Dave McChesney

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2010-01-03T19:06:47Z

Yes, I realize we are already on the third day of 2010. But with another 362 to go, it is still a "new" year. Hopefully I won't sound like a kill joy to mention that I was sound asleep as the calendar turned over. Even if I had been scheduled not to work New Year's Day, I doubt if I would have been able to stay up and welcome the New Year in. I'd been up since before 3:00 am on New Year's Eve, and heavy eyelids and an overwhelming desire to let them close led me to the covers around 8:30. As I did work, I was up again before 3 on the First. (Had my coat on and was heading out the door when Jessica returned from celebrating with friends.)

Mentioned in a reply to jpsorrow the other day that I do not make New Year's Resolutions. It's just something I've never done. I don't have to worry about breaking them, and if I feel the need to resolve to do something, I'll do it at the time I realize the need and not because it's the beginning of a New Year.

Right now, my reading and writing projects are combined. I'm working my way through BEYOND THE OCEAN'S EDGE once again, hoping to put a bit more of a shine on it. I've had a request for the entire manuscript and want it perfect (or as close as I can get it) when I send it in. Having been over it several times, I would have sworn that it was just about perfect to begin with. Still, it is amazing that I am finding so many things to change and correct. Mostly they are small things, a word here, a typo there, and the occasional re wording of a sentence or paragraph. Even with this latest run through, I can't guarantee that it will be completely perfect. But I'm sure it will be a lot closer to that mark than it was. Anyway, I've had a copy of it with me at work and have been reading/editing on my ~~lunch~~ coffee break. I bring it home on weekends and make the appropriate corrections and changes on the computer. I've made it through chapter 15 (of 24) with the review, and have the first 11 chapters updated on the computer.

At the rate I'm going, I should have it complete around the middle of the month. Then I can get it adjusted to the specifics the requesting agent wants and get it on its way. I think I mentioned before that this particular agent wants a single space after periods, and if I haven't mentioned it, one copy via e-mail and a second hard copy. Uniquely, the second copy is to be in a binder and can be double sided. To me, that's neat, as that's how I print copies out for editing and also to pass along to "first readers."

A while ago I mentioned that I was re-doing the drawing(s) of HMS/OGS Island Expedition. After several false starts I have it drawn to what my vision dictates that vessel should be. I have only a few more areas to detail and color in, and then it should be done. Once complete I can scan it in to the computer and replace the current versions of the schooner in my user pics.

That should be about it for today. Still want to enter a few corrections for the book, and also have to go to the hardware store for a toilet inlet valve... the one that's on the wall under and behind the unit. Then at 1:00 pm I'll watch the Seahawks make one more attempt to win. About all I can say about this season is, "NEXT YEAR!"
Dave

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2009-12-25T16:52:31Z

Christmas Morning! No snow this year, although it is cold. A little foggy as well. While I have slept in compared to a normal working Friday, I am still up much earlier than anyone else in the house. I've read the paper, drunk two cups of coffee, and have migrated to the "office" and the computer. It will be a quiet day until the rest of the household is up and about.

Remembering Christmasses as a child, it seems that I was always up early, even when older and when I understood the reality of the Magic. Perhaps a bit of it lingered, as one or two gifts, apparently from Santa Claus still appeared under the tree on Christmas Morning. On the other hand, Jessica was never one to bounce out of bed before daylight to see what the Jolly Elf might have left for her. She has always been content to sleep half the day a way, and then to seem totally unconcerned about the gifts wrapped and waiting under the Tree. As well, Eva usually takes her own time in getting up on Christmas. Gift opening is usually of secondary concern to her as well, as she is more generally concerned with preparing dinner.

I hope I do not appear to be overly focused on the "present" aspect of the Holiday. Yes, I still enjoy getting them, but as much, I enjoy giving them. I look forward to opening the decoratively wrapped bundles of mystery as much as the next person. But I also enjoy and anticipate the reactions of others when they open something that I've gotten for them. And in truth, depending upon what it is and whom it is for, I might sometimes be a little nervous as a gift I bought and wrapped is opened and revealed. It might be that at my point in life, that I enjoy the giving as much as the getting.

This year, the pile of presents under the tree is smaller than in the past. With Jessica beginning her college education, the budget has come under review, and we thought it best to downplay the Christmas Shopping this year. Hopefully what we have gotten for each other this year will turn out to be gifts of quality rather than of quantity. Hopefully we will each appreciate those few items that the others give us, and more importantly, appreciate the True Reason for the Day.

On other topics: If I've not mentioned my current reading project for awhile, it is because I'm not actually reading anything at the moment. I finished PEOPLE OF THE WOLF a couple of weeks ago, and since have been doing a final review of my own BEYOND THE OCEAN'S EDGE. Rather surprising, how many changes I'm making, as I had one time considered it to be pretty much in final polished form. Yet as I go through it now, those awkward spots and those few remaining typos seem to stand out rather markedly. I suppose the biggest difference in this "go through" than previous ones is how sporadic the marked corrections and changes are. While I might have a page or two marked up as if they were part of a first draft, the next several pages might be devoid of any editing. A big help in this project is that Anne Mini is currently running a series on Self-Editing on her Author! Author! blog. (www.annemini.com) Already she has mentioned several areas that I find myself looking for as I go through the story.

Currently I've reviewed slightly less than half the book. I've brought the marked pages home over the Holiday weekend and hope to spend at least a part of my time in making the corrections on the computer. Ideally I'll have it completely done by the middle of January. Then I'll feel much better about sending it out, both to the agent that currrently has requested it, and to any others that might. If whatever I do in this current edit that might make it more acceptable to the industry, then going through it one more time is well worth it.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR, Everyone!
Dave

Behind the Power Curve

2009-12-20T17:53:24Z

Which is another way of saying that I'm not at all ready for Christmas. Why is it that time accelerates between Thanksgiving and Christmas? I've been planning to get Christmas Cards sent out since before Turkey Day, and guess what? I still haven't done it! (Hopefully the majority will be ready later today and in the mail tomorrow.)

Shopping is not that big of a crisis this year. With the added expenses of a college student in the household, and additional vehicles, we've cut back on what we buy for each other. Jessica has been shopping on line for Eva and I. Yesterday I spent the afternoon at the home of the new Treasurer for Spokane Authors and Self-Publishers. On the way home I stopped and found one of the items Eva had on her wish list, as well as something for Jessica. In that regard I could conclude that my shopping is done. Still, during the upcoming week I'll no doubt make an effort to find cards specifically for them. And I'll need to pick up some egg-nog. I've already got the magic "special ingredient." Yeah, I went shopping for "Christmas Spirits" a week or so ago.

Last week I mentioned the extreme cold the Inland Empire was shivering through. A day or so after that post, the weather changed. Long johns were discarded and the number of jackets being worn was pared down to one. It warmed up considerably and snowed. It stuck around for most of that day, but with temps in the 40s for the next couple of afternoons, it's about all gone. We've had rain and fog over the weekend.

Suppose I should finish this, take a break from the computer, and read the Sunday paper. It wasn't here when I first got up, so I went on line instead. Here's hoping you all have A Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year! If you celebrate other Holidays, I wish you the Happiest and Most Meaningful of those as well.

Dave

Still Shivering

2009-12-13T17:20:15Z

The great Inland Northwest is still one gigantic frozen blob of terra-firma. The highest temperature of the past week has been in the mid twenties. However, to look outside, one would not really know that it is bone chilling cold out. It's been relatively dry, and to this very instant, we haven't had snow. In fact, many days last week were clear and sunny. Nice, until one stepped into it.

I suppose one thing I dislike about cold weather is trying to dress for it. Oh yeah, I've got the long handles, and the old navy flight deck jerseys. I've got the extra jackets, the gloves, and the stocking cap to keep the tips of my ears warm. But I'm only outside for a very small percentage of the day. There is of course, the drives to and from work. After a while the heater and defroster do begin to work, and by the time I arrive at my destination, I'm warm as toast. While at work there are the two daily expeditions to remove trash to the dumpster, but most of my day is spent indoors. In gearing my garments to account for the chilly outside temperatures, I often end up being over dressed and thusly overwarm during the bigger part of the shift.

The nice thing about this recent spate of frigid weather is that it has been clear and dry. Many mornings I did not have to scrape ice or frost from the car windows. Other mornings the amount of frozen moisture adhering to the windshield was minimal. "They" say we are supposed to have snow today, but so far I've not seen any sign of it. I'm just hoping that it doesn't DUMP on us like it did last year.

