S.J. Reisner's Blog, page 107
December 9, 2010
Really - Get Back to Work!
Okay, body. I think it's time you and I had a little talk. You've been sick for almost three weeks now and I've been patient with you. You've stressed out over the holidays and given me a few anxiety attacks. You've gotten a head cold, a chest cold, and the stomach flu. But here's the thing - we have a lot of stuff to do. That's right - I have a list. We still need to finish doing the prep for the family holiday dinner. You still need to clean and decorate the house. You have a novella that you need to finish and get to your editor. You have two books with deadlines fast approaching! You still have some holiday shopping to finish up. You have gifts to wrap.
There are a million reasons you need to get your crap together and get back to work. Vacation is over. A lot of people are counting on you to get all this stuff done.
Don't give me that look. Now get back to work!
Sincerely,
Steph's Brain.
There are a million reasons you need to get your crap together and get back to work. Vacation is over. A lot of people are counting on you to get all this stuff done.
Don't give me that look. Now get back to work!
Sincerely,
Steph's Brain.
December 8, 2010
The Holiday Crunch
'Tis the season to feel overwhelmed, rushed, and a bit anxious. This is the time of year I hate shopping (too many people). It's the time of year I never have enough time. I have yet to put up the yule decorations or finish the gift shopping. I'm biding my time before buying fixin's for the secular family xmas feast, which I was fortunate enough to draw this year. Luckily I did order the ham, but I need to remind myself that I need to get my grocery shopping done the weekend of the 18th or risk not having cinnamon rolls Xmas morning (I know this from experience). I also need to find substitutions for what my sis was going to bring since her boyfriend is still in the ICU and will be over the holidays. That leaves us without a green bean casserole or a pumpkin pie. Both things I can manage (I think).
This hasn't been an ideal holiday. On top of my sister's boyfriend being deathly ill and them not knowing if he's going to make it or not, another friend is having surgery. So amidst all the already anxious holiday planning I have to take time to spend some time with my sister, who needs emotional support right now, and I want to visit my friend who is having the surgery as well. It's people who are important, after all.
Then of course throw a day job and the contracted writing on top of all that and bad, bad things happen to my poor stomach. Not to mention my poor husband who has to put up with me and my anxious ranting. lol. Talk about stress. I'd just cancel the holiday, but that's not really fair to everyone else (those who aren't stressed).
I think I'm going back on vacation...
This hasn't been an ideal holiday. On top of my sister's boyfriend being deathly ill and them not knowing if he's going to make it or not, another friend is having surgery. So amidst all the already anxious holiday planning I have to take time to spend some time with my sister, who needs emotional support right now, and I want to visit my friend who is having the surgery as well. It's people who are important, after all.
Then of course throw a day job and the contracted writing on top of all that and bad, bad things happen to my poor stomach. Not to mention my poor husband who has to put up with me and my anxious ranting. lol. Talk about stress. I'd just cancel the holiday, but that's not really fair to everyone else (those who aren't stressed).
I think I'm going back on vacation...
December 7, 2010
A Childless Life
Once again today my husband got the, "Oh, you should become a parent, then you'd understand...." nonsense from someone with children.
As a childless couple we run across this kind of discrimination a lot. People are constantly telling you that you won't or can't understand this or that until you have kids. They treat you as if you're naive and stupid. As if you haven't grown up yet, or like you're defective or selfish (the "selfish" bit is my favorite). They offhandedly make snotty comments or assumptions without realizing how hurtful and annoying said comments are.
Why? Because we're a society of breeders and child-worshipers. It is assumed that in this life we'll all pair off, squirt out a few children, then grow old and die and the cycle will repeat. Some people - that's all they offer society is their spawn. They serve no other function in life, so their children are their crowning moment. It's the only thing worthwhile they've ever done. Hence the reason they really get down on those of us without children.
