If you are of the Disney bunch who still love mice and think they're great, DO NOT READ THIS. I used to be like you. No more. They have ruined my yarn, stolen my butter, made my house stink, routinely ruin my breads and leave their $#!+ everywhere. It's disgusting, unhealthy, and I'm allergic to them.
Some of you who have long followed me on twitter know that I'm on a crusade. I have had a SEVERE mouse problem since last summer. Figured out why, but it doesn't matter at this point. The point is that traps and a cat have been unable to keep the little Fu...er suckers down. Having a cat did stop them from treating my house like their personal zoo and we were the animals... Trust me, they would WATCH us play video games.
Anyways, My cat has been put outside, allowed in every other day or so for a while. She gets mice. In fact, I think she got one of the most annoying ones out of my room. Today we started to rearrange the house in prep for redoing floors and a fat mouse got away. I was so irked. I had gotten my letter opener and everything so I could get it.
Hours later, we're going through stuff to put it back together enough for us to rest. We have have a third of the area's carpet up, had to add more flooring as the current flooring was way warped, and started tiling. We also took the wallpaper off the walls. All in all, a productive day, but that mouse getting away irks me.
We had an old dresser that held our VHS movies. When we pulled out one of the drawers, we found a mouse nest over the whole top of the movies. My husband pounds over the nest with one of the movies and a mouse does a back flip out the back! We lose sight of him and go back to the drawer. It was disgusting. We threw that drawer away.
We found the mouse in the dresser's bones and chased it with my letter opener. My husband said "You can't kill a mice with this," but preceded to chase the mouse with it, around and out of the dresser. My son chased it down where it attempted to go under the rug. It was mostly under the rug and my son stepped on it.
Due to a cord running under the rug, the mouse was stuck but not dead. It is now. I won't go into details here, but lets just say that my husband was wrong,I love rocks, and my dogs got an extra treat.
I feel vindicated after the earlier miss. This warrior woman has come one step closer to getting her house back!
There's more than one way skin a cat...er, mouse.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Friday
I haven't gotten much writing done this week because of the sickness plaguing me. However, I have made leaps and bounds on the first person issue. I wrote a comedy erotica in the first person (talk about squirming under first person!)and a about 10k more words in the story. I've also gone back and started changing the other stuff into first person. It's driving me crazy being unable to focus for very long.
Just a reminder, 99% of what I post is raw or early drafts so feel free to point out flaws and any grammar problems :D
End of chapter 7
"They turn into, well," I took a deep breath. Here goes nothing. "They turn into zombies."
The silence in the room is profound. I watch as a myriad of emotions cross his face: disbelief, confusion, thoughtfulness, then the awareness. He's put what I've told him together with whatever he knows. I can see it in his eyes. It's his turn to trust me.
"Spill it," I say.
He looks at me as if I'm a witch or something. "Spill what," he says carefully.
"Whatever it is that's making you believe me so easily. You know something. Now tell me what it is."
"It's nothing concrete really. I may be wrong."
I let out a frustrated sigh. "Tell me."
"I remember hearing about a group of elite soldiers that were killed. It was covered up."
"You think it has something to do with this. Why and how did you find out about it?"
"A team of our agents were down there on assignment. The army was their back up."
This was like pulling teeth. Whatever he had to say must be bad. "And?"
"And, our office got a hold of video footage. I saw it before it was confiscated." He pauses and looks me in the eye. "What I saw were men, running so fast they were a blur on the videos. Men who viciously attacked the agents. The other soldiers shot the attackers in the head. Six people died that day, including one of our agents."
"But how did they keep that out of the news? That's the part that's been bugging me all this time. If soldiers are losing it, someone would know."
"Yes, someone would know. I think they're killing anyone not willing to run the party line."
"But that means--" I can't say it.
He's nodding anyway. "That means you."
Just a reminder, 99% of what I post is raw or early drafts so feel free to point out flaws and any grammar problems :D
End of chapter 7
"They turn into, well," I took a deep breath. Here goes nothing. "They turn into zombies."
The silence in the room is profound. I watch as a myriad of emotions cross his face: disbelief, confusion, thoughtfulness, then the awareness. He's put what I've told him together with whatever he knows. I can see it in his eyes. It's his turn to trust me.
