Because of the vagaries of the local cable, there were shows we couldn't get. Other shows were premium shows that we couldn't afford at the time.
The two biggies are Soprano's and Breaking Bad.
Breaking Bad just because I didn't start at the beginning.
Soprano's because I didn't have HBO.
I've watched exactly two episodes of Soprano's. In both cases, I caught them sideways. The first I watched through a grainy screen. The other, I started watching about 1/3rd the way through.
Nonetheless, both were excellent. Better than that even. Some of the best stuff I've ever seen.
So why haven't I watched these shows now that I can get them on Netlix? I think it's just the sheer size of the catching up I'd have to do -- the commitment.
Strange that you can get a pretty good idea of what a show's thing is -- and its strengths -- just second-hand.
There's this weird thing -- if enough time passes, enough misses -- I sometimes never do watch or read a major title.
In comics, I've never read Maus. I know I should. I know I would probably like it.
I'm not at all certain why I haven't.
I held off watching There Will Be Blood until a couple of weeks ago. I loved it.
So why don't I? What is this denying myself the pleasure?
Maybe cause I like to know there is still good stuff I haven't seen? Or maybe I feel that it's a rabbit hole and that it never ends and the definition of "must watch" will just keep getting bigger and bigger?
I really don't know.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Sunday, September 29, 2013
It's an impulse, I can't help it.
When I started writing again a couple of years ago, someone asked me if I could be satisfied with just writing -- even if no one ever read my work.
The answer at the time was -- No.
But that answer was colored by my previous experience. For two reasons, it wasn't worth doing just for the creativeness of it.
1.) I had horrible work habits. I'd write and rewrite and start over and obsessively change an entire page because of a single small correction. I wore myself out.
2.) The technology sucked and it was more expensive than I could really afford.
Typewriters. Fucking typewriters.
You have no idea.
But things have changed. I've worked out more reasonable work methods. I'm much more mature about it.
And the word processing programs make things so easy.
So the answer has changed. Now I would -- I will --- write even if I knew -- know -- that no one would -- will -- read it.
I mean, it's an impulse. I can't help it.
There was a moment today when I was sitting in a chair and I was living in the world I'm creating. I mean, my mind was in both places at the same time and I was aware of it and it was a very pleasant experience.
What I'm trying to say is that it took me out of myself -- to a very nice space. The world I'm creating, but also just that zone between reality and fantasy, where everything seems possible. It's part of the soul, drawn out and savored.
Everyone probably should have some creative outlet. Something.
I was missing it and didn't even know it.
The answer at the time was -- No.
But that answer was colored by my previous experience. For two reasons, it wasn't worth doing just for the creativeness of it.
1.) I had horrible work habits. I'd write and rewrite and start over and obsessively change an entire page because of a single small correction. I wore myself out.
2.) The technology sucked and it was more expensive than I could really afford.
Typewriters. Fucking typewriters.
You have no idea.
But things have changed. I've worked out more reasonable work methods. I'm much more mature about it.
And the word processing programs make things so easy.
So the answer has changed. Now I would -- I will --- write even if I knew -- know -- that no one would -- will -- read it.
I mean, it's an impulse. I can't help it.
There was a moment today when I was sitting in a chair and I was living in the world I'm creating. I mean, my mind was in both places at the same time and I was aware of it and it was a very pleasant experience.
What I'm trying to say is that it took me out of myself -- to a very nice space. The world I'm creating, but also just that zone between reality and fantasy, where everything seems possible. It's part of the soul, drawn out and savored.
Everyone probably should have some creative outlet. Something.
I was missing it and didn't even know it.
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Hell on Wheels review.
As I said in my earlier blog, I have a love hate relationship with this show. I love me a western. The hats, the long coats, the saloons, the gunfights, etc. etc.
This could be a great show, if they just stuck to the historical facts. It's good when it does that, it's bad when it goes all soap opera-y.
The actual story was fantastic -- and these isn't any reason I can see not to tell the actual story.
In one of the first episodes they showed the crew laying down rails. And it was a bunch of empty motions. People swinging picks at nothing, carrying around stuff nowhere. Why the hell couldn't they do a minimum of showing how it was really done?
The later shows actually started to make an effort to show some of the mechanics of it, which was encouraging.
I think people would be interested in a realistic portrayal of the building of a railroad. There could be fantastic (and very relevant scenes) showing the back room finagling and political wrangling.
They could show the drama of the race -- by showing both the western and eastern RR they could show the dangerous explosions, and explore the race relations between the Chinese and whites and so on. Just a huge wealth of material.
But they settle into these little predictable formulaic stories, which is a shame.
Thing is, they do hint at the bigger things, occasionally -- so that's frustrating.
This could be a great show, if they just stuck to the historical facts. It's good when it does that, it's bad when it goes all soap opera-y.
The actual story was fantastic -- and these isn't any reason I can see not to tell the actual story.
In one of the first episodes they showed the crew laying down rails. And it was a bunch of empty motions. People swinging picks at nothing, carrying around stuff nowhere. Why the hell couldn't they do a minimum of showing how it was really done?
The later shows actually started to make an effort to show some of the mechanics of it, which was encouraging.
I think people would be interested in a realistic portrayal of the building of a railroad. There could be fantastic (and very relevant scenes) showing the back room finagling and political wrangling.
They could show the drama of the race -- by showing both the western and eastern RR they could show the dangerous explosions, and explore the race relations between the Chinese and whites and so on. Just a huge wealth of material.
But they settle into these little predictable formulaic stories, which is a shame.
Thing is, they do hint at the bigger things, occasionally -- so that's frustrating.
Sleepy Hollow review and others.
SPOILERS:
Sleepy Hollow: So the two heroes need to get to another building to get some records for some stupid reason I now forget.
Conveniently, there is a "secret" tunnel. This secret tunnel also contains the remains of the witches which are being revived by the enemy. Oh, and there happens to be a bunch of black powder in the tunnel, too.
I wonder what is going to happen...
Sheesh. At least they could try a tiny little bit.
Not going to be watching this.
In fact, I'm cutting a bunch of shows and I'm going to be very selective with the new ones.
Tried the Blacklist. Blecchh.
I'm finally giving up on CSI Vegas. Just getting worse and worse.
I'm tired of jerk anti-heroes. Gone is Ray Donovan and Low Winter Sun.
Still watching The Bridge, though we missed an important episode, dammit. (I'm just as glad The Killing was cancelled.)
Won't be watching these "superpowers" shows like The Originals. (Hey, they had a decent show in Alpha's and they canceled it.)
I will be watching SHIELD though; I enjoyed the first episode and I trust Joss Whedon.
Will watch Grimm because Linda likes it so much. I watch Castle for the same reason. Both shows are pretty mediocre. (Can't go there with Once Upon a Time with her, though.)
Will watch Good Wife because I like it so much, but if I keep watching The Mentalist, it will be to keep Linda company. I stopped watching Under the Dome, though Linda continues on. Same with Revolution, which I just can't watch anymore.
Boardwalk Empire -- it just seems like it should be a great show. So much effort is lavished on it. But somehow I can't connect. Going to keep watching for now.
I kind of have a love hate relationship with Hell on Wheels. It's gotten better, and I love me a western, but -- it goes off the rails on a regular basis.
I'm still trying to decide if I'll watch Downton Abbey this year. I know Linda will.
For some reason, I really enjoy Person of Interest. And Elementary.
Homeland. Will be watching that. And will watch Walking Dead, for sure.
I think that's about it.
YES: Walking Dead, Homeland, Elementary, The Good Wife, Person of Interest, The Bridge, Shield.
ON THE BUBBLE: Hell on Wheels, Castle, Grimm, Downton Abbey, Mentalist. (These shows I will probably watch to keep Linda company.)
Boardwalk Empire: (Linda might watch to keep me company.)
DROPPED: Revolution, Under the Dome, Ray Donovan, Low Winter Sun, Once Upon a Time, CSI Vegas.
NOT GOING TO START: The Originals, Sleepy Hollow, Blacklist, Hostage.
Sleepy Hollow: So the two heroes need to get to another building to get some records for some stupid reason I now forget.
Conveniently, there is a "secret" tunnel. This secret tunnel also contains the remains of the witches which are being revived by the enemy. Oh, and there happens to be a bunch of black powder in the tunnel, too.
I wonder what is going to happen...
Sheesh. At least they could try a tiny little bit.
Not going to be watching this.
In fact, I'm cutting a bunch of shows and I'm going to be very selective with the new ones.
Tried the Blacklist. Blecchh.
I'm finally giving up on CSI Vegas. Just getting worse and worse.
I'm tired of jerk anti-heroes. Gone is Ray Donovan and Low Winter Sun.
Still watching The Bridge, though we missed an important episode, dammit. (I'm just as glad The Killing was cancelled.)
Won't be watching these "superpowers" shows like The Originals. (Hey, they had a decent show in Alpha's and they canceled it.)
I will be watching SHIELD though; I enjoyed the first episode and I trust Joss Whedon.
Will watch Grimm because Linda likes it so much. I watch Castle for the same reason. Both shows are pretty mediocre. (Can't go there with Once Upon a Time with her, though.)
Will watch Good Wife because I like it so much, but if I keep watching The Mentalist, it will be to keep Linda company. I stopped watching Under the Dome, though Linda continues on. Same with Revolution, which I just can't watch anymore.
Boardwalk Empire -- it just seems like it should be a great show. So much effort is lavished on it. But somehow I can't connect. Going to keep watching for now.
I kind of have a love hate relationship with Hell on Wheels. It's gotten better, and I love me a western, but -- it goes off the rails on a regular basis.
I'm still trying to decide if I'll watch Downton Abbey this year. I know Linda will.
For some reason, I really enjoy Person of Interest. And Elementary.
Homeland. Will be watching that. And will watch Walking Dead, for sure.
I think that's about it.
YES: Walking Dead, Homeland, Elementary, The Good Wife, Person of Interest, The Bridge, Shield.
ON THE BUBBLE: Hell on Wheels, Castle, Grimm, Downton Abbey, Mentalist. (These shows I will probably watch to keep Linda company.)
Boardwalk Empire: (Linda might watch to keep me company.)
DROPPED: Revolution, Under the Dome, Ray Donovan, Low Winter Sun, Once Upon a Time, CSI Vegas.
NOT GOING TO START: The Originals, Sleepy Hollow, Blacklist, Hostage.
Friday, September 27, 2013
Grumpy Old Man Syndrome versus Cool Old Guy.
Interesting article in the Bulletin about "grumpy old man syndrome."
I probably spent the first half of my fifties feeling that way.
Then I gave it up.
I gave up trying to control the behavior of my customers. I transitioned from being a front man at the counter to letting the younger guys do most of that. Which gave me enough time away to start getting more of a sense of proportion. I got more financially secure, which was a pretty big deal. I took on writing as a hobby, which gave me something else to focus on. I don't drink hardly at all, as drinking tends to make me not sleep as well and makes me irritable. I find myself being irritable much less often, and angry hardly at all.
It really helps, I think, to be around young people all the time. While I bemoan the fact that they don't seem to read, I also remember that most people have never read. Meanwhile though, most of how I feel is summed up in the phrase: "The Kids Are All Right." I mean, they really are. They really haven't changed all that much over the last 30 years, frankly.
I think working at the store, even if less often, is good for me. I shrug at competition now -- I'd much rather cooperate with them. I don't go after after every opportunity or fight for every dime. I set policies I feel are correct and then stick to them.
Physically, I kind of quit dieting all the time, which is what I had to do to stay at what I considered the proper weight. Thing is, I don't look any different at 15 pounds heavier. I look almost the same. Sure, I could wish my beard and hair were less white, but oh well.
The financial security is the biggest thing. I feel like I can relax slightly and things won't fall apart.
I announced about six months ago on Facebook that I wasn't going to be "grumpy old man" anymore. I was going to be "cool old guy." I don't mean life of the party, I mean secure in myself enough to be nice to others.
It's a worthy goal.
I probably spent the first half of my fifties feeling that way.
Then I gave it up.
I gave up trying to control the behavior of my customers. I transitioned from being a front man at the counter to letting the younger guys do most of that. Which gave me enough time away to start getting more of a sense of proportion. I got more financially secure, which was a pretty big deal. I took on writing as a hobby, which gave me something else to focus on. I don't drink hardly at all, as drinking tends to make me not sleep as well and makes me irritable. I find myself being irritable much less often, and angry hardly at all.
It really helps, I think, to be around young people all the time. While I bemoan the fact that they don't seem to read, I also remember that most people have never read. Meanwhile though, most of how I feel is summed up in the phrase: "The Kids Are All Right." I mean, they really are. They really haven't changed all that much over the last 30 years, frankly.
I think working at the store, even if less often, is good for me. I shrug at competition now -- I'd much rather cooperate with them. I don't go after after every opportunity or fight for every dime. I set policies I feel are correct and then stick to them.
Physically, I kind of quit dieting all the time, which is what I had to do to stay at what I considered the proper weight. Thing is, I don't look any different at 15 pounds heavier. I look almost the same. Sure, I could wish my beard and hair were less white, but oh well.
The financial security is the biggest thing. I feel like I can relax slightly and things won't fall apart.
I announced about six months ago on Facebook that I wasn't going to be "grumpy old man" anymore. I was going to be "cool old guy." I don't mean life of the party, I mean secure in myself enough to be nice to others.
It's a worthy goal.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Downtown Comings and Goings. 9/26/13.
Foot Zone has a spin off store called Outside In, which has its own storefront, so it qualifies as a 'Coming' business.
Edman's Furniture is closed. With furniture stores it's wiser to wait until you actually see the empty space and the lease signs...
NEW BUSINESSES DOWNTOWN
Outside In, Wall St., 9/26/13.
Bishop's Barbershop, Oregon Ave., 7/24/13
Oregon Store, Wall/Franklin, 7/24/13
Supervillain Sandwiches, Bond St., 7/24/13
Taste Oregon, Bond St., 7/24/13
Wild Rose, 5/2/13.
Bluebird Coffee Company, Franklin, 3/29/13.
Pure Kitchen, Franklin (Bond), 3/29/13
Jeff Murray Photography, Minnesota Ave., 3/29/13
Luvs Donuts, Minnesota Ave. 3/29/13
Hub Cyclery, Wall St. 3/29/13
Ju-bee-lee, Wall. St. 3/29/13.
Sweet Saigon, Wall St., 1/20/13.
Brickhouse, Oregon Ave., 1/20/13.
The Drake, Wall St. , 1/20/13
541 Threads, Minnesota Ave., 10/13/12.
O Mo Mo! Bond Street, 10/3/12.
Crow's Feet Commons, Brooks Street, 9/21/12.
The Cozy Lamb, Minnesota Ave., 9/14/12.
Noi, Bond Street, 9/14/12.
Azillian Beads, Franklin Ave., 9/6/12.
Earth*Fire*Art, Oregon Av., 7/10/12.
Pastrami Deli, Franklin Av., 7/10/12.
Bend Your Imagination, Minnesota Av., 7/10/12.
Paul Scott Gallery), Brooks St., 7/10/12
Natural Edge Furniture, Bond St., 5/10/12
Hola!, Bond St., 3/3/12.
Amanda's, Franklin Ave., 2/24/12
Barrio, Minnesota Ave., 2/12/12.
Rescue Moderne, Harriman, 1/12/12.
Letzer's Deli, Franklin Ave. 2/12/12.
Navidi, Minnesota Ave., 2/9/12.
Mazza, Brooks St. , 2/9/12.
La Magie Bakery, Bond St., 1/6/12
Brother Jon's Ale House, Bond St., 12/10/11.
What Lola Wants, Wall St. , 12/2/11.
Jackalope Grill, 10/12/11.
