The death of a streak

Well, my streak of writing 500 words a day died after 147 days.

What happened?

Short answer is, life happened.

Longer answer is more complex.

I came off an intensely busy summer - a son who graduated from college, underwent dental surgery, and got married in a matter of weeks; three wonderful but intense back to back workshops; a vacation with Don.

I finished a 90,000 word novel at the end of August. It was intense and somewhat draining.

I've been helping to care for my inlaws and dealing with other issues on the homefront.

The upshot? I think I drained all my reserves - physically, mentally, and most importantly for this post, creatively.

So right now I'm taking some time to recharge. Don, bless his heart, sent me to a local hotel for a couple of days. From now until Monday afternoon, I'm responsible only for myself.

Hopefully, that will get the creative brain up and running again. Yeah, I fell down. But I'll get up and start another streak soon. I did it once - I can do it again.

Finally back!

I'm home after two exhausting and awesome weeks at the Master's Class, an intensive writing workshop.

I got back in town Monday night. Went to bed at around 11 PM. Woke up Tuesday at about 4:30 PM. Yeah, I was pretty tired. :-)

Hope to give dribbles of information as time goes by. Right now trying to get back in the swing of real life again. :-)

Turning on the lights, frowning at the mess...

I haven't posted in a while. I will be honest, the future of this blog is uncertain at the moment. I am having to consider the pros/cons of keeping it up.

A blog requires a commitment of time. The problem at the moment is I have other demands on my time, including the writing which I hope to devote more attention to.

Will ponder this while I research. Thanks to those who've checked out the blog and posted comments. Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.

Latest computer time waster...

The game Fate.

It's easy to learn, cheap to buy, totally addictive.

In other words, dangerous.

Here's the link - check it out at your own risk:


http://games.wildtangent.com/fate/

Catch up...

Well, I guess the best thing to do to let you know what I've been up to lately is just a list...

What I'm reading: "Beka Cooper Book One: Terrier" by Tamora Pierce (Already read Deathly Hallows. No, I won't spoil it on the web.)

What I'm watching: The last part of Season 2 of "24". Fox News when I think about it.

What I'm listening to: Talk radio still. My Ipod feels neglected lately. :-)

What I'm playing: Civilization 4. Yup, still.

What about you?

Civilization 4

Civilization 4 is an engrossing, fascinating, addictive game in which you try to build the best civilization of them all.

In other words, it is evil.

I am embarassed to tell you how many hours I've spent playing this game. Many of them have been with my oldest, who has quickly mastered the subtleties of the game and is excellent at it.

If you buy it (and if you like games like this, you should) make sure you have a caring spouse or parent to yank you off the computer from time to time. Or commit yourself to not playing until the house is clean, your homework is done, or your pages are written. :-)

Otherwise, we may never hear from you again...

Useless but fun bit of information for today...

At three minutes and four seconds after 2 AM on the 6th of May this year, the time and date will be

02:03:04****05/06/07****

This will never happen again.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch...

I have to find a way (besides Tina nagging me) to remember to update this thing on a more regular basis!

So what have I been doing?

Writing and (this week at least) getting over a virus. Preparing to send queries out for a novel - a first for me.

And if you go to misssnark.blogspot.com, you'll see my first ever query get critiqued (and chewed up, but it's my first!) Mine is #24.