"Spill it," I say.
He looks at me as if I'm a witch or something. "Spill what," he says carefully.
"Whatever it is that's making you believe me so easily. You know something. Now tell me what it is."
"It's nothing concrete really. I may be wrong."
I let out a frustrated sigh. "Tell me."
"I remember hearing about a group of elite soldiers that were killed. It was covered up."
"You think it has something to do with this. Why and how did you find out about it?"
"A team of our agents were down there on assignment. The army was their back up."
This was like pulling teeth. Whatever he had to say must be bad. "And?"
"And, our office got a hold of video footage. I saw it before it was confiscated." He pauses and looks me in the eye. "What I saw were men, running so fast they were a blur on the videos. Men who viciously attacked the agents. The other soldiers shot the attackers in the head. Six people died that day, including one of our agents."
"But how did they keep that out of the news? That's the part that's been bugging me all this time. If soldiers are losing it, someone would know."
"Yes, someone would know. I think they're killing anyone not willing to run the party line."
"But that means--" I can't say it.
He's nodding anyway. "That means you."
Story on Meds or Waving a Magic Wand
As most of my twitter followers have gathered, I'm on a long dose of antibiotics as well as benadryl, sudafed and saline flushes. This got me to thinking. Yeah, I know, I'm weird. But since I can't focus on my writing my creative weirdness needs to vent somehow.
You see, I've read the last few hundred words I wrote while sick. Not pretty. Plot is okay, structure is okay, but there is no oomph. Apparently I write like I paint--expressionist impressionist LOL If I'm not feeling it, you'll get the impression with no real feeling.
That's what's happened in my last chapter. I may leave it and go on to finish the story since there are no major plot issues. I can fix the lack luster in edits. I'm sure my critique partner will fix the lack luster in no time :) I have a wonderfully honest, yet positive Critique Partner. Have I told you all how much I love her? Between my MIL beta reading since the beginning of my serious writing stints, my new beta readers, and my Critique Partner, I'm starting to feel like a professional writer LOL Sorry, off topic, but I heart these peeps!
As I'm moaning and groaning my way through day, trying not to be a Narcissistic Nancy, I got to looking at that chapter and wishing I could put it on antibiotics. Maybe some sudafed. And a saline flush. Figured I'd skip the benadryl since it's sleepy enough :P
How many times as a writer do we wish we could wave the magic wand? Too many. What if I could wave a wand and fix all? I wouldn't learn for one thing. My brain would stagnate. And that doesn't guarantee that a reader will like my story. Also, I'd lose that contact with my beta readers. I wouldn't have gotten so close to my critique partner who has turned into a lovely friend.
So when you're moaning and groaning about having to edit your writing, or weeding your garden (I wish, I'm ready for spring!), or plain old having to redo something, think twice about that magic wand or wishing you could flush it :) Who knows what you might miss?
Writing. It's more than a book, it'a an adventure.
You see, I've read the last few hundred words I wrote while sick. Not pretty. Plot is okay, structure is okay, but there is no oomph. Apparently I write like I paint--expressionist impressionist LOL If I'm not feeling it, you'll get the impression with no real feeling.
That's what's happened in my last chapter. I may leave it and go on to finish the story since there are no major plot issues. I can fix the lack luster in edits. I'm sure my critique partner will fix the lack luster in no time :) I have a wonderfully honest, yet positive Critique Partner. Have I told you all how much I love her? Between my MIL beta reading since the beginning of my serious writing stints, my new beta readers, and my Critique Partner, I'm starting to feel like a professional writer LOL Sorry, off topic, but I heart these peeps!
As I'm moaning and groaning my way through day, trying not to be a Narcissistic Nancy, I got to looking at that chapter and wishing I could put it on antibiotics. Maybe some sudafed. And a saline flush. Figured I'd skip the benadryl since it's sleepy enough :P
How many times as a writer do we wish we could wave the magic wand? Too many. What if I could wave a wand and fix all? I wouldn't learn for one thing. My brain would stagnate. And that doesn't guarantee that a reader will like my story. Also, I'd lose that contact with my beta readers. I wouldn't have gotten so close to my critique partner who has turned into a lovely friend.
