Okay, so today is the last performance of The Mousetrap. Today is going to be bittersweet. As does happen, this show has been amazing to put together and the cast phenomenal to work with. Tomorrow, I will face my post show crash, but today I go in with my head held high and watch my cast give it all for their last performance.
ROW 80 goals are still on the short side this week, as I am still in between my two worlds. It's okay. I am going to have much more time. Feeling good today, Dear Readers. My current state of health is the illness wasn't bronchitis, just a several chest cold/cough. Yay ZPAC!! Cough is receding and feeling much better.
This Week (really short):
*Reading: finished Five Little Pigs (Murder in Retrospect) by Agatha Christie and started Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman. I can see the similar characters the Miss Christie has used in a few other of her novels that I have read, but the end always seems to surprise me.
*Social Media/Visiting: most of the week was on track, 4 blogs daily. I slipped up about Friday and Saturday nothing.
This Week (upcoming and return to form):
*Reading: continued with Anansi Boys.
*Writing: work on flash fiction piece for #writestuff challenge.
*Blogging: 1 new blog entry (non-ROW80). I promise this week, I swear. :-)
*Submitting: 1 new submission.
*Editing: edit another 10 pages of The Real Road Trip.
A Round of Words in 80 Days is a Blog Hop challenge that allows you to set goals and report on the progress of those goals. Come on in! We have Oreos!!
That's it, I write this before I have to head to the Elks for the show. It's going to be a long day. Since I have been out and about, what have you been up to, Dear Readers? Any good trouble?
This Week:
*Reading: close to finishing Five Little Pigs (Murder in Retrospect) by Agatha Christie. Less than 40 pages left.
*Blogging: no new non-ROW80 posts, but I am current with my ROW80 updates.
*Social Media/Visiting: 4 blogs for the last 3 days, I cheated a bit and did it all on Tuesday. But this gets me caught up on my daily tallies and keeps me informed of my fellow ROW-ers.
*Theatre Stuffs: brush up rehearsal tonight!
It's been a weird week, what with 2 days off. While the rest was much needed I feel at a loss when I am not doing something theatre related. This is especially true of the week between performance weekends. Here are a few more (non-spoiler) shots from last weekend.
This (coming) Week:
*Reading: finally finish Five Little Pigs, and start Anansi Boys (Neil Gaiman). This is the plan. I was not feeling that great yesterday and missed a chance to read.
*Writing/Blogging: work on a story for #writestuff, post 1 new blog post (non-ROW80) to the blog, maybe write some poetry. We will see how much I can get done tomorrow (Thursday).
*Social Media/Visiting: continue to be on track.
I am still keeping it simple for this week. Expect that I will have more to report on and more writing to share with you all, Dear Readers. Yesterday was rainy, but the warmer weather has arrived this week and the piles of snow are starting to recede. Wahooo!!
A Round of Words in 80 Days is a Blog Hop, writing challenge, created to allow writers to set goals and report on their progress.
Also, it being Wednesday, it is WIPpet Wednesday. I have not really worked on my WIP The Real Road Trip, but it's time to introduce Selynee's dad. Using the WIPpet math (today's date is the 11th), I present 11 short paragraphs (I don't have access to my edited script, so here's the pre-edited version).
“Not tonight,” Selynee shook herself free of the memories. She looked up at her father, “I will tell you, but it’s almost midnight and I still have two days of school to get through before Spring Break.” “Right. Well, if you need to talk, I can break out the cheesecake and coffee.” Her laughed and lightly shoved Selynee. She smiled and looked up at him. He was trying. “Thanks, Dad. I’ll keep that in mind if I can’t sleep.” “I know I’m not your mother…” Selynee interrupted, “And for that I am glad…” “But I want you to know that I want to be involved. I might not know how to sew, but you and me have to stick together.” Selynee nodded, “I know, Dad. I just don’t know everything myself.” “Neither do I. Maybe we can try finding it out together?” “Maybe,” said Selynee. “Goodnight, Pumpkin.” He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “Night, Daddy.” She smile and shoved him back.
Because for some reason this was playing in my head yesterday:
So, first three performances of The Mousetrap are over. It's been a long week and weekend. Really worth it though to see my cast entertain three sets of audiences (Friday through Sunday). They made them laugh, surprised, and sympathize with them. They made me laugh, cry, and surprised me too! It was AWESOME!! I couldn't have asked for a better cast!
A quick shout out to Choice Photography for these great shots of Sunday's show, and don't worry these are not spoilers. SPoliers, Darling!
This Week:
*Reading: I'm a little further along in Five Little Pigs (or Murder in retrospect) (Agatha Christie). I think I can finish it.
*Theatre Stuffs: Opening weekend! Full of awesome!
Again, if you are anywhere near
Corning, NY, come and check us out! We perform at the Corning Elks
on the corner of 1st and Walnut, March 13th - 15th at 7:30 and 2:00.
