nobody expects the spamish introspection!

[lagilman]

Good morning! (or evening, or tomorrow, depending on where you're coming in from)

I have posted my monthly meanderings over at SF Novelists -- this time on writing in what I call a "timeline" series, and why continuity really matters. Check it out, give me love feedback.
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I realized yesterday that I really miss teaching. It was the part of my editorial job I loved most, bringing people into new knowledge and understanding, and then seeing what they'd do with it. I haven't done enough of that lately. *is sad*

Managed to hit 2000 words for the day, and the end of chapter 6. This is very much "first draft" stuff, where I'm laying markers and establishing build-ups and turning points. To use my usual physical metaphor, I'm stringing muscle and veins along the skeleton, and not even worrying about the flesh just yet. It's ugly, but it lives. And the book is totally living up to its title.

I'm figuring this will eventually come in at around 90,000 words, which looks to be standard for the PSI novels. My goal is to get first draft done by early April. We'll see.

I really should be thinking about Mustang (the next 'Anna Leonard' book), having gotten my preliminary notes back from madame editor, but... the brain, it's just not there. Soon, though. And short fiction. Gods, I want to write short fiction again. Twisty, complicated, layered stuff not tied in to any book or established series...

Universe, I am not ungrateful for my life. I quite like my life. But do you think you could maybe find a way to give me a few extra hours every week, not taken away from anything else, just for short fiction? I promise not to waste it...


Speaking of which, the coffee is done, the cats are fed and complacent... it must be time to open up a file and actually do something.


(Wow, I really am spamming LJ this week, aren't I? Be glad I don't Twitter....)

Comments

[neadods.livejournal.com]

Universe, I am not ungrateful for my life. I quite like my life. But do you think you could maybe find a way to give me a few extra hours every week, not taken away from anything else, just for short fiction?

If you figure out how to make a deal like that stick, do let me know!

[sfmarty.livejournal.com]

Very glad you don't Twitter.

[saare-snowqueen.livejournal.com]

If I even thought about Twitter I'd never get anything done.

[deire.livejournal.com]

: rocks back and forth eagerly: More short fiction? I love your short fiction.

[lagilman]

Thankee. Now if I can just get a few new ones _written_

[burger-eater.livejournal.com]

Best subject header of the month.

[lagilman]

I admit, I was kinda proud of it myself. :-D

[jslinder.livejournal.com]

Not like you have the free time, but if you really miss teaching, contact your local community college or university about becoming an adjunct instructor. It pays surprisingly decently in a lot of cases, and once you have your first full course run under your belt doesn't take as much time as you think.

[lagilman]

I looked into it about a year or so ago, but the truth is that around here writers a thick upon the ground, and most of the local colleges prefer *cough* literary writers. My credentials, although excellent, don't match up with what they want to put in the catalog.

I suppose it's time to start working on that Great American Novel again. My mother will be so pleased...

[jslinder.livejournal.com]

Ah. In my field (IT) its easier.. As long as we can code, we can teach...