Imagine how it is to live in our society as someone who doesn't want kids, can't have them, or who can't afford to adopt them (as those who hear you can't have kids always throw out there: "Well just adopt," as if it's easy and affordable).
Those of you who know me know how hard it was for me when I found out we couldn't have kids. You know the pain we went through going through the infertility treatments. You also know how extensively we discussed and looked into adoption and that we ultimately decided it was up to fate.
Don't get me wrong - we're not anti-child. Never have been. If we end up with a kid or two, great. But if not - the world isn't going to end. What I'm against is being treated like I'm inferior because I don't have children. I'm tired of being singled out to work late and on weekends because "You don't have a family!" Umm, yes, actually I DO have a family. I have a husband, nieces and nephews, siblings, parents, etc... No children does not equal no family. Nor does it equal no life.
Because I don't have children does not mean I don't understand this thing or that thing.
A. I was a child myself once.
B. I observe human behavior.
C. I have nieces and nephews.
D. I have deductive reasoning skills.
E. I have empathy (the ability to put myself in someone else's position)
Please tell me - what don't I understand? How to put others before myself? If that's your answer - wrong. I often put others before myself and put in a position where my nieces and nephews are concerned - I would absolutely put them before myself. The only thing I haven't experienced for myself is getting up every two hours to feed and change a baby. However - I have had the trots really bad and had to get up ever 15-20 minutes to use the bathroom. I imagine it's something like that, only less dehydrating and probably not as crampy.
Because I don't have children does not mean I have no reason to live. I've learned (I have many friends who are mothers - I learn from their experiences, imagine that) that many women who have children often have to find an identity outside being a mother once their kids are grown. The difference between me and a mother - my circumstances have allowed me to develop my self identity early on. Which means I've had more time to concentrate my efforts in my interests and career. And no - while a career is no substitute for people, with my career I am the mother of all I create. Like a mother leaves behind her legacy in a child - I leave my legacy for future generations in the books I write. I think it's a fair comparison.
I also get annoyed when people "feel sorry" for me or try to pawn their kids off on me as if that will make up for my infertility. Please don't. I've learned to accept and live my childless life on my own terms and I've learned to be happy where I am. You feeling sorry for me only makes me feel sorry for you for being so naive to think my sun rises and falls around being childless. You shoving your kids on me only annoys me. When I want to be around your kids, I'll let you know.
As a childless couple we run across this kind of discrimination a lot. People are constantly telling you that you won't or can't understand this or that until you have kids. They treat you as if you're naive and stupid. As if you haven't grown up yet, or like you're defective or selfish (the "selfish" bit is my favorite). They offhandedly make snotty comments or assumptions without realizing how hurtful and annoying said comments are.
Why? Because we're a society of breeders and child-worshipers. It is assumed that in this life we'll all pair off, squirt out a few children, then grow old and die and the cycle will repeat. Some people - that's all they offer society is their spawn. They serve no other function in life, so their children are their crowning moment. It's the only thing worthwhile they've ever done. Hence the reason they really get down on those of us without children.
Imagine how it is to live in our society as someone who doesn't want kids, can't have them, or who can't afford to adopt them (as those who hear you can't have kids always throw out there: "Well just adopt," as if it's easy and affordable).
Those of you who know me know how hard it was for me when I found out we couldn't have kids. You know the pain we went through going through the infertility treatments. You also know how extensively we discussed and looked into adoption and that we ultimately decided it was up to fate.
Don't get me wrong - we're not anti-child. Never have been. If we end up with a kid or two, great. But if not - the world isn't going to end. What I'm against is being treated like I'm inferior because I don't have children. I'm tired of being singled out to work late and on weekends because "You don't have a family!" Umm, yes, actually I DO have a family. I have a husband, nieces and nephews, siblings, parents, etc... No children does not equal no family. Nor does it equal no life.
Because I don't have children does not mean I don't understand this thing or that thing.
