SEQUOYAH COUNTY — Author and Muldrow native Stephen B. Bagley will sign copies of his newly released humorous mystery novel Murder by the Acre at the Stanley Tubbs Memorial Library, 101 East Cherokee Street, Sallisaw, Friday, November 21, 3 to 5 p.m., and at the Muldrow Public Library, 711 West Shawntel Blvd, Muldrow, Saturday, November 22, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
In the new novel, librarian Bernard M. Worthington and reporter Lisa Trent stumble on the body of a local jeweler and ladies’ man in an underground house. As the young couple and Police Chief Donaldson investigate, they find themselves drawn into a confusing mystery of lies and alibis that involves the upper crust of Ryton, Oklahoma. Questions abound: Who killed him and how? Why doesn’t the widow care that her husband is dead? Why doesn’t his mistress? What does the mysterious Aventura Corporation have to do with the murder? What is the corporation hiding? Soon events spiral out-of-control as the killer strikes again and again. As the three dig for the truth, they upset powerful, vengeful people. The chief might lose his job, but Bernard and Lisa could lose their lives in this suspenseful sequel to Murder by Dewey Decimal.
Advance reader Gloria Williams of the website Wry Words said the book was “…even better than Murder by Dewey Decimal. Funny, surprising, and exciting. I can’t wait for the next one.”
“This book was especially enjoyable to write because the story constantly surprised me,” Bagley said. “The characters went places and did things I didn’t expect. It was a lot of fun.”
Also available at the signing will be EndlesS, a collection of poetry by Bagley published this summer. Murder by the Acre is the second novel in Bagley’s Measurements of Murder Mystery™ series. The third book in the series, Murder by the Mile, will be released 2009. Murder by the Acre, Murder by Dewey Decimal, and EndlesS will be available for purchase at the signings.
Bagley also wrote the full-length plays Murder at the Witch’s Cottage and Two Writers in the Hands of an Angry God and co-wrote Turnabout. His poetry has been published in Byline Magazine, Prairie Songs, Free Star, and other publications. He co-authored two one-act plays -- "Hogwild" and "There’s A Body In The Closet" -- that were published by Dramatic Publishing Co. His articles and humorous essays have been published in Nautilus Magazine, OKMagazine, Pontotoc County Chronicles, Your Country Music Magazine, various Oklahoma newspapers, and other publications.
Bagley graduated from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. For more information about Bagley’s books, plays, poetry and essays, visit his website 51313 Harbor Street at www.51313.blogspot.com.
Click here to order Murder by the Acre in softcover.
Click here to order Murder by the Acre in hardcover.
Click here to order Murder by the Acre merchandise.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Review of "Murder by the Acre"
(Reprinted by permission)
By Gloria Williams
I always approach sequels with a certain amount of trepidation, particularly if I enjoyed the previous work. Rarely does the author improve upon his original vision, and much of the joy of discovery is gone. I’m delighted to say Stephen B. Bagley’s new mystery novel, Murder by the Acre, is a happy exception. It’s even better than Murder by Dewey Decimal, the first novel in Bagley’s Measurements of Murder™ series.
In Murder by the Acre, most of the original characters from the first book return. Bernard, Lisa, and the chief are back as well as the chief’s strong-minded wife Maggie, the efficient Lt. Sims, the annoying Hyatt family, the ever politically minded Ryton Mayor Otis Brunson, and many others. If you’re a cat lover as I am, you’ll be glad to hear that Obsidian, Lisa’s black cat, is also back and has a larger role this time around, although not as large as Obsidian obviously deserves.
Ryton, Oklahoma, expands in this book. We meet many of its citizens, most of whom have something to hide. Ryton is a small town of gossip, romance, adultery, secrets, and intrigue. It’s the Peyton Place of Oklahoma. It’s not a surprise some of these secrets lead to murder; what is surprising is more of them don’t! There are several characters in this book who would drive a sane person to homicide if you had to spend a lot of time with them and knew what is finally revealed in this book.
Bagley juggles many minor plots in this book and never drops a one. I was impressed by his ability to conclude all of them in satisfactory fashion. In fact, he brings two minor plots to a surprising and clever conclusion on nearly the last page of the book. I didn’t even realize the two plots were connected until the revelation.
As for the murders, they are baffling and terrible. I actually figured out who was responsible halfway through this book and then changed my mind when I misinterpreted a clue later on. Bagley plays fair with the clues, but figuring out which clue points to which person is a real challenge. He is also clever in the way he hides clues in plain sight. When every clue comes together at the end, they make perfect sense. I don’t want to spoil anything for you, but I will give you a hint — “how” is just as important as “why” in this book and will eventually lead you to “who,” although it’s a hard path to follow.
I finished Murder by the Acre in one sitting and wished the book had been longer. (It is longer than Murder by Dewey Decimal.) Not because Bagley didn’t finish the story, but because I was enjoying visiting Ryton so much I hated to leave.
As always I enjoyed the relationship between the chief and Maggie. Their loving marriage of many years rings true. Bernard and Lisa’s relationship faces several hurdles this time around, but those are the perils of any love affair. Lisa’s past and her insecurity may complicate their future together, but I hope they will work things through. I want to see how things turn out between these two young people and look forward to reading more about them.
Bagley is especially talented in his portrayal of the minor characters. With a few deft sentences, he brings the smallest of characters to life. I know what Lisa’s brash cousin Lorene looks like and how she acts even though we never “see” Lorene in the book.
And I mustn’t forget the one-liners. Thankfully, Bagley can’t resist a good zinger, and several of them are laugh-out loud funny.
If you pick up Murder by the Acre, you won’t be disappointed. It’s funny, surprising, and exciting. I can’t wait for the next one.
Click here to order Murder by the Acre in softcover.
Click here to order Murder by the Acre in hardcover.
Click here to order Murder by the Acre merchandise.
By Gloria Williams
I always approach sequels with a certain amount of trepidation, particularly if I enjoyed the previous work. Rarely does the author improve upon his original vision, and much of the joy of discovery is gone. I’m delighted to say Stephen B. Bagley’s new mystery novel, Murder by the Acre, is a happy exception. It’s even better than Murder by Dewey Decimal, the first novel in Bagley’s Measurements of Murder™ series.
In Murder by the Acre, most of the original characters from the first book return. Bernard, Lisa, and the chief are back as well as the chief’s strong-minded wife Maggie, the efficient Lt. Sims, the annoying Hyatt family, the ever politically minded Ryton Mayor Otis Brunson, and many others. If you’re a cat lover as I am, you’ll be glad to hear that Obsidian, Lisa’s black cat, is also back and has a larger role this time around, although not as large as Obsidian obviously deserves.
Ryton, Oklahoma, expands in this book. We meet many of its citizens, most of whom have something to hide. Ryton is a small town of gossip, romance, adultery, secrets, and intrigue. It’s the Peyton Place of Oklahoma. It’s not a surprise some of these secrets lead to murder; what is surprising is more of them don’t! There are several characters in this book who would drive a sane person to homicide if you had to spend a lot of time with them and knew what is finally revealed in this book.
Bagley juggles many minor plots in this book and never drops a one. I was impressed by his ability to conclude all of them in satisfactory fashion. In fact, he brings two minor plots to a surprising and clever conclusion on nearly the last page of the book. I didn’t even realize the two plots were connected until the revelation.
As for the murders, they are baffling and terrible. I actually figured out who was responsible halfway through this book and then changed my mind when I misinterpreted a clue later on. Bagley plays fair with the clues, but figuring out which clue points to which person is a real challenge. He is also clever in the way he hides clues in plain sight. When every clue comes together at the end, they make perfect sense. I don’t want to spoil anything for you, but I will give you a hint — “how” is just as important as “why” in this book and will eventually lead you to “who,” although it’s a hard path to follow.
I finished Murder by the Acre in one sitting and wished the book had been longer. (It is longer than Murder by Dewey Decimal.) Not because Bagley didn’t finish the story, but because I was enjoying visiting Ryton so much I hated to leave.
As always I enjoyed the relationship between the chief and Maggie. Their loving marriage of many years rings true. Bernard and Lisa’s relationship faces several hurdles this time around, but those are the perils of any love affair. Lisa’s past and her insecurity may complicate their future together, but I hope they will work things through. I want to see how things turn out between these two young people and look forward to reading more about them.
Bagley is especially talented in his portrayal of the minor characters. With a few deft sentences, he brings the smallest of characters to life. I know what Lisa’s brash cousin Lorene looks like and how she acts even though we never “see” Lorene in the book.
And I mustn’t forget the one-liners. Thankfully, Bagley can’t resist a good zinger, and several of them are laugh-out loud funny.
If you pick up Murder by the Acre, you won’t be disappointed. It’s funny, surprising, and exciting. I can’t wait for the next one.
Click here to order Murder by the Acre in softcover.
Click here to order Murder by the Acre in hardcover.
Click here to order Murder by the Acre merchandise.
Friday, November 14, 2008
BOOK SIGNING TODAY!
I and some friends went to see classical guitarist Peter Fletcher last night at a free concert at the Ada Library. Awesome! I was very impressed. I purchased two of his CDs. You can hear snippets of his work at www.peterfletcher.com.
My book signing for Murder by the Acre is TODAY at the Ada Public Library from 4-6 p.m. Drop by if you can. I'll be in the main part of the library. I'd love to see ya, and you can register to win over $100 in Measurements of Murder books and merchandise. In fact, the signing is less than two hours away so I've got to do some more preparation work. Talk to you later.
Click here to order Murder by the Acre in softcover.
Click here to order Murder by the Acre in hardcover.
Click here to order Murder by the Acre merchandise.
My book signing for Murder by the Acre is TODAY at the Ada Public Library from 4-6 p.m. Drop by if you can. I'll be in the main part of the library. I'd love to see ya, and you can register to win over $100 in Measurements of Murder books and merchandise. In fact, the signing is less than two hours away so I've got to do some more preparation work. Talk to you later.
Click here to order Murder by the Acre in softcover.
Click here to order Murder by the Acre in hardcover.
Click here to order Murder by the Acre merchandise.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Newspaper story
They cut the press release quite a bit, but the important facts are there so I appreciate the publicity.
From the Ada Evening News, Sunday, 11-9-2008
Local author to sign copies of his new book
ADA — Local author Stephen B. Bagley will sign copy of his new mystery novel “Murder by the Acre” at Ada Public Library Friday, Nov. 14, from 4-6 p.m.
“Murder by the Acre” is the sequel to last year’s “Murder by Dewey Decimal.” In the new novel, a young couple stumble upon the body of a jeweler/ladies man in an underground house. As Bernard and Lisa and Police Chief Donaldson investigate, they find themselves drawn into a confusing mystery of lies and alibis that involve the upper crust of Ryton, Okla. Questions abound: Who killed him and how? Why doesn’t the widow care that her husband is dead? Why doesn’t his mistress? What does the mysterious Aventura Corporation have to do with the murder? What is the corporation hiding? Soon events spiral out-of-control as the killer strikes again and again. As the three dig for the truth, they upset powerful, vengeful people. The chief might lose his job, but Bernard and Lisa could lose their lives in this next entry in the Measurements of Murder Mystery series.
The novel will be available for purchase at the book signing. The softcover will be priced at $17.95.
From the Ada Evening News, Sunday, 11-9-2008
Local author to sign copies of his new book
ADA — Local author Stephen B. Bagley will sign copy of his new mystery novel “Murder by the Acre” at Ada Public Library Friday, Nov. 14, from 4-6 p.m.
“Murder by the Acre” is the sequel to last year’s “Murder by Dewey Decimal.” In the new novel, a young couple stumble upon the body of a jeweler/ladies man in an underground house. As Bernard and Lisa and Police Chief Donaldson investigate, they find themselves drawn into a confusing mystery of lies and alibis that involve the upper crust of Ryton, Okla. Questions abound: Who killed him and how? Why doesn’t the widow care that her husband is dead? Why doesn’t his mistress? What does the mysterious Aventura Corporation have to do with the murder? What is the corporation hiding? Soon events spiral out-of-control as the killer strikes again and again. As the three dig for the truth, they upset powerful, vengeful people. The chief might lose his job, but Bernard and Lisa could lose their lives in this next entry in the Measurements of Murder Mystery series.
The novel will be available for purchase at the book signing. The softcover will be priced at $17.95.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Prayer request
Frenzied Feline's dad passed away unexpectedly this morning. Please remember her and her whole family in your prayers.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Overhaul, etc.
I started my Complete Body Overhaul yesterday. Go to the Great SlimDown. You’ll be hearing more about the Overhaul here, but the Great SlimDown will be the main source of information.
I've been mailing out the Murder by the Acre bookmark, designed by the talented Frenzied Feline, and everyone who has received it -- and I do mean everyone -- have raved about how nice it looks. My older sister said it was one of the nicest she had ever seen, and as a librarian, she receives a lot of bookmarks from authors and publishers. Perhaps FF needs to start a career as a graphic designer. I bet she would be great.
Speaking of the MBTA bookmark, one can be yours in the Win A Bookmark contest. Just 1) comment in comments that you want one and 2) send me your snail mail address (mailing address), and I'll get one right out to you while supplies last. I have 44 bookmarks left for this giveaway.
I spent today doing housework and working on the September (!) family newsletter. I finished it. I'm printing it now. I started the October newsletter and hope to finish it this week. Then I'll do the November one before end of the month. I hope.
I wrote the following humor column for the September family newsletter. I thought I'd share it here.
The joys of getting older and other lies
I celebrated my 47th birthday in July. Well, not really celebrated. Mourned might be the better word. Not that I minded getting older. In fact, other than cold sweats, weeping, wailing, sudden fits, and gnashing of teeth, I was quite calm about it.
Just think: the world has endured – uh, enjoyed 47 years of me. This does explain a few things, doesn’t it? Global warming, environmental degradation, those CD cases that are impossible to get into without a cutting torch — I had nothing to do with any of those so why are you blaming me?
What really annoys me about getting older is how my body is wearing out. You’d figure after all this work I’ve done in avoiding work in any fashion, I’d be in better shape. I mean, why would my body be wearing out? It hasn’t had to do anything in years!
