Stand, fall, sleep, write, go broke

My goodness, I've gone clear from Monday to Friday without updating. For shame! In truth, I've been a busy guy this week. For starters, as I think I mentioned, Sam is standing with the help of anything he can find. That means he is also falling. That means I spend most of my time following him around the house, wondering what he will use to pull himself up. Some options include the couch, a toy drum, the step stool in the kitchen, an empty coffee can, the laundry basket, and my lap*.



Also, since Eric Stevens was so late with his last job, I had to make up for his lazy ass by getting my latest job in early, specifically today. I've also sent in one spec sample for some new work-for-hire stuff (I'll have to let Eric Stevens and Deirdre Black fight it out to see who gets that job--if the samples are enjoyed, that is), and been working a bit on YA MS the Second.

NEWSFLASH! Just this morning, a new addition to my repertoire of silly nicknames: YA MS the Third! It came to me in the last couple of days, and, as I lay awake in bed this morning from 2 to 3:30, I wrote the first page or so in my head. Upon crawling out of bed at a little before 6 (thank you, Misters Sam and Goddamn Cardinal in the Lilac Bush Outside Our Bedroom Window), I typed it out, mostly as I had planned, I think, and it came to three pages. Clearly not an auspicious, mindblowing start to a new project. But it does feel right, and frankly brilliant, so although it can't get my attention right away, keep your eyes peeled for more on YA MS the Third.

And finally, the engine light. $2100 later, the light is now off. I made the guy behind the counter promise to give Sam a job when he turns sixteen so he can pay for his own college tuition. Zing!

*The video title was not my idea, but Beth's, so don't think I'm judging my wife because Sam fell. Babies fall; Sam is a baby. Ergo, not the worst mother by any measure.

Just another Friday

Nine days into the year, and I am so far right on track for the minimum five posts per week. I think I've posted every day so far, as a matter of fact. Not too shabby.

Today might have been the most productive day of the week, quite accidentally. I say it might have been, and would have been, if I had thought to bring along my laptop when I took in Beth's car for an oil change and to have the alignment checked. However, I did not think to, so I was stuck at the Harmar BN for a couple of hours. I mainly browsed the children's section, of course, but with all those YA novels in my face (many of which I worked on back at S&S, btw), it made me feel like I could spending my time much more effectively.

Well, eventually I got back home and got right to work, but I only had about 20 minutes to spare at that point. The good news I did manage to finish one Lily scene and sketch out the rest of her story completely. That means the next time I get a good two- or three-hour chunk, I could vey well finish her off. Her story, that is. Not her. She isn't real. Also I would never kill anyone. It's not in me. Well, I guess I would kill off a character, sure. I have, actually.

In other news, this weekend looks to be sort of on the busy side, with a wedding to attend for most of the day tomorrow and chores to do around the house. But we'll see if I can't finagle some writing time in there someplace.