So when you're moaning and groaning about having to edit your writing, or weeding your garden (I wish, I'm ready for spring!), or plain old having to redo something, think twice about that magic wand or wishing you could flush it :) Who knows what you might miss?
Writing. It's more than a book, it'a an adventure.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Setting Example
I'm sick, so I'm going to fudge a little today. As you all know if you've read my blog lately, I started a new dark parnormal female noir series. I've posted some of it here. Everything I post is usually raw or early drafts so it doesn't mess up later publication and so my family and friends can get a taste of the process.
The Gal Friday Noir series is important to me. It was thought up during a dark time in my emotional life. And it's getting me through these few weeks between my brother's birthday and the 2nd anniversary of his death. I now have critique partner helping with it. But before I found my partner of awesomesauce, I turned in bits of my story for public critiquing. Where? To my favorite grammar blog, of course.
I've since experienced other difficulties most of which has at least gotten a mention on my blog making this story, my writing even more important to me. I'm editing and writing new. Struggling with this illness, but seeing a doctor today should help. Then I can get back to writing thousands of words a day instead of hundreds.
Please go read the critique here: http://edittorrent.blogspot.com/2011/02/your-setting-examples-4.html And while you're at it, go read anything else that may look interesting or helpful to you. These two ladies are full of awesome, fairness, and are two wonderful editors. (Seriously, I've expounded on their wonderfulness on this blog before.) You still here? You haven't gone to their site? Be gone! Then come back and comment ;-)
The Gal Friday Noir series is important to me. It was thought up during a dark time in my emotional life. And it's getting me through these few weeks between my brother's birthday and the 2nd anniversary of his death. I now have critique partner helping with it. But before I found my partner of awesomesauce, I turned in bits of my story for public critiquing. Where? To my favorite grammar blog, of course.
I've since experienced other difficulties most of which has at least gotten a mention on my blog making this story, my writing even more important to me. I'm editing and writing new. Struggling with this illness, but seeing a doctor today should help. Then I can get back to writing thousands of words a day instead of hundreds.
Please go read the critique here: http://edittorrent.blogspot.com/2011/02/your-setting-examples-4.html And while you're at it, go read anything else that may look interesting or helpful to you. These two ladies are full of awesome, fairness, and are two wonderful editors. (Seriously, I've expounded on their wonderfulness on this blog before.) You still here? You haven't gone to their site? Be gone! Then come back and comment ;-)
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Writing while sick
I've been sick lately. Sinus infection type stuff. As I get this all the time, writing has been easy enough, and my tone has been fine. Well, it has moved into my chest. Still used to that, so wasn't to upset, but now the lymph nodes under my arms seem to be infected. Damn and double damn. I've had a full body "sinus" infection before and it's not pretty. Explains why I feel so down. Last couple of days of not enough sleep has combined to make me feel BLAH.
So, how do you keep writing when you're sick like that? I do. Sometimes, I do lots more edits. But I have a goal. I have to have rough draft finished my March 15. No excuses. Right now, I'm on pace as I'm about 25% finished and we're about a quarter of the way into this challenge. I can do it. But only if I don't slack.
What's that mean? I'm so "not in the mood" to write. I want to lay around and watch movies. I did slack of a little yesterday. I wrote only couple hundred words, and did some editing. I can't do that today. It means buckling down and writing. Period. Even if I think it sucks a$$ and erase it all later. I may get good plot point out. I may just be helping instill good habits. Who knows. The point is, I have to write today.
So, here's me, doing the routine, getting things moving, so I can write. Have y'all found your routine yet?
So, how do you keep writing when you're sick like that? I do. Sometimes, I do lots more edits. But I have a goal. I have to have rough draft finished my March 15. No excuses. Right now, I'm on pace as I'm about 25% finished and we're about a quarter of the way into this challenge. I can do it. But only if I don't slack.
What's that mean? I'm so "not in the mood" to write. I want to lay around and watch movies. I did slack of a little yesterday. I wrote only couple hundred words, and did some editing. I can't do that today. It means buckling down and writing. Period. Even if I think it sucks a$$ and erase it all later. I may get good plot point out. I may just be helping instill good habits. Who knows. The point is, I have to write today.
So, here's me, doing the routine, getting things moving, so I can write. Have y'all found your routine yet?