Gypsy Soul, Wall St. 10/12/11.
Colour N' the City, Tin Pan Alley, 10/12/11.
Lotus Moon, Brooks St., 10/12/11.
The Lobby, Bond St. , 10/12/11.
Ruby, Minnesota Ave., 10, 12/11.
Kariella, Lava Road, 8/24, 11.
Plankers, Wall St., 7/11.
Faveur, Franklin, 7/11.
Dream Pebbles, Minnesota Ave., 6/15/11.
Bend Yogurt Factory, Franklin/Bond, 4/26/11.
High Desert Lotus, Bond St. , 4/4/11.
Tryst, Franklin Ave., 3/11/11. (Formerly Maryjanes, **Moved**).
D'Vine, Wall St. , 2/9/11.
Let it Ride!, Bond St., 1/29/11.
Gatsby's Brasserie Bar, Minnesota Ave., 1/8/11
Tres Jolie, Wall St., 12/20/10.
Caldera Grill, Bond St., 12/7/10
Bond Street Grill, 12/7/10.
Perspective(s), Minnesota Ave., 11/20/10
Toth Art Collective, Bond St. 11/20/10
Boken, Breezeway, 11/20/10
Dalia and Emilia, Wall St., 10/3/10.
Antiquarian Books, Bond St., 10/3/10.
Giddyup, Minnesota Ave., 10/3/10.
The Closet, Minnesota Ave., 8/11/10.
Showcase Hats, Oregon Ave., 8/11/10,
Red Chair Art Gallery, Oregon Ave. 7/13/10.
Earth Sense Herbs, Penny's Galleria, 7/12/10.
Mad Happy Lounge, Brooks St., 6/2910
Common Table, Oregon Ave. , 6/29/10.
Looney Bean Coffee, Brooks St. , 6/29/10.
Bourbon Street, Minnesota Ave., 6/22/10
Feather's Edge, Minnesota Ave., 6/22/10
The BLVD., Wall St. , 6/13/10.
Volt, Minnesota Ave. 6/1/10.
Tart, Minnesota Ave. , 5/13/10
Olivia Hunter, Wall St. 4/5/10.
Tres Chic, 4/5/10 (Moved to Minnesota Av.)
Blue Star Salon, Wall St. 4/1/10.
Lululemon, Bond St. 3/31/10.
Diana's Jewel Box, Minnesota Ave., 3/25/10.
Amalia's, Wall St. (Ciao Mambo space), 3/12/10
River Bend Fine Art, Bond St. (Kebanu space) 2/23/10
Federal Express, Oregon Ave. 2/1/10
***10 Below, Minnesota Ave. 1/10/10
Tew Boots Gallery, Bond St. 1/8/10.
Top Leaf Mate, 12/10/09
Laughing Girls Studio, Minnesota Ave. 12/7/09
Lemon Drop, 5 Minnesota Ave., 11/12/09
The Curiosity Shoppe, 25 N.W. Minnesota Ave, Suite #7. 11/5/09
Wabi Sabi 11/4/09 (**Moved, Wall St.**)
Frugal Boutique 11/4/09
5 Spice 10/22/09
Cowgirls Cash 10/17/09
***Haven Home 10/17/09
Dog Patch 10/17/09
The Good Drop 10/12/09
Lola's 9/23/09
**Volcano Wines 9/15/09
Singing Sparrow Flowers 8/16/09
Northwest Home Interiors 8/5/09
High Desert Frameworks 7/23/09 (*Moved to Oregon Ave. 4/5/10.)
Wall Street Gifts 7/--/09
Ina Louise 7/14/09
Bend Home Hardware (Homestyle Hardware?) 7/1/09
Altera Real Estate 6/9/09
Honey 6/7/09
Azura Studio 6/7/09
Mary Jane's 6/1/09
c.c.McKenzie 6/1/09
Velvet 5/28/09
Bella Moda 3/25/09
High Desert Gallery (Bend) 3/25/09
Joolz
Zydeco
900 Wall
Great Outdoor Store
Luxe Home Interiors
Powell's Candy
Dudley's Used Books and Coffee
Goldsmith
Game Domain
Subway Sandwiches
Bend Burger Company
Showcase Hats
Pita Pit
Happy Nails
(List begun, Fall, 2008.)
BUSINESSES LEAVING
Edman Furniture, Wall St., 9/26/13.
At the Beach, Wall ST., 9/18/13.
New York City Sub, Bond St. 3/29/13
Soba Asian Bistro, Bond St., 3/29/13
Volt Lighting, Wall St. 3/29/13.
Topolino, Wall Street, 1/20/13.
Cozy Lamb, Minnesota Ave., 1/20/13 (moved inside, Bond St.)
Amalia's, Wall Street, 1/5/13.
El Jimador, Wall Street, 9/1412.
The Closet, Minnesota Ave., 9/1/12
Common Table, Oregon Ave., 8/11/12.
Honey Threads, Minnesota Ave., 8/11/12.
Bella Moda, Wall St., 8/11/12.
Giddy Up, Minnesota Ave., 5/10/12
Pottery Lounge, Oregon Ave., 5/17/12.
Boondocks, Newport Ave., 3/27/12
Game Domain, Oregon Ave., 3/27/12.
Toth Gallery, Bond St., 3/27/12.
Letzer's Deli, Franklin Ave., 3/22/12.
Clutch, Minnesota Ave., 3/22/12. (Moving to Tres Jolie).
High Desert Gallery, Minnesota Ave., 3/22/12.
Tart, Bond St., 3/3/12.
El Caporal West, Franklin Ave., 2/24/12
Bo Restobar, Franklin Ave., 2/9/12.
The Lobby, Bond St. , 2/9/12.
Arts Central, Brooks St., 2/7/12.
Typhoon!, Bond St., 2/5/12.
Gatsby's, Minnesota Ave., 2/5/12
The Dog Patch, Minnesota Av. 1/9/12.
Bend Mapping, Bond St., 1/9/12.
Lotus Moon, Brooks St. 1/9/12 (Moving into Tres Jolie)
Bond Street Grill, Bond St., 11/20/12.
Mad Happy Lounge, Brooks St., 10/11.
Azu, Wall St., 10/25/11.
Showcase Hats, Oregon Av., 10/11.
Bourbon St., Minnesota Ave. 10/12/11.
Curiosity Shop, Minnesota Ave., 7/11
Luluemon, Bond St., 8/26, 11.
Shear Illusions, Franklin Ave., 7/11.
Crepe Place, Wall St., 7/11.
Pita Pit, Brooks St. , 6/28/11
Smith and Wade Salon, Minnesota, Av. , 6/3/11.
Perspectives, Minnesota Av., 6/1/11
River Bend Art Gallery, Bond St., 5/5/11.
Donner's Flowers, Wall St. 3/11/11. (**Moved out of downtown**)
Maryjanes, Wall St. , 3/11/11. (new name, Tryst, moved to Franklin.).
Di Lusso, Franklin/Bond, 2/9/11.
Earth Sense Herbs, Penny's Galleria, 1/2/11
Marz Bistro, Minnesota Av., 12/20/10.
The Decoy, Bond St., 12/7/10.
Giuseppe's, Bond St., 12/1/10.
Ina Louise, Minnesota Ave., 11/3/10.
Laughing Girl Studios, 10/21/10
Dolce Vita, Bond St, 10/21/10
Diana's Jewell Box, Minnesota Ave., 10/15/10.
Lola's, Breezeway, 10/8/10.
Oxygen Tattoo, Bond St., 10/3/10.
Great Outdoor Clothing, Wall St., 10/3/10.
Volcano Vineyards, Minnesota Ave., 10/3/10.
Subway Sandwiches, Bond St. 9/2/10.
Old Bend Distillery, Brooks St., 6/19/10.
Staccato, Minnesota Ave. 6/18/10.
Showcase Hats, Minnesota Ave., 6/1/10 (Moved to Oregon Ave., 8/10/11.)
Cork, Oregon Ave., 5/27/10.
Wall Street Gifts, 5/26/10
Microsphere, Wall St. , 5/17/10.
Singing Sparrow, Franklin and Bond, 5/15/10
28, Minnesota Ave. and Bond, 5/13/10.
Glass Symphony, Wall St., 3/25/10
Bend Home Hardware, Minnesota Ave, 2/25/10
Ciao Mambo, Wall St. 2/4/10
***Angel Kisses 1/25/10 (Have moved to 'Honey.')
Ivy Rose Manor 8/20/09
***Downtowner 8/18/09 (moving into the Summit location)
Chocolate e Gateaux 8/16/09
Finders Keepers 8/15/09
Colourstone 7/25/09
Periwinkle 6/--/09
***Tangerine 7/21/09 (Got word, they are moving across the street.)
Micheal Cassidy Gallery 6/15/09
St. Claire Coffee 6/15/09
Luxe Home Interiors 6/4/09
Treefort 5/8/09
Blue 5/2/09
***Volcano Tasting Room 4/28/09** Moved to Minnesota Ave.
Habit 4/16/09
Mountain Comfort 4/14/09
Tetherow Property 4/11/09
Blue Moon Marketplace 3/25/09
Plenty 3/25/09
Downtown Doggie 3/25/09
***King of Sole (became Mary Janes)**
Santee Alley
Bistro Corlise
Made in Hawaii
EnVogue
Stewart Weinmann (leather)
Kebanu Gallery
Pella Doors and Windows
Olive company
Pink Frog
Little Italy
Deep
Merenda's
Volo
***Pomegranate (downtown branch)**
Norwalk
Pronghorn Real Estate office.
Speedshop Deli
Paper Place
Bluefish Bistro
(List begun, Fall, 2008 )
Edman's Furniture is closed. With furniture stores it's wiser to wait until you actually see the empty space and the lease signs...
NEW BUSINESSES DOWNTOWN
Outside In, Wall St., 9/26/13.
Bishop's Barbershop, Oregon Ave., 7/24/13
Oregon Store, Wall/Franklin, 7/24/13
Supervillain Sandwiches, Bond St., 7/24/13
Taste Oregon, Bond St., 7/24/13
Wild Rose, 5/2/13.
Bluebird Coffee Company, Franklin, 3/29/13.
Pure Kitchen, Franklin (Bond), 3/29/13
Jeff Murray Photography, Minnesota Ave., 3/29/13
Luvs Donuts, Minnesota Ave. 3/29/13
Hub Cyclery, Wall St. 3/29/13
Ju-bee-lee, Wall. St. 3/29/13.
Sweet Saigon, Wall St., 1/20/13.
Brickhouse, Oregon Ave., 1/20/13.
The Drake, Wall St. , 1/20/13
541 Threads, Minnesota Ave., 10/13/12.
O Mo Mo! Bond Street, 10/3/12.
Crow's Feet Commons, Brooks Street, 9/21/12.
The Cozy Lamb, Minnesota Ave., 9/14/12.
Noi, Bond Street, 9/14/12.
Azillian Beads, Franklin Ave., 9/6/12.
Earth*Fire*Art, Oregon Av., 7/10/12.
Pastrami Deli, Franklin Av., 7/10/12.
Bend Your Imagination, Minnesota Av., 7/10/12.
Paul Scott Gallery), Brooks St., 7/10/12
Natural Edge Furniture, Bond St., 5/10/12
Hola!, Bond St., 3/3/12.
Amanda's, Franklin Ave., 2/24/12
Barrio, Minnesota Ave., 2/12/12.
Rescue Moderne, Harriman, 1/12/12.
Letzer's Deli, Franklin Ave. 2/12/12.
Navidi, Minnesota Ave., 2/9/12.
Mazza, Brooks St. , 2/9/12.
La Magie Bakery, Bond St., 1/6/12
Brother Jon's Ale House, Bond St., 12/10/11.
What Lola Wants, Wall St. , 12/2/11.
Jackalope Grill, 10/12/11.
Gypsy Soul, Wall St. 10/12/11.
Colour N' the City, Tin Pan Alley, 10/12/11.
Lotus Moon, Brooks St., 10/12/11.
The Lobby, Bond St. , 10/12/11.
Ruby, Minnesota Ave., 10, 12/11.
Kariella, Lava Road, 8/24, 11.
Plankers, Wall St., 7/11.
Faveur, Franklin, 7/11.
Dream Pebbles, Minnesota Ave., 6/15/11.
Bend Yogurt Factory, Franklin/Bond, 4/26/11.
High Desert Lotus, Bond St. , 4/4/11.
Tryst, Franklin Ave., 3/11/11. (Formerly Maryjanes, **Moved**).
D'Vine, Wall St. , 2/9/11.
Let it Ride!, Bond St., 1/29/11.
Gatsby's Brasserie Bar, Minnesota Ave., 1/8/11
Tres Jolie, Wall St., 12/20/10.
Caldera Grill, Bond St., 12/7/10
Bond Street Grill, 12/7/10.
Perspective(s), Minnesota Ave., 11/20/10
Toth Art Collective, Bond St. 11/20/10
Boken, Breezeway, 11/20/10
Dalia and Emilia, Wall St., 10/3/10.
Antiquarian Books, Bond St., 10/3/10.
Giddyup, Minnesota Ave., 10/3/10.
The Closet, Minnesota Ave., 8/11/10.
Showcase Hats, Oregon Ave., 8/11/10,
Red Chair Art Gallery, Oregon Ave. 7/13/10.
Earth Sense Herbs, Penny's Galleria, 7/12/10.
Mad Happy Lounge, Brooks St., 6/2910
Common Table, Oregon Ave. , 6/29/10.
Looney Bean Coffee, Brooks St. , 6/29/10.
Bourbon Street, Minnesota Ave., 6/22/10
Feather's Edge, Minnesota Ave., 6/22/10
The BLVD., Wall St. , 6/13/10.
Volt, Minnesota Ave. 6/1/10.
Tart, Minnesota Ave. , 5/13/10
Olivia Hunter, Wall St. 4/5/10.
Tres Chic, 4/5/10 (Moved to Minnesota Av.)
Blue Star Salon, Wall St. 4/1/10.
Lululemon, Bond St. 3/31/10.
Diana's Jewel Box, Minnesota Ave., 3/25/10.
Amalia's, Wall St. (Ciao Mambo space), 3/12/10
River Bend Fine Art, Bond St. (Kebanu space) 2/23/10
Federal Express, Oregon Ave. 2/1/10
***10 Below, Minnesota Ave. 1/10/10
Tew Boots Gallery, Bond St. 1/8/10.
Top Leaf Mate, 12/10/09
Laughing Girls Studio, Minnesota Ave. 12/7/09
Lemon Drop, 5 Minnesota Ave., 11/12/09
The Curiosity Shoppe, 25 N.W. Minnesota Ave, Suite #7. 11/5/09
Wabi Sabi 11/4/09 (**Moved, Wall St.**)
Frugal Boutique 11/4/09
5 Spice 10/22/09
Cowgirls Cash 10/17/09
***Haven Home 10/17/09
Dog Patch 10/17/09
The Good Drop 10/12/09
Lola's 9/23/09
**Volcano Wines 9/15/09
Singing Sparrow Flowers 8/16/09
Northwest Home Interiors 8/5/09
High Desert Frameworks 7/23/09 (*Moved to Oregon Ave. 4/5/10.)
Wall Street Gifts 7/--/09
Ina Louise 7/14/09
Bend Home Hardware (Homestyle Hardware?) 7/1/09
Altera Real Estate 6/9/09
Honey 6/7/09
Azura Studio 6/7/09
Mary Jane's 6/1/09
c.c.McKenzie 6/1/09
Velvet 5/28/09
Bella Moda 3/25/09
High Desert Gallery (Bend) 3/25/09
Joolz
Zydeco
900 Wall
Great Outdoor Store
Luxe Home Interiors
Powell's Candy
Dudley's Used Books and Coffee
Goldsmith
Game Domain
Subway Sandwiches
Bend Burger Company
Showcase Hats
Pita Pit
Happy Nails
(List begun, Fall, 2008.)
