So I will! But… trying to work out WorldCon plans. And need to head to the shops too. Oh and there’s some proof-reading heading my way. And look, now I’m blogging! *tisk tisk*

Might as well make the most of it while I’m here. Out of the Frying Pan has a website! Check it out. Looks like Navi is already making her mark over there as well.

Ok, NOW I have to do some work… or maybe after lunch…

It feels different to be talking about this book, even a little strange. I think it’s because my story inside it is, well, real. It’s actually my story. And personal, and even a little embarrassing in places (although hopefully also quite funny!) So even while I’m doing this good author thing, part of me is a tad uncomfortable with the idea of people reading it. Obviously not that uncomfortable, after all, I’ve put this story out there, haven’t I, hoping it will be read. But still, I don’t have characters and magic and another world to hide behind.

…

Which gets me thinking, do we really hide behind those things? Just because my stories are not about things that actually happened and people who really existed, does that make them any less real? Maybe the things I put poor Tanyana through say more about my fears and concerns and dreams than I realise. Do Jill and Molsey’s human-dragon bond reflect the place of my pets in my life? And what about the themes that reappear, unbidden, in so much of what I have written? Does all of this, actually, say more about me (and more honestly) than the ‘real’ story in Out of the Frying Pan?

Oh dear, that’s just all a bit deep and meaningful. I think I need a cup of tea…

Yesterday I went through my notes for this series, right from the research I did at the very beginning. I wanted to make sure that things were still on track, that even though the story has changed a lot from those preliminary ideas I am still maintaining the integrity of the characters and the world and the magic-system. You know, I wanted to make sure everything still made sense! It’s really interesting, looking back at what I thought these books would be and what they have become. I’m pleased that the basics have carried through and I much prefer what the story is now to what my original notes looked like.

Now I’m about to start a run-through of Debris. I already have a few notes, things to look out for, change and add into Suited, but I want to read through the first book just in case I’ve changed something, or forgotten someone along the way.

Fascinating, isn’t it?

In other news I went for a bike ride yesterday! The back seems to be holding up well. I’m aware of it today, but it just feels a bit tired, not injury-sore. I’ve been good with my stretches and exercises, and careful not to sit here at the desk for too long without a break. Here’s hoping it will continue to improve!

Joanne Anderton also ventures into Romero territory with “Trail of Dead.” Anderton’s tale works thanks to its unique mix of characterization and action, and because it ventures out of typical zombie lore to include witchcraft.

That’s me, mixing it all up! Or something…

Can’t find it on the publisher’s website yet, so in lieu of a link I give you ‘Navi, passing her judgement on the book’. But don’t listen to her, she disapproves of everything.

New word count comes in at 116,600 up from 113,100. But, the most telling part? I cut (ready for this?) almost 20,000 words of crap. So that means that I also wrote 23,000 new words of not crap. Oh, how I hope they’re not crap.

This is actually a good thing. Right at the moment I am so hot and so tired and have too-much-computer-screen eyes, so it’s getting a little difficult to look on the bright side, but I know there is one. Most of what I changed in this draft was from a very messy middle section. I revealed a few secrets that I had initially planned to reveal in the next book, and I think that has added a whole heap of extra conflict and some new, interesting dynamics. Also sliced out a whole plot point that made very little sense. Yeah, it’s not perfect yet. Beginning needs some more work. Ending too. But this is a stronger, tighter book. I’m certain of it.

I just need a few days away from it now.

So, the plan? I’m going to relax for a few days and catch up on some beta-reading. Then, I think I will reread Debris before I launch into draft the third, you know, just to touch base with the plot and the tone of the first book to ensure Suited is consistent. Then I’ll roll up my sleeves, sharpen the scissors again, and get back into it!

(Also, yeah, I know I haven’t blogged in almost a month. But… revisions… but… yeah, no excuse. Even my husband has told me that’s not good enough. Guess I need to touch base with the outside world too while I’m at it! And submit some short stories! GAK)

So, what I have forgotten to mention is ‘Breathtaker’ — a quasi-romantic, quasi-apocalyptic short story of mine — will be coming out in ASIM issue #44. And it looks like that might be as soon as February! I’m really excited about this. This story popped into my head during a pranayam session at yoga (when I really should have been concentrating on my breath instead…*is bad*) survived a few reincarnations as I tried to work out what it was actually about, and finally came good with the help of my wonderful writing buddy, Rabia. I’m also thrilled that is was Felicity Dowker who said yes to it, as she is a writer who I greatly respect and admire.

What other world have I been in? What could possibly keep me from sharing this news as soon as possible?Why, that’s revision world, of course. I’m almost finished rebuilding the last in a series of scenes that I had to tear down and start from scratch. As per the page count I’m over 60% of the way through this draft and I can see the light from here! It’s getting there!

The post-award cocktail party was a blast. Of course, it was also very hot and stuffy - full of bodies - and got a little difficult to hear at some stages. Met new friends (waves to Sarah, Jane and Tim) and caught up with some old.

And here’s a couple of photos (stolen from Cat Sparks, I should add!)

(Donna Hanson, me, Trudi Canavan & Nicole Murphy)

(me, Sarah and Jenny)

Came home Sunday evening feeling exhausted but inspired. This is what I love about these kind of events - book launches, workshops and cons are the same. There is so much energy in a room full of people who all write, read and love spec fic that it’s infectious. It recharges the ‘I love doing this!’ batteries.

And yay for that.

Do you see my ‘Aperture Science (your trusted friend in science)’ mug? The cuteness of the mac mini and the pico headphone amp attached to it? (audiophile husband strikes again) Sadly my trusty lower-back-saving cushion is almost hidden on the chair there. All it’s missing is the usual kitten accessories.

So there we have it.

Baa.

But you know what, that’s ok. Because I will streamline the plot, ratchet up the tension, throw in some conflict for good measure and this will be a much better draft for it!

I think I’m starting to get better at identifying places that need work, and I’m certainly less forgiving when they aren’t up to scratch. I’m going to take this as a good sign, despite the crazy-makings.

I’m hoping that I will have this whole section re-written by the end of the weekend O.O

Maybe I should go and get some sleep, you know, so I have half a chance…