I realized the key to writing on this blog is... well, nothing, just log on. If only I'd read my comments, my mood would've been lifted! And I don't usually lack things to ramble about. (Thanks for the comments on the last post!)
I've been avoiding this blog for weeks though. I went to sleep on my birthday on such a high. I had a few friends over and we ate:
(Here are the aforementioned cheeses.)
Havarti
Douanier
Roquefort
Stilton with Apricots
The Douanier was a huge hit! Absolutely delicious cheese and not as pricey as it tastes! It's somewhere between a great mozzarella (or maybe friulano) and a super mild/soft Oka. We drank wine. I had some chips and almonds and pecans on offer. And some apple and pear slices, and dried figs. And then cake and coffee. Much hilarity ensued. I felt perfectly content and loved and full of love for my friends.
Except the next day I got a wee bombshell of an email from a friend who felt neglected/affronted by my behaviour at the get-together. I won't go into it, but suffice it to say that this quickly brought my mood down. And I sort-of hibernated for a while. Long term friendships are funny things. People change, and I've never been one to "break up" with friends. It's still a muddle.
Then there was also the statement at the top of this blog - the one that says the novel should be done... oh, next week. That's not going to happen. That creates the temptation to run! run away! too. But I can't do that anymore. Even as I write this, I've been exploring being an ESL teacher, a gemologist, working my way up through a french cosmetics company, working my way up through Starbucks, etc. etc... That is, I've been exploring the "give up and run" options instead of just. Finishing. The. Book. Because, really, all those options will still be there when I finish the first draft too.
I finally looked at it again - all my various pages and have realized I just don't know where to go next. I'm stuck. I know the plot points but something's missing. Not sure if it's a structural problem, or just my own fear.
A writer friend suggested I talk to a well-known local agent (and former publisher) - someone I took workshops with a few years ago. She said he really helped a friend of hers hone in on the problem areas in her manuscript. I would like to talk to him, but I don't know that I want to sign with him if he asked. And I don't know if it's fair to ask an agent's advice and then not sign with him after you take that advice. Maybe I could just pay him for a critiquing session.
Well, last Sunday I actually took my laptop to Starbucks and wrote. Only 500 words. But it alleviated some of my guilt. So, I'm blogging again.
Also, I've been sick of my behaviour and it's pretty easy to recognize the signs with me. As soon as I'm back to watching CSI (which happens to be on approx. 5 times in a row on various stations on Thursday nights), I know I'm in trouble and avoiding my life. CSI and knitting. I managed to knit a too-short scarf in a pattern/texture I can only call "moldy ice cream". I'll try and post a photo.
Lastly, I had to go online to check my sister's blog, 'cause I miss her so, and I haven't written her a word (sorry).
As for the secret to my sister's radiance - she's found something she loves to do, and she's applying herself to her studies and has not once complained to me about how hard her classes are or how dumb the teachers are - nor has she revealed any self-doubt. She also has simply decided what she wants to do and has followed through without asking for anyone's approval.
Now, for all I know, her classes are swell and her teachers are perfect, or maybe she's just saving the complaints for other people, but all I can say is that her approach to her career change has been incredibly positive and admirable. I'm trying to learn from it.
*
At the local pet food store they sometimes sell puppies (from reputable breeders in Ontario). They currently have both a Saint Bernard puppy - with adorable huge paws - and a sweet sweet all-tan Mini Pinscher puppy with uncropped ears. I loooove him. The Saint Bernard's going back to his breeder if he's not sold by this weekend, 'cause he getting too big for the cage, poor guy. I love big dogs, but I can't even entertain the thought right now. The "minpin", on the other hand, is so perfect for an apartment. I didn't even know their natural colour is all-tan. People have just popularized the "Doberman" markings for some reason. Okay, I'm mewing... I'll go now... but one day... one day...
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Pisce-Misce-llaneous
I am half-watching the Oscars on mute. I am taping them, so I am turning the TV on at random just to see if I can catch Amy Adams in the audience. I'll resist the urge to Oscar-blog.
On a sad note, my poor neglected Betta fish has died. Well, that's "spin". He was up high to keep him away from the cat. But up high on the shelf meant I frequently forgot about him. Poor thing. So truly, he died of neglect. I am guilty. Why did I have a cat and a fish? It's a long story.
My cat, thankfully, is alive. (She's not neglected, and is much louder.)
Tomorrow is my birthday. When I turned fifteen, I was grumpy.
"What's the matter with you?" asked Mom.
"I'm fifteen!" I said.
"So?"
"So? I've been alive for fifteen years and I haven't done anything! And in another fifteen years I'll be THIRTY!"
She laughed at me.
But my fifteen year old self was right. Now I am turning thirty. What do I have to show for the last fifteen years? Not much. Of course, I've grown and changed and bla bla bla. But have I been effective? At anything? That is, what effect have I had? Not much.
I'm not as grumpy about it though.
And I just discovered that George Eliot wrote her first piece of fiction at 38.
*
In Ottawa I found a three-volume set of the works of George Eliot published in 1887. The set was in great condition and only $20, so I bought it. One of the volumes is "Middlemarch", which I read over the course of a year and loved. The other is "Romola", which I haven't read yet. And the third is a collection of writing including poems, plays, etc. It includes Eliot's last work, Impressions of Theophrastus Such.
I started reading it last night, and this quote resonated with my musings on turning 30 (except of course, that I have no published work):
I have done no services to my country beyond those of every peaceable orderly citizen; and as to intellectual contribution, my only published work was a failure, so that I am spoken of to inquiring beholders as "the author of a book you have probably not seen."
(I was in Ottawa for the dual celebration of my b/f's 30th birthday and his mother's 60th. Their birthday is the same day. There ought to be a name for that. Anyone know enough latin?)
*
Ok, this is a long post as is. More tomorrow, when I will divulge the secret to my sister's radiance, and the four kinds of cheese currently in my fridge.
I know, you're riveted.
Writing? No progress since I last wrote. I'm not proud.
On a sad note, my poor neglected Betta fish has died. Well, that's "spin". He was up high to keep him away from the cat. But up high on the shelf meant I frequently forgot about him. Poor thing. So truly, he died of neglect. I am guilty. Why did I have a cat and a fish? It's a long story.