This Week (upcoming):
*Reading: start Anansi Boys (Neil Gaiman), begin another Agatha Christie mystery, maybe And Then There Were None (or Ten Little Indians).
*Writing: flash fiction piece for #writestuff. Write more flash fiction/short stories using the 30 song title writing challenge. I am not sure how much I am going to write, but this week is a return to normalcy (well as normal as a writer's life is).
*Blogging: 1 new non-ROW80 post.
Okay, I am going to take it easy on my. I know what goals I can also work on, but I want to get back into thje swing of thing, Dear Readers. Directing a show is rather overwhelming and awesome, but also tiring. So, I am going to build up slow. See where I am at Wednesday and then go on from there.
A Round of Words in 80 Days, a blog challenges that know you have a life. Set some goals and as you work on them, log in and report on your progress. It's a Blog Hop, so stop in to meet and see what we are up to with writing, reading, theatre, crocheting, blogging, or any of our other hobbies, jobs, past times. We have cookies, cheesecake, tea, coffee, you name. Welcome!
Quite short and sweet! This week: *Theatre Stuffs: got the set going, began tech rehearsals (had a snowstorm that cancelled yesterday's rehearsal), cast looks and sounds good, getting final touches on the set, painting trimming and fireplaces, hanging pictures, interviewed this morning on WENY-TV (see here). I have two more rehearsals. not going to look at the script. My stage crew and light/sound tech are in control (which is harder for me as I do like having a degree of control). But, my confidence in this show and the pride in my cast supersedes that need to have my hand everywhere.
*Reading: I did manage to read more of Five Little Pigs (Agatha Christie). TOTAL PAGES: 20. The Rest of the Week:
*Theatre Stuffs: shows Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
*Reading: continue with Five Little Pigs.
*Writing: have a new #writestuff challenge A Choice. I am excited, even with the busy days and nights, to have a specific goal to work on. Keeps me thinking.
A Round of Words in 80 Days, a blog challenge that allows you to set goals and report on the progress of said goals. It knows you have a life. And right now I have never been so aware. It's a Blog Hop, come in and visit with us. :-)
Not really much else, Dear Readers. Been so busy with Monkswell Manor that I have developed a British accent when I talk to everyone. It's been a grand time. I will be you on the other side. Lots of stuff and writing projects post Mousetrap.
It's Sunday and no I haven't done a thing with my goals. I spoke earlier about this potentiality. It is true.
Today begins Mousetrap tech week (known to the theatre community as Hell Week). Simply put, when hell week happens nothing else gets done. My house has becomes a tornado alley (more than normal), with stuff and things everywhere. Chores like dishes are forgotten, laundry doesn't get put away, forget any sense of order. Anyway, all this babbling means that I have been 'living' in Monkswell Manor, 30 miles from London for the last week and will be for this week. I will try to accomplish something, but today and Wednesday are looking a bit packed for time.
This week:
*Reading: I got a little farther in Five Little Pigs (Agatha Christie). TOTAL PAGES: 20. *Theatre Stuffs: got the first coat of paint on the set. Will need a 2nd coat on some of the panels as the previous show used this dark red and touch ups. Got most of the props, just missing a few last minute props. The interior designer is still at work getting wall stuff for Monkswell Manor, just so far it's looking good. Sound effects are done. Publicity is ongoing with press release having seen in the Corning paper already.
This coming week (going to make this simple):
*Reading: attempt to read at work, during lunch. I usually do, but this past week has been distracting. Make my way through more of Five Little Pigs.
*Writing: try to write something between Sunday (today) and Wednesday, even if it's one thing.
*Theatre Stuffs: do TV interview with Dale 3/4 (butt-crack of dawn), finish set (painting, fixes, and last minute touches) on Tuesday, rehearse, rehearse, rehearsal, oh and I forgot rehearse! :-)
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I have been quoting this show about continuously, "Little Bo Policeman has lost his skis and doesn't know where to find them..."
"The north wind doth blow; and it will bring snow; and what will the Robin do, poor thing."
"But such a gay little tune? Don't you think? She cuts of their tails with a craving knife- snick, snick, snick- delicious. Just what a child would adore. Cruel little things children..."
So, if you are in the Corning area March 6 - 8th and 13 - 15th come and see The Mousetrap!
So pressed for time and it's almost midnight. I am still trying to finish this check-in. I know, not necessarily the priority, but it's the principle. I have made these goals and I will stick by them. Mousetrap rehearsal are beginning to take over. They are running long and the set is mostly erected (still need to be finished and then paint). But it's looking so good, my cast is looking so good, and my life is falling into place. Yes, I am gushing about my show. Well, by Monday, it becomes my cast's show. I leave it in their hands. I trust them. I have guided them to this point, time to take the training wheels off and get the technical stuff ironed out.