But my eyes are going bad, my back wants to fold up like a Republican’s conscience, my waist is expanding faster than a Democrat’s budget, my hair is departing my scalp and moving into my ears, and my brain is forgetting things I didn’t even know I knew.
Speaking of my brain, the other day someone asked me some question and I was trying to remember something when someone else came by and maybe asked the same question and I told another someone about how that first someone was always asking something about something, if you know what I mean.
I’m not saying I’m over the hill, but the view is awesome from where I’m at. I can see for miles and miles and miles, or I could if I could find my glasses. Oh, they’re on top of my head. Who put them there? Someone’s been sneaking in and moving things around my house. Probably those pesky Methodists again.
I blame my siblings for my advancing age: my older sister gets older and she pulls my older brother along, and he pulls me along, and my younger sister pushes me from behind! It’s no wonder I’m not as young as I used to be! If my older sister would just stop, this senseless aging would be over. I’m sure my other siblings wouldn't. But she has up a head of steam, and if I know my older sister — and I do, despite her claims that she’s never heard of me — she’s not going to stop until we all reach our 90s. Or older.
Well, there are worse things than being only 37. Shut up now. No one needs your math.
And now I'll close. Night! Talk to you tomorrow.
Click here to order Murder by the Acre in softcover.
Click here to order Murder by the Acre in hardcover.
Click here to order Murder by the Acre merchandise.
I've been mailing out the Murder by the Acre bookmark, designed by the talented Frenzied Feline, and everyone who has received it -- and I do mean everyone -- have raved about how nice it looks. My older sister said it was one of the nicest she had ever seen, and as a librarian, she receives a lot of bookmarks from authors and publishers. Perhaps FF needs to start a career as a graphic designer. I bet she would be great.
Speaking of the MBTA bookmark, one can be yours in the Win A Bookmark contest. Just 1) comment in comments that you want one and 2) send me your snail mail address (mailing address), and I'll get one right out to you while supplies last. I have 44 bookmarks left for this giveaway.
I spent today doing housework and working on the September (!) family newsletter. I finished it. I'm printing it now. I started the October newsletter and hope to finish it this week. Then I'll do the November one before end of the month. I hope.
I wrote the following humor column for the September family newsletter. I thought I'd share it here.
The joys of getting older and other lies
I celebrated my 47th birthday in July. Well, not really celebrated. Mourned might be the better word. Not that I minded getting older. In fact, other than cold sweats, weeping, wailing, sudden fits, and gnashing of teeth, I was quite calm about it.
Just think: the world has endured – uh, enjoyed 47 years of me. This does explain a few things, doesn’t it? Global warming, environmental degradation, those CD cases that are impossible to get into without a cutting torch — I had nothing to do with any of those so why are you blaming me?
What really annoys me about getting older is how my body is wearing out. You’d figure after all this work I’ve done in avoiding work in any fashion, I’d be in better shape. I mean, why would my body be wearing out? It hasn’t had to do anything in years!
But my eyes are going bad, my back wants to fold up like a Republican’s conscience, my waist is expanding faster than a Democrat’s budget, my hair is departing my scalp and moving into my ears, and my brain is forgetting things I didn’t even know I knew.
Speaking of my brain, the other day someone asked me some question and I was trying to remember something when someone else came by and maybe asked the same question and I told another someone about how that first someone was always asking something about something, if you know what I mean.
I’m not saying I’m over the hill, but the view is awesome from where I’m at. I can see for miles and miles and miles, or I could if I could find my glasses. Oh, they’re on top of my head. Who put them there? Someone’s been sneaking in and moving things around my house. Probably those pesky Methodists again.
I blame my siblings for my advancing age: my older sister gets older and she pulls my older brother along, and he pulls me along, and my younger sister pushes me from behind! It’s no wonder I’m not as young as I used to be! If my older sister would just stop, this senseless aging would be over. I’m sure my other siblings wouldn't. But she has up a head of steam, and if I know my older sister — and I do, despite her claims that she’s never heard of me — she’s not going to stop until we all reach our 90s. Or older.
Well, there are worse things than being only 37. Shut up now. No one needs your math.
And now I'll close. Night! Talk to you tomorrow.
Click here to order Murder by the Acre in softcover.
Click here to order Murder by the Acre in hardcover.
Click here to order Murder by the Acre merchandise.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
MBTA items
I've been playing over at Cafepress.com and put together these new items on the Murder by the Acre merchandise page. They're goofy cool, I think. Feel free to order something. What great Christmas gifts they would make! Ahem.
The mug for your green tea and/or beverage of your choice.
A pillow for your weary head.
Longsleeves to keep you warm this fall.
And a box to keep your precious things.
Click here to order Murder by the Acre merchandise.
And have you requested your FREE Murder by the Acre bookmark? All you have to do to get one is 1) comment in comments that you want one and 2) send me your snail mail (USPS) address by email, and I’ll mail a lovely Murder by the Acre bookmark direct to you while supplies last. This bookmark, lovingly designed by the talented Frenzied Feline, can be yours by 1) commenting in comments that you want one and 2) sending me your snail mail (USPS) address by email. I have 44 bookmarks left for this giveaway. Trixie, Frenzied Feline, Adam Huckeby, Roen, Michelle, and PowerSleeper have all been mailed their mark for books. Join them in bookmark bliss. Be one of the Fab 50 and claim your bookmark today!
When more people have the book, I'll be running a couple of contests where you can win MBTA merchandise. Cool, eh?
Not much else happened today. I was off this afternoon and spent it in housework and errands as well as working on Murder by the Mile. Yes, I've started the next one. I said there would be at least three, and three there will be at least, barring acts of deity and nature.
And now I'll close. I hope things are going well for you. Take care, and buy Murder by the Acre. My creditors would appreciate it. Night!
Click here to order Murder by the Acre in softcover.
Click here to order Murder by the Acre in hardcover.
The mug for your green tea and/or beverage of your choice.
A pillow for your weary head.
Longsleeves to keep you warm this fall.
And a box to keep your precious things.
Click here to order Murder by the Acre merchandise.
And have you requested your FREE Murder by the Acre bookmark? All you have to do to get one is 1) comment in comments that you want one and 2) send me your snail mail (USPS) address by email, and I’ll mail a lovely Murder by the Acre bookmark direct to you while supplies last. This bookmark, lovingly designed by the talented Frenzied Feline, can be yours by 1) commenting in comments that you want one and 2) sending me your snail mail (USPS) address by email. I have 44 bookmarks left for this giveaway. Trixie, Frenzied Feline, Adam Huckeby, Roen, Michelle, and PowerSleeper have all been mailed their mark for books. Join them in bookmark bliss. Be one of the Fab 50 and claim your bookmark today!
When more people have the book, I'll be running a couple of contests where you can win MBTA merchandise. Cool, eh?
Not much else happened today. I was off this afternoon and spent it in housework and errands as well as working on Murder by the Mile. Yes, I've started the next one. I said there would be at least three, and three there will be at least, barring acts of deity and nature.
And now I'll close. I hope things are going well for you. Take care, and buy Murder by the Acre. My creditors would appreciate it. Night!
Click here to order Murder by the Acre in softcover.
Click here to order Murder by the Acre in hardcover.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Shameless promotion
The election is over -- thank the good Lord for that -- so now y’all can concentrate wholeheartedly on Murder by the Acre … Fine, have a life. See if I care.
Except I do care. BUY MURDER BY THE ACRE!!! Go HERE or HERE and buy your copy now! I SAID NOW!!! Get them while they’re fresh! Don’t be left out! Be the first in your neighborhood! Flaunt your new shiny book! I SAID FLAUNT!!! And maybe some strutting, too.
Enough of this shameless selling, this endless nagging for you to BUY MURDER BY THE ACRE. Did I mention I need money to pay for an operation for my aged aunt? Poor auntie … sweet elderly aunt … who needs you to BUY MURDER BY THE ACRE!!!
And why haven’t you requested your FREE bookmark from me? WHY? All you have to do to get one is 1) comment in comments that you want one and 2) send me your snail mail (USPS) address by email, and I’ll mail a lovely Murder by the Acre bookmark direct to you while supplies last. This bookmark, lovingly designed by the talented Frenzied Feline, can be yours by 1) comment in comments that you want one and 2) send me your snail mail (USPS) address by email. I have 45 bookmarks left. Trixie, Frenzied Feline, Adam Huckeby, Roen, and Michelle have all requested and been mailed their precious bookmarks. Join them in bookmark bliss. Be one of the Fantastic 50 and claim your bookmark today!
WE INTERRUPT THESE COMMERCIAL MESSAGES FOR SOME CONTENT:
So how are you? Survived the election, I hope. Whether or not your candidates won, I hope you enjoyed being part of the process.
Hey, this is cool: Classical guitarist Peter Fletcher will perform at Ada Public Library Thursday, Nov. 13, at 6 p.m. The performance is free and open to the public. (This is the night before my book signing for Murder by the Acre.) He’s a world-class performer and has been on TV and radio. Naturally he’s won tons of awards and been featured in many music magazines. He has a couple of CDs out. Very cool that he’s coming to Ada. I’m going to be there. Join me!
I’ve been reading a very interesting book called Anticancer: A New Way of Life by David Servan-Schreiber. He espouses a nutritional approach to cancer prevention. (He supports both nutritional and medical treatments if you have cancer.) Not sure how much of this will be eventually proved by studies and research, but he makes a great case for drinking green tea, Kirsten and Michelle! It’s interesting reading whatever you might think of his conclusions.
My books arrived this afternoon! Finally I get to hold them in my hands. Publication seems nebulous until I hold the finished product. These books are for my book signing at the Ada Public Library, next Friday, Nov. 14, 4-6 p.m. I hope to see you there.
And now I'll close for the evening. You take care. Night! Oh, and BUY MURDER BY THE ACRE!
Click here to order Murder by the Acre in softcover.
Click here to order Murder by the Acre in hardcover.
Click here to order Murder by the Acre merchandise.
Except I do care. BUY MURDER BY THE ACRE!!! Go HERE or HERE and buy your copy now! I SAID NOW!!! Get them while they’re fresh! Don’t be left out! Be the first in your neighborhood! Flaunt your new shiny book! I SAID FLAUNT!!! And maybe some strutting, too.
Enough of this shameless selling, this endless nagging for you to BUY MURDER BY THE ACRE. Did I mention I need money to pay for an operation for my aged aunt? Poor auntie … sweet elderly aunt … who needs you to BUY MURDER BY THE ACRE!!!
And why haven’t you requested your FREE bookmark from me? WHY? All you have to do to get one is 1) comment in comments that you want one and 2) send me your snail mail (USPS) address by email, and I’ll mail a lovely Murder by the Acre bookmark direct to you while supplies last. This bookmark, lovingly designed by the talented Frenzied Feline, can be yours by 1) comment in comments that you want one and 2) send me your snail mail (USPS) address by email. I have 45 bookmarks left. Trixie, Frenzied Feline, Adam Huckeby, Roen, and Michelle have all requested and been mailed their precious bookmarks. Join them in bookmark bliss. Be one of the Fantastic 50 and claim your bookmark today!
WE INTERRUPT THESE COMMERCIAL MESSAGES FOR SOME CONTENT:
So how are you? Survived the election, I hope. Whether or not your candidates won, I hope you enjoyed being part of the process.
Hey, this is cool: Classical guitarist Peter Fletcher will perform at Ada Public Library Thursday, Nov. 13, at 6 p.m. The performance is free and open to the public. (This is the night before my book signing for Murder by the Acre.) He’s a world-class performer and has been on TV and radio. Naturally he’s won tons of awards and been featured in many music magazines. He has a couple of CDs out. Very cool that he’s coming to Ada. I’m going to be there. Join me!
I’ve been reading a very interesting book called Anticancer: A New Way of Life by David Servan-Schreiber. He espouses a nutritional approach to cancer prevention. (He supports both nutritional and medical treatments if you have cancer.) Not sure how much of this will be eventually proved by studies and research, but he makes a great case for drinking green tea, Kirsten and Michelle! It’s interesting reading whatever you might think of his conclusions.
My books arrived this afternoon! Finally I get to hold them in my hands. Publication seems nebulous until I hold the finished product. These books are for my book signing at the Ada Public Library, next Friday, Nov. 14, 4-6 p.m. I hope to see you there.
And now I'll close for the evening. You take care. Night! Oh, and BUY MURDER BY THE ACRE!
Click here to order Murder by the Acre in softcover.
Click here to order Murder by the Acre in hardcover.
Click here to order Murder by the Acre merchandise.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
1st MBTA contest modified
EDITED ONCE AGAIN TO ADD: Guess who's going to get a box of his book tomorrow? Yeah, me! That's right. Fed Express is scheduled to deliver a box of my books tomorrow sometime. I will hold my baby in my hands. I'm so excited! Wahoo!
EDITED AGAIN TO ADD: To get a bookmark, 1) comment. Then 2) send me your snail mail address by email. I have this nifty program that will grab your snail mail address out of your email and make it into a label. I'm lazy. I don't want to type. I am sending a bookmark to: Trixie, Adam, Michelle, Frenzied Feline, and Roen. Surely you'd like a bookmark, too? We have 45 left. Come on, you know you want one. They're pretty cool.
EDITED TO ADD: Trixie has sent me her snail address so a bookmark will be snailing its way to her tomorrow. I should have mentioned if you want a bookmark, say so in comments and then send me your snail address. Yes, I want comments. Yes, I'm giving away bookmarks for comments. Me bad.
I have been told the Win A Bookmark Contest is too hard. That my creative and intelligent readers are having trouble figuring out legal, cheap, and reasonable ways for me to publicize Murder by the Acre that I hadn't already thought of and listed in yesterday's post.
Fine. I find that hard to believe, but fine. I'll modify the contest. Send me your snail mail address by email, and I'll send you a bookmark, one per address per request. The contest will still end Nov. 30, 2008 if not sooner because I'm only going to allot 50 bookmarks for the contest. When those 50 are gone, the contest be over.