Dave

Cold Weather Ahead

2009-12-05T20:02:26Z

Nice to be sitting in a warm house today. The forecast calls for a high today that will still be under the freezing point. Lows for the next few days are expected to be in the single digits. There is some talk of snow, but today's paper didn't mention it. In a way, I wish it would snow. Regardless of the actual temperature, it doesn't seem as cold if there is snow on the ground. And if it snows and stays cold, really cold, the roads aren't that bad for driving. It's much worse when it snows and the temperature fluctuates around the freezing point.

The recent Spokane Authors and Self-Publishers (SASP) meeting turned out to be one of the best we have had in a long time. Our special guest speaker was famed local (and nationally known) humorist Patrick McManus. While he had indicated upon agreeing to our invitation that he wasn't too much of a speaker, he kept the group enthralled and in stitches for nearly an hour. We had also arranged with one of our members who also heads the book department at a local Hastings to bring copies of his books to sale. So once Mr. McManus had finished answering questions from the audience, our impromptu book store opened, while our guest signed copies of his books... both those newly purchased and those that members had brought with them. I bought NEVER SNIFF A GIFT FISH, and naturally had it signed. Over the past couple of days I've read bits and pieces of it, and have ended up laughing out loud every time. Our bookstore member also donated a copy of his latest book as a door prize. Almost as a side show, we also had our annual election. It looks as if three of us, the President, Vice-President, and Secretary will serve for at least another year. Because Mr. McManus's appearance took most of the time, we'll announce the election results prior to the next meeting.

Writing wise, I'm in the process of incorporating changes suggested by the writers group in BEYOND THE OCEAN'S EDGE. Then for the next few weeks I'll do a final review/revision of it during my lunch (half) hours at work. Want to have it as perfect as possible when I send it off to the agent who has requested it.

I finished reading PEOPLE OF THE WOLF on Friday. That's good as now I'll be able to concentrate on the final run through of my own work starting Monday.

With that, I'll end for now. Have a lot of other computer type stuff to do, and of course there is my normal "Saturday rounds" to make. Basically I'll go get a lotto ticket, check the Corvair Club mail at one post office and SASP mail at another.
Dave

vespican @ 2009-11-28T22:34:00

2009-11-29T06:34:30Z

It was sure nice to have a day off during the week and the opportunity to sleep in. But I might have overdone it. After a full night's sleep, I still ended up taking a rather long nap after dinner. As we did not have turkey, this would seem to disprove the old theory. As it was, I ended up with enough sleep that I could not do so Thursday night when I so desired. Tossed and turned for the better part of the night. Then got up at the usual work day time of 2:50 and went to work. Made up for it last night and slept until nearly 8:00 this morning. I'm also suspecting that a part of this might be due to the increased hours of darkness we are experiencing as the Winter Solistice approaches. As nearly as I can tell, I don't get depressed because of a lack of sunlight, but perhaps I end up sleeping more.

A week or so ago I talked a little about self-publishing. One of the things I'd like to do as a member of Spokane Authors and Self-Publishers (www.spokaneauthors.org) is to help diminish or eliminate the stigma that is sometimes attached to the self-publishing process. Coincidentally, Anne Mini's latest post on her Author! Author! blog basically deals with the same subject. Her guest blogger is a self-published novelist, whose work has done exceedingly well by self-publishing standards. She's been challenged to sell even more books to help legitimize the self-publishing route. While our family budget might be a little tighter this year than most, what with the economy, a kid in college, and a new batch of car payments, I might spring to buy a copy of her book. Details and the particular post can be found at www.annemini.com/?p=7504

Today is a typical gray and soggy, late fall day. There was frost on the ground earlier this morning, and the sky is overcast, with a hint of fog in places. Another one of those days where it will be good to stay inside.

Hey, I'd started this post about twelve hours ago. As I finished up the last paragraph, I got a pop up saying my computer had lost it's internet connection. Finished what I wanted to write about anyway, but all that has been lost. Decided to post something else and discovered that the above had been saved... all except the period after "inside."

So, what was the problem? We had just converted our phone over to operate on the cable system that the internet and TV work on. Then means "they" installed a different modem, and my first thought was that that had gone bad. I monkeyed around with it a bit, checking to see if there was a loose connection or something. I got Jessica (who is much sharper on computers than I am) involved a little. And as she was now unable to get on the internet with her lap top, she launched right into it. She checked a bunch of stuff, but finally we decided to shut everything down, unplug everything and fire it back up. Lo and behold we found a couple of items to not be fully plugged in. They weren't unplugged enough to be inoperable, but enough to not work right. After taking the better part of an hour to find such a simple problem/fix, the system is back up and running. Now we do have an idea of what to check, should it happen again.

Finally I don't remember too much of what I had originally included in the now defunct part of this post. I do remember mentioning that I planned to watch the Apple Cup later in the day. And I explained for anyone not living or from the Pacific Northwest that it is the annual football game between the Washington State University Cougars and the University of Washington Huskies. I also had mentioned that normally I root for both teams, other than when they play each other. In those situations I am a Cougar fan. And yes, I did watch the game, and yes, I did root for the Cougars. But as most of their season has been this year, it was a futile effort. They got shut out 30 to 0.

Anyway, I think that'll do it for this time.
Dave

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T19:40:08Z

For me, I think the most immediate thing to be thankful for is the chance to sleep in this morning. For the first time in four years, I am not working on Thanksgiving. Oh, to have worked would not have been that bad. I would have slept longer than normal, gone in, done a quick clean of locker rooms and washed a few towels. As it is nearly 11 am as I write this, I would probably be home by now. But still I would have had to set my alarm and gotten up at it's insistance. It sure is nice to not have to. As I slept until nearly 7, I was no doubt tired from the previous three days of the week.

We'll eat a bit earlier than usual this year as Eva has to work later in the day. With just the three of us it won't be that big of a production, but still more of a traditional sit-down family dinner than we usually have. We'll be having chicken instead of turkey, and Jessica who is vegetarian made a shepard's pie. Custom-wise, we will have pumpkin pie for dessert!

What I'm looking forward to, as far as eating is concerned, is the days that follow and cleaning up all the left overs. They seem to taste better, and there are all sorts of neat things to do with them. I particularly like to use the left over bird (chicken or turkey) to make pot pies. I did that last year and found that a pie would feed me for several days. I've made them with traditional pie crust, with "hot water paste... ie. a raised pie, and with baking mix, such as you would use for biscuits, waffles, pancakes, etc. The last is probably the quickest and simplest way to do it. Depending, I might do that for tomorrow night. Usually Friday is pizza night, but with all that will probably be left, it would be a shame not to try something a little different.

Writing wise I'm working on a final once over of BEYOND THE OCEAN'S EDGE. I mentioned last time that an agent wants the entire manuscript, and as it has been a while since I've gone over it, I feel I should do so. Also, from about chapter Nine on, there are recommendations from those in my writers group that I haven't yet incorporated. And in accordance with this particular agency's wishes, there is the task of changing from two spaces to one space after a period. That's not all that hard to do if one uses the find and replace function.

As far as what I reading, I'm about three quarters of the way through PEOPLE OF THE WOLF, by Kathleen O'Neal Gear and W. Michael Gear. By the time I finish that I hope to have an updated version of my work to take with me and review on my lunch break.

Having been at the computer for much of the morning, I'm starting to get a little burned out. Just might shut it off and go indulge in another Thanksgiving tradition... and watch a little football.

Dave

Writing Stuff

2009-11-21T20:27:20Z

When I started this journal a couple of years ago, the idea was to chronicle my trek towards becoming a published writer. I've done that on occasion, but often I strayed into other areas interest or just life in general. Today I hope to get back to the basic and original concept. (Note: I cannot guarantee that the next post will follow the lead of this one at all.)

For the last month or so I've been attempting to send out query letters on a regular basis for BEYOND THE OCEAN'S EDGE. I still have a large number that have not yet garnered a response of any sort. However, the last one sent, the one that went out via e-mail on Wednesday last, has come back with a request for the entire manuscript. Before I send it off, I will take time to review it one more time and try to eliminate any typos or logic errors than might yet exist in it. I'll also need to change it from having two spaces after periods to having only one space, a requirement of this particular agency. What is neat, and quite probably unique is that the agency wants an e-mail version of the manuscript as well as a printed copy. What is truly unique is that they want the printed copy to be bound and allow that it might be double sided. Well, this is right up my alley, as that is the way I've "packaged" my working copy(s) and copies for first readers. I've always found it handy to print on both sides and put the entire thing in a three-ring binder.