Okay, I am gushing now! But, there is something about waking across your set, when it is all still pieces and odd colours and knowing it's going to be amazing. I get goosebumps. Even if I have to write my ROW80 check-ions after midnight or read my fellow bloggers in the few minutes before leaving for work. I shall forego sleep this week and next, but it will be worth it.
Okay, this check-in is going to be short. I don't have full word counts or all the details at the moments so what I can report on, I will report on now.
This Week:
*Reading: read more of Five Little Pigs (Agatha Christie). PAGES READ: about 50 pages.
*Writing: wrote a story, using the 30 Song Title Challenge. Not sure it's the actual title. But, borrowed from Fallon Brown (click the link to read more). Wrote a poem after coining the title Don't Anger the Goddess. inspired by Jessica Scott and Rod E. Kok. WORD TOTAL: 1271 and 149 words.
*Social Media: mostly on track. I did miss Wednesday's daily goal. Plan to visit 8 blogs tomorrow to make up for it.
*Theatre Stuffs: submitted press release to The Leader, posters, promotions, and getting last minutes props/costumes.
The Rest of the Week:
*Blogging: 1 new post.
*Submitting: 1 new submission.
*Editing/Novels: 10 more pages edited.
*Reading: finish Five Little Pigs.
*Writing: write new story in 30 Song Title Challenge and/or new poem.
*Theatre Stuff: prepare of Hell Week (Tech Week).
It's Wednesday too, and I am scrambling to find a WIPpet to share. So, let's look at the math first 2/25 is today's date, let's do 25; 2 + 5 = 7 paragraphs. A bit of back stork. This is the other co-protagonist, Marcie. She just woke from a nightmare. Must of it is unclear to her Mother, but like most dreams, there is truth there. Some of this is echoes from Selynee's snippets from previous weeks, if you've been following along.
Elsewhere there was sounds of screaming. It woke up this house and the tuxedo cat darted through the house.
Marcie was screaming and her mother rushed into her room. It happened to be one of those rare nights that her mother wasn’t working. Marcie’s was screaming, not aware of her Mother’s arms holding her. She was crying, and then suddenly hiccupped, thus stopping the screaming. Marcie’s mother sat on her bed, , “Oh, Sweetie, what happened? Honey? Hey, you okay?” She kissed the top of Marcie’s bed head hair.
No words came from Marcie, just some tears and hiccups. “Breath, Honey. Please.” She rocked Marcie against her body, softly shushing her whimpers and calming her hiccups.
Marcie tried to speak, but her vocal chords wouldn’t work. All she could do were soft grunts and sometimes a sigh, as she breathed against her Mother’s chest. “Let it out, Honey,” she said and she at the clock sitting on the night stand. Two o’clock in the morning. “It must have been a nightmare.” Marcie’s mother said, the only conversation occurring in the room. She was used to her daughter being tight lipped about many things and wasn’t expecting Marcie to answer her.
“I dreamt of Daddy, Mom.” She looked at her Mother.
The words spilled out of Marcie’s mouth before she could stop. Her mother could barely keeping up with the stream of thought. “I dreamt of Daddy, when he was in the hospital, right before he died. After that, Selynee was there, and that old nurse McLean; and then Selynee and I were at the semi-formal, dancing. Garrett Mulvaney he was there too, for some reason and she stole him. I was mad.” The sentences flowed out of Marcie is a mad rush. “Daddy wanted to die,” Marcie fought back some tears. Marcie was onto the next thought, “She asked him to dance. And I saw, Daddy. He wanted to die, Mom. And she promised to let me dance with Garrett.” The words spilled out of Marcie like a confession that her Mother was unaware of. Marcie was crying again.
“Oh, Honey. I’m sorry.” She could do nothing but let Marcie cry, would figure the rest out later.
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WIPpet Wednesday, created by author, K.L. Schwengel. A Linky List where writers can share their WIPs. Also, stop by, read a bit, and make some new friends! :-)
That's it for now. It is quick and I need to sleep. I have prom dresses to pick up and I think I will go into the day job and take Friday off. Always something. I am pleased with my goals, I am doing pretty well. How are you doing, Dear Reader? Tell me about your favourite goal this round? Mine is the writing daily goal (which I am doing more consistently) and my 2015 Goodreads Challenge to read 30 books this year. I'm at 14. Leave me some love! Thanks!!
So, yeah, winter blows and blows...but, here I am doing this... This Week: *Reading: finished Stardust by Neil Gaiman. I really good read. Very fairy tale. Started Five Little Pigs (Murder in Retrospect) by Agatha Christie and will be starting Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman. Trying to shift my reading into other author as I am getting low on Gaiman books to read. I am looking at either the Inkheart or His Dark Material series (both I have read, but am looking to revisit them).
*Writing: wrote a flash fiction piece called Happy F***in' Valentine's Day: A Story for the #writestuff group (topic Anti-Valentine's Day) and co-wrote a poem with the Hubs on Friday about Quetzalcoatl. WORD TOTAL: 877 and 114.
