11.4.13

I want to talk briefly about writer's block. I've always rather blithely claimed that I don't think it exists, that it's your story's way of telling you you're going in the wrong direction. And that's true. Absolutely, 100% true.  

Except for when it isn't. 

Writer's block can be more than your story going off the rails. Sometimes, it's your brain's way of saying ENOUGH!  You're working too hard, you're not refilling the well, and damn you, stop with all that infernal typing for five minutes, I need a BREAK!

Recognizing writer's block is a talent. Too many of us hit a wall and throw up our hands, declaring all is lost, wailing and gnashing our teeth. Some of us, though, recognize the symptoms of overwork or storyline miscues, and take a day off. Or a month. Or whatever is right for you.

Listen, we're artists, not machines. We can't program ourselves to spit out X number of words every day no matter what. Life interrupts. Stories go awry. And that's okay. It's how we face these challenges that define our professional lives.

Since we're in NaNoWriMo mode, I just wanted to toss that out there. If you don't make that 1667 words today, don't fret. You'll be fine. The story will tell you what's right. Go read a book. Or take a nap, or a walk, or go to the movies.

Permission, granted. 

Sweet dreams!

11.3.13

It was a day in which we discovered the diversity of almond milk. I've developed a decent case of lactose intolerance, and so have had to remove all dairy (except cheese) from my diet. Normally this isn't an issue; I've even weaned myself off my favorite fat free half and half in my tea. But my parents are coffee drinkers -- amusing in its own way, as I have to dig out the coffee pot and find the frozen coffee ground and filters when they come -- and my dad likes vanilla creamer in his morning joe.

And I forgot to get milk. With so much craziness this week, a lot of things have fallen through the cracks.  But lo, in the fridge, we did find vanilla almond milk. Daddy put it in his coffee and loved it, and bam, the morning was saved. 

Today was also early thanksgiving. The kittenish minions were given a second room to explore, and I cooked all the usuals: turkey, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, sausage cornbread stuffing, pecan and pumpkin pies. Only, of course, again, no milk. Derp.

Guess what else is good with almond milk? Mashed potatoes! I was afraid it would be too sweet, but they were delicious. Who knew?

Work tomorrow, then we're going to see Ender's Game - hurrah! I adored the book, I can't wait to see what they've done with the film. 

Off to eat pie, sweet dreams! 

11.2.13

890 words today. Not a great start to NaNoWriMo, but I have been having a wee bit of kittius interruptus, and my parents have come for a visit. I knew I'd be late to the game this month, I'm just trying to keep the word counts in the 1k range daily so I don't get too far behind. A nice big fat 10k day will catch me up, so I'm not too worried.

I generally write very linearly, moving from scene to scene, chapter to chapter, adding to things in the order they appear in the book. But every once in a while, I get a wild hair and can't wait to set down a future scene. That's where my word count came from today. The second to last chapter, actually. It's kind of nice knowing so early on where I need to end up. Normally that doesn't happen until much, much later.

I thought I brought home kittehs, but I was wrong. They are minions. Homicidal minions, at that. Jordan has already buried her mouse, dug it up, and proceeded to drown it when my back was turned. And she's supposed to be the shy one.

I will buy them more mice tomorrow, as well as a fishing pole with ribbons that I think they will go bonkers for. And try to get words while they dance about. Life, it is good.

11.1.13

The universe works in mysterious ways.  

I got nothing done today - the first day of NaNoWriMo. But I have a darn good excuse.  

It's been a week of strange, dislocated disappointments. When I finally steeled myself to go get a kitten,  I thought I was going to have the same experience as last time, where I saw Jade at the shelter, and bam, that was it. 

This time, we had lukewarm feelings toward a bunch of adorable kittens, from several places and connections, which was bizarre. I mean, you're supposed to click, right? And I didn't. Maybe it was my own fault, the walls I've built around my heart to protect myself from falling in love again. I found several snuggly sweeties, but none I couldn't stop thinking about. And whatever the reason, all of those adoptions fell through.  

But I wasn't heartbroken over any of them. So last night, before I went to bed, I celebrated Samhain in my own way, with a candle, and the memories of those I love, and at the end, I sat with Jade's ashes, and asked her for help. That she could give me a sign, or a zing, or a dream, something that allowed me to know what to do. 

I woke this morning with vigor. We were going to go to the shelter again and this time, really open up. And just as we were leaving, I received an email from the Director of Happy Tales Humane in Franklin, TN. She had a new batch of kittens, just spayed, that were approved for adoption overnight, and there were silver tabbies in the litter. 

I hightailed it down to Franklin, and I am so excited to tell you, I found a kitten. Actually, two. Twins. Two little girl love bunnies, silver and gray and soft and fuzzy and the cute, it burns.   

Jade was one hell of a cat. The fact that it takes two to step into her very large paws doesn't surprise me in the least.  

 And so, I give you our two new adorables, Jameson and Jordan.

10.31.13

Happy Halloween!

What a strange day. Started with a bang, a great idea from CC on the book that has morphed into a great plot point. Did a bunch of mental work on that, in between waiting to hear if our application for twin kittens had been approved. (Yes, I'm still driving around town with kitten gear in my trunk, but no kitten.)  Sadly, we were denied. We've had four adoptions fall through now, and I'm getting the sense the universe is trying to tell me something.

Halloween was cancelled here in Nashville due to strong storms and possible tornadoes. So I am hunkered down with a Manhattan and a raft of chocolate and sweet tarts, and may the force be with the kids if there's nothing left tomorrow. 

Spooky dreams!