A. I was a child myself once.
B. I observe human behavior.
C. I have nieces and nephews.
D. I have deductive reasoning skills.
E. I have empathy (the ability to put myself in someone else's position)
Please tell me - what don't I understand? How to put others before myself? If that's your answer - wrong. I often put others before myself and put in a position where my nieces and nephews are concerned - I would absolutely put them before myself. The only thing I haven't experienced for myself is getting up every two hours to feed and change a baby. However - I have had the trots really bad and had to get up ever 15-20 minutes to use the bathroom. I imagine it's something like that, only less dehydrating and probably not as crampy.
Because I don't have children does not mean I have no reason to live. I've learned (I have many friends who are mothers - I learn from their experiences, imagine that) that many women who have children often have to find an identity outside being a mother once their kids are grown. The difference between me and a mother - my circumstances have allowed me to develop my self identity early on. Which means I've had more time to concentrate my efforts in my interests and career. And no - while a career is no substitute for people, with my career I am the mother of all I create. Like a mother leaves behind her legacy in a child - I leave my legacy for future generations in the books I write. I think it's a fair comparison.
I also get annoyed when people "feel sorry" for me or try to pawn their kids off on me as if that will make up for my infertility. Please don't. I've learned to accept and live my childless life on my own terms and I've learned to be happy where I am. You feeling sorry for me only makes me feel sorry for you for being so naive to think my sun rises and falls around being childless. You shoving your kids on me only annoys me. When I want to be around your kids, I'll let you know.
December 6, 2010
I'm Here...
Yes, still basking in the glow of a long vacation. I did get some writing done - at first. But then the vacation part took over and forced me to relax and give in to the mind-numbing do-nothingness. Despite the fact that I had a bit of a cold (seems everyone's been sick) that I'm still fending off, I had a really nice time. Went to Maine and Massachusetts, visited friends, and we took a day and went down to NYC. Had Thanksgiving with my SiL and her husband and my BiL. Quite enjoyable.
So now it's back to work on writing projects. Yes - Into Darkness and Honoring Death are still priorities. Of course TA is also a priority as I need to have it to my editor before Yule. In the meantime, still working on the Audrey Brice stand alone birthed during NaNo. TC will become a reality just because it's too fun a story not to. Not to mention I really like the characters and the little town I've built for them.
As for ETG - we'll see. Now off to work with me. Hope you're all having a wonderful week!
So now it's back to work on writing projects. Yes - Into Darkness and Honoring Death are still priorities. Of course TA is also a priority as I need to have it to my editor before Yule. In the meantime, still working on the Audrey Brice stand alone birthed during NaNo. TC will become a reality just because it's too fun a story not to. Not to mention I really like the characters and the little town I've built for them.
As for ETG - we'll see. Now off to work with me. Hope you're all having a wonderful week!
November 23, 2010
Fun Things
So relaxing doesn't necessarily mean not working for me. Yes, I'm on vacation and I'm still working - I wouldn't have it any other way. Worked on one of the novellas and the NaNo (even if it was just thinking about it) this week. Have also been running around getting pics for the cover of TC. Lots of inspiration here in New England. I can see why Stephen King lives in Maine. If I could acquire myself an old Victorian or nice carriage house that didn't need a lot of work - I think I'd move here in a heartbeat provided I could stay indoors where it's warm in Winter and have air conditioning in Summer.
So Thursday we head down to Massachusetts for some family time and food then I think Friday we're heading into Rhode Island to see Harry Potter (maybe). Monday, for the first time, I'm going to NYC. We'll probably be hanging in Manhattan for the afternoon. Should be fun and interesting in the very least. For the most part we're just enjoying the time off.
Oh - and some GOOD NEWS - Barnes & Noble dropped the "Self Published" warning label off of my small press stuff. Thank you B&N. Funny how sales resumed. Those two words really do seem to slow book sales considerably. Just saying...