BUSINESSES LEAVING
Edman Furniture, Wall St., 9/26/13.
At the Beach, Wall ST., 9/18/13.
New York City Sub, Bond St. 3/29/13
Soba Asian Bistro, Bond St., 3/29/13
Volt Lighting, Wall St. 3/29/13.
Topolino, Wall Street, 1/20/13.
Cozy Lamb, Minnesota Ave., 1/20/13 (moved inside, Bond St.)
Amalia's, Wall Street, 1/5/13.
El Jimador, Wall Street, 9/1412.
The Closet, Minnesota Ave., 9/1/12
Common Table, Oregon Ave., 8/11/12.
Honey Threads, Minnesota Ave., 8/11/12.
Bella Moda, Wall St., 8/11/12.
Giddy Up, Minnesota Ave., 5/10/12
Pottery Lounge, Oregon Ave., 5/17/12.
Boondocks, Newport Ave., 3/27/12
Game Domain, Oregon Ave., 3/27/12.
Toth Gallery, Bond St., 3/27/12.
Letzer's Deli, Franklin Ave., 3/22/12.
Clutch, Minnesota Ave., 3/22/12. (Moving to Tres Jolie).
High Desert Gallery, Minnesota Ave., 3/22/12.
Tart, Bond St., 3/3/12.
El Caporal West, Franklin Ave., 2/24/12
Bo Restobar, Franklin Ave., 2/9/12.
The Lobby, Bond St. , 2/9/12.
Arts Central, Brooks St., 2/7/12.
Typhoon!, Bond St., 2/5/12.
Gatsby's, Minnesota Ave., 2/5/12
The Dog Patch, Minnesota Av. 1/9/12.
Bend Mapping, Bond St., 1/9/12.
Lotus Moon, Brooks St. 1/9/12 (Moving into Tres Jolie)
Bond Street Grill, Bond St., 11/20/12.
Mad Happy Lounge, Brooks St., 10/11.
Azu, Wall St., 10/25/11.
Showcase Hats, Oregon Av., 10/11.
Bourbon St., Minnesota Ave. 10/12/11.
Curiosity Shop, Minnesota Ave., 7/11
Luluemon, Bond St., 8/26, 11.
Shear Illusions, Franklin Ave., 7/11.
Crepe Place, Wall St., 7/11.
Pita Pit, Brooks St. , 6/28/11
Smith and Wade Salon, Minnesota, Av. , 6/3/11.
Perspectives, Minnesota Av., 6/1/11
River Bend Art Gallery, Bond St., 5/5/11.
Donner's Flowers, Wall St. 3/11/11. (**Moved out of downtown**)
Maryjanes, Wall St. , 3/11/11. (new name, Tryst, moved to Franklin.).
Di Lusso, Franklin/Bond, 2/9/11.
Earth Sense Herbs, Penny's Galleria, 1/2/11
Marz Bistro, Minnesota Av., 12/20/10.
The Decoy, Bond St., 12/7/10.
Giuseppe's, Bond St., 12/1/10.
Ina Louise, Minnesota Ave., 11/3/10.
Laughing Girl Studios, 10/21/10
Dolce Vita, Bond St, 10/21/10
Diana's Jewell Box, Minnesota Ave., 10/15/10.
Lola's, Breezeway, 10/8/10.
Oxygen Tattoo, Bond St., 10/3/10.
Great Outdoor Clothing, Wall St., 10/3/10.
Volcano Vineyards, Minnesota Ave., 10/3/10.
Subway Sandwiches, Bond St. 9/2/10.
Old Bend Distillery, Brooks St., 6/19/10.
Staccato, Minnesota Ave. 6/18/10.
Showcase Hats, Minnesota Ave., 6/1/10 (Moved to Oregon Ave., 8/10/11.)
Cork, Oregon Ave., 5/27/10.
Wall Street Gifts, 5/26/10
Microsphere, Wall St. , 5/17/10.
Singing Sparrow, Franklin and Bond, 5/15/10
28, Minnesota Ave. and Bond, 5/13/10.
Glass Symphony, Wall St., 3/25/10
Bend Home Hardware, Minnesota Ave, 2/25/10
Ciao Mambo, Wall St. 2/4/10
***Angel Kisses 1/25/10 (Have moved to 'Honey.')
Ivy Rose Manor 8/20/09
***Downtowner 8/18/09 (moving into the Summit location)
Chocolate e Gateaux 8/16/09
Finders Keepers 8/15/09
Colourstone 7/25/09
Periwinkle 6/--/09
***Tangerine 7/21/09 (Got word, they are moving across the street.)
Micheal Cassidy Gallery 6/15/09
St. Claire Coffee 6/15/09
Luxe Home Interiors 6/4/09
Treefort 5/8/09
Blue 5/2/09
***Volcano Tasting Room 4/28/09** Moved to Minnesota Ave.
Habit 4/16/09
Mountain Comfort 4/14/09
Tetherow Property 4/11/09
Blue Moon Marketplace 3/25/09
Plenty 3/25/09
Downtown Doggie 3/25/09
***King of Sole (became Mary Janes)**
Santee Alley
Bistro Corlise
Made in Hawaii
EnVogue
Stewart Weinmann (leather)
Kebanu Gallery
Pella Doors and Windows
Olive company
Pink Frog
Little Italy
Deep
Merenda's
Volo
***Pomegranate (downtown branch)**
Norwalk
Pronghorn Real Estate office.
Speedshop Deli
Paper Place
Bluefish Bistro
(List begun, Fall, 2008 )
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
What's wrong with malls?
It's cold and rainy and going to get more so.
A trip to the mall is in order. Oh, wait. There aren't any malls. There are Big Box lifestyle centers.
Why aren't there any malls?
Beats me.
Goodbye Sears.
A little history. In 1980, two big malls opened in Bend. Downtown Bend hollowed out. The malls never quite filled up, but did all right for awhile. But I think they made too many bubble deals, then got too expensive, then sold out and so on and so on.
Mt.View Mall was torn down, replaced by Cascade Village. Bend River Mall became -- whatever that is.
I'm pretty sure that it is retail fadism -- every 20 or 30 years the entire industry decides that something is out of style and needs to be replaced.
I've never really shopped at Cascade Center -- and if I did, it would be a destination trip to a particular store and not a browsing trip.
I'm a little skeptical of people who say "I never shop there!" I certainly hear that a lot about downtown Bend. Part of the reason it doesn't wash is the -- "Hey, if I don't do it no one else does" fallacy. And the other is it's a little bit of Yogi Berra's "No one goes there anymore. It's too crowded."
I had a store in the Mountain View Mall for a number of years -- other than the fact that it was a flimsy structure that probably would have fallen apart if it hadn't been torn down, there was nothing wrong with the concept of the mall.
It was mismanaged -- in so many ways. I watched it decline. I saw what precipitated the decline, and most of the wounds were self-inflicted.
I sold out, because I could see what was coming. The day came when I started going from store to store asking what they thought we should do about the decline -- and I got blank looks, and arguments, and finally a withering -- "What's wrong with you. We're having our best year ever! Go take care of your own store!" To which, I went back to our store and said to Linda: "You're right. Let's get out of here."
(My particular talent seems to be getting in early, and then seeing when it's over.)
The Bend River Mall was also mismanaged. Too expensive, then too cheap, then too many deals, then too expensive again. Just never settled on a 'reasonable' rent.
I think they tried to have their cake and eat it to, and it just didn't work. They are neither a Big Box lifestyle center, nor a mall, but the worst of both.
I still think a mall in Bend would have worked, if they'd been reasonable and hadn't driven out stores that wanted to be there.
Whatever. Can't feel sorry for them.
A trip to the mall is in order. Oh, wait. There aren't any malls. There are Big Box lifestyle centers.
Why aren't there any malls?
Beats me.
Goodbye Sears.
A little history. In 1980, two big malls opened in Bend. Downtown Bend hollowed out. The malls never quite filled up, but did all right for awhile. But I think they made too many bubble deals, then got too expensive, then sold out and so on and so on.
Mt.View Mall was torn down, replaced by Cascade Village. Bend River Mall became -- whatever that is.
I'm pretty sure that it is retail fadism -- every 20 or 30 years the entire industry decides that something is out of style and needs to be replaced.
I've never really shopped at Cascade Center -- and if I did, it would be a destination trip to a particular store and not a browsing trip.
I'm a little skeptical of people who say "I never shop there!" I certainly hear that a lot about downtown Bend. Part of the reason it doesn't wash is the -- "Hey, if I don't do it no one else does" fallacy. And the other is it's a little bit of Yogi Berra's "No one goes there anymore. It's too crowded."
I had a store in the Mountain View Mall for a number of years -- other than the fact that it was a flimsy structure that probably would have fallen apart if it hadn't been torn down, there was nothing wrong with the concept of the mall.
It was mismanaged -- in so many ways. I watched it decline. I saw what precipitated the decline, and most of the wounds were self-inflicted.
I sold out, because I could see what was coming. The day came when I started going from store to store asking what they thought we should do about the decline -- and I got blank looks, and arguments, and finally a withering -- "What's wrong with you. We're having our best year ever! Go take care of your own store!" To which, I went back to our store and said to Linda: "You're right. Let's get out of here."
(My particular talent seems to be getting in early, and then seeing when it's over.)
The Bend River Mall was also mismanaged. Too expensive, then too cheap, then too many deals, then too expensive again. Just never settled on a 'reasonable' rent.
I think they tried to have their cake and eat it to, and it just didn't work. They are neither a Big Box lifestyle center, nor a mall, but the worst of both.
I still think a mall in Bend would have worked, if they'd been reasonable and hadn't driven out stores that wanted to be there.
Whatever. Can't feel sorry for them.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
It only took me 30 years to be solvent.
I've pretty much gone through 9 months of the year without making any significant purchasing mistakes.
This is the first year -- ever, actually -- but the first year since the Great Recession started when I wasn't having to either create or increase a new product line.
Since 2007, the recession brought about the demise of a sport card shop, a game store, and a downtown bookstore, and in all three cases I either built new product lines or rapidly increased them in response. This while the sales in the store were dropping.
It was the right move. Without games and books, my sales would have dropped too much to handle. As it is, they have kept us above water.
I more or less ran out of room a year or so ago -- just that, no space to put anything else in my store no matter how creative I was -- and decided to maintain my inventory level for one year to see what would happen. My main goal was to pay taxes without drawing upon retirement savings -- something I've rarely managed; and to pay down on my credit cards. So far it looks like I'll manage to pay taxes about 2/3rds and to draw down credit cards balances by about 20%.
This while drawing normal wages and retirement and having quite a bit of time off to write.
In the past, I was always looking for a big surge of income through increased sales, but would always end up overextending.
This is a much more mature, if not quite as satisfying, way to go about business. At this rate, it will probably take several more years to pay off the credit cards and pay off my taxes fully in the same year without having to draw on reserves.
One year under my belt, another few to get there.
It only took me 30 years to be solvent.
This is the first year -- ever, actually -- but the first year since the Great Recession started when I wasn't having to either create or increase a new product line.
Since 2007, the recession brought about the demise of a sport card shop, a game store, and a downtown bookstore, and in all three cases I either built new product lines or rapidly increased them in response. This while the sales in the store were dropping.
It was the right move. Without games and books, my sales would have dropped too much to handle. As it is, they have kept us above water.
I more or less ran out of room a year or so ago -- just that, no space to put anything else in my store no matter how creative I was -- and decided to maintain my inventory level for one year to see what would happen. My main goal was to pay taxes without drawing upon retirement savings -- something I've rarely managed; and to pay down on my credit cards. So far it looks like I'll manage to pay taxes about 2/3rds and to draw down credit cards balances by about 20%.
This while drawing normal wages and retirement and having quite a bit of time off to write.
In the past, I was always looking for a big surge of income through increased sales, but would always end up overextending.
This is a much more mature, if not quite as satisfying, way to go about business. At this rate, it will probably take several more years to pay off the credit cards and pay off my taxes fully in the same year without having to draw on reserves.
One year under my belt, another few to get there.
It only took me 30 years to be solvent.
Monday, September 23, 2013
Poverty with a View et al.
Income statistics not looking too good for Central Oregon, according the the front page article in the Bulletin this morning.
Average household earned $5088 less in 2012 than they did in 2009.
But households earning more than $100,000 stayed the same, so all that loss was below them.
The number of households earning less than $25,000 increased by 33%. I repeat, by 33%.
Those without health insurance increased by 8.3% while statewide the percentage decreased by 10.4%.
Just read those statistics again. Take them in.
Pretty awful for Central Oregon especially when compared to the rest of the state.
Average household earned $5088 less in 2012 than they did in 2009.
But households earning more than $100,000 stayed the same, so all that loss was below them.
The number of households earning less than $25,000 increased by 33%. I repeat, by 33%.
Those without health insurance increased by 8.3% while statewide the percentage decreased by 10.4%.
Just read those statistics again. Take them in.
Pretty awful for Central Oregon especially when compared to the rest of the state.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
What's wrong with retro?
To continue on with that train of thought.
What's wrong with retro?
I don't mean ironic retro, I mean proud retro.
I realized after the fact that what I always loved about S.F. when I was a kid was the adventure and imagination.
I mean, I like "Ideas" as much as the next guy, but what I really want is story.
Much as a couple of decades ago I stopped reading standard medieval type fantasy because it was all the same, I'm now getting tired of current S.F. because of its pretentious profunditry (not a word, but should be).
Save me from your philosophy and politics! Tell me a damn story.
My favorite S.F. were writers like Jack Vance and Roger Zelazny. In as much as liked Asimov and Heinlein, it was because they were fun reads, not because of the ideas.
I read to enjoy myself.
Current S.F. writers like Ian Banks and Lois McMasters Bujold who tell rollicking galaxy leaping stories, I still like.
I can't stomach William Gibson anymore. I can't read David Brin and Orson Scott Card and Frank Herbert past the first few books. Quit shoving your political philosophy down my throat. And other modern S.F. writers who exude an elitist, "we're better than you because we are scientists," I can't read you either.
I understand there is an appetite for these hard core S.F. books. I understand that there is a tendency to be "pure."
But the minute you start making a big deal over the difference between S.F. and Sci-fi, you lose me.
What's wrong with retro?
I don't mean ironic retro, I mean proud retro.
I realized after the fact that what I always loved about S.F. when I was a kid was the adventure and imagination.
I mean, I like "Ideas" as much as the next guy, but what I really want is story.
Much as a couple of decades ago I stopped reading standard medieval type fantasy because it was all the same, I'm now getting tired of current S.F. because of its pretentious profunditry (not a word, but should be).
Save me from your philosophy and politics! Tell me a damn story.
My favorite S.F. were writers like Jack Vance and Roger Zelazny. In as much as liked Asimov and Heinlein, it was because they were fun reads, not because of the ideas.
I read to enjoy myself.
Current S.F. writers like Ian Banks and Lois McMasters Bujold who tell rollicking galaxy leaping stories, I still like.
I can't stomach William Gibson anymore. I can't read David Brin and Orson Scott Card and Frank Herbert past the first few books. Quit shoving your political philosophy down my throat. And other modern S.F. writers who exude an elitist, "we're better than you because we are scientists," I can't read you either.
I understand there is an appetite for these hard core S.F. books. I understand that there is a tendency to be "pure."
But the minute you start making a big deal over the difference between S.F. and Sci-fi, you lose me.
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Ebooks are perfect for retro/out-of-style stories.