Winners so far are:
Adam Huckeby
Frenzied Feline
Roen
Although I don't know if any of those three have sent me their snail mail address yet. (Yes, I know I have your snail addresses already, but send them anyway!) That means we have 47 bookmarks left, always assuming these three send their snail mail addresses to me.
By the way, at the book signings, each book has a bookmark with it. So come to the book signings! Also at the signings, you can register to win over $100 in MBTA, MBDD, and EndlesS merchandise. Is that cool or what?
Subject change: I continue to wrestle with health issues. I wish the doctors would figure out what's wrong. I've been attempting to take better care of myself. Vitamins, rest, healthy food, controlling my blood sugar, etc. I figure that such care couldn't hurt and should help.
My brother-in-law had another seizure and fell at church while taking up the offering. His glasses cut one eyebrow to the bone. He's doing okay, but the doctors have yet to tell them what's going on. They go back to the doctor for test results tomorrow. Keep him in your prayers.
127 people lost their jobs at our local hospital last week. Many of them are my friends and/or customers. Keep them in your prayers, too. For most, it was completely unexpected. 127 may not sound like much to you, depending on where you live, but for my little town, it was a hard economic blow. It accounts for over six million dollars in salaries lost, and that ain't chicken feed.
I read Ted Dekker's Blink the other day. The book is Christian fiction with a thriller/science fiction slant. (Did you see the movie Next? It has similar elements in it.) I liked the book and recommend it, but at times, I could feel it straining at the constraints placed on it by its genre. (An example: at the end of the book, our hero confronts one of the villains and calls him a "chump." It didn't ring right.) And there are couple of places where the religious discussion seems forced, but the action keeps moving, the characters are appealing, and it raises some interesting questions about free will and the nature of God. Check it out.
I started writing on Murder by the Mile. It's actually my novel for National Novel Writing Month, which is going on now. I'm in Nano, but not sure if I will get 50,000 words before month's end. I'm still enjoying all the writing and being part of the event. That's enough for me right now.
And now I'll close. You have a good day. Vote. Buy Murder by the Acre. Talk to you later.
Click here to order Murder by the Acre in softcover.
Click here to order Murder by the Acre in hardcover.
Click here to order Murder by the Acre merchandise.
EDITED AGAIN TO ADD: To get a bookmark, 1) comment. Then 2) send me your snail mail address by email. I have this nifty program that will grab your snail mail address out of your email and make it into a label. I'm lazy. I don't want to type. I am sending a bookmark to: Trixie, Adam, Michelle, Frenzied Feline, and Roen. Surely you'd like a bookmark, too? We have 45 left. Come on, you know you want one. They're pretty cool.
EDITED TO ADD: Trixie has sent me her snail address so a bookmark will be snailing its way to her tomorrow. I should have mentioned if you want a bookmark, say so in comments and then send me your snail address. Yes, I want comments. Yes, I'm giving away bookmarks for comments. Me bad.
I have been told the Win A Bookmark Contest is too hard. That my creative and intelligent readers are having trouble figuring out legal, cheap, and reasonable ways for me to publicize Murder by the Acre that I hadn't already thought of and listed in yesterday's post.
Fine. I find that hard to believe, but fine. I'll modify the contest. Send me your snail mail address by email, and I'll send you a bookmark, one per address per request. The contest will still end Nov. 30, 2008 if not sooner because I'm only going to allot 50 bookmarks for the contest. When those 50 are gone, the contest be over.
Winners so far are:
Adam Huckeby
Frenzied Feline
Roen
Although I don't know if any of those three have sent me their snail mail address yet. (Yes, I know I have your snail addresses already, but send them anyway!) That means we have 47 bookmarks left, always assuming these three send their snail mail addresses to me.
By the way, at the book signings, each book has a bookmark with it. So come to the book signings! Also at the signings, you can register to win over $100 in MBTA, MBDD, and EndlesS merchandise. Is that cool or what?
Subject change: I continue to wrestle with health issues. I wish the doctors would figure out what's wrong. I've been attempting to take better care of myself. Vitamins, rest, healthy food, controlling my blood sugar, etc. I figure that such care couldn't hurt and should help.
My brother-in-law had another seizure and fell at church while taking up the offering. His glasses cut one eyebrow to the bone. He's doing okay, but the doctors have yet to tell them what's going on. They go back to the doctor for test results tomorrow. Keep him in your prayers.
127 people lost their jobs at our local hospital last week. Many of them are my friends and/or customers. Keep them in your prayers, too. For most, it was completely unexpected. 127 may not sound like much to you, depending on where you live, but for my little town, it was a hard economic blow. It accounts for over six million dollars in salaries lost, and that ain't chicken feed.
I read Ted Dekker's Blink the other day. The book is Christian fiction with a thriller/science fiction slant. (Did you see the movie Next? It has similar elements in it.) I liked the book and recommend it, but at times, I could feel it straining at the constraints placed on it by its genre. (An example: at the end of the book, our hero confronts one of the villains and calls him a "chump." It didn't ring right.) And there are couple of places where the religious discussion seems forced, but the action keeps moving, the characters are appealing, and it raises some interesting questions about free will and the nature of God. Check it out.
I started writing on Murder by the Mile. It's actually my novel for National Novel Writing Month, which is going on now. I'm in Nano, but not sure if I will get 50,000 words before month's end. I'm still enjoying all the writing and being part of the event. That's enough for me right now.
And now I'll close. You have a good day. Vote. Buy Murder by the Acre. Talk to you later.
Click here to order Murder by the Acre in softcover.
Click here to order Murder by the Acre in hardcover.
Click here to order Murder by the Acre merchandise.
Monday, November 03, 2008
60 days & 1st MBTA contest
After Murder by Dewey Decimal was published, I was asked several times by other self-published authors why the book sold so well -- for a self-published novel, that is. Some of its success, I hope, was that the book told a good story. The rest of it was my commitment to do 60 days of publicity for MBDD.
During those 60 days, I did something each day to let people know about MBDD and how to buy it. This ran from sending out emails to telling someone in my office about it. I made some mistakes last time. I won’t repeat those this time, but will probably make some new ones with the publicity for Murder by the Acre.
Here are my publicity ideas for MBTA’s 60 Days.
1. Email announcement on the day it was published. Done.
2. Sign on the window at my office. Done.
3. Give links each day on blog. Done so far, although I didn’t post yesterday.
4. Announce book on Facebook. Done.
5. Announce book on MySpace. Not yet.
6. Send out invites for book signings. I have 50 invites ready for the Ada book signing. I will mail them later this week. I need to put together a list of 50 names for the Sallisaw and Muldrow book signings and get those invites ready to mail next week.
7. Promote MBTA merchandise, such as t-shirts, boxes, etc. Not done much of this yet. Will soon.
8. Mail postcards to Oklahoma libraries. I will do this as soon as MBTA shows up in Books in Print so they could actually order it.
9. Print bookmarks for book signings and for giveaways. Done with help from Frenzied Feline who designed the front of the MBTA bookmark and did a great job.
10. Tell at least one person a day about the book. Done so far.
11. Solicit book reviews for online retailers’ sites. Weeell, I’ll do this if the book shows up there. Doesn’t look likely for Amazon at present. We’ll have to wait and see.
12. Post excerpts on blog. Will do.
13. Run contests on blog. Will do.
14. Print sales info labels and put on back of all mail sent out. Been doing this for a while.
15. Wear MBTA clothing around town. Haven’t don’t this yet, but will do.
16. Do book signings. Have three scheduled and am looking around for more.
17. Send press releases to newspapers, radio stations, TV stations, etc. Not yet, but will do.
18. Posters around town. Not done and not sure if I got any response from them, but maybe.
Well, that’s what I’ve thought of so far. What can you think of? That question leads us into our first contest.
Win A Bookmark
1. Think of something that I can do to get publicity for MBTA. (It has to be legal, cheap, and reasonable. By reasonable, I mean something possible that I could reasonably do.)
2. Post it on this blog on this post.
3. Email your snail address to me. Then you’ll get a nifty MBTA bookmark (one per request) while supplies last. (I have several hundred so your odds are good.) Contest ends November 30, 2008.
And now I’ll close for the evening. I have to work on those invitations. Have a great night. Talk to you tomorrow.
Click here to order Murder by the Acre in softcover.
Click here to order Murder by the Acre in hardcover.
Click here to order Murder by the Acre merchandise.
During those 60 days, I did something each day to let people know about MBDD and how to buy it. This ran from sending out emails to telling someone in my office about it. I made some mistakes last time. I won’t repeat those this time, but will probably make some new ones with the publicity for Murder by the Acre.
Here are my publicity ideas for MBTA’s 60 Days.
1. Email announcement on the day it was published. Done.
2. Sign on the window at my office. Done.
3. Give links each day on blog. Done so far, although I didn’t post yesterday.
4. Announce book on Facebook. Done.
5. Announce book on MySpace. Not yet.
6. Send out invites for book signings. I have 50 invites ready for the Ada book signing. I will mail them later this week. I need to put together a list of 50 names for the Sallisaw and Muldrow book signings and get those invites ready to mail next week.
7. Promote MBTA merchandise, such as t-shirts, boxes, etc. Not done much of this yet. Will soon.
8. Mail postcards to Oklahoma libraries. I will do this as soon as MBTA shows up in Books in Print so they could actually order it.
9. Print bookmarks for book signings and for giveaways. Done with help from Frenzied Feline who designed the front of the MBTA bookmark and did a great job.
10. Tell at least one person a day about the book. Done so far.
11. Solicit book reviews for online retailers’ sites. Weeell, I’ll do this if the book shows up there. Doesn’t look likely for Amazon at present. We’ll have to wait and see.
12. Post excerpts on blog. Will do.
13. Run contests on blog. Will do.
14. Print sales info labels and put on back of all mail sent out. Been doing this for a while.
15. Wear MBTA clothing around town. Haven’t don’t this yet, but will do.
16. Do book signings. Have three scheduled and am looking around for more.
17. Send press releases to newspapers, radio stations, TV stations, etc. Not yet, but will do.
18. Posters around town. Not done and not sure if I got any response from them, but maybe.
Well, that’s what I’ve thought of so far. What can you think of? That question leads us into our first contest.
Win A Bookmark
1. Think of something that I can do to get publicity for MBTA. (It has to be legal, cheap, and reasonable. By reasonable, I mean something possible that I could reasonably do.)
2. Post it on this blog on this post.
3. Email your snail address to me. Then you’ll get a nifty MBTA bookmark (one per request) while supplies last. (I have several hundred so your odds are good.) Contest ends November 30, 2008.
And now I’ll close for the evening. I have to work on those invitations. Have a great night. Talk to you tomorrow.
Click here to order Murder by the Acre in softcover.
Click here to order Murder by the Acre in hardcover.
Click here to order Murder by the Acre merchandise.
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Bookmark this!
Both versions of Murder by the Acre -- softcover and hardcover -- are now on sale. A great weight has been lifted from me. I feel ... weird and strangely disconnected. I'm always this way after a project ends until a new project claims me. Of course, I have to start work on all the publicity for MBTA. Speaking of which, Frenzied Feline designed the front of the giveaway bookmark for me. Here it is:
And here's the back:
The faint green and blue lines on the bookmark will not print. They're part of the publishing process. I had the bookmarks printed by PrintPlace.com. They did a good job. I've very pleased with how they turned out. Of course, Frenzied designed an excellent front so they had good material to work with.
I have a busy day planned so I'm going to get to it. Have a great day!
And here's the back:
The faint green and blue lines on the bookmark will not print. They're part of the publishing process. I had the bookmarks printed by PrintPlace.com. They did a good job. I've very pleased with how they turned out. Of course, Frenzied designed an excellent front so they had good material to work with.
I have a busy day planned so I'm going to get to it. Have a great day!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
FINALLY!!!
MURDER BY THE ACRE ON SALE NOW!!!
Here's the link to buy Murder by the Acre in softcover. The hardcover link will go up sometime tonight. (I hope.)
Here's the link to buy Murder by the Acre in softcover. The hardcover link will go up sometime tonight. (I hope.)
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
MBTA stuff
I had hoped Murder by the Acre would be on sale today. The “official” release date is October 30, but Lulu had a price change that went into effect today and I was trying to beat the change. Well, I did my part, but Lulu had a problems, and so it didn’t happen despite a lot of emails and three or four live chat sessions.However, the news is still partly good. The price increase barely touched the softcover of my book. The major increase was in the hardcover. This means the hardcover will never be available on Amazon -- with the online retailer markup, the price would soar to $30 -- but it will be available on Lulu.
Anyway, as I’ve waited for Lulu to fix their problems, I gave MBTA another reading. And found errors. Yes, that’s right. After all this proofing, I found a handful of formatting errors, places where I left out a word, other places where I duplicated the same word in a row, spelled a name in two different ways, etc. About thirty errors in all. Sigh.
I have another proof to read through today and tonight. This is my last read-through. Although I’m sure errors remain to be found, I think I’ve reached a point of diminishing returns. What I can’t find after this read-through, I’m not going to find.
The cover is finished and ready for the contents.
Oh, Frenzied Feline designed the front of a bookmark for Murder by the Acre. She did a great job. It’s already off at the printers, and I should receive 500 shiny bookmarks next week. That’s probably more than I need, but I do have three libraries to supply. I intend to give 50 or so to each and resupply them when they run out.
Speaking of libraries, my first three book signings are scheduled:
Friday, November 14, 4-6 p.m. at the Ada Public Library.
Friday, November 21, 3:30-5 p.m. at the Stanley Tubbs Memorial Library in Sallisaw.
Saturday, November 22, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Muldrow Public Library.
I don’t think I’ll be able to squeeze any more signings in until after Christmas, but I’ll see. People’s schedules are so packed during the holidays. I hope to make it to Alva sometime in December, but I’ll have to see if that can be worked out.
Speaking of errors and corrections:
My proofers did a marvelous job. That they missed a few is only a reflection on how difficult proofing is -- and also how sloppy a writer I must be! Something for me to work on. The problem is that the story comes fast and I type as fast I can. And when reread the story, I see what I intended to write instead of what’s there. I appreciate my proofers taking the time and effort to proof MBTA.