So Thursday we head down to Massachusetts for some family time and food then I think Friday we're heading into Rhode Island to see Harry Potter (maybe). Monday, for the first time, I'm going to NYC. We'll probably be hanging in Manhattan for the afternoon. Should be fun and interesting in the very least. For the most part we're just enjoying the time off.
Oh - and some GOOD NEWS - Barnes & Noble dropped the "Self Published" warning label off of my small press stuff. Thank you B&N. Funny how sales resumed. Those two words really do seem to slow book sales considerably. Just saying...
November 18, 2010
Cords and Other Anxiety
Packing list:
Laptop + Cord
Kindle + Cord
BlackBerry + Cord
Camera + Cord
MP3 Player + Cord
Flash Drive
All of which will be carried on my person through security check. ::sigh:: What a pain in the arse. At the same time - I need reading material, writing material, listening material, video/pictures, a backup device, and my friggin' phone.
Twelve years ago I went to Europe without any of this stuff (except an old fashioned film camera). It makes me realize that at one time we lived without all our gadgets. Without having to be plugged in 24/7 and how much simpler it was to travel without all this crap.
At the same time - I'm absolutely addicted and I *want* all this crap. I *want* numerous books at my disposal on the plane without having to pick just one paperback. I want the computer just in case I have a brilliant idea to write down. Not to mention I plan on using some of my vacation time to write. We don't need no stinkin' pen and paper. I also don't want to be subjected to lousy airplane music channels with the poppy crap and their version of rock by bands no one except fourteen-year-old girls know. And I'd like to be able to listen to music I enjoy during long car drives. Cameras are just essential, as is my damn phone, not to mention the flash drive so I can back up all those glorious words I plan to write.
So the question now is -- what will all of us hopelessly "plugged in" folks do if there was ever a power grid meltdown or the Internet exploded. What would we do if our 3G networks crumbled to dust and there was no longer WiFi?
Laptop + Cord
Kindle + Cord
BlackBerry + Cord
Camera + Cord
MP3 Player + Cord
Flash Drive
All of which will be carried on my person through security check. ::sigh:: What a pain in the arse. At the same time - I need reading material, writing material, listening material, video/pictures, a backup device, and my friggin' phone.
Twelve years ago I went to Europe without any of this stuff (except an old fashioned film camera). It makes me realize that at one time we lived without all our gadgets. Without having to be plugged in 24/7 and how much simpler it was to travel without all this crap.
At the same time - I'm absolutely addicted and I *want* all this crap. I *want* numerous books at my disposal on the plane without having to pick just one paperback. I want the computer just in case I have a brilliant idea to write down. Not to mention I plan on using some of my vacation time to write. We don't need no stinkin' pen and paper. I also don't want to be subjected to lousy airplane music channels with the poppy crap and their version of rock by bands no one except fourteen-year-old girls know. And I'd like to be able to listen to music I enjoy during long car drives. Cameras are just essential, as is my damn phone, not to mention the flash drive so I can back up all those glorious words I plan to write.
So the question now is -- what will all of us hopelessly "plugged in" folks do if there was ever a power grid meltdown or the Internet exploded. What would we do if our 3G networks crumbled to dust and there was no longer WiFi?
November 17, 2010
Slacking
The vacation twitch has settled in my left eye. The idea of leaving town for two weeks for New York is welcome, but at the same time I think of all the things at the office I'm leaving behind and the disaster I'm going to come back to. My niece is house and cat-sitting. So this week I've been busy.
I'm currently working on the latest MFP title. Of course since it's secret identity stuff I can't really elaborate here. I have other internet hang outs for that. I can say that being open to experimenting with a new genre is working out really well so far. I don't know how long the momentum will hold out, but at the moment I'm not complaining.
On that note the work on contracted projects meanders along. I've went ahead and sent the first half of Into Darkness to my editor. I figure by the time I'm done with the second half she'll have the first half looked over and we'll be that much further ahead of the game.
As for HD - still working on it. I know a lot of you have been patiently waiting for this book and I promise it's coming along. I've just found I have a lot more to say at this point. It's coming. Just hold out at least another six months and it will be yours.
