So nothing new on the writing front to report this week–took a ski holiday, which was loads of fun. However I did get some time to read “The Book Of Negroes” which was fabulous! Usually I read in such short bits, it takes me forever to get through a book, so it was nice to sit down and live in Lawrence Hill’s world for a week!
Finished chapter 15!
Always feels good to finish a chapter. Began chapter 16 as well. Also, I hosted a reading of speculative fiction by my writers’ group at the local independent book store.
Digging out from being away
It is great to get so much done at a retreat, but boy, when you come back, there is so much to do–haven’t got too much writing done in the whole last week! Did do some work on chapter 15, but thought I’d have it done by now. However, I have helped to arrange readings for the Imaginative Fiction Writers’ Association at a local book store on Thursday, did some volunteer work for the When Words Collide readers’ and writers’ festival this summer, and got back to my exercise routine–and worked on a murder mystery play. So, lots done–just not much on the novel. Sigh.
Back from the Rainforest
As always, the Rainforest Writers’ Village was awesome. Highlights included Rob Sawyer’s two talks, one on theme and the other on adapting one’s work for television or film. Some very good stuff on pantsing (Jim Van Pelt), critiquing (Brenda Cooper) and what happens AFTER that first contract (John Pitts). I got to be part of a panel on literary vs. commercial fiction which was well-received, too. Of course, the food and camaraderie was excellent, but the best part was getting some very good ideas worked into my novel outline, and a good start on Chapter 15!
Back from one retreat, on to the next!
Last weekend at Dead Man’s Flats was awesome. Seven of us wrote from Friday at 4 PM to Monday at 6 PM, with a few breaks to visit the Rose & Crown pub in Canmore for dinner (great food, reasonable prices), or dip into the hot tub for re-inspiration. And, of course, a few conversations on writing. I revised a novel outline and wrote the opening 3 chapters–but now I have to get back to my other novel.
When I leave for the Rainforest Writer’s Village in Lake Quinault, Washington, I’m back to chapter 15 of the vampire mermaids book. <grin>