sweetheart's health problems. After five years, I've been forced to accept their impact on our lives. What I will <i>never</i> accept, however, is giving up on the future.<br />
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That insipid ribbon could make a world of difference to that future. Then, again, it could just be another accolade hung on the wall.<br />
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Either choice, whether professional or financial, is a risk.<br />
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Thank heaven I can pray---and swim.Gwynlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13131507614528809505noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3544734331016753585.post-71287061183857972742011-04-03T23:13:00.015-04:002011-04-03T23:39:11.812-04:00Taken at a GlanceIt's amazing how deep, and often erroneous, an impression is made by a swift glance, and we all know first impressions are lasting impressions. This holds true whether you're meeting people or ideas.<br />
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Ideas? <br />
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Yes. <br />
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Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell, Madame Currie, Albert Einstein all had what were considered outlandish ideas in their day, ideas that garnered ridicule and mockery from those who didn't, or couldn't, grasp the new-fangled concepts or see past their own limitations. Yet history applauds these visionaries, and their contributions effect us even today.<br />
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These people didn't allow the opinions of others to derail them despite repeated failures. They had a goal, a vision, and they did whatever it took to see that goal or vision reach fruition.<br />
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Lately, I have seen much discussion on indie publishing. I'm not talking vanity press, I'm talking publishing via ebooks or print-on-demand without benefit of a publishing house of any kind.<br />
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I'm an old-fashioned girl, and at first glance, I thought the idea outlandish, just like those folks who though Bell, Edison, Currie, and Einstein mad. But numbers don't lie.<br />
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Yes, there are people publishing <i>Musings on My Left Big Toe</i>; those people have always been with us and have always found a way to get their foot fetish into print somewhere. I have also, however, read some excellent books that would have found a home in the major publishing houses in the time before bean-counters ran the show.<br />
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The sad truth is there are a lot of good books being dismissed in deference to a hill of beans.<br />
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I understand the need to make a profit. I understand marketing's need for neat little niches to make selling easier in a fluctuating marketplace. It makes me sad, however, to see excellent books given the go-by because they don't slide neatly into a nice round hole. So, indie publishing it is for many books with unique and unusual concepts.<br />
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Personally, being an old-fashioned girl, I hope the day never comes when publishing as we know it ceases to exist. That would be tragic. Yet I fear the day may, indeed, come because the old-fashioned way of doing things is losing ground to advancing technology.<br />
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While I can hope eyes will be opened and changes made before it's too late, it might just be time consider an altered perception and take a second glance.Gwynlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13131507614528809505noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3544734331016753585.post-1951515622150876162011-04-02T12:37:00.000-04:002011-04-02T12:37:52.934-04:00Yes, I Did It Again.Well, I'm back. I've been busily writing the prequel to my previous GH finalist, and am quite happy with the result. So, apparently, are others since my prequel is a Golden Heart® finalist this year!<br />
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Please God, let three be a charm!Gwynlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13131507614528809505noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3544734331016753585.post-27436856603771237122010-01-10T00:21:00.002-05:002010-01-10T00:32:33.913-05:00AccountabilityWriting is often a lonely profession, and working at home has pitfalls by the dozen. The dustbunnies yodel from under the bed, daring you to ignore them, the family thinks you are available for whatever their needs are whenever they arise, and that one friend---and yes, there is ALWAYS at least one---who thinks you have nothing better to do than chat on the phone are just a few of the things that have us looking at the clock aghast, realizing we've wasted yet another day.<br /><br />One way to circumvent these things is accountability. We resolve to be accountable to others striving for similar goals.<br /><br />For the next few months (or longer, depending upon the need), Romancing History will encouraging accountability. There will be no bullwhip, no punishments, no lectures, but there will be support, encouragement, and help if you need it.