Speaking of particular errors:
Kirsten pointed out that ellipses (…) get a period when they end a sentence, so there would be four dots (….) instead of three. Several of the other proofers disagreed, and my “regular” reader -- who read the book for content, not errors -- noticed the difference in number of dots and wanted to know why. Kristen, however, is correct. But I finally decided to use only three dots throughout because: 1) Random House does, 2) it fixed two formatting errors, 3) it seemed consistent, and 4) it was less distracting to my regular reader.
Kirsten won a clear victory, however, in her refusal of the interrobang (?!). I like the poor interrobang, but its main use seems to be in comic books -- although Neal Stephenson’s new book Anathem has at least two instances of its use. Anyway, all the stylebooks support Kirsten, so MBTA has no interrobangs now. Sigh.
Jean pointed out my overwhelming use of the phrase “for a moment.” I did a check and discovered to my horror that I used the phrase 42 times in the book! I changed most of those, and we are only left with three instances now.
Crystal noted my overwhelming use of the word “that.” Lord only knows how many times I used it. I removed most of those instances before my other proofers read MBTA. Several of the other proofers marked several places where they thought I should put “that” back. I read every contested instance out loud and went with what sounded best to my ear.
I use the phrase “ever so often” in the book once in the book. Almost every proofer wanted it changed to “every so often.” I stood firm on this one. “Ever so often” means “a great many times.” “Every so often” means “once in a while.” Since I intended the former and not the latter, I kept “ever so often.” See here and here and here for more info. I think it’s a useful distinction between the two phrases.
Crystal thought I had spelled “Gill” as “Gil” somewhere in the book. I was never able to find that error. Probably will after the book is published. Nancy thought I should change the name to “Gil” so that it could be short for “Gilbert.” I kept it “Gill,” mostly because I like it that way and don’t like the sound of Gilbert.
On names: any character who has a speaking line -- or is mentioned more than once -- has an “unreal” name. In other words, it’s a name I made up. Some people who are just mentioned in passing, however, are my friends and family. It’s my small tribute to them, and I make sure they’re mentioned in a neutral or complimentary fashion. Notable in this book are: my good friends Chuck and Joan Perry; my niece Jana May (I use her mother’s maiden name as Jana’s last name in this book) who really does have a wonderful singing voice; and my brother-in-law Phillip Owens. Phillip, by the way, is the only “real” character who was in the first book, too. There are a couple of other “reals” in the book, but I’ll let their real world counterparts find them.
Enough about MBTA. You'll be hearing more about it over the next weeks, but you knew that, didn't you? Don't try to hide now. It's too late.
I've been ghastly sick the past few days. The doctor changed my diabetes med again, and my body reacted in its usual unpleasant fashion, but my sugar levels are going down. We're making progress.
And now I'll close. I hope to announce MBTA going on sale tonight. If not, tomorrow. Talk to you then.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
"Time Wounds All" by Holly Lisle
Go read this post by Holly Lisle. It's worth your time. Inspiring, truthful, and wise.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Fine
I came through fine. I'm sore and somewhat sick. Spend the whole day sleeping and resting. We didn't find anything or at least not what we were looking for. So it means another more extensive surgery/scope, this one down my throat. I probably won't have this done until after Christmas, depending on what my doctors say next week when I meet with them again. So ... I think this is a win. Or at least not a loss. And we eliminated another possible cause.
Hope things are going well for you. Talk to you tomorrow. Despite having spend the whole day in bed, I'm ready to go to bed again! Night!
Hope things are going well for you. Talk to you tomorrow. Despite having spend the whole day in bed, I'm ready to go to bed again! Night!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Enough basking
I sure appreciate all the support y'all have shown to me and Murder by the Acre. It's helped keep me going even when I wasn't sure I could. It's hard for me to believe that MBTA will be out sometime next week. I can't wait to hold a copy in my hands.
Tonight I finally uploaded the hardcover version of EndlesS. It will only be available on Lulu.com and at my book signings. I'm going to give the hardcover version to the libraries that I know have Murder by Dewey Decimal in their stacks. Tomorrow night, I'm going to upload the hardcover version of Murder by the Acre. It also will be exclusive to Lulu. The reason behind this is that online retailers add their markup, which in Amazon's case is nearly half again the manufacturing cost. This adds about $10 to the cost. Ouch. The hardcovers will stay on Lulu for now. Maybe I'll find another publishing solution someday that will make the hardcovers affordable. That would be cool.
Tomorrow afternoon I go back to the doctor for minor exploratory surgery. We're trying to find out what's going with my sinuses. I'll be sore afterwards, but otherwise fine, according to the doctor. Be thinking of me around 2 p.m. or so.
I'm trying to decide the fate of The Great Slimdown. We're not getting very much participation in terms of comments and visitors so I'm wondering if we still need that blog. Let me know what you think.
Anyway, that's what's happening in my world. What's going on in yours?
Tonight I finally uploaded the hardcover version of EndlesS. It will only be available on Lulu.com and at my book signings. I'm going to give the hardcover version to the libraries that I know have Murder by Dewey Decimal in their stacks. Tomorrow night, I'm going to upload the hardcover version of Murder by the Acre. It also will be exclusive to Lulu. The reason behind this is that online retailers add their markup, which in Amazon's case is nearly half again the manufacturing cost. This adds about $10 to the cost. Ouch. The hardcovers will stay on Lulu for now. Maybe I'll find another publishing solution someday that will make the hardcovers affordable. That would be cool.
Tomorrow afternoon I go back to the doctor for minor exploratory surgery. We're trying to find out what's going with my sinuses. I'll be sore afterwards, but otherwise fine, according to the doctor. Be thinking of me around 2 p.m. or so.
I'm trying to decide the fate of The Great Slimdown. We're not getting very much participation in terms of comments and visitors so I'm wondering if we still need that blog. Let me know what you think.
Anyway, that's what's happening in my world. What's going on in yours?
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
SUBMITTED!
Murder by the Acre has been submitted to the publisher!
Pardon me while I bask in the glow for a bit.
Well, last night was not the success I had hoped for. I didn’t get all the corrections entered into Murder by the Acre -- I lack one set -- but I entered most of them and decided to upload the book so I’d get my proof and then do the remaining corrections on the next proof. I need to see how the cover prints so that I can makes changes if needed, and the only way to do that is to order a proof copy.Except, every time I attempted to upload last night, the upload timed out. I tried six or seven times. This morning I called Lulu and was told to try again today. They had server problems yesterday. So today’s plan is to put in the last set of corrections, upload tonight, publish, and order the first proof copy. Then I’ll wait until it arrives, read and give it a good polish edit, make changes on cover if needed, make corrections if needed, upload, download PDF of book, print PDF, scan PDF for formatting errors, order second proof, AND approve book for publication. Then people can start ordering!
And then will start the dreaded publicity. The never-ending emails, letters, postcards, newspaper stories, book signings, posters, banners -- I confess to looking forward to it all. During all that, I will be working frantically on my outline for Murder by the Mile. Anyway, that’s what I’m going to be doing for the next couple of months. What about you?
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Lost in the Land of Corrections
Whew! I greatly over-estimated my ability to get all these corrections -- delivered by my wonderful and dedicated proofreaders -- entered into Murder by the Acre. I have made it through four different sets. The sets did repeat many of the same errors, but in each were new errors. It's fascinating to me how the proofreaders found different mistakes. (And a bit dismaying when I consider that I wrote those errors in there!) I'm glad I had so many people look at the manuscript and thank all my proofers for their fine work. However, I sure am tired of entering these corrections in. That's pretty much all I've done since Friday evening. I won't get the book submitted to Lulu tonight, but hope to submit it tomorrow night. That's the plan. We'll see how it goes. So far I've only entered the "regular" errors: words left out, mispellings, wrong words, etc. I have four errors that will require a few sentences to correct them, but nothing terrible.
I also appreciate all the nice comments that many of the proofers gave MBTA. I like the story, but it's nice to know other people like it, too. That is the point. Mostly. I hope it generates a bit of money, too.
I did get to watch part of the OU-Texas game. Sigh. Sometimes evil triumphs for a time. But I also got to watch the OSU-Missouri game. WAHOO! GO POKES! The good guys win a game that everyone said they wouldn't. Gives me hope.
Anyway, back to the corrections. I hope life is treating you well. Night!
Thursday, October 09, 2008
State of corrections
One set of corrections had been turned into me. Thank you, Shirley, for making the time to proofread Murder by the Acre. I so appreciate it. You're completely awesome.
My roomie is almost finished with his proofing. He made it through Chapter 8 last night so he only lacks Chapter 9. Both he and Shirley found several mistakes, although not as many as I feared they would find. Fortunately all the mistakes are easily corrected, except one pointed out by my roomie that will take a bit of thought and a bit of rewriting, but nothing drastic.
Frenzied Feline has read MBTA once and is now going through it a second time before she turns in her corrections. Now, that's dedication. I look forward to seeing her corrections.
I'm not sure where Jean is at on her corrections, but she and her hubby are taking a well-deserved vacation so I suspect her time is limited. Her corrections would be a nice bonus, but I also understand if she's unable to return them to me by Saturday. Just the fact she was willing to try is an amazing thing, and I'm honored by the attempt.
Likewise, I'm not sure where Kirsten is at on hers. She had commitments on both Monday and Tuesday nights so she was going to start proofing on Wednesday evening. I hope it's going well for her.
Crystal, who did some preliminary proofing for me, has had difficulties in receiving and reading the files I've been sending to her. Her computer is being very uncooperative. I've been tempted to drive up there and beat on it with a baseball bat, but I doubt that would help much, although it would be satisfying. Anyway, I don't know if she will be able to get any corrections to me or not. I hope so.
Nancy is halfway through the book -- she has a paper copy as does my roomie and as did Shirley -- and has scribbled many comments in the margins, she says. She believes she should be able to return the book to me Friday afternoon.
Why the Saturday deadline? Two reasons: First, I need to get the book submitted to Lulu ASAP to have any chance of it being on Amazon and Barnes & Noble for Christmas, and second, I'm attempting to have the book go on sale before October 28, which is when Lulu is going to raise their prices. MBTA will cost about $2 more, and I'm attempting to get it done before then so that anyone who wishes to buy from them will save a bit of money.
All my proofers have my thanks. I hope they're enjoying the story as they scan the pages for errors. I'm not sure if it takes a village to make a book, but a good book does require good proofreaders, and I'm grateful for mine.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Writer's guilt
Murder by the Acre is off to the proofers, and I've been receiving preliminary feedback, mostly good so far. I confess to feeling a bit of writer's guilt about MBTA because of what I have the murderer do in the book.
In Murder by Dewey Decimal, all the people who are killed might not have deserved death, but they were characters I didn't much care for. They were unsavory at the least and criminal at worse. While I tried to give their deaths as much dignity and wordage that I could, it didn't bother me when they shuffled off their fictional coil.
However, in MBTA, good people die and/or harmed. In particular, one character certainly didn't deserve what happened. I felt like I needed to send a condolence card/apology missive to the family. I didn't kill anyone needlessly. The murderer had reasons. Reasons only a sociopath would act on, but reasons nonetheless. Their deaths and/or maimings aren't senseless, but they still bothered me.
I also found myself feeling some pity for the murderer. I knew the murderer's life and what disappointments and failures led to the first murder and all those terrible events that follow. What the murderer does is wrong, but I can understand why the murderer chooses that path.
At many times, I felt like I was a reporter, just writing down what happened and what I saw. That's when I feel most like a writer. The events unfold, and the unexpected happens. I had several scenes in this book, including one in the last chapter, that were unplanned, at least in how they turned out. I started writing, and eventually I left my outline behind. In all these scenes, the new, unexpected material was better than the old.
Those moments of discovery are a true reward of writing. And I guess worth the occasional bout of writer's guilt.
In Murder by Dewey Decimal, all the people who are killed might not have deserved death, but they were characters I didn't much care for. They were unsavory at the least and criminal at worse. While I tried to give their deaths as much dignity and wordage that I could, it didn't bother me when they shuffled off their fictional coil.
However, in MBTA, good people die and/or harmed. In particular, one character certainly didn't deserve what happened. I felt like I needed to send a condolence card/apology missive to the family. I didn't kill anyone needlessly. The murderer had reasons. Reasons only a sociopath would act on, but reasons nonetheless. Their deaths and/or maimings aren't senseless, but they still bothered me.
I also found myself feeling some pity for the murderer. I knew the murderer's life and what disappointments and failures led to the first murder and all those terrible events that follow. What the murderer does is wrong, but I can understand why the murderer chooses that path.
At many times, I felt like I was a reporter, just writing down what happened and what I saw. That's when I feel most like a writer. The events unfold, and the unexpected happens. I had several scenes in this book, including one in the last chapter, that were unplanned, at least in how they turned out. I started writing, and eventually I left my outline behind. In all these scenes, the new, unexpected material was better than the old.
Those moments of discovery are a true reward of writing. And I guess worth the occasional bout of writer's guilt.
Sunday, October 05, 2008
!!!RED ALERT!!!
PDF PROOF FILE OF MURDER BY THE ACRE HAS BEEN LAUNCHED AT CRYSTAL, JEAN, FRENZIED FELINE, AND KIRSTEN! Front cover is nomimal. Back cover is on standby.
I hope there aren't hundreds of errors, but I'm positive there are errors. There would be a lot more in this version, except Crystal has been proofing as I wrote along. She found many, many, many mistakes, and for that, I thank her especially. I appreciate my proofers taking the time to help me out. The file is in PDF format, which should mean that everyone's page numbers will be the same this time. Thus when a proofer points on an error on page 122, I should be able to go to page 122 and find that pesky mistake.
The reason for the deadline is I need to upload the corrected file to Lulu on Sunday, October 12, so that it's there waiting on Monday, October 13. That's plan. Now I just have to finish the front and back covers and the end pieces and enter in all the corrections ... piece of cake ... I hope ... Lord help me.
I hope things are going well for you. I've been reading the blogs even if I haven't had the time to comment. I'll try to catch up next week after MBTA is sent off. Take care. Good night!