My cat, thankfully, is alive. (She's not neglected, and is much louder.)
Tomorrow is my birthday. When I turned fifteen, I was grumpy.
"What's the matter with you?" asked Mom.
"I'm fifteen!" I said.
"So?"
"So? I've been alive for fifteen years and I haven't done anything! And in another fifteen years I'll be THIRTY!"
She laughed at me.
But my fifteen year old self was right. Now I am turning thirty. What do I have to show for the last fifteen years? Not much. Of course, I've grown and changed and bla bla bla. But have I been effective? At anything? That is, what effect have I had? Not much.
I'm not as grumpy about it though.
And I just discovered that George Eliot wrote her first piece of fiction at 38.
*
In Ottawa I found a three-volume set of the works of George Eliot published in 1887. The set was in great condition and only $20, so I bought it. One of the volumes is "Middlemarch", which I read over the course of a year and loved. The other is "Romola", which I haven't read yet. And the third is a collection of writing including poems, plays, etc. It includes Eliot's last work, Impressions of Theophrastus Such.
I started reading it last night, and this quote resonated with my musings on turning 30 (except of course, that I have no published work):
I have done no services to my country beyond those of every peaceable orderly citizen; and as to intellectual contribution, my only published work was a failure, so that I am spoken of to inquiring beholders as "the author of a book you have probably not seen."
(I was in Ottawa for the dual celebration of my b/f's 30th birthday and his mother's 60th. Their birthday is the same day. There ought to be a name for that. Anyone know enough latin?)
*
Ok, this is a long post as is. More tomorrow, when I will divulge the secret to my sister's radiance, and the four kinds of cheese currently in my fridge.
I know, you're riveted.
Writing? No progress since I last wrote. I'm not proud.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Oh Frabjous Day!
Hmm. I think my sister might've already used that title for a post. So much for originality.
I am rather overly pleased with myself. I finally broke my nearly month-long non-writing spell and wrote 1120 words today. It's not a lot, but it still meets (old) quota. And I'm just glad I'm back on the wagon, so to speak.
I also gave my writing portfolio to a producer/friend of mine, and although there's nothing on the horizon now, there'll hopefully be some in the future. It was a nice day to go out. And the mackerel nigiri at Shogun is the best I've tasted.
Then I was a bad girl and bought new boots at Nine West. I've had my old boots for at least four years, and I've already tailored and re-soled and repaired them, and on New Year's the zipper broke. So I descended upon the clearance rack at Nine West and grabbed a wicked pair for a great price. There's no pic on the Nine West site or I'd link to it. Peruse at your own shoe-addicted risk.
Then I went to 24-hour mini grocery, Rabba, and bought Danish feta cheese (along with some other things). Of all the things that the Danes make, why did I have to pick feta - a Greek cheese? No, it's not bad. I do prefer my feta much sharper, saltier and more briney, though. Y'know, like the Greeks make it.
And now I shall go watch one of the films I rented before I have to return it at midnight.
Next up, I'll be reading White Teeth by Zadie Smith. But not till I get five days of writing done. You'll be my witness.
I am rather overly pleased with myself. I finally broke my nearly month-long non-writing spell and wrote 1120 words today. It's not a lot, but it still meets (old) quota. And I'm just glad I'm back on the wagon, so to speak.
I also gave my writing portfolio to a producer/friend of mine, and although there's nothing on the horizon now, there'll hopefully be some in the future. It was a nice day to go out. And the mackerel nigiri at Shogun is the best I've tasted.
Then I was a bad girl and bought new boots at Nine West. I've had my old boots for at least four years, and I've already tailored and re-soled and repaired them, and on New Year's the zipper broke. So I descended upon the clearance rack at Nine West and grabbed a wicked pair for a great price. There's no pic on the Nine West site or I'd link to it. Peruse at your own shoe-addicted risk.
Then I went to 24-hour mini grocery, Rabba, and bought Danish feta cheese (along with some other things). Of all the things that the Danes make, why did I have to pick feta - a Greek cheese? No, it's not bad. I do prefer my feta much sharper, saltier and more briney, though. Y'know, like the Greeks make it.
And now I shall go watch one of the films I rented before I have to return it at midnight.
Next up, I'll be reading White Teeth by Zadie Smith. But not till I get five days of writing done. You'll be my witness.
Monday, February 06, 2006
Off to Work
Didn't feel good, couldn't sleep. Decided to finish reading "The Kite Runner" (by Khaled Hosseini).
"The Kite Runner" is excellent. No doubt about that. But it is also brutally sad. As soon as the story took a turn for the worse, it was really difficult for me to keep reading. But I slogged through, mainly so I could put the darn thing away and move on to "White Teeth" by Zadie Smith. I mean, so I could get back to my writing.
"The Kite Runner" is a haunting novel, and it's probably best to read it without knowing too much about it (if you're like me). Also, good to remember that it is a novel and not a memoir. When I started I thought it was a memoir and I nearly felt ill - till I realized the actual narrative wasn't real. (Yes, it's set in the very real recent history of Afghanistan, but the narrative is fiction.) Thank goodness.
Anyhow, I'm off to sell coffee to sleepy people.
I'll add linkage later.
"The Kite Runner" is excellent. No doubt about that. But it is also brutally sad. As soon as the story took a turn for the worse, it was really difficult for me to keep reading. But I slogged through, mainly so I could put the darn thing away and move on to "White Teeth" by Zadie Smith. I mean, so I could get back to my writing.
"The Kite Runner" is a haunting novel, and it's probably best to read it without knowing too much about it (if you're like me). Also, good to remember that it is a novel and not a memoir. When I started I thought it was a memoir and I nearly felt ill - till I realized the actual narrative wasn't real. (Yes, it's set in the very real recent history of Afghanistan, but the narrative is fiction.) Thank goodness.
Anyhow, I'm off to sell coffee to sleepy people.
I'll add linkage later.
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Truth and Consequence
Well, I've just stayed up blogging and wrote a long post on science fiction. It's intensely boring (the post, not sci-fi), so I'll revise it and post another day.