<br /><br />Interested? Then tell us a bit about yourself and what you hope to achieve. You will be asked to post your progress, status, and goals at least once a week (you can do it more often, but once a week is the minimum) and offer encouragement and support for others as the need arises.Gwynlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13131507614528809505noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3544734331016753585.post-54510881057865738152010-01-01T20:13:00.002-05:002010-01-01T20:27:14.892-05:00Happy 2010!!!!It's 2010. How did that happen? Must have blinked. <br /><br />As promised, Romancing History will, for the time being, be open for those wishing to have some accountablility. Christine? Kate? Are you out there?<br /><br />As before with getting our GH entries ready, we'll work on a system of reporting our progress, status, and goals. No pressure, but beginning on 4 January 2010, it's time to do our ABC's (Apply Butt to Chair).<br /><br />That said, anyone interested in joining us is welcome whether you are polishing or working on a draft. All that is required is a desire to be held accountable for the goals you publish at least weekly. This way, those of us polishing will be able to take our heads out of our work for a bit and, hopefully, divert ourselves enough for a fresh perspective without halting the writing process. Those who are in draft mode will have an opportunity to taste the editing phase (in the event this is their first attempt) or be diverted with benefits as well.<br /><br />So, a new year, a new goal, a new challenge.<br /><br />Everybody ready?Gwynlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13131507614528809505noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3544734331016753585.post-32385091480393747092009-12-02T04:22:00.002-05:002009-12-02T04:37:12.491-05:002 December GOALSWell, it either arrives today or I threw over $100 in the toilet. *sigh* <br /><br />What an exciting ride. Exhausting, but exciting. Back at the end of October when this thing started, I thought it would be easy. Words have never been a problem for me, and my word counts can be quite impressive when I set my mind to it. Piece of cake, I told myself.<br /><br />I really shouldn't lie to me like that.<br /><br />Last time I had to spew, I didn't have my beloved totally incapacitated, he could drive, we didn't have doctor appt's over 100 miles away, and the demands on my time, while annoying, were much less demanding. I was also younger---and yes, that is a factor.<br /><br />This time, my tenacity got a workout.<br /><br />On 5 November, I did the Nobody Writes It Better blog with a piece entitled "Can't Never Did Anything---And Other Mom-isms where I told everyone in the 2007 group---and anyone who stopped in to read the blog---about the challenge. Very public forum. No way out but failure. I don't do failure.<br /><br />Kate's blog at the Ruby-Slippered Sisters mentions fear of success. Ah, I know that one. What if I can't maintain? What if it's a fluke? And all the other what ifs that plague the newly accepted/published/contracted writer. Or the one who, like me, would rather not take a chance on any of those what ifs coming true. I know I can write well. But to make it only to screw it up? Nah. Not for me.<br /><br />This challenge changed that. I CAN do this. I won't fail. I can meet deadlines and pull dialogue out of a sinus stuffed brain. (Not necessarily good dialogue, mind you!)<br /><br />So to both Kate and Christine I say thank you. Had you not taken me up on my challenge, I would not have learned several much needed lessons. I offered the challenge to push you to achieve your goals, but got so much more out of it than ever anticipated. And I owe it to you.<br /><br />Now, this will be the last daily post for now. Once the holiday's are over, if you are interested, we can do this again for revisions. Goals are good things, and having someone to whom you are answerable---even in the loosest sense---has proven useful. So let me know what you think. Until then, I wish you the joy and peace and love that are the foundation of the Christmas season.Gwynlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13131507614528809505noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3544734331016753585.post-84893140163457712032009-12-01T11:12:00.001-05:002009-12-01T11:13:58.165-05:001 December PS>oday is it. My local (?) Fed-Ex office assures me if I get this puppy to them before 5:30 this afternoon, it will be in Houston before 5 p.m. tomorrow so right, wrong, or indifferent, I will be putting paid to this baby today.Gwynlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13131507614528809505noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3544734331016753585.post-61068727582604191332009-11-30T08:57:00.002-05:002009-11-30T08:59:34.865-05:0030 November PS&GAdded over 10K yesterday. Printed out requisite copies of first three. Still have a bit to go ere this POS is finished, but I'm still going---although I shall have to sleep soon. (Danged sinuses!) VA appt for dh today. Anything to cut into these last hours. <br /><br />This was so much easier a couple of years ago. How did I get so old so fast?Gwynlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13131507614528809505noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3544734331016753585.post-82213981619562521752009-11-29T14:00:00.001-05:002009-11-29T14:01:49.184-05:0029 November PS&GIt's not looking good for the Gipper, but I'm still going. Dh has a doc appt again tomorrow, so another bump in the road. But I'm still going. I WILL prevail.Gwynlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13131507614528809505noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3544734331016753585.post-48157632404694347232009-11-28T14:26:00.002-05:002009-11-28T14:52:50.110-05:0028 November PS&GIt's time to sprint---and