I absolutely know what I'm currently writing would probably not be published in this day and age.
I've always loved science fantasy -- the kind of story where the science is just an excuse for the story. It only has to be inherently valid -- but it doesn't have to be explained. It can be unlikely, more a McGuffen than a reason.
There is a premium in S.F. for the original concept, the valid extrapolation of science and culture. E.R. Burroughs would be laughed out of the editorial room these days.
There are occasional retro books written, by well-established writers. Out of nostalgia.
But to me, these never went out of style. The 50/60's sci-fi I grew up with are some of my fondest memories.
So I'm writing something that is -- if one thinks about it too much -- silly.
But that's just it. You read it for the fun and the adventure and the story, and you just buy into the silly premise and or dubious science.
At least I do.
I've always loved science fantasy -- the kind of story where the science is just an excuse for the story. It only has to be inherently valid -- but it doesn't have to be explained. It can be unlikely, more a McGuffen than a reason.
There is a premium in S.F. for the original concept, the valid extrapolation of science and culture. E.R. Burroughs would be laughed out of the editorial room these days.
There are occasional retro books written, by well-established writers. Out of nostalgia.
But to me, these never went out of style. The 50/60's sci-fi I grew up with are some of my fondest memories.
So I'm writing something that is -- if one thinks about it too much -- silly.
But that's just it. You read it for the fun and the adventure and the story, and you just buy into the silly premise and or dubious science.
At least I do.
Friday, September 20, 2013
How the creative mind works.
It's incredibly interesting to me how the creative mind works.
This isn't ego. My creative mind is something off to one side that exists all by itself to which I am sometimes allowed imperfect access, which I then translate in my own bumbling way.
Two days ago, I reached in impasse in my story. I was halfway through and had no idea what to do. I mean, I had a general idea of where I needed to go, but no clue how to get there.
I took a day to work. (When did work become my day off?)
I was still clueless when I went to bed last night. Then I dreamed about it all night. Woke up in the morning with an idea that complicates things. Another idea that I'd rejected earlier suddenly seemed right.
Then from those two starting points I starting writing in my journal about what the "problems" were, and in the course of writing down the problems proceeded to solve most of them.
I now have the second half of the book.
It wasn't forced. I waited patiently for three days for my subconscious to come up with ideas, and then applied my conscious mind to sift through the welter of ideas to extract the ones that made the most sense.
The subconscious creative mind is a marvelous thing.
This isn't ego. My creative mind is something off to one side that exists all by itself to which I am sometimes allowed imperfect access, which I then translate in my own bumbling way.
Two days ago, I reached in impasse in my story. I was halfway through and had no idea what to do. I mean, I had a general idea of where I needed to go, but no clue how to get there.
I took a day to work. (When did work become my day off?)
I was still clueless when I went to bed last night. Then I dreamed about it all night. Woke up in the morning with an idea that complicates things. Another idea that I'd rejected earlier suddenly seemed right.
Then from those two starting points I starting writing in my journal about what the "problems" were, and in the course of writing down the problems proceeded to solve most of them.
I now have the second half of the book.
It wasn't forced. I waited patiently for three days for my subconscious to come up with ideas, and then applied my conscious mind to sift through the welter of ideas to extract the ones that made the most sense.
The subconscious creative mind is a marvelous thing.
Spinning off words in my dreams.
I was spinning off words in my dreams last night. Everytime I woke up, it was like I was in the middle of writing a scene. It was dream logic, so most of it didn't apply, but I could also tell that some of it did.
I hope I didn't lose anything.
The premise of this book is too big, too unwieldy, too full of paradoxes and contradictions. Then again, that's what makes it potentially interesting, if I can figure out credible ways to explain everything.
I did wake up with a major plot point, which should complicate things. If I listen to my subconscious, it is fully engaged and trying to come up with a solution and sending me ideas, none of which really fix the existing problems but do make things more interesting.
I'm trying to work out the plot now so I don't have to redo later. I have a cast of characters, and I need to set them against each other, but the motivations need to be clear and believable -- meanwhile, the premise is somewhat grey and getting complicated.
I've got the next chapter figured out, and maybe the one after that, so I can hope I will have further ideas about the plot over the next day or so.
I'm convinced there is a solution to every plot problem -- as long as you come up with them before you've committed to something else. (For instance, I had the whole second half of Faerylander written before I realized there was a premise that simply didn't work -- I can work around it, but I can't really fix it.)
If I think about it long enough, there will come that moment when it will all make sense.
I hope I didn't lose anything.
The premise of this book is too big, too unwieldy, too full of paradoxes and contradictions. Then again, that's what makes it potentially interesting, if I can figure out credible ways to explain everything.
I did wake up with a major plot point, which should complicate things. If I listen to my subconscious, it is fully engaged and trying to come up with a solution and sending me ideas, none of which really fix the existing problems but do make things more interesting.
I'm trying to work out the plot now so I don't have to redo later. I have a cast of characters, and I need to set them against each other, but the motivations need to be clear and believable -- meanwhile, the premise is somewhat grey and getting complicated.
I've got the next chapter figured out, and maybe the one after that, so I can hope I will have further ideas about the plot over the next day or so.
I'm convinced there is a solution to every plot problem -- as long as you come up with them before you've committed to something else. (For instance, I had the whole second half of Faerylander written before I realized there was a premise that simply didn't work -- I can work around it, but I can't really fix it.)
If I think about it long enough, there will come that moment when it will all make sense.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Hitting a Wall.
I'm about halfway through As You Wish (or Once in a Spell.)
I've kinda hit a wall. I managed one chapter the day before yesterday and only one chapter yesterday.
Which by most standards is pretty good, but no where near the pace I've been keeping.
I'm working at the store for a while, so I'm hoping by the time I come back I have some idea where the story goes in the second half.
Like I said, I've not had this problem for a long time. Last time I hit a significant fallow time was halfway through Led to the Slaughter, which I resolved by turning it into a "Diary" account.
This new book is an old fashioned adventure story, more science fantasy than fantasy -- and probably not terribly sophisticated compared to most SF these days. The kind of story I read a lot when I was a kid but really isn't being written these days. Not sure it is the kind of thing any publisher would publish nowadays.
But I'm hoping it's still a fun read.
I've kinda hit a wall. I managed one chapter the day before yesterday and only one chapter yesterday.
Which by most standards is pretty good, but no where near the pace I've been keeping.
I'm working at the store for a while, so I'm hoping by the time I come back I have some idea where the story goes in the second half.
Like I said, I've not had this problem for a long time. Last time I hit a significant fallow time was halfway through Led to the Slaughter, which I resolved by turning it into a "Diary" account.
This new book is an old fashioned adventure story, more science fantasy than fantasy -- and probably not terribly sophisticated compared to most SF these days. The kind of story I read a lot when I was a kid but really isn't being written these days. Not sure it is the kind of thing any publisher would publish nowadays.
But I'm hoping it's still a fun read.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Writing weather at last.
I never used to write in the summer.
It usually took a grey weather spell in September to really kickstart me -- like today. That and the memory of school makes the fall season prime writing time.
The weather was so hot this year that I closed up the house and loitered near the air conditioner and just wrote all season.
Meanwhile, I've been trying out some things about writing and publishing -- and then researching them later. Which might seem backward, but I've learned that I have to try things first to see if they work, and then later find out if other people think I should have done that.
"Don't touch that stove!"
Most of the advice I'm talking about is a little more subtle than that, and you really can't know who is giving you good advice and who is giving you bad advice until you've tested it.
Then you can find out who knows what they're doing and who are just bullshitters. I'd say the bullshit ration is at least 10 to 1, maybe 100 to 1.
I found only one small business book that correlated with my own experience and that was Growing a Business by Paul Hawken. And I only knew that he was right because I'd already made half the mistakes he was warning against.
But I managed to avoid the other half!
Anyway, there is undoubtedly some good advice out there but you don't know until you've tested it. By which time you don't need the advice.
I've found it best to use my own common sense, and then adjust later. There usually isn't a right or wrong answer, but a 60/40 answer and I may actually prefer the 40, if that makes sense.
It usually took a grey weather spell in September to really kickstart me -- like today. That and the memory of school makes the fall season prime writing time.
The weather was so hot this year that I closed up the house and loitered near the air conditioner and just wrote all season.
Meanwhile, I've been trying out some things about writing and publishing -- and then researching them later. Which might seem backward, but I've learned that I have to try things first to see if they work, and then later find out if other people think I should have done that.
"Don't touch that stove!"
Most of the advice I'm talking about is a little more subtle than that, and you really can't know who is giving you good advice and who is giving you bad advice until you've tested it.
Then you can find out who knows what they're doing and who are just bullshitters. I'd say the bullshit ration is at least 10 to 1, maybe 100 to 1.
I found only one small business book that correlated with my own experience and that was Growing a Business by Paul Hawken. And I only knew that he was right because I'd already made half the mistakes he was warning against.
But I managed to avoid the other half!
Anyway, there is undoubtedly some good advice out there but you don't know until you've tested it. By which time you don't need the advice.
I've found it best to use my own common sense, and then adjust later. There usually isn't a right or wrong answer, but a 60/40 answer and I may actually prefer the 40, if that makes sense.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Downtown Comings and Goings: 9/17/13.
Haven't done this for a couple of months. Not much change, that I can see. But I haven't been looking very hard.
At the Beach is leaving after 17 years.
Any others? Coming or Going?
NEW BUSINESSES DOWNTOWN
Bishop's Barbershop, Oregon Ave., 7/24/13
Oregon Store, Wall/Franklin, 7/24/13
Supervillain Sandwiches, Bond St., 7/24/13
Taste Oregon, Bond St., 7/24/13
Wild Rose, 5/2/13.
Bluebird Coffee Company, Franklin, 3/29/13.
Pure Kitchen, Franklin (Bond), 3/29/13
Jeff Murray Photography, Minnesota Ave., 3/29/13
Luvs Donuts, Minnesota Ave. 3/29/13
Hub Cyclery, Wall St. 3/29/13
Ju-bee-lee, Wall. St. 3/29/13.
Sweet Saigon, Wall St., 1/20/13.
Brickhouse, Oregon Ave., 1/20/13.
The Drake, Wall St. , 1/20/13
541 Threads, Minnesota Ave., 10/13/12.
O Mo Mo! Bond Street, 10/3/12.
Crow's Feet Commons, Brooks Street, 9/21/12.
The Cozy Lamb, Minnesota Ave., 9/14/12.
Noi, Bond Street, 9/14/12.
Azillian Beads, Franklin Ave., 9/6/12.
Earth*Fire*Art, Oregon Av., 7/10/12.
Pastrami Deli, Franklin Av., 7/10/12.
Bend Your Imagination, Minnesota Av., 7/10/12.
Paul Scott Gallery), Brooks St., 7/10/12
Natural Edge Furniture, Bond St., 5/10/12
Hola!, Bond St., 3/3/12.
Amanda's, Franklin Ave., 2/24/12
Barrio, Minnesota Ave., 2/12/12.
Rescue Moderne, Harriman, 1/12/12.
Letzer's Deli, Franklin Ave. 2/12/12.
Navidi, Minnesota Ave., 2/9/12.
Mazza, Brooks St. , 2/9/12.
La Magie Bakery, Bond St., 1/6/12
Brother Jon's Ale House, Bond St., 12/10/11.
What Lola Wants, Wall St. , 12/2/11.
Jackalope Grill, 10/12/11.
Gypsy Soul, Wall St. 10/12/11.
Colour N' the City, Tin Pan Alley, 10/12/11.
Lotus Moon, Brooks St., 10/12/11.
The Lobby, Bond St. , 10/12/11.
Ruby, Minnesota Ave., 10, 12/11.
Kariella, Lava Road, 8/24, 11.
Plankers, Wall St., 7/11.
Faveur, Franklin, 7/11.
Dream Pebbles, Minnesota Ave., 6/15/11.
Bend Yogurt Factory, Franklin/Bond, 4/26/11.
High Desert Lotus, Bond St. , 4/4/11.
Tryst, Franklin Ave., 3/11/11. (Formerly Maryjanes, **Moved**).
D'Vine, Wall St. , 2/9/11.
Let it Ride!, Bond St., 1/29/11.
Gatsby's Brasserie Bar, Minnesota Ave., 1/8/11
Tres Jolie, Wall St., 12/20/10.
Caldera Grill, Bond St., 12/7/10
Bond Street Grill, 12/7/10.
Perspective(s), Minnesota Ave., 11/20/10
Toth Art Collective, Bond St. 11/20/10
Boken, Breezeway, 11/20/10
Dalia and Emilia, Wall St., 10/3/10.
Antiquarian Books, Bond St., 10/3/10.
Giddyup, Minnesota Ave., 10/3/10.
The Closet, Minnesota Ave., 8/11/10.
Showcase Hats, Oregon Ave., 8/11/10,
Red Chair Art Gallery, Oregon Ave. 7/13/10.
Earth Sense Herbs, Penny's Galleria, 7/12/10.
Mad Happy Lounge, Brooks St., 6/2910
Common Table, Oregon Ave. , 6/29/10.
Looney Bean Coffee, Brooks St. , 6/29/10.
Bourbon Street, Minnesota Ave., 6/22/10
Feather's Edge, Minnesota Ave., 6/22/10
The BLVD., Wall St. , 6/13/10.
Volt, Minnesota Ave. 6/1/10.
Tart, Minnesota Ave. , 5/13/10
Olivia Hunter, Wall St. 4/5/10.
Tres Chic, 4/5/10 (Moved to Minnesota Av.)
Blue Star Salon, Wall St. 4/1/10.
Lululemon, Bond St. 3/31/10.
Diana's Jewel Box, Minnesota Ave., 3/25/10.
Amalia's, Wall St. (Ciao Mambo space), 3/12/10
River Bend Fine Art, Bond St. (Kebanu space) 2/23/10
Federal Express, Oregon Ave. 2/1/10
***10 Below, Minnesota Ave. 1/10/10
Tew Boots Gallery, Bond St. 1/8/10.
Top Leaf Mate, 12/10/09
Laughing Girls Studio, Minnesota Ave. 12/7/09
Lemon Drop, 5 Minnesota Ave., 11/12/09
The Curiosity Shoppe, 25 N.W. Minnesota Ave, Suite #7. 11/5/09
Wabi Sabi 11/4/09 (**Moved, Wall St.**)
Frugal Boutique 11/4/09
5 Spice 10/22/09
Cowgirls Cash 10/17/09
***Haven Home 10/17/09
Dog Patch 10/17/09
The Good Drop 10/12/09
Lola's 9/23/09
**Volcano Wines 9/15/09
Singing Sparrow Flowers 8/16/09
Northwest Home Interiors 8/5/09
High Desert Frameworks 7/23/09 (*Moved to Oregon Ave. 4/5/10.)
Wall Street Gifts 7/--/09
Ina Louise 7/14/09
Bend Home Hardware (Homestyle Hardware?) 7/1/09
Altera Real Estate 6/9/09
Honey 6/7/09
Azura Studio 6/7/09
Mary Jane's 6/1/09
c.c.McKenzie 6/1/09
Velvet 5/28/09
Bella Moda 3/25/09
High Desert Gallery (Bend) 3/25/09
Joolz
Zydeco
900 Wall
Great Outdoor Store
Luxe Home Interiors
Powell's Candy
Dudley's Used Books and Coffee
Goldsmith
Game Domain
Subway Sandwiches
Bend Burger Company
Showcase Hats
Pita Pit
Happy Nails
(List begun, Fall, 2008.)
BUSINESSES LEAVING
At the Beach, Wall ST., 9/18/13.
New York City Sub, Bond St. 3/29/13
Soba Asian Bistro, Bond St., 3/29/13
Volt Lighting, Wall St. 3/29/13.