REPEAT: PDF PROOF FILE OF MURDER BY THE ACRE HAS BEEN LAUNCHED AT CRYSTAL, JEAN, FRENZIED FELINE, AND KIRSTEN! Front cover is nomimal. Back cover is on standby.
I hope there aren't hundreds of errors, but I'm positive there are errors. There would be a lot more in this version, except Crystal has been proofing as I wrote along. She found many, many, many mistakes, and for that, I thank her especially. I appreciate my proofers taking the time to help me out. The file is in PDF format, which should mean that everyone's page numbers will be the same this time. Thus when a proofer points on an error on page 122, I should be able to go to page 122 and find that pesky mistake.
The reason for the deadline is I need to upload the corrected file to Lulu on Sunday, October 12, so that it's there waiting on Monday, October 13. That's plan. Now I just have to finish the front and back covers and the end pieces and enter in all the corrections ... piece of cake ... I hope ... Lord help me.
I hope things are going well for you. I've been reading the blogs even if I haven't had the time to comment. I'll try to catch up next week after MBTA is sent off. Take care. Good night!
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Almost there
One scene left to write, a few corrections to type in, and I'll be done with Murder by the Acre. I am ready as I'm sure you're ready to have me stop talking about it!
Tomorrow I will convert the book into the PDF format and send it off to my proofers. They will have a week to return the corrections to me. On Sunday, October 12, it goes to the publisher. And barring unforeseen events, MBTA will go on sale at Lulu.com on October 30! (Or sooner, depending on how fast it's published.)
I still don't know if it will be on Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. I hope it will be, but that's out of my control. I will be having book signings -- I hope -- in November in Ada, Sallisaw, and Muldrow. I'm hoping to return to Alva in December.
Well, back to that scene. I'll be announcing the finish later tonight. I hope things are going well for you. Talk to you later.
Tomorrow I will convert the book into the PDF format and send it off to my proofers. They will have a week to return the corrections to me. On Sunday, October 12, it goes to the publisher. And barring unforeseen events, MBTA will go on sale at Lulu.com on October 30! (Or sooner, depending on how fast it's published.)
I still don't know if it will be on Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. I hope it will be, but that's out of my control. I will be having book signings -- I hope -- in November in Ada, Sallisaw, and Muldrow. I'm hoping to return to Alva in December.
Well, back to that scene. I'll be announcing the finish later tonight. I hope things are going well for you. Talk to you later.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
I continue ...
... to make progress on Murder by the Acre. I didn't get as much done today as I thought I might -- I had thought I might finish today -- but what with one thing and another, I didn't get as many words as I hoped. That's okay. Everything is still flowing, and we're on schedule.
Not much else to tell you. Hope things are going well for you. Here are a couple of photos, one of Miss M and Mr. Z, my roomie's other grandchildren who visited us last Saturday.
Does Miss M have a great smile or what? She's a charmer.
Mr. Z had just woke up, and he wasn't sure about this play set, but he started enjoying himself after he found the slide. He has the true heart of an explorer.
Have a good night and great tomorrow! Good night.
Not much else to tell you. Hope things are going well for you. Here are a couple of photos, one of Miss M and Mr. Z, my roomie's other grandchildren who visited us last Saturday.
Does Miss M have a great smile or what? She's a charmer.
Mr. Z had just woke up, and he wasn't sure about this play set, but he started enjoying himself after he found the slide. He has the true heart of an explorer.
Have a good night and great tomorrow! Good night.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
6-10 pages
That's all I have left to write: 6-10 pages. Two or three scenes depending on what gets accomplished in them. I can't believe it. Chapter 8 is done. Chapter 9, which is mostly written, is all that's left. I wrote tonight until my butt couldn't take sitting in front of my computer any more.
So I'm calling a night now. Tomorrow I'm aiming for three or more pages. The same the next day. By Saturday, Murder by the Acre will be finished. Can you believe it? I can't.
Of course, there are still corrections to be entered and a few minor changes I need to make. I have a list, but none of them are major and mostly consist of a few name fixes and some time problems.
Anyway, that's where I'm at. How are you doing? Are you reading the new posts at the Great Slim Down? Kirsten is sharing a lot of good info. Drop in, read, get motivated, comment, and join us in getting healthy. I'll talk to you tomorrow.
So I'm calling a night now. Tomorrow I'm aiming for three or more pages. The same the next day. By Saturday, Murder by the Acre will be finished. Can you believe it? I can't.
Of course, there are still corrections to be entered and a few minor changes I need to make. I have a list, but none of them are major and mostly consist of a few name fixes and some time problems.
Anyway, that's where I'm at. How are you doing? Are you reading the new posts at the Great Slim Down? Kirsten is sharing a lot of good info. Drop in, read, get motivated, comment, and join us in getting healthy. I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Monday, September 29, 2008
All I'm doing ...
... is working on Murder by the Acre. My plan is to FINISH MBTA this week. That's right. That's right. That's how close we are. I'm practically humming with excitement. After all this time, all the setbacks, all the problems, I'm about to have a book! I can't adequately express how I feel, but it's good, folks. Very, very, very good.
Have a great night!
Have a great night!
Friday, September 26, 2008
WoW
EDITED TO ADD: I thought I posted this yesterday. I guess I hit Save Now instead of Publish Post. Anyway, here's yesterday's post with an additional paragraph about last night at the end.
Last night (Wednesday) I did nothing productive. I didn't work on Murder by the Acre, didn't clean house, didn't even watch TV. Instead I played World of Warcraft until nearly 11 p.m. It's the most fun I've ever had on WoW.
I was playing my Warlock, and killing and being killed by monsters over in Westfall. For you non-Wowers, Westfall is a farming community/land filled with Dust Devils, Harvest Watchers, Goretusks, Starving Coyotes, etc. The fields are always golden, hardly any trees, you get the idea. Well, I was bored, having been killed for the umpteen time and going to call it a night when I started watching this group play. Their characters swept through the places I had struggled at. It was a group of hunters with their pets and at least one warrior. It amused me to watch them effortlessly take down the creatures that had killed me so I started following them. No particular reason other than that.
These guys were good. They were part of a guild, and they had played together a lot. Individually, each one was tough, but together they were a killing machine. I had never seen anything like it.
Well, I watched for about ten minutes and then decided it was time to go. Except I got a message from one of the players asking if I wanted to join their party. They had noticed me watching them. I did and played with them for the rest of the evening. It was awesome. I actually went up TWO levels last night and nearly a third. Probably this doesn’t impress you, but ordinarily it takes me about a week to go up a level.
I confess that I didn't do much. These guys swept through the area, killing creatures and bad guys so fast that by the time I targeted something, they had often already killed it. In a party, you share equally in the money and experience points gained, so I got lots of money (just coppers, which are like pennies, but hey, I wasn't getting anything before) and EP.
At the end of the night, they offered to let me join their guild. I accepted on the spot. So now I'm a member of their guild. I'm looking forward to meeting my other guildmates and adventuring with them. Maybe I'll finally see why so many people actually became WoW fanatics.
Thursday night: I worked on MBTA and filing, cleaning house, etc. I also played World of Warcraft some with my new guild. Still fun, but I met more of the guild members and discovered some of them take WoW a bit too seriously. They aren't on there for companionship or fun; they play to gain power and levels, and your conversation and actions better enchance that or they're not interested in speaking to you or being around you. Be that as it may, I'm going to continue to play with them for a while. I like leveling fast, and it would be cool to finally have a character that doesn't die every 15 minutes. Still, I have a lot of writing to do, so we'll see if WoW is feasible with the schedule I have planned.
Tonight I have to write and clean house. My roomie's son and family are going to visit us Saturday. I'm looking forward to playing with their children, Ms. K and Mr. Z. They're going to come by Saturday afternoon, go to the park with us, and then eat out somewhere afterwards. I'm looking forward to it.
By the way, Kirsten is posting over at the Great Slim Down. She's sharing how she won the weight war. Check it out.
I hope you had a great night. And hey, the weekend is almost here! Woohoo! Have a great one. Or even several great ones!
Last night (Wednesday) I did nothing productive. I didn't work on Murder by the Acre, didn't clean house, didn't even watch TV. Instead I played World of Warcraft until nearly 11 p.m. It's the most fun I've ever had on WoW.
I was playing my Warlock, and killing and being killed by monsters over in Westfall. For you non-Wowers, Westfall is a farming community/land filled with Dust Devils, Harvest Watchers, Goretusks, Starving Coyotes, etc. The fields are always golden, hardly any trees, you get the idea. Well, I was bored, having been killed for the umpteen time and going to call it a night when I started watching this group play. Their characters swept through the places I had struggled at. It was a group of hunters with their pets and at least one warrior. It amused me to watch them effortlessly take down the creatures that had killed me so I started following them. No particular reason other than that.
These guys were good. They were part of a guild, and they had played together a lot. Individually, each one was tough, but together they were a killing machine. I had never seen anything like it.
Well, I watched for about ten minutes and then decided it was time to go. Except I got a message from one of the players asking if I wanted to join their party. They had noticed me watching them. I did and played with them for the rest of the evening. It was awesome. I actually went up TWO levels last night and nearly a third. Probably this doesn’t impress you, but ordinarily it takes me about a week to go up a level.
I confess that I didn't do much. These guys swept through the area, killing creatures and bad guys so fast that by the time I targeted something, they had often already killed it. In a party, you share equally in the money and experience points gained, so I got lots of money (just coppers, which are like pennies, but hey, I wasn't getting anything before) and EP.
At the end of the night, they offered to let me join their guild. I accepted on the spot. So now I'm a member of their guild. I'm looking forward to meeting my other guildmates and adventuring with them. Maybe I'll finally see why so many people actually became WoW fanatics.
Thursday night: I worked on MBTA and filing, cleaning house, etc. I also played World of Warcraft some with my new guild. Still fun, but I met more of the guild members and discovered some of them take WoW a bit too seriously. They aren't on there for companionship or fun; they play to gain power and levels, and your conversation and actions better enchance that or they're not interested in speaking to you or being around you. Be that as it may, I'm going to continue to play with them for a while. I like leveling fast, and it would be cool to finally have a character that doesn't die every 15 minutes. Still, I have a lot of writing to do, so we'll see if WoW is feasible with the schedule I have planned.
Tonight I have to write and clean house. My roomie's son and family are going to visit us Saturday. I'm looking forward to playing with their children, Ms. K and Mr. Z. They're going to come by Saturday afternoon, go to the park with us, and then eat out somewhere afterwards. I'm looking forward to it.
By the way, Kirsten is posting over at the Great Slim Down. She's sharing how she won the weight war. Check it out.
I hope you had a great night. And hey, the weekend is almost here! Woohoo! Have a great one. Or even several great ones!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Hurrah for Kirsten!
Yesterday evening after work I went to the local library and checked out a few books. I had a miserable day at work -- yelling customers, no sales, stomach problems, etc. -- and really intended to just go home and curl up around my computer. However, when I got in my car, I saw the sack of (overdue) library books and decided I would at least return them and pick up a few books to read (but only when I couldn't work on Murder by the Acre, Frenzied).
I was about to leave and then saw Kirsten's smiling face. So we sat down and talked for about an hour. Very cool. She's bright, funny, articulate, and quick on her verbal feet. The lively conversation redeemed my day. Hurrah for Kirsten! She's muchly keeno. I'm going to try to get Kirsten to post and comment on the Great Slim Down. (She didn't know that until now.) She once struggled with her weight and learned many lessons about food and life that I think will help us all. I'll be sending her an invite today.
More of my blogging friends should live in my town. Wouldn't it be cool if we ran into each other sometimes like Kirsten and I did? Of course, Adam does live here, but I can only think of one time where we ran into each other. We don't move in the same circles. (He's in the young, good job, happily married with two children and a third on the way, ambitious, intelligent circle while I'm in the old(er), bitter, pathetic man with only his computer for a friend whom he calls Angel Keys circle.) Adam, by the way, is in the process of launching a new copywriting and design business. I'm very excited for him. Here's his business's sharp looking website: Adam Huckeby, Copywriter & Graphic Design.
After my visit with Kirsten, I went out to eat with my roomie, then went home, and watched the first hour of Heroes. Kirsten is a big Heroes fan, but I just can't seem to get into it. I switched over to Boston Legal and greatly enjoyed watching Denny and Alan.
And that was my evening. What was yours like? I hope y'all are doing well. Murder by the Acre will be out in October. Have a great day.
I was about to leave and then saw Kirsten's smiling face. So we sat down and talked for about an hour. Very cool. She's bright, funny, articulate, and quick on her verbal feet. The lively conversation redeemed my day. Hurrah for Kirsten! She's muchly keeno. I'm going to try to get Kirsten to post and comment on the Great Slim Down. (She didn't know that until now.) She once struggled with her weight and learned many lessons about food and life that I think will help us all. I'll be sending her an invite today.
More of my blogging friends should live in my town. Wouldn't it be cool if we ran into each other sometimes like Kirsten and I did? Of course, Adam does live here, but I can only think of one time where we ran into each other. We don't move in the same circles. (He's in the young, good job, happily married with two children and a third on the way, ambitious, intelligent circle while I'm in the old(er), bitter, pathetic man with only his computer for a friend whom he calls Angel Keys circle.) Adam, by the way, is in the process of launching a new copywriting and design business. I'm very excited for him. Here's his business's sharp looking website: Adam Huckeby, Copywriter & Graphic Design.
After my visit with Kirsten, I went out to eat with my roomie, then went home, and watched the first hour of Heroes. Kirsten is a big Heroes fan, but I just can't seem to get into it. I switched over to Boston Legal and greatly enjoyed watching Denny and Alan.
And that was my evening. What was yours like? I hope y'all are doing well. Murder by the Acre will be out in October. Have a great day.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Kirsten's meme
Kirsten tagged me for this meme. I guess she thought I wasn't posting enough. I'm supposed to think of and share six unspectacular things about me, which is hard 'cause I'm mostly spectacular ...
Six Unspectacular Things About Me
1. I have three remotes on the table by my recliner.
2. I like bananas, but my favorite fruit is grapes.
3. I dislike having my routine disturbed.
4. I watch Last of the Summer Wine regularly.
5. I have only two colors of socks: black and white.
6. I bought a new briefcase.
I’m tagging Frenzied Feline (who is now tagged twice), Michelle, Jean, Adam (who is also now tagged twice), and Erudite Redneck.