So, while I ought to have been working on the book, I was working on the blog. I may have to push my deadline, 'cause as it stands, I'll have to write about 2700 words a day to finish on time. Not impossible, but not likely. I'll make a decision next week - it'll give me some time to redeem myself.
My cold has come back again! Yes, I've always gotten colds in winter, but this is ridiculous. I've decided to heed my doctor's suggestion that it is possibly a sinus infection that will respond to antibiotics. So, hello, amoxicillin, my friend. Do your best.
Still, for all my whining, I did stay up and work on the blog, so I can't say I was too tired to write. I was just shirking responsibility.
From now on, no more posting till I do the writing I'm s'posed to be doing. Perhaps that'll get me through the fear and loathing.
*
And on a totally random note, for any foodies out there, it is Winterlicious time in Toronto! That means a whole bunch of restaurants you can't usually afford or have been too afraid to try offer prix-fixe menus for about $20. This is the first year I went and it was totally by accident, but some people run around sampling everything in the city.
Ok, c'est tout. I see I've flipped my sleep schedule again. Well, feeling ill + not sleeping + working at 5:30am = sleeping for 15 hours Friday night. And then come Saturday...
So, while I ought to have been working on the book, I was working on the blog. I may have to push my deadline, 'cause as it stands, I'll have to write about 2700 words a day to finish on time. Not impossible, but not likely. I'll make a decision next week - it'll give me some time to redeem myself.
My cold has come back again! Yes, I've always gotten colds in winter, but this is ridiculous. I've decided to heed my doctor's suggestion that it is possibly a sinus infection that will respond to antibiotics. So, hello, amoxicillin, my friend. Do your best.
Still, for all my whining, I did stay up and work on the blog, so I can't say I was too tired to write. I was just shirking responsibility.
From now on, no more posting till I do the writing I'm s'posed to be doing. Perhaps that'll get me through the fear and loathing.
*
And on a totally random note, for any foodies out there, it is Winterlicious time in Toronto! That means a whole bunch of restaurants you can't usually afford or have been too afraid to try offer prix-fixe menus for about $20. This is the first year I went and it was totally by accident, but some people run around sampling everything in the city.
Ok, c'est tout. I see I've flipped my sleep schedule again. Well, feeling ill + not sleeping + working at 5:30am = sleeping for 15 hours Friday night. And then come Saturday...
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Science Fiction
This is the science fiction post I wrote but never posted.
The politically correct term these days is "speculative fiction" but I still call it sci-fi. Yes, I lump the classics with the pulp. Isn't all fiction speculative anyway?
For a self-professed "science fiction fan", I'm a bit of a fraud. There's a lot of classic stuff I haven't read. I haven't read "Dune" or "The Time Machine", for example. I've read mostly short stories.
My favourite science fiction author is John Varley, because at least once per story, I think wow. "The Persistence of Vision" and "Air Raid" are both included in The John Varley Reader. "Air Raid" is the first story I ever read by Varley, probably 14 years ago. It was expanded into a novel called "Millenium" which was alright, but unnecessary, and turned into a movie that I haven't seen and don't intend to.
I've only read one of his Varley's novels, The Ophiuchi Hotline. His pacing is quick, his worlds are astounding yet believable, and his stories leave me thinking that perhaps I should leave writing to other people. I don't know why I haven't read his other novels. Maybe I'm afraid they won't be as good as his stories, or maybe I'm frightened by the cover "art". I'll devote a whole other post to sci-fi cover art.
Other faves are Asimov short stories and Robert Heinlein novels. (Though I've only read two Heinleins.)
I've also read a variety of Philip K. Dick stories and two of his novels. I read a ton of Spider Robinson in highschool, but it hasn't stuck with me. Some of my favourite Spider Robinson has just been re-issued by Baen. It's a short story collection initially published as "Melancholy Elephants" that has been reissued as By Any Other Name. A worse title and horrible cover art, but the stories hold up. Some really poignant, lovely near-future work.
And I can't talk about sci-fi short stories without adding Harlan Ellison. I've recently found out that I am "two degrees" away from Harlan Ellison!!! I don't know what to do about it, though. I suppose I could hide outside the friend-of-a-friend's house and wait for him to visit. The collections Angry Candy and Slippage are good to have in rough times - when you're in a misery-loves-company mood.
I adore the young adult trilogy by Phillip Pullman, called His Dark Materials and I would recommend it to kids and adults alike. It's more fantasy than science fiction, but very worthwhile. I suppose it's closer to Narnia than Harry Potter, but more of an anti-religious allegory than pro. Maybe not so much anti-religion, as a criticism of the human corruption or exploitation of religion. Beautifully written - especially the first book, "The Golden Compass".
Maybe one day I'll have the courage to post some of my sci-fi on here... but don't hold your breath!
The politically correct term these days is "speculative fiction" but I still call it sci-fi. Yes, I lump the classics with the pulp. Isn't all fiction speculative anyway?
For a self-professed "science fiction fan", I'm a bit of a fraud. There's a lot of classic stuff I haven't read. I haven't read "Dune" or "The Time Machine", for example. I've read mostly short stories.
My favourite science fiction author is John Varley, because at least once per story, I think wow. "The Persistence of Vision" and "Air Raid" are both included in The John Varley Reader. "Air Raid" is the first story I ever read by Varley, probably 14 years ago. It was expanded into a novel called "Millenium" which was alright, but unnecessary, and turned into a movie that I haven't seen and don't intend to.
I've only read one of his Varley's novels, The Ophiuchi Hotline. His pacing is quick, his worlds are astounding yet believable, and his stories leave me thinking that perhaps I should leave writing to other people. I don't know why I haven't read his other novels. Maybe I'm afraid they won't be as good as his stories, or maybe I'm frightened by the cover "art". I'll devote a whole other post to sci-fi cover art.
Other faves are Asimov short stories and Robert Heinlein novels. (Though I've only read two Heinleins.)
I've also read a variety of Philip K. Dick stories and two of his novels. I read a ton of Spider Robinson in highschool, but it hasn't stuck with me. Some of my favourite Spider Robinson has just been re-issued by Baen. It's a short story collection initially published as "Melancholy Elephants" that has been reissued as By Any Other Name. A worse title and horrible cover art, but the stories hold up. Some really poignant, lovely near-future work.