Caution: For anyone reading this seeking querying or submission advice... please note that this agency's request is most unusual. Traditionally manuscripts should be on one side of the page only and not bound in any way. Also there is a great deal of ongoing debate as to whether or not one should use one or two spaces after a period or other sentence ending punctuation. I learned to type decades ago, and standard practice then was to use two spaces. My source for standard manuscript format (www.annemini.com) also suggests that two spaces is the traditional standard. Thus, and is evident here, I tend to automatically use two. But as I am not yet, nor do I plan to ever be one of the gods of the publishing world, I do not attempt to impose the use of two spaces on others, especially literary agents who have expressed an interest in my work. If Ms. J. B. wants single spaces after periods, that is what she will get.

Right now, according to pbray , it seems that the writing world is up in arms over a well-known romance publisher's decision to add a self-publishing or perhaps vanity publishing line. As a yet to be published writer, perhaps my view on it take a different turn. My first concern is that such an enterprise might give those unsuccessful in seeking publication false hope. I'm sure many will read the sales pitches for this service and figure it to be a short cut to publishing success. As writers pay to have their works "published" in this way, the only guaranteed winner is the publisher. There might be a few books that achieve success and earn a significant return for the authors, but the chances are slim. It is far better, I believe, for the aspiring writer to truly understand the advantages and disadvantages of different publishing options and figure out which is best for his/her work, his/her individual goals, and personal meaning of success.

Many in the "traditional" publishing industry tend to look down upon self-publishing. Often, self-published authors are regarded as being lazy and not taking the time to learn the ins and outs of the industry. Sometimes self-published work is regarded as being substandard and not worthy of publication. In other instances it is noted as being full of errors and typos because self-published work is not submitted to the review and editing steps associated with the traditional process. Nonetheless there are many authors of excellent material that find self-publishing to be their best route for getting their material before the public. Not everyone writes with the hope of having their work on the New York Times Best Seller list, or appearing on Oprah. There are those who write primarily for family and friends, or perhaps a small segment of the population, or who want to get their work "out there" but aren't thinking in terms of mega-sales or world- wide fame. Some of these folks merely want to see their work in professionally produced (printed) form, so that they can distribute copies to family and friends or sale to others in a specific group of the population. For these people then, the option of self-publishing is certainly a viable one.

I'm sure that over time I've mentioned that I am a member of Spokane Authors and Self-Publishers. I didn't join because I was considering being self-published. I joined because it was the first organization for writers that I heard about in the local area. When I made the initial contact, I was assured that the group was not only about self-publishing and so I joined. I'm sure I've also mentioned over the past few years that I am currently president of the organization. At the present time the core members, the Board of Directors, and I are attempting to make SASP an organization for all writers. We hope to help those deciding to self-publish to present as professional product as possible before the public and to help eliminate much of the stigma associated with self-publishing. In addition we want our members to understand the options available to them so they can seek out the publishing method that is best suited to their needs. To learn more about SASP, visit: www.spokaneauthors.org

Today the Inland Northwest is bathed in sunshine, although there is quite a chill in the air. My wife and daughter have gone to the Commissary at Fairchild AFB to get groceries for the upcoming Turkey Day feast. I'm sure I'll be drafted into helping unload when they get back. I'll also need to make my usual Saturday rounds later this afternoon. I usually go by the local branch of our credit union for a little cash, by some lotto tickets, and then check mail at a couple local post offices. One stop is to check mail for SASP, and the other to check mail for the INCC. (Inland Northwest Corvair Club.)

As I will probably will not post again before Thanksgiving, I wish all a most delicious feast and a happy and heartfelt Holiday.
Dave

vespican @ 2009-11-14T12:57:00

2009-11-14T20:57:57Z

Many many years ago I learned that to keep harmony within a group, one should not venture to speak of race, religion, or politics. In the two years or so that I've been posting on LJ, I've avoided doing that, as I believe one's views on those subjects are private. Yet there seems to be an alarming trend going on amongst members of a particular political persuasion that rubs me the wrong way.

For many years my political beliefs have generally been in the center aisle, and depending upon the issue, a bit more to the right. On occasion I do lean left, but I do so on far fewer subjects than those upon which I tend towards the conservative side. That being said, I'm sure you can figure out who I supported and who I cast my vote for in last year's Presidential Election. Quite naturally I was disappointed that that candidate and his running mate did not win. Yet, much as John McCain himself did, I bowed to the will of my fellow Americans and acknowledged the fact that Barrack Obama had been elected and indeed is now our President. As an American Citizen, I believe it is only right, and indeed my duty to support our President as much as is possible. In those matters in which we cannot support him, we should then make an effort to fairly voice our concern and opposition.

However, I am becoming increasingly fed up with those ultra conservative, right wing fundamentalists who cannot seem to accept the fact that he is the President. I am even more fed up with the methods being used to advance this cause. Photos, audio and video clips are selectively edited, taken out of context and passed around the country, attempting to prove things that have no basis in fact.

Our great nation faces enough challenges today, that we do not need distorted facts, lies, and half-truths driving a wedge into our overall unity, further complicating matters for those we elect to office. Scare tactics, especially when based on unfounded ideas, merely panic the masses, and in the end reflect poorly on those instigating them.
Dave

A Blustery Saturday!

2009-11-08T04:44:44Z

Just the kind of day to induce one to stay in and at the computer. Looked nice enough this morning. The sun was out, the sky was blue, and only a few white clouds rode through the heavens. But they were propelled upon their way by a strong gusty wind. A cold wind that quickly changed one's mind about the weather as soon as one stepped out into it. As the day wore on, it clouded up and at my last glimpse, the sky was a solid leaden gray. And still the wind howls and whips through the trees and around buildings, scattering dry leaves with abandon.

To start the day, I slept in. That's pretty much habit for Saturday mornings, seeing as how I'm up so early during the week to go to work. Even with sleeping in, I was still up a little after six, and since the paper wasn't even here yet, I got a bunch of bills paid while having my first cups of coffee. Following that and a read of the local press which had finally arrived, I did some work here on the computer. That was followed by a run to check mail for the Inland Northwest Corvair Club and Spokane Authors and Self-Publishers. I also stopped and deposited dues that had been collected at Thursday's SASP meeting. Then it was back to the desk, a break for an early dinner and some television. (Watched an interesting show about Death Masks on the History Channel.) Now, I'm back on the computer again. Don't know if I've actually accomplished much or not today, inspite of all the time I've spent at the keyboard. A lot of it has been e-mail correspondence, particularly with regard to SASP. (www.spokaneauthors.org) Also filled out the chapter report and made out the check for the filing fee for the Corvair Club Chapter report.

Tomorrow, or even later tonight I intend to get a start on the monthly Rear Engine Review. I'd hope to have gotten to it a few days ago, but there was a lot going on with Spokane Authors. Last weekend a few of us were exchanging e-mails at a near record pace, trying to put a proposal together to present at the meeting this past Thursday. That then meant that I didn't get a start on an outline for my presentation until nearly the last minute. But I did finish it, and from all indications after the meeting, I did quite well with my little talk. (As I preside over the monthly SASP meeting, month after month, I find that my confidence and perhaps even my skill as a public speaker improves.)

Last time I mentioned that I was close to finishing James Rollins' THE LAST ORACLE. I finished it on Monday, and on Tuesday read the excerpt from the DOOMSDAY KEY that was included in the volume. Then I started PEOPLE OF THE WOLF by Kathleen O'Neal Gear and W. Michael Gear. If it is like PEOPLE OF THE RAVEN which I read a few years ago, it will take me a while.

That is probably about it for this time. But if you are so inclined, go to the top of the page and click on "friends." Then go down a few entries to jpsorrow 's entry about Chapter 6. If you are interested at all in what Joshua Palmatier writes, he has been given permission from his publisher to post the first six chapters of THE SKEWED THRONE. His post on "Chapter 6" has links to all six chapters. If you like what you see, he is also offering some really fine deals on purchasing copies of his books.

Well, it's either time to get busy on the newsletter or to relax a bit and get to sleep.
Dave

Another Week!