Six Unspectacular Things About Me
1. I have three remotes on the table by my recliner.
2. I like bananas, but my favorite fruit is grapes.
3. I dislike having my routine disturbed.
4. I watch Last of the Summer Wine regularly.
5. I have only two colors of socks: black and white.
6. I bought a new briefcase.
I’m tagging Frenzied Feline (who is now tagged twice), Michelle, Jean, Adam (who is also now tagged twice), and Erudite Redneck.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
High Hopes by Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd always produces singular music. You know a Pink Floyd song because no one else sounds like them. Recently, Richard Wright, one of the band's original members, passed away. All things pass away eventually. Here's one of my favorite Pink Floyd songs. The video is odd, but the song is understandable and wise.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
Doctors' visits
Well, I had hoped to share some good news with you today after my visits to the doctors. Instead, they have started me on three more medications. I go back to the specialist October 17 when he will attempt to discover what's going on with my sinuses. Apparently, there is a polyp in my sinuses. It might be nothing, it may be a tumor, it may be scar tissue from some injury when I was younger.
They started me back on two antibiotics. The other med is a nasal steroid to calm my inflamed sinuses. The specialist wants to run a camera into my sinuses to look at the growth, but my sinuses are too swollen to allow him to do so or we would have looked today. My ear and throat are still infected, hence the two antibiotics. Learning more about me than you want, aren't you?
Changing the subject: I had lunch yesterday with Adam and Kristen. Lots of fun. They are both bright, funny, quick, engaging. It was very enjoyable. Of course, they are both substantially younger than me so I kinda felt like their uncle. Their fun, enjoyable, well-preserved uncle, but an uncle none less. The joys of growing older ... wait, there aren't any. Just hand my cane and my shawl. I want to rock on the porch some.
Anyway, that's what's going on with me. What's happening in your world? I wouldn't ask -- I'd just read your blog -- but so few of you are blogging regularly. What's up with that? I need something to read! Get to it.
They started me back on two antibiotics. The other med is a nasal steroid to calm my inflamed sinuses. The specialist wants to run a camera into my sinuses to look at the growth, but my sinuses are too swollen to allow him to do so or we would have looked today. My ear and throat are still infected, hence the two antibiotics. Learning more about me than you want, aren't you?
Changing the subject: I had lunch yesterday with Adam and Kristen. Lots of fun. They are both bright, funny, quick, engaging. It was very enjoyable. Of course, they are both substantially younger than me so I kinda felt like their uncle. Their fun, enjoyable, well-preserved uncle, but an uncle none less. The joys of growing older ... wait, there aren't any. Just hand my cane and my shawl. I want to rock on the porch some.
Anyway, that's what's going on with me. What's happening in your world? I wouldn't ask -- I'd just read your blog -- but so few of you are blogging regularly. What's up with that? I need something to read! Get to it.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
200
As I typed in the 200th correction for Murder by the Acre last night, I thought about how cool it would be to have an assistant to do this for me. Some smart, engaging, funny person who knew exactly what I wanted to say and how to say it. And who would work very cheap. Free even. I can dream, can't I?
My health has improved a lot. I still have some chest congestion and occasional coughing spells when I attempt to cough up a couple of organs, but overall, I am much better. My ear remains the biggest annoyance: not so much the hearing loss, but the muted roar that I hear constantly. Supposedly that is indicative of nerve damage. I'm hoping my ear is still healing, and the roar goes away as it heals and the inflammation subsides. I go back to the specialist Friday, and I'm hoping he will have some good news for me.
Only one more episode of The Closer left before its season ends. Gonna miss it. The writing is superb as is the acting. I was particularly impressed by last night's episode. So much went on, but the writers still kept the show moving and focused. Not easy to do. I always feel that way about The Closer: that the people exist outside the boundaries of the format. Or maybe I just want to think Brenda, Fritz, and her crew are out there somewhere, solving the crimes, putting the bad guys away. That would be nice.
I saw The Kingdom on DVD recently. An impressive movie that I enjoyed. Jamie Fox and Jennifer Garner were excellent, but I was also impressed by Jason Bateman. I recommend the movie. It's violent, thought provoking, unrelenting, and almost unbearably sad. Watch it, and see if you don't think it's movie-making at its finest.
I continue to dabble in World of Warcraft. I now had a warlock character. So far, I like that character class best. I like shaman least of all. I play about 30 minutes to an hour every day. That might sound like a lot, but actually it's quite modest compared to the time commitment other people give to the game. I enjoy it for about that long, then I get bored and want to do something else. Still, it's fun to go and kill a few frustrations.
Not much else is going on in my life. I've been making an effort to keep my kitchen clean and my living room picked up. I need to dust again, one of my least favorite chores. Fortunately it's not been as dry here so we have less dust than normal. Wonder if that assistant would also dust.
I haven't been back in my pool since I got sick. Haven't felt like it, and the water is too cold. I need to work out a way to heat the water. Seventy-degree water is unpleasant. I'd like the water temp to be in the mid-eighties. That would be perfect. I've checked out pool heaters, but they're expensive. I did find some info on solar water heaters. I might see if that would work.
I hope you're having a great day. I'm supposed to -- I hope -- have lunch Thursday with Adam Huckeby and Kirsten of This Fluid Life and Now or Never respectively. I'll be sure to give you a report. And should any other of our commentors want to join us -- maybe you could fly in, Frenzied -- let me know. Talk to you later.
My health has improved a lot. I still have some chest congestion and occasional coughing spells when I attempt to cough up a couple of organs, but overall, I am much better. My ear remains the biggest annoyance: not so much the hearing loss, but the muted roar that I hear constantly. Supposedly that is indicative of nerve damage. I'm hoping my ear is still healing, and the roar goes away as it heals and the inflammation subsides. I go back to the specialist Friday, and I'm hoping he will have some good news for me.
Only one more episode of The Closer left before its season ends. Gonna miss it. The writing is superb as is the acting. I was particularly impressed by last night's episode. So much went on, but the writers still kept the show moving and focused. Not easy to do. I always feel that way about The Closer: that the people exist outside the boundaries of the format. Or maybe I just want to think Brenda, Fritz, and her crew are out there somewhere, solving the crimes, putting the bad guys away. That would be nice.
I saw The Kingdom on DVD recently. An impressive movie that I enjoyed. Jamie Fox and Jennifer Garner were excellent, but I was also impressed by Jason Bateman. I recommend the movie. It's violent, thought provoking, unrelenting, and almost unbearably sad. Watch it, and see if you don't think it's movie-making at its finest.
I continue to dabble in World of Warcraft. I now had a warlock character. So far, I like that character class best. I like shaman least of all. I play about 30 minutes to an hour every day. That might sound like a lot, but actually it's quite modest compared to the time commitment other people give to the game. I enjoy it for about that long, then I get bored and want to do something else. Still, it's fun to go and kill a few frustrations.
Not much else is going on in my life. I've been making an effort to keep my kitchen clean and my living room picked up. I need to dust again, one of my least favorite chores. Fortunately it's not been as dry here so we have less dust than normal. Wonder if that assistant would also dust.
I haven't been back in my pool since I got sick. Haven't felt like it, and the water is too cold. I need to work out a way to heat the water. Seventy-degree water is unpleasant. I'd like the water temp to be in the mid-eighties. That would be perfect. I've checked out pool heaters, but they're expensive. I did find some info on solar water heaters. I might see if that would work.
I hope you're having a great day. I'm supposed to -- I hope -- have lunch Thursday with Adam Huckeby and Kirsten of This Fluid Life and Now or Never respectively. I'll be sure to give you a report. And should any other of our commentors want to join us -- maybe you could fly in, Frenzied -- let me know. Talk to you later.
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Society note
Today Stephen Bagley had a quiet celebration attended only by him to mark passing the halfway point in the final edit/type in on Murder by the Acre. He was quietly excited and very pleased. He sent well wishes to his friends and talked of his hope that they had a pleasing and successful weekend. He intends to be back here tomorrow. And with that, we close for the evening.
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Good day
Oklahoma State University won. University of Oklahoma won. I got housework and filing done. (I also got work done on MBTA.) And I felt well enough to go out and eat, something I haven't done for a long time. A good day. I hope you had a good day, too. And I hope you have a good tomorrow. Night!
Friday, September 05, 2008
Prayer request
My sister-in-law's father passed away this morning. Please remember her and her family in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Top Secret
FOR YOUR EYES ONLY
Dateline:
Now.
Reference:
Subject has resumed work on mystery novel Murder by the Acre, hereafter referred to as MBTA.
Summary:
After several setbacks, subject has returned to final edit of MBTA. Work is progressing slowly and quietly. Subject refuses to set completion date because setbacks have materialized -- family troubles, health problems, etc. -- every time he has done so. However, subject was heard muttering that MBTA should be finished before end of 9/2008. DO NOT REPEAT.
Current status:
Four chapters have achieved final edit status. Subject expects but does not promise nor guarentee to cross halfway point this weekend.
Action item(s):
None at present.
Clearance required:
FOR YOUR EYES ONLY as per Ryton Security Act of 2007, subsection 17A, paragraphs 15, 17-22.
End Document.
Dateline:
Now.
Reference:
Subject has resumed work on mystery novel Murder by the Acre, hereafter referred to as MBTA.
Summary:
After several setbacks, subject has returned to final edit of MBTA. Work is progressing slowly and quietly. Subject refuses to set completion date because setbacks have materialized -- family troubles, health problems, etc. -- every time he has done so. However, subject was heard muttering that MBTA should be finished before end of 9/2008. DO NOT REPEAT.
Current status:
Four chapters have achieved final edit status. Subject expects but does not promise nor guarentee to cross halfway point this weekend.
Action item(s):
None at present.
Clearance required:
FOR YOUR EYES ONLY as per Ryton Security Act of 2007, subsection 17A, paragraphs 15, 17-22.
End Document.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Shhh
Shhh ... don't let the germs know ... but I think I'm better. I made it through the whole day at work and wasn't completely exhausted. I'm tired tonight and ready for bed, but I think I might have turned the corner. But keep it quiet. We can't let the germs find out or they might mount a counter-offensive.
I hope you had a great day. I hope tomorrow will be even better. Frenzied Feline needs to post. Night!
I hope you had a great day. I hope tomorrow will be even better. Frenzied Feline needs to post. Night!
Monday, September 01, 2008
Phillips, Craig & Dean video
I found this song to be uplifting and meaningful. It touched me. It is my favorite from the Phillips, Craig & Dean Live DVD. I wanted to share it with you, and luckily, it's on YouTube. It's a Sunday Song on Monday.
I hope you had a good Labor Day. I did. Not looking forward to work, but I'm going to do my best. I sometimes forget that's all that's asked of us. Have a great tomorrow.
I hope you had a good Labor Day. I did. Not looking forward to work, but I'm going to do my best. I sometimes forget that's all that's asked of us. Have a great tomorrow.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Blessed
I hate to continue talking about my health all the time. For one thing, not much has changed. If I’m better, the levels have increased in such small ways that I can’t detect them. I know I’m better overall, but this last slope seems to be taking a while.
For another, I can’t think of anything more boring than having someone tell you in exhaustive, mind-numbing detail about their health and every little thing that affects that. I hate to think of you having to endure it, and even worse, having to endure it from me!
The problem is, of course, I’m not doing much of anything these days. Being sick takes up most of my time with a bit of TV and a few books between meds and doctors’ visits. Overall, it’s a fairly boring existence.
One thing I’ve noted is you cannot will yourself healthy. Germs don’t pay attention to what you want. Your determination to be well means nothing to them. It’s a humbling experience when your body betrays you. I have such plans for when I’m healthy.
I want to finish Murder by the Acre. Got to finish it soon if I want it on sale by this Christmas. I need to finish outlining Murder by the Mile before National Novel Writing Month starts in November. I need to publish the August and September family newsletter. And hey, I should do my laundry and actually fold it instead of leaving in piles in my living room. And get my hair cut; my hair is longer than it has ever been. I go around looking like critters have made my hair into their nest. Things like that need to be done. Maybe vacuum my house. People keep asking me what they can do to help; I wonder what they would do if I said, “Hey, come clean my house. Help me do laundry. And I have maid uniforms for you to wear, too …”
Anyway, after talking about not talking about my health, I have spent most of this post talking about my health. Ironic, huh?
I do want to mention that I’m on Facebook now. My good friends Kevin and Jennifer got on Facebook and rapidly became addicted. I had checked out Facebook some time ago and dismissed it for various reasons. However, this time I signed up. So “friend” me if you have Facebook.
This morning I got to watch the DVD of a concert by Phillips, Craig & Dean, a contemporary Christmas trio. Absolutely awesome. I highly recommend it. Two songs on it touched me deeply: “When God Ran” and “Crucified with Christ.” The DVD is Phillips, Craig & Dean Live. I appreciate Mark and Marjie loaning the DVD to me.
My friend Kevin just called, and he and his family are going to bring me lunch. How cool is that? I have good friends. I have a family who loves me. I have many good things in my life. Despite my health problems, my life is good. I have been richly blessed more than I could ever deserve.
I hope you have a good Sunday. I believe in you, you know. Each and every one of you is special, however dumb that sounds. You are worthy of being happy. That’s a good note to end this post on. Talk to you later.
For another, I can’t think of anything more boring than having someone tell you in exhaustive, mind-numbing detail about their health and every little thing that affects that. I hate to think of you having to endure it, and even worse, having to endure it from me!
The problem is, of course, I’m not doing much of anything these days. Being sick takes up most of my time with a bit of TV and a few books between meds and doctors’ visits. Overall, it’s a fairly boring existence.
One thing I’ve noted is you cannot will yourself healthy. Germs don’t pay attention to what you want. Your determination to be well means nothing to them. It’s a humbling experience when your body betrays you. I have such plans for when I’m healthy.