And I can't talk about sci-fi short stories without adding Harlan Ellison. I've recently found out that I am "two degrees" away from Harlan Ellison!!! I don't know what to do about it, though. I suppose I could hide outside the friend-of-a-friend's house and wait for him to visit. The collections Angry Candy and Slippage are good to have in rough times - when you're in a misery-loves-company mood.
I adore the young adult trilogy by Phillip Pullman, called His Dark Materials and I would recommend it to kids and adults alike. It's more fantasy than science fiction, but very worthwhile. I suppose it's closer to Narnia than Harry Potter, but more of an anti-religious allegory than pro. Maybe not so much anti-religion, as a criticism of the human corruption or exploitation of religion. Beautifully written - especially the first book, "The Golden Compass".
Maybe one day I'll have the courage to post some of my sci-fi on here... but don't hold your breath!
YAY!
Margaret the Powerbook is home! I had to schlep all the way to Yorkdale Mall to the only Apple store in the city to get the new powercord. But at least all my repairs were covered by my warranty, so neither the replaced keyboard nor the powercord cost me anything.
Now I have to get a LOT of writing done. Not tonight, since I open tomorrow. That means being at S'bux by 5:30am. Complain, complain...
So what have I been doing this past week without my laptop? I've been reading.
I read one really bad book, which doesn't deserve any publicity. I also read Valley of the Dolls! It was much better than I expected and a lot of fun to read. Surprisingly well-written actually. And a very interesting look at society - at least from Jacqueline Susann's point of view - from 1945 to 1961. One the one hand, thank god for feminism. On the other hand, la plus ca change...
Before "Valley of the Dolls" I read The Talented Mr.Ripley by Patricia Highsmith. I enjoyed it, but found it impossible not to picture the film. Although Minghella took liberties with the book, I think he did a great job capturing the essence of it on the screen. I want to rent some of the other Ripley movies and see how Ripley is portrayed in those. There's Purple Noon with Alain Delon and Ripley's Game with John Malkovich. And in looking for that last link, I've also discovered The American Friend directed by Wim Wenders and starring Dennis Hopper as Ripley. Highsmith certainly knows how to reap the benefits of options.
More soon, with, hopefully, an updated word count on the novel I'm supposedly writing.
Now I have to get a LOT of writing done. Not tonight, since I open tomorrow. That means being at S'bux by 5:30am. Complain, complain...
So what have I been doing this past week without my laptop? I've been reading.
I read one really bad book, which doesn't deserve any publicity. I also read Valley of the Dolls! It was much better than I expected and a lot of fun to read. Surprisingly well-written actually. And a very interesting look at society - at least from Jacqueline Susann's point of view - from 1945 to 1961. One the one hand, thank god for feminism. On the other hand, la plus ca change...
Before "Valley of the Dolls" I read The Talented Mr.Ripley by Patricia Highsmith. I enjoyed it, but found it impossible not to picture the film. Although Minghella took liberties with the book, I think he did a great job capturing the essence of it on the screen. I want to rent some of the other Ripley movies and see how Ripley is portrayed in those. There's Purple Noon with Alain Delon and Ripley's Game with John Malkovich. And in looking for that last link, I've also discovered The American Friend directed by Wim Wenders and starring Dennis Hopper as Ripley. Highsmith certainly knows how to reap the benefits of options.
More soon, with, hopefully, an updated word count on the novel I'm supposedly writing.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
A Book For Bob
Before I get out of this here internet cafe, one quick book suggestion - which, to be perfectly honest, I never read, though it sits on my shelf:
Steven Pressfield's "Gates of Fire"
Got great reviews from the history/military buffs I know. A fictional account of the Battle of Marathon.
Ciao for now...
Steven Pressfield's "Gates of Fire"
Got great reviews from the history/military buffs I know. A fictional account of the Battle of Marathon.
Ciao for now...
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Newly Linked Mini Post
I finished reading "Out of Egypt" and bawled my eyes out in the process. A beautifully written memoir. Vividly described experiences that my parents have mentioned now and then, but that I have never heard from anyone outside the family. It's by Andree Aciman.
My friend has lent me Lost in Translation - not the Coppola movie, but a book by Eva Hoffman. I've read Hoffman's After Such Knowledge which was an essay/exploration, but I haven't read her memoir.
Hoffman is also in an anthology of "exile" stories edited by Aciman. I won't read either right away. I need to take a break with something light.
I've lent my friend two of the Weetzie Bat books by Francesca Lia Block. He's read one, and I had the other two. They're terrific and set in L.A. I'm hoping a re-reading will help me view L.A. in a positive light. I'm thinking of going there for a few months.
*
No html links today because I am lazy and in a hurry and I'm posting from an internet cafe. Poor Margaret is in the shop, getting her keyboard fixed. My Mac's name is Margaret named after a very clever and funny woman I barely know. Coincidentally, another friend's mac's name is Pedro. We have the same Powerbook, but his is slightly newer. I thought I was the only weirdo who named her Mac, but I've since discovered it's quite common with Mac users.
I'll add links later when Margaret's back home. Also, my powercord has gone up in smoke. The guy at the computer store suggested that because a new cord isn't covered under AppleCare (extended warranty) I should "call Apple and scare the hell out of them". Which I might do. I'm not litigous, but I don't mind scaring people a little, if they'll send me a new cord.
Anyone wish to share the names of their Macs? Don't be shy.
My friend has lent me Lost in Translation - not the Coppola movie, but a book by Eva Hoffman. I've read Hoffman's After Such Knowledge which was an essay/exploration, but I haven't read her memoir.
Hoffman is also in an anthology of "exile" stories edited by Aciman. I won't read either right away. I need to take a break with something light.
I've lent my friend two of the Weetzie Bat books by Francesca Lia Block. He's read one, and I had the other two. They're terrific and set in L.A. I'm hoping a re-reading will help me view L.A. in a positive light. I'm thinking of going there for a few months.
*
I'll add links later when Margaret's back home. Also, my powercord has gone up in smoke. The guy at the computer store suggested that because a new cord isn't covered under AppleCare (extended warranty) I should "call Apple and scare the hell out of them". Which I might do. I'm not litigous, but I don't mind scaring people a little, if they'll send me a new cord.
