Good Monday morning gentle readers. I've decided that something needs to be done about the state of affairs of my lawn. I've decided I hate cutting my grass. I've also decided that weed wacking is a 'boy' chore, like taking out the garbage. Sorry for those of you I've offended but it's true. I do it because I have to and by gum if I ever get rich enough I will be hiring a man to take over the task.
Now I'd like to introduce you to all the new 'friends' I've made over the last few weeks. Welcome and Thank You for taking the time out of your busy blogging lives to follow me in my little sphere of craziness here -- Suzy, Tahereh, Anne, Les, Christine, Julie, Vatche, Becky, Suzi, (another) Christine, Hawk, Nicole, Justine, Emma, Mac, Kim, Kathie, Cruella, Patricia and Melanie. I always have a pot of coffee on and something to eat in the dining room. The pool is open but suits are required.
Guinevere at This is not my Day Job issued a summer writing challenge a few weeks ago, kind of like a NaNo but not. We're trying to see just how much we can get done on our current W'sIP over the summer, until Labor Day. If you'd like to try it, go on over and join up.
Last week I went through a terrible time, a writers bane. I'm not blocked, I'm not stuck, I just didn't have it in me. It's so hot here in the Piedmont and we can't use our a/c, Monster Baby has sinus problems and somehow has the tendency to get an infection if she's in a/c any longer than the time it takes to go grocery shopping.
So it's hot, and I'm miserable and just didn't have it in me to write. But I forced myself. I had an inspiration while weed wacking (so I guess it's good for something) and I wrote 3500 words between Saturday night and Sunday morning. I did two more scenes with Pete and Genna, one with Robby (her cousin for those of you who are following) and Genna had sex with Tony.
Yes, you heard me. Genna had sex with Tony.
I've been reading all kinds of writing books because I haven't been able to write and I needed to amp up Genna's response to Tony. She was ambivalent about her feelings, or rather, I was amibivalent about her feelings so I decided she needed some more angst. I thought I would be able to put the scene in the first week when Genna came home. Then I thought I could put it in the second week before she meets Pete. I now know I need to write a few more scenes to fill in some gaps because the sex just isn't going to fit where I put it or want to put it. And I definitely know the sex has got to stay. I sorta' kinda' think I know what I can do but the whole first act would have to be semi-rewritten.
Or something.
So that's where I am with that. I have another idea ruminating for a fight scene between Tony and Pete (hey, wouldn't that be something) but I'm not sure. I guess I should go finish the weed wacking and see what I can come up with.
And what did you do over the weekend?
26 comments:
Friday night I tackled that 'boy chore' and mowed the lawn so it was done and out of the way! Still say I need to pave the whole thing.
Good Luck on the writing challenge!!!
Welcome to all the newbies... they surely won't regret visiting! I love it here!
I don't like lawn work either. Great job on your progress. I made a little porgress on my revisions. Along with coming up with a new idea for chapter 1 and writing ideas for a new WiP. My mind is a little mushy.
Have a great day!
Alex -- You're a good man to get it out of the way. I procrastinate until the yard starts to look like a jungle. Truthfully I do it to peeve the neighbors.
Jen -- So sweet! Thank you.
Christine -- I hear you on the mind mush. I had two first lines "speak" to me over the weekend as well and I'm not sure if I should start something new or put them in already written books. They're pretty great.
Nothing! That's what I did - and it made me happy ;-) I spent time with the daughter, and that always puts a smile on my face!
Congrats on your progress! It feels great to move forward ;-)
JD
I went to my dad's place on Saturday (after working overtime Saturday morning). On Sunday, I was determined to write my last chapter. I managed 1200 words and went to bed :-)
I'm intrigued by the writing challenge! I'm also feeling the summer doldrums and I need a kick in the pants.
I know what you mean about things not fitting. My manuscript is in pieces because I've taken it apart and it's (figuratively) lying in my living room floor.
Sending inspiration and good writing thoughts your way :-)
Portia
Good luck on the writing challenge. I'd participate, but I already know I won't get much done. I'm finishing off my character sketches so that I can begin my first draft once the kids are back to school in September.
I spent the weekend working on my 3-5 page synopsis and query after winning a partial request in the recent QT blog contest (based on my first chapter and one line pitch). I've decided I like 3-5 page synopsis a lot more than the one pagers. :)
Genna and Tony sex? Angry sex? Good-bye sex? Sex that makes her realize she wants Pete? Iniquiring minds want to know. :)
And BTW, good luck with the writing challenge.