*Editing/Novel: made a dent this week in The Real Road Trip. Not the full 20 pages I planned, but really got to the heart of one of my characters. I am going to accept that this revision is going to be a full revision and not just small fixes. It's what is right for this story right now. Need to clear the crap out and flesh out the rest of the bits left after the cut. TOTAL 11+ pages. *Blogging: was busy on the blog, what with the Coraline review happening. I finally watched the movie and the review of the book versus the movie needed to happen. Then I posted Happy F***in' Valentine's Day: A Story. Finally, I was tagged in Ink Dipped Moon's blog for the Liebster Award. The getting to know you blog conversation starter. I had done it before, so I decided to do it again and tag new people.
*Submitting: 1 new submission: Please Hold
*Social Media/Visiting: on track. 4+ daily blogs visited. Missed Saturday due to it being an unplugged day.
*Theatre Stuffs (The Mousetrap): got the armchair, most of the costume pieces from the costumer, move the furniture to the dance floor because of an event that needs the space Monday and set building commences on Wednesday, and chatted with my producer. You know, the getting in line with his stuff and my stuff, so we are both on the same page.
For This Coming Week:
*Reading: Five Little Pigs (Murder in Retrospect).
*Writing: write or work on a new flash fiction story and interview my friend about her new Kickstarter: Positive Randomosity podcasts. More on that later (but check it out now)!
*Blogging: 1 new post, about friend's Kickstarter project (see above).
*Submitting: 1 new submission.
*Theatre Stuffs: preparation for costumes parade Wednesday, submit press release to one more newspaper, and not freak out about there being less than 2 week until we open.
This is the second time I type this check-in, as my internet went stupid just prior to hitting publish. Gah! So anyway, it has been a busy week here. The cold isn't helping. Today is at least in the upper 20's (heat wave?) Tomorrow the bitter cold returns. I still have a nasty cough. But, I have the theatre and the writing. It keeps me going. What about you, Dear Readers? How are you surviving you winter of hell 2015? How are the goals coming? Anything exciting, joyous, and beautiful happening in your worlds? Leave me some love below, I do love to hear from you all!!
A Round of Words in 80 Days is a blog challenge that knows you have a life. It challenges you to make goals and report on those goal bi-weekly. It is a Blog Hop. Come on in!
Jumping in feet first this week... This week: *Blogging: done yesterday. A review of Coraline book and movie. That was fun!
*Writing: wrote 2 short poems on Monday and blogged Tuesday. WORD TOTAL: 1208 word for the blog and 29 word for the cinquains.
*Reading: finished The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. Really good! Sad, yes, but an engaging read overall. Started Stardust by Neil Gaiman. Seriously I am really addicted to this man's work!! Stuck on Windhaven (George R. R. Martin and Lisa Tuttle).
*Social Media/Visiting: on track.
*Submitting: to Yalobusha Review (actually was on Sunday, but well after posting Sunday's check-in).
*Theatre Stuffs: Cast is almost completely off book. Looking so good.
This rest of the week:
*Writing: write daily between 100 - 500 words. Current projects are to write Flash Fiction for #writestuff challenge and/or work on Doctor Who story.
*Editing: The Real Road Trip and knock out between 20 - 30 pages before Sunday's check-in. Slack on this this week.
*Submitting: 1 new submission this week.
*Blogging: 1 new blog post (non-ROW80).
*Theatre Stuffs: need to call the lady we are borrowing the chair from and print off the press release to take to The Leader this week. Call my sponsors that are supposed to be putting in ads in the program.
A Round of Words in 80 Days is a blog challenge that challenges you to set goals and report on your progress. It is a Blog Hop, come in and warm yourself by the fire and visit with the rest of us writers.
Today is WIPpet Wednesday and I am not quite prepared. Today is 2/18, so let's do 8 + 1 = 9 lines from The Real Road Trip. It's a short bit. a little more about Selynee, this time when she's older. Trust me I will post a bigger snippet next week.
Bolting awake, Selynee sat upright. Her room was still dark. Tears were following down her cheeks as the dream receded from her memory. There was Marcie at the semi-formal, it felt like an almost reliving of that night. Selynee fought to shuck the dream off as she cried into her stuffed rhino, but the emotions left her feeling heavy. Selynee threw off her covers. The pillows were already on the floor, only the rhino was wrapped in her arms. It was stared at her, with its little rhino smile on its face. “Oh Rupert!” she said, glancing at her clock. The green glowing number made she eyes ache. It was two in the morning and she was wide awake.
This cold, I tell you. I am so over winter! My productivity suffers when it is this cold. I am trying so hard to fight it. The good news is the The Mousetrap is coming along swimmingly. My cast is a delight to watch. We are a little over two week until the show. Wowsa! Scared and excited all rolled into one. What have you been up to in the middle of this snow/cold/winter, Dear Readers?