Anyone wish to share the names of their Macs? Don't be shy.
Monday, January 16, 2006
Joke's On Me
Finished reading The Fat Woman's Joke by Fay Weldon.
As 1960s feminist fiction, it's very interesting. As a novel, it's alright.
The story is told from several points of view: Esther (the "fat woman") tells the story from beginning to end, and it is interspersed with the points of view of her husband, her son, the mistress, and the listener. The listener who visits Esther to find out her story, is also her counterpoint - the character least like her and least able to understand her. Also, the listener ("Phyllis") is the most criticized character through a feminist lense. By thirty she has had her breasts lifted in a futile attempt to please her incorrigibly philandering husband.
Without spoiling it, the ending just didn't work for me. The ending revealed the "joke" - or turned Esther's actions into one big joke, and yet, I didn't feel any sense of satisfaction for her. People say that Weldon was one of the original writers of chick-lit, or a forerunner of the genre. Yet, this novel was much more caustic and bitter than the two modern genre pieces I've read. I'm not even sure that a chick-lit imprint would publish this novel nowadays. Although, the page or so of Candace Bushnell that I read indicated a similar level of literary bile, so maybe Weldon is still within the spectrum of the genre.
Have finally started the other novel I mentioned - "Out of Egypt". Only 1/4 of the way through now. It started off a bit slow, but it quickly improves into a moving study of a family with all it's layers and quirks. It has some very funny obvservations on the nature of Sephardi vs. Ashkenazi familial love.
Others on the reading list:
Christine de Pizan's "City of Ladies"
Woolf's "A Room of One's Own"
Those are both from the Penguin "Great Ideas" series. A series of small pocket books, with beautifully textured matte white covers, embossed with the titles and minimal design. They're really nice to hold.
The Kite Runner
Before she left, my cousin bought it as a gift for my dad.
As I searched for links at Amazon, I mistook this for a "Nightmare Before Christmas" camera! Look at it sideways - that's definitely Jack Skellington!
I'll update my new word count tomorrow. Yesterday I actually hit closer to 2000 by the time I stopped, so I don't feel too lost. Yet.
As 1960s feminist fiction, it's very interesting. As a novel, it's alright.
The story is told from several points of view: Esther (the "fat woman") tells the story from beginning to end, and it is interspersed with the points of view of her husband, her son, the mistress, and the listener. The listener who visits Esther to find out her story, is also her counterpoint - the character least like her and least able to understand her. Also, the listener ("Phyllis") is the most criticized character through a feminist lense. By thirty she has had her breasts lifted in a futile attempt to please her incorrigibly philandering husband.
Without spoiling it, the ending just didn't work for me. The ending revealed the "joke" - or turned Esther's actions into one big joke, and yet, I didn't feel any sense of satisfaction for her. People say that Weldon was one of the original writers of chick-lit, or a forerunner of the genre. Yet, this novel was much more caustic and bitter than the two modern genre pieces I've read. I'm not even sure that a chick-lit imprint would publish this novel nowadays. Although, the page or so of Candace Bushnell that I read indicated a similar level of literary bile, so maybe Weldon is still within the spectrum of the genre.
Have finally started the other novel I mentioned - "Out of Egypt". Only 1/4 of the way through now. It started off a bit slow, but it quickly improves into a moving study of a family with all it's layers and quirks. It has some very funny obvservations on the nature of Sephardi vs. Ashkenazi familial love.
Others on the reading list:
Christine de Pizan's "City of Ladies"
Woolf's "A Room of One's Own"
Those are both from the Penguin "Great Ideas" series. A series of small pocket books, with beautifully textured matte white covers, embossed with the titles and minimal design. They're really nice to hold.
The Kite Runner
Before she left, my cousin bought it as a gift for my dad.
As I searched for links at Amazon, I mistook this for a "Nightmare Before Christmas" camera! Look at it sideways - that's definitely Jack Skellington!
I'll update my new word count tomorrow. Yesterday I actually hit closer to 2000 by the time I stopped, so I don't feel too lost. Yet.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Back on Track
Hooray!
Wrote almost 1200 words last night of straight prose, with another 150 words of planning the next few chapters. I would've kept going, but my mac's power cable is fraying, and so I keep running out of battery power. (I don't know if I've destroyed the cable by the way it bends when I hold it on my lap cross-legged, or if my cat has been secretly chewing it. If the former, then Apple should really design a better one... that would sit easily on the top of one's lap!)
A while ago I discovered a suggested outline on the web by a successful author of the genre I'm writing in. Someone had taken a workshop with her and posted her notes on the web. Not nice, but very helpful to me. If I sell this thing, I'll send the author a cheque for the workshop I didn't take. Anyhow, in fitting my plot to her outline, I realized that my crisis, which I put at the beginning, had to occur much later in the book. I'd completely ignored my set-up. I think this is a habit from writing screenplays where you always want to hit the ground running.
I've also switched from third person to first person - much easier for me. I have to be careful to distinguish my voice from my other wip. I should be ok - my other narrator is younger and much more outspoken.
Now I just have to figure out how to weave my subplot in. I suspect one subplot will not be enough, but I'll worry about that when I'm further along. Perhaps the subplots will reveal themselves. (I hope.)
B/f is in town and we had a lovely time yesterday, just sitting together with our respective laptops, typing away on our separate projects.
Now I have to call Tarragon Theatre to ask if they will please let me transfer my ticket for today's matinee to another day. The play I'm supposed to see today is Humble Boy, but I don't want to go if I'll just be that girl who coughs all the way through the show.
Hopefully, I'll be updating again tomorrow...
Wrote almost 1200 words last night of straight prose, with another 150 words of planning the next few chapters. I would've kept going, but my mac's power cable is fraying, and so I keep running out of battery power. (I don't know if I've destroyed the cable by the way it bends when I hold it on my lap cross-legged, or if my cat has been secretly chewing it. If the former, then Apple should really design a better one... that would sit easily on the top of one's lap!)