I want to finish Murder by the Acre. Got to finish it soon if I want it on sale by this Christmas. I need to finish outlining Murder by the Mile before National Novel Writing Month starts in November. I need to publish the August and September family newsletter. And hey, I should do my laundry and actually fold it instead of leaving in piles in my living room. And get my hair cut; my hair is longer than it has ever been. I go around looking like critters have made my hair into their nest. Things like that need to be done. Maybe vacuum my house. People keep asking me what they can do to help; I wonder what they would do if I said, “Hey, come clean my house. Help me do laundry. And I have maid uniforms for you to wear, too …”
Anyway, after talking about not talking about my health, I have spent most of this post talking about my health. Ironic, huh?
I do want to mention that I’m on Facebook now. My good friends Kevin and Jennifer got on Facebook and rapidly became addicted. I had checked out Facebook some time ago and dismissed it for various reasons. However, this time I signed up. So “friend” me if you have Facebook.
This morning I got to watch the DVD of a concert by Phillips, Craig & Dean, a contemporary Christmas trio. Absolutely awesome. I highly recommend it. Two songs on it touched me deeply: “When God Ran” and “Crucified with Christ.” The DVD is Phillips, Craig & Dean Live. I appreciate Mark and Marjie loaning the DVD to me.
My friend Kevin just called, and he and his family are going to bring me lunch. How cool is that? I have good friends. I have a family who loves me. I have many good things in my life. Despite my health problems, my life is good. I have been richly blessed more than I could ever deserve.
I hope you have a good Sunday. I believe in you, you know. Each and every one of you is special, however dumb that sounds. You are worthy of being happy. That’s a good note to end this post on. Talk to you later.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Today
I saw an ear, throat and nose doctor today. He was very nice. Expensive, but nice. And he seemed to know what he was doing. Knowledgeable. But expensive. Anyway, I'm hoping these new prescriptions will do the trick.
The bad news is that I may have suffered permanent hearing loss in my left ear. I'm hoping that won't be true. We'll just have to wait and see what happens.
I remain very tired, but overall I'm doing better. I'm starting to think I may finally be on the mend.
Anyway, enough of that. I hope you have a great Labor Day holiday. Talk to you later. Oh, I'm on Facebook now. It's kinda cool. Night!
The bad news is that I may have suffered permanent hearing loss in my left ear. I'm hoping that won't be true. We'll just have to wait and see what happens.
I remain very tired, but overall I'm doing better. I'm starting to think I may finally be on the mend.
Anyway, enough of that. I hope you have a great Labor Day holiday. Talk to you later. Oh, I'm on Facebook now. It's kinda cool. Night!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
I'm fine
I'm fine. Well, not well, but nothing urgent. Not in the hospital or nothing like that. I'm sorry if I worried anyone. I go back to the doctor tomorrow, and I hope that visit will be the turning point in all this. I'm ready to be well.
I hope things are going well for you. As soon as I can, I want to catch up with everyone and find out what exciting things are happening in your world. Talk to you later.
I hope things are going well for you. As soon as I can, I want to catch up with everyone and find out what exciting things are happening in your world. Talk to you later.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Second day
The second day back at work. I did well this morning, but this afternoon, I was completely exhausted. I came home and slept until seven-thirty, got up, and ate some supper. Then I watched The Cleaner. Haven't made my mind up about that show. The acting is good, but the stories aren't as strong as they could be. Maybe it will grow on me.
Otherwise, not much else to tell you. Wish some of my friends played World of Warcraft. I've discovered most people play with their "real life" friends on WoW. There are many exceptions to this, but time after time I've found players in a group know each other outside the game. I joined a guild with nice people in it, but they have different schedules than me and they don't play WoW much. I have enjoyed some aspects of WoW, but I find playing for any length of time makes me lonely and desperate for conversation. Sociologists have studied the alienating effect of video games for some time now, but WoW is my first experience with the disassociation inherit in any simulated environment. There's a book in this somewhere.
And that's all for tonight. Take care. Have a good day tomorrow.
Otherwise, not much else to tell you. Wish some of my friends played World of Warcraft. I've discovered most people play with their "real life" friends on WoW. There are many exceptions to this, but time after time I've found players in a group know each other outside the game. I joined a guild with nice people in it, but they have different schedules than me and they don't play WoW much. I have enjoyed some aspects of WoW, but I find playing for any length of time makes me lonely and desperate for conversation. Sociologists have studied the alienating effect of video games for some time now, but WoW is my first experience with the disassociation inherit in any simulated environment. There's a book in this somewhere.
And that's all for tonight. Take care. Have a good day tomorrow.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Back at work
Well, I made it to work. It wasn't too bad, considering that I had to leave at 11:30 and didn't come back until 2. I started having stomach cramps and ran out of energy in the morning. I came home, was sick for a while, and then slept. That helped. Tomorrow I'll try again. We'll see how that goes. It's apparent that I'm not going to have any help down there no matter how ill I am. There's a lack of concern that truly upsets me, but I have to remember that the world is as it is.
My roomie bought dinner home from Golden Corral. I could only eat about half of it -- still probably more than I should have -- and saved the rest for lunch tomorrow. One thing I enjoy from GC is their bread pudding. My mother loved bread pudding, and after she passed away, I started eating it whenever a restaurant served it. Sort of a strange way to remember her, but she sure enjoyed bread pudding. I like to remember her enjoying it.
What else? I watched The Closer tonight and the season finale for Saving Grace. The Closer was excellent, but I like it better when Brenda solves the mystery instead of stumbling on the solution. Saving Grace was ... dare I say it? ... good. I like Grace better when she's helping other people rather than wrapped up in her wild life.
SciFi Channel cancelled Stargate: Atlantis. Jerks. Short-sighted, money grubbing, pencil-necked, tasteless jerks. Eventually the brass at NBC (owns SciFi) will strip the channel of any good shows, and I won't ever watch it again. Some enterprises deserve to fail, and NBC and SciFi do.
Prayer request: My sister-in-law's father is in a hospice. There isn't much hope. Please pray for her and her family.
And now I'll close. Take care. Be well. Talk to you tomorrow.
Well, that's all I have to say tonight.
My roomie bought dinner home from Golden Corral. I could only eat about half of it -- still probably more than I should have -- and saved the rest for lunch tomorrow. One thing I enjoy from GC is their bread pudding. My mother loved bread pudding, and after she passed away, I started eating it whenever a restaurant served it. Sort of a strange way to remember her, but she sure enjoyed bread pudding. I like to remember her enjoying it.
What else? I watched The Closer tonight and the season finale for Saving Grace. The Closer was excellent, but I like it better when Brenda solves the mystery instead of stumbling on the solution. Saving Grace was ... dare I say it? ... good. I like Grace better when she's helping other people rather than wrapped up in her wild life.
SciFi Channel cancelled Stargate: Atlantis. Jerks. Short-sighted, money grubbing, pencil-necked, tasteless jerks. Eventually the brass at NBC (owns SciFi) will strip the channel of any good shows, and I won't ever watch it again. Some enterprises deserve to fail, and NBC and SciFi do.
Prayer request: My sister-in-law's father is in a hospice. There isn't much hope. Please pray for her and her family.
And now I'll close. Take care. Be well. Talk to you tomorrow.
Well, that's all I have to say tonight.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Health update
Howdy. It's been a while, hasn't it? I apologize for not updating and appreciate everyone who left a note of concern or called me. (Thanks, Crystal and Frenzied Feline!) It's been an interesting couple of weeks, depending on how you define interesting.
Let's do the health stuff. My diagnosis is: pneumonia in both lungs, bronchitis, and sinusitis with a throat and ear infection as the cherry and whipped cream on top of my illness sundae. I probably had the pneumonia for a while; I'd been sick for about a month and a half, but kept thinking I'd get over it without visiting the doctor. Sigh. Not having health insurance really bites.
After lots of tests and lots of expensive medicine (some of which I'm still on) I'm doing better. I'm not running a fever. I'm still coughing a lot, but not as much as I was. My throat is red, but doesn't burn anymore. The left ear remains infected, but it's better. I'm tired all the time -- just taking a shower seems impossibly hard at times -- but my energy is slowly coming back.
I'm going to try to return to work tomorrow. It's probably a mistake, but I've made up my mind to try. However, if I am unable to make it, I'm going home. I have to get better. That's all there is to it. And if I lose the job, I have to say that in many ways it would be a relief.
Otherwise, not much to tell you. I've mostly slept or been at the doctors or slept some more. My house is a pit, my life is a mess, my diabetes is out of control, my book needs my attention (which I hope to start giving it again this week as I regain my energy), I need a haircut, etc. The usual stuff.
I hope things are going well for you. Once again, I appreciate your thoughts and prayers. I hope to see you here tomorrow.
Let's do the health stuff. My diagnosis is: pneumonia in both lungs, bronchitis, and sinusitis with a throat and ear infection as the cherry and whipped cream on top of my illness sundae. I probably had the pneumonia for a while; I'd been sick for about a month and a half, but kept thinking I'd get over it without visiting the doctor. Sigh. Not having health insurance really bites.
After lots of tests and lots of expensive medicine (some of which I'm still on) I'm doing better. I'm not running a fever. I'm still coughing a lot, but not as much as I was. My throat is red, but doesn't burn anymore. The left ear remains infected, but it's better. I'm tired all the time -- just taking a shower seems impossibly hard at times -- but my energy is slowly coming back.
I'm going to try to return to work tomorrow. It's probably a mistake, but I've made up my mind to try. However, if I am unable to make it, I'm going home. I have to get better. That's all there is to it. And if I lose the job, I have to say that in many ways it would be a relief.
Otherwise, not much to tell you. I've mostly slept or been at the doctors or slept some more. My house is a pit, my life is a mess, my diabetes is out of control, my book needs my attention (which I hope to start giving it again this week as I regain my energy), I need a haircut, etc. The usual stuff.
I hope things are going well for you. Once again, I appreciate your thoughts and prayers. I hope to see you here tomorrow.
Monday, August 18, 2008
No hospital
No hospital time yet. After a terrible day filled with more people taking my body fluids, my doctor decided the hospital could wait until we see what the meds are going to do. And I have been able to keep down some liquids now so dehydration is moved off the list of problems, which I think was the real concern. That and the ability to have ready access for whatever body fluids they might need. No real diagnosis yet. Maybe tomorrow.
That's all I know at the moment. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers. You're awesome.
That's all I know at the moment. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers. You're awesome.
Sicker
I'm waiting to go to the doctor. I'm not sure what's going to happen there. I suspect some more tests and maybe a hospital stay for a couple of days. The hospital was suggested Friday, but I -- penny pinching, no health insurance -- vetoed it. Now I'm going to shut up and do what they tell me to do. I'll worry about paying for it later. I need to get better.
What's wrong? I can only give you symptoms: fever, coughing, cramps, inflamed left ear, bloody snot, aches and pains, screaming headaches, dizzy, etc. It's a smorgasbord of pain, and I want it over.
I appreciate your thoughts, prayers, and well-wishes. If they put me in the hospital, I'll ask my roomie to get on here and update you. I'm not -- as far as I know -- near death or anything like that. I'm just really, really sick, and I need to do whatever I need to do to get better. Health is a blessing that I take for granted. I'm going to do better about that now.
What's wrong? I can only give you symptoms: fever, coughing, cramps, inflamed left ear, bloody snot, aches and pains, screaming headaches, dizzy, etc. It's a smorgasbord of pain, and I want it over.
I appreciate your thoughts, prayers, and well-wishes. If they put me in the hospital, I'll ask my roomie to get on here and update you. I'm not -- as far as I know -- near death or anything like that. I'm just really, really sick, and I need to do whatever I need to do to get better. Health is a blessing that I take for granted. I'm going to do better about that now.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Still sick
Still sick. I'm very tired of feeling ill. The IBD flare is subsiding, but now I've caught this stupid respiratory infection. Throat's swollen. Running a slight temp, not enough to be dangerous, just enough to feel achy and creaky. And of course, my sinuses are either stopped up or running like mad. It's all quite annoying.
I'm treating myself with Tylenol, Advil, Zicam throat spray, 1,000 milligrams of Vitamin C, 500 milligrams of cranberry extract, as much orange juice as my diabetes will safely allow me to drink, as much water and fitness water I can drink, and soup. I'd get more sleep if I could, but I have this inconvenient job that keeps that from happening.
Murder by the Acre is going right along. I'm so glad I took this extra week for it. Although being ill has really cut down on my time with it, I've still been able to correct and rewrite several sections, making the story tighter and cleaner.
Otherwise, I'm not doing much. I have been watching The Closer, which I think is the best show on TV these days, and I also enjoyed a recent Saving Grace that featured Barry Switzer. I thought it was funny. By the way, I'm really enjoying my Digital Video Recorder. It makes it easy to record programs. I've also been enjoying the Olympics.
That's what's been happening in my neck of the woods. Anything exciting in yours?
I'm treating myself with Tylenol, Advil, Zicam throat spray, 1,000 milligrams of Vitamin C, 500 milligrams of cranberry extract, as much orange juice as my diabetes will safely allow me to drink, as much water and fitness water I can drink, and soup. I'd get more sleep if I could, but I have this inconvenient job that keeps that from happening.
Murder by the Acre is going right along. I'm so glad I took this extra week for it. Although being ill has really cut down on my time with it, I've still been able to correct and rewrite several sections, making the story tighter and cleaner.
Otherwise, I'm not doing much. I have been watching The Closer, which I think is the best show on TV these days, and I also enjoyed a recent Saving Grace that featured Barry Switzer. I thought it was funny. By the way, I'm really enjoying my Digital Video Recorder. It makes it easy to record programs. I've also been enjoying the Olympics.
That's what's been happening in my neck of the woods. Anything exciting in yours?
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Flare
Been gut-wrenching sick the past few days. A major IBD flare. Very unpleasant. Upsetting. I had all these plans for this past weekend. My intention was to send Murder by the Acre out to my proofers yesterday. Didn't happen. Not going to happen. I probably only got an hour or less in front of the computer. Didn't get much sleep most of this weekend or last night.
Saturday night I was fretting about MBTA and finally -- yes, I know you told me this days ago, Frenzied -- came to realize that it was okay if I took a few more days to finish it. A strange -- strange because it's unusual for me -- feeling of peace came over me, and I felt the pressure release. I thought, "It's okay. You can finish MBTA next week." I can't really explain how liberating that thought was.