And YES - I will be working during my vacation. I'm bringing the laptop. I'm in the middle of so many projects right now that I can't afford to NOT work a little during my vacation. Besides, I've pretty much been slacking this week getting ready to get the hell out of dodge.
Maybe I'll get lucky and the TSA will give me a good groping Friday. It would be the highlight of my week.
Catch you all on the flipside!
I'm currently working on the latest MFP title. Of course since it's secret identity stuff I can't really elaborate here. I have other internet hang outs for that. I can say that being open to experimenting with a new genre is working out really well so far. I don't know how long the momentum will hold out, but at the moment I'm not complaining.
On that note the work on contracted projects meanders along. I've went ahead and sent the first half of Into Darkness to my editor. I figure by the time I'm done with the second half she'll have the first half looked over and we'll be that much further ahead of the game.
As for HD - still working on it. I know a lot of you have been patiently waiting for this book and I promise it's coming along. I've just found I have a lot more to say at this point. It's coming. Just hold out at least another six months and it will be yours.
And YES - I will be working during my vacation. I'm bringing the laptop. I'm in the middle of so many projects right now that I can't afford to NOT work a little during my vacation. Besides, I've pretty much been slacking this week getting ready to get the hell out of dodge.
Maybe I'll get lucky and the TSA will give me a good groping Friday. It would be the highlight of my week.
Catch you all on the flipside!
November 13, 2010
A Confession
I'm really debating buying George W. Bush's book, Decision Points. And Meghan McCain's Dirty Sexy Politics just because I want to read both of them. I want to get into the minds of the people who really think the Republican Party is on the right track.
This makes me feel dirty.
It's a conundrum because I really don't want to give these people a damn cent just because they scare me. At the same time I am so curious I can't even tell you...
This makes me feel dirty.
It's a conundrum because I really don't want to give these people a damn cent just because they scare me. At the same time I am so curious I can't even tell you...
November 12, 2010
Too Much Excitement
I'm thinking November has just been too exciting for the publishing end of the game for me. I am SO ready for a vacation. Between contracted stories, the huge Barnes and Noble glitch, being further stamped "Self Published", and other fun things I just want to hide from my writing for awhile. I've been working hard and not so much on the NaNo. I think I might set the NaNo aside in the idea file and just go back to the contracted pile because my muse wants to work on her paying gigs evidently. I've written about 20K on paying gigs already and only about 12K on the Nano. Who knows. While I'm on vacation maybe I'll give my muse permission to not work on paying work for two weeks so she can write what she wants. Maybe I'll throw everything I've written together into a file and upload it for NaNo. Some people think it's the word count that matters.
I think NaNo was like Roto-Rooter. It cleared out my creative pipes and now all those ideas for the contracted work are running freely again. Who knows what next week will bring. Maybe I'll be lamenting over my NaNo next week. Only time will tell. In the meantime, off to bed with me. I'm bouncing off the walls and completely spazzed out. Maybe even a little cranky. I need booze.
It's all Path of Ptah's fault anyway. But that's neither here nor there.
I think NaNo was like Roto-Rooter. It cleared out my creative pipes and now all those ideas for the contracted work are running freely again. Who knows what next week will bring. Maybe I'll be lamenting over my NaNo next week. Only time will tell. In the meantime, off to bed with me. I'm bouncing off the walls and completely spazzed out. Maybe even a little cranky. I need booze.
It's all Path of Ptah's fault anyway. But that's neither here nor there.
November 11, 2010
Foiled Again!
The BandN PubIt website is glitchy. I knew this when after my accumulated royalties due hit over $1,000, the total disappeared off the page. Clearly an issue of not enough room on the report field to handle a number over 3 digits.
Well imagine my shock, dismay and devastation when I opened my sales reports on Barnes and Noble PubIt this morning to discover all of my sales MIA. You got it! Almost 3000 books sold and over $5000 in sales VANISHED - right into thin air.