A while ago I discovered a suggested outline on the web by a successful author of the genre I'm writing in. Someone had taken a workshop with her and posted her notes on the web. Not nice, but very helpful to me. If I sell this thing, I'll send the author a cheque for the workshop I didn't take. Anyhow, in fitting my plot to her outline, I realized that my crisis, which I put at the beginning, had to occur much later in the book. I'd completely ignored my set-up. I think this is a habit from writing screenplays where you always want to hit the ground running.
I've also switched from third person to first person - much easier for me. I have to be careful to distinguish my voice from my other wip. I should be ok - my other narrator is younger and much more outspoken.
Now I just have to figure out how to weave my subplot in. I suspect one subplot will not be enough, but I'll worry about that when I'm further along. Perhaps the subplots will reveal themselves. (I hope.)
B/f is in town and we had a lovely time yesterday, just sitting together with our respective laptops, typing away on our separate projects.
Now I have to call Tarragon Theatre to ask if they will please let me transfer my ticket for today's matinee to another day. The play I'm supposed to see today is Humble Boy, but I don't want to go if I'll just be that girl who coughs all the way through the show.
Hopefully, I'll be updating again tomorrow...
Monday, January 09, 2006
Having a Blog
Means always having to say I'm sorry. I'm NOT WRITING. At all. Blech.
I feel like dreck. The head cold I thought I'd conquered has smacked me down with stealthy vengeance.
All I've done all day is nothing. Except thank my mom profusely for delivering soup. And talking to b/f on phone. OK, it was more like whining.
And listening to music on my computer. I go through phases where I listen to none at all. And then it's like I'm thirsting for it, and can't get enough music.
Now playing (in random order with other stuff): Lhasa.
Listen while happy-ish. Not for that borderline depressive state.
Anyhow. Tylenol Cold is a miracle. I'm going to bed so I can get up tomorrow and buy more Tylenol Cold medication. I love science.
One of these days, I swear, I'll actually write about writing again. Sheesh. Until then, no more entries. This is getting embarassing.
I'll correct links and speling erorrrs when I'm better (thanks to my new de-facto editor). (Is that what de facto means?)
I feel like dreck. The head cold I thought I'd conquered has smacked me down with stealthy vengeance.
All I've done all day is nothing. Except thank my mom profusely for delivering soup. And talking to b/f on phone. OK, it was more like whining.
And listening to music on my computer. I go through phases where I listen to none at all. And then it's like I'm thirsting for it, and can't get enough music.
Now playing (in random order with other stuff): Lhasa.
Listen while happy-ish. Not for that borderline depressive state.
Anyhow. Tylenol Cold is a miracle. I'm going to bed so I can get up tomorrow and buy more Tylenol Cold medication. I love science.
One of these days, I swear, I'll actually write about writing again. Sheesh. Until then, no more entries. This is getting embarassing.
I'll correct links and speling erorrrs when I'm better (thanks to my new de-facto editor). (Is that what de facto means?)
Friday, January 06, 2006
Disclosure
So, I lied. I said I was going to write 1000 words yesterday night.
I didn't.
I went to sleep.
Yes, sleep is necessary. And it was bedtime - I started work at 7:00 this morning - but, one of the things I said to myself when I started this project was that I would work as hard or harder at it than I have ever worked at any previous job. For example, back when I was a production coordinator on children's shows, I often worked hard for long hours. I pushed through the fatigue because I had to - I was paid to. I often wished I could push myself to work as hard on my own endeavours. And until this novel, I never did. I lacked discipline and I was too easily distracted by TV, internet, books, etc - various excuses. Any free time was relegated to fun or seeing friends, not to sitting my ass down and writing.
So, now it's 10:00pm. The choice is the same: sleep or write. As for what I'm going to do, I guess you'll find out tomorrow...
Update - talked to a friend who's only in town for a few more days - trying to get together, but our schedules aren't matching. Ok, attempt number two. I know, this is riveting to read...
I didn't.
I went to sleep.
Yes, sleep is necessary. And it was bedtime - I started work at 7:00 this morning - but, one of the things I said to myself when I started this project was that I would work as hard or harder at it than I have ever worked at any previous job. For example, back when I was a production coordinator on children's shows, I often worked hard for long hours. I pushed through the fatigue because I had to - I was paid to. I often wished I could push myself to work as hard on my own endeavours. And until this novel, I never did. I lacked discipline and I was too easily distracted by TV, internet, books, etc - various excuses. Any free time was relegated to fun or seeing friends, not to sitting my ass down and writing.
So, now it's 10:00pm. The choice is the same: sleep or write. As for what I'm going to do, I guess you'll find out tomorrow...
Update - talked to a friend who's only in town for a few more days - trying to get together, but our schedules aren't matching. Ok, attempt number two. I know, this is riveting to read...
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Oh Dear
Well. I've shown my cousin around Toronto. The Annex, Queen West, Kensington Market, Chinatown, The Danforth, Yorkville, the underground mall (or "PATH"), the Bata Shoe Museum, Casa Loma, St. Lawrence Market, the Grange. Pointed out the renovated Gladstone Hotel (where I saw people actually checking in!), the Drake Hotel, the Beaconsfield. Ran out of time and gave her a driving tour of Little India (before we continued to the Danforth). Ate at 7West and Flo's. Heard some jazz at the Rex, skated at the outdoor "Natrel" rink at Harbourfront, made snow angels. Saw two movies to keep her from freezing ("Rumour Has It" and "The Family Stone").
My mom took her to the Eaton Centre the day before Christmas, and to Yorkdale on Boxing Day. That was something I couldn't have done even if I'd felt well enough to. I think the word for it is "mishigune" - i.e. CRAZY. I don't like malls - I get cranky and tired in them, whereas my cousin likes them quite a bit. She was delighted by the sheer size of the malls here.
My parents also took her to Niagara Falls, and I joined them for the trip to the Thousand Islands (Gananoque). She did a lot of shopping, which was fun. (I'm just too old to understand the appeal of super-low-rise jeans). Also I got to shop vicariously, watching someone else spend lots of money. She'd planned to travel South America for months and when that went awry, she stopped in Toronto on the way home, and decided to spend the money here instead!
I wish I'd been able to show her more - High Park, West Queen West, Queen East, Entertainment District, etc. but time, sometimes weather, and occasionally inclination did not allow. It was fun to be a tourist in my own city.