Topolino, Wall Street, 1/20/13.
Cozy Lamb, Minnesota Ave., 1/20/13 (moved inside, Bond St.)
Amalia's, Wall Street, 1/5/13.
El Jimador, Wall Street, 9/1412.
The Closet, Minnesota Ave., 9/1/12
Common Table, Oregon Ave., 8/11/12.
Honey Threads, Minnesota Ave., 8/11/12.
Bella Moda, Wall St., 8/11/12.
Giddy Up, Minnesota Ave., 5/10/12
Pottery Lounge, Oregon Ave., 5/17/12.
Boondocks, Newport Ave., 3/27/12
Game Domain, Oregon Ave., 3/27/12.
Toth Gallery, Bond St., 3/27/12.
Letzer's Deli, Franklin Ave., 3/22/12.
Clutch, Minnesota Ave., 3/22/12. (Moving to Tres Jolie).
High Desert Gallery, Minnesota Ave., 3/22/12.
Tart, Bond St., 3/3/12.
El Caporal West, Franklin Ave., 2/24/12
Bo Restobar, Franklin Ave., 2/9/12.
The Lobby, Bond St. , 2/9/12.
Arts Central, Brooks St., 2/7/12.
Typhoon!, Bond St., 2/5/12.
Gatsby's, Minnesota Ave., 2/5/12
The Dog Patch, Minnesota Av. 1/9/12.
Bend Mapping, Bond St., 1/9/12.
Lotus Moon, Brooks St. 1/9/12 (Moving into Tres Jolie)
Bond Street Grill, Bond St., 11/20/12.
Mad Happy Lounge, Brooks St., 10/11.
Azu, Wall St., 10/25/11.
Showcase Hats, Oregon Av., 10/11.
Bourbon St., Minnesota Ave. 10/12/11.
Curiosity Shop, Minnesota Ave., 7/11
Luluemon, Bond St., 8/26, 11.
Shear Illusions, Franklin Ave., 7/11.
Crepe Place, Wall St., 7/11.
Pita Pit, Brooks St. , 6/28/11
Smith and Wade Salon, Minnesota, Av. , 6/3/11.
Perspectives, Minnesota Av., 6/1/11
River Bend Art Gallery, Bond St., 5/5/11.
Donner's Flowers, Wall St. 3/11/11. (**Moved out of downtown**)
Maryjanes, Wall St. , 3/11/11. (new name, Tryst, moved to Franklin.).
Di Lusso, Franklin/Bond, 2/9/11.
Earth Sense Herbs, Penny's Galleria, 1/2/11
Marz Bistro, Minnesota Av., 12/20/10.
The Decoy, Bond St., 12/7/10.
Giuseppe's, Bond St., 12/1/10.
Ina Louise, Minnesota Ave., 11/3/10.
Laughing Girl Studios, 10/21/10
Dolce Vita, Bond St, 10/21/10
Diana's Jewell Box, Minnesota Ave., 10/15/10.
Lola's, Breezeway, 10/8/10.
Oxygen Tattoo, Bond St., 10/3/10.
Great Outdoor Clothing, Wall St., 10/3/10.
Volcano Vineyards, Minnesota Ave., 10/3/10.
Subway Sandwiches, Bond St. 9/2/10.
Old Bend Distillery, Brooks St., 6/19/10.
Staccato, Minnesota Ave. 6/18/10.
Showcase Hats, Minnesota Ave., 6/1/10 (Moved to Oregon Ave., 8/10/11.)
Cork, Oregon Ave., 5/27/10.
Wall Street Gifts, 5/26/10
Microsphere, Wall St. , 5/17/10.
Singing Sparrow, Franklin and Bond, 5/15/10
28, Minnesota Ave. and Bond, 5/13/10.
Glass Symphony, Wall St., 3/25/10
Bend Home Hardware, Minnesota Ave, 2/25/10
Ciao Mambo, Wall St. 2/4/10
***Angel Kisses 1/25/10 (Have moved to 'Honey.')
Ivy Rose Manor 8/20/09
***Downtowner 8/18/09 (moving into the Summit location)
Chocolate e Gateaux 8/16/09
Finders Keepers 8/15/09
Colourstone 7/25/09
Periwinkle 6/--/09
***Tangerine 7/21/09 (Got word, they are moving across the street.)
Micheal Cassidy Gallery 6/15/09
St. Claire Coffee 6/15/09
Luxe Home Interiors 6/4/09
Treefort 5/8/09
Blue 5/2/09
***Volcano Tasting Room 4/28/09** Moved to Minnesota Ave.
Habit 4/16/09
Mountain Comfort 4/14/09
Tetherow Property 4/11/09
Blue Moon Marketplace 3/25/09
Plenty 3/25/09
Downtown Doggie 3/25/09
***King of Sole (became Mary Janes)**
Santee Alley
Bistro Corlise
Made in Hawaii
EnVogue
Stewart Weinmann (leather)
Kebanu Gallery
Pella Doors and Windows
Olive company
Pink Frog
Little Italy
Deep
Merenda's
Volo
***Pomegranate (downtown branch)**
Norwalk
Pronghorn Real Estate office.
Speedshop Deli
Paper Place
Bluefish Bistro
(List begun, Fall, 2008 )
At the Beach is leaving after 17 years.
Any others? Coming or Going?
NEW BUSINESSES DOWNTOWN
Bishop's Barbershop, Oregon Ave., 7/24/13
Oregon Store, Wall/Franklin, 7/24/13
Supervillain Sandwiches, Bond St., 7/24/13
Taste Oregon, Bond St., 7/24/13
Wild Rose, 5/2/13.
Bluebird Coffee Company, Franklin, 3/29/13.
Pure Kitchen, Franklin (Bond), 3/29/13
Jeff Murray Photography, Minnesota Ave., 3/29/13
Luvs Donuts, Minnesota Ave. 3/29/13
Hub Cyclery, Wall St. 3/29/13
Ju-bee-lee, Wall. St. 3/29/13.
Sweet Saigon, Wall St., 1/20/13.
Brickhouse, Oregon Ave., 1/20/13.
The Drake, Wall St. , 1/20/13
541 Threads, Minnesota Ave., 10/13/12.
O Mo Mo! Bond Street, 10/3/12.
Crow's Feet Commons, Brooks Street, 9/21/12.
The Cozy Lamb, Minnesota Ave., 9/14/12.
Noi, Bond Street, 9/14/12.
Azillian Beads, Franklin Ave., 9/6/12.
Earth*Fire*Art, Oregon Av., 7/10/12.
Pastrami Deli, Franklin Av., 7/10/12.
Bend Your Imagination, Minnesota Av., 7/10/12.
Paul Scott Gallery), Brooks St., 7/10/12
Natural Edge Furniture, Bond St., 5/10/12
Hola!, Bond St., 3/3/12.
Amanda's, Franklin Ave., 2/24/12
Barrio, Minnesota Ave., 2/12/12.
Rescue Moderne, Harriman, 1/12/12.
Letzer's Deli, Franklin Ave. 2/12/12.
Navidi, Minnesota Ave., 2/9/12.
Mazza, Brooks St. , 2/9/12.
La Magie Bakery, Bond St., 1/6/12
Brother Jon's Ale House, Bond St., 12/10/11.
What Lola Wants, Wall St. , 12/2/11.
Jackalope Grill, 10/12/11.
Gypsy Soul, Wall St. 10/12/11.
Colour N' the City, Tin Pan Alley, 10/12/11.
Lotus Moon, Brooks St., 10/12/11.
The Lobby, Bond St. , 10/12/11.
Ruby, Minnesota Ave., 10, 12/11.
Kariella, Lava Road, 8/24, 11.
Plankers, Wall St., 7/11.
Faveur, Franklin, 7/11.
Dream Pebbles, Minnesota Ave., 6/15/11.
Bend Yogurt Factory, Franklin/Bond, 4/26/11.
High Desert Lotus, Bond St. , 4/4/11.
Tryst, Franklin Ave., 3/11/11. (Formerly Maryjanes, **Moved**).
D'Vine, Wall St. , 2/9/11.
Let it Ride!, Bond St., 1/29/11.
Gatsby's Brasserie Bar, Minnesota Ave., 1/8/11
Tres Jolie, Wall St., 12/20/10.
Caldera Grill, Bond St., 12/7/10
Bond Street Grill, 12/7/10.
Perspective(s), Minnesota Ave., 11/20/10
Toth Art Collective, Bond St. 11/20/10
Boken, Breezeway, 11/20/10
Dalia and Emilia, Wall St., 10/3/10.
Antiquarian Books, Bond St., 10/3/10.
Giddyup, Minnesota Ave., 10/3/10.
The Closet, Minnesota Ave., 8/11/10.
Showcase Hats, Oregon Ave., 8/11/10,
Red Chair Art Gallery, Oregon Ave. 7/13/10.
Earth Sense Herbs, Penny's Galleria, 7/12/10.
Mad Happy Lounge, Brooks St., 6/2910
Common Table, Oregon Ave. , 6/29/10.
Looney Bean Coffee, Brooks St. , 6/29/10.
Bourbon Street, Minnesota Ave., 6/22/10
Feather's Edge, Minnesota Ave., 6/22/10
The BLVD., Wall St. , 6/13/10.
Volt, Minnesota Ave. 6/1/10.
Tart, Minnesota Ave. , 5/13/10
Olivia Hunter, Wall St. 4/5/10.
Tres Chic, 4/5/10 (Moved to Minnesota Av.)
Blue Star Salon, Wall St. 4/1/10.
Lululemon, Bond St. 3/31/10.
Diana's Jewel Box, Minnesota Ave., 3/25/10.
Amalia's, Wall St. (Ciao Mambo space), 3/12/10
River Bend Fine Art, Bond St. (Kebanu space) 2/23/10
Federal Express, Oregon Ave. 2/1/10
***10 Below, Minnesota Ave. 1/10/10
Tew Boots Gallery, Bond St. 1/8/10.
Top Leaf Mate, 12/10/09
Laughing Girls Studio, Minnesota Ave. 12/7/09
Lemon Drop, 5 Minnesota Ave., 11/12/09
The Curiosity Shoppe, 25 N.W. Minnesota Ave, Suite #7. 11/5/09
Wabi Sabi 11/4/09 (**Moved, Wall St.**)
Frugal Boutique 11/4/09
5 Spice 10/22/09
Cowgirls Cash 10/17/09
***Haven Home 10/17/09
Dog Patch 10/17/09
The Good Drop 10/12/09
Lola's 9/23/09
**Volcano Wines 9/15/09
Singing Sparrow Flowers 8/16/09
Northwest Home Interiors 8/5/09
High Desert Frameworks 7/23/09 (*Moved to Oregon Ave. 4/5/10.)
Wall Street Gifts 7/--/09
Ina Louise 7/14/09
Bend Home Hardware (Homestyle Hardware?) 7/1/09
Altera Real Estate 6/9/09
Honey 6/7/09
Azura Studio 6/7/09
Mary Jane's 6/1/09
c.c.McKenzie 6/1/09
Velvet 5/28/09
Bella Moda 3/25/09
High Desert Gallery (Bend) 3/25/09
Joolz
Zydeco
900 Wall
Great Outdoor Store
Luxe Home Interiors
Powell's Candy
Dudley's Used Books and Coffee
Goldsmith
Game Domain
Subway Sandwiches
Bend Burger Company
Showcase Hats
Pita Pit
Happy Nails
(List begun, Fall, 2008.)
BUSINESSES LEAVING
At the Beach, Wall ST., 9/18/13.
New York City Sub, Bond St. 3/29/13
Soba Asian Bistro, Bond St., 3/29/13
Volt Lighting, Wall St. 3/29/13.
Topolino, Wall Street, 1/20/13.
Cozy Lamb, Minnesota Ave., 1/20/13 (moved inside, Bond St.)
Amalia's, Wall Street, 1/5/13.
El Jimador, Wall Street, 9/1412.
The Closet, Minnesota Ave., 9/1/12
Common Table, Oregon Ave., 8/11/12.
Honey Threads, Minnesota Ave., 8/11/12.
Bella Moda, Wall St., 8/11/12.
Giddy Up, Minnesota Ave., 5/10/12
Pottery Lounge, Oregon Ave., 5/17/12.
Boondocks, Newport Ave., 3/27/12
Game Domain, Oregon Ave., 3/27/12.
Toth Gallery, Bond St., 3/27/12.
Letzer's Deli, Franklin Ave., 3/22/12.
Clutch, Minnesota Ave., 3/22/12. (Moving to Tres Jolie).
High Desert Gallery, Minnesota Ave., 3/22/12.
Tart, Bond St., 3/3/12.
El Caporal West, Franklin Ave., 2/24/12
Bo Restobar, Franklin Ave., 2/9/12.
The Lobby, Bond St. , 2/9/12.
Arts Central, Brooks St., 2/7/12.
Typhoon!, Bond St., 2/5/12.
Gatsby's, Minnesota Ave., 2/5/12
The Dog Patch, Minnesota Av. 1/9/12.
Bend Mapping, Bond St., 1/9/12.
Lotus Moon, Brooks St. 1/9/12 (Moving into Tres Jolie)
Bond Street Grill, Bond St., 11/20/12.
Mad Happy Lounge, Brooks St., 10/11.
Azu, Wall St., 10/25/11.
Showcase Hats, Oregon Av., 10/11.
Bourbon St., Minnesota Ave. 10/12/11.
Curiosity Shop, Minnesota Ave., 7/11
Luluemon, Bond St., 8/26, 11.
Shear Illusions, Franklin Ave., 7/11.
Crepe Place, Wall St., 7/11.
Pita Pit, Brooks St. , 6/28/11
Smith and Wade Salon, Minnesota, Av. , 6/3/11.
Perspectives, Minnesota Av., 6/1/11
River Bend Art Gallery, Bond St., 5/5/11.
Donner's Flowers, Wall St. 3/11/11. (**Moved out of downtown**)
Maryjanes, Wall St. , 3/11/11. (new name, Tryst, moved to Franklin.).
Di Lusso, Franklin/Bond, 2/9/11.
Earth Sense Herbs, Penny's Galleria, 1/2/11
Marz Bistro, Minnesota Av., 12/20/10.
The Decoy, Bond St., 12/7/10.
Giuseppe's, Bond St., 12/1/10.
Ina Louise, Minnesota Ave., 11/3/10.
Laughing Girl Studios, 10/21/10
Dolce Vita, Bond St, 10/21/10
Diana's Jewell Box, Minnesota Ave., 10/15/10.
Lola's, Breezeway, 10/8/10.
Oxygen Tattoo, Bond St., 10/3/10.
Great Outdoor Clothing, Wall St., 10/3/10.
Volcano Vineyards, Minnesota Ave., 10/3/10.
Subway Sandwiches, Bond St. 9/2/10.
Old Bend Distillery, Brooks St., 6/19/10.
Staccato, Minnesota Ave. 6/18/10.
Showcase Hats, Minnesota Ave., 6/1/10 (Moved to Oregon Ave., 8/10/11.)
Cork, Oregon Ave., 5/27/10.
Wall Street Gifts, 5/26/10
Microsphere, Wall St. , 5/17/10.
Singing Sparrow, Franklin and Bond, 5/15/10
28, Minnesota Ave. and Bond, 5/13/10.
