Chapter anyway. Still about 120 words light, but maybe I can beef it up a bit tomorrow when I review.

Gwen and the Loomis clan are in Lindsay Crossing for the festival. She runs into her ex, Weasel. It’n not pretty. He imparts some information about her new friends, suggesting that one of them is a stone killer. Now she’s left to worry about the veracity of his statements.

Tomorrow begins the first full work week I’ve had since July. Weeeee! The MTX seems to be taking effect – at least my normal joints of complaint aren’t bugging me anymore. Cool beans.

And, since I’m going to be slaving away over the weekend, here’s the next installment of the Iditarod. Enjoy!

In the last two days, I’ve been through two rounds of publication edits on Warlord Metal and written 2k on the next chapter of Orpham Maker

One more round is possible for WM, though I’m hoping it won’t be much. I’ve also got a great idea for the next chapter of OM, so perhaps the block is over.

On the Katrina front, here’s an interesting site listing the timeline (and links to the news articles for each item.) I thought things were bad from reading the reports on each new day. Seeing the entire thing listed comprehensively . . . I’m speechless.

I’m writing!

Nobody interrupt!

And not finding . . . the key to the next scene in the novel. I know what I want it to be, but apparently the novel has other ideas. But what?

Ugh!

I’m hungry, but there’s nothing I want to eat.

I’m bored, but there’s nothing I want to do.

I’ve opened three different stories and can’t seem to get started on any of them. sigh

Orphan Maker is about two thirds complete. Editing for On Azrael’s Wings is about a third done with at least six more scenes to add to the mix. My Slow Movin’ short, ‘Sneakers!,’ is at a natural pause and though Slow has a sweet little thing to flirt with, it ain’t going anywhere.

Crap . . .

Another mystery for Gwen to puzzle over. She thought she had her facts straight but after grilling Loomis’ brother, she’s discovered that her information isn’t correct. Somebody died six years ago . . . so who the hel was it? The Riddick she knew was alive and kicking until recently . . .

863 words yesterday of ‘The Past,’ and 1169 words today of ‘The Present.’ I may or may not write more today. I’m feeling tired . . . at least my eyes are. Been doing some reading about RA and have discovered that dry eyes is an issue with the various drugs involved. I think I’m going to invest in eyedrops. Maybe I won’t think I’m so tired if my eyes aren’t dry and grainy. Seems like no matter how ‘tired’ I feel, sometimes I just can’t get to sleep. That’d be a good reason.

Went to the Farmers’ Market near PSU yesterday morning. Brrrr! It was cold! Got these wonderful little peach ‘hand pies’ from a bakery there. Enjoyed it so much, I went back for seconds! Also picked up some nectarines and homemade root beer. My wife scarfed a ton of vegetables (of course,) and we found two pounds of freshly caught salmon for ten bucks. Guess what we’re having for dinner tonight? NUMMY!

And it helps that salmon (fatty fish oils) is good for RA, right? Right??

But I was wrong. The first scene of chapter nineteen was NOT complete. Finished it today. The chapter’s a little light – just short of 2k – but informative. I’m hoping it doesn’t sound too much like an info dump.

Feeling much better today. Good thing, too, since I hawe to work for 4 hours. Nothing really strenuous. Just turning one room from a lunch to a dinner. Then I’ve been ordered to a department barbecue at my boss’ house. (I’m the only one working today so everyone can get there.)

Next week’s medication should be interesting. I’ll pop the MTX on Wednesday night, but I’m working Thursday morning. Hope it doesn’t knock me on my ass too much.

and got my words for the day. 1065 total, first scene of chapter nineteen complete. One more scene to go. (Sorry, Shawn. Nothing in your email box, today.)

Took the first dose of MTX last night after a serious chat session and hours of research. Since it was at dinner time and I was soon in bed, I didn’t notice anything. But today . . . bleh. Up until an hour ago, I wasn’t hungry, but forced myself to eat. Within a half hour of every meal, I’ve been nauseated. Nothing too serious, just enough to grab my attention. I’ve been pale and washed out all day, too. Just had a snack since I was actually hungry for a change. We’ll see what happens in the next thirty minutes.

Been reading a book on rheumatoid arthritis. I’ve been in denial long enough. Time to take control of this shit and manage it as best I can. It’s not going to go away and the more I ignore it, the more damage will be done.

Another monster work day yesterday, but I slogged through it. Flat out refused to stay until midnight to turn a room. Fortunately, my shift leader was working, and he remained behind long enough to get most the work done. This morning, another of our guys worked at front desk and offered to check it with the day shift and make certain the room was ready to go. The group we have in house and the one transferring in for the following week are both a bit on the high maintenance side of things. My boss wasn’t certain they wouldn’t be running ragged this morning and, therefore, unable to get the room prepped in time.

Slept eight hours, spent the morning cruising the blogs I read and transferring my wife’s iTunes files to her new hard drive. Then I had a three hour nap and am feeling pretty good (other than the sore feet and creaky joints.)

Now it’s time to get this chapter of Orphan Maker finished.
——- mere seconds later——-

Whoops! Dishwasher just melted a plastic lid. Phew!
——- later——-

2181 words. Chapter eighteen complete. I was beginning to despair that I’d get in my word count today. (Come to think of it, I usually do, don’t I? Go figure.) The bombshell has been dropped, at least as far as Gwen is concerned. She’s having a serious d’oh moment. Of course, now that she thinks about it, she has a pretty good idea what happened to Loomis to cause those nightmares.

