Friday, September 26, 2008

The contender


the contender
Originally uploaded by Nicole.Kelly
Last week didn't get a lot better, but what can you do?

I finished a new story this week, and sent it off to a couple of friends. So far, it is a hit. :-)

I read an *awesome* story by Kelly Link called, "Some zombie contingency plans." Go read it!

Work was better. Dogs are less bitey. It was sunny for part of the week. Not too bad, really.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Goodnight Stupid Day


Nicole
Originally uploaded by Nic Launceford
After a very long day at work, I got to have a wonderful "my writer is melting down at me" meeting. :(

I get it. It is hard to take criticism. I sympathize as a writer and as an editor. But, man, try to not to yell at your poor editor (that's me). I've worked as a writer. I've worked as an editor. They are both *very* hard jobs. The best thing I can say to any writer, including me, is that your editor is there to help you and improve your writing.

Again, :( and boo.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Ready?


Valentine Du Jour
Originally uploaded by Nicole.Kelly
The photo is of a performer I know in Seattle. She goes under the stage name of Valentine du Jour. I love this shot, because she looks so strong and playful.

This past weekend was my birthday. :-) Of course, I thought a lot about where I am heading with my writing (among other things). I often get this feeling like I need to be published already, or maybe I should be published. I have spent the week really questioning this issue. As writers, I think we place all of our validation on being published. It is something we can show our friends and family. It is a way of proving that we are not wasting our time on dream that cannot be fulfilled.

So, just to start my 33rd year off right, I say this, "I write to write."

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Almost made it


Seattle Sodo
Originally uploaded by Nicole.Kelly
I am almost done with my second novel. I have to say, it's good that I never remember how hard it is to write a book when I start a new one.

I am about 350 pages into my new book. The outline is fully scoped. The plot makes sense. Can I bring it home before the end of the year? Well, that remains to be seen.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Are you getting weirder?


Drunk Chihuahua?
Originally uploaded by Nicole.Kelly
I just finished a new story, and I am really happy with it (for now).

What I have to know is: Do all writers get stranger the more they write? I started off writing such *fun* and *light* adventure SF. Now, well, I have a reanimated pimp in my new piece.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Waiting


B&W
Originally uploaded by Nicole.Kelly
This picture is one I took of my friend, Kerrie. Although I didn't think about it at the time, the expression sums up my feelings on my writing right now. Perpetually waiting.

I have one short story at Baen's, one short story at Strange Horizons, and a full ms at an agent.

I am bad at waiting ...