And it was nice having my part-time shifts 'cause all our regulars were on holiday and the city felt quiet and cheery. Not enough sunshine or snow, though.
Now... now I have to get back to my novel. You know, what this blog's about? Well, trying to get back into it after interrupting my momentum is brutal. I loathe everything I've written, of course, and am sorely tempted to rent movies and eat SmartFood or chocolate all day. I won't, I won't. But I want to. I decided to just embrace loathing it. To happily hate it and write it anyways. To acknowledge that by my deadline in March, I may have written a novel that is complete crap, but at least it will be finished and improvable. However, the inertia of an object (or a writer) at rest demands that it stay at rest, and so it is quite difficult to get back into the swing of things.
My sister showed me a quote once- something about how you don't have to like what you have to do, you just have to do it, and it resonates now. I'm not filled with glee at the idea of sitting at my computer after my barista hours are up. I am just afraid. But there's really no option. I can't not finish the novel. That means I have to write at least 1000 words... tonight. Like right now. So off I go... wish me luck...
For more about Toronto.
I wish I'd checked that site while she was here! I would've taken her to the Ice Lounge. Looks cool, but a little sponsor-brand heavy. Oh well...
My mom took her to the Eaton Centre the day before Christmas, and to Yorkdale on Boxing Day. That was something I couldn't have done even if I'd felt well enough to. I think the word for it is "mishigune" - i.e. CRAZY. I don't like malls - I get cranky and tired in them, whereas my cousin likes them quite a bit. She was delighted by the sheer size of the malls here.
My parents also took her to Niagara Falls, and I joined them for the trip to the Thousand Islands (Gananoque). She did a lot of shopping, which was fun. (I'm just too old to understand the appeal of super-low-rise jeans). Also I got to shop vicariously, watching someone else spend lots of money. She'd planned to travel South America for months and when that went awry, she stopped in Toronto on the way home, and decided to spend the money here instead!
I wish I'd been able to show her more - High Park, West Queen West, Queen East, Entertainment District, etc. but time, sometimes weather, and occasionally inclination did not allow. It was fun to be a tourist in my own city.
And it was nice having my part-time shifts 'cause all our regulars were on holiday and the city felt quiet and cheery. Not enough sunshine or snow, though.
Now... now I have to get back to my novel. You know, what this blog's about? Well, trying to get back into it after interrupting my momentum is brutal. I loathe everything I've written, of course, and am sorely tempted to rent movies and eat SmartFood or chocolate all day. I won't, I won't. But I want to. I decided to just embrace loathing it. To happily hate it and write it anyways. To acknowledge that by my deadline in March, I may have written a novel that is complete crap, but at least it will be finished and improvable. However, the inertia of an object (or a writer) at rest demands that it stay at rest, and so it is quite difficult to get back into the swing of things.
My sister showed me a quote once- something about how you don't have to like what you have to do, you just have to do it, and it resonates now. I'm not filled with glee at the idea of sitting at my computer after my barista hours are up. I am just afraid. But there's really no option. I can't not finish the novel. That means I have to write at least 1000 words... tonight. Like right now. So off I go... wish me luck...
For more about Toronto.
I wish I'd checked that site while she was here! I would've taken her to the Ice Lounge. Looks cool, but a little sponsor-brand heavy. Oh well...
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Not Yet New Year's
Well, my cousin's in town from Israel. A cousin I only met once six years ago. So, I'm letting myself off the hook a bit, if I don't get too much writing done this week. I want to show her a great time. This week's blogging might be sparse. I'm sticking to the Fay Weldon, and I've lent "Out of Egypt" to my mom.
You can pretty much hear the English accent in Weldon's writing. Also, she uses words like "tins" instead of "cans", etc.
That's all for now. More links to Toronto-y sites and local theatre companies coming soon...
You can pretty much hear the English accent in Weldon's writing. Also, she uses words like "tins" instead of "cans", etc.
That's all for now. More links to Toronto-y sites and local theatre companies coming soon...
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Christmas Eve-y TV
The choice for this evening's Christmas viewing: The Wizard of Oz or It's A Wonderful Life.
I choose The Wizard of Oz. It just gets better and better with every viewing. I love the Cowardly Lion. I think I should buy the screenplay. And now TVO is showing "Meet Me in St. Louis" which I've never watched all the way through.
As for fiction, I have two choices to read at the moment: "The Fat Woman's Joke" (also published as "...And the Wife Ran Away") and "Out of Egypt".
"The Fat Woman's Joke" is by Fay Weldon and was first published in 1967. I was talking to author Sarah Selecky about genre and chick-lit and she recommended I check out some of Weldon's stuff (among other authors who I'll list as I get through their books). Sarah's fiction is currently published in The New Quarterly.
A customer at Starbucks (where I work) lent me Out of Egypt: A Memoir by Andre Aciman. The customer remembered that I'm a Sephardi Jew whose parents had to leave Libya. (He once met my mom by chance.) I was so touched that he remembered. I love getting to know my regular morning customers. Their friendliness makes my shift more pleasant, and I try to make their mornings less crummy.
As for the writing? Got none done today. I was proud of myself just for getting out of bed and meeting a friend at 7 West. That means that I might be able to sleep tonight!
Check out the new links on the side! Not related to fiction, just related.
I choose The Wizard of Oz. It just gets better and better with every viewing. I love the Cowardly Lion. I think I should buy the screenplay. And now TVO is showing "Meet Me in St. Louis" which I've never watched all the way through.
As for fiction, I have two choices to read at the moment: "The Fat Woman's Joke" (also published as "...And the Wife Ran Away") and "Out of Egypt".
"The Fat Woman's Joke" is by Fay Weldon and was first published in 1967. I was talking to author Sarah Selecky about genre and chick-lit and she recommended I check out some of Weldon's stuff (among other authors who I'll list as I get through their books). Sarah's fiction is currently published in The New Quarterly.
A customer at Starbucks (where I work) lent me Out of Egypt: A Memoir by Andre Aciman. The customer remembered that I'm a Sephardi Jew whose parents had to leave Libya. (He once met my mom by chance.) I was so touched that he remembered. I love getting to know my regular morning customers. Their friendliness makes my shift more pleasant, and I try to make their mornings less crummy.