Good luck on your writing challenge! My, my, there are all sorts of things happening to your characters.
Exciting!
Swimsuits required? Dang it!:) It sounds like you've got a great hold on your ms and know what needs to be done and how to do to it! I admire your organization and determination despite the heat! Good on you!
Yay for getting through the writing doldrums! I finished your manuscript and while I still don't know a Regency romance from a Hyatt-Regency Hotel, I liked it! I would love to read some of your non-romance stuff. :)
PS -- I'll send you a more detailed email later, but I wanted you to know I liked it alot.
oooh - what writing books have you been reading?
I did nothing, so you're one step ahead of me.
...interestingly enough, mowing the lawn, lost in thought as debris shoots from under my tractor deck, is where I've conjured up some of my best ideas. Perhaps a boredom thing...a wandering frontal lobe thing...not sure, but its become an enjoyable chore. Good luck with the challenge:)
My weekend was pretty laid back, but the Sunday night punctuation was an exclamation point -- True Blood. The wife and I are HUGE fans, so that made for a perfect endcap to the weekend.
Out of curiosity, which writing books are you reading?
Whoop! Go Genna go!
It's summer, it's hot... have sex. Do the dirty. Why not?
Life lately has used me as a chew toy, so I understand how circumstances can leech you of the urge to write.
What did I do over the weekend?
Drove a thousand miles (literally,) tried to stay awake while driving many of them down very dark rural roads (not an easy thing - splashing cold water in the eyes stopped helping), visited a dear, ill friend when I could, and tried not to punish those around me for my flagging spirits.
Sorry that monster baby keeps you in perpetual Hades in your home. I need my air conditioning down here in steamy Louisiana. May your writing become easier and happier. Roland
We live in a basement apartment and could probably do without a/c if not for the damn humidity.
All my vegetable plants are starting to flag around 11am when the heat's up and the sun's out. If I don't move them into shade, they'll all be wilted until the sun goes down.
So excited to hear about progress on G&T! I'm hoping to kick it in gear and finish before mid-July...
I feel so bad about the a/c. Well, when you get your bill you'll feel real happy as it'll be so low.
Just keep on writing as best as you can. It's just a tiny pothole in the road. You'll be over it soon, or swerve around it, & continue writing your book.
Hey, thanks for the shout out! I actually like mowing with a push mower, but weed wacking-IS a boy chore! Hmmm, I cleaned and organized, visited and shopped...and the updates on your characters sounds very hot, I mean interesting...*wink* And I agree about the heat/humidity. It ought to be illegal!
I prefer gardening to mowing the lawn- my husband likes to push around the mower.
Good luck with the summer writing challenge- I'd like to have my WIP finished by then, but I've stalled for a bit.
sounds like you didn't know tony and genna were going to have sex, and they did. it's so fun when we let our characters run around and figure things out for themselves and they surprise us. when stuff happens organically, it's hit or miss. at least for me. if jerk-face tony is hooking up with someone, that says something about the girl he hooks up with, i think.
just having fun thinking about your characters:)
i traveled to hawaii for a week's vacation this weekend. 80-degree water ain't so bad.
Anne, just read your GLA blog post and couldn't resist checking out your blog. Truthfully, I can't even carry the weedeater my husband picked out so I'm with you on that one. And it's too hot where I live too, 103 yesterday.
Thanks for the heads up on the summer writing contest. I need some motivation. Good luck with your scene placement.
As for the weekend, my brother-in-law called us at the last minute and asked to come for a visit. We ate the best tacos I've ever had and watched Will Ferrell SNL DVDs. I'll take laughter and food over yard work and heat any day.
I'm sneaking in here real fast to let you know I'm on vacation...but I second (and third) what SarahJayne said!!! I need more details!
Sorry about your modem.
I won't be back until the middle of July, and I won't be online but maybe once or twice/week. (if I have the chance, I will make appoint to stop by here. Know that I'm thinking cool, low humidity thoughts for you. I assume you have some kick-ass fans...and that you're spending quality time in your pool. We were still in NJ on Sunday and it was 96 degrees w/ high humidity. Miserable.)
Love,
Lola
I just stumbled on your blog and I wanted to comment and say that I love your reflections on writing. Just the thing to get my own creative juices flowing again--thanks!
Cheers from Connie xx
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