Progress Report

I know I've quiet but it's been head down and tail up for a number of reasons. I've been furiously editing to a deadline - nearly there - while dealing with some health issues affecting both myself and Pisces and getting the renos underway - selections done. Now we just have to live with the mess starting in a couple of weeks. We've been puppy sitting as well with Virgo's pup too young to be left by herself and proving a somewhat destructive distraction. As of tomorrow I'll be taking a deep breath and I hope having a short break before we get into the next round of 'stuff'. Before that though I need a good, long sleep.

The Dreaded Synopsis

I've been working on submissions lately and that includes the dreaded synopsis. I don't actually know anyone who likes writing these horrible beasties. You spend an inordinate amount of time trying to strip a novel that you drafted, crafted, edited and generally made sure that every single word had a purpose and need to exist and then - just when you have it polished and perfect - you have to summarise it in one or two pages and in such a way that whoever reads it will be overcome by your skill and wit and will want to buy it. Well there's only one thing to do in this situation, isn't there. No, screaming abuse at the computer or the person demanding this of you or, for that matter just screaming, won't cut it - although you may temporarily feel better.

What you have to do is to write it. So I have. I'll let you know if it works.

Oh Japan

My heart bleeds for the people affected by the unfolding disasters there. I feel so frustrated that I can't help. May things improve soon.

What I've Been Learning From Other Writers

I've blogged about things I've learned from other writers - in particular, Rosanne Dingli, Neil Gaiman and Bill O'Hanlon - over on the Egoboo WA blog. Come by and have a look. We've some interesting interviews coming up there too.