2009-11-02T04:57:01Z

Sunday again! Another week gone by. Where does the time go?

A fairly busy life since I last posted. At work, the construction and remodel is complete for the most part. We are now operating in the refurbished areas and that's taking a bit of "getting used to." I don't think I left work on time any day of last week. Ended up with a lot of overtime from the five minutes extra here and there, so should have a nice pay check on the next pay day. Now I need to finish this post, get a shower and some sleep so I can tackle it all for another week.

I got fairly ambitious as far as sending out query letters and/or query packets last week. Wanted to get one or two out over the week end, but I was busy enough with other stuff that I didn't get a chance to. I've been trying to write out an outline for a presentation I volunteered to give at the next SASP (Spokane Authors and Self-Publishers) (www.spokaneauthors.org) meeting on Thursday. Besides that, the rest of the Board of Directors and I have come up with a couple ideas for future activites, and we have all been busy e-mailing back and forth, trying to build a proposal package for the membership. We wanted to get it done in time to send it out with the e-mail we send a few days ahead of the meeting. Said e-mail is basically a reminder to SASP members that meeting time is once again approaching. Besides finishing up the presentation outline, I also need to develop an agenda sheet for the meeting, and it is once again time to start work on the next issue of the REAR ENGINE REVIEW. Looks like it will be a busy week. If I'm lucky, I'll get time to work on Chapter Five of DARNAHSIAN PIRATES some more. (I did finish the scene that I'd started on when I got back into the story a few days ago.)

It's probably time for me to end this and get on my way to some sleep. Sorry to be so rambling.
Dave

PS: Nearly finished reading James Rollins' THE LAST ORACLE. One of those books that seems to get better and better as you read through it!

Progress Update

2009-10-25T17:42:37Z

Last week I mentioned that I had actually made some progress on DARNAHSIAN PIRATES. That continued on for another couple of days, and I've now added a little over three pages to chapter five. My plan is to do a bit more on it later today, once I've caught up on all the computer stuff I want to get to.

Didn't do much at the keyboard yesterday. It was fairly nice (a bit cool) out and I tried to do some outside stuff. Got the lawn mowed for what is probably the final time this fall, trimmed a couple of shrubs, and attempted to reinstall the five section wide angle mirror in my truck. Maybe I should have let the adhesive for the mounting button (on the windshield) set longer. It ended up pulling off again. Then I noticed that the right hand one was broken as well. I mounted the original mirror, which screws into the metal above the windshield and will use that for the next few days.

Today is a bit cooler, lots of white frost all over everything this morning, and it's getting foggy as well. A good day to stay inside and work on writing and other indoor type stuff. And as the SEAHAWKS have a bye, there is no football game that I'm sufficiently interested in to take me away from my computer endeavors. There is, however, game six of the ALCS (unless it's not rained out again), but it is not until late in the afternoon, and I'll be done with my efforts by then.

I'm still pressing forward with my querying efforts, and earlier today discovered an agent/agency that might be a good fit while looking at the Publishers Marketplace web-site. They want e-mail queries only, so I'll wait until the middle of the week to send it off. (I've heard that queries received over the weekend and cluttering up an agent's assistant's desk or computer screen tend to be more subject to rejection than those received in the middle of the week. Something about trying to get the stack or the file down to a managable level.) I did receive one rejection letter this week, but in a way it was good to receive it. It was a result of a query to an agent that I had great difficulty in tracking down any sort of contact information. Basically she said she was not accepting any new clients, but I feel relieved to know that she did get my query.

And before I forget, I received my free copy of the Fall Issue of SPOKE WRITE this week. All those who have their work published in it get a free copy. If I haven't mentioned it before, my essay, TENNIS BALLS AND BROADSIDES was scheduled to be published in it, and it was! In fact it is the very first piece in the collection. If you are curious about this particular writing effort, you can view it at www.annemini.com/?p=5092 If you are interested in what other folks in the Spokane Area are writing, you can go to www.graydogpress.com and order a copy of SPOKE WRITE. As a final reminder, you can also check out jpsorrowwho is posting the first six chapters of his first book, THE SKEWED THRONE. I think that as of Wednesday he had four chapters posted.

And now, I suppose it's on to bigger and better things. Hope you all have a great week!
Dave

On This Day...

2009-10-21T22:32:37Z

...in Naval History, two very significant events occurred. In 1797, USS Constitution was launched. A short eight years later, Admiral Nelson and a British fleet defeated a combined French and Spanish fleet at Trafalgar.

Obsessed as I am with Naval activities of that era, I feel most fortunate to have been aboard Constitution for a turn-around cruise a few years ago. Interestingly, about a month later I was reading Patrick O'Brian's The Fortunes of War, in which Jack Aubrey and Steven Maturin are captured and transported to Boston aboard "Old Ironsides." While these two are fictional characters, the realization that I had recently trod the same decks that they supposedly had was an amazing sensation. It was also awe inspiring to think of the real people, among them at least one Pope, the Queen of England, and so many American Naval Heroes who had also been, or who had served aboard.

In connection with the second event mentioned above, I also had the privilege of touring HMS Victory while USS Forrestal, in which I then served made a visit to Portsmouth, England. Again it was awe-ispiring to be aboard such a famous vessel, a true remnant of the historic past, and to see the markers indicating where Lord Nelson was wounded and where he later died. Nontheless, a shipmate of mine ended up with the better deal when he toured the huge first rate. He was aboard for the last tour of the day and ended up drinking rum with some of Victory's crew in what had been Nelson's day cabin.

Dave

Writing Progress (At Last!)

2009-10-19T01:48:14Z

Well, amongst other things accomplished this weekend, I actually made a little progress on Chapter Five of DARNAHSIAN PIRATES. It was only about a page, but at the rate that chapter (and book) had been progressing, that was a huge step forward. Depending upon the time when I finish posting this, I might even see if I can't expand that fresh start a little bit. I've finished the first scene of the chapter and have moved into the second one. Doing so helps me define which of several paths I was contemplating taking with the story at this point. I had several ideas as to what should happen next, as well as a definite event that Pierce would become involved in. I suppose that the variety of choices at this point was why I could never get started and move on. But I have made a decision as to what occurs, and now perhaps I'll keep going along that route. Still, I know that next week, next month, or next year, I may decide that that was the wrong road to follow and eliminate it from the story. But for now I'm glad to once again have a road in front of me.

In order to stay the course and maintain a good pace of writing, I'm thinking to unofficially participate in NANOWIMO next month. I won't actually take part, but will try to use its presence to encourage steady progress on my part for the month. I'd like to get two or three more chapters done during November. Then I can feel like I'm making progress again.

With a couple of exceptions, the rapidly ending weekend turned out to be pretty good. Aside from the rare progress on my third book, I got more stuff updated on the Spokane Authors and Self-Publishers (SASP) web-site (www.spokaneauthors.org) and my own web-site (www.stoneislandseastories.com). Saturday I spent the afternoon at a farm north of Spokane, as one of the newer members of the Inland Northwest Corvair Club had invited us up for a Cider Fest. Only a few club members showed, but a lot of others came as well. The cars (Corvairs) were all parked together and got a lot of attention. And as most folks brought something for the table, there was plenty to eat, and of course fresh pressed cider to drink. Yum! Next year, I'll have to take along a couple of jugs so that I can bring some home. Better by far that what you can buy in the stores.

That will probably be it for this time, especially if I want to see I can progress a little on the writing.
Dave
Almost forgot, but the writers group I belong to met today for the first time in several weeks. One of the other members had something for us to review and critique, so I was thankful not to be the one in the "hot seat." No, I don't really mind, but it seems a little selfish to always be going over my stuff. We've gone over three chapters of this gal's latest project, and in my opinion, she has a possible winner! I don't know for sure where it would fit category or genre wise, although I can see it as being on the border line of URBAN FANTASY.

Random Mental Wanderings

2009-10-11T17:49:01Z

I don't know that the title/subject I've selected will actually have that much to do with this post. Still, I have this thing, this rule in my mind that I need to have something in that spot. And as I have no particular subject to rant or rave about today, such a subject line is probably as good as any.