It finally rained here yesterday and Sunday, and today the sky is overcast. The rain and clouds have greatly cooled things off for which I am grateful. Continuous triple-digit temps are a bit much even for me. Unfortunately the molds have bloomed -- spored or whatever they do -- and my allergies are acting up. I feel rather blah what with one thing or another.
I did get FTI on Chapter 7-9 last night. I have to take a scene from 9 and put it in 8 and then write a new scene to replace it for 9 as well as rewrite the final scene in 9. All doable and manageable. I felt much encouraged after I finished the FTI. To me, the story seems to flow with only a few awkward places that I hope I have smoothed out.
Anyway, that's what's going on in my world. What's happening in yours?
Saturday night I was fretting about MBTA and finally -- yes, I know you told me this days ago, Frenzied -- came to realize that it was okay if I took a few more days to finish it. A strange -- strange because it's unusual for me -- feeling of peace came over me, and I felt the pressure release. I thought, "It's okay. You can finish MBTA next week." I can't really explain how liberating that thought was.
It finally rained here yesterday and Sunday, and today the sky is overcast. The rain and clouds have greatly cooled things off for which I am grateful. Continuous triple-digit temps are a bit much even for me. Unfortunately the molds have bloomed -- spored or whatever they do -- and my allergies are acting up. I feel rather blah what with one thing or another.
I did get FTI on Chapter 7-9 last night. I have to take a scene from 9 and put it in 8 and then write a new scene to replace it for 9 as well as rewrite the final scene in 9. All doable and manageable. I felt much encouraged after I finished the FTI. To me, the story seems to flow with only a few awkward places that I hope I have smoothed out.
Anyway, that's what's going on in my world. What's happening in yours?
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Whelmed
MBTA COUNTDOWN STATUS: All proofreaders have confirmed. We remain at Yellow Alert. Chapters 1-5 are nominal and in FTI position. Chapter Six will start FTI tonight. Chapters 7-9 are on standby. Front cover is nominal. Back cover is on standby.
I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by the publishing process. There's still so much to do before Murder by the Acre hits the booksellers. Chapter Five had to be rewritten a bit to accommodate some changes in Chapter Three. It's done and in good shape, but I didn't expect to spend two nights on it. Hopefully I won't run into any other changes like that. I don't expect, but then, I never do. At least I'm confident the changes are making the book the better.
I did okay on Weight Watchers Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday I had a terribly stressful day at work, came home, and attempted to eat the stress away. I accomplished that, but the points I consumed could have fed a small Third World Country. Twice. Okay, it was only 11 points over what I should have consumed (43 points instead of 32), but it did seem like a lot of food. I thoroughly enjoyed it, don't intend to do it again anytime soon, and that's that. Today, I'm was good. Very good. Until this evening when I went and ate food at the Mexican restaurant, but wait, I did limit myself and avoided the cheese and didn't eat a sopapilla and stuck to one of the more healthy choices for the meal. So I'm doing okay. And I haven't snacked tonight at all. Yeah, I'm bragging. Pride goeth before a pizza, right?
By the way, I am posting on The Great Slimdown again. Today I posted an excellent and easy salsa recipe from Weight Watchers. Trixie mentioned she missed TGS, and I did, too. I hope we can get people posting there again. I know I need the support. Don't you?
My younger sister continues to recover and is doing well. My brother-in-law is recovering from his facial surgery and is doing well. My niece is still in the hospital, but may be well enough to go home in the next few days, we hope.
By the way, Adam Huckeby has started a new blog. Stop by This Fluid Life and say hi. He's reposting some interesting posts from his earlier blog so there's plenty to read and soon to be more, according to Adam. Worth a read.
And that's all I have to write about tonight. Hope things are going well for you. I'm doing okay, not really over-whelmed, certainly not underwhelmed, just whelmed. I hope you're whelmed, too. Night!
I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by the publishing process. There's still so much to do before Murder by the Acre hits the booksellers. Chapter Five had to be rewritten a bit to accommodate some changes in Chapter Three. It's done and in good shape, but I didn't expect to spend two nights on it. Hopefully I won't run into any other changes like that. I don't expect, but then, I never do. At least I'm confident the changes are making the book the better.
I did okay on Weight Watchers Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday I had a terribly stressful day at work, came home, and attempted to eat the stress away. I accomplished that, but the points I consumed could have fed a small Third World Country. Twice. Okay, it was only 11 points over what I should have consumed (43 points instead of 32), but it did seem like a lot of food. I thoroughly enjoyed it, don't intend to do it again anytime soon, and that's that. Today, I'm was good. Very good. Until this evening when I went and ate food at the Mexican restaurant, but wait, I did limit myself and avoided the cheese and didn't eat a sopapilla and stuck to one of the more healthy choices for the meal. So I'm doing okay. And I haven't snacked tonight at all. Yeah, I'm bragging. Pride goeth before a pizza, right?
By the way, I am posting on The Great Slimdown again. Today I posted an excellent and easy salsa recipe from Weight Watchers. Trixie mentioned she missed TGS, and I did, too. I hope we can get people posting there again. I know I need the support. Don't you?
My younger sister continues to recover and is doing well. My brother-in-law is recovering from his facial surgery and is doing well. My niece is still in the hospital, but may be well enough to go home in the next few days, we hope.
By the way, Adam Huckeby has started a new blog. Stop by This Fluid Life and say hi. He's reposting some interesting posts from his earlier blog so there's plenty to read and soon to be more, according to Adam. Worth a read.
And that's all I have to write about tonight. Hope things are going well for you. I'm doing okay, not really over-whelmed, certainly not underwhelmed, just whelmed. I hope you're whelmed, too. Night!
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
A few points
EDITED AGAIN TO ADD: Jean and Nancy have confirmed their status as proofers. Repeat: Jean and Nancy have confirmed their status as proofers. We remain at Yellow Alert. Chapters 1-4 are nomimal. Chapter Five will achieve FTI tonight. Chapters 6-9 are on standby. Front cover is nomimal. Back cover is on standby.
EDITED TO ADD: Crystal, ETC, Frenzied Feline, and Kirsten have all confirmed their status as proofreaders for Murder by the Acre. We are waiting to hear from Jean and Nancy. We remain at Yellow Alert. Chapter Five ran into a field of adjectives, adverbs, and weak verbs and required corrective action last night, but will achieve FTI tonight. Chapters 1-4 are nomimal. Chapters 6-9 are on standby.
I need my proofers to confirm they are still available to proof Murder by the Acre in a week. I meant to say that yesterday, but obviously didn't since only Kirsten (Hi, Kirsten!) said she was still available for proofing. Please let me know if you can't. I understand if you can't, but I do need to find another proofer to take your place.
I mentioned yesterday I had gone back on Weight Watchers. Frankly, I needed the accountability that having to post my food consumption daily. On my first day, I once again confirmed what my weight loss problem is: the evenings at home. I was holding at only 16 Point after breakfast and lunch, but snacking as I watched TV and worked on my computer soon pushed that me over 39 points, seven more than I'm allowed.
Here's what I ate yesterday with the point values to the side:
Breakfast
1 cup fresh orange juice (2)
1 cup 2% reduced fat milk (3)
1 1/8 cup Kellogg's Special K (2.5)
Subtotal 7.5 points
Lunch
23 fl oz Propel Fitness Water Black Cherry (0.5)
1 slice cheddar cheese (3)
3 oz marinated chicken breast strips (2)
1 cup tomatoes (0)
2 cups lettuce (0)
Lemon pepper dressing (0)
1 dr pepper - 12 oz can (3)
Subtotal 8.5 points
Evening
3 slices wheat bread (3.5)
1/2 pound new potatoes, cooked (3)
2 cups grapes (2)
1 6-inch Subway® Restaurants Roasted Chicken Breast Sub (6)
1 cup 2% reduced fat milk (3)
1 peanut butter cookie(s) (2)
1 dr pepper - 12 oz can (3)
23 fl oz Propel Fitness Water Black Cherry (0.5)
Subtotal 23 points
Day Total 39 points
So I need to shave seven points off my day. Obviously one of the Dr Peppers has to go. That's 3 points saved. Getting rid of one slice of wheat break saves us 1 point. Three more to remove. Remove the new potatoes. And that will take us down to 32.
Sigh. The sad thing is I was hungry all day yesterday. I'm hungry right now. I'm going to be hungry for a while until my stomach and I adapt. That's okay. I can handle it.
And now it's time to get ready for work. Have a great day. Talk to you tomorrow.
EDITED TO ADD: Crystal, ETC, Frenzied Feline, and Kirsten have all confirmed their status as proofreaders for Murder by the Acre. We are waiting to hear from Jean and Nancy. We remain at Yellow Alert. Chapter Five ran into a field of adjectives, adverbs, and weak verbs and required corrective action last night, but will achieve FTI tonight. Chapters 1-4 are nomimal. Chapters 6-9 are on standby.
I need my proofers to confirm they are still available to proof Murder by the Acre in a week. I meant to say that yesterday, but obviously didn't since only Kirsten (Hi, Kirsten!) said she was still available for proofing. Please let me know if you can't. I understand if you can't, but I do need to find another proofer to take your place.
I mentioned yesterday I had gone back on Weight Watchers. Frankly, I needed the accountability that having to post my food consumption daily. On my first day, I once again confirmed what my weight loss problem is: the evenings at home. I was holding at only 16 Point after breakfast and lunch, but snacking as I watched TV and worked on my computer soon pushed that me over 39 points, seven more than I'm allowed.
Here's what I ate yesterday with the point values to the side:
Breakfast
1 cup fresh orange juice (2)
1 cup 2% reduced fat milk (3)
1 1/8 cup Kellogg's Special K (2.5)
Subtotal 7.5 points
Lunch
23 fl oz Propel Fitness Water Black Cherry (0.5)
1 slice cheddar cheese (3)
3 oz marinated chicken breast strips (2)
1 cup tomatoes (0)
2 cups lettuce (0)
Lemon pepper dressing (0)
1 dr pepper - 12 oz can (3)
Subtotal 8.5 points
Evening
3 slices wheat bread (3.5)
1/2 pound new potatoes, cooked (3)
2 cups grapes (2)
1 6-inch Subway® Restaurants Roasted Chicken Breast Sub (6)
1 cup 2% reduced fat milk (3)
1 peanut butter cookie(s) (2)
1 dr pepper - 12 oz can (3)
23 fl oz Propel Fitness Water Black Cherry (0.5)
Subtotal 23 points
Day Total 39 points
So I need to shave seven points off my day. Obviously one of the Dr Peppers has to go. That's 3 points saved. Getting rid of one slice of wheat break saves us 1 point. Three more to remove. Remove the new potatoes. And that will take us down to 32.
Sigh. The sad thing is I was hungry all day yesterday. I'm hungry right now. I'm going to be hungry for a while until my stomach and I adapt. That's okay. I can handle it.
And now it's time to get ready for work. Have a great day. Talk to you tomorrow.
Monday, August 04, 2008
Chapters
I thought y'all might enjoy seeing the chapter sub-headings for Murder by the Acre. They're all in place now.
Chapter One - Murder in a hobbit house
Chapter Two - Strange reactions
Chapter Three - What we can't take back
Chapter Four - Confrontations & surprises
Chapter Five - Funny things about funerals
Chapter Six - Missing things
Chapter Seven - What to do with pieces that don't fit
Chapter Eight - Secrets people keep
Chapter Nine - Never argue with a crazy person
I'm sure about these, other than Chapter Six. It lacks something. We'll see if I can come up with anything better.
I've read -- and been told -- that chapter headings are old-fashioned and simply "not done" anymore. I like them so I'm going to use them. That's the advantage of self-publishing: I decide how the book is going to look.
I'm on Chapter Five of the so-called "final" type-in. I should finish it tonight. Barring unforeseen difficulties, the FTI should be done this weekend. I'm putting my proofreaders on yellow alert. They should receive a PDF of MBTA on Monday or Tuesday next week. At present, my proofers are: Crystal, ETC, Frenzied Feline, Jean, Kirsten, and Nancy. If any of y'all are unable to committ to proofing MBTA in a week, I totally understand -- we all live busy, busy, busy lives -- but please let me know ASAP so that I can recruit another victim to take your place.
Nothing else to add here other than it's scorching hot. Triple-digit temps. Oh, and I went back on Weight Watchers this morning. More on my weight loss plans later. I hope life is treating you well. Talk to you tomorrow.
Chapter One - Murder in a hobbit house
Chapter Two - Strange reactions
Chapter Three - What we can't take back
Chapter Four - Confrontations & surprises
Chapter Five - Funny things about funerals
Chapter Six - Missing things
Chapter Seven - What to do with pieces that don't fit
Chapter Eight - Secrets people keep
Chapter Nine - Never argue with a crazy person
I'm sure about these, other than Chapter Six. It lacks something. We'll see if I can come up with anything better.
I've read -- and been told -- that chapter headings are old-fashioned and simply "not done" anymore. I like them so I'm going to use them. That's the advantage of self-publishing: I decide how the book is going to look.
I'm on Chapter Five of the so-called "final" type-in. I should finish it tonight. Barring unforeseen difficulties, the FTI should be done this weekend. I'm putting my proofreaders on yellow alert. They should receive a PDF of MBTA on Monday or Tuesday next week. At present, my proofers are: Crystal, ETC, Frenzied Feline, Jean, Kirsten, and Nancy. If any of y'all are unable to committ to proofing MBTA in a week, I totally understand -- we all live busy, busy, busy lives -- but please let me know ASAP so that I can recruit another victim to take your place.
Nothing else to add here other than it's scorching hot. Triple-digit temps. Oh, and I went back on Weight Watchers this morning. More on my weight loss plans later. I hope life is treating you well. Talk to you tomorrow.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Quick update
Been ill (summer cold), been swimming/floating in my pool, been working at my job, been cleaning house and paying bills, been playing World of Warcraft, but what's taking up all my time is working on Murder by the Acre. It has to be done this month. No excuses. Hope things are going well for you. Talk to you tomorrow.
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