Spending the morning sleeping in. A luxury that I don't always get to partake in. This past week has been cold, then warmer (35 degrees yesterday), and then colder. We are due for the "storm-of-the-century". I'll believe it. Corning is it's own anti-snow bubble. When we get it, we do get it, though not as much as Buffalo, Rochester, of Syracuse. But with the ground cover in white and the night bitterly cold it has slow me down some. This morning (what was left of it) I finished read a book and then got down to hashing a couple more goals out that I missed due to cranky-winter-moodiness.
This Week (including today):
*Reading: finished The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer. Don't know why it took me so long to finish, but this book was and is effin' awesome. Fantastic incite to the mind of Amanda Palmer, touching, honest,. and more than inspiring. I bought Neil's new book of short stories, Trigger Warning. I am two stories in, and it's that good, will probably finish it by week's end. Either book is worth the read. Go and get 'em!
*Social Media/Visiting: okay, I missed Friday. I was in a mood and couldn't focus. And Saturday was my Unplugged Day so I didn't get to visit people, comment and, converse. I hung out and conversed with friends after moving furniture and such. Today, I spent my early afternoon visiting to make up for Friday and today'd visits as well. Still topping at least 4 a day. Saturday being the exception. Also, visiting at least 2 new blog a day that I don't normal follow/read. Feeling good. *Submitting: I kept trying to find time this week and it always eluded me. I spent the afternoon looking for a couple of place to submit my Flash Fiction story, The Bridge to. The goal this week was 1 new submission. Today scored 2. Hoping to submit it to 1 more before days end.
*Theatre Stuffs: finished bio and director's letter. Emailed them out. Moved the couch and tables for the set, found an armchair (and thus bartered for use of armchair with an ad in the program), and got posters. Good murder week over all!
What I have dubbed the Murder Couch
This Week (upcoming):
*Novel: actually work on the small fixes. This got shoved aside. Not anymore! Will have at least 25 pages revised with small fixes by Wednesday.
*Writing: will dedicate more time to this this week. The Mousetrap ate up more time in the latter part of the week.
*Submitting: at least 1 new one this week.
*Blogging: 1 new blog post this week.
A Round of Words in 80 Days is a blog challenge that allows you to make goals and help to be held accountable to those goals. It's a Blog Hop. Stop on by and set a spell.
A little housekeeping today, Dear Readers, with music and candles and laundry spinning. There is yucky weather approaching. it's cold enough to still be snowy, but not cold enough to prevent slight melting.
The Heart of Winter in New York State, from MorgueFile
Yep, somewhere the first month sashayed out the door to be replaced by the month of love. Aphrodite and Cupid, chocolates and flowers. Okay, that's laying it on a bit thick. It's February and I am 1 month and 2 days from my shows opening night. Yowsa! The cast is coming along wonderfully. I get excited for rehearsals. And then there are all the other little things that also need get done, posters, promotions, bios, directors letter, raffles, etc. Not all of it is done by me, oh no. Thankfully I have an awesome team!
Anywho...I did well on my goals, mostly; see for yourself, Dear Readers.
This week:
*Social Media/Visiting: even though I missed Monday, I still visited my daily goals worth on Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (8 visits = 4 for Monday and 4 for Today).
*Blogging: posted yesterday, you can read here. I reviewed my January goals and thus wrote about them. Turned out a pretty productive month overall.
*Reading: finished The Clockwise Man by Justin Richards (Doctor Who adventure), returned to reading The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer. I had started it back when I bought it, but got side-tracked with Doctor Who novels and Neil Gaiman books.
*Writing: been a bit slack on this, but I wrote out my January goals and progress, so I made my daily writing goal for Tuesday.
*Submitting: Nothing new. I submitted a piece of flash fiction on February 1st.
For this Week:
*Novel: work on the small fixes and complete them by Sunday for The Real Road Trip.
*Reading: finish The Art of Asking and make more progress with Windhaven (George R. R. Martin and Lisa Tuttle) and start Stardust (Neil Gaiman).
*Writing: Wednesday through Saturday. This includes writing the bios and directors letter.
*Submitting: 1 submission this week.
*Blogging: blog 1 day this week.
*Editing: print up pieces for critique partner.
*Theatre Stuffs: will update progress on Sunday.
A Round of Words in 80 Days in a blog challenge where you set some goals and report on them twice a week. It's a Blog Hop, come on in and set a spell!
What books are you reading, Dear Readers? I seem to read more in the winter's months, it seems to keep the Winter Blues away. Also, I am involved in theatre goodness, directing a production of Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap. What else do you do to beat the Winter Blues?
This weekend turned out busier than I thought and thus this is what happened... This Week: *Editing: finished a complete revision of Christmas Trees. Posted a bit of it for WIPpet Wednesday. I feel good and glad at taking the chance and sharing my work with my fellow writers/bloggers.