To begin with, one of these days I shall be re-drawing and replacing the user-pic depicted at the top of this post. HMS Theadora is the ship Edward Pierce is serving on at the beginning of BEYOND THE OCEAN'S EDGE. I thought the representation of it, as shown above came out rather well. But I suppose I do the same with drawings as with my writing, and that is that after time I begin to see those things that could have been done a bit differently. Lately I've decided that both the fore and main masts need to be shifted slightly forward. And in reading through the very first chapter, I've discovered a technical discrepancy between the drawing and the text. The story mentions four carronades per side on the quarterdeck, and the drawing only shows two. So whether I change/redo the drawing or alter the story, I want the two to agree. I tend to think that the story is more true to what would have existed at that time. Thus it will be the pictorial representation of the frigate that gets redone.

Before I get around to doing that, I want to update and revise the drawing(s) of HMS Island Expedition as well. In fact, I've started several times and never seem to progress beyond a certain stage. What I have now (see user pics) just doesn't convey what I feel this vessel looks like. There are some peculiarities in its design that I am having trouble rendering in a convincing and authentic fashion.

Yes, to me creating these visual representations of the ships involved in The Stone Island Sea Stories is a form of research for writing them. I want the written and the visual depictions to match as much as possible. When a certain action takes place at a certain location on deck, I want to be able to visualize it in concrete terms. Thinking ahead, it might be that readers will someday also want to be able to see the ships and vessels in pictorial form.

Writing wise, I haven't accomplished a lot as of late. I do have some ideas for another leg of the overall story, one that has come about while engaged in my latest read. I suppose a year or so ago I developed an overall plot line while reading another book by this same author. I began weaving it into the tale as I neared the end of SAILING DANGEROUS SEAS. The one just conceived, however, will mean the eventual start of an entirely different story, but one that will eventually tie in with the current one. In other words, it will be a different series, a different tale, one that is set in the same location, but related events that happened hundreds or even thousands of years earlier.

My first idea for an overall, somewhat hidden plot line came while I was reading James Rollins' THE BLACK ORDER. My latest idea has come while reading his THE LAST ORACLE. Funny that work of an entirely different nature from what I write can influence me that way. Perhaps it is what he tends to imply in so many of his stories that intrigues me. So, unless it confuses anyone, I am currently reading THE LAST ORACLE. I'm probably a quarter of the way into it and enjoying it tremendously.

Over the past few weeks I've managed to send out a goodly number of queries. One has come back as a reject, but I've still not heard from the others. I had it in mind to query an agent who seems to deal with the type of books that mine seem to be, but it appears he is not accepting queries from new writers at the time. It's my goal to get as many as possible sent out before the industry takes a break over the Thanksgiving and the Holidays. Depending upon the results achieved, I may then attempt to submit to a local small press.

Right now I'm waiting for the fall edition of SPOKE WRITE: The Spokane / Coeur d'Alene Journal of Art and Writing to come out. My TENNIS BALLS AND BROADSIDES essay that I wrote for Anne Mini's AUTHOR! AUTHOR! First Periodic Awards for Expressive Excellence is supposed to be in it. By the way, you can see the effort at www.annemini.com/?p=5092
If you would be interested in seeing what others in the Spokane and Coeur d'Alene area are writing, copies of SPOKE WRITE can be ordered from Gray Dog Press. www.graydogpress.com

While I'm thinking of it, fellow LiveJournal user jpsorrow has gained permission from his publisher to post the first six chapters of his first book, THE SKEWED THRONE. You can go directly to his journal or to my friends page and scroll down to the appropriate entry.

I should end now. I still have some things to update on the Spokane Authors and Self-Publishers web-site www.spokaneauthors.org There's a football game this afternoon, and if possible I want to get the oil changed in the '98 Sidekick.

Car Deals

2009-10-03T18:52:02Z

After needing to take the newly purchased Audi in for a repair, days after having bought it, we got to thinking that perhaps it was not the ideal vehicle. It was getting to the point where it was going to need various things repaired or replaced, simply because of the mileage on it. Unfortunately, because of what it is, those repairs can cost more than on many other cars. With that in mind, we contacted the dealer where we had bought it and arranged to trade it for something else. We ended up with a nearly new Suzuki SX-4. It only has about 4600 miles on it. Payments will be a little higher, but being as new as it is, the worry over possible repairs and their associated costs isn't there. Plus that it gets a lot better gas mileage and looks more like what you would expect to see a college student driving. Definitely the better deal over the long run.

Truly a fall day today, and a good one for catching up on stuff at the computer. As we are into a new month, the REAR ENGINE REVIEW, the newsletter for the Inland Northwest Corvair Club is due. Once I finish this week's post I'll be working on that. And since I'm trying to send out a couple of query letters each week, that'll be something to do as well.

I don't think I've mentioned my current reading projects for awhile. A week or so ago I finished THE REALM OF SHADOWS by Shannon Drake. From the way some of the cover material read, I suppose it was one of those vampire romances.  I didn't really see it as such, even though the main protagonist was female.  I suppose there was some romantic elements in it, but I read it more for the suspense and terror. It was a book that a co-worker had brought in along with several others she had read. I picked it out of the selection along with two others that I've recently added on to my "what I've read" list.

Since then I've also read ANGELS THREE-SIX: CONFESSIONS OF A COLD WAR FIGHTER PILOT.  Its author, Col. Chuck Lehman is a member or Spokane Authors and Self-Publishers. (www.spokaneauthors.org) and I bought the book when our local Hastings had a mass book signing a month or so ago. Next up for me is an unpublished short story that a friend of mine wrote. I should have taken it to work yesterday but I forgot and ended up looking at magazines on my lunch hour.

That should do it for this time.
Dave

Parenthood and Letting Go

2009-09-28T00:28:51Z

Earlier today, while I was doing the "guy thing" and watching baseball and football, Jessica announced that she was going to the store for a few things. So, she went out, got in her car and drove off. I had this tremendous urge to tell her to be careful, to call me if she had any problems, and to remind her that she is a newly licensed driver and that again she should be careful. I refrained from doing so, she left, and after a couple of hours she returned, safe and sound with the car intact.

As a DAD, I still see her as the little girl entering kindergarten or riding her bike with training wheels still attached up and down the street. But I know that she is now a high school graduate, a licensed driver, a first year student at Eastern Washington University, and old enough to be considered an adult in all matters except for the consumption of alcohol. Yet I know it will be a long time before I can watch her leave the house as she did today and not worry about her.
Dave

More Household Adventures

2009-09-27T05:41:00Z

I think I've mentioned that the Spokane Club at Fourth Avenue where I work is currently undergoing renovation and remodelling. Sometimes that can make the job a little hectic and confusing. For example, there were a couple of days in the previous week when they were painting the area where the time clock is. Because it was sealed off to prevent paint from getting where it wasn't wanted, we could not get to our time cards or the clock. However, management is pretty understanding about such stuff, so we'll each just put a note on our individual card when they close out next week. It usually happens that someone ends up forgetting to "punch in" or "punch out" now and then. A note is usually all it takes.

The past week was a little more relaxed and it seemed that we could work a little more efficiently. Friday (yesterday) was a little confusing as new carpet was going in, and at the same time office furniture that had been removed to storage was being returned. Made it all the more worthwhile to know it was FRIDAY!

I mentioned last time that we ended up buying a slightly used Audi A6 for Jessica. As luck would have it, the CHECK ENGINE light began to stay on and flash. According to the book that could indicate a problem that might damage or destroy the engine. Called to have it taken in and looked at. Turns out that it is a fairly common problem with that year and model, as well as being a fairly common problem with many of the newer cars. Rather than the single ignition coil of days of yore, these newer vehicles have one per cylinder/sparkplug. Evidently, one had malfunctioned, lighting the light and causing it to run rough in idle. The service rep said it might even have been caused by them detailing the engine compartment in prepping the car for sale. Quite possibly some moisture got into it and... Didn't cost anything, however, so I guess it's a good thing we got the extended warranty with it. Now I'll have to see if she'll let me drive it now and then.

After the car buying adventure last Friday, the trip to Palouse on Saturday, and the Corvair Club's Tech-n-Tune on Sunday, this weekend is pretty much one of doing nothing. At least it is one of not going anywhere or doing anything away from the house. I did get the yard mowed today, and tomorrow I'll get a query letter or two ready to mail out Monday. I do have a feeling that I might be watching a good deal of television as well. The Mariners play in the morning, and the Seahawks in the afternoon, and I'm sure I'll end up viewing both games. I'm anxious for the M's to pick up at least one more win this year. One more and they will finish at at least .500 for the season, a great improvement over last year.

