Figured I’d post a bit to let everyone know I’m still breathing. And walking in my sleep these days.

My boss has been out for two weeks with a back injury. She was hurting and leaving early for a week before that. She had an MRI done and they actually found something . . . a ruptured disc. She sees a neurosurgeon later this week and may be in surgery as early as next. sigh So, I’m running the department (and this week is six days since I have to cover one of my days off.)

Had an eleven hour shift today alone. Ugh! I so don’t want to be a manager. I think times like these crop up simply to remind me of how much I detest the job. Not only do I have to supervise the work being done, but I’ve got to pick up a lot of slack as far as paperwork, phone calls, and event planning too. I’m wiped. (Yes, jrosestar, I’m using far too many spoons. Send more!)

No writing to be had. I have Wednesday off, though. Maybe I’ll do more than vegetate in front of the TV or computer. (I’m not holding my breath on that one, though.)

So. I live. I breathe. I sleep. And it’s all work! (And the music playing seems very appropriate . . . Know Your Enemy by Rage Against The Machine.)

Been a busy week at work, so not much done as far as writing goes. Had yesterday off, but I haven’t had the opportunity to think about what I was doing next, so didn’t write then, either.

Today, however, has been quite productive.

Chapter nine has been restructured and rewritten. Changed the place, added in bits and pieces that have happened to Whiskey, had her best friend realize Whiskey was involved in the rumored beating of a streetkid, showed off Whiskey’s new tattoo… that has mysteriously healed after less than twelve hours. 1965 words.

Chapter ten was a rehash of the previous version’s second chapter. About the only changes made here were deletions of descriptions I’d already conveyed in the newer version, and changing references to Whiskey’s nickname. (Originally, she was known by her first and last initials – J.D.) 2848 words.

The next scene is a brand new one that I need time to consider before writing. So today’s (and ths week’s) total is 4813. I’ve got to go into the second manuscript and read Dorst’s initial meeting with Whiskey. I expect some of it to change since I’m introducing him so much earlier this time.

Other than working, I’ve been reading the Ukiah Oregon series by Wen Spencer. If you’re into SF, I’d recommend it. She’s got a hel of a premise for the lead character, a found feral child with lesbians for adoptive parents. He’s an adult in the series, and very different from other feral children in that he’s learned to be civilized and use language. He’s working as a private investigator, putting his nose to the trail of missing persons . . . literally.

Completed at 2365 words. Jenna’s spent the evening with a pack of Sanguire younglings, getting tattooed and raising hel. She thinks they’re just a bunch of rich Europeans, cruising Seattle to blow off steam before returning to their old moneyed estates. While she’s aware that a couple of them have fangs, she thinks they’re just doing this sort of thing to shock Mummy and Daddy.

Didn’t write any yesterday, having too many errands to run. Picked up hotel reservations for Vegas this summer. Lo, and Behold! they took the money out of my account immediately rather than just booked the room. Had to scramble to get to the bank and cover rent, but we’re good now. At least I know they won’t sell our room out from under us! LOL! It’s paid in full.

Been downloading Surface episodes through iTunes. I work nights more often than not, and I’ve only caught bits and pieces of the show that intrigued me. It’s well worth the time and hassle, though, that’s for sure. I’ve only see three eps, but I’m liking it.

Now I’m going to watch ep 4 and then head to work. Aloha!

Sunshine outside, lots of chores done, the cats are playing on the balcony. Still pretty cold out, but our apartment is so well insulated, we haven’t had the heat on most the winter. (In fact, the balcony door is open fairly often this winter.)

2200 words even today. Chapter seven of Born of Silence is complete. And it’s not the chapter I originally planned to write . . . it’s a new one to the outline. I’ve still got to write the one sitting on my desk.

Whiskey (Jenna) has been rescued by some hard core punks. Well dressed, violent, unafraid of mixing it with anyone, and one or more of them thinking he or she is a true vampire, she expects them to be living in a flop like in the flick, The Lost Boys. Imagine her surprise when they have a Lexus LS 430. She’s driven to an expensive residence where there’s also a Porsche Carrera and a bevy of Ducatis and Triumphs in the oversized garage. While there, she’s fed, showered, and . . . well . . . fucked.

NOW I can get into the trouble they drag her out on.

621 words written for a total of 2556 for the chapter and scene. Whiskey (Jenna) has been discovered by suspect Sanguire, a pack of kids basically. (Of course, ‘kids’ is a relative term for Sanguire. These ‘children’ are all under . . . fifty. LOL!)

Next chapter is a night of revelry and violence. Jenna gets her dragon tattoos tonight, helps commit some petty crimes and terrorize another streetkid. She’ll discover she enjoys the rougher aspects of the Gothic lifestyle, and assumes that one or more of her new friends thinks he or she are vampires. No biggie for her, since she’s always been drawn to them.

Then I’ll be finished with the new scenes for a short bit. The next two are extensive rewrites, but just regurgitation of the original book. Then one more new scene before I slog through six or eight that pretty much remain the same.

I work days tomorrow and Sunday, so no writing will be done. Monday, Tuesday off, though – I hope to get the new chapter complete and begin working on edits in earnest.

632 words today (work day.) Got a really late start, all in all, so I’m pleased I at least made the five hundred mark. Just as well I stop now. I’m at a point in chapter six I haven’t quite seen or heard, so the break will give me a chance to figure out what happens next.

Jenna’s been pounced upon by some teenagers looking for a spot of fun. Cruising the U district of Seattle to find street kids to beat is a local past time of some of teenagers, it seems. Unfortunately for her tormentors, a pack of Sanguire punks have arrived. They’ve heard whispers and rumors of the Tyrannos’ return, and have come to seek her out. (Jenna is still blissfully unaware of her heritage or the prophecy at this point.)

There’s going to be a sudden and complete explosion of controlled violence in this scene. I’m right on the edge of it. I just need to calculate who’s doing what and whether or not someone dies. Hadn’t planned on killing anyone off this early, but the threat of a murder sentence will definitely up the ante for Jenna. (Doesn’t matter that she won’t be the one doing the killing. She was there and witnessed it, hence an accessory.)

We’ll see how it goes.

Sunday I finished chapter five of Born of Silence with 1148 words.

Monday was a day shift, so I didn’t get writing done.

Tuesday I made the mistake of watching an episode of Commander in Chief that was the first of a two-parter. (I’ve been downloading the series via iTunes and have gotten into the habit of watching one ep before starting to write for the day.) Thank the gods I’d already downloaded the second part! I couldn’t just ignore it! I had to see the next ep!

Of course, that meant no writing got done on Tuesday . . .

Today I’ve downloaded the last available ep in the series (which means the next one will be available soon! Squee!) Since it takes forever for a download, while it’s doing its thing, I write. Got 1303 words of chapter six completed. I’ll probably finish it tomorrow. Then I have only one more new scene to write before getting into the serious editing for a couple of days.

Now off to work.