*Reading: started The Clockwise Man (Doctor Who adventure by Justin Richards. I had read this some time ago, early 2014 I believe. But since I had read the rest of my Doctor Who books in January, I thought I should reread. It's the first of the Eccleston books. Also, yesterday I read Coraline by Neil Gaiman. It was awfully good and terrible fantastically awesome. Being only 160 pages it was a perfect read for a Saturday afternoon. There are times when Neil's stories feel like a Twilight Zone episode. I love Rod Serling, who was an awesome writer, and Neil Gaiman who is effin' awesome. So it's perfect! Could you imagine possibilities? Okay, that might just be me. :-)
*Social Media/Visiting: since Wednesday, I hit Weds, Thurs, and Friday, four blogs each day (some are ones I frequent and at least one that is new to me. I did miss Saturday, but will probably hit at least eight today.
*Theatre Stuffs: for The Mousetrap, working on my stuff for the program director letter outlined, bio (need to update last bio), and cast/crew list typed (expect for the one that are not filled in the crew). Will work on this more today.
Forthcoming in the New Week:
*Blogging: 1 new blog entry (non-AROW80).
*Novel: complete the read through of The Real Road Trip.
*Writing: going to change this up from last week. Going to write something new and move my daily goal to 200 - 250 words a day from the current 500 words (when I can write). I realized that I don't always have enough time to write in a day. The goal is still everyday, but 500 words is a bit much at this time and 100 words is not enough. So it's 200 - 250 words daily. Stating today!
*Editing: print some short pieces and plan a day to meet with my critique partner.
*Submitting: 2 this week (missed this one from Wednesday to today).
I missed a couple of goal from Wednesday. Felt bad, as I am wont to be some days. I had some time between things Friday and Saturday. Still feel good overall and pretty productive.
Excited that I am really making a stab at editing/revising more of my work. Starting to learn how to handle that beast. It's like the lion tamers from the cartoon circuses with the whip and chair.
January has been awfully productive and exciting and am ready for February. Mousetrap is coming along beautifully. Who knew Murder could be fun, Dear Readers? What about you? How are your Round of Words goals coming? What have you been up to lately?
I played 50's trivia at the annual meeting for the Keuka Lake Players and it felt like a battle of the bells to ring in between Ryan Love and myself. All in good fun and I surprised myself by how much I knew. I still suck at any sports trivia and my history from the 50's could use a tune up. Good times with one of my theatre families.
A Round of Words in 80 Days a blog challenges you to set goals and report on your progress. It is a Blog Hop, come for the WIPpets, stay for the challenge.
So, the day got away from me and I wasn't able to focus on writing this check-in earlier today. I have murder on the mind. ~Maniacal Laugh, Maniacal Laugh~ Mousetrap is coming along swimmingly. It is taking more of my time, not a problem, but some stuff has fallen to the back burner. Yet, I am seeing so much good coming from the cast and I still have over a month of rehearsals. w00t, Huzzah, cheers!!
Murder! Yes, murder and mystery!
Okay, because my brain is a little wired and I need to go to sleep soon, the check-in.
This Week:
*Blogging: completed on Tuesday. A review of fellow author Julie Anne Lindsey.
*Reading: finished The Story of Martha (Dan Abnett) another Doctor Who adventure and now working on Windhaven (George R. R. Martin and Lisa Tuttle). Windhaven is a longer read, but coming along.
*Writing: started to work on a story working title Trapped by Dinosaurs. I had posted a bit of it some time ago. Thought it was a random story/scene, but after reviewing it, it could be a longer story. Didn't have the time to devote to it in the last two days.
*Social Media and Visiting: visited Sunday and Monday, missed Tuesday.
*Submitting: got two more submitted at the beginning of the week.
For This Week:
*Edit: print and go over Christmas Trees. Beginning the revision process.
*Novel: finish reading The Real Road Trip, begin simple fixes.
*Blogging: 1 day this week.
*Submitting: at least two this week.
Been busy with Mousetrap deadlines and getting posters, promotions, props, costumes, etc. Thankfully, I have a good team to keep me in line and I am delegating. I do need to write a director's letter, a bio, and inserts for the program. Then to get promotions out to newspapers and TV stations, press releases and interviews, oh my!
And murder!!
Oooh, I have a poster now! See!!