More next time!
Dave

A Hectic Weekend!

2009-09-21T02:56:19Z

And it was, too! Seemed that I was on the go from soon after I got home from work Friday afternoon.

First, I suppose that I should explain that our daughter, Jessica, who graduated from high school a couple of months ago had never gotten around to getting her driver's license. The past few weeks of this summer, however, she's made a concentrated effort to practice her driving and go take the test. She did that Thursday and passed. YAY!! Knowing she'd need something to drive when going to college in a few days, we relented and decided to buy her a car. Well, while I was a work Friday, Eva and Jessica went car shopping. I had just gotten out of the shower and was ready to sit down with my coffee and paper when I got called. They'd found one and thought I should come up and see it.

Now, I've probably mentioned it before, but I have two old Corvairs, one of which runs at this current time. I also have a '98 Suzuki Sidekick, which while fairly new, especially compare to the two rear-engined air-cooled Chevies, is still a basic no-frills vehicle. Yes, I do have to wind the windows up and down by hand. And it has a manual transmission, which means neither Jessica or Eva can drive it. Eva has a Toyota Highlander, which has always seemed to be the ultimate vehicle in our household. Now I thought that we'd end up getting a smaller SUV or a compact car, automatic of course for our neophyte driver. I figured that something that would be good for winter driving would be a prerequisite, as would a reasonable price and reliability. Therefore, you can readily imagine my surprise when they called and explained that they had found a 2003 Audi A6 for just over the limit we had decided on for an addition to the family garage. It has so many options and standard features that the Highlander looks like a barebones basic econo-box vehicle. Finishing up all that took the rest of the afternoon, so Friday was basically shot for me.

Saturday I went to Palouse for the annual town festival. Yes, it's mysteriously known as "Palouse Days," and they have a huge car show in conjunction with it. Took the '62 Corvair Rampside Pick Up, and although I didn't expect to win anything, especially as I hadn't even washed it, and it is developing a good case of ferrous acne, I nonetheless parked it along with all the pristine show cars in attendence. There was a fabulous looking '55 Nomad to one side of the truck, and an immaculate 2nd generation Camaro on the other side. Even so, I had a lot of lookers and in general many favorable comments about the old rig. And as I walked around the park and looked at all the vehicles there, it was quite evident that not all of them were really show quality. Some were simply older vehicles that ran and whose owners brought and showed them with pride.

One of the events the show organizers have along with hosting the car show is a poker walk. I've always participated but never have expected to win. My luck just doesn't run that way. So later in the afternoon when door prizes, trophies and the like were being given away, I was surprised as can be to find out that I had garnered "top hand" and was awarded $150. A most profitable day indeed, as I had spent less than $30 for registration, a t-shirt, a double-cheese burger, and a funnel cake. I also stopped by the town library where they were having a book sale and found a paper back copy of PEOPLE OF THE WOLF by W. Micheal Gear and Kathleen O'Neal Gear. I paid $.50 for it. Having read their PEOPLE OF THE RAVEN a couple of years ago, I thought it would be something I'd want to read sometime soon. (With this purchase and the ones I made at PNWA and the recent mass book signing at our local Hastings, I should have plenty of reading material for the next several months.)

As it turned out, the lady working the counter for the book sale is also president of the Inland Empire Chapter of Romance Writers of America. I guess we had e-mailed each other a time or two after that group put on their one day conference last March. I'd suggested that perhaps that group, along with some of the other local writing groups such as the Idaho Writers League, Spokane Authors and Self-Publishers, and the Inland Northwest Writers Guild might want to consider banding together to host a writers conference sometime in the future. I'm not saying any such thing will happen, but if enough folks and organizations get involved, there is no reason why a most successful event couldn't happen right here in the Inland Northwest.

I spent a large part of today outside Coeur d' Alene at one of the Corvair Club member's house. It was another "tech-n-tune" session where folks could get stuff done on their cars. I had hoped to see if anyone would have a chance to adjust and sync "Tim's" carburetors, but never got around to it. I did make contact with an individual who says he can do the welding I need to have done where the frame is starting to rot away. Hopefully we can get to that in a few weeks, ideally before cold weather gets here. It will be nice to drive down the road with out that nagging thought in the back of my mind that perhaps the whole back portion of the truck, including the engine, might just decide to fall off.

Well, exciting or un-exciting as it was, that was my week-end. I put over 200 miles on the old truck, and it did well. Now I'll finish this, watch a tad more television and go to bed. That 4 am start time for work will be here before I know it.
Dave

Favorite Music

2009-09-13T04:57:01Z

If you should take the time to go through this LJ page's archives, you might find a post in which I talk a little about the "current music" entry that accompanies each post. If I remember correctly, and I'm too lazy to search through past posts myself, I mentioned that I'm probably not actually listening to that particular song as I write the journal entry. Rather I just name a song that I've heard recently, or one that ties in with my current mood. It's quite probable that I'm not listening to anything at all while on the computer.

My active listening time is usually when I'm driving. If I have the radio on, it's usually tuned to a country station or an oldies rock station. If I'm playing a tape or CD, it's usually one that fits into the above categories, but I have a few CDs and tapes that will lead me far far away from those genres. I have a few classical music CDs, some with big-band, jazz, and pop music from before it was rock and roll. I even have a little bag-pipe music.

Some years ago while on break at work, folks got to talking about what their all-time favorite song was. I hadn't really thought about it before, but when I did, I came up with three that I've liked ever since I was a little kid. The first is EL PASO by Marty Robbins. The second, NORTH TO ALASKA, by Johnny Horton and the third, RING OF FIRE, by Johnny Cash. Please note that this is not in any order of preference. I suppose the thing for me about El Paso is Marty's voice and the harmonies. In many ways it harkens back to groups such as the Sons of the Pioneers.  I remember hearing North to Alaska, right after my folks, my sister, and I had moved to the "lower forty-eight" from what would soon become our forty-ninth state. It was a reminder of the place I'd lived for the first six and a half years of my life. It's the horns in Ring of Fire that grab me. As it is a fairly short recording, especially by today's standards, the repeat function on the CD player is really neat. Fact is, I'll usually select "repeat" whenever any of these songs happen to be playing.

On the "oldies rock" side of things, most things by the Beatles find a spot near the top of my all-time favorites list. I probably like the earlier stuff the best, although I've always thought that the collection on Rubber Soul was the sharpest, cleanest, and most classical sounding work that they ever did. As one who grew up during those years when the "Fab Four" were at the very pinnacle of the music world, I find it heartening to find so many of today's younger folks, my daughter included, fascinated with their music. It's timeless.

Other groups and individuals whose music I find appealing include, and in no particular order of preference or type of music: Jim Reeves,  Merle Haggard, The Kentucky Headhunters, Loretta Lynn, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Red Sovine, The Beach Boys, Fats Domino, and many, many others. For every one I've named there is probably two or three that my memory just isn't capable of remembering right now.

So to re-cap... As usual for me, I'm not listening to anything right now. Yet, when I finish the post and list "mood," and all those other things at the bottom of the page, a particular song will come to mind and I'll list it in the "music" section.

Dave

Feeling Accomplished!

2009-09-06T17:19:53Z

In many ways, the past week was busy, and one of accomplishments both large and small.

At work, the facilities reopened on Tuesday. We are still under construction in some areas, so a lot of things are temporary and relocated. I did notice that the repositioning of certain areas changes my routine. What had become nearly automatic now takes some planning to accomplish. I probably notice this most when I first get there, as at 4:00 am, I'm usually operating on memory.

One of the things they did while we were closed was to resurface the tennis courts. Now they are very much like sandpaper and the fuzz comes off the balls with the slightest provocation. (See www.annemini.com/?p=5092) That means my task of cleaning the courts is even more vital. And of course the powers to be seem to be paying more attention to the courts and worrying about every little ball mark and shoe scrape. The sweeper will get the fuzz, the dust ground off of the players' shoes, and the dirt that naturally filters in, but it won't immediately remove marks that are imbedded in the surface. Even if I "crank" the brush down so that it makes more contact, all it really does is wear the brush out faster. And if I lower it too much, pushing it becomes harder, almost as if it had brakes that were on.

Besides renewing the court surfaces, they also have repainted the walls and ceiling of the court areas, and have put up new curtains, divider nets, and court nets. They also revised the numbering system as to which court is which. I contributed a little at this point, designing the numbers and then taping them off so our "engineer" or maintenance person could paint them. I have to say that they came out looking good! (Whether it was my efforts at taping, or his skill in painting them, I don't know.)