Now I’m going to get some reading done. Tipping the Velvet for those interested. It’s still one of my all time favorites. I think when I’m done I’m going to begin rereading the Harry Potter series.

For a change, I’m writing this entry over a few hours, leaving my iJournal window open until I submit this to LiveJournal. A lot of times I’ll think of something pithy to say, but am too lazy to open up the window, write and post it when I know I’ll do an update later. Of course, then I don’t write half of what I was going to . . .

Ever have music in your head demanding to be played? Today it’s Blood by Queensryche from their CD ‘Tribe’. HAD to hear it, maybe two or three times before I allow the iPod to go back to random play. Don’t know why. It’s been a few days since I listened to that playlist.

The next chapter of Orphan Maker opens with – “You want me to do what?” Gwen demanded. snicker
——- later——-

So . . . 562 words and my official word count for a work day is achieved. At least the scene is set up. It’s shearing season at the Loomis homestead, so the city kids are getting a crash course on getting up close and personal with bleeting, fleece covered animals. I’m not sure what the scene is going to be about except to show how the newbies are integrating into their places. Since Gwen will eventually corner Rick about Loomis’ mysterious nightmares, she’s working closely with him now, developing a personal dynamic.

Oh, yeah, and one of my backstory bombshells will be blown up here. That’s right. Gotta remember that.

Now I’m being distracted by my Fed Ex delivery . . . a pair of Lacie external firewire drives. Time to get them plugged in and partitioned.
——- later——-

Wow! That was relatively painless! Decided against partitioning, though. I’d rather have the one named drive than four with the mundane titles of ‘Documents,’ ‘iTunes,’ etc. I’ve transferred my tunes, documents, pics and site there. The only thing that got deleted off my main drive, however, were the tunes. (Though my Mac will actually be the ‘backup’ instead of the Lacie.) It’s breathing easier now since I’ve about maxed out the memory storage with music since I got my iPod at Yule.

Since the outline has changed somewhat with new scenes cropping up here and there, and the ones written scheduled being altered by the new additions, I have no idea where I’m going. I’ve spent the last two hours poring over the outline and the last couple of chapters, finally figuring out what’s next.

Unfortunately, I tend to daydream a bit about the upcoming scene (which is why I try to complete one scene at a sitting. Gives me an opportunity to look ahead to the next.) Not having been able to do that here, I haven’t ‘seen’ the scene to write it. Ah, well, at least I know what scene it is now!

I’ll be revealing a bit of information that I’ve been holding back. My friend is still annoyed she hasn’t figured it out. Apparently, it’s a fifty-fifty thing, because someone else reading it has. (Nyah, nyah, Shawnee.) Considering this other person gave me two or three different theories and then asked me not to tell her which was correct, I’m keeping mum until the chapter is finished.

I’ve been reading Fingersmith by Sarah Waters. After Affinity, I wasn’t too sure I wanted to read anything more of hers. So depressing! I’ve heard Fingersmith is, as well, but thought it was time to give it a shot.

And another chapter. Loomis has a nightmare again (small wonder considering Riddick’s recent return to her mind.) Did it from her POV this time, without giving too much away.

On the mysterious back story front, I have to say I’m doing a damned good job. Finished chapter seventeen and it looks like the hints I’m giving are still red herring enough that nobody’s getting the twist. That may change as the back story becomes further developed in the novel, though. For now I’m pleased that my best friend hasn’t figured it out, yet.

1080 words today, despite work and a nap. Gwen is marveling at her burgeoning friendship with Loomis, and discovering some of the physical damage that Riddick left behind.

I think I’m going to set my work day goal back to 500 words. While on day shift, I can’t seem to get the gumption to do any writing. At 500 words, it’ll be short and sweet. Besides, chances are good that I’ll whip out my goal and then decide to stick it out ‘just a little bit longer’ like I did this afternoon.

I’m going to remove the bandaging from my finger now. Give the wound some air. Bumped it pretty good at work today, but it didn’t break open. I think the homemade splint keeping me from bending the knuckle is doing a wonderful job.

2432 words for the day. Totally rocking.

I didn’t write on Thursday and Friday due to my downfall. Yes, I succumbed to Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. At least it only took a day and a half to read. (Damned work kept getting in the way!)

Cut the hel out of myself this morning. It’s been about 22 year since I learned my lesson about trash cans. You know the one . . . don’t force things down in the garbage because of can lids sticking up at odd angles? Yup. I hope this means it’ll be another 22 years before the next time. Still have the scar from that last one. Two fingers down, six more and two thumbs to go!

2323, a nice round number. . . LOL!

Chapter fifteen of Orphan Maker is complete, with major angst and mystery for the two MCs. And chapter fourteen of the new and improved version of On Azrael’s Wings is complete with new scenes as the Third Army makes its way into the city of Diosa to be billeted at the governor’s barracks.

I’m now off to run errands and see about buying a network hard drive to story files on . . . my Mac hard drive is almost bursting since I got my iPod . . . I need more storage now!