Glass Symphony, Wall St., 3/25/10
Bend Home Hardware, Minnesota Ave, 2/25/10
Ciao Mambo, Wall St. 2/4/10
***Angel Kisses 1/25/10 (Have moved to 'Honey.')
Ivy Rose Manor 8/20/09
***Downtowner 8/18/09 (moving into the Summit location)
Chocolate e Gateaux 8/16/09
Finders Keepers 8/15/09
Colourstone 7/25/09
Periwinkle 6/--/09
***Tangerine 7/21/09 (Got word, they are moving across the street.)
Micheal Cassidy Gallery 6/15/09
St. Claire Coffee 6/15/09
Luxe Home Interiors 6/4/09
Treefort 5/8/09
Blue 5/2/09
***Volcano Tasting Room 4/28/09** Moved to Minnesota Ave.
Habit 4/16/09
Mountain Comfort 4/14/09
Tetherow Property 4/11/09
Blue Moon Marketplace 3/25/09
Plenty 3/25/09
Downtown Doggie 3/25/09
***King of Sole (became Mary Janes)**
Santee Alley
Bistro Corlise
Made in Hawaii
EnVogue
Stewart Weinmann (leather)
Kebanu Gallery
Pella Doors and Windows
Olive company
Pink Frog
Little Italy
Deep
Merenda's
Volo
***Pomegranate (downtown branch)**
Norwalk
Pronghorn Real Estate office.
Speedshop Deli
Paper Place
Bluefish Bistro
(List begun, Fall, 2008 )
Yakkers and tweeters and braggers, oh my!
I'm taking the following quote in whole from the Shelf Awareness site, because it is almost exactly how I believe. I'm not sure about the last couple sentences, which seem a little snobby, but the rest of it:
The "yakkers and tweeters and braggers" -- otherwise known as networking -- what has that to do with actual writing?
I wrote my first book because I was horrible at job interviews and believed the book would rise or fall on its own merits. That I didn't have to put on a persona, or sell myself, or convince others that I'm competent. The book would do that.
Pretty naive, eh?
Quotation of the Day
But
what happens to the people who became writers because yakking and
tweeting and bragging felt to them like intolerably shallow forms of
social engagement? What happens to the people who want to communicate in
depth, individual to individual, in the quiet and permanence of the
printed word, and who were shaped by their love of writers who wrote
when publication still assured some kind of quality control and literary
reputations were more than a matter of self-promotional decibel
levels?"
The "yakkers and tweeters and braggers" -- otherwise known as networking -- what has that to do with actual writing?
I wrote my first book because I was horrible at job interviews and believed the book would rise or fall on its own merits. That I didn't have to put on a persona, or sell myself, or convince others that I'm competent. The book would do that.
Pretty naive, eh?
Quotation of the Day
Franzen on Bezos: 'One of the Four Horseman'
"In my own little corner of the world, which is to say American fiction, Jeff Bezos of Amazon may not be the antichrist, but he surely looks like one of the four horsemen. Amazon wants a world in which books are either self-published or published by Amazon itself, with readers dependent on Amazon reviews in choosing books, and with authors responsible for their own promotion. The work of yakkers and tweeters and braggers, and of people with the money to pay somebody to churn out hundreds of five-star reviews for them, will flourish in that world.But
what happens to the people who became writers because yakking and
tweeting and bragging felt to them like intolerably shallow forms of
social engagement? What happens to the people who want to communicate in
depth, individual to individual, in the quiet and permanence of the
printed word, and who were shaped by their love of writers who wrote
when publication still assured some kind of quality control and literary
reputations were more than a matter of self-promotional decibel
levels?"
--Jonathan Franzen in a Guardian essay called "What's Wrong with the Modern World"
Writing like a demon.
I'll be about halfway through the book by the end of the day. I'm thinking of changing the title from As You Wish, to Once in a Long Spell. The latter title goes better with the third book -- Sometimes a Dragon (already written.)
I'm reaching the point where the major plot turn has to be chosen. As it is, it doesn't quite feel strong enough. It's a qualified major plot point. But I almost have to choose it if I'm going be able to tie in it in with the plot point of Sometimes a Dragon. They are so similar, that I think I almost have to do it.
I'm hoping that I'll figure out a way to strengthen it.
As it is, I'm going to have two sides fighting to the death over a gray problem -- that is, the problem may or may not be important and yet the two sides have to go to war over it.
In the first half of the book the problem is slavery -- so, 'slavery is bad' is pretty clearcut.
This second half problem is more like global warming -- a harder thing to get a handle on because it's in the future and there are misguided people who don't believe it's a problem. (I think there is no doubt whatsoever about global warming being caused by us, but what if there was?)
So is it a strong enough plot point to wrap the entire book around?
The point of contention is -- if a certain thing happens, everything that people have will disappear. But if it doesn't happen, they could all die.
The likelihood that a certain danger will happen is a fifty/fifty proposition.
So if you choose A.) you survive, but lose all wealth.
If you choose B.) You retain your wealth, but you might die.
With A.) you survive both choices.
With B.) you keep your wealth.
You'd think everyone would choose A.) for safety. But faced with losing all (fabulous) wealth on a coinflip, would people fight for the other option, B?
I suppose it's a McGuffin and doesn't really matter. But it does have to seem important, at least. It has to be credible that people would fight to the death over it.
I may actually use the "global warming" explication. "On earth they had a problem that many people didn't believe -- global warming. That's why we are here today, because they didn't make the right choice.
Now we are faced with a danger that can't be proven, but which can be avoided. All we have to do is give up everything we have..."
Monday, September 16, 2013
Having my doubts.
For a number of reasons, I'm having my doubts.
But I keep on writing.
I've had doubts about this new effort from the beginning. But here's the thing. I am such a fast writer -- at least of first drafts -- that it makes more sense to continue writing something I have doubts about than to sit around and agonize and worry about writing something else.
If I consider everything I write to be practice, then writing is never wrong.
And I do seem to be picking up techniques and habits which are helping the next effort.
Basically I could sit around and wait for the perfect idea, and then set about trying to write it perfectly.
Or I can just write and write and write and out of that huge mass of words something good will happen.
The latter is more fun, and less intimidating, and I think for me the right route to take.
I keep trying to remind myself that I've only been doing this for about 2 years, and only the last year have I been really productive. Everything could be considered practice in a way -- though I'm also trying to write things that are worth reading.
As long as I see an improved curve of learning -- both good habits and good writing, then this is worth continuing.
But I keep on writing.
I've had doubts about this new effort from the beginning. But here's the thing. I am such a fast writer -- at least of first drafts -- that it makes more sense to continue writing something I have doubts about than to sit around and agonize and worry about writing something else.
If I consider everything I write to be practice, then writing is never wrong.
And I do seem to be picking up techniques and habits which are helping the next effort.
Basically I could sit around and wait for the perfect idea, and then set about trying to write it perfectly.
Or I can just write and write and write and out of that huge mass of words something good will happen.
The latter is more fun, and less intimidating, and I think for me the right route to take.
I keep trying to remind myself that I've only been doing this for about 2 years, and only the last year have I been really productive. Everything could be considered practice in a way -- though I'm also trying to write things that are worth reading.
As long as I see an improved curve of learning -- both good habits and good writing, then this is worth continuing.
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Poverty with a View -- only more so.
As I never get tired of pointing out -- if you look up "Poverty with a View" in the Urban Dictionary, it is specifically about Bend, Oregon.
The article on jobs in the Bulletin today only reinforces that.
Manufacturing jobs, which pay an average of $41K are down by 1660 jobs since 2005. Construction jobs are down by 3340.
Meanwhile, leisure and hospitality jobs, which pay an average of $18K, are up by 1290.
The increases in jobs are mostly in health and hospitality, the exact jobs you'd expect if Bend was a retirement and tourist area.
I don't think most of those manufacturing and construction jobs are ever coming back.
Sorry.
The article on jobs in the Bulletin today only reinforces that.
Manufacturing jobs, which pay an average of $41K are down by 1660 jobs since 2005. Construction jobs are down by 3340.
Meanwhile, leisure and hospitality jobs, which pay an average of $18K, are up by 1290.
The increases in jobs are mostly in health and hospitality, the exact jobs you'd expect if Bend was a retirement and tourist area.
I don't think most of those manufacturing and construction jobs are ever coming back.
Sorry.
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Bend bops.
I've probably said this before, but writing a book is a lot like being really really engrossed in reading a book. I come back to reality with a mixture of regret and satisfaction.
**********
I've also decided it's time to take myself less seriously as a writer. Just have fun and quit worrying about it.
**********
I've taken the exclamation mark out of the title, As You Wish. Wonder how many times I'll go back and forth on that. I'm thinking of calling it Wish World instead.
**********
It's amazing how often I see that little section of Central Oregon on national maps of different things.
For instance, a map I saw recently of "hipsters who move to Brooklyn" which had the Portland area, of course -- and there -- in the middle of the state -- good old Bend.
**********
Interesting to see some of the downtown Redmond merchants actually pushing back against street closures. Maybe because the events have only recently been possible, they can see more clearly their impact.
Downtown Bend merchants all seem so brainwashed that it's good for them than none of them seem to be able to think for themselves.
**********
Combining a couple of concerns. If they are going to build the new college out there southwest, they are definitely going to need to keep the bus system going -- obviously with extensions to the college.
Not sure how I feel about the location. Haven't put any thought into it. Probably better than mixing two colleges together in the West Hills or having too heavy an impact on the Old Mill --
And Juniper. Once again proves to be a bad option. (That makes three concerns.)
All we need now is a couple of major industries to move to town, and we are officially a real "city."
**********
You know, for all the gloom and doom, at least we avoided (so far) a war in Syria.
**********
**********
I've also decided it's time to take myself less seriously as a writer. Just have fun and quit worrying about it.
**********
I've taken the exclamation mark out of the title, As You Wish. Wonder how many times I'll go back and forth on that. I'm thinking of calling it Wish World instead.
**********
It's amazing how often I see that little section of Central Oregon on national maps of different things.
For instance, a map I saw recently of "hipsters who move to Brooklyn" which had the Portland area, of course -- and there -- in the middle of the state -- good old Bend.
**********
Interesting to see some of the downtown Redmond merchants actually pushing back against street closures. Maybe because the events have only recently been possible, they can see more clearly their impact.
Downtown Bend merchants all seem so brainwashed that it's good for them than none of them seem to be able to think for themselves.
**********
Combining a couple of concerns. If they are going to build the new college out there southwest, they are definitely going to need to keep the bus system going -- obviously with extensions to the college.
Not sure how I feel about the location. Haven't put any thought into it. Probably better than mixing two colleges together in the West Hills or having too heavy an impact on the Old Mill --
And Juniper. Once again proves to be a bad option. (That makes three concerns.)
All we need now is a couple of major industries to move to town, and we are officially a real "city."
**********
You know, for all the gloom and doom, at least we avoided (so far) a war in Syria.
**********
Friday, September 13, 2013
Too complicated, or too simple?
As You Wish has an unwieldy premise. Maybe too big.
Too many inherent contradictions, dilemmas and paradoxes. I may have to spend half my time just explaining things.
I'd rather have a premise with too much rather than too little, though that hasn't been a problem lately. I've been dealing with big subjects -- and trying to do them in an entertaining way. Trying not to get too heavy, but at least address the big subjects.
Then again, what I liked about both Death of an Immortal and Led to the Slaughter, is that the storylines were relatively simple. Death of an Immortal was a redemption story, Led to the Slaughter was a survival story.
One of the problems with Faerylander is that it has too many elements, especially clustered at the beginning. It started off as a book about ideas -- clever ideas. I forgot I had to have sympathetic characters and a clear story, and every rewrite since has been about trying to fix that initial misstep.
The temptation is to try to clarify, by adding material at the beginning, thereby making it worse.
What I'm trying to do with As You Wish is surf the line between too complicated and a clear storyline.
If I'm constantly trying to explain why something is happening, then I can't just let things happen.
I've decided that though everyone wants explanations -- that the explanations need to be implicit in the story rather than spelled out.
Story above all.
Too many inherent contradictions, dilemmas and paradoxes. I may have to spend half my time just explaining things.
I'd rather have a premise with too much rather than too little, though that hasn't been a problem lately. I've been dealing with big subjects -- and trying to do them in an entertaining way. Trying not to get too heavy, but at least address the big subjects.
Then again, what I liked about both Death of an Immortal and Led to the Slaughter, is that the storylines were relatively simple. Death of an Immortal was a redemption story, Led to the Slaughter was a survival story.
One of the problems with Faerylander is that it has too many elements, especially clustered at the beginning. It started off as a book about ideas -- clever ideas. I forgot I had to have sympathetic characters and a clear story, and every rewrite since has been about trying to fix that initial misstep.
The temptation is to try to clarify, by adding material at the beginning, thereby making it worse.
What I'm trying to do with As You Wish is surf the line between too complicated and a clear storyline.
If I'm constantly trying to explain why something is happening, then I can't just let things happen.
I've decided that though everyone wants explanations -- that the explanations need to be implicit in the story rather than spelled out.
Story above all.
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Asking friends to read is really imposing.
I've sent Faerylander off to my friend Wes to see what he thinks.
Way back when I was living on potatoes and ketchup and top ramen, Wes was the one friend who really supported my writing.
But he's a busy guy, so I haven't asked him to read anything until now.
In fact, I've pretty much stopped asking for people to read my stuff. Not because I don't want it or need it, but because I want to save up my chances for when it will do me the most good.
Meanwhile, for some reason Rule of Vampire hasn't posted to the Smashwords Premium catalog after 8 days. It should only take a couple. So anyone trying to buy it there might run into trouble. Please don't give up.
Wednesday isn't a writing day, but I thought I'd write a chapter yesterday. ---- Wednesday isn't a writing day......
Way back when I was living on potatoes and ketchup and top ramen, Wes was the one friend who really supported my writing.
But he's a busy guy, so I haven't asked him to read anything until now.
In fact, I've pretty much stopped asking for people to read my stuff. Not because I don't want it or need it, but because I want to save up my chances for when it will do me the most good.
Meanwhile, for some reason Rule of Vampire hasn't posted to the Smashwords Premium catalog after 8 days. It should only take a couple. So anyone trying to buy it there might run into trouble. Please don't give up.
Wednesday isn't a writing day, but I thought I'd write a chapter yesterday. ---- Wednesday isn't a writing day......
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Writing and my moods.
Was feeling depressed all day. Which is actually unusual for me. I generally have a pretty upbeat mood. (I know, I know ... those who see me at the store might not think that, but over all --- yes, upbeat.)
I read the penultimate section of Led to the Slaughter to writer's group and you know what? It was good.
Ginger made the comment that she had rolled her eyes at the idea of "Donner Party Werewolves" but that it wasn't a gimmick, that I was writing a serious survival story about people.
Well, yeah. It isn't Snakes on a Plane. It is the real story as best I can write it -- but, well, with werewolves.
I'm wondering if I haven't hurt the prospects of the book by playing up the sensational -- perhaps silly -- sounding premise.
Anyway, came home feeling good about my writing again.
Also wrote a chapter of "As You Wish!" (which I have decided needs an exclamation mark in the title.)
The thing about writing is that it isn't dependent on mood. One of the few things I do that isn't dependent on mood. I can write depressed or happy and everywhere between. I remove myself from whatever is happening, good, bad or indifferent.
On the other hand, writing usually makes me feel good.
In fact, I'm convinced that getting serious about writing helped bring me out of my decade long clinical depression in the 70's.
I'm not sure why. Mostly because it took me out of myself, made me think about something else for long periods of time. And because I got a feeling of accomplishment out of it. And maybe because being creative is just good for my overall well being.
The only downside is that it isolates me. After stewing in dark thoughts all day, the minute I started to talking to Ginger and Gary and Linda at the group, I started to feel better.
I've always intended to keep working at the store, whether I need to for the money or not. (Need to being relative.) Maybe not as much, but I still need that human contact. I have all kinds of people at the store I know and like -- they are my friends, if you will.
But writing is also important, and I'm still struggling to find that balance.
