Thursday, December 16, 2010

Busy

I just bought Richard Yates’s biography “A Tragic Honesty.” I’ve been meaning to read it for some time. This will motivate me to read my collection of his work. I love his writing so much. His voice is similar to mine. Whenever I forget what good writing is supposed to sound like, I can always refer to him.

Richard Russo is another writer I should be reading. He’s so smooth and effortless.

In the meantime, I’m plowing through all the YA series books I have piled up at home.

Dexter Issues: It’s season 5 of Dexter, which means the writers have to think way outside the box to come up with new material for their characters. All-in-all, season five is pretty good, but a few things feel familiar, like Dexter using someone else to help him kill. We saw that in season 3 with (Jimmie Smits). Also, (Angel’s wife) feels unbelievable now and inconsistent. She used to stand for something, but throws Deb under the bus. I’m not sure I believe that. And poor Angel caught in the middle. Their relationship may need to come to an end. I’m bored with it.

Peter Weller is great as a lowlife ex-cop who investigates Dexter. Deb and (guy)’s relationship can any anytime now. I’m on episode 10, three more to go. I have lots to catch up on!

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

End of the Year

This has been a productive year for me. I learned about sending query letters out. I discovered QueryTracker.net. I found a job. I’m dating again. I have little freetime (unfortunately) but have paid down my debts. I’m learning all about YA lit. It’s definitely been a year of change.

I hope things happen with my book in 2011. It’s the year of the rabbit and that’s good news for me. I was born in the year of the rabbit, so the roof might come off for me in ’11.

I can’t believe it’ll be ten years since 9/11. What a difference a decade makes. Wow. Google and Facebook are taking over the world. I think this is okay, considering neither company manufacturers bombs or advanced weapons systems (that we know of).

Sunday, December 12, 2010

New Rewrites

I received some feedback from the agency that enjoyed my book. I plan to revise the last two chapters. I have a good idea what I'll add and change. I start this week after a few days of brainstorming. I'm looking forward to what I come up with.

Doubles Results

Dorian and I took second in last week's doubles tournament. We played well, considering D's had a bum knee for several months. He won't be playing again any time soon. I think he may need surgery. Steve and Tyrone took the championship. Throughout the week, I played poorly and haven't had my typical killer edge on the court. I lost some games this week, and in the doubles tournament in San Ramon this weekend my play was subpar with two new partners. Oh well, better luck next time.

Yesterday, I attended a party Alice put together for her biking club. They don't bike much anymore, but still get together for dinner. They're a delightful group with two natural comedians, Sam and Kalvin. Very pleasant people.

Friday, December 3, 2010

Club One Doubles Tournament Tomorrow

Dorian and I aren't in great shape for tomorrow's tournament. Dorian really hasn't played in months and he's a little rusty. His knee has been an issue all season. This may be our last tournament together (how sad). He'll give me his all, but I'm not feeling too confident about our chances. I do believe we're in the easier division, however, avoiding Scott/Tyler and Steve/Tyrone. Ron and X are always tough in tournaments, and this was where we lost out last time. They're, but X makes lots of mistakes, especially when the ball is high. We usually have Tiger and Glenn's number on tournament day, but it's possible they'll crank it up. We'll see how things go.

Next weekend I'll be playing in the Toys for Tots tournament in San Ramon. Gerry Price, Angela Grisar, and Cliff Swain will be playing. Such be a great time. I'm playing with Ron Souza, a great player from the South Bay. We're playing with a bunch of other great players, so it should be lots of fun.

Movement on Julia Milan

An agency read the entire Julia Milan manuscript and is seriously considering representing it if I revise the ending. Finally, some encouraging news. The email gave no specifics, so I'm curious to see exactly what they'd like changed in the ending. I like the ending, but I know the last chapter could be better. More on this later...