Oh, and I have another segment from WIPpet Wednesday (28, 2 + 8 = 10 paragraphs):
Bob rubbed his hands together to try and keep them warm. It was snowing again. The small floodlight filled the lot and made the snowflakes glow. He thought about asking for a second light. He thought that maybe Mr. Hanson would give him it. It was Christmas after all, right? “You should really just go over to Evergreens R Us, the selections are so much better. Hell, there are artificial trees that are practically life like,” said Mason to the chap in the ski mask. “I don’t know,” he said. Bob watch the interplay between the man and Mason. He felt angry, so he turned away. There was a young woman trying to fight with a scrawny little pine. “Here. Let me help, Miss.” He rushed to her. The tree was caught on the wired it had been leaning on. Bob grabbed the tree and lightly pulled. Some needles tumbled to the ground, but the tree still looked green and full. “Sorry about that. I have fresh pines over by the flood lamp that are losing less needles.” “No, it just needs some water and it’s the perfect height.” She held the tree by the neck, eyeing it with a smile. “My apartment is small, this is the perfect height. How much?” She looked at Bob and smiled. “Twenty dollars…” he sounded unsure, afraid she would dump the tree and head to Evergreens R Us. “That’s all." Eyes the tree and then Bob, "That’s cheap. You having trouble?” Bob looked down, feeling ashamed, especially at the rather attractive woman holding a pine tree in her right hand. Her blonde hair framed her face by her woolen hat. “Yeah, well I am trying…” “Here!” the woman placed a fifty dollar bill in Bob hand. “Don’t let them get to you, Bob. You do good work here. Keep fighting,” she smiled. “I can’t accept this,” said Bob, shaking his head. “Take it. I got a nice tree and did some good.” She smiled and hefed the tree onto her shoulders and walked down aisle.
Links and Stuff:
A Round of Words in 80 Days, the blog challenge that knows you have a life. Come in, sit, we have some flax golden tales to spin...Blog Hop!
I'm a day late. I have no good excuses for why I didn't type this up yesterday. so I am just gonna jump right in to the check-in and the goals.
This week: *Editing: I am really proud of myself with this goal this week. Saturday, which is not a normal goal driven day, in fact. I usually reserve Saturdays for being unplugged. But I sat down with The Audition (FINALLY), but after 10 minutes of sitting with the original draft, my notes from last edit session and my brain storming ideas, I just decided to pull out the word document and start writing. It funny how the whole time I wasn't editing the damn thing, I somehow found the new plot and complete the rough draft of the re-write. This means that now I need to review and revise the re-write, but I feel so much better with this new plot. I took out the younger sister and focused the main points about the conversation. I want to do a short revision of this new draft by Friday. Finish cleaning it up and add a few details that I missed on Saturday writing session.
*Reading: finished The Graveyard Book (Neil Gaiman), but I might have already mentioned that. Finished Only Human (Garth Roberts) and started The Monsters Within (Stephen Cole). The Doctor Who novels are quick reads and highly addictive, if you are into Doctor Who.
*Novel: Not quite done with the read through of The Real Road Trip, only on page 40 of 115 pages. That is a major goal this week.
*Writing: did not write yesterday or Friday. Need to be more diligent on spending time writing. I have three unfinished WIP that I can work on, the press release for The Mousetrap, plus there's always new blogs to write and poetry. I did write Thursday and Saturday.
*Social Media/Visiting: I visited blogs and websites, about 4 on Thursday and Friday, also was a little active on Saturday.
For this coming week:
*Submitting: at least one this week.
*Novel: finish read through of The Real Road Trip.
*Write: Monday - Thursday (at least). Maybe Friday, if I feel inspired.
*Blog: sometime this week, before Friday evening include posting a WIP on WIPpet Wednesday. I think it's time to try this.
*All other ongoing bs small goals....etc, so forth...
Overall my mood has been really good. Keeping my productivity up and so far balancing the murder and the writing. The murder chorus is all but record and will be edited hopefully by Friday. In case you are curious, Dear Readers, the murder chorus is an audio tableaux that is going to play at the opening of each show to tell the story of the Murder of Culver Street.
A Round of Words in 80 Days (see the link to the blog site here) is a blog challenge that challenges you to write and knows that you have a life and the life happens. Come and visit the Blog Hop to meet other fellow writers. Challenge yourself! :-)
It is the end of Round 4 of A Round of Words in 80 Days and I honestly feel like ..."Not with a bang, but a
whimper!" I did so good, and then POOF! Oh well, I am not going to be too upset. The year is ending on a high note overall.
Christmas was a delightful day, expect for a sinus headache early in the morning. Spent time with the Scott family and then opened presents with the Hubs in the afternoon. The even was Doctor Who Christmas Special. Yeah, a pretty great day around. I got a Lil Bub and new Tardis blanket: other goodies included a My Little Pony Cocoa/Cup set (old school), Doctor Who Haiku, a figurine of Peter Capaldi and Amy Pond, and some new jeans. A good haul over all. Present that were given were enjoyed equally.