On Thursday, Spokane Authors and Self-Publishers (SASP, www.spokaneauthors.org) met for the first gathering of the official "season," which runs from September through May. (For the past two years we have met in the summer months, simply because people have wanted to stay in contact.) Our program was a presentation by one of our members who talked about his trials and efforts in geting his book published. We did learn, however that our Treasurer is quite ill and may not be able to keep up with her duties. For the time being, I and the other officers will be able to fill in. I'm also listed on the account and have a key to the post office box. But we might need a new or at least an interim Treasurer for a while. More importantly though, we all wish Elizabeth a successful treatment and a speedy recovery.

We had a grand selection of door prizes to give away. One was a copy of Joshua Palmatier's
(jpsorrow)THE SKEWED THRONE. You may remember that I won it in a contest he ran a month or so ago on his LJ page. Since I already have a copy, I donated this one as a door prize. Another SASP member brought a couple copies of advance reading copies of books that she had acquired in her editing work. She donated them as well. And we should be set for at least one good door prize next month. A few months ago, a writer in New Mexico contact SASP regarding his book, REVISING FICTION: MAKING SENSE OF THE MADNESS. He had sent along some excerpts allowing us to post them on the SASP web-site, and promising to send us a copy of the book when it was released. Well, I checked SASP mail yesterday, and the book is here. Having glanced through it, it seems to be a very thorough guide and should do wonders for whoever should happen to end up with it.

As to my progess, I'm planning to fire up the query engine later this week. If I get those queries I plan to send in the mail sometime close to next weekend, they should arrive at the respective agencies after enough time has elapsed that the agency screeners or agents have had a chance to wade through the glut that has accumulated during August vacations and over the Labor Day weekend. One agent/agency that will be receiving a query is one that I've been interested in for a very long time. However, I've never been able to find any contact information for her. A few weeks ago, a friend sent me an e-mail address, but it appears that I mistakenly deleted the e-mail the information was in. Hoping against hope, I "googled" the agent, hoping to find her e-address. Lo and behold, I actually found a mailing address! You can bet that she will be one of the first that my next round of query letters will be going out to.

Lastly I finished up the September issue of the REAR ENGINE REVIEW yesterday. It's been e-mailed, and once I finish this, I'll get to work on printing out the hard copies. I can mail them Tuesday when the Post Office is open again.

I hope that everyone is having a great Labor Day Weekend!
Dave

Book Signing!

2009-08-30T15:38:12Z

As I mentioned yesterday, our local Hastings held a mass book signing during the afternoon. While I don't yet have anything that could be signed and sold, I went by for a while to offer my support and somehow feel that I was participating. To my surprise and delight, Trish, the Book Manager at this particular store had rounded up over two dozen authors. Several were members of Spokane Authors and Self-Publishers. (SASP www.spokaneauthors.org) Others were self-published or locally published writers who do not have a connection to the previously mentioned group. Still others were local authors who had been published in the more traditional way. If anyone is familiar with the crime stories of Frank Zafiro, he was probably the biggest name there.

My impression was that those attending and participating thoroughly enjoyed the experience, even though sales were not as robust as could have been hoped for. In a way, the afternoon was like a mini-conference, with writers meeting other writers and exchanging ideas and encouragement. On occasion, regular customers in the store stopped by, and I believe a few even bought a book or two. Trish and I agreed that perhaps the response would have been better, at least with regard to the buying public, if we would have had the appropriate publicity. She had sent the information about the event to the local paper, but no one I spoke to had seen any mention of it in recent issues of the Spokesman-Review. Several attendees suggested that perhaps such an event would do better as we move into the fall and as the Holiday Shopping Season approaches.

To me the event was a close parallel to the "autograph party" held one night at the PNWA (Pacific Northwest Writers Association www.pnwa.org) Conference. As I usually do at that event, I made the rounds and picked out a few books that I would like to read. Had the authors sign them, bought them, and then came home. As a matter of fact, I probably bought more than I should have, at least in terms of cost. I had stopped by the bank on my way there and had withdrawn a little cash from the account. But when my purchases were totalled up, the amount was close to what I had in my pocket, and wanting some of that for other things during the week, I ended up putting the purchase on "plastic."

Now, with what I bought yesterday, and with what I bought at the PNWA Conference a month or so ago, I should not lack in reading material for the next several months.

As to my own writing? It seems that I always have some sort of project to get finished, and thus progress on DARNAHSIAN PIRATES has slowed to a crawl. Over this next week, and perhaps through next weekend, I'll be doing the next issue of the REAR ENGINE REVIEW. Also coming up is the next SASP meeting. That means one computer session of preparing a meeting agenda or guide, and another after the event to update the website and prepare a new PRESIDENT's PAGE. I've got SASP members whose books I've read wanting reviews, and.... Beyond that, there's yard work, and as the weather cools a little bit this fall, I have the Corvairs that need a little (quite a lot of) work. There's also the possibility of revisions and edits to both BEYOND THE OCEAN'S EDGE and SAILING DANGEROUS WATERS. So while I probably shouldn't do it, my actual writing seems to take a back seat to everything else that's going on.

I might even need to curtail my efforts at posting and divert a bit of that into continuing the STONE ISLAND SEA STORIES. Yet, now that I have this Live Journal, I feel I should use it. While I know that not many are likely to be reading it, I write it with the feeling that many, many folks peruse it on a regular basis. Thus I feel a sort of responsibility to post on a fairly regular basis. From my own experience, it can be disappointing to follow a "friend's" LJ page and then not see any new posts for weeks or even months at a time. I just don't want to provide that sort of discontent with any of you who have me on your friends list.

The Sunday Paper has finally shown up, so I guess I'll call this quits for now and go read it. Then perhaps I'll get outside and get some stuff done!

Dave

Another Saturday!

2009-08-29T19:24:06Z

Which of course means I did not have to get up and go to work, a situation for which I am extremely grateful. As one who puts in the traditional forty hours a week, I look with great expectation towards the weekend. If for anything else, I enjoy the ability to sleep in!

I may have mentioned the last time I posted that my work schedule over the past week was a bit different than it usually is. Because the Spokane Club at Fourth Avenue was shut down for renovation, there was no need for me to be there at 4:00 am everyday. Instead, I went in at 6:00 and came home a corresponding two hours later. One would think that this would have allowed me the privilege of staying up a bit later as well, perhaps to finish watching a Mariner's game or view other rarely seen television programs. Instead, I found that I would be nodding off and ready for bed at roughly the same times that I always am. That was true even later during the week when the extra hours of sleep should have had an effect. I'm inclined to believe that this was due to the different sort of work I ended up doing. I was no longer engaged in my normal daily routine. There were many things I wanted to do, things that I normally don't have a chance to get to on a regular basis. While I did get a start at them, those in charge also came up with many things that needed doing. Needless to say, we were all busy. Monday is supposed to be the last day that the facility is closed. I'm assuming that we'll use the day to put things back or rearrange so we can open again on Tuesday. The scope of renovations however mean that some work will still be going on, so a lot of the facilities will be of a temporary nature.

Later today I'll go up to our local Hastings store. The manager there is really supportive of local authors and is holding a mass book signing from 2:00 to 5:00 pm. Several SASP (Spokane Authors and Self-Publishers www.spokaneauthors.org) will be taking part, as will other writers from the Spokane area. When I last spoke to the manager, she mentioned that about twenty people had signed up. Sadly, I do not yet have anything that I can sign, but I'll go to support and help those that do. More than likely I'll by a few books, even though I still have plenty lying around that I haven't read. Books are a timeless treasure, so even if one sits on the shelf for years, it still has the same potential as it did when purchased or received. My secret hope is that this event will prove successful and will be repeated. Next time I just might be able to sign something. No, I'm not that close to having any of my Stone Island Sea Stories published, but the little essay I wrote for Anne Mini's Author! Author! Contest for Expressive Excellence (www.annemini.com/?p=5092) is supposed to be in the next edition of Gray Dog Press's (www.graydogpress.com) SPOKE-WRITE. As I see it, anyone in the store who would happen to by a copy could then have the potential of having several of the contributing authors sign it.