I have no energy. Dinner last night was fun but exhausting, and this sinus thing is draining me further. However, I'm going to push through. Too close to stop now. More words left than I'd like, but tenacity (and coffee and sinus pulls) is a good thing. I can sleep after Monday.Gwynlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13131507614528809505noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3544734331016753585.post-53773663043025892362009-11-27T00:19:00.002-05:002009-11-27T00:25:21.935-05:0027 November PS&GI hope you both ate too much and had a wonderful day yesterday!!! <br /><br />Today is another cooking day for me. Years ago, my dh complained there were no Thanksgiving leftovers at our house (although I always made the pies and rolls to take to Mom's) and thus began a tradition. I cook Thanksgiving Dinner (pared down a bit, but not much!) on Friday. The kids always brought a "waif" or two home to share our meal and that hasn't changed. Somebody's friend always fills another chair or two at the table.<br /><br />This year our Patty won't be here for the first time. Bound to happens sooner or later, but it leaves a hole. No matter where they were in years past, they made it home to eat. But times change, and so must we, so I shall take pleasure in what can be and try not to bemoan what was and can be no more.<br /><br />Christine, hugs to you and your dear FIL. May God smile on you and yours.<br /><br />Kate, same to you and your family, especially your daughter. May God send angels to protect, support, and encourage you this holiday season and into the New Year.Gwynlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13131507614528809505noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3544734331016753585.post-70647488028949199912009-11-25T01:10:00.002-05:002009-11-25T01:12:48.360-05:0025 November PS>oday is pretty much a bust. Doc's (5 hours round trip), pies, and hopefully transcribing whatever work I managed to do while waiting.<br /><br />Safe Journey to both of you.Gwynlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13131507614528809505noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3544734331016753585.post-21518645833475970082009-11-24T02:29:00.002-05:002009-11-24T02:35:23.854-05:0024 November PS&GYesterday was pretty much a bust. I'm so scattered, I'm getting in my own way. Not good. Worse, I've lost track of things within the story---something that unsettles me because that has never happened before---and keep finding myself scrolling back to check things. Very time consuming.<br /><br />Picked up the rental, and had some youngster trying to caution be about the size of the vehicle. I just gave him what my kids call "the LOOK." He actually stepped back. <G> Then it dawned on him. I'd hit the deer with a TRUCK. Short of a semi, pal, chances are I can drive it. (And a couple lessons from my dad, and I could do the semi too!)<br /><br />Anyway, some errands later, then it's back to work. Doc's Wednesday will shoot that, but I'll resort to tablet and paper to play with the synopsis.<br /><br />Had my sweetie look into Fed-Ex. I really need to sleep, so that option may save my neck.Gwynlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13131507614528809505noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3544734331016753585.post-36861852402330404802009-11-23T14:10:00.002-05:002009-11-23T14:17:45.373-05:0023 November PS&GAfter today, I may have to change the title since both of the other ladies plan to mail their entries today. YAY!!<br /><br />My dh is currently looking into a Fed-Ex location somewhere here in plaid-shirt heaven since, in my push to make deadline, I hit the hay at 7 a.m. and the phone started ringing at 7:25 (Son telling us about our rental car since his friend works for Enterprise.)<br /><br />Promptly at 8, the phone rang again, the tow company. Fifteen minutes later, the rental car company (who was kind enough to inform me they didn't have pick up service at their location. So much for that ad campaign.) And it seemed to go on ever fifteen to twenty minutes until, at 10:30 I rolled out of the rack as surly as a hungry grizzly. (Trying to give direction to the towing service when you're half zonked and flat on you back is disconcerting to say the least.)<br /><br />So, now I wait for our son who will take me to fetch the rental. I can't wait to see what other "bumps in the road" await me as I continue to push toward deadline.<br /><br />It's been an adventure, that's for sure!Gwynlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13131507614528809505noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3544734331016753585.post-21898527803255749152009-11-22T02:42:00.002-05:002009-11-22T02:45:05.551-05:0022 November PS&GWell, it looks like, after Monday, I will be on my own, but I have to say I'm thrilled with the fact. Whether I can make it or not, both ladies who took the challenge will be safely entered.<br /><br />Whew! Now to channel Yoda: There is no try. Just do or do not.<br /><br />Time to get 'er done.Gwynlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13131507614528809505noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3544734331016753585.post-2621067916531739222009-11-21T04:58:00.002-05:002009-11-21T05:00:20.654-05:0021 November PS&GManaged to add another 6K to the manuscript despite my misadventure. Need some sleep now, though. Both physically and emotionally drained at this point.