Yesterday was a trip to Ithaca and a bit of shopping and waffles with the Hubs, and then dinner and Munchkin at Soulful Cup Coffeehouse (with coffee). A friend was up from Knoxille, TN visiting and it was a nice night for hanging. While today was laundry, vacuuming, and dishes (which I have yet to get to. Not my favourite chore). I also got my blocking schedule complete and emailed out. I am begin to do some preliminary blocking and going to work on the Murder Chorus that will play at the top of the show. The murder that happens at the top of the show will be a prerecorded bit at the beginning (that is not a spoiler). So, I will be writing a bit to top of this Round at least. Feeling very excited about Mousetrap and excited to start rehearsing. Also am glad for a few weeks of rest and recuperation.
I learn quite a bit about my ability to multitask and what I can and can't do at the same time as 5 other projects. A good thing to know. I also know how much editing is a thing I need to work on and how much I like to write when not overwhelmed. So, maybe only 3 projects at a time. Hehehe :-)
I performed as Trinculo in The Tempest, I wrote a 1 act and co-wrote a Christmas Show with the Hubs, learned how to produce a show, did a lot of improv with awesome people, preparing to direct a classic piece of theatrical history in the new year, and met Amanda Fucking Palmer and Neil Gaiman.
Not really anything else to report, Dear Readers. For once I am quiet, that is strange to say. 2014 was very good year, despite some rough patches and a fully crazy life. There are a number of plans and early goals to work on in 2015. This is also very exciting. Thanks for visiting and commenting on my Little Ol' Blog. definitely got some new plans and revamping to Here There be a Writer. Stay tuned for more...
I got my new glasses. No more duck tape on the nose bridge. Heavens, Duck Tape irritates the skin! Also is the fastest way to drain a bank account. Only 2 hours after my direct deposit went in, it was gone. Still, I have a new pair of specs, actually 2. It was a Buy 1, Get 1 free deal. The second pair I will get in about a week. Getting used to them, I think my face is crooked, but the glasses stay in place (mostly).
The inside of the frame is a pretty robin egg blue!
Been a quiet week over all, what I have gotten done has been housework, Christmas shopping (which was why the bank account was low to begin with), sleeping, and reading.
I have my cast for The Mousetrap. We had our first read through yesterday. I am most excited, it's a great
group of actors. Now, I have work to do with blocking, getting a set/scenery (well, I have a team for much of this) and a whole slew of other things for this show. It being Christmas/Yule week and I going to slow down some and enjoy the calm of the end of the year. My cast has their scripts and will be working on memorizing their lines.
Finished Ocean at the End of the Lane (Neil Gaiman), going to be starting Neverwhere (also Neil Gaiman).
This Round is shaping up much different than I thought. Pleased that I finished NaNoWriMo. A bit frustrated that I let the writing slip, but not entirely, as I wrote dialogue for the H'port Xmas Show and some poems to keep the juices flowing. Could have been better, oh well, Round is not over yet and I have a better idea of what i want to accomplish at the top of the year. A Round of Words in 80 Days; come and visit the Blog Hop.
For we need a little Christmas, right this very minute. Candles in the window, Carols at the Spinnet...
And Christmas in Hammondsport proper,
Where Whos,Grinches, all sorts were
to gather together to sing and celebrate
to the audiences' delight most great.
So, we had a performance of A Green Eggs and Hammondsport Christmas and now I am trying to find my brain (wherever I put it). This entry is late and I honestly don't even have anything new to report. I feel rather terrible about the obvious lack of progress, but it happens. it's Christmas and I am feeling good.
A few shots from the performance...
Grinch, Cat in the Hat, and Max.
Thidwick the Big-Heated Moose, Fox in socks, Horton the Elephant, Sam I Am, cindy Lou Who, and Daisy Headed Maisie.
All the Whos and Such!
Yertle the Turtle and Turtles.
Of course there's the obligatory car repairs. Grr!! My van is fixed (in one day), some small and stupid, yet highly important stuff needed. I also broke my glasses. I can't see without my glasses! Have an appointment on Thursday and currently my glasses look like this...
Gonna be a long week...
I have been auditioning for The Mousetrap these passed few days. The last night of auditions are tonight, and
then I cast the damn thing! I have a lot of awesome talent to pull from. And thankfully, Mousetrap doesn't gear up until January. There is a read thru later this week and one walk thru after Christmas and before New Years. I am really excited to be doing this, haven't directed since Charlotte's Web in 2012. It's Agatha Christie and Murder. Heh! Good times with the victims. um, I mean auditionee! ~GRIN~
Overall, I am pretty happy, the H'port show went fantastic and the audience was receptive. We packed the church too. Now working on Christmas...there is always something, isn't there. :-)
Oh and Neil Gaiman is awesome...25 or so pages from finishing The Ocean at the End of the Lane!
A Round of Words in 80 Days, a blog challenge that knows you have a life. Go a visit the Blog Hop!
Okay, so today is the last performance of The Mousetrap. Today is going to be bittersweet. As does happen, this show has been amazing to put together and the cast phenomenal to work with. Tomorrow, I will face my post show crash, but today I go in with my head held high and watch my cast give it all for their last performance.