As for the writing? Got none done today. I was proud of myself just for getting out of bed and meeting a friend at 7 West. That means that I might be able to sleep tonight!
Check out the new links on the side! Not related to fiction, just related.
Friday, December 23, 2005
I knew it!
The Warrior Princess
You are strong, courageous, and dynamic, a woman of
action. You have an iron will and a sharp
tongue. Indecisive, weak, or wishy-washy people
test your patience. You tend to grow bored
quickly and yearn for excitement.
Role Models: Brunhilde/The Valkyries, Xena
You are most likely to: Lead your people to victory
against an army of orcs.
What Kind of Princess are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
Well, I don't know if I'd describe myself that way. But it's nice for someone else to! Check out the chin on my "picture".
The Days are Getting Longer
Which, for me, means more daytime to sleep through! Well, I don't feel too bad. Been fighting off a cold, and so I don't feel so indolent and indulgent letting myself sleep whenever I feel like it. I got my shifts today and tomorrow covered, so now I just have to be well enough to work on Sunday (Christmas Day and the first Day of Hanukkah). I don't celebrate Christmas, so it's no biggie for me to work the morning shift. That way I can get uptown in time to light Hanukkah candles with my parents. Also, I'd hate to drag someone in to work last minute who does celebrate Christmas.
My b/f sent me a book. The Underminer. It's very funny. It's written by performance artist Mike Albo and TV critic Virginia Heffernan. It will certainly help you identify the Underminers in your life - and perhaps illuminate the times you've been one. I'd love to see Albo perform in person. He's based in New York.
Have also been reading The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression by Andrew Solomon. I'm only a short part of the way through, but it's incredibly thought-provoking whether you've ever experience depression or not.
I'm now at about 20,000 words on my one WIP. I'm quite happy with that, even though technically I'm behind my set quotas. I've also nearly stalled completely, 'cause I just don't know what's going on with my plot. I've been writing out a screenplay-style "treatment", which has mainly reinforced that yes, my plot is really... unexciting. And I don't think my subplot is working either. I'm very tempted to let other people look at it and solicit help, but I also feel like I should be able to get through this on my own. Hmmm... I'm hoping I can churn out another 1500 to 3000 words or so, and maybe find a way to move forward.
Happy Holidays to anyone who stumbles here.
My b/f sent me a book. The Underminer. It's very funny. It's written by performance artist Mike Albo and TV critic Virginia Heffernan. It will certainly help you identify the Underminers in your life - and perhaps illuminate the times you've been one. I'd love to see Albo perform in person. He's based in New York.
Have also been reading The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression by Andrew Solomon. I'm only a short part of the way through, but it's incredibly thought-provoking whether you've ever experience depression or not.
I'm now at about 20,000 words on my one WIP. I'm quite happy with that, even though technically I'm behind my set quotas. I've also nearly stalled completely, 'cause I just don't know what's going on with my plot. I've been writing out a screenplay-style "treatment", which has mainly reinforced that yes, my plot is really... unexciting. And I don't think my subplot is working either. I'm very tempted to let other people look at it and solicit help, but I also feel like I should be able to get through this on my own. Hmmm... I'm hoping I can churn out another 1500 to 3000 words or so, and maybe find a way to move forward.
Happy Holidays to anyone who stumbles here.
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Circadian Rhythms
Well, my times are flipped.
It's a quarter to four. In the morning. I did write today. Some at the S'bux down the street, and some at home on my laptop. Then my musician friend came over and we commiserated on the frustrations of trying to create "art". Or even commerce.
Went back to work on my second WIP. I have approx. 10,000 words in each now. I have a stronger (though somewhat melodramatic) plot in my second one, so it seems to be going faster. If I just had 20 000 words in one of them, I'd be a quarter of the way through a manuscript!
Complain, complain.
Going to attempt to bake and knit tomorrow. I don't celebrate Christmas, but the season and the snow (and the freezing-one's-ass-off everytime you go outside) propels me into a flurry of domesticity. Anna Olson has a recipe for "Chocolate Chai Cake" at S'bux, and that's what I'll attempt.
It's good to have creative friends. It's easier to have faith in their endeavours than in my own, but it keeps my faith in creating art going, in general. Hooray for friends!
It's a quarter to four. In the morning. I did write today. Some at the S'bux down the street, and some at home on my laptop. Then my musician friend came over and we commiserated on the frustrations of trying to create "art". Or even commerce.
Went back to work on my second WIP. I have approx. 10,000 words in each now. I have a stronger (though somewhat melodramatic) plot in my second one, so it seems to be going faster. If I just had 20 000 words in one of them, I'd be a quarter of the way through a manuscript!
Complain, complain.
Going to attempt to bake and knit tomorrow. I don't celebrate Christmas, but the season and the snow (and the freezing-one's-ass-off everytime you go outside) propels me into a flurry of domesticity. Anna Olson has a recipe for "Chocolate Chai Cake" at S'bux, and that's what I'll attempt.
It's good to have creative friends. It's easier to have faith in their endeavours than in my own, but it keeps my faith in creating art going, in general. Hooray for friends!
Saturday, December 10, 2005
The First Post
The first post.
5:44am.
Up all night again. Wrote 2000 words though. That is my new direction. That's the reason behind a new blog. Two WIPs on the go. Much hope too.
Hope to have at least 1 completed m/s by March 2006. This goal, which seemed so possible two weeks ago, is now terrifying. I've written a tenth of the amount I need to write to finish by March.
Nothing to complain about yet. I'll try to keep this blog mainly about writing (fiction), but I'll probably stray into ranting about any/everything.
So that's all. Goodnight - or....
Good morning!
5:44am.
Up all night again. Wrote 2000 words though. That is my new direction. That's the reason behind a new blog. Two WIPs on the go. Much hope too.
Hope to have at least 1 completed m/s by March 2006. This goal, which seemed so possible two weeks ago, is now terrifying. I've written a tenth of the amount I need to write to finish by March.
Nothing to complain about yet. I'll try to keep this blog mainly about writing (fiction), but I'll probably stray into ranting about any/everything.
So that's all. Goodnight - or....
Good morning!
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