I read the penultimate section of Led to the Slaughter to writer's group and you know what? It was good.
Ginger made the comment that she had rolled her eyes at the idea of "Donner Party Werewolves" but that it wasn't a gimmick, that I was writing a serious survival story about people.
Well, yeah. It isn't Snakes on a Plane. It is the real story as best I can write it -- but, well, with werewolves.
I'm wondering if I haven't hurt the prospects of the book by playing up the sensational -- perhaps silly -- sounding premise.
Anyway, came home feeling good about my writing again.
Also wrote a chapter of "As You Wish!" (which I have decided needs an exclamation mark in the title.)
The thing about writing is that it isn't dependent on mood. One of the few things I do that isn't dependent on mood. I can write depressed or happy and everywhere between. I remove myself from whatever is happening, good, bad or indifferent.
On the other hand, writing usually makes me feel good.
In fact, I'm convinced that getting serious about writing helped bring me out of my decade long clinical depression in the 70's.
I'm not sure why. Mostly because it took me out of myself, made me think about something else for long periods of time. And because I got a feeling of accomplishment out of it. And maybe because being creative is just good for my overall well being.
The only downside is that it isolates me. After stewing in dark thoughts all day, the minute I started to talking to Ginger and Gary and Linda at the group, I started to feel better.
I've always intended to keep working at the store, whether I need to for the money or not. (Need to being relative.) Maybe not as much, but I still need that human contact. I have all kinds of people at the store I know and like -- they are my friends, if you will.
But writing is also important, and I'm still struggling to find that balance.
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Just posting the books, and hoping for the best.
I've decided to just post my books -- Rule of Vampire is live -- and then just leave them alone.
I don't feel comfortable asking people to buy my books, but of course, if don't ask them -- they probably won't. But so be it. I'm a writer, that's what I want to do.
I cut 18,000 words from Faerylander (formerly Nearly Human.)
I completely reorganized the chapters. I've undoubtedly got sequence problems, probably duplications, probably missing information.
But I wanted to get a rough cut down, and then deal with the flow.
I think this will be a better book this way. I'm guessing I can cut another couple of thousand words if I'm ruthless enough, and I wouldn't mind cutting even more.
All the books that came after this one are much faster reads. I spent a great deal of the first third of this book on set up and exposition.
I'd like to cut as much exposition as possible, and still have the story make sense. In order to do that, I'm probably going to risk taking out necessary info. So I'll have to ask my editor to figure out where I've done that.
So I will probably cut nearly 20% of the book (after having cut 10% of the book earlier). Both the beginning and the ending are completely different, but wasn't able to deal with the plot problem in the middle that has bothered me all along. I'm afraid that it is such an integral part of the plot it can't be fixed. I keep trying to explain around it, which makes it better. But still...
I know I solved some of the timing issues -- things are now happening in the book where it makes more sense for things to be happening. But for every 3 problems I solve, I seem to create 2 new ones.
This is the 5th complete new version. I found myself taking out much of what I did in the 3rd version, which was an attempt to 'humanize' the story. The need to humanize wasn't wrong, but the way I went about it didn't really work in hindsight.
This is just an extraordinarily difficult thing to do.
I believe that I've probably improved the book by 20% each time, which would mean it's twice as good as the first version. ;-)
Meanwhile, I wrote a single chapter of As You Wish. So I'm trying to do both projects at the same time.
I don't feel comfortable asking people to buy my books, but of course, if don't ask them -- they probably won't. But so be it. I'm a writer, that's what I want to do.
I cut 18,000 words from Faerylander (formerly Nearly Human.)
I completely reorganized the chapters. I've undoubtedly got sequence problems, probably duplications, probably missing information.
But I wanted to get a rough cut down, and then deal with the flow.
I think this will be a better book this way. I'm guessing I can cut another couple of thousand words if I'm ruthless enough, and I wouldn't mind cutting even more.
All the books that came after this one are much faster reads. I spent a great deal of the first third of this book on set up and exposition.
I'd like to cut as much exposition as possible, and still have the story make sense. In order to do that, I'm probably going to risk taking out necessary info. So I'll have to ask my editor to figure out where I've done that.
So I will probably cut nearly 20% of the book (after having cut 10% of the book earlier). Both the beginning and the ending are completely different, but wasn't able to deal with the plot problem in the middle that has bothered me all along. I'm afraid that it is such an integral part of the plot it can't be fixed. I keep trying to explain around it, which makes it better. But still...
I know I solved some of the timing issues -- things are now happening in the book where it makes more sense for things to be happening. But for every 3 problems I solve, I seem to create 2 new ones.
This is the 5th complete new version. I found myself taking out much of what I did in the 3rd version, which was an attempt to 'humanize' the story. The need to humanize wasn't wrong, but the way I went about it didn't really work in hindsight.
This is just an extraordinarily difficult thing to do.
I believe that I've probably improved the book by 20% each time, which would mean it's twice as good as the first version. ;-)
Meanwhile, I wrote a single chapter of As You Wish. So I'm trying to do both projects at the same time.
Monday, September 9, 2013
Rule of Vampire -- is live.
Rule of Vampire is now available on Amazon. Here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EZDJN2O
With Smashwords, I've been waiting for five days for the book to be approved for the Premium catalog, but it's available for sale there -- I'm just not sure if it's available in all platforms yet.
Here's the link: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/DuncanMcGeary
Hope you guys like it!
Duncan
With Smashwords, I've been waiting for five days for the book to be approved for the Premium catalog, but it's available for sale there -- I'm just not sure if it's available in all platforms yet.
Here's the link: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/DuncanMcGeary
Hope you guys like it!
Duncan
Sell for a premium?
There is quite a bit of controversy over whether retailers should sell the 3D covers of Villains month for a premium.
I have a policy of never charging more than SRP for the first month at least, no matter what. Even later I rarely raise the price. I feel like my job is to sell comics, not collectables.
I'm sympathetic, though. I think DC put us in jeopardy with this whole thing, and there is always the risk/reward ratio to consider.
But a policy is a policy. So I'm sticking to regular price.
I have a policy of never charging more than SRP for the first month at least, no matter what. Even later I rarely raise the price. I feel like my job is to sell comics, not collectables.
I'm sympathetic, though. I think DC put us in jeopardy with this whole thing, and there is always the risk/reward ratio to consider.
But a policy is a policy. So I'm sticking to regular price.
As You Wish. A new book.
Have started a new book: As You Wish.
It's straight fantasy. Strangely enough, I think it might be a prequel to Sometimes a Dragon.
Wrote the first three chapters in one day, and I like it. I think it will be fun to write, and that's what I'm looking for right now.
Couldn't face working on the second half of Faerylander. Just didn't feel like it. So much easier and fun to write something fresh.
Linda is encouraging me to finish Faerylander, which she thinks has some neat ideas. I do want to finish it. So I'll try to do both for a little while until I'm done with the rearrangement of Faerylander, then I'll set it aside and work on As You Wish.
I want to give Faerylander a little room to breath before I tackle it once again.
Meanwhile, I'm looking forward to letting my imagination go on As You Wish. Anything is allowed. Anything. Just as long as it makes sense.
I think I'm getting better at setting up the original premise with enough components to make a book, but not so many that it gets unwieldy. Every chapter has to kick the story forward in some way. The characters need to be sympathetic.
And I have great faith now that my subconscious will complete the story.
It's straight fantasy. Strangely enough, I think it might be a prequel to Sometimes a Dragon.
Wrote the first three chapters in one day, and I like it. I think it will be fun to write, and that's what I'm looking for right now.
Couldn't face working on the second half of Faerylander. Just didn't feel like it. So much easier and fun to write something fresh.
Linda is encouraging me to finish Faerylander, which she thinks has some neat ideas. I do want to finish it. So I'll try to do both for a little while until I'm done with the rearrangement of Faerylander, then I'll set it aside and work on As You Wish.
I want to give Faerylander a little room to breath before I tackle it once again.
Meanwhile, I'm looking forward to letting my imagination go on As You Wish. Anything is allowed. Anything. Just as long as it makes sense.
I think I'm getting better at setting up the original premise with enough components to make a book, but not so many that it gets unwieldy. Every chapter has to kick the story forward in some way. The characters need to be sympathetic.
And I have great faith now that my subconscious will complete the story.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Still not getting it.
After writing two and half fresh chapters to start Faerylander, I started rearranging the following chapters. I cut back my famous author flashbacks to the original five and did them in order. I arranged the "falling in love with Lillian" chapters in sequential order.
In other words, I did everything I could to make the manuscript flow better.
I'm trying to cut between 20 and 30 thousand words, but it looks like it may only be about 10 thousand words. Can't quite tell.
My writing on that first year's worth of manuscript just isn't as good as what I was doing later and I've been trying to make that better.
So this will be the fifth complete version of this novel.
It was a giant game of concentration -- trying to remember what goes where and when. Spent probably 8 hours in a very concentrated state, and got about half done. So I figure I'll get the other half done in the next day or two.
Then I need to go back and really try hard to make the whole thing work.
I'm far past the word-jumble state I try so hard to avoid. But I want to save this book if possible. For one thing I've written a sequel (Wolflander) that would go to waste! (And which I think is fine.)
I keep thinking I'll have an epiphany -- a thunderbolt realization of how to fix it. But I'm afraid that what I'm really looking at is hard work. So -- continue to make the sequencing work as best as possible, and then try to get the writing as good as possible and see what I end up with.
This is like some kind of karmic readjustment for how easy writing has been -- this book isn't easy and I'm doing so much rewriting that I can now say I probably rewrite as much as any other author.
At the end of it, I'll probably have to ask myself if I should go ahead and publish a less than perfect book. For one thing, it may be better than I think. For another, it has some good characters and premises that I'd like to continue to pursue. I did like Wolflander, the followup, and it has none of the same problems -- and I have ideas for other books in the series.
I think I have the luxury of taking the time to keep trying to get it right -- hope for the thunderbolt. Blood of Gold editing and rewriting and formatting is probably going to take up the next quarter of a year, so I've got time.
Thing is, I'd like to get back to writing something new.
So finish this fifth complete draft over the next couple of weeks, then set it aside and write something completely new.
In other words, I did everything I could to make the manuscript flow better.
I'm trying to cut between 20 and 30 thousand words, but it looks like it may only be about 10 thousand words. Can't quite tell.
My writing on that first year's worth of manuscript just isn't as good as what I was doing later and I've been trying to make that better.
So this will be the fifth complete version of this novel.
It was a giant game of concentration -- trying to remember what goes where and when. Spent probably 8 hours in a very concentrated state, and got about half done. So I figure I'll get the other half done in the next day or two.
Then I need to go back and really try hard to make the whole thing work.
I'm far past the word-jumble state I try so hard to avoid. But I want to save this book if possible. For one thing I've written a sequel (Wolflander) that would go to waste! (And which I think is fine.)
I keep thinking I'll have an epiphany -- a thunderbolt realization of how to fix it. But I'm afraid that what I'm really looking at is hard work. So -- continue to make the sequencing work as best as possible, and then try to get the writing as good as possible and see what I end up with.
This is like some kind of karmic readjustment for how easy writing has been -- this book isn't easy and I'm doing so much rewriting that I can now say I probably rewrite as much as any other author.
At the end of it, I'll probably have to ask myself if I should go ahead and publish a less than perfect book. For one thing, it may be better than I think. For another, it has some good characters and premises that I'd like to continue to pursue. I did like Wolflander, the followup, and it has none of the same problems -- and I have ideas for other books in the series.
I think I have the luxury of taking the time to keep trying to get it right -- hope for the thunderbolt. Blood of Gold editing and rewriting and formatting is probably going to take up the next quarter of a year, so I've got time.
Thing is, I'd like to get back to writing something new.
So finish this fifth complete draft over the next couple of weeks, then set it aside and write something completely new.
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Holy Crap, that was hard!
Holy crap, that was hard.
Turning Nearly Human into Faerylander.
I swear it would be easier to write a new book. Twice as easy, three times as easy, four....
I spent hours and hours and hours trying to adjust the previously written material.
I spent maybe an hour or two writing two fresh new chapters.
I'm only doing this because I think the book is worth saving and because I think it has some good ideas and characters and about 80% of a viable plot.
Some of the previously written material is pretty good. I hate to lose it. At the same time, I traded away a really well written two paragraph description for an adequate two sentence description, god help me. Everything is about moving the story forward.
Right now, the bad guy is the major focus, two of the first three chapters, malevolently active and doing things. The good guy is the second chapter, and he's talking talking.
The beginning is always the hardest. It should get easier from now on.
I think.
I hope.
Turning Nearly Human into Faerylander.
I swear it would be easier to write a new book. Twice as easy, three times as easy, four....
I spent hours and hours and hours trying to adjust the previously written material.
I spent maybe an hour or two writing two fresh new chapters.
I'm only doing this because I think the book is worth saving and because I think it has some good ideas and characters and about 80% of a viable plot.
Some of the previously written material is pretty good. I hate to lose it. At the same time, I traded away a really well written two paragraph description for an adequate two sentence description, god help me. Everything is about moving the story forward.
Right now, the bad guy is the major focus, two of the first three chapters, malevolently active and doing things. The good guy is the second chapter, and he's talking talking.
The beginning is always the hardest. It should get easier from now on.
I think.
I hope.
Friday, September 6, 2013
Plot turning and sleep tossing.
Made the mistake of starting to think about my plot to Faerylander last night.
Couldn't sleep all night.
Thing is, I like about 80% of Nearly Human.
But it starts off with the wrong tone, has some duplicate scenes, and it has a plot twist that I can't quite swallow.
So I started trying to figure out how to fix the tonal problem first, and it came back to plot, plot, plot.
So rather than just start writing, I'm going to think about plot for a few days, see if I can't combine some chapters and characters and the get the main character introduced in a much more sympathetic appearance.
Couldn't sleep all night.
Thing is, I like about 80% of Nearly Human.
But it starts off with the wrong tone, has some duplicate scenes, and it has a plot twist that I can't quite swallow.
So I started trying to figure out how to fix the tonal problem first, and it came back to plot, plot, plot.
So rather than just start writing, I'm going to think about plot for a few days, see if I can't combine some chapters and characters and the get the main character introduced in a much more sympathetic appearance.
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Writing in a vacuum.
I'm trying to decide what book I want to work on next.
I think it is going to be Faerylander. Which will be a real experiment. I've already written a complete book, so the question will be -- how far is the new book going to stray from the original book?
I more or less already have the premise and the characters and even most of the plot, I just want to try a fresh approach.
I've also been working off and on with Led to the Slaughter. I've added about 4000 words of historical detail. I'm almost done there, maybe a few more additions. I'm trying to set up a system where I don't look at a manuscript for a month or two after I finish, and only then come back and give it a rewrite.
I rearranged the beginning 30 pages of the Led to the Slaughter, based on someone's suggestion -- same content but moving the chapters around. I can see how in theory the new arrangement works, but I still like the original version.
I've got enough finished material to feed the publishing pipeline, so I can afford to be patient and try to gain some perspective.
I've been distracted over the last month or two with the reality of trying to get my creative efforts out there where people can actually read them. -- I want to get back to writing without any concern about publishing. I can write on my own, but publishing requires the help of others -- along with their convenient timelines, not mine.
I spent probably ten months of the last year doing nothing but writing, and I was very productive, and I kind of want to get back to that mode, even if it is writing in a vacuum.
I think it is going to be Faerylander. Which will be a real experiment. I've already written a complete book, so the question will be -- how far is the new book going to stray from the original book?
I more or less already have the premise and the characters and even most of the plot, I just want to try a fresh approach.