No - I have no physical record of my actual sales because I don't have a printer at home. Just at work and to be honest I didn't think to print the sales page on company time and ink. Not to mention I trusted B and N would never screw me over. After all, they're a huge corporation and wouldn't screw the little guy. For someone like me - 5K in sales is *substantial*.
I sent the e-mail to B and N PubIt staff at 9:30am this morning and have not heard anything back yet. There is a possibility this is a system-wide glitch so they could be buried in e-mail. So far I haven't been able to get ahold of friends or publishers who also have access to their PubIt reports. Right now it's a "wait-and-see" kind of thing.
If I haven't gotten a response by the end of the day I will likely take all my books offline at Barnes and Noble until the issue is resolved. If the issue is not resolved - well, I'll cross that bridge when we get there. I am still hopeful it's just a glitch and Barnes and Noble is honest and has integrity and will resolve the issue as quickly as they can.
I hate taking the books offline at all, but if there's even a remote chance I'm not getting paid for sales - then I don't want to risk it. There's just too much money involved.
UPDATE: Evidently it's a systemwide glitch, it won't affect sales, and it should be resolved by the end of the day. We'll see. Some guy at B&N actually said today and yesterday's sales should be showing up. Umm, nope! Which is impossible since one of the novellas has been rising in the ranks since last night so I KNOW it's selling copies. So we'll see. Yes - I'm having a paranoid knee jerk reaction. But do you blame me? The amount of money involved amounts to almost 2 months take home pay for me. That's SUBSTANTIAL. So yeah - I'm freaking out.
NOON UPDATE: So it seems B&N got yesterday and today's sales back up on my report page. But it's still missing October 31-November 9 which was well over 2000 books. So let's hope - for their sake - those 2000+ books I sold during that time are showing back up by the end of the day or in the very least - by tomorrow.
Well imagine my shock, dismay and devastation when I opened my sales reports on Barnes and Noble PubIt this morning to discover all of my sales MIA. You got it! Almost 3000 books sold and over $5000 in sales VANISHED - right into thin air.
No - I have no physical record of my actual sales because I don't have a printer at home. Just at work and to be honest I didn't think to print the sales page on company time and ink. Not to mention I trusted B and N would never screw me over. After all, they're a huge corporation and wouldn't screw the little guy. For someone like me - 5K in sales is *substantial*.
I sent the e-mail to B and N PubIt staff at 9:30am this morning and have not heard anything back yet. There is a possibility this is a system-wide glitch so they could be buried in e-mail. So far I haven't been able to get ahold of friends or publishers who also have access to their PubIt reports. Right now it's a "wait-and-see" kind of thing.
If I haven't gotten a response by the end of the day I will likely take all my books offline at Barnes and Noble until the issue is resolved. If the issue is not resolved - well, I'll cross that bridge when we get there. I am still hopeful it's just a glitch and Barnes and Noble is honest and has integrity and will resolve the issue as quickly as they can.
I hate taking the books offline at all, but if there's even a remote chance I'm not getting paid for sales - then I don't want to risk it. There's just too much money involved.
UPDATE: Evidently it's a systemwide glitch, it won't affect sales, and it should be resolved by the end of the day. We'll see. Some guy at B&N actually said today and yesterday's sales should be showing up. Umm, nope! Which is impossible since one of the novellas has been rising in the ranks since last night so I KNOW it's selling copies. So we'll see. Yes - I'm having a paranoid knee jerk reaction. But do you blame me? The amount of money involved amounts to almost 2 months take home pay for me. That's SUBSTANTIAL. So yeah - I'm freaking out.
NOON UPDATE: So it seems B&N got yesterday and today's sales back up on my report page. But it's still missing October 31-November 9 which was well over 2000 books. So let's hope - for their sake - those 2000+ books I sold during that time are showing back up by the end of the day or in the very least - by tomorrow.