Monday, February 21, 2011
Have so much to do
My critique partner and I are rocking. I wrote an erotic comedy short for a contest that opens on March 1st. And you know what? I wrote it in first person :D
I think it's pretty good for a quickie. *snicker*
I'm now at 19360 words on my Gal Friday Noir and it's coming along nicely. About to send her out into the fray again. Knives blazing. Momma is pissed. Her kids are being held captive to ensure her cooperation. Nothing like a grizzly momma after you. Bad guys never learn. Don't mess with someone's kids.
Not going as quickly as I'd like on the edits. In fact, Hubby just left with the reason and I may have to edit instead of write while they're gone!! It's hard though. I'm really digging my new story and my critique partner as well. Sigh. But I must finsh the other one. Send it off :D
And ahem, I have one other beta reader. her initials are AG who needs to put her two cents in. Or on the other one :D Maybe should send them to her again? LOL I guess I'll be good and go edit. Course, it is the devil's human son, demons, Succubai, angels, Soulmates, sex, love, bondage, sword fights... Hey, that's right, I like that book. :D
I think it's pretty good for a quickie. *snicker*
I'm now at 19360 words on my Gal Friday Noir and it's coming along nicely. About to send her out into the fray again. Knives blazing. Momma is pissed. Her kids are being held captive to ensure her cooperation. Nothing like a grizzly momma after you. Bad guys never learn. Don't mess with someone's kids.
Not going as quickly as I'd like on the edits. In fact, Hubby just left with the reason and I may have to edit instead of write while they're gone!! It's hard though. I'm really digging my new story and my critique partner as well. Sigh. But I must finsh the other one. Send it off :D
And ahem, I have one other beta reader. her initials are AG who needs to put her two cents in. Or on the other one :D Maybe should send them to her again? LOL I guess I'll be good and go edit. Course, it is the devil's human son, demons, Succubai, angels, Soulmates, sex, love, bondage, sword fights... Hey, that's right, I like that book. :D
Sunday, February 20, 2011
On the road again...
Thanks to some wonderful comments and support from my critique partner, I pounded out two more chapters in first person. And I'm a success. :D Anne-Mhairi says I nailed it! No she wasn't talking about a guy! Get your head out of the gutter. Yes, you know who you are.
I have written a third now, since Friday's excerpts. Go me! Our hero had to learn of a little bit of her secrets, and be told what he was getting into. He still doesn't know she's got a few side effects... I think I may have to keep him in the series long term. Can't decide. Need to kill somebody. It's been too long since someone was killed...
It's intense to be writing something from first person. I'm liking it now, although I still feel the fear at the top of my throat threatening to strangle me. I didn't write yesterday. I did do a little editing, but had to stop that when 2 yo decided it was his turn for attention :D
I had family things to take care of yesterday. I bought some of the supplies for the scrapbook project my MIL and I are doing. While shopping, I found watertight file boxes for six bucks! Sweet deal. I got two. One for my homeschool stuff (I'm sure I'll need more eventually) and one for my edits and ongoing writing stuff.
I got it all organzied. Tore out the relevant pages from their work books and filed them away. labeled oodles of files. Thought up more projects for the kids. Saw where I needed more prep for the boys. Busy, busy.
Now I have to get back to critiquing and writing. How is your weekend going?
I have written a third now, since Friday's excerpts. Go me! Our hero had to learn of a little bit of her secrets, and be told what he was getting into. He still doesn't know she's got a few side effects... I think I may have to keep him in the series long term. Can't decide. Need to kill somebody. It's been too long since someone was killed...
It's intense to be writing something from first person. I'm liking it now, although I still feel the fear at the top of my throat threatening to strangle me. I didn't write yesterday. I did do a little editing, but had to stop that when 2 yo decided it was his turn for attention :D
I had family things to take care of yesterday. I bought some of the supplies for the scrapbook project my MIL and I are doing. While shopping, I found watertight file boxes for six bucks! Sweet deal. I got two. One for my homeschool stuff (I'm sure I'll need more eventually) and one for my edits and ongoing writing stuff.
I got it all organzied. Tore out the relevant pages from their work books and filed them away. labeled oodles of files. Thought up more projects for the kids. Saw where I needed more prep for the boys. Busy, busy.
Now I have to get back to critiquing and writing. How is your weekend going?
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