Things I did besides writing this weekend

Took walks. Saturday we got really wet, but we walked. Sunday the sun was shining. Ahhh. Took two walks on Sunday.

Watched movies. Casino Royale, which is now my favorite Bond movie, ever, and Daniel Craig is my new favorite Bond. And Bedazzled, because I love the tone, the humor, the message, the over-the-top look at the nature of “evil”. And hey, do you need a reason to watch Brandon Frasier?

Baked cookies. Chocolate chip. Yum.

Read through Lawrence Block’s writing books, which reminded me that when you grind to a halt, it’s usually because deep down you know there’s a problem. That “halt” signal is there to save you time and effort in rewriting.

Read Seven Steps on the Writer’s Path, which reminded me that feeling rotten is a stage in the creative process. No, really. If you’re content, you don’t want to change anything. A desire for something different will propel you forward. (I call this “divine discontent.”) I also saw that I’m not where I thought I was in the process, but that’s okay.

Played with kids. Read to kids. We’d taken them to the library on Friday so the toddler has new books to read. Enjoyed talking to kids and picking up the baby every time she held up her arms and said, “hold you” (which she says instead of “hold me”) because a year from now, she won’t do that anymore and we’ll miss it.

Rooted for the husband, who had a CounterStrike match. Yes, the husband is a gamer and his server is going pro. They started scrimming, then having actual ladder matches. The team who challenged them for last night forfeited, then they scrimmed with another team they’ll have to play for real soon and won.

I haven’t deliberately taken time off in, um, I don’t know how long. I’ve had involuntary non-writing days, but they weren’t planned or chosen. This was a deliberate rest break because a. my project wasn’t moving forward and b. it looked like gibberish every time I opened the file, which told me my mind needed a rest. So I gave it one, and it was the right decision.

I did the math and this book will be done by deadline if I continue my daily minimum set for the year of 5 pages a day. So if I don’t manage to Fast Draft it and get it done early, it’s not a big deal. It just won’t be done early. I’m staying with Fast Draft because I think now that I’ve identified the problem and taken a rest, I’ll shoot forward again. But it takes the pressure off to know if I just plod along I’ll be fine. I don’t have to push. (5 pages a day may not seem like plodding, but everybody has their own pace.)

And now that the rain’s stopped, the rivers are going back down and the water has drained away from our yard and we can walk outside without wading. Life is good. I’m ready for Monday now.

Other people’s books

Lawrence Block’s long out of print Write for Your Life is back! Ebook only. Go forth and download! I’m so freaking happy to see this. I’ve been stalking his website for years waiting for news on a reprint edition. Because I didn’t want to shell out $100 on ebay.

Jaci Burton sent me an ARC of Wild, Wicked and Wanton and you will want to go pre-order that puppy now to chase away any remaining vestige of winter chill that might be lingering in your spring. HOT HOT HOT HOT! And I love how the stories interconnect but are all so different. A very enjoyable read. For those who like it really hot. Don’t say I didn’t warn you about the hot. Okay? Okay.

Currently reading: in print, Vivi Anna’s Blood Secrets (Fabulous! Fabulous!) and in ebook, Lauren Dane’s Chased.

Another flood watch? Really?

I’m shocked because the inch plus daily deluge and the standing water in the yard totally didn’t clue me in. *blink blink*

I’m just wondering how much longer it’ll take the Bogachiel to flood and close 101 at the bridge.

So, flood watch through Sunday evening for a giant chunk of western Washington, including us. Seattle’s already upgraded to flood warning. Keep an eye on it here, those in the area.

That’s the kind of weekend I’m having! Will nevertheless attempt to make my page counts.

Playlist assembled and brain candy

I have my playlist for Damned! Putting the music together is always a big step in the process.

Devil Went Down to Georgia, Charlie Daniels

Livin’ La Vida Loca, Ricky Martin

Devil Inside, INXS

What You Need, INXS

Something About You, INXS

Eli’s Coming, Laura Nyro

And here’s my break-time brain candy: Mentos! And Diet Coke! Make sure to play with the music on.

13 songs to write to

1. I Feel Lucky, Mary Chapin Carpenter (Miss Lonely Hearts)

2. Perfect Day, Legally Blond Soundtrack (Miss Lonely Hearts)

3. Passionate Kisses, Mary Chapin Carpenter (Miss Lonely Hearts)

4. I’m A Believer, Smash Mouth – Shrek Soundtrack (Miss Lonely Hearts)

5. Alleluia, Rufus Wainwright – Shrek Soundtrack (Miss Lonely Hearts)

6. The Devil Went Down to Georgia, Charlie Daniels (that Damned book)

7. Livin’ La Vida Loca, Ricky Martin (that Damned book)

8. Save A Horse, Ride a Cowboy, Big and Rich (Wild Wild West)

9. Sin Wagon, Dixie Chicks (Wild Wild West)

10. Cowboy, Take Me Away, Dixie Chicks (Wild Wild West)

11. YMCA, Village People (Earth Girls)

12. Take a Chance On Me, ABBA (Earth Girls)

13. Macho Man, Village People (Earth Girls)

and bonus track for Earth Girls, Sick of Seattle by The Smithereens. Earth Girls is the cheater project I’ve been working on because I needed something campy and non-serious to get words rolling. It’s not a total waste of time, though, since it’s the sequal to Alien Love Slave. Still collecting songs for my Damned playlist, but I have two good ones to start off with!