Speaking of SASP, our next meeting will be this Thursday. We'll have one of our members speaking about his experiences in getting his book published. In addition we will have a unique and worthwhile door prize to offer the holder of the lucky ticket. A few weeks ago I won a copy of THE SKEWED THRONE by Joshua Palmatier (jpsorrow ). As I already have a copy, I will donate this signed copy as a door prize. Hopefully the winner will enjoy it and become a fan of Joshua and his THRONE OF AMENKOR series.

I have one other project in mind for the weekend. That is to fix the interior rear view mirror in "Tim," my '62 Corvair Rampside pick-up. I've installed one of those long five section "Wink" mirrors in it, something I do with al most any vehicle when I buy it. It currently mounts via a couple of pads glued to the windshield, much as many mirrors do today. However one of the pads is starting to tear away from the windshield, and I cannot adjust the mirror as I would like. I guess the solution is to go to the nearest automotive store and get a tube of glue made for such applications. Don't want to drive the truck until I get that fixed. In its current condition, I don't have the rearward visibility I want, and I'm a little nervous that it might come loose at an inopportune time. Perhaps after I drop by Hastings for a while, I'll head on up the street to Schucks and get what I need to fix it.

If the weather is nice later today or tomorrow, I should also mow and trim the lawn. And since I've no doubt bored any readers of this into a stupor, I should probably end now.

Dave

The Picnic and other Stuff

2009-08-24T02:03:47Z

Last Sunday's Corvair Club Picnic went well, even if it was somewhat sparsely attended. Jessica and I were the first to arrive, and we got there about ten minutes before the announced start time. Of course at events like that, precision arrival times are not important. The first hour or so was spent in general conversation as additional members arrived, most in their Corvairs, and then we ate. Our host member (and the club) provided hotdogs, hamburgers, buns, and condiments, while everything else was brought by those attending. I had hoped that Eva would have been able to make pancit, adobo, fried rice, or perhaps even lumpia for us to bring. Unfortunately she has a lot going on and wasn't able to. Therefore we simply brought a small tub of pre-made potato salad. It seems like a lot of those attending also didn't have the time to make anything from scratch, as we had about four different kinds of salad. The one dish that was homemade was a crockpot full of the best baked beans I've had in a long time.

Of course one of the things I wanted to determine from the drive to and from the picnic was the mileage that "Tim" would get. Since I got "him" running again in June, gas mileage has been pretty dismal. I'd definitely notice a hole in my budget if I had to drive "him" every day. Once every third or fourth work day I can manage. I topped off the tank the day before the picnic, and the day after returning I gassed up again. I didn't want even a single trip to work to mess up the mileage calculations for the trip. And yes, the mileage experienced over the ninety or so mile round trip was much better than what I'd been getting around town. In rough figures I showed about a 50% improvement. Still, what I got on the picnic trip is closer to what I should be getting overall and around town. We also noticed a distinct lack of power while going up a long, fairly steep grade just before we turned off the main road to our destination. We were probably doing a good 60 mph at the bottom of the hill. With my foot all the way to the floor, we nevertheless slowed down as we climbed the hill. We gained the top doing about 30 mph. Although I'd never driven this particular hill with this particular vehicle, I have driven up others that are similar and know "he" should have done better. Perhaps I will need to take "him" to the club's next "TECH-N-TUNE" and have one of the club experts adjust the carbs, etc. Or it just might be that there are other problems with the engine that prevent it from running at full strength and with the efficiency it should.

This coming week should be interesting as far as work is concerned. The Spokane Club, Valley Facility is closed until September 1st for renovation. While many of the administrative types will be off, those of us in the maintenance end of things will still be working. Hopefully we will be able to get to some of those areas we never get a chance at when the club is in operation. And because no members will be showing up to play tennis, I won't have to go in so darned early to clean the tennis courts before they arrive. Rather than starting work at 4 AM, I'll be starting at 6. The fact that I will be able to sleep an extra couple of hours in the morning will seem almost like a vacation to me. And I'll still be home around 3 or so, and since this will be closer to a "normal" day shift schedule, perhaps I'll have a bit more ambition once I am home.

The little writing group I'm in met earlier today. I passed along a hand-out I'd picked up from the PNWA Conference about "starting a writing group" and we all agreed that we were pretty much doing it by the "book." Basically we decided to keep going as we have been as the way we've been doing it seems to work for the group. Hopefully the one point that the hand-out emphasized will get us all on the ball to have something ready for review when we are the one scheduled. If no one else has anything we usually review the next chapter in my work. While I appreciate the consistency of having my stuff reviewed, it gives me an uncomfortable feeling of selfishness and using the group to my advantage. But as the others don't seem to mind, and as we did need something to review and critique, we went over Chapter 14, DESTINATION FOUND, of BEYOND THE OCEAN'S EDGE. To me, this is one of the milestone chapters in the story, as it is where the fantasy aspect of the story becomes readily apparent. Members of the group felt that in this respect the chapter worked well. They also pointed out a few fairly minor problem areas, such as word repetition, things that I'll be able to fix without much trouble.

So, where am I at with regards to finding an agent? I think I've mentioned that my scheduled pitch at the PNWA Conference (www.pnwa.org) did not go as well as it could have. The particular agent and I simply did not match up. I speak briefly to another agent who is familiar with stories/series that tend to cross between genres as I believe mine do. With her verbal permission, I've queried the agency and have been invited to submit a more "formal" query. That is, the query letter plus pages. Also as a result of some detective work by a friend of mine who is more deeply entrenched in the writing and publishing world, I have an e-mail address for an agent who has been handling a series of stories that also seem not to fit neatly into any one genre or category. But as this same friend reminds people every year, many agents and their staffs tend to be on vacation about now. Therefore I'll probably wait until September is well underway before I do any more querying or submitting. As it has been explained to me, one does not want his or her material to be in the stack of queries and submissions that accumulates while the agent/agency screener is gone. Nor does one want to send material so that it arrives while said agent/agency screener is still trying to whittle that pile down to a more managable size. So around the second week of September, I'll dig out my basic query letter and update it to match the agent(s) that I'll be querying. I might also work up one and send it along to our local Gray Dog Press.

Lest I forget, for anyone who is in or will be in the Spokane area next Saturday, 29 August, give great consideration to stopping by the Hastings at the corner of Ash and Wellesley. The store manager is setting up a mass book signing with as many local authors as she can gather. (At last mention, I believe she had around 15 authors scheduled.) The event runs from 2PM through 5PM. While I don't have anything published yet, I plan to go up for a while. As many of those planning to participate are members of SASP, I feel can help support them simply by being there. In addition, I'm sure to find a few books that I like and will no doubt buy a few. After all, I need stuff to read on my lunch breaks at work.

As for what I am reading, I finished SHOOT/DON'T SHOOT by J. A. Jance on Wednesday. As I still had a few minutes left on my lunch break, I started in on SEA CHANGE by Robert B. Parker.

More next time,
Dave

Successful Saturday!

2009-08-16T14:33:01Z

Don't you just love it when a plan comes together? Or how about planning to get certain things done and actually doing most of them? Well for once yesterday went pretty much as I had planned it.

It's always been my goal on non-work days to spend the mornings at the computer and the afternoons doing outside stuff... automotive work, yard work, and the like. Many times though I get into a computer trance and can't seem to shut the thing off and get on with the other stuff. Yesterday I managed to get the stuff done at the keyboard that I wanted to do, and since the weather was just about perfect to be outside, I got to it.

Got the lawn mowed (although not trimmed, because I did that a few days ago), the oil changed in "Tim" my '62 Rampside pick-up, and played with idle and mixture adjustments a little. Also washed the engine. It's so much nicer to work on a clean power plant than it is to delve into an engine bay covered in oil, grease and grime. My ambitious day did not stop there, for I also washed the entire truck and "Ichi" the '98 Suzuki Sidekick. Also got the truck windows coated with "Rain-X." If you never tried it, you should. If applied properly it lets rainwater bead up and roll right off. If you are at any speed at all, you almost don't need wipers. At the very least you can run the wipers on a much slower speed than you normally would.

If the Sunday paper had been here when I got up this morning, I'd be reading it now instead of posting here. But since it wasn't I decided to do this while having my morning coffee. Figured that if I was going to do anything "here" I should do it early. Around 11:00 we'll be leaving for the Inland Northwest Corvair Club picnic. As I mentioned earlier, it should be interesting to see if "Tim's" gas mileage improves.

Dave