<br /><br />Tomorrow I'll be pushing for 15K. Time has become the enemy.Gwynlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13131507614528809505noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3544734331016753585.post-22950630275124426262009-11-20T10:52:00.003-05:002009-11-20T10:57:17.728-05:0020 November PS&GSo it's November, right? And three times yesterday I had to shut down my computer for THUNDERSTORMS! What's with that? Three hours of no production, but when we lost power at one point, I was so glad I didn't tempt fate.<br /><br />Meeting sis and niece at Tannersville today for some shopping. It's nieces b-day. Because of the storms, I'm a little behind with goals, but family first in my world.<br /><br />I told them I couldn't stay long, but I think the break might scrape the burnt bits off my fried brain.<br /><br />Have a wonderful day, ladies.Gwynlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13131507614528809505noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3544734331016753585.post-85275181397067502742009-11-19T01:24:00.002-05:002009-11-19T01:26:41.413-05:0019 November PS>his little crew of go-getters is on a roll! With Butter!!!<br /><br />I am so pleased by the progress everyone (but me) is making. Actually, my progress isn't so bad, but I'm rueing the time I spent going over the first three so thoroughly. And I'm still not thrilled with them. But, with my mind set on speed, such is as it is.<br /><br />We are running out of time, ladies. Home stretch and VICTORY here we come!Gwynlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13131507614528809505noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3544734331016753585.post-30667291757173784852009-11-18T03:47:00.003-05:002009-11-18T03:49:59.410-05:0018 November PS&G5200 new words today. Not great, but better. Still miles behind. I know I have commitments that will put a crimp in my writing time over the next two weeks, but gotta keep on keepin' on.<br /><br />Right now, however, my tush hurts, and the ache runs down to me left knee for some reason. That means time to get up and do something or hit the hay.<br /><br />Hay gets my vote. Gonna be another long one today, but sleep is a must. I hope I don't run out of clean duds before this is done. I keep putting off the laundry...Gwynlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13131507614528809505noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3544734331016753585.post-86421765912812991832009-11-16T23:12:00.004-05:002009-11-16T23:16:45.406-05:0017 November PS&GI know. I forgot the 16th, but I was writing until 4:30 a.m. and was falling asleep in my chair. Got a few hours sleep and dh said, "We have to go... (he can't drive yet)so off to the bank and the VA hospital. I never even got on the computer until late this afternoon. Still didn't hit me I'd forgotten to post the day, however. Sorry.<br /><br />Too late to do the 16th now so onward and upward!Gwynlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13131507614528809505noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3544734331016753585.post-61175046265358802762009-11-15T02:25:00.002-05:002009-11-15T02:28:04.154-05:0015 November PS&GI'm so stoked!!! I have this really NASTY villain, the puppetmaster one, that I hate to write. He is so dark, getting into his head knocks me for a loop. HOWEVER, I introduced him tonight from the POV of one of his cohorts and it worked BEAUTIFULLY!! His basic motivation is evident---as his his reptilian nature.Gwynlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13131507614528809505noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3544734331016753585.post-87905108672235526572009-11-14T15:19:00.002-05:002009-11-14T15:24:00.995-05:0014 November Progress, Status & Goals.I'm so late putting this up. Sorry. Thought I'd done it before going to bed.<br /><br />From now on, the title will be date PS&G. I know. Sounds like your local utility comapany, but typing it out, I have to refer back to see what order I used (you will notice, when I first started this, the order changed almost daily!)<br /><br />Not as much done as I'd hoped. Have to take care of some chores today, too, but I won't be able to write if things are too disordered. (Danged dustbunnies cry without attention, dontcha know.) Still, will push forward. Gotta get 'er done.Gwynlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13131507614528809505noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3544734331016753585.post-2231635603668712152009-11-13T03:11:00.002-05:002009-11-13T03:14:05.231-05:0013 November Progress, Status, & GoalsNot a lot of words today, but a lot of work done. I don't know that I've ever done this much "pre-writing" prep before, but I feel there will be fewer stumbling blocks as a result. Only one way to find out, however.<br /><br />Need to get another 15-20K done between now and Sunday. If I can start rolling it out, then all will be well.Gwynlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13131507614528809505noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3544734331016753585.post-52081797358710844972009-11-12T02:23:00.002-05:002009-11-12T02:30:57.284-05:0012 November Progress, Status, & GoalsWell, I had a major EUREKA (or, maybe, it was more like a DUH!) moment today; while working on my characters' GMC, to make sure all my ducks were in a row and packing howitzers, I realized my VILLAIN's needed work. I had absolutely no concrete reason for his behavior. How had that happened? And, since he shows up in three books (each book has its own primary villain. This guy becomes the primary in the third book,)it would be nice if he had, if not a method, a MOTIVATION for his obscenely obsessive behavior.<br /><br />It's the synopisis' fault. All of it.Gwynlynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13131507614528809505noreply@blogger.com4