I've also been working off and on with Led to the Slaughter. I've added about 4000 words of historical detail. I'm almost done there, maybe a few more additions. I'm trying to set up a system where I don't look at a manuscript for a month or two after I finish, and only then come back and give it a rewrite.
I rearranged the beginning 30 pages of the Led to the Slaughter, based on someone's suggestion -- same content but moving the chapters around. I can see how in theory the new arrangement works, but I still like the original version.
I've got enough finished material to feed the publishing pipeline, so I can afford to be patient and try to gain some perspective.
I've been distracted over the last month or two with the reality of trying to get my creative efforts out there where people can actually read them. -- I want to get back to writing without any concern about publishing. I can write on my own, but publishing requires the help of others -- along with their convenient timelines, not mine.
I spent probably ten months of the last year doing nothing but writing, and I was very productive, and I kind of want to get back to that mode, even if it is writing in a vacuum.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Finished Blood of Gold.
The Vampire Evolution Trilogy is complete!
I finished Blood of Gold yesterday.
The first book, Death of an Immortal has been online for 8 months. The second book, Rule of Vampire is done and I'm just waiting for my tech guy Aaron to recover from his travels and find time to help me do the last bit of formatting that will let me post it on Amazon and Smashwords.
At least the first draft of Blood of Gold is done -- which means it will happen. I mean, I could post what I've already written, but I want to let it be edited and give myself time to make improvements.
But it is more or less done.
I like it.
Not to get all mystical, but it feels like this comes from somewhere else, like the story exists and all I'm doing is transcribing it. Like it deserves to exist. Like these characters are somehow real.
Meanwhile, I get such a sense of fulfillment and relief from finishing and liking what I've done, that I feel a euphoria. I mean it doesn't come easy. I get in the middle of these stories and think, "What the hell have you gotten into?"
But you know what? I've been steady and diligent and expended a huge amount of time and energy on it and so it happened.
I'm very grateful that this creative urge came over me after so many years. I mean, I don't regret having my retailer career, and there wasn't really any choice anyway.
But I seem to be making up for lost time. A few more years of this, and I'll have a whole career worth of material created.
Taking 25 years off gave me a chance to think about what I wanted to accomplish, to work out the best work process, to look back and figure out what I did wrong and right the first time.
Being financially secure gives me the confidence to dive into this and not emerge for weeks and months at a time. But there is something to show for it all at the end, and I'm very very glad that this happening.
It's total bonus. I want to keep doing it.
I finished Blood of Gold yesterday.
The first book, Death of an Immortal has been online for 8 months. The second book, Rule of Vampire is done and I'm just waiting for my tech guy Aaron to recover from his travels and find time to help me do the last bit of formatting that will let me post it on Amazon and Smashwords.
At least the first draft of Blood of Gold is done -- which means it will happen. I mean, I could post what I've already written, but I want to let it be edited and give myself time to make improvements.
But it is more or less done.
I like it.
Not to get all mystical, but it feels like this comes from somewhere else, like the story exists and all I'm doing is transcribing it. Like it deserves to exist. Like these characters are somehow real.
Meanwhile, I get such a sense of fulfillment and relief from finishing and liking what I've done, that I feel a euphoria. I mean it doesn't come easy. I get in the middle of these stories and think, "What the hell have you gotten into?"
But you know what? I've been steady and diligent and expended a huge amount of time and energy on it and so it happened.
I'm very grateful that this creative urge came over me after so many years. I mean, I don't regret having my retailer career, and there wasn't really any choice anyway.
But I seem to be making up for lost time. A few more years of this, and I'll have a whole career worth of material created.
Taking 25 years off gave me a chance to think about what I wanted to accomplish, to work out the best work process, to look back and figure out what I did wrong and right the first time.
Being financially secure gives me the confidence to dive into this and not emerge for weeks and months at a time. But there is something to show for it all at the end, and I'm very very glad that this happening.
It's total bonus. I want to keep doing it.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Every book is a work in progress.
I'm beginning to understand that until a book is actually at the
printers (if ever...) , it's a work in progress.
My goal is to have Led to the Slaughter as good as I can make it.
I recently had a 'professional' offer a one-sentence critique that instantly had me rethinking the beginning -- in a way I hadn't even thought of before, but which obviously made it better. Basically, it was simply putting the second chapter as the fifth, and the fourth chapter as the second. An easy fix, like I said, but one I hadn't even thought.
Unfortunately, most people you ask for help see the earlier part of the process, instead of the latter. You show people stuff, and there are things wrong about them and you fix them, but the earlier readers never see the fixing. Almost by definition, before publishing, everyone will have seen a version that wasn't the final version.
So the danger is that you expose your work too soon. You may think it's finished, but someone can point something out and you realize, no -- there is more to do.
I'm proud of myself for actually being patient. I waited until I thought I had written something good enough to put online -- Death of an Immortal. I think Rule of Vampire is probably even better. I'm hoping Blood of Gold will be as good as the first two.
Thing is, I also feel like I sometimes need to be impulsive or nothing happens. I take risk when I'm ready to take risk, not when it makes the most sense.
So my goal is to have have all three books of Vampire Evolution as good as I can make them, and have them edited. I've pretty much done that so far.
My goal is to completely rewrite Faerylander, and then follow it up with a string of books which are as good as I can make them.
My goal is to make sure that both Sometimes a Dragon and Deviltree are improved and as good as I can make them.
And my goal is to make sure that my Lore fantasy trilogy is completely thought out and finished before I publish them.
Because they are digital, this is all up to me.
Again, I'm kind of proud of myself for not rushing things. I mentioned to Linda that I wish I'd spent just a little more time on just the last chapter of Death of an Immortal, not that it's bad but that I could have added maybe a couple hundred words. Also, that I wished that Lara could've worked on it.
Thing is, I didn't really feel that until I pushed to button. Pushing the button automatically puts the wholw process into a different perspective. Hard to explain. And of course, Lara wasn't even around back then.
But with online, I can still adjust things slightly. I can have Lara do an editing job on an already published book, because it is still all digital.
I've told myself I'll allow one chance at changes, and that I can't change anything substantial, and that it will just be a little cleaning up. Anything more than that and I'll feel like I've broken faith with the reader.
Meanwhile, while it's true writing a digital book is a trial and error process, publishing a physical book wouldn't be. Publishing is all or nothing, get one chance. It's like having a job and getting fired after every mistake. No way to learn.
What Dwight Newton used to say about the Pulps was -- they learned while they were writing.
So I just have to keep trying to muddle through, with a combination of impulse (or it won't get done) and patience (waiting until it can be done right.)
That last should be my mantra: Keep trying to muddle through, with a combination of impulse (or it won't get done) and patience (waiting until it can be done right.)
My goal is to have Led to the Slaughter as good as I can make it.
I recently had a 'professional' offer a one-sentence critique that instantly had me rethinking the beginning -- in a way I hadn't even thought of before, but which obviously made it better. Basically, it was simply putting the second chapter as the fifth, and the fourth chapter as the second. An easy fix, like I said, but one I hadn't even thought.
Unfortunately, most people you ask for help see the earlier part of the process, instead of the latter. You show people stuff, and there are things wrong about them and you fix them, but the earlier readers never see the fixing. Almost by definition, before publishing, everyone will have seen a version that wasn't the final version.
So the danger is that you expose your work too soon. You may think it's finished, but someone can point something out and you realize, no -- there is more to do.
I'm proud of myself for actually being patient. I waited until I thought I had written something good enough to put online -- Death of an Immortal. I think Rule of Vampire is probably even better. I'm hoping Blood of Gold will be as good as the first two.
Thing is, I also feel like I sometimes need to be impulsive or nothing happens. I take risk when I'm ready to take risk, not when it makes the most sense.
So my goal is to have have all three books of Vampire Evolution as good as I can make them, and have them edited. I've pretty much done that so far.
My goal is to completely rewrite Faerylander, and then follow it up with a string of books which are as good as I can make them.
My goal is to make sure that both Sometimes a Dragon and Deviltree are improved and as good as I can make them.
And my goal is to make sure that my Lore fantasy trilogy is completely thought out and finished before I publish them.
Because they are digital, this is all up to me.
Again, I'm kind of proud of myself for not rushing things. I mentioned to Linda that I wish I'd spent just a little more time on just the last chapter of Death of an Immortal, not that it's bad but that I could have added maybe a couple hundred words. Also, that I wished that Lara could've worked on it.
Thing is, I didn't really feel that until I pushed to button. Pushing the button automatically puts the wholw process into a different perspective. Hard to explain. And of course, Lara wasn't even around back then.
But with online, I can still adjust things slightly. I can have Lara do an editing job on an already published book, because it is still all digital.
I've told myself I'll allow one chance at changes, and that I can't change anything substantial, and that it will just be a little cleaning up. Anything more than that and I'll feel like I've broken faith with the reader.
Meanwhile, while it's true writing a digital book is a trial and error process, publishing a physical book wouldn't be. Publishing is all or nothing, get one chance. It's like having a job and getting fired after every mistake. No way to learn.
What Dwight Newton used to say about the Pulps was -- they learned while they were writing.
So I just have to keep trying to muddle through, with a combination of impulse (or it won't get done) and patience (waiting until it can be done right.)
That last should be my mantra: Keep trying to muddle through, with a combination of impulse (or it won't get done) and patience (waiting until it can be done right.)
Monday, September 2, 2013
Faerylander.
Here I am, trying to finish up Blood of Gold, and a new story is pressing itself on me.
Surprisingly enough, it's an old story that wants to be rewritten -- Nearly Human, which I have now decided to call Faerylander.
When the beginning of the story presses itself on you while you're brushing your teeth, then you know it wants to come out. I thought I was still debating whether I really wanted to do that. My subconscious is saying, "Hell, yeah!" I always obey my subconscious in all things.
Patience! I'll be done with Blood of Gold either today or tomorrow. Wait, dammit! Come back when I'm ready!
I can't believe I'm going to do this -- but I've decided that no words are sacrosanct simply because I wrote them -- not even when I struggled with them.
I want to keep the characters, the basic premise, even most of the plot. I want to shift the plot, make it more believable. And I especially want to change the tone. I'm also going to try for a deep 3rd person. I can't stray too much from the style of Wolflander, however.
I'm going with more of the basic faery creatures -- dwarfs, gnomes, elves, along with the made up critters. I'm going to have to read Wolflander to see what I can get away with.
Rather than try to go back and "fix" what I've done, I decided because of the quick way I write, that I'd be better off starting from scratch. I have to remember -- there are always more words where those came from.
All the books I've written since Nearly Human have a much easier style, and I think I need to stick with that. Nearly Human just doesn't work, and while I improved it with each rewrite the book has such fundamental flaws that there simply isn't any way to make it really good.
I'm betting I can make a very readable book by simply starting from scratch.
Surprisingly enough, it's an old story that wants to be rewritten -- Nearly Human, which I have now decided to call Faerylander.
When the beginning of the story presses itself on you while you're brushing your teeth, then you know it wants to come out. I thought I was still debating whether I really wanted to do that. My subconscious is saying, "Hell, yeah!" I always obey my subconscious in all things.
Patience! I'll be done with Blood of Gold either today or tomorrow. Wait, dammit! Come back when I'm ready!
I can't believe I'm going to do this -- but I've decided that no words are sacrosanct simply because I wrote them -- not even when I struggled with them.
I want to keep the characters, the basic premise, even most of the plot. I want to shift the plot, make it more believable. And I especially want to change the tone. I'm also going to try for a deep 3rd person. I can't stray too much from the style of Wolflander, however.
I'm going with more of the basic faery creatures -- dwarfs, gnomes, elves, along with the made up critters. I'm going to have to read Wolflander to see what I can get away with.
Rather than try to go back and "fix" what I've done, I decided because of the quick way I write, that I'd be better off starting from scratch. I have to remember -- there are always more words where those came from.
All the books I've written since Nearly Human have a much easier style, and I think I need to stick with that. Nearly Human just doesn't work, and while I improved it with each rewrite the book has such fundamental flaws that there simply isn't any way to make it really good.
I'm betting I can make a very readable book by simply starting from scratch.
The plot thickens.
Or rather, gets complicated.
I'm trying to wrap up three books worth of story threads and character fates. It's not over the top, I don't think. It works. But for the first time, I'm losing tracks of things. I dropped a character completely by accident, though it was easy enough to put her back in.
It's just that I'm now trying to manage the events of over 200,000 words. How did I describe that character? What was that character's name?
I've never kept notes or graphs because I've always been able to keep it in my head. Because most of my books are around 70,000 words, I could always keep the whole story on track.
But this is three books worth of plot I'm trying to wrap up.
I know that I'm on track, but I also know that I'm going to have to go back and check a bunch of things. My editor may really earn her money with this book.
It's like being able to juggle. 3 items, no problem. 4 or 5, easy. 6, 7 getting a little harder, 8, 9 oops. dropped one.
Anyway, I'm going to have to go over this a few times, try to catch what I left out and what I need to add. Something I'm realizing is that each book is a little different. Some need more rewriting than others, some I'm more willing to do more rewriting than others. (Unfortunately, not always the same books.)
I'm trying to wrap up three books worth of story threads and character fates. It's not over the top, I don't think. It works. But for the first time, I'm losing tracks of things. I dropped a character completely by accident, though it was easy enough to put her back in.
It's just that I'm now trying to manage the events of over 200,000 words. How did I describe that character? What was that character's name?
I've never kept notes or graphs because I've always been able to keep it in my head. Because most of my books are around 70,000 words, I could always keep the whole story on track.
But this is three books worth of plot I'm trying to wrap up.
I know that I'm on track, but I also know that I'm going to have to go back and check a bunch of things. My editor may really earn her money with this book.
It's like being able to juggle. 3 items, no problem. 4 or 5, easy. 6, 7 getting a little harder, 8, 9 oops. dropped one.
Anyway, I'm going to have to go over this a few times, try to catch what I left out and what I need to add. Something I'm realizing is that each book is a little different. Some need more rewriting than others, some I'm more willing to do more rewriting than others. (Unfortunately, not always the same books.)
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Paying the price.
I pretty much spent the whole summer indoors.
At first it was because of the heat. Then it was because I was writing. Then both.
But as the summer comes to a close, the inside-my-head tapes of "Get out there and do something!" get louder and louder.
Back in my old writing career, it seemed like writing would stop at summer and the holidays. This time, I am writing right through all obstacles.
Here's the thing. Ever since I got in this writing groove, which started almost exactly one year ago, I've been afraid to let it go. Who am I to turn down this munificence?
I'm not saying it's all great, but it feels like it's pretty good.
I decided to pay the price, as long as the creativity kept coming. I mean, it is an unusual thing, to say the least. And it's still coming.
Paying the price -- I'm hardly reading, I think I gaining weight, I don't watch much TV. I barely touched the garden, the dust level on my desk has turned into dust bunnies.
I'm not getting any younger, and I'm feeling the urge very strongly, so I'm just going to keep doing it no matter the price.
At first it was because of the heat. Then it was because I was writing. Then both.
But as the summer comes to a close, the inside-my-head tapes of "Get out there and do something!" get louder and louder.
Back in my old writing career, it seemed like writing would stop at summer and the holidays. This time, I am writing right through all obstacles.
Here's the thing. Ever since I got in this writing groove, which started almost exactly one year ago, I've been afraid to let it go. Who am I to turn down this munificence?
I'm not saying it's all great, but it feels like it's pretty good.
I decided to pay the price, as long as the creativity kept coming. I mean, it is an unusual thing, to say the least. And it's still coming.
Paying the price -- I'm hardly reading, I think I gaining weight, I don't watch much TV. I barely touched the garden, the dust level on my desk has turned into dust bunnies.
I'm not getting any younger, and I'm feeling the urge very strongly, so I'